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Syndicate Sins #2
Sins of Innocence
Internationally Bestselling author Lucy Monroe turns up the heat in her spicy mafia world with a forced marriage, a widow with everything to lose, and an Irish mobster who steps out of the shadows and into her bed.
In their world, protection comes with a price. And his price is forever.
ÁINE
Marrying a stranger to stay alive was not in my plans. Neither was falling for him.
I'm a widow with three daughters, a mother to protect, and a dead husband whose betrayal put a target on all of us. When Kieran, the Shaughnessy Mob's most feared enforcer, offers his protection, there's only one condition.
I have to marry him. Now.
When the choice is between the safety of my family and my freedom...there isn't one.
Kieran's a criminal whose friends call him Wraith. He offs people without hesitation and doesn't feel an ounce of guilt for forcing me into marriage. He also makes me and my girls feel safer than we ever have. And the way he makes my body react ought to be illegal, but it's not my ovaries he wants in handcuffs.
He says he doesn't do soft. He says he wants a family, not a love story. But nobody warned me that watching a dangerous man go to war for me and my girls would be the most seductive thing I'd ever seen.
What happens when I fall in love with the grumpy mobster despite my best intentions and his?
WRAITH
I've spent my life in the shadows. Covert ops. CIA black sites. Freelance assassinations. Mob enforcement. I don't need much.
Then I meet Áine Gallagher. And suddenly I want everything.
With curves that walked right out of my darkest fantasies, she's brave and mouthy and more than a little dramatic with her emojis. She's also a mother who would burn the world down for her girls.
And now, every inch of her is mine. Mine to protect, mine to keep, mine to ruin for every other man who ever thought he had a chance.
I'm not built for soft. But I'm built for her — every lush, tempting, infuriating inch.
This is a standalone mafia romance with a guaranteed HEA.
Content on the page violence, foul language, arranged/forced marriage, past sexual coercion in the workplace, mention of attempted sexual assault (minor to minor), mention of a deceased spouse, and explicit spice on the page.
In their world, protection comes with a price. And his price is forever.
ÁINE
Marrying a stranger to stay alive was not in my plans. Neither was falling for him.
I'm a widow with three daughters, a mother to protect, and a dead husband whose betrayal put a target on all of us. When Kieran, the Shaughnessy Mob's most feared enforcer, offers his protection, there's only one condition.
I have to marry him. Now.
When the choice is between the safety of my family and my freedom...there isn't one.
Kieran's a criminal whose friends call him Wraith. He offs people without hesitation and doesn't feel an ounce of guilt for forcing me into marriage. He also makes me and my girls feel safer than we ever have. And the way he makes my body react ought to be illegal, but it's not my ovaries he wants in handcuffs.
He says he doesn't do soft. He says he wants a family, not a love story. But nobody warned me that watching a dangerous man go to war for me and my girls would be the most seductive thing I'd ever seen.
What happens when I fall in love with the grumpy mobster despite my best intentions and his?
WRAITH
I've spent my life in the shadows. Covert ops. CIA black sites. Freelance assassinations. Mob enforcement. I don't need much.
Then I meet Áine Gallagher. And suddenly I want everything.
With curves that walked right out of my darkest fantasies, she's brave and mouthy and more than a little dramatic with her emojis. She's also a mother who would burn the world down for her girls.
And now, every inch of her is mine. Mine to protect, mine to keep, mine to ruin for every other man who ever thought he had a chance.
I'm not built for soft. But I'm built for her — every lush, tempting, infuriating inch.
This is a standalone mafia romance with a guaranteed HEA.
Content on the page violence, foul language, arranged/forced marriage, past sexual coercion in the workplace, mention of attempted sexual assault (minor to minor), mention of a deceased spouse, and explicit spice on the page.
431 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2026
About the author
Lucy Monroe
720 books1,630 followersI write spicy romance books that end in an HEA. Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance…I write it all. The two things my books all have in common is lots of emotion and spice. Last year, I fell in love with a new subgenre: mafia romance. Since I write what I love to read, I started a new standalone series, Syndicate Rules where you’ll meet over the top alpha heroes in the Italian and Greek mafias as well as the Irish mob. There are arranged marriages, forced marriages, enemies to lovers, stalkers, forced proximity and lots of mafia intrigue. Morally gray is my new favorite color.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 17, 2026
I was really looking forward to this book and was left disappointed
Insta-love/lust
I really had a hard time with their wedding night and how many times he thought about other women since we are reading in his POV
———-
Ex: “Have I ever taken this long to get inside a woman? I'm big. Scarily big for some women. It always takes an effort to get inside, but not like this.”
For the first time in my life, I wish I could make a baby with a woman I am fucking.
What I'm really asking is, does she want to make a baby with me? "IUD." That's not the answer I was expecting. She has an IUD? Why? She's not sexually active. If she had been, I'd have to kill the men she dated.
"I know this is a mafia marriage," she says, her body already moving in sync with mine. "It's just..." She grinds against me making both of us shudder. "You're really good at this." "With you." With other women? It's a mechanical slaking of lust, or pure stress relief.
I don't date. Uncommitted, uncomplicated sex is about it for my social interaction with the fairer sex.”
———-
He of course had lots of casual sex and is insanely “jealous” of the only man the h ever slept with- her husband. I get so tired of the alpha-jerk routine where they want to cut off the hands of any man who ever touched her but don’t realize how disrespectful promiscuity is. I didn’t see him giving her a list of his lovers to chop their hands off or even seeing the double standard of it. The dialogue was more cringe to me in this book than the first one for some reason ( I gave the first book 5 stars). Somehow book one has an actual ex-lover of the H around his wife and is less disrespectful than this book in the internal monologue.
Please someone write mafia books where the H isn’t a hypocritical manwhore-I’m begging you. It’s not hot- it’s gross and frustrating.
Insta-love/lust
I really had a hard time with their wedding night and how many times he thought about other women since we are reading in his POV
———-
Ex: “Have I ever taken this long to get inside a woman? I'm big. Scarily big for some women. It always takes an effort to get inside, but not like this.”
For the first time in my life, I wish I could make a baby with a woman I am fucking.
What I'm really asking is, does she want to make a baby with me? "IUD." That's not the answer I was expecting. She has an IUD? Why? She's not sexually active. If she had been, I'd have to kill the men she dated.
"I know this is a mafia marriage," she says, her body already moving in sync with mine. "It's just..." She grinds against me making both of us shudder. "You're really good at this." "With you." With other women? It's a mechanical slaking of lust, or pure stress relief.
I don't date. Uncommitted, uncomplicated sex is about it for my social interaction with the fairer sex.”
———-
He of course had lots of casual sex and is insanely “jealous” of the only man the h ever slept with- her husband. I get so tired of the alpha-jerk routine where they want to cut off the hands of any man who ever touched her but don’t realize how disrespectful promiscuity is. I didn’t see him giving her a list of his lovers to chop their hands off or even seeing the double standard of it. The dialogue was more cringe to me in this book than the first one for some reason ( I gave the first book 5 stars). Somehow book one has an actual ex-lover of the H around his wife and is less disrespectful than this book in the internal monologue.
Please someone write mafia books where the H isn’t a hypocritical manwhore-I’m begging you. It’s not hot- it’s gross and frustrating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
July 30, 2026No rating as I admittedly did not make far but I just couldn’t stand the FMC. I’m bummed because I liked Sins of Arrogance (book 1) and really was excited for the possessive devotion I knew Wraith was capable of in this one. Love me a single mom trope as well. But Aine literally screeched, shouted, yelled, glared, narrowed her eyes, rolled her eyes, barked… you name the unnecessarily combative behavior and she did it.
Now I give the woman a bit of grace here, she’s a widow to a mob traitor, a single mother to three girls, and essentially being coerced through fear/threats of retaliation into near slave labor and sexual harassment. So a gal is allowed some narrowing of the eyes and the occasional raised voice.
But she’s not pragmatic, thoughtful about her situation, or able to look beyond her own nose to see what’s being offered. Does she have to WANT to marry the complete stranger who just happens to be an insanely gorgeous mob enforcer? No. But should she be able to take a second to assess her situation and realize that’s a better option for her and her girls than her current role as maid to a lecherous traitor setting her up as a patsy? Yeah… I’d like a bit of critical thinking from our heroine.
Everything being explained to her like she’s a child, even by Mick, and her rolling her eyes and arguing that no she can just leave the city she won’t talk… like girl. Pull your head out, stop fighting everyone and get on board.
I just had to stop. Still reading more from this author but this one didn’t hit.
Now I give the woman a bit of grace here, she’s a widow to a mob traitor, a single mother to three girls, and essentially being coerced through fear/threats of retaliation into near slave labor and sexual harassment. So a gal is allowed some narrowing of the eyes and the occasional raised voice.
But she’s not pragmatic, thoughtful about her situation, or able to look beyond her own nose to see what’s being offered. Does she have to WANT to marry the complete stranger who just happens to be an insanely gorgeous mob enforcer? No. But should she be able to take a second to assess her situation and realize that’s a better option for her and her girls than her current role as maid to a lecherous traitor setting her up as a patsy? Yeah… I’d like a bit of critical thinking from our heroine.
Everything being explained to her like she’s a child, even by Mick, and her rolling her eyes and arguing that no she can just leave the city she won’t talk… like girl. Pull your head out, stop fighting everyone and get on board.
I just had to stop. Still reading more from this author but this one didn’t hit.
Did Not Finish
July 27, 2026Don't feel I can really rate this one out of fairness, as I only got 50 pages in before I gave up. Just couldn't get into it. I usually like a mafia romance but the H's motivation just made no sense; it was a bit insta-love/lust before there was any interaction & I wasn't buying any of it.
July 17, 2026
TBH this is closer to a 3.5 star read for me. I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. I've read a few of this author's books, and in particular I really liked Sins of Arrogance, so I had decent hopes for this book.
Unfortunately for me, I think it just wasn't my cup of tea. Nothing's wrong with the writing or the plot per se, it was just a bit too...cozy? It feels weird to call it cozy when this book is a mafia based story – and to be clear, there's violence and crime and mafia shenanigans going on – but the relationship at the heart of the story is just a little too insta-love, insta-family for me. Beyond being 'forced' (and I use that word loosely, because the FMC pretty much goes 'sigh, okay yeah I'll do it' and then settles in real quick) into marriage with the MC, there's not much substance. And I am so down for crazy protective MC's, even when it does form from a kind of snap obsession, but this just feels very one dimensional the whole way through.
There's no push and pull between Kieran and Aine, which for me is kind of the best part about the arranged marriage trope. Her whole family basically decide they love him on the spot, he's instantly her kids' new dad and they adore him (the older two don't seem to remotely care about their bio dad being dead/gone), her mother approves after one conversation, her bestie is on board. The only disagreements they have are about his lack of communication. She thinks he's panty meltingly hot and despite some paper thin hesitance initially, settles into the relationship without much fuss. Even his realisation that his 'obsession' is actually love (similar on paper to Kara and Mick's situation) comes off as flat. Aine's own revelation that she in turn loves him feels somewhat unearned. There's no angst, no burgeoning feelings, no missteps, no push and pull, no awkward fumbling on either part, no depth to their relationship. Compared to Mick and Kara's story, this feels like a very smooth ride – not awful, just without any ups and downs which create investment and excitement in their story.
And do not get me started on the proposal.
I have mixed feelings about the 'mafia' elements. On the one hand, people get beaten up, people get killed, there's feds (sort of) involved, there's threats and a genuine sense that Aine and her family are in trouble. Those tick the mafia box for me. On the other, some elements come off feeling a little mafia-lite. One of Aine's daughters gets bullied by a bunch of her classmates and they call a class meeting with the parents to sort of... politely threaten them? There's a vocab lesson in there (they call her a bastard despite the fact she's not actually a bastard) and the whole thing comes off as deeply unserious.
I think I just wanted more from this story. Something to up the stakes or throw a wrench in the mix. I was half expecting a reveal wherein it's discovered that it was Kieran not Mick who tortured and killed Troy, not necessarily a 3rd act breakup but just something to add a little depth and create conflict between the two.
Again, my disappointment with this is more a personal preference thing than anything else. I wanted an angsty mafia arranged marriage book where this was more an cozy family-oriented romance with some mafia elements thrown in. It is not a bad book, just not one for me.
Unfortunately for me, I think it just wasn't my cup of tea. Nothing's wrong with the writing or the plot per se, it was just a bit too...cozy? It feels weird to call it cozy when this book is a mafia based story – and to be clear, there's violence and crime and mafia shenanigans going on – but the relationship at the heart of the story is just a little too insta-love, insta-family for me. Beyond being 'forced' (and I use that word loosely, because the FMC pretty much goes 'sigh, okay yeah I'll do it' and then settles in real quick) into marriage with the MC, there's not much substance. And I am so down for crazy protective MC's, even when it does form from a kind of snap obsession, but this just feels very one dimensional the whole way through.
There's no push and pull between Kieran and Aine, which for me is kind of the best part about the arranged marriage trope. Her whole family basically decide they love him on the spot, he's instantly her kids' new dad and they adore him (the older two don't seem to remotely care about their bio dad being dead/gone), her mother approves after one conversation, her bestie is on board. The only disagreements they have are about his lack of communication. She thinks he's panty meltingly hot and despite some paper thin hesitance initially, settles into the relationship without much fuss. Even his realisation that his 'obsession' is actually love (similar on paper to Kara and Mick's situation) comes off as flat. Aine's own revelation that she in turn loves him feels somewhat unearned. There's no angst, no burgeoning feelings, no missteps, no push and pull, no awkward fumbling on either part, no depth to their relationship. Compared to Mick and Kara's story, this feels like a very smooth ride – not awful, just without any ups and downs which create investment and excitement in their story.
And do not get me started on the proposal.
I have mixed feelings about the 'mafia' elements. On the one hand, people get beaten up, people get killed, there's feds (sort of) involved, there's threats and a genuine sense that Aine and her family are in trouble. Those tick the mafia box for me. On the other, some elements come off feeling a little mafia-lite. One of Aine's daughters gets bullied by a bunch of her classmates and they call a class meeting with the parents to sort of... politely threaten them? There's a vocab lesson in there (they call her a bastard despite the fact she's not actually a bastard) and the whole thing comes off as deeply unserious.
I think I just wanted more from this story. Something to up the stakes or throw a wrench in the mix. I was half expecting a reveal wherein it's discovered that it was Kieran not Mick who tortured and killed Troy, not necessarily a 3rd act breakup but just something to add a little depth and create conflict between the two.
Again, my disappointment with this is more a personal preference thing than anything else. I wanted an angsty mafia arranged marriage book where this was more an cozy family-oriented romance with some mafia elements thrown in. It is not a bad book, just not one for me.
July 16, 2026
One of the things I love about Lucy's books is the clear amount of thought (and research) she puts into them. Often in the romance genre (especially dark romance), there's an expectation for the reader to suspend their disbelief a bit more than usual to accept scenarios that bring the characters together. While that could easily be the case here, she did a great job setting things up where the situation Áine finds herself in isn't completely unbelievable, nor is it the result of her or other characters making stupid, ridiculous, or out of character decisions. I really appreciate that.
Now I have to say, despite his name, Wraith may be the sweetest MMC in Syndicate Sins or Syndicate Rules. He's an absolute cinnamon roll who has clearly been waiting to take on this role as husband and father, even if he didn't realize or believe it himself. Even though he struggles with communication, he keeps trying his hardest to get things right and take care of his new family.
Speaking of which, Wraith's taciturn nature and everyone's reactions to it was genuinely funny. And I appreciate that he didn't get super defensive or act like other people were wrong to expect more communication from him. He could even find the humor in it himself.
Áine was great as a mother doing her best to look out for her kids while dealing with the trauma of losing her husband and then having her life ripped away from her as a result of his actions. Her reticence to accept the situation and fully trust Wraith made absolute sense, and she was never overly irrational. Even when she was struggling to make changes or accept what he was offering, she would push past it if she saw it was what would be best for her family.
Overall, Sins of Innocence was an amazing mafia romance centered around found family. I'm sure I'll be reading it again, and I can't wait for Mick and Kara to get a new story in Honorable Sins!
PS: I adored their nicknames. Sometimes simple is the best.
"From Mobster to Daddy"
Now I have to say, despite his name, Wraith may be the sweetest MMC in Syndicate Sins or Syndicate Rules. He's an absolute cinnamon roll who has clearly been waiting to take on this role as husband and father, even if he didn't realize or believe it himself. Even though he struggles with communication, he keeps trying his hardest to get things right and take care of his new family.
"That's a long assed explanation. Áine would be proud of me."
Speaking of which, Wraith's taciturn nature and everyone's reactions to it was genuinely funny. And I appreciate that he didn't get super defensive or act like other people were wrong to expect more communication from him. He could even find the humor in it himself.
"I might not have any choice about marrying this man if I want to keep my family, not to mention him (And how did that become my problem?) safe"
Áine was great as a mother doing her best to look out for her kids while dealing with the trauma of losing her husband and then having her life ripped away from her as a result of his actions. Her reticence to accept the situation and fully trust Wraith made absolute sense, and she was never overly irrational. Even when she was struggling to make changes or accept what he was offering, she would push past it if she saw it was what would be best for her family.
"Home. Something I haven't had in so long I stopped noticing the lack."
Overall, Sins of Innocence was an amazing mafia romance centered around found family. I'm sure I'll be reading it again, and I can't wait for Mick and Kara to get a new story in Honorable Sins!
PS: I adored their nicknames. Sometimes simple is the best.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was really surprised when I learned this series was going in the direction it was, but I loved that we got to see Kieran and Áine not only find love but bring down one of Mick’s greatest enemies and bring some stability (hopefully?) to the organization so that Mick and Kara might get a break (guess we’ll find out in Honorable Sins). Kieran is the perfect anti-hero in that he seems to be a silent semi-psychotic character that we are going to have to worry about being a danger to the heroine and her girls, but as soon as she manages to get him alone and pries open his heart you see how squishy he really his for “his girls”. Kieran is dark, dangerous, loving, and passionate, and his ability to kill with precision accuracy is matched only by his expertise with turning Áine into a melted puddle of lust. Áine fears she has made a terrible decision in aligning herself with another made man, but the more she gets to know Kieran, allowing him into her heart and seeing him interacting with their girls, the more she begins to wonder if she hasn’t given her heart away to just the right type of killer after all. But with danger around every corner, ultimate trust is the only way they will survive, and that level of trust is terrifying for Áine and Kieran on every level. I loved seeing both of these broken hearts find a way to heal as the passion between them flared off the pages from the very first moment they met, and she mouthed off to him, the fire only getting hotter with each passing day. I cannot wait to see more of them in later novels and hope that soon we will see more little Áine/Kieran’s coming into the world. The next book in the series will have lots of overlaps with this one’s timeline so it’ll be fun to relive moments from their story in different viewpoints and get to watch the drama all over again, but all in all I am loving this series and am for sure along for the ride!
Check out the full review @https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
Check out the full review @https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
July 28, 2026
I honestly didn't expect this series to go in this direction, but l ended up loving it. Seeing Kieran and Aine find love while taking down one of Mick's biggest enemies made this book so satisfying. It also feels like Mick and Kara might finally get a chance to catch their breath, although I'm sure Honorable Sins will have to say about that.
Kieran was everything I wanted in an antihero. He seems cold, dangerous, and completely unreadable at first, but once Áine breaks through his walls, you see just how fiercely protective and devoted he is to his girls. Watching that softer side of him come out was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Áine's hesitation to trust another made man was completely understandable, which made their relationship feel even more rewarding. They both carry so much pain, and seeing them slowly learn to trust and heal together felt natural and emotional. Their chemistry was there from the very beginning, and I couldn't get enough of them.
I really hope we get to see more of Kieran and Áine in the next books, and maybe even a few little Kieran and Áine babies!
More than anything, though, I'd love a next-generation series. I would absolutely read books about Mick and Kara's children, as well as Kieran and Áine's. And if I could choose one couple, it would definitely be Sadie and Fitz, I already feel like they would have an amazing story.
I'm also excited that the next book overlaps with this timeline because I can't wait to relive these events from a different perspective. Lucy Monroe hasn't missed with this series so far, and I'm already counting down until the next book.
Kieran was everything I wanted in an antihero. He seems cold, dangerous, and completely unreadable at first, but once Áine breaks through his walls, you see just how fiercely protective and devoted he is to his girls. Watching that softer side of him come out was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Áine's hesitation to trust another made man was completely understandable, which made their relationship feel even more rewarding. They both carry so much pain, and seeing them slowly learn to trust and heal together felt natural and emotional. Their chemistry was there from the very beginning, and I couldn't get enough of them.
I really hope we get to see more of Kieran and Áine in the next books, and maybe even a few little Kieran and Áine babies!
More than anything, though, I'd love a next-generation series. I would absolutely read books about Mick and Kara's children, as well as Kieran and Áine's. And if I could choose one couple, it would definitely be Sadie and Fitz, I already feel like they would have an amazing story.
I'm also excited that the next book overlaps with this timeline because I can't wait to relive these events from a different perspective. Lucy Monroe hasn't missed with this series so far, and I'm already counting down until the next book.
August 1, 2026
3.75⭐️
Ok so first - definitely read the first book. There’s a lot of overlapping plot, and it’s been a while since I read that one. I remembered the basics (about Mick, Kara, Fitz and Wraith) but not really about some of the side characters, so I was slightly lost in the beginning🤷♀️
This one starts off when Áine is 8 mo pregnant and her husband is kîlled for being a traitor, and Kenneth (not MMC) basically coerces her into working for him as his maid. Then it jumps ahead 6 years. She was in a bad place. And Wraith is just…. the sweetest most green flag ex military “knight in tarnished armor” MMC (swoon!)
This one was heavy on the romance plot, the mob plot is definitely happening, but I felt it was more in the background/sub plot. Very lightly dark, I think there was a few mûrders? But they were so minor I forgot 😆 And pretty low spice - I mean, the spicy scenes were great, they were just infrequent.. which, if you lived in a tiny apartment with 3 daughters and your mom… that tracks 😆 so, I did enjoy this, but I definitely liked the first book WAY more. I’ll still continue with the series but unfortunately this one was a little anticlimactic for my suspense junky self.
MMC: Kieran Lleshi aka Wraith (34)
FMC: Áine Gallagher
❤️Tropes: Irish mob, she’s a widow/single mom, coerced marriage, he falls first and harder, OTT possessive protective MMC, morally grey MMC, ex military hitman, curvy Queen, slow burn 🔥
📍Setting: New York
💁POV: dual first person
🖤Darkness level: 1.5/5
🔥Spice starts at 54%
🌶️Spice: 2.5/5
📚Plot: 4/5
🌎World building: 4/5
⚠️Triggers: bullying children, violence, discussion of grape, discussion of human trâfficking
Ok so first - definitely read the first book. There’s a lot of overlapping plot, and it’s been a while since I read that one. I remembered the basics (about Mick, Kara, Fitz and Wraith) but not really about some of the side characters, so I was slightly lost in the beginning🤷♀️
This one starts off when Áine is 8 mo pregnant and her husband is kîlled for being a traitor, and Kenneth (not MMC) basically coerces her into working for him as his maid. Then it jumps ahead 6 years. She was in a bad place. And Wraith is just…. the sweetest most green flag ex military “knight in tarnished armor” MMC (swoon!)
This one was heavy on the romance plot, the mob plot is definitely happening, but I felt it was more in the background/sub plot. Very lightly dark, I think there was a few mûrders? But they were so minor I forgot 😆 And pretty low spice - I mean, the spicy scenes were great, they were just infrequent.. which, if you lived in a tiny apartment with 3 daughters and your mom… that tracks 😆 so, I did enjoy this, but I definitely liked the first book WAY more. I’ll still continue with the series but unfortunately this one was a little anticlimactic for my suspense junky self.
MMC: Kieran Lleshi aka Wraith (34)
FMC: Áine Gallagher
❤️Tropes: Irish mob, she’s a widow/single mom, coerced marriage, he falls first and harder, OTT possessive protective MMC, morally grey MMC, ex military hitman, curvy Queen, slow burn 🔥
📍Setting: New York
💁POV: dual first person
🖤Darkness level: 1.5/5
🔥Spice starts at 54%
🌶️Spice: 2.5/5
📚Plot: 4/5
🌎World building: 4/5
⚠️Triggers: bullying children, violence, discussion of grape, discussion of human trâfficking
Review of advance copy received from Author
Áine Gallagher's deceased husband and father to her three daughters was, unbeknownst to her, part of the organized Irish Mob. He was determined to be a traitor and for that reason he was eliminated. Following his death and for six years afterwards, supposedly to protect her, she was blackmailed into working as a domestic in the home of a different mobster. Eventually he, too, was found to be a dangerous traitor.
Áine's introduction to Kieran Lleshi, aka Wraith, occurs when he gathers her from the employer's home to inform her that one of her daughter's was accosted in school by some mobster sons. When introduced to Wraith's mob boss she is informed that the only way she can protect her mother and daughters will be to enter into a mob marriage. With no other option, Áine marries Wraith.
Thus begins a true love story. Wraith is not your traditional white knight. However, in Áine's new married life, he does adore her and he becomes the traditional dark prince who lives to protect her and his new family of daughters and a mother-in-law. This is truly one of the year's best love stories. Lucy Monroe has that rare magic ability to make you read her words and feel what is happening. She is one of the most gifted authors alive today in my humble opinion. I always hate for her books to end.
Áine's introduction to Kieran Lleshi, aka Wraith, occurs when he gathers her from the employer's home to inform her that one of her daughter's was accosted in school by some mobster sons. When introduced to Wraith's mob boss she is informed that the only way she can protect her mother and daughters will be to enter into a mob marriage. With no other option, Áine marries Wraith.
Thus begins a true love story. Wraith is not your traditional white knight. However, in Áine's new married life, he does adore her and he becomes the traditional dark prince who lives to protect her and his new family of daughters and a mother-in-law. This is truly one of the year's best love stories. Lucy Monroe has that rare magic ability to make you read her words and feel what is happening. She is one of the most gifted authors alive today in my humble opinion. I always hate for her books to end.
August 11, 2026
I am so sad about this rating because I really thought Wraith would be one of my favorites. As a long time Lucy Monroe fan and reader, I have mixed feelings about this series. Some books have been phenomenal while others are in the meh range. This is a meh.
Aine? Irritated me throughout. I loathed her use of emojis and thought it extremely Out of Character for Wraith to indulge in that bs. Her inner monologues were really pathetic. This also meant that some of the smut made me embarrassed for her thought process. “Ladybits, tatas, lady viagra” were all phrases she used. I was actively skimming/sometimes skipping the sex scenes.
Actually, let me just leave this here: “if Kieran were a Disney villain, the only thing he’d need to keep the princess enchanted would be the magic wand jutting out from his body.” Note their first time was after a trip to Disneyland with Aine’s family.
Overall, I expected to like her more than I actually did. I liked her three daughters and her mom way more than either of the main characters. Although the slang used when her kids spoke was also giving me secondhand embarrassment.
I loathe retroactive jealousy, so Wraith’s behavior about Aine’s romantic past was cringe inducing to me. Everything was instant love - including her family’s immediate acceptance of a strange man and her hooking up with him the same day she met him.
Aine? Irritated me throughout. I loathed her use of emojis and thought it extremely Out of Character for Wraith to indulge in that bs. Her inner monologues were really pathetic. This also meant that some of the smut made me embarrassed for her thought process. “Ladybits, tatas, lady viagra” were all phrases she used. I was actively skimming/sometimes skipping the sex scenes.
Actually, let me just leave this here: “if Kieran were a Disney villain, the only thing he’d need to keep the princess enchanted would be the magic wand jutting out from his body.” Note their first time was after a trip to Disneyland with Aine’s family.
Overall, I expected to like her more than I actually did. I liked her three daughters and her mom way more than either of the main characters. Although the slang used when her kids spoke was also giving me secondhand embarrassment.
I loathe retroactive jealousy, so Wraith’s behavior about Aine’s romantic past was cringe inducing to me. Everything was instant love - including her family’s immediate acceptance of a strange man and her hooking up with him the same day she met him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! I have been obsessed with mafia romance books lately. Something about a morally grey hero really works for me. Wraith the male MC, was not a hero I had really been looking forward to. I actually REALLY wanted another Cosa Nostra or Greek mafia male MC but after reading this one I fell in love with Wraith as much Aine the female MC did. His struggle with expressing emotions and verbalizing was fun to watch and see him grow/ progress throughout the story as he falls for his new wife and family in this forced (arranged) marriage trope. Aine learning and being able to trust again was beautifully done, she SO deserved a special person and a happy ending. The text exchanges and emojis they all communicated with at times in the book was a funny and cute addition and helped to lighten some of the ongoing drama. I liked how Lucy Monroe dealt with tough subjects like SA in a caring and respectful way while telling this tale. The kids in the story also captured my heart. I don’t usually read books wth kids who are in a family/ relationship but the girls were a welcome and sweet part of this read. Cannot wait for the next installment!!!! 10 out of 10 would definitely recommend.
July 26, 2026
Monroe is an auto-read for me and usually a win. I liked Wraith in the previous book and was happy to see him featured as the MMC in this one. I loved how he embraced both Áine and her children... every time he said, "Our daughters" I wanted to swoon!
I also loved how he tried to be more communicative for Áine's sake and that she understood that it was hard for him and appreciated his efforts. Although he was in effect saving her by putting her under his (and the mob's) protection, she also saved him by bringing affection, love, and family into his life.
The kids were well-portrayed (they talked and acted like real kids, not too precocious or unnatural) and I loved how Wraith won them over by showing up for them. Ellie as the aunt and Áine's sister-by-another-mister was a hoot and I hope she gets her own story! I always love when either or both main characters have family and friends to support them, and in this case Áine had Ellie, while Wraith of course had Mick and his own team.
Wraith proves to Áine that he is a man who can be trusted to never let her or the kids down, and that she is priority no.1 in his life. Little wonder that she gets won over and is able to trust him with her heart.
I also loved how he tried to be more communicative for Áine's sake and that she understood that it was hard for him and appreciated his efforts. Although he was in effect saving her by putting her under his (and the mob's) protection, she also saved him by bringing affection, love, and family into his life.
The kids were well-portrayed (they talked and acted like real kids, not too precocious or unnatural) and I loved how Wraith won them over by showing up for them. Ellie as the aunt and Áine's sister-by-another-mister was a hoot and I hope she gets her own story! I always love when either or both main characters have family and friends to support them, and in this case Áine had Ellie, while Wraith of course had Mick and his own team.
Wraith proves to Áine that he is a man who can be trusted to never let her or the kids down, and that she is priority no.1 in his life. Little wonder that she gets won over and is able to trust him with her heart.
October 29, 2026
Great story, albeit with a bit too much exposition that artificially padded the word count. But I really loved the writing style of this one; Áine’s inner monologue is funny and her voice comes through strongly and authentically. Kieran/Wraith is the typical emotionless mobster who learns how to love, but in addition to falling for Áine he also becomes an insta-dad to her three daughters, which was extremely sweet. There’s a lot of mafia politicking in this book, but it’s all tied to the main story and his relationship with Áine, which makes it interesting to read. Sometimes in mafia books, the mafia side is totally separate from the relationship plotline and the author just gives the reader no reason to care about that stuff. It’s not the case at all here, where every plot point is important to the overall story. I think I’d rate this higher if not for the superfluous backstories of every minor character that really slowed down several scenes. But fortunately that was relegated to the first quarter or so of the novel.
I DNF’d the first book in the series because the lack of communication between Kara and Mick made the book kind of a slog to read, so it was nice to see then them in this book now that they’ve earned their HEA.
I DNF’d the first book in the series because the lack of communication between Kara and Mick made the book kind of a slog to read, so it was nice to see then them in this book now that they’ve earned their HEA.
August 31, 2026
I am a sucker for an arranged marriage with an obsessive and protective mmc and Kieran was exactly that.
I could see why Aine was reluctant at first and but she graciously handled a bad situation as best as she could without coming off as annoying. Her concerns are valid and the way she and Kieran communicated helped their relationship move along.
I almost wish we had a bit more on Kieran and why he felt he did not deserve her love but he went all in on the relationship even if he didn’t realize it.
The spice was great and fit well in the story.
I wish we had a bit more on the ending because the last chapter felt just a little bit abrupt but not enough to make me dislike it.
I am becoming a big fan of the way Lucy Monroe writes and I can’t wait to read the second book for Kara and Mick.
I could see why Aine was reluctant at first and but she graciously handled a bad situation as best as she could without coming off as annoying. Her concerns are valid and the way she and Kieran communicated helped their relationship move along.
I almost wish we had a bit more on Kieran and why he felt he did not deserve her love but he went all in on the relationship even if he didn’t realize it.
The spice was great and fit well in the story.
I wish we had a bit more on the ending because the last chapter felt just a little bit abrupt but not enough to make me dislike it.
I am becoming a big fan of the way Lucy Monroe writes and I can’t wait to read the second book for Kara and Mick.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have always loved the way that Lucy Monroe writes and this book was no different. The beginning of the book makes you feel very sorry for the fmc. And then a big issue occurs which has you thinking about the dangers that can occur when parents don’t teach their children right from wrong. The love story between the main characters had me fully invested and also feeling steamy at points. The final chapter really ties everything in together and had me shedding a tear. The only feedback I have is maybe having another epilogue with us seeing the family in a year from now. Perhaps that is just me being greedy and wanting to know more about the characters. 10/10.
August 20, 2026
Excellent
I was lucky enough to read the syndicate rules series. I had read Lucy Monroe's romances and kept many downloaded to reread, then decided to give her mafia series a try. I was hooked on the De luca family from the start. Then came the syndicate sins series and the shaughnessy mob with their wonderful and diverse group. This story of wraith, who was in the first book, was so good. It takes place several years after book 1, but lets us see wraith now a valued member of the mob but still with that solid core of honor. There is violence, but under it all is defence of family. There are so many characters I hope get their story.
I was lucky enough to read the syndicate rules series. I had read Lucy Monroe's romances and kept many downloaded to reread, then decided to give her mafia series a try. I was hooked on the De luca family from the start. Then came the syndicate sins series and the shaughnessy mob with their wonderful and diverse group. This story of wraith, who was in the first book, was so good. It takes place several years after book 1, but lets us see wraith now a valued member of the mob but still with that solid core of honor. There is violence, but under it all is defence of family. There are so many characters I hope get their story.
October 20, 2026
A good book
This is Wraith’s story. He was in the first book, he was sent to steal information. He was captured but Mick something in him. He recruited him into the Irish mob. He was sent to bring Aine to Mick because her husband who worked for the mob betrayed the mob and was killed. She is actually being used as a way to kill the leader and frame Mick. When Wraith sees her, he is a goner. He wants to protect her and her family. He suggests marriage as a way to protect her and her family. He gets a family and she gets a second chance at love. The plot is very well written. It has the violent, betrayal and lots of hot sex. They found their HEA.
This is Wraith’s story. He was in the first book, he was sent to steal information. He was captured but Mick something in him. He recruited him into the Irish mob. He was sent to bring Aine to Mick because her husband who worked for the mob betrayed the mob and was killed. She is actually being used as a way to kill the leader and frame Mick. When Wraith sees her, he is a goner. He wants to protect her and her family. He suggests marriage as a way to protect her and her family. He gets a family and she gets a second chance at love. The plot is very well written. It has the violent, betrayal and lots of hot sex. They found their HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Wow...when we first got introduced to Wraith I was indifferent but boy did Lucy show me! I know Lucy Monroe mentioned that Wraith wouldn't be silent and she had to tell his story and I get it now. How could Aine not fall in love with him?!?!
Aine is the mother of 3 darling girls who steal your heart right along with Kieran (Wraith). The interactions between him and the girls is beyond sweet and adorable! It will definitely give you a toothache and make you want your own Kieran to be Uber protective of you and your loves ones.
And as sweet as the the girls interactions are with Kieran, the teasing between Aine and Kieran is top tier as well. The text exchanges alone made this book for me. I loved that Lucy would actually use emojis so it was like the reader was looking at actually text messages. Some of them were cracking me up and it was perfectly done.
Seeing the growth and development of their relationship is sweet and spicy all at the same time and I cannot wait for the next book. I loved Mick and Kara and to know their story continues on is exciting. Let me just say I also love seeing Fitz as an older child and Lucy does an amazing job of hooking us for the following books to come.
If you love arranged marriages, grumpy/sunshine, and touch her and die vibes then pick up Sins of Innocence because you won't want to put it down.
Wow...when we first got introduced to Wraith I was indifferent but boy did Lucy show me! I know Lucy Monroe mentioned that Wraith wouldn't be silent and she had to tell his story and I get it now. How could Aine not fall in love with him?!?!
Aine is the mother of 3 darling girls who steal your heart right along with Kieran (Wraith). The interactions between him and the girls is beyond sweet and adorable! It will definitely give you a toothache and make you want your own Kieran to be Uber protective of you and your loves ones.
And as sweet as the the girls interactions are with Kieran, the teasing between Aine and Kieran is top tier as well. The text exchanges alone made this book for me. I loved that Lucy would actually use emojis so it was like the reader was looking at actually text messages. Some of them were cracking me up and it was perfectly done.
Seeing the growth and development of their relationship is sweet and spicy all at the same time and I cannot wait for the next book. I loved Mick and Kara and to know their story continues on is exciting. Let me just say I also love seeing Fitz as an older child and Lucy does an amazing job of hooking us for the following books to come.
If you love arranged marriages, grumpy/sunshine, and touch her and die vibes then pick up Sins of Innocence because you won't want to put it down.
July 19, 2026
This is the story of Kieran (also known as Wraith) and Àine. To protect Àine and her three daughters they have to marry.
I really loved Kieran and how protective he was of all of them.
But Àine really got me angry… Every time Kieran made her happy she had to go and spoil it with her talk about how they were forced into this marriage.
At one time I really wanted Kieran to leave her because he deserved better than her constant doubt and negativity.
It was a good story but not one of my favorit.
I recieved an ARC for my honest opinion.
I really loved Kieran and how protective he was of all of them.
But Àine really got me angry… Every time Kieran made her happy she had to go and spoil it with her talk about how they were forced into this marriage.
At one time I really wanted Kieran to leave her because he deserved better than her constant doubt and negativity.
It was a good story but not one of my favorit.
I recieved an ARC for my honest opinion.
July 26, 2026
Aine lost her husband, who was part of the Irish mob, and she’ll do anything to protect her daughters. She trusted what her new employer told her, but now both her life and her daughter’s are in danger. Wraith is sent by his boss to collect a woman, and that woman turns out to be Aine. The moment he sees her, he feels the urge to protect her and her girls, so he tells his Irish mob boss, right in front of Aine, that he’s marrying her. It’s an amazing read, and Aine is such a strong character.
August 2, 2026
Troupes: Spicy Mafia Romance, Forced Marriage, Strangers to Lovers, Irish mob, power struggle, conspiracy, betrayal, Áine Gallagher, Single Mom, three young daughters, Kieran “WRAITH” Veseli, Instant Family, protective “Dad”, school bullying, “Touch Her and Die,” Surprise Wedding, He Falls First, wonderful characters, Auntie Ellie McLaren . . .
Lucy Monroe’s SINS OF INNOCENCE is a fun book to read and Auntie Ellie, Grandma, and the girls are fun characters bringing humor into mix.
Lucy Monroe’s SINS OF INNOCENCE is a fun book to read and Auntie Ellie, Grandma, and the girls are fun characters bringing humor into mix.
July 16, 2026
Review of Advance copy
Sins Of Innocence was everything I love in a Mafia romance. I thought this book would take me longer to finish and instead I was sneaking pages, ok thats a lie, I was sneaking whole chapters in at work. I don't believe I have read other books by Lucy Monroe but I definitely will be in the future. If you like dark romance, alpha males and mafia ties this is for you.
Sins Of Innocence was everything I love in a Mafia romance. I thought this book would take me longer to finish and instead I was sneaking pages, ok thats a lie, I was sneaking whole chapters in at work. I don't believe I have read other books by Lucy Monroe but I definitely will be in the future. If you like dark romance, alpha males and mafia ties this is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Again, another great read! Wraith/Keran interaction with the girls is heart warming. If I were a single mother of daughters, he would be the guy I would want in my girls life. Love the chemistry between him and Aine.
July 18, 2026
Sins of Innocence
Another wonderful addition to Lucy’s mafia world. When Wraith meets Aine he instantly feels the need to protect her and her children and in the mafia world you do that with a forced marriage. The “Ghost” gets a family he will do anything to protect.
Another wonderful addition to Lucy’s mafia world. When Wraith meets Aine he instantly feels the need to protect her and her children and in the mafia world you do that with a forced marriage. The “Ghost” gets a family he will do anything to protect.
August 2, 2026
Kieran was wonderful
I think he was what most of us would wish a second husband would be. To take on three daughters and a mother in law without complaint is amazing. He loved and protected everyone from the start. He was so romantic with Aine, too.
I think he was what most of us would wish a second husband would be. To take on three daughters and a mother in law without complaint is amazing. He loved and protected everyone from the start. He was so romantic with Aine, too.
November 7, 2026
I’m a sucker for well-written families 😭
Ahhhh, I loved Wraith and Áine! And the kids? So awesome and adorable. There were some technical/spelling issues that editing didn’t catch, but the content was so awesome and fun. I loved it!
Ahhhh, I loved Wraith and Áine! And the kids? So awesome and adorable. There were some technical/spelling issues that editing didn’t catch, but the content was so awesome and fun. I loved it!
July 20, 2026
Aside from the heroine, being annoying at times, with all her negative, and questioned the kindness, etc. The hero did, drove me nuts. Otherwise ok read
July 24, 2026
Notes for me
Long book
Wraith
Aine
She has 3 daughters and her mob husband was a traitor.
Six years later Wraith has to pick her up on Mick’s orders. Falls for her right away.
Long book
Wraith
Aine
She has 3 daughters and her mob husband was a traitor.
Six years later Wraith has to pick her up on Mick’s orders. Falls for her right away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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