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Saints and Sinners #1
My Fallen Saint
His touch is her sin.
Her love is his salvation.
Charismatic. Confident. Powerful. Controlling.
A brilliant investor with a Midas touch, Devlin Saint turned a modest inherited fortune into billions, and now operates one of the world’s foremost international philanthropic organizations. He’s a man determined to help the underprivileged, to fight injustice, and to make the world a better place. And that, at least is true.
It’s not, however, the full truth.
Because Devlin Saint is a man with a dangerous secret. One he’ll do whatever it takes to protect. And when investigative reporter Ellie Holmes turns her attention to an unsolved murder, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and passion as Devlin draws her closer and closer. But as the intensity and sensuality of their relationship grows, so do Ellie’s suspicions. Until she is no longer certain if the heat between her and Devlin is real, or only a facade he constructed to hide his dark and twisted secrets.
Her love is his salvation.
Charismatic. Confident. Powerful. Controlling.
A brilliant investor with a Midas touch, Devlin Saint turned a modest inherited fortune into billions, and now operates one of the world’s foremost international philanthropic organizations. He’s a man determined to help the underprivileged, to fight injustice, and to make the world a better place. And that, at least is true.
It’s not, however, the full truth.
Because Devlin Saint is a man with a dangerous secret. One he’ll do whatever it takes to protect. And when investigative reporter Ellie Holmes turns her attention to an unsolved murder, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and passion as Devlin draws her closer and closer. But as the intensity and sensuality of their relationship grows, so do Ellie’s suspicions. Until she is no longer certain if the heat between her and Devlin is real, or only a facade he constructed to hide his dark and twisted secrets.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
608 people are currently reading
8598 people want to read
About the author
J. Kenner
189 books10.4k followersJ. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
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October 27, 2021It's just a few days until the release of My Cruel Salvation, the final installment in Ellie and Devlin's passionate trilogy!
November 12, 2020
Ellie and Alex.
They used to be in love for a short while ten years ago.
She was only 16 when they met. He was a couple of years older and working for her uncle.
The uncle she was living with after both her parents had passed away.
A year later her uncle was killed and Ellie was left all alone in the world. But she still had Alex. Right? Nope. After their first night together he vanished and she hasn't seen him or heard from him since.
Now she's back home in Laguna Cortez, California, to find out who really killed her uncle and to write an article about mysterious philantropist Devlin Saint's charity organization.
Let the fun/mysterious/sexy/dangerous times begin ...
What will happen with Devlin & Ellie?
Will there be a happily ever after?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
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I really enjoyed reading this.
I was a bit worried at first. One, because nobody could ever take Damien's place in our hearts. And then ... I was worried about this being a trilogy... with two possible cliffhangers! Ugh. I hate those.
But I really wanted to read this. And I loved it. And the cliffy wasn't really bad at all. I'm sure I can remember what happened until January! #Bookalzheimers
I loved Ellie and Devlin. I loved the whole setting, the mysteries, the sparks, the friends. Almost everything.
I wasn't a fan of Ellie's constant whining about how she's so mad at Alex for leaving her back then. She just does not stop with that almost until the end.
But I really loved this story. It's so full of ... so much! So much potential for an epic love story. It was sexy, mysterious, dangerous, exciting... and so much more! A great new series ... a really worthy Stark competition!!!
I can't wait to see where this story will take us in the next books.
And can someone please get Netflix on the phone for this!!!??
MY FALLEN SAINT was a very exciting & mysterious & sparky & sexy & heartbreaking first book in a brand new epic romantic suspense series! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Devlin - this one is MINE! ☺
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May 7, 2020
I'm intrigued. I have questions and I'm pretty curious where this is headed. It didn't end on a bad cliffhanger but there is more to the story.
Most of this book is the mystery behind Devlin. He's a very attractive character to read as the hero. He's got the dark looks, and dangerous vibes going for him.
Ellie's a tough chic. She's scarred by her past and the effect her first love had on her when she was still a kid. She behaved more like the many scarred men that I'm used to reading about trying to chase their ghosts away.
You get a lot of relationship angst with this couple and some of it was hard for me. I really prefer the guy chase the girl, not the other way around. I struggled a bit with his constant pushing away but I also know there is a reason for it, and you can tell he wants to give in very badly.
This felt like just the beginning and things look like they are really going to heat up for book 2.
Most of this book is the mystery behind Devlin. He's a very attractive character to read as the hero. He's got the dark looks, and dangerous vibes going for him.
Ellie's a tough chic. She's scarred by her past and the effect her first love had on her when she was still a kid. She behaved more like the many scarred men that I'm used to reading about trying to chase their ghosts away.
You get a lot of relationship angst with this couple and some of it was hard for me. I really prefer the guy chase the girl, not the other way around. I struggled a bit with his constant pushing away but I also know there is a reason for it, and you can tell he wants to give in very badly.
This felt like just the beginning and things look like they are really going to heat up for book 2.
April 20, 2020
J. Kenner knows how to deliver a tortured alpha that everyone will fall for hard. Saint is exactly the sinner I want in my bed.
August 15, 2020
One tortured hero.
One tortured heroine.
Heartbreak. Regret. Reunion.
I'm a sucker for a second chance romance and Devlin Saint was just the type of swoon-worthy character to make this journey worthwhile.
There was so much angst. Ellie didn't know when to quit or when to give. She made things hard for herself and for those around her. I wasn't sure where this story was going, but it made for some interesting reading. I lived for every moment with Devlin and would have given just about anything to get a glimpse into his mind and heart. I am not a fan of single perspective stories because of this reason. How can I connect with the hero who helps drive the story if I only get the heroine's limited scope of what's happening? Maybe it was done to amp up the mystery surrounding him. It sure left me with plenty of questions.
Although it didn't end in a cliffy, My Fallen Saint is obviously not the end for Devlin and Ellie and I'm looking forward to reading more. I want to know who's behind the events that tore them apart and threw them back together. Who is the mastermind behind their suffering?
* An ARC was kindly provided by the publisher *
One tortured heroine.
Heartbreak. Regret. Reunion.
I'm a sucker for a second chance romance and Devlin Saint was just the type of swoon-worthy character to make this journey worthwhile.
There was so much angst. Ellie didn't know when to quit or when to give. She made things hard for herself and for those around her. I wasn't sure where this story was going, but it made for some interesting reading. I lived for every moment with Devlin and would have given just about anything to get a glimpse into his mind and heart. I am not a fan of single perspective stories because of this reason. How can I connect with the hero who helps drive the story if I only get the heroine's limited scope of what's happening? Maybe it was done to amp up the mystery surrounding him. It sure left me with plenty of questions.
Although it didn't end in a cliffy, My Fallen Saint is obviously not the end for Devlin and Ellie and I'm looking forward to reading more. I want to know who's behind the events that tore them apart and threw them back together. Who is the mastermind behind their suffering?
* An ARC was kindly provided by the publisher *
March 17, 2021
My Fallen Saint is the first book in the newest series by this author here. I have to be honest that I have been slacking when it comes to reading this authors books. I have been so bad at reading her. I have missed her style and this book is only evidence of that. Now I also think that I was in just the right mood to want to read this style of a story. There is a plenty of angst that is involved in this one here. So fair warning on that but this author always does a superb job in describing such great tension between a couple.
In My Fallen Saint we have a story of two people that once had a love affair, when they were both young and innocent in many ways. But then Devlin Saint had to make a choice and had to leave and that included the woman he loved. Now Ellie is older and more mature, and ready to take on this Mr. moneybags with all his fame and social attention.....she knows this is the man she has never been able to forget and the one man that broke her heart. But as Saint and Ellie are forced to face up to their past so are they forced to come to peace about what happened between them and try to find a way towards their happy ever after they both deserve to have.
My Fallen Saint is the first book in this couple's trilogy and first I want to say that this one doesn't have a cliffhanger, its ending is more of a "Happy For Now" type of feel to it. Which will only encourage those looking for a HEA to read the whole trilogy (which I am eager to do soon) I really liked seeing the interchanges between these two. And normally I am not really a fan of journalist/reporter heroines, but I really didn't mind Ellie. I loved her strength and resilience and capacity of forgiveness where Saint is concerned. There is such trauma and torment that both of these characters have suffered through but I enjoyed seeing them work through the secrets that are between them in order to find and carve a better future for each other.
Overall I am highly eager to see what lays ahead of them in the future and what they will need to overcome because knowing this author, I know it will be a struggle for both of these characters.
In My Fallen Saint we have a story of two people that once had a love affair, when they were both young and innocent in many ways. But then Devlin Saint had to make a choice and had to leave and that included the woman he loved. Now Ellie is older and more mature, and ready to take on this Mr. moneybags with all his fame and social attention.....she knows this is the man she has never been able to forget and the one man that broke her heart. But as Saint and Ellie are forced to face up to their past so are they forced to come to peace about what happened between them and try to find a way towards their happy ever after they both deserve to have.
My Fallen Saint is the first book in this couple's trilogy and first I want to say that this one doesn't have a cliffhanger, its ending is more of a "Happy For Now" type of feel to it. Which will only encourage those looking for a HEA to read the whole trilogy (which I am eager to do soon) I really liked seeing the interchanges between these two. And normally I am not really a fan of journalist/reporter heroines, but I really didn't mind Ellie. I loved her strength and resilience and capacity of forgiveness where Saint is concerned. There is such trauma and torment that both of these characters have suffered through but I enjoyed seeing them work through the secrets that are between them in order to find and carve a better future for each other.
Overall I am highly eager to see what lays ahead of them in the future and what they will need to overcome because knowing this author, I know it will be a struggle for both of these characters.
May 10, 2020
ARC received for review
Hhhmmm, what to say without giving any spoilers. It was hot and they chemistry. Ellie comes back to the town where she grew up to interview Devlin. They meet and sparks. He's got a past and of course, stupid man, doesn't reveal it all and almost crashed their relationship. There's a HEFN and a wee bit of a cliffy, not with their relationship but with a mystery text warning. Now I'm not too sure about her BFF Brandy's new boyfriend. Is he for real or just there to cause trouble?
Hhhmmm, what to say without giving any spoilers. It was hot and they chemistry. Ellie comes back to the town where she grew up to interview Devlin. They meet and sparks. He's got a past and of course, stupid man, doesn't reveal it all and almost crashed their relationship. There's a HEFN and a wee bit of a cliffy, not with their relationship but with a mystery text warning. Now I'm not too sure about her BFF Brandy's new boyfriend. Is he for real or just there to cause trouble?
September 15, 2020
This story ticked so many boxes for me. Second chance romance, alpha billionaire, intrigue and mystery. My Fallen Saint was engaging and sexy and pulled me in to a world of wealth and deception that I didn’t want to emerge from until I absolutely had to.
Ellie Holmes left her childhood home in Laguna Cortez when everything was taken away from her. Having been orphaned and then abandoned by the man she loved, Ellie left for New York to become an investigative reporter. She vowed never to return, but was called back by the pull of a story about the enigmatic and reclusive CEO of the Devlin Saint Foundation.
Devlin Saint is just sinfully delicious. As the elusive billionaire that runs an organization to save those involved in human trafficking, he is an alluring combination of compassion and ruthlessness.
I loved this story and adored Devlin. He had secrets and lies he held close to the vest and showed the world only one facet of a complex man. But Ellie got to see the man behind the mask, and who he was from the very beginning. Their relationship is complex with Devlin forcing Ellie away and yet at the same time trying to enmesh her deeper in his life, and the push and pull is fascinating.
Too much of the story needs to be experienced as it unfolds to do an adequate job without disclosing too much, but this book was a pleasure to read. I love getting in on the start of a new series and watching the characters develop, and this is no exception. While the story ends on a minor cliffhanger, it left me satisfied with a fantastic tale, and yet still hungry for more.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Ellie Holmes left her childhood home in Laguna Cortez when everything was taken away from her. Having been orphaned and then abandoned by the man she loved, Ellie left for New York to become an investigative reporter. She vowed never to return, but was called back by the pull of a story about the enigmatic and reclusive CEO of the Devlin Saint Foundation.
Devlin Saint is just sinfully delicious. As the elusive billionaire that runs an organization to save those involved in human trafficking, he is an alluring combination of compassion and ruthlessness.
I loved this story and adored Devlin. He had secrets and lies he held close to the vest and showed the world only one facet of a complex man. But Ellie got to see the man behind the mask, and who he was from the very beginning. Their relationship is complex with Devlin forcing Ellie away and yet at the same time trying to enmesh her deeper in his life, and the push and pull is fascinating.
Too much of the story needs to be experienced as it unfolds to do an adequate job without disclosing too much, but this book was a pleasure to read. I love getting in on the start of a new series and watching the characters develop, and this is no exception. While the story ends on a minor cliffhanger, it left me satisfied with a fantastic tale, and yet still hungry for more.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
September 15, 2020
For some reason I had difficulty connecting with these characters and it wasn't until I was almost halfway through the book that I found out that this book was going to end in a cliffhanger and that there was going to be a second book. At that point I realized why I was having such a hard time getting into this book--I feel this first book is more about describing Devlin Saint's character and less about the relationship, or lack thereof, between Devlin & Ellie. I also had a problem liking Ellie's character -- I found her to be quite annoying. I really wanted to dive into this book and immerse myself in it but unfortunately it just didn't do it for me. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
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April 4, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/4/2023)! 🎁
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
September 16, 2020
„He doesn't look like a saint at all. Instead he's a fallen angel.”
My Fallen Saint is a romantic suspense at its best! J. Kenner delivered a captivating story, full of secrets, lies and unexpected twists and turns. This book is just as sexy as it is angsty. Every page is filled with intense emotions and shocking revelations. It's the perfect introduction to Devlin and Ellie’s story and I'm here for it all!
Devlin is a complicated man with a turbulent past. He’s an enigma, but there’s something about him that draws you in. And when you peel his layers, you fall in love with him more and more. He’s an alpha who knows what he wants, he’s controlling, commanding and sinfully delicious!
Ellie has her own tragic past. But despite the loss and hurt she experienced she is strong, fierce and brave. She won't let anyone push her around.
Ellie and Devlin had an immediate chemistry. The push and pull between these two almost drove me to the brink of insanity. The tension kept me at the edge of the seat and I loved how slowly they were tearing each other’s walls up, how their physical relantionship evolved into more. There are still many secrets to unravel, and I can't wait to discover them all!
My Fallen Saint is a great introduction to the new intriguing world created by J. Kenner. The storyline is a perfect mix of present and the past, filled with passion, angst and mystery. I was completely captivated from start to finish and I’m looking forward to read more in this series!
My Fallen Saint is a romantic suspense at its best! J. Kenner delivered a captivating story, full of secrets, lies and unexpected twists and turns. This book is just as sexy as it is angsty. Every page is filled with intense emotions and shocking revelations. It's the perfect introduction to Devlin and Ellie’s story and I'm here for it all!
Devlin is a complicated man with a turbulent past. He’s an enigma, but there’s something about him that draws you in. And when you peel his layers, you fall in love with him more and more. He’s an alpha who knows what he wants, he’s controlling, commanding and sinfully delicious!
Ellie has her own tragic past. But despite the loss and hurt she experienced she is strong, fierce and brave. She won't let anyone push her around.
Ellie and Devlin had an immediate chemistry. The push and pull between these two almost drove me to the brink of insanity. The tension kept me at the edge of the seat and I loved how slowly they were tearing each other’s walls up, how their physical relantionship evolved into more. There are still many secrets to unravel, and I can't wait to discover them all!
My Fallen Saint is a great introduction to the new intriguing world created by J. Kenner. The storyline is a perfect mix of present and the past, filled with passion, angst and mystery. I was completely captivated from start to finish and I’m looking forward to read more in this series!
January 16, 2021
Fallen Saint is the first book in the Fallen Saint Series by J. Kenner.
Ellie Holmes is an investigative journalist and former cop. The story starts with Ellie headed back to her hometown of Laguna Cortez, California after 10 years of being away. She has to go to Laguna Cortez because she is assigned to write a story on mysterious philanthropist Devlin Saint and his charity. The book is told in first person POV through Ellie’s eyes. In Ellie’s monologue we learn that she was in love with a young man named Alex who used to work for her uncle. Ellie was in love with Alex and she hasn’t seen or heard from him in 10 years.
Ellie’s parents both died when she was younger leaving her to the custody of her uncle. When her uncle also died, she had no one left and no other reason to stay. We follow Ellie as she navigates trying to find out who murdered her uncle, more about Devlin Saint’s charity and her own internal battles.
The story started off strong. I was sure it would be a thrilling romantic suspense as the writing is excellent. What the book lacked, was any romance. I had several issues with the book from the main characters to the plot. For one, I didn’t like the heroine. That is not easy for me to say as I don’t like to judge a heroine for being too needy or desperate. I even like a desperate heroine at times and specifically search for that type of book. Ellie was another level of desperation and a lack of self-respect that made me cringe page after page.
Early on the hero tells Ellie he doesn’t want her. He then proceeds to make that known throughout various points of the book that he does not want her. At one point it felt like the entire book consisted of Ellie’s attempt to beg a man to be with her. She literally begged him to sleep with her, love her, be around her. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two main characters either. At times I wanted to not finish reading it as I couldn’t bear to see Ellie keep making a fool out of herself. The explanation of why Ellie is the way she is, is that she has had a troubled past and has abandonment issues. She craves a thrill and always chases a rush. I still would have liked to see more of a reason why our heroine kept attempting to be with the hero other than the fact that she just felt a connection to him. I did not feel the connection between the two. I kept looking for something that never came.
The climax of the plot was lackluster to me. I anticipated it within 50% of the book. I can see where the next book is going as far as the organization and his friend’s involvement. I felt we needed to suspend belief for the portion of this book where a secret is reveled. To me, this wouldn’t be plausible in the real world. I also felt the explanation of why the hero did certain things didn’t make sense. A lot of the drama circulating between Ellie and her hero felt unnecessary.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book for any reason. It was a tad suspenseful because I was anticipating what would happen next. Still, if this wasn’t an ARC, I would have discontinued reading it.
ARC generously provided in exhange for an honest review.
Ellie Holmes is an investigative journalist and former cop. The story starts with Ellie headed back to her hometown of Laguna Cortez, California after 10 years of being away. She has to go to Laguna Cortez because she is assigned to write a story on mysterious philanthropist Devlin Saint and his charity. The book is told in first person POV through Ellie’s eyes. In Ellie’s monologue we learn that she was in love with a young man named Alex who used to work for her uncle. Ellie was in love with Alex and she hasn’t seen or heard from him in 10 years.
Ellie’s parents both died when she was younger leaving her to the custody of her uncle. When her uncle also died, she had no one left and no other reason to stay. We follow Ellie as she navigates trying to find out who murdered her uncle, more about Devlin Saint’s charity and her own internal battles.
The story started off strong. I was sure it would be a thrilling romantic suspense as the writing is excellent. What the book lacked, was any romance. I had several issues with the book from the main characters to the plot. For one, I didn’t like the heroine. That is not easy for me to say as I don’t like to judge a heroine for being too needy or desperate. I even like a desperate heroine at times and specifically search for that type of book. Ellie was another level of desperation and a lack of self-respect that made me cringe page after page.
Early on the hero tells Ellie he doesn’t want her. He then proceeds to make that known throughout various points of the book that he does not want her. At one point it felt like the entire book consisted of Ellie’s attempt to beg a man to be with her. She literally begged him to sleep with her, love her, be around her. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two main characters either. At times I wanted to not finish reading it as I couldn’t bear to see Ellie keep making a fool out of herself. The explanation of why Ellie is the way she is, is that she has had a troubled past and has abandonment issues. She craves a thrill and always chases a rush. I still would have liked to see more of a reason why our heroine kept attempting to be with the hero other than the fact that she just felt a connection to him. I did not feel the connection between the two. I kept looking for something that never came.
The climax of the plot was lackluster to me. I anticipated it within 50% of the book. I can see where the next book is going as far as the organization and his friend’s involvement. I felt we needed to suspend belief for the portion of this book where a secret is reveled. To me, this wouldn’t be plausible in the real world. I also felt the explanation of why the hero did certain things didn’t make sense. A lot of the drama circulating between Ellie and her hero felt unnecessary.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book for any reason. It was a tad suspenseful because I was anticipating what would happen next. Still, if this wasn’t an ARC, I would have discontinued reading it.
ARC generously provided in exhange for an honest review.
October 12, 2020
My Fallen Saint is the first book in the Fallen Saint trilogy by J. Kenner. The ending is not a big cliffhanger but the story will be completed in the third book which will also conclude Devlin and Ellie's story.
There were two things I personally didn't like and they threw me a little off. The first one is having Ellie almost sleep with another man. It's one of my pet peeves and I was glad that Devlin stopped them because it was a detailed scene up to that point (the other man had his mouth on her breasts). It's one of the things I grew tired of reading. The second thing was the obvious connection between some characters. I would have liked a little more suspense for a more dramatic revelation.
The rest of the book was good. I was intrigued by Devlin's world and I want to see more of it. I do wonder where the story is going to go next and I can say that despite the things mentioned above I am hooked and I will happily read the rest of the trilogy. I am hoping for a more dynamic Ellie who will act like the strong, independent woman she says she is.
Since this is the first book in the trilogy I am not so hard on it about the characters and the world development because there is time to develop everything in the future books. I would like to see more romance between Devlin and Ellie because in this book things didn't feel very intimate. Honestly, I don't think this book is was the best way to introduce us to everything that will follow up but it wasn't bad either. I have gotten more intrigued while reading the first in a series by Jenner and this one was a little lackluster.
In the end, My fallen saint is a mediocre book and I hope that things will pick up in the second one.
There were two things I personally didn't like and they threw me a little off. The first one is having Ellie almost sleep with another man. It's one of my pet peeves and I was glad that Devlin stopped them because it was a detailed scene up to that point (the other man had his mouth on her breasts). It's one of the things I grew tired of reading. The second thing was the obvious connection between some characters. I would have liked a little more suspense for a more dramatic revelation.
The rest of the book was good. I was intrigued by Devlin's world and I want to see more of it. I do wonder where the story is going to go next and I can say that despite the things mentioned above I am hooked and I will happily read the rest of the trilogy. I am hoping for a more dynamic Ellie who will act like the strong, independent woman she says she is.
Since this is the first book in the trilogy I am not so hard on it about the characters and the world development because there is time to develop everything in the future books. I would like to see more romance between Devlin and Ellie because in this book things didn't feel very intimate. Honestly, I don't think this book is was the best way to introduce us to everything that will follow up but it wasn't bad either. I have gotten more intrigued while reading the first in a series by Jenner and this one was a little lackluster.
In the end, My fallen saint is a mediocre book and I hope that things will pick up in the second one.
June 13, 2020
Love past books from J Kenner, and was excited to read the first book in a new series from this author.
Eliie comes back to her hometown after ten years. she left heartbroken and devastated over her Uncle's murder and losing her first love when he disappeared one night.
Her first night back, she meets the mysterious Devlin Saint and tries to uncover his secrets.
This book took me a while to get into. I think it was the back and forth feelings of hot and cold between Ellie and Devlin. I know why the author did this, but to me it got old.
The ending provides a cliffhanger and readers will have to wait until the second book in 2021 to get answers.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Eliie comes back to her hometown after ten years. she left heartbroken and devastated over her Uncle's murder and losing her first love when he disappeared one night.
Her first night back, she meets the mysterious Devlin Saint and tries to uncover his secrets.
This book took me a while to get into. I think it was the back and forth feelings of hot and cold between Ellie and Devlin. I know why the author did this, but to me it got old.
The ending provides a cliffhanger and readers will have to wait until the second book in 2021 to get answers.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 21, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
3.5*s
I am a huge fan of J. Kenner, and so was delighted to get this first book in the series as soon as I could. There is always the danger with this kind of series that you know going in that there is no resolution, and often you end on more questions than answers. I have to say I am grateful that it did not end on the kind of cliffhanger that just takes your breath away - but rather a new mystery to solve.
Overall I really enjoyed the plot, and the writing is, as always with Kenner, excellent. I read the story in no time at all, as I wanted to know what happened next, why and to whom. That said, I found the backstory to why they knew each other sometimes made Ellie in particular seem very immature. I like that she is no simpering beauty, but a woman with a cop career behind her and now is an investigative journalist, but ... I did find it difficult to believe that she had never done any of the digging that she does now, before? I am still confused by that. But I went with it and we do get a plot twisting tale with a very hot burgeoning romance spilling out at the sides.
I feel you need to read it, so I don't risk revealing the wrong detail, and I am sure that you will be as curious as I am as to how this will move forward in the next installment.
3.5*s
I am a huge fan of J. Kenner, and so was delighted to get this first book in the series as soon as I could. There is always the danger with this kind of series that you know going in that there is no resolution, and often you end on more questions than answers. I have to say I am grateful that it did not end on the kind of cliffhanger that just takes your breath away - but rather a new mystery to solve.
Overall I really enjoyed the plot, and the writing is, as always with Kenner, excellent. I read the story in no time at all, as I wanted to know what happened next, why and to whom. That said, I found the backstory to why they knew each other sometimes made Ellie in particular seem very immature. I like that she is no simpering beauty, but a woman with a cop career behind her and now is an investigative journalist, but ... I did find it difficult to believe that she had never done any of the digging that she does now, before? I am still confused by that. But I went with it and we do get a plot twisting tale with a very hot burgeoning romance spilling out at the sides.
I feel you need to read it, so I don't risk revealing the wrong detail, and I am sure that you will be as curious as I am as to how this will move forward in the next installment.
August 24, 2020
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book.
4.5 stars
This was my first J. Kenner book and I really enjoyed it. This is the first book in a trilogy about the same couple so while there’s a cliffhanger it’s not a bad one and left me satisfied and eager for the next one. I really loved the story and the characters. Without revealing too much I really liked the fact that the heroine wasn’t naive or blind to what was going on around her, some parts of this book are very predictable hence the rating but I loved the fact that the heroine figured everything out at the same time as we did. It was refreshing and really satisfying. I also enjoyed the writing style and the plot, it was pretty entertaining and kept me wanting more until the very end. I liked the hero as well, I have my suspicions about him but I’m intrigued and want to know more. I only wish some things had been a little harder to figure out or at least less obvious, it made the whole thing less exciting but it also didn’t spoil the book for me especially since the heroine was figuring everything out too. Overall I really enjoyed this first book and will definitely read the rest! It’s super steamy, intriguing and keeps you wanting more until the very end!
4.5 stars
This was my first J. Kenner book and I really enjoyed it. This is the first book in a trilogy about the same couple so while there’s a cliffhanger it’s not a bad one and left me satisfied and eager for the next one. I really loved the story and the characters. Without revealing too much I really liked the fact that the heroine wasn’t naive or blind to what was going on around her, some parts of this book are very predictable hence the rating but I loved the fact that the heroine figured everything out at the same time as we did. It was refreshing and really satisfying. I also enjoyed the writing style and the plot, it was pretty entertaining and kept me wanting more until the very end. I liked the hero as well, I have my suspicions about him but I’m intrigued and want to know more. I only wish some things had been a little harder to figure out or at least less obvious, it made the whole thing less exciting but it also didn’t spoil the book for me especially since the heroine was figuring everything out too. Overall I really enjoyed this first book and will definitely read the rest! It’s super steamy, intriguing and keeps you wanting more until the very end!
September 17, 2020
I’ve read many J. Kenner books, and although I’ve enjoyed some more than others, I’m always eager to dive into more of the author’s work. The Fallen Saint series sounded like a lot of fun, and I was happy to dive into the first book.
I’ll be honest and say it took a while for me to get into My Fallen Saint. Once I was sucked in, the story was addictive, but it took longer than I would have liked. There were plenty of interesting elements throughout, details I’m eager to see more of, but I do feel a lot of things were a bit too obvious. Although this isn’t my favourite from the author, it had me hooked and I devoured it in a single sitting. As there were some four-star moments, I’m hoping the future books will really pick up.
All in all, an interesting start to what promises to be an addictive series.
I’ll be honest and say it took a while for me to get into My Fallen Saint. Once I was sucked in, the story was addictive, but it took longer than I would have liked. There were plenty of interesting elements throughout, details I’m eager to see more of, but I do feel a lot of things were a bit too obvious. Although this isn’t my favourite from the author, it had me hooked and I devoured it in a single sitting. As there were some four-star moments, I’m hoping the future books will really pick up.
All in all, an interesting start to what promises to be an addictive series.
May 21, 2021
I should have read these reviews before I took the plunge. While the premise of the story was good , what was not, was the pathetic excuse of a character that is Ellie. I thought this was a romantic thriller ? There is thriller, but where is the romance ??? It was almost nonexistent and if you call someone constantly BEGGING ( yes, begging) to be loved and being rejected time after time by a douche of a character, romance, than this is your book. It was so bad ... how many times do we need to hear this doormat begging to be loved . And after 10+ years ? C’mon... it suspends belief to think that someone is soo in love instantaneously after not seeing someone for 10 years that they give up their pride, dignity and moral convictions to BEG someone to love them . If you have to resort to this, is it even worth the love??
August 10, 2020
She is hating being back at her home town. She has held bad memories there and doesn't want to remember them.
When she was 16 she met Alex unfortunately he was already an adult. They both wanted more but knew it was impossible.
I can't help thinking that Devlin is Alex. What happened to Alex after he left her and why did he leave? If you keep reading you will find out the answer to all these questions.
Unfortunately I found Ellie annoying at times. One minute she is all in with Devlin then she goes back not trusting him. It was very childish and not as intense as J. Kenner books usually are.
When she was 16 she met Alex unfortunately he was already an adult. They both wanted more but knew it was impossible.
I can't help thinking that Devlin is Alex. What happened to Alex after he left her and why did he leave? If you keep reading you will find out the answer to all these questions.
Unfortunately I found Ellie annoying at times. One minute she is all in with Devlin then she goes back not trusting him. It was very childish and not as intense as J. Kenner books usually are.
September 10, 2020
I lost my breath reading this book , I was completely absorbed by the high standard .
An outstanding book...
Devlin Saint the good honest guy who everyone loves who also has everything going for him .
Ellie Holmes a reporter , knows his face is familiar ?
This book is written so well that when you follow Devlin and Ellie you enter their space , that turns everything upside down completely, including me..
It is one of those books that when you have to do non reading jobs you're continually thinking of “what is happening” all the time! …. there is much more to be told ... so much more......
Much more than five stars.
No teasers from me as you cannot spoil this read.
This will be a breathtaking series .
Danger, Adrenalin , Angst , Suspense , Desire and a connection that is out of this world !!!!
An outstanding book...
Devlin Saint the good honest guy who everyone loves who also has everything going for him .
Ellie Holmes a reporter , knows his face is familiar ?
This book is written so well that when you follow Devlin and Ellie you enter their space , that turns everything upside down completely, including me..
It is one of those books that when you have to do non reading jobs you're continually thinking of “what is happening” all the time! …. there is much more to be told ... so much more......
Much more than five stars.
No teasers from me as you cannot spoil this read.
This will be a breathtaking series .
Danger, Adrenalin , Angst , Suspense , Desire and a connection that is out of this world !!!!
September 12, 2020
My flame is officially lit for J. Kenner's newest series. WOW doesn't come close to how good this book is!
If you're already a fan of Ms. Kenner, and her incomparable skill in crafting romantic suspense, Devlin Saint and Ellie Holmes are EVERYTHING you want in a leading man and woman. When Ellie, now a grown journalist, returns home to the Southern California beach town where she grew up, it's only to cover a story about Devlin Saint and his famous foundation. She doesn't intend to stay long, since there are bittersweet memories around every corner--but that's before she discovers that those memories, as well as Saint himself, may be the keys to a much bigger story--as well as a multitude of unanswered questions from her youth.
This read was absolutely my favorite from Ms. Kenner--and believe me, I'm as nuts about the Stark books as everyone else! This new world is effortless and exciting to dive into, and includes all of the layered emotions, glamorous settings, and heart-pulsing plot lines that have become hallmarks of this author's amazing talent. An awesome bonus is a cast of secondary characters that has me hoping this world will continue for many stories to come.
If you're already a fan of Ms. Kenner, and her incomparable skill in crafting romantic suspense, Devlin Saint and Ellie Holmes are EVERYTHING you want in a leading man and woman. When Ellie, now a grown journalist, returns home to the Southern California beach town where she grew up, it's only to cover a story about Devlin Saint and his famous foundation. She doesn't intend to stay long, since there are bittersweet memories around every corner--but that's before she discovers that those memories, as well as Saint himself, may be the keys to a much bigger story--as well as a multitude of unanswered questions from her youth.
This read was absolutely my favorite from Ms. Kenner--and believe me, I'm as nuts about the Stark books as everyone else! This new world is effortless and exciting to dive into, and includes all of the layered emotions, glamorous settings, and heart-pulsing plot lines that have become hallmarks of this author's amazing talent. An awesome bonus is a cast of secondary characters that has me hoping this world will continue for many stories to come.
September 15, 2020
Ellie’s training as a police office serves her very well in her career as an investigative reporter. A decade later she has returned to the hometown that caused her so much pain not only for her assignment on Devlin Saint but to uncover the truth that she so desperately needs.
Devlin is a man who guards his secrets very closely and keeps people at a distance. On the outside he is powerful, charming and wealthy but it what we don’t know about him that makes him so intriguing. He is determined to keep his distance from Ellie but that may be a challenge he might not be able to win.
Both characters are impacted by their pasts, the storyline is filled with secrets and surprises and the chemistry radiates off the pages and leaves us wanting more of this intriguing couple.
Devlin is a man who guards his secrets very closely and keeps people at a distance. On the outside he is powerful, charming and wealthy but it what we don’t know about him that makes him so intriguing. He is determined to keep his distance from Ellie but that may be a challenge he might not be able to win.
Both characters are impacted by their pasts, the storyline is filled with secrets and surprises and the chemistry radiates off the pages and leaves us wanting more of this intriguing couple.
June 4, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reading copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you have read J.Kenner before, I think you pretty much know what to expect with this one. It's a slow burn, with sultry setting and mood and a little bit of mystery/crime to solve. Devlin Saint is one distant, mega-rich, complex yet irresistible ML. The FL is likeable enough with a strong mind. I do like the story but I cannot say it has anything that keeps me at the edge of my seat or make my toes curl.
If you have read J.Kenner before, I think you pretty much know what to expect with this one. It's a slow burn, with sultry setting and mood and a little bit of mystery/crime to solve. Devlin Saint is one distant, mega-rich, complex yet irresistible ML. The FL is likeable enough with a strong mind. I do like the story but I cannot say it has anything that keeps me at the edge of my seat or make my toes curl.
June 15, 2020
Although I had seen J. Kenner’s name on blogs all over the place, this was my first read by this author. I cannot say that I’m disappointed, but I wasn’t overly impressed. Kenner’s strengths are plotting and storytelling. I can see this author writing a great mystery or thriller without romantic elements.
This review will be divided into two parts: Great Story Elements and Not-So Great.
Great Story Elements:
Plotting. As I stated above, the plotting was excellent. We were not given too much information too soon. (Will elaborate more about the timeline in the Not-So-Great section).
Writing quality. Excellent. And it should be. This author is well known with a large and established repeat reader base. Thankfully, this wasn’t an issue because I have purchased books by other well-known authors that were just plain junk.
Dialogue. It was great. Natural and flowed well.
Not-So-Great Elements:
The heroine, Ellie. Most authors think a strong female character with a cop’s background should be written as a superhero, but I find that strategy super annoying. I do appreciate the fact that Kenner did not create Ellie to leap tall buildings in a single bound or make bombs our of mascara wands. However, Ellie was not a stimulating character either. (Well, if you don’t consider that she was basically a dog in heat from all the one-night stands with bar pickups).
Timeline. Another not-so-great point is the time in which this story unfolded. Sure, Ellie returned to California to write a story and investigate her uncle's death but pining away for a guy for ten years is unrealistic and just plain silly. When Ellie first met Alex, they were incredibly young…she was under the age of 18. So, if Ellie was 17 when she first met Alex, this would put her current age at 27. Most women have LONG moved on and forgotten about their teenage hook ups. (At least I know I would have). To the author's mild defense, I do think Kenner’s goal was to create/keep a pre-made connection between Alex and Ellie. Otherwise, the two characters would have to meet and develop a relationship. And this would be a LOT of work for Kenner.
Ellie the instigator/slut. I’ve read a ton of romance novels and I can’t remember a single story where the heroine pursued the hero. When Ellie and Alex arrived in Las Vegas, she turned into a desperate, pushy slut. Yuck. Maybe some readers are okay with it, but it didn’t work for me at all.
Minor Editing Issue. In one of the last love scenes, Alex blindfolds Ellie. But a few lines later, Ellie notes that Alex twitches his mouth. How would Ellie know if she cannot see him?
The Ending: I hate cliffhangers…I hate serials. (sigh). But this is exactly what we got with this story. Although we were not left hanging with a character trapped inside a burning car, we were left with Ellie receiving a mysterious text.
According to the ARC I received, the next installment is not released until 2021. The characters and plot will have LONG become a distant memory by then.
RATING: THREE STARTS
Extra Cup of Regular
Was willing to read on to see what happened next.
This review will be divided into two parts: Great Story Elements and Not-So Great.
Great Story Elements:
Plotting. As I stated above, the plotting was excellent. We were not given too much information too soon. (Will elaborate more about the timeline in the Not-So-Great section).
Writing quality. Excellent. And it should be. This author is well known with a large and established repeat reader base. Thankfully, this wasn’t an issue because I have purchased books by other well-known authors that were just plain junk.
Dialogue. It was great. Natural and flowed well.
Not-So-Great Elements:
The heroine, Ellie. Most authors think a strong female character with a cop’s background should be written as a superhero, but I find that strategy super annoying. I do appreciate the fact that Kenner did not create Ellie to leap tall buildings in a single bound or make bombs our of mascara wands. However, Ellie was not a stimulating character either. (Well, if you don’t consider that she was basically a dog in heat from all the one-night stands with bar pickups).
Timeline. Another not-so-great point is the time in which this story unfolded. Sure, Ellie returned to California to write a story and investigate her uncle's death but pining away for a guy for ten years is unrealistic and just plain silly. When Ellie first met Alex, they were incredibly young…she was under the age of 18. So, if Ellie was 17 when she first met Alex, this would put her current age at 27. Most women have LONG moved on and forgotten about their teenage hook ups. (At least I know I would have). To the author's mild defense, I do think Kenner’s goal was to create/keep a pre-made connection between Alex and Ellie. Otherwise, the two characters would have to meet and develop a relationship. And this would be a LOT of work for Kenner.
Ellie the instigator/slut. I’ve read a ton of romance novels and I can’t remember a single story where the heroine pursued the hero. When Ellie and Alex arrived in Las Vegas, she turned into a desperate, pushy slut. Yuck. Maybe some readers are okay with it, but it didn’t work for me at all.
Minor Editing Issue. In one of the last love scenes, Alex blindfolds Ellie. But a few lines later, Ellie notes that Alex twitches his mouth. How would Ellie know if she cannot see him?
The Ending: I hate cliffhangers…I hate serials. (sigh). But this is exactly what we got with this story. Although we were not left hanging with a character trapped inside a burning car, we were left with Ellie receiving a mysterious text.
According to the ARC I received, the next installment is not released until 2021. The characters and plot will have LONG become a distant memory by then.
RATING: THREE STARTS
Extra Cup of Regular
Was willing to read on to see what happened next.
September 7, 2020
My first from this author and it just didn't do it for me. I am a sucker for a second chance romance but I wasn't all that invested in Ellie and Alex/Devlin's love story maybe because their affair from 10 years prior just wasn't presented well. We don't get enough detail from the past and that was sorely needed IMO.
Not to mention that Ellie acted like she was still 16 and although I understand the pent-up emotions that may fester for 10 years, it was no excuse for the way she continually confronted him. There just wasn't enough chemistry to make me care and it wasn't until the last 25 percent or so when things started to take a turn for the better.
With jaw-dropping secrets revealed, I began to understand more of Ellie's search into the why's of her uncle's death and yet it wasn't enough to save this story for me. Alex is basically a good guy born into a bad situation and I did like him for the most part. But Ellie was just too immature for my tastes. Oh, and her constant mention of her Shelby almost drove me insane. Just say your CAR for goodness sakes!!!
This is definitely a case of it's me, not you, as I see many loving this book. I will not continue with the series as the execution of what could have been a very interesting and intriguing read simply fell flat and I just don't care what will happen next.
2.5 stars.
Not to mention that Ellie acted like she was still 16 and although I understand the pent-up emotions that may fester for 10 years, it was no excuse for the way she continually confronted him. There just wasn't enough chemistry to make me care and it wasn't until the last 25 percent or so when things started to take a turn for the better.
With jaw-dropping secrets revealed, I began to understand more of Ellie's search into the why's of her uncle's death and yet it wasn't enough to save this story for me. Alex is basically a good guy born into a bad situation and I did like him for the most part. But Ellie was just too immature for my tastes. Oh, and her constant mention of her Shelby almost drove me insane. Just say your CAR for goodness sakes!!!
This is definitely a case of it's me, not you, as I see many loving this book. I will not continue with the series as the execution of what could have been a very interesting and intriguing read simply fell flat and I just don't care what will happen next.
2.5 stars.
July 8, 2020
Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an adrenaline, danger seeking romance with lots of hot erotic moments and plenty of angst. Alex is Ellie's first love but when he walks away leaving her to nurse a broken heart she vows to forget him. Her uncle dies and she's back in her childhood town only to encounter Devlin who reminds her so much of Alex. He exposes his secrets but tries to convince her to return to New York. What follows is a series of push and pull moments where both can't get enough of each other despite the danger.
Overall, a thrilling, sexy novel with plenty of steam but very little heart. Just two very broken people still seeking vendication.
This was an adrenaline, danger seeking romance with lots of hot erotic moments and plenty of angst. Alex is Ellie's first love but when he walks away leaving her to nurse a broken heart she vows to forget him. Her uncle dies and she's back in her childhood town only to encounter Devlin who reminds her so much of Alex. He exposes his secrets but tries to convince her to return to New York. What follows is a series of push and pull moments where both can't get enough of each other despite the danger.
Overall, a thrilling, sexy novel with plenty of steam but very little heart. Just two very broken people still seeking vendication.
December 17, 2020
***ARC Provided by the Author***
By the end of this title, I had as many questions about Devlin as Ellie did...or will. And, right as I was thinking we might get a free of these answers, the dreaded...
To Be Continued.
AAARRRGGGHHHH
But I want answers now. I have So. Many. Questions.
None of which I am going to be asking here because spoilers are awful. Spoilers in a cliffhanger are worse than awful.
This story is well crafted. Even things you know, or thought you knew, or were starting to suspect have a way of sneaking up and surprising you.
This was a fun book to read, it kept me on my toes, and I recommend this title.
By the end of this title, I had as many questions about Devlin as Ellie did...or will. And, right as I was thinking we might get a free of these answers, the dreaded...
To Be Continued.
AAARRRGGGHHHH
But I want answers now. I have So. Many. Questions.
None of which I am going to be asking here because spoilers are awful. Spoilers in a cliffhanger are worse than awful.
This story is well crafted. Even things you know, or thought you knew, or were starting to suspect have a way of sneaking up and surprising you.
This was a fun book to read, it kept me on my toes, and I recommend this title.
June 26, 2020
I enjoyed reading this story. I didn't want to put it down had to keep reading to find out what is happening and what the secrets are and how it turns put. I recommend this book !!!!!
Read
March 8, 2021Dnf. I do not like the heroine. Have some self respect. Ew
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