The Debt (Sins of the Syndicate, #3) by Lexxi James

The Debt (Sins of the Syndicate, #3) Reviews

• 
  Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads)

  All stars and no words for Lexxi James's The Debt!!!! Oh! Who am I shitting!!! I've got words,thoughts and everything in between!😂 Its another excellent installment In Sins of the Syndicate series we've got plenty of suspense, intrugue,passion and a darker theme that is simply fucking delicious! Lexxi has definitely stepped up her game with Smokes book!
  Mason( smoke) D'Angelo is all things we want in a Bratva romance bad boy! He's stepped forward to show why he is in charge of one of the most powerful Chicago crime mobs! When his father disappeared and his sister was rapped and beaten he had to put his career as a doctor behind him and the once happy go lucky guy with dreams of having a wife and children was gone and in place was a cold controlled man who would stop at nothing to get answers and protect what was his. But fate and his fathers will and a chance encounter with a beautiful and curvy pickpocket has sent his world into a tale spin.Tia is a very talented pickpocket and part of a two woman team that do what they have to in order to stay alive and keep Victor Zara a ruthless scumbag from killing or selling them both. But when Tia takes not only Smoke's wallet but also a Russian mobsters wallet that has names of those who could have something to do with the D'Angelo's patriarch's disappearance things get real fast. And its Smoke to the rescue not once but twice and Tia will learn that a debt owed to Mason D'Angelo is him owning her body and soul. He is possessive,dominant and jealous of any man even his brothers and Tia is his to own forever. The chemistry between these two is hot and the build up and foreplay even hotter. Smoke is a dirty talking sex god who has Tia on the edge until she finally surrenders both her body and soul. Their is a couple of twists and turns and it starts with Tia not really knowing who she is. She was in and out of orphanage's living by her wits until some creep tries to rape her and that's when she meets Anya a prostitute working for Zara. Together they form a team but theirs more to Anya and the ring that Tia wears is a piece to her past. Also her and Trinity D'Angelo have more in common besides their nightmares and together they will bring down the monster that has stayed in the shadows hunting his victims in plain sight. I love this series so much!!! And all the brothers are sexy hot hunks and dark as fuck! Especially Enzo!!! He loves pain and his story is next!!! Lexxi James is a fabulous storyteller! Her stories full of passion,love,laughter and the relationships between the characters is always highlighted as well. I love bad boys but I want and need depth in my men as well. And the women are always strong, clever,feisty and just as deep.This like the others in the series are standalones but once you step into the D'Angelo world you'll want to read them all! If you love the mob theme this book is for you! Until next time Luv's💕💋
• 
  Leigh

  dnf@67% I’m done. This book is a mess and I can’t waste another moment trying to finish it.
• 
  Shannon

  This book is hard to rate. I liked parts of it, I didn’t care for others. I feel like it was missing something overall. I think the ending was rushed after the beginning drug a little bit. We got more of a description of the food she ate then we got of the conflict/getting back together/ending. So an ok, average 3 star read for me.
• 
  Terri Gardner

  18+
  Great Mafia book. This is not the first book in the series, but can totally stand alone. There is a lot going on, and it is very well written. I could feel the pain the MCs were going through. Well done.
  Happy Reading.
• 
  Coco.V

  🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/25/2023)! 🎁
• 
  Jennifer Bishop

  This is the third fantastic book in the Sins Of The Syndicate Series. I fell in love with this series and the incredible D’Angelo family from the start.
  
  The witty banter between Smoke and his brothers, and Enzo’s insistence on doing anything possible to get under Smoke’s skin, is very entertaining. The chemistry and steamy tension between Smoke and Tia is sizzling. The intrigue, suspense, flow, writing, characters, character and relationship developments, and world building are all fantastic! I couldn’t get enough of this story!
  
  If you’ve read the first two books in this series, then you are going to love Tia and Smoke’s story. If you haven’t started the series yet, then I absolutely recommend it, you won’t regret it! Personally, I cannot wait for more D’Angelo’s!
• 
  Joyffree

  Tia has lost her bestie - Smoke has lost his list
  I think both of them have lost their hearts
  
  This was almost a sweet romance - Don't get me wrong it has all the danger, suspense, backstabbing, and "OMG" moments you expect from a Syndicate romance
  Two opposing factions - A missing person - Some very icky villains that had my hackles up - Secrets - lots of those - Betrayals - Romance
  Solid secondary cast - Enzo had me laughing with his antics
  
  When it came to Tia and Mason there was a natural chemistry between them. The ease of their banter. The acknowledgment of their feelings and the inner turmoil it brought. They were the perfect polar opposites
  
  Smoke was hard-shelled and slightly crispy on the outside but when it came to Tia - He was a marshmallow mess
  And Tia - she showed no fear to the icy blue-eyed man.
  She gave as good as she got.
  There were occasions her age and innocence were front and center
  But that was part of the overall sweetness - Mason, despite being a man to be feared, respected that and it showed - Yes a few times his darkness took over but Tia was able to balance it
  The way Enzo riled up Smoke every chance he got - Smokes denial of his feelings
  
  There were some twists that I did not see coming others I foresaw
  There also were a couple of times I felt it slowed a bit
  I am definitely moving on to Enzo's story which was highlighted at the end of Debt
• 
  AJ's Book ReMarks

  Sins of the Syndicate: The Debt by Lexxi James is one for the records!
  
  Mason (Smoke) D'Angleo is the head of the Syndicate, but before that, he was a doctor. However, when his father went missing and his sister Trinity was brutally beaten and raped, he would come back from the hospital, and she would freak out, so he quit. His rivalry with Enzo is still intact, and the debt keeps growing. Dante opens a new club where they are supposed to meet with Yuri Sedenko, the frontman for Chicago's money laundering; he has information regarding their father's disappearance. Viktor Zara is a bloodthirsty mongrel sledging through the gutter, making his money off the backs of prostitutes like Anya. Anya works the men over while Tia picks their pockets for their wallets and other monetary items to pay off their debt to Zara.
  
  Nothing is what it seems with Katarina Valentine (Tia) or Anya. Their relationship is one of best friends always looking out for each other Navsegda Svyuzany --forever bound. Tia swipes Smoke and Yuri's wallet at the club and blackmails Smoke for his security for the names on the list found in Yuri's wallet when Anya goes missing.
  
  Lexxi James pulls out all the stops with this story, and now I have to know what the deal is with Enzo!
  
  
• 
  Anij

  “They say no one ever died of a broken heart.”
  
  After finishing this book I’m exhausted. There was so much going on, so many unexpected twists and turns, so many secrets, I could barely keep up. Like a roller-coaster it was exhilarating while a tiny bit scary as I worried how things would play out. What a ride!
  
  Smoke it seriously hot! (Ok, pun intended.) But he really is. I absolutely adored him even though he kept messing up. Tia took some getting to know but once I did I really liked her. They have fantastic, explosive chemistry and every interaction was filled with emotion. They also both really need to learn better communication skills although a lot of their misunderstandings can be pinned on the secrets they were both keeping.
  
  Don’t read any reviews about the plot. This is one where you don’t want to know anything in advance. And don’t worry if you haven’t read the first two books in the series. You’ll have no trouble catching on to everyone although if you do plan to read the first two you might want to wait on this one as it’s filled with spoilers since it’s books three. We already know Enzo is next. He’s another intriguing man and I hate having to wait almost a year for his and Kennedy’s story. God I just love this series!.
• 
  Jennifer Pierson

  HOLY HOT HELL! This story was everything I love in my romance books that's for sure. Mason (aka Smoke) D'Angelo used to have different dreams for his life, but that was destroyed when someone decided to mess with his family in brutal ways, and he will get answers while protecting them. He became the controlled Bratva boss that was needed to rule his world, and man, he was something spectacular in a dark way. Tia is under the gun & her choices to stay alive aren't the best so she's a pickpocket whose whole life took a turn when she nicked the wallet of Smoke, and another wallet with some answers for Smoke, so he now owns her & isn't going to let her go. I'm telling you I was on the edge of my seat as there's so many twists from all directions coming in hot, and fanning myself from the heat flying out of my kindle with every interaction with an intense emotional kicker. I LOVED every minute of this story, and was upset when I ran out of pages, but luckily there's more coming & the intense impatient wait has now begun! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
• 
  Maria L

  Lexxi James writes a dark and emotional roller coaster that's all about family bonds. Despite the typical family squabbling, these brothers and sister only have each other left, and they will do anything to protect each other and have each other's back. Period. No questions asked.
  
  This is a Mafia romance, with some twists, making it a romantic suspense. For Mason/Smoke, it's instalove. He's normally a man who stays to himself, doesn't date, but he falls instantly and falls hard. For Tia, she;s scared for her friend who has gone missing, and is willing to do anything to get her back. If you read this story, you will see just how far she's willing to go to find her friend! Tia's backstory is quite emotional. When he makes a dumb decision, she leaves him. He's so in love, he's willing to to just about anything to get her back. And he comes through in spades!
  
  Thank you Lexxi James for this ARC. The above are my own and honest opinions.
• 
  Marie

  So here's my problem with the Sins of the Syndicate series. The author tells the story in bits and pieces. But, there always seems to be parts of the story left unexplained. The author assumes the reader will put it all together but there's too much missing information.
  
  For instance, the MMC, Smoke, finds out he has to be married by his 35th birthday, and he has to stay married for a minimum of 5 years. This is so he can inherit his father's estate. If he doesn't meet this requirement, his father's estate goes to Smoke's hated Uncle Andre. Smoke marries Tia, the MFC, but then she gets an annulment. Supposedly, this doesn't go against his father's will. But after all the detail about the marriage requirement, the annulment gets swept under the rug. Huh? Trying to explain it is difficult because there are so many details left out.
  
  Anyway, it's not a bad series. I really enjoyed reading it. I just wish the author would fill in the blanks.
• 
  ljamison

  This is the third book in the series and although they say it’s a standalone I think you enjoy the book more if you have read the previous two. In this book we have Smoke and Tia. Tia is a street wise, pick pocket who unfortunately pick pockets the wrong guys one night. Smoke is a little complicated he was a doctor, he’s extremely loyal and truly lives and believes in their motto Family First. Smoke is very loving and caring of his younger sister who was taken years ago (so anxious to read her book). Tia has something of Smoke’s that he desperately needs to fight against his uncle. Tia wants him to find her friend who has vanished. This was an entertaining book because Tia was strong, capable and great match for Smoke. I love strong female characters who can defend and take care of themselves. Loved this book can’t wait for the others.
• 
  K Huskić

  Another addition to the Sins series - this time it's Smoke's story.
  
  Tia is a skilled thief, which was fun to read, but there's darkness there, too. There's a lot of mystery surrounding her past, and it takes a while to get answers. She's not even sure of her real name.
  
  Smoke finds himself drawn to her, and when he discovers he needs to marry (and soon) to keep control of the family business, Tia seems to be the perfect candidate.
  
  There's a lot of back and forth and miscommunication between the two, and the ending felt a little rushed. I would have liked more words with certain chapters. Just more information.
  
  Overall, I'm enjoying this series, and I liked this installment. I look forward to reading Enzo's!
• 
  Barbara Abatzis

  Good Story - Smart Writing
  
  My rating: 4.5
  
  Tropes: Mafia - Arranged Marriage
  
  Heat: 7/10
  Emotion 7/10
  Story: 7/10
  Characters: 7/10
  Interest: 7/10
  POV: Dual
  No Cheating
  No Cliffhanger
  
  "The Debt" is a mafia story with a good plot and nice characters.
  I didn't give it 5 stars because there were some things i needed more details on and a few things happening without hints (i can't go into details, it would be a spoiler).
  In any case, it is a well written story, with extremely smart, fun and witty banter (especially between the brothers).
  There is steam, some action, violence and suspense.
  I will definitely read more from the author.
  
  I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Afolasade

  THE DEBT!!! This is the third book in the SINS of Syndicate series. I'm I surprised?? No, Ms Lexxi James books are wonderful, easy to read, hot, steamy with lovely characters and great story line. I always look forward to anything she's bringing out.
  This one is about Tia and Mason aka smoke aka icy blue according to Tia. It was love at first sight for them but they couldn't explore as they both have issues to deal with. When Tia is in trouble, she has no choice but to make a deal with the devil, will the lies between them tear them apart or are they going to get their HEA??? Get your copy to find out. I received an ARC for my honest voluntary review
• 
  Adalle

  Sin-tastic
  
  This has got to be one of the most intriguing books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It has family issues and some seriously hot and sexy scenes. This book had me so excited and intrigued that I’m starting with book 1.
  
  This is actually the first time I’ve ever read anything from this author, and based on The Deal that’s coming, I’m TOTALLY looking forward to seeing Enzo get his.
  
  Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review. I originally voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via bsprout
• 
  Kathy Jambois Hayden

  Smoke and Tia
  
  The head of the D'Angelo mafia finds himself ensnared by a young pickpocket who doesn't know who he is. Unfortunately for Tia, Smoke runs her down and finds herself caged in more was than one. Smoke finds himself in need of a wife in three weeks and that need becomes her debt. Tia has lost her protector and requests Smoke find her before they marry. That is the premise of the story to follow. So many twists and turns. Not as steamy as the other stories but Tia is a virgin. Oh man, hang on. Did take a few chapters to warm up to this story but well worth it.
• 
  Jodie

  Loved Smoke’s and Tia’s story! I couldn’t put it down and was sad that I was done with the book! “You’re mine, Tia. To do as I will. To have. To Hold. To pleasure.” says it all! If you love intrigue, close family ties, and hot steamy scenes, you will love this series. This is the third book in the series. Highly recommend reading the first two books in the series so you can fully appreciate all the nuances with the characters but it’s not necessary. Smoke’s and Tia’s story can be read as a standalone.
• 
  Beyond The Covers Blog

  Tia and Anya had the perfect set up. Anya the distracter and Tia the thief. Everything was going well until Tia got rescued and caught by Icy Blue.
  Smoke is the head of the D'Angelos. His father has disappeared and he took the reins. Only problem is that in his father's will it states he has to marry before a certain age which is only weeks away.
  Tia and Smoke's chemistry is off the charts.
  Smoke has a secret he's keeping from Tia as well as Anya.
  A romantic suspenseful story that will keep you intrigued.
  I can't wait for Enzo's story!!!
• 
  Wendy Livingstone

  Mason / Smoke is the head of the Chicago Syndicate, and he is ruthless, possessive, grumpy, and jealous, while Katarina /Tia is innocent and she tries to avoid Smoke as much as she can as she owes him a debt. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, and intense, with intrigue, secrets, twists, family, friendships, danger, suspense, emotions, passion, humor, witty banter, and is an entertaining and steamy addictive page turner.
  I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
• 
  Debbie Brown

  Got to love a Tia the female pickpocket who accidentally targets a mafia boss Smoke. I loved this action packed story as Smoke and Tia dance around “ the list” of suspects who might have killed his father. I love the sexy alpha D’Angelo’s they’re a close knit family, loyalty is everything especially teasing big brother. The story moves pretty fast with several twist and turns to keep you guessing in this story of secrets, lies and betrayals.
  
  I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Mie

  Angst, Drama & Laughter
  
  SINS, The Debt is Mason (Smoke) and Tia's story. It was like a stand up comedy mixed with a Roller-coaster ride with a splash of American Psycho and Agatha Christie. The story was well written, the characters kept surprising and the more I got to know them the more I wanted to know more about their darkest secrets and what made them tick. The attraction & chemistry between Mason and Tia was like watching the North Lights, you can see it shimmering and if you are lucky you can taste & touch it too. Looking forward to reading Enzo's story.