ARC Review – Sweetest Sins and Bitter Ends by Elle Brown
I’m still thinking about this book — Elle Brown completely stole my heart with this one. Sweetest Sins and Bitter Ends had everything I love: emotional depth, sizzling chemistry, and characters who felt real. I read it in one sitting because walking away wasn’t an option.
The connection between Jayce and Trystan was pure fire. Their chemistry jumped off the page, but it wasn’t just about the heat — it was the way they saw and understood each other. You could feel every stolen glance, every heartbreak, every moment they tried (and failed) to fight what was between them. The birth control scene was 🤤🤤
Elle Brown did an incredible job balancing the emotional intensity with just the right amount of spice — the scenes were chef’s kiss perfection. Steamy, passionate, and meaningful.
By the end, I was completely invested in their story — my heart full, my pulse racing, and my Kindle smoking. This book reminded me why I love romance so much.
10/10 recommend if you love stories that hurt a little, heal a lot, and burn in all the best ways. ❤️🔥
This is my honest opinion on Sweetest Sins and Bitter Ends.
3.5⭐️
That rating is solely because of Jayce. I loved his character. I was left wondering what his background is and why he is has some “dark moments”.
I couldn’t stand Trystan. She was whiny the entire book, it felt repetitive especially when she talked about Preston and about Jayce. I understood her reservations to a point, but my god did she make this book insufferable.
The spicy scenes were delicious, but I wish it got a little more in-depth with what Jayce likes in the bedroom. We got a hint, but I wanted more.
ARC Review Sweetest Sins & Bitter Ends by Elle Brown
After years of being a stay-at-home mom, Trystan James is finally ready to follow her dream and start her own catering business. Her first big opportunity comes when she’s hired for the Graham-Vance Annual Charity Gala, hosted at The Port. There, she meets Jayce, the charming co-owner who decides to give her a chance.
But the night that could’ve marked the beginning of a new chapter takes a dark turn when her husband’s behavior almost ruins everything. That night changes Trystan’s life forever.
A year later, she’s finalizing her divorce and working at a restaurant, slowly rebuilding her life. Now that her finances are improving, she and her daughter are ready to move into a new home — only to discover that Jayce is their new neighbor. This time, he’s determined not to let her slip away again. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep Trystan and her daughter close — and safe.
Sweetest Sins & Bitter Ends beautifully balances the bitter moments of life with the sweet “sins” that lead to healing and love. Tropes include: single parent, instant attraction, close proximity, and touch-her-and-die.
The plot is engaging, the dual POV well-written, and the emotional depth shines through. Jayce is the perfect mix of protective and playful, and his chemistry with Trystan is electric — their intimate scenes are definitely hot! Trystan is an incredibly relatable character; her struggles and growth will resonate with many readers.
My favorite moment was when Jayce went above and beyond to take care of one of Trystan’s biggest challenges — it showed how deeply he cared.
If you enjoy heartfelt, steamy romances with real emotion and strong characters, this book is definitely for you.
This romance is a heartfelt story about being truly seen and loved for who you are. It’s an emotional yet hopeful journey that reminds readers love can bloom even after heartbreak.
Trystan is trapped in an emotionally abusive marriage, struggling to rebuild her life and career. When she lands an interview to cater for Jayce’s club, sparks fly immediately—at least until Jayce discovers she’s married. Jayce, who hides his longing for real connection behind his easygoing charm, can’t quite forget her. Their paths cross again when Trystan moves in next door, giving Jayce another chance to show her what real love and respect look like.
What makes this book stand out is how authentically it portrays the transition from married life to post-married life—the emotional turbulence, the rediscovery of self, and the quiet strength it takes to start over. Yet it never feels heavy. Instead, it’s warm, hopeful, and full of charm.
The characters are wonderfully written—complex, kind, and deeply human. You’ll root for Trystan and Jayce as they find healing, friendship, and love in each other. It’s a beautiful, emotionally satisfying read that I would definitely recommend.
This is my first book to read from Elle Brown and I am so thankful I was able to get an early copy to read! I devoured this book in just a few short hours. It’s somewhat emotional, mature, and so incredibly relatable, with the right amount of spice. Trystan’s marriage has been over for a while, but when things turn physical, it becomes her final breaking point. Her ex doesn’t let go easily (he’s a controlling jerk), and watching her find the courage to finally walk away and start over was powerful and real.
Jayce has wanted nothing more than to find his one true person and finally settle down, and when it comes to Trystan, there’s never any doubt in his mind from the moment he meets her. He’s the ultimate book boyfriend: patient, protective, and endlessly devoted to both her and her daughter. It will melt your heart! Their chemistry absolutely sizzles, but it’s the emotional connection and maturity that make this story stand out.
Such a wonderfully written, heartfelt romance about healing, second chances, and finding love that feels safe and consuming all at once. I highly recommend this and I will definitely be going back to read the first book!
This book had me obsessed from page one. Trystan is a married mom trying to rebuild her life and launch her own catering business. A last-minute job at Jayce’s bar changes everything—her talent blows him away, and he falls for her instantly.
When Trystan finally leaves her husband and ends up living next door to Jayce, he’s all in: supportive, patient, and the definition of a golden-retriever love interest. But with her ex causing trouble, the tension stays high. Will they finally get the peace (and love) they deserve?
My favorite quote from the book is “what do you want sugar? If you want me to go, I’ll go. I’ll tell you goodnight and walk right out that door. I’ll go to bed with a smile on my face and your sweet scent on my clothes. If you want me to drop to my knees right here and make you feel so good you’ll forget all about whatever hurt you, I’ll gladly do that too. All you have to do is ask. I’ll give you whatever you want.”
Rating: 10/10. If you love loyal men, soft heat, and emotionally healing romances—this one’s for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me — because some books don’t just tell a story, they touch something deep inside you.
Some books don’t just tell a story — they find you when you need them most. This one did exactly that.
Trystan’s journey broke me open. A single mom who’s given everything and never been loved the way she deserves — until Jayce walks in. From the moment he said, “You deserve someone who loves you deeply, someone who worships you… Every. Fucking. Day.” I knew he was going to change everything.
I could not put this book down — I read it in a single day. This isn’t just a love story. It’s about healing, self-worth, and learning that real love doesn’t ask you to shrink — it meets you where you are and builds you up.
Elle Brown wrote something raw and honest here. It’s messy, beautiful, and full of heart. I laughed, I cried, and I rooted for Trystan like she was a friend.
If you’ve ever settled for less than you deserve, read this book. It’ll remind you what it means to be seen.
I was absolutely swept into the story of Trystan and Jayce from the beginning. Trystan is married, but very unhappy. Jayce is single and had no idea that this random caterer would be the one for him. Right person, wrong time. Fast forward a year later and Trystan’s situation has changed. They meet again, the attraction is still there, but is now the right time?
This book was everything you could ask for in a romance. There was chemistry, kindness, adoration, spice, and even some of the “do anything for her” going on. I whole heartedly recommend this book as it will likely make you laugh, cry and cheer for the characters that you will fall in love with very quickly. The author does a wonderful job with developing her characters and weaving their story, which is why I am looking forward to reading the first book in the series as well!
I loved the first book in this series and have been eagerly awaiting Jayce's story. And I have to say, it did not disappoint! The rollercoaster that was this story kept me reading long past when I should have gone to bed! The spice is just so yummy, you can't help but swoon when Jayce falls hard, and watching Trystan find her strength was so satisfying. Not to mention Zoe who was so stinking adorable. Gotta love a sassy little kid!
And it's just dark enough that if you're thinking of dipping your toes into dark romance waters, its a perfect starter book. Hint of stalking, hint of violence, hint of kink, but nothing too extreme by any stretch. Just a little taste to see if you want to broaden your horizons.
I really loved this book!!! The beginning it was hard for me to get into it because her husband was such a dick!!! And the cheating trope is just not my thing even if the husband is just so insufferable and mentally abusive. The epitome of a narcissist. Then there is Jayce!!! I love a slightly morally grey golden retriever and that’s what he reminds me of!! This book was awesome and I will definitely be putting Elle Brown on my auto authors ❤️❤️❤️ Woulda been a 5 star but the beginning threw me off because the cheating (which never happened it just felt like it was going to and I kept waiting saying no no no… then she did the right thing and leaves…). It just made it harder to pick up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sweeter Sins & Bitter Ends healed parts of me I didn’t know needed healed.
Trystans character hits home as a mom. Just reminding you how amazing women truly are!
Now Jayce. Imagine every single trait you could desire for a book boyfriend and that’s him!
I was a sucker for Pretty Lies & Ugly Truths. It had me in a chokehold but Sweeter Sins was just as good! Better.
Elle Brown has a talent like no others when writing. Her writing style is so descriptive, painting that beautiful imagine in your head while also checking every box for a spicy read! I absolutely loved this read!
Thank you to Elle Brown for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC 💖
I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t put it down. I felt every single one of Trystan’s struggles, which made the story so emotional and real.
And Jayce… oh man 🤭 Where do I even begin with him? He completely stole my heart. Everything about him had me swooning.
This book is an absolute must-read, and I highly recommend it to everyone who loves an emotional, captivating story!
This book had me hooked from the first chapter. Trystan is such a relatable character that I truly felt like I was a part of the story. I was wishing for her successes and felt all of her messy troubles. The story was so easy to read and held me stuck to the book the whole time.
ARC review! Such a great book to add to my collection! I was so honored to be able to have a sneak peak into this world! Jayce and Tristan such fire. A book that embodies such hurt, healing and burn.
Such a good book to start the year off with! I loved the chef/ bartender vibes. The second chances and found family was absolute perfection. Starting over is never easy but totally worth it in the end.
Thank you for allowing me to Arc read this, this is one of those books that are about heart break and not being good enough, to finding your forever. I absolutely loved Jayce and Trystan. The journey she goes through to realize she’s worth more than what she’s thought was so good! I loved how Jayce connected with Zoe. It was heartbreaking, and a healing journey for Trystan and her family. Elle thank you for letting me be part of this journey and introducing me to these two amazing characters!!!