I've quickly become a fan of Inez Kelley, and SWEET AS SIN does not disappoint. Ms. Kelley has written a contemporary romance that is both passionate and deeply moving, expertly balancing the discovery of new love with the unraveling of childhood secrets.
John Murphy, best-selling author of a fantasy series for young-adults, moves in next door to sexy pastry chef Livvy Andrews. He comes knocking on her door after discovering a red bra that has escaped her clothesline. He is instantly attracted to her long legs and violet eyes. Livvy likes what she sees but is leery of getting involved with a next-door neighbor; it can get really uncomfortable if things don't end well. As events conspire to throw them together, Livvy and John decide a summer fling might be just the thing. Their growing attachment soon triggers the childhood demons John struggles to keep at bay. Can their love overcome a tragic past?
I liked Livvy and John, both as individuals and as a couple. The struggles and misunderstandings they encountered is compelling and genuine, while the sexual chemistry is strong. The supporting characters, such as Livvy's sister and her fiancΓ©, add a nice flavor to the story. Ms. Kelley provides a special treat via the addition of excerpts from John's fantasy story, which parallels the journey the main characters are on towards healing and self-discovery. John's love for his characters is a real as his love for Livvy and his sister. I would truly enjoy reading more of the adventures of Jondi, Thorn, and Vory.
John Murphy is tormented by nightmares. A bestselling young-
adult author, he writes the ultimate fantasy: stories where
good always triumphs. He knows better. His past has shown
him the worst in people-and in himself. When he moves next
door to the sexy, vibrant Livvy-a woman completely unlike
his usual one-night stands-he's driven to explore every
curve of her delicious body.
Pastry chef Livvy knows that giving in to the temptation
that is John Murphy won't lead to anything permanent, but
she deserves a passionate summer fling. John discovers
she's as sweet as the confections she bakes while Livvy
slowly unravels his secrets. But what will happen when she
uncovers them all?
Livvy sidled around him to her desk and leaned on the edge, one arm across her waist, one hand pressed to her mouth. Guilt swelled inside her. Sheβd made a mistake and judged him too quickly. Her eyes flew to his. "Iβm so sorry. I jumped to conclusions."
"Yeah, you did, and straight into another manβs arms."
"It wasnβt like that." Her protest was cut short as he stepped in front of her and caught her mouth. Brutally, he took from her until she was gasping. Her body burned beneath his touch. She buried her fingers in his hair and pulled him closer. John needed no coaxing. He pushed her back to lie flat on her desk, his hard body covering hers. Papers skidded to the floor and pens dropped like rain. She didnβt care. She just wanted more of him.
His lips caressed hers, his whisper hoarse, rough and tattered. "I want to kiss the taste of him right out of your mouth. Make you forget about him. Did he kiss you like this?"
She nipped his chin and lied. "Yes."
Warmed with a growl, his kiss burned her lips. She angled her neck, giving him access to her throat. His tongue was hot and slick and he grazed her with sharp teeth. Gulping air, she twisted beneath him, desperate to feel more of his mouth, more of his fire, more of him. Fire skated along her flesh. His calloused hands cupped her swelling breasts.
"Did he touch you here?"
"Yes," she lied in an agonized breath that turned to a cry of pleasure when he pinched her aching nipple. How large and hot his palms were. Her back bowed and thrust her breasts into his hands. His tongue trailed down to her breastbone. The V of her blouse stopped his path for only one second before his mouth closed on the throbbing peak. The sensation of his sucking through her clothes ratcheted up the desire to a burning level and she moaned his name.
She wrapped her legs around his hips and arched into him. His groan reverberated in the room and he rose to feast on her lips. He shoved her skirt to her waist, cupping her ass. Raspy words slithered across her skin.
"Here? Did he touch you here?"
"Yes," she lied again, anything to make him stop the ache he had created inside her. Harshly, he palmed her ass, rocking her against him. The whimper that escaped her was swallowed before it began as his lips caressed her jaw. Firmly, she ground herself into his zipper and he pushed between her legs.
Thoughts fled and only feeling registered. He was as hard as she was wet. Livvy raked her fingers down his spine, gripped his hips and tried to bring him closer. She needed his touch, the feel of him against her. When his hand left her ass, a cry of loss racked through her until his fingers grazed her wet core through her panties.
Snapping her eyes open wide, she locked on to his lusty gaze. She tasted his desire as strongly as her own. It had a unique flavor, like caramel just before it scorched. He swallowed once, his breath ragged.
"Here, Livvy, did he touch you here?"
She let her lip curl into a feral smile. "Yes."
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