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Feel the drama and passion in the Dynasties: Seven Sins series!

The woman he craves is engaged to the man he loathes. But that’s not stopping him…
He’ll do whatever it takes to win this game of love.


Matt Velez has everything a man could want: money, success and his pick of gorgeous women. Well, almost everything. The affections of tantalizingly sexy good girl Emily Arnott remain strictly off-limits—because she’s engaged to Matt’s bitterest rival. Will jealousy consume him…or does Emily hold the secret key to set them both free?

Harlequin Desire: Luxury, scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite.

One man’s betrayal can destroy generations. Fifteen years ago, a hedge-fund hotshot vanished with billions, leaving the high-powered families of Falling Brook changed forever. Now seven heirs, shaped by his betrayal, must reckon with the sins of the past. Passion may be their only path to redemption.

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2020

33 people are currently reading
64 people want to read

About the author

Joss Wood

634 books387 followers
Joss Wood loves books and travelling— especially to the wild places of Southern Africa and, well, anywhere.

She’s a wife, a mom to two teenagers, and is bossed around by two cats and a Great Dane X the size of a baby cow. After a career in local economic development, she now writes full time.


Be sure to follow Joss on BookBub for the latest on my releases https://www.bookbub.com/profile/joss-...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Paula (on hiatus).
875 reviews12 followers
August 9, 2020
Story starts with introduction of Matt & Emily six years prior in which drunk Emily attempts to flirt & have a ONS with Matt who turns her down and goes and hooks up with OW.

From that point on, I struggled to finish because in my romances, I do not need Hero having sex (even off page) with someone other then heroine. The fact that he is a major Manwhore who has ONS and flings was a huge turnoff as well. Even in the present once he reconnects with heroine, he is still looking for hook ups such as a line in which he stated that had he not run into Emily, he would have totally taken the OW offer of hot sex. That in my book is not a Hero I can route for if he can't keep it in his pants. It does not make me believe in HEA and him not cheating on her at some point in the future or him having STD and lot's of children out there with plenty OW.....

The rest of the story unfortunately did not get better for me I am sad to say.
Profile Image for Lisa (Remarkablylisa).
2,532 reviews1,815 followers
October 19, 2020
This one pretty GOOD. it's a second chance romance between our heroine who got rejected by our hero a few years ago and them reuniting a few years afterwards. Both come from unsupportive and bad childhoods so they're pretty damaged from it. When our heroine is engaged to our hero's enemy, he does whatever it takes to stop the marriage and seduce our heroine. It's dramatic. There's some action. And the whole groveling and declaration of love was cheesy but fantastic. This would be my second favourite so far but very close to my favourite.
Profile Image for Steph's Romance Book Talk.
2,868 reviews1,399 followers
December 6, 2020
4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

The fifth book in the Seven Sins Dynasty series shows how the Black Cresent Scandal affected Emily and Matt. Emily is the town princess, and Matt is the older guy and contender to take over Black Cresent as the CEO.

Video review available in Week 47: Nov 15 – Nov 21 weekly book reviews.

For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,636 reviews267 followers
September 4, 2020
Reckless Envy by Joss Wood is a sexy, second chance/enemies to lovers romance and the fifth book in the Dynasties: Seven Sins series. The series revolves around the Black Crescent investment company whose founder, Vernon Lowell, scammed local families out of millions several years ago and the impact it’s had on the people of Falling Brook.

Several years earlier, Emily Arnott had shyly approached Matt Velez at a country club and he had brushed her off, telling her she wasn’t his type (then turned around and danced with a woman who looked a lot like her). Now she’s engaged to an ex-colleague of Matt’s – and he can’t stand it. Little does Emily know that Matt has actually been very attracted to her for years but at the time she’d approached him had been well aware of his playboy reputation and her innocent one, and hadn’t wanted to spoil hers. Now though, he’s determined to figure out why she would marry someone as obnoxious as Nico. There must be something more there, and Matt is determined to find out what it is. But will Emily be willing to give him a second chance?

I enjoyed this sexy continuation to the Seven Sins series! The link to the Black Crescent company is two fold; Emily’s father lost everything when Vernon Lowell stole their money and he’s had to bring his own business up to scratch again. He’s very protective of his reputation now, and Emily is protective of him so she’s made some decisions that are for the best for that reputation, but not necessarily the best for her personally. As for Matt, he’s vying for the CEO job at Black Crescent now that Joshua Lowell is stepping down (his story starts the series with Ruthless Pride by Naima Smone). In truth Matt doesn’t care so much about whether he gets the job, he just wants to use the offer as leverage for his own current position. Ties to the town and the company are the link in the series and I enjoyed the plot here.

Emily finds that Matt is different than she thought when she lets him get close to her again, even though she knows that she should be careful around him. He has to make up for his previous acts. Emily’s feeling for Matt deepen and they share some sexy love scenes, making it clear to Matt that her engagement is not as it seems. I liked how the plot progresses and how they resolve all the issues, leading to Matt and Emily getting their happy ending. I’ve been enjoying this series and look forward to the next one!

This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-re...

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.
Profile Image for Crystal.
Author 75 books427 followers
September 10, 2020
Matt and Emily’s book is a second chance with a twist! I loved how she made him work for it, and he was willing to do what it took to get the chance to romance her! A great continuation of the main story as well!
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,629 reviews378 followers
May 29, 2021
Reckless Envy was an excellent read featuring an amazing romance with an interesting plot.

Six years ago Matt Velez turned down Emily Arnott after he realized she was the woman who he would change everything for. But now that Emily is engaged to Matt's rival, a man wholly unworthy of Emily, Matt finds himself back in her life. Convinced something sinister is at play, Matt tries to help Emily out of her situation while trying not to fall for her in the meantime.

Emily and Matt's relationship gets off to a bit of a slow start as Emily still harbors resentment for the way Matt rejected her six years ago. To be honest, I can understand why Emily would still be upset as despite knowing why Matt rejected her, he was a jerk in the way he went about it. Plus with Emily engaged to a man she despises due to him blackmailing her, she doesn't have the energy to deal with Matt at first. I will say I liked how Matt was determined to help Emily even before he knew what was going on and I liked the trust the two built up. I do think it took Emily too long to tell Matt about the blackmailing and I wish it had happened a bit sooner in the story. Overall I liked the way the blackmail plot was wrapped up and I was happy to see the man get his comeuppance. In regards to Emily and Matt's romance, I really enjoyed it and thought their chemistry was fantastic. The pair's physical relationship is steamy with some fantastic scenes throughout the book. With trust issues due to their pasts, the two can be a bit slow to open up to each other but that did ultimately lead to a great scene at the end of the book where they did just that.

Reckless Envy is the fifth book in the Dynasties: Seven Sins series which follows seven heirs dealing with the repercussions of a theft fifteen years ago by a hedge-fund manager that affected their families in different ways. In this installment, the heroine's father was a victim of the theft and her mother left the family as a result. Characters from the other books in the series appear in this one, but the book works well as a standalone. Reading the other books would give you more background on the hedge-fund theft, plus you'd get to see the side characters' romances, but it is in no way a requirement to read them in order to understand this book.

Overall I really enjoyed Reckless Envy and I definitely want to check out the other books in the series.

**I received an advance copy of this book from the author via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.**
253 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2021
I love when characters work through issues that shouldn't have kept them apart in the first place.
Profile Image for Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews).
1,475 reviews142 followers
October 4, 2020
Fifteen years ago, investment fund manager Vernon Lowell stole millions from his family and clients and disappeared. The Dynasties: Seven Sins series chronicles seven heirs showcasing what they went through as teenagers, as a result of their families losing their fortunes, and who they are today.

Reckless Envy is the fifth book in the series and Joss Wood did a wonderful job of catching readers up on what has happened in the previous books, thus making this a standalone read.

In Ruthless Pride written by Naima Simone, Joshua Lowell found love and decided to follow his true passion. This meant stepping down as CEO and leaving Black Crescent Hedge Fund, the company his father founded and stole from. Matt Velez was once Falling Brook’s resident bad boy. After single handedly turning his life around, he is now CEO of Manhattan-based MJR Investing. Matt is one of three candidates seeking to become the new CEO of Black Crescent. After the Black Crescent scandal, Emily Arnott’s mother left the family, causing her father to become distant and lose himself to depression. He put all of his time and energy into rebuilding his own investment firm and had nothing to give to his children. At a young age, Emily had to assume adult responsibilities and look after herself and her older brother who has special needs, all the while pretending she was fine.

Emily has the appearance of an angel, and her actions lead her to have the reputation of being Falling Brook’s golden girl. Six years ago, at the age of twenty-one, Emily wanted to get rid of the good girl image by going after Matt, who turned her down. Now the two cross paths and Matt realized his attraction to Emily hasn’t faded one bit. This time, Emily isn’t throwing herself at Matt’s feet. Matt soon discovers Emily is engaged to Nico Morris, his former business colleague, and archrival. Matt knows Emily is too good for the guy and he’s sure that something is off with their relationship.

I loved Matt and Emily, as well as the story of Reckless Envy. These two are very different people but have a lot in common. They are caring and passionate, but also loyal and protective. Each is afraid of what they feel for the other. Matt is a man who likes to be in control. Emily has a way of keeping him off balance. The banter between these two is fun to witness. It’s really hard to not root for them to end up together. I loved the ending. And speaking of endings...a major bombshell is dropped that I didn’t see coming.


~ Favorite Quotes ~

“We can’t move forward until we address the past.”

**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. I also personally purchased a paperback copy.**
2,750 reviews128 followers
August 18, 2020
Reckless Envy by Joss Wood is the fifth in the multi-author continuity series from the Harlequin Desire imprint. Matteo Velez and Emily Arnott are known as the bad boy and the good girl. Matt is a few years ahead and well-versed in his role as one who loves-em-and-leaves-em-satisfied, while the town tends to view Emily just short of wearing a halo. That vast divide is what has Matt turning down Emily’s shy approach, although his intense desire to pursue it has him using unnecessary cruelty as he refuses.

Years later the spark of attraction hasn’t dimmed for either of them, but Emily’s not interested in throwing herself at someone who doesn’t want her a second time. Plus there is the matter of her unwanted, blackmailing fiancé...

Matteo has always wanted Emily, but he recognizes how unsuitable he is for her. She’s getting married but he can tell she isn’t exactly excited. He intends to find out what is driving her, and if that means a little time in her presence, he’ll enjoy every second...

Joss Wood’s second chance story is a delicious fantasy come true, with well written characters and a page turning plot. Emily satisfies as a woman who knows what she wants and works hard for it. And Matteo is equally appealing. So much fun to see them prevail this time in this terrific read.
Profile Image for Jenica.
1,466 reviews46 followers
September 1, 2020
This was such an interesting book that took me by surprise the way I wound up enjoying it. I picked this up because it's in the Seven Sins series, which I've been really enjoying, and I read the premise and was kind of like, "wait, what?" I was not sure it was going to work for me at all, but you know, it did!

Essentially, this book is about Emily Arnott being blackmailed into marrying this bad guy. She's had a crush on Matt Valez for quite some time and he's finally done resisting her. Why? I'm not 100% sure that his reasoning exists, but he is done, only now she's engaged. So Matt's trying to figure out why she is with this guy, who is terrible, and he has this vague idea something is definitely wrong because it doesn't make any sense for Emily to be with him. There is cheating, if you consider a blackmailed into it arrangement to be something where you can cheat on someone.

While I never fully felt like I understood Matt's motivations for pursuing Emily, I did really like Emily herself. Honestly this book felt a little bit like an over the top episode of like, The O.C., and I was here for it. There were definitely things that irked me, like this obnoxious emphasis of everyone thinking Emily is like an angel. But I liked that Matt wound up calling her an imp. All in all, I enjoyed this one and will definitely pick up other books from Joss Wood in the future!

Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for the review copy!
3,714 reviews42 followers
July 24, 2020


Emily was at The Falling Brook Country Club with her friend Gina to see in the new year but when she tried flirting with someone it all fell flat leaving her feeling lost, alone and undesirable. Matt watched Emily as he was dancing, he thought that she was beautiful but innocent and that is why he turned her down when she flirted with him also that was not what he was looking for as he only did one night stands and did not do commitment. Years later and Matt and Emily are in each others company again and neither can deny the chemistry between them but Emily has a secret and only her best friend Gina knows about it and they are both trying to find a way to get Emily out of it. Will Matt and Emily get a chance to be together or are there evil forces keeping them apart. Omg I love this book so much as it is a real page turner and so addictive and I couldn't put it down. Joss Wood is an amazing author and writer and I have read many of her books and I have loved every single one.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,524 reviews46 followers
September 1, 2020
4 1/2 STARS!

Decadently irresistible! With book five in the Dynasties: Seven Sins series Joss Wood brings the heat in RECKLESS ENVY and it's sure to please fans of the series. We're quickly thrust into a story of unrequited lust with a twist as the town bad boy returns and plans to right a wrong. I enjoyed the ups and downs of their story as well as the subterfuge that was uncovered. Fans of the series are in for a shocker at the end!

Matt Velez is endearing. He overcame the reputation he worked hard to give himself as an angry teen to become a highly successful businessman in his own right. Now interviewing for the elusive CEO position at Black Crescent, he reconnects with the dashing damsel he's never forgotten.

Emily Arnott is easy to like. She can't deny she's still attracted to Matt, but she's in the middle of a family crisis and finds herself engaged to his nemesis instead. Awkward!

I highly recommend this book as well as the series as a whole to anyone who loves a drama-filled read filled with strong characters, angst ridden scenarios and lots of lust filled moments.
Profile Image for Jess Holden .
560 reviews10 followers
September 19, 2020
Reckless Envy by Joss Wood is the fifth book in the dynasties Seven Sins series. I thoroughly enjoyed Wood's work with Matt and Emily. You might say you run into a bit of a love triangle if you can you call what this trio shares as love.

Matt is inline for the CEO position of Black Crescent but it's just to help make his portfolio a little thicker. He wants his current company to keep him on and feels an offer from somewhere else will help entice his current board. While in town to pursue this opportunity with Black Crescent he runs across the woman that got away. He won't let that happen again and taking her off the arm of his enemy makes it even sweeter.

Emily will not be so easily ran over. She is being black mailed by her current fiance and the man who taught her everything about being rejected walks back into the scenes at this exact timing is to much of a coincidence. Does Matt really want her or is he just trying to out do Nick?
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,735 reviews29 followers
August 26, 2020
Matt and Emily are drawn to each other like magnets and no matter how much both of them know they should stay away well good luck with that! I hated how Emily was boxed into a corner by Nico who is such a smarmy creep and you just want to kick him in the nads, but he is dangerous as well as so you know Emily has to be smart about things and trust is a big issue for her. Matt's frustration is understandable however he hasn't helped him self in regards to Emily's perception of him or distrust so you just don't know if or when she will finally trust him enough as she needs his help. There are some good laughs, tension, hope, undeniable attraction and a bad guy who needs to be brought down a peg or two!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
September 6, 2020
Emily has never forgotten the embarrassment she felt when the man she had been attracted to rebuffed her inexperienced attempts at flirtation in the most painful way possible. It is only when she now finds herself engaged to his rival that he shows any interest in her.

Matt has always been attracted to her, but he believed that she deserved better than a man with his reputation when it came to women. He knows that there is more to her engagement than she is sharing, and he is determined to not only uncover the truth but to show her that the only person she belongs with is him.

There is no denying the chemistry and connection between them. Matt has always wanted what he believed was best for Emily and now that he realizes that it is him he will need to use all his powers of persuasion as she isn’t about to just forgive and forget the past.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
Author 5 books111 followers
November 13, 2020
**FULL REVIEW**

"Jealousy and envy might've been hi initial motivation when he'd first found out about her engagement; he couldn't tolerate the thought of Morris having someone he so desperately wanted."

Another installment in the Dynasties Series and it did not disappoint. I mean, who doesn't love a competitive alpha male after a strong-willed woman who gives him all the sass...it pays off in big rewards.

Just like the other books in this series, this focuses on one of the seven deadly sins; Wood does a great job of making sure we know exactly which one our hero experiences and believe it or not, even some of our side characters too.

Enjoyable and quick to read, love scenes exactly as you'd expect from a Harlequin novel. I look forward to the next one.

**3.5 Want What You Can't Have, Stars
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
July 26, 2020
Bright heavens, this pair! They’re kind of a second chance romance, a little bit enemies to lovers, and all angst and steam. Both Emily and Matt have been broken by the ways their families treated them. Emily still believes in the fairy tale, but Matt’s sure happily ever after will never work out for him. I really enjoyed watching this couple as they got to know more about one another than the polite social masks. Emily is so dedicated to her family and Matt has so much drive and determination. Are they the solution to each other’s problems or only a bigger mess to clean up after?
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
1,901 reviews9 followers
August 26, 2020
Absolutely loved this book in the Dynasties Seven Sins Series!
Joss draws you right in to a rematch of attraction that can’t be denied between Matt and Emily, now that Emily is older and despite Emily being recently engaged to Matt’s enemy. Both Matt and Emily have pasts that make them want to avoid relationships, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Will Matt figure our what his enemy’s hold over Emily is before it’s too late? You have to read to find out and won’t put the book down until you turn the last page!
6,140 reviews17 followers
August 26, 2020
Seven writers team up to write "Seven Sins". These stories are about a one man's betrayal and seven lives that were shaped by that scandal. This one is Matt and Emily's story. This is an intriguing story that I could not put down. I love the characters and how their story develops. The bad boy meets the good girl she turns on the charm and he rejects her. Fast forward a few years and she is engaged to his archenemy.. This is a nicely developed story. I really love the characters. I definitely plan to pick up the other "Seven Sins" stories.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
August 25, 2020
I am enjoying the stories in this series. Even though I haven't read them all, you don't need to to understand the main plot. In this one, I had a hard time liking Matt. He does some things that don't make sense and aren't mature. I know he wants Emily but how he goes about it at the beginning, was cruel. Anyway, I did enjoy the story and could feel their chemistry once they reconnect. It's a slow burn with some drama and angst that had me on the edge of my seat.
Profile Image for CaroMommie.
668 reviews8 followers
August 9, 2020
This was so gooood. Matt and Emily make for a beautifully complicated couple. Their past plus present makes for a dramatic situation that burns hot and then engulfs you.

The mystery and intrigue pull you in and you’re held hostage till the very last syllable, and I looooved it! This book is a wonderful read and worth all of your time.
10.8k reviews125 followers
August 28, 2020
This is the 4th book I've read written by Joss Wood; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lorie.
243 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2022
Matt and Emily live in Falling Brook. They fall in love, but Emily is engaged to Nico. She is being blackmailed into marrying him and doesn't know how to fix it. Matt used to work with Nico and knows he is bad and can't figure out why she is with him. He finds out about the blackmailing and helps her even though she doesn't want his help. It was a good story.
5,450 reviews32 followers
July 25, 2020
The story line was good, the character work was terrific and the book had a smooth flow to it. This was an entertaining read and another great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathy Mccalmon.
3,721 reviews28 followers
July 28, 2020
This is book 5 in the dynasties seven sins series. This is Matt and Emily story. The story has Passion drama conflict jealousy and twists.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,939 reviews31 followers
August 25, 2020
Enjoyed this complicated passionate romance with good girl Emily and playboy Matt. They have a rather love/hate relationship as he turned her down years ago which crushed her but now he wants her. The think I did not like is his playboys ways but he did really seem to care for Emily and she him.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
2,952 reviews48 followers
September 5, 2020
Entertaining read. Good dialogue and situations to keep you turning to the next page. Great characters and story that keeps you hooked until the last page! Real page turner. Good read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
900 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Emily is a determined, strong independent woman who ends up being blackmailed into marriage. A marriage she definitely does not want. Matt was intrigued by Emily when he met her previously, but now has the chance to be with her. They work as a team, and end up HEA.
Profile Image for CaroMommie.
668 reviews8 followers
September 1, 2020
I so enjoyed this book. Emily is my Shero and she gave Matt a run for his brooding money 🙂. The tension and pull in this story is so deliciously good.

The supporting cast was a treat as well, they brought the imfun to keep the flow of tale wonderfully engaging.

I recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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