Vengeance & Sin

Vengeance City #1

by Sara Hinds

Never stop surviving.

For as long as I can remember, this has been my life. Be who they want, do what they want, and keep their attention on me. If all they see is me, the other girls are safe, making it all worth it. I would do anything to keep them from going through what I have.
Over the years, I’ve changed hands and owners. I’ve lied, killed, and fought, but the goal is always the same.

Shut it all down.

Five of the six trafficking rings are gone now, and I’m close to achieving the goal that has kept me going for so long.
But as it often does, life has other plans, and for the first time ever, I’m on the outside.

I’m free.

Too bad I have no idea what to do with this freedom.
With nowhere to go and no idea how to take down the last ring from the outside, I find myself going home with the police chief's wife.
There I find Roderick, Spencer, and Zander, the same three who pulled me from the pit two nights ago.

Apparently, Vengeance runs this city, and it just so happens we have a common goal.

The more we work together, the more I see what a future of freedom could be, and the harder it is to keep that goal a priority. Not just for me but for them.
But I’ve worked too hard to give up, and if I have to go back to shut it down, I will.

And nobody and nothing can stop me.

Vengeance & Sin is a full-length new adult romance. It is book 1 of 3 in the Vengeance City Series and does end on a minor cliffhanger. This is a slow to medium burn, why choose romance with some darker elements that readers should be aware of such as graphic violence, mature adult themes and topics of mental health. Please read the trigger warnings

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Dark, Romance, College, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

524 pages, ebook

Published October 29, 2022

About the author

Hello Everyone! :)

Love Whychoose? Cool me too!!!
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Reviews

[Zoe_isreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the debut novel from Sara Hinds, and honestly you wouldn't believe it was. The story building in this book is incredible, you'll be completely lost into the world once you start it.

The story follows the Vengeance boys - Roderick, Spencer and Zander, who while on a mission meet Jade, a victim and survivor of a sex trafficking ring. The story is an intense one, each character has baggage and you only just start scratching the surface of it in this book, and it's left me dying for more! Each of the guys and Jade is an absolute badass, which is amazing to read - especially when she keeps surprising the guys on how tough she is.
Also, I completely ended up loving Zander, he's just adorable.

I can't wait to see what's in store for Jade and the guys and if Jade doesn't get her happy ending eventually I will riot.

[Allia Reads (semi hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer needs to get his head out of his ass and actually grovel, because what was that shit he pulled?😠 And the way Jane handled him in her badass ways?😮‍💨 Omg I need the next book immediately! I’ll do a safety review when I’m done with the trilogy😙

[Kasey Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5/5
🌶4/5
I say 4 of 5 just because there isn’t a whole lot of doing the deed scenes but it’s definitely spicy!!!


Soooo you know when you start watching a new tv show and they always hook you on the first episode and make you want to come back for more? This is what Vengeance and Sin is… you will be constantly looking for the next chapter, waiting and waiting all day long until you’re able to sit down and read again. The characters are fantastic, I see so much of myself in Jade. She’s a badass with a soft side.

Sexual tension, good lord at the sexual tension! I kept wanting to shout, just do it already!!
This is a series about an unlucky lady, Jade, who has been in the trafficking ring for many many years, trying to keep the other girls safe. She’s rescued by the most handsome men who are also apart of Vengeance, the local gang.
There are lots of trigger warnings to be aware of, but it is definitely right up my alley.
Jade is a spitfire and the boys of vengeance have their hands full with her.

The end definitely caught me off guard and I’m so excited for the next book!

If you’re looking for a why choose, reverse harem with bad boys and a bad ass female lead (who can kick anyones butt), you have for sure found the right book!


I was given this book from the author as an ARC read for reviews

[Madeline S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good suspenseful read my favorite male character would be Kratos he just adds that delicious Daddy vibe. Jade is a true bad sass with a heart of gold. Side characters added to the storyline that kept you guessing. Good banter between characters. Rick, Spencer and Zander are a cool trio 💚

[Milinda (Mindy) Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. The characters, the story, the not knowing what will happen next. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to book two to figure out the mic drop coming from what the cliffhanger was. Just when you think you have it figured out it was over. 😂 my only complaint was I wish we could of heard from Kratos more than just the last chapter, and with I think Trent coming into the future harem maybe something from him. But it gives me things to hope for in the next book. Overall definitely recommend this book!

[Darshika Srivastava · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vengeance & Sin is the debut book of Sara Hinds and the first book in the Vengeance city series. When I started this book, I went in with the mindset that it will not be that well written, or it will have some element missing. It is obvious if you compare any famous author’s initial works you will feel the same, you grow with time, right? But… this book is just marvelous, I mean it is so well written, and all characters are so well-expounded that you will never feel like it’s her first book. I have read my share of mafia/ dark romances and in most of them the FMC is so naive, and sweet, and needs a man to look after her every time I read such a book, it is not like I don't enjoy them, but I always felt like why can’t the FMC be a badass…! OMG…! Jade is everything that I want as FMC and the best part is throughout the book she drops these little bombs that made our male characters question, “who’s she”, and “how can someone who has faced so much be so strong?” And that my friends gave me a kick to get more into the book. There is not much indulgence physically in the book, but the slow burn makes up for everything. The book gets into so many messed up, immoral and questionable things of society that may be a trigger point for some people, but if you’re like me who loves these things then definitely you should read it.





Thank you so much Sara Hinds for sending me ARC and congratulations on your first book. I am really looking forward to more of your work.

[karl.loves.the.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, ok now that I can somewhat think after that ending… Listen I don’t know anything about the correct sentence structure or the technical layouts of writing. I’m not a Literature Major of any kind. What I do know is when I come across a book I absolutely love. And this is one. I somewhat went into this book blind. I’m starting to find that I like the element of surprise when going into a book lately. I stuck to the basics I knew this was an underground/gang, why choose book and that’s about it. I’m so glad I did this book wasn’t what I expected at all. Once I started I couldn’t stop. So many unexpected turns, and still so much mystery. Wanting to know the answers just kept me turning the page getting more sucked in. I am a huge fan of shows like Nikita or Covert Affairs. With totally underestimated badass FMCs. I don’t want to give to much away because I want you to read this book and have those “Oh sh*t” moments too. I’m a huge fan of dark mafia, criminal underworld type books. Let’s be honest we can’t get enough of those scary alpha dominant males , covered in scars and tattoos. That can silence a room by just walking in, can tell people what to do with just a look and won’t hesitate to do what needs to be done. I always love when the alpha male finds his girl and she ends up being a strong female. What I was really craving was a FMC so dangerous & such a survivor that even the Alpha males knew she was a threat. And oh boy did this book deliver. One of the things that surprised me was this book isn’t heavy spice, it had a few moments but the tension, the build up , the slow burn was absolutely chefs kiss!! You don’t even get a pay off moment yet and I wasn’t even bothered. The story, the twists and turns all the trying to piece everything together had me totally hooked. I love that we get to see the build up of these relationships, their just not given to us. Fortunately I don’t have any triggers so going into a book blind isn’t a problem. If that’s not the case for you do your research make sure your comfortable with what your reading. Vengeance & Sin is definitely a adult romance with darker elements that readers should be aware of, such as graphic violence (murder, torture, abuse), mention of past sexual assault, and other mature adult themes, as well as topics of mental health. This is a must read, definite recommend for me. I’m so excited and can’t wait for what’s to come!! Happy Reading Book Besties💙

[Laura Schawitsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read!! Can't wait for #2!!!💜

[Samantha Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a badass FMC, Hot MMC’s, and a great story then get this book! I literally can not wait for the next one!!! Sara did an amazing job for this being her first book! I need more!!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kratos has my heart.

Mystery and action, slow burn steam, and a feisty leading lady with a handful of drool worthy men.
Golden Retriever Psycho Zander
Daddy Kratos
Paranoid Spencer
Loyal Rick
…and more?
The men were written quite well and they stand out from each other. This book is slow burn but it has so much cute fluttery feels between these bad boys and our tough independent Jade. While she is completely capable, she comes out into the real world with very little knowledge of normal life and reading her story is somehow the perfect balance of heartwarming and bloodthirsty. This author does such an amazing job at “show, not tell” that you never feel like any of the characters are all just talk and no real skills.
As for Kratos, we don’t get a ton of him in this book, but what we do get it enough of a tease that has me sitting here after finishing the story rereading all his scenes wondering if I missed even a single nod towards what I expect will be the reveal in the next book.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The FMC alone makes this book a 5 star read.

I loved this book. Its subject matter is a little tough (s3x trafficking) but the way the FMC comes thru everything as not only a survivor but as a protector and hero is amazing. She is not broken down as that environment may understandably do to someone. She is also not an in-your-face type of strong FMC, but a rather soft, quiet, yet confident FMC. She is easily underestimated but uses that to her advantage, never revealing to much of her hand, and rising to the occasion as needed. She surprises the reader at every turn and is a complete breath of fresh air.

The storyline/plot is great, the MMCs are panty melting hot (one in particular is definitely joining my book boyfriend harem), and the author does a fantastic job at storytelling. I didn't want to put this book down and is one of my favorites this year.

BE MINDFUL OF THE TRIGGER WARNINGS:
This book definitely deals with intense subjects like sex trafficking (and all the horror that goes along with it) and death (not of a main character). However, the author handles this well. The events described never go into more detail than needed and are mostly past events or memories. None of the MMCs are involved in any trafficking or sexual violence. They are violent men and would not hesitate to kill as they are in the world of organized crime, but they don't condone violence against women.

CLIFFHANGER:
There is a cliffhanger but its a mild one. Its not a harsh one where you are left wondering if someone lived or died, but rather that there is still a mystery to unravel and more story to be told.

[Spasticnontastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

F*****G Perfection best Book this year!!!

Couldn't put it down! Read through the Night
into the early hours of the morning! Have recommended this book to all my reading loving friends! Everything I craved and more in this book! Absolutely Amazing writing from Sara Hinds!! Can't wait for book 2! 😍

[Stacey Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an amazing debut novel. I really loved it. All the elements were there. The angst and tension levels were nuts. I felt like I was going through the wringer. My head and heart still hurts. This is one of those books you'll be thinking about for a while. I like how vivid it is.

[Carrie Ann]

Sara hit this one out of the park on her first try! This book is amazing and will have you on the edge of your seat. Jade and the guys have a chemistry that I have not felt in many books. Not to mention that Jade is as cute as can be. It is rare for me to love the main female character but she had me cheering for her and wanting to keep her in bubble wrap so no one can hurt her.

If you have not read this book you are doing yourself a major disservice. My only suggestion is clear your day cause once you start you won't want to stop!!!

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book once it hit my kindle, I was so intrigued by the blurb that I immediately wanted to read this book. And I am so glad that I did! Jade is one of the most multi layered FMCs I've ever met. Fun twist, we don't actually meet Jade in the first few chapters, we meet 3 of her potential guys. We're also immediately thrown into the world, the 3 guys are apart of a secret society deal, riding their city of all the bad guys. Our girl Jade, is a bada$$, she truly lives for other people and protecting the people she cares about in her life.

We also get a snippet into the leader of the society that the guys are apart of, Froggie, you don't learn who this person is in this book... Kratos is Froggie's secondhand, and quite possibly a guy that'll be one of Jades. He also has the most face to face with everyone in the society and Jade too. Trent is a police officer who we also meet along with the other 3, who are Zander, Spencer and Ricky LOL (you'll know why this is funny when you read this book!)

I think the is also one of the books where we get more of the guys POV than the leading lady. But it makes total sense and it really lets you learn about the guys, as much as possible. Besides the main characters we get plenty of great side characters! Potential bff for Jade in Hazel, Clair who's Ricky's mom, what a gem! She has such a good soul, and she's a lawyer too, James is her husband he's the police chief.

Now to the super important stuff, check the trigger warnings, there's heavy stuff going on, flashbacks, and discussion of SA, s3x traff1cking, abuse, and more. It's not "bully" or enemies to lovers, but it's not insta love or lust, more like mutual respect and goals. One of the guys DOES fall for her pretty quick but he's also the golden retriever psycho, soo take that with a grain of salt.

Last thing, YES it's a brand new series, but I promise the cliffhanger is more of murder mystery style over heart wrenching. You'll love this book, btw.. I've licked Kratos and Trent, they're mine 😉 .

[Brianna Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked!

I absolutely adored this book!! And the characters *chefs kiss* could not put it down!
There’s still so many questions to be answered, Sara does a fantastic job of telling the story in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling bereft of info. While it does technically leave you on a baby cliffhanger, it’s not one that makes you scream in frustration and reach for a glass of wine. Sara has quickly become an author for me that I will always read whatever she publishes.

[Jacqulin Gipson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story. They were so many twists and turns. Some unexpected curves. Jade is such and interesting character and the guys, we seem to be adding to her collection as the story goes on. I need to know what this secret is and who Froggie is. I have my suspicions but need to know! Can't wait for book two.

[Lotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am mad. No i am furious. Damn it. Really really good book it totally took all my attention and i couln’t put it down but the cliffhanger and the little fact that next book is coming in may. I just gah i hate it. If you like book that takes all your attention and fmc who is just as twisted as other charecter in book this is a hood read for you. Just be ready to be haert broken while waiting the second book.

[booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it! My only problem is Spencer , he was so fucking annoying. But i believe there is hope for improvement in the next book . Kratos was my favourite, i kinda think he is the boss or maybe the FMC is . Idk but I'm excited to find out

[Payton · Rating 5 out of 5]

obsessed

Once I started this book I had the hardest time putting it down! I can’t wait to see the journey this author takes us on with these characters. Jade will always be in my top 5 b*d*ss female main characters. I’m literally obsessed with her and her men. I’m counting down the days until the next one comes out!!!

[Kimberly Given-Meeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations to Sara Hinds for an amazing first book. I couldn't wait to read Vengeance and Sin. I've been counting down the days and it did not disappoint! Once in my hands I devoured it. The Characters will having crying, laughing, and biting your nails for more. I can't wait for more.

[Nicole Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED MORE!!!!!

I am not even joking with you that I devoured this book so quick I couldn’t get enough!!! 5⭐️ is definitely not enough. I loved it and I cannot wait for book 2

[Michael Hinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and maybe I am biased but I love these characters and love how well they mesh and how different each of them are.

The impact Jade has in their world is quite enjoyable to watch unfold, And watch her go from clueless to fierce equally fantastic.

This book had some wonderful character development and world building and leaves with a nice cliff!

Can't wait for Book 2!

[booklover1816 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was one heck of a beginning for this series! I could not put it down!! Sara Hinds is a new to me author and I can't wait to eat this series up! This is a dark, RH contemporary romance with lots of triggers.

Jade grew up in the human trafficking ring, being used and abused. Although she could have escaped sooner, she stayed to help save all the kidnapped girls. One day she gets rescued and meets 3 mysterious men that will change her life for the better.

“𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲.”

Roderick, Zander, Spence, and even Kratos are a bit psychotic and I'm interested in seeing how the dynamic with them and Jade works out.

So much is left unresolved!! Can't wait to read Betrayal & Deception especially because I have so many theories and I need to see if I’m right 😂

[Yassmeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I couldn't stop reading. There are so many plot twists that you never know what is going to happen. It keeps you on the edge and wanting to know more. Can't wait for book 2 to be released

[Julia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will review upon release

[Amelia Hinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will give full review details after release 🙃

[Jeanny · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 70%

[KLynn]

Dnf 25%
I didn't love the main character and the book was really long and slow. Cutting my losses.