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?

19 comments

  1. Blogger has stopped sending notification emails for comments. Presently the only suggested "fix" is for the blog's author to comment after each posting and check the "Notify me" box in the comment pane. Hopefully this work-around is successful for now.

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  2. I think I would certainly like Lucian! This sounds really good Tanya. I must read it now! :)

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  3. I still have yet to read a book by this author! I like the sounds of the gothic feel and mystery to this one. Hopefully I get a chance to finally check out this author's work!

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    1. Armentrout is one of my (very) few auto-buy authors and she's never let me down. :)

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  4. This does sound like a good read!I have heard of the series but not picked it up yet

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    1. I've always enjoyed Armentrout's writing and her stories are just so easy to get into.

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  5. Sounds like you really enjoyed this one!! May have to give it a try :D

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  6. I really should try her romances and you had me at brothers!

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  7. I need this book in my life! I've really enjoyed the authors other books, so I'm sure I won't be disappointed. Lovely review! <3

    An exciting climax, huh? I have to ask... is this a steamy romance or a slow burn for later? (I know that's not the climax you were referring to, but it triggered the question, lol.)

    L @ Do You Dog-ear?

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    1. OMG, I'm still laughing at your "climax" question, Lindsi. Too funny. Yeah, there were definitely some steamy scenes... it wasn't like "to be continued in the next book" kind of thing. JLA is one of my very few auto-buy authors. She's just never let me down.

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  8. Ooh this sounds really good. I like that it focuses so much on the family too - and that each book will follow a member. I do like some mystery with romance sometimes!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. It's been quite a while since I read a romantic suspense type novel and I certainly enjoyed this one!

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  9. This book definitely caught my attention because it's by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and because she is one of my favorite guilty pleasure authors. As much as I enjoy "bad boys", often times the book themselves are...not that good. So I don't know if I'll try this or not, but I appreciate your review!

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    1. Thanks Anne. :) I enjoy reading all types of reviews, even if I know the book isn't really something for me. Armentrout is one of my favorites and I don't think she's ever let me down. Thanks for taking the time to read my review! :)

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  10. I wouldn't be surprised if a paranormal romance part was expanded, especially because it's Jennifer L. Armentrout! I haven't read a book by her in a while, but I want to finish her Convenant series before picking something else up. I do like the sound of this though!

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    1. Oh yeah, knowing JLA I was totally prepared for something paranormal to be going on. :) But it wasn't really further developed in the second book sooo... maybe not? I totally need to finish the Covenant series, too!

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