Serving Sin

Filthy Rich #3

by Angelina M. Lopez

Thirteen years ago, decorated former-Army Ranger Roman Sheppard rescued Mexican heiress Cenobia Trujillo from a shocking kidnapping that riveted the world.

In the years since, Roman’s risen from his humble Texas He is now the head of an elite security firm and the reluctant half-prince of a glamorous wine-growing Spanish kingdom.

And today, Cenobia--"Cen"--is finally in the CEO role she’s trained for her whole life. But serious, growing threats against her are derailing a product launch that will change the Mexican industrial landscape forever. She’s done the hard work to recover from her kidnapping, but therapy has't changed the fact that Roman Sheppard will forever represent safety in her mind.

He's the only one she can trust.

And his coming to Mexico will allow Cenobia to finally figure out if what she feels is a teenager’s daydream or a grown woman’s reality...

But there’s a reason Roman has stayed a continent away. His mission is to save people. And nothing--not duty to family, not the mistakes of his past, and certainly not love--is going to get in his way.

He'll go to Mexico. He'll help Cen. He'll keep her safe.

What he won't allow himself to do?

Desire Cenobia Trujillo. He won’t allow her to become his sweet Cen.

Filthy Rich

Book 1: Lush Money
Book 2: Hate Crush
Book 3: Serving Sin

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Romantic Suspense, Billionaires, Audiobook

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2021

About the author

When my kindergarten teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up, I wrote "arthur." Since then, I've been a journalist for an acclaimed city newspaper, a freelance magazine writer, and a content marketer for small businesses. And I learned how to spell the word “author” correctly.

I write sexy stories about fierce women and the men lucky to fall in love with them. I’m a lifelong romance reader and fan, and a champion of the concept that good art doesn’t have to make you feel bad. Romance writers are re-writing the script about the meaningfulness of pleasure, joy, escapism, and fantasy in art, and I’m proud and honored to be part of that movement, a movement led primarily by women, for women.

Unfortunately and for too long, women who looked like me writing characters of color didn’t get a seat at the table. Today’s romance authors are changing that. I like to say I write adult fairytales when I’m discussing the escapism and over-the-top bonkersness of my books. But my belief that people of color deserve to be the recipients of joy, pleasure, fantasy and happily ever afters is very, very real.

The fact that my parents own a vineyard certainly seems fairytale like. I can’t promise I will always write about wine like I did in my first series. But my Instagram seems to showcase that pleasure of the moments — wine, cocktails, food, fun, family, friends, Supernatural — will always be part of what I deliver.

My first two books Lush Money -- named a Top 10 romance debut of 2020 -- and Hate Crush received rave reviews from Entertainment Weekly, NPR, and Booklist.

My first book in a new high-heat, small town, Latinx series, After Hours on Milagro Street, will be available July 2022.

You can find more about me at my website, AngelinaMLopez.com and at @AngelinaMLo on Twitter.

Reviews

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

In Serving Sin, we learn more about Ronan, who started as the mysterious Special Forces soldier, secret heir to the kingdom, and brother of the King. Ronan saved Cenobia from kidnapping when she was young, and now she is slated to take over her family empire. She needs Ronan again. Secrets are revealed, corporate espionage twists, and high action.

My only issue is that there is much Spanish incorporated into the storyline, and I cannot wait to hear the audiobook to understand better.

Video review available in Week 19: May 9 – May 15, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

All I gotta say is Ms. Lopez knows how to end a series on the right note. Cen and Roman have quickly become my favorite couple of the series, and I don't say that lightly. Their UST was fuego, their Firsts combustible (pussy charming runs in the familia!), and the way their individual journeys wrapped up was satisfying. There's some twists and turns were just enough to keep me turning the page, but not so much that it really went into melodrama territory. I truly enjoyed this series, and this book, and I don't hesitate to recommend it.

**ARC provided for review**

[Katie McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Posting full review 5/26 as submitted to NetGalley prior to release
Serving Sin is Angelina M. Lopez's third and final book in her Filthy Rich series. She concludes with the reluctant half sibling to Mateo & Sofia, Roman Shepperd, Army Ranger, security specialist, and rescuer of Mexican heiress, Cenobia Trujillo.
This book takes place 10 years after the events of book 1, and while it took me a minute to wrap my head around the time leap, I thought it added something special to the story since we got to see Mateo & Roxanne with their twins, and Sofia & Aish, completely besotted and hopelessly in love.
Cenobia (Cen) is in danger again. 13 years after her kidnapping, where Roman saved & rescued her. She comes back into his life in the most shocking way. Cen has been hiding a secret - she's been pining for Roman from afar for most of her adult life, and she has no idea... that Roman has been doing the same thing.

To me, this story read as more of a Romantic Suspense then just straight romance because of the hostile takeover of Cen's company (her father's company, where she's interim CEO), the attacks on her eco friendly, affordable new car, the attacks to her family... but make no mistake. There is plenty of romance. Something I've learned to expect from Ms. Lopez, is her strong as HELL female leads, and the men who completely and wholeheartedly admire them without holding them back. Cen knows what she wants. It's taken her a lot of years, a lot of counseling and therapy, and Roman coming back into her life in a big way for her to realize, but she's not willing to give up. Roman grapples with a lot of guilt over the mistakes he made in his life and is convinced that he will be no good for Cen and her little family. Cen makes it her personal mission to show him he's wrong.

I loved seeing Roman's siblings, getting to know the fiercely loyal cast of players in Roman & Cen's camps. I had expected some twists and turns but they didn't take me out of the book at all. And I was exceptionally pleased to learn that who was sabotaging them, wasn't what my fears had been.

As I mentioned before, Cen was kidnapped, prior to any of the stories actually occurring, but it's mentioned a lot in the book, and I need to CW rape. Of course not by the hero, but it is brought up quite a bit. Gunfire, break-ins, happen as well. But I think Ms. Lopez did an amazing job with the way she handled Cen's rape. It doesn't occur on the page but this story is also filled with a lot of pro-therapy, pro-counseling and self awareness from our heroine.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It absolutely was not what I had expected, but I couldn't put it down, the story was so compelling. I love Ms. Lopez's heroines so much, her great heroes are truly an added bonus. I am honestly truly sad to say goodbye to these beautiful characters, and to the Monte <3
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book - I will publish my full review closer to the pub date. This one felt more romantic suspense than straight romance, and while I wasn’t expecting it, I still really enjoyed it.

I want to mention some CW’s though for anyone who has enjoyed this series so far and wants to read the final book, or anyone who is simply curious!
CW: Past sexual assault, PTSD, kidnapping, gunfire, strong misogyny (from others, not the hero or heroine or anyone who cares about them). And one thing that didn’t surprise me (but didn’t take me out of the story at all) When Cen was raped during her kidnapping by one of her attackers, she became pregnant, and her father has been raising him as his own, as her brother.

Many thanks to the author, Carina Press, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Sandy N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all about the story, the connection, the emotional roller-coaster. The sex in secondary and that suits this story development just fine. I really enjoyed it. It was very different from the first two books. Cen knew she wanted Roman from the get go. It was so sweet to read their evolution. It's really fast paced. There's a lot of trials and tribulations here but it was worth it at the end. I'm a big fan of this author now. All the characters from the other books are very present on this one. This is a keeper.

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC on my own voluption. Thanks the publisher via Netgalley.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman and Cen are magnificent. I love the backstory of him saving her, and how strong and brilliant she is. I guessed the twists, but it didn’t dampen my enjoyment at all. This entire series is just magnificent and their love story was a perfect addition to it!

[WhenDoTheyKiss? · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in the Filthy Rich series had everything I wanted: romantic suspense, a strong Latina heroine, super hott love scenes, and a happy wrap-up for all of the couples.

(CW: description of sexual assault, PTSD)

Roman Sheppard and Cenobia Trujillo met when he saved her from kidnappers. Thirteen-years later, she’s the CEO of her family’s auto company, and the reason behind a generous loan that helped his kingdom survive.
Now, she needs protection again and only wants Roman as her personal security. Their forced-proximity becomes a push and pull of Roman using all of his self-control to resist Cen, who tempts him with just a look.

These two were hott! Cen completes the trio of badass women in this series, and I could see overlaps with Roxanne’s and Sofia’s characters as well. Roman is an Alpha Roll ™ who is commanding and sweet. I saw glimpses of that in the first and second books, and I’m so glad he got his own story.

There’s so much mutual pining! Both have yearned for each other but don’t know it, and once they give in, it’s the sexiest slow burn of building up trust between them for Cenobia to be comfortable with physical intimacy again.

The end of a series is always bittersweet for me but I look forward to reading more of Angelina’s books in the future. These characters that have become some of my favorites, and she’s an auto-buy author for me now.

💓 forced-proximity
💓slow burn
💓 Latina heroine
🔥high steam
😘 chapter 11

ARC provided by the author (thank you!) and Netgalley in exchange for a review.
On sale May 25, preorder now.

[Smut Report]

Heat Factor: Frequently interrupted, so there’s lots of foreplay, but full penetration doesn’t happen til the very end. It must be noted that Lopez’s sex writing is top-notch.
Character Chemistry: Is there a grade higher than A+?
Plot: I must protect you! / I am a powerful woman, but I accept your protection.
Overall: A satisfying end to the series

A central theme of the Filthy Rich trilogy is the misogynistic bullshit that powerful women face from their underlings and competitors, but Cenobia Trujillo probably “wins” this one. She’s a young, female CEO of a Mexican car company; even her father seems to doubt her, as he continues to encourage her to take a less active role in the family company so she can settle down and have some babies. Cen has some major obstacles in her way as she works to launch a Mexican-made hybrid car, so the last thing she needs is a scary and credible threat against her life.

Enter Roman. Roman owns a security company and is very very good at his job. He also happens to already know Cen, because he rescued her when she was kidnapped thirteen years earlier.

Let me pause here. In another writer’s hands, there is huge potential for some serious ick-factor in Cen and Roman’s relationship. She was kidnapped as a teenager and he rescued her. She therefore has a serious case of hero worship going on. However, Lopez deftly navigates the fraught dynamic of Roman is the only person Cen feels safe with, while also demonstrating that they are developing a new relationship as equals. It helps that Cen is a major boss and that Roman recognizes that fact.

But on with the plot! This is by far the most “suspense-y” of the trilogy, in that the mystery and action is integral to the story. Roman guards Cen, but tries to keep his distance, but then the threat is elevated, which throws them into closer proximity. And, of course, as a classic damaged warrior type, Roman can’t love because of a promise he made and his tragic past. I generally have little patience for brooding alpha heroes who are simultaneously up in their feelings and completely emotionally constipated, but Roman and Cen do have a great dynamic and the mystery of who is targeting her keeps the forward momentum going.

Also of note: there are lots of descriptions of clothing in this book. I could always picture exactly how the characters were put together. Roman’s clothes are perhaps described in even more exquisite detail than Cen’s, which felt like a nice little role reversal.

I will say that I’m not sure that this book entirely stands alone. The final third of the book takes place in the Monte, i.e. the Imaginary Benevolent Monarchy ruled by Roman’s half-brother and half-sister. A lot of the processing he does to get to true love while there relies on him referring back to their journeys, so those who are jumping into the trilogy now may find these bits confusing or not just not that meaningful.

Overall? This was a hot, propulsive read and a satisfying conclusion to the series.

Content note: Cen was raped during her kidnapping, and the characters do discuss her experience.



I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As all of the books in this trilogy have been, Serving Sin is wonderfully soapy (that's a compliment in my book) and fun and sexy, though this one has a touch more angst to it (CW for past sexual assault, kidnapping, PTSD) than the other two. I loved Cen, who, like Lopez's other heroines, is a brilliant badass. I liked Roman a lot--not quite an alpha, not quite a cinnamon roll, but strong and protective and gentle and careful with Cen. The thing I didn't like about Roman was him not calling Cen by the name she wanted him to call her, especially when she insisted on it, just because her name sounds like "sin."

The one thing that I didn't feel worked with Roman's character was his getting involved with Cen while she was still his client. For a man who prides himself on his professionalism and dedication to the case, I felt like he would have tried to fight those impulses harder, if only to remain objective to keep her safe.

Serving Sin is a fabulous end to this trilogy! Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Contemporary Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Miniseries
Filthy Rich (Book #3)

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: past: rape, kidnapping; present: death threats, bullet wounds, ptsd

This is soapy and dramatic (I cried at the end) but I absolutely loved that Lopez repeated many times how much work Cenobia and Roman had done and were still doing to manage and overcome their past traumas. When something big is revealed about Cenobia and her younger brother, she makes sure to bring in a family counselor to help them all through it together.
This kind of care is not often present or emphasized in romance, especially notable given how many veterans, former foster children and assault victims are in these stories.

It’s also a good book. :)

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously steamy. Tough hero who’s also respectful of women. This was my first book from this author but it won’t be my last.

[Anadosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the years since, Roman’s risen from his humble Texas roots: He is now the head of an elite security firm and the reluctant half-prince of a glamorous wine-growing Spanish kingdom.And today, Cenobia is finally in the CEO role she’s trained for her whole life. But serious, growing threats against her are derailing a product launch that will change the Mexican industrial landscape forever. When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Angelina is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

[ProcrastinateWithReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cen and Roman are just as steamy as the couples in Lush Money and Hate Crush. I was worried about their age difference (he rescued her when she was 18 and he was 26? 27?) but while it was briefly acknowledged, the story takes place when both characters are in their 30s. I loved reading a romance set in Mexico and having another strong female lead from this author. The twists weren't surprises to me, but I enjoyed the way they were presented in the book. I highly recommend this entire series.

[WhenDoTheyKiss? · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in the Filthy Rich series had everything I wanted: romantic suspense, a strong Latina heroine, super hott love scenes, and a happy wrap-up for all of the couples.

(CW: description of sexual assault, PTSD)

Roman Sheppard and Cenobia Trujillo met when he saved her from kidnappers. Thirteen-years later, she’s the CEO of her family’s auto company, and the reason behind a generous loan that helped his kingdom survive.
Now, she needs protection again and only wants Roman as her personal security. Their forced-proximity becomes a push and pull of Roman using all of his self-control to resist Cen, who tempts him with just a look.

These two were hott! Cen completes the trio of badass women in this series, and I could see overlaps with Roxanne’s and Sofia’s characters as well. Roman is an Alpha Roll ™ who is commanding and sweet. I saw glimpses of that in the first and second books, and I’m so glad he got his own story.

There’s so much mutual pining! Both have yearned for each other but don’t know it, and once they give in, it’s the sexiest slow burn of building up trust between them for Cenobia to be comfortable with physical intimacy again.

The end of a series is always bittersweet for me but I look forward to reading more of Angelina’s books in the future. These characters that have become some of my favorites, and she’s an auto-buy author for me now.

💓 forced-proximity
💓slow burn
💓 Latina heroine
🔥high steam
😘 chapter 11

[Jenica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serving Sin is my favorite book of the Filthy Rich series, which is saying something because I really enjoyed the other two books too. But Cenobia is probably one of my favorite characters I've read this year. She's written in a way that feels so nuanced and I just love how she channeled her trauma and her passions into her life. (Because of that trauma though, this book has content warnings associated with kidnapping and sexual assault. And actually, intimate partner violence.) I also really enjoyed her relationship with Roman, who is so stoic and buttoned up, but also falls SO hard for Cen that it's just wonderful. His internal conflict at the end? Marvelous.

I guess I've said a lot without saying much at this point. Oops. Basically Cenobia and Roman know one another because over a decade ago Roman saved Cenobia after she had been kidnapped. They haven't spoken or seen one another since, until Cenobia shows up in the Monte and it's revealed that Cenobia and not her father was the person behind the financial loan and advice that Roman had been receiving on behalf of the kingdom for the past several years. Also, Cen needs help. She's receiving weird, threatening messages and she isn't sure who to turn to, so Roman heads off to Mexico.

There the story really becomes a bit of a romantic suspense/contemporary romance crossover and stays that way in a more intense way than the way Lopez has straddled that line in the past. And between the suspense and the high heat of the will they/won't they between Cen and Roman, the book really became compulsively readable. Both Cen and Roman have done so much work on themselves to overcome a lot of the baggage they carry, but both acknowledge that they'll always have these emotional scars too. Some of the emotional scars are very evident, like Roman's continual uncertainty that he can have and deserves happiness. Roman is a former soldier and a childhood that was... interesting. And the secondary characters in this book are top notch. Everyone has so much character development and I loved it so very much. I would not recommend this being the first book in the series you pick up though because it very much builds on the first two books in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC, although I read this as an audiobook from my library.

I'm going to include a few more specific content warnings behind spoiler tags here: pregnancy after rape (past), rape as part of kidnapping (past), parent deceased from cancer suddenly (past)

[Hannah Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has said the central theme of this series is powerful women and the men lucky enough to be worthy of their time, and BOYYYYY YESSSSS can you feel it. Cenobia is smart, strong, badass, and uhhh sorry Roman I also fell in love with her.

The book is so mindful too about trauma, negotiating it as an individual and as a partnership, and dynamics of power and trust. Cenobia and Ronan’s first significant physical contact is in the context of his assisting her in a self-defense class, a fitting snapshot of how Cenobia’s empowerment and Roman’s support are central to their story.

It’s not always an easy read, there’s violence and heartbreak and navigating the aftermath of sexual assault, but it ultimately shines with hope and optimism and the capability and love of its protagonists.

[Emmalita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed Angelina M. Lopez’s spectacularly soapy Filthy Rich series. The series has the melodrama and glamour of a 1980’s nighttime soap, but with a lot less misogyny. Lopez centers the stories around strong women who fight to be on top in their chosen profession. The stories sprawl across time and continents, but (mostly) stay focused on the romance. Serving Sin tightens up some of the excesses of Hate Crush.

One of the joys of a romance series is knowing that interesting side characters are likely to get their own stories. In the first book of the series, Roman was the enigmatic, possibly nefarious, recently revealed bastard son of the King of Monte del Vino Real. Spoiler for Lush Money, Roman was enigmatic, but not nefarious. Roman has hovered on the outskirts of his recently discovered family, being interesting and mysterious. In Serving Sin, he’s still interesting, but we finally get to know him.

Thirteen years earlier, Roman had rescued Cenobia from kidnappers. Now Cen is the acting CEO of her family’s car company and about to revolutionize the Mexican car market. Cen is a great character – strong and dynamic enough to make Roman upend everything he has ever thought about himself. Sophia and Cen both have to battle against men entrenched in their power who don’t want change, and certainly not change led by a woman. She is magically always well dressed, even while on the run for her life. I loved it.

The only thing I wanted less of was calling Roman a warrior prince. That’s very much a personal taste issue.

I’m putting one content warning behind a spoiler tag because it is something that will be triggering for some people. Spoiler: When she was being held hostage, she was raped by one of her kidnappers, became pregnant, and had a son who has been raised as her brother. End Spoiler. Content warnings: violence, past kidnapping, past sexual assault, misogyny.

I received this as an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic end to the trilogy! I have a soft spot for bodyguard romances so I knew I was going to like this one but wowza! As with the other books in the series, the author explores gender and power dynamics all while giving hot AF romance.

I started out intending to freely switch between my physical book and the audio but Scarlette Hayes’ narration is so compelling that I couldn’t pry myself away from the audio.

[Ayushi (bookwormbullet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this all in one night LOL definitely one of my favorite bodyguard romances <3
4.25 stars!

[Sara | sara.reads.too.much · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling for the bodyguard trope gets me every time.

There's the forbidden aspect of falling for the bodyguard that is just so addicting to read. This story was definitely an interesting one that dealt with issues that surround Mexico as well. There were definitely a couple of tough situations and TWs in this book, so be aware!

The overall love of family was so prevalent in this book, and it warmed my heart. It was done very well and written beautifully even when dealing with tough situations.

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the earc in return for an honest review.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Harlequin Publicity Team for the free finished copy. All opinions provided are my own.

Serving Sin was my first time dropping into Angelina M. Lopez’s Filthy Rich series but as soon as I saw bodyguard romance I said helloooooo there ✈️.

Roman Sheppard & Cenobia (Cen) Trujillo met about 13 years ago when he was a former Army Ranger, newly turned private security CEO who rescued her after she was kidnapped.

Now, at a special celebration in Monte del Vino Real, Spain, where Roman now lives with his half siblings & serves as adviser to the king & a freaking prince, Cen reveals (1) that it was actually her who led the initiative to help their struggling country out of a financial bind, not her father as he thought & (2) she’s receiving violent threats as her huge car production company prepares to launch its first car.

Roman wants to keep her safe, even as he knows how challenging it’ll be to be around the stunning woman he’s spent the last several years avoiding.

Well, call me a Lopez fan because this book has so much of the good stuff:

⭐️ Cen knows her stuff. Her business acumen is 👏🏻. Her drive, her stubbornness, her tenderness.
⭐️ age gap (🏃🏻‍♀️ <— me running toward it)
⭐️ Roman is just in awe. Would also like to add that he doesn’t see himself as worthy of anything & while this is very sad that’s also my catnip.
⭐️ really interesting consideration of misogyny ⭐️ throughhhh sex scenes that aren’t clinical in the slightest.
⭐️ so much respect between leads

There are a couple of moments where I came out of the story a bit due to how those plot points are presented, but overall, Serving Sin has great steam, characterization, & heart, & I really enjoyed my time with it!

4 ⭐️. Out now!



CW: Cen was raped while kidnapped; later she reveals that she is actually the mother of her “brother” & she was impregnated during rape. In present day she’s threatened & stalked.

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angelina Lopez completely captured my attention with her debut Lush Money, and she raised the stakes with Hate Crush🙌🏻 It was such a delight to read the final installment in the Filthy Rich series— Roman and Cen’s romance really delivers on the forced proximity x bodyguard x YEARS of pining premise, and seeing the rest of the Monte Del Vino Real squad gave me allllll the warm fuzzies❤️

Serving Sin’s premise is utterly delicious😍 Cenobia “Can” Trujillo is on the brink of changing the automotive industry forever & stepping up as CEO of her family’s company when a threat from her past puts all of that in jeopardy. There’s just one person she can trust to keep her safe— Roman Sheppard, the army ranger who rescued her from capture thirteen years ago. Now a step-prince and elite personal security specialist, Roman is back at Cen’s side all these years later. But the torch she’s held for him refuses to go out….

I have been waiting for Roman’s book since Lush Money came out, and DAMNNNNN that wasn’t the only slow burn👀 the angst, the ✨pining✨ in this novel is immaculate. I loved Cen & Roman so much, their HEA was hard-won but soooo worth it. Lopez continues to deliver on badass competent heroines, wildly compelling (and ~bananas~ lemme tell ya) plots that take you on an emotional rollercoaster, and a ridiculously satisfying romance. This was such a satisfying conclusion to the series, and I cant wait for the next @angelinamlo release!!! Many thanks to Netgalley for my review copy🥰

cw: serving sin mentions a past assault, pls check trusted reviewers for comprehensive cws & protect ya neck

[Judith Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book a lot, this is a new author for me.
Thirteen years ago, decorated former-Army Ranger Roman Sheppard rescued Mexican heiress Cenobia Trujillo from a shocking kidnapping that riveted the world. He is now the head of an elite security firm and the reluctant half-prince of a glamorous wine-growing Spanish kingdom.
And today, Cenobia--"Cen"--is finally in the CEO role she’s trained for her whole life. But serious, growing threats against her are derailing a product launch that will change the Mexican industrial landscape forever. She’s done the hard work to recover from her kidnapping, but therapy hasn't changed the fact that Roman Sheppard will forever represent safety in her mind. The only one she can trust.
He'll go to Mexico. He'll help Cen. He'll keep her safe. What he won't allow himself to do? Desire Cenobia Trujillo.
This book is well written and the characters deeply developed. Roman is so hot that we kind of fall for him right on the spot. The chemistry between them is of the chart, even though there are not a lot of sex scenes (I have to say, that disappointed me a bit), the sexual tension is almost real. I like the plot a lot and the main and secondary characters, especially Adan. Cen is strong and resilient. My heart is with heart.
This is a standalone love story and quiet enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, a satisfying ending of the series.

I love Angelina M. Lopez’s writing. I’ve read and enjoyed the two first books of the series Lush Money and Hate Crush. I thought they were absolutely brilliant. Great characters, sizzling chemistry between the love interests, excellent dialogues, and gripping plots.

Serving Sin, the third and last instalment of the series is a bit of a let down. I struggled to keep on reading. I powered through, the plot is intricate with well placed twists and it kept me going, but by the standards I judge Lopez this book is relatively weak.

This is the story of Cenobia who was kidnapped thirteen years ago and saved by Roman, a security expert, and she has had a crash on him ever since. He started noticing her as well once she reached a certain age (there’s an eight year gap between them).
They want each other based on past deeds (he rescued her from kidnapping, she rescued him financially), that happened many years ago. But - for the first half of the book there aren’t enough conversations between them. Not much chemistry either. She keeps calling him the Warrior prince and he keeps thinking she is the smartest person in the room, so accomplished and brave - but there are too few examples of that.
In Lopez’s first book, Lush money, both characters are flawed. They hurt each other and make mistakes and grow together. The second book, Hate crush starts with Aish’s spectacular falling apart. In Serving sin we have two characters that are basically flawless. Their supposed shortcomings derive from circumstances not inherent flaws. They both have past traumas, but that’s supposed to bring them together even more strongly.
So - what’s keeping them apart?
Not much. At first his reluctance to engage with her is understandable - he is her bodyguard, and it will impede his ability to defend her. It’s not a great big conflict but it’s there. Later in the story I just didn’t get his anguish. Why he fretted so much and doubted. All I kept thinking was - shut up already and make love to the girl or go beat up a guy.
Which brings me to the next point- there aren’t enough sex scenes!
Lopez can write a hot sex scene. It’s why I like her books so much. Girl, play to your strengths. A little less auto manufacturing details, a bit more skin. Please. Think of that for your next book - which I will buy for sure.

[Ofelia Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern warrior prince. Need I say more?

[Lovely Loveday]

Serving Sin is the third book in the Filthy Rich series by Angelina M. Lopez. A sexy romance that I could not put down and had to finish in one sitting. 

[Mags · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐

Serving Sin is my first introduction to both the author Angelina M Lopez and the series, and unfortunately I found it a hard read not because of the subjects raised, but because the world in which Roman exists was just so foreign to me, and my lack of knowledge of the characters, the world they live and their histories impacted my enjoyment of the story. Not to mention the pacing was very slow.

But I liked the characters and felt very much for Cen who is struggling to prove herself not just in an industry dominated by men, but to her father, and even Roman whom she secretly helped after he rescued her from kidnappers some years ago.

And I definitely got the impression the author cared not only about the subjects she raised which include rape, PTSD, and misogyny. But about the characters too.

And it certainly was a well-written story that focuses more on the characters, their emotions and connections than it does on the romance, but it worked; and perhaps if I'd read the earlier stories I would've liked it more. But sadly the slowness of how Serving Sin unfolded just put me off that possibility. However, it has not put me off reading more from this author in the future, and I'm sure fans of the series will enjoy this final story.

**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

[Hijinx Abound · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with the third book in the series. It was definitely a very slow burn, which I did not expect. However, with the heroines past, I appreciated that there was thoughtfulness to the physical interactions.

This book was good but not as good as the other books in the series.

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Misogyny
Rape
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Pregnancy from rape
Death of a parent
Kidnapping

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the 3!