Sinner

Joey Santana #2

by Karina Espinosa

What if I were in two places at once?

That’s the question I have to ask myself after the death of my father. Plagued with night terrors and lack of sleep, I keep blacking out and finding myself in strange places. Reed has memories of me that I don’t have, and the question remains, am I going crazy?

Accused of murder, I make a deal with the shadiest supernatural in all of the supe district. And while this deal might keep me from behind bars, it has me chained to an open debt that one day he’ll come to collect.

After another human murder, the humans are pushing for the Registration Act even more with the support of Humans United and it’s looking bleak for supernaturals. The Senate is going to vote and it’s now just a countdown for when they’ll be coming for us.

Can we keep our freedom from the humans? Am I really going crazy? Or will our house of cards finally come crashing down?

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Vampires, Fantasy, Shapeshifters

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2021

About the author

Karina Espinosa is a Colombian-American author best known for the Mackenzie Grey series, the Blood Weaver Trilogy, and her latest romantasy hit, The Dragon’s Ballad. When she’s not writing fierce heroines and magical chaos, she’s globe-trotting, bingeing Asian dramas, or teaching college students how to write essays—with a coffee in hand and fictional body count on the rise.

Follow her for more coffee-fueled chaos and character heartbreak.

Reviews

[Clarabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

J'ai toujours un souci avec les personnages - le décalage entre leur âge et leurs agissements. Ils ont plus de 25 ans mais se comportent comme des ados. Ça saoule !
En fait, tout est irréfléchi dans cette histoire. Ça va trop vite. Ça crie et ça court dans tous les sens. Joey est une héroïne trop impulsive. Sa relation avec Reed souffle le chaud et le froid (non mais vraiment ce sont deux gamins qui se chamaillent pour des bêtises).
Et pendant ce temps-là, il y a une malédiction qui court. De la politique qui gronde. Des créatures menacés d'être mis au ban de la société. Des enlèvements. Et un doppelganger qui se balade tranquillement en butinant les lèvres des garçons. Voilà, voilà.
C'est maladroit. Pas assez élaboré. Trop de bagarres et pas assez de communication. Je tique. J'avais tellement aimé le premier (Malédiction). Là, c'est la déconfiture totale. 🙄🙄

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️ Fangirl Faction · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars

I couldn't stop myself from jumping right into this book after finishing the first book in this series. I was totally hooked from the beginning of the first book and this book did not disappoint.

The storytelling in this book is awesome. It is so relaxed and comfortable while still being very polished. The plot of this book is unpredictable and shocking at times. I love that I never know what to expect. The world-building keeps getting better. I love seeing and discovering new things about this interesting and creative supernatural world.

I have become so attached to these characters. I really love how relatable and real they are. This book has an amazing cast of secondary characters that bring so much depth and diversity to the story. I am loving the character growth of both Joey and Reed. Joey's world has basically been turned upside down and she is dealing with the aftermath of everything. I love her fierce personality and no-nonsense attitude. I love that she stands up for herself and doesn't back down from a fight. She also does what is right and I admire her character. Reed's character development is subtle and has a lot to do with Joey and his relationship with her.

It's clear that Reed has feelings for Joey and it is becoming harder for him to hide it. Their antagonistic back and forth is still present but it is a little different as time goes on. There are also more serious moments where it is obvious that Reed and Joey care about each other. It comes out every time Reed is protective of her and how he reacts to the situations she finds herself in. The same can be said for Joey. Something happens to Reed in this book that seems to evoke a visceral reaction in Joey. Their feelings are getting harder for them to hide and while I think that Reed is aware of how he feels about Joey, I am not sure that she is as aware of her feelings for Reed. Werewolf mating gets brought up more in this book and I am still curious about Reed's reactions and intentions when he is claiming Joey in front of everyone. I am also curious about Joey's family curse because one of the things that the Seelie Queen said to Joey makes me think that perhaps Joey and Reed's relationship might come into play where the curse is concerned. Then again, that could only be my assumptions as well. I suppose we shall see.

Overall, this was an action-packed second installment of the Joey Santana series. I am so invested in these characters and I cannot wait for book three to be released! If you love paranormal romance or urban fantasy with werewolves, fae, vampires, witches, and the like then you'll want to add this series to your TBR!


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[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed the first book in this series, so I eagerly dived into this second book. Oh, my, did the author turn the dial up on this one! Joey is still in the middle of everything, and she still is a tiny bit reckless. She seems to be in two places at once, and I had my suspicions as to why…boy, was I wrong! It was so much more delicious! This was a fabulous addition to the series, and after that explosive ending, I can’t wait to find out how this is going to shake out Joey’s life…or death. An excellent, well-written urban fantasy with a dash of romance, I’m definitely eager for more. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Evelina Sundqvist · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book! Great caracters and so easy to get hooked into! A really great book with an ending that just makes me want the next book ASAP!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. I can not wait for the next book. Joey is still a feisty badass. Even more so in this book. I need more chapter soon. Left on a kinda big cliffhanger. Love this series so far. If you haven't read karina's other books go do so. You will not be disappointed. All her books are amazing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Corbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic second book in this series! Things are definitely getting interesting and I can’t wait to see where Joey’s story will go! She seems to end up in trouble very easily and is really starting to get more comfortable as a werewolf. I can’t wait for book 3!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the cover as of course it features the main character of Joey Santana, the flame haired, kick-butt female, still in her human form as well as a wolf on the cover which is now her other half. This cover would definitely make me want to pick it up and learn more in a book store.

Joey is rapidly learning she is no longer human, but at the same time she isn’t truly 100% supe either. Ending up with her feeling an outcast from both worlds. Joey is having serious trouble sleeping and she keeps having these blackouts and loss of memory episodes. Reed is extremely worried about Joey as she keeps acting really out of character. One minute she is full of banter and telling him there is no way on earth she will ever accept his claim on her. The next minute she is getting all up close and personal, passionately kissing him! At one point Reed actual wonders if there is something wrong with him. Though when it is revealed how poorly Joey is sleeping, despite the hospital giving her medication to help. Reed takes her to see head of the witches Cordelia, who gives her something that finally enables her to get some restful sleep.

Reed and Joey do become even closer in this second book and its clear to see the chemistry between them, especially when any other male is giving Joey any attention. One minute they are like squabbling siblings, the next they are circling around each other with smouldering glances, and romance in the air all around them. However, Reed is not the only “love interest” in Joey’s life and she soon finds her relationship with her best friend becoming more and more complicated.

Joey spends a lot of time in this book trying to please everyone, so much so, she is warned to take care of herself first on several occasions. Joey cannot stand the idea of people being hurt because they are close to her.

There is so much going on in this book, it picks up right where the first book ended. Poor Joey is being held by the human police and as she is not a supe she basically has very few rights. No one knows where she is so she is desperately wondering how she is ever going to get out of the cell she has been thrown in with another supe who turns out to be a vampire. When Cassius arrives to negotiate his vampires release, Joey leaps at the opportunity and asks for his help, which he provides but there a catch, she now owes the head of the vampires a favour . . . oh and yes he has a phone containing some rather incriminating evidence on it, which would back the police theory that she killed her own father! Can she hatch a plan and enlist the right supes to help her carry it out?

Though a few supes have automatically accepted Joey and become friends with her, from fae Eugenie, vampire Atticus, and some of the werewolves, including Reed and Emilio. To be quite honest those are the supes that I love the most in the book, with the addiction of Elliott. Joey ends up sort of living in the grey area of being neither 100% accepted supe. Nor 100% accepted by the humans and those members of Humans United who view her as an “abomination.” Joey ends up having to do deals with some rather unsavoury people to help those she cares about and loves. It seems like everyone wants something from Joey.

Once again there is so much going on in this book, there’s the “life changes” Joey has to deal with including changing on the full moon with the pack, she is also attacked again! Then she has the family curse to sort out and time is rapidly running out for her to find the elusive Magdalena. For the wider supernatural community there is also the issue of the registration act for all Supernatural races! Which means lots of discussions between the different races.

Of course, my favourite characters that I still totally love are Joey & Reed, whom I am hoping get some sort of happy ending at some point. I adore Eugenie and like how Kit seems to be building a good friendship with her, helping her out in the bar. Poor Kit has become something of a liability for Joey as he is the perfect easy target to be used to control her. I am still enjoying hating Darius, and am still undecided about the Seelie Queen and her representative Fiona. I think Levi and his dad will slowly change and end up accepting Joey when they realise how loyal she is to those she cares about including her new supernatural family. Surely the way she is willing to put herself in danger for the sake of her pack has to appeal to those wolves that still doubt her. It’s even hinted at the possibility that she may have to sacrifice herself for the greater good. We also meet the immortal Magdalena who apparently holds the answer to the curse, but will she help Joey or just wreak havoc instead?

This is the second amazing book in a so far fantastic series that I feel like I could talk forever about! All those interesting characters with their own pasts. In this book it is hinted that there is violence in Elliott’s past, maybe we will find out in the next book. I love the whole idea and the feelings of reading about the pack and how they all look out for each other. I have to admit that wolves are my favourite shifter to read about, though I am also partial to a vampire too. I would usually wrinkle my nose at Fae but the way they are written in this book I am finding them interesting to learn about too, and hey who doesn’t love witches?! This book has so many layers and there are so many possibilities of how things could work out. I also really enjoy the chapters being from the differing points of view of Joey and Reed. I have so many theories of what might happen next, and what might break the curse.

My immediate thoughts upon finishing this book were, Oh wow! How could it end right there?! What a cliffhanger!!

Summing up I love the characters, love the world it is set in. The pace is perfect, as is the writing style. . . What more can I say I love it all and cannot wait to read more!!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I didn’t murder my father!” Not that I didn’t have a good reason. But I didn’t do it.  So begins the second chapter of Joey Santana’s life after becoming a werewolf, as if living under a curse weren’t enough. Darius Blackburn is still on the hunt to get his hands on her, for his own evil purposes. She’s had to make a deal with Cassius, the leader of the vampires, to even get out of jail. Kit, though human, and Joey’s best friend since they were 5 is staying in the supe territory with Emilio, a werewolf, and his Mom to keep him safe. And although Joey is under Elliot Stone’s, the Alpha of the Los Angeles werewolf pack, someone is sending armed SWAT teams to try to bring her in.  
There is a strong relationship between Reed and Joey, as he watches over her far more than she wants. Joey is caught in a web unsure of who to trust, believe and listen to, those who would love her, those who would use her and those who would love her. There are even bigger problems for all the supernaturals, a human Senator is pushing to pass a bill that would require all supernatural beings to register listing their strengths, weaknesses, locations and secrets. In the meantime, apart from having to adjust to becoming a werewolf and what this means to Joey, she is on the hunt for Magdalena. Finding Magdalena could mean putting an end to Joey’s family curse, but it could also mean her death. But Magdalena may hold the answer to stopping an all-out war between humans and supernaturals. No one is totally without blame, non are totally right, and few are willing to stop and listen. This is a captivating tale where mysteries abound, romance weaves in and out, discrimination is rampant, with hatred of those who are different, and creatures, both human and supernatural, who feed on power and a world with secrets that won’t end with this telling. While Joey, Reed, their friends and other supernaturals continue to search for answers and ways to stop humans from destroying their world, there is an ancient evil that must be stopped first. So, watch for the next edition of the Joey Santana series, that began with “Cursed” and has furthered the mysteries with “Sinner”.

[The Caffeinated Grimoire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wreckless Joey

Joey really is pretty reckless she keeps running off and jumping into things with a hot head forgetting her actions affect the supes and her pack.

Book two picks up with Joey being questioned about her father's murder and whilst she was there she has no idea who would want him dead. His dying words were not to trust Humans United and it's something she keeps playing over in her mind.
Joey searches for more answers surrounding her families curse and an alternative to her life being the answer for it's cure, she learns more to the puzzle and what happens if she is not dead by her 26th birthday that the curse transfers to her, she'll live a life of immortality and never know true love.
Ever since watching her dad murdered in front of her Joey has had trouble sleeping but when she starts turning up in places and had no memory of events that have happened everyone puts it down to her lack of sleep resulting in sleep walking but as Reed finds out later it is something no one ever saw coming.
As the government finally passes the act requiring Supernaturals to be registered lines are drawn pitting humans and supes against eachother especially when the leaders of each faction are taken leaving everyone to band together or fend for themselves. It seems everyone wants something from Joey and her debts owed are beginning to pile up and when she finally comes face to face with the woman who caused the original curse on her bloodline she'll make the last deal she can to ensure everyone's safety even if it's in exchange for her life.

[Zaza · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐

Un deuxième tome qui s'inscrit complètement dans la veine du 1er : de l'action, des intrigues politiques entre les Humains et les différentes espèces de Surnaturels, du mystère et du suspense et bien sûr ... des joutes verbales entre Joey et Reed !

On reprend ce tome dans la foulée des évènements de la fin du tome 1, et le moins qu'on puisse dire, c'est que Joey est dans une sacrée galère, puisqu'elle est accusée de meurtre. Pour ne rien arranger, elle et les siens sont sur le point de se faire ficher par les Humains Unis et elle cherche toujours à combattre la malédiction dont elle est victime. Aucun répit ni temps mort pour elle, donc, sans compter qu'il se passe de drôles de choses la concernant ...

L'autrice nous propose une histoire cohérente et solide, dans un univers à la fois ancré dans notre réalité et le monde surnaturel, et vraiment, je ne peux pas m'empêcher de voir un lien très fort entre les Humains Unis et les mouvements suprématistes blancs. Les personnages sont attachants, même si encore une fois, je trouve que Joey et Reed se comportent comme deux ados quand ils se chamaillent, ce qui donne un fort contraste avec leurs actes et ce qu'ils traversent, mais en même temps, cela permet de faire retomber la pression et donne un coté un peu potache à l'ensemble.

Un titre et une série que je recommande si vous voulez lire de l'urban fantasy légère et vitaminée !

[Céline ANTUNEZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’avais hâte de plonger dans la suite des aventures de Joey Santana et on peut dire qu’on ne s’ennuie pas avec cette héroïne… Je vais vous livrer un avis plus court mais sans spoil.

L’intrigue se complexifie un peu et entre les surnaturels et les humains, l’ambiance n’est toujours pas au beau fixe. Joey, devenue une louve, s’adapte mais son caractère impétueux la met toujours dans le pétrin. Rien de nouveau en somme…

Côté personnages, j’aime beaucoup tout ce petit monde qui gravite autour de Joey. On les découvre un peu plus et je les trouve attachants. Loup, Seelie, vampire, le secteur surnaturel est cosmopolite et surtout mis en danger… Reed, le fils de l’Alpha, devient plus intéressant aussi. Je l’avais trouvé un peu effacé dans le premier tome, me laissant sur ma faim. Quant à Joey, je réserve mon avis. Son personnage n’évolue pas beaucoup je trouve et ça m’a un peu frustrée. J’attends de lire le troisième tome pour entériner mon sentiment.

Quoi qu’il en soit, Joey et sa bande de nouveaux amis ont fort à faire avec ces rebondissements qui leur tombent dessus. Et la fin de ce tome laisse présager que la suite sera mouvementée !

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey is dealing with the aftermath of her father's murder. She to get away from the police she makes a deal she might not be able to cover. Joey also makes a discovery about herself that will lead her down another path, no one can explain.
When the worst happens for the supernaturals and the leaders taken, Joey and Reed step up and get them back. When one of them needs more from Joey, she will have decisions to make. Will Joey chose herself or her friends.

This is just a tiny bit of what happened. I can't really give too much out as it would spoil it for new readers. I was completely drawn in and hooked right to the end. That ending was drop the mic moment, I need the next book now. This author creates a world and characters that will you love to fall into and forget all about the real world. I highly recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine is still trying to adjust to her new life, but murders and blackouts are not helping matters any. If she can't get a grip on things soon, she will not be the only one to suffer.

This is book two of the series, but it works fine as a standalone. All the essential parts are covered early on.

This is an urban fantasy story with werewolves at the center of the story. The story is well written and easy to read. The setting is very intriguing with lots of details that I really want to explore in more depth. The characters are well done with solid personalities. I particularly liked our heroine who is a no-nonsense type of gal. The plot included plenty of action and intrigue to keep things moving at a good pace. Overall, this is a great series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinner is the second installment in the Joey Santana series and it starts right where book 1
leaves off. Joey is still dealing with the aftermath of her father's murder and is shocked to be arrested in the supernatural community which is a bold move by the human police force. However, she doesn't have much time to deal with this if she wants to get away from the police, so Joey makes a deal she might not be able to cover.

As Joey continues investing she makes a discovery about herself that will lead her down another path for answers.

Then other supernaturals are arrested including key leaders leaving Joey and Reed to try to step up and get them back. When one of them needs more from Joey can she set aside her in quest to help her friends or will Joey chose herself?

Fasinating dynamics and read really felt drawn into this story-arc and I can't wait for more!

[Sara Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is pretty tough for me to stay fully engaged in a second book of a series. They always take the longest for me to finish, due to the consistent dump of background information and first book recapping. It could be because this book came out so close to the first, or because Karina is such a reliably piquant writer, but I have yet to go through the “second book slump” in any of her series thus far. Sinner picks up right where Cursed left off, and is quick to answer a lot of questions.... and add a lot more. It’s a quick read, mostly because it is so un-put-downable. With an ending in typical Karina fashion, it’s guaranteed to leave you shocked and thirsting for more. Highly recommend this series so far. 10/10.

[Sara Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is pretty tough for me to stay fully engaged in a second book of a series. They always take the longest for me to finish, due to the consistent dump of background information and first book recapping. It could be because this book came out so close to the first, or because Karina is such a reliably piquant writer, but I have yet to go through the “second book slump” in any of her series thus far. Sinner picks up right where Cursed left off, and is quick to answer a lot of questions.... and add a lot more. It’s a quick read, mostly because it is so un-put-downable. With an ending in typical Karina fashion, it’s guaranteed to leave you shocked and thirsting for more. Highly recommend this series so far. 10/10.

[Laura Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly just as I think i have read it all and that happens. I love the way Karina rights chemistry and relationships that are unbreakable. She also leaves you on the end of your seat through every chapter which is what this book did. Think I sat and tried to guess where it was going every time. And failed miserably. So excited to see where it goes in the next one. And more so in whatever Karina explores next.

[Katherine Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that is an interesting story, it grabs you and makes it hard to put down. The way the supernatural are treated almost treated as others in history have been treated. When you read the book you will understand what I mean. Her behavior is a bit bazar at times and the ending tells you why that is, so there is one mystery solved. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Vance · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok for pre-teens, but no one else. From an adult POV, the heroine is a toddler with all her temper tantrums and running about all half cocked. Doesn't listen to anyone, keeps making stupid deals, causes unnecessary trouble. I don't understand why any of the other characters seem to like her and put up with her. She even mouths off to the Council. Just ridiculous. Also, the deals with the Fae are way too vague to be of any actual use.

[lili.stitch626 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accusée du meurtre de son père, Joey Santana est plus que jamais en danger. Heureusement, elle peut compter sur Reed et Elliott pour s'accommoder au mieux à sa nouvelle vie.

Va-t-elle réussir à survivre dans sa nouvelle vie ?

J'ai eu un peu plus de mal avec le comportement de Joey qui s'énerve un peu trop facilement à mon goût et ducoup, je n'ai pas pu être à fond dans ma lecture.

L'intrigue suit son cours, je l'ai bien aimé et la fin est diabolique.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by this author. So much more is found out about ‘Joey’ and her future. The relationship between her and Reed hots up as does her relationship with Kit. Lots of action hard to put down and what a cliffhanger of an ending. Loving this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly Roever · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! In Sinner we are taken on a mind blowing ride page by page until its finished and we're on the edge of our seat left wondering what the heck is going to happen next! The character growth is really great and the story itself is so intriguing I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey is back and so is the craziness that is her life after the death of her father. And while dealing with that she has more problems pop in to add to all the fun. Lots of action and entertaining to read. Glued to the end to see what is really going on and cannot wait to see what happens next.

[Sam Street · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dense and Unavailable

Good Read: ⭐️ Characters: Joey and Reed Storyline: human turned werewolf, no end in sight at how ridiculous her actions are. Can't see in front of her face who is in love with her and apparently she loves no one or plans on a future of love, romance or relationships, ever. Spice: 0

[laura port · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to this series. Karina is great at creating characters that you get involved with and building a world that you can’t wait to return to. I loved reading about joey. Can’t wait to see what comes next

[tanya Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it a second time to get ready for next one.

Joey is an Amazing woman who is trying really hard. Life as not been easy for her but she keeps on going. I can't wait for the next one. Soon very soon!

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why?!

Why does it have to end there! I have some many in answered questions. Loving this book just left me want more.

[Danielle Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series!!!

I loved the characters, and the story kept me from putting my Kindle down. Can't wait for the next book.

[Fiona DeBono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling

Wow. Joey's story just keeps getting better and better. That ending though... I have to grab the next book. I just NEED to know ow what happens.

[JaimemarieG]

MC is annoying, no growth. Stays a whiny selfish and rash.