What do you think?
Rate this book
Raising the Stakes
You know that saying? Everyone deserves a second chance. Yeah well, I didn’t think that applied to me.
But when my chance fell into my hands. I balled my fist, ran with it, and never looked back. The Churchhills are what you’d call my found family and they taught me the true meaning of the word. Make no mistake the devil and I still walk hand and hand. The shadows of my past lurking, waiting to drag me back.
It’d been three years since I was handed the reins to Churchhills Logistics and my father thought now was the best time to drop a huge bomb on me. I was to marry. But wait, it gets better. It wasn’t just any woman. I was arranged to marry the woman who nearly burnt my empire to the ground before it even got started. Aurora Emerson
I’d never been one to judge someone based on their background. Family get-togethers and fancy parties were nothing new to me. So meeting TC at one of them was par for the course since the Churchhills had been long time friends of the family. Unfortunately this meant that my attendance at these dumb parties was required instead of suggested.
TC took it upon himself to embarrass me in front of everyone at the party which quickly shutdown any of my hopes that we could be friends. I never wanted to be around him again after that but unfortunately we attend the same school. So keeping him away from me wasn’t a simple task. As if that wasn’t bad enough TC also found joy in making my school life extremely difficult and I couldn’t figure out why he wanted to get under my skin so badly.
I found no refuge from him at home either. He would always come over with his father so they could talk business. I’d lock myself in my room claiming that I was ill so I wouldn’t be forced to have dinner with them.
I finally got the chance to get back at him in college. One of my best friends sent me a picture of him doing drugs off a tramp’s stomach, that I then sent to his mother. The last thing I ever expected was for our fathers to arrange a marriage between us, knowing full well we hated each other.
But when my chance fell into my hands. I balled my fist, ran with it, and never looked back. The Churchhills are what you’d call my found family and they taught me the true meaning of the word. Make no mistake the devil and I still walk hand and hand. The shadows of my past lurking, waiting to drag me back.
It’d been three years since I was handed the reins to Churchhills Logistics and my father thought now was the best time to drop a huge bomb on me. I was to marry. But wait, it gets better. It wasn’t just any woman. I was arranged to marry the woman who nearly burnt my empire to the ground before it even got started. Aurora Emerson
I’d never been one to judge someone based on their background. Family get-togethers and fancy parties were nothing new to me. So meeting TC at one of them was par for the course since the Churchhills had been long time friends of the family. Unfortunately this meant that my attendance at these dumb parties was required instead of suggested.
TC took it upon himself to embarrass me in front of everyone at the party which quickly shutdown any of my hopes that we could be friends. I never wanted to be around him again after that but unfortunately we attend the same school. So keeping him away from me wasn’t a simple task. As if that wasn’t bad enough TC also found joy in making my school life extremely difficult and I couldn’t figure out why he wanted to get under my skin so badly.
I found no refuge from him at home either. He would always come over with his father so they could talk business. I’d lock myself in my room claiming that I was ill so I wouldn’t be forced to have dinner with them.
I finally got the chance to get back at him in college. One of my best friends sent me a picture of him doing drugs off a tramp’s stomach, that I then sent to his mother. The last thing I ever expected was for our fathers to arrange a marriage between us, knowing full well we hated each other.
331 pages, ebook
Published May 9, 2024
66 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Ledford
7 books90 followersI have been writing since I was 14 but never finished the books that I had started.
Silver Moon Kiss was my first and it is currently being rewritten and I'm excited that it will be released next year.
The Second Alpha Heir is my first self-published book. It is due to be released on June 14th with both E-book and Paperback.
I am a wife and mother of 3 with 5 German Shorthair pointers and I'm also hoping to get into Nursing school. I like to hunt and watch my kids grow up into the people that I know they can be.
Silver Moon Kiss was my first and it is currently being rewritten and I'm excited that it will be released next year.
The Second Alpha Heir is my first self-published book. It is due to be released on June 14th with both E-book and Paperback.
I am a wife and mother of 3 with 5 German Shorthair pointers and I'm also hoping to get into Nursing school. I like to hunt and watch my kids grow up into the people that I know they can be.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 14, 2024
"Raising The Stakes”weaves a captivating tale of love, redemption, and the power of second chances. The story follows the tumultuous journey of a rags-to-riches TC (Tom), whose past and present collide in unexpected ways, leading to an unforgettable romance.
TC is a compelling character whose journey from poverty to prosperity is both inspiring and poignant. Adopted by a wealthy family, he struggles to reconcile his humble origins with his newfound privilege. His complex relationship with Aurora, the embodiment of sunshine and light, adds layers of tension and depth to the story. I found I could not put it down. Although the beginning was slow for me to get into.
The dynamics between TC and Aurora is electric, fueled by a history of mutual embarrassment and revenge. Forced into an arranged marriage to protect his company,TC must confront his darkest secrets and inner demons to safeguard Aurora from harm. As their feelings for each other resurface, so does the shadow of TC’s past, threatening to tear them apart.
What sets “Raising The Stakes” apart is its exploration of the complexities of love and sacrifice. TC emerges as a fierce protector and teacher. Awakening desires in Aurora, while she remains a beacon of hope and resilience. Their journey towards a happily-ever-after is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as they confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities.
The twist at the end of the book is a masterstroke, that left me on the edge of my seat and wondering about the future of TC and Aurora's family. Both his and hers. It's a testament to Ledford's skillful storytelling and ability to keep you guessing until the very end.
Overall, "Raising The Stakes” is a gripping romance novel that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you longing for more. With its richly drawn characters, spice that made me melt, and unexpected twists, it's a must-read.
TC is a compelling character whose journey from poverty to prosperity is both inspiring and poignant. Adopted by a wealthy family, he struggles to reconcile his humble origins with his newfound privilege. His complex relationship with Aurora, the embodiment of sunshine and light, adds layers of tension and depth to the story. I found I could not put it down. Although the beginning was slow for me to get into.
The dynamics between TC and Aurora is electric, fueled by a history of mutual embarrassment and revenge. Forced into an arranged marriage to protect his company,TC must confront his darkest secrets and inner demons to safeguard Aurora from harm. As their feelings for each other resurface, so does the shadow of TC’s past, threatening to tear them apart.
What sets “Raising The Stakes” apart is its exploration of the complexities of love and sacrifice. TC emerges as a fierce protector and teacher. Awakening desires in Aurora, while she remains a beacon of hope and resilience. Their journey towards a happily-ever-after is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as they confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities.
The twist at the end of the book is a masterstroke, that left me on the edge of my seat and wondering about the future of TC and Aurora's family. Both his and hers. It's a testament to Ledford's skillful storytelling and ability to keep you guessing until the very end.
Overall, "Raising The Stakes” is a gripping romance novel that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you longing for more. With its richly drawn characters, spice that made me melt, and unexpected twists, it's a must-read.
May 9, 2024
Raising the Stakes by C.L Ledford is part of the Dark Era Series. I was already a fan of this author’s writing before going into this book. But let me just say this book just took it to another level. After reading the blurb I knew this in my wheelhouse… dark romance, enemies to lovers, a marriage of convenience. I read this in about a day, it caught my attention and kept it until the end. I really enjoyed reading TC and Aurora’s past and them growing into something different. I did like their chemistry and the spice was just fire. It did take me a bit to warm up to TC but once I did, I was all in with him. He’s a broody tattoo guy, so of course I would wind up loving him. This was full of tension, intensity, action, a twist and suspense. Overall I really enjoyed this book even if I have unanswered questions after that bomb drop. So I’m unsure how I’m feeling about the ending. I thought it was written well and the plot was addicting while moving at a consistent pace. A page turner that’s for sure. It was described well where you could picture/imagine everything clearly. If you’re a fan of dark romance, than I definitely recommend that you check out this book. C.L Ledford is an amazing author who really knows how to write interesting characters and stories.
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
May 14, 2024
OK, so this book captivated me!
I don't read a lot of dark romance because I'm more into fantasy, but I've started a bit and I have to say that I really enjoyed this one!
If you want a good dark romance with really good spice, go for it! This book is incredible and deserves your attention!
They hated each other only to end up wanting each other... I was looking forward to their first scene together and yes it works!
The author's writing gets us where we need to be when we need to be there, the story follows its course and it's GREAT!
Thank you for your work!
I don't read a lot of dark romance because I'm more into fantasy, but I've started a bit and I have to say that I really enjoyed this one!
If you want a good dark romance with really good spice, go for it! This book is incredible and deserves your attention!
They hated each other only to end up wanting each other... I was looking forward to their first scene together and yes it works!
The author's writing gets us where we need to be when we need to be there, the story follows its course and it's GREAT!
Thank you for your work!
May 2, 2024
TC and Aurora have known each other since high school. They were both successful in making each other's lives miserable in one way or another. Soooooo of course my parents who are good friends decided to arrange for the two to be married. Aurora and TC agreed that their marriage would just be a marriage of convenience and they would continue to live their lives as though they weren't married. That all changed one night when TC heard Aurora say his name while pleasuring herself. From that point on they navigated the ups and downs of discovering their true feelings for each other. Great plot and great spice.
May 1, 2024
ARC review
This was a good dark romance with enemies to lovers, Mafia, billionaire, touch her and 💀.
This was my first CL Ledford book and I enjoyed her writing. I did wish the last chapter and epilogue explained a little more. There was a twist I didn't see and then it wasn't really explained.
This was a good dark romance with enemies to lovers, Mafia, billionaire, touch her and 💀.
This was my first CL Ledford book and I enjoyed her writing. I did wish the last chapter and epilogue explained a little more. There was a twist I didn't see and then it wasn't really explained.
May 14, 2024
I wanted to like this book but I just couldn't get into this story.
TC inherited his father's company but in order to keep control of it, he has to marry Aurora. The problem? They both hate each other.
In parallel, TC's past resurfaces and he has to deal with the consequences of both his previous and current lives colliding with each other.
The story had potential but it was a miss in my opinion.
The MCs keep reminding us that they hate each other but we're left guessing at why for a very long time, so it was difficult to relate to any of them without knowing what happened.
Then they start to develop feelings for each other when all their interactions have only been physical, not a conversation in sight. I was a bit sceptical.
The storyline with his old gang was predictable but I felt like the altercation between TC and Marcus was a bit implausible. One moment he's afraid of TC and the next he blackmails him when he had a gun to his head seconds ago?
The spicy scenes were enjoyable and that's what salvaged the book for me, though I would have liked it even more if I felt like the characters had more chemistry.
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
TC inherited his father's company but in order to keep control of it, he has to marry Aurora. The problem? They both hate each other.
In parallel, TC's past resurfaces and he has to deal with the consequences of both his previous and current lives colliding with each other.
The story had potential but it was a miss in my opinion.
The MCs keep reminding us that they hate each other but we're left guessing at why for a very long time, so it was difficult to relate to any of them without knowing what happened.
Then they start to develop feelings for each other when all their interactions have only been physical, not a conversation in sight. I was a bit sceptical.
The storyline with his old gang was predictable but I felt like the altercation between TC and Marcus was a bit implausible. One moment he's afraid of TC and the next he blackmails him when he had a gun to his head seconds ago?
The spicy scenes were enjoyable and that's what salvaged the book for me, though I would have liked it even more if I felt like the characters had more chemistry.
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2025
So I just finished this book, and i just had to rush to review it. First off: story, 5 stars; spice, 5 stars. I loved the way this book had its twists and turns. C.L.Ledford fantastically portrays the enemies-to-lovers trope, while keeping the spice super spicy and fresh even with multiple, multiple scenes throughout the book. The story never felt stale to me. I ended up finishing this book within a day and a half, I was so invested. Be warned, read the trigger page!! This is a dark romance after all. Some notable triggers are period play and torture. C.L.Ledford does a wonderful job with each trigger. So if you're not opposed to any of the triggers, I would highly recommend this read!! Give it a shot!
May 27, 2024
So this is the first book I’ve read by this Author and let me tell you no regrets! I love dark romance and mafia trope is always a plus for me , I really did enjoy Aurora and Tc’s story I didn’t want to put my kindle down!!
May 11, 2024
OK MISS LEDFORD! I see you. I'm here for ALL of this. I may be biased because I licked TC FIRST..just so that information is known.
TC was adopted by the Churchhills when he was a teenager, picked by his sister Emmy. Destined to take over his father's company as he got older. He meets Aurora shortly after and he is immediately smitten. They however do not become a couple and instead, after a chain of events, hate each other. And the two end up hating each other as they move on with their lives.
Now they are older, and set to be married. An arrangement that was made years ago by their parents. Neither has any interest in the farce of matrimony. Aurora just knows that TC won't be faithful and she refuses to be his next conquest, regardless if she is his wife. They decide that on paper and in the eyes of the public, they will be married. Behind closed doors, they live their separate lives.
But obviously, this would not be a romance book if they don't realize they are both complete idiots and belong together. We have to go through some things, but we eventually find the HEA we want. In between we get some HOT spicy scenes.
AND THEN...C L Ledford decides she isn't quite done with the story. She drops a literally information bomb, setting up the next book for this series (Daddy D...not me drooling).
Fantastic book. Loved everything. I saw this book from literal start to finish and I'm so very proud of this author. She has put everything into this new dark era she is walking into and I can't wait to see where she takes it. Going from fantasy/shifter to contemporary dark, she nailed it.
Read your trigger warnings...cause HELLO it has a few. But then fall in love with this book like I have.
Happy Reading Ya'll
TC was adopted by the Churchhills when he was a teenager, picked by his sister Emmy. Destined to take over his father's company as he got older. He meets Aurora shortly after and he is immediately smitten. They however do not become a couple and instead, after a chain of events, hate each other. And the two end up hating each other as they move on with their lives.
Now they are older, and set to be married. An arrangement that was made years ago by their parents. Neither has any interest in the farce of matrimony. Aurora just knows that TC won't be faithful and she refuses to be his next conquest, regardless if she is his wife. They decide that on paper and in the eyes of the public, they will be married. Behind closed doors, they live their separate lives.
But obviously, this would not be a romance book if they don't realize they are both complete idiots and belong together. We have to go through some things, but we eventually find the HEA we want. In between we get some HOT spicy scenes.
AND THEN...C L Ledford decides she isn't quite done with the story. She drops a literally information bomb, setting up the next book for this series (Daddy D...not me drooling).
Fantastic book. Loved everything. I saw this book from literal start to finish and I'm so very proud of this author. She has put everything into this new dark era she is walking into and I can't wait to see where she takes it. Going from fantasy/shifter to contemporary dark, she nailed it.
Read your trigger warnings...cause HELLO it has a few. But then fall in love with this book like I have.
Happy Reading Ya'll
May 13, 2024
Aurora and TC meet as teenagers, and after an embarrassing encounter, they become enemies despite the fact that their parents are best friends. Years later, their parents set up an arranged marriage between the two of them as a way to merge their two companies and make them stronger. The only way for TC to become heir of his father's company is to agree to this marriage. Reluctantly, both Aurora and TC agree to this marriage, but on the terms that it's only for convenience and nothing more. After a steamy kiss on their wedding day, they each start to question their feelings about each other.
Raising the Stakes is the first book in this series. This is an enemies to lovers, dark romance. TC and Aurora have despised each other since they were teenagers and have been doing small things to antagonize each other since. Once they realize that beneath all their contempt for each other, they are actually attracted to each other, and they give in to their feelings, things get hot. This one is filled with lots of smut and spice, but it still has a great storyline. Once TC realized he had feelings for Aurora, he became so protective and possessive of her. I read this one in a few hours because it was so good! Then the ending! What!!!! I need the next book in this series stat!
Raising the Stakes is the first book in this series. This is an enemies to lovers, dark romance. TC and Aurora have despised each other since they were teenagers and have been doing small things to antagonize each other since. Once they realize that beneath all their contempt for each other, they are actually attracted to each other, and they give in to their feelings, things get hot. This one is filled with lots of smut and spice, but it still has a great storyline. Once TC realized he had feelings for Aurora, he became so protective and possessive of her. I read this one in a few hours because it was so good! Then the ending! What!!!! I need the next book in this series stat!
May 21, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book - Raising the stakes by @c.l.ledford
Thank you for the opportunity @c.l.ledford and @happilybookedpr
I just finished reading this book and it was a good experience reading it.
I really love the thought process of author. And enemies to lover is always a trope i am looking forward to read.
T.C. And Aurora have known and hated each other from quite some time but their families have some other plans for them.
They both are forced to get married.
I really love the slow burn and chemistry between them.
The end is what made it a real deal for me.
If you love arranged marriage and enemies to lover trope you should definitely read this.
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book - Raising the stakes by @c.l.ledford
Thank you for the opportunity @c.l.ledford and @happilybookedpr
I just finished reading this book and it was a good experience reading it.
I really love the thought process of author. And enemies to lover is always a trope i am looking forward to read.
T.C. And Aurora have known and hated each other from quite some time but their families have some other plans for them.
They both are forced to get married.
I really love the slow burn and chemistry between them.
The end is what made it a real deal for me.
If you love arranged marriage and enemies to lover trope you should definitely read this.
May 14, 2024
C.L Ledford you have been seen and I am here for it. Raising the Stakes is a dark enemies to lovers, touch her ☠️, Mafia, billionaire romance novels.
TC and Aurora come from 2 very different backgrounds and are forced to marry one another. Problem is they have history and aren't exactly friends or lovers.
TC had a dark and dangerous past and now lives the life of a billionaire CEO. His two worlds collide when he finally has what he values and the people he cares about.
Aurora is a Heiress who lives a quiet stable life. She refers reading her kindle and hanging with her two best friends Chloe and Elizabeth. When she's forced to Marry TC her whole world changes.
As predictable as these books are when you read the tropes you hope the plot keeps you hooked, in this case Ledford did a great job. If your into the enimies to lover, touch her and ☠️, Mafia romance vibe type books then I suggest adding this to your TBR.
TC and Aurora come from 2 very different backgrounds and are forced to marry one another. Problem is they have history and aren't exactly friends or lovers.
TC had a dark and dangerous past and now lives the life of a billionaire CEO. His two worlds collide when he finally has what he values and the people he cares about.
Aurora is a Heiress who lives a quiet stable life. She refers reading her kindle and hanging with her two best friends Chloe and Elizabeth. When she's forced to Marry TC her whole world changes.
As predictable as these books are when you read the tropes you hope the plot keeps you hooked, in this case Ledford did a great job. If your into the enimies to lover, touch her and ☠️, Mafia romance vibe type books then I suggest adding this to your TBR.
May 14, 2024
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC for Ledford's book Raising the Stakes (RTS). First off, this is her first book that was not paranormal and it is the introduction to HER Dark Era Series! And I for one am stoked to watch this journey Ledford has dived into.
RTS is the beginning of the series, we meet so many phenomenal characters (Daddy D) that I can't quote them all. But this story is about T.C. and Aurora. This enemies to lovers book is the VERY spicy. You will get the touch her and die vibes, you will have the hate passionate HATE for the MMC because lets face it T.C. at first is a jerk. Aurora sure does show him though. How dare he say that they can have a marriage of convenience!
Anyways, I'm not giving anything away, Grab RTS. Because you do not want to miss the banter, the disdain, the fiery passion.
RTS is the beginning of the series, we meet so many phenomenal characters (Daddy D) that I can't quote them all. But this story is about T.C. and Aurora. This enemies to lovers book is the VERY spicy. You will get the touch her and die vibes, you will have the hate passionate HATE for the MMC because lets face it T.C. at first is a jerk. Aurora sure does show him though. How dare he say that they can have a marriage of convenience!
Anyways, I'm not giving anything away, Grab RTS. Because you do not want to miss the banter, the disdain, the fiery passion.
May 13, 2024
So TC and Aurora knew each other for most of their life and their parents were friends.
But TC and Aurora didn't liked each other in the start and the enemies to lovers is their in this book.
Their parents make a decision for them to marry eachother so now they are married and both are like yeah we are married but it will be marriage of convenience okk (🤣okk we saw the enemies now the lovers part is coming)
So one day Aurora playing with herself and she took TC's name and guess what he heard that and their you go you get the lovers point now and it is spicy 🥵
I enjoyed alot i just wanted a little bit more to the ending if the author is going to surprise us with something more then this was a great ending i love suspense.
Thankyou for the eARC and this is my honest review ❤️
But TC and Aurora didn't liked each other in the start and the enemies to lovers is their in this book.
Their parents make a decision for them to marry eachother so now they are married and both are like yeah we are married but it will be marriage of convenience okk (🤣okk we saw the enemies now the lovers part is coming)
So one day Aurora playing with herself and she took TC's name and guess what he heard that and their you go you get the lovers point now and it is spicy 🥵
I enjoyed alot i just wanted a little bit more to the ending if the author is going to surprise us with something more then this was a great ending i love suspense.
Thankyou for the eARC and this is my honest review ❤️
May 13, 2024
Tom "TC" was a rough kid that was in a gang, and at 17, he was adopted, and he became the son of a high profile company and he became the CEO of his adopted father's company. TC is supposed to betrothal his old friend Aurora. But they can't stand each other til they can. But his old gang boss is after him and everyone around him. Can he protect Aurora from his past, or will it come to bite him in the end when he is fallin in love with his wife. TC was a lil rough around the edges, but he is amazing, and Aurora is the sweetest. This book is really good, but the ending left me a lil lost, so maybe in book 2, we will understand what the ending is bout. I can't wait to read book 2 to find out the answers and to read more bout th3 characters.
May 14, 2024
Shout out to the author for allowing me to devour and review this book 🫶🏾
Let me start this off by saying that I am a SUCKER for a good dark romance story. And C.L. delivered just that with this enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience story! The chemistry between the main characters TC and Aurora was literally like a spark lighting a flame. We love a man that takes control and lets his woman know exactly what it is. I read this story in about 24 hours because I literally felt it in my soul. This will definitely not be my last book by this author and it’s definitely one for you dark romance lovers to check out!
Let me start this off by saying that I am a SUCKER for a good dark romance story. And C.L. delivered just that with this enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience story! The chemistry between the main characters TC and Aurora was literally like a spark lighting a flame. We love a man that takes control and lets his woman know exactly what it is. I read this story in about 24 hours because I literally felt it in my soul. This will definitely not be my last book by this author and it’s definitely one for you dark romance lovers to check out!
May 11, 2024
If you love an enemies to lovers with angst, tension and clear hate that has been on the surface for years you will love TC and Aurora. Their hate for each other goes back to their teenage years and has just grown over the years but in order for TC to keep his company they must marry since it has been arranged since they were teenagers.
There is also action in this it is not a mafia romance but has some elements of it. TC was adopted and people from his past come to threaten those he loves so we definitely get an my wife moment. The spice 🥵🥵🥵 when I tell you TC is down for whatever whenever I mean it that man takes no days off.
I loved Aurora she does not let TC walk all over her and absolutely gives it back to him usually with the last word.
~~What to Expect~~
🥃Dark Romance
🥃OTT/Jp Hero
🥃Pierced MMC
🥃Enemies to Lovers
🥃Arranged Marriage/Marriage of Connivence
~Quote~
🎀 Because you are my addiction. I’ve never had an addiction before.
But you, You’re mine.
There is also action in this it is not a mafia romance but has some elements of it. TC was adopted and people from his past come to threaten those he loves so we definitely get an my wife moment. The spice 🥵🥵🥵 when I tell you TC is down for whatever whenever I mean it that man takes no days off.
I loved Aurora she does not let TC walk all over her and absolutely gives it back to him usually with the last word.
~~What to Expect~~
🥃Dark Romance
🥃OTT/Jp Hero
🥃Pierced MMC
🥃Enemies to Lovers
🥃Arranged Marriage/Marriage of Connivence
~Quote~
🎀 Because you are my addiction. I’ve never had an addiction before.
But you, You’re mine.
May 14, 2024
What to expect:
🖤 Arranged Marriage
💀 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Rags to Riches
💀 Morally Grey MMC
🖤 Kinky MMC
💀 Touch her and Die
🖤 Pierced MMC
This book was hot! The spice was incredible. TC and Aurora and their love was great. The angst was great too, not to much or too dark. It suited the story.
The ending made me crazy, what, where bit most of all WHYYY. I hope it’s a cliff hanger because it was not done yet for me and I have so many questions…
🖤 Arranged Marriage
💀 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Rags to Riches
💀 Morally Grey MMC
🖤 Kinky MMC
💀 Touch her and Die
🖤 Pierced MMC
This book was hot! The spice was incredible. TC and Aurora and their love was great. The angst was great too, not to much or too dark. It suited the story.
The ending made me crazy, what, where bit most of all WHYYY. I hope it’s a cliff hanger because it was not done yet for me and I have so many questions…
May 14, 2024
Another new author to me and I’m not sure if this was her first dark romance but she did pretty good. I wouldn’t call it dark but it has some parts that have some darkness to them. I’m so glad Tom changed his ways and everything about himself for Aurora. They were always meant to be together but life got in the way like it usually always does. The book has a good plot line and it has the spice we all love. There was so much spice.. I loved it! Mind your triggers
May 13, 2024
This was an enemies to lovers, arranged married with an over the top dirty talking, haunted past, billionaire MMC. I think that sentence says enough. Devoured this book in just a few hours and really hoping there’s going to be a second book to explain the ending because how else could the author do that to us?? Also should just add that if you’re a sucker for the touch her and die vibes like I am, this book is for you.
May 10, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book has a great storyline with lots of spice and a plot twist. It follows TC and Aurora as they navigate their ups and downs from, knowing each other since high school to being arranged to be married by their parents.
There is an antsy beginning of enemies to lovers with a slowish burn. The way TC is perceived from the beginning makes you want to not like him as the play boy, but it turns into a touch her and unalive type of fire. Once that fire starts burning the chemistry is phenomenal.
There are secrets, betrayals, twists and turns. I wish the plot twist was elaborated on slightly more but it leaves room for another book in my opinion. If you love dark CEO romance with a touch her and unalive morally grey MMC check this one out!
This book has a great storyline with lots of spice and a plot twist. It follows TC and Aurora as they navigate their ups and downs from, knowing each other since high school to being arranged to be married by their parents.
There is an antsy beginning of enemies to lovers with a slowish burn. The way TC is perceived from the beginning makes you want to not like him as the play boy, but it turns into a touch her and unalive type of fire. Once that fire starts burning the chemistry is phenomenal.
There are secrets, betrayals, twists and turns. I wish the plot twist was elaborated on slightly more but it leaves room for another book in my opinion. If you love dark CEO romance with a touch her and unalive morally grey MMC check this one out!
June 5, 2024
I have another one for all my dark romance lovers.. this CEO dark romance is HOT. The dynamic between TC and Aurora was so fun to read.
TC is a playboy with a dark past, linking him to some dangerous, morally lacking people. When he finds himself in a place in life where he has things that he values and people who care about him (something that he never thought would happen), his past comes back to haunt him.
Aurora is an heiress with a desire for a quiet life. Out of the spotlight. She would much rather curl up with a book and drink her hot drinks (sound familiar? lol).
TC and Aurora's father arrange a marriage between them for business reasons. However, Aurora and TC go way back to their school days and despise each other. Their physical attraction to each other begins to blur emotional lines, making Aurora the perfect target for the people who set out to destroy TC.
This book has some of our favorite tropes, including: arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, touch her and die.
One of my favorite things about this book is watching Aurora's confidence with TC grow as he teaches her more things, and she is a very good student. Lol.
TC is a playboy with a dark past, linking him to some dangerous, morally lacking people. When he finds himself in a place in life where he has things that he values and people who care about him (something that he never thought would happen), his past comes back to haunt him.
Aurora is an heiress with a desire for a quiet life. Out of the spotlight. She would much rather curl up with a book and drink her hot drinks (sound familiar? lol).
TC and Aurora's father arrange a marriage between them for business reasons. However, Aurora and TC go way back to their school days and despise each other. Their physical attraction to each other begins to blur emotional lines, making Aurora the perfect target for the people who set out to destroy TC.
This book has some of our favorite tropes, including: arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, touch her and die.
One of my favorite things about this book is watching Aurora's confidence with TC grow as he teaches her more things, and she is a very good student. Lol.
May 15, 2024
This is an arranged marriage, enemies to lovers story. I had a hard time putting it down. It was fun to see the connection grow and change between Aurora and TC.
Even though it’s billed as a Dark CEO book it’s not super dark. It does have some good and steamy scenes though!
Even though it’s billed as a Dark CEO book it’s not super dark. It does have some good and steamy scenes though!
May 22, 2024
I think it was a great read , the premise of the story sounded intriguing and fun. I was hooked from the start and it kept me captivated the entire way through. It’s fast paced and a good story
May 8, 2024
♡ Oh, I really enjoy a true enemies to lovers story and Raising the Stakes, gives us that and more. Dark mafia vibes, rags to riches, arranged marriage, billionaire, pierced MMC, touch her and die, kinky goodness, yeah all of it.
♡ I love the duel POV and the development of the characters. Learning their history and how their relationship from when they were younger has impacted their current relationship is well written. It’s true mom always knows best. Their brief impassioned spark moment lights the beginning of what becomes an intense emotional fiery inferno.
♡ This is a fast read with tension, action, and passion. I was left with some unanswered questions, but truly enjoyed this page turner and definitely recommend it. Look forward to other books by CL Ledford.
♡ I love the duel POV and the development of the characters. Learning their history and how their relationship from when they were younger has impacted their current relationship is well written. It’s true mom always knows best. Their brief impassioned spark moment lights the beginning of what becomes an intense emotional fiery inferno.
♡ This is a fast read with tension, action, and passion. I was left with some unanswered questions, but truly enjoyed this page turner and definitely recommend it. Look forward to other books by CL Ledford.
May 14, 2024
Love this book I think I have a a new book husband😌
May 14, 2024
This just had it ALL. She also threw in the kitchen sink. Oh the angst, hate, secrets and ride. TC and Aurora's story kept me on edge.
May 7, 2024
Raising the Stakes is a Dark Romance with an arranged marriage. You’ve got your broody, sexy male covered in tattoos, with a dark past, but has become the CEO of his family’s company and the girl from his past who hates him from high school, who are forced to marry each other. After some banter between them, things start to become heated and take a step further than they had both initially planned.
The story was good, while a little predictable, but that’s not why we read these books 😉. TC was hot, sexy, broody and dominant. Also, sometimes an idiot, but then aren’t they all. 🤣 Raising the Stakes was a good solid dark romance and would definitely like to know what happens next, cause that epilogue has me curious!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
The story was good, while a little predictable, but that’s not why we read these books 😉. TC was hot, sexy, broody and dominant. Also, sometimes an idiot, but then aren’t they all. 🤣 Raising the Stakes was a good solid dark romance and would definitely like to know what happens next, cause that epilogue has me curious!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
May 14, 2024
This book. Holy cow I loved it! I absolutely loved the dynamic between TC and aurora. And the basement scene? Very visceral and made you feel so bad for her. I loved that they had both liked each other, but he decided to be an ass in front of other people. Him being adopted was an interesting way to bring in a troubled past. Plus them needing a male heir played perfectly into it! It was freaking brilliant! I loved that it wasn’t some overplayed tropes you usually get in enemies to lovers books. It was emotional, made you want to cry over the characters pasts, and was compelling throughout the entire book. I never wanted to put it down! Bravo on this book CL! I really loved it!
May 9, 2024
Raising The Stakes Review
C.L Ledford
Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4🌶🌶🌶🌶
Raising The Stakes is a mafia dark romance with an arranged marriage. It is a true enemies to lovers. The MC hate each other from the very beginning. I just loved the dynamic between the MC. This was a fast paced read that will keep you gripped all the way through. The story has a brilliant twist that I didn't see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from this author.
C.L Ledford
Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4🌶🌶🌶🌶
Raising The Stakes is a mafia dark romance with an arranged marriage. It is a true enemies to lovers. The MC hate each other from the very beginning. I just loved the dynamic between the MC. This was a fast paced read that will keep you gripped all the way through. The story has a brilliant twist that I didn't see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews