Sinful

Bitter Creek #9

by Joan Johnston

For readers of Linda Lael Miller and Susan Mallery comes New York Times bestselling author Joan Johnston’s sizzling contemporary Western romance, where power, money, and rivalries rule—and love is the best revenge.
 
WHILE HE SEEKS A HAVEN,
SHE SEARCHES FOR A PLACE TO CALL HOME
 
After a tragic accident leaves Delta sergeant Connor Flynn a widower, he faces the toughest fight of his battling his in-laws for custody of his two young children. To win he’ll need a make-believe bride to take care of the kids while he runs his Wyoming ranch. Who better than a woman he already knows and likes—his late wife’s best friend?
 
Ruthlessly forced from her home by her powerful father, King Grayhawk, Eve needs somewhere to go . . . and so does the herd of wild mustangs she’s rescued. Connor’s offer sounds like the answer to a prayer. But Eve has a guilty secret she’s guarded for She’s always been in love with Connor.
 
Now forced to live under the same roof as her heart’s desire, Eve must hide the love that has never died, while Connor vows to resist his growing need for a woman who was forbidden fruit during his marriage. Can two lonely people set adrift by fate and haunted by guilt find redemption in the healing embrace of love?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Western Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Adult

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2014

About the author

Joan Johnston (born Little Rock, Arkansas) is a best-selling American author of over forty contemporary and historical romance novels.

Johnston was the third of seven children born to an Air Force sergeant and his music-teacher wife. She received a B.A. in theatre arts from Jacksonville University in 1970, then earning an M.A. in theatre from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1971. She received a law degree (with honors) at the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. For the next five years, Johnston worked as an attorney, serving with the Hunton & Williams firm in Richmond, Virginia, and with Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey in Miami. She has also worked as a newspaper editor and drama critic in San Antonio, Texas, and as a college professor at Southwest Texas Junior College, Barry University, and the University of Miami.

Johnston is a member of the Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, and Florida Romance Writers. She has two children and one grandchild, and divides her time between two homes, in Colorado and Florida.

Awards

* Paperbook Book Club of America's Book Rak Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best Western Historical Series Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best New Western Writer
* Romantic Times' Best Historical Series Award (twice)
* The Maggie (twice)
* Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist for The Disobedient Bride

Reviews

[Vintage]

DNF.

Just too much going on with the grumpy prodigal son that’s half brother to the heroine and her spoiled sisters, his kids that his half-sisters are mean to and their the overbearing father King.

Then there's the widowed H and his kids, the long term crush the heroine has for her best friend’s husband. Anything else?

Just pick a story and go with it.

[Auj · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 to 3 stars

I accidentally stumbled upon this book when searching "Sinful" by Susan Johnson (funny they have similar last names!). I had high expectations for this one because it got great reviews, but my expectations didn't fully live up :/

Ahhh I feel bad giving it 2 stars. This is in no way discouraging anyone from reading it!! In fact, I would love a friend of mine to read it and let me know what they think. Honestly, 2 stars isn't that bad. It just means it was okay.

Both mains, Connor and Eve, had had strong feelings for each other, but their families hated each other, so they never acted on it. Instead, Connor married Eve's best friend. Now that Eve's best friend is dead, they can be together (okay, it wasn't tawdry like that at all). Even though Connor loved his first wife Molly, it was clear that Eve was the one for him.

Both love each other but are too shy to tell each other for a while. I could have used more sex in this book. There's only one scene I believe, and at first, Connor calls out Molly's name, which is never a good sign, and then they get interrupted by their family (the shivaree).

I really couldn't tell you what Eve loved about Connor, though I couldn't say the same for vice versa.
Maybe I will read Devon and Pippa's book? I'm curious about Devon not really being Angus's son, and more about the rival families and Eve and Connor.

Also, this book made me think how sexy of a name Eve is! LOL
I read this surprisingly fast too for a book with 300 pages.

The prologue was really interesting, but I was confused if I was reading a different (the wrong) book! Matt is a really unlikable character; I wonder if he will be redeemed in the next books.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your typical second chance story. THIS is a story of a second chance at first love.

Eve Grayhawk and Connor Flynn have known each other their whole lives. They've also secretly held each other in each other's hearts their whole lives. But what you wish is not always what you get in life. Things happen. Life happens. Basically, Eve's best friend was in love with Connor and because Eve's family and Connor's family have been mortal enemies since the beginning of time, it was easy to hide their feelings for one another and let Connor ride off into the sunset with someone else.,,,

But that was then and this is now .....

Today, Connor finds himself a single dad in desperate need for help. He's had to battle the system for custody of his children and really needs stability for them. Cue our lovely Eve .... What starts out as a friend helping a friend turns into one of sweetest most heart-warming romance developments I have read in a very long time. Couple that with all the hilarious family feuding and one ridiculous 'incident' after another and you've got yourself the PERFECT read.

This was my first read for this series and I didn't feel I had lost a single thing even tho it is a #13. Joan Johnston does an excellent job of making sure you get the back story you need and now I'm hooked on all things Bitter Creek!

ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell via NetGalley for an honest review

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 is the true rating I give for this book.

Some SPOILERS....

Eve has had a crush on Connor since High School. But their family's, the Flynn's and the King's, have been feuding for what seems like forever. And it wasn't just the Father's but it passed on to Connor and his brothers as well as Eve and her sisters. The pranks they pulled on each other went on for decades. And with the pranks came hurt feelings that brought deep pain.

One such prank Eve had pulled on Connor, one that had lasting ramifications. She tricked her best friend Molly into thinking Connor had asked her to a dance (having her approach Connor put him in a precarious position in how responded to her). The long lasting result from that prank was Molly becoming Connor's girlfriend and they eventually then married. Eve was devastated. She loved Connor and struggled at times with wanting to reveal her love before they married. But in the end knowing how much Molly loved Connor and what seemed like Connor loving Molly she just couldn't do it. Connor joined the military and was gone for long stretches on assignment. Molly and Connor had two children. During the time Connor was gone Eve helped Molly with the children and grew to love them.

Molly died in a tragic car accident while Connor was fighting in Afghanistan. Molly's parents took the children and cared for them.When Connor came back to claim his kids they fought him for custody. He then turned to his wifes best friend for help. Eve was fighting her own issues with family problems and also finding a place for her horses.

Connor has always been attracted to Eve. In high school he struggled with his attraction but with their families feuding he thought she hated him. And Eve, she has always loved Connor, she never stopped.

Connor and Eve turn to each other for help and proceed to navigate the possibility of marrying and being a family. Connor hopping Eve will maybe someday love him and Eve hopping that someday Connor will let go of Molly and learn to love her.

Okay, I really struggled with their story and the whole premise of each loving/being attracted to the other but never saying anything. The prank Eve played on Molly and just letting it go, never addressing the issue. Connor being attracted to Eve but then it was like okay Molly was fun and okay I'll just pick Molly and fight my attraction for Eve. It didn't right or seem plausible. And as the story continues we have how Molly is an issue in their relationship but then isn't an issue. What really got to me was the ending, it really turned me off. The Journal(Molly's had one since high school) and how Molly knew the whole time about how Connor felt for Eve and how Eve felt for Connor....WHAT!!!! And then she proceeds to say if anything happens to her they may find each other...again WHAT!!! The way it was resolved was just bad in my opinion and left me with a negative opinion of all three and how it was all handled.

So an okay read and can see that there will be other stories written for the brothers and sister.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Netgalley and Dell publishing. This does not alter my view or opinion.
Summary
Eve has always been in love with Connor, ever since high school, but he has never acknowledged her as more than his wife’s best friend. Now her best friend is dead, with two little children without a mother, and Connor, back from the military, fighting to keep custody of his children. Eve loves her work, and has a passion for horses, but when her father makes a deal with his son Matt, to take over the ranch, she realizes that she and her two sisters will soon be kicked off, and she has 22 wild horses in need of a home. Connor has faced quite a bit in his life, after serving in the military, and he is back now and facing the biggest battle….getting his children back. He loves his children and will do anything to keep them. When he sees Eve again, he offers her a deal, marry him and she will have a place on his ranch to put her wild mustangs and study and photograph them to her heart’s content. Both Connor and Eve have loved each other for quite some time, and Connor adored his first wife, but Eve is something more, and will do whatever he can to keep her in his life…

The Hero
Connor is a military hero. He is a Flynn, fought for years in the military. But when he comes home and retires his wife has an accident and he is now a widower with two young children to raise, two children that barely know him. Now he is in a custody battle against his late wife’s parents. He has recently set up a ranch for veterans, to come to a place that offers peace and quiet, a ranch in the countryside that offers them healing. But he has one secret, he has been in love secretly with Eve, who is “forbidden fruit” to him. Her father and his father hate each other, and both families despise each other. Its been a feud for years, but Connor doesn’t care what his family thinks…he loves Eve and will have her. What a character Connor is, quite different from the rest of his family. He is protective, a family man, honorable and loyal. The perfect cowboy and knows how to give good lovin’.

The Heroine
Eve Greyhawk, is known as one of the “King’s Brats” and even though they have had a home on their daddy’s ranch, each of them have worked on their own careers. Eve adores horses, is a professional photographer, and could soon be working for “National Geographic”. She has just rescued a herd of wild horses, horses that would have been bought and sliced and diced for foreign countries as “cuisine”, horses that need to roam and run free. Now it appears that she and her sisters will soon be kicked out of their home, so their father can make reparations to Matt his oldest son. When Connor makes an offer, how can she refuse sharing a life with a man she has always wanted. Eve was an endearing heroine, and I loved her. She is passionate and strong, she stands on her own and defends what she believes in. I adored her passion for saving horses, and I couldn’t help but admire her will in protecting them. She had a quality to her character that is somewhat unique, she could be both practical and emotional…she could see both sides of a situation.

Plot and Story Line
Sinful is part of Joan’s Bitter Creek series, but a bit set apart. Now most of the series focuses on the Creeds and Blackthornes…the next few books will be focusing on two feuding families….The Greyhawks and Flynn’s. Its a modern western romance. Now we have two sides we have the Flynn boys, and the King’s brats (three of them). Sinful is Connor and Eve’s story. The story starts off with Connor saves Eve from being manhandled and she testifies in court in his defense so that he can regain custody of his children back. Then we see Eve’s father make a decision where it looks like he is choosing his son over his daughters. And Eve needs to find a new home and soon. What happens here is what sets up the story more, and brings Connor and Eve together. These are two people who have loved each other from afar, and now they have a chance to be together, but they know their troubles may just beginning once they get hitched. Because they are both part of a feud, much anger and distrust between them both, but we also see the balance that Eve and Connor begin to bring to their families, and soften the hurt a bit. I do love a good feuding family story, and Joan Johnston does a spectacular job at it. She has been a favorite author of mine for quite some time, and she has written both contemporary and historical….and she just gets better. I just couldn’t get enough of “sinful”…it had a simplicity to it….but there are complex issues that she brings to life, characters that jump out at you and grab onto your heart and refuse to let go. Their romance was soft and sweet…delectable in every way. And there are definite future books coming for more of those Flynn’s and Greyhawks…and should be a wild ride.

The Cover
I have grown to adore this cover….I love the pose against the tree (which connect to the story, love it when that happens), and we see the beautiful scenery in the background…sensual and majestic.

Overall View
Sinful is a warm and sensual romance, that has spice and flavor on every page. A story to leave your taste buds salivating…delectable and tangy!! SPLENDID!!

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read.

Secretly crushing on each other since high school both Connor and Eve have kept their secrets close to their hearts all these years. Their families are bitter enemies and both come from dominating, controlling fathers who seem to care more about their ongoing feud than their kids.

Connor's wife and Eve's best friend has recently passed away leaving 2 cute kids behind and her parents took them away from Connor. Connor had been serving a tour of duty and comes back to a fight for custody of his kids.....so mean. Still in love with Connor, Eve is determined to tell the judge what her BFF wanted for her kids.....which was their father. Awarded custody Connor is left with two kids that don't remember their father....heartbroken he looks for a solution, Eve. Eve is fighting her own nightmares after her older half brother comes back claiming the family ranch and in turn booting her horses and herself off. A little pissed she is looking for a miracle when Connor calls for help....an answer to her prayers and dreams?

So Eve moves in as a nanny to help the kids and man she loves. The social worker disapproves of this, worried that he will loose his kids again, Connor announces that he and Eve are engaged. Shocked by this Eve confronts him and is determined to leave but her love for the kids stops her. In spite of her doubts they marry. They are both drawn together and racked by guilt over their passion for each other. They can't seem to forget Molly. Even their rediscovered love and new family is threatened by this guilt. They are also facing disapproving fathers who threaten to cut them off if they don't divorce. One dad goes through with it leaving Connor's ranch retreat for soliders in jeapordy. Facing all this can they survive?

I really liked their determinations to do the right thing and their will to be together come what may. Both Connor and Eve have strong characters with strong wills in the face their families'disapproval and trying to live their dreams. Their love has survived all these years and deserves a chance to shine. And we find that Molly had a secret all these years too.

A darling read in the Bitter Creek series. Well written and fast paced making for an entertaining read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book and story of a second chance at love. Connor and Eve come from two feuding families. Eve's father had been married to Connor's aunt until she died of a drug overdose. Connor's father blamed Eve's father for the death and their feud carried over to their children. Connor and his brothers (the Wild Flynn Boys) and Eve and her sisters (King's Brats) spent a lot of time as they were growing up pulling pranks on each other. One prank the Eve pulled on Connor ended up with him dating and then marrying her best friend Molly.

During his last tour in Afghanistan, Connor's wife was killed in an accident. Molly's parents took care of Connor's two kids until he came home, but then refused to give custody back to Connor. Strangely enough, it is testimony from Eve, who is also the kids' godmother, that results in Connor's success. But his kids don't know him any more, so he has to call on Eve for help getting the children settled. When it looks like he's going to need more than expected, he makes Eve an offer she can't refuse - marry him and she can have it all.

Eve is a wildlife photographer and recently rescued a herd of wild mustangs, which are currently living on her father's ranch. Thanks to the return of her estranged half brother, Eve is about to lose her home and a place to keep her horses. When Connor offers her a place for herself and her horses in exchange for her help, she can't say no. She loves his kids as if they were her own and will do anything for them.

But both Eve and Connor have a secret. Eve has been in love with Connor since they were in school, but because of their families she had never acted on it. Then he was married to her best friend, making him even more off limits. Now that Molly is gone, Eve feels guilty about being able to act on those feelings. Connor had also had feelings for Eve back during high school. He'd gone out with Molly to teach Eve a lesson, but over the next couple years had actually grown to love her. He was happy in his marriage, but there had always been something about Eve, even though he never acted on it. Now that there's no barrier between them, he has to fight his own guilty feelings.

I really liked the way that they both admitted their attraction to each other, even though they weren't quite ready to admit their feelings at first. They had the maturity to talk to each other about it. The chemistry between them was hot, and they were very willing to give in to it, even though fate seemed to make them work for it. They also get to know each other very well outside the bedroom. Eve helps Connor to deal with some of his memories of the war and supports his work with veterans on the ranch. Connor understands Eve's love of her photography work, and what she wants to have happen with her horses. I loved how they grew to trust each other with their hearts, and wanting what was best for the other person. I loved seeing the surprise each one had for the other at the end, and how those surprises came about.

As the first book in this part of the series, there's quite a bit of time spent on set up. The book started with Eve's father, King, finding his estranged son and working to get him to come back to Wyoming. There must be reasons for what he did, but the results make him even more unlikable. His son, Matt, is another man who seems cold and selfish, especially regarding his half sisters and what's to happen to them. I'm looking forward to finding out more about what caused their rift. Then there is Connor's father and brothers, who have their own parts in the drama. His father's actions when Connor married Eve were manipulative, and I loved seeing Connor stand up to him. Angus also seem to have some kind of revenge plot going on that will affect the Grayhawks. There are also some extra tensions between one of his brothers and one of Eve's sisters that I am looking forward to finding out more about. There also seems to be some mystery involving Connor's brother Devon. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series to see how all of these play out.

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

Another author who has been around for a while but took me until this book to fall in love with. Joan Johnston captivates with Sinful, book 13 of her Bitter Creek Series (seriously whee hae I been). And in some ways it's the Hatfields and the McCoy's revisited.. only these families are actually way more dysfunctional..

Eve Grayhawk was one of the princesses of the county, her father "King" has pretty much ruled his corner of the world. Well except for his ridiculous feud with Angus Flynn and it's bled over into their children's lives. Even to the point that a teenage crush was denied... Now Eve's life has changed and the ranch she always called home has been given to a half brother. Sure her father's still alive but she needs to find somewhere else to keep her beloved rescue horses and the only place to turn? Connor Flynn that boy she could never have is a widower now and sparks are still flying.

Connor Flynn always crushed on Eve in Highschool but ended up dating and married to her best friend. And no matter how much he cared for his wife, Eve always held a special place in his heart. But that's the least of his worries, after years in the military he's home and he's finally won custody of his children. Only he has no clue what to do with them. So.. why shouldn't he help Eve with her horses and she can help him with his kids.. Win/Win.. only sparks are still flying.

After reading what I just wrote, I realize that this review will not do this book justice. Sure there's a Romeo and Juliet aspect to this.. Hatfields and McCoys and all that but the emotion.. The depth of feelings.. yeah that is what makes this book. That is what held me captive and made me fall in love. That is what had me looking for when the next book is coming out as soon as I finished this one.

There are plenty of subplots, family dysfunction, the feud, rescue horses, a ranch for vets, single parenthood, I could go on and on but it's all in the background but the emotion rules them all!

Contemporary Western at it's best!

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Sinful, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on April 28, 2015

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

As part of the Bitter Creek series this arc centers on King Greyhawks spoiled daughters nicknamed King's Brats and Angus Flynn's boys nicknamed those Wild Flynn Boys and their family feud that started years ago. It is another great book by Joan Johnston, like the three first books in the Bitter Creek series the families are feuding, unlike the original feud it hasn't gone on as long as the Blackthorne and Creed feud did but the hate runs deep between King and Angus. It really did not seem like it was 300 some odd page book it went so quickly, Connor and Eve's love was inevitable. Since high school they had feelings for each other, not that they knew how the other felt they wouldn't act on it because their families. Eve's best friend, Molly, was also in love with Connor and married him and gave him two beautiful children, unfortunately she died in an car accident leaving Connor alone with two young children to raise. Unable to deal Connor intrust his kids to Molly's parents only have to fight for them when he got back.

King just survived a bout of cancer and now he wasn't to right things he has screwed up in the past the main one being bringing back his eldest son the only way to do that is by giving him everything. Eve a nature photographer, rescued a herd of wild mustangs and not with the prodigal son's return and taking over the ranch she needs to find another place for her herd. Connor is in need of someone close to his kids for the extra added comfort in the new environment around there Dad, Eve was just suppose to stay temporary just until the kids acclimated, but then Connor announces to the social worker that they are engaged and it just rolls from their. As time passes the truth comes out about their feelings and nothing not even their families will stop them.

In Joan Johnston's typical fashion she hints into the past and future stories of the other characters and has me hooked for the upcoming books. I love her voice and I know each book is just going to get more emotional and more involved with each book.

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, I have mixed feelings about Sinful. I was very intrigued by the premise of the book - I'm a sucker for the 'I've been secretly in love with you my whole life!' thing, though I admit it's rarely done to my satisfaction.- but the execution wasn't what I hoped for.

To start with, apparently this book, while it's the first in the King's Brats series, it also belongs to a bigger universe called Bitter Creek; and from the start I felt like I was missing something. Like there was info I needed but didn't have.

The prologue felt more like a cold open... only that it didn't have much to do with the actual story, it reeked of set up, but I wasn't sure for what. We were constantly teased with family secrets and feuds, but there was absolutely no pay off, just more set up.

Also, there were a lot of things that were made to be a big deal but weren't really, like King kicking his daughters out of the house (with a year of head notice and when they are all grown ups that allegedly already make their own money?) and they act like it's the end of the world because they don't get to live in a ranch where they don't seem to spend a lot of time to begin with... sounds a bit much.

The actual story about Connor and Eve seemed to take a backseat to the many feuds going around, they had some chemistry and seemed to like each other well enough, but I never really felt like Connor wanted more than a mother to his kids. And they both came off as a little cowardly they had really been pinning for each other for 20 years, and the whole diary thing? yeah that was Convenient!

I'm a little curious about all the secrets, sure, but I'm not sure a) the reveals are going to be satisfactory, and b) that they author isn't going to keep setting up for a few more books, so I think I'm going to cut this series loose.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romeo and Juliet on the Wyoming range…

Eve Grayhawk and Connor Flynn were friends since they were kids. A back-fired prank during their teens had their budding attraction sidetracked with both going in different paths. Years later the two find themselves reunited again as Connor is fighting for custody of his young children. The reason for the long-ago prank has not changed; their families are definitely still at odds with each other. Eve’s feelings for Connor have not changed and when the opportunity arises to help the children she loves she cannot say no. Misunderstandings, family problems and long-time feuds don’t help the situation and the two will have to be strong together. Will their hearts survive?
I LOVED this book in the Bitter Creek series! While it is book thirteen I have to admit to not having visited the series in a while. Having read this story I have to ask myself why that is. Thankfully, I could read this as a standalone though I am anxious now to re-read the earlier stories in the set.

The author’s writing style is wonderful and the plot has no limit to twists and turns. Both come from large families and each individual has something unique to contribute to the story. The sub-plots abound though Connor and Eve are definitely at the forefront. I feel for both of them as they battle themselves and others. Trying to do the right thing without hurting those you love is not always easy. Eve’s mothering nature; Connor’s need to protect and families feuding but coming together when it counts all contribute to this engaging story. A satisfying conclusion but I cannot wait to read more about the Flynn’s and Grayhawk’s – their story is not finished!

Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie Jenkins Ortiz Cerrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor Flynn becomes a widow after his wife Molly dies in a tragic accident. He has Molly's parents take care of his two young kids while he finishes his tour of duty as a Delta sergeant. He finds himself in a fight for custody of his children after returning back home. To his surprise, Eve Grayhawk, Molly's best friend and the daughter of King Grayhawk, testifies on his behalf. Eve knows that Connor will be a great father and she also knows that Molly would want Connor to raise their kids. The judge assigns a case worker to the case to make sure Connor can provide a safe and happy home will be able to fulfill all the needs of the children. Connor finds himself needing Eve to help again the very first night he has his kids. The kids are distraught wanting to go home to their grandparents. The only thing Connor can think of is to get Eve, who is also the children's godmother, to come to his ranch to help him with calming the kids. Connor convinces Eve to stay the night at his ranch, Safehaven, because its a hour drive for her to get back home and he might end up needing her again before the night is over.

Eve is being forced from her home at Kingdom Come because of a deal her father has made with Eve's long lost brother Matt. Matt disappeared twenty years prior when he was just 17. Their father, King Grayhawk, has offered the entire family ranch to Matt is he comes back home and lives on the ranch for a year. Matt agrees and he and his children move in to the main house at Kingdom Come. Matt's first order of business is to rid the ranch of "Kings brats" his half sister's. Eve needs to find a place to go and she also has to find a place for the herd of wild mustangs she rescued from going to slaughter. Matt has other plans for the grazing land at Kingdom Come and he's given Eve a week to get them off the ranch.

Connor seems to think he can make the case worker happy, give Eve a place for her herd of mustangs, a home for Eve and make his kids happy if Eve will just move in at Safehaven and become his wife. A marriage of convenience. Can this possibly work when the Flynn's and Grayhawks are sworn enemies. Will either of their fathers backlash to keep Connor and Eve from marrying. They must also contend with Matt's brothers and Eve's sisters that have spent their lives hating and causing problems for each other.

Another great addition to the Bitter Creek series. A must read. Now I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series, Shameless. Let the adventures continue.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

WESTERN ROMANCE
THIS WAS GOOD, I STARTED READING AND COULDN’T STOP, I WAS CARRYING MY KINDLE WITH ME AROUND THE HOUSE. THAT IS A SURE SIGN I’M LOVIN’ IT. STORYLINE HAD THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF EVERYTHING, I’M GOING TO HAVE TOO CHECK OUT MORE OF THIS SERIES. FUEDING IS A HORRIBLE THING, PASSING ON HATE TO THE NEXT GENERATION, LIKE YOU HAND DOWN CLOTHES IN A LARGE FAMILY. THE LONGER IT’S DONE; THE WORST IT GETS AND NO ONE WINS. ;D

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story begins a new series for author John Johnston and with that comes an introduction of a whole new set of people with flaws, secrets and complexes.

Two families began feuding when King Grayhawk’s first wife, sister of Agnus Flynn, died of an overdose of barbiturates. The way Agnus sees it, King killed her. The feud extends to their children. Agnus Flynn’s son were known as the Wild Flynns while King’s girls were known as King’s Brats. In my opinion, they deserved their nomenclatures.

The boys became men and the girls became women. Both fathers from both families were powerful ranchers with stubbornness running deep within their veins. Agnus wanted to ruin King.

The story begins when Connor, one of the Flynns, comes back from the military to take up the reins of civilian life. His wife, Molly, had died in an accident leaving him with two very young children who barely remembered him. Molly’s parents had taken custody of the two children and didn’t want to return the children. Could he have his life totally destroyed, losing the woman he loved and his two children? As he did on the battle fields, he fought back. Surprisingly, help came from an unexpected source, one of King’s Brats.

Eve and the rest of King’s Brats were going to lose their home. Their father, King, had found his prodigal son after looking 20 years. Finding him in Australia, he had to get him back home. This is interesting because we don’t know why it was so imperative to have him back. Matt had been only 17 when he left home. Now he was 37. King has a past, hidden in secrecy. Matt agreed to return to the ranch with the knowledge that the ranch would be his after one year. However, Matt has a chip on his shoulder. Again we don’t know why. He wants King’s Brats out of the ranch, and he wants full rein of the working of the ranch even before the year is up. King’s Brats are all in their 20’s and he has no love for them. Again, this is a question unanswered. Matt, really comes off as a harsh, unbending man. I would say, very much like his father.

Eve, a talented photographer, presently without the means to move especially as she just rescued some wild mustangs who were to be killed, needs a place for herself and her horses. She is also godmother to Connor’s children whom she loves dearly and they love her.

When Connor wins custody of his children he thinks it will be easy to take care of them. He’d recently purchased a ranch, Safe Haven, to house veterans coming off the battle field who weren’t quite ready to go home. It was a safe place to heal physically and emotionally. It would also be safe for his children. The children are frightened so Eve helps Connor get them to the ranch. But nothing is easy...emotions run deep.

This is a delightful, emotional and heart-warming read with a very rich and textured character development making it most engaging. This is one read the plot is not easily deciphered. It just makes me want to know why they act as they do. There were enough strands of conflict and questions unanswered setting the reader to anticipate book two.

Hidden love, guilty love, sizzling passion, anger, and hurt make a great beginning to this series.
I received a copy from Netgalley and Dell publishing. This does not prejudice my view or opinion.

[The Eleventh Hour · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could easily be retitled "Adults Acting Like Middle Schoolers," as that's essentially what it boils down to. The characters were so poorly developed and their behavior so unrealistic that I had to stop reading about halfway through.

The story centers around two rival families: the Grayhawks, primarily women (with the exception of one brother clearly set up for future books), and the Flynns, conveniently all men. The rivalry between the families is vague and flimsy, seemingly existing only because the plot requires it. Our hero, Connor Flynn, returns home from war to care for his children after his wife’s death. Whether he truly loved his late wife shifts conveniently to create tension between him and Eve Grayhawk, our heroine, who was his deceased wife's best friend. Eve is also a supposedly unknown photographer who magically secures a coveted National Geographic job with unrealistic ease.

Much of this novel just isn't good. Eve’s dialogue and inner monologues feel awkward and unnatural, making it hard to connect with her character. Connor, on the other hand, is frustratingly bland. His scenes lack depth, and he seems to exist only to create angst for Eve’s inappropriate attraction.

Additionally, the book involves an arranged marriage about one-third of the way in. The reasoning behind this marriage is unconvincing, and no one is pleased with it due to the supposed family rivalry. Connor’s brothers behave like cartoon villains, outright insulting Eve or ignoring her existence entirely. Eve’s sisters aren’t much better, acting as if they are incapable of basic politeness. This constant immature behavior from all sides is exhausting and unrealistic.

Another major irritation was how everyone in town insists that Grayhawks and Flynns simply cannot marry, a notion that might work in a historical setting but feels insanely unrealistic in a contemporary story.

SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD: My final straw came during the couple’s first intimate encounter, when Connor mistakenly calls Eve by his dead wife’s name. His constant emotional flip-flopping between past love and supposed long-term affection for Eve felt purely plot-driven and completely unbelievable. Astonishingly, Eve still engages with him sexually afterward, rationalizing it as proof of Connor's attraction despite his disturbing slip-up.

At that point, I reached my irritation limit. Perhaps the story improves later, but my patience had completely run out. I'm giving it two stars mainly because the initial setup showed promise, but overall, this book was deeply frustrating.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sinful...an interesting name for a book. And while the book touched on the sin of coveting another, it, in actuality, was not so much sinful as it was sweet. This story was, more or less, about a couple who had a second chance at first love.

The main characters, Eve and Conner, had always felt something for each other. From high school into adulthood, the two secretly carried a torch. Their flame, however, never had a chance to come to life since Eve's best friend was in love with the same guy. Coupled with that was the tension that existed between Eve and Conner's families. Their relationship never stood a chance. But when an unfortunate tragedy occurred and led to a rift, these two would-be lovers banded together for a greater good.

There was a lot at play in this story. The author did a good job of setting up the characters, as well as creating an air of mystery surrounding the two families. The tension remained high, dark secrets were revealed, and slowly but surely fences were being mended (or so it seemed).

By the end of the story, I was intrigued. I wanted to learn more about Aidan and Leah, Taylor and Brian, and Devon and Pippa. I also wanted to better understand the whole rivalry angle between the two patriarchs of each family.

All in all, I liked the story. It was interesting enough to hold my attention. There were some parts of the story that I thought were unrealistic and perhaps a bit cheesy, but I can say that I seriously think this series has potential.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sinful" by Joan Johnston. This is a story of true love that was denied but never died. Connor and Eve were attracted to each other as teenagers but, fate was against them. Now, although tragic, circumstances have brought them back together. I liked Eve - she was torn about her feelings for Connor and what she should do about them. She was a good person that only wanted to help and didn't want to betray her family or her best friend's memory. I was cheering for her throughout the story. Connor, a war vet, struggles with some guilt as well and with lots of family strife. He's a strong person that will follow his conviction for what he believes in and for what and who he loves. I was hoping for a bit more with Eve and Brooke and Sawyer to see how their relationship developed. Even more with just Eve and Connor - often the story involved the other characters - I only wish to have a few extra scenes of just the two of them as they discovered their love for each other.
This story had me smiling at bits but also made me sad at times. It has some happiness and heartache and some joyful scenes too. I look forward to Ms. Johnston's sharing of the stories of the other Flynns and Grayhawks in the future. (received copy from NetGalley for honest review)

[Saski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Imagine that for years you lived where long, hot, delightful baths were a rare occurrence, and suddenly the opportunity arose, and ... you had no book, at least no book you would risk in a bathtub. I believe this would be the only situation in which I would recommend this book. Now, I don't ordinarily read romance novels so maybe Sinful is an excellent example. Being an editor I was doing a lot of groaning at the constant repetition and imagining how short it would be once I had had my way with it.

However, it did hold my attention long enough for the book and the bath to end together. I suppose there is something to be said for that.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor he can be obtuse at times, "will we have sex? I hope so. When you feel comfortable with that kind of intimacy." That boy has issues, "she heard him swallow noisily before he said, "Eve, I'm sorry." She said nothing She had no idea what to say. "You're nothing like Molly," he said into the silence. "I don't know why I said her name." I think it's good Eve light's a fire under that boy's a**, "Hell and damnation! You're liable to start World War 3 if I let you go there by yourself." I enjoyed this book and the chemistry that was between Connor and Eve.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I'd liked this book more because the premise was right up my alley. I found the characters kind of empty, and thought the author told too much of their story instead of getting out of the way and letting the characters develop on the page. Too much "telling", not enough "showing". Lots of people enjoyed this book, so this is certainly just my opinion. But, I was disappointed.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read one of Joan Johnston's books in years, but as soon as I started this book I remembered why I had liked her so much. The story and characters were great and I can't wait for the next book. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Tonya Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! I loved Eve and Conner's story. It was really refreshing and the twist at the end has left me hanging, dreaming and anticipating the next book in this series. Shameless!!! Keep the books a coming Joan!!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this book. I noticed in the last book, "Shattered", that the author wrote Trace Blackthorne and Callie Creed Blackthorne right out of existence when Kate explains to Wyatt that her dad, Clay Blackthorne, and his twin brother and uncle, Owen Blackthorne, are the eldest in the family. What happened to Trace, his wife and his children??? Then in this book, the start of another trilogy, King's Brats, and, supposedly, Book #9 in the Bitter Creek series, she changes the names of the Brats. The epilog of Shattered lists the three Brats as Gray, Victoria, and Taylor. Suddenly the three Brats are now Eve, Victoria, and Taylor! When one is reading right through the series, as I am, these changes are confusing, uncomfortable and discouraging. As for this particular story, again there is a family feud in progress. In the Bitter Creek series, the feud was between the Blackthornes and Creeds. It seems in this series the feud is between the Grayhawks and the Flynns! The story is another about unrequited love with a happy ever after ending. As the beginning of another series, it isn't a novel that stands out with suspense and twists and turns. It is just the beginning of another series. I am not sure how it is considered #9 in the Bitter Creek series unless it is because Matt Grayhawk was mentioned in several of the Bitter Creek series as the prodigal son of King Grayhawk, first born to King and missing for many years, his whereabouts unknown until this novel. Since Kate Grayhawk is his niece and played an integral part in the Bitter Creek series latter books, one can only assume that is the reason for the classification of this book in the Bitter Creek series. Interesting that Matt was found in Australia! That is where Trace Blackthorne was hiding out and where he returned and ultimately wed Callie Creed! Hmmm! Anybody else notice a similarity? The next book in the series is "Shameless" and is classified as #10 and the final novel in the Bitter Creek series. The third book in the King's Brats series is "Surrender" but isn't classified as being in the Bitter Creek series! I am interested in finding out why, aren't you?

[Patricia Solla · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting not quite stand alone story. Part of a series, I'm not sure about what went on in the first books of the series, but seems to be the start of stories about romances between the Grayhawk family women and the Flynn family men. This story is about Connor Flynn and Eve Grayhawk. There's a bitterness between the fathers of the families and a feud has been going on for a long time. Each member of their immediate family has been told to stay away from the members of the other family. So now we have Connor Flynn, home from serving his country, fighting to get his children back from his deceased wife's parents. Connor gets help from Eve, who was his wife's best friend and who has been in love with Connor since high school. The story flows along nicely as the reader finds out about Connor and Eve's romance which is quite interesting and does with an HEA for them but there's more to come and the reader is left with deciding whether to read the next book or just drop the whole thing and wondering whether to start the series from the beginning.

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book nine in the Bitter Creek series and it features Connor Flynn and Eve Grayhawk. This is such a brilliant story line! I could’ve never guessed some of the twist and turns this story took. The feud between these two families is CRAZY! The serious and not so serious pranks were unbelievable. Connor and Eve have had chemistry since high school but he married her best friend. Now, they both need something from each other.

Brilliant writing! The story line had great flow and the characters were amazing. This author has a way of writing that not only includes the main character and their story but includes the entirety of both families. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is nominally connected to the previous Bitter Creek books, the only character we'd actually met before is King Grayhawk (Eve's father) and he appears only just enough to introduce yet another Montague/Capulet level family rivalry. In terms of the story itself, I normally love a second chance romance - and adorable kidlets amp that right up - but while I could deal with Eve having had a lifelong crush on her late best friend's boyfriend-then-husband, I struggled with the ookiness of Connor marrying Molly if Eve was the one he actually had a thing for.

[Cheers&Applause · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
So many things, I liked and disliked.
Mostly, the h kept contradicting herself.
And so did the H.
Why mention his ex wife during intimate moments? The reasons he gave, do not make sense.
No matter how the author tried to bring it across, I still believe the h was second fiddle to his first wife. That he loves her, but not as much as his first, and is more convenient to have a mother for his young children after her death.
He is still wearing her ring as well. Ridiculous.

[Becky Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exactly the kind of cowboy romance I wanted it to be. And I think I’ll definitely read more of Johnston’s books.

I can’t really handle the widower stuff- the presence of another woman in their romance, even a dead one, who was her best friend was WAY too much for me. But that’s more me than the book.

[Tonya Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! I loved Eve and Conner's story. It was really refreshing and the twist at the end has left me hanging, dreaming and anticipating the next book in this series. Shameless!!! Keep the books a coming Joan!!

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

The family feuds that never end and secrets that are revealed along the way. A well written perfectly paced story that pulls you in from the start. You want to know how fathers can rule their children in life and keep them from being friends.