Sins of September

by Graysen Blue

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I received a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for a honest review. Initially I was a bit skeptical about reading as the story was based on a romantic relationship between a teenager and her step-father. I know that by society’s standards this was definitely not an ideal situation but I was curious as to how the author would portray this scenario without offending her readers. When I delved between the pages of Sins of September I came to the realization that there was more to this story than what meets the eye.

September Dawson, the character for whom the story is named, was abandoned by her mom at the age of thirteen. Jesse, her step-dad not being able to cope with raising both her and his daughter Scout sent her to live with her maternal grandparents. Fast forward four years later we see her returning for the summer to help Jesse with taking care of Scout. It was evident from the outset that September was crushing on Jesse and now that her mom was no longer in the picture she saw her chance to have him for herself. It was easy to emphatise with September at 13 years old but at 17 years old not so much. She was conniving, manipulative and the absolute bitch. She was willing to do anything in her power, no matter who she may hurt in the process, to have Jesse all to herself. I believe that one of the factors that help to enhance a story is when the characters demonstrate growth and September did just that. By the time the book came to an end I found myself liking her. She proved to be a good friend and a loving sister.

Jesse is quite swoon worthy. It was easy to understand why September felt the way she did. He is still trying to come to terms with his wife’s abandonment as such it hindered him from moving on with his life. However, love has a way of coming our way when we least expect it and for Jesse it was with the one person he least expected. I believe that it was for this reason he found it difficult to acknowledge how he really felt about September. He came off as someone who was just looking for an easy lay, which unfortunately for September it made it easy for him to get.

I enjoyed this story. It was different from what I am used to reading. I have read a few stories about forbidden love but nothing within this context. If I were to describe this one I would say it was riveting, entertaining and sexy. The love scenes were steamy but tastefully written. The age difference between the main characters was not that great which I believed helped to make the story go down better for most readers.

If you are looking for a story that will make you think outside of the box and that will stretch your boundaries then take a chance with this one, you may just be surprised at how much you enjoy it.