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The Crowne Brothers #2
Crowne of lies. Bugie d'amore (Always Romance Vol. 2)
Anche uno scaltro accordo d'affari può trasformarsi nel più fortunato dei matrimoni!
Logan Crowne è un uomo d’affari tutto d’un pezzo e si sta preparando da anni al momento in cui succederà all'amato padre al vertice dell'impresa di famiglia, le Crowne Industries. Ha lavorato sodo, ha sottratto tempo alla sua vita privata, ma possiede il carisma e le capacità per diventare la persona adatta ad un ruolo così importante. Tuttavia non ha considerato un aspetto fondamentale: i suoi genitori, felicemente sposati e capostipiti di una numerosa famiglia, desiderano la sua felicità personale più che la sua realizzazione nel mondo degli affari, e così decidono di affidargli il posto di comando solo se si innamorerà e si sposerà.
Ella Papillion, da sempre uno spirito ribelle, sta attraversando un periodo complicato. La sua perfida matrigna ha affondato le grinfie sull'amato brand di alta moda ideato dal padre, rilegandola a un ruolo marginale e avvilente, e il collettivo di artisti indipendenti con cui collabora ha appena messo in scena l'ultima istallazione, lasciandola priva di idee e con mille dubbi sul proprio talento artistico. Trovare i soldi necessari per poter rilevare la casa di moda di suo padre potrebbe ridarle la prospettiva giusta per rimettersi sulla retta via e ritrovare l’ispirazione per la sua arte, ma dove trovarli?
Complice un'amica comune, Logan e Ella — all’apparenza completamente diversi, ma accomunati dalla medesima ambizione — potrebbero aiutarsi a vicenda. Un anno di matrimonio per ottenere entrambi ciò a cui puntano. Un anno di inganni e bugie, per apparire innamorati e felici. Un anno di attrazione bollente da reprimere per non perdere di vista l'obiettivo finale. Un anno per non cedere ai sentimenti e non farsi spezzare il cuore. Un anno per non innamorarsi. E se Logan e Ella si stessero solo raccontando l'ennesima bugia?
Logan Crowne è un uomo d’affari tutto d’un pezzo e si sta preparando da anni al momento in cui succederà all'amato padre al vertice dell'impresa di famiglia, le Crowne Industries. Ha lavorato sodo, ha sottratto tempo alla sua vita privata, ma possiede il carisma e le capacità per diventare la persona adatta ad un ruolo così importante. Tuttavia non ha considerato un aspetto fondamentale: i suoi genitori, felicemente sposati e capostipiti di una numerosa famiglia, desiderano la sua felicità personale più che la sua realizzazione nel mondo degli affari, e così decidono di affidargli il posto di comando solo se si innamorerà e si sposerà.
Ella Papillion, da sempre uno spirito ribelle, sta attraversando un periodo complicato. La sua perfida matrigna ha affondato le grinfie sull'amato brand di alta moda ideato dal padre, rilegandola a un ruolo marginale e avvilente, e il collettivo di artisti indipendenti con cui collabora ha appena messo in scena l'ultima istallazione, lasciandola priva di idee e con mille dubbi sul proprio talento artistico. Trovare i soldi necessari per poter rilevare la casa di moda di suo padre potrebbe ridarle la prospettiva giusta per rimettersi sulla retta via e ritrovare l’ispirazione per la sua arte, ma dove trovarli?
Complice un'amica comune, Logan e Ella — all’apparenza completamente diversi, ma accomunati dalla medesima ambizione — potrebbero aiutarsi a vicenda. Un anno di matrimonio per ottenere entrambi ciò a cui puntano. Un anno di inganni e bugie, per apparire innamorati e felici. Un anno di attrazione bollente da reprimere per non perdere di vista l'obiettivo finale. Un anno per non cedere ai sentimenti e non farsi spezzare il cuore. Un anno per non innamorarsi. E se Logan e Ella si stessero solo raccontando l'ennesima bugia?
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2020
2884 people are currently reading
4614 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Reiss
112 books9,643 followersCD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 568 reviews
May 4, 2020
3.5 Stars
This was very different than any fake marriage/relationship of convenience trope romance, I’ve ever read. It was more than them falling for each other in the end.. it explored what it means to fall for someone who is basically never going to make you happy in the long run because of how different their outlook on life is.
They say opposite attract and it’s true to a certain extent. But eventually the excitement dies down, the novelty fades and you’re stuck, in a life you don’t want. It makes you feel bored, unfulfilled and useless and it would be easy to do something, to make a change, but that means giving up on someone you love.
That’s basically what this story is about in a nutshell. Figuring out if there is a middle ground where both parties can be themselves, chase their individual dreams as well as give each other the time and attention each needs.
It’s about compromise and there’s some good quotes as well as some great life philosophies to be deduced.
Overall, I’d say I liked it because the writing was solid, the characters were all over the place but in a deliberate way, which made them feel real. The only issue I had is that I didn’t necessarily feel very attached to the story or emotional when I know I should have been.
All in all it’s a good one. I’m gonna try other books by this author.
This was very different than any fake marriage/relationship of convenience trope romance, I’ve ever read. It was more than them falling for each other in the end.. it explored what it means to fall for someone who is basically never going to make you happy in the long run because of how different their outlook on life is.
They say opposite attract and it’s true to a certain extent. But eventually the excitement dies down, the novelty fades and you’re stuck, in a life you don’t want. It makes you feel bored, unfulfilled and useless and it would be easy to do something, to make a change, but that means giving up on someone you love.
That’s basically what this story is about in a nutshell. Figuring out if there is a middle ground where both parties can be themselves, chase their individual dreams as well as give each other the time and attention each needs.
It’s about compromise and there’s some good quotes as well as some great life philosophies to be deduced.
Overall, I’d say I liked it because the writing was solid, the characters were all over the place but in a deliberate way, which made them feel real. The only issue I had is that I didn’t necessarily feel very attached to the story or emotional when I know I should have been.
All in all it’s a good one. I’m gonna try other books by this author.
February 24, 2020
A dizzying tale of love, which will make anyone a believer by the last page. Hopeful and uplifting, This book is custom fit for romance lovers. It tied up my stomach in knots, made me giddy with excitement and managed to squeeze tears of sympathy for the couple.
“Biggest lie ever told for the two biggest lie-tellers ever.”
I love Ass-Backwards stories of fake marriages, where tension and stress strings stretch taut, and almost definitely we know the couple will be in a quandary when real feelings seep in to make a mess. I always feel like a smug reader with a I told you so shit- eating grin by the end of the story.
Pick up any book by Reiss and you're guaranteed that elusive Tingle.
“Let’s hurt each other. Let’s hurt each other so bad we walk out of this thing on broken legs, screaming in pain. When it’s over, I want to be praying for death and wishing I could do it all over again.”
See what I mean, it's going to be raw and hard, chafing and hurting but it's going to feel so good!🥰
When these two faves of mine meet, I'm in for a delightful treat that makes me giddy with excitement. Reiss knows how to make the tropes her own. She gives new meaning to the age old, possessive claim of alphas, that fall flat in other books, but acquire a new dimension and depth in her skilled hands.
When swoon-worthy Logan Crowne says to Estella Papillion “Mine,” he said, closing his eyes. “You’re mine.”
He MEANS IT. It's not just words lifting like plumes of smoke and drifting in the air, vanishing seconds after utterance.
They transfer from Logan's mouth, poured into Ella's heart, with a stopover in mine. It's not a simple claim, it's an surprising exclamation and then acceptance. Very momentous occasion in their relationship.
Ella is talented protégé of Papillion legacy, frustrated, vengeful and trapped. I think add clueless and misguided in her anger too. It often triggers her rebellion, making her reckless.
She has to cross paths with Logan Crowne, it's not per chance encounter. It's sought out meticulously and deliberately by him, complete with cut and dry contract & black and white clauses.
"our contract was built on known lies and unknowable truths."
He's suave, sharp and competitive, any woman would jump at the chance to be the one to occupy his home, with slippers by the door and open her legs for him in bed.
It befalls upon ella to make him wear Santa Fuzzy socks and transfer some of her warmth to him.
As is predicted, it gets super emotional, super fast and both get super confused. Regular chants of It means nothing becomes their daily mantra, but somehow bodies block out that as noise, skin igniting in each others proximity. Its getting hot in here folks!!🔥
"I was in a tunnel, and he was the oncoming train. He’d crush me or he’d put on the brakes. I was too deep in the shaft to run."
Christine has embellished it with multi faceted crystals, In rainbow of emotions.
I want to see that bejeweled GAC wall,I wanna wear Papillion vintage gown, I wanna sit on the roof of the building, spray paint the billboard and then I want to be kissed and owned by Logan.
Naughty was the wrong word for Logan. He was a completely and wonderfully debauched demon.
He makes my heart jump a beat, my knees go weak and skin flush.
Ella is a warrior without weapons. A princess who needed a champion.
I aspire to be her- genuine, authentic and pristine.
Christine has created this Crowne stead full of iron willed men who love completely, rule ruthlessly and support unconditionally. In short Perfect Men
This series will keep on giving, I'll be counting days till the next one.
5 stars for Puppy dogs who grew up to be pack horses
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“Biggest lie ever told for the two biggest lie-tellers ever.”
I love Ass-Backwards stories of fake marriages, where tension and stress strings stretch taut, and almost definitely we know the couple will be in a quandary when real feelings seep in to make a mess. I always feel like a smug reader with a I told you so shit- eating grin by the end of the story.
Pick up any book by Reiss and you're guaranteed that elusive Tingle.
“Let’s hurt each other. Let’s hurt each other so bad we walk out of this thing on broken legs, screaming in pain. When it’s over, I want to be praying for death and wishing I could do it all over again.”
See what I mean, it's going to be raw and hard, chafing and hurting but it's going to feel so good!🥰
When these two faves of mine meet, I'm in for a delightful treat that makes me giddy with excitement. Reiss knows how to make the tropes her own. She gives new meaning to the age old, possessive claim of alphas, that fall flat in other books, but acquire a new dimension and depth in her skilled hands.
When swoon-worthy Logan Crowne says to Estella Papillion “Mine,” he said, closing his eyes. “You’re mine.”
He MEANS IT. It's not just words lifting like plumes of smoke and drifting in the air, vanishing seconds after utterance.
They transfer from Logan's mouth, poured into Ella's heart, with a stopover in mine. It's not a simple claim, it's an surprising exclamation and then acceptance. Very momentous occasion in their relationship.
Ella is talented protégé of Papillion legacy, frustrated, vengeful and trapped. I think add clueless and misguided in her anger too. It often triggers her rebellion, making her reckless.
She has to cross paths with Logan Crowne, it's not per chance encounter. It's sought out meticulously and deliberately by him, complete with cut and dry contract & black and white clauses.
"our contract was built on known lies and unknowable truths."
He's suave, sharp and competitive, any woman would jump at the chance to be the one to occupy his home, with slippers by the door and open her legs for him in bed.
It befalls upon ella to make him wear Santa Fuzzy socks and transfer some of her warmth to him.
As is predicted, it gets super emotional, super fast and both get super confused. Regular chants of It means nothing becomes their daily mantra, but somehow bodies block out that as noise, skin igniting in each others proximity. Its getting hot in here folks!!🔥
"I was in a tunnel, and he was the oncoming train. He’d crush me or he’d put on the brakes. I was too deep in the shaft to run."
Christine has embellished it with multi faceted crystals, In rainbow of emotions.
I want to see that bejeweled GAC wall,I wanna wear Papillion vintage gown, I wanna sit on the roof of the building, spray paint the billboard and then I want to be kissed and owned by Logan.
Naughty was the wrong word for Logan. He was a completely and wonderfully debauched demon.
He makes my heart jump a beat, my knees go weak and skin flush.
Ella is a warrior without weapons. A princess who needed a champion.
I aspire to be her- genuine, authentic and pristine.
Christine has created this Crowne stead full of iron willed men who love completely, rule ruthlessly and support unconditionally. In short Perfect Men
This series will keep on giving, I'll be counting days till the next one.
5 stars for Puppy dogs who grew up to be pack horses
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March 7, 2020
DNF @ 65%.
It's hard for me to quit anything after the halfway mark, but my time is too precious to waste.
I'm not understanding where all the 5 stars are coming from. While the writing is perfectly fine, the plot is overly contrived and the "chemistry" between the characters is also not entirely believable.
It's a book strung together haphazardly punctuated by sex scenes that are somehow supposed to represent the deepening the characters' feelings for each other.
Fake marriages are not one of my fave plot devices, but done well (in HR particularly) I can accept. Modern fake marriages are REALLY far fetched, bc we all have free will in this day and age. But I was willing to try it and see.
Nope, didn't work. In what universe does a confident, gorgeous CEO have to be coerced into marrying before he's ready? Apparently in a world where the father is trying to make a dying mother feel better about her unsettled, workaholic son.
SERIOUSLY???? Can't buy that stupid plot
(oh btw, I don't usually like billionaire tropes either) - why did I get this book, you ask? bc of the guy on the cover, damn it!
Then, stupid plot gets stupider by pairing the guy with a girl who's "just as desperate" - not some cinderella, but an heiress who wants to buy back her father's company.
SERIOUSLY???? what kind of world is this? billionaires and heiresses... yeah, I can REALLY relate.
Then, the 2 meet and sparks fly (they used to go to school together, she was in a younger grade) which leads to random rough sex on a car.
NO FEELINGS, they promise each other.
But apparently the random rough sex (after she's been celibate for 4 years btw, taking his "big cock" roughly and loving it - that too, is very believable... NOT) DID end in "feelings" but then they agreed (after another bout of sex cuz they couldn't resist) to not touch each other any more, except for the sake of pretense.
6 months later... their attraction is about to blow. Cuz they've agreed to also not cheat while married for a year. So... SEX HAS TO BE HAD!!!
But this time, feelings are totally involved...
And that's where I left it. @65%. Because I've been skipping the random stuff in here leading up to this point. I don't feel the "magic" between the MCs. Just seem like privileged ppl with chemistry who will make their fake marriage real by the end of the book.
It could have been any Tom Dick and Harry or Sue, Ann and whatever female name equiv. Don't get at all why it has to be THESE TWO.
But maybe this wasn't meant to be a romance. or a love story. it was meant to be a string of sex scenes wrapped in a convoluted plot.
Disappointed.
It's hard for me to quit anything after the halfway mark, but my time is too precious to waste.
I'm not understanding where all the 5 stars are coming from. While the writing is perfectly fine, the plot is overly contrived and the "chemistry" between the characters is also not entirely believable.
It's a book strung together haphazardly punctuated by sex scenes that are somehow supposed to represent the deepening the characters' feelings for each other.
Fake marriages are not one of my fave plot devices, but done well (in HR particularly) I can accept. Modern fake marriages are REALLY far fetched, bc we all have free will in this day and age. But I was willing to try it and see.
Nope, didn't work. In what universe does a confident, gorgeous CEO have to be coerced into marrying before he's ready? Apparently in a world where the father is trying to make a dying mother feel better about her unsettled, workaholic son.
SERIOUSLY???? Can't buy that stupid plot
(oh btw, I don't usually like billionaire tropes either) - why did I get this book, you ask? bc of the guy on the cover, damn it!
Then, stupid plot gets stupider by pairing the guy with a girl who's "just as desperate" - not some cinderella, but an heiress who wants to buy back her father's company.
SERIOUSLY???? what kind of world is this? billionaires and heiresses... yeah, I can REALLY relate.
Then, the 2 meet and sparks fly (they used to go to school together, she was in a younger grade) which leads to random rough sex on a car.
NO FEELINGS, they promise each other.
But apparently the random rough sex (after she's been celibate for 4 years btw, taking his "big cock" roughly and loving it - that too, is very believable... NOT) DID end in "feelings" but then they agreed (after another bout of sex cuz they couldn't resist) to not touch each other any more, except for the sake of pretense.
6 months later... their attraction is about to blow. Cuz they've agreed to also not cheat while married for a year. So... SEX HAS TO BE HAD!!!
But this time, feelings are totally involved...
And that's where I left it. @65%. Because I've been skipping the random stuff in here leading up to this point. I don't feel the "magic" between the MCs. Just seem like privileged ppl with chemistry who will make their fake marriage real by the end of the book.
It could have been any Tom Dick and Harry or Sue, Ann and whatever female name equiv. Don't get at all why it has to be THESE TWO.
But maybe this wasn't meant to be a romance. or a love story. it was meant to be a string of sex scenes wrapped in a convoluted plot.
Disappointed.
February 28, 2020
I think one of the reasons I love contract marriage romances so much is because I get both a slow burn and an instant romance all in one. They may not be in love when it starts, but they are already a couple and living as man and wife as they get to know each other. It also appeals to me that they never expect to fall in love.
Logan and Ella were particularly fun to see this happen with. Byron is all about his family business, and completely driven to run it as his father steps back. He doesn’t have time for a relationship. Having a contracted marriage is actually a perfect solution. Ella is more of a free spirit. She’s creative and less of a rule follower. She’s also exactly what Logan needed more than he knew.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see a deeper side to Logan’s parents. We got to know them in Iron Crowne and they seemed like a perfect marriage. You can tell how much they love each other. In Crowne of Lies, we learn that there is more to them than that. Even perfect marriages struggle a time or two and come out stronger because of it. It really made this very, rich family seem more relatable.
This one has more feels than I was expecting and I really enjoyed this couple. I’m glad to see the possibility of more books. I think there is more to tell about this family.
Logan and Ella were particularly fun to see this happen with. Byron is all about his family business, and completely driven to run it as his father steps back. He doesn’t have time for a relationship. Having a contracted marriage is actually a perfect solution. Ella is more of a free spirit. She’s creative and less of a rule follower. She’s also exactly what Logan needed more than he knew.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see a deeper side to Logan’s parents. We got to know them in Iron Crowne and they seemed like a perfect marriage. You can tell how much they love each other. In Crowne of Lies, we learn that there is more to them than that. Even perfect marriages struggle a time or two and come out stronger because of it. It really made this very, rich family seem more relatable.
This one has more feels than I was expecting and I really enjoyed this couple. I’m glad to see the possibility of more books. I think there is more to tell about this family.
May 12, 2020
This book is not working for me. CD Reiss's writting style is just.... confusing for me. I can not follow the plot nor the romance.
I tried to like it. Tried to understand the plot and the romance. But I give up.
2 stars
I tried to like it. Tried to understand the plot and the romance. But I give up.
2 stars
November 6, 2020
This is my favorite type of Christine read. A passionate and sexy, emotionally charged journey, that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. It’s not often I call #TopRead without getting to the end but I knew it like I know myself at less than 25%.
These two made me happy. The unfolding of this story made me happy. Honestly, everything made me happy. I felt love pouring off these pages from beginning to end. Logan was the best hero anyone could ask for. He was passionate about Ella. He was passionate about his family. He was passionate about his goals. Gawd, he was so damn passionate and sexy and delicious! And Ella … damn ya’ll … I wanna be Ella when I grow up. She was passionate about Logan. She was passionate about her family. She was passionate about her goals. She was ridiculously self assured and sexy and delicious. Ella, Logan and this story were ALL THE THINGS!
sooooooooooooo many feelings you guys!
These two made me happy. The unfolding of this story made me happy. Honestly, everything made me happy. I felt love pouring off these pages from beginning to end. Logan was the best hero anyone could ask for. He was passionate about Ella. He was passionate about his family. He was passionate about his goals. Gawd, he was so damn passionate and sexy and delicious! And Ella … damn ya’ll … I wanna be Ella when I grow up. She was passionate about Logan. She was passionate about her family. She was passionate about her goals. She was ridiculously self assured and sexy and delicious. Ella, Logan and this story were ALL THE THINGS!
sooooooooooooo many feelings you guys!
I am in love with Estella
I am in love with Logan
I am in love with their story
I am in love
February 24, 2020
4 STARS
You know what I love about CD Reiss? The woman can write one heck of a sinfully sexy hero. I'm talking the cream of the crop here, people. A dirty talking god of a man. Logan Crowne was all of the things!
I'll give you a moment to compose yourself. Need a tissue? Some ice? All of the above. I'm telling you!!! The man damn near ruined me.
If you're a fan of the marriage of convenience trope, this book is going to be your crack of choice.
What I love even more that Reiss's dirty talking alpha males are her strong and sharp witted heroines. And boy did Ella check those boxes. She's the polar opposite of proper and tightly wound Logan. She's a free spirit, an artist, a woman that stands on her own two feet and will never let a man define her. But she's also desperate to sustain her beloved father's fashion label after his passing. She made a promise to him that is becoming increasingly difficult to keep with her step mother heading up the company. All she wants is enough money to buy the company outright, and the answer comes in the shape of an equally desperate Logan Crowne.
All Logan has known for years is work. Running himself thin has never been a problem, until his father ultimately gives him an ultimatum. His brother will run the company while Logan goes out there and lives his life. And when he finds happiness and a woman to settle down with, he'll give him back the reins. Unfortunately Logan has no interest in love and happily ever afters like his parents' marriage. So what's a man to do? Pay a woman ten million dollars to marry him for a year. Ella challenges him at every turn. She's nothing like what he needs, but he soon finds that she becomes everything he craves.
I loved the fiery chemistry between these characters. There's just something so hot about a tightly wound man with a wicked tongue and a free spirited artist with sass and a nose ring. They're polar opposites, but when they get together...FIREWORKS.
I gobbled this up in one sitting. I've become completely obsessed with this series. And the set up for the next book? I DIE!!! I need it!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Naughty was the wrong word for Logan. He was a completely and wonderfully debauched demon.
You know what I love about CD Reiss? The woman can write one heck of a sinfully sexy hero. I'm talking the cream of the crop here, people. A dirty talking god of a man. Logan Crowne was all of the things!
“Getting my hand under your dress and finding out if you’re wet.”
“Logan,” I scolded in a hiss. “We just said—”
“We said no feelings.” He took me by the chin. “If I took you right now, f*cked you raw, gave you a dozen orgasms and came deep inside you, it would mean nothing to me.”
My panties were soaked through. “Me neither.”
I'll give you a moment to compose yourself. Need a tissue? Some ice? All of the above. I'm telling you!!! The man damn near ruined me.
If you're a fan of the marriage of convenience trope, this book is going to be your crack of choice.
What I love even more that Reiss's dirty talking alpha males are her strong and sharp witted heroines. And boy did Ella check those boxes. She's the polar opposite of proper and tightly wound Logan. She's a free spirit, an artist, a woman that stands on her own two feet and will never let a man define her. But she's also desperate to sustain her beloved father's fashion label after his passing. She made a promise to him that is becoming increasingly difficult to keep with her step mother heading up the company. All she wants is enough money to buy the company outright, and the answer comes in the shape of an equally desperate Logan Crowne.
All Logan has known for years is work. Running himself thin has never been a problem, until his father ultimately gives him an ultimatum. His brother will run the company while Logan goes out there and lives his life. And when he finds happiness and a woman to settle down with, he'll give him back the reins. Unfortunately Logan has no interest in love and happily ever afters like his parents' marriage. So what's a man to do? Pay a woman ten million dollars to marry him for a year. Ella challenges him at every turn. She's nothing like what he needs, but he soon finds that she becomes everything he craves.
I loved the fiery chemistry between these characters. There's just something so hot about a tightly wound man with a wicked tongue and a free spirited artist with sass and a nose ring. They're polar opposites, but when they get together...FIREWORKS.
I gobbled this up in one sitting. I've become completely obsessed with this series. And the set up for the next book? I DIE!!! I need it!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
February 28, 2020
AHHHH!! CD Reiss did it again. Crowne of Lies was an amazing blockbuster that took my breath away. If you are a fan of marriage of convenience stories, then this is for you!! Logan and Ella were so fiery and their banter was explosive. I loved this story so much!! This is one of the best stories I have read from Reiss!!
After reading the amazing Iron Crowne I was so intrigued about Logan's story. I needed to read the story and meet the woman that brought this powerful man to his knees. His steadfast and sole focus on the family business wavered however when Ella entered his life. I love how she was his gamechanger and how pivotal she became to him. What he figured would be a marriage of convenience was anything but!! I loved the passion in this story and how we saw different facets to Logan in this book from the prior book in the series.
Overall this story was emotional, powerful, sexy and so addicting. This is another win from Reiss and I for one can not wait for more from her in the future!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
After reading the amazing Iron Crowne I was so intrigued about Logan's story. I needed to read the story and meet the woman that brought this powerful man to his knees. His steadfast and sole focus on the family business wavered however when Ella entered his life. I love how she was his gamechanger and how pivotal she became to him. What he figured would be a marriage of convenience was anything but!! I loved the passion in this story and how we saw different facets to Logan in this book from the prior book in the series.
Overall this story was emotional, powerful, sexy and so addicting. This is another win from Reiss and I for one can not wait for more from her in the future!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
October 11, 2020
3.5 Give And Take Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
C.D.Reiss never does anything the usual way. She can take a popular idea of the "fake marriage" and make it so much more.
In this story you had the uber wealthy man, Logan Crowne needing a wife due to family pressures. He wants to stay as the CEO, running the family company he devoted himself to and the father has decided the son needs to get a life. This brings in the other brother to run the company until Logan's married as directed by the dad. The Father is only doing for Logan's own good.
Ella Papillion is miserable. She is almost living the life of Cinderella with the wicked stepmother running her ragged at the Couture Fashion company originally founded by her mother and father. She lost her mother when she was young, then her father who she adored remarried this woman...ugh. Her father passed away leaving her to carry on his name in fashion but things are not working out like she thought they would. Thus her working for the stepmother instead of her owning the family business outright like she should.
These two people have a mutual friend from when they all went to the same school. When Logan goes to this friend sharing his situation of needing a wife but no love involved, she immediately thinks of Ella. Ella wants to buy the company her father made and Logan needs someone who would be interested in a marriage business deal that would be for a few years and then done, no love at all. These two should be perfect together.
Well, there are a couple of reasons why they aren't...For one, Ella is an artist and kind of a free spirit, while Logan is button up coprporate. However, when push comes to shove...They figure out a contract, and let the marriage begin.
Now many authors have done similar types of marriage of convenience stories but the difference with this one is the heavy dose of reality about marriage woven into it. Also, these characters were not the most likeable all the time. They each had all sorts of issues causing dilemmas to be worked through. There was one moment where the common error of women losing their own idenity, and who they are when married rang so true.
The one consistant when reading Reiss is the couples always find their way through their sexual attraction. Reiss writes coupling extremely well and this had just the right intensity.
There are more Stories happening with Crownes...Dante is next.
Iron Crowne
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Crowne Of Lies
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Crowne Rules
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
This Could be an Easy Fix...
Elle Papillion Needs to Escape...
An Abusive Stepmother...
May sound like a Cliche...
But when You are in her Clutches...
Getting Out is All You Can Think of...
Logan Crowne is Everything Elle Needs...
Powerful and Commanding...
He could Help but there are Strings...
The Arrangement of Marriage...
Is the Answer for Both...
As I said, Could be an Easy Fix...
Unless One Ends Up Loving...
And Wearing a...
Crowne of Lies-February 28, 2020
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
C.D.Reiss never does anything the usual way. She can take a popular idea of the "fake marriage" and make it so much more.
In this story you had the uber wealthy man, Logan Crowne needing a wife due to family pressures. He wants to stay as the CEO, running the family company he devoted himself to and the father has decided the son needs to get a life. This brings in the other brother to run the company until Logan's married as directed by the dad. The Father is only doing for Logan's own good.
Ella Papillion is miserable. She is almost living the life of Cinderella with the wicked stepmother running her ragged at the Couture Fashion company originally founded by her mother and father. She lost her mother when she was young, then her father who she adored remarried this woman...ugh. Her father passed away leaving her to carry on his name in fashion but things are not working out like she thought they would. Thus her working for the stepmother instead of her owning the family business outright like she should.
These two people have a mutual friend from when they all went to the same school. When Logan goes to this friend sharing his situation of needing a wife but no love involved, she immediately thinks of Ella. Ella wants to buy the company her father made and Logan needs someone who would be interested in a marriage business deal that would be for a few years and then done, no love at all. These two should be perfect together.
Well, there are a couple of reasons why they aren't...For one, Ella is an artist and kind of a free spirit, while Logan is button up coprporate. However, when push comes to shove...They figure out a contract, and let the marriage begin.
Now many authors have done similar types of marriage of convenience stories but the difference with this one is the heavy dose of reality about marriage woven into it. Also, these characters were not the most likeable all the time. They each had all sorts of issues causing dilemmas to be worked through. There was one moment where the common error of women losing their own idenity, and who they are when married rang so true.
The one consistant when reading Reiss is the couples always find their way through their sexual attraction. Reiss writes coupling extremely well and this had just the right intensity.
There are more Stories happening with Crownes...Dante is next.
Iron Crownehttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Crowne Of Lieshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Crowne Ruleshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
This Could be an Easy Fix...
Elle Papillion Needs to Escape...
An Abusive Stepmother...
May sound like a Cliche...
But when You are in her Clutches...
Getting Out is All You Can Think of...
Logan Crowne is Everything Elle Needs...
Powerful and Commanding...
He could Help but there are Strings...
The Arrangement of Marriage...
Is the Answer for Both...
As I said, Could be an Easy Fix...
Unless One Ends Up Loving...
And Wearing a...
Crowne of Lies-February 28, 2020
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
June 6, 2023
2 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise.
The Not-So-Good: The characters.
The Bad: The connections.
Overall: I'm a sucker for the fake-to-real type relationship! I remember liking this author in the past, but it very well could be another instance of my likes changing -- or this just wasn't executed well. Either way, I was rather confused by this book. It frankly felt all over the place, I felt absolutely no connection to either character nor did I feel their connections to each other (even the sexy times felt surface and kind of cringey in the dirty talk, which I usually like!). I'm honestly surprised I finished it because it made me feel this odd sense of confusion and that wasn't all that enjoyable! I guess it just was not for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ella and Logan's story. Logan's job gets stripped from him because it has become his life and his parents want to see him happy, and the only way to get it back is if he gets married. He find Ella, who is desperate to get her dead father's company out of her evil step-mother's hands, to agree to a marriage of convenience. Though lines get crossed, secrets get revealed, there's some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Ella and Logan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it mostly flowed well.
Instalove: Kind of only because I didn't get it.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Logan. He was okay.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Ella. She was okay too.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No, other than mild jealousy from the H
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place and what I would call a HEA ending, but tbh I didn't care that much by the end to be picky like I usually am
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise.
The Not-So-Good: The characters.
The Bad: The connections.
Overall: I'm a sucker for the fake-to-real type relationship! I remember liking this author in the past, but it very well could be another instance of my likes changing -- or this just wasn't executed well. Either way, I was rather confused by this book. It frankly felt all over the place, I felt absolutely no connection to either character nor did I feel their connections to each other (even the sexy times felt surface and kind of cringey in the dirty talk, which I usually like!). I'm honestly surprised I finished it because it made me feel this odd sense of confusion and that wasn't all that enjoyable! I guess it just was not for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ella and Logan's story. Logan's job gets stripped from him because it has become his life and his parents want to see him happy, and the only way to get it back is if he gets married. He find Ella, who is desperate to get her dead father's company out of her evil step-mother's hands, to agree to a marriage of convenience. Though lines get crossed, secrets get revealed, there's some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Ella and Logan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it mostly flowed well.
Instalove: Kind of only because I didn't get it.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Logan. He was okay.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Ella. She was okay too.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No, other than mild jealousy from the H
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place and what I would call a HEA ending, but tbh I didn't care that much by the end to be picky like I usually am
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
March 1, 2020
Refreshing non man-whore Hero.
Hero and heroine were in same high school though she was younger than him so although he noticed her, her age meant he wouldn't have got involved.
No other woman or man drama.
Brief mention of high school girlfriend.
It's been mentioned its slow burn, when they meet they both are thinking of sex quite quickly and have sex, with no feelings but its slow burn in the sense that making the marriage real takes longer.
It was okay.
HEA.
Epilogue.
As a sidenote I hate the cover.
Hero and heroine were in same high school though she was younger than him so although he noticed her, her age meant he wouldn't have got involved.
No other woman or man drama.
Brief mention of high school girlfriend.
It's been mentioned its slow burn, when they meet they both are thinking of sex quite quickly and have sex, with no feelings but its slow burn in the sense that making the marriage real takes longer.
It was okay.
HEA.
Epilogue.
As a sidenote I hate the cover.
Read
February 29, 2020Although the cover and the blurb were very appealing, I could only read up to 38% and finally dnf it. I felt completely detached from the characters and didn’t get any feels.
March 18, 2020
oh fuckity, fuck, fuck...
I feel bad for saying this, but as an avid reader who obviously reads a lot and reads fast, to say that i had trouble following up with these characters and the flow of the story is an understatement...
it too me almost 5 days to finish this, cause yeah, I was that much involved.. :/
it's me, not you...obviously
but still, dammit, I loved the first book, I even like this author's writing, i've read her previous books, so i know what i m getting myself into...but here, it's simply the case of "blue balls" for me...
unsatisfied yet tempted...
these two made me feel aggravated BUT the general notion of their "opposites-attract-arranged-romance" fell flat... :(
I feel bad for saying this, but as an avid reader who obviously reads a lot and reads fast, to say that i had trouble following up with these characters and the flow of the story is an understatement...
it too me almost 5 days to finish this, cause yeah, I was that much involved.. :/
it's me, not you...obviously
but still, dammit, I loved the first book, I even like this author's writing, i've read her previous books, so i know what i m getting myself into...but here, it's simply the case of "blue balls" for me...
unsatisfied yet tempted...
these two made me feel aggravated BUT the general notion of their "opposites-attract-arranged-romance" fell flat... :(
March 3, 2020
Logan Crowne has been given an ultimatum of sorts, he needs to prove to his father that he is settled down and grounded enough in his personal life to take on the responsibility of running the family company. Marriage would be the preferred way of showing this and finally give him the role he has always wanted, deserves.
First he approaches a dear friend about potentially faking a marriage with him and when that doesn’t pan out she suggests someone who may be perfect to ‘play’ the role of his wife convincingly until he gets what he wants. About 12 months should do it. Ella Papillion is the perfect candidate, he knows her from his school days and she wants something out of this too so it will benefit both of their interests.
Ella wants to gain back control of her late father’s fashion business, protecting the family name and her heritage. She feels like it has been ripped away from her and to get it back she needs money. When Logan proposes his arrangement to her she realises she has nothing to lose and everything to gain so why not?
They make up the narrative to their love story up as they go, adding jewels to their crown of lies that they wear whenever they are trying to convince their family and friends that their super fast, insta love story is real. The only thing is they don’t realise that they are lying to themselves too, avoiding the truth of what is happening for real between them.
'He wasn’t allowed to say stuff like that. He didn’t circle me. I wasn’t the center of his universe. We were lost planets from separate systems, looking for different suns.’
Logan was not looking for anyone to permanently settle down with but it feels like Ella maybe that woman. You know how they say when you least expect it you find what you had no idea you were looking for? They definitely have chemistry and despite crossing the sexual line a few times, they have agreed to stay platonic from now on.
‘If anyone’s walking out of this broken, it’s going to be me. I want to risk it, and if I bleed when you leave me, it’ll still all be worth it.’
Ella never expected it to be so hard to not give into temptation. A girl has needs and sleeping across the hall from the gorgeous Logan is messing with her hormones big time. It’s not just that though, she is growing fond of him and looks forward to seeing him every morning, sharing her life with him.
‘I was in a tunnel, and he was the oncoming train. He’d crush me or he’d put on the brakes. I was too deep in the shaft to run.’
All good things must come to an end right? Or do they… This was so much fun to read over the past weekend.
First he approaches a dear friend about potentially faking a marriage with him and when that doesn’t pan out she suggests someone who may be perfect to ‘play’ the role of his wife convincingly until he gets what he wants. About 12 months should do it. Ella Papillion is the perfect candidate, he knows her from his school days and she wants something out of this too so it will benefit both of their interests.
Ella wants to gain back control of her late father’s fashion business, protecting the family name and her heritage. She feels like it has been ripped away from her and to get it back she needs money. When Logan proposes his arrangement to her she realises she has nothing to lose and everything to gain so why not?
They make up the narrative to their love story up as they go, adding jewels to their crown of lies that they wear whenever they are trying to convince their family and friends that their super fast, insta love story is real. The only thing is they don’t realise that they are lying to themselves too, avoiding the truth of what is happening for real between them.
'He wasn’t allowed to say stuff like that. He didn’t circle me. I wasn’t the center of his universe. We were lost planets from separate systems, looking for different suns.’
Logan was not looking for anyone to permanently settle down with but it feels like Ella maybe that woman. You know how they say when you least expect it you find what you had no idea you were looking for? They definitely have chemistry and despite crossing the sexual line a few times, they have agreed to stay platonic from now on.
‘If anyone’s walking out of this broken, it’s going to be me. I want to risk it, and if I bleed when you leave me, it’ll still all be worth it.’
Ella never expected it to be so hard to not give into temptation. A girl has needs and sleeping across the hall from the gorgeous Logan is messing with her hormones big time. It’s not just that though, she is growing fond of him and looks forward to seeing him every morning, sharing her life with him.
‘I was in a tunnel, and he was the oncoming train. He’d crush me or he’d put on the brakes. I was too deep in the shaft to run.’
All good things must come to an end right? Or do they… This was so much fun to read over the past weekend.
December 27, 2021
This book didn't really work for me. The author's writing style felt too abrupt and often confused me as to what events had taken place and what the characters were referring to in their conversations.
The main characters seem to make major life decisions and have a change of heart without much forethought. The heroine, who came across as a strong, fierce badass in the beginning of the story, did a complete 180 at about 30% of the plot. The hero seemed to make bad decisions despite knowing that they are, indeed, bad decisions and that it would hurt the people he was close to. There was no emotional maturity in either of the MCs. The chemistry between them was steamy but it still felt rushed.
There was too much unnecessary drama fit into the book and it didn't go well with the overall plot.
The main characters seem to make major life decisions and have a change of heart without much forethought. The heroine, who came across as a strong, fierce badass in the beginning of the story, did a complete 180 at about 30% of the plot. The hero seemed to make bad decisions despite knowing that they are, indeed, bad decisions and that it would hurt the people he was close to. There was no emotional maturity in either of the MCs. The chemistry between them was steamy but it still felt rushed.
There was too much unnecessary drama fit into the book and it didn't go well with the overall plot.
May 9, 2020
2.5 stars
Didn’t really enjoy part II of this book I skimmed some chapters after the 50% mark. It was mostly due to me not connecting to the characters and I didn’t see their relationship as strong. I don’t know, it lacked something for me. Anyway 2.5 stars is for the first half because I liked it more.
Didn’t really enjoy part II of this book I skimmed some chapters after the 50% mark. It was mostly due to me not connecting to the characters and I didn’t see their relationship as strong. I don’t know, it lacked something for me. Anyway 2.5 stars is for the first half because I liked it more.
nope-not-celibate-aftr-seeing-h
February 28, 2020Note for ME:
April 25, 2023
3.5 stars!
April 3, 2022
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*
*DNF*
1 Kiss
I hate writing these kinds of reviews. I fought this decision off for a long time – I tried to hold on to the things that I did like and use that as a force to push me to try and finish the book…but it was unfortunately useless. There is no part or piece of me that will enjoy talking about the issues that I had with this book…but sadly, I have to. I’ll be honest, this was my first C.D. Reiss read and I was really excited about it – I’ve heard a lot of good things and I have wanted to read her books for a while, but it just never worked out for my reading schedule…and then the stars aligned with Crowne of Lies. I loved the concept – marriage of convenience books always get me and at first, I was totally in with Logan and Ella…but it very quickly fell apart.
As characters, I did really like Logan and Ella – I wanted to know more about them, but as surface level characters, I was all about them. Unfortunately, that is what they remained…surface level – yes I got to know some detail about them but after over 80% (almost 90%) of the book…I really cannot tell you that much about them as characters. I never felt like I had a firm grasp on them…and anytime I did, they would do something bat shit crazy and throw me on my head wondering wtf they were doing. It was very confusing – but I can say that for entire book overall.
I feel like at least once a chapter (if not more often) there was a part where I was wondering what the hell was going on…because I truly felt like I was missing pieces to the puzzle. A few of the major moments that stick out to me – when Logan randomly shows up at Ella’s job when she is talking to her evil step mother – the flow of that entire meeting had me so confused…it was like Ella and Bianca hadn’t been talking at all, I was so confused as to why Logan was here, the entire thing was just bonkers. The major one was towards the end that really threw me and was eventually why I gave up on the book was when something happens with Logan’s dad and he just up and tells Ella to leave…and then chases after her, but still tells her to leave and then goes upstairs, and wishes she was there and I legitimately felt like I was on a yo-yo. And it got even worse because what was happening with Logan’s dad was kinda major and yet instead of focusing or talking about that, they’re too busy focused on Logan’s drama and then his mom dropped a pretty significant secret on them and I was seriously shaking my head wondering what was happening.
There was no flow…it felt so disjointed, no rhyme or reason to anything that was happening and the most frustrating part about it was that it is/was a good story. Great characters to build off of…a trope that is familiar but with the uniqueness of Logan and Ella, the sky was really the limit but that wasn’t enough to hold this. There were so many details that were lacking…I’m not saying I need everything spelled out for me, but I need the basics and when we’re going into the details of the design of a dress, the floor plan of a house or the way the city looks, you can at least give me the barebones details on what is going on with pertinent info in the story. Even with something as simple as the family – I haven’t read any of the other Crowne books, to be honest I didn’t even realize it was part of a series until things were mentioned through dialogue and I just kind of pieced it together and did my own research (at the time when I started reading Crowne of Lies it wasn’t listed as a series) but there were all of these random names being dropped and it took me a while to even figure out who Lyric was and how she was related to anyone. Once again, I’m not saying I need everything spelled out for me, but I needed more than I got.
The killer that made me stop reading is the number one thing that has me DNF books…I had zero emotional connection to Logan and Ella. I liked them…I wanted to like them more…but I didn’t feel anything from them. I feel like a broken record cause I’ve said it a million times, I’m an emotional reader – if you connect with my feelings, you have me! That’s really all it takes, I’m easy like that. Without that…I’m lost – Logan and Ella were so hot, I loved their physical connection, I was attracted to Logan, I thought Ella was a bad ass, there were attributes about them that I was drawn to…but that’s it. There was so much to draw from emotionally from these two, especially Ella and yet…all I got were facts. The basic details with nothing to tie me to the events that were happening. And when I realized that I really didn’t care what happened at the end because I felt nothing…that was the kiss of death that made me stop reading. There was no point in seeing what happened because Ella was in pain, but I felt nothing…so much was going on with Logan but all I had were facts…that wasn’t enough to get me to finish the book.
I hate that this book didn’t work for me…like I said it had a lot of potential and I’m sad that it just wasn’t the book for me. I envy all who loved it and hope that maybe it was just me and next time will be better.
*DNF*
1 Kiss
I hate writing these kinds of reviews. I fought this decision off for a long time – I tried to hold on to the things that I did like and use that as a force to push me to try and finish the book…but it was unfortunately useless. There is no part or piece of me that will enjoy talking about the issues that I had with this book…but sadly, I have to. I’ll be honest, this was my first C.D. Reiss read and I was really excited about it – I’ve heard a lot of good things and I have wanted to read her books for a while, but it just never worked out for my reading schedule…and then the stars aligned with Crowne of Lies. I loved the concept – marriage of convenience books always get me and at first, I was totally in with Logan and Ella…but it very quickly fell apart.
As characters, I did really like Logan and Ella – I wanted to know more about them, but as surface level characters, I was all about them. Unfortunately, that is what they remained…surface level – yes I got to know some detail about them but after over 80% (almost 90%) of the book…I really cannot tell you that much about them as characters. I never felt like I had a firm grasp on them…and anytime I did, they would do something bat shit crazy and throw me on my head wondering wtf they were doing. It was very confusing – but I can say that for entire book overall.
I feel like at least once a chapter (if not more often) there was a part where I was wondering what the hell was going on…because I truly felt like I was missing pieces to the puzzle. A few of the major moments that stick out to me – when Logan randomly shows up at Ella’s job when she is talking to her evil step mother – the flow of that entire meeting had me so confused…it was like Ella and Bianca hadn’t been talking at all, I was so confused as to why Logan was here, the entire thing was just bonkers. The major one was towards the end that really threw me and was eventually why I gave up on the book was when something happens with Logan’s dad and he just up and tells Ella to leave…and then chases after her, but still tells her to leave and then goes upstairs, and wishes she was there and I legitimately felt like I was on a yo-yo. And it got even worse because what was happening with Logan’s dad was kinda major and yet instead of focusing or talking about that, they’re too busy focused on Logan’s drama and then his mom dropped a pretty significant secret on them and I was seriously shaking my head wondering what was happening.
There was no flow…it felt so disjointed, no rhyme or reason to anything that was happening and the most frustrating part about it was that it is/was a good story. Great characters to build off of…a trope that is familiar but with the uniqueness of Logan and Ella, the sky was really the limit but that wasn’t enough to hold this. There were so many details that were lacking…I’m not saying I need everything spelled out for me, but I need the basics and when we’re going into the details of the design of a dress, the floor plan of a house or the way the city looks, you can at least give me the barebones details on what is going on with pertinent info in the story. Even with something as simple as the family – I haven’t read any of the other Crowne books, to be honest I didn’t even realize it was part of a series until things were mentioned through dialogue and I just kind of pieced it together and did my own research (at the time when I started reading Crowne of Lies it wasn’t listed as a series) but there were all of these random names being dropped and it took me a while to even figure out who Lyric was and how she was related to anyone. Once again, I’m not saying I need everything spelled out for me, but I needed more than I got.
The killer that made me stop reading is the number one thing that has me DNF books…I had zero emotional connection to Logan and Ella. I liked them…I wanted to like them more…but I didn’t feel anything from them. I feel like a broken record cause I’ve said it a million times, I’m an emotional reader – if you connect with my feelings, you have me! That’s really all it takes, I’m easy like that. Without that…I’m lost – Logan and Ella were so hot, I loved their physical connection, I was attracted to Logan, I thought Ella was a bad ass, there were attributes about them that I was drawn to…but that’s it. There was so much to draw from emotionally from these two, especially Ella and yet…all I got were facts. The basic details with nothing to tie me to the events that were happening. And when I realized that I really didn’t care what happened at the end because I felt nothing…that was the kiss of death that made me stop reading. There was no point in seeing what happened because Ella was in pain, but I felt nothing…so much was going on with Logan but all I had were facts…that wasn’t enough to get me to finish the book.
I hate that this book didn’t work for me…like I said it had a lot of potential and I’m sad that it just wasn’t the book for me. I envy all who loved it and hope that maybe it was just me and next time will be better.
February 25, 2020
5 “This Is Real” Stars
A marriage of confidence, for a year, that must be believable, with No Feelings. It’s a good thought when both parties don’t spark when seeing each other. But when there is some explosive chemistry between the Mr Logan Crowne and Ms Ella Papillon, no feelings is hard to do.
Logan is the workaholic who doesn’t make time for himself. Ella is a free spirit artisan who is somewhat lost in her world. They set out to fake a marriage as an ultimatum set by his father. He’ll get the company back and Logan will buy Ella’s father’s company back for her. Seems super easy, but along the way, the no feelings rule gets muddied and feelings start to develop on both sides. But Logan is too tightly wound to realize that the best thing that has ever happened to him is literally living with him in his house.
Their journey to finding love with each other and appreciating what each one gives to the other is perfectly filled with sweetness, sass, romance, tension, sexiness with a side of angst. The banter between the character is spot on and deliciously hot. I also loved Logan’s family as well as Ella’s family and friends. They all added an extra depth to the story. You can’t help but fall in love with Logan and Ella and the entire cast of secondary characters. A must read for sure!!
*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
A marriage of confidence, for a year, that must be believable, with No Feelings. It’s a good thought when both parties don’t spark when seeing each other. But when there is some explosive chemistry between the Mr Logan Crowne and Ms Ella Papillon, no feelings is hard to do.
Logan is the workaholic who doesn’t make time for himself. Ella is a free spirit artisan who is somewhat lost in her world. They set out to fake a marriage as an ultimatum set by his father. He’ll get the company back and Logan will buy Ella’s father’s company back for her. Seems super easy, but along the way, the no feelings rule gets muddied and feelings start to develop on both sides. But Logan is too tightly wound to realize that the best thing that has ever happened to him is literally living with him in his house.
Their journey to finding love with each other and appreciating what each one gives to the other is perfectly filled with sweetness, sass, romance, tension, sexiness with a side of angst. The banter between the character is spot on and deliciously hot. I also loved Logan’s family as well as Ella’s family and friends. They all added an extra depth to the story. You can’t help but fall in love with Logan and Ella and the entire cast of secondary characters. A must read for sure!!
*advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
March 15, 2020
A sexy, super romantic book with a fake relationship and a contract to seal the deal. 'Crowne of Lies,' very much suited my romantic reading tastes. A hero to love and a heroine to admire and, together, they were so passionate and able to create just the right level of emotion. I really loved it and, I confess, I spent a lot of time smiling and thinking happy thoughts as I read. Logan and Ella are crafted to compliment each other beautifully which enabled the author to create enough push and pull in the narrative to keep me completely invested in their relationship. I was rooting for them and I loved how both characters developed and gained self realisation through the process of the story.
'Crowne of Lies,' is a Standalone story but the author is clearly building a fantastic story world with a dynasty of characters where I imagine quite a few will get there own standalone story. Byron already has his, this one belongs to Logan and the stage is set for the next brother's story and I'm very much looking to the reading experience!
Advance copy provided *
'Crowne of Lies,' is a Standalone story but the author is clearly building a fantastic story world with a dynasty of characters where I imagine quite a few will get there own standalone story. Byron already has his, this one belongs to Logan and the stage is set for the next brother's story and I'm very much looking to the reading experience!
Advance copy provided *
March 17, 2024
I am at a loss.
I haven't the slightest idea what's wrong with these two people. They arrange a marriage of convenience, have instant chemistry and the best sex ever. At first. They actually have deeper feelings for each other right away, but in order to not get hurt when the marriage ends, they prefer to stay away from each other. So no more sex, because that could lead to deeper feelings. Or something like that.
They stay away from each other privately for six longing months as best they can, then they have sex again and fall in love with each other even more and want to make each other happy, but they can't be in love because their marriage has an expiration date after which they have to get divorced. A contract is a contract. And anyway, they're not themselves in this fake marriage. Uh, sorry? Seriously, I didn’t catch up.
Anyway, after a lot of tedious spinning in circles and some drama turning the world upside-down (concerning Logan's parents and Ella's stepmother), the contract is dissolved. The reader is given a few life lessons about love and marriage along the way and is then––thankfully!––dismissed.
The heroes and their way of thinking and behaving were as questionable as the plot. The language wasn't any better. Nothing against dirty talk, but lines like "Once this cunt is mine, it's mine to wreck" are not sexy for me.
Overall rating: 2/5
Plot: 2/5
Hero: 2/5 *
Heroine: 2/5
* Actually, he should get deducted another point for drinking exquisite Macallan whisky on the rocks.
I haven't the slightest idea what's wrong with these two people. They arrange a marriage of convenience, have instant chemistry and the best sex ever. At first. They actually have deeper feelings for each other right away, but in order to not get hurt when the marriage ends, they prefer to stay away from each other. So no more sex, because that could lead to deeper feelings. Or something like that.
They stay away from each other privately for six longing months as best they can, then they have sex again and fall in love with each other even more and want to make each other happy, but they can't be in love because their marriage has an expiration date after which they have to get divorced. A contract is a contract. And anyway, they're not themselves in this fake marriage. Uh, sorry? Seriously, I didn’t catch up.
Anyway, after a lot of tedious spinning in circles and some drama turning the world upside-down (concerning Logan's parents and Ella's stepmother), the contract is dissolved. The reader is given a few life lessons about love and marriage along the way and is then––thankfully!––dismissed.
The heroes and their way of thinking and behaving were as questionable as the plot. The language wasn't any better. Nothing against dirty talk, but lines like "Once this cunt is mine, it's mine to wreck" are not sexy for me.
Overall rating: 2/5
Plot: 2/5
Hero: 2/5 *
Heroine: 2/5
* Actually, he should get deducted another point for drinking exquisite Macallan whisky on the rocks.
March 3, 2020
Nice read
Well deserved 4 stars
Loved their interactions and banter and chemistry
Eager to read next bro book
Well deserved 4 stars
Loved their interactions and banter and chemistry
Eager to read next bro book
March 1, 2020
I haven’t come across a CD Reiss book I didn’t like, and Crowne of Lies is no exception. I was dying for Logan’s story, and I was not disappointed.
Logan and Ella enter into a marriage of convenience so they can both get something they want, and neither of them go in with intention of finding love. I freaking LOVE stories like this because watching two characters succumb to their connection and attraction, especially when it goes against everything they planned for or thought they wanted, is so satisfying to read. And the connection and attraction between Logan and Ella? Hot dang. I thought my Kindle was going to catch on fire.
CD Reiss crafts excellent stories with characters who are relatable, real, and refreshing. Crowne of Lies was an amazing read, and that’s the dang truth. So, so good. Do yourself a favor and give this a read!
Logan and Ella enter into a marriage of convenience so they can both get something they want, and neither of them go in with intention of finding love. I freaking LOVE stories like this because watching two characters succumb to their connection and attraction, especially when it goes against everything they planned for or thought they wanted, is so satisfying to read. And the connection and attraction between Logan and Ella? Hot dang. I thought my Kindle was going to catch on fire.
CD Reiss crafts excellent stories with characters who are relatable, real, and refreshing. Crowne of Lies was an amazing read, and that’s the dang truth. So, so good. Do yourself a favor and give this a read!
March 26, 2020
Wow. I have been reading C.D. Reiss for years now. Her prose is so rich with purpose and description. It's like reading a perfect movie script, except the characters come to life in your mind. This family, the Crowne has this warmth that just sucks you in. But there's something lurking the background that's not going to be perfect and I am can't wait for that.
This installment, Logan and Estella is kinda enemies to lovers type or marriage of convenience. I enjoyed every last word. CD knows a thing or two about being a wife, that's for sure. She has this innate ability to create real chemistry between the couple and then to dive in the midst of relationship reality that just knocks my socks off. Logan was self-absorbed, rich, perfectly polished asshole until he wasn't. Ella was the modern funky artist that really never knew her self. These two together, complete opposites fit like a glove.
Purchase Links:
AMAZON: https://bit.ly/3boxJfO
February 29, 2020
So far, in my reader life, I have had a very hate-hate relationship with this author's books..
Now ofcourse the problem is with me. I am sure she's a fantastic author because writing ain't no joke.
So I picked this one up, hoping it would be the one but..haaaah.. As always,it fell flat. Everytime I get excited over any of her stuff, I end up not loving it as much as I thought.
This,well, it looked good. Felt good. And then felt a bit too pretentious and forced. No passion or chemistry at all.
Yes yes I probably sound like a hateful ahole,whatever.
October 30, 2020
Another great read from CD Reiss. Logan and Ella are far from a match made in heaven, but when circumstances bring them together for a fake wedding, they do their best to sell the lie. The good news is: everyone buys it. The bad news: sleeping in separate bedrooms is taking its toll. But is passion enough to make a marriage work?
January 31, 2022
Loved it!
I want to see a house smashed apart by a JCB digger to reveal thousands and thousands of tiny crystals inside. I really, really need to see it.
I want an original Papillion couture gown. Most of all I want Logan Crowne to call me his star with his gruff voice.
Fake marriage books are one of my favourite tropes. The suppressed desire. The sexual tension. Crowne of Lies oozes with it. Beautiful, free spirited, artistic Ella Papillion is the opposite of the hard working Logan but she slips into the role of slipper giving, fuzzy socked wife so easily. Until the lies creep out.
They are perfectly imperfectly in love before they know it.
“Time could only be measured in stars while he kissed me. I wanted for nothing and felt nothing but his lips and his hands. I thought not in words, but in dots of moments strewn across the sky and connected by his touch.”
“Let’s hurt each other. Let’s hurt each other so bad we walk out of this thing on broken legs, screaming in pain. When it’s over, I want to be praying for death and wishing I could do it all over again.”
“Happiness didn’t come neatly packaged. It found you in the moments between tears and laughter, in the fights and brokenness, in the support and in the bond with someone who loved you as broken as you were and as whole as you’d become.”
CD Reiss writes fantastic family sagas. Can’t wait for the secretive Dante’s story.
I want to see a house smashed apart by a JCB digger to reveal thousands and thousands of tiny crystals inside. I really, really need to see it.
I want an original Papillion couture gown. Most of all I want Logan Crowne to call me his star with his gruff voice.
Fake marriage books are one of my favourite tropes. The suppressed desire. The sexual tension. Crowne of Lies oozes with it. Beautiful, free spirited, artistic Ella Papillion is the opposite of the hard working Logan but she slips into the role of slipper giving, fuzzy socked wife so easily. Until the lies creep out.
They are perfectly imperfectly in love before they know it.
“Time could only be measured in stars while he kissed me. I wanted for nothing and felt nothing but his lips and his hands. I thought not in words, but in dots of moments strewn across the sky and connected by his touch.”
“Let’s hurt each other. Let’s hurt each other so bad we walk out of this thing on broken legs, screaming in pain. When it’s over, I want to be praying for death and wishing I could do it all over again.”
“Happiness didn’t come neatly packaged. It found you in the moments between tears and laughter, in the fights and brokenness, in the support and in the bond with someone who loved you as broken as you were and as whole as you’d become.”
CD Reiss writes fantastic family sagas. Can’t wait for the secretive Dante’s story.
February 29, 2020
Not as deep and dark as a usual CD Reiss read, but a good one none the less. Logan Crowne is a sinfully handsome dirty talker who is about to lose the company he has been groomed to take over unless he finds a balance between life and work. In short, he needs to get married and get a home life. Only once he has got married will his father entertain the idea of giving it back to him. Insert fake marriage and contract to go with it and then all hell breaks loose. Feelings get involved and it is not as fake as Logan or Ella think.
This was an easy read and one I enjoyed. This trope is predictable, but I loved our graffiti artist heroine who was Logan's opposite in every way, yet they just worked.
This was an easy read and one I enjoyed. This trope is predictable, but I loved our graffiti artist heroine who was Logan's opposite in every way, yet they just worked.
March 2, 2020
I’m not going to lie, I’m not a fan of marriage of convenience. I really loved Iron Crowne so I decided to give this one a try, and I’m so glad I did. I was drawn in by Logan immediately. He was such a workaholic but he was such a good man. He was driven and was being forced into finding more out of life than just work. In the past his relationships failed because he was married to his job, and that is how he lived his life until he realized he could have more.
When he met Ella she was in a bad spot. She needed money to buy her family’s business back from her step mom and would go to any length to get it back, even marry Logan for a year in order to get the company in the divorce after they amicably split in a year.
They were opposites and they were drawn to each other like magnets. There was push and pull but Logan was hell bent on keeping her even after the deal was over. I had butterflies in my belly when he professed his love and when he acquiesced to the things she needed. I love an alpha male, but I really love one that knows what his woman needs and will give it to her no matter what it costs him. He realized that needing the person that is meant for you in your life is worth more than all the money in the world.
When he met Ella she was in a bad spot. She needed money to buy her family’s business back from her step mom and would go to any length to get it back, even marry Logan for a year in order to get the company in the divorce after they amicably split in a year.
They were opposites and they were drawn to each other like magnets. There was push and pull but Logan was hell bent on keeping her even after the deal was over. I had butterflies in my belly when he professed his love and when he acquiesced to the things she needed. I love an alpha male, but I really love one that knows what his woman needs and will give it to her no matter what it costs him. He realized that needing the person that is meant for you in your life is worth more than all the money in the world.
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