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Original Sin #3
Sacred Ruin
Win a free print copy of this book!
3 days and 12:33:56
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 207 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)
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 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.
April 29, 2026
Ugh. This was not to my liking.
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...
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.
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.
April 22, 2026
This is the third book in the Original Sin series. In Sacred Ruin, Katarina is a sweet girl who talks to angels. Whenever she feels anxious or like she’s on the verge of losing it, a voice speaks to her to calm her down. At first she was worried, now she finds it soothing. Her mother however think something is not right with her. She believes something is wrong with her mind to have her hallucinating like that. So she gets her into the Hollow Hall Institute. A place filled with priest, nuns, and patients who are not in control of their own minds. Katerina doesn’t like it there. She’s terrified of the things she sees and soon discovers the place is evil. She sees bad stuff happening around her. She wants out and she will bide her time until she can find a way. The night she meets Massimo, she knows he’s not a part of them. She sees him as a criminal, a killer, but she also thinks he might be salvation.
We first met Massimo in Brutal Legacy. All we knew about him was that he’s a hitman and he’s very thorough at his job. When his next target leads him to Hallow Hall, he notices right away that the place is not what it seems. The day he meets Katarina, he is intrigued and instantly smitten. Unusual circumstances bring them together. It has him questioning if he will leave as soon as the job is done or if he will try to help her. He doesn’t see her as broken or fragile. He doesn’t think anything’s wrong with her and wants to keep her. He’s not in the business of helping anyone, but he might just change his mind when it comes to Katarina. Will he be able to eliminate his target and leave or will he risk his life?
Mila Kane had me feeling extremely bad for Katarina. She felt so trapped with no hope. She just goes on with her day wishing that one day she will be able to leave only to feel hopeless at night. I also felt bad for Massimo. The only thing we knew about him was that he was a hitman but we got to know him on a deeper level and his life is extremely sad. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. First of all, the chemistry between these two was so intense just a look across the hall was enough to know these two are meant to be. I was also scared they were gonna get caught at any moment. It didn’t matter what they did. I was always worried about them. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster filled with drama, danger, heat, action, secrets, humor, surprises, suspense, and many unpredictably heartbreaking twists.
We first met Massimo in Brutal Legacy. All we knew about him was that he’s a hitman and he’s very thorough at his job. When his next target leads him to Hallow Hall, he notices right away that the place is not what it seems. The day he meets Katarina, he is intrigued and instantly smitten. Unusual circumstances bring them together. It has him questioning if he will leave as soon as the job is done or if he will try to help her. He doesn’t see her as broken or fragile. He doesn’t think anything’s wrong with her and wants to keep her. He’s not in the business of helping anyone, but he might just change his mind when it comes to Katarina. Will he be able to eliminate his target and leave or will he risk his life?
Mila Kane had me feeling extremely bad for Katarina. She felt so trapped with no hope. She just goes on with her day wishing that one day she will be able to leave only to feel hopeless at night. I also felt bad for Massimo. The only thing we knew about him was that he was a hitman but we got to know him on a deeper level and his life is extremely sad. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. First of all, the chemistry between these two was so intense just a look across the hall was enough to know these two are meant to be. I was also scared they were gonna get caught at any moment. It didn’t matter what they did. I was always worried about them. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster filled with drama, danger, heat, action, secrets, humor, surprises, suspense, and many unpredictably heartbreaking twists.
April 29, 2026
Sacred Ruin is dark, haunting, and utterly consuming—a story that pulls you into the shadows and dares you to keep turning the page.
This book drops you into a chilling, claustrophobic world where nothing is as holy as it seems. Katarina is trapped in a nightmare of forced institutionalization, drugged and controlled under the guise of “treatment,” and her desperation is palpable from the very first chapter. Enter Massimo—a hitman sent to eliminate a target within Hallow Hall, who instead finds himself unraveling something far more sinister. Watching him shift from cold, calculated assassin to someone willing to risk everything for Katarina was one of the most compelling parts of the story.
The dynamic between these two is intense and layered. There’s a push and pull between survival, trust, and undeniable attraction that builds steadily throughout the book. Massimo is ruthless but protective in a way that makes you root for him, while Katarina balances vulnerability with a quiet resilience that keeps her from ever feeling like a passive character. Together, they create a connection that feels both dangerous and deeply emotional.
That said, this is not an easy read. The subject matter is incredibly dark and, at times, difficult to sit with. The themes of abuse, manipulation, and institutional control are disturbing and may not be for every reader. While I appreciated the boldness of the story and how fully it committed to its premise, some elements pushed the edge of my personal comfort zone, which is why this lands at four stars for me instead of five.
The writing itself is gripping and immersive. The pacing keeps you hooked, the tension never really lets up, and there are twists woven in that keep the story unpredictable. It’s the kind of book that leaves you slightly unsettled but unable to look away.
If you enjoy dark romance with morally gray characters, high-stakes tension, and a storyline that leans into the gritty and uncomfortable, Sacred Ruin is absolutely worth picking up—just make sure to check trigger warnings beforehand.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book drops you into a chilling, claustrophobic world where nothing is as holy as it seems. Katarina is trapped in a nightmare of forced institutionalization, drugged and controlled under the guise of “treatment,” and her desperation is palpable from the very first chapter. Enter Massimo—a hitman sent to eliminate a target within Hallow Hall, who instead finds himself unraveling something far more sinister. Watching him shift from cold, calculated assassin to someone willing to risk everything for Katarina was one of the most compelling parts of the story.
The dynamic between these two is intense and layered. There’s a push and pull between survival, trust, and undeniable attraction that builds steadily throughout the book. Massimo is ruthless but protective in a way that makes you root for him, while Katarina balances vulnerability with a quiet resilience that keeps her from ever feeling like a passive character. Together, they create a connection that feels both dangerous and deeply emotional.
That said, this is not an easy read. The subject matter is incredibly dark and, at times, difficult to sit with. The themes of abuse, manipulation, and institutional control are disturbing and may not be for every reader. While I appreciated the boldness of the story and how fully it committed to its premise, some elements pushed the edge of my personal comfort zone, which is why this lands at four stars for me instead of five.
The writing itself is gripping and immersive. The pacing keeps you hooked, the tension never really lets up, and there are twists woven in that keep the story unpredictable. It’s the kind of book that leaves you slightly unsettled but unable to look away.
If you enjoy dark romance with morally gray characters, high-stakes tension, and a storyline that leans into the gritty and uncomfortable, Sacred Ruin is absolutely worth picking up—just make sure to check trigger warnings beforehand.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2026
I genuinely didn’t expect Sacred Ruin by Mila Kane to be this good and get under my skin the way it did. It’s dark—like really dark—but there’s something about the way the story is told that makes it impossible to stop reading. Twisted, but at the same time emotional and addictive.
Massimo and Katarina are the kind of pairing that shouldn’t work… and yet they absolutely do. He’s cold, calculated, and completely locked in on his mission, and she’s trapped in a nightmare that feels like it will never end. But when their paths cross, something shifts. It’s not instant softness or easy trust—it’s tension, curiosity, and this quiet pull that keeps growing whether they want it to or not.
I wanted to hug Katarina so tight. You can feel how trapped she is—physically and mentally—but what I really liked is that she never fully loses herself. Even when everything is stacked against her, there’s still this quiet strength in her that refuses to disappear. She’s not just waiting to be saved, even if she needs help.
And Massimo… I was not prepared for how much I’d like him. He starts off so detached, so focused, but the way he slowly starts prioritizing Katarina—risking everything for her, even when it makes no sense for his mission—was so satisfying to watch. He’s still ruthless, still dangerous, but there’s this line he won’t cross when it comes to her, and that contrast just works.
Their dynamic is what really carried the book for me. It’s intense, a little obsessive and it feels real within the world they’re in. There’s this constant push and pull between darkness and something softer trying to break through.
The plot itself kept me hooked from the very begining. Every time I thought I had a grasp on where things were heading, something shifted. The twists weren’t just there for shock value—they actually added to the tension and made everything feel more layered.
Overall, it’s intense, unsettling, and really captivating. Messed up in a way that somehow still makes you believe these two found exactly what they needed in each other.
Massimo and Katarina are the kind of pairing that shouldn’t work… and yet they absolutely do. He’s cold, calculated, and completely locked in on his mission, and she’s trapped in a nightmare that feels like it will never end. But when their paths cross, something shifts. It’s not instant softness or easy trust—it’s tension, curiosity, and this quiet pull that keeps growing whether they want it to or not.
I wanted to hug Katarina so tight. You can feel how trapped she is—physically and mentally—but what I really liked is that she never fully loses herself. Even when everything is stacked against her, there’s still this quiet strength in her that refuses to disappear. She’s not just waiting to be saved, even if she needs help.
And Massimo… I was not prepared for how much I’d like him. He starts off so detached, so focused, but the way he slowly starts prioritizing Katarina—risking everything for her, even when it makes no sense for his mission—was so satisfying to watch. He’s still ruthless, still dangerous, but there’s this line he won’t cross when it comes to her, and that contrast just works.
Their dynamic is what really carried the book for me. It’s intense, a little obsessive and it feels real within the world they’re in. There’s this constant push and pull between darkness and something softer trying to break through.
The plot itself kept me hooked from the very begining. Every time I thought I had a grasp on where things were heading, something shifted. The twists weren’t just there for shock value—they actually added to the tension and made everything feel more layered.
Overall, it’s intense, unsettling, and really captivating. Messed up in a way that somehow still makes you believe these two found exactly what they needed in each other.
April 26, 2026
An assassin pretending to be a priest in a corrupt mental health facility was already enough to hook me… but then he sees her.
Katarina is everything that place tried to destroy. After years of being drugged, controlled and stripped of her autonomy, she still holds onto this quiet, stubborn light. And Massimo? He was never meant to care about anyone. Cold, calculated and completely ruthless, he’s there for one job. One target. No distractions.
Katarina becomes his only exception.
The obsession in this book was so good. It wasn’t instant love, it was darker than that. Possessive, consuming, slightly unhinged and completely inevitable. Watching Massimo unravel over her while still trying to maintain control of everything else was addictive. And the contrast? A literal devil dressed as a priest, with a filthy mouth and violent tendencies, worshipping one broken girl like she’s sacred. Yeah… it hit.
But Katarina was the heart of this story. She wasn’t just a victim of her circumstances. There was this quiet resilience about her that slowly sharpened into strength. Even in her most vulnerable moments, she had this underlying determination to survive, to fight back and to protect others when she could. I loved that she didn’t just rely on Massimo, even when he would have happily burned the world down for her.
This book went darker than I expected. The setting was unsettling, the villains were genuinely disturbing and some scenes were hard to read in the best way for a dark romance. The emotional depth caught me off guard too. Beneath all the chaos, obsession and spice, there was real pain, healing and connection.
It’s definitely a long one and feels like it almost splits into two parts, which is why I think it could have worked really well as a duology. But honestly, I was too invested to care by that point.
Check trigger warnings because this is not a light read.
TROPES
Dark romance
Assassin ‘priest’
Mental health rep
Virgin FMC
Possessive and protective MMC
Forced marriage
Touch her and die
Age gap
He falls first
Forced proximity
Katarina is everything that place tried to destroy. After years of being drugged, controlled and stripped of her autonomy, she still holds onto this quiet, stubborn light. And Massimo? He was never meant to care about anyone. Cold, calculated and completely ruthless, he’s there for one job. One target. No distractions.
Katarina becomes his only exception.
The obsession in this book was so good. It wasn’t instant love, it was darker than that. Possessive, consuming, slightly unhinged and completely inevitable. Watching Massimo unravel over her while still trying to maintain control of everything else was addictive. And the contrast? A literal devil dressed as a priest, with a filthy mouth and violent tendencies, worshipping one broken girl like she’s sacred. Yeah… it hit.
But Katarina was the heart of this story. She wasn’t just a victim of her circumstances. There was this quiet resilience about her that slowly sharpened into strength. Even in her most vulnerable moments, she had this underlying determination to survive, to fight back and to protect others when she could. I loved that she didn’t just rely on Massimo, even when he would have happily burned the world down for her.
This book went darker than I expected. The setting was unsettling, the villains were genuinely disturbing and some scenes were hard to read in the best way for a dark romance. The emotional depth caught me off guard too. Beneath all the chaos, obsession and spice, there was real pain, healing and connection.
It’s definitely a long one and feels like it almost splits into two parts, which is why I think it could have worked really well as a duology. But honestly, I was too invested to care by that point.
Check trigger warnings because this is not a light read.
TROPES
Dark romance
Assassin ‘priest’
Mental health rep
Virgin FMC
Possessive and protective MMC
Forced marriage
Touch her and die
Age gap
He falls first
Forced proximity
April 26, 2026
Sacred Ruin is another hit from Mila Kane.
Katarina is sent to Hallow Hall, a religious psychiatric hospital, by her mother and priest because she refuses to marry the priest’s nephew.
What really got me with this book was Katarina’s side of it. Being locked away while everyone around her keeps treating her like she’s the problem felt a bit too real. Women say something is wrong, say something has happened to them, and too often they’re dismissed, not believed, or told they’re overreacting. Katarina never stops speaking up, even when no one wants to hear it. She stays strong, stands up for herself, and also looks out for the other vulnerable women around her, which made me like her even more. The abuse, the gaslighting, the medication, she went through a lot.
Massimo turning up at Hallow Hall pretending to be someone he clearly isn’t added so much tension straight away. He’s instantly drawn to Katarina, and for the first time, it feels like someone actually sees him for who he is. After that, everything shifts.
I also really liked Katarina and Massimo together because she sees through him so fast. He might be able to fool everyone else, but not her, and that gave their connection a more solid edge, because she knew from the start the kind of man he was. The kind of man she needed to get out of Hallow Hall.
“You saw me, and I saw you, angel. I know what you are, just like you know what I am.”
“My Little Stray”
I LOVE MASSIMO!!! The way he looks after Katarina is just 😍 plus the fact that he ☠️ certain bad individuals is 🥵
The asylum setting, the religious element, and the constant feeling that nobody in that place could be trusted made the whole story feel tense and unsettling. I was suspicious of everyone and kept trying to work out where it was all going!
I love Mila’s books and her writing, and this book for me, is one of the best she has written and I think I have nearly read them all!
Make sure you add this one to your TBR ASAP!
5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
Katarina is sent to Hallow Hall, a religious psychiatric hospital, by her mother and priest because she refuses to marry the priest’s nephew.
What really got me with this book was Katarina’s side of it. Being locked away while everyone around her keeps treating her like she’s the problem felt a bit too real. Women say something is wrong, say something has happened to them, and too often they’re dismissed, not believed, or told they’re overreacting. Katarina never stops speaking up, even when no one wants to hear it. She stays strong, stands up for herself, and also looks out for the other vulnerable women around her, which made me like her even more. The abuse, the gaslighting, the medication, she went through a lot.
Massimo turning up at Hallow Hall pretending to be someone he clearly isn’t added so much tension straight away. He’s instantly drawn to Katarina, and for the first time, it feels like someone actually sees him for who he is. After that, everything shifts.
I also really liked Katarina and Massimo together because she sees through him so fast. He might be able to fool everyone else, but not her, and that gave their connection a more solid edge, because she knew from the start the kind of man he was. The kind of man she needed to get out of Hallow Hall.
“You saw me, and I saw you, angel. I know what you are, just like you know what I am.”
“My Little Stray”
I LOVE MASSIMO!!! The way he looks after Katarina is just 😍 plus the fact that he ☠️ certain bad individuals is 🥵
The asylum setting, the religious element, and the constant feeling that nobody in that place could be trusted made the whole story feel tense and unsettling. I was suspicious of everyone and kept trying to work out where it was all going!
I love Mila’s books and her writing, and this book for me, is one of the best she has written and I think I have nearly read them all!
Make sure you add this one to your TBR ASAP!
5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*ARC review copy courtesy of NetGalley*
If you’re looking for a dark romance that pulls you in with equal parts danger, devotion, and delicious tension, Sacred Ruin by Mila Kane absolutely delivers. Set against the haunting backdrop of the Hallow Hall Institute, the story crackles with atmosphere, obsession, and characters who refuse to be easily broken.
At the center of it all is Katarina, a FMC whose strength and resilience shine through every page. She’s been forged by circumstance rather than sheltered from it, and that shows in the way she navigates the treacherous world around her. Katarina doesn’t simply endure, she adapts, resists, and holds fiercely to her sense of self. Her inner steel makes her a compelling heroine, and it’s very satisfying to watch her face challenge after challenge with tenacious determination.
Then there’s Massimo, whose mission to Hallow Hall takes an unexpected turn the moment he encounters Katarina. What begins as a get in and get out job quickly transforms into something far more consuming. Massimo’s fixation on Katarina is immediate and electric, but what makes it so captivating is the depth of his devotion once he recognizes her strength. He isn’t just intrigued, he’s enthralled. His focus sharpens around her, turning his mission into something more personal, more dangerous, and far more meaningful.
The dynamic between them is magnetic. Katarina’s resilience meets Massimo’s unwavering attention in a way that sparks both tension and tenderness. Their interactions carry that addictive push-and-pull that dark romance fans crave, where vulnerability and power are constantly shifting beneath the surface.
Mila Kane crafts a story that feels both intense and oddly playful in its darkness, weaving together suspense, romance, and a touch of wicked charm. Sacred Ruin is a gripping ride through loyalty, obsession, and the fierce connection that can grow in the most unexpected places.
If you’re looking for a dark romance that pulls you in with equal parts danger, devotion, and delicious tension, Sacred Ruin by Mila Kane absolutely delivers. Set against the haunting backdrop of the Hallow Hall Institute, the story crackles with atmosphere, obsession, and characters who refuse to be easily broken.
At the center of it all is Katarina, a FMC whose strength and resilience shine through every page. She’s been forged by circumstance rather than sheltered from it, and that shows in the way she navigates the treacherous world around her. Katarina doesn’t simply endure, she adapts, resists, and holds fiercely to her sense of self. Her inner steel makes her a compelling heroine, and it’s very satisfying to watch her face challenge after challenge with tenacious determination.
Then there’s Massimo, whose mission to Hallow Hall takes an unexpected turn the moment he encounters Katarina. What begins as a get in and get out job quickly transforms into something far more consuming. Massimo’s fixation on Katarina is immediate and electric, but what makes it so captivating is the depth of his devotion once he recognizes her strength. He isn’t just intrigued, he’s enthralled. His focus sharpens around her, turning his mission into something more personal, more dangerous, and far more meaningful.
The dynamic between them is magnetic. Katarina’s resilience meets Massimo’s unwavering attention in a way that sparks both tension and tenderness. Their interactions carry that addictive push-and-pull that dark romance fans crave, where vulnerability and power are constantly shifting beneath the surface.
Mila Kane crafts a story that feels both intense and oddly playful in its darkness, weaving together suspense, romance, and a touch of wicked charm. Sacred Ruin is a gripping ride through loyalty, obsession, and the fierce connection that can grow in the most unexpected places.
March 10, 2026
*ARC Review for NetGalley*
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Mila Kane for the ARC of Sacred Ruin, all opinions are my own.
Please check trigger warnings before reading this book.
I was pulled into this books plot from the very beginning the Prologue alone had me at the edge of my seat with everything that unfolded before the main part of the story even started. Katerina is finishing up her teaching degree when she starts hearing voices in her head that wouldn’t be considered normal, she then finds herself checked in to Hallow Hall a religious institution with more than just secrets inside its doors. Her life takes a turn you would never expect, she is surrounded by people who are supposed to help her but she doesn’t know who she can trust, if anyone.
Massimo is a killer, a hitman for hire who is out for revenge. He finds himself in Hallow Hall undercover as priest looking for his next target, instead he meets Katerina and the connection between the two is instant and the tension is off the charts. The events that play out after their meeting are both intense and traumatic and keep you fully invested in both characters.
Katerina’s story is not only heartbreaking but shows her strength, resilience, and her ability to endure what she has been through. Massimo is supposed to be feared and evil but his redemption and heart are something that comes out even when he tries to hide it. The way their relationship evolves was one of my favorite parts of the book. While I found myself frustrated with a few plot points in this story, mostly from the FMC’s stand point I fully understand why it was written that way. The spice in this book was perfection and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfectly written MMC who is morally gray while also being tender and loving. If you like some dark romance with mafia ties, you will love this book. This was my first Mila Kane book but it won’t be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Mila Kane for the ARC of Sacred Ruin, all opinions are my own.
Please check trigger warnings before reading this book.
I was pulled into this books plot from the very beginning the Prologue alone had me at the edge of my seat with everything that unfolded before the main part of the story even started. Katerina is finishing up her teaching degree when she starts hearing voices in her head that wouldn’t be considered normal, she then finds herself checked in to Hallow Hall a religious institution with more than just secrets inside its doors. Her life takes a turn you would never expect, she is surrounded by people who are supposed to help her but she doesn’t know who she can trust, if anyone.
Massimo is a killer, a hitman for hire who is out for revenge. He finds himself in Hallow Hall undercover as priest looking for his next target, instead he meets Katerina and the connection between the two is instant and the tension is off the charts. The events that play out after their meeting are both intense and traumatic and keep you fully invested in both characters.
Katerina’s story is not only heartbreaking but shows her strength, resilience, and her ability to endure what she has been through. Massimo is supposed to be feared and evil but his redemption and heart are something that comes out even when he tries to hide it. The way their relationship evolves was one of my favorite parts of the book. While I found myself frustrated with a few plot points in this story, mostly from the FMC’s stand point I fully understand why it was written that way. The spice in this book was perfection and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfectly written MMC who is morally gray while also being tender and loving. If you like some dark romance with mafia ties, you will love this book. This was my first Mila Kane book but it won’t be my last.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review — Sacred Ruin, Mila Kane
“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.”
SACRED RUIN — Mila Kane
I’m not going to lie: this book made me uncomfortable in several parts… but in that way that keeps it stuck in your head long after you’ve put it down.
Massimo and Katarina are not a “pretty” couple in the traditional sense. They’re chaotic, morally gray, and a little broken, but that’s exactly why their connection feels so intense. This isn’t a clean romance—it’s one that’s born in a rotten place and somehow still manages to feel real.
The premise alone is strong: Massimo enters Hallow Hall with a very clear mission, but everything starts to unravel the moment Katarina appears. And that place… it’s not just shady, it’s deeply disturbing. Everything that happens under the excuse of “faith” and “purification” becomes hard to read at times, so definitely check the content warnings before going in.
One thing I really loved is Kat. She’s strong, but not in the typical way—she doesn’t wait to be saved. She holds herself together, endures, adapts, and within all that horror, finds a way not to lose herself. That’s what made her stand out so much to me.
And Massimo… he starts off completely calculated, almost detached, and little by little you begin to see a side of him he doesn’t even want to acknowledge. I really liked how his focus shifts once she enters his world.
I also felt like this book explores a theme that’s quite different from what I usually read in dark romance, and that made it even more interesting. It’s not a comfortable story, but that’s exactly where its strength lies.
If you enjoy dark romance where the line between right and wrong barely exists, and where obsession weighs just as much as emotion, you’ll probably love this one.
Thanks to BookFunnel and the author for the ARC.
“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.”
SACRED RUIN — Mila Kane
I’m not going to lie: this book made me uncomfortable in several parts… but in that way that keeps it stuck in your head long after you’ve put it down.
Massimo and Katarina are not a “pretty” couple in the traditional sense. They’re chaotic, morally gray, and a little broken, but that’s exactly why their connection feels so intense. This isn’t a clean romance—it’s one that’s born in a rotten place and somehow still manages to feel real.
The premise alone is strong: Massimo enters Hallow Hall with a very clear mission, but everything starts to unravel the moment Katarina appears. And that place… it’s not just shady, it’s deeply disturbing. Everything that happens under the excuse of “faith” and “purification” becomes hard to read at times, so definitely check the content warnings before going in.
One thing I really loved is Kat. She’s strong, but not in the typical way—she doesn’t wait to be saved. She holds herself together, endures, adapts, and within all that horror, finds a way not to lose herself. That’s what made her stand out so much to me.
And Massimo… he starts off completely calculated, almost detached, and little by little you begin to see a side of him he doesn’t even want to acknowledge. I really liked how his focus shifts once she enters his world.
I also felt like this book explores a theme that’s quite different from what I usually read in dark romance, and that made it even more interesting. It’s not a comfortable story, but that’s exactly where its strength lies.
If you enjoy dark romance where the line between right and wrong barely exists, and where obsession weighs just as much as emotion, you’ll probably love this one.
Thanks to BookFunnel and the author for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WOW, is all I can start with on this one. I realize that this is book 3 in the series and I haven't read the previous books but, you can bet I'll be grabbing them IMMEDIATELY just based on this book alone. Such a dark and suspenseful story. I was awake way too late last night because I couldn't put it down right at the end.
Poor, innocent Katarina has been hearing voices in her head. Angels speaking to her? Possibly. Once her mother finds out, she makes a deal with the Priest for her to be sent away to Hallow Hall. Here she will get help from the priests, nuns and doctors so that she might follow the right path.
Massimo has come to Hallow Hall looking for answers regarding his mother and for vengeance. He knows that this place is not what they claim it is but, he doesn't care about that. He has come to do what he needs to and then leave. Until he meets Katarina. She calls him the devil and, well, she's not completely wrong.
Massimo, as a morally black (well, maybe blackish gray) MMC, is perfection. His goal to simply find answers and deal out punishment is quickly upset because of his obsession to save Katarina and keep her for himself. But, along the way, he begins to start to care about more than just himself and Katarina.
And sweet Katarina... I'm never a big fan of the innocent, virginal FMC's who live this sheltered life but, Katarina is so much more than that. From the life that she has lived at Hallow Hall, she has gained the strength to not only fight for herself and the others at the "hospital" but also to fight for the revenge that she deserves! I love the growth of her character so much. Fighting for the life that she deserves! And her twisted and dark connection to Massimo is so beautiful.
This story was dark and sad but, in the midst of all of the sadness, was this story of love and redemption (well, kind of).
Thank you NetGalley and Mila Kane for an ARC of this.
Poor, innocent Katarina has been hearing voices in her head. Angels speaking to her? Possibly. Once her mother finds out, she makes a deal with the Priest for her to be sent away to Hallow Hall. Here she will get help from the priests, nuns and doctors so that she might follow the right path.
Massimo has come to Hallow Hall looking for answers regarding his mother and for vengeance. He knows that this place is not what they claim it is but, he doesn't care about that. He has come to do what he needs to and then leave. Until he meets Katarina. She calls him the devil and, well, she's not completely wrong.
Massimo, as a morally black (well, maybe blackish gray) MMC, is perfection. His goal to simply find answers and deal out punishment is quickly upset because of his obsession to save Katarina and keep her for himself. But, along the way, he begins to start to care about more than just himself and Katarina.
And sweet Katarina... I'm never a big fan of the innocent, virginal FMC's who live this sheltered life but, Katarina is so much more than that. From the life that she has lived at Hallow Hall, she has gained the strength to not only fight for herself and the others at the "hospital" but also to fight for the revenge that she deserves! I love the growth of her character so much. Fighting for the life that she deserves! And her twisted and dark connection to Massimo is so beautiful.
This story was dark and sad but, in the midst of all of the sadness, was this story of love and redemption (well, kind of).
Thank you NetGalley and Mila Kane for an ARC of this.
April 21, 2026
I absolutely loved this book and it will definitely be on my 'to be read again' shelf!
Sacred Ruin by Mila Kane is the third title in the Original Sin series and even though I haven't read the previous two titles it didn't matter. Having read several of Mila Kane's other books I was happy to discover mentions and appearances of other characters from the Mila Kane universe.
Katarina and Massimo were both amazing main characters and had plenty of depth and personality that leapt off the page and I was completely engaged with their histories and invested in their futures.
Katarina, manipulated and strong-armed into a mental health facility against her will, was left to endure depravity and cruelty at the hands of members of the Church and healthcare professionals for several years. Therapies, accompanied by medications leaves her delusional and stripped of memories at times but despite the hardships, her intelligence, compassion for fellow patients and perseverance doesn't diminish and she does her best to fight the system and survive.
Massimo, the morally grey hero, lives on blood and vengeance and believes he is beyond redemption. He is hired to to take out one of the men of the cloth at Hallow Hall and crosses paths with Katarina and their lives will never be the same again. Despite her drug addled state Katarina sees Massimo behind his disguise and mask and he sees a woman that is meant to be his.
The plot and storyline was layered and as the novel progresses, the intrigue, suspense and connections, are revealed with some unexpected twists and turns hat kept me captivated and eagerly turning the pages.
The unlikely pairing that is Katarina and Massimo, was a pleasure to read as they teamed up on their journey together for answers, love, belonging, vengeance and redemption. A wonderful read and I definitely recommend.
I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sacred Ruin by Mila Kane is the third title in the Original Sin series and even though I haven't read the previous two titles it didn't matter. Having read several of Mila Kane's other books I was happy to discover mentions and appearances of other characters from the Mila Kane universe.
Katarina and Massimo were both amazing main characters and had plenty of depth and personality that leapt off the page and I was completely engaged with their histories and invested in their futures.
Katarina, manipulated and strong-armed into a mental health facility against her will, was left to endure depravity and cruelty at the hands of members of the Church and healthcare professionals for several years. Therapies, accompanied by medications leaves her delusional and stripped of memories at times but despite the hardships, her intelligence, compassion for fellow patients and perseverance doesn't diminish and she does her best to fight the system and survive.
Massimo, the morally grey hero, lives on blood and vengeance and believes he is beyond redemption. He is hired to to take out one of the men of the cloth at Hallow Hall and crosses paths with Katarina and their lives will never be the same again. Despite her drug addled state Katarina sees Massimo behind his disguise and mask and he sees a woman that is meant to be his.
The plot and storyline was layered and as the novel progresses, the intrigue, suspense and connections, are revealed with some unexpected twists and turns hat kept me captivated and eagerly turning the pages.
The unlikely pairing that is Katarina and Massimo, was a pleasure to read as they teamed up on their journey together for answers, love, belonging, vengeance and redemption. A wonderful read and I definitely recommend.
I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Ballentine and Mila Kane for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I read the Original Sin series backwards and started with Massimo and Katarina first. These are complete standalones and I didn't need to read the other two to get the enjoyment out of this story. This is a dark romance with mafia ties and the trigger warning list should be read in depth if you have any triggers with medical malpractice, medical abuse, SA, sex trafficking, false imprisonment, and drug abuse. I would also add a trigger if you are religious in anyway this book is most likely not for you.
While this book kept me on my toes - I would set it down to go get back to real life and think about it until I picked it up again. I will say in comparison to the last 50% much less happens in the first half. When I checked at one point to see how much of the book was left I was surprised I was only half way through as it felt a little like it was dragging on. But, once you hit the 60% mark it's all action and twists and you legitimately do not know what is going to happen next. I'm all for a man who will not only save the woman he loves, but burn down the world in the process and that is exactly who Massimo is. Katarina is just as strong to be able to be with Massimo, despite everything that has happened to her she's still a fighter all the way through to the end.
Besides the pacing of the story being a little up and down my only other gripe as that is advertised as forbidden romance, but even the characters don't ever bring it up other than Massimo angry at himself for being distracted when he is on a mission.
Overall, the story had me hooked and the characters were interesting and kept me wanting to learn more. This is an open door with spice, but found it a bit repetitive. I'm still thinking about the book 24 hours later so 4 stars from me. It would have been 5 stars if the pacing had been done a bit better.
I read the Original Sin series backwards and started with Massimo and Katarina first. These are complete standalones and I didn't need to read the other two to get the enjoyment out of this story. This is a dark romance with mafia ties and the trigger warning list should be read in depth if you have any triggers with medical malpractice, medical abuse, SA, sex trafficking, false imprisonment, and drug abuse. I would also add a trigger if you are religious in anyway this book is most likely not for you.
While this book kept me on my toes - I would set it down to go get back to real life and think about it until I picked it up again. I will say in comparison to the last 50% much less happens in the first half. When I checked at one point to see how much of the book was left I was surprised I was only half way through as it felt a little like it was dragging on. But, once you hit the 60% mark it's all action and twists and you legitimately do not know what is going to happen next. I'm all for a man who will not only save the woman he loves, but burn down the world in the process and that is exactly who Massimo is. Katarina is just as strong to be able to be with Massimo, despite everything that has happened to her she's still a fighter all the way through to the end.
Besides the pacing of the story being a little up and down my only other gripe as that is advertised as forbidden romance, but even the characters don't ever bring it up other than Massimo angry at himself for being distracted when he is on a mission.
Overall, the story had me hooked and the characters were interesting and kept me wanting to learn more. This is an open door with spice, but found it a bit repetitive. I'm still thinking about the book 24 hours later so 4 stars from me. It would have been 5 stars if the pacing had been done a bit better.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✧ ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ! ✧
❝𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬.❞
𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐨 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 & 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚.
Katarina’s crime wasn’t violence, wasn’t theft, wasn’t madness, but it was saying 𝒏𝒐.
After refusing a man who wanted to claim her as his wife, she’s sent to Hallow Hall, a “rehabilitation” facility, run by the so-called Holy Trinity. The staff are "church affiliates." The walls echo with prayer and the punishments are disguised as purification.
They insist she’s there because of 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 and they insist they’re 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 her.
But Hallow Hall carries a secret so rotten it could shatter faith itself.
Enter Massimo.
A sicario, a contract, a job that leads him straight to Hallow Hall… and straight to Katarina.
She clocks him immediately for what he is and that unsettles him.
You don’t want to intrigue a hitman, especially one fueled by vengeance, but Katarina does exactly that. She hears voices in her head. Whispers that are disturbingly accurate. She’s been betrayed by the one meant to protect her, and Massimo—numb and mechanical— finds himself shifting off autopilot the moment she looks at him like she already knows his sins.
Katarina has spent her nights at Hallow Hall praying to be released, but the real question is, was she praying to the wrong divine being?
╰┈➤ ꜱᴀᴄʀᴇᴅ ʀᴜɪɴ had a strong concept: religious corruption, forced institutionalization, morally gray sicario hero, psychological tension. The bones are there for something devastating.
While it was decent, it didn’t quite claw into me the way I wanted. I wasn’t left desperate for the next book. The premise felt darker than the emotional execution, and I kept waiting for that gut-punch escalation that never fully landed.
But if you love morally gray men with quiet violence and heroines who see too much, this one might hit harder for you than it did for me.
❝𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬.❞
𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐨 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 & 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚.
Katarina’s crime wasn’t violence, wasn’t theft, wasn’t madness, but it was saying 𝒏𝒐.
After refusing a man who wanted to claim her as his wife, she’s sent to Hallow Hall, a “rehabilitation” facility, run by the so-called Holy Trinity. The staff are "church affiliates." The walls echo with prayer and the punishments are disguised as purification.
They insist she’s there because of 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 and they insist they’re 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 her.
But Hallow Hall carries a secret so rotten it could shatter faith itself.
Enter Massimo.
A sicario, a contract, a job that leads him straight to Hallow Hall… and straight to Katarina.
She clocks him immediately for what he is and that unsettles him.
You don’t want to intrigue a hitman, especially one fueled by vengeance, but Katarina does exactly that. She hears voices in her head. Whispers that are disturbingly accurate. She’s been betrayed by the one meant to protect her, and Massimo—numb and mechanical— finds himself shifting off autopilot the moment she looks at him like she already knows his sins.
Katarina has spent her nights at Hallow Hall praying to be released, but the real question is, was she praying to the wrong divine being?
╰┈➤ ꜱᴀᴄʀᴇᴅ ʀᴜɪɴ had a strong concept: religious corruption, forced institutionalization, morally gray sicario hero, psychological tension. The bones are there for something devastating.
While it was decent, it didn’t quite claw into me the way I wanted. I wasn’t left desperate for the next book. The premise felt darker than the emotional execution, and I kept waiting for that gut-punch escalation that never fully landed.
But if you love morally gray men with quiet violence and heroines who see too much, this one might hit harder for you than it did for me.
April 21, 2026
In her last book in the series it was clear that the explosive enigmatic hitman Massimo needed his own book, and here we have it. The romance between the two characters has depths that start with both of them recognizing the truth in the other, to full on passion and also small moments of sweetness. The metaphor of angel and devil is well used for both the characters and the setting, whereas in other books it might feel clichéd. Here it makes sense.
Katerina is almost a modern day tragic, gothic heroine imprisoned and silenced in an institution that feels pre-Victorian. Although we rarely get introduced to other "patients", mostly just the horrific staff.
I do think that one promising character was not as fully explored as I'd have liked.
Its hard to write too much without giving away any key elements. I will say that while the romance, chemistry and characterisation was very strong, that a lot of the twists were easy to see coming. While I would ve preferred a little more mystery, it is a romance story first and foremost.
I did like that there was a change of scenery and really loved the Dantesque structure of the book.
You also see former characters from the series which was enjoyable. Im interested to see where the series goes from there.
This is a truly dark romance, Mila Kane has never shyed away from darker elements in her writing, but this is perhaps one of the darker books in the series. The author does however provide detailed trigger warnings. I did enjoy that the author tackled a whole new setting and i liked there was that slight touch of a gothic, horror vibe.
I would give this book 4 stars because overall it was an atmospheric and engrossing read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Katerina is almost a modern day tragic, gothic heroine imprisoned and silenced in an institution that feels pre-Victorian. Although we rarely get introduced to other "patients", mostly just the horrific staff.
I do think that one promising character was not as fully explored as I'd have liked.
Its hard to write too much without giving away any key elements. I will say that while the romance, chemistry and characterisation was very strong, that a lot of the twists were easy to see coming. While I would ve preferred a little more mystery, it is a romance story first and foremost.
I did like that there was a change of scenery and really loved the Dantesque structure of the book.
You also see former characters from the series which was enjoyable. Im interested to see where the series goes from there.
This is a truly dark romance, Mila Kane has never shyed away from darker elements in her writing, but this is perhaps one of the darker books in the series. The author does however provide detailed trigger warnings. I did enjoy that the author tackled a whole new setting and i liked there was that slight touch of a gothic, horror vibe.
I would give this book 4 stars because overall it was an atmospheric and engrossing read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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