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The Dufort Dynasty #9
Beautiful Ruin
Bestselling author, Juliette N. Banks brings another sexy and powerful Dufort man to life in Beautiful Ruin, a dark billionaire romance novel of the Dufort Dynasty.
She’s not mine, and I should stay away.
But I won’t.
I’m not sure she wants me to leave her alone. Sure, I’m a powerful and wealthy Dufort, but even after my damn brother (her boss) warned Leilani that my sexual appetite stretches to more than one lover - at the same time—her greedy lust-filled eyes still follow me.
I’m convinced she’s far less innocent than everyone thinks.
And I’m determined to find out.
So when a bombshell drops in my lap, throwing an annoying existential crisis my way, Leilani becomes the outlet for my pain, my need, and my denial.
I just never meant for it to ruin her.
Or me.
Beautiful Ruin is book nine and the final book in the steamy Dufort Dynasty series. It's part billionaire, part dark romance and will appeal to readers who like spicy books with a strong storyline and characters, witty dialogue, heart-clenching moments, and a delicious happy ever after.
Each book can be read as a standalone.
You will have noticed Jacob Dufort tends to enjoy multiple lovers. Hot damn! Please note this is not a reverse harem, although it will be spicy AF and end with a happy ever after for Jacob and Leilani.
She’s not mine, and I should stay away.
But I won’t.
I’m not sure she wants me to leave her alone. Sure, I’m a powerful and wealthy Dufort, but even after my damn brother (her boss) warned Leilani that my sexual appetite stretches to more than one lover - at the same time—her greedy lust-filled eyes still follow me.
I’m convinced she’s far less innocent than everyone thinks.
And I’m determined to find out.
So when a bombshell drops in my lap, throwing an annoying existential crisis my way, Leilani becomes the outlet for my pain, my need, and my denial.
I just never meant for it to ruin her.
Or me.
Beautiful Ruin is book nine and the final book in the steamy Dufort Dynasty series. It's part billionaire, part dark romance and will appeal to readers who like spicy books with a strong storyline and characters, witty dialogue, heart-clenching moments, and a delicious happy ever after.
Each book can be read as a standalone.
You will have noticed Jacob Dufort tends to enjoy multiple lovers. Hot damn! Please note this is not a reverse harem, although it will be spicy AF and end with a happy ever after for Jacob and Leilani.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
About the author
Juliette N. Banks
69 books456 followersJuliette N. Banks is a romance author who has taken the genre by storm with her steamy contemporary (mafia and billionaire) and paranormal romances.
If you're looking for sexy books with alpha heroes you'll fall in love with, then grab one of Juliette's free books and adopt a new book boyfriend today!
Juliette has a vast background in consumer marketing and was previously published with Random House. She lives in New Zealand with Tilly, her Maine Coon kitty, and travels frequently.
If you're looking for sexy books with alpha heroes you'll fall in love with, then grab one of Juliette's free books and adopt a new book boyfriend today!
Juliette has a vast background in consumer marketing and was previously published with Random House. She lives in New Zealand with Tilly, her Maine Coon kitty, and travels frequently.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 22, 2026
As the youngest Dufort, Jacob is complex. He struggles with his lifestyle choices and a bombshell family revelation while falling for Leilani, his brother's assistant, who's dealing with her own devastating loss.
The chemistry between Jacob and Leilani is electric, and their emotional journeys feel authentic. Both characters are dealing with real trauma, and watching them navigate their issues while falling for each other creates genuine tension.
At times, the angst feels repetitive, and Jacob's transformation toward the end happens a bit too quickly to feel entirely earned. Some relationship dynamics could have used more careful development, particularly around consent and communication.
Overall, it's a steamy, emotional read that delivers a satisfying HEA for Jacob and Leilani while wrapping up the series.
The chemistry between Jacob and Leilani is electric, and their emotional journeys feel authentic. Both characters are dealing with real trauma, and watching them navigate their issues while falling for each other creates genuine tension.
At times, the angst feels repetitive, and Jacob's transformation toward the end happens a bit too quickly to feel entirely earned. Some relationship dynamics could have used more careful development, particularly around consent and communication.
Overall, it's a steamy, emotional read that delivers a satisfying HEA for Jacob and Leilani while wrapping up the series.
October 13, 2024
I gave it two stars instead of just one because the male character's angst was really well-written. You could feel his fear and confusion as if it was your own.
The story started out great, the female characters was a little too passive (and easy) but the male characters was quite dynamic and there was a lot of opportunity for character evolution, given both their emotional frailty. But then their angst just kept repeating and the ending
The female lead's whole characterization pretty much just alternated between uncontrollable lust and fear of being alone.
The male lead was a self-involved bitch for 95% of the story and then went all grand gesture at the end, which sounds good, except a leopard doesn't just change his spots that quickly.
Nothing in their relationship led me to believe they wouldn't be divorced as soon as they grew up, got their emotional feet under them and wanted a relationship built on more than lust and assuaging fears.
The sex was often more about him acting out his issues than a pleasurable experience and the kink was handled really, really badly.
The male lead failed to discuss parameters, roles, safety and/or consent with her; nope, he just got her drunk (quote from him: 'How drunk are you?' so yes he knew), took advantage (she even said if she wasn't, she would have left immediately) and had her between him and a friend.
The female lead never seemed into it but instead was just going along with it to please the male lead.
And what is it was so many of the characters in smut books being so irresponsible about birth control? Not to mention protection. I mean the guy admitted to sleeping around with multiple partners at a time so he would definitely be someone you want to wear a condom with.
If you are into really angsty male characters who take out their issues on vulnerable women already dealing with their own trauma, I recommend.
Otherwise, no.
The story started out great, the female characters was a little too passive (and easy) but the male characters was quite dynamic and there was a lot of opportunity for character evolution, given both their emotional frailty. But then their angst just kept repeating and the ending
The female lead's whole characterization pretty much just alternated between uncontrollable lust and fear of being alone.
The male lead was a self-involved bitch for 95% of the story and then went all grand gesture at the end, which sounds good, except a leopard doesn't just change his spots that quickly.
Nothing in their relationship led me to believe they wouldn't be divorced as soon as they grew up, got their emotional feet under them and wanted a relationship built on more than lust and assuaging fears.
The sex was often more about him acting out his issues than a pleasurable experience and the kink was handled really, really badly.
The male lead failed to discuss parameters, roles, safety and/or consent with her; nope, he just got her drunk (quote from him: 'How drunk are you?' so yes he knew), took advantage (she even said if she wasn't, she would have left immediately) and had her between him and a friend.
The female lead never seemed into it but instead was just going along with it to please the male lead.
And what is it was so many of the characters in smut books being so irresponsible about birth control? Not to mention protection. I mean the guy admitted to sleeping around with multiple partners at a time so he would definitely be someone you want to wear a condom with.
If you are into really angsty male characters who take out their issues on vulnerable women already dealing with their own trauma, I recommend.
Otherwise, no.
May 27, 2024
Absolutely loved this book and so sad it's the end of the series. The raw emotions and obviously the spice turned this into a non stop read. The commitment, etc fears were so well described, it felt as if I could experience it. Having the whole family together again was a total bonus. The Duforts wil be missed dearly, but I hope to see them in the Montgomery books at times.
April 26, 2024
Juliette hit this book out of the park. The chemistry between Jacob and Leilani is so hot. What started as a flirtation becomes something that neither of them saw coming. I loved that all the characters in this series were a part of this book and gave it the ending it deserves
May 1, 2024
OMG!!! I couldn’t put it down!!!!! Jacob and Leilani’s story was fun, exciting, romantic and heartbreaking all at once. Both of them went through trauma and challenges in their own way and had to come to terms with their issues. I felt so sorry for Lani when her mom refused to fight to stay with her, but it made the story much more emotional and real and I was all for it because it made for a great story line! The chemistry between Jacob and Leilani was off the chain!! I mean, what more could you want in a great book? Emotion, grief, love, family and some hot sexy scenes 🔥🔥🔥🔥 I was there for it!!!!! Yes, Daniel and the whole Dufort crew was there and that was a whole fun scene 😂 I felt like I was a part of the whole shenanigans 🤗 So sorry this series had to end but OH! What an end!!!!! Great job Juliette!!!!! 🙌🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽
November 30, 2025
“Nothing is as bad as I think it could be when I have your light in my world.”
Jacob Dufort (age 23) is a hedge fund manager for a top firm in Philly and among the top billionaires in the U.S. He recently found out his bio dad is Ward Montgomery. This is his brother’s father-in-law. His personal life is very clear, he likes multiple lovers and no monogamy.
Leilani Kai (age 23) loves her job as Blake’s assistant, Jake’s brother. She’s dealing with a lot of stress as her Mom is dying and with no other family she’ll be all alone.
There are some nice spicy scenes as Jake is dominant and dirty 🔥. These two are meant for each other and their hearts call for each other.
Jacob, is the youngest Dufort and therefore ends this series with a big bang. This story contains witty dialogue, lovable character cameos, and my favorite kind of happy ever after.
Jacob Dufort (age 23) is a hedge fund manager for a top firm in Philly and among the top billionaires in the U.S. He recently found out his bio dad is Ward Montgomery. This is his brother’s father-in-law. His personal life is very clear, he likes multiple lovers and no monogamy.
Leilani Kai (age 23) loves her job as Blake’s assistant, Jake’s brother. She’s dealing with a lot of stress as her Mom is dying and with no other family she’ll be all alone.
There are some nice spicy scenes as Jake is dominant and dirty 🔥. These two are meant for each other and their hearts call for each other.
Jacob, is the youngest Dufort and therefore ends this series with a big bang. This story contains witty dialogue, lovable character cameos, and my favorite kind of happy ever after.
April 26, 2024
I have been anxiously looking forward to seeing how this series would wrap up as much as I've dreaded seeing it end. Where there are a lot of ways to end a series you love in an unsettling way, Juliette completed this story in a way that will have you laughing, crying and walking away with your heart full and a smile on your face.
The Dufort men never fail to show up for their women and prove their passion. Jacob may start out with a naughtier bang, but his love for Leilani wins in the end. Do not miss out on this epic conclusion to an amazing series.
The Dufort men never fail to show up for their women and prove their passion. Jacob may start out with a naughtier bang, but his love for Leilani wins in the end. Do not miss out on this epic conclusion to an amazing series.
April 27, 2024
This book had all the feels!!
Sad , for the end of the Dufort Dynasty series. Excited for next series of the Montgomerys.
Very bitter sweet feeling because of that, But also a little excitement getting closer to knowing the new characters.
And So many emotional hurdles that both Jacob and Leilani had to go through . My heart broke a little bit for each of them as I read their story. It was so great to see their happily ever after
Definitely Recommend getting this one as fast as you can. If you are up to date on the entire series
Sad , for the end of the Dufort Dynasty series. Excited for next series of the Montgomerys.
Very bitter sweet feeling because of that, But also a little excitement getting closer to knowing the new characters.
And So many emotional hurdles that both Jacob and Leilani had to go through . My heart broke a little bit for each of them as I read their story. It was so great to see their happily ever after
Definitely Recommend getting this one as fast as you can. If you are up to date on the entire series
May 3, 2024
Jacob and Leilani have a torrid romance that is captivatingly beautiful. What starts as an office attraction turns to a crazy s3xcapade and then burns to a romantic HEA. They take off on rollercoaster type adventure that has so many twist and turns you really aren’t sure if they are going to make it but when they do it is simply magnificent. It takes them truly finding themselves to figure it all out. Juliette is a wordsmith with fantastic ideas and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
April 30, 2024
What an ending!
I ADORE the entire Dufort Dynasty books but Jacob! Jesus The perfect amount of spice and naughtiness to satiate my dirty mind! Juliette never disappoints. The heat between Lani and Jake is INSANE and it also satisfy my vanilla side when the big dominant Jacob doesn’t feel so far from all his relatives who are married with kids. Love it!
I ADORE the entire Dufort Dynasty books but Jacob! Jesus The perfect amount of spice and naughtiness to satiate my dirty mind! Juliette never disappoints. The heat between Lani and Jake is INSANE and it also satisfy my vanilla side when the big dominant Jacob doesn’t feel so far from all his relatives who are married with kids. Love it!
May 1, 2024
Love this author's books
May 2, 2024
the Duforts
Another great story. Discovery of an existing sibling. Blending of 2 powerful families. Finding HEA. Can’t wait for the next family created by Juliette.
Another great story. Discovery of an existing sibling. Blending of 2 powerful families. Finding HEA. Can’t wait for the next family created by Juliette.
December 21, 2024
I loved meeting Jacob and Leilani.
May 5, 2024
I can’t believe this is it for the Dufort’s! I’ve loved this series from the beginning and so glad I started it. Juliette has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more from her. What a way to end this series! She continued to impress me and I’ve never read a book about a man who was so much in his feelings like this one featured. Jacob puts on a brave face but underneath all that is a man who is afraid of rejection, wants to be loved and is willing to show it if given the chance and if it’s the right person, in this case Leilani. I’ve never been so immersed in the hero’s mind before. Jacob opens up to us as the readers and it makes you hurt for him. All the uncertainty he was going through and battle with his emotions that he cannot contain all the time. He tells you what leads to his lifestyle and why he maintained it until meeting Leilani. He opens up our eyes to us as a man and person and I really enjoyed this part of the story. I felt like you really got a clear window into who he is as a person and what drives him. I loved both Jacob and Leilani but I was more drawn to Jacob in this book. I felt like you got more of an idea where he stood and what he was dealing with. You got this with Leilani too but I feel like Jacob was more complex than she was. Sometimes I love complex characters because you figure them out and questions get answered but it also helps you understand them. If you take a step back and look at the romance aspect of this story, you get engulfed in the steam, intensity and emotions of it all. It’s very deep and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My tipping point and what I kept thinking about after reading it was those scenes when Jacob lets his emotions take over and he expresses them physically to Leilani. It’s what he says and the way he delivers it that you experience how he’s feeling in the moment. What starts off as trying to not be intimate, just ends up being like that anyway and it’s the way he takes charge and expresses himself that did me in. I love scenes that do this because you really get an understanding of how the person is feeling in the moment and everything that led up to it. It’s very emotional and raw, you get this in every encounter with Leilani and Jacob and I was emotional myself from it. What a wonderful story and beautiful way to finish it off. I loved this book. I look forward to transitioning to the Montgomery’s while also keeping in touch with the Dufort’s.
May 16, 2024
3 Stars
Given that this is the final book of the Dufort Dynasty series, I cannot help but feel underwhelmed. I am aware that Jacob Dufort is a man who is at par with the rest of the Dufort men with their pizzaz, intensity, dominance, wit and sexiness. But his chemistry with Leilani Kai didn't seem to captivate me that much. Don't get me wrong. I like those scenes when they're together but I felt that more passion could've been exuded and made us crave more of them.
Part of this book's plot tackles Jacob dealing with the news of the public revelation about his father. His hurt and anger towards his mother and the distance established from the Montgomery household, except for Bella, are some of the factors why he cannot accept reality so easily. And he needs a distraction from this momentary chaos in his life. Enter Blake's loyal assistant, Leilani. Little did he know at first, that the Hawaiian beauty he's obsessed with, is dealing with abandonment issues. Hanging on to the hope that her alcoholic mother chooses her and accepts the help to let herself live longer with her daughter. Instead, she chose to join her dead husband and die instead of living in grief. This couple are both in a bad place and they found a way to break loose from their issues and indulge themselves through a hookup. To think that this would be a one-time thing? Not a chance when a hot and irresistible Dufort man spends time with you. Not when you're hanging out with this ray of sunshine woman and she's making you overcome your fear of another rejection. All it takes is for them to promise to stay with each other and voila! They got their happily-ever-after moment.
I would've given this a flat 2-star rating, but I have to credit how the author wrapped up some loose ends in this book. Notably, Hunter's proposal running gag and the surprising news brought by Daniel and Harper. Those were pure delight. The development of the relationship between Jacob and his mother hasn't been mentioned much. But I respect the author's decision not to dwell more on that. Besides, the Dufort patriarchs and Samantha always love drama. So we'll leave it at that.
Overall, it was still a good finale with all the Duforts and their respective better halves gathering together for the last time. It's been a wild ride with this wild bunch. It's bittersweet and I loved it. On to the next family, the Montgomerys. Bring it on, Knox!
Given that this is the final book of the Dufort Dynasty series, I cannot help but feel underwhelmed. I am aware that Jacob Dufort is a man who is at par with the rest of the Dufort men with their pizzaz, intensity, dominance, wit and sexiness. But his chemistry with Leilani Kai didn't seem to captivate me that much. Don't get me wrong. I like those scenes when they're together but I felt that more passion could've been exuded and made us crave more of them.
Part of this book's plot tackles Jacob dealing with the news of the public revelation about his father. His hurt and anger towards his mother and the distance established from the Montgomery household, except for Bella, are some of the factors why he cannot accept reality so easily. And he needs a distraction from this momentary chaos in his life. Enter Blake's loyal assistant, Leilani. Little did he know at first, that the Hawaiian beauty he's obsessed with, is dealing with abandonment issues. Hanging on to the hope that her alcoholic mother chooses her and accepts the help to let herself live longer with her daughter. Instead, she chose to join her dead husband and die instead of living in grief. This couple are both in a bad place and they found a way to break loose from their issues and indulge themselves through a hookup. To think that this would be a one-time thing? Not a chance when a hot and irresistible Dufort man spends time with you. Not when you're hanging out with this ray of sunshine woman and she's making you overcome your fear of another rejection. All it takes is for them to promise to stay with each other and voila! They got their happily-ever-after moment.
I would've given this a flat 2-star rating, but I have to credit how the author wrapped up some loose ends in this book. Notably, Hunter's proposal running gag and the surprising news brought by Daniel and Harper. Those were pure delight. The development of the relationship between Jacob and his mother hasn't been mentioned much. But I respect the author's decision not to dwell more on that. Besides, the Dufort patriarchs and Samantha always love drama. So we'll leave it at that.
Overall, it was still a good finale with all the Duforts and their respective better halves gathering together for the last time. It's been a wild ride with this wild bunch. It's bittersweet and I loved it. On to the next family, the Montgomerys. Bring it on, Knox!
April 30, 2024
The final book in the Dufort series does not disappoint. The chemistry between Lani and Jacob is off the charts hot, hot, hot. There is plenty of steam and angst in this long awaited story. Juliette has built a world that is gonna be hard to say good bye too but I just couldn't put this book down.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews