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Devil's Rock #5
Beautiful Sinner
Locked in with the town bad boy . . .
Most women would be scared, but Gabriella’s only worried about resisting Cruz Walsh, who’s even hotter than he was back in high school. Cruz was wrongly accused of the high-profile crime for which he was imprisoned; Gabriella’s desperate for the scoop that will get her career off the ground and get her out of Sweet Hill, where everyone still remembers her as “Flabby Gabby.” Being stuck in a supply closet with Cruz is the perfect opportunity to land an interview. What Bri doesn’t count on is Cruz taking “up-close and personal” to a whole new level.
If there’s a silver lining to the hell Cruz went through, it’s that losing his freedom put everything in perspective. Maybe starting over someplace new would be easier, but after years locked up, Cruz values his family—and his true friends—more than ever. So he’s back home, facing the gossip, dodging reporters . . . and face-to-face with Gabriella Rossi. They’ve both Bri wants a story and Cruz just wants her. Another thing he’s learned? Don’t let a good thing slip away.
Most women would be scared, but Gabriella’s only worried about resisting Cruz Walsh, who’s even hotter than he was back in high school. Cruz was wrongly accused of the high-profile crime for which he was imprisoned; Gabriella’s desperate for the scoop that will get her career off the ground and get her out of Sweet Hill, where everyone still remembers her as “Flabby Gabby.” Being stuck in a supply closet with Cruz is the perfect opportunity to land an interview. What Bri doesn’t count on is Cruz taking “up-close and personal” to a whole new level.
If there’s a silver lining to the hell Cruz went through, it’s that losing his freedom put everything in perspective. Maybe starting over someplace new would be easier, but after years locked up, Cruz values his family—and his true friends—more than ever. So he’s back home, facing the gossip, dodging reporters . . . and face-to-face with Gabriella Rossi. They’ve both Bri wants a story and Cruz just wants her. Another thing he’s learned? Don’t let a good thing slip away.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
148 people are currently reading
1910 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Jordan
83 books8,992 followersPseudonym:
Sharie Kohler
Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.
A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.
In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.
Sharie Kohler
Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.
A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.
In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.
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November 30, 2018
OMG I read a book, alert the presses...
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Beautiful Sinner by Sophie Jordan
Book Five of the Devil's Rock series
Publisher: Avon Books
Publication Date: October 30, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
Locked in with the town bad boy . . .
Most women would be scared, but Gabriella’s only worried about resisting Cruz Walsh, who’s even hotter than he was back in high school. Cruz was wrongly accused of the high-profile crime for which he was imprisoned; Gabriella’s desperate for the scoop that will get her career off the ground and get her out of Sweet Hill, where everyone still remembers her as “Flabby Gabby.” Being stuck in a supply closet with Cruz is the perfect opportunity to land an interview. What Bri doesn’t count on is Cruz taking “up-close and personal” to a whole new level.
If there’s a silver lining to the hell Cruz went through, it’s that losing his freedom put everything in perspective. Maybe starting over someplace new would be easier, but after years locked up, Cruz values his family—and his true friends—more than ever. So he’s back home, facing the gossip, dodging reporters . . . and face-to-face with Gabriella Rossi. They’ve both changed: Bri wants a story and Cruz just wants her. Another thing he’s learned? Don’t let a good thing slip away.
What I Liked:
I've been in a bit of a reading slump, and I decided to pick up this book even though it doesn't publish for another month and a half. I love this series - books one and four are my favorite, but all four are great - and I had a feeling that this fifth book would be excellent. I believe this is the final book in the series, and it's a great concluding story.
This is Cruz's story; Cruz is the older brother of Piper (heroine of Beautiful Lawman). He is a good friend of Knox and North (they went to high school together, and went to jail for the same incident, though with varying offenses). This book is set approximately six months after the ending of Beautiful Lawman - so Cruz has been free for six months. He's living in Sweet Hill, he owns his own home, and he opened a gym in the town. He's doing well, except most citizens of Sweet Hill still treat him like he was the one who killed Shelley Rae, seven years ago. Enter Gabriella Rossi, who went to high school with Cruz. She has always had a crush on him, and never believed that he killed Shelley Rae. She has been living in Austin, but moved back to Sweet Hill to live next door to her grandmother and take care of her, post-surgery. Gabriella doesn't expect to run into Cruz, or to feel the immense attraction she used to feel when she was in high school. What she doesn't know is that Cruz also crushed on her in high school, and years later, he hasn't gotten her out of his mind.
This was a unique love story. We have two people who never dated, were never friends, never interacted much, but went to high school together, and crushed on each other. Cruz was always the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Gabriella was always the smart, good girl who was going places. Twelve years later, life has stalled for both of them, in different ways. But life has a way of surprising everyone. Imagine Gabriella and Cruz's surprise when they get locked into a closet together, the night of a high school function. (Cruz's youngest sister is in high school, and Gabriella's niece is in the same high school.)
When Cruz and Gabriella run into each other in the high school event, the chemistry is electric. When they get stuck in the closet after the event, the chemistry ignites. I love how good Sophie Jordan is at building chemistry! There is explosive chemistry from the start, and it doesn't let up.
I liked seeing Cruz and Gabriella's progression, in terms of their relationship and the mushy gushy feelings. It was the cutest thing - Cruz decided he wanted to spend more time with her, so he started bringing her food and "chasing" her. Don't get me wrong - Gabriella is not opposed to this! I would be mildly worried about consent and creepy behavior, but Cruz and Gabriella are both interested in each other, and Cruz makes a move. The romance is as sweet as the chemistry is steamy.
This book is steamyyyyy, as per Jordan's usual when it comes to her contemporary romance novels. There are closet scenes. There are backed-into-a-car scenes. There are gym scenes. So many steamy sexy times, and a great buildup to the bigger moments!
I should talk a little bit about Cruz and Gabriella individually - I adored them both. Cruz is a sweetheart. He seems like a block of marble, a hardened individual whom the town has not accepted since he was exonerated. But he's a good guy who wants to make a difference in the town. Gabriella was never a popular kid in high school, and she always wanted to get out of Sweet Hill. She has self-esteem issues, and she was bullied, and so Sweet Hill doesn't hold good memories for her. She's a kind and hard-working person, very smart and sweet and a tough on the innocent side. She and Cruz are a great match!
The climax of the book came quickly - I couldn't stop reading! This book has the usual conflict in which there is drama that could separate the couple. In this case, Gabriella's job as a reporter directly conflicts with Cruz's privacy. So it's understandable when he feels like she has stepped over a line. But I LOVE how Gabriella fights for him and holds her ground. (Side note, she did nothing wrong, and was never using him to boost anything at her job.)
Obviously I loved this book. I highly recommend it, and the entire series. Book four is probably my favorite, and then book one, but the whole series is worth reading!
What I Did Not Like:
The only complaint I have is that this book felt too short! Which is absurd because it's like 350 pages long! I think I breezed through it - I was totally engrossed. I didn't realize I was almost at the end until the big drama came along. I wouldn't have minded more pages, but I'm not unhappy with what is presented!
Would I Recommend It:
I highly recommend this book and the series in general. I've not read too many books involving ex-cons, or those exonerated, so this series was a little different. Jordan doesn't romanticize the felon aspect - I thought she did a great job with this. She isn't just looking for big, bad heroes. (Though they definitely are big and bad, no complaints there.) There is so much depth and backstory to each hero in this series. Start from the beginning, with Knox and Briar! They'll sway you.
Rating:
4 stars. I love this book! I think it's the final book in the series which makes me a little sad, but now I have a good excuse to reread the entire series. I have reread most of the books anyway, no excuse needed. I can't wait to read more adult contemporary romance by Sophie Jordan!
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Beautiful Sinner by Sophie Jordan
Book Five of the Devil's Rock series
Publisher: Avon Books
Publication Date: October 30, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
Locked in with the town bad boy . . .
Most women would be scared, but Gabriella’s only worried about resisting Cruz Walsh, who’s even hotter than he was back in high school. Cruz was wrongly accused of the high-profile crime for which he was imprisoned; Gabriella’s desperate for the scoop that will get her career off the ground and get her out of Sweet Hill, where everyone still remembers her as “Flabby Gabby.” Being stuck in a supply closet with Cruz is the perfect opportunity to land an interview. What Bri doesn’t count on is Cruz taking “up-close and personal” to a whole new level.
If there’s a silver lining to the hell Cruz went through, it’s that losing his freedom put everything in perspective. Maybe starting over someplace new would be easier, but after years locked up, Cruz values his family—and his true friends—more than ever. So he’s back home, facing the gossip, dodging reporters . . . and face-to-face with Gabriella Rossi. They’ve both changed: Bri wants a story and Cruz just wants her. Another thing he’s learned? Don’t let a good thing slip away.
What I Liked:
I've been in a bit of a reading slump, and I decided to pick up this book even though it doesn't publish for another month and a half. I love this series - books one and four are my favorite, but all four are great - and I had a feeling that this fifth book would be excellent. I believe this is the final book in the series, and it's a great concluding story.
This is Cruz's story; Cruz is the older brother of Piper (heroine of Beautiful Lawman). He is a good friend of Knox and North (they went to high school together, and went to jail for the same incident, though with varying offenses). This book is set approximately six months after the ending of Beautiful Lawman - so Cruz has been free for six months. He's living in Sweet Hill, he owns his own home, and he opened a gym in the town. He's doing well, except most citizens of Sweet Hill still treat him like he was the one who killed Shelley Rae, seven years ago. Enter Gabriella Rossi, who went to high school with Cruz. She has always had a crush on him, and never believed that he killed Shelley Rae. She has been living in Austin, but moved back to Sweet Hill to live next door to her grandmother and take care of her, post-surgery. Gabriella doesn't expect to run into Cruz, or to feel the immense attraction she used to feel when she was in high school. What she doesn't know is that Cruz also crushed on her in high school, and years later, he hasn't gotten her out of his mind.
This was a unique love story. We have two people who never dated, were never friends, never interacted much, but went to high school together, and crushed on each other. Cruz was always the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Gabriella was always the smart, good girl who was going places. Twelve years later, life has stalled for both of them, in different ways. But life has a way of surprising everyone. Imagine Gabriella and Cruz's surprise when they get locked into a closet together, the night of a high school function. (Cruz's youngest sister is in high school, and Gabriella's niece is in the same high school.)
When Cruz and Gabriella run into each other in the high school event, the chemistry is electric. When they get stuck in the closet after the event, the chemistry ignites. I love how good Sophie Jordan is at building chemistry! There is explosive chemistry from the start, and it doesn't let up.
I liked seeing Cruz and Gabriella's progression, in terms of their relationship and the mushy gushy feelings. It was the cutest thing - Cruz decided he wanted to spend more time with her, so he started bringing her food and "chasing" her. Don't get me wrong - Gabriella is not opposed to this! I would be mildly worried about consent and creepy behavior, but Cruz and Gabriella are both interested in each other, and Cruz makes a move. The romance is as sweet as the chemistry is steamy.
This book is steamyyyyy, as per Jordan's usual when it comes to her contemporary romance novels. There are closet scenes. There are backed-into-a-car scenes. There are gym scenes. So many steamy sexy times, and a great buildup to the bigger moments!
I should talk a little bit about Cruz and Gabriella individually - I adored them both. Cruz is a sweetheart. He seems like a block of marble, a hardened individual whom the town has not accepted since he was exonerated. But he's a good guy who wants to make a difference in the town. Gabriella was never a popular kid in high school, and she always wanted to get out of Sweet Hill. She has self-esteem issues, and she was bullied, and so Sweet Hill doesn't hold good memories for her. She's a kind and hard-working person, very smart and sweet and a tough on the innocent side. She and Cruz are a great match!
The climax of the book came quickly - I couldn't stop reading! This book has the usual conflict in which there is drama that could separate the couple. In this case, Gabriella's job as a reporter directly conflicts with Cruz's privacy. So it's understandable when he feels like she has stepped over a line. But I LOVE how Gabriella fights for him and holds her ground. (Side note, she did nothing wrong, and was never using him to boost anything at her job.)
Obviously I loved this book. I highly recommend it, and the entire series. Book four is probably my favorite, and then book one, but the whole series is worth reading!
What I Did Not Like:
The only complaint I have is that this book felt too short! Which is absurd because it's like 350 pages long! I think I breezed through it - I was totally engrossed. I didn't realize I was almost at the end until the big drama came along. I wouldn't have minded more pages, but I'm not unhappy with what is presented!
Would I Recommend It:
I highly recommend this book and the series in general. I've not read too many books involving ex-cons, or those exonerated, so this series was a little different. Jordan doesn't romanticize the felon aspect - I thought she did a great job with this. She isn't just looking for big, bad heroes. (Though they definitely are big and bad, no complaints there.) There is so much depth and backstory to each hero in this series. Start from the beginning, with Knox and Briar! They'll sway you.
Rating:
4 stars. I love this book! I think it's the final book in the series which makes me a little sad, but now I have a good excuse to reread the entire series. I have reread most of the books anyway, no excuse needed. I can't wait to read more adult contemporary romance by Sophie Jordan!
April 11, 2024
2☆ DNF 17% Mean Girls Women minus the fun parts
Right now it’s 2 hits, 2 misses with this series. Hopefully North's book will be a happy tiebreaker! Baffles me when an author writes such an awesome story and immediately follows it with…this. I just can’t with this much repetition about body insecurities and high school bully memories when the heroine is 30. We get that she’s back in town and it sucks; next plot event and character trait, please. 💅 Come to think of it, I can’t remember a book I loved where the h is a reporter writing an article about the H. 🧐
Right now it’s 2 hits, 2 misses with this series. Hopefully North's book will be a happy tiebreaker! Baffles me when an author writes such an awesome story and immediately follows it with…this. I just can’t with this much repetition about body insecurities and high school bully memories when the heroine is 30. We get that she’s back in town and it sucks; next plot event and character trait, please. 💅 Come to think of it, I can’t remember a book I loved where the h is a reporter writing an article about the H. 🧐
October 30, 2018
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Beautiful Sinner was my first book from Sophie Jordan, and my introduction tot he Devil's Rock series. I seem to have a habit of jumping into series without reading them in order, but this blurb really caught my attention and couldn't wait to catch up with the series to read it. Which I'm happy I didn't because I really enjoyed this book.
Gabby and Cruz both have a past that still haunts them, Gabby's from her High School days and Cruz's from his being sentenced for a crime he didn't commit. Back in the town they grew up in they're looking for a chance to redeem themselves and move forward. And what better way to do that than together.
I loved the slow burn type of romance that Cruze and Gabby had, and it brought all the sexual tension to their story. There was so much to learn about them and it had me captivated and excited to dig deeper into their characters. There were some flashbacks to their High School days that I actually really enjoyed. I felt like the characters were very well developed and those extra parts from their past helped with that. And in the present I was rooting them on and sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for them to finally give in to the chemistry between them.
Overall, I found this book to be very enjoyable and it's one I would recommend. I didn't have a problem reading it before the previous books in the series so I'd say it could be read as a standalone. Though I do plan on going back and reading more of this author since I liked this books so much.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Beautiful Sinner was my first book from Sophie Jordan, and my introduction tot he Devil's Rock series. I seem to have a habit of jumping into series without reading them in order, but this blurb really caught my attention and couldn't wait to catch up with the series to read it. Which I'm happy I didn't because I really enjoyed this book.
Gabby and Cruz both have a past that still haunts them, Gabby's from her High School days and Cruz's from his being sentenced for a crime he didn't commit. Back in the town they grew up in they're looking for a chance to redeem themselves and move forward. And what better way to do that than together.
I loved the slow burn type of romance that Cruze and Gabby had, and it brought all the sexual tension to their story. There was so much to learn about them and it had me captivated and excited to dig deeper into their characters. There were some flashbacks to their High School days that I actually really enjoyed. I felt like the characters were very well developed and those extra parts from their past helped with that. And in the present I was rooting them on and sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for them to finally give in to the chemistry between them.
Overall, I found this book to be very enjoyable and it's one I would recommend. I didn't have a problem reading it before the previous books in the series so I'd say it could be read as a standalone. Though I do plan on going back and reading more of this author since I liked this books so much.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2018
3.5 STARS
I've been dying for Cruz's book ever since I read Beautiful Lawman. There's just something so deliciously angsty about a man that spends years in prison for a crime he didn't come back only to come back to the small town in which he's always been the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Then the heroine is the cousin of the woman he was accused of murdering. Sign. Me. Up.
Admittedly Gabriella took a while for me to warm up to. She's not my particular cuppa when it comes to heroines. She has deep rooted insecurities that date back to her high school years that even as an adult she hasn't been able to kick. She allows everyone to walk all over her, ranging from her sister, to her a-hole ex and current boss, to the random mean girls from her high school days that still act like they're sixteen. This wore on me at times.
But then somewhere around halfway through the book things took a turn for the better. Gabriella began to grow a spine and truly come into her own. She began to see her own appeal and not seek validation in any compliment thrown her way by Cruz.
Now Cruz.
*pervy sigh*
This man made the book for me.
He was a sinful combination of intense, broody, and vulnerable. I absolutely adored him. My heart broke for what he endured to spare his sister and what he continues to endure in the small minded town he lives in. I loved his singleminded intent when it came to Gabriella. I also really enjoyed their connection that dates back to high school and a certain mysterious encounter.
The romance between them was a slow burn and perfectly paced. I really enjoyed watching Gabriella finally grow into a woman that can stand up for herself. And I especially loved the way she stood up for Cruz even when others didn't. There was something almost childishly innocent about her, and yet it worked for me.
And while the romance was a slow burn, the story certainly wasn't. I enjoyed the pacing and the way things unraveled even if I did find there to be a tad too much small town drama at times. Between the sister, the sister's ex, the mean girls from high school, Gabriella's self esteem issues, Cruz's reputation, and everything with Gabriella's boss, I couldn't help but feel all of it wasn't necessary. But it also didn't bother me to take away from the story, so I can't complain too much. Though I think the story would have still been solid enough with just half of those things.
Beautiful Sinner was a delicious slow burn romance of second chances and love against all odds. If you enjoy a good convict romance, this one will fit the bill quite nicely.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Remembering him was easy. Forgetting less so.
I've been dying for Cruz's book ever since I read Beautiful Lawman. There's just something so deliciously angsty about a man that spends years in prison for a crime he didn't come back only to come back to the small town in which he's always been the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Then the heroine is the cousin of the woman he was accused of murdering. Sign. Me. Up.
Admittedly Gabriella took a while for me to warm up to. She's not my particular cuppa when it comes to heroines. She has deep rooted insecurities that date back to her high school years that even as an adult she hasn't been able to kick. She allows everyone to walk all over her, ranging from her sister, to her a-hole ex and current boss, to the random mean girls from her high school days that still act like they're sixteen. This wore on me at times.
But then somewhere around halfway through the book things took a turn for the better. Gabriella began to grow a spine and truly come into her own. She began to see her own appeal and not seek validation in any compliment thrown her way by Cruz.
Now Cruz.
*pervy sigh*
This man made the book for me.
He was a sinful combination of intense, broody, and vulnerable. I absolutely adored him. My heart broke for what he endured to spare his sister and what he continues to endure in the small minded town he lives in. I loved his singleminded intent when it came to Gabriella. I also really enjoyed their connection that dates back to high school and a certain mysterious encounter.
The romance between them was a slow burn and perfectly paced. I really enjoyed watching Gabriella finally grow into a woman that can stand up for herself. And I especially loved the way she stood up for Cruz even when others didn't. There was something almost childishly innocent about her, and yet it worked for me.
And while the romance was a slow burn, the story certainly wasn't. I enjoyed the pacing and the way things unraveled even if I did find there to be a tad too much small town drama at times. Between the sister, the sister's ex, the mean girls from high school, Gabriella's self esteem issues, Cruz's reputation, and everything with Gabriella's boss, I couldn't help but feel all of it wasn't necessary. But it also didn't bother me to take away from the story, so I can't complain too much. Though I think the story would have still been solid enough with just half of those things.
Beautiful Sinner was a delicious slow burn romance of second chances and love against all odds. If you enjoy a good convict romance, this one will fit the bill quite nicely.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
October 5, 2018
This has actually been my favourite of the Devil’s Rock series which is strange considering the connection to Devil’s Rock itself is very tenuous. The story has been the most enjoyable and the hero had none of the over alpha traits I struggled with in some of the previous characters.
Cruz was released some months ago after serving seven years for a wrongful conviction, not that their small town treats him as exonerated. Gabriella was out of his reach in high school and still was after Cruz’s release and yet they were literally thrown together. Cruz and Gabriella were the most relatable couple in terms of their crisis of confidence, strengths and insecurities. The story was truly down to earth and I loved reading it.
The connection between this couple was palpable and yet it burned oh so slow. That made it even sweeter when they did stop pushing one another away. Considering Gabriella was fodder for bullies all her life, I really liked her and I enjoyed seeing her find her stride in speaking out and self belief.
This is a great read with heat that can be powered through in a day. Cruz in particular is memorable and worth your time.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
Cruz was released some months ago after serving seven years for a wrongful conviction, not that their small town treats him as exonerated. Gabriella was out of his reach in high school and still was after Cruz’s release and yet they were literally thrown together. Cruz and Gabriella were the most relatable couple in terms of their crisis of confidence, strengths and insecurities. The story was truly down to earth and I loved reading it.
The connection between this couple was palpable and yet it burned oh so slow. That made it even sweeter when they did stop pushing one another away. Considering Gabriella was fodder for bullies all her life, I really liked her and I enjoyed seeing her find her stride in speaking out and self belief.
This is a great read with heat that can be powered through in a day. Cruz in particular is memorable and worth your time.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
October 30, 2018
I’ve been hit and miss with this series. Some I enjoyed, others were okay. The fifth in Jordan’s sexy prison based contemporary romance offers a compelling story of second chance love, small-town prejudices, and redemption. A young man is released from prison after evidence is found that exonerates him only to discover his small town doesn’t care what the courts say. Throughout this series, Jordan has built vulnerable heroes and heroines who are forced to face their biggest fears in order to move forward. Not a bad trope though at times, like now, the journey is riddled with ridiculous sterotypical behavior from people 10+ years out of high school and a couple, who in my opinion, allows their bullying to go too far. We meet a man and a woman who fell for one another years ago and circumstances kept them apart. Now they have a second chance but again, their own issues block their way. The chemistry driven romance is strong but it had a hard time competing against the multitude of subplots. Especially the “reporter must lie to the man she loves to get story of a lifetime.” Plus, the constant flashbacks and certain scenes left me hard-pressed to suspend my disbelief. Or anger. Body shaming, slut shaming, prison shaming, economic shaming…so much shaming. The last quarter or so was the strongest part which helped to amp up my interest and the speed. Unfortunately, by then I was ready for the end.
Cruz Walsh has been released from prison after serving seven years for a crime he didn’t commit. But some people in town aren’t ready or willing to welcome back with open arms. Except for Gabriella Rossi. That is if she can get past her own feelings of insecurity and the tiny problem that if she doesn’t get an exclusive inside story soon, she will lose her job. In prison, Cruz learned the value of family and family. He wants a fresh start and wants Gabriella there by his side, but with all the lies, gossip, and general mayhem, this beautiful sinner may not be able to keep the only good thing in his life.
Grade: D
Cruz Walsh has been released from prison after serving seven years for a crime he didn’t commit. But some people in town aren’t ready or willing to welcome back with open arms. Except for Gabriella Rossi. That is if she can get past her own feelings of insecurity and the tiny problem that if she doesn’t get an exclusive inside story soon, she will lose her job. In prison, Cruz learned the value of family and family. He wants a fresh start and wants Gabriella there by his side, but with all the lies, gossip, and general mayhem, this beautiful sinner may not be able to keep the only good thing in his life.
Grade: D
August 31, 2020
This is a well-written, entertaining, steamy contemporary romance. It has likable, engaging characters, wit, humor, a smoking hot, heart warming romance, and a happily ever after ending. It is an excellent addition to Ms. Jordan's outstanding Devil's Rock series, and it is best read after reading "Beautiful Lawman".
November 13, 2018
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I only had a few issues with the book. I really liked the story itself, the history between Cruz and Gabby. Cruz, the wrong side of the tracks kid, who every girl wanted to sleep with, having the hots for Gabby, the bullied girl, who secretly crushed after Cruz herself. The makeout scenes with these two set my Kindle on fire!
However, I did have some issues with the book.
✤ Gabby's insistence throughout the book that she was leaving Sweet Hill to go back to Austin because she had to break away from this town, which leads me to my second issue...
✤ She mostly wanted to run away because she still saw herself as that bullied girl, the less successful one in her family, throughout the most of the book.
✤ Meaning she needed to grow a back-bone before the end of the book! I can kinda of see why she didn't as the book was also about her growth into realizing how great she is as a person.
On the whole, I enjoyed the book but those little bits made me slightly annoyed at our heroine. Grow a back bone, woman! That thought was running thru my head my entire time reading this story.
Quotes & Faves:
♥ He held her so close . . . so tightly there wasn’t any room for air between them. As though that would somehow keep her safe. Keep her from ever getting hurt again. There weren’t two of them in this bed anymore. There was only the one.
♥ He always made her feel small, like a petite, treasured thing.
❈ She flinched. That’s not what she was doing this time. She needed to live elsewhere in order to find herself and shed the trappings of the past. At least that’s what she always told herself. Except you haven’t done that yet in the years you’ve been gone. If you were truly different would you be so bothered when you ran into the Natalies of the world? And the light-bulb finally turns on in her head!
♥ He stepped forward. “Good then. Because I’m obsessed with you. In prison you were who I thought about. When I dreamed about freedom and what I was missing out on in life . . . it was you I thought of. Now that I know you . . . you’re better than any dream I had back then. The reality of you is . . . everything.”
However, I did have some issues with the book.
✤ Gabby's insistence throughout the book that she was leaving Sweet Hill to go back to Austin because she had to break away from this town, which leads me to my second issue...
✤ She mostly wanted to run away because she still saw herself as that bullied girl, the less successful one in her family, throughout the most of the book.
✤ Meaning she needed to grow a back-bone before the end of the book! I can kinda of see why she didn't as the book was also about her growth into realizing how great she is as a person.
On the whole, I enjoyed the book but those little bits made me slightly annoyed at our heroine. Grow a back bone, woman! That thought was running thru my head my entire time reading this story.
Quotes & Faves:
♥ He held her so close . . . so tightly there wasn’t any room for air between them. As though that would somehow keep her safe. Keep her from ever getting hurt again. There weren’t two of them in this bed anymore. There was only the one.
♥ He always made her feel small, like a petite, treasured thing.
❈ She flinched. That’s not what she was doing this time. She needed to live elsewhere in order to find herself and shed the trappings of the past. At least that’s what she always told herself. Except you haven’t done that yet in the years you’ve been gone. If you were truly different would you be so bothered when you ran into the Natalies of the world? And the light-bulb finally turns on in her head!
♥ He stepped forward. “Good then. Because I’m obsessed with you. In prison you were who I thought about. When I dreamed about freedom and what I was missing out on in life . . . it was you I thought of. Now that I know you . . . you’re better than any dream I had back then. The reality of you is . . . everything.”
August 6, 2018
Sophie Jordan's 'Devil's Rock' series is not an easy one to pin down. I've been mixed on these books, but keep on going back because I like the premise of how her protagonists pick themselves up again after life kicks them down. And what best demonstrates this spiral than time in prison, where things can only go up from then onwards?
'Beautiful Sinner' is just that: a wrongly-accused man who's free but who can't escape his past, paired with a woman who happens to want him…and something from him. There’s little else, apart from a huge preoccupation with the heroine’s body issues, and pages and pages trying to ramp up sexual tension before Cruz and Gabriella fall into bed which then later turns supposedly into love, so much so that the story could have been cut in half and still been told satisfactorily.
There’s also an intensely N/A feel to it, if that’s your thing: the flashbacks, the innumerable self-image issues that Gabriella faced, the inability to get past those teenage years with peripheral characters behaving like stereotypical mean-girls, the journey of self-discovery along the way...all of which had me turning the pages wondering if I'd fallen into high school or college drama without meaning to.
The baffling bit is a small bit of history over a decade ago that Cruz apparently can’t forget—a make-out session with a mystery girl who did a Cinderalla-move on him where she pretended to be someone else, before disappearing for a long time. Yet what tossed my suspension of disbelief out of the window however, was the painfully ridiculous notion that Cruz, at that time (even as a manwhore), couldn't tell the difference between girls in total darkness (they're not the same size!) as they made out. That this particular night was given so much weighty significance 12 years later left me incredulous (most people barely remember such things), because well, I’d thought that life experience and a myriad of memories in the intervening years would have long overshadowed that night that both apparently could never forget.
It's also hard to deal with a heroine so insecure about her own body and so downtrodden in so many ways, seeking validation in every small compliment she can get. Even harder yet to deal with is the way Gabriella had made Cruz out to be the one and only man who could persuade her with sex so different and so out-of-the-world from her other boyfriends. (It certainly helps that Cruz only wants her type of body) Body-image issues are hard to deal with—this much I acknowledge. But to read how it becomes all-consuming where a heroine can’t believe anyone would want her, let alone a man with a smoking hot body pushes it too far even for me.
I think I was looking for more to this story but never quite got it, until way past the halfway mark when the conflict finally kicked in. It was only then when things got more interesting, though by which time, I was a little too ready to throw in the towel.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
'Beautiful Sinner' is just that: a wrongly-accused man who's free but who can't escape his past, paired with a woman who happens to want him…and something from him. There’s little else, apart from a huge preoccupation with the heroine’s body issues, and pages and pages trying to ramp up sexual tension before Cruz and Gabriella fall into bed which then later turns supposedly into love, so much so that the story could have been cut in half and still been told satisfactorily.
There’s also an intensely N/A feel to it, if that’s your thing: the flashbacks, the innumerable self-image issues that Gabriella faced, the inability to get past those teenage years with peripheral characters behaving like stereotypical mean-girls, the journey of self-discovery along the way...all of which had me turning the pages wondering if I'd fallen into high school or college drama without meaning to.
The baffling bit is a small bit of history over a decade ago that Cruz apparently can’t forget—a make-out session with a mystery girl who did a Cinderalla-move on him where she pretended to be someone else, before disappearing for a long time. Yet what tossed my suspension of disbelief out of the window however, was the painfully ridiculous notion that Cruz, at that time (even as a manwhore), couldn't tell the difference between girls in total darkness (they're not the same size!) as they made out. That this particular night was given so much weighty significance 12 years later left me incredulous (most people barely remember such things), because well, I’d thought that life experience and a myriad of memories in the intervening years would have long overshadowed that night that both apparently could never forget.
It's also hard to deal with a heroine so insecure about her own body and so downtrodden in so many ways, seeking validation in every small compliment she can get. Even harder yet to deal with is the way Gabriella had made Cruz out to be the one and only man who could persuade her with sex so different and so out-of-the-world from her other boyfriends. (It certainly helps that Cruz only wants her type of body) Body-image issues are hard to deal with—this much I acknowledge. But to read how it becomes all-consuming where a heroine can’t believe anyone would want her, let alone a man with a smoking hot body pushes it too far even for me.
I think I was looking for more to this story but never quite got it, until way past the halfway mark when the conflict finally kicked in. It was only then when things got more interesting, though by which time, I was a little too ready to throw in the towel.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
December 29, 2018
The Devil’s Rock series deals with inmates of the federal prison system or their family members on the outside, and is now on its fifth instalment. Each can be read as a standalone romance though there are connections between the characters across the different books. In the previous novel, Beautiful Lawman, Piper Walsh and Sheriff Hale Walters got their happy ending, but we also found out that Piper’s brother Cruz was innocent of the crime for which he’d gone to jail. In Beautiful Sinner, Cruz is out of jail and trying to find his way in a community of people still wary of his innocence, when he meets up with Gabriella Rossi, home for what she hopes will be a brief stay. It’s a second chance for a couple who secretly crushed on each other in high school and now have the opportunity to make their feelings into something real.
Gabby is home to take care of her aging grandmother. She’s a journalist but lately her assignments haven’t been getting any traction with her editor back in Austin so she’s picking up some part-time hours in a local cafe. At her high school for her niece’s induction into the national honors society, the memories of being called ‘flabby Gabby’ for her extra curvy appearance are ones she wishes she could leave behind, along with the other bullying she endured. When she gets accidentally locked in a closet trying to avoid one of her nemeses, the person who comes to her rescue turns out to be none other than Cruz Walsh, the man everyone thoughts had murdered her cousin. Except he gets stuck in there with her.
Cruz may have had a reputation in high school as a playboy and the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, but he’d always had a soft spot for upstanding, innocent Gabby. Her lush hips and large breasts had fuelled many a late night fantasy, but he knew she was too good for him so he’d never indicated his real feelings – and when he confessed to killing her cousin to protect his sister, he knew that was the end of any future for them. Trapped in the closet together, awkward conversation eventually leads to an acknowledgment of the attraction between them and a kiss that brings back memories of a kiss they shared in high school, one where Cruz didn’t know in the dark of the boathouse that it was Gabby he was kissing and a secret she kept from him. Until now. For Cruz, the realization that the mystery girl he’d fantasized about in jail and Gabby are one and the same is a revelation, and not one he’s willing to let go. He offers Gabby the chance to explore the passion between them and Gabby accepts with the caveat that they keep it a secret and on the understanding that she doesn’t plan to stick around. But Cruz wants more. Can he convince her that they can have a happy ending together?
I’ve really been enjoying this contemporary romance series by Sophie Jordan. The earlier entries had more action and suspense than the later ones, and Beautiful Sinner is less about the trials of prison and more about making peace with the past and finding a path to a better future. It’s also about small town life and the challenges of coming home again.
Clearly Cruz and Gabby have a lot of baggage to overcome. Cruz has taken the money from his prison release settlement and used it to buy a house and fund a gym with programs for disadvantaged youths designed to help keep them out of trouble. The town of Sweet Hill is mixed in their feelings about him, with some believing he was wrongfully convicted and some still believing him guilty of murder. More than one suspicious eye follows him around town and the Rossi family have kept clear of him, until Gabby enters his life once again.
Gabby has an overbearing and bitter sister Tess who is recently divorced from her cheating husband. Gabby babysits her nephew on occasion and lives in a garage apartment on her grandmother’s property so that she’s close in case the older woman needs help after her recent surgery. Her memories of the town are mixed and she’s counting down the days until her grandmother is recovered sufficiently for Gabby to move back to her home in Austin. Having Cruz turn up on her doorstep is a forbidden enticement. She knows Tess would freak out if she found out that Gabby was speaking with Cruz, never mind what they’re actually up to. Cruz not only makes Gabby feel desirable, he listens to her and believes her when things happen that cause extra friction between her and her sister. Their love scenes are hot and steamy and make Gabby question whether her move back to Austin is really what she wants.
There’s another conflict besides the obvious family issues, though. Gabby is a reporter and her boss has been hounding her to interview Cruz about his time in prison. Cruz had been avoiding all journalists since he’d been released from prison, and finding out about Gabby’s career had put a brief pause on his plan of pursuing her – until they come to the understanding that his story isn’t for sale. When things get taken out of her hands Gabby finds out where her loyalty really lies. Eventually they get their happy ending and find a compromise that works for both their chosen career paths. Beautiful Sinner is a small town redemption romance with likable characters who deserve their happy ever after.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review.
Gabby is home to take care of her aging grandmother. She’s a journalist but lately her assignments haven’t been getting any traction with her editor back in Austin so she’s picking up some part-time hours in a local cafe. At her high school for her niece’s induction into the national honors society, the memories of being called ‘flabby Gabby’ for her extra curvy appearance are ones she wishes she could leave behind, along with the other bullying she endured. When she gets accidentally locked in a closet trying to avoid one of her nemeses, the person who comes to her rescue turns out to be none other than Cruz Walsh, the man everyone thoughts had murdered her cousin. Except he gets stuck in there with her.
Cruz may have had a reputation in high school as a playboy and the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, but he’d always had a soft spot for upstanding, innocent Gabby. Her lush hips and large breasts had fuelled many a late night fantasy, but he knew she was too good for him so he’d never indicated his real feelings – and when he confessed to killing her cousin to protect his sister, he knew that was the end of any future for them. Trapped in the closet together, awkward conversation eventually leads to an acknowledgment of the attraction between them and a kiss that brings back memories of a kiss they shared in high school, one where Cruz didn’t know in the dark of the boathouse that it was Gabby he was kissing and a secret she kept from him. Until now. For Cruz, the realization that the mystery girl he’d fantasized about in jail and Gabby are one and the same is a revelation, and not one he’s willing to let go. He offers Gabby the chance to explore the passion between them and Gabby accepts with the caveat that they keep it a secret and on the understanding that she doesn’t plan to stick around. But Cruz wants more. Can he convince her that they can have a happy ending together?
I’ve really been enjoying this contemporary romance series by Sophie Jordan. The earlier entries had more action and suspense than the later ones, and Beautiful Sinner is less about the trials of prison and more about making peace with the past and finding a path to a better future. It’s also about small town life and the challenges of coming home again.
Clearly Cruz and Gabby have a lot of baggage to overcome. Cruz has taken the money from his prison release settlement and used it to buy a house and fund a gym with programs for disadvantaged youths designed to help keep them out of trouble. The town of Sweet Hill is mixed in their feelings about him, with some believing he was wrongfully convicted and some still believing him guilty of murder. More than one suspicious eye follows him around town and the Rossi family have kept clear of him, until Gabby enters his life once again.
Gabby has an overbearing and bitter sister Tess who is recently divorced from her cheating husband. Gabby babysits her nephew on occasion and lives in a garage apartment on her grandmother’s property so that she’s close in case the older woman needs help after her recent surgery. Her memories of the town are mixed and she’s counting down the days until her grandmother is recovered sufficiently for Gabby to move back to her home in Austin. Having Cruz turn up on her doorstep is a forbidden enticement. She knows Tess would freak out if she found out that Gabby was speaking with Cruz, never mind what they’re actually up to. Cruz not only makes Gabby feel desirable, he listens to her and believes her when things happen that cause extra friction between her and her sister. Their love scenes are hot and steamy and make Gabby question whether her move back to Austin is really what she wants.
There’s another conflict besides the obvious family issues, though. Gabby is a reporter and her boss has been hounding her to interview Cruz about his time in prison. Cruz had been avoiding all journalists since he’d been released from prison, and finding out about Gabby’s career had put a brief pause on his plan of pursuing her – until they come to the understanding that his story isn’t for sale. When things get taken out of her hands Gabby finds out where her loyalty really lies. Eventually they get their happy ending and find a compromise that works for both their chosen career paths. Beautiful Sinner is a small town redemption romance with likable characters who deserve their happy ever after.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review.
January 2, 2019
While I enjoyed the story and Cruz/Gabriella getting their chance to act on their high school crush, I wish this relationship had more time to build. I also would have like to have seen more of what Cruz was doing with the gym, his interaction with those kids and maybe how the town's feelings toward him changed (I don't want Gabriella's letter be the reason they changed).
March 1, 2023
4 stars
I have been loving this series, and Beautiful Sinner just continued that streak. Actually prompted me to immediately read one of the ones I hadn't yet read, and which I had been wary of (but was actually even better than this one!! book #2: Hell Breaks Loose ).
It's not uncommon to have the romance story where the heroine was quiet and shy in high school, in love with the hot bad boy or hot all-star athlete, but he never noticed her, and now it's ALLLLL going to change. Well this one made for a nice change because actually, it turns out that both Gabriella and Cruz were secretly HUGELY crushing on one another!! Things get off to a hot start when Gabriella is back in town to temporarily take care of her grandmother, and she and Cruz accidentally get locked into a closet together when they're attending the local high school graduation.
Things progress from there and wowzers people, get out a fan!! I adored Cruz, and I mean really, who wouldn't? He's dark, dangerous, hot, sexy, sacrificed himself for his family (HARD), and has apparently long been crushing on the good girl in school and has decided to openly pursue her now that he has the chance. Now, how "openly" is actually a bit debatable, and was one of the things that was a bit borderline for me. I was wary to see whether Gabriella would be ashamed about their relationship and whether that would be one of the dynamics/hurdles. There's a very little of that at the beginning, but Gabriella also stands up for him and I was relieved that that didn't end up being an issue.
Loved how the book developed and was resolved. Highly recommend!
Devil's Rock Series
Book 1. All Chained Up (4-4.5 stars)
Book 2. Hell Breaks Loose (4.5 stars)
Book 3. Fury on Fire (3.5 stars)
Book 4. Beautiful Lawman (4 stars)
Book 5. Beautiful Sinner (4 stars)
I have been loving this series, and Beautiful Sinner just continued that streak. Actually prompted me to immediately read one of the ones I hadn't yet read, and which I had been wary of (but was actually even better than this one!! book #2: Hell Breaks Loose ).
It's not uncommon to have the romance story where the heroine was quiet and shy in high school, in love with the hot bad boy or hot all-star athlete, but he never noticed her, and now it's ALLLLL going to change. Well this one made for a nice change because actually, it turns out that both Gabriella and Cruz were secretly HUGELY crushing on one another!! Things get off to a hot start when Gabriella is back in town to temporarily take care of her grandmother, and she and Cruz accidentally get locked into a closet together when they're attending the local high school graduation.
Things progress from there and wowzers people, get out a fan!! I adored Cruz, and I mean really, who wouldn't? He's dark, dangerous, hot, sexy, sacrificed himself for his family (HARD), and has apparently long been crushing on the good girl in school and has decided to openly pursue her now that he has the chance. Now, how "openly" is actually a bit debatable, and was one of the things that was a bit borderline for me. I was wary to see whether Gabriella would be ashamed about their relationship and whether that would be one of the dynamics/hurdles. There's a very little of that at the beginning, but Gabriella also stands up for him and I was relieved that that didn't end up being an issue.
Loved how the book developed and was resolved. Highly recommend!
Devil's Rock Series
Book 1. All Chained Up (4-4.5 stars)
Book 2. Hell Breaks Loose (4.5 stars)
Book 3. Fury on Fire (3.5 stars)
Book 4. Beautiful Lawman (4 stars)
Book 5. Beautiful Sinner (4 stars)
October 17, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Beautiful Sinner is the fifth in the Devil's Rock series and boy I have gotten a kick out of these books here. I have such a weakness for those bad boys that need love too...that underneath the tough exteriors have hearts of gold. And with each hero of this series, I fall in love all over again and it was like that with Beautiful Sinner. The Devil's Rock series centers around characters that are ex-cons and Sophie Jordan has handled these books very well so I was pretty excited to get an ARC copy of Beautiful Sinner, especially since it features the brother of the heroine from Beautiful Lawman ---Book four.
The story begins with a small town event, Gabriella is there to congratulate her niece, but then she finds herself locked in a closet with the man rumored to have been falsely accused of murdering her cousin...Cruz Walsh. Its rumored that the Walsh family is no good, but with the recent marriage of his sister to the local sheriff, Gabriella knows that there is more to the family than meets the eye. Even though she is nervous around Cruz, she has also had a crush on him for years. She knew him well in high school, and in the dark, they had the most sensual encounter, a kiss she has never forgotten nor the explosive chemistry. But she is torn between her feelings for Cruz and her job as a journalist to find out everything she can about him. But Cruz and Gabriella have always had a connection and now that they are in close proximity, nothing will stop them from embracing what they have both wanted for years.
I have to say that I truly had so much fun with these characters. I normally don't care too much for journalist/reporter characters, they just seem to be so selfish and not caring about who they hurt just for a story. But this was NOT the case with Gabriella and I found it so refreshing. Sophie Jordan had me breathing a sigh of relief with this book. Of course, we have a second chance romance here, and some secret identity. Cruz at first doesn't realize that its Gabriella that he shared that passionate encounter with in High School. But the moment they kiss again in present, he realizes who she is and that she is the one that got him through the worst of it in prison. Cruz is such a strong and honorable hero. I love how devoted he is to his family, and how horrid people can be. The town really treats him horribly and after spending years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, he definitely didn't deserve such harsh treatment. But Gabriella really surprises you in this book because she stands up for Cruz even though her family will probably cast her out for it.
Now even though I enjoyed the romance and the slow growth of intimacy between the characters, the reason my rating is so much lower is the pacing of the book. Being engaged in a story is one of the most fundamental elements in a story for me to enjoy it. Now I did read this pretty quickly, but honestly, I was hoping it would be more engaging. I didn't fully connect with the story like I really wanted to. I felt like I only got the "surface" outlook on the story instead of the full depth of it like I have come to expect from Sophie Jordan.
Overall I found Beautiful Sinner to be emotional, leave you with tears and smiles love story with endearing characters and a second chance romance that is deserved....A FUN TALE OF STRENGTH AND LOVE!
[foogallery id="24074"]
Beautiful Sinner is the fifth in the Devil's Rock series and boy I have gotten a kick out of these books here. I have such a weakness for those bad boys that need love too...that underneath the tough exteriors have hearts of gold. And with each hero of this series, I fall in love all over again and it was like that with Beautiful Sinner. The Devil's Rock series centers around characters that are ex-cons and Sophie Jordan has handled these books very well so I was pretty excited to get an ARC copy of Beautiful Sinner, especially since it features the brother of the heroine from Beautiful Lawman ---Book four.
The story begins with a small town event, Gabriella is there to congratulate her niece, but then she finds herself locked in a closet with the man rumored to have been falsely accused of murdering her cousin...Cruz Walsh. Its rumored that the Walsh family is no good, but with the recent marriage of his sister to the local sheriff, Gabriella knows that there is more to the family than meets the eye. Even though she is nervous around Cruz, she has also had a crush on him for years. She knew him well in high school, and in the dark, they had the most sensual encounter, a kiss she has never forgotten nor the explosive chemistry. But she is torn between her feelings for Cruz and her job as a journalist to find out everything she can about him. But Cruz and Gabriella have always had a connection and now that they are in close proximity, nothing will stop them from embracing what they have both wanted for years.
I have to say that I truly had so much fun with these characters. I normally don't care too much for journalist/reporter characters, they just seem to be so selfish and not caring about who they hurt just for a story. But this was NOT the case with Gabriella and I found it so refreshing. Sophie Jordan had me breathing a sigh of relief with this book. Of course, we have a second chance romance here, and some secret identity. Cruz at first doesn't realize that its Gabriella that he shared that passionate encounter with in High School. But the moment they kiss again in present, he realizes who she is and that she is the one that got him through the worst of it in prison. Cruz is such a strong and honorable hero. I love how devoted he is to his family, and how horrid people can be. The town really treats him horribly and after spending years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, he definitely didn't deserve such harsh treatment. But Gabriella really surprises you in this book because she stands up for Cruz even though her family will probably cast her out for it.
I've always wanted you, Gabriella Rossi. In the boathouse...I didn't know it was you, but I wanted it to be. In prison, in the dark of night, when I dreamed of the girl I kissed in the boathouse she didn't have a face...so I gave her yours.
Now even though I enjoyed the romance and the slow growth of intimacy between the characters, the reason my rating is so much lower is the pacing of the book. Being engaged in a story is one of the most fundamental elements in a story for me to enjoy it. Now I did read this pretty quickly, but honestly, I was hoping it would be more engaging. I didn't fully connect with the story like I really wanted to. I felt like I only got the "surface" outlook on the story instead of the full depth of it like I have come to expect from Sophie Jordan.
Overall I found Beautiful Sinner to be emotional, leave you with tears and smiles love story with endearing characters and a second chance romance that is deserved....A FUN TALE OF STRENGTH AND LOVE!
[foogallery id="24074"]
October 17, 2018
Beautiful Sinner was one of my most anticipated reads this year. I absolutely love the Devil’s Rock series and I was highly anticipating Cruz’s own HEA when I read that last chapter in Beautiful Lawman.
Unfortunately, it didn’t blow me away as I expected. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but it wasn’t as good as say, All Chained Up or Beautiful Lawman, which I absolutely adore!
I love the premise – Beautiful Sinner is an unrequited romance where the heroine had a crush on Cruz in high school. I also loved that the heroine is plus size – with plus size descriptions and not just a gratuitous plus size description. While she is on the smaller size of plus size, she still had hang-ups like us plus sized women have. I feel like Sophie Jordan did really well with this part.
What I didn’t like about it was just that it felt a bit too rushed for me. The relationship development, the actual falling in love – was a tad bit too fast and I wanted more character development. The conflict in Beautiful Sinner is not as great as Beautiful Lawman and Fury on Fire so I was really disappointed with it. Since Cruz’s family had a bad rep and he was in jail for murder, I expected more conflict and drama that came with it.
Overall, Beautiful Sinner was an enjoyable read and I highly recommend reading the Devil’s Rock series. As a side note, I reread the whole series before reading Beautiful Sinner and I think it added to my enjoyment of the book.
This review first appread on I Heart Romance & YA
November 7, 2018
Beautiful sinner was more readable than the previous book. It had some weak moments, but the pages flew too easily and I didn't even realize how much time had passed by the time I reached the final page. The book had one big weakness and it can be summed up in two words High school. No, the characters are not high schoolers, but sometimes I felt like they were back in high school. Gabriella had Natalie who was still bulling her after 10 years, a sister who had the wrong priorities and her sister's ex who was a creepy douche from page one 'till the end. Cruz was an innocent man who chose to go to prison to save his sister, but as it turned out none of them were the killer and yet the whole town has frowned upon him for some reason instead of admiring the fact that he sacrificed his freedom for his sister and niece. That's not the way you treat people and I didn't like it. We have a lot of bullies in this book and it ruined some of the positive vibes. I loved the way Cruz chose to groove and I would have taken him back in a heartbeat. These two had a good relationship and I never thought that either of them would do something to harm the other like someone in this book did and managed to get on my nerves for that. The book had a strong us vs them vibe and if you don't mind small minded people, you will enjoy reading this book.
October 30, 2018
Wow! I flew through this book. It’s that engaging. I was sick with cold and flu when I began reading this, and I actually felt better by the time I finished.
I grin as I think of how I want to describe Beautiful Sinner: dirty but sweet. 😁 Cruz, with his dirty talk, increased my fever in a good way. The sexytimes are 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Gabriella, sweet Bri, blossomed with his love. She accepted who she is and found her place in her hometown.
These two had so much going against them. He’s the ex-con who was exonerated from the charge of murdering her cousin, but who continues to be a pariah in their small town. She’s the girl bullied in high school who wants to leave if not for her grandmother, and eventually, Cruz. Their attraction is mutual and has been so for half their lives.
This book is rich with plot lines that advance the story to its satisfying ending. The involvement of family is strong and necessary to the development of Cruz and Gabriella’s romance.
I really love this series. Sophie, please continue writing these because they’re really good. Not only good, but healing, too.
I grin as I think of how I want to describe Beautiful Sinner: dirty but sweet. 😁 Cruz, with his dirty talk, increased my fever in a good way. The sexytimes are 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Gabriella, sweet Bri, blossomed with his love. She accepted who she is and found her place in her hometown.
These two had so much going against them. He’s the ex-con who was exonerated from the charge of murdering her cousin, but who continues to be a pariah in their small town. She’s the girl bullied in high school who wants to leave if not for her grandmother, and eventually, Cruz. Their attraction is mutual and has been so for half their lives.
This book is rich with plot lines that advance the story to its satisfying ending. The involvement of family is strong and necessary to the development of Cruz and Gabriella’s romance.
I really love this series. Sophie, please continue writing these because they’re really good. Not only good, but healing, too.
October 30, 2018
This book!!!!
I knew Cruz’s story was going to be special, I just never imagined it would be this special! From the high school unrequited/requited love to the forced proximity to Gabriella finding herself to Cruz feeling worthy to learning to forgive and accept your family, every moment of this story was rich with emotion and depth. I fell in love with Sophie Jordan’s historicals and then her New Adult Series but the Devil’s Rock Series, and especially Beautiful Sinner, is her on a whole other level! Normally I end my reviews for series’ books by saying, “I can’t wait for the next one,” but Beautiful Sinner was so damn satisfying, after steaming things up and then ripping my heart out, that I don’t even need another book in the series!
Although, please feel free to keep giving us more of this fabulous series, Sophie!
I knew Cruz’s story was going to be special, I just never imagined it would be this special! From the high school unrequited/requited love to the forced proximity to Gabriella finding herself to Cruz feeling worthy to learning to forgive and accept your family, every moment of this story was rich with emotion and depth. I fell in love with Sophie Jordan’s historicals and then her New Adult Series but the Devil’s Rock Series, and especially Beautiful Sinner, is her on a whole other level! Normally I end my reviews for series’ books by saying, “I can’t wait for the next one,” but Beautiful Sinner was so damn satisfying, after steaming things up and then ripping my heart out, that I don’t even need another book in the series!
Although, please feel free to keep giving us more of this fabulous series, Sophie!
August 17, 2023
Beautiful Sinner
4 Stars
Gabriella Rossi spent her teens as a target for the "in-crowd", and hoped that a successful career as a journalist would signal her escape from Sweet Hill, Texas. But now she is back, and nothing has changed except for Cruz Walsh, her teenage crush, and the man recently released from prison for a crime he did not commit. Cruz remembers his intense attraction to Bri in high school but feels he has nothing to offer. That is until he and Bri are accidentally locked in a supply closet, and old memories and feelings resurface that will alter both of their lives.
Series note: Although some information regarding Cruz's backstory and the reasons for his imprisonment appear here, the detail is sorely lacking., It is, therefore, necessary to read the previous book for explanations.
While not as intense as North and Faith or Piper and Hale's books, Cruz and Bri are an appealing couple, and their sort-of second chances romance is rather bittersweet when one thinks of the time they lost both due to their own insecurities and circumstances beyond their control. The flashbacks to their teen years contribute significantly to the reader's understanding of who they each are today, and the obstacles, both personal and social, that they need to overcome to be together.
Throughout this series, Jordan has focused on the paradoxical characteristic of small towns - family closeness and community support alongside misconceptions and prejudices. These conflicting aspects come to the fore in this final installment as Bri and Cruz challenge people's assumptions.
In sum, Bri and Cruz's sexy and sinful romance brings this delightful series to an end. It has been an entertaining ride and I hope Sophie Jordan will write more contemporary works in the future.
4 Stars
Gabriella Rossi spent her teens as a target for the "in-crowd", and hoped that a successful career as a journalist would signal her escape from Sweet Hill, Texas. But now she is back, and nothing has changed except for Cruz Walsh, her teenage crush, and the man recently released from prison for a crime he did not commit. Cruz remembers his intense attraction to Bri in high school but feels he has nothing to offer. That is until he and Bri are accidentally locked in a supply closet, and old memories and feelings resurface that will alter both of their lives.
Series note: Although some information regarding Cruz's backstory and the reasons for his imprisonment appear here, the detail is sorely lacking., It is, therefore, necessary to read the previous book for explanations.
While not as intense as North and Faith or Piper and Hale's books, Cruz and Bri are an appealing couple, and their sort-of second chances romance is rather bittersweet when one thinks of the time they lost both due to their own insecurities and circumstances beyond their control. The flashbacks to their teen years contribute significantly to the reader's understanding of who they each are today, and the obstacles, both personal and social, that they need to overcome to be together.
Throughout this series, Jordan has focused on the paradoxical characteristic of small towns - family closeness and community support alongside misconceptions and prejudices. These conflicting aspects come to the fore in this final installment as Bri and Cruz challenge people's assumptions.
In sum, Bri and Cruz's sexy and sinful romance brings this delightful series to an end. It has been an entertaining ride and I hope Sophie Jordan will write more contemporary works in the future.
October 31, 2018
4.5/5 🌟
If you had asked me yesterday who was my favorite convict from Sophie Jordan's Devil Rock series, i would have said Reid Allister, but he just got replaced by Cruz Walsh 😍 This book was everything I expected from a Sophie Jordan novel and left me wanting to reread the others in the series.
Gabriella Rossi is a thirty-year-old news reporter who is currently back in her home town taking care of her grandmother. She hates being back in Sweet Hill. All it does is remind her of her failures, and bring up the horrible memories of being called "fatty Gabby". When she finds herself back in her old high school halls she isn't prepared to encounter the mean girls or bump into her teenage crush Cruz Walsh, the man wrongly accused of killing her cousin.
Cruz Walsh spent the last 7 years off his life in person for a crime he didn't commit. When he is found innocent and released he goes back home to Sweet Hill. He has a home and opens a gym to help keep kids like he was stay out of trouble. He was content with the way things were even though people still looked at him like a murderer. Then he finds himself locked in a closet with his teenage crush Gabriella and his world gets interesting.
Gabriella is self conscious of her plus size body but Cruz makes her feel beautiful and desirable. Cruz has been dreaming of her curves for so long he can't wait to lose himself in her. What started as the idea of a fling quickly becomes something more.
The sexual tension and connection between Gabriella and Cruz is intense. Even though the two don't actual have intercourse till almost the end of the book, things get hot and heavy on more than one occasion. Damn, Cruz can talk dirty to me anytime 😘
Beautiful Sinner by Sophie Jordan was a fantastic convict romance novel. If you like a curvy leading lady and a dirty talking male, this one is for you !
If you had asked me yesterday who was my favorite convict from Sophie Jordan's Devil Rock series, i would have said Reid Allister, but he just got replaced by Cruz Walsh 😍 This book was everything I expected from a Sophie Jordan novel and left me wanting to reread the others in the series.
Gabriella Rossi is a thirty-year-old news reporter who is currently back in her home town taking care of her grandmother. She hates being back in Sweet Hill. All it does is remind her of her failures, and bring up the horrible memories of being called "fatty Gabby". When she finds herself back in her old high school halls she isn't prepared to encounter the mean girls or bump into her teenage crush Cruz Walsh, the man wrongly accused of killing her cousin.
Cruz Walsh spent the last 7 years off his life in person for a crime he didn't commit. When he is found innocent and released he goes back home to Sweet Hill. He has a home and opens a gym to help keep kids like he was stay out of trouble. He was content with the way things were even though people still looked at him like a murderer. Then he finds himself locked in a closet with his teenage crush Gabriella and his world gets interesting.
Gabriella is self conscious of her plus size body but Cruz makes her feel beautiful and desirable. Cruz has been dreaming of her curves for so long he can't wait to lose himself in her. What started as the idea of a fling quickly becomes something more.
The sexual tension and connection between Gabriella and Cruz is intense. Even though the two don't actual have intercourse till almost the end of the book, things get hot and heavy on more than one occasion. Damn, Cruz can talk dirty to me anytime 😘
Beautiful Sinner by Sophie Jordan was a fantastic convict romance novel. If you like a curvy leading lady and a dirty talking male, this one is for you !
"But with Cruz hovering at her back, his warm breath on her neck...she felt desired, wanted in a way she had never felt before."
"So you have to realize that I'm going to ruin you for any other man. When we f*ck, Rossi, it's going to feel like the thing you need most in your life. Forget food or water. Me. Between your legs. You're going to need it like air to survive. It will never be as good with anyone else."
December 5, 2020
This was a cute 3.5-star read for me. I enjoyed the unrequited love trope that played out between Cruz and Gabriella in this prison romance that is more or less a sequel to the previous book in this series, Beautiful Lawman. I’ve really enjoyed this series featuring people who have come out of prison and it’s definitely made me interested in reading more books featuring characters like this.
The premise is that Cruz has been exonerated from his murder sentence after serving 7 years and is finding it hard to fit back into a society that still treats him like he is guilty. His former high school crush and classmate, Gabriella, is back in their small town to look after her grandma, and also feels like a pariah in their small town. Unbeknownst to Cruz, she too has always had a crush on him, but any relationship between them seems impossible when most of the town still believes he murdered her cousin all those years ago.
This was a really cute read. I know people might potentially be triggered because body insecurity is a major theme, especially as it links to body shaming and bullying and so reader beware. I think my problem is that some of these themes and the bullying and meanness were not really addressed to my satisfaction- they were points of conflict that kind of just got lost in the shuffle. That also goes for the fact that within this book, the heroine never really knows the extent of Cruz’s selflessness which she refers to because they never discuss how he ended up in jail. Indeed as a reader, I only know because I read the previous book in the series. I fill like in some ways there were loose ends that I wish had been tied up but what I still love is that the loose ends in no way take away from the absolutely adorable romance that this was. Love this series, definitely want to read more from this author.
The premise is that Cruz has been exonerated from his murder sentence after serving 7 years and is finding it hard to fit back into a society that still treats him like he is guilty. His former high school crush and classmate, Gabriella, is back in their small town to look after her grandma, and also feels like a pariah in their small town. Unbeknownst to Cruz, she too has always had a crush on him, but any relationship between them seems impossible when most of the town still believes he murdered her cousin all those years ago.
This was a really cute read. I know people might potentially be triggered because body insecurity is a major theme, especially as it links to body shaming and bullying and so reader beware. I think my problem is that some of these themes and the bullying and meanness were not really addressed to my satisfaction- they were points of conflict that kind of just got lost in the shuffle. That also goes for the fact that within this book, the heroine never really knows the extent of Cruz’s selflessness which she refers to because they never discuss how he ended up in jail. Indeed as a reader, I only know because I read the previous book in the series. I fill like in some ways there were loose ends that I wish had been tied up but what I still love is that the loose ends in no way take away from the absolutely adorable romance that this was. Love this series, definitely want to read more from this author.
February 28, 2022
This was my first read by this author and I enjoyed it overall.
Gabriella and Cruz are one of those couples who shouldn't work...him because he was in jail for a crime he didn't commit and her because she is a reporter who is only in town temporarily. But, as is often the case with romance novels, plans change and things work out for the couple.
I liked their connection, and I thought their backstory was interesting and I loved where that put them as a new couple who maybe weren't as new as they may have thought.
I didn't totally love the way his conviction was handled, as I wanted a little more from that...either redemption from the town as it was a false confession or...something. I think I would have almost preferred he actually be guilty of a lesser crime than wrongly convicted of this one. That said, it wasn't enough to totally turn me off on the story, which I enjoyed overall and recommend.
Gabriella and Cruz are one of those couples who shouldn't work...him because he was in jail for a crime he didn't commit and her because she is a reporter who is only in town temporarily. But, as is often the case with romance novels, plans change and things work out for the couple.
I liked their connection, and I thought their backstory was interesting and I loved where that put them as a new couple who maybe weren't as new as they may have thought.
I didn't totally love the way his conviction was handled, as I wanted a little more from that...either redemption from the town as it was a false confession or...something. I think I would have almost preferred he actually be guilty of a lesser crime than wrongly convicted of this one. That said, it wasn't enough to totally turn me off on the story, which I enjoyed overall and recommend.
did-not-finish
November 16, 2020Unfortunately this wasn’t as entertaining and I felt no chemistry which was sad. Didn’t want to waste my time continuing when I knew it wouldn’t really go anywhere else. I’m really happy though because this series was mostly a really nice read. The first book was my favorite and all it took was chemistry between the characters to make me enjoy it. The plot for the first book wasn’t that original but the romance and characters made up for it which was nice for once.
October 30, 2018
3.5 stars
I didn’t realize that I had read the previous book in this series, so I went into this one a bit concerned that I might not like it. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised.
I liked Gabriella and Cruz. They’re both so similar: they’re loyal and genuinely good people. I loved that they both had feelings since high school and that the chemistry was still intact. There were a fair amount of other characters, but no one stole the show like Garbriella’s Nana.
Plot wise, it was okay. The surrounding drama was a bit much for me, but I guess it was sort of understandable. I was amused by all of the times they were interrupted and while they did spend a lot of time together, I think I wanted more conversation.
Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read with characters who were easy to root for. I’m definitely interested in the next story.
FYI: there is a scene of forced groping and gross douchebaggery.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I didn’t realize that I had read the previous book in this series, so I went into this one a bit concerned that I might not like it. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised.
I liked Gabriella and Cruz. They’re both so similar: they’re loyal and genuinely good people. I loved that they both had feelings since high school and that the chemistry was still intact. There were a fair amount of other characters, but no one stole the show like Garbriella’s Nana.
Plot wise, it was okay. The surrounding drama was a bit much for me, but I guess it was sort of understandable. I was amused by all of the times they were interrupted and while they did spend a lot of time together, I think I wanted more conversation.
Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read with characters who were easy to root for. I’m definitely interested in the next story.
FYI: there is a scene of forced groping and gross douchebaggery.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
April 7, 2021
I devoured this entire series in 3 days with zero regrets. Cruz was 🔥🥵🔥
March 9, 2020
sigh. I love a good romance.
November 11, 2018
I started off really enjoying this book, but it started to fizzle a bit toward the middle. It was still a good read, but I thought it could have been better, I wanted more of a story, more of a romance between Cruz and Gabriella.
Cruz Walsh was the town bad boy and went to prison for the murder of Gabriella’s cousin. After seven years in prison, he was exonerated for a crime he didn’t commit. He grew on the wrong side of the tracks, he was poor and all his life he has been judged for his family name. I loved this character so much, he is loyal and protective. Cruz endured years in prison, yet he doesn’t begrudge anyone for it.
Gabriella and Cruz’s relationship was seven years in the making. He was her first crush, her first kiss, but she never expected to see him again. She is a journalist, though, and she wants his story. But she must choose between her attraction to him and her career. Betraying Cruz’s trust would boost her career.
Cruz was all brooding sensuality but Gabriella was a tough heroine to like. Their story was smoking hot, with many intense and erotic scenes. And yet, I felt that something was missing, the emotional aspect of the story seemed underdeveloped. I felt like I didn't really get to know the characters because their relationship felt shallow and too focused on sex.
My favorite part of the book was actually getting a glimpse at Piper, Cruz sister’s life. “Beautiful Lawman” is on my TBR, and I will read it soon.
My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book.
Cruz Walsh was the town bad boy and went to prison for the murder of Gabriella’s cousin. After seven years in prison, he was exonerated for a crime he didn’t commit. He grew on the wrong side of the tracks, he was poor and all his life he has been judged for his family name. I loved this character so much, he is loyal and protective. Cruz endured years in prison, yet he doesn’t begrudge anyone for it.
Gabriella and Cruz’s relationship was seven years in the making. He was her first crush, her first kiss, but she never expected to see him again. She is a journalist, though, and she wants his story. But she must choose between her attraction to him and her career. Betraying Cruz’s trust would boost her career.
Cruz was all brooding sensuality but Gabriella was a tough heroine to like. Their story was smoking hot, with many intense and erotic scenes. And yet, I felt that something was missing, the emotional aspect of the story seemed underdeveloped. I felt like I didn't really get to know the characters because their relationship felt shallow and too focused on sex.
My favorite part of the book was actually getting a glimpse at Piper, Cruz sister’s life. “Beautiful Lawman” is on my TBR, and I will read it soon.
My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book.
January 7, 2019
✦Review & Giveaway: BEAUTIFUL SINNER: A Devil's Rock Novel by Sophie Jordan https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aVT
Publication Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this second chance romance. BEAUTIFUL SINNER is the fifth book in Sophie Jordan’s contemporary series, The Devil’s Rock Series. I didn’t read the previous books before picking up this book, but plan on reading them next because I enjoyed this one. Cruz and Gabriella’s story was full of passion, angst and smoking hot romance. There were a couple of things that Gabriella did that annoyed me, but I still rooted for her. I recommend this book for romance lovers looking for a hot second chance romance.
*Review copy provided by Avon in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle $5.99 https://amzn.to/2Ek1rXn
Publication Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this second chance romance. BEAUTIFUL SINNER is the fifth book in Sophie Jordan’s contemporary series, The Devil’s Rock Series. I didn’t read the previous books before picking up this book, but plan on reading them next because I enjoyed this one. Cruz and Gabriella’s story was full of passion, angst and smoking hot romance. There were a couple of things that Gabriella did that annoyed me, but I still rooted for her. I recommend this book for romance lovers looking for a hot second chance romance.
*Review copy provided by Avon in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle $5.99 https://amzn.to/2Ek1rXn
April 12, 2019
If you like an easy read without a lot of plot or character growth, then this book is for you!
Gabby is a character similar to Josie in "Never Been Kissed" a great copy editor that wants to be a journalist but is an introvert with high school issues. I thought the Gabby character needed to be either more introverted or less.... she seems inconsistent in being one or the other.
Cruz went to jail for 7 years (which we are told a LOT) for a crime he didn't commit. He isn't as tough as he'd like people to think. Except for his manhood seems he is always talking about it or is walking around sporting wood. One person in my book club, which is why I read this, considered his penis a character in and of itself :P
Gabby is a character similar to Josie in "Never Been Kissed" a great copy editor that wants to be a journalist but is an introvert with high school issues. I thought the Gabby character needed to be either more introverted or less.... she seems inconsistent in being one or the other.
Cruz went to jail for 7 years (which we are told a LOT) for a crime he didn't commit. He isn't as tough as he'd like people to think. Except for his manhood seems he is always talking about it or is walking around sporting wood. One person in my book club, which is why I read this, considered his penis a character in and of itself :P
July 24, 2018
I was lucky enough to get this on Edelweiss. Cruz was just as perfect as I'd hoped. He went through so much to protect his sisters. Gabby deserved someone like him, her family sucks. I absolutely LOVED the "up close" time together! My heart sighed and it was good. That is all. No spoilers. Just read the book!!
October 30, 2018
Original review on Julalicious Book Paradise
Rating: 4.5/5
The fifth installment in the Devil's Rock series gives us the story of Crew Walsh and Gabriella Rossi.
This new story happens after the events of the previous book, Beautiful Lawman, and I advise that even though this book is a standalone, if you don’t want to be spoiled, please go read the previous book (or books since there are 4 books before this one and they are ALL amazing).
So Crew is a free man, but he doesn’t feel like it. Even if the real murdered confessed and it is a known fact that he is in fact an innocent man, it doesn’t seem to matter to a lot of people who still judge him as if he was. But Crew has a tick skin and he has learned to turn off most of the people.
Gabriella is the opposite. She left her hometown to get away from all the people who made her life hell, but she’s back now to help her grandma and she finds herself in the same position as she was before she left; still unable to face the people who made her miserable.
When Cruz and Gabriella meet again, the sexual energy between them is undeniable. Surrender to her desires would be easy for Gabriella, but she can’t let it happen with Cruz, not with everything that it would imply.
There are so many obstacles for them in this story that you can only root for them throughout the book. There’s always something that makes them take a step back whenever they are moving forward.
I had a lot of difficulties to read this book nonstop, not because I didn’t love it, but because so many people were pissing me off in this book hahaha I understand the need to add them, but I was seriously thinking of throwing my ereader a few times (I didn’t or else, how can I continue to read this awesome book?).
Overall? I just loved this book. I think it will speak to a lot of person because Gabriella’s struggle to self-realization is something we can all relate to. If this book isn’t on your TBR list, please add it now.
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
Rating: 4.5/5
The fifth installment in the Devil's Rock series gives us the story of Crew Walsh and Gabriella Rossi.
This new story happens after the events of the previous book, Beautiful Lawman, and I advise that even though this book is a standalone, if you don’t want to be spoiled, please go read the previous book (or books since there are 4 books before this one and they are ALL amazing).
So Crew is a free man, but he doesn’t feel like it. Even if the real murdered confessed and it is a known fact that he is in fact an innocent man, it doesn’t seem to matter to a lot of people who still judge him as if he was. But Crew has a tick skin and he has learned to turn off most of the people.
Gabriella is the opposite. She left her hometown to get away from all the people who made her life hell, but she’s back now to help her grandma and she finds herself in the same position as she was before she left; still unable to face the people who made her miserable.
When Cruz and Gabriella meet again, the sexual energy between them is undeniable. Surrender to her desires would be easy for Gabriella, but she can’t let it happen with Cruz, not with everything that it would imply.
There are so many obstacles for them in this story that you can only root for them throughout the book. There’s always something that makes them take a step back whenever they are moving forward.
I had a lot of difficulties to read this book nonstop, not because I didn’t love it, but because so many people were pissing me off in this book hahaha I understand the need to add them, but I was seriously thinking of throwing my ereader a few times (I didn’t or else, how can I continue to read this awesome book?).
Overall? I just loved this book. I think it will speak to a lot of person because Gabriella’s struggle to self-realization is something we can all relate to. If this book isn’t on your TBR list, please add it now.
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
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