Daughter of Sin: A Dark Lesbian Mafia Romantasy

by Ruby Roe

Once upon a time, a saint fell for a sinner…

Saint Severo is the most revered fixer in Nefari city. She’s the woman the rulers call when a problem needs to disappear.

Marlowe Reign is the assassin she loved. The one she exiled fifty years ago to keep her alive.

When the Capas are found slaughtered in their own fortress, the city edges towards war. There’s no heir. No order.

And the killer? None other than Saint’s ex-lover.

Saint needs a confession. Marlowe wants to hang.

Neither are saying why.

A night in the dungeon torturing the woman who still tastes like everything she lost will break anyone’s willpower.

But Marlowe didn't do it and she won't deny it either.

Someone far bigger than them both is pulling the strings.

The last thing Saint wants is to fall for the woman she has to execute… but the body remembers what the heart tried to bury.

To save her, Saint must betray everything she's served. To love her, she'll have to let the world burn.

To keep her secret, one of them has to die.

A confession. A reckoning. And a debt that can only be paid in blood.

A deliciously dark sapphic mafia romantasy with captor-x-captive, second-chance love, a fae assassin, a vampire fixer, murdered royals, and a whole lot of "I'm the only one who gets to torture the truth out of her." 18+ only.

Genres: Lesbian, Dark Romance

Unknown Binding

About the author

Ruby Roe writes lesbian fantasy romance. She loves a bit of magic with her smut and will read anything as long as the characters get down and dirty. When she isn’t writing, she’s beasting herself at the gym or wandering the world on her next adventure. She lives in England with her wife, son, and two devious Ragdoll cats.

Reviews

[Lez_be_readin_ya]

A Dark, Steamy Novella That Packs One Hell of a Punch!

As always, Ruby has delivered another phenomenal book, and this is one you will absolutely not be able to put down! It has everything you would expect from a Ruby Roe book—smut, action, high stakes, and so much more. This book had me crying, screaming, and desperately wanting more!

The relationship between Saint, the Vampire Fixer, and Marlowe, the Fae Assassin, was undeniable, palpable, and perfectly executed. Their chemistry was incredible, and I loved the second-chance aspect of their story. The way Saint and Marlowe interacted throughout the book was fantastic, and their relationship development was flawlessly done. The spice was absolutely superb and fit the story perfectly.

The whole storyline was easy to follow, incredibly engaging, and kept me entertained from start to finish. And although this is a novella, it certainly packs a punch—or ten! With a trigger-warning list that is longer than the number of chapters, this is absolutely perfect for readers who like their stories dark, dangerous, and seriously steamy.

Thank you, Ruby, for the amazing opportunity to read and review this phenomenal book. I absolutely loved it, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next in the Empire of Ruin series!

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[MJ]

From the F**king get go, the prologue, I. Was. In!! Man, Ruby Roe really knows how to start a book. I was hooked, locked in!

If I thought a Ruby book had previously taken me on a rollercoaster….forget it! This book! My god and it’s only the prequel! Was a RIDE! I loved every single second of it. Man, I couldn’t put it down. Adulting went out the window. Only thing that mattered was this story!!

For such a short book (roughly 140 pages) it packed a punch! There was so much information and world building without it being overwhelming. I think she did an excellent job of setting up the new series and I seriously cannot WAIT to dive into the next book, I just know it’s going to be epic.

The characters dynamic was gripping, there was mystery elements, scorching hot moments and even parts that had me tearing up! When I say I felt all the emotions. I felt them all!!

If you’re a fan of Ruby Roe, you will love where this is going. If you’ve been living under a rock and this is your first Ruby experience, well, I’m kinda jealous. Cause I’d love to be reading this for the first time!

The. Spice!! Was off the charts good. Like the best dark sapphic romance I’ve ever read honestly! I don’t know what to do with myself after that. I feel ruined. In the best way! 😂🔥🫠

It is a dark romance, so of course, please do read the content/trigger warnings. This book does feature dub-con (excellently done, might I add), but I know that isn’t for everyone.

It is written in First Person with 2x Main POV’s. This is the prequel novella to the Empire of Ruin series. Masc/Masc, Captor x Captive, Fae Assassin & Vampire Fixer, Mystery, Found Family, Sapphic Mafia, Dark Romantasy, Revenge, Second Chance. 5x Spicy Scenes (one is interrupted).

[SAV]

Hot hot hot 🔥🔥

[Chantelle]

Well… I am OBSESSED. 🖤🔥

This was such an addictive prequel to the new series and exactly the kind of dark romance I live for. Give me assassins, murder, secrets, morally grey characters and enough tension to make me lose my mind and I’m SOLD.

Saint and Marlowe had me absolutely feral. The chemistry? INSANE. The tension? Criminal. And the spice? 🥵🔥 HOT. AS. HELL.

I was completely hooked trying to figure out what was really going on, who could be trusted and just how deep the chaos went. Dark, twisty, deliciously messy and impossible to put down.

A bloody brilliant introduction to the series — and if this is what the prequel is serving, I am VERY ready for what comes next. 🖤🔥

[Emily]

Hands down my favorite Ruby Roe story so far, and that’s says a lot since I’ve read all of her books!
Saint and Marlowe are wild and absolutely insane in the best possible way. The dark romance was spot on and their chemistry was Everything. And the spice? 6 out of 5. Seriously.

I loved the twist throughout the book too. I kept thinking I knew where things were going and then questioning everything again.For how short this book is, there is so much packed into it. It still gives you depth, the characters feel developed, and the story never felt like it was missing something just because it was shorter… it just left me wanting more. after all we come to Rubys books for the Dark, twisted, spicy, sapphic, and completely unhinged stories.
Thank you as always to Ruby for having me as part of your street team! 💜

[Marybeth]

Full disclosure that this author is an automatic buy for me whenever anything new comes out. I love the way she develops characters you might want to hate but find yourself respecting and even loving. This one is the start of a new series which I can't wait for. The city of Nefari had two leaders who kept a leash on the 7 mafia families of the deadly sins. Their murder starts the book. Saint was their fixer and is trying to figure out exactly what happened when an assassin is captutred. It is Marlowe the woman she has never gotten over. No matter that she saved her life, she was exiled and Saint has has had a Marlowe shaped hole since then. Marlowe has a plan that we get to see at the end and it is a doozy! This series is going to be great. The characters torture each other and writhe is pain and love doing it. Daughter of Sin is the perfect pre-quel. Enough so you won't dare miss the novels coming but not so much that feel like you really have an idea of what is going on. Don't miss it!

[Kate]

Once again, Ruby had utterly ruined me. One hundred percent, perfectly and utterly ruined.

Saint was everything I had hoped – Calm, collected, hopelessly in love.

Marlowe was (honestly) my favorite of the two – Hellbent on her plan, still in love but fighting it as much as possible, prepared for the worst.

The story was intense, gripping, and full of that Ruby Roe spice we all know and love. Every step of the set up was intricate and beautifully written.

I loved the description of the 7 houses, one for each sin. We got a glimpse of a couple of the gods-made sins, one being Saint’s best friend. The others we saw were perfect representations of their sins.

The heartbreaking realization that Saint had to interrogate Marlowe and she had limited time was brutal. It made everything that much more intense.

God, I can’t wait for this book to release and for more people to fckn devour it.

[Jerca Zrim]

Arc review: this is a masterclass in sapphic dark romance!!

Let's just say when i saw the email notification about the arc download i don't think i ever clicked on anything that fast. And it was rewarding because this was and amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!! Absolute perfection. 5 out of 5 blood-soaked stars🔥🔥🔥.

The chemistry between the leads is absolute perfection. The spice is feral, raw and dark🔪🔪🔪🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

This book completely consumed me from the very fist page. Plot is like a web of secrets and danger that kept me on my toes the entire time....i need answers and the second book please right now😅😅😅


Add it to your TBR right now!! My jaw is still on the floor!!!!!

[Meagan.Reads]

for such a small book my mind was racing all over the place! Saint and Marlowe are messy af and I’m eating it up!!!

[Lucy Hampton]

What an introduction! I can’t wait for the next book, I’m dying to know what’s next 👀 This is another 5 star read from Ruby Roe and I just know this is only the beginning 🔥 Any book written by Ruby will have me a in a chokehold 🥵

[Lily Johnson]

Oh where to begin! I finished this book in 3 hours and this prequel has so much packed into it that it has me on the edge of my seat for this series!💚🖤 Saint and Marlowe’s chemistry is unmatched and unhinged to say the least (definitely giving Red and Octavia a run for their money) and I have read all of Ruby Roe’s books so that is saying something. The level of detail, character/plot development, and the emotions that Ruby’s writing holds makes you forget that you are reading a book and not living in the universe she has created. The spice is WILD in this one from the get go and I am totally here for it!! That knife scene…🤯 I think that may definitely be a step above the femur bone. I love how each characters POV in every one of her books has the same amount of consideration and detail, making you fall in love with every character in different ways. There has never been a boring character to read and that is rare to find in most books. I love the play on the title of the Dons and their real names in the book, very clever and I love when authors get clever with their books. In true Ruby Roe fashion the end of the book ends with a gnarly cliff hanger(but of course it does)😂 I am very curious to see where Saint and Mercy’s friendship will go from here and to see what other secrets Marlowe is hiding, because I am HOOKED and cannot wait for Daughter of Envy to be ready for preorder! I am SO ready to take a deeper dive into Nefari City💚🖤😍

[Lindsie]

“This is going to be fun.” Hands down the best quote in the book, and I couldn’t agree more.

I received this book as an ARC and absolutely devoured it in one sitting. As with all things Ruby, I’m always excited to see what she comes up with next. Every time I finish one of her books (I’ve read them all multiple times), I wonder how she’s possibly going to top it. And every single time, she delivers. This book is no exception.

How did she manage to have me on the edge of my seat and completely glued to this in only 100 plus pages!? The only downside of this book? I wish it were 300 plus pages longer. One thing is for sure, Nefari City is going to be SO much fun, and I already can’t wait to see how this story unfolds.

If you’ve read Ruby’s books before (and if you haven’t, start now, you’re welcome), you probably have a favorite couple. I actually have two: Octavia & Red and Morrigan & Stirling. Those are some BIG dynamics to fill, but after this book? I have a feeling this new couple might just give both of them a run for their money.

I’m keeping this review completely spoiler free, so I’m not saying another word about what happens.

Just strap in (pun absolutely intended 😏). Check your morals at the door, and be prepared to root for some questionable choices. It’s sapphic, it’s unhinged, and somehow Ruby had me questioning whether I’m a saint or a sinner. Either way, I’m okay with it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy: 5/5
Intrigue: 5/5
Fun: 5/5

[Itsjustlorixox]

HOLY FUCK!!!!

This book is honestly the perfect amount of dark and erotic for me. As a first-time ARC reader, I got the book and genuinely couldn’t put it down. I giggled and laughed my way through it, getting the occasional weird glance from my partner. When I explained what I was laughing at, I was met with comments like, “I worry about you sometimes,” and “You read some fucked-up shit.”

Honestly, those two comments alone pretty much summarise a Ruby Roe book. 😂

I’m a massive fan of dark romance, but damn… this is DARK!!!!!!! It’s finger-licking dark. 🖤

Without spoiling anything, the smut scenes are HOT. They had me squirming beside my partner. 🥵🥵🥵 The creative ways pleasure is explored had my inner masochist smirking and gritting its teeth. And the use of certain sharp objects? Let’s just say I found myself gasping, then shrugging my shoulders and grinning like a complete menace. 😂

I’m already looking forward to the next book. And that ending?! Yeah… it’s something I know I’m going to be thinking about at 12 a.m. tonight.

So, thanks, Ruby, for the book… and for the insomnia. 😂🖤

[Brett]

Okay, now that I’ve dried the tears off my face I’m ready to write this review.

Daughter of Sin is an epic prequel to the new series that will leave you waiting, wanting, and begging for more (need I elaborate?) This book is as DARK as it is SPICY and it was unputdownable enough to finish off in one session.

The tension and chemistry between Saint and Marlowe is palpable from the first page. Both are haunted by their pasts but cannot set aside the feelings they clearly have for each other. The spice here is off the charts from the beginning too—despite its size it might be the spiciest of Ruby’s books yet.

I also love the characters Ruby developed here and hope we get to see more of them soon! Saint is hilarious and snarky with a soft side and Marlowe is a mischievous brat from the start. I can’t wait to see what the next books have in store for them! This book also ends on a huge cliffhanger that leaves you salivating for the next installment.

RUN do not walk to Ruby’s website to buy this book. Seriously, you won’t regret it.

[Matthew Goodall]

“There are some exes that leave a wound even time can’t erase.”

Ruby Roe is back, and blistering hot.

This time, it’s vampires and fae in a twisted mafia world based on the Seven Sins.

It’s sumptuous, seductive and entirely sexy.

Saint, most definitely isn’t. Yet she’s the absolute best definition of a sinner you’ll find.

She’s good at her job, and very good at… other things.

A ‘fixer’ for the mafia, she has far less time than she needs—to solve two high profile murders, and save her former lover-turned bitterest enemy.

If only she wasn’t still so turned on by the sight and scent of… her.

Expect depraved sex, high stakes, twists that keep you turning pages, and an ending that will have you desperate for the next one.

“You may think you saved my life. But you condemned me.”



I received an advance copy, and this is my honest review.

[Kym Fisher]

🔥 **Daughters of Sin by Ruby Roe** 🔥

Ruby/Sacha always blows my mind! And this book was absolutely no exception. From the very first page, I was hooked and taken on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish

My heart was ripped out, stomped on, and completely rearranged throughout this story. The twists, the emotions, the tension… I was FEELING EVERYTHING. 😭🔥

And the spice?!Absolutely mind-blowing. 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🗡🗡🗡🗡 Ruby Roe knows exactly how to bring the heat, while still keeping the story moving at a seriously fast pace, I flew through this book because I needed to know what was going to happen next.

And then THAT ENDING. 😱

A HUGE cliffhanger that has left me staring into the void and desperately needing the next book immediately.

Ruby/Sacha, what have you done to me?!

Bring on Daughter of Envy! I am SO ready. 🔥

[Katie B]

It’s not often that I’m speechless, but this book has absorbed ALL of my thoughts and now I can’t brain words. I LOVED IT!!! It’s dark, it’s spicy, it’s a little messed up, it’s mystery, it’s mafia, its vampires and fae, it’s viscious, it’s heartache, it’s pain, all of it is just perfect.
The balance of viscious to caring is very delicately handled to still be absolutely brutal, but still feel the anguish, love and heartbreak through it all. I cried! It’s still Romantasy, but that darker romance edge is deliciously decadent. It also had me a lot more interested in knives than I should be..

Plot Summary:
Saint, vampire, fixer. Marlowe, fae, assassin, the love of Saint’s life - exiled. It’s Saint’s fault she was exiled, but it was to save her life. Is 50 years too long to hold a grudge? Did she actually murder the head of the Capa’s? What’s really going on? You may or may not find out, interrogation style.

Things I Loved:
- The darker romance edge
- Edging & forced o’s
- Dub con
- The cliffhanger! (Not a romance cliffhanger)
- The best friend
- The Families & Don’s & Sinners
- The brutality of some parts
- Vampire & Fae
- Favour coins & lore

Overall, it’s Ruby Roe through and through but darker and entirely encompassing… I CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE!

Thank you for the free ARC in exchange for honest review

[Amy]

So I got my copy early because I pre-ordered. So without spoilers

ANOTHER RUBY HITTTTT!!!
There’s definitely more triggers than chapters and I want to be between Marlowe and Saint please and thank you! Marlowe and Saint are actually so toxic I love it!

The ending has me really intrigued and in need of book 1.

I think this book set up the story of the rest of the series really really well

[Alicia Decker]

Another INCREDIBLE Ruby Roe book. She NEVER disappoints and always leaves me wanting more, immediately!! Internally screaming right now!!
What a masterpiece in sapphic dark romance. This prequel packs one hell of a punch and is a rollercoaster of a ride. Already craving for the next book.

Star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you Ruby Roe for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team! It was an honour and so much fun to receive an advanced copy of this book ❤️

[Holly Violet]

I could not read this fast enough and was highly unimpressed when I needed to go to sleep last night!

Saint and Marlowe are intense, passionate and caught in an impossible situation. If you love dark romance, with very question morals then I urge you to pick up this book (and any other by Roe) and delve in.

I already have the next book in preorder. It is that good!

[ItsSimmeRin]

As this is a prequel you can consider me hooked
It’s twisted, spicy and surrounded in mystery
This was only a taster of what’s to come and my god I can’t wait to see where this series goes
Ruby Roe’s book have me in a choke hold as it is, this will be no different
Reading Sin never felt so good

[Tasha]

Ruby wasted NO TIME jumping in!!

🥵

Okay. we’re being set up! we’re being edged. we’re being led down a rabbit hole that i am SO READY to get lost in!!

Saint

Sinner

FIRE

LezBean mafia dark romance… Fae. Vampires. 😈🤭

[Sophie Edwards]

I need the next book like I need air to breathe...you might think you know Ruby Roe but trust me you don't

[Kat]

What a rollercoaster! Ups and downs and the twists! This is just the appetiser and I can't wait for the main course!

[Gina Wade]

My first ever sapphic read and my good lord WHAT a book!!!! Devoured this and will absolutely be patiently waiting for the next book in the series!!!