Publisher: Grand Central
Publish Date: Out Today
How we got this book: NetGalley
His Secrets Can Destroy Her
From the moment Josie laid eyes on sexy, mysterious Shane Dean, she was in love. Their desire ignited a passionate affair, and within weeks, Shane had slipped a ring on her finger. It seemed her every fantasy was coming true . . . until her new husband disappeared without a trace. Now, two years and one broken heart later, Josie is shocked by the hospital calls: Shane has been found . . . at a crime scene with no memory of how he got there.
Her Love Can Save Him
Shane can’t remember the blue-eyed angel at his bedside—or who he even is—but he knows something isn’t right. His hearing is razor sharp, his physical strength incredible, and the urge to protect Josie overwhelming. For powerful enemies are hunting him, and Josie is the key to discovering why. As Shane struggles to unravel his past, dangerous new truths come to light. Can he protect the only woman he’s ever loved? And can Josie trust a man she thought she knew—one who carries such a deadly secret?
*Blurb from Goodreads*
1. Thoughts on the Hero
MinnChica – I had some mixed feelings about Shane at first. Given Josie’s memories of the way he treated her and their marriage, and his inability to explain his actions, I was a little concerned he would be too much of an Alpha-Hole for me to enjoy. But I was wrong, he was so protective of Josie, and although he hurt he, he had the best intentions behind his actions, and he ended up being a wonderful hero. I also loved the way Zanetti was able to describe the enhanced abilities of Shane and his brother by showing the reader as Shane’s powers returned to him. We were able to learn all about the world as Shane recovered his memories and his abilities bit by bit. So fabulous!
E – Shane was very fascinating. I enjoyed his combination of special skills and insistence on finding out what had happened and why. I will admit to a soft spot for a hero with amnesia because I think with the alpha hero it provides a glimpse into their inner self and how they really feel. All of the filters and walls that usually conceal those thoughts and feelings have been removed by the amnesia. I did have a few moments of worry about Shane when certain pictures of Josie surfaced but I liked how that was eventually resolved. Shane with all of his alpha-ness proved that he really did love Josie and would do what it took to make her happy even if it meant going against his inclination to view her as soft and fragile.
Has – I also liked Shane, and I loved the fact that despite his leaving Josie for two years, he was always determined to win her back even though being with her would have been impossible and dangerous. I also had the same fears that he would overrule her because he was pretty alpha and determined but I liked that Josie stood her ground with him. I also like that Josie had the upperhand with Shane due to his amnesia and some of the issues they had when they first marriage such as the secrecy and over-protectiveness was tackled head-on which helped to cement their relationship.
I also agree with MinnChica about the unveiling of Shane’s abilities and how the little clues were spread out throughout the book until the truth was laid out to Josie. I do like this premise and this was a great take on the whole super-soldier are genetically engineered.
2. Thoughts on the Heroine
MinnChica – I thought Josie was awesome as well. Poor thing was so desperate to have a family that she stayed married to a man that up and left her and stayed gone for over two years. That’s some dedication, and I loved her for it. I also liked that she didn’t allow Shane and his brothers to put her in the dark. That she demanded they let her into their world, and demanded a place in their family. She knew her limitations, didn’t do anything that would classify her as a TSTL heroine, and I liked that she found a balance between needing protection, and showing Shane that she could take care of herself.
E – Josie was also an intriguing character. She never really had a family of her own but was teased with the opportunity more than once growing up in foster homes. Unfortunately not all of the homes she was placed in were good homes so she learned not to depends on people because they either left or mistreated her. The one time she took a chance was with Shane and after they started building a life together he abruptly vanished. Despite her hurt and anger when he reappeared she could not abandon him. I really liked how she never quit fighting. If she wasn’t fighting for her independence from Shane she was fighting for full inclusion to his family or fighting for her life. Her actions shared that she could be warm and caring without being soft and fragile which was what Shane needed. She also shattered some preconceived notions held by Shane’s brothers.
Has – I also found Josie interesting and engaging, and I liked how people around her kept underestimated her for being weak or fragile and that helped her to get out of predicaments and scrapes. Although I found some scenes when it was too convenient or lucky because while she did have some training due to Shane, it was brief and she also gave up on it after she left. But I enjoyed her stubbornness and resourcefulness and I liked her interactions with Shane’s brothers who she won over. The theme of family and loyalty was very strong in the book and this really helped to highlight both the brothers yearning to keep their family safe and Josie’s desire for one of her own helped to add a layer of warmth which made me relate to them.
3. Favorite Scene
MinnChica – Oh man…. This is a tough one. There were so many things I really liked about this book. I think for me, the one scene that stood out in my mind was when Josie was eavesdropping on Shane and his brothers conversation about their history and what they had been up to. Although Josie knew about Shane’s super hearing, she still tried to be all stealthy-like, and at the same time both Shane and his brothers knew she was there. Shane demanded that his brothers answer truthfully and fully as a way to prove to all of them that he was in it for the long haul, in both his marriage and his family. To me, it was a pivotal scene for both the romance between Shane and Josie, as well as the overall story arc. Plus, Zanetti added a little bit of humor to lighten the somber mood.
E – MinnChica picked a great scene there but I think I am going to pick the scene when Shane first realized that Josie could and would fight. Some pictures of Josie spanning about three or so years were discovered under circumstances that made Shane look really bad. Josie knew that something wasn’t right and given the secrets Shane kept during their brief marriage she could only guess the problem was Shane. She did what she needed to temporarily disable Shane and ran to the police. I liked this scene because it showed that Josie wasn’t stupid and that she was strong enough to figure out how to hold her own. Those two traits really came in handy throughout the remainder of the story.
Has – The scene which MinnChica picked is also my favourite because it was the turning point for their relationship and opened up the trust between Shane and Josie. I think my other favourite scene has to be the first love scene between Josie and Shane, that was smoking hot and steamy and it also helped to set up the tension because there was still issues but it was very well done.
4. Dislike about book
MinnChica – Hmmm, I’m trying to think of things I disliked in this book. Other than Shane in the beginning, there wasn’t much I didn’t like. The world was unique and different, and reminded me a little of the Ava Gray Skin series. I was absolutely thrown for a loop with a lot of the twists and turns that Zanetti threw into the story, especially towards the end with people that Josie thought she could trust.
E – I don’t have any complaints about this story. The twists and turns kept me intrigued and I loved the ongoing tension between Shane and Josie.
Has – While I liked the main suspense plot, which was unexpected in the twists and turns and I liked how that turned out. I was a tad disappointed in the villians linked with Shane and his brothers. I especially found one character a bit too cartoony and I dont think it made sense this person would be in a position of power especially funded by powerful high-placed people would allow them to have full sway over the super-soldier programme. That was a bit of a let down for me.
5. Any other misc. thoughts along with grade
MinnChica – All in all I really liked the first in the Sins Brothers series. I loved the set up with Shane and his brothers, working to get revenge on the people who raised them. Their past is unraveling to be so different and horrific, and I can’t wait to get more snippets from their childhood. I loved the romance between Josie and Shane, especially because of the second chance aspects, and the fact that although Josie was still head-over-heels for Shane, she made him work at earning her trust once again. I’m so excited for the brothers to get their stories, and to find out more about the world.
I give Forgotten Sins a B+/A-
E – Zanetti has been an auto-buy author for me since I read her first book when it was released back in 2011. Her world and characters captivated me and she has maintained her grasp across three different romance subgenres. Forgotten Sins was no exception. I fell in love with Josie and Shane from the very beginning. Josie’s strength and yet vulnerability. Shane’s amnesia, special skills, and determination to keep and protect Josie. I also had a blast with Shane’s brothers and how they struggled to deal with the reality of Josie instead of their mental image of women. I am really looking forward to Zanetti’s future stories with the Sins Brothers.
I give Forgotten Sins an A-
Has – This was my first Zanetti book, and I wished I picked a book of hers much sooner, because she has a great voice and I loved the dynamics between the brothers and the romance with Shane and Josie. While I wasn’t keen on one character, the premise and on-going story threads has definitely left me wanting for the next book. Forgotten Sins was pacey, fun and very sexy romantic suspense with an unexpected plot that went into different directions – I am hooked!
I give Forgotten Sins a B