Member Reviews
A perfect offering by Mrs. Kent. A friend to lovers stories with a decade in between. It's initially a case of mistaken identity and then a choice is made. James and Cynthia "Sin" find themselves riding out a storm in a cottage on his father estate and things go well beyond what either expected.
This read has romance and steam like you'd expect. The sex is a bit more "raunchy" is the word that comes to mind, although it feels too crude. The scenes are written well, but actually read like a man wrote them, so bodily fluids play a bigger role than I'm used to in general. That being said, it's a great read and I'd recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Both Lavinia Kent and the colorful cast of lusty and licentious characters who have enraptured the hearts and inflamed the passions of Bound and Determined series fans, have undergone quite a few changes over the collection's progression. Tangled in Sin, the newest tale in the saga, offers readers yet another transition...and yet another introduction.
Madame Blanche, the newest and most scandalized owner of the brothel once known as Madame Rouge's, has more reasons than anyone to keep both her identity and her past a secret. Unfortunately for her. She also has a brother hell bent on making sure that the life of a madame, and the scandal that results, are not her future.
Lady Cynthia Westhope has always prided herself on exemplifying the model of English decorum. But she had no idea that one fated visit to an infamous brothel, and the secrets that visit would uncover, would usher her into her own world of passion, scandal, and unquenchable desire.
This story may start in a brothel, but it most certainly does not end there. When Cynthia Westhope finds herself not only kidnapped, but stranded with the man that she has always desired. Readers find themselves with the ultimate story of mistake turned milestone. As both Cynthia, and leading man James Winters are left alone during a storm. With nothing between them but their burgeoning desire.
Tangled In Sin is the perfect example of what can happen when the niceties and social constraints celebrated in Historical Romance, meet the carnal abandon of Erotica. That is of course, if one can stomach the insufferability and entitlement of James long enough to get to the sensual wonderland that follows.
Good story but the parts between the romantic interludes were not engrossing.. It just seemed as if they were formulaic connections between the romantic encounters which, admittedly, were nicely written.. OK for a quick read, but not a story that will stay with me.
While I love the time period and usual tropes this novel was set in, the sensuality level was just a bit extreme for my personal tastes. It's not that the writer does not write without talent (she definitely does!), more that I prefer books a bit more balanced between love scenes and plot. Based on this novel, I'm not sure I would pick up another title by the author.
I had a hard time liking James. He called a baby an "it" and was very narrow minded. I did finish the book but skipped some. I gave it 4 stars because I liked Sin and her realism.
A very seductive Historical Romance. Lots of passion and feelings. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing a prior book feel.
Another winning historical romance by Ms. Kent. Just the right amount of heat. Awesome!
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book, it had a much lighter feel than the previous books in the series and while I found James to be just wonderful, Cynthia not so much.
James and Cynthia aka Sin have known each other forever, Jasmine is James' younger sister and Sin's best friend. After hearing rumors that Jasmine is now Madame Blanche and the new owner of Ruby's pleasure house. Sin decides to pay her friend a visit.
Jasmine is not pleased to see Sin and tries to cut ties with her, while they are visiting James bursts in, Sin barely has time to hide and overhears their conversation. James is upset that Jasmine has taken over the house and tries to convince her to leave. Jasmine tells him in no uncertain terms that she will never leave her daughter nor will she consider giving her up. She basically tells James to leave her alone and accept her decision.
Sin returns the next day and Jasmine while still wary, is happy to have her friend back. Sin leaves promising to return, as she leaves a massive rainstorm begins and Jasmine insists that Sin borrow her cloak. Sin steps out of the house and is promptly abducted off the street.
She is taken to an abandoned cottage and left alone. The next morning James appears, believing his plan to abduct his sister is a success and he can now convince her to leave the pleasure house. He is shocked to see Sin and not Jasmine, but he doesn't recognize Sin as his sisters friend, he thinks that she is one of the girls from the house.
Because of the storm, they are trapped together and when one thing leads to another and Sin ends up ravished. Now angry, Sin reveals her identity and James immediately deems they will marry. She doesn't want a forced marriage and refuses. James decides to seduce Sin into compliance.
Sin and James share some steamy love play but without the added risk of pregnancy. They also begin to renew their friendship and things seem to be going along nicely until James' servants show up and they return to the Duke's estate. James continues his seductive persuasion and just as Sin is ready to give in, she learns the truth of her abduction.
Furious with James and herself for falling for him, she flees back to London and seeks out Jasmine. When James tracks her down, he has to work very hard to set things right with both Sin and Jasmine.
The book is well written, flows nicely, has steamy love scenes, amusing dialogue, a very sweet albeit misguided hero and a lovely declaration scene. Although this is part of a series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a very steamy read and I am looking forward to more books in this series!