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Original Sin #3
Sacred Ruin
Win a free print copy of this book!
12 days and 15:16:03
50 copies available
U.S. only
He’s a devil in holy robes… and I’m trapped inside with him.
KatarinaMy mother called in favors, pulled strings, and whispered prayers to get me accepted into the revered Hallow Hall Institute—a place for the lost, the broken, the damned.
She told me I was lucky. Blessed.
Here, the doctors would mend my fractured mind, while the priests and nuns would save my soul.
They say I’m confused. That the angels and devils I see aren’t real.
Just fevered delusions.
But despite the holy men haunting the asylum’s halls, evil lurks in the shadows.
I feel it. I see it.
And then—he arrives.
He is handsome. Charming.
A wolf wrapped in devotion, with scripture on his lips and sin in his eyes.
Within days, he has them all under his spell.
But when he looks at me… I know.
The devil himself has come to Hallow Hall.
Massimo My life is built on blood and vengeance.
I kill for money. I live for retribution. Nothing else matters.
But the trail of my mother’s tortured past leads me here—to Hallow Hall.
A place of whispers and suffering, where faith is a mask and monsters wear crosses.
To get close to the men who need to die, I put on the robes of the righteous.
And then I see her.
The girl who speaks to angels and demons.
The girl who sees right through me.
She calls me a devil.
She’s right.
And I’m going to drag her into hell with me.
This is a forbidden, age-gap dark mafia romance intended only for adult audiences and contains darker themes which should be read with caution.
KatarinaMy mother called in favors, pulled strings, and whispered prayers to get me accepted into the revered Hallow Hall Institute—a place for the lost, the broken, the damned.
She told me I was lucky. Blessed.
Here, the doctors would mend my fractured mind, while the priests and nuns would save my soul.
They say I’m confused. That the angels and devils I see aren’t real.
Just fevered delusions.
But despite the holy men haunting the asylum’s halls, evil lurks in the shadows.
I feel it. I see it.
And then—he arrives.
He is handsome. Charming.
A wolf wrapped in devotion, with scripture on his lips and sin in his eyes.
Within days, he has them all under his spell.
But when he looks at me… I know.
The devil himself has come to Hallow Hall.
Massimo My life is built on blood and vengeance.
I kill for money. I live for retribution. Nothing else matters.
But the trail of my mother’s tortured past leads me here—to Hallow Hall.
A place of whispers and suffering, where faith is a mask and monsters wear crosses.
To get close to the men who need to die, I put on the robes of the righteous.
And then I see her.
The girl who speaks to angels and demons.
The girl who sees right through me.
She calls me a devil.
She’s right.
And I’m going to drag her into hell with me.
This is a forbidden, age-gap dark mafia romance intended only for adult audiences and contains darker themes which should be read with caution.
464 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
March 24, 2026
these two are the perfect mix of twisted but good at heart that makes you believe they are truly perfect for each other. there were some really good twists that i wasn’t expecting and i had no idea where the story was going to go.
massimo is a hitman assigned to kill the priest in charge of a holy institution, hallow hall. he goes undercover there as a priest and quickly realizes the place is super shady. katarina has been wrongly institutionalized and is stuck being drugged and experimented on with no end in sight.
women being drugged and used for sexual/medical experimentation under the guise of being spiritually cleansed is probably the darkest thing i’ve ever read. katarina doesn’t get the same treatment as the other women so it was much more palatable than i thought it would be but definitely look at the trigger warnings!
massimo!!! this single minded methodical assassin risks his entire operation to help katarina feel the smallest bit of relief from her mental and physical prison. i really liked everything about him and will definitely be going back to read other books in this series!
thank you netgalley for the arc!
massimo is a hitman assigned to kill the priest in charge of a holy institution, hallow hall. he goes undercover there as a priest and quickly realizes the place is super shady. katarina has been wrongly institutionalized and is stuck being drugged and experimented on with no end in sight.
women being drugged and used for sexual/medical experimentation under the guise of being spiritually cleansed is probably the darkest thing i’ve ever read. katarina doesn’t get the same treatment as the other women so it was much more palatable than i thought it would be but definitely look at the trigger warnings!
massimo!!! this single minded methodical assassin risks his entire operation to help katarina feel the smallest bit of relief from her mental and physical prison. i really liked everything about him and will definitely be going back to read other books in this series!
thank you netgalley for the arc!
April 25, 2026
I did NOT know what I would be gettng into with this one. As the premise had me hesitating for a moment. Not because I don't trust Mila Kane, but because this book contains one of my worst TWs. Forced Institutionalization. I really struggle with that, however, since ti was clear from the blurb and then the prologue how it was happening, I felt like this could be a really interesting ride.
And boy was it!
I was sucked in immediately by the hopelessness of Kat's situation. I felt so badly for her and I didn'tknow how she could escape from the dreaded situation she begns this book in. But along comes Massimo, infiltrating the mental hospital and going undercover as a man of the cloth. Because there is something sketchy and dangerous about this place. He may not be a savior in hisown mind, but he sweeps in, in the knick of time to change things up for Kat.
When she is privy to something she shouldn't be, Massimo knows what he SHOULD do. Eliminate the threat. He should NOT be falling for this beautiful liability, nor should he make a deal wth her to kill her enemies in exchange for uncovering her passions, one by one. But he can't help himself. She's worth risking it all for.
I really enjoyed this entry to the series. I feel like it was extremely gory and dark. I know there are TWs, but it just wasn't all to my taste. I can't hep that, but I did enjoy a lot of it. Just make sure to read the TWs and enter with caution.
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: Child abuse, forced institutionalization, drugs used unethically on patients, sexual abuse, gas-lighting, death of a parent, and more!
*Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC through Netgalley.*
And boy was it!
I was sucked in immediately by the hopelessness of Kat's situation. I felt so badly for her and I didn'tknow how she could escape from the dreaded situation she begns this book in. But along comes Massimo, infiltrating the mental hospital and going undercover as a man of the cloth. Because there is something sketchy and dangerous about this place. He may not be a savior in hisown mind, but he sweeps in, in the knick of time to change things up for Kat.
When she is privy to something she shouldn't be, Massimo knows what he SHOULD do. Eliminate the threat. He should NOT be falling for this beautiful liability, nor should he make a deal wth her to kill her enemies in exchange for uncovering her passions, one by one. But he can't help himself. She's worth risking it all for.
I really enjoyed this entry to the series. I feel like it was extremely gory and dark. I know there are TWs, but it just wasn't all to my taste. I can't hep that, but I did enjoy a lot of it. Just make sure to read the TWs and enter with caution.
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: Child abuse, forced institutionalization, drugs used unethically on patients, sexual abuse, gas-lighting, death of a parent, and more!
*Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC through Netgalley.*
Want to Read
August 30, 2025massimo I need u like yesterday
——————————————————
Massimo. L’Ombra. The shadow.
A black hole of shadow & violence.
“He’d always been able to laugh in the face of death; murder and mayhem didn’t faze him. In fact, it was quite the opposite.”
“He’d always had that psychopathic edge. A man who thrived on chaos and darkness. I’d felt it even then, when he’d been an up-and-coming recruit and I’d been his first commander.”
(Descriptions from Brutal Legacy)
——————————————————
Massimo. L’Ombra. The shadow.
A black hole of shadow & violence.
“He’d always been able to laugh in the face of death; murder and mayhem didn’t faze him. In fact, it was quite the opposite.”
“He’d always had that psychopathic edge. A man who thrived on chaos and darkness. I’d felt it even then, when he’d been an up-and-coming recruit and I’d been his first commander.”
(Descriptions from Brutal Legacy)
May 31, 2026
Primero, se logró poder terminarlo antes de hoy al medio día, y eso que estuve ocupada.
Segundo, me gustó y eso que no le tenía fe pero los hombres de esta autora son muy devotos, y aunque no se den cuenta que están enamorados, ya están dispuestos a morir por ellas. Todo este tema de ese hospital/iglesia/manicomio/sanatorio estuvo interesante pero la FMC me estaba desesperando porque estaba siendo muy tonta incluso cuando ya recordaba las cosas.
Ojalá encontrarse con uno así, y que tenga toda esa plata y me compre lo que quiera. 😂
Segundo, me gustó y eso que no le tenía fe pero los hombres de esta autora son muy devotos, y aunque no se den cuenta que están enamorados, ya están dispuestos a morir por ellas. Todo este tema de ese hospital/iglesia/manicomio/sanatorio estuvo interesante pero la FMC me estaba desesperando porque estaba siendo muy tonta incluso cuando ya recordaba las cosas.
Ojalá encontrarse con uno así, y que tenga toda esa plata y me compre lo que quiera. 😂
Did Not Finish
April 25, 2026Why did I think this was a student/professor relationship… I’ll never know. It wasn’t what I was expecting so it’s on me.
April 23, 2026
As soon as I started, I knew this one was going to be good… and dark. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to take a day off just to read it in one sitting.
Mila Kane does an amazing job of pulling you straight into the story. Even though it’s a mafia romance, it felt really different from the usual “arranged marriage” or “enemies-to-lovers” tropes.
✅Asylum / fake priest
✅100% safe (no manwhore MMC)
✅Virgin heroine
✅Amnesia
✅ banter
✅twists and turns
✅Kidnapping by the villain
✅Human trafficking
But I didn’t like:
The “meet cute”… Massimo peeing outside didn’t exactly scream “badass” more like douchebag.
Kat having an existential crisis and running away from Massimo was frustrating.
Kat cried a bit too often for my liking.
I want the next book!!!
Mila Kane does an amazing job of pulling you straight into the story. Even though it’s a mafia romance, it felt really different from the usual “arranged marriage” or “enemies-to-lovers” tropes.
✅Asylum / fake priest
✅100% safe (no manwhore MMC)
✅Virgin heroine
✅Amnesia
✅ banter
✅twists and turns
✅Kidnapping by the villain
✅Human trafficking
But I didn’t like:
The “meet cute”… Massimo peeing outside didn’t exactly scream “badass” more like douchebag.
Kat having an existential crisis and running away from Massimo was frustrating.
Kat cried a bit too often for my liking.
I want the next book!!!
April 29, 2026
Ugh. This was not to my liking.
June 30, 2026
Massimo is an assassin and goes undercover as a priest in some kind of fucked up religious institution/asylum to kill one of the leaders, here he meets Katarina who hears voices and has been locked up here against her will for over 3 years.
Most of the going’s on at Hallows Hall were dark as fuck! Massimo risks exposing himself after the hit is complete to stay there and help Katarina and eventually get her out. Takes til like 60% until they leave the place, I was so fuckin stressed while they were there! Kat kept getting drugged against her will and I was just like how much more can this woman take before her mind/body is beyond help!
Anyway they get out, they get separated for a little bit because of a fire and who does she bump into and receive help from?? Fucking Lucy the asshole, ungrateful bitch sister of Charlie from book 1. Just fyi I STILL HATE YOU LUCY!! She’s so nice now apparently, helps Kat because her sister taught her to always help someone in need. No fuck you Lucy, no redemption for you ever in my eyes, you made book 1 unbearable!!
So when they leave Hallow Hall, there’s memory loss, kidnapping, more drugging, he saves her, forced marriage, memory recovery, more kidnapping, she’s pissed at Massimo for making decisions and controlling her, he ‘grovels’ (not really, she wanted the freedom to make her own choices and he said ok go do what you want and she was like wow thanks for the choice so I’m choosing you and staying now)
They take down the main bad guy who owns Hallow Hall and many other places like it, there was a 6 year old girl at hallow hall with her who turns out is her sister so they keep her with them too. And then HEA
Do you know what I thought was fucking wild though, when they started sleeping together they never used birth control. Fmc said it was ok because she hadn’t had a period in years but the mmc had a few thoughts of her pregnant and he liked the sound of it, she’d be more tied to him etc. and I couldn’t help but think are they fucking insane?? She’s been malnourished, physically and mentally abused and drugged up to the fucking eyeballs with dangerous, unnecessary medications and even experimental drugs for 3 years!! If she got pregnant right now there’d be a good chance her baby would be severely deformed or something! So keep your breeding kink to yourself for a while Massimo please!!
-Dual PoV
-Small age gap, h25 H34
-dark subject matter- check triggers
-Virgin fmc, mmc not a manwhore at all, he hadn’t been with anyone in years.
-no OWD, omd was someone called Ivan was behind Kat being sent to Hallow Hall when she refused to marry him, be gets taken care of by the mmc. Mmc also prevents the other creepy priest and doctor from being alone with Kat as much as possible once he meets her.
-HEA
-epilogue is a short time later, they’re going round getting the other institutions investigated and closed down
Most of the going’s on at Hallows Hall were dark as fuck! Massimo risks exposing himself after the hit is complete to stay there and help Katarina and eventually get her out. Takes til like 60% until they leave the place, I was so fuckin stressed while they were there! Kat kept getting drugged against her will and I was just like how much more can this woman take before her mind/body is beyond help!
Anyway they get out, they get separated for a little bit because of a fire and who does she bump into and receive help from?? Fucking Lucy the asshole, ungrateful bitch sister of Charlie from book 1. Just fyi I STILL HATE YOU LUCY!! She’s so nice now apparently, helps Kat because her sister taught her to always help someone in need. No fuck you Lucy, no redemption for you ever in my eyes, you made book 1 unbearable!!
So when they leave Hallow Hall, there’s memory loss, kidnapping, more drugging, he saves her, forced marriage, memory recovery, more kidnapping, she’s pissed at Massimo for making decisions and controlling her, he ‘grovels’ (not really, she wanted the freedom to make her own choices and he said ok go do what you want and she was like wow thanks for the choice so I’m choosing you and staying now)
They take down the main bad guy who owns Hallow Hall and many other places like it, there was a 6 year old girl at hallow hall with her who turns out is her sister so they keep her with them too. And then HEA
Do you know what I thought was fucking wild though, when they started sleeping together they never used birth control. Fmc said it was ok because she hadn’t had a period in years but the mmc had a few thoughts of her pregnant and he liked the sound of it, she’d be more tied to him etc. and I couldn’t help but think are they fucking insane?? She’s been malnourished, physically and mentally abused and drugged up to the fucking eyeballs with dangerous, unnecessary medications and even experimental drugs for 3 years!! If she got pregnant right now there’d be a good chance her baby would be severely deformed or something! So keep your breeding kink to yourself for a while Massimo please!!
-Dual PoV
-Small age gap, h25 H34
-dark subject matter- check triggers
-Virgin fmc, mmc not a manwhore at all, he hadn’t been with anyone in years.
-no OWD, omd was someone called Ivan was behind Kat being sent to Hallow Hall when she refused to marry him, be gets taken care of by the mmc. Mmc also prevents the other creepy priest and doctor from being alone with Kat as much as possible once he meets her.
-HEA
-epilogue is a short time later, they’re going round getting the other institutions investigated and closed down
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2026
3.5 Stars
Read if you Like:
-asylum setting
-forbidden romance
-banter
-mafia romance
-age gap
-obsessive and possessive MMC
-forced proximity
-dual POV
-open door spice
-mental health rep
This was a wild ride from start to finish. There were so many disturbing things happening at Hallow Hall. Just when I thought the audience knew how awful their infractions were, we saw an even darker side. I was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed the read very much.
The author’s writing style threw me off a bit at first, but I eventually got accustomed to it. There was a lot of weird spacing. I have never read anything from Mila Kane before, so I wrote myself a note for future reference so that I won’t be so thrown next time. I will definitely be reading more from this author. I loved this one.
Massimo quickly becomes obsessed with Katarina after meeting her in an asylum where he was assigned to assassinate someone. He saw her need for help and took it upon himself to rescue and avenge her. Once he decided she was his, he wasn’t letting her go. My toxic trait is loving MMCs like this. They are all red flags, but, Your Honor, I love them.
This book is available on KU. I hope you will read this and love it too.
Favorite Quotes:
“You saw me, and I saw you, angel. I know what you are, just like you know what I am.”
“You’re not lost anymore. You will never be lost again, and you’re not alone anymore. From now on, it’s you and me. I will never leave you alone in the dark again.”
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bookkat1214
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookkat1214
***Check your TWs***
Read if you Like:
-asylum setting
-forbidden romance
-banter
-mafia romance
-age gap
-obsessive and possessive MMC
-forced proximity
-dual POV
-open door spice
-mental health rep
This was a wild ride from start to finish. There were so many disturbing things happening at Hallow Hall. Just when I thought the audience knew how awful their infractions were, we saw an even darker side. I was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed the read very much.
The author’s writing style threw me off a bit at first, but I eventually got accustomed to it. There was a lot of weird spacing. I have never read anything from Mila Kane before, so I wrote myself a note for future reference so that I won’t be so thrown next time. I will definitely be reading more from this author. I loved this one.
Massimo quickly becomes obsessed with Katarina after meeting her in an asylum where he was assigned to assassinate someone. He saw her need for help and took it upon himself to rescue and avenge her. Once he decided she was his, he wasn’t letting her go. My toxic trait is loving MMCs like this. They are all red flags, but, Your Honor, I love them.
This book is available on KU. I hope you will read this and love it too.
Favorite Quotes:
“You saw me, and I saw you, angel. I know what you are, just like you know what I am.”
“You’re not lost anymore. You will never be lost again, and you’re not alone anymore. From now on, it’s you and me. I will never leave you alone in the dark again.”
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bookkat1214
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookkat1214
***Check your TWs***
June 16, 2026
Okayyy
I did like this book! They were cute and the way he instantly knew she was special was heart warming. Suprisingly, the plot of Katarina being in a place like Hallow Hall was good and kept me on my toes the whole book. There were other subplots related like Massimo’s mom and Tatiana. I also thought those were good and they all were interconnected. It was good, but not the BEST dark romance/mafia subplot. There wasn’t much mafia in this, Massimo is an assassin. The subplot was more mafia. Anyhow, I enjoyed this book!
I did like this book! They were cute and the way he instantly knew she was special was heart warming. Suprisingly, the plot of Katarina being in a place like Hallow Hall was good and kept me on my toes the whole book. There were other subplots related like Massimo’s mom and Tatiana. I also thought those were good and they all were interconnected. It was good, but not the BEST dark romance/mafia subplot. There wasn’t much mafia in this, Massimo is an assassin. The subplot was more mafia. Anyhow, I enjoyed this book!
April 27, 2026
3🌶
This book is dark and heavy, so please check the trigger warnings. The things this FMC goes through are so heartbreaking (not from MMC). You will go through all the feels with this book.
So good! Honestly, I love Mila Kane's writing.
This book is dark and heavy, so please check the trigger warnings. The things this FMC goes through are so heartbreaking (not from MMC). You will go through all the feels with this book.
So good! Honestly, I love Mila Kane's writing.
April 25, 2026
I enjoyed this series a lot.
I really liked this book, though I’m not the biggest fan of characters playing/disguised as priests.
I really liked this book, though I’m not the biggest fan of characters playing/disguised as priests.
June 30, 2026
plot was interesting enough but wrapped up really weirdly imo
May 31, 2026
Another amazing book by Mila Kane. Can't get enough of her books!
May 11, 2026
psych ward, priests, and obsession
****May Contain Spoilers***
This book was honestly a really nice switch up from the usual mafia arranged marriage stories. Like within the first 3% I already knew this was about to be a mess in the best way because what do you mean you got thrown into a mental hospital for refusing to marry a man after ONE date🤨?? 😭 And Icing on the cake your own mother helped make it happen by telling the priest about the voices you hear. Absolutely insane behavior.
The only way out was agreeing to marry the prick SOB. ABSOLUTELY NOT 😔 So instead you stay and get unwillingly drugged and experimented on in hopes of finally being free.
And while she’s there, the stuff happening in that place?? Horrific!!! Especially coming from people who are supposed to be “holy.” Then here comes this assassin posing as a priest and suddenly everything starts spiraling in a completely different direction. Events put them in compromising positions and she agrees to a blood pact for all her “firsts” in exchange for him delivering justice 🔪😏
Little did she know… he meant ALL her firsts. First kiss. First love. First husband. First baby. First everything and honestly it felt like he would’ve kept finding new firsts just so he could keep her forever 🥰 He may be the devil😈, but he’s HER devil now.
There was definitely smut 🤭 because well it’s mafia duh 😆 but I actually really liked the plot too. It had this dark secret society/cult vibe underneath everything that kept me interested the whole time. I just wish we got a little more of that aspect because I have QUESTIONS. Like where was Massimo’s sibling? Is his mother really gone? What happened to the baby her best friend had stolen from her?? They alluded to taken more people down what’s going on with that? I need answers 😂
I’d also love to know more about Lucy, but maybe that’s another book. Overall I thought this was a good read.
****May Contain Spoilers***
This book was honestly a really nice switch up from the usual mafia arranged marriage stories. Like within the first 3% I already knew this was about to be a mess in the best way because what do you mean you got thrown into a mental hospital for refusing to marry a man after ONE date🤨?? 😭 And Icing on the cake your own mother helped make it happen by telling the priest about the voices you hear. Absolutely insane behavior.
The only way out was agreeing to marry the prick SOB. ABSOLUTELY NOT 😔 So instead you stay and get unwillingly drugged and experimented on in hopes of finally being free.
And while she’s there, the stuff happening in that place?? Horrific!!! Especially coming from people who are supposed to be “holy.” Then here comes this assassin posing as a priest and suddenly everything starts spiraling in a completely different direction. Events put them in compromising positions and she agrees to a blood pact for all her “firsts” in exchange for him delivering justice 🔪😏
Little did she know… he meant ALL her firsts. First kiss. First love. First husband. First baby. First everything and honestly it felt like he would’ve kept finding new firsts just so he could keep her forever 🥰 He may be the devil😈, but he’s HER devil now.
There was definitely smut 🤭 because well it’s mafia duh 😆 but I actually really liked the plot too. It had this dark secret society/cult vibe underneath everything that kept me interested the whole time. I just wish we got a little more of that aspect because I have QUESTIONS. Like where was Massimo’s sibling? Is his mother really gone? What happened to the baby her best friend had stolen from her?? They alluded to taken more people down what’s going on with that? I need answers 😂
I’d also love to know more about Lucy, but maybe that’s another book. Overall I thought this was a good read.
May 17, 2026
4.8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this book very much. I was able to read the first two books before I jump into the third one even though they are a standalone is very good to get to know the other characters before you jump into the mafia romance in this book really liked that a lot. I wish the audiobook was a little better but other than that was amazing story and I love the plot line.
I enjoyed this book very much. I was able to read the first two books before I jump into the third one even though they are a standalone is very good to get to know the other characters before you jump into the mafia romance in this book really liked that a lot. I wish the audiobook was a little better but other than that was amazing story and I love the plot line.
June 1, 2026
3.5⭐️
The way that Kane has crossover for all of her series is so fun. This was definitely a ride. I personally think that Massimo should have had to grovel more after the wedding stunt.
The way that Kane has crossover for all of her series is so fun. This was definitely a ride. I personally think that Massimo should have had to grovel more after the wedding stunt.
April 23, 2026
the plot was good but
The ending was so rushed… maybe this book would have been better as a duet. The idea of the book is AMAZING and up until the fire it was SOOOO good but then it went downhill from there.
The ending was so rushed… maybe this book would have been better as a duet. The idea of the book is AMAZING and up until the fire it was SOOOO good but then it went downhill from there.
April 2, 2026
Ended the series on a low note. Maybe it was me, probably was now that I think about it. Oh well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Rating: 4.5 stars!
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Why is it that the Original Sin series keep pulling me in deeper and deeper into its ominous world?! Oh, that’s right… It’s because it’s so deviously elusive and just as equally addictive!
I didn’t think I could love a couple and their story more than Elio’s and Georgia’s in Brutal Legacy (book two), but after reading this latest addition to the series, I think Massimo and Katarina might’ve just nudged Elio and Georgia a smidge for top spot.
If the premise doesn’t perk you with interest, the story itself will have you immediately enamoured with the shady backdrop you’ve entered into, and the MCs who are smack dab in the middle of it.
A devil in disguise ready to wreak havoc, a broken angel in confinement, and a whole ton of wrongdoings left, right, and centre. I was invested from start to finish! The tension, the intrigue, the fiery chemistry, and all the uncertainty swirling throughout the entire story made for a more heightened and unputdownable reading experience.
It’s a steadily paced storyline that’s constantly developing, so I was always on the edge of my seat. The second Massimo and Katarina set eyes on one another it was like a giddy-inducing bomb detonated and sparks were flying. I knew I was in for a spicy treat from there on out.
Massimo was a minor character introduced in Brutal Legacy who I undoubtedly wanted to see again. When I discovered the next book in the series was his story, I just about squeaked with excitement. Getting to learn his tragic backstory and how he lived a mostly solitary life made me adore him more. He’s a complex character who has had a hard and violent life, but yet still possessed protective instincts and strong morals.
I sympathised Katarina so hard whilst reading this book. I hadn’t felt such anxiety for a fictional character and what they were going through in a while, and I hadn’t expected to be emotionally and mentally invested in seeing how and when she’d escape such a hellish nightmare. She’s the type of FMC I favour in my dark romance books—fragile yet determined. She’s a “damsel in distress” who strives to save herself, no matter how many times she hits a roadblock. She’s easily a character many could connect with.
This book navigates through dark themes and contains sensitive subject matters that some readers may find difficult or triggering to read. It’s not for the faint of heart. Proceed with caution as it broaches on topics such as, kidnapping and imprisonment, involuntary medication/sedation, gaslighting, human trafficking, certain forms of SA veiled as therapy sessions, familial abandonment, self-harm, as well as graphic violence and death. The characters experience trauma and PTSD. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
I’ve read a handful of Kane’s books, and whether it be contemporary, sports romance or dark mafia, her writing is always so, so gripping and effortless to follow. The world-building is vivid, intricate, and just exceptional. I love the found-family aspect and the MCs finding the right people who become their support system.
Although Sacred Ruin is not as heavily set in the mafia world as the first two in the series, it is still just as gritty and just as dark. It has a nice flow to it, the plot was plotting, and executed nicely through its storytelling. Massimo and Katarina are quite driven characters and their emotions prompt a lot of the developments. Their entire interaction is what captivated my attention, but there’s also no denying their story and certain matters that were highlighted were thought-provoking, somewhat skin-crawlingly creepy, and all-out dramatic.
It’s told from dual POVs and I was hooked by their contrasting perspectives. They have similar thoughts and opinions, but coming from very distinct, opposing sides. They’re light and shade who gradually seep into each other.
If you’re looking for a dark, mafia-ish read with a forbidden, age-gap romance trope, I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR. Whilst you can easily read this as a standalone and although not necessary, I would still suggest to at least read Brutal Legacy first, if not starting from the beginning of the series. It introduces Massimo, his expertise, and exhibits his connection to previous MCs.
Putting the romantic element aside, for fellow readers whose eyes glint at the sight of karmic justice, you can look forward to plenty of action, suspense, and sweet vengeance. It had me lifting a proverbial fist pump in happy contentment.
It’s depraved. It’s twisted. At times it’s even flush-inducingly hot! It’s a total emotional rollercoaster that’ll have you going from one side of the emotional spectrum to the complete opposite the next.
If I was ever on the fence about Kane’s writing, I’m not anymore. She’s cemented herself as an auto-read author for me. This series has fast become one of my favourite dark mafia worlds, and this book is an amazing addition that I can see myself reading again whenever the mood calls for it. It’s book-hangover worthy!
🚨 Full review in my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
Why is it that the Original Sin series keep pulling me in deeper and deeper into its ominous world?! Oh, that’s right… It’s because it’s so deviously elusive and just as equally addictive!
I didn’t think I could love a couple and their story more than Elio’s and Georgia’s in Brutal Legacy (book two), but after reading this latest addition to the series, I think Massimo and Katarina might’ve just nudged Elio and Georgia a smidge for top spot.
If the premise doesn’t perk you with interest, the story itself will have you immediately enamoured with the shady backdrop you’ve entered into, and the MCs who are smack dab in the middle of it.
A devil in disguise ready to wreak havoc, a broken angel in confinement, and a whole ton of wrongdoings left, right, and centre. I was invested from start to finish! The tension, the intrigue, the fiery chemistry, and all the uncertainty swirling throughout the entire story made for a more heightened and unputdownable reading experience.
It’s a steadily paced storyline that’s constantly developing, so I was always on the edge of my seat. The second Massimo and Katarina set eyes on one another it was like a giddy-inducing bomb detonated and sparks were flying. I knew I was in for a spicy treat from there on out.
Massimo was a minor character introduced in Brutal Legacy who I undoubtedly wanted to see again. When I discovered the next book in the series was his story, I just about squeaked with excitement. Getting to learn his tragic backstory and how he lived a mostly solitary life made me adore him more. He’s a complex character who has had a hard and violent life, but yet still possessed protective instincts and strong morals.
I sympathised Katarina so hard whilst reading this book. I hadn’t felt such anxiety for a fictional character and what they were going through in a while, and I hadn’t expected to be emotionally and mentally invested in seeing how and when she’d escape such a hellish nightmare. She’s the type of FMC I favour in my dark romance books—fragile yet determined. She’s a “damsel in distress” who strives to save herself, no matter how many times she hits a roadblock. She’s easily a character many could connect with.
This book navigates through dark themes and contains sensitive subject matters that some readers may find difficult or triggering to read. It’s not for the faint of heart. Proceed with caution as it broaches on topics such as, kidnapping and imprisonment, involuntary medication/sedation, gaslighting, human trafficking, certain forms of SA veiled as therapy sessions, familial abandonment, self-harm, as well as graphic violence and death. The characters experience trauma and PTSD. It’s intended for readers 18+ only.
I’ve read a handful of Kane’s books, and whether it be contemporary, sports romance or dark mafia, her writing is always so, so gripping and effortless to follow. The world-building is vivid, intricate, and just exceptional. I love the found-family aspect and the MCs finding the right people who become their support system.
Although Sacred Ruin is not as heavily set in the mafia world as the first two in the series, it is still just as gritty and just as dark. It has a nice flow to it, the plot was plotting, and executed nicely through its storytelling. Massimo and Katarina are quite driven characters and their emotions prompt a lot of the developments. Their entire interaction is what captivated my attention, but there’s also no denying their story and certain matters that were highlighted were thought-provoking, somewhat skin-crawlingly creepy, and all-out dramatic.
It’s told from dual POVs and I was hooked by their contrasting perspectives. They have similar thoughts and opinions, but coming from very distinct, opposing sides. They’re light and shade who gradually seep into each other.
If you’re looking for a dark, mafia-ish read with a forbidden, age-gap romance trope, I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR. Whilst you can easily read this as a standalone and although not necessary, I would still suggest to at least read Brutal Legacy first, if not starting from the beginning of the series. It introduces Massimo, his expertise, and exhibits his connection to previous MCs.
Putting the romantic element aside, for fellow readers whose eyes glint at the sight of karmic justice, you can look forward to plenty of action, suspense, and sweet vengeance. It had me lifting a proverbial fist pump in happy contentment.
It’s depraved. It’s twisted. At times it’s even flush-inducingly hot! It’s a total emotional rollercoaster that’ll have you going from one side of the emotional spectrum to the complete opposite the next.
If I was ever on the fence about Kane’s writing, I’m not anymore. She’s cemented herself as an auto-read author for me. This series has fast become one of my favourite dark mafia worlds, and this book is an amazing addition that I can see myself reading again whenever the mood calls for it. It’s book-hangover worthy!
🚨 Full review in my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
May 25, 2026
Title: Sacred Ruin
Author: Mila Kane
Genre/Subgenres:
• Dark Mafia Romance
• Forbidden Romance
• Psychological Suspense
⭐My Rating: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice: 4/5
Tropes:
• Forbidden Age Gap
• Priest x Patient
• Kidnapping
• Amnesia
• Virgin heroine FMC
• Villainous Hero MMC
• Twists & Turns
• Lots of Banter
Content Warning: This book explores heavy themes including forced institutionalization, violence, captivity, trauma, manipulation, obsession, and other dark romance elements. Check trigger warnings before reading.
My Thoughts:
Mila Kane said, what if trauma, obsession, religion, and dark mafia chaos collided inside a psychiatric institution? …and then somehow made it heartbreakingly romantic.
Sacred Ruin is the final installment in the Original Sin series and follows Katarina, a woman trapped inside Hallow Hall after experiencing disturbing visions, where reality feels unreliable and danger hides behind holy robes and smiling faces. Into that nightmare walks Massimo, who is a former special forces now turned hitman whose presence feels less like salvation and more like temptation itself.
I would say that this book leans heavily into forbidden attraction, obsessive devotion, morally gray characters, and psychological darkness. The atmosphere felt claustrophobic and deeply unsettling but to me it was a compelling way to set the tone of the book and really hook the reader into the storyline. I spent much of the story questioning who was manipulating whom, what was really happening behind the scenes and whether anyone (including the MMC) involved was capable of redemption.
Massimo is not a “good guy.” He’s possessive, violent, and terrifying at times. Yet Mila Kane somehow creates moments of vulnerability beneath all the brutality. It is also why I enjoyed the book so much as the villainous hero trope is one of my absolute favorite and a difficult male character type to write that needs to appeal to the female reader without coming off misogynistic or just leaving the reader hating the male main character. I would say that if your favorite trope is “he would burn the world down for her” followed by “but he is violent, possessive and does what he wants when he wants trope”, prepare yourself, you will love this book.
What astonished me the most was the emotional weight underneath the spice and darkness. Katarina’s struggle with agency (she has no autonomy), trust (she has been burned by even those who love her), and survival (she is badass) gave the romance & overall story a deeper higher stake than simple superficiality that some dark romance can have. This story had actual real-world darkness that didn’t close door, sugarcoat the darkness, but it is harder to read, so if you are don’t want to read what happens, what has happened in relation to how women have been historically treated than perhaps skip this book.
What Worked For me:
• Religious gothic, eerie setting
• Obsessive antihero villain energy
• Intense chemistry b/w FMC x MMC and high delicious spice
• Psychological tension throughout kept me hooked
• Emotional vulnerability hidden under violence and devotion
What didn’t work for:
• Uneven pacing in some sections
• Emotional moments occasionally needed more depth & grounding
• Hard to connect to character motivations at times
• Relationship dynamics felt too dark at times (overall it works for a dark romance)
• Heavy themes occasionally became emotionally exhausting rather than immersive for me
Things to Consider:
• Very dark romance and absolutely not for everyone (check those warnings people!)
• Heavy themes, violence, abuse against women, etc
• The morally gray behavior stays morally gray, please do not expect healthy communication here
If you enjoy authors like Rina Kent, Sadie Kincaid, or dark mafia romances where obsession borders on worship, Sacred Ruin may be worth adding to your TBR.
Readers comfortable with disturbing themes and possessive antiheroes will devour this one, I certainly did!
The story blends psychological unease with brutal devotion and wraps it in Mila Kane’s signature dark romance style.
Would I recommend it?
For dark romance lovers: Yes
For readers wanting morally black antiheroes: Yes
For readers avoiding trauma-heavy content: Probably not
Story Rating: 4/5
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Neurospicy Rating: Rent Free, likely forever (I will be reading the other 2 in this series)
My Overall Rating: 4.5/5⭐
Author: Mila Kane
Genre/Subgenres:
• Dark Mafia Romance
• Forbidden Romance
• Psychological Suspense
⭐My Rating: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice: 4/5
Tropes:
• Forbidden Age Gap
• Priest x Patient
• Kidnapping
• Amnesia
• Virgin heroine FMC
• Villainous Hero MMC
• Twists & Turns
• Lots of Banter
Content Warning: This book explores heavy themes including forced institutionalization, violence, captivity, trauma, manipulation, obsession, and other dark romance elements. Check trigger warnings before reading.
My Thoughts:
Mila Kane said, what if trauma, obsession, religion, and dark mafia chaos collided inside a psychiatric institution? …and then somehow made it heartbreakingly romantic.
Sacred Ruin is the final installment in the Original Sin series and follows Katarina, a woman trapped inside Hallow Hall after experiencing disturbing visions, where reality feels unreliable and danger hides behind holy robes and smiling faces. Into that nightmare walks Massimo, who is a former special forces now turned hitman whose presence feels less like salvation and more like temptation itself.
I would say that this book leans heavily into forbidden attraction, obsessive devotion, morally gray characters, and psychological darkness. The atmosphere felt claustrophobic and deeply unsettling but to me it was a compelling way to set the tone of the book and really hook the reader into the storyline. I spent much of the story questioning who was manipulating whom, what was really happening behind the scenes and whether anyone (including the MMC) involved was capable of redemption.
Massimo is not a “good guy.” He’s possessive, violent, and terrifying at times. Yet Mila Kane somehow creates moments of vulnerability beneath all the brutality. It is also why I enjoyed the book so much as the villainous hero trope is one of my absolute favorite and a difficult male character type to write that needs to appeal to the female reader without coming off misogynistic or just leaving the reader hating the male main character. I would say that if your favorite trope is “he would burn the world down for her” followed by “but he is violent, possessive and does what he wants when he wants trope”, prepare yourself, you will love this book.
What astonished me the most was the emotional weight underneath the spice and darkness. Katarina’s struggle with agency (she has no autonomy), trust (she has been burned by even those who love her), and survival (she is badass) gave the romance & overall story a deeper higher stake than simple superficiality that some dark romance can have. This story had actual real-world darkness that didn’t close door, sugarcoat the darkness, but it is harder to read, so if you are don’t want to read what happens, what has happened in relation to how women have been historically treated than perhaps skip this book.
What Worked For me:
• Religious gothic, eerie setting
• Obsessive antihero villain energy
• Intense chemistry b/w FMC x MMC and high delicious spice
• Psychological tension throughout kept me hooked
• Emotional vulnerability hidden under violence and devotion
What didn’t work for:
• Uneven pacing in some sections
• Emotional moments occasionally needed more depth & grounding
• Hard to connect to character motivations at times
• Relationship dynamics felt too dark at times (overall it works for a dark romance)
• Heavy themes occasionally became emotionally exhausting rather than immersive for me
Things to Consider:
• Very dark romance and absolutely not for everyone (check those warnings people!)
• Heavy themes, violence, abuse against women, etc
• The morally gray behavior stays morally gray, please do not expect healthy communication here
If you enjoy authors like Rina Kent, Sadie Kincaid, or dark mafia romances where obsession borders on worship, Sacred Ruin may be worth adding to your TBR.
Readers comfortable with disturbing themes and possessive antiheroes will devour this one, I certainly did!
The story blends psychological unease with brutal devotion and wraps it in Mila Kane’s signature dark romance style.
Would I recommend it?
For dark romance lovers: Yes
For readers wanting morally black antiheroes: Yes
For readers avoiding trauma-heavy content: Probably not
Story Rating: 4/5
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Neurospicy Rating: Rent Free, likely forever (I will be reading the other 2 in this series)
My Overall Rating: 4.5/5⭐
June 5, 2026
⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
Sacred Ruin was one of those books that completely sucked me in at the beginning but lost me a bit by the end. 😅📖 Overall, I enjoyed it enough to keep reading and needed to know what was going to happen next, but there were definitely some things that didn't work for me.
The strongest part of this book was easily the asylum setting. Hallow Hall was creepy, disturbing, and honestly terrifying. 😳🏥 The mystery surrounding Kat's imprisonment kept me hooked from the start, and every new reveal made me want answers even more. Watching her survive years of abuse, manipulation, and experimentation was heartbreaking. 💔
Massimo was definitely my favorite character. 🔪🖤 I love a possessive, obsessive MMC, and once this man decided Kat was his, there was no changing his mind. However... can we talk about the nickname "little stray"? 😭 I hated it. Every time he said it, I cringed a little.
I also wasn't a fan of their first time together. Maybe it's just me, but having her lose her virginity in a church after being locked away and mentally abused for three years felt wrong. ⛪😬 It completely threw me off. Kat had barely experienced freedom, and I would've much preferred if their first time happened after she escaped Hallow Hall and had a chance to breathe and regain some control over her life. Instead, it felt uncomfortable and left me with mixed feelings.
As for Kat... girl, why are you constantly getting yourself into trouble? 😭😂 I understood her need for independence. After being imprisoned for years, of course she wanted to make her own choices and stop feeling like a prisoner. But there were so many moments where I wanted to grab her shoulders and tell her to STAY PUT. Every time she wandered off alone, I was immediately stressed because I knew something bad was about to happen. And sure enough... she'd get herself caught AGAIN. 🤦♀️
One thing the book did really well was keep me anxious whenever Kat was separated from Massimo. I was constantly waiting for the next disaster to happen. 😅 The tension was definitely there.
I was also happy to see Lucy again! 🥹❤️ She was a nice familiar presence in the middle of all the chaos.
As for the mystery, I have to admit the big plot twist wasn't a huge surprise to me. 👀 About halfway through the book I started suspecting the truth because it felt like the only explanation for why everyone kept insisting Kat was "special." So while I enjoyed the reveal, it wasn't exactly shocking.
Unfortunately, the second half of the book started to feel overcrowded. There were so many plot twists, kidnappings, escapes, secrets, and dramatic reveals happening that things became a little messy. 🤯 Some storylines felt underdeveloped, and a few of the darker revelations deserved more explanation than they received.
By the time I reached the ending, I felt like the story had lost some of the momentum that made the first half so compelling. The HEA was there, but it felt rushed, and I was left with quite a few unanswered questions. 🤷♀️
Overall, Sacred Ruin had an incredibly intriguing premise, a dark and unsettling atmosphere, and a hero I really enjoyed. 🖤 But the pacing issues, some questionable romance choices, and the chaotic second half kept this from being a higher rating for me.
If you love dark romance, asylum settings, obsessive heroes, forced proximity, and plenty of twists, you'll probably have a good time with this one.
⭐⭐⭐
Sacred Ruin was one of those books that completely sucked me in at the beginning but lost me a bit by the end. 😅📖 Overall, I enjoyed it enough to keep reading and needed to know what was going to happen next, but there were definitely some things that didn't work for me.
The strongest part of this book was easily the asylum setting. Hallow Hall was creepy, disturbing, and honestly terrifying. 😳🏥 The mystery surrounding Kat's imprisonment kept me hooked from the start, and every new reveal made me want answers even more. Watching her survive years of abuse, manipulation, and experimentation was heartbreaking. 💔
Massimo was definitely my favorite character. 🔪🖤 I love a possessive, obsessive MMC, and once this man decided Kat was his, there was no changing his mind. However... can we talk about the nickname "little stray"? 😭 I hated it. Every time he said it, I cringed a little.
I also wasn't a fan of their first time together. Maybe it's just me, but having her lose her virginity in a church after being locked away and mentally abused for three years felt wrong. ⛪😬 It completely threw me off. Kat had barely experienced freedom, and I would've much preferred if their first time happened after she escaped Hallow Hall and had a chance to breathe and regain some control over her life. Instead, it felt uncomfortable and left me with mixed feelings.
As for Kat... girl, why are you constantly getting yourself into trouble? 😭😂 I understood her need for independence. After being imprisoned for years, of course she wanted to make her own choices and stop feeling like a prisoner. But there were so many moments where I wanted to grab her shoulders and tell her to STAY PUT. Every time she wandered off alone, I was immediately stressed because I knew something bad was about to happen. And sure enough... she'd get herself caught AGAIN. 🤦♀️
One thing the book did really well was keep me anxious whenever Kat was separated from Massimo. I was constantly waiting for the next disaster to happen. 😅 The tension was definitely there.
I was also happy to see Lucy again! 🥹❤️ She was a nice familiar presence in the middle of all the chaos.
As for the mystery, I have to admit the big plot twist wasn't a huge surprise to me. 👀 About halfway through the book I started suspecting the truth because it felt like the only explanation for why everyone kept insisting Kat was "special." So while I enjoyed the reveal, it wasn't exactly shocking.
Unfortunately, the second half of the book started to feel overcrowded. There were so many plot twists, kidnappings, escapes, secrets, and dramatic reveals happening that things became a little messy. 🤯 Some storylines felt underdeveloped, and a few of the darker revelations deserved more explanation than they received.
By the time I reached the ending, I felt like the story had lost some of the momentum that made the first half so compelling. The HEA was there, but it felt rushed, and I was left with quite a few unanswered questions. 🤷♀️
Overall, Sacred Ruin had an incredibly intriguing premise, a dark and unsettling atmosphere, and a hero I really enjoyed. 🖤 But the pacing issues, some questionable romance choices, and the chaotic second half kept this from being a higher rating for me.
If you love dark romance, asylum settings, obsessive heroes, forced proximity, and plenty of twists, you'll probably have a good time with this one.
⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Massimo Lucciano goes undercover as a priest to take down the people running a corrupt mental health facility, the mission is clear: kill the targets, get vengeance, and get out. But then he meets Katarina Dmitrova, a long-time patient who has been exiled to a life of exploitation and suffering, and suddenly this isn’t just about the mission anymore. What starts as him wanting to help her turns into something way more than that and before he even realizes it, he’s already fallen for her. Now Massimo isn’t just fighting to take down the villains, he’s fighting to get Katarina out and give her the life she deserves.
Whew! If you’re looking for something intense, gripping, and actually well written, this is IT. The plot itself had me on edge the entire time, with moments that really kept me alert and turning the pages. It was so clear that Mila Kane was truly on her A game with this one! The plot itself was so good that I was already hooked, and then the romance just made it even better.
“I have many firsts to take from you. A lifetime’s worth.”
Massimoooooo ugh. Tough exterior, morally grey, but when it came to Katarina? Absolute softie. The way he protected her, the way he wanted to give her the best life, and most importantly, the way he never once let his darkness touch her? Man oh man, that got me rooting for him so hard. He was intense, protective, and so intentional with her in a way that just made you feel safe reading him despite how dangerous he was.
And Katarina had my heart breaking for her. She’s been through hell and back, with a lifetime of abuse in the past three years but what I loved most was how resilient and level-headed she still was. She didn’t lose herself despite everything, she fought back. There was this strength to her, a realism in how she handled things that made her feel so grounded. You just wanted better for her the entire time, and seeing her finally meet Massimo felt like she was getting exactly that.
“If you’re going to fall apart, you’ll do it in my arms.”
“Why”
“So I can catch all the pieces.”
The vibe of this book was so intense and almost alluring in the best way. There are religious undertones throughout (with religious abuse and Massimo being a fake priest), but it’s not overwhelming or overtly disrespectful, it’s more symbolic of salvation, especially for Katarina and I think that was done really well. It constantly felt like they were racing against time, like the entire world was against them, but somehow they found safety in each other.
I honestly really enjoyed this one a lot! The pacing worked so well with the tension and the stakes, and it kept me fully locked in from start to finish. The only thing I’ll say is I would have absolutely LOVED even more of an extended epilogue. I just needed a little more time with Massimo and Katarina in their happy life after everything they went through, but then again nothing would be enough for me with these two. Something tells me we might see them again someday…at least I’m hoping.
Whew! If you’re looking for something intense, gripping, and actually well written, this is IT. The plot itself had me on edge the entire time, with moments that really kept me alert and turning the pages. It was so clear that Mila Kane was truly on her A game with this one! The plot itself was so good that I was already hooked, and then the romance just made it even better.
“I have many firsts to take from you. A lifetime’s worth.”
Massimoooooo ugh. Tough exterior, morally grey, but when it came to Katarina? Absolute softie. The way he protected her, the way he wanted to give her the best life, and most importantly, the way he never once let his darkness touch her? Man oh man, that got me rooting for him so hard. He was intense, protective, and so intentional with her in a way that just made you feel safe reading him despite how dangerous he was.
And Katarina had my heart breaking for her. She’s been through hell and back, with a lifetime of abuse in the past three years but what I loved most was how resilient and level-headed she still was. She didn’t lose herself despite everything, she fought back. There was this strength to her, a realism in how she handled things that made her feel so grounded. You just wanted better for her the entire time, and seeing her finally meet Massimo felt like she was getting exactly that.
“If you’re going to fall apart, you’ll do it in my arms.”
“Why”
“So I can catch all the pieces.”
The vibe of this book was so intense and almost alluring in the best way. There are religious undertones throughout (with religious abuse and Massimo being a fake priest), but it’s not overwhelming or overtly disrespectful, it’s more symbolic of salvation, especially for Katarina and I think that was done really well. It constantly felt like they were racing against time, like the entire world was against them, but somehow they found safety in each other.
I honestly really enjoyed this one a lot! The pacing worked so well with the tension and the stakes, and it kept me fully locked in from start to finish. The only thing I’ll say is I would have absolutely LOVED even more of an extended epilogue. I just needed a little more time with Massimo and Katarina in their happy life after everything they went through, but then again nothing would be enough for me with these two. Something tells me we might see them again someday…at least I’m hoping.
May 1, 2026
"The only thing the darkness ever really loved was the light."
A deal with the devil...
A quest for vengeance...
Past and present colliding into perfect chaos!
Katarina Dmitrova was pure innocence, hearing the voices of angels, determined to do something about all the bad things she'd seen, no matter what it might cost her. Sent to Hallow Hall to save her immortal soul, alone, locked inside her own mind, yet fearless through everything, her strong moral compass guided her actions. I loved how she spoke her mind and stood up for herself without backing down in the face of danger, how she protected others even at the risk of her own safety.
Massimo Lucciano, former Italian Special Forces, infiltrated Hallow Hall pretending to be a priest to fulfill a contract. A devil in disguise, sin personified, obsessed with vengeance. A deliciously dark knight, a walking red flag, the anti-hero you can't help falling for. My dark heart simply adored him!
Everything changed when Massimo met Katarina, the unexpected twist in his plans, the shining light to his darkness. He became addicted, breaking all of his rules, overcome with dark possession and a reason to care. I loved how Katarina turned Massimo's world upside down, knocking him off-balance, how he fell for her unequivocally and irrevocably, how he learned to give up control, how he found salvation by falling in love. His sole purpose had been a mission to exact revenge against the men responsible for the death of his mother. But, with Katarina, he found a new reason to live, someone worth fighting for.
Massimo and Katarina balanced each other beautifully, her light bringing hope to his darkness. A hesitant intimacy, a soul deep connection, the unexpected fate of two people destined to come together. The love between them was messy and complicated but it was also raw and real, undeniably.
I loved the symbolism of the snowdrops, the way they represented resilience and fresh beginnings, flawlessly intertwining with the characters and the plot. Katarina desperately wanted freedom, the ability to make her own choices, a way to make sense of the gaps in her memory. I loved how she became stronger and more confident, never giving up, striving to make a difference even when her world was falling apart.
Where do you draw the line between control and love? Between protection and betrayal? Do you love someone enough to let them go? The twists and turns kept me turning the pages, surprises around every corner, along with the chance to revisit characters from prior books. My favorite of the four books I've read from this author so far and a solid five stars! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
"Love. So, that’s what this terrible, precious thing was in my chest, the hope and fear all rolled into one. Love."
✨️Age Gap
✨️Dark Mafia Romance
✨️Opposites Attract
✨️Burn the World for Her
✨️Obsessed / Protective MMC
✨️Forced Proximity
✨️He Falls First
*Special thanks to author Mila Kane, Ballantine | Dell and NetGalley for this ARC!
A deal with the devil...
A quest for vengeance...
Past and present colliding into perfect chaos!
Katarina Dmitrova was pure innocence, hearing the voices of angels, determined to do something about all the bad things she'd seen, no matter what it might cost her. Sent to Hallow Hall to save her immortal soul, alone, locked inside her own mind, yet fearless through everything, her strong moral compass guided her actions. I loved how she spoke her mind and stood up for herself without backing down in the face of danger, how she protected others even at the risk of her own safety.
Massimo Lucciano, former Italian Special Forces, infiltrated Hallow Hall pretending to be a priest to fulfill a contract. A devil in disguise, sin personified, obsessed with vengeance. A deliciously dark knight, a walking red flag, the anti-hero you can't help falling for. My dark heart simply adored him!
Everything changed when Massimo met Katarina, the unexpected twist in his plans, the shining light to his darkness. He became addicted, breaking all of his rules, overcome with dark possession and a reason to care. I loved how Katarina turned Massimo's world upside down, knocking him off-balance, how he fell for her unequivocally and irrevocably, how he learned to give up control, how he found salvation by falling in love. His sole purpose had been a mission to exact revenge against the men responsible for the death of his mother. But, with Katarina, he found a new reason to live, someone worth fighting for.
Massimo and Katarina balanced each other beautifully, her light bringing hope to his darkness. A hesitant intimacy, a soul deep connection, the unexpected fate of two people destined to come together. The love between them was messy and complicated but it was also raw and real, undeniably.
I loved the symbolism of the snowdrops, the way they represented resilience and fresh beginnings, flawlessly intertwining with the characters and the plot. Katarina desperately wanted freedom, the ability to make her own choices, a way to make sense of the gaps in her memory. I loved how she became stronger and more confident, never giving up, striving to make a difference even when her world was falling apart.
Where do you draw the line between control and love? Between protection and betrayal? Do you love someone enough to let them go? The twists and turns kept me turning the pages, surprises around every corner, along with the chance to revisit characters from prior books. My favorite of the four books I've read from this author so far and a solid five stars! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
"Love. So, that’s what this terrible, precious thing was in my chest, the hope and fear all rolled into one. Love."
✨️Age Gap
✨️Dark Mafia Romance
✨️Opposites Attract
✨️Burn the World for Her
✨️Obsessed / Protective MMC
✨️Forced Proximity
✨️He Falls First
*Special thanks to author Mila Kane, Ballantine | Dell and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sacred Ruin is the third book in the Original Sin series, and in my opinion the best one so far! I absolutely fell in love with Massimo and Katerina, the plot and everything about the book.
Let me start by saying Mila is one of my favourite authors, i haven’t read a bad book from her and I’ve read them all! Her mmc’s are some of the best I’ve encountered and Massimo is right up there at the top with them. I love how all the series’ are linked within the same world and a thread can be woven through them all and connect them. If I could move into a fictional world I would definitely choose to move into Mila’s universe!
Before we get into it, there are trigger warnings at the start of the book, read them and take note. This is a dark story with tough themes that may be triggering for some. Take care of your mental health and skip it if you need to. However, if like me you use them warnings as a checklist that makes you want to read then dive right in and enjoy!
First, Massimo all the red flags rolled up into one big giant green flag. He’s dark, dangerous, violent, unrepentant and hell bent on avenging his mother’s tragic demise and uncovering the truth behind her loss. He has no care or regard for his own life or that of anyone else’s, save for completing his aim. His trail leads him to Hallow Hall where he finds the intriguing and beautiful Katerina, who stirs feelings in him he’s not expecting or familiar with. He very quickly becomes obsessed with figuring out her story, what makes her so special and why he is so captivated by her.
Katerina is trapped in her own personal nightmare, abused and manipulated by everyone around her for a reason she doesn’t know. Her story is truly heartbreaking, she’s been through so much but no matter what they do to her they can’t break her spirit and her strength. She’s resilient, feisty, headstrong and determined to escape and take down the sinister organisation running Hallow Hall. When she first see’s Massimo she sees a devil and all his sins, despite her fear of him initially she’s drawn to him, as much as he is her and comes to learn that he is the only person who genuinely cares for her and will do anything to save her.
He calls her his angel, he’s her personal devil, their dynamics and chemistry are perfection. The tension, the push and pull and just everything about their developing relationship had me gripped and feral for more.
I loved the cameos from character’s from previous books - Giada and Bran (King of the Cage), Elio (Brutal Legacy) and Lucy (Unholy Vows - Charlie’s sister).
This story is so much more than just a dark mafia romance, Massimo is more than a killer for hire and despite him not believing it himself he has morals and lines that he won’t cross. The plot is deeper and centres around a sinister group of ex clergymen & women hiding behind the front of a church led hospital caring for vulnerable people. In reality it’s a mafia funded trafficking ring, organ harvesting, drug development and experimentation and it all links Massimo and Katerina together in ways they never expected.
I was gripped from the start, pulled in by the twists and turns, every time I thought I knew what was going to happen Mila threw in a curveball, each time I thought their story was ending something else hit that had me turning the pages as fast as I could read. Massimo and Katerina’s journey is one of danger and desire, passion and violence, light and dark, an angel and a devil. I could not get enough, I didn’t want I to end and I loved every second of it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark, mafia, tense romance.
I was given an arc copy of this book by the author and @boundtolovepr. All opinions expressed are my own.
Let me start by saying Mila is one of my favourite authors, i haven’t read a bad book from her and I’ve read them all! Her mmc’s are some of the best I’ve encountered and Massimo is right up there at the top with them. I love how all the series’ are linked within the same world and a thread can be woven through them all and connect them. If I could move into a fictional world I would definitely choose to move into Mila’s universe!
Before we get into it, there are trigger warnings at the start of the book, read them and take note. This is a dark story with tough themes that may be triggering for some. Take care of your mental health and skip it if you need to. However, if like me you use them warnings as a checklist that makes you want to read then dive right in and enjoy!
First, Massimo all the red flags rolled up into one big giant green flag. He’s dark, dangerous, violent, unrepentant and hell bent on avenging his mother’s tragic demise and uncovering the truth behind her loss. He has no care or regard for his own life or that of anyone else’s, save for completing his aim. His trail leads him to Hallow Hall where he finds the intriguing and beautiful Katerina, who stirs feelings in him he’s not expecting or familiar with. He very quickly becomes obsessed with figuring out her story, what makes her so special and why he is so captivated by her.
Katerina is trapped in her own personal nightmare, abused and manipulated by everyone around her for a reason she doesn’t know. Her story is truly heartbreaking, she’s been through so much but no matter what they do to her they can’t break her spirit and her strength. She’s resilient, feisty, headstrong and determined to escape and take down the sinister organisation running Hallow Hall. When she first see’s Massimo she sees a devil and all his sins, despite her fear of him initially she’s drawn to him, as much as he is her and comes to learn that he is the only person who genuinely cares for her and will do anything to save her.
He calls her his angel, he’s her personal devil, their dynamics and chemistry are perfection. The tension, the push and pull and just everything about their developing relationship had me gripped and feral for more.
I loved the cameos from character’s from previous books - Giada and Bran (King of the Cage), Elio (Brutal Legacy) and Lucy (Unholy Vows - Charlie’s sister).
This story is so much more than just a dark mafia romance, Massimo is more than a killer for hire and despite him not believing it himself he has morals and lines that he won’t cross. The plot is deeper and centres around a sinister group of ex clergymen & women hiding behind the front of a church led hospital caring for vulnerable people. In reality it’s a mafia funded trafficking ring, organ harvesting, drug development and experimentation and it all links Massimo and Katerina together in ways they never expected.
I was gripped from the start, pulled in by the twists and turns, every time I thought I knew what was going to happen Mila threw in a curveball, each time I thought their story was ending something else hit that had me turning the pages as fast as I could read. Massimo and Katerina’s journey is one of danger and desire, passion and violence, light and dark, an angel and a devil. I could not get enough, I didn’t want I to end and I loved every second of it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark, mafia, tense romance.
I was given an arc copy of this book by the author and @boundtolovepr. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from the very talented author, and now I will attempt to write a spoiler free review.
Let me start off by saying that I absolutely love Mila's writing. Her mafia books? Hands down my favorite ones. Her mafia men? My choice of poison. So imagine how excited I was to read another one, let alone receive an ARC.
This book was everything I was missing since the last mafia book she wrote.
Massimo? I adored him. He easily made it into my top three in her mafia world. There is just something about an assassin that gets me going in romance stories. The danger, the angst, the intrigue. And Massimo pulled it off. He was the perfect bad boy MMC. I want him.
Katarina was a good strong, vulnerable FMC. Sometimes I loved her, sometimes she pissed me off, and sometimes my heart broke for her and her life. The things she went through and the fact that she kept going without breaking? That is strength.
The atmosphere of this story was set in a religious insane asylum (medical religious prison?) and at times you become so enmeshed in this story you feel as is you are a guest there as well. Or at least I did. My feelings became so entangled while reading this I felt anger right along with the FMC, I felt hopeless, I felt crazy, I felt exhausted, and ecstatic. I felt all her emotions. This story sucks you into it and doesn't let you go until the end with it's non-stop action. In fact I would have happily read more of it.
This story had everything; mystery, action, love, hate, vengeance, hope. If the mafia world is a go-to for you, then you will definitely want to pick this up. Everyone should meet Massimo.
Let me start off by saying that I absolutely love Mila's writing. Her mafia books? Hands down my favorite ones. Her mafia men? My choice of poison. So imagine how excited I was to read another one, let alone receive an ARC.
This book was everything I was missing since the last mafia book she wrote.
Massimo? I adored him. He easily made it into my top three in her mafia world. There is just something about an assassin that gets me going in romance stories. The danger, the angst, the intrigue. And Massimo pulled it off. He was the perfect bad boy MMC. I want him.
Katarina was a good strong, vulnerable FMC. Sometimes I loved her, sometimes she pissed me off, and sometimes my heart broke for her and her life. The things she went through and the fact that she kept going without breaking? That is strength.
The atmosphere of this story was set in a religious insane asylum (medical religious prison?) and at times you become so enmeshed in this story you feel as is you are a guest there as well. Or at least I did. My feelings became so entangled while reading this I felt anger right along with the FMC, I felt hopeless, I felt crazy, I felt exhausted, and ecstatic. I felt all her emotions. This story sucks you into it and doesn't let you go until the end with it's non-stop action. In fact I would have happily read more of it.
This story had everything; mystery, action, love, hate, vengeance, hope. If the mafia world is a go-to for you, then you will definitely want to pick this up. Everyone should meet Massimo.
Review of advance copy received from Author
♦️Contemporary romance
♦️Romantic suspense
♦️Dark romance
♦️Mafia
♦️Forbidden
♦️Age gap
♦️Forced proximity
♦️Opposites attract
♦️Touch her and d!e
♦️He falls first
♦️Creepy asylum setting
♦️Enough emotional baggage to fill a room
♦️Page turner / suspenseful / fast paced
♦️Unpredictable twists and turns
Sacred Ruin is the third book in the Original Sin series. Explores the depths of human resilience and the power of a love that goes against societal standards. The relationship between Katarina and Massimo stands out as a powerful, unforgettable foundation, demonstrating that even in the darkest places, a strong and lasting connection can survive and thrive, drawing strength from the very darkness that tries to extinguish it. The plot is filled with suspenseful moments, tough choices, and high-stakes drama. Sacred Ruin is a nuanced, fast-paced page-turner and an addictive read that keeps the readers engaged throughout.
Katarina and Massimo's connection goes beyond simple romance, evolving into an exploration of obsession, unconventional love, and the profound comfort found amid shared despair. Katarina is a young woman struggling with what she believes are delusions within the confines of a dark religious asylum. She emerges from adversity with remarkable strength. Initially vulnerable due to her mother’s desperate attempts to fix her, Katarina soon reveals an undeniable inner resilience. She is a survivor who fights back with determination. This sharp insight is what attracts Massimo to her, making her a powerful presence in his carefully controlled life. Massimo is driven by a single goal: revenge. For this hardened hitman with a dark past, everything changes when he meets Katarina. What begins as a calculated plan quickly transforms into an overwhelming obsession and intense fixation. The relationship between Katarina and Massimo is a thrilling mix of danger and desire, formed from a magnetic connection. They recognize a shared darkness and an unexpected light in each other. Their bond is raw, unapologetic, and powerful, flourishing amid the very corruption that surrounds them. What sets their relationship apart is its unglamorous reality, where their connection feels deeply authentic. Massimo becomes a man utterly devoted to Katarina and her safety. His protectiveness, born from a dark possessiveness, also reveals a softer side, exposing a heart he never knew he had. For Katarina, Massimo is a dangerous force who acknowledges her insights and provides a fierce refuge in a world determined to bring her down. Their deep emotional and psychological bond is affected by trauma and moral complexities, culminating in a powerful testament to finding home in the most unlikely, morally ambiguous partner.
♦️Romantic suspense
♦️Dark romance
♦️Mafia
♦️Forbidden
♦️Age gap
♦️Forced proximity
♦️Opposites attract
♦️Touch her and d!e
♦️He falls first
♦️Creepy asylum setting
♦️Enough emotional baggage to fill a room
♦️Page turner / suspenseful / fast paced
♦️Unpredictable twists and turns
Sacred Ruin is the third book in the Original Sin series. Explores the depths of human resilience and the power of a love that goes against societal standards. The relationship between Katarina and Massimo stands out as a powerful, unforgettable foundation, demonstrating that even in the darkest places, a strong and lasting connection can survive and thrive, drawing strength from the very darkness that tries to extinguish it. The plot is filled with suspenseful moments, tough choices, and high-stakes drama. Sacred Ruin is a nuanced, fast-paced page-turner and an addictive read that keeps the readers engaged throughout.
Katarina and Massimo's connection goes beyond simple romance, evolving into an exploration of obsession, unconventional love, and the profound comfort found amid shared despair. Katarina is a young woman struggling with what she believes are delusions within the confines of a dark religious asylum. She emerges from adversity with remarkable strength. Initially vulnerable due to her mother’s desperate attempts to fix her, Katarina soon reveals an undeniable inner resilience. She is a survivor who fights back with determination. This sharp insight is what attracts Massimo to her, making her a powerful presence in his carefully controlled life. Massimo is driven by a single goal: revenge. For this hardened hitman with a dark past, everything changes when he meets Katarina. What begins as a calculated plan quickly transforms into an overwhelming obsession and intense fixation. The relationship between Katarina and Massimo is a thrilling mix of danger and desire, formed from a magnetic connection. They recognize a shared darkness and an unexpected light in each other. Their bond is raw, unapologetic, and powerful, flourishing amid the very corruption that surrounds them. What sets their relationship apart is its unglamorous reality, where their connection feels deeply authentic. Massimo becomes a man utterly devoted to Katarina and her safety. His protectiveness, born from a dark possessiveness, also reveals a softer side, exposing a heart he never knew he had. For Katarina, Massimo is a dangerous force who acknowledges her insights and provides a fierce refuge in a world determined to bring her down. Their deep emotional and psychological bond is affected by trauma and moral complexities, culminating in a powerful testament to finding home in the most unlikely, morally ambiguous partner.
June 27, 2026
Sacred Ruin by Mila Kane is the third and final installment in the Original Sin series, a gripping dark mafia romance that delivers on the author’s signature blend of forbidden desire, psychological tension, and gritty underworld intrigue.
Plot Summary (No Major Spoilers)Katarina is committed to Hallow Hall Institute—a foreboding institution for the “lost, broken, and damned”—after experiencing unsettling visions. There, she encounters a mysterious man in priest’s robes who is far more dangerous than he appears: a mafia hitman whose dark obsession with her threatens to consume them both. What unfolds is a forbidden, age-gap romance set against a backdrop of secrets, manipulation, revenge, and institutional eeriness.
What Works WellAtmosphere and Setting: Mila Kane excels at crafting an unnerving, gothic-tinged world at Hallow Hall. The combination of religious imagery, psychological uncertainty, and hidden dangers creates a claustrophobic intensity that hooks readers from the start.
Characters: Katarina and Massimo (the “devil in holy robes”) are compelling leads. Their dynamic is twisted yet oddly tender, with strong chemistry and believable emotional depth. Readers praise Massimo’s single-minded obsession and Katarina’s resilience.
Pacing and Heat: The story balances suspense, plot twists, and steamy forbidden romance effectively. Fans of dark romance appreciate the intensity, obsession, and emotional payoff without it feeling gratuitous.
Series Conclusion: Many readers call it the strongest entry yet, appreciating how it ties into the broader Original Sin world while standing strongly on its own.
Potential DrawbacksAs with many dark romances, this book contains heavy themes (including institutionalization, trauma, violence, and dubious consent elements) that require caution. Some readers may find certain developments predictable if they’re well-versed in the genre, and the psychological aspects occasionally lean heavily on trope territory. The mafia elements feel slightly more subdued here compared to earlier books in the series, focusing instead on the institutional and personal drama.
VerdictSacred Ruin is a deliciously dark, addictive read that will appeal to fans of authors like Natasha Knight, A. Zavarelli, or other gritty mafia romance writers. Mila Kane continues to prove herself as a go-to voice in the genre, delivering high-stakes emotion, scorching chemistry, and satisfying darkness. It’s book-hangover material for those who enjoy morally gray anti-heroes and heroines who fight their way through the shadows.
Rating: 4.5/5
A strong, atmospheric conclusion to the Original Sin series that’s perfect for dark romance lovers craving obsession, forbidden tension, and a touch of the sacred and profane.
Plot Summary (No Major Spoilers)Katarina is committed to Hallow Hall Institute—a foreboding institution for the “lost, broken, and damned”—after experiencing unsettling visions. There, she encounters a mysterious man in priest’s robes who is far more dangerous than he appears: a mafia hitman whose dark obsession with her threatens to consume them both. What unfolds is a forbidden, age-gap romance set against a backdrop of secrets, manipulation, revenge, and institutional eeriness.
What Works WellAtmosphere and Setting: Mila Kane excels at crafting an unnerving, gothic-tinged world at Hallow Hall. The combination of religious imagery, psychological uncertainty, and hidden dangers creates a claustrophobic intensity that hooks readers from the start.
Characters: Katarina and Massimo (the “devil in holy robes”) are compelling leads. Their dynamic is twisted yet oddly tender, with strong chemistry and believable emotional depth. Readers praise Massimo’s single-minded obsession and Katarina’s resilience.
Pacing and Heat: The story balances suspense, plot twists, and steamy forbidden romance effectively. Fans of dark romance appreciate the intensity, obsession, and emotional payoff without it feeling gratuitous.
Series Conclusion: Many readers call it the strongest entry yet, appreciating how it ties into the broader Original Sin world while standing strongly on its own.
Potential DrawbacksAs with many dark romances, this book contains heavy themes (including institutionalization, trauma, violence, and dubious consent elements) that require caution. Some readers may find certain developments predictable if they’re well-versed in the genre, and the psychological aspects occasionally lean heavily on trope territory. The mafia elements feel slightly more subdued here compared to earlier books in the series, focusing instead on the institutional and personal drama.
VerdictSacred Ruin is a deliciously dark, addictive read that will appeal to fans of authors like Natasha Knight, A. Zavarelli, or other gritty mafia romance writers. Mila Kane continues to prove herself as a go-to voice in the genre, delivering high-stakes emotion, scorching chemistry, and satisfying darkness. It’s book-hangover material for those who enjoy morally gray anti-heroes and heroines who fight their way through the shadows.
Rating: 4.5/5
A strong, atmospheric conclusion to the Original Sin series that’s perfect for dark romance lovers craving obsession, forbidden tension, and a touch of the sacred and profane.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Enter the dark, twisted halls of Hallow Hall and learn that the "good" guys aren't so good and the "bad" guys have hearts of gold and are waiting to save you.
Katerina has been trapped in Hallow Hall for 3 years. Forced there by men and her mother's pleas and kept drugged against her will, she fights to survive day after day. Until Father Lucciano shows up and saves her from the Unholy Trinity.
Massimo Lucciano is at Hallow Hall undercover as a priest after a hit was taken out on the man in charge of the hospital. He lies in wait for him and while he does, Massimo learns the dark truth about the place he's currently residing. Could the hospital hold the truth about secrets from Massimo's own troubled past?
This book took me for a ride. Just when I thought the trouble had ended it kept going! Poor Katerina, she's lucky she's got any wits about her at all. I was so mad on her behalf every time something happened to her. I love how strong she was, and her own personal convictions were so strong. She stood up for herself and those around her, even when she was at a disadvantage. She loved Massimo so much, but she didn't back down from what she wanted and held firm that she needed to be the one to make choices about her life especially since they had been taken away from her for so long.
Massimo was a good anti-hero. No one would say he's a good guy, but he's definitely not the devil he claims to be. He's just a broken boy whose mom was taken from him and who has never healed from that pain. Loving Katerina brings out his goodness. They were so good together and complemented each other beautifully. I loved how he was willing to let her go at the end. So many of these mafia men just keep their women when in that situation. Katerina summed it up nicely when she said that she just wanted to have a choice that was hers not that she wouldn't choose him.
This one was dark. So be careful of that if, drugging, involuntary confinement, abuse of authority figures and the normal dark romance things like violence, graphic sex, death, blood and gore bother you.
Like I said, I thought that this one would be about done and then BAM! something else would happen. Because it got a bit bonkers (dark/mafia romance is already a level of bonkers but this went beyond that) I gave it 4 stars. She was abducted so many times and drugged. I was like, when is it going to end?
Overall, this was really good and could be read as a standalone. Definitely recommend if you like mafia and dark romance but don't necessarily want that, it's more mafia adjacent.
4 Stars
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
Katerina has been trapped in Hallow Hall for 3 years. Forced there by men and her mother's pleas and kept drugged against her will, she fights to survive day after day. Until Father Lucciano shows up and saves her from the Unholy Trinity.
Massimo Lucciano is at Hallow Hall undercover as a priest after a hit was taken out on the man in charge of the hospital. He lies in wait for him and while he does, Massimo learns the dark truth about the place he's currently residing. Could the hospital hold the truth about secrets from Massimo's own troubled past?
This book took me for a ride. Just when I thought the trouble had ended it kept going! Poor Katerina, she's lucky she's got any wits about her at all. I was so mad on her behalf every time something happened to her. I love how strong she was, and her own personal convictions were so strong. She stood up for herself and those around her, even when she was at a disadvantage. She loved Massimo so much, but she didn't back down from what she wanted and held firm that she needed to be the one to make choices about her life especially since they had been taken away from her for so long.
Massimo was a good anti-hero. No one would say he's a good guy, but he's definitely not the devil he claims to be. He's just a broken boy whose mom was taken from him and who has never healed from that pain. Loving Katerina brings out his goodness. They were so good together and complemented each other beautifully. I loved how he was willing to let her go at the end. So many of these mafia men just keep their women when in that situation. Katerina summed it up nicely when she said that she just wanted to have a choice that was hers not that she wouldn't choose him.
This one was dark. So be careful of that if, drugging, involuntary confinement, abuse of authority figures and the normal dark romance things like violence, graphic sex, death, blood and gore bother you.
Like I said, I thought that this one would be about done and then BAM! something else would happen. Because it got a bit bonkers (dark/mafia romance is already a level of bonkers but this went beyond that) I gave it 4 stars. She was abducted so many times and drugged. I was like, when is it going to end?
Overall, this was really good and could be read as a standalone. Definitely recommend if you like mafia and dark romance but don't necessarily want that, it's more mafia adjacent.
4 Stars
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
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