Seventeen years ago, I watched my family die. The man who did it vanished into the dark—leaving behind one clue I’ve never been able to a rosary tattoo and a name whispered like a curse. Deacon.
Now I’m grown, armed with vengeance, and walking straight into the lion’s Noir, a New Orleans bar where secrets are currency and blood is business. It’s run by three men who look at me like they already know what I am.
Nash—cold-blooded control wrapped in a suit and a warning.
Shiloh—pretty lies, wicked promises, and a smile that ruins good decisions.
Ever—silent, watchful… and far too familiar with monsters.
All three have ties to the man I’m hunting. And the deeper I dig, the more their world tightens around me—until I can’t tell what’s more the truth… or the way they touch me like I belong to them.
I came to Noir for answers. I didn’t expect to become the next sin they collect.
This was an amazing dark revenge, why choose romance. I was sucked in so quickly. Glued to my seat. Devouring this. I couldn’t put this down once I got past the first chapter. It grabbed me and held me. The twists and turns were great. Every time I thought I knew where things were headed, I was proven wrong. This was intense and spicy. I can’t wait for the next book.
Plot: 5/5 • Spice: 4/5 ➡️➡️➡️ This was my first ARC, and I absolutely devoured this. I thoroughly enjoyed this ride. I have many questions.
Reva is plucked from her life after she watches a man with a rosary tattoo murder her family. Her mother, father, twin sister and her sisters friend. It wasn’t until a family friend pulled her out of foster care that she regained herself.
She grows up in Chicago. Far away from her childhood in NOLA. She has a life. She’s an EMT. But the entire time she’s searching for the man with rosary tattoo. She’s out for revenge. After she receives a suspicious letter with a picture and a location for a hired hit man called Midnight, back in NOLA. she packs her bags and leaves it all behind her.
Her rust bucket of a truck dies on the side of the road. Thankfully, Shiloh, a man that Cal sent after her. Cal, the man who took her in after her parents died. She doesn’t know this, but Shilohs been watching her the entire drive. They spend some time together while her cars being fixed. While at the bar she uses the restroom. Lights out. Pitch black, who she thought was Shiloh…. they 🎇🎇, and then he leaves. Turns out it wasn’t shiloh….
Noir. Noir is her goal. After the night with Shiloh she heads to Noir. There’s a help wanted sign. Perfect. Ever, the bartender, flat out rejects her in every way possible. Coincidence? In walks Shiloh. They have a little piece of Noir. She finally gets a chance. She’s a server for a couple weeks. Meets some other employees. Tension continues to build between Ever, Shiloh and Reva. They’re skeptical of her “story”. Shiloh knows her background because he snooped in her bag when she wasn’t around.
Nash. The partial owner of Noir finally graces us with an appearance. He’s a little older, but still a fine specimen. After making out with Ever in the back room she’s summoned to Nash’s office. Somehow, he’s the one who gets Reva to spill what she’s after and what’s her story. When he hears the name Damien, and about a certain tattoo, everything changes. She doesn’t know it, but she’s being watched like a hawk. They get her to leave her shitty motel and stay at Nash’s place. His damn mansion.
At one point, Reva is so fed up with no one helping her find and take down Damien that she leaves Nash’s place. They know exactly where she goes. They’re tracking her after all. When they finally get her, at Noir, because she snuck in, they take her up to a private room. A room where all the cards are laid out. What they want. What she wants. Who she wants. All of it.
After returning back to Nash’s they get a small plan going. Plans get derailed as they enter Noir together and Damien is there. He’s the other partial owner of Noir. He’s allowed to be there. There’s also a woman on his arms that has the same tattoo he does. Damien immediately approaches Reva. He knows exactly who she is. The woman on his arm? Reva’s twin sister that all assumed were dead. She got shot the night her parents were murdered.
AND THEN IT ENDS. The cliffy makes me want to scream. Ugh, I can’t wait for book two. I loved all of this. I devoured it. Couldn’t put it down. Right amount of spice, tension, scheming, mystery. I have a lot of unanswered questions, but hope for resolve later on.
I received an ARC via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 💛
Thank you again to ARC readers for letting me read this book and share feedback. I really appreciated the opportunity, and there were definitely elements I enjoyed- especially the humor and the spice throughout the story. The pacing kept me engaged, and I was interested to see where the plot would go. I do want to share one thing that personally didn’t work for me, and it was mainly the ending/romantic reveal from Deacon. Because Reva was only 9 years old when her family was murdered, and the reveal that Deacon had been watching her for years afterwards and viewed her as “his” ended up feeling uncomfortable to me rather than romantic. I completely understand dark romance and morally gray dynamics are popular and can work well for many readers, but in this case the connection to her childhood trauma gave it a tone that felt unsettling in a way I personally struggled with. Overall, I think readers who enjoy darker possessive romance may connect with it more than I did, but I wanted to be honest about the aspect that affected my enjoyment of the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book one of this trilogy absolutely pulled me in from the very first pages, and now I’m completely invested—I already know I’m going to need the rest of the series immediately. While it does end on a cliffhanger, it’s not the kind that leaves you frustrated or annoyed; instead, it feels like the perfect setup, giving you just enough resolution to breathe while still making you desperate to see what happens next.
Reva’s journey is driven by something raw and powerful—revenge for her family—and that emotional core gives the story real weight. She’s not just reacting to the world around her; she’s pushing forward with purpose, even when everything starts to spiral in ways she never expected. And then there are Nash, Shiloh, and Ever… three completely different men, each bringing their own intensity, personality, and dynamic into her life. What I loved most is how distinct they all feel—none of them blur together. Their individual connections with Reva are unique, from the nicknames they use to the way they protect and understand her.
The relationship dynamic is especially compelling because it never feels forced. There’s a balance between possessiveness and acceptance—yes, they’re protective and powerful, but there’s also this unspoken agreement between them when it comes to sharing Reva. It adds an extra layer of tension, chemistry, and emotional complexity that keeps every interaction engaging. You can feel how each of them fits with her in a different way, almost like pieces of a puzzle coming together.
And then those twists at the end—wow. Completely unexpected in the moment, but so cleverly done. It’s one of those reveals where, once you know, you can trace the breadcrumbs back and see all the subtle hints you missed the first time around. That kind of foreshadowing makes the story even more satisfying, and it’s exactly why this feels like a series worth rereading. Knowing what’s coming will only make picking up on those details even better the second time.
Overall, this book delivers on emotion, tension, and intrigue, and it sets up the rest of the trilogy perfectly. It’s the kind of story that lingers with you after you finish—and honestly, I can already tell this is going to be one of those series I revisit again and again, especially once I can experience all three books one after the other.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What do you do when you suffer the unthinkable? At seven years old Reva woke to the nightmare of being the only surviving member in her family. She has let that anger consume her for fifteen years. When the opportunity for revenge arises she can't pass up the opportunity and returns to the one place she hasn't been since she was a child. Now she must face the past, the ghosts, and all the secrets if she hopes to ever find peace. While the story wasn't bad, personally I struggled with the FMC. She was extremely contradictory. At times she would be a strong character and then at others she would do completely idiotic dangerous things. She was the equivalent of the girl in the horror movie that you keep screaming at not to go in the basement but her dumb self does it anyway. She was constantly fighting against the MMCs even when they were trying to help her, after asking for their help, just because they didn't do things the way she wanted. She came across as extremely spoiled and at times even narcissistic. I understand she is dealing with trauma but that doesn't excuse the lack of common sense or common decency. I know that "brats" seem to be very in right now and maybe that is what the author was going for. I personally dont care for these types of characters so that could be why the character didn't resonate with me. As I said the story wasn't bad and it has a lot of potential, it just isn't for me. I don't think that I will be continuing the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really, really enjoyed this first part of the series, Rosary Marks... This is Book 1 of the trilogy, I can't wait to read the rest of the series!! It does end on a cliffhanger, but at least not a terrible one (as far as cliffhangers go, which I am thankful for!!)
Reva is looking for revenge for her family... and ends up with these 3 hulking men... Nash, Shiloh & Ever....
I love how different the men each are... how they have different nicknames for Reva... how they each fit with her so well... how they are so protective of her, but don't mind sharing, as long as they each have her.
I LOVED the surprise twists at the end of this book!!! Wow... didn't see that coming at all.... and I love that (being surprised!! Looking back, I can see the foreshadowing, but missed it while I was reading the book the first time).
This is definitely a series I'll want to read over & over... and be able to read all 3 books together. 🤩🥰
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
*dark romance *morally grey characters *revenge *forced proximity *why choose *reverse harem *protective MMCs *romantic suspense *ends on a cliffhanger (part 1 of a trilogy)
Thank you to the author (Evie Rae), publisher & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I was drawn in from Chapter 1...the emotions felt from the initial "event" that Reva endures and then fast forwards 17 years later and builds on the revenge that has grown over those 17 years and then she snaps and decides it's time to go after the one responsible for the trajectory her life took. For me I kept putting myself in her shoes and thought how strong and broken Reva was at the same time for all she had been through. The emotions from when she broke down to finding out who Shiloh really was and all the twists in between took me on an emotional roller coaster....there were moments of anticipation, suspense, excitedness, sadness, regret, uncertainty, lust, jealousy, admission, fear and finally love or love in the only form available......it was a wild ride and so so glad that Shiloh, Ever, Nash and finally Deacon were all a part of it....not gonna lie.....finishing this book at nearly midnight and finding out it was a cliffhanger and book 2 doesn't even have a release date made me want to scream because I NEED book 2 I have questions and no doubt will be invested in the answers.....HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one!
Received this as an ARC and this is my completely honest review and I am voluntarily leaving this review in my own words
The First Sin sucks you in from the first sentence and leaves you wanting more with the last! This is the first work that I have read by Evie Rae, but it will not be my last. It has been a long time since I have had such an emotional reaction to a book. When I finished reading, I just sat there, not knowing how to feel. I'm happy I finished the story, but sad it's over. I CANNOT wait for the next in the series!!!!!!! Reva Hart is a young woman looking for answers to her family's murder. She will do anything she has to make the guilty parties pay. Anything. While she is looking for payback, she stumbles upon three men who will complicate her life more than she would ever have imagined. Shiloh, Ever, and Nash are three men who give Reva just what she needs. Each helps her to see herself in a new light. They are all broken, damaged, and difficult to understand, but they are a family of sorts. A family that vows to protect and take care of each other no matter what. This story has just begun, and I am so excited to see where it goes! Thank you, Evie Rae, for this early copy. All parts of this review are my honest opinion.
I have to say I absolutely devoured this book. It's been a while since I've been so caught up in reading I don't realize how much time has passed until I take a break and look at the clock. The First Sin grips you in from the beginning and doesn't let go.
I'm normally not the biggest fan of dual/multiple POVs, but it just works with this one. I also really enjoyed the letters between chapters, it gives a cool perspective on the FMC we don't necessarily get from the main story.
A cross between a romance, a mystery/thriller, and a revenge story makes it perfect for my reading preferences. I felt like a detective putting clues together as they get sprinkled throughout the book, and I still didn't see that ending coming fully!
I do wish we got a little more background and communication from Cal, which kind of just falls off and feels really out of character for him. Even if he was checking in with the guys, still would have been nice to see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Reverse Harem stories aren’t for everyone, and I can tell you that this book will change your mind.
Some authors focus on the sensuality of introducing the reader into the thought of reverse harems . Meanwhile the storyline falls short for the plot.
Evie Rae takes the reins with this story and creates a storyline that pulls you in, takes you on an emotional ride, but shares with you the trials, anger, and life altering events that change the trajectory of a person’s life.
Reva is hell bent on revenge. Revenge that will take her into a world of danger, desire and deceit.
She wants revenge for her family’s death and the prospect of getting what she finally wants will put her on the precipice of going beyond her comfort zone.
She has three guides that are hell bent on keeping her safe and and yet they’re getting more entangled in her life.
The struggle to keep her sights on revenge and her feelings for her “keepers” under control doesn’t work.
Now she must release control and trust the men that have become her guardians so to speak.
Revenge can be a blessing or a curse depending on the situation. When she was a child, Reva lost everything and ever since that night her main goal is get avenge her family's death by finding the man with the rosary tattoo. Letters and pictures sent by an anonymous person that sends her to New Orleans. She's extremely independent and doesn't want any help, so when Shiloh, Ever, and Nash sees her she's very reluctant to rely on others besides herself.
This book grew on me as I kept reading, and I eventually got to the point where I couldn't stop reading and was upset that I had to put it down. In the end, I loved it. I loved how Evie wrote the men's POV so differently that is was easy to fall for all of them. This book does have a lot of dark scenes and themes with a lot of spice in it. Please read the triggers before starting it. THE PLOT TWIST!!!!! I will be twiddling my thumbs WAITING for the next one because I can't get over the ending!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This dark why choose romance is the first in the Rosary Marks series. As always, I would recommend taking a look at the trigger warnings.
The FMC, Reva, was an awesome character, strong, sassy and determined. I also found her intriguing because something about her seemed dangerous.
Initially, I felt Shiloh was an amazing character, but I sensed that it wasn't all about him. Ever was something else entirely, and Nash was someone that I couldn't figure out.
There was plenty of suspense to keep me turning the pages, and some sizzling heat. It was a longer read than I expected but it was worth it. If you read before bed, it may have you reading late into the night. It was a surprising read that left me wondering what might happen next.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.
Reva's entire life was upended one night when her entire family was murdered. Fast forward several years, and now she is an adult hell bent on revenge against the man with the rosary tattoo. When Reva receives mysterious letters and pictures, she follows the trail to New Orleans. Reva has a one track mind, is independent, and does not need help from anyone. Reva could not have accounted for her meeting Shiloh, Ever, and Nash. There paths are intertwined from that moment forward.
This is the second series I've read by Evie Rae and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down. The chemistry between Reva and the men is well written and the story moves along well. This is a dark romance so mind the triggers and there is plenty of spice. The plot twist has me salivating for more. Can't wait until the next book!
I love broken characters that seem to heal through one another.
Reva (FMC) comes from a traumatic past- that has left its scars deep. However, to get revenge she craves, answers she seeks; she must return and face that trauma and the consequences of the past. What she did not plan for is the hot guys she meets along the way Shiloh, Ever and Nash.
Dang I truly can’t decide which one I like more - but I do know one thing without their help Reva is in trouble. They have a protective side that I love!
Excited to see how this story continues - I’m enjoying the twist and turns.
I truly love that I met this author this year. I love finding new authors that become a must read.
Book 1 of Rosary Marks. And a FANtastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'All three have ties to the man I’m hunting. And the deeper I dig, the more their world tightens around me—until I can’t tell what’s more dangerous: the truth… or the way they touch me like I belong to them. I came to Noir for answers. I didn’t expect to become the next sin they collect.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I came across this gem, without even browsing over the blurb, I just knew I had to read it. I mean, hello, it was written by Evie Rae, meaning I couldn't possibly pass up reading it. Not. A. Chance! But then, you add in that it's a "why-choose" by a phenomenal author, and this girl was sold and in literary heaven!
And, let me tell you, I holed up in my bedroom and devoured this slice of perfection! The storyline, the pacing, the characters, the spice, it was absolutely addictive and done to perfection. And, boy, did it ever live rent free in my head after finishing. Incredible! Ms. Rae, you have unbelievable talent and have knocked it outta the park with this one! Congrats on another brilliant series start!!
Thank you to booksprout the author, Evie Rae for an ARC. After that cliffhanger I’m definitely going to need the second book ASAP!! I truly wasn’t expecting things to go down like that and it left me wanting more. The secrets and the drama definitely suck you in because you’re always trying to figure out what’s the truth and what’s a lie. The characters are also likable. We definitely saw some character growth from certain characters, but I’m also looking forward to seeing how some of these secondary characters towards the end how they are gonna progress in the book. I enjoyed the journey this book takes you on and I’m definitely looking forward to exploring this world further.
After you read this book you will be ready to pack your backpack and head to New Orleans and find these dark and sexy men. A nightmare that turned into reality has shaped her life and path. Her life has been anything but easy. The memory of that night has fueled her for years. Now she’s ready to find the answers. They answered a call but never imagined it would lead to this. I can’t tell you more because it will ruin the book. Trust me this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and needing a few cold showers. Spice level is way over five. I can’t wait for the next part of this series.
The First Sin is book 1 in The Rosary Marks series and is Reva's journey. In her search for answers she finds herself at Noir, a New Orleans bar. Run by Nash, the cold-blooded leader, Shiloh, the silver-tongued liar, and Ever, the quiet protector. Reva finds more than she's looking in her search to discover what happened with her family and she soon learns that all isn't what it seems or what she's been led to believe. Her journey is full of drama, intrigue, danger, betrayal and secrets. There's a cliffhanger but by no means should you let that prevent you from enjoying this fantastic journey. Go ahead, get caught up in this yummy why choose read!
You have all read the blurb so I'll save you from that. Just a heads up that this is a book one and it ends in a cliffhanger. And it's a juicy one! I just finished and my head is spinning so just bear with me okay! This is one of the best rh books I've ever read. The plot is amazing, I love all the men and especially our fmc Reva, it's scorching hot and I missed nights sleep because I just couldn't put it away and sleep lol. I absolutely can't wait for the second book! I can recommend this to ever who love good rh with solid plot, some fun moments and lot's of tension!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This pulled me straight in and wrapped itself around me, not once letting go. The characters, the emotional intimacy between them all just fed into the story and omg the heat between them 🔥🔥🔥 Nash, all control and power, Ever, silence without missing a thing and Shiloh, all smiles, deflecting the hard edges. And Reva, prickly, broken but not, seeking revenge for her family. Omg, I cried. I screamed at Reva, I shouted at Nash, Ever and Shiloh. I begged for Reva to stop! And Deacon, that ending! I was shocked. I don’t know what to do or say or think 🤯🤯 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What a start to a new series!! I devoured this. The tragic past, the questions Reva is chasing, and the constant danger had me on edge, but the way this why-choose dynamic unfolds? Absolutely delicious.
Reva is a woman on a mission, and come hell or high water, she’s getting her answers. Sure, her stubbornness gets the better of her at times—finesse might’ve served her better than the bull-in-a-china-shop approach—but honestly, it only adds to her arc. And the way Ever, Nash, and Shiloh “handle” her? Perfection.
This book is definitely a great why choose book. I loved each of the men (Deacon too) equally and loved that they had different personalities and relationships with the FMC. I also loved that she wasn’t a damsel in distress either. She put could hold her own and that personality combined with each of the boys made the relationships even better. I was definitely hooked and could not wait to continue reading. I’m really excited to see how it will all play out!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a dark and intense RH romance that's based on a gal, Reva, getting revenge for the elimination of her family. Her journey to solve the mystery of the tattoo, and thus determine who it was that did the 'deed' was wild and filled with twists. Adding in three hot men, Nash, Shiloh and Ever, really amped up the complications for Reva... Expect to get caught up in the drama, danger, twists, humour and hot spice as you follow her along, only to hit a wicked cliffy ;P I'm anxious for the next installment to see how things continue to unfold for her.
She came for revenge. She found the men who would ruin her first.
The Elevator Pitch: A woman shaped by grief follows a blood-soaked clue into a New Orleans underworld where secrets have names and desire comes with sharp edges. Three dangerous men stand between her and the truth, each offering protection that feels too much like possession. As revenge pulls her deeper, the line between enemy, shelter, and temptation begins to blur. So much more to come - ends on a cliffhanger.
Evie Rae did not disappoint yet again. Loved this book, with it's snarky female character and the 3 complex male characters, who can't stop their fascination with her. They are fiercely protective, and claim what they want. There is spunky banter and you will laugh as well as feel frustrated by these lovely and deep characters that reveal themselves bit by bit. Highly recommend this book, if you are after a strong headed female, that gets guided by three strong males, that sees beyond what she wants them to see.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first time reading a book by this author and she did not disappoint. I loved this book, with its snarky female character and the 3 complex male characters, who can't stop with their fascination with her. There is spunky banter and you will laugh as well as feel frustrated by these lovely and deep characters that reveal themselves bit by bit. Highly recommend reading this book and can't wait for the next book to come out by this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A captivating read that hooks you instantly, pulling you into a shadow-filled world where the stakes are high and sin is abundant. Reva, Shiloh, Ever, and Nash share a dark, tangled connection that delivers a slow, dangerous burn. Together, the men help her navigate a gritty, constructed reality where danger and desire blur and no one’s hands are clean. And that ending—that cliffhanger?! Two words: MIND BLOWN!
Free your mind and prepare to be obsessed.
*Please read trigger and content warnings.*
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reva's story pulled me in right away. This book was filled with danger, mystery, suspense, and revenge. In addition there was drama, lots of emotions, tension, and spice.
Reva made a great FMC. She was smart, determined, and confident. Im loving Reva's men too. Nash, Ever, and Shiloh, were each unique and perfect for her in their own ways.
What a fantastic beginning to Reva's journey! The ending definitely leaves us wanting more!!
When Reva suddenly quits her job and heads to New Orleans to get revenge for things from her childhood it seems like a horribly impulsive decision that couldn't possibly work out. Even her car tries to warn her... This book is not one that I will be able to forget. I tried to choose which character was my favorite and honestly I don't think I can decide. That surprise at the end has me impatiently waiting for the next book.