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The Sinner's Bargain
THE CURSE OF LACROIX HOUSE.
Everyone knows the stories, the chilling tales of the monster in the swamps. The blood thirsty beast who guards his murder house. Everyone knows to stay away, especially women — they never survive him.
Thoran has two months to find a new bride. Someone who will look past his scars, the blood on his hands and the fact that he can never love them, and willingly walk into a house that has killed every woman who has ever stepped foot inside.
Then she falls into his arms. Naya. Sweet, broken, irresistible Naya with her fake identity and haunted past, she is everything his dead heart has ached for. But loving her is just what the house wants him to do so it can take her. Destroy her. But letting her go would destroy him.
Can Thoran keep the shadows haunting him from touching her? Can Naya see past the scars and whispers in the walls to the man who sets her soul ablaze each night? Or will she be just another rose inked into his skin?
Everyone knows the stories, the chilling tales of the monster in the swamps. The blood thirsty beast who guards his murder house. Everyone knows to stay away, especially women — they never survive him.
Thoran has two months to find a new bride. Someone who will look past his scars, the blood on his hands and the fact that he can never love them, and willingly walk into a house that has killed every woman who has ever stepped foot inside.
Then she falls into his arms. Naya. Sweet, broken, irresistible Naya with her fake identity and haunted past, she is everything his dead heart has ached for. But loving her is just what the house wants him to do so it can take her. Destroy her. But letting her go would destroy him.
Can Thoran keep the shadows haunting him from touching her? Can Naya see past the scars and whispers in the walls to the man who sets her soul ablaze each night? Or will she be just another rose inked into his skin?
Published June 4, 2024
162 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Airicka Phoenix
62 books1,741 followersAiricka Phoenix is a multi genre author of dark contemporary & dangerous paranormal romance starring sassy female leads and sexy alpha heroes.
For more on Airicka visit: www.airickaphoenix.com
For more on Airicka visit: www.airickaphoenix.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
avoid-not-for-me-bad-tropes
October 22, 2024Note to self:
Avoid.
No OWD officially but the hero is supposed to be obsessed and OTT for the h but constantly thinks about the 5 woman he was suppose to marry before the h.
The 5 woman who died before he could marry them.
He never had sexual relationships w these woman or feelings.
But he is constantly comparing the h to these 5 woman.
He has a tattoo to remember that’s woman and NOT the h. And in the end when the villain s brought down he does it in memory of the 5 woman he lost.
Like this is not ok for me.
It’s one thing to briefly mention them but not constant no way.
They were arranged marriages but why immortalize them!?
Avoid.
No OWD officially but the hero is supposed to be obsessed and OTT for the h but constantly thinks about the 5 woman he was suppose to marry before the h.
The 5 woman who died before he could marry them.
He never had sexual relationships w these woman or feelings.
But he is constantly comparing the h to these 5 woman.
He has a tattoo to remember that’s woman and NOT the h. And in the end when the villain s brought down he does it in memory of the 5 woman he lost.
Like this is not ok for me.
It’s one thing to briefly mention them but not constant no way.
They were arranged marriages but why immortalize them!?
June 4, 2024
For those of us who saw the Beast transform back to human and hated it.
4.5 stars
So this is a Dark Beauty and the Beast retelling and this lucky b!tch gets not only the library but also the bookstore and I'm so jealous.
Thoran Lacroix is the beast who guards the murder house hidden among the swamp. His family has a long history of woman being murdered by the house. Follow the history of the murder house and the misunderstood man who must find a wife who survives long enough to make it to the alter so he doesn't lose his home to his failure of a cousin.
Naya is the daughter of one of those rich pretentious families who believe women are good for nothing but breeding. Naya has been promised to 1 man since she was 14 and only her big brother and the man's endless supply of ex-wives managed to keep her from his clutches until she was 20. Naya has been abused by everyone in her life except her brother. She has lived where windows are her only view into the outside world. When she is headed off to be given to the man she has basically be auctioned off to she finds out that her brother has a plan so she can escape although she may never see him again if everything goes to plan.
When the plan gets disrupted and Naya finds herself running for her life she stumbles into the beast who shows her kindness that she never expected. As Naya and Thoran get to know one another they discover so much more about themselves and what they both want and deserve in life.
I absolutely loved this dark retelling and it was a fantastic change to the original idea of Beauty and the Beast. This beast is just a softy who needed to learn the truth about his past as well as what he deserved in the world. While Beauty needed to learn to be her own person and discover that not everything is as it was said to be.
4.5 stars
So this is a Dark Beauty and the Beast retelling and this lucky b!tch gets not only the library but also the bookstore and I'm so jealous.
Thoran Lacroix is the beast who guards the murder house hidden among the swamp. His family has a long history of woman being murdered by the house. Follow the history of the murder house and the misunderstood man who must find a wife who survives long enough to make it to the alter so he doesn't lose his home to his failure of a cousin.
Naya is the daughter of one of those rich pretentious families who believe women are good for nothing but breeding. Naya has been promised to 1 man since she was 14 and only her big brother and the man's endless supply of ex-wives managed to keep her from his clutches until she was 20. Naya has been abused by everyone in her life except her brother. She has lived where windows are her only view into the outside world. When she is headed off to be given to the man she has basically be auctioned off to she finds out that her brother has a plan so she can escape although she may never see him again if everything goes to plan.
When the plan gets disrupted and Naya finds herself running for her life she stumbles into the beast who shows her kindness that she never expected. As Naya and Thoran get to know one another they discover so much more about themselves and what they both want and deserve in life.
I absolutely loved this dark retelling and it was a fantastic change to the original idea of Beauty and the Beast. This beast is just a softy who needed to learn the truth about his past as well as what he deserved in the world. While Beauty needed to learn to be her own person and discover that not everything is as it was said to be.
June 1, 2025
Торън Лакроа (34) и Ная Блекторн (18)
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Над имението Лакроа тегне проклятие. Всяка жена, някога живяла там, среща неочаквана насилствена смърт. Огромнито имение е заобиколено от гори, лабиринти и блата. Носят се слухуве, че собственикът на имението е звяр, безжалостен убиец, и че никой не излиза жив, веднъж пристъпил границите на имението. И слухувете са верни. Торън убива всеки, дръзнал да стъпи във владенията му. А желаещите да видят мистичните сребърни рози, които са били гордостта и щастието на майка му, не спират да нахълтват в дома му. И той се отървава от тях по най-безпощаден начин.
Но Торън не е митично чудовище. Той е просто мъж. Един много богат и много влиятелен мъж в подземния свят. В завещанието на баща му се казва, че той трябва да се ожени до 35тия си рожден ден, но през последните 5 години, и петте жени, които води в дома си с идеята да станат негови съпруги, умират по мистериозен начин. Торън не иска дома и наследството му да отидат в ръцете на некадърният му братовчед, но в същото време не може да се насили да рискува живота на още една жена, убеден, че проклятието тегнещо над имението ще погуби и нея.
През целият си живот, Ная е под жестоката упека на майка си, която не крие омразата си към нея. Раждайки близнаци тя държи само на сина си Малкълм, а дъщеря й Ная е нещастен инцидент и майка й не спира да й го напомня. Постоянно подлагана на лишения и малтретиране, от майка си, и пълно игнориране от баща си, Ная има само своя брат близнак, който да я пази и защитава. Когато обаче на 14 майка й решава да в продаде на жесток мъж, съдбата на Ная изглежда решена. Брат й обаче се намесва и със заплахи убеждава родителите си, да не позволяват мъжа да вземе Ная преди да е навършила 18 години.
В деня на 18тия й рожден ден, Ная е изпратена към бъдещият й съпруг. Брат й обаче има план с който да я спаси. След серия от проблеми, Ная се озовава преследвана от един мъж, и тя търси спасение отвъд оградата на обширно имение, и бива спасена от собственикът му. Сега обаче, Ная трябва да прецени, дали може да се довери на този непознат мъж и да му разкрие истинската си самоличност.
Амиии книгата е интересна, ама и странна. Горката Ная беше живяла буквално под камък, не й е било позволено нищо, тя не беше гледала филми, не беше пътувала. Едиснтвеното й удоволствие беше четенето и тя не знаеше нищо за света извън дома й. Торън пък беше решен, че проклятието е истинско и се оставяше да управлява живота му. Привличането му към Ная обаче беше по-силно от всичко. Той искаше да я пази, закриля и обгрижва. Държеше се прекрасно с нея, макар че беше доста порочен и нямаше цедка на устата. Такива й ги говореше, че нашето момиче беше червено като домат през цялата книга.
Авторката е опитала да вкара мистика, прозраци и разни такива и ми беше доста странно, но като цяло концепцията не ме грабна. Разбира се на края научихме всичко относно проклятието.
Но като цяло много време ми отне да я изчета, не ме грабна истински.
💫Обобщение: 💫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔢 Част от поредица ли е?
Не.
📚 Колко завладяваща е историята?
Интересна, но не много завладяваща.
💪 Главният герой:Торън
Престъпен бос. Влиятелен. Силен. Непредсказуем. Безпощаден. Защитнически настроен. Нежен, грижовен и сладък към жената, която обича.
🎀 Главната героиня:Ная
Наранявана и обиждана през целия й живот. Колеблива. Страхлива. Нерешителна и объркана. Но за любимия мъж се превръща в истинска тигрица.
🫣 Има ли проблем с друг мъж или жена?
Ная е сгодена за друг мъж.
🤬 Има ли изневяра?
Не.
😏 Колко опит имат героите?
Торън има опит, Ная е девствена.
😔/😁 Настроение по време на книгата?
🥺🙄😳🥰😍😘
🥵 Колко горещи са секси сцените?
🌶🌶🌶🌶 Много секси, Торън е много порочен.👅 Орално 🥵 Мръсни приказки.
💔 Разделят ли се героите за определен период от време?
Не.
😍 Има ли щастлив край?
Да.
⚠️ Списък с предупреждения:
🤕 Малтретиране на главната героиня.
🙅♀️ Опит за изнсилване.
💀 Насилие над трети лица.
☠️ Смърт на трети лица.
🐺 Нападение на вълци
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Над имението Лакроа тегне проклятие. Всяка жена, някога живяла там, среща неочаквана насилствена смърт. Огромнито имение е заобиколено от гори, лабиринти и блата. Носят се слухуве, че собственикът на имението е звяр, безжалостен убиец, и че никой не излиза жив, веднъж пристъпил границите на имението. И слухувете са верни. Торън убива всеки, дръзнал да стъпи във владенията му. А желаещите да видят мистичните сребърни рози, които са били гордостта и щастието на майка му, не спират да нахълтват в дома му. И той се отървава от тях по най-безпощаден начин.
Но Торън не е митично чудовище. Той е просто мъж. Един много богат и много влиятелен мъж в подземния свят. В завещанието на баща му се казва, че той трябва да се ожени до 35тия си рожден ден, но през последните 5 години, и петте жени, които води в дома си с идеята да станат негови съпруги, умират по мистериозен начин. Торън не иска дома и наследството му да отидат в ръцете на некадърният му братовчед, но в същото време не може да се насили да рискува живота на още една жена, убеден, че проклятието тегнещо над имението ще погуби и нея.
През целият си живот, Ная е под жестоката упека на майка си, която не крие омразата си към нея. Раждайки близнаци тя държи само на сина си Малкълм, а дъщеря й Ная е нещастен инцидент и майка й не спира да й го напомня. Постоянно подлагана на лишения и малтретиране, от майка си, и пълно игнориране от баща си, Ная има само своя брат близнак, който да я пази и защитава. Когато обаче на 14 майка й решава да в продаде на жесток мъж, съдбата на Ная изглежда решена. Брат й обаче се намесва и със заплахи убеждава родителите си, да не позволяват мъжа да вземе Ная преди да е навършила 18 години.
В деня на 18тия й рожден ден, Ная е изпратена към бъдещият й съпруг. Брат й обаче има план с който да я спаси. След серия от проблеми, Ная се озовава преследвана от един мъж, и тя търси спасение отвъд оградата на обширно имение, и бива спасена от собственикът му. Сега обаче, Ная трябва да прецени, дали може да се довери на този непознат мъж и да му разкрие истинската си самоличност.
Амиии книгата е интересна, ама и странна. Горката Ная беше живяла буквално под камък, не й е било позволено нищо, тя не беше гледала филми, не беше пътувала. Едиснтвеното й удоволствие беше четенето и тя не знаеше нищо за света извън дома й. Торън пък беше решен, че проклятието е истинско и се оставяше да управлява живота му. Привличането му към Ная обаче беше по-силно от всичко. Той искаше да я пази, закриля и обгрижва. Държеше се прекрасно с нея, макар че беше доста порочен и нямаше цедка на устата. Такива й ги говореше, че нашето момиче беше червено като домат през цялата книга.
Авторката е опитала да вкара мистика, прозраци и разни такива и ми беше доста странно, но като цяло концепцията не ме грабна. Разбира се на края научихме всичко относно проклятието.
Но като цяло много време ми отне да я изчета, не ме грабна истински.
💫Обобщение: 💫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔢 Част от поредица ли е?
Не.
📚 Колко завладяваща е историята?
Интересна, но не много завладяваща.
💪 Главният герой:Торън
Престъпен бос. Влиятелен. Силен. Непредсказуем. Безпощаден. Защитнически настроен. Нежен, грижовен и сладък към жената, която обича.
🎀 Главната героиня:Ная
Наранявана и обиждана през целия й живот. Колеблива. Страхлива. Нерешителна и объркана. Но за любимия мъж се превръща в истинска тигрица.
🫣 Има ли проблем с друг мъж или жена?
Ная е сгодена за друг мъж.
🤬 Има ли изневяра?
Не.
😏 Колко опит имат героите?
Торън има опит, Ная е девствена.
😔/😁 Настроение по време на книгата?
🥺🙄😳🥰😍😘
🥵 Колко горещи са секси сцените?
🌶🌶🌶🌶 Много секси, Торън е много порочен.👅 Орално 🥵 Мръсни приказки.
💔 Разделят ли се героите за определен период от време?
Не.
😍 Има ли щастлив край?
Да.
⚠️ Списък с предупреждения:
🤕 Малтретиране на главната героиня.
🙅♀️ Опит за изнсилване.
💀 Насилие над трети лица.
☠️ Смърт на трети лица.
🐺 Нападение на вълци
April 24, 2025
review
4.5 stars a great and surprising read that I picked up on a whim. Not mad about it! Like a darker spicier beauty and the beast vibes
4.5 stars a great and surprising read that I picked up on a whim. Not mad about it! Like a darker spicier beauty and the beast vibes
June 5, 2024
I did enjoy this book. It is very good at keeping you on your toes!!
This Gothic Romance is a suspenseful, and intriguing read.
The romance is a fast burn, with a instant attraction.
The book is spicy. There is a lot of spice in this book, and it is descriptive. The spice does not take away from the plot.
The book moves at a slower pace following a budding relationship between a woman on the run, and man convinced he is cursed. They think they have everything under control until one night things take a shocking turn.
The characters are very emotional, and their past traumas are highlighted heavily in their personalities.
The world building is set in contemporary times with a twist, and older elements added in. It really helps bring the retelling of this beauty and beast all together.
This Gothic Romance is a suspenseful, and intriguing read.
The romance is a fast burn, with a instant attraction.
The book is spicy. There is a lot of spice in this book, and it is descriptive. The spice does not take away from the plot.
The book moves at a slower pace following a budding relationship between a woman on the run, and man convinced he is cursed. They think they have everything under control until one night things take a shocking turn.
The characters are very emotional, and their past traumas are highlighted heavily in their personalities.
The world building is set in contemporary times with a twist, and older elements added in. It really helps bring the retelling of this beauty and beast all together.
August 9, 2025
angsty
I liked the gothic tone of this story with Thoran’s “cursed” home.
Naya had a super messed up family and tragic upbringing, which added some great tension. Hot chemistry, and a lot of sex scenes.
I’m not sure the mobster-esque storyline and the cursed storyline fit well enough together and there were some grammar tense mistakes that got distracting. But, it was an easy story to read and the drama pulled me forward.
I really liked the side characters too.
I liked the gothic tone of this story with Thoran’s “cursed” home.
Naya had a super messed up family and tragic upbringing, which added some great tension. Hot chemistry, and a lot of sex scenes.
I’m not sure the mobster-esque storyline and the cursed storyline fit well enough together and there were some grammar tense mistakes that got distracting. But, it was an easy story to read and the drama pulled me forward.
I really liked the side characters too.
October 19, 2024
3/5 ✨
Spicy, moody mafia esc beauty and the beast?
You got it.
This was a good story, not over the top amazing but not bad either.
I do feel like a lot of time was spent telling of things that could have been shortened, and needed expanding on other areas.
Maybe a chapter on Oliver would have helped, since Jeanette randomly got one. It would have helped with giving the story a fuller view of things, if that makes sense.
I struggled in the beginning a little bit but once I got into the story I wanted to keep reading to find out what was next.
I wouldn’t mind reading another by this author, especially if it’s about Cyrus and Malcom. 👀
I think this would be a good in between book for those who read heavier stories or series since it can be a stand alone.
✨I was provided an ARC but the review is completely my own opinion✨
Spicy, moody mafia esc beauty and the beast?
You got it.
This was a good story, not over the top amazing but not bad either.
I do feel like a lot of time was spent telling of things that could have been shortened, and needed expanding on other areas.
Maybe a chapter on Oliver would have helped, since Jeanette randomly got one. It would have helped with giving the story a fuller view of things, if that makes sense.
I struggled in the beginning a little bit but once I got into the story I wanted to keep reading to find out what was next.
I wouldn’t mind reading another by this author, especially if it’s about Cyrus and Malcom. 👀
I think this would be a good in between book for those who read heavier stories or series since it can be a stand alone.
✨I was provided an ARC but the review is completely my own opinion✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
Their lives had been full of pain; they need each other to crawl free of the past.
Thoran lives in a veritable mansion with the splendor of a castle that has long been neglected covered in dust, chipping away at its beauty. Just as the anger inside him, his nightmares, are chipping away at him. His need to control what he cannot has led him down a dark path to become a ruthlessly successful businessman, on the grey side of the law. Dealing with those who feed on humanity, the twisted. The one thing he values is the small patch of silver roses his mother so lovingly tended before her death. And soon he will lose it all, if he cannot procure a wife. He has tried five times and five times the curse of the house has brought them violent death. Until her.
Naya was the bargaining chip with which her parents intended to use in order to gain the money to pay their debts and continue to live the lifestyle they valued beyond their daughter. A son was to be valued a daughter to be sold to the highest bidder. All her life Naya was controlled by fear and punishment, never allowed freedom outside of her room and even there her mother held sway. Paraded in front of those who came to her parent’s house for business purposes but enjoyed the look and touch of a young beautiful girl. Until he came, Brixton was the worst. A bargain made for her at fourteen, her body, her life bought and sold. Without the help of her brother the man would have taken her then. For six years more she escaped his revolting touch, mostly. On the eve of her wedding, she was to be sent to him, but her brother had other ideas. He had an escape plan. Sadly, it went wrong, and she ended up in the garden of the beast, from which no one ever left.
Running from the man who was intended to set on the road to a new life, Naya ran into the garden of silver roses but was quickly found by her tormentor. Just as quickly Thoran and Cyrus found them both by the bed of roses and called a halt to their struggles. Naya feared her escape was short lived when Thoran pulled her into his arms heading for the house. No one ever entered the garden and lived to tell of it. Except there was something that drew Thoran to her innocence. Perhaps they could save each other. The tormentor was another situation, he would die but not before he suffered for daring to touch this woman that the beast thought of as his.
This dark fairy tale had the feel of the past, deadly curses and a forced marriage, but was in truth set in the present encroached with mafia style domination and business dealings. Thoran was a beast always in control devoid of sympathy for those outside of a few. Naya was a beautiful young woman whose only protection against her greedy perverted parents was her brother. The draw that each felt towards the other was a crack in the wall Thoran he had built around himself. He’d lived with the curse of death the house promised all his life, he’d been betrayed by a friend and buried five young women who had hoped to be his wife. It had left him without a heart or compassion but somehow this slight beautiful young woman had made him want to keep her with him, to protect her to touch her.
After the first few pages, I wanted to skip a chapter or two to see if I would be able to continue. Somehow the story took hold of me and wouldn’t let go, wouldn’t let me try to bypass the picture it painted in my mind, I held my breath and continued. In the end, I realized this was the perfect beginning to capture my attention, to let the story tell itself in its own way. It let me walk through the pages, to be a voyeur who could look and feel but not touch. The darker elements a reader will encounter are psychological child l abuse, sexual harassment of a child, loss of beloved parents, forced marriage, mafia type enforcement, and death. There is light under it all trusted friends and family, love and protection, characters who change for the better, friendships made and a spicy romance that will outlive the ages. In my opinion this story needed both to make it one I will never forget, share with others and return to read again. Check this one out, read a few pages but don’t let the first few chapters put you off, it is a grand story.
Thoran lives in a veritable mansion with the splendor of a castle that has long been neglected covered in dust, chipping away at its beauty. Just as the anger inside him, his nightmares, are chipping away at him. His need to control what he cannot has led him down a dark path to become a ruthlessly successful businessman, on the grey side of the law. Dealing with those who feed on humanity, the twisted. The one thing he values is the small patch of silver roses his mother so lovingly tended before her death. And soon he will lose it all, if he cannot procure a wife. He has tried five times and five times the curse of the house has brought them violent death. Until her.
Naya was the bargaining chip with which her parents intended to use in order to gain the money to pay their debts and continue to live the lifestyle they valued beyond their daughter. A son was to be valued a daughter to be sold to the highest bidder. All her life Naya was controlled by fear and punishment, never allowed freedom outside of her room and even there her mother held sway. Paraded in front of those who came to her parent’s house for business purposes but enjoyed the look and touch of a young beautiful girl. Until he came, Brixton was the worst. A bargain made for her at fourteen, her body, her life bought and sold. Without the help of her brother the man would have taken her then. For six years more she escaped his revolting touch, mostly. On the eve of her wedding, she was to be sent to him, but her brother had other ideas. He had an escape plan. Sadly, it went wrong, and she ended up in the garden of the beast, from which no one ever left.
Running from the man who was intended to set on the road to a new life, Naya ran into the garden of silver roses but was quickly found by her tormentor. Just as quickly Thoran and Cyrus found them both by the bed of roses and called a halt to their struggles. Naya feared her escape was short lived when Thoran pulled her into his arms heading for the house. No one ever entered the garden and lived to tell of it. Except there was something that drew Thoran to her innocence. Perhaps they could save each other. The tormentor was another situation, he would die but not before he suffered for daring to touch this woman that the beast thought of as his.
This dark fairy tale had the feel of the past, deadly curses and a forced marriage, but was in truth set in the present encroached with mafia style domination and business dealings. Thoran was a beast always in control devoid of sympathy for those outside of a few. Naya was a beautiful young woman whose only protection against her greedy perverted parents was her brother. The draw that each felt towards the other was a crack in the wall Thoran he had built around himself. He’d lived with the curse of death the house promised all his life, he’d been betrayed by a friend and buried five young women who had hoped to be his wife. It had left him without a heart or compassion but somehow this slight beautiful young woman had made him want to keep her with him, to protect her to touch her.
After the first few pages, I wanted to skip a chapter or two to see if I would be able to continue. Somehow the story took hold of me and wouldn’t let go, wouldn’t let me try to bypass the picture it painted in my mind, I held my breath and continued. In the end, I realized this was the perfect beginning to capture my attention, to let the story tell itself in its own way. It let me walk through the pages, to be a voyeur who could look and feel but not touch. The darker elements a reader will encounter are psychological child l abuse, sexual harassment of a child, loss of beloved parents, forced marriage, mafia type enforcement, and death. There is light under it all trusted friends and family, love and protection, characters who change for the better, friendships made and a spicy romance that will outlive the ages. In my opinion this story needed both to make it one I will never forget, share with others and return to read again. Check this one out, read a few pages but don’t let the first few chapters put you off, it is a grand story.
February 7, 2025
I don't think I have loved a book as much as I have loved this one in quite some time.
Oh my god.
Everything about this books was absolutely beautiful. The story, the imagery, the relationship. It was all fantastic and I genuinely cannot think of one bad thing to say about this book.
The MMC - Thoran. Man, he was everything a woman wants in a man. Caring, sweet, loving, doting, protective, strong. Tattooed. He was a MAN of a MMC. I loved his character so much. I loved his past, his story, his HOUSE. I loved everything about Thoran. Then, when he started taking care of the FMC - Naya, I loved him even more. The way he took care of her, and provided for her; everything about the love story between these two was perfect.
The FMC, Naya, was also a really good characters. I find myself bored and quickly over reading from FMC's who are weak, but I found myself falling in love with the FMC in this book because you understood everything about her past and why she acted the way she did. Every single thing that was done to her, contributed to how she acted when she was no longer isolated.
The relationship between the two characters was quick but the way it was written made it feel like months. The relationship between them developed in a way that made it nearly impossible to put the book down. I truly did love their love story, so much in fact that I want to buy this in a physical book because reading it and following the love story of the characters had me kicking my feet and giggling because it was so sweet.
For the MMC being such a dark and hard character, you didn't feel like you were in the mind of a dark and hard character when you read from his POV. I really do love that about this book. I think that is the best way to write it. The balance between the dark and the light, the romantic and the savage.
What I liked about the plot was a few things. One it was a few plots on top of one another and they were all simple enough to understand and follow through with. The second thing I really liked was that it didn't feel like it was dragged on. Everything about this book felt succinct and important. I didn't feel like anything was filler or unimportant. I loved it all.
The book was over 500 pages and usually when I read a romance over 350, I am like what are we doing here, but with this, I could honestly have read about 200 more pages of the FMC and MMC together and been perfectly fine with it.
On top of the love story and the plot being delicious, the spice... oh my god the spice. It was so good. Definitely five chili peppers. I sometimes find myself skipping past, sometimes skimming the smutty scenes, but these were so well done, I loved them so much.
This book was basically perfect in my eyes and idgaf what you say.
Oh my god.
Everything about this books was absolutely beautiful. The story, the imagery, the relationship. It was all fantastic and I genuinely cannot think of one bad thing to say about this book.
The MMC - Thoran. Man, he was everything a woman wants in a man. Caring, sweet, loving, doting, protective, strong. Tattooed. He was a MAN of a MMC. I loved his character so much. I loved his past, his story, his HOUSE. I loved everything about Thoran. Then, when he started taking care of the FMC - Naya, I loved him even more. The way he took care of her, and provided for her; everything about the love story between these two was perfect.
The FMC, Naya, was also a really good characters. I find myself bored and quickly over reading from FMC's who are weak, but I found myself falling in love with the FMC in this book because you understood everything about her past and why she acted the way she did. Every single thing that was done to her, contributed to how she acted when she was no longer isolated.
The relationship between the two characters was quick but the way it was written made it feel like months. The relationship between them developed in a way that made it nearly impossible to put the book down. I truly did love their love story, so much in fact that I want to buy this in a physical book because reading it and following the love story of the characters had me kicking my feet and giggling because it was so sweet.
For the MMC being such a dark and hard character, you didn't feel like you were in the mind of a dark and hard character when you read from his POV. I really do love that about this book. I think that is the best way to write it. The balance between the dark and the light, the romantic and the savage.
What I liked about the plot was a few things. One it was a few plots on top of one another and they were all simple enough to understand and follow through with. The second thing I really liked was that it didn't feel like it was dragged on. Everything about this book felt succinct and important. I didn't feel like anything was filler or unimportant. I loved it all.
The book was over 500 pages and usually when I read a romance over 350, I am like what are we doing here, but with this, I could honestly have read about 200 more pages of the FMC and MMC together and been perfectly fine with it.
On top of the love story and the plot being delicious, the spice... oh my god the spice. It was so good. Definitely five chili peppers. I sometimes find myself skipping past, sometimes skimming the smutty scenes, but these were so well done, I loved them so much.
This book was basically perfect in my eyes and idgaf what you say.
June 5, 2024
Thoran is an enigma but a lethal one. He is very possessive and is relentless in protecting what's his. The towns people think he killed his wives. Over the years he had five but they all died. He attributes it to his curse. He has built a tall wall to keep people out. But he also has had to enlarge the swamp to hide those he's taken care of. Then one day into his life comes a woman who puzzles him. He wants to unwrap the puzzle and put the pieces together.
Naya is a twin. Her brother is older than her by five minutes but looks out for her. Their mother dislikes her because she's a girl. Now she's being sold off to a man who is a monster. Her brother helps her get away. Unfortunately the man he entrusted her to take her to the airport gets a call that he needs to leave her. So he calls for help only to have one of his nephews show up. He tries to take advantage of her and she manages to escape. She finds a wall and goes over it with the idiot boy following. He pulls her down and she's yelling no when there is a voice that talking to the idiot while he kicks him off her then pulls him up. He handles the situation and she faints. When she wakes she is shocked and scared. But she has spent 20 years being mistreated if she utters a word or does something "bad". So she reacts the same way to him.
He decides he's going to keep her at least for a while. She's running from someone. She's so quiet broken. Someone made her like that. He wants vengeance on them. He watches her and realizes that she was broken and someone had done that. His uncle and cousin suggest he marry her. He doesn't want to condemn her like the others but he won't let her go. There seems to be something between them but he is fearful for her life. Will the curse harm her? Or will who she is running from find her?
A story that is both romantic and chilling.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Naya is a twin. Her brother is older than her by five minutes but looks out for her. Their mother dislikes her because she's a girl. Now she's being sold off to a man who is a monster. Her brother helps her get away. Unfortunately the man he entrusted her to take her to the airport gets a call that he needs to leave her. So he calls for help only to have one of his nephews show up. He tries to take advantage of her and she manages to escape. She finds a wall and goes over it with the idiot boy following. He pulls her down and she's yelling no when there is a voice that talking to the idiot while he kicks him off her then pulls him up. He handles the situation and she faints. When she wakes she is shocked and scared. But she has spent 20 years being mistreated if she utters a word or does something "bad". So she reacts the same way to him.
He decides he's going to keep her at least for a while. She's running from someone. She's so quiet broken. Someone made her like that. He wants vengeance on them. He watches her and realizes that she was broken and someone had done that. His uncle and cousin suggest he marry her. He doesn't want to condemn her like the others but he won't let her go. There seems to be something between them but he is fearful for her life. Will the curse harm her? Or will who she is running from find her?
A story that is both romantic and chilling.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2024
Amazing Retelling
This book is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast. This is a dark retelling and oh so good. I loved reading this book. So beautifully written.
You have Naya who has been treated since the day she was born as less than her twin brother. She was not expected nor wanted simply for being a girl. Her mother treats her horribly and her father pays her no attention. The only person who is kind and loving toward her is her twin brother Malcolm. He is there to protect her when a man twice her age and married many times wanted her when she was fourteen years old. Her mother would have "sold" her to him then but Malcolm made sure she couldn't until Naya was twenty. Now on her twentieth birthday she is being sent to said man.
Thoran Lacroix is what everyone xalls the beast or monster of the Lacroix Manor because of all of the women who have died there. Thoran believes the manor and himself to be cursed because over generations something happens to the women there. He has lost many himself. He protects the manor from people who try to sneak in to see the place or the beautiful and rare silver roses there. A family member is threatening that the manor belongs to him if Thoran isn't married so Thoran has to figure out what to do because doesn't want another death to happen.
Some things hapoen that finds Nata running and coming upon Thoran and Lacroix Manor. Thoran is intrigued by her and also suspicious. Naya ends up staying there even though she doesn't give her real name. They are both drawn towards each other. I don't want to give anymore away just know a lot more happens in this book and mysteries too. You will want to read this to find out what happens to Thoran and Naya. Also, there's a library and a bookstore. What more do you need? Loved this book and thank you for writing Airicka Phoenix.
This book is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast. This is a dark retelling and oh so good. I loved reading this book. So beautifully written.
You have Naya who has been treated since the day she was born as less than her twin brother. She was not expected nor wanted simply for being a girl. Her mother treats her horribly and her father pays her no attention. The only person who is kind and loving toward her is her twin brother Malcolm. He is there to protect her when a man twice her age and married many times wanted her when she was fourteen years old. Her mother would have "sold" her to him then but Malcolm made sure she couldn't until Naya was twenty. Now on her twentieth birthday she is being sent to said man.
Thoran Lacroix is what everyone xalls the beast or monster of the Lacroix Manor because of all of the women who have died there. Thoran believes the manor and himself to be cursed because over generations something happens to the women there. He has lost many himself. He protects the manor from people who try to sneak in to see the place or the beautiful and rare silver roses there. A family member is threatening that the manor belongs to him if Thoran isn't married so Thoran has to figure out what to do because doesn't want another death to happen.
Some things hapoen that finds Nata running and coming upon Thoran and Lacroix Manor. Thoran is intrigued by her and also suspicious. Naya ends up staying there even though she doesn't give her real name. They are both drawn towards each other. I don't want to give anymore away just know a lot more happens in this book and mysteries too. You will want to read this to find out what happens to Thoran and Naya. Also, there's a library and a bookstore. What more do you need? Loved this book and thank you for writing Airicka Phoenix.
June 12, 2024
Beauty and the Beast is my ultimate favorite classic story, and this retelling does it justice. I cannot express how much I enjoyed the spin this author placed on this favorite classic.
Naya is being sold to an evil man. She has been kept secluded from others her whole life. The only family member that cares about her is her twin brother. The day she is to be “delivered” to her fiancé, her brother giver her money and a fake ID. He tells her go to London and disappear.
However, her flight to freedom does not go as planned and she finds herself running through the woods from her would be attacker. She is saved by Thoran (MMC) who unalives her pursuer and takes her to his home.
Thoran is attracted to Naya but knows he cannot keep her as his house is cursed. Five previous potential wives were all unalived in various accidents either in the house or on the property.
There are so many twists and turns and I love Naya’s and Thoran’s relationship. While there is instalust, it is a slow burn road to love. When they come together, pure fireworks.
I loved Thoran. He was the perfect tortured MMC. He wears the curse as a heavy mantel and protects his home from strangers and others who would sneak in and possibly steal the roses his mother had planted. He wants to love and be loved. With Naya he shows his cinnamon roll side. He is sweet, patient and lets her know how smexy she is. Plus, who doesn’t want the man in your life to buy you a bookstore!
This was fabulously written. You are immediately pulled into the story and the twist at the end was a total surprise.
If you love a well written retelling with a strong FMC and an alpha/cinnamon roll only for his girl MMC, you have to check out this story.
Naya is being sold to an evil man. She has been kept secluded from others her whole life. The only family member that cares about her is her twin brother. The day she is to be “delivered” to her fiancé, her brother giver her money and a fake ID. He tells her go to London and disappear.
However, her flight to freedom does not go as planned and she finds herself running through the woods from her would be attacker. She is saved by Thoran (MMC) who unalives her pursuer and takes her to his home.
Thoran is attracted to Naya but knows he cannot keep her as his house is cursed. Five previous potential wives were all unalived in various accidents either in the house or on the property.
There are so many twists and turns and I love Naya’s and Thoran’s relationship. While there is instalust, it is a slow burn road to love. When they come together, pure fireworks.
I loved Thoran. He was the perfect tortured MMC. He wears the curse as a heavy mantel and protects his home from strangers and others who would sneak in and possibly steal the roses his mother had planted. He wants to love and be loved. With Naya he shows his cinnamon roll side. He is sweet, patient and lets her know how smexy she is. Plus, who doesn’t want the man in your life to buy you a bookstore!
This was fabulously written. You are immediately pulled into the story and the twist at the end was a total surprise.
If you love a well written retelling with a strong FMC and an alpha/cinnamon roll only for his girl MMC, you have to check out this story.
June 12, 2024
In "The Sinner's Bargain," Airicka Phoenix spins a haunting and darkly captivating tale that will leave readers spellbound until the very end. Set in a world where whispers of a monstrous figure haunt the swamps, this novel follows the chilling journey of Thoran, a man cursed by his past and the dark secrets that lurk within the walls of his home.
Thoran is a tormented soul, haunted by the shadows of his past and the blood on his hands. Tasked with finding a new bride to fulfill a sinister fate, he finds himself drawn to Naya, a woman with secrets of her own. As their forbidden love blossoms, they are ensnared in a web of darkness that threatens to consume them both.
Phoenix skillfully weaves together elements of romance, suspense, and supernatural horror, creating a gripping and atmospheric narrative that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between Thoran and Naya crackles with intensity, while the looming presence of the murder house adds an extra layer of tension to the story.
As Thoran grapples with his inner demons and Naya confronts the ghosts of her past, they must navigate a treacherous path filled with danger and betrayal. With each page, Phoenix ratchets up the suspense, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
"The Sinner's Bargain" is a mesmerizing read that will appeal to fans of gothic romance and dark fantasy alike. With its richly drawn characters, evocative prose, and chilling atmosphere, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression. Prepare to be transported to a world where love and darkness collide, and the line between good and evil blurs into shadows.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thoran is a tormented soul, haunted by the shadows of his past and the blood on his hands. Tasked with finding a new bride to fulfill a sinister fate, he finds himself drawn to Naya, a woman with secrets of her own. As their forbidden love blossoms, they are ensnared in a web of darkness that threatens to consume them both.
Phoenix skillfully weaves together elements of romance, suspense, and supernatural horror, creating a gripping and atmospheric narrative that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between Thoran and Naya crackles with intensity, while the looming presence of the murder house adds an extra layer of tension to the story.
As Thoran grapples with his inner demons and Naya confronts the ghosts of her past, they must navigate a treacherous path filled with danger and betrayal. With each page, Phoenix ratchets up the suspense, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
"The Sinner's Bargain" is a mesmerizing read that will appeal to fans of gothic romance and dark fantasy alike. With its richly drawn characters, evocative prose, and chilling atmosphere, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression. Prepare to be transported to a world where love and darkness collide, and the line between good and evil blurs into shadows.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2024
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Thoran and Naya (or as I like to call them “Hunckson and Chantilleee because their names are so youneeke)
Genre- Gothic Romance
Sub Genre- Fairy Tale Retelling (beauty and the beast)
Length- 529 pages. It’s a lot of book.
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋 Virgin Heroine
Series? N
Safety? N
Triggers- so many triggers up in here, it’s like an NRA swap meet. Including Trafficking, Attempted S.A./R., Human Experiments, Grooming, Child S.A. (Discussed), Child Abuse/Neglect, Abuse, Claustrophobia and Nyctophobia, Drug Trafficking and Abuse, Violence (including gun violence and Murder), Morally Gray Hero, Language, Zex.
Tropes- A Sort of Fairytale, Mail Order Bride, Captor/Captive/Stockholm Syndrome, Abused Heroine On the Run, Secrets and Lies, Damsel in Distress, Serial Killer, Haunted House, Hunckson and Chantilleee.
Mewsings
What I liked- I can see a lot of potential in this author (although I think the nom de plume is ridiculously pretentious). The book is a classic gothic romance, with a delightfully spooky house, a damsel in distress, and a scarred, brooding hero. It just plain worked. Some events happened that were hinted at later, which could have been confusing, but weren’t, and it (I hate to use the same phrasing) worked.
What I didn’t- the prose got a bit purple and flowery at times, which was really annoying. And sometimes it bordered on melodrama instead of Gothic. But overall, it was pretty good. I thought the author could have picked a less self-consciously romantik pen name as well. It’s hard to take a book seriously when the pen name is so ridiculous.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MMC/FMC- Thoran and Naya (or as I like to call them “Hunckson and Chantilleee because their names are so youneeke)
Genre- Gothic Romance
Sub Genre- Fairy Tale Retelling (beauty and the beast)
Length- 529 pages. It’s a lot of book.
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋 Virgin Heroine
Series? N
Safety? N
Triggers- so many triggers up in here, it’s like an NRA swap meet. Including Trafficking, Attempted S.A./R., Human Experiments, Grooming, Child S.A. (Discussed), Child Abuse/Neglect, Abuse, Claustrophobia and Nyctophobia, Drug Trafficking and Abuse, Violence (including gun violence and Murder), Morally Gray Hero, Language, Zex.
Tropes- A Sort of Fairytale, Mail Order Bride, Captor/Captive/Stockholm Syndrome, Abused Heroine On the Run, Secrets and Lies, Damsel in Distress, Serial Killer, Haunted House, Hunckson and Chantilleee.
Mewsings
What I liked- I can see a lot of potential in this author (although I think the nom de plume is ridiculously pretentious). The book is a classic gothic romance, with a delightfully spooky house, a damsel in distress, and a scarred, brooding hero. It just plain worked. Some events happened that were hinted at later, which could have been confusing, but weren’t, and it (I hate to use the same phrasing) worked.
What I didn’t- the prose got a bit purple and flowery at times, which was really annoying. And sometimes it bordered on melodrama instead of Gothic. But overall, it was pretty good. I thought the author could have picked a less self-consciously romantik pen name as well. It’s hard to take a book seriously when the pen name is so ridiculous.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2024
The only bad thing about this book is the cover.
(I'll still fucking get the physical copy, the hell I'm forgetting about this book.)
Gosh, Naya is such a lovely protagonist and I just constantly want to hug this wonderful angel. She's sweet and naïve, although she's been through so much and I love her development.
Thoran...man could get me pregnant as often as he wants, the morally gray MMC never disappoints. He calls her Blue, Love, Sweetheart, Baby, AND I FOLDED SO HARD.
He didn't know her, but saved her from SA. He didn't know her, but brought her into HIS home. Made her sleep in the room NEXT TO HIS, to make sure his guest was safe.
He has such a good heart, although it's shielded from the world. He deserves better and I'm glad Naya stumbled into his garden, because this story is so wonderful to read.
What you get:
• Tattooed and scarred MMC, who's also rich... Just sayin'
• Trauma
• (fantastic) Spice
• He gifts her. A. Fucking. Bookstore.
• Touch her and you 💀
• Revenge. So, so much revenge.
Actually, I couldn't stop reading. I just loved everything, the scenes were written well, the dialogues and monologues *chef kiss* and such well thought through characters.
Do yourself the favor and read this, if you like contemporary romance with female revenge, a morally gray man and a brother sacrificing everything for his little sister's safety.
11/10.
One of my favorite reads.
(I'll still fucking get the physical copy, the hell I'm forgetting about this book.)
Gosh, Naya is such a lovely protagonist and I just constantly want to hug this wonderful angel. She's sweet and naïve, although she's been through so much and I love her development.
Thoran...man could get me pregnant as often as he wants, the morally gray MMC never disappoints. He calls her Blue, Love, Sweetheart, Baby, AND I FOLDED SO HARD.
He didn't know her, but saved her from SA. He didn't know her, but brought her into HIS home. Made her sleep in the room NEXT TO HIS, to make sure his guest was safe.
He has such a good heart, although it's shielded from the world. He deserves better and I'm glad Naya stumbled into his garden, because this story is so wonderful to read.
What you get:
• Tattooed and scarred MMC, who's also rich... Just sayin'
• Trauma
• (fantastic) Spice
• He gifts her. A. Fucking. Bookstore.
• Touch her and you 💀
• Revenge. So, so much revenge.
Actually, I couldn't stop reading. I just loved everything, the scenes were written well, the dialogues and monologues *chef kiss* and such well thought through characters.
Do yourself the favor and read this, if you like contemporary romance with female revenge, a morally gray man and a brother sacrificing everything for his little sister's safety.
11/10.
One of my favorite reads.
June 14, 2024
I love a dark retelling and this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast! Now I've read many of these but I have to say this is one of my favourites!!!
Thoran Lacroix is the beast in question and he guards the house known as the murder house hidden amongst the swamp. The family has a long history of murders and it's mainly female murders by the house. Naya is the daughter of a rich pretentious family who don't respect women at all and just think they are good for nothing but breeding. Naya is to marry a man and this has been said to her from the age of 14, but her brother and others are the only ones keeping her safe from his clutches till she's at least 20. Poor Naya I really feel for her she's been abused by everyone she knows in her life except her brother!! She has had a sheltered life and only views the world outside of her windows!!
Naya wants out and when she does finally escape with help from her brother, she ends up running right into the beast's hands. Thoran shows her kindness like she's never had or expected before and as they get to know one other they will discover so much more about themselves and each other that it melts your heart!!!
I absolutely loved this story and like I said before it's been one if not the best Beauty and the Beast retelling I've read. This is my first book by Airicka and I can tell you I'll be downloading more. The writing just had me from the get go I couldn't put it down.
Thoran Lacroix is the beast in question and he guards the house known as the murder house hidden amongst the swamp. The family has a long history of murders and it's mainly female murders by the house. Naya is the daughter of a rich pretentious family who don't respect women at all and just think they are good for nothing but breeding. Naya is to marry a man and this has been said to her from the age of 14, but her brother and others are the only ones keeping her safe from his clutches till she's at least 20. Poor Naya I really feel for her she's been abused by everyone she knows in her life except her brother!! She has had a sheltered life and only views the world outside of her windows!!
Naya wants out and when she does finally escape with help from her brother, she ends up running right into the beast's hands. Thoran shows her kindness like she's never had or expected before and as they get to know one other they will discover so much more about themselves and each other that it melts your heart!!!
I absolutely loved this story and like I said before it's been one if not the best Beauty and the Beast retelling I've read. This is my first book by Airicka and I can tell you I'll be downloading more. The writing just had me from the get go I couldn't put it down.
June 19, 2024
Beauty and the Beast retelling, a morilly gray male lead, abused quiet spoken, and broken female lead. 3.5 pepper rating.
I adored this story! Poor Naya, being in a family where your parents don't love you and take pleasure in torturing you in anyway they can dream up or completely neglecting you. Your only saving grace is your brother who is the "Golden child" and thankfully loves you and protects you the best he can but even then he cant protect you from everything....
Thoran growing up in a large home his only company is his uncle, best friend, and advisor. He has tried 5 times to marry but everyone he loves or believes he could love the house takes from him. He is not one to mess with as he will kill first ask questions later. Especially if you come sniffing around his roses.
The whiplash you get from Thoran is awesome. Devil in carnet with those who cross him then super sweet with Naya. However, he doesn't even know her real name but he never pushes her.
She's running away from her awful parents and the man she was sold to and terrified he is going to find her or that Thoran will give her up should he find out. He is quickly falling for the sweet, quiet girl he saved that one rainy night and wouldn't let her leave. He believes there are ghosts in the Manson and the gardens, she isn't so sure.
I loved watching their story and see her finally get her own voice and get to be her own person. This was probably one of my favorite retellings.
I adored this story! Poor Naya, being in a family where your parents don't love you and take pleasure in torturing you in anyway they can dream up or completely neglecting you. Your only saving grace is your brother who is the "Golden child" and thankfully loves you and protects you the best he can but even then he cant protect you from everything....
Thoran growing up in a large home his only company is his uncle, best friend, and advisor. He has tried 5 times to marry but everyone he loves or believes he could love the house takes from him. He is not one to mess with as he will kill first ask questions later. Especially if you come sniffing around his roses.
The whiplash you get from Thoran is awesome. Devil in carnet with those who cross him then super sweet with Naya. However, he doesn't even know her real name but he never pushes her.
She's running away from her awful parents and the man she was sold to and terrified he is going to find her or that Thoran will give her up should he find out. He is quickly falling for the sweet, quiet girl he saved that one rainy night and wouldn't let her leave. He believes there are ghosts in the Manson and the gardens, she isn't so sure.
I loved watching their story and see her finally get her own voice and get to be her own person. This was probably one of my favorite retellings.
June 10, 2024
Thoran and Naya. She has a twin brother and hes the only one who shows her any kindness. Shes a girl and wasnt wanted by her parents. Her mother was even going to sell her to a man when she was fourteen but her brother prevented it. Now she is to go to that man now that she is twenty. The Lacroix house is famous for its silver roses that his mother planted and cared for before her death. Thoran protects his house and the roses from people and from women coming to the cursed house and himself. All women happen to die. He has to marry to keep the house but he has tried time and time again and they die. When Naya runs away and comes to be at the La Croix house in the garden of roses, which no one enters and leaves alive, she is struggling with the man that would have taken her at fourteen. Thoran saves her and takes the man who dared to put his hands on this woman. Thoran is mafia and earned his fourtune by mafia dealings and has a hard heart. She may be the one who the house does not kill. She may be the one to bring light to his dark. This is beauty and the beast told in a deliciously dark romantic tale.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2024
THE CURSE OF LACROIX HOUSE
As a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast retellings, The Sinner's Bargain is a highly recommend. What sets this version apart from the usual is its dark, gothic, and gritty edge, which completely transforms the classic retellings.
“The Beast is hungery and only her sweet flesh will do”
Not only does Beauty get her coveted library, but she also gets a bookstore, adding layers and depth to her character that I loved. The Beast, in this retelling, is not just a misunderstood brute; he's a soft-hearted figure who's grappling with the truth of his past and trying to understand his feelings for his Beauty. Beauty, on the other hand, embarks on her own journey of self-discovery, learning that not everything is as it seems.
“My soft, sweet baby threatening to gut another person… for me. I’d never been so proud of anyone or more in love in my life.”
This darker gothic version was a fantastic twist on the beloved story and kept me hooked from start to finish. If you're a fan of retellings and enjoy stories with descriptive spice but more depth and complexity, The Sinner's Bargain is a must-read.
As a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast retellings, The Sinner's Bargain is a highly recommend. What sets this version apart from the usual is its dark, gothic, and gritty edge, which completely transforms the classic retellings.
“The Beast is hungery and only her sweet flesh will do”
Not only does Beauty get her coveted library, but she also gets a bookstore, adding layers and depth to her character that I loved. The Beast, in this retelling, is not just a misunderstood brute; he's a soft-hearted figure who's grappling with the truth of his past and trying to understand his feelings for his Beauty. Beauty, on the other hand, embarks on her own journey of self-discovery, learning that not everything is as it seems.
“My soft, sweet baby threatening to gut another person… for me. I’d never been so proud of anyone or more in love in my life.”
This darker gothic version was a fantastic twist on the beloved story and kept me hooked from start to finish. If you're a fan of retellings and enjoy stories with descriptive spice but more depth and complexity, The Sinner's Bargain is a must-read.
June 5, 2024
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, this book had me hooked from the start I couldn't put the book down, the story was exhilarating and the characters were really captivating. This story was about Naya, came from a rich family that would have killed her if it wasn't for her twin brother hiding her in the womb. At the age of fourteen years old she was promised to a man that had many ex-wives. Her brother loved her so much, it took him four years to make her disappear and her new name and life in another country could begin. Thoran Lacroix is a man you don't want to run into, he was a monster, a beast, a volatile man, a heart of stone, and the owner of a house that has been in his family for many generations the history of the house was that it killed the women of the house. This story was exhilarating I highly recommend reading this book, make sure you get organised before you start to read, because you won't put the book down until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, this book had me hooked from the start I couldn't put the book down, the story was exhilarating and the characters were really captivating. This story was about Naya, came from a rich family that would have killed her if it wasn't for her twin brother hiding her in the womb. At the age of fourteen years old she was promised to a man that had many ex-wives. Her brother loved her so much, it took him four years to make her disappear and her new name and life in another country could begin. Thoran Lacroix is a man you don't want to run into, he was a monster, a beast, a volatile man, a heart of stone, and the owner of a house that has been in his family for many generations the history of the house was that it killed the women of the house. This story was exhilarating I highly recommend reading this book, make sure you get organised before you start to read, because you won't put the book down until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2024
The Sinner’s Bargain is an absolutely fantastic Mafia romance book. Each of the chapters flowed with ease and keeps the reader’s attention in the entirety of the book. Naya is a girl who is broken, haunted by the past, and she uses a fake identity. Thoran is a man who is feared by many, they see Thoran as a monster who lives by the swamp. Thoran is given two months to find a bride, someone who is willing to look passed his scars, the blood on his hands, and the fact he feels that he wouldn’t be able to love her. Naya accidentally witnesses Thoran kill someone, and she is no longer allowed to leave. This gives Thoran the chance to convince Naya to stay with him. I’m so happy that Maya and Thoran actually end up having a happy ending. They have a six year old daughter named Abby and are expecting another child. I’m gonna definitely have to check out more books by this author because the author writes pretty amazing books.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2024
4.8 stars
This is the first book I have read by the author, and it is a well written Beauty and the Beast retelling. Thoran has been living his life in a somewhat isolated fashion and does things to ensure his privacy. He believes that his home is cursed as proven by all of the woman dying there. However, if Thoran does not find a bride and marry in two month’s time, then there will be another death. Naya is the twin sister of Malcolm. She was the unwanted child, treated like a second-class citizen in her own family because of her gender at birth and basically dismissed by her parents. The only love Naya receives is from her brother who is doing what he can to protect her from an arranged marriage to a much older man on her twentieth birthday. As one may expect, Naya runs from her intended and finds herself in a garden of silver roses belonging to Thoran…What follows is a spicy romance that is a slow burn with twists and turns as Thoran and Naya find their way to love. I will caution those with triggers to read the content warnings and proceed with care.
This is the first book I have read by the author, and it is a well written Beauty and the Beast retelling. Thoran has been living his life in a somewhat isolated fashion and does things to ensure his privacy. He believes that his home is cursed as proven by all of the woman dying there. However, if Thoran does not find a bride and marry in two month’s time, then there will be another death. Naya is the twin sister of Malcolm. She was the unwanted child, treated like a second-class citizen in her own family because of her gender at birth and basically dismissed by her parents. The only love Naya receives is from her brother who is doing what he can to protect her from an arranged marriage to a much older man on her twentieth birthday. As one may expect, Naya runs from her intended and finds herself in a garden of silver roses belonging to Thoran…What follows is a spicy romance that is a slow burn with twists and turns as Thoran and Naya find their way to love. I will caution those with triggers to read the content warnings and proceed with care.
May 31, 2024
This is a dark twist on the beauty and the beast story. Beauty, Naya, is a naïve woman who has been abused and is running from an arranged marriage. Beast, Thoran is stuck in his family’s deranged past of wives dying mysteriously.
I loved that the author was able to show that both Naya and Thoran were able to overcome their obstacles and grow themselves.
They are several very explicit spicy scenes. This is definitely a 5 🌶️ book so be ready to blush during some scenes!!
There is a list of trigger warnings at the back of the book and it fairly lengthy. I do recommend perusing it to make sure you are okay with this novel!
Their are several storylines going on throughout the book so you are always ok your toes. Some storylines were easy to follow and figure out and some were big surprises!
If you enjoy dark, spicy novels with several storylines, but a happily ever after this is one you should check out!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved that the author was able to show that both Naya and Thoran were able to overcome their obstacles and grow themselves.
They are several very explicit spicy scenes. This is definitely a 5 🌶️ book so be ready to blush during some scenes!!
There is a list of trigger warnings at the back of the book and it fairly lengthy. I do recommend perusing it to make sure you are okay with this novel!
Their are several storylines going on throughout the book so you are always ok your toes. Some storylines were easy to follow and figure out and some were big surprises!
If you enjoy dark, spicy novels with several storylines, but a happily ever after this is one you should check out!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2024
Apparently this is supposed to be along the lines of Beauty and the Beast. I guess I went in blind because I've never read Beauty and the beast. What I can tell you is this book had my attention within the first couple chapters. I could not put the book down. My heart broke for Naya and the life she had been stuck in. I was so grateful for her twin brother Malcolm. And I fell in love with Thoran. Oh I also love cyrus. And kind of hope that he gets his own book with malcolm. I had a feeling that the house wasn't cursed and I was pretty sure that it was a family member causing all the problems. But I was genuinely shocked when I found out who was really causing the problems it was not who I expected it to be. I love that even though Abby was gone she was still there watching over her son and his new bride. I was also very pleased that Naya's parents didn't get away with what they were trying to do to her.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2024
Rating – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice – 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
🌹 Mafia retelling of Beauty and the Beast
🌹 Gothic romance
🌹 Hot, Possessive obsessive MMC
🌹 Unapologetic serial unaliver MMC
🌹 🔪 People who hurt her
🌹 Falls first — hard
🌹 Sweet, on the run MFC
🌹 Virg!n MFC
🌹 Gives her a bookstore
🌹 Mean to everyone but her
🌹 Standalone full
The Sinner’s Bargain is a rich retelling of the Beauty and The Beast by Author Airicka Phoenix. Thoran Lacroix (MMC) is the beast that hidden among the swamp. His family history contains a story about a woman being murdered by the house. Naya (MFC) is the daughter of town’s rich pretentious families who only value women for their breeding. Naya has been promised to a man since she was fourteen and only her big brother and the man’s ex-wives keep her away from until she is twenty. Naya has had a rough life however she is loved by her brother. He cares for her. Her brother has a plan for her so she can escape from marrying the man. When her brother’s plan goes crazy she runs for her life and runs into the beast Thoran.
Naya and Thoran know pain and discover one another. This book is spicy and a slow burn. Both of them have a past that they are running from. I love the romance in the book. Really good story.
Spice – 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
🌹 Mafia retelling of Beauty and the Beast
🌹 Gothic romance
🌹 Hot, Possessive obsessive MMC
🌹 Unapologetic serial unaliver MMC
🌹 🔪 People who hurt her
🌹 Falls first — hard
🌹 Sweet, on the run MFC
🌹 Virg!n MFC
🌹 Gives her a bookstore
🌹 Mean to everyone but her
🌹 Standalone full
The Sinner’s Bargain is a rich retelling of the Beauty and The Beast by Author Airicka Phoenix. Thoran Lacroix (MMC) is the beast that hidden among the swamp. His family history contains a story about a woman being murdered by the house. Naya (MFC) is the daughter of town’s rich pretentious families who only value women for their breeding. Naya has been promised to a man since she was fourteen and only her big brother and the man’s ex-wives keep her away from until she is twenty. Naya has had a rough life however she is loved by her brother. He cares for her. Her brother has a plan for her so she can escape from marrying the man. When her brother’s plan goes crazy she runs for her life and runs into the beast Thoran.
Naya and Thoran know pain and discover one another. This book is spicy and a slow burn. Both of them have a past that they are running from. I love the romance in the book. Really good story.
June 13, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶.5/ 5
Kindle Unlimited [ ✕ ] YES [ ] NO
Standalone [ ✕ ]YES [ ] NO
POV: first person - dual POV
Genre: contemporary romance
Tropes:
Beauty and beast retelling
virgin heroine
age gap
abused heroine
mystery
dark erotic
touch her and 🔪 literally
scared Hero
OTT/O/P Hero
My Thoughts: "The Sinner's Bargain" by Airicka Phoenix is a classic Beauty and the Beast retelling. It was my first book by this author, and it has to be my favorite Beauty and the Beast retelling novel. The chemistry between the MCs was sizzling; the author did a fantastic job creating these characters. Overall, it is a very entertaining story; however, there are mentions of triggering situations, so I recommend reading the trigger warnings before you begin reading this book.
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶.5/ 5
Kindle Unlimited [ ✕ ] YES [ ] NO
Standalone [ ✕ ]YES [ ] NO
POV: first person - dual POV
Genre: contemporary romance
Tropes:
Beauty and beast retelling
virgin heroine
age gap
abused heroine
mystery
dark erotic
touch her and 🔪 literally
scared Hero
OTT/O/P Hero
My Thoughts: "The Sinner's Bargain" by Airicka Phoenix is a classic Beauty and the Beast retelling. It was my first book by this author, and it has to be my favorite Beauty and the Beast retelling novel. The chemistry between the MCs was sizzling; the author did a fantastic job creating these characters. Overall, it is a very entertaining story; however, there are mentions of triggering situations, so I recommend reading the trigger warnings before you begin reading this book.
December 8, 2024
This is by far one of the best books I have read in a while. I liked how naive the FMC was (so if you don't like that then this book is def not for you). It was so refreshing, and I loved how the author crafted their story. This book was very very well-written. Loved the authors style of writing. I felt like I was reading very advanced style of writing wich I really liked because I haven't come across writing like this.
I also like how this book had themes of horror and suspense, maybe almost like a thriller book. (I wouldn't know becuaue I don't read thrillers). This, mixed in with romance and how the main characters love developed over the book. It wasn't insta-love and the spice was just right.
The spice was also well written.
This book definitley is a 5 star read.
(Ignore all the grammar mistakes - I can't spell for the life of me)
I also like how this book had themes of horror and suspense, maybe almost like a thriller book. (I wouldn't know becuaue I don't read thrillers). This, mixed in with romance and how the main characters love developed over the book. It wasn't insta-love and the spice was just right.
The spice was also well written.
This book definitley is a 5 star read.
(Ignore all the grammar mistakes - I can't spell for the life of me)
April 5, 2025
Great Beauty/Beast retelling
In The Sinner’s Bargain, the narration is not only lyrical, it easily paints a picture in the minds eye that allows the reader to be transported into a world created by the author. The first introduction to Naya was simply heartbreaking. Airicka’s ability to bring the feelings of sadness and despair to a character is admirable.
With every one of Airicka’s books I’ve read, I find myself laughing out loud at least once but in The Sinner’s Bargain, her humour had me laughing many times. The mention of Thoran’s swagger after a certain task was performed and the scene with drunk Thoran, was hilarious.
I did figure out what was happening with the brides but I definitely didn’t see the reasoning behind it coming. Whoa.
I certainly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.
In The Sinner’s Bargain, the narration is not only lyrical, it easily paints a picture in the minds eye that allows the reader to be transported into a world created by the author. The first introduction to Naya was simply heartbreaking. Airicka’s ability to bring the feelings of sadness and despair to a character is admirable.
With every one of Airicka’s books I’ve read, I find myself laughing out loud at least once but in The Sinner’s Bargain, her humour had me laughing many times. The mention of Thoran’s swagger after a certain task was performed and the scene with drunk Thoran, was hilarious.
I did figure out what was happening with the brides but I definitely didn’t see the reasoning behind it coming. Whoa.
I certainly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.
June 5, 2024
Thank you Airicka for letting me read this book early.
I absolutely fucking loved it. It’s literally a tale as old As time.
Thoran is my newest book husband. And he’s hot at fuck with a dirty mouth. I’d be happy to visit his swamp any day of the week.
Naya she’s so sweet. I guess she can watch when I come to visit the swamp.
And the world building was spectacular. Like, I felt like I was living in the world. It’s definitely a vivid story.
The twist at the end. OMG! I never seen it coming.
Also, this book is a big bitch. Somehow I consumed it in a day and a half.
Character development ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entertaining ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🥵🥵🥵
I absolutely fucking loved it. It’s literally a tale as old As time.
Thoran is my newest book husband. And he’s hot at fuck with a dirty mouth. I’d be happy to visit his swamp any day of the week.
Naya she’s so sweet. I guess she can watch when I come to visit the swamp.
And the world building was spectacular. Like, I felt like I was living in the world. It’s definitely a vivid story.
The twist at the end. OMG! I never seen it coming.
Also, this book is a big bitch. Somehow I consumed it in a day and a half.
Character development ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entertaining ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🥵🥵🥵
June 6, 2024
The Sinner's Bargain by Airicka Phoenix is mafia romance novel . This a dark retelling of beauty and the beast and I could not put it down. I adored Naya, her character was well written and you felt all the heartbreak with her. Her family never seemed to truly love or appreciate her and it broke my heart. She has a twin Malcolm and he is the only one who cares for her. He even protects her when he has to unlike the rest of her family.
Thoran lives in Lacroix Manor. He has become a protector of the home. A lot of women have not survived being married to Thoran. Now he must find a new bride and he has set his sights on on Naya after a chance encounter.
This book is full of mystery, adventure, romance and more. I enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.
Thoran lives in Lacroix Manor. He has become a protector of the home. A lot of women have not survived being married to Thoran. Now he must find a new bride and he has set his sights on on Naya after a chance encounter.
This book is full of mystery, adventure, romance and more. I enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.
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