Member Reviews
A new series from Kathleen Ayers! Excellent news.
This book introduces us to the Sinclairs and we get a little background on each sibling, and their lives to date. Jordan becomes the Earl when his elder half brother (not a sympathetic chap) dies in an accident.
Jordan not only inherits the Earldom but a fiance - Odessa. Who appears to be a rather unfortunate looking character who is surrounded in a cloud of onion smell. He never is quite as off put as you would think though (predominantly due to Odessa being an heiress and Jordan being broke, but also because he is a nice person).
Odessa is in fact not oniony, and is instead trying to avoid marriage to someone her father foists on her.
In Jordan she meets someone who might be less awful to have foisted on her.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Kathleen did it again.
She has given us another series that has started off with a hit. Can't wait for the next book.
Sinfully Wed was so wonderfully written. I loved the plot. It was entertaining, unique, and a page turner!
Jordan Emerson never expected to become the Earl of Emerson as his half brother Bentley had planned on begetting an heir as soon as possible to ensure his father's second family would never inherit anything. Bentley is a jerk and so is the Aunt. Both had it coming to them.
Jordan is now Earl but his half brother squandered all the money, left the estate destitute and indebted to Angus Whitehall. He never liked his half brother for valid reasons but this made him hate him even more.
Angus is ruthless, he owns all of Bentley's debt, which means he owns Jordan. The only way out of the debt is to marry Angus' daughter Odessa. He has no choice thanks to Bentley.
Jordan is great, he is responsible for his family and he won't let them down. Such a strong character. He would do anything for his family, even marry Odessa which is the last thing he actually wants. Nothing will stop him from reneging on the agreement with Angus, no matter how distasteful or disgusting Odessa may be.
Odessa is sick and tired of her father trying to marry her off to the titled gents of the ton. They don't interest her, she doesn't want to be married for her money, and she wants to pick her own man.
She is smart as well as stubborn. She has devised a plan to thwart all the fortune hunting suitors her father keeps bringing home to her, with gruesome tales and disgusting costumes which has worked... until Jordan
Odessa is determined to repel Jordan, but she is naive to her fathers methods of manipulation, she simply doesn't know that there is nothing she can do to stop this union because Jordan is in a precarious situation and it's because of her father.
The fall for both of them was spot on. They went into this determined to have zero interest in the other.
Neither expected the attraction they would feel from the beginning, how they were drawn to the other, or how perfect they were for each other.
I just loved watching these two fall hard for the other, their connection was beautiful.
The family members in this story were also great. They shined as much as the leads. Aunt Lottie and Tamlin stood out for me, great supporting characters.
Aunt Lottie was amazing, loved her. She was supportive, sneaky, and a bit scandalous. Her reaction to Jordan was hilarious.
Tamlin is such a strong lady with a mind of her own, I really hope she gets her own book because it's sure to be interesting. This is a lady that has no issue going against the boys, her fall for one is going to be great.
I received an ARC from Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I think this may be my first book by Kathleen Ayers, but definitely won't be my last. Honestly, I wished I would have read this book once all the series was out because I am ready to dive right in to The Five Deadly Sins series. Book one was fabulous. I was fascinated with Jordan and his siblings from the beginning. Odessa was an intriguing character. I'm excited to see how her and her Aunt Lottie interact with Tamsin and Aurora in future books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an honest review.
4⭐️ .5🌶️
A great start to a new series.👏🏼 I fell in love for Jordan Sinclair right away, as I did with the rest of the Deadly Sin family. So if nothing else, this really piqued and then kept my interest in wanting to know their stories! Even the “good” secondary characters were great. Holly, Hayden, Patchahoo, and Aunt Lottie. I hope we haven’t seen the last Ty of them!
But I did really enjoy the story. What is lacked in emotional depth it made up for in entertainment. However comical it was to see the lengths Odessa was going through to try and have Jordan beg off their engagement, because I liked him so much I started to get a little frustrated with her. How could she not see that he wasn’t just another “entitled fop” who wanted her dowry. I get not wanting her father to make the decision for her, but Jordy was fabulous with her 💕 I wanted more romance and steam than story through! That was definitely missed by me.
Loved Aunt Lottie for, despite helping out with the ruse, not going out of her way to make it too easy for Odessa.
The villains are as to be expected in a HR romance and the ending was wrapped up a little too quickly but I’m glad Odessa didn’t throw down the martyr gauntlet too hard. Actually I think she should have attempted grovel a little bit 🤔 Not that he’d have let her.
No epilogue, but I’m sure we’ll get more of this couple in the next books so I’m ok with that, although I would have liked to see an epilogue that teased the next book, but that’s just me 🤷🏻♀️ Possibly Tamsin and Hayden?…..🤭
This story was very enjoyable. The author was able to mix a historical tomance with the practicality of real life. The characters acted in a formal manner, but in private, they used their first names and spoke in a familiar way. Very different from how most stories are told.
This review may contain spoilers.
The story starts out with the hero and his back story. His father is an earl and the hero is the eldest of his second family. The earl's wife was dying when he met the hero"s mother who was an actress. She became his mistress and when she was pregnant, the earl's wife died and he married his mistress in time for the hero to be a legitimate child. His parents went on to have 4 more children. The earl's family (previous countess's family) was very upset and caused enough gossip that the hero's family did not return to London, they just stayed at the estate. When his father died suddenly, the heir, his half brother, banished them to a derelict estate near Scotland. The manor did not even have a full roof. The hero's mother, desolate with grief, caught a wasting illness and died. The hero was 17 years old when this happened. His father had taught him all about estate management, but they were not given any funds to live on. The hero raised his family for 10 years, until his half brother died. Then he became earl. But the previous countess's family still spread vile gossip and when they returned it was like a turf war. All the servants were paid for by the previous countess's sister, the aunt who raised the half brother after his mother passed. The hero fired everyone, but they weren't able to hire new servants because of the gossip. The hero was relieved that they had been self sufficient for so many years and they were able to slowly acquire what they needed. The hero was advised of the current financial mess that his half brother caused by excess living and that to solve the problem, he would have to marry his brother's fiance'.
The heroine is an older debutante. Her father is a wealthy money lender/banker with questionable morals. All her father wants is for her to marry a title. And so he has presented about 5 titled men, who he threatened into marrying her by acquiring their debts. She is a smart girl and has used many ways to deter her suitors. She has taken to eating raw onions before she meets with them, because they give her gas and bad breath, so she belches and farts and breaths on them the whole visit. She tells them if she doesnt eat an onion, she will have a bad rash. And since she was a child, she has been extremely allergic to strawberries that leave her with oozing postures on her face and body. So if the onions do not work, she will eat a strawberry. She ends up being itchy and broken out for days, but she doesnt want a dandified noble. She is attracted to men who exert themselves for a living. She is also fascinated with the macabre. Stories, legends, death, mummies, she loves it all. And she talks endlessly about this to get rid of the men her father presents to her.
But this latest Lord Emerson, the younger brother of previous one has large hands with calluses. He is intelligent and aware. This suitor may not be frightened away.
I really enjoyed this book and was having fun reading it, and then the end came. Sudden stop. Abrupt fall off of a precipice. I still am surprised that the story ended. I enjoy a story that stops as gently as it starts. I like knowing that the characters will continue on. For I feel that the characters are alive in my mind. And for them to have such a sudden ending, it is like that they cease to exist. What a disappointment. I was going to give this book 5 stars, but with such an ending, I can only give 3 stars. I recommend reading, but be very aware, the ending is abrupt
Jordan has had a rough life, losing his father, his family being banished by his half-brother, the death of his heart-broken mother and now, after the death of his awful half-brother, he is the Earl and forced to to pay his half-brothers debt by marrying his daughter! Odessa has lived a sheltered, comfortable life, ignorant of the actual power of her father. He wants a title and Odessa is going to get him one through marriage. She has been able to scare off all the suitors with presenting herself as a smelly, hideous troll disguise…but not Jordan. He isn’t dissuaded and eventually sees through her disguise!
While the passion builds between them, they just both convince themselves to let her father win his hope of a title and give in to their feelings.
Overall, I thought it was a good book. I understand that, which it being the first in a series, most of the book was setting the stage for the whole series…explaining the circumstances of the Sinclair’s banishment, the death of his half-brother, and developing each of the sibling’s characters…and I love the premise! But I wish there had been more drama with Odessa father or with Jordan’s horrible aunt or with Odessa’s captain. Creat a little more angst and excitement. Maybe Odessa’s father discovered her disguise. Or the Captain was caught attempting to compromise Odessa. Or Jordan’s aunt was scheming. I’m hopeful that the rest of the series will be able to focus more on the individual plots than the overarching set up. Oh, and more steam!! *wink
Sinfully Wed by Kathleen Ayers is a new book in her Five Deadly Sins series and it's off to a promising start!
I love Ayers books. They are quick reads and she builds out the characters really well in a short amount of time. On top of that, there's usually plenty of spice and the stories are always engaging.
In this installment, we meet Odessa and Jordan. Both are in positions they aren't really happy with, the major difference being that Jordan is willing to make it work and Odessa will do ANYTHING to get out of it. While I thought Odessa's actions were sometimes a bit over the top, Ayers got the point across that she truly would do whatever it took to get out of marrying.
If you're looking for a quick and page turning read, check this one out. I'll definitely be picking up the next book in the series when it's out.
This relatively short book has so much packed into it that I am now waiting for the next installments!
Jordan is the second son, by the actress and mistress second wife, of the Earl of Emerson. Upon the death of his father, his older half brother banished Jordan and his siblings to live in poverty in a rundown estate far from London. His brother’s death makes him the new Earl, a role he wasn’t expecting or prepared for.
Odessa Whitehall is the daughter of a notorious but wealthy loan shark who desperately wants a connection to the aristocracy. Her father Angus schemes to get her a titled husband, but she schemes too—to avoid marrying anyone her father chooses for her.
I loved these two characters. Their path to HEA had some comical twists as Odessa initially tried to make Jordan reject her. Her efforts had worked on previous suitors, but Jordan is a completely different kind of aristocrat, and Odessa soon realizes that she might not want to chase him away after all.
The book gets steamy once these two realize they are attracted to one another, so don’t choose it if you prefer clean romance.. Many interesting characters are introduced in the story, and I definitely look forward to read more in this series. I received an ARC of this title and really enjoyed it.
3-Not-Enough-Sinning-Stars
Ratings -
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/ Storyline - 📖📖📖📖
Romance - 💖💖💖
Feels - 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth - 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension - ⚡️⚡️
Sensuality - 🔥🔥
No of Sex Scenes - 🍑
Sex Scene Length - 🍆🍆
I love Ms Ayer's writing and most of her books, well, almost all of her books, but unfortunately, this one did not quite hit the mark that I have come to expect from this author. Something was missing here, namely character development, steam and romance.
Pros...
- Great writing
- A quick pace
- Interesting plot
- Great hero. Jordan really awesome
- I loved his loss of temper at Odessa
- Beginnings of a chemistry/ romance
- Left me with a (very) small smile
Cons...
- The romance felt rushed
- Most of the book was about "Innovative ways to dissuade an unwanted suitor."
- Sadly, it did not hit home
- I did not enjoy Odessa as she appeared shallow
- Most of my gripe is with the final few chapters as it was busy with too many developments and characters with minor plot points thrown in willy-nilly.
- Too many "Deadly Sins..."
- No steam
Did I absolutely love it? No. Will I read the next one in the series? Yes.
This is funny, original, heartwarming and, towards the end, deliciously spicy and you are too engrossed by the story that you don’t even notice you’re already halfway through it! Well written, full of action, love, steam, exciting characters and a fabulous storyline. This story has it all , a would be forced marriage to pay off debts , hardship , dishonourable families , yet it has compassion and witty dialogue along with passion and romance. I totally recommend this book!
Jordan and Odessa’s love story is a total delight! He is a reluctant Earl, having received his title upon the death of his half brother, a title that he never wanted. Along with the title he received a mountain of debts, that included a betrothal to a woman who wants nothing to do with him . In very witty and creative ways, she does everything she can to drive him away! Their dialogue and banter are clever and fun. Watching them develop their relationship from disgust and hate, to a great passion and love , is most enjoyable and rewarding!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sinfully Wed is the first novel in the new The Five Deadly Sins series by Kathleen Ayers. Kathleen Ayers is one of my all-time favorite authors. I am so excited about The Five Deadly Sins series! Kathleen Ayers has the remarkable talent of writing family sagas where each beloved member shines in their individual books while strengthening the series as a whole.
Jordan Sinclair, the new Earl of Emerson, finds himself engaged to Odessa Whitehall because Odessa’s father owns all of Jordan’s late half-brother’s debts. Jordan and Odessa vehemently object to this marriage. Jordan is being forced to sell himself and his title to a vicious, unscrupulous man. Odessa, who is shunned by polite society just like Jordan, wants nothing to do with Lords and wants to pick her own non-titled husband. Odessa uses all her tricks to get Jordan to beg off, but the two are drawn to each other.
Jordan is an amazing character! He has fought for his family’s survival his whole life. Jordan is angry. Jordan learns to slowly release the anger and bitterness through getting to know Odessa. Odessa is utterly unique! Obsessed with macabre stories, she uses everything in her arsenal to disgust Jordan. Odessa’s temerity hides a beautiful vulnerability. Bonded by the actions of their parents, Jordan and Odessa forge a bond and slowly develop fiery, passionate feelings.
I was amazed at how carefully and lovingly each character was written. One of Kathleen Ayer’s greatest strengths is creating unforgettable plots that are still character driven. Each sibling’s description makes me so eager to read their books! Odessa’s aunt was a favorite character. Even the horrible relatives of Jordans were three-dimensional and intriguing. Odessa’s plot to putting off Jordan had me laughing out loud! However, under the enchanting banter and struggles for independence, Jordan and Odessa are two drifting, lost souls looking for connection and genuine affection.
This book raced by, and I couldn’t turn the page fast enough! I didn’t think the author could build upon the greatness of the Barrington series, but The Sinclair family is just as formidable! These books cannot come out fast enough! I wish I had more than five stars for this humorous, passionate, unforgettable romance! I am unsure whose story is next, but I can’t wait to read it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a great start to a new series! I love the Sinclair family! They aren't accepted by society and they don't really care. Jordan and Odessa were fantastic. I loved Odessa from the start. I just wish she would have given up her ruse earlier. I can't wait to read more about this family.
Did I like this book? Overall i did. But I think that the author overwrite the first half of the book, like I was 50% into the book and they were starting to like each other, and i mean like “he is attractive” “she is pretty” kind of like, so if you want a slow burn read this book.
Perfect start, to a new series! Odessa is one of the most interesting heroines I've read in a long time, she's very imaginative.. Jordon is everything you'd want in a hero, smart, strong, swoon worthy it's an intriguing, hot adventure, so go grab your copy and get started, enjoy a good book today!
I can tell already that I am going to love this series. Jordan and Odessa are basically from the wrong side of the tracks in that era who come together due to circumstances beyond their control. They both lack control over their lives because of decisions made by others. Jordan, though rough around the edges, has more honor and dedication to his family than his "lord" of a brother. Odessa was absolutely hilarious when trying to get Jordan to cry off the wedding contract that was beyond her control. I laughed many times and found it to be intensely comical. I loved the interaction of Jordan and Odessa and I could literally see his reactions to Odessa's mad plans which made it even funnier. Ayers has a way with descriptions that make you feel like you are there. What a great story with a HEA.
There is nothing I disliked a bout this book. Katherine Ayer’s has a winner in her new series about the dreadful “Sins”! I adored Odessa and Jordan as well as the other members of the Sinclair family and can’t wait until the next Novel in this series. I especially liked Odessa’s aunt who was a poor choice for a chaperone but who could see more clearly than either our H and h could. Laughed at Odessa’s strategies to get rid of her unwanted suitors, even eating raw onions and garlic to dissuade them from their courtship. The rolls of wool she used to pad herself kept slipping to unusual places as well and were very itchy. This novel has it all, romance, humor, strong characters and a terrific plot. Although I received an ARC free of charge, all my opinions are my own.
An interesting and intriguing start to a new series, this novel certainly aroused my emotions. I felt anger regarding the ill-treatment of Jordan and his family as they were despatched to nether regions of the realm; I was entertained and amused at Odessa's tactics to dissuade Jordan from marrying her; I was glad that he used his hard-worn intelligence and experience to see through Odessa's subterfuge and her father's machinations; and finally, I was excited when a resolution to Jordan's problems was found and justice was served. I just wish I knew how his entitled relations felt about the outcome. The novel is well-written and romantic. It is also a standalone and I loved the main characters and their immediate relations. I received a copy of this romance as a gift from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Jordan and his family are banished from London to live out their lives. But their lives change again and Jordan is being made to marry. His betrothed is atrocious and undesirable. He's looking for a way out of marriage and the story begins..
This was a great read. I'm hoping there are stories about Jordans siblings and The Duke.
An interesting story of greed, lust, secrets, disguises, murder, regrets, family and love. Jordan Sinclair is the second son from a second marriage. When his father dies quite unexpected, his half brother, Brentley, moves them out of their home and banishes them to a house in need of lots of repair and with no money to repair the home. They have no servants and barely enough money to feed Jordan, his mother and his two younger brothers and two younger sisters. Jordan learns how to raise pigs and his sister raises a garden to help keep the family in food. Unfortunately his mother becomes ill and without funds for medical care, she passes away shortly after the move. Eleven years later, Jordan learns his half-brother has died and he is now the new Earl of Emerson. He is also informed he will be marrying an heiress to cover all the debts Bentley owes. The heiress, Odess a Whitehall, is the daughter of the man who Brentley was in debt to. How will she handles this turn of events? I am not going to provide any spoiler, so you will need to read to this book to find all the twist and turns in the story. There are some very steamy parts in this story, which for me only took away from this interesting story. I was reading, ready to turn the page to find what happened next and the story ended rather abruptly at least for me. I would have liked to had another page or two, but maybe the next book in this series will take up where this one left off.