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Sweeter Than Sin
I used to believe in love.
Before him, that is. Before Ezra Steel.
His business takeover of the restaurant where I worked did two things. It cost me my promotion and forced my pulse to race with only his slightest glance. Ezra Steel was the cause of all my problems and my biggest distraction. The twisted tension between us was a thread winding ever tighter until it finally snapped, and I gave into temptation.
That kiss didn’t quench the fire between us, and one night together somehow led to a trip to the romance capital of the world, Paris. A dream.
I couldn’t stop my heart from falling, and I allowed myself to hope. But good things don’t always happen to good people. And Ezra made sure I knew that. My world crumbled, and my hope turned into hate.
It’s a strong word. But Ezra deserved it.
Before him, that is. Before Ezra Steel.
His business takeover of the restaurant where I worked did two things. It cost me my promotion and forced my pulse to race with only his slightest glance. Ezra Steel was the cause of all my problems and my biggest distraction. The twisted tension between us was a thread winding ever tighter until it finally snapped, and I gave into temptation.
That kiss didn’t quench the fire between us, and one night together somehow led to a trip to the romance capital of the world, Paris. A dream.
I couldn’t stop my heart from falling, and I allowed myself to hope. But good things don’t always happen to good people. And Ezra made sure I knew that. My world crumbled, and my hope turned into hate.
It’s a strong word. But Ezra deserved it.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2022
2 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Rachel De Lune
37 books313 followersRachel De Lune writes emotionally driven contemporary romance.
She began scribbling her stories in the pages of a notebook several years ago, and still can’t resist putting pen to real paper. What ifs are turned into heartfelt stories of love where there will always be a HEA.
Rachel lives in the South West of England and if she’s not writing HEAs, she’s probably reading them. She is a wife and has a beautiful daughter.
Rachel also writes darker romance with her co-author and book-bestie under Hart De Lune.
For every woman who's ever desired more.
She began scribbling her stories in the pages of a notebook several years ago, and still can’t resist putting pen to real paper. What ifs are turned into heartfelt stories of love where there will always be a HEA.
Rachel lives in the South West of England and if she’s not writing HEAs, she’s probably reading them. She is a wife and has a beautiful daughter.
Rachel also writes darker romance with her co-author and book-bestie under Hart De Lune.
For every woman who's ever desired more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 12, 2022
https://amzn.to/3zgy6pD
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
When restaurateur Ezra takes over a family restaurant where Belle has been working, there are instant feelings on both sides. However, those feelings would not be labeled instalove.
Determined to make it on her own, even when that means working two, three or more jobs, Belle’s financial stability, which was already precarious, is jeopardized by Mr. Steel’s rigid requirements and expectations.
A self-proclaimed perfectionist obsessed with order and obedience, Ezra struggles with Belle who doesn’t easily fall into line.
It’s no secret that there is a thin line between love and hate, and these two are walking the tightrope. Giving in to their passion during a moment of weakness, their interactions only become more complicated.
Ezra is only soft - if you can even call it that - when he’s balls-deep. I like a pr¡ck. Okay, if I’m honest, I love a pr¡ck. But I like seeing the growth and change of our characters as a relationship progresses. With Ezra, we were told he changed but didn’t really see it. Likewise, I couldn’t feel their chemistry and Ezra’s grovel was meh.
The storyline was very superficial and lacking depth with the first 50%+ being repetitive making it hard to connect with the characters. But let me be clear, it was not a bad story. I enjoy a workplace romance and will definitely give the author another go at a later date. Other reviewers are loving Sweeter Than Sin which makes me think it was my mood as much as anything else.
📝 Genre: Romance
🗂 Tropes: Forbidden/Workplace
📚 I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
When restaurateur Ezra takes over a family restaurant where Belle has been working, there are instant feelings on both sides. However, those feelings would not be labeled instalove.
Determined to make it on her own, even when that means working two, three or more jobs, Belle’s financial stability, which was already precarious, is jeopardized by Mr. Steel’s rigid requirements and expectations.
A self-proclaimed perfectionist obsessed with order and obedience, Ezra struggles with Belle who doesn’t easily fall into line.
It’s no secret that there is a thin line between love and hate, and these two are walking the tightrope. Giving in to their passion during a moment of weakness, their interactions only become more complicated.
Ezra is only soft - if you can even call it that - when he’s balls-deep. I like a pr¡ck. Okay, if I’m honest, I love a pr¡ck. But I like seeing the growth and change of our characters as a relationship progresses. With Ezra, we were told he changed but didn’t really see it. Likewise, I couldn’t feel their chemistry and Ezra’s grovel was meh.
The storyline was very superficial and lacking depth with the first 50%+ being repetitive making it hard to connect with the characters. But let me be clear, it was not a bad story. I enjoy a workplace romance and will definitely give the author another go at a later date. Other reviewers are loving Sweeter Than Sin which makes me think it was my mood as much as anything else.
📝 Genre: Romance
🗂 Tropes: Forbidden/Workplace
📚 I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2022
This is a contemporary enemies to lovers romance with a boss/employee theme. When the highly successful Ezra Steel takes over the restaurant Belle works at sparks instantly fly and despite how hard she tries everything Belle does just seems to rub her new boss up the wrong way. Ezra just can’t seem to give Belle a break and things always seem to go wrong for her whenever he’s around.
There’s also all these new rules and regulations that Belle just can’t afford to abide by and with her new boss being a complete unreasonable arse she’s fast losing patience. Belle needs this job but not enough to compromise her pride which Ezra takes great delight in denting daily.
There’s also the combustible chemistry they both share and Belle just can’t seem to resist Ezra’s potent appeal and despite her knowing he’s no good for her she's powerless to resist his debatable charms totally endangering her heart in the process.
Honestly, Ezra was a lot of an arse and I wanted to brain him multiple times throughout this. He’s arrogant driven and overconfident. A complete jerk that at times acted like a spoilt child. That’s why it was so great that Belle makes him totally work for it when he inevitably messes up. Ezra definitely needed humbling and he also needed to prove to Belle that he was serious and wasn’t going to stomp all over her heart again.
This was well written and engaging I definitely liked Belle much more than Ezra who didn’t always make it easy to warm to him. It did help that we do get his POV later on in the story so you realise just how sorry he is for his earlier behaviour. Belle was the spanner in his carefully laid plans that he just hadn’t expected and I think he just panicked slightly because it was all so foreign to him the whole catching feelings. Overall though this was a good read that managed to keep me interested. I voluntary reviewed a copy of Sweeter than Sin.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
February 9, 2022
Juggling two jobs is all in a days work for independent Belle, she does what she needs to do to live a simple life with no drama, resigned to never having a big career, but confident in her ability in her job and enjoys it…until the restaurant she works at is taken over by an overbearing, egotistical bully!
𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺. 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵.”
Ezra Steel, is unapologetic and arrogant about his success, his restaurants have become his life with no outside distractions. He knows what he wants, and how it should be done, which is his way or the highway.
These two are polar opposites in everything and don’t gel at all…but the chemistry and every emotion they pull from each other is extreme and HOT!. Belle is hearts and flowers and believes in love, Ezra believes in a bottom line, perfection and order, and is totally unprepared for Belle which causes him to make some mistakes. And Belle doesn’t understand why she would want him when he treats her like he does. They say opposites attract, but can the attraction be strong enough to survive a rocky road.
"𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙫𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤. 𝙄 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙄’𝙢 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣"
Rachel always manages to write a compelling story which you know you are not going to put down until you have finished. I tried not to like Ezra, but to be honest I think I was a gonner from the start!
Thank you again for another brilliant story x
January 7, 2022
What a wonderful way to finish my reading for 2021!
Ezra and Belle were sizzling hot together, they brought the best and the worst out of each other in this fiery, angsty, emotional rollercoaster of a love story.
After meeting Belle in Blush, I was hoping we'd get her story. She was sweet, kind, determined, hardworking and such a good friend. I hoped she'd get the hea she longed for but meeting and interacting with Ezra was not at all as she expected. She was stubborn at times and very independent, determined to make her way in the world on her own terms with no help from anyone, even her family. Sparks flew immediately with her new boss. The sexual tension was off the charts hot, but so were the feelings of anger and frustration as he set some very unreasonable rules. I wanted to knock sense into Ezra, at times he was arrogant, rude and a complete alpha-hole, but as the story progressed I realised Belle made him feel things completely out of his comfort zone and he reacted the only way he knew how to keep his sole focus on his goals.
I loved this enemies to lovers, boss/employee romance. There was emotion, drama, tears, laughter, swoony moments and two strong characters I adored (even if Ezra took his time to warm my heart, but wow, not only a chef, but a dessert chef...... for my sweet tooth all that sugary goodness would definitely win me over lol). I loved Suki too, what an intriguing woman she was. I hope we get her story! I was also so pleased with the strength of character shown by Belle. She really made Ezra work and rightly so, she deserved everything!
Ezra and Belle were sizzling hot together, they brought the best and the worst out of each other in this fiery, angsty, emotional rollercoaster of a love story.
After meeting Belle in Blush, I was hoping we'd get her story. She was sweet, kind, determined, hardworking and such a good friend. I hoped she'd get the hea she longed for but meeting and interacting with Ezra was not at all as she expected. She was stubborn at times and very independent, determined to make her way in the world on her own terms with no help from anyone, even her family. Sparks flew immediately with her new boss. The sexual tension was off the charts hot, but so were the feelings of anger and frustration as he set some very unreasonable rules. I wanted to knock sense into Ezra, at times he was arrogant, rude and a complete alpha-hole, but as the story progressed I realised Belle made him feel things completely out of his comfort zone and he reacted the only way he knew how to keep his sole focus on his goals.
I loved this enemies to lovers, boss/employee romance. There was emotion, drama, tears, laughter, swoony moments and two strong characters I adored (even if Ezra took his time to warm my heart, but wow, not only a chef, but a dessert chef...... for my sweet tooth all that sugary goodness would definitely win me over lol). I loved Suki too, what an intriguing woman she was. I hope we get her story! I was also so pleased with the strength of character shown by Belle. She really made Ezra work and rightly so, she deserved everything!
March 23, 2022
I'm slowly but surely trying to work my way through Rachel De Lunes fantastic words and this story was next on my list.
Belle is working 2 jobs to make ends meet and is struggling her way through life and that all gets worse when she turns up to work one day and makes an enemy of the new boss!
Hot, strong and totally alpha Ezra is taking over and doesn't stand for any of Belles nonsense as he sees it.... he doesn't listen.. he doesn't want to know her thoughts.. he knows what he wants and that's how it should work!
Cue a bumpy filled journey for these guys where the temps are hot and cold with the blink of an eye and keeps you turning those pages to see whats next for these guys.
For some reason I couldn't take to Belle at times (please don't hate me) but I loved Ezra and I really liked Suki too.
Another good read for sure!
Belle is working 2 jobs to make ends meet and is struggling her way through life and that all gets worse when she turns up to work one day and makes an enemy of the new boss!
Hot, strong and totally alpha Ezra is taking over and doesn't stand for any of Belles nonsense as he sees it.... he doesn't listen.. he doesn't want to know her thoughts.. he knows what he wants and that's how it should work!
Cue a bumpy filled journey for these guys where the temps are hot and cold with the blink of an eye and keeps you turning those pages to see whats next for these guys.
For some reason I couldn't take to Belle at times (please don't hate me) but I loved Ezra and I really liked Suki too.
Another good read for sure!
January 20, 2022
Sweeter Than Sin is the love - hate relationship between Belle Holland and Ezra Steel. If you have read Blush then you’ve already met Belle. I really liked her as she was a happy, carefree romantic who always saw the best in people so I was looking forward to her story. Ezra certainly ruins all her romantic hopes as his attitude towards her isn’t the hearts and flowers she’s been dreaming of since her best friend Astrid found her soulmate Leo.
Belle is a very independent woman who is currently sharing a small flat with her brother Matthew. She is working two jobs but still struggling to pay the bills. Things take a turn for the worse when
the restaurant she is working at changes hands and the new owner brings in new rules and cuts her hours. Ezra comes across as aloof, formidable and a control freak. He runs his restaurants to a certain standard so they are successful and he is determined Steel London will be the same sophisticated experience as his others.
They have a frosty start, arguing straight away and she thinks he is unreasonable. She feels intimidated because he is always watching her and it makes her nervous. He insults her and seems to be judging her all the time. She wants to be respected at work so works hard to prove she is more than capable of having more responsibility at the restaurant and deserves a better position. He pushes her buttons and unsettles her. She is attracted to him and can feel the weird connection between them, but she is also afraid because he is her boss. She calls him a jerk and knows deep down no job is worth the way he treats her so why can’t she quit.
They argue constantly and only work well together when they give into the passion and lust. The undeniable connection between them is messing with her head and she realises that is the only thing forcing her to stay is Ezra but he is making her unhappy. She is so confused and every time he shows the other side of his character she thinks he is different but then he humiliates her and lives up to her first impression of him. She imagines what he could be like if he choose to be nice. I thought he was quite funny at times because he doesn’t know how to cope with the idea of them dating. He struggles with the annoying attraction he has for her because it distracts him. She makes him feel out of control because he can’t concentrate when she is around.
Ezra has an amazing bar manager and friend called Suki. I loved how she saw exactly what was happening between the pair and gave Belle some hard truths to make her see sense. She knew Belle didn’t deserve how Ezra treated her and tried to make them both admit their feelings. She became a good friend to Belle which was nice as she needed someone to talk to about Ezra.
When he eventually shows an attentive, kind and caring version of himself she is shocked.
Their journey is full of lots of push and pull as they navigate a relationship and Ezra finally decides what he wants. He has to dig deep to find a way out of the mess he has made of things. I was so pleased when she makes him work for her forgiveness because she deserves it after the way he behaved. At times I wasn’t sure about Ezra, but once the author gives us the last chapters from his POV, we get to see his torment and thought processes as he does everything to win her back. An enjoyable read that pits a romantic dreamer against a work alcoholic perfectionist who didn’t realise what he had until he lost it.
Merged review:
Sweeter Than Sin is the love - hate relationship between Belle Holland and Ezra Steel. If you have read Blush then you’ve already met Belle. I really liked her as she was a happy, carefree romantic who always saw the best in people so I was looking forward to her story. Ezra certainly ruins all her romantic hopes as his attitude towards her isn’t the hearts and flowers she’s been dreaming of since her best friend Astrid found her soulmate Leo.
Belle is a very independent woman who is currently sharing a small flat with her brother Matthew. She is working two jobs but still struggling to pay the bills. Things take a turn for the worse when
the restaurant she is working at changes hands and the new owner brings in new rules and cuts her hours. Ezra comes across as aloof, formidable and a control freak. He runs his restaurants to a certain standard so they are successful and he is determined Steel London will be the same sophisticated experience as his others. They have a frosty start, arguing straight away and she thinks he is unreasonable. She feels intimidated because he is always watching her and it makes her nervous. He insults her and seems to be judging her all the time. She wants to be respected at work so works hard to prove she is more than capable of having more responsibility at the restaurant and deserves a better position. He pushes her buttons and unsettles her. She is attracted to him and can feel the weird connection between them, but she is also afraid because he is her boss. She calls him a jerk and knows deep down no job is worth the way he treats her so why can’t she quit.
They argue constantly and only work well together when they give into the passion and lust. The undeniable connection between them is messing with her head and she realises that the only thing forcing her to stay is Ezra but he is making her unhappy. She is so confused and every time he shows the other side of his character she thinks he is different but then he humiliates her and lives up to her first impression of him. She imagines what he could be like if he choose to be nice. I thought he was quite funny at times because he doesn’t know how to cope with the idea of them dating. He struggles with the annoying attraction he has for her because it distracts him. She makes him feel out of control because he can’t concentrate when she is around.
Ezra has an amazing bar manager and friend called Suki. I loved how she saw exactly what was happening between the pair and gave Belle some hard truths to make her see sense. She knew Belle didn’t deserve how Ezra treated her and tried to make them both admit their feelings. She became a good friend to Belle which was nice as she needed someone to talk to about Ezra.
When he eventually shows an attentive, kind and caring version of himself she is shocked.
Their journey is full of lots of push and pull as they navigate a relationship and Ezra finally decides what he wants. He has to dig deep to find a way out of the mess he has made of things. I was so pleased when she makes him work for her forgiveness because she deserves it after the way he behaved. At times I wasn’t sure about Ezra, but once the author gives us the last chapters from his POV, we get to see his torment and thought processes as he does everything to win her back. An enjoyable read that pits a romantic dreamer against a work alcoholic perfectionist who didn’t realise what he had until he lost it.
Belle is a very independent woman who is currently sharing a small flat with her brother Matthew. She is working two jobs but still struggling to pay the bills. Things take a turn for the worse when
the restaurant she is working at changes hands and the new owner brings in new rules and cuts her hours. Ezra comes across as aloof, formidable and a control freak. He runs his restaurants to a certain standard so they are successful and he is determined Steel London will be the same sophisticated experience as his others.
They have a frosty start, arguing straight away and she thinks he is unreasonable. She feels intimidated because he is always watching her and it makes her nervous. He insults her and seems to be judging her all the time. She wants to be respected at work so works hard to prove she is more than capable of having more responsibility at the restaurant and deserves a better position. He pushes her buttons and unsettles her. She is attracted to him and can feel the weird connection between them, but she is also afraid because he is her boss. She calls him a jerk and knows deep down no job is worth the way he treats her so why can’t she quit.
They argue constantly and only work well together when they give into the passion and lust. The undeniable connection between them is messing with her head and she realises that is the only thing forcing her to stay is Ezra but he is making her unhappy. She is so confused and every time he shows the other side of his character she thinks he is different but then he humiliates her and lives up to her first impression of him. She imagines what he could be like if he choose to be nice. I thought he was quite funny at times because he doesn’t know how to cope with the idea of them dating. He struggles with the annoying attraction he has for her because it distracts him. She makes him feel out of control because he can’t concentrate when she is around.
Ezra has an amazing bar manager and friend called Suki. I loved how she saw exactly what was happening between the pair and gave Belle some hard truths to make her see sense. She knew Belle didn’t deserve how Ezra treated her and tried to make them both admit their feelings. She became a good friend to Belle which was nice as she needed someone to talk to about Ezra.
When he eventually shows an attentive, kind and caring version of himself she is shocked.
Their journey is full of lots of push and pull as they navigate a relationship and Ezra finally decides what he wants. He has to dig deep to find a way out of the mess he has made of things. I was so pleased when she makes him work for her forgiveness because she deserves it after the way he behaved. At times I wasn’t sure about Ezra, but once the author gives us the last chapters from his POV, we get to see his torment and thought processes as he does everything to win her back. An enjoyable read that pits a romantic dreamer against a work alcoholic perfectionist who didn’t realise what he had until he lost it.
Merged review:
Sweeter Than Sin is the love - hate relationship between Belle Holland and Ezra Steel. If you have read Blush then you’ve already met Belle. I really liked her as she was a happy, carefree romantic who always saw the best in people so I was looking forward to her story. Ezra certainly ruins all her romantic hopes as his attitude towards her isn’t the hearts and flowers she’s been dreaming of since her best friend Astrid found her soulmate Leo.
Belle is a very independent woman who is currently sharing a small flat with her brother Matthew. She is working two jobs but still struggling to pay the bills. Things take a turn for the worse when
the restaurant she is working at changes hands and the new owner brings in new rules and cuts her hours. Ezra comes across as aloof, formidable and a control freak. He runs his restaurants to a certain standard so they are successful and he is determined Steel London will be the same sophisticated experience as his others. They have a frosty start, arguing straight away and she thinks he is unreasonable. She feels intimidated because he is always watching her and it makes her nervous. He insults her and seems to be judging her all the time. She wants to be respected at work so works hard to prove she is more than capable of having more responsibility at the restaurant and deserves a better position. He pushes her buttons and unsettles her. She is attracted to him and can feel the weird connection between them, but she is also afraid because he is her boss. She calls him a jerk and knows deep down no job is worth the way he treats her so why can’t she quit.
They argue constantly and only work well together when they give into the passion and lust. The undeniable connection between them is messing with her head and she realises that the only thing forcing her to stay is Ezra but he is making her unhappy. She is so confused and every time he shows the other side of his character she thinks he is different but then he humiliates her and lives up to her first impression of him. She imagines what he could be like if he choose to be nice. I thought he was quite funny at times because he doesn’t know how to cope with the idea of them dating. He struggles with the annoying attraction he has for her because it distracts him. She makes him feel out of control because he can’t concentrate when she is around.
Ezra has an amazing bar manager and friend called Suki. I loved how she saw exactly what was happening between the pair and gave Belle some hard truths to make her see sense. She knew Belle didn’t deserve how Ezra treated her and tried to make them both admit their feelings. She became a good friend to Belle which was nice as she needed someone to talk to about Ezra.
When he eventually shows an attentive, kind and caring version of himself she is shocked.
Their journey is full of lots of push and pull as they navigate a relationship and Ezra finally decides what he wants. He has to dig deep to find a way out of the mess he has made of things. I was so pleased when she makes him work for her forgiveness because she deserves it after the way he behaved. At times I wasn’t sure about Ezra, but once the author gives us the last chapters from his POV, we get to see his torment and thought processes as he does everything to win her back. An enjoyable read that pits a romantic dreamer against a work alcoholic perfectionist who didn’t realise what he had until he lost it.
January 9, 2022
I’m a huge fan of Rachel De Lune’s work and I couldn’t think of a better way to start the year than reading one of my favourite author’s stories.
If you have read Blush then you will have already met the leading lady of Sweeter Than Sin. I was hoping that the author would write Belle’s story, and I have thoroughly enjoyed becoming better acquainted with her. There is more to Belle than being the great friend she demonstrated to be in Blush. She is very determined, strong, independent and hardworking. What I admire most about Belle is her self-worth, and I love that she won’t ever settle with second best.
I have to admit that Ezra ticks all my boxes. He’s successful, confident and physically attractive too. I could see myself being declared bankrupt due to spending too many evenings dining at Steel aiming to get a glimpse of the man and hopefully grabbing his attention. There were times when his direct and harsh manner made my feelings towards him waver but as the story unfolded, I was able to understand the reasons for his behaviour. Ezra finds himself in uncharted waters and needed time to work through his feelings and figure out his priorities. However, I still hoped that Belle would make him work for her forgiveness.
There is an instant mutual attraction between Belle and Ezra and the chemistry between them is palpable. Their personality differences created a pull and push between the couple that was exciting, entertaining and perfect for this storyline. I absolutely love Suki (one of the supporting characters) and hope that she may have her own story penned one day. I still wish for Sawyer’s story actually – Sawyer is a character from Blush.
During much of Sweeter Than Sin I didn’t want to put my kindle down and I could have read the book in one sitting if real life allowed. The story is mainly written from Belle’s POV and I appreciated those few chapters when we learned Ezra’s perspective. Sweeter Than Sin is a must-read, and I hope we see more of this couple in the future.
If you have read Blush then you will have already met the leading lady of Sweeter Than Sin. I was hoping that the author would write Belle’s story, and I have thoroughly enjoyed becoming better acquainted with her. There is more to Belle than being the great friend she demonstrated to be in Blush. She is very determined, strong, independent and hardworking. What I admire most about Belle is her self-worth, and I love that she won’t ever settle with second best.
I have to admit that Ezra ticks all my boxes. He’s successful, confident and physically attractive too. I could see myself being declared bankrupt due to spending too many evenings dining at Steel aiming to get a glimpse of the man and hopefully grabbing his attention. There were times when his direct and harsh manner made my feelings towards him waver but as the story unfolded, I was able to understand the reasons for his behaviour. Ezra finds himself in uncharted waters and needed time to work through his feelings and figure out his priorities. However, I still hoped that Belle would make him work for her forgiveness.
There is an instant mutual attraction between Belle and Ezra and the chemistry between them is palpable. Their personality differences created a pull and push between the couple that was exciting, entertaining and perfect for this storyline. I absolutely love Suki (one of the supporting characters) and hope that she may have her own story penned one day. I still wish for Sawyer’s story actually – Sawyer is a character from Blush.
During much of Sweeter Than Sin I didn’t want to put my kindle down and I could have read the book in one sitting if real life allowed. The story is mainly written from Belle’s POV and I appreciated those few chapters when we learned Ezra’s perspective. Sweeter Than Sin is a must-read, and I hope we see more of this couple in the future.
December 21, 2021
I knew when I met Belle in Blush that she would have an intriguing story and author Rachel Delune exceeded my expectations. I kind of think that Ezra may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I loved his character and the two of them together.
Belle is still as sweet as can be, strong-willed, determined, yet possibly a little stubborn. Ezra is cocky and arrogant but leaves Belle feeling flustered and breathless. The phrase you can't help who your heart loves is certainly true in Belle's case.
Ezra may be harsh and a little too self-confident, but those were the personality traits that drew me to him. Belle also found those tactics to be quite enticing and impossible to ignore.
Sweeter Than Sin hit all the marks for me. I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and the super steamy connection between Ezra and Belle. I totally recommend this book and hope you'll enjoy Ezra's sexy whispers as much as I did.
Belle is still as sweet as can be, strong-willed, determined, yet possibly a little stubborn. Ezra is cocky and arrogant but leaves Belle feeling flustered and breathless. The phrase you can't help who your heart loves is certainly true in Belle's case.
Ezra may be harsh and a little too self-confident, but those were the personality traits that drew me to him. Belle also found those tactics to be quite enticing and impossible to ignore.
Sweeter Than Sin hit all the marks for me. I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and the super steamy connection between Ezra and Belle. I totally recommend this book and hope you'll enjoy Ezra's sexy whispers as much as I did.
December 22, 2021
I read this in one sitting, and loved the story.
Belle lives with her brother and works two jobs to pay her way. She's hardworking and has hopes. One of her jobs is in a restaurant where she relies on the tip money. Life may not be exciting but she's getting there. Until the restaurant is sold to the arrogant Ezra Steel - a man who certainly knows how to upset her and who makes her pulse beat that bit faster with every glance...
Their attraction is so well written and his little comments here and there made me perk up and take notice, and smile...until he behaved badly, that is. And then I wanted him to pay!!!
Ezra and Belle are the main characters backed up by the lovely Suki. I did like her too. Confident lady.
Happy Reading to you!
Belle lives with her brother and works two jobs to pay her way. She's hardworking and has hopes. One of her jobs is in a restaurant where she relies on the tip money. Life may not be exciting but she's getting there. Until the restaurant is sold to the arrogant Ezra Steel - a man who certainly knows how to upset her and who makes her pulse beat that bit faster with every glance...
Their attraction is so well written and his little comments here and there made me perk up and take notice, and smile...until he behaved badly, that is. And then I wanted him to pay!!!
Ezra and Belle are the main characters backed up by the lovely Suki. I did like her too. Confident lady.
Happy Reading to you!
January 11, 2022
Sweeter Than Sin is a standalone contemporary romance. I felt that Belle Holland couldn’t catch a break with Ezra Steel. She is already working 2 jobs just to stay afloat and he cuts her hours and says she can’t work another job. What is she supposed to do?
Of course she can’t do anything right in his eyes either. This is one of those d*mned if you do, d*mned if you don't. Ezra was an *ss.
And even though he was an *ss Belle couldn’t take her eyes off of Ezra. I think things were worse in the beginning because she was so attracted to him.
Ezra does back off and even though it seemed like he didn’t like her, he wanted her.
Quite an enjoyable read! 4.5 Stars
Of course she can’t do anything right in his eyes either. This is one of those d*mned if you do, d*mned if you don't. Ezra was an *ss.
And even though he was an *ss Belle couldn’t take her eyes off of Ezra. I think things were worse in the beginning because she was so attracted to him.
Ezra does back off and even though it seemed like he didn’t like her, he wanted her.
Quite an enjoyable read! 4.5 Stars
February 1, 2022
Sweeter Than Sin
Ezra and Belle - oh my. Once again I have fallen in love with fictional characters!! Belle is sweet, smart, hardworking and a spitfire!! She’s exactly what Ezra needs in his life even if he’s to arrogant to see it. Driven, arrogant, and sexy as hell Ezra doesn’t make time for anything in his life but work. He’s on a mission to open a new restaurant and he’ll let nothing stand in his way — not even the possible love of his life!! Being the wonderfully talented author that she is, Rachel makes us work for our HEA & it’s torturous!! But I loved this book and recommend you give it a shot!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ezra and Belle - oh my. Once again I have fallen in love with fictional characters!! Belle is sweet, smart, hardworking and a spitfire!! She’s exactly what Ezra needs in his life even if he’s to arrogant to see it. Driven, arrogant, and sexy as hell Ezra doesn’t make time for anything in his life but work. He’s on a mission to open a new restaurant and he’ll let nothing stand in his way — not even the possible love of his life!! Being the wonderfully talented author that she is, Rachel makes us work for our HEA & it’s torturous!! But I loved this book and recommend you give it a shot!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 26, 2021
This story came at the perfect time. I just finished watching a chocolate competition series on TV. The host of this show could have been the main character in this book. There is a fiery chief, and a head strong employee. Oil and water, but once shaken, make a great pair.
This is a wonderful read, especially if you are a fan of cooking competitions. Ezra takes the cake!
This is a wonderful read, especially if you are a fan of cooking competitions. Ezra takes the cake!
December 29, 2021
Ezra is broody, grumpy and is Belle’s new sexy boss. Sparks flew on first meeting and only got bigger as time went on. Belle is hard working, has multiple jobs to make ends meet. But when her new boss says she can’t work anywhere else she gives him a piece of her mind. That sent them on a roller coaster ride of sex and emotions. I absolutely loved when Ezra realized he might have lost her forever. Loved this book and highly recommend it.
January 3, 2022
This was a different story line then what I have been reading lately. That's a good thing. I can relate to Belle, Being independent and taking care of everyone else and not asking for help. Ezra is closed off until you get to know him. He works hard for everything he has and doesn't let anyone or thing get in his way. Until he meets Belle, for some reason she gets under his skin for no apparent reason. He really got on my nerves and I wanted to just punch him in the head. Belle and Ezra do a lot of back and forth, its hard for Belle it really stresses her out. I really enjoyed this book.
REVIEW BY MARIBEL
REVIEW BY MARIBEL
January 8, 2022
Sweeter Than Sin by Rachel De Lune.
Belle is a sweet hard working women who works two jobs and helps anyone that she can. Belle is working to stay above the water when on one of her jobs working at a Restaurant is taken over by Ezra Steel her life takes a harsh turn. Belle and Ezra start butting head from the start when she doesn't conform to what he is used to and things just keeping going bad to worse. But what they are both fighting is the instant attraction they have. Really enjoyed this book and will be looking for more from this author.
Belle is a sweet hard working women who works two jobs and helps anyone that she can. Belle is working to stay above the water when on one of her jobs working at a Restaurant is taken over by Ezra Steel her life takes a harsh turn. Belle and Ezra start butting head from the start when she doesn't conform to what he is used to and things just keeping going bad to worse. But what they are both fighting is the instant attraction they have. Really enjoyed this book and will be looking for more from this author.
January 9, 2022
Rachel De Lune has accomplished something that drove me crazy in this story. This author created a character that honestly I didn’t like. Ezra Steel is a man that I reacted too in not a pleasant way. I kept wanting to tell Belle to run don’t walk away from an incredible jackass. Belle is a beautiful, intelligent, organized and a huge asset to Ezra’s business.
It took me awhile to realize that Ezra is just driven to succeed in business. He is talented but has a difficult time understanding that he deserves to be happy and that Belle is a need as well as a desire.
I loved the moments this author created that showed Ezra’s vulnerability to Belle. It is a story that takes you to the the extremes of a relationship and the author brilliantly had this reader actually admire Ezra Steel. Fabulous must read!
It took me awhile to realize that Ezra is just driven to succeed in business. He is talented but has a difficult time understanding that he deserves to be happy and that Belle is a need as well as a desire.
I loved the moments this author created that showed Ezra’s vulnerability to Belle. It is a story that takes you to the the extremes of a relationship and the author brilliantly had this reader actually admire Ezra Steel. Fabulous must read!
January 17, 2022
Belle Holland and Ezra Steel meet when Ezra buys the restaurant Belle works at. He brings lots of changes and no matter what Belle does she can't seem to get his approval. But they both can't take their eyes off each other. Will their attraction help pull them together or will it continue to tear Belle apart.
January 11, 2022
This book has set a really high standard for the rest of 2022! It is intense, written with so much style and confidence, that I could not put it down. I loved both Belle and the wonderfully rude, driven Ezra. Belle has a core of integrity and a work ethic which rivals Ezra's , while having a very different sense of the purpose of work and ambitions in life. I lived the settings, the other characters, especially Suki, and the absolute passion that sparks between our leads. Belle has an inherent innocence about her, alongside her backbone, which is so attractive, while Ezra's irascible nature supports those flying sparks! I wanted more as I am always greedy for a good plot and engaging characters! 💖💖💖💖💖
January 25, 2022
Thank you Rachel for bringing us another amazing story. As a big fan of this authors writing I can't tell you how much I get excited when I know she is about to release a new story.
This is an enemies to lovers story.
When Ezra takes over the resturant that Belle works at changes start to happen and Belle is non to pleased.
Sparks fly and that one kiss leads to much more. But it isn't an easy ride.
I love the connection between them and how firey Belle is. Ezra is mysterious and cocky, but there is also a soft side to him.
I really hope you enjoy this story.
This is an enemies to lovers story.
When Ezra takes over the resturant that Belle works at changes start to happen and Belle is non to pleased.
Sparks fly and that one kiss leads to much more. But it isn't an easy ride.
I love the connection between them and how firey Belle is. Ezra is mysterious and cocky, but there is also a soft side to him.
I really hope you enjoy this story.
January 10, 2022
What a great enemies to lovers workplace romance! I adored Belle. Such a great work ethic and doing her best to get by. I wanted to punch Ezra in defense of Belle. Love that Rachel's writing made me feel that way. I also loved the flow of the book and when we finally got both perspectives I was total mush. Rachel is a fabulous story teller!
January 13, 2022
Employee/boss…enemies to lovers…this book has pretty much everything.
It took me a while to actually like Ezra. His stand-off personality and the way he treated Belle was exhausting at times. I did connect with Belle and I love her no bs, independent personality. As the book went on and Ezra started to open up, it was greatness. I like these two together. And feel they complete each other.
Nicely paced romance with smooth writing and strong characters.
It took me a while to actually like Ezra. His stand-off personality and the way he treated Belle was exhausting at times. I did connect with Belle and I love her no bs, independent personality. As the book went on and Ezra started to open up, it was greatness. I like these two together. And feel they complete each other.
Nicely paced romance with smooth writing and strong characters.
January 12, 2022
“There’s nothing that would suggest we’ve been here-like wiping the evidence of the last few days. But when I close my eyes, I can feel Ezra’s body against mine, the sumptuous pillow, the heat of the shower. The smiles, the beat of my heart, the fizz of anticipation, and the utter contentment are all ingrained on my heart and soul.”~Belle
Rachel De Lune crafts her magic once again in the edgy romance where a overbearing restaurateur, Ezra finally meets his match in the strong, independent, Belle who happens to be his new employee. The instant fire between them tangles you up as much as it does them!
A fast paced, sexy read with all that you need in a spicy romance.
Rachel De Lune crafts her magic once again in the edgy romance where a overbearing restaurateur, Ezra finally meets his match in the strong, independent, Belle who happens to be his new employee. The instant fire between them tangles you up as much as it does them!
A fast paced, sexy read with all that you need in a spicy romance.
September 14, 2023
This book is definitely reminisce of More. I loved that fact.
Belle is a friend of Astrid (who we met in Blush). She is working a few different jobs to make ends meet and she lives with her brother..
After she rushed from one job to her waitress job she finds out there is a change in staff. At first she isn't worried but the more the new staff talk, the more she is wary.
Ezra has decided that the restaurant Belle works at is the one he wants to turn in to HIS. He isn't sure about the current staff but he will soon find out if they will work out or not. His main interest is his new waitress Belle. He is not sure yet if it's purely work interest or not.
Belle loves her work but Ezra has made it really hard to do her job. She thought that she has always done a good job but his constant presence makes her so unsure of herself. At first she thinks it is because he wants everything at his restaurant to be a specific way (and he does) but she later realizes it is because he wants HER a specific way.
After Belle tries to quit several times Ezra makes his like of her known... In a very passionate way.
Belle was not expecting that, to say the least, she just wanted to quit once and for all. Now she has to figure out what he wants. Turns out he doesn't really know himself.
Ezra thinks he may try the dating thing with Belle but he doesn't know what to do. He makes that very clear when he messes up with her and causes her to basically hate him. He knows he needs to fix it but Belle makes it hard for him to do that. Persistence is his friend though and may sway her to him after all.
Belle is a friend of Astrid (who we met in Blush). She is working a few different jobs to make ends meet and she lives with her brother..
After she rushed from one job to her waitress job she finds out there is a change in staff. At first she isn't worried but the more the new staff talk, the more she is wary.
Ezra has decided that the restaurant Belle works at is the one he wants to turn in to HIS. He isn't sure about the current staff but he will soon find out if they will work out or not. His main interest is his new waitress Belle. He is not sure yet if it's purely work interest or not.
Belle loves her work but Ezra has made it really hard to do her job. She thought that she has always done a good job but his constant presence makes her so unsure of herself. At first she thinks it is because he wants everything at his restaurant to be a specific way (and he does) but she later realizes it is because he wants HER a specific way.
After Belle tries to quit several times Ezra makes his like of her known... In a very passionate way.
Belle was not expecting that, to say the least, she just wanted to quit once and for all. Now she has to figure out what he wants. Turns out he doesn't really know himself.
Ezra thinks he may try the dating thing with Belle but he doesn't know what to do. He makes that very clear when he messes up with her and causes her to basically hate him. He knows he needs to fix it but Belle makes it hard for him to do that. Persistence is his friend though and may sway her to him after all.
November 3, 2024
Sweeter Than Sin
By Rachel De Lune
“I’m not like this. I’m happy and carefree about much of my life. Every glass is half full, and fairy tales can happen. But right now, there’s nothing hopeful about this situation, and worse, it’s making me resent everything, including Mr Steel.”
When you’re world gets flipped upside down, you cannot help but to fight back. When the restaurant Bella works at gets a major overhaul, Bella is mad. New rules, new uniform, and a new boss. A boss that infuriates her…while being incredibly handsome and powerful. When Ezra buys a restaurant to make it one of his best ever, he also get a disgruntled employee. She’s stubborn, and emotional, but he cannot help but be drawn to her. Like a schoolyard crush, Bella and Ezra push and pull, making their lives all the more confusing.
“Having never been in love before doesn’t help when you’re looking for that very thing. What if I got it all wrong? What if the passion that burns between two people can be interpreted as other powerful emotions?”
Sweeter Than Sin showcases the journeys of Bella and Ezra, both personally and together. We get to see into their lives and how they navigate their paths to their futures. Stubborn and determined meets determined and focused, or in the words of Rachel “We seem to be like oil and water, never able to mix properly.” Ezra and Bella have a challenge with each other in Sweeter Than Sin.
“ “You made me weak, and I hate that. You made me want something I never thought I did, and I hate that. So why do I ache? Why does it hurt worse when I’m not with you? Why can’t I let you go?” “
Tara
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By Rachel De Lune
“I’m not like this. I’m happy and carefree about much of my life. Every glass is half full, and fairy tales can happen. But right now, there’s nothing hopeful about this situation, and worse, it’s making me resent everything, including Mr Steel.”
When you’re world gets flipped upside down, you cannot help but to fight back. When the restaurant Bella works at gets a major overhaul, Bella is mad. New rules, new uniform, and a new boss. A boss that infuriates her…while being incredibly handsome and powerful. When Ezra buys a restaurant to make it one of his best ever, he also get a disgruntled employee. She’s stubborn, and emotional, but he cannot help but be drawn to her. Like a schoolyard crush, Bella and Ezra push and pull, making their lives all the more confusing.
“Having never been in love before doesn’t help when you’re looking for that very thing. What if I got it all wrong? What if the passion that burns between two people can be interpreted as other powerful emotions?”
Sweeter Than Sin showcases the journeys of Bella and Ezra, both personally and together. We get to see into their lives and how they navigate their paths to their futures. Stubborn and determined meets determined and focused, or in the words of Rachel “We seem to be like oil and water, never able to mix properly.” Ezra and Bella have a challenge with each other in Sweeter Than Sin.
“ “You made me weak, and I hate that. You made me want something I never thought I did, and I hate that. So why do I ache? Why does it hurt worse when I’m not with you? Why can’t I let you go?” “
Tara
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 29, 2022
Sweeter than sin
This is a stand alone read from this author. This story follows the character Belle and Ezra, these two characters have amazing well written chemistry between them from the start. This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster from the beginning. This story will grip you from the first page and keep you reading long into the night. This author has brought us an edgy romance read which is fast paced, sexy and gripping. Another amazing read from this talented author.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review
Release date - 10 Jan 2022
www.obsessedbookreviews.com
June 16, 2022
This book was meh. One the most annoying things about it was the lack of descriptors for persons. I still have no idea what color the heroine's hair was, or what color Ezra's eyes were. DARK is NOT a color, it's a shade. Also, there were so many instances where the sentence ended with a question mark when it was clearly a command or comment. Example: Tell me where you want to go? The words TELL ME make that a command NOT a question. That kept throwing me out of the story. Also, the story felt like it lacked a real connection between the H/h. Sure, there was antagonism, but I didn't believe there were any real emotional connections. Because of that, Ezra's 180 from asshole to adoring lover was unbelievable.
January 6, 2022
Working two jobs, Belle is blindsided when the restaurant she works at is taken over by a new owner. The new owner is a driven and demanding. He seems to take an instant hate to Belle and makes her life miserable. When she confronts him, things heat up.
Opinion
This book is one emotional roller coaster. Belle is a mix of Cinderella (working too hard) and Belle (sweet) while Ezra (the new boss) is all Beast. Knowing it was a HEA, I had some serious questions over how De Lune was going to have the two get together in the end. The animosity between the two is palpable and makes the reader want more.
Many thanks to Bare Naked Words for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Opinion
This book is one emotional roller coaster. Belle is a mix of Cinderella (working too hard) and Belle (sweet) while Ezra (the new boss) is all Beast. Knowing it was a HEA, I had some serious questions over how De Lune was going to have the two get together in the end. The animosity between the two is palpable and makes the reader want more.
Many thanks to Bare Naked Words for providing me with an ARC of this book.
July 14, 2022
This was a different story line then what I have been reading lately. That's a good thing. I can relate to Belle, Being independent and taking care of everyone else and not asking for help. Ezra is closed off until you get to know him. He works hard for everything he has and doesn't let anyone or thing get in his way. Until he meets Belle, for some reason she gets under his skin for no apparent reason. He really got on my nerves and I wanted to just punch him in the head. Belle and Ezra do a lot of back and forth, its hard for Belle it really stresses her out. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you United Indie Book Blog for allowing me to read this book.
Read
February 19, 2022[did not finish @ 16%] totally eye-roll at the 16% i read... the heroine is very whiny, keep whining about her waitressing job and not being treated fairly because her shift was cut. whine, whine, whine~~~ then kept on challenging the hero about her job. honestly, i would have just throw the resignation letter in his face if i'm so unhappy there and look for a new job. i mean she went to the hero to inform him, she wants to leave the job but ends up fucking him. like total wtf!! sorry, but this plot is stupid as shit.
June 22, 2022
Wow , this book had me hooked from the start. I loved every second. It's the first book I've read by this author and it won't be my last. Amazing five star read.
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