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Guilty as Sin
He wants her, and he always gets what he wants.
Cora
I’ve done everything in my power to cut ties with my mafia moving out of Boston to Chicago, changing my name, making my own money.
Now, they’re pulling me back in with a request I can’t my brother double-crossed the Chicago O’Sullivans, and the only way to keep him safe is to give them what they a mafia bride. I’ll do anything to protect my brother, but I never agreed to do it quietly.
Brady
I’m used to bending the world to my will and taking no prisoners, but war is coming and to keep my family safe I need allies. the easiest way to get them? Taking a wife.
Cora Muloney seems perfect, she’s indebted to me for sparing her brother and she’s already moved to my city. I was expecting a meek obedient wife, raised in in the life and ready to submit to my every whim. I was wrong, but I never could resist a challenge…
🖤 Enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Arranged marriage
🖤 Warring families
🖤 Touch-her-and-die
🖤 He falls first, and harder
🖤 American Irish Catholic Mafia family
🖤 HEA guaranteed
Cora
I’ve done everything in my power to cut ties with my mafia moving out of Boston to Chicago, changing my name, making my own money.
Now, they’re pulling me back in with a request I can’t my brother double-crossed the Chicago O’Sullivans, and the only way to keep him safe is to give them what they a mafia bride. I’ll do anything to protect my brother, but I never agreed to do it quietly.
Brady
I’m used to bending the world to my will and taking no prisoners, but war is coming and to keep my family safe I need allies. the easiest way to get them? Taking a wife.
Cora Muloney seems perfect, she’s indebted to me for sparing her brother and she’s already moved to my city. I was expecting a meek obedient wife, raised in in the life and ready to submit to my every whim. I was wrong, but I never could resist a challenge…
🖤 Enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Arranged marriage
🖤 Warring families
🖤 Touch-her-and-die
🖤 He falls first, and harder
🖤 American Irish Catholic Mafia family
🖤 HEA guaranteed
- GenresDark Romance
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2026
About the author
Cate Bishop
12 books7 followersCate Bishop lives in the Midwestern United States with her husband and their two villainous cats. In addition to all things bookish, she enjoys baking and decorating cakes, walking in the woods, and playing bar trivia. Guilty as Sin is her first series.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 20, 2026
3.75⭐️ (rounded up to 4⭐️)
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the review copy of Guilty as Sin, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Eek, this publishes on my birthday, how cool! 🤪 okay, excitement to one side, I absolutely love a mafia romance and it’s been awhile since I’ve picked one up. The tropes to this immediately drew me in because I love an arranged marriage, and a rival families dynamic is also a favourite to read in a mafia romance. That said, Cora’s backstory of having left her mafia life and family behind, in pursuit for a quiet life, also intrigued me.
Overall, this was an easy great read that kept me engaged right from the moment Cora is introduced. She was selfless, fearless and a very determined woman, he would do anything to protect her younger brother, Connor, which I absolutely loved. She wasn’t a pushover and she had this quiet for resilience to her, and wasn’t one to certainly be underestimated.
Equally, I really enjoyed Brady’s character, too. He was ruthless, devoted and loyal to a fault, and completely captivated by his new bride, Cora.
As a couple, they don’t get on; they’re polar opposites, and they both underestimate each other a lot to begin with. As they spend more time together in their close proximity, and begin to get to know each other and with their mutual attraction, things become intense. I did really like how they both saw different sides to one another that not everyone around them tend to see. The spice was great. I think it really added to their chemistry, and overall attraction because they still were very unsure on where they stood with one another, but their attraction for each other was undeniable.
I think for me though I just wished for a bit more; I wish we got to know more about Cora’s backstory and why she left her mafia life family and just more to the backstory. I don’t think that was fully explored as it could have been, which would’ve added some more depth to the overall story. At times there were also pacing jumps that just felt a little unnatural, but I did like how quick things moved and the chapters were short so it kept me engaged.
For a debut start to a series this is a really solid intro and I did like getting to meet the O’Sullivan family, the brothers especially are very intriguing and different from one another. I’m very intrigued by Liam the eldest sibling. There’s definitely something there between him and their family friend, Brioni.
Nonetheless, I’m very excited for this series, and for all that is to come! 💚
Tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Arranged marriage
Rival families
Touch-her-and-die
He falls first, and harder
American Irish Catholic mafia family
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the review copy of Guilty as Sin, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Eek, this publishes on my birthday, how cool! 🤪 okay, excitement to one side, I absolutely love a mafia romance and it’s been awhile since I’ve picked one up. The tropes to this immediately drew me in because I love an arranged marriage, and a rival families dynamic is also a favourite to read in a mafia romance. That said, Cora’s backstory of having left her mafia life and family behind, in pursuit for a quiet life, also intrigued me.
Overall, this was an easy great read that kept me engaged right from the moment Cora is introduced. She was selfless, fearless and a very determined woman, he would do anything to protect her younger brother, Connor, which I absolutely loved. She wasn’t a pushover and she had this quiet for resilience to her, and wasn’t one to certainly be underestimated.
Equally, I really enjoyed Brady’s character, too. He was ruthless, devoted and loyal to a fault, and completely captivated by his new bride, Cora.
As a couple, they don’t get on; they’re polar opposites, and they both underestimate each other a lot to begin with. As they spend more time together in their close proximity, and begin to get to know each other and with their mutual attraction, things become intense. I did really like how they both saw different sides to one another that not everyone around them tend to see. The spice was great. I think it really added to their chemistry, and overall attraction because they still were very unsure on where they stood with one another, but their attraction for each other was undeniable.
I think for me though I just wished for a bit more; I wish we got to know more about Cora’s backstory and why she left her mafia life family and just more to the backstory. I don’t think that was fully explored as it could have been, which would’ve added some more depth to the overall story. At times there were also pacing jumps that just felt a little unnatural, but I did like how quick things moved and the chapters were short so it kept me engaged.
For a debut start to a series this is a really solid intro and I did like getting to meet the O’Sullivan family, the brothers especially are very intriguing and different from one another. I’m very intrigued by Liam the eldest sibling. There’s definitely something there between him and their family friend, Brioni.
Nonetheless, I’m very excited for this series, and for all that is to come! 💚
Tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Arranged marriage
Rival families
Touch-her-and-die
He falls first, and harder
American Irish Catholic mafia family
June 4, 2026
2.5⭐️. Being generous. I tried to like this more but had to DNF at 60%. Nothing was really happening. Except a lot of sexual power manipulation.
Read this is you want something that doesn’t require any thinking. Something easy to read while distracted and a little skimming. I like having books like that in my back pocket. Also be prepared for a lot of random spice. Not necessarily lot of connection. The spice sometimes feels random and just shoved in the story.
*Spoilers coming*
Cora left her mafia family and changed her name to go to college, become an ophthalmologist and escape the “docile” female mafia role expected of her. Her brother secretly makes a deal with the OSullivan’s enemy, gets caught, beat up, and his big sister Cora has to marry the second OSullivan son to save him.
There are many messed up things here. One what mafia family just lets their daughter disappear so easily? None that I’ve read. How did the OSullivan’s find her new identity so easily but no other mafia people had previously? And Ophthalmology? 🤣 random..
Anyway, of course there is instant list with Brady and Cora. I actually don’t mind a good instalust. It’s kinda hot and makes the connection feel special. But in this story it’s all manipulative and power driven. It doesn’t feel very authentic with deeper feelings. I don’t know just off.
Anyway, the enemy - Seven - is who the family is trying to take down. He sends someone to attack Cora and Seven is trying to take down the OSullivan family. That’s kinda it at 60% in.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy!*
Read this is you want something that doesn’t require any thinking. Something easy to read while distracted and a little skimming. I like having books like that in my back pocket. Also be prepared for a lot of random spice. Not necessarily lot of connection. The spice sometimes feels random and just shoved in the story.
*Spoilers coming*
Cora left her mafia family and changed her name to go to college, become an ophthalmologist and escape the “docile” female mafia role expected of her. Her brother secretly makes a deal with the OSullivan’s enemy, gets caught, beat up, and his big sister Cora has to marry the second OSullivan son to save him.
There are many messed up things here. One what mafia family just lets their daughter disappear so easily? None that I’ve read. How did the OSullivan’s find her new identity so easily but no other mafia people had previously? And Ophthalmology? 🤣 random..
Anyway, of course there is instant list with Brady and Cora. I actually don’t mind a good instalust. It’s kinda hot and makes the connection feel special. But in this story it’s all manipulative and power driven. It doesn’t feel very authentic with deeper feelings. I don’t know just off.
Anyway, the enemy - Seven - is who the family is trying to take down. He sends someone to attack Cora and Seven is trying to take down the OSullivan family. That’s kinda it at 60% in.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy!*
August 8, 2026
I was gifted this eARC by netgally.
I love a mafia romance. Give me morally questionable people, questionable life choices and enough family drama to make me grateful I’m not related to any of them, and I’m generally quite happy.
So when you tell me I’m getting a forced marriage between rival mafia families, I’m obviously going to be there. Because apparently I have no interest in healthy relationships and would much rather watch two fictional criminals fall in love while everyone around them makes increasingly questionable decisions.
Cora is an absolute menace, and I mean that as a compliment.
She’s intelligent, independent, fiercely protective and has absolutely no intention of becoming some meek little mafia wife just because a bunch of dangerous men have decided that’s what she should be. She has a backbone, but thankfully doesn’t spend the entire book reminding everyone that she has one.
Brady is your typical ruthless, possessive mafia man who is accustomed to getting exactly what he wants. Unfortunately for him, he married Cora, who apparently did not receive the memo about being obedient.
I really liked these two together. They’re constantly pushing each other’s buttons, neither is willing to completely back down and there’s a really good balance between them. Brady is clearly gone for her, even when he’s pretending he isn’t, and watching him slowly realise that his wife is actually his equal was delicious.
Cora has spent years doing everything possible to get the fuck away from the mafia. She leaves Boston, changes her name, becomes a doctor and builds herself a nice, respectable little life where nobody is shooting at anyone or demanding she marry a criminal.
Then her brother Connor decides to double-cross the Chicago O’Sullivans.
Because apparently Cora wasn't allowed to have nice things.
Now she’s dragged straight back into the world she escaped, and the O’Sullivans want Connor’s debt repaid. The O'Sullivans' solution is wonderfully mafia-esque: Cora can marry Brady and, in exchange, her brother gets to keep breathing.
Romantic.
She agrees because she’ll do pretty much anything to protect her brother, but she also makes it very fucking clear that marrying Brady does not mean he gets to start making all her decisions for her. Brady, who is accustomed to people doing exactly what he tells them, finds this deeply irritating.
And, naturally, extremely attractive.
As Cora gets pulled further into the O’Sullivan family, she starts to realise that she’s actually bloody good at this mafia business. She can read people, she understands the dynamics and she knows how to hold her own around some very dangerous people. Which is slightly inconvenient when you’ve spent years convincing yourself that you want absolutely nothing to do with that life.
Meanwhile, Brady has his own problems to deal with as tensions between different families start escalating, and Cora becomes far more involved in the family’s affairs than either of them originally anticipated.
What starts as a marriage arranged to protect Connor gradually becomes something much more genuine, as the two of them start learning to trust each other, figuring out where they stand and discovering that they might actually be a rather terrifyingly effective team.
There’s family drama, shifting loyalties, threats, mafia politics, plenty of sexual tension and a healthy amount of spice while these two idiots work out that communicating their feelings would probably be considerably easier than....that.
But apparently that would be too fucking easy.
And then there’s **the thing with the strawberry**.
I am not explaining the strawberry.
I will not be taking questions about the strawberry.
🍓
Overall, I really enjoyed this. It was an easy, entertaining read that kept me engaged, and I thought it was a really solid debut and a promising start to the series.
My biggest criticism was that I wanted more of Cora’s backstory. We know she left the mafia and why she wanted a different life, but I wanted to understand more about what happened before she walked away. I think that would have given her character even more depth, particularly because of how much she ends up questioning the life she thought she wanted.
There were also a couple of moments where the pacing jumped a little abruptly, but the short chapters kept everything moving and I never found myself sitting there thinking, *for fuck's sake, when is this going to end?*
I loved the chemistry between Cora and Brady, I enjoyed the family dynamics and I’m already invested in this ridiculously dysfunctional mafia family.
For a debut, this was a really solid start, and I’m definitely interested to see where Cate Bishop takes the series next.
If you like mafia romance, forced marriage, rival families, strong FMCs, possessive MMCs, banter, tension and spice, definitely give this one a go.
Please check your trigger warnings before reading. Your mental health is way more important than any book or story, but as always, happy reading. 🖤
I love a mafia romance. Give me morally questionable people, questionable life choices and enough family drama to make me grateful I’m not related to any of them, and I’m generally quite happy.
So when you tell me I’m getting a forced marriage between rival mafia families, I’m obviously going to be there. Because apparently I have no interest in healthy relationships and would much rather watch two fictional criminals fall in love while everyone around them makes increasingly questionable decisions.
Cora is an absolute menace, and I mean that as a compliment.
She’s intelligent, independent, fiercely protective and has absolutely no intention of becoming some meek little mafia wife just because a bunch of dangerous men have decided that’s what she should be. She has a backbone, but thankfully doesn’t spend the entire book reminding everyone that she has one.
Brady is your typical ruthless, possessive mafia man who is accustomed to getting exactly what he wants. Unfortunately for him, he married Cora, who apparently did not receive the memo about being obedient.
I really liked these two together. They’re constantly pushing each other’s buttons, neither is willing to completely back down and there’s a really good balance between them. Brady is clearly gone for her, even when he’s pretending he isn’t, and watching him slowly realise that his wife is actually his equal was delicious.
Cora has spent years doing everything possible to get the fuck away from the mafia. She leaves Boston, changes her name, becomes a doctor and builds herself a nice, respectable little life where nobody is shooting at anyone or demanding she marry a criminal.
Then her brother Connor decides to double-cross the Chicago O’Sullivans.
Because apparently Cora wasn't allowed to have nice things.
Now she’s dragged straight back into the world she escaped, and the O’Sullivans want Connor’s debt repaid. The O'Sullivans' solution is wonderfully mafia-esque: Cora can marry Brady and, in exchange, her brother gets to keep breathing.
Romantic.
She agrees because she’ll do pretty much anything to protect her brother, but she also makes it very fucking clear that marrying Brady does not mean he gets to start making all her decisions for her. Brady, who is accustomed to people doing exactly what he tells them, finds this deeply irritating.
And, naturally, extremely attractive.
As Cora gets pulled further into the O’Sullivan family, she starts to realise that she’s actually bloody good at this mafia business. She can read people, she understands the dynamics and she knows how to hold her own around some very dangerous people. Which is slightly inconvenient when you’ve spent years convincing yourself that you want absolutely nothing to do with that life.
Meanwhile, Brady has his own problems to deal with as tensions between different families start escalating, and Cora becomes far more involved in the family’s affairs than either of them originally anticipated.
What starts as a marriage arranged to protect Connor gradually becomes something much more genuine, as the two of them start learning to trust each other, figuring out where they stand and discovering that they might actually be a rather terrifyingly effective team.
There’s family drama, shifting loyalties, threats, mafia politics, plenty of sexual tension and a healthy amount of spice while these two idiots work out that communicating their feelings would probably be considerably easier than....that.
But apparently that would be too fucking easy.
And then there’s **the thing with the strawberry**.
I am not explaining the strawberry.
I will not be taking questions about the strawberry.
🍓
Overall, I really enjoyed this. It was an easy, entertaining read that kept me engaged, and I thought it was a really solid debut and a promising start to the series.
My biggest criticism was that I wanted more of Cora’s backstory. We know she left the mafia and why she wanted a different life, but I wanted to understand more about what happened before she walked away. I think that would have given her character even more depth, particularly because of how much she ends up questioning the life she thought she wanted.
There were also a couple of moments where the pacing jumped a little abruptly, but the short chapters kept everything moving and I never found myself sitting there thinking, *for fuck's sake, when is this going to end?*
I loved the chemistry between Cora and Brady, I enjoyed the family dynamics and I’m already invested in this ridiculously dysfunctional mafia family.
For a debut, this was a really solid start, and I’m definitely interested to see where Cate Bishop takes the series next.
If you like mafia romance, forced marriage, rival families, strong FMCs, possessive MMCs, banter, tension and spice, definitely give this one a go.
Please check your trigger warnings before reading. Your mental health is way more important than any book or story, but as always, happy reading. 🖤
August 21, 2026
“You’re your own person…and you’re mine” 🥵 Brady O’Sullivan, the understanding man that you are!! 😍
I love a mafia romance book, I find them the perfect palette cleanser when I have no idea what to read; something that seems so far out of my normal life, easy to read and a whole lotta fun - and Cate Bishop didn’t miss!! 👏🏻
I loved everything about the O’Sullivans, shockingly and nothing about the Maloneys 🚮 I love how Cora is her own person and will NOT let anyone, least of all a mafia man, take that away from her. She knows exactly what she wants and how to get it, I think she’s one of my favourite FMCs that I’ve read in a while, a true badass and I’d happily read more of her, she truly has Brady wrapped round her little finger - no matter how much he doesn’t want that
…until he comes to his senses ofc 😏
The family theme throughout is fantastic, mainly for the O’Sullivans and how much they have each other’s back, but also between Cora and Connor. As a an eldest sister myself, I too am very protective of my younger siblings and I too would go to the ends of the world for them, maybe not the same way as Cora but I definitely understand her actions. I also like how welcoming the O’Sullivans are to Cora when they realise she’s not the enemy and truthfully I would love to read another book about them all, I waaaaaant more!
Although the book is fantastic and really tickled the mafia romance side of my brain, I did find myself skimming the later sex scenes 😅 and although I loved them both a lot, Brady and Cora did drive me absolutely insane with the miscommunication, the second guessing, the untrusting, so I did want to throw the book out of the window in pure frustration 😂😂
A 3.5⭐️ for me, but definitely will be reading more from this author asap!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon books for the e-arc
I love a mafia romance book, I find them the perfect palette cleanser when I have no idea what to read; something that seems so far out of my normal life, easy to read and a whole lotta fun - and Cate Bishop didn’t miss!! 👏🏻
I loved everything about the O’Sullivans, shockingly and nothing about the Maloneys 🚮 I love how Cora is her own person and will NOT let anyone, least of all a mafia man, take that away from her. She knows exactly what she wants and how to get it, I think she’s one of my favourite FMCs that I’ve read in a while, a true badass and I’d happily read more of her, she truly has Brady wrapped round her little finger - no matter how much he doesn’t want that
…until he comes to his senses ofc 😏
The family theme throughout is fantastic, mainly for the O’Sullivans and how much they have each other’s back, but also between Cora and Connor. As a an eldest sister myself, I too am very protective of my younger siblings and I too would go to the ends of the world for them, maybe not the same way as Cora but I definitely understand her actions. I also like how welcoming the O’Sullivans are to Cora when they realise she’s not the enemy and truthfully I would love to read another book about them all, I waaaaaant more!
Although the book is fantastic and really tickled the mafia romance side of my brain, I did find myself skimming the later sex scenes 😅 and although I loved them both a lot, Brady and Cora did drive me absolutely insane with the miscommunication, the second guessing, the untrusting, so I did want to throw the book out of the window in pure frustration 😂😂
A 3.5⭐️ for me, but definitely will be reading more from this author asap!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon books for the e-arc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
NetGalley ARC Review
Guilty as Sin by Cate Bishop is a fantastic mafia romance that follows Cora and Brady.
Cora is an independent doctor who believed she had left the mafia world behind. Thanks to her brother, Connor, she finds herself pulled right back into that life as she tries to protect him, ultimately entering a marriage with Brady.
The banter between Brady and Cora is absolutely top tier. They constantly challenge each other, and one of my favorite parts of the story is watching Brady struggle between being frustrated with Cora and being completely impressed by her because she is so much like him. Their chemistry is incredible.
Cora refuses to be viewed as someone's property and is determined to be an equal partner. Both she and Brady spend much of the story learning to trust one another, and once they finally do, they prove they are an unstoppable team.
One of the most interesting parts of the book is when Cora attempts to return to her life before Brady. As much as she always wanted to escape the mafia, she realizes she's actually incredibly good at navigating that world. That realization leaves her questioning everything she thought she wanted, creating a compelling internal conflict.
This book kept me engaged from beginning to end and delivers a satisfying happily ever after. If you enjoy mafia romance, witty banter, marriage of convenience, strong female main characters, and couples who are equally matched, I definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
Guilty as Sin by Cate Bishop is a fantastic mafia romance that follows Cora and Brady.
Cora is an independent doctor who believed she had left the mafia world behind. Thanks to her brother, Connor, she finds herself pulled right back into that life as she tries to protect him, ultimately entering a marriage with Brady.
The banter between Brady and Cora is absolutely top tier. They constantly challenge each other, and one of my favorite parts of the story is watching Brady struggle between being frustrated with Cora and being completely impressed by her because she is so much like him. Their chemistry is incredible.
Cora refuses to be viewed as someone's property and is determined to be an equal partner. Both she and Brady spend much of the story learning to trust one another, and once they finally do, they prove they are an unstoppable team.
One of the most interesting parts of the book is when Cora attempts to return to her life before Brady. As much as she always wanted to escape the mafia, she realizes she's actually incredibly good at navigating that world. That realization leaves her questioning everything she thought she wanted, creating a compelling internal conflict.
This book kept me engaged from beginning to end and delivers a satisfying happily ever after. If you enjoy mafia romance, witty banter, marriage of convenience, strong female main characters, and couples who are equally matched, I definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If it’s wrong to love Brady f-cking me like this, then I’m guilty as sin.
🖤 Enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Arranged marriage
🖤 Warring families
🖤 Touch-her-and-die
🖤 He falls first, and harder
🖤 American Irish Catholic Mafia family
🖤 HEA guaranteed
Firstly a massive thank you netgalley and Avon for the ARC.
I’m going to start off by giving massive flowers to Cate Bishop, THIS is how you start a series. I am well and truly invested and I cannot wait to read more of her work.
If you love mafia romance but also your FMCs with a backbone and edge then this is the one for you. Cora, whilst still vulnerable, is the perfect woman for Brady. Not afraid to push back the big bad mafia man and wrap him around her little finger. I also just loved how far gone Brady was for her even from the start. The tension between the two of them was CRACKLING, especially on the wedding night - had me on the edge of my seat 👀 but that slow burn paid off in the best possible ways because when the spice hit phwaor it was 5 alarm 🌶️
Cate did a great job with pacing of the story, I never felt bored or like there was any “filler” to skip over. The banter between the two had me smiling throughout and I loved to see Brady and his brothers!
Overall - a fantastic read for anyone who loves mafia romance, well developed and swoon-worthy characters and a good old dollop of spice!
🖤 Enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Arranged marriage
🖤 Warring families
🖤 Touch-her-and-die
🖤 He falls first, and harder
🖤 American Irish Catholic Mafia family
🖤 HEA guaranteed
Firstly a massive thank you netgalley and Avon for the ARC.
I’m going to start off by giving massive flowers to Cate Bishop, THIS is how you start a series. I am well and truly invested and I cannot wait to read more of her work.
If you love mafia romance but also your FMCs with a backbone and edge then this is the one for you. Cora, whilst still vulnerable, is the perfect woman for Brady. Not afraid to push back the big bad mafia man and wrap him around her little finger. I also just loved how far gone Brady was for her even from the start. The tension between the two of them was CRACKLING, especially on the wedding night - had me on the edge of my seat 👀 but that slow burn paid off in the best possible ways because when the spice hit phwaor it was 5 alarm 🌶️
Cate did a great job with pacing of the story, I never felt bored or like there was any “filler” to skip over. The banter between the two had me smiling throughout and I loved to see Brady and his brothers!
Overall - a fantastic read for anyone who loves mafia romance, well developed and swoon-worthy characters and a good old dollop of spice!
August 6, 2026
Cora thought she left her mafia life behind when she escaped her family in New York to pursue her education as a doctor, but when her brother makes a costly mistake in Chicago, she finds herself forced to marry the son of a rival family in order to ensure his safety. However, she will not be the compliant mafia bride her new husband is expecting, and will quickly make everyone realize exactly who they forced into their family.
Brady is used to things going his way, and while he’s typically been the face of the family’s legitimate businesses, he remains one of the masters of their shadier dealings. From the moment Cora took her first steps down the aisle to him, he realized that he wasn’t getting the bride he expected, but something about her fire makes her even more appealing. As they eventually succumb to their attraction, they both learn that they are much stronger when they work together.
I received an early copy of this book from @netgalley and really enjoyed it. I appreciated the different family dynamics, as well as how Cora and Brady took time to fall for each other, but didn’t waste time denying their feelings either. While I would have liked to learn more about Cora’s background, the author definitely didn’t shy away from writing a strong female character. Cora was assertive but not in a flashy way, she just knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to demand it for herself. I loved that Cora and Brady saw a different side of each other, and allowed themselves to be vulnerable, while lifting each other up rather than tearing each other down. The author also gave us just enough about the side characters to keep me anxiously waiting to see who will be featured in book 2.
Brady is used to things going his way, and while he’s typically been the face of the family’s legitimate businesses, he remains one of the masters of their shadier dealings. From the moment Cora took her first steps down the aisle to him, he realized that he wasn’t getting the bride he expected, but something about her fire makes her even more appealing. As they eventually succumb to their attraction, they both learn that they are much stronger when they work together.
I received an early copy of this book from @netgalley and really enjoyed it. I appreciated the different family dynamics, as well as how Cora and Brady took time to fall for each other, but didn’t waste time denying their feelings either. While I would have liked to learn more about Cora’s background, the author definitely didn’t shy away from writing a strong female character. Cora was assertive but not in a flashy way, she just knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to demand it for herself. I loved that Cora and Brady saw a different side of each other, and allowed themselves to be vulnerable, while lifting each other up rather than tearing each other down. The author also gave us just enough about the side characters to keep me anxiously waiting to see who will be featured in book 2.
June 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the eARC of this book!
I'm still getting into my dark romance books, and this is definitely one of my favourite books that I have read in this genre. I appreciated how the FMC was not scared to be herself, and was still herself throughout the book despite having situations that would advise otherwise.
Cara was a character that still developed, even though she was caught in one position that was outside of her control. She still found herself and stayed true to herself throughout which is something that I admired, and it didn't feel like she was being a pushover - which sometimes, characters can feel that way.
Cora & Brady together were perfect, and they felt like a true couple - they were not perfect, they were still learning, and he fell first (obviously).
Cora left her new life, and her new role, to fix a mistake that her brother made - which showed that sometimes, even though you are seperated from your family, you would still do everything for them. I would love to find out more about Cora's back story and what made her and her family fall out, because it was more than being a catholic.
Cora's family stepping away when they find out what's happening to her is intriguing and will show more in the future. Why has she stepped away? It felt like that was missing a bit but overall it was good and I enjoyed it.
I'm still getting into my dark romance books, and this is definitely one of my favourite books that I have read in this genre. I appreciated how the FMC was not scared to be herself, and was still herself throughout the book despite having situations that would advise otherwise.
Cara was a character that still developed, even though she was caught in one position that was outside of her control. She still found herself and stayed true to herself throughout which is something that I admired, and it didn't feel like she was being a pushover - which sometimes, characters can feel that way.
Cora & Brady together were perfect, and they felt like a true couple - they were not perfect, they were still learning, and he fell first (obviously).
Cora left her new life, and her new role, to fix a mistake that her brother made - which showed that sometimes, even though you are seperated from your family, you would still do everything for them. I would love to find out more about Cora's back story and what made her and her family fall out, because it was more than being a catholic.
Cora's family stepping away when they find out what's happening to her is intriguing and will show more in the future. Why has she stepped away? It felt like that was missing a bit but overall it was good and I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Guilty As Sin By Cate Bishop
Release date: 13th August 2026
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶
🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
✨️ Arranged Marriage
🖤 He falls first & Harder
✨️ Warring Families
🖤 Enemies X Lovers
“𝕎𝕖𝕝𝕝, 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥’𝕤 𝕒 𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕖,” 𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕣𝕒𝕨𝕝𝕤. “𝕀𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕚𝕕 𝕨𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕘, 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕓𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕞𝕪 𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕖𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕕𝕠 𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕.”
A dark mafia romance that literally dives right in and doesnt let up!!!!!! Holy moly Cate Bishop has written a good romance with some serious spice in it!
One thing I loved about the book was how it literally kicked right off, and it was done so well you weren't left wanting answers. The banter between the two main characters was brilliant and have some serious slow burn! There was definitely some underlying tension. Although there were points I didn't like the MFC the MMC is a completely different story, he was just so yummy and literally fell he first and hard!
This is a book you could literally read in one sitting (I did) it was too good not too!! If you want a dark romance where you can literally just eat it up this one's it.
Thank you to Avon books and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review
Release date: 13th August 2026
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶
🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
✨️ Arranged Marriage
🖤 He falls first & Harder
✨️ Warring Families
🖤 Enemies X Lovers
“𝕎𝕖𝕝𝕝, 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥’𝕤 𝕒 𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕖,” 𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕣𝕒𝕨𝕝𝕤. “𝕀𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕚𝕕 𝕨𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕘, 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕓𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕞𝕪 𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕖𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕕𝕠 𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕.”
A dark mafia romance that literally dives right in and doesnt let up!!!!!! Holy moly Cate Bishop has written a good romance with some serious spice in it!
One thing I loved about the book was how it literally kicked right off, and it was done so well you weren't left wanting answers. The banter between the two main characters was brilliant and have some serious slow burn! There was definitely some underlying tension. Although there were points I didn't like the MFC the MMC is a completely different story, he was just so yummy and literally fell he first and hard!
This is a book you could literally read in one sitting (I did) it was too good not too!! If you want a dark romance where you can literally just eat it up this one's it.
Thank you to Avon books and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s been a while since I’ve read a mafia romance, and this author absolutely delivered. 🔥 Sometimes authors soften their mafia MMCs too much, and it takes away from both the realism and the overall reading experience. Brady, however, was a very believable mafia man. He never shied away from the darker side of his world, and he fiercely protected Cora every step of the way.
Cora was such a great FMC. I loved that she wasn’t meek and always stood her ground. She may have been forced into marrying Brady, but she never let being a wife diminish who she was. She’s quick-witted, stubborn, takes no shit, and is just as down bad for Brady as he is for her. ❤️ I do wish we’d gotten a few more moments of them developing genuine romantic feelings. While it wasn’t exactly lust at first sight, the spice was definitely more memorable than any single romantic moment.
Now, let’s talk about the chemistry… it was OFF. THE. CHARTS. 🥵 When I say the spice was right up my alley… 👀 Vanilla spice just would not have worked for this couple.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to see more from the O’Sullivan brothers. 🍀📚 Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC.
Cora was such a great FMC. I loved that she wasn’t meek and always stood her ground. She may have been forced into marrying Brady, but she never let being a wife diminish who she was. She’s quick-witted, stubborn, takes no shit, and is just as down bad for Brady as he is for her. ❤️ I do wish we’d gotten a few more moments of them developing genuine romantic feelings. While it wasn’t exactly lust at first sight, the spice was definitely more memorable than any single romantic moment.
Now, let’s talk about the chemistry… it was OFF. THE. CHARTS. 🥵 When I say the spice was right up my alley… 👀 Vanilla spice just would not have worked for this couple.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to see more from the O’Sullivan brothers. 🍀📚 Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Guilty as Sin is a mafia romance that has arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, and he falls first and harder.
In this story we are introduced to Cora, an ophthalmologist working in a hospital. In actuality she comes from a mafia family. At the start, her life is mundane but then things hit the fan when her past comes back to haunt her. In doing so, it lands her in the sight of Brady O'Sullivan, our MMC. In terms of the character development, we do see he being forced to confront the world she came from but I would have loved to see more interaction with her family and work life to back up her rebellious nature. With Brady, I enjoyed seeing the bond between his brothers and amongst the family. Together, they are an interesting pair.
In terms of the pacing, this book was easy to read and I was able to feel the danger of rival factions. The action scenes are good and suspenseful, especially when plans go awry. If you do enjoy mafia romances with arranged marriages, this book may be for you.
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.
In this story we are introduced to Cora, an ophthalmologist working in a hospital. In actuality she comes from a mafia family. At the start, her life is mundane but then things hit the fan when her past comes back to haunt her. In doing so, it lands her in the sight of Brady O'Sullivan, our MMC. In terms of the character development, we do see he being forced to confront the world she came from but I would have loved to see more interaction with her family and work life to back up her rebellious nature. With Brady, I enjoyed seeing the bond between his brothers and amongst the family. Together, they are an interesting pair.
In terms of the pacing, this book was easy to read and I was able to feel the danger of rival factions. The action scenes are good and suspenseful, especially when plans go awry. If you do enjoy mafia romances with arranged marriages, this book may be for you.
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Avon, Harper Collins and Netgalley for this advanced copy.
I felt like there were many jumps in this story. We don't really get a reason why Cora left her family in the first place.
There was so many sexual power manipulation, and it felt like Cora wasn't the same character by the end as she was at the beginning. She preached that she wouldn't be a typical mafia wife, but that is what she become, just with confidence and even more power. We rarely see her in action as a doctor which is very disappointing.
We were introduced to characters but weren't given much depth to them.
Brady had his moments. He was soft at heart in places, but in the end he was a bit toxic.
I liked this, but would I reread or buy a trophy copy? No. This promised so much, but in the end, I felt like it didn't deliver.
Tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Arranged marriage
Rival families
Touch-her-and-die
He falls first, and harder
American Irish Catholic mafia family
I felt like there were many jumps in this story. We don't really get a reason why Cora left her family in the first place.
There was so many sexual power manipulation, and it felt like Cora wasn't the same character by the end as she was at the beginning. She preached that she wouldn't be a typical mafia wife, but that is what she become, just with confidence and even more power. We rarely see her in action as a doctor which is very disappointing.
We were introduced to characters but weren't given much depth to them.
Brady had his moments. He was soft at heart in places, but in the end he was a bit toxic.
I liked this, but would I reread or buy a trophy copy? No. This promised so much, but in the end, I felt like it didn't deliver.
Tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Arranged marriage
Rival families
Touch-her-and-die
He falls first, and harder
American Irish Catholic mafia family
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cora left her family and old life ten years ago, yet finds herself forced back into the mafia world with her marriage to Brady. There is a reason Cora left everything behind and Brady most certainly is not getting the meek mafia wife he always expected to marry.
Cora and Brady are an explosive couple. The chemistry between the two is almost instantaneous despite their meeting at the end of the aisle on their wedding day. The couple has to carve out what their relationship will look like, all while a turf war is underway. Cora also has to figure out how she will adapt to being thrown right back into the life she left behind.
I flew through reading this book. There is so much potential for this series as it continues. We got to know just enough about the other family members to tell me that I need books for all of them!
Cora and Brady are an explosive couple. The chemistry between the two is almost instantaneous despite their meeting at the end of the aisle on their wedding day. The couple has to carve out what their relationship will look like, all while a turf war is underway. Cora also has to figure out how she will adapt to being thrown right back into the life she left behind.
I flew through reading this book. There is so much potential for this series as it continues. We got to know just enough about the other family members to tell me that I need books for all of them!
July 12, 2026
This book dives right into the action and delivers an entertaining, mafia-themed dark romance. I loved the character names, their personalities, and the overall pace of the story. The spice was definitely spicing, and I will always root for an independent, stubborn, brilliant FMC who isn't afraid to challenge the MMC. Beyond the romance, I enjoyed the family dynamics. Cora's fierce loyalty to her brother paired well with the chaotic, protective dynamic between the Irish brothers.
For me, Cora and Brady fell for each other a little too quickly. I would have loved a bit more push and pull as they built trust and deepened their relationship. But hey, I guess when you know, you know.
Overall, an enjoyable, fast read with plenty of spice for dark romance fans.
For me, Cora and Brady fell for each other a little too quickly. I would have loved a bit more push and pull as they built trust and deepened their relationship. But hey, I guess when you know, you know.
Overall, an enjoyable, fast read with plenty of spice for dark romance fans.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brady's obsession with Cora is obvious from the very beginning, and I was hooked! What an incredible mafia romance!
This book has everything you'd want from a dark mafia romance: an arranged marriage, feuding mafia families, enemies to lovers, and plenty of tension.
I absolutely loved Cora as the FMC. She was fearless from the start and had Brady wrapped around her finger almost instantly. Even though the story moves at a fast pace, it still delivers strong character development, compelling dynamics, and plenty of chemistry between the leads.
Thank you to Cate Bishop and her team for the opportunity to read this ARC!
This book has everything you'd want from a dark mafia romance: an arranged marriage, feuding mafia families, enemies to lovers, and plenty of tension.
I absolutely loved Cora as the FMC. She was fearless from the start and had Brady wrapped around her finger almost instantly. Even though the story moves at a fast pace, it still delivers strong character development, compelling dynamics, and plenty of chemistry between the leads.
Thank you to Cate Bishop and her team for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Guilty as Sin is another mafia romance which follows Cora (need I ask why every mafia romance female lead is called Cora...) and Brady. From rival families (in different cities), the two come together in an arranged marriage after Cora's younger brother finds himself in trouble with Brady's family.
There were a few things that were a little bit unbelievable for the "mafia" vibes, such as Cora having run away from her mafia family except then she came back to being married off... And they never hunted her down in between, but somehow helped arrange the marriage.
I liked that Cora had lots of spirit, but I felt like her own personality change wasn't wholly believable at times. I think we needed a bit more of her personality at the beginning, not just that she was desperate to start a new life. I also felt that it would have been nice to explore more of her difficult family relationships and how that was different in the O'Sullivans.
Brady was the typical aggressive mafia man with the soft side for her wife... And upon reflection there was a particular scene with Brady that made me very uncomfortable. Despite the themes, there was always sexual consent in this book until one point that has made me very uncomfortable on reflection and I don't feel was well handled.
Having said that, I found this a very readable and page turning read (a very easy binge). I don't think it's the strongest of this romance sub genre, but I would probably read the next one. There were a few small inconsistencies and typos in my early copy but hopefully they're picked up in the final drafts.
Overall I had fun reading, it was pretty much what I expected of the genre but not my favourite mafia romance.
There were a few things that were a little bit unbelievable for the "mafia" vibes, such as Cora having run away from her mafia family except then she came back to being married off... And they never hunted her down in between, but somehow helped arrange the marriage.
I liked that Cora had lots of spirit, but I felt like her own personality change wasn't wholly believable at times. I think we needed a bit more of her personality at the beginning, not just that she was desperate to start a new life. I also felt that it would have been nice to explore more of her difficult family relationships and how that was different in the O'Sullivans.
Brady was the typical aggressive mafia man with the soft side for her wife... And upon reflection there was a particular scene with Brady that made me very uncomfortable. Despite the themes, there was always sexual consent in this book until one point that has made me very uncomfortable on reflection and I don't feel was well handled.
Having said that, I found this a very readable and page turning read (a very easy binge). I don't think it's the strongest of this romance sub genre, but I would probably read the next one. There were a few small inconsistencies and typos in my early copy but hopefully they're picked up in the final drafts.
Overall I had fun reading, it was pretty much what I expected of the genre but not my favourite mafia romance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you love an easy to read spicy mafia romance then this is for you.
☘️ Enemies to lovers
☘️ Fiesty Female Character
☘️ Touch her and die
☘️ He falls first
The chemistry between Brady and Cora is great 👍
The only reason I haven't rated higher is because there was a chapter where Brady did something that just didn't fit his character at all for me. And it was a big moment, yet Cora didn't discuss it with him either? It just didnt make sense to me.
☘️ Enemies to lovers
☘️ Fiesty Female Character
☘️ Touch her and die
☘️ He falls first
The chemistry between Brady and Cora is great 👍
The only reason I haven't rated higher is because there was a chapter where Brady did something that just didn't fit his character at all for me. And it was a big moment, yet Cora didn't discuss it with him either? It just didnt make sense to me.
July 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
This was a better read than I started off thinking it would be. The writing started off a little stiff but seemed to warm up the more I got into the book. I thought I wouldn’t like the “Mam” and “Da” but it wasn’t used often and honestly I stopped noticing when it was used.
All in all, a very good read that was every bit as sexy as you’d think it would be 🥵
This was a better read than I started off thinking it would be. The writing started off a little stiff but seemed to warm up the more I got into the book. I thought I wouldn’t like the “Mam” and “Da” but it wasn’t used often and honestly I stopped noticing when it was used.
All in all, a very good read that was every bit as sexy as you’d think it would be 🥵
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much, NetGalley, for the chance to read this ARC!
This was a steamy, angsty mafia romance complete with touch-her-and-die energy. Honestly it's kind of predictable at times, relies a decent amount on tropes, and doesn't have a lot of depth per say, but it hits all the marks and is a solid Mafia romance!
This was a steamy, angsty mafia romance complete with touch-her-and-die energy. Honestly it's kind of predictable at times, relies a decent amount on tropes, and doesn't have a lot of depth per say, but it hits all the marks and is a solid Mafia romance!
August 23, 2026
delicious
The push and pull between the two of them. Love it. She’s nothing like he thought he was getting in this arrangement. She’s better. It just takes them a little to work things out but man was it worth it
The push and pull between the two of them. Love it. She’s nothing like he thought he was getting in this arrangement. She’s better. It just takes them a little to work things out but man was it worth it
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC!
Guilty as Sin is one of the better mafia books I’ve read. I had a really hard time putting it down when I had to actually be an adult!
I thought the characters were well established and each had their own complexities. I loved Cora’s character development! She knew who she was and made sure everyone knew it too but also grew as a person. She had a lot of learning to do and I think the O’Sullivans were the best teachers for her.
Brady was a good mafia MMC. He had his own lessons to learn and Cora was sure to help him. He’s protective and egotistical but somehow has a softness about him especially when it comes to family.
I wish we got a bit more of Cora’s past. You find out early on that she leaves her family and you get some glimpses as to why but I don’t think we got the full story there. I wish we had. It doesn’t really take away from the book but it would’ve been nice to know more about that.
I also wish there was a bit more interaction with Cora and the O’Sullivans, specifically Brady’s parents. They definitely don’t get off on the right foot and there are hints of respect later on but I guess we’ll have to wait for that in the next books.
(Im)patiently waiting for more! Very excited to read the next book!!!
Guilty as Sin is one of the better mafia books I’ve read. I had a really hard time putting it down when I had to actually be an adult!
I thought the characters were well established and each had their own complexities. I loved Cora’s character development! She knew who she was and made sure everyone knew it too but also grew as a person. She had a lot of learning to do and I think the O’Sullivans were the best teachers for her.
Brady was a good mafia MMC. He had his own lessons to learn and Cora was sure to help him. He’s protective and egotistical but somehow has a softness about him especially when it comes to family.
I wish we got a bit more of Cora’s past. You find out early on that she leaves her family and you get some glimpses as to why but I don’t think we got the full story there. I wish we had. It doesn’t really take away from the book but it would’ve been nice to know more about that.
I also wish there was a bit more interaction with Cora and the O’Sullivans, specifically Brady’s parents. They definitely don’t get off on the right foot and there are hints of respect later on but I guess we’ll have to wait for that in the next books.
(Im)patiently waiting for more! Very excited to read the next book!!!
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