Cocky Brutal Sinner

House of Cards #4

by Lena Hunt

She was my best friend’s little sister. Keeping her a secret was the only way I could have her.

Brinley Windsor has been under my skin for five years and in my bed for three. Nobody knows. Especially not Luke—her brother, my best friend, and the closest thing I have to family.

I have kept every secret, followed every rule, and buried every instinct to claim her out loud.

Then an old blog post goes viral and costs Luke a seven-figure deal. Now my friends are hunting the anonymous writer who has been tearing them apart for years.

They don't know it's Brinley.

I do.

The worst part is that she had every reason to write those words. I was there when they gave her those reasons, and I did nothing to stop them.

I failed her once. I won't do it again.

Choosing Brinley could destroy the only family I have ever known. But walking away from her would destroy me.

Cocky Brutal Sinner is a high-heat contemporary romance featuring:

♠ Best Friend’s Little Sister

♠ Brother’s Best Friend

♠ Secret Relationship

♠ Forbidden Billionaire Romance

♠ Protective, Possessive Hero

♠ He Falls First and Harder

♠ Guaranteed HEA

♠ Complete Standalone: Book 4 of the five-book House of Cards series

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Billionaire Romance

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2026

About the author

Lena Hunt is a Canadian author born and raised north of Toronto, which is the setting for her flagship series, House of Cards. She writes angsty contemporary romances with complex characters who bring the spice and banter in spades.

When she isn’t busy writing, she can be found listening to music at an unreasonable volume, wishing she was somewhere warmer, or spending quality time with her chaotic family.

Connect with Lena on Instagram: @authorlenahunt

Follow her on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/lenahunt

Reviews

[Tiffany Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the plot… but hated the FMC

Ok I went into this with a totally open mind. And the writing and plot totally deserves the 4 stars but here’s why I hated.

Spoiler…





It was hinted that the reason she was blogging to hurt her brother and friends was because of something horrible they did to her. Was it hurtful and humiliating…yes. But they were all kids. They did deserve some punishment but she was a grown adult when she hurt people in a very serious way. And she didn’t come clean she was caught. Forgiven entirely too easily and treated Beau like crap. I wanted to like her and at times I did but nope just hated her in the end.

[JKMNO · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could not stand the FMC

I couldn't stand Brinley by the time I was about 25% in. The way she nearly destroyed her friends relationships all for some petty act of revenge for a slight that was 10 years ago? I get being mad at her brother and his friends, but if that was the one and only douche-y thing they did to her? Her response was like declaring nuclear war on some who lobbed a water balloon at you. She was vindictive and selfish and honestly didn't deserve everyone's forgiveness.
I've thoroughly enjoyed all the other books in this series, but this one was just a massive NO.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest installment in the series, centering on Brinley—Luke’s little sister and one of his oldest friends—and Beau, delivers everything fans anticipated and more. As an emotionally charged romance infused with mystery and witty camaraderie, it stakes its claim not only in the hearts of series loyalists but also among readers who savor complex character dynamics. Having awaited Beau’s story eagerly, as we suspected he harbored secrets. The plot unpacks these tensions while weaving a scorching secret romance that refuses to be extinguished.

The interwoven secrets and revenge add complexity to the plot and the series’ charm, weaving the messy, sometimes chaotic paths love and friendship can take in real life.

One of the book’s most compelling strengths lies in the authentic and electrifying chemistry between Brinley and Beau. Their relationship, sizzling in intimacy yet shrouded in secrecy, unfolds with a palpable tension that feels both thrilling and real. The secrecy itself, maintained over surprisingly long stretches, adds a rich texture of forbidden desire and emotional risk that keeps the plot gripping. It’s refreshing how the author navigates this, avoiding clichés of secret romances that burn out quickly and instead crafting a bond that, despite all obstacles, remains unbreakable.

The ensemble cast and the quirky “boys club,” whose playful banter provides both levity and depth, balancing heavier emotional moments with genuine humor. The presence of Eden joining the “found family” motif resonates warmly, reminding us that chosen connections often outshine blood relations. Meanwhile, the intriguing mystery of Peppermint—the shadowy figure targeting Beau and his friends via an anonymous blogger—introduces layers of suspense that line up nicely with the central love story, elevating the stakes beyond mere romantic turmoil.

While the plot’s many twists—including meddlesome family members eager to complicate romantic lives—can feel overwhelming when you're already in a secret relationship with the love of your life. Brinley’s character stands out for its emotional rawness and courage; her willingness to confront her mistakes head-on, laying bare her vulnerabilities, adds a layer of sincerity that deeply resonates. This forthrightness helps ground the story amid its more sensational spoilers and reinforces the theme of forgiveness and growth.

Overall, Brinley and Beau’s story is rich in passion, loyalty, and personal evolution. Its characters who feel tangible, flawed, and relatable, set against a backdrop of mystery and heartfelt humor. An emotionally driven romance with a dash of suspense and a strong found family element will find themselves thoroughly satisfied.

As the series continues to unfold, one cannot help but wonder: how will these relationships survive the inevitable fallout when every secret comes to light? The story invites us to reflect on the nature of love that endures through trials, the power of forgiveness, and the courage required to be vulnerable. Brinley and Beau’s story is a messy, beautiful, and complex one, and we loved every bit of it. We are eager for the next installment to see what happens next in this awesome series we have come to love.

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟, 3🌶️

I have a weakness for brother’s best friend romances, and this one delivered plenty of angst, heart, and emotional payoff.

Beau and Brinley’s relationship carried years of history, longing, and secrets, which made it easy to get invested in them from the start. Beau was easily my favorite part of the book. He was devoted, protective, and so completely gone for Brinley that I couldn’t help rooting for him.

What kept me turning the pages wasn’t just the romance, but the emotional fallout that came with years of hidden truths. The secrets, strained friendships, and difficult choices gave the story weight beyond the relationship itself. While Brinley frustrated me at times, I appreciated that the story took the time to explore the hurt behind her decisions rather than simply excusing them.

The found family dynamic continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series, and seeing those relationships tested added another layer of emotion to the story.

Between the romance, the friendship dynamics, and the fallout from years of secrets, I was invested until the very end.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Lena Hunt & The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Jesmin Nawaz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Uh, nope. Absolutely not. Hell to the no!

Brinley, is probably the first FMC I have hated. There is not one redeemable trait about her. She held on to a grudge from the past based on actions of teens!? Yes, what the guys did was messed up and mean. She was embarrassed/humiliated and it hurt her teenaged girl pride. Ok, we've all been there and done that. But, to hold onto that one incident into adulthood and not only be a hater to the guys in person, but to actively try to ruin their lives is horrible, especially after she saw with her own eyes, and heard from the girls she calls "friends" that the men had changed. Girl, get over yourself!! The audacity she had to share such intimate details of her friends lives - forget about the guys for a moment. What kind of crap ass friend is she. She didn't give two shits as to how it may uproot their lives or impact them. She has also been in a relationship for 5 YEARS with one of these guys, another is her brother, who besides this incident doesn't seem to have been horrible to her. The fuck!? Miss high and mighty but can't as her secret boyfriend to give their relationship respect and stop hiding her like a dirty secret. Ok then. Trash!!!

Don't get me started on Beau. Not only is he breaking bro code, but he's such a wuss! He's scared of Luke being upset, but he doesn't do anything really when he finds out Brinley is literally out to destroy them all. Not the MMC for me.

And lastly, how the fuck did everyone forgive Brinley so quickly. The only one who gives her a little grief is Maura, the rest do a little, but seem to get over it real quick. Again, nope for me. Absolutely not, once again.

The horrible main characters overshadowed anything remotely good about this book. Probably an extreme take on my end but I detest females who don't care about girl code.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

if i could give it 0 stars i would

[Xanina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I've been in love with your sister for five years. I've been sleeping with her for three."

I signed up for an ARC of this book solely based on the tropes: brother's best friend, secret relationship, secret identity/double life, he knows her darkest secret, possessive/obsessive hero, size difference, and "almost caught" tension. When I tell you I was not disappointed...I absolutely loved this story!

This was my first book by Lena Hunt, so I didn't know any of the secondary characters, but honestly, that didn't hinder the story at all. The story flows incredibly well and the spice is absolute perfection. Nothing felt over the top or out of the realm of reality, you can genuinely connect with the characters. I felt all the yearning, all the passion between Brinley and Beau, and all the anxiety based on the secret identity plot. She captures so many emotions in the pages that I found it so hard to walk away from my Kindle. I have already set the first three books as my next to read because the side characters are captivating and I want to know their stories too. I'm so glad I was gifted this arc by the author and The Author Agency!

[autwenreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seriously love this series, and it was so fun seeing the past couples again—Nate & Cat, Ryan & Pippa, and James & Maura. They always make me love this world even more.

Beau was definitely my favorite. He was loyal, devoted, and completely in love with Brinley, and I honestly felt so bad for him throughout the book. I had a much harder time connecting with Brinley. While what Luke did to her was awful, I also couldn't overlook how much pain her actions caused to so many people.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and can't wait for Eden & Luke's book after the little glimpse we got here.

Thank you Lena Hunt and The Author Agency for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Priscilla Perez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. I really wanted to like this one and was looking forward to how it’d unfold once the truth was out. Despite what happened in the past, I found the fmc to be selfish and an awful friend. She was the reason why her friends struggled with their relationships and basically outed all their secrets. They forgave her and included back way too easily after her betrayal

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

Amazon



Years ago as a teen, Brinley suffered through a horrible betrayal by someone who was supposed to love her. She reacted to it by nursing a grudge, building up anger and resentment so strongly that as an adult, she in turn hurt that man, and his circle of friends. And then there's her brother's friend, her teenage crush, Beau, part of that same circle. They've been involved for years, in a secret, forbidden relationship that's about to be exposed. Now Beau has to choose - Brinley, or his found family of friends, the same men who hurt Brinley in her past. Which relationship will he choose? Does he really have to choose?



Beau isn't who he used to be. Yes, he inadvertently hurt Brinley in the past, but now he's an adult who's grown and matured, an adult who loves Brinley. But he also loves his found family. He knew what happened to Brinley back then. He knows who she is now. And he knows he and his friends are now. Those things are all at odds and he has a no turning back decision in front of him.



This one is painful - so much betrayal and hurt, and a lot of emotion had been building up for so many years, that when it exploded, I was cringing and wondering how, if, everyone was going to forgive each other. But through the pain, Beau and Brinley had this connection that withstood it all. I felt for both of them, especially Brinley. What she went through as a teen was really painful, especially because it happened when she was a teen, and teens take everything to heart, take everything 100 times harder than everyone else. Then she let it fester inside her until she made a fateful decision that had the possibility of ruining everything - her love, her friends, and her family. This series, this circle of friends, has been a rollercoaster so far - and Brinley and Beau are my favorite. The tension, the forbiddenness of it all, and the love equal a delicious combination.



ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.

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[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to the House of Cards world felt like coming home, and I was more than ready to finally get answers about Brinley. Cocky Brutal Sinner delivered everything I was hoping for and more. Between the years of secret longing, emotional fallout, friendship drama, and sizzling chemistry, I was completely glued to the pages from beginning to end.

Brinley Windsor has spent years carrying secrets. While she's built a successful life for herself through her bookstore and café, The Copper Pot, she's also been hiding behind the identity of Peppermint, the gossip columnist whose words have impacted the lives of the people closest to her. Learning the full story behind her choices was heartbreaking and added so much depth to her character. I loved watching Brinley navigate the consequences of those decisions while still fighting for the life she wanted. She was strong, determined, and resilient, but beneath all of that was a woman carrying years of hurt that she never fully dealt with.

And then there's Beau. ❤️ This man completely stole my heart. From the very beginning, it's obvious that Beau is hopelessly gone for Brinley. The way he notices the little things, takes care of her, and quietly loves her made him impossible not to fall for. There were several moments throughout the book where my heart genuinely hurt for him. Beau has spent years trying to balance his love for Brinley with his loyalty to Luke, and watching him finally put his heart on the line without making excuses for his choices made me love him even more. Beneath the successful chef, restaurant owner, and club owner is a man who simply wants a future with the woman he's loved for years.

The relationship between Beau and Brinley was equal parts beautiful and frustrating in the best possible way. They both wanted more, but years of fear, loyalty, and circumstances kept them trapped in a relationship that had to remain hidden. The longing between them was palpable. Every secret meeting, every stolen moment, and every near discovery had me completely invested in their story. While I personally don't think I could ever be okay with being kept in the shadows, I understood why they made the choices they did, which made the emotional stakes hit even harder.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was how well Lena Hunt handled the fallout from years of secrets. The tension steadily builds as Beau and Brinley face the consequences of their choices, and I found myself constantly anxious to see how everything would unravel. The friendship dynamics added another layer to the story, and there were moments when I wanted to hug Brinley and other moments when I wanted to shake several characters for the pain they had caused her. Through it all, the found family element remained one of my favorite parts of the series.

And yes, let's talk about the spice. 🔥 The chemistry between Beau and Brinley is intense from the very beginning, and the steam absolutely delivers. The passion, yearning, and emotional connection between them made every scene feel earned and meaningful.

Cocky Brutal Sinner is a story about love, loyalty, friendship, forgiveness, and finally bringing long-buried secrets into the light. It was emotional, addictive, frustrating, romantic, and impossible to put down. The ending left me smiling for Beau and Brinley while simultaneously desperate to get my hands on Luke and Eden's story. Once again, Lena Hunt has raised the bar, and I honestly don't know how she's going to top this one.

I am so grateful to the Lena Hunt & Author Agency for this ARC for which I am leaving an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cocky Brutal Sinner, the fourth book in the House of Cards series, centres on Beau and Brinley, a bookstore owner who is living a double life in more ways than one. For the last three years, she has been involved in a clandestine relationship with Beau, one of her brother Luke’s closest friends but, unknown to those around her, she is also the woman behind the gossip column written under the pseudonym Peppermint. Her alter ego was born from a desire for revenge after Luke stole her diary when she was fourteen and publicly humiliated her by reading it aloud to all his friends. Whoever said revenge is a dish best served cold could easily have been talking about Brinley as, through her column, she has spent years exposing the secrets of Luke and his friends, determined to make them experience the same embarrassment she once endured. However, when an old article about Luke’s kinky tastes resurfaces and costs him a multimillion-dollar business deal, he and his friends are on the warpath to uncover Peppermint’s identity. What Brinley doesn’t realise is that Beau has already figured out her secret.

Brinley and her revenge were undoubtedly a highlight for me. While her methods were questionable at times, it was difficult not to sympathise with her motivations. At eighteen, Luke’s actions years before were cruel and mean, and the fact that he never really apologised made it easy to understand why she held onto her resentment for so long. Did Brinley take her revenge too far? Perhaps. The strongest argument against her actions is that, by targeting Luke and his friends, she also ended up hurting the women in their lives, women who had become her friends. Otherwise, I found myself firmly on her side. Beau, on the other hand, proved to be a more frustrating hero. Despite clearly loving Brinley, he seemed to prioritise his friendship with Luke over their relationship and was reluctant to stand up for her when it mattered most. His willingness to keep their relationship hidden for so long, made it difficult to fully embrace him as a romantic lead and, in many ways, Brinley appeared to be the stronger and more decisive partner. She definitely deserved far better than being Beau’s dirty little secret.

One of the most surprising aspects of the story was how long it took everyone to suspect that Peppermint was someone within their immediate circle. Nevertheless, the mystery surrounding her identity added an extra layer of tension to the plot and kept the story moving at a steady pace. Overall, Cocky Brutal Sinner was an entertaining and emotionally charged addition to the series. The chemistry between Beau and Brinley was compelling, and their long-standing connection gave their romance plenty of depth. However, the character who left the strongest impression was Luke, but not in a positive way. His behaviour throughout the book only reinforced my dislike of him, making me even more curious to see how his story unfolds and only his book left to come, I’m eager to see whether he can redeem himself in my eyes. No matter what happens, I’m looking forward to seeing Eden’s brothers show him what real loyalty and protectiveness towards a sister actually look like.

[Yami’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me a brother’s best friend secret romance with years of hidden feelings, a man willing to risk everything for the woman he loves, and a whole lot of secrets waiting to explode, and I am HOOKED. Cocky Brutal Sinner by Lena Hunt gave me all of that and more.

Brinley and Beau have been in a secret relationship for about five years, and let me just say… the tension, the sneaking around, the fear of being found out, and the emotional weight behind their choices had me completely invested. Beau is Brinley’s brother Luke’s best friend, which already makes things complicated, but add in the fact that Luke and Beau are basically family, and you can feel why they thought hiding was the safest choice. Except secrets never stay buried forever.

Beau was everything. Confident, protective, sweet, dirty-talking, and so in love with Brinley. He knows she deserves more than being kept a secret, but he is also terrified of losing Luke and the found family he has built with his friends. His love for Brinley never felt casual or easy. It felt deep, loyal, and full of sacrifice.

Brinley was such an interesting character because she is carrying so much. She is funny, confident, owns her own bookstore and coffee shop, and yet underneath all of that she has been holding onto years of hurt. Her best friend Eden, an event planner who moved in with her after leaving her family in Alberta, is the only one who knows about her and Beau. I loved their friendship and how Eden was there for Brinley through the chaos.

Then there is the whole Peppermint secret. Luke, Brinley’s brother and Beau’s best friend, owns the whiskey company Twisted Devil and loses a huge deal with Air Canada because of an old interview Peppermint wrote about his dating lifestyle. Beau starts to suspect that Peppermint is really Brinley, and apparently she wrote it after her brother and his friends humiliated her in the worst possible way. I definitely need to go back and read the other books in the series because I need to know exactly what happened and how everything got to this point.

This book had romance, betrayal, found family, consequences, forgiveness, and secrets behind secrets. The secret relationship trope can be frustrating because you just want them to tell the truth already, but once everything started coming out, I could not stop reading. The fallout, the emotions, and the way Brinley and Beau had to face everything made the payoff so worth it.

This is a brother’s best friend secret romance with extra secrets in the back, and I was here for every messy, emotional, spicy moment.

Thank you to Lena and The Author Agency for my arc ❤️❤️

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently, my new reading strategy is starting series at book four and hoping for the best. Thankfully, Cocky Brutal Sinner worked perfectly as a standalone, and now I'm left wondering why I waited so long to pick up this series in the first place.

I'm always going to be an easy sell when it comes to a brother's best friend romance, especially when it's layered with years of history, unresolved feelings, secret relationships, and emotional fallout. This book delivered all of that while also giving me one of my favourite things in romance: a found family dynamic that feels genuine and messy in equal measure.

Beau and Brinley have been carrying around feelings, secrets, and hurt for years, and that history gives their relationship immediate depth. There was never a point where I questioned their connection. Whether they were making me swoon or making me want to yell at them, I was invested.

Beau was easily my favourite character. He's caring, protective, successful, and completely devoted to Brinley. There were moments where I wished he had stepped up sooner or fought harder, but there was never any doubt about how deeply he loved her. That emotional connection carried a lot of weight throughout the story.

Brinley was a more complicated character for me, but in a good way. She frustrated me at times, yet I found it difficult not to sympathise with the hurt and humiliation that shaped many of her decisions. The story doesn't ask readers to blindly agree with her choices, which I appreciated. Instead, it takes the time to explore why she's holding onto so much resentment and how those choices impact everyone around her.

What surprised me most was how invested I became in the friendships and family relationships. The romance is strong, but the emotional fallout from years of secrets gives the story its heart. Watching friendships strain, loyalties get tested, and relationships fracture added another layer that kept me fully engaged.

I also have to mention Luke. I don't think I've ever been so eager to see whether an author can redeem a character I've spent an entire book wanting to shake. With his story still to come, I'm incredibly curious to see how that plays out.

If you love brother's best friend romances, secret relationships, found family, emotional angst, complicated loyalties, and characters forced to confront years of buried truths, I think you'll have a great time with this one.

This may have been my first House of Cards book, but it definitely won't be my last.

Thank you so much to Lena Hunt and The Author Agency for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brinley has been keeping one too many secrets. From the fact that she’s in love with her brother’s best friend, and has been secretly seeing him for years, to the fact that she’s been writing a gossip column under the name Peppermint and has revealed many secrets about her brother, his friends, and their partners. So far she’s been able to juggle it all, but when an old blog post resurfaces, costing her brother millions, and sending him on a mission to find out the author’s true identity, she can see the house of cards tumbling down around her. It doesn’t matter that she had a reason to start writing the posts she did, or that they deserved it at first, she knows she’s crossed a line, and when the truth comes to light, it could cost her everything, her brother, her best friends, and the man she loves.

Beau knew that Brinley was off limits when he first kissed her 5 years ago, but he wasn’t able to stay away then, and even less so now. He knows she deserves more than to be his dirty little secret, but has always been afraid that if her brother found out, he would lose his closest friends, and the only family he has left. With things heating up as his friends begin the hunt for Peppermint, his suspicions are confirmed, and he has to try to keep Brinley safe, while hiding the fact that he’s in love with her. Add to that his meddling mother trying to set him up, and he knows something has to give before he loses everyone he cares about.

I received an early copy of this book from The Author Agency and I absolutely loved it. While I had suspected Brinley was Peppermint from the first book in the series, and wondered how she could betray her friends like that, knowing the full story actually has me on her side, to a point. I loved that she was able to recognize she had taken things too far, I just wish she’d had the strength to come clean on her own, rather than having to deal with the fallout the way she did. It was so clear how in love Beau and Brinley were, I just wish they didn’t have to live in the shadows, and when Beau was vulnerable and finally told her how he felt, I don’t blame her for pushing him away, believing that they would never be able to have more than secret rendez-vous. I loved that we got to see an MMC put his heart on the line and be willing to accept the consequences, not making excuses for any of his behaviour, past or present, and with the way the book ended, I can’t wait to read Luke and Eden’s story.

[MandysBookish Mind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book in the House of Cards series, and every time I think a MMC has claimed the top spot, the next book comes out and somehow raises the bar even higher.

From the very beginning, it is obvious that Beau is completely gone for Brinley. The way he thinks about her, notices the little things, and takes care of her whenever they're together made it impossible not to fall for him. There were several moments throughout the book where my heart absolutely broke for Beau. He carries so much on his shoulders, and more than once I just wanted to reach into the pages and give the man a hug.

Brinley is just as enamored with Beau, but she's caught between wanting more with him and protecting the life she's built for herself. Learning what happened to her as a teenager and what was behind the choices she made was heartbreaking, and it was incredible to see how far those decisions continued to impact her life years later. What I loved most about Brinley was how strong and successful she became. She built something entirely her own, and I loved seeing her confidence and determination shine throughout the story.

The relationship between Beau and Brinley was both beautiful and frustrating in the best way. They both wanted more but were trapped by rules, fears, and circumstances that kept them from saying what they truly felt. You could feel the longing every time they were together. Watching two people desperately want something they believed they couldn't have, while completely missing how much the other wanted it too, made the emotional tension almost unbearable at times.

Of course, Luke played a huge role in why things never progressed the way they should have. Both Beau and Brinley were terrified of losing him, and that fear influenced so many of their choices throughout the book.

And then there's the spice. It starts early and never really lets up. The chemistry between Beau and Brinley was intense from beginning to end, and every scene reinforced just how obsessed they were with each other. This was another fantastic addition to the House of Cards series, and once again I'm left wondering how the next book is possibly going to top this one. I received this as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

She snuggles back against me and I think, this is what it could be. Every day.

[BookishMarineMama03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me a brother’s best friend secret romance with a confident, dirty talking man willing to stand up and lose everything for the woman he loves any day and I am here for it! Add in a close found family and I am hooked! Cocky Brutal Sinner is book four in the House Of Cards series by Lena Hunt.

Beau, this man is gorgeous, he is so sweet and kind and loving. A successful chef who has had his closest friends since they were young. From the very beginning he’s known his best friend Luke’s little sister Brinley was the one person he should never want. But one chance night seeing her years later all grown up and really SEEING her and he’s done! And so they fall, hiding their relationship, convincing themselves it was the safest choice.

Brinley. Funny, confident and a successful business owner of her own bookstore and coffee shop. When she was 14, she fell hard for Beau. And one night, a dumb older brother reading her diary confessions about Beau to everyone destroyed her. Hurt her so deep, she never could let go. Becoming the anonymous writer behind the infamous gossip blog known as Peppermint exposing the lives and secrets of the people closest to her. And it spirals, the secret deepens. And the need for revenge spins out of control. And then Beau comes back into her life and the secret relationship begins. For 5 YEARS no one knows. And these two build a connection and a soul deep love in the shadows. The heat and spice between these, two the mouth on this man and his perfect desire for her pleasure, it is so hot!

I love the found family of this series. These men and their women have a close bond together. But when all comes to light, so many are hurt and relationships almost destroyed.

This is a book about secrets, about revenge that gets out of control, about admitting the wrongs, working to restore relationships and healing. And about a man taking a stand for the woman he loves at the risk of losing everyone! Such a good series!

Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

❤️ Brother's Best Friend
❤️ Secret Relationship
❤️ Years of Forbidden Pining
❤️ Secret Identity / Double Life
❤️ He Knows Her Darkest Secret
❤️ Possessive/Obsessive Hero
❤️ Size Difference
❤️ "Almost Caught" Tension

🦋Thank you Lena Hunt and The Author Agency for my arc!

[Nova McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book four in the House of Cards series, and it’s the moment we have all been waiting for, finally getting answers about the infamous blog writer Peppermint, the person who has made it their life’s mission to expose this group of five billionaire friends and air all their secrets online. Thanks to an old Peppermint post, Luke loses out on a very large lucrative contract, pushing the crew to uncover the blogger’s identity, not realizing how close to home the truth really is.

Beau is the steady one in the group. He has it together, running a successful restaurant bar and staying out of the constant chaos the others attract. But Beau has been carrying a secret of his own in the form of his best friend’s little sister Brinley. They have been seeing each other for years and the weight of hiding their relationship is slowly wearing them both down. Loving Brinley in the shadows while lying to his best friend, Beau knows it is only a matter of time before the truth comes out and he is forced to choose between his best friend and the woman he loves.

Brinley however is not just hiding a forbidden relationship but a whole other identity. She is the one behind Peppermint’s blog, using it as a form of revenge and retribution against Beau and his friends for past humiliation she suffered as a teen. She genuinely believes she is doing the right thing by exposing them and protecting other women from men she sees as cruel and heartless, but she does not realize the damage she is causing the people she loves and ultimately to herself, because secrets like that can never stay buried forever.

Beau and Brinley’s love was so pure and heartwarming. Even watching them struggle, feeling so much but not allowing themselves to admit it to one another. But I was absolutely obsessed with Beau. He was completely devoted to her and I loved every moment of his POV and the way he worshipped his woman, and worship her he did *wink wink*

Seeing everything play out, from the fallout of her identity being exposed to Brinley facing the consequences of her actions, was so well done. What I loved most was that she did not let it break her. Instead she persevered, learned from her mistakes, and maybe even found a platform that she could use to help others. In the end these two fought for each other, and it was so beautiful to see them finally get their happy ending.

[A. Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the House of Cards series. I haven't read any of the previous books. Each book is a standalone but interconnected. The only main things given away are the previous characters that ended up together and the status of those relationships. The series is recommended to be read in order. I liked the spice right out of the gate between Beau and Brinley, and there is a lot of spice. There were some things that irritated me. I also know that without all these conflicts there wouldn't be a book. I liked Brinley's job and how she was able to rebrand and turn it all around.

It kind of bothered me that this huge, buff man, Beau, is scared of his friends. Instead he has been hiding a relationship for 5 years with Brinley! Way to make a girl feel very unspecial! Brinley happens to be the sister of Beau's best friend, Luke. Brinley clearly had feelings for awhile for Beau. All these ridiculous rules kept Brinley and Beau from ever acknowledging how they really felt.

I didn't like that James was the first friend of Luke's to find out the truth about Peppermint, and James didn't even feel the need to apologize. What an ass. Kind of proved Brinley's point about why she did it. Is Beau's attraction to Brinley only in the name of forgiveness? There are some huge secrets not being talked about.

These are terrible friends when the men originally started the problem but are the 1st to cut off Beau and Brinley. Just saying. I hate the way everyone made Brinley feel-worse than a villain and that her feelings didn't count. Yes, Brinley could've handled things much differently. These people all need to learn to communicate. I can't be upset at Beau except that he should've stood up for Brinley much sooner. I didn't like Beau's mother basically pimping him out in front of Brinley, and Beau said nothing. I despise Beau's mother with the heat of a 1,000 suns. I think there could be a drinking game based on how many times Brinley did the "riding" on top. Someone could get very intoxicated quickly!

I received an ARC from The Author Agency and Lena Hunt. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok.

No real details, but some high-level general spoilers below (ones you probably already know if you read the description and have been reading the previous books).

I was kind of torn on this one. I love Beau (there is no way his mother would’ve named him that by the way) but I have disliked Brinley since the beginning. She’s grown on me a bit after this book but if you’ve been reading up to this point you probably already had your suspicions about some things and you’ll find that she continues to be disappointing.

Spicy scenes are fire, as usual.

In each of the last ones I have complained that the primary obstacle to their relationship that seems to reach a climax suddenly just disappears and they act like it was never really a problem in the first place. And this one I felt like that was finally not going to be the case because the obstacle was so big that there was no way around it, no way to just dismiss it. Multiple obstacles actually. And sure enough, there is an implosion. Not even to their relationship, but to the entire entirety of the group dynamic. And I felt like there was no way they were gonna be able to get around dealing with it fully. And yeah somehow, they still do. Not that it’s not dealt with, but that they just allow external circumstances to fix things for them, especially the MMC and Luke. They just move on without ever discussing what happened. And I have no idea why, there’s no reason for them to not have a real moment. And the FMC honestly handles everything terribly and makes it very difficult to root for her. Not to mention the couple themselves don’t really have a climactic moment anyway. And they’re absolutely could’ve been one, the story was begging for it and the author just chose not to take advantage of it.

So I still enjoyed it and I think that Beau is maybe my favorite of the guys so far. I’m gonna read the next one. But I just wish that the author would address the climax and resolve it properly instead of every book being a build towards something and then just saying “never mind” and sweeping it under the rug.

[Amber H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, Consequences, and a Beautiful Romance

If there's one thing this series does well, it's building anticipation, and Cocky Brutal Sinner finally delivers answers that have been hanging over the friend group for multiple books.

Brinley has not always been an easy character to love. Knowing she was the voice behind Peppermint made it difficult to fully get behind her at times, especially considering the damage her posts caused. What worked for me here was that the author didn't try to excuse her choices. Instead, we got a deeper look at why she started down that path and how years of secrecy snowballed into something much bigger than she ever intended. Watching her face the consequences of her actions felt necessary, and I appreciated that she had to earn her way back into the lives of the people she hurt.

The standout of this book was Beau. Beneath the confident exterior was a man carrying around years of fear, convinced that choosing the woman he loved would cost him the family he'd found with his friends. His devotion to Brinley never felt performative. Every decision he made came from a place of protecting the people he cared about, even when those choices weren't the right ones.

The secret relationship trope can be frustrating when the solution seems obvious, and there were definitely moments where I wanted to shake both of them and tell them to tell the truth already. Still, the emotional payoff was worth the buildup. Once everything was out in the open, the story shifted from hiding secrets to dealing with the fallout, and I found those moments far more compelling than the mystery itself.

This book felt like the culmination of years of tension, unanswered questions, and complicated friendships. Fans of the series will finally get the answers they've been waiting for, while also getting a romance filled with loyalty, forgiveness, and plenty of heart. And that ending? It did exactly what it was supposed to do: make me eager to pick up Luke and Eden's book immediately.

[Breanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cocky Brutal Sinner is book 4 in the House of Cards series but can be read as a complete standalone. The story follows our MMC Beau, and FMC Brinley, who have been in a secret relationship for 5 years. Yes, 5 years!! See, Beau is best friends with Luke, and Brinley? Well, she's Luke's little sister. Who was also brutally mocked for having a crush on Beau a decade ago.

There is such a slow burn to the big bomb dropping that I was anxiously awaiting the other shoe to drop for like half the book! It definitely had me on the edge of my seat and turning pages endlessly. Beau is so far gone for Brinley, he pays attention to every detail, knows her down to her most insignificant reactions. Did I mention he's spent literal years perfecting how to please her? Brinley was obviously deeply, deeply hurt by what happened to her a decade ago at the hands of her own brother and his friends, but sometimes I just wanted to shake her. Because ultimately, as she admits in the book, her articles became less about revenge and more just.... to be mean. To make them feel bad. And when you take into consideration how much hurt this has caused her BEST FRIENDS, it's just kind of enormously crappy. I was so sad and upset that for a while, Beau lost EVERYTHING, his friends, his family, and almost the love of his life. Meanwhile, the backlash against Brinley, although negative at first, ended up turning out not so bad for her company, and her friends seem to forgive her SO quickly. It just sucked that this was Brinleys big secret and somehow it hit Beau the hardest 😭 In some ways I felt a bit like he deserved a little better because he was trying sooo hard to keep Brinley happy and everyone else. Their chemistry was amazing though, and the spicy scenes were literal 🔥 So good!

Thank you so much to the author and The Author Agency for allowing me to read and review, I am so excited for Eden and Luke's story!!

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved every messy minute of this sizzling secret relationship read! It was way more than I expected, with an undeniable connection and some seriously smokin chemistry between Beau and Brinley, overly complicated and overly dramatic on both sides, sweet and cute and deeper than you’d figure going into it, and as complex as revenge and bitterness and fear while at the same time as simple as love makes us all liars and Beau didn’t choose Brinley once and he’s never making that mistake again, losing everything be damned, and it’s fire.
Complicated is the name of the game here, as in Beau and Brinley’s relationship is complicated and so is the way you feel about some of this read. I loved it because it’s human, because Beau and Brinley love each other, because fear is a living thing and makes you do irrational stuff that’s justified in messed up ways, and because at the end of the day for me, growth counts for everything and hurt by someone you love lingers and festers and spins out of control and Brinley and her choices are a prime example of exactly that. Did I hate her for a hot minute, yep. Did I see her and feel for her and remember my own teenage years and some of the things I did that made me say thank God for forgiveness, also a yes. So while it was complicated for a minute there, I stand by loving this read because it’s also swoony how far Beau will go and what he’s willing to lose to keep Brinley, I love him more for remembering the exact moment Brinley was hurt enough by someone she loves while he did nothing that he gets it and he’s standing by her now, I love that Brinley knows exactly what him loving her will cost him and that’s why she pushes so hard for them to stay a secret, I love that it’s hurting them both, and I love that in between all this mess is tender and honest and real and forever and I’d recommend it in a heartbeat.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mi calificación es por Brinley.

Beau se me hizo un cobarde. Mantuvo la relación en secreto durante cinco años porque tenía miedo de perder su amistad con Luke, el hermano de ella. O sea, puso a un amigo por encima de su novia.
Él mismo lo dice en el capítulo 15: "Todavía no estoy preparado para perder a Luke. Cuando se entere, no se quedará de brazos cruzados ante esta traición. Nuestra amistad se acabará y, cuando eso pase, los otros también se alejarán. No puedo perder a mis amigos ni a la mujer que amo."
Según, no quiere perderla a ella, pero tampoco le tiembla el corazón al mantenerla en secreto y lastimarla. Brinley nunca le exige nada porque sabe que él elegiría a sus amigos antes que a ella.


Me habría gustado que quien se pusiera celoso fuera él y no ella.


También qué inmaduro era Luke, porque tanto Beau como Brinley estaban convencidos de que los eliminaría de su vida si se enteraba. Y hablamos del mismo hermano que fue horrible con Brinley en su adolescencia. El tipo leyó su diario delante de todos y la convirtió en el hazmerreír.
Años después, ella se vengó de forma anónima y esa parte me gustó porque se lo merecían.

Rápido relato de que fue lo que Luke y sus amigos le hicieron: Le hicieron creer que Beau la había invitado a salir. Ella fue a la cafetería para verlo y en su lugar, se encontró con todos los amigos de su hermano riéndose mientras leían en voz alta su diario, donde contaba que estaba enamorada de Beau. Toda la escuela se entero.
* Beau no sabía nada. Había dejado su celular en casa de Luke y lo usaron para hacerle creer a Brinley que él la había invitado.

Como verán el hermano no era un angelito y por cierto le gusta la mejor amiga de B, entonces además es todo es un hipócrita.

Por cierto, qué pesada era la madre de Beau.

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨

• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - June 9, 2026

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- best friend's little sister
- secret relationship
- forbidden romance
- possessive hero
- anonymous gossip blogger
- found family
- long-term pining
- billionaire romance
- high angst

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Cocky Brutal Sinner follows Beau Bishop and Brinley Windsor, who have been hiding their relationship for five years because Beau is best friends with Brinley's brother, Luke. Everything becomes complicated when an old gossip blog post written by the mysterious "Peppermint" goes viral and causes major problems for Luke's business. While everyone is desperate to find the person behind the blog, Beau finds himself caught between protecting the woman he loves and staying loyal to his friends.
Beau and Brinley's chemistry was absolutely addictive and every scene between them had me kicking my feet. The secret relationship tension was everything I wanted and more. Watching them love each other for years while being forced to stay hidden broke my heart.
Beau was such a protective and devoted hero. The way he always put Brinley first made me melt. Brinley was also an amazing heroine. She was strong, independent, messy, and made mistakes that felt real. I loved seeing her growth throughout the story.
The angst was perfect, the emotions hit hard, and the found family drama kept me completely invested. I was rooting for Beau and Brinley the entire time. Their journey felt emotional, frustrating, beautiful, and so worth it in the end.
The ending gave me everything I wanted and left me with the biggest smile. One of my favorite books in the House of Cards series.
Thanku theauthoragency for the ARC!

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Was Not Ready For That Fallout

Returning to the House of Cards world felt like coming home, Besties, and I was beyond ready to finally get answers about Brinley. Lemme tell you... "Cocky Brutal Sinner" delivered the drama, the emotions, and the spice in a way that had me completely glued to the pages. 👀

Beau and Brinley's secret relationship had me living for every second of their years of forbidden pining. The tension was absolutely delicious, especially those "almost caught" moments that had me holding my breath. 😳 Oh and that first chapter?! Lena Hunt wasted absolutely no time setting the temperature to scorching. 🥵

What really got me, though, was the emotional weight behind everything. Brinley's past and the flashbacks hit me right in the feelings. Watching both Beau and Brinley struggle with love, loyalty, and painful secrets felt incredibly real. When everything finally hit the fan, boy did it explode 💥! My heart genuinely ached for Beau as he tried to do what he believed was right. 🥺

The found family remains one of my favorite parts of this series, and shoutout to Eden for being the ultimate BFF. AND I still love me some Ryan!! Ohhhh and Besties... there are 9 chapters of steamy goodness waiting for you! 🥵

And that epilogue? Absolute perfection. If you haven't started this series yet, Besties, what are you waiting for?!

My Ratings:  ⭐ 5/5  ▪︎  🥵 4/5

🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Nicole M · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A secret relationship packed with tension, angst, and high stakes

Cocky Brutal Sinner delivered exactly what I want from a forbidden romance years of hidden feelings, impossible choices, and a hero willing to risk everything for the woman he loves.

Brinley and Luke’s relationship is layered with history, secrets, and emotional baggage that made their story impossible to put down. The brother’s best friend trope is one of my favorites, and Lena Hunt executed it beautifully with years of forbidden pining, a secret relationship, and plenty of “almost caught” moments that kept the tension high throughout the entire book.

What really stood out to me was the emotional conflict. Luke isn’t just trying to protect the woman he loves he’s torn between Brinley and the only family he’s ever known. The viral blog scandal adds another layer of drama and raises the stakes in a way that feels believable and engaging.

Luke is possessive, protective, and completely gone for Brinley, while Brinley is strong, complicated, and easy to root for. Their chemistry is undeniable from the very first page, and the spice definitely delivers without overshadowing the emotional heart of the story.

If you love brother’s best friend romances, secret relationships, forbidden love, possessive heroes, and plenty of angst mixed with steam, Cocky Brutal Sinner is a book worth adding to your TBR.

A compelling romance filled with tension, secrets, and a satisfying HEA.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cocky Brutal Sinner was one of those books that immediately pulled me into the drama and kept me invested until the very end. Lena Hunt delivers a story packed with secrets, guilt, loyalty, and impossible choices, all wrapped up in a romance that felt emotional and intense.

What I enjoyed most was the complexity of the characters. Nobody in this story is perfect, and that made them feel real. The mistakes, regrets, and difficult decisions added layers to the story that went beyond the romance. I found myself constantly torn between understanding everyone's perspective, which made the conflict feel even more compelling.

Lena Hunt has a writing style that flows effortlessly. The pacing kept me turning pages, and she does an excellent job balancing emotional moments with tension and drama. The secret relationship aspect created a constant sense of anticipation, and I was eager to see how everything would eventually unravel. The emotional weight behind the characters' history gave the story depth and made the stakes feel very real.

Cocky Brutal Sinner is a drama filled, emotionally charged romance that delivers secrets, heartbreak, redemption, and plenty of tension. If you enjoy forbidden romance, best friend's little sister tropes, and characters forced to confront the consequences of their past, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

[b cozy book lounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this series, and this installment may have had some of the highest stakes yet.

Beau and Brinley have been in a secret relationship for five years, hiding it from her brother Luke and their close group of friends. For Beau, a chef and successful restaurant and club owner, keeping the secret hasn't been easy. His love for Brinley is undeniable, but his fear of losing his best friend has always outweighed his desire to come clean.

Brinley is carrying secrets of her own. While running her bookstore and café, she has also been hiding behind the identity of a gossip columnist whose words have had a significant impact on the lives of their friends. As the story unfolds, we learn the reasons behind her actions.

What I enjoyed most was how well the author handled the story from these long-held secrets. The tension builds steadily as both Beau and Brinley face the consequences of their choices, and I found myself anxious to see how everything would unravel. The emotional stakes felt real, and the potential loss of friendships added another layer to the story beyond the romance.

Overall, this was an engaging read filled with secrets, tension, friendship, and love. Fans of the series will definitely enjoy seeing Beau and Brinley's story finally take center stage.

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow, this book was unputdownable!!! I am loving the House of Cards series, and this book was absolute perfection, with the tropes I love to read in a contemporary romance. This book has my favorite tropes: a forbidden relationship between a brother's best friend and a hidden relationship with lots of drama, secrets, and angst. The spice was spot on. I thought the storyline was original and page-turning. I loved the anticipation of what would happen next and devoured every chapter. I might have lost a little sleep to finish this book, but it was worth it. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend starting with Bossy Wicked Prince. My heart broke, and I swooned while reading this book. I swear I went through every emotion when it came to Brinley and Beau. They had an intense and undeniable chemistry that melted the pages when they were together. I laughed, cried, almost threw my Kindle, and fist-pumped for the couple.

Brinley was independent, loved her friends and family. She was fierce and determined. Beau was a broody billionaire; he was bossy, loyal to his friends, and kept a big secret. A secret that could ruin his and Brinley’s lives and relationships. I loved the journey their romance took me on. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series!!!