Author: Sadie Kincaid
Publisher: MIRA
Publish Date: April 14th, 2026
Pages: 362
Rating: 3 out of 5
Spice: 2.5 out of 5
Genres: morally gray, smut, dark romance, forced proximity, contemporary
Content Warnings: human-trafficking, praise and punishment kink, menstrual kink, violence, sexual assault (not involving FMC or MC), violence
“A GOOD KNIGHT ALWAYS PROTECTS HIS QUEEN, SIR. SHE’S THE MOST POWERFUL PIECE IN THE GAME.”
First thing’s first – the book cover. The design of this book grabbed me with the swiftness and absolutely would not let go! It’s such a beautiful cover and the sprayed edges with the Queen chess pieces kept me locked in. Beautiful, beautiful cover.
Now, did the intensity of the actual story match the intensity of the book cover? Eh, not really. Or at least, not in the way that I imagined. However, after finishing the story, I’d say it was an okay book and I’m curious enough to purchase part two of the duology, The Game.
Review:
Imogen Demotta (FMC) lost her parents at the young age of 3yrs old. In an attempt to save her life, her grandfather made a deal with the Brotherhood, an elite secret society, to sell her to their sex trafficking auction once she turns 21yrs old.
Her entire upbringing was based on mastering survival, but more specifically, learning how to survive as a woman amongst men. During her time under the Brotherhood’s possession and after she was purchased by the mysterious reclusive billionare, she frequently relied on her teachings.
“Show no emotion, because emotion is weakness and he will use it against you.”
“Knowledge is power.”
“Until you know the rules of the game, be polite and respectful.”
The structured lessons that Imogen received from her grandfather’s lover (?), Larissa, reminded me of the childhood teachings I received from my grandmother at an early age as she prepared me for what is to come in this world. Because of this I instantly connected with Imogen, her relationship with Larissa, and her frequent recollection of the lessons she’d been taught when faced with unpleasantry.
Lincoln Knight, the reclusive billionaire, is the man who purchased Imogen from the Brotherhood auction. While he’s considered more dangerous than the Brotherhood, he’d never do anything to harm Imogen, his Angel.
And let me just say, I never knew what being called Angel as a pet name could do to me until I read this book! Lol. And that’s exactly how he treated her, like an Angel. Minus the coldness he displayed towards her in the beginning as he battled his trauma, emotions and consciousness.
I don’t think this book required a sequel. In my opinion, it was a bit drawn out and the plot twist at the end was a bit rushed. Honestly, this story could’ve been told in half the amount of pages it took up.
It wasn’t a boring read by any means, but it was just a bit stretched. And while the ending felt rushed and compressed, it was a grand enough cliffhanger to make me wonder what’s going to happen with Imogen and Lincoln in the next book.
For my spice lovers, I rated the spice level a 2.5 out of 5 stars because while there was plenty of it, most of the scenes felt… bland. I didn’t feel that darkly romantic, fire and desire type of connection between the characters. I prefer my spice to have more substance, ya know?
Anywho, this wasn’t the seat gripping, emotional rollercoaster type of read that I typically enjoy. However, it was pretty interesting to read. I plan to read The Game in November, which is the second book in the Wages of Sin series. Feel free to join me and stay tuned for the next review!
Consider this your invitation deeper into the archive.
Wander through more of my novel reviews and let curiosity lead… You won’t regret it.
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