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bookladysreviews's review
3.0
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!.*
Beautiful Sin follows the lives of Canaan and Have, two very tormented people whose paths intertwine in a very unexpected way. They're both trying to look fine on the outside, while the demons from their pasts invade their present and won't let them live in peace. It's easier to put on a happy smile in front of the world in order to hide your suffering.
First of all, Canaan and Haven's story was very moving and different from what I usually choose to read. Their taboo love story is what initially drew me in and the events that followed definitely made it more interesting than I could've hoped for. I'm all about forbidden romances and this one definitely made the cut. It was a bit difficult for me to get through the beginning because I really did not know whether I was into the story or not. I'm very glad that I kept on reading though because after a couple of chapters, I started to enjoy it.
Second of all, what I think I enjoyed the most was the authors' writing. I immensely enjoyed the writing style of this book and it really managed to intrigue me. The plot itself had a little bit of everything - drama, angst, forbidden romance - which I think a lot of people will find satisfying if they decide to give this book a chance. The characters themselves were very likable and what they went through broke my heart. They didn't get together until after some time and the circumstances weren't the most conventional but, in the end, they got their happily ever after!
The story was told in both their POVs which is something that I personally prefer and enjoy more. The character development was also very impressive, mostly where Canaan is concerned because by the end of the book, he was like a completely different person. Truth be told though, I wasn't blown away by their show of affection for each other. Or how their love story/relationship progressed. I feel like it was a bit underdeveloped or just not passionate enough for my taste. Especially considering how much they sacrificed to be together. Everything happened so quickly but didn't have the intensity that a hopeless romantic like me would expect in situations like these.
Lastly, I really was expecting some kind of plot twist during the ending. Or at least something that wouldn't make it feel so rushed. There were some aspects that were being repeated while, some other ones that I would've liked to see more of kind of faded in the background. Long story short, I would've liked it a lot better if certain topics were a bit more detailed and progressed way further than they initially did in the book.
Overall, it's a beautifully written and unique story, full of heartbreak and challenges that will definitely move you. Beautiful Sin wasn't my favorite but it is definitely a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it for fans of forbidden love and drama!
katkinney's review
5.0
I just love when you find one of those perfect books where the author has not only taken them time to write compelling characters, but also to really dig into the emotional meat of the story. “A Beautiful Sin” gracefully and painfully takes us through all the ramifications of abuse through the eyes of various characters and allows them to stew, fester, churn out of control, and finally to heal in a rewarding way that was such a treat to read.
I loved Canaan and Haven’s relationship. The way they were so well matched. The way each of their personalities complemented and challenged the other. This was such a treat to read and I cannot wait to devour more by these authors.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
I loved Canaan and Haven’s relationship. The way they were so well matched. The way each of their personalities complemented and challenged the other. This was such a treat to read and I cannot wait to devour more by these authors.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
sbauer16's review
5.0
4.5 stars!!!
This is such a beautiful and heartbreaking story. This was my first time reading a book by both authors. It flowed so smoothly as if it was only written by one author.
A Beautiful Sin starts off as both Haven and Canaan in their early teenage years. Which something horrible happened to both of them it was hard for me to read and I couldn't help but bawl. Several years later they're now adults and meet each other again as an artist and a priest.
I love how so unique this book is. I was drawn to this book because forbidden/taboo romance is one of my favorites to read. A Beautiful Sin was so much more than that. Not only is there romance, but the most important thing is about them overcoming their demons. At least half the book Haven and Canaan weren't even interacting. I'm not saying they weren't thinking about the other when they were apart, but it was important reading their own stories. Sometimes when a book is told in dual POVs the book doesn't really hold my interest when the main characters aren't together. This one held mine 100%.
On to characters. I loved Haven and Canaan soooo much. They were very strong and likable characters that felt all too real. Haven's best friend was hilarious! She always came up with her own phrases and words that made me laugh. Of course with great characters there also has to be the bad characters or the "bad guys". There were three of them for me. My dislike for all three of them varies from each other though.
This book was so amazing that I never wanted it to end. It did have the perfect ending though. I will DEFINITELY read more by these two authors again.
This is such a beautiful and heartbreaking story. This was my first time reading a book by both authors. It flowed so smoothly as if it was only written by one author.
A Beautiful Sin starts off as both Haven and Canaan in their early teenage years. Which something horrible happened to both of them it was hard for me to read and I couldn't help but bawl. Several years later they're now adults and meet each other again as an artist and a priest.
I love how so unique this book is. I was drawn to this book because forbidden/taboo romance is one of my favorites to read. A Beautiful Sin was so much more than that. Not only is there romance, but the most important thing is about them overcoming their demons. At least half the book Haven and Canaan weren't even interacting. I'm not saying they weren't thinking about the other when they were apart, but it was important reading their own stories. Sometimes when a book is told in dual POVs the book doesn't really hold my interest when the main characters aren't together. This one held mine 100%.
On to characters. I loved Haven and Canaan soooo much. They were very strong and likable characters that felt all too real. Haven's best friend was hilarious! She always came up with her own phrases and words that made me laugh. Of course with great characters there also has to be the bad characters or the "bad guys". There were three of them for me. My dislike for all three of them varies from each other though.
This book was so amazing that I never wanted it to end. It did have the perfect ending though. I will DEFINITELY read more by these two authors again.
foksha_1996's review
3.0
*Arc kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I really struggled to rate A Beautiful Sin. On the one hand, it was an intriguing, thought-provoking read. On the other, there were a lot of rough moments and things I didn’t agree with.I enjoy reading Taboo books, but this one? Didn’t really enjoy it. I think because religion is a sensitive topic to talk about according to me.
“My soul had been permanently cracked and scarred by the things that had transpired in the bowels of the church. The day I left I vowed never to return.”
Why didn’t I like this book? Because of the The heroine I couldn’t relate to the heroine. I mean, I did like her and sympathize with her but I felt like the hero’s character was much better developed. To be honest, I didn’t enjoy reading her POV (Told in ‘Dual Perspectives’ Canaan & Havenalso), the plot was kinda boring.
“For every action we take, there are always consequences. And my biggest one was I allowed my heart to get wrapped up where it had no business being."
All in all, though I had my issues with A Beautiful Sin, it was still an interesting read. I think perhaps the author relied too heavily on the concept and lost the writing a little bit, and the pacing was too slow as well, but I am not sorry I read it. If taboo is your thing but religious themes tend to bother you, this may be too much.
I really struggled to rate A Beautiful Sin. On the one hand, it was an intriguing, thought-provoking read. On the other, there were a lot of rough moments and things I didn’t agree with.I enjoy reading Taboo books, but this one? Didn’t really enjoy it. I think because religion is a sensitive topic to talk about according to me.
“My soul had been permanently cracked and scarred by the things that had transpired in the bowels of the church. The day I left I vowed never to return.”
Why didn’t I like this book? Because of the The heroine I couldn’t relate to the heroine. I mean, I did like her and sympathize with her but I felt like the hero’s character was much better developed. To be honest, I didn’t enjoy reading her POV (Told in ‘Dual Perspectives’ Canaan & Havenalso), the plot was kinda boring.
“For every action we take, there are always consequences. And my biggest one was I allowed my heart to get wrapped up where it had no business being."
All in all, though I had my issues with A Beautiful Sin, it was still an interesting read. I think perhaps the author relied too heavily on the concept and lost the writing a little bit, and the pacing was too slow as well, but I am not sorry I read it. If taboo is your thing but religious themes tend to bother you, this may be too much.
shanbreads's review against another edition
4.0
Recived this book for review from netgally this has in no way affected my opinion
This is the second book that i have read by these two and i can't wait to read more. This book does cover the topic of abuse so this book may not be for everyone. This is a standalone that follows the story of Canaan and Haven, both strugling with their past and are on the path to redemption. and follows what will happen when you want the one that you can never have and the paths that you cross can never be uncrossed. This is well written and is heartbreaking and gave me all the feels that will stay with you from the beginning to the end. this book follows a Roman Catholic priest and their parishioner by following their journey. i loved the two as individuls and as a couple and i love the connection between them
This is the second book that i have read by these two and i can't wait to read more. This book does cover the topic of abuse so this book may not be for everyone. This is a standalone that follows the story of Canaan and Haven, both strugling with their past and are on the path to redemption. and follows what will happen when you want the one that you can never have and the paths that you cross can never be uncrossed. This is well written and is heartbreaking and gave me all the feels that will stay with you from the beginning to the end. this book follows a Roman Catholic priest and their parishioner by following their journey. i loved the two as individuls and as a couple and i love the connection between them
fictioncourt's review against another edition
3.0
This is hard to review. The book touches a lot of issues and it went surprisingly deeper than I thought it would.
I found myself connecting more to the hero, his story was more well developed. It felt like this was his story and the heroine was just another part of it.
I enjoyed it, didn't love it but after I understood the meaning of the book and where the story ways going I kind of lost interest. The title doesn't really fit, I found it to be a character driven storyline which was awesome but not really what I thought it would be.
Full review to come.
I found myself connecting more to the hero, his story was more well developed. It felt like this was his story and the heroine was just another part of it.
I enjoyed it, didn't love it but after I understood the meaning of the book and where the story ways going I kind of lost interest. The title doesn't really fit, I found it to be a character driven storyline which was awesome but not really what I thought it would be.
Full review to come.
mreadsbooksnfics's review against another edition
3.0
Um. So I just finished this book. It is well written. The book does deal with rather taboo topics. Also, I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't read the description when I requested the book. I just liked the cover and title. I was surprised to see the theme of the work, but I decided to keep an open mind. The story was told very well, but there were some elements I found hard to swallow.
This isn't a bad book at all. I think it's going to appeal with readers who like stories which push boundaries. I'd probably read more from these authors in the future.
I didn't read the description when I requested the book. I just liked the cover and title. I was surprised to see the theme of the work, but I decided to keep an open mind. The story was told very well, but there were some elements I found hard to swallow.
This isn't a bad book at all. I think it's going to appeal with readers who like stories which push boundaries. I'd probably read more from these authors in the future.
linathebookaddict's review against another edition
4.0
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Title: A Beautiful Sin
Author: Terri E. Laine & A.M. Hargrove
Category: Forbidden Romance
POV: Dual POV
Plot:4
Characters: 4
Scorching Level: 3.75
HEA: Not telling
I love forbidden romances; the emotions and struggles they usually portray make for a very intense reading experience.
This book follows the story of Haven & Canaan. Canaan used to be deeply involved in his community's church; from an altar boy he turned out to be a priest. He now lives away from his home and away from the nightmares that go with it.
Haven has lived a very abusive life. She is now an up and coming artist with a lot of passion for her work. When she returns to her hometown, she crosses paths with the man that once ruined her chance at a better life.
These two people are connected by one single meeting that happened years ago and was a pivotal moment in both their lives. Haven since then, holds a deep contempt for Canaan and when they meet again she doesn't hesitate to be open about it.
Canaan does everything in his power to make Haven forgive him, but her wounds are as deep as his.
Watch them as they try to heal each other and make the demons go away.
This was an enjoyable read for me; I liked Canaan very much and I loved watching the inner turmoil of our characters as they try to comprehend and handle their feelings.
This was a forbidden romance to me, but the authors give a lot of attention to the characters' personal pain.
The one thing that felt a little off to me was how Haven blamed Canaan for what happened to her. I understand where she was coming from, but he was just a young boy himself and he couldn't possibly know what she was going through at the time. They were both very young. The one person who could have changed everything for Haven was her aunt, Kathy. She could have been the savior if she had been stronger, but then again fear plays a big part in every decision.
Overall, I liked this forbidden tale and I recommend it.
3.75~4 Stars
foksha_1996's review against another edition
3.0
*Arc kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I really struggled to rate A Beautiful Sin. On the one hand, it was an intriguing, thought-provoking read. On the other, there were a lot of rough moments and things I didn’t agree with.I enjoy reading Taboo books, but this one? Didn’t really enjoy it. I think because religion is a sensitive topic to talk about according to me.
“My soul had been permanently cracked and scarred by the things that had transpired in the bowels of the church. The day I left I vowed never to return.”
Why didn’t I like this book? Because of the The heroine I couldn’t relate to the heroine. I mean, I did like her and sympathize with her but I felt like the hero’s character was much better developed. To be honest, I didn’t enjoy reading her POV (Told in ‘Dual Perspectives’ Canaan & Havenalso), the plot was kinda boring.
“For every action we take, there are always consequences. And my biggest one was I allowed my heart to get wrapped up where it had no business being."
All in all, though I had my issues with A Beautiful Sin, it was still an interesting read. I think perhaps the author relied too heavily on the concept and lost the writing a little bit, and the pacing was too slow as well, but I am not sorry I read it. If taboo is your thing but religious themes tend to bother you, this may be too much.
I really struggled to rate A Beautiful Sin. On the one hand, it was an intriguing, thought-provoking read. On the other, there were a lot of rough moments and things I didn’t agree with.I enjoy reading Taboo books, but this one? Didn’t really enjoy it. I think because religion is a sensitive topic to talk about according to me.
“My soul had been permanently cracked and scarred by the things that had transpired in the bowels of the church. The day I left I vowed never to return.”
Why didn’t I like this book? Because of the The heroine I couldn’t relate to the heroine. I mean, I did like her and sympathize with her but I felt like the hero’s character was much better developed. To be honest, I didn’t enjoy reading her POV (Told in ‘Dual Perspectives’ Canaan & Havenalso), the plot was kinda boring.
“For every action we take, there are always consequences. And my biggest one was I allowed my heart to get wrapped up where it had no business being."
All in all, though I had my issues with A Beautiful Sin, it was still an interesting read. I think perhaps the author relied too heavily on the concept and lost the writing a little bit, and the pacing was too slow as well, but I am not sorry I read it. If taboo is your thing but religious themes tend to bother you, this may be too much.
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