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Hunt Legacy Duology #1
Rafinované klamstvá
Neodolateľné spojenie a túžba, ktorá vás pohltí
Ambiciózna obchodníčka Eleanor Colová dostane príležitosť pracovať pre Hunt Corporation, renomovaných obchodníkov so starožitnosťami. Spolupráca so slávnym a s príťažlivým Beckerom Huntom však nebude jednoduchá. Arogantný a namyslený sukničkár vždy dostane, čo chce. A teraz zatúžil po Eleanor.
Čím hlbšie Eleanor preniká do špinavej hry obchodu, odkrýva čoraz viac temných tajomstiev svojho šéfa. Becker ju neodolateľne priťahuje, no podľahnúť jeho zvádzaniu pre ňu môže mať fatálne následky.
Ambiciózna obchodníčka Eleanor Colová dostane príležitosť pracovať pre Hunt Corporation, renomovaných obchodníkov so starožitnosťami. Spolupráca so slávnym a s príťažlivým Beckerom Huntom však nebude jednoduchá. Arogantný a namyslený sukničkár vždy dostane, čo chce. A teraz zatúžil po Eleanor.
Čím hlbšie Eleanor preniká do špinavej hry obchodu, odkrýva čoraz viac temných tajomstiev svojho šéfa. Becker ju neodolateľne priťahuje, no podľahnúť jeho zvádzaniu pre ňu môže mať fatálne následky.
360 pages
First published April 30, 2020
1355 people are currently reading
4245 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Ellen Malpas
53 books20.3k followers#1 New York Times & Sunday Times Bestselling Author Jodi Ellen Malpas was born and raised in England, where she lives with her husband, her boys, and Theo the Doberman.
Writing powerful love stories with fierce, memorable characters is her passion – a passion that has taken her on an amazing journey into the world of romantic fiction. Her work is now published in more than twenty-six languages across the world.
Jodi's next release: The Invitation. Check it out on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Writing powerful love stories with fierce, memorable characters is her passion – a passion that has taken her on an amazing journey into the world of romantic fiction. Her work is now published in more than twenty-six languages across the world.
Jodi's next release: The Invitation. Check it out on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 657 reviews
May 8, 2020
The author Jodi Malpas makes a note in the afterword that she wrote Becker and Eleanor’s story soon after the This Man series (which just happens to be my second favorite series of all time) because the reader could not take the character Becker soon after reading Jesse’s story and she was right to wait because Becker is a world unto himself.
I loved this book (Period). It has been a long time since I have read such a great story with such a enigmatic and multi dimensional alpha-male lead like Becker. Arrogant, childlike at times, sexy to the core and exuding confidence and swagger he is a dream. Flaws....he has them in spades. But they add to his entire being. And a man who appreciates history and art? (Swoon).
It was magnetic watching Becker and Eleanor fight their feelings for one another. Desire was rampant in this boss/employee relationship. Eleanor is a smart and independent woman trying to make her way in London while following her first love of all things antiques. I just loved them both.
Can I wait until November to see how their story continues? I guess I will have too unless the author wants to kindly provide an ARC for a review (wink). It is going to be hard to wait because we are left at a cliffhanger.
Check this one out...I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I loved this book (Period). It has been a long time since I have read such a great story with such a enigmatic and multi dimensional alpha-male lead like Becker. Arrogant, childlike at times, sexy to the core and exuding confidence and swagger he is a dream. Flaws....he has them in spades. But they add to his entire being. And a man who appreciates history and art? (Swoon).
It was magnetic watching Becker and Eleanor fight their feelings for one another. Desire was rampant in this boss/employee relationship. Eleanor is a smart and independent woman trying to make her way in London while following her first love of all things antiques. I just loved them both.
Can I wait until November to see how their story continues? I guess I will have too unless the author wants to kindly provide an ARC for a review (wink). It is going to be hard to wait because we are left at a cliffhanger.
Check this one out...I don’t think you will be disappointed.
April 29, 2020
*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
’Shhhh’ His index finger comes up to his mouth and shushes me. It’s sexy as hell, even as a warning, but I still ignore it.
Get ready to have your heart stolen by another “over the top”, sinfully sexy and charismatic alpha hero created by the incomparable Jodi Ellen Malpas! Becker Hunt is a modern-day cross between Indiana Jones and JEM’s most unforgettable heroes, Jesse Ward & Miller Hart. It isn’t a surprise that she wrote “Artful Lies” right after she had written the ”This Man” and ”One Night” series. There isn’t much that I didn’t love about this book. The cover is gorgeous. The plot grabbed and held on to my attention from beginning to end. But most of all, I've fallen head over heels in love with Becker Hunt! Who would have thought a simple ’shhhh’ and eating an apple could be so freaking HOT?!!!
The push and pull, cat & mouse, combustible chemistry between Becker and Eleanor was addictive. I couldn’t get enough of their banter and steamy rendezvous! Their story is passionate, adventurous, and angst-filled. I have only one complaint, and it’s a HUGE one! How can JEM possibly expect us to wait until NOVEMBER to get our hands on ”WICKED TRUTHS”?!! This is cruel and unusual punishment.
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 4.5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”ARTFUL LIES” releases on April 30th!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UE63hT
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/ArtfulLiesJEM
Apple Books: https://apple.co/31wTK8e
Nook: http://bit.ly/2SudFkl
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
’Shhhh’ His index finger comes up to his mouth and shushes me. It’s sexy as hell, even as a warning, but I still ignore it.
Get ready to have your heart stolen by another “over the top”, sinfully sexy and charismatic alpha hero created by the incomparable Jodi Ellen Malpas! Becker Hunt is a modern-day cross between Indiana Jones and JEM’s most unforgettable heroes, Jesse Ward & Miller Hart. It isn’t a surprise that she wrote “Artful Lies” right after she had written the ”This Man” and ”One Night” series. There isn’t much that I didn’t love about this book. The cover is gorgeous. The plot grabbed and held on to my attention from beginning to end. But most of all, I've fallen head over heels in love with Becker Hunt! Who would have thought a simple ’shhhh’ and eating an apple could be so freaking HOT?!!!
The push and pull, cat & mouse, combustible chemistry between Becker and Eleanor was addictive. I couldn’t get enough of their banter and steamy rendezvous! Their story is passionate, adventurous, and angst-filled. I have only one complaint, and it’s a HUGE one! How can JEM possibly expect us to wait until NOVEMBER to get our hands on ”WICKED TRUTHS”?!! This is cruel and unusual punishment.
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 4.5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”ARTFUL LIES” releases on April 30th!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UE63hT
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/ArtfulLiesJEM
Apple Books: https://apple.co/31wTK8e
Nook: http://bit.ly/2SudFkl
May 26, 2020
4 Waiting stars
Hmmm..............
I am really unsure on how I feel about this one. I found the first half really slow, there just wasn't much happening that kept my interest.
Now looking back I see that the story was just slowly building and by the end I was hooked!
I can't wait to see where the story goes and I will hold off on my opinions of Eleanor and Becker until I finish their story. I will say they have intense chemistry.
I was really intrigued with the 'Haven', I would loved to live in a place like that surrounded by beautiful things that have so much history. I like the antiques side of the plot, I am hoping we get more of that in the next book. I have a feeling I know where the story is going (where the missing map piece is, or where Becker thinks it is) and I can't wait to see if I'm right.
So, as you can tell this book left me a little confused. Did I or didn't I like it? I really liked it, I did get worried there for awhile and I'm not going to lie I did get a little bored at times but overall I did enjoy it.
Hmmm..............
I am really unsure on how I feel about this one. I found the first half really slow, there just wasn't much happening that kept my interest.
Now looking back I see that the story was just slowly building and by the end I was hooked!
I can't wait to see where the story goes and I will hold off on my opinions of Eleanor and Becker until I finish their story. I will say they have intense chemistry.
I was really intrigued with the 'Haven', I would loved to live in a place like that surrounded by beautiful things that have so much history. I like the antiques side of the plot, I am hoping we get more of that in the next book. I have a feeling I know where the story is going (where the missing map piece is, or where Becker thinks it is) and I can't wait to see if I'm right.
So, as you can tell this book left me a little confused. Did I or didn't I like it? I really liked it, I did get worried there for awhile and I'm not going to lie I did get a little bored at times but overall I did enjoy it.
hell-fucking-no
August 3, 2020Not safe. Piece of garbage “hero” that fucks another woman in front of her because he was jealous. Absolute utter trash.
See comments for more info on his sleeping with OW
See comments for more info on his sleeping with OW
November 14, 2020
It’s hard not to compare Artful Lies with This Man—Jodi Ellen Malpas herself has said it’s This Man meets the Thomas Crown Affair—and with a sexy, insufferable, wealthy, over-the-top man who has an air of the Jesse Ward about him, albeit with much less psychopathic, neurotic tendencies, and a strong-minded woman who knows how to press all his buttons, there are indeed a couple of similarities.
I’m not immoral, princess. I’m a fucking saint.”
Being the first in a duology lots of detail is paid to the set-up and development of a storyline holding intrigue and to Becker and Eleanor’s characters. They bring the banter and their chemistry is true to JEM’s form of instant-attraction, and whilst things seem fairly cut and dried with Eleanor who has recently moved to London to chase her dream of working in the antiques industry, I don’t think we’ve even scratched Becker’s surface. He’s a bit of a mystery, without doubt a complex man harbouring some inner demons and is possessive and demanding, but the glimpses we’re given to his softer, more vulnerable side along with his close relationship with his Gramps simply provide additional layers to his overall appeal.
I hope you see my determination to prove to you that I’m a better man than you think.”
With less of a power imbalance than other similar couples despite the boss/employee dynamic and Becker’s more controlling moments, he and Eleanor worked for me as a couple both professionally and personally and I’m looking forward to seeing how their story plays out in Wicked Truths later this year. And it’s worth mentioning that it does leave us on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Copy received courtesy of Social Butterfly PR for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I’m not immoral, princess. I’m a fucking saint.”
Being the first in a duology lots of detail is paid to the set-up and development of a storyline holding intrigue and to Becker and Eleanor’s characters. They bring the banter and their chemistry is true to JEM’s form of instant-attraction, and whilst things seem fairly cut and dried with Eleanor who has recently moved to London to chase her dream of working in the antiques industry, I don’t think we’ve even scratched Becker’s surface. He’s a bit of a mystery, without doubt a complex man harbouring some inner demons and is possessive and demanding, but the glimpses we’re given to his softer, more vulnerable side along with his close relationship with his Gramps simply provide additional layers to his overall appeal.
I hope you see my determination to prove to you that I’m a better man than you think.”With less of a power imbalance than other similar couples despite the boss/employee dynamic and Becker’s more controlling moments, he and Eleanor worked for me as a couple both professionally and personally and I’m looking forward to seeing how their story plays out in Wicked Truths later this year. And it’s worth mentioning that it does leave us on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Copy received courtesy of Social Butterfly PR for an honest and unbiased opinion.
October 27, 2020
Eleanor.
She just arrived in London.
After years of taking care of her late father's little antique shop in the country she finally wants to work in the real world of arts and antiques.
The first job interview did not go well. Thanks to this horrible - but oh-so-hot - cab-thief!
Let's hope the second interview will be better.
It's her dream job. Working in the most beautiful place with the most amazing pieces.
Becker.
He's her new boss. And the cab thief.
The insta attraction between them is insane!
But Eleanor wants to concentrate on the job. It's her big dream.
Plus she's also had it with guys for a while!
And Becker .... he's not ready for anything serious either.
But the heart (and body) wants what the heart (and body) wants!
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN ... ☺
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH ELEANOR & BECKER?
WILL WE GET A HAPPILY EVER AFTER?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺
══════════════════
Adorable!
I loved reading this!
I loved the whole setting. London. The scary dark alley to get to the shop. The beauty inside of it. I just wanted to say FML - I'm taking over Eleanor's life! I have no idea about art and antiques, but I SO want to work at Hunt's! LOL!
Eleanor and Becker. Adorable how they flirt and argue and fight.
I just adored them and all the others too. I loved this story. I was right there in this story with them all.
Just Beautiful. Sexy. Funny. Mysterious. Exciting. Dangerous. Sad. Heartbreaking.
Amazing book! I could write so much more - but I won't - I already said enough. You just need to know that I loved it and that you should buy it too!
I can't wait to see how it will all end in WICKED TRUTHS! Hurry November!!!
I also wouldn't mind if this book would show up on Netflix one day soon! ☺
ARTFUL LIES was such a beautiful & funny & adorable & sparky & sexy & antique-y love story! I just loved it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Becker - this one is MINE! ☺
Tiny little thing that bothered me a bit. Becker - as amazing as he is.... he was a tiny little bit too ... immature?? for my tastes. Just a bit. It was a bit too exaggerated how he dealt or not dealt with things. Even after everything he's been through. Still. He was a bit too much in some ways. But I still adored him and everything about this book!
4.9 Stars only because I don't much like a series/duet where I have to wait SO long for book #2!
💜
💜
abandoned
April 30, 2020I couldn’t get past the heroine’s stupidities.
And I’m definitely not in a mood for some cocksure heroes.
I’m fed up of the heroines these days. So desperate they act. It’s very shameful. A guy steals your cab, he is behaving cocky with you and all you do is lust on him.
Like seriously??
Skipping.
And I’m definitely not in a mood for some cocksure heroes.
I’m fed up of the heroines these days. So desperate they act. It’s very shameful. A guy steals your cab, he is behaving cocky with you and all you do is lust on him.
Like seriously??
Skipping.
June 20, 2020
3 - "...There is no happy ending here…" Stars!
I have a love/hate relationship with JEM in that I generally either fall hard in either hate/love with the lead characters in her books. The last book I read by her was a DNF so I am sure you can guess what side of the coin the characters fell there.
I find myself in a different situation with Artful Lies because at this point I neither love or hate Eleanor or Becker, I’m intrigued, but that’s it at the moment, and I suppose that’s mainly because for me it felt like I spent a good 400 odd pages going round in circles, and I feel that I don’t really know much more about either of them at the end of the book than I did at the start. This one does end on a cliffy though so be warned, and if that isn’t your bag, wait for Wicked Truths to be released before you dive in.
For me, JEM is and has always been an author of extremes, and you get plenty of that in this story, extreme behaviour, extreme emotional actions/reactions, all fed to you through what are generally OTT characters. I was enthralled by Becker and Eleanor in the first 25%, but then we hit the lull of the repetitive –
I won’t sleep with him.
I won’t sleep with him.
I wont sleep with him.
Pretty early on with Eleanor, and as expected as soon as Becker walks into a room it morphs straight into –
Sod it, I’m going to.
With one glance. Or they end up having a totally irrational argument which Eleanor then blames herself for each and every time, and in general I don’t mind this, just found it got a bit extreme...
"I’m feeling a whole lot of Beauty and the Beast going on here…"
Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it, I’ll be honest and say I feel like at the point the book ended Artful Lies to me reads like it was an extremely long and drawn out prologue to what will actually turn out to be the real reason for the story in the first place when we get Wicked Truths in November. I have a few of my own theories as to where the story is likely to go, and although wasn’t blown away by the first half of Becker & Eleanor’s story, I am invested enough to see where it goes from where it’s currently been left.
My saint really is a sinner…
Hard-copy generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.
I have a love/hate relationship with JEM in that I generally either fall hard in either hate/love with the lead characters in her books. The last book I read by her was a DNF so I am sure you can guess what side of the coin the characters fell there.
I find myself in a different situation with Artful Lies because at this point I neither love or hate Eleanor or Becker, I’m intrigued, but that’s it at the moment, and I suppose that’s mainly because for me it felt like I spent a good 400 odd pages going round in circles, and I feel that I don’t really know much more about either of them at the end of the book than I did at the start. This one does end on a cliffy though so be warned, and if that isn’t your bag, wait for Wicked Truths to be released before you dive in.
For me, JEM is and has always been an author of extremes, and you get plenty of that in this story, extreme behaviour, extreme emotional actions/reactions, all fed to you through what are generally OTT characters. I was enthralled by Becker and Eleanor in the first 25%, but then we hit the lull of the repetitive –
I won’t sleep with him.
I won’t sleep with him.
I wont sleep with him.
Pretty early on with Eleanor, and as expected as soon as Becker walks into a room it morphs straight into –
Sod it, I’m going to.
With one glance. Or they end up having a totally irrational argument which Eleanor then blames herself for each and every time, and in general I don’t mind this, just found it got a bit extreme...
"I’m feeling a whole lot of Beauty and the Beast going on here…"
Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it, I’ll be honest and say I feel like at the point the book ended Artful Lies to me reads like it was an extremely long and drawn out prologue to what will actually turn out to be the real reason for the story in the first place when we get Wicked Truths in November. I have a few of my own theories as to where the story is likely to go, and although wasn’t blown away by the first half of Becker & Eleanor’s story, I am invested enough to see where it goes from where it’s currently been left.
My saint really is a sinner…
Hard-copy generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.
May 17, 2020
Oh my gosh, this story was so awful. I had to start skim reading because it was boring and I just wanted to get through it. Where do I start? I picked it up because all of the reviews were like "Oh Jessie is back!" (I can't remember if that's how she spelled Jessie from the This Man triology) so I thought interesting. I'll give this one a go.
Maybe Jessie was an abusive/controlling asshole. I vaguely remember him doing some super sketching things. Like throwing out the heroine's birth control to tie her to him with a kid. Super abusive.
So our guy Becker REALLY matched up.
By the way this gets spoilery!
(Oh before I get too crazy into detail I do want to mention how annoying it was reading Eleanor trip and fall all over herself in the beginning of the book. She was an absolute klutz. It also really irritated me that she could never look Becker in the eye in the beginning of their relationship. He was literally to hot to handle for her. She was just a jumbled mess around him, which I get but there was a scene where she could not look him in the eye and I just... The reality of that would be so awkward.)
Our first sign of abuse is his obsession with making Eleanor jealous. He is obsessed with our girl and when he finds out she has a date with his competitor, he decides to bring some blond screaming banshee into his home and basically bang her in his entrance hall, right in front of Eleanor.
Eleanor is all "WELL THEN! I'M NOT JEALOUS AT ALL!!!" And she's totally jealous. Which really doesn't make sense because Becker is an absolute A class wanker. So she goes on this date with this guy Brent. And Becker shows up in the middle of the date? Where his banshee went... I'm not sure. But yeah... he crashes her date and then leaves? To go home to his banshee as we later find out.
But he basically tells Eleanor that she's needed at work at 8am. And Eleanor is all like "You know what! I'm not going to be a bone you two fight over!" So Becker leaves and Brent comes back and she just basically leaves him in the middle of dessert. Honestly, this Brent guy is nothing but nice to our girl Eleanor. It really boggles my mind why she's so incredibly rude to him.
So the next day, she gets to work and Becker is walking his banshee to the door. (Did she mind that he disappeared for a couple hours in the night to go check on the girl he really likes? I guess not?) and the banshee is all rude calling her a skivvy and then Becker's dog a mutt and then Eleanor is like "You are a mutt!" Because she's super jealous of this girl who Becker was banging all night long.
Like she doesn't see that red flag? He's intentionally sleeping with another woman to piss you off? And you're going to get upset with the woman? Honey your problem is Becker!
Anyway, we move on to Eleanor going out to club with her friend Lucy and Eleanor decides to leave because Becker is there with his banshee and Lucy stops paying attention to her for another guy. And as Eleanor is leaving Becker intercepts her and tells her not to go home with Brent? Who just randomly pops up at that moment?
I just know that if a guy was smooching with another girl, and I liked him but he was being super overbearing. I would 100% act like I was hooking up with the guy he was telling me not to hook up with.
But Eleanor is a better woman than me and she's like "Ok fine! I won't hook up with Brent!" And she's like I'm not getting involved in whatever beef you both have! And I'm like good for you girl, go home and get a good nights rest. Mind you, this is where I started skim reading. But after that decision she's like "Actually! I'm going to go back to the club!" So she starts making her way back up to the club?
But then Becker intercepts her. He knew she was on her way back up? And it literally drives him so crazy that he breaks her phone. Grabs it, throws it on the ground and like hops up and down on it. Completely destroyed. Abusive flag number 18.
And then Brent, good old Brent. I'm rooting for you Brent! Pulls up and is like "Let me take you home." And Eleanor jumps in his car and he takes her home and then tries to invite himself up to her flat and she's like "nope! See you never!" And then he leaves and then Becker is just waiting outside her apt like an A class stalker. And he shoves his way into her apt and they have hot rabid sex. Like screaming yelling. Becker says "Abra-fucking-cadabra" which is super fucking weird. And yeah...
Well the next day Eleanor goes into work and Mrs. Potts and Mr. H (Her employers) know that she and Becker have banged. And they are just full of "oh dears" "oh dears" and some more "oh dears" it was incredibly annoying.
Becker winds up buying Eleanor a new phone because he broke her old one and then he asks her who David is. That's her old ex who constantly texted her. And then deleted Brent from her phone which again, super controlling abusive behavior but we know in these romances, it's labeled as love.
At some point, Eleanor's flat is broken into so she moves in with Becker. Only to go back to her flat and get "attacked" but she finds out it was Becker and she screams and yells and tells him to never talk to her again. And the books ends on a lovely cliffhanger.
Honestly, not my cup of tea. Becker is so childish and Eleanor is just constantly falling for his stupid antics. It's so annoying. But those are Malpa's characters so I really shouldn't be surprised.
The sex was so bad. There was lots of yelling and shouting and... I just. No.
Maybe Jessie was an abusive/controlling asshole. I vaguely remember him doing some super sketching things. Like throwing out the heroine's birth control to tie her to him with a kid. Super abusive.
So our guy Becker REALLY matched up.
By the way this gets spoilery!
(Oh before I get too crazy into detail I do want to mention how annoying it was reading Eleanor trip and fall all over herself in the beginning of the book. She was an absolute klutz. It also really irritated me that she could never look Becker in the eye in the beginning of their relationship. He was literally to hot to handle for her. She was just a jumbled mess around him, which I get but there was a scene where she could not look him in the eye and I just... The reality of that would be so awkward.)
Our first sign of abuse is his obsession with making Eleanor jealous. He is obsessed with our girl and when he finds out she has a date with his competitor, he decides to bring some blond screaming banshee into his home and basically bang her in his entrance hall, right in front of Eleanor.
Eleanor is all "WELL THEN! I'M NOT JEALOUS AT ALL!!!" And she's totally jealous. Which really doesn't make sense because Becker is an absolute A class wanker. So she goes on this date with this guy Brent. And Becker shows up in the middle of the date? Where his banshee went... I'm not sure. But yeah... he crashes her date and then leaves? To go home to his banshee as we later find out.
But he basically tells Eleanor that she's needed at work at 8am. And Eleanor is all like "You know what! I'm not going to be a bone you two fight over!" So Becker leaves and Brent comes back and she just basically leaves him in the middle of dessert. Honestly, this Brent guy is nothing but nice to our girl Eleanor. It really boggles my mind why she's so incredibly rude to him.
So the next day, she gets to work and Becker is walking his banshee to the door. (Did she mind that he disappeared for a couple hours in the night to go check on the girl he really likes? I guess not?) and the banshee is all rude calling her a skivvy and then Becker's dog a mutt and then Eleanor is like "You are a mutt!" Because she's super jealous of this girl who Becker was banging all night long.
Like she doesn't see that red flag? He's intentionally sleeping with another woman to piss you off? And you're going to get upset with the woman? Honey your problem is Becker!
Anyway, we move on to Eleanor going out to club with her friend Lucy and Eleanor decides to leave because Becker is there with his banshee and Lucy stops paying attention to her for another guy. And as Eleanor is leaving Becker intercepts her and tells her not to go home with Brent? Who just randomly pops up at that moment?
I just know that if a guy was smooching with another girl, and I liked him but he was being super overbearing. I would 100% act like I was hooking up with the guy he was telling me not to hook up with.
But Eleanor is a better woman than me and she's like "Ok fine! I won't hook up with Brent!" And she's like I'm not getting involved in whatever beef you both have! And I'm like good for you girl, go home and get a good nights rest. Mind you, this is where I started skim reading. But after that decision she's like "Actually! I'm going to go back to the club!" So she starts making her way back up to the club?
But then Becker intercepts her. He knew she was on her way back up? And it literally drives him so crazy that he breaks her phone. Grabs it, throws it on the ground and like hops up and down on it. Completely destroyed. Abusive flag number 18.
And then Brent, good old Brent. I'm rooting for you Brent! Pulls up and is like "Let me take you home." And Eleanor jumps in his car and he takes her home and then tries to invite himself up to her flat and she's like "nope! See you never!" And then he leaves and then Becker is just waiting outside her apt like an A class stalker. And he shoves his way into her apt and they have hot rabid sex. Like screaming yelling. Becker says "Abra-fucking-cadabra" which is super fucking weird. And yeah...
Well the next day Eleanor goes into work and Mrs. Potts and Mr. H (Her employers) know that she and Becker have banged. And they are just full of "oh dears" "oh dears" and some more "oh dears" it was incredibly annoying.
Becker winds up buying Eleanor a new phone because he broke her old one and then he asks her who David is. That's her old ex who constantly texted her. And then deleted Brent from her phone which again, super controlling abusive behavior but we know in these romances, it's labeled as love.
At some point, Eleanor's flat is broken into so she moves in with Becker. Only to go back to her flat and get "attacked" but she finds out it was Becker and she screams and yells and tells him to never talk to her again. And the books ends on a lovely cliffhanger.
Honestly, not my cup of tea. Becker is so childish and Eleanor is just constantly falling for his stupid antics. It's so annoying. But those are Malpa's characters so I really shouldn't be surprised.
The sex was so bad. There was lots of yelling and shouting and... I just. No.
April 30, 2020
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR)
Eleanor Cole is a beautiful, smart, ambitious 28 yr. old woman who is starting a new life in London. She's fresh off a break up, and leaves her small town behind for a fresh start. With a love of history and antiques, she's looking for a job to utilize her knowledge. She's thrilled when she's offered her dream job for the prestigious Hunt Corporation. Working for the renowned antique dealers could open so many doors for her. This place is like her own personal heaven. She's surrounded by priceless, exquisite art and antiques.
She's finally chasing her dreams, and this job means everything to her. It's a rare opportunity, and she feels like she truly belongs. Then she meets the tempting, sinfully sexy, enticing man she'll be working closely with. He commands attention the moment he enters a room. He's that stunning and irresistible, but she soon learns he's also self absorbed, arrogant, annoying, and difficult. He has a reputation as a notorious playboy, but when he's near it does things to her she's never felt before. The rush of desire is so intense she can hardly handle it, but she must keep things professional. As she tries to fight their explosive chemistry he decides to play dirty. He knows the attraction is mutual, and decides he wants her, even if she's forbidden and off limits. As he continues to wind her up he infuriates her. She tries to pretend she's immune to his charms, but he's distracting, and she's never met anyone like him. As their connection grows she discovers a more tender, playful, vulnerable side to him that draws her in further. As she fully immerses herself in his world will she be able to stop herself from falling for him?
Artful Lies (Hunt Legacy Duology, #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas is a sexy, captivating fantastic story full of angst, mystery, intrigue, and wonderful banter. I loved this brooding, delicious alpha male and can't wait for the next book!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3bXhSWg
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR)
Eleanor Cole is a beautiful, smart, ambitious 28 yr. old woman who is starting a new life in London. She's fresh off a break up, and leaves her small town behind for a fresh start. With a love of history and antiques, she's looking for a job to utilize her knowledge. She's thrilled when she's offered her dream job for the prestigious Hunt Corporation. Working for the renowned antique dealers could open so many doors for her. This place is like her own personal heaven. She's surrounded by priceless, exquisite art and antiques.
She's finally chasing her dreams, and this job means everything to her. It's a rare opportunity, and she feels like she truly belongs. Then she meets the tempting, sinfully sexy, enticing man she'll be working closely with. He commands attention the moment he enters a room. He's that stunning and irresistible, but she soon learns he's also self absorbed, arrogant, annoying, and difficult. He has a reputation as a notorious playboy, but when he's near it does things to her she's never felt before. The rush of desire is so intense she can hardly handle it, but she must keep things professional. As she tries to fight their explosive chemistry he decides to play dirty. He knows the attraction is mutual, and decides he wants her, even if she's forbidden and off limits. As he continues to wind her up he infuriates her. She tries to pretend she's immune to his charms, but he's distracting, and she's never met anyone like him. As their connection grows she discovers a more tender, playful, vulnerable side to him that draws her in further. As she fully immerses herself in his world will she be able to stop herself from falling for him?
Artful Lies (Hunt Legacy Duology, #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas is a sexy, captivating fantastic story full of angst, mystery, intrigue, and wonderful banter. I loved this brooding, delicious alpha male and can't wait for the next book!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3bXhSWg
August 11, 2020
This was an amazing story that I really enjoyed and lost sleep for. This was my first read of Jodi Ellen Malpas and was not disappointed. This was a suggestion from GR friend Bruingal and kuddos for this suggestion. Now this book starts with Eleanor Cole deciding to more to the big city of London without a job, she is in love with antiques & the Art world and hope to find something in the field of what she loves. Now on her way to her first interview as a personal assistant to an Art Curator which was the perfect job for Eleanor because she is in love with all things in the art & antiques world. Eleanor is saved by a strange man that prevented her from falling on her face. As she was admiring his beauty & awesome smell he steals her cab. Needless to say she was late to that interview and was dismissed from the building. Not knowing what she was going to do now, especially in a new city with no job she continues to search. That is when she runs into cab thief again, he's arrogant, beautiful, irresistible, manwhore and now she finds out she must work with him because he is her new boss.
Becker Hunt always gets what he wants and now he wants Eleanor Cole. Becker family is famous and notorious in the antiques & art world. Eleanor gets the job of her dreams with The Hunt Corporation and now must work closely with Becker Hunt her new boss. There is one problem Becker & Eleanor has a connection out of this world just with one touch, which they are trying to resist in order to work in a professional manner. But once Becker sets his manwhore ways on someone he is hard to resist, even though he is now Eleanor's boss. Becker love for all things Art will always be his first love and he will stop at nothing to get to what he wants, even if that means destroying Eleanor in the process. Great read a page-turner and is definitely worth losing all the sleep you will not get.
Becker Hunt always gets what he wants and now he wants Eleanor Cole. Becker family is famous and notorious in the antiques & art world. Eleanor gets the job of her dreams with The Hunt Corporation and now must work closely with Becker Hunt her new boss. There is one problem Becker & Eleanor has a connection out of this world just with one touch, which they are trying to resist in order to work in a professional manner. But once Becker sets his manwhore ways on someone he is hard to resist, even though he is now Eleanor's boss. Becker love for all things Art will always be his first love and he will stop at nothing to get to what he wants, even if that means destroying Eleanor in the process. Great read a page-turner and is definitely worth losing all the sleep you will not get.
May 22, 2020
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https://www.instagram.com/p/B_vp7PYgEaN/
4.25 'My Haven' Stars
Ohhh, wowwww!!! Artful Lies is absolutely RIVETING!!! Jodi Ellen Malpas' first part of the Hunt Legacy Duology seduces and enthralls us into a mystique filled universe where Becker Hunt is king, and oh boy, what a ruler... Richly weaved, opulently set, emotionally raw and insanely sexy, with a jaw dropping twist and the perfect hint of mystery, Artful Lies enraptures us so intense and completely in its addictive Haven, that we'll never, EVER want to get out!
Ms. Malpas promised us a Alpha to rival Jesse Ward, and I have to say, Becker Hunt is without a doubt one Alpha – with a capital A – that very much like the first, we won’t forget. This man is so potently written that he’s in a league of his own. The OTT Alpha at its finest, and in the most drool inducing of packages… He’s as aggravating – yes, many time I wanted to strangle him even more than Eleanor did, lol – as he is enticing, and his mysteriousness and maverick ways coupled with his unapologetic sex appeal, well, very much like he’s described, and pointed out by Eleanor herself, he’s just a combo impossible to resist. And oh boy, resist she try!
He must be a wizard, or something equally magical, because I feel like I’m under a spell.
For the love of all things gorgeous, he belongs in an art gallery.
Unconventional, daring, cocky but smart. Unapologetic for who he is. Passionate about his passion. A total maverick, just like his gramps said. Truly spirited. And he’s unearthed a spirit in me, too.
Eleanor has just moved to London to escape her past, as well as put her delayed professional dreams to fruition. From the very first moment though, Fate has seemed to have even bigger, and more ‘troublesome’, lol, plans for her, that start almost immediately in her new adventure when a God like stranger, with the most wicked of smirks and angel eyes, runs into her – and keeps on crashing into her, in more ways than one.
So imagine her reaction when after a rocky start in her search of employment, thanks to the mystery man, no less, she not only has a once in a lifetime chance to have the most coveted job in the field, and without a clue when applying. What she never expect was that along with the dream job, came a aggravating and wicked boss, none other than her mystery ‘cab thief’, aka Becker Hunt.
One minute, it feels like he’s mentally undressing me, the next he’s looking at me like he wants to strangle me.
I’m having you, Eleanor. Every fucking bit of you. I’m not forcing my way in. You’ll let me in, because you want me just as badly.’
‘Every time I see you lost in what you love, my fucking dead heart kicks a little.’
The chemistry… OMG, THE CHEMISTRY!!!! From that very first encounter, we could practically feel the sparks in the air, industrial sized sparks, but sparks, nonetheless. Eleanor and Becker’s magnetism is so powerfully described, I dare you not to feel their insane connection which only increases with every encounter, never once faltering, much to both their dismay. So powerful and unwanted in fact that is no wonder that it turn it gave us the most captivating and delicious of banters, these two could not be in the same room without wanting to strangle each other or rip one another’s couples, and I was so here for it!!! Of course this push and pull, the wicked games and taunting moments, translated into the most scorching of foreplays, and cold shower required sexy scenes. Yep they were just THAT explosive together!
‘I took you because I have an annoying fucking urge to let you in.’
I want him. All of him – his secrets, his passion, his words.
He could ruin me. But he could also fix me. To a certain extent, he’s already repaired my broken spirit.
The fact that they could be so raw when it came to their cravings, just made me enjoy even more when their showed their conflicting emotions, specially their struggle with the feelings the other invoked in them, and though there were a couple of times I wanted to nut punch Becker right there at the beginning, and wished that Eleanor had done just that, lol – still hoping FERVENTLY that as I suspect, nothing is as it seems when it comes to a certain Tiger Bird, and the shows that Becker set for Eleanor’s benefit, because it was honestly the only moment I was a bit put off, so fingers crossed! – when they FINALLY gave in, and they started slowly unveiling their vulnerability, and just how tortured Becker’s heart was, it brought a whole new dimension to their emotional connection. The feelings through the whole book are so beautifully exposed, it was impossible not to live them right there with the couple.
Eleanor, whose POV we get all throughout this book, is such an amazing leading lady, strong, and sassy but still completely relatable in her fragility and doubts. Her internal struggles and doubts are so vivid, I think that is why at the start I wanted to strangle Becker so much, yes, her thought’s are so realistically exposed I was right there with her in her fury and hurt, lol. Another incredible aspect we get from seeing the story thought her eyes, is Jodi Ellen Malpas’ masterful world building, and stage setting, because by giving Eleanor her art and history background, when we see the world and specially The Haven and Becker’s treasure, I felt I was right there with her in her awe and curiosity. JEM’s exquisite attention to detail and richly built descriptions really transport us to a new universe, in this case, all things Hunt.
What a ride this was, I’ve laughed, I’ve raged, I swooned, and I cried! The way that Becker made Eleanor feel throughout the book, I’ve felt all her emotions, and the way she burned for him but still felt for his tormented heart, I was right there with her. Ms. Malpas really transposed his anguish to a T. And by the end of this part, I was feeling her devastation like it was my own, and that is the number irrefutable proof of the amazingness of Artful Lies.
‘Don’t fall in love with me, princess,’ he whispers. ‘Because I’d hate myself forever if I hurt you.’
Safe from heartbreak. Because his heart is locked away with his other treasures. This is his haven, but it’s also his fortress.
Oh my… Jodi Ellen Malpas gave the PERFECT description herself for Artful Lies, indeed This Man meets Thomas Crown Affair is a SPOT ON reference when it comes to this book/duology. The intrigue and the mystery that the author masterfully intertwined with Eleanor and Becker’s EPIC love story, only made the already complex and captivating characters that much passionate, and the incredible storyline richer and alluring. From the very first paragraph, it’s impossible not to get ourselves emerged into this world, and never want to leave, so when we get to the ending of this first part of the duology, we’re about ready to offer Ms. Malpas our first born for the pleasure of unveiling what happens next to these two. I know I am, because JEM sure knows how to leave us in the very edge of our seats, where we don’t know if we should scream and beg for November to come sooner, or just worship her for the unforgettable characters that we have no doubt will branded forever in our minds. And their legendary tale is not even over yet! That about says it. Oh yes, Wicked Truths can’t come fast enough!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
‘You’re the fucking queen of the playing board, Eleanor. Superior to all. Got it?’
‘Every time I see you lost in what you love, my fucking dead heart kicks a little.’
Becker Hunt stole my heart. Ripped it from my chest. How is it possible that my heaven has transformed into the worst kind of hell?
ARC kindly provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review
For full review with Blog Tour, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_vp7PYgEaN/
4.25 'My Haven' Stars
Ohhh, wowwww!!! Artful Lies is absolutely RIVETING!!! Jodi Ellen Malpas' first part of the Hunt Legacy Duology seduces and enthralls us into a mystique filled universe where Becker Hunt is king, and oh boy, what a ruler... Richly weaved, opulently set, emotionally raw and insanely sexy, with a jaw dropping twist and the perfect hint of mystery, Artful Lies enraptures us so intense and completely in its addictive Haven, that we'll never, EVER want to get out!
Ms. Malpas promised us a Alpha to rival Jesse Ward, and I have to say, Becker Hunt is without a doubt one Alpha – with a capital A – that very much like the first, we won’t forget. This man is so potently written that he’s in a league of his own. The OTT Alpha at its finest, and in the most drool inducing of packages… He’s as aggravating – yes, many time I wanted to strangle him even more than Eleanor did, lol – as he is enticing, and his mysteriousness and maverick ways coupled with his unapologetic sex appeal, well, very much like he’s described, and pointed out by Eleanor herself, he’s just a combo impossible to resist. And oh boy, resist she try!
He must be a wizard, or something equally magical, because I feel like I’m under a spell.
For the love of all things gorgeous, he belongs in an art gallery.
Unconventional, daring, cocky but smart. Unapologetic for who he is. Passionate about his passion. A total maverick, just like his gramps said. Truly spirited. And he’s unearthed a spirit in me, too.
Eleanor has just moved to London to escape her past, as well as put her delayed professional dreams to fruition. From the very first moment though, Fate has seemed to have even bigger, and more ‘troublesome’, lol, plans for her, that start almost immediately in her new adventure when a God like stranger, with the most wicked of smirks and angel eyes, runs into her – and keeps on crashing into her, in more ways than one.
So imagine her reaction when after a rocky start in her search of employment, thanks to the mystery man, no less, she not only has a once in a lifetime chance to have the most coveted job in the field, and without a clue when applying. What she never expect was that along with the dream job, came a aggravating and wicked boss, none other than her mystery ‘cab thief’, aka Becker Hunt.
One minute, it feels like he’s mentally undressing me, the next he’s looking at me like he wants to strangle me.
I’m having you, Eleanor. Every fucking bit of you. I’m not forcing my way in. You’ll let me in, because you want me just as badly.’
‘Every time I see you lost in what you love, my fucking dead heart kicks a little.’
The chemistry… OMG, THE CHEMISTRY!!!! From that very first encounter, we could practically feel the sparks in the air, industrial sized sparks, but sparks, nonetheless. Eleanor and Becker’s magnetism is so powerfully described, I dare you not to feel their insane connection which only increases with every encounter, never once faltering, much to both their dismay. So powerful and unwanted in fact that is no wonder that it turn it gave us the most captivating and delicious of banters, these two could not be in the same room without wanting to strangle each other or rip one another’s couples, and I was so here for it!!! Of course this push and pull, the wicked games and taunting moments, translated into the most scorching of foreplays, and cold shower required sexy scenes. Yep they were just THAT explosive together!
‘I took you because I have an annoying fucking urge to let you in.’
I want him. All of him – his secrets, his passion, his words.
He could ruin me. But he could also fix me. To a certain extent, he’s already repaired my broken spirit.
The fact that they could be so raw when it came to their cravings, just made me enjoy even more when their showed their conflicting emotions, specially their struggle with the feelings the other invoked in them, and though there were a couple of times I wanted to nut punch Becker right there at the beginning, and wished that Eleanor had done just that, lol – still hoping FERVENTLY that as I suspect, nothing is as it seems when it comes to a certain Tiger Bird, and the shows that Becker set for Eleanor’s benefit, because it was honestly the only moment I was a bit put off, so fingers crossed! – when they FINALLY gave in, and they started slowly unveiling their vulnerability, and just how tortured Becker’s heart was, it brought a whole new dimension to their emotional connection. The feelings through the whole book are so beautifully exposed, it was impossible not to live them right there with the couple.
Eleanor, whose POV we get all throughout this book, is such an amazing leading lady, strong, and sassy but still completely relatable in her fragility and doubts. Her internal struggles and doubts are so vivid, I think that is why at the start I wanted to strangle Becker so much, yes, her thought’s are so realistically exposed I was right there with her in her fury and hurt, lol. Another incredible aspect we get from seeing the story thought her eyes, is Jodi Ellen Malpas’ masterful world building, and stage setting, because by giving Eleanor her art and history background, when we see the world and specially The Haven and Becker’s treasure, I felt I was right there with her in her awe and curiosity. JEM’s exquisite attention to detail and richly built descriptions really transport us to a new universe, in this case, all things Hunt.
What a ride this was, I’ve laughed, I’ve raged, I swooned, and I cried! The way that Becker made Eleanor feel throughout the book, I’ve felt all her emotions, and the way she burned for him but still felt for his tormented heart, I was right there with her. Ms. Malpas really transposed his anguish to a T. And by the end of this part, I was feeling her devastation like it was my own, and that is the number irrefutable proof of the amazingness of Artful Lies.
‘Don’t fall in love with me, princess,’ he whispers. ‘Because I’d hate myself forever if I hurt you.’
Safe from heartbreak. Because his heart is locked away with his other treasures. This is his haven, but it’s also his fortress.
Oh my… Jodi Ellen Malpas gave the PERFECT description herself for Artful Lies, indeed This Man meets Thomas Crown Affair is a SPOT ON reference when it comes to this book/duology. The intrigue and the mystery that the author masterfully intertwined with Eleanor and Becker’s EPIC love story, only made the already complex and captivating characters that much passionate, and the incredible storyline richer and alluring. From the very first paragraph, it’s impossible not to get ourselves emerged into this world, and never want to leave, so when we get to the ending of this first part of the duology, we’re about ready to offer Ms. Malpas our first born for the pleasure of unveiling what happens next to these two. I know I am, because JEM sure knows how to leave us in the very edge of our seats, where we don’t know if we should scream and beg for November to come sooner, or just worship her for the unforgettable characters that we have no doubt will branded forever in our minds. And their legendary tale is not even over yet! That about says it. Oh yes, Wicked Truths can’t come fast enough!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
‘You’re the fucking queen of the playing board, Eleanor. Superior to all. Got it?’
‘Every time I see you lost in what you love, my fucking dead heart kicks a little.’
Becker Hunt stole my heart. Ripped it from my chest. How is it possible that my heaven has transformed into the worst kind of hell?
ARC kindly provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review
For full review with Blog Tour, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
May 2, 2020
This book is unlike any JEM book i've ever read yet it feels so familiar. We have the ever present broody temperamental alpha male and a spirited heroine but unlike other books this one is chalk full of unexpected twist and turns.
Just like with every hero in a JEM book, Becker is overwhelming when you meet him the first time...maybe even the second and the third time to be honest hahaha but he grows on you. As you read more, he shows you his softer side..and when he does *sigh* he doesn't just cloud your judgement with lust, he makes you fall for him.
To be honest, I'm confused regarding my feelings for Becker. He’s a free spirit. He’s strong-minded and wilful. His intelligence and passion can be overwhelming.
He’s courageous and his assertive nature is almost cruel and brings an electric essence. And He is without a doubt charming....when he wants to be.
He is not your normal alpha male... That's for sure.
I like Eleanor. She is talented and I love that she somehow winds Becker up and keeps him on his toes.. Eleanor is just as passionate but she doesn't have that intensity that makes people uncomfortable.
Becker and Eleanor are passionate beings....Not just that they have without a doubt an intense chemistry but also because they are utterly passionate about their work.
Fyi...chapter 22 was so thrilling!
And that cliffhanger.....So many questions unanswered!
Just like with every hero in a JEM book, Becker is overwhelming when you meet him the first time...maybe even the second and the third time to be honest hahaha but he grows on you. As you read more, he shows you his softer side..and when he does *sigh* he doesn't just cloud your judgement with lust, he makes you fall for him.
To be honest, I'm confused regarding my feelings for Becker. He’s a free spirit. He’s strong-minded and wilful. His intelligence and passion can be overwhelming.
He’s courageous and his assertive nature is almost cruel and brings an electric essence. And He is without a doubt charming....when he wants to be.
He is not your normal alpha male... That's for sure.
I like Eleanor. She is talented and I love that she somehow winds Becker up and keeps him on his toes.. Eleanor is just as passionate but she doesn't have that intensity that makes people uncomfortable.
Becker and Eleanor are passionate beings....Not just that they have without a doubt an intense chemistry but also because they are utterly passionate about their work.
Fyi...chapter 22 was so thrilling!
And that cliffhanger.....So many questions unanswered!
May 5, 2020
EPIC! PURE PERFECTION!
“Becker Hunt has met his match” and so have I! Holy hell this was everything. I absolutely love Jodi Ellen Malpas’ male leads, but this guy!! He trumps them all. Yes, even Jesse.
Here's what I loved:
The push and pull between Eleanor and Becker was absolute torture and simultaneously pure bliss. The angst in this one is next level and I loved it immensely. The chemistry was off the charts hot and I couldn’t wait for them to devour each other whole. Gah!! It was unreal.
Becker was pure deliciousness. Tortured, enigmatic, and Alpha to the max. Characters like this are my catnip. I swear I could read this forever. He was described as a maverick and a Casanova, but there’s so much more to him! I’m addicted and refuse to seek treatment. I want more of him asap!
I genuinely loved Eleanors backstory and felt for her throughout the story. The struggle between her heart and mind is real. Try as she might, she’s much like me and found Becker to be like catnip as well. I don’t blame her. He’s yum!
Overall, the story is fast paced, quick witted, excited and sexy as all get out. Fans of Jodi Ellen Malpas will devour this book and line up for seconds. I certainly did!
“Becker Hunt has met his match” and so have I! Holy hell this was everything. I absolutely love Jodi Ellen Malpas’ male leads, but this guy!! He trumps them all. Yes, even Jesse.
Here's what I loved:
The push and pull between Eleanor and Becker was absolute torture and simultaneously pure bliss. The angst in this one is next level and I loved it immensely. The chemistry was off the charts hot and I couldn’t wait for them to devour each other whole. Gah!! It was unreal.
Becker was pure deliciousness. Tortured, enigmatic, and Alpha to the max. Characters like this are my catnip. I swear I could read this forever. He was described as a maverick and a Casanova, but there’s so much more to him! I’m addicted and refuse to seek treatment. I want more of him asap!
I genuinely loved Eleanors backstory and felt for her throughout the story. The struggle between her heart and mind is real. Try as she might, she’s much like me and found Becker to be like catnip as well. I don’t blame her. He’s yum!
Overall, the story is fast paced, quick witted, excited and sexy as all get out. Fans of Jodi Ellen Malpas will devour this book and line up for seconds. I certainly did!
March 8, 2021
I pushed through to the end because I’d spent so long reading it, I was determined to finish it but this wasn’t great. Eleanor had a hard time behaving like an adult every time she was in the room with Becker because she fancied him. The first few times were cute, but it quickly wore on me as she warred with herself, determined to behave one way and promptly did the opposite over and over again. The fact that she worked for him and he essentially harassed her at work made me a bit itchy and his arrogance and cockiness didn’t endear him to me. There was something about antiques and fine art, but it didn’t feel very real. Idk, this wasn’t for me.
Ends on a cliffhanger, but I was so relieved to have finally finished, I have zero desire to read any more of this mad pair and I don’t care whether they end up together or not.
Ends on a cliffhanger, but I was so relieved to have finally finished, I have zero desire to read any more of this mad pair and I don’t care whether they end up together or not.
April 28, 2020
“Don’t fall in love with me, princess,” he whispers. “Because I’d hate myself forever if I hurt you.”
We can always rely on Jodi Ellen Malpas to deliver a spine-tingling, passion laden romance, and in Artful Lies, the book in the Hunt Legacy Duology, we can add intrigue and a heart-stopping book boyfriend to the list. Prepare yourselves for Becker Hunt, because this self-obsessed, conceited, possessive and draw droppingly good looking maverick with a penchant for green granny smith apples, is going to sweep you off your feet. He certainly had us swooning!
“…you can tell a lot from a man’s looks and how he carries them. Your boss carries his looks like a weapon.”
Jodi Ellen Malpas has brought us some gorgeous book boyfriends, and we have to say, after Jesse Ward, Becker Hunt is up there as our favourite! A tortured soul with a heart that beats for one woman, a man cloaked in mystery that had us guessing and surmising from the very beginning right to the end.
“Me and you have something pretty fucking phenomenal, princess.”
Eleanor Cole needs a new start. Feeling stifled in her village of Helston, Eleanor heads to the bright lights of London after the death of her father and betrayal from her best friend and boyfriend. After trying to keep her father’s antique business afloat following his passing, Eleanor needs more and London offers her the excitement and job prospects she craves.
Taking a job with The Hunt Corporation, whose head Becker Hunt is a man well-travelled, well-traversed and well respected in the antique world. A job with the Hunt Corporation and their Haven building will provide Eleanor the quench to her passion thirst for the antique world.
Initially drawn to, but miffed by the philandering, self-assured and ridiculously good looking sexy Becker Hunt, Eleanor soon begins to have feelings for Becker, he, in turn, slowly brings Eleanor into the inner sanctum of his business, and this is where the intrigue comes in. Just who is Becker and what are his motives?
‘How is it possible that my heaven has transformed into the worst kind of hell?’
As this is the first book in the duology, the story concentrated on getting us acquainted with the characters, getting to know them as best we could, because, can you really know Becker Hunt? We’re not too sure.
“I want you to surrender.”
“Not a chance.”
As the story is told from Eleanor’s pov, which we have to say only serves to heighten the mystery surrounding Becker, we learn little by little of Becker’s demons and obsessions. This man certainly has some skeletons in his closet.
‘His angel eyes have danger looming behind their beauty.’
We really enjoyed Artful Lies and cannot wait to sink our teeth into Wicked Truths, the final book in the duology when it releases later in the year. Jodi Ellen Malpas has given us yet another book boyfriend to obsess over and a story that kept us glued to every page!
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April 28, 2020
“Don’t fall in love with me, princess,” he whispers. “Because I’d hate myself forever if I hurt you.”
We can always rely on Jodi Ellen Malpas to deliver a spine-tingling, passion laden romance, and in Artful Lies, the book in the Hunt Legacy Duology, we can add intrigue and a heart-stopping book boyfriend to the list. Prepare yourselves for Becker Hunt, because this self-obsessed, conceited, possessive and draw droppingly good looking maverick with a penchant for green granny smith apples, is going to sweep you off your feet. He certainly had us swooning!
“…you can tell a lot from a man’s looks and how he carries them. Your boss carries his looks like a weapon.”
Jodi Ellen Malpas has brought us some gorgeous book boyfriends, and we have to say, after Jesse Ward, Becker Hunt is up there as our favourite! A tortured soul with a heart that beats for one woman, a man cloaked in mystery that had us guessing and surmising from the very beginning right to the end.
“Me and you have something pretty fucking phenomenal, princess.”
Eleanor Cole needs a new start. Feeling stifled in her village of Helston, Eleanor heads to the bright lights of London after the death of her father and betrayal from her best friend and boyfriend. After trying to keep her father’s antique business afloat following his passing, Eleanor needs more and London offers her the excitement and job prospects she craves.
Taking a job with The Hunt Corporation, whose head Becker Hunt is a man well-travelled, well-traversed and well respected in the antique world. A job with the Hunt Corporation and their Haven building will provide Eleanor the quench to her passion thirst for the antique world.
Initially drawn to, but miffed by the philandering, self-assured and ridiculously good looking sexy Becker Hunt, Eleanor soon begins to have feelings for Becker, he, in turn, slowly brings Eleanor into the inner sanctum of his business, and this is where the intrigue comes in. Just who is Becker and what are his motives?
‘How is it possible that my heaven has transformed into the worst kind of hell?’
As this is the first book in the duology, the story concentrated on getting us acquainted with the characters, getting to know them as best we could, because, can you really know Becker Hunt? We’re not too sure.
“I want you to surrender.”
“Not a chance.”
As the story is told from Eleanor’s pov, which we have to say only serves to heighten the mystery surrounding Becker, we learn little by little of Becker’s demons and obsessions. This man certainly has some skeletons in his closet.
‘His angel eyes have danger looming behind their beauty.’
We really enjoyed Artful Lies and cannot wait to sink our teeth into Wicked Truths, the final book in the duology when it releases later in the year. Jodi Ellen Malpas has given us yet another book boyfriend to obsess over and a story that kept us glued to every page!
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April 23, 2020
JEM is renowned for giving us Swoonworthy, alpha men who like total control and beautiful damsels who rebel against it. Her trademark Head vs Heart tussle sets stage for sexy hot scenes and funniest banter.
This book continues in the same vein. Eleanor Cole dreams about escaping her countryside home and her Dad's "Antique" shop to more high end Arts & Antiques job in London. She lands right in the midst of the bustling city on her two feet and goes about job interviewing.
Becker Hunt saves her from falling on the sidewalk and then proceeds to steal her senses!!
Cab thief.
Scarf thief.
Job thief.
The gorgeous, angel-eyed specimen.
He's her new boss and despite multiple caution warnings, she starts falling under his spell.
He's a leopard never to change his spots though.
"He’s suggestive, tempting, and has the power of seduction down to a fine art. And he manages to be a total prick during the process.
He’s a maverick. A rogue. A player. Seduces women for fun. Honestly, he has a problem. It’s unhealthy."
OH what's a girl got to do to keep her heart safe when the tall drink of water is beckoning her, when she's parched from breath holding and tongue tying by just LOOKING at him 🥰🥰
It's a Tete-A-Tete story going back and forth with power struggles between Eleanor and Becker. His grandpa and Mrs. Potts provide support and little background details. The most adorable Winston wins over Eleanor's heart, much to everyone's dismay.
The story is full of high roller lifestyle tricks, games rivals play, decades old family feuds, challenging psychological problems and violent behavior patterns and lots and lots of secrets tumbling out, once Eleanor opens the secret Pandora's Box.
It's fast, racy, slick story and will be a delight for die hard JEM fans
4 stars for The World On My Back
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This book continues in the same vein. Eleanor Cole dreams about escaping her countryside home and her Dad's "Antique" shop to more high end Arts & Antiques job in London. She lands right in the midst of the bustling city on her two feet and goes about job interviewing.
Becker Hunt saves her from falling on the sidewalk and then proceeds to steal her senses!!
Cab thief.
Scarf thief.
Job thief.
The gorgeous, angel-eyed specimen.
He's her new boss and despite multiple caution warnings, she starts falling under his spell.
He's a leopard never to change his spots though.
"He’s suggestive, tempting, and has the power of seduction down to a fine art. And he manages to be a total prick during the process.
He’s a maverick. A rogue. A player. Seduces women for fun. Honestly, he has a problem. It’s unhealthy."
OH what's a girl got to do to keep her heart safe when the tall drink of water is beckoning her, when she's parched from breath holding and tongue tying by just LOOKING at him 🥰🥰
It's a Tete-A-Tete story going back and forth with power struggles between Eleanor and Becker. His grandpa and Mrs. Potts provide support and little background details. The most adorable Winston wins over Eleanor's heart, much to everyone's dismay.
The story is full of high roller lifestyle tricks, games rivals play, decades old family feuds, challenging psychological problems and violent behavior patterns and lots and lots of secrets tumbling out, once Eleanor opens the secret Pandora's Box.
It's fast, racy, slick story and will be a delight for die hard JEM fans
4 stars for The World On My Back
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May 1, 2020
Reason: OW
May 3, 2020
(3.8 Stars)
nope-nope-nope
August 3, 2020I truly hope the manwhore trope dies in my lifetime, but I doubt it 🙄
November 26, 2020
3.5 ⭐'s
Every since Jesse, I've been a fan of JEMs and I enjoy her writing. That is still true in this case but I don't think any character she writes can come close to Jesse even though she tries with Becker. There are some issues though.
Becker comes from a legacy family of art dealing for the upper crust. His family is also a generation of Indian Jones-type thrill seekers and Becker is the best. The problem is he does whatever he needs to get his way and get his treasure.
Eleanor is finally off to London to make her mark on the world after taking care of her father's store for five years after his death. While she's out trying to get to interviews, she runs into Becker a few times and he's not very nice. In fact, he's a bit odd but Eleanor can hardly look at him without turning into a puddle of lust. It's almost comical.
However, we're soon whisked into the world of art and treasures. This is where the story takes on an Indian Jones type of feel and it turns out Becker is full of all kinds of secrets.
Unfortunately, because of Becker's history, he also has a bit of Christian in him. I really loved seeing Eleanor break that wall down.
Remember when I said Becker is a bit odd? Well, he does something else and I'm not really sure how to feel about it...it's also so weird and clandestine. I just wish that it wasn't smoothed over so easily.
I purposely waited until the second book was out and I'm so happy I did because you are going to want to dive right in! I'm just hoping that a certain someone gets his priorities straight!
Every since Jesse, I've been a fan of JEMs and I enjoy her writing. That is still true in this case but I don't think any character she writes can come close to Jesse even though she tries with Becker. There are some issues though.
Becker comes from a legacy family of art dealing for the upper crust. His family is also a generation of Indian Jones-type thrill seekers and Becker is the best. The problem is he does whatever he needs to get his way and get his treasure.
Eleanor is finally off to London to make her mark on the world after taking care of her father's store for five years after his death. While she's out trying to get to interviews, she runs into Becker a few times and he's not very nice. In fact, he's a bit odd but Eleanor can hardly look at him without turning into a puddle of lust. It's almost comical.
However, we're soon whisked into the world of art and treasures. This is where the story takes on an Indian Jones type of feel and it turns out Becker is full of all kinds of secrets.
Unfortunately, because of Becker's history, he also has a bit of Christian in him. I really loved seeing Eleanor break that wall down.
Remember when I said Becker is a bit odd? Well, he does something else and I'm not really sure how to feel about it...it's also so weird and clandestine. I just wish that it wasn't smoothed over so easily.
I purposely waited until the second book was out and I'm so happy I did because you are going to want to dive right in! I'm just hoping that a certain someone gets his priorities straight!
May 27, 2025
UPDATED: This book is on par with normal JEM books - it's WAY too long and has an annoying FMC. That said - this one has an interesting storyline that kept me invested. I originally DNFd the second book at 75%, but I went back and finished.....
Eleanor Cole (annoying twat) has arrived in London to pursue her dream life working in antiques. Her first interview is derailed by countless run-ins with a sexy stranger, and she ends up not getting the job. Not giving up hope, Eleanor continues to apply for jobs in the antique world when she gets a call to interview for a mystery company. Things are going great until she realizes that company is run by none other than the sexy bastard who ruined her day. YIKES!
Becker Hunt (sexy bastard) usually gets everything he wants, from women to priceless cars and rare Picassos. There were only two things he still wanted, until Eleanor walks in. Now she makes three. Of course, things are rarely as easy as they seem, and the two things Becker still wants come to light. Revenge against the family he blames for his parents' deaths, and a priceless lost statue, which he possess only part of the map which leads to it. These two idiots spend 424 pages with the sexual tension, a lot of jealousy, mysteries, and artful lies. This ends on a cliffy that was a BANGER.
So...I really liked the majority of this book, despite what my frustrating review indicates.
ELEANOR: Holy shit. She's why I DNF'd the second book originally - I did go back and finish it though. The biggest thing is that she always "thinks" things, but never does them. She'll say, "I know I should tell him to stop, but I can't seem to make myself say the words." or "I should push him away and run, but I'm frozen in place." One of the worst was that she thinks to herself "I know that Mrs. Potts told me never to ask him about his dead parents, since he's had trouble coping with it and now sees a shrink for, but I can't help myself and I ask him anyway." WHO DOES THAT?!?! And it's that way throughout both books. It doesn't matter if someone is stalking her, flirting with her, flirting with him, it's anything and everything. She saw him at a club with another woman and instead of saying someone she's "frozen in place". Like WTF heifer, go to the doctor because this shit isn't normal!!! PLUS, she's always revealing secrets and doing the wrong thing. Like oops I didn't mean to tell her the code to the bank account. She finds her voice just fine when it comes to spilling secrets.
SEX: This will be short. First time at 46% and second time at 81%. They make up for the lack of sex in the next book - I couldn't even keep track of percentages in that one. The sex is really good.
JEALOUSY: In the very beginning, when they first meet, they try to make each other jealous by using other people. He comes out of a room with his fuck buddy to make her jealous and it works. Then she agrees to go on a date with his nemesis, Brent Wilson. He continues to try and make her jealous SEVERAL times throughout the first half of the book. He only does dirty things that one first time, but after that it's just trying to verbally make her jealous.
STUPID: Brent Wilson is Becker's nemesis, and he pretty much starts stalking Eleanor from the very beginning. It continues to last all the way through the second book. At no point does she even contemplate getting a restraining order. It doesn't make any sense!!! Also, two things are repeated throughout both books. Becker is always saying, "shhhhhh". JFC it's annoying. Then she's always referring to him as having "angel eyes". Mkay we get it.
BECKER: I ended up really loving him. Once he decided to stop being a twat, he really stepped up the love game and I like that he's not afraid to show his love often.
USELESS: JEM spends an inordinate amount of time on useless crap. There's at least 30% of the books spent on Eleanor's BFF, Lucy, and her boyfriend Mark. WE DON'T CARE. Sure, there can be a BFF and we can share a little in her life, but damn we don't need that much time spent on them. Like full chapters and chapters were spent just on Mark and Lucy. WTF?! Then, there are other things like shopping or useless phone convos. JEMs books are always so long and honest to God this could have been 1 book.
MYSTERY: The mystery in the book was actually pretty good. It was fun.
AUDIO: I was pleasantly shocked by this. Kristin Atherton has a decent voice for El, which is good since it's entirely her POV. But it's her voice for Becker that really WOWs me. It's actually HOT. Sadly, her voice for Lucy and El's mother is atrocious.
CLIFFY: Damn, it was a doozy. I was actually kind of surprised by it.
So..... I was 75% in on the second book when I DNF'd and returned to the library. Why would I invest this much time just to quit when I was almost done?? Eleanor. It was all Eleanor. I haven't written the second review yet, but I'll do that later today. UPDATE: I went and finished. It's still Eleanor that gave this a low rating. She's awful. If you can tolerate her, then it's a fun story. For the most part.
"I stand here and look down on my grand hall, wondering how I could ever pick out the most beautiful thing in there. I've never been able to. Nothing has ever stood out as being particularly more incredible than anything else. Then one day, I looked down and saw you."
Eleanor Cole (annoying twat) has arrived in London to pursue her dream life working in antiques. Her first interview is derailed by countless run-ins with a sexy stranger, and she ends up not getting the job. Not giving up hope, Eleanor continues to apply for jobs in the antique world when she gets a call to interview for a mystery company. Things are going great until she realizes that company is run by none other than the sexy bastard who ruined her day. YIKES!
Becker Hunt (sexy bastard) usually gets everything he wants, from women to priceless cars and rare Picassos. There were only two things he still wanted, until Eleanor walks in. Now she makes three. Of course, things are rarely as easy as they seem, and the two things Becker still wants come to light. Revenge against the family he blames for his parents' deaths, and a priceless lost statue, which he possess only part of the map which leads to it. These two idiots spend 424 pages with the sexual tension, a lot of jealousy, mysteries, and artful lies. This ends on a cliffy that was a BANGER.
Becker hunt stole my hearts. Ripped it from my chest. Stolen. His angel eyes have danger looming behind their beauty. Grief. My saint really is a sinner.
So...I really liked the majority of this book, despite what my frustrating review indicates.
ELEANOR: Holy shit. She's why I DNF'd the second book originally - I did go back and finish it though. The biggest thing is that she always "thinks" things, but never does them. She'll say, "I know I should tell him to stop, but I can't seem to make myself say the words." or "I should push him away and run, but I'm frozen in place." One of the worst was that she thinks to herself "I know that Mrs. Potts told me never to ask him about his dead parents, since he's had trouble coping with it and now sees a shrink for, but I can't help myself and I ask him anyway." WHO DOES THAT?!?! And it's that way throughout both books. It doesn't matter if someone is stalking her, flirting with her, flirting with him, it's anything and everything. She saw him at a club with another woman and instead of saying someone she's "frozen in place". Like WTF heifer, go to the doctor because this shit isn't normal!!! PLUS, she's always revealing secrets and doing the wrong thing. Like oops I didn't mean to tell her the code to the bank account. She finds her voice just fine when it comes to spilling secrets.
SEX: This will be short. First time at 46% and second time at 81%. They make up for the lack of sex in the next book - I couldn't even keep track of percentages in that one. The sex is really good.
JEALOUSY: In the very beginning, when they first meet, they try to make each other jealous by using other people. He comes out of a room with his fuck buddy to make her jealous and it works. Then she agrees to go on a date with his nemesis, Brent Wilson. He continues to try and make her jealous SEVERAL times throughout the first half of the book. He only does dirty things that one first time, but after that it's just trying to verbally make her jealous.
STUPID: Brent Wilson is Becker's nemesis, and he pretty much starts stalking Eleanor from the very beginning. It continues to last all the way through the second book. At no point does she even contemplate getting a restraining order. It doesn't make any sense!!! Also, two things are repeated throughout both books. Becker is always saying, "shhhhhh". JFC it's annoying. Then she's always referring to him as having "angel eyes". Mkay we get it.
BECKER: I ended up really loving him. Once he decided to stop being a twat, he really stepped up the love game and I like that he's not afraid to show his love often.
USELESS: JEM spends an inordinate amount of time on useless crap. There's at least 30% of the books spent on Eleanor's BFF, Lucy, and her boyfriend Mark. WE DON'T CARE. Sure, there can be a BFF and we can share a little in her life, but damn we don't need that much time spent on them. Like full chapters and chapters were spent just on Mark and Lucy. WTF?! Then, there are other things like shopping or useless phone convos. JEMs books are always so long and honest to God this could have been 1 book.
MYSTERY: The mystery in the book was actually pretty good. It was fun.
AUDIO: I was pleasantly shocked by this. Kristin Atherton has a decent voice for El, which is good since it's entirely her POV. But it's her voice for Becker that really WOWs me. It's actually HOT. Sadly, her voice for Lucy and El's mother is atrocious.
CLIFFY: Damn, it was a doozy. I was actually kind of surprised by it.
So..... I was 75% in on the second book when I DNF'd and returned to the library. Why would I invest this much time just to quit when I was almost done?? Eleanor. It was all Eleanor. I haven't written the second review yet, but I'll do that later today. UPDATE: I went and finished. It's still Eleanor that gave this a low rating. She's awful. If you can tolerate her, then it's a fun story. For the most part.
September 15, 2024
What the actual...? This book is so freaking amazing! I might even say it is my favorite book from Jodi since One Night series! Holy smokes, the storyline was so captivating, the characters were smart and witty and their chemistry explosive. There's also some very serious build up towards the climax of the story! I couldn't stop reading and now I wish it was already November so that I could read the second book.
When it comes to Becker, it honestly felt as if Jodi took all the best personality traits from Jesse and Miller and some of her other alphas and created Becker Hunt. No-bullshit attitude, I'm-better-than-you kind of vibe - yep, that's Becker! There were times when I wanted to slap him but overall he is just super lovable. And Eleanor was the best thing that could have happened to him - fierce, stands her ground and is up for any challenger woman who turned his world upside down. Okay and the chemistry....the chemistry you guys....
I adore this book so much! There wasn't one boring page, not a single one. The pace of the book is quite fast and so much happens plot-wise but Jodi did an amazing job because sometimes, when there's just too many things going on it can get all tangled and overcomplicated but not in Artful Lies. Now just to wait for the second book!
Five huge gigantic stars!
When it comes to Becker, it honestly felt as if Jodi took all the best personality traits from Jesse and Miller and some of her other alphas and created Becker Hunt. No-bullshit attitude, I'm-better-than-you kind of vibe - yep, that's Becker! There were times when I wanted to slap him but overall he is just super lovable. And Eleanor was the best thing that could have happened to him - fierce, stands her ground and is up for any challenger woman who turned his world upside down. Okay and the chemistry....the chemistry you guys....
I adore this book so much! There wasn't one boring page, not a single one. The pace of the book is quite fast and so much happens plot-wise but Jodi did an amazing job because sometimes, when there's just too many things going on it can get all tangled and overcomplicated but not in Artful Lies. Now just to wait for the second book!
Five huge gigantic stars!
April 30, 2020
Eleanor knew she needed to make a change in her life and she gambled on London even though she wasn't too fond of it she knew it was necessary to be able to survive. Antiques was something she was familiar with and that is what she was banking on when she went to London. But life had other plans for her and it was not anything that she planned.
To me Becker was mysterious and so dang self absorbed but I knew that he would be good and bad for her. The chemistry and pull they had towards each other was down right hot. Yet hard as they try they can't avoid but whose heart would survive it? I won't ssay much more becasue I want you to get sucked in like I did.....but let me just say that that cliffhanger had me gasping and not beleiving what I was reading. Now I'm needing to know What.Happens.Next!!! Be prepared for this roller coaster ride that will leave you yelling "Again". Kara ~5 Stars
To me Becker was mysterious and so dang self absorbed but I knew that he would be good and bad for her. The chemistry and pull they had towards each other was down right hot. Yet hard as they try they can't avoid but whose heart would survive it? I won't ssay much more becasue I want you to get sucked in like I did.....but let me just say that that cliffhanger had me gasping and not beleiving what I was reading. Now I'm needing to know What.Happens.Next!!! Be prepared for this roller coaster ride that will leave you yelling "Again". Kara ~5 Stars
May 19, 2022
Loved this book!! Becker has this mystery that surrounds him and it just drags you in. Eleanor has just the right fight to be a great match for him. These two are really amazing together.
I love the relationship Eleanor has with Mrs. Potts and Mr. H. But I have so many questions still. So glad the next book is out so that I can hopefully get some answers. :)
I love the relationship Eleanor has with Mrs. Potts and Mr. H. But I have so many questions still. So glad the next book is out so that I can hopefully get some answers. :)
May 4, 2020
BEWITCHED. BOTHERED. BEWILDERED.
"He talks dirty. He fucks dirty. He does business dirty. And I love it. I shouldn't, but I do."
And that about sums it up. Methinks Ms. Malpas might be a one-trick pony who cannot seem to stop writing variations of her favorite hero Jesse Ward in every book. I feel the fingerprints of Jesse and Ava from the This Man series all over this story. The Haven, instead of The Manor. Rather than a damaged sex god in a sex club, Becker is a modern Casanova and renowned antiques collector/expert with his own arthouse. Like Jesse, he's perturbed by his attraction to a young thing -- Eleanor -- who worms her way past all his prickly defenses and inability to feel emotions. Instead of the kinky world of sex, we’re in the rarefied bastions of antiques. And, worst of all, Eleanor is the spitting image of Ava and is fresh off a break-up just like Ava when she meets Becker: all sass in her head, hopelessly flummoxed by the mere presence of him, desperately in self-denial about it to herself and her bestie neighbor Lucy, and only occasionally able to find some gumption and stand up to Becker’s overpowering and controlling ways.
I’ll admit the premise of this book was beyond intriguing. It actually prompted me to plunk down 5 bucks, rather than test the waters first by reading a library copy. That was a mistake. Like The Manor, The Haven is atmospherically compelling but in an artsy, non-sexual way. It’s beguiling to new employee Ava who is a fish out of water – newly moved to London – and thinks she’s gotten her dream job with self-taught expertise in the antique biz, but no formal education. Becker (32) is a major grump who constantly shoots off sexy vibes like lasers at young Eleanor which keeps her off-guard. She’s never met anyone like him, but their chart-topping chemistry wasn’t palpable. Trouble is, she has to be off-limits to him for mysterious reasons, while his bad behavior is barely kept in check by an aging employee whom Eleanor replaces and his old-as-dirt grandpa who isn’t fooled by Becker’s wild libido, and insists he needs therapy for his unrevealed “issues”. Oookay. More shades of Jesse.
The real disappointment in this laggy romancer is how long it takes to lead anywhere. There isn’t a plotline for a majority of book. Just two adults acting like juveniles while in denial about their attraction and feelings. Playboy Becker flaunts his womanizing ways in Eleanor’s face, while also cock-blocking dates between her and his rich frenemy Brent. Another unspoken mystery. He drove me as crazy as he drove Eleanor. When this bickering, silly couple finally consummates at 50%, the world didn’t stop spinning, birds didn’t stop singing, and my underwhelmed jaw hit the floor. It was just blah sex: fast, clichéd, filled with trite sex talk, and there wasn’t a pulse-raising moment. Was that it? This is the playboy sex god?
If I was interested in Jesse and Ava 2.0, I’d simply reread the This Man series which happens to be my all-time fave and Jesse will never be replaced as the incomparable BBF. I despised The Gentleman Sinner (another This Man rip-off of Jesse), The Protector, and Forbidden as not being up to author’s talents. The One Night trilogy was fantastic, so I continue to give each one of her new books a deserving chance. Still, after this book, I’m bewildered and wondering if she isn’t more of a one-trick pony that can’t put her best series and hero behind her to carve out fresh ones that are equally appealing on their own, not borrowed, merits. I skimmed sex scenes that flatlined because these MCs are paper versions of a couple that actually had crazy chemistry. I never felt anything between Eleanor and Becker. The “princess” and her “beast” were mostly unimpressive replicas. “Shut up” is Becker’s favorite word and my least favorite word. And I wish it hadn’t taken so long to ratchet up some mystery danger involving Becker and his art world, even if things are not as they appear. The cliffy was easy to guess. After a bit more introspection, I liked it more than my original impression, but I wish that less of the book was devoted to creating a version of Jesse Ward and his idiosyncrasies and more on the plotline, decent romance/sex, and uniqueness of this couple, which only comes out at the end. I'll read the next book if only to find out what all the fuss was about.
"He talks dirty. He fucks dirty. He does business dirty. And I love it. I shouldn't, but I do."
And that about sums it up. Methinks Ms. Malpas might be a one-trick pony who cannot seem to stop writing variations of her favorite hero Jesse Ward in every book. I feel the fingerprints of Jesse and Ava from the This Man series all over this story. The Haven, instead of The Manor. Rather than a damaged sex god in a sex club, Becker is a modern Casanova and renowned antiques collector/expert with his own arthouse. Like Jesse, he's perturbed by his attraction to a young thing -- Eleanor -- who worms her way past all his prickly defenses and inability to feel emotions. Instead of the kinky world of sex, we’re in the rarefied bastions of antiques. And, worst of all, Eleanor is the spitting image of Ava and is fresh off a break-up just like Ava when she meets Becker: all sass in her head, hopelessly flummoxed by the mere presence of him, desperately in self-denial about it to herself and her bestie neighbor Lucy, and only occasionally able to find some gumption and stand up to Becker’s overpowering and controlling ways.
I’ll admit the premise of this book was beyond intriguing. It actually prompted me to plunk down 5 bucks, rather than test the waters first by reading a library copy. That was a mistake. Like The Manor, The Haven is atmospherically compelling but in an artsy, non-sexual way. It’s beguiling to new employee Ava who is a fish out of water – newly moved to London – and thinks she’s gotten her dream job with self-taught expertise in the antique biz, but no formal education. Becker (32) is a major grump who constantly shoots off sexy vibes like lasers at young Eleanor which keeps her off-guard. She’s never met anyone like him, but their chart-topping chemistry wasn’t palpable. Trouble is, she has to be off-limits to him for mysterious reasons, while his bad behavior is barely kept in check by an aging employee whom Eleanor replaces and his old-as-dirt grandpa who isn’t fooled by Becker’s wild libido, and insists he needs therapy for his unrevealed “issues”. Oookay. More shades of Jesse.
The real disappointment in this laggy romancer is how long it takes to lead anywhere. There isn’t a plotline for a majority of book. Just two adults acting like juveniles while in denial about their attraction and feelings. Playboy Becker flaunts his womanizing ways in Eleanor’s face, while also cock-blocking dates between her and his rich frenemy Brent. Another unspoken mystery. He drove me as crazy as he drove Eleanor. When this bickering, silly couple finally consummates at 50%, the world didn’t stop spinning, birds didn’t stop singing, and my underwhelmed jaw hit the floor. It was just blah sex: fast, clichéd, filled with trite sex talk, and there wasn’t a pulse-raising moment. Was that it? This is the playboy sex god?
If I was interested in Jesse and Ava 2.0, I’d simply reread the This Man series which happens to be my all-time fave and Jesse will never be replaced as the incomparable BBF. I despised The Gentleman Sinner (another This Man rip-off of Jesse), The Protector, and Forbidden as not being up to author’s talents. The One Night trilogy was fantastic, so I continue to give each one of her new books a deserving chance. Still, after this book, I’m bewildered and wondering if she isn’t more of a one-trick pony that can’t put her best series and hero behind her to carve out fresh ones that are equally appealing on their own, not borrowed, merits. I skimmed sex scenes that flatlined because these MCs are paper versions of a couple that actually had crazy chemistry. I never felt anything between Eleanor and Becker. The “princess” and her “beast” were mostly unimpressive replicas. “Shut up” is Becker’s favorite word and my least favorite word. And I wish it hadn’t taken so long to ratchet up some mystery danger involving Becker and his art world, even if things are not as they appear. The cliffy was easy to guess. After a bit more introspection, I liked it more than my original impression, but I wish that less of the book was devoted to creating a version of Jesse Ward and his idiosyncrasies and more on the plotline, decent romance/sex, and uniqueness of this couple, which only comes out at the end. I'll read the next book if only to find out what all the fuss was about.
June 24, 2020
Deer caught in headlights. The main character Eleanor Cole is a deer caught in headlights. That is how I would summarize her character along with being an easily surprised twenty-eight year old red head with a curvy bottom. She has a background in art and antiques and is currently blindsided by two things consisting of her father’s untimely death and Becker Hunt’s tremendous sex appeal. The author makes Becker’s sex appeal so strong Eleanor shrinks, sputters, and stumbles through regular encounters with him all the while proclaiming he is a twat. I got annoyed at hearing how handsome, confident, cocky, and insert any other masculine word an alpha male would want to be called. These frequent side descriptions of Becker’s hotness were unnecessary, as the reader clearly understands the man is sexy, the first one hundred times it is mentioned.
Very little happens in the beginning of the book and can be summarized as Eleanor leaving her ex, moving from her hometown, going job hunting, running into Becker, and working for Becker’s company. When the story finally picks up speed and builds the inevitable relationship. Things go from stupid to crazy as Eleanor takes on the disposition of an enchanted child who is lovestruck with any attention from Becker. Very little of her independent thoughts don’t include him and her job seems like a façade for the two to mingle. I was disappointed that Eleanor’s character was reduced to a jumpy teenager exhibiting an unyielding crush on her arrogant playboy of a boss. Her attraction is unreasonably strong to a man who only speaks to her when he wants to make sexual innuendos or play power games. Also, I did not understand why Mrs. Potts and Mr. H needed to be in this story so much? They seemed to serve no purpose other than to worry about Eleanor and remind her that Becker is no good for her. They were the walking equivalent of proceed with caution signs.
This book is heavily set up for the sequel and is filled with repetitive stay yet go behaviors and constant emotional turmoil. Neither of the main characters grew on me. I never got the feel for why they were good for each other. Way too much emphasis on Becker’s magical sex appeal rather than providing situations that reinforced the characters natural sex appeal. As an erotic novel this couple felt very forced and unnatural. Eleanor was hot and cold every other second and was constantly trying to prevent being seduced by Becker while succumbing to him anyway. I understand that Eleanor lacks a tremendous amount of gumption, which makes it believable that she must press herself to maintain a stone walled composure. But I did not enjoy the constant repetitive nature of Eleanor’s internal chatter. One would think there must be other things she needs to do or think about other than Becker in order to be a complete person living in the real world.
Do you like books where rich attractive broken people are worth being with no matter the cost? Because this book really fetishizes unnatural controlling and manipulative male behaviors while painting women as hapless willing victims. So much red flag behavior in this book is tolerated and confused as unbridled passion without any explanation or concern for personal safety. As a reader, I felt dumbstruck that these characters are so single mindedly abusive when it comes to each other. There is no balance to counteract the extreme behaviors in this book. No believable rationale behind the over the top emotions and behaviors to make you sympathize with the characters. So, if you want to read a book about two immature people obsessively playing games while denying their own attraction to each other this is your book. Regular childish and silly decisions from both main characters undermine the stories potential and makes the book seem like it was written with much younger main characters in mind.
Very little happens in the beginning of the book and can be summarized as Eleanor leaving her ex, moving from her hometown, going job hunting, running into Becker, and working for Becker’s company. When the story finally picks up speed and builds the inevitable relationship. Things go from stupid to crazy as Eleanor takes on the disposition of an enchanted child who is lovestruck with any attention from Becker. Very little of her independent thoughts don’t include him and her job seems like a façade for the two to mingle. I was disappointed that Eleanor’s character was reduced to a jumpy teenager exhibiting an unyielding crush on her arrogant playboy of a boss. Her attraction is unreasonably strong to a man who only speaks to her when he wants to make sexual innuendos or play power games. Also, I did not understand why Mrs. Potts and Mr. H needed to be in this story so much? They seemed to serve no purpose other than to worry about Eleanor and remind her that Becker is no good for her. They were the walking equivalent of proceed with caution signs.
This book is heavily set up for the sequel and is filled with repetitive stay yet go behaviors and constant emotional turmoil. Neither of the main characters grew on me. I never got the feel for why they were good for each other. Way too much emphasis on Becker’s magical sex appeal rather than providing situations that reinforced the characters natural sex appeal. As an erotic novel this couple felt very forced and unnatural. Eleanor was hot and cold every other second and was constantly trying to prevent being seduced by Becker while succumbing to him anyway. I understand that Eleanor lacks a tremendous amount of gumption, which makes it believable that she must press herself to maintain a stone walled composure. But I did not enjoy the constant repetitive nature of Eleanor’s internal chatter. One would think there must be other things she needs to do or think about other than Becker in order to be a complete person living in the real world.
Do you like books where rich attractive broken people are worth being with no matter the cost? Because this book really fetishizes unnatural controlling and manipulative male behaviors while painting women as hapless willing victims. So much red flag behavior in this book is tolerated and confused as unbridled passion without any explanation or concern for personal safety. As a reader, I felt dumbstruck that these characters are so single mindedly abusive when it comes to each other. There is no balance to counteract the extreme behaviors in this book. No believable rationale behind the over the top emotions and behaviors to make you sympathize with the characters. So, if you want to read a book about two immature people obsessively playing games while denying their own attraction to each other this is your book. Regular childish and silly decisions from both main characters undermine the stories potential and makes the book seem like it was written with much younger main characters in mind.
November 15, 2020
I really like reading books by this author.
I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it as much as I hoped.
After reading this I went straight into reading book number two because the cliffhanger in this book makes you want to move on to the second book straight away.. well it did for me.
I enjoyed the characters in these books and oh must not forget about Winston the dog, So cute.
I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it as much as I hoped.
After reading this I went straight into reading book number two because the cliffhanger in this book makes you want to move on to the second book straight away.. well it did for me.
I enjoyed the characters in these books and oh must not forget about Winston the dog, So cute.
November 14, 2020
Welp, dnf'd by 30%. I even waited until the second book came out to start this so I'm extra, extra peeved that I bought two books I won't read.
I won't say that Malpas' This Man series made sexual harassment palatable but even if I couldn't get completely behind most of what he did, Jesse was at least charismatic and I liked Ava. It made their antics at least entertaining. I was bored to bits by Becker and eh, whatsername (Eleanor, although I had to look it up). In a #MeToo era, he's pretty gross and for a smart girl (as Malpas insists), she's kinda tstl. I guess in an effort to evoke Jesse and Eva, Becker is always watching Eleanor and shoving himself on her while everyone else tells her what a shameless womanizer he is. Zzzz.
Other than a lot of jumping, shouting, swearing, scolding ("language!" gets repeated, although this time it's said by some aimless character I can't see a point for at this stage), nothing happens. There's no burn between Becker and Eleanor, no plot about the utterly unrealistic home full of priceless antiques, no fun side characters and no anticipation of a dramatic plot twist coming (maybe it did but since I quit, moot point).
I can understand why the author keeps trying to recapture the Jesse Ward magic but I wish she'd stop. The last few series have been pale imitations and sadly, I'm going to have to put Malpas on the shelf with Mariana Zapata as my used to be auto buys that are now pass bys.
I won't say that Malpas' This Man series made sexual harassment palatable but even if I couldn't get completely behind most of what he did, Jesse was at least charismatic and I liked Ava. It made their antics at least entertaining. I was bored to bits by Becker and eh, whatsername (Eleanor, although I had to look it up). In a #MeToo era, he's pretty gross and for a smart girl (as Malpas insists), she's kinda tstl. I guess in an effort to evoke Jesse and Eva, Becker is always watching Eleanor and shoving himself on her while everyone else tells her what a shameless womanizer he is. Zzzz.
Other than a lot of jumping, shouting, swearing, scolding ("language!" gets repeated, although this time it's said by some aimless character I can't see a point for at this stage), nothing happens. There's no burn between Becker and Eleanor, no plot about the utterly unrealistic home full of priceless antiques, no fun side characters and no anticipation of a dramatic plot twist coming (maybe it did but since I quit, moot point).
I can understand why the author keeps trying to recapture the Jesse Ward magic but I wish she'd stop. The last few series have been pale imitations and sadly, I'm going to have to put Malpas on the shelf with Mariana Zapata as my used to be auto buys that are now pass bys.
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