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The Joker: A Dark Rom-Com
Adelaide
This is still safe. He can’t reach me. He can’t touch me. And I absolutely do not want him to, either. If I keep telling myself this often enough, it’ll become true, right? While exchanging letters with a convicted felon for my court-mandated community service (don’t ask), I find myself inconveniently intrigued by my prison pen pal. Sasha seems to understand me better than anyone else has recently, but I’m not an idiot. He’s serving a life sentence, so getting too caught up in this when realistically, it has zero future, is out of the question. Obviously. Sasha
She is the one, the other half of my damned, rotten soul, the bright light to my darkness.
The Blackwood Correctional Facility is my castle, and I’m its king. When I first started responding to the letters from this woman who always seems to be oversharing, I did it to get the counselor off my back. I've got plans and I need them to think I'm on board with their program, not building my own empire. But I hadn’t expected her. I’ve never met anyone like her and I’m sure I never will again. It doesn’t take me long to figure out I’m obsessed with Adelaide Romano and there is no doubt in my mind that she’ll be mine.
This is still safe. He can’t reach me. He can’t touch me. And I absolutely do not want him to, either. If I keep telling myself this often enough, it’ll become true, right? While exchanging letters with a convicted felon for my court-mandated community service (don’t ask), I find myself inconveniently intrigued by my prison pen pal. Sasha seems to understand me better than anyone else has recently, but I’m not an idiot. He’s serving a life sentence, so getting too caught up in this when realistically, it has zero future, is out of the question. Obviously. Sasha
She is the one, the other half of my damned, rotten soul, the bright light to my darkness.
The Blackwood Correctional Facility is my castle, and I’m its king. When I first started responding to the letters from this woman who always seems to be oversharing, I did it to get the counselor off my back. I've got plans and I need them to think I'm on board with their program, not building my own empire. But I hadn’t expected her. I’ve never met anyone like her and I’m sure I never will again. It doesn’t take me long to figure out I’m obsessed with Adelaide Romano and there is no doubt in my mind that she’ll be mine.
Audible Audio
Published September 24, 2026
About the author
Sorena Graves
9 books139 followersSorena Graves writes the books she loves to read and just can't seem to find enough of. She loves unconventional main characters and tropes, all wrapped up in a scorching hot package.
Her home is currently in Germany, where she lives with her husband, daughter and dog, but she plans to make Australia her home soon.
When Sorena isn't busy writing steamy love stories, she can be found either riding horses or enjoying a glass of rosé while crafting her next irresistible tale.
Her home is currently in Germany, where she lives with her husband, daughter and dog, but she plans to make Australia her home soon.
When Sorena isn't busy writing steamy love stories, she can be found either riding horses or enjoying a glass of rosé while crafting her next irresistible tale.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Review of advance copy
Sasha is intense and instantly obsessed with Adelaide. Honestly, Adelaide has no idea what she’s getting herself into when their relationship starts out as nothing more than pen pals. From there, Sasha takes Adelaide on one wild ride, completely flipping her life upside down, but in the best way possible.
Adelaide has spent so much of her life with no one truly in her corner, and then Sasha comes along and shows her what it means to be cared for, protected, and wanted. He gives Adelaide something she desperately needed, even if Adelaide didn’t realize it at first.
Alexis Paige and Sean Masters do an incredible job bringing their relationship dynamic to life. You can feel the tension, obsession, and undeniable chemistry between them from start to finish.
If you love an obsessed, morally gray MMC who will protect his FMC at all costs, this one is definitely for you.
Thank you, Sorena Graves and Blush Audiobook Promotions for the ALC.
Adelaide has spent so much of her life with no one truly in her corner, and then Sasha comes along and shows her what it means to be cared for, protected, and wanted. He gives Adelaide something she desperately needed, even if Adelaide didn’t realize it at first.
Alexis Paige and Sean Masters do an incredible job bringing their relationship dynamic to life. You can feel the tension, obsession, and undeniable chemistry between them from start to finish.
If you love an obsessed, morally gray MMC who will protect his FMC at all costs, this one is definitely for you.
Thank you, Sorena Graves and Blush Audiobook Promotions for the ALC.
September 18, 2026
This cast is perfect!
I could not have imagined anyone better to voice Addy than Alexis!! When I thought Addy could not be any funnier, Alexis adds another level of humor to her with the way she delivers her inner thoughts.
And Sean, he is amazing as Sasha, the gruffness of his voixe fits Sasha and I loved their interactions.
The Joker is one of my favorite reads this year. It was so refreshing and not like anything I have read before.
It was funny, hot and heartfelt.
I could not have imagined anyone better to voice Addy than Alexis!! When I thought Addy could not be any funnier, Alexis adds another level of humor to her with the way she delivers her inner thoughts.
And Sean, he is amazing as Sasha, the gruffness of his voixe fits Sasha and I loved their interactions.
The Joker is one of my favorite reads this year. It was so refreshing and not like anything I have read before.
It was funny, hot and heartfelt.
September 24, 2026
ALC Review
Book 1 in the House of Sinners series
Narrated in duet by Alexis Paige and Sean Masters
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥/5
TROPES
🖤 prison pen pal
🖤 mafia romance
🖤 forbidden
🖤 strangers to lovers
🖤 touch her and die
🖤 found family
🖤 free use & corruption
🖤 forced proximity
Wow, the breath of fresh air this one was!! Lately the typical romance tropes and plots seemed a bit repetitive and boring to me, so reading a prison pen pal trope was so exciting in and of itself. And then Sorena went and created these amazing characters!! I call Addy lovingly “my little big catastrophe” because she’s allll over the place, but that’s what makes her so lovable and relatable. Sasha is just cool like a cucumber and what he wants he gets. And my god is he hot when he goes for what he wants.
The spice was scorchingly hot in typical Sorena fashion. Especially the somno scenes!!! Sorena is well aware of my obsession with this k!nk, so I’m convinced she wrote those scenes especially for me. (ssshhh, let me live in LaLa land)
I had the great honor of doing a beta read for this one. Getting to discuss the characters with Sorena and taking part in forming this story even the teeny tiniest bit, will forever make this a special book to me.
The narration was phenomenal! Alexis Paige knocked it out of the park. She’s the perfect Addy and showed her character with her voice perfectly. Sean Masters can do no wrong, but hearing him with a Russian accent for Kyrill had my jaw dropping to the floor. This one is a must listen!
Book 1 in the House of Sinners series
Narrated in duet by Alexis Paige and Sean Masters
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥/5
TROPES
🖤 prison pen pal
🖤 mafia romance
🖤 forbidden
🖤 strangers to lovers
🖤 touch her and die
🖤 found family
🖤 free use & corruption
🖤 forced proximity
Wow, the breath of fresh air this one was!! Lately the typical romance tropes and plots seemed a bit repetitive and boring to me, so reading a prison pen pal trope was so exciting in and of itself. And then Sorena went and created these amazing characters!! I call Addy lovingly “my little big catastrophe” because she’s allll over the place, but that’s what makes her so lovable and relatable. Sasha is just cool like a cucumber and what he wants he gets. And my god is he hot when he goes for what he wants.
The spice was scorchingly hot in typical Sorena fashion. Especially the somno scenes!!! Sorena is well aware of my obsession with this k!nk, so I’m convinced she wrote those scenes especially for me. (ssshhh, let me live in LaLa land)
I had the great honor of doing a beta read for this one. Getting to discuss the characters with Sorena and taking part in forming this story even the teeny tiniest bit, will forever make this a special book to me.
The narration was phenomenal! Alexis Paige knocked it out of the park. She’s the perfect Addy and showed her character with her voice perfectly. Sean Masters can do no wrong, but hearing him with a Russian accent for Kyrill had my jaw dropping to the floor. This one is a must listen!
September 25, 2026
This is Book one in the House of Sinners series.
I 100 percent dived in head first and completely blind with this one
I don’t regret it one bit. This had me giggling and kicking my feet!
Adelaide has always been told that she’s too much and not enough in the same breath. Her mother left her after a tragedy struck and her sister only calls her when it’s convenient . She feels completely alone.
Then in comes Sasha, the pen pal that was only supposed to be a pen pal and nothing else.
Sasha gives her the space to be herself and never tries to change her. I really liked their interactions.
She’s so full of energy and he embraces every little bit of it 😆.
This Duet narration was so fun to listen to!
Alexis Paige really brought Adelaide’s personality to life. Loved hearing the fluctuation of her voice and all the emotion she put into the performance.
Sean Masters also did amazing with his incredibly deep voice. He did so well as a mafia boss 😮💨😮💨😮💨.
Thank you so much Blue Nose and Sorena Graves for this ALC!
I 100 percent dived in head first and completely blind with this one
I don’t regret it one bit. This had me giggling and kicking my feet!
Adelaide has always been told that she’s too much and not enough in the same breath. Her mother left her after a tragedy struck and her sister only calls her when it’s convenient . She feels completely alone.
Then in comes Sasha, the pen pal that was only supposed to be a pen pal and nothing else.
Sasha gives her the space to be herself and never tries to change her. I really liked their interactions.
She’s so full of energy and he embraces every little bit of it 😆.
This Duet narration was so fun to listen to!
Alexis Paige really brought Adelaide’s personality to life. Loved hearing the fluctuation of her voice and all the emotion she put into the performance.
Sean Masters also did amazing with his incredibly deep voice. He did so well as a mafia boss 😮💨😮💨😮💨.
Thank you so much Blue Nose and Sorena Graves for this ALC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
PROXIMITY ENTHUSIASTS… YOU NEED TO COME AND SEE ME.
Because honestly… this has got to be one of the best stalker books I’ve listened to. And in Addy’s words:
“Cool. Cool. Cool.”
The Joker by Sorena Graves absolutely DELIVERED.
And the audiobook? Bloody brilliant.
Alexis Paige and Sean Masters on duet narration were phenomenal together.
Sean as Sasha? Chef’s kiss.
That obsessive Russian mafia man energy, the accent, the voice… and that filthy mouth of his? Sir. I was trying to buy my produce in peace.
Alexis absolutely nailed Addy too. Because this woman is a HOT MESS and I adored every second of it.
Addy is forced into community service and ends up corresponding with Sasha, a convicted felon serving life in prison. He’s Russian mafia, she’s a walking overshare with absolutely no filter, and somehow these two become prison pen pals.
Naturally, things escalate.
Because apparently writing letters to a convicted Russian mafia man is the new meet-cute.
I LOVED their letters. The banter, the chemistry, the suggestiveness… and when they finally meet in person?
I was practically fist-pumping.
GET IT, GIRL.
But what really made this book for me was Addy simply being Addy. She has spent so much of her life feeling like she’s “too much,” yet she never stops being herself. And watching Sasha become completely obsessed with this gloriously chaotic woman?
PERFECTION.
His reactions to her were EVERYTHING.
She’s trying to be nice to his men while simultaneously interrupting his operations and he’s basically standing there like…
Yep. That’s my woman. 😂
And the humour?!
I actually laughed out loud listening to this. At one point I was doing my weekly shop and nearly lost my composure completely.
Sean… you know EXACTLY what you did. 🤣
And then there’s the spice…
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
CAROLINA REAPER HOT.
The chemistry, the dirty talk, the way Alexis and Sean brought so much character into those scenes… 🔥
I’ve been told I talk too much in my life, but Addy?
Yeah.
She’s beaten me.
And I’m not even mad about it. 😂
Kyrill was also such a brilliant side character and I absolutely loved his relationship with Addy, so needless to say…
I NEED HIS STORY.
Honestly, if this book can single-handedly bring back the pen-pal resurgence, I’m here for it.
📚 Funny? Absolutely.
🖤 Dark? Yep.
💋 Spicy? Carolina Reaper.
🔪 Stalker vibes? Proximity enthusiasts, assemble.
🎧 Audiobook? Bloody brilliant.
The Joker had me laughing, blushing, clutching my pearls and questioning whether I should ever be allowed to choose my own prison pen pal.
Cool. Cool. Cool. 🤣
Because honestly… this has got to be one of the best stalker books I’ve listened to. And in Addy’s words:
“Cool. Cool. Cool.”
The Joker by Sorena Graves absolutely DELIVERED.
And the audiobook? Bloody brilliant.
Alexis Paige and Sean Masters on duet narration were phenomenal together.
Sean as Sasha? Chef’s kiss.
That obsessive Russian mafia man energy, the accent, the voice… and that filthy mouth of his? Sir. I was trying to buy my produce in peace.
Alexis absolutely nailed Addy too. Because this woman is a HOT MESS and I adored every second of it.
Addy is forced into community service and ends up corresponding with Sasha, a convicted felon serving life in prison. He’s Russian mafia, she’s a walking overshare with absolutely no filter, and somehow these two become prison pen pals.
Naturally, things escalate.
Because apparently writing letters to a convicted Russian mafia man is the new meet-cute.
I LOVED their letters. The banter, the chemistry, the suggestiveness… and when they finally meet in person?
I was practically fist-pumping.
GET IT, GIRL.
But what really made this book for me was Addy simply being Addy. She has spent so much of her life feeling like she’s “too much,” yet she never stops being herself. And watching Sasha become completely obsessed with this gloriously chaotic woman?
PERFECTION.
His reactions to her were EVERYTHING.
She’s trying to be nice to his men while simultaneously interrupting his operations and he’s basically standing there like…
Yep. That’s my woman. 😂
And the humour?!
I actually laughed out loud listening to this. At one point I was doing my weekly shop and nearly lost my composure completely.
Sean… you know EXACTLY what you did. 🤣
And then there’s the spice…
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
CAROLINA REAPER HOT.
The chemistry, the dirty talk, the way Alexis and Sean brought so much character into those scenes… 🔥
I’ve been told I talk too much in my life, but Addy?
Yeah.
She’s beaten me.
And I’m not even mad about it. 😂
Kyrill was also such a brilliant side character and I absolutely loved his relationship with Addy, so needless to say…
I NEED HIS STORY.
Honestly, if this book can single-handedly bring back the pen-pal resurgence, I’m here for it.
📚 Funny? Absolutely.
🖤 Dark? Yep.
💋 Spicy? Carolina Reaper.
🔪 Stalker vibes? Proximity enthusiasts, assemble.
🎧 Audiobook? Bloody brilliant.
The Joker had me laughing, blushing, clutching my pearls and questioning whether I should ever be allowed to choose my own prison pen pal.
Cool. Cool. Cool. 🤣
September 28, 2026
I'm not going to lie, the beginning of the first chapter was an instant hook for me because I looooooooooved getting to know the characters through the letters they wrote to each other. I instantly fell in love with both of them. The prison pen pals-to-lovers trope got me real good!
Alexis Paige is the perfect Addy, with her chirpy, chaotic energy, hilarious sense of humor, and tendency to word-vomit whenever she gets nervous. The way Paige completely immersed herself in the FMC's skin in every situation (and I mean ALL of them) was absolutely hypnotic.
And Sean Masters... well, his deep, breathy voice perfectly conveys Sasha's mix of “don't cross me” and “I am holding the match that will burn the world if I can't have you” energy. And the way he voices the secondary Russian characters?? CHEF'S KISS!!! Kyrill was one of my favorites partly because of this. But yes, overall, Masters's voice has pretty much all my favorite elements in a narrator, so to me, he sounds absolutely perfect.
Both narrators give it everything in this audiobook, and you can hear that commitment in every word. The way they chose to voice the MCs complements the other narrator beautifully, and between the two of them, the flow, banter, and tension practically jump through the headphones. This was definitely an audiobook I would listen to again.
The story offers a fresh perspective on mafia romance, with a twist when it comes to how the MCs meet and, of course, with a FMC like Adelaide involved.
The plot moved along really nicely, alternating between action scenes, shared moments between the characters, and pauses for internal dialogue from the MCs.
I will admit that, as much as I adored Addy's personality, there were moments when she got on my nerves. I had to take a deep breath and trust that Sorena Graves would take me where I needed to go as a listener because, ironically, it was that same personality I adored that occasionally made Addy seem a little immature and had me wanting to yell at her. Thankfully, Sasha is much more patient than I am. LOL!
Overall, this was a great book! I loved the concept, the characters, their dynamics, and the narrators' performances, so I'm really grateful to Sorena Graves and the Blush Audiobook Promotions team for this ALC!
All opinions are my own.
Alexis Paige is the perfect Addy, with her chirpy, chaotic energy, hilarious sense of humor, and tendency to word-vomit whenever she gets nervous. The way Paige completely immersed herself in the FMC's skin in every situation (and I mean ALL of them) was absolutely hypnotic.
And Sean Masters... well, his deep, breathy voice perfectly conveys Sasha's mix of “don't cross me” and “I am holding the match that will burn the world if I can't have you” energy. And the way he voices the secondary Russian characters?? CHEF'S KISS!!! Kyrill was one of my favorites partly because of this. But yes, overall, Masters's voice has pretty much all my favorite elements in a narrator, so to me, he sounds absolutely perfect.
Both narrators give it everything in this audiobook, and you can hear that commitment in every word. The way they chose to voice the MCs complements the other narrator beautifully, and between the two of them, the flow, banter, and tension practically jump through the headphones. This was definitely an audiobook I would listen to again.
The story offers a fresh perspective on mafia romance, with a twist when it comes to how the MCs meet and, of course, with a FMC like Adelaide involved.
The plot moved along really nicely, alternating between action scenes, shared moments between the characters, and pauses for internal dialogue from the MCs.
I will admit that, as much as I adored Addy's personality, there were moments when she got on my nerves. I had to take a deep breath and trust that Sorena Graves would take me where I needed to go as a listener because, ironically, it was that same personality I adored that occasionally made Addy seem a little immature and had me wanting to yell at her. Thankfully, Sasha is much more patient than I am. LOL!
Overall, this was a great book! I loved the concept, the characters, their dynamics, and the narrators' performances, so I'm really grateful to Sorena Graves and the Blush Audiobook Promotions team for this ALC!
All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2026
🎧 Advanced Listener Copy received in exchange for an honest review
⭐ Story: 5/5
🎧 Performance: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 3.5/5
Sean Masters and Alexis Paige absolutely delivered. They captured the emotion, the banter, the chemistry and especially the psychotic, unhinged sides of these characters perfectly.
Sean Masters wasPHENOMENAL as Sasha. The performance suited his character ridiculously well and made all that possessive, obsessive energy hit even harder. 🎧🔥
I absolutely loved this one! The story felt quite different from a lot of the dark romances I’ve read lately, especially because both Addy and Sasha are clearly a little unhinged in their own ways, which made their dynamic so much fun.
They meet as pen pals while Sasha is in prison, and over the space of six months, everything escalates. You could feel the connection between them almost immediately through their letters, even while Addy was desperately trying to convince herself there was nothing there. Also… I genuinely don't know who has the patience to wait for responses by LETTER. 😂 That was commitment on both sides.
Going from strangers to pen pals to lovers to obsessive, touch-her-and-die madness was exactly what I needed from this book. Their banter and chemistry were SO good, and there was just the right amount of humour mixed into all the chaos.
Addy was such a beautiful FMC. She was strong and independent from the beginning, just trying to push through and survive everything life kept throwing at her. But watching her grow the longer she spent with Sasha was one of my favourite parts. She really stepped into her badass era. 😂 She had the brains for survival, and apparently getting through dangerous situations with a little banter works in her favour.
And Sasha… another book boyfriend to add to the list. 🫠
He gave bad-boy energy immediately, and his obsession with Addy started EARLY. Having her followed? Researching everything about her? Deciding that when he escaped, she was going to be part of the plan whether she realised it yet or not? Sir. 🚩😂 His behaviour was incredibly possessive, but underneath all of that, he genuinely cared about her. I loved that he could be gentle with her while still being firm when he knew just how dangerous the life he was bringing her into could be.
My only complaint? I wanted MORE spice. 😂 Their chemistry was so good that I was greedy for it. But what we DID get absolutely delivered. And that scene by the pool? OOF. YES PLEASE. 🥵
Unhinged characters, prison pen pals, obsession, possessiveness, banter, danger and touch her and die energy. I ate this up.
⭐ 5/5 | 🎧 5/5 | 🌶️ 3.5/5
⭐ Story: 5/5
🎧 Performance: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 3.5/5
Sean Masters and Alexis Paige absolutely delivered. They captured the emotion, the banter, the chemistry and especially the psychotic, unhinged sides of these characters perfectly.
Sean Masters wasPHENOMENAL as Sasha. The performance suited his character ridiculously well and made all that possessive, obsessive energy hit even harder. 🎧🔥
I absolutely loved this one! The story felt quite different from a lot of the dark romances I’ve read lately, especially because both Addy and Sasha are clearly a little unhinged in their own ways, which made their dynamic so much fun.
They meet as pen pals while Sasha is in prison, and over the space of six months, everything escalates. You could feel the connection between them almost immediately through their letters, even while Addy was desperately trying to convince herself there was nothing there. Also… I genuinely don't know who has the patience to wait for responses by LETTER. 😂 That was commitment on both sides.
Going from strangers to pen pals to lovers to obsessive, touch-her-and-die madness was exactly what I needed from this book. Their banter and chemistry were SO good, and there was just the right amount of humour mixed into all the chaos.
Addy was such a beautiful FMC. She was strong and independent from the beginning, just trying to push through and survive everything life kept throwing at her. But watching her grow the longer she spent with Sasha was one of my favourite parts. She really stepped into her badass era. 😂 She had the brains for survival, and apparently getting through dangerous situations with a little banter works in her favour.
And Sasha… another book boyfriend to add to the list. 🫠
He gave bad-boy energy immediately, and his obsession with Addy started EARLY. Having her followed? Researching everything about her? Deciding that when he escaped, she was going to be part of the plan whether she realised it yet or not? Sir. 🚩😂 His behaviour was incredibly possessive, but underneath all of that, he genuinely cared about her. I loved that he could be gentle with her while still being firm when he knew just how dangerous the life he was bringing her into could be.
My only complaint? I wanted MORE spice. 😂 Their chemistry was so good that I was greedy for it. But what we DID get absolutely delivered. And that scene by the pool? OOF. YES PLEASE. 🥵
Unhinged characters, prison pen pals, obsession, possessiveness, banter, danger and touch her and die energy. I ate this up.
⭐ 5/5 | 🎧 5/5 | 🌶️ 3.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🃏ALC REVIEW 🃏
The Joker by @sorenagravesauthor
🎧 Narrated by @alexispaigenarrates & @seanmastersaudio
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📅 September 24, 2026
I loved this book from the get-go. 🖤 Addy is independent not because she chose to be, but because life has made her that way. She’s a little chaotic, incredibly kind, completely herself, and just trying to find where she belongs. And watching her slowly find that sense of belonging with Sasha and the people around him was honestly one of my favourite parts of this story. The meet-cute being a prison pen pal was different in the BEST way.
Sasha and Addy’s banter was SO good. She has plenty of sass and absolutely does not just fall at his feet (even though her internal monologue wants to fold like a card), which made their back-and-forth so much fun to read. Sasha is possessive, protective, and very much a “that’s mine” kind of man, but I loved how he also saw the softer parts of Addy underneath all her defenses, and never tried to harden her.
And then there’s Addy herself. 🥹 She has this way of bringing warmth into every room she walks into. Watching these hardened men slowly soften around her, while she’s bringing them treats, making friends, getting involved, and somehow finding herself right in the middle of everything was where she was meant to be. She becomes so much more than Sasha’s love interest, she becomes part of the family and genuinely makes their world feel a little lighter.
There’s plenty happening with the mafia storyline, danger, secrets, kidnapping, rival groups, and all the chaos you could want, but what really made this book for me was the characters. The communication between Sasha and Addy, their chemistry, and the way they fit together felt so natural. Also cannot wait for Kirills story, him and Addys back and forth was funny and sweet.
And the narration by Alexis Paige and Sean Masters was perfect for these characters. I genuinely wouldn’t change a thing. 🖤
Five stars from me. I laughed. Swooned. Kicked my feet. And adored these characters so much. I can’t wait for book 2 of House Of Sinners. 🩶
The Joker by @sorenagravesauthor
🎧 Narrated by @alexispaigenarrates & @seanmastersaudio
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📅 September 24, 2026
I loved this book from the get-go. 🖤 Addy is independent not because she chose to be, but because life has made her that way. She’s a little chaotic, incredibly kind, completely herself, and just trying to find where she belongs. And watching her slowly find that sense of belonging with Sasha and the people around him was honestly one of my favourite parts of this story. The meet-cute being a prison pen pal was different in the BEST way.
Sasha and Addy’s banter was SO good. She has plenty of sass and absolutely does not just fall at his feet (even though her internal monologue wants to fold like a card), which made their back-and-forth so much fun to read. Sasha is possessive, protective, and very much a “that’s mine” kind of man, but I loved how he also saw the softer parts of Addy underneath all her defenses, and never tried to harden her.
And then there’s Addy herself. 🥹 She has this way of bringing warmth into every room she walks into. Watching these hardened men slowly soften around her, while she’s bringing them treats, making friends, getting involved, and somehow finding herself right in the middle of everything was where she was meant to be. She becomes so much more than Sasha’s love interest, she becomes part of the family and genuinely makes their world feel a little lighter.
There’s plenty happening with the mafia storyline, danger, secrets, kidnapping, rival groups, and all the chaos you could want, but what really made this book for me was the characters. The communication between Sasha and Addy, their chemistry, and the way they fit together felt so natural. Also cannot wait for Kirills story, him and Addys back and forth was funny and sweet.
And the narration by Alexis Paige and Sean Masters was perfect for these characters. I genuinely wouldn’t change a thing. 🖤
Five stars from me. I laughed. Swooned. Kicked my feet. And adored these characters so much. I can’t wait for book 2 of House Of Sinners. 🩶
September 27, 2026
This was a lot of fun and I was 50/50 giggling and looking for a fan in those spicy scenes! Alexis Paige and Sean Masters are two of my favourite narrators and they were so good in this! The chemistry is off the charts, not only for the spicy scenes but also with their banter. Paige in particular was a highlight and really made the chaotic Addy endearing. Addy is definitely the sunshine in the relationship but she's not overly sweet and has flaws which made her feel more realistic. Addy is a little all over the place and my heart broke for her when it came to her relationship with her family who held it against her.
Sasha is won over by Addy even before she realises it and he orchestrates the most cooperative kidnapping I have read! Sasha has a lot going on as he tries to cement his bratva role but his priority is always Addy. Sasha isn't your typical stoic mafia mmc but it feels like he probably was before Addy came into his life. Kyrill seems to be constantly holding in a laugh at how Addy has Sasha wrapped around her little finger! Although there is a mafia storyline, it's not really heavy. Addy is dropped into the bratva life with limited female contact but she's just so likeable that I could easily see her winning over the mafia world with her baking!
I am intrigued with that little tease at the end - given the next book is about Kyrill (and I'm assuming his Juliet) I'm wondering if Savannah is going to make an appearance too.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
Sasha is won over by Addy even before she realises it and he orchestrates the most cooperative kidnapping I have read! Sasha has a lot going on as he tries to cement his bratva role but his priority is always Addy. Sasha isn't your typical stoic mafia mmc but it feels like he probably was before Addy came into his life. Kyrill seems to be constantly holding in a laugh at how Addy has Sasha wrapped around her little finger! Although there is a mafia storyline, it's not really heavy. Addy is dropped into the bratva life with limited female contact but she's just so likeable that I could easily see her winning over the mafia world with her baking!
I am intrigued with that little tease at the end - given the next book is about Kyrill (and I'm assuming his Juliet) I'm wondering if Savannah is going to make an appearance too.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
September 24, 2026
Story: 4.5/5 stars
Narration: 5/5 stars
Spice: 3.5-4/5 chili peppers
Thank you Blush Audiobooks for my ALC of The Joker by Sorena Graves! This is Book One in the House of Sinners series and the audiobook is narrated in duet style by Alexis Paige and Sean Masters.
Tons of great things about this book, but the standout for me is the very funny banter… not only between the MCs but with the secondary characters as well. (Side character sidenote: Kyrill is *chef’s kiss* perfection. I love the dynamic between him and Adelaide and their banter made me laugh out loud a couple times.) I think I would have still found the banter very funny if I had read the book first, but Alexis Paige and Sean Masters brought it to life in a way only those two can so I am happy I got to experience it this way. The narrators understood the assignment and executed it so well. Speaking of execution… While this *is* a dark romance, I wouldn’t say it’s overly dark so if you’re looking to dip your toes in or just like the lighter side of dark, then I highly recommend The Joker. As for the spice… Well, it sure do be spicy - which is great - but I also thought it got a bit repetitive and took me out of the moment a couple times. Still hot though *smirk*.
The book is already available on KU and other platforms, and the audiobook is available as of today, Sept 24th. If you enjoy audiobooks, I would encourage you to listen to this one!
Narration: 5/5 stars
Spice: 3.5-4/5 chili peppers
Thank you Blush Audiobooks for my ALC of The Joker by Sorena Graves! This is Book One in the House of Sinners series and the audiobook is narrated in duet style by Alexis Paige and Sean Masters.
Tons of great things about this book, but the standout for me is the very funny banter… not only between the MCs but with the secondary characters as well. (Side character sidenote: Kyrill is *chef’s kiss* perfection. I love the dynamic between him and Adelaide and their banter made me laugh out loud a couple times.) I think I would have still found the banter very funny if I had read the book first, but Alexis Paige and Sean Masters brought it to life in a way only those two can so I am happy I got to experience it this way. The narrators understood the assignment and executed it so well. Speaking of execution… While this *is* a dark romance, I wouldn’t say it’s overly dark so if you’re looking to dip your toes in or just like the lighter side of dark, then I highly recommend The Joker. As for the spice… Well, it sure do be spicy - which is great - but I also thought it got a bit repetitive and took me out of the moment a couple times. Still hot though *smirk*.
The book is already available on KU and other platforms, and the audiobook is available as of today, Sept 24th. If you enjoy audiobooks, I would encourage you to listen to this one!
September 25, 2026
Prison pen pals? Sign me up! Adelaide is assigned community service and has to choose a prisoner to write letters to. Sasha wants his counselor off his back, so he agrees to participate in the program. Boy meets girl. Boy is *immediately* obsessed and begins basically stalking by proxy, while behind bars. Boy escapes prison, takes girl to neutral territory, and they live steamily ever after. The Joker is perfect for lovers of diet dark books (it's mafia, but not super violent or unhinged), grumpy x sunshine, found family, and *plenty* of hot spicy scenes!
Sasha is part of the Bratva family, and thus this story does contain violence and some dark themes. Though he is flawed and makes a few questionable life choices, I truly think that he has a good heart. He is loyal and protective almost to a fault, particularly when it comes to Addy. He falls in love fast and he loves hard.
Addy is a fun character, even though she did have me wanting to smack her a few times for her own life choices. The way that she is constantly finding herself in trouble is honestly pretty funny, and at times made this read like a rom-com. I really enjoyed the dichotomy of Addy and Sasha's personalities, it brought some levity to a mildly dark book. Sasha is the broody mafia man to Addy's unendingly-positive self.
These characters could not have been more fittingly cast. Alexis Paige brings a certain level of naivety to Addy, and she does an excellent job delivering the comedic relief. Sean Masters just has that perfectly deep, broody MMC voice that fits characters like Sasha like a glove.
Sasha is part of the Bratva family, and thus this story does contain violence and some dark themes. Though he is flawed and makes a few questionable life choices, I truly think that he has a good heart. He is loyal and protective almost to a fault, particularly when it comes to Addy. He falls in love fast and he loves hard.
Addy is a fun character, even though she did have me wanting to smack her a few times for her own life choices. The way that she is constantly finding herself in trouble is honestly pretty funny, and at times made this read like a rom-com. I really enjoyed the dichotomy of Addy and Sasha's personalities, it brought some levity to a mildly dark book. Sasha is the broody mafia man to Addy's unendingly-positive self.
These characters could not have been more fittingly cast. Alexis Paige brings a certain level of naivety to Addy, and she does an excellent job delivering the comedic relief. Sean Masters just has that perfectly deep, broody MMC voice that fits characters like Sasha like a glove.
September 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I have yet to read a Serena Graves book that I didn’t love, and somehow every book just keeps getting better.
I LOVED this book the first time I read it, but listening to the audiobook took it to another level.
The banter is perfection, and this book had me laughing so much. You will absolutely fall in love with Sasha, and Addy is so relatable to me because apparently oversharing is my superpower too. 😂
And then there’s the audiobook...Alexis Paige & Sean Masters really brought The Joker to life, their chemistry was thru the roof and I was so there for it. And the dirty talk? Hearing it instead of just reading it definitely hits differently. Let’s just say I’m seriously considering an immersive reread of this one… and if you have a closed bedroom door, I highly recommend doing the same. So.... If you like mafia romance, pen pals, strangers to lovers, forbidden romance, touch her and die, bad boy/good girl, incredible banter, and a whole lot of spice, you need this one.
I have yet to read a Serena Graves book that I didn’t love, and somehow every book just keeps getting better.
I LOVED this book the first time I read it, but listening to the audiobook took it to another level.
The banter is perfection, and this book had me laughing so much. You will absolutely fall in love with Sasha, and Addy is so relatable to me because apparently oversharing is my superpower too. 😂
And then there’s the audiobook...Alexis Paige & Sean Masters really brought The Joker to life, their chemistry was thru the roof and I was so there for it. And the dirty talk? Hearing it instead of just reading it definitely hits differently. Let’s just say I’m seriously considering an immersive reread of this one… and if you have a closed bedroom door, I highly recommend doing the same. So.... If you like mafia romance, pen pals, strangers to lovers, forbidden romance, touch her and die, bad boy/good girl, incredible banter, and a whole lot of spice, you need this one.
September 24, 2026
Just when you think this book couldn’t possibly get any better, Sorena goes and gifts us the AUDIO and my gawddddddd 🔥
I NEED the bloopers. Like, desperately. Because I would love to know how Alexis Paige and Sean Masters made it through recording this book with straight faces. The lines. The scenes. The absolute insanity. 😂 I was full on cackling the entire time.
And these two?! Absolutely nailed these characters. Their inflection, their tone, the emotion behind every line, honestly, they performed this book perfectly. It was exactly how I imagined Sasha and Addy sounding in my head, and hearing them actually brought to life was EVERYTHING.
Getting to relive this book through my ears was an absolute dream. I have genuinely run out of words. Just… WOW. Alexis and Sean, you absolutely understood the assignment and then proceeded to DESTROY it. I’m obsessed.🥵
Thank you @sorenagravesauthor and @blush_audiobooks for the ALC in exchange for my honest review 🫶
I NEED the bloopers. Like, desperately. Because I would love to know how Alexis Paige and Sean Masters made it through recording this book with straight faces. The lines. The scenes. The absolute insanity. 😂 I was full on cackling the entire time.
And these two?! Absolutely nailed these characters. Their inflection, their tone, the emotion behind every line, honestly, they performed this book perfectly. It was exactly how I imagined Sasha and Addy sounding in my head, and hearing them actually brought to life was EVERYTHING.
Getting to relive this book through my ears was an absolute dream. I have genuinely run out of words. Just… WOW. Alexis and Sean, you absolutely understood the assignment and then proceeded to DESTROY it. I’m obsessed.🥵
Thank you @sorenagravesauthor and @blush_audiobooks for the ALC in exchange for my honest review 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
The narration is absolutely phenomenal! Alexis and Sean truly brought Addie and Sasha to life and I couldn’t stop listening to them! The banter was amazing, the spice was even hotter, the suspense was amazing. Addie is even more chaotic and friendly in audio, and Sasha’s obsession and control truly comes through even more. If you love mafia men who pick up their unpredictable sunshine pen pals in the middle of their escape from prison, this is definitely the one for you. I cannot rave enough about it - it’s an experience you just have to live, or read, to truly understand it. Sasha and Addie are just the perfect compliments to each other in EVERY single way. Yes, I do mean EVERY way (IYKYK). Kyrill’s deadpan delivery of his humor and the way Addie befriends literally everyone is just perfect and I can’t wait for more!
September 24, 2026
This audiobook was EVERYTHING! It will definitely be one of my all time favorite audios that I’ve ever listened to.
Alexis Page and Sean Masters truly were phenomenal and brought Addy and Sasha to life. There couldn’t be better narrators for this story. Alexis brought the wit, the chaos and the hilarious personality of Addy to life and I cackled laughing so many times. Sean Masters as Sasha was so good! His growly deep voice made for the perfect Sasha with his possessiveness and unhinged thoughts.
I had the best time listening to this and it made me fall in love with these characters and this story all over again!
What to expect:
Pen Pals
Mafia Romance
Strangers to Lovers
Forbidden
Touch her & d!e
Free Use & Corruption
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Thank you Blush Audiobooks and Sorena Graves for the ALC opportunity!
Alexis Page and Sean Masters truly were phenomenal and brought Addy and Sasha to life. There couldn’t be better narrators for this story. Alexis brought the wit, the chaos and the hilarious personality of Addy to life and I cackled laughing so many times. Sean Masters as Sasha was so good! His growly deep voice made for the perfect Sasha with his possessiveness and unhinged thoughts.
I had the best time listening to this and it made me fall in love with these characters and this story all over again!
What to expect:
Pen Pals
Mafia Romance
Strangers to Lovers
Forbidden
Touch her & d!e
Free Use & Corruption
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Thank you Blush Audiobooks and Sorena Graves for the ALC opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
SASHA && ADDY
I’m obsessed with these two.
Pen pals turned lovers.
Addy has to do community service and chooses to write to a prisoner. She doesn’t know anything about the prisoner she chose except his name and age.
After months of writing back and forth, Sasha decides to take things further and wants more. He decides once he gets free, he will claim what is his.
This dark rom com was exactly what I needed! I LOVED Addy! She was sassy, demanding, and so fun. Literally a favorite FMC for me!
Sasha was dark, obsessed, and stays in control, mostly.
Alexis Paige && Sean Masters were absolutely perfect in this duet narration! I absolutely love them together and it really made this book just that much better! Highly recommend adding this to your TBL!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
SASHA && ADDY
I’m obsessed with these two.
Pen pals turned lovers.
Addy has to do community service and chooses to write to a prisoner. She doesn’t know anything about the prisoner she chose except his name and age.
After months of writing back and forth, Sasha decides to take things further and wants more. He decides once he gets free, he will claim what is his.
This dark rom com was exactly what I needed! I LOVED Addy! She was sassy, demanding, and so fun. Literally a favorite FMC for me!
Sasha was dark, obsessed, and stays in control, mostly.
Alexis Paige && Sean Masters were absolutely perfect in this duet narration! I absolutely love them together and it really made this book just that much better! Highly recommend adding this to your TBL!
September 24, 2026
✨ALC REVIEW✨
Well I absolutely DEVOURED this audio while packing and my God i forgot how much i love Addie and Alexis is absolutely the perfect Addie! She made her character even more so lovable, funny, witty and her banter with Sean Masters is fucken top tier!👏🏽They both did phenomenal in this audio..The talent with both of them is incredible to see and listen to when they switch up to side characters you can easily tell who’s talking! Absolute perfection👏🏽
I love this book when I eyeballed it but with this audio?!100 times better!You seriously need to download this ASAP and immerse it if you can!
Well I absolutely DEVOURED this audio while packing and my God i forgot how much i love Addie and Alexis is absolutely the perfect Addie! She made her character even more so lovable, funny, witty and her banter with Sean Masters is fucken top tier!👏🏽They both did phenomenal in this audio..The talent with both of them is incredible to see and listen to when they switch up to side characters you can easily tell who’s talking! Absolute perfection👏🏽
I love this book when I eyeballed it but with this audio?!100 times better!You seriously need to download this ASAP and immerse it if you can!
September 24, 2026
Listen I already contemplated…for science 🤓… if I needed a prison penpal after reading this book!!! Now hearing Sasha’s voice trying to tempt me more 😅🤣😬 Okay back to my review lol… Y’ALL THIS AUDIO WAS EVERYTHING 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I absolutely love Addy and Sasha so much!! Alexis and Sean did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life 🥰🥰🥰 The banter, the emotions, the well places growls/moans 😏😮💨🫠 Loved it 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 25, 2026
Rating: 5 ⭐️
This narration exceeded my expectations and you could not have asked for better narrators for Addy and Sasha than Alexis Paige and Sean Masters!
I absolutely loved this dark prison pen when I read it several months ago and this has been one of my most anticipated audios of the year! Sorena knocked this book out of the park. The banter is top tier!
**Thank you to the author and Blue Nose audio for an advanced copy of this audio ***
This narration exceeded my expectations and you could not have asked for better narrators for Addy and Sasha than Alexis Paige and Sean Masters!
I absolutely loved this dark prison pen when I read it several months ago and this has been one of my most anticipated audios of the year! Sorena knocked this book out of the park. The banter is top tier!
**Thank you to the author and Blue Nose audio for an advanced copy of this audio ***
Review of advance copy received from Author
I already loved this by Sorena but Alexis and Sean truly brought Addy and Sasha to life. The banter was great. The spice was hot. The plot was intriguing. There were so many times that I literally laughed out loud If you haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for? After you check the triggers, check out the audiobook!
September 29, 2026
The Joker was such a fun, chaotic ride! I wasn’t sure what to expect from a dark romance mixed with a romantic comedy, but it was so much fun. The prison pen-pals trope was really neat, and the banter between Adelaide and Sasha was electric. Addy is hilariously unhinged and relatable, and Sasha is the perfect textbook definition of a dangerous, utterly obsessed MMC. Good times!
September 24, 2026
Well I loved Sasha and Addy the first time! This audio was spectacular!
Sean Masters can do no wrong in my book and he was incredible!
Alexis Paige was magnificent!
I love them so much! This is a must listen!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🥵🥵🥵🥵
Sean Masters can do no wrong in my book and he was incredible!
Alexis Paige was magnificent!
I love them so much! This is a must listen!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🥵🥵🥵🥵
September 25, 2026
Loved Adelaide's and Sasha's banter! Sean Masters and Alexis Paige did an amazing job with their personalities and the voices. The story is well written, it definitely leaves you wanting more. I adored Kyrill's dry humor and how he teased Sasha! I can't wait for his story!
September 18, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥🔥🔥🔥
By Sorena Graves
Book one in the House of Sinners series.
Performed in duet by Alexis Paige & Sean Masters.
I read this book but I forgot how Filthy it was! 🥵🔥
Sasha the MMC is so over the top 0bssesive and p0sessive but also amazing and sweet! Sasha will do ANYTHING for his woman.
Red flags are there but the good out ways the bad, so we are ignoring them!
Addy the FMC, is quirky, funny, and likes to make friends wherever she goes, which drives Sasha mad with jealousy. 🤣
This was funny, spicy, great plot!
The sp!ce in this book is so well written 🔥🔥🫠🫠🫠 The dirty talk is top tier!
Alexis Paige & Sean Masters both did an amazing job!
Mafia boss x Baker
Grumpy x Sunshine
Penpals
Romcom
Banter
Spicy 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Ki-dnapp!ng
Touch her 💀
Found family
Jealous of his men for liking her
Preorder: September 14th
Release Date: September 24th
🔥🔥🔥🔥
By Sorena Graves
Book one in the House of Sinners series.
Performed in duet by Alexis Paige & Sean Masters.
I read this book but I forgot how Filthy it was! 🥵🔥
Sasha the MMC is so over the top 0bssesive and p0sessive but also amazing and sweet! Sasha will do ANYTHING for his woman.
Red flags are there but the good out ways the bad, so we are ignoring them!
Addy the FMC, is quirky, funny, and likes to make friends wherever she goes, which drives Sasha mad with jealousy. 🤣
This was funny, spicy, great plot!
The sp!ce in this book is so well written 🔥🔥🫠🫠🫠 The dirty talk is top tier!
Alexis Paige & Sean Masters both did an amazing job!
Mafia boss x Baker
Grumpy x Sunshine
Penpals
Romcom
Banter
Spicy 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Ki-dnapp!ng
Touch her 💀
Found family
Jealous of his men for liking her
Preorder: September 14th
Release Date: September 24th
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews