Title: When He’s Sinful — Suzanne Wright
Series/World + Book #: Olympus Pride (part of the Phoenix Pack / Mercury Pack / Olympus Pride universe)
Couple/Pairing: Camden + Aspen
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.2/5)
The Main Characters
Camden is intense in the way Suzanne Wright does best—protective, obsessive, and carrying a past that refuses to stay quiet. He’s been built up in earlier books with those slightly unhinged, sociopathic hints… and this story finally lets you see what’s really going on under the surface.
Aspen is strong, steady, and not easily dominated outside the bedroom (which I loved). Even when her life starts getting shaken from all sides—pranks escalating, outside threats, and a mate claim from someone determined to have her—she still feels capable and grounded.
And Bailey? Bailey is a whole experience. The humor, the timing, the chaos—how can you not love Bailey?
About the Author
Suzanne Wright is one of my favorite paranormal authors, and it’s easy to see why. Her shifter world always feels lived-in—tight bonds, history between characters, and enough detail to make the packs/prides feel real instead of just a small rotating cast. I also appreciate how she tends to handle the psychological impact of trauma and coping with more care than most authors in the genre.
Even though I’m loving Olympus Pride, the Phoenix Pack is still my all-time favorite series from Suzanne Wright—the pack dynamics, the chaos, and the found-family vibe just hit different for me.
My Thoughts About the Book
This is friends-to-lovers + fated mates with a long history, and the relationship development was one of the strongest parts for me. I liked that we got insight into their youth, because it made their bond feel deeper and explained so much about how they interact with each other.
Also, I’ll be honest—I’m not normally a fan of what I call unusual shifters (like the Pallas cat in this series). It’s just not my go-to. But I’ll read anything Suzanne Wright writes, because her world-building and imagination are top-notch, and she always makes it work for me.
What really kept me turning pages was the sheer amount happening at once. Camden’s past comes back hard—dangerous enough to put his life (and the people close to him) at risk—while Aspen is dealing with her own chaos that turns increasingly threatening. There’s a mystery/suspense layer that’s a little convoluted at times, but still interesting, and I genuinely liked that it kept me guessing instead of being predictable.
The best moment for me is when they finally realize they’re mates. It’s one of those “YES, FINALLY” scenes that feels earned because the tension has been evident for so long.
If you’re into possessive paranormal heroes and fated-mates tension, you should also check out my review of Feral Sins—one of my favorites in Suzanne Wright Series—you can read this series first or jump right into the Olympus Pride when you want that same high-stakes bond and protective energy.
Almost Perfect… Except
I did get annoyed with them at times—and not because the trope is bad, but because the stubbornness can feel a little too much. Since it’s been evident for ages that they want each other, there are moments when you’ll want to shake both of them.
Also, the spice is kinkier and rougher than what some readers expect from this author. Consent is clearer (which I loved), but some scenes lean more violent-feeling than sexy, depending on your preferences–it won’t take away from the enjoyment of the book.
Favorite Quote
I couldn’t pick just one—Bailey is hilarious, and the banter in this book is precisely the kind that makes me stop and grin.
“I’d prefer that you acted normal for a change.”
The mamba pursed her lips. “Sounds like that’d take some effort on my part. I don’t like effort. Count me out.”
and
He looked at Bailey. “You’re like the sister I never wanted and am glad I don’t have.”
I couldn’t pick just one—Bailey is hilarious, and these lines are a perfect snapshot of why she matters so much in this book. With Camden and Aspen getting slammed from every direction (danger from Camden’s past, escalating threats around Aspen, and all that long-brewing mate tension), the story can get intense fast. Bailey’s deadpan attitude and sharp mouth aren’t just comic relief—they break the pressure at exactly the right moments, and they also highlight how tight-knit the pride really is.
The “normal” line captures Bailey’s unapologetic chaos and sets the tone for how she refuses to be tamed or softened for anyone, which makes her scenes instantly memorable. And Camden’s “sister I never wanted” jab is important because it shows that even a man as intense and guarded as Camden has real bonds and loyalty—he can be brutal with his words, but he’s still connected, still in it with them. Those moments make the world feel lived-in and remind you that beneath all the danger and obsession, there’s a real community holding the story together.
Final Thoughts
When He’s Sinful is a strong addition to the Olympus Pride world—dramatic, suspenseful, funny in the right places, and packed with that signature Suzanne Wright fated-mates pull. Bailey is a standout, the Pride feels more present and real, and Camden/Aspen have a payoff that makes the buildup worth it.
My only real complaint is that I wanted a future epilogue—I need to know what life looks like for them down the line.
Keep turning pages, chasing passion, and breaking all the rules.
~Kay~
