Stronger than Sin

Sin Hunters #2

by Caridad Piñeiro

Dr. Liliana Carrera nearly lost her life to Wardwell scientists. She won't let them harm other innocent victims, like her new patient, Jesse Bradford. The former pro athlete had the best hands in the NFL . . . until an injury forced him to undergo Wardwell's experimental gene therapy. Now Jesse's gorgeous body is superhuman-but his strength comes at a price.

With Wardwell threatening his family, Jesse can't tell Liliana all he knows. Yet he can't resist her compassion . . . or her healing, erotic touch. As their passion flares, Jesse's body becomes dangerous and volatile. For evil men are plotting to change the face of humanity-and will destroy whoever stands in their way.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Erotica, Fiction

317 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 14, 2010

About the author

Caridad Pineiro is a transplanted Long Island girl who has fallen in love with the Jersey Shore. When Caridad isn’t taking long strolls along the boardwalk, she’s also a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author with over a million romance novels sold worldwide. Caridad is passionate about writing and helping others explore and develop their skills as writers. She is a founding member of the Liberty States Fiction Writers and has presented workshops at the RT Book Club Convention, Romance Writers of America National Conference as well as various writing organizations throughout the country. You can connect with Caridad at www.caridad.com. You can also find Caridad on:

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carid...

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Caridad.Author

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/CaridadPine...

Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/caridadpineiro/

Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/car...

Want to receive Caridad's newsletter with exclusive content just for subscribers and special giveaways? Just visit http:/bit.ly/CaridadsNewsletter to sign up. Caridad values your privacy and will not share your e-mail or personal information.

Reviews

[Bookaholics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stronger than Sin (Sin 2) by Caridad Piñeiro
Paranormal Romance -Oct. 26th, 2010
3 1/2 stars

Stronger than Sin is the 2nd in Caridad Pineiro's contemporary paranormal series. It is a solid story with minor paranormal elements and includes 2 very believable and down to earth main characters.

Jesse Bradford’s famous career in football ended with a terrible injury and as a result he volunteered for experimental procedures which caused him more changes than he bargained for. Now his life is lived in a test tube environment under constant security. If it wasn't for the threat to his sister, he would leave. The experiments have caused his body to break down and in addition there are sudden rages that take over him. Jesse doesn't like not being out of control and is afraid of what he might do. He also doesn't want to reveal his weaknesses to the new Dr Liliana Carerra whom he is attracted to.

Dr. Liliana Carerra has dedicated her recent work to finding a cure to help her friend Caterina who has been experimented on by the evil Wardwell Laboratories. When she is pressured by the FBI to add a new patient with similar symptoms named Jesse Bradford, she find herself in over her head as secrets and intrigue surround her on all sides.

This was a quick, fast paced novel. I think it would have been an easier reading if I had read the first book in the series since there were many players and secret agendas. So I had trouble getting myself involved in the story. I did feel for Jesse who went through a lot of anguish.. I also admired the heroine and her determination to find a cure. I just wish Jesse had opened up to Liliana sooner so their relationship could move forward faster.

This was a solid romance with more suspense than paranormal. I would suggest reading the first book in the series to appreciate it fully.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books doesn't have to be read in order, but doing that you will know more about these genetic experiments. And as for the paranormal romance label, well there is noting paranormal here so far, it's more scientific romance suspense. The "paranormal" is all man-made. Let me explain.



Plot:

There are this evil kind of scientists that wants to make perfect soldiers and such. By implanting animal DNA into humans. In the last book one escaped and was rescued, and Liliana managed to get the things going on in Cat's body under control. In this one a man shows up claiming to be FBI, and wants Liliana to treat another escapee, Jesse Bradford, a hunky ex football player who joined the treatment in order to get better since he is suffering from a disease. The implanted genes into him, and now those genes are going crazy and he is getting an exo-skeleton, because where he gets a wound, bone heals it. And when the whole of you are just bone, well then you die. The evil guys are also threatening him. There you go, another sort of paranormal romance.



My thoughts:

I liked Liliana already in book 1, she was in a bad relationship and I wanted her to find someone nice. Nice here is Jesse who the "FBI" tells her is out of control and could go crazy and punch someone. She really should be careful but she meets him, she is gentle and sweet, and he falls for her at once. No one has been that nice for a while. He also used to quite the player, but who can hold it against him. He was famous and goodlooking.


I also like Jesse because he feels so bad for lying to her, but he wants to save his sister, and Liliana is one smart women and she has doubts about the whole thing. Something weird is going on. But she still stays, she is tough too.


There was suspense too, the race against the clock because he needs treatment, and his body is out of control. The danger from the Wardwell gang who wants to keep their test subjects and make the process better. The abuse he is suffering from Whittaker, the FBI agent, and so on. And then there is the romance, the slow romance that is building up between these two. She is skittish, and it's wrong on more than one level. But there is passion between them, and when they finally make a move, then it's bliss.



Recommendation and final thoughts:

I say yes, I would recommend this book. It's different than usual paranormal books, it's like Dark Angel, but without the bleak future. A book for you paranormal and UF fans, for those that like suspense, and romance, and in the end to everyone that would like something different.



It's an easy book to read, even when she in the lab being all smart. I could not turn the pages any faster to see what is going to happen. It was even better than book 1. And when it ends, omg, I do not know what to say. Perfect ending, but also an opening and I sure hopes she writes more.

[Mary Gramlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delight, not to be missed!

The mad scientists are still on the loose and they are looking for those subjects who come willingly with money or forcibly, it does not matter. Jesse Bradford had the injury and the money so he was a perfect fit for the insane group trying to control DNA any way possible.

Jesse was the golden boy of football until the day he received a career ending injury and then made an even worse decision to fix the problem anyway he had to. Conventional medicine could not put him back onto the playing field but a physician of questionable reputation said he would and Jesse bite into the apple that took him straight to perdition and punished him unspeakably for his decision. The price Jesse paid was unbelievable and he thought he would never see daylight again but then in walked Dr. Lilianna Carrera straight out of the darkness providing him with light to heal, a balm to cool his anger and love to temper his soul. She was there courtesy of the FBI and stood her ground with them but seriously questioned if the FBI really did hire goombas as bodyguards?

Lilianna was on a mission to find a cure to the destruction the gene replication caused because it touched her personally and now Jesse was showing the same signs of the disease and she thought there was hope to stop this insanity and she was going to find it. But Jesse was lying to her, keeping secrets and coming off friendly but deep down inside he was raging with anger that Lilianna wanted no part of, once was enough in anyone’s life. But Lilianna also saw the tender and caring Jesse and knew that what he wanted more than anything in life was to be a normal person again and not some creature that needed to be caged and tortured to behave.

Lilianna grew day-by-day closer to Jesse and as the secrets spill out between them she hatches a plan that will save them both and possibly cure Jesse for good. But Jesse is still leery of his desire for her and not sure he can let the walls come down completely around his heart. Jesse knows that he is not good enough for her but will Lilianna accept what he has to offer even if it damaged goods? Separately they are strong but together they are powerful and can help each other quiet the demons and shut down the madness and forgiving each other for any sins.

This 2nd book in the series following the wonderful 2009 Sins of the Flesh is just as amazing. Jesse as the alpha male is complicated and well written to show the depth of his desire and feelings. Lilianna as the female counterpart is a sassy, brash and powerful woman who knows how much she will take. It is a great match and adding the family, friends and complexities of the medical drama you have a great mix and when the bad guys come off this strong you know you have a winning combination.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read and has me wanting to read more in this series. Emotions, action, twists, steaminess, good characters, written well, and leaves you ready (and hanging) for more. Page-turning and gripping. Enjoy!

[Shanice Deneus]

it is nice and romantic

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ stars

[Beachbaby]

In boxed set - "Dangerous Passions: 12 Tales of Contemporary Sexy Hot Alpha Heroes"

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Book of Secrets

Stronger than Sin is the second book in Caridad Pineiro’s Sins series. This novel begins a few months after Sins of the Flesh and is Dr. Liliana Carrera’s story. She is the sister to Mick Carrera who was the hero in the first novel. Liliana is an orthopedic surgery resident who is asked by the FBI to work with a former patient of Wardwell labs. Jesse Bradford is a former professional quarterback. He sustains a football injury that ends his career. He bribes his way into Wardwell’s experimental gene therapy program in hopes of a cure for his degenerative bone disease but instead finds that’s he’s being turned into super-human killing machine.

Liliana has developed an inhibitor complex that has slowed down the mutant gene replication in her sister-in-law, Caterina who was in the first novel. A rogue FBI agent, Hank Whittaker along with the remaining founder of Wardwell Labs want this inhibitor to help sustain the lives of the other captive patients at the lab who have begun to die due to the experimental gene therapy.

Jesse’s particular gene mutation causes excessive bone to be produced at the sight of any inflammation or injury to his body. Eventually an exoskeleton will take over his body including his internal organs and eventually kill him. The inhibitor that is being used to slow down the DNA replication in Caterina unfortunately is of no use in treating Jesse’s condition. Liliana and her partner Dr. Carmen Rojas race against time to come up with an alternative inhibitor in order to save Jesse’s life.

Liliana is very distrustful of Jesse as he is former brawler and playboy and his numerous escapades have been documented by tabloids and news agencies. Even though there is definitely a sexual attraction to the former quarterback she does her best to maintain a professional doctor/patient relationship with him. Jesse is immediately attracted to Liliana but tries hard to suppress his feelings. His main concern is to stay alive and do what he’s told to keep his family safe from the death threats of Whittaker and Edwards.

This novel can be read as a standalone but I would recommend that you eventually read the first novel to get the back story on Wardwell labs and their experimental gene therapies. The reader is given just enough of the back story to keep up with the present plot line. But I would have liked to see a few more details about Liliana’s past and the lab. I did like both Liliana and Jesse. Liliana was a smart and sassy heroine. And Jesse was the typical sexy male athlete who had a soft spot for his doctor. Jesse was prone to violent outbursts as a result of the gene therapy and that added some darker moments to the plot. There wasn’t as much action in this installment as with the last book but the romance elements in this were enjoyable and Jesse and Liliana’s happily ever after was really sweet. The ending in this novel leads me to believe that the next book will contain more science fiction elements that were lacking in this novel. And even though I am not a big sci-fi fan I will definitely pick up the next book. Stronger than Sin gets 3 stars.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're all fascinated with the unknown. Recent movies that involve paranormal activity have made huge impacts on the media scene and most of us can't wait for the next one. Caridad Piñeiro's 25th novel, Stronger Than Sin, deals with the paranormal in a way that brings romance into the mix and creates a story with passion and intense drama.

Readers familiar with Piñeiro's work might recognize Dr. Liliana Carerra, whom Piñeiro brings forward from Sins of the Flesh, the first book in her SINS series. Dr. Carerra is a heroine blessed with caring, loyalty and inner strength. She's sexy, but strong, passionate, yet determined - and when she meets Jesse Bradford, Liliana knows that she must help him find the right path for his life.

Jesse is a former star football player who is enamored with all the trappings, including fame and power. It's interesting to follow Jesse in his quest to return to the family values with which he was raised and to set his priorities straight. He's a strong hero who needs a strong heroine - he gets that and more in Dr. Liliana Carerra.

Family values also come into play in Stronger Than Sin, and with Jesse, Piñeiro explores what happens when celebrity status hits a person, changes him into an arrogant and selfish man and what transpires when he attempts to return to the values and integrity he grew up with.

The fact that Dr. Carrera almost died because of this evil group of Wardwell scientists makes her even more determined to help Jesse overcome the effects of Wardwell's experimental gene therapy of which Jesse has fallen a victim. When Liliana first sees Jesse, he has an unbelievably stunning body and superhuman powers, but she knows that it came with a wicked price.

Liliana and Jesse come together with all the passion and lust of a romance novel - Jesse is captivated by her compassion and her erotic touch. Yet, all around the couple is evil and they can't escape having to deal with a diabolical force that's determined to destroy whatever stands in their way in order to complete their malicious plot.

Stronger Than Sin makes you realize what might happen when a group of illegal scientists come together to round up certain patients they can use as guinea pigs in a diabolical plot to inject non-human genes into their bodies. It's science at its most terrifying and Piñeiro uses all of her writing talents to make readers stop and think about genetically altered human beings and what might happen if these amended humans had supernatural powers to use against mankind.

In Stronger Than Sin, Piñeiro continues with her original theme in the SINS series of science gone horribly wrong. She weaves the tale superbly and believably because she bases the premise on actual science. What is told in Stronger Than Sin could really happen in this day of genetically modified organisms.

Review by Lauren Smith

This book review covers " Stronger Than Sin," by Caridad Piñeiro.

Article Source: A Paranormal Romance That Will Leave You Breathless

[Kelly Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Caridad Pineiro is a NY Times and USA Today best-selling author of more than twenty novels and novellas in the romance genre. Other titles include: Fury calls, Death Calls, Darkness Calls, Danger Calls, Temptation Calls, Devotion Calls, and Blood Calls. Caridad is also a wife, attorney, and mother. She resides in New York, New York, with her husband and daughter. When she's not writing, Caridad enjoys cooking and traveling, her favorite place being the beach.

A few months earlier, Dr. Liliana Carrera nearly lost her life to Wardwell scientists when her brother fell in love with one of their victims and they came after them. There are more Wardwell patients out there who still need to be found after the doctors escaped. Wardwell's experimental gene therapy treatments are creating side effects unlike anything scientists have ever seen. Determined to help these patients, Liliana has been working on curing them, including her new patient, Jesse Bradford. The former pro athlete once had the best hands in the NFL, but now every injury he sustains turns his tissue to bone thanks to the therapy. Wardwell has threatened Jesse's family, and he can't tell Liliana what he knows or it puts her at risk. As a heated passion between them intensifies, so does the threat against everything they hold dear. Now it's become a race against time to cure Jesse before others succumb to the fate of men who will destroy anything in their way to pursuing greatness.

This is the second book in the "Sin" series, following Sins of the Flesh. Though part of a series, this is a stand alone read.

What I truly love about this new series from a wonderful author is that it has something for everyone-- a little science, a little paranormal, a lot of suspense, and a lot of romance. The perfect read! Though a work of fiction, it poses a fascinating argument for what happens if we take our pursuit of science too far. What will curing diseases mean in the long run? How far will the human determination for prominence take us? In saying that, the romance and suspense were captivating, as always from Caridad. She's a bestseller for a reason. Her writing style-- a mix a dry humor and clever emotional tugging-- makes her a stand alone author. The simplicity in which she sets her stage allows readers to easily transition to the characters surroundings. A hero you can fall for and a heroine to admire. Highly recommended! No, scratch that. Not to be missed!

Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
Bookpleasures

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the hero was a pro athlete in his prime, he wasn't a decent man. He was arrogant, sleeping with anything with big boobs and a pulse. Then an injury brought to light his disease, that his body is slowly turning to stone with every injury he receives, successfully ending his career. In an attempt to fix himself, he volunteered for genetic treatment only to wind up caged like an animal and experimented on by mad scientists. Now he's being black mailed by his captors. They've told him his sister is deadly sick and if he helps them, they'll make sure she lives. The heroine has escaped an abusive relationship vowing to never again allow anyone to have that much control over her. Her sister in law was once a prisoner to the same people who have the hero captive and as a doctor she's working on treatment for the health issues that the patients have as a result of the experiments. When she's given the chance to test another survivor she's happy to, knowing that more information will help her treat her patients. When she meets the hero, she dismisses him as just another millionaire playboy despite his illness and surfer good looks. But as they spend time together, the heroine begins to see that he is no longer the man he once was. Years of destructive behavior and his imprisonment have awaken him to his faults. He now knows what's important in life-family and a good woman to call his own. Despite being a foot taller and built like a tank, the heroine feels protective of the man. It's clear that the 'FBI' are nothing more than hired thugs and the hero is hiding something from her and the violent outbursts the hero suffers from make the heroine hesitate about investing too much in the man. But soon she can no longer deny her feelings for the hero and together they fight to over throw their oppressors.

I thought this book was decent if a bit on the slow side. I wasn't completely enchanted by the basic writing style or less the charismatic characters but I liked it well enough for 3 stars. I liked the fact that the heroine was a strong Latina who guarded her patient like a mother bear despite the guy being as large and dangerous as he was. I liked the vulnerability of the hero as he went from a star playboy to a man insecure about his value to such a woman as the doctor. He's never before had to worry about having a woman love him and the heroine has been hurt before. Nice enough story and will happily read more from this author in future.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liliana is a doctor, dedicated to trying to stop the horrific effects patients who were injected by hybrid DNA are suffering from. This causes her to become the caregiver to gorgeous ex football star, Jesse. After an injury ended his football career, he became one of many victims when he was treated with experimental gene therapy. Now he is forming bone in places where bone shouldn’t be able to form. Liliana is brought on as his physician under misleading circumstances. When she begins to have romantic feelings for Jesse she questions her ethical responsibilities, as well as the lingering feeling things aren’t quite as they seem. Jesse is also finding himself with feelings he didn’t expect, but with his questionable past and future he isn’t sure if he can make things with the gorgeous doctor work.

This is the second book in the Sin series. I haven’t read the first, but really wished I would have before reading Stronger Than Sin. The author did provide enough background info to help readers figure out what was happening. I just would have liked a little more background on some of the characters mentioned. This is in no way the author’s fault. I know better than to read a series out of order ;) I’ll definitely read the first, Sins of the Flesh, when I have the chance.

I thought the whole hybrid gene thing really made the premise of this one fascinating. I also enjoy books with lead characters that are doctors, and dig all the medical jargon that comes along with it. While there are no vampires or werewolves, the gene mutation gives it something I feel will appeal to readers who enjoy a good paranormal romance novel.

This one also contained really great lead characters. Jesse and Liliana both suffered harm from those they’ve trusted in the past. For Liliana it was at the hands of an ex, and with Jesse it was the doctors he’d hoped would save his career. I loved watching them learn to trust again together. The chemistry between Liliana and Jesse was HOT. I also felt the progression of their relationship was well paced. While they started to fall quickly it didn’t feel rushed. I like how they weren’t even really each others types, but couldn’t deny the attraction when thrown together under perilous circumstances.

Stronger Than Sin is a nice mix of romance and suspense. I’d recommend it to fans of both romantic suspense and paranormal romance.

[Lisa Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been six months since Liliana Carrera helped her brother rescue Caterina Shaw from Wardwell Laboratories, a group of fringe scientists experimenting on human beings. Now, Liliana--with funding from the FBI--has set up a new facility to continue testing the inhibitor complex, a cure for the patients of Wardwell. What's even better is the FBI has managed to recover another of the patients, Jesse Bradford.
When Jesse arrives at Liliana's facility, he has been drugged and displays violent erratic behavior. As Liliana helps him detox, Jesse demonstrates strange powers--superhuman strength and the ability to heal quickly.
Despite their growing attraction, Jesse is secretive and Liliana remains fearful of him. Eventually he admits that Wardwell scientists threatening his sister's life in order to maintain control over him and his powers. As they try to locate her, they begin to suspect that the scientists may have corrupted the FBI. Unless they can discover Wardwell's master plan soon, Jesse's sister, the other patients, and an unknown number of innocent people, will pay the price.

What can I say about this series other than I love it and Stronger Than Sin was ever bit as fast paced and exciting as Sins of the Flesh. These are not your momma's paranormals! These are a whole different type of paranormal than the vampire/werewolf variety, but just as totally satisfying. The level of suspense and mystery is built to a very splashy finish and I'm pleased to see that Pineiro has at least two more books in this series coming out so we can return to her world soon. This book can be read as a stand alone but why would you want to. It is a much richer book if read with Sins of the Flesh. While definitely a paranormal, this book is scariest because the medical aspects of it are not too far out there to make you wonder what if?
We met Dr Lilianna Carrera in the first book and her rich Hispanic heritage is very central in making her the type of doctor and person she is. I loved getting a peek inside her family and it added so much to the book. She is determined to figure out what the "mad scientists" have done to the DNA of their patients and help find a cure so that they can regain control of their lives. This was a very easy and fast read. I finished it in hours as I did not lay it down once I got about a third into it.

[Anaiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. I did not read the first book in the series, Sins of the Flesh but I was able to understand the book anyway. There were times where I felt like I was "missing something". Liliana was in the first book and it seemed to me like she had quite an experience dealing with the Wardwell scientists. It accounts for the some of the toughness she exhibits in this book. I loved reading scenes where she would stand up to Jesse's captors to defend him. When Jesse was put in her care I felt hope for them both and knowing they would be attracted to each other I kept waiting for the romance to start and when it came it was as sweet as I imagined it to be. Jesse was a great character, he has suffered a lot and continues to suffer in the name of helping others, especially his younger sister. As admirable as it was to read, I hated seeing him suffer. There were times where I found myself saying (out loud no less) "tell her Jesse, tell her". I hoped and prayed that a cure would be found for Jesse and that the Wardwell scientists (and everyone else working with them) would get killed... in a painful way. When you read about the awful things they did to the patients like keeping them caged up, you'll know what I'm talking about. There is a lot of "scientific-talk" in this book and while I didn't know many of the words used I got the basic gist of what was going down in regards to Jesse's body and the treatments used on him and other patients. So don't fret if you didn't do well in science classes, I sure didn't and still enjoyed the book. The one thing I didn't enjoy at first was the constant changing of the POV, it helped tell the story of both characters (and others) but the way it was done sometimes without any notice took a few pages to get used to.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. I don't think I've ever before thought that every single character in a book could be declared TSTL (too stupid to live).

Everyone. The doctor, the jock, the evil mad scientists (EMS), and every single law enforcement person who wanders by. Absolutely Too Stupid To Live.

I just can't understand how I could be expected to believe that:

* the heroine doctor and the jock hero fall in love.
* the heroine never calls her FBI brother to check on the sketchy fake FBI evil mad scientist
* the heroine actually falls for the lame reason she got called in to help with the EMS's research
* the hero would actually feel guilty about stealing medical supplies from the doctor because the EMS will seriously hurt him otherwise
* the heroine actually believed that she could blackmail the EMS who steals and infects people with weird animal genes
* the FBI just send the heroine with a fancy GPS pen to face down the EMS. No agents, no guns, not even any police officers.


I'm surprised I actually read the whole book. This was almost a DNF, except the glowy weird new DNA bits were kinda fun (I just started watching Fringe. It is better.)

What was not fun were all the mentions of sin and religiously-based guilt that made no sense. God would never forgive a man for getting a million-dollar contract in the NFL and getting some booty and sharing his money with his neighbours? Really? God is that much of a partypooper? I'm pretty sure there are a bunch of Lifetime specials that would disagree. Hero is afraid that Heroine would NEVER forgive him for lying when he's being blackmailed by EMS who is threatening his sister and family and has a habit of KILLING PEOPLE in horrible and awful new ways. Also, God wouldn't forgive that either.

Yup. Hard to believe.

[Grammy 1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and reviewing Ms Pineiro’s first book Sins of the Flesh , I was elated getting her e mail asking our Review Team to review the second book in the series called Stronger Than Sin.

We are re-introduced to Dr Liliana Carrera who was instrumental in helping her brother Mick in the first book. He was working on a case, and fell in love with what they thought was a cold blooded killer. We learned that a bunch of mad scientists, were doing medical experiments on humans, trying to change their DNA. Liliana worked as a team with her friend and partner Carmen at the local hospital to save her .

In this book, Dr. Carrera is brought to the home of a very well known and popular ex Football Player Jesse Bradford by an FBI agent Hank Whittaker. Jesse’s career was ended with a severe injury. He was quite a player in his day on the field as well with the women. His brashness has put him in the position he is in now, buying his way to use unorthodox means to fix himself. He has now become a prisoner of these mad men. DNA experiments have changed him as well, his skin turning to bone.

Although this book and the first could be stand alone, the author gives enough back story to not have to have read the first. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them in order. STRONGER THAN SIN is fast and furious. Liliana is a smart woman and is not fooled easily. Jesse is just a good soul trying to do the right thing. Thank goodness they meet. The chemistry is electric, the story believable. The characters come together like an explosion.. Great story flow, and an ending so powerful it will leave you looking at that last page and just BLINK.

Bravo Ms Pineiro a job well done.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seldom is the second book better than the first in any series. At least in my opinion, but this one is one of those rare gems. I loved Sins of the Flesh, and really enjoy Caridad Pineiro's voice, so that being said I knew I'd enjoy this long-awaited read.

Football jock Jesse Bradford bribed his way into an a mad doctors lab to find a way to regain what he lost when his football days were cut short by a rare bone disease. Instead of a cure, he found himself no more than a caged lab rat at the mercy of mad men. Liliana Carrera MD and sister-in-law to Catarina from Sins of the Flesh, is the only doctor finding some success in reversing what the mad scientist have inflicted on their patients. When Jesse suddenly appears with a group of men asking for her help to cure the uncontrollable bone growth all over his body, Liliana engages her mind and heart to help Jesse.

It's a race to find a cure to help keep Jesse alive. When Liliana learns that the very scientists who poisoned Jesse and Catarina are using her, she risks her life to help the many other patients exposed.

Ms. Pineiro did a fantastic job weaving science, love and a surprising spiritual twist to Stronger than Sin. Page after page is filled with new twists and unexpected turns. Liliana and Jesse spark with passion that made this reader blush. My one and only regret was not seeing Mick and Catarina from Sins of the Flesh. But with the door open for more books in this series, I have a feeling we might have a chance to see all these characters again. A must read for all paranormal romance readers.

[BecksBookPicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and while this book dealt with a different couple, I think reading the first book in the series would have helped a lot. However, by a few chapters in, I had a good idea what was going on and by the end of the book I had most everything figured out. As I stated above under genre, this is paranormal, but not what you normally think of. This dealt mainly with science and that someone has been infecting humans to change there bodies. Jesse the main male character was a football player and had an injury while playing. He then found out he had a bones disease. He volunteered to being a specimen and he was injected with something that made him grow bone. He is going to die by his body turning to bone if Dr. Liliana Carrera can't help him. She is immediately drawn to him however is hesitant since she came out of an abusive relationship. However in the beginning, she might see Jesse has angry and dangerous but she can also see that he can control it and that he might not be like her ex. However Liliana has to learn to trust him and its hard when she can sense that Jesse is lieing about something to her.

The story line in this book keeps you intrigued. As a reader you want to see everyone helped and cured. Reading this you know who the bad guys are and its one of those books that you get a big sigh of relief when the main characters figure it out. However, this book leaves you with a big cliff hanger and that slight relief you feel at the end, leaves you wishing the next book was available to pick up immediately.

[Melindeeloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - In Stronger than Sin, Dr. Liliana Carrera, the sister of the leading man in Sins of the Flesh takes over the starring role from her brother. And it was good to see that Liliana has regained her own personal strength after extricating herself from an abusive relationship in the last book.

Even though Liliana's past experience has made her wary of violent men, I liked that she isn't hampered by her fears and Liliana has plenty of opportunities during the course of the story to use that strength to be a true heroine. Despite the violence which is a side effect of the gene therapy gone wrong, Liliana's patient and love interest Jesse is really appealing as a man who had lost his way on the road to fame and fortune, but who ends up reclaiming his inner hero over the course of the book. That Jesse and Liliana manage build a relationship while Jesse is heavily guarded doesn't really hold up to closer inspection, however, the fact that Liliana and Jesse really do have a fair amount of common ground from their childhood years - despite their different cultural backgrounds - does make the relationship that develops between them believable.

I liked Stronger than Sin, though the first book of the series Sins of the Flesh is still my favorite. I just really loved the Carrera family in the last book and the strong family connections between the parents, children and siblings who offer their support (and fabulous food) - I would have loved to have seen more of them here.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caridad Pineiro is a new-to-me author who has been receiving really good reviews for her first book Sins of the Flesh. When I read the blurb from the publisher about this new book, I jumped on the chance to review it and see what the excitement was all about. I must say that I am glad I took the time to find out.

This is an action-packed story of a brainy but gorgeous doctor and an angry but hunky, ex-football player who are both trying to attain the same thing - a cure to devastating side effects from an experiment gone very wrong. As soon as Liliana and Jesse meet, things start happening at a frightening pace - both personally and around them. I couldn't put the book down as I just knew something was happening on the next page and I didn't want to wait.

The characters are well written and I found myself empathizing with both of Liliana and Jesse. Both love their families beyond measure, but have different ways of expressing it. They come from very different worlds but find a bond to connect them through all of the turmoil and danger. The sparks fly between these two and there are some very steamy scenes that lit up the pages!

I haven't had a chance to read the first book yet, but plan to do so very soon. This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone, but I really enjoyed this story and want to read the beginning and learn more about how the experiments began.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and loved Sins of the Flesh (the first book in this series), Stronger than Sin became one of my very few ‘have to buy as soon as it’s out’

I have to admit that when I started reading this and realising that there would be little of Mick and Caterina (from the first book of the series), I was a little disappointed. However, having finished the book, I feel it was the right move. Not only does it make it stronger as a standalone novel but it really gave Liliana her time to shine. She is quite the shy character and would have been overshadowed by her brother if he had more involvement with the storyline.

Speaking of characters…

By far, I think the characters in this book are the strongest (no pun intended) part of this book. Pineiro shows herself to be an amazing author with her crafting of Jesse and Liliana. As a reader and an author, I found the juxtaposition of the pair’s strengths and weaknesses came together perfectly. They didn’t just fall into bed together; they had things about each other and within themselves to get past to be together as a strong couple.

One great thing about this book that should be mentioned is that you don’t have to read the first book to read this one. You should because it’s an excellent story and will give you a bit more grounding, but you’re not going to be confused if you don’t.

[DKAY]

"Stronger than sin" by Caridad Pineiro is the second book in the series SINS. I haven't read any books by this author before and I didn't know what to expect. I enjoyed her writing and the way the story flowed. The character's are described in good details and you can really get to know them. They are strong characters and matched up nicely. This book can be read as a stand alone although after reading Stronger than Sin I feel that if I would have started with the first book in the series "Sins of the Flesh" I would have gotten into the story a little faster than I did. This story was a very good paranormal and suspense which I would recommend reading.

I was provided this book from the author Caridad Pineiro, Grand Central Publishing, Forever- Hachette Book Group & Anna Balasi through Book Blogs. This review is of my own honest opinion on the book that I have recieved from this company free of charge to do this review and that in no way influences the way I do my reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive or negative review. All reviews are of my own thoughts and should not influence a non-purchase on any item soley based on my reviews as these are only my own opinions. 

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the way Jesse is described I wanted to not like him, just like Liliana started out, but slowly I started to like him like her. There was a vulnerable, charming side that just kept coming out that you couldn't help but like. But even with those qualities I can't help but be mad at him for his choices and his stupidity, which lead him to the position he was in. I can't ever imagine being so desperate that you would allow yourself to be experimented on. You would think that having strong skin would be a good thing until you realize that there is strong and there is strong, the second one being bad to the point that it could slowly kill you.

This is where Dr. Liliana steps in. After helping with her sister-in-law, with her issues, she is the expert in this area. After being approached by the FBI, she signs on to help Jesse. Along the way Jesse gets under her skin and she makes some headway with this issues. They also discover some conspiracies from surprising places. And once things are done you think all is good you realize it is just the beginning.

[Mary BookHounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so sad I didn't read the first book in this series, Sins of the Flesh, since I fell in love with the characters and writing style of Caridad Pinero. I don't think that I was completely lost though because the first chapter brought me up to date on the details. This one can really stand alone as far as plot goes. I picked right up on the action and pretty much read this one straight through. I think this is more urban fantasy than paranormal since ex football player, Jesse is infected with a mutated gene from a mad scientist at Wardwell. Lilianna is a doctor looking to help cure her sister in law, infected with genes also.

Again, I am trying not to give away too much plot here.There is plenty of action and the characters are nicely drawn. I have read a few of Pinero's vampire romances and these will not disappoint if you are looking to fill in those hot stops. I have enjoyed all of her books.

[drey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caridad Piñeiro sure knows how to mix up interesting characters, great back-stories, and fast action. Stronger Than Sin continues with the devious plot first brought to us in Sins of the Flesh, with Wardwell scientists still experimenting on human beings. Only this time, they're also trying to get theirs hands on Liliana's inhibitor compound, so that their genetically-modified humans don't die away so quickly... After all, if she found a way to save Catarina's life, why not the others'?

When the FBI brings Jesse Bradford to Liliana, she finds a guy who's slowly being calcified to death. And as she tries to find out how to stop the process, she realizes that people are not always who you think they are, and has to decide whether Jesse is worth going all-in for, even if that means she might not survive the experience.

Stronger Than Sin offers an interesting plot to go with the romance. Pick it up if that's how you like 'em!

[Izzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Not a proper review, just putting my thoughts on the table.*

I came across this book in the library and scoffed at the cover. Realising that it was a paranormal romance, I was hoping the cover was a way of teasing Twilight. I read the blurb and although it didn't sound like I would enjoy it, I took it on the off-chance that I would like it.

I just finished it last night and it was a chore to read. With the exception of Carmen, I disliked all of the characters. I had to flip through a few chapters towards the end just because I felt the suspense was being drawn out for too long.
All together, I found this book weak and underwhelming. I didn't realise until after I had finished reading this book that this was #2 in the series and that explained a lot. I did feel like I had been placed down in the middle of things.
I won't bother reading book #1 or continue this series.

[Evanston Public Library]

In Caridad Piñeiro’s romantic STRONGER THAN SIN, Dr. Liliana Carrera goes against ethics and corrupt deadly scientists to save her superhuman patient Jesse Bradford whose body is literally turning into bone with every injury he endures like the physical torture caused by a cattle prod used by the evil Wardwell scientists. As a result of experimental gene therapy gone wrong, Dr. Carrera commits herself to finding a cure to stop Jesse’s magnificent body and heart from turning into stone. Her warmth, tenderness, and aroz con pollo goes against the Hippocratic Oath, but it’s what leads to saving the lives of other captive prisoners. Their passion for life and each other may just be the right formula for the future of science. (Elvira C-D, Reader's Services)

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Stronger Than Sin and after reading it I realized it was the second book in a series. I sure couldn't tell it because it read like as stand alone book. I will be checking out future books from author Caridad Pineiro. This was an easy flow sitting on the edge of your seat romantic novel.

* I have been provided a complimentary copy of Stronger Than Sin for review from Hachette Book Group threw an opportunity from Reading Romance Group. By receiving a complimentary copy and a giveaway opportunity, it in no way obligates me to write a good or bad review. I am an honest reviewer and my reviews are based on my own opinion and only written by me.*

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesse Wardwell is a former pro football player who had a terrible accident with his thigh bone but his desperate participation in the experimental gene therapy program causes him to experience terrible aggression as well as abnormal bone formation at the site of injury. Dr. Liliana Carrera has escaped a terrible encounter with the Wardwell scientists but is still researching solutions to the horrors they have unleashed. She struggles to help Jesse but each must overcome their secrets if they are going to try to help each other. Nice sensual read, a few inconsistencies about Liliana's access to everyone and her ability to come and go.

[Rebecca Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being slightly obsessive compulsive, I had to read these books in order, however that's not entirely necessary. Though there is some crossover (the heroine of this one being the sibling of the hero of the first, as well as the general gene stuff), there's enough explanation that it can be read out of order. That being said I did enjoy this book. I had never read anything by this author before these but did like them. The story is fast-paced and exciting and the characters likable. Though it could be at times predictable (but often, what romance isn't?).