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Guilty as Sin
Rob was found not guilty.
The world moved on.
Rose never really did.
After a nationally televised trial ties their names to scandal and violence, Rose and Rob try to build something resembling a life again. From the outside, it almost works. Marriage. Parenthood. A quiet home far removed from courtrooms and headlines.
Almost.
When Rose discovers she’s pregnant, hope feels real for the first time in years. But nothing that once lived in the dark ever really stays buried.
As Rob’s toxic patterns begin to resurface, Rose starts to question everything, including the man she loves and the loyalty she has spent years defending. What truly happened to Rob’s first wife, Amelia, becomes impossible to ignore.
In a relationship built on obsession and control, what happens when Rose threatens the perfect illusion Rob has created of her? Could Rose become the next Amelia?
Guilty as Sin is a dark continuation of Rose and Rob’s story, exploring parenthood, manipulation, and what happens when loving the wrong person finally demands a reckoning.
Content
This is a psychological thriller intended for mature readers. It contains themes that may be disturbing to some, including sexual violence, eating disorders, emotional and physical abuse, torture, murder, and suicide. Reader discretion is advised.
The world moved on.
Rose never really did.
After a nationally televised trial ties their names to scandal and violence, Rose and Rob try to build something resembling a life again. From the outside, it almost works. Marriage. Parenthood. A quiet home far removed from courtrooms and headlines.
Almost.
When Rose discovers she’s pregnant, hope feels real for the first time in years. But nothing that once lived in the dark ever really stays buried.
As Rob’s toxic patterns begin to resurface, Rose starts to question everything, including the man she loves and the loyalty she has spent years defending. What truly happened to Rob’s first wife, Amelia, becomes impossible to ignore.
In a relationship built on obsession and control, what happens when Rose threatens the perfect illusion Rob has created of her? Could Rose become the next Amelia?
Guilty as Sin is a dark continuation of Rose and Rob’s story, exploring parenthood, manipulation, and what happens when loving the wrong person finally demands a reckoning.
Content
This is a psychological thriller intended for mature readers. It contains themes that may be disturbing to some, including sexual violence, eating disorders, emotional and physical abuse, torture, murder, and suicide. Reader discretion is advised.
306 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
July 21, 2026
Thank you to the author for reaching out, reading both this and the previous book in the series was an intense ride.
In GUILTY AS SIN, the 3rd in the series, we pick up with Rose and Rob trying to rebuild. At first, I almost believed this, and then the toxic behaviors began. Rose is now faced with new challenges and the alarming truths that the death of Rob's first wife- may not have been what they seem.
This book is so damn twisty. Everything I thought I knew would flip so quickly and leave my jaw hanging. Excellent for lovers of dark romance and psychological thrillers.
In GUILTY AS SIN, the 3rd in the series, we pick up with Rose and Rob trying to rebuild. At first, I almost believed this, and then the toxic behaviors began. Rose is now faced with new challenges and the alarming truths that the death of Rob's first wife- may not have been what they seem.
This book is so damn twisty. Everything I thought I knew would flip so quickly and leave my jaw hanging. Excellent for lovers of dark romance and psychological thrillers.
May 17, 2026
I started reading Sabrina Black’s work back in March, and at the time, psychological thrillers were not a genre I had really explored. Then I read the first two books in the Frey series, and somewhere along the way, I fell completely into her stories, her characters, and the twisted emotional worlds she creates. Her imagination pulled me into a genre I didn’t even know I needed, and now I’ve gone down the psychological thriller rabbit hole with no intention of crawling back out.
And Guilty as Sin is exactly the kind of book that reminds me why.
Just when I thought I understood who the villain was, this book twisted the knife and made me question everything, including my own reactions. This story is dark, unsettling, and emotionally consuming in a way that creeps up on you. It’s not just tense, it’s psychologically invasive. The writing leans into discomfort, layering trauma, manipulation, fear, guilt, and fragile moments of humanity so seamlessly that you don’t realize you’re sympathizing with the wrong person until you’re already there.
It’s addictive. It’s heavy. It’s quietly devastating. And from start to finish, it carries this claustrophobic tension that makes you feel trapped inside the characters’ choices, memories, and damage.
At its core, this is a brutal exploration of trauma, control, and the dangerous gray space between victim and villain. Rose is fractured, shaped by fear, survival, and years of emotional damage. Her choices are messy, frustrating, and painfully human, and there were moments where I was so angry with her while also understanding that nothing about her reality was simple.
And Rob… Rob is where this story gets dangerous.
Because he isn’t written as a one-dimensional monster. You see the cracks. You see the trauma. You see the moments where he wants to be better, where he is trying to understand the damage inside him, and that is exactly what makes him so unsettling. I hated what he did. I hated the harm he caused. But I also hated how often I found myself hoping he could change.
That is the emotional trap of this book.
It forces you to sit in the discomfort of impossible questions. How do you reconcile empathy for someone who has done unforgivable things? How do you judge someone like Rose when her entire sense of reality has been warped by fear, manipulation, and survival? How do you hold anger and sympathy in the same breath?
This book never lets you fully land on one side. It keeps you suspended between rage, heartbreak, disbelief, and understanding, and that push and pull is what made the reading experience so intense.
I genuinely felt like I was spiraling alongside this story. Every time I thought I had a grip on where it was going, something shifted. I questioned my judgments. I questioned the characters. I questioned what I wanted to happen next. And I hated how easily the narrative made me waver.
There’s a slow, suffocating tension that builds rather than explodes, and when everything starts unraveling, it doesn’t feel shocking in a clean way. It feels inevitable. Like watching something break in real time and knowing there is no way to stop it.
And the emotional whiplash? Brutal.
What Sabrina Black does so well is create characters who don’t just exist on the page. They get under your skin. They frustrate you, disturb you, break your heart, and make you sit with emotions you don’t always want to admit you’re feeling. I have fallen hard into these characters and this world, not because they are easy to love, but because they are complicated, damaged, and written with enough depth to make every reaction feel personal.
This isn’t just a thriller. It’s a deeply unsettling character study wrapped in manipulation, trauma, obsession, and moral ambiguity. It doesn’t ask you to pick a side. It forces you to confront why you even want to.
It’s messy. It’s uncomfortable. It’s psychologically sharp.
And it will absolutely leave you sitting there, questioning everything you just read and everything you felt while reading it.
And Guilty as Sin is exactly the kind of book that reminds me why.
Just when I thought I understood who the villain was, this book twisted the knife and made me question everything, including my own reactions. This story is dark, unsettling, and emotionally consuming in a way that creeps up on you. It’s not just tense, it’s psychologically invasive. The writing leans into discomfort, layering trauma, manipulation, fear, guilt, and fragile moments of humanity so seamlessly that you don’t realize you’re sympathizing with the wrong person until you’re already there.
It’s addictive. It’s heavy. It’s quietly devastating. And from start to finish, it carries this claustrophobic tension that makes you feel trapped inside the characters’ choices, memories, and damage.
At its core, this is a brutal exploration of trauma, control, and the dangerous gray space between victim and villain. Rose is fractured, shaped by fear, survival, and years of emotional damage. Her choices are messy, frustrating, and painfully human, and there were moments where I was so angry with her while also understanding that nothing about her reality was simple.
And Rob… Rob is where this story gets dangerous.
Because he isn’t written as a one-dimensional monster. You see the cracks. You see the trauma. You see the moments where he wants to be better, where he is trying to understand the damage inside him, and that is exactly what makes him so unsettling. I hated what he did. I hated the harm he caused. But I also hated how often I found myself hoping he could change.
That is the emotional trap of this book.
It forces you to sit in the discomfort of impossible questions. How do you reconcile empathy for someone who has done unforgivable things? How do you judge someone like Rose when her entire sense of reality has been warped by fear, manipulation, and survival? How do you hold anger and sympathy in the same breath?
This book never lets you fully land on one side. It keeps you suspended between rage, heartbreak, disbelief, and understanding, and that push and pull is what made the reading experience so intense.
I genuinely felt like I was spiraling alongside this story. Every time I thought I had a grip on where it was going, something shifted. I questioned my judgments. I questioned the characters. I questioned what I wanted to happen next. And I hated how easily the narrative made me waver.
There’s a slow, suffocating tension that builds rather than explodes, and when everything starts unraveling, it doesn’t feel shocking in a clean way. It feels inevitable. Like watching something break in real time and knowing there is no way to stop it.
And the emotional whiplash? Brutal.
What Sabrina Black does so well is create characters who don’t just exist on the page. They get under your skin. They frustrate you, disturb you, break your heart, and make you sit with emotions you don’t always want to admit you’re feeling. I have fallen hard into these characters and this world, not because they are easy to love, but because they are complicated, damaged, and written with enough depth to make every reaction feel personal.
This isn’t just a thriller. It’s a deeply unsettling character study wrapped in manipulation, trauma, obsession, and moral ambiguity. It doesn’t ask you to pick a side. It forces you to confront why you even want to.
It’s messy. It’s uncomfortable. It’s psychologically sharp.
And it will absolutely leave you sitting there, questioning everything you just read and everything you felt while reading it.
June 28, 2026
I was completely hooked and found myself thinking about the story even when I wasn’t reading. The chemistry between the characters was intense, emotional, and had me smiling one moment and completely stressed the next. I love books that make me feel every emotion, and this one definitely delivered.
One of my favorite things was how easy it was to connect with the characters. They felt real, flawed, and relatable, which made every decision and every twist hit that much harder. The pacing kept me turning the pages because I just had to know what was going to happen next.
If you’re looking for a romance that has passion, tension, emotional depth, and keeps you invested from beginning to end, I would absolutely recommend this book. Sabrina Black did an amazing job creating a story that stayed with me long after I finished the last page.
One of my favorite things was how easy it was to connect with the characters. They felt real, flawed, and relatable, which made every decision and every twist hit that much harder. The pacing kept me turning the pages because I just had to know what was going to happen next.
If you’re looking for a romance that has passion, tension, emotional depth, and keeps you invested from beginning to end, I would absolutely recommend this book. Sabrina Black did an amazing job creating a story that stayed with me long after I finished the last page.
July 20, 2026
I had the chance to read this book and I was hooked from the very first page! Guilty as Sin is dark, emotional, and full of tension that kept me questioning everything. Watching Rose fight to uncover the truth while navigating love, manipulation, and motherhood was heartbreaking and unforgettable.
🖤 Dark Romance
🤰 Pregnancy
🚩 Toxic Relationship
🧠 Psychological Suspense
💔 Marriage in Trouble
😱 Twists & Suspense
Thank you to the author for letting me read this! I couldn’t put this one down
🖤 Dark Romance
🤰 Pregnancy
🚩 Toxic Relationship
🧠 Psychological Suspense
💔 Marriage in Trouble
😱 Twists & Suspense
Thank you to the author for letting me read this! I couldn’t put this one down
June 3, 2026
This is book 3 of a series and you need to read the others to understand what’s happening. This book really destroyed me. This series has been a psychological, thriller, romance of epic proportions. I am so sad at what transpired. I was crying my eyes out. I just can never really hate an mmc no matter what he does. This was really well written and I couldn’t put it down. I read this in basically 24 hours. I’ll definitely be in a book coma for a few days. This series has been so good and written so well. I am really anticipating book 4.
Read
July 20, 2026This book reminded me of a haunted house, you never knew what hid behind the words. It was leaving me gasping at times and it made me want to hide my kindle till some stuff changed. Overall this book was really really good.
May 27, 2026
This was a very disturbing read. The trigger list underplays exactly how graphic, violent, and even distressing parts of this book are. I like reading messed up stuff, but I was not prepared. Graphic DV, non-consensual drugging, paying to see therapist notes, severe bruises, a lot of blood, gun violence. Be prepared for that.
If you love seeing the inner workings of how people think their way through tense, potentially explosive situations, this is definitely a read for you, as there’s a lot of inner thoughts dispersed within the action. Well written, well paced. The jump from interaction to inner monologue takes the story in directions unexpected.
I haven’t read the others in the series, so this is all I’ve seen of the tale. Rose is absolutely relatable: insecure, twisted view of her body, and has said yes when it should have been no. if we, the reader, haven’t been that at some time, then we all have someone close who has. And she’s desperately trying to keep her marriage and her sanity together as she and her husband rebuild their lives after he was accused of murder. That brings us to Rob. Tech mogul of some sort. Very dark, isn’t very warm or emotional, control freak. His last wife died under very unclear circumstances. It was finally ruled a suicide, but someone that big, everyone loves a sordid question mark, and the question of how much wealth can buy the ability to murder at will?
Most of the story plays out over the lives of their twins, from Rose, the desperate need for normal, keeping up the appearance of happy, but from Rob, the refusal to see anything but a perfect life, and swooping in to fix anything slightly off. And thus, when Rose can’t get one of the newborn twins to feed properly, he locks her and the newborn in a closet, until she gets it right. That should have been her final warning to leave. Never mind the countless warnings that come from Amelia, the ghost of Rob’s late wife, who may just be a post-partum hallucination.
Rose’s eating disorder comes into the fore, showing us an absolutely brutal, dangerous, and sobering side of Rob. Despite Rose’s want to do anything Rob wants to keep him happy, she is keeping secrets, ones that she eventually realises can’t be shared, as last time Rob’s wife fell from the pedestal she fell straight into the grave.
Rose wants to keep playing happy families. But is the cost to her kids, her reputation, or even maybe her life, worth it? We see her and Rob engage in a battle of the wills through her therapist (handpicked by Rob) as Rob wants to find out what’s really wrong with her so she can be fixed and everything can go back to perfect, and Rose who just wants to be loved, and have her kids be safe and raised under one roof, the four of them together.
It all comes to a rushing climax on all fronts as Rose’s one act against Rob crushes the pedestal he’s holding her on, and we see Rob fight for control, Rose try to rise above the restraints he’s tied on her life, and the truth of whether Amelia’s ghost is real or figment. The end was certainly not one I saw coming.
If you love seeing the inner workings of how people think their way through tense, potentially explosive situations, this is definitely a read for you, as there’s a lot of inner thoughts dispersed within the action. Well written, well paced. The jump from interaction to inner monologue takes the story in directions unexpected.
I haven’t read the others in the series, so this is all I’ve seen of the tale. Rose is absolutely relatable: insecure, twisted view of her body, and has said yes when it should have been no. if we, the reader, haven’t been that at some time, then we all have someone close who has. And she’s desperately trying to keep her marriage and her sanity together as she and her husband rebuild their lives after he was accused of murder. That brings us to Rob. Tech mogul of some sort. Very dark, isn’t very warm or emotional, control freak. His last wife died under very unclear circumstances. It was finally ruled a suicide, but someone that big, everyone loves a sordid question mark, and the question of how much wealth can buy the ability to murder at will?
Most of the story plays out over the lives of their twins, from Rose, the desperate need for normal, keeping up the appearance of happy, but from Rob, the refusal to see anything but a perfect life, and swooping in to fix anything slightly off. And thus, when Rose can’t get one of the newborn twins to feed properly, he locks her and the newborn in a closet, until she gets it right. That should have been her final warning to leave. Never mind the countless warnings that come from Amelia, the ghost of Rob’s late wife, who may just be a post-partum hallucination.
Rose’s eating disorder comes into the fore, showing us an absolutely brutal, dangerous, and sobering side of Rob. Despite Rose’s want to do anything Rob wants to keep him happy, she is keeping secrets, ones that she eventually realises can’t be shared, as last time Rob’s wife fell from the pedestal she fell straight into the grave.
Rose wants to keep playing happy families. But is the cost to her kids, her reputation, or even maybe her life, worth it? We see her and Rob engage in a battle of the wills through her therapist (handpicked by Rob) as Rob wants to find out what’s really wrong with her so she can be fixed and everything can go back to perfect, and Rose who just wants to be loved, and have her kids be safe and raised under one roof, the four of them together.
It all comes to a rushing climax on all fronts as Rose’s one act against Rob crushes the pedestal he’s holding her on, and we see Rob fight for control, Rose try to rise above the restraints he’s tied on her life, and the truth of whether Amelia’s ghost is real or figment. The end was certainly not one I saw coming.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sabrina, I’m so sorry this is my very first ever book review and WHEWWWWW. I’ll apologize ahead of time for any incoherence.
I received an ARC copy of Guilty As Sin from the lovely Sabrina Black (thanks queen!) but this review is my 10000% honest and unfiltered opinions.
This installment if the Free Me series picks up after the verdict is delivered at the end of A Beautiful Life, with Rob and Rose doing what they can to settle back in to their old ways. But, alas, change has already gripped the Alexanders.
For a long time, Rose could never see her marriage to Rob as anything but perfect. To her, it is intense. Devoted. Passionate in a way that balances on the line between love and control, just the way that works for her and Rob. Right? Rob is her true love. He is protective, attentive, and deeply possessive, framing his behavior as part of a consensual DD/LG dynamic, something that Rose has been thus far able to accept as normal and desirable. Because, well….that’s how she is comfortable with being loved. That was how she and Rob always worked. Until things start to tumble too far out of control.
That’s what makes this book difficult to shake. The manipulation isn’t loud; it’s insidious ad it creeps up on you and swells under your skin. Rose has discovered more than she should’ve, and the whole world has an opinion on her marriage. Over the course of years, she struggles with the classic issues of someone dealing with loving someone both in spite of and because of their flaws. And the one truth she can’t escape is that ghosts of the past will always find their voices.
Sabrina carefully constructs a psychological cage where the protagonist has been taught to reinterpret harm as affection. Every boundary crossed is reframed as trust. Every moment of fear is rebranded as intimacy. The language of control is disguised as the language of desire, and time after time, Rose internalizes it so completely that even her own discomfort feels like betrayal.
I want to say it has been a while since I have read anything as hauntingly captivating as the Free Me series. There is just something so jarring about being able to see yourself in a character as polar opposite from yourself, as Rose (and Amelia) are for me. The bare bones of what made me see myself in them lie within the books’ trigger warnings, and if you’ve been lucky enough to read even just the first installment, then you already get what I’m talking about.
Guilty As Sin kept me in a firm grip as I read, pulling at my heart as well as my anxiety. The quality I most admire about Sabrina’s writing is that it was not only easy to see me in Rose and Amelia, but also to reflect on the things I’ve done, gone through, and seen in the name of a twisted romance. Every chapter had my pulse racing as well as eye widening “is this play about us” reactions that kept coming back and kept me turning page after page. Absolute masterpiece Madame Black!
I received an ARC copy of Guilty As Sin from the lovely Sabrina Black (thanks queen!) but this review is my 10000% honest and unfiltered opinions.
This installment if the Free Me series picks up after the verdict is delivered at the end of A Beautiful Life, with Rob and Rose doing what they can to settle back in to their old ways. But, alas, change has already gripped the Alexanders.
For a long time, Rose could never see her marriage to Rob as anything but perfect. To her, it is intense. Devoted. Passionate in a way that balances on the line between love and control, just the way that works for her and Rob. Right? Rob is her true love. He is protective, attentive, and deeply possessive, framing his behavior as part of a consensual DD/LG dynamic, something that Rose has been thus far able to accept as normal and desirable. Because, well….that’s how she is comfortable with being loved. That was how she and Rob always worked. Until things start to tumble too far out of control.
That’s what makes this book difficult to shake. The manipulation isn’t loud; it’s insidious ad it creeps up on you and swells under your skin. Rose has discovered more than she should’ve, and the whole world has an opinion on her marriage. Over the course of years, she struggles with the classic issues of someone dealing with loving someone both in spite of and because of their flaws. And the one truth she can’t escape is that ghosts of the past will always find their voices.
Sabrina carefully constructs a psychological cage where the protagonist has been taught to reinterpret harm as affection. Every boundary crossed is reframed as trust. Every moment of fear is rebranded as intimacy. The language of control is disguised as the language of desire, and time after time, Rose internalizes it so completely that even her own discomfort feels like betrayal.
I want to say it has been a while since I have read anything as hauntingly captivating as the Free Me series. There is just something so jarring about being able to see yourself in a character as polar opposite from yourself, as Rose (and Amelia) are for me. The bare bones of what made me see myself in them lie within the books’ trigger warnings, and if you’ve been lucky enough to read even just the first installment, then you already get what I’m talking about.
Guilty As Sin kept me in a firm grip as I read, pulling at my heart as well as my anxiety. The quality I most admire about Sabrina’s writing is that it was not only easy to see me in Rose and Amelia, but also to reflect on the things I’ve done, gone through, and seen in the name of a twisted romance. Every chapter had my pulse racing as well as eye widening “is this play about us” reactions that kept coming back and kept me turning page after page. Absolute masterpiece Madame Black!
July 8, 2026
Na de intense emotionele achtbaan en de ijzingwekkende cliffhangers van de eerste twee delen (Free Me From The Girl I Used To Be en A Beautiful Lie), brengt Sabrina Black met Guilty as Sin de spanning naar een absoluut kookpunt. Als je dacht dat je wist welke kant het verhaal van Rose Parker en de mysterieuze, veel oudere tech-miljardair Robert Alexander op ging, dwingt Black je in dit derde deel om al je theorieën overboord te gooien.
Het Verhaal (Zonder grote spoilers)
Het verhaal gaat direct verder waar het vorige deel stopte. Rose probeert nog altijd te navigeren door haar nieuwe leven in Austin, Texas, terwijl ze worstelt met haar donkere verleden in New York. Haar relatie met Rob is allesbehalve traditioneel: het is bezitterig, intens en gebonden aan strikte regels.
In Guilty as Sin beginnen de schaduwen uit Robs verleden – met name de onopgeloste en verdachte dood van zijn ex-vrouw – zich steeds strakker rondom hen te sluiten. Er duikt een rechercheur op die Rose dwingt om met een kritische blik naar de man in haar bed te kijken. Is Rob haar beschermengel, of is hij de wolf in schaapskleren? De grens tussen liefde, obsessie en puur gevaar vervaagt volledig.
Wat maakt dit boek zo sterk?
Psychologische spanning: Black blinkt uit in het creëren van een constante sfeer van paranoia. Net als Rose weet je als lezer op een gegeven moment niet meer wie je kunt vertrouwen. Elk liefdevol gebaar van Rob voelt enerzijds oprecht, maar draagt anderzijds een dreigende ondertoon met zich mee.
Complexe personages: Rose is geen perfecte 'heroïne'; ze is beschadigd, maakt twijfelachtige keuzes en rent soms weg voor haar problemen. Dit maakt haar menselijk. Rob blijft de ultieme, onvoorspelbare dark romance antiheld: charmant, dominant en angstaanjagend intelligent.
Geen rustmomenten: Waar veel trilogieën in het middendeel of vlak daarna inkakken, houdt Guilty as Sin de vaart er vol in. Antwoorden op oude vragen worden eindelijk gegeven, maar Black introduceert direct nieuwe, schokkende geheimen die de dynamiek volledig op schudden.
Minpunten
De frustratiefactor: Soms kan de communicatie (of het gebrek daaraan) tussen Rose en Rob frustrerend zijn voor de lezer. De koppigheid en de neiging van Rose om te vluchten in plaats van de confrontatie aan te gaan, zal niet iedere lezer even goed liggen.
Trigger warnings: Dit is een dark romance. De machtsdynamiek is ongelijk, er is sprake van emotionele manipulatie en thema's rondom misbruik en trauma worden niet geschuwd. Het is geen 'feelgood' roman.
Conclusie
Guilty as Sin is een zenuwslopend en verslavend vervolg dat de belofte van de eerdere boeken absoluut waarmaakt. Sabrina Black weet de perfecte balans te vinden tussen een zinderende romance en een ijzersterke psychologische thriller. De plottwists aan het einde zullen je gegarandeerd met open mond achterlaten, smachtend naar het volgende deel.
Het Verhaal (Zonder grote spoilers)
Het verhaal gaat direct verder waar het vorige deel stopte. Rose probeert nog altijd te navigeren door haar nieuwe leven in Austin, Texas, terwijl ze worstelt met haar donkere verleden in New York. Haar relatie met Rob is allesbehalve traditioneel: het is bezitterig, intens en gebonden aan strikte regels.
In Guilty as Sin beginnen de schaduwen uit Robs verleden – met name de onopgeloste en verdachte dood van zijn ex-vrouw – zich steeds strakker rondom hen te sluiten. Er duikt een rechercheur op die Rose dwingt om met een kritische blik naar de man in haar bed te kijken. Is Rob haar beschermengel, of is hij de wolf in schaapskleren? De grens tussen liefde, obsessie en puur gevaar vervaagt volledig.
Wat maakt dit boek zo sterk?
Psychologische spanning: Black blinkt uit in het creëren van een constante sfeer van paranoia. Net als Rose weet je als lezer op een gegeven moment niet meer wie je kunt vertrouwen. Elk liefdevol gebaar van Rob voelt enerzijds oprecht, maar draagt anderzijds een dreigende ondertoon met zich mee.
Complexe personages: Rose is geen perfecte 'heroïne'; ze is beschadigd, maakt twijfelachtige keuzes en rent soms weg voor haar problemen. Dit maakt haar menselijk. Rob blijft de ultieme, onvoorspelbare dark romance antiheld: charmant, dominant en angstaanjagend intelligent.
Geen rustmomenten: Waar veel trilogieën in het middendeel of vlak daarna inkakken, houdt Guilty as Sin de vaart er vol in. Antwoorden op oude vragen worden eindelijk gegeven, maar Black introduceert direct nieuwe, schokkende geheimen die de dynamiek volledig op schudden.
Minpunten
De frustratiefactor: Soms kan de communicatie (of het gebrek daaraan) tussen Rose en Rob frustrerend zijn voor de lezer. De koppigheid en de neiging van Rose om te vluchten in plaats van de confrontatie aan te gaan, zal niet iedere lezer even goed liggen.
Trigger warnings: Dit is een dark romance. De machtsdynamiek is ongelijk, er is sprake van emotionele manipulatie en thema's rondom misbruik en trauma worden niet geschuwd. Het is geen 'feelgood' roman.
Conclusie
Guilty as Sin is een zenuwslopend en verslavend vervolg dat de belofte van de eerdere boeken absoluut waarmaakt. Sabrina Black weet de perfecte balans te vinden tussen een zinderende romance en een ijzersterke psychologische thriller. De plottwists aan het einde zullen je gegarandeerd met open mond achterlaten, smachtend naar het volgende deel.
May 9, 2026
First, I’d like to thank the author for letting me have an ARC read of this book. It's a true honor. I LOVE dark romance as a whole and I love that I got to experience reading the book before everyone else.
I will say however, unfortunately, this series just wasn’t for me.
I want to preface this before I say anything about this book, that I absolutely love dark romance. I've been reading all kinds for over 5 years now. I enjoy morally gray men (even pitch black), obsessive love interest, and all the lovely things that comes with DR’s. For me personally, DR’s work when there is still a sense of emotional grounding and meaningful progression underneath all the toxicity. This relationship unfortunately crossed the line from compellingly toxic into emotionally exhausting for me.
One of my biggest issues was the emotional repetition throughout the story. Rose constantly asking herself whether Rob is good for her even though. They are married and there are kids involved. The way she kept circling back to whether or not she was replacing Amelia was something that felt TOO repetitive. I understand why the elements were there so it's not too big of an issue but it did affect how I rated this book.
This whole series, the writing for me was just…not it, there is a LOT of telling instead of showing. Everything just felt so repetitive. Over time the story just started to feel overextended instead of impactful.
I really struggled heavily with Rob as a love interest. Off rip from the first book, he was just overly unrealistic, and friendly to a woman he didn’t even know to the point it felt icky to me. Now that I know how their relationship progressed, it just makes me not like him even more. The cheating is a big no for me, it heavily affected how I saw him, as well as their age gap being too big and their relationship dynamic isn’t making it any better because it seems Rose is losing herself in the relationship with how overbearing he is. Especially thoughts of wanting to hurt her for keeping secrets, all though it was an impulsive thought, this dynamic, overall, left a very disgusting taste in my mouth.
This was honestly a difficult series for me to get through. I kept pushing myself to continue because I wanted to properly finish and review the ARC, but if I had picked this on my own outside of reviewing obligation, I would’ve dropped this series at the 2nd chapter of book one.
That being said, I can see why this may work with other readers who enjoy the things I said I didn’t like. The author clearly has great ambitions for this series and as a writer myself I can understand this was probably years into the making. This is probably her baby, her pride and joy. So I would like to say that while I didn’t like this series, I am grateful I got the opportunity to be here reviewing.
I will say however, unfortunately, this series just wasn’t for me.
I want to preface this before I say anything about this book, that I absolutely love dark romance. I've been reading all kinds for over 5 years now. I enjoy morally gray men (even pitch black), obsessive love interest, and all the lovely things that comes with DR’s. For me personally, DR’s work when there is still a sense of emotional grounding and meaningful progression underneath all the toxicity. This relationship unfortunately crossed the line from compellingly toxic into emotionally exhausting for me.
One of my biggest issues was the emotional repetition throughout the story. Rose constantly asking herself whether Rob is good for her even though. They are married and there are kids involved. The way she kept circling back to whether or not she was replacing Amelia was something that felt TOO repetitive. I understand why the elements were there so it's not too big of an issue but it did affect how I rated this book.
This whole series, the writing for me was just…not it, there is a LOT of telling instead of showing. Everything just felt so repetitive. Over time the story just started to feel overextended instead of impactful.
I really struggled heavily with Rob as a love interest. Off rip from the first book, he was just overly unrealistic, and friendly to a woman he didn’t even know to the point it felt icky to me. Now that I know how their relationship progressed, it just makes me not like him even more. The cheating is a big no for me, it heavily affected how I saw him, as well as their age gap being too big and their relationship dynamic isn’t making it any better because it seems Rose is losing herself in the relationship with how overbearing he is. Especially thoughts of wanting to hurt her for keeping secrets, all though it was an impulsive thought, this dynamic, overall, left a very disgusting taste in my mouth.
This was honestly a difficult series for me to get through. I kept pushing myself to continue because I wanted to properly finish and review the ARC, but if I had picked this on my own outside of reviewing obligation, I would’ve dropped this series at the 2nd chapter of book one.
That being said, I can see why this may work with other readers who enjoy the things I said I didn’t like. The author clearly has great ambitions for this series and as a writer myself I can understand this was probably years into the making. This is probably her baby, her pride and joy. So I would like to say that while I didn’t like this series, I am grateful I got the opportunity to be here reviewing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
Firstly, I want to thank the author for providing an advance copy for review!
Secondly, please pay close attention to the trigger warnings of this book, there are many emotionally heavy topics discussed, which led to me needing to take breaks and read it in parts.
As someone who is in the helping profession I felt that this series, and this book in particular, portrayed a starkly realistic view of the dependent, abusive relationships women often find themselves in. It was written in a way that really gives a reader that visceral feeling of what it would be like to be stuck in that sort of dynamic, at times unable to leave and at others, unwilling.
The author did a very good job of reflecting the roles that people fill in abusive relationships, and how, when the victim responds to violence or aggression in a violent or aggressive way, this can then be used to further manipulate them, framing them as the abuser, locking them them into the dynamic and the cycle of abuse.
I did find that there was some repetitiveness with Rose's feeling of dependence on Rob, and whether she was just a fill in for Amelia, I think it was well established early on and didn't need to be returned to as often from a story telling perspective and this lead to the book feeling a lot longer than it needed to be. I almost DNF'ed a few times due to this.
Including the storyline of Amelia's ghost felt like it did not fit in with the rest of the storyline, it left me confused rather than feeling like it added anything to the story or my understanding of the characters. By the end of the book I was still not sure whether this was 'real' or just Rose's experience.
The ending to guilty felt jarring, like the build up had been so long, and then the resolution was rushed. I wish the ending had been more fleshed out. Maybe the next book will help connect some of the dots for me!
I enjoyed the fact that, especially in the first two books, whoever's chapter it was, was always an unreliable narrator. I could never be sure if what they were experiencing/describing was an accurate portrayal or just the way they were experiencing it and I felt that this mostly added depth to the story and characters.
I struggled with what to rate this book, as overall it was well written and was able to effectively portray the dynamics of one type of toxic and abusive relationship. However, i also felt like the issues raised above meant that I unfortunately, could not give this 5 stars.
Secondly, please pay close attention to the trigger warnings of this book, there are many emotionally heavy topics discussed, which led to me needing to take breaks and read it in parts.
As someone who is in the helping profession I felt that this series, and this book in particular, portrayed a starkly realistic view of the dependent, abusive relationships women often find themselves in. It was written in a way that really gives a reader that visceral feeling of what it would be like to be stuck in that sort of dynamic, at times unable to leave and at others, unwilling.
The author did a very good job of reflecting the roles that people fill in abusive relationships, and how, when the victim responds to violence or aggression in a violent or aggressive way, this can then be used to further manipulate them, framing them as the abuser, locking them them into the dynamic and the cycle of abuse.
I did find that there was some repetitiveness with Rose's feeling of dependence on Rob, and whether she was just a fill in for Amelia, I think it was well established early on and didn't need to be returned to as often from a story telling perspective and this lead to the book feeling a lot longer than it needed to be. I almost DNF'ed a few times due to this.
Including the storyline of Amelia's ghost felt like it did not fit in with the rest of the storyline, it left me confused rather than feeling like it added anything to the story or my understanding of the characters. By the end of the book I was still not sure whether this was 'real' or just Rose's experience.
The ending to guilty felt jarring, like the build up had been so long, and then the resolution was rushed. I wish the ending had been more fleshed out. Maybe the next book will help connect some of the dots for me!
I enjoyed the fact that, especially in the first two books, whoever's chapter it was, was always an unreliable narrator. I could never be sure if what they were experiencing/describing was an accurate portrayal or just the way they were experiencing it and I felt that this mostly added depth to the story and characters.
I struggled with what to rate this book, as overall it was well written and was able to effectively portray the dynamics of one type of toxic and abusive relationship. However, i also felt like the issues raised above meant that I unfortunately, could not give this 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2026
**Full disclosure: The author reached out to me directly for feedback after the release of this book. Wanting to give feedback with complete context, I read the series from the beginning, starting with book one. This review is spoiler free**
This was a wild ride, and by far the strongest of the three books in the series. It's for sure was a page-turner for me. I found myself constantly guessing at what would happen next, and being surprised by how many of my guesses were wrong.
What stood out most was how much this book deepened the psychology of the characters, especially Rob. With children now in the picture, you start to see what really triggers him, and how his own unresolved trauma regarding his own mom shapes his fear of who his wife might become. His ongoing struggle between wanting to be a good person and his need for control runs through the entire book. The story telling was so vivid I could imagine it in my head as a movie. Up there with a Gone Girl and What Lies Beneath kind of vibe.
**Content Note**
This book does contain graphic depictions of sexual assault and heavy instances of domestic violence. I understand the digital edition includes a trigger warning, but I'd strongly encourage the author to also include one on the physical page itself in future editions so that readers don't accidentally miss it while turning pages, given the intensity of those things in the book.
**The Book Itself**
This third installment does a great job tying together threads from earlier in the series and building out the backstory of the full cast. There's a persistent sense of dread running underneath even the quieter moments, where you're never quite sure if you should be rooting for Rob, hating him, going back and forth on what you think of the whole situation, if you’re being gaslit, if Rose is being gaslit or not at times, or bracing for the worst. That tension is really the engine of the book, and it pays off. I had to ask myself several times in this series, where do we draw the line? Do they mean that? What a person’s perception of normal in a situation like this?
Overall, this was a compelling, emotionally heavy conclusion, and put a lot of pieces together with having read the first two books. I was left lingering. You’re definitely left with “what’s next? Where do we go from here?”
This was a wild ride, and by far the strongest of the three books in the series. It's for sure was a page-turner for me. I found myself constantly guessing at what would happen next, and being surprised by how many of my guesses were wrong.
What stood out most was how much this book deepened the psychology of the characters, especially Rob. With children now in the picture, you start to see what really triggers him, and how his own unresolved trauma regarding his own mom shapes his fear of who his wife might become. His ongoing struggle between wanting to be a good person and his need for control runs through the entire book. The story telling was so vivid I could imagine it in my head as a movie. Up there with a Gone Girl and What Lies Beneath kind of vibe.
**Content Note**
This book does contain graphic depictions of sexual assault and heavy instances of domestic violence. I understand the digital edition includes a trigger warning, but I'd strongly encourage the author to also include one on the physical page itself in future editions so that readers don't accidentally miss it while turning pages, given the intensity of those things in the book.
**The Book Itself**
This third installment does a great job tying together threads from earlier in the series and building out the backstory of the full cast. There's a persistent sense of dread running underneath even the quieter moments, where you're never quite sure if you should be rooting for Rob, hating him, going back and forth on what you think of the whole situation, if you’re being gaslit, if Rose is being gaslit or not at times, or bracing for the worst. That tension is really the engine of the book, and it pays off. I had to ask myself several times in this series, where do we draw the line? Do they mean that? What a person’s perception of normal in a situation like this?
Overall, this was a compelling, emotionally heavy conclusion, and put a lot of pieces together with having read the first two books. I was left lingering. You’re definitely left with “what’s next? Where do we go from here?”
June 18, 2026
Let me start off by saying that you need to check the TW. Her books border on the lines of dark romance and pitch black due to the psychological and physical trauma her characters go through. I am giving this book 5 stars.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat with the twists and surprises around each corner. I had really high hopes that Rob would be different in this book that maybe he learned his lesson on how to treat Rose better than he did in the first book, but Rob disappointed me yet again.
This book starts minutes after the jury finds Rob not guilty of his wife's death. In the first 14 chapters, you find that Rob is still very controlling, but since Rose is much farther in her pregnancy, he makes her stick to his side like a mouse on a glue trap. When she has the twins, which is a very traumatic experience, so again read the TW. It's like he is a completely different person. It's not a better different person he is 100 times worse, and he starts his abuse very quickly. I thought by then she would realize she needs to get out of that house and away from him, but she is the same old Rose that will always think he hung the moon for her.
After the twins grow up to 5 years old is when the book takes a turn, so be prepared to call your local doctor because holy shit 😱 you will need to get your heart checked out to make sure its still okay.
Rob gets a little too confident in being able to beat his wife to a pulp and have no one notice. But low and behold, someone noticed very quickly, which is when Rose starts to see Amelia's spirit around the house.... like Robs dead wife Amelia.... yeah, to say i was shocked is an understatement.
There is a lot of abuse that goes on in the house under the watchful eyes of their twins, but only the boy connects the dots. Rob and Rose both try to hurt the other but only Rose is succeeded in that. When Rob realizes what she has done, he decides she isn't needed anymore. If Rob had just kept talking shit about Rose, I think he would have been successful, but he had to threaten their twins. Everyone knows you dont mess with a MAMA BEARS CUBS. Rob FAFO.
I absolutely loved this book so much. Sabrina is an amazing author, and she brought her characters to life in our minds.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat with the twists and surprises around each corner. I had really high hopes that Rob would be different in this book that maybe he learned his lesson on how to treat Rose better than he did in the first book, but Rob disappointed me yet again.
This book starts minutes after the jury finds Rob not guilty of his wife's death. In the first 14 chapters, you find that Rob is still very controlling, but since Rose is much farther in her pregnancy, he makes her stick to his side like a mouse on a glue trap. When she has the twins, which is a very traumatic experience, so again read the TW. It's like he is a completely different person. It's not a better different person he is 100 times worse, and he starts his abuse very quickly. I thought by then she would realize she needs to get out of that house and away from him, but she is the same old Rose that will always think he hung the moon for her.
After the twins grow up to 5 years old is when the book takes a turn, so be prepared to call your local doctor because holy shit 😱 you will need to get your heart checked out to make sure its still okay.
Rob gets a little too confident in being able to beat his wife to a pulp and have no one notice. But low and behold, someone noticed very quickly, which is when Rose starts to see Amelia's spirit around the house.... like Robs dead wife Amelia.... yeah, to say i was shocked is an understatement.
There is a lot of abuse that goes on in the house under the watchful eyes of their twins, but only the boy connects the dots. Rob and Rose both try to hurt the other but only Rose is succeeded in that. When Rob realizes what she has done, he decides she isn't needed anymore. If Rob had just kept talking shit about Rose, I think he would have been successful, but he had to threaten their twins. Everyone knows you dont mess with a MAMA BEARS CUBS. Rob FAFO.
I absolutely loved this book so much. Sabrina is an amazing author, and she brought her characters to life in our minds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2026
Rating of 3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4/5 for Goodreads)
A Gripping, Raw, and Realistic Psychological Thriller
I recently finished reading the third installment of this four-part contemporary series by Sabrina Black. It is a deeply impactful, dark psychological thriller that is not for the faint of heart. While this book focuses on a new female protagonist ~ moving on from the female main character of the first two books, I highly recommend reading at least the second book before diving into this one for essential backstory. Getting the foundational background really enriches your understanding of the characters and the overarching world.
What I loved about the book
Firstly, the author successfully built her characters in the story. The characters are complex, deeply human, and you can't help but root for them as you read the book. Secondly, Guilty as Sin has a compelling, realistic plot. Because this thriller is set in a contemporary setting, the plot feels incredibly realistic. The issues explored are grounded in real-world struggles, which contributed to the story feeling closer to home because the struggles pointed out in the book are things that can and are happening in society. Thirdly, I commend Black's dauntlessness in her ability to shine light on heavy, sensitive topics that are often stigmatized or left in the dark. It takes incredible courage to write about issues so candidly. Lastly, I love the hopeful ending of the book because it somehow eased the heaviness I felt while reading.
My Constructive Thoughts
While the core plot is strong, I felt that extending this narrative into a four-book series felt a bit of a stretch. In my opinion, she could have made it into a duology, which personally I feel would've thrown more punch to the story. Additionally, the prose didn't flow as smoothly as I had hoped. It felt harried and would have benefited from more polishing and tighter editing. Of course, I also understand that in some points of the story, she wanted the readers to feel the brevity of the situations; hence, the haste.
Some Important Trigger Warnings
The book is absolutely not for the faint of heart, and the trigger warnings should not be disregarded, such as domestic/sexual/animal abuse, mental health struggles and eating disorders, torture, murder, and suicide. The storytelling is incredibly graphic; hence, the reader is forewarned.
Overall, it was a good read for me. In my opinion, Guilty as Sin is perfect for readers who love gritty, unflinching psychological thrillers and don't mind a darker, more intense storytelling. If you appreciate deep character development, realistic contemporary setting, and authors who aren't afraid to tackle uncomfortable truths, this series will definitely grip you. Just make sure to read at least book two before starting this one.
A Gripping, Raw, and Realistic Psychological Thriller
I recently finished reading the third installment of this four-part contemporary series by Sabrina Black. It is a deeply impactful, dark psychological thriller that is not for the faint of heart. While this book focuses on a new female protagonist ~ moving on from the female main character of the first two books, I highly recommend reading at least the second book before diving into this one for essential backstory. Getting the foundational background really enriches your understanding of the characters and the overarching world.
What I loved about the book
Firstly, the author successfully built her characters in the story. The characters are complex, deeply human, and you can't help but root for them as you read the book. Secondly, Guilty as Sin has a compelling, realistic plot. Because this thriller is set in a contemporary setting, the plot feels incredibly realistic. The issues explored are grounded in real-world struggles, which contributed to the story feeling closer to home because the struggles pointed out in the book are things that can and are happening in society. Thirdly, I commend Black's dauntlessness in her ability to shine light on heavy, sensitive topics that are often stigmatized or left in the dark. It takes incredible courage to write about issues so candidly. Lastly, I love the hopeful ending of the book because it somehow eased the heaviness I felt while reading.
My Constructive Thoughts
While the core plot is strong, I felt that extending this narrative into a four-book series felt a bit of a stretch. In my opinion, she could have made it into a duology, which personally I feel would've thrown more punch to the story. Additionally, the prose didn't flow as smoothly as I had hoped. It felt harried and would have benefited from more polishing and tighter editing. Of course, I also understand that in some points of the story, she wanted the readers to feel the brevity of the situations; hence, the haste.
Some Important Trigger Warnings
The book is absolutely not for the faint of heart, and the trigger warnings should not be disregarded, such as domestic/sexual/animal abuse, mental health struggles and eating disorders, torture, murder, and suicide. The storytelling is incredibly graphic; hence, the reader is forewarned.
Overall, it was a good read for me. In my opinion, Guilty as Sin is perfect for readers who love gritty, unflinching psychological thrillers and don't mind a darker, more intense storytelling. If you appreciate deep character development, realistic contemporary setting, and authors who aren't afraid to tackle uncomfortable truths, this series will definitely grip you. Just make sure to read at least book two before starting this one.
May 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Sabrina Black for the ebook.
📝 Short Summary
After Rob is found not guilty, Rose tries to finally build a peaceful life with him. But as old patterns begin resurfacing and buried truths refuse to stay buried, Rose starts questioning the man she loves and the reality she has defended for years.
Review
This review is a little different for me because I really want to separate personal taste from recognizing an author’s talent.
This was not fully “my kind” of story, but I can absolutely see the gift Sabrina Black has as a writer. Even though certain parts were hard for me personally, I could still appreciate the emotional intensity, the darkness, and the way she writes toxic relationships and manipulation so realistically.
This book feels emotionally exhausting in a very intentional way. There’s betrayal everywhere, unhealthy attachment, control, obsession, and this constant feeling that nobody is truly safe emotionally. It honestly shows how cruel and damaging people can be to each other while still calling it love.
I also was genuinely surprised by the ghost element with Amelia visiting Rose. Since I love horror, that caught my attention immediately because I was not expecting that direction at all. It added this eerie emotional layer over the entire story that made everything feel even more unsettling.
Rose and Rob’s relationship continues to feel toxic, sad, frustrating, and emotionally complicated. Watching Rose constantly question reality, loyalty, and love was honestly hard at times because the emotional manipulation runs so deep throughout the story.
For me personally, this was one of those books where I can stand firmly on my four star rating while also admitting it was not necessarily written for me specifically. But I still fully understand why readers who enjoy dark relationship dramas, emotional toxicity, obsession, and psychologically heavy stories would really connect with it.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially for readers who enjoy dark relationship driven thrillers, emotionally toxic dynamics, manipulation, obsession, and stories that explore the uglier side of human behavior.
Thank you to Sabrina Black for the ebook.
📝 Short Summary
After Rob is found not guilty, Rose tries to finally build a peaceful life with him. But as old patterns begin resurfacing and buried truths refuse to stay buried, Rose starts questioning the man she loves and the reality she has defended for years.
Review
This review is a little different for me because I really want to separate personal taste from recognizing an author’s talent.
This was not fully “my kind” of story, but I can absolutely see the gift Sabrina Black has as a writer. Even though certain parts were hard for me personally, I could still appreciate the emotional intensity, the darkness, and the way she writes toxic relationships and manipulation so realistically.
This book feels emotionally exhausting in a very intentional way. There’s betrayal everywhere, unhealthy attachment, control, obsession, and this constant feeling that nobody is truly safe emotionally. It honestly shows how cruel and damaging people can be to each other while still calling it love.
I also was genuinely surprised by the ghost element with Amelia visiting Rose. Since I love horror, that caught my attention immediately because I was not expecting that direction at all. It added this eerie emotional layer over the entire story that made everything feel even more unsettling.
Rose and Rob’s relationship continues to feel toxic, sad, frustrating, and emotionally complicated. Watching Rose constantly question reality, loyalty, and love was honestly hard at times because the emotional manipulation runs so deep throughout the story.
For me personally, this was one of those books where I can stand firmly on my four star rating while also admitting it was not necessarily written for me specifically. But I still fully understand why readers who enjoy dark relationship dramas, emotional toxicity, obsession, and psychologically heavy stories would really connect with it.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially for readers who enjoy dark relationship driven thrillers, emotionally toxic dynamics, manipulation, obsession, and stories that explore the uglier side of human behavior.
June 26, 2026
I honestly don’t even know where to begin. Sabrina Black, you completely wrecked me with Guilty as Sin.
I went into this book expecting another great installment, but I wasn’t prepared for the emotional roller coaster you took me on. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, you pulled the rug out from under me. The twists never felt forced—they were perfectly timed and kept me questioning every character and every motive.
What I appreciate most about your writing is that you don’t shy away from the ugly side of human nature. The manipulation, trauma, emotional abuse, and complicated relationships were written in a way that felt incredibly real. There were moments that made me angry, moments that broke my heart, and moments where I genuinely had to put the book down just to process everything I had read.
Rose’s journey was heartbreaking yet inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her even when she made choices I wanted to scream about. As for Rob…I don’t think I’ve ever loved and hated a character so much at the same time. That emotional conflict is a credit to your ability to write layered, believable characters instead of one-dimensional villains or heroes.
The pacing was phenomenal. I never once felt bored or tempted to skim. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the story, and before I knew it, I was completely consumed. Then came the ending…and all I could think was, “How am I supposed to wait for the next book?”
This isn’t an easy read, and I wouldn’t recommend it to readers looking for a light romance. It’s dark, emotional, unsettling, and at times difficult to read because of the subject matter. But that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. It makes you feel everything.
Thank you for writing a story that isn’t afraid to explore the complicated, messy, and painful parts of life. Guilty as Sin is one of those books that will stay with me long after I’ve turned the final page. I can’t wait to see where you take these characters next.
I went into this book expecting another great installment, but I wasn’t prepared for the emotional roller coaster you took me on. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, you pulled the rug out from under me. The twists never felt forced—they were perfectly timed and kept me questioning every character and every motive.
What I appreciate most about your writing is that you don’t shy away from the ugly side of human nature. The manipulation, trauma, emotional abuse, and complicated relationships were written in a way that felt incredibly real. There were moments that made me angry, moments that broke my heart, and moments where I genuinely had to put the book down just to process everything I had read.
Rose’s journey was heartbreaking yet inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her even when she made choices I wanted to scream about. As for Rob…I don’t think I’ve ever loved and hated a character so much at the same time. That emotional conflict is a credit to your ability to write layered, believable characters instead of one-dimensional villains or heroes.
The pacing was phenomenal. I never once felt bored or tempted to skim. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the story, and before I knew it, I was completely consumed. Then came the ending…and all I could think was, “How am I supposed to wait for the next book?”
This isn’t an easy read, and I wouldn’t recommend it to readers looking for a light romance. It’s dark, emotional, unsettling, and at times difficult to read because of the subject matter. But that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. It makes you feel everything.
Thank you for writing a story that isn’t afraid to explore the complicated, messy, and painful parts of life. Guilty as Sin is one of those books that will stay with me long after I’ve turned the final page. I can’t wait to see where you take these characters next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2026
📝 Story Review: This series is definitely one of the most horrifying, tragic and toxic tales I’ve ever read. Now I love dark romance, but this series is a whole other spectrum…
I don’t see how anyone could read these books and root for the MMC. And my heart breaks for the FMC while simultaneously being so mad at her. On one hand I understand how years of abuse and trauma and conditioning can brainwash people into thinking that everything is as it should be when it’s so totally not… but on the other hand, I’m just over here wondering how you can let horrid thing after horrid thing happen and not realize you’re in danger and need to leave… and with this book bringing children into the mix… 😑
This series is hardcore full of triggers and hard to stomach, yet at the same time the author does a good job of pulling you into this twisted web of dark sadistic manipulation.
Genre: Dark Romantic Thriller
Series: Free Me, Book 3
POV: First Person; Dual
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 2.5/5
Quote from book 3, that fits this series really well: “People want to know… who are the two of you, really. Some misunderstood love story or a dark tale of power and control?”
Tropes 👇
- Toxic love/relationship
- Trauma bonding/damaged souls
- Volatile and damaged MMC
- Manipulated and damaged FMC
- Unexpected pregnancy
- Twin kiddos
- Life or death moments
- Therapy sessions
CW’s 👇
- Physical, mental & emotional abuse
- Torture
- Eating disorder/anorexia
- Mention of rap£ at a frat party
- Pregnancy
- Traumatic childbirth
- Feelings of disconnection after childbirth/postpartum depression
- A brutal scene of force feeding
- Therapist taking bribes/unethical
- Speaking to a ghost
- Severe brainwashing/conditioning
- Severe manipulation/control
- BDSM/DDLG elements
- Brief references to c0caine usage
- On page shooting
I don’t see how anyone could read these books and root for the MMC. And my heart breaks for the FMC while simultaneously being so mad at her. On one hand I understand how years of abuse and trauma and conditioning can brainwash people into thinking that everything is as it should be when it’s so totally not… but on the other hand, I’m just over here wondering how you can let horrid thing after horrid thing happen and not realize you’re in danger and need to leave… and with this book bringing children into the mix… 😑
This series is hardcore full of triggers and hard to stomach, yet at the same time the author does a good job of pulling you into this twisted web of dark sadistic manipulation.
Genre: Dark Romantic Thriller
Series: Free Me, Book 3
POV: First Person; Dual
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 2.5/5
Quote from book 3, that fits this series really well: “People want to know… who are the two of you, really. Some misunderstood love story or a dark tale of power and control?”
Tropes 👇
- Toxic love/relationship
- Trauma bonding/damaged souls
- Volatile and damaged MMC
- Manipulated and damaged FMC
- Unexpected pregnancy
- Twin kiddos
- Life or death moments
- Therapy sessions
CW’s 👇
- Physical, mental & emotional abuse
- Torture
- Eating disorder/anorexia
- Mention of rap£ at a frat party
- Pregnancy
- Traumatic childbirth
- Feelings of disconnection after childbirth/postpartum depression
- A brutal scene of force feeding
- Therapist taking bribes/unethical
- Speaking to a ghost
- Severe brainwashing/conditioning
- Severe manipulation/control
- BDSM/DDLG elements
- Brief references to c0caine usage
- On page shooting
May 12, 2026
I just wanna say Sabrina you did so good with this one! This has become definitely one of my favorite psychological thrillers.
This was by far my favorite of the three books, in the Free Me Series. This book was a lot easier for me to get into from the beginning, it pulled me in and did not let go. I went into this book ready to see how Rose would take back her life following the verdict in book two. We were looking further into the manipulation and control that occurs in so many relationships that people will deem as love and someone that cares for them. My favorite line out of the book comes from Amelia. (I loved the fact that Amelia Ghost contacts rose when she needed it.) Post Rob shutting Rose in the closet, Amelia appeared and rose asked if Rob can see her too. My favorite line was “Of course not. I would never give him the privilege…” Because yes girl, me too. Even in death pettiness is a must. I love that Rose eventually gets rid of Rob and is able to begin to heal. I love that the book wasn’t one of those. He’s gone I’m all magically healed types. Even after he was gone, she feels remorse for the children & she mentions she still loved him. Him being gone didn’t change that she knew he was “sick” was but didn’t say she stopped loving him. She tells the kids that loved each other though his ways were unconventional, Rose felt he did what he was shown and taught that love was. She made sure that the kids knew that their daddy loved them. “We were going to be so good. Someday” was the best line to finish this book. I feel like it shows that she is wanting to get through it but is still planning on processing and working through the trauma and it made my brain happy for her.
This was by far my favorite of the three books, in the Free Me Series. This book was a lot easier for me to get into from the beginning, it pulled me in and did not let go. I went into this book ready to see how Rose would take back her life following the verdict in book two. We were looking further into the manipulation and control that occurs in so many relationships that people will deem as love and someone that cares for them. My favorite line out of the book comes from Amelia. (I loved the fact that Amelia Ghost contacts rose when she needed it.) Post Rob shutting Rose in the closet, Amelia appeared and rose asked if Rob can see her too. My favorite line was “Of course not. I would never give him the privilege…” Because yes girl, me too. Even in death pettiness is a must. I love that Rose eventually gets rid of Rob and is able to begin to heal. I love that the book wasn’t one of those. He’s gone I’m all magically healed types. Even after he was gone, she feels remorse for the children & she mentions she still loved him. Him being gone didn’t change that she knew he was “sick” was but didn’t say she stopped loving him. She tells the kids that loved each other though his ways were unconventional, Rose felt he did what he was shown and taught that love was. She made sure that the kids knew that their daddy loved them. “We were going to be so good. Someday” was the best line to finish this book. I feel like it shows that she is wanting to get through it but is still planning on processing and working through the trauma and it made my brain happy for her.
June 9, 2026
Sabrina reached out to me because she saw I was a huge dark romance reader, and recommended her book so I figured Let’s go for it. It definitely took me a bit to get to it, and I did read it out of order. So I did somewhat confuse myself. But wow..
First off let’s start with: GUYS - read your trigger warnings, I’m ok with all warnings but some others may be more sensitive. This isn’t a book you can just skip the warnings with. Be mindful of the list she provides you. It’s provided for a REASON.
Ok perfect now that that’s out of the way.
This is a psychological thriller romance. And again each one of those words individually in their own right.
This book had trauma, manipulation, and guilt. While also having you second guess everything at every dang moment. Just when you think you know what’s going on.. no- you don’t. It’s heavy and devastating while consuming in incredible ways. Rose is a woman shaped in fear, and trauma, a product of what she’s been gradually exposed to and experiencing. Emotionally wrecked while making all crazy choices that only people in her position could possibly make, and understand. While Rob. Her husband, the man she’s to love and love her back, he’s both villain and broken. You want to root for him to come out of pain, and the trauma he causes, shake him to get his crap together.
This book doesn’t let you rationalize who’s wrong or right because in all ways everyone is wrong within reason, or with a reason behind those choices and decisions. Pain and heartache trauma and anxiety it’s just all wrapped in one. Incredible writing. I’m upset I didn’t read it in order I could’ve saved myself the hassle of piecing it all together, but it was incredible.
First off let’s start with: GUYS - read your trigger warnings, I’m ok with all warnings but some others may be more sensitive. This isn’t a book you can just skip the warnings with. Be mindful of the list she provides you. It’s provided for a REASON.
Ok perfect now that that’s out of the way.
This is a psychological thriller romance. And again each one of those words individually in their own right.
This book had trauma, manipulation, and guilt. While also having you second guess everything at every dang moment. Just when you think you know what’s going on.. no- you don’t. It’s heavy and devastating while consuming in incredible ways. Rose is a woman shaped in fear, and trauma, a product of what she’s been gradually exposed to and experiencing. Emotionally wrecked while making all crazy choices that only people in her position could possibly make, and understand. While Rob. Her husband, the man she’s to love and love her back, he’s both villain and broken. You want to root for him to come out of pain, and the trauma he causes, shake him to get his crap together.
This book doesn’t let you rationalize who’s wrong or right because in all ways everyone is wrong within reason, or with a reason behind those choices and decisions. Pain and heartache trauma and anxiety it’s just all wrapped in one. Incredible writing. I’m upset I didn’t read it in order I could’ve saved myself the hassle of piecing it all together, but it was incredible.
June 24, 2026
3.75 Stars!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 Review – Guilty as Sin by Sabrina Black
Guilty as Sin is a gripping psychological suspense romance and the perfect conclusion to Rose and Rob's story. Picking up after the trial, we find them attempting to build a normal life together, with Rose pregnant and the two of them preparing to welcome twins.
From the very first chapter, this book had me completely invested. Sabrina Black does an incredible job creating an atmosphere of tension and unease that never lets up. Just when I thought Rose and Rob might finally find their happily ever after, doubts begin to creep in and old patterns start resurfacing.
The emotional weight of this story hit hard. Watching Rose navigate motherhood, marriage, and the growing questions surrounding her relationship kept me turning pages late into the night. By the final chapters, my anxiety was through the roof. I was genuinely sick to my stomach with worry, feeling every ounce of fear and uncertainty right alongside Rose.
The only thing that would have made this book even better for me would have been more detailed descriptions of the characters and their surroundings. I would have loved a richer picture of the world around Rose and Rob to help bring the setting and characters even more vividly to life off the page.
Overall, this is a dark, addictive, and emotionally charged read that explores obsession, manipulation, and the consequences of loving someone who may not be who they seem. If you've followed Rose and Rob's journey from the beginning, this finale delivers a suspenseful and unforgettable ending that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 Review – Guilty as Sin by Sabrina Black
Guilty as Sin is a gripping psychological suspense romance and the perfect conclusion to Rose and Rob's story. Picking up after the trial, we find them attempting to build a normal life together, with Rose pregnant and the two of them preparing to welcome twins.
From the very first chapter, this book had me completely invested. Sabrina Black does an incredible job creating an atmosphere of tension and unease that never lets up. Just when I thought Rose and Rob might finally find their happily ever after, doubts begin to creep in and old patterns start resurfacing.
The emotional weight of this story hit hard. Watching Rose navigate motherhood, marriage, and the growing questions surrounding her relationship kept me turning pages late into the night. By the final chapters, my anxiety was through the roof. I was genuinely sick to my stomach with worry, feeling every ounce of fear and uncertainty right alongside Rose.
The only thing that would have made this book even better for me would have been more detailed descriptions of the characters and their surroundings. I would have loved a richer picture of the world around Rose and Rob to help bring the setting and characters even more vividly to life off the page.
Overall, this is a dark, addictive, and emotionally charged read that explores obsession, manipulation, and the consequences of loving someone who may not be who they seem. If you've followed Rose and Rob's journey from the beginning, this finale delivers a suspenseful and unforgettable ending that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book and the whole series. I had the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book and read the whole series in order to be able to do a more thorough review.
This book left me with a lot of emotions. It has a lot of psychological repercussions and gives you a lot to think about.
So it all starts with a not guilty verdict for Robert.
Rose finds Amelia's diary and knows the truth about what happened. She decides not to tell Robert about what she knows and burns the diary.
She finds out that she is pregnant with Robert's child.
Rose has a lot of doubts throughout the book :
She doubts Robert because of what she read in Amelia's diary
She doubts who Robert is with her, thinking he doesn't love her as much as he loved Amelia
She doubts her abilities to be a good mother and thinks that Rob feels the same
Robert feels guilt :
Guilt about what happened to Amelia
Guilt about not being honest with Rose
Guilt about the childhood he had. He wants to make up for it and make sure to always set the good example.
Both of their personalities kind of escalate throughout the book. Rose starts seeing Amelia's ghost and talks to her. Robert is set on showing the example, he is willing to beat them into Rose.
And then, he decides to change and stop being violent towards her.
But will he really change?
I am giving this book 5 stars and will absolutely recommend it. I recommend the whole series.
It was hard for me to get into the story right away in the first book but i am glad I continued.
This book left me with a lot of emotions. It has a lot of psychological repercussions and gives you a lot to think about.
So it all starts with a not guilty verdict for Robert.
Rose finds Amelia's diary and knows the truth about what happened. She decides not to tell Robert about what she knows and burns the diary.
She finds out that she is pregnant with Robert's child.
Rose has a lot of doubts throughout the book :
She doubts Robert because of what she read in Amelia's diary
She doubts who Robert is with her, thinking he doesn't love her as much as he loved Amelia
She doubts her abilities to be a good mother and thinks that Rob feels the same
Robert feels guilt :
Guilt about what happened to Amelia
Guilt about not being honest with Rose
Guilt about the childhood he had. He wants to make up for it and make sure to always set the good example.
Both of their personalities kind of escalate throughout the book. Rose starts seeing Amelia's ghost and talks to her. Robert is set on showing the example, he is willing to beat them into Rose.
And then, he decides to change and stop being violent towards her.
But will he really change?
I am giving this book 5 stars and will absolutely recommend it. I recommend the whole series.
It was hard for me to get into the story right away in the first book but i am glad I continued.
May 10, 2026
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Sabrina for this opportunity. Having read the rest of the series and absolutely loved it, this book was no exception. Sabrina crushed it once again. The writing is beautiful and evoked so many emotions!
Rose thought she had found her soulmate—the perfect man for her. No matter what anyone said or how much evidence there was, she stood by him. But everyone has secrets. Now that Rose knows Robert’s, is it forgivable? Or is Rose the one with the bigger secret?
This book kept me on my toes! I was so excited to see what would happen next and how everyone would react. It pulled at my heartstrings, thrilled me, and filled me with anxiety (in a good way) about what was coming. I am incredibly proud of Rose for what she accomplished and survived.
Also, I have no idea how Sabrina managed to make me like—and maybe even root for—Theo!
I would love a short book set in the future: when the kids graduate, where they are now, how they’ve grown, how much they know and understand, and where Rose is—has she moved on? Perhaps with someone we know?
This is an absolutely amazing psychological thriller that will have you flipping pages to find out what happens next. I have been and will continue recommending this series to everyone!
Check your trigger warnings before reading!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Infinity stars)
Note: Sabrina, I would read your grocery lists! Please keep writing so I can keep reading everything. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book and series!
Rose thought she had found her soulmate—the perfect man for her. No matter what anyone said or how much evidence there was, she stood by him. But everyone has secrets. Now that Rose knows Robert’s, is it forgivable? Or is Rose the one with the bigger secret?
This book kept me on my toes! I was so excited to see what would happen next and how everyone would react. It pulled at my heartstrings, thrilled me, and filled me with anxiety (in a good way) about what was coming. I am incredibly proud of Rose for what she accomplished and survived.
Also, I have no idea how Sabrina managed to make me like—and maybe even root for—Theo!
I would love a short book set in the future: when the kids graduate, where they are now, how they’ve grown, how much they know and understand, and where Rose is—has she moved on? Perhaps with someone we know?
This is an absolutely amazing psychological thriller that will have you flipping pages to find out what happens next. I have been and will continue recommending this series to everyone!
Check your trigger warnings before reading!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Infinity stars)
Note: Sabrina, I would read your grocery lists! Please keep writing so I can keep reading everything. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book and series!
May 18, 2026
Holy plot twists! This psychological thriller kept me in a constant state of suspense as I knew danger and doom would be coming any minute. And boy, did it ever!
After the trial ends with Rob being found not guilty and Rose pregnant, the two strive to have a quiet life and loving relationship. As Roses’s ED threatens to impact the babies, Rob takes matters into his own hands to ‘correct’ her. His attempts at controlling her begin to further take a toll on Rose’s mental health, and the ghost of Amelia is always nearby telling Rose she needs to protect herself and her babies from Rob before it’s too late.
The appearance of Amelia’s ghost put such a different twist on the story especially because you keep wondering is she a ‘good’ ghost or a ‘bad’ ghost. That question kept me suspicious every time she appeared. Being privy to Rose and Rob’s POVs, let me better understand the depth of their codependent relationship and mental illnesses. Rob’s unhinged behavior becomes almost unbearable to read as he issues insane punishments for Rose’s ‘mind sickness’. When Rob sends her to a psychiatrist, who violates his oath and tells him everything she says, I felt like I was reading on a tightrope and was going to fall off with each page turned.
Without spoiling anything, let me say that when things come to a head for the two, I did not see that twist coming! If you enjoy complex psychological thrillers, with mentally ill and flawed characters who can’t stop their love from also being their destruction, I recommend the Free Me series by Sabrina Black.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
After the trial ends with Rob being found not guilty and Rose pregnant, the two strive to have a quiet life and loving relationship. As Roses’s ED threatens to impact the babies, Rob takes matters into his own hands to ‘correct’ her. His attempts at controlling her begin to further take a toll on Rose’s mental health, and the ghost of Amelia is always nearby telling Rose she needs to protect herself and her babies from Rob before it’s too late.
The appearance of Amelia’s ghost put such a different twist on the story especially because you keep wondering is she a ‘good’ ghost or a ‘bad’ ghost. That question kept me suspicious every time she appeared. Being privy to Rose and Rob’s POVs, let me better understand the depth of their codependent relationship and mental illnesses. Rob’s unhinged behavior becomes almost unbearable to read as he issues insane punishments for Rose’s ‘mind sickness’. When Rob sends her to a psychiatrist, who violates his oath and tells him everything she says, I felt like I was reading on a tightrope and was going to fall off with each page turned.
Without spoiling anything, let me say that when things come to a head for the two, I did not see that twist coming! If you enjoy complex psychological thrillers, with mentally ill and flawed characters who can’t stop their love from also being their destruction, I recommend the Free Me series by Sabrina Black.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
May 31, 2026
*I READ THIS BOOK AS AN ARC READER*
This kind of writing is something new to me. I have never read a book where you get to see so many inner thoughts and conflicts as the book progresses. I really like it, as it makes me feel closer to Rose. The inner thoughts offers a lot of explanation and It's easy to follow the story (not talking about the twists and turns it might take, I could not see those coming) and you don't have to go back several pages to re-read it all to understand it.
This series is dark. It touches a lot of sensitive subjects, that some people might find hard. For me, this book (and the two others in the series), brings a feeling that is familiar. The psychological aspect of it is written in a way people who have experienced it themselves might relate to. Is that good or bad? That's up to the reader to decide. The writing of these part are very well and I feel like it might help people to find some peace in some sort of way.
It's been a while since I've read any thrillers/crime, but this makes me want more. As it is one of my favorite genres to read, I was not disappointed! The feeling of creeping theories, chilling situations and things getting out of control.. That's my kind of book.
I would really recommend this book if you can handle darker stuff, twist and turns, and the feeling of "what?" when it's all over. I read the two books that comes before this one in the series (Free me from the girl I used to be and A beatiful lie) and I would really recommend those before reading this one.
This kind of writing is something new to me. I have never read a book where you get to see so many inner thoughts and conflicts as the book progresses. I really like it, as it makes me feel closer to Rose. The inner thoughts offers a lot of explanation and It's easy to follow the story (not talking about the twists and turns it might take, I could not see those coming) and you don't have to go back several pages to re-read it all to understand it.
This series is dark. It touches a lot of sensitive subjects, that some people might find hard. For me, this book (and the two others in the series), brings a feeling that is familiar. The psychological aspect of it is written in a way people who have experienced it themselves might relate to. Is that good or bad? That's up to the reader to decide. The writing of these part are very well and I feel like it might help people to find some peace in some sort of way.
It's been a while since I've read any thrillers/crime, but this makes me want more. As it is one of my favorite genres to read, I was not disappointed! The feeling of creeping theories, chilling situations and things getting out of control.. That's my kind of book.
I would really recommend this book if you can handle darker stuff, twist and turns, and the feeling of "what?" when it's all over. I read the two books that comes before this one in the series (Free me from the girl I used to be and A beatiful lie) and I would really recommend those before reading this one.
June 20, 2026
The Drama Never Left This Marriage
Besties... Before diving into "Guilty As Sin", make sure you've read the first two books because this is absolutely a continuation of Rose and Rob's story, and there is no easing into the chaos. We pick up after Rob's trial verdict, and while everyone else seems ready to move on, Rose clearly isn't. Honestly? Neither was I. 🫣
One thing this series does well is keeping you questioning everything. When I first met Rob, I saw him as Rose's protector... the wealthy, confident older man who seemed capable of giving her the stability she desperately needed. But as the story unfolds, more layers are peeled back, and it becomes harder to ignore just how much toxicity follows him everywhere he goes.
I really enjoyed seeing Rose's growth throughout this series. She felt stronger, more aware, and more willing to confront the uncomfortable truths surrounding her marriage. The tension between love, loyalty, and self-preservation kept me invested, and that ending scene... WOW... I was holding my breathe through those chapters. 😬
This book delivers plenty of drama, secrets, manipulation, and emotional turmoil. While some aspects left me conflicted, I was still fully invested in seeing how everything played out. And that ending? Besties, I still don't know whether to call it closure or the beginning of another storm. 🤔
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Besties... Before diving into "Guilty As Sin", make sure you've read the first two books because this is absolutely a continuation of Rose and Rob's story, and there is no easing into the chaos. We pick up after Rob's trial verdict, and while everyone else seems ready to move on, Rose clearly isn't. Honestly? Neither was I. 🫣
One thing this series does well is keeping you questioning everything. When I first met Rob, I saw him as Rose's protector... the wealthy, confident older man who seemed capable of giving her the stability she desperately needed. But as the story unfolds, more layers are peeled back, and it becomes harder to ignore just how much toxicity follows him everywhere he goes.
I really enjoyed seeing Rose's growth throughout this series. She felt stronger, more aware, and more willing to confront the uncomfortable truths surrounding her marriage. The tension between love, loyalty, and self-preservation kept me invested, and that ending scene... WOW... I was holding my breathe through those chapters. 😬
This book delivers plenty of drama, secrets, manipulation, and emotional turmoil. While some aspects left me conflicted, I was still fully invested in seeing how everything played out. And that ending? Besties, I still don't know whether to call it closure or the beginning of another storm. 🤔
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
July 21, 2026
ARC REVIEW - Guilty as Sin by Sabrina Black
First of all thank you sm to Sabrina for sending me an arc copy!
WOW. I genuinely could not put this book down. Sabrina Black somehow managed to make me question literally every character while still keeping me completely invested in what was going to happen next.
The psychological tension in this book was incredible. I loved how the story constantly made me second guess everyone and everything, and the alternating perspectives added so much depth. There were so many moments where I had to stop and just process what I’d read because I was so shocked.
What impressed me most was the dual POV structure. Rob’s chapters are unsettling because they reveal a man who genuinely believes his love is protective, while Rose’s chapters expose the anxiety, self doubt, and moral conflict simmering beneath the surface. Their perspectives constantly clash, creating a mind blowing sense of uncertainty about whether this relationship is a redemption or a tragedy.
the book is undeniably dark and has strong themes such as coercion, emotional abuse and trauma so I would advice to check content warnings. That being said black did an amazing job handling these topics.
if you love dark romances with strong psychological elements, morally gray characters, obsessive relationships, dual POVs, and stories that make you question whether love can coexist with control, I STRONGLY recommend this book.
Overall this was such an addictive, twisted psychological romance that had me hooked! Thank you so much again to Sabrina for the copy
First of all thank you sm to Sabrina for sending me an arc copy!
WOW. I genuinely could not put this book down. Sabrina Black somehow managed to make me question literally every character while still keeping me completely invested in what was going to happen next.
The psychological tension in this book was incredible. I loved how the story constantly made me second guess everyone and everything, and the alternating perspectives added so much depth. There were so many moments where I had to stop and just process what I’d read because I was so shocked.
What impressed me most was the dual POV structure. Rob’s chapters are unsettling because they reveal a man who genuinely believes his love is protective, while Rose’s chapters expose the anxiety, self doubt, and moral conflict simmering beneath the surface. Their perspectives constantly clash, creating a mind blowing sense of uncertainty about whether this relationship is a redemption or a tragedy.
the book is undeniably dark and has strong themes such as coercion, emotional abuse and trauma so I would advice to check content warnings. That being said black did an amazing job handling these topics.
if you love dark romances with strong psychological elements, morally gray characters, obsessive relationships, dual POVs, and stories that make you question whether love can coexist with control, I STRONGLY recommend this book.
Overall this was such an addictive, twisted psychological romance that had me hooked! Thank you so much again to Sabrina for the copy
May 8, 2026
Guilty as Sin is incredibly well written, but also one of the most emotionally intense and deeply unsettling reading experiences I’ve had in a long time.
Going in, I think it’s important to understand that this reads much more like a psychological thriller with romantic and toxic relationship elements than a traditional romance. The atmosphere is heavy, emotionally claustrophobic, and intentionally disturbing throughout.
Sabrina Black does an excellent job creating tension and psychological unease. The characters are deeply flawed, manipulative, obsessive, and morally complicated in ways that felt painfully believable at times. There’s a constant sense of emotional instability and impending disaster hanging over the entire story.
While this wasn’t personally an enjoyable read for me emotionally, I can absolutely appreciate how effective the writing was. The discomfort, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion I felt while reading were very clearly intentional.
This is absolutely not a light read, and I would strongly encourage readers to check content warnings beforehand. However, readers who enjoy very dark psychological thrillers, morally gray characters, toxic relationship dynamics, and emotionally challenging stories will likely find this incredibly compelling.
Overall, while it was not for me personally, I can absolutely recognize the strength of the writing and why this book will strongly resonate with the right audience.
Going in, I think it’s important to understand that this reads much more like a psychological thriller with romantic and toxic relationship elements than a traditional romance. The atmosphere is heavy, emotionally claustrophobic, and intentionally disturbing throughout.
Sabrina Black does an excellent job creating tension and psychological unease. The characters are deeply flawed, manipulative, obsessive, and morally complicated in ways that felt painfully believable at times. There’s a constant sense of emotional instability and impending disaster hanging over the entire story.
While this wasn’t personally an enjoyable read for me emotionally, I can absolutely appreciate how effective the writing was. The discomfort, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion I felt while reading were very clearly intentional.
This is absolutely not a light read, and I would strongly encourage readers to check content warnings beforehand. However, readers who enjoy very dark psychological thrillers, morally gray characters, toxic relationship dynamics, and emotionally challenging stories will likely find this incredibly compelling.
Overall, while it was not for me personally, I can absolutely recognize the strength of the writing and why this book will strongly resonate with the right audience.
May 16, 2026
Guilty as Sin by Sabrina Black is a gripping and unsettling continuation of this dark romance psychological thriller series, and by the third installment, it’s clear the author has no intention of pulling punches. This book leans heavily into the psychological tension that’s been building since the first installment, delivering a story that feels both emotionally raw and deeply disturbing n the best way for fans of the genre. The relationship dynamics are intense, morally complex, and at times uncomfortable! Which is exactly what makes the story so compelling. If you’re expecting a clean or traditionally romantic arc, this isn’t it this book thrives in the gray areas of obsession, power, and consequence. One of the strongest aspects of this book is how it escalates stakes without losing the emotional thread. The characters feel more fractured than ever, and their internal struggles are just as gripping as the external conflicts. There’s a sense of inevitability throughout the story, like everything is spiraling toward something explosive and when it hits, it doesn’t disappoint. That said, this is not a light read. The themes are dark, the content can be triggering, and the pacing occasionally lingers in heavy emotional territory longer than some readers might prefer. But for readers who enjoy psychological depth paired with twisted romance, that intensity is part of the appeal.
Overall, Guilty is a bold, tension-filled installment that deepens the series’ exploration of toxic love, guilt, and control. It’s messy, dark, and addictiveperfect for readers who like their romance with a sharp psychological edge.
Overall, Guilty is a bold, tension-filled installment that deepens the series’ exploration of toxic love, guilt, and control. It’s messy, dark, and addictiveperfect for readers who like their romance with a sharp psychological edge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2026
⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: Please check the trigger warnings before picking this book up. It deals with extremely dark subject matter and could be highly triggering for some readers.
This book feels emotionally exhausting in a very intentional way. It is a unique, deeply unsettling read, but it definitely won't be for everyone. The author handles incredibly troubling subject matter by refusing to shy away from the ugly side of human nature - the betrayal, unhealthy attachments, obsession, and deep emotional manipulation mean that nobody in this story ever feels truly safe.
Rose and Rob’s relationship continues to feel toxic, sad, and incredibly complicated. Watching Rose constantly question her reality and loyalty was genuinely hard to read at times. While I initially found myself wishing she would come into herself more and find the strength to change, I realized that her processing loop is actually a much more realistic depiction of trauma. It’s not a fantasy where you suddenly wake up with the power to leave; instead, you get trapped in the cycle of holding on. The reader feels that frustration right along with her, which speaks to how real the writing feels. Some moments made me angry, moments that broke my heart, and several times where I had to physically put the book down.
The ending was highly satisfying for me, though it leaves behind a lingering question: is there going to be another haunting element left in that house?
This book feels emotionally exhausting in a very intentional way. It is a unique, deeply unsettling read, but it definitely won't be for everyone. The author handles incredibly troubling subject matter by refusing to shy away from the ugly side of human nature - the betrayal, unhealthy attachments, obsession, and deep emotional manipulation mean that nobody in this story ever feels truly safe.
Rose and Rob’s relationship continues to feel toxic, sad, and incredibly complicated. Watching Rose constantly question her reality and loyalty was genuinely hard to read at times. While I initially found myself wishing she would come into herself more and find the strength to change, I realized that her processing loop is actually a much more realistic depiction of trauma. It’s not a fantasy where you suddenly wake up with the power to leave; instead, you get trapped in the cycle of holding on. The reader feels that frustration right along with her, which speaks to how real the writing feels. Some moments made me angry, moments that broke my heart, and several times where I had to physically put the book down.
The ending was highly satisfying for me, though it leaves behind a lingering question: is there going to be another haunting element left in that house?
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC. All opinions are my own.
This is the third installment of Sabrina Black's story involving Rob and Rose. As always, I encourage you to check your triggers because these books deal with dark topics.
After the dramatic ending to book 2, A Beautiful Lie, we see Rob and Rose settling into life post trial. We learn that Rose knows the truth about Rob's involvement in Amelia's final days and watch how she attempts to reconcile Amelia's version of Rob with her husband. We also see Rob and Rose's relationship reach a new level as we are introduced to their twins, Ava and Asher.
Amelia, in her ghost form, visits Rose, encouraging her to escape Rob with the twins before something happens to them. Rob, upon hearing this, becomes fearful that Rose will harm Asher & Ava, manipulating her into going to see a therapist. A therapist who definitely has an ulterior motive.
We see a story of betrayal, pain, and lies swing back & forth between Rose and Rob. As Rose fights for her not only her life, but her twins life, a shocking twist leaves us reeling.
I found myself devouring the third installment of Rob & Roses story. A story filled, yet again, with the worst parts of humanity dressed up as love.
This is the third installment of Sabrina Black's story involving Rob and Rose. As always, I encourage you to check your triggers because these books deal with dark topics.
After the dramatic ending to book 2, A Beautiful Lie, we see Rob and Rose settling into life post trial. We learn that Rose knows the truth about Rob's involvement in Amelia's final days and watch how she attempts to reconcile Amelia's version of Rob with her husband. We also see Rob and Rose's relationship reach a new level as we are introduced to their twins, Ava and Asher.
Amelia, in her ghost form, visits Rose, encouraging her to escape Rob with the twins before something happens to them. Rob, upon hearing this, becomes fearful that Rose will harm Asher & Ava, manipulating her into going to see a therapist. A therapist who definitely has an ulterior motive.
We see a story of betrayal, pain, and lies swing back & forth between Rose and Rob. As Rose fights for her not only her life, but her twins life, a shocking twist leaves us reeling.
I found myself devouring the third installment of Rob & Roses story. A story filled, yet again, with the worst parts of humanity dressed up as love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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