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Bale’s Villainous Tales
Savage Sins
He’s Forbidden—a devil I shouldn’t want
Malik Jafar.
The one man I can never have.
The one man I shouldn’t want.
He gets everything he desires.
But that doesn’t include me.
So why do I keep finding myself alone with him?
It would be so simple to give in to him, except for one thing.
He’s married to my best friend.
Too bad my heart doesn’t care.
She’s Temptation—a sin that could ruin me
Ellie, my little mouse.
The one woman I can never have.
The one woman who could ruin me.
My world is a dangerous one.
One where she’s hurt just to get to me.
So I change the game and make her mine.
Too bad I wasn’t prepared for the consequences.
Because sometimes the hit you aren’t expecting comes from within your own ranks.
Malik Jafar.
The one man I can never have.
The one man I shouldn’t want.
He gets everything he desires.
But that doesn’t include me.
So why do I keep finding myself alone with him?
It would be so simple to give in to him, except for one thing.
He’s married to my best friend.
Too bad my heart doesn’t care.
She’s Temptation—a sin that could ruin me
Ellie, my little mouse.
The one woman I can never have.
The one woman who could ruin me.
My world is a dangerous one.
One where she’s hurt just to get to me.
So I change the game and make her mine.
Too bad I wasn’t prepared for the consequences.
Because sometimes the hit you aren’t expecting comes from within your own ranks.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2023
237 people are currently reading
1256 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Bale
67 books379 followersSarah Bale's family always knew she would write romances when they saw the elaborate stories she created for her Barbie dolls. At fifteen she penned her first book, which will never see the light of day if she has any say.
When Sarah isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and also planning what she’d do in a zombie apocalypse. One of her favorite pastimes is attending comic cons, where she can nerd out over all things Marvel.
She is a USA Today Bestselling Author living in Oklahoma and doesn't plan on leaving any time soon.
When Sarah isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and also planning what she’d do in a zombie apocalypse. One of her favorite pastimes is attending comic cons, where she can nerd out over all things Marvel.
She is a USA Today Bestselling Author living in Oklahoma and doesn't plan on leaving any time soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
not-for-me
March 13, 2023DNF @ 7% - was annoyed with the overdone “fat girl” trope so went review diving and discovered that the h is a v who gets r@ped on page by OM and then moves on immediately to porn star sex with hero 😵💫🙄.
No thanks. ✌🏻
No thanks. ✌🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2023
4.3 stars
This book is not for everyone. Not because it was a very dark book, it was not though there are triggering themes, but many will not be able to look past some unrealistic plot points. It was not perfect but somehow I still loved it. It is a duet, and I do hope the second part will be as good. I think the aspect that really gripped my invested interest was that it was a rendering of the Cinderella fairytale, my fav tale, with darkish angsty tones. I got the feels, I felt the angst, or at least the story elements were in such a way that I could fancy and feel the angst. It's basically cheap thrills but I gorged on the pain, esp. the cliffhanger. Reason why I am rating it to 5 stars even if the whole story is not worth real 5 stars. The rest of this review is fully spoilerish, so beware.
Trigger warning: Although these triggers are not overwhelming in the book, it is still worth to cite them - rape (of the h 😢 by OM; on-page but not graphical), consequences of rape (likely not handled realistically by all characters, except the SAFE nurse point 👍), fat shaming, self-harm (cutting), spousal cheating (the h is the OW but the wife is not a gift).
I liked the h, Ellie a lot. Some may find her doormaty, infuriatingly too kind and not voicing out when she gets bullied, but I see her more like a survivor who chooses to let others say their mean things and let it slide. She gets hurt, and internalises it too much for her own good, and we learn that she used to handle it with self-harm. I did wish she was more frontal with the biatches but I get her mode of thinking. Sometimes, it is so much easier to let go and let the bullies dream up their own sick fantasies. I liked the voice infused by the author, but I do wish she will grow into what she really is in the second book.
I liked the H, Jafar, too but I wished that the author had smoothed out his turmoil concerning Ellie and his world to better convey where he really stands. From the story's confines, I know that he fell in love at first sight with plus-size Ellie and only married socialite Jasmine because she pretended she was pregnant. And then, he did not divorce her because (a) it is frowned upon in his mafia world, and (b) he loves her as someone who needs his care but he is not in love with her (according to the book, he tried to make his marriage work, but gave up and has not been sleeping with his wife for quite a time). His thinking is problematic to me. Because it does not tell me why he did not ever choose to put Ellie first before he got into a mess with Jasmine. Was this because the timeline got terribly sped up once he met Ellie and Jasmine said she was pregnant? Was it because he felt Ellie was too pure for his world? Was it because he thought Jasmine would make a better mob wife? Possibly, the answer is a mix of all this, but I did not get it on page, in a straight way, from the author. Imho, all these points needed to be on page to really give an intense pulse to his angst. Much more Jafar's candid POV on page would also have helped. And it would also have helped to explain clearly the rationale for his actions in this book, namely why he chose to play a hot-cold seduction with Ellie after years of being mocking and insulting to her so that she would stay far from him (and not have him act upon his real feelings for her). I still enjoyed the tension, but more rationalisation would have placed this book in the epic category. I also cannot fathom why he would feel any attachment to Jasmine. If the reason had been explained better, maybe I could swallow the lie but so far no.
And I loved the cliffhanger to pieces. Nothing original, but effectively done. Cheap thrills really, but I am on board. There were tears, hurt and pain. Pure heaven!
The good news is that Book 2 is out today. I have not much hope for a huge grovel given the character type, but I do hope Ellie does not make it too easy. And I hope Jafar will rain fire and brimstone on Jasmine, Dru and Al. Ellie may be too kind to have not seen the abuse earlier, but with shitty friends like Jasmine, who needs enemies?
P.S. Nitpicky point: Jafar is 43 and Ellie is 25. A bit too big an age gap to my mind but so far the story has not emphasized this as a problem between the leads.
-----
My review for Book 2: here
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
I HATE CHEATING TROPES. I hate ittttt. But I still picked this up to read. 🔪 🔪 👊 👊
So just a fair warning, the H and h have an affair even though the H is married to her best friend.
So yes very messy situation. But it's okay cause this best friend is a horrendous bitch. 😂 We HATEE horrible OWS.
Also check TWS before reading: Rape, sexual assault, self harm, fat shaming, toxic bitches 🚫🚫🚩🚩
Anyways, I just didn't like this as much because I just really really wanted Malik (H) to leave Jasmine, the awful wife. But he obviously doesn't and this ends in a cliffhanger. He messes around with Ellie (h) even though he is married to a horrible cow who is an awful human being. LIKE she is supposed to be this so called bsf to Ellie, but she's fatphobic, a bitch and fake af. 🙄 I did think Ellie was a bit of a doormat, let's be honest. But I also felt extremely bad for her. AND I hate that Jasmine (ow) got to Malik before Ellie did. He kept going on and on about what if he met Ellie first blaa blaaa blaaa. But cmon, he was clearly attracted to this shallow witch of a wife initially 🧙♀️ for a reason. But anyways excuses, excuses excuses. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Hopefully I'm happy with the second book. ✋️😭
So just a fair warning, the H and h have an affair even though the H is married to her best friend.
So yes very messy situation. But it's okay cause this best friend is a horrendous bitch. 😂 We HATEE horrible OWS.
Also check TWS before reading: Rape, sexual assault, self harm, fat shaming, toxic bitches 🚫🚫🚩🚩
Anyways, I just didn't like this as much because I just really really wanted Malik (H) to leave Jasmine, the awful wife. But he obviously doesn't and this ends in a cliffhanger. He messes around with Ellie (h) even though he is married to a horrible cow who is an awful human being. LIKE she is supposed to be this so called bsf to Ellie, but she's fatphobic, a bitch and fake af. 🙄 I did think Ellie was a bit of a doormat, let's be honest. But I also felt extremely bad for her. AND I hate that Jasmine (ow) got to Malik before Ellie did. He kept going on and on about what if he met Ellie first blaa blaaa blaaa. But cmon, he was clearly attracted to this shallow witch of a wife initially 🧙♀️ for a reason. But anyways excuses, excuses excuses. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Hopefully I'm happy with the second book. ✋️😭
January 15, 2023
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OH MY FUCKING GOD. THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE READ THIS YEAR. IT'S
BEEN SO LONG SINCE I'VE BEEN OBSESSED OVER A BOOK 😭❤❤❤ LIKE SERIOUSLY, THE SEROTONIN THAT THIS BOOK GAVE ME IS JUST *CHEF KISS*
As a cheating trope lover, this book is just a blessing to me. Tbh, it's pretty hard to find the ones that do the trope justice, but Sarah Bale did it effortlessly. Not gonna lie, I went into the story without any expectations and it turned out way way way better than I expected. It's not just the storyline itself that made the book enjoyable, but also the characters.
Talking about the characters, I just adore both Jafar and Ellie. Ellie is my precious little princess that I feel like protecting at all cost. What I love the most about Ellie is that she's such a loyal person. Despite her attractions towards Jafar, she still prioritises her friendship more. Whereas for Jafar, he's such a daddy. I was simping over him from the very beginning especially since he's serving boy obsessed. Also, did I mention that these two serve age gap? The relationship between this two is just so sexy 😭❤❤❤
Anyways, if you're worried about feeling bad for the wife/best friend, don't be. This OW is just manipulative and toxic. Therefore, you won't feel bad when JafarEllie serve cheating trope with each other.
Overall, Savage Sins is such a great read and I highly recommend it to everyone. I believe Sarah did an incredible job in delivering the story. A literal page turner that got me hooked from the beginning till the end. Also, the cliffhanger? Yeah, it pretty much kills me and thankfully the sequel will be releasing next month. If you haven't read this book, please do!
OH MY FUCKING GOD. THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE READ THIS YEAR. IT'S
BEEN SO LONG SINCE I'VE BEEN OBSESSED OVER A BOOK 😭❤❤❤ LIKE SERIOUSLY, THE SEROTONIN THAT THIS BOOK GAVE ME IS JUST *CHEF KISS*
As a cheating trope lover, this book is just a blessing to me. Tbh, it's pretty hard to find the ones that do the trope justice, but Sarah Bale did it effortlessly. Not gonna lie, I went into the story without any expectations and it turned out way way way better than I expected. It's not just the storyline itself that made the book enjoyable, but also the characters.
Talking about the characters, I just adore both Jafar and Ellie. Ellie is my precious little princess that I feel like protecting at all cost. What I love the most about Ellie is that she's such a loyal person. Despite her attractions towards Jafar, she still prioritises her friendship more. Whereas for Jafar, he's such a daddy. I was simping over him from the very beginning especially since he's serving boy obsessed. Also, did I mention that these two serve age gap? The relationship between this two is just so sexy 😭❤❤❤
Anyways, if you're worried about feeling bad for the wife/best friend, don't be. This OW is just manipulative and toxic. Therefore, you won't feel bad when JafarEllie serve cheating trope with each other.
Overall, Savage Sins is such a great read and I highly recommend it to everyone. I believe Sarah did an incredible job in delivering the story. A literal page turner that got me hooked from the beginning till the end. Also, the cliffhanger? Yeah, it pretty much kills me and thankfully the sequel will be releasing next month. If you haven't read this book, please do!
January 11, 2023
5/5⭐️ 2/5🌶️
The tale of Aladdin’s Jafar meets Cinderella, but make it spicy mafia style! I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! I don’t know what I was expecting going in, but it definitely made me feel things.
I can’t say I love the dynamic between Jasmine and Ellie, but I loved reading it. Ellie is a plus sized, pure hearted woman with a spoiled, not so sweet best friend. Jasmine gaslights Ellie at every turn and throws shade every chance she gets. She ropes her into helping her with what Ellie considers a dream job, which extends her stay around her best friend.
Along with Jasmine comes Jafar. He’s dark, brooding, kinda rude, and very possessive. Let’s just say things don’t go smoothly….through any of it. Jafar is swoonworthy, but also makes you want to backhand him at some of the things he says to her. There isn’t much spice, but what spice there is, it’s done immaculately. Jafar has a filthy mouth that all of us smut lovers appreciate.
The book ended on a brutal cliffy, and I need book 2 like NOW! I’m keeping the review brief because you just need to read it! I don’t want to spoil anything!
🚨 Has some dark notes, so please read content warning as some scenes may be potentially triggering.🚨
Favorite Quotes:
“In another life, I would put a baby in you tonight,” he whispers, his lips brushing against mine. “A son who will take over my empire one day.”
“Look at my good girl, taking my c🐔ck like a pro. Give me one more, so I can come with you.”
His kiss makes me feel like I’m dying, and this is the only way to live.
Tropes/K!nks:
Praise
Curvy girl
Cheating
Best friend’s husband
V card
Mafia romance
Impact play
Sq💦ing
Breeding k!nk
Take it
The tale of Aladdin’s Jafar meets Cinderella, but make it spicy mafia style! I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! I don’t know what I was expecting going in, but it definitely made me feel things.
I can’t say I love the dynamic between Jasmine and Ellie, but I loved reading it. Ellie is a plus sized, pure hearted woman with a spoiled, not so sweet best friend. Jasmine gaslights Ellie at every turn and throws shade every chance she gets. She ropes her into helping her with what Ellie considers a dream job, which extends her stay around her best friend.
Along with Jasmine comes Jafar. He’s dark, brooding, kinda rude, and very possessive. Let’s just say things don’t go smoothly….through any of it. Jafar is swoonworthy, but also makes you want to backhand him at some of the things he says to her. There isn’t much spice, but what spice there is, it’s done immaculately. Jafar has a filthy mouth that all of us smut lovers appreciate.
The book ended on a brutal cliffy, and I need book 2 like NOW! I’m keeping the review brief because you just need to read it! I don’t want to spoil anything!
🚨 Has some dark notes, so please read content warning as some scenes may be potentially triggering.🚨
Favorite Quotes:
“In another life, I would put a baby in you tonight,” he whispers, his lips brushing against mine. “A son who will take over my empire one day.”
“Look at my good girl, taking my c🐔ck like a pro. Give me one more, so I can come with you.”
His kiss makes me feel like I’m dying, and this is the only way to live.
Tropes/K!nks:
Praise
Curvy girl
Cheating
Best friend’s husband
V card
Mafia romance
Impact play
Sq💦ing
Breeding k!nk
Take it
January 10, 2023
Loving your best friend’s husband
When best friend's husband becomes irresistible
A sweet, curvy heroine in a toxic world surrounded by toxic people, this is a forbidden, angsty romance with fairy-tale and old-school Harlequin vibes. Ellie's life changes with her best friend, Jasmine invites her to visit and her husband, Malik Jafar, goes from enemy to chaser.
Ellie is altruistic, not so confident, often taken advantage of, and caught up in an infatuation for a man she can't have but who now wants her. She is a character whose personality resonates with the not popular, good girl. Malik has mafia ties, is successful and affluent; he wants Ellie. Their story is a progressively paced, engrossing read that revolves around perception, attraction, and wrestling with giving into the forbidden.
While there is sexual tension, their relationship simply grows without much organic development. And while cheating book, it wasn't particularly spicy until the end. Some dark themes, though, do enrich the storyline, making it a bit non-traditional.
There are mean girls -- definite Cinderella vibes -- and bad and morally grey guys. I was constantly wondering what would happen next, when the little mouse, Ellie, would show her claws and retaliate. Alas, this is a story of growth and actualization, and emotionally bruised by its ending, I can only hope Ellie gets her rewards in book 2. She deserves it.
Can't wait for book 2.
When best friend's husband becomes irresistible
A sweet, curvy heroine in a toxic world surrounded by toxic people, this is a forbidden, angsty romance with fairy-tale and old-school Harlequin vibes. Ellie's life changes with her best friend, Jasmine invites her to visit and her husband, Malik Jafar, goes from enemy to chaser.
Ellie is altruistic, not so confident, often taken advantage of, and caught up in an infatuation for a man she can't have but who now wants her. She is a character whose personality resonates with the not popular, good girl. Malik has mafia ties, is successful and affluent; he wants Ellie. Their story is a progressively paced, engrossing read that revolves around perception, attraction, and wrestling with giving into the forbidden.
While there is sexual tension, their relationship simply grows without much organic development. And while cheating book, it wasn't particularly spicy until the end. Some dark themes, though, do enrich the storyline, making it a bit non-traditional.
There are mean girls -- definite Cinderella vibes -- and bad and morally grey guys. I was constantly wondering what would happen next, when the little mouse, Ellie, would show her claws and retaliate. Alas, this is a story of growth and actualization, and emotionally bruised by its ending, I can only hope Ellie gets her rewards in book 2. She deserves it.
Can't wait for book 2.
January 8, 2023
ARC Review
Savage Sins by @authorsarahbale
Love darker romance with delicious tension? Loads of fairy tale references set in a mafia world? A curvy and kindhearted FMC? Tall, dark, and handsome MMC? Look no further.
Savage Sins follows Ellie as she returns to New York to assist her BFF Jasmine with a gala. Jasmine’s husband, the Mafia boss of Manhattan Malik Jafar, has always hated her and makes it well known. While she finds herself in New York and spends more time with Jafar, she finds the feelings they have may be anything but hate.
First, Jasmine is a terrible friend, absolutely the worst. She acts like she’s in Ellie’s side but her actions say differently. I could have found her redeemable if she hadn’t treated Ellie the way she did after what Ellie went though, but I don’t think I’ll ever forgive her in my mind.
Ellie is such a lovable, albeit naive, goddess who doesn’t see how much potential she truly has. And a lot of the ones who do see it, abuse it (i.e. Jasmine), but when she finds out that Jafar has actually had feelings for her for a good while, it’s like her world opens up. Jafar is the definition of a possessive alphahole and I really like his broody demeanor. He acts like a different person alone or with her (up until that cliffhanger ending) so I’m hopeful for the next book. I am curious how they are gonna sort out this predicament.
Overall, I really did enjoy this ARC! There are a lot of fun nods to fairy tale characters and pop culture references in this, which I did enjoy, but don’t let that distract you from the TW list. This book does contain some very dark themes and triggers that do occur on page, so don’t take that warning lightly.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Savage Sins by @authorsarahbale
Love darker romance with delicious tension? Loads of fairy tale references set in a mafia world? A curvy and kindhearted FMC? Tall, dark, and handsome MMC? Look no further.
Savage Sins follows Ellie as she returns to New York to assist her BFF Jasmine with a gala. Jasmine’s husband, the Mafia boss of Manhattan Malik Jafar, has always hated her and makes it well known. While she finds herself in New York and spends more time with Jafar, she finds the feelings they have may be anything but hate.
First, Jasmine is a terrible friend, absolutely the worst. She acts like she’s in Ellie’s side but her actions say differently. I could have found her redeemable if she hadn’t treated Ellie the way she did after what Ellie went though, but I don’t think I’ll ever forgive her in my mind.
Ellie is such a lovable, albeit naive, goddess who doesn’t see how much potential she truly has. And a lot of the ones who do see it, abuse it (i.e. Jasmine), but when she finds out that Jafar has actually had feelings for her for a good while, it’s like her world opens up. Jafar is the definition of a possessive alphahole and I really like his broody demeanor. He acts like a different person alone or with her (up until that cliffhanger ending) so I’m hopeful for the next book. I am curious how they are gonna sort out this predicament.
Overall, I really did enjoy this ARC! There are a lot of fun nods to fairy tale characters and pop culture references in this, which I did enjoy, but don’t let that distract you from the TW list. This book does contain some very dark themes and triggers that do occur on page, so don’t take that warning lightly.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
December 15, 2022
4 ⭐️
3 🔥
• Curvy FMC
• Mafia
• Cheating
• Touch her and die
• Enemies-to-lovers
“𝑭𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
What a fun twist on some fairytale classics. I enjoyed the re-imagining of the fairytales and all the nods to the originals.
Jafar and Ellie were doomed from the beginning due to Jafar being married to Ellie's bff, Jasmine, but they cannot deny their attraction to each other, no matter how hard they try. Trauma finds it's way into Ellie's life, but Jafar is right there to be her knight in shining armor...or is he?
The relationship between Ellie and Jasmine is such a weird and unique friendship. I'm still not certain what Jasmine's motives are and am interested to see how it all plays out in book 2.
3 🔥
• Curvy FMC
• Mafia
• Cheating
• Touch her and die
• Enemies-to-lovers
“𝑭𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
What a fun twist on some fairytale classics. I enjoyed the re-imagining of the fairytales and all the nods to the originals.
Jafar and Ellie were doomed from the beginning due to Jafar being married to Ellie's bff, Jasmine, but they cannot deny their attraction to each other, no matter how hard they try. Trauma finds it's way into Ellie's life, but Jafar is right there to be her knight in shining armor...or is he?
The relationship between Ellie and Jasmine is such a weird and unique friendship. I'm still not certain what Jasmine's motives are and am interested to see how it all plays out in book 2.
January 11, 2023
𝕆ℍ. 𝕄𝕐. 𝔾𝕆𝕊ℍ!!!
New to me author.
This story is a rollercoaster of emotions!
Ellie definitely does not deserve what life as thrown her way and she needs a HEA, but we’ll have to wait on that. But…. after everything she’s gone tru I’m not sure if I want her HEA to be with Jafar, but my emotions towards him are all jumble right now.
Specially after how the story ends…..
Reading this the second time around had me in more tears somehow….. and the wait for Savage Secrets is not gonna be so easy!!!!!
New to me author.
This story is a rollercoaster of emotions!
Ellie definitely does not deserve what life as thrown her way and she needs a HEA, but we’ll have to wait on that. But…. after everything she’s gone tru I’m not sure if I want her HEA to be with Jafar, but my emotions towards him are all jumble right now.
Specially after how the story ends…..
Reading this the second time around had me in more tears somehow….. and the wait for Savage Secrets is not gonna be so easy!!!!!
January 10, 2023
OMG! THAT ENDING?!
But man this book was amazing!! And beautiful! And emotional!!
DEFINITELY check the TW/CW if you care about those.
I’m obsessed and I can’t wait for the second book! Like 🤯
It was beautiful and emotional and why didn’t I pay attention that this was part of a duet BEFORE I started!!
My favorite line from the entire book “Fuck a prince. What you need is a villain. Someone who will sacrifice the entire world just to be with you.”
But man this book was amazing!! And beautiful! And emotional!!
DEFINITELY check the TW/CW if you care about those.
I’m obsessed and I can’t wait for the second book! Like 🤯
It was beautiful and emotional and why didn’t I pay attention that this was part of a duet BEFORE I started!!
My favorite line from the entire book “Fuck a prince. What you need is a villain. Someone who will sacrifice the entire world just to be with you.”
January 8, 2023
Oh my stars! I devoured this book! I loved it from start to finish and can’t wait for the next book. It is a fairy tale retelling, so it was interesting to see how all the characters fit into the story. I hated Jafar when the story began and I hated him for an entirely different reason when the story ended (mostly because he made me fall in love with him - jerk!😂). Ellie had my heart from the beginning and I just wanted to hug her. Check trigger and ends on a cliffhanger!
💙💙💙💙💙
💙💙💙💙💙
December 12, 2022
Finished it in one sitting. This book sucked me in.
Unique ✔️
Spicy ✔️
Curvy FMC ✔️
Hot MMC ✔️
Mafia Style ✔️
Loved it. It kept me wanting more
Really hoping for a Book 2 cause it felt like a huge cliffhanger to me
Unique ✔️
Spicy ✔️
Curvy FMC ✔️
Hot MMC ✔️
Mafia Style ✔️
Loved it. It kept me wanting more
Really hoping for a Book 2 cause it felt like a huge cliffhanger to me
December 16, 2022
Fabulous way of telling the story, a roller coaster of emotions from drama, anguish, spicy, and a very hot chemistry between Jafar and Ellie, of which I must say I completely loved her personality.
The moments between them hurt me and made me happy, a total contradiction but I loved it, and that crazy cliff-hanger, I need the second book to know how this story ends!!
I read an ARC for an honest review
I give it more than 5 stars
The moments between them hurt me and made me happy, a total contradiction but I loved it, and that crazy cliff-hanger, I need the second book to know how this story ends!!
I read an ARC for an honest review
I give it more than 5 stars
January 10, 2023
Ellie is called back to New York to help her bestie Jasmine out, with that also comes her husband Jafar who always is commenting that she is a thief. When Jasmine asks Ellie to help her with the Met Gala she is forced to pack up her things in Kansas to come work for a bit. Jafar accompanies her to Kansas to grab her things and this is when we are given a bit more of him liking her and is torn inside. Jafar puts her up in one of her hotels for the time and gives her money so she isn't dead in the water. One night at dinner he starts to give Ellie a foot rub under the table with Jasmine sitting right there, as time goes on more and more start to happen. What happens when you fall for your best friends husband? What happens when you try and stay away? What happens when your best friend is not who she used to be?
I ATE THIS BOOK UP! Do check your triggers for this is a dark Mafia book with DARK themes on page. I want Jafar so bad! I am obsessed with the villain. I just love that he will and wants to burn the world down for her! He's someone you shouldn't want but he's also everything you've always wanted.
I ATE THIS BOOK UP! Do check your triggers for this is a dark Mafia book with DARK themes on page. I want Jafar so bad! I am obsessed with the villain. I just love that he will and wants to burn the world down for her! He's someone you shouldn't want but he's also everything you've always wanted.
February 19, 2023
Savage Sins is an Aladdin retelling of sorts with a Cinderella twist. It does end in a cliffhanger which is typically not my thing but I tell you, this book is will absolutely have you spellbound. It's definitely dark so pay attention to the trigger warnings the beginning. Buckle up, get ready for a wild ride!
"Things will get worse before they get better."
What a telling line for the beginning of the book. I have a love/hate relationship with some of these characters. I can't stand Jasmine, nope, no way, no how. Malik Jafar, I'm kind of on the fence about him. BUT, I adore Ellie. She deserves so much more than she gets.
"They are as different as night and day, but thinks they balance each other out. Their love isn’t something that makes sense, and that’s okay."
"Things will get worse before they get better."
What a telling line for the beginning of the book. I have a love/hate relationship with some of these characters. I can't stand Jasmine, nope, no way, no how. Malik Jafar, I'm kind of on the fence about him. BUT, I adore Ellie. She deserves so much more than she gets.
"They are as different as night and day, but thinks they balance each other out. Their love isn’t something that makes sense, and that’s okay."
December 21, 2024
3.5⭐️
3.5🌶️
WOW. So this was my first book by Sarah Bale and it for sure will not be my last! I absolutely loved this take on these Disney characters. It’s dark, sexy, dramatic & dang and I ready to see where this story takes us for book 2! The way Sarah writes just keeps you in the edge of your seat the entirety of the story and I am so here for it. The plot is thick, the sexual tension/chemistry is burning my kindle & I cannot wait to see this man fall hard for his woman!
3.5🌶️
WOW. So this was my first book by Sarah Bale and it for sure will not be my last! I absolutely loved this take on these Disney characters. It’s dark, sexy, dramatic & dang and I ready to see where this story takes us for book 2! The way Sarah writes just keeps you in the edge of your seat the entirety of the story and I am so here for it. The plot is thick, the sexual tension/chemistry is burning my kindle & I cannot wait to see this man fall hard for his woman!
January 11, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
He's forbidden-a devil I shouldn't want. Malik Jafar. The one man I can never have. The one man I shouldn't want. He gets everything he desires. But that doesn't include me. Sh why do I keep finding myself alone with him? It would be so simple to give in to him, except for one thing. He is married to my best friend. Too bad my heart doesn't care.
She's temptation-a sin that could ruin me. Ellle, my little mouse. The one woman I can never have. The one woman who could ruin me. My world is a dangerous one. One where she's hurt just to get to me. So I change the game and make her mine. Too bad I wasn't prepared for the consequences. Because sometimes the hit you aren't expecting comes from within your own ranks.
This is a dark mafia romance. You will want to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book. It will contain some things that might be triggering for some readers.
This is the story of Elle and Jafar and I have to say it is probably going to rip your heart out. More than once. Elle has returned to New York to help her best friend Jasmine with a gala she is preparing for. Jasmine is married to the Mafia boss of Manhattan. Jafar has always hated Elle and her coming back things are not different. However not one to waste time and wanting to know why he hates her so much she begins to spend time with him. Discovering, that he might just not hate her at all. What happens when the one man you shouldn't want just might be the one you are suppose to be with. The one that lights up your world and makes you feel like you could do anything in the world when you didn't see the potential of it all in yourself. You have to read this story to find out what happens. I could go on and one about it and then I might ruin something so I have to quit talking about it. I loved Elle. She is a girl who is very easy to like but has some serious low self esteem because of things she has been though. Jasmine though. Oh my goodness. I just wanted to throat punch her. To be Elle's best friend I had to wonder if Ell was desperate for a best friend and just overlooks how horrible Jasmine really is. This girl has no redeeming qualities at all and I was so hoping that Elle would open her eyes to all of this and get herself a new best friend. Jafar is broody and for sure possessive if your the person he needs to be possessive of. I don't see how he put up with Jasmine but again you have to read to see how all that pans out. There is a bit of a quandary in this book but don't jump to conclusions from the description and let that keep you from reading this book. I loved reading this book. It is full of twist and turn and a whole lot of tension and things going on.
He's forbidden-a devil I shouldn't want. Malik Jafar. The one man I can never have. The one man I shouldn't want. He gets everything he desires. But that doesn't include me. Sh why do I keep finding myself alone with him? It would be so simple to give in to him, except for one thing. He is married to my best friend. Too bad my heart doesn't care.
She's temptation-a sin that could ruin me. Ellle, my little mouse. The one woman I can never have. The one woman who could ruin me. My world is a dangerous one. One where she's hurt just to get to me. So I change the game and make her mine. Too bad I wasn't prepared for the consequences. Because sometimes the hit you aren't expecting comes from within your own ranks.
This is a dark mafia romance. You will want to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book. It will contain some things that might be triggering for some readers.
This is the story of Elle and Jafar and I have to say it is probably going to rip your heart out. More than once. Elle has returned to New York to help her best friend Jasmine with a gala she is preparing for. Jasmine is married to the Mafia boss of Manhattan. Jafar has always hated Elle and her coming back things are not different. However not one to waste time and wanting to know why he hates her so much she begins to spend time with him. Discovering, that he might just not hate her at all. What happens when the one man you shouldn't want just might be the one you are suppose to be with. The one that lights up your world and makes you feel like you could do anything in the world when you didn't see the potential of it all in yourself. You have to read this story to find out what happens. I could go on and one about it and then I might ruin something so I have to quit talking about it. I loved Elle. She is a girl who is very easy to like but has some serious low self esteem because of things she has been though. Jasmine though. Oh my goodness. I just wanted to throat punch her. To be Elle's best friend I had to wonder if Ell was desperate for a best friend and just overlooks how horrible Jasmine really is. This girl has no redeeming qualities at all and I was so hoping that Elle would open her eyes to all of this and get herself a new best friend. Jafar is broody and for sure possessive if your the person he needs to be possessive of. I don't see how he put up with Jasmine but again you have to read to see how all that pans out. There is a bit of a quandary in this book but don't jump to conclusions from the description and let that keep you from reading this book. I loved reading this book. It is full of twist and turn and a whole lot of tension and things going on.
January 18, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
MFC: I want to hug Ellie so bad, I love her so much.
MMC(s): Jafar is everything.
Plot: 5/5
Book cover: 4/5
Would I buy a physical copy?: YES.
Sarah is a new to me author, I saw her post in a Facebook book group and let me tell you… I ate this book tf UPPPP. The writing is amazing and I’m in full fucking love with both Ellie and Jafar. They’re EVERYTHING. I had no idea this was going to be a duet, so I was sweating bullets when we were 94% in and things weren’t sounding very HEA!
I’m getting ahead of myself. Hold on.
Ellie is the KINDEST woman on the planet I swear and she deserves so much better than the goopy microwave warm version of friendship Jasmine hands out. I would have attacked Jasmine on multiple occasions if I were her, ESPECIALLY after what happened and how Jasmine and Dru played it off like it was nothing or that Ellie would’ve wanted it! I was pissssed. Jasmine is a terrible human being and I lowkey feel like she and Al are something since Al is always so quick to say kind words about the wench. 👀
Then you have Jafar, the big grumpy mafia man who has been hungry for his wife’s best friend since the moment they met. (Side note, the goddamn donation plaque at the garden?!?! 🥹 SWOON.) There is hella cheating, apparently from both sides, though the physical cheating between Jafar & Ellie starts off small and slowly building until almost the end of the book. The sexual tension is delicious 🤌🏻✨💋 and I was rooting for them to go at it already while they were at the beach house 😂 I won’t lie, he broke my heart at the end.
I wasn’t expecting to love this so much but I’ll be damned if I’m not foaming at the mouth for the next book, especially if what I think is happening, happens! 😍🥹 February can’t some soon enough!
**READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
MFC: I want to hug Ellie so bad, I love her so much.
MMC(s): Jafar is everything.
Plot: 5/5
Book cover: 4/5
Would I buy a physical copy?: YES.
Sarah is a new to me author, I saw her post in a Facebook book group and let me tell you… I ate this book tf UPPPP. The writing is amazing and I’m in full fucking love with both Ellie and Jafar. They’re EVERYTHING. I had no idea this was going to be a duet, so I was sweating bullets when we were 94% in and things weren’t sounding very HEA!
I’m getting ahead of myself. Hold on.
Ellie is the KINDEST woman on the planet I swear and she deserves so much better than the goopy microwave warm version of friendship Jasmine hands out. I would have attacked Jasmine on multiple occasions if I were her, ESPECIALLY after what happened and how Jasmine and Dru played it off like it was nothing or that Ellie would’ve wanted it! I was pissssed. Jasmine is a terrible human being and I lowkey feel like she and Al are something since Al is always so quick to say kind words about the wench. 👀
Then you have Jafar, the big grumpy mafia man who has been hungry for his wife’s best friend since the moment they met. (Side note, the goddamn donation plaque at the garden?!?! 🥹 SWOON.) There is hella cheating, apparently from both sides, though the physical cheating between Jafar & Ellie starts off small and slowly building until almost the end of the book. The sexual tension is delicious 🤌🏻✨💋 and I was rooting for them to go at it already while they were at the beach house 😂 I won’t lie, he broke my heart at the end.
I wasn’t expecting to love this so much but I’ll be damned if I’m not foaming at the mouth for the next book, especially if what I think is happening, happens! 😍🥹 February can’t some soon enough!
**READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS.
January 17, 2023
Wowsers!!!! I read this in a single day I just couldn't put it down! I love a dark mafia romance and this was up there with some of my favourites.
The story follows Ellie, she returns to New York to help out her best friend Jasmine with a gala. Jasmine's husband the mafia boss Malik Jafar, he's always hated her and never really understands why Jasmine is friends with her. He can be quite harsh with Ellie but when they have to spend time together the hate slowly turns into lust and love.
Please can someone tell me why anyone would be friends with Jasmine? She is damn right horrible to Ellie along with Dru who is Ellie's stepsister my god I wanted to throat punch them both a fair few times. Ellie is a loveable female lead and reading what she went through when younger with her step mum and sisters you really do feel for her all through this book. When Jafar has known all along he's had feelings for Ellie you do really soften towards him ( until the end where you also want to throat punch him lol ) There are some triggers in this book and one big one happened for me........I had to put my kindle down for a while and come back to the story after one scene in the book. The triggers are told at the beginning of the book so you can proceed with caution as I did when I read one trigger in particular so I could sorta gage when it was gonna happen hence I could walk away and skip the scene.
Honestly this was a fantastic read and I cannot wait to see what happens next with Ellie and Jafar.....bring on the next book!!!
The story follows Ellie, she returns to New York to help out her best friend Jasmine with a gala. Jasmine's husband the mafia boss Malik Jafar, he's always hated her and never really understands why Jasmine is friends with her. He can be quite harsh with Ellie but when they have to spend time together the hate slowly turns into lust and love.
Please can someone tell me why anyone would be friends with Jasmine? She is damn right horrible to Ellie along with Dru who is Ellie's stepsister my god I wanted to throat punch them both a fair few times. Ellie is a loveable female lead and reading what she went through when younger with her step mum and sisters you really do feel for her all through this book. When Jafar has known all along he's had feelings for Ellie you do really soften towards him ( until the end where you also want to throat punch him lol ) There are some triggers in this book and one big one happened for me........I had to put my kindle down for a while and come back to the story after one scene in the book. The triggers are told at the beginning of the book so you can proceed with caution as I did when I read one trigger in particular so I could sorta gage when it was gonna happen hence I could walk away and skip the scene.
Honestly this was a fantastic read and I cannot wait to see what happens next with Ellie and Jafar.....bring on the next book!!!
December 22, 2022
First of all before you read this book, please, please, please…Check. The. Trigger. Warnings! I know I say that with a lot of books, but with this one it’s especially important, because there are some things in here that will make some of you nope right out.
Now, on to the good stuff. This is the first book by Sarah Bale, but it will by no means be the last one. In fact, I plan on going back and reading all of her other books. I had originally planned to just read a few chapters to get a feel for the book and the author and then pick it up again the next day. But once I started reading, that plan went completely out the window. I was totally sucked in to the story and intrigued by the characters to the point that I couldn’t put the book down. I just had to know what was going to happen next. I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting and managed to do it in just a few hours even though I’m currently sick and my attention span has been shot.
I love that Ellie is a plus size FMC, and I can totally relate to her inner thoughts about her looks and how she views herself, especially at that age. She’s stronger than what she gives herself credit for and I hope we get to see her realize it in the next book. I’m so glad that we got some snippets of Jafar’s POV because without it I don’t think that I would like or trust him. And while I refuse to spoil the ending I will say that while I understand what Jafar did and why he did it, I still think that he was stupid to do it and that it’s going to come back and bite him in the ass. Seriously though, this book isn’t even out yet and I already need the next one because I need to see how this is going to end.
Now, on to the good stuff. This is the first book by Sarah Bale, but it will by no means be the last one. In fact, I plan on going back and reading all of her other books. I had originally planned to just read a few chapters to get a feel for the book and the author and then pick it up again the next day. But once I started reading, that plan went completely out the window. I was totally sucked in to the story and intrigued by the characters to the point that I couldn’t put the book down. I just had to know what was going to happen next. I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting and managed to do it in just a few hours even though I’m currently sick and my attention span has been shot.
I love that Ellie is a plus size FMC, and I can totally relate to her inner thoughts about her looks and how she views herself, especially at that age. She’s stronger than what she gives herself credit for and I hope we get to see her realize it in the next book. I’m so glad that we got some snippets of Jafar’s POV because without it I don’t think that I would like or trust him. And while I refuse to spoil the ending I will say that while I understand what Jafar did and why he did it, I still think that he was stupid to do it and that it’s going to come back and bite him in the ass. Seriously though, this book isn’t even out yet and I already need the next one because I need to see how this is going to end.
January 9, 2023
I had so many thoughts about this book. I thought it was going to be a good spicy Aladdin and Cinderella story reimagined. I was wrong. It was more dark and captivating than I expected and gripped me whole heartedly.
My girl Ellie, our own Cinderella of sorts, just can’t catch a break. She was dealt a shitty hand at life and she certainly needs more self love. For some reason she is still holding on to her childhood best friend, Jasmine, even though they are completely different people now.
Jasmine is, in my opinion, in no way a decent person. She is self-centered and spews word vomit without consideration of anyone’s feelings. I really couldn’t stand her. I hated that Ellie wouldn’t stand up for herself.
Jafar, Jasmine’s husband and who Ellie can’t help but lust over, is mostly broody and hard edged towards Ellie. Only she doesn’t know that he purposely tries to push Ellie away for other reasons. But it comes to a point when Jafar can’t control his urges anymore.
This story took a very unexpected turn down a dark road. I’m not mad at it. I was just caught off guard. There was certainly more depth and darkness to this story. It took me a moment to carry on because I broke for Ellie. But Jafar was there to pick up the pieces. He was incredibly tender and thoughtful, until reality set in.
It leaves off on a cliffhanger and I am left with needing to know how this will all play out. I don’t like to list the TWs for fear of spoiling the plot, but PLEASE check them in the author’s note if you need to before reading. Sarah Bale is a new to me author and I am so glad that I can add her to my top authors list.
My girl Ellie, our own Cinderella of sorts, just can’t catch a break. She was dealt a shitty hand at life and she certainly needs more self love. For some reason she is still holding on to her childhood best friend, Jasmine, even though they are completely different people now.
Jasmine is, in my opinion, in no way a decent person. She is self-centered and spews word vomit without consideration of anyone’s feelings. I really couldn’t stand her. I hated that Ellie wouldn’t stand up for herself.
Jafar, Jasmine’s husband and who Ellie can’t help but lust over, is mostly broody and hard edged towards Ellie. Only she doesn’t know that he purposely tries to push Ellie away for other reasons. But it comes to a point when Jafar can’t control his urges anymore.
This story took a very unexpected turn down a dark road. I’m not mad at it. I was just caught off guard. There was certainly more depth and darkness to this story. It took me a moment to carry on because I broke for Ellie. But Jafar was there to pick up the pieces. He was incredibly tender and thoughtful, until reality set in.
It leaves off on a cliffhanger and I am left with needing to know how this will all play out. I don’t like to list the TWs for fear of spoiling the plot, but PLEASE check them in the author’s note if you need to before reading. Sarah Bale is a new to me author and I am so glad that I can add her to my top authors list.
January 10, 2023
Savage Sins by @authorsarahbale is a dark romance with a sprinkling of....mafia, age gap, Aladdin/Cinderella retelling, opposites attract, plus size heroine, billionaire.
Ellie is our FMC who, IMO, is the definition of a door mat. She has a good heart and a kind soul that her friend Jasmine takes total advantage of. Ellie moved to Kansas because she knew it was one place Jasmine would never want to visit.
Even still she can't seem to fully separate herself from Jasmine. Malik Jafar is Jasmine's husband. He's the typical dark, brooding, sexy AF mafia man. From all their interactions, Ellie believes that Malik hates her. He's a complete jerk to her at every opportunity.
Ellie ends up back in New York to once again help Jasmine. Of course Ellie ends up doing all the work just for Jasmine to try to take all the credit. During her trip Ellie and Malik start to discover and explore their attraction.
For the most part I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and I definitely want to see what happens in the next book.
What I didn't care for was all the fat shaming that Ellie endured, especially from her supposed friend. I feel like we need more of their back story to understand why these two were even friends in the first place. I would also have liked more back story from Malik's POV to better understand his feelings towards Ellie.
Ellie is our FMC who, IMO, is the definition of a door mat. She has a good heart and a kind soul that her friend Jasmine takes total advantage of. Ellie moved to Kansas because she knew it was one place Jasmine would never want to visit.
Even still she can't seem to fully separate herself from Jasmine. Malik Jafar is Jasmine's husband. He's the typical dark, brooding, sexy AF mafia man. From all their interactions, Ellie believes that Malik hates her. He's a complete jerk to her at every opportunity.
Ellie ends up back in New York to once again help Jasmine. Of course Ellie ends up doing all the work just for Jasmine to try to take all the credit. During her trip Ellie and Malik start to discover and explore their attraction.
For the most part I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and I definitely want to see what happens in the next book.
What I didn't care for was all the fat shaming that Ellie endured, especially from her supposed friend. I feel like we need more of their back story to understand why these two were even friends in the first place. I would also have liked more back story from Malik's POV to better understand his feelings towards Ellie.
January 11, 2023
Savage Sins was so fascinating! The author took different Disney tales and spun them into a fresh story. It follows Ellie, a sunny, struggling-to-get-by Midwestern girl, who gets roped into visiting her best friend Jasmine in New York City. Ellie and Jasmine have been best friends since high school, but they have been drifting apart ever since Jasmine married rich mafia boss Malik Jafar. Not only is Jasmine turning into a snobbish mean girl who manipulates Ellie, but Jafar is a complete d!ck to her. But Ellie keeps finding herself visiting because of old loyalties to Jasmine, and she may or may not have the hots for Jafar (as long as he keeps his mouth shut and stops all the insults).
This visit, Ellie gets her dream job in helping to organize the Met Gala. She is happy and thriving despite conniving Jasmine and insults being thrown at her by Jafar. But her world gets turned upside down when Jafar shows his full hand and she realizes that just maybe there’s a deeper reason he’s been so terrible to her….
“Since I can’t have her love, I want her hate.”
Make sure to check the trigger warnings because, despite this being a fairytale retelling, it definitely has its darker moments. I could not put this book down and found myself furiously tapping for the next page after I’d hit the end. I cannot wait for book 2!
This visit, Ellie gets her dream job in helping to organize the Met Gala. She is happy and thriving despite conniving Jasmine and insults being thrown at her by Jafar. But her world gets turned upside down when Jafar shows his full hand and she realizes that just maybe there’s a deeper reason he’s been so terrible to her….
“Since I can’t have her love, I want her hate.”
Make sure to check the trigger warnings because, despite this being a fairytale retelling, it definitely has its darker moments. I could not put this book down and found myself furiously tapping for the next page after I’d hit the end. I cannot wait for book 2!
January 18, 2023
This is the first book I have read by Sarah Bales and I absolutely loved it! I hate that it ended the way it did but now I am dying for the next one as I need to know how this ends!
Jafar acted like he hated Ellie for years because he was masking his feelings for her but she had no idea, she truly thought he hated her. He is married to Ellie's best friend who is a horrible person and I hated her throughout this book. Jafar doesn't love his wife but he won't get a divorce because of the laws he follows. My heart breaks for him knowing he loves Ellie but can't do anything about it or can he? He wants nothing but to treasure his "little mouse!"
Ellie has a kind and forgiving heart but I think she forgives too much too often and I hope she finally stands up for herself. Ellie had a rough young life after her parents died with a wicked step mother and step sisters, def reminds me of Cinderella! Ellie is betrayed in one of the worst ways possible for a woman and Jafar seems to be able to give her exactly what she needs, well up until he tells her that what they shared means nothing to him and she needs to leave and never return. Ellie is heartbroken but so is Jafar because he knows in order to protect her he has to let her go.
Will she find her prince charming or in this dark book, her villian?
You will not be disappointed in this!
Jafar acted like he hated Ellie for years because he was masking his feelings for her but she had no idea, she truly thought he hated her. He is married to Ellie's best friend who is a horrible person and I hated her throughout this book. Jafar doesn't love his wife but he won't get a divorce because of the laws he follows. My heart breaks for him knowing he loves Ellie but can't do anything about it or can he? He wants nothing but to treasure his "little mouse!"
Ellie has a kind and forgiving heart but I think she forgives too much too often and I hope she finally stands up for herself. Ellie had a rough young life after her parents died with a wicked step mother and step sisters, def reminds me of Cinderella! Ellie is betrayed in one of the worst ways possible for a woman and Jafar seems to be able to give her exactly what she needs, well up until he tells her that what they shared means nothing to him and she needs to leave and never return. Ellie is heartbroken but so is Jafar because he knows in order to protect her he has to let her go.
Will she find her prince charming or in this dark book, her villian?
You will not be disappointed in this!
December 22, 2022
Dark and Devious and Ultimately Captivating
Sarah Bale has a knack for twisting your favorite fairy tales just enough to bring the perfect reimagining to darkness and life. Blending Aladdin with Cinderella, Savage Sins pairs the ultimate villain with the quintessential princess, then turns the entire sordid tale on its ever-loving head.
Whether you see him as a villain, an anti-hero, or the ultimate book boyfriend, Malik Jafar resonates with power, deception, and sensuality that will make every bad girl sit up and take notice, and every good girl long to be bad. And good girl Ellie is the perfect amount of damaged innocence no bad boy can resist. Throw in a mix of cruel stepsisters, jealous and angry best friends, a spoiled and greedy wife, and an undercurrent of the darkest souls Manhattan has to offer, and yeah, you’ll be up all night biting your nails, cursing the characters—and maybe even the author a time or two—and falling in love with two people who ultimately want what they can never have.
Their tale is emotionally deep, heartbreaking, and gut wrenching in a way that makes you crave their HEA. An HEA that readers will be forced to wait for, since Savage Sins is part one of a duet and Sarah Bale excels at torturing not only her characters, but her readers as well. And in the end, both Jafar and Ellie’s HEA and the reader’s triumphant appeasement will all be worth it. Because the best loves are never without tribulation and always worth the wait.
Sarah Bale has a knack for twisting your favorite fairy tales just enough to bring the perfect reimagining to darkness and life. Blending Aladdin with Cinderella, Savage Sins pairs the ultimate villain with the quintessential princess, then turns the entire sordid tale on its ever-loving head.
Whether you see him as a villain, an anti-hero, or the ultimate book boyfriend, Malik Jafar resonates with power, deception, and sensuality that will make every bad girl sit up and take notice, and every good girl long to be bad. And good girl Ellie is the perfect amount of damaged innocence no bad boy can resist. Throw in a mix of cruel stepsisters, jealous and angry best friends, a spoiled and greedy wife, and an undercurrent of the darkest souls Manhattan has to offer, and yeah, you’ll be up all night biting your nails, cursing the characters—and maybe even the author a time or two—and falling in love with two people who ultimately want what they can never have.
Their tale is emotionally deep, heartbreaking, and gut wrenching in a way that makes you crave their HEA. An HEA that readers will be forced to wait for, since Savage Sins is part one of a duet and Sarah Bale excels at torturing not only her characters, but her readers as well. And in the end, both Jafar and Ellie’s HEA and the reader’s triumphant appeasement will all be worth it. Because the best loves are never without tribulation and always worth the wait.
January 10, 2023
Ellie & Jafar had a chance meeting years ago only to find out Jafar was already dating Ellie’s “best friend,” Jasmine. Jafar decided then & there since he couldn’t have Ellie, he would make her hate him instead. Nailed that! After Jafar is married to the BFF, Ellie is summoned to assist Jasmine with a gala & is right back in Jafar’s path. Tension runs high & these two can’t keep their hands off each other even when they know they shouldn’t.
Ellie, bless her, is a pushover & both Jafar and Jasmine are assholes. Although I can kinda understand why Jafar is, there’s no excuse for Jasmine. Home girl needs to be throat punched. Repeatedly. Hopefully in book 2 she gets what she deserves 🤞🏼🤞🏼
Jafar is 100% the anti-hero. If you’re looking for sweet, look elsewhere. But if you like your men a little psycho & mean, but will burn the world down to save her, well, you’re in the right place! 🫶🏼
This book was SO good! It ends on a cliffhanger but I’ve got word that the next book is coming in February so the wait is not long! Thank god!
P.S. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read the trigger warnings if certain situations may affect you. I didn’t & a particular situation caught me off guard, but I was ok with it, just unexpected
Ellie, bless her, is a pushover & both Jafar and Jasmine are assholes. Although I can kinda understand why Jafar is, there’s no excuse for Jasmine. Home girl needs to be throat punched. Repeatedly. Hopefully in book 2 she gets what she deserves 🤞🏼🤞🏼
Jafar is 100% the anti-hero. If you’re looking for sweet, look elsewhere. But if you like your men a little psycho & mean, but will burn the world down to save her, well, you’re in the right place! 🫶🏼
This book was SO good! It ends on a cliffhanger but I’ve got word that the next book is coming in February so the wait is not long! Thank god!
P.S. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read the trigger warnings if certain situations may affect you. I didn’t & a particular situation caught me off guard, but I was ok with it, just unexpected
January 15, 2023
I loved this book. Had me hooked from the start. Made me want to keep reading and reading. With the characters names and some background on them this story gives of a couple different fairy tale vibes. It’s a mash up of Cinderella and Aladdin. I’m got going to go into great detail about why I think it gives off fairy tale vibes you’ll just have to read it for yourself. This is an enemies to lovers story. It also has age gap. Those are some of my favorite things. It’s also a dark mafia romance. Ellie’s best friend Jasmine wants her to come to NYC. She needs her help. Ellie gives In because Jasmine has been her best friend since boarding school. Ellie is reluctant to go because she feels that they have drifted apart. They are both from different worlds. Also Ellie has a crush on her best friends husband. Ellie is there to help Jasmine throw a party. Ellie is good at that kind of thing. Everyone goes away for the weekend together. Jafar Jasmine husband gets Ellie to do things with him. They are spicy naughty things. Will Ellie get what makes her happy which is Jafar or will she need up alone and heartbroken? Check your trigger warnings on this one. That ending though. Hit me right in the feels. Can’t wait for more.
August 7, 2023
Alright, so I may or may not have read this book in less than a day.
Why?
Well, for starters I was on my way back from a conference, so this was a GREAT way to pass the time. Every now and then, I'd start getting really into a scene and reading it aloud to my sister. We all got a great kick out of Jafar and his retorts! For another...hot, villainous sugar daddy who makes your stomach clench in more ways than one?
YES, PLEASE! I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE! TAKE ME NOW!!!
I haven't had the thigh-tightening pleasure of diving into a dark mafia romance before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Still, boy was I in for a surprise! The way Author Sarah Bale orchestrates the relationship between the heroine and hero...it's just too good to set aside. A spicey enemies to lovers that leaves you begging for more.
Hear that, Jafar?
BEGGING.
Did I mention it ends on a cliff hanger? Don't worry. The second book is already out! I am beyond thrilled to get my hands on the next one to see just how these two end up! Right now I'm banking on Jafar earning himself some sort of redemption because DANG IT, WHY WOULD HE DO THAT TO HER?!
I GET IT. I DO. BUT WHY?
Okay, okay. I'm done. I'll sulk at my desk until book 2 arrives in the mail.
If you're into these types of books, definitely give it a read. I will say that you should note the trigger warnings in the beginning. The author made sure to give us a good run-down so that her readers understood just what type of E2L they were in for.
Happy reading!
Why?
Well, for starters I was on my way back from a conference, so this was a GREAT way to pass the time. Every now and then, I'd start getting really into a scene and reading it aloud to my sister. We all got a great kick out of Jafar and his retorts! For another...hot, villainous sugar daddy who makes your stomach clench in more ways than one?
YES, PLEASE! I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE! TAKE ME NOW!!!
I haven't had the thigh-tightening pleasure of diving into a dark mafia romance before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Still, boy was I in for a surprise! The way Author Sarah Bale orchestrates the relationship between the heroine and hero...it's just too good to set aside. A spicey enemies to lovers that leaves you begging for more.
Hear that, Jafar?
BEGGING.
Did I mention it ends on a cliff hanger? Don't worry. The second book is already out! I am beyond thrilled to get my hands on the next one to see just how these two end up! Right now I'm banking on Jafar earning himself some sort of redemption because DANG IT, WHY WOULD HE DO THAT TO HER?!
I GET IT. I DO. BUT WHY?
Okay, okay. I'm done. I'll sulk at my desk until book 2 arrives in the mail.
If you're into these types of books, definitely give it a read. I will say that you should note the trigger warnings in the beginning. The author made sure to give us a good run-down so that her readers understood just what type of E2L they were in for.
Happy reading!
December 28, 2022
What if the fairytales had it all wrong? What if Cinderella actually fell in love with the Villain and not the Prince? And what happens when he is already married…to your best friend?
I absolutely hated Jasmine. Like with the passion of a million blazing suns. Why Ellie ever stayed friends with her, for so long, had me questioning if I could even like Ellie herself. But alas, I did. I hated she allowed Jasmine to walk all over her the way she did, but in part I could also understand why.
Then there was Jafar. I was so hot and cold with my feelings for him, and they would change on the minute. One second he was everything you’d want in a fictional man. The next, he would open his mouth and without a doubt deserved to live the rest of his miserable life with Jasmine.
And if you are looking for a happily ever after, you may be waiting. This one ends in a cliffhanger. I don’t necessarily have problems with them, I just try not to start them until at least a couple are out before diving in. Hopefully I do not have a long wait for the next one to see what happens next.
And after reading my review you are probably scratching your head wondering why I gave it 5 Stars and devoured it within hours. That’s because this book blew me the freak away. I seriously did not put it down. Even ate my lunch while turning the pages. 100% loved it and couldn’t get enough.
Bale is a new to me author and now I am addicted to her work. I will be seeking out her backlog soon!! 5 Stars!
I absolutely hated Jasmine. Like with the passion of a million blazing suns. Why Ellie ever stayed friends with her, for so long, had me questioning if I could even like Ellie herself. But alas, I did. I hated she allowed Jasmine to walk all over her the way she did, but in part I could also understand why.
Then there was Jafar. I was so hot and cold with my feelings for him, and they would change on the minute. One second he was everything you’d want in a fictional man. The next, he would open his mouth and without a doubt deserved to live the rest of his miserable life with Jasmine.
And if you are looking for a happily ever after, you may be waiting. This one ends in a cliffhanger. I don’t necessarily have problems with them, I just try not to start them until at least a couple are out before diving in. Hopefully I do not have a long wait for the next one to see what happens next.
And after reading my review you are probably scratching your head wondering why I gave it 5 Stars and devoured it within hours. That’s because this book blew me the freak away. I seriously did not put it down. Even ate my lunch while turning the pages. 100% loved it and couldn’t get enough.
Bale is a new to me author and now I am addicted to her work. I will be seeking out her backlog soon!! 5 Stars!
January 8, 2023
Dark Romance/Mafia/Enemies to Lovers/Curvy FMC/ Cheating/ Touch Her & You Die 🌶🌶🌶 in spice level
Please check your trigger warnings on the book.
This book is a first in an upcoming series that is a very unique modern day fairytale re-telling mash up of Cinderella and Aladdin in the form of a dark mafia romance and enjoyed it. This book had me hooked just after a few chapters and I ate it up in one day!
The story Is told in dual POV through our FMC Ellie and MMC Jafar. And oh boy is there some hate and angst built up between the two of them. Ellie and Jafar are not each others biggest fans but are forced to be deal with one another as Ellie’s BFF Jasmine is married to Jafar. Even though they hate each other there also this undeniable pull they have toward each other, and when Ellie experiences a traumatic event will Jafar be her hero or villain?
Ellie has a very strange and unusual relationship with Jasmine and I would almost say it’s toxic for Ellie and I feel there is a lot more behind that that I hope to see further along in the series!
Overall I enjoyed reading this one and the cliffhanger has me wanting more and I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings.
Please check your trigger warnings on the book.
This book is a first in an upcoming series that is a very unique modern day fairytale re-telling mash up of Cinderella and Aladdin in the form of a dark mafia romance and enjoyed it. This book had me hooked just after a few chapters and I ate it up in one day!
The story Is told in dual POV through our FMC Ellie and MMC Jafar. And oh boy is there some hate and angst built up between the two of them. Ellie and Jafar are not each others biggest fans but are forced to be deal with one another as Ellie’s BFF Jasmine is married to Jafar. Even though they hate each other there also this undeniable pull they have toward each other, and when Ellie experiences a traumatic event will Jafar be her hero or villain?
Ellie has a very strange and unusual relationship with Jasmine and I would almost say it’s toxic for Ellie and I feel there is a lot more behind that that I hope to see further along in the series!
Overall I enjoyed reading this one and the cliffhanger has me wanting more and I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings.
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