Power

Sinners and Saints #2

by Kathy Lockheart

I wrote a revenge list about my boss and accidentally handed it to my new CEO. Then I accidentally slept with that billionaire CEO. You'd think things couldn't get any worse, but spoiler they absolutely did.

Let me explain.

That revenge list was supposed to be private—the kind you write after three margaritas and burn in the morning. And that wild weekend with a gorgeous stranger? Definitely wasn't on my to-do list. (Though maybe it should've been, because... wow.)

Watching him stride onto our company stage as the new CEO Monday morning wasn't part of the plan either.

Now I'm trapped in the world's most dangerous forbidden workplace romance, where every heated glance reminds me of what those hands can do. And Jace (Mr. CEO) won't stop until he exposes the truth—unaware that his best friend is the one behind my list, and a man hiding secrets that could bring down an empire.

The question isn't whether this will blow up in our faces.

It's who will lose more when it does...

From International & Amazon Top 25 Bestselling Author Kathy Lockheart, POWER is a forbidden workplace romance featuring a dangerously obsessive, morally gray billionaire CEO.

✔️ Possessive, Protective Hero

✔️ One-Night Stand

✔️ “Touch Her and Die” Energy

✔️ “Who Hurt You?” Vibes

✔️ Banter & Spice

✔️ Revenge



Standalone. HEA.
Trigger Please visit the author’s website for the full list.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Workplace Romance, Billionaire Romance, Contemporary Romance, Workplace, Forbidden Love

420 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2025

About the author

★ Amazon Top 25 bestselling author ★

Kathy Lockheart is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author and Kindle Unlimited All-Star of Suspenseful Romance novels. Her books—which have a unique blend of emotional elements typically found in women’s fiction and the romance and danger elements found in romantic suspense—contain themes that include dark romance antiheroes, enemies to lovers alpha tropes, and forbidden romance angst. When she’s not writing, you can find her silently cursing the person who put fluorescent lights in dressing rooms.

SECRETS AND THE CITY
Deadly Illusion
Fatal Cure
Lethal Justice
Grave Deception

Vendetta Duet
Secret Vendetta
Silent Vendetta

Cross Duet
Crossfire
Crossover

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Reviews

[Izzie (semi-hiatus) McFussy · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 98%. This book annoyed the hell out of me. I rebelled and back buttoned out when the epilogue switched to the next couple in the series. The perfect freeze dried cherry on the top of a smashed cake. *wipes frosting off hands*

What a shame too, because the beginning was 5⭐️. The writing was snappy and humorous, and the take-no-shit heroine earned my respect.

But after some Mount Olympus style sex, the story bogged down in the heroine’s inner monologue. She refused to make a reasonable decision: whether to HR or not to HR. I felt stuck in an endless seminar about the dos and don’ts on sexual harassment.

Word Count
NDA 28
HR 63
Harassment 62
Smirk 53
Grabby Hands 36

The billionaire hero wasn’t very bright either.

Afterthought: I would have liked it better if it was written as romantic suspense.

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is it about a secret workplace romance that will ALWAYS get me?

Just point me to the nearest book with this trope and I will devour it within a day.

p.s. sorry for the lack of proper reviews lately. sometimes, a girl just want to read and nothing more.

[Olga 🌺 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathy Lockheart already turned me into a fan with Book 1 of the series, Crash. And this one right here solidified her as a new favourite author of mine.

Simply wow!! I thought I'd never love a Lockheart MMC more than Blake from
Book 1 but my boy Jace strutted smugly to prove me wrong. 🦚

Scarlett, is Tessa's (MFC from book 1) bestfriend. She's strong, distrustful, suffered an atrocious past at the hand of her father, smart and true to herself and her moral values. I loved her character!
It's true that later on in the book she makes some questionable decisions but not intentionally though they rather stem from the need to protect herself and Jace.

Jace, is a man with skeletons in his closet. He's faithful, arrogant, assertive, intelligent and a softie at heart. He wanted redemption but didn't think he deserved it until Scarlett.
She turned his life upside down. She made him question his life goals. She shattered the foundation of his present and future and she claimed his heart and his sanity.
His need to protect her was greater than anything he has ever felt. 🤌

This book, although, started with so much steam it could have fueled a steam engine from the 18th century, but it turned into a nail biting, repetitive gasping, fist clenching and teeth grinding pretty fast.
We were more invested in the suspense of who? What? Why? How? than anything else. The author did not disappoint on the action part nor did it take from the developing romance between Scarlett and Jace. If anything, it made their love so realistic and deep rooted than any fickle hasty romance found in recent CR books.

The author dangled so many fake carrots in front of our faces only to retrieve them and smack us with the real ones. 🥕

This author keeps surprising me with more and better. Definitely reading the rest of her books.

P.S: I hated Axel in this book even more than I did in Book 1. I hope all this uncaring play-boy facade is all bark but no bite otherwise I'll be skipping his book altogether.

Impromptu BR with my lovely Lori. Glad to have shared this 5 star with you my friend 🍷

Ticking another Fall/Winter 🍁❄️ Bingo square:
22) "Green Eyes"

🔴 | 05 | 30 | 21 | 15 | 20
34 | 09 | 31 | 04 | 25 | 26
19 | 08 | 13 | 31 | 17 | 35
07 | 🔴 | 12 | 🔴 | 04 | 🔴
27 | 36 | 28 | 🔴 | 29 | 11
🔴 | 33 | 18 | 32 | 06 | 🔴

[Kathy Lockheart]

Available now!

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: http://bit.ly/3JgS90g

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/4mh7lck

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You can't speak," I said. "Not yet. So, for once, you'll have to listen to me." His eyes crinkled in the corners slightly. And then he looked down at my hand, and with his index finger, he traced a sign: a heart.

Ahhhhh, this book deserves ALL the STARS in the sky, you guys!!!!!! The way I'm obsessed with this series and how each book gets better and better is totally beyond me. Kathy Lockheart has nailed another incredibly addictive book with the sequel to Crash, the medical romance where we met Blake and Tessa.

Power is not your typical office romance. All the detail from the plot, the characters, and the mind-blowing twists undoubtedly make this book stand out. Jace and Scarlett have shown each other so much that's hidden from everyone else; their love story is worthy of rooting for again and again. Simply put, I thoroughly enjoy every page of this book!

Please go pick this up if you liked...
★workplace romance at its FINEST
☆possessive and protective hero
★heartbroken yet feisty heroine
☆morally-gray billionaire
★only soft for her
☆spice & banter
★one-night stand
☆touch her & perish

What's more, book 3, Bound: A Fake Engagement, Billionaire Brother’s Best Friend Romance, will be about my most anticipated character, Axel, and his fake marriage with someone he *fears*! Can't wait for his story to come in December!!

***Massive thanks to the author for generously providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that affects you by the words and situations depicted in the book? That’s what this book did to me.

Power is the title and theme of the book. Power in all its forms - the power of a businessman. The power that privileged people yield. Even the power that individuals have over their lives and the decisions they make. And the flip side of that is the powerlessness that some people can feel for a variety of reasons.

Jace and Scarlett meet in a bar and are instantly attracted to each other. They spend an amazing weekend together and never share their last names or what they do. But Scarlett tells Jace one important thing - she was sexually harassed at work.

Imagine both their surprises the following Monday, when she finds out that Jace is the new owner of the company she works for. There are several different situations that are explored in this book - sexual harassment and how companies handle it when allegations are made. Domestic abuse and how it affects everyone in the family. Jealousy & envy and how it twists people’s lives.

The characters in the book are all intertwined. Scarlett is Tessa’s best friend. Blake is one of Jace’s best friends and Jace and Scarlett learn that midway through the book. Then there’s Dakota.

I really enjoyed this book. While it was a spicy romance, there were so many levels to it. And it was even deeper than the first book in the series. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book. Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.

[hellothriftypages · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨

Power
Book 2 in The Sinners + Saints Series
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 2.5-3🌶️

Do yourself a favor and add Power to your TBR ! Buckle up, “Buttercup” because this one starts with the cutest meet cute and slides right into hot + heavy spice before you can blink. It’s got all the good stuff: lust, adoration, steam, angst, and games where nobody’s playing fair. Heart wants what the heart wants right?

Jace + Scarlett? Their chemistry is instant and completely addictive. I was grinning like a fool the whole time. Horseback riding through a meadow followed by some bold, sizzling outdoor “activities”? Yes please!

Scarlett is everything in a FMC: driven, confident, fearless in a male dominated field and still the kind of person who puts everyone (and every animal) first.

And Jace… phew. I love a broody billionaire who falls first AND hard, one who isn’t afraid to prove it. He uses his power for good and that wicked tongue for… not so good but like gooood. IYKYK.

If you’re into secret societies, swoony brothers, and a romance that goes from sweet to scorching fast, Power needs to be on your TBR now.

Thank you Kathy and Valentine PR!

Tropes
•one night stand to more
•forbidden workplace romance
•boss/employee
•who hurt you
•morally grey MMC

[Shawna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

JACE AND SCARLETT?!!! Need I say more?! 🤪

Talk about spice, banter, a morally grey MMC, a fierce FMC and a swoony love story. I was absolutely enamored by Jace and kicking my feet, giggling 🖤

Thank you Valentine PR and Kathy Lockheart for the ARC!

[Charli Petrisor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. Ruined. Me.
I have seen people say that books have ruined them, but never really understood what they meant until I read this.

Oh my god I don't even know how to articulate how good this book is. Kathy knows how to write a book.

I feel like I've been on an emotional rollercoaster. The twists, the turns, the love, the secrets. I was gripped from the very first page, and truly devastated when it was over.

I absolutely loved every character. Every scene. Every moment in this story. Jace and Scarlett's relationship built so beautifully. The side characters and friendships. I felt so invested in all of them, like I was actually there witnessing what was going down. That's how good this writing is.

I was laughing out loud at the revenge list. I was fanning myself at the steamy moments between Jace and Scarlett. I was smiling like a love sick teenager at the beautiful moments between J&C. And I damn near cried at the devastation near the end. Only to go through all the previous emotions all over again after.

Some really sensitive subjects covered in this book, but so beautifully done.

Kathy, I salute you. I didn't think I could love your writing anymore than I already did, after Crash (and all your other books) but my god you have outdone yourself here.

My first 6 star book. Worth every one if not more. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kirsten | Bookish.kir · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Sinners & Saints series and could be read as a standalone.

I loved book one, Crash, but honestly I think I love this one even more!
Scarlett and Jace were everything, their immediate chemistry was undeniable, their banter was so good and the spice, ooof, the spice between the two was spicin’.

I have read more than my fair share of meet cute moments and the “revenge list meet cute” has definitely been added to my list of favorites. Honestly, a lot of moments in this book will be living in my head rent free. I loved it.

[ReadWithPeaches]

Review to come!✨ARC Review✨
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

This series just keeps getting better!! I loved Crash (Blake and Tessa) so much but I think I love Power more.

Power is book two in ‘The Sinners & Saints’ series.

Scarlett is the kind of FMC I couldn’t get enough of. She is driven, confident, and unapologetically for who she is. She continues to prove herself in a male-dominated field. She might be one tough lady but still the type of person who’d stop everything to help someone in need.

We have Jace. He is a broody billionaire who not only falls first but falls hard, and uses every ounce of charm and power to prove it to Scarlett. He will even take some crap from his brothers for it too.

This book had me laughing out loud one minute (let’s talk about that revenge list!!), then clutching my chest the next. Kathy managed to balance sharp humor with raw, emotional storytelling. And I’m here for it!! She didn’t shy away from sensitive subjects, but she handled them with so much care and authenticity that you feel every moment.

I loved watching Scarlett and Jace grow together. They were learning, healing, and letting their walls down day by day. It was everything.

Kathy, thank you so much for trusting me with this eARC. I love chatting with you. Not only about all my thoughts on the books but on life too. I love getting to know you.It will be so good! Thank you Valentine for the eARC as well.

I can’t wait for book three. I’ll be waiting ever so patiently for it. 🩵

[Lisa Ann D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

‼️ I wrote a revenge list about my boss and accidentally handed it to my new CEO. Then I accidentally slept with that billionaire CEO.
Let me explain...‼️

Power: A Possessive CEO Forbidden
Workplace Romance(Sinners and Saints #2)
by Kathy Lockheart
🩵

𝗢𝗞𝗔𝗬....I enjoy KL’s books and this was no exception. I do want to comment on the fact that at times this did seem a wee bit preachy on the topic of power and privilege. Yep, my lil feminist heart just cringed at my own words.

Look, I I love a good moral or theme running through a story… but, I did a couple of times feel like I was sitting through a work meeting/module???! Ick! Yes, the topic wholeheartedly hit in the plot… I just didn’t need it to be so flat and weird at times. See, that feels like some corporate compliance training…. 𝗯𝘆 𝗻𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁... 𝗯𝘂𝘁.....


𝗔𝗡𝗬𝗛𝗢𝗢,another great work. I love these characters and I am so onboard with the next installment.
And, yet again the guy’s group chat is always a winner.
This particular book will most likely not be a favorite of the author’s works for me. That does NOT mean it wasn’t good. I seriously devoured it today.

It is closer to a 3.75 stars for me & of course rounding up to 4 for Goodreads.

★★★★☆

ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ
sᴍᴀʀᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛғᴇʟᴛ
A wee bit weak on execution and redundancy.

🩵🖤🩵🖤🩵🖤🩵


★•*´¨`*•★• Happy reading ┊┊┊┊ ➶ ❁۪ ｡˚ յ

[Rachel Santillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Scarlett and Jace had instant chemistry, but her walls are so thick and high that she only agreed to a weekend fling. Jace, whose never allowed himself to love, doesn’t believe in relationships, and has never even had a full weekend with one woman, but he finds himself wanting more. He knows early on he’s going to break their “no seeing each other again” rule.

After the best weekend either of them has had, Monday rolls around… and Jace has bought the company Scarlett works for, with a strict no-fraternization policy.

Jace is ready to rewrite every rule just to have her, but Scarlett wants no part of it, she does not trust powerful men. As her reasons for that start coming to the surface, the drama ramps up. The entire plot becomes Jace trying to figure out “who hurt Scarlett,” all while shadows from his own past start creeping in and someone seems determined to bring him down too.

These two were an addictive read, but I am so looking forward to Dakota and Axel next! I am fully ready to see Axel brought to his knees by a woman, after all that banter in this book, I need those tables to turn.

[AmyHeartsFiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

3.5, will review later as its late. Short note lots of drama, and you should check your trigger warnings as there are workplace harassment situations and out of the norms violence.

Jace was a cutie with great character growth. He did do something that really pissed me off near the midway mark, but he had important growth after this that made me feel like he wouldn't do that kind of thing again.

Scarlett was a challenging character for me. Sometimes she seemed super strong, i like that.She set boundaries with Jace, and given the situation they did feel realistic. I didn't think it made much sense how she reacted in different situations, sometimes I'd scratch my head thinking why would you do that again...

Was a cute book overall, though, and I would recommend it. I love the friendship between the guys, and there were some really great moments of banter between them and between jace and scarlett.

Happy reading

[Lawlah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Power as an ARC from the author through Valentine PR.

This book was so good, no cap! It has a mix of my favorite tropes: one-night stand, workplace romance, independent FMC, billionaire MMC, and found family.

I loved watching Scarlett and Jace’s relationship grow and evolve. One thing that really stood out was how the author handled Scarlett’s trauma and showed how it shaped her mindset and way of life.

The bond between Jace and his friends—with all their banter—was another highlight.

This is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5) read for me, spicy too, and I highly recommend it.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5

I thought Power was even more angsty than Crash. I even skipped a few pages when things got too intense. Shhhh. I couldn’t handle some scenes and I usually can handle just about anything. But I got a wee bit too frustrated with several moments that involved Mr. Grabby Hands and Scarlett.

I did like seeing Blake and Tessa again and liked how their story, in some ways, continued on. I like Axel a lot and am glad we get more of him. Though Power was a rougher read for me, it won’t stop me from reading Book 3.

[Brianna Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t describe how good this book is

Reading it felt like an emotional roller coaster. The twists, the turns, the love and secrets oof I was hooked from the very beginning.

Every character was fantastic.
Jace and Scarlett’s relationship was built perfectly. The revenge list was hilarious.

The steamy moments between Jace and Scarlett were *chefs kiss*

The chemistry between them was instant and addictive.
The horseback scene followed by some bold, sizzling outdoor “activities”.. uh more please.


I can’t wait for more from this series!!

[Kay Hertz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knocked it out of the park!

Overall:! 4
Plot: 4
Spice: 4

Jace is dark, at times brooding, perfection! A yummy delight!

(full review to come)

A giant thank you fortht opportunity to read and review this book to Ms. Kathy Lockheart and Valentine PR.

[Amber Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/4⭐️

[Emsi Gleds · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. wow. wow 🥹 so emotional and funny at the same time love the banter between the boys cant wait for axels book 😀

[Daiyly Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Crash fell in love then i found out it was a series and now im throughly invested. Absolutely ate this up !!! Yes yes yes

[Inês Gomes · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨
3.5⭐️
Well this one was fun to read. The chat messages were hilarious ahaha the guys seem like a group of old ladies always bickering. Scarlett and Jace were a great couple, we could see their emotional connection running more deep than the physical one. Jace was my favorite character, he was super attentive and always putting her needs above his own and trying to do the right thing for people. I got kinda lost sometimes because there’s no mention on time frame aside from the first weekend and I didn’t understand how much time pass between that and the rest of the story but aside from that I enjoyed it very much.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon

Scarlett's been making her way up the ladder at her company, but there's a sleazy obstacle in her way - her disgusting boss. So she decides to blow off some steam with her friend at a bar, and they make a revenge list that somehow ends up in hands of a gorgeous guy. Sounds OK, but she ends up spending the weekend with him and...lo and behold he's the new CEO and the boss of her own asshole boss. How is this her life? But more importantly, how will she keep her heart intact after Jace sneaks past all her walls?



Jace's visceral reaction to the gorgeous woman in the bar should have sent up red flags immediately, considering his normal view of relationships, but something about Scarlett (and her amusing list) has kept her in his mind even after she left. Now he's the CEO of her company and he's having an even harder time keeping her off his mind. His restraint is about to snap and lead him (them) down a delicious but very forbidden path that could end in a way neither of them could have ever foreseen.

This is the first I've read of this author, so I was absolutely not prepared for the direction Jace and Scarlett's love story took, but I liked it, no, LOVED it! Their physical connection is so intense, so delicious, but their emotional connection kept me reading, even as Scarlett kept pushing Jace away. Thankfully Jace is the type to never give up when he wants something or someone, and kept on, determined to chip away at Scarlett's walls, and claim her heart. I do so love me a possessive, morally gray man, and Jace is just that - in all the best ways. No one but Scarlett would have been the perfect partner for him, with her strength and determination, her sass, and her inner vulnerable parts, that only Jace saw, supported, and loved her for. There's also a very tight supporting cast surrounding our couple, Jace's group chats with the guys are top notch snarky fun, and Scarlett's spitfire friend, Dakota? Whew! I can't wait for hers and Axel's story next.



ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.

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[Christine Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to have received an ARC of Power by Kathy Lockheart, book 2 in the Sinners and Saints series. This book was SO good, I think it's her best yet (although I say that about every Kathy Lockheart book, I love her books so much). Kathy Lockheart is a master storyteller and this book is no exception. Power is about Jace, a powerful billionaire CEO, and Scarlett, a woman with a troubled past and an employee of a company Jace has newly acquired. The two meet in a hilarious meet-cute that involves a bar, a "revenge list," and Scarlett literally falling on her butt in front of Jace. It's hilarious and the banter between the two was so funny and so well-written. The two hit it off and after spending several hours together, decide to spend a weekend together, but agree that's all it will be. Just a weekend. They truly connect during their weekend together and they both begin to develop feelings for the other. However, Scarlett leaves, fearing any type of a relationship due to a troubled past with an abusive father who she watched usurp her mother's power to keep her trapped in an abusive relationship. Scarlett vowed long ago to never hand over her own power to anyone and thus, she has trouble trusting enough to let go and be in a relationship with anyone, despite her strong feelings for Jace. She especially avoids powerful men who she fears will turn on her, just as history showed her father did.
As luck would have it, come Monday, Scarlett learns that Jace is a powerful billionaire and just acquired the company she worked for (and the company wherein she was sexually harassed the Friday before, hence her being at the bar writing a "revenge list" in the first place). Now knowing who exactly Jace is and how powerful he is, she fears even more starting any type of relationship with him. Yet the pull between the two is so strong (and is written so beautifully). The push and pull between the characters is well written and you can really feel the anguish and yearning on the pages. I loved that this book tackled some very serious topics, but also had incredibly witty banter and several scenes and text chats between the guy friend group that had me cackling out loud. The exploration of power and the power dynamics between not just couples, but between the haves and the have nots, between the physically strong and those physically weaker, between those in charge, and the underlings who work beneath them, between men and women, was so well written and thought provoking. And honestly, SO relatable. I love how Jace's character really listened to Scarlett's issues with the topic of power, did his own soul searching, and became what she needed in a partner. I also loved how Scarlett did her own soul searching and realized that in trying to control everything so she could maintain her own power and not fall for someone like her father (like her mother did) she ended up shutting everyone out and wasn't really living at all. She realized that when you find the right person, when you find your person, you gladly give everything to them just as they gladly give everything to you; in the end, power is shared, not hoarded over the other as she was afraid of.
There's also lots of suspense in the book, making it a definite page turner. The humor throughout the book is SO good. I laughed out loud so many times and half my kindle book is highlighted. The romance is beautiful (and yes, the spice is spicing as well). In short, Ms. Lockheart's ability to tackle serious topics while also weaving into the story a beautiful romance, suspense, witty humor, and fantastic diablog is incredible. This book was absolutely amazing. I LOVED it so much and cannot wait to read the next book in the series. The teaser at the end had me so excited! Please go pick up this book, you won't be disappointed.

[Lori ◡̈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You are going to be trouble for me, aren’t you?” The wonder in his voice made my heart skip.”

There I was, minding my own business, in the middle of a good Lena Hendrix book… and Olga tells me that she’s found a new favorite author and she was starting her new book with a One Night Stand trope. Knowing sweet Olga, she HATES one night stand trope with a passion. So I HAD to jump in and Buddy Read this with her and see what gold this was made of, to get her to even crack open a ONS book.

And boy am I glad I did! I loved this story and I was hooked from page one.

I have read so many ‘one night stand and find out the mystery man is your new boss the next day’ stories before. Mostly heavy on the smut and a cheesy plot. Not this one!!! I was struck by the seriousness and maturity of the MCs and story telling and it was such a nice change.

This story does start off with a bang that includes an extremely steamy ONS weekend for Jace and Scarlett. The smut was steamy and emotional, the MCs were mature and likable, the dirty talk was very hot yet not overly crass…. and then the smut is put on pause for a good portion of the book and the story goes off into a romantic suspense thriller plot. The story was so intense and interesting that I didn’t even notice the steam was taking a quiet temporary nap. By the end of the story, I felt the romance and suspense was perfectly balanced.

This story featured Jace, the CEO of a private equity firm that just bought out the company Scarlett works for. Scarlett is dealing with a physical abusive father in the background and a creep that sexually harasses her during an interview for a promotion. Jace and Scarlett meet by chance in a bar one night and sparks fly, their determination to avoid relationships slowly erode and he becomes her insta-protector. They were perfect for each other. He made her feel seen, desired and respected.

💗“The only time I’d felt even close to whole again was with Scarlett. It was like my soul had been infected with some terminal disease, and she was the experimental medication slowly spreading its antidote through my veins. One sarcastic comment at a time. One smile at a time. One touch at a time.”

Jace dealt with Scarlett’s fear of not being in control so wonderfully too. He took such good care of her from day one.

💗“Why do I get the feeling that you never give up control?” I pressed.
“I don’t.”
“Then why are you giving it to me?”
“You need to be the one in control right now. I don’t need to understand why to respect that. I just need to know it matters to you, and I want you to feel safe this weekend. I want to feel you let go, and if you holding all the cards is what you need to make it happen, so be it.”

Yes, Scarlett was a bit stubborn in sharing info, relinquishing control a few times, but I felt her reasons were sound. I’m definitely trying other books by this author.

Thanks, Olga. Until our next 5-star read 🍷

[Ruth Brici · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is all I got to say, I'm a new fan of Katy Lockheart.
Sinners and Saints Book 2! A Must-Read Romance with Thrills and Heartfelt Moments!

This book truly had me hooked from start to finish. Scarlett is preparing for an important interview for the vice president position at North American Operations, but her boss crosses a line by getting too familiar, touching her thighs during the interview. Scarlett quickly defends herself, warning him if he touches her again, she’ll break his fingers, before storming out.

Later, Scarlett reunites with Dakota at a bar, needing a drink to unwind. They create a revenge wishlist for her boss, adding humor and camaraderie to her ordeal. Meanwhile, Jace is dealing with his own problems, his pending company acquisition gets delayed because the owner forgot to sign the papers. Finn suggests he take a vacation, so Jace reaches out to his friends for a poker night, but the night takes a turn when Jace and Scarlett have their unforgettable meet-cute at the bar.

Their connection is instant, flirty banter, a fall, a kiss, and a quick hotel rendezvous. Scarlett insists on rules: two days of no strings, no falling, and a clean break after Sunday. Despite her reservations, Jace is captivated by her, and they share a trail ride with her beloved horse Buttercup. But Sunday night brings a twist, Jace asks to see her again, planting the seed of something more meaningful.

Things get complicated when Scarlett’s new boss turns out to be Jace. Tension skyrockets with policy restrictions, an NDA, and a harrowing harassment incident involving Marcus, Jace’s close friend. Scarlett’s professionalism remains intact even amid chaos, reporting harassment, navigating threats, and facing her father’s violence. Jace’s support, including late-night talks and horseback rides, deepen their bond, culminating in genuine love and vulnerability.

The story takes a darker turn with Jace’s hidden past, his secret about causing harm, his history of buying companies and dark deeds, and the dangerous game involving Marcus, who’s not who he appears to be. The revelations about Marcus’s true identity and the life-threatening confrontations keep the stakes high.

The climax is intense, danger, police interventions, hospital scenes, and a heart-stopping rescue. Scarlett’s love and bravery shine as she fights for Jace’s life, culminating in his miraculous recovery. Their love story is filled with obstacles, secrets, and redemption, making it both thrilling and emotionally satisfying.

I absolutely loved the chemistry between Jace and Scarlett. The mix of passion, danger, and heartfelt emotion makes this a must-read. Highly recommended for fans of romance with a twist of suspense! Can't wait to read about Dakota and Axel stories next!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴
𝘉𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭/𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘺
𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝘖𝘯𝘦-𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥
𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘏𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶
𝘏𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵

“𝙄𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡.”

This was just the book I needed this month. I loved the first one, but this one was even better. I’m truly looking forward to book 3. I haven’t been able to finish a book in 2 days since July, but this one had me hooked. I grabbed every free moment I had just to keep reading, and I loved every single moment of it. The plot was fantastic, the spice was even better, and overall, it’s a book that keeps you wanting more. Kathy Lockheart has such a talent for writing stories that draw you in and leave you eager for more. I couldn’t get enough of the exchanges between the guys—they had me cracking up with their friendship. This book is full of healing, friendship, betrayal, and love. One thing I wish there had been more of is Jace’s point of view—I felt like those parts were a little short and had me missing something. 

“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨? 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚.”

My heart truly goes out to our MFC Scarlet. She’s doing her very best, trying to support her mom, herself, and take care of her horse. She’s been pushing herself hard. Then, one night, she finally relaxes and has a one-night stand, surprisingly with her new boss. Scarlet finds herself in a situation she never imagined she’d be in. What started as a fun weekend with a stranger ends up making her reconsider her life and the choices she’s been making.

“𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙚𝙭?” “𝙄𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜?” 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙨𝙢𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙅𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚. 𝙃𝙚 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙚. “𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙚, 𝙄’𝙢 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙚.”

Jace, I love this man. Even though he is a billionaire and owns multiple companies, he uses his wealth for good. He buys struggling businesses that are about to close down with the sole purpose of saving them and preventing thousands of employees from losing their jobs. I really admire how he understands that Scarlet needs to feel in control. Even though he's the one always needing to be control himself, he's willing to give that space to her. It shows so much of his genuine care and connection to her needs. I felt that they truly balanced each other out, creating a beautiful sense of understanding between them.

“𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙤. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬? 𝙉𝙤 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙣𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙨. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙩.” 𝙄 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚, 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. “𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙣, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙤. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙚. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠. 𝙉𝙤 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙉𝙤 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙨. 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 …” 𝙄 𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙. “𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚. 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25stars- POWER is the second instalment in Kathy Lockheart’s contemporary, adult SINNERS AND SAINTS erotic, romantic suspense series. This is billionaire businessman Jace Lockwood, and Scarlett West’s story line. POWER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Sinners and Saints, is a group formed by childhood/college best friends, each with a speciality and a darkness that is required to save and protect the people they love: Ryker, Blake, Axel, Jace and Knox.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Scarlett and Jace) POWER focuses on several intersecting pathways. Scarlett West is up for promotion but the man in charge is demanding something in return. A weekend with a stranger ends when Scarlett discovers her fantasy man is the new CEO of the company for which she works, a man who is struggling with his forbidden attraction. But as the harassment continues, Scarlett discovers Jace Lockwood’s connection, and refuses to reveal the truth. Jace is determined to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love but his protection will come at a cost, possibly to both of their lives.

The world building focuses on workplace sexual harassment and threats; the lack of transparency and any true HR support, and of one woman’s determination not to become a victim of the corporate power.

The relationship between Jace and Scarlett is one of the forbidden but neither was originally aware of their mutual connections, a connection that will threaten both of their jobs going forward. As Scarlett struggles to keep her job, Jace is searching for a way to move forward, together. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The charismatic secondary and supporting characters include the return of the Sinners and Saints group: Ryker, Dr. Blake Morrison (and Tessa) and Axel; Scarlett’s best friend Dakota Blackwood, and Jace’s friend Marcus.

POWER is a story of power and control, influence and deception, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family dynamics, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic,edgy, gritty yet predictable; the romance is seductive and impassioned; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic.

copy supplied for review

[Anca A · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Review: *Power* - Kathy Lockheart - ARC [18+]
5/5✨
3/5🌶️

I read the 1st book of this series and I was hungry for more!! It was sooo good and it definitely made me want so much more🤭. Super grateful for receiving this e-ARC, so thank you so, so much Kathy and Valentine Pr for it!🥰

They initially were two complete strangers but a single interaction changed everything.

Scarlett West decided to have a night out with one of her best friends to forget about the disastrous day she had because of a man who was on a higher position and acted very inappropriate with her. That's how the promotion she deserved and for which she worked so hard so many years went to the drain.

Jace Lockwood was a grumpy, handsome billionaire who never payed too much attention to the ladies because he was always afraid that they were only after his fortune. But from the moment he bumped into Scarlett, he couldn't get his eyes of off her. She had something magnetic to her and this determined man wouldn't give up until she said yes to spending some time with him. Little did they know that soon they will meet again, but in a completely different picture, one where Jace was the new big boss of the place where Scarlett work for. That fact had entirely complicated things but will they be able stay away from each other when they had that incredible magnetic pull to one another?

I honestly wasn't really prepared for everything that happened in this book! Things were really deep even from the first chapters, instantly feeling like I just cannot stop from reading. I adooored that instant connection between Jace and Scarlett!! She was super sassy and seemed so confident in Jace's eyes but he had no idea everything she had to endure over the years. Scarlett was definitely a fighter but the trauma was still very present. It was so emotional to read some parts of this story, being facts which are still happening in daily life. It was hard to comprehend how they could do such things and I was super discussed by those people.

This book just didn't have a dull moment!! It was AMAZING top to bottom!! From some crazy steamy scenes, to some insanely suspenseful parts and then to those emotional ones, this story literally had EVERYTHING! It was super addicting, just as the 1st book of this series. I really, really recommend both books, Crash and Power! Go read them, guys.🥰

✨Tropes
#StrangersToLovers
#OneNightStand
#ForbiddenRomance
#HeFallsFirstAndHarder
#ManObsessed
#Billionaire
#TouchHerAndDie
#WhoHurtYou
#OppositesAttract
#BossEmployee
#GrumpyMMC
#SassyFMC