Cardinal Sins

Huh??? What was that ending?

Before I get into the review I want to say that if you cannot handle graphic violence or graphic sexual content, this is not the book for you. If you don't like sexual content in your books, this book is not for you. I personally, couldn't care either way and found the plot and characters to be extremely well-developed.

Cardinal Sins is a “Why Choose” story so there are multiple love interests. I really like how all of the love interests were thoroughly developed and had a lot of backstory. I also appreciate that they were certainly not perfect people, they all had flaws in one way or another which made them more interesting to learn about. I really like the FMC and I really hope she grows to be more independent in the next book, which it looks like she might. As for the over-arching plot, I cannot get enough of it! I am eagerly awaiting the sequel to see what will happen next with the FMC and the Criminal Organizations she has found herself surrounded by.

Cardinal Sins is a great high stakes enemies to lovers, why choose, dark mafia romance. We have warring mafia’s, an heiress for one group taken by another, self destructive behavior, and assassination attempts. Protective men, an unbreakable brotherhood, and almost a beauty and her beasts type of story, where she is trapped in the penthouse.

This was a good book, I enjoyed it! I feel like it was a plot introduction, story starter book, where we are now set up for the real story/bigger plot to begin, and I am really excited for that. The book ended on a cliffhanger and I am very excited to see what happens next!

I love the warring mafia group theme, especially when it is over this woman. I loved the self destructive behavior she reverted to, it was hard to see her do it to herself but totally understandable for the situation. It was very realistic, and I liked that. Who is going to just accept this life? Stuck in a penthouse, having nothing to do, sleeping with the men to bide her time, and then what? Cooking? That takes up so little time.

I really felt for Zara, and hope she has a chance to pick herself back up in book 2 and beyond and become something powerful.

Dom, the head of the other mafia faction, is kinda giving Rhysand in book 1 and 2 of ACOTAR vibes??? I wonder if that is just me, or if we will see his dark but good side in book 2? I am excited.

Overall, Cardinal Sins by Charlotte House was a really good book! I am excited to read more of this series, and will definitely be picking up book 2 when it comes out!