King of War

5⭐️
4🌶️

Holy crap Enzo and Rayne’s story was so freaking sad!!! I’m so happy they got the happy ending and everything they planned for their life’s in the end but the road to get there was absolutely brutal! I cried, screamed in annoyance and laughed, but my heart hurt so much for them.

Throughout the entire book, I was not expecting the reveal of what actually happened or that they were all betrayed to bad by people who only were looking for power, but I kind of figured that was what really happened and that all the bull crap spewed was exactly that and the fact that not only were Enzo and Rayne completely destroyed in this, but their closest friend and even Enzo’s brothers were deceived as well.

I enjoyed seeing Rayne give Enzo a run for his redemption. Of all the men who deserved to be redeemed he deserved it as he never stopped caring about her, even when he was not outwardly showing it. Seeing her finally open up to him about what really happened and how much it destroyed him to find out her innocence and see who was behind it all was a breath of fresh air, and his insistence to deal with the person who cause Rayne pain was beautiful. He absolutely blew it out of the park with his graveling and Rayne giving him a second chance to make up for all they lost was perfect!!

Morgan Carpenter

144 reviews1 follower

✨ARC✨
This is Book 1 in The Las Vegas Ruthless Series!
The perfect start to a new mafia series! Sadie did it again with this book! Enzo and Rayne’s story is a messy one. Six years ago something terrible happened. When Enzo and Rayne are brought back together in a not so great way things are tense in the beginning. The longer they are forced to be near each other the more complicated things start to be. This book has the best tension and spice! Enzo is a man obsessed and possessive over Rayne. He is willing to do anything to protect and keep her. Rayne’s trauma and past may have brought her back to Vegas but Enzo will make sure she gets her revenge. I Definitely remember this book and can’t wait for the rest of the series!

This book is set to release August 20th!
Preorder your copy now! You won’t regret it!

Hollie Redmond

33 reviews1 follower

I was kindly given this ARC due to being on Sadie’s street team ❤️‍🔥

Wow…. Wowwwwwwwwww. Enzo? Dare I say he’s my new favourite MMC out of all of Sadie’s books?

This book genuinely made me hot and flustered, heartbroken, angry, happy, then SWEATING again. I went through so many emotions in the short time it took me to read.

Enzo and Rayne had the perfect relationship, until one huge event took place that shattered them as a couple. They loved eachother so so much, but at the time nothing could bring them back together. Until Rayne shows up again… and BOY, the hate s*x? The LOVE S*X?! I had butterflies.

The trauma both of them went through, more so Rayne, was just devastating. It made me so angry.. Enter Enzo who would literally burn the world for her. The type of man every girl wants. It was deliciously perfect.

You’ve done it again Sadie! The Queen of Mafia romance!

Emma Lane

30 reviews2 followers

August 7, 2026

Thank you to Sadie Kincaid for allowing me the chance to read this ARC for an honest review.

This was my first read of any of Sadie’s ‘Ruthless’ series (although they have been on my TBR for ages) and now I need to go and read all of the others!

Read this if you like…
🖤 Second chance romance
🖤 Possessive MMC
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 ‘Hate’ to lovers

It’s been a while since I’ve read a mafia romance and I absolutely devoured this. I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this was spot on.

So much trauma, so much tension throughout, and definitely a rollercoaster of emotions! We all love an MMC who would burn the world down for his girl and Enzo is exactly that.

Now please leave me in peace whilst I go and read Sadie’s backlist 😂🖤

King of War, book 1 in the Las Vegas Ruthless series, releases on 20th August 2026!

Jamie

7 reviews

🔥 ARC Review 🔥

Holy shit, what a rollercoaster. I laughed, I cried, and I had to take moments to breathe and remind myself that Sadie always delivers an HEA.

King of War had my heart feeling tight through so much of this book. The angst — ohhhh, the angst. The heartbreak, which literally felt like it might break me at any moment. Most importantly, the love… it all kept building until everything finally hit me at once and I cried.

Sadie Kincaid knows exactly how to drag me into a story, make me care deeply about the characters, and then emotionally destroy me before putting me back together again. This book was intense, gripping, heartbreaking, and completely impossible to put down.

I can’t wait for the rest of the series to see what the other Medici brothers get up to. 🥰

Beth

58 reviews

Sadie has once again delivered a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one felt different to start off with, yes I know a new series, but it just felt different. Did I love it any less? Absolutely not! The chemistry from page one was off the charts and Rayne and Enzo are really fighting Nathan and Melanie to by my favorite couple. The heartbreak that wrecked me, and watching them piece themselves back together was everything to me, the vulnerability, the shame, the rawness we see might be why this is one of my new favorites…. And can we just talk about how much I LOVE a revenge scene, Sadie just does the most when it comes to those, and I absolutely love it! Sadie thank you once again for writing such a great story! I cannot wait to see what’s next!

Jessica Laurence

21 reviews

August 6, 2026

“I never for a single second stopped loving you, even though I tried. I really f-ing tried.” - Enzo

Sadie is back in the Ruthless Universe and boy did I miss it! This new addition has it all! Friends-to-Lovers-to-Enemies-to-Lovers with drama, secrets, and some new book-boyfriends to fall in love with.

This book felt like Dante and LA King had a baby. Per Sadie Fashion, there’s some Easter Eggs of other characters in the series but you don’t have to read them to understand the story.

I applaud Sadie for the story she told. Rayne’s story reminded me a lot of Kat’s. A story of a strong woman overcoming something being stolen from them.

I loved being back in the Ruthless Universe! The rest of the brothers have a lot to live up to with Enzo!

kellyann ☾

250 reviews109 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

thank you to the author, sadie kincaid for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. 💛

this was such a smutty, good time 😮‍💨

but for real, i really enjoyed this book & binged it super fast. this is definitely a dark read, so make sure to check triggers before diving in.

i loved enzo & rayne’s dynamic/relationship. rayne was a great fmc, so strong & was really satisfying watching her get her revenge after everything she went through. enzo annoyed me at times, however, by the end i was obsessed with them & left me wanting more.

Caffeinated Chapters

60 reviews1 follower

August 7, 2026

I actually really really enjoyed Enzo and Rayne, I found their story to be really sad and how this one moment in time really shattered both their hearts and caused so much pain and sadness for them both.

I found the plot easy to follow and read and I didn't feel confused at any point, the book brings up the sensitive topic of and I found this to be written with care.

I enjoyed both Rayne and Enzo, Enzo is definitely a swoonworthy touch her and you die mafia man and Rayne is definitely a strong headed FMC with character/sass and not a typical doormat in the mafia world which I find fmc's in the mafia world tend to be.

One thing that I wanted abit more from Enzo is that he did not grovel enough, there was a point where Rayne didn't want to live anymore because she felt like she pretty much had nothing left and lost everyone and when Enzo found out everything the truth for me personally there was not enough grovelling and trying to make right the past.

Sam Hurley

190 reviews4 followers

August 8, 2026

I DEVOURED King of War like you wouldn’t believe!!

Anything Sadie Kincaid writes has me hooked from the get go!

That prologue? Absolute FIRE!! 🔥

Enzo is a man OBSESSED and I am here for it! He is divine and I could have quite happily read double the pages!

Rayne is an absolute power house of a woman! Full of sass and can hold her own in a room of powerful men.

If you loved the edge of darkness and love a second chance romance that contains grovelling then you will eat this up and leave no crumbs!

“Rayne Olivia Ellis, I am so into you, it borders on obsession. Yes, I remembered the promise I made you, but I didn’t think you’d follow up on it on the day you turned eighteen.”

Shelley

201 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

August 1, 2026

ARC received from Sadie Kincaid in exchange for honest review.

⚡BLURB⚡
He could rule the city if he wanted to.
So why isn't he sitting on the throne?

ENZO
I buried her memory a long time ago. In my mind, my heart, in every single place I used to keep her.
Then she walks back into my life—not as the woman I loved, but as a witness to something that could bury me.
She doesn’t get to walk back in here and make me feel something again. Not after everything it cost me to stop. She has no idea how much love it takes to hate someone the way I hate her.
And I should hate her. I want to. But when I look at her I don’t know if it’s her I hate, or myself for still wanting her.

RAYNE
He thinks I betrayed him, but he has no idea what really happened all those years ago, or how much it cost me to walk away from everything I’d ever known.
He has no idea that the truth could cost him everything.
I could hand it to him right now and watch him burn this city down taking his vengeance. But I can’t. Not because I'm afraid of what it will do to me, but because I know exactly what it will do to him.
And now he has my life in his hands. My heart too, if I’m honest. The truth is coming whether I want it to or not, and his world is about to implode.
But I can’t be the one to pick up the pieces. Last time we shattered, I barely made it out alive.

⚡REVIEW⚡
Another Ruthless series from Sadie Kincaid? You know I am right there! Another MMC for me to fall head over heels for? Yes! Enzo Medici is everything you'd expect from a Sadie MMC. And our FMC? She is strong, fierce, sassy, but it's all an armour for someone who has been broken badly. Their story is one of manipulation, destruction, hatred, passion, and a fierce love that will take your breath away with its intensity.

I will preface this review with some very strong advice - read the trigger/content warnings for this book. It is incredibly important.

Enzo has been the Don's second for the past six years. When Rayne broke his heart, he hardened off that part of his life, never allowing a women to breach his defences for more than anything casual. Having pledged his loyalty in exchange for something else, he has never wavered in his duty, but discreetly assists others on the team, earning their loyalty in return. His shock at seeing Rayne whilst carrying out a hit, and his instinct to protect her, leaves him with an extra body to explain, and the woman who tore his heart out locked in his penthouse. Inexplicably drawn to her, despite their history, hate turns to passion, but he's still convinced she betrayed him. As his confusion grows, at the urging of his brother, he finally gives Rayne the space to explain herself, and his guilt and devastation absolutely burst out of the pages. As a bigger picture of the whole incident emerges, Enzo has three priorities - exact revenge on the people involved, restore order to the mafia structure, and most importantly, prove to his girl that he's sorry, and is deserving of her love. What I loved about Enzo is that when it comes to business, he is cool, collected and gets the job done, but when it comes to Rayne, he has the softest centre. Even before he's fully in the picture of the events of six years ago, he's subconsciously doing things for her just because he knows she'll like them - so when the truth is out, he's prepared to go to the ends of the earth for her. His revenge on one of the conspirators is particularly vicious and violent, showing how passionate he is when it comes to her and the terrible injustice that was done to them both. I enjoyed that scene very much.

When Rayne comes face to face with Enzo again, her broken heart shatters again when he hurls the same insults at her as he did that day. Knowing he is key to her survival, she goes with him to his penthouse, determined to get away from him as soon as he says she can. She is full of hatred, spite and sass, and wears it as an armour, even as she protects Enzo from the truth, knowing that the truth will destroy him when it comes to his reaction that day. When he finally tells her he's prepared to listen, she knows that once she's told him, she won't be staying, as she cannot forget the hurt, and cannot bear to open herself up to it happening again. Enzo's actions are key to her shedding her armour, and giving him the chance to prove himself to her again. Even at her lowest, Rayne has tried to protect Enzo, despite what he put her through. Despite six years of estrangement, they've been silently protecting each other, even whilst hurting tremendously.

Although there is not a great deal of violence portrayed in this book, what we do get is visceral and gritty, and for one scene in particular, the savageness will have you punching the air with the justice of it. I love that Sadie isn't afraid to get stuck into the details (although I definitely wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of her and her 2x4!).

The Medici brothers have been given the perfect introductions ahead of what looks likely to be their books in this series. Rafael is particularly memorable, due to his seemingly crazy tendencies when it comes to violence or spontaneity. I'm quite excited to see more of Angelo's history, and his transition from mafia to the clergy. We didn't get too much of Micah, so I'm itching to know more about him. Luca appears to have a bit of a k!nky side, which I can't wait to find out more about.

King of War is another rock solid mafia romance from Sadie Kincaid. It's a second chance, enemies-to-lovers novel with a lot of spice, plenty of graphic violence, and an MMC who has the respect and loyalty of most of those around him, as opposed to complete fear. He's ruthless but far from cruel, and his love for Rayne jumps off the pages, even when he thinks he hates her. He's another glorious leading man from Sadie (I now have a harem of book boyfriends written just by her!), and Rayne is another strong, courageous and protective FMC who has been through a huge trauma and still loves fiercely. I loved this book, and I can't wait for book two in the Las Vegas Ruthless series!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

Faiza

974 reviews21 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

King of War by Sadie Kincaid
Las Vegas Ruthless Series, Book 1

Mafia Queen Sadie Kincaid has done it again! I’ve read all of her previous Ruthless books and have loved every single one, so naturally the second I heard there was a new series coming, I was already waiting impatiently. After finishing King of War, I can safely say the Las Vegas Ruthless series is off to one hell of a start.

And yes, I already need the next Medici brother’s story.

This book brings us Enzo and Rayne, two people with a history that is anything but uncomplicated. They haven’t seen each other in six years, and their last encounter left both of them carrying wounds, anger, and a whole lot of resentment. So when they suddenly find themselves face-to-face again, there’s no warm reunion waiting for them.

Enzo is in the middle of carrying out a job when he unexpectedly comes across Rayne. His reaction to seeing the woman who broke his heart is complicated, to say the least. Instead of walking away, he takes her with him and keeps her close while trying to figure out exactly what happened all those years ago.

And Enzo is Enzo.

He’s powerful, dominant, hot-headed, and incredibly capable when it comes to the mafia world. As the Don’s second, he’s spent years proving his loyalty and earning the respect of the people around him. He can be cold and absolutely ruthless when dealing with enemies, and some of the violence in this book shows just how far he’ll go when someone threatens the people he considers his own.

But Rayne brings out a completely different side of him.

Because beneath all that control, Enzo has an enormous soft spot for her—even while he’s convinced she betrayed him. There were so many little moments where he instinctively did things for Rayne without even fully understanding why. He remembers what she likes, looks after her, protects her, and continues caring about her even when his anger tells him he shouldn’t.

And when the truth about what happened six years ago finally starts coming to light?

That man shattered me.

The guilt, heartbreak, and devastation that come crashing down on Enzo were so well written. Once he realizes what Rayne endured and understands the reality of what happened between them, he doesn’t just apologize and expect everything to magically be okay. He has to prove himself.

Rayne makes him work for it, and I was completely here for that.

Rayne is such a fantastic heroine. She is sharp, fierce, stubborn, sarcastic, and absolutely refuses to be intimidated by Enzo or the Medici family. But underneath all that attitude is someone who has been deeply hurt and has built those walls for a reason.

Seeing Enzo again brings all of that pain straight back to the surface. She knows she needs his protection, but she also knows exactly what he said and did to her before, and she isn’t willing to simply forget it. Even while she’s furious with him, though, she continues protecting him from the truth because she knows exactly how badly it could destroy him.

That says so much about Rayne.

These two have spent six years apart while somehow still protecting each other from a distance, even as they both believed the other person had betrayed them. Their story is packed with resentment, misunderstanding, passion, heartbreak, and eventually a love that refuses to die.

The chemistry between them is absolutely insane.

Sadie Kincaid knows how to build sexual tension, and Enzo and Rayne have it in ridiculous quantities. The scenes between them are scorching, especially when all that anger and unresolved attraction finally collide. There’s a reason Sadie’s books have earned her a very permanent spot on my list of go-to authors for spice.

But King of War isn’t only romance.

There’s a bigger conspiracy unfolding, plenty of mafia politics, revenge, secrets, and danger. The violence isn’t constant, but when Sadie Kincaid decides to go there, she REALLY goes there. Some of the scenes are gritty and visceral, and one particular revenge scene had me practically cheering because the person involved absolutely deserved what was coming.

I also loved getting introduced to the Medici brothers.

Rafael immediately caught my attention with his unpredictable, slightly unhinged approach to things. Angelo has already made me curious, especially with his history and the direction his life seems to be taking from mafia involvement toward the clergy. We don’t get nearly enough of Micah yet, which obviously means I need more of him immediately. And Luca? That man appears to have some interesting preferences that I am extremely curious to explore in a future book.

The brotherly dynamic and banter were such a highlight, and I loved the little references to characters from Sadie Kincaid’s previous series. Those connections made the world feel even bigger and gave me plenty of moments where I was happily recognizing familiar names.

One thing I do want to emphasize is please read the trigger and content warnings before starting this book. There are some heavy subjects and difficult material, and while the violence isn’t present on every page, what is included can be very intense.

I flew through this book. Like, why did I finish it so quickly when I now have to wait for the next one?! kind of flew through it.

King of War gave me everything I want from a mafia romance: second chances, enemies-to-lovers tension, a fiercely protective and powerful hero, a heroine who refuses to break, family loyalty, betrayal, revenge, emotional damage, humor, danger, and plenty of heat.

Enzo and Rayne absolutely owned this story. Enzo may be ruthless when it comes to business, but his love for Rayne is undeniable, even during the time when he believes he hates her. And Rayne is exactly the kind of strong, resilient, protective heroine I love reading about.

Sadie Kincaid has officially given me another book boyfriend problem, and judging by the introductions we got to the Medici brothers, I suspect this situation is only going to get worse.

I’m already impatient for the next installment of the Las Vegas Ruthless series. Bring on the Medici brothers!

Deena

35 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

August 8, 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
King of War by Sadie Kincaid

Cuore mio.
Excuse me while I recover from Enzo Medici. 😮‍💨🔥

I knew I was getting a mafia romance. I knew there would be violence, revenge, secrets, and a ridiculously dominant hero.

What I was NOT prepared for was Enzo and Rayne.

These two have six years of heartbreak, resentment, misunderstandings, and unresolved feelings between them, and apparently their solution was to throw all of that into a room together and see what catches fire. 😂

Spoiler alert: EVERYTHING.

Enzo believes Rayne betrayed him.
Rayne is furious because he has absolutely no idea what really happened.

And me?

Sitting in the corner like:
“JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER, YOU BEAUTIFUL IDIOTS.” 🤦‍♀️😂

But honestly, the angst was SO GOOD.

Enzo is the kind of mafia hero who walks into a room and everyone immediately remembers their manners. He's powerful, ruthless, possessive, and completely devoted to his familia.

Except Rayne has always been his weakness.

Even when he thinks he hates her, this man is still out here remembering what she likes, protecting her, taking care of her, and automatically putting her first.

Sir.
You don't hate that woman. You are OBSESSED with her.

And Rayne? I LOVED HER.

She's smart, sarcastic, stubborn, fierce, and absolutely refuses to let Enzo intimidate her. She has been through hell, and she isn't about to let him waltz back into her life and expect everything to magically be okay.

Good for her.

Make him GROVEL. 👏

And when Enzo finally discovers the truth about what happened six years ago?

THE GUILT. THE HEARTBREAK. THE RAGE.

That man was BROKEN.

But I appreciated that he didn't just say sorry and expect a happily-ever-after delivered to his doorstep. He had to prove himself, and Rayne made him work for it.

As she should. 😌

Now let's discuss the SPICE.
Because WOW.

The banter? 🔥
The tension? 🔥🔥
The chemistry? 🔥🔥🔥
The Italian pet names? PANTY DROPPER.

“Cuore mio”??? Ma'am, have mercy. 🥵

Sadie Kincaid clearly woke up and decided her readers didn't need functioning ovaries anymore.
Enzo and Rayne have that delicious I hate you / I want you / I absolutely should not want you / oh well, guess we're doing this energy, and I was EATING IT UP.

But this isn't just about the spice. There's a whole mafia mess happening in the background with secrets, revenge, power, danger, and some seriously brutal moments. And when Enzo decides revenge is on the menu?

Chef's kiss.

There was one particular revenge scene where I was basically sitting on the sidelines with popcorn going:

🍿 GET HIM, ENZO.

I also need to talk about the Medici brothers because apparently Sadie Kincaid has decided one book boyfriend isn't enough.

Rafael? Chaotic. Intriguing. Potential problem.
Angelo? 👀 I need to know more.
Micah? Sir, you barely got enough page time. Fix that immediately.
Luca? I have questions. MANY questions.

And after meeting these men, I'm beginning to think the real danger of this series isn't the mafia.
It's my TBR and my inability to resist fictional men with questionable morals. 😂

I also loved the little connections to Sadie's previous books. Getting those familiar faces popping up made the whole universe feel bigger, and I'm always here for that.

Definitely check the content warnings before reading because there are some heavy themes and graphic violence, and when Sadie Kincaid goes dark, she does NOT play around.

I absolutely devoured this book. Like, why did I read that so fast and WHY IS THE NEXT BOOK NOT IN MY HANDS ALREADY?! fast.

King of War gave me everything I want in a mafia romance:
✔️ Enemies-to-lovers vibes
✔️ Second-chance romance
✔️ Betrayal and secrets
✔️ Revenge
✔️ Mafia family drama
✔️ A ruthless, possessive hero
✔️ A badass heroine
✔️ Banter
✔️ ANGST
✔️ Yearning
✔️ And enough spice to require a fire extinguisher 🔥

Enzo and Rayne completely wrecked me, and I loved every second of it.
Sadie Kincaid has officially added another man to my “fictional men who have ruined real men for me” list.

And judging by the Medici brothers…
I fear I am not surviving this series. 😂🔥

BRING ON THE NEXT BOOK. I have questions, I have theories, and apparently I have several new book-boyfriend candidates. 😏

Cigi cini

793 reviews53 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

👑 Mafia Romance
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
💔 Second Chance Romance
🖤 Dark Romance
🔪 Dangerous MMC
🤫 Secrets and Betrayal
⚡ Forced Proximity
💞 First Love
🛡️ Protective Hero
😏 Hate to Want You
🔥 Obsession
🌶️ Spicy Romance
💥 Revenge
✨ Happily Ever After

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

King of War is an intense, emotional, and addictive second chance mafia romance filled with betrayal, secrets, danger, and the kind of love that never truly disappears. Sadie Kincaid delivers another gripping addition to the Vegas Ruthless series, and Enzo and Rayne’s story had me completely invested from the beginning.

Enzo is powerful, ruthless, and more than capable of taking control of the city, but underneath all that strength is a man who has never recovered from losing the woman he loved. He has spent years convincing himself that Rayne betrayed him and that he hates her, but the moment she walks back into his life, it becomes clear that his feelings for her were never truly buried.

I loved the intensity of Enzo’s emotions. His anger, hurt, desire, and need for Rayne are all tangled together, making every interaction between them feel explosive. He wants to punish her for leaving, but he also cannot stop protecting her, wanting her, or remembering the life they once shared. There is something so addictive about a hero who claims to hate the heroine while every one of his actions proves the exact opposite.

Rayne was such a strong and compelling heroine. She has carried the truth about what happened between them for years, knowing that revealing it could destroy Enzo and everything around him. She did not leave because she stopped loving him, and watching her struggle with the consequences of that decision added so much emotion to the story. She is afraid of being shattered by him again, but she is also unable to ignore the connection that still exists between them.

The chemistry between Enzo and Rayne is undeniable. Their history gives every argument, touch, and stolen moment so much more meaning. This is not simply an attraction between two people who cannot stand each other. It is a complicated, painful connection between two people who once loved each other completely and never truly stopped.

The secrets and misunderstandings kept the tension high throughout the story. I was desperate for Enzo to finally learn the truth, but I also understood why Rayne was terrified of telling him. The emotional build-up made the eventual revelations even more powerful, especially as the past began colliding with the danger surrounding them in the present.

King of War delivers everything I enjoy in a dark mafia romance. There is danger, revenge, possessiveness, emotional pain, intense chemistry, and a hero who would burn the entire city down for the woman he loves. Enzo and Rayne’s relationship is messy, passionate, and deeply emotional, and I loved watching them confront the hurt that had kept them apart for so long.

This was a gripping and emotional read that balanced darkness, suspense, romance, and heat beautifully. Enzo and Rayne’s story prove that sometimes the strongest hatred is simply love that has been hurt beyond recognition. I cannot wait to see what happens next in the Vegas Ruthless series.

arc

Coree, The Book Devourer

212 reviews6 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

300-399-pages best-friends-brother childhood-crush

I received this ARC by Sadie Kincaid and when I say I’d read anything she writes… if you can find her grocery list – I’m reading it. When I found out that she was writing another mafia dark romance, not only was I sat and ready, but I had to get an advanced copy of it – so thank you Sadie! The way this book starts had me hooked and I finished it literally in 24 hours.

This book starts with Rayne on her 18th birthday. Rayne is a girl after my own heart. She sees what she wants and has no problem at all asking for it – or requesting it. She’s been in love with Enzo since the minute she saw him. Rayne and Enzo (and his brothers) grew up together and if you thought that Rayne was the only one in love, you’d be wrong. From the night of her 18th birthday, they were in love and inseparable – UNTIL…

Then the book picks up 6 years later, Rayne and Enzo are reunited, but not in a good way. Enzo, having believed that Rayne betrayed him in the most horrific way possible, so their reunion is anything but happy. The feelings between them are still very present but they both are dealing with the trauma from their shared past.

In the 6 years since they had been together, Enzo has become a very dark and dangerous 2nd to the Don in Vegas – not necessarily because he wants to but because he needed to. With Rayne now back and unfortunately stuck with him until they can get her safely out of Vegas, all of the rage and hate seems to fester again – between both of them… but you know what they say, “it’s a thin like between love and hate”…

As revelations began to unfold, Enzo (and us) start to see that nothing is what it seemed to have been 6 years ago and his hate turns into an overwhelming need for revenge – and I think that’s when I feel in love with Enzo. Well, that part or the spicy🌶️ scenes where he shows how giving of a man he can be 😉 In true fashion with Sadie’s books, the spice🌶️ in this book was top notch! I mean TOP NOTCH!

All I have to say is, if King of War is any indicator as to what the Las Vegas Ruthless series is going to be about and how it’s going to go… we are in for a FABULOUS, SPICY and DELICIOUSLY wild ride. I’m buckled and ready for book 2! This book comes out on 📅 August 20th and a preorder is the only way to go! Pick it up!

If you’re looking for the following, this book is for you:

👑 Mafia romance
👑 Morally gray & dangerous but sweet MMC
👑 Sassy, strong and fierce FMC
👑 Second chance romance
👑 Dark romance
👑 Forced proximity
👑 Enemies to lovers (hate to want you)
👑 Secrets & betrayals
👑 Revenge
👑 Out of this world spice 🌶️

Rate: 4.5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

arc from-author

D. J.

67 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

August 12, 2026

WELCOME TO ANOTHER RUTHLESS WORLD!

This story grips you right from the beginning. I love the way Sadie writes second chance, because she uses the flashbacks so well. We're given just enough history to physically feel the many betrayals, whether they were real or not. Picking up 6 years later, the tension between these two was INTENSE! They are absolutely fire and gasoline in every way. Each interaction is charged.

The lies, betrayals, and manipulation were plenty. Enzo Medici absolutely lives up to his nickname as King and though he is impulsive and explosive, he's also got the most loyal heart and it broke mine to see the way he was exploited. I cannot imagine living this man's emotional arc through this book because a lesser man would surely have crumbled. And Rayne, my girl, UGH! Somebody just squeeze this girl and give her a medal of honor for her strength. The deceit that tore these two apart was DEEP, and the fact it just grew and expanded throughout the whole book was amazing. If I wasn't such a sucker for a guilt ridden, morally grey hero, I might have been disappointed in Rayne for giving Enzo his chance. But I am a sucker, Enzo's pain hurt me almost as much as Rayne's, and my goodness they DESERVED their chance at what was taken from them. I could not put this down, with each revelation I felt more compelled to keep reading. I will express, I am IRATE that a certain someone escaped their fate. Because this person deserved so much worse than what they got, but I'm sure I'm supposed to feel this way, as I'm sure these characters feel the same.

The Medici family is incredible, I can't wait for all the brother's stories. Meeting all the brother's in this book, being introduced to the wide array of personalities that I know we'll get to explore is always exciting. But we got a good glimpse at the character of the family as a whole, the heart and loyalty. I loved the connections. The general good that comes from a top mafia family. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to help Sadie introduce her new Ruthless world. Because she sure started it off with a BANG!

Emely Tavarez

117 reviews34 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

The Millennial Mood Reader

*ARC Review*

4.8 ⭐️ | 3.47 🌶️

Six years of grief and hate.
Four blissful years of love and then their happy bubble shatters because of a lie. Betrayal, emotional damage. A painful, devastating moment in time that LASTED 47 MINUTESSSS (I didn’t need to know the length of that btw😭)

Sadie was so good at portraying Rayne’s naïveté in the prologue and then deviating from that innocent and sweet girl to how mature and fierce she is years later. Because heartbreak and tragedy molded her into a stronger, more defiant woman.

Enzo stocking up the fridge with carbs and sugary snacks because she has a sweet tooth 🤏🏼🤏🏼🤏🏼

Ughhh Tommy!! I have a special place in my heart for side characters who’ve been wronged and whose name is Tommy❤️‍🩹
Also, loved me Raf and Luca—can’t wait for their books!

Now, Rayne and Enzo are so caught up on the guilt and impotence of losing 6 years and what could’ve been if he’d just reacted differently and they’d just TALKED, that the whole “expressing” part of the situation isn’t dwelled on. Like SHOW that pain you feel for having turned your back on her, TELL her how sorry you are even if words themselves will never suffice. It’s like he was defeated by the inability to turn back time and just have that horrible ordeal never have happened to her that there’s not much “trying” to make it up meaningfully. Also, I personally think that he should’ve watched the video—to feel a sliver of the pain she went through.

What you’ll find:
🐝mafia romance
🥧enemies to lovers
🥃forced proximity
👑possessive/protective mmc
💍touch her and die
~hate sex, banter, humping, spanking, nipple play, teasing✅✅✅

🪄“Do you have any idea how much I love her? How much it fucking hurts me to imagine her in pain? The kind of rage I feel when I think about what I did? The years I lost with her?”

❗️Spoiler❗️
Enzo killing the don’s son before he got to shoot Rayne had me giggling and smiling so hard because [obv I saw it coming] yes, even if he’s mad, she’s the priority 💘

arcs

258 reviews11 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

August 5, 2026

What a way to start a new series! This book broke my heart and then put it back together and I cannot stop thinking about Enzo and Rayne!

The angst. The betrayal. The heartbreak.

I could not out this one down, I had to know what was next! The first chapter hooks you with a spicy scene then the script flips and turns into a slowburn and my emotions were all over the place.

Rayne… my gosh this woman has been through it. I wanted to just give her a huge hug. She was hurt so deeply but persevered. All she wanted was to have a family. My heart broke for her. Despite what she went through she was still feisty and sassy and I loved that she sassed Enzo.

“𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙀𝙣𝙯𝙤, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙜𝙤 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙝𝙪𝙜𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙤𝙞𝙨𝙚.”

Enzo… he’s the second to Don Carmine.. he was groomed to be high ranking in the mafia by his father. What he didn’t realize was just how much his father had planted seeds of distrust. His father manipulated him against those who truly cared for him. Enzo has a lot of hate and anger after what he perceived was a great betrayal.

Rayne and Enzo reuniting after 6 years of hurt and misunderstanding lead to some epic hate smex. I was eating up the enemies to lovers vibe! These two could not resist each other and fit together perfectly. Sadie delivered some delicious spicy scenes! My man Enzo loves to EAT 🥵🔥🌶️ despite their obvious chemistry, their bond runs so much deeper. There is so much hurt and heartbreak and I felt for both of them. There is groveling and pining too.

The plot kept with a pretty usual mafia theme of usurping the don (who was a horrible person) and righting many wrongs. I really enjoyed the brothers and can’t wait for their books! Especially Luca, I feel intrigued.

The ending and epilogues were so good!!!

If you love morally grey men who will burn the world down for their woman but also hold her hand and let her light the match then you’ll want to read this!

4.5⭐️
34🌶️

Dark Mafia Romance
Second Chance
Strong Feisty FMC
Enemies to Lovers
Touch her & 💀
Hate Smex
Groveling
Angsty

Trinket Reads

308 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

ARC Review
OMG... bow down to Mafia Queen Sadie Kincaid for giving us this absolute masterpiece! I already need more from this series because I need more Medici brothers in my life. This is the first book in the Las Vegas Ruthless series, and if you know me, you'll know I've read every one of Sadie's Ruthless series and loved every single one. This one is no exception!
This story follows Enzo and Rayne, who are reunited under the most unexpected and violent circumstances. They haven't seen each other in years after a devastating event left them both hating eachother, so their reunion is anything but sweet. Instead, Enzo keeps Rayne close while he searches for answers, leading him to uncover some shady secrets that threaten him, Rayne and his brothers. Rayne is an absolute badass. She gives as good as she gets and refuses to be intimidated by Enzo or his brothers, no matter who they are. I loved her strength and the chemistry between her and Enzo was off the charts. Enzo is a hot headed, dominant hottie of a man. He exudes power and you feel it in the pages, the way he handles people particularly his enemies, dear lord I was on edge. And then when you read how he handles a particular feisty Rayne, well I was blushing like crazy
The brotherly banter was everything! I also loved the little mentions of some of my favourite characters from Sadie's previous series. And then there's the spice... I swear nobody writes spice quite like Sadie Kincaid. The tension, the chemistry, especially the more hate fuelled ones were bloody scorching.
This one is violent and has some sensitive topics so please your triggers. I was hooked from the very first page and flew through this book so fast that I'm actually annoyed with myself for finishing it already. A reread might have to happen while I wait for the next book.

mafia

Brandy

292 reviews10 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

August 6, 2026

Ok, 5 stars for this book all the way! I literally read it in 1 day... YES in 1 day. I struggled to put it down..... SOOOO GOOD.

Ok, so we have Enzo... who is hot in his "mysterious ways"...... Then we have our girl Rayne..... Book stats off with 10 years ago.... Our characters meeting up and getting involved in some of the most interesting ways..... Or maybe...... Ok, so fast forward. Enzo needs to do a job, some things are off. Our characters cross paths.. Some things happen... OK lots of things happen. I do really wanna say a lot of things that happened but spoilers.... I CAN'T GIVE AWAY THE DANG SPOILERS. Sorry guys. I really want to but nope.....
So as the story progresses, we learn more about what is truly going on. About 50% of the way, I ended up in Sadie's PA's DM's because I was like noooooooo it can't be... only to be told, keep reading.... so I kept reading... then I was like oOOOOOOoooooOOOOOO curve ball and I was completely wrong.... Like not just a little wrong I was way out in left field wrong. So then we get back on track, and things fall into place.... Some hateraid drinking happens and I really despise some things.... I shouldn't have laughed at what was shoved in a mouth at one point (there, that's my spoiler) but I did and was internally saying "YESSSSSSSS serves you right"...... When you get there, you will know.....

If you like found family, curve balls, and what just happened along with some fantastic revenge, then this is your book. I devoured it! Like not just a little, but it went so fast that now I need the next book....

Thank you to Sadie and her team for working with me and allowing me to read this book early. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and enjoyed the wild ride.

Heids_in_books

180 reviews13 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

August 15, 2026

Jeepers Sadie! Is there any book you’ve written that isn’t sensational? The answer is no. There is NOT!

If I physically cannot put a book down, it’s pretty much an instant 5 stars for me, and this one had me glued to my Kindle.

Rayne went to live with Enzo’s family when she was seventeen after her father passed away. Somewhere along the way, she and Enzo fell completely in love and thought they were going to be together forever. Until everything fell apart when Enzo believed Rayne had betrayed him.
Fast forward six years and their paths cross again, except there is so much hurt, anger and history sitting between them.

The story moves between the past and present, so we slowly get to see what really happened and just how much heartbreak they both went through while they were apart. And the sacrifices these two made for each other, without the other even knowing about it 😭

Rayne — This woman was something special. She was resilient, strong, kind and loving, but it was the lengths she was willing to go to protect the man she loved that absolutely broke me. What she went through was gut-wrenching, and there were so many moments where I could feel my eyes filling with tears. She deserved so much more than what life threw at her.

Enzo — This man never stopped loving Rayne, even when he was convinced he hated her. He made some massive sacrifices of his own to protect her, and it became pretty obvious that his feelings for her had never gone anywhere. He was obsessed with her from the moment he laid eyes on her, and six years apart definitely didn’t change that.
BUT the anger this man was carrying. The amount of terrible things he said about Rayne had me wanting to reach through my Kindle and slap some sense into him. Sir, please use your brain for five seconds. She loved you deeply, you KNOW she wouldn’t have done that!!!
Underneath all that bitterness though, he was still completely in love with her, and once everything started coming out, my heart hurt for both of them.

Also, a quick shoutout to the exceptional spice. Hate smex, I love you smex, I need you right now smex…HOT DIGGITY DOG!!! Sadie did not disappoint.

Thank you so much Sadie and Katie for the ARC copy, Im a huge fan and so excited to have had the opportunity to read this!

earcs read-in-26

Julia Spaller

39 reviews3 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

OMG... I don't even know where to begin!!
Enzo Medici just might be my new favorite book boyfriend. And y'all... I never thought anyone would top Shane Ryan.

Enzo and Rayne. Where do I start to tell their story without giving too much away

She loved him. She hated him (or at least she thought she did). Then she loved him all over again. Enzo spent six years believing she betrayed him... and he was so, so wrong. Watching everything unfold when they're finally back together had me completely hooked.

This book has everything I love. Mafia romance. Second chance. Secrets. Betrayal. Heartbreak. Plot twists that had me staring at my Kindle. Found family. And so much more....

Rayne. My heart hurt for her. The trauma she's been through is unimaginable, but she refuses to let it define her. She's strong, she's sassy, she's got the best comebacks, and when she loves someone, she loves with her whole heart. I absolutely adored her. I think Rayne and Jessi Ryan could be friends.

Enzo. He's carrying so much anger and guilt, but underneath it all, he never really let Rayne go. Watching him realize just how wrong he'd been? Oof... that one hurt. But it was also one of my favorite parts because you could see the healing begin.

And together?
Perfection. Seriously... I don't even know if they can be topped.

And can we talk about the spice for a second?! 🥵🌶️ Whew. It was EVERYTHING.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I laughed. I cried. My heart broke. It healed. I couldn't put it down, and now I don't know what I'm supposed to do with my life now that it's over. How am I supposed to pick another book?😂🖤

Michelle F

227 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

August 5, 2026

Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazing start to the Vegas Ruthless brothers

I don’t even know where to begin, I love all of Sadie Kincaid’s books, especially her Ruthless series. When I found out I received an advanced copy I swear you could have heard my scream 3 states away.

Like most of her Ruthless books, this one focuses on family. King of War is the first in her Vegas Ruthless series, and let me tell you, I never thought anyone could come close to my book boyfriend Shane Ryan from her New York Ruthless series. Well as usual Sadie proved me wrong. Enzo Medici is the oldest of 5 brothers in one of the most powerful Vegas M@fia families. Enter Rayne, who lost her family when she was young so Mama Medici took her in. Enzo has been waiting for her to turn 18 to claim her, and claim her he did.

Of course there’s a plot that turns them lovers to enemies to lovers and you want to both kiss and hit Enzo the Alphahole, sometimes at once. While you can gather what caused the rift, it’s not confirmed until halfway through the book.

Watching these two find their way back to each other kept me reading long past my bedtime. The spice and chemistry is off the charts, and like all her books, family is the most important thing to these characters.

The epilogues healed my heart and I can’t wait to read the rest of the Medici brother’s stories. And I’m waiting impatiently for the audio!! Thank you Sadie for the chance to read this incredible book early, it was perfect!

Nicole Marie

353 reviews7 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

July 31, 2026

This book had me hooked from the very first chapter and refused to let go. It delivered everything I wanted from a dark mafia romance: high stakes, explosive chemistry, emotional angst, and characters who were just as dangerous as they were devoted.
Enzo and Rayne's history gave this story so much emotional weight. Their reunion was filled with years of hurt, misunderstandings, and unresolved feelings, making every conversation feel charged. The enemies-to-lovers tension was incredible because underneath all the anger was a love that had never really disappeared.
One thing Sadie Kincaid does so well is balance the romance with the mafia world. The action, betrayals, family politics, and constant danger kept the plot moving, while the emotional moments made me care deeply about the characters. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, another revelation had me second-guessing everything.
I also loved that neither Enzo nor Rayne felt perfect. They were messy, stubborn, and shaped by impossible choices, which made their journey back to each other feel earned rather than easy.
By the end, I was completely invested in these characters and couldn't put the book down. If you love second chance romance wrapped in a brutal mafia world, emotional angst, relentless tension, and a hero who has spent years trying to hate the woman he never stopped loving, this one absolutely delivers. It was an easy five-star read for me.

Carly Fay

192 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author