SWEET AS THE DEVIL by Susan Johnson

Book three in Trilogy
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Date published: March 1st, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-425-24041-0
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


James Blackwood is one of the trusted bodyguards for Prince Ernst of Dalmia. He never anticipates that a chance meeting with a woman artist is about to change his entire life. Sofia Eastleigh never anticipates having her life change at the drop of a hat. Meeting James at his recent paramour’s house was an unexpected delight but the unexpected news of her birth father a total shock. Now with James shadowing her and the simmering passion that flares each time they touch can a small wager between Sophia and James give them a lasting relationship?

I have to admit I didn’t read the other two books in this trilogy (GORGEOUS AS SIN and SEXY AS HELL) and though you can read SWEET AS THE DEVIL independently, I felt a little lost while reading it, especially as you could feel a connection between the many characters that show up throughout the story. The writing at times was tight and flowed nicely and the characters were intriguing. The author does a good job in creating some sexual tension throughout the story as Sofia and James play the age old mating game.

SWEET AS THE DEVIL introduces the reader to James, Baron Blackwood who is a ladies’ man and takes his day job very seriously as the trusted guard to Prince Ernst. He is one charming rogue, I have to admit. Footloose and fancy free, he is sex on legs and a man in demand to the ladies. I have to admit; he has charm and oozes sex appeal. I loved the scenes between him and Sofia the most, especially as both main characters have always been the one to control their romantic liaisons. It was a nice change of pace to see James pursued by Sofia as the sparks fairly burned out of control between them. I like the fact Sofia is not a wilting, “save me” kind of heroine. She is bold, brash and a breath of fresh air which had me smiling in delight when I first started this book. The characters were nicely developed and there were some intriguing secondary characters that kept the story flowing nicely.

SWEET AS THE DEVIL is a hot little story that will surely keep you entertained and amused until the very end. I plan to read the first two books to see how those characters got their happily ever after. Ms. Johnson is a talented author who knows how to keep her readers highly entertained on a cool spring night. I am eager to see what else this author comes up with in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

GORGEOUS AS SIN Book 1 in Trilogy by Susan Johnson

Publisher: Berkeley Sensation
Date publisher: March 3, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-425-22681-0
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn



Duke of Groveland, Fritz Monckton always gets what he wants and in this case, what he wants is Mrs. Rosalind St. Vincent’s bookstore. He is constructing a new commercial project and she is the last one he has to convince to sell to him or his project will have to be redrawn. He refuses to let this spitfire of a woman get in his way and if he has to, he will use every seductive way he has in his arsenal to get Rosalind to part with her building. Can Fritz get Rosalind to sell her store to him before he ends up falling for this delectable minx?

GORGEOUS AS SIN is the first in Ms. Johnson’s trilogy that star the handsome rakes that populate the ton and the strong, independent women who stand up to them. I really enjoyed the way Rosalind was not one of those simper happy heroines who want the man to rescue them from every peril under the sun. What made me even happier was her saying “NO!” rather loudly sometimes, and making Fritz actually work for her heart in the end. Ms. Johnson really captures the essence of these two and adds in some secondary characters that had me wondering if they might have a story or two coming in the future, GORGEOUS AS SIN was a charming quick read for me to enjoy. With fast paced storyline, great cast of characters and tight writing, Ms. Johnson delivers a historical romance that wets your appetite for more.

A war of words then actions heats up GORGEOUS AS SIN and for myself, it was a fun afternoon reading the exploits of Fritz and Rosalind as they go to war with words then find themselves in each others arms, telling themselves it’s “only lust”. What these two don’t realize, both are falling for the other and soon some things come out that may flat line their relationship. Can these two find a way to reconnect and be honest with themselves and with each other?

If you enjoy your historical romances steamy, then Ms. Johnson’s GORGEOUS AS SIN is definitely for you. It has some witty dialogue, two main characters that will capture your heart and in the end, you are hoping Fritz finally gets a clue on how to keep Rosalind’s heart safe and secure. I highly enjoyed this and will be looking out for the next in this new trilogy of this author.