Review: Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 30, 2018

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Source: Purchased

Find it here: GoodReads

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.

Moonlight Sins is the first book in Armentrout’s de Vincent trilogy, with each book focusing on a different brother. The de Vincent family is the epitome of old money and power – but money and power don’t always equate to happiness. And the de Vincent’s have had their share of tragedy.

Lucian, nicknamed Lucifer by the paparazzi, is the youngest of the de Vincent brothers. Known for his playboy persona, Lucian is charming but aloof. That changes when Lucian takes it upon himself to hire a live-in nurse to care for a family member – and the sparks fly. Julia needs a change in her life and taking a job in New Orleans seems like the fresh start she needs. She’s quickly drawn into the web of the mysterious de Vincent family. While she’s drawn to Lucian, the scandals and secrets surrounding the family cannot be ignored. And while whispers of a de Vincent family curse seemed far-fetched at first, the more time Julia spends surrounded by the enigmatic family, the more she starts to fear for her own safety.

It was easy to get sucked into the lives of the de Vincent family. From the complicated family dynamics, to the strange goings-on at the family’s mansion, there was plenty to keep me turning the pages. I warmed to Julia from the start. Caring and compassionate, hard-working and rational, Julia was determined to do her best for her patient while dealing with a past that keeps coming back to haunt her, and her growing attraction to Lucian. And speaking of Lucian (Mr. Dark and Brooding himself), I was so on-board for this guy. The flippant attitude and acerbic wit hid plenty of emotional baggage, so it was all the more rewarding to see him soften when around Julia and finally open up with someone. Armentrout did a great job at creating a consistent low-key foreboding atmosphere and I ate it up. An exciting climax, a big reveal and a great set-up for the next book has me so ready to continue this series.

Moonlight Sins is a tricky one to categorize. Contemporary romance? Definitely. But there’s also a gothic feel. And a bit of mystery/suspense. And perhaps just a hint of the paranormal? The jury is still out on that last aspect but I’ll be the first in line for the next books to find out.

4/5 STARS

Do you enjoy a little mystery with your romance?