In the shadowy underworld of Seattle, The Sparrow, a relentless vigilante assassin, crosses paths with the formidable Karma brothers, who have taken over the crime empire after the suspicious murder of its original leader, Kahl Hera. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of organized crime, they uncover the sinister operations of The Cambions, a ruthless sex trafficking ring threatening to spread nationwide. When The Sparrow is captured, an impossible choice join forces with the Karma brothers or face certain death. Amidst the chaos and danger, unexpected alliances form, and a forbidden romance begins to blossom, adding a layer of complexity to their fight for survival. This high-stakes adult contemporary romance delves into the darkest corners of human nature, loyalty, and the transformative power of love.
This was my second ARC and a one I was really looking forward to reading and it did not disappoint! From the start I couldn't put it down, started off so strong and very detailed, if you don't like gore this maybe this one isn't for you. If trigger warnings are foreplay for you then GET THIS BOOK 4 gorgeous mafia brothers all with there own strong dominant personality each one completely different from the last but all amazing 1 really strong kick arse FMC and you have yourself a party! The story line is so strong and grips you as hard as Max when he has hold of Zoe throat 😉 twists and turns and the cliffhanger at the end had me flinging my kindle cursing the whole thing 🤣 Book 2 now please
This book is dark in a way that hits immediately. Brutal, raw, and honestly kind of addictive once you settle into the chaos. The whole mystery around the Cambrian leader had me trying to piece things together the entire time.
Zoey was probably my favorite part. She’s confident, brutal, and absolutely insane in the best way. The kind of FMC who makes you sit up a little straighter because you know she’s about to do something unhinged and you’re weirdly rooting for it.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the insta‑love at the beginning. It felt too fast for how gritty the world is. The relationships did start to deepen as the story went on, but I still wanted more from them; especially for a reverse harem. A lot of the connections stayed surface‑level when they could’ve gone deeper emotionally.
But the banter, the spice, and the overall plot kept me engaged the whole time. Even when I was side‑eyeing the relationship pacing, I never felt bored. It’s dark, twisty, and definitely kept my attention from start to finish.
This gripped me harder than expected and I would very much like book two now. My brain is screaming that like Teddy but I’m controlling myself like Max.
A why choose, reverse harem, mafia romance, with 2 completely deranged MCs and a beautiful twist. This is so worth the read!
Oh man.. What a story. I am just getting into MFMMM stories and how she wrote this to have each MM have a special connection to MF, was great. The story was fast paced, kept you interested all the way to the end. This is a mystery romance, with a little bit of crazy. But I love it.
Spice??? Oh wow 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I highly recommend this book and can not wait for what's to come in the series.
ARC Review for author - Read the trigger warnings please!
This novel is not for the faint hearted. It's dark, oh so very dark. It's fast paced, gripping, raw, brutal, and deep.
I found the 'why choose', reverse harem action that runs throughout the book unpredictable, spicy and in some places simply comical (depends on the readers sense of humour of course)
The female protagonist is strong, vengeful and a force to be reckoned with. And the main male characters... well 🔥 Loved them all!
If you're looking for a happy ending... You may have to wait awhile. This book ends on a cliff hanger 😫
I went into The Karma Project by Korey not really knowing what to expect and honestly it is not something I would normally pick up, but I am so glad I did.
It was also funny to me that Teddy is my future son's name, which was a name in the book of someone I would NOT want to visualize as my son.. LOL!!
This book is dark, unsettling, and completely gripping in a way that makes it hard to look away. Every single chapter left me with chills. It constantly builds this quiet tension that keeps you turning pages even when the subject matter gets uncomfortable.
What stood out the most to me was the dialogue. For a newer author, it is seriously impressive. It feels natural but still sharp and intentional, and it adds so much depth to the characters and their inner worlds. I also loved the playfulness with gendered terms in insults. It was such a unique touch and really helped highlight the psychology of the characters in a subtle but effective way.
The writing style overall just worked for me. It felt confident, distinct, and immersive without trying too hard. This is one of those stories that sticks with you after you put it down. Such a neat and unique read.
Definitely recommend if you are open to something a little darker and different.
I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store.
OMG this book was so dark and twisted I had to stop and walk away a few times. I could not stop reading for long and it’s a wonder I didn’t hyperventilate several times. The plot and background starts slow and humorous but I wasn’t laughing long I was turning pages as fast as possible. Zoe is a complete badazz and each of the Karma’s are different but the same. Just when you think it’s about to end it twists again. I loved the flow and the spicy scenes well let’s just say my kindle blushed. I got to page 310 and decided to look and see how many more pages I had and realized there is no way this is gonna be done in 14 pages. I don’t normally like cliff hangers especially when I’m on the tallest peak ever but it’s so worth it and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. Be prepared to have a long night and get ready to be amazed. This is what a great book and a good author can do when they put the time and effort and heart into a story.
I enjoyed this book a lot! Readers who gobbled up The Brutal Boys of Everlake Prep in Kings of Quarantine will enjoy the diverse array of MMCs in this story. Each one deliciously different and brutal in their own way.
Though I did find that the language and prose used felt a little juvenile compared to the dark twisted themes in this story in my opinion, I still enjoyed the ride and had a great time reading. So if you are looking for dark train wreck vibes you can’t look away from… this is your book! I will say I wasn’t a huge fan of the insta love towards the beginning and I would have liked for secrets to have unfolded a bit slower to hold that intrigue, but over all a fun read that kept me page flipping!
I did get a little surprise that pulled me in more since the fmc shares my name, which never happens, so it was fun to feel like these sexy killers were talking directly to me.
A great story if you enjoy twists, reverse harem, and a diverse array of POVs!
This is another new to me author and wowwwww. There aren’t enough words to describe the chaotic , crazy ,suspenseful, spicy af, MFMMM harem of intensity. The trigger warnings are definitely not to be ignored. It’s crazy how if this happened in real life you’d be appalled and starting a witch hunt, but when you read about it, you wanna be that girl. Not so much the why choose part but just how strongly she is written.
Although this ends on a cliffhanger, which drives me absolutely insane, this one is worth waiting for. So unpredictable for 98% of the book.
Seriously, this just ruined me. The plot and background start out a little slow and even kind of humorous, but that did not last long. Before I knew it, I was turning pages as fast as I possibly could. This story is so dark and twisted and everything I need in a book.
Zoe is such a complete badass. I am obsessed with a FMC who is this fierce and powerful, and the way she handles the Karmas is just perfect. They are all so different yet the same in the best way possible. And the spicy scenes? Give. Me. More.
It’s a chaotic, spicy AF, MFMMM reverse harem/mafia romance that is worth every single second of the emotional rollercoaster.
When the Karma Brothers, the most powerful mafia leaders in Seattle, finally cross paths with the legendary Sparrow, a well-known assassin, they are shocked that she is a woman. She is captured and offered the chance to work with the brothers (or die). What starts as a business arrangement quickly and passionately turns into a spicy forbidden romance. The Sparrow works in harmony with the brothers and helps them as they try to take down a sex trafficking ring that has infiltrated their organization. A bad ass strong female lead, 4 delicious and talented brothers with unique strengths, this why-choose dark romance did not disappoint! 🔥
Dark, dangerous, and emotionally intense. The Karma Project throws readers straight into a brutal underworld filled with crime, vengeance, and morally gray characters fighting monsters both outside and within themselves.
At the center is The Sparrow, a vigilante assassin forced into an uneasy alliance with the powerful Karma brothers as they confront a horrifying trafficking network threatening to spread across the country.
✨ What makes it stand out: 🔪 vigilante justice & crime empire politics 🖤 morally gray characters 🌑 dangerous alliances & forbidden romance ⚠️ high emotional and physical stakes
The atmosphere feels gritty and tense, with constant danger surrounding every choice. The romance adds another layer of vulnerability and conflict, especially in a world where trust can easily become a weakness.
It’s dark, emotional, and packed with intensity—perfect for readers who enjoy romance tangled with violence, loyalty, and survival.
The Karma Project had me hooked from page one. The FMC is an absolute badass who’s clawed her way out of a brutal past, and the four MMCs are a delicious addition that complement her perfectly. Each man brings something different to the dynamic, and the spice definitely delivers. As impossible as it is to choose a favorite, Teddy completely stole my heart. The whole story gives Den of Vipers vibes — but with a far stronger, more compelling FMC. And that cliffhanger? I’m screaming into the abyss waiting for the next book.
Thank you Korey Willis for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book really intrigued me, but the dialogue and characters just didn’t do it for me.
Everything felt a bit childish, and some of the things being said made me cringe. The FMC was trying too hard to be edgy and dark, but it was just a hard read. I couldn’t get past random nicknames like "maxi pad" and the cut-and-dry “turn on” scenes, they personally icked me out. I understand it’s meant to be a bit funny and a "why choose" romance, but the execution didn’t quite work for me, it just didn’t land the way I think it was intended to. I feel like this could be a strong story if the writing had been edited to feel more mature—the plot itself is violent and intense, so everything should match that tone.
I loved the prologue and was really hoping for those strong emotions of revenge, but it just felt flat to me. I didn’t want to DNF so early, but I know I wouldn’t have enjoyed reading the rest of the book. I hope everyone else has a better experience than I did, some stories just aren’t for everyone.
Amazing book! 1 very strong FMC, 4 MMC. All 5 experienced close to the same things. Working together to get rid of the evil in the world. Ends on a cliffhanger. If you loved Den of Vipers by K. A Knight and New York Ruthless series by Sadie Kincaid you'll love this!
ARC Review This felt like stepping into a storm you don’t actually want to escape.
The story centers on the Sparrow, a vigilante assassin, and her journey alongside the Karma brothers as their relationship slowly shifts and tightens under pressure. Every brother brings a different emotional intensity, and their dynamic keeps the tension alive on every page. It’s also unapologetically gory, leaning fully into the violence without flinching.
The book balances brutality and vulnerability without softening either. Loyalty, connection, and devotion stay complicated, messy, and charged. And the spice? Bold, electric, and woven into the tension in a way that deepens the character dynamics instead of distracting from them.
It ends on a cliffhanger that hits hard, and we’re already desperate for the next book. If you love character-driven tension, morally messy bonds, and found family forged through chaos, this one lingers long after the last page. 🖤📚🔥
**ARC READER REVIEW** THE WAY THIS BOOK ENDED HAD MY JAW ON THE FLOOR. In all seriousness, this book was so different than some of the other Mafia romances I read. I honestly can say that Korey was out here DOING THE MOST. I am obsessed with this story and IMO this matches her vibes so much more than You Suck 🍭did, now I loved that too. This book had me rushing to put the kids to bed so I could read. It had a lot of light hearted moments to match the intense and that can be so hard to do in a dark romance like this one. Korey made sure we both hated and loved the Sparrow🐤, Max,📱 Dean🏃🏻, Brandon👑 and my Teddy🧸. I am a Karma girly and they can come find me anytime.👀 I can’t wait for book two and have already made other people add this to their TBR.
"This creature is something of my greatest nightmares." The following is my review as an ARC Reader. Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Book Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Let me start by saying there may be spoilers in my review, but nothing major. Just a name, small moment, etc. Next, we need to take a moment to give this author her flowers. This is an amazing first book and opening to a series. If you love reading for entertainment, love a spicy read, multiple men falling head first, a strong female lead and finding a home/place in this world; THIS IS FOR YOU. Please be aware that this book contains lots of triggers and dark themes, so it is for the best that you read the trigger warnings. I feel it is best to talk about The Sparrow/Zoe first. She is a complete badass. I find little to no dips in her story line and I love it. As a reader, you will find yourself wanting to be her (and not just because of the hunks who surround her), but truly how she holds herself and conquers life. She does have trauma and it is a process watching her accept that she can let go. She can be happy. I am also positive there will be a lot more growth and healing on her end come book two. As a woman, she is relatable and the badass I want to be. It is refreshing to love the female lead. The Karma Boys... I won't go into too much detail on them, so you have a surprise while reading. But each character is written well and you can see each of their individual personalities and reactions as well as when they are in a group setting. My personal favorite Karma was definitely Teddy. Teddy is my kind of crazy, but also my kind of devoted. I would like to dive much deeper into each of the boys come book two and possibly more of their POVs? Especially when it comes to Dean. There are a couple of side characters that definitely add some light hearted moments to the book and I love that as a reader. Let's talk about the spicy scenes. Unfortunately, this is where my four stars come into play instead of five. When the first couple of "spicy" moments happened, I think they felt slightly rushed and it was the first time I noticed misspelled words and grammar mistakes. I think noticing those errors, pulled me out of the scene. I will say, as the book progresses while I did notice a few misspelled words, typos, etc it was not enough to completely pull me out of the story. And the spicy scenes throughout the book progressively get better and are well written. The ending? A cliffhanger. But I think all books should leave you wanting more and The Karma Project definitely delivers a longing for the next book. My heavily hi lighted and noted book would have to agree with my statement. Overall, this book is 10000% worth your read. I highly recommend. I will end my review with one of my favorite moments that I definitely squealed over like a little girl, kicking my feet.
"The way her eyebrows furrow and a little crease forms between them. It's like a canyon of deep thought and beauty rolled into one. It's a simple, small detail that men would go to war over to keep it to themselves."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is definitely a dark, fast-paced read. If you’re easily triggered by violence or torture, this probably isn’t for you.
The Karma brothers cross paths with Sparrow, a deadly assassin. Instead of running from them, she ends up seeing them as her home and wants to be part of their team. And honestly, Sparrow must be hotter than Megan Fox, because how else do you turn four broody men into love-struck idiots who want nothing more than her? She’s a strong female lead, cunning, and fully capable of kicking anyone’s ass.
The story is told through multiple points of view, mainly Sparrow (Zoe) and the four Karma brothers. I was firmly #TeamMax and wanted her to choose him, but she ends up having encounters with all four of them.
One line that stuck with me was: “Teddy owns my body, Dean owns my soul, Brandon owns my spirit, and Max owns my mind.” I really wish “mind” had been replaced with “heart,” because Max felt like the only one who truly recognized he loved her. He was also the last to give in to sleeping with her, which made it feel more meaningful. Even Sparrow admits she loves him too, so their connection stood out the most. But, of course, being involved with all four brothers complicates everything.
Overall, this was a solid read, especially if you enjoy mafia themes, morally gray characters, no rules, and a lot of spice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
O. M. F. G. This book had me HOOKED from the start!!! This book shows the complexity of having to have a tough interior AND exterior and what happens when you let the right people in so your shells start to crack. This book was hot, heavy, and addictive as all get out.
Teddy was my absolute favorite of the men, Zoe’s men, the way he was addicted from the start and loved so fully had me obsessed with him. Each of them have their good pieces but as far as I’m concerned Teddy was the best.
Now….me and Korey are gonna fight because it ends in a MAJOR cliffhanger…I didn’t even realize I was at the end of the book because I was so into the story that I almost threw my Kindle across the airport gate when it said “to be continued” but I guess I’ll be signing up for the ARC of the next one too.
Such a great read, it doesn’t read like a debut book, it’s fast paced, full of action, spice and darkness. Each of the four mmc’s has distinct personalities and I didn’t get them confused. Always a good start. Max, the king of control Dane, the protector Brandon, the jokester Teddy, the unhinged one Zoe, aka The Sparrow is exactly where she wants to be, first strategically and then because she wants to. They may fall first, but she falls just as hard. The story isn’t a new one but it’s well told and the spice is 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and varies between the brothers. I kinda knew what the ending was going to be, I think Teddy is going to turn the streets red! Tbh, I think Max, Dane and Brandon will help him. I’m really hoping the next book is out soon, cos I need to know what happens next. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is another new to me author. Please be aware that this book contains lots of triggers and dark themes, so it is for the best that you read the trigger warnings. The story centers on the Sparrow, a vigilante assassin, and her journey alongside the Karma brothers as their relationship slowly grows. Zoe was confident and absolutely insane in the best way possible. This is the kind of FMC who makes you drool 🤤 because you love them. I can’t stand doormat FMCs. The way she handles the Karmas is just perfect. They are all so different yet the same in the best way possible. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for what's to come in the series. Need book 2 like ASAP!
The Sparrow The dynamics The creativity The torture devices The word play The men The difference in POV THE SPICEEEEEE 🌶🔥🎆🤌
Buckle up for this one ladies and gents because this story is beyond worthy of more than 5 🌟
This is my most new favorite read of 2026 and partially of 2025📚
LET ME TELL YOU, THIS IS THE BOOK YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! 🔥 THE FEMALE RAGE THIS BOOK POSSESSES IS STARTLING, but in a way you'd never realize you needed in your life.
This is a must read in my opinion, the way it ended leaves you questioning your own sanity.
I need moreeeeeee !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will be impatiently waiting for the next installment, and will be forever grateful to be chosen as an arc reader for this amazing book.
Beware this ends on a cliffhanger that will make you have zero patience for the next book! This was the perfect dark romance mafia book with all the chaos you love. The Karma brothers took over the criminal empire four years ago and are now trying to find their bosses killer. Then they find out that the Sparrow who is always one step ahead of them is a female and they're shocked! Once they have her kidnaped she has to either work for them or cease to exist. So obviously the choice is work with them. It starts as a more business arrangement but then slowly things start changing. With each of the brothers. That's right our little Zoe or Sparrow gets not only one of them but all four- Max, Brandon, Dean, & Teddy! Who doesn't love a why choose!!
This book, from the very beginning, was one that I could not put down. So, I was in the mental warzone of wanting to finish the book but also to slow down to fully savor it. Zoe is giving Kim Possible in the best ways possible, especially when she wears Maxi Pad's favorite outfit. She has a connection with each of the "brothers", but her connection with Teddy is very special. As Zoe said about Teddy, "I see the same darkness that exists in me is in him. Like recognizes like. He won't hurt me, not really anyway." I was hoping this book would not end in a cliffhanger, but it did, and I cannot wait until the next book is out!
When Zoe finds herself in the Karma Brothers’ lair, she can’t help but be curious about the men…and taken with them.
But whose agenda will prove to be most dangerous-theirs or hers?
The characters of The Karma Project are all dangerous individuals in their own ways, but we see quickly that Zoe is tough and lethal. I appreciate that she can handle not only the ruthless brothers but her own chaotic, assassin lifestyle. She’s calculating and careful, and also passionate.
It’s no wonder two of the brothers are obsessed with her immediately, but the others take time to let their feelings emerge. That means the tension between Zoe & the guys is perfectly paced and the spice is too.
My brain is still trying to process this book because there’s so much to love! Zoe is witty, fierce, bold but also has a soft side. The men…. Oh my. Teddy was my favorite he’s just off his rocker. Spice galore, mystery, murder it’s all there. The only sad part is having to wait for the 2nd book as it ends on a cliffhanger. Definitely read the triggers! Well written, descriptive, each character has a unique relationship with Zoe.
I did receive this book as an ARC for my honest opinion. I rarely give 5 stars to books, even if it’s ARC so yes I found this book that enthralling!
This is an ARC read for me and…Wow! (This is a Dark Romance so please read the list of trigger warnings prior to reading.) The dynamic between Zoe and the four Karma brothers is amazing and keeps you wanting more throughout the story. To read what she and each one of the guys mean to each other, how they have gotten to that point, and each one having something that matches Zoe, is great. Finding out their backgrounds and what they have each gone through to get to where they are, keeps you in the story. The cliffhanger at the end though!😮 I need the next book now please‼️
Those Karma Men and their Sparrow, each one's personality is so different from one another and they make it work so smoothly. Too notch dark romance with all the feels. kidnapping, blood, guts, emotional breakdowns and building of strong relationships. You get it all with this one. Beautifully written Korey! Can't wait for the continuation in book two from the brutal cliffhanger you left us dangling on in this one.