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Vicious Sinners #4
Devious Corruption
Nothing rivals the sweetness of the forbidden.
Maxine Hartman is sharp-tongued, quick-witted, and sinfully gorgeous. She’s also friends with my sister, making her completely off limits.
She carries the burden of her brothers’ troubles as if it’s her sacred duty. And while she stumbles beneath the weight they put on her, they pile on more.
Her brothers are reckless, peddling guns for an Armenian crew, cozying up to the Italians, and leaving evidence of their stupidity scattered all over town. They drag her straight into the line of fire then abandon her to deal with the fallout.
She’s in over her head but too self-willed to accept help.
Her stubbornness awakens the ruthless protecter inside me. She’s not going to face this alone. Not while I’m breathing. There’s too much at stake— her life, her heart… and what’s left of my soul.
Maxine Hartman is sharp-tongued, quick-witted, and sinfully gorgeous. She’s also friends with my sister, making her completely off limits.
She carries the burden of her brothers’ troubles as if it’s her sacred duty. And while she stumbles beneath the weight they put on her, they pile on more.
Her brothers are reckless, peddling guns for an Armenian crew, cozying up to the Italians, and leaving evidence of their stupidity scattered all over town. They drag her straight into the line of fire then abandon her to deal with the fallout.
She’s in over her head but too self-willed to accept help.
Her stubbornness awakens the ruthless protecter inside me. She’s not going to face this alone. Not while I’m breathing. There’s too much at stake— her life, her heart… and what’s left of my soul.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2025
104 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 9, 2025
Gahhhh I loved this one.
Perfection. Smutty, dominant MMC and a heroine that needs her man more than she is allowing herself.
“What do you need, Max? Do you need me to thrust my fingers into you? Do you want me to fill you with my fingers, and fuck you until you come for me? Is that what you need?”
Perfection. Smutty, dominant MMC and a heroine that needs her man more than she is allowing herself.
September 28, 2025
I love a really good Bratva story and Devious Corruption was fabulous!
Maxine is a survivor, doing her best to get along in this world but when her friend’s brother comes to her rescue again it sets off an unexpected coming together of opposites.
Lev is not looking for a relationship but Maxine has caught his eye and his protectiveness takes over.
Cute story but I felt so sorry for Maxine at times and what she endured. 5 romantic stars ✨
Maxine is a survivor, doing her best to get along in this world but when her friend’s brother comes to her rescue again it sets off an unexpected coming together of opposites.
Lev is not looking for a relationship but Maxine has caught his eye and his protectiveness takes over.
Cute story but I felt so sorry for Maxine at times and what she endured. 5 romantic stars ✨
October 10, 2025
Devious Corruption is book four in the Vicious Sinners series, and once again, Ms. Stone delivers a story packed with high intensity and raw emotion. One thing I admire about her writing is how she consistently maintains that emotional depth throughout the series. You’re guaranteed, for the most part, characters who are emotionally scarred and weighed down by their pasts, a protective anti-hero who radiates danger, and a feisty, intelligent heroine determined to save the world.
This is Lev and Maxine’s story, and nothing about their relationship runs smoothly. At first, Maxine frustrated me—she carried the weight of the world and her useless twin brothers on her shoulders. It was difficult to connect with her until I looked deeper into her past. They were the only family she had ever known, and as dysfunctional as they were, she continued to protect them, even when their actions put her in danger—like leaving a gun in her apartment.
Rescuing Maxine, a friend of his sister Vee, sets off a chain of events Lev could have done without. As the arms dealer for the Volkov Mafia family, he couldn’t ignore the gun he discovered in Maxine’s apartment after helping her when she was locked out. Lev found Maxine’s stubbornness as frustrating as I did, but he didn’t give up on her. Beneath his protective, bossy exterior, Lev was surprisingly tender—especially with Marion, Maxine’s cat.
I loved this Mafia-themed romance. Told from both characters’ points of view, it checks all the right boxes. Lev and Maxine’s relationship is layered and complex, and I really enjoyed watching their connection develop over time. This story has passion, conflict, and heart, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a well-written Mafia romance.
This is Lev and Maxine’s story, and nothing about their relationship runs smoothly. At first, Maxine frustrated me—she carried the weight of the world and her useless twin brothers on her shoulders. It was difficult to connect with her until I looked deeper into her past. They were the only family she had ever known, and as dysfunctional as they were, she continued to protect them, even when their actions put her in danger—like leaving a gun in her apartment.
Rescuing Maxine, a friend of his sister Vee, sets off a chain of events Lev could have done without. As the arms dealer for the Volkov Mafia family, he couldn’t ignore the gun he discovered in Maxine’s apartment after helping her when she was locked out. Lev found Maxine’s stubbornness as frustrating as I did, but he didn’t give up on her. Beneath his protective, bossy exterior, Lev was surprisingly tender—especially with Marion, Maxine’s cat.
I loved this Mafia-themed romance. Told from both characters’ points of view, it checks all the right boxes. Lev and Maxine’s relationship is layered and complex, and I really enjoyed watching their connection develop over time. This story has passion, conflict, and heart, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a well-written Mafia romance.
November 16, 2025
We meet Maxine Hartman in "Devious Truth," and she is Vee's best friend, living right across the street. Max’s brothers, Joey and Keith, play a significant role in her life. She will go to any lengths to protect them, even if it means tangling with Lev Yakovlev. Despite knowing he should keep his distance from Max, Lev is irresistibly drawn to her. There’s something about this spirited bookstore owner that captivates him.
When Lev helps her get back into her apartment, he uncovers a gun in plain sight, a shocking revelation linked to her brothers. Now, with Lev watching her closely, he’s fully committed to keeping her safe. Max is undeniably HIS.
This story had me hooked from the start, and I couldn’t wait to see how their relationship developed. Her brothers are intriguing characters, and the intensity of their feelings for her is palpable—I was as furious as Lev! The plot thickens with dirty dealings involving the Armenians and Italians, and Lev is not only protecting Max but also revealing a whole new world to her. His actions toward her are nothing short of romantic.
You need to read this book. I’m also concerned about Selana, the Volkov family's sister, and Nikoletta, Lev’s sister. They deserve their own stories, and I expect them soon. The ending leaves Kaz in a tough spot, and trust me, he isn’t happy about it. You’ll want to explore the book to find out what happens next. And let’s not forget Sienna DeAngelo—what’s her true role? Is she an enemy or just an innocent caught in a dangerous game?
When Lev helps her get back into her apartment, he uncovers a gun in plain sight, a shocking revelation linked to her brothers. Now, with Lev watching her closely, he’s fully committed to keeping her safe. Max is undeniably HIS.
This story had me hooked from the start, and I couldn’t wait to see how their relationship developed. Her brothers are intriguing characters, and the intensity of their feelings for her is palpable—I was as furious as Lev! The plot thickens with dirty dealings involving the Armenians and Italians, and Lev is not only protecting Max but also revealing a whole new world to her. His actions toward her are nothing short of romantic.
You need to read this book. I’m also concerned about Selana, the Volkov family's sister, and Nikoletta, Lev’s sister. They deserve their own stories, and I expect them soon. The ending leaves Kaz in a tough spot, and trust me, he isn’t happy about it. You’ll want to explore the book to find out what happens next. And let’s not forget Sienna DeAngelo—what’s her true role? Is she an enemy or just an innocent caught in a dangerous game?
October 2, 2025
We met Maxine Hartman in “Devious Truth.” She is Vee best friend. Vee lived across from Max. Max’s brothers, Joey and Keith have always been a big POA. She will do what it takes to protect them even if it means getting into trouble with Lev Yakovlev. Lev knew he should stay away from Max but he couldn’t. There was something about this little bookstore woman that tempted him. When he helps her get back into her apartment, he finds a gun in plain sight. Even worse, her brothers are the reason. Max now has Lev following her. But things heat up and Lev isn’t about to let anything happen to her. Max is now HIS.
I was thrilled about this story. I wanted to see what was happening with them. Her brothers are a piece of work. You find out how they really feel about her and OMG, I was as angry as Lev was. We have dirty deals going on with the Armenians and Italians. Lev protecting Max but also opening her eyes up to a whole new world. I thought what he did for her was so romantic. You have to read to find out. I was worried for Selana the Volkov’s sister and Nikoletta, Lev’s sister. Hopefully we get stories for these two. But we end with what will happen with Kaz. He is put on the spot at the end and isn’t all too happy about it. Again, you will have to read the book. Don’t want to say too much. And what of Sienna DeAngelo. Is she an enemy or an innocent stuck in the middle?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was thrilled about this story. I wanted to see what was happening with them. Her brothers are a piece of work. You find out how they really feel about her and OMG, I was as angry as Lev was. We have dirty deals going on with the Armenians and Italians. Lev protecting Max but also opening her eyes up to a whole new world. I thought what he did for her was so romantic. You have to read to find out. I was worried for Selana the Volkov’s sister and Nikoletta, Lev’s sister. Hopefully we get stories for these two. But we end with what will happen with Kaz. He is put on the spot at the end and isn’t all too happy about it. Again, you will have to read the book. Don’t want to say too much. And what of Sienna DeAngelo. Is she an enemy or an innocent stuck in the middle?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2025
A forbidden love with all sorts of complications!
I easily fell in love with Maxine, a foster child who made it out of the system and successfully manages a local bookstore. Her life is complicated by her twin foster brothers not by blood, but who are the poster child for boys gone bad. When her brothers unintentionally involve Maxine in their latest get rich quick scheme that brings a whole world of trouble for her with Lev, her girlfriend’s brother and bratva higher up. Lev takes the evidence after dropping her off at her apartment and demanding he’ll only return it when her brothers come to him with the where they got it. Yet the brothers are as manipulative as always sending Maxine to get their property from Lev which starts their slowly intertwining lives as Lev takes Maxine into his place when Maxine gets pulled in to danger. I love how Lev is over the top protective of Maxine and her cat, Marion, who breaks through his defenses. As the sparks start flying as they heat up the sheets, will have you fanning yourself to cool off. It’s clear that the brothers are in over their head but Lev’s silence over the matter with Maxine will have unexpected consequences as her continued mantra that she can save her brothers yet again. However, the ending will crush you when it all plays out, and will have you rooting for Lev’s vigilance to save Maxine yet again!
I easily fell in love with Maxine, a foster child who made it out of the system and successfully manages a local bookstore. Her life is complicated by her twin foster brothers not by blood, but who are the poster child for boys gone bad. When her brothers unintentionally involve Maxine in their latest get rich quick scheme that brings a whole world of trouble for her with Lev, her girlfriend’s brother and bratva higher up. Lev takes the evidence after dropping her off at her apartment and demanding he’ll only return it when her brothers come to him with the where they got it. Yet the brothers are as manipulative as always sending Maxine to get their property from Lev which starts their slowly intertwining lives as Lev takes Maxine into his place when Maxine gets pulled in to danger. I love how Lev is over the top protective of Maxine and her cat, Marion, who breaks through his defenses. As the sparks start flying as they heat up the sheets, will have you fanning yourself to cool off. It’s clear that the brothers are in over their head but Lev’s silence over the matter with Maxine will have unexpected consequences as her continued mantra that she can save her brothers yet again. However, the ending will crush you when it all plays out, and will have you rooting for Lev’s vigilance to save Maxine yet again!
October 18, 2025
Maxine (AKA Max) Hartman lived next to Vivianne who was now staying with Ivan Volkov, in a not terrible, but not good neighborhood. She was manager of a local bookstore and always had to keep her foster brothers out of trouble since they seemed to drift toward illegal activities. Borrowing her apartment key and breaking promise to leave in mailbox. She called Viv asking if she still had key, Ivan and his friend Lev overheard, with Lev volunteering to bring key...Maxine though Lev Yukalev was handsome, but thought he didn't like her hanging out with his younger sister Nicholette and Viv...when key didn't work, he used lock pick to open the door, checking out the apartment and spotting illegal gun on her counter...which was her brothers...Lev knew fully automatic Glock was a product of Armenian arms dealer and decided to find out more about her brothers and where they got firearm, giving Max time limit for him to talk to them, but they ghosted her...meanwhile found the brothers could be working with rival mafia family, making Max a target from DeAngelo family vendetta against Volkov's which affected Lev's business in trafficking arms...but you will need to read this spicy, roller-coaster story to see what happens and if Max can finally not feel like an outsider looking in...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
September 28, 2025
This is Lev and Maxine's story. You know it's true love when he's allergic to cats and demands yours stays. Lev did frustrate me in the fact that he took his sweet time to finally admit Maxine was his. He kept coming up with excuses but even then, he protected her. Maxine is extremely stubborn. She grew up in the foster system and learned to make herself useful to not be let go. Her two "brothers" are jerks who needed to be taught a stronger lesson. Lev's protective side was always there. He finally let his obsessive side shine. I almost cried when he got her the glasses. Maxine continued to undervalue herself but allows her feelings for Lev to grow even though she fears it may end when her brothers return. The ending was beautiful. Just a few things - does she get her bookstore & does he go overprotective mode with her news. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2025
I love this author's work and always look forward to reading her stories.
This story is about Maxine and Lev. Maxine is naive in how she views her brothers, Joey and Keith. She is always looking out for them, supporting them, trying to keep them out of trouble. She knows they do bad things, but she doesn't feel they are bad men. She is strong willed, self-reliant, and doesn't accept help easily. That is why there is such a push/pull relationship between her and Lev. She accepts his help and then pulls away thinking that everything is handled and will work out. Lev doesn't want to admit he starts to have feelings for her but when he does, the way he loves her is sweet, and a bit pushy because she is stubborn. Though there were some sad parts, I liked how the issues were resolved, and their HEA was satisfying.
This story is about Maxine and Lev. Maxine is naive in how she views her brothers, Joey and Keith. She is always looking out for them, supporting them, trying to keep them out of trouble. She knows they do bad things, but she doesn't feel they are bad men. She is strong willed, self-reliant, and doesn't accept help easily. That is why there is such a push/pull relationship between her and Lev. She accepts his help and then pulls away thinking that everything is handled and will work out. Lev doesn't want to admit he starts to have feelings for her but when he does, the way he loves her is sweet, and a bit pushy because she is stubborn. Though there were some sad parts, I liked how the issues were resolved, and their HEA was satisfying.
October 17, 2025
This book was a great read.
I enjoyed every minute of reading Lev and Maxine’s story.
I just fell in love with Maxine. Brought up in the foster care system.
She always feels like the outsider. Her one constant are her foster brothers.
Lev is the alpha male persona in everything.
His work demands that of him. His word is law. His commands to be obeyed.
His protection of his loved ones has no bounds. Always the protector.
Lev and Max butt heads throughout the story.
It was so fun watching how she frustrates him.
Their push and pull was entertaining and I never knew who would come out on top.
The book is filled with twist and turns, suspense and drama and spice.
Their love story is filled with difficulties and is emotionally.
They made my heart happy and I was left with a big smile on my face.
I enjoyed every minute of reading Lev and Maxine’s story.
I just fell in love with Maxine. Brought up in the foster care system.
She always feels like the outsider. Her one constant are her foster brothers.
Lev is the alpha male persona in everything.
His work demands that of him. His word is law. His commands to be obeyed.
His protection of his loved ones has no bounds. Always the protector.
Lev and Max butt heads throughout the story.
It was so fun watching how she frustrates him.
Their push and pull was entertaining and I never knew who would come out on top.
The book is filled with twist and turns, suspense and drama and spice.
Their love story is filled with difficulties and is emotionally.
They made my heart happy and I was left with a big smile on my face.
October 5, 2025
Maxine and her foster brothers, Joey and Keith, met and grew up as foster children. Now, Max goes out of her way to protect those brothers. She can be protective of their needs, but also a warrior when their trouble demands it. Unfortunately, they foolishly left an altered gun from the Armenians in Max’s apartment. While seeing her safely home, Lev finds and confiscates the gun. After all his job concerns guns and ammunition within the Russian mafia.
Lev is bossy, arrogant, forceful, and determined. Finding this gun in Maxine’s apartment opens quite a degree of difficulty. How will he handle his blossoming attraction for Maxine versus her defensive attitude toward her brothers?
I definitely recommend this powerful and emotionally exciting story.
Lev is bossy, arrogant, forceful, and determined. Finding this gun in Maxine’s apartment opens quite a degree of difficulty. How will he handle his blossoming attraction for Maxine versus her defensive attitude toward her brothers?
I definitely recommend this powerful and emotionally exciting story.
October 7, 2025
We all knew Maxine’s brothers were trouble from previous books but boy did we underestimate just how much…. Thank goodness Lev took an interest in her even when he was fighting not to. Maxine is severely independent and fights tooth and nail for those she loves. Even if it’s to her own detriment. But Lev’s stubborn and determined to try and take some of the burden and give her a better life, even when she doesn’t think that’s what she wants or needs. And they have insane chemistry together. But you’ll never see the twists and turns that are coming. Or the gut wrenching betrayal that completely shattered my heart for one character.
Next up is Kaz’s story and you can just bet this will be quite a bumpy ride with his aversion to being with the same woman more than once. And I can’t wait!
Next up is Kaz’s story and you can just bet this will be quite a bumpy ride with his aversion to being with the same woman more than once. And I can’t wait!
October 5, 2025
Maxine is friends with Lev's sister, annoying and, due to her foster brothers, possibly bringing danger to his sister. But she has hidden depths as well. She will do anything to protect those she thinks of as family, even when they don't deserve it. The more Lev gets to know her, the more he likes. He wants to protect her, even when she pushes him away. But she's attracted to him as well. Unfortunately, her need to be of use has others using her, something Lev has no intention of allowing. I loved Maxine's character so much. She had been taught from such an early age that her worth was only in what she could do for others, but Lev taught her that he cared for her simply for who she was. There was a lot of hot angry smexy times between these two. A great HEA for these two spitfires.
October 7, 2025
What an amazing series this is, I have loved every story! Lev and Maxine are made for each other, they just don’t know it right away. Maxine is the best friend of Lev’s sister Nicolette and that is how they know each other. It is not Lev who is a danger to Max it is her twin foster brothers. Lev protects her even when she tries to resist him, but anyone who takes care of her cat with negative consequences for himself must be alright. Their love story is not an easy one but it is hot and heartwarming full of action and will make you swoon especially the epilogue.
October 20, 2025
Book Four of the Vicious Sinners series brings us Maxine and Lev. We met both of them in the previous book, and I love the connection of the characters across the stories. Max is already on Lev’s radar but when he finds out about her brothers, he goes into super-protective mode. Lev might be the family’s arms dealer but he is smitten by Max’s sassy independence. I love the dynamic between them and the easy way she fits into his world. Lev & Marion melted my heart—he was so welcoming of everything important to Max unless she was at risk. My new favourite couple!
October 29, 2025
This was a great addition to the Vicious Sinners series! Maxine and Lev have such a complicated story, but it's worth all the angst and trouble! Maxine is constantly taking care of her brothers, and they are so undeserving! But when Lev ends up having to help Max, things just got even more complicated! Loved the twists and turns, especially when danger escalates for these two! I thoroughly enjoyed book 4!
October 26, 2025
Another scorcher to brighten up the day. Marine runs the bookshop, looks out for her brothers and loves her cat Marion and her friends. Enter Lev, brother of her friend, who doesn't seem to keen on her and bang explosive reactions start taking place. Sizzling drama, building on each page as tension becomes an everyday accessory and passion burns like fire.
October 18, 2025
When you love someone it’s hard to see the faults but true love everything is in the open. These two deserve all the love one can give and it’s the sweetest how he never gives up. This is so hot and heavy too!! Happy Reading!
October 22, 2025
Loving this series by Measha Stone. This was Lev and Maxine’s book.
These two had so much chemistry it was off the charts.
I really enjoyed the storyline too. It moved the entire series story forward quite a bit. It set up the next two books in he series.
Absolutely loved it!!
These two had so much chemistry it was off the charts.
I really enjoyed the storyline too. It moved the entire series story forward quite a bit. It set up the next two books in he series.
Absolutely loved it!!
December 20, 2025
Loved this story. The wanting and back and forth banter was so delicious. Lev and Maxine were so compatible even though Maxine fights it. Enemies to lovers is a favorite trope and if you love this trope then this book is for you.
October 6, 2025
What a book this is. Maxine Hartman and the two men she calls brothers but are not they cause more trouble for her than anything else. Max and Lex
October 17, 2025
Loved reading about Lev and Maxine. I was rooting for these two from the beginning and really enjoyed their story. So beautifully written with awesome characters.
November 13, 2025
2.75⭐️
October 19, 2025
i first met Maxine who was a neighbour of Vivian (Devious Truth) so was pretty excited to read her story..
Maxine life is full running a bookshop, looking after her pet cat Marion as well as her foster brothers twins Keith and Joey but when her brothers unwittingly embroil Max in their budding criminal endeavours Lev steps in to protect Max…
I loved the twists and sweet spicy feels that were between Lev and Max even though I wanted to shake Max a couple of times to wake her up to her brothers but loved the whole story..
Maxine life is full running a bookshop, looking after her pet cat Marion as well as her foster brothers twins Keith and Joey but when her brothers unwittingly embroil Max in their budding criminal endeavours Lev steps in to protect Max…
I loved the twists and sweet spicy feels that were between Lev and Max even though I wanted to shake Max a couple of times to wake her up to her brothers but loved the whole story..
October 17, 2025
I love this series and this story makes me love it even more! This time it revolves around Lev and boy is he oh so delicious and dominant. While not looking for a relationship, he does have an attraction to his sister’s friend, Maxine. But these two are like oil and water, never meshing and always arguing. But I knew that these two were perfect for each other even if they didn’t know it. Lev will do anything to protect her even when she wants nothing to do with him. As I read, their relationship starts to blossom, not always in the usual way, but in the Lev way. I really enjoyed their witty banter and their chemistry is smoking hot. Quite a bit goes on that will make your heart spin and I loved every minute of it!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews