Sinner

The Divine Ruin #1

by Matilda Martel

He gave his life to God. But he’d burn in hell for her.Father Nico Moretti took a vow of chastity, obedience, and peace. But nothing prepared him for Caterina Benetti—young, beautiful, and forbidden. The daughter of a powerful mafia don, she's been promised to another. Desperate for a way out, she confesses her sins to Nico… and awakens a desire he’s spent a lifetime trying to silence.

He wants to save her.
She wants to save herself.
But love like theirs demands blood—and Nico may have to sacrifice everything, even his soul, to keep her safe.

He ran from temptation.
Now he’s running with it.

Genres: Amazon, Contemporary

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2025

About the author

Matilda is a Texas girl in love with a Philly boy who loves to write dirty books about two people who trip into love and fumble their way into a Filthy, Funny, Happily Ever After.

I live in Austin, with my husband, two crazy Chihuahuas and an even crazier cat. And I spend most of my day writing dirty romance books about older men who fall in love with younger women and make fools of themselves trying to win their hearts.

If you love Dark Romance, you’ve come to the wrong place. I don’t like dark heroes.

I like my hero to be successful, sweet, suave, sophisticated and kind--- and then I want him to lose all his composure and game when he meets the heroine. I want him to turn into a bumbling idiot when he spots the girl of his dreams and revert to a teenage boy in a man’s body trying to win her.

I like my heroines to be witty, intelligent, and unshakeable---who could do just as well without a man—until the hero convinces her otherwise.

I write A LOT OF AGE GAP--because I LOVE AGE GAP ROMANCE. I’ve got no other excuse for it.

No matter what kind of story it is, my ladies are ADORED, and my endings are always Happily EVER AFTER, not HFN.

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Reviews

[Jen ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐


Every now and then, I love me some forbidden romances. And what a delicious treat to read a priest x parishioner combo. 🤭 Tension? Chef's kiss. Chemistry? Palpable. I really enjoy that whole will-they-or-won't-they struggle. And when they finally gave in to the attraction? Totally worth it.

I just probably didn't like the spicy scenes, they felt unsatisfactory. With all the yearning in this story, I feel like the author should've given us an explosive "fuck it" moment, but that didn't happen. Not saying their scenes aren't explicit, it's just that they're mostly told in a quick way that I didn't have time to actually appreciate it. Idk, I guess I was hoping for some really vivid details, like how they do it in dark romance stories. 😅

Anyway, moving past that, I wasn't a fan of the ending or what they had to go through to finally be together. Then again, I can't really come up with any ideas for them to get out of that situation.

Overall, I like the forbidden aspect, and I wish we saw more of the MCs in the epilogue instead of just three months later. 🤷‍♀️


Book info:
- Forbidden romance (Priest x Parishioner)
- Age gap (??)
- No cheating, OW, separation
- OM (she's engaged, arranged tho)
- No info on their sexual history
- HEA (3 mos later, married)

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Dark, forbidden, and utterly addictive!” Sinner is the kind of book that gets under your skin and refuses to let go. Nico Moretti’s struggle between his vows and his impossible, all-consuming love for Caterina was heart-wrenching and intoxicating all at once. Matilda Martel masterfully weaves together passion, faith, and danger into a story that feels both sinful and sacred.

The tension between Nico and Caterina is explosive—every stolen glance, every whispered confession carried so much weight that I could feel my heart racing right alongside theirs. And with the shadow of the mafia looming over them, the stakes felt unbearably high. The blend of scandal, family loyalty, and forbidden romance makes this an unforgettable start to the Divine Ruin Series.

This isn’t just a love story—it’s about sacrifice, redemption, and the devastating power of desire. If you want a romance that’s drenched in drama, danger, and heartbreak, Sinner delivers in spades. I couldn’t put it down, and now I’m desperate for the next book in the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Super Hot**

*Sinner* is the first book in *The Divine Ruin* series, and it’s an absolute must-read! Nico is a priest, and Caterina is a mafia princess, which makes their connection a bit complicated. But wow, their attraction is undeniable, and the chemistry between them is just electric!

When they find out that Caterina is promised to another man, it really puts their feelings to the test. Will they be brave enough to give up everything for love and trust in each other?

I was instantly drawn into Nico and Caterina’s forbidden romance. It’s fast-paced, packed with action, family drama, and plenty of spice, making it so easy to devour in one sitting. I can’t wait to see what exciting twists and turns come next in this series!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Nico Moretti and Caterina Benetti’s story is as forbidden as it gets, and that tension is what makes this book so addictive. Seriously, whew! Nico’s struggle between his vows and the undeniable pull toward Caterina gave the romance a raw, emotional edge, while Caterina’s desperation to break free from her life as a mafia daughter made her both vulnerable and strong.

The writing balances danger, passion, and faith in a way that feels intense without being overdone. The chemistry between Nico and Caterina builds beautifully. The mafia backdrop raises the stakes, and I loved how it added grit and urgency to their connection.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was amazing! The tension between Nico and Caterina was palpable. Martel captured their insufferable positions in meticulous detail and ensured readers understood the emotional weight they both carried. For Her, the knowledge of being tied to a monster whom she loathes, while loving another. For him, violating his vows or losing someone who saw "HIM" not Father Morelli, and knowing of her distress. There was no simple, clean, clear answer to their moral dilemma. Still, the clock was ticking down despite them.

I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Holly Rife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nico and Caterina have a chemistry that is nearly impossible to fight. Father Nico is bound by his vows and Caterina is the daughter of one of the most powerful mafia bosses around. Nico’s duty is to God and Caterina’s duty is to marry someone else.

I love this story – the angst, the pain, the love that pours from the pages… Their passion for each other is so lovely and fragile.

This is a quick read and I really wish I could have more, because I love Nico and Caterina so much. This story has so much heart! ‘Sinner’ is an epic mafia read.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caterina is helping Father Nico Moretti with his parish and their food drive. Nico has never wavered in his vows, but everything changes with Caterina the sweet younger mafia princess. Caterina is in love with him too, but her father bartered her off for a merger between two families. Finally Nico takes charge and brings himself and his woman to safety. Now they can live a happy life.
Insta love, age gap, forbidden romance , priest romance, sweet, steamy, romantic and totally safe (both of them are virgin) with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍😍😍

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Nico has always held firm to his vows until he meets Caterina Benetti. She is the daughter of a mafia don and is expected to marry as directed by her father for an alliance. Caterina is match to a man she knows will make her life miserable, she shoots for Nico, admitting her feelings for him and his assistance.

Nico struggles with his vows and his desire to claim her as his own. Will he be able to let her go once they cross the line? This is a steamy taboo read/.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Romeo and Juliet story, but Nico is a priest whose vows are shaken. He knows he shouldn’t watch her, shouldn’t enjoy her company Caterina, a mafia princess, is his one sin. A captivating story with Nico shaken to the core especially when he finds a love he never imagined or expected in this short story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sizzling tale of a man who is at war with his faith when he comes into contact with Caterina. Everything he stands for is in jeopardy. When Caterina confesses her sins to Father Nico it opens a Pandora box awakening in him things he has long closed off. Will they survive long enough to experience the love found.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sil Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

devotion

This book is about true devotion. Nico had a life of structure and significance within his world. In comes Caterina and BAM! His structured life of devotion to something holy turns into decoration for a woman. The love of his life. I enjoyed the book, and the writing. I did have a slight internal issues with reading about the church and a priest. It’s not the usual type of read for me. I enjoyed it over all. 4 stars.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1 in The Divine Ruin Series by this author. It is an off limits romance between Father Nico and mafia princess Caterina. These flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an enjoyable read. It is a love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, twists and turns, and engaging secondary characters. Seriously entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa!
This was so, so good!

Sinner or savior?

Caterina is in a tough situation.
Promised to a man she does not love.
Can Father Nico Moretti help her?

What do those glances between them mean?

Exciting!
Taboo!
Steamy!
Exhilarating!

I loved it!
Fantastic one-sitting read!

[Kim B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a weakness for the forbidden love story with a priest as the main character!! This one didn't disappoint either. Throw in a mafia princess as the heroine and I am here for it! Loved these characters! Can't wait for Luca's story! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us an older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Nico and Caterina. The heart pounding story keeps us turning the pages with forbidden desires, connection, secrets and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had trouble getting into this story. I generally enjoy a good mafia story, age gap - I'm there, taboo - sure but the combination of these just didn't quite resonate with me this time. I generally enjoy Matilda Martel's books a ton so I'll make sure and catch the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short, spicy quick read. Oh my I really enjoyed it. The tension and denial between Nico and Cat was intense. I liked that the story didn’t drag on it was quick and ti the point. Now I want to know Luca’s story so excited for what’s yet to come!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A priest and a mafia princess found love and life found ways to try and tear them apart. It’s a great story that sucks you in. Reeling from the fact that he wants something more than his church vows its takes a minute for Nico to catch up to what his heart feels for Caterina. Great read with a fun HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nico is a Priest, and Caterina is a Mafia princess; the chemistry between these two is intense. This is a deliciously forbidden, slow burn, with captivating characters, and a page turning storyline that had me reading nonstop until the final page. Sinner is book one in The Divine Ruin series, and I can't wait to read the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was a good age gap romance. It was a short story with a bit of darkness and a forbidden love aspect. Nico and Caterina had good chemistry and I liked them together.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quickly paced book was decadently forbidden and deliciously yummy. So naughty, so hot and oh so intense, Nico and Caterina's romance was like pure irresistible catnip to me. Add in lots of action, drama and some tantalizing twists and this read had me refusing to put it down for anything.

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short read of Father Nico a dedicated Priest. Caterina Benetti a daughter of Mafia Don is the temptation that has Nico questioning his dedication and vow. They try but that attraction is strong and when she is set to marry someone dangerous it sets the course for their future.

[knihálek · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

Tohle bylo zajímavé. Určitě by to mohlo být delší a trošku detailnější, ale spicy je to dost. Samozřejmě to nemusí být úplně pro každého, přece jen vztahy kněz/mafiánská dcera nejsou úplně klasický trope :D

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is about Father Nico Moretti and Caterina Benetti and how she makes him break his scarred vows! Its a great read with plenty of drama and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamaica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you father for this sin

The plot was plotting and the steam was steamy. I couldn’t put this book down even if I tried, I kept growing curious if Father Nico will give it up for her, if they escape her family. And the details of the spice? Chef kiss.

[Tiffini Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fast paced but angsty, with enough plot and spice as well. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series!

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

The Divine Ruin Series :
❌ 1 Sinner (Published August 21, 2025) -
❌ 2 Saint (Expected publication September 25, 2025) -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKSH8S4B

[Brittany D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was spectacular!! I kept you wanting more and wondering what was about to happen next!! The characters were fantastic and well written!! The passion they had was incredible!

[𞋎⋆˙⟡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭑ Al principio sonaba interesante, pero después meh.

[Nineette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed their forbidden romance, and the mystery of wanting to find out who Luca really is to be able help Nico and Caterina against her family her fiancé.