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Shadowed By Sin
Every man has a price... As Lord Benedict St. John and his fiancee prepare to marry, his family is blackmailed by a former acquaintance. Hoping to set things straight, he accepts an invitation to dine at the Blackmailer's family estate. But how many should die... Estelle agrees to accompany Benedict, but nothing prepares her for the mysteries and bodies she stumbles across during her time at Hawthorne Hall. Before the shocking truth is exposed? Hawthorne Hall holds many secrets, but will Estelle and Benedict escape to see the day their union is blessed, or will they succumb to an untimely end?"
226 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2015
1 person is currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Layna Pimentel
18 books86 followersBorn and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.
You can find her at the following site:
www.laynapimentel.com | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | MySpace
She'd love to hear from you, so be sure to drop her a line some time.
You can find her at the following site:
www.laynapimentel.com | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | MySpace
She'd love to hear from you, so be sure to drop her a line some time.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 16, 2015
I received an ARC of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is Layna Pimentel’s first gothic romance, and while Historical Romance isn’t a huge genre for me, I highly enjoyed the mystery and intrigue the author wove throughout the book. As a novella, this quick read kept me turning pages with some spicy scenes between the hero and heroine and the overall mystery behind several deaths occurring throughout the book.
Where I can usually figure out the intrigue element in most mysteries, I wasn’t exactly left guessing who the bad guy was, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out he had an accomplice! And one I didn’t even think about.
The romance between the hero and heroine is spicy at times, but, as the couple was already engaged to be married and actually loved each other from the beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue aspect of this novella a bit more than the intimacy.
Fun read. 4 stars.
This is Layna Pimentel’s first gothic romance, and while Historical Romance isn’t a huge genre for me, I highly enjoyed the mystery and intrigue the author wove throughout the book. As a novella, this quick read kept me turning pages with some spicy scenes between the hero and heroine and the overall mystery behind several deaths occurring throughout the book.
Where I can usually figure out the intrigue element in most mysteries, I wasn’t exactly left guessing who the bad guy was, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out he had an accomplice! And one I didn’t even think about.
The romance between the hero and heroine is spicy at times, but, as the couple was already engaged to be married and actually loved each other from the beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue aspect of this novella a bit more than the intimacy.
Fun read. 4 stars.
January 14, 2016
Shadowed by Sin was an interesting gothic read and definitely not your granny's sort of historical. This one is full of temptation and seduction, and seeing the main characters grapple with their desire was fun. Being a gothic romance, we have all the basic elements: a spooky manor home in England, nefarious villains, shady plots and good guys hoping to win the day. I will admit I had some questions as to character motivation, but those questions didn't hamper my enjoyment of the story. I think I would have liked to see the hero and heroine meet at the manor home, and explore their budding relationship from there. However, Ms. Pimentel has brought us an engaged couple and they can't wait to get their hands on each other. Although some romantic tension is sacrificed, this does bring us right to the action. The villain was definitely a scary person, but he or she is surrounded by dubious types, so the reader has some guesswork. I know I'll be seeking out this author's work again.
June 30, 2015
Fast paced Gothic Historical Romance set in England. This was my first time reading this author, and will not be my last. I was very impressed with her writing, the descriptions of her characters and her unique storyline. While, the setting was set in one of my favorite venues, England, nothing was as it seemed.
Filled with emotional turmoil, danger, suspense, mystery, deceit, lies, scandal, murder and romance. What an awesome blend of romance with suspense, family turmoil and secrets. Not for the faint of heart, but with this said, she is not overly graphic nor grossly in details or in her sensual scenes. The H/H is likeable, engaging and energetic. You can't help but adore them, as they get into serious danger. I was definitely surprised with the ending, though. Nothing was as you thought, many twists and turns, simply evil beings in this family of deviants. You will be in shock with the ending. Very impressive writing! Well written with enthusiasm, and compassion, with compelling, charming, and engaging characters. The story will hold your attention from beginning to end and beyond. An amazing storyteller! Strongly recommended for historical romance enthusiasts as well as mystery, suspense readers and Gothic romance readers, alike. Well done! I can't wait to read more from this author. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity given to me to read SHADOWED BY SIN!
*Received for an honest review from the author*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Filled with emotional turmoil, danger, suspense, mystery, deceit, lies, scandal, murder and romance. What an awesome blend of romance with suspense, family turmoil and secrets. Not for the faint of heart, but with this said, she is not overly graphic nor grossly in details or in her sensual scenes. The H/H is likeable, engaging and energetic. You can't help but adore them, as they get into serious danger. I was definitely surprised with the ending, though. Nothing was as you thought, many twists and turns, simply evil beings in this family of deviants. You will be in shock with the ending. Very impressive writing! Well written with enthusiasm, and compassion, with compelling, charming, and engaging characters. The story will hold your attention from beginning to end and beyond. An amazing storyteller! Strongly recommended for historical romance enthusiasts as well as mystery, suspense readers and Gothic romance readers, alike. Well done! I can't wait to read more from this author. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity given to me to read SHADOWED BY SIN!
*Received for an honest review from the author*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
July 14, 2015
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was actually the first time reading a Gothic romance. Whenever I think of those kinds of romances I think of Vincent Price's movies, which I love. So, this is reminiscent of that. It has enough mystery and romance to carry through to the end. However, it was the characters that had me gripped from page one. There were all sorts of interesting things happening in this book and my favorite were the secret passages and the creepy spying. The author has a way of making one feel that we were there experiencing all of the dangers.
Even though this was a short story, there was enough substance and plot to keep me entertained. It was wrapped up neatly at the end and had me wishing that it was longer.
This was actually the first time reading a Gothic romance. Whenever I think of those kinds of romances I think of Vincent Price's movies, which I love. So, this is reminiscent of that. It has enough mystery and romance to carry through to the end. However, it was the characters that had me gripped from page one. There were all sorts of interesting things happening in this book and my favorite were the secret passages and the creepy spying. The author has a way of making one feel that we were there experiencing all of the dangers.
Even though this was a short story, there was enough substance and plot to keep me entertained. It was wrapped up neatly at the end and had me wishing that it was longer.
July 11, 2015
Well that was fun. I started this book a few hours ago and was sucked into the world of Estelle and Ben. The twists, diabolical turns and disturbing descriptions had me hooked and wanting more! I couldn't put it down! This was the first gothic historical romance I made it through, great read! Well written.
November 14, 2016
Saved by Layna Pimentel is a fantastic and captivating Medieval Scottish Romance.
Follow, Laird Colin McIntyre and Beatrice on a journey filled with complicated dilemmas, adventure, passion, secrets and romance.
In order to save his clan from Laird Sinclair he must marry his despicable daughter or face his clan's destruction. Beatrice was abandoned by her guardian as a household servant to Laird Sinclair, a cheat, conniving, despicable man with ill intend toward Beatrice, he intends to make her his mistress. She is ordered to tend to Colin's wounds after he is beaten and imprisoned by Sinclair.
What Colin and Beatrice find is more than passion, they find friendship and love. But can Colin and Beatrice be rescued in time to save them from the lecherous Laird Sinclair? Will Colin be able to save his beloved clan from destruction? Can Colin and Beatrice find their HEA or lose all to treachery?
To learn the answer to these questions and so much more, pick up "Saved", you will not be disappointed.
Fast paced, heart-pounding action with well-developed characters and intrigue.
I absolutely loved this story.
Ms. Pimentel is another of my favorite authors. She draws the reader into the story and holds them captivated.
From the first page to the last, readers will found their hearts held captured by these amazing characters. Every page sparks with life, mystery and intrigue! A must read! I can't wait to read more from Layna Pimentel!
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
Follow, Laird Colin McIntyre and Beatrice on a journey filled with complicated dilemmas, adventure, passion, secrets and romance.
In order to save his clan from Laird Sinclair he must marry his despicable daughter or face his clan's destruction. Beatrice was abandoned by her guardian as a household servant to Laird Sinclair, a cheat, conniving, despicable man with ill intend toward Beatrice, he intends to make her his mistress. She is ordered to tend to Colin's wounds after he is beaten and imprisoned by Sinclair.
What Colin and Beatrice find is more than passion, they find friendship and love. But can Colin and Beatrice be rescued in time to save them from the lecherous Laird Sinclair? Will Colin be able to save his beloved clan from destruction? Can Colin and Beatrice find their HEA or lose all to treachery?
To learn the answer to these questions and so much more, pick up "Saved", you will not be disappointed.
Fast paced, heart-pounding action with well-developed characters and intrigue.
I absolutely loved this story.
Ms. Pimentel is another of my favorite authors. She draws the reader into the story and holds them captivated.
From the first page to the last, readers will found their hearts held captured by these amazing characters. Every page sparks with life, mystery and intrigue! A must read! I can't wait to read more from Layna Pimentel!
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
October 6, 2015
'Shadowed By Sin'
Well deserved 5* Review
I am going to start this review with stating how much I enjoyed this novella ‘Shadowed by Sin’, it had been hooked on each and every page, fast paced, great descriptions of the characters, setting and powerful storyline.
This novella a Gothic Historical set in England. I am fortunate enough to live in England and with the amount of stately homes and halls that remain Layna did well to captivate, even the language.
The story, wow, there was everything found in this book, secrets, romance, danger, murder, lies, scandal, emotions, suspense, and twists you don’t even see coming. I will confess I adored the main character Lord St. John, Ben he had me swoon! Lord St. John and his fiancée are invited to travel to a Hawthorne Hall for a masques ball. Only at the destination isn’t all what it appears to be, walls talk, secret creepy passageways, the family are evil, deviant, guests dying and an old mystery unearthed. Will Lord St. John and Estelle make it out the manor alive? Well I’m not saying, it’s a MUST read and trust me you will enjoy every page!
Layna is a fabulous writer and I look forward to reading further works from her.
Well deserved 5* Review
I am going to start this review with stating how much I enjoyed this novella ‘Shadowed by Sin’, it had been hooked on each and every page, fast paced, great descriptions of the characters, setting and powerful storyline.
This novella a Gothic Historical set in England. I am fortunate enough to live in England and with the amount of stately homes and halls that remain Layna did well to captivate, even the language.
The story, wow, there was everything found in this book, secrets, romance, danger, murder, lies, scandal, emotions, suspense, and twists you don’t even see coming. I will confess I adored the main character Lord St. John, Ben he had me swoon! Lord St. John and his fiancée are invited to travel to a Hawthorne Hall for a masques ball. Only at the destination isn’t all what it appears to be, walls talk, secret creepy passageways, the family are evil, deviant, guests dying and an old mystery unearthed. Will Lord St. John and Estelle make it out the manor alive? Well I’m not saying, it’s a MUST read and trust me you will enjoy every page!
Layna is a fabulous writer and I look forward to reading further works from her.
November 20, 2016
Lord St. John and Estelle plan to get Married . They can't wait . One night lord St. John's father receives a blackmail letter from a marquess that they know . Lord St. John's father saw something that he shouldn't . To top it off bodies are showing up in a river . Lord St Johns and Estelle take matters into their own hands . They travel to the estate of the Marquess for a ball. They want to search the Estate the house to find what they can to help the father . Bodies are still showing up at the house party . Grab this and find out will Lord St John find out who is killing the Ton . Does Estelle find out anything. Are he and Estelle next on the list . Who is the murderer. This one is full of Mystery . Suspense and a fantastic Goth set in the Regency Era
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews