Sinful Desires

by Marie Annilla

ALL MARIE ANNILLA'S BOOKS ARE STANDALONE.
***************************************************

He vowed to protect her... but she's the one who saved him.

Scarlett Harper is the epitome of a pop star.
An angelic voice, fiery red hair, and sky-high heels. With millions of fans worldwide and paparazzi shadowing her every move, her life seems like a dream: designer clothes, lavish travel, and drugs fueling the illusion.

But behind the glitz, nothing is what it seems.

After catching her third bodyguard in six months selling intimate photos of her passed out and half-dressed to the tabloids, Scarlett decides it's time to break free—from the control of her label, her manager, and the family that turned her into a commodity. But her plans go awry when Théo LeRoy steps in.

His mission: to protect her from harm… and from herself.

A retired French Navy Officer turned security expert, Théo is pure discipline and damage. His eyes strip. His hands don’t know mercy. And when he finally speaks, it’s with a mouth made for filth.
He’s everything Scarlett fears: a reminder of the rules she’s desperate to escape.

But desires, as Scarlett knows too well, are meant to be chased even if it means breaking the rules... and the man sent to enforce them.


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Sinful Desires is the fourth and final book in the Sinful Series but can be read as standalone.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance

522 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2025

About the author

Marie Anilla's novels are packed with complex, electric, and tantalizingly spicy characters. Her stories have audacious female leads and men who will ignite your wildest fantasies and linger in your dreams.

She writes with one purpose: to ensure every girl finds the man she never knew she craved.

Marie has always dreamed of being a writer, weaving tales that bring her wildest imaginations to life. Living in a quaint village in England, she spends her time reading, writing, or enjoying her garden. When she's not lost in her stories, you'll find her teaching tricks to her mischievous cat, Tiger.

Reviews

[henrietta ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC READ — 4.5 stars
—
Tropes
❤︎ bodyguard romance
❤︎ he falls first AND falls harder
❤︎ forbidden romance
❤︎ age gap (both MCs 25+)

Plot/Romance
I am obsessed with this book and everything included. Marie's writing style peaked in this book to the extent that I messaged her to express my extreme adoration. The novel's first half spans from two years ago to the present day, detailing the romantic progression between Théo and Scarlett. I, for one, truly am not the biggest fan of flashback scenes. My boredom usually strikes quickly, to the point where I'm skim-reading pages to progress to the present-day chapters. However, Marie excelled at presenting the flash-back chapters as important and invigorating as the present-day chapters. I found myself deeply infatuated with the love story between Theo and Scarlett, regardless of what period the chapter was set in. The amount of YEARNING that took place was abysmal. I honestly had never seen a dark romance MMC yearn as much as Théo did, and it is truly a lost form in the dark romance genre. The romance between Theo and Scarlett felt raw, real, and intense. Marie nailed all aspects of what constituted a dark yet beautiful dark romance, without overdoing it.

Sinful Desires is a character-driven book, with the plot only coming to play within the second half. The decision to make it so was skillfully written by Marie. With most dark romances being plot-driven, I enjoyed exploring the inner workings of both these characters' minds without being taken aback by a crazy plot twist. It's difficult to articulate in words how captivating Marie's language choice is, especially as a dark romance author. I truly wish for her to write a contemporary romance because I know she would have me bawling more than she already did in this book.

Characters
Théo and Scarlett were lovely characters to read about, both together and separately. Scarlett's perspective was so gut-wrenching to read and yet so comforting. She's a real reflection of women today, who ask to be three different juxtaposing personas whilst battling criticism and hate with a smile on their face. I felt personally vindicated when reading Scarlett's character arc, and I only wish for more FMCs in dark romances to be shown in this light. I have never rooted so MUCH for a HEA and was so glad when everything worked the way I wanted for her. She honestly deserves the world and more: she was such a touching soul that I had the honour of reading.

Théo LeRoy. THÉO FREAKINGGG LEROY. I was (and still am) feral for this man when reading this book. How can I articulate how perfect of an MMC he was...Like I truly can't. He was so perfect, and yet he didn't come off as corny. I loved reading his heartbreaking backstory and adored witnessing his self-reflection/growth. There is nothing more gut-wrenching than witnessing two broken souls meeting in a cataclysmic fusion and falling in love. Grade A yearner with the voice of a poet. I can tell Marie truly brought out the inner Shakespeare in her when writing his lines, because MAN, I was highlighting left, right, and centre every time he spoke. Theo truly felt like a contemporary romance male lead, trapped in a dark romance, and I honestly loved it. I wish for every single dark romance man to be just like him. Cold, stern, and dominant, yet softens at the single glance of the FMC. UGH, I could not and will never get enough of that man.

Concluding Thoughts
This book is one of my favourite dark romances. It's definitely not AS dark as other books in this genre, but it had the right amount to still provide you with that thrill. I am truly so appreciative to receive an early copy of this novel and KNOW it will be going platinum on TikTok, especially with Théo's soliloquies. I can't wait to see what else Marie produces, and I honestly will never get sick of obsessing over this beautiful creation of a book.

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Hands down the best romance I’ve read in a long time. It’s officially in my TOP THREE romance books of all time. I don’t even know where to start but MARIE, YOU FUCKING ATE WITH THIS ONE.
I lovedddd Sinful Lies, but Sinful Desires somehow topped it. Honestly the perfect way to close this series.

AND THEO LEROY??? BEST MMC EVER. Like he saw Scarlett once, JUST ONCE, and decided she was it for him. My man dedicated his entire life to her. Whenever he spoke in French I swear I almost passed out.
This book has everything: the angst, the slow burn, the plot twists, the spice, the TENSION. I wish I could erase it from my brain just to experience it again for the first time.

I cannot recommend this book enough. IT IS LITERALLY PERFECT.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

giving this six stars.
new favourite romance book oh my god
their love was so complex and i love how the author portrayed each of their struggles and how they ended up saving each other
bodyguard x superstar is something i never knew i needed
need this man. bad.
love how he was soooo attentive and did anything she asked
he was gone for her omg.
ending was amazing too
no notes.

[Literary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:

- Age gap
- Dual POV
- Slow burn
- Bodyguard x singer
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Obsessed MMC
- Yearning
- Trauma bonding
- Dark romance

~ARC Review~

I definitely need to read the other books now that I've read this one!! I love how each quote at the start of each chapter summarises that section perfectly. This was well thought out and deliberately done. A reflection of the amount of time and energy Marie Annilla has dedicated.

I absolutely loved it from start to finish and instantly fell in love with the characters. I loved the scene where Scarlet and Théo visit the kids in hospital. How you get to see her sweet and funny side.

Scarlett Harper's fiery personality captivated me. Her character, her playful side and her witty banter. She's not perfect, but underneath it all is a person trying to survive. To be loved.

Théo LeRoy is the definition of a man who's down bad. The yearning, the checking in on her, the way he braids her hair! How he kept trinkets and keepsakes from the first time he met her, although she doesn't remember. I love how protective he is of her and how he would do anything for her, even from in the shadows.

"There was something violently wrong about watching a man that strong come undone. On his knees, stripped of everything."

This scene broke me. It was incredibly well written and I could feel every emotion Théo was feeling. The guilt, the sadness, the grief. How he thought it was all his fault but he couldn't have anticipated that that would've happened.

Throughout this book, there was laughter and tears. I'm sure my heart tripled in size. The ending was perfect and full of love. I'm looking forward to reading more from Marie!

Many thanks to Marie Annilla and Book Funnel for this ARC.

Release date: Thursday 28th August 2025.

Quotes:

"My star in the darkness. What I never expected was the fire."

"Mon étoile filante pour l’éternité."
(My shooting star for eternity.)

"We were like gasoline and a lit match."

"Scarlett Harper? She was a loaded gun, safety off."

“Sweetheart, if that’s my prince, somebody better call the castle and ask for a refund.”

"Because from the moment I saw you, something in me quieted. Something in me finally knew peace. Your soul is the only place mine has ever truly belonged.”

[Kerry-Anne Nabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett Harper, born within the Harper family, billionaires with images to withstand. With the belief that if she chooses what she wishes to become in life, that it will set her free from her father’s wrath. Only it becomes worse. With millions of fans worldwide and paparazzi shadowing her every move, her life seems like a dream: designer clothes, lavish travel, and drugs fueling the illusion. Turning to drink and drugs in a way to cope with life. Her world becomes a blur of fake smiles, forced songs and hollowness. Wanting to step away from it all, but unable to. After many bodyguards that failed her and sold images of her. She is forced with Théo LeRoy, A retired French Navy Officer turned security expert. His mission: to protect her from harm… and from herself.
Only things are always what they seem. Théo came across Scarlett years before, at a time his day was up, ready to end it all, only she saved him. Years of watching her from the shadows, helping her without her knowledge before he was entrusted to become her bodyguard.
Until one night they finally let themselves feel something for the first time and gave in to their desires and kissed. Both having feeling for each other, Théo more, finally allowing themselves to have one another. Only for Scarlett to have her world crushed by her father, been locked away for a year believing the guy she fell in love with, who promised to come back for her, fed her to the wolves.
After the year is up, starting a secret relationship behind the scenes. They are unable to keep their hands to themselves. Until one night when it slaps them in the face. Lies and deceit coming to the surface, betrayal at the finest.
She’s damaged, really damaged. He’s quiet and mysterious. Their story is build upon sadness with them both separately. Only together there is light, a shooting star.
Oh my gosh they kissed, I screamed so hard when they finally kissed. All she ever wanted was the love of her father and to be what she wanted in peace. But his hatred was so black, my heart broke for her every time. I cried so much throughout part two. But every heartache was worth it. For her to finally see the light, be who she wanted, love who she wanted and to do whatever she wanted without a camera shoved in her face.
I’m sad the series is over but I’m excited to see what’s to come next.

[Dawn Smit · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK 😱 WOW!!
I've read 83 books so far this year and this is officially in my top 3 (I read ACOTAR and Fourth Wing this year so the battle is fierce)

Scarlett Harper our FMC - the successful pop star with an angelic voice, fiery red hair, and sky-high heels, millions of fans and paparazzi shadowing her every move.

And then we have our MMC - the gorgeous bodyguard Théo LeRoy, protective, loyal, pure discipline and with a mouth made for filth in the best way possible.

This is my first Marie Annilla book (definitely not my last) and boy oh boy this lady can write!!
I have never been a big fan of highlighting my books but oh my word I wanted to highlight 90% of this book. The way she describes things is just superb...

"I'd never been the girl who melted over tall guys. But this wasn't tall - this was towering. Built to block light and common sense. " 😍

"An ex-Navy ghost with a voice like gravel and eyes so dark they made me forget to lie." 😲

Seriously?! Just do yourself a huge favor - grab the book, snacks, plenty of fluids (you need to stay hydrated), tissue and your cuddliest blanket and settle in for all the feels - the trauma, the intrigue, the yearning, the brooding stares, the yummy spice - the heartbreak - (the final song at the Oscars had me sobbing)

This book has it all and the development and growth of the characters flows at such a natural pace - nothing feels forced in this story, everyone gets their time to shine beautifully and the mystery behind it all makes for such fun reading and if you think you know what's going to happen next - you don't!!

I wish I had read this book slower to enjoy it for longer but the pages just turned themselves and non of us need as much sleep as is recommended anyway - you have been warned 😉

This book will live in my heart and on my 're-read multiple times' pile forever
Thank you Marie for giving me the chance to ARC read this book and for giving me these special characters to remind me that the darkest skies are the ones where stars burn the brightest - I promise never to forget that ❤ I will forever be a loyal fan.

Now I'm off to binge read everything else Marie Annilla has ever written

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Sinful Desires, and am voluntarily providing my honest review! "Spoiler" alert: It's amazing. Just buy it, and read it. You won't regret it.

I don't know that I have the words to adequately describe how much I adore this book. I certainly can't come close to the way Marie Annilla writes!

Scarlett is defiantly, dangerously strong as a form of armor. Anyone who has had to be the rock, the overachiever, and put on a brave face to survive will find a bit of themselves in Scarlett. She's a smart, sassy superstar but between the lights and glamour, she's just a woman with problems and a few demons. The way the pitfalls of fame surround her - Scarlett had my heart aching before Théo was even a thought. I was rooting for her immediately.

Then, there's Théo LeRoy. Best described as follows: "Built like he could bench press your trauma and still have energy left to manhandle your demons....one large, repressed, and unfortunately mute Frenchman". File him under "men who yearn". We need more men who YEARN! Théo is so stoic it hurts sometimes, but as his walls slowly cracked and you get to see how deeply he loves? It is everything. Everything! I'm being a little vague here to avoid spoilers, but Théo is a numbers man, and each one took me all the way out. Specifically 3, 36, 13, and 14. 14!! I sound like a fortune cookie, but trust me on it!

The pacing of the story allows you to fall in love with both of them separately, learn their history, and then drags you deeper as they find their way to each other. The writing is achingly raw and descriptive, with echoes of memories that haunt them both interspersed with their present day encounters.

It was fantastic. I'm addicted. Couldn't put it down. Already want to read it again. I so thoroughly enjoyed this and cannot wait to read more of Marie Anilla's writing!

[Elvina Elshad · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sinful Desires is the fourth and final book of the Sinful series, and although each book can be read as a standalone, this one truly feels like the perfect conclusion.

This story is a forbidden romance between a superstar singer and her bodyguard and oh, the tension was delicious.

Thèo LeRoy, an ex–Navy officer and the definition of a hot French dream, takes on the role of Scarlett Harper’s bodyguard. Scarlett, a world-famous singer carrying her own share of pain, collides with Thèo in a way that sparks an undeniable chemistry. The tropes are everything I adore age gap, forbidden love, intense spice, a touch of stalking, and emotions that run deep.

I devoured this book in just two days. There were moments when I had to pause because my eyes blurred with tears,the heartbreak, the vulnerability, the way I could feel Scarlett’s struggles and Thèo’s silent torment. Yes, there were misunderstandings, but they only made the emotional payoff so much stronger.

And Thèo… mon dieu. He is not a character I’ll easily move on from. Powerful, protective, broken yet passionate, he left his mark on me, and I know I’ll be thinking about him long after closing the last page.

Tropes 🔥
Forbidden Romance ❤️
Hate to Love❤️
Age Gap❤️
Slow Burn❤️
Dark Romance❤️
BodyguardxSuperstar❤️

My favorite quotes: 🔥( tbh, there are lot, it was difficult for me to choose)

“I’d underestimated what it would feel like to have Scarlett Harper inside my life. Inside my space. Inside my head. 
Inside my heart.”

“Thirteen years of hell,” he whispered against my lips, “just to find heaven in you.”

“If I was yours, I’d dig my own eyes out and hand them to you before I ever looked at someone else. I’d do it because you already owned me. You wouldn’t even have to ask. I’d bleed for you without flinching, because my pain means nothing when it’s yours.”

[Maria Hussain]

𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
...
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
Dark Romance
Age Gap
Slow Burn
Forbidden Romance
Grumpy × Sunshine
Hidden Identity
Found Family
He Falls First and Hard
Hate to Love
Bodyguard × Superstar
...
I’ve been a fan of Marie’s writing ever since I read Sinful Lies, so when I found out she was releasing another book in the Sinful Series, I had to sign up. And honestly? I’m so glad I did because I think I liked this one even more than Sinful Lies.

Scarlett was such a realistic character. I loved how her story showed the real side of fame the struggles, the loneliness, and how it’s not all glitz and glamour. She was brave, strong, and so sassy, but also had moments where you could see how much she was hurting. There were times I just wanted to hug her and tell her everything was going to be okay. My heart broke at how she felt so alone in the world.

Now Theo. Oh. My. God. He is officially my favorite MMC in the entire Sinful Series. This man was obsessed with Scarlett. Like, he saw her once just ONCE and then wore her necklace for years and even got tattoos for her all while she didn’t even remember him. If that’s not the definition of down bad, I don’t know what is.

Their story really got to me. Life was so unfair to both of them, and Theo’s backstory had me full-on sobbing. It’s such a reminder that you can’t judge a book by its cover just because someone looks happy on the outside doesn’t mean they’re okay on the inside. I’m just so glad they both got the happy ending they deserved.

And I loved seeing the old characters again, especially Angelo and Jade. It’s bittersweet that this is the last book in the series, but I’m excited to see what Marie writes next.

[Becks Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

Speechless. Amazed. Bewildered. Just WOW. What an absolutely outstanding book, going from a DNF to this absolute masterpiece has satisfied me in so many ways it’s not even funny. This book has forbidden romance, phenomenal banter, morally greyness and all kinds of trauma. I think I will recommend this book until the day I perish 🥹 I was so sad I finished this book I had to cry about it for a full day (hence the late review, sorry Ms Annilla 😅)

What I liked:
✨Storyline - I don’t think I’ve read a book with a smoother storyline than this, it flowed so easily and was just the absolute perfect length. No 26 page chapters, no plot holes, no rushed ending, it was just *chefs kiss* 💖
✨Characters - OMG they were so well written, you could actually feel what they were feeling and relate to them so well and I just loved them so much (except Mr Harper, if you like him, you need professional help)
✨Tough Topics - the way Marie has wrote about the drink and drug addictions and the mental health issues was done so so well, you can tell she’s done so much research and put all her effort into writing about them and making them feel real.

What I didn’t like:
✨ THAT I DIDNT KNOW ABOUT THIS SERIES SOONER 😭, other than that, this was absolutely perfect 👌🏻

Summed up, this book was amazing and just an absolute pleasure to read. I’m excited to see what Marie has cooking up next and I’m also very very excited I get to go and read the rest of the series because I just know they’ll be just as good! 💖

P.S. I would die for Theo LeRoy

💕I received an advanced readers copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily! 💕

[Ehva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Putain de Merde🧎‍♀️🫦🥵✋️Give me a moment!! Marie Annilla!! Holy f*ck!! This was absolutely brilliant and out of this world!! I could not put them down. I loved every single thing! Thank you so much for this ARC 🥹🫂❤️ From the couple to the tropes to the twists and turns to the HEA 🥹

Théo LeRoy 🫦 Daddy LeRoy 🧎‍♀️ This man is dripping from my soul 😩 Tall, handsome, mysterious, billionaire, OTT bodyguard, cold, quiet, obsessed, protective, possessive, traumatized, morally black, loves to speak French to her 🔥, braids her hair, and can't get enough of the red haired pop star Queen 😌 Théo captures you immediately, and you don't want to find a way out. He is so mysterious and annoying at first because he is OTT 😂🫦 You want to pull your hair out, and then you want him to pull it for you 🥵 He is OBSESSED with Scarlett and I wouldn't want it any other way 😌🔥

Scarlett Harper 👑 This woman is nothing shy of a Queen and Théo and I both bow to her 🫦 Beautiful, sassy, fierce, charming, a Pop Star, intelligent, attracted to her annoying bodyguard, traumatized, protective, possessive, loving, hides behind her mask, doesn't show anyone the real her besides Théo and her close friends, and won't stop working on Théo's nerves no matter what 😂😌 Scarlett chose to become a pop star but didn't know the prison she will be forced into 😩 She's used to bottling it all up, but a savior arrives and changes everything 🥵🫦

This story and couple is my whole world 😩 If you haven't read this series, you need to do so immediately 🥵

[amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We worship the stars but forget it’s the darkness that makes them shine.”

I absolutely DEVOURED this book! Scarlett and Théo’s story is one of the most emotional, addicting, and beautiful stories I’ve ever read! When I tell you I never wanted to put this book down, I’m so serious. From the very beginning I was immediately pulled into this story and it made me feel literally everything.

Scarlett is such a realistic character and I could relate so much to her. She suffered so much throughout her life and it was so hard to see her struggle. But the story makes you fall in love with her and root for her to succeed. She is such a strong woman and all I wanted to do was hug her. Scarlett has my heart!!

And Théo. The definition of boy obsessed. This man met her once and that was it. She was it for him. He also has gone through a lot (that you’ll learn about it in the book) which also made me want to give him a hug (even though he would probably hate that because I’m not Scarlett LOL). He so beyond protective and would do literally anything for Scarlett and I loved it! They were absolutely perfect for each other and became such a light in the other’s life!!

Thank you so so so much Marie Annilla for introducing me to your literary world! I loved Sinful Lies so much and after reading Sinful Desires, I know I definitely have to go back and read the first two books in the series! I have so much love for these characters and their world and of course their author💜

[Alexis Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’d follow you through lifetimes, through death, through whatever darkness dares to take you from me. I’ll go first, Scarlett. But I’ll still crawl after your light, even if it scorches me all the way trhough

I’ve never wished I paid more attention in French Class in high school until now but Sinful Desires by Marie Annilla made me wish I did. Good news, translate on a kindle is a great tool.

Sinful desires explores dark themes including but not limited to: obsessive love, explicit $exu@l content, strong language, graphic violence, psychological trauma, emotional @buse, childhood neglect, forced rehabilitation, @uicid@l ideation, de@th, st@lking, murder, and the use of fire@rms.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Available on KU

This was my first time I’ve read Marie Annilla but it most definitely won’t be the last. I DEVOURED this book in one night. At over 500 pages let’s just say, my 9-5 the next day was ROUGH. But DAMN it was worth it. This is 10000% one of the best romances i’ve ever read in terms of the plot and history behind the characters and their romance. Watching Scarlett fall into safety and love with Thèo was amazing. Being able to read them both heal within each other and on their own was amazing. I dont want to spoil too much about the plot or anything but truly will be going back and reading the remainder of The Sinful Series. Marie is truly a top notch author and will be forever grateful that threads led me to her.

[Betty Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready for an emotional read? This is your book! I have read this entire series and they are all amazing but this one will definitely tug at your heartstrings.
Théo and Scarlett’s story is about two very scarred people for very different reasons. She is a world renowned pop star and he’s her bodyguard. There is so much angst with these two. Scarlett successes are mired in tragedy and completely consumed by a father holding her hostage in her success. She is the epitome of excess consumption and you can feel her desperation and loneliness.
And then there’s Théo; he’s almost scary good in his professional capacity but there is more to him than meets the eye and getting to the root of his backstory will break your heart.
Marie Anilla is one of my favorite authors. Her writing style just calls to me. This book was so emotional. There is a sweetness undertone to this book. And make no mistake: it is a dark romance and there is plenty of darkness but ultimately the emotional aspect of their story is all consuming and I ugly cried at times. Loneliness is definitely an aspect of both their lives and Marie really pulls it out of both of them while they find love in each other. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

[carolina elian · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Thirteen years of hell,” he whispered against my lips, “just to find heaven in you.”

I loved this. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so much while reading, but this book wrecked me.

Theo is on another level. Sometimes I hated his guts because he could be so cruel to Scarlett, but then I realized she actually needed someone to call her out, she was spiraling hard.

The whole time I kept waiting for him to mess up, because he was just too loyal and too patient. It didn’t seem real. I mean, yes, he’s a killer—dark romance, mafia, it comes with the territory—but I was convinced there had to be more.

The romance itself had me conflicted. He’s been in love with her for years, but Scarlett is always the one making the first move (a lot of times), and sometimes he acted like a total jerk about it. But then I’d fall for him all over again. He broke his thirteen year celibacy for her and I was screaming.

This book is a rollercoaster. you love, you hate, you forgive, and then you hate again. But that’s what makes it so real, they’re flawed, they’re messy, and they’re both a little broken. The more he resisted, the more she pushed, and when jealousy hit, he became the meanest version of himself.

Still, this ended up being one of the best books I’ve read this year.

[jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the best book i’ve read this year, maybe my entire fucking life.

“Thirteen years of hell," he whispered against my lips, "just to find heaven in you."”

“If loving her was a prison, let me rot inside it. Because even the chains she'd put on me felt holier than the freedom anyone else could offer.”

“Because from the moment I saw you, something in me quieted. Something in me finally knew peace. Your soul is the only place mine has ever truly belonged."

“I'd follow your heartbeat until my body gives out. Stand behind you when the world turns. Beside you when it burns. Beneath you when words fall short." I looked at her. Her eyes burned brighter than every star trying to outlive the night.
"That's what I was made for, Scarlett. To serve you until the day I die."

"I'd follow you through lifetimes, through death, through whatever darkness dares to take you from me. I'll go first, Scarlett. But I'll still crawl after your light, even if it scorches me all the way through hell."

“Two fallen angels who had begged for death, but found each other instead.”

[psych0_4books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinful Desires is the best of the series. Emotionally raw, wickedly funny, and a plot that kept me glued to my Kindle.

Scarlett Harper is a heavily relatable character for me. Her desire to be a singer was warped and twisted into something that was controlled by her asshole of a father. She delves into the vices of fame and self-destructs over a period of several years until Théo LeRoy enters her life as bodyguard number 6.

Théo has his own demons stemming from childhood and his career as a French Navy officer. He works as Scarlett's bodyguard but with ulterior motives; he saw her one time during one of her breakdowns and fell for her. As he shakes things up and refuses to let her continue on the self-harming path that she's on, their feelings deepen and we see growth happen.

I loved all of the characters. Marie did a fantastic job of combining characters from the other books in the series with the new side characters. The book being separated into two parts was interesting. We got to see the past versions of Scarlett and Theo, sort of as a backstory, before the plot really kicks off in part 2. The ending had me shook, gripping my Kindle. Such a great book and the perfect ending to the Sinful series.

*Huge thanks to Marie for allowing me on the ARC team 💜

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️.5

I’m so sad this is the last book of the sinful series 😩 This book put me through lots of emotions. The FMC scarlet and the MMC Theo are perfect together. They both have a dark past that they did not know if they can move on from. But they supported each other and healed from their past. Marie always does amazing with developing an amazing plot with some spice. I did cry at the end of the book because I could literally feel the emotions Marie put into the book. Sad this is an end of an era but I know Marie is gonna make amazing books still. If you love longer books and interconnected series, you’ll love this series. They can technically be read as standalone but I def suggest starting from the beginning so you can meet the other characters. The entire series will be a reread for me.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
I devoured this book, and it has instantly become my favorite in the series. From the very first chapter, I was completely immersed in the story. The plot was gripping, and I loved how it tackled very real and relevant issues within the fame and entertainment industry in such a thoughtful way.
Scarlett and Theo’s chemistry was absolutely electric — every interaction between them had me hooked, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. The emotional depth, the tension, and the way their relationship developed felt so natural and compelling.

This book struck the perfect balance between romance, drama, and meaningful themes, making it not just a love story but also a commentary on the pressures and challenges behind the spotlight.

[Kaitlynn Plumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless. Another five star read by Marie that I devourrrred. She just doesn’t disappoint.

I feel like you form your own opinions of Scarlett while reading the previous books in this series, but realize how wrong you were about her the moment you start reading Sinful Desires. I absolutely loved and felt for her. She’s one of those characters that show you that you never truly know what someone’s going through.
Theo was an 11/10. Protective, loyal, and just perfect. The way he stayed close to Scarlett from the moment he met her - and she never even knew? Obsessed.
Intentional or not, they saved each other and stayed in each other’s orbit through everything. Loved loved loved.

And the lavender field scene at the end? Chef’s kiss.

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinful Desires - Marie Annilla

This author has a talent for writing rich and complex characters. They seem so human and life like, like these are people you would actually see in on the stage. I’m so glad that Theo and Scarlet got the healing and the peace that they deserve. Their story was truly heartbreaking. The writing was so engaging and captivating. I have to read the rest of this others books and the other books in this series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 The Sinful, #4

Genre/Tropes ✨ grumpy x broken sunshine, bodyguard x superstar, dark romance, hate to love, slow burn, age gap, found family, hidden identity, French MMC, morally grey MMC, forbidden romance, bodyguard romance

[Jenell Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like dark romance stories with forbidden/bodyguard romance, forced proximity, he falls first, and age gap tropes then read this book! The chemistry between Theo and Scarlett is so good! The way he speaks French... girls take a breath cause you're gonna need it.

"Mon étoile filante pour l’éternité."
(My shooting star for eternity.)

Marie has nailed it with this one in her writing style that hooks you from chapter 1. So much happens in this book: trauma, yearning, sinful spice, and heartbreak. The pacing is perfect and gives each character plenty of attention so it doesn't feel rushed. It's raw and very descriptive. I'm addicted! I only wish I had read the first 3 books (starting on them next) as this is the fourth and final book of the Sinful series.

[Ellis Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Built like he could bench press your trauma and still have energy left to manhandle your demons."

That is the best description for a MMC I have read.

It took me a couple of days after reading this story to process it. There is a lot unpack with this book.

- Its just the right amount of slow burn. Just on the cusp of my patience snapping.

- back story tidbits, sprinkled in just the right spots.

- This book is written well, full of trauma and history. Its a deep plot. You don't even notice the red flags until after. Its that smooth.

- I haven't read any other books in the series and I will be rectifying that.

[Isa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of the best dark romance books i’ve read in a while!
Scarlett is such a smart, sassy and strong FMC. She had to be with everything that surrounded her! Theo had his walls up but as you slowly crack them open you fall in love with him! The YEARNING! That man took one look and that was it for him. The pacing was so good on this one. It lets you learn their stories individually and then beautifully brings them together! This is my first book by Marie but i’m diving into her backlist as soon as possible because I need more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elinakwt sheikh · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first few chapters, I knew it was going to be something remarkable and it truly was.

It has everything I love in a story: forbidden romance, witty banter, morally grey characters, and raw, emotional themes that were handled with so much care. The pacing was spot-on no unnecessary fillers, no rushed ending, just a seamless flow that kept me fully immersed.

The characters were outstandingly written, each one layered and real enough that you could feel their struggles and emotions right alongside them. Overall, this book was an unforgettable experience emotional, powerful, and beautifully written.

[Hillary VP · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

Sinful Desires is a forbidden romance filled with passion, dark themes, and a man who would do anything for the woman he loves… à la vie, à la mort.

I’d love to call this a quick read, but at 500 pages it’s definitely not short. Still, the pacing is so addictive you won’t want to put it down. The plot is engaging, the action keeps you hooked, and the spice? Sexy, satisfying, and everything you could want in a romance!

[Meaghan Messmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO good!! Definitely ate it up, and didn’t want it to end.

Everything…the angst, tension, slow burn was written and done so well. And the spice be spicin 🤌🏼 I literally fell in love with these characters.

And I now need to go back and read the other books in the series now. I will be screaming about this series to anyone who will listen from now on

[danielabookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC

Absolutely loved this bodyguard x superstar romance! The chemistry, the tension, and the emotional depth had me hooked from start to finish. I especially appreciated how the story explored mental health — it made Theo and Scarlet feel so real. Unable to put down and unforgettable. Highly recommend!

[Sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story! The twists and turns are everything. I love the backstory and the growth that happens.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God. 🥵🥵 The story? Sublime. The characters? So much depth. Devotion, heartbreak, strength, and persistence. Mon étoile dans l'obscurité. 🤌🏻🤌🏻