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Red Lips & White Lies #7
Striking
An accidental marriage, forbidden, billionaire romance, From USA Today and #1 Amazon Best Selling Author, Bella Matthews.
In my defense, I never planned on marrying my husband.
But after one wild night and one too many cocktails, I wake up tangled in silk sheets, with a diamond ring on my finger, a sinfully sexy prince next to me in bed, and palace guards banging on the door with devastating news.
The king is dead.
And apparently, my accidental husband is next in line for the throne.
Now I'm stuck navigating crowns, cameras, and a man I barely know but somehow can't keep my hands off—all while figuring out what to do with this mistake of a marriage. But Rhys Windsor doesn't look at me like a mistake. He looks at me like I'm his only truth.
They say a little white lie never hurt anyone... but this little lie could destroy a dynasty.
In my defense, I never planned on marrying my husband.
But after one wild night and one too many cocktails, I wake up tangled in silk sheets, with a diamond ring on my finger, a sinfully sexy prince next to me in bed, and palace guards banging on the door with devastating news.
The king is dead.
And apparently, my accidental husband is next in line for the throne.
Now I'm stuck navigating crowns, cameras, and a man I barely know but somehow can't keep my hands off—all while figuring out what to do with this mistake of a marriage. But Rhys Windsor doesn't look at me like a mistake. He looks at me like I'm his only truth.
They say a little white lie never hurt anyone... but this little lie could destroy a dynasty.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
1289 people are currently reading
1890 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 889 reviews
July 20, 2025
Surprisingly, I liked this one which made for a nice change with all the bad reads I've had lately and it also read more like a Harlequin which maybe is why I liked it so much but it is a bit cheesy. Lol.....
SPOILERS!!!!
This is a story that is loosely based around England’s current monarchy. For example, we have MMC (aka Prince William), MMC’s brother (aka Prince Harry), MMC’s Grandfather the King (aka Queen Elizabeth), MMC’s mother (aka Prince/King Charles), etc. with references of cancer (MMC’s mother died of cancer, FMC had leukemia), death of a King (aka Queen E) and the whole progression/custom of the royal funeral), a recovering cancer/leukemia patient (FMC – aka Princess Kate), Windsor Castle also named as MMC's residence or homeland, a progression to change/modernize the monarchy (aka as King Charles said he wanted to do) and so on.
In this story, the MMC (33 yrs old) just lost his beloved Mother to cancer who was next in line to the throne. He thought he had many years left (at least 50) before it was his time to reign. But sadly with his mother’s death and months later with his Grandfather’s (the King), his time is now up and is feeling the pressure. His brother, Atticus, who is younger than him has a role to play in this story as well which is to always protect his brother and have his back as the spare. There is a close bond between these two, as well as their young sister which I loved. Atticus in particular is funny here but he is a major player that I don’t know if I can read his book when it is his turn.
Speaking of which, before he met FMC, MMC was a player too. He says this about his past:
My sister, who’s been yelling at me for fucking my way through Mornea since we lost our mother.
There are no details about his manwhore ways and no OW (or OM for that matter) which is why I gave this 5 stars because even though I hate Manwhore MMCs and I wish authors who stuff it already with this stupid trope, in this story after he meets FMC there is no OW for him.
As for FMC (24 yrs old), she is an American nurse who battled Leukemia when she was very young and came out strong & healthy. She is in MMCs home at the invitation of his sister who is BFF’s with one of her brother’s wives. She is studying for her Bachelor’s Nursing Degree but comes across MMC in his home and there is a funny first meeting where she hits him in the face with her book and they are inseparable after that.
What I liked about this story is that even though they have the hots for one another, author builds on the friendship and getting to know each other so that it is not just sex all the time and nothing else. And for those that said there is no sparks, I think they may have read something else because these two sizzled with chemistry. Anyhoo, once they meet and he learns she is a nurse, he offers her a job to oversee his Mother’s charity in order to get her to stay in his country as he doesn’t want to lose her. While she agrees to consider it, they go out to a bar with his brother and 3 of his close friends and MCs get drunk (well, FMC more than MMC) and they wind up married.
After they wake up in bed the next day, hung over and all, FMC wants to annul the marriage or divorce but MMC convinces her to give them a chance because in his country divorce and annulment is not recognized. And so the story begins with them getting close, falling in love, dealing with some outdated royal laws and eventually getting to a HEA.
This was an enjoyable read for me even though I could have done without the mention of his former Manho ways which thankfully was only mentioned once or twice and never shown as no OW or POVs/scenes was given or any details so I can overlook this as once he meets FMC there is no one else for him and vice versa. I also to be honest cringed a few times with all the nicknames used such as “little Bee”, “B”, Your Royal Highness, etc.
However, the bigger points here for me is enjoying an angst-free read with likable characters who were supportive of each other. I also loved the side characters such as MMC’s siblings & his BFFs, as well as FMC’s siblings & her BFFs. In the end, they were one happy unit who both families meshed together and we get a sweet HEA, an Epilogue and Bonus Epilogue that I had to sign up for and still waiting to receive from author.
Safety:
No Cheating
No OP
No details or scenes with OP
No separations
No Virgins. FMC said she hadn’t been with anyone for a long time & MMC I think said it’s been 3 months since he has been with anyone.
No condoms used. MMC said he has never been with anyone without a condom.
No background on any ex’s
HEA with their first baby being born, epilogue a year or so later with another on the way and another 10 years later with entire family.
• This is part of a series and I was going to go back and read MMC’s sister’s book (Breathtaking) but her Hero according to GR friends slept with her cousin after meeting and falling in love with her so that is not for me. Also the other books too have tropes that I don’t like so this is a one-off for me.
SPOILERS!!!!
This is a story that is loosely based around England’s current monarchy. For example, we have MMC (aka Prince William), MMC’s brother (aka Prince Harry), MMC’s Grandfather the King (aka Queen Elizabeth), MMC’s mother (aka Prince/King Charles), etc. with references of cancer (MMC’s mother died of cancer, FMC had leukemia), death of a King (aka Queen E) and the whole progression/custom of the royal funeral), a recovering cancer/leukemia patient (FMC – aka Princess Kate), Windsor Castle also named as MMC's residence or homeland, a progression to change/modernize the monarchy (aka as King Charles said he wanted to do) and so on.
In this story, the MMC (33 yrs old) just lost his beloved Mother to cancer who was next in line to the throne. He thought he had many years left (at least 50) before it was his time to reign. But sadly with his mother’s death and months later with his Grandfather’s (the King), his time is now up and is feeling the pressure. His brother, Atticus, who is younger than him has a role to play in this story as well which is to always protect his brother and have his back as the spare. There is a close bond between these two, as well as their young sister which I loved. Atticus in particular is funny here but he is a major player that I don’t know if I can read his book when it is his turn.
Speaking of which, before he met FMC, MMC was a player too. He says this about his past:
My sister, who’s been yelling at me for fucking my way through Mornea since we lost our mother.
There are no details about his manwhore ways and no OW (or OM for that matter) which is why I gave this 5 stars because even though I hate Manwhore MMCs and I wish authors who stuff it already with this stupid trope, in this story after he meets FMC there is no OW for him.
As for FMC (24 yrs old), she is an American nurse who battled Leukemia when she was very young and came out strong & healthy. She is in MMCs home at the invitation of his sister who is BFF’s with one of her brother’s wives. She is studying for her Bachelor’s Nursing Degree but comes across MMC in his home and there is a funny first meeting where she hits him in the face with her book and they are inseparable after that.
What I liked about this story is that even though they have the hots for one another, author builds on the friendship and getting to know each other so that it is not just sex all the time and nothing else. And for those that said there is no sparks, I think they may have read something else because these two sizzled with chemistry. Anyhoo, once they meet and he learns she is a nurse, he offers her a job to oversee his Mother’s charity in order to get her to stay in his country as he doesn’t want to lose her. While she agrees to consider it, they go out to a bar with his brother and 3 of his close friends and MCs get drunk (well, FMC more than MMC) and they wind up married.
After they wake up in bed the next day, hung over and all, FMC wants to annul the marriage or divorce but MMC convinces her to give them a chance because in his country divorce and annulment is not recognized. And so the story begins with them getting close, falling in love, dealing with some outdated royal laws and eventually getting to a HEA.
This was an enjoyable read for me even though I could have done without the mention of his former Manho ways which thankfully was only mentioned once or twice and never shown as no OW or POVs/scenes was given or any details so I can overlook this as once he meets FMC there is no one else for him and vice versa. I also to be honest cringed a few times with all the nicknames used such as “little Bee”, “B”, Your Royal Highness, etc.
However, the bigger points here for me is enjoying an angst-free read with likable characters who were supportive of each other. I also loved the side characters such as MMC’s siblings & his BFFs, as well as FMC’s siblings & her BFFs. In the end, they were one happy unit who both families meshed together and we get a sweet HEA, an Epilogue and Bonus Epilogue that I had to sign up for and still waiting to receive from author.
Safety:
No Cheating
No OP
No details or scenes with OP
No separations
No Virgins. FMC said she hadn’t been with anyone for a long time & MMC I think said it’s been 3 months since he has been with anyone.
No condoms used. MMC said he has never been with anyone without a condom.
No background on any ex’s
HEA with their first baby being born, epilogue a year or so later with another on the way and another 10 years later with entire family.
• This is part of a series and I was going to go back and read MMC’s sister’s book (Breathtaking) but her Hero according to GR friends slept with her cousin after meeting and falling in love with her so that is not for me. Also the other books too have tropes that I don’t like so this is a one-off for me.
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September 22, 2025Available now!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3FsPzTk
Narrated by: Stephanie Cannon & Will Thorne
Listen today!
Audible: http://bit.ly/4nKrRCB
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/44OYOaS
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3FsPzTk
Narrated by: Stephanie Cannon & Will Thorne
Listen today!
Audible: http://bit.ly/4nKrRCB
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/44OYOaS
July 15, 2025
Miss Bella Matthews! If you write it, I'm going to read it! You know I have been patiently waiting for my girl Bellamy's book since Cross and Ares books and she is finally getting her HEA! So let me just say this... I have no words. There are no notes. That's the review. This one was literal PERFECTION!
Bellamy, the queen that you are, quite literally and figuratively. She found her king, also literally and figuratively, and this man straight worships the ground that she walks on. The future KING of Mornea was down back for our queen bee. Every single time this man called her "my love" my knees just kept getting weaker and weaker until I turned into a puddle. Rhys Windsor has made me unwell. And the only thing that shocked me was the fact that Bella made me fall in love with a blonde! But in all seriousness, Rhys was everything a more. So where can I find myself a man who would throw away his crown and country to be with me? Asking for a friend...
I honestly have nothing else to say with this one because it was everything I wanted and more for Bellamy. She so deserves the love that Rhys has for her. So this one receives all the stars and then some. Bella, thank you for giving my girl the HEA she so rightfully deserves! Another 5 star banger for the Bella-verse!
If y'all are looking for an auto who consistently delivers comfort reads, Bella is the one for you! I have said this time and time again, but whenever I read a Bella Matthews book it always feels like I'm coming home to a nice warm hug. Her books are everything and more. The found family aspect is just so comforting.
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Accidental Marriage
- Royal Romance
- Future King MMC
- FORBIDDEN
- Nurse FMC
- Billionaire
- Age Gap (7 years)
- Found Family
- Forced Proximity
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Bella Matthews for allowing me the absolute pleasure to read Striking as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
Bellamy, the queen that you are, quite literally and figuratively. She found her king, also literally and figuratively, and this man straight worships the ground that she walks on. The future KING of Mornea was down back for our queen bee. Every single time this man called her "my love" my knees just kept getting weaker and weaker until I turned into a puddle. Rhys Windsor has made me unwell. And the only thing that shocked me was the fact that Bella made me fall in love with a blonde! But in all seriousness, Rhys was everything a more. So where can I find myself a man who would throw away his crown and country to be with me? Asking for a friend...
I honestly have nothing else to say with this one because it was everything I wanted and more for Bellamy. She so deserves the love that Rhys has for her. So this one receives all the stars and then some. Bella, thank you for giving my girl the HEA she so rightfully deserves! Another 5 star banger for the Bella-verse!
If y'all are looking for an auto who consistently delivers comfort reads, Bella is the one for you! I have said this time and time again, but whenever I read a Bella Matthews book it always feels like I'm coming home to a nice warm hug. Her books are everything and more. The found family aspect is just so comforting.
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Accidental Marriage
- Royal Romance
- Future King MMC
- FORBIDDEN
- Nurse FMC
- Billionaire
- Age Gap (7 years)
- Found Family
- Forced Proximity
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Bella Matthews for allowing me the absolute pleasure to read Striking as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
July 15, 2025
RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE :🌶️🌶️🌶️
All the freaking stars.
Rhys Windsor will forever be my King. That’s it, that’s the review. Absolutely no notes, I am a puddle on the ground. 🫠
This book was absolute perfection is all the ways I expected it to be and blew me out of the water with the moments I never saw coming. Rhys and Bellamy came in and stole my heart and became one of my favorite couples in the Bella-verse.
Bella just never ceases to amaze me with the way she can just give us book after book filled with emotion, spice and swoon. This book has all three.
✨ Royal Romance
✨ Accidental Marriage
✨ He Falls First
✨ Cinderella Story
Could gush about Rhys and Bellamy forever. Their connection, the way they instantly knew there was something special between them.. their drunken marriage. I loved every single moment. This was two people who completed each other and needed each other, and when they realized that, they fought like hell to keep what they found.
Bella’s books always have a sense of family, but this one. This one showed that off so well. Atticus stole my heart right along with Rhys and Bellamy and I couldn’t stop myself from loving them all.
Also, the spice. This one is emotional but also the spice is absolute top tier… all will say is that throne room has seen some things 🥵
This book was everything. Read this book, read this series, and let Bella Matthews become one of your favorite author the way she is mine.
SPICE :🌶️🌶️🌶️
All the freaking stars.
Rhys Windsor will forever be my King. That’s it, that’s the review. Absolutely no notes, I am a puddle on the ground. 🫠
This book was absolute perfection is all the ways I expected it to be and blew me out of the water with the moments I never saw coming. Rhys and Bellamy came in and stole my heart and became one of my favorite couples in the Bella-verse.
Bella just never ceases to amaze me with the way she can just give us book after book filled with emotion, spice and swoon. This book has all three.
✨ Royal Romance
✨ Accidental Marriage
✨ He Falls First
✨ Cinderella Story
Could gush about Rhys and Bellamy forever. Their connection, the way they instantly knew there was something special between them.. their drunken marriage. I loved every single moment. This was two people who completed each other and needed each other, and when they realized that, they fought like hell to keep what they found.
Bella’s books always have a sense of family, but this one. This one showed that off so well. Atticus stole my heart right along with Rhys and Bellamy and I couldn’t stop myself from loving them all.
Also, the spice. This one is emotional but also the spice is absolute top tier… all will say is that throne room has seen some things 🥵
This book was everything. Read this book, read this series, and let Bella Matthews become one of your favorite author the way she is mine.
October 5, 2025
#Review: *Striking* - Bella Matthews - ALC [18+]
4.9/5✨
3/5🌶️
Super excited about listening to this book, which unfortunately was the last one from "Red Lips & White Lies" series. So grateful for the opportunity to be part of your content team, Bella! Because of that I was able to receive this audiobook. Thank youu!🩵
Rhys Windsor is the first in line for inheriting the throne and when that finally happens, the situation isn't that great for him. Why? Because he and Bellamy, a friend of his little sister, woke up being married after a wild, drunken night. And that happened exactly the night before the devastating news of the king's death. The problem was that Bellamy wasn't from royal blood and that only complicated things. Now Bellamy had to learn how that new world worked, being a total stranger to that royal life. But Rhys and Bella had to continue with their marriage, even though their job wasn't that easy - in convincing the world that what they had was, in fact, real.
Ahh, this story was such a lovely read! I adored how cute was the beginning of their friendship and how things evolved. You could feel the tension and attraction between them even from the start and how Rhys felt when he was in close proximity to Bellamy. It was like an magnetic pull and that helped them in the weird situation they were in. The angst, the uncertainty were at such a high level, enough to feel it in my bones. It was sweet to see how supportive Rhys's family was and how they tried to make Bellamy's life a little easier. I liked the factor of surprise from the end, one which I haven't expected and it was a nice addition to the whole story.
The audiobook made this story even more intense, the narrators giving me those right emotions and I could feel the tension I felt while I initially read this book. Rhys's accent was super sexy, enjoying every bit of the way he was brought to life by Will Thorne🥰. Also, Bellamy was so delicate and so well represented by Stephanie Cannon, being super expressive and offering me the right feeling about this whole book.
This book was pretty short, but super on point and extremely sweet! It became one of my favorite books by Bella, for sure! The story and these characters have captured my heart, being so fond of them. Who is a fan of royalty romance must read this book!🩵
✨Tropes
#AccidentalMarriage
#Billionaire
#ForbiddenLove
#RoyalRomance
#CinderellaStory
#AgeGap
4.9/5✨
3/5🌶️
Super excited about listening to this book, which unfortunately was the last one from "Red Lips & White Lies" series. So grateful for the opportunity to be part of your content team, Bella! Because of that I was able to receive this audiobook. Thank youu!🩵
Rhys Windsor is the first in line for inheriting the throne and when that finally happens, the situation isn't that great for him. Why? Because he and Bellamy, a friend of his little sister, woke up being married after a wild, drunken night. And that happened exactly the night before the devastating news of the king's death. The problem was that Bellamy wasn't from royal blood and that only complicated things. Now Bellamy had to learn how that new world worked, being a total stranger to that royal life. But Rhys and Bella had to continue with their marriage, even though their job wasn't that easy - in convincing the world that what they had was, in fact, real.
Ahh, this story was such a lovely read! I adored how cute was the beginning of their friendship and how things evolved. You could feel the tension and attraction between them even from the start and how Rhys felt when he was in close proximity to Bellamy. It was like an magnetic pull and that helped them in the weird situation they were in. The angst, the uncertainty were at such a high level, enough to feel it in my bones. It was sweet to see how supportive Rhys's family was and how they tried to make Bellamy's life a little easier. I liked the factor of surprise from the end, one which I haven't expected and it was a nice addition to the whole story.
The audiobook made this story even more intense, the narrators giving me those right emotions and I could feel the tension I felt while I initially read this book. Rhys's accent was super sexy, enjoying every bit of the way he was brought to life by Will Thorne🥰. Also, Bellamy was so delicate and so well represented by Stephanie Cannon, being super expressive and offering me the right feeling about this whole book.
This book was pretty short, but super on point and extremely sweet! It became one of my favorite books by Bella, for sure! The story and these characters have captured my heart, being so fond of them. Who is a fan of royalty romance must read this book!🩵
✨Tropes
#AccidentalMarriage
#Billionaire
#ForbiddenLove
#RoyalRomance
#CinderellaStory
#AgeGap
July 15, 2025
I ATE THIS BOOK omg
ARC Review for Bella Matthews team 🥰❤️
The way Rhys hit us with that “There you are. I've been looking for you” (jokes, I mean it's a Rhys)... hehehe—I fell SO HARD 😭 A man who shows all his green flags from the moment his POV starts. Like... painfully perfect. 🌿💚
And Bellamy? What. A. Woman.
She realized what she was getting into, understood it fully, and still chose to step forward. Brave. Grounded. Powerful.
God, what a perfect book. 🥹✨
ARC Review for Bella Matthews team 🥰❤️
The way Rhys hit us with that “There you are. I've been looking for you” (jokes, I mean it's a Rhys)... hehehe—I fell SO HARD 😭 A man who shows all his green flags from the moment his POV starts. Like... painfully perfect. 🌿💚
And Bellamy? What. A. Woman.
She realized what she was getting into, understood it fully, and still chose to step forward. Brave. Grounded. Powerful.
God, what a perfect book. 🥹✨
July 17, 2025
4.75⭐️ | 3.5🌶
What an ending! I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS WORLD! Rhys and Bellamy were everything I expected and so much more. Everything about this book made me giddy. Bella, I love you, I love you I LOVE YOU! Thank you for this series. I am curious about Ryker though.... thank you to valentine pr for this arc
What an ending! I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS WORLD! Rhys and Bellamy were everything I expected and so much more. Everything about this book made me giddy. Bella, I love you, I love you I LOVE YOU! Thank you for this series. I am curious about Ryker though.... thank you to valentine pr for this arc
August 5, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
She's a gorgeous mess. And like a moth to a flame, I'm drawn to her. Destruction be damned.
No question about it, this is my favorite of the Red Lips and White Lies series!
I loved Rhys’ and Bellamy’s relationship. Sure, they fell into the marriage thing, but the way they just fit together made for such a great read. So many happy tears were shed. The angst was mild, at best, which was a nice change from some of the heavier books I've been reading recently.
HOT sexual chemistry made for a very spicy read.
Out of all the Bella-verse books, this one can be read as a complete standalone.
So highly recommended.
Thank you, Bella Matthews, for the ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
She's a gorgeous mess. And like a moth to a flame, I'm drawn to her. Destruction be damned.
No question about it, this is my favorite of the Red Lips and White Lies series!
I loved Rhys’ and Bellamy’s relationship. Sure, they fell into the marriage thing, but the way they just fit together made for such a great read. So many happy tears were shed. The angst was mild, at best, which was a nice change from some of the heavier books I've been reading recently.
HOT sexual chemistry made for a very spicy read.
Out of all the Bella-verse books, this one can be read as a complete standalone.
So highly recommended.
Thank you, Bella Matthews, for the ARC.
September 28, 2025
What a perfect way to end this series with yet another book that feels like coming home to the Bella-universe. I loved Rhys & Bellamy from their first meeting and every single time he calls her little bee, I think I melted a bit more! He is set on worshipping her like the queen she is and I'm here for it! Their silent strength for each other as they navigate early moments in their relationship were so precious. Little did they know at first sight, but they are absolutely perfect for each other!
The audiobook is performed in dual narration by Will Thorne & Stephanie Cannon - I really enjoyed how they were able to bring Rhys & Bellamy to life! I definitely flew through this audio because it was so enjoyable to listen to!
What to expect:
🐝Accidental marriage
🐝Forbidden
🐝Royal romance
🐝Age gap (7 years)
🐝Throne room spicy scene
🐝He only kneels for her
🐝Cinderella story
The audiobook is performed in dual narration by Will Thorne & Stephanie Cannon - I really enjoyed how they were able to bring Rhys & Bellamy to life! I definitely flew through this audio because it was so enjoyable to listen to!
What to expect:
🐝Accidental marriage
🐝Forbidden
🐝Royal romance
🐝Age gap (7 years)
🐝Throne room spicy scene
🐝He only kneels for her
🐝Cinderella story
July 18, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️.5
I have loved the second-generation series for Kroyden Hills, and this was the perfect conclusion to the Red Lips & White Lies series. Striking was the perfect royal romance with one of the most swoonworthy kings.
Rhys Windsor is the next in line for the Mornea throne. He has a run-in with Bellamy when she is staying at his vacation home. She is a nurse, but she wants to do more to help patients who suffer from cancer since she went through cancer when she was younger. Rhys offers her a big job opportunity in Mornea, and she flies with him to his country to look into it. They end up getting married after a drunken night, but they must stay married. Especially after his grandfather dies and he is the new king. Now, Bellamy has to learn the ropes and transition into being the queen.
Rhys was such a sweet hero, and he definitely brought the heat. There was even some kitty slapping.
This was a super low angst, royalty romance, and I can’t wait to see what Bella does next.
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ARC.
🌶️🌶️.5
I have loved the second-generation series for Kroyden Hills, and this was the perfect conclusion to the Red Lips & White Lies series. Striking was the perfect royal romance with one of the most swoonworthy kings.
Rhys Windsor is the next in line for the Mornea throne. He has a run-in with Bellamy when she is staying at his vacation home. She is a nurse, but she wants to do more to help patients who suffer from cancer since she went through cancer when she was younger. Rhys offers her a big job opportunity in Mornea, and she flies with him to his country to look into it. They end up getting married after a drunken night, but they must stay married. Especially after his grandfather dies and he is the new king. Now, Bellamy has to learn the ropes and transition into being the queen.
Rhys was such a sweet hero, and he definitely brought the heat. There was even some kitty slapping.
This was a super low angst, royalty romance, and I can’t wait to see what Bella does next.
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ARC.
July 17, 2025
I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Striking is the seventh and final book in the Red Lips and White Lies series by Bella Matthews, and follows Prince Rhys Windsor of Mornea and Bellamy Wilder.
“Your Highness” and his “Little Bee”.
The King and his Queen.
She’s a nursing student prepping to take her boards to become a nurse practitioner with a specialty in Oncology, and he’s the future King of Mornea, who lost his mom to cancer and started up a foundation to help other families in their honor.
When their paths cross on a private island due to some miscommunication, or maybe a couple of meddling matchmakers, sparks fly between them and the resulting fire is more of a raging inferno.
In just a few days, their magnetic connection is undeniable, so when Rhys is due to return back to Mornea, he asks Bellamy to come along with him, under guise of offering her a job as the new head of his foundation. A few more days later, the pair are married in a drunken ceremony facilitated through the proper channels.
But what should be a blissful morning is dampened when tragedy strikes, making Rhys Windsor, heir to the throne, step into his grandfathers shoes long before he’s ready.
Long live the King…and his new Queen Bee. That is, if they can get the country and the council to accept her and overturn the outdated law that makes having married her illegal.
The chemistry between these two was magnetic and palpable from their first meeting, and though their HEA was hard won, their happily ever after was well worth riding out the storm for.
Read this if you love:
Age-gap
Royalty x commoner
Multi-POV
Forced proximity
MMC with an accent
Literal future king MMC
Sarcastic FMC
One bed
A hasty wedding
“My wife”
“My queen”
Slow burn
Reformed playboy
Electric chemistry
“My woman”
Hand necklace
Royal tradition
Grief
Strong family relationships
“Good girl”
Secret marriage
Chosen family
Protective MMC
“Mine” / “my girl.”
He kneels for his Queen
Spicy throne scene
He falls first
Unexpected pregnancy
HEA
Friendly faces from previous books
Thank you so much to Bella Matthews for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Striking is the seventh and final book in the Red Lips and White Lies series by Bella Matthews, and follows Prince Rhys Windsor of Mornea and Bellamy Wilder.
“Your Highness” and his “Little Bee”.
The King and his Queen.
She’s a nursing student prepping to take her boards to become a nurse practitioner with a specialty in Oncology, and he’s the future King of Mornea, who lost his mom to cancer and started up a foundation to help other families in their honor.
When their paths cross on a private island due to some miscommunication, or maybe a couple of meddling matchmakers, sparks fly between them and the resulting fire is more of a raging inferno.
In just a few days, their magnetic connection is undeniable, so when Rhys is due to return back to Mornea, he asks Bellamy to come along with him, under guise of offering her a job as the new head of his foundation. A few more days later, the pair are married in a drunken ceremony facilitated through the proper channels.
But what should be a blissful morning is dampened when tragedy strikes, making Rhys Windsor, heir to the throne, step into his grandfathers shoes long before he’s ready.
Long live the King…and his new Queen Bee. That is, if they can get the country and the council to accept her and overturn the outdated law that makes having married her illegal.
The chemistry between these two was magnetic and palpable from their first meeting, and though their HEA was hard won, their happily ever after was well worth riding out the storm for.
Read this if you love:
Age-gap
Royalty x commoner
Multi-POV
Forced proximity
MMC with an accent
Literal future king MMC
Sarcastic FMC
One bed
A hasty wedding
“My wife”
“My queen”
Slow burn
Reformed playboy
Electric chemistry
“My woman”
Hand necklace
Royal tradition
Grief
Strong family relationships
“Good girl”
Secret marriage
Chosen family
Protective MMC
“Mine” / “my girl.”
He kneels for his Queen
Spicy throne scene
He falls first
Unexpected pregnancy
HEA
Friendly faces from previous books
Thank you so much to Bella Matthews for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
Of course this was a five star for me because this series is PERFECTION! The seventh book in the Red Lips & White Lies series is an amazing end with a HEA!
I love the emotions that Bella manages to bring out of me in every book I read. With the interconnected web of family and friends, it feels like I know these people in real life. It’s a special type of writing! I read this in one day because I was HOOKED!
I’m a sucker for the MCM, Rhys Windsor and his royalty. I love the love he has for the FMC, Bellamy Wilder. It’s all just a big yes from me! I mean who doesn’t want to wake up next to a sexy prince…or king?? All of the raw love and spice in this book, along with the amazing storyline and emotions, had me at 100 the entire time. 100% invested.
Bravo Bella! Thank you for such a special series! 🫶🏻
*thank you to Bella for the eARC
**coming July 17th!
I love the emotions that Bella manages to bring out of me in every book I read. With the interconnected web of family and friends, it feels like I know these people in real life. It’s a special type of writing! I read this in one day because I was HOOKED!
I’m a sucker for the MCM, Rhys Windsor and his royalty. I love the love he has for the FMC, Bellamy Wilder. It’s all just a big yes from me! I mean who doesn’t want to wake up next to a sexy prince…or king?? All of the raw love and spice in this book, along with the amazing storyline and emotions, had me at 100 the entire time. 100% invested.
Bravo Bella! Thank you for such a special series! 🫶🏻
*thank you to Bella for the eARC
**coming July 17th!
July 17, 2025
This is like the sixth Rhys on my book boyfriend list LOL.
Oh my goodness. Everything about this book was perfect. It’s fast paced. Delicious in every way. And I have no doubt you all will love Rhys too. He is obsessed with Bellamy from the very start. And she was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. I loved watching their relationship blossom. Bellamy and Rhys both were such lovable characters. There was nothing about this story that I didn’t like. It all fell together perfectly and I cried twice 😆. If you’re looking for an all consuming love story, some forbidden love, amazing side characters a great plot + some delicious spice, then I think you’ll love this🫶🏼
Oh my goodness. Everything about this book was perfect. It’s fast paced. Delicious in every way. And I have no doubt you all will love Rhys too. He is obsessed with Bellamy from the very start. And she was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. I loved watching their relationship blossom. Bellamy and Rhys both were such lovable characters. There was nothing about this story that I didn’t like. It all fell together perfectly and I cried twice 😆. If you’re looking for an all consuming love story, some forbidden love, amazing side characters a great plot + some delicious spice, then I think you’ll love this🫶🏼
July 16, 2025
absolute perfection again from bella!!!
rhys windsor >>> he’s officially my favorite bella mmc; he’s perfect in every way! he was truly down so bad for bellamy from the moment they met. watching him love her was so special <3
and bellamy!!! the (literal) queen that she is!! my girl was literally thrown to the wolves and adapted & adjusted so well. our little bee was also so perfect in every way! my girl!!!
i can’t believe the series is officially over :( but i’m excited for what’s to come!!
thank you bella for the arc!!
rhys windsor >>> he’s officially my favorite bella mmc; he’s perfect in every way! he was truly down so bad for bellamy from the moment they met. watching him love her was so special <3
and bellamy!!! the (literal) queen that she is!! my girl was literally thrown to the wolves and adapted & adjusted so well. our little bee was also so perfect in every way! my girl!!!
i can’t believe the series is officially over :( but i’m excited for what’s to come!!
thank you bella for the arc!!
July 17, 2025
Striking is absolute perfection, I knew this story was going to be good but this... I have no words
The banter, heat and tension between these too was off the scale.
Queen B has found her King, I couldn't be more in love with these two if I tried.
Striking is the 7th and final book of the Red lips and white lies series. everything Bella writes is pure magic.
The banter, heat and tension between these too was off the scale.
Queen B has found her King, I couldn't be more in love with these two if I tried.
Striking is the 7th and final book of the Red lips and white lies series. everything Bella writes is pure magic.
July 21, 2025
If Bella Writes it, I’m going to read it. Hands down, no questions asked. I can always count on a quick dose of serotonin from Bellas writing. Striking is a low stress feel good story. From the instant love to witty banter and accidental marriage I absolutely devoured this story.
July 18, 2025
Fuck ass book making me cry
Did I cry because the way Rhys loves Bellamy is the standard I’ll never find? Yes, I did.
These two had me in my feelings and hooked form minute one. Seeing the chemsitry, the trust and the love grow and explode between them was a pleasure.
Bellamy was perfect, impulsive but still grounded. Knew how to communicate and how to be there for Rhys when he needed patience and care. She was so selfles,s and the way she took hold of that foundation to make anything she could better, not only for the patients, but also the families? A sweetheart and I love her.
Rhys, my man. He was perfect from every angle. How he fell and fell hard. How his confession was so pure and sweet, it brought literal tears to my eyes. How he would have done anything for her, literally anything, no matter the cost or consequence! I loved his sweet side and his flirty side, and I'm now making him the standard.
Bella, I'm just so happy I discovered your books because they are so damned good! The fact that I got this as an ARC was an added treat!
Quotes:
I was greeted with chaos in the form of Bellamy Wilder.
An incredibly delicious form, might I add, book to the face notwithstanding.
So why does her skin feel like the sweetest sin I've ever touched?
"I didn't do it because I had to. I did it because I wanted to. Let me spoil you."
"I haven't agreed to anything yet, Your Highness."
"You're going to call me that on your knees one day, little bee."
"I'd trade my next fucking breath to kiss you, but you better be sure."
My princess.
My wife.
"I'll give you everything you ever want, Bellamy. But your body…your cunt, is mine. And I'm going to take my time with you."
She doesn't want anything from me. Not my title or
what comes with being my queen.
Just me.
And whether she realizes it or not, she already owns
me.
My cock is rock-hard and dying for the relief I'll only get from being inside her body, but she comes first. Always.
One day, my family will walk behind my coffin, and I hope when that day comes, I will have lived a life they can be proud of.
"You're fucking right, I'm yours. Now show me how you kneel for your king."
"I've wanted you from the first moment I saw you on the island. I'm not going to let a law from centuries ago determine whether you're fit to rule by my side."
"What's worth it?"
"Isn't it obvious, little bee? You. you're worth it."
"I have loved you since the very first day I met you, my queen."
"You are my true north, love. You are my direction. My reason why."
"You are the love of my life, little bee. You. Not my country. Not my crown. You. I just want you."
"You have me, my king. Now do with me what you want."
"You are the most important thing in my life, little bee, and I'm going to fucking worship you..."
"I was made to love you. For the rest of my life, everything else will come second to that, my queen."
"I'll spend my last breath on this earth telling you I love you, Bellamy."
And when it is all over, if I'm asked what good I did in my life, I will say I loved you.
Did I cry because the way Rhys loves Bellamy is the standard I’ll never find? Yes, I did.
These two had me in my feelings and hooked form minute one. Seeing the chemsitry, the trust and the love grow and explode between them was a pleasure.
Bellamy was perfect, impulsive but still grounded. Knew how to communicate and how to be there for Rhys when he needed patience and care. She was so selfles,s and the way she took hold of that foundation to make anything she could better, not only for the patients, but also the families? A sweetheart and I love her.
Rhys, my man. He was perfect from every angle. How he fell and fell hard. How his confession was so pure and sweet, it brought literal tears to my eyes. How he would have done anything for her, literally anything, no matter the cost or consequence! I loved his sweet side and his flirty side, and I'm now making him the standard.
Bella, I'm just so happy I discovered your books because they are so damned good! The fact that I got this as an ARC was an added treat!
Quotes:
I was greeted with chaos in the form of Bellamy Wilder.
An incredibly delicious form, might I add, book to the face notwithstanding.
So why does her skin feel like the sweetest sin I've ever touched?
"I didn't do it because I had to. I did it because I wanted to. Let me spoil you."
"I haven't agreed to anything yet, Your Highness."
"You're going to call me that on your knees one day, little bee."
"I'd trade my next fucking breath to kiss you, but you better be sure."
My princess.
My wife.
"I'll give you everything you ever want, Bellamy. But your body…your cunt, is mine. And I'm going to take my time with you."
She doesn't want anything from me. Not my title or
what comes with being my queen.
Just me.
And whether she realizes it or not, she already owns
me.
My cock is rock-hard and dying for the relief I'll only get from being inside her body, but she comes first. Always.
One day, my family will walk behind my coffin, and I hope when that day comes, I will have lived a life they can be proud of.
"You're fucking right, I'm yours. Now show me how you kneel for your king."
"I've wanted you from the first moment I saw you on the island. I'm not going to let a law from centuries ago determine whether you're fit to rule by my side."
"What's worth it?"
"Isn't it obvious, little bee? You. you're worth it."
"I have loved you since the very first day I met you, my queen."
"You are my true north, love. You are my direction. My reason why."
"You are the love of my life, little bee. You. Not my country. Not my crown. You. I just want you."
"You have me, my king. Now do with me what you want."
"You are the most important thing in my life, little bee, and I'm going to fucking worship you..."
"I was made to love you. For the rest of my life, everything else will come second to that, my queen."
"I'll spend my last breath on this earth telling you I love you, Bellamy."
And when it is all over, if I'm asked what good I did in my life, I will say I loved you.
July 23, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
👑 Royal Romance
💖 Cinderella Story
👑 Billionaire Romance
💖 He Falls First
👑 Forced Proximity
💖 Found Family
👑 Accidental Marriage
💖 Age Gap (7 years)
👑 Forbidden 🚫
💖 Forced Proximity
✨️ ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️
I have loved this series from when I started it two books ago and I'm not ready for it to be over 😭!
I'm not a huge royal romance girlie but this may have changed my feelings on them! Okay well as long as Bella writes them then I'm all over it 🥰!
She has a way with her words and how well she builds her characters! I've yet to find a character she has written that I didn't really love 😍.
Bellamy and Rhys aren't breaking my love 💖 streak anytime soon! Thank goodness! I'm not ready to have a breakup with these two! I absolutely loved their banter, the chemistry that they brought!
Rhys is a whole man that every woman wouldn't mind being married to. But he was down bad for his queen! He said MY LOVE 💓 and boy did he mean it. I was swooning so hard I almost fell out of my bed 😂.
Th swooning never got better and I was almost checked into the hospital because I couldn't stop 😂. My husband and was like what's got you smiling like that? A KING 🤴 DO YOU HEAR ME SIR? He worships the ground his love walks on and wouldn't have it any other way.
I just couldn't get enough of these two! I am excited but scared of what happens next! Hold my hand ✋️ so we can do this together ❤️ . We can form a Bella Matthews Book Support Club 😂.
💖 Thank you so much to Bella Matthews for the free copy 🫶🏻. All opinions✨️ are my own, honest and voluntary✨️.
🌶️🌶️.5
👑 Royal Romance
💖 Cinderella Story
👑 Billionaire Romance
💖 He Falls First
👑 Forced Proximity
💖 Found Family
👑 Accidental Marriage
💖 Age Gap (7 years)
👑 Forbidden 🚫
💖 Forced Proximity
✨️ ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️
I have loved this series from when I started it two books ago and I'm not ready for it to be over 😭!
I'm not a huge royal romance girlie but this may have changed my feelings on them! Okay well as long as Bella writes them then I'm all over it 🥰!
She has a way with her words and how well she builds her characters! I've yet to find a character she has written that I didn't really love 😍.
Bellamy and Rhys aren't breaking my love 💖 streak anytime soon! Thank goodness! I'm not ready to have a breakup with these two! I absolutely loved their banter, the chemistry that they brought!
Rhys is a whole man that every woman wouldn't mind being married to. But he was down bad for his queen! He said MY LOVE 💓 and boy did he mean it. I was swooning so hard I almost fell out of my bed 😂.
Th swooning never got better and I was almost checked into the hospital because I couldn't stop 😂. My husband and was like what's got you smiling like that? A KING 🤴 DO YOU HEAR ME SIR? He worships the ground his love walks on and wouldn't have it any other way.
I just couldn't get enough of these two! I am excited but scared of what happens next! Hold my hand ✋️ so we can do this together ❤️ . We can form a Bella Matthews Book Support Club 😂.
💖 Thank you so much to Bella Matthews for the free copy 🫶🏻. All opinions✨️ are my own, honest and voluntary✨️.
July 16, 2025
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Rhys & Bellamy
This was such a wonderful book to end the series with! I loved every single minute of it. This huge world just continues to grow and make me fall in love with everyone more and more with each book.
Rhys is next in line for the crown and knows that becoming King is coming quickly.
Bellamy is studying to be a nurse. She went through treatment for cancer and now wants to help others. The two of them meet on a short vacation where Rhys is immediately enthralled by her. He convinces her to come back with him to help with a program revolving around cancer. After a fun night out, they wake up married to one another. From there is a whirlwind of duties and responsibilities, and these two falling into a beautiful love.
This is low angst but high on all of the feelings and emotions. There is a tiny bit of drama surrounding the politics with him being King, but it never overshadows the romance. It's sweet, swoony as hell, deliciously steamy, and a complete feel-good read. I adored Bellamy. I swooned so hard over Rhys. And I'm in love with Atticus (Rhys's brother). One of my favorites in the series!
I can't believe this was the last book, but I am excited for what's next!
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Rhys & Bellamy
This was such a wonderful book to end the series with! I loved every single minute of it. This huge world just continues to grow and make me fall in love with everyone more and more with each book.
Rhys is next in line for the crown and knows that becoming King is coming quickly.
Bellamy is studying to be a nurse. She went through treatment for cancer and now wants to help others. The two of them meet on a short vacation where Rhys is immediately enthralled by her. He convinces her to come back with him to help with a program revolving around cancer. After a fun night out, they wake up married to one another. From there is a whirlwind of duties and responsibilities, and these two falling into a beautiful love.
This is low angst but high on all of the feelings and emotions. There is a tiny bit of drama surrounding the politics with him being King, but it never overshadows the romance. It's sweet, swoony as hell, deliciously steamy, and a complete feel-good read. I adored Bellamy. I swooned so hard over Rhys. And I'm in love with Atticus (Rhys's brother). One of my favorites in the series!
I can't believe this was the last book, but I am excited for what's next!
July 17, 2025
Striking by Bella Matthews 💕
Red Lips & White Lies, Book 7
Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
276 Pages
🗓️ July 17
💕accidental marriage
👑royal romance
💕age gap
👑forbidden love
💕cinderella
👑billionaire romance
💕no 3rd act breakup
❣️"Some girls watched Beauty and the Beast for the beast. I watched it for the library."
❣️ "Now we spin it. We show the world that you and our little bee—”
"My f ing bee, not yours."
❣️"There are so many things I want to say to her. Things I need her to believe."
I didn’t want this series to end but if we must, then this was the way to go! A royal romance with no 3rd act breakup is ALWAYS the answer. But was I ready for Rhys?! But of course not. Not at all. Not even a little bit. Because, you see, he wasn’t just the prince, just the king, just the guy who falls first and harder. Oh no, he was also the guy wife-ing the love of his life despite knowing d*mn well he would (potentially) lose his crown over it. Did he care? Sure. Did it matter to him? Not as much as one would guess. Did he have any regrets? ABSOLUTELY ZERO! Love that for Bellamy and, honestly, love that for us too.
And oh my baby llamas-that-could-be-alpacas-and-I-wouldn’t-know, what have we ever done to deserve Bellamy?! No take backs! But my goodness, she was indeed goodness personified and I adored her so, so much.
This book was deliciously inhaled, thank you very much.
I can’t wait for the new series 💕💕
Red Lips & White Lies, Book 7
Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
276 Pages
🗓️ July 17
💕accidental marriage
👑royal romance
💕age gap
👑forbidden love
💕cinderella
👑billionaire romance
💕no 3rd act breakup
❣️"Some girls watched Beauty and the Beast for the beast. I watched it for the library."
❣️ "Now we spin it. We show the world that you and our little bee—”
"My f ing bee, not yours."
❣️"There are so many things I want to say to her. Things I need her to believe."
I didn’t want this series to end but if we must, then this was the way to go! A royal romance with no 3rd act breakup is ALWAYS the answer. But was I ready for Rhys?! But of course not. Not at all. Not even a little bit. Because, you see, he wasn’t just the prince, just the king, just the guy who falls first and harder. Oh no, he was also the guy wife-ing the love of his life despite knowing d*mn well he would (potentially) lose his crown over it. Did he care? Sure. Did it matter to him? Not as much as one would guess. Did he have any regrets? ABSOLUTELY ZERO! Love that for Bellamy and, honestly, love that for us too.
And oh my baby llamas-that-could-be-alpacas-and-I-wouldn’t-know, what have we ever done to deserve Bellamy?! No take backs! But my goodness, she was indeed goodness personified and I adored her so, so much.
This book was deliciously inhaled, thank you very much.
I can’t wait for the new series 💕💕
July 23, 2025
This is book 7 of the Red Lips and White Lies series which follows Bellamy and Rhys. Rhys escapes to his family villa to get a break from the pressures of being next in line for the throne not expecting to meet his future queen. Bellamy is vacationing there with her family. Their meet cute is unconventional- she gets scared and throws a book at him lol but the attraction is instant. When he offers her a dream job and a chance to fly to Mornea, Bellamy who is a planner and has never done anything adventurous, jumps at the chance but when Bellamy wakes up to find herself married after a wild night and too many drinks things take a turn. Then the king dies and Rhys will be king. Bellamy becomes a source of comfort and strength for Rhys while realizing that being married to him makes her the next queen should she be accepted since she isn’t a royal.
This is such a beautiful love story and these two are so deserving of love especially Bellamy who is a cancer survivor. Rhys is the man she didn’t know she needed.
I could not put this book down! I was hooked from the first chapter! The banter, the spice, and the connection between these two was just so sweet! I could not love these two more! Bella Matthews did it again! I cant believe this series has ended but it ended with such grace and love!
Thank you to author Bella Matthews for an e-Arc copy of this book!
5⭐️
3/5🌶️
🐝Accidental Marriage
🌹Royal Romance
🐝Forbidden
🌹Billionaire
🐝Cinderella Story
🌹Age Gap
This is such a beautiful love story and these two are so deserving of love especially Bellamy who is a cancer survivor. Rhys is the man she didn’t know she needed.
I could not put this book down! I was hooked from the first chapter! The banter, the spice, and the connection between these two was just so sweet! I could not love these two more! Bella Matthews did it again! I cant believe this series has ended but it ended with such grace and love!
Thank you to author Bella Matthews for an e-Arc copy of this book!
5⭐️
3/5🌶️
🐝Accidental Marriage
🌹Royal Romance
🐝Forbidden
🌹Billionaire
🐝Cinderella Story
🌹Age Gap
July 17, 2025
Bella Matthews has done it again! Rhys and Bellamy were perfection. An accidental marriage, royal billionaire and forbidden romance. I loved it from the first page to the last.
Rhys is the crown prince of Mornea. Bellamy is a nurse. They meet and there is attraction from the start. Rhys doesn’t want their time to end and wants Bellamy to work for his foundation in Oncology something close to her heart. She accompanies him back to Mornea.
A drunken night leads to an accidental marriage and then suddenly they are the King and Queen of Mornea.
Rhys took my breath away. He is everything you could want in a man. Add in the royal twist and I was hooked!
Their love was the light in all the changes and duties they faced. It was like a fairytale come to life.
Their connection ran so deep it was electric. And the way Rhys cared for her and put her above all else with make you swoon.
This was the cherry on top to an additional book in this series. I can’t say enough about the Red Lips and White Lies series. I loved every book!
Rhys is the crown prince of Mornea. Bellamy is a nurse. They meet and there is attraction from the start. Rhys doesn’t want their time to end and wants Bellamy to work for his foundation in Oncology something close to her heart. She accompanies him back to Mornea.
A drunken night leads to an accidental marriage and then suddenly they are the King and Queen of Mornea.
Rhys took my breath away. He is everything you could want in a man. Add in the royal twist and I was hooked!
Their love was the light in all the changes and duties they faced. It was like a fairytale come to life.
Their connection ran so deep it was electric. And the way Rhys cared for her and put her above all else with make you swoon.
This was the cherry on top to an additional book in this series. I can’t say enough about the Red Lips and White Lies series. I loved every book!
July 20, 2025
What a way to close out a series! Such a sweet, spicy, swoony royal romance that I devoured in just a few hours.
Bella's books always capture my attention from the start, and I can never seem to put them down. Rhys and Bellamy's story was no different.
There's just something about a royal romance with a forbidden aspect that makes everything so much hotter🔥 - from the tension, the sneaking around, to the hot as heck spice (throne room scene anyone?), Striking was a phenomenal way to end the series.
Also huge props to Bella for making me cry in the freaking prologue because I was NOT expecting that 😭
With this being the end of the series, we got our found family moments that Bella incorporates into her books so well. Watching each of our characters get their HEA has been amazing.
Thank you so much to Bella for my eARC!💖
Highly recommend Striking for lovers of:
- royal romance
- forced proximity
- billionaire
- prince x nurse
- cinderella story
- age gap
- accidental marriage
Bella's books always capture my attention from the start, and I can never seem to put them down. Rhys and Bellamy's story was no different.
There's just something about a royal romance with a forbidden aspect that makes everything so much hotter🔥 - from the tension, the sneaking around, to the hot as heck spice (throne room scene anyone?), Striking was a phenomenal way to end the series.
Also huge props to Bella for making me cry in the freaking prologue because I was NOT expecting that 😭
With this being the end of the series, we got our found family moments that Bella incorporates into her books so well. Watching each of our characters get their HEA has been amazing.
Thank you so much to Bella for my eARC!💖
Highly recommend Striking for lovers of:
- royal romance
- forced proximity
- billionaire
- prince x nurse
- cinderella story
- age gap
- accidental marriage
July 22, 2025
Per-freaking-fection! Striking is my new favorite from Bella! I seriously have no words for how much I loved this one. It was incredible!
Rhys & Bellamy were perfection and so amazing together! I am absolutely obsessed with both of them. Give me a confident, dirty talking man in the bedroom any day, but make him an actual King?!? 🥵🥵🤭 Oh gosh, I think would pass tf out! The amount of times I swooned and felt butterflies for this man… Top Tier right here! Rhys Windsor has set the book boyfriend bar up high!
“𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝒶𝓇ℯ 𝓂𝓎 𝓉𝓇𝓊ℯ 𝓃ℴ𝓇𝓉𝒽, 𝓁ℴ𝓋ℯ. 𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝒶𝓇ℯ 𝓂𝓎 𝒹𝒾𝓇ℯ𝒸𝓉𝒾ℴ𝓃. ℳ𝓎 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓈ℴ𝓃 𝓌𝒽𝓎.”
I loved learning about Rhys & Bellamy’s pasts and seeing everything they’ve gone through. Their pasts made them stronger and who they are today. Both of them were complex and had depth and growth. I truly just loved them.
This book brought out all my emotions. I teared up and cried multiple times (Ahem… what I mean is, I balled my eyes out in the prologue! The prologue!) I swooned, got all hot, and lol’d. I just loved this one so much! Every character was so good. I need more Atticus and Joss in my life though. Can we make this happen, Bella? A Mornea spinoff???
👑 Accidental Marriage
🐝 Royal Romance
👑 Forbidden
🐝 Billionaire
👑 Cinderella Story
🐝 Age Gap
Rhys & Bellamy were perfection and so amazing together! I am absolutely obsessed with both of them. Give me a confident, dirty talking man in the bedroom any day, but make him an actual King?!? 🥵🥵🤭 Oh gosh, I think would pass tf out! The amount of times I swooned and felt butterflies for this man… Top Tier right here! Rhys Windsor has set the book boyfriend bar up high!
“𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝒶𝓇ℯ 𝓂𝓎 𝓉𝓇𝓊ℯ 𝓃ℴ𝓇𝓉𝒽, 𝓁ℴ𝓋ℯ. 𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝒶𝓇ℯ 𝓂𝓎 𝒹𝒾𝓇ℯ𝒸𝓉𝒾ℴ𝓃. ℳ𝓎 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓈ℴ𝓃 𝓌𝒽𝓎.”
I loved learning about Rhys & Bellamy’s pasts and seeing everything they’ve gone through. Their pasts made them stronger and who they are today. Both of them were complex and had depth and growth. I truly just loved them.
This book brought out all my emotions. I teared up and cried multiple times (Ahem… what I mean is, I balled my eyes out in the prologue! The prologue!) I swooned, got all hot, and lol’d. I just loved this one so much! Every character was so good. I need more Atticus and Joss in my life though. Can we make this happen, Bella? A Mornea spinoff???
👑 Accidental Marriage
🐝 Royal Romance
👑 Forbidden
🐝 Billionaire
👑 Cinderella Story
🐝 Age Gap
July 16, 2025
If you have read any books in this series, you have met both of our MCs. Rhys is the royal King, also known as Lennon’s brother. And Bellamy is the sister of Ares and Cross Wilder.
👑Royal romance
👑Drunk marriage
👑Forced proximity
👑Billionaire romance
Bellamy and Rhys hit it off immediately and after one drunk night, get married. The problem is, marriage in Rhys’s country is a binding contract and due to his hierarchy as King, he cannot get a divorce. So, these two are navigating a new normal, while falling in love at the same time.
These two were adorable and so much fun together. I am so happy to see Bellamy get her own story and loved hearing Rhys with his dirty mouth. Also, an honorable mention is Atticus because he is absolutely hilarious!
👑Royal romance
👑Drunk marriage
👑Forced proximity
👑Billionaire romance
Bellamy and Rhys hit it off immediately and after one drunk night, get married. The problem is, marriage in Rhys’s country is a binding contract and due to his hierarchy as King, he cannot get a divorce. So, these two are navigating a new normal, while falling in love at the same time.
These two were adorable and so much fun together. I am so happy to see Bellamy get her own story and loved hearing Rhys with his dirty mouth. Also, an honorable mention is Atticus because he is absolutely hilarious!
July 16, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this book, and Oh. My. Goodness! I was so excited for this couple, and Bella just sucked back into this KH universe from the first page.
Rhys is the man we all wish to meet—the one who sees you for you and will put you above anything and anyone.
Bellamy is the strongest one of them all. Life has not always been kind, but she has prevailed. She deserved to find her HEA more than anyone.
To visit the family in Kroydon Hills and see all the interactions is everything. Like all of Bella’s books, I was not ready for it to end. This series could not have ended with a better book or couple. I cannot wait to see what the Love & Legacy series brings.
Rhys is the man we all wish to meet—the one who sees you for you and will put you above anything and anyone.
Bellamy is the strongest one of them all. Life has not always been kind, but she has prevailed. She deserved to find her HEA more than anyone.
To visit the family in Kroydon Hills and see all the interactions is everything. Like all of Bella’s books, I was not ready for it to end. This series could not have ended with a better book or couple. I cannot wait to see what the Love & Legacy series brings.
July 17, 2025
Bella you are the queen! I had a conversation with my friend about our mutual obsession with everything that Bella writes and she described it perfectly. Reading a Bella book is like coming home! This is the truth. Her books are my comfort reads for sure!
This book closed out the series perfectly! Rhys and Bellamy are GOALS. She is a true queen meant to rule next to her delicious king. From the first time they meet until the very end of the book, these two had me swooning. I loved getting to see them fall in love. If anybody deserved a HEA, it was Bellamy! That epilogue….🥹🥹🥹
Loving this world is so easy. Loving these characters has been such a bright spot in reading for me.
This book closed out the series perfectly! Rhys and Bellamy are GOALS. She is a true queen meant to rule next to her delicious king. From the first time they meet until the very end of the book, these two had me swooning. I loved getting to see them fall in love. If anybody deserved a HEA, it was Bellamy! That epilogue….🥹🥹🥹
Loving this world is so easy. Loving these characters has been such a bright spot in reading for me.
July 28, 2025
Rhys and Bellamy were absolutely SO ADORABLE! I’m so obsessed with the royalty meets nurse trope and I need more!!! I loved the whole accidental marriage trope in this book and found their chemistry to be off the charts! I love how they instantly fell for each other and were so cute from the start! I mean come onnn who doesn’t love a “my wife” moment and Rhys just being so obsessed. This book was the last in the series and honestly one of the best!
July 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
• King of Mornea x sister’s American friend
• accidental marriage
• forbidden romance
• Cinderella story
We met Rhys during Lennon & Maddox’s story - he’s her brother and the next in line for the royal throne. He’s big, blonde, and beautiful.
And scares the crap out of Bellamy when he shows up at his family’s private island when she’s vacationing there with her family & friends.
I loved the modern day royal spin on the Kroydon Hills series characters and Rhys was made for Bellamy in this finale of Red Lips & White Lies.
Sweet and spicy (the king has a dirty mouth 🙌🏽) and Bellamy finds happiness in a new life as she takes risks and finds love in the process.
🌶️
• King of Mornea x sister’s American friend
• accidental marriage
• forbidden romance
• Cinderella story
We met Rhys during Lennon & Maddox’s story - he’s her brother and the next in line for the royal throne. He’s big, blonde, and beautiful.
And scares the crap out of Bellamy when he shows up at his family’s private island when she’s vacationing there with her family & friends.
I loved the modern day royal spin on the Kroydon Hills series characters and Rhys was made for Bellamy in this finale of Red Lips & White Lies.
Sweet and spicy (the king has a dirty mouth 🙌🏽) and Bellamy finds happiness in a new life as she takes risks and finds love in the process.
November 6, 2025
My job is pretty demanding right now, so I was looking for something fast-paced and easy to read—and Striking was exactly that. It pulled me in right away and kept me entertained the whole time. The story flowed smoothly, the characters were engaging, and it was the perfect way to unwind and get my mind off work for a bit.
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