Closer to Sin

The Sin Duet #2

by Lauren Biel

We are supposed to be rivals, but our truest enemy is love.

Gia
We made it out, but the lifestyle sucked us back in, and our new picket fence isn’t strong enough to withstand the descent into darkness. Left with no choice, Enzo and I return to our respective families, pitting us against each other in another war. He takes the mantle as head of his family while I struggle to protect mine.

Going back means we can’t be together, and Enzo pushes me away . . . until he brings me back into his home—the proverbial lion's den. We fight our feelings until our hearts force us to betray everything we've ever known. Alone, we don’t stand a chance. Together, we just might survive.

I won't let him go. Not without a fight, and this lioness has claws.

Will we be able to call for an armistice and merge our families for good?

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Mafia Romance, Abuse, Forced Proximity

270 pages, ebook

Published December 28, 2022

About the author

Lauren’s stories are often emotionally raw, with lots of twists and turns. She describes her writing as “where light meets dark”, which represents how her witty humor compliments the darkness in every story. Instead of trying to mold her writing to fit in a box, she chooses to be unapologetically herself. While her focus is on Romance with dark elements, subgenre is no constraint for her. The common theme in every book is finding love when you least expect it. She enjoys putting her characters through tribulations, allowing their triumphs to be that much more poignant. Make sure you have your seatbelts secured. It’s always a bumpy ride.

When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.

Reviews

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

They’re back and toxic as ever!! Gia and Enzo’s relationship continues in book two of The Sin Duet. Their relationship is a crazy high speed rollercoaster ride of love, hate, mind games, betrayal, torment, longing, toxicity, and spice 😳🫠

They tried to leave their mafia life style behind but are drawn back in. It takes a toll on their relationship. And they find themselves back home as enemies. Enzo and Gia fight enemies, family/friends, each other, and their own emotions/feelings. Can their loyalty, passion, and history lead their love to prevail?

Neither one of them toned down their personalities. Both have a point to prove to each other and won’t stop unless the other understands their hurt. Gia is just a stubborn, smart, fearless, fierce, driven, and creative. Enzo is more possessive, protective, toxic, controlling, determined, and ohh boy that filthy mouth of his 🥵

This read hurt my heart and gave me anxiety in the best way. Again Lauren delivered an amazing story. She did not disappoint with the continuation & wrap up of Enzo and Gia’s story. She amped it up and pushed it further.

Thank you Lauren for the ARC copy and opportunity to review.

[Lucile *:･ · Rating 4 out of 5]

♡ First of all, I wanted to thank the author and BookSirens for sending me an ARC of her incredible novel. ♡

♡ Tropes:
• Mafia
• Romeo and Juliet retelling
• Enemies-to-lovers
• Rivals families
• Forced proximity
• HEA

⚠ Be sure to check the TW before reading this book. The topics aborded are not for everyone. Respect your boundaries if you think this book might trigger you. ⚠

♡ I loved reading this book! I enjoyed it as much -if not more- as the first. I was in the story since the first pages and I couldn't wait to know what will happen to Enzo and Gia! I already knew what type of ending their relationship will have, but I really liked to follow them through everything they had to face. And damn! So many things could have prevented them to end together but they were so drawn and fond of each other than nothing could stop these two to have their happily ever after.

♡ If you are looking for a with Romeo and Juliet retelling set in a mafia world and two badass MCs that will stop at nothing to be together, go read this incredible duet!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh-em-gee!!! Gia and Enzo are whole different animal! You will hate that you love them and their story. The conclusion of this duet is just spot on!

Their relationship is constant back and forth. Gia continues to prove she can handle it and wants him so bad. Enzo is a alpha who literally a control freak!! BUT I LOVE HIM!!

This dark mafia is amazing!! Laurel is amazing with this story!!

⚠️CHECK TW 🔞⚠️

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Trigger Warnings include, but are not limited to:
this is a dark mafia romance that includes a kidnapping/hostage situation, torture, edging as punishment, dubcon, sexual assault, attempted rape, rape
(many of these acts in detail on page)

We jump right back into the deep dark pits of toxicity, and I LOVED it! The violence and torture in this series is absolutely not lacking! That trigger list isn’t just a warning. It’s a full check list of what’s to come, which of course you’re very aware of reading the first in the duet! I read every word with a straight face, no issues. However, the use of an Exacto knife had my whole body shutter and my stomach churn. This one carries right on proving that Gia and Enzo are magnets, incapable of being apart. Even though everything going on in their worlds prove that they shouldn’t be together. Usually I get annoyed with heroines in mafia romances who do stupid crap that makes matter worse (especially on purpose), but with Gia I welcome it. For more than one reason. But mostly because of Enzo.

My Favorite Quotes:
• “I’ll always use you, babygirl, because you’re such a good f!cking wh!re.”
• “You’re mine, and you need to be reminded of that.”
• “I need you to trust me. We ain’t nothing without it.”
• “Even if you aren’t mine, that p!ssy is f!cking mine.”
• “You aren’t all that likable, Gia. But you sure as sh!t are f!ckable.”
• “You have two minutes to come, or you won’t be coming at all.”
• “You’re mine, even when you aren’t mine.”
• “You're such a good girl.”
• “I could give her the whole g!ddamn galaxy if she takes my name.”
• “I won’t stop until you’re a come-soaked mess and I’ll have to cleanse you of our sins with my tongue.”

10/10 Dirty Birdy
9/10 Enemies to Lovers
7/10 Forced Proximity
10/10 Mafia Romance
10/10 Series

This is my review for Edge of Sin

[Nikki Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Info:
Last in a Duet✌️
HEA 🥰
First person narrative and dual POV 👩‍❤️‍👨
Sub-genre: Er0tic Romance💓, Romantic Su$pense💘, D@rk Romance🖤
Trope: En3mies to Lovers🤺, Forb!dden Love
Category: Action/Adventure, M@fia🕴️, Italian🇮🇹, OTT Je@lous/Posse$$ive Hero❤️‍🔥,T0xic Relationship☣️
Burn Rate: 4% Fast burn☄️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Oh yes......oh yes!! This was a nice ending for Enzo and Gia. The spice was top notch and the action was awesome!

Lauren can write some spicey scenes for sure! So much lovin' in this book and I was so having it! Enzo is the man again and still a swoon worthy MMC.

Gia is now my role model. In my review of the first book Edge of Sin, I mentioned her character lacking from the lioness that was described. Not an issue in this book!! The lioness was out to play in a big way. She is fierce, fearless, and fiery!!

One thing I wasn't so keen on was the back and forth between the main characters. I feel like we had enough of that in the first book and there was enough action and story line to not need it here. I get it though, it was supposed to build tension, but I just found it frustrating and redundant.

I still really enjoyed this duet and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys d@rk m@fia with an MMC who will make you drool and an FMC who is simply awesome.

K!nks and triggers: Sp@nking👋🏻, Almost Che@ting, Praise🗣️, An@l S3x🍑🍆, Disc!pline, Degr@dation🤬, Cuck0lding, D0m Neck Hold, Edging, Public Play📢

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to finish the duet! I loved Enzo & Gia. Star crossed lovers, both from rival families. Can they actually make their love work.

Closer to Sin picks up right where Edge if Sin leaves off. Can they get their HEA? Can they keep their hands off each other? Will Enzo continue to edge Gia in the best way possible?

This story is awesome! I love everything I’ve read by Lauren Biel. She writes dark deliciously good!

Check TW/CW’s

Story 4.5⭐️
Spice 5⭐️🌶️

I got an ARC copy and this is my true and honest review

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive finale to the Duet.
These to are so toxic yet so perfect for each other.
The story continues as they're trying to live a life away from the Mafia life. Specially after he killed his vile father,they needed to lie low.
Yet once in this life you truly can never leave.
Enzo has shown that he will kill for Gio and he continues to show her that. His love for her is so fierce and dangerous.

Both have trust issues and also their family rivalry causes them to push each other away.
My goodness they both love each other with more than their life.
Enzo is such an alpha and so hot.

But love will always win. But can he manage to win his enemy to keep his love?
And who is out to kill him and Gio?
A lot of answers are revealed and so much loss.

This book was explosive, hot and cruel in the spicy department.
With Lauren's books, you have to expect the unexpected.
Absolutely loved this book. There was love, emotions, violence, gore and a sweet HEA (well as sweet as it can be haha)

[meka · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars!!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! What on earth did I just read? A masterpiece is what I just read. Definitely is a spicy dark romance and if you can handle the tw's, I recommend this duet with my whole heart.

Gia & Enzo are everything!! There is literally no one who can convince me otherwise. This was the best conclusion to a duet I've ever read. Their character developments just kept getting better and better. The plot just kept getting better and better. THE SPICE?! Better and better. My fav part though has to be that amazing emotional build, from enemies to lovers. The Romeo and Juliet retelling/ back and forth thingie would honestly usually just tick me off but I was so hooked on the writing style and the book as a whole that I'm not even mad about it. Everything had a purpose. Not once did I question the author and her choices and that is SO RARE!!

Absolutely adored it. Top tier for sure!! Extremely honoured to have received an ARC, this is my honest review <3

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enzo and Gia's story - part 2 - was just as toxic and twisted as the first, but fun to read. They're from rival families, not meant to ever be together, yet they can't seem to stay away. Enzo's feelings for Gia have him making some terrible decisions, with big consequences. He's also supposed to be running his family, but he's completely distracted by the feisty Gia.

Gia isn't one to just sit back, and she proved that a few times in this book. I kind of loved that about her. There was a line that said 'An uncomfortable push and pull of desire and hatred' and I think that sums them up. They hated each other, they loved each other, but they truly enjoyed pushing each other to the limit.

This duet was spicy and dark, the couple totally toxic but also so right for each other. I enjoyed it all!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We were perfect. A little toxic, but that never hurt anyone.”

Closer To Sin is book two of the Sin Duet and completes Enzo and Gia’s story. I fell so in love with this twisted and toxic couple in Edge of Sin and had high expectations for this book and I was not disappointed! Closer to Sin is full of so much love, hate, violence, family dynamics, and all the spice. If you’re looking for star crossed lovers/Romeo and Juliet vibes and love a good dark mafia romance, this duet is a must read!

“I would have died for her. I would have killed for her. And I’d fuck her how she wanted to be fucked.”

“The world could be on fire, burning around us, scalding our skin, and I wouldn’t feel a damn thing except his hand on my neck.”

“Lick your come off my gun, babygirl. You know I love watching your tongue on the metal as you clean up your mess for me. It's almost as good as watching your mouth on my dick.”

“Nope, better keep my come inside you, babygirl. Wouldn’t want your daddy to see it dripping down your thighs.”

“No, fuck ’em. If they come in, they won’t only see me closer to sin, but fucking inside it.”

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ending was WOW! This toxic relationship between Enzo and Gia was everything for a dark romance read. You can really tell these two love each other even though sometimes they can't show it! Enzo, just racking up the body count for Gia! And Gia going after her man!!! I know it's said will get more books from this world and I really can't wait to read more about this couple. I feel like I need a shot novella or extended epilogue for more of these two! If you're a dark romance reader, this duet is definitely for you! Please read content warnings if you have ANY triggers.
This is an ARC review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closer To Sin is the final book in Gia Silvani and Enzo Viglione's story. It's completely and utterly sinfully hot, dark and dirty! This couple is on fire and they burn the pages up in this delicious story. No matter how hard they try, they still can't seem to stay out of the life. There's always something or someone around every corner pulling them back in. Of course it probably doesn't help that they were born into the two most powerful crime families. What a brilliant finale to this fantastic duet!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hell, this may have been Lauren's best book ever! I am an ARC reader and often receive advance review copies for free. I leave reviews voluntarily and am always excited when I'm chosen to read more of Lauren's books. Her "two-parters" are always good, but I ravished this mini series. The sex scenes are always hot no matter which of her books you read, but Gia and Enzo are the true definition of Cosa Nostra. Every small story line that popped up all wove together for a huge ending.

I'm glad that Gia and Enzo got a HEA ending. For now.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book 🥵🤌🏻
This is book 2 of The Sin Duet. Following book 1, Edge of Sin, we continue to follow Enzo and Gia’s toxic love story through even more violence and chaos! Trigger warnings include gun play, non con, dub con, strong sexual content including anal and edging, possessiveness, degradation, praise, public acts, violence, and trauma. This is a mafia Romeo and Juliet. From 2 rival families, Enzo and Gia are forbidden lovers who will do anything to be together. And I mean ANYTHING. Just like the first book, this story is filled with violence and drama along with allll the smut your little heart desires! My favorite line from this book is “I’m going to devour you like you’re my last supper. I won’t stop until you’re a come-soaked mess and I’ll have to cleanse you of our sins with my tongue.” So as I mentioned, super spicy with a good plot too! 5/5 I’ll definitely read this duet again! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Are Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENEMIES TO LOVERS, ADD!CTIVE, BONNIE&CLYDE
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


This is Book Two to our Sin Duet series, it continues on with more of our favorite toxic mafia love scandalous couple. Throughout the pages of this book we get deeper into the family business, more betrayal, bloodsh3d, and spilled secrets. Closer to Sin is much more intense than the first book, we get more emotions from Gia& Enzo. Enzo’s possessive behavior gets him in quite the situation, while Gia continues to edge Enzo on when she doesn’t get her way. They both are what drives each other, they fuel each others need for power, vengeance, to thrive in such a notorious business. They will bring each other their own deaths if they don’t do it themselves to each other first…can Enzo let go of Gia for good? Or can they put their differences aside to make it work, even if everyone is against them. Would you take out or go against your own family for the one you love ? Can there really be a chance for love in this mafia life style? Find out how this story ends. It’s mind blowing!!!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing from Edge of Sin, the love/hate relationship between Gia and Enzo.
It really is a roller-coaster with this pair, so much emotions that you will love them one minute and hate them the next, you sometimes want to just scream at them  and give them both a shake. The lust, the feels, the passion, they are enemies, toxic in every way but they cannot and will not live without the other.

Its still on the medium grey side as apposed to other books by Lauren Biel.
Dark romance at its best, a great HEA to this duet.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent wrap up to Gia and Enzo's story. I feel like this shed a little more light into their trauma and the trauma bond they developed with each other. They're definitely toxic for each other and the recognition is written out in their POVs of each other yet they accept the darkness in each other.

The spice was decent. Not something to write home about... the "romanticism" in their interactions during those scenes is twisted and dark.

[Neapolitan670 &#x1f4da;&#x1f5a4; · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from Edge of Sin perfectly. We get lost in the couples fight for survival in a world they are a part of but can’t share in more ways than one.

Their battles are fought, are they won? The tug and pull of their relationship is fraught with v!0lence, betrayal and deceit. Will they meet on the other side or go their separate ways? Will another steal their thunder?

I’m not sure if I enjoyed this one more than the first or the same 🤔 It gave us answers and helped to combine their stories together. Well written, keeping your interest until the end.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Enzo, but I had a hard time with his posturing and how he dealt with Gia in this book. The idea he could walk away and then come back with little repercussions, his on-again-off-again with Gia, dragging her along to meets, and his interactions with his family and associates was really hard-fetched. This was a 3.5-4 star read for me.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this book since I read Edge of Sin back in October - and it did not disappoint! Gia & Enzo are equally amazing, deep, toxic, traumatized characters - and it all makes them perfect together. They hate and love so intensely! And the chemistry - WOW - so much chemistry from beginning to end. Not to mention it has at least one great life lesson - always trust your dogs instincts - ALWAYS! I definitely recommend Closer to Sin - just be sure to read part 1, Edge of Sin, first. The duet is well worth the read.

[Marie Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

I was happy to get back to Enzo and Gia ! I prefered the first book, I was hoping that their relation would grow, that they would become more mature, that their toxic relation would heal a bit. Enzo was getting on my nerves by the end, always the same paterns, Gia is my girl, I really loved her. I'm still pretty happy about that Duet. I really hope to see more in this universe.

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book chef's kiss 💋, I loved the first one & love the second even more, Gia and Enzo great dynamic, such a good read, I have a hard time expressing how much I loved a book it's easier for me to say what I didn't like about books but I would definitely recommend this book please check cw/tw Laurens books are called traumances for a reason, but in any case go grab this and start reading!!

[Margaret Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like Edge of Sin. I really liked this one. It really was the ultimate enemies to lovers.

Yeah Gia and Enzo were messed up but with their lives who wouldn’t be.

I loved the fact that Gia knew something wasn’t right and literally when in guns blazing to save her man.

I loved that Enzo started opening up to her a little at the end.

[Samantha Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear author gods!
Thank you for blessing us with this truly amazing author lauren! I can’t get over Enzo and Gia! The banter and the 🥵🥵🥵 with them is to die for! The story alone is amazing . I love that Gia no matter what is always a fire cracker and Enzo knows exactly what he wants from and and needs. He pushes her to all the right points but never tames her fire! God these two together are just 🥰🤬🥵🔥 !

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

gia and Enzos story concluded, the electric chemestry between the two holds your attention through out all the twists and turns, steamy scenes, desires and dark themes. The characters draw you in and the story leaves you craving more

[Samantha Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this duet!!

Closer to Sin is book #2 in The Sin duet. This is a dark Mafia romance. Make sure to check the trigger warning.

Enzo will always have my heart in his crazy hands!

We pick up where we left off and Lauren throws us right into the toxic, bloody, spicy, craziness right away and I wouldn't have it any other way!

This was seriously the perfect ending for Enzo and Gia, the spice is top tier and like always, Lauren had me lost in the story until the end.

This is a must read duet!!!

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enzo’s and Gia’s volatile relationship continues! This is a very fast paced roller coaster ride. So much action, drama and crazy $ex! The ending was awesome. I loved it from start to finish. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

E-book.
Enzo and Gia were annoyingly hot and cold in this book. I was bored. Mafia stories generally aren't for me, but I love Lauren Biel, so I had to read it all.

[Emily Hurricane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful finish to a heart-stopping duet!

Though Gia and Enzo start out in utter toxicity, their growing love for one another comes to a head in the sequel to Edge of Sin. They have so many hurdles to overcome, but they charge at them head-on despite how difficult and uncomfortable it is to do so, and the ending is so so very satisfying.

A bloody, violent, but romantic end to a complex tale. <3

I received an advanced review copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shavonne Belford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gia and Enzo are forced to confront their world and try to make them see that they really are better together than apart this story was dramatic, suspenseful, angsty and passionate