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Sinners & Saints #1
Sinners & Saints
“Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” – Oscar Wilde
Juliet
From the first moment I saw him, I knew he was it for me… even if he didn’t. The most beautiful boy I have ever seen has become my obsession and yet I am perfectly fine with it. I was born with a warm heart… but a strong one at that.
Scarlett
They call me a bitch; they say I’m cruel, vindictive, and evil beyond repair… and they’re right. Frankly, I don’t find anything wrong with that. I believe people should be more like me. Life is so much easier when you shut off all the emotions that cause you to care. I am simply a woman who gets what she wants and what I want is for everyone to know their place.
Hugo
Most people feel sorry for my father. Jonathan Mandrake. Wife and son are dead. Remaining sons might as well be dead. One is autistic and the other is the devil. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m not the twin with autism. That’s my brother, August. We are a mirror image of each other but due to bad luck, we are complete opposites. My father is a prick—don’t let the smile fool you. My brother is one of the few people I tolerate and like. The only person who’s ever really understood me is Scarlett. The closest thing I have to a parent is Ms. Eleanor, my temporary guardian. When wealthy parents don’t want to leave their children home alone to embarrass the family name, they send them to her, not caring that her head is full of nothing but butterflies, rainbows, Bloody Mary’s, and young Latin men. Aside from my brother, I also live here with Jordana Abbott, the only girl I haven’t slept with because she's a lesbian; Poppy Montgomery, who loves pink and pills; and Cody Nichols, a virgin—poor bastard. But now we have added a new resident. I call her the English Rose. She’s beautiful, British… and very annoying. Scarlett wants me to break her, but something tells me there is no breaking this girl. So I won’t bother. Unfortunately, along with being unbreakable, Juliet Spears is also persistent when it comes to things she should not delve into… which is me.
Juliet
From the first moment I saw him, I knew he was it for me… even if he didn’t. The most beautiful boy I have ever seen has become my obsession and yet I am perfectly fine with it. I was born with a warm heart… but a strong one at that.
Scarlett
They call me a bitch; they say I’m cruel, vindictive, and evil beyond repair… and they’re right. Frankly, I don’t find anything wrong with that. I believe people should be more like me. Life is so much easier when you shut off all the emotions that cause you to care. I am simply a woman who gets what she wants and what I want is for everyone to know their place.
Hugo
Most people feel sorry for my father. Jonathan Mandrake. Wife and son are dead. Remaining sons might as well be dead. One is autistic and the other is the devil. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m not the twin with autism. That’s my brother, August. We are a mirror image of each other but due to bad luck, we are complete opposites. My father is a prick—don’t let the smile fool you. My brother is one of the few people I tolerate and like. The only person who’s ever really understood me is Scarlett. The closest thing I have to a parent is Ms. Eleanor, my temporary guardian. When wealthy parents don’t want to leave their children home alone to embarrass the family name, they send them to her, not caring that her head is full of nothing but butterflies, rainbows, Bloody Mary’s, and young Latin men. Aside from my brother, I also live here with Jordana Abbott, the only girl I haven’t slept with because she's a lesbian; Poppy Montgomery, who loves pink and pills; and Cody Nichols, a virgin—poor bastard. But now we have added a new resident. I call her the English Rose. She’s beautiful, British… and very annoying. Scarlett wants me to break her, but something tells me there is no breaking this girl. So I won’t bother. Unfortunately, along with being unbreakable, Juliet Spears is also persistent when it comes to things she should not delve into… which is me.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2015
610 people want to read
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August 16, 2015
This book kind of reminded me of Gossip Girl meets Cruel Intentions. A group of rich stuck up 20 year olds who see the world has a place to reek havoc and destroy the lives of people around them.
Hugo had a hard life growing up (despite being filthy rich). His mother and older brother both killed themselves and his twin is autistic. His father hates them and ships them off to a boarding house for the rich and trouble. Here he meets Scarlet - the most venomous of them all. Scarlet is full of hate and doesn't care who she tramples over or ruins. She spends years shaping Hugo into a heartless monster like herself.
Then Juliet comes into the picture. She is determined to make Hugo realize he actually has a heart and to break him from Scarlet's spell. Only Scarlet does not let go so easily.
Great book, great story line. It does have a cliffy at the end - which I can't wait for book 2 to see what becomes of Scarlet. There were some twists towards the end that I didn't see coming.
Hugo's bother, although not a main character, was my favorite. Probably because he wasn't as mean and nasty as everyone else lol.
Hugo had a hard life growing up (despite being filthy rich). His mother and older brother both killed themselves and his twin is autistic. His father hates them and ships them off to a boarding house for the rich and trouble. Here he meets Scarlet - the most venomous of them all. Scarlet is full of hate and doesn't care who she tramples over or ruins. She spends years shaping Hugo into a heartless monster like herself.
Then Juliet comes into the picture. She is determined to make Hugo realize he actually has a heart and to break him from Scarlet's spell. Only Scarlet does not let go so easily.
Great book, great story line. It does have a cliffy at the end - which I can't wait for book 2 to see what becomes of Scarlet. There were some twists towards the end that I didn't see coming.
Hugo's bother, although not a main character, was my favorite. Probably because he wasn't as mean and nasty as everyone else lol.
September 6, 2015
*ARC provided by the author for an honest review*
OMG what a book why did it have 2 end like that noooooooo
This book had such a good story I enjoyed from the beginning I luvd the way it was written havin so many pov's can be a lil scary but it wasn't it was so good I luvd getting into al there heads especially Hugo an Juliet there r both amazing characters Hugo u can c that Ye he's arrogant a total smart ass manwhore sexy as hell an is totally under the thumb of the bitch of al bitches but I will get 2 her believe me but I could see the good in Hugo even though he did some seriously mad shit even fightin the feelings he asnt felt in so long an the way he is with his twin brother August is just so so good with him August is autistic an finds things hard but Hugo knows just how 2 make him better there father doesn't give a rats ass about them an an Hugo clashes with him big time they both push each other's button but there is 1 person he didn't c coming an that was the very gorgeous Juliet god I luv her the way she talks an doesn't stop an the way she pushes Hugo out of his comfort zone is so good the sexual tension between these 2 is hot an it's just gets strong throughout the book 1 thing I did think was great he way she is with August so gentle an carin I m not goin 2 lie she as done so serious stuff in her life at such a young age they al sinners in there own way
There r some really great characters like I said in this book I luv
everyone in Ms Eleanor's house Poppy is so cute an so lively Jordana is really great I do find that's she's hard but not 2 hard she's straight when it's comes 2 some people but I do luv the relationship the girls have her Poppy an Juliet r so good 2gether an there is Cody he is sweet we he's quiet but when it's called 4 he will go 4 it if your an ass this lot r al crazy Ye there great but they also have bad things goin on as well hidin things behind drink an drugs an some time just pure an utter scandal an that is what must of this book is about but there is the queen of the Sinners its Scarlett she as so much over Hugo an he does her 2 but she as stuff over everyone there isn't a scandal that doesn't involve her she as the Mandrake man in her pocket bar August how is totally petrified of her an I don't blame him something as already happened 2 one of the bothers an lets just say Scarlett doesn't like NO an if things get in her way Ye she will do something about she is 1 scary bitch but she as met her match when it comes 2 Juliet but I m not lyin when I say this character is just horrible the things she does in this book is just horrible I can't cope I need 2 punch a bitch she really does bring out the bad side of me
Like I said the story was great there was 1 part that freaked me out a lil I m just not mad about that bit of story but the rest was just great I luvd how the author showed a story about everyone an it wasn't messy I wanted 2 know how things would go with everyone but then the endin come on what the f#@k why did it end like that I m just gutted rite now I really need more rite now it's goin 2 take a while 4 me 2 get over the endin
Overall it's a really great book I enjoyed it it's left me wantin more xxx
OMG what a book why did it have 2 end like that noooooooo
This book had such a good story I enjoyed from the beginning I luvd the way it was written havin so many pov's can be a lil scary but it wasn't it was so good I luvd getting into al there heads especially Hugo an Juliet there r both amazing characters Hugo u can c that Ye he's arrogant a total smart ass manwhore sexy as hell an is totally under the thumb of the bitch of al bitches but I will get 2 her believe me but I could see the good in Hugo even though he did some seriously mad shit even fightin the feelings he asnt felt in so long an the way he is with his twin brother August is just so so good with him August is autistic an finds things hard but Hugo knows just how 2 make him better there father doesn't give a rats ass about them an an Hugo clashes with him big time they both push each other's button but there is 1 person he didn't c coming an that was the very gorgeous Juliet god I luv her the way she talks an doesn't stop an the way she pushes Hugo out of his comfort zone is so good the sexual tension between these 2 is hot an it's just gets strong throughout the book 1 thing I did think was great he way she is with August so gentle an carin I m not goin 2 lie she as done so serious stuff in her life at such a young age they al sinners in there own way
There r some really great characters like I said in this book I luv
everyone in Ms Eleanor's house Poppy is so cute an so lively Jordana is really great I do find that's she's hard but not 2 hard she's straight when it's comes 2 some people but I do luv the relationship the girls have her Poppy an Juliet r so good 2gether an there is Cody he is sweet we he's quiet but when it's called 4 he will go 4 it if your an ass this lot r al crazy Ye there great but they also have bad things goin on as well hidin things behind drink an drugs an some time just pure an utter scandal an that is what must of this book is about but there is the queen of the Sinners its Scarlett she as so much over Hugo an he does her 2 but she as stuff over everyone there isn't a scandal that doesn't involve her she as the Mandrake man in her pocket bar August how is totally petrified of her an I don't blame him something as already happened 2 one of the bothers an lets just say Scarlett doesn't like NO an if things get in her way Ye she will do something about she is 1 scary bitch but she as met her match when it comes 2 Juliet but I m not lyin when I say this character is just horrible the things she does in this book is just horrible I can't cope I need 2 punch a bitch she really does bring out the bad side of me
Like I said the story was great there was 1 part that freaked me out a lil I m just not mad about that bit of story but the rest was just great I luvd how the author showed a story about everyone an it wasn't messy I wanted 2 know how things would go with everyone but then the endin come on what the f#@k why did it end like that I m just gutted rite now I really need more rite now it's goin 2 take a while 4 me 2 get over the endin
Overall it's a really great book I enjoyed it it's left me wantin more xxx
July 23, 2015
A story that is every bit as troubled and disturbing as it is foul and alluring, this is one read that is heavy on the drama, the mean girls, and yet, it draws you in and you can't help but be fascinated by it and drawn into the life and angst of the main characters.
Set in an almost fantasy world of the rich, spoiled, and elite, this is one read that will be sure to capture your attention, mess with your mind, and leave you guessing, cringing, and thoroughly disgusted in all the right ways.
With characters that almost don't redeem themselves enough to be likable, you can't help but care about them and wonder what will happen with them next.
Ending on a doozy of a cliffhanger, this is one read that those that love the drama and craziness that comes with these type of reads, will be completely wrapped up in and will want more of.
Set in an almost fantasy world of the rich, spoiled, and elite, this is one read that will be sure to capture your attention, mess with your mind, and leave you guessing, cringing, and thoroughly disgusted in all the right ways.
With characters that almost don't redeem themselves enough to be likable, you can't help but care about them and wonder what will happen with them next.
Ending on a doozy of a cliffhanger, this is one read that those that love the drama and craziness that comes with these type of reads, will be completely wrapped up in and will want more of.
March 22, 2016
Addictive and entertaining read but beware it ends on a huge cliffhanger
I struggled at first with this book, well I struggled with Scarlett to be exact she's a poisonous evil bitch and it seems silly now after I've finished the book but I thought it would be difficult reading about a character with absolutely no redeeming features at all, how wrong was I.
This book opens at the funeral of Gabriel Mandrake and with Scarlett's POV, Scarlett introduces herself:
'I love to do bad things and I never cry. In fact, I haven't shed a tear since I was twelve at my father's funeral and those tears were only fabricated. I forced myself to weep for the man I loathed so everyone would think I actually loved him and feel sorry for me, looking the other way when I started doing bad things.'
Now the part I struggled most with is Scarlett being free to get her claws into Hugo Mandrake, Gabriel's fifteen year old brother who doesn't stand a chance against her.
This book is full of rich, spoilt entitled people, now the set-up is that all these rich kids are sent to live with the eccentric Ms. Eleanor, she acts as temporary guardian for rich parents who feel better about themselves because they're not leaving their children home alone.
Now it would be so easy to dislike these kids because on the surface they have everything but once we look closer we see their lives are empty and while they may have money in most cases they don't have the love or even attention of their equally rich and spoilt parents and it's depressing and worrying because the money they have access to along with their family name give these children or young adults as they actually are the kind of power no one that age should have.
Hugo is fifteen when his brother dies and the perfect age for the older and gorgeous Scarlett to mould and shape into what she wants and she does, like I said Hugo never stood a chance.
There's some interesting characters staying at Ms. Eleanor's and this is one of Chelsea's strengths, the people and the personalities she creates. It's impossible not to love August, Hugo's twin, there's also Poppy, who's a 'bright and bubbly ball of sunshine' Cody, the resident Saint and the beautiful Jordana, but everything is about to change with the arrival of the latest guest Juliet Spears.
Juliet is from England, she comes from money so she's one of them, she's lived the life they live, too much money, drugs and power, she's made some horrendous mistakes and been a complete and utter bitch but she's changed, she's different and she's going to really shake things up, plus we just know from the start Scarlett is going to hate her.
I wasn't sure exactly what I expected from this book I just know that Chelsea has never let me down, she always writes book I can loose myself in so when I received her email asking if I wanted to read it, I checked the blurb and then jumped at the chance. As I said I struggled with Scarlett early on but once I'd got past this and Juliet was introduced I was completely lost in this book and then the cliffhanger....oh wow, now I'm just left waiting for the next book.
ARC was provided by Chelsea in exchange for my honest review.
August 24, 2015
☆ I received an RC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
This book was very diverse and crafted with so many layers to each character within the plot.
I will admit, that I usually don't like books with a couple different POV's, since its a tad overwhelming and unneeded at times, but this one kept things fleshed out and interesting.
I really enjoyed the differing dynamics of Hugo. Scarlet, and Juliet.
Hugo, despite his prestigious upbringing and background, has always had a black cloud looming over him. With tragic events echoing his past and a vindictive vixen constantly trying to groom and manipulate him to her wishes, he meets Juliet-- the complete opposite from all people he's ever met, who's not out with an agenda and who didn't always come from the right side of the tracks.
She makes him want to break out of the malicious cycle he's resumed himself into and be a better man. But how can you, when all you know is sin and destruction?
I read in another review that this was the baby of “Gossip Girl meets Cruel Intentions” and that couldn't have hit the spot much better to describe this. It truly was.
The lifestyles of the rich and privileged and their family and internal issues and power trips, struggles, and love lives.
Pretty interesting, I must say. I can't wait for bk2 and to see where things go from here.
This book was very diverse and crafted with so many layers to each character within the plot.
I will admit, that I usually don't like books with a couple different POV's, since its a tad overwhelming and unneeded at times, but this one kept things fleshed out and interesting.
I really enjoyed the differing dynamics of Hugo. Scarlet, and Juliet.
Hugo, despite his prestigious upbringing and background, has always had a black cloud looming over him. With tragic events echoing his past and a vindictive vixen constantly trying to groom and manipulate him to her wishes, he meets Juliet-- the complete opposite from all people he's ever met, who's not out with an agenda and who didn't always come from the right side of the tracks.
She makes him want to break out of the malicious cycle he's resumed himself into and be a better man. But how can you, when all you know is sin and destruction?
I read in another review that this was the baby of “Gossip Girl meets Cruel Intentions” and that couldn't have hit the spot much better to describe this. It truly was.
The lifestyles of the rich and privileged and their family and internal issues and power trips, struggles, and love lives.
Pretty interesting, I must say. I can't wait for bk2 and to see where things go from here.
July 8, 2015
Plot: I love a rich teenager novel! The plot in the story is slightly complicated but very quickly you pick up the direction in which the plot is flowing. The story starts with the new girl Juliet moving to a ‘boarding house’ where she is staying with several other kids of the same class over the summer and moving into the semester. Juliet moves in with 5 other young adults who are largely ‘bad’ people however as the story goes on we see all their backgrounds and points of view and find out why they are who they are. Juliet meets Hugo who is a heartless but gorgeous guy and Juliet sort of makes it her mission to change Hugo. Meanwhile Hugo is still under the power of the manipulative Scarlett and we follow through their lives. Like I said I love the ‘spoiled brat’ kind of story I find them fascinating for some reason and this book does that perfectly so I was easily captivated. The plot is constantly moving and there were moments where I felt a little bit too much was going on but it pulled the ends together of each section well. I thought the separate plots where well thought out and gave you a great insight into the characters backgrounds which I loved!
Characters:
Hugo, I can see why he has so many girls falling for him. He has so much charm that you can’t not love him and yet his bluntness! He was such a complex character but I really felt like I understood him in the end and actually sympathised with him, which I definitely didn’t think I would at the beginning. I was certain I would hate him, but no! I loved Hugo.
I also loved Juliet; she was real, so real. There were moments where she appeared so needy and persistent which I wasn’t so much a fan of but then she would completely switch which not only confused Hugo but made me look at her as such an inspiring character, especially with her problems.
The last character out of the main ones I want to talk about is Scarlet who as I imagine it was intended, I hated! I didn’t understand what was going through that girls head, I know she has some parental issues but what she does is evil. There is just no other word for it. She was such a pivotal character though, without Scarlet the plot would be just a normal story but Scarlet manipulates the character to make it so much more interesting.
Favourite aspects: I loved the moments with August (Hugo’s twin brother with Autism) the way Juliet interacts with him made me want to cry it was such a sweet, beautiful relationship and the way August is portrayed made a really interesting break from the crazy life these characters life. It really showed how caring Juliet was as a character. I also think it’s often hard to do a good portrayal of mental health but this did it really well.
Themes: So the themes vary an awful lot in the novel. Part of me does wish that there was some more focused themes especially with the love aspects, I would off liked more details of the love between Hugo and August as when it was done it was very powerful moment and I would of loved that more. However the theme of revenge was so good! The revenge was manipulative and clever, it was realistic revenge and it was great!
Structure: The novel swaps quickly between different perspectives from a lot of characters. Which at first I was a bit hesitant about but as the novel went on I found myself excited for different people and really enjoying learning more about the back grounds of the characters. Especially as we got the side character points of views which you don’t normally get. Joanna’s where probably my favourite point of views just as she not only explained her life but narrated her view of what was going on with Hugo, Juliet and Scarlet and it acted a bit like a recap of the story which I really enjoyed!
Characters:
Hugo, I can see why he has so many girls falling for him. He has so much charm that you can’t not love him and yet his bluntness! He was such a complex character but I really felt like I understood him in the end and actually sympathised with him, which I definitely didn’t think I would at the beginning. I was certain I would hate him, but no! I loved Hugo.
I also loved Juliet; she was real, so real. There were moments where she appeared so needy and persistent which I wasn’t so much a fan of but then she would completely switch which not only confused Hugo but made me look at her as such an inspiring character, especially with her problems.
The last character out of the main ones I want to talk about is Scarlet who as I imagine it was intended, I hated! I didn’t understand what was going through that girls head, I know she has some parental issues but what she does is evil. There is just no other word for it. She was such a pivotal character though, without Scarlet the plot would be just a normal story but Scarlet manipulates the character to make it so much more interesting.
Favourite aspects: I loved the moments with August (Hugo’s twin brother with Autism) the way Juliet interacts with him made me want to cry it was such a sweet, beautiful relationship and the way August is portrayed made a really interesting break from the crazy life these characters life. It really showed how caring Juliet was as a character. I also think it’s often hard to do a good portrayal of mental health but this did it really well.
Themes: So the themes vary an awful lot in the novel. Part of me does wish that there was some more focused themes especially with the love aspects, I would off liked more details of the love between Hugo and August as when it was done it was very powerful moment and I would of loved that more. However the theme of revenge was so good! The revenge was manipulative and clever, it was realistic revenge and it was great!
Structure: The novel swaps quickly between different perspectives from a lot of characters. Which at first I was a bit hesitant about but as the novel went on I found myself excited for different people and really enjoying learning more about the back grounds of the characters. Especially as we got the side character points of views which you don’t normally get. Joanna’s where probably my favourite point of views just as she not only explained her life but narrated her view of what was going on with Hugo, Juliet and Scarlet and it acted a bit like a recap of the story which I really enjoyed!
January 28, 2019
This book is on fire. The story is engaging, breathtaking and alluring. The nature of the book is dark and twisted and dangerous. The characters are well structured, unique in their own way and full of depth and emotional weight. They’re neither flat nor superficial. They are complicated and captivating and so deliciously layered that I did not want the book to end.
The most prominent idea that kept floating inside my head is that this book is cruel intentions meets gossip girl meets my dream of a passionate romance finally coming true. The book revolves around a bunch of rich kids sent away by their parents to live in a house for the rich and not wanted.
Hugo the main male character had a very rough childhood filled with agony and misplaced sense of guilt. His father never really cared about him. His mother committed suicide when he was a young boy. His older brother “Gabriel” also committed suicide by firing a gun in his mouth when Hugo was fifteen years old. His twin brother is autistic. Then he meets SCARLET, a cold and dangerous eighteen year old girl who likes nothing more than destroying people’s lives and basking in their misery. She had a history with Gabriel and she uses her beauty and cunning intelligence and cruelty to shape Hugo into e unrecognizable mess of harshness and coldness.
Years later, comes a girl named Juliet, with issues of her own, tragedies of her own and enters the game. Everything changes after that.
That’s when the beauty of this epic mess starts coming to light and what happens in one hell of crazy intense story that has its brilliant moments, its crazy smart and passionate dialogue and a cliffhanger that left me wanting for more.
The most prominent idea that kept floating inside my head is that this book is cruel intentions meets gossip girl meets my dream of a passionate romance finally coming true. The book revolves around a bunch of rich kids sent away by their parents to live in a house for the rich and not wanted.
Hugo the main male character had a very rough childhood filled with agony and misplaced sense of guilt. His father never really cared about him. His mother committed suicide when he was a young boy. His older brother “Gabriel” also committed suicide by firing a gun in his mouth when Hugo was fifteen years old. His twin brother is autistic. Then he meets SCARLET, a cold and dangerous eighteen year old girl who likes nothing more than destroying people’s lives and basking in their misery. She had a history with Gabriel and she uses her beauty and cunning intelligence and cruelty to shape Hugo into e unrecognizable mess of harshness and coldness.
Years later, comes a girl named Juliet, with issues of her own, tragedies of her own and enters the game. Everything changes after that.
That’s when the beauty of this epic mess starts coming to light and what happens in one hell of crazy intense story that has its brilliant moments, its crazy smart and passionate dialogue and a cliffhanger that left me wanting for more.
August 3, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review! Thank you!
Let me ask you a question: Did you like Cruel Intentions? How about Gossip Girl? If the answer to either of these is yes, then this book is for you!
In the beginning of the book, I was worried there was a good chance I was going to not like it so much. Only because I dont normally like the snotty, rich bitch, socialite, full of themselves type characters, or the settings they reside in. Which is weird, because I do love Cruel Intentions (but I loathe SMG, in anything. Ugh. I loved the show Buffy, but she is just awful.) and I also enjoy the Gossip Girl TV show. This is like a college level, sexy, and much more devious mash-up of those.
So I somehow ended up sucked in, and I could not stop rooting for Hugo! He was so capable of being so amazing, and I couldn't wait for that guy to come out. I loved seeing him slowly change. Juliet is so likable, she is strong willed and very sure of herself, without just being a snotty bitch. She has past experiences that seemed to bring her down to earth, and I love that about her.I adored all of the side characters, especially August. There is no way not to have a soft spot for him. I just love all the people that reside in Ms. Eleanor's house. I even love her, she is a bit batty and a sucker for love.
Scarlett is absolutely atrocious, as expected. There is literally nothing to like about her. I am dying to see her demise. I can't think of the last time I hated a villain so much. Seriously.
I will say it was strange following SO MANY different perspectives. Not to mention, some of the perspectives felt a little unnecessary. But maybe they will be more relevant later on. Yes, it ends on a cliffy, but I have no problem with cliffhangers. I actually enjoy them. But we were also given a good bit of new info at the end, which is really exciting and changes everything.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
Let me ask you a question: Did you like Cruel Intentions? How about Gossip Girl? If the answer to either of these is yes, then this book is for you!
In the beginning of the book, I was worried there was a good chance I was going to not like it so much. Only because I dont normally like the snotty, rich bitch, socialite, full of themselves type characters, or the settings they reside in. Which is weird, because I do love Cruel Intentions (but I loathe SMG, in anything. Ugh. I loved the show Buffy, but she is just awful.) and I also enjoy the Gossip Girl TV show. This is like a college level, sexy, and much more devious mash-up of those.
So I somehow ended up sucked in, and I could not stop rooting for Hugo! He was so capable of being so amazing, and I couldn't wait for that guy to come out. I loved seeing him slowly change. Juliet is so likable, she is strong willed and very sure of herself, without just being a snotty bitch. She has past experiences that seemed to bring her down to earth, and I love that about her.I adored all of the side characters, especially August. There is no way not to have a soft spot for him. I just love all the people that reside in Ms. Eleanor's house. I even love her, she is a bit batty and a sucker for love.
Scarlett is absolutely atrocious, as expected. There is literally nothing to like about her. I am dying to see her demise. I can't think of the last time I hated a villain so much. Seriously.
I will say it was strange following SO MANY different perspectives. Not to mention, some of the perspectives felt a little unnecessary. But maybe they will be more relevant later on. Yes, it ends on a cliffy, but I have no problem with cliffhangers. I actually enjoy them. But we were also given a good bit of new info at the end, which is really exciting and changes everything.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
August 11, 2015
"LET'S KILL THE BITCH!!"
I received this book by the author in exchange for an honest review...
Ok, it took me longer than expected to finish this book not gonna lie took me a bit to fully get into but I did have distraction, but after I got into it I couldn't put this book down...
Scarlet is a heartless manipulative bitch! And Chad is a nasty perverted asshole
Hugo just stole my heart he was an asshole but he was an asshole with a heart no matter how much he tried to block it out.
Juliet was interesting, I liked her don't get me wrong but at times she annoyed me, can't really explain it...
I loved Poppy always trying to see the good wanting to always be happy and carefree only she was really sad most the time and masked it with drugs and alcohol...
Jordana was a bad ass bitch, I really liked her. She said what she wanted and I loved how she owned being a lesbian and finally risked being in love knowing it wouldn't end well...
Ms. Eleanor now she was an interesting character...
August was such a sweetheart and I just absolutely loved his kind heart, he held a soft spot only for Juliet and his twin brother Hugo of course.
Cody was a bit of a pussy at first but I'm glad he finally manned up especially when it came to Hugo, surprisingly really...
Anika and Karlie hmmm.....
I loved all these different personalities and that I got to experience all of there POV. I loved knowing what they were all thinking and feeling.
Why not 5 stars.. it has absolutely nothing to do with the writing, her writing is flawless so descriptive and has a way of flowing. Awesome...
No the reason 4 stars is for he sole fact that as good as this book was with its twists and fucked up situations, it's crazy ass characters and heartbreaking revelations I think for me how much these fucking kids who are in there early twenties weren't on there own yet. They were still living with someone like that was normal. Ms. Eleanor was taking care of them feeding them like they were children I guess that's how they were raised. There prestigious upbringing also was just too much, I found myself so annoyed at times at how much better and superior these people thought they were to everyone elese.
But that's just my little personal annoyance with it.
My full review too come but it's late right now.... but know it leave u on a cliff...
And I want to know what's going to happen!!
Ok so Hugo's brohter and mother kill themselves and he is left to go live with Ms. Eleanor and a group of rich kids plus his brother August.
He meets Scarlet the first day there and is instantly attracted to her, apparently everyone is.
They become the people everyone hates and fears. She makes him into this heartless asshole because she lost her toy Gabriel and needed a new one and why not his brother.
Years later he's gotten worse just a 'i dont give a fuck about anyone' attitude, he enjoys playing with people and hurting them, not physically but mentally and emotionally.
Enter Juliet, she moves into the mansion with everyone and, its like she is the game changer, shes not afraid of him or Scarlet and to his dismay she's changing him,
And it all starts with his sunglasses...
"I'VE SEEN YOUR SOUL."
"YOU ARE MY SOUL,"
She challenges him and his cold heart and as much as he doesnt like to feel, she's opening him up and making him see the world in color, not this evil place that Scarlet made him see it but that maybe hurting people isnt the best thing to do...
Scarlet is intimidated by her although she never says...She isnt liking the fact that hugo is letting another woman take her place and not only take her place but is changing the man she made. Hugo is starting to have a heart and be nice and his concious is coming back to him and she hates it, so she decides to do what she does best, she decides to ruin him and break the bond he and Juliet form...
She's a crazy bitch but have to say she's smart and she's very manipulative she will always end up getting her way, luckily for Juliet and Hugo they have a secret weapon and they will be using it.
Now i need to know how and what they are going to do next because im invested in Hugo, like i said above, he is an asshole but he's an asshole that has a heart.
One thing i absolutely love was the banter between Juliet and Hugo, i love when they challenge each other....
All the secondary characters have a purpose and a POV also so they all intertwine with each other. i dont even know how secondary they all are but they are all interesting and this was definetely a good book...
Now when is book 2 coming out??
I received this book by the author in exchange for an honest review...
Ok, it took me longer than expected to finish this book not gonna lie took me a bit to fully get into but I did have distraction, but after I got into it I couldn't put this book down...
Scarlet is a heartless manipulative bitch! And Chad is a nasty perverted asshole
Hugo just stole my heart he was an asshole but he was an asshole with a heart no matter how much he tried to block it out.
Juliet was interesting, I liked her don't get me wrong but at times she annoyed me, can't really explain it...
I loved Poppy always trying to see the good wanting to always be happy and carefree only she was really sad most the time and masked it with drugs and alcohol...
Jordana was a bad ass bitch, I really liked her. She said what she wanted and I loved how she owned being a lesbian and finally risked being in love knowing it wouldn't end well...
Ms. Eleanor now she was an interesting character...
August was such a sweetheart and I just absolutely loved his kind heart, he held a soft spot only for Juliet and his twin brother Hugo of course.
Cody was a bit of a pussy at first but I'm glad he finally manned up especially when it came to Hugo, surprisingly really...
Anika and Karlie hmmm.....
I loved all these different personalities and that I got to experience all of there POV. I loved knowing what they were all thinking and feeling.
Why not 5 stars.. it has absolutely nothing to do with the writing, her writing is flawless so descriptive and has a way of flowing. Awesome...
No the reason 4 stars is for he sole fact that as good as this book was with its twists and fucked up situations, it's crazy ass characters and heartbreaking revelations I think for me how much these fucking kids who are in there early twenties weren't on there own yet. They were still living with someone like that was normal. Ms. Eleanor was taking care of them feeding them like they were children I guess that's how they were raised. There prestigious upbringing also was just too much, I found myself so annoyed at times at how much better and superior these people thought they were to everyone elese.
But that's just my little personal annoyance with it.
My full review too come but it's late right now.... but know it leave u on a cliff...
And I want to know what's going to happen!!
Ok so Hugo's brohter and mother kill themselves and he is left to go live with Ms. Eleanor and a group of rich kids plus his brother August.
He meets Scarlet the first day there and is instantly attracted to her, apparently everyone is.
They become the people everyone hates and fears. She makes him into this heartless asshole because she lost her toy Gabriel and needed a new one and why not his brother.
Years later he's gotten worse just a 'i dont give a fuck about anyone' attitude, he enjoys playing with people and hurting them, not physically but mentally and emotionally.
Enter Juliet, she moves into the mansion with everyone and, its like she is the game changer, shes not afraid of him or Scarlet and to his dismay she's changing him,
And it all starts with his sunglasses...
"I'VE SEEN YOUR SOUL."
"YOU ARE MY SOUL,"
She challenges him and his cold heart and as much as he doesnt like to feel, she's opening him up and making him see the world in color, not this evil place that Scarlet made him see it but that maybe hurting people isnt the best thing to do...
Scarlet is intimidated by her although she never says...She isnt liking the fact that hugo is letting another woman take her place and not only take her place but is changing the man she made. Hugo is starting to have a heart and be nice and his concious is coming back to him and she hates it, so she decides to do what she does best, she decides to ruin him and break the bond he and Juliet form...
She's a crazy bitch but have to say she's smart and she's very manipulative she will always end up getting her way, luckily for Juliet and Hugo they have a secret weapon and they will be using it.
Now i need to know how and what they are going to do next because im invested in Hugo, like i said above, he is an asshole but he's an asshole that has a heart.
One thing i absolutely love was the banter between Juliet and Hugo, i love when they challenge each other....
All the secondary characters have a purpose and a POV also so they all intertwine with each other. i dont even know how secondary they all are but they are all interesting and this was definetely a good book...
Now when is book 2 coming out??
July 6, 2015
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Expect a lot of drama, suspense, mind games and all round debauchery.
Hugo has experienced a lot of tragedy in his life. First his mother’s suicide, then his brother Gabriel commits suicide. Hugo feels responsible for his twin brother, August who is autistic. His father is cold and distant.
Hugo meets Scarlett in his teens and she manipulates him. He turns into this heartless man whore. Scarlett is pure evil. I wasn’t sure if I love or loathe her at times. Scarlett and Hugo create havoc with their cruel mind games ultimately always getting what they want.
Until Juliet.. I liked that Juliet was a reformed bad girl and always spoke her mind. I loved the banter between Juliet and Hugo. And slowly their relationship turns into something more but a bitter, jealous Scarlett wants to destroy it.
Expect a lot of drama, suspense, mind games and all round debauchery.
Hugo has experienced a lot of tragedy in his life. First his mother’s suicide, then his brother Gabriel commits suicide. Hugo feels responsible for his twin brother, August who is autistic. His father is cold and distant.
Hugo meets Scarlett in his teens and she manipulates him. He turns into this heartless man whore. Scarlett is pure evil. I wasn’t sure if I love or loathe her at times. Scarlett and Hugo create havoc with their cruel mind games ultimately always getting what they want.
Until Juliet.. I liked that Juliet was a reformed bad girl and always spoke her mind. I loved the banter between Juliet and Hugo. And slowly their relationship turns into something more but a bitter, jealous Scarlett wants to destroy it.
August 30, 2015
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
“He doesn’t say anymore. He just reaches for me, sliding his hand around my neck and kissing me. Thunder and lightning appear. This might be an omen, but again...I don’t care”
4 stars. This book was interesting to say the least. Totally different than most books I read, but that’s not a bad thing at all!!!
Juliet
From the first moment I saw him, I knew he was it for me… even if he didn’t. The most beautiful boy I have ever seen has become my obsession and yet I am perfectly fine with it. I was born with a warm heart… but a strong one at that.
Scarlett
They call me a bitch; they say I’m cruel, vindictive, and evil beyond repair… and they’re right. Frankly, I don’t find anything wrong with that. I believe people should be more like me. Life is so much easier when you shut off all the emotions that cause you to care. I am simply a woman who gets what she wants and what I want is for everyone to know their place.
Hugo
Most people feel sorry for my father. Jonathan Mandrake. Wife and son are dead. Remaining sons might as well be dead. One is autistic and the other is the devil. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m not the twin with autism. That’s my brother, August. We are a mirror image of each other but due to bad luck, we are complete opposites. My father is a prick—don’t let the smile fool you. My brother is one of the few people I tolerate and like. The only person who’s ever really understood me is Scarlett. The closest thing I have to a parent is Ms. Eleanor, my temporary guardian. When wealthy parents don’t want to leave their children home alone to embarrass the family name, they send them to her, not caring that her head is full of nothing but butterflies, rainbows, Bloody Mary’s, and young Latin men. Aside from my brother, I also live here with Jordana Abbott, the only girl I haven’t slept with because she's a lesbian; Poppy Montgomery, who loves pink and pills; and Cody Nichols, a virgin—poor bastard. But now we have added a new resident. I call her the English Rose. She’s beautiful, British… and very annoying. Scarlett wants me to break her, but something tells me there is no breaking this girl. So I won’t bother. Unfortunately, along with being unbreakable, Juliet Spears is also persistent when it comes to things she should not delve into… which is me.
This book focuses on the rich kids and the mischief that they can create and the drama they can start. Think Cruel Intentions. But as much as you don’t want to like this book or the characters, you really can’t help but be sucked into the pages with the characters!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
“He doesn’t say anymore. He just reaches for me, sliding his hand around my neck and kissing me. Thunder and lightning appear. This might be an omen, but again...I don’t care”
4 stars. This book was interesting to say the least. Totally different than most books I read, but that’s not a bad thing at all!!!
Juliet
From the first moment I saw him, I knew he was it for me… even if he didn’t. The most beautiful boy I have ever seen has become my obsession and yet I am perfectly fine with it. I was born with a warm heart… but a strong one at that.
Scarlett
They call me a bitch; they say I’m cruel, vindictive, and evil beyond repair… and they’re right. Frankly, I don’t find anything wrong with that. I believe people should be more like me. Life is so much easier when you shut off all the emotions that cause you to care. I am simply a woman who gets what she wants and what I want is for everyone to know their place.
Hugo
Most people feel sorry for my father. Jonathan Mandrake. Wife and son are dead. Remaining sons might as well be dead. One is autistic and the other is the devil. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m not the twin with autism. That’s my brother, August. We are a mirror image of each other but due to bad luck, we are complete opposites. My father is a prick—don’t let the smile fool you. My brother is one of the few people I tolerate and like. The only person who’s ever really understood me is Scarlett. The closest thing I have to a parent is Ms. Eleanor, my temporary guardian. When wealthy parents don’t want to leave their children home alone to embarrass the family name, they send them to her, not caring that her head is full of nothing but butterflies, rainbows, Bloody Mary’s, and young Latin men. Aside from my brother, I also live here with Jordana Abbott, the only girl I haven’t slept with because she's a lesbian; Poppy Montgomery, who loves pink and pills; and Cody Nichols, a virgin—poor bastard. But now we have added a new resident. I call her the English Rose. She’s beautiful, British… and very annoying. Scarlett wants me to break her, but something tells me there is no breaking this girl. So I won’t bother. Unfortunately, along with being unbreakable, Juliet Spears is also persistent when it comes to things she should not delve into… which is me.
This book focuses on the rich kids and the mischief that they can create and the drama they can start. Think Cruel Intentions. But as much as you don’t want to like this book or the characters, you really can’t help but be sucked into the pages with the characters!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
August 25, 2015
Sinners and Saints starts off at a funeral for Gabriel Mandrake. At the funeral, we meet Scarlett , whom seems a twisted sort. The remaining Mandrake boys are now down to two twins Hugo and August . August is autistic which made me , though he wasn't exactly a main part of the story made me love his character - possibly because I have experience with siblings etc with autism . As I got reading deeper into the story it had a Cruel Intentions feel to it - you know the movie that stars Ryan Phillippe and then we discover that Scarlet- the main leader loves to play games and thus the book became a bit like the tv show Gossip Girl as in a way Scarlett reminded me a cross between Blair and Georgina. When the rich and wealthy get bored , they love to take risks and play games with other people, use them as their pawns for their own enjoyment. Gabriel couldn't handle it , so he died and now it's Scarlet's turn to train Hugo and he's a good little follower. That is until Juliet arrives at Miss Eleanor's and she isn't like the rest of them - her character reminded me of Serena. She can see the dangers at play and also has a thing for Hugo. Can Juliet be Hugo's saving grace ? Can she show him that their is still goodness and light within his heart and that he can walk away from Scarlett's hold ?
Find out in Book #1 Sinners and Saints - which side are you on ? by Chelsea Ballinger .
March 28, 2016
4. 5 STARS
July 12, 2015
Sinners & Saints by Chelsea Ballinger
Purchased: Received a copy from author in exchange for honest review
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Spoilers!
What's it all about?
You may think that this book is like Gossip Girl, but you’re all wrong. Jordana, Poppy, Cody, Scarlett, and of course, Hugo, may seems like the typical rich kids, but what makes them better is that they tell it like it is. Their lives had been lived with drugs, sex, and manipulation, but when Juliet enters their lives everything starts to change. Some for the better, but most for the worst. When Scarlett starts to feel threatened by the new Juliet things don’t just bad, they get deadly. You will go on a wild ride when reading this novel, and find out things you never knew about what it means to truly be open to someone.
The Worst Parts:
So when I first started this book I was very weary. It started off kind of weird and off kilter. I didn’t really understand what was happening, and then Scarlett had sex with a fifteen year old, with her being eighteen and I just felt uneasy. I stopped reading the book for a few days and then went back, and oh was I pleased that I did. When the book jumped ahead in time - side note, the time jump states 2 years, but Hugo goes from fifteen to 22 years old in two years…. Just a heads up - but to continued, I was enthralled by Juliet. Once the current day story start I truthfully don’t find anything wrong with the story. The characters are wonderful and despicable at the same time. All of their actions are accurate to their personalities.
The Best Parts:
What I loved about this book is that even though I didn’t start off liking it, I fell in love. Cold. Hard. Love. My god I didn’t think I could get enough of this story. I couldn’t put it down and just wanted to read more, so it makes me angry that the second book isn’t out! The manipulation and the constant back and forth, and then the secrets and love and everything just fit perfectly together. When you can read a story and clearly see the change of a character on paper that is what writing is about. I loved this story, have I said that too many times? Also, there are many explicit things that happen in this book, not just sex. So if you are uneasy about taboo, or extreme circumstances then I don’t think this book will be for you. Otherwise read it and dive right in to these rich people’s world and learn to love the devil within. I loved the way it was written as well. Even though the story focuses mainly on Hugo, Juliet, and Scarlett, I love that they also get into the other characters heads and let us know what is going on with them, because they all intertwine together. They are a family and it is really shown through this book.
Final thoughts:
This is a New Adult Romance novel, and I feel that it encompasses that category perfectly. It is very up to date on all of it’s references, and even has a jab at Gossip Girl, which made me laugh. This whole story is full of great one liners, and I’ll leave you with my favorite “She took my fucking glasses. Bitch.”
Purchased: Received a copy from author in exchange for honest review
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Spoilers!
What's it all about?
You may think that this book is like Gossip Girl, but you’re all wrong. Jordana, Poppy, Cody, Scarlett, and of course, Hugo, may seems like the typical rich kids, but what makes them better is that they tell it like it is. Their lives had been lived with drugs, sex, and manipulation, but when Juliet enters their lives everything starts to change. Some for the better, but most for the worst. When Scarlett starts to feel threatened by the new Juliet things don’t just bad, they get deadly. You will go on a wild ride when reading this novel, and find out things you never knew about what it means to truly be open to someone.
The Worst Parts:
So when I first started this book I was very weary. It started off kind of weird and off kilter. I didn’t really understand what was happening, and then Scarlett had sex with a fifteen year old, with her being eighteen and I just felt uneasy. I stopped reading the book for a few days and then went back, and oh was I pleased that I did. When the book jumped ahead in time - side note, the time jump states 2 years, but Hugo goes from fifteen to 22 years old in two years…. Just a heads up - but to continued, I was enthralled by Juliet. Once the current day story start I truthfully don’t find anything wrong with the story. The characters are wonderful and despicable at the same time. All of their actions are accurate to their personalities.
The Best Parts:
What I loved about this book is that even though I didn’t start off liking it, I fell in love. Cold. Hard. Love. My god I didn’t think I could get enough of this story. I couldn’t put it down and just wanted to read more, so it makes me angry that the second book isn’t out! The manipulation and the constant back and forth, and then the secrets and love and everything just fit perfectly together. When you can read a story and clearly see the change of a character on paper that is what writing is about. I loved this story, have I said that too many times? Also, there are many explicit things that happen in this book, not just sex. So if you are uneasy about taboo, or extreme circumstances then I don’t think this book will be for you. Otherwise read it and dive right in to these rich people’s world and learn to love the devil within. I loved the way it was written as well. Even though the story focuses mainly on Hugo, Juliet, and Scarlett, I love that they also get into the other characters heads and let us know what is going on with them, because they all intertwine together. They are a family and it is really shown through this book.
Final thoughts:
This is a New Adult Romance novel, and I feel that it encompasses that category perfectly. It is very up to date on all of it’s references, and even has a jab at Gossip Girl, which made me laugh. This whole story is full of great one liners, and I’ll leave you with my favorite “She took my fucking glasses. Bitch.”
July 5, 2015
FIVE STARS AREN'T ENOUGH!!!
Dear Ms.Chelsea Ballinger,
I am extremely intrigued by your brilliant writing style. I had never read any of your books before and now I want to read them all. You have turned me into your fan with Sinners and Saints!
Thank you so so so much for writing such a fine piece of sin :P
Formalities aside:
I EFFING LOVE THIS BOOK! <3 <3
This book was just MINDBLOWING!!!
WHAT I HAD EXPECTED WHEN I GOT THE BOOK:
Bad boy with a dark past finding true love (yada yada yada).
Love triangle.
Violence/BDSM
Crazy ex-lover wanting to ruin everything
WHAT I GOT INSTEAD:
Bad girl with a dark past creating prodigies of herself
Not a love triangle...much more complicated than that (in an effing good way)
A HELL LOTTA BACKSTABBING!
INTELLECTUAL BANTERS <3
Funny and quirky situations that are so needed for the flow in the story.
There’s only one word to describe it: S.H.R.E.W.E.D
SIN. SIN. SIN *_*
Omfg!
THIS BOOK MADE MY DAY.
I LOVED ALL THE CHARACTERS!
I AM IN AWE OF YOU AND YOUR WAY WITH WORDS.
KUDOS!
I LOVE HUGO.
He is the vampire Scarlet turned him into (metaphorically). He is an arsehole with intellect. He cleans up after the Serpent’s messes. He’s the guy playing games. Games that fuck your life in the cruellest way possible. All the pawns are like chess board pieces. One such pawn moved a few steps ahead of others...and she is right next to the Serpent. She is The English Rose. Nobody has ever come close to the Serpent. Until her.
I LOVE JULIET EVEN MORE.
She isn’t the typical good girl. She is the balance of the good and the bad. Her words show us her wit. She’s a psychic in her own words. She believes in redemption. She respects and gets disgusted by everyone in Ms.Eleanor’s house. She’s comfortable in her own skin and honestly tells everyone only what she chooses to say. She is badass elegance. She’s now my favourite heroine.
SCARLET IS AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT STORY!
She is so damn messed up! I don’t know whether I need to loathe her or feel sorry for her. I want to kill her. I want to castrate her. I want to know what happened to her in her past. I want to know if she can be redeemed. I want her out of Hugo’s life. I want her to own up to her mistakes. I want her nowhere near Juliet.
[THE OTHER PAWNS]
I loved the Unwanted Advisor, the Virgin, the Clueless One, the Wise Recluse -he’s just adorable :’)
I wanted to quote some epic dialogues from the book...but sadly each and every page has epic dialogues after the first few pages. I can’t just publish the whole book here, can I? So with a heavy heart I’m not sharing those wonderful dialogues here. :(
ANYONE AND EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!
It is now one of my favorites <3
Thanks a ton for writing this book.
I desperately need the next book!!!
“Let’s kill the bitch” indeed.
I LOOOOOOOVE THIS BOOK!
-Yours sincerely,
Ash Exclusive
Dear Ms.Chelsea Ballinger,
I am extremely intrigued by your brilliant writing style. I had never read any of your books before and now I want to read them all. You have turned me into your fan with Sinners and Saints!
Thank you so so so much for writing such a fine piece of sin :P
Formalities aside:
I EFFING LOVE THIS BOOK! <3 <3
This book was just MINDBLOWING!!!
WHAT I HAD EXPECTED WHEN I GOT THE BOOK:
Bad boy with a dark past finding true love (yada yada yada).
Love triangle.
Violence/BDSM
Crazy ex-lover wanting to ruin everything
WHAT I GOT INSTEAD:
Bad girl with a dark past creating prodigies of herself
Not a love triangle...much more complicated than that (in an effing good way)
A HELL LOTTA BACKSTABBING!
INTELLECTUAL BANTERS <3
Funny and quirky situations that are so needed for the flow in the story.
There’s only one word to describe it: S.H.R.E.W.E.D
SIN. SIN. SIN *_*
Omfg!
THIS BOOK MADE MY DAY.
I LOVED ALL THE CHARACTERS!
I AM IN AWE OF YOU AND YOUR WAY WITH WORDS.
KUDOS!
I LOVE HUGO.
He is the vampire Scarlet turned him into (metaphorically). He is an arsehole with intellect. He cleans up after the Serpent’s messes. He’s the guy playing games. Games that fuck your life in the cruellest way possible. All the pawns are like chess board pieces. One such pawn moved a few steps ahead of others...and she is right next to the Serpent. She is The English Rose. Nobody has ever come close to the Serpent. Until her.
I LOVE JULIET EVEN MORE.
She isn’t the typical good girl. She is the balance of the good and the bad. Her words show us her wit. She’s a psychic in her own words. She believes in redemption. She respects and gets disgusted by everyone in Ms.Eleanor’s house. She’s comfortable in her own skin and honestly tells everyone only what she chooses to say. She is badass elegance. She’s now my favourite heroine.
SCARLET IS AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT STORY!
She is so damn messed up! I don’t know whether I need to loathe her or feel sorry for her. I want to kill her. I want to castrate her. I want to know what happened to her in her past. I want to know if she can be redeemed. I want her out of Hugo’s life. I want her to own up to her mistakes. I want her nowhere near Juliet.
[THE OTHER PAWNS]
I loved the Unwanted Advisor, the Virgin, the Clueless One, the Wise Recluse -he’s just adorable :’)
I wanted to quote some epic dialogues from the book...but sadly each and every page has epic dialogues after the first few pages. I can’t just publish the whole book here, can I? So with a heavy heart I’m not sharing those wonderful dialogues here. :(
ANYONE AND EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!
It is now one of my favorites <3
Thanks a ton for writing this book.
I desperately need the next book!!!
“Let’s kill the bitch” indeed.
I LOOOOOOOVE THIS BOOK!
-Yours sincerely,
Ash Exclusive
July 9, 2015
Loved it! I have read a few titles by this author and this one is definitely my favorite so far. It was very different in a good way and unique.
So many emotions, the story might make you cry or at least tear up. There is a scene that is so sad that it made me shed a few tears. Hugo is sharing a big secret about something that happened with August and it was something that was a bit shocking and super sad.
I loved that we see both sides of Hugo, the bad side and the side when he changes. We kind of get a glimpse of who he was in the beginning when he is 15 and moves to the house (Ms Eleanor's home) but you really don't get to know him till years later and you see who he has become thanks to Scarlett.
There were so many secrets and twists. You might hate Scarlett, she is the biggest villain, the number one from all the books I have ever read for sure.
I really loved that all the characters are different, they are all misfits and very naughty. Of course we get a few saints (or a few good ones) like August and Cody but I think the rest I will have to say that they are all definitely sinners.
In the beginning I didn't really understand why they had to go live in that house when they all have money (they are all rich kids) but then I kind of got it, you will see when you get into the story why they go live with Ms Eleanor.
Ms Eleanor is on the crazy side but everything she says, even if no one understands her, makes sense. I loved her, she is one cool old lady.
You will fall in love with August and eventually with Hugo, they are twins after all but they are different and you will see after you read the story what I am talking about. You might hate Hugo in the beginning but he grows on you. After he changes you will love him.
Poppy and Jordana are great characters and of course you will love Juliet, she is definitely a great and super awesome character.
The sex scenes are hot and this story is not an insta love lets throw sex in the beginning kind of story which was good, I loved the pace in the story, nothing was rushed, the secrets stayed secrets for a long time and some we still don't even know about.
The twist at the end was so good, I was like OMG! I cannot wait for the next book, I need to know everything!!!
I will definitely recommend this one and it is definitely 5+ stars
So many emotions, the story might make you cry or at least tear up. There is a scene that is so sad that it made me shed a few tears. Hugo is sharing a big secret about something that happened with August and it was something that was a bit shocking and super sad.
I loved that we see both sides of Hugo, the bad side and the side when he changes. We kind of get a glimpse of who he was in the beginning when he is 15 and moves to the house (Ms Eleanor's home) but you really don't get to know him till years later and you see who he has become thanks to Scarlett.
There were so many secrets and twists. You might hate Scarlett, she is the biggest villain, the number one from all the books I have ever read for sure.
I really loved that all the characters are different, they are all misfits and very naughty. Of course we get a few saints (or a few good ones) like August and Cody but I think the rest I will have to say that they are all definitely sinners.
In the beginning I didn't really understand why they had to go live in that house when they all have money (they are all rich kids) but then I kind of got it, you will see when you get into the story why they go live with Ms Eleanor.
Ms Eleanor is on the crazy side but everything she says, even if no one understands her, makes sense. I loved her, she is one cool old lady.
You will fall in love with August and eventually with Hugo, they are twins after all but they are different and you will see after you read the story what I am talking about. You might hate Hugo in the beginning but he grows on you. After he changes you will love him.
Poppy and Jordana are great characters and of course you will love Juliet, she is definitely a great and super awesome character.
The sex scenes are hot and this story is not an insta love lets throw sex in the beginning kind of story which was good, I loved the pace in the story, nothing was rushed, the secrets stayed secrets for a long time and some we still don't even know about.
The twist at the end was so good, I was like OMG! I cannot wait for the next book, I need to know everything!!!
I will definitely recommend this one and it is definitely 5+ stars
not-for-me-previewed
February 21, 2017The writing itself seemed quite good, however the story line was just too dark for me.
July 7, 2015
OMG! This book totally takes you in surprising directions!! In the very beginning, Chelsea casts that line that pulls you straight into the story! The three main characters are complex and will intrigue you from the very beginning. Hugo.....swoon, but he's an unemotional, cold, dangerous manwhore and under the seductive spell of Scarlett, evil temptress, narcissistic, and treacherous sociopath. Juliet, has demons of her own, but is fun, enjoys life, not shy, not afraid of a challenge and is quickly attracted to Hugo. In the house of Ms. Eleanor we find power, intrigue, suspense, love and surprising twists and turns! I love that Chelsea allows us to read POV's from other characters in addition to the main characters, giving us extra insight into the past and present. Jordana, Cody and Poppy are strong secondary characters and their stories will tug at your heart. Trying to figure out the devious mind of Scarlett and the hold she has over so many people, will keep the pages turning. More page turning will occur because of Hugo's awakening emotions towards Juliet, slowly changing him, even though he fights it furiously. The one emotional attachment Hugo has, even though he doesn't admit it, is to his autistic twin brother, August. Hugo is always protective of August, who unknowingly holds so many answers. There is definitely a huge cliffhanger that will leave you dying to see what is going to happen next. I do not give spoilers, but hope you are intrigued enough to grab this book to read! You will not be disappointed!!
A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2015
Vile and Wondrous.
What a unexpected pleasure it was to discover this book!
Thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm just exhausted. Heck,it's 4am! But all the choices I made,The sleep I sacrificed, the 6 hours I lay sprawled,tucked into my comforter, Only getting up to eat some salty crisps-Diet?Wha...Who Diet?- Well. The extra pound I am sure to gain, the decreased life expectancy, my tearful goodbye to my nonexistent grandkids when I'm forty... It was Well.Worth.It.
I received no ARC, (would have loved to though ;) I stumbled onto this book while surfing Amazon.
And how gratifying it is, to have taken this gamble, No expectations, and to waltz through clutching onto the cool metal that is my iPad. And just. Well,cherishing the laughter and that stark accelerating excitement I have n't truly felt devour me In the longest time.
I will review this Awesomesauce of a masterpiece in a way that is more coherent and more deserving, sometime later this week. Uni has just begun,and I'm already playing hooky. But with enigmatic genies such as Chelsea Ballinger in existence.... Sleep remains a vague and foreign concept to me. Alas.
The trials we face upon finding our New Favourite Book. #ZombieReaderProblem
Nonetheless for now, I shall just lay down my head. And hold onto this fragment of life, this contented and deeply sated tranquility.
I feel privileged to have read this book in its rare early stages of comparative obscurity.
Until the imminent blow up, Let's kill the Bitch!
#Brilliance #DefiniteKeeper
What a unexpected pleasure it was to discover this book!
Thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm just exhausted. Heck,it's 4am! But all the choices I made,The sleep I sacrificed, the 6 hours I lay sprawled,tucked into my comforter, Only getting up to eat some salty crisps-Diet?Wha...Who Diet?- Well. The extra pound I am sure to gain, the decreased life expectancy, my tearful goodbye to my nonexistent grandkids when I'm forty... It was Well.Worth.It.
I received no ARC, (would have loved to though ;) I stumbled onto this book while surfing Amazon.
And how gratifying it is, to have taken this gamble, No expectations, and to waltz through clutching onto the cool metal that is my iPad. And just. Well,cherishing the laughter and that stark accelerating excitement I have n't truly felt devour me In the longest time.
I will review this Awesomesauce of a masterpiece in a way that is more coherent and more deserving, sometime later this week. Uni has just begun,and I'm already playing hooky. But with enigmatic genies such as Chelsea Ballinger in existence.... Sleep remains a vague and foreign concept to me. Alas.
The trials we face upon finding our New Favourite Book. #ZombieReaderProblem
Nonetheless for now, I shall just lay down my head. And hold onto this fragment of life, this contented and deeply sated tranquility.
I feel privileged to have read this book in its rare early stages of comparative obscurity.
Until the imminent blow up, Let's kill the Bitch!
#Brilliance #DefiniteKeeper
September 2, 2015
If Melrose Place and Cruel Intentions had a baby it would be this book. Holy hell, I didn't know what I was really getting into when I was reading this but I was pulled in and swallowed up whole by this story. Lies, deception, sex and drugs. I mean this book right here could be a primetime soap opera.
With its multifaceted characters and POVS, Sinners and Saints has the makings of a truly epic series. Yes, I said series. There's so much to this story that it's not all wrapped up with a bow in just one book. The author leaves the story off in just the right place, leaving the reader panting for more.
There are lots of players in this story, many different POVS told through each character's perspective, but it's written so that it's easy to follow and really immerse yourself into every single person's shoes. Typically I am not a fan of so many different narrators but it worked in this book. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of this series by Chelsea Ballinger.
~ Lia, 4 Stars
With its multifaceted characters and POVS, Sinners and Saints has the makings of a truly epic series. Yes, I said series. There's so much to this story that it's not all wrapped up with a bow in just one book. The author leaves the story off in just the right place, leaving the reader panting for more.
There are lots of players in this story, many different POVS told through each character's perspective, but it's written so that it's easy to follow and really immerse yourself into every single person's shoes. Typically I am not a fan of so many different narrators but it worked in this book. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of this series by Chelsea Ballinger.
~ Lia, 4 Stars
July 9, 2015
Scarlett is a puppet master when it comes to people. She has a way with people weather it be using her looks, sex, drugs, money to get what she wants. She has a way with manipulating people to benefit her and she loves to destroy people just for the fun of it. The worst she destroys you the better she feels. Your biggest mistake is to trust her and never ever cross her.
Ms. Eleanor runs a house where the rich kids go when their parents don't have time for them and want them out of the way. So what kind of trouble do a bunch of rich kids with to much money, time and the insecurity that they are not loved by anyone get into. Then you add Scarlett in the mix and all hell is about ready to break loose.
This is my first book I've read by Chelsea. I received a ARC from the author for a honest review. I really enjoyed this book. It is told by all the characters POV throughout the book. It is also filled with many emotions and a big cliffhanger. Can't wait for the second book!!
Ms. Eleanor runs a house where the rich kids go when their parents don't have time for them and want them out of the way. So what kind of trouble do a bunch of rich kids with to much money, time and the insecurity that they are not loved by anyone get into. Then you add Scarlett in the mix and all hell is about ready to break loose.
This is my first book I've read by Chelsea. I received a ARC from the author for a honest review. I really enjoyed this book. It is told by all the characters POV throughout the book. It is also filled with many emotions and a big cliffhanger. Can't wait for the second book!!
August 11, 2017
3.5 stars
Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Hmm. Well, this book was definitely different. I've never seen such a poisonous and twisted person. Scarlett is the epitome of a sociopath. She has no feelings, just an immense hate for everyone who crosses her.
For the most part I enjoyed this book, I felt like there wasn't much plot to move it forward in probably the first 3/4 of the book. The last little bit build things up for a sequel and things got interesting but there was just so little plot development in the beginning, I was beginning to lose interest.
It was interesting to see alternating perspectives, usually it was just Juliet and Hugo but there was also Poppy, Jordana, Cody, Patrick, and Scarlett POV's as well.
Overall, good but nothing spectacular. I don't know if I will be reading the next book or not.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Hmm. Well, this book was definitely different. I've never seen such a poisonous and twisted person. Scarlett is the epitome of a sociopath. She has no feelings, just an immense hate for everyone who crosses her.
For the most part I enjoyed this book, I felt like there wasn't much plot to move it forward in probably the first 3/4 of the book. The last little bit build things up for a sequel and things got interesting but there was just so little plot development in the beginning, I was beginning to lose interest.
It was interesting to see alternating perspectives, usually it was just Juliet and Hugo but there was also Poppy, Jordana, Cody, Patrick, and Scarlett POV's as well.
Overall, good but nothing spectacular. I don't know if I will be reading the next book or not.
July 4, 2015
i was asked to do this review and THIS BOOK IS AWESOME it is not intended for people under sixteen due to the sexual ,physical, and mental context however it is about Hugo who sees his mother commit suicide his brother commits suicide (or does he) his other brother has autism his father is an unloveable person who only thinks of his money and the girl scarlet literally turns Hugo into a hardcore a$$ selfish man whore who doesnt give a shit about any other person then he meets a girl who turns his life around and now he is finding love for the first time...however scarlet is jealous so she sets out to destroy him and she thinks she does so.....A must read full of suspense drama to all emotions of love hate and hopefu.....l very well written if you like a great story choose this
March 6, 2016
"We hurt the ones we love before they get to hurt us first."
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved how Juliet didn't give up on Hugo and wanted him to be better, and most importantly I loved that she DID make him better.
I might shed a tear or two when I read this:
"Juliet who is now looking at me in that way that makes me feel like I'm worth something good. Something more."
Also, I loved how August was Hugo's number one priority. true brotherhood here!
BUT don't get me started with Scarlett! I hate her so much that sometimes I feel pity for her.
A lot of drama in the story but i really enjoyed it. planning on reading #2 soon. x
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved how Juliet didn't give up on Hugo and wanted him to be better, and most importantly I loved that she DID make him better.
I might shed a tear or two when I read this:
"Juliet who is now looking at me in that way that makes me feel like I'm worth something good. Something more."
Also, I loved how August was Hugo's number one priority. true brotherhood here!
BUT don't get me started with Scarlett! I hate her so much that sometimes I feel pity for her.
A lot of drama in the story but i really enjoyed it. planning on reading #2 soon. x
July 10, 2015
I think Chelsea has something really great happening here. I love her style of writing and the amazing detail she goes through to really put a clear picture in my head about what is happening while we follow these unfortunately fortunate characters as they struggle through life.
I only rated it two stars because I was asked to give a completely honest review. I didn't care for the topic or the story itself. I know many people will love it and I hope it becomes a best seller, but I will not be falling in love with this series.
I only rated it two stars because I was asked to give a completely honest review. I didn't care for the topic or the story itself. I know many people will love it and I hope it becomes a best seller, but I will not be falling in love with this series.
July 8, 2015
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review*
Wow!!! This book was freaking amazing! So much dirty, naughty fun. A bad boy, a reformed bad girl and a bitch... all imperfect but so lovable in their own way. Every word of this book was perfect. Chelsea Ballinger sure knows how to write a story that'll pull you in from page one. If you haven't read something by her, read this. You'll be a fan for life!!!
Wow!!! This book was freaking amazing! So much dirty, naughty fun. A bad boy, a reformed bad girl and a bitch... all imperfect but so lovable in their own way. Every word of this book was perfect. Chelsea Ballinger sure knows how to write a story that'll pull you in from page one. If you haven't read something by her, read this. You'll be a fan for life!!!
July 7, 2015
This book was mind blowing the characters were unbelievable i have never hated a character as much as i hate Scarlett she is the definition of evil i loved Juliet from the beginning and i loved Hugo as well Cody,Jordana,Poppy,Ms.Eleanore and August was great even though they were a out there and eccentric they were a family and i loved that can't wait to read book two hope Scarlett gets her just do.
November 9, 2015
first: THANK YOU CHELSEA.
~ about the book ~
yes yes! rich teenagers? yes, please! i love this! it reminds me when i was a teen, i was obsessed with gossip girl, 90210 beverly hills, one three hill, the lying game, and many more.
the characters are so well developed! i HATE scarlett (evil heartless bitch uhuhuhuh), but i love juliet and hugo.
i really really really enjoyed this one :3 AND NOW I NEED MORE!
~ about the book ~
yes yes! rich teenagers? yes, please! i love this! it reminds me when i was a teen, i was obsessed with gossip girl, 90210 beverly hills, one three hill, the lying game, and many more.
the characters are so well developed! i HATE scarlett (evil heartless bitch uhuhuhuh), but i love juliet and hugo.
i really really really enjoyed this one :3 AND NOW I NEED MORE!
July 15, 2015
I received an ARC for an honest review and BRAVO, Chelsea! She never disappoints! Sinners and Saints was an excellent read. The premise of the book was intriguing, the multiple viewpoints kept you in the dark about what really happened in the past. When the fog cleared it was like, "Whoa! I wasn't expecting that!!" Thanks for another great story!!
July 7, 2015
This book is incredible. I have not read anything
like it before. It is not for the faint at heart. It has
sexual scenes as well as disturbing and mental scenes. It is
written very well and keeps your attention.
Thank You Chelsea for showing us something
different.
like it before. It is not for the faint at heart. It has
sexual scenes as well as disturbing and mental scenes. It is
written very well and keeps your attention.
Thank You Chelsea for showing us something
different.
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