King of War

Las Vegas Ruthless #1

by Sadie Kincaid

From New York Times bestselling author, Sadie Kincaid, comes a new dark Mafia enemies to lovers romance.

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.

Genres: Dark Romance, Second Chance, Mafia Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Dark

Published August 20, 2026

About the author

I'm a New York Times, Amazon No1 and USA Today bestselling author of dark mafia, billionaire, and paranormal romance. I love to read and write about hot, filthy talking alphas that would burn the world down for the women they love.

I love chatting to readers about my books, or books in general, so please get in touch! You can follow me on Facebook and instagram as well as on here as Sadie Kincaid Author.

Amazon: author.to/SadieKincaid
Facebook Reader group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16et...

Reviews

[Always Reading]

SO MUCH POTENTIAL. Execution did not hit.
I wanted to love it so bad 😭

TLRD: He literally does not stop fucking other women save the 4 years they're together. Right down the very lst millisecond.

LMAO If you want to read about an MMC being community dick and having sex with every single woman within a 50 mile radius while he also spends the whole book (13+years) making sure FMC never has OM, sex with anyone else, go on dates, or go to prom with a boy or ever get married and start a family — then this book is for you.

Lots of telling not showing and the attempts to show felt forced. It felt like I was being told what to think and to ignore the conflicting actions that actually happened on-page. The contrast made it hard to believe the romance.

The premise leans heavily on the “it was only ever you” message — and that’s just not what we got. Had the notion that Enzo was always in love with Rayne had been left out — it would’ve made a much stronger and cohesive (and believable) story. The romance would’ve felt more authentic.

You’re told: “Rayne is my world, my everything, my heart, my life, my soul, my air, she’s in my veins.” But then you’re SHOWN: Enzo fucking dozens of women in their home for years — right in front of Rayne — while he's supposed in love and waiting for her (and she knows). 🥴

Nothing says “you’re my soulmate” like parading and line up of women in front of the love of your life! “They were all poor substitutes for you. I had to do something while I waited for you." He says this like 5 seconds before he takes her virginity. Right after Rayne tells the woman he ACTUALLY invited to have sex with tha night to leave lmao no self-respect


I had a feeling I knew what the misunderstanding was. That hunch was correct. TW/spoiler: rape

I guess I’m in the minority bc I did not care much for Enzo as romantic lead.

I just found the contrast startling. This was supposed to be an undying loyalty, loved you since the beginning but he believed someone else when Rayne needed him the most, abandons her after the “betrayal” and was having sex with countless other women the WHOLE time, before and after?

When Rayne was 15 and Enzo 18, he tells her he’ll take her virginity when she’s 18. He doesn’t date her right away which is fair. A 3-year age difference as kid/teen is huge compared to adult age. I get that. But he does PLAN on claiming her when it’s appropriate - and he tells her this. Then he spends the next TWO YEARS bringing in woman after woman INTO THEIR HOME and FUCKING THEM WHILE SHE IS THERE.

I’m not even kidding, He kept fucking OW right to the last very second before taking her virginity.

Then to top it off, he spends those same two years, scaring off any guys that would talk to her and making sure she didn’t date or have sex with any of them. He prevented her going to prom with guy that asked her!

Enzo “You are the only woman I'm interested in."
Rayne “So not Sherrie? Or any of the legion of women I have watched you parade through this house for the past two years?"
There have been many more before that, I know.
“They were all poor substitutes for you. I had to do something while I waited for you."

You’re. Fucking. Kidding. 🤮
?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Don’t piss me off.

RAYNE, HAVE SOME MORE SELF RESPECT AND PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER

So Rayne runs into Sherrie on the way to his room, who also heading the same way because Sherrie was actually invited. Rayne tells her to fuck off. She opens his door. He’s all smiley and seductive “what took you so long?” and then his smile fades because it’s not Sherrie. - THE WOMAN HE WANTED. “What the hell are you doing here?”“ He was literally waiting for OW 😭

"Yeah, you probably should go back down there."
"If you're waiting for that bottle blonde with the red lace thong, she won't be coming. Sorry." I shrug, faking an apologetic smile. So fucking painful to read 😭

Anyway, they fuck and he’s all “you’re only mine (but I'm not only yours)!”
“if we do this, there’s no one else (for you)!”
“you’re the only one I want (conditionally)!”
it’s always only you (sometimes)!”
“I’ve only ever wanted you (even though I was just balls deep in hundreds of women you met)!”

This was not sexy at all. I did not feel his love her.

Present day

Why does he hate her? He thinks she cheated on him with his best friend. So instead of talking to the woman he's known since childhood, the love of this life — his world, his everything, his soul, the sweetest woman he’s ever known — he abandons her.

“Oh but it's fine because he protected her from afar 🥺” — you mean he once again prevented her from moving on with OM while he slept his way through half the female population?

It takes zero time for OW Vanessa to make an appearance. He ponders fucking her in the house so Rayne can hear them. Got a real fuckin’ winner here guys!

His inner dialogue is all about how outstanding OWs vagina is and he’d always have to fuck her before their dates and she’d sit at dinner covered in cum. But it’s okay — she meant nothing to him! None of them did! He was going to get bored like he “always does.” Because “she’s not her.” /:

Nothing came of Vanessa so it honestly could’ve gone without. We get it, he’s a man whore, I needed to see less of that and more romance. I’m gonna be honest — there was zero grovel.

But to be fair, after what Rayne went through — there really is not enough grovel in the world to make up for the things he did and said. He just needed to pray she finds enough grace to forgive him.

I still needed him to try much harder.

His grovel:
He just stops “hate” fucking her, feels guilty for not listening to her and gets revenge for her which was a great... start. But it ended there.

Unless you count him hosting a dinner for her with his brothers like the good ol’ days.

I know he was manipulated, but how do you know this girl your whole life, call her your reason for breathing and stalk her after the break up —and not try to understand? You watched her all these years before, during and after the separation. You didn’t see her go to therapy and all the things she needed to do to cope?

His reaction was supposed to come off strong because he was “so deeply in love with her.” No — this was indignation, resentment, pride, entitlement, and displacement disguised as love.

After they break up - he kept tabs on her and ensured she couldn’t move on. Straight up said if a man ever wanted to marry her and start a family he’d never let that happen.

To top this all off. He was NEVER even going to go after her. Ever. Enzo had zero plans to get her side of the story. ZERO plans to try to get her back. But he’d ruin any chance of starting a family - but he can fuck everyone he wants.

I don’t like second chances when they end up together by happenstance or forced and NOT because the MMC chose the FMC. HE DID NOT CHOOSE HER. HE DID NOT GO AFTER HER. IT WAS NEVER ONLY HER.

Enzo did not deserve her. Rayne should’ve demanded more from him. The author really made this girl fight for her life while Enzo’s issue is just that gets his fucking feelings hurt. After everything she suffered through for him. All he got was a broken heart and some guilt?

I wish Rayne at the end had left (even if it was temporary) and went back to her life in SF when the climax was resolved. After learning the truth, they needed productive time a part and actually do something worthy of her. In his defense, she gave in way too easily.

It was like the author knew she had to keep Rayne around because Enzo would've immediately started fucking OW during that separation. And I mean Vanessa would've been on speed dial LMAO doesn't matter if the separation was 1 week/1 month. If Rayne went back to SF, he 100% would've had another woman in his bed within the week.

Enzo never waited for her for anything.
He never saved anything for her.
He didn’t believe her when she needed him most.
He never sought her out.
He is constantly fucking OW.
He didn’t care how she’d feel seeing OW.
She wasn’t his first anything.
Not letting her date.

I need the MMCs to have more agency in a second chance romance. Good timing/coincidence or something is so weak.

—

There’s only one way this would’ve worked for me.
- They don’t fall in love until AFTER she turns 18
- He didn’t prevent her from dating in high school
- After he broke up with her, he should’ve left her alone instead of preventing her from moving on - while he moved on and on and on and on.

—

Lastly, I do feel like I should mention he pledges his loyalty to Carmine in exchange for her safety. He was worried Carmine would find her and kill her. So as long as they left her alone, he’d work for Carmine. That’s not nothing.

I was glad to learn he didn’t kill Tommy. I had a feeling he was still alive because after Enzo did learn what Tommy’s brother did, never once did he mentioned he fucked up by killing Tommy or expressed regret. He also tells Carmine “Tommy is gone” not “dead.”

Tommy also deserved SO MUCH more. I didn’t like the way things ended with him. This was supposed to be Enzo’s best friend, basically his second — I think Enzo at the very least owed Tommy an apology, even if was just in the form of a letter. Watching him from a distance after what Enzo did to him wasn’t enough — this gave Enzo closure but not Tommy. Again, it’s all about him.

I’m hoping this isn’t the end for Tommy and he comes back in future books.


--
2.5? I have A LOT of thoughts but I'll wait for the book to be out at least a full week before I share lol

[Mona]

⭐️ A million stars!!
🌶️ 4/5

Wow! I think is one of my new favourite Sadie books so far! I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while and it was definitely worth the wait! I loved it SO MUCH!! Enzo and Rayne were everything I had hoped and dreamed 😆

The pacing and plot of the story were perfect. The story starts with Rayne and Enzo, who are young and in love, until one day when an ill-fated event changes everything. There were some deeply emotional and heartbreaking moments throughout the book, which I absolutely love in a dark mafia romance.

The romance between Enzo and Rayne was so good, and the chemistry between the two of them was insane! The spice in this book was also done really well, right from chapter one! It was timed and placed perfectly throughout the story. Very hot and spicy! 😆 I thoroughly enjoyed Enzo’s grovelling too, which was incredibly satisfying to read 😌

As a dark mafia romance, the book also delivered a perfect balance between action, dark themes and spice. I’m so excited to see more of the Medici brothers and can’t wait for their books! 😍

Tropes in this book include:
🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
❤️‍🔥 Found Family
🖤 Betrayal
❤️‍🔥 Forced Proximity
🖤 Enemies to lovers
❤️‍🔥 Second chance romance

I 1000000% recommend this to all lovers of dark and mafia romances! Thank you Sadie for another amazing read 🥰

[Amanda Lindgren]

Another mafia masterpiece.
Fantastic.

I was pulled in from the first page, and couldn’t put it down.

It’s mafia romance. Second chance. Secrets. Betrayal. HEARTBREAK. More betrayal. A few insane plot twists. Bees. 🐝 Found family.

Rayne.
The trauma she has endured. The way she rose up, how strong she is, is astounding. I adore her. And her snark?! The best. I really enjoyed watching her stand tall, while also having moments of vulnerability. The way she loves… 🖤

Enzo.
Trauma of his own, paired with so much anger. Yet. He can’t let go. His hate isn’t as deep as he wants. He always has his brothers. Being the oldest, they all look up to him. Him realizing his mistake… HUGE mistake, was heartbreaking, while also healing.

The two of them together. Perfection.

The spice?! Stawp.
Sadie Kincaid always delivers. 🌶️

I’m really excited to see the rest of the Las Vegas Ruthless boys get their own stories. This family might be my current fave! (Sorry Dante) 🖤🖤

[A]

1 star because negative rating is not possible

Worst MMC EVER 🚩🚩🚩

He likes the h but continues to fuck around girls in front of her AND doesn’t let other guys get close to her HYPOCRITE 😤
He believes others that she cheated on him and calls her a WHORE AND A BITCH ALL THE TIME whereas she was raped 😭

He continues to fuck other girls and goes on dates (during the separation )
EVEN kisses ow and grabs ow ass in front of her 🤮

Fmc has no self respect
Serious case of body betraying syndrome


Read this If you want to torcher yourself
I know I did
I kept asking other people for safety information but no one else gave me any so I decided to just for it

I regret it

I just don’t get why people are giving this book so many five stats rating

She writes amazing sex scenes I’ll give her that but the connection was missing . It felt like sex and sex just that
Where is the connection why do they even like each other ????? And they claim to love each other .

I hope other books in the series are not such big disappointment

[Iri]

If you loved The edge of darkness Trilogy by Leigh rivers, I think youll like this!!

SPOILERS:

This book had so much more potential, and honestly, I’m a little disappointed because I wanted to love it so badly. 😭
My biggest issue was the whole misunderstanding lasting six years. I understand that Enzo was hurt and believed Rayne had cheated on him, but six years of believing that lie….and treating her the way he did because of it was hard to stomach. The constant name calling, especially calling her a btch or a whre, really bothered me. I just couldn’t get past it. once? Okay… but multiple times?

And Rayne… my girl went through SO much. My heart absolutely broke for her, and I genuinely cried during her confession about what had really happened. Everything she endured made me feel for her so deeply, and honestly, she deserved so much better.

I was glad Enzo finally believed her after she told him the truth, but I really wish he had listened to her sooner. So much of this could have been avoided if he had simply communicated instead of holding onto his assumptions for years.

I was also ready to give this 2 stars because I genuinely thought Tommy had died for nothing. But OH MY GOD, the relief I felt when I found out Enzo hadn’t actually killed Tommy?! 😭 That twist saved the book for me because I was so upset about it.

That brings me to my biggest complaint: the grovel. I’m sorry, but that was NOT groveling to me. 😭 After everything Rayne went through and everything Enzo put her through, I needed him to suffer a little. I wanted him running after her, begging for forgiveness, and having her reject him at least a few times. I wanted him to really fight for her and prove that he understood the damage he had caused.

Instead, it felt far too easy. I needed Enzo to BEG. 😂

There were definitely moments I enjoyed, and Rayne’s storyline had so much emotional potential, but I just wish the book had given us more of the things that would have made the payoff satisfying: more communication, more consequences for Enzo, and a much bigger grovel.

Overall, I’m left feeling like this could have been such an amazing read, but the execution just didn’t fully deliver on the potential. I still enjoyed it a lot! Finished it in a day

[Mads]

(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5) This was a good read. I did feel at some points it was drawn out but I really enjoyed it overall.

The layers of the conflict make it far more than a miscommunication. It makes more sense as to why Rayne wasn’t able to say anything immediately or later. I also feel like Enzo groveled appropriately (couldn’t even done for a little more & I would’ve ate it up). I loved this man’s soft side, he can’t help but let it out around Rayne even when he doesn’t want to. It’s instinctual for him.

I do wish there hadn’t been that surprise (if you will) at the end. I thought it was unnecessary & it made me feel a little worse about what they went through & why but it did add a complex layer to the plot. Loved the book either way.

[*CJ*]

“King of War” is the story of Rayne and Enzo.

Old, familiar plot of the couple who were forever in love and inseparable get separated by ONE hiccup.

The hero really hurts her with his actions, and causes a lot of harm to the heroine and the man who tried to protect her. When she reenters his life, him and his family are hateful until truth comes out and then they are all apologies.

I wish this had more grovel. The heroine when through trauma and was abandoned by everyone she loved. There is on page assault and loads of verbal abuse towards her.

It was meh

I read it as I was stuck on a tram for an hour and it left me angry - skipped all the sex scenes.

Unsafe
2/5

[Bri]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Jenn (myspookybookishlife)]

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!!

[Serialbookstarter:Marla]

Another case of she was being raped but the mmc thinks she is cheating. I’ve read a few others with this trope. Some of these MMC’s are tstl… how are they running the mafia?????

[Lizzie CP]

I just met these brothers and I love them so so much!!!!

Sadie wrote another masterpiece; this book sets the tone to, what promises to be a mafia series you can’t skip on. Enzo and Rayne are two very hurt people who happened to be victims of a misunderstanding and after 6 years get together and face their demons.

Their relationship explores love so hard that makes you hate your loved one. I DEVOURED this book, it didn’t last 24 hours unread. They became one of my favorites couples so far, honest to god!

[Hailey Goshert]

4.5⭐️ 4🌶️ it's been a hot minute since i read a Sadie Kincaid book... and holy shit this really hit the spot! i'm sure my enjoyment is mostly due to this being right book/right time, since i know this won't be everyone's cup of tea, but i ate this up. no crumbs. 400+ pages devoured in <2 days. delicious - gimme 14 of 'em!

i looooove when a second chance romance has this betrayal/revenge sort of subplot to it. i just find it so satisfying to watch one of the characters (normally the MMC) fucking SPIRAL after finding out the truth behind the supposed 'betrayal' by the other main character. again, most of the time their version of what happened in the past is wildly off base and they have to come to terms with the way their actions have been based on conjecture and i just LOVE THAT SHIT MWAHAHAHA. deliver me a groveling main who has to wallow in his mistakes and make up for all of his heinous actions/words by getting on his knees and begging for forgiveness... and i am one happy reader hehehe

i will say, the big reveal of what actually happened came sooner than i expected it to. not complaining at all- i was happily surprised and i think it made the romance more believable because it gave both Enzo and Rayne plenty of time to come to terms with everything, forgive each other, and forgive themselves for the time they had missed out on being with each other.

this had plenty of action, some seriously hot spice, and also little nuggets of the other Medici brothers, which all blended together perfectly for me and made me not only love this book but also be super stoked for the rest of this series.

idk if Sadie just put crack in this, or if i was just in the perfect state of mind to gobble up all of the angst in here... but it WORKED! i'm hooked and i will for sure be sitting my happy ass down to read King of Anarchy when it releases early next year!

[addictedtodarkromance]

 
I'm always excited to jump into a new series of Sadie's.

This book was fun to read, and I loved the characters. The main couple, Enzo and Rayne, were so in love until something happened that tore them apart. From the breakup to all the moments after, it had my heart in a grip. I really fell for them and just wanted to give them both a huge hug and help them find their way back to each other. loved the intense connection between the two MCs; you could tell they were meant for each other, which, of course, led to some super steamy scenes.

The storyline was never boring or repetitive, and I loved the suspense and tension it had. I thought it was an amazing start to the series and am excited for the next one!
 
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Enzo & Rayne
Darkness: 3 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novel
Title: Las Vegas Ruthless Series - King of War: Book 1
Audiobook: n/a as of Aug 2026
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT: Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Second Chance
*Criminal Underworld
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Jacklyn B]

I straight up devoured this book!!! What a great start to the new series!!! Enzo and Rayne have this chemistry and connection that is so intense…but after dealing with tragedy and betrayal they haven’t spoken in years.

Enzo is brooding and ruthless and obsessed and protective (even when he doesn’t want to admit it.) Rayne is strong and smart and was doing everything she could to protect Enzo. The tension and banter between them is so good and leads to some very steamy scenes!!!

The secrets and betrayal are DARK and there are some great twists and turns and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen.

I LOVE a good grovel and, no spoilers, we get some great groveling and character growth too. Yes mistakes were made but we do get a very hard fought HEA. There are some very emotional scenes and I was rooting for them, but it was not always easy read. There was so much trauma to unpack and I felt like it was handled with care.

If you are familiar with her other books there just might be a few familiar names 👀

⚠️All that being said, there are some very dark moments in this book so please be sure and check the content warnings if needed

✨What To Expect:
👑Dark Romance
🥀Mafia Romance
❤️‍🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔪Touch Her & 💀
✌️Second Chance
💋Badass FMC
👀Dark Secrets & Betrayal & Trauma
🔥Groveling
🖤So Much Tension & Banter

[Cazlovesbooks]

Enzo and Rayne grew up together in a mafia family and fell deeply in love. But after one life-changing event, everything fell apart, and Enzo believes Rayne betrayed him in the worst possible way.
Six years later, they’re reunited. Enzo knows Rayne is hiding something, so he keeps her at his house until he finds out the truth. She’s searching for something that could explain what really happened all those years ago, but she refuses to tell him, believing she’s protecting him.
The feelings between them are still as strong as ever, but can Enzo forgive the past? And when the truth finally comes out, will it bring them back together or tear them apart for good?

Mafia tropes are quickly becoming some of my favourites, and this book had everything I love. There’s violence, plenty of spice, and underneath it all, a beautiful second chance love story.
Enzo is dark, dangerous, and ruthless, but when it comes to Rayne, he’d do anything to protect her, even after believing she betrayed him.

The physical yearning between them practically comes off the page, and you can feel the heat every time they’re together.
Some parts are very dark, so definitely check the trigger warnings before reading. And the spice? Let’s just say I was blushing more than once! Sadie has done it again.

Second chance at love

Touch her and d!e

mafia romamce

enemies to lovers

hate sex

strong violence

Family betrayal

found family

[Leah Barbieri]

ehh

I felt like there was a lot of disconnect. Maybe the details weren’t enough? Or the story wasn’t aligning the way I would have wanted? I’m not sure how to explain my rating. Basically I just didn’t believe in the love between the characters and well, this is a romance novel so that’s pretty much why I read it.

[Readingsmyhobby]

Another amazing book. Sadie’s books never disappoint. Rayne and Enzo had an amazing relationship until something terrible happens to her. Enzo’s father has been in his ear for a while making him doubt things. Rayne’s worst day became Enzo’s too but for different reasons and unfortunately he let his anger get the best of him to where he let her down in the worst possible way. It’s crazy how someone’s manipulation can destroy two peoples lives. And it’s crazy how 6 years later more manipulation unexpectedly brings them back into each others lives. They both like to think they hate each other and they say it all the time specially now that they are stuck together. I love how Enzo even though he “hates her” he has been protecting her for years and in a different way Rayne had been protecting him too. Love when everything comes to light and they both learn the truth.

[Jessica Aranda]

🖤Ohhh this one is definitely one of my favorites from Sadie Kincaid! The angst, slow burn, and tension between Enzo and Rayne was hot!! This book had the perfect amount of spice, plot, and twists and turns!
🖤Rayne, a fierce and strong FMC, was dealt a pretty crappy card in life but she rose above it and made something of herself. But when the past comes back to haunt her, she has to face the man who broke her heart.
🖤Enzo, a morally grey MMC, is heartbroken over his ex fiancé and swears he hates her and never wants to see her again is forced to see her once again. But what he thought he knew the past, he is forced to face the fact that he might be wrong.
🖤I am so excited for the next book in this series! Thank you to the Author for writing such a phenomenal book!

[Jen Altman]

First Sadie Kincaid book and I am officially OBSESSED! Enzo is everything I want in a dark romance hero. He’s powerful, ruthless, and totally unhinged when it comes to protecting what’s his. Perfect definition of a morally gray man driving me insane in the best ways possible!

Rayne worshipped him back in the day, but his pride blew everything to pieces. A massive betrayal made him cold and bitter toward Rayne but digging into the past after six years apart revealed secrets that ran way deeper than he thought. Sucking her back into his world created the most explosive, delicious toxicity. They literally could not keep their hands off each other. The spice level was hot hot HOT (because let’s face it hate sex just hits different), but Rayne said it best: Enzo looks way better on his knees, and he definitely should’ve suffered down there a little longer before earning his redemption!

I am completely sold, adding her whole backlist to my TBR, and counting down the days until we get the other brothers' books!

[NursingMyTBR]

My rating: ⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: mafia romance, forced proximity, second chance romance, groveling, touch her and die

This was an extremely disappointing story, I felt like the story itself had so much potential but in the end it felt very watered down. I did not like how Enzo was so in love with Rayne, but then when he thought she’d betrayed him, he gave up on her so quickly. When they were forced back together, he has all of a sudden decided to take her word of what happened 6 years later when he could’ve done that in the beginning to find out the truth and save us the whole story. The tropes list groveling but where was it. In no way did Enzo grovel to try and win Rayne back. He said some of the meanest things to her and because they have hate sex everything is ok with their relationship. Then when you get to the end and find out that Tommy is alive after everything that happened, but then he doesn’t even talk to him or make a mention of them reconnecting with his supposed best friend who was there for his fiancé during one of first toughest times and we find out what she’s pregnant basically in the same chapter. Just so many issues overall that couldn’t save the plot of what could have been a great story otherwise.

[bookswiths_]

4.5 ⭐️ It’s been a minute since a I read a great mafia book and this took me out the drought! Sadie wrote this well and honestly as simple as it is I just had a great time reading it!🫶🏻

[Carleigh Fox]

Okay smut queen, go off

[Sam P]

New city, new family, same ruthlessness and I AM IN! Sadie does mafia really well; Enzo and Rayne’s story is no different. The twists, turns, and shots of adrenaline are all here, along with some revenge and redemption. If this is your first Sadie story, Welcome. If you’re a regular in the Sadieverse, you’ll enjoy some of the name drops in here for sure 😏. Can’t wait to see what the rest of this series has in store for us.

[Ashley Eckenrod]

where to begin..

Definitely no groveling from the MMC. The FMC is the biggest doormat, there is no coming back from what he did. When will authors wake up when you write the MMC to be that horrible of a person sometimes it’s good to see the FMC move on with a BETTER man.

[Morgan Carpenter]

✨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!

[Emma Lane]

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!

[Dani H.]

Absolutely hands down my most favorite Sadie book to date! Seriously, Rayne and Enzo’s story is so unmatched in how incredible it is! From the story to the spice to the enemies becoming lovers I loved every damn second of this book!

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser]

I have read every one of Sadie’s books, but I almost didn’t read this one. I read a review with a negative rating that made Enzo out to be a manwhore, who slept his way through woman after woman and a lot of his actions were on page, detailed, and a few of those women were ones that caused drama or were routine hookups for him. And I absolutely hate cheating and excessive ow drama in books. I also don’t like having to constantly hear about the mmc’s past sexual encounters. But I decided to go with my gut instinct and read this anyways and I’m so glad I did because it was NOT at all how it was described in the review I read.

There was a little truth to it, but a lot was overly exaggerated and not explained. So, for the ow drama and Enzo being a manwhore….

•Was he with ow besides Rayne? Yes.
•Was there any on page past or present sex scenes with him and ow? No.

The extent of the ow drama- and I use the term drama very loosely because in my opinion it was no big deal- consisted of 2 women- Sherrie & Vanessa.

Sherrie was 10 years before present time and there was zero scenes with Enzo and her. It was at Rayne’s 18th birthday party- which at the time she was living with Enzo and his family- the party was at Enzo’s and she was on her way to his room when she ran into Sherrie, also heading to Enzo’s room. Rayne told her to get lost and threatened her, and Sherrie turned around and left. Rayne went into Enzo’s room and found him on his bed with a smirk, and yes he was expecting Sherrie, but as soon as he saw Rayne Sherrie was forgotten. After that there was zero mention of Sherrie and she was history, never in any other scenes again. So honestly it wasn’t anything I’d consider ow drama. Did it kinda suck knowing he was expecting another woman? Yes. But him and Rayne were not a couple at the time. It was after that night they got together and were together for 4 years- where he was 1000% faithful.

As for Vanessa, it was a tiny bit more, but again zero sex scenes and a total of 2 VERY small scenes. The first was around page 35 and with Enzo getting off an elevator and running into her and them having probably a 3 sentence conversation with her wanting to grab a massage with him and him saying no he’s heading out and busy. That was it. Then the second was about 80ish pages later and the day after Rayne enters his life again and he has Rayne at his penthouse. Vanessa shows up one night and Enzo forgot he was supposed to take her to dinner. She comes in sees Rayne, gets jealous and demands to know who she is, Enzo loves knowing Rayne is standing there uses it to his advantage and squeezes Vanessa’s ass telling her he’ll call and take her out another time. A little more words are said and Vanessa leaves and that’s the end of that. Never another scene with her again. She was history. Again, nothing I consider ow jealousy drama. And trust me I hate that shit in books and try to avoid it, and this was not anything I’d even come close to being that.

The only comment I will say Enzo made that I could’ve went without reading was how he sometimes f’d Vanessa before dinner and after, and how he loved his mouth or dick in her pu$$y. But he thought it, never said it out loud to Rayne.

So, was Enzo perfect? Absolutely not. He was the typical guy in these books. He screws up in epic proportions, that makes you want to punch him in the face, and doesn’t grovel nearly as much or hard as we think he should. But did he and does he love Rayne? Absolutely. There’s no denying how much this man loved her and still does. He’d burn the world down for her. He was truly devastated and felt utterly betrayed when he thought she actually betrayed him. But even then he still loved her and wanted to keep her safe. There was no other woman for him. Yes, he screwed other women, how many? Who knows because it’s not mentioned or talked about, but it’s obvious he has. But still it’s only ever been Rayne for him.

I still wanted to punch him hard though for how he spoke to her and how he treated her 6 years prior and even at first in the present. He should’ve known better than to believe a picture. He should’ve known pics can be made and edited to look like something it’s not and he definitely should’ve trusted the woman he loved and who loved him with everything she had.

I did love Rayne. She was betrayed even more than Enzo and was hurt in so many ways and the worst was by Enzo. Yet she picked herself up and made a life for herself. And when she found herself under Enzo’s thumb and forced to stay with him she did hold firm. I loved when she kneed him in the balls and told him to never touch again, he lost the right 6 years ago. So while I do wish she held out longer and made him work harder for her forgiveness, there were some really great moments where she got under his skin and the throwback comments were great.

And I do think Tommy deserved way more than he got? Again, absolutely. What Enzo did to him was messed up. He was Enzo’s best friend and a good friend to Rayne. He didn’t deserve what happened to him. I would’ve like to have seen a different outcome there.

But regardless this was a really great book and I’m so glad I didn’t skip it because of one review. I can’t wait for each of these brother’s books! Each one has me just excited as the other.

[dark read girl]

✨ARC REVIEW ✨

I waited, i waited, and FINALLY Sadie wrote a story for Enzo!!!!!!! You guys have no idea how long I've been waiting to see Enzo in one of her stories.

Enzo ruined me for all other men!!!!!

Rayne and Enzo have a great story. They have loved each other since they were teenagers, but Enzo's close friends made them fall apart for six years. When their paths finally cross again, because of course our favorite mafia boss Enzo wants it that way, everything will finally become clear, just like it was supposed to from the very beginning.

Now read carefully:

You will want to put you over his knee and spank your ass so hard that you won't be able to sit down for a week. He will promise you that he's going to fuck you against a wall and you're going to fucking love it.

“You always will get so fucking wet for me, baby.”🥹🥹

“I will always remind myself that I survived Enzo Medici once, and I can survive him again.”

NEVER!!!!

Enzo is a man of honor and principle.

And one thing about him:

-Rayne: “Oh, God.”
-Enzo: “Don’t call for him when I’m inside you. The only fucking name I want you moaning is mine.”

OK??? You get my obsession here, right?????

And after being apart for six years, you'd think that once they finally found their way back to each other, they'd take things slow. You know… baby steps.

Well…

They went straight to Baby. 😭😭😭

🏆 NEW TROPE 🏆
“Cuore mio.”

And I think I need to call my tattoo artist and have them write this trope on my skin ASAP!!!!!

[spicybookmama]

Well King of War is an all consuming, heart pumping, sexy suspenseful start to The Vegas Ruthless Series. Enzo and Rayne are intoxicating. The dark dangerous world they live in riddled with secrets, betrayal and layers of trauma has shattered their relationship yet the undeniable chemistry and sizzling passion can’t be suppressed . Enzo has all the obsessive possessive dominant touch her and die qualities with a dash of groveling desired from a true morally grey mafia man. He is swoonalicious. Rayne is fierce resilient intuitive focused with a pinch of brat. This is the epitome of a second chance romance story and I devoured it. Their banter keeps a smirk plastered on your face and induces the need for a cold beverage. This plot is paced perfectly keeping pages turning with the intense suspense angst and looming danger. This is just the first taste of the Medici brothers and needless to say I’m ready for more.