Sins of the Syndicate

Sins of the Syndicate #1

by Lexxi James

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B09PVNSKXW

Ivy

He was a handsome stranger who made me an offer I couldn't refuse ...
Give me anything I wanted. Anything for one night.
The catch?
No strings. No commitments. No names.
I had no idea who he was when we met. I only knew that he protected me.
And he looked damned good doing it.

Leo

To the outside world, I'm known only as Z. The enforcer. A widower with nothing to lose. An ex-SEAL sworn to keep one vow: protect the D'Angelo's at all costs.
I'm not a good man, and I never claimed to be.
Protecting her was second nature. Nothing more.
Claiming her was just a one-night escape.

But she made one mistake ... a cardinal sin.
Slipping away on her terms. Not mine.

No strings.
No commitments.
No names?

No way.

There's just one price for my protection.
And it's her.

Genres: Romance, Dark, Novella, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance

162 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2022

About the author

Lexxi James | Author of Hot Romance & Happily Ever Afters ❤️

As a USA Today Bestselling author, Lexxi James has hit the top 50 bestseller lists on Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble, with books sold in over 26 countries. Best known for seductive romantic suspense, she loves matching smoking hot heroes with their soul mates. Her signature style is witty banter, high heat, and a whole lot of heart.

She proudly calls the Midwest home where she lives with the man of her dreams and the sweetest daughter in the universe. Her pastimes include reading, loading up on unhealthy quantities of caffeine, and binging Netflix and reality TV. She’s a sucker for kids selling cookies and pretty much anything on Etsy.

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Reviews

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a writers books and loved almost every character from main to secondary? Damned if in Lexxi James new series Sins of the Syndicate she hasn't pulled me into not only this new series but she has me wanting a whole new cast of characters from the main one's Leo and Ivy to the dangerous and intriguing Smoke who is the head of this mafia family and is also Leo's boss to the beautiful and fragile Trinity who's Smokes sister and Leo's main focus and who its his job to protect. I was not only curious and wanted to know everything about them but I want them all to get their own books as well. I can see from this introduction that Leo and Ivy's chemistry is off the charts and the sex so far is hot! But this is a different type of alpha male then Lexxi usually writes about. Her men are always sexy,smart and at times dominate but Leo definitely has a darker edge then the rest and theirs a scary side at times when he becomes unleashed. Being a ex navy seal and coming from a military background play into it but also being a enforcer and chief of security for one of the most powerful mob family's in the syndicate and keeping the promise he made to Antonio D'Angelo the missing patriarch about protecting Trinity has him constantly on the edge and with real bad guys like Andre D'Angelo who gives off a very sinister vibe and who see's his nephew Smoke as taking what he thinks should be his and is probably behind a lot of what's happened its no wonder he's so suspicious of anyone new. This is another amazing romanic suspense/ mystery told by a wonderful writer who knows how to mix passion, humor,secrets and intrigue and a great storyline to pull the reader in. It does end on a cliffhanger, but I never mind this. I have faith in the writer to tell the story and this one's never lets me down! Lexxi James is that good. Until next time Luv's💕💋

Ivy is the sun. And I am Icarus . Foolish enough to believe that one touch won’t cost me everything. -Leo

[Christine B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexxi James has done it again...Another successful read that grabs you from the first word to the last cliffhanger that has you holding on by your fingernails. Ivy (Olivia Ann Palmer) was so timid but great at her job, she could reach anyone and has the one thing people grabs hold of, Mr Whiskers her therapy stuffed animal she keep in her pocket for comfort/personal security blanket. Ivy uses they stuff animal to reach victims especially trama victims and it works like it should for her. A potential client shows up interested in a tour of the Facilty Mr Sin and it turns out Mr Sin didn't want a tour he wanted to see Ivy, as he left he rolled down the window & smile and wished Ivy a Happy Birthday. Little does Ivy know Mr Sin would send Ivy on an adventure to find the one thing she never had...Which leads her to Chicago Help wanted ad for a Caretaker.

D'Angelo Tower Leo Zamparelli head of security ex miltary SEAL and D'Angelo's family right hand man of a mafia enterprise notice Ivy sitting and staring at the beautiful glass building. Obsessing over a beautiful stranger Leo approach with quiet steps. Ivy was stunning, luscious lips, alluring scent, Leo was hooked. Lets have dinner, no strings, no names, no phone numbers, no attachment. Let me spoil you for one night. Irene & Liam their fake names had chemistry off the charts. "I'll never stop protecting her, Watching her. Wanting her."

I love these character so much, it hard to believe that Lexxi would make me a fan of another one of her series. As Lexxi knows I love Alex & Madison and worship my favorite PACO Robles. A must have and one click series and author... Received this copy for my honest opinion!!!

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sins of the Syndicate is a duet so expect it to end in a cliff until the second book.

Lexxi James brings a novel with intrigue, mystery, and suspense surrounding her characters.

When Bryce Jacob Sinclair (Sin) makes an appointment to view Sparrow Wellness and Assisted Living, Olivia (Ivy) Palmer shows him around and answers all his questions. Before he leaves, he gives her a white envelope. So who is Bryce Sinclair? What's in the envelope? What's his motive? Could this be one of Ivy's worst days of her life or the best day?

Leo Zamparelli, "Z," the enforcer, ex-military seal who heads D'Angelo security. A widower with nothing to lose until he finds himself in a situation. He sees someone who spikes his interest and attracts him like a moth to a flame. He needs just one night, no strings, no commitments, no names.

There is so much happening in this tale that I'm dying to find out how Ms. Foxy James will spin the ending!

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

SINS will be the first in the new Mafia vs. Bratva world, with "Z" the Enforcer staking his claim in the Syndicate universe. Here's a snippet from the mind of Leo ... a man the rest of the world knows as Z.

No strings.
No commitments.
No names?

No way.

There's just one price for my protection.
And it's her.

Coming February 24th

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Lexxi James killed me with this book. Like with all her books there is perfect blend of mystery, characters and a lot of steam.

Leo's and Ivy's one night stand turns in to a game of life and death where they have to learn how to thrust each other. And to keep their hands of each other and that is going to be very difficult with all the attraction between them.

Book ends in cliffhanger and I can't wait for book 2.

Lexxi James is my one-click author when I want to read something spicy with the hint of mystery.

[Lexxi James]

Teaser:

Grab it on your favorite retailers>>>https://bit.ly/3FdUEK6

Leo

I'm not a good man, and I never claimed to be.
Protecting her was second nature. Nothing more.
Claiming her was just a one-night escape.

But she made one mistake ... a cardinal sin.
Slipping away on her terms. Not mine.

No strings.
No commitments.
No names?
No way.

There's just one price for my protection.
And it's her.

[Angela Plumeria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kinda want to give it 2.75 stars. The first part was so long winded and boring that I had to take a break and read a good book in between. Love interests don’t meet each other until 26% into the book! Travesty! Leo was a unique personality for mafia romance genre but it made him interesting and unpredictable, but also infuriating. Ivy was an awesome character, loved her passion for her work and caregiving. She was too kind to Leo in my opinion. Book ends on a cliffhanger and denies us even a happy for now ending. I guess the love story finishes in the next book.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Part of Hot for the Holidays: First in Series Second Chances Romance Collection which is FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (12/27/2022)! 🎁

[Shannon The Co-Captain · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 ⭐️⭐️✨

I thought I would really like this one based on the majority of the reviews but boy was I wrong. It had a lot of potential but in the end it was a bit of a mess for me. Not to mention it’s a cliffhanger. I like reading series set in a certain world but prefer each book to pertain to different characters. I’m not sure I’ll read the next book considering it’s 344 pages and I didn’t really care for this. I loathe insta-love. It’s probably one of the things I hate most of not the very thing. There have been very few cases where it worked and this just wasn’t one of them. The bones for the story is here but it just didn’t deliver in the end. The characters are wishy washy and there were a few instances when they did things that made no sense. As much as I wanted to like Leo, he seems like someone with bipolar disorder. Which wouldn’t be a big issue if his character was supposed to suffer from mental illness but I don’t think that’s the case here. Also, Olivia not just telling him why she’s there is ridiculous. Find another way to move the story along. Yeah, I think while writing this review I have talked myself out of reading the next book. Too many good stories out there.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Is the my 3rd series of Lexxi, and let me tell you that I’m not dissapointed. At all!
And I hope for a lot of books in this series!
And all the premises are fulfilled - the D'Angelo family have a lot of children to write about!

I love the main characters - Ivy and Leo, and also the secondary ones. And I not meet all of them, becouse the rest of the brothers will be introduced in the next book.
It has a good story. And the plot is thickens with each page.
And has all - love, hurt, hate, betrail, possibly murder…. I was hooked from the first pages.
An amazing family with a lot of secrets, that can’t wait to unravel.
Thanks for this, Lexxi.

I received an ARC copy and I leave my honest voluntary review.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t understand why this is a novella (155 pages) if there is then going to be another book. Why not just make it one regular length novel? I’m certainly curious enough to continue on with the story, but I went to Amazon for the second one which is $8… so I guess not at this point.

[Debra Johnson]

Amazon Purch. March 31, 2023

[˚₊‧♡ dianna ♡‧₊˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

sure is it slightly unbelievable? yeah but am i reading this for believeability? not really lol

[The Lushy Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start!

Thrilling! I adore Leo and Ivy. Their connection is strong but is it enough. Great start to their story. Can’t wait for more!

[Afolasade · Rating 5 out of 5]

*SPEECHLESS *
I have read a lot of Lexxi James books( which I love) but SINS of the Syndicate left me SPEECHLESS. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down till I finished.
This is an absolutely fantastic one, the chemistry between Leo and Ivy is fantastic, I love the suspense, mystery and intrigue. So many secrets I can't wait to see unravel. Looking forward to the read the next book. I received an ARC for my honest review

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent story, probably a 3 star read but I’m deducting a star because I hate when a book ends in a cliffhanger with no warning. I guess this will be the first of two books. Overall the story flowed ok, a few parts that kind of made me roll my eyes. I will continue with the next one.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Sins of the Syndicate' is not only the first book in Leo and Ivy’s duet, but also the first book by Ms. James that I've read. It’s packed with twists, turns, secrets, and sizzling chemistry that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Their story continues in 'SINS & Ivy.'

Ivy works with trauma victims and easily connects with them through a simple stuffed toy named Mr. Whiskers. During a meeting with a client named Sin, Ivy has no idea how much that one encounter will change her life.

Leo sees the stunning woman, and they agree to share just one night—no names, no commitments. Although Leo is used to being the one who leaves the morning after, he is taken aback when Ivy leaves while he's out of the room. Unexpectedly, she reappears at the D'Angelo family residence, where he serves as the right-hand man to the D'Angelo family.

The situation becomes even more surprising when Ivy forms a bond with Trinity D'Angelo, who experienced physical and emotional trauma four years ago and has spoken to no one except her brother, Smoke. Now, Trinity has verbally expressed her desire for Ivy to stay and become her caregiver.

Smoke leaves the decision up to Leo regarding whether Ivy will work for them, even though everyone can see that Ivy is good for Trinity. Leo finds himself struggling to keep his distance from Ivy, and having her around will only make things more complicated. He has made a promise to his best friend, the D'Angelo patriarch, to protect the family at all costs. Can he balance his responsibilities to the family with his growing feelings for someone he should be pushing away, especially when that person has helped Trinity?

[Doreene · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I have read from Lexxi James, and I have to say it was fantastic! I am now reading the second book. I am also looking forward to more in the sin series. At first when Sinclair enters the story when IVY turns 24 I thought he might be her father, but I am all sorts of wrong. But you will only find that out in book 2. Nevertheless the story of Ivy looking to see if she is the sister of the D'Angelo brothers and one sister Trinity. She meets the uncle who seems to know who she is before he is escorted off the property. Ivy has managed to have Trinity talk the first few hours of being there. Trinity has not spoken in 4 years and the fact she speaks shocks, Smoke, her brother and Leo the enforcer for the mob. Ivy was there for a job and of course she gets the job. What no one knows is that Ivy and Leo already know each other in the most intimate way. Leo tries to fight the draw he has toward Ivy and Ivy knows she feels something strong for Leo.
This story has a mystery of finding out who Ivy's father is, secrets Leo and Trinity have, also the secret Ivy has. Ivy wants a family who will love her as she is, but it all go to hell when some truths find there way to the surface.

I am currently in the midst of book 2, as I said and things are mighty interesting.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

not my speed. i enjoyed most of it but grew increasingly annoyed and started to really dislike Leo. i liked ivy a lot though! i found Leo to be absolutely ridiculous and frustrating, starting from when he is driven into a blind rage mere hours after having sex with ivy, sure that she's pregnant and did it on purpose and she already knows for sure she's pregnant because of "a woman's intuition."

the end really surprised me in that absolutely nothing happens, there's no excitement beforehand, it's just a "cliffhanger" out of the blue with no HEA and nothing really going on, the book is just suddenly over.

also, i know it's a mafia book, but i didnt find it that dark until Leo phyaically punishes ivy quite harshly for a "lie" that wasn't a lie, he's just too stupid and rah rah macho, ill die to protect, im the ALPHA! to have any common sense. another reason i really didn't like him. bdsm is all well and good, but this scene was just brutal and uncomfortable out of nowhere, not steamy at all, just felt unsafe.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy works with trauma victims and connects with them easily through a simple stuffed toy, Mr Whiskers. Meeting with a client, Sin, Ivy didn’t realise how much that one meeting would change her life.
Leo sees the stunning woman and they agree to just one night, no names no commitment.
That works well and although Leo is stunned the woman left, which he normally does, he’s more surprised when she turns up at the house he lives and the families right hand man.
The surprise is even more when Ivy connects with Trinity, Trinity who hasn’t spoken much to anyone other than Smoke since her trauma wants Ivy to stay and help her.
Smoke gives the decision to Leo, it’s his call if Ivy works for them, even though everyone can see that Ivy is good for Trinity. Leo knows he is struggling to keep his hands off her and having her there will only make things harder.
The family comes first not his feelings for someone but what will he decide when the person that he is struggling with his feelings with and should push far away, is the one person that has helped Trinity.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic! I loved it!
Leo was an enforcer with the Mafia and hired Ivy as carer for Trinity, his bosses sister.
I think the attraction and chemistry between Leo and Ivy was so good.  Strong,  tumultuous and steamy.  I loved the read about the two and the rocky tone they were having.  There was a lot to be said about their relationship and how great it was.  Just keep seemed to have more issues with it than Ivy.  Though she was coming from a different direction.
This was so well written and I loved the suspense and mystery in the plot.  I also enjoyed the writing style,  but then I always enjoy that with Lexxi James's books.  Especially the dialogue with this one as it was sassy and smart.  Nice to see Ivy had a head on her and a mind that offered a lot. 
Such an enjoyable book and I highly highly recommend it.  Can't wait for the next one!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review of such a brilliant book!!

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first read

In my first read, 𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒚𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆, book one by Lexxi James is a story of discovering one's self from my perspective. Olivia Ann Palmer/Ivy embarks on a journey for her father. After finding out her boyfriend/boss is cheating. A mysterious stranger presents her with a photo of her mother and Antonio D’Angelo. This sends Ivy on an adventure to find a family she didn’t think she had. Leo Zamparelli/Z is the head of security for the D’Angelos. His drive is a promise he made to Antonio D’Angelo always to protect the family. One mind-blowing no-commitment night in the arms of ‘Irene’a woman he finds fascinating will cause Z to be at odds with himself.

I plan to read the second book in this series. I enjoyed the world-building, loved the Chicago setting, and found the secondary characters intriguing, Aunt Grace, especially. But if you want a solid background story with some mystery and family drama, you might enjoy it as much as I did.

[Victoria Rebecca Hawkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy
He was a handsome stranger who made me an offer I couldn't refuse ... Give me anything I wanted. Anything for one night. The catch? No strings. No commitments. No names. I had no idea who he was when we met. I only knew that he protected me. And he looked damned good doing it.

Leo
To the outside world, I'm known only as Z. The enforcer. A widower with nothing to lose. An ex-SEAL sworn to keep one vow: protect the D'Angelo's at all costs. I'm not a good man, and I never claimed to be. Protecting her was second nature. Nothing more. Claiming her was just a one-night escape.

What a fabulous read this was to read from beginning to end. The storyline really sucks you in and it is very hard to put down. The characters are wonderfully put together and made the book enthralling along with it. Lexxi James is a fantastic author and this was the first book I have read by her and I was thoroughly impressed from page one.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy is an unassuming young 24 year old working as a caregiver in an assisted living facility when she is handed an envelope by a stranger who says his name is Sin. Ivy's life up to this point has been tragic...a alcoholic druggie mother who has died and an unknown father. But the envelope contains a picture of a younger version of her mother.
Ivy tells her friend Brooke about the man and photo. Then before she knows it, she's off to Chicago in an attempt to find the man in the photo. Leaving behind her cheating boyfriend ( a small side story).
Once in Chicago she goes to Brooke's Aunt Grace's home to stay and begin her search. Ivy has been blessed to have her friend Brooke and Brooke's family to live and protect her since she was in grade school. It is in her search for her father that she meets Leo, the head of security for DeAngelo Holdings, the office building where the photo was taken.
Read on to see how her search for her father and her relationship with Leo progresses.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is…

That it’s too short. This is more novella length than novel and it is not a complete story.
I rarely read mafia stories. I grew up in Las Vegas and the mafia romance genre usually way over romanticizes the mob world. My rant below is a bit about reality, but not about this book. Regarding the book, I’m delighted by the interpretation of the setting and the quality of the writing. I will definitely be continuing this series.

About the mob… No, there is not honor among thieves. No, when my best friend’s father, who was part owner of a downtown casino, was murdered they did not provide for his widow or children. When his body was found in the desert, his widow was left only with three children under the age of ten. I don’t think she even got a fair price for his interest in the casino.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexxi James has started off her new series, Sins of the Syndicate with a bang. Ivy who is alone in the world hoping to find her father and Leo, known as “Z” swearing to protect her. Lexxi spions their story with clues, suspense, danger, and lots of hot romance with her characters.
Ivy has been sheltered her whole life and now out in the world where being smart may just keep her alive. I loved the tension and attraction Ivy and Leo have, obviously building up to what could only be called combustible. Her therapy animal did bother me for half a minute until I realize Mr. Whiskers may play a bigger role than anticipated.
I have a feeling in the second book we will be given just as outstanding and wonderful as this one.

[Diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will definitely be in my top 5 best romance books that I read this year.
The characters were all very lovable. Leo is a possessive and straightforward alpha male but oh so attentive and extremely loyal. Ivy was dealt such a rough hand in life yet she’s so kind and selfless that at times it was unbelievable, and even though she’s keeping a huge secret, you can’t help but root for her.
Also… THE SMUT!! I don’t know if I just have been reading bad sex scenes but the author definitely knows how to write a sex scene. I have never said out loud “wow that’s hot” when reading smut but I definitely did with this story. The chemistry between the two MCs could keep a bonfire going all night.
Overall, it was a great quick read. I would rate it a 4.5 stars.

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

The given by Sin to Ivy, also known as Olivia Palmer, the eve of birthday creates a mystery. Then there is, has sworn his life to protect Anthony DeAngelo's children, especially Trinity, the only daughter. The father is dead, and Trinity was attacked and has not spoken much or reached out emotionally to anyone, especially her brothers. Ivy has taken a as her caretaker not only because she wants to learn about the DeAngelo's, but also because she that Trinity might be her sister, and her brothers might be her half-brothers. Thus begins the mystery of Ivy and Leo, the head of security, and a person falling in love Ivy. It seems to be an interesting mafia romance, and only time will tell what is uncovered and what happens to these two young people.

[Pippi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sins is dark, intense, and impossible to put down. Lexxi James has a knack for creating high-stakes, morally complicated romances, and this one delivers it in spades. The tension between the leads is electric, with just the right mix of slow-burn attraction and explosive chemistry.

The plot keeps you guessing, with twists and surprises that kept me turning the pages. My only quibble is that some secondary characters felt underdeveloped, and a few scenes moved a little too fast for me. Still, the emotional stakes and character dynamics are strong enough that these issues didn’t spoil the overall experience.

For fans of dark, steamy romance with complex characters and plenty of drama, Sins is a solid, gripping read. I’m excited to see where Lexxi James takes this story next.

[Brittany & · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has promise but the pace is rough

I could like the characters, but the pacing is off and that makes the scenes fall more than a little flat. The spicy scenes almost feel rushed and impersonal, and the punishment scene left me with a bad taste with how that was laid out. Not a healthy interaction at all. However, there are definite quirks here that show promise. I love the look at the mental side of caretaking. It seemed like more research and understanding of how people come out of those kinds of long term episodes would enrich the story. Not a series I will be finishing, but I did finish the first book.

[netty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Am I reading the same book as everyone else?

Ivy is not a great character and is very inconsistent. She loves her job and residents and is a little creepy attached to her work- but then quits. She’s smart but then signs a whole lot of forms without reading them. She instantly connects with Trinity but then jeopardizes everything with a relationship with her boss- again.

Liam is so hot cold it’s annoying

The plot is all over and the world building of their ‘mafia’ stuff is crap. Liam is an ex seal and an assassin and has a huge complex about his work life balance and a dead wife …

Nope nope nope

Two stars because I finished it but I’m not reading any more