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Gilded Decadence #1
The More I Hate
His family dared to challenge mine, so I am going to ruin them... starting with stealing his bride.
Only a cold-hearted villain would destroy an innocent bride's special day over a business deal gone bad…
Which is why I choose this precise moment to disrupt New York High Society's most anticipated wedding of the sea-son.
As I am Luc Manwarring, II, billionaire heir to one of the most powerful families in the country, no one is brave enough to stop me.
My revenge plan is deceptively simple: humiliate the groom, then blackmail the bride's family into coercing the bride into marrying me instead.
My ruthless calculations do not anticipate my reluctant bride having so much fight and fire in her.
At every opportunity, she resists my dominance and control, even going so far as trying to escape my dark plans for her.
She is only supposed to be a means to an end, an unwilling player in my game of revenge.
But the more she challenges me, the more I begin to wonder… who is playing who?
Tearing off the gilded veneer of elite privilege exposes the sordid scandals, dark secrets, and taboo desires of New York's jaded high society in this dark romance series from best friends and USAT Bestselling authors Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley, writing under their new pen name, Blake Hensley.
Only a cold-hearted villain would destroy an innocent bride's special day over a business deal gone bad…
Which is why I choose this precise moment to disrupt New York High Society's most anticipated wedding of the sea-son.
As I am Luc Manwarring, II, billionaire heir to one of the most powerful families in the country, no one is brave enough to stop me.
My revenge plan is deceptively simple: humiliate the groom, then blackmail the bride's family into coercing the bride into marrying me instead.
My ruthless calculations do not anticipate my reluctant bride having so much fight and fire in her.
At every opportunity, she resists my dominance and control, even going so far as trying to escape my dark plans for her.
She is only supposed to be a means to an end, an unwilling player in my game of revenge.
But the more she challenges me, the more I begin to wonder… who is playing who?
Tearing off the gilded veneer of elite privilege exposes the sordid scandals, dark secrets, and taboo desires of New York's jaded high society in this dark romance series from best friends and USAT Bestselling authors Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley, writing under their new pen name, Blake Hensley.
334 pages, ebook
First published February 23, 2024
1422 people are currently reading
2200 people want to read
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February 25, 2024
To assert his dominance over a business rival, Lucian Manwarring disrupts Amelia Astrid’s nuptials at the altar, ensuring she’ll become his wife.
What began as strategy quickly becomes complicated when Luc and Amelia are unable to deny the white-hot chemistry between them.
I have a major lady bonėr for Amelia. Her fire has been raging just below the surface and Luc’s demanding nature fans those flames. When these two get out of their own way, their love story is what women dream about.
There was no doubt this duo of two of my favorite authors was going to make dark, carnal magic.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥1/2
Darkness: 🩶🩶🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😲🤬🥵🥺😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark, Suspense
✨ Tropes: Billionaire/Rich AF, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forced Marriage
💫 Microtropes: Alphahole, Feisty FMC, Hand Necklace, H8 Fçuk, Surprise V, Virgin FMC, Who Hurt You
💋 Kinks: Degradation (Mild), Discipline/Punishment, Discipline, Impact Play (Belt), Praise, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: The More I Hate is the first book in the Gilded Decadence series of interconnected standalones.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
What began as strategy quickly becomes complicated when Luc and Amelia are unable to deny the white-hot chemistry between them.
I have a major lady bonėr for Amelia. Her fire has been raging just below the surface and Luc’s demanding nature fans those flames. When these two get out of their own way, their love story is what women dream about.
There was no doubt this duo of two of my favorite authors was going to make dark, carnal magic.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥1/2
Darkness: 🩶🩶🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😲🤬🥵🥺😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark, Suspense
✨ Tropes: Billionaire/Rich AF, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forced Marriage
💫 Microtropes: Alphahole, Feisty FMC, Hand Necklace, H8 Fçuk, Surprise V, Virgin FMC, Who Hurt You
💋 Kinks: Degradation (Mild), Discipline/Punishment, Discipline, Impact Play (Belt), Praise, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: The More I Hate is the first book in the Gilded Decadence series of interconnected standalones.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
February 25, 2024
3.5 ⭐
============================
Background:
Luc crashed Amelia's wedding and announced to all the guests that he's in love with her, making it look like they've been associated for awhile. Which was utter crap because they've never met before this gatecrashing moment. And this grand announcement made Amelia seem like "damaged goods" because, of course, it's a crime in their circle to lose her purity before getting married.
Anyway, her fiancé is Luc's ex-friend, who wants to take down his business, get more power by marrying into Amelia's family, and work with her brother, who's the DA. There's no love lost between Amelia and her fiance; it was arranged, and she was pawned to him by her witch mother.
Luc wouldn't let that happen, and the best revenge he thought was stealing his former friend's fiancee. And taking her family's connection to expand his own power.
============================
It took me a while to warm up to Luc because he was an unapologetic controlling asshole for the first 60% of the story, and he's not even afraid to show it.
In the first 60% of the book, he and Amelia only met five times, I think. The first one was the wedding ceremony, and the next four were events or dinners that ended up with them screwing each other's brains out.
I have to say that Ms. Blake's is known for her dubcon; I'm not sure about the other author, though. The first three times they slept together, it was HEAVY on dubcon, and that made it difficult for me to like Luc even more. With their first time he knew she was a virgin, but he still took her aggressively and made her his own personal toy. I was already uneasy and partially pissed with this scene, but it went to full-blown annoyance when he left her on her own and didn't even provide any aftercare. He really treated Amelia like a wh*re that he could care less about once he was done. Then the next two times he used her, he treated her just as the same. 😑 The last time they slept was the only time he took it slow and showed a bit of emotion and care for her.
I really had a hard time appreciating him in the first half of this book. He was a grown man who still let his father control him and even his own business. Why he let this behavior go on for so long when he could definitely stand up to him is beyond me.
Amelia didn't make it any better. This woman had no other personality than to be a puppet and punching bag for her abusive mother and to be Luc's favorite toy. The body-betraying crap was so exhausting. She'll say something, but then her hormones will always get the best of her, so she always ends up putty in his arms. Apparently she likes to be taken roughly and had no problem with Luc's manhandling. 🤷♀️
Then, when they were finally building something, it was between 60% and 75%, Luc's father visited him about their plan with Amelia's family. And the cliche cause of conflict was that he lied to his father, said some things to appease him, and Amelia overheard everything. She was unaware that all he had said had been lies.
Amelia ran away, but within three hours, she was found by Luc. He asked her to come home, but she realized she didn't want to be shackled to him. So when he proposed to her (his brilliant idea 🙄) she told him no. I have to say, this is the only time she grew a freaking spine. Way too late for me, but I'm still glad that she showed one.
Then one month had passed, and Amelia was finally discovering and exploring things about herself. She was basically doing some soul searching with the help of her siblings.
Not once did Luc visit or contact her during this time. But he's aware of her whereabouts because he hired people to keep her safe. There's no mention that they've been with other people during this separation; I would definitely DNF this if they had. 😂
At the end of this one month, Luc eventually visited Amelia and showed her the school for art that he built for her. This is his grand gesture to show how much he was sorry for ruining what could've been a beautiful beginning for them. Is this considered groveling? Idk, maybe it is. Ugh, to be a billionaire. 😮💨
Anyhoo, Amelia was moved by this and immediately forgave him and gave their relationship another chance.
I have to say the last 20% of the book made Luc a little redeemed. The realization he had and the thoughts running through his mind were results of deep self-reflection. It was good to read his POV and how he felt about the problems he had caused. But I liked it even more reading about the steps he took for his grand apology.
He really did show how much he's willing to change for her, and some might consider this emasculating, but I think there's nothing more powerful than swallowing your pride and admitting your mistakes. He was willing to turn things around to accommodate her and make her feel like they were equal in the relationship, and honestly, I liked him for that. So yeah, Luc was an ass for the most part of the story, but he did redeem himself, at least to me.
I've also come to like Amelia because, in their separation, she definitely found herself. She learned to be independent and to do things that make her happy. I think that space was good for both of them and had a huge impact on their self-discovery.
Overall, this was good. It took me quite some time to like it because of the dubcon. I mean, I did expect it, but it still made me a bit uncomfortable. Maybe I need to read more stories like this to get used to them. 😅 Plot wise, it was okay; there was nothing original about it, but I still dig it. Character-wise, it also took me a while to warm up to both of them. They're difficult to understand in the first half, but the second half made them more likeable. So, I guess this is still a good read.
Book info:
- Arranged marriage
- Dubcon
- Virgin h, Non-virgin H (got the manhoe vibes though)
- Parental abuse
- Body shaming
- Blackmailing
- Stalking
- No cheating, owd
- No real OMD (the h called her gay friend to make the H jealous)
- With third-act breakup (1 month)
- HEA (married)
PS. The second book is about the H's ex-friend and his sister with captive romance & revenge themes. 🤭
============================
Background:
Luc crashed Amelia's wedding and announced to all the guests that he's in love with her, making it look like they've been associated for awhile. Which was utter crap because they've never met before this gatecrashing moment. And this grand announcement made Amelia seem like "damaged goods" because, of course, it's a crime in their circle to lose her purity before getting married.
Anyway, her fiancé is Luc's ex-friend, who wants to take down his business, get more power by marrying into Amelia's family, and work with her brother, who's the DA. There's no love lost between Amelia and her fiance; it was arranged, and she was pawned to him by her witch mother.
Luc wouldn't let that happen, and the best revenge he thought was stealing his former friend's fiancee. And taking her family's connection to expand his own power.
============================
It took me a while to warm up to Luc because he was an unapologetic controlling asshole for the first 60% of the story, and he's not even afraid to show it.
In the first 60% of the book, he and Amelia only met five times, I think. The first one was the wedding ceremony, and the next four were events or dinners that ended up with them screwing each other's brains out.
I have to say that Ms. Blake's is known for her dubcon; I'm not sure about the other author, though. The first three times they slept together, it was HEAVY on dubcon, and that made it difficult for me to like Luc even more. With their first time he knew she was a virgin, but he still took her aggressively and made her his own personal toy. I was already uneasy and partially pissed with this scene, but it went to full-blown annoyance when he left her on her own and didn't even provide any aftercare. He really treated Amelia like a wh*re that he could care less about once he was done. Then the next two times he used her, he treated her just as the same. 😑 The last time they slept was the only time he took it slow and showed a bit of emotion and care for her.
I really had a hard time appreciating him in the first half of this book. He was a grown man who still let his father control him and even his own business. Why he let this behavior go on for so long when he could definitely stand up to him is beyond me.
Amelia didn't make it any better. This woman had no other personality than to be a puppet and punching bag for her abusive mother and to be Luc's favorite toy. The body-betraying crap was so exhausting. She'll say something, but then her hormones will always get the best of her, so she always ends up putty in his arms. Apparently she likes to be taken roughly and had no problem with Luc's manhandling. 🤷♀️
Then, when they were finally building something, it was between 60% and 75%, Luc's father visited him about their plan with Amelia's family. And the cliche cause of conflict was that he lied to his father, said some things to appease him, and Amelia overheard everything. She was unaware that all he had said had been lies.
Amelia ran away, but within three hours, she was found by Luc. He asked her to come home, but she realized she didn't want to be shackled to him. So when he proposed to her (his brilliant idea 🙄) she told him no. I have to say, this is the only time she grew a freaking spine. Way too late for me, but I'm still glad that she showed one.
Then one month had passed, and Amelia was finally discovering and exploring things about herself. She was basically doing some soul searching with the help of her siblings.
Not once did Luc visit or contact her during this time. But he's aware of her whereabouts because he hired people to keep her safe. There's no mention that they've been with other people during this separation; I would definitely DNF this if they had. 😂
At the end of this one month, Luc eventually visited Amelia and showed her the school for art that he built for her. This is his grand gesture to show how much he was sorry for ruining what could've been a beautiful beginning for them. Is this considered groveling? Idk, maybe it is. Ugh, to be a billionaire. 😮💨
Anyhoo, Amelia was moved by this and immediately forgave him and gave their relationship another chance.
I have to say the last 20% of the book made Luc a little redeemed. The realization he had and the thoughts running through his mind were results of deep self-reflection. It was good to read his POV and how he felt about the problems he had caused. But I liked it even more reading about the steps he took for his grand apology.
He really did show how much he's willing to change for her, and some might consider this emasculating, but I think there's nothing more powerful than swallowing your pride and admitting your mistakes. He was willing to turn things around to accommodate her and make her feel like they were equal in the relationship, and honestly, I liked him for that. So yeah, Luc was an ass for the most part of the story, but he did redeem himself, at least to me.
I've also come to like Amelia because, in their separation, she definitely found herself. She learned to be independent and to do things that make her happy. I think that space was good for both of them and had a huge impact on their self-discovery.
Overall, this was good. It took me quite some time to like it because of the dubcon. I mean, I did expect it, but it still made me a bit uncomfortable. Maybe I need to read more stories like this to get used to them. 😅 Plot wise, it was okay; there was nothing original about it, but I still dig it. Character-wise, it also took me a while to warm up to both of them. They're difficult to understand in the first half, but the second half made them more likeable. So, I guess this is still a good read.
Book info:
- Arranged marriage
- Dubcon
- Virgin h, Non-virgin H (got the manhoe vibes though)
- Parental abuse
- Body shaming
- Blackmailing
- Stalking
- No cheating, owd
- No real OMD (the h called her gay friend to make the H jealous)
- With third-act breakup (1 month)
- HEA (married)
PS. The second book is about the H's ex-friend and his sister with captive romance & revenge themes. 🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2024
dark-billionaire-enemies-to-lovers
Amelia is supposed to be a classic high society daughter. Spoiled ice maiden 🧊 with a stoic face & clean reputation. Or is she? Well…her whole world collapses when a stranger objects at her wedding claiming he loves her! For real, she never met this m*therf**ker in her whole life but now has to pretend all is normal while…her whole world is thrown upside down. Ohh also her mother is a real biatch!!
Who is the handsome stranger objecting to the wedding? Lucian Manwarring. Groom’s business rival and all around cocky asshole. Honestly, I had a little bid of a love/hate relationship with Luc because he could truly be a misogynistic pig sometimes. He is unhinged but when he starts calling Amelia “babygirl” I melted 🥵 I liked Luc’s character development especially his groveling at the end!
The spice is spicing in this one 🌶️ I mean….Zoe Blake is the queen of dirty talk and I was clutching my pearls at several steamy scenes 🌶️ Luc definitely channels his carnel brutality in this story but Amelia totally loves it. If you love a little spanking trope this one is definitely for you!!
“Let me get a good look at this pussy before I completely destroy it.” when I read this line I almost fell off my chair….MISS ZOE BLAKE AND ALTA HENSLEY!!!!! Why do you have me acting like that?!
enemies-to-lovers
possessive mmc
virgin fmc
spanking 🍑
non-con/dub con encounters
‘who hurt you’
HEA
Thank you to both authors for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Amelia is supposed to be a classic high society daughter. Spoiled ice maiden 🧊 with a stoic face & clean reputation. Or is she? Well…her whole world collapses when a stranger objects at her wedding claiming he loves her! For real, she never met this m*therf**ker in her whole life but now has to pretend all is normal while…her whole world is thrown upside down. Ohh also her mother is a real biatch!!
Who is the handsome stranger objecting to the wedding? Lucian Manwarring. Groom’s business rival and all around cocky asshole. Honestly, I had a little bid of a love/hate relationship with Luc because he could truly be a misogynistic pig sometimes. He is unhinged but when he starts calling Amelia “babygirl” I melted 🥵 I liked Luc’s character development especially his groveling at the end!
The spice is spicing in this one 🌶️ I mean….Zoe Blake is the queen of dirty talk and I was clutching my pearls at several steamy scenes 🌶️ Luc definitely channels his carnel brutality in this story but Amelia totally loves it. If you love a little spanking trope this one is definitely for you!!
“Let me get a good look at this pussy before I completely destroy it.” when I read this line I almost fell off my chair….MISS ZOE BLAKE AND ALTA HENSLEY!!!!! Why do you have me acting like that?!
enemies-to-lovers
possessive mmc
virgin fmc
spanking 🍑
non-con/dub con encounters
‘who hurt you’
HEA
Thank you to both authors for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 8, 2024
I was expecting it to be a bit more OTT which is what I was in the mood for. Luc is meant to be this asshole billionaire but I found his chapters to be pretty cringe. I don't really go much on Hs who have to gas themselves up and brag about how rich they are or how great at fucking they are. I think more chapters from Amelia and leaving Luc as more of a mystery would have worked better but maybe that's just me.
If you want some low angst, marriage of convenience with some ok-ish dubcon smut then this could be a book you might enjoy.
If you want some low angst, marriage of convenience with some ok-ish dubcon smut then this could be a book you might enjoy.
February 24, 2024
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: blackmail, arranged marriage
Angst: 😱😱😱1/2
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I am fans of both Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley, so I was super excited to see where this author duo was going with their Blake Hensley alter ego :) I was expecting dark and super smexy and that was exactly what they dished up! Our "hero" Lucian is unapologetically NOT the good guy, lol. He forces his way into Amelia's wedding and basically steals her away as part of a revenge scheme against an enemy. This is definitely a case of enemies to lovers, but Amelia never stands a chance and neither did Lucian. If you don't enjoy a dash of non-con/dubcon with your fictional encounters, The More I Hate may not be for you, lol. But if you like the extra spicy that comes with a good enemies to lovers, you're in for a treat!
Trope: blackmail, arranged marriage
Angst: 😱😱😱1/2
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I am fans of both Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley, so I was super excited to see where this author duo was going with their Blake Hensley alter ego :) I was expecting dark and super smexy and that was exactly what they dished up! Our "hero" Lucian is unapologetically NOT the good guy, lol. He forces his way into Amelia's wedding and basically steals her away as part of a revenge scheme against an enemy. This is definitely a case of enemies to lovers, but Amelia never stands a chance and neither did Lucian. If you don't enjoy a dash of non-con/dubcon with your fictional encounters, The More I Hate may not be for you, lol. But if you like the extra spicy that comes with a good enemies to lovers, you're in for a treat!
April 27, 2026
It's ok. I'm being generous giving it a 3. It's mostly just them being engaged - there isn't a lot of plot going on. After finishing this one, I have no desire to continue the series.
Amelia Astrid (22-ish, socialite) is about to say, "I do", when a sexy stranger comes busting through the doors. Instead of spending her wedding night with a groom, she learns her mother has sold her to someone else for better business arrangements.
Lucian Manwarring (33-ish, whiskey tycoon) discovers his former friend is about to marry into a prominent family that would put him into a powerful position. Luc decides to use a little dramatic blackmail to get a bride instead.
Yada yada, Amelia has a mean mother, Luc is demanding and controlling, Amelia likes arts, a disasterous dress fitting, an overheard conversation, Luc chasing, a good "fuck you", and eventually a HFN.
SEX: I enjoyed the fast burn since one of my primary complaints in arranged marriage fics is that it takes forever for them to consummate the relationship. He took her V with force at 30% without a condom. YAYYYY for that. But sadly, the author just ended the scene without either of them climaxing!! I was like what in the actual fuck!!! There was plenty of sex during the rest of the book, it just wasn’t quality. I would call it cheap sex. The best way I can explain this is to give you the text from one sex scene. Paying attention to how many times certain words are used.
Hopefully, you get what I’m trying to say.
PLOT: I guess there's one? Things were happening, but none of it was exciting or focused. There was no real drama. Like I said, I'm being generous with that 3 stars.
AUDIO: It’s not my favorite, but it’s ok. It’s not a duet. Melanie Hastings is mostly tolerable when she’s speaking normally, but when Amelia is crying or whining, the voice is grating. Her male voice isn’t bad, so that’s a plus. There are times when Gideon Frost is just ok and then times where I was like OH MY FREAKING GOD that’s so hot. His female voice is more enjoyable than the female narrator’s is.
"Amelia Mae Astrid was more than I could have ever dreamed. I had nearly ruined any chance of happiness with her, but after last night, I believed she was giving me a second chance and I wanted to prove to her I deserved it.
Amelia Astrid (22-ish, socialite) is about to say, "I do", when a sexy stranger comes busting through the doors. Instead of spending her wedding night with a groom, she learns her mother has sold her to someone else for better business arrangements.
This man was a tycoon in his own right. He had an empire he was preparing to run. He wasn’t a prince sent to save me from an evil queen, but maybe he was the king who would protect me from everyone but himself.
Lucian Manwarring (33-ish, whiskey tycoon) discovers his former friend is about to marry into a prominent family that would put him into a powerful position. Luc decides to use a little dramatic blackmail to get a bride instead.
If another man wasn’t strong enough to keep what was his, then why shouldn’t it be mine?
Yada yada, Amelia has a mean mother, Luc is demanding and controlling, Amelia likes arts, a disasterous dress fitting, an overheard conversation, Luc chasing, a good "fuck you", and eventually a HFN.
SEX: I enjoyed the fast burn since one of my primary complaints in arranged marriage fics is that it takes forever for them to consummate the relationship. He took her V with force at 30% without a condom. YAYYYY for that. But sadly, the author just ended the scene without either of them climaxing!! I was like what in the actual fuck!!! There was plenty of sex during the rest of the book, it just wasn’t quality. I would call it cheap sex. The best way I can explain this is to give you the text from one sex scene. Paying attention to how many times certain words are used.
Hopefully, you get what I’m trying to say.
PLOT: I guess there's one? Things were happening, but none of it was exciting or focused. There was no real drama. Like I said, I'm being generous with that 3 stars.
AUDIO: It’s not my favorite, but it’s ok. It’s not a duet. Melanie Hastings is mostly tolerable when she’s speaking normally, but when Amelia is crying or whining, the voice is grating. Her male voice isn’t bad, so that’s a plus. There are times when Gideon Frost is just ok and then times where I was like OH MY FREAKING GOD that’s so hot. His female voice is more enjoyable than the female narrator’s is.
December 28, 2024
I should have liked this book but I didn’t. There was too much filler and too little time with the MC’s together. It never works well when the h is living at home for basically the whole book. This might as well have been a high school romance. The H came off as a bit of a cartoonish character wanting to rule the world—- but then Next chapter his Daddy is telling him what to
Do. The story was boring and I skimmed large patches. I don’t really care about pawning Birkin bags and how much good whisky costs. Give me some characters to care about. This book fell flat as a pancake 🥞
Do. The story was boring and I skimmed large patches. I don’t really care about pawning Birkin bags and how much good whisky costs. Give me some characters to care about. This book fell flat as a pancake 🥞
February 17, 2024
Love both of these authors but when they combine their forces they are phenomenal. Amelia's mother is batshit crazy. She tries to marry her off and that doesn't work because Luc swoops in and saves the day..... or does he. Love Amelia and Luc. They are both great characters. Luc isn't so easy to like but he is likable. Can not wait until the other characters get their books.
February 26, 2024
3.5⭐️
I have never read an Alta book, so her and Zoe are writing together. I was interested!! I can't wait to see what they do with this series.
Lucian has his own plans of revenge when he stops his ex friends' wedding. There drama between them two, and with what blackmail against the brides mother, he gets what he wants, and that's Ameila.
Lucian luc!! I'll be honest he was a douche he thought Ameila would fold easy to his demands, and she didn't. At first, she fought back she was stubborn, bratty posh she pushed back and pushed his buttons. But he did deliver some swift punishments to her backside ;) but the sexual tension and drama between the two didn't stop. It was delicious to see how they grew closer.
Even with the ups and downs and the trust issues, they were a great couple he even let her go to live her life when she walked away. And this couple got an HFN. we saw a tiny glimpse of the next couple, which is Olivia and Marksen, and I have a feeling they are going to be wild!!
Slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, virgin girl idk if he was a manwhore (off page or in his life he talked about one woman he fucked but that was it)
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Age gap
Push away from h
Seperation
Spankings
Punishments
Praise kink
Tiny Degradation
No condom
HFN
Epilogue
I have never read an Alta book, so her and Zoe are writing together. I was interested!! I can't wait to see what they do with this series.
Lucian has his own plans of revenge when he stops his ex friends' wedding. There drama between them two, and with what blackmail against the brides mother, he gets what he wants, and that's Ameila.
Lucian luc!! I'll be honest he was a douche he thought Ameila would fold easy to his demands, and she didn't. At first, she fought back she was stubborn, bratty posh she pushed back and pushed his buttons. But he did deliver some swift punishments to her backside ;) but the sexual tension and drama between the two didn't stop. It was delicious to see how they grew closer.
Even with the ups and downs and the trust issues, they were a great couple he even let her go to live her life when she walked away. And this couple got an HFN. we saw a tiny glimpse of the next couple, which is Olivia and Marksen, and I have a feeling they are going to be wild!!
Slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, virgin girl idk if he was a manwhore (off page or in his life he talked about one woman he fucked but that was it)
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Age gap
Push away from h
Seperation
Spankings
Punishments
Praise kink
Tiny Degradation
No condom
HFN
Epilogue
April 21, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
♡ Enemies to lovers
♡ P/J hero
♡ Revenge
♡ Billionare
♡ 3rd act break-up
♡ Virgin heroine
🚩no cheating or sharing
OM1 - she was engaged to a guy but didn't love him
OM2 - she want to make him jealous by going out with her gay bff 🔥😻
OW - he had a ONS with a waitress I think and tells us how good she is 💩🤢🥴( to clarify - this was BEFORE he met the h ) [ main reason why it didn't get more stars ]
𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙖 - 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 🩷
I liked her and she had a really Nixe personality even though everybody thinks she is the cold princess ✨️🤍
I felt so sorry for her and just wanted her to be happy 😭🫂
Hated her mom !!!
Alsoooo I lovvvveddd that she didn't immediately go back to him but waited and wanted to find herself first 🦋🫶✨️
𝙇𝙪𝙘 - 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤 🩵
Okay look... He is not a bad hero it is just that I hated him the moment he mentioned OW 🤭🤐👀
He was okay even though I had the feeling his feelings for Amelia just came over night...
Also the ending was pretty rushed and I didn't really enjoy it as much as the whole story 🫣
♡ Enemies to lovers
♡ P/J hero
♡ Revenge
♡ Billionare
♡ 3rd act break-up
♡ Virgin heroine
🚩no cheating or sharing
OM1 - she was engaged to a guy but didn't love him
OM2 - she want to make him jealous by going out with her gay bff 🔥😻
OW - he had a ONS with a waitress I think and tells us how good she is 💩🤢🥴( to clarify - this was BEFORE he met the h ) [ main reason why it didn't get more stars ]
𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙖 - 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 🩷
I liked her and she had a really Nixe personality even though everybody thinks she is the cold princess ✨️🤍
I felt so sorry for her and just wanted her to be happy 😭🫂
Hated her mom !!!
Alsoooo I lovvvveddd that she didn't immediately go back to him but waited and wanted to find herself first 🦋🫶✨️
𝙇𝙪𝙘 - 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤 🩵
Okay look... He is not a bad hero it is just that I hated him the moment he mentioned OW 🤭🤐👀
He was okay even though I had the feeling his feelings for Amelia just came over night...
Also the ending was pretty rushed and I didn't really enjoy it as much as the whole story 🫣
February 28, 2024
I’m a huge fan of Zoe Blake so I wanted to try this book out, written along Alta Hensley.. under the new pen name Blake Hensley.
This is your typical forced marriage, hate to love romance.
It was … stale. Typical. Zero originally.
I unfortunately had the same thoughts and feelings when I read my first Alta Hensley book as well.
It’s a book that you feel like you’ve read 100 times over if you read any type of forced marriage/arranged marriage trope.
Even down to the witch of a mother and complacent daughter.
I also felt like both main characters were all over the place. Do they love each other? Do they hate each other? It was so up-and-down I was getting whiplash.
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me although I did finish it because I’m no quitter. I don’t think I will be continuing the series. However, my love for Zoe Blake still stands, and I highly recommend her individual work!!
This is your typical forced marriage, hate to love romance.
It was … stale. Typical. Zero originally.
I unfortunately had the same thoughts and feelings when I read my first Alta Hensley book as well.
It’s a book that you feel like you’ve read 100 times over if you read any type of forced marriage/arranged marriage trope.
Even down to the witch of a mother and complacent daughter.
I also felt like both main characters were all over the place. Do they love each other? Do they hate each other? It was so up-and-down I was getting whiplash.
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me although I did finish it because I’m no quitter. I don’t think I will be continuing the series. However, my love for Zoe Blake still stands, and I highly recommend her individual work!!
March 10, 2024
I can't explain it but I was sold the instant I heard stolen bride. I don't know if that's officially a trope nowadays but maybe it should be. I do adore a enemies to lovers romance anyday.
The story here is okay. I wouldn't call it intensely enemies to lovers. There is definitely animosity on the heroine's part because she's the one being railroaded into marrying the hero. I thought it would be like an instant marriage but it's not. He stops her wedding and is then engaged to her while they plan their own wedding.
You've got your standard Alta Hensley/Zoe Blake punishment/spanking trope in play. Some of it defintely felt contrived just so there could be a spanking but I guess that's par for the course in these types of books.
The hero was fine. He started out fairly unlikable but eventually got it together. Some of his thoughts about marriage and the heroine in general were pretty apalling but she was a stranger at that point so it's easy enough to give him a pass on it.
The heroine is pretty unremarkable overall. She doesn't have much personility in % beginning which I think is purposeful. We are supposed to see how the hero brings her out of her shell, I think. She's feisty at times which was fun.
Fast/Medium burn, the hero claims her vcard at 30%. She hadn't informed him she was a virgin so he was surprised. His possessiveness defintely leveled up after that.
Virgin h
Reformed Manwhore
No condoms but no pregnancy results
No OW drama
No real OM drama
No cheating
3rd act breakup
2 month separation
HEA
Epilogue sets up next book/couple
Safety - There is no cheating or OW drama. We are unfortunately subjected to his vaguely detailed musings about getting a blow job from a waitress who's serving him in the beginning of the book. He muses that it's something he's done with her several times. That felt extremely unnecessary and I wish authors wouldn't so casually throw that kind of garbage into books. You can tell me he's a manwhore easily without having us mentally relive blowjobs from waitresses, thankyouverymuch.
Despite him stealing her from OM at her literal wedding they weren't a love match so there's no drama there. We do get a jealous/possessive scene later when she uses a gay friend to make him j/p after she learns he's been surveilling her and has a dossier on her.
The 3rd act breakup ensues after she overhears him talking with his father. At this point, *we* know he has real feelings for her but he tells his father otherwise. She hears all the gory details and bounces. They are apart for 2 months while he's planning a grand gesture to win her back over. He's obviously sucessful. I'll admit his grand gesture was thoughtful and definitely sincere but I hate grand gestures overall so I'm still unimpressed.
Overall, it’s on ok read. I’d recommend it, especially if you like punishment tropes and spanking. It’s ease enough to skip over them if you aren’t into that.
The story here is okay. I wouldn't call it intensely enemies to lovers. There is definitely animosity on the heroine's part because she's the one being railroaded into marrying the hero. I thought it would be like an instant marriage but it's not. He stops her wedding and is then engaged to her while they plan their own wedding.
You've got your standard Alta Hensley/Zoe Blake punishment/spanking trope in play. Some of it defintely felt contrived just so there could be a spanking but I guess that's par for the course in these types of books.
The hero was fine. He started out fairly unlikable but eventually got it together. Some of his thoughts about marriage and the heroine in general were pretty apalling but she was a stranger at that point so it's easy enough to give him a pass on it.
The heroine is pretty unremarkable overall. She doesn't have much personility in % beginning which I think is purposeful. We are supposed to see how the hero brings her out of her shell, I think. She's feisty at times which was fun.
Fast/Medium burn, the hero claims her vcard at 30%. She hadn't informed him she was a virgin so he was surprised. His possessiveness defintely leveled up after that.
Virgin h
Reformed Manwhore
No condoms but no pregnancy results
No OW drama
No real OM drama
No cheating
3rd act breakup
2 month separation
HEA
Epilogue sets up next book/couple
Safety - There is no cheating or OW drama. We are unfortunately subjected to his vaguely detailed musings about getting a blow job from a waitress who's serving him in the beginning of the book. He muses that it's something he's done with her several times. That felt extremely unnecessary and I wish authors wouldn't so casually throw that kind of garbage into books. You can tell me he's a manwhore easily without having us mentally relive blowjobs from waitresses, thankyouverymuch.
Despite him stealing her from OM at her literal wedding they weren't a love match so there's no drama there. We do get a jealous/possessive scene later when she uses a gay friend to make him j/p after she learns he's been surveilling her and has a dossier on her.
The 3rd act breakup ensues after she overhears him talking with his father. At this point, *we* know he has real feelings for her but he tells his father otherwise. She hears all the gory details and bounces. They are apart for 2 months while he's planning a grand gesture to win her back over. He's obviously sucessful. I'll admit his grand gesture was thoughtful and definitely sincere but I hate grand gestures overall so I'm still unimpressed.
Overall, it’s on ok read. I’d recommend it, especially if you like punishment tropes and spanking. It’s ease enough to skip over them if you aren’t into that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 23, 2024Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
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Amazon Series Link : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT735Q8S
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3u8zbBT
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/TMIHate
Paperback: https://mybook.to/TMIHatePB
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3uhw8qW
Amazon Series Link : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT735Q8S
February 25, 2024
5 stars!
The QUEENS of dark and kinky have teamed up and I can't think of a more dynamic duo than these two. Individually known for their dark romances with OTT alpha male heroes (I use that word loosely lol) and feminine yet feisty heroines, they've taken their unique way of writing romance and created something beautifully dramatic and sexy. Everything you love about Blake's possessive males that blend pain and pleasure and Hensley's depraved yet sensual males is in this dirty arranged marriage story.
The More I Hate is the first book in the sure to be binge worthy Gilded Decadence series and features Lucian and Amelia. It is a standalone but the subsequent stories will be in the same world I believe. Luc, a cuthroat and very wealthy businessman, crashes Amelia's high society wedding and makes her his instead. Amelia is meant to be a means to an end and a trophy to place on a shelf to be used when necessary. Little does Luc know that Amelia is NOT the ice queen she pretends to be.
Amelia is not blind to the position she holds in her family and society but she finds strength and grit in other ways. Going head-to-head with Luc may not be something he's used to but her fire is everything he needs and everything she craves. What starts out as a simple business arrangement quickly transforms into something deeper. Something neither of them were ever expecting.
Despite a softer enemies-to-lovers vibe, these two were a match made in heaven and gave and took in the most delicious ways. There is something incredibly sexy about a FMC that is grace and class in public but kinky and submissive in the bedroom. Pairing an entertaining story with plenty of spicy steam, I was glued to the pages until the last word. I loved Luc's brand of love and how he gave Amelia exactly what she needed in the bedroom as well as when they were in public. Luc saw her as an equal and Amelia was vulnerable and a lioness at the right moments which fed Luc his need to possess and dominate.
Luc and Amelia's romance was a mixture of pain and pleasure in the best ways. I wish their story had been just a little longer so we could see them fall deeper in their little bubble of love and contentment. Ending on HEA, the perfect breadcrumbs were set up for the next book and I can't wait! If you're a fan of either of these authors and the way they write their MMCs and FMCs, then I highly suggest you pick this book up. Their writing was seamless and exquisite and Luc and Amelia were the power couple you'll always root for.
Zoe and Alta, I bow to your romance merger and I hope you continue to write together for a long time!!! I fricking loved this story SO much.
The QUEENS of dark and kinky have teamed up and I can't think of a more dynamic duo than these two. Individually known for their dark romances with OTT alpha male heroes (I use that word loosely lol) and feminine yet feisty heroines, they've taken their unique way of writing romance and created something beautifully dramatic and sexy. Everything you love about Blake's possessive males that blend pain and pleasure and Hensley's depraved yet sensual males is in this dirty arranged marriage story.
The More I Hate is the first book in the sure to be binge worthy Gilded Decadence series and features Lucian and Amelia. It is a standalone but the subsequent stories will be in the same world I believe. Luc, a cuthroat and very wealthy businessman, crashes Amelia's high society wedding and makes her his instead. Amelia is meant to be a means to an end and a trophy to place on a shelf to be used when necessary. Little does Luc know that Amelia is NOT the ice queen she pretends to be.
"Every time I’d demanded more from her, she’d met the challenge."
Amelia is not blind to the position she holds in her family and society but she finds strength and grit in other ways. Going head-to-head with Luc may not be something he's used to but her fire is everything he needs and everything she craves. What starts out as a simple business arrangement quickly transforms into something deeper. Something neither of them were ever expecting.
"It wasn’t just the need to possess this woman, to control her, and to dominate. No... I felt this almost animalistic sensation to protect her at all costs."
Despite a softer enemies-to-lovers vibe, these two were a match made in heaven and gave and took in the most delicious ways. There is something incredibly sexy about a FMC that is grace and class in public but kinky and submissive in the bedroom. Pairing an entertaining story with plenty of spicy steam, I was glued to the pages until the last word. I loved Luc's brand of love and how he gave Amelia exactly what she needed in the bedroom as well as when they were in public. Luc saw her as an equal and Amelia was vulnerable and a lioness at the right moments which fed Luc his need to possess and dominate.
“Tell me,” he ordered. “Tell me you’re a good girl and will obey,”...
Luc and Amelia's romance was a mixture of pain and pleasure in the best ways. I wish their story had been just a little longer so we could see them fall deeper in their little bubble of love and contentment. Ending on HEA, the perfect breadcrumbs were set up for the next book and I can't wait! If you're a fan of either of these authors and the way they write their MMCs and FMCs, then I highly suggest you pick this book up. Their writing was seamless and exquisite and Luc and Amelia were the power couple you'll always root for.
"He looked at me like he saw me, all of me, every single flaw, and loved me all the more for it.
Zoe and Alta, I bow to your romance merger and I hope you continue to write together for a long time!!! I fricking loved this story SO much.
March 5, 2024
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✔️
Tropes: dark romance, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, forced proximity, billionaire, revenge, family saga, romantic suspense
His family dared to challenge the Manwarring clan, so he is going to ruin them… starting with stealing his bride. Only a cold-hearted villain would destroy an innocent bride's special day over a business deal gone bad. Which is why he chose this precise moment to disrupt New York High Society's most anticipated wedding of the season. As he is Luc Manwarring, II, billionaire heir to one of the most powerful families in the country, no one is brave enough to stop him. Luc's revenge plan is deceptively simple: humiliate the groom, then blackmail the bride's family into coercing the bride into marrying him instead. His ruthless calculations do not anticipate his reluctant bride having so much fight and fire in her. At every opportunity, Amelia resists Luc's dominance and control, even going so far as trying to escape his dark plans for her. She is only supposed to be a means to an end, an unwilling player in his game of revenge. But the more she challenges Luc, the more he begins to wonder… who is playing who?
It should be no surprise that when two queens of dark romance come together, perfection is the result. The plot was utterly addictive as it pulled me in and refused to let go. Revenge over business led to two characters meeting that were perfect for each other. I absolutely loved Amelia and her effect on Lucian. She certainly proved she was much more than a cold, unfeeling princess in the world of the Elite of New York. Her snark had me cheering her along. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✔️
Tropes: dark romance, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, forced proximity, billionaire, revenge, family saga, romantic suspense
His family dared to challenge the Manwarring clan, so he is going to ruin them… starting with stealing his bride. Only a cold-hearted villain would destroy an innocent bride's special day over a business deal gone bad. Which is why he chose this precise moment to disrupt New York High Society's most anticipated wedding of the season. As he is Luc Manwarring, II, billionaire heir to one of the most powerful families in the country, no one is brave enough to stop him. Luc's revenge plan is deceptively simple: humiliate the groom, then blackmail the bride's family into coercing the bride into marrying him instead. His ruthless calculations do not anticipate his reluctant bride having so much fight and fire in her. At every opportunity, Amelia resists Luc's dominance and control, even going so far as trying to escape his dark plans for her. She is only supposed to be a means to an end, an unwilling player in his game of revenge. But the more she challenges Luc, the more he begins to wonder… who is playing who?
It should be no surprise that when two queens of dark romance come together, perfection is the result. The plot was utterly addictive as it pulled me in and refused to let go. Revenge over business led to two characters meeting that were perfect for each other. I absolutely loved Amelia and her effect on Lucian. She certainly proved she was much more than a cold, unfeeling princess in the world of the Elite of New York. Her snark had me cheering her along. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
June 6, 2024
This book enraged me on a different level. I wanted to dnf this so badly sometimes, but my hate kept me going. I am always the type to dnf a book the moment it irritates me.
The mmc was so trash-worthy. I saw no appeal in him, even when he was in his 'grovelling stage', or if you can even call it that.
What is it with the Zoe Blake mmcs forcefully whipping their fmcs with belts out of nowhere. It's so uncalled for because they don't even enjoy it or express a desire for it.
This guy was just toxic, toxic, and toxic. It wasn't even the cute type of toxic. Why the fmc Agreed to marry him at the end or even fell in love with him, I will never understand.
Why did we get such a long description of the mmc describing what sex was like with a waitress he had been with before??
Maybe I don't understand how the Elite people of NYC talk like, but surely it doesn't sound like they walked out of the 1800s.
I like how the mmc knew the fmc had NOTHING to do with what happened to him, and STILL decided to humiliate her and use her. He saw her as an object up to 80% of the book and suddenly switched up.
The fact that I’d made her come for me over and over didn’t help. I hadn’t done that to give her pleasure. I’d done it to make her cunt grip my cock tighter and to make sure she knew I was the only one who could make her feel that way. It was just another way to exert my power and control over her.
The mmc was so trash-worthy. I saw no appeal in him, even when he was in his 'grovelling stage', or if you can even call it that.
What is it with the Zoe Blake mmcs forcefully whipping their fmcs with belts out of nowhere. It's so uncalled for because they don't even enjoy it or express a desire for it.
This guy was just toxic, toxic, and toxic. It wasn't even the cute type of toxic. Why the fmc Agreed to marry him at the end or even fell in love with him, I will never understand.
Why did we get such a long description of the mmc describing what sex was like with a waitress he had been with before??
Maybe I don't understand how the Elite people of NYC talk like, but surely it doesn't sound like they walked out of the 1800s.
I like how the mmc knew the fmc had NOTHING to do with what happened to him, and STILL decided to humiliate her and use her. He saw her as an object up to 80% of the book and suddenly switched up.
The fact that I’d made her come for me over and over didn’t help. I hadn’t done that to give her pleasure. I’d done it to make her cunt grip my cock tighter and to make sure she knew I was the only one who could make her feel that way. It was just another way to exert my power and control over her.
Did Not Finish
July 4, 2024dnfed at 30%
February 4, 2024
Wow, this was so good.
Amelia is stuck marrying a man she doesn't like nor wants to marry. Just before her fate is sealed. She is forced into another marriage to a brutal, demanding, possessive alphahole. Everyone thinks her to be a spoilt rich princess without a mind of her own. They couldn't be more wrong.
Luc Manwarring is unapologetic when it comes to business. He takes what he wants, when and where. He didn't expect Amelia though.
This was so good. Dark and slightly twisted. The fire and spice was HOT between this couple.
A certain parent needed to be bitch slapped back down to earth but otherwise I found this an exciting read I could not eat the words up fast enough. I definitely can't wait for the next book.
Amelia is stuck marrying a man she doesn't like nor wants to marry. Just before her fate is sealed. She is forced into another marriage to a brutal, demanding, possessive alphahole. Everyone thinks her to be a spoilt rich princess without a mind of her own. They couldn't be more wrong.
Luc Manwarring is unapologetic when it comes to business. He takes what he wants, when and where. He didn't expect Amelia though.
This was so good. Dark and slightly twisted. The fire and spice was HOT between this couple.
A certain parent needed to be bitch slapped back down to earth but otherwise I found this an exciting read I could not eat the words up fast enough. I definitely can't wait for the next book.
January 27, 2024
This is the first book in a new series and it will make you want to read the rest of the series right away.
If you like enemies to lovers, arranged marriage and dark moody millionaires then you need to read this.
Luc thought he could get away from stealing stealing Amelia on her wedding day by blackmailing her mother.
When he didn’t realize is Amelia wasn’t your typical society wife and gave him a run for his money.
When she finally had enough get stood on her own to feet and left. Not knowing where she was going or what she wanted to do she did some soul searching and she finally started living.
Luc was miserable without her but he gave her space while still keeping an eye on her to make sure she was safe and protected (especially from her POS mother) until the timing was right for his grand gesture.
Well I guess a leopard can actually change his spots because Luc did.
If you like enemies to lovers, arranged marriage and dark moody millionaires then you need to read this.
Luc thought he could get away from stealing stealing Amelia on her wedding day by blackmailing her mother.
When he didn’t realize is Amelia wasn’t your typical society wife and gave him a run for his money.
When she finally had enough get stood on her own to feet and left. Not knowing where she was going or what she wanted to do she did some soul searching and she finally started living.
Luc was miserable without her but he gave her space while still keeping an eye on her to make sure she was safe and protected (especially from her POS mother) until the timing was right for his grand gesture.
Well I guess a leopard can actually change his spots because Luc did.
January 28, 2024
Great collaboration between Zoe Blake and Alta Hensley…and I can’t wait for more. From the first page you are drawn into the turbulent life of Amelia and the roller coaster ride never stops! I love when an author draws me in quickly while giving the reader an explosive read. The characters are vibrant…the plot is exceptional, practically nonstop action. I hope this will be a very long series because these two authors compliment each other’s prose beautifully. Download and enjoy readers then sit back to savor a quality read. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 30, 2024
Enemies? Check. Billionaire? Check. Passion? Check. Possession? Check Check. What’s a man like Lucian Manwarring supposed to do when his family is one of the most powerful families around? Enter Amelia Astrid, who quickly grabs the attention of Lucian (Luc) and he will do everything possible to get her under him in every way.
March 8, 2024
If I can give it -1000000 stars I would
February 26, 2024
3.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Surprisingly or not, I was entertained reading this book despite being a sub genre that I usually avoid, dark romance. The chapters were normally short and easy to read and it was addicting because I always found myself reading more chapters to know what would happen.
The couple I start enjoying more at the end than in the beginning, but I’m not obsessed or I didn’t feel very connected throughout the book. The character I enjoyed seeing character development was Amelia that found herself and chose to live the life she somehow envisioned. Luc became good in the end, despite some possessiveness that was a little over the top for me.
I can’t ignore the questionable things in this book like possessiveness and the fact that the main character was virgin and how everything occur after that. I would surpass them or at least changed the way they were made slightly.
But overall I enjoyed, but that’s me because first it was set in New York and then this man “booked” a date at the MET in New York and supported her love for art. For a girl like me who loves art, despite not being good at it, my heart melted 😩
I’m very curious by the following books of this serie, especially more after the epilogue of the book.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Blake Hensley for the opportunity to read this ARC 🫶🏻
Surprisingly or not, I was entertained reading this book despite being a sub genre that I usually avoid, dark romance. The chapters were normally short and easy to read and it was addicting because I always found myself reading more chapters to know what would happen.
The couple I start enjoying more at the end than in the beginning, but I’m not obsessed or I didn’t feel very connected throughout the book. The character I enjoyed seeing character development was Amelia that found herself and chose to live the life she somehow envisioned. Luc became good in the end, despite some possessiveness that was a little over the top for me.
I can’t ignore the questionable things in this book like possessiveness and the fact that the main character was virgin and how everything occur after that. I would surpass them or at least changed the way they were made slightly.
But overall I enjoyed, but that’s me because first it was set in New York and then this man “booked” a date at the MET in New York and supported her love for art. For a girl like me who loves art, despite not being good at it, my heart melted 😩
I’m very curious by the following books of this serie, especially more after the epilogue of the book.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Blake Hensley for the opportunity to read this ARC 🫶🏻
February 19, 2024
So excited about this new series with how good book 1 is. When these 2 authors come together who know its going to be a well written book. One that you won't want to put down or want it to end, and this was the case with this one.
This book is an arranged marriage, fmc is a virgin, a sexy billionaire for an mmc and a enemies to lovers relationship. The MMC is Luc Manwarring II (seriously a rich sounding name) and he will take Amelia Astrid as his wife. Amelia isn't some easy going spoiled rich girl she likes to break the mold of what she should be when she can. Luc never plans on having feelings for Amelia she is supposed to be part of his plan more of revenge against an ex friend and to make sure his family stays on top. Luc could have never guessed that Amelia would rock his world the way she did and turn it upside down. Amelia herself tries just as hard to not fall for Luc but it's useless, between his good looks and when he drops the walls he has built around his heart. Luc makes Amelia a priority and will do what is needed to keep her safe. Yet, what they have built between them comes crashing down when the truth comes out about how they got together. Amelia is ready to take her life into her own hands and make her own decisions and will she decide if Luc gets to stay part of her life or not?
Some of my favorite parts was Luc trying to win Amelia back and he has to decide what is more important to him revenge or love. I seriously loved Luc and how he falls in love and just how strong Amelia is. I also enjoyed all the side characters. Amelia's younger sister is so sweet and her older brother is protective and will enjoy seeing these 2 again. Luc has a sister we will be getting to read more about soon too! My fingers are crossed we get to read about Luc and Amelia more throughout the series.
One of my favorite quotes:
"You are playing with fire but slay queen. Slay."
This book is an arranged marriage, fmc is a virgin, a sexy billionaire for an mmc and a enemies to lovers relationship. The MMC is Luc Manwarring II (seriously a rich sounding name) and he will take Amelia Astrid as his wife. Amelia isn't some easy going spoiled rich girl she likes to break the mold of what she should be when she can. Luc never plans on having feelings for Amelia she is supposed to be part of his plan more of revenge against an ex friend and to make sure his family stays on top. Luc could have never guessed that Amelia would rock his world the way she did and turn it upside down. Amelia herself tries just as hard to not fall for Luc but it's useless, between his good looks and when he drops the walls he has built around his heart. Luc makes Amelia a priority and will do what is needed to keep her safe. Yet, what they have built between them comes crashing down when the truth comes out about how they got together. Amelia is ready to take her life into her own hands and make her own decisions and will she decide if Luc gets to stay part of her life or not?
Some of my favorite parts was Luc trying to win Amelia back and he has to decide what is more important to him revenge or love. I seriously loved Luc and how he falls in love and just how strong Amelia is. I also enjoyed all the side characters. Amelia's younger sister is so sweet and her older brother is protective and will enjoy seeing these 2 again. Luc has a sister we will be getting to read more about soon too! My fingers are crossed we get to read about Luc and Amelia more throughout the series.
One of my favorite quotes:
"You are playing with fire but slay queen. Slay."
February 23, 2024
I knew before that a collaboration between Alta Hensley and Zoe Blake is a winner. But them coming with an entirely new pen name and a whole new series in which the books are lined up for release each month, now that's more than a winner. And after reading The More I Hate, book one in the Gilded Decadence Series I can say that's an amazing start of a series. You have all the goodness that is an Alta Hensley and Zoe Blake novel and it's doubled. Yay !!! Luc and Amelia's story is intense, angstsy , with a slow burn and spicy moments that will melt your Kindle, a lot of secrets and twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. Even though their story started as a revenge and an arranged marriage, went through a lot of difficulties and battle of wills they found their way to each other and a happily ever after. But before that Amelia tests his will and temper and make him question his motives and what he wants from their relationship. Amelia defies him constantly and Luc respects her for that. And she's a total surprise for him because she's not the typical high society daughter. Luc is dark , control freak, and a little unhinged and brutal. But his darkness calls for something in Amelia and she's totally in tune with him. The banter between them is witty and snarky and I loved it. And even though I loved dirty talking Luc I was melting every time he called Amelia "baby girl". They are perfect together but Amelia is done with other people controlling her and deciding for her. And she's doing the unthinkable for a woman from the high society. She is making the decisions for herself and her life. And Luc redeemed himself perfectly with that grand gesture and with the efforts to understand her and to get to know her. That epilogue was perfect and also put the events for the next story in motion and I can't wait for it .
Thanks to Booksprout for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Thanks to Booksprout for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
March 4, 2024
It’s best not to test Luc, him and angry sex 🤝
February 22, 2024
Dude……This book is HOT!!!🥵
When I say I was hooked literally 20 pages in…I literally couldn’t put it down. I love a marriage of convenience trope as much as the next gal & THIS book was just DIFFERENT than every other marriage of convenience I’ve read. I have never rooted harder for an FMC IN MY LIFE. Luc’s mouth is filthy & his possessiveness just did something to me, honestly 🤣 He really truly cared for Amelia, but Amelia also had to find herself to realize that. The ONLY reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was I really wanted to see more development of their love for each other…I felt like it was a little left out 🥲
I really did enjoy this book & I am so excited for the second one already!!🤭🤭
When I say I was hooked literally 20 pages in…I literally couldn’t put it down. I love a marriage of convenience trope as much as the next gal & THIS book was just DIFFERENT than every other marriage of convenience I’ve read. I have never rooted harder for an FMC IN MY LIFE. Luc’s mouth is filthy & his possessiveness just did something to me, honestly 🤣 He really truly cared for Amelia, but Amelia also had to find herself to realize that. The ONLY reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was I really wanted to see more development of their love for each other…I felt like it was a little left out 🥲
I really did enjoy this book & I am so excited for the second one already!!🤭🤭
February 23, 2024
ENEMIES TO LOVERS!! And it's billionaire! And he is possessive and protects her! YES YESSSSS!
I ate this book up! Alta Hensley and Zoe Blake combine forces in this new dark billionaire enemies to lovers series. And the series starts with a bang!
Amelia is at the altar when Lucian stops the wedding. Lucian, a complete strange, is the one wanting to marry this bride!
Lucian was unapologetic, possessive and every red flag out there. But I loved him. He sees Amelia. *swoon*
Amelia is the perfect society daughter, being used as a pawn by her mother. She is being forced to marry Lucian. But beneath the perfect daughter, there are so many layers. I was rooting for Lucian and Amelia from the first moment they made a connection.
I had a great time reading this book. It was seriously so good and deliciously dark. The spice and dirty talk was hot af! 🥵
I need the next book! Give me all of them hahaha
𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.
➛ 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
➛ 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕 - 𝑨𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒂 & 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏
➛ Billionaire, Enemies To Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity, Touch Her And Suffer, Boy Obsessed
➛ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲
➛ 𝗚𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Book 1 - Interconnected Standalone
➛ 𝐊𝐔 ✅
➛ Will also be available as an 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 on 05.21
➛ 4,75 ⭐️
*This is a dark romance. The content might not be for everyone.*
I ate this book up! Alta Hensley and Zoe Blake combine forces in this new dark billionaire enemies to lovers series. And the series starts with a bang!
Amelia is at the altar when Lucian stops the wedding. Lucian, a complete strange, is the one wanting to marry this bride!
Lucian was unapologetic, possessive and every red flag out there. But I loved him. He sees Amelia. *swoon*
Amelia is the perfect society daughter, being used as a pawn by her mother. She is being forced to marry Lucian. But beneath the perfect daughter, there are so many layers. I was rooting for Lucian and Amelia from the first moment they made a connection.
I had a great time reading this book. It was seriously so good and deliciously dark. The spice and dirty talk was hot af! 🥵
I need the next book! Give me all of them hahaha
𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.
➛ 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
➛ 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕 - 𝑨𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒂 & 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏
➛ Billionaire, Enemies To Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity, Touch Her And Suffer, Boy Obsessed
➛ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲
➛ 𝗚𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Book 1 - Interconnected Standalone
➛ 𝐊𝐔 ✅
➛ Will also be available as an 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 on 05.21
➛ 4,75 ⭐️
*This is a dark romance. The content might not be for everyone.*
January 27, 2024
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is a dark billionaire, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage. Lucian will do anything to keep his families name at the top even if that means he has to blackmail and steal his ex- friend's fiancé right before they get married. Amelia is the dutiful daughter in a high society world who does exactly what she's told under the vicious hold of her mother.
My thoughts... THROW THE WHOLE MOTHER IN THE GARBAGE!!!! I hated her mother. She was so disgusting and projected her faults on her daughter, treating her like she was nothing but a wh0re but she wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for her mother's secrets. Amelia was a feisty woman and although she was raised to obey, she also had a backbone and fought against Lucian unlike her mother who was more worried about her image, so I really respected her for that. Lucian is a ruthless bastard, who is not having it with Amelia's attitude, and he will make her submit if it's the last thing he does. He has filthy mouth and an unhinged temper that I just loved! Their snarky banter in the beginning had me cracking up. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick, fun, easy read and I can't wait to see what book two has in store as the epilogue leaves us with a cliffhanger.
This is a dark billionaire, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage. Lucian will do anything to keep his families name at the top even if that means he has to blackmail and steal his ex- friend's fiancé right before they get married. Amelia is the dutiful daughter in a high society world who does exactly what she's told under the vicious hold of her mother.
My thoughts... THROW THE WHOLE MOTHER IN THE GARBAGE!!!! I hated her mother. She was so disgusting and projected her faults on her daughter, treating her like she was nothing but a wh0re but she wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for her mother's secrets. Amelia was a feisty woman and although she was raised to obey, she also had a backbone and fought against Lucian unlike her mother who was more worried about her image, so I really respected her for that. Lucian is a ruthless bastard, who is not having it with Amelia's attitude, and he will make her submit if it's the last thing he does. He has filthy mouth and an unhinged temper that I just loved! Their snarky banter in the beginning had me cracking up. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick, fun, easy read and I can't wait to see what book two has in store as the epilogue leaves us with a cliffhanger.
January 31, 2024
I have always loved these fabulous female authors separately, as they are remarkable and amazing on their own. But when combined and they merge their spectacular talent it is jaw dropping and sensational.
Blake Hensley has gifted their readers with a story that we could not stop reading. The characters are true and realistic. Sometimes I loved them and sometimes I wanted to give them a good hard shake.
Luc is a domineering and unrelenting man in business and in the bedroom. He is unapologetic, taking what he wants and needs, which was evident in the opening of this story.
Amelia is a sheltered princess, with an affluent but abusive home life. She just wants to be able to make her own choices but marrying Luc is just changing one prison for another.
Wonderful and highly recommended story 🩷
Blake Hensley has gifted their readers with a story that we could not stop reading. The characters are true and realistic. Sometimes I loved them and sometimes I wanted to give them a good hard shake.
Luc is a domineering and unrelenting man in business and in the bedroom. He is unapologetic, taking what he wants and needs, which was evident in the opening of this story.
Amelia is a sheltered princess, with an affluent but abusive home life. She just wants to be able to make her own choices but marrying Luc is just changing one prison for another.
Wonderful and highly recommended story 🩷
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