Review: Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelley

Format: ebook
Publisher: Carina
Pub Date: January 31, 2011
FTC: Received for review via Netgalley

I haven't read an Inez Kelley book before, but I will definitely be checking for backlist and future releases after finishing Sweet as Sin.

I've never been fond of sex scenes that had food in them. They just seemed messy rather than erotic. But the scenes at the bakery with Murphy and Livvy are some of the most erotic, sensual scenes I've ever read. Especially the luster dust. *fans self* I'm not really a fan of explicit scene after explicit scene in books, because so often it seems as if the sex overwhelms the romance. But the scenes in this book are both explicit AND incredibly intimate. Emotionally charged as well as hot. And that was a wonderful surprise.



Usually when I read about a character who is a writer and see glimpses of their "work in progress" I am a bit underwhelmed. As if the writer is afraid that their character's writing will outshine their own. But I was so engrossed in the stories Murphy was telling, I was a bit put out that they don't really exist. I wanted to read them.

The initial tone of the book and the blurb can lull the reader into thinking this is a lighter weight story. It isn't. John Murphy has some serious baggage. His emotional health isn't good, and much of the conflict in this novel revolves around his attempts to ignore just how messed up he is. Some of the best parts of the book are when Livvy has to stand up to his attempts to push her away. When he's not very nice. Not easy to love. The author pushes right up to the line on what most people will accept of their romance heroes.

My only problems with the book came at the very end. I didn't like a particular action of Livvy's. She doesn't play games, especially not head games, and seeing her emotionally manipulate Murphy "for his own good" felt a little hollow and out of character to me. But it was a minor quibble in an otherwise fabulous story. I admit I was little red-eyed when I finished this one.  

Sweet as Sin is a visceral journey that will have you laughing, crying, and sighing before it's over. Not to mention craving chocolate.

My Grade: A-

The Blurb:

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?