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Undone #2
Sinful
I’ve wanted my brother’s best friend, Leo Santoro, for too many years to count.
No matter what I do, he won’t confront the attraction that burns between us.
It’s time to put him behind me once and for all.
I have no choice but to call his bluff.
And then I will walk away.
The last woman I should want is my best friend’s baby sister, Jillian Banks.
No matter what I do, she won’t ignore the attraction that burns between us.
It’s time she learns the real me.
The only promise I can make is that her fantasies are no match for reality.
And then I’ll watch her walk away.
No matter what I do, he won’t confront the attraction that burns between us.
It’s time to put him behind me once and for all.
I have no choice but to call his bluff.
And then I will walk away.
The last woman I should want is my best friend’s baby sister, Jillian Banks.
No matter what I do, she won’t ignore the attraction that burns between us.
It’s time she learns the real me.
The only promise I can make is that her fantasies are no match for reality.
And then I’ll watch her walk away.
Paperback
First published November 17, 2015
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About the author
Jennifer Dawson
21 books607 followersJennifer Dawson is the author of the popular Something New series, spicy, small town romance released with Kensington, and pens the dark and edgy contemporary romance series Undone.
Jennifer Dawson grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day she still maintains she was NOT checking him out. Now, over twenty years later, they’re married and living in a suburb right outside of Chicago with two awesome kids and a crazy dog.
Despite going through a light FM, poem writing phase in high school, Jennifer never grew up wanting to be a writer (she had more practical aspirations of being an international super spy). Then one day, suffering from boredom and disgruntled with a book she’d been reading, she decided to put pen to paper. The rest, as they say, is history.
These days Jennifer can be found sitting behind her computer, writing her next novel, chasing after her kids, keeping an ever watchful eye on her ever growing to-do list, and NOT checking out her husband.
Sign up for monthly Newsletter for exclusive insider peeks, new release information and more. https://www.jenniferdawsonauthor.com/...
Jennifer Dawson grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day she still maintains she was NOT checking him out. Now, over twenty years later, they’re married and living in a suburb right outside of Chicago with two awesome kids and a crazy dog.
Despite going through a light FM, poem writing phase in high school, Jennifer never grew up wanting to be a writer (she had more practical aspirations of being an international super spy). Then one day, suffering from boredom and disgruntled with a book she’d been reading, she decided to put pen to paper. The rest, as they say, is history.
These days Jennifer can be found sitting behind her computer, writing her next novel, chasing after her kids, keeping an ever watchful eye on her ever growing to-do list, and NOT checking out her husband.
Sign up for monthly Newsletter for exclusive insider peeks, new release information and more. https://www.jenniferdawsonauthor.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 24, 2016
***3,75- 4 "Sinful" stars***
I loved the first book in the "Undone" series... but the second book wasn't what i was expecting!!!
Don't get me wrong!!! I liked this story also but i think that something was missing!!!
I liked both Leo and Jillian, but Michael will always be MY man!!!
But let me take the things from the beginning...
Jillian is Michael's little sister and she was not "too secretely" in love with Leo, her brother's best friend and coworker...
She had thrown herself too many times to Leo, but Leo kept rejecting her every single time...
But she kept insisting but this time...
Only this time, she is determined to play it all for the last time...
If Leo rejects her for once again, she is done with him and she will try to continue with her life and to forget everything about him...
And yep, Leo for once again, he is rejecting her, even though his eyes are showing his hunger for her....
"She’s upset.
It kills me. Almost breaks me.
That’s the problem with Jillian; she’s almost always breaking me.
She thinks I’m rejecting her, but I’m not...
I’m trying to do what’s best, even if she doesn’t see that right now. She needs someone different from me, and if I take what I want, I’ll ruin her.
Some distant part of my mind points out that I should communicate this, but I don’t, because I can’t give her hope.
Feeling the way I do about her, I can’t change for her. And I don’t want her to change for me."
Leo wanted Jillian from the first time that saw her many years before, but because of Michael who was the only person that he had closer as a brother since his twin's murder many years before, he wants to stay away from her....
And it's not the only reason...
Jillian is not like the girls that he is preffering to be with...
His taste on sex is a little bit different than the rest of the people and he is absolutely sure that Jillian doesn't fit in that role....
But Brandon, his other best friend, is giving him a hard time and he is insisting that Jillian isn't the girl Leo thinks!!!!
Is it possible to work this thing between them???
"“I’m sorry, but I can’t, and I especially can’t with you.”
“Why not me?”
“Even though I cognitively understand who you are, I can’t help thinking of you like that. Of wanting that from you. I’d constantly have to hold back. Even if it worked in the short term and we were able to fuck this infatuation out of our systems, in the end it would destroy us.”
He’s right. And the truth is, I don’t want that for him. I wouldn’t want to be with him knowing he hid a part of himself. But I don’t know how to make myself want something so foreign to me."
With a big effort of resistance and a lot of jealousy, Leo can't take it anymore and he admits everything to Jillian...
Who he is, what he likes, what he wants of her...
Will Jillian accept this deal???
She is too sassy to obey... But for Leo could she try????
Will she pull it through or will she run for the hills???
"I know it’s unreasonable to expect assurances, but I can’t help myself. It also makes me confront the truth, that even without this domination business, this is stuff I’ve never thought about with him. All this time I’d been so intent on getting Leo that I never thought beyond that single conquest. Now I’m not prepared for the reality, the consequences, or the way he makes me feel."
Well, i liked Leo and Gillian very much from the first time i saw them on the first book...
They were fitting so good together...
Jillian was a sassy and fiesty girl who was getting bored really fast... Her only stability was her infatuation with Leo and she was determined to win him with every cost!!!!
Leo was scarred since he lost his other half and he was really terrified to let any other person to get in his heart, but Jillian had her way to crawl in there, even though Leo was fighting it really hard.
Leo also was a little more spicy in sex, as well as Michael... And that was one of the reasons why he didn't want to be with his sister, because her brother would know what they would do in their private moments...
"Like I knew, in that one suspended moment, we’d never be able to go back. He’ll never again be my impossible crush. My dream boy I could concoct elaborate fantasies about. He’s real, sometimes scary, and what pulses between us is so intense it fills the air." {Jillian}
"It all gets tangled. Entwined with Jillian. She can crush me. She holds the power to all my happiness and all my grief in the palm of her hand." {Leo}
And now, what i didn't like...
In the first book, i loved the fact that even it was an erotic book, we weren't having lots and lots of sex scenes and we had a really great development of the story...
Here, i can't say the same thing...
There were lots and lots of sex and other sexual actions that yes, were hot as hell, but i could live with less of them!!!
I needed more details about their story and they weren't there... but even though my objections in that matter, i liked this story a lot!!!
Jillian and Leo were such cuties!!!!
I also loved Bradon... I would love to see his story too...
Perhaps with... Gwen???
I'm just saying!!!! LOL
As for Michael??? OMG!!! I love this guy!!!
I loved all his reactions in this book... All this calmness before he unleashed the storm that was deep inside him...
I just loved him!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
I loved the first book in the "Undone" series... but the second book wasn't what i was expecting!!!
Don't get me wrong!!! I liked this story also but i think that something was missing!!!
I liked both Leo and Jillian, but Michael will always be MY man!!!
But let me take the things from the beginning...
Jillian is Michael's little sister and she was not "too secretely" in love with Leo, her brother's best friend and coworker...
She had thrown herself too many times to Leo, but Leo kept rejecting her every single time...
But she kept insisting but this time...
Only this time, she is determined to play it all for the last time...
If Leo rejects her for once again, she is done with him and she will try to continue with her life and to forget everything about him...
And yep, Leo for once again, he is rejecting her, even though his eyes are showing his hunger for her....
"She’s upset.
It kills me. Almost breaks me.
That’s the problem with Jillian; she’s almost always breaking me.
She thinks I’m rejecting her, but I’m not...
I’m trying to do what’s best, even if she doesn’t see that right now. She needs someone different from me, and if I take what I want, I’ll ruin her.
Some distant part of my mind points out that I should communicate this, but I don’t, because I can’t give her hope.
Feeling the way I do about her, I can’t change for her. And I don’t want her to change for me."
Leo wanted Jillian from the first time that saw her many years before, but because of Michael who was the only person that he had closer as a brother since his twin's murder many years before, he wants to stay away from her....
And it's not the only reason...
Jillian is not like the girls that he is preffering to be with...
His taste on sex is a little bit different than the rest of the people and he is absolutely sure that Jillian doesn't fit in that role....
But Brandon, his other best friend, is giving him a hard time and he is insisting that Jillian isn't the girl Leo thinks!!!!
Is it possible to work this thing between them???
"“I’m sorry, but I can’t, and I especially can’t with you.”
“Why not me?”
“Even though I cognitively understand who you are, I can’t help thinking of you like that. Of wanting that from you. I’d constantly have to hold back. Even if it worked in the short term and we were able to fuck this infatuation out of our systems, in the end it would destroy us.”
He’s right. And the truth is, I don’t want that for him. I wouldn’t want to be with him knowing he hid a part of himself. But I don’t know how to make myself want something so foreign to me."
With a big effort of resistance and a lot of jealousy, Leo can't take it anymore and he admits everything to Jillian...
Who he is, what he likes, what he wants of her...
Will Jillian accept this deal???
She is too sassy to obey... But for Leo could she try????
Will she pull it through or will she run for the hills???
"I know it’s unreasonable to expect assurances, but I can’t help myself. It also makes me confront the truth, that even without this domination business, this is stuff I’ve never thought about with him. All this time I’d been so intent on getting Leo that I never thought beyond that single conquest. Now I’m not prepared for the reality, the consequences, or the way he makes me feel."
Well, i liked Leo and Gillian very much from the first time i saw them on the first book...
They were fitting so good together...
Jillian was a sassy and fiesty girl who was getting bored really fast... Her only stability was her infatuation with Leo and she was determined to win him with every cost!!!!
Leo was scarred since he lost his other half and he was really terrified to let any other person to get in his heart, but Jillian had her way to crawl in there, even though Leo was fighting it really hard.
Leo also was a little more spicy in sex, as well as Michael... And that was one of the reasons why he didn't want to be with his sister, because her brother would know what they would do in their private moments...
"Like I knew, in that one suspended moment, we’d never be able to go back. He’ll never again be my impossible crush. My dream boy I could concoct elaborate fantasies about. He’s real, sometimes scary, and what pulses between us is so intense it fills the air." {Jillian}
"It all gets tangled. Entwined with Jillian. She can crush me. She holds the power to all my happiness and all my grief in the palm of her hand." {Leo}
And now, what i didn't like...
In the first book, i loved the fact that even it was an erotic book, we weren't having lots and lots of sex scenes and we had a really great development of the story...
Here, i can't say the same thing...
There were lots and lots of sex and other sexual actions that yes, were hot as hell, but i could live with less of them!!!
I needed more details about their story and they weren't there... but even though my objections in that matter, i liked this story a lot!!!
Jillian and Leo were such cuties!!!!
I also loved Bradon... I would love to see his story too...
Perhaps with... Gwen???
I'm just saying!!!! LOL
As for Michael??? OMG!!! I love this guy!!!
I loved all his reactions in this book... All this calmness before he unleashed the storm that was deep inside him...
I just loved him!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
January 20, 2016
Leo Santoro. My brother’s best friend and partner. Object of my lust-filled fantasies.
Oh I am HUGE fan of brother’s best friend books. I have always loved these stories, they are my kryptonite. I have also read a TON of them, but this fresh little twist was super hot. See Jillian is Leo’s best friend’s sister. Usually when I read this stories they all have the same outline, until now.
Leo is a dominant and his best friend is very aware of this fact. I also loved how when Leo did decide to act on his feeling and desires, he was up front and honest with his best friend. Let me tell, a guy standing up for his girl and what he wants - I was in love!
So instead of this story being about sneaking around and fighting feelings it was more about them together. Leo and Jillian still have issues and have things to overcome, but they also were up front and open. My only issue with this story was the very end. There was a minor hiccup that really contradicted what I loved about Leo, but it was overcame so quickly I was still easily in love!
This book is smoking hot, like for real, super, super hot. It’s also a brother’s best friend book. It’s also romantic and swoon worthy. So yes, I absolutely recommend! This is my first book by Jennifer Dawson, and it definitely won't be my last.
March 6, 2017
I really loved this one !
I will be this first to admit that I am a sucker for the brothers best friend storyline .....I loved this one. It had the perfect pace and heart racing moments filled to the brim with swoons and love !!! This was my first book by this author but I am downloading the first book Crave in the next hot minute !!
I will be this first to admit that I am a sucker for the brothers best friend storyline .....I loved this one. It had the perfect pace and heart racing moments filled to the brim with swoons and love !!! This was my first book by this author but I am downloading the first book Crave in the next hot minute !!
May 2, 2021
This is my 137th book this year and for some reason, it feels fitting for this book.
This is a brother's best friend romance but I was not expecting the erotica & BDSM LOL!
Jillian's been obsessed with her brother's best friend, Leo, ever since she met him at the graduation from the police academy. She's been chasing him for a few years but he keeps turning her down because she's his brother's best friend and after losing his twin brother, he doesn't want to lose Michael who has become like another brother to him. At Michael's birthday party, she decides to give Leo one last chance and if he rejects her again, she'll try to finally move on. Jillian is 28 but I don't know how old Leo is, I think a little older than her. I didn't realize it while reading the book, but I would have liked to know how old Leo was.
The beginning was very much will they-won't they (get it/be together). As I said, I was not expecting all the erotica, but I liked how there was still a story there & a little deeper with Leo's feelings of loss regarding his twin brother.
Leo was so DELICIOUSLY ALPHA and their chemistry was insanely hot and passionate...can I find someone I have that intense chemistry as Leo and Jillian had???!
The ending almost annoyed me. Sometimes I feel like authors throw a conflict in at the end of the book to satisfy the conflict requirement. This one almost annoyed me at first but it made sense considering Leo's past of never committing to a girl and the loss of his twin brother.
The steam level was high, but I was a little disappointed/surprised they never did backdoor loving if you know what I mean lol.
I also would have really liked an epilogue. I was thinking maybe Leo would become a singer at the end? Idk, to have a voice of an angel and not really use it too much seems like a waste. But I couldn't really see him becoming a singer & that's very hard to accomplish professionally. I can see him more staying a cop. However, I would have liked a check-in with Jillian on how her art studies are going/if she became an art dealer. A good epilogue for me would have also included a marriage proposal, maybe a kid on the way?
This is a brother's best friend romance but I was not expecting the erotica & BDSM LOL!
Jillian's been obsessed with her brother's best friend, Leo, ever since she met him at the graduation from the police academy. She's been chasing him for a few years but he keeps turning her down because she's his brother's best friend and after losing his twin brother, he doesn't want to lose Michael who has become like another brother to him. At Michael's birthday party, she decides to give Leo one last chance and if he rejects her again, she'll try to finally move on. Jillian is 28 but I don't know how old Leo is, I think a little older than her. I didn't realize it while reading the book, but I would have liked to know how old Leo was.
The beginning was very much will they-won't they (get it/be together). As I said, I was not expecting all the erotica, but I liked how there was still a story there & a little deeper with Leo's feelings of loss regarding his twin brother.
Leo was so DELICIOUSLY ALPHA and their chemistry was insanely hot and passionate...can I find someone I have that intense chemistry as Leo and Jillian had???!
The ending almost annoyed me. Sometimes I feel like authors throw a conflict in at the end of the book to satisfy the conflict requirement. This one almost annoyed me at first but it made sense considering Leo's past of never committing to a girl and the loss of his twin brother.
The steam level was high, but I was a little disappointed/surprised they never did backdoor loving if you know what I mean lol.
I also would have really liked an epilogue. I was thinking maybe Leo would become a singer at the end? Idk, to have a voice of an angel and not really use it too much seems like a waste. But I couldn't really see him becoming a singer & that's very hard to accomplish professionally. I can see him more staying a cop. However, I would have liked a check-in with Jillian on how her art studies are going/if she became an art dealer. A good epilogue for me would have also included a marriage proposal, maybe a kid on the way?
April 6, 2016
I got this arc a while a go and for the life of me I have no idea why I haven't picked it up until now. It might be because I knew it involved some BDSM and I've haven't been filling those books lately.
But...
This one wasgreat awesome and it kept me on the edge of my seat bed from the beginning to the end...
Jillian and Leo have been dancing around each other for some time now but he seems hell bend on seeing her just as his best friend’s baby sister. So the night she decides it's now or never is also the night that she uncovers that it's more to Leo than meets the eye.
She wants him but she's not what he needs...or is she?
*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
But...
This one was
Jillian and Leo have been dancing around each other for some time now but he seems hell bend on seeing her just as his best friend’s baby sister. So the night she decides it's now or never is also the night that she uncovers that it's more to Leo than meets the eye.
She wants him but she's not what he needs...or is she?
*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
November 17, 2015
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
BASICS
Love triangle?
Cheating?
HEA?
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? Maybe, but not for now.
Rating: -4 stars.
Reviewed on Amazon, Kobo.
Review
This is my first book by this author and I have to say that I went into this story without any expectations. I took a risk and went with it.
To be honest, there were times where I got irritated by the characters and their actions but at the end I feel that the outcome is better than I'd hoped it to be.
This story has a lot and I mean a lot of push-pull play, especially by Leo. Him and Jillian have been circling around each other for years and everytime she tries to convince him to give their relationship a chance, he declines. Leo is best friends with Jillian's brother, so that alone is his reason they should stay away from each other. But there is also his other, more darker reason that makes him believe she could handle being in a relationship with him. It also includes some BDSM elements and what I liked the most, it sort of explains why both dom and sub choose that lifestyle and also what they gain from it.
At times I felt really bad for Leo. He thinks he's making the right thing and because of his stubbornness he won't listen to anybody that tries to change his mind, even if that means he has to suffer for his actions. Years ago, he lost his twin brother and that hardened his heart. He loves his family and friends but won't let anyone come too close, because of his constant fear that he might lose them, like he did his brother. Well, there were also times, where he could have used a hard kick to pull his heat out of his a**. I felt like he had one foot out the door through most of the book and that got old real fast. At the end he finally realizes his mistakes and makes amends with Jillian.
Now Jillian is a character that I liked. Yes, she had her moments but at the end she still got my respect. I loved how she never gave up on Leo and even after evetything that happened, she still found a will to forgive him. She's a strong feminine character, who loves to explore her sexuality.
Once they get together, they really make a great couple. They both help each other to overcome their past demons and move on with their lives.
I also liked the secondary characters and can't wait to read their stories.
This book is not be for everyone, since it does include some BDSM scenes that you might not enjoy. Also, if you're not a fan of push-pull play, I think this book might not be for you.
Overall is Sinful a great read I'd recommend. :)
Safety-gang:
BASICS
Love triangle?
Cheating?
HEA?
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? Maybe, but not for now.
Rating: -4 stars.
Reviewed on Amazon, Kobo.
Review
This is my first book by this author and I have to say that I went into this story without any expectations. I took a risk and went with it.
To be honest, there were times where I got irritated by the characters and their actions but at the end I feel that the outcome is better than I'd hoped it to be.
This story has a lot and I mean a lot of push-pull play, especially by Leo. Him and Jillian have been circling around each other for years and everytime she tries to convince him to give their relationship a chance, he declines. Leo is best friends with Jillian's brother, so that alone is his reason they should stay away from each other. But there is also his other, more darker reason that makes him believe she could handle being in a relationship with him. It also includes some BDSM elements and what I liked the most, it sort of explains why both dom and sub choose that lifestyle and also what they gain from it.
At times I felt really bad for Leo. He thinks he's making the right thing and because of his stubbornness he won't listen to anybody that tries to change his mind, even if that means he has to suffer for his actions. Years ago, he lost his twin brother and that hardened his heart. He loves his family and friends but won't let anyone come too close, because of his constant fear that he might lose them, like he did his brother. Well, there were also times, where he could have used a hard kick to pull his heat out of his a**. I felt like he had one foot out the door through most of the book and that got old real fast. At the end he finally realizes his mistakes and makes amends with Jillian.
Now Jillian is a character that I liked. Yes, she had her moments but at the end she still got my respect. I loved how she never gave up on Leo and even after evetything that happened, she still found a will to forgive him. She's a strong feminine character, who loves to explore her sexuality.
Once they get together, they really make a great couple. They both help each other to overcome their past demons and move on with their lives.
I also liked the secondary characters and can't wait to read their stories.
This book is not be for everyone, since it does include some BDSM scenes that you might not enjoy. Also, if you're not a fan of push-pull play, I think this book might not be for you.
Overall is Sinful a great read I'd recommend. :)
Safety-gang:
June 15, 2018
Jillian Banks is Michael’s little sister. She has been attracted to Michael’s partner Leo Santoro since the men graduated from the academy. She knows Leo is attracted to her but he will not make a move and Jillian has decided she will. I liked Jillian, she is grounded, sincere and intelligent despite the fact she is unsure of her career goals. As strong and confident as she is, there is a vulnerable side to her, and I appreciated how open she was about her feelings.
Leo, poor, poor Leo, I felt sorry for him for about a minute. He wants Jillian bad but two things are stopping him. The first is Michael, because you do not bang your partner’s little sister. The second reason is that Leo is dominant. As much as he wants Jillian, he does not think he can change and Jillian is far too bold, vibrant and stubborn to be submissive.
Oh what fun Sinful was from the intense attraction to Leo’s spiraling fall. The set up for Jillian’s plan of action was fun, and Brandon a friend of Leo and Michael was sexy and hilarious. I cannot wait for his book. Jillian has no idea about the Dom/Sub world and it was powerful witnessing her introduction. Forget Fifty Shades; Dawson introduces a more realistic exploration of the Dom/sub relationship. Compared to Crave, Sinful is smoking hot. The foreplay, games and build up were delicious. We get a few darker scenes as Leo tries to full-fill Jillian's fantasy and I appreciated how Dawson made clear Jillian was always in charge.
While the tale is heated, the romance itself was sweet, and slow building. We see the characters grow and I love when two people bring out the best in each other. Dawson gives a small-town feel to her stories including family and friends. The friendship between Michael, Leo and Brandon is strong and an enjoyable dynamic. We see Michael and witness his reactions to their relationship. If you have met Michael, you are sure to snicker as I did. We also meet Leo’s family and learn his history. Dawson pulled on my heartstrings with Leo and a scene towards the end made me deliriously happy even as I shed a tear.
Copy provided by author. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Leo, poor, poor Leo, I felt sorry for him for about a minute. He wants Jillian bad but two things are stopping him. The first is Michael, because you do not bang your partner’s little sister. The second reason is that Leo is dominant. As much as he wants Jillian, he does not think he can change and Jillian is far too bold, vibrant and stubborn to be submissive.
Oh what fun Sinful was from the intense attraction to Leo’s spiraling fall. The set up for Jillian’s plan of action was fun, and Brandon a friend of Leo and Michael was sexy and hilarious. I cannot wait for his book. Jillian has no idea about the Dom/Sub world and it was powerful witnessing her introduction. Forget Fifty Shades; Dawson introduces a more realistic exploration of the Dom/sub relationship. Compared to Crave, Sinful is smoking hot. The foreplay, games and build up were delicious. We get a few darker scenes as Leo tries to full-fill Jillian's fantasy and I appreciated how Dawson made clear Jillian was always in charge.
While the tale is heated, the romance itself was sweet, and slow building. We see the characters grow and I love when two people bring out the best in each other. Dawson gives a small-town feel to her stories including family and friends. The friendship between Michael, Leo and Brandon is strong and an enjoyable dynamic. We see Michael and witness his reactions to their relationship. If you have met Michael, you are sure to snicker as I did. We also meet Leo’s family and learn his history. Dawson pulled on my heartstrings with Leo and a scene towards the end made me deliriously happy even as I shed a tear.
Copy provided by author. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
March 8, 2017
This book and substituting for fourth grade DO NOT go hand in hand. Yikes.
3 almost 4 blazing hot and bad boy stars.
PLOT:
This was something else. Jillian has had a crush on Leo for years. Chemical reaction when they first met, but unfortunately he's her brother's best friend so he has intentionally frozen her out. She makes a last ditch effort to get him at her brother's birthday party. She lays it on the line and he rejects her. She is very up front that this is it for her. She's moving on. Leo won't take her on as he is a sexual dominant and doesn't want any strings anyway. (Emotional damage backstory.)
Jillian is not really moving on as much as she says as she decides to make the last play of the game. She picks out the biggest player in the room and starts flirting. The new player is all over it, and they make their own connection. For good or bad, she's picked Leo's other close friend, another sexual dominant. Leo sees red as essentially she's his woman, stakes a claim, and the the game is on.
There are no whips, chains, men walking around in their leathers, etc...but Leo is more than a little kinky. He's a little scary too as he says he likes pain with his sex. There were a few moments I thought I would have to part ways with Leo and Jillian, but I kept reading. Leo's "pain" talk is more smoke than fire, but he is a pretty tightly wound hero even for a sexual dominant.
I really enjoyed the book. The characters were fresh, fun to read about and kept the idiocy in dialogue within a contemporary romance to a minimum. Neither did they fall down the rabbit hole of nauseating dialogue like I will cherish you when you give me your trust. and how the sub really has all control. Maya Banks, I'm looking at you. To be fair, almost all BDSM writers say that crap. BDSM genre is something I have only started reading in the last year or so, and the quality and the levels of dominance and intensity vary. Talks of contracts and limits are explored in various ways. Is any of this at all related to BDSM in reality? Haven't the foggiest.
I liked the characters, weathered through the ubiquitous man runs the other way to protect his wee heart climax, and we all came out the other side. This one made me think a little more than other as the characters seemed to discuss whether this would actually work. I am definitely reading the other books.
3 almost 4 blazing hot and bad boy stars.
PLOT:
This was something else. Jillian has had a crush on Leo for years. Chemical reaction when they first met, but unfortunately he's her brother's best friend so he has intentionally frozen her out. She makes a last ditch effort to get him at her brother's birthday party. She lays it on the line and he rejects her. She is very up front that this is it for her. She's moving on. Leo won't take her on as he is a sexual dominant and doesn't want any strings anyway. (Emotional damage backstory.)
Jillian is not really moving on as much as she says as she decides to make the last play of the game. She picks out the biggest player in the room and starts flirting. The new player is all over it, and they make their own connection. For good or bad, she's picked Leo's other close friend, another sexual dominant. Leo sees red as essentially she's his woman, stakes a claim, and the the game is on.
There are no whips, chains, men walking around in their leathers, etc...but Leo is more than a little kinky. He's a little scary too as he says he likes pain with his sex. There were a few moments I thought I would have to part ways with Leo and Jillian, but I kept reading. Leo's "pain" talk is more smoke than fire, but he is a pretty tightly wound hero even for a sexual dominant.
I really enjoyed the book. The characters were fresh, fun to read about and kept the idiocy in dialogue within a contemporary romance to a minimum. Neither did they fall down the rabbit hole of nauseating dialogue like I will cherish you when you give me your trust. and how the sub really has all control. Maya Banks, I'm looking at you. To be fair, almost all BDSM writers say that crap. BDSM genre is something I have only started reading in the last year or so, and the quality and the levels of dominance and intensity vary. Talks of contracts and limits are explored in various ways. Is any of this at all related to BDSM in reality? Haven't the foggiest.
I liked the characters, weathered through the ubiquitous man runs the other way to protect his wee heart climax, and we all came out the other side. This one made me think a little more than other as the characters seemed to discuss whether this would actually work. I am definitely reading the other books.
November 17, 2015
Two for two : This is the second Jennifer Dawson book I’ve tried in the past couple of months and the second one I’ve really liked. I went into this story blind, as I didn't realize it was part of a series, but I was not lost or in need of reading the first one to enjoy this book. Note: Of this trio of friends (Leo, Michael and Brandon) I found myself desperately intrigued with Brandon and I want his story soon. Pretty please?
Back to this story - I love that Ms. Dawson can work a well established trope (best friend’s sister romance) and do it well. This talent is sorely underrated, because it’s not easy to take something that’s been done before and make it fresh and interesting. That’s due to her way with character development - she can really delve into the characters and make them come alive. There’s a solid supporting cast of family and friends rounding out the ‘verse, along with excellent sexual chemistry between Jillian and Leo.
D/s dynamic is smokin’ hot : From reading the blurb, I didn’t guess that the D/s in BDSM was in this. I was pleasantly surprised at the way it was done. This is much more about domination and submission than bondage but there’s just enough spice here to kick things up a notch. The scenes between Leo and Jillian are pretty intense and their attraction for one another really worked, but that is because there is time taken to demonstrate their history and connection with each other. The Firsts (meet, kiss, love scene) were firing on all cylinders and there’s just enough jealousy that brings out the possessiveness in Leo, which I love to read.
Jillian’s a good heroine : Beyond my surprise at the D/s, I was also intrigued with Jillian and her emotional journey. Jillian has wanted Leo since the moment she met him at her brother Michael’s graduation from the police academy. She is on her last ditch effort to get him to see her as more than just Michael’s baby sister or she’s walking away. When she realizes that Leo’s into domination and control, she doesn’t run, she’s intrigued and she asks legitimate questions that I would ask if I were in her shoes. I loved that she’s known to be a bit flighty by her friends and family but really, she’s the most determined one in this relationship. I thought her actions during their big obstacle was fantastic and I found myself really liking her, even in her slightly dramatic moments.
Leo’s issues : Leo is harder to get a bead on at first. He’s been irrevocably traumatized by the loss of his twin brother through violence. It drove him to become a policeman, and he’s built up some impressive emotional walls. Usually a hero who’s all domineering but emotionally closed off drives me batty, yet here, I think Ms. Dawson spent a good amount of time giving a basis for his emotional problems and the fact that this is done in dual POV gives the reader a good amount of time in his head. When he feels that he has to do something that he hates just to please Jillian, I wanted to yell at him, but to his credit, he messes up but he gives good grovel and he finishes strong, just the way I wanted.
I really enjoyed this. If you’re into D/s in your romance, I’d say check this out. Ms. Dawson, if you can give Brandon his HEA soon, I’d love to read it.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
April 21, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/21/2018)!💝
I really enjoyed this second installment in the Undone series about Jillian Banks (Michael’s sister from Crave) and Leo Santoro who happen to be also Michael’s best friend and co-worker. Jillian is 28 years old and she has wanted Leo for too many years to count. He is the object of her lust-filled fantasies and she tried over the year a variety of ways to seduce him. But each time Leo rejected her and continued to treat her as his best friend’s little sister. Leo was badly attracted to Jillian but stubbornly refused to act on it. Running out of options after trying everything to get Leo, Jillian took the decision to put an end to their extended game of cat and mouse, once and for all.
Jillian has no idea what Leo really is or what he will do to her. As a Dom, Leo wanted to do all sorts of depraved acts to her but he convinced himself she’s not what he needs her to be as she never once exhibited any tendencies toward submission. Even for her he didn’t want to repress his dominance and didn’t want to coerce her into actions she was not ready for. Leo suffered the loss of his twin and didn’t do commitment. Emotionally closed off he always operated by playing things safe, cool and distant in his previous relationship. But with Jillian, he was just running scared.
I loved this heroine and connected to her 100%. She was determined, sassy, a free spirit and a woman on a mission. Pissed off she could be bossy right back and yet she just loved the alpha in Leo. Couldn’t help but let him take over when she needed it and when he needed it.
Leo was a really intense character that you can't help but feel for. And he was totally swoon worthy! I loved him and Jillian together as a couple and individually.
This book was also smoking hot and they had chemistry in spades. I really loved their story. Jennifer Dawson has written a beautiful story about love, grief, actions, decisions and self-discovery.
Sinful is the second book released in the Undone Series but this story actually takes place before Crave…this book can be read as a standalone.
Hope that Brandon will get his story in the Undone Series. I adored him!
I really enjoyed this second installment in the Undone series about Jillian Banks (Michael’s sister from Crave) and Leo Santoro who happen to be also Michael’s best friend and co-worker. Jillian is 28 years old and she has wanted Leo for too many years to count. He is the object of her lust-filled fantasies and she tried over the year a variety of ways to seduce him. But each time Leo rejected her and continued to treat her as his best friend’s little sister. Leo was badly attracted to Jillian but stubbornly refused to act on it. Running out of options after trying everything to get Leo, Jillian took the decision to put an end to their extended game of cat and mouse, once and for all.
Jillian has no idea what Leo really is or what he will do to her. As a Dom, Leo wanted to do all sorts of depraved acts to her but he convinced himself she’s not what he needs her to be as she never once exhibited any tendencies toward submission. Even for her he didn’t want to repress his dominance and didn’t want to coerce her into actions she was not ready for. Leo suffered the loss of his twin and didn’t do commitment. Emotionally closed off he always operated by playing things safe, cool and distant in his previous relationship. But with Jillian, he was just running scared.
I loved this heroine and connected to her 100%. She was determined, sassy, a free spirit and a woman on a mission. Pissed off she could be bossy right back and yet she just loved the alpha in Leo. Couldn’t help but let him take over when she needed it and when he needed it.
Leo was a really intense character that you can't help but feel for. And he was totally swoon worthy! I loved him and Jillian together as a couple and individually.
This book was also smoking hot and they had chemistry in spades. I really loved their story. Jennifer Dawson has written a beautiful story about love, grief, actions, decisions and self-discovery.
Sinful is the second book released in the Undone Series but this story actually takes place before Crave…this book can be read as a standalone.
Hope that Brandon will get his story in the Undone Series. I adored him!
November 23, 2015
Jillian Banks knows there is no turning back, she has been rejected enough by her long time crush Leo Santoro but now she is letting him know she is done. She understands Leo's hesitancy of getting involved because he is her brother's best friend, but she also knows he wants her as much as she wants him.
Leo wants Jillian but as much as she thinks she knows him, she has no clue about his darker side. When he realizes he is about to lose her he makes his move and he plans to push her as any dominant would, only it could backfire in a way he never imagined.
This was a bit of a surprise, once you begin the book you do not put it down. I liked Jillian, she is a self assured woman and you never question her feelings for Leo. Leo is a haunted character, for a dominant man I think he had not factored in how strong his feelings were for Jillian as a sub. Look forward to more in this fascinating series.
Leo wants Jillian but as much as she thinks she knows him, she has no clue about his darker side. When he realizes he is about to lose her he makes his move and he plans to push her as any dominant would, only it could backfire in a way he never imagined.
This was a bit of a surprise, once you begin the book you do not put it down. I liked Jillian, she is a self assured woman and you never question her feelings for Leo. Leo is a haunted character, for a dominant man I think he had not factored in how strong his feelings were for Jillian as a sub. Look forward to more in this fascinating series.
May 25, 2016
AMAZING!! I think the first scenes of the book at the bar were a ten star read. It was so wholly satisfying to read about a strong woman who was putting her foot down, but who was still vulnerable at the same time. And the rest of the story didn't disappoint in any way. It's not easy to portray a character as submissive while still retaining her independence, fire, and self-respect, but Ms. Dawson pulls it off effortlessly. A wonderful read.
May 15, 2018
I am a HUGE HUGE of brother’s best friend books, so when I found out this was one I immediately started reading it. I really don’t much to say other than it’s good. You really can’t go wrong with books like this. And I wish someone would sing me Beatles songs outside my window too;)
October 4, 2015
This is the second book in the Undone series by Dawson and wow it's definitely different then her other series that's for sure.
Since this is the first book I have read in this series I expected to be lost but thank god I wasn't.
In this new series Dawson branches out with 3 guys who are very much dominate. In this book Jillian is tired of lusting after her brothers best friend Leo. It's time for her to either get the guy or move on but what she doesn't know is that Leo kinda has a thing for her as well but if he finally gives into his feeling he will have to tell her exactly who he really is.
First readers should be warned that some content in this book may not be your cup of tea. Now moving onward. This story has some really hot sex scenes and is filled with dirty words.
I really liked the characters and Jillian in particular. She is smart, inquisitive, and knows what she wants. When she realizes that she has submissive tendencies she owns it. I enjoyed how she grew with Leo and how there relationship was open and trusting.
This story had both Jillian and Leo's pov which was nice. I liked knowing what they both were thinking and feeling throughout there story. There relationship wasn't just based on sex and included romance. I loved how he took her home to his family and sang to her *swoon*
I am really excited to see if Brandon will be next and who her will end up with. I have to admit I hope he ends up with either Jillians roommate or her best friend. After reading this book I want to go back and read the first book just to get Michaels story.
I am looking forward to seeing where Dawson will take this series. If you love hot dominate cops and best friend dating a younger sister romances then this is the book for you.
Since this is the first book I have read in this series I expected to be lost but thank god I wasn't.
In this new series Dawson branches out with 3 guys who are very much dominate. In this book Jillian is tired of lusting after her brothers best friend Leo. It's time for her to either get the guy or move on but what she doesn't know is that Leo kinda has a thing for her as well but if he finally gives into his feeling he will have to tell her exactly who he really is.
First readers should be warned that some content in this book may not be your cup of tea. Now moving onward. This story has some really hot sex scenes and is filled with dirty words.
I really liked the characters and Jillian in particular. She is smart, inquisitive, and knows what she wants. When she realizes that she has submissive tendencies she owns it. I enjoyed how she grew with Leo and how there relationship was open and trusting.
This story had both Jillian and Leo's pov which was nice. I liked knowing what they both were thinking and feeling throughout there story. There relationship wasn't just based on sex and included romance. I loved how he took her home to his family and sang to her *swoon*
I am really excited to see if Brandon will be next and who her will end up with. I have to admit I hope he ends up with either Jillians roommate or her best friend. After reading this book I want to go back and read the first book just to get Michaels story.
I am looking forward to seeing where Dawson will take this series. If you love hot dominate cops and best friend dating a younger sister romances then this is the book for you.
October 14, 2015
If your life-long crush had a secret life would you still follow him??
Such is the dilemma for Jillian Banks. She's always crushed on/lusted after/loved her brother's best friend, Leo Santoro, but she's giving him just one more chance to take her on or she's walking away. Leo craves Jillian, but knows that she's just an innocent when it comes to his depraved needs and he won't taint her, nor can he change to be the man she perceives him to be.
Get ready to dive head first into a whirlwind of lust and hotness that is 'Sinful'. I feel like I took each step with Jillian as she navigated the dark waters of this new relationship with Leo. I'm not a huge fan of BDSM novels, but this story is different and really focused IMO on the story of Leo and Jillian; how Jillian had to come to terms with the picture of her dream crush versus the reality of the man and also how Leo had to understand that what he perceives as his dark needs can change/evolve when faced with love.
These characters are not shallow and Jennifer Dawson has written backstories into Leo and Jillian that give depth to their actions and decisions and that really add to their tale. Super deep story with super deep sex come together in a novel that will leave you with a huge book hangover!! Loved this one and totally recommend it to fans and newbies to this genre.
Such is the dilemma for Jillian Banks. She's always crushed on/lusted after/loved her brother's best friend, Leo Santoro, but she's giving him just one more chance to take her on or she's walking away. Leo craves Jillian, but knows that she's just an innocent when it comes to his depraved needs and he won't taint her, nor can he change to be the man she perceives him to be.
Get ready to dive head first into a whirlwind of lust and hotness that is 'Sinful'. I feel like I took each step with Jillian as she navigated the dark waters of this new relationship with Leo. I'm not a huge fan of BDSM novels, but this story is different and really focused IMO on the story of Leo and Jillian; how Jillian had to come to terms with the picture of her dream crush versus the reality of the man and also how Leo had to understand that what he perceives as his dark needs can change/evolve when faced with love.
These characters are not shallow and Jennifer Dawson has written backstories into Leo and Jillian that give depth to their actions and decisions and that really add to their tale. Super deep story with super deep sex come together in a novel that will leave you with a huge book hangover!! Loved this one and totally recommend it to fans and newbies to this genre.
November 2, 2015
Leo's best friend's little sister Jillian is all he's ever wanted but he has this other side of him that he's not sure she would be able to accept. She is going to give him one more shot and walk away for good to move on with her life. She pushes the right buttons and Leo succumbs to the lure but what she thought she wanted isn't necessarily what she gets. There's more to her that she hasn't discovered. Leo is one sexy alpha dude and this book is scorching hot.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2017
Well I'm at a loss as how to review this book, I do enjoy romances with friends falling for their best friends sibling. So I took a chance on this for 99¢… I should not have. It started out good but then the author had to mess it up by throwing bdsm concepts in that weren't relevant to the story, nor done well. Then it got creepy and then just sad. This had potential had she stayed on track with her premise and not try to be like so many out there by throwing bdsm thinking more people will enjoy the book.
No book recommend here!
No book recommend here!
November 28, 2015
I hated to see this one end. Just like the first. I enjoyed the characters and hope she continues telling their stories. I am very curious about Gwen and Brandon...(I think they would be an interesting story). Plus Jilli's roommate. I swear there is a story there as well. Keep it up Jennifer! I have waited a long time to read this one. I can't wait to read what you do next in book 3.
April 23, 2018
Although this is book 2 in the Undone series I have not read book 1 and the events in Sinful actually happen before the Crave storyline so no harm done by reading book 2 first.
I totally dig the older brothers best friend romance and this one packs a punch. Jillian has wanted Leo since the first time they met but he sees her as his best friends little sister and therefore she is off limits.
Jillian throws down one more attempt persuade Leo that she is perfect for him and it works - kinda.
Jillian gets what she wants but what she doesn't understand is that Leo and her brother have secrets regarding their love lives and she is about to enter a whole new wild world.
I like Jillian and her progression through this book. She is confident and sassy in her work but seems to be attracted to men who are powerful and intimidating, a precursor to her kinky with submission.
Leo is strong, dominant and completely scared of commitment. What he has been keeping a very tight lid on is just how attractive he finds Jillian but because of his own past and his connection to her brother he refuses to cross the line with her believing that he wouldn't be able to go the distance.
The growth both Leo and Jillian go through is great as they learn about each other in this new and scary relationship.
This was very much a favourite from the start and I will go back and find book 1 because I enjoyed the writing style and hopefully Leo and Jillian will make an appearance in this one.
February 16, 2024
Can an inexperienced sub break an ironclad Dominant of his walls??
May 4, 2018
I liked this book and I didn’t like this book. That’s why I gave it a 3.5/5 star rating. Going into this book, I really thought I was going to enjoy this book. I have heard good things about it. The one thing I really didn’t like was Jillian. She was kind of annoying to me. I did like the fact this was a best friend’s sister romance, I like stories like that, but I just did not enjoy this one.
November 25, 2016
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Plot: Jillian has been after Leo for years but he has spurned her advances; and she has decided she’ll give it one more shot, before calling it quits and moving on forever. She knows there’s something there, but what she doesn’t know is that he’s hiding a rather large part of his life and neither of them are sure if she’s ready to face it.
My Thoughts: I…would probably say this novel borders on erotica. Just straight up here, there’s a lot of sex in it; and it ain’t all vanilla. There’s some BDSM elements, but it wasn’t overly descriptive (if you don’t read this sort of thing too often – like me – it’ll be much more than you’re used to). I was expecting to not like it very much, to be honest. It’s a story we’ve all read before, right?
However…while the plot is familiar, the writing is excellent, and I felt myself getting totally drawn into it. As always, I can either take or leave the steamy stuff, but it aided the plot, for the most part (there was one moment in particular towards the end that did make me roll my eyes, because it felt a bit out of place – but it’s probably more of a personal preference thing than anything else).
Jillian was likeable, but I found Leo’s perspective more interesting; probably because of his background, it felt like he had a bit more substance to him. I liked that Dawson gave us a more plotty novel than I was anticipating, I enjoyed how the relationship developed between the two main characters, it was believable and I think pretty easy to put yourself in their shoes. All the characters we meet along the way are interesting, and they all felt real too.
Sinful was a really fun, quick read. As I said, the writing was really good, the pacing also – I couldn’t believe how little time it took me to get through it, and I wanted more!
Sinful is the second novel in the Undone series, the first being Crave – which I have not read, this can definitely be read as a standalone if you wish!
In Brief: If you like your contemporary romance to be steamy with substance, this might be for you!
Plot: Jillian has been after Leo for years but he has spurned her advances; and she has decided she’ll give it one more shot, before calling it quits and moving on forever. She knows there’s something there, but what she doesn’t know is that he’s hiding a rather large part of his life and neither of them are sure if she’s ready to face it.
My Thoughts: I…would probably say this novel borders on erotica. Just straight up here, there’s a lot of sex in it; and it ain’t all vanilla. There’s some BDSM elements, but it wasn’t overly descriptive (if you don’t read this sort of thing too often – like me – it’ll be much more than you’re used to). I was expecting to not like it very much, to be honest. It’s a story we’ve all read before, right?
However…while the plot is familiar, the writing is excellent, and I felt myself getting totally drawn into it. As always, I can either take or leave the steamy stuff, but it aided the plot, for the most part (there was one moment in particular towards the end that did make me roll my eyes, because it felt a bit out of place – but it’s probably more of a personal preference thing than anything else).
Jillian was likeable, but I found Leo’s perspective more interesting; probably because of his background, it felt like he had a bit more substance to him. I liked that Dawson gave us a more plotty novel than I was anticipating, I enjoyed how the relationship developed between the two main characters, it was believable and I think pretty easy to put yourself in their shoes. All the characters we meet along the way are interesting, and they all felt real too.
Sinful was a really fun, quick read. As I said, the writing was really good, the pacing also – I couldn’t believe how little time it took me to get through it, and I wanted more!
Sinful is the second novel in the Undone series, the first being Crave – which I have not read, this can definitely be read as a standalone if you wish!
In Brief: If you like your contemporary romance to be steamy with substance, this might be for you!
November 15, 2015
Jillian Banks has been pining over her brother’s best friend, Leo Santoro, for too long and it’s time for her to go big or go home. Dressing up to the nines, Jillian is ready to give Leo a run for his money, and she walks to her brother’s party with a purpose and a sexy sway of her hips. She knows that he can feel the chemistry between them and she knows that he wants her too, but he just won’t take that step, Leo is holding back and it’s driving Jillian crazy. She’s going to walk right up to Leo and she’s going to give him the ultimatum and then walk away.
Leo Santoro has it bad for Michael’s baby sister and for her safety as well as his; he’s going to stay far away. Because there is something that he holds secret and he’s sure it would have her running and screaming the other direction should she ever find out. You see Leo is heavy into BDSM, and there’s no way that he is going to bring Jillian into that world, not to mention Michael would kill him, because he not only knows what Leo is, but he lives in that world as well. Jillian is pushing every button and it’s taking all of his control not to pounce, but when she struts into the party and starts throwing herself at Brandon, yet another best friend that shares Michael’s and Leo’s same secrete, he sees red and charges.
I enjoyed this book, I’m not a huge fan of BDSM novels, they are usually focusing too much on the physical and there is little focus on the romance, once in a while I’ll splurge. However, Jennifer Dawson’s Sinful has amazing scenes that get my heart beating and calls for a cold shower, but the love story that is evolving between Leo and Jillian is amazing. You find a man who’s world was shattered when his twin brother was murdered, causing his heart to build a fortress around it. He loves women but he didn’t stay with one for very long and Jillian threatened this sense of security and his ability to stay in complete control. Jillian is learning that by submitting herself to Leo, she is ultimately giving herself up to a world of pleasure and awakening senses she didn’t even know existed. Sinful is an amazing book and I am looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Dawson.
*I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Leo Santoro has it bad for Michael’s baby sister and for her safety as well as his; he’s going to stay far away. Because there is something that he holds secret and he’s sure it would have her running and screaming the other direction should she ever find out. You see Leo is heavy into BDSM, and there’s no way that he is going to bring Jillian into that world, not to mention Michael would kill him, because he not only knows what Leo is, but he lives in that world as well. Jillian is pushing every button and it’s taking all of his control not to pounce, but when she struts into the party and starts throwing herself at Brandon, yet another best friend that shares Michael’s and Leo’s same secrete, he sees red and charges.
I enjoyed this book, I’m not a huge fan of BDSM novels, they are usually focusing too much on the physical and there is little focus on the romance, once in a while I’ll splurge. However, Jennifer Dawson’s Sinful has amazing scenes that get my heart beating and calls for a cold shower, but the love story that is evolving between Leo and Jillian is amazing. You find a man who’s world was shattered when his twin brother was murdered, causing his heart to build a fortress around it. He loves women but he didn’t stay with one for very long and Jillian threatened this sense of security and his ability to stay in complete control. Jillian is learning that by submitting herself to Leo, she is ultimately giving herself up to a world of pleasure and awakening senses she didn’t even know existed. Sinful is an amazing book and I am looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Dawson.
*I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
September 28, 2015
* ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review *
4,5 Sinful stars from me
Well what can i say about this book mmm...it was AMAZING and FUN!!!
I really enjoyed this book and i have to say i liked it a little bit more than
Crave..(don't get me wrong i loved Michael's and Layla's story but Jillian's and
Leo's story was more my type!!)
Now let's talk about the characters...
"Leo" Sexy,Alpha men and Stubborn a lot!!!
He wants her but keeps himself away from her (he is the way he his because something sad happened to him)
because he is afraid that he is not the right guy for her...(hmm..typical men)
"Jillian" Sexy,Beautiful,she Knows what she Wants and goes after it..(or HIM 'Leo')
I love her character the way she is teasing him..hmm it was really fun!!
It's the perfect book for BDSM fans, the erotic scenes between them were very very Hot!!!!
You can see from page 1 that they have the perfect chemistry for a couple and the game of cat and mouse
it makes the book more exciting...(you're like.. when is he gonna give in to her??)
Also i have to add the one and only Brandon, this was one of the things i loved in this book his character,
i hope he gets a story in undone series.
Congrats to the author for the amazing book!!!
4,5 Sinful stars from me
Well what can i say about this book mmm...it was AMAZING and FUN!!!
I really enjoyed this book and i have to say i liked it a little bit more than
Crave..(don't get me wrong i loved Michael's and Layla's story but Jillian's and
Leo's story was more my type!!)
Now let's talk about the characters...
"Leo" Sexy,Alpha men and Stubborn a lot!!!
He wants her but keeps himself away from her (he is the way he his because something sad happened to him)
because he is afraid that he is not the right guy for her...(hmm..typical men)
"Jillian" Sexy,Beautiful,she Knows what she Wants and goes after it..(or HIM 'Leo')
I love her character the way she is teasing him..hmm it was really fun!!
It's the perfect book for BDSM fans, the erotic scenes between them were very very Hot!!!!
You can see from page 1 that they have the perfect chemistry for a couple and the game of cat and mouse
it makes the book more exciting...(you're like.. when is he gonna give in to her??)
Also i have to add the one and only Brandon, this was one of the things i loved in this book his character,
i hope he gets a story in undone series.
Congrats to the author for the amazing book!!!
November 18, 2015
E-ARC received thanks to CrushStar Multimedia LLC and Netgalley.
I was actually set on giving this a 3 the first time I finished it, but I reread it again last night and changed my mind.
Although I love Crave more out of the two, Sinful is still pretty great. Jennifer Dawson can do sexual tension like nobody's business (I'm still not over The Name of the Game btw; SO GOOD, THAT ONE), and she didn't disappoint with this one.
We only got glimpses of Leo and Jillian in the first book, so I was pretty excited when I found out that they were getting their own book. So basically Jillian and Leo have known each other for quite a while; Leo graduated from the same academy as her brother and they were best friends, and though Jillian has made her attraction to Leo pretty obvious, and Leo was also attracted to her, he never crossed the line...until one night Jillian took charge and dun dun dunnnnnnn
I love Jillian, we would have been best friends. She's exuberant and full of life, and I love her passion for arts and her will of steel. She's definitely the perfect person to keep Leo on his toes. I just love them together; they're a wonderful match for each other. I love Jillian's relationship with Michael which we didn't really get to see much in Crave, and Leo's big Italian family is a riot.
Although the Big Hurdle is pretty predictable, I'd say it's dealt with pretty well. Might have cried at the last 10%, it's so beautiful.
ANYWAY
ON TO MORE IMPORTANT MATTERS:
*demanding tone*
Chad still needs a book.
Brandon too.
AND Gwen.
I'll just sit here and wait not-so-very patiently.
I was actually set on giving this a 3 the first time I finished it, but I reread it again last night and changed my mind.
Although I love Crave more out of the two, Sinful is still pretty great. Jennifer Dawson can do sexual tension like nobody's business (I'm still not over The Name of the Game btw; SO GOOD, THAT ONE), and she didn't disappoint with this one.
We only got glimpses of Leo and Jillian in the first book, so I was pretty excited when I found out that they were getting their own book. So basically Jillian and Leo have known each other for quite a while; Leo graduated from the same academy as her brother and they were best friends, and though Jillian has made her attraction to Leo pretty obvious, and Leo was also attracted to her, he never crossed the line...until one night Jillian took charge and dun dun dunnnnnnn
I love Jillian, we would have been best friends. She's exuberant and full of life, and I love her passion for arts and her will of steel. She's definitely the perfect person to keep Leo on his toes. I just love them together; they're a wonderful match for each other. I love Jillian's relationship with Michael which we didn't really get to see much in Crave, and Leo's big Italian family is a riot.
Although the Big Hurdle is pretty predictable, I'd say it's dealt with pretty well. Might have cried at the last 10%, it's so beautiful.
ANYWAY
ON TO MORE IMPORTANT MATTERS:
*demanding tone*
Chad still needs a book.
Brandon too.
AND Gwen.
I'll just sit here and wait not-so-very patiently.
April 10, 2016
I got this arc a while a go and for the life of me I have no idea why I haven't picked it up until now. It might be because I knew it involved some BDSM and I've haven't been filling those books lately.
But...
This one wasgreat awesome and it kept me on the edge of my seat bed from the beginning to the end...
Jillian and Leo have been dancing around each other for some time now but he seems hell bend on seeing her just as his best friend’s baby sister. So the night she decides it's now or never is also the night that she uncovers that it's more to Leo than meets the eye.
She wants him but she's not what he needs...or is she?
*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
But...
This one was
Jillian and Leo have been dancing around each other for some time now but he seems hell bend on seeing her just as his best friend’s baby sister. So the night she decides it's now or never is also the night that she uncovers that it's more to Leo than meets the eye.
She wants him but she's not what he needs...or is she?
*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
January 23, 2019
I am huge Jennifer Dawson fan, but that scene with Brandon ruined the book and the entire series for me. I have read quite a few better Dom/Sub love stories without that type of scene. Anyway, that's just me. I wish I knew before I started reading the book and wasting my time. Also, I found Jillian to be quite annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2015
Wow! I need a cold shower after reading this book.
What a great prequel to Crave, and hopefully a segway to another book. Brandon needs a happy ever after.
What a great prequel to Crave, and hopefully a segway to another book. Brandon needs a happy ever after.
November 2, 2018
I've been in a book drought and needed something to save me. I wanted something fun, flirty, and fast paced. This book had it all. I started it yesterday evening and finished it sometime after midnight. I didn't complete it all in one sitting. My life is still way too chaotic for that! I wanted to though.
The two main characters are Leo and Jillian. They are perfect foils for each other. He is measured, methodical and manly. She is flighty, fiesty, and unafraid of her feminity. They have a kind of superficial history that has been built over years but never delves deeper than public conversation. She can't stand that anymore and throws caution to the wind. Any answer is better than the status quo. A barely there dress and a pair of fuck me heels are her weapons of choice. That poor man lost before the battle began.
Of course they run into trouble. What kind of book would it be if it were smooth sailing? A boring one! Their biggest hurdles involve lifestyle choices and needs, namely his need for domination. Is she willing to accept things outside her understanding? Can she trust him above all else? Is he willing to step out of the past and into the future she envisions? Can he let her begin to heal him of past traumas?
The story is funny, the dialogue is laugh out loud funny in spots. She has a very spunky attitude and throws it around when it suits her. He can be just as funny but I laughed every time he was being serious. I'm quirky like that.
The drama builds slow and steady. They tackle the questions and hurdles together. The meeting with her brother made me laugh so hard. I have brothers and this was spot on! The party and her interaction with his grandmother showed the softer side of both characters and was so appreciated.
The sex? Not panty melting, unfortunately. Hot, but a little vanilla considering he's a Dom and training her to be his sub. The sex acts themselves were also a bit repetitive as were the words used such as c#nt and pu$$y. There isn't any value in them anymore, and that's heartbreaking.
The author gives us an HEA that both satifies us and leaves us wanting more. Other characters are left dangling in the wind and now need their voices heard. It's book two in a series and I am reading them out of order. I do that alot. If you subscribe to her newsletter you can get another in the series sent to you for free! Click that!
The two main characters are Leo and Jillian. They are perfect foils for each other. He is measured, methodical and manly. She is flighty, fiesty, and unafraid of her feminity. They have a kind of superficial history that has been built over years but never delves deeper than public conversation. She can't stand that anymore and throws caution to the wind. Any answer is better than the status quo. A barely there dress and a pair of fuck me heels are her weapons of choice. That poor man lost before the battle began.
Of course they run into trouble. What kind of book would it be if it were smooth sailing? A boring one! Their biggest hurdles involve lifestyle choices and needs, namely his need for domination. Is she willing to accept things outside her understanding? Can she trust him above all else? Is he willing to step out of the past and into the future she envisions? Can he let her begin to heal him of past traumas?
The story is funny, the dialogue is laugh out loud funny in spots. She has a very spunky attitude and throws it around when it suits her. He can be just as funny but I laughed every time he was being serious. I'm quirky like that.
The drama builds slow and steady. They tackle the questions and hurdles together. The meeting with her brother made me laugh so hard. I have brothers and this was spot on! The party and her interaction with his grandmother showed the softer side of both characters and was so appreciated.
The sex? Not panty melting, unfortunately. Hot, but a little vanilla considering he's a Dom and training her to be his sub. The sex acts themselves were also a bit repetitive as were the words used such as c#nt and pu$$y. There isn't any value in them anymore, and that's heartbreaking.
The author gives us an HEA that both satifies us and leaves us wanting more. Other characters are left dangling in the wind and now need their voices heard. It's book two in a series and I am reading them out of order. I do that alot. If you subscribe to her newsletter you can get another in the series sent to you for free! Click that!
October 9, 2024
Jillian Banks has been pining over her brother’s best friend, Leo Santoro, for too long and it’s time for her to go big or go home. Dressing up to the nines, Jillian is ready to give Leo a run for his money, and she walks to her brother’s party with a purpose and a sexy sway of her hips. She knows that he can feel the chemistry between them and she knows that he wants her too, but he just won’t take that step, Leo is holding back and it’s driving Jillian crazy. She’s going to walk right up to Leo and she’s going to give him the ultimatum and then walk away.
Leo Santoro has it bad for Michael’s baby sister and for her safety as well as his; he’s going to stay far away. Because there is something that he holds secret and he’s sure it would have her running and screaming the other direction should she ever find out. You see Leo is heavy into BDSM, and there’s no way that he is going to bring Jillian into that world, not to mention Michael would kill him, because he not only knows what Leo is, but he lives in that world as well. Jillian is pushing every button and it’s taking all of his control not to pounce, but when she struts into the party and starts throwing herself at Brandon, yet another best friend that shares Michael’s and Leo’s same secrete, he sees red and charges.
I enjoyed this book, I’m not a huge fan of BDSM novels, they are usually focusing too much on the physical and there is little focus on the romance, once in a while I’ll splurge. However, Jennifer Dawson’s Sinful has amazing scenes that get my heart beating and calls for a cold shower, but the love story that is evolving between Leo and Jillian is amazing. You find a man who’s world was shattered when his twin brother was murdered, causing his heart to build a fortress around it. He loves women but he didn’t stay with one for very long and Jillian threatened this sense of security and his ability to stay in complete control. Jillian is learning that by submitting herself to Leo, she is ultimately giving herself up to a world of pleasure and awakening senses she didn’t even know existed. Sinful is an amazing book and I am looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Dawson.
*I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Leo Santoro has it bad for Michael’s baby sister and for her safety as well as his; he’s going to stay far away. Because there is something that he holds secret and he’s sure it would have her running and screaming the other direction should she ever find out. You see Leo is heavy into BDSM, and there’s no way that he is going to bring Jillian into that world, not to mention Michael would kill him, because he not only knows what Leo is, but he lives in that world as well. Jillian is pushing every button and it’s taking all of his control not to pounce, but when she struts into the party and starts throwing herself at Brandon, yet another best friend that shares Michael’s and Leo’s same secrete, he sees red and charges.
I enjoyed this book, I’m not a huge fan of BDSM novels, they are usually focusing too much on the physical and there is little focus on the romance, once in a while I’ll splurge. However, Jennifer Dawson’s Sinful has amazing scenes that get my heart beating and calls for a cold shower, but the love story that is evolving between Leo and Jillian is amazing. You find a man who’s world was shattered when his twin brother was murdered, causing his heart to build a fortress around it. He loves women but he didn’t stay with one for very long and Jillian threatened this sense of security and his ability to stay in complete control. Jillian is learning that by submitting herself to Leo, she is ultimately giving herself up to a world of pleasure and awakening senses she didn’t even know existed. Sinful is an amazing book and I am looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Dawson.
*I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
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