May 22 2020
Content Warning:<br />Graphic violence, mentions of rape and sexual abuse, kidnapping, graphic sexual content including but not limited to spanking, edging, orgasm denial, degradation, DubCon, CNC, anal, double penetration.
June 10 2020
Debauched: The Devil’s Syndicate Book Four by Sarah Bailey is the penultimate edition to the dark romance that’s intrigued and aroused in books one, two, and three thus far. Our female lead, Ash, has fallen in love with each of the four men in her new life that began under the most intense of circumstances, and the worst is still yet to come. The phrase “nothing as it seems” has been expressed by the unique family, and that continues to hold true for most aspects of their conflicts. To be most true, the only real unquestionable, undeniable element is the love and relationship of the quintet as these battles are fought. We’ve come to know Quinn, Xavier, and Eric quite intimately over the first three novels, but Rory, true to character, has been the hardest to know. Rory has experienced intense trauma since childhood, and has never really been intimate with a woman the way that is traditionally considered. In book three Ash was able to get him to open up both emotionally and sexually, but with that awakened even more complex desires, some that a lover may not be able to accept.<br /><br /><br />The sexual content, while not as plentiful as in other stories by this author, is an intense examination into the depths of Rory’s needs…and just how deeply Ash feels for him. Quinn’s dominating power, with Xavier and Eric’s unique brands of sensitivity yielded a brave new world for Ash, but none could have prepared her for what she wanted to give to Rory. There’s clearly a “rise and fall” to the dynamic between Ash and Rory. As Rory opens up about his past during scenes of gentle romance, the need to express himself with rough, verbally intense sex amplifies, progressing still further to some consenting non consent (CNC). None of their love is scary, mind you, but more like a mirror image to her first encounters with Quinn. The trust is what’s most tangible, and the reader is rewarded with graphic, intensely satisfying love scenes.<br /><br />At Debauched’s core however, is the need to crush and defeat the man that raised Ash, along with anyone else that might aid in his empire. Despite my love of this author’s romance scenes, the organized crime aspect is what sells this particular novel for me. With the story being in the United Kingdom my experience with fictional criminal empires may not be exactly what’s intended here. However moments of Debauched make me feel I’m devouring a classic Mario Puzo novel, becoming intimately familiar with the inner workings of this sort of lifestyle. The violence, the savagery, the dream of leaving it all behind and going legitimate…I’m able to see this family in a new light. With everything on the line and nothing taken for granted, the questions I want answered aren’t about who’s falling in love…but who’s going to be left alive?<br /><br />Verdict: Debauched by Sarah Bailey is an intense “build up” that rolls both the issues of growing a criminal empire and the larger than life love story, connecting nearly every dot. The chief love interest perfectly matches the novel’s title, saving some of the most impassioned sexual content for Rory’s unique appetites. Perhaps this was all fate, as pairing perfectly with the sexual debauchery are the most intense moments involving Ash’s past family. The issues at stake are no longer the ifs or the maybes, as the people they care about are now in legitimate danger. I’m excited to see if this quintet can keep it together, and just how much blood will need to spill to make it a reality. The darkest part of the night comes just before dawn, and I don’t yet see the sun coming up over the horizon. It’s time to stay strong.<br /><br />Special thanks to Sarah Bailey for providing an advance review copy of Debauched to TehBen.com. All thoughts and opinions are our own
January 27 2022
I’m currently living and breathing this series..<br /><br />We finally get the last piece of the Quintet. Not only does Ash grow further in her relationships with Quinn, Xav, and Eric but she takes on Rory full force. I loved the way Rory really tried to be what he thought she wanted and needed. But then he finally accepts Ash only wanted him as he is. And boy does she get him and more..<br /><br />The dynamic between the five of them has me feeling everything. It clearly wouldn’t work without all of them. Ash has this enormous presence that each of the guys couldn’t live without. Their queen. And as much as we get to enjoy the group at home and their antics, there’s still the pending threats from Frank and dealing with Xav’s real peach of a father, Julian. Plans seem to be always falling apart and they have to adjust on the fly and hope for the best. But I have say that I love her new relationship with Viktor and how much he supports her. <br /><br />And yes, we get another daunting cliffhanger, but then we also get Ash stepping the hell up. She’s had enough of Frank and plans to take control of her life once and for all.
June 07 2020
Book 4 in the Devil’s syndicate focuses mainly of Ash’s loyalty to her family (biological and chosen), and unearthing Rory’s scars. From the start, Rory has always been a character of mystery (he’s also been one of my favourite characters), it’s been clear out of all of the men, he is the one with the hardest past, so it was rewarding to see him, the real him, and Ash be the one to set him free from it. For that, this book definitely pushes boundaries but in a way that isn’t uncomfortable or surprising – Sarah Bailey is covertly gifted at easing readers into a type of scene. Your heart will never spontaneously combust, she gets the rate going until all you hear is your own heartbeat, then before you know it you’re on the edge of your seat. She’s great like that. <br /><br />Being the fourth book in the series, we see the differing tones of solidified love, blossoming romance and impending doom. We’re reminded that Russo is a terrible person who doesn’t give two monkeys about anyone but his empire. And with what he pulls in this book, we’re geared up to prepare for what’s to come, knowing it won’t be pretty, knowing Ash and her men will be tested more than they ever have been before. But most of all, what I found in this book was something I’ve been waiting for quite patiently (I lie, I’ve been waiting impatiently) and it’s Ash’s strength. Quinn, Rory, Xavier and Eric have spent so long protecting her, catering to her needs that it was finally great to finally have her stand in the limelight, to grab the bull by the horns and make decisions for herself regardless of what any one else said or felt. It was nice to have her hold power, command a room and liberate herself.<br /><br />Again, this whole book is preparing us for a very explosive ending and I’m really looking forward to a promising conclusion to a brilliant series. <br />
May 22 2020
Finally Rory’s story! I have been waiting to find out the specifics of his background and oh my, it is heartbreaking. All four of the men – Quinn, Eric, Xavier, and Rory have had horrible childhoods and are damaged in some way but with the bonds they have with each other and their feelings and strengthening relationship with Ash, it is awesome to watch them all work hard to overcome their past issues and find happiness with each other and as a family unit.<br /><br />This series is utterly amazing and there is still one book left to go in the series. Since Ash finally finds her footing and her strength and determination in this book, I cannot wait to see how she handles everything in the final. As with the previous books in the series, one new guy in their group is drawn into the romantic fold. Since Quinn, Xavier, and Eric have already established their bonds and expressed their feelings it is time for Rory to release his past and grab hold of Ash and let her into his life. And I have to say they have a very different relationship from the others. It is definitely darker and rougher but they each give the other what they need to solidify their bond. This one was the hardest for me to get through out of the bunch, it definitely pushes boundaries, but it was worth it in the end to see Rory open up, accept, and express his feelings for Ash. <br /><br />There are so many new revelations, twists, and turns that keep you flipping the pages and the anticipation and suspense are constant from start to finish. And all the relationship drama and emotions will definitely keep you invested in the story. So much happens in this book and the cliffhanger…just oh, wow! I need, need, need the final book! <br /><br />
October 30 2021
<strong>LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!</strong><br /><br />When I’m asked to make one of the hardest decisions in my life, will I make the right choice? <br /><br />I’m just going to jump right in here and say my blood pressure is through the roof. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat! Oh my goodness!! This book was FANTASTIC. I have loved every single moment of this book. I’m so sad that I only have one more book left. <br /><br />Ash is EVERYTHING. The way that this woman cares and the way she feels everything. I love Ash so much. I love how she has stayed as strong as she can. I loved that she was willing to put herself on the line, for her guys, and her father. I love how at the end she came through and the emotion that she displayed, UUUUHHHH. My heart hurt for her. She is the queen! <br /><br />These men, oh, these men. I thought I possibly couldn’t love them more. They proved me wrong. Quinn is so alpha and so possessive. However, he cares so much and will do anything for Ash or the guys. Xavier is hilarious and he is a good time. Eric is this emotional teddy bear that I just want to keep wrapped up in my arms forever. Rory holds my heart in his hands. I love this man so much. He has been through it and to see him open up to Ash was everything I didn’t know I needed and more. <br /><br />I cannot tell you all how much I love this series. Sarah Bailey is phenomenal and she has gained a reader for life. You just have to read it to understand.
January 21 2022
January Reading & Series Review <br />?????<br />⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐<br /><br />The Devils Syndicate ? <br />Authour: Sarah Bailey <br /><br />"Her words were like a fucking taunt. Challenging me to follow her down the rabbit hole into oblivion."<br /><br />Hate. Lust. Love. Mafia reverse harem sign me up!<br /><br />I love anything Sarah writes and this is no exception. I couldn't get enough of how this story was written it keeps you hooked from start to finish. <br /><br />The broken mafia princess does her father's bidding until four men take her away from the only life she knew. How is it her kidnappers showing her the life she's been missing? <br /><br />The slow-burn romance between these characters is to die for. Each character had a lot to work through to finally accept their feelings for Ash. Ash also had a lot of souls searching to figure out because like she said it's not normal to fall so hard for the men that kidnapped her. The mafia drama, the laughter, the alpha male anger, the lust, the secrets, the lies, the hate and lots of love and you have yourself a pretty interesting romance between five people. Ash, Quinn, Xavier, Eric and Rory took me on quite the adventure of emotions throughout this story. Let's just say this queen found her kings. <br /><br />#bookinstagrammer #spicyreads #bookaddiction #booklover #romance #booknerd #bookish #bookreview #steamybook #bookstagram #ilovereading #darkromance #reverseharem #mafia #kidnapping #queen #littlegirl #angel #hellcat #littlestar # #Ash #Quinn #Xavier #Eric #Rory #SarahBailey #Devilssyndicate #mofiaromance #devil #tesoro #mytreasur #kotik #kitten #kings #syndicate #rideordie
June 10 2020
<b> <i> That ending! Another cliffy!! </i> </b><br /><br />The Devil's Syndicate is a seriously twisty, dark, deliciously addictive series! I cannot wait to read the fifth and final book in the series!<br /><br />In <i>Debauched,</i> the author has woven an intricate tale of deception, danger, and deep, unorthodox desires. This is Ash and Rory's story. We've known Rory is the quiet, reserved type from the first three books. We know he had the worst childhood out of the whole lot of them and didn't like human touch because of it. Now we get to learn his backstory and see the results of it in the bedroom and forest scenes. It's toe-curling and intense, and for me, it was also uncomfortable. But I could see the <i>whys</i> behind Rory's dark desires. And bless Ash's heart for not judging him and giving Rory what he needed. Her love transforms and aids Rory's healing in this book. It's a beautiful thing.<br /><br />I especially enjoyed seeing the continued growth and development of Ash with the other men, and Eric and Xav's relationship deepening. Ash and her real dad become closer. She even forgives her mother. So much goes on in this book; it's one intense ride!<br /><br />Bring on Depraved!!<br /><br />*Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy. This review contains my honest opinion.*
April 19 2021
I'm lost for words, this book.. I love Rory and it is so good to read about his story. The angst, the heartbreak and how a kid could get so lost and still have friends that would do anything for him. How the syndicate gather around him to keep him sane and at the same time gives him room to be alone. It is so good to read about how Rory and Ash grows closer and how this family forms into something more than just kidnappers and their victim. How Ash finds out secrets and use them to form her life into something that makes her so much stronger. <br /> To see how Ashleigh rises from ashes like phoenix and grows into a fucking queen with her kings. <br /><br />I have so much more to say but hard to put it all in words without spoiling the book. I will say that Sarah Bailey has done it yet again. This is an amazing book and yes it has triggers and yes it has steamy sex that might not be for everyone to read. Oh I did blush from time to time but I highly recommend you to read this series. Start with the first book and then just keep reading until you reach the last one. Well I'm off to read the last book in this series. <br /><br /><br />
June 11 2020
OMG OUTSTANDING 10/10<br />THIS IS THE FOURTH BOOK IN THE SERIES AND IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER. ASH CONTUINES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HERSELF. HOW HER MEN WILL PROTECT HER AND WHAT MAKES HER NEW FAMILY GROW STRONGER.<br />IN THIS BOOK WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RORY AND HIS PAST AND LET ME TELL YOU THIS GUY HAS BEEN THROUGH THE MILL BUT NOW HE HAS ASH HE CAN START TO SEE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL BUT THE THINGS HE NEEDS FROM ASH, WILL THEY BE TOO MUCH FOR HER TO BEAR????<br />MEANWHILE ASH GETS TO KNOW HER FATHER BUT FRANK IS ON THE WAR PATH AND NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP HIM.<br />THIS IS A FANTASTIC BOOK THAT IS JUST AN AMZING READ. I JUST DONT KNOW HOW MUCH MORE THIS LITTLE FAMILY OF FIVE CAN TAKE. MY HEART WAS IN MY MOUTH THE WHOLE TIME READING THIS BOOK JUST WAITING FOR SOMETHING BAD TO HAPPEN AND THE TWIST AND TURNS JUST KEEP COMING AND COMING . YOU WONT BE ABLE TO PUT THIS BOOK DOWN ITS OUTSTANDING 10/10<br /><br />I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.