Pursuit of Innocence


Romance - Sizzle
328 Pages
Reviewed on 03/11/2024
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Author Biography

“I’m done waiting around. You’re mine. No more games or pining
over someone else when it’s me you want. You won’t remember
his name after I get through with you.”

Lily knows exactly what she wants in life. To graduate, land a high-paying job, and forge her own way. Nothing will distract her. Until the ultimate playboy, billionaire Sebastian Dubree, barges in. Not to be overlooked, Lily’s longtime crush, Jackson, decides she’s worth the fight.

Reluctant to succumb to either, she quickly becomes a challenge to conquer. Lily must decide between the familiarity of her childhood longing or the newly discovered passion ignited by the dominant CEO. But can she surrender without losing herself in the process, or will someone take matters into his own hands?

Boundaries blur between desire and resistance in this gripping coming-of-age romance, leaving readers yearning for more.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Pursuit of Innocence is a work of fiction in the romance, interpersonal drama, and coming-of-age subgenres. It is best suited to mature readers owing to the presence of sexual scenes and the use of explicit language throughout. Penned by author Bethany Rosa, the plot follows Lily as she navigates the complexities of love and desire amidst the competing affections of billionaire Sebastian Dubree and her longtime crush, Jackson. Determined to focus on her goals of graduating and landing a high-paying job, Lily finds herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions when both Sebastian and Jackson vie for her attention. As she grapples with her feelings and the blurred boundaries between desire and resistance, Lily must ultimately decide whether to surrender to the passion ignited by the dominant CEO or cling to the familiarity of her childhood longing.

Author Bethany Rosa puts a huge amount of heart, drama, and imagination into crafting this gripping coming-of-age romance that explores themes of desire, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating relationships in the face of conflicting emotions. I was really impressed with the character development, which populates the novel with realistic and relatable characters that are as flawed and raw as they are charismatic and attractive. I especially enjoyed Lily’s attitude and her vulnerabilities, which only served to bring readers closer to her in the suspenseful moments where romance and tension fill her head with conflict. The dialogue reflects so many exciting dynamics between her romantic options and gives even more great characterization, humor, and spice to every moment. The result is a compelling and exciting romantic drama that leaves readers yearning for more as they follow Lily's journey of self-discovery and love. Overall, I would highly recommend Pursuit of Innocence to fans of well-penned, character-driven romances everywhere.

Shannon Winings

Pursuit of Innocence by Bethany Rosa is a coming-of-age romance that navigates love, growth, and self-discovery complexities. The book follows Lily, who just wants to make her own way in the world. After a rough upbringing, she's worked hard and put up with a terrible boss to get to where she is today. All she wants is to get her degree and a marketing job. What she didn't expect was her irritating and impatient business client. The chemistry with Sebastian has her feeling flustered and confused. To top it off, her long-time crush and bestie's older brother, Jackson, turns out to be interested in her too. How is she supposed to navigate two different men while getting a degree?

I found Pursuit of Innocence by Bethany Rosa very interesting. Lily is one of the most relatable characters in the book. She is sure to remind some readers of themselves while they were in college. I also liked Lily's relationship with her best friend because it was realistic. The book had good character development, as readers witness Lily evolve authentically. In addition, the narrative maintains a balanced pace, allowing for a gradual unfolding of events and emotions without feeling rushed. At times, the romance is tender and loving and exactly what you would expect in a romance book. However, the author provides some fresh perspectives and spice that keep the story engaging. Overall, this will be a good read for romance lovers, though the language and situations mean the book is geared toward more mature readers.

Mimie Odigwe

Bethany Rosa’s Pursuit Of Innocence is a contemporary billionaire romance novel about a cocky billionaire playboy and his quest to seduce a virgin heroine. Lily Thompson wants to graduate from college, get a better-paying job to escape her creepy boss, and hopes that her best friend’s brother finally sees her as more than an annoying kid sister. Sebastian is a wealthy, confident playboy who can get any woman he wants into his bed. When their paths cross, Lily is what Sebastian desires, and he must have her despite the minor inconvenience of her innocence. However, her crush decides she’s worth pursuing after all. Lily must choose between the fiery passion Sebastian arouses in her and her familiar feelings for Jackson. But she won’t give in to either of them without a challenge. Sebastian does not give up, especially when someone else has his sights set on Lily.

If you like spicy romance novels with an infuriating hero determined to get the girl he wants despite having sworn off love, you will enjoy this one. At first, Sebastian’s character leaves much to be desired, from his domineering and possessive nature to his ability to get on Lily's and readers' nerves. Later, I could understand the reasons for some of his actions. The fact that Lily was never an easy conquest, always spoke her mind, and went after what she wanted says a lot about her character as a strong woman who should be loved and cherished rather than conquered. Watching the closed-off, brusque hero devoid of feelings of love discover how deep his emotions for this woman go is swoon-worthy. Pursuit Of Innocence keeps readers interested from the first page until the last.

Alma Boucher

In Bethany Rosa's sensual romance Pursuit of Innocence, after Lily's difficult workday, Cici accompanied her to a brand-new dance club. Cici thought Lily might benefit from letting go for a night and venturing a bit farther than a make-out session. Lily, who was still a virgin, was employed by a small marketing company and was almost done with college. Sebastian was a playboy billionaire who had particular demands in the bedroom and was used to getting what he wanted. Lily ran into Sebastian as she was leaving the club, and then she ran into him again at the company where she worked. Sebastian is determined to lure Lily into his bed because he finds her attractive, but he has met his match with Lily.

The plot in Pursuit of Innocence is interwoven with themes of self-discovery and the investigation of sensual desires. I could not put the book down until the very last page because of Lily's fight to be independent while examining the alluring pull of desire for Sebastion. The story is suspenseful and includes graphic language and sexual scenarios. My favorite character was Lily because she was outspoken, independent, and opinionated. Sebastian made an effort to stay away from Lily, but he could not. Sebastian and Lily had a strong chemistry that translated into physical action and some truly delightful banter, making their romance seem genuine and intense. With a captivating plot and a sizzling romance, Bethany Rosa's book kept me guessing right up to the very end!

Emma Megan

In Pursuit of Innocence by Bethany Rosa, Lily Thompson lives with Cici, her best friend. Cici has been kind enough to care for Lily since her father abandoned her when she was fifteen. Lily is now almost twenty-two years old. Yet, her experience with men is close to none, and she still doesn't have time for fun or men. She is only focused on her goals. When Cici invites Lily to the hottest club in San Diego, she is not that eager to accept, but when she learns that Cici's brother is coming too, she is thrilled. Lily had a crush on Cici's brother for years. But the fun night Cici promised could have gone better. On her way out, Lily bumps into a hot guy, reminding her that she hates gorgeous men because of their arrogance. However, shortly after, more than one man starts to pursue Lily. Who will win her heart?

Pursuit of Innocence by Bethany Rosa is a juicy romance, perfect for any time. It is the kind of book that makes you blush and should be read when nobody is around. It has plenty of hot and erotic scenes, desire, and resistance. The author gives the reader a pleasurable reading experience by telling the story from two perspectives that work amazingly. I loved Lily's firm attitude and Sebastian's perseverance. I also loved the way Lily made her main pursuer doubt his ability to conquer women and their playful dynamic. Anyone who wants to get lost in an absorbing coming-of-age romance with a hard-to-get heroine should read this book. I couldn't read it fast enough.