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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.
- GenresRomance
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
158 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Juliette Banks
7 books20 followersI publish books as Rachel de Vine, as well as Juliette Banks, so I hope you will take a look at both pages.
I write primarily erotic romances, but I like to include adventure and thrills too, to add to the mix. Some are contemporary and others are historical.
I like my characters to be bold and fearless, although some have a touch of vulnerability.
As well as writing, I enjoy reading, music and travel to exotic places.
I write primarily erotic romances, but I like to include adventure and thrills too, to add to the mix. Some are contemporary and others are historical.
I like my characters to be bold and fearless, although some have a touch of vulnerability.
As well as writing, I enjoy reading, music and travel to exotic places.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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 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.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews