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Beast of Burden
As the bassist for the world’s hottest rock band, Ryan Battle can have his pick of women. Unfortunately, the woman he’s picked is the off-limits, younger sister of his best friend and bandmate.
Thinking the connection between he and Emma is one-sided, thanks to their eleven-year age gap, Ryan’s shocked when Emma tells him she wants to be more than friends. Well versed in denying his own desires for the greater good, Ryan shuts the budding relationship down. No way in hell would Brett be okay with one of his friends dating his little sister.
But as Ryan and Emma continue to cross paths, Ryan begins to think maybe it’s time he does something for himself … even if pursuing Emma could cost him his career and his best friend.
Emma Donovan is no stranger to the spotlight even though she loathes being in it. Her brother remains the only person who knows the reason behind her disdain for the media, and has gone overboard in trying to protect her ever since.
While she appreciates his concern, he’s morphed into her jailer, and refuses to see her as the adult she is. So, when a fall break trip turns dangerous, Emma calls the man she knows will come to her aid with no questions asked and no
lectures given.
The only problem is her heart shatters every time she’s around Ryan. Six months ago, she told him she wanted more. He told her no. Now, under the cover of darkness, their mutual attraction creates sparks that are impossible to ignore. But when the light of day rolls around, reality hits hard.
Emma knows her brother will never approve, and worse, dating Ryan will thrust her right back into the spotlight she works so hard to avoid.
Thinking the connection between he and Emma is one-sided, thanks to their eleven-year age gap, Ryan’s shocked when Emma tells him she wants to be more than friends. Well versed in denying his own desires for the greater good, Ryan shuts the budding relationship down. No way in hell would Brett be okay with one of his friends dating his little sister.
But as Ryan and Emma continue to cross paths, Ryan begins to think maybe it’s time he does something for himself … even if pursuing Emma could cost him his career and his best friend.
Emma Donovan is no stranger to the spotlight even though she loathes being in it. Her brother remains the only person who knows the reason behind her disdain for the media, and has gone overboard in trying to protect her ever since.
While she appreciates his concern, he’s morphed into her jailer, and refuses to see her as the adult she is. So, when a fall break trip turns dangerous, Emma calls the man she knows will come to her aid with no questions asked and no
lectures given.
The only problem is her heart shatters every time she’s around Ryan. Six months ago, she told him she wanted more. He told her no. Now, under the cover of darkness, their mutual attraction creates sparks that are impossible to ignore. But when the light of day rolls around, reality hits hard.
Emma knows her brother will never approve, and worse, dating Ryan will thrust her right back into the spotlight she works so hard to avoid.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2024
14 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Jillian D. Wray
16 books123 followersJillian lives in North Carolina with her incredibly supportive husband and three awesome stepkids. After over ten years in the healthcare industry, it was time to pursue a new passion. An avid reader her whole life, she sat down one night and let the words begin to flow. Four hours and ten thousand words later, a love of writing was discovered.
She writes spicy, bingeable reads that encourage self-discovery and come with all the angst and excitement of a new relationship.
When she isn’t reading or writing, you can either find her in her vegetable garden, at CrossFit™, or on a plane headed toward her next adventure.
She writes spicy, bingeable reads that encourage self-discovery and come with all the angst and excitement of a new relationship.
When she isn’t reading or writing, you can either find her in her vegetable garden, at CrossFit™, or on a plane headed toward her next adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 31, 2024
• The third book in the Beautiful Deceit series. You COULD read them alone. But I highly suggest reading them in order. They tie into each other and the connections make sense if you read them from Book 1. Plus it all makes you so much more invested if you read them in the right order. And I mean you should read each of our guys stories anyways.
• Emma, the drummer of the band, Bretts, sister. She’s all about our MMC, and they’ve been in each others lives for forever. She’s spunky and head strong. I absolutely love her. Her past traumatic experience not defining her character. And Ryan, always taking care of everyone else, putting them first before himself. The definition of loyal and devoted, I was beyond thrilled when I found out this book was theirs. These two are a force.
• So happy to see all of our characters from the past books, of course they’re there. But getting to see their progression as well. Such an added treat to Em and Ryans story.
• Also did I mention Jillian gets her book covers hand painted? Yeah she does that. I love it so much.
• If you love rockstar men and bada$$ FMCs, this series is for you. Jillian NEVER fails me xo
• Emma, the drummer of the band, Bretts, sister. She’s all about our MMC, and they’ve been in each others lives for forever. She’s spunky and head strong. I absolutely love her. Her past traumatic experience not defining her character. And Ryan, always taking care of everyone else, putting them first before himself. The definition of loyal and devoted, I was beyond thrilled when I found out this book was theirs. These two are a force.
• So happy to see all of our characters from the past books, of course they’re there. But getting to see their progression as well. Such an added treat to Em and Ryans story.
• Also did I mention Jillian gets her book covers hand painted? Yeah she does that. I love it so much.
• If you love rockstar men and bada$$ FMCs, this series is for you. Jillian NEVER fails me xo
June 5, 2024
I loved Bret and bri this is the third book in the series and I loved it!!! So good ! The tension and the spice was just amazing!!!
June 21, 2024
➳༻❀☕️🅱︎🅾︎🅾︎🅺•🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆☕️❀༺➳
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
📚🎶✨𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞•𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦✨🎶📚
✨𝙱𝙴𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝙾𝙵 𝙱𝚄𝚁𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙱𝚈 𝙹𝙸𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙰𝙽 𝙳. 𝚆𝚁𝙰𝚈
✨𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟹 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙱𝙴𝙰𝚄𝚃𝙸𝙵𝚄𝙻 𝙳𝙴𝙲𝙴𝙸𝚃 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 (𝙸𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙲𝙾𝙽𝙽𝙴𝙲𝚃𝙴𝙳 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙰𝙻𝙾𝙽𝙴𝚂)
✨𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚁𝙾𝙲𝙺𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴
✨𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙹𝚄𝙽𝙴 𝟸𝟶𝚃𝙷, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺
╰┈𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄!✨
✨𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥: 𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻; 𝙵𝚄𝙽𝙽𝚈; 𝙷𝙾𝙿𝙴𝙵𝚄𝙻; 𝚁𝙴𝙵𝙻𝙴𝙲𝚃𝙸𝚅𝙴
✨𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟹𝟿𝟶 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
✨𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘: 𝙰𝙶𝙴-𝙶𝙰𝙿 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴; 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙱𝙸𝙳𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴; 𝙱𝙴𝚂𝚃 𝙵𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙳’𝚂 𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚃𝙻𝙴 𝚂𝙸𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁; 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝚃𝙴𝙲𝚃𝙸𝚅𝙴 𝙼𝙼𝙲; 𝙰𝙽𝙶𝚂𝚃/𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙸𝙾𝙽;
✨𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻
✨🚨𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
✨✨𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠✨✨
Thank you so much to 𝐉𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐃. 𝐖𝐫𝐚𝐲 for my Advanced Reader Copy of 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
As per usual, Jillian Wray delivers ANOTHER amazing book with Beast of Burden! When I tell you I literally could not read this book fast enough, I mean it with everything in me. I read it in a single day. Which is FAST for me. I couldn’t put it down, literally could not put it down. I neglected all my chores the day I read this book. I have loved all the books so far in the Beautiful Deceit series but Ryan’s book might be my favorite so far. Ryan and Em are just absolutely perfect for each other and there was not a single thing about this book I didn’t like.
We get so many amazing tropes, like age gap romance, forbidden romance, best friend’s little sister, and a protective MMC, all wrapped up in one amazing story with characters you can’t help but love! I have been so curious about Ryan leading up to this book because he’s very stoic, very mysterious, and he’s always described as being a very solid presence in the band. I really enjoyed getting to know him more in his book and getting to be in his head! & hello k!nky Ryan, IYKYK🥵😂 These two have such amazing chemistry and you can just feel their emotions through the pages as you read and see their relationship grow and bloom into something so beautiful. They’re so supportive and open and honest with each other which is so refreshing to see in a romance book. And I just loved Em as a character too. She is young but mature for her age due to her Genius IQ.
I can’t say it enough but these books are AMAZING! They’re some of my favorites and are just so beautifully written, and have some of the best romance I’ve seen! I cannot recommend them enough. They’re some of the only non-fantasy books I’ve read and reviewed on my account and I just love them so much. This one especially! So. Freaking. Good.
*chef’s kiss,* Jillian! I’m ready for Sloane’s book! 😍✨
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
📚🎶✨𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞•𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦✨🎶📚
✨𝙱𝙴𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝙾𝙵 𝙱𝚄𝚁𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙱𝚈 𝙹𝙸𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙰𝙽 𝙳. 𝚆𝚁𝙰𝚈
✨𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟹 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙱𝙴𝙰𝚄𝚃𝙸𝙵𝚄𝙻 𝙳𝙴𝙲𝙴𝙸𝚃 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 (𝙸𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙲𝙾𝙽𝙽𝙴𝙲𝚃𝙴𝙳 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙰𝙻𝙾𝙽𝙴𝚂)
✨𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝚁𝙾𝙲𝙺𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴
✨𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝙹𝚄𝙽𝙴 𝟸𝟶𝚃𝙷, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺
╰┈𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄!✨
✨𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥: 𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻; 𝙵𝚄𝙽𝙽𝚈; 𝙷𝙾𝙿𝙴𝙵𝚄𝙻; 𝚁𝙴𝙵𝙻𝙴𝙲𝚃𝙸𝚅𝙴
✨𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥: 𝟹𝟿𝟶 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
✨𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘: 𝙰𝙶𝙴-𝙶𝙰𝙿 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴; 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙱𝙸𝙳𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴; 𝙱𝙴𝚂𝚃 𝙵𝚁𝙸𝙴𝙽𝙳’𝚂 𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚃𝙻𝙴 𝚂𝙸𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁; 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝚃𝙴𝙲𝚃𝙸𝚅𝙴 𝙼𝙼𝙲; 𝙰𝙽𝙶𝚂𝚃/𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙸𝙾𝙽;
✨𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻
✨🚨𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
✨✨𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠✨✨
Thank you so much to 𝐉𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐃. 𝐖𝐫𝐚𝐲 for my Advanced Reader Copy of 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.
As per usual, Jillian Wray delivers ANOTHER amazing book with Beast of Burden! When I tell you I literally could not read this book fast enough, I mean it with everything in me. I read it in a single day. Which is FAST for me. I couldn’t put it down, literally could not put it down. I neglected all my chores the day I read this book. I have loved all the books so far in the Beautiful Deceit series but Ryan’s book might be my favorite so far. Ryan and Em are just absolutely perfect for each other and there was not a single thing about this book I didn’t like.
We get so many amazing tropes, like age gap romance, forbidden romance, best friend’s little sister, and a protective MMC, all wrapped up in one amazing story with characters you can’t help but love! I have been so curious about Ryan leading up to this book because he’s very stoic, very mysterious, and he’s always described as being a very solid presence in the band. I really enjoyed getting to know him more in his book and getting to be in his head! & hello k!nky Ryan, IYKYK🥵😂 These two have such amazing chemistry and you can just feel their emotions through the pages as you read and see their relationship grow and bloom into something so beautiful. They’re so supportive and open and honest with each other which is so refreshing to see in a romance book. And I just loved Em as a character too. She is young but mature for her age due to her Genius IQ.
I can’t say it enough but these books are AMAZING! They’re some of my favorites and are just so beautifully written, and have some of the best romance I’ve seen! I cannot recommend them enough. They’re some of the only non-fantasy books I’ve read and reviewed on my account and I just love them so much. This one especially! So. Freaking. Good.
*chef’s kiss,* Jillian! I’m ready for Sloane’s book! 😍✨
✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
June 5, 2024
❤️Bassist
❤️Best friends’ little sister
❤️Personal growth
❤️Trauma rep
❤️Slow burn
❤️Veiny forearms 🫠
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.75)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I have been waiting for Ryan’s story quite impatiently 😂 I feel so lucky to have been able to ARC this series entirely so far. Jillian D. Wray is not only a fantastic storyteller, but a genuinely sweet and kind human being. I’m so thankful for her! She did not disappoint with this book! There are a few things in this book that may be triggering, so please check the warnings before diving into this amazing story!
We got glimpses of Ryan and Emma throughout Noah’s and especially in Brett’s book. This slow burn/off limits romance was budding and building until it ignited in this story! And whew did it go up in FLAMES, the good shmexy type of flames! Ryan may be the quiet “mother hen” of the group, but behind closed doors? He is a dominant looking to control the situation. Yes, sir!
Emma has been in love with Ryan basically her entire life. He was a staple in their household growing up. Essentially an adopted son as far as Emma and Brett’s parents are concerned. No feelings were even remotely entertained until she was 20. Ryan tried to keep her at arm’s length for the sake of his friendship with Brett and for the band. But the feelings are too strong. To Emma, Ryan is her safe space. He never makes her feel uncomfortable or immature. He’s the one that supports her and allows her to be her. Ryan helps her to flourish and that adds to her attraction to him. And for Ryan, Emma is the most beautiful, smartest, sassiest woman he’s ever met. The two were made for each other.
A few years ago Emma experienced something that made her shy around crowds and made Brett even more protective of her. In his eyes, no one is good enough for his little sister. Brett has more to deal with than just who his sister is dating. There are a lot of life changes happening in this story and it’s so wonderful to see how things are growing and evolving for the band and the girls. This book does have the slow burn of a budding relationship, but there is also a lot of personal growth all the way around.
The end of that epilogue?! I am absolutely ready for Sloan’s book…interest is more than peaked!
🎸 “For those still figuring out how to not be weighed down by the expectations of others. This one’s for you.”
🎸 “His tongue moves slowly as if he plans to tease my soul out through my lips.”
🎸 “You and that f***ing mouth of yours.”
🎸 “Because I know what the f*** I’m doing and your p***y was made for me.”
🎸 “Don’t warn me, Ryan. Just coat my thr*at and give me what I’ve wanted for so long.” “Holy f***ing hell, Em.”
🎸 “Look how swollen that pretty p***y still is.”
❤️Best friends’ little sister
❤️Personal growth
❤️Trauma rep
❤️Slow burn
❤️Veiny forearms 🫠
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.75)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I have been waiting for Ryan’s story quite impatiently 😂 I feel so lucky to have been able to ARC this series entirely so far. Jillian D. Wray is not only a fantastic storyteller, but a genuinely sweet and kind human being. I’m so thankful for her! She did not disappoint with this book! There are a few things in this book that may be triggering, so please check the warnings before diving into this amazing story!
We got glimpses of Ryan and Emma throughout Noah’s and especially in Brett’s book. This slow burn/off limits romance was budding and building until it ignited in this story! And whew did it go up in FLAMES, the good shmexy type of flames! Ryan may be the quiet “mother hen” of the group, but behind closed doors? He is a dominant looking to control the situation. Yes, sir!
Emma has been in love with Ryan basically her entire life. He was a staple in their household growing up. Essentially an adopted son as far as Emma and Brett’s parents are concerned. No feelings were even remotely entertained until she was 20. Ryan tried to keep her at arm’s length for the sake of his friendship with Brett and for the band. But the feelings are too strong. To Emma, Ryan is her safe space. He never makes her feel uncomfortable or immature. He’s the one that supports her and allows her to be her. Ryan helps her to flourish and that adds to her attraction to him. And for Ryan, Emma is the most beautiful, smartest, sassiest woman he’s ever met. The two were made for each other.
A few years ago Emma experienced something that made her shy around crowds and made Brett even more protective of her. In his eyes, no one is good enough for his little sister. Brett has more to deal with than just who his sister is dating. There are a lot of life changes happening in this story and it’s so wonderful to see how things are growing and evolving for the band and the girls. This book does have the slow burn of a budding relationship, but there is also a lot of personal growth all the way around.
The end of that epilogue?! I am absolutely ready for Sloan’s book…interest is more than peaked!
🎸 “For those still figuring out how to not be weighed down by the expectations of others. This one’s for you.”
🎸 “His tongue moves slowly as if he plans to tease my soul out through my lips.”
🎸 “You and that f***ing mouth of yours.”
🎸 “Because I know what the f*** I’m doing and your p***y was made for me.”
🎸 “Don’t warn me, Ryan. Just coat my thr*at and give me what I’ve wanted for so long.” “Holy f***ing hell, Em.”
🎸 “Look how swollen that pretty p***y still is.”
June 25, 2024
Note: This is Book 3 in the Beautiful Deceit series. While they are interconnected standalones, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading the books in order to have all of the context! Plus they are amazing! : )
Synopsis: At 6’5” and as a world-famous bassist in rock band Beautiful Deceit, Ryan Battle can have his pick of women. But the woman he WANTS is his best friend/band mate’s little sister, 11 years his junior. Always putting others’ needs before his own, Ryan denies his feelings and pushes Emma away when she tells him that she wants to be more than friends. Brett would NOT be ok with one of his band mates dating his little sister. But when their paths continue to cross, the mutual attraction becomes undeniable. Emma calls Ryan in a moment of crisis despite her heartbreak from the rejection, and under the cover of night, their relationship develops. Will Ryan risk his best friend, career, and life passion for this woman? How will Brett react when he finds out about their feelings for one another?
Review: This was another knockout in the Beautiful Deceit series for me. Ryan has been such a calm and steady force throughout the first two books, so I was excited to see his story come to life. Emma is a very composed young woman, almost unbelievably mature for her age. But I love her and Ryan’s dialogue throughout the book, as there’s a big focus on stating what you want and/or need and getting explicit consent for physical and emotional next steps. There was quite a bit of plot development in this one! And lots of visibility for the other characters from the BD world that we know and love.
I’m so thankful to sweet Jillian for letting me delay posting my review until after my international travels. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: check out the Beautiful Deceit series by Jillian D. Wray!! And if you are planning to buy and are able to purchase directly from the Author’s website, that is the best means for her to benefit from your purchase and consumption of her art.
Synopsis: At 6’5” and as a world-famous bassist in rock band Beautiful Deceit, Ryan Battle can have his pick of women. But the woman he WANTS is his best friend/band mate’s little sister, 11 years his junior. Always putting others’ needs before his own, Ryan denies his feelings and pushes Emma away when she tells him that she wants to be more than friends. Brett would NOT be ok with one of his band mates dating his little sister. But when their paths continue to cross, the mutual attraction becomes undeniable. Emma calls Ryan in a moment of crisis despite her heartbreak from the rejection, and under the cover of night, their relationship develops. Will Ryan risk his best friend, career, and life passion for this woman? How will Brett react when he finds out about their feelings for one another?
Review: This was another knockout in the Beautiful Deceit series for me. Ryan has been such a calm and steady force throughout the first two books, so I was excited to see his story come to life. Emma is a very composed young woman, almost unbelievably mature for her age. But I love her and Ryan’s dialogue throughout the book, as there’s a big focus on stating what you want and/or need and getting explicit consent for physical and emotional next steps. There was quite a bit of plot development in this one! And lots of visibility for the other characters from the BD world that we know and love.
I’m so thankful to sweet Jillian for letting me delay posting my review until after my international travels. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: check out the Beautiful Deceit series by Jillian D. Wray!! And if you are planning to buy and are able to purchase directly from the Author’s website, that is the best means for her to benefit from your purchase and consumption of her art.
June 25, 2024
Thank you for the ARC! <3
I will never say no to a brother's best friend romance. A taboo romance that's not 100% taboo if you know what I mean.
It would seem in this book of the series, it's actually Emma who has something in her past that they both need to go through to finally be together. But once it's finally out in the open, would her overbearing protective big brother allow it to happen? She's been waiting for Ryan practically all her life, would he brother be the one thing that stops them? Or would Ryan's famous rock star status make it hard for them?
It took FOREVER to finally have their *fun* moment together and it was so worth it hehe especially when his nickname from this best friends prove to be true.
I will never say no to a brother's best friend romance. A taboo romance that's not 100% taboo if you know what I mean.
It would seem in this book of the series, it's actually Emma who has something in her past that they both need to go through to finally be together. But once it's finally out in the open, would her overbearing protective big brother allow it to happen? She's been waiting for Ryan practically all her life, would he brother be the one thing that stops them? Or would Ryan's famous rock star status make it hard for them?
It took FOREVER to finally have their *fun* moment together and it was so worth it hehe especially when his nickname from this best friends prove to be true.
July 21, 2024
"In all the sunsets I've seen, in all the places I've been, whether it was re-flecting off turquoise waters or snow- covered peaks, I have never seen beauty that compares to you in this moment." Ryan
Favorite Quote ⏫️
One of my favorite things about this author is how well she writes from the male characters POV.
This series was my 1st rockstar romance and I will forever be a Beautiful Deciet fan girl!
I easily get immersed in the series and love getting to know each band member and their significant other more and more with each book.
The banter, the found family, and the love they have for each other grows as the story goes on.
If you like age gap romances, found family, brothers best friends little sister, spice and kink, definitely check this series out!
Favorite Quote ⏫️
One of my favorite things about this author is how well she writes from the male characters POV.
This series was my 1st rockstar romance and I will forever be a Beautiful Deciet fan girl!
I easily get immersed in the series and love getting to know each band member and their significant other more and more with each book.
The banter, the found family, and the love they have for each other grows as the story goes on.
If you like age gap romances, found family, brothers best friends little sister, spice and kink, definitely check this series out!
June 28, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be my last. This book was really good! I now need to go back and read the other ones in the series! I loved the characters, the story kept my attention and I couldn’t put it down!
July 25, 2024
✰��✰✰.5/5 -YES YES! I adore this book so much!
🌶🌶.5/5
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ Tropes ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
☁︎Rock Star Romance☁︎
☁︎Age Gap☁︎
☁︎Brother's Best Friend☁︎
☁︎Opposites-Attract☁︎
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ Thoughts ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
☁︎I throughly enjoyed this book! It had the brother’s best friend, the switching POVs, the hot bassist, the age gap, the spice, the PLOT!
☁︎It started more off like I thought it would be just a love story without much extra but I was so wrong! The plot developed and man if the characters didn’t already have me hooked into the book, the plot only made sure I stayed there!
˖⁺‧₊˚☁️˚₊‧⁺˖Recommended for ppl who…˖⁺‧₊˚☁️˚₊‧⁺˖
☁︎Enjoys a spicy rom-com☁︎
☁︎Like hints of BDSM☁︎
☁︎Loves interconnected standalones☁︎
☁︎Are suckers for HEAs☁︎
✩₊˚.⋆☾ Quote(s) ☾⋆⁺₊✧
☁︎❝No matter who enters our live, Em, no mater what's going on, I'll show up for you every time.❞☁︎
☁︎❝The zipper on my slacks is about to be the first casualty of the night. My sanity will be the second.❞☁︎
☁︎❝I don't care if it's a guy, a girl, or a donkey is hitting on you, you belong to me now and I'll threaten anyone or anything that tries to take you away from me.❞☁︎
🌶🌶.5/5
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ Tropes ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
☁︎Rock Star Romance☁︎
☁︎Age Gap☁︎
☁︎Brother's Best Friend☁︎
☁︎Opposites-Attract☁︎
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ Thoughts ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
☁︎I throughly enjoyed this book! It had the brother’s best friend, the switching POVs, the hot bassist, the age gap, the spice, the PLOT!
☁︎It started more off like I thought it would be just a love story without much extra but I was so wrong! The plot developed and man if the characters didn’t already have me hooked into the book, the plot only made sure I stayed there!
˖⁺‧₊˚☁️˚₊‧⁺˖Recommended for ppl who…˖⁺‧₊˚☁️˚₊‧⁺˖
☁︎Enjoys a spicy rom-com☁︎
☁︎Like hints of BDSM☁︎
☁︎Loves interconnected standalones☁︎
☁︎Are suckers for HEAs☁︎
✩₊˚.⋆☾ Quote(s) ☾⋆⁺₊✧
☁︎❝No matter who enters our live, Em, no mater what's going on, I'll show up for you every time.❞☁︎
☁︎❝The zipper on my slacks is about to be the first casualty of the night. My sanity will be the second.❞☁︎
☁︎❝I don't care if it's a guy, a girl, or a donkey is hitting on you, you belong to me now and I'll threaten anyone or anything that tries to take you away from me.❞☁︎
June 13, 2024
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3/5
I read this book as a standalone just to prove that it can definitely be read as a stand alone! It sure can and now I want to go back and read the other two book.
I loved Ryan & Emma’s story. The age gap is definitely my thing. The touch protectiveness and willing to burn everything down for each other is 🤌🏻
I loved the strength they gave each other and the ability to be themselves amongst the fame.
This rockstar romance was definitely everything I needed. I just wanted to keep getting back to it. 😍😍 can’t wait for the next book!
🌶️ 3/5
I read this book as a standalone just to prove that it can definitely be read as a stand alone! It sure can and now I want to go back and read the other two book.
I loved Ryan & Emma’s story. The age gap is definitely my thing. The touch protectiveness and willing to burn everything down for each other is 🤌🏻
I loved the strength they gave each other and the ability to be themselves amongst the fame.
This rockstar romance was definitely everything I needed. I just wanted to keep getting back to it. 😍😍 can’t wait for the next book!
June 26, 2024
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Beast of Burden has taken first place in my heart for this amazing series that Jillian Wray has written. Sorry for the other couples and books, but Emma and Ryan are my weakness. These two had my heart from the moment they were first mentioned and showed the potential of becoming something, but seeing their story actually play out was an experience I wouldn't change for the world.
Wray had me tearing up from the very beginning. I'm not kidding. There were actually tears in my eyes on like page 3 because of how she decided to start this book. How did she start it? By ripping my freaking heart out! Ever since those tears decided to make an entrance so early in the book, I knew I was going to be hooked and not getting out of my seat anytime soon... I was right.
Ryan and Emma had just about everything going against, but they literally decided to say "screw it" and take a chance on each other. I loved seeing these two come to grips with how deep their feelings for the other really ran and finally put themselves first above everyone else. It is not easy to take a chance at love especially when it could cost you your career and family, but these two did just that and boy am I glad they did.
These two I feel are the definition of having to fight for your love and happiness. It was an honor seeing them grow as characters and come together as a couple. It may have taken them longer than I would've liked (for obvious reasons. The main one being that they are literally perfect for each other and I was DYING seeing them apart), but it was definitely all worth it in the end. The chemistry these two had was undeniable and anyone who missed it was completely blind.
Jillian Wray is quite a mastermind in creating characters that suck you in. I realize I've said this before, but I can't help myself. It is something that needs to be acknowledged as many times as possible. Her characters and their stories are truly some of the best I've had the pleasure of encountering in my life. Will forever be obsessed with them.
Beast of Burden has taken first place in my heart for this amazing series that Jillian Wray has written. Sorry for the other couples and books, but Emma and Ryan are my weakness. These two had my heart from the moment they were first mentioned and showed the potential of becoming something, but seeing their story actually play out was an experience I wouldn't change for the world.
Wray had me tearing up from the very beginning. I'm not kidding. There were actually tears in my eyes on like page 3 because of how she decided to start this book. How did she start it? By ripping my freaking heart out! Ever since those tears decided to make an entrance so early in the book, I knew I was going to be hooked and not getting out of my seat anytime soon... I was right.
Ryan and Emma had just about everything going against, but they literally decided to say "screw it" and take a chance on each other. I loved seeing these two come to grips with how deep their feelings for the other really ran and finally put themselves first above everyone else. It is not easy to take a chance at love especially when it could cost you your career and family, but these two did just that and boy am I glad they did.
These two I feel are the definition of having to fight for your love and happiness. It was an honor seeing them grow as characters and come together as a couple. It may have taken them longer than I would've liked (for obvious reasons. The main one being that they are literally perfect for each other and I was DYING seeing them apart), but it was definitely all worth it in the end. The chemistry these two had was undeniable and anyone who missed it was completely blind.
Jillian Wray is quite a mastermind in creating characters that suck you in. I realize I've said this before, but I can't help myself. It is something that needs to be acknowledged as many times as possible. Her characters and their stories are truly some of the best I've had the pleasure of encountering in my life. Will forever be obsessed with them.
August 13, 2024
Book Review: Beast of Burden by: Jillian D. Wray
This is the third book in the series Beautiful Deceit and I absolutely love this series! They just keep getting better and better!
This story follows Ryan the bassist and Emma Brett’s younger sister!
Being in each others world since they were children and then growing a beautiful friendship turns into something more. Emma is such a wonderful person she’s caring, smart, creative, and after a horrible experience she suffers from PTSD and anxiety. But it doesn’t let her stop herself from going after what she wants. Ryan is the care taker of the group and he always comes last. When he finally takes his moment to do something for himself it explodes causing lots of emotions and tension between him and Brett but he doesn’t back down and neither does Emma as they stand up for what they both want.
I love that all the other characters from the other books are here and we get to see other happy endings continue in this book. I love how Ryan is always making sure he is fully open and aware of what Emma needs to feel safe and that she is heard and respected. The way she sets up Sloans story for the next book leaves me desperate to read it! I cannot wait to get my hands on it!!!
Jillian is amazing and she’s written another hit with this one full of complex topics and emotions that bring these characters to life! I’m so excited and sad that there is only one book left!
❤️Bassist
❤️Best friends’ little sister
❤️Personal growth
❤️Trauma rep
❤️Slow burn
❤️ “I have never seen beauty that compares to you in this moment.”
❤️ It’s you always
This is the third book in the series Beautiful Deceit and I absolutely love this series! They just keep getting better and better!
This story follows Ryan the bassist and Emma Brett’s younger sister!
Being in each others world since they were children and then growing a beautiful friendship turns into something more. Emma is such a wonderful person she’s caring, smart, creative, and after a horrible experience she suffers from PTSD and anxiety. But it doesn’t let her stop herself from going after what she wants. Ryan is the care taker of the group and he always comes last. When he finally takes his moment to do something for himself it explodes causing lots of emotions and tension between him and Brett but he doesn’t back down and neither does Emma as they stand up for what they both want.
I love that all the other characters from the other books are here and we get to see other happy endings continue in this book. I love how Ryan is always making sure he is fully open and aware of what Emma needs to feel safe and that she is heard and respected. The way she sets up Sloans story for the next book leaves me desperate to read it! I cannot wait to get my hands on it!!!
Jillian is amazing and she’s written another hit with this one full of complex topics and emotions that bring these characters to life! I’m so excited and sad that there is only one book left!
❤️Bassist
❤️Best friends’ little sister
❤️Personal growth
❤️Trauma rep
❤️Slow burn
❤️ “I have never seen beauty that compares to you in this moment.”
❤️ It’s you always
June 7, 2024
Took me longer than I wanted to finish this book because the class I’m taking is kicking my butt…BUT heres my review! POSSIBLE SPOILERS!
Beast of Burden review
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
Jillian does it again! I have loved every book I have read so far! Beast of Burden is by far my favorite so far because I really love a forbidden romance… add age gap to it and it’s 10x better!
Ryan and Emma’s love is one that everyone wants! Always pushing through no matter what and fighting to be together when everyone and everything is trying to push them apart. I love the big bad bassist and I love how he loves Em and makes her feel more confident in who she is. Watching their love finally unfold has been amazing. I loved how much support they had throughout their journey to finally being together openly. Emma’s best friend has got to be one of my favorite side characters in a book! Her jokes and constant banter with Emma made me laugh a lot. This whole book had me constantly highlighting and screenshotting my favorite parts. I loved watching Em overcome some past trauma and even seeing Ry and Brett work through their issues. I can’t wait to see more of Ry and Em in the 4th book of the Beautiful Deceit series and to see Sloan find love.
#contemporaryromance #contemporaryromancebooks #spicyromance #spicybooks #rockstarromance #slowburn #forbiddenromance #indieauthor #streetteam #books #newrelease #comingsoon #readmorebooks #smut #bookboyfriends #brothersbestfriend #beautifuldeceit #bestfriendslittlesister
Beast of Burden review
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
Jillian does it again! I have loved every book I have read so far! Beast of Burden is by far my favorite so far because I really love a forbidden romance… add age gap to it and it’s 10x better!
Ryan and Emma’s love is one that everyone wants! Always pushing through no matter what and fighting to be together when everyone and everything is trying to push them apart. I love the big bad bassist and I love how he loves Em and makes her feel more confident in who she is. Watching their love finally unfold has been amazing. I loved how much support they had throughout their journey to finally being together openly. Emma’s best friend has got to be one of my favorite side characters in a book! Her jokes and constant banter with Emma made me laugh a lot. This whole book had me constantly highlighting and screenshotting my favorite parts. I loved watching Em overcome some past trauma and even seeing Ry and Brett work through their issues. I can’t wait to see more of Ry and Em in the 4th book of the Beautiful Deceit series and to see Sloan find love.
#contemporaryromance #contemporaryromancebooks #spicyromance #spicybooks #rockstarromance #slowburn #forbiddenromance #indieauthor #streetteam #books #newrelease #comingsoon #readmorebooks #smut #bookboyfriends #brothersbestfriend #beautifuldeceit #bestfriendslittlesister
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2024
I am not sure what Jillian put in this series, but I have read books 2&3 and am in love with the whole band!!!! I need to go back and read Noah’s book now!!! I am not normally a fan of band romance books but this changed my perspective.
Ryan Battle is a 6’6, beautiful base guitarist in the hottest rock band and he has always been Emma’s biggest crush. When she finally is old enough (still 11 year age gap), and after years of them talking all the time, she decides it time to tell him that she wants more than to be his best friend/bandmates little sister and that she wants to date him. He immediately shuts her down (even if killed him to do so) and then they don’t talk for months. But when she gets in a sticky situation where she needs a rescue, there is no one else she would rather have come save her. Now they both know that they are more than friends, but is it worth risking hurting their families/friends as well as breaking up the band? Can their feelings be more than just lust? Because love could make it worth it, but lust and desire might cause both their worlds to come crashing down. Oh and let’s throw in a VERY overprotective big brother, a scandalous photo and some trauma from the past for good measure.
-Kayla/Hot.Bookmance
Ryan Battle is a 6’6, beautiful base guitarist in the hottest rock band and he has always been Emma’s biggest crush. When she finally is old enough (still 11 year age gap), and after years of them talking all the time, she decides it time to tell him that she wants more than to be his best friend/bandmates little sister and that she wants to date him. He immediately shuts her down (even if killed him to do so) and then they don’t talk for months. But when she gets in a sticky situation where she needs a rescue, there is no one else she would rather have come save her. Now they both know that they are more than friends, but is it worth risking hurting their families/friends as well as breaking up the band? Can their feelings be more than just lust? Because love could make it worth it, but lust and desire might cause both their worlds to come crashing down. Oh and let’s throw in a VERY overprotective big brother, a scandalous photo and some trauma from the past for good measure.
-Kayla/Hot.Bookmance
June 1, 2024
4.75 stars is my rating for this book!
This book was everything I hoped it would be for Ryan and Emma, but I was definitely in my feels at some parts! I love how Ryan is always there, wanting to protect her, even when they cannot openly be together. Despite the age gap, he only has eyes for her and their forbidden situation was killing me! But that tension and slow burn pays off and we get some delicious spice! Emma is so open and honest with her feelings and what she wants with Ryan - and honestly some of the things she said had me surprised but I was LOVING them.
I literally devoured this book and stayed up way too late reading, but was already at 80% before I knew it and then I just had to keep going!
This book releases June 20th and is the 3rd book in the Beautiful Deceit series by Jillian Wray, but it could be read as a standalone.
Tropes:
🎸 forbidden romance
🎸 secrets
🎸 friends to lovers
🎸 that moment when he says “f*ck it”
🎸 best friends little sister
🎸 dual POV
🎸 age gap - 11 years
Thank you so much to Jillian Wray and her team for sending me an ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own and honest.
This book was everything I hoped it would be for Ryan and Emma, but I was definitely in my feels at some parts! I love how Ryan is always there, wanting to protect her, even when they cannot openly be together. Despite the age gap, he only has eyes for her and their forbidden situation was killing me! But that tension and slow burn pays off and we get some delicious spice! Emma is so open and honest with her feelings and what she wants with Ryan - and honestly some of the things she said had me surprised but I was LOVING them.
I literally devoured this book and stayed up way too late reading, but was already at 80% before I knew it and then I just had to keep going!
This book releases June 20th and is the 3rd book in the Beautiful Deceit series by Jillian Wray, but it could be read as a standalone.
Tropes:
🎸 forbidden romance
🎸 secrets
🎸 friends to lovers
🎸 that moment when he says “f*ck it”
🎸 best friends little sister
🎸 dual POV
🎸 age gap - 11 years
Thank you so much to Jillian Wray and her team for sending me an ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own and honest.
June 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
This is the 3rd book in an interconnected standalone rockstar romance series focused around a band called Beautiful Deceit.
I haven't read the first 2 in this series but I will definitely go back to read them when I can and I look forward to the 4th book!
I found this story beautiful, it shows the difficulties of a complicated relationship between Ryan and Emma. Ryan is the bassist in the band and Emma is the drummers younger sister, like I said complicated!
The struggles they go through to be together and the personal struggles they go through from the past and present, are incredibly sad but they get through it together with the love and support of each other and their family and friends.
How they overcome everything that stands in their way is admirable!
Standing up for themselves, for what they want their lives to be and for their love is beautiful!
The story is well written and had me emotionally invested in the relationship between Emma and Ryan, I really felt their pain, struggles and love for each other.
Also that ending has me very intrigued to read Sloan's story in the 4th book.
🌶🌶🌶
This is the 3rd book in an interconnected standalone rockstar romance series focused around a band called Beautiful Deceit.
I haven't read the first 2 in this series but I will definitely go back to read them when I can and I look forward to the 4th book!
I found this story beautiful, it shows the difficulties of a complicated relationship between Ryan and Emma. Ryan is the bassist in the band and Emma is the drummers younger sister, like I said complicated!
The struggles they go through to be together and the personal struggles they go through from the past and present, are incredibly sad but they get through it together with the love and support of each other and their family and friends.
How they overcome everything that stands in their way is admirable!
Standing up for themselves, for what they want their lives to be and for their love is beautiful!
The story is well written and had me emotionally invested in the relationship between Emma and Ryan, I really felt their pain, struggles and love for each other.
Also that ending has me very intrigued to read Sloan's story in the 4th book.
June 1, 2024
I want to be able to give half stars because this is definitely 4.5 stars. It would’ve been 5 had it been a tad more spicy lol but I still LOVED this book so much. I really need to read the other 2 - because I was confused on how Emma’s sister died. I’m sure it’s in one of the others. Unless I misread it somewhere in this book. I also don’t like when books end on a cliffhanger. I get too impatient waiting. lol Sloan is definitely someone I would love to read and know more about. He caught my eye from the very beginning.
This friends to lovers, was delicious. The age gap wasn’t bad to me. Emma is very mature for her ago. I love her. She’s really the true definition of Girl Power 💪🏼 Ryan was delic. His protectiveness and possessiveness was perfect. I would also like to read about Emma’s brother, Brett. Although my abusers name is Brett. It used to be hard to read a book with his name. Still is sometimes. But I still loved Brett’s character. I wonder if one of the first 2 books are about him?
This friends to lovers, was delicious. The age gap wasn’t bad to me. Emma is very mature for her ago. I love her. She’s really the true definition of Girl Power 💪🏼 Ryan was delic. His protectiveness and possessiveness was perfect. I would also like to read about Emma’s brother, Brett. Although my abusers name is Brett. It used to be hard to read a book with his name. Still is sometimes. But I still loved Brett’s character. I wonder if one of the first 2 books are about him?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2024
When you notice your bestfriends sister has blossomed into an amazing women and one you don’t want to go a day without speaking to, do you tell her no or do you give in? Even though Ryan tried his hardest to do what he thought was right by putting everyone else before himself, he finally falls to Emma. Oh what a fall it is! Watching both of them progress and grow not just within themselves, but each other and those around them was beautiful. These two, even with an age gap, truly complement each other. I love that in this book we get to experience the album creating not just another tour or break from the road. It shows the other creative side of the industry. Jillian Wray does an amazing job of diving in deep internally to have you truly feel and understand each character in her books. This series is not a typical rockstar romance and this third installment hits the mark just like the other two. Looking for all the angst and longing lined up with loyalty, family, and friendship then this base player is perfect for you.
Read
June 11, 2024Jillian took two of my favorite tropes, age gap, and brother's best friend, and delivered beautifully.
In this book, we see how the drummer's little sister and the band's bassist decide to throw caution out the window and explore their feelings for each other. I loved the connection and relationship between Emma and Ryan and the way he always treated her in accordance with her level of maturity and not her actual age.
One of the things I really appreciated about the story was Ry's reason for needing to know what happened to Em. This whole interaction gives a different perspective to this sort of situation. I also enjoyed how on point Brett's reaction was, and how even though each guy is moving on individually with their lives, they're also making a point of staying close to each other.
The story was perfectly paced and flowed beautifully, and that set up at the end for Sloan's story had me screaming. Can't wait for his story to come out!
Quote: “Just this once. And if you value my life at all, never breathe a word of this to your brother.”
In this book, we see how the drummer's little sister and the band's bassist decide to throw caution out the window and explore their feelings for each other. I loved the connection and relationship between Emma and Ryan and the way he always treated her in accordance with her level of maturity and not her actual age.
One of the things I really appreciated about the story was Ry's reason for needing to know what happened to Em. This whole interaction gives a different perspective to this sort of situation. I also enjoyed how on point Brett's reaction was, and how even though each guy is moving on individually with their lives, they're also making a point of staying close to each other.
The story was perfectly paced and flowed beautifully, and that set up at the end for Sloan's story had me screaming. Can't wait for his story to come out!
Quote: “Just this once. And if you value my life at all, never breathe a word of this to your brother.”
June 3, 2024
What a journey! I pushed everything aside so I could read Beast of Burden over 24 hours! And I do not regret it! Bearing the burden is my fave, but Beast of Burden had me engrossed from the first page.
I loved how they both tried to live their lives, put others first before realising that they were inevitable and say, “fuck it”. The slow build and tension throughout perfectly build the imploding world of Ry and Emma. Emma is nothing short of an amazing character, and Ryan, well, where can I find myself one of him?
Thanks, Jillian, for creating such a wonderfully addictive world! Can’t wait for the final act!
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: age-gap, forbidden romance, friends to lovers, secrets, brother’s best friends, slow burn
I loved how they both tried to live their lives, put others first before realising that they were inevitable and say, “fuck it”. The slow build and tension throughout perfectly build the imploding world of Ry and Emma. Emma is nothing short of an amazing character, and Ryan, well, where can I find myself one of him?
Thanks, Jillian, for creating such a wonderfully addictive world! Can’t wait for the final act!
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: age-gap, forbidden romance, friends to lovers, secrets, brother’s best friends, slow burn
June 4, 2024
🎸ARC Review🎸
Author:
Release date: June 20th,2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You’re everything I shouldn’t want, but God help me I do.”
Well Jillian did it again! Another AMAZING book in the Beautiful Deceit series. This is the third book. You know a book is really good when you have to force yourself to put it down so you can get some sleep.
I absolutely loved Ryan & Emma’s story so much that I devoured it in 24 hours. Emma is the little sister to drummer, Brett, who struggles with peers her own age due to her genius IQ. Ryan is Brett’s bestfriend and bandmate who has fallen for our FMC. This forbidden love story was *chefs kiss*.
Thank you Jillian for giving me the opportunity to read book 2 and book 3 as ARCs! I thoroughly loved them.
Author:
Release date: June 20th,2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You’re everything I shouldn’t want, but God help me I do.”
Well Jillian did it again! Another AMAZING book in the Beautiful Deceit series. This is the third book. You know a book is really good when you have to force yourself to put it down so you can get some sleep.
I absolutely loved Ryan & Emma’s story so much that I devoured it in 24 hours. Emma is the little sister to drummer, Brett, who struggles with peers her own age due to her genius IQ. Ryan is Brett’s bestfriend and bandmate who has fallen for our FMC. This forbidden love story was *chefs kiss*.
Thank you Jillian for giving me the opportunity to read book 2 and book 3 as ARCs! I thoroughly loved them.
June 20, 2024
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
BEAST OF Burden by Jillian Wray
This book was a page turner! I started it yesterday and I could not put it down until a
I was finished! Age Gap, brother's best friend, forbidden love, V-Card, top tier angst, found family through out series, trauma, SA and light BDSM! This is probably the Darkest of the 3 in the Beautiful Deceipt series! I thought Brett and Bri's story was my fave-- I was wrong! I absolutely ADORE Ryan and Emma! This book was beautifully written, great flow and great story! We all need a Ryan in our lives! Definitely should read the other 2 books before reading this one so you don't spoil it for yourself. This book piggyback from Book 2 w/ Ryan's POV when they were in Ireland!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
BEAST OF Burden by Jillian Wray
This book was a page turner! I started it yesterday and I could not put it down until a
I was finished! Age Gap, brother's best friend, forbidden love, V-Card, top tier angst, found family through out series, trauma, SA and light BDSM! This is probably the Darkest of the 3 in the Beautiful Deceipt series! I thought Brett and Bri's story was my fave-- I was wrong! I absolutely ADORE Ryan and Emma! This book was beautifully written, great flow and great story! We all need a Ryan in our lives! Definitely should read the other 2 books before reading this one so you don't spoil it for yourself. This book piggyback from Book 2 w/ Ryan's POV when they were in Ireland!
June 11, 2024
I loved this book. I was so curious about Ryan in Invisible Burdens and Bearing the Burden. I am not at all disappointed by this absolute sweetheart of a sexy bass player ❤️ I feel like a groupie of a band that doesn't exist in real life 😂 I love how protective he is but how he will also stand back and let her shine. The angst of having to wait 🥵
Read this if you like:
• Age Gap (11 years)
• Protective MMC
• Best Friend's Brother
• Rockstar Romance
• Slow-ish Burn
• Size difference (he's huge)
• Supportive MMC
• Virgin FMC
• Forbidden Romance
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Sexual Assault, both past and on page, death of a sibling mentioned, but in the past
Read this if you like:
• Age Gap (11 years)
• Protective MMC
• Best Friend's Brother
• Rockstar Romance
• Slow-ish Burn
• Size difference (he's huge)
• Supportive MMC
• Virgin FMC
• Forbidden Romance
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Sexual Assault, both past and on page, death of a sibling mentioned, but in the past
June 13, 2024
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3/5
I read this book as a standalone just to prove that it can definitely be read as a stand alone! It sure can and now I want to go back and read the other two book.
I loved Ryan & Emma’s story. The age gap is definitely my thing. The touch protectiveness and willing to burn everything down for each other is 🤌🏻
I loved the strength they gave each other and the ability to be themselves amongst the fame.
This rockstar romance was definitely everything I needed. I just wanted to keep getting back to it. 😍😍 can’t wait for the next book!
🌶️ 3/5
I read this book as a standalone just to prove that it can definitely be read as a stand alone! It sure can and now I want to go back and read the other two book.
I loved Ryan & Emma’s story. The age gap is definitely my thing. The touch protectiveness and willing to burn everything down for each other is 🤌🏻
I loved the strength they gave each other and the ability to be themselves amongst the fame.
This rockstar romance was definitely everything I needed. I just wanted to keep getting back to it. 😍😍 can’t wait for the next book!
June 24, 2024
Beast of Burden the 3rd book in the Beautiful Deceit Series and after reading books 1 and 2 I was beyond excited to read Ryan's story and it surely did not disappoint.
Ryan the bassist in the band Beautiful Deceit is tall dark and handsome with his eyes set on Emma. The problem is not just their 11 year age gap but Emma is his best friend and bandmates younger sister. With Emma being off limits Ryan tries his hardest to stay away. Emma might be young and inexperienced, but she knows Ryan is the man for her and will do anything to have him. The love Ryan and Emma have for each other melted my heart and had me rooting for them.
The surprises within the book from the other band members was absolutely great as well. I can't wait to read the 4th book in the series and find out all about Sloan the last band member. The series is an interconnected standalone series, but I do recommend reading them in order as written so you don't miss a single thing.
Thank you, Jillian Wray, for the ARC and sharing another fantastic book with me!
Ryan the bassist in the band Beautiful Deceit is tall dark and handsome with his eyes set on Emma. The problem is not just their 11 year age gap but Emma is his best friend and bandmates younger sister. With Emma being off limits Ryan tries his hardest to stay away. Emma might be young and inexperienced, but she knows Ryan is the man for her and will do anything to have him. The love Ryan and Emma have for each other melted my heart and had me rooting for them.
The surprises within the book from the other band members was absolutely great as well. I can't wait to read the 4th book in the series and find out all about Sloan the last band member. The series is an interconnected standalone series, but I do recommend reading them in order as written so you don't miss a single thing.
Thank you, Jillian Wray, for the ARC and sharing another fantastic book with me!
June 30, 2024
Book 3 of the Beautiful Deceit series did not disappoint. After being the anchor of the group Ryan Battle the tall, broody, bassist of the hottest rock band decides to be selfish for once and take what he wants. It just so happens he wants the little sister of his best friend and band member. Oh and did I mention he’s eleven years older than her 👀
Emma and Ryan’s story of going after what they want in life instead of upholding the expectations of those around them is an inspiring story of strength and beauty.
Emma and Ryan’s story of going after what they want in life instead of upholding the expectations of those around them is an inspiring story of strength and beauty.
June 18, 2024
OH. MY. GOODNESS.
This was the best one yet.
I absolutely adored both Ryan and Emma throughout the book. The character growth was amazing, I especially loved Emma’s growth throughout☺️ She went from feeling left out at school and fearing crowds to telling off the press and knowing exactly what and who she wants in her life.
I’m so excited for Sloane’s book already, the ending has me needing to know more about him.
This was the best one yet.
I absolutely adored both Ryan and Emma throughout the book. The character growth was amazing, I especially loved Emma’s growth throughout☺️ She went from feeling left out at school and fearing crowds to telling off the press and knowing exactly what and who she wants in her life.
I’m so excited for Sloane’s book already, the ending has me needing to know more about him.
June 6, 2024
I read the first two books in a week to catch up to this one. The anticipation of these two finally letting go of their responsibility to their families and friends to see where it could go. All to real the expectations they have put on themselves and wanting to keep the peace. Also the ending has me excited to know more about Sloan.
July 6, 2024
Phenomenal!
Our girl did it again! I thought the Beautiful Deceit series couldn't get any better, but then came Beast of Burdens... I am OBSESSED with Ryan and Emma! The connection and chemistry between these two are insane, and Brother's best friend is one of my favorite tropes. This is by far my favorite rockstar series, and I can't wait to get my hands of Sloan's story.
Our girl did it again! I thought the Beautiful Deceit series couldn't get any better, but then came Beast of Burdens... I am OBSESSED with Ryan and Emma! The connection and chemistry between these two are insane, and Brother's best friend is one of my favorite tropes. This is by far my favorite rockstar series, and I can't wait to get my hands of Sloan's story.
June 14, 2024
This was the love story I was hoping to get for Ryan and Em. The seeds that were planted in book 2 blossomed so well on these pages. Sometimes rockstar romances can feel far fetched but Jillian has done such a masterful job creating this found family that the stories stay grounded and believable. I LOVED how open and honest Ryan and Em were with each other. No miscommunication trope here! The love and support they have for each was clear as they navigated the early days of their relationship.
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