| Title | : | Sinners Playground (The Harlequin Crew, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 625 |
| Publication | : | Published November 13, 2020 |
But they like the taste of vengeance.
Maybe that’s why I came back to my hometown. Because it sure as hell wasn’t for the surf. But what else was I supposed to do when I found myself in Sunset Cove with twenty bucks to my name, the key to my enemies’ secrets hanging around my neck and a mouth full of grave dirt that wouldn’t wash clean?
I hate the Harlequin boys.
But this is the perfect opportunity to take what they owe me. Because once upon a time, they broke my heart, stole my life and sent me away from everything I’d ever known.
Fox, JJ, Chase and Maverick.
The four names tattooed onto my heart more permanently than any of the ink on my skin. They don’t just live in this town anymore, they rule it. And the view here may be beautiful, but the sun, sea and sand hide dark secrets.
The gangs.
The lies.
The violence.
It all lurks beneath a veil so thin that once you’ve seen through it, you can never close your eyes to the truth again.
But I don’t plan on closing my eyes. I have four devils set in my sights. And this dead girl no longer has anything to lose.
This is an enemies to lovers contemporary series where the girl will end up with multiple love interests and all of the characters are in their late twenties. Trigger warning: this series features gangs, violence, dark romance and jealous/possessive themes.
Sinners Playground (The Harlequin Crew, #1) Reviews
-
4.5
I. Want. To. Murder.
This is only book 1 in this series, but I'm already fully invested in these characters! To say I'm enraged over what transpired at the end of this book would be a gross understatement. I can't fucking believe that happened, and I'm seriously wondering how a certain character is going to be redeemed at this point. If there is anyone that can do it though, it's this author duo! They're masters of character development.
I'm pissed off, so why should you read this book?
Well, aside from the fact that I already care about these characters enough to want to rip heads off, our heroine literally crawls her way out of a grave at the beginning of the story. There's gangs, strippers, steam, violence, betrayal, fractured friendships, and a big second chance romance between the heroine and all FOUR of the main male characters.
Why wouldn't you want to read it?!
If you like your RH with action, suspense, and a huge dose of hate to love, you need this in your life! -
3.75/5 ⭐
1.5/5 🌶️
Sinners' Playground is the first installment in the Harlequin Crew series, a dark friends-to-enemies-to-lovers reverse harem romance. Sinner's Playground picks up ten years after Rogue Easton left her four best friends, Fox, JJ, Chase and Maverick, and the only home she'd ever known, behind for life. So I’m in a love\hate relationship with this book. I loved the plot but find Rogue to be annoying at times. Rogue is tough as nails and I appreciate that. But she’s also super naive. To the point of madness. How do you live on the streets that long and be that naïve. Second, this is not a smut book, nor was it a reverse harem romance book yet. It was 100% tension.
Quotes:
"Dead girls don't even have a heart to offer out."
“So long as I kept my focus on the shallow things I had going on, I never had to worry about drowning in the darkness of the deep.”
“Leave me alone, J!" I shouted. "I just need it in my mouth. Let me put the foot long in my mouth. Stop trying to sandwich block me!”
“Why angel wings?" he asked in a low voice, his lips almost brushing my ear with the closeness of him. "I liked the idea of someone having my back, even when I knew I was all alone,”
“No worries, Ace. I’m a big girl. I gave up on being loved a long time ago and I don’t really care if I’m not liked either.” -
"SINNER'S PLAYGROUND" is the first full length enemies to lovers contemporary romance book in the "Harlequin Crew" series. Co-written by Authors Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. Told in multiple perspectives.
God where to start. This book is long so get comfortable and jump on the crazy train, because this book is definitely one of a kind. The very first chapter pulled me in like no other and one of my worst nightmares unfolded and came to life on the first chapter.
Get ready to meet Rogue, our beautiful sassy sharp talking heroine, she's also a dead girl walking. Her soul and her heart beat in sequence to the ocean and the boys who broke her heart many years ago (Fox, Maverick, Chase & JJ). When she's left for dead she finds herself back in the one place where she shouldn't be Sunset Cove. With nothing to her name and a Mutt thats claimed her, she's right back to where it all started. Ten years ago she left these boys behind, now they are no longer those same boys she loved, now they are kings of the jungle. Dangerous men you don't want to mess with.
We readers ask for unique reads and this book is dished up on a silver platter! I’ve definitely not read anything like it!!
-
Dead girls feel no pain. If only I knew that phrase will cause me to roll my eyes so hard.
The heroine is almost killed by her ex boyfriend, he assumes he killed her and buries her. She comes to and digs herself out of the grave.
She discovers he dumped her in the place she grows up, her best friends cast her out 10? years ago and since she has no property or money she decides to try to unearth a stash of money?secrets? that they buried years ago, the only problem is that they each have the key as the place needs all 5 to be unlocked. She decides to try stealing the keys from the boys with them being non the wiser.
Only she goes into the town and does the dumbest shit and gets caught. She tells the boys she will never forget them. The boss wants her for himself and tells everyone that she is his girl, she obviously doesn't want to be his girl because she hates him for what he did. The other boys in the crew want her too but the boss is super jealous and doesn't want anyone touching her.
So she's stuck in the house, then tries to escape, gets caught, escapes, gets caught, runs away, gets caught and that it folks! That's the book. Where is the revenge eh, where's the pain she was going to inflict.
Now back to the phrase that made me want to knock myself out. This girl said that all the freaking time.
"I was a dead girl walking"
"Dead girls weren't supposed to shiver."
"In fact, dead girls weren't supposed to do a whole lot of anything."
"I was a dead girl walking."
"....been a dead girl but it hadn't stuck"
"..because dead girls don't need food"
"Dead girls don't have a heart to offer out. "
I can almost bet the "secret" is something so thoroughly underwhelming. -
What the fuck???? That ending, my mind is blown.
Okay, let me gather my thoughts.
Let me start by saying I have no idea how these authors do it but every one of their books is a hit. There’s something in their writing that is more addictive than crack.
This is the third series I read by them and I know they are capable of delivering the best enemies to lovers, with the rockiest beginning and the sweetest ending. But I have to admit, I can’t see how they are going to give these characters a satisfactory HEA. I know they will, don't get me wrong, I just don’t see how lol
Everyone in this book is a mess. They are broken and hurting and utterly alone. They are not working together. And they can’t get past the betrayal they went through 10 years ago. (Side note: please read the previous novella before reading this book!!)
This first book made me feel so many things. Usually it takes longer for me to feel invested. But ugh, that betrayal at the end caught me by surprise and made me choke back tears for real. I’ve never felt so betrayed in my whole life. Like, what the actual fuck? Who cares how the main character is ever going to forgive him. I’ll never forgive him!!!!!
Rogue is such a good main character. I loved her strong personality mixed with how vulnerable and soft she was sometimes. The sisters are really good at writing this kind of female character. Someone who is strong and independent, but doesn't shy away from her emotions and pain. And god, Rogue went through so much already. I just want to wrap her in a blanket and take care of her. I can't wait to read her healing journey throughout this series.
JJ was definitely my favorite. His little game with Rogue was hot af. The whole forbidden aspect and sneaking around trying not to get caught, while playing with fire in front of Fox… yes, please. I didn’t know I was into that but now I need more books with this, please lol
That being said. Was that cheating? Ehhh Fox would say yes, but Rogue insisted she was a free woman from the start. So, it’s up for debate.
Obviously JJ won’t be winning any medal for Best Friend of the year, but honestly? Fuck Fox, he’s a controlling asshole and needs to learn his place. I cannot wait for his character development throughout the series. Based on how much I hated him in this book, I can already tell it’s going to be epic.
JJ, on the other hand, is the Leon in this series, which explains why he’s my favorite I guess. But that moment after he had sex with Rogue for the first time, and realized he couldn’t keep working as an escort… I was eating that shit up and asking for seconds. He’s so cute, I need Rogue to make him see he was always enough.
Chase… I’m too emotionally compromised right now to talk about that dumbass. I can’t believe he did that. But god, his character arc was flawlessly done. Like, all his reasoning, his mental struggles… it’s all so well done. I hate what he did but I admire the sisters for writing such complex characters.
Maverick is a mystery I can’t wait to discover in the next books. The glimpses at what happened to him in prison broke my heart, and I’m anticipating his character development the most. Are him and Fox going to give us what Dante and Ryder gave us in the Ruthless Boys series? Because I'm here for it!
Some TWs to consider before you decide to pick up this series:
1) “Cheating” (only the harem and her are involved) It was done in a way I didn’t mind, but just a head’s up because I know this can be a deal breaker for some people.
2) OWD. It’s really mild, because the guy involved with another girl couldn’t care less about her. But it’s part of the story and he gets a bj from her on page.
After that ending, you can be sure I'm dropping all my responsabilities and picking up the next book. See you on the other side! -
Meh, I don’t understand the hype.
Nothing really happens in this book, and the main heroine wanting to get revenge is a joke. The guys are okay I guess? Everything would be resolve if they just TALK. Like adults. Explain their grievances, talk with to each other and find a way. But nope. It’ll be too easy. So they just assume things. I don’t have much patience for this type of plot but I’ll give this series a try nonetheless because of the reviews. -
Just like some people only read Playboy for the articles, I'm reading this for the plot. No, really - the sex scenes are boring. Really, just awful. The gangland plot and Rogue's and Maverick's characters have me hooked, though - but what's with the X-Men and Top Gun names.
Makes me wonder, does this deserve to be considered smut if 97.16% of it is crime-riddled action and emotional scenes of damage stemming from childhood trauma? Nay, prolly not. -
4/5 Stars
⤷ I'm glad that the characters in this book are in their late 20s, it can be hard to imagine as well as unrealistic when these types of books are set in high school!
⤷ Rogue was a complete badass, but after a while she started to seem very similar with other main characters from the other book series from these authors and it was hard not compare at times! But all these characters do have a lot in common, as in having a dark past, so it is understandable!
⤷ JJ was definitely the best character so far. Out of all the guys he was the only one that seemed actually genuine and caring towards Rogue! While the others did as well, they weren't really the best at showing it!
⤷ I'm not really sure how I feel about Maverick, he is definitely the most twisted and dark which I'm curious to see in the next book!
⤷ Chase was the character I was most interested in, probably because he was the only one who wasn't pleased to see Rouge which will make character development very interesting!
⤷ I was not a fan of Fox at all, the whole possessive alpha male trope is really not my thing. I hate how he would constantly try to control every single thing about Rogue and I really hope this is something that changes in the future books!
⤷ The book felt more of an introduction to the world and characters, so I have a feeling the next book will much more action-filled!
Thank you, Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, for providing a copy of this book for an honest review! :) -
Genre: Contemporary Romance, NA
Tropes: RH, revenge quest, childhood friends, enemies to lovers, gang wars, "who hurt you?", knife to the throat
Series: The Harlequin Crew #1
Cliffhanger: Yes
Trigger Warnings: death, violence, a bit of OW drama
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Spice: 2/5 🌶
"You're just a fucked up little lost girl, back here in hell searching for boys you remember loving and finding demons in their places. How much does it hurt to come back and see how thoroughly destroyed all of it is?"
They did it again. I don't know how, but I'm addicted. I'm rooting for RHs, I'm devouring mafia romances and I'm enjoying everything I never knew I could. I'm telling you, these authors have magic running through their veins.
“Chase,” I snapped. “Get out here or we’re leaving.”
“Hold your fucking horses, I’m coming,” Chase growled then started muttering, “Just not in the way I’d hoped after a three am wake up call…”
This book was addictive and I got hooked up fast. I couldn't put it down, I laughed at all the teasing lines and golden comebacks and I was just happy to be back in another world crafted by these two women.
》》The Plot《《
Nearly escaping death by the hands of her ex boyfriend, Rogue Easton finds herself back in the town she grew up in. But here there's no peace for her either as Fox, JJ, Chase and Maverick, the four boys who used to be her entire world have betrayed her 10 years prior. So, deciding her best path forward is vengeance, she decides to stay, only to discover the feelings she thought were lost, are still present, even if more twisted than ever.
"The last thing I needed was to drop my guard around the three men I'd come here to screw over and end up screwing them instead."
It's a fast paced story, addictive and with all the sugar, spice and everything nice you would expect from Caroline and Susanne. It's a good start for the series and I enjoyed it way too much for my own good ( like literally, how can I be expected to work when I have this series at hand?!)
》》Characters and Relationships《《
"The five of us did a real number on each other, huh? But it all ended in tears. Did you cry for me, or did you only shed tears for the one of us you always planned on choosing?"
After reading other series and RHs from these authors, I think I'm beginning to see some patterns in their characters but, as always, I'm shocked how different and complex each character is. But, just for fun, I'll let you know what vibes these characters give me, in comparison with other series from them.
🌈Rogue Easton
"I'd been reborn in suffering, hardship and a determination that could only be won by clawing your way up out of the dirt with nothing and no one to rely on but yourself."
Unsurprisingly, you can see bits and pieces of her from the other heroines from their RHs, but also a bit of Tory (ZA). She's a really great MC and I'm looking forward to her entire development.
"Life has spent a long fucking time teaching me that I'm not ever going to be rescued and I'm not ever going to be loved and I'm okay with that. I know how to rescue myself and I know what I am willing to sacrifice to survive, and I can promise you it's more than I ever even knew I had to give. But there is one thing I am not and never will be and that is someone's fucking possession."
I love her determination to be independent and self sufficient and her resolution to accept, adapt and overcome whatever life throws at her.
🧑🏼Fox Harlequin
"Take your vengeance and rid the world of a monster while you're at it. My heart only beats for you anyway so if you want to carve it from my chest then you can. It's yours whatever way you want it."
Big Gabriel (RB) and Saint (KoQ) vibes in the way of being obsessively possessive over the girl, but also having the boss vibes going on around him. He's the big Harlequin boss, but I was expecting to see a way ruthless side of him and, so far, I haven't.
🧑🏽Jhonny James "JJ" Brooke
"Yeah well, dirty talk is my second language," I said with a shrug. "Sadly they don't teach it on Duo Lingo, but I'm a self taught master. If you ever want some lessons, give me a shout."
He's my favorite and he has big Leon Night (RB) and Church (FMNB) energy. His insecurities remind me a bit of Kyan (KoQ) too, but he's less punchy.
I absolutely loved his way of being funny and flirty while making situations less tense. He's precious and must be protected at all costs.
🧑🏻Chase Cohen
"His body was thick with muscle that said he did more with it than just work out in the gym and the ink on his skin was as dark as the soul that peered back at me from within his ocean blue eyes."
In matter of vibes, he remindes me of Seth (ZA) and Frank (FMNB). I can see why he's hurt and insecure about everything, but the way he chose isn't exactly one I'm happy with.
🧑🏻💼Maverick "Rick" Stone
“The next time I laugh it’ll be over a Harlequin’s corpse.”
“Wow, savage, Mr Stone. You should really consider a career in kids tv.”
I turned my head to hide a smile. Damn beautiful bitch.
“Why’d you choose Stone anyways? You sound like some sort of British detective. Maverick Stone, fights crime by day, giggles over corpses by night.”
Oh, oh, Ryder (RB) and Darius (ZA) vibes here all right. The big, dark, full of tattoos guy who survived prison and has a vengeance mission? Yes, sir, I'm here for that. I can't wait to see more of his layers, because there's definitely more to him than what we've seen so far.
🌈🧑🏽Rogue and JJ
“You’re a liar,” she breathed, but her resolve was fading, her gaze falling to my mouth as I closed the distance between us.
“No, but I’m a thief, an escort, a dirty fucker with a black heart. But you like that about me, don’t you?” I tracked my thumb across her chin and she swallowed hard, her pupils dilating.
I absolutely love how good they are togheter and how easy it was for them to find their way back to each other again. I can honestly say I wasn't surprised to see their relationship being the first one to rekindle, because JJ is simply too good of a character to hold a grudge against him and you can see his big heart from out of space.
"Are you asking if you're worth risking a bullet for?" JJ teased.
"You think he'd shoot you?" I asked in surprise.
"Anyone else? Maybe. But me? I like to think he'd just try and kick my ass to make me back off. Who knows though? I've never seen him get crazy over a girl the way he is for you. Maybe you're destined to be the death of me, Rogue Easton."
They are the sweetness I need in this story and I'm looking forward to all the scenes with them I might get.
🌈🧑🏻💼Rogue and Maverick
“I want what Fox wants,” he said, moving close so that he could run his knuckles down the side of my face, the ink there seeming to stain my skin with heat I had no intention of feeling. “But don’t go thinking I’m sweet on you, beautiful. I want you sweating and panting beneath me. I want you broken and begging and crying because you want it so much that you hate yourself for it. I want to take you and use you and ruin you and then lay you back at his feet and laugh in his face when I do it.”
With Maverick obviously being the most broken and dark one of the boys, I'm not surprised with the way things started but, I don't know why, I sense the two of them will bond greatly over how fucked up the 10 years apart were, especially with the loneliness and the betrayal they've felt from the other 3 guys.
“Who hurt you?” I demanded, darkness seeping into my blood and settling there.
“It would be quicker to list who didn’t,” she bit at me and the devil in me leaned closer.
I'm looking forward to the way their relationship will develop, especially considering how this book ended and I'm actually expecting to be surprised by them.
🌈🧑🏼Rogue and Fox
"Now answer my question about why you were sitting there watching me sleep."
Fox's green eyes narrowed the smallest amount. "Because I miss you," he said roughly. "I've been missing you for as long as I had you and it fucking hurts, Rogue."
They have a lot of awesome moments too, especially with Fox's direct manner of letting Rogue know that she's it for him. He doesn't try to hide his feelings and desires and that surprised me at first, as I was expecting a more prolonged situation.
"You and me have been written in the stars for a long fucking time, Rogue. I know you used to feel it too. We're inevitable. Always have been, always will be." He leaned in closer and cupped my face in his hand, making me look at him as my heart thrashed and I had to fight against the desire to scream at him that he was full of shit and I didn't have any intention to be his anything now or ever.
"You don't get to decide my life for me, Fox. Maybe around here you're used to having that kind of power over people, but not me. Never me."
Of course, even with Fox openly admitting his feelings, the biggest problem would be his overprotective attitude and obsessive possessiveness he displays over Rogue whole she definitely doesn't want that sort of choice.
“I’d ruin you, baby. I’d prove there’s no other man on earth who can make you feel the way I do. You deserve to be fucking worshipped. I’d show up at your church every day and get down on my knees for you. Every. Fucking. Day.”
“How about you start by turning away while I get changed, because my church is closed.”
I liked their dynamic a lot, especially with all the smart mouth ways Rogue kept trying to push him away. I felt oddly fascinated and annoyed by that but, as long as Fox won't share, I can see why she can't just give in to his advances.
“You can’t win me with a sunrise,” she said breathily.
“No, but maybe I can win you with a thousand,” I replied. “Spend the morning with me, Rogue. Pretend we’re kids again. Hate me tomorrow.”
I think they'll be the last to officially have something as, from where I'm viewing things, Fox might be the last one to agree yo share. Of course, this doesn't mean we won't enjoy sweet moments with them in the meantime.
🌈🧑🏻Rogue and Chase
“I hope you’re not expecting me to thank you,” Chase muttered as I hesitated with my hand on his elbow, my skin prickling at the contact.
“To what?” I asked with a frown like I hadn’t heard him.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” I replied with a smirk.
Chase obviously cares for her but he's too stubborn to accept it, all the while being convinced by what he thinks he’s seen 10 years prior that he was always meant to have his heart broken by Rogue. He knows how important she is and he simply refuses to accept it. They have a very strong 'I hate you' game going on, but I know that, eventually, things will be right. Not right now, but at some point.
🧑🏼🧑🏽🧑🏻Fox, JJ and Chase
"I chuckled. I had a strict no orgies rule in the house which had had to be implemented because when JJ and Chase got drunk together, shit got weird. But so long as they kept their weird elsewhere, I didn’t give a fuck."
They have the same relationship I've seen between Saint, Kyan and Blake, or better the Heirs. That sort of brotherhood that’s by choice and not by blood, but all the while stronger.
“Why do you always invite us to your porn parties?” Chase tsked.
“Why do you guys always say no?” I shot back and Fox released a low chuckle.
I love seeing this sort of love and friendship between characters and it's particularly endearing when they have funny scenes and good comebacks as well. Of course, I'm waiting for a sort of Ryder-Dante situation between Fox and Maverick and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing Rick in the mixt with them.
》》Favorite Scenes《《
🧑🏽🌈JJ and Rogue reunion
🧑🏽🌈🧑🏼🧑🏻JJ bringing Rogue to Fox and Chase
🧑🏼🧑🏻Fox throwing Chase in the pool for insulting Rogue
🌈🧑🏽Rogue telling JJ about what Shawn had done
🌈The hairdo
"Fuck me, rainbow child, I really hope you didn't expect this look to turn Fox off of you because I can assure you, you’ve failed spectacularly. You make me wanna find out what the rainbow tastes like," he said, biting his fist in an over the top way and groaning as he took me in.
💋 The kiss
🧑🏻🌈Chase telling Rogue about Maverick
🎊The party
🚃The trailer
🧑🏼🌈Fox taking Rogue back to Harlequin House
🧑🏽JJ's exploring fingers while Fox was talking to Rogue
🌈🧑🏽Rogue discussing with JJ and letting her guard down a bit
🌈🧑🏼Rogue confesing a bit of her past thoughts to Fox
🤝🏻The four of them discussing what really happened
🧑🏻Chase telling the truth about what he had seen 10 years ago to Fox and JJ
🧑🏻💼Introducing Maverick
🌈🧑🏽Rogue checking on JJ
"I missed you so much, pretty girl," he breathed as he curled his arms around me, one hand sliding up my back and pushing into my wet hair.
"I worked every day to make sure I didn't miss you," I admitted in reply, pressing my cheek to his chest and hearing the solid rhythm of his heart beating beneath it.
🧑🏽🌈JJ asking Rogue to sleep with him and just spoon
☀️The morning after
🌈🧑🏻Rogue patching Chase up
📱Rogue answering Chase's phone to mess with Fox
"Where the hell are you? And why do you have Chase's phone?"
"We're secretly hooking up and he's currently between my thighs trying his hardest to get me off. But I have to say, he's seriously bad with his tongue, which isn't that surprising for a selfish motherfucker like him, but I'll probably just fake it in a minute to make him stop. How are you?"
🌈🧑🏻Rogue and Chase on the beach
🧑🏻🐶Chase defending Mutt
🧑🏽🌈JJ and Rogue talking after his strip show
🧑🏽🌈JJ and Rogue kissing
"My heart was still beating out of control and I couldn’t stop fucking smiling. I probably looked like Anastasia after she’d just been spanked by Christian Grey. Only instead of a red ass, I had blue balls and a hard on that wouldn’t quit."
🌈🧑🏻💼Rogue meeting Maverick
🧑🏼🌈Fox and Rogue kissing in her trailer
🛍The shopping at the sex shop
“Meet Vlad the Impaler the second, Jack the Licker – you know, like Jack the Ripper but with more tongue and Alexander the Great…big dildo.”
🧑🏽🧑🏼JJ timing Fox's swimming laps
🍕JJ and Rogue "getting pizza"
🧑🏽JJ realizing he can't be an escort anymore
🥪The brunch plans
“You wanna do brunch?” Chase questioned, though there was a flicker of hope in his eyes that got my back up.
“Sure, if you cook it,” Rogue said. “I’ll make mimosas.”
“What the fuck is happening right now?” Fox grumbled.
“We’re making brunch plans,” Chase said, throwing a smirk at Fox. “Aren’t we, little one?”
🌈🧑🏻💼Rogue going to Maverick
🟢What would Green Ranger do?
🧑🏼Fox being left with blue balls again
🧑🏽JJ explaining the importance of romance books
“To become every woman’s fantasy, it helps to do some research on what every woman’s fantasy is. You’d get laid more often if you took a dip in my library.”
🧑🏼🌈Fox kidnapping Rogue for a date
🌈"This doesn’t mean anything"
🌈🧑🏻Rogue licking the tequila off of Chase's chest to infuriate Fox
🛶The raft contest
🌫Dancing in the foam
🧑🏻🧑🏽🌈Chase finding JJ and Rogue
🧯Jello fight
“Oh man, I turn away for one second and I miss you jello fighting with Rosie.” JJ appeared with a pout and Rogue giggled. Fucking giggled
🌈Rogue telling the guys her story
🧑🏽🌈JJ finding her
🌈Rogue joining them on the job
🧑🏻💼Maverick showing up
》》Conclusion《《
“You’re drunk,” Fox deadpanned.
“No, I’m soberly challenged,” Chase corrected.
Unsurprisingly, I loved it and I will most definitely eat this series up. I'm looking forward for the characters from Kings of Quarantine to appear as well and I'm not even shocked anymore that I'm enjoying reverse harems books or spicy mafia things. These sisters have completely changed my tastes in books and, at tjis point, I think they could write a shopping list and I'd read it excitedly.
“She stopped being one of us a long time ago. Why can’t you accept that?”
“Because I fucked up with Rogue and I’m going to make it right this time,” I snarled. -
I'm obviously in the minority here, given the overall rating, but I didn't enjoy this book. I thought the very beginning was great; it completely captivated me. The truth is, I just can't stand any of the characters. I think that Rogue is an annoying spoiled brat, and if I had to read about how she was a dead girl walking one more time, I would've gone crazy! Fox was way over the top, and not in a good way, IMO. I thought it made him look desperate. JJ tried too hard and was annoying. At least Chase wasn't sipping the Rogue-flavored vodka, but he didn't do anything for me. And Maverick? didn't get much of a dead on him in this book, but no interest to learn more about him in book 2.
Rogue acted like a complete jerk and Fox and JJ just ate it up. They are all supposed too be these tough criminal guys yet they completely hand their balls over to Rogue? Seriously, she was a rude, crass, nasty person. I felt like I was reading the same scene over and over again with each guy acting in their over the top way and Rogue saying she hated them and she was just a deal girl walking and wah, wah, wah. Quit acting like a victim and get over it already, or leave! I actually ended up skimming through sections because I was just fed up and ready for the book to end. Even though it ended in a cliffie, I have absolutely no desire to find out what happens next. Sorry, but there has to be at least one character I connect sith, or at the very least, like. -
Dead girls shouldn’t be this annoying and stupid
On the other hand, she should have stayed a dead girl ( not breathing, not taking, not annoying, (she does it all)) cuz the guys deserve better than her annoying ass -
I’ve been anticipating this series for a while and was so excited to get dug in it certainly didn’t disappoint pulling me in from the get-go. It’s a reverse harem romance set in the dark world of crime and gangs in the united states of anarchy universe, it’s told from multiple POV’s and yay this one's a lengthy one. This is the first in a series of six it’s complete so thankfully none of those heart-stopping cliffies these girls are renowned for and the dramatic opening chapter instantly hooked and invested me in the action, this one starts with a bang that's for sure. This has a slow-burn build-up and the harem aspect of this is still very much in development we aren’t anywhere near there yet. It all has an enemies-to-lovers vibe and this lot have plenty of prior baggage that had contributed to the current status-quo.
So Rogue after ten years and through no fault of her own is back in town it’s been years since the harlequin boys broke her trust and betrayed her cutting her loose to walk alone. The boys who were once her everything she now hates with a passion. She also has no intention of allowing them close again but they definitely have other ideas and are all now extremely determined to win her back to side. So much has changed in ten years they are no longer the kids they all once were and are in a much darker place. Things were broken that can not be easily repaired and some have even changed beyond all recognition and just like then they all equally want Rogue for their own and even Fox putting his personal ownership stance on her isn’t enough to deter them.
So Fox is the top man he is ruthless cold and you cross him at your peril. Only Rogue could get away with so much disrespect he’s also obsessed with trying to contain and control the girl he considers his and these two do bump heads constantly. JJ is the joker of the group he is also a male escort and stripper he has a golden tongue and charm but underneath this easygoing persona he’s equally as lethal as Fox he equally wants Rogue and actively pursues her. Chase just wants Rogue to disappear to whence she came he fears her reappearance will cause a rift no one’s logical where she is concerned. He treats Rogue with anger and a deep suspicion whilst secretly also wanting her as much as the others. He’s definitely a bit of a hothead and struggles with being told what to do.
I loved Rogue as a character she is such a complex individual and her life has definitely shaped her. She doesn’t trust easily and she’s learned that she only has herself to rely on she’s incredibly self-sufficient sometimes to the point of sheer obstinacy. She embraces and makes the most of the little things which she appreciates. Rogue is stubborn fearless and sassy and I loved her sunny outlook despite everything she takes lemons and makes lemonade and tries not to wallow but boy does she hold a grudge.
Then there is Maverick we don’t see much of him in this first book circumstances resulting from that night ten years ago have caused him to break away from his brothers and he’s now on a vendetta to destroy them all and he doesn’t care who he has to annihilate in the process. He’s wallowing in hatred and intent on revenge the boys are all now bitter enemies and want each other dead. Even Rogue isn’t safe from Maverick and he will even use her to achieve his objective he’s changed completely from the boy who would once do anything to protect her.
Add Rogue to this toxic mix and we were heading for a showdown of epic proportions and the finale here was jaw-dropping so much betrayal and hurt I was astounded and so angry with a certain someone. The eventual fallout from all this will be epic I’m sure and I can’t wait to find out the outcome and if these men can learn to share their toys.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390 -
Son of a bitch!!!
My immediate thoughts after finishing this book:
And...
And...
“I love you JJ!"
Okay, so this book gave me serious MK (MK series by Tate James) vibes. Not in the sense that this book is like a copycat or anything, because it’s NOT! This book is uniquely its own, but there was a sense of familiarity I felt. It’s hard to explain, but I think if you loved the MK series, then you’ll love this one too. And, if you didn’t like the MK series, you’ll probably love this one because it’s a wholly different story and beast.
Confusing enough for you?? Yeah, well, I’m not too sure what I’m trying to convey.
Just read the damn thing...it’s worth it.
This is a reverse harem, but that harem isn’t accepted or established in this book. We get a pretty good idea who all will be involved, but it’s not really the focus in this story. Sure, there is sexual tension and some sexy times, but the FMC, Rogue, actually kind of hates the “boys” in this book, and she isn’t flitting around trying to figure out how she’s going to make a relationship with them all work. If anything, she’s pretty determined to keep them the fuck away from her. I absolutely HATE and ABHOR FMCs that just fall to mush at the feet of guys because they just can’t help themselves. It disgusts me!! We do not have that problem here. I mean sure, Rogue has feelings for the guys, but she’s definitely not about that “because you say something sweet, I’m just going to forgive and forget every awful thing you’ve said and done to me and jump straight into your arms and bed” lifestyle. And to this, I say “Thank Fuck!” I’ll take a girl with some steel in her backbone any day over a pushover.
Couple of things I think that are worth mentioning: this book has violence and brushes on the topic of rape and abuse. Additionally, it has some extreme alphaholes (like caveman extreme) and ends with one hell of a cliffhanger. If ANY of these things bother you, take that into consideration before picking this one up.
Also, there is a little novella prequel to this story (Devil’s Pass) that I highly recommend you read before starting this one, but it isn’t imperative. The actual book touches on all the characters’ history, but the novella delves a little deeper and does a nice job at setting the stage.
C’mon book two - I’m ready!!!
*thank you to the authors for providing me an ARC of this book* -
Thank God these characters are in their 20’s.... all the other series, it’s so hard to imagine them as high schoolers. These ladies are absolute queens. I BLOW thru their books like its nothing. & these aren't small books! I found Rogue to be a lot darker than previous MC's of their novels. I think I would say she's more like Tory from ZA if I had to compare. That's ok though, because Tory is my favorite, so I guess that makes Rogue my next favorite. She has been dealt a shitty hand in life & it shows. You can see this girl has walls a million miles away. She's damaged and broken, but still knows how to have a bang up time & live life to it's fullest when the opportunity presents itself.
Lets talk boys! Or men if you will....
1. FOX: My favorite. Why yes I do find that weird protectiveness and blatant honesty appealing. So sue me. He knows he's been given a second chance, & he's making damn sure he doesn't fuck up again, even if he isn't going about it the most gentle of ways. I LOVE that he accepts Mutt and tells her that he cares about him, because Rogue does. He better take super good care of that dog while Rogue is detained.
2. THE REST: JJ is too pussy whipped for me. He just seems like he's trying to prove he's grown up and over compensate with her... I don't know, it doesn't work for me & it's giving me weird vibes. Chase is just delusional and now I'm sooo pissed at him, so I doubt I can forgive him and when the others find out what he's done, he's gonna be in SOOOOO much trouble. GOOD! I hope they beat his ass. Maverick.... Not enough of this guy & not at all happy about how it turned out with him and the other guys. I'm looking at Rick and Rogue as 2 pieces of one heart at this point. He's scary as shit though.
Can't wait for book 2! -
FIVE SINNERS STARS for Rogue, JJ, Maverick, Chase and Fox 💜🖤💜🖤!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
WOW!!!
The cliffhanger left me speechless!
I need the next book in this series RIGHT NOW!
This is the first book that I've read by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, and I absolutely loved it!
"Sinners' Playground" is a dark reverse harem contemporary romance with enemies to lovers trope full of secrets and lies with a lot of twists and turns which is why you'll read the book until late into the night.
If you're looking for a dark romance with a reverse harem trope and you also love Caroline and Susanne's writing style, then this is the book for you!!!
Highly recommended!!!
P.S. I can't wait to read "Dead Man's Isle"!!! -
Caroline Peckham sensei wrote it so it must be good!
-
Okay, I have questions. Like so many freaking questions.
It's been recently said to me that I definitely should have started with the novella. I'm thinking that maybe if I did that before diving into Sinner's Playground then I most likely wouldn't have been confused with what was happening. Don't get me wrong, I probably would have ended up being confused about something but not almost everything. Ya know?
The romance was honestly interesting throughout this. For the longest time, I didn't know who our main character was going to hook up with. I mean, out of all the guys I definitely had my eye on two. So, it didn't really surprise me when it eventually happened. I do, however, really wish everyone just freaking talked about the past and all their secrets because hot damn - they are on the hot mess express.
In the end, I'm excited to jump into the sequel. First, of course, the novella. I just want to know if a certain someone is going to get handed some consequences. I would also like a certain someone to die. Again, just saying. -
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG:
ABSTRACT BOOKS
"Sinner's Playground" is the first book of the "Harlequin Crew" by the best-selling Authors Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. Told in multiple perspectives , this book was a wild ride of emotions for me!
First of all , if you have never read a book by these authors , then it is time to climb out of that rock you have been living under and get to reading! They have some amazing series ranging from fantasy-bully to high school- bully. The one thing that I can guarantee you their books will have will be heartache and so much Humor with sass! The books are hot AF and don't even get me started on their ANTI-HEROES. It will be a never ending talk on that topic.
Another thing I would like to tell you guys , or rather warn you about will be the Cliffhangers these authors have. You must have read Cliffhangers that make you crazy and send you on a murder spree just to get your hands on the next book , trust me , these authors have Cliffhangers that are much much worse than that! So Beware.
"Sinner's Playground" was a book that literally had everything I looked for in a book when I am about to read it! It was revenge based with a complete sassy heroine who doesn't hesitate to put the heroes in their places whenever they are overstepping their boundaries.
Rogue has to be one of the most sassy characters that I have ever encountered. The things that came out of that woman's mouth were something else and I couldn't help but admire her for her courage and survival techniques. She has so much will even after being betrayed by the four boys whom she gave her heart too. Now she is back in her hometown and now it is the chance of those boys to suffer for what they did to her.
Then there were some of the best male characters that I have ever encountered. JJ was the Joker of the group. He was equal parts hot and Funny and I couldn't help but love him the most. Fox was the broody asshole of the group. He was very very overprotective and borderline obsessive. Which of course my crazy ass found hot!
The next one was Chase. He was the character of the boys whom I loved the least. The shit he pulled throughout the book had me disliking him even more and I hope he redeems himself in the future because his chances of being good are very less in my eyes. Then there was Maverick. He also used to be a part of the Harlequin boys. That is until they all betrayed him and sent him to jail. Now all he wants is their blood on his hands and he is not scared to use Rogue to accomplish that.
The whole book was very long in length and the ending was something that I definitely did not see coming!!! That Cliffhanger was very brutal and had my salivating for more from these characters! I hope the next book gets released soon because something tells me that it is gonna be an even more epic ride than this one! A definite recommendation to all the dark Romance lovers out there , especially the ones who love second chance reverse harem sassy Romance!
Instagram |
Facebook |
Twitter |
Pinterest |
Bookbub |
My Blog -
Six hundred plus pages of utter insanity no soap opera could top. A storyline so full of angst and drama you'll be drinking, smoking, whatever your vice is in no time and still
wantneed more. It’s absolutely essential to read the prequel novella before diving into this because it sets the stage for an explosive read with older characters in their mid twenties who rules the streets rather than a school. After pretty horrible circumstances separate the heroine Rogue and her 4 best friends (also her future harem) ten years pass before they meet again. An attack on Rogue sets the ball in motion and brings the characters back together but not everyone is happy about that, particularly Rogue. I’m clearly on Rogues side for much of her strong dislike of the men but it’s still crazy all that’s happened in the past and in the time between. There’s so much tension between them all from sexual to anger and worse, regret. One of the men hate her, one is indifferent and became an escort (so yeah lots of OW drama)
Her men are no longer sweet boys and live it up with sex drugs and the works. They are the Harelquin crew and they can do anything even just inciting fear by showing their face. The book features just about every trigger and does not tackle any topic gently. So far I can’t really say there’s much romance, sure there’s sex and the works but this really is some tv drama shit with everyone that goes on. I’m so glad I waited to dive into this series until now when the final book will be releasing soon because damn, this was fucking intense on my psyche but damn was it amazing as hell. While I could whine and complain about some of the drama that goes on, I do hate that as sometimes it legit get anxiety from it lol, it’s also what has me so sucked in and attached like a bloodsucker to these characters. Rogue is so amazing (not perfect) but just enough of a badass and softie that anytime she annoys me she quickly redeems herself. I mean she (kind of but not really) adopts a stray dog who is an amazing side character, she also has the most gorgeous unicorn hair and just a fun likable attitude. I can’t imagine what’s in store next for these characters and I can’t wait! Bring it on! -
Heroine: Rogue
Heroes: Fox, Maverick, JJ, Chase
Genre: contemporary romance
Tropes: reverse harem, rival gangs, second chance, enemies to lovers
Overview: After being put in a shallow grave by her now ex-boyfriend, Rogue ends up back in the one place she never thought she would be, home. Ten years ago, after a fateful night, she was banished by Fox’s gang leader father, knowing that if she were to ever return, it would mean her life. Now, she has no choice but to go back and find herself face to face with her four former best friends, who had all left her heartbroken the last time she’d seen them.
Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book. Rogue is a compelling/bad-ass heroine, with a take no shit attitude. I could not put the book down, always needing to know what would happen next, whether it be within the context of the relationships, or in the overarching plot of the looming gang war to come. With so many different plot threads, I was concerned it might miss the mark, but it definitely didn’t. Once again, Caroline and Susanne hit the mark here. -
The opening chapter of this book had me hooked, and I knew I’d finish it quickly. For the first time, I knew I had to include a gif in this review...
This is classic Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, so if you’ve read any of their other series, you’ll know exactly what you're getting with this book - a snarky fmc, packed plot, possessive alpha men, and welcomed comic relief.
Sinners Playground is the first full-length book in The Harlequin Crew series. I’d recommend starting with Devils Pass, the prequel novella, which is set ten years before where this book begins and provides the back story to everything.
Rogue is a fun main character - yes, some of her dialogue and monologue is a bit cringe, and the millennial in me isn't sure about her whole power rangers obsession - but overall, I really enjoyed her pov. I’m not so sure about the guys. Everything from Fox and Chase felt a bit repetitive, like their relationships with Rogue was going in circles. JJ, however, is lovely.
Looking forward to seeing where this goes next - obviously, it ends on a cliffhanger, but I know better now than to start an unfinished series by the twisted sisters. -
BASIC FACTS:
Pages: 635
My rating: 3.5
Genre: RH, Gang, crime,
Themes: enemies to lovers, reunion of old friends turned enemies
Protagonist Ages: 26-27
Pacing: slow story telling
Plot Rating: 3
What to write in my review?
The book was really long and it ends in kind of a cliffhanger. Basically the book is about the reunion of Rogue, the Harlequin boys JJ, Chase and Fox, and the Damned Men leader Maverick. I liked that there are stretches in the book, where not much happens but the building of the relationship between Rogue, JJ, Fox and Chase. I like that we get to know a lot about what happened to them between Devil’s Pass and Sinners’s Playground. The flashbacks, building of relationships (even though they are hate relationships) are done in a slow but oh so good way. The kind of cliffhanger has me on edge, because I really want to know what will happen to Rogue next. And how will the authors manage to bring back Maverick in the fold. Because I do think this will happen. And I’m defiantly up to the ride.
The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons
Summery: detailed, lot’s of spoiler -
I’m just sat here staring into space wondering what the hell just happened and when I will be getting more words because FUCK ME SIDEWAYS! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT? That ending! 😭
Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti are new to me authors but after sinners playground you can bet your ass that I’m going to be checking out their back lists!
If you love bad ass heroines, RH, gangs, secrets and lies and twists and turns that make your heart race then you need to read this book!! I don’t know what to do with my life until I get the next one!! -
Sinners Playground
I had NO idea what I was getting myself into when I started this book but I am SO HAPPY I READ THIS.
W
O
W
Incredible is an understatement. Now I understand why I see this book everywhere. It deserves to be spoken about by everyone.
These characters were STARS. I WISH THEY WERE REAL.
JJ, Chase, Fox, Maverick and Rogue were addicting. I could not get enough of them.
I mean, let me go back and say this. When I opened this book and read the prologue, I almost got anxiety. I actually was holding my breath. The detail in the way Rogue's situation was described was incredible.
My heart was beating fast from that moment on until the end of the story. And the story was LONG. And HOT. And EXCITING.
I loved each guy in every way! Man they were obsessed with her. I was obsessed with them. This is how I want ALL men to be written. Fox was SOOOO possessive. And controlling. He was insane for her and I LOVED IT. And Maverick. He was so DARK. And DANGEROUS!!!! JJ made me laugh and swoon the entire book and Chase was the wildcard for me. He was quiet and laid back at first but he was just like the others. He really loved her and they all felt heartbroken when she was gone.
I am just floored at how much I loved this story. It had so much going on. So many twists and turns. Theres too much to talk about. But I cannot WAIT for the next story!!!! Cannot wait for the super evil jerky bad guys to get what is coming to them! Cannot wait to see the other guys get more action and Fox let up the reins on his possessive side with Rogue alittle. Like the authors said, "sharing is caring". Book 2 cannot come soon enough!
5 stars!!!!! -
DNF @ 36%
I couldn't continue to read about fucking Badger's caveman/casual abuse actions. For the sake of my blood pressure I gave up. -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you are a twisted sisters fan, this book is right up your alley. All the suspense and angst, just remove the magic.
Would have been a 5 star if it wasn’t for the filler and repetition like all their books have. -
"He'd bought his death with mine, and I'd see to that even if it cost me all I had."
*****
Sinner's Playground is the first THICC AF full length novel in the Harlequin Crew series, but I definitely recommend reading the novella, Devil's Pass, first. I know, I know, this book is a HEFTY ONE on its own but you totally need the backstory and the insight into these characters at sixteen before you jump into the five shades of f*cked up present with them all now.
Sinner's Playground picks up ten years after Rogue Easton left her four best friends, Fox, JJ, Chase and Maverick, and the only home she'd ever known, behind for life. But when she wakes up buried in a shallow grave... well it turns out death, or lack thereof, has other plans for Rogue.
Right now, Luther Harlequin and the threat of being brutally wiped from the face of the Earth if she ever returns to Sunset Cove are SOMEHOW looking like the lesser of two evils. So Rogue returns to Sunset Cove and sets her sights on the four men holding the keys to her future - literally. Forget the guys, they don't even have to know she's there - she just needs one tiny little thing from each of them, and then this girl will have all she needs to hightail it out of town for good; with a pitstop to repay all the kindness shown to her by the jerkoff who killed her and buried in the woods, of course.
I may have rioted near the end of this book ya'll. The sisters always get me at the end but THEY REALLY GOT ME. WTF?! WTAF?! If they hadn't left me with Johnny mfkn James to drool over in the meantime, I'd be raising hell right about now. Heck you know what, JJ will help me. LET'S GO!
