The woman he can't have...is the one he can't live without. A billionaire romantic comedy-drama
ROMAN The heir to an empire, his whole life dictated before he was born. He was trained to be rational, calculating, merciless. Life was business and business was life.
There could be no complications.
Then came Isabel.
She was everything he never knew he needed. Now thoughts of her consume his days and haunt his nights.
That makes her the empire’s greatest threat.
And his greatest challenge...
ISABEL A pastry chef, happy with a job she adores and a roof over her head. Until she’s fired and blacklisted with the rent coming due.
Love is the last thing on her mind when a perfect stranger rescues her from a bookstore brawl.
They spend a magical night together, but he tells her they can never be. Leaving her with a shattered heart.
She lands a job at a mansion owned by a family richer than God. A job that might just be her salvation.
That is, until she finds out who lives in the forbidden south wing...
--Prelude to Us is a steamy star-crossed billionaire romance. This book contains explicit content and profanity. Recommended for mature readers only.
--MAIN TROPES Billionaire Kind Possessive Hero Different Worlds Star-Crossed Lovers
Jacqueline writes because she can’t sing or dance. After years of ghostwriting novels, she decided it was (finally!) time to write her own stories. Which is the best decision she ever made.
Jacqueline lives a quiet life with Mr. Darling and two hairy little darlings, Gatsby and Daisy, on the west coast.
Her greatest wish is that you enjoy reading her books as much as she loves writing them.
Prelude to You by Jacqueline Darling was more than 5 stars! It was a beautifully written contemporary romance that left me breathless. I devoured it. This debut novel was unexpectedly one of the best romances I’ve ever read. I was wooed by the writing. The chemistry was eclectic and anyone could see it, feel it. My heart broke a million times waiting anxiously for them to see what they had. This emotional love story that held me close like an intimate embrace. All I can say is that I loved all of it and can’t wait for book 2! I’ll be thinking about this for a long time. If you love a strong heroine and perfect chemistry with steamy intimacy then this is your book. I highly recommend it. Thanks to my new friend for this eArc. All thoughts are my own and I honestly loved it.
A stunning and addictive read! What a finely crafted, sizzling hot romance! Prelude to You is one of the most mesmerising, sensual, crazy beautiful love stories I have ever read! Just sooooooo damn good! I rarely say this, but this is definitely worth reading several times!
The electricity between Roman and Isabel crackles up your page-turning arm like firecrackers on a midnight beach: dazzling, breathtaking, thrilling! I just couldn't get enough of how beautifully nuanced this couple are written, how detailed and intricate their emotions explored, how much I wanted a Roman for myself (she says fanning herself)! This is pure genius and a perfect feast for my romantic heart!
Obviously I couldn't put it down and began to dread the final chapters as it lead to a cliffhanger. So now I'm there, dangling from that cliff, waiting for book two to save me. Can't recommend enough!
Infinite stars for me 🌟🌟🌟. Such a beautifully written debut novel, the first in the Belmont Manor Billionaires duet. The ending cliffhanger broke my heart a little 💔but I’m so relieved to be able to go straight into Prelude to Us. After loosing her job, Isobel finds herself in a bookshop being rescued by a handsome man, their connection is instant but after an intense kiss Roman tells her it can’t be more. In this dual POV romance it follows their undeniable chemistry that draws them both back to each other. They both share an incredible night together 🌶️🌶️ but the morning after and thanks to some unwelcome intervention by Romans security Isobel is left humiliated and heartbroken. Although he doesn’t allow himself to think of a future with her, he can’t stop thinking about her, wanting to protect and care for her. Isobel has such grace and strength, she’s witty and funny. Roman is torn, his destiny or following his heart, something that’s never tested him before. He’s powerful, hot, caring and he does deserve her 🤞🏻. Thank you BookSirens, the Author and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this, all opinions expressed are my own.
As I reached the ending of "Prelude to You" by Jacqueline Darling, a vortex of emotions swept over me, leaving me utterly spellbound by the captivating tale spun within its pages. This steamy star-crossed billionaire romance shines brightly, a true brilliance that fully merits its five-star rating! . Mesmerized from the first page, Roman and Isabel plunged me into their world with an irresistible magnetism. Roman, the regal yet posssessive heir, shed his impenetrable guise when faced with the spirited Isabel. Their electric chemistry crackled off the pages, drawing the reader into a tangled web of desire and taboo longing. . A marvel of storytelling, the plot seamlessly fuses romance, drama, and humor. With each shocking revelation, I was compulsively driven forward, desperate to unravel the threads of love and redemption woven into the narrative. . I rate this 5-star read because of the compelling writing, lyrical and elegant prose, and fascinating plot. The author's ability to craft vivid scenes and complex characters drew me deep into the heart of the story, where every word felt purposeful and every emotion palpable. The lyrical prose swept me away, evoking a range of feelings from joy to heartache with each turn of the page. And the plot, filled with unexpected twists and poignant moments, kept me hooked from beginning to end!
Holy cow. What an incredible story. Loved the characters and their journey together. Lots of drama and suspense. Interesting well written storyline. Highly recommended.
I loved this book! Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. The storyline is original and well written. The attraction between Isabel and Roman undenyable. Their story is definitely love at first sight. The book ends in a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to reading it. I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is so much more than your typical billionaire spicy romance. It’s a passionate and timeless story of two characters, Isabel and Roman, from different worlds who fall in love. The writing, especially the dialogue blew me away. It’s beautiful and a perfect blend of witty and dramatic. The spice level (although nicely done 😊) is pretty high so be warned. This is book 1 of 2 and I can’t wait to read the second book.
In part, this book reminded me of An Affair to Remember. A couple who dance around each other while learning more about the other with a tide of underlying attraction. I did, absolutely, love this book. I truly can't wait for the sequel to come out. Though I knew before starting the book that there would be a cliffhanger, it still took me by surprise.
Though I am firm in the fact that this book is truly a five star book, I do need to state that I don't really understand why Roman, the main character, felt that he couldn't have a relationship or, as the description states, "complications" in his life. Be that as it may, I strongly recommend this book for readers who enjoy a love story without all that angst. This book really just makes you consume page after page wanting to know what happens next. I literally couldn't put this book down.
I did receive an advance review copy for free and leave this review voluntarily. Pick this book up! You won't regret it. I can't wait for that next one to come out!
Oh My Goodness! This book was totally and utterly amazing! The most enthralling story i’ve held in my hands! I want more!!
I was entirely captivated from the first paragraph, A Prelude to you is a contemporary Romance which is written so realistically & beautifully that you are ensconced in Roman & Isabel’s bubble with them, devouring every single word like a French pastry …Be still my romantic heart 🥰.
I’m so great-full for this delightful read & not only am I adding Jacqueline Darling to my favorite authors, I’m jumping on to her pre-order for her second book, Prelude to us. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PRELUDE TO YOU is a book jam packed with longing. Isabel and Roman struggle through instant attraction, and rapidly evolving feelings.
But is fate working to get them together, or keep them apart? I’m in it to find out.
There is a memorable cast of secondary characters, intrigue, and a kind of breathless “what’s around the next corner” feeling in this advanced copy of the book I received to read. I offer my opinion to read it while running off to read part 2 myself.
I had so many mixed feelings about this book. This is one of those books in which you read some pages and you get mad at the characters, so you put it down and promise yourself that it’s not worth it. The next thing happening is finding yourself devouring all the pages to see how things turn out. This is what actually happened to me while reading this book. I wanted to shed tears of happiness because both characters touched my heart but at the same time, I just hated some moments because I felt useless, I wanted to help them, take away all the sadness that was killing their soul. This book got me too sentimental but I guess it’s what I really needed, to feel the thrill of love flow in my veins!
More a 4 1/2 ⭐️ When two completely opposite strangers meet at a bookstore and their instant attraction is off the charts. This is the prelude to the Belmont Manor Billionaire series and we are introduced to Roman and Isabel. Their lives are complicated as is their feelings for each other and in this book we discover their backstories. We don’t discover what their future is until in the next book in the series which I cannot wait to read. This is a strangers to lovers billionaire romance with spice, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is one of those books where once you start reading your not sure about it, but keep reading as the first few chapters seem repetitive then the story really starts and your hooked. Roman is a bit of a recluse and is more into one night stand and not commitment. Isabel is more outspoken, vibrant and certainly getting into uncomfortable situations, but her heart is always in the right place. Losing her job the her uber story not turning up and ending up in the old bookshop is the start of a story you don't want to miss. These two certainly have an electric chemistry between them that not only draws you in but it also makes for a truly intoxicating and thrilling series of events between them. I really couldn't put this down and kept hoping just another chapter, I really hope you'll enjoy this as much as I have
Wow. What an amazing book. I couldn’t put it down. I love these two characters and how they’re are kind of Star-Crossed lovers. Even cried a little bit. Can’t wait for the second book
Roman and Isabel were so intense in all the best ways. I was annoyed at times by the vagueness surrounding Roman's need for secrecy but the attraction between these opposites' was everything you could wish for. The story just got better and better and then CLIFFHANGER! I can't wait for the next one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Roman Belmont has spent his entire life doing everything exactly as expected of him. He has never so much as inched a toe over the line of expectations set by his father as the heir to a billion dollar empire. A chance encounter with bold, brave pastry chef Isabel in a book shop throws Roman’s entire world off balance. An ill advised but searing kiss brands Isabel into Roman’s brain, and he can’t shake her no matter how hard he tries. Isabel is similarly thrown, and uses a clue from the bookshop to find Roman again. The promise of a single night together is almost too much for Isabel to bear, but even worse would be walking away never knowing what might’ve been.
Prelude to You is book one in the duet and does end on a cliffhanger. Book two, Prelude to Us, will be released in February 2024. I am looking forward to book two and the conclusion of this love story!
Recommended if you enjoy: 🗣️ first person dual pov narration 🕴️ duty bound billionaires 🥐 pastry chef former ballerinas 💂 strict and menacing bodyguards 📚 extravagant gifts as a love language 🍵 meddling and outspoken best friends 🛌 one night affairs 🧗♀️ cliffhangers
Thank you to @rom__jo and jacquelinedarling_author for the advanced copy to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Loved the storyline and the characters. It completely held my interest...can't wait to read Book 2 in the series. I've read plenty of romantic novels and this is my favorite thus far. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Happy trails!
(3.6 Stars) After a string of bad luck Isabel Le Roche bumps into stranger named Roman Belmont in a bookstore where they definitely have an instant connection. It may of been a quick meeting but neither can forget about the other. When she secures a new job inside a luxurious Estate, she is put into a world that may lead her back to her stranger. Who is Roman and why can’t they stop do thinking about each other? This is a debut romance novel about instant connections & strangers from two very different upbringings. I did find myself skimming some parts waiting for more to happen however, the book as a whole is an enjoyable debut. It gives the vibe of a historical romance but set in the present time. This leaves off in a cliffhanger preparing you for book 2. Told in dual POV; First Person.
I loved these books! Just read both in 2 days. The stories and characters were original and so unique. I have been reading romance on kindle unlimited for 15 years, best books ever! I love Isabel and Meg! Great female characters! Thank you! I am going to read them again and wait impatiently for the third!
One of the most beautifully written books I’ve read in a long while. The story keeps getting more & more interesting, does not get bogged down with the angst & what if’s. Appropriately erotic but enhances the emotional connection between the characters. Only slight disappointment was when it ended but thankfully book 2 was readily available- which I devoured in one day! I’m a little frustrated trying to access the bonus material after book 2 right now but really loved these books
I loved this book and I hated this book. I love it for the same reason I hate it, it was so amazing and I couldn't put it down and lost some serious sleep going to work like a lovesick zombie, sneaking looks at my Kindle every time I had a semi-break. Prelude is beautifully written, with a breathtaking love story and amazing characters. I was pulled into this story and it kept me there. Every character, not only the main characters, is vividly drawn, and really I can see this as a Bridgerton kinda series on Netflix. And let's not talk about Roman, ohmygod, hands off my book boyfriend, ladies. He's everything I want in a romance male character, charming, gorgeous, kind, hot and so fricken passionate, I just want to poison Isabel, so I can have him all to myself. Isabel is everything I like in a romance female character to, strong, vulnerable, sassy, and very funny. Meg is Isabel's best friend. I hope we see more of her. I mean this is a series, right? Please say it will never end. She is one of the funniest charactrs I've ever read, and I read a lot. Literally every character crawls into your heart and won't let go. The love scenes had me panting like a dog in july. Unbelievably sensual and sexy. I won't say more, you can find out for yourself. have ice water ready. Most amazing was this journey where Isabelle and Roman slowly fall in love over the course of an evening (long date without a single boring moment). This writer knows how to write story and characters and she can build moments like I've never seen before.
All in all it took me 2 days to read, which taking into account i have to sleep and have a job is crazy quick. I lost a lot of sleep. And let's not talk about the cliffhanger that had me throw my phone at the wall. Book 2 will be read the second its hot off the press please and thank you.
OMG, you guys! I just finished reading "Prelude to You" by Jacqueline Darling, and let me tell you, I am absolutely swooning! This book is like a dream come true for romance lovers like me. It's got all the tropes I adore rolled into one epic love story that had me flipping pages faster than I could say "rich boy, poor girl." . First off, let's talk about Roman Belmont. He's the epitome of the brooding billionaire trope, and I couldn't get enough of his smoldering intensity. From the moment he meets Isabel, the feisty pastry chef with fire in her veins, you can practically feel the sparks flying off the pages! And can we talk about their chemistry? It's off the charts, people! I was living for every stolen glance, every heart-pounding moment of mutual pining. . The strangers-to-lovers angle? Chef's kiss Seriously, watching Roman and Isabel go from awkward encounters to steamy rendezvous was everything I could have hoped for and more. And the fact that we get to hear their thoughts through dual POV narration? Pure genius! I felt like I was right there with them, experiencing every twist and turn of their whirlwind romance. . Oh, and did I mention the spicy scenes? 🔥 Let's just say, Jacqueline Darling knows how to turn up the heat! But it's not just about the steamy moments – there's so much depth and emotion woven into every page. Secrets are revealed, hearts are broken, and by the end, I was left clinging to the edge of my seat, desperate for more. . And that cliffhanger ending? Are you kidding me?! I need book two, like, yesterday! I'm dying to know what happens next and whether Roman and Isabel will get their happily ever after. This book has completely stolen my heart, and I can't wait to dive back into their world when "Prelude to Us" comes out.
In Jacqueline Darling's "Prelude to You," I found myself utterly captivated by the colorful array of characters, the depth of emotions explored, and the unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning each page. The way time seems to expand, making two days feel like two weeks, only added to the immersive experience. Every page is infused with a sense of longing and depth that resonated deeply with me. This book isn't just a story; it's a journey into a world where the ordinary transforms into something truly extraordinary. . Forget spectating. In "Prelude to You," Darling thrusts you into the emotional rollercoaster of both Isabel and Roman. Through dual POV, she grants access to their deepest selves, laying bare their vulnerabilities and desires. Each word drips with authenticity, pulling you into their world until their joys and sorrows feel like your own. . As the plot unfolds, the reader is taken on a whirlwind romance where fate and coincidence intertwine, leading Isabel and Roman on a path filled with near misses and perfect timing. The tension is palpable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they root for the star-crossed lovers to find their way back to each other. . "Prelude to You" is a masterpiece of romance and intrigue that will leave readers breathless and yearning for more. Jacqueline Darling's captivating prose and richly drawn characters make this a must-read for fans of the genre. I wholeheartedly give it five stars and eagerly await more from this talented author.
"Prelude to You" by Jacqueline Darling is more than just a five-star read; it's a captivating journey through the depths of contemporary romance that will leave you breathless. From the moment I cracked open the pages, I was utterly consumed by the beautifully woven narrative. Darling's debut novel exceeded all expectations, delivering one of the most compelling romances I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The writing is nothing short of enchanting, drawing me in with its lyrical prose and magnetic allure. . The chemistry between the characters, Isabel and Roman, is nothing short of electric. Their connection leaps off the page, igniting a firestorm of emotions that kept me turning pages late into the night. I felt every heartbreak, every longing, and every moment of raw vulnerability as if it were my own. This emotional love story enveloped me like an intimate embrace, leaving me utterly spellbound from start to finish. I devoured every word, hanging onto each sentence with bated breath, anxiously awaiting the moment when they would realize the depth of their feelings for each other. . But amidst the turmoil and passion, there lies a strength in Isabel that is both inspiring and empowering. She is a heroine to be reckoned with, her resilience and determination shining through with each passing chapter. As for the steamy intimacy between Isabel and Roman, it is nothing short of sizzling. Their chemistry is palpable, igniting the pages with a fiery passion that leaves a lasting impression.
Thank you so much @rom_jo and Jacqueline Darling for sending me this ARC!
Prelude To You is a Contemporary Romance that just released a few days ago and I really enjoyed this book!
After losing her job, Isabel finds herself in a bookstore where a handsome stranger saves her from an embarrassing situation. Isabel and Roman feel an instant connection and attraction, but neither of them is looking for a relationship and they are complete opposites. But when they can’t stop thinking about each other and when their paths seem to constantly cross, Isabel and Roman start thinking that maybe they will be able to find a way to be together, but with Romans secrets and Isabel’s mysterious new job, it might prove to be harder than they thought.
I was so excited to read this book as soon as I heard about it and it’s as good as I thought it would be. Isabel is a really great FMC, she was relatable and I loved seeing her in her new job and explore the world of rich people with Roman. Roman is a mysterious billionaire that I couldn’t help but want to know more about and the more I knew, the more I loved him and I already can’t wait to see more of him in book 2. Isabel and Roman were amazing together, I loved how open they were with each other about their feelings and expectations, they had really great communication which is pretty rare in romance books and I loved that here. Despite coming from completely different worlds, they were perfect for each other and I loved all their moments together, I can’t wait to see what happens next with them in the next book.
Prelude to You is a really great romance book with amazing characters and sweet romance with a lot of mutual pining that I really enjoyed and definitely recommend. Book 2 can’t come soon enough!