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Belgrave Dynasty #3
The Red Herring
Nathalie
When I came back to Charleston, I intended to take back my future and my one true love, Asa Calhoun.
Life had different plans for me, but it seems it always did.
As I try to move forward in my life, years of memories and passion between us refuse to stay buried in the past, leading me back to Asa.
But, so do the dark, sordid memories of my married life. I came back home a different person, with good reason.
Many things changed me over the past six years, including both love and betrayal. If I don’t face these truths, I might lose myself, and Asa, forever.
Asa
When I married Juliet Breymas I tried to replace the one person I wouldn’t allow myself to have, my Nathalie.
I never expected she’d return from Savannah.
Throughout the years we would came together, only to drift apart. Sometimes by choice, other times by chance.
But one thing always remained the same. I couldn’t seem to stay away from her, my one true love.
Life should be different now. I have a wife and much to look forward to.
Yet once again, it’s Nathalie I want. Nathalie who I keep turning to, Nathalie who allows me to be me.
And the woman I married, who appeared so perfect at first, well, she isn’t what she seems.
The longer I stay married to her, the more certain I am that Juliet has secrets she’s hiding.
Many things have changed in my life, but if I don’t discover the truth, I risk losing Nathalie forever.
When I came back to Charleston, I intended to take back my future and my one true love, Asa Calhoun.
Life had different plans for me, but it seems it always did.
As I try to move forward in my life, years of memories and passion between us refuse to stay buried in the past, leading me back to Asa.
But, so do the dark, sordid memories of my married life. I came back home a different person, with good reason.
Many things changed me over the past six years, including both love and betrayal. If I don’t face these truths, I might lose myself, and Asa, forever.
Asa
When I married Juliet Breymas I tried to replace the one person I wouldn’t allow myself to have, my Nathalie.
I never expected she’d return from Savannah.
Throughout the years we would came together, only to drift apart. Sometimes by choice, other times by chance.
But one thing always remained the same. I couldn’t seem to stay away from her, my one true love.
Life should be different now. I have a wife and much to look forward to.
Yet once again, it’s Nathalie I want. Nathalie who I keep turning to, Nathalie who allows me to be me.
And the woman I married, who appeared so perfect at first, well, she isn’t what she seems.
The longer I stay married to her, the more certain I am that Juliet has secrets she’s hiding.
Many things have changed in my life, but if I don’t discover the truth, I risk losing Nathalie forever.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2023
41 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Calia Read
15 books2,932 followersCalia Read is the author of the Belgrave Dynasty, The Surviving Time Series, and several other works. She lives in the Midwest and is hard at work on the fourth book in the Belgrave Dynasty.
You can find her constantly on Facebook and Instagram:
http://www.facebook.com/CaliaRead
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ailacread/
You can find her constantly on Facebook and Instagram:
http://www.facebook.com/CaliaRead
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ailacread/
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February 17, 2023I need this book like yesterday 🥲
UPDATE: September 2021 - It has been nearly 5 months since I read book 1 and desperately want to know how Nathalie´s and Asa´s Story moves on! Mrs. Calia Read may we just have a snippet? :-))
UPDATE: January 2022 - On her IG Story Mrs. Read said she will most likely publish it in the first half of 2022. MY MOST ANTICIPATED READ OF 2022 by far. I just neeeeeeeeeeed to know what will happen next in Nathalie's and Asa's story!!!!
UPDATE: May 2022 - still hoping we will get TRH soon - but I'll patiently wait, Nathalie's and Asa's book will be worth it, no doubt <3
UPDATE: October 2022 - fingers are crossed but I‘m really not sure we‘ll see this book this year… trying to stay as excited as I was when I finished book 1 (2) though
UPDATE: September 2021 - It has been nearly 5 months since I read book 1 and desperately want to know how Nathalie´s and Asa´s Story moves on! Mrs. Calia Read may we just have a snippet? :-))
UPDATE: January 2022 - On her IG Story Mrs. Read said she will most likely publish it in the first half of 2022. MY MOST ANTICIPATED READ OF 2022 by far. I just neeeeeeeeeeed to know what will happen next in Nathalie's and Asa's story!!!!
UPDATE: May 2022 - still hoping we will get TRH soon - but I'll patiently wait, Nathalie's and Asa's book will be worth it, no doubt <3
UPDATE: October 2022 - fingers are crossed but I‘m really not sure we‘ll see this book this year… trying to stay as excited as I was when I finished book 1 (2) though
February 16, 2023
3.25 ⭐️
Spoilers!!
The Red Herring was one of my most highly anticipated releases ever since I finished Lady Gouldian, so I am quite heartbroken to say that I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped. While, I did enjoy several aspects throughout the story, there were just moments I really struggled with.
This is a sequel to Lady Gouldian and picks up immediately after, so I would highly recommend reading that book first.
While, this was mainly in Nathalie POV, there were chapters of Asa and Juliet’s POV as well. I was a bit conflicted on having Juliet’s POV though, as I just was not a fan of hers from the beginning. This book also went back and forth in time during significant moments in Nathalie’s past, which I enjoyed.
I would suggest checking the content and trigger warnings before reading, as there was quite a bit of cheating throughout the story. Spoiler! Both Asa and Nathalie cheat on their spouses with each other.
This was definitely not a lighthearted read as well. There was a lot of angst, yearning, love, jealousy and heartache, which were all written so beautifully. There were quite a few moments that made me tear up in fact. There was also more backstory and details of Nathalie’s late marriage and time in Brignac House, which I found interesting.
I will say what I most liked about this book was that, Nathalie and Asa were both very flawed and realistic characters. They each made mistakes (Asa more than Nathalie in my opinion), but they eventually learned and grew. Nathalie was just a strong, determined, and fierce heroine. She stood her ground the best she could and I truly appreciated that. While, I wished she would have been just a tab more resilient when it came to Asa, I understood the immense love and devotion she had.
Another aspect I enjoyed was seeing the Lacroix family again, specifically Serene and Rainey. I just loved seeing their families grow and all of them happy with their lives.
The relationship/romance between Nathalie and Asa was not easy by any means. They had such a tumultuous, complicated and long journey filled with so much love, heartbreak and longing. Their love story was truly heartbreaking and while they do get their happy ending, I just wished there would have been more scenes of them happily together without any drama.
I will say, one of my issues with their relationship was their reconciliation. After everything they went through when they finally decided to be together it felt too abrupt, especially with everything that was happening. Personally, I just felt like it was a disservice to their story and romance that there wasn’t more and that was all we got from that significant moment.
Juliet’s pregnancy and how that all unfolded, was okay. I did have some theories on how that would all play out and I was correct. I will admit though, I wished it would have gone a different direction just because of how much it hurt Nathalie. Spoiler! Juliet was truly pregnant with Asa’s child and ends up having a baby girl. He also ends up naming their daughter a name that Nathalie picked out for her own children years ago, which I thought was quite hurtful of him to do.
My biggest struggle with this book though, was Asa and his lack of groveling. I’ll even say that for a majority of the book, I quite disliked him, which honestly sucked because I did really love him in the previous book. A lot of his actions and decisions were just so disappointing in my opinion. He continuously toyed with Nathalie’s feelings, treated her so unfairly with his hot and cold attitude and held back his true feelings for way too long. While, I understood some of his reasoning and decisions to a certain degree, his lack of understanding and respect for her was disheartening. I was also just expecting him to grovel for Nathalie’s forgiveness and love after everything he intentionally and unintentionally put her through and unfortunately he did not. There was absolutely no groveling or begging for forgiveness. So, I kind of agreed with one of the characters, who stated that Nathalie deserved better.
The last few chapters at the end felt very rushed. The conflict and resolution just wrapped itself up too quickly and conveniently. There were also a few subplots that were left quite open-ended. While, there was a nice conclusion to Nathalie and Asa’s story, I just wanted a bit more of their happily ever after. The epilogue does set up for the next book in the Belgrave Dynasty series, which I am intrigued for, but I honestly would have preferred for it to have focused more on Nathalie and Asa with their own family.
Overall, I did like this book and I’m happy Nathalie finally got her happy ending, I just wished certain aspects were handled better.
**ARC received in exchange of an honest review**
Spoilers!!
The Red Herring was one of my most highly anticipated releases ever since I finished Lady Gouldian, so I am quite heartbroken to say that I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped. While, I did enjoy several aspects throughout the story, there were just moments I really struggled with.
This is a sequel to Lady Gouldian and picks up immediately after, so I would highly recommend reading that book first.
While, this was mainly in Nathalie POV, there were chapters of Asa and Juliet’s POV as well. I was a bit conflicted on having Juliet’s POV though, as I just was not a fan of hers from the beginning. This book also went back and forth in time during significant moments in Nathalie’s past, which I enjoyed.
I would suggest checking the content and trigger warnings before reading, as there was quite a bit of cheating throughout the story. Spoiler! Both Asa and Nathalie cheat on their spouses with each other.
This was definitely not a lighthearted read as well. There was a lot of angst, yearning, love, jealousy and heartache, which were all written so beautifully. There were quite a few moments that made me tear up in fact. There was also more backstory and details of Nathalie’s late marriage and time in Brignac House, which I found interesting.
I will say what I most liked about this book was that, Nathalie and Asa were both very flawed and realistic characters. They each made mistakes (Asa more than Nathalie in my opinion), but they eventually learned and grew. Nathalie was just a strong, determined, and fierce heroine. She stood her ground the best she could and I truly appreciated that. While, I wished she would have been just a tab more resilient when it came to Asa, I understood the immense love and devotion she had.
Another aspect I enjoyed was seeing the Lacroix family again, specifically Serene and Rainey. I just loved seeing their families grow and all of them happy with their lives.
The relationship/romance between Nathalie and Asa was not easy by any means. They had such a tumultuous, complicated and long journey filled with so much love, heartbreak and longing. Their love story was truly heartbreaking and while they do get their happy ending, I just wished there would have been more scenes of them happily together without any drama.
I will say, one of my issues with their relationship was their reconciliation. After everything they went through when they finally decided to be together it felt too abrupt, especially with everything that was happening. Personally, I just felt like it was a disservice to their story and romance that there wasn’t more and that was all we got from that significant moment.
Juliet’s pregnancy and how that all unfolded, was okay. I did have some theories on how that would all play out and I was correct. I will admit though, I wished it would have gone a different direction just because of how much it hurt Nathalie. Spoiler! Juliet was truly pregnant with Asa’s child and ends up having a baby girl. He also ends up naming their daughter a name that Nathalie picked out for her own children years ago, which I thought was quite hurtful of him to do.
My biggest struggle with this book though, was Asa and his lack of groveling. I’ll even say that for a majority of the book, I quite disliked him, which honestly sucked because I did really love him in the previous book. A lot of his actions and decisions were just so disappointing in my opinion. He continuously toyed with Nathalie’s feelings, treated her so unfairly with his hot and cold attitude and held back his true feelings for way too long. While, I understood some of his reasoning and decisions to a certain degree, his lack of understanding and respect for her was disheartening. I was also just expecting him to grovel for Nathalie’s forgiveness and love after everything he intentionally and unintentionally put her through and unfortunately he did not. There was absolutely no groveling or begging for forgiveness. So, I kind of agreed with one of the characters, who stated that Nathalie deserved better.
The last few chapters at the end felt very rushed. The conflict and resolution just wrapped itself up too quickly and conveniently. There were also a few subplots that were left quite open-ended. While, there was a nice conclusion to Nathalie and Asa’s story, I just wanted a bit more of their happily ever after. The epilogue does set up for the next book in the Belgrave Dynasty series, which I am intrigued for, but I honestly would have preferred for it to have focused more on Nathalie and Asa with their own family.
Overall, I did like this book and I’m happy Nathalie finally got her happy ending, I just wished certain aspects were handled better.
**ARC received in exchange of an honest review**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2023
1.5 ⭐️
I have to say that I was deeply disappointed by this book. I had loved the Surviving Time series and the first book of the Belgrave Dynasty, however, Nathalie and Asa’s story was just not for me. It definitely wasn’t my favorite in their first book, but this one fell through even worse for me. I personally couldn’t take the constant back and forth between the characters and found it highly repetitive. I also didn’t like how the two characters treated each other, especially how Asa treated Nathalie. I just felt that she kept easily forgiving and running back to him to where it was becoming excruciating to read. Additionally, if you do not enjoy the cheating trope, I would not recommend this book or the one before it. At times I usually don’t mind it, however, I thought this one tried to rationalize it as though it was ok and I just couldn’t look past that. I also found the overall mystery aspect was an attempt to keep things interesting and suspenseful while it all just didn’t organize or connect well. Then after everything the main characters went through, it ended with a rushed epilogue after two whole books of these character’s stories and another cliff hanger for what I assume is the next book. This book was just not for me, however, if you enjoy the Belgrave universe and were planning to read this one, just potentially take some of these notes into account.
I have to say that I was deeply disappointed by this book. I had loved the Surviving Time series and the first book of the Belgrave Dynasty, however, Nathalie and Asa’s story was just not for me. It definitely wasn’t my favorite in their first book, but this one fell through even worse for me. I personally couldn’t take the constant back and forth between the characters and found it highly repetitive. I also didn’t like how the two characters treated each other, especially how Asa treated Nathalie. I just felt that she kept easily forgiving and running back to him to where it was becoming excruciating to read. Additionally, if you do not enjoy the cheating trope, I would not recommend this book or the one before it. At times I usually don’t mind it, however, I thought this one tried to rationalize it as though it was ok and I just couldn’t look past that. I also found the overall mystery aspect was an attempt to keep things interesting and suspenseful while it all just didn’t organize or connect well. Then after everything the main characters went through, it ended with a rushed epilogue after two whole books of these character’s stories and another cliff hanger for what I assume is the next book. This book was just not for me, however, if you enjoy the Belgrave universe and were planning to read this one, just potentially take some of these notes into account.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2022
waiting for this book, the cliffhanger in the previous book gave me blue balls
September 22, 2023
Asa and Nat deserved better! Why did we spend so much time in Juliet's head? It was unnecessary! Even when we got to her backstory, I felt very little sympathy for her because we spent way too much time in her head! Also, the way Asa and Nat kept getting in their own way got old....very quickly. Asa let Serene's words get to him way to easily-I'm also low key side-eyeing her because not her forgetting that her and Etienne had a thing going on while he was engaged! but I digress-and Nat staying at Brignac House for as long as she did was just her being a masochist, there's no other explanation. This book gave me all the yearning and angst that I love but there were points where it really dragged and that made me sad. Even their happy ending felt rushed! And now we're moving on to an amnesiac, back from the dead Miles? NO. I WANT TO SEE MY BABY BEAU FINALLY GET A HEA.
P.S Nat should've been way more pissed off at Asa for giving his child with another women HER baby name. In the words of Samantha Thee Jones in the baby shower episode of Sex And The City "You BITCH." I also needed a scene where Asa punched his awful dad in the face but him disowning BOTH his parents-his mom was just as awful sitting back and letting him speak to their child that way-was pretty satisfying.
Update 9/21/23: I forgot to give Asa and Nat a couple's song:
Love In the Dark-Adele
P.S Nat should've been way more pissed off at Asa for giving his child with another women HER baby name. In the words of Samantha Thee Jones in the baby shower episode of Sex And The City "You BITCH." I also needed a scene where Asa punched his awful dad in the face but him disowning BOTH his parents-his mom was just as awful sitting back and letting him speak to their child that way-was pretty satisfying.
Update 9/21/23: I forgot to give Asa and Nat a couple's song:
Love In the Dark-Adele
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2023
A happy ending at last! ♥️
Whilst I sympathised with Nat and Asa in the first part of the story, Lady Gouldian, not so much this time around. They’re in this situation because of their own actions and decisions. Asa introduced Nat to her husband because he “couldn’t love her right.” And then proceeded to see and have an affair with her…??!! Asa tells her he can’t love her yet always comes back to her. And she lets him into her heart and bed time and time again…??!! Girl, have some dignity.
Watching these two stumble around trying to untangle the mess they’ve made was exhausting. I was pulling for them but also screaming at them.
Whilst I sympathised with Nat and Asa in the first part of the story, Lady Gouldian, not so much this time around. They’re in this situation because of their own actions and decisions. Asa introduced Nat to her husband because he “couldn’t love her right.” And then proceeded to see and have an affair with her…??!! Asa tells her he can’t love her yet always comes back to her. And she lets him into her heart and bed time and time again…??!! Girl, have some dignity.
Watching these two stumble around trying to untangle the mess they’ve made was exhausting. I was pulling for them but also screaming at them.
May 16, 2023
How is this series not more popular?!?! Please give us this book asap! ❤️
Edit 5/16/2023: hoping we don’t have to wait years for the next book 😫
Edit 5/16/2023: hoping we don’t have to wait years for the next book 😫
February 12, 2023
NOTE: Must read Lady Gouldain before The Red Herring.
Asa and Nathalie's story had to face a battle to get to their HEA. Juliet is CRAY CRAY! This one did have mystery murder elements that brought a different intriguing tone to this latest installment in the Belgrave Dynasty. I just would've like a bit more insight of Asa and Nathalie relationship at the end. Yes due to the cliffhanger, I will sure be back! I can't wait to read and yes I can't wait for Beau's book too and what about Bea? Will she have a larger part? Gah, questions.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Asa and Nathalie's story had to face a battle to get to their HEA. Juliet is CRAY CRAY! This one did have mystery murder elements that brought a different intriguing tone to this latest installment in the Belgrave Dynasty. I just would've like a bit more insight of Asa and Nathalie relationship at the end. Yes due to the cliffhanger, I will sure be back! I can't wait to read and yes I can't wait for Beau's book too and what about Bea? Will she have a larger part? Gah, questions.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 6, 2023
What an incredibly satisfying and highly emotional conclusion to Nat + Asa's story! Never thought Asa would steal my heart from Etienne, but here we are. 🩵
Calia writes funny, relatable, sometimes broken, imperfect, and loveable characters that help each other pick up the pieces of their own hearts while simultaneously ripping out the reader's heart and
then sewing it back up nicely at the end.
Any book that can make me laugh, cry, and feel the love ❤️ is like the trifecta of all I could ask for in a book.
If you're a fan of Pride & Prejudice/Bridgerton/ or romance books in general- Calia Read is for you! 📚
This is Calia's best work to date, in my humble #1 fan opinion, and it was well worth the wait. TYSM for letting me be an ARC reader after I emailed you like a cold-calling telemarketer. You're my favorite romance author always
Xx Bean
Ps- to my dearest Beau (side character), whose book I impatiently await, How you doin? 🤌🏻
Calia writes funny, relatable, sometimes broken, imperfect, and loveable characters that help each other pick up the pieces of their own hearts while simultaneously ripping out the reader's heart and
then sewing it back up nicely at the end.
Any book that can make me laugh, cry, and feel the love ❤️ is like the trifecta of all I could ask for in a book.
If you're a fan of Pride & Prejudice/Bridgerton/ or romance books in general- Calia Read is for you! 📚
This is Calia's best work to date, in my humble #1 fan opinion, and it was well worth the wait. TYSM for letting me be an ARC reader after I emailed you like a cold-calling telemarketer. You're my favorite romance author always
Xx Bean
Ps- to my dearest Beau (side character), whose book I impatiently await, How you doin? 🤌🏻
January 8, 2025
don't feel like finishing the last 9%, so i'm going to count this as read. probably the worst book from the entire belgrave literary universe, it dragged and repeated the same storyline over and over and over again.
February 26, 2023
My review of the previous book in the series stands for this book as well. I still don’t understand why Ada and Nathalie couldn’t be together in the beginning. It’s ridiculous.
February 9, 2023
I am currently not functioning at optimal energy levels due to only 3 hours of sleep.
I did nothing yesterday. No dishes. I fed my family frozen pizza for dinner.
All because Calia Read has done it again.
If you follow me on instagram - http://www.instagram.com/theramblingb... - you will know that I have been doing some promo for The Red Herring. I assumed that was all I was going to be doing, as I didn't hear anything about getting an arc. If you have read my reviews for Calia Read's Surviving Time Trilogy, and the first two books of Belgrave Dynasty - King of the South, and Lady Gouldian - you know I LOVE Calia's work, so just being picked to do promotional stuff for The Red Herring made me genuinely happy.
But a little after midnight, when I did a last minute email check before going to bed, I got THE email.
The Red Herring arc was sent to my kindle.
I mentally did a happy dance so I wouldn't disturb my husband, and forced myself not to start it that night.
No. Wednesday would be devoted to The Red Herring.
And it truly was. From the moment I sent my kids off to school, I was reading.
It. Was. Amazing.
It's been a year since I've read Lady Gouldian, but that book, that ending, ingrained itself in my brain. Since then, every so often, Nathalie and Asa would pop into my head, and I would wonder how Calia would wrap up their story. How to turn such a complicated past, and even more complicated present, and weave them so these two characters could find their way to one another again. Calia Read did it though. She did it beautifully. With more memories from their pasts - their moments together, and their own personal journeys - everything came together. And while I never had an issue respecting their characters in the past, I ended up respecting them more.
Calia has this magic touch to her books, that I can't quite explain, but it's evident in The Red Herring. She writes truly dimensional, realistic characters. They all have their own hang ups, baggage, and issues that get in the way of the story, but in a realistic way that has you understanding where they are coming from. Her plotlines for her books always have a wonderful flow. I've never felt bored reading a book of hers. Every chapter has had meaning, and The Red Herring is no different. If this wasn't enough, her romances are unique and refreshing. Emotionally charged. Insanely sexy with intense chemistry. They truly sink their talons into you, and make an impact.
No joke.
I finished the book at 1am.
I couldn't fall asleep until 3am, because I couldn't stop thinking about what I just read.
There is a reason Calia Read was my number one top author in 2022.
In fact, she was on ALL my top ten lists for 2022, and I had to lump all her books into series' because I couldn't pick just one. (top ten lists are on my website, http://www.theramblingbooknerd.com )
Top 10 Romantic Reads
Top 10 Sexiest Reads
Top 10 Book Series'
Top 10 Books I Want to Read in 2023
Lady Gouldian ended up on my Top 10 Reads of the Year.
As I did after reading her Surviving Timeseries, after King of the South, and Lady Gouldian, I IMPLORE YOU to read these books, including The Red Herring, today. I promise you will not regret it, and Calia Read will become one of your favorites.
I did nothing yesterday. No dishes. I fed my family frozen pizza for dinner.
All because Calia Read has done it again.
If you follow me on instagram - http://www.instagram.com/theramblingb... - you will know that I have been doing some promo for The Red Herring. I assumed that was all I was going to be doing, as I didn't hear anything about getting an arc. If you have read my reviews for Calia Read's Surviving Time Trilogy, and the first two books of Belgrave Dynasty - King of the South, and Lady Gouldian - you know I LOVE Calia's work, so just being picked to do promotional stuff for The Red Herring made me genuinely happy.
But a little after midnight, when I did a last minute email check before going to bed, I got THE email.
The Red Herring arc was sent to my kindle.
I mentally did a happy dance so I wouldn't disturb my husband, and forced myself not to start it that night.
No. Wednesday would be devoted to The Red Herring.
And it truly was. From the moment I sent my kids off to school, I was reading.
It. Was. Amazing.
It's been a year since I've read Lady Gouldian, but that book, that ending, ingrained itself in my brain. Since then, every so often, Nathalie and Asa would pop into my head, and I would wonder how Calia would wrap up their story. How to turn such a complicated past, and even more complicated present, and weave them so these two characters could find their way to one another again. Calia Read did it though. She did it beautifully. With more memories from their pasts - their moments together, and their own personal journeys - everything came together. And while I never had an issue respecting their characters in the past, I ended up respecting them more.
Calia has this magic touch to her books, that I can't quite explain, but it's evident in The Red Herring. She writes truly dimensional, realistic characters. They all have their own hang ups, baggage, and issues that get in the way of the story, but in a realistic way that has you understanding where they are coming from. Her plotlines for her books always have a wonderful flow. I've never felt bored reading a book of hers. Every chapter has had meaning, and The Red Herring is no different. If this wasn't enough, her romances are unique and refreshing. Emotionally charged. Insanely sexy with intense chemistry. They truly sink their talons into you, and make an impact.
No joke.
I finished the book at 1am.
I couldn't fall asleep until 3am, because I couldn't stop thinking about what I just read.
There is a reason Calia Read was my number one top author in 2022.
In fact, she was on ALL my top ten lists for 2022, and I had to lump all her books into series' because I couldn't pick just one. (top ten lists are on my website, http://www.theramblingbooknerd.com )
Top 10 Romantic Reads
Top 10 Sexiest Reads
Top 10 Book Series'
Top 10 Books I Want to Read in 2023
Lady Gouldian ended up on my Top 10 Reads of the Year.
As I did after reading her Surviving Timeseries, after King of the South, and Lady Gouldian, I IMPLORE YOU to read these books, including The Red Herring, today. I promise you will not regret it, and Calia Read will become one of your favorites.
May 9, 2024
It's actually quite mad how I binged the duet and King of the South all into 5 days. I love Calia Read and it's so much fun being able to dive in Belgrav Dynasty. I never want to leave this world.
Again I mentioned in the previous part, I love Asa and I love Nat but their story felt like a very long tug of war. They both couldn't let go of one another but Asa refused to ever lean in and embrace the feelings.
More back and forth of their emotions during the part occur and we see them fight in the present. They come close to finally being together only for more things to come in the way.
It's a bittersweet love story but I do believe it could have been stronger if we had a deeper reason for why they could never be together. It felt quite weak and almost made me hate Asa for dragging Nat around and Nat not choosing herself but self destructing.
I wished her brother's found out the full story because to be honest Asa would have deserved what he got for treating Nat how he did. It was almost laughable when Etienne states "you promise to make her happy" when he'd been spending almost his lifetime being both the man to make her smile and break her heart constantly.
I feel a bit at a loss reaching the end as I wanted to love and obsess over them more but in the end as much as I love and find it easy to devour Calia Read's words the story was lacking.
If you're looking for a push and pull of beyond Ross and Rachel measures this is for you!
Again I mentioned in the previous part, I love Asa and I love Nat but their story felt like a very long tug of war. They both couldn't let go of one another but Asa refused to ever lean in and embrace the feelings.
More back and forth of their emotions during the part occur and we see them fight in the present. They come close to finally being together only for more things to come in the way.
It's a bittersweet love story but I do believe it could have been stronger if we had a deeper reason for why they could never be together. It felt quite weak and almost made me hate Asa for dragging Nat around and Nat not choosing herself but self destructing.
I wished her brother's found out the full story because to be honest Asa would have deserved what he got for treating Nat how he did. It was almost laughable when Etienne states "you promise to make her happy" when he'd been spending almost his lifetime being both the man to make her smile and break her heart constantly.
I feel a bit at a loss reaching the end as I wanted to love and obsess over them more but in the end as much as I love and find it easy to devour Calia Read's words the story was lacking.
If you're looking for a push and pull of beyond Ross and Rachel measures this is for you!
March 15, 2023
3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Solo me siento decepcionada que no tuvieramos un final o un epílogo como se merecian tener.
2 libros para que al fin pudieran estar juntos, pero solo fue 2 paginas.
O sea, estoy molesta.
Porque en verdad queria saber mas de ellos dos juntos oficialmente como pareja o como familia.
Pero meh
Puro dramaa y mas dramaaa.
En fin
Solo me siento decepcionada que no tuvieramos un final o un epílogo como se merecian tener.
2 libros para que al fin pudieran estar juntos, pero solo fue 2 paginas.
O sea, estoy molesta.
Porque en verdad queria saber mas de ellos dos juntos oficialmente como pareja o como familia.
Pero meh
Puro dramaa y mas dramaaa.
En fin
January 8, 2024
Asa was soo annoying always rejecting nat. Nat was even more annoying that kept allowing him to abandon her every time. The book did not to be sequels… so repetitive.
March 1, 2023
I want to break this book apart and give different ratings for different parts of the book because it had me feeling so much.
1⭐️ to how Asa treated Nathalie. I still don’t know why he wouldn’t be with her or how he was able to marry someone else. But when he was with Nathalie, my God did I feel how intensely he felt for her. 5⭐️ for when he loved her and didn’t push her away and for when he gave off “touch her and die” vibes. His decisions were explained a bit more towards the end so I became more understanding for his misgivings.
2⭐️ for all the cheating. There was so much going on. And it was horrible. The relationships in this book were toxic and had a black cloud following them around. How much hurt can one person endure in the name of love???? This too sort of had circumstantial things that convoluted my feelings on this aspect.
3⭐️ for how often Nathalie caved into Asa. She did it so quickly too (even though I didn’t like this part of her character, I lived for when she did cave). Maybe that’s what happens when you love someone so much; you’re willing to take whatever they give to you.
4⭐️ for writing side characters that I enjoyed reading about. Often times, I care very little for them. But I enjoyed seeing them pop up every now and then and how all their lives were so intertwined. I hope Beau gets his own book some day.
4.5⭐️ for how messy and angsty this story is. There are many layers to it. Way more than I expected. Some twists I didn’t see coming after finishing Lady Gouldian. I was so engrossed in this story and was always itching for some free time to pick up back up.
Calia’s writing is and always will get a solid 5⭐️ from me. The words she puts onto paper have this poetic sheen to it. They elicit so much emotion from me. And I feel it all so intensely. She has a way of portraying a connection between characters that has you so invested in the simplest of interactions. I also loved how alternating between the past and present was used to fill in all the blanks to their story.
Overall, I give this book 5⭐️. There were many things that I wasn’t a fan of in this story. I’ve always said that if an author can elicit such strong feelings from me, both good and bad, it means they did an amazing job writing. Calia is a master of words and I’ve yet to read a book by her that I didn’t like. My need for beautiful writing and getting just that in this book certainly helped me overcome my frustration with all of the cheating that occurred.
1⭐️ to how Asa treated Nathalie. I still don’t know why he wouldn’t be with her or how he was able to marry someone else. But when he was with Nathalie, my God did I feel how intensely he felt for her. 5⭐️ for when he loved her and didn’t push her away and for when he gave off “touch her and die” vibes. His decisions were explained a bit more towards the end so I became more understanding for his misgivings.
2⭐️ for all the cheating. There was so much going on. And it was horrible. The relationships in this book were toxic and had a black cloud following them around. How much hurt can one person endure in the name of love???? This too sort of had circumstantial things that convoluted my feelings on this aspect.
3⭐️ for how often Nathalie caved into Asa. She did it so quickly too (even though I didn’t like this part of her character, I lived for when she did cave). Maybe that’s what happens when you love someone so much; you’re willing to take whatever they give to you.
4⭐️ for writing side characters that I enjoyed reading about. Often times, I care very little for them. But I enjoyed seeing them pop up every now and then and how all their lives were so intertwined. I hope Beau gets his own book some day.
4.5⭐️ for how messy and angsty this story is. There are many layers to it. Way more than I expected. Some twists I didn’t see coming after finishing Lady Gouldian. I was so engrossed in this story and was always itching for some free time to pick up back up.
Calia’s writing is and always will get a solid 5⭐️ from me. The words she puts onto paper have this poetic sheen to it. They elicit so much emotion from me. And I feel it all so intensely. She has a way of portraying a connection between characters that has you so invested in the simplest of interactions. I also loved how alternating between the past and present was used to fill in all the blanks to their story.
Overall, I give this book 5⭐️. There were many things that I wasn’t a fan of in this story. I’ve always said that if an author can elicit such strong feelings from me, both good and bad, it means they did an amazing job writing. Calia is a master of words and I’ve yet to read a book by her that I didn’t like. My need for beautiful writing and getting just that in this book certainly helped me overcome my frustration with all of the cheating that occurred.
February 27, 2023
“You are strong,” I whisper to myself. “You can get through today.”
4.5 💫
Since the age of 7, Nathalie LaCroix has been in love with Asa Calhoun. Due to the loyalty he had to her brothers, their relationship remained secret, to the point he pushes her towards another man.
“Find someone else. Love him. Marry him. Do what you must, but do it without me,” he said coldly…
…”When you marry, I will be there. I want to see who you will spend the rest of your life with because you and I know, I am the only woman who can love you the way you need to be loved.”
Lady Gouldian left off with Asa dropping the news to Nathalie that Juliet is pregnant. Red Herring picks off where this left off but also provides a lot of back story to fill in gaps we’ve all had such as… how did Asa meet Juliet, what really happened between Oliver and Nathalie, how did Oliver die, how deep did Asa and Nathalie’s relationship go, what secrets is Juliet hiding.
This book continues to bring the spice that all the other Belgrave books have given us. You can’t help but root for Asa and Nathalie, but I was so frustrated by how stupid decisions kept them apart all this time.
I’m happy to report that although I thought this conclusion would be the end of the Belgrave series (which was devastating to me), we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger, proving that Calia is not quite done with Charleston in 1920 and these characters we have grown to love.
4.5 💫
Since the age of 7, Nathalie LaCroix has been in love with Asa Calhoun. Due to the loyalty he had to her brothers, their relationship remained secret, to the point he pushes her towards another man.
“Find someone else. Love him. Marry him. Do what you must, but do it without me,” he said coldly…
…”When you marry, I will be there. I want to see who you will spend the rest of your life with because you and I know, I am the only woman who can love you the way you need to be loved.”
Lady Gouldian left off with Asa dropping the news to Nathalie that Juliet is pregnant. Red Herring picks off where this left off but also provides a lot of back story to fill in gaps we’ve all had such as… how did Asa meet Juliet, what really happened between Oliver and Nathalie, how did Oliver die, how deep did Asa and Nathalie’s relationship go, what secrets is Juliet hiding.
This book continues to bring the spice that all the other Belgrave books have given us. You can’t help but root for Asa and Nathalie, but I was so frustrated by how stupid decisions kept them apart all this time.
I’m happy to report that although I thought this conclusion would be the end of the Belgrave series (which was devastating to me), we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger, proving that Calia is not quite done with Charleston in 1920 and these characters we have grown to love.
June 17, 2023
I fell in love with Calia Read's books a while ago when I read The Surviving Trace, a time travel historical fiction romance. There was something about that story that captivated me and ever since, I've devoured her spinoff series, The Belgrave Dynasty. Needless to say, this story has been a long time coming.
Asa married Juliet. Nathalie married Oliver Claiborne. Now, Juliet is pregnant with Asa's child and Oliver is dead. The course of five or so years has been tumultuous, but one thing has remained the same throughout - Asa and Nat love each other and can't seem to stop. Other people can see it too. Juliet is starting to show her true colors to Asa and he's left questioning who he married, especially as her due date nears. Meanwhile, Nathalie tries desperately to avoid him and prays these feelings going away. She goes on a date, but it's useless. She's loved Asa Calhoun since she was a child. When everything seems hopeless, can they find a way to be together after all?
I was thrilled to be back in Charleston with the Lacroix family again, and even more so to be back with Asa and Nathalie. These two have been fighting their feelings since the first book of the last series so it's refreshing to finally get to focus on them.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Asa married Juliet. Nathalie married Oliver Claiborne. Now, Juliet is pregnant with Asa's child and Oliver is dead. The course of five or so years has been tumultuous, but one thing has remained the same throughout - Asa and Nat love each other and can't seem to stop. Other people can see it too. Juliet is starting to show her true colors to Asa and he's left questioning who he married, especially as her due date nears. Meanwhile, Nathalie tries desperately to avoid him and prays these feelings going away. She goes on a date, but it's useless. She's loved Asa Calhoun since she was a child. When everything seems hopeless, can they find a way to be together after all?
I was thrilled to be back in Charleston with the Lacroix family again, and even more so to be back with Asa and Nathalie. These two have been fighting their feelings since the first book of the last series so it's refreshing to finally get to focus on them.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 16, 2023
Highly anticipated second book in Nat and Ada’s story. We’ve been teased for a long time about this love story and I’m happy to say we finally have answers :)
There’s really nothing too dramatic in this book. It’s mostly back and forth between the past and present and finally getting all the pieces and timeline for Nat and Asa’s story. I still can’t say I fully understand Asa’s reasoning for putting off the inevitable for so long. It’s a gut twisting tale of the back and forth of these two and all they put each other through in order to get to where they are. They’re flawed and make mistakes but their attraction and love for each other never wavers.
I do feel like Nat was put through the wringer even more than Asa. She always went back with an open mind and heart ready to fight for him where he had much more trepidation. It’s a little repetitive and as I said there’s really nothing super dramatic that happens. There are obstacles sure but enough to keep them apart? Not in my mind. I’m glad these two characters finally got the ever after they deserve.
There’s really nothing too dramatic in this book. It’s mostly back and forth between the past and present and finally getting all the pieces and timeline for Nat and Asa’s story. I still can’t say I fully understand Asa’s reasoning for putting off the inevitable for so long. It’s a gut twisting tale of the back and forth of these two and all they put each other through in order to get to where they are. They’re flawed and make mistakes but their attraction and love for each other never wavers.
I do feel like Nat was put through the wringer even more than Asa. She always went back with an open mind and heart ready to fight for him where he had much more trepidation. It’s a little repetitive and as I said there’s really nothing super dramatic that happens. There are obstacles sure but enough to keep them apart? Not in my mind. I’m glad these two characters finally got the ever after they deserve.
March 11, 2023
This is the sequel to Lady Gouldian and picks up immediately after the events in that book. I was highly anticipating Nat and Asa's story since meeting them in The Surviving Trace series (which I adored).
This story is told in multiple POVs, mainly through Nathalie but also Asa and Juliet's. It also went back and forth between scenes from the past and present day. While I enjoyed seeing moments between Asa and Nat throughout the years, the constant back and forth began to take me out of the story.
Asa and Nat's relationship was very complicated due to outside circumstances and the lives they seperately lived. Without spoiling anything, these characters go through so much turmoil and heartbreak before they finally get their hea. I would've loved to have seen more happy moments with this couple without so much drama going on.
Although I didn't enjoy Asa and Nat's story as much I thought I would, I enjoyed being back in the world of Belgrave and being with the Lacroix family again.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
tws: cheating, mental illness
This story is told in multiple POVs, mainly through Nathalie but also Asa and Juliet's. It also went back and forth between scenes from the past and present day. While I enjoyed seeing moments between Asa and Nat throughout the years, the constant back and forth began to take me out of the story.
Asa and Nat's relationship was very complicated due to outside circumstances and the lives they seperately lived. Without spoiling anything, these characters go through so much turmoil and heartbreak before they finally get their hea. I would've loved to have seen more happy moments with this couple without so much drama going on.
Although I didn't enjoy Asa and Nat's story as much I thought I would, I enjoyed being back in the world of Belgrave and being with the Lacroix family again.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
tws: cheating, mental illness
February 19, 2023
I absolutely love this series. After the cliffhanger in part 1 of Nats story I have been DYING to read this one and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed everything- the past and present chapters, the reveals, the ending- all so so good. This one answers ALL your questions which makes the ending that much more satisfying.
I don’t feel this one ends on a cliffhanger but I am excited to see if Calia writes a next book about the character discussed in the epilogue. I don’t want to say much due to spoilers but there’s so much I’m wondering about that person now.
This world is one of my faves and I really hope I get more of Belgrave. 😍😍😍
I don’t feel this one ends on a cliffhanger but I am excited to see if Calia writes a next book about the character discussed in the epilogue. I don’t want to say much due to spoilers but there’s so much I’m wondering about that person now.
This world is one of my faves and I really hope I get more of Belgrave. 😍😍😍
February 17, 2023
I'll keep waiting the redemption... After two books of angst and A LOT of rejection we have nothing 😢 a few words for Nathalie and paragraph for the brothers, and magical Asa has solved all of their problems. It's just feel soo dragged with that end, nothing sincere. when had all the potencial, very disappointed. Nat and Asa deserve more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2023
I really think Asa was my favorite. Natalie surprised me….. loved her. It was sort of heartbreaking how much time was wasted and the amount of hurt that was unintentionally caused. I really just wanted to jump in those pages and give Asa a great big hug!
Read
February 16, 2023Edited Document
The end of Asa and Nat's journey was not an easy one and there were many times I was frustrated and wanted to shake one or both of them, but they had to go through everything to find one another again.
The end of Asa and Nat's journey was not an easy one and there were many times I was frustrated and wanted to shake one or both of them, but they had to go through everything to find one another again.
February 26, 2023
I’m going to come back this after I collect my thoughts. But wow, just wow.
June 16, 2023
4.5⭐️
August 5, 2023
Welcome Back!
It was a nice surprise to find this book in my Kindleunlimited. I have missed this family! I loved picking up Nathalie’s story and giving it closure. And then opening up another story for another character in this family.
It was a nice surprise to find this book in my Kindleunlimited. I have missed this family! I loved picking up Nathalie’s story and giving it closure. And then opening up another story for another character in this family.
February 18, 2023
After finishing Lady Gouldian with its intriguing narrative of Natalie and Asa’s story, I couldn’t wait to continue their story. The palpable love and chemistry between these characters was something that kept me captivated. Juliet’s prior introduction was further developed and as her background came to light, I couldn’t put my kindle down in anticipation for her comeuppance.
The ending was spellbinding and totally unexpected with the appearance of Miles.
I truly hope his story is to come!
The ending was spellbinding and totally unexpected with the appearance of Miles.
I truly hope his story is to come!
February 11, 2023
**This ARC was provided to me to give an honest review. This review may contain slight spoilers below.
I am a big fan of Calia Reads books! This series is fantastic.
The Red Herring is an emotional and exciting addition. I read it in 3 days and by the end I wanted to know more!
I love Asa and Nathalie together, and one thing I did wish this book had was more of their happiness as the end. I find compared to Livingston and Rainey's story - this one broke my heart for Asa and Nathalie. I need to see them happy and settled into life (perhaps the next book 😊)
Thanks for this wonderful series, Calia!
5-Stars and already looking forward to the next installment! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am a big fan of Calia Reads books! This series is fantastic.
The Red Herring is an emotional and exciting addition. I read it in 3 days and by the end I wanted to know more!
I love Asa and Nathalie together, and one thing I did wish this book had was more of their happiness as the end. I find compared to Livingston and Rainey's story - this one broke my heart for Asa and Nathalie. I need to see them happy and settled into life (perhaps the next book 😊)
Thanks for this wonderful series, Calia!
5-Stars and already looking forward to the next installment! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 29, 2023
Asa is the most blandest character ever. Such a poor excuse of a hero. Natalie is the weakest FMC ever, letting Asa run all over her. He made a move on her and then said it was a mistake. He did this ten thousand times. How could Natalie let it slide? How can you be so weak for a man like that? He fucking cheated on his wife. Just because he didnt love her did that give him the right to fuck Natalie? She also slept with him while she was with her husband. Both big cheaters. When her husband died and she was free, why did not Asa get her back then? Instead he married another woman. IDIOT. Also, Etienne and his tendency to keep his bestie away from his sister. If they love each other and he is a good man then why not let them together??? always butting in. i hate this about brother's best friend trope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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