We’ll Asher finally did it; he found a way to prevent Remy from making the mistake of her life, but boy could his timing have been better. We have been waiting for this one because we knew that Asher was going to make an ass of himself and that there was no way that these two were going to resist one another once Remy was no longer engaged. Stacey Kennedy has a way of bringing out the best and worst in her lovers at the same time and we can always tell that some things are inevitable. Asher lost his way a decade ago when he lost him mother and willingly walked away from the love of his life, but he’s back and trying to make amends, if not win her back. He has given up on the idea of love for himself, not trusting in the foundation of marriage or believing that he can give Remy the life she deserves. Remy lost everything when Asher walked away, losing her grandmother shortly after that, and she hasn’t been able to get her life back on track since. Though she understand why he broken up her wedding, she still can’t come to terms with her feelings for him as he tries to be friends and give her the support that just breaks her heart. When she gets and unexpected windfall, allowing her to finally achieve her dream of opening the shop she and her grandmother always dreamed of, Asher is right there offering his support and help, but when an unexpected anger comes into her life he is also the only man that can save her. Spending so much time together, the sparks are flying between Remy and Asher, and while they are both willing to fall into bed, neither of them seem willing to give into the emotional pull that has never truly gone away. Now the danger is escalating and Remy has to decide is giving in to Asher’s protective nature is worth the pain to her heart to keep herself alive, or if she will be the one stepping back to protect him this time. I seriously loved both of these idiots, despite them both making stupid decisions again and again, because they were just so human that it made them believable characters in such an unbelievable circumstance. Asher made a serious mistake when he was younger, despite making it for what he thought was a good reason, and he is owning up to that mistake and trying to find a way back into Remy’s life and heart. I loved seeing him learning and coming to understand that pain is just a part of life and that his parent’s mistakes and pitfalls of a relationship don’t have to be his own as long as he doesn’t let them be. I would love to find my own Asher, one that I could teach that love beats all as long as you stop fighting against it every step of the way, because sometimes destiny and fate truly do know what’s best for you. Remy is a true believer in the magic; she believes that magic is everywhere and that the love she has for her family and friends fuels that magic. She wants so badly to trust in Asher again, but he’s hurt her in such a way that trusting in him again is almost impossible until she comes to see why he made the decision he made. I liked Remy, despite her making a few very bad decisions, and I could see myself being friends with her quite easily. The heat between Asher and Remy was meteoric and left me needing ice more than once as I read their story, but the best part of all was the HEA they found once they opened their hearts again and let them self settle into love. I am DYING for the finale story in the series, Ruthless Bastard, and just know that Regan and Kinsey will lead us on a merry chase before they find their own HEA. Stacey Kennedy once again burns down the house and leaves the reader begging for more.

I loved her writing; well written novel. I just had a hard time relating to the characters or even being excited about the book.
3 stars for writing.

Wicked Sinner wasnt as strong as I would have liked. The story is good, I failed to engage with the hero and heroine. The leads were a little two dimensional, and I would have liked to see some growth or changes in both of them throughout the story. They both had complex and strong personalities, I just would have appreciated some softening in order to believe the happily ever after. Wicked Sinner is part of a series, and Stacey Kennedy writes love scenes that sizzle, so I will be picking up the next book.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

I tried this book a couple different times and just wasn't able to get into the plot. Unfortunately I think this author isn't for me! DNF

Thank you Read Forever for my gifted review copy.

I tried to read this one a while back & I just couldn't get into it. I tabled it & tried to read it again recently & I just think it's not the title for me.

Thank you for the opportunity to be an early reader.

Asher broke Remy's heart when he abruptly broke up with her and now years later, he's been trying to be her friend but she doesn't know if her heart can take it. When he objects at her wedding, she can't stop the flutter of her heart. Unfortunately, it's to arrest her almost husband, turns out he was a conman just out for her inheritance.
When she finds what could be a fortuitous gift left behind by her scam artist ex, she jumps at the chance to start her dream business. However, Remy's luck might not be changing as a shady maybe tied to the mob guy shows up and the only one who can help her is Asher.

“One chance to be friends, Asher. That’s it. Mess this up, and we’re done. Forever.”

A second chance romance in the Dangerous Love series, Remy and Asher have quite the past. They were madly in love while Remy was in highschool and Asher graduated and went onto the Police Academy. Asher gets recruited by the FBI and after his mother commits suicide, he decides that all the dark emotion inside of him should be kept away from Remy and he leaves her behind in Maine while he goes to D.C. I didn't read the first in the series and I felt like I missed background emotion between these two. There was a good flashback scene to their breakup and then a quick recap of how Asher's been back for five years, Remy ignored him for the first couple and the last year has just started talking to him. This story starts with Asher claiming to just want to be friends with Remy and her thinking maybe she can but nervous that she still loves him.

This angst could have worked for me but Asher's thoughts and emotions constantly contradicted the “just friends”, one moment he was spouting how he only wanted friendship because of the darkness in him and then there were scenes where he is wanting to spend all day in bed with Remy and basically acting like he wanted a relationship with her. He wasn't warring internally with himself, just the writing ignoring the character conflict in favor of having them together.

No one made her laugh like Asher. No one made her feel as alive as Asher had. In that empty hollowness of her chest, a part of her wanted to feel a little piece of that again.

Remy's interest in New Age things gave her an interesting hook but the catalyst for the danger she gets put in, using money she found in her house that she assumed was her conman ex-fiance's, to start her dream business, gave her an aggravating clueless personality as the story went on. It's obvious from early on that she should tell Asher, who is a cop or any of her other two friends who are cops, that a maybe mob guy is after her because of the money she used. The group of friends the series seems to follow provided some good friendships for Remy. I liked how the other two women, Peyton (heroine from first book) and Kinsley (bestfriend of Remy and sister to hero from book one) supported and laughed with one another.

He cupped her face, then brought his mouth close to hers, and before he claimed the kiss, he said, “I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.”

This book seemed to have a little too much going on, the heavy issues Asher personally had to deal with (his mother's suicide, alcoholic father), Remy being in possible danger from the mob, and their healing from a painful past while trying to build a current romance; these threads never had focus or time enough to go into the depth I needed to get me emotionally involved. The ending was more anticlimactic for me as the have to marry for inheritance forced these two together at around the 85% mark and then gave a quick “oh I guess I do want to be married to you” turn around that provided no emotional fulfillment. Basically, Remy and Asher's journey didn't flow for me, they had some sweet moments but emotions, thoughts, and actions contradicted for sake of dragging the story out. There was a secondary romance teased between Kinsley and Rhett (Kinsley's brother's bestfriend and fellow cop) that might have me checking out the third in the series.

Remy has been through heartbreak in the past thanks to Asher leaving her. She is supposed to be getting married but Asher breaks up the wedding to arrest her husband to be because he's a con man. Remy was hoping Asher was there to claim her. What would you do if you discovered a bag of cash? Remy ends up with some very bad criminals after her and Asher is an FBI agent on the run with her to protect her. Asher left Remy to pursue his career with the FBI and now that he's back will it be too late for a second chance? A steamy, smoking hot read with all the craziness you could want in a story.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Ten years ago, Asher Sullivan broke Remy Brennan's heart when he left Stoney Creek and her for a job with the FBI. She never really got over him leaving but when he returned five years ago, she tried to move on with her life and forget he was still around. Now she is about to marry a man that can make her happy and her life is simple. But Asher has other plans. When Asher stops the wedding, Remy thinks and hopes that he is there to declare his love for her. But he is there to arrest her soon-to-be husband. Turns out that Damon is a con man that is only after her inheritance that she will get once she is married.

Asher is still in love with Remy and he knew he made a mistake leaving her all those years ago. But he was in a dark place after his mother died and needed to get away. Even if it meant leaving the one person he loved. But he feared losing anyone else that he loved. Being back in Stoney Creek and so close to Remy, all he wants to do is keep her safe.

Can Remy forgive him for hurting her yet again? Will Asher tell her how he really feels? Will Damon come after her when he gets out of jail? What happens when Damon's friends come after Remy for what Damon stole from them?

This is a great story that is filled with friends, lovers, lost love, and suspense. So be ready for this group of longtime friends and their little town – that I would have loved to have grown up in. I cannot wait for Rhett and Kinsley's story. And if you haven't read anything from Stacey Kennedy, then start with this series, you will love her writing style and the way she tells a story, I sure do.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
M/F Second chance romance

I will start by stating that I did not read book one and never felt that I was lost. All of the characters and how they fit together is explained in this book.

Asher was dead set on running away when the last of his family died. He was floundering and rather than lean on those closest to him, he decided that he needed to protect them by leaving. However, in the process, he broke Remy's heart.

Remy was raised by her nana. Remy's mom is absentee at best, but Remy does hear from her every now and then. Remy's nana believed in a little magic and so does Remy. But when Asher left her, Remy feels that her life kind of fell apart too. Without her best friends surrounding her, she wouldn't have made it. But now that Asher is back, it doesn't seem to matter. Remy has moved forward in her life. She's getting married!

Asher knows that he hurt Remy beyond what he can even comprehend. But Asher has always been around to protect her and this time isn't any different. He can't let Remy marry Damon. Remy doesn't know it, but Damon isn't who he says he is.

After the debacle that was Remy's wedding, she isn't sure who to trust, who to lean on, and what to do. Asher is determined to be anything that Remy needs at the moment. He wants to redeem himself.

This story is full of love, friendship, mystery, and romance. I loved watching all of their friends and really enjoyed watching Remy and Asher find their way back to each other. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Triggers: Con men, stalking and murder


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and I would say that it is a good idea to read them in order, so you know more about the characters and the town but it is a new story, so if you are too impatient to start, you can always go back later!

In this installment, Asher returns to his hometown after leaving his first love, Remy, at the end of high school. She has had a difficult time since, as her inheritance is conditional on her being married, and she has never really forgotten Asher. However, as we see at the very beginning, she is about to get married. However Asher stops it at the altar – sadly, not because he wants her, but because her husband to be is a con man who wants her money.

With the agreement of her friends, Remy makes a decision which changes the course of her life... and not all for the good. I have to say that the decision is definitely an 'interesting' one, and it could have been a huge issue with how much readers like Remy, but by having Peyton and Kinsley in on the secret it is sort of okay! I found the spells and the magic side of things fun, and not too serious, although her strong lifelong plan to open a shop was definitely key to the decision which gets her into so much trouble.

I enjoyed the romance, the inevitable chemistry, and the complications which led them to finally admit to what we knew all along. A good addition to the series, and the promise of Rhett finally waking up to himself and what Kinsley could really mean to him.

I had mixed feelings about Stacey Kennedy’s WICKED SINNER, but that’s because I have mixed feelings about second-chance romances. Kennedy develops a good, albeit complicated, build-up between Asher Sullivan and Remy Brennan, who loved each other as teenagers and thought the future would always be on their side. But when Asher left town to take a huge career leap from police officer to FBI agent, he broke Remy’s heart in the process. When that life didn’t pan out as expected, he returned home and to the police department. Now a detective, he watches Remy from afar, with a kernel of hope and love for the woman he walked away from. But he’s not the only man who appreciates the value of Remy, and now she’s getting married. Unfortunately, Remy’s fiancé is a con man, and Asher shows up at the church during the wedding to arrest him. Chaos ensues, Remy is left with a bag full of cash, and is forced to work with Asher now because she’s facing a new criminal element more dangerous than the conman. My mixed feelings come in the emotional push and pull of Remy—who either needs to shit or get off the pot, you know—and Asher, who’s guilt over his quick departure paralyzes him in moving forward with Remy. If you’re a fan of second chances and that emotional struggle, then you will love this story.

*Originally published at Frolic.media: https://frolic.media/october-romantic-suspense-wrap-up/

This was such a great story about two people who get a second chance at love. Remy was in love with Asher. She thought they would be together forever, until he left her. Neither has gotten over the other, but Remy has found someone she plans to marry. Until Asher shows up and ruins everything. All they want is each other, but they are too afraid to give it another chance. When danger finds Remy, it is up to Asher to protect her. I really loved everything about these characters. They way they tried to ignore each other, then when their attraction can’t be pushed aside any longer. It was sweet and sexy. Such a wonderful combination for this couple. Really looking forward to the next story.

***ARC Provided by the Author and NetGalley***

I have no idea what happened with this one. I adore this author, and her books...but, this one just didn't click for me. I loved the heroine, but the hero fell flat for me and I never believed in her attraction to Asher, which makes it tough to engage in a romance novel.

I am going to read her next titles, and I am sure I will love them.

WICKED SINNER is the second book in Stacey Kennedy’s “Dangerous Love” series. Most romances that have a marriage of convenience storyline start with that and build from there, but WICKED SINNER is a romantic suspense about two people taking a second chance on love that works its way in that direction slowly. Asher Sullivan broke Remy Brennan’s heart when they were both young, and he ran away to join the FBI. Now, Remy lands in a situation that Asher feels is his opportunity to be the man for Remy that he should have been back then – somebody she can count on.

It’s a very complicated set of circumstances that have Asher playing avenging knight for Remy. Her almost- husband turned out to be a con man who led a creepy gangster to Remy’s door. With the ever-present and sinister Lars Violi lurking around Remy’s small town, it gives a very CAPE FEAR vibe to the story. Stacey Kennedy does a good job of balancing the romance and relationship growth between Remy and Asher with the spine-tingling danger. My first reaction to Asher, after learning how he hurt Remy years ago, is to think of him as a first-class jerk. However, because this story is told from alternating perspectives, the reader gets a strong sense of Asher’s feelings of guilt and the sorrow over what he feels he’s lost over the years.

WICKED SINNER has a tantalizing mix of thrills, fierce friendships, and second-chance sexiness. As with the first book in this series, as well as other books by Stacey Kennedy, the friendships between the men and the ones between the women really stand out and add depth to this story. I don’t know if Stacey Kennedy has written a story already for Joaquin King, or if she plans to, but I admit to being very interested in reading one. I look forward to reading Kinsley and Rhett’s story next.

Remy Brennan's life was shattered by Asher Sullivan abandoned all their plans and fled town. And although he came back five years later, she spoke to him no more than necessary. So when he crashed her wedding, she was both excited and irritated. Certain he had come to claim her back, she's devastated by Asher again when he reveals that her groom is a scheming con man after her for her inheritance.

With her inheritance still tied up, a scheming ex-fiance, and the former love of her life throwing roadblocks in her path, a duffel bag of cash she finds in her apartment must be the turn around that her life needs. On the path to the new business she's always dreamed of, she's surprised by the crazy guy that keeps appearing to scare her. But once again turning up to help, Detective Asher Sullivan is determined to protect Remy from this new criminal underworld she finds herself tied too.

Sticking together this time, the only solution leads to a wedding and some wicked and insatiable needs that they no longer ignore. But little do they know that there are still secrets between them!

book two in the dangerous love series, wicked sinner, blends standard contemporary romance tropes with some real thriller action. asher sullivan left remy brennan's heart in pieces a long time ago. now he's crashing her wedding, arresting the groom, and trying to keep her safe from all kinds of danger.

for remy it's always been asher, but when he left her behind she did her best to move on. after he returned to town and showed no interest in mending fences she thought their love mattered little to him. but the thing is for asher it's always been remy.

these two have crazy chemistry and so many secrets they are keeping from each other. once they learn to trust that what they both want is each other things start to fall into place.

**wicked sinner will publish on october 15, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever) in exchange for my honest review.

WICKED SINNER is a powerful, small town, love story about second chances and forgiveness. I enjoyed this charming story, it has an engaging plot and entertaining characters. This is the second book in the Dangerous Love series.

I think Asher and Remy’s story is heartbreaking and magical. Asher is easy to like and he is a good guy. He knows he hurt Remy when he left town years ago, but he keeps trying to make up for his past mistakes. Years ago, Asher was in a bad place and had to leave but he regrets that his actions hurt Remy. Asher has always cared about Remy and now that he is back in town, he is still attracted to her. I love how protective Asher is of Remy.

I admire Remy’s strength. She never gives up, even after she has been hurt a few times. She knows Asher has the power to hurt her again, but she finds it impossible to stay away from him. Asher and Remy’s story is poignant and beautiful. They both deserve happiness.

Asher Sullivan was once Remy Brennan’s entire world, then he broke her heart into a million pieces. Detective Asher Sullivan has always protected Remy. Now he’s crashing her wedding, dangerous criminals are threatening her and all Remy has left is an empty bank account, a serious case of lust for her gorgeous ex…and a duffel bag of cold, hard cash that might just fix all her problems. Asher’s protective instincts have kicked in and just as he gets his second chance, a secret that Remy is keeping could rip her away from him…forever.

This ‘Dangerous Love’ story is one suspenseful read that gets readers motors running and their hearts pounding. Remy and Asher are strong, engaging characters that easily pull readers into their story and the chemistry between them leaves scorch marks in its wake. But this relationship has history that caused some heart break so there is also some very turbulent emotions involved as well.

This engaging and emotionally gripping read has a fast pace and is full of suspense that keeps readers locked on tight while Remy and Asher tiptoe around just how much they want each other. With some twists and turns, the bad guys ensure that the characters nor the readers are sure just what’s going to happen and why as the danger to Remy escalates. This story also has a different and surprising ending that takes the cake and makes this story a very entertaining read.

3.5 stars

This is my first read by this author and, although there were times where I felt like I was missing something from the story, I quite enjoyed it. It was well constructed, I liked the plot, and I thought it flowed well.
Wicked Sinner was sweet and romantic with enough steam between the characters to heat up your reader. I'd like to read the next in the series but I think I'll go back and read book one while I wait

Wicked Sinner is another great book in the wonderful series by Stacey Kennedy. I’ve read them all so far and have enjoyed this one just as much. This book has well written characters that you feel connected to and will enjoy reading their story. I like how this series connects so well and yet you can read it independently as well. It’s sexy and has the steamy scenes that she writes so well. I like how the book flows and doesn’t have any dead points within it. Definitely a five star read!

WICKED SINNER is book two in Stacey Kennedy's Dangerous Love series and brings together a police detective and his former high school girlfriend in a delectable reunion story. The story line is easy to become enthralled with and the characters are fun to get to know.

Remy almost immediately snagged this reader's heart when upon hearing Asher object at her wedding, she thought her one true love had finally returned to claim her. He left her heartbroken years ago, so what's a girl to think when she hears THAT voice just as she's about to speak her vows to another man??

Asher was a complex character. On one hand I felt a grudge against him for how he had done Remy, but on the other hand, I admired his loyalty and devotion to protecting her from a conman.

I recommend this story to anyone enjoying some intrigue with their romance. It's quirky and fun with just enough mystery to keep you hooked throughout.

3.75 stars

Wicked Sinner is the second book in the Dangerous Love series and it can definitely be read as a standalone. This book is a second chance romance between high school sweethearts who broke up and have been separated for over 10 years. Asher left his small town and stayed away from Remy and his friends for 10 years. It's been 5 years since he came back home and his relationship with Remy is pretty much strained. However, he is all the more motivated to save her from her fiance, who's a conman waiting to steal her inheritance.

Asher and Remy's love story is cute, sweet, and romantic. There's a lot of history between them. I think the author did a decent job giving us a glimpse into their love story as teenagers — there was a good balance between telling and showing, which provided a strong foundation for their second chance romance. I enjoyed the romance for the most part, but Asher's overwhelming guilt felt a little too much at times. The mystery/suspense aspect in this instance felt a bit weak, especially compared to Naughty Stranger. However, it did lead to the introduction of a certain character that I hope will get his own story eventually...

The next book is obviously about Rhett and Kinsley...and honestly...I'm not too sure how I feel about this pairing. I'm not a huge fan of the brother's best friend trope, but we'll see. I'm honestly a lot more interested in the new character that was introduced in Wicked Sinner than Rhett and Kinsley's romance. That supporting character took the spotlight away from the main characters lol.