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Sinners and Angels #1A

Tortured Sinner

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Tortured Sinner and Fallen Angel have been combined and republished under the title Broken Like You.

My name is Johnny, and I dance with the devil.
At least, that’s what I tell people, so they stay as far away as possible.

I never meant to get mixed up with the wrong crowd, but if you want to win a war, you have to get your hands a little dirty.

The plan was to keep myself isolated, until an angel walks into my life that makes my dead heart start to beat again.

She’s sweet and innocent, and everything I shouldn’t want, but I can’t seem to stay away.

It’ll take everything I have to resist the magnetic pull between us, but what if Claire is the salvation I need?

Tortured Sinner is book one in the Sinners and Angels duet. Trigger warning: mild abuse (not from hero), language, sexual content. Meant for mature audiences.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2021

87 people are currently reading
4920 people want to read

About the author

Tessa James

5 books630 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,644 reviews967 followers
June 28, 2021
This is a new to me author, and I really enjoyed this story. While this is a new pen name for a well established author, from what I understand writing in this particular genre and tropes is new to her, and I found this to be a particularly compelling beginning and a compellingly original take on the trope. The story is clever and engaging- full of suspense, danger, twists, and a sweet love.

I appreciated the attention to detail of each character- both isolated in situations that trap them and both feeling incredibly invisible and unimportant to those around them. Claire finds herself moving across the country unexpectedly to live with the mother who abandoned her- the only perk being that her mother is never there and she can finally break up with her toxic boyfriend. And Johnny has found himself trapped in a dangerous arrangement that not only threatens his freedom but also his survival. While they had a rocky start, there is no denying their draw to each other, and soon they discover they have more in common than they expected. An emotional attachment and hesitant friendship evolves into something more permanent- and watching these two become more honest and vulnerable with each other, find a light and comfort together amid their own personal darkness and powerlessness. Tessa gives a lot of attention to the individual characters psyche- and I felt I connected with them both as individuals deeply- their melancholy, feeling trapped and lost, their desire to truly connect and matter.

While I loved the story and the characters, the story didn’t quite get me there (yet) in terms of the couple. I love them together and see a budding connection- but it was a slower burn, so it feels like their relationship dynamic is only just beginning. The chemistry was slower to develop here- we spent some time figuring out the circumstances of each leading character before they truly even engaged, and I’ll admit I was a bit impatient. It felt like we had a prolonged exposition, which definitely built my anticipation but had me wanting to breeze through to get to the real story. The steam level is also a bit lower than I prefer and am accustomed too in this trope- we do get a little bit of spice at the end, but the scenes were short and not super steamy. Might not matter to most readers, but I do prefer a spicier read when it comes to darker storylines- and given that the rest of this book had some dark elements, I expected the sexy times to be a bit more delicious. Hoping we get more of them in book 2.

The latter portion of the book really amped it up- after a slower pace we go into hyperdrive, and the twists I wasn’t expecting and really appreciated. I wouldn’t say this ends on a cliffhanger, in fact this book to feel “completed” where it landed here if you didn’t know it was a part of a duet, but I’m excited to see that we’re not done with these characters- I want to invest a bit more deeply in the relationship side of things since I felt like the external drama dominated a lot of thi story. It was engaging for sure, and I loved the characters, so I’ll definitely be checking out the next book.
Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,281 reviews1,766 followers
June 24, 2021



ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

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Star Rating : 4/5 stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : Yes

Hero : Johnny

Heroine : Claire

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 5/10

Heat Rating : 5/10

Review :
I have read a few books by this author and I love her writing style! Claire and Johnny are perfect in this book and I loved this story so much. The ending was amazing although the cliffhanger killed me , I hope we get the next book soon.

The book starts with Claire’s dad getting a new job and therefore she moves to live with her mother who had abandoned her when she was a baby. That is where she meets her enticing as hell new neighbor , Johnny.

Johnny has never had an easy life , bargaining with the devil puts him in a tough spot and he knows that getting close to anyone means risking that person to the devil. But there is something about his new innocent as hell neighbour who calls out to him. Seeing him beaten up in their first meeting should be a warning enough for Claire to stay away from a man like that but there is something about him that attracts her and she just can't stay away no matter how much she wants to.

From there what follows would be a tale of secrets and lies that bind these two together in an irreparable way. I would definitely recommend this book or rather the whole duet to all the dark romane loving people out there!

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Profile Image for Lammie.
740 reviews39 followers
April 15, 2022
This first half of the duet was a really good read.

The characters are well written and the plot flows well. The story never lost my interest.

Onto book 2

Profile Image for Daisy Knox.
Author 4 books37 followers
July 29, 2021

All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

This story pulled me in immediately. Claire is an interesting character in a very unique situation so I liked her from the start. I was sympathetic and invested in what happened to her right away. Johnny and Claire butted heads initially but had chemistry as well so it tortured them both but for different reasons. I wanted to know more as soon as he was introduced. Tessa James crafted this character perfectly, giving enough information to make him interesting yet surrounding him with mystery.

Johnny’s backstory is dramatic and pretty wild, but also fairly realistic, which I enjoy. I loved the push/pull between them and the tension was perfect, enough to feel it but not so much as to be annoying. This is a slow burn but once things ignite, these two go up in flames. It’s steamy but also romantic and it’s done well so no insta-love here. The author builds a relationship between them with every interaction. The story is told from alternating POV between the two main characters, which is my preference for a romance because I find it gives the characters more depth and makes for a richer story.

Their relationship is completely intertwined with both characters’ backstories so it stays front and center without sacrificing the other aspects of the story. I could not put this book down and can’t wait for the second part. The ending felt a little rushed and I would have loved to see the last chapter or two stretched out but I still loved the ending. We know there’s more to the story but it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger so I won’t be tortured waiting for the second release. Some people might enjoy that but it’s my number one no-no because I’m not a patient person so I was thrilled with the way the ending was handled.

I enjoyed everything about this story, especially the characters, and can’t wait for more. This is a new author but she’s one to watch because she’ll quickly become a favorite if she keeps writing books this good.

I was given an advance copy by Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
493 reviews9 followers
June 21, 2021
Tessa has written a book that captures your heart and imagination instantly. I did not want to put it down, I experienced every emotion the FMC and MC did, every challenge they faced grabbed hold of me and dug its claws in, I was right there with them at their side. With my front row seat it was raw, it's was painful yet it was also beautiful

There is so much emotional depth to both Johnny and Claire that you feel the chemistry between them surround you. You feel each push and pull as they try and navigate this undeniable connection between them. They face so many challenges and twists and turns in their journey, some you will not see coming, yet together they are stronger.

Tessa has an undeniable ability to build tension and angst in her characters and trust me these two have it in bucket loads. You will want to pull your hair out and then suddenly you will cheer them on only for that happiness to be yanked out from under you. However you must stay the course for your suffering is well worth it.

I can not contain my excitement for the 2nd book in this duet, I feel things are going to get even more explosive. This is not a book, it felt like real life, I lived and breathed everything that happened.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
June 18, 2021
Gahhhhh I don’t even know where to begin with how incredible this story is! I finished this baby yesterday but I need some time to process everything that happened and all the emotions I went through.

Claire and Johnny although they had a rocky start you could instantly tell these two had amazing chemistry. These two were each other’s person, her light to his dark, Johnny shining bright star in the deep nights sky! I feel in love with both of these characters who were so well written and both so relatable. We get to see the progression of their relationship happen so naturally it was beautiful…

Tessa James literally had me all in my feeling with this story. Not only did I fall completely in love but then you don’t even see the twists and turn that she throws at you seriously NEVER seen it coming and then out of no where gut punch. Lord I was gutted but let me tell you it was all completely worth it. I will be waiting very impatiently for book 2 and can’t wait to see where this story takes us!!!
Profile Image for Rita.
369 reviews5 followers
June 22, 2021
Claire’s story starts with her Dad being offered a job of a lifetime and she’s moved across country to live with her mother who left her as a baby and never looked back. On arrival she’s literally knocked off her feet by one of her new neighbours - Johnny.

Johnny is as ass and turning up at their complex battered and bruised should be the warning Claire needs to stay away, but there’s this pull between them they can’t avoid.

What comes next is that what you see isn’t always what is seems, as secrets are told and life takes on a dangerous edge.

With the clock ticking and twists that you won’t see coming, will life ever be the same for these two.

A thrilling first part to this duet, to be followed up by Fallen Angel
Profile Image for Sue Harbers.
1,420 reviews13 followers
June 22, 2021
This was my first Tessa James book and I really enjoyed the story! Not just the characters but the side characters and the environment and places, I thought it was all really well done. I loved Johnny’s character once he let his connection with Claire grow and we got to see who he really was. Claire was pretty great, especially considering she’s been abused by her ex and let’s face it no parents are in the picture at this point. I thought the chemistry between Claire and Johnny was sweet and fresh. It is a bit of a slow burn but you do get some nice steamy scenes. I was in a rage at the end of the book until like the last page and now I’m just on the edge of my seat waiting for the second half of this duet!
Profile Image for Shonna.
678 reviews34 followers
June 20, 2021
“Tortured Sinner” is book 1 of the sinners and angels duet by Tessa James and I can not begin to tell you how incredible this story is

Tessa James is an incredible story teller the way she writes her stories is unlike anything I’ve ever read before her character building the worlds she creates is phenomenal

“Tortured Sinner” has everything you could possibly want in a book it’s packed with twists and turns and Johnny’s connection with Claire is undeniable I was completely hooked on this story right from the very beginning and I can not wait to find out what happens next in the concluding part of this outstanding duet

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Elizabeth Clinton.
864 reviews36 followers
June 19, 2021
I don’t think five stars is enough to give this Fantastic read. Claire & Johnny’s story will pull you in from the very first page.
Claire’s whole life is upended and she will do whatever it takes to get through it knowing that she has a plan in place but when she meets Johnny everything changes in an instant. Johnny is doing what he has to to right wrongs even if he always finds himself in danger. Meeting Claire puts everything in prospective and he knows that whatever it takes he will make it right when it comes to his life.
Knowing that this story is just the beginning of their journey I can’t help wonder how much greater this story is going to be going forward.
Profile Image for Kayla Pocernich.
1,751 reviews8 followers
June 24, 2021
This book deserves more than 5 stars. This is Tessa James debut novel and she knocked it out of the park with this book. Johnny and Claire couldn't be more different but they are absolutely perfect for each other. Johnny is the bad boy who is doing what he needs to do to get through life and Claire is the good girl who is trying to move forward in her life. What happens when there worlds collide and they are forced to two work together on a school project. Add this book to your TBR list and you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Jeananne.
101 reviews8 followers
June 22, 2021
The latest book by Tessa James is a really great read with some very unexpected twists and turns. The main characters of Johnny and Claire have an underlying attraction to each other’s souls but outside circumstances make it difficult for them be together. This book shows the characters internal struggles of being drawn together while fighting to stay apart. A fantastic read that draws you to the characters at the first chapter and will stop you from putting it down. I cannot say enough about the writing and the story. I am already looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Stefanie.
109 reviews
June 23, 2021
I have voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am new to the world of Tessa James and boy did I pick a good book to start with. Since this was the first book of hers that I have read, I don't have any previous work to compare it to but I can tell you that this book was amazing!! The characters were lovable and you could feel the energy between them. It made me laugh, it made me smile and it made me cry; which in my opinion makes it am amazing book! I hope you love Johnny and Claire as much as I did - check it out!
Profile Image for Kira.
1,118 reviews33 followers
July 8, 2022
This was my first Tessa James book and I really enjoyed the story! Not just the characters but the everything in between. Johnny and Claire are so cute together! I love that he finally got out of his own way. Tessa James is an incredible at what she does and the way she writes her stories her character building the worlds she creates is phenomenal. I cannot wait to read more from her and her other pen name.
Profile Image for Kerri’s Reading Corner.
496 reviews53 followers
June 24, 2021
Now #LIVE and #FREE in KU
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3d6sjt0
Universal: http://mybook.to/torturedsinner1

4 Sinful Stars


Tessa James's Tortured Sinner is book one in a duet and her first contemporary romance novel. I enjoyed Johnny and Claire's story and I'm looking forward to the second part of this duet.

The story starts with Claire's father getting the opportunity of a lifetime. What that means for Claire though, is a move across the country to live with her estranged mother, leaving behind everything and everyone she's ever known. It's here at her new home that she runs, literally, right into Johnny, and things start looking up for her. Claire is strong and resilient, and it was easy to relate to her. Her situation made me feel deeply for her and I was rooting for her from the start.

Johnny is exactly as the titale states; a tortured sinner. He may commit all the sins, but his heart is in the right place. He is self-sacrificing, attentive, and probably one of the most caring heroes I've read in a while. With his self sacrifice comes a price, though, and there's danger lurking at every corner.

Tessa James did a fantastic job world building and creating suspense that kept me engaged and needing to know more. I loved the angst of watching their relationship progress. Their connection was undeniable from the moment of their first encounter. James threw some curveballs that I didn't see coming and one of them almost killed me!!! I am anxiously waiting to see what comes next for them in the conclusion to this duet.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/tessajamesau...
Profile Image for Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth||.
1,391 reviews47 followers
June 15, 2021
This book was absolutely incredible! This story completely wrapped me up in its clutches and never let me go, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! Claire and Johnny’s story is one of the best I have read in a very long time. Tessa James wove a brilliant storyline full of suspense, trauma, grief but also of love, passion and hope.

The originality of the story drew me in and what held me was the chemistry and undeniable bond between Claire and Johnny. Despite trying to deny or push one another away at the beginning, there as no denying that they were truly made for each other. That they were each other’s light in the darkness they never thought they’d escape. The safety and hope they found in one another was beautiful! Tessa James developed their connection so beautifully allowing readers to watch it grow and flourish into something utterly spectacular.

Be prepared for some wicked curveballs you’ll never see coming and main characters that will have you falling completely in love. Tessa James has wonderfully obliterated me with this story in the best and most intense way and it was worth every second. I never wanted this book to end and I am anxiously awaiting book 2 of the duet.
Profile Image for Lindsey Davis.
595 reviews48 followers
June 23, 2021
This is my first book by this author and it will definitely not be my last!! Claire and Johnny's journey was such a great story full of all the things I love. So much passion, hope, nail biting suspense, trama, and above all love. They try to push each other away but the chemistry is to big to get away from the bond they share. There are times throughout the story were things are going to happen that you're not going to see coming and You better be ready for them because it had me flying through pages to find out what was happening next. I loved watching these characters grow it had my feeling all over the place. I am so ready for the next book to come from this amazingly talented author.
Profile Image for Shannon.
1,007 reviews45 followers
June 25, 2021
Tortured Sinner the first book in the Sinners and Angels Duet is my first read by Tessa James. This suspense romance had my interest from the start and kept me turning the pages to learn all the secrets and truths. The ending had me questioning the path Tessa was going to take me down. The non cute meet, the looking out for one another and the slow build of their shaky friendship to lovers was a sweet build of anticipation and tension between Johnny and Claire.

Claire’s life is uprooted as she moves across the country to live with a mother she hasn’t seen since she was a baby while her father follows a chance of a lifetime.

Johnny’s life hasn’t been ideal- no dad, mom is dead, he makes a life choice that leads him down a dark road. Running into Claire, literally, changes his life.

Living in the same building, keeping an eye on one another, attending college together, they develop an unlikely relationship. As it progresses they let each other into all the dark areas of their lives. And, begin to rely and depend on one another.

Both of them, having endured abuse of some kind, share a kindred spirit. They have an unshakable bond, feel safe with one another, and a connection they haven’t had before.

But, decisions they made, despite the best intentions, may impact their future.

Book ends in a cliffhanger.
60 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2021
This book was my introduction to Tessa James and let me tell you I will be back for round two. Going into this story I had no idea what to expect which is new for me, I typically read authors I have read before or someone very similar.

This book did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the story between Claire and Johnny.

Claire has moved across the states to a completely different life than she had planned. Moving in with her mom that she has a rocky relationship with, away from her not so great BF and seems to have her goals set.

Johnny is a mystery, he's not nice, then he is nice, he's running things for people that are clearly not nice, but he's locked himself in this life. You instantly feel like he's not meant to be doing life like he is and want to root for him. The chemistry is there and the I shut love how the story is from both POV.

And then little Billy was so sweet and just tugged at your heartstrings even more than the main characters at times. James has great character development and really did a great job pulling me into the story, I could not put it down!

I cannot wait for the next book! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for Tessa James.
5,546 reviews
June 25, 2021
What an amazing story! Emotional, relatable, realistic!

My heart was sending tendrils out to wrap around Claire! What she endures!

Johnny is in redemption mode!

Neither of these characters feel the light! Then, they meet and glimmers appear, and then brighter light!

Ms. James has hooked me! I can't wait for the next in this duet, and I am DEFINITELY checking out her other works!!! Can't wait to read more by this author!
3,299 reviews71 followers
June 26, 2021
Tortured sinner is the first book in the ( sinners and angels duet ) it is also written by not only a very talented author ( Tessa James ) but one of my very favorite ones as well . Once I picked up this amazing story , I could not put it down . This book was simply incredible . Claire and Johnny’s love story is one of the most beautiful and emotional romances I have read in a while . I truly loved this book so much . It is not just your typical romance. It’s full of suspense, trauma , love , grief , passion and hope all wrapped up into this phenomenal storyline . There are surprises you will not see coming . I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book . The connection that Claire and Johnny have , the way they were there for one another through the dark times each faced , as well as the hope they brought into one another’s life . Just so beautiful. I cannot wait for the second book
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,406 reviews61 followers
June 27, 2021
This is one of those reads that sucks the reader in and does not let go
Strong main characters
Slow build relationship that felt real
Solid storyline

From the beginning, you knew Claire was going to have to face some pretty ugly truths about her life that she had been glossing over for far too long
She was given a reprieve when she had to relocate for college but life's problems tend to follow us even when we think we have escaped them
Enter Johnny - one of life's little problems

These two were a cosmic collision of epic proportions right from the get
I really enjoyed the way their friendship developed
The back and forth
The connection that they both felt for the other
This ends on a bit of a cliffy
Think of it as an intermission
A chance to slow your heart rate,
pry your death grip from your reader and breath
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,410 reviews24 followers
June 24, 2021
This book was incredible! It was full of emotions and crazy twists and turns that will have all of your attention. I was on the edge of my seat to see what was going to happen next! Claire and Johnny have a connection that is clear from the start and undeniable. I don't want to go into details, but know that this book will have your head spinning the best possible way with everything that happens!

All in all this duet is off to an amazing start, I cannot wait to see what comes next! If you are looking for a fresh and original new duet that has all of the feels, this is definitively a book to check out! I give it 5 outta 5 stars!

PS: Thank you to Tessa James and Social Butterfly PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
Profile Image for Amanda.
358 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2021
Loved this read from a new-to-me author. Tortured Sinner is book 1 in a duet.

We meet Claire as her world has been upended. She takes it in stride though. As she’s arriving to her new home, she runs into Johnny. Who doesn’t leave a great first impression. I was intrigued about him immediately though. He’s a conundrum. He’s bad, but he’s not. He’s not nice, but he is. I just really loved him. I loved both of them.

This is a slow burn, and I loved every tortuous second of it. The chemistry between Johnny and Claire was present from the get-go, but Johnny did his best to keep Claire at arms length. Until he was literally forced to spend time with her.

This book is full of suspense and intrigue. It’s sweet and sexy. I was sucked in from chapter 1 and couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait for book 2!
187 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2021
This was my first book by Tessa James and to say I was blown away is an understatement. I typically don’t read contemporary romance, but am SO glad that I gave this one a shot because from the first chapter, I was sucked in to Johnny and Claire’s story. The way these two characters complimented each other was incredible, she really is the light to his darkness. I was so shocked by some of the twists and turns because usually I see them coming, but that was not the case with this one. I cannot wait to see where Tessa James takes us in the second book of this duet! Bravo!!
Profile Image for Bre-Book Bre- Landers.
408 reviews9 followers
June 24, 2021
This book!!!
I don’t even know where to start!!!
Sucked me in and didn’t let me go. This is a fabulous book that has drama mixed with some mystery and a very special love connection.
Johnny and Claire are meant to be together and have soo many obstacles that are thrown in their way.
This is my first Tessa James book and it won’t be my last. I can not wait for the second part of this duet to see what will happen!!
Loved these two and their story!!!!!
Profile Image for Kerri Lightle.
992 reviews17 followers
June 24, 2021
Well this waa something I wast sure about when I first started to read this one. It took a bit for me to get into it but once I got going it turned out better than I thought. Seeing things start between the main characters and how their story started and what happens through out it makes you ask questions and well you want to know more and how they got there.

I'm looking forward to the second part of this duet and I hope any remaining questions get the answers
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,838 reviews12 followers
June 24, 2021
Holy I loved this read! This author is new to me and I can't wait to read more from her. This book pulled me into the story right from the first chapter. Claire and Johnny drew me into their story and I needed to know what happened, these two had amazing chemistry even when they were fighting it.
Profile Image for Brandy Sisler.
301 reviews
June 24, 2021
This book had me hooked from chapter 2. I absolutely loved the pace at which this story was written. The main characters fit well with one another. The entire book just flowed well. This is my first book from this author and I am glad I gave it the read also it won't be my last! A great read for me in a summer afternoon!
Profile Image for Lauren Lascola-Lesczynski.
1,103 reviews31 followers
June 26, 2021
This was a new to me author and I am glad I took a chance!
Johnny and Claire have great chemistry. This story had be turning pagers faster and faster, I was so sucked into it.
There was drama, sex, and all the feels, so like what more could you ask for? I honestly can't wait for the second book! Tessa James just became a #oneclick author for me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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