What do you think?
Rate this book
Revenge Saga #1
Sweet the Sin
In the first novel in USA Today bestselling author Claire Kent’s deeply sensual two-part story of love, lust, and deception, a woman searching for the truth discovers that she’s sleeping with the enemy.
Portrait artist Kelly Watson keeps her relationships simple and steamy, with no strings attached. She’s had a hard time trusting other people since she was a child, when her father was murdered for trying to blow the whistle on corporate corruption. Nearly twenty years later, Kelly finds herself in the arms of a seductive stranger—the very same man who may have ordered her father’s death. And even as she plays him, using hot sex as a means to revenge, Kelly is tormented by one Is she committing the ultimate betrayal?
Caleb Marshall has spent decades forging a high-powered career, rejecting intimacy for the convenience of fast women and cheap thrills. But Kelly intrigues him, pushing commitment buttons he didn’t know he had. Still, something is wrong. Despite their physical and emotional chemistry, Caleb feels the fear inside of her. Now the only way to keep her safe is coming clean, before secrets and lies destroy their connection—no matter how deep, intense, and addictive it may be.
Kelly and Caleb’s story continues in Darker the Release, coming October 2015!
Sweet the Sin is intended for mature audiences. This eBook includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Portrait artist Kelly Watson keeps her relationships simple and steamy, with no strings attached. She’s had a hard time trusting other people since she was a child, when her father was murdered for trying to blow the whistle on corporate corruption. Nearly twenty years later, Kelly finds herself in the arms of a seductive stranger—the very same man who may have ordered her father’s death. And even as she plays him, using hot sex as a means to revenge, Kelly is tormented by one Is she committing the ultimate betrayal?
Caleb Marshall has spent decades forging a high-powered career, rejecting intimacy for the convenience of fast women and cheap thrills. But Kelly intrigues him, pushing commitment buttons he didn’t know he had. Still, something is wrong. Despite their physical and emotional chemistry, Caleb feels the fear inside of her. Now the only way to keep her safe is coming clean, before secrets and lies destroy their connection—no matter how deep, intense, and addictive it may be.
Kelly and Caleb’s story continues in Darker the Release, coming October 2015!
Sweet the Sin is intended for mature audiences. This eBook includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2015
19 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kent
41 books2,134 followersClaire has been writing romance novels since she was twelve years old. After teaching English at the university level for several years, she started writing full-time under two different pen names. She lives in Virginia.
Her early books are sexy contemporary romances filled with heat and real emotion, but with the Hold series she transitioned to science fiction romance. Her current books are steamy post-apocalyptic romance set in the near future after a global catastrophe. They feature smart, resilient women trying to survive in a new chaotic world and falling in love with strong, gruff, taciturn men.
Claire also writes softer contemporary romances as Noelle Adams,
Her early books are sexy contemporary romances filled with heat and real emotion, but with the Hold series she transitioned to science fiction romance. Her current books are steamy post-apocalyptic romance set in the near future after a global catastrophe. They feature smart, resilient women trying to survive in a new chaotic world and falling in love with strong, gruff, taciturn men.
Claire also writes softer contemporary romances as Noelle Adams,
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
May 31, 2015
3.5 'conflicted' stars!
Let me start this review by saying I love Claire Kent's writing style. Her style of writing is very sensual, very raw, very honest. Her characters aren't always the most lovable but they way she writes them compels you to at least root for them. To be honest, I had a hard time rooting for the characters here. I struggled with the constant manipulation the characters -- especially our heroine -- did in this book.
Kelly Watson suffered a great childhood trauma after finding her own father murdered in the woods during one of their walks. After her father died, her own mother abandoned her. As a result, Kelly had a hard time trusting people.
She met Caleb Marshall. after mistaking him for a client of hers. Caleb is much older than Kelly. Mysterious, powerful, rich and very ruthless. Their physical attraction and lust for each other was instantaneous. What Kelly didn't know was that her estranged mother had orchestrated the whole meeting with Caleb. The reason? Her mother strongly suspected that Caleb was involved in her husband's death years ago. Turns out, Caleb is now the CEO of the pharmaceutical company that Kelly's father had worked for. It's all very convoluted, and the plan was for Kelly to get close to Caleb to gather evidence to indict him of her father's murder.
The first 10% was interesting. Claire Kent doesn't give readers any warning. She just drops you right into the scene and you have to figure out the story as you go along. The connection between Kelly and Caleb was purely physical. Surprisingly, I wasn't annoyed by this because it was consistent with their characters. After Kelly's mother revealed Caleb's involvement and her plan to use Kelly to get close to Caleb, I was engrossed and I wanted to find out more.
Unfortunately, the book took a little detour for me at that point because of Kelly. She became too laden with guilt and too conflicted with her "feelings" for Caleb that she started faking her orgasms whenever they had sex. What's worse was you get to read about her plotting and manipulating the whole thing in her head, while Caleb was grunting and groaning and obviously enjoying himself. It was tedious to read. I found myself getting annoyed with everything. I understand she's conflicted but I gotta to be honest and say that I didn't enjoy reading about that.
Also, her mother after abandoning her, came out of nowhere to basically force her to act out her plan of revenge was too convenient. Kelly hates her mother and they never had that kind of relationship and yet, she easily went with her plan to seduce Caleb to gain information.
Not surprisingly, Caleb was a well written, fleshed out character. We get to be in his head here and there. Not nearly enough, in my opinion, but it was enough for me. He is obviously not a nice guy and you know he'd done terrible things and continue to do them but he was fascinating. I enjoyed reading his POV the most. There are some things in his past that aren't revealed but are teased in this book. I do hope we get his full back story in the next book.
Also, comparing both characters, I found Caleb to be more well rounded. He was vulnerable, and he showed it even though it was a disadvantage to him. Kelly had some vulnerable moments but it gets smothered by her guilt. She did get better towards the end of the book. Better in a sense that she's allowing herself to feel more, and there was less manipulating and maneuvering on her part.
The last 20% was stellar. Relationship wise, Kelly and Caleb have finally arrived at an understanding regarding their relationship. On the intrigue front, secrets are slowly being uncovered and Kelly might be in a lot more trouble than she'd bargained for. I didn't notice until I reached the end that it's going to be another freakin' CLIFFHANGER.
I'm exaggerating a little bit because it wasn't that bad but still, I'd rather have the answers sooner than later. And I wish, the publisher indicated it somewhere that there won't be any resolution until the second book. God knows putting #1 in the title doesn't cut it anymore. Anyhoo, I'm looking forward to the next book. I hope it's going to be more about the revenge plot and their relationship not just the sex. The sex was fine. Hot even. But after the first one, it started to read the same.
ARC provided by LoverSwept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start this review by saying I love Claire Kent's writing style. Her style of writing is very sensual, very raw, very honest. Her characters aren't always the most lovable but they way she writes them compels you to at least root for them. To be honest, I had a hard time rooting for the characters here. I struggled with the constant manipulation the characters -- especially our heroine -- did in this book.
Kelly Watson suffered a great childhood trauma after finding her own father murdered in the woods during one of their walks. After her father died, her own mother abandoned her. As a result, Kelly had a hard time trusting people.
She met Caleb Marshall. after mistaking him for a client of hers. Caleb is much older than Kelly. Mysterious, powerful, rich and very ruthless. Their physical attraction and lust for each other was instantaneous. What Kelly didn't know was that her estranged mother had orchestrated the whole meeting with Caleb. The reason? Her mother strongly suspected that Caleb was involved in her husband's death years ago. Turns out, Caleb is now the CEO of the pharmaceutical company that Kelly's father had worked for. It's all very convoluted, and the plan was for Kelly to get close to Caleb to gather evidence to indict him of her father's murder.
The first 10% was interesting. Claire Kent doesn't give readers any warning. She just drops you right into the scene and you have to figure out the story as you go along. The connection between Kelly and Caleb was purely physical. Surprisingly, I wasn't annoyed by this because it was consistent with their characters. After Kelly's mother revealed Caleb's involvement and her plan to use Kelly to get close to Caleb, I was engrossed and I wanted to find out more.
Unfortunately, the book took a little detour for me at that point because of Kelly. She became too laden with guilt and too conflicted with her "feelings" for Caleb that she started faking her orgasms whenever they had sex. What's worse was you get to read about her plotting and manipulating the whole thing in her head, while Caleb was grunting and groaning and obviously enjoying himself. It was tedious to read. I found myself getting annoyed with everything. I understand she's conflicted but I gotta to be honest and say that I didn't enjoy reading about that.
Also, her mother after abandoning her, came out of nowhere to basically force her to act out her plan of revenge was too convenient. Kelly hates her mother and they never had that kind of relationship and yet, she easily went with her plan to seduce Caleb to gain information.
Not surprisingly, Caleb was a well written, fleshed out character. We get to be in his head here and there. Not nearly enough, in my opinion, but it was enough for me. He is obviously not a nice guy and you know he'd done terrible things and continue to do them but he was fascinating. I enjoyed reading his POV the most. There are some things in his past that aren't revealed but are teased in this book. I do hope we get his full back story in the next book.
Also, comparing both characters, I found Caleb to be more well rounded. He was vulnerable, and he showed it even though it was a disadvantage to him. Kelly had some vulnerable moments but it gets smothered by her guilt. She did get better towards the end of the book. Better in a sense that she's allowing herself to feel more, and there was less manipulating and maneuvering on her part.
The last 20% was stellar. Relationship wise, Kelly and Caleb have finally arrived at an understanding regarding their relationship. On the intrigue front, secrets are slowly being uncovered and Kelly might be in a lot more trouble than she'd bargained for. I didn't notice until I reached the end that it's going to be another freakin' CLIFFHANGER.
I'm exaggerating a little bit because it wasn't that bad but still, I'd rather have the answers sooner than later. And I wish, the publisher indicated it somewhere that there won't be any resolution until the second book. God knows putting #1 in the title doesn't cut it anymore. Anyhoo, I'm looking forward to the next book. I hope it's going to be more about the revenge plot and their relationship not just the sex. The sex was fine. Hot even. But after the first one, it started to read the same.
ARC provided by LoverSwept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2015
Kelly is tormented by one question: Is she committing the ultimate betrayal?
Sweet the Sin is the first in a two part erotic series about love, deception and revenge. The female protagonists finds herself sleeping with a man she should loathe, fear and potentially ruin as she uncovers the truth of her past.
Pet Artist Kelly Watson immediately drew me into her world with her disturbing history that has understandably left her with issues of trust. I enjoyed her characterisation and the way her past emerges throughout the story arc. She lived through hell 18 years ago and now, with her weapon of sex, she may have the opportunity for her own brand of justice.
Caleb Marshall is a charismatic, powerful business man who's used to getting exactly what and whom he wants.
Both protagonists prefer to satisfy their desires with one-night-no-strings-attached dalliances but in each other, for their own individual reasons, they see something they want more of. Kelly has an agenda to address and Caleb is implicitly drawn to her.... They share an intense physical attraction... What will be the consequence?
Kelly's impetus behind the story and her relationship with the male protagonist is highly intriguing and is the driving force behind the way I felt throughout. There’s a tinge of sadness and suspense entwined and their physical relationship is very, very steamy but there are times that I didn't quite feel the intensity of their sexual chemistry, partly due to the heroine's reasons for seeking out the relationship. Having said that her disconnection makes total sense within the context of the story; her suppressed emotions are logical but maybe this and other elements began to feel a little repetitive and detracted from my connection to the story.
The third person narrative traverses between Kelly and Caleb's perspective and, as it began to develop, revealing the story layers, I began to favour the hero's point of view in the telling. It felt warmer and became more emotive to me whilst I experienced Kelly using HOT SEX as a means to exact her revenge.
There are times I relished Sweet the Sin and there are moments that, if I'm completely truthful, my interest waned because of the repetitive nature of Kelly's thoughts and actions. I began to lose faith in her motivation which felt a little frustrating because in the early stages of the story I loved her character. Ultimately this story of love and revenge kept me engaged to the end and left me wanting to know how their story ends. I've a feeling that the conclusion could provide me with the angst feelings I crave.
Advanced copy received from the publishers, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review thoughts
October 16, 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I quite enjoyed this one. Only read one book from this author in the past and I remember loving it.
Though I must say my rating was difficult to ponder. Overall I can say that I liked the book but some parts I really felt were unnecessary and made me feel a little uncomfortable.
Claire Kent’s writing has something that will definitely push you to read past your level of admittance. The book is told in the third person POV, mostly from Kelly but we get to have Caleb’s from time to time. She got me hooked to the story from page one, and the first interaction scene happening left no guess to what I just got myself into. Some damn good erotica.
We meet Kelly Watson, young pet portrait artist (yes, they exist) leaving her life day by day. She suffered a great deal as a child losing her father in terrible circumstances and being abandoned by her mother after while. She’s since have been adopted by a wealthy older couple, growing up with her trust shattered and building up a stoical mind as a way to protect herself.
She met Caleb Marshall fortuitously, while she was expecting to meet a client of hers in a public park. His description fit her client’s and she mistakenly approach him thinking she’s to paint a portrait of his dog.
Caleb is a little much older than Kelly, in his forties, he is her complete opposite. Powerful and rich businessman, he exudes charisma and confidence.
Ensues a great flirting session between the two, some banter joust revealing their instant attraction. Attraction both of them decide to act on and find their release not so far from the public eye. Agreeing that their encounter must remain unrepeated, they part ways leaving the reader literally hooked and wanting more.
Claire Kent astutely crafted captivating characters and depicted lust, desire and hunger with a real perceptive sensibility. I truly could “feel” the raw emotions of both characters and genuinely wanted to get to know them and off course was hoping for second meeting! The scene in the park was just fucking hot and definitely not the most heated. This book was definitely on the smutty side with A LOT graphic sex scenes and it pleased my pervert side, thank you!
Receiving an information from her estranged birth mother about Caleb’s identity and past, Kelly takes advantage of her charms to seduce and exploit Caleb. Will she find what she’s looking for? Will these two aloof characters will fall for each other? How ugly the truth is going to be?
It’s unfortunately to soon and impossible to tell because the book is ending on a mild cliffhanger…
It’s with the reappearance of Kelly’s mother that my uncertainty regarding my rating comes in… Kelly felt somewhat driven to con Caleb based on her estranged mother’s hear says… It was obvious some kind of animosity and resentment was going on between Kelly and her mom, so I couldn’t understand why she felt compelled to follow her mom’s idea to seduce Caleb.
What left me some kind of bitter taste and really made me uncomfortable was some of her sexual encounters with Caleb. Clearly she was attracted to him—at least her body— but due to his past and what he might have done, she felt ashamed, disgusted by the very idea to touch him (and rightly so).
It was really disturbing, as a reader, to read about scorchingly hot sex scenes with the back-thoughts of the heroine questioning herself and giving herself a pep-talk to follow through.
At one point it almost felt like we were running round and round because one sex encounter would go perfectly on both ends when the time after she would question herself again… The repetitiveness of her indecisions was borderline boring and I must admit it played a great deal in my 3 stars rating.
Last point at least, I had no idea I was going to read a 2 parts story when I requested this title. I don’t think it was mentioned anywhere at the time and I truly felt cheated to have to wait on a second book to know how this will end and what consequences Kelly’s manipulation will have on her growing relationship with Caleb… Next book is scheduled for release in October, and there’s no tell if I’ll read it then. I usually wait for all parts of a serial to be released before starting because I read so many books I just can’t rely on bribes of memories to fully appreciate the next one.
To conclude, Sweet the Sin was a really entertaining erotica novel, covering attraction and lust, with a nice revenge subplot and a growing “forbidden” love…
I received an Arc in exchange for an honest review
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
I quite enjoyed this one. Only read one book from this author in the past and I remember loving it.
Though I must say my rating was difficult to ponder. Overall I can say that I liked the book but some parts I really felt were unnecessary and made me feel a little uncomfortable.
Claire Kent’s writing has something that will definitely push you to read past your level of admittance. The book is told in the third person POV, mostly from Kelly but we get to have Caleb’s from time to time. She got me hooked to the story from page one, and the first interaction scene happening left no guess to what I just got myself into. Some damn good erotica.
We meet Kelly Watson, young pet portrait artist (yes, they exist) leaving her life day by day. She suffered a great deal as a child losing her father in terrible circumstances and being abandoned by her mother after while. She’s since have been adopted by a wealthy older couple, growing up with her trust shattered and building up a stoical mind as a way to protect herself.
She met Caleb Marshall fortuitously, while she was expecting to meet a client of hers in a public park. His description fit her client’s and she mistakenly approach him thinking she’s to paint a portrait of his dog.
Caleb is a little much older than Kelly, in his forties, he is her complete opposite. Powerful and rich businessman, he exudes charisma and confidence.
Ensues a great flirting session between the two, some banter joust revealing their instant attraction. Attraction both of them decide to act on and find their release not so far from the public eye. Agreeing that their encounter must remain unrepeated, they part ways leaving the reader literally hooked and wanting more.
Claire Kent astutely crafted captivating characters and depicted lust, desire and hunger with a real perceptive sensibility. I truly could “feel” the raw emotions of both characters and genuinely wanted to get to know them and off course was hoping for second meeting! The scene in the park was just fucking hot and definitely not the most heated. This book was definitely on the smutty side with A LOT graphic sex scenes and it pleased my pervert side, thank you!
Receiving an information from her estranged birth mother about Caleb’s identity and past, Kelly takes advantage of her charms to seduce and exploit Caleb. Will she find what she’s looking for? Will these two aloof characters will fall for each other? How ugly the truth is going to be?
-“You can fuck me now, and I’d never give you a second thought. You’d never hear from me again.”
-“If I fuck you, I promise you’ll think of me again.”
It’s unfortunately to soon and impossible to tell because the book is ending on a mild cliffhanger…
It’s with the reappearance of Kelly’s mother that my uncertainty regarding my rating comes in… Kelly felt somewhat driven to con Caleb based on her estranged mother’s hear says… It was obvious some kind of animosity and resentment was going on between Kelly and her mom, so I couldn’t understand why she felt compelled to follow her mom’s idea to seduce Caleb.
What left me some kind of bitter taste and really made me uncomfortable was some of her sexual encounters with Caleb. Clearly she was attracted to him—at least her body— but due to his past and what he might have done, she felt ashamed, disgusted by the very idea to touch him (and rightly so).
It was really disturbing, as a reader, to read about scorchingly hot sex scenes with the back-thoughts of the heroine questioning herself and giving herself a pep-talk to follow through.
At one point it almost felt like we were running round and round because one sex encounter would go perfectly on both ends when the time after she would question herself again… The repetitiveness of her indecisions was borderline boring and I must admit it played a great deal in my 3 stars rating.
Last point at least, I had no idea I was going to read a 2 parts story when I requested this title. I don’t think it was mentioned anywhere at the time and I truly felt cheated to have to wait on a second book to know how this will end and what consequences Kelly’s manipulation will have on her growing relationship with Caleb… Next book is scheduled for release in October, and there’s no tell if I’ll read it then. I usually wait for all parts of a serial to be released before starting because I read so many books I just can’t rely on bribes of memories to fully appreciate the next one.
To conclude, Sweet the Sin was a really entertaining erotica novel, covering attraction and lust, with a nice revenge subplot and a growing “forbidden” love…
I received an Arc in exchange for an honest review
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
April 18, 2017
*I was provided an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for honest feedback.*
The first book in the series, this book did a great job of building the suspense and storyline. I have so many questions and cannot wait for the next book in this series. This story gives new meaning to the term "sleeping with the enemy".
Kelly and Caleb were certainly intriguing. Each of them has their own relationship issues and sordid past. While her motives are less than upfront, she does develop genuine feelings for Caleb, no matter how inconvenient. It seems that these two jaded lovers are cut from the same mold.
Overall, this was a good read. The characters and storyline were well-developed. This book left me craving more. Did Caleb do it or not?
The first book in the series, this book did a great job of building the suspense and storyline. I have so many questions and cannot wait for the next book in this series. This story gives new meaning to the term "sleeping with the enemy".
Kelly and Caleb were certainly intriguing. Each of them has their own relationship issues and sordid past. While her motives are less than upfront, she does develop genuine feelings for Caleb, no matter how inconvenient. It seems that these two jaded lovers are cut from the same mold.
Overall, this was a good read. The characters and storyline were well-developed. This book left me craving more. Did Caleb do it or not?
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
Read
April 8, 201504/07/2015 --
I really hate to do this, but it just didn't work for me. I really like this author. I found her a few years ago via a Freebie on Amazon. I've read several of her books and have liked them all. This one? Just not for me.
Why?
It started good. I was engaged immediately. But, then, the story stated falling apart for me. I have real issues with plots that just don't make sense or come together. This one had some interesting characters, but the way they came together was clunky. One such example is a mother you've not seen since you are eleven just showing up in your locked house and the why and what comes next. Just didn't make sense to me and I couldn't handle much more.
I read to the 30% mark and stopped.
You may not have the same issues I have with illogical plots. If not, you may really like this one.
Happy Reading!
ARC provided by the author and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I changed my mind and decided to not rate this book. I have a proven track record with this author and know she is really good. I really like her and anyone can have a book that just doesn't work.
I really hate to do this, but it just didn't work for me. I really like this author. I found her a few years ago via a Freebie on Amazon. I've read several of her books and have liked them all. This one? Just not for me.
Why?
It started good. I was engaged immediately. But, then, the story stated falling apart for me. I have real issues with plots that just don't make sense or come together. This one had some interesting characters, but the way they came together was clunky. One such example is a mother you've not seen since you are eleven just showing up in your locked house and the why and what comes next. Just didn't make sense to me and I couldn't handle much more.
I read to the 30% mark and stopped.
You may not have the same issues I have with illogical plots. If not, you may really like this one.
Happy Reading!
ARC provided by the author and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I changed my mind and decided to not rate this book. I have a proven track record with this author and know she is really good. I really like her and anyone can have a book that just doesn't work.
April 30, 2015
I was so pleasantly surprised by this that I don’t even know what to say.
Honestly, it was so so so so good. The characters, the writing, the story, it had me on the edge of my seat. Really freaking addictive.
I actually hated the hero in the beginning. I just could not stand him, but he gradually wormed his way into my heart. I was swooning like a sap by the end of the book.
Speaking of the end, what the hell? I need the next book. Like now. I can’t wait for it. It’s gonna be so good. I’ll be impatiently waiting.
*ARC provided generously by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Honestly, it was so so so so good. The characters, the writing, the story, it had me on the edge of my seat. Really freaking addictive.
I actually hated the hero in the beginning. I just could not stand him, but he gradually wormed his way into my heart. I was swooning like a sap by the end of the book.
Speaking of the end, what the hell? I need the next book. Like now. I can’t wait for it. It’s gonna be so good. I’ll be impatiently waiting.
*ARC provided generously by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
April 2, 2016
This erotic novel (at this point I'm hesitant to call it a romance, as there isn't a lot of love happening between the two main characters ) is the first of two parts, and is the story of Caleb and Kelly. Kelly is out for revenge for the brutal murder of her father, and when it turns out that her one night stand (or more accurately her one afternoon stand) might be the one responsible, she finds a way to gain access to him and his household on the pretense of needing his protection in order to find proof that he was the one behind it. She uses sex as a weapon to gain Caleb's, well, maybe not trust, but attention. But when she finds herself unable to keep her feelings for him in the neat and tidy box she's constructed, will she pull out of their burgeoning relationship?
I feel quite conflicted about this story. I've always liked Claire Kent's writing as she definitely excels at erotic stories and she's among my favourite authors. But this is the first time where I haven't liked the characters in question. Kelly is a strong and confident woman, quite at home with her body and her decisions regarding sex. She doesn't do relationships, she prefers one night stands and is quick to cut off any attempt at further contact. That in itself didn't bother me, but her wilful manipulation of Caleb in their relationship was not particularly attractive, though it was understandable considering her motivation. Caleb is also an enigma - he's a powerful, ruthless, businessman, who while he senses that Kelly is keeping secrets from him, is still interested in a sexual relationship with her. I'm not really sure that I liked him either, though he is much more concerned and caring about Kelly than vice versa. He is an anti-hero in my eyes. But then again, she's an anti-heroine, so a somewhat perfect match for each other.
The sex definitely drives their relationship, in both a negative and positive way. While Kelly was initially attracted to Caleb on the basis of their surprisingly heated rendezvous, when she finds out that he might be the man responsible for her father's murder she feels at once anger, guilt, and disgust. So at the beginning, the sex between them is quite one sided, in the sense that Caleb thinks Kelly is really into it, and Kelly is not, but is trying to forge a connection between them by using sex. When she actively engages with him sexually again it's not at all like their first uninhibited time together and you could feel her mentally gritting her teeth at putting herself in this position. I'm sure this is the first time that I've read a sex scene where the heroine is actively trying NOT to get turned on by the hero. But by midway, she's finding that she is actually enjoying it (much to her guilt) and they try different scenarios where she discovers that the rougher Caleb is, the more turned on she gets. As their relationship progresses, she finds that more and more she is engaged in what they are doing and unable to keep her attraction to him from overwhelming her when they are in bed together. Caleb on the other hand can sense that things aren't always right between them. He knows she is holding back from him emotionally, and works to fix that. It's a constant power struggle.
'She knew what he was doing. It was still the same challenge. Get her to lose control, get her to beg. She wasn't going to give into it, no matter how her body was responding to him, no matter how much she needed him to think she was fully into this.
So she bit her lip again, refusing to give him what he wanted, even as the pleasure kept tightening into a coil inside her.
"Ask me," he growled, fucking her hard and fast and in a way her body desperately needed.
She whimpered, still trying to resist, needing to come so badly her vision had blurred. But she couldn't. She couldn't. As if he were holding it back by the power of his will.
"Oh God," she mumbled, the demands of her body finally too powerful to resists. "Oh, God, please. Make me come. Make me come."
With a gutteral sound of satisfaction, his rhythm intensified. "Then come, Kelly. Come now."
We know by the end of this part that they are drawn to each other sexually and emotionally, but that they each have a lot of secrets that are waiting to spill. This section ends fairly abruptly with no real sense of what's going to happen next except that if they don't start sharing the truth, they won't last long. And if they do confess their guilty secrets, things might even be worse. What was interesting to me about that story was that even though the characters didn't really appeal to me, I still liked the plot and the edginess of it, and the suspense and tension kept me engaged from the beginning. I'm interested to see how this story will end. 3.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note 2: this review also appears as a blog post at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
I feel quite conflicted about this story. I've always liked Claire Kent's writing as she definitely excels at erotic stories and she's among my favourite authors. But this is the first time where I haven't liked the characters in question. Kelly is a strong and confident woman, quite at home with her body and her decisions regarding sex. She doesn't do relationships, she prefers one night stands and is quick to cut off any attempt at further contact. That in itself didn't bother me, but her wilful manipulation of Caleb in their relationship was not particularly attractive, though it was understandable considering her motivation. Caleb is also an enigma - he's a powerful, ruthless, businessman, who while he senses that Kelly is keeping secrets from him, is still interested in a sexual relationship with her. I'm not really sure that I liked him either, though he is much more concerned and caring about Kelly than vice versa. He is an anti-hero in my eyes. But then again, she's an anti-heroine, so a somewhat perfect match for each other.
The sex definitely drives their relationship, in both a negative and positive way. While Kelly was initially attracted to Caleb on the basis of their surprisingly heated rendezvous, when she finds out that he might be the man responsible for her father's murder she feels at once anger, guilt, and disgust. So at the beginning, the sex between them is quite one sided, in the sense that Caleb thinks Kelly is really into it, and Kelly is not, but is trying to forge a connection between them by using sex. When she actively engages with him sexually again it's not at all like their first uninhibited time together and you could feel her mentally gritting her teeth at putting herself in this position. I'm sure this is the first time that I've read a sex scene where the heroine is actively trying NOT to get turned on by the hero. But by midway, she's finding that she is actually enjoying it (much to her guilt) and they try different scenarios where she discovers that the rougher Caleb is, the more turned on she gets. As their relationship progresses, she finds that more and more she is engaged in what they are doing and unable to keep her attraction to him from overwhelming her when they are in bed together. Caleb on the other hand can sense that things aren't always right between them. He knows she is holding back from him emotionally, and works to fix that. It's a constant power struggle.
'She knew what he was doing. It was still the same challenge. Get her to lose control, get her to beg. She wasn't going to give into it, no matter how her body was responding to him, no matter how much she needed him to think she was fully into this.
So she bit her lip again, refusing to give him what he wanted, even as the pleasure kept tightening into a coil inside her.
"Ask me," he growled, fucking her hard and fast and in a way her body desperately needed.
She whimpered, still trying to resist, needing to come so badly her vision had blurred. But she couldn't. She couldn't. As if he were holding it back by the power of his will.
"Oh God," she mumbled, the demands of her body finally too powerful to resists. "Oh, God, please. Make me come. Make me come."
With a gutteral sound of satisfaction, his rhythm intensified. "Then come, Kelly. Come now."
We know by the end of this part that they are drawn to each other sexually and emotionally, but that they each have a lot of secrets that are waiting to spill. This section ends fairly abruptly with no real sense of what's going to happen next except that if they don't start sharing the truth, they won't last long. And if they do confess their guilty secrets, things might even be worse. What was interesting to me about that story was that even though the characters didn't really appeal to me, I still liked the plot and the edginess of it, and the suspense and tension kept me engaged from the beginning. I'm interested to see how this story will end. 3.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note 2: this review also appears as a blog post at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
April 16, 2015
2.5-3 stars
This didn't really work for me. For most of the book, I felt like nothing was happening except sex. And not even good sex. It was sex with a HUGE dose of guilt and anger on the part of Kelly. She was feeling guilty for actually living Caleb even though he may be the man responsible for the death of her father. I must say, though, I did like Caleb. He was older than the usual romance hero (and I liked that! ) and he was smart and arrogant and his cockiness was sexy.
Sadly, it ended in a cliffhanger. I just don't know if I can deal with reading about more of Kelly's guilt.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
This didn't really work for me. For most of the book, I felt like nothing was happening except sex. And not even good sex. It was sex with a HUGE dose of guilt and anger on the part of Kelly. She was feeling guilty for actually living Caleb even though he may be the man responsible for the death of her father. I must say, though, I did like Caleb. He was older than the usual romance hero (and I liked that! ) and he was smart and arrogant and his cockiness was sexy.
Sadly, it ended in a cliffhanger. I just don't know if I can deal with reading about more of Kelly's guilt.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
May 23, 2015
I've been disappointed with the last few books I've read which has rolled over to this one. The premise is interesting, I do like a darker story, and the overview suckered me to want to read this. The first few chapters were pretty good and I found myself saying, "I'm going to love this." Sadly, by the middle of the book I was feeling like I can't wait to finish this because I can't go on. The ending rounded up my feelings a bit so I might just read the next in the series to know what happens.
I liked Caleb. No business person on this planet is without faults and some skeletons in their closet but that doesn't make him a bad guy. For me, it shows he played the game to succeed in his career but his feelings of guilt show he's human. He's smart, sexual, in control, and just pretty easy to like. His mouth, God, that man can talk to me any time.
I wanted to like Kelly, and for a time I did, but I just felt like strangling her by the middle of the book. I guess I'm a big liberal and her constant going to war with herself without clear and straight evidence bothers me. I'm a big believer of going with your gut instinct and also in the truth will set you free. Granted, being free may not always feel nice but it does allow for healing. I felt as though she allowed herself to fall in love but couldn't allow herself to be truthful. That just annoyed me. Her mother also made me want to pull out my paintball gun and have my merry way with her.
Overall, I have to give this book a disappointed 3.5 stars. I was really looking forward to this read and was disappointed with how it was laid out. I think, if it was structured differently, I'd be singing its praise and happy dancing in my pajamas instead of already diving into another book to forget my disappointment.
I liked Caleb. No business person on this planet is without faults and some skeletons in their closet but that doesn't make him a bad guy. For me, it shows he played the game to succeed in his career but his feelings of guilt show he's human. He's smart, sexual, in control, and just pretty easy to like. His mouth, God, that man can talk to me any time.
I wanted to like Kelly, and for a time I did, but I just felt like strangling her by the middle of the book. I guess I'm a big liberal and her constant going to war with herself without clear and straight evidence bothers me. I'm a big believer of going with your gut instinct and also in the truth will set you free. Granted, being free may not always feel nice but it does allow for healing. I felt as though she allowed herself to fall in love but couldn't allow herself to be truthful. That just annoyed me. Her mother also made me want to pull out my paintball gun and have my merry way with her.
Overall, I have to give this book a disappointed 3.5 stars. I was really looking forward to this read and was disappointed with how it was laid out. I think, if it was structured differently, I'd be singing its praise and happy dancing in my pajamas instead of already diving into another book to forget my disappointment.
December 30, 2015
Wow holy twist and turns batman! Just when you think you have this book figured out, another shoe drops and you are right back to square one scratching your head and wondering what the hell..
First of all let me just say Caleb is sinfully delicious! I mean I could eat that man morning, noon and night and still want another serving. The things his muscled body and wickedly, wonderful dirty mouth can do to a woman's overies is downright amazballs! But like all delicious things, too much can be hazardous to your health.
The whole time Kelly is making plans and working through her plot of revenge I was holding my breath and begging her to just let it the f*ck go. I saw red flag everywhere and I knew when that other shoe did drop, it was gonna be bad news bears. And ooooohhhh shhhhhheeeeettt was it ever! You have to read this book, seriously like add it, right now. I'll wait......
The entire time you are reading this book and getting more and more and more into the story you have no idea which way is up,down,side to side! Like just... *Mind blown*
I loved Kelly and Caleb. They were amazing, flawed characters and so easy to get caught up in. Both were raw, sexual, and brilliant in their own way. They make you smile. They make you hot. They make you scream at them (they know what they did)! They just make you.... Feel! Good, bad, happy and sad. If this book where a relationship status on Facebook "it's complicated" would fit it to a T!! I haven't fan girled hard over a book like this in a long time! I recommend this book to.. . Everyone!
** ARC was provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
First of all let me just say Caleb is sinfully delicious! I mean I could eat that man morning, noon and night and still want another serving. The things his muscled body and wickedly, wonderful dirty mouth can do to a woman's overies is downright amazballs! But like all delicious things, too much can be hazardous to your health.
The whole time Kelly is making plans and working through her plot of revenge I was holding my breath and begging her to just let it the f*ck go. I saw red flag everywhere and I knew when that other shoe did drop, it was gonna be bad news bears. And ooooohhhh shhhhhheeeeettt was it ever! You have to read this book, seriously like add it, right now. I'll wait......
The entire time you are reading this book and getting more and more and more into the story you have no idea which way is up,down,side to side! Like just... *Mind blown*
I loved Kelly and Caleb. They were amazing, flawed characters and so easy to get caught up in. Both were raw, sexual, and brilliant in their own way. They make you smile. They make you hot. They make you scream at them (they know what they did)! They just make you.... Feel! Good, bad, happy and sad. If this book where a relationship status on Facebook "it's complicated" would fit it to a T!! I haven't fan girled hard over a book like this in a long time! I recommend this book to.. . Everyone!
** ARC was provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
June 28, 2015
This book was different and certainly not what I expected.
Kelly is a woman with secrets. She has a plan; she wants to find out who is responsible for her father's death. When fate, or maybe not exactly fate, brings her close to the man who might be the one to blame, she is shocked. Not knowing what to do, she sets her plan into motion.
Caleb is a wealthy CEO and he is used to getting what he wants. When he meets a gorgeous woman at the park, he is enthralled. After a passionate first meeting he is surprised to discover that he wants to see her again. He pursues her and eventually, Kelly realizes that there is more to the man that what meets the eye. Against her will, she gives in, both disgusted and attracted by the man she is supposed to hate. Where will this affair lead her? To light or to darkness?
I liked the premise of the book. I liked the storyline and I was drawn to the characters. The development took a different turn than what I was expecting. I was surprised at how the story unfolded. The writing is great. My only complaint is that the book focuses too much on the sexual affair and the interesting subplot is not developed properly for my taste. I am curious to see where the next book will take Kelly and Caleb.
Overall, this was a fun and exciting read!Dark atmosphere and mystery all the way through. Good job.
3.75 to 4 Stars from me.
*I kindly received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
Kelly is a woman with secrets. She has a plan; she wants to find out who is responsible for her father's death. When fate, or maybe not exactly fate, brings her close to the man who might be the one to blame, she is shocked. Not knowing what to do, she sets her plan into motion.
Caleb is a wealthy CEO and he is used to getting what he wants. When he meets a gorgeous woman at the park, he is enthralled. After a passionate first meeting he is surprised to discover that he wants to see her again. He pursues her and eventually, Kelly realizes that there is more to the man that what meets the eye. Against her will, she gives in, both disgusted and attracted by the man she is supposed to hate. Where will this affair lead her? To light or to darkness?
I liked the premise of the book. I liked the storyline and I was drawn to the characters. The development took a different turn than what I was expecting. I was surprised at how the story unfolded. The writing is great. My only complaint is that the book focuses too much on the sexual affair and the interesting subplot is not developed properly for my taste. I am curious to see where the next book will take Kelly and Caleb.
Overall, this was a fun and exciting read!Dark atmosphere and mystery all the way through. Good job.
3.75 to 4 Stars from me.
*I kindly received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
December 21, 2023
DNF at 35%.
The premise of this book sounded interesting, little mystery, little suspense, but then drastically failed to create a world that makes sense or characters that the reader can be drawn to.
In the 35% I read, we learn that the FMC is afraid of the forest because her dad was murdered in one, she fucked her dads potential murder in said forest where he was murdered, and then her mom showed up (after abandoning her for 18 years), and said that the meeting between FMC and MMC was constructed so the FMC can prove her fathers murder.
Because yes, if my parent walked out on me at 10 years old, came back when I was 28 and said you’ll sleep with this guy who I think killed your father to get proof, I’d be like * yes bestie let’s solve a murder *.
Plus I’m sorry but why are these sex scenes 10+ pages long? They’re not good.
With some development, the plot could get better; I don’t doubt that. But the writing style was 100% not for me. Choppy, nondescript and wordy all at the same time, I would pull my hair out if I had to continue reading this.
It’s a no for me.
The premise of this book sounded interesting, little mystery, little suspense, but then drastically failed to create a world that makes sense or characters that the reader can be drawn to.
In the 35% I read, we learn that the FMC is afraid of the forest because her dad was murdered in one, she fucked her dads potential murder in said forest where he was murdered, and then her mom showed up (after abandoning her for 18 years), and said that the meeting between FMC and MMC was constructed so the FMC can prove her fathers murder.
Because yes, if my parent walked out on me at 10 years old, came back when I was 28 and said you’ll sleep with this guy who I think killed your father to get proof, I’d be like * yes bestie let’s solve a murder *.
Plus I’m sorry but why are these sex scenes 10+ pages long? They’re not good.
With some development, the plot could get better; I don’t doubt that. But the writing style was 100% not for me. Choppy, nondescript and wordy all at the same time, I would pull my hair out if I had to continue reading this.
It’s a no for me.
July 13, 2015
It was a refreshing change to read about a cold hearted plot for revenge from a heroine's perspective and I must say that I had conflicting emotions reading the first few chapters. The scene is set for Kelly's revenge plot and this really had me squirming a bit, trying to put myself in her shoe's to see whether I could be as controlled as she was, whether I could mask my true feelings as well, knowing how tough that would be. I was torn between seeing her side of the story, and accepting her actions and her steely resolve.
Then a cleverly placed change in point of view, gave a subtle shift in perspective. It was like the author knew I needed a breath to absorb what Kelly was doing and thinking. We are thrust into Caleb's head and I think the change was very well timed and executed. To have these scenes in particular, told in both points of view, really appealed to me, for what it revealed and how much it said about each character.
Kelly was bruised and broken emotionally, her past haunts her, and rightly so. So affected by her fathers brutal murder, and her mothers abandonment, she hides behind casual one night stands, never letting anyone in, holding herself far away from any emotional attachment. Kelly is blindsided by her mother's re-appearance and when she forces her to confront her painful past, devising a treacherous and dangerous scheme for revenge, Kelly knows she is in over her head, but the thought of finally bringing justice to her family and satisfying her mother's wishes, in her mind, leaves her no choice. To be honest, I didn't connect to Kelly straight away but she grew on me, and as I learned more about her background and saw things from her perspective, I became invested in her story and the outcome.
Caleb is a ruthless man, a hard-nosed businessman, used to getting what he wants, when he wants, and clearing any obstacles in his way to achieve the desired outcome. His habit of one night stands and casual relationships is similar to Kelly's and he sees a kindred spirit and feels an instant connection to her. As I said in my introduction, we do see Caleb's point of view, and I thought this showing of his vulnerabilities, made him human, conflicting with the notion of the monster that Kelly and her mother have portrayed of him. There is an underlying current of danger with him, cold, intense and mysterious, and, in this first installment, we really only scratch the surface of his back-story. Things are not as they seem, or are they? I did make a connection with Caleb and I am certain there are more twists and turns to his side of the story that will hopefully be revealed in book two. His past is just as broken as Kelly's. There is loss and pain and I am intrigued where this will go.
Both characters are extremely unnerved by their growing affection for each other, their ever deepening connection is unfamiliar, yet both are unable to resist it. The chemistry between Kelly and Caleb was intense and all consuming, the sex scenes were hot and plentiful, warranted given the nature of their relationship and mindset of each character. So much more than a steamy sex scene was told through these moments and added depth to the characters. After my initial uncomfortable feelings about the heroine's actions, I really did sink into this story and was fully engaged till the last page. It kind of snuck up on me, and with only 5% to go I realised there was going to be a cliffhanger. I know a lot of people do not like cliffhangers, but if they are well timed, as this one was, I don't mind them. There was enough to intrigue me and I will be back for more as soon as the next installment is released.
copy kindly provided by the publisher/author and Netgalley
Then a cleverly placed change in point of view, gave a subtle shift in perspective. It was like the author knew I needed a breath to absorb what Kelly was doing and thinking. We are thrust into Caleb's head and I think the change was very well timed and executed. To have these scenes in particular, told in both points of view, really appealed to me, for what it revealed and how much it said about each character.
Kelly was bruised and broken emotionally, her past haunts her, and rightly so. So affected by her fathers brutal murder, and her mothers abandonment, she hides behind casual one night stands, never letting anyone in, holding herself far away from any emotional attachment. Kelly is blindsided by her mother's re-appearance and when she forces her to confront her painful past, devising a treacherous and dangerous scheme for revenge, Kelly knows she is in over her head, but the thought of finally bringing justice to her family and satisfying her mother's wishes, in her mind, leaves her no choice. To be honest, I didn't connect to Kelly straight away but she grew on me, and as I learned more about her background and saw things from her perspective, I became invested in her story and the outcome.
Caleb is a ruthless man, a hard-nosed businessman, used to getting what he wants, when he wants, and clearing any obstacles in his way to achieve the desired outcome. His habit of one night stands and casual relationships is similar to Kelly's and he sees a kindred spirit and feels an instant connection to her. As I said in my introduction, we do see Caleb's point of view, and I thought this showing of his vulnerabilities, made him human, conflicting with the notion of the monster that Kelly and her mother have portrayed of him. There is an underlying current of danger with him, cold, intense and mysterious, and, in this first installment, we really only scratch the surface of his back-story. Things are not as they seem, or are they? I did make a connection with Caleb and I am certain there are more twists and turns to his side of the story that will hopefully be revealed in book two. His past is just as broken as Kelly's. There is loss and pain and I am intrigued where this will go.
Both characters are extremely unnerved by their growing affection for each other, their ever deepening connection is unfamiliar, yet both are unable to resist it. The chemistry between Kelly and Caleb was intense and all consuming, the sex scenes were hot and plentiful, warranted given the nature of their relationship and mindset of each character. So much more than a steamy sex scene was told through these moments and added depth to the characters. After my initial uncomfortable feelings about the heroine's actions, I really did sink into this story and was fully engaged till the last page. It kind of snuck up on me, and with only 5% to go I realised there was going to be a cliffhanger. I know a lot of people do not like cliffhangers, but if they are well timed, as this one was, I don't mind them. There was enough to intrigue me and I will be back for more as soon as the next installment is released.
copy kindly provided by the publisher/author and Netgalley
July 2, 2015
Very conflicted about this one! The writing is good and the characters most definitely grip you emotionally. Those are the good points. The bad - I hate cliffhangers...ugh! The characters, both Caleb just for being the ruthless person he is and Kelly for being willing to use herself all in the name of revenge, make me a bit crazy. With that said, I did sit and read this all the way through so it did what a good book should. It grabbed me emotionally, kept my attention, and stuck with me. So if you like your stories a little dark, filled with revenge, and don't mind waiting for the next book then I definitely recommend this one.
September 18, 2016
Kelly Watson, yg digambarkan punya wajah innocent dan tubuh aduhai, yg "ditugaskan" oleh ibunya buat membalas dendam kematian ayahnya. Si ibu mencurigai, Caleb Marshall, si CEO tempat ayah Kelly bekerja, yg menugaskan pembunuhan. Si ibu menegaskan, dengan kecantikan dan tubuhnya, Kelly bisa membalas dendam atas kematian ayahnya.
So, sejak awal kenal dgn Caleb di hutan, dilanjutkan si Kelly diundang menginap di rumah Caleb, yang tentu saja hampir setiap hari making sex. Awal cerita memang monoton ceritanya, hanya full sex dan sampai fake orgasm dll. Dan Kelly selalu melarang Caleb yg mau menjamu "kutub selatan"nya. Tapi mulai ke tengah, baru ceritanya lebih menarik, ketika Kelly menyusup ke ruang kerja Caleb dan kecurigaan Caleb terhadap identitas Kelly yg sebenarnya membuat masing2 pihak saling curiga dan marah besar, tapi diakhiri dgn sex yg mulai melibatkan cunilingus (bagi Kelly ini terlalu intim) dan usai percintaan badai panas itu, Kelly merasa hilang kontrol emosinya, jadi secara mendadak memutuskan utk meninggalkan rumah Caleb. Kelly galau karena dia sudah jatuh cinta pada Caleb yg masih notabene "dicurigai" sbg dalang pembunuh ayahnya. Dan Kelly makin merasa bersalah karena Caleb juga menyatakan dia juga jatuh cinta sejak pertemuan pertama mereka.
Kalau kalian penyuka novel romance yg full erotica, buku ini boleh dijadikan rekomendasinya. bab 1 s.d bab akhir full adegan uhuk-uhuk. Tapi bukan uhuk2 sambil celup2 aja, author selalu punya trik menulis adegan scene making love yg intens, makin romantis dan makin intim. Chemistry dan pergolakan batin dan karakter kedua tokoh utamanya sangat bagus diolah. Walau dihambarkan Caleb Marshall seorang yg brengsek, arogan, berhati dingin, paling tidak dia loyal dan tidak terditorsi dgn wanita lain.
"It’s complicated for me too. I know I’m not the man you might want me to be, for a serious relationship. But I want you so much, I don’t care. I want you, Kelly, and I can try to change, if you need me to. All of me is yours.” page 499
Dari segi tema cerita, tadinya saya mengharapkan ada hal-hal yg twisted atau surprise, ternyata baru sadar pas review ini, memang sengaja "digantung" karena masih ada kelanjutannya. Jadi saya masih harus menantikan siapa sebenarnya pembunuh ayah Kelly. Akankah Caleb tetap "menerima" Kelly jika tahu awalnya Kelly sbg mata2 di rumahnya? Nantikan kelanjutannya.
So, sejak awal kenal dgn Caleb di hutan, dilanjutkan si Kelly diundang menginap di rumah Caleb, yang tentu saja hampir setiap hari making sex. Awal cerita memang monoton ceritanya, hanya full sex dan sampai fake orgasm dll. Dan Kelly selalu melarang Caleb yg mau menjamu "kutub selatan"nya. Tapi mulai ke tengah, baru ceritanya lebih menarik, ketika Kelly menyusup ke ruang kerja Caleb dan kecurigaan Caleb terhadap identitas Kelly yg sebenarnya membuat masing2 pihak saling curiga dan marah besar, tapi diakhiri dgn sex yg mulai melibatkan cunilingus (bagi Kelly ini terlalu intim) dan usai percintaan badai panas itu, Kelly merasa hilang kontrol emosinya, jadi secara mendadak memutuskan utk meninggalkan rumah Caleb. Kelly galau karena dia sudah jatuh cinta pada Caleb yg masih notabene "dicurigai" sbg dalang pembunuh ayahnya. Dan Kelly makin merasa bersalah karena Caleb juga menyatakan dia juga jatuh cinta sejak pertemuan pertama mereka.
Kalau kalian penyuka novel romance yg full erotica, buku ini boleh dijadikan rekomendasinya. bab 1 s.d bab akhir full adegan uhuk-uhuk. Tapi bukan uhuk2 sambil celup2 aja, author selalu punya trik menulis adegan scene making love yg intens, makin romantis dan makin intim. Chemistry dan pergolakan batin dan karakter kedua tokoh utamanya sangat bagus diolah. Walau dihambarkan Caleb Marshall seorang yg brengsek, arogan, berhati dingin, paling tidak dia loyal dan tidak terditorsi dgn wanita lain.
"It’s complicated for me too. I know I’m not the man you might want me to be, for a serious relationship. But I want you so much, I don’t care. I want you, Kelly, and I can try to change, if you need me to. All of me is yours.” page 499
Dari segi tema cerita, tadinya saya mengharapkan ada hal-hal yg twisted atau surprise, ternyata baru sadar pas review ini, memang sengaja "digantung" karena masih ada kelanjutannya. Jadi saya masih harus menantikan siapa sebenarnya pembunuh ayah Kelly. Akankah Caleb tetap "menerima" Kelly jika tahu awalnya Kelly sbg mata2 di rumahnya? Nantikan kelanjutannya.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2015
Kelly is all about no-strings attached fun. She doesn't do relationships and she doesn't let anyone close to her. She witnessed her father's murder almost 20 years ago and it changed her life. Caleb has been all about his career, he also avoids relationships and prefers one-time encounters. When Caleb and Kelly have a chance meeting in the park, they are immediately attracted to each other despite their age difference. After their hot and steamy meeting, they go their separate ways. When Kelly finds out later who Caleb is, she knows she can use her body to distract Caleb so she can get the revenge she seeks.
I am a sucker for an enemies to lovers type romance - especially with a revenge theme so this book was perfect for me. This story was the type that I got sucked in right away and couldn't put it down. The characters were unique - I loved them and I hated them. The steam factor was off the charts amazingly hot. The story itself was interesting and I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next. I always find it to be really hard to rate/review a book that ends in a cliffhanger because obviously, it's not a complete story as is the case with this book. I rated this 5 stars because I can't wait to find out what is going to happen in the next book, I need closure and answers and this story is going to stay in my head until I get those answers. I became invested in the story and I am going to go crazy waiting for the conclusion to this story and that, to me, is what makes a cliffhanger book 5 stars.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
I am a sucker for an enemies to lovers type romance - especially with a revenge theme so this book was perfect for me. This story was the type that I got sucked in right away and couldn't put it down. The characters were unique - I loved them and I hated them. The steam factor was off the charts amazingly hot. The story itself was interesting and I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next. I always find it to be really hard to rate/review a book that ends in a cliffhanger because obviously, it's not a complete story as is the case with this book. I rated this 5 stars because I can't wait to find out what is going to happen in the next book, I need closure and answers and this story is going to stay in my head until I get those answers. I became invested in the story and I am going to go crazy waiting for the conclusion to this story and that, to me, is what makes a cliffhanger book 5 stars.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
June 26, 2015
**My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
I will admit that i did struggle to read this book. There was not that much that grabbed me and said you have to read all of this right this minute!
Both characters hid secrets and i'm not sure i liked the way that our heroine acted, especially at the beginning. Caleb showed that he could change, but he never outwardly lied to Kelly, whereas Kelly was constantly leing and manipulating Caleb.
A few issues get sorted, however the story does seem to drag on a little, with an awful lot of fucking going on. Hopefully the unresolved issues will be in the second book. Although at this point i'm not quite sure if I will be reading it.
I will admit that i did struggle to read this book. There was not that much that grabbed me and said you have to read all of this right this minute!
Both characters hid secrets and i'm not sure i liked the way that our heroine acted, especially at the beginning. Caleb showed that he could change, but he never outwardly lied to Kelly, whereas Kelly was constantly leing and manipulating Caleb.
A few issues get sorted, however the story does seem to drag on a little, with an awful lot of fucking going on. Hopefully the unresolved issues will be in the second book. Although at this point i'm not quite sure if I will be reading it.
April 27, 2015
I gave it a chance, but that was a poorly constructed execution of a premise that had so much potential to be really good.
And it definitely did not deserve to be the first in a series of anything. It all could have be wrapped up in a couple more pages if some of the numerous and unnecessary amount of sex scenes were cut.
I, for one, will not be bothering with reading any more of this story. Pity, as I am a fan of this author's alter ego, Noelle Adams' writing.
July 5, 2015
ARC given by publisher via NETGALLEY in exchange of an honest review
First of all, I couldn't recognize Claire Kent, Noelle Adams at all in this book! It was totally different and enjoyable not considering the score I gave for this book. Why that score would be elaborate a little later. But, the author of this book, I couldn't sense her. The written was good, nothing to complain, I couldn't seem to pinpoint her in this plot. Unbelievable that it was from her, I had to go back to the cover many times to make sure that it was a book from her.
Why, I'm so surprise, there was that girl out of nowhere but profoundly shatter but it was just the beginning, she led a life where she was kinda the "ass" if we compared that it would be a "w?ho?e" (I don't like that term). But she wasn't, safe and living, not hurting. Then, came that stranger.... corky, so sure and superior but hell he knew how well he was!
Mysteries, vengeance, PI, love, stubborn, dangerous... so many items not unlikely link to the author.
REFRESHING yet, that the second point, refreshing but too many details, felt dragging. The book, looking at the number of pages was short, I took 3 days but let's count 2. Half of the book I wanted it to be the end of it. Not moving fast enough... I wanted more action, they have plenty of actions but more moving... maybe the limbo of feeling was too much for me. I understood the dilemma but the first half was too long.
Around 60 % to the end.... it was much more better, the story kick in, deeper. Sometimes, I just skipped few lines since there were scenes of those two, I only caught the moment to understand, or being aware for the next scenes and development. By the end, when I thought it would end with a kind of positive note with sure some mysteries left... I didn't expect the scale to change that much. Great! But not great for reader who are eager.
SO now, the summary of the 3 stars. It would have been a 4 if the story was that catchy like the second half. That is only my point of view. But it was a pretty pretty good read and will for sure WAIT and read the next one (S?)
First of all, I couldn't recognize Claire Kent, Noelle Adams at all in this book! It was totally different and enjoyable not considering the score I gave for this book. Why that score would be elaborate a little later. But, the author of this book, I couldn't sense her. The written was good, nothing to complain, I couldn't seem to pinpoint her in this plot. Unbelievable that it was from her, I had to go back to the cover many times to make sure that it was a book from her.
Why, I'm so surprise, there was that girl out of nowhere but profoundly shatter but it was just the beginning, she led a life where she was kinda the "ass" if we compared that it would be a "w?ho?e" (I don't like that term). But she wasn't, safe and living, not hurting. Then, came that stranger.... corky, so sure and superior but hell he knew how well he was!
Mysteries, vengeance, PI, love, stubborn, dangerous... so many items not unlikely link to the author.
REFRESHING yet, that the second point, refreshing but too many details, felt dragging. The book, looking at the number of pages was short, I took 3 days but let's count 2. Half of the book I wanted it to be the end of it. Not moving fast enough... I wanted more action, they have plenty of actions but more moving... maybe the limbo of feeling was too much for me. I understood the dilemma but the first half was too long.
Around 60 % to the end.... it was much more better, the story kick in, deeper. Sometimes, I just skipped few lines since there were scenes of those two, I only caught the moment to understand, or being aware for the next scenes and development. By the end, when I thought it would end with a kind of positive note with sure some mysteries left... I didn't expect the scale to change that much. Great! But not great for reader who are eager.
SO now, the summary of the 3 stars. It would have been a 4 if the story was that catchy like the second half. That is only my point of view. But it was a pretty pretty good read and will for sure WAIT and read the next one (S?)
May 13, 2015
Sweet The Sin by Claire Kent is loaded and I mean loaded with hot, hard and powerful sex. This is not just the happy meal, its been super-sized with steamy scenes from beginning to end. But what Kent does as well is create characters that you can relate and feel for and not poorly played B grade soft porn stars.
Kelly Watson lives her life through one night stands, no seconds, and she is comfortable that way. She maintains control and no one gets to close to her. The loss of her father to violence and the desertion by her mother has taught her to remain guarded of anyone.
Caleb Marshall is a rich and successful businessman who lives very much the same way and when he and Kelly meet it is a torrid and powerful encounter. Both enjoying the best sex they've had and both swearing to never see each other again.
But this was no chance encounter and Kelly soon learns who Caleb Marshall may be. She is propelled into a mystery that is twenty years old and ended with the murder of her father. Kelly searches out Caleb and through a clever ruse she begins an affair that brings her closer to Caleb, the murder of her father and the truth of who she is. But will the truth be too much for her?
Did I mention the sex?
Claire Kent has baked a cake here. A good story with strong and terrifically written characters and for good measure, she has pulled out a big tub of sex frosting and laid it on thick. There is vanilla, bondage, a romp in the woods, naughty little girl dress up...I think that was just the first ten pages. I mean a ton of good frosting and it is sweet.
So if sex bothers you, if sweets are a little too much, maybe this is not one for you. But if you enjoy a good erotic novel with mystery, drama, good characterization and did I mention sex?
Then you will enjoy Sweet the Sin.
Kelly Watson lives her life through one night stands, no seconds, and she is comfortable that way. She maintains control and no one gets to close to her. The loss of her father to violence and the desertion by her mother has taught her to remain guarded of anyone.
Caleb Marshall is a rich and successful businessman who lives very much the same way and when he and Kelly meet it is a torrid and powerful encounter. Both enjoying the best sex they've had and both swearing to never see each other again.
But this was no chance encounter and Kelly soon learns who Caleb Marshall may be. She is propelled into a mystery that is twenty years old and ended with the murder of her father. Kelly searches out Caleb and through a clever ruse she begins an affair that brings her closer to Caleb, the murder of her father and the truth of who she is. But will the truth be too much for her?
Did I mention the sex?
Claire Kent has baked a cake here. A good story with strong and terrifically written characters and for good measure, she has pulled out a big tub of sex frosting and laid it on thick. There is vanilla, bondage, a romp in the woods, naughty little girl dress up...I think that was just the first ten pages. I mean a ton of good frosting and it is sweet.
So if sex bothers you, if sweets are a little too much, maybe this is not one for you. But if you enjoy a good erotic novel with mystery, drama, good characterization and did I mention sex?
Then you will enjoy Sweet the Sin.
July 13, 2015
3.5 Stars
The other day there was a post by an author about a review of her books. A comment from another author said that somebody actually gave her book a bad review because there was too much sex. I scoffed along with the rest of the commenters, but am now eating those words. While I'm not rating Sweet the Sin lower because there was too much sex,I am because there was too much sex and not enough storyline for me.I like more of a balance in my books.
Kelly and Caleb came across as shallow people that I couldn't get into. She thinks he is involved with the murder of her father many years ago and is now sleeping with the enemy to find out what he really knows. I didn't like Kelly. There was a reason she never got close to men or had relationships, however don't feel I ever learned the reason why. Maybe because of her father dying? Her mother leaving? I didn't get it. Caleb is just an arrogant jerk. Thinking he's gods gift to women, he doesn't bother to give them more than one night.
Kelly starts to sleep with Caleb and all the while trying not to enjoy it. Hating herself after every sexual escapade (of which there are many) and complaining the entire time. I felt that pretty much sums up the first three quarters of the book. Kelly has sex with Caleb, feels bad then has sex with him again. Repeat cycle.
Where was Kelly's mother this whole time? Why does she think Caleb ordered the hit? Those are questions that do not get answered. The mom pops up in the story and Kelly asks zero questions about the past. At about the 85% mark things finally started to roll in the story and then its over. While I wasn't a huge fan of this first book, I am interested in finding out if Caleb is guilty of killing Kelly's father and will continue the series.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
The other day there was a post by an author about a review of her books. A comment from another author said that somebody actually gave her book a bad review because there was too much sex. I scoffed along with the rest of the commenters, but am now eating those words. While I'm not rating Sweet the Sin lower because there was too much sex,I am because there was too much sex and not enough storyline for me.I like more of a balance in my books.
Kelly and Caleb came across as shallow people that I couldn't get into. She thinks he is involved with the murder of her father many years ago and is now sleeping with the enemy to find out what he really knows. I didn't like Kelly. There was a reason she never got close to men or had relationships, however don't feel I ever learned the reason why. Maybe because of her father dying? Her mother leaving? I didn't get it. Caleb is just an arrogant jerk. Thinking he's gods gift to women, he doesn't bother to give them more than one night.
Kelly starts to sleep with Caleb and all the while trying not to enjoy it. Hating herself after every sexual escapade (of which there are many) and complaining the entire time. I felt that pretty much sums up the first three quarters of the book. Kelly has sex with Caleb, feels bad then has sex with him again. Repeat cycle.
Where was Kelly's mother this whole time? Why does she think Caleb ordered the hit? Those are questions that do not get answered. The mom pops up in the story and Kelly asks zero questions about the past. At about the 85% mark things finally started to roll in the story and then its over. While I wasn't a huge fan of this first book, I am interested in finding out if Caleb is guilty of killing Kelly's father and will continue the series.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
October 1, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Sweet the Sin is the first book in the romantic suspense Revenge series from author Claire Kent and was one that had an intriguing concept--a twenty-eight-year-old artist named Kelly Watson decides to exact revenge on Caleb Marshall, a forty-four-year-old pharmaceuticals company CEO and the man believed to be behind her father's murder. I understand the need for justice and revenge, but I couldn't fathom why she would so easily capitulate to her estranged mother's demands especially since her opinion of the woman wasn't all that great. The fact that her mother seemed to be more than okay that her own daughter sleep with someone who was thought to be a murderer or, at the very least, masterminded the crime, should have had Kelly second-guessing the whole thing. It just seemed completely off as far as I could see.
Kelly uses sex to lure Caleb in because that's the one thing that connects them initially, and I get that she had to do what was necessary, but it got to the point that reading about her trying to fake her orgasms grated on my nerves. The fact that there were times she actually enjoyed the sex made it clear that she was crossing back and forth that very line she had established in her oh-so-confused head. Obviously, she hadn't thought her plan all the way through. And while Caleb's guilt isn't entirely established here--because yes, it does end in a cliffhanger--he came off as more sympathetic and I think it had to do, in large part, to the transformation he makes from a cold and calculating millionaire to someone who actually starts to feel. There were things I questioned in Sweet the Sin, but it was a pretty good 3.5-starred read, rounded off to four stars. ♥
Sweet the Sin is the first book in the romantic suspense Revenge series from author Claire Kent and was one that had an intriguing concept--a twenty-eight-year-old artist named Kelly Watson decides to exact revenge on Caleb Marshall, a forty-four-year-old pharmaceuticals company CEO and the man believed to be behind her father's murder. I understand the need for justice and revenge, but I couldn't fathom why she would so easily capitulate to her estranged mother's demands especially since her opinion of the woman wasn't all that great. The fact that her mother seemed to be more than okay that her own daughter sleep with someone who was thought to be a murderer or, at the very least, masterminded the crime, should have had Kelly second-guessing the whole thing. It just seemed completely off as far as I could see.
Kelly uses sex to lure Caleb in because that's the one thing that connects them initially, and I get that she had to do what was necessary, but it got to the point that reading about her trying to fake her orgasms grated on my nerves. The fact that there were times she actually enjoyed the sex made it clear that she was crossing back and forth that very line she had established in her oh-so-confused head. Obviously, she hadn't thought her plan all the way through. And while Caleb's guilt isn't entirely established here--because yes, it does end in a cliffhanger--he came off as more sympathetic and I think it had to do, in large part, to the transformation he makes from a cold and calculating millionaire to someone who actually starts to feel. There were things I questioned in Sweet the Sin, but it was a pretty good 3.5-starred read, rounded off to four stars. ♥
November 18, 2015
I really ended up enjoying this book. The premise of the story piqued my interest and is what kept me reading through the clunky first chapters - particularly the expository scene with the heroine's mother - but after that it really settled in and I read it straight through.
Oftentimes it's easy to skim the purported "plot" in books labelled "erotic romance," but I thought the plot here was well conceived and doled out in small enough pieces to make me read carefully so I didn't miss a single thing.
I also thought the romantic relationship was done well. I know some people complain that the heroine didn't care enough about the hero at the beginning, but that was really the entire point. If she starts off adoring him and ends up adoring him, nothing really changes and there's no reason to continue reading. I truly felt the emotional story arc and legitimately cared about and believed in the main characters by the end of the book.
Ms. Kent does an excellent job of showing not telling, and while I kept waiting for the heroine to have some sort of inane "but I love him!" epiphany, it never happened, and I was pleasantly surprised since it would have felt shoe-horned into the story, just to check all the "romance" boxes.
The characters are compelling, the plot is smart and interesting, and the sex scenes are hot while still developing plot and character, which is not an easy thing to do. Strong recommend.
Oftentimes it's easy to skim the purported "plot" in books labelled "erotic romance," but I thought the plot here was well conceived and doled out in small enough pieces to make me read carefully so I didn't miss a single thing.
I also thought the romantic relationship was done well. I know some people complain that the heroine didn't care enough about the hero at the beginning, but that was really the entire point. If she starts off adoring him and ends up adoring him, nothing really changes and there's no reason to continue reading. I truly felt the emotional story arc and legitimately cared about and believed in the main characters by the end of the book.
Ms. Kent does an excellent job of showing not telling, and while I kept waiting for the heroine to have some sort of inane "but I love him!" epiphany, it never happened, and I was pleasantly surprised since it would have felt shoe-horned into the story, just to check all the "romance" boxes.
The characters are compelling, the plot is smart and interesting, and the sex scenes are hot while still developing plot and character, which is not an easy thing to do. Strong recommend.
April 24, 2015
I was given and advanced copy of this from NetGalley for an honest review. *spoilers*
I will give this book 3.5 stars. Sweet the Sin was a quick read for me. The plot of this book was very different and actually pretty good. The main characters Kelly and Caleb had instant chemistry...then along comes Kelly's long lost mother who left her 11 years ago?? With no explanation from her and no hard feelings from Kelly?? Just out of the blue comes a set up for Kelly to investigate the possible murder suspect of her father...no questions asked? Her mother returning irked me as it didn't fit into the story well. It would have been better had her and her mom had some sort of relationship without the disappearance part. Anyways..there were a lot of intense hot and heavy scenes which were just that Hot and Heavy! (fanning myself now) There were so many mixed emotions running rampant in the minds of both Kelly and Caleb that it made them a good fit for each other. Throw in the suspense of the "who done it" it kept me wanting more. A couple of crumbs are thrown to readers..and I can't help but wonder if they are just that...crumbs....to keep you guessing. Now I need to wait for the next book to find out who did it!!! I am hoping he wasn't the one and that these 2 can keep what they have going...I hope!!
I will give this book 3.5 stars. Sweet the Sin was a quick read for me. The plot of this book was very different and actually pretty good. The main characters Kelly and Caleb had instant chemistry...then along comes Kelly's long lost mother who left her 11 years ago?? With no explanation from her and no hard feelings from Kelly?? Just out of the blue comes a set up for Kelly to investigate the possible murder suspect of her father...no questions asked? Her mother returning irked me as it didn't fit into the story well. It would have been better had her and her mom had some sort of relationship without the disappearance part. Anyways..there were a lot of intense hot and heavy scenes which were just that Hot and Heavy! (fanning myself now) There were so many mixed emotions running rampant in the minds of both Kelly and Caleb that it made them a good fit for each other. Throw in the suspense of the "who done it" it kept me wanting more. A couple of crumbs are thrown to readers..and I can't help but wonder if they are just that...crumbs....to keep you guessing. Now I need to wait for the next book to find out who did it!!! I am hoping he wasn't the one and that these 2 can keep what they have going...I hope!!
July 6, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
This was my read from this author. The first chapter jumps right in with Kelly and Caleb's initial meeting. Kelly does pet portraits. She has an appointment with a man with a German Shepard. There is mention to her being somewhat slutty and on her own. She finds a man with the correct dog but finds out it isn't her client, instead she has sex against a tree with the stranger. She finds out after the "encounter" that her estranged mother set up the meeting with who the mother suspects had something to do with father's death.
It was all very weird and plot twisty. It wasn't a bad story until Kelly started questioning her decision to use Caleb to get information about her father. Then she just gets annoying. I did like Caleb though. He was sexy and arrogant just the right amount of cockiness. The sex is so guilt laced that I ended up skimming through most of it. It ends in a cliff hanger but I know I can't handle anymore of Kelly's overbearing guilt.
This was my read from this author. The first chapter jumps right in with Kelly and Caleb's initial meeting. Kelly does pet portraits. She has an appointment with a man with a German Shepard. There is mention to her being somewhat slutty and on her own. She finds a man with the correct dog but finds out it isn't her client, instead she has sex against a tree with the stranger. She finds out after the "encounter" that her estranged mother set up the meeting with who the mother suspects had something to do with father's death.
It was all very weird and plot twisty. It wasn't a bad story until Kelly started questioning her decision to use Caleb to get information about her father. Then she just gets annoying. I did like Caleb though. He was sexy and arrogant just the right amount of cockiness. The sex is so guilt laced that I ended up skimming through most of it. It ends in a cliff hanger but I know I can't handle anymore of Kelly's overbearing guilt.
June 29, 2015
**ARC provided by publisher for honest review***
Main Characters: Caleb & Kelly
I amsooo confused! How can I hate a heroine, and
be so annoyed with a book, and yet really really
mad that the next one isn’t out? Ugh
So I grumbling give the review…
Steaminess: Yes
Thumbs Up: Ugh Yes
New to this author? Yes
Overall: **growl** It was good
Page Turner: YES
Series Cont.? YES
Recommend: Yes
HEA:
Worth the read? Yes
Stand Alone: NO
Part of a series? Yes
Ok now I can vent. So we have Kelly who you LOVE
in the beginning so confident and sassy, and Caleb,
her sassy match. Then BOOM good sex scenes.
Then wicked witch comes flips everything up
side down, now you hate Kelly for lying, Caleb for
be whipped, and you want to pull your hair out with
the hot and cold back and forth. But yet, the writer
is soooo good, because does she let you get
annoyed and stop reading…NO…she makes the
mystery even better and the sex even hotter, and
by then end you don’t know whether to be angry or
annoyed, or smiling. So I leave you with my
completely bipolar rant on this page turning book!
Main Characters: Caleb & Kelly
I amsooo confused! How can I hate a heroine, and
be so annoyed with a book, and yet really really
mad that the next one isn’t out? Ugh
So I grumbling give the review…
Steaminess: Yes
Thumbs Up: Ugh Yes
New to this author? Yes
Overall: **growl** It was good
Page Turner: YES
Series Cont.? YES
Recommend: Yes
HEA:
Worth the read? Yes
Stand Alone: NO
Part of a series? Yes
Ok now I can vent. So we have Kelly who you LOVE
in the beginning so confident and sassy, and Caleb,
her sassy match. Then BOOM good sex scenes.
Then wicked witch comes flips everything up
side down, now you hate Kelly for lying, Caleb for
be whipped, and you want to pull your hair out with
the hot and cold back and forth. But yet, the writer
is soooo good, because does she let you get
annoyed and stop reading…NO…she makes the
mystery even better and the sex even hotter, and
by then end you don’t know whether to be angry or
annoyed, or smiling. So I leave you with my
completely bipolar rant on this page turning book!
July 7, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
From a rather stuttering start, I think this developed into a good read. I liked that they were on equal footing with regards to their desire to keep things simple. I think that she could have found out who he worked for without the plot twist of her Mother, as that just didn't ring true. I thought the uncertainty as things developed was really well expressed.
Overall a clever little tale that was definitely hot and spicy in places.
From a rather stuttering start, I think this developed into a good read. I liked that they were on equal footing with regards to their desire to keep things simple. I think that she could have found out who he worked for without the plot twist of her Mother, as that just didn't ring true. I thought the uncertainty as things developed was really well expressed.
Overall a clever little tale that was definitely hot and spicy in places.
July 4, 2015
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this amazing book!
I've never read anything by Claire Kent and, WOW, I'm impressed with her writing!! This was such a HOT, mysterious, deceptive book!! There are so many twist and turns you'll want to read this book straight through!! I hope there's a continuation of this story because there's no way it can just end the way it did!!
I've never read anything by Claire Kent and, WOW, I'm impressed with her writing!! This was such a HOT, mysterious, deceptive book!! There are so many twist and turns you'll want to read this book straight through!! I hope there's a continuation of this story because there's no way it can just end the way it did!!
Read
July 28, 2015Sorry- can't do it. An animal pet portrait artist made me cringe and the sex scenes in which "sleeping with the enemy" brings up visions of dead father were way too weird for me. Ick. Did not finish.
August 15, 2015
Genre: erotic romance serial
Tropes: older man, revenge
Rating: 3.5
Tropes: older man, revenge
Rating: 3.5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews