Sinner's Game: Ronan and Brandy standalone romance

J. Kenner

Feb 2022 · Martini & Olive

About this ebook

What’s more dangerous—a killer attraction that breaks all the rules, or the true killer who’s closing in?

Security consultant Ronan Thorne might be sex on a stick, but that doesn’t mean I should want him. After all, I’m Brandy Bradshaw, the Girl With the Worst Luck With Men. As for that one kiss we shared? That was nothing but a drunken mistake between friends. I know perfectly well that Ronan’s not a relationship guy. He’s got dark edges and dangerous secrets and so many scars. 

But when I find my landlord dead in my living room, shot with a single bullet to the head, Ronan’s the man I cling to. I feel safe in his arms, and he has the skills to figure out what’s happening. 

Except what he learns is that a case of mistaken identity has made me the next target. 

Now we’re on the run together, but I’m not prepared for the heat that flares between us, or the tantalizing things he does to my body when we give in to temptation. He soothes my fear by showing me a different type of danger, sensuous and wild. It’s miraculous and wonderful, but terrifying, too. Because as soon as we catch the killer, I’m afraid Ronan will leave. And when he does, I know my heart will shatter.

From the New York Times bestselling author who brought you Damien Stark comes a sexy and suspenseful romance between a woman in jeopardy and the reluctant hero determined to save the girl but not lose his heart.

Ratings and reviews

4.8 stars Two seemingly opposite personalities have come together during a drunken kiss at a wedding that neither one can seem to forget. Ronan is a security consultant who is sexier than all get out with a dangerous past that has kept him resolute in not falling for another woman. Brandy is a fun- loving woman entrepreneur who cannot seem to get a man. For some time, she has had a crush on Ronan but never pushed the issue. However, when Brandy’s landlord winds up dead in her home, Ronan is full on protector mode and whisking her away while he tries to find the culprit. Suffice it to say, you cannot keep a fire that wants to burn free contained and the chemistry between them rachets up to alarming degrees. There is so much to love about these characters. Brandy is just that breath of fresh air that everyone needs as she is a glass half full person. Ronan reminded me a little of Oscar from Sesame Street with his brusqueness at times but just won me over with his big heart. Ms. Kenner has once again delivered an action packed, drama infused storyline that one just cannot put down. As an added bonus there are other characters from other books that make appearances here. I recommend this book.

: SINNER’S GAME is the fourth instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult SAINTS AND SINNERS, erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the Devlin Saint Foundation that finances the programs for the rehabilitation of victims of trafficking, and the ultra-secret Saint’s Angels, that seek out and go after the traffickers and criminals. This is security consultant Ronan Thorne, and business woman Brandy Bradshaw’s story line. SINNER’S GAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary. Told from first person (Brandy), and several third person perspectives including Ronan Thorne, SINNER’S GAME follows in the wake of the murder of Brandy’s landlord, a man she has never met, but a man whose secrets run dangerous and deep. As the team at the Devlin Saint Foundation and Saint’s Angels begin to investigate the who, what and why of the man who was murdered, all clues and information point the finger at our story line heroine. Desperate to protect the woman with whom he would fall in love, Ronan places Brandy under his protection but struggles with the memories of a loss long ago. What ensues is the building relationship between Ronan and Brandy, and the potential fall-out as Brandy is caught in the direct line of fire, and Ronan is unable to let go of the past. Brandy Bradshaw knows evil first hand, and battles the memories and betrayal every day of her life. Falling for Ronan Thorne was easy but walking away was about to destroy her heart. Ronan Thorne doesn’t do relationships, and Brandy is all about love and a happily ever after. On the run with the woman who has stolen his heart, Ronan momentarily reconsiders his stance on relationships but memories from the past continue to push him over the edge. The relationship between Ronan and Brandy began years before when Ronan was part of the team that rescued our story line heroine. Brandy had easily fallen for the man she considered her hero but Ronan wanted nothing more than a one-night stand. The $ex scenes are seductive, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. The secondary and supporting characters include Ronan’s best friend and business partner /boss Devlin Saint, as well as Detective Lamar Gage, and several security specialists who work for Saint’s Angels. The requisite evil has many faces. SINNER’S GAME is a story of betrayal, power, desperation and love. The premise is edgy, intriguing and captivating; the romance is provocative and hot; the characters are energetic and dynamic.

This is a must read and in my view worth more than 5*s. Brandy has not had an easy life but when her life is in danger Ronan is there to protect her. The chemistry between them is electric but Ronan doesn't do relationships and Brandy needs a connection before giving herself to a relationship. Both have demons in their pasts that are holding them back but the time spent together while he is protecting her brings them closer. Will Ronan be able to keep her safe and alive when they don't know who the enemy is. So much drama and suspense with plenty of emotion but can they get their HEA. Absolutely loved the ending. I received an advanced reader copy from Valentine PR and this is my review.

About the author

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal, and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

 

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

 

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” JK has been a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award six times, and a winner twice, taking home the RITA trophy for her 2014 novel, Claim Me, and her 2017 novel, Wicked Dirty.

 

Before diving into writing full time, JK worked as an attorney in Texas and California where she practiced primarily civil, entertainment, and First Amendment law. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

 

Visit her website at www.jkenner.com to learn more and to connect with JK through social media!