My Review of “Moonlight Scandals” by Jennifer L. Armentrout
HEY HO FAM! Today is a special day, because today is the release day for Jen’s latest book, Moonlight Scandals! This book ties up the de Vincent series, so get your hands on it now! I have my review of the last book below.
“I’m here to break shit and raise some holy hell.”
Rumor has it that the de Vincent mansion is haunted—enough people have died there to be sure. And that’s what interests Rosie, a part-time ghost investigator, in the de Vincent line. She just didn’t expect to fall for the oldest (and hottest) de Vincent brother and get pulled into what everyone dubs ‘the de Vincent curse.’
Knowing Jennifer L. Armentrout, and her love of ghost hunting shows, it was only a matter of time before that wormed its way into a book—and I was not disappointed. Rosie’s character was so dynamic that you just can’t help but love her. And I’m pretty sure that’s something Devlin de Vincent would say, because yep, you guessed it, he falls in love with her. But this love isn’t all coming up roses for everyone. There are, dare I say, scandals surrounding the de Vincents.
Sitting down and reflecting on all three of the de Vincent brothers, I’m having a hard time picking a favorite. They’re all so perfect in their own way, I couldn’t pick my favorite book from this series if I tried. Not only is this series a romance, but it also has a good amount of suspense and mystery in it as well. When it all comes to head in the last act of this book, your jaw will come unhinged. (I’m pretty sure I was running around my house screaming my feelings at multiple parts.) I’m sad that this is the last book, because I’ll always want more, but Moonlight Scandals was a perfect ending to the de Vincent trilogy. I hope everyone loves it as much as I did!
Moonlight Seduction Release Day Countdown: 1 Day to Go!
The second De Vincent Novel, Moonlight Seduction, by Jennifer L. Armentrout comes out this month and to celebrate, I will be sharing a snippet each day (20 all up) on the lead up to its release on the 26th June.
For those of you who don’t know i’m part of Jennifer L Armentrout’s review team and as such I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this novel, and I can tell you that this is one novel you DO NOT want to miss out on.
Snippet 20: MOONLIGHT SINS IS OUT TOMORROW!!
(to go the #MoonlightSedcutionCountdown tag to see past snippets)
The de Vincent brothers are back—and so is the intrigue that surrounds them—in New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s sizzling new novel...
Nicolette Bresson never thought she’d return to the de Vincents’ bayou compound. It’s where her parents work, where Nikki grew up... and where she got her heart broken by Gabriel de Vincent himself. Yet here she is, filling in for her sick mother. Avoiding Gabe should be easy, especially when so much of Nikki’s time is spent trying not to be stabbed in the back by the malicious hangers-on who frequent the mansion. But escaping memories of Gabe, much less his smoking-hot presence, is harder than expected—especially since he seems determined to be in Nikki’s space as much as possible.
Gabriel spent years beating himself up over his last encounter with Nikki. He’d wanted her then, but for reasons that were bad for both of them. Things have now changed. Gabe sees more than a girl he’s known forever; he sees a smart, talented, and heartbreakingly beautiful woman... one who’s being stalked from the shadows. Now, Gabe will do anything to keep Nikki safe—and to stop the de Vincent curse from striking again.
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"Both sizzling and touching. If you love atmospheric drama, dangerous family secrets and sensual romance, this is the book for you!" --RT Book Reviews
Moonlight Sins from
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Don't miss out, grab your copy today!
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New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout delivers the unforgettable story of a woman whose new life has just begun—but may end in murder . . .
Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she learned a very painful lesson. Now Julia’s starting over with a job in the Louisiana bayou—and a scorching encounter with a stranger, only to discover he’s Lucian de Vincent . . . her new employer. The de Vincent brothers share a massive fortune and a dark reputation. Julia cares for their troubled sister, but a menacing presence in the mansion—and the ever-present temptation of Lucian—prove dangerously distracting.
Lucian’s grandmother claimed de Vincent men fall in love once—and hard. Apparently, it’s Lucian’s turn. Julia’s compassionate care of his twin makes Lucian want to lay himself bare. But some secrets are better for Julia not to know.
The recent “suicide” of Lucian’s father is the latest in a string of deaths on the estate. Someone is eliminating the de Vincents. And the best way to get to Lucian may be t
Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she learned a very painful lesson. Now Julia’s starting over with a job in the Louisiana bayou—and a scorching encounter with a stranger, only to discover he’s Lucian de Vincent... her new employer. The de Vincent brothers share a massive fortune and a dark reputation. Julia cares for their troubled sister, but a menacing presence in the mansion—and the ever-present temptation of Lucian—prove dangerously distracting.
Lucian’s grandmother claimed de Vincent men fall in love once—and hard. Apparently, it’s Lucian’s turn. Julia’s compassionate care of his twin makes Lucian want to lay himself bare. But some secrets are better for Julia not to know.
The recent “suicide” of Lucian’s father is the latest in a string of deaths on the estate. Someone is eliminating the de Vincents. And the best way to get to Lucian may be through Julia...
A de Vincent novel (book 1): Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout
February 10, 2018
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout delivers the unforgettable story of a woman whose new life has just begun—but may end in murder...
Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she learned a very painful lesson. Now Julia’s starting over with a job in the Louisiana bayou—and a scorching encounter with a stranger, only to discover he’s Lucian de Vincent... her new employer. The de Vincent brothers share a massive fortune and a dark reputation. Julia cares for their troubled sister, but a menacing presence in the mansion—and the ever-present temptation of Lucian—prove dangerously distracting.
Lucian’s grandmother claimed de Vincent men fall in love once—and hard. Apparently, it’s Lucian’s turn. Julia’s compassionate care of his twin makes Lucian want to lay himself bare. But some secrets are better for Julia not to know.
The recent “suicide” of Lucian’s father is the latest in a string of deaths on the estate. Someone is eliminating the de Vincents. And the best way to get to Lucian may be through Julia...
Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of my favorite authors and she has yet to truly disappoint me. Her last thriller mystery romance book, Till Death, was good but it wasn't like Moonlight Sins. This new novel had the mystery, suspense, romance, and even a little paranormal that brought the book to the next level. And of course when you have a setting like New Orleans, anything can happen in the city of ghosts and mystery. A definite new favorite of mine and I can't wait for the next one!
This story focuses on Lucian de Vincent and Julia Hughes. The book begins with Lucian and his brothers finding their father dead in his study. Though it appears he has hung himself, none of them believe that is true, especially when there is evidence proving otherwise. However, with the life they live they can't have the truth of that coming out. Especially when the real reason and complication appears in the form of Lucian's fraternal twin sister, Madeline, who has returned from the dead but appears to be emotionally scarred.
Enter Julia. Hired by the de Vincents, though she doesn't know at the time, she comes to help Maddie. Determined to help the girl and her traumatic passed, Julia is unprepared for the danger waiting for her. Then there is the complication that is Lucian. Lucian and Julia meet before her new job begins. What starts out as Lucian wanting a little more information about this nurse, he is surprised to find that she isn't what he expected and that his attraction to her is deeper than anything he could have imagined.
Awkward moments, heated glances, and a romance that common sense screaming no, but your heart screaming yes, is the rollercoaster that begins Lucian and Julia's relationship. Oh, and it doesn't help that the house they live in haunted, their family as a whole is cursed, and that any woman who is related or close to the de Vincents end up dead or mentally unstable. The book is as interesting and enticing as it sounds and worth every moment.
Read an Except of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Latest Release and Series Starter, Moonlight Sins
Phew, it’s my first time being a part of a blog tour and I’m going into this blind! But it’s been really fun and I’m super excited to bring you a charming and delightful excerpt of Moonlight Sins. The start to the de Vincent series, Moonlight Sins is gothic with paranormal elements, a steamy romance and oodles of mystery! You can read my review of Moonlight Sins here.
Set in the heart of New Orleans MOONLIGHT SINS, the first book in the all-new de Vincent series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, invites readers to enter the world the de Vincent family.
Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she had her heart and confidence shattered by her manipulative ex-husband. For the first time in her life, she’s making major changes– new job, new town and a new opportunity to forget the past. But starting over in the Louisiana bayou isn’t exactly what she thought it would be…
Lucien de Vincent – the wildest, most unpredictable brother - is having a bad week. His father has been found dead in the most suspicious circumstances. His older brother is bribing the police to avoid a scandal. And the more he spends time with, Julia the new nurse taking care of his troubled sister, the more he can’t imagine being without her. Lucien may be the unrepentant bachelor of the family but there’s something about Julia that makes him want to lay himself bare. But family secrets are starting to emerge. And the past could not only bring down a dynasty but destroy Julia in the process.
Julia knows better than to get wrapped up in Lucian. He’s from a world she can’t relate to. Plus, he’s her employer. But his wicked touch and sensual promises are too much to deny. What starts with a kiss ends with so much more.
But I’ll stop talking now, you’re not here to hear me talk. Duhh. Excerpt under the cut!
“I want to know about you,” he spoke before she could, and then shifted closer, his knee pressed into her thigh once more. “I have questions. I’m made of them.”
She gave a little laugh as she shook her head. “There’s nothing more to know about me than what you already know.”
“There’s literally everything to know about you,” he insisted. “Where did you go to school? What really made you take a job like this one where you leave everything behind?”
“I went to Shippensburg University. You’ve probably never heard of it.” Like she’d ever answer that last question. Finishing off her tea, she smiled faintly. “It’s really late and I do need to get to sleep. Thank you for the tea. I think it will work.”
“But I haven’t asked you the most important question.”
Slipping off the stool, she let her hair fall forward, past her breasts. “And what is that?”
“How can you be here and be the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen?”
Julia’s head swung to his so fast she thought her it would fall right off her shoulders.
Everything about the tone of his voice and the slightly wide eyes of his said he was being genuine, but he couldn’t be serious.
Her gaze sharpened. Was he drinking something harder than chamomile? Because there was no way in the world that he truly believed that she was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen.
The question burned to the tip of her tongue. If he thought she was so beautiful then why did he walk away from her that night in her apartment? She swallowed the question so she didn’t have to swallow her pride.
At the end of the day, she knew who Lucian was.
He was the kind of guy who couldn’t go a weekend without getting laid. They existed. She’d met a few while in college and when she did her stint at the hospital. They weren’t exactly particular when it came to who’d they be with. Pretty much came down to whoever was available at the time.
Which meant she wasn’t going to be impressed with stray compliments that were tossed out as often as the trash was.
Lucian leaned and then spoke in a low voice, “There is another reason why I didn’t tell you who I was.”
The change of subject rattled her and she whispered back. “Why?”
He tilted his head so his mouth was directly above her ear. “Because I knew the moment you’d figured out who I was, you wouldn’t have let me come back to your apartment.”
Exhaling roughly, Julia knew she needed to pull away and stop this conversation. That was the professional and mature thing to do, but she didn’t move. She was frozen on her stool, her heart thumping in her chest.
He wasn’t done yet. “I knew that if you realized who I was, you would’ve never let me get my hand between those pretty thighs of yours and I would’ve never known how soft and slick you felt against my fingers.”
A bolt of red-hot lust blasted through her veins as heat poured into her very core. Those words created a storm inside her. A tremble rocked her body.
“So, yeah, that’s another reason why I didn’t say who I was.” His lips brushed the lobe of her ear, sending an illicit shiver across her skin.
Pulse pounding, she drew back. She felt unsteady as Lucian straightened on his chair, and she felt so close—too close to do something irrevocably reckless. Like hopping off her stool and into his lap.
“You’re not supposed to bring that up,” she reminded him. “You promised.”
He tilted his head to the side. “I didn’t promise that.”
She opened her mouth.
“I didn’t,” he insisted, and when she dragged the conversation back through her thoughts, she realized he was right. He hadn’t.
Her eyes narrowed. “Even so, it would be the appropriate thing for you to do.”
“And I think you already know how I feel about doing the appropriate thing.”
She shook her head. It was way past time to end this conversation. “Thank you for the tea, Lucian, but—” A gasp cut her off.
Lucian rose and was in front of her so quickly that she was startled. “Say it again.”
Confusion swamped her. “Say what?”
“My name.”
They were close, and he towered over her by a good foot. Julia reached out, gripping the edge of the island. “Why?”
“Because I asked?” he offered, his lips curving up at the corners. “And because I like the way it sounds coming from your lips.”
Her heart did a weird little jump. She had no idea how to respond to that request. None whatsoever.
But then he moved. He reached into the small place between them, catching the piece of her hair that had fallen across her cheek. Before she could move away, the back of his hand dragged across her cheek as he tucked the hair behind her ear. Her stupid, stupid body immediately responded once more.
Blog Tour Review: Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout
I have given Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout a ☆☆☆ rating. It is Book 1 of the de Vincent series. It is Adult Contemporary Romance. Avon Books publishes it. It was published January 30, 2018.
The blurb reads:
Set in the heart of New Orleans MOONLIGHT SINS, the first book in the all-new de Vincent series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, invites readers to enter the world the de Vincent family.
Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she had her heart and confidence shattered by her manipulative ex-husband. For the first time in her life, she’s making major changes– new job, new town and a new opportunity to forget the past. But starting over in the Louisiana bayou isn’t exactly what she thought it would be…
Lucien de Vincent – the wildest, most unpredictable brother - is having a bad week. His father has been found dead in the most suspicious circumstances. His older brother is bribing the police to avoid a scandal. And the more he spends time with, Julia the new nurse taking care of his troubled sister, the more he can’t imagine being without her. Lucien may be the unrepentant bachelor of the family but there’s something about Julia that makes him want to lay himself bare. But family secrets are starting to emerge. And the past could not only bring down a dynasty but destroy Julia in the process.
Julia knows better than to get wrapped up in Lucian. He’s from a world she can’t relate to. Plus, he’s her employer. But his wicked touch and sensual promises are too much to deny. What starts with a kiss ends with so much more.
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Two posts in one day? I have hit a new record. But, truly, it’s because I overloaded once again and ended up doing two blog tours in a day. Not the best idea but when I realised my mistake, it was too late to move things around. As always, my reviews may contain spoilers. I say may because what’s a spoiler to you may not be a spoiler for me.
I’ve yet to read any Jennifer L Armentrout books but I’ve heard good things about her writing so when I saw that Moonlight Sins was one of the anticipated romance reads of January, I couldn’t resist the chance to snag a spot on the Pure Textuality blog tour! Read an excerpt here!
But, I was mildly disappointed.
Moonlight Sins gives you a sort of gothic vibe, one that involves creepy old ancestral homes and of course, everyone’s favourite, ghosts. So, if you’re a scaredy cat like me, please don’t read this at home, alone and at night because your imagination will run wild and play tricks on you. But more than having a gothic vibe I was not prepared for, Moonlight Sins lacked a lot of fire and I really struggled with my rating and review. Find out why under the cut!
Firstly, it took forever for the plot to build to a remotely exciting place. It was slow and I could not see where the book wanted to go. Sure, you have Lucian and Julia’s romance but is that the entirety of the novel? Especially after mystery elements have been introduced? It just wasn’t quick enough for the kind of story being told. Plus, I absolutely detest when romances start off with a fuck fest when the characters have barely had any chance to develop any chemistry and the dirty talk was blah, leaving me thinking that it was just a poor choice for a plot device.
But, Moonlight Sins’ shining glory is Julia. She’s everything you need in a heroine. She’s headstrong, she takes no shit, she’s independent and she is no spineless lady. She stands up to the alpha male all the while caring for his sister as her nurse, not as a lady hired to be a caregiver.
Lucian, on the other hand, I could not begin to like at all. Firstly, he lies to Julia (even though he claims that semantically, he didn’t), he sleeps with her and when she shows up at her job, continues being lecherous towards her, even though she has expressed how his actions made her feel. He’s domineering in an uncomfortable way and insinuates himself into her life, being overly possessive (is this still a thing people like????) and all Neanderthal-esque. Armentrout is known for her domineering heroes but this one just felt excessive and out of touch with our current reality. I, for one, could feel absolute zero chemistry between the both of them and any steamy bits, I just glossed over.
On the other hand, I did absolutely love Lucian’s brother, Gabe, and I’m so excited that the next instalment is his story! He’s a lot more charming and sweet than his brother.
Steamy score: 3. I love the self-pleasure scene from Julia and it’s just really important that female sexuality is recognised and celebrated.
Another thing I felt was sorely lacking was the setting itself. Although it was set in New Orleans, more often than not, I forget they were even there. Okay, the de Vincent family home is set like wayyyyyy off the grid, cut off from society by gates and long winding roads. But, if you’re going to set a book somewhere, I’d best a get a feel for the local environment instead of using the voodoo-hoodoo vibe of New Orleans to help center the gothic-ness.
It was difficult to rate Moonlight Sins. I wanted to give it a good review but it’s too mediocre in a world of stunning and amazing contemporary romances. In fact, Moonlight Sins made a better suspense/mystery than it did an actual romance because the author is good at building up the mystery elements. But coupled with a hero that I just could not like and he refused to grow on me, made Moonlight Sins somewhat of a chore. Julia Hughes, the heroine, is the only shining light in the gloom. Oh, and Lucian’s brother Gabe.
Thank you to Pure Textuality, the author and the publisher for the blog tour and providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review. This review edition may differ from the final edition.
BOOKS I READ IN 2018 → moonlight sins by jennifer l. armentrout
“This is screwed up,” she said. “You’re screwed up.”
“I’m not just screwed up, Ms. Hughes. I’m as broken as they come, but I don’t need to be fixed. I don’t want to be fixed.” He caged her in. “I like all my fucked-up shards and pieces. They make me who I am. They make me real. The question is, can you handle real?”
