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Synopsis
They say New York City is the Devil’s Playground.
They’re wrong.
This city belongs to me.
And so does Aislinn Granville.
She is a pampered politician’s daughter.
A decorative ornament, raised to smile and nod and do what she’s told.
Except… she doesn’t. Not with me. Ever.
In this city full of thugs and thieves, I’ve kept Aislinn safe.
From my enemies.
From me.
Until now.
Review
“Damon King might reign over Manhattan, but I will never bow to him.”
4 stars
A deliciously darker romance from Tara Leigh, this is the first book in the Wages of Sin duet, and it’s an exciting, engaging, twisty ride with a sexy and intense romance. I’m completely hooked, and I loved it.
Aislinn Granville is a Political Strategist working for her father in his bid to become Mayor of NYC. Independent, intelligent and well respected, she has the world at her feet, until that world is tipped on its axis. Not only does she learn that her father and his campaign manager (her sometimes lover) aren’t the men she believed them to be, but now thanks to them she has become the target of a dangerous Mexican drug cartel.
Enter Damon King. Wealthy, powerful, and oozing sexy alpha vibes, King is the whispered-about powerhouse that controls NYC. He is a master manipulator – keeping a tight rein on different power players within the city, and maintaining the delicate balance between good, bad, and badder.
New York City isn’t the devil’s playground – it’s mine. You might think it’s the politicians and police that control just about everything that goes on in this city, but you’d be wrong. To bring a pail and shovel into Manhattan’s sandbox, my permission is required.
With Aislinn’s life in danger, Damon takes her under his protection. He has secretly watched over for years, for reasons that unravel throughout the book, and now that he has her, he has no intention of letting her go until he’s ready. And he plans to spend that time making her submit to him in every way.
“I don’t need you, King.”
A low chuckle rattles inside my throat as I stare her down. “Yes, you do.”
I love the dynamic between these two! Damon expects Aislinn to be a pampered princess who will bow to his every whim, but she is anything but. She is strong and feisty and she gives back as good as she gets, and their bickering and bantering is fantastic, especially as it is underpinned by an almost palpable attraction that heightens each and every interaction between them.
“Have you ever been fucked by a man who knows what you want better than you do? I promise it’s worth begging for, princess.”
He’s dirty, crude and domineering, and though he’s everything Aislinn should stay away from, she can’t help but be drawn to the enigmatic alpha.
What would it be like to have sex with a man like Damon King? My self-loathing reaches a new low as my mind dips into the gutter King dominates. Surely it wouldn’t be the straightlaced, polite, pleasant-with-a-chance-or-orgasm variety I’m accustomed to.
I imagine – even though I shouldn’t – that sex with Damon King would be filthy, sweaty, break the bed, multi-orgasm, no holds – or holes – barred.
Damn him.
Their chemistry is irresistible, and when they do finally act on it, it’s hot as all hell. But as they learn more about each other and figure out exactly who the other is, they find themselves drawn closer and closer together. Aislinn discovers the caring, protective side of the big badass, and Damon finds a woman who not only makes his blood simmer, but who also challenges him and is strong enough to stand by his side. Feelings begin to develop, and against all odds, they begin to fall.
“Don’t think. For once in your life, just let yourself feel. Feel me.”
“I’ve got you, Aislinn.”
Yes. He most certainly does.
But Damon knows that simply being with him will put her in a dangerous position, which makes a relationship impossible. Added to that, the threat against Aislinn is already very real, and the suspense comes as the full extent of that is revealed and Damon goes all out to protect his girl.
“What would have happened if you hadn’t come for me? Would I have been taken to Mexico? Would–”
I answer with complete certainty. “Nothing. Because I will always come for you. No one will hurt you, Aislinn.”
Through it all the story twists and turns, there are reveals and surprises, and it’s a bumpy ride as it all unfolds. It’s beautifully written and I loved watching both Damon and Aislinn navigate it all, and there are still so many mysteries to be uncovered. The book does end on a cliffhanger, but the next book isn’t too far away, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
She is the spoils of a war I never knew I was fighting.
Aislinn Granville is my victory.
And I claim her.
As mine.
4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.</i.
Wages of Sin Duet
Cruel Sanctuary (#1)
Review
Buy: Kindle Ebook | Paperback
Corrupt Savior (#2)
To be released 13 May
Pre-order: Kindle Ebook
Excerpt
“Put me down.” I keep my cool, making the demand as stiffly as if I’m asking him to pass the salt.
But my show of composure crumbles as he angles his head to look at me. Barely an inch separates the tips of our noses. I stare, entranced by the fine scar that marks his left eyebrow. I want to kiss it.
“Or what?”
“Hmmm?”
One corner of his mouth tics up, his eyes flicking away from mine. “You look damn good in my arms.”
I follow his stare and am met by our reflection in the bathroom mirror. I blink, taking in the sight of my naked body held against King’s broad chest, the tanned, inked forearms I’d practically drooled over earlier now wrapped around my back and behind my knees.
I am naked. King is dressed.
There is something indecently erotic about our image. I look like the heroine of an old Harlequin novel—a down on her luck maid or secretary about to be ravished by her big, bad boss. A powerless woman soon to be stripped of her virtue.
I know what it’s like when a man overpowers a woman. When he uses force to take what’s not his. To hurt and abuse and terrorize.
And I know that this isn’t that.
It may not look like it, but I have the power in this situation. Damon King came to me. First at my apartment and now in his. He broke down two doors tonight.
I may be naked, but the only reason he’s touching me is because he knows I want him to.
Emboldened, I look away from our reflection and directly into King’s eyes again. Leaning in, I brush the tip of my nose against his. “Kiss me.”
I’ve barely pushed the words out when his lips are on mine. The taste of him is an explosion inside my mouth. Smooth and potent, but with a hint of mint. As if he swilled some of that Balvenie from his bar and then sucked on a peppermint candy.
He kisses like a conqueror. Stealing my breath along with the last of my reservations.
He kisses like a king. Staking his claim, demanding his due.
Giveaway
Tara Leigh is giving away a signed paperback copy of the Legacy of Lies Duet and jewelry
ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
The Escapist Book Blog is not responsible for this giveaway
About the Author
Tara Leigh is a multi-published author of steamy contemporary romance. A former banker on Wall Street, she graduated from Washington University and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, but she much prefers spending her days with fictional boyfriends than analyzing financial spreadsheets. Tara currently lives in Fairfield County, Connecticut with her husband, children, and fur-baby, Pixie. She is represented by Jessica Alvarez, of Bookends Literary Agency.
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