ISBN: 9781426891168
Publisher: Carina Press
Release: Jan 31, 2011
Source: I received an advanced copy of the book to read and review from NetGalley
John Murphy is tormented by nightmares. A bestselling young-adult author, he writes the ultimate fantasy: stories where good always triumphs. He knows better. His past has shown him the worst in people-and in himself. When he moves next door to the sexy, vibrant Livvy-a woman completely unlike his usual one-night stands-he’s driven to explore every curve of her delicious body.
Pastry chef Livvy knows that giving in to the temptation that is John Murphy won’t lead to anything permanent, but she deserves a passionate summer fling. John discovers she’s as sweet as the confections she bakes while Livvy slowly unravels his secrets. But what will happen when she uncovers them all?
Sweet as Sin combines a tortured hero, a stubborn heroine, some hot sex and a romance that will bring you to tears! Sweet as Sin absolutely blew me out of the water! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!
John Murphy is the buff young man who moves next door to Livvy. He’s a famous writer of young adult fantasy novels. Olivia owns a bakery and is determined not to fall for “Mr. Good For Now” anymore. She’s at the point in her life where she is ready to settle down, get married and have kids. John is definitely not interested in long term. That being said, she is drawn to him and he can’t seem to leave her alone.
John is the ultimate in tortured heroes. We find out that he was abused severely as a child and is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. The stories he writes started as bedtime stories for his sister, Gina. Eventually, he decided to put pen to paper and his wonderful characters came to life and entertained thousands of children. He leads somewhat of a double life, however. He doesn’t want his friends from his former life working in construction to know he writes YA books so he also writes erotica under his owns name.
This book is complex. The main characters of John, Livvy, Gina and Pete, Andrea, and Tow are well formed. The history of the relationships are well outlined and the interactions between them are detailed. There is a whole host of secondary characters that actually play pivotal roles in the story, they aren’t just background filler to the main story. The characters of Jondi, Thorn and Vory are the main characters in John’s series of books. Since his latest book is being written as the story progresses and we are privy to that story as well.
I picked up this book from NetGalley, thinking it would be like Coming Clean, the previous book that I read by Inez Kelley. Coming Clean was an erotica that I read last year and completely enjoyed. Apparently, I didn’t read the blurb very thoroughly, because although there is sex in this book, it is mainly a powerful romance with strong “good over evil” overtones. I haven’t been as affected by a book this much in a long time. I have trouble reviewing books that I feel strongly about. I’m not certain that my review can do this book justice so I’d suggest that you pick up a copy and read it for yourself! See if you are as impressed by this author as I am!
Actually sounds up my alley. Thanks!
Julia!
This is a great book! Pick it up!
Wow Barb. It seems like you absolutely loved this one! I haven’t read anything by this author, but now it is on my TBR list. I wrote my review for When He Was Wicked. Come on over and read it…I’d love your opinions!
HI Mandy!
Thanks for the visit! I’m heading right over!
This looks like a nice steamy read. I love that the main character writes YA and erotica books.
Hi Lisa!
Thanks for the comment! This is a great book!
This actually sounds good Barb. Great review.
I loved this book Marce! Probably the best book I’ve read in years!
Ok you sold me. Gotta go look this book up now and add it to my list. I love tortured heroes. This sounds like my kind of book. Great review.
You really should give this a try!