Crowning Temptation: Crescent City Sins

by Rayna James

Lila

An arranged marriage wasn’t something I asked for. I didn’t want a husband. But sometimes fate sinks its claws into you and drags you where it wants. This marriage was supposed to be simple—no love, no promises, no emotion. Just a contract to keep me alive and everyone’s secrets buried. Except Oslow isn’t a man who understands boundaries. And the more he watches me, the harder it is to pretend this marriage means nothing.

Oslow

She was never meant to be mine. But once I claim something, I don’t let it go. Lila was supposed to be silent. Obedient. Safe. Instead, she’s temptation wrapped in defiance—and every time she pulls away, the beast inside me wakes. Because when enemies realize she’s my weakness, I won’t just protect what’s mine. I’ll hunt anyone who comes for her.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2025

Reviews

[Aly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this one. I didn't read the first book in the series and while it would have given some backstory to how Lila and Oslow met, I understood enough to keep going.

My main problem is that this is supposed to be a mafia book, yet so much of that aspect of the story is off page and we just get the bullet points after. I want to see things happening, people being shot and kidnapped, not hear about it in a conversation. Most of the story is just Lila defying Oslow, saying she wants away from him, but then immediately giving in to sex when he shows her attention.

This could have been a lot better if the author made the book longer and showed us those dark mafia scenes.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book that I received a complimentary copy of. All opinions are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIS LITTLE TATAILLE
Liam and Lila. An outstanding read. Will have to read the first book now. He admires her and wants to strangle her at the same time because shes so defiant and he cant get enough of her. They both deny their extra hot chemistry to the point that they are about to combust. Full of push pull and misunderstandings and denial and of course passion off the charts. She tells herself that she wants out and that only pulls her in deeper. And of course there are all the secondary charecters that bring out the drama especially Ellianna. What a brat. Shes a little cajun thats a matchmaking ball of irritation and fury and trouble. With a talent for causing chaos no matter where shes at. Yes please I want a friend like her. Recommend this book and will be exploring this author.
Recieved a copy from HiddenGems and noe volunterialy leaving a review

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series with the first being Ruthless Obsession. While this one may be considered a standalone, I may have enjoyed it more if I had read them in order. Crowning Temptation jumps right in with mentioning characters and situations that I had to catch up on. Also, because I didn't know background information, the reason for Oslo and Lips having to get married was a stretch of the imagination. Halfway through the book and Lila still didn't know Osmosis first name even though they'd been married for some time. The drama and suspense involving the crime family kept my interest. However, I didn't feel a connection with Onslow and Lila.

[Coral - Sebas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the City Sins series, featuring characters we know from Ruthless Obsession. She carries the trauma of never having been loved by her family, and he is a brute but with a big heart. They find themselves caught up in dramatic situations, with lots of suspense and a well-developed, exciting story. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of Hidden Gems, for which I am very grateful.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first story by the author and I enjoyed this steamy romance!

Both Lila and Liam were well fleshed characters!

It was easy to stay totally engaged the entire read!

I now need to go back and read the first book!

I will definitely be following this author!

This Crescent City Sin story was most definitely sinful!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was forced to get married and she vowed her heart would never enter into it. He was all power and he is about to find that he wants his new wife in more ways than he expected. Danger is coming from all sides and they need to be careful not to make the wrong move. See if they can survive it all
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant read

[Anna G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book from this author I read and I was not disappointed. She kept it steamy, interesting, suspenseful and so many twists I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. I cant wait to read Dante’s and Ellianna’s stories. Maybe even Savien’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!! Loved every minute of this amazing story. It was intense for sure. Dangerous, dark, suspenseful storyline that kept me glued to the pages. Action packed scenes. Multi layered characters. Lots of attention to detail by the author. A must read story!!!

[Mary Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gem books and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

LIKE THE BOOK
slow start
action
sweet romance

This is where I say the author gives enough information.
So, I do not give anything away

[Alexia Figueroa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ohhh this hurts a lot, Lila's history is so sad, and that endingggg, loved it

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crowning temptation was Lila and Liam‘s story. It was an intriguing read. And voluntarily leaving this review.