Never Sweeter | Saucy Southern Readers

Never Sweeter

A Dark Obsession Novel

By Charlotte Stein

Synopsis

Second chances are sweeter than ever in Charlotte Stein’s steamy Dark Obsession series—perfect for fans of Katy Evans—as a self-reliant college girl falls for a reformed bully who’s desperate to make up for lost time.

Letty Carmichael can’t believe her eyes when she catches a glimpse of her high school tormenter, wrestling champ Tate Sullivan, on campus. College was supposed to be her escape from Tate’s constant ridicule. Now he’s in her classes again, just waiting for his chance to make her life hell. But when Letty and Tate are partnered up for an assignment—on sex in cinema, of all things—she starts to see a kinder, gentler side of him. And when she realizes Tate knows more about sex than she could ever guess at, he soon starts making her blush in a whole new way.

Tate Sullivan is haunted by regret over his cruelty toward Letty. So when she agrees to work with him, he seizes his chance to make amends. He can’t blame her for not believing he’s for real, but soon Tate starts to break down her wall. She wants to know about passion, desire, lust—topics he is well versed in. And in return she offers the one thing he always wanted: the chance to be more than just a jock.

Letty is shocked by how sensitive Tate can be. Still, desiring him feels ludicrous. Loving him is impossible. Craving him is beyond all reason. So why can’t she stop?

Michel’s Review

Readers can always count on Charlotte Stein delivering a smoldering hot book. Her latest release, Never Sweeter, is not exception. It is red hot! The heat index is not what makes this book stand out, it’s just an added bonus. What makes this book is the story itself. An Enemies to Lovers romance that encompasses an emotional story about bullying.

Tate Sullivan was the worst kind of bully in high school. The bullying was so bad that it almost led to Letty Carmichael’s death. Two years later Letty has to face the monster that shattered her self esteem, self worth, and basic trust in people. The monster is in her college film class. He’s been assigned as her partner in a term project. Not only is she frightened but she is also angry. After an initial confrontation, Tate Sullivan appears to be quite different than he was in high school. She still refuses to trust a single word that he says. She refuses to forgive him for his past actions. Letty is a bigger person than she thought, she’s willing to give the new Tate Sullivan a chance to earn some of her trust.

Tate Sullivan has changed since high school. He has deep regrets for the emotional fear and physical damage he caused Letty. He wants to make amends and become her friend. He doesn’t expect her forgiveness. He only wants a chance to make up for the past and to become her friend.

Both Letty and Tate are on a life changing emotional journey. A new journey that leads to that once in a lifetime kind of love. But first they need to get past the emotional barriers built long ago.

Charlotte Stein did a great job tackling this subject and turning it into a romance. The interactions between Letty and Tate were very realistic and believable. The outcome was heartwarming. I really liked this book and how it was portrayed. I only wish that there was an epilogue to get a glimpse of their happily ever after.

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Charlotte Stein is the acclaimed author of over thirty short stories, novellas and novels, including the recently DABWAHA nominated Run To You. When not writing deeply emotional and intensely sexy books, she can be found eating jelly turtles, watching terrible sitcoms and occasionally lusting after hunks. She lives in West Yorkshire with her husband and their now totally real and completely nightmarish dog.