This story pulled me in immediately. Claire is in a very unique situation and instantly likeable. I was sympathetic and invested in what happened right away. Johnny and Claire butted heads initially but also had chemistry, so it tortured them both but for different reasons. I wanted to know more as soon as he was introduced. Tessa James crafted this character perfectly, giving enough information to make him interesting yet surrounding him with mystery.
Johnny’s backstory is dramatic and pretty wild, but also fairly realistic, which I enjoy. I loved the push/pull between them and the tension was perfect, enough to feel it but not so much as to be annoying. This is a slow burn but once things ignite, these two go up in flames. It’s steamy but also romantic and it’s done well so no insta-love here. The author builds a relationship between them with every interaction. The story is told from alternating POV between the two main characters, which is my preference for a romance because I find it gives the characters more depth and makes for a richer story.
Their relationship is completely intertwined with both characters’ backstories so it stays front and center without sacrificing the other aspects of the story. I could not put this book down and can’t wait for the second part. The ending felt a little rushed and I would have loved to see the last chapter or two stretched out but I still loved the ending. We know there’s more to the story but it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger so I won’t be tortured waiting for the second release. Some people might enjoy that but it’s my number one no-no. I’m not a patient person and was dreading a cliffy so I was thrilled with the way the ending was handled.
I enjoyed everything about this story, especially the characters, and can’t wait for more. This is a new author and one to watch. She’ll quickly become a favorite if she keeps writing books this good.
I was given an advance copy by Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
Sinners & Angels duet on Amazon
Tortured Sinner
by Tessa James
Sinners & Angels duet book 1
Available June 24th
Sinners And Angels duet book 1
My name is Johnny, and I dance with the devil.
At least, that’s what I tell people, so they stay as far away as possible.
I never meant to get mixed up with the wrong crowd, but if you want to win a war, you have to get your hands a little dirty.
The plan was to keep myself isolated, until an angel walks into my life that makes my dead heart start to beat again.
She’s sweet and innocent, and everything I shouldn’t want, but I can’t seem to stay away.
It’ll take everything I have to resist the magnetic pull between us, but what if Claire is the salvation I need?
