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The Davenports #4
The Reluctant Wife
★ Amazon top #18 bestseller ★
THE ONE RULE I CAN'T FOLLOW: DON'T FALL FOR YOUR FAKE HUSBAND
He's, my bodyguard. My marriage of convenience husband. And the one man I can't have feelings for.
Ryot Davenport: Former Marine. Billionaire security expert. A man built to keep his walls high and his heart untouchable.
Our fake marriage? A calculated political move.
Our real chemistry? Impossible to ignore.
THE ONE RULE I CAN'T FOLLOW: DON'T FALL FOR YOUR FAKE HUSBAND
He's, my bodyguard. My marriage of convenience husband. And the one man I can't have feelings for.
Ryot Davenport: Former Marine. Billionaire security expert. A man built to keep his walls high and his heart untouchable.
Our fake marriage? A calculated political move.
Our real chemistry? Impossible to ignore.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2025
4860 people are currently reading
8071 people want to read
About the author
L. Steele
72 books2,476 followersL. Steele loves to write romance novels featuring powerful men and strong women who bring them to their knees. When she's not writing she enjoys trading trivia with her filmmaker husband, watching lots and lots of movies, and walking nature trails.
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April 12, 2025Dnf at 31% — I can’t do it. I got through 150 pages and at least 80 of those he mentions his dead wife he didn’t love. Also in those 150 pages he continuously gives her the hot and cold treatment where he will go from kissing her or doing something inappropriate to “I can’t do this and you should know better.” To make it even worse she is a princess who has zero responsibilities and she is not a bad ass character which the author is trying to make you believe.
It has so much potential but it is just so bad😭
It has so much potential but it is just so bad😭
dnf
February 10, 2025dnf - he mentions his dead wife every single chapter and she sleeps with him without telling him that she's engaged to om. yes it's arranged marriage but it's still cheating 🥴🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
not-safe-dnr
April 12, 2025SELF NOTE ❌- dead ex trope (H’s late wife…who is apparently mentioned A LOT). Sorry, not for me.
February 17, 2025
DNF at chapter 12
I tried so hard to get into it, but I just couldn’t. The writing to me felt very stiff(?), like I can’t imagine anyone irl talking like this. Also, this story was very tell not show. Example, the FMC’s father calls her Cara Mia, leading her to think
“Verenza is an island adjacent to Italy. Hearing my father address me by that endearment, which is in Italian, the language my mother spoke with us, twists my heart. The fact that he uses it now also tells me that this threat is serious. Which scares the crap out of me. It also makes me want to find out more”
I did not need this whole paragraph for all this info, the story should have been able to let me infer this and not have to spell it out for me.
There was also like no chemistry with the MCs, they were just tryna bang from the get go. I couldn’t see them actually liking each other at all, especially because the MMC would mention his dead wife all the time. He needs to work through that with a therapist.
I tried so hard to get into it, but I just couldn’t. The writing to me felt very stiff(?), like I can’t imagine anyone irl talking like this. Also, this story was very tell not show. Example, the FMC’s father calls her Cara Mia, leading her to think
“Verenza is an island adjacent to Italy. Hearing my father address me by that endearment, which is in Italian, the language my mother spoke with us, twists my heart. The fact that he uses it now also tells me that this threat is serious. Which scares the crap out of me. It also makes me want to find out more”
I did not need this whole paragraph for all this info, the story should have been able to let me infer this and not have to spell it out for me.
There was also like no chemistry with the MCs, they were just tryna bang from the get go. I couldn’t see them actually liking each other at all, especially because the MMC would mention his dead wife all the time. He needs to work through that with a therapist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2025
Page 79. Going to take a break from it. 15% not sure it’s for me. I feel like he doesn’t have much personality other than being dominant in bed and I don’t like that. But just because it’s not for me doesn’t mean you might not like it! Extremely disappointed and not in love with it, I am not going to keep reading.
February 6, 2025
Rating 4⭐, but closer to 3.5 in my heart.
Full disclosure, I'm pretty fresh off reading the Unplanned Wedding, which is Knox's story, which I LOVED so I compared this one directly to that.
Hear me out. The plot was good, I adored the characters, it had suspense! I enjoyed getting to see these characters know each other, and I loved seeing Ryot work through the guilt of his wife's death. That story line was maybe my favorite part of the story.
These story got a bit repetitive at times and I found myself confused by the time jumps. I'm fine with time jumps, but they almost didn't seem consistent within their own jump, if that makes sense. We are supposedly a month and a half out from an initial incident and it was referred to as "the other day" during one of the chapters.
The chemistry was there the entire time and it was magnetic, but the hot and cold nature of it gave me a bit of whiplash.
Lastly, there was no mention of Knox at all?! Which I thought was weird because his story was the one before this and Ryot was definitely mentioned in Knox's
Overall: I'd recommend for some fun vibes
Spice: open door
Full disclosure, I'm pretty fresh off reading the Unplanned Wedding, which is Knox's story, which I LOVED so I compared this one directly to that.
Hear me out. The plot was good, I adored the characters, it had suspense! I enjoyed getting to see these characters know each other, and I loved seeing Ryot work through the guilt of his wife's death. That story line was maybe my favorite part of the story.
These story got a bit repetitive at times and I found myself confused by the time jumps. I'm fine with time jumps, but they almost didn't seem consistent within their own jump, if that makes sense. We are supposedly a month and a half out from an initial incident and it was referred to as "the other day" during one of the chapters.
The chemistry was there the entire time and it was magnetic, but the hot and cold nature of it gave me a bit of whiplash.
Lastly, there was no mention of Knox at all?! Which I thought was weird because his story was the one before this and Ryot was definitely mentioned in Knox's
Overall: I'd recommend for some fun vibes
Spice: open door
February 7, 2025
The Reluctant Wife by L. Steele is my absolute favorite read this year!!! Love this story of Ryot and Aurelia. He rescues her in a bar situation. The next day she discovers that he will now be her new bodyguard. The danger is real and he is determined to keep her safe.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts!! I was completely immersed in this story and didn’t want it to end…Ryot and Aurelia captured my heart!!! This story is filled with danger, intrigue, intense protectiveness, betrayal, and sooooo much romance!!! This is a MUST READ!!!
The chemistry between these two is off the charts!! I was completely immersed in this story and didn’t want it to end…Ryot and Aurelia captured my heart!!! This story is filled with danger, intrigue, intense protectiveness, betrayal, and sooooo much romance!!! This is a MUST READ!!!
February 12, 2025
I think I need more bodyguard romances in my life! I absolutely loved this story! The attraction and chemistry between Ryot and Aurelia from their first meeting was so electric. It continues to grow as they spend more time together as he has been hired to be her bodyguard due to possible threats towards her. I loved Aureila’s personality and her adventurous side. Ryot will do anything to protect Auriella and tries to keep things professional but the man has fallen for her and can’t keep his hands off of her! Lots of action, adventure and sweet moments in this story.
March 2, 2025
I was really excited for Ryot’s story! I love a good bodyguard romance - in this case make him a grumpy billionaire protecting a sassy princess. Ryot and Aurelia have great chemistry and I loved the way the fake marriage trope was woven into the story.
My favorite champagne drinking, match making Great Dane makes an appearance too!
✨What To Expect:
👑Bodyguard x Royal Romance
💍Marriage of Convenience
🛏️One Bed
🔫Grumpy Billionaire Bodyguard
💋Confident Curvy Princess
🔥”My Wife”
🖤Found Family
💖Loyal Group of Girlfriends
💙Band of Brothers
🥂A Champagne swigging Great Dane who melts your hear
My favorite champagne drinking, match making Great Dane makes an appearance too!
✨What To Expect:
👑Bodyguard x Royal Romance
💍Marriage of Convenience
🛏️One Bed
🔫Grumpy Billionaire Bodyguard
💋Confident Curvy Princess
🔥”My Wife”
🖤Found Family
💖Loyal Group of Girlfriends
💙Band of Brothers
🥂A Champagne swigging Great Dane who melts your hear
February 11, 2025
Thank you for the arc read of your newest book the reluctant wife ryot Davenport it had enough spice drama they had a fix in their own lives their way and how it ended was a good thing love how he is overprotected over his wife I mean it's all the Davenport's but something about ryot that gets me🤗
May 9, 2025
Another great addition to the Davenports!
𝐀𝐋𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
🎧𝐃𝐮𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
Shane East & Ava Lucas
➡️Produced by 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
👑𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
💍𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
👑𝐆𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞
✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
𝐋. 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐞 delivers yet another great addition to the Davenports series. Billionaire Ryot Davenport, a former Marine who now works as a bodyguard, is given the task of protecting Princess Aurelia, who is in danger. From the moment they meet, there is an intense attraction between Ryot and Aurelia. Despite that instant connection, their relationship is forbidden, as she is promised to another and he is hired to protect her.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 grumpy-sunshine dynamic between the main characters was so much fun, and it was their contrasting personalities that made the spicy scenes very hot!
𝐓𝐡𝐞 cherry on top was the amazing duet narration. Shane East is always a treat to listen to, while Ava Lucas impresses with her flawless accents. If you enjoy royal romances featuring a brooding bodyguard, this is a story you won't want to miss.
✧𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟐𝟓⭐️ ✧𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝟑🔥 ✧𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝟓🎧
𝐀𝐋𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
🎧𝐃𝐮𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
Shane East & Ava Lucas
➡️Produced by 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
👑𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
💍𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
👑𝐆𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞
✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
𝐋. 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐞 delivers yet another great addition to the Davenports series. Billionaire Ryot Davenport, a former Marine who now works as a bodyguard, is given the task of protecting Princess Aurelia, who is in danger. From the moment they meet, there is an intense attraction between Ryot and Aurelia. Despite that instant connection, their relationship is forbidden, as she is promised to another and he is hired to protect her.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 grumpy-sunshine dynamic between the main characters was so much fun, and it was their contrasting personalities that made the spicy scenes very hot!
𝐓𝐡𝐞 cherry on top was the amazing duet narration. Shane East is always a treat to listen to, while Ava Lucas impresses with her flawless accents. If you enjoy royal romances featuring a brooding bodyguard, this is a story you won't want to miss.
✧𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟐𝟓⭐️ ✧𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝟑🔥 ✧𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝟓🎧
December 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really liked The Reluctant Wife! It had me hooked from the start. I think the author does such a good job of building that slow-burn intensity without it ever feeling fake or rushed. The story flowed so nicely and the characters actually felt like real people trying to figure things out.
That being said… the ending lost me a bit. He literally gets shot (like, near-death levels of dramatic) and somehow it turns into her moment for space and self-reflection. Like girl, I get it, but maybe this isn’t the time? 😭 It kind of took away from the emotional payoff for me — I wanted more from that moment, especially after everything they’d gone through.
Still, it’s such an addictive, easy read, and I flew through it. Definitely a solid 4 stars.
I really liked The Reluctant Wife! It had me hooked from the start. I think the author does such a good job of building that slow-burn intensity without it ever feeling fake or rushed. The story flowed so nicely and the characters actually felt like real people trying to figure things out.
That being said… the ending lost me a bit. He literally gets shot (like, near-death levels of dramatic) and somehow it turns into her moment for space and self-reflection. Like girl, I get it, but maybe this isn’t the time? 😭 It kind of took away from the emotional payoff for me — I wanted more from that moment, especially after everything they’d gone through.
Still, it’s such an addictive, easy read, and I flew through it. Definitely a solid 4 stars.
February 16, 2025
Not for me
I read a lot and this one was rough. I was hung up on the eye color descriptions that were seemingly forced. I was jumping over paragraphs of text because of the same details being repeated over again. I’m also a bit sad I figured it out within the first introduction of the character. I finished it to give it an honest review. The writing isn’t awful necessarily but definitely would benefit from a better editor.
I read a lot and this one was rough. I was hung up on the eye color descriptions that were seemingly forced. I was jumping over paragraphs of text because of the same details being repeated over again. I’m also a bit sad I figured it out within the first introduction of the character. I finished it to give it an honest review. The writing isn’t awful necessarily but definitely would benefit from a better editor.
May 24, 2025
DNF at 37%
Everything about this book was awful. The writing style, the story, the main relationship. Sorry but I couldn’t take the second hand embarrassment anymore
Everything about this book was awful. The writing style, the story, the main relationship. Sorry but I couldn’t take the second hand embarrassment anymore
February 13, 2025
2 out of 5 fake husbands ⭐️
🔴 Widower
-- Nothing wrong with a man who lost his wife but at some point you're gonna have to stop talking about your wife every single fucking conversation you have especially with the other main character. The line between pity and irritation is thin af and I'm way over it.
🔴 Filler words
-- There's a fuckton of filler descriptive words in this book and it ruins the moment most of the time. I really wanted to like the plot especially the action sequences but it seems like the author memorized the thesaurus and filled the book with unnecessary details. I'd love to read a rewritten version of this book because the premise of the book is interesting enough and the scenes between the main characters did not go as bad as the previous books (borderline disrespectful and annoyingly stupid).
🟡 Cheating is cheating
-- So...she's engaged to someone and then she sleeps woht him? Some people might say "it's not cheating cause it's an arranged marriage". Sorry but in my book cheating is cheating regardless of the situation.
🔴 Lackluster
-- While I agree that this couple was marginally better than most of the other couples in the series, there's still an issue of chemistry. Or rather the lack of it. Like really, I think me and my Snorlax plushie has more chemistry than some of their scenes. Jk but also not. There's just something lacking in most of their scenes after he became her bodyguard. The scene at the bar before they knew each other was one of the few scenes with the most sparks, and it only went downhill from there.
🟡 Tug of war
-- They had a back and forth of pulling away and it's just something that frustrated me especially when it happened the other way around when he gave in and she was the one pulling away. Nothing bad about it but I just hate this kind of trope.
🔴 Widower
-- Nothing wrong with a man who lost his wife but at some point you're gonna have to stop talking about your wife every single fucking conversation you have especially with the other main character. The line between pity and irritation is thin af and I'm way over it.
🔴 Filler words
-- There's a fuckton of filler descriptive words in this book and it ruins the moment most of the time. I really wanted to like the plot especially the action sequences but it seems like the author memorized the thesaurus and filled the book with unnecessary details. I'd love to read a rewritten version of this book because the premise of the book is interesting enough and the scenes between the main characters did not go as bad as the previous books (borderline disrespectful and annoyingly stupid).
🟡 Cheating is cheating
-- So...she's engaged to someone and then she sleeps woht him? Some people might say "it's not cheating cause it's an arranged marriage". Sorry but in my book cheating is cheating regardless of the situation.
🔴 Lackluster
-- While I agree that this couple was marginally better than most of the other couples in the series, there's still an issue of chemistry. Or rather the lack of it. Like really, I think me and my Snorlax plushie has more chemistry than some of their scenes. Jk but also not. There's just something lacking in most of their scenes after he became her bodyguard. The scene at the bar before they knew each other was one of the few scenes with the most sparks, and it only went downhill from there.
🟡 Tug of war
-- They had a back and forth of pulling away and it's just something that frustrated me especially when it happened the other way around when he gave in and she was the one pulling away. Nothing bad about it but I just hate this kind of trope.
June 5, 2025
Dnf. What the hell was that? look love in first sight is something but this dude literally got obsessed and in love and they JUST met not a normal love in first sight,no. He was literally saying she is everything to me my love, bla bla
That’s weird at this point.
That’s weird at this point.
February 12, 2025
This was such a fun book! My first read from this author and it did not disappoint. I’m a sucker for a bodyguard romance so this definitely scratches that itch!
Ryot Davenport is ex military, billionaire, bodyguard extraordinaire. Aurelia Verenza is the princess of her small Italian island of Verenza. She is sassy, bold, and a daddy’s girl at heart. Aura, sneaks away from her guards and meets a mysterious man who she has immediate connection with but before it can go too far she takes off knowing she’ll never see him again. Except the next day when her new bodyguard walks in, it’s him. After serious threats have been lodged against the princess he is going to take no shortcuts in keeping her safe. She unlocks feelings in him, he hasn’t felt in years. They navigate her safety and their relationship in this fun story filled with action and swoony romance.
*Bodyguard/Princess
*”Mine”
*Protective MMC
*Virgin FMC
*Billionaire
“But the tenderness I feel for her is overwhelming. Combined with the protective instincts she arouses in me, it makes me want to get her out of here to a place where she’ll be safe.”
"Deep inside, you long to hand over the reins to someone more dominant. Someone who’ll help you relax into your own pleasure. Someone who’ll take care of you, and protect you, and punish you when you’re out of line. Someone who’ll tell you off when you test boundaries and put you in your place. Someone who’ll make you beg for what you most desire." Someone who I hope is me.”
Ryot Davenport is ex military, billionaire, bodyguard extraordinaire. Aurelia Verenza is the princess of her small Italian island of Verenza. She is sassy, bold, and a daddy’s girl at heart. Aura, sneaks away from her guards and meets a mysterious man who she has immediate connection with but before it can go too far she takes off knowing she’ll never see him again. Except the next day when her new bodyguard walks in, it’s him. After serious threats have been lodged against the princess he is going to take no shortcuts in keeping her safe. She unlocks feelings in him, he hasn’t felt in years. They navigate her safety and their relationship in this fun story filled with action and swoony romance.
*Bodyguard/Princess
*”Mine”
*Protective MMC
*Virgin FMC
*Billionaire
“But the tenderness I feel for her is overwhelming. Combined with the protective instincts she arouses in me, it makes me want to get her out of here to a place where she’ll be safe.”
"Deep inside, you long to hand over the reins to someone more dominant. Someone who’ll help you relax into your own pleasure. Someone who’ll take care of you, and protect you, and punish you when you’re out of line. Someone who’ll tell you off when you test boundaries and put you in your place. Someone who’ll make you beg for what you most desire." Someone who I hope is me.”
February 23, 2025
some continuity issues
Wait so forget this story honestly it was boring AF . PRINCESS OF A NON EXISTING COUNTRY. AND HER BODYGUARD . OHMYGAWD CAN YOU SAY WHITNEY HOUSTON BODYGUARD AND. PRINCESS DIANA . GESH ANNOYING MUCH .. and worse her bouquet was jasmine fine her mothers flowers . And roses . Based on her hubby’s first name Riot. Big whoop! .. boring ok whatever but . Sunflower? her country’s national flower and mind you it does not actually exist but is allegedly near Italy . But wait…why is her country’s national flower. Sunflower??? Ummm? Impossible considering as an American! I know for a fact that sunflowers are indigenous to north and South America ONLY ..and then there is the fact That her wedding dress was her mother’s but … “redesigned” by karma Savrono… umm? That’s a major continuity issue…Considering karma has been dead for 6 months, long before the so called princesses ..wedding date existed .. this is impossible that karma could have designed her or redesigned her mothers gown is impossible unless she is not dead! And Im Furious considering , karmas death was sudden 3 books ago and has barely even been mentioned. And Michael just up and left and took the kids back to Sicilia away from karma’s sister . And friends too . Far away from everyone.. and did not even have a funeral.. for her… and threatened to un alive her savanna cat .. disgusting.. so. This is confusing?? And needs to be explained
Wait so forget this story honestly it was boring AF . PRINCESS OF A NON EXISTING COUNTRY. AND HER BODYGUARD . OHMYGAWD CAN YOU SAY WHITNEY HOUSTON BODYGUARD AND. PRINCESS DIANA . GESH ANNOYING MUCH .. and worse her bouquet was jasmine fine her mothers flowers . And roses . Based on her hubby’s first name Riot. Big whoop! .. boring ok whatever but . Sunflower? her country’s national flower and mind you it does not actually exist but is allegedly near Italy . But wait…why is her country’s national flower. Sunflower??? Ummm? Impossible considering as an American! I know for a fact that sunflowers are indigenous to north and South America ONLY ..and then there is the fact That her wedding dress was her mother’s but … “redesigned” by karma Savrono… umm? That’s a major continuity issue…Considering karma has been dead for 6 months, long before the so called princesses ..wedding date existed .. this is impossible that karma could have designed her or redesigned her mothers gown is impossible unless she is not dead! And Im Furious considering , karmas death was sudden 3 books ago and has barely even been mentioned. And Michael just up and left and took the kids back to Sicilia away from karma’s sister . And friends too . Far away from everyone.. and did not even have a funeral.. for her… and threatened to un alive her savanna cat .. disgusting.. so. This is confusing?? And needs to be explained
February 7, 2025
I was hooked from the start I loved it. Aurelia is princess of Verenza and is to enter an arranged marriage. Ryot believes that Aurelia is his second chance at a new lease on life after his wife die. Aurelia and Ryot meet when Aurelia bumps into Ryot when she running from a man that can take a no as an answer when she’s not interested. Sparks fly between the two. Things take a turn of events when Ryot is Aurelia new bodyguard when her life is in danger. Will the line be crossed?? 5/5 recommend it
#TheReluctantWife
#LSteelBooks
#Mustread
#TheReluctantWife
#LSteelBooks
#Mustread
February 4, 2025
ARC review
5⭐|5🌶|17%🌶 frequency
I finally had this book on my Kindle 🤩 I waited so long for it 😎 And it's so good 😍
I'm a huge sukker for books with royalties and therefore royal weddings 🩷
These Devonports are so perfect. OK, they still are also very stupid and stubborn, but still they are 🥵🔥
The chemistry between Ryot and Aurelia, just WOW. It's definitely not just insta-lust but also love at first sight, even though Ryot won't see it. Honestly, why do these alpha males never realize that they are already so in love??? 🙈
Ryot isn't just Aurelia's new bodyguard because she is a princess. But because there is again a threat against her. And sure her father, the king, wants her to be safe. And this thread is something that goes through nearly the whole book. It causes a lot of trouble and dangerous situations 😱😭 And because Ryot doesn't trust many people (and because the security company he works for is owned by his uncle Quentin 😉), there are a lot of Davenports in this book. So much testosterone 🥵 and even Tiny gets a short entrance (without champagne this time 🤣).
And even though Arthur (the head of the Davenport family and the grandfather of all the brothers) is a grumpy old man and can be a huge pain in the 🍑 for his grandsons, he will still be with us for a while 🤞 There are a few more of his grandsons that aren't married yet and he won't leave this world before they all aren't married, that's definitely one of his life goals. And he has his girlfriend 😎
And as always I'm already very excited about the next book. The next Davenport brother (yes, there are still a few left 🤣). Tyler is a single dad and needs a nanny. I know a huge cliche, but I love this trope 😎
And I hope there will be a book about Victor, Aurelia's oldest brother, the next king 🤞🤞🤞
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5⭐|5🌶|17%🌶 frequency
I finally had this book on my Kindle 🤩 I waited so long for it 😎 And it's so good 😍
I'm a huge sukker for books with royalties and therefore royal weddings 🩷
These Devonports are so perfect. OK, they still are also very stupid and stubborn, but still they are 🥵🔥
The chemistry between Ryot and Aurelia, just WOW. It's definitely not just insta-lust but also love at first sight, even though Ryot won't see it. Honestly, why do these alpha males never realize that they are already so in love??? 🙈
Ryot isn't just Aurelia's new bodyguard because she is a princess. But because there is again a threat against her. And sure her father, the king, wants her to be safe. And this thread is something that goes through nearly the whole book. It causes a lot of trouble and dangerous situations 😱😭 And because Ryot doesn't trust many people (and because the security company he works for is owned by his uncle Quentin 😉), there are a lot of Davenports in this book. So much testosterone 🥵 and even Tiny gets a short entrance (without champagne this time 🤣).
And even though Arthur (the head of the Davenport family and the grandfather of all the brothers) is a grumpy old man and can be a huge pain in the 🍑 for his grandsons, he will still be with us for a while 🤞 There are a few more of his grandsons that aren't married yet and he won't leave this world before they all aren't married, that's definitely one of his life goals. And he has his girlfriend 😎
And as always I'm already very excited about the next book. The next Davenport brother (yes, there are still a few left 🤣). Tyler is a single dad and needs a nanny. I know a huge cliche, but I love this trope 😎
And I hope there will be a book about Victor, Aurelia's oldest brother, the next king 🤞🤞🤞
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May 4, 2025
🩵🎧 DUET NARRATION 🎧🩵
Balm to Their Souls
I love the palpable tension between Aurelia "Aura," Princess of Verenza, and Ryot Davenport from the onset. Oh, the things I was hoping would happen in that alley. I'd say I'm ashamed, but I'd be lying. 😘
She is the antidote to my past. She is the reason I’m alive.
-- Ryot Davenport
While the twist wasn't a surprise, I love that we got to see Ryot and understand his first marriage better. We also got to see him try to deny his attraction while she pushed his boundaries. I found it entertaining.
So, back to the twist. I won't give anything away, but seriously, people? Ugh. Some people are such idiots! That said, there was a smaller twist that I didn't expect.
I liked Aura most of the time, but she did get a bit too whiny, especially towards the end. I can understand some of the internal conflict, but I wasn't keen on how she handled it.
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are the growly Shane East and sweet and sassy Ava Lucas. Being in duet narration means their characters maintain the same level of energy and voice throughout. I say it every time. I love duet narration! I also love these narrators and their accents. 🩷🎧🩷
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
H = 30s?; h = 23
June 19, 2025
The start was so weird when his first thoughts were basically that he found his mate. This is a contemporary romance WHY is this man saying she's the reason he's alive after 10 seconds of knowing her and 5 seconds of kissing? I felt like I was going insane because she was equally as feral. Like wdym you would give up your virginity in an ally full of trash to a man you know for less than five minutes while there are threats to your life everywhere. This woman couldn't care less about her safety, it was a tad concerning. She really needed to get laid if THIS was the reaction to a kiss from a stranger.
The writing was so confusing because it constantly changed between a werewolf-fantasy, frat boy vibes and deep emotional awereness no one in a book like this should have. Nothing felt natural or not forced. It was so uncomfortable to read.
His feeling of self importance was so off putting right from the start. The author outdid herself with trying to set the scene and just mentioned his cv a couple hundred times to make sure we know he's in the army and he can fight. Okay? He's a bodyguard like sorry but keeping her safe literally his job description.
The "reveal" that he likes to be dominant was also so glaringly obvious from the start. It was so disappointing to see the cliché come to life. You mean to tell me the dude who got off on giving orders all his life wants to boss women around as well? Shocking. I don't know if it was his off putting persona and his conufsing obssession with her that he had zero reason for whatsoever or just the fact that i'm over the trope but calling her a "spoiled princess" and wanting to be the boss of her was the opposite of hot. They seemed to be a match made in hell tho because everytime he was near her (so always) she was ready to hump his leg like a dog in heat.
I'm all for empowering women and expressing their sexuality but my girl was so desperate it was just weird. Because literally why.
I nearly gagged when she called him alpha male. Instead of doing the only reasonable thing since he followed her when they met (talk about stalker), which would be running for the hills and never look back, she continued to sing his praises. "A real man" sureeee
It was concerning how often he felt the need to say he "never felt this way before". At this point I'm convinced he just lacked proper enrichment acitvities as a baby. Each time he said it another part of my soul withered away. It was so repetitive I wanted to bang my head against a wall.
She was so delusional, as welll, I have no idea why she felt what can only be described as instant love towards this man. He was creepy when he followed her, he was dumb when he didn't recognize her, he was unprofessional when he got a boner every other minute and he was rude when he diminsihed her just because he didn't like hearing the truth. I would be sorry for her to be stuck with that man but she was as unlikeable as he in her own way so they truly were a match made in an ally full of trash.
On top of it all, it's always SO romantic when they say "a few seconds more and they wouldn't have been able to stop". Not creepy or concerning at all. Like what the fuck. It's such a weird way of saying they are attracted like why bring rape talk into this. I sure hope he'll be able to stop any given time lol.
》This woman is so willful, I have a good mind to spank her… Only, I don’t dare.《
He better not??? Cast aside that they met a day prior and he doesn't know her, she is literally the princes and his employer lol
The second they tried to have a seemingful deeper conversation that didn't sound like I have to reduce my brain cells in half to listen they got horny and instead eye-fucked the hell out of each other. It was exhausting.
Every single time they opened their mouth the words that came out were either atrocious, so corny it should be a torture technique or such a random attempt to sound smart it was truly a wild ride.
The threats were lowkey so funny tho. They became better in the end when they tried to shoot her and stuff but the beginning was so unserious.
》“I agree. Understanding the severity of the threat you’re under will help you understand why I need to implement certain security protocols.” He pulls out his phone, swipes the screen, and hands it to me. I survey the picture open on the screen. It’s a printout which simply states: Princess Aurelia, you will die.《
That's some bullshit ass threat. Literally any teenager could've written that. I just expected something more ... creepy? I don't know but this was hilarious.
An another note...it was kinda crazy that he was happy his wife died. I understand not loving her and wanting to leave her but being happy that a fully formed person who proctected people the same way he did died during said task is just evil. He can feel relief he's no longer married but not even being a little sad about her death after being married is insane. She was a human being and she deserves to be viewed as more than just baggage of his past.
Some stuff in this book also made even less sense than the rest.
》I approach him, eying the machine and the gorgeous man astride it with suspicion. “How did you guess—”
“That you’ve never been on a bike before but have always wanted to?” He grins, looking all too pleased with himself. “Another lucky guess?”
He scans my features. “You wanted to get ice cream from a fast-food chain when you could have asked for one from any gourmet restaurant or brand, but you didn’t.”《
Literally nothing in this sentence could let anyone belief that she wanted to ride a bike... It felt like the author tried to prove they have a connection by letting him literally read her mind out of nowhere.
Another few highlights of this book:
》We might be on bikes, but he’s keeping his security formation. I can’t help but be impressed. He’s not going to compromise my safety, even now.《 She is literally on a bike out in the open in public. Some would say her safety is already compromised.
》And despite the danger of the situation, my body was drawn to hers. I was painfully hard, and my cock insisted on nestling happily between her thighs.《 Meanwhile there was someone SHOOTING at her. They were so desperate it's almost sad.
》I might be royalty, but he’s the king of all he surveys. He's an alpha male used to getting his way. An apex beast, at the top of the food chain.《 ew.
》I wore him down. I’m finally going to get my way. He’s going to make me submit to him. To someone who’s earned the right to be my master.《 This was truly unhinged.
The writing was so confusing because it constantly changed between a werewolf-fantasy, frat boy vibes and deep emotional awereness no one in a book like this should have. Nothing felt natural or not forced. It was so uncomfortable to read.
His feeling of self importance was so off putting right from the start. The author outdid herself with trying to set the scene and just mentioned his cv a couple hundred times to make sure we know he's in the army and he can fight. Okay? He's a bodyguard like sorry but keeping her safe literally his job description.
The "reveal" that he likes to be dominant was also so glaringly obvious from the start. It was so disappointing to see the cliché come to life. You mean to tell me the dude who got off on giving orders all his life wants to boss women around as well? Shocking. I don't know if it was his off putting persona and his conufsing obssession with her that he had zero reason for whatsoever or just the fact that i'm over the trope but calling her a "spoiled princess" and wanting to be the boss of her was the opposite of hot. They seemed to be a match made in hell tho because everytime he was near her (so always) she was ready to hump his leg like a dog in heat.
I'm all for empowering women and expressing their sexuality but my girl was so desperate it was just weird. Because literally why.
I nearly gagged when she called him alpha male. Instead of doing the only reasonable thing since he followed her when they met (talk about stalker), which would be running for the hills and never look back, she continued to sing his praises. "A real man" sureeee
It was concerning how often he felt the need to say he "never felt this way before". At this point I'm convinced he just lacked proper enrichment acitvities as a baby. Each time he said it another part of my soul withered away. It was so repetitive I wanted to bang my head against a wall.
She was so delusional, as welll, I have no idea why she felt what can only be described as instant love towards this man. He was creepy when he followed her, he was dumb when he didn't recognize her, he was unprofessional when he got a boner every other minute and he was rude when he diminsihed her just because he didn't like hearing the truth. I would be sorry for her to be stuck with that man but she was as unlikeable as he in her own way so they truly were a match made in an ally full of trash.
On top of it all, it's always SO romantic when they say "a few seconds more and they wouldn't have been able to stop". Not creepy or concerning at all. Like what the fuck. It's such a weird way of saying they are attracted like why bring rape talk into this. I sure hope he'll be able to stop any given time lol.
》This woman is so willful, I have a good mind to spank her… Only, I don’t dare.《
He better not??? Cast aside that they met a day prior and he doesn't know her, she is literally the princes and his employer lol
The second they tried to have a seemingful deeper conversation that didn't sound like I have to reduce my brain cells in half to listen they got horny and instead eye-fucked the hell out of each other. It was exhausting.
Every single time they opened their mouth the words that came out were either atrocious, so corny it should be a torture technique or such a random attempt to sound smart it was truly a wild ride.
The threats were lowkey so funny tho. They became better in the end when they tried to shoot her and stuff but the beginning was so unserious.
》“I agree. Understanding the severity of the threat you’re under will help you understand why I need to implement certain security protocols.” He pulls out his phone, swipes the screen, and hands it to me. I survey the picture open on the screen. It’s a printout which simply states: Princess Aurelia, you will die.《
That's some bullshit ass threat. Literally any teenager could've written that. I just expected something more ... creepy? I don't know but this was hilarious.
An another note...it was kinda crazy that he was happy his wife died. I understand not loving her and wanting to leave her but being happy that a fully formed person who proctected people the same way he did died during said task is just evil. He can feel relief he's no longer married but not even being a little sad about her death after being married is insane. She was a human being and she deserves to be viewed as more than just baggage of his past.
Some stuff in this book also made even less sense than the rest.
》I approach him, eying the machine and the gorgeous man astride it with suspicion. “How did you guess—”
“That you’ve never been on a bike before but have always wanted to?” He grins, looking all too pleased with himself. “Another lucky guess?”
He scans my features. “You wanted to get ice cream from a fast-food chain when you could have asked for one from any gourmet restaurant or brand, but you didn’t.”《
Literally nothing in this sentence could let anyone belief that she wanted to ride a bike... It felt like the author tried to prove they have a connection by letting him literally read her mind out of nowhere.
Another few highlights of this book:
》We might be on bikes, but he’s keeping his security formation. I can’t help but be impressed. He’s not going to compromise my safety, even now.《 She is literally on a bike out in the open in public. Some would say her safety is already compromised.
》And despite the danger of the situation, my body was drawn to hers. I was painfully hard, and my cock insisted on nestling happily between her thighs.《 Meanwhile there was someone SHOOTING at her. They were so desperate it's almost sad.
》I might be royalty, but he’s the king of all he surveys. He's an alpha male used to getting his way. An apex beast, at the top of the food chain.《 ew.
》I wore him down. I’m finally going to get my way. He’s going to make me submit to him. To someone who’s earned the right to be my master.《 This was truly unhinged.
February 9, 2025
The Reluctant Wife has all the elements of a great romance story a beautiful, headstrong woman who wants to do things her way, a handsome, well built man who will do anything to protect his woman, even when he won’t admit to himself that she is meant for him.
Ryot and Princess Aurelia meet on a night out when she is being pursued by a drunken man and runs into Ryot and pretends he is her husband, their chemistry is off the charts but Aurelia leaves him abruptly without exchanging names, imagine the shock the next day when her father, the King, introduces her to her new security detail and it is the stranger Ryot, he is to be her bodyguard. Their attraction to each other is hot but Ryot is determined to keep things professional, the strong willed Aurelia is constantly trying to push against the restrictions that Ryot is putting on her but the threat to her life is real.
As it is disclosed in the blurb Ryot and Princess Aurelia have to fake a marriage for political reasons, however fake this marriage is they cannot keep their hands off each other, will their hearts ever follow?
A well written storyline that was fast paced, entertaining and had so much tension, action, danger, suspense, twists and plenty of steam.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookFunnel and I am writing this review voluntarily
Ryot and Princess Aurelia meet on a night out when she is being pursued by a drunken man and runs into Ryot and pretends he is her husband, their chemistry is off the charts but Aurelia leaves him abruptly without exchanging names, imagine the shock the next day when her father, the King, introduces her to her new security detail and it is the stranger Ryot, he is to be her bodyguard. Their attraction to each other is hot but Ryot is determined to keep things professional, the strong willed Aurelia is constantly trying to push against the restrictions that Ryot is putting on her but the threat to her life is real.
As it is disclosed in the blurb Ryot and Princess Aurelia have to fake a marriage for political reasons, however fake this marriage is they cannot keep their hands off each other, will their hearts ever follow?
A well written storyline that was fast paced, entertaining and had so much tension, action, danger, suspense, twists and plenty of steam.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookFunnel and I am writing this review voluntarily
Read
April 19, 2025Okay so this year I told myself I would try and write a review for every book I read. Mostly so that when I pull a book up on my “books read” spreadsheet I’ll hopefully be able to remember what the book was about. I’m not sure how this book jumped my tbr and broke up my hockey book series. I think I was excited about the body guard. Most likely I saw something on TikTok. Also I should note I finished the book this morning and it’s not almost 10pm when I tried to write this review that is more spiraling about my life than a review. The book wasn’t bad but I kinda felt like it was two stories pushed together. Also this girl was anything but reluctant about our MMC. The part where she wanted space like ugh good for you sister but this hunk of a man is next door… go get him! I kept picturing Genovia when she talked about her home country. I think a bed surfing scene would have been great! Not sure I’m sold on the side characters to want to read another book in this series. Again not mad I read it but just ehhhhh.
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February 8, 2025Very grateful to @hambright_pr for my arc, opinions are my own
"The Reluctant Wife" by L. Steele is the fourth installment in The Davenports series, focusing on the dynamic between Ryot, a grumpy former Marine turned bodyguard, and Princess Aurelia. Their fake marriage, intended as a political strategy, is charged with undeniable chemistry. The narrative is rich with suspense, action, and unexpected twists that kept me engaged throughout. Ryot embodies the protective alpha hero, while Aurelia's strength and resilience shine, especially within her royal constraints. Their interactions are intense, and the supporting characters add depth to the story. Aurelia's influence brings lightness to Ryot's life, challenging him in meaningful ways. The plot is filled with danger, intrigue, and profound romance. Although I found Aurelia's name less appealing, her character development was compelling and well-executed. Overall, this book offers a captivating blend of suspense and heartfelt romance.
"The Reluctant Wife" by L. Steele is the fourth installment in The Davenports series, focusing on the dynamic between Ryot, a grumpy former Marine turned bodyguard, and Princess Aurelia. Their fake marriage, intended as a political strategy, is charged with undeniable chemistry. The narrative is rich with suspense, action, and unexpected twists that kept me engaged throughout. Ryot embodies the protective alpha hero, while Aurelia's strength and resilience shine, especially within her royal constraints. Their interactions are intense, and the supporting characters add depth to the story. Aurelia's influence brings lightness to Ryot's life, challenging him in meaningful ways. The plot is filled with danger, intrigue, and profound romance. Although I found Aurelia's name less appealing, her character development was compelling and well-executed. Overall, this book offers a captivating blend of suspense and heartfelt romance.
February 14, 2025
Just WOW! The chemistry! Right from Page 1!!🔥
This book grabbed me from the first page! Aurelia meets Ryot in a place she isn't supposed to be, and sparks fly and turn into flames!
Then she finds out who he is, and he finds out she is a real princess who needs a Security team!
They both have to adapt to this new situation, and Aurelia learns why a bodyguard with a security team is a necessity. The plot twists, including a marriage of convenience and increasing danger winds this plot tighter and tighter!
Ms. Steele has written a very spicy story of a marriage of convenience that burns hotter and brighter to an amazing HEA!
I received an ARC of The Reluctant Wife. Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy
This book grabbed me from the first page! Aurelia meets Ryot in a place she isn't supposed to be, and sparks fly and turn into flames!
Then she finds out who he is, and he finds out she is a real princess who needs a Security team!
They both have to adapt to this new situation, and Aurelia learns why a bodyguard with a security team is a necessity. The plot twists, including a marriage of convenience and increasing danger winds this plot tighter and tighter!
Ms. Steele has written a very spicy story of a marriage of convenience that burns hotter and brighter to an amazing HEA!
I received an ARC of The Reluctant Wife. Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy
March 17, 2025
Thank you @Hambright_pr for my #gifted copy of The Reluctant Wife. #bookinfluencer
The Reluctant Wife by L. Steele offers a captivating blend of romance and intrigue, with a strong focus on the compelling relationship between Aurelia, a princess, and her loyal bodyguard, Ryot. The book expertly incorporates classic tropes like forbidden love, marriage of convenience, and slow-burn tension, making for an engaging read. I appreciated the representation in the story, which added depth to the characters and their emotional journeys. While I did enjoy the chemistry between the leads, Aurelia’s reason for the “break” in their relationship didn’t quite resonate with me, though this is likely a personal preference. Overall, it’s a solid and enjoyable read that fans of the genre will appreciate.
The Reluctant Wife by L. Steele offers a captivating blend of romance and intrigue, with a strong focus on the compelling relationship between Aurelia, a princess, and her loyal bodyguard, Ryot. The book expertly incorporates classic tropes like forbidden love, marriage of convenience, and slow-burn tension, making for an engaging read. I appreciated the representation in the story, which added depth to the characters and their emotional journeys. While I did enjoy the chemistry between the leads, Aurelia’s reason for the “break” in their relationship didn’t quite resonate with me, though this is likely a personal preference. Overall, it’s a solid and enjoyable read that fans of the genre will appreciate.
May 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this princess bodyguard romance. It was my first read by this author and it won’t be my last!
Ryot is a grumpy billionaire bodyguard and he has his work cut out for him keeping Princess Aurelia safe who is sassy and confident. They both step up for each other and they find a happily ever after in each other.
I really enjoyed listening to their action packed romance. The narrators did an amazing job bringing Ryot and Aurelia to life.
Grateful to for sending me a complimentary ALC copy to honestly review.
Ryot is a grumpy billionaire bodyguard and he has his work cut out for him keeping Princess Aurelia safe who is sassy and confident. They both step up for each other and they find a happily ever after in each other.
I really enjoyed listening to their action packed romance. The narrators did an amazing job bringing Ryot and Aurelia to life.
Grateful to for sending me a complimentary ALC copy to honestly review.
March 4, 2025
Read as a standalone just fine and it was an enjoyable read. Sometimes there were things repeated one too many times that could get annoying and you knew who the bad guy was almost immediately so I wouldn’t say this was a 5 star read by any means. I’d be invested enough to read the next book in the series when it comes out but not enough to go back and read the other books.
May 17, 2025
Bodyguard, princess, moc
MMC: Ryot Davenport
FMC: Princess Aurelia
3.1⭐️ it was chill, they meet at a bar have a moment she runs and he goes to his next assignment and who’s his princess the girl from the bar who is actually a princess. Now he has to protect her from a threat and not give in to his feelings.
MMC: Ryot Davenport
FMC: Princess Aurelia
3.1⭐️ it was chill, they meet at a bar have a moment she runs and he goes to his next assignment and who’s his princess the girl from the bar who is actually a princess. Now he has to protect her from a threat and not give in to his feelings.
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