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Destiny #2
Betting the Bad Boy
The Bad Boys of Destiny are back and this rugged Alpha is in for the surprise of his life when he comes back to town.
Ten years ago, Duke King knew that getting involved with Grace Truman would only bring trouble into his already hard life. After all, the son of the town drunk has no business falling for the judge’s daughter…a passion that led to disaster and ended with Duke serving a ten year prison sentence. Duke never wanted to return to Destiny, especially now that he’s built a multimillion dollar custom car empire with his brothers. But when his sick aunt calls him home, he must face his past and discover a secret that instantly changes his life.
Grace never thought she would see Duke again, especially after years of silence. But when Duke comes storming back into her life, looking hotter than ever, and determined to get to know the son he never knew he had, she realizes that maybe she’d been wrong about him so many years ago. So Grace decides to make Duke a bet. If he can stay in the house with them for the next thirty days and prove he’ll be a good father, she’ll agree to letting him be part of his son’s life. If not, he’d better be prepared for a fight.
Going from single guy to family man isn’t going to be easy for Duke, especially with the still sexy, now fiery, Grace clouding his every thought. Can Duke be the man he never thought he could be or will his old bad boy ways be too much to conquer?
Ten years ago, Duke King knew that getting involved with Grace Truman would only bring trouble into his already hard life. After all, the son of the town drunk has no business falling for the judge’s daughter…a passion that led to disaster and ended with Duke serving a ten year prison sentence. Duke never wanted to return to Destiny, especially now that he’s built a multimillion dollar custom car empire with his brothers. But when his sick aunt calls him home, he must face his past and discover a secret that instantly changes his life.
Grace never thought she would see Duke again, especially after years of silence. But when Duke comes storming back into her life, looking hotter than ever, and determined to get to know the son he never knew he had, she realizes that maybe she’d been wrong about him so many years ago. So Grace decides to make Duke a bet. If he can stay in the house with them for the next thirty days and prove he’ll be a good father, she’ll agree to letting him be part of his son’s life. If not, he’d better be prepared for a fight.
Going from single guy to family man isn’t going to be easy for Duke, especially with the still sexy, now fiery, Grace clouding his every thought. Can Duke be the man he never thought he could be or will his old bad boy ways be too much to conquer?
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2016
14 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Sugar Jamison
11 books378 followersSugar Jamison is a southern belle trapped in a New Yorker's body. With a love of big hair and high heeled shoes, she spends her day at her very normal day job and night dreaming up sweet but sassy romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 5, 2016
I tried hard to like this book, to find it interesting or at least connect with the characters but bottom line, I couldn't. It's bellow mediocre, with a compelling arc, i 'll give you that, but execution-wise, poor. The characters are over the top without meaning to be and the writing is outdated and flimsy.
Two of the biggest issues i had with the story were the unapologetic behavior the main hero, Duke King, showed throughout the book and the lack of pace. The Duke King conundrum could be easily left aside, it's a matter of taste mostly. He was on the wrong side of arrogance, too harsh on his son, and he diminished Grace's efforts. His character although consistent to his life-story, simply wasn't likeable.
The flow of the story on the other hand is something that i can't turn a blind eye to. It has to be logical and the escalation should be organic and none of those things can be said for this book.
In contrary i felt that the big conflict between Duke and Grace was so forced that the author had to remind us of it and the sexual scenes were thrown in haphazardly, just to fulfill the requirements for the book to be considered as a romance.
So the story is the following, a single mother -Grace- living with her thirteen-year-old son in her hometown, comes face to face with her first and only love -Duke. They haven't seen each other for a long time and their last night together wasn't exactly a celebration. There is some bad-blood between them but they also share a son, is there a way to make everyone happy? Is this their chance to become a family after all the pain in the past?
Honestly i can't say that i liked a lot of things in this book like you already noticed, but Duke's younger brothers were the only saving grace for me. I liked them both and i will try to read their stories which by the way are all happening at the same time.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- I liked Ryder with his uncles.
- Double POV.
- I'm not buying the whole Ryder is exactly like his father, thing. Behavior and personality isn't inheritance. He never been near him for 13 years so there is no chance of mimicking and his life was vastly different from his father's. Some traits are fine to share but not that massively.
- Levi was my favorite.
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
Two of the biggest issues i had with the story were the unapologetic behavior the main hero, Duke King, showed throughout the book and the lack of pace. The Duke King conundrum could be easily left aside, it's a matter of taste mostly. He was on the wrong side of arrogance, too harsh on his son, and he diminished Grace's efforts. His character although consistent to his life-story, simply wasn't likeable.
The flow of the story on the other hand is something that i can't turn a blind eye to. It has to be logical and the escalation should be organic and none of those things can be said for this book.
In contrary i felt that the big conflict between Duke and Grace was so forced that the author had to remind us of it and the sexual scenes were thrown in haphazardly, just to fulfill the requirements for the book to be considered as a romance.
So the story is the following, a single mother -Grace- living with her thirteen-year-old son in her hometown, comes face to face with her first and only love -Duke. They haven't seen each other for a long time and their last night together wasn't exactly a celebration. There is some bad-blood between them but they also share a son, is there a way to make everyone happy? Is this their chance to become a family after all the pain in the past?
Honestly i can't say that i liked a lot of things in this book like you already noticed, but Duke's younger brothers were the only saving grace for me. I liked them both and i will try to read their stories which by the way are all happening at the same time.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- I liked Ryder with his uncles.
- Double POV.
- I'm not buying the whole Ryder is exactly like his father, thing. Behavior and personality isn't inheritance. He never been near him for 13 years so there is no chance of mimicking and his life was vastly different from his father's. Some traits are fine to share but not that massively.
- Levi was my favorite.
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
February 19, 2016
DNF @ 26%
Note to self: Any character described as a "gangbanger" who takes orders, utterly ruins a book.
And when the MC calls his love interest "a bitch who screws" in front of their teenage son (after fingering her in the car) makes me close the book screaming "My eyes!! My eyes!!"
Nope. Not for me.
Note to self: Any character described as a "gangbanger" who takes orders, utterly ruins a book.
And when the MC calls his love interest "a bitch who screws" in front of their teenage son (after fingering her in the car) makes me close the book screaming "My eyes!! My eyes!!"
Nope. Not for me.
January 10, 2016
I enjoyed Duke and Grace's story. I've read Colt's and I liked the consistency in the story lines. Duke learns he's a father 13 years after the fact and he has a lot of ground to cover with his son. Grace had people in her life trying to control her and keep her away from Duke but love always finds a way. I liked how they were together. It was a sweet story of a couple finding their way back. Second chance stories are awesome :)
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2016
I had the same problem with this book as I did with The Bad Boy CEO. I just didn't like the these characters and the description of this book is pretty much the book. It was predictable and (again) boring. I thought Grace was weak and a pushover and Duke was rude to EVERYONE!! And I HATED how he always called his son "boy". He has a name...
I really skimmed through this book.
So far, each of the these brother's stories are happening at the same time. So I can only assume that that will be the same for Luke, the final brother's story. Luke story also seems to have the most promise for me. He has been the only one I've liked through both books.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**
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I really skimmed through this book.
So far, each of the these brother's stories are happening at the same time. So I can only assume that that will be the same for Luke, the final brother's story. Luke story also seems to have the most promise for me. He has been the only one I've liked through both books.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**
OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME:
Blog: http://alysenovak.blogspot.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AlyseNovakBlog
Twitter: www.twitter.com/alyseypoo21
Bloglovin': https://www.bloglovin.com/alyseypoo21
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AlyseNovak
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/alyseypoo21
January 17, 2016
Jamison is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors to read. The bad boys of destiny series is taking off and I'm loving every minute of it!
This is the second book in the series and Duke King is asked to return home with his brothers to see the sick aunt who raised him and his brothers after their father left. Duke has done well for himself by building a custom car shop and the last place he wants to be is back in destiny but after seeing Grace his plans are about to change.
Grace left destiny after Duke was sent to prison to almost beating a man to death but she came home to help her dying mother and take care of her father. Now that Duke is back she has a secret she has to tell him and she isn't sure how it's going to go. She loved this bad boy 13 years ago and those feelings haven't changed but this secret might ruin their chance at a second chance.
I know this is only book 2 but I have to say so far this one is my favorite so far. I love second chance at love stories and this one is no different. The characters Jamison created are different and have an edge to them even though they are millionaires now and I just loved them!
This story takes place parallel to the first book which I just loved seeing the first brother fall in love from a different point of few while Dukes story was going on was eye opening.
I really liked Duke hell I loved him. He was hard, strong, honest and overall a good man. I enjoyed reading about him getting to know his son he never knew he had and they had some touching bonding moments that just won me over.
The only issue I really had with this writing was the overuse of the word "boy". I found it just a tad annoying and could have done without it so much.
I enjoyed the rekindling romance between Duke and Grace. They both went on to have different lives but I love how they wanted to give it a shot for there son. I liked how they didn't jump into bed like the last 13 years didn't happen and they took the time to relearn about one another. I also enjoyed when Duke was getting to know his son and what to do with him, what he likes and teaching him new things. The male bonding between them tugged at me and Duke really won me over.
The plot was different which I greatly appreciated and the King brothers are my new bad boy favorites so far this year!
I'm super excited and can't wait for the next book!
This is the second book in the series and Duke King is asked to return home with his brothers to see the sick aunt who raised him and his brothers after their father left. Duke has done well for himself by building a custom car shop and the last place he wants to be is back in destiny but after seeing Grace his plans are about to change.
Grace left destiny after Duke was sent to prison to almost beating a man to death but she came home to help her dying mother and take care of her father. Now that Duke is back she has a secret she has to tell him and she isn't sure how it's going to go. She loved this bad boy 13 years ago and those feelings haven't changed but this secret might ruin their chance at a second chance.
I know this is only book 2 but I have to say so far this one is my favorite so far. I love second chance at love stories and this one is no different. The characters Jamison created are different and have an edge to them even though they are millionaires now and I just loved them!
This story takes place parallel to the first book which I just loved seeing the first brother fall in love from a different point of few while Dukes story was going on was eye opening.
I really liked Duke hell I loved him. He was hard, strong, honest and overall a good man. I enjoyed reading about him getting to know his son he never knew he had and they had some touching bonding moments that just won me over.
The only issue I really had with this writing was the overuse of the word "boy". I found it just a tad annoying and could have done without it so much.
I enjoyed the rekindling romance between Duke and Grace. They both went on to have different lives but I love how they wanted to give it a shot for there son. I liked how they didn't jump into bed like the last 13 years didn't happen and they took the time to relearn about one another. I also enjoyed when Duke was getting to know his son and what to do with him, what he likes and teaching him new things. The male bonding between them tugged at me and Duke really won me over.
The plot was different which I greatly appreciated and the King brothers are my new bad boy favorites so far this year!
I'm super excited and can't wait for the next book!
February 4, 2016
Duke King left Destiny after a ten year stint in jail for beating a man who had hurt his girl. He knew the jail time was to keep him away from the judges daughter, even though he had his own reasons for staying away. He has gone on and built a dynasty for him and his brothers, but now Lolly the woman who raised them is sick and wants him home.
When he sees Grace again he wants to hate her but the feelings are still there for the girl he once loved. Finding out they have a son together though, has Duke reeling. He is angry, hurt, and most of all ready to step up to become a father. His son Ryder is surly, angry, and pure teenage son. Grace is not wanting help with Ryder but she knows she owes it to Duke, even if her reasons were to protect her son, for them to get one another.
Grace makes a deal with Duke, thirty days of living in their home and she will allow Duke to have Ryder in some sort of arrangement. Duke is reluctant to trust Grace again but the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes she is still his one. Now to convince her.
Loved Duke, he is pure alpha male. This was riveting from the first page to the end. I wasn't sure where the story would lead but was excited to find out. Grace you got why she did what she did, I think she could have easily not been likeable but she was a wonderful character. Ryder was so teen boy, spot on. Excellent read.
When he sees Grace again he wants to hate her but the feelings are still there for the girl he once loved. Finding out they have a son together though, has Duke reeling. He is angry, hurt, and most of all ready to step up to become a father. His son Ryder is surly, angry, and pure teenage son. Grace is not wanting help with Ryder but she knows she owes it to Duke, even if her reasons were to protect her son, for them to get one another.
Grace makes a deal with Duke, thirty days of living in their home and she will allow Duke to have Ryder in some sort of arrangement. Duke is reluctant to trust Grace again but the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes she is still his one. Now to convince her.
Loved Duke, he is pure alpha male. This was riveting from the first page to the end. I wasn't sure where the story would lead but was excited to find out. Grace you got why she did what she did, I think she could have easily not been likeable but she was a wonderful character. Ryder was so teen boy, spot on. Excellent read.
February 9, 2016
Copyright Night Owl Reviews
When I first started reading this book, it felt a little rushed to me. Then I realized it was book two in a series and there may have been some background information in the first one I may have missed, but this one is still OK to read as a standalone. There is so much emotion in this book, especially in the last thirty minutes or so of the book. That part made me change my mind about the rating. I was going to give it a three and a half star rating but it received a boost up to four stars. That's how much I enjoyed those last few pages.
Duke King hasn't seen Grace Truman since he got sent to jail because of her. He knows that her pompous father had her sent away for running around with the likes of him. She's the judge's daughter, he's the town drunk's son. Their worlds were not meant to collide but you can't help who you love. When Duke goes back home to Destiny, Nevada because Lolly, the aunt who raised the three King boys, is in the hospital, she asks him to talk to Grace who just moved back to town with her son. Upon their first meeting in thirteen years, the chemistry is still there and he finds himself in quite the predicament before too long.
Please read my full review on Night Owl Reviews. Thank you!
When I first started reading this book, it felt a little rushed to me. Then I realized it was book two in a series and there may have been some background information in the first one I may have missed, but this one is still OK to read as a standalone. There is so much emotion in this book, especially in the last thirty minutes or so of the book. That part made me change my mind about the rating. I was going to give it a three and a half star rating but it received a boost up to four stars. That's how much I enjoyed those last few pages.
Duke King hasn't seen Grace Truman since he got sent to jail because of her. He knows that her pompous father had her sent away for running around with the likes of him. She's the judge's daughter, he's the town drunk's son. Their worlds were not meant to collide but you can't help who you love. When Duke goes back home to Destiny, Nevada because Lolly, the aunt who raised the three King boys, is in the hospital, she asks him to talk to Grace who just moved back to town with her son. Upon their first meeting in thirteen years, the chemistry is still there and he finds himself in quite the predicament before too long.
Please read my full review on Night Owl Reviews. Thank you!
February 1, 2016
3.5 stars
Betting the Bad Boy was a good read.
The storyline held my attention from start to finish, the characters were entertaining and I enjoyed watching Duke and Grace reconnect and find their HEA.
Overall this was a sweet second chance love story.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Betting the Bad Boy was a good read.
The storyline held my attention from start to finish, the characters were entertaining and I enjoyed watching Duke and Grace reconnect and find their HEA.
Overall this was a sweet second chance love story.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the advance copy.
February 5, 2016
ARC REVIEW
Betting on the Bad Boy is the second part to Sugar Jamison Destiny series. So far the two books are parallel and it doesn't matter which order you read them in. Sugar Jamison has written a series about three brothers who were raised by the town drunk who up and disappeared one day leaving his sister Lolly to raise them. Lolly did the best she could by them but once they were called trash they were forever branded trash, and the first chance they had to leave they left Destiny. Each of the brother is unique. Duke the oldest is a hard and anger man who lives for his custom cars. Colt is the brains of the bunch who turned Duke's custom car business into a billion dollar company. Levi the youngest is the fun loving playboy who hosts the reality show based on King's Customs.
This is Duke King story. Duke King has an interesting story thirteen years ago he fell in love with the judge's daughter. Duke was a hard man even in his youth. The only person to out right show him love after his mother's death was Lolly, he never knew how to express his emotions and never knew what it felt like to truly love. After becoming father to his brothers at the age of fifteen and listened to the town calling him trash for all his life he never thought he was worthy enough for her. Grace knew that the moment she saw Duke that she wanted nothing more than to make him happy, that she could love him forever. But one night their world came crashing down. Duke was arrested for attempted murder, a trumped up charge brought on by Grace's father and the father of the guy Duke was beating the crap out of, who happened to be the Police Chief. Duke served six of his ten years when he got out he started Duke's Customs and with Colt's help they became billionaires. They would have left well enough alone with the hell they once called home but when Lolly called them back home because her failing health.
Grace was devastated when Duke was arrested but due to the hatred her father had for Duke he never knew about his son. Ryder is now thirteen years old a budding trouble maker and in desperate need for a father figure. Duke steps up and wants to be in his son's life and after he gets over his anger he makes a bet with Grace. If he can make it a full month living with them and being Ryder's father than she will let him move them to Vegas with him. The time he spends with Ryder has a rocky start but with the two of them being so similar Duke quickly falls into line with being a good father. Grace is confused she never stopped loving Duke and while she is scared he is just going to leave she can't stop making love to him every night. It's rocky between Grace and Duke also slowly relearning each other and truths about their time apart being told and Duke's overbearing nature to take over and give Grace the life she deserves butts head with Grace's overprotective and stubborn need to do everything herself.
Overall this was a quick good read. I love how the town that hated them is slowly growing to love the King boys. I can't wait for Levi's story.
Betting on the Bad Boy is the second part to Sugar Jamison Destiny series. So far the two books are parallel and it doesn't matter which order you read them in. Sugar Jamison has written a series about three brothers who were raised by the town drunk who up and disappeared one day leaving his sister Lolly to raise them. Lolly did the best she could by them but once they were called trash they were forever branded trash, and the first chance they had to leave they left Destiny. Each of the brother is unique. Duke the oldest is a hard and anger man who lives for his custom cars. Colt is the brains of the bunch who turned Duke's custom car business into a billion dollar company. Levi the youngest is the fun loving playboy who hosts the reality show based on King's Customs.
This is Duke King story. Duke King has an interesting story thirteen years ago he fell in love with the judge's daughter. Duke was a hard man even in his youth. The only person to out right show him love after his mother's death was Lolly, he never knew how to express his emotions and never knew what it felt like to truly love. After becoming father to his brothers at the age of fifteen and listened to the town calling him trash for all his life he never thought he was worthy enough for her. Grace knew that the moment she saw Duke that she wanted nothing more than to make him happy, that she could love him forever. But one night their world came crashing down. Duke was arrested for attempted murder, a trumped up charge brought on by Grace's father and the father of the guy Duke was beating the crap out of, who happened to be the Police Chief. Duke served six of his ten years when he got out he started Duke's Customs and with Colt's help they became billionaires. They would have left well enough alone with the hell they once called home but when Lolly called them back home because her failing health.
Grace was devastated when Duke was arrested but due to the hatred her father had for Duke he never knew about his son. Ryder is now thirteen years old a budding trouble maker and in desperate need for a father figure. Duke steps up and wants to be in his son's life and after he gets over his anger he makes a bet with Grace. If he can make it a full month living with them and being Ryder's father than she will let him move them to Vegas with him. The time he spends with Ryder has a rocky start but with the two of them being so similar Duke quickly falls into line with being a good father. Grace is confused she never stopped loving Duke and while she is scared he is just going to leave she can't stop making love to him every night. It's rocky between Grace and Duke also slowly relearning each other and truths about their time apart being told and Duke's overbearing nature to take over and give Grace the life she deserves butts head with Grace's overprotective and stubborn need to do everything herself.
Overall this was a quick good read. I love how the town that hated them is slowly growing to love the King boys. I can't wait for Levi's story.
February 3, 2016
Kitty and Shelly's reviews are posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Kitty 4 stars
I really wasn’t sure where this story was going to go when I was asked to read it. But, I soon discovered that new-to-me authors usually surprise me. It really wasn’t the same old, same old. I found it to be fun and interesting. Especially since there are three Bad Boys and all their stories look like they will be as interesting as Duke King’s.
Duke and Grace were definitely from different sides of the tracks. But, that’s what really made this interesting. Grace didn’t want the Princess treatment and Duke felt that she deserved it but couldn’t be the man to give it to her. What started off as trying to make Duke jealous ended up with him in prison and Grace on her own. Not the ideal life that either one of them had imagined. But, circumstances brought them back together again and both of their lives changed along with a 13 year old Ryder.
Levi, Colt and Aunt Lolly brought a whole other dimension to the story. Levi is the classic little brother with the good looks and personality. Colt is the somber middle brother that is all work and no play. I can’t wait to see someone bring him to his knees. And, Aunt Lolly is the glue holding them all together and making them look at their lives a little differently. What surprised me a little is that she has already introduced us to both of their HEA’s and it seems that they are both going to be interesting reads. Especially Colt.
Now, Sugar Jamieson could have taken this story in several different directions but I was happy that she didn’t do what I expected. She kept me on my toes throughout the story and, that’s a good thing. Just when I thought she would bring Ryder one way, she brought him in a totally different direction. I was glad that she made Duke a good guy, brought his anger and his resentment towards the people of Destiny from bad to good. She humanized him, showed us his faults and then let us watch him evolve into a wonderful man. Grace’s character was a little more complex. I was thrilled that she never really changed, that she turned her family away and learned how to stand on her own two feet. She knew who and what she wanted when she was 16 and 13 years later, he was standing right in front of her just waiting for her to claim him again. I was also happy that neither Duke nor Ryder made it easy on Grace when they found out how she betrayed both of them. I love the bond and trust that formed between the three of them as they started to face life as a family.
And, I really, really fell in love with Ryder and his 13 year old attitude. Best line of the book … “And, I want to puke in a bag.” God, you have got to love teenagers.
Seriously, I absolutely enjoyed Betting The Bad Boy and am looking forward to what Sugar Jamison has in store for Colt and Levi. If their stories are as enjoyable as Duke’s, she has herself a new fan. Hopefully, she’ll keep us posted as to what is going on with Duke, Grace and, especially, Ryder.
Shelly - 4 stars
Betting the Bad Boy starts out similar to the first book, but from Duke’s point of view. I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the first (Colt’s story).
Duke is the oldest of the King brothers, who was sent away to prison 14 years ago and never heard from his love again, till he and his brothers come back to Destiny on the ruse of their sick Aunt. Duke is in for a surprise when he comes back to Destiny and finds out he has a 13-year-old son with Grace.
Grace was the daughter of the town Judge, with money and privilege and her past kept her from the man she loved and had a child with for years. But now that Duke is back in town and the tables have changed Grace is not ready to give up her freedom easily to Duke who wants to be a part of his son’s life, but also wants to be a part of Grace’s life as well.
Ms. Jamison brings this story of second chances and time heals wounds to life in Duke’s story. It has the ups and downs of a good romance. It was a good read that could be read as a stand alone, although it would be best if read as a series. Looking forward to what she does with Levi’s story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Kitty 4 stars
I really wasn’t sure where this story was going to go when I was asked to read it. But, I soon discovered that new-to-me authors usually surprise me. It really wasn’t the same old, same old. I found it to be fun and interesting. Especially since there are three Bad Boys and all their stories look like they will be as interesting as Duke King’s.
Duke and Grace were definitely from different sides of the tracks. But, that’s what really made this interesting. Grace didn’t want the Princess treatment and Duke felt that she deserved it but couldn’t be the man to give it to her. What started off as trying to make Duke jealous ended up with him in prison and Grace on her own. Not the ideal life that either one of them had imagined. But, circumstances brought them back together again and both of their lives changed along with a 13 year old Ryder.
Levi, Colt and Aunt Lolly brought a whole other dimension to the story. Levi is the classic little brother with the good looks and personality. Colt is the somber middle brother that is all work and no play. I can’t wait to see someone bring him to his knees. And, Aunt Lolly is the glue holding them all together and making them look at their lives a little differently. What surprised me a little is that she has already introduced us to both of their HEA’s and it seems that they are both going to be interesting reads. Especially Colt.
Now, Sugar Jamieson could have taken this story in several different directions but I was happy that she didn’t do what I expected. She kept me on my toes throughout the story and, that’s a good thing. Just when I thought she would bring Ryder one way, she brought him in a totally different direction. I was glad that she made Duke a good guy, brought his anger and his resentment towards the people of Destiny from bad to good. She humanized him, showed us his faults and then let us watch him evolve into a wonderful man. Grace’s character was a little more complex. I was thrilled that she never really changed, that she turned her family away and learned how to stand on her own two feet. She knew who and what she wanted when she was 16 and 13 years later, he was standing right in front of her just waiting for her to claim him again. I was also happy that neither Duke nor Ryder made it easy on Grace when they found out how she betrayed both of them. I love the bond and trust that formed between the three of them as they started to face life as a family.
And, I really, really fell in love with Ryder and his 13 year old attitude. Best line of the book … “And, I want to puke in a bag.” God, you have got to love teenagers.
Seriously, I absolutely enjoyed Betting The Bad Boy and am looking forward to what Sugar Jamison has in store for Colt and Levi. If their stories are as enjoyable as Duke’s, she has herself a new fan. Hopefully, she’ll keep us posted as to what is going on with Duke, Grace and, especially, Ryder.
Shelly - 4 stars
Betting the Bad Boy starts out similar to the first book, but from Duke’s point of view. I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the first (Colt’s story).
Duke is the oldest of the King brothers, who was sent away to prison 14 years ago and never heard from his love again, till he and his brothers come back to Destiny on the ruse of their sick Aunt. Duke is in for a surprise when he comes back to Destiny and finds out he has a 13-year-old son with Grace.
Grace was the daughter of the town Judge, with money and privilege and her past kept her from the man she loved and had a child with for years. But now that Duke is back in town and the tables have changed Grace is not ready to give up her freedom easily to Duke who wants to be a part of his son’s life, but also wants to be a part of Grace’s life as well.
Ms. Jamison brings this story of second chances and time heals wounds to life in Duke’s story. It has the ups and downs of a good romance. It was a good read that could be read as a stand alone, although it would be best if read as a series. Looking forward to what she does with Levi’s story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
March 1, 2017
Overall i loved this book, however i had to give it a lower rating as the book overlaps the previous book, therefore a fair amount of the test has already been in the previous book. It has just been updated with the new perspective and the new female main character.
Duke is a good guy banged up for nearly killing a man after he disrespected a woman, a thing no King man will tolerate.
Both characters a pretty strong, however things could have been sorted a little faster if they had talked to each other. Duke also seems pretty bullish in that he gets whats he wants.
Very glad that they get their happy ever after, but it was expected.
Duke is a good guy banged up for nearly killing a man after he disrespected a woman, a thing no King man will tolerate.
Both characters a pretty strong, however things could have been sorted a little faster if they had talked to each other. Duke also seems pretty bullish in that he gets whats he wants.
Very glad that they get their happy ever after, but it was expected.
January 25, 2016
Copy received from publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
Betting The Bad Boy is the second book in the Destiny series. It follows the same timeline as the first book (Bad Boy CEO) but from the POV of another King brother - the beginning of the book is pretty much the same as the first, but this time from a different brothers POV, and I am guessing that the 3rd brother's book will start the same way.
During the first book, we got to know Duke King through his brother Colt's POV, and his story was in the background. I was always intrigued by Duke's story (more so than Colt's) so reading this book was a no brainer.
I LOVED learning more about Duke and Grace and the series of events that brought them to where they are today, 13 years down the track. The more I got to know of Duke King, the more I adored him. After everything, he has come out fighting, come out on top, and a better man than he probably would have been. And I love their boy Ryder!
I also enjoyed seeing Colt and Levi through Duke's eyes.
I have read a few of Ms Jamison's books to date, but I think that this is my favourite so far.
I can't see what she gives us with Levi's story.
Betting The Bad Boy is the second book in the Destiny series. It follows the same timeline as the first book (Bad Boy CEO) but from the POV of another King brother - the beginning of the book is pretty much the same as the first, but this time from a different brothers POV, and I am guessing that the 3rd brother's book will start the same way.
During the first book, we got to know Duke King through his brother Colt's POV, and his story was in the background. I was always intrigued by Duke's story (more so than Colt's) so reading this book was a no brainer.
I LOVED learning more about Duke and Grace and the series of events that brought them to where they are today, 13 years down the track. The more I got to know of Duke King, the more I adored him. After everything, he has come out fighting, come out on top, and a better man than he probably would have been. And I love their boy Ryder!
I also enjoyed seeing Colt and Levi through Duke's eyes.
I have read a few of Ms Jamison's books to date, but I think that this is my favourite so far.
I can't see what she gives us with Levi's story.
February 12, 2016
Disclaimer: I have received an Arc on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
MY RATING: 4.5/5
WHAT I LIKED…
From the very first page, I was hooked. I fell in love with Duke and his brothers and his aunt. They were whip-smart, funny, and had so much love for each other that I just knew that this book wasn’t a standalone. And it wasn’t. It was my complete mistake to not realize that this was actually book two of the Destiny series by Sugar Jamison but it can be read as a standalone. You know the author has done right when they are able to make you intrigued on other characters and their relationships with their loved ones and that was what Sugar Jamison exactly did.
I also really enjoyed the whole premise of the book. I’m a sucker for romances where they are unplanned pregnancies with a dominant man who really wants to be a good father because he never had a supportive one. And the strong heroine who really sticks up to the guy and tells him straight up that she can raise the child on her own, no problem.
Aside from the plotline itself, I liked how Sugar executed the story or how the characters are dominating but not too dominating. They’re real. They have motivations for why they act the way that they do. They are understanding. At some points of the book, I actually cried! I just love stories involving family issues and to see problems being worked out is awesome.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE…
Keep reading my review on my blog: https://remarkablylisa.wordpress.com/...
MY RATING: 4.5/5
WHAT I LIKED…
From the very first page, I was hooked. I fell in love with Duke and his brothers and his aunt. They were whip-smart, funny, and had so much love for each other that I just knew that this book wasn’t a standalone. And it wasn’t. It was my complete mistake to not realize that this was actually book two of the Destiny series by Sugar Jamison but it can be read as a standalone. You know the author has done right when they are able to make you intrigued on other characters and their relationships with their loved ones and that was what Sugar Jamison exactly did.
I also really enjoyed the whole premise of the book. I’m a sucker for romances where they are unplanned pregnancies with a dominant man who really wants to be a good father because he never had a supportive one. And the strong heroine who really sticks up to the guy and tells him straight up that she can raise the child on her own, no problem.
Aside from the plotline itself, I liked how Sugar executed the story or how the characters are dominating but not too dominating. They’re real. They have motivations for why they act the way that they do. They are understanding. At some points of the book, I actually cried! I just love stories involving family issues and to see problems being worked out is awesome.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE…
Keep reading my review on my blog: https://remarkablylisa.wordpress.com/...
August 27, 2016
Duke King was sent to prison years ago for attacking one of the town’s favorite sons while defending his girlfriend. He never planned to return. After serving his sentence he’s gone on to build a successful business but finds himself forced to return to Destiny in order to care for his aunt. Grace Truman loved Duke but her family disapproved and her father, the judge did everything in his power to remove Duke from her life. But what her father or Duke never knew was that Grace was pregnant when he was sent away. How could she know that all her letters to Duke would be intercepted and he would never find out she was expecting his child? That child is now a boy with a chip on his shoulder and when Duke finds out about him, he’s determined to have a role in his son’s life. But he can’t decide if wants a role in Grace’s life, even if he still has feelings for her.
I’ve never read Sugar Jamison before and I’m so excited I’ve found a new author to devour! Betting the Bad Boy was hit! I fell in love with both Duke and Grace and wanted them to find the love that was stolen from them. I could totally understand Duke’s feelings toward Destiny along with Grace’s complicated relationship with her father. I will be keeping my eyes out for more books in the The Bad Boys of Destiny series!
Reviewed by Melissa for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: http://bit.ly/2bFkoWx
I’ve never read Sugar Jamison before and I’m so excited I’ve found a new author to devour! Betting the Bad Boy was hit! I fell in love with both Duke and Grace and wanted them to find the love that was stolen from them. I could totally understand Duke’s feelings toward Destiny along with Grace’s complicated relationship with her father. I will be keeping my eyes out for more books in the The Bad Boys of Destiny series!
Reviewed by Melissa for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: http://bit.ly/2bFkoWx
February 4, 2016
I received a ARC in exchange for a honest review.
4.5* read.
Childhood sweethearts Grace and Duke fell in love young and against Graces fathers wishes as he didn't like Duke or his family. When something happens and Duke goes away for a few years Grace is left with more then she ever planned. When Duke comes back will they forgive each other and build a life or will their past ruin their future?
Grace and Duke had an undeniable chemistry even years later and you could really feel it. Both of them have been through so much that their journey really isn't a easy one but as a reader it keeps you gripped.
This is my first book by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more.
4.5* read.
Childhood sweethearts Grace and Duke fell in love young and against Graces fathers wishes as he didn't like Duke or his family. When something happens and Duke goes away for a few years Grace is left with more then she ever planned. When Duke comes back will they forgive each other and build a life or will their past ruin their future?
Grace and Duke had an undeniable chemistry even years later and you could really feel it. Both of them have been through so much that their journey really isn't a easy one but as a reader it keeps you gripped.
This is my first book by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more.
January 16, 2016
Betting the Bad Boy is the second book in the (The Bad Boys of Destiny series) Colt's story might have kicked started this series, but Dukes story is what has me loving this series more and more. Oh my goodness… Ms. Jamison is going to truly kill me with Levi's story. LOL!
Read More. . . http://www.romanceswithalittlekick.co...
Read More. . . http://www.romanceswithalittlekick.co...
March 10, 2018
These books are listed as 1,2,3 but at least the first 2 happen during the same time period so some scenes are repeated. That was a little disorienting knowing I had read a scene before.
My other negative comment is "REALLY, no birth control after having one accidental pregnancy together".
The characters were ok and the story worked. I'll read the last book in this series, but I didn't like this series as much as the author's Curves series.
My other negative comment is "REALLY, no birth control after having one accidental pregnancy together".
The characters were ok and the story worked. I'll read the last book in this series, but I didn't like this series as much as the author's Curves series.
January 23, 2016
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Decent story. Good characters. But it felt very jumpy and like the characters made leaps without the facts. Also, I'm not sure how fast a woman would fall into bed with a man she believed ignored her when she tried to tell him her secret. I'm assuming the brothers will get stories of their own.
Decent story. Good characters. But it felt very jumpy and like the characters made leaps without the facts. Also, I'm not sure how fast a woman would fall into bed with a man she believed ignored her when she tried to tell him her secret. I'm assuming the brothers will get stories of their own.
February 8, 2016
I'm a big fan of Ms. Jamison, and I tried to enjoy this book as much as her others. it just didn't click for me. I like the characters and the overall story it just didn't play out in a way I connected to. it was just okay for me.
January 31, 2016
I received this as an ARC through Netgalley.
I didn't like Duke. He was an overbearing dick. Grace, with her thirteen year old kid, was ridiculous. While speaking to him, she referred to herself as "mommy" several times. I'm surprised she didn't call Duke "daddy".
I didn't like Duke. He was an overbearing dick. Grace, with her thirteen year old kid, was ridiculous. While speaking to him, she referred to herself as "mommy" several times. I'm surprised she didn't call Duke "daddy".
August 23, 2017
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Well that was just entirely adorable! While I wasn't crazy about Duke calling Ryder "boy," I absolutely loved watching him learn how to be a father, even if it was to a surly 13 year old. Duke wasn't perfect...doing things without asking Grace and threatening to take Ryder away, but my goodness he made up for it when you realized all he wanted was to take care of his family the way he was never taken care of. I'm concerned that they didn't really talk about how they were going to have this joint life together, especially with his entire business in Vegas, but with the King's buying up every damn thing, I'm not too concerned.
I feel like I missed something with Colt/Zanna and Levi/Shelby, but I'm assuming that's because I didn't read the first Destiny book. I look forward to seeing what else is going on with these King boys.
Well that was just entirely adorable! While I wasn't crazy about Duke calling Ryder "boy," I absolutely loved watching him learn how to be a father, even if it was to a surly 13 year old. Duke wasn't perfect...doing things without asking Grace and threatening to take Ryder away, but my goodness he made up for it when you realized all he wanted was to take care of his family the way he was never taken care of. I'm concerned that they didn't really talk about how they were going to have this joint life together, especially with his entire business in Vegas, but with the King's buying up every damn thing, I'm not too concerned.
I feel like I missed something with Colt/Zanna and Levi/Shelby, but I'm assuming that's because I didn't read the first Destiny book. I look forward to seeing what else is going on with these King boys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2020
I really can't believe the author wrote this. I mean I liked the book fine enough but the dialogue was so horrendous. Duke kept calling his son boy every two minutes, it was too much. Every convo between any of the characters was how hard they have had it in their life and how far they've comes and how they're all 'tough sons of bitches'. Note to the author: who are you trying to impress??
Literally every single page and every convo spoke about their past. like we get it already you have had a troubled past, MOVE ON. Anyways I read the 1st, 2nd books and I'll finish the 3rd book just to finish it at this point. Thank God I didn't pay for these books lol.
Literally every single page and every convo spoke about their past. like we get it already you have had a troubled past, MOVE ON. Anyways I read the 1st, 2nd books and I'll finish the 3rd book just to finish it at this point. Thank God I didn't pay for these books lol.
April 28, 2018
this book was just ok I didn't really like the characters Grace was a pushover I hated how Duke spoke to his son calling him boy...... what an ass he has a name i felt the book was lacking needed more to it.
October 14, 2018
2 over all star but 3rd star for Duke King!
April 19, 2020
Lovely and light read. Duke and Grace's story has some of my favorite tropes and all wrapped up with a nice bow of HEA.
January 29, 2016
This was a book that kept your heart going in so many directions; breaking because of the circumstances that led to Duke and Grace’s being apart so many years and beating fast because the chemistry they had after everything they had went through was crazy. (Even if this was something that Duke didn’t want to readily admit to.)
Duke and Grace were finally a couple after Grace turned 18. Duke wasn’t stupid, he knew that with Grace having a judge for a father and coming from a much higher class than he was, Duke could be looking for all kinds of trouble. Duke may have been the bad boy back then but it was Grace who had seen through all of that and knew the kind of man that Duke really was. How can you not fall in love with the bad boy whose mother died when he was young and left the 3 boys to fend for themselves with the drunk, abusive father who eventually took off and left Duke in charge of his two younger brothers. Duke was driven to steal but that was to get food for his younger brothers. He knew he wasn’t good enough for Grace even if he was falling for her. He did the only thing he could back then when he found out Grace was accepted to an Ivy League school but wasn’t going to go because she didn’t want to leave him; he broke up with her. Told her whatever he had to in order to make that break with Grace so that she would do better for herself than to hookup in this town with a guy who had nothing to offer her? After all the cruel things that Duke had said to Grace she thought one way to get back at him for hurting her so was to go out with one of the higher class people that her daddy would approve of. Things took a bad turn for Duke when he seen this “good guy” taking a swing at Grace. Duke saw red and was close to beating him to death. This cost Duke 10 years of his life in prison. Yes, he did beat this guy but all he could see what that red handprint on Grace’s face and how upset she was. No matter what he had said to Grace, Duke really did love her. Did daddy approve of this guy now that he tried to make Grace do things she didn’t want and then hit her? This was her dad’s chance to get Duke away from Grace. Duke was railroaded to prison.
Soon after Duke was arrested Grace found out she was pregnant with his child and tried numerous times to send letters to Duke in prison to let him know of their baby. Grace never heard from Duke so only assumed that he didn’t want anything to do with her or their baby from that point on. When Duke was released from prison Grace was scared to let Duke know he had a son. What had hard time in prison done to Duke especially since he was so angry going in? Is this really someone that Grace would want around their son, Ryder? Grace had spent all of this time distancing herself from her family and making a life for her and Ryder. She worked two jobs went to college to become a RN and did whatever it took to give Ryder what he needed. Duke did unbelievably well for himself as well once he was out of prison. He became a billionaire customizing cars for the elite. Duke employed his brothers and also took on other ex-cons into his employment building this mega business. He had more money than he knew what to do with.
With Duke’s aunt summoning the King boys back to town because she was in ICU she had things she needed to say to the boys. Duke thought he had seen a ghost when he got to the hospital and thought he had seen Grace. Would Grace let Duke into their lives especially with him never acknowledging her letters telling him of baby? Would Duke be able to buy his way back into Grace’s life and how would Ryder accept him as his dad? This chemistry that Grace and Duke had never did seem to go away either after all these years. But is that enough to try to bring them together with all of the hurt they both had piled on from each other with Duke turning his back on a pregnant Grace and Grace not reaching out to Duke once he was released to tell him about his 13 year old son.
This is the first time I read this author and will not be my last. I am definitely going to follow this series and cannot wait to see what comes next for the King brothers. It keeps your heart raw and rooting for true love and the idea of a “real family”. (Plus it didn’t hurt that Duke along with his brothers are complete badass guys.) This was a real feel good book and left me wanting for more.
This book was provided as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Duke and Grace were finally a couple after Grace turned 18. Duke wasn’t stupid, he knew that with Grace having a judge for a father and coming from a much higher class than he was, Duke could be looking for all kinds of trouble. Duke may have been the bad boy back then but it was Grace who had seen through all of that and knew the kind of man that Duke really was. How can you not fall in love with the bad boy whose mother died when he was young and left the 3 boys to fend for themselves with the drunk, abusive father who eventually took off and left Duke in charge of his two younger brothers. Duke was driven to steal but that was to get food for his younger brothers. He knew he wasn’t good enough for Grace even if he was falling for her. He did the only thing he could back then when he found out Grace was accepted to an Ivy League school but wasn’t going to go because she didn’t want to leave him; he broke up with her. Told her whatever he had to in order to make that break with Grace so that she would do better for herself than to hookup in this town with a guy who had nothing to offer her? After all the cruel things that Duke had said to Grace she thought one way to get back at him for hurting her so was to go out with one of the higher class people that her daddy would approve of. Things took a bad turn for Duke when he seen this “good guy” taking a swing at Grace. Duke saw red and was close to beating him to death. This cost Duke 10 years of his life in prison. Yes, he did beat this guy but all he could see what that red handprint on Grace’s face and how upset she was. No matter what he had said to Grace, Duke really did love her. Did daddy approve of this guy now that he tried to make Grace do things she didn’t want and then hit her? This was her dad’s chance to get Duke away from Grace. Duke was railroaded to prison.
Soon after Duke was arrested Grace found out she was pregnant with his child and tried numerous times to send letters to Duke in prison to let him know of their baby. Grace never heard from Duke so only assumed that he didn’t want anything to do with her or their baby from that point on. When Duke was released from prison Grace was scared to let Duke know he had a son. What had hard time in prison done to Duke especially since he was so angry going in? Is this really someone that Grace would want around their son, Ryder? Grace had spent all of this time distancing herself from her family and making a life for her and Ryder. She worked two jobs went to college to become a RN and did whatever it took to give Ryder what he needed. Duke did unbelievably well for himself as well once he was out of prison. He became a billionaire customizing cars for the elite. Duke employed his brothers and also took on other ex-cons into his employment building this mega business. He had more money than he knew what to do with.
With Duke’s aunt summoning the King boys back to town because she was in ICU she had things she needed to say to the boys. Duke thought he had seen a ghost when he got to the hospital and thought he had seen Grace. Would Grace let Duke into their lives especially with him never acknowledging her letters telling him of baby? Would Duke be able to buy his way back into Grace’s life and how would Ryder accept him as his dad? This chemistry that Grace and Duke had never did seem to go away either after all these years. But is that enough to try to bring them together with all of the hurt they both had piled on from each other with Duke turning his back on a pregnant Grace and Grace not reaching out to Duke once he was released to tell him about his 13 year old son.
This is the first time I read this author and will not be my last. I am definitely going to follow this series and cannot wait to see what comes next for the King brothers. It keeps your heart raw and rooting for true love and the idea of a “real family”. (Plus it didn’t hurt that Duke along with his brothers are complete badass guys.) This was a real feel good book and left me wanting for more.
This book was provided as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
February 19, 2016
Second chance love can be rich and rewarding trope and one of my favorites. I'm also partial to *gasp- I-didn't-know-I-had-a-kid-and-now-I'm-back-gimmie!" trope. What I am not a huge fan of is the "I'm-the-baby-mama-and-what-I-say-goes, so-what-I-never-told -you-that-you-were-a-dad-" song and dance. I do not like heroines who place restrictions and boundaries on fathers who (on the whole) are not bad dudes. Alpha and jerky, but not bad. That just rubs me the wrong way- like seriously Grace, he does not have to live with you for a month to hack being a dad! I almost rather he just flip her the bird and duke it out in court, but alas, that would not a romance novel make. So, I'll bite and turn a semi-blind eye to the ridiculous premise that brings them under one roof and move along with the romantic feels of it all.
Duke is a rough and tough alpha bad boy, unapologetic with his tough exterior, yet had a softer side tucked away just beyond where the eyes can see. He also remained mentally grounded, even with his great business success. Grace was the quintessential good girl whose father is a prominent judge. She and Duke had a hot and steamy, misunderstood love affair when she was eighteen. Trying to do what he thought was best for her (high handed!!!!) Duke breaks things off and in a cruel twist of fate (he kicks the total and complete ass of the town Sheriff's douchebag son) Grace and Duke are torn apart and do not see one another for more than thirteen years when mutual familial distress brings them both back to town to face one another. And. She. Has. His. Baby- well teenager- but you get the drama of it all! Whew!
Grace is battling insecurities regarding Duke's motives and Duke is up against his own formidable fury in being kept in the dark about his son- a son who as fate would have it, is battling his own demons and needs his father more than ever. Neither have ever fallen in love since falling for one another so long ago. Sexually, Grace and Duke set the pages afire but the meat of this story is how they came to trust one another again, especially in relation to Ryder's obstacles. I confess, the primary trouble I had with this novel is that the characters waffle in and out of likability. I didn't love how Duke could be so very rude and I didn't love how Grace was irrational in her expectations and when she whined....yeah- no thanks. I respected her for working hard and holding down jobs to support herself and Ryder. I also respected Duke for not forgetting where he came from but they both had a lot of personal growth to get through before I could really like them. That impacted how well I could have potentially enjoyed the story.
The real star of the novel is Duke's meddling aunt Lolly. My favorite character in the story, she has her hand in damn near every romantic pot in town, with plenty of time to stir! Absolutely a scene stealer and saved my overall impression of the story. If it were not for Lolly, Duke would not be back in town, nor would he have a chance to help raise his son. Grace and Duke have a ton of dormant aggression and anger to work out obviously, taking their battle royale between the sheets was a given! Nothing gratuitous, but I certainly was not left wanting in the sensuality department. The second chance love between the judge's daughter and the town drunk's son was hard-won and along with being a strong romance, the redemption both Grace and Duke achieved was respectable.
Overall, thankfully, the plot moved- a tribute to the author's ability to weave the story line exponentially. Betting the Bad Boy is a pretty fast read (a story like this does not work as a slow burner! Trust me!) and I also enjoyed getting to know the townsfolk as Destiny is a living city, teaming with colorful life. Betting the Bad Boy is the second in the Bad Boys of Destiny series. I think it stands squarely alone as I did not feel like there was an elusive "something" missing, the story was told and unfolded on its own quite nicely. Sugar Jamison is a new-to-me author, I am not compelled to go back and read The Bad Boy CEO, however, I am invested in Duke's brother, Levi having an HEA so count me in for Book 3!
Duke is a rough and tough alpha bad boy, unapologetic with his tough exterior, yet had a softer side tucked away just beyond where the eyes can see. He also remained mentally grounded, even with his great business success. Grace was the quintessential good girl whose father is a prominent judge. She and Duke had a hot and steamy, misunderstood love affair when she was eighteen. Trying to do what he thought was best for her (high handed!!!!) Duke breaks things off and in a cruel twist of fate (he kicks the total and complete ass of the town Sheriff's douchebag son) Grace and Duke are torn apart and do not see one another for more than thirteen years when mutual familial distress brings them both back to town to face one another. And. She. Has. His. Baby- well teenager- but you get the drama of it all! Whew!
Grace is battling insecurities regarding Duke's motives and Duke is up against his own formidable fury in being kept in the dark about his son- a son who as fate would have it, is battling his own demons and needs his father more than ever. Neither have ever fallen in love since falling for one another so long ago. Sexually, Grace and Duke set the pages afire but the meat of this story is how they came to trust one another again, especially in relation to Ryder's obstacles. I confess, the primary trouble I had with this novel is that the characters waffle in and out of likability. I didn't love how Duke could be so very rude and I didn't love how Grace was irrational in her expectations and when she whined....yeah- no thanks. I respected her for working hard and holding down jobs to support herself and Ryder. I also respected Duke for not forgetting where he came from but they both had a lot of personal growth to get through before I could really like them. That impacted how well I could have potentially enjoyed the story.
The real star of the novel is Duke's meddling aunt Lolly. My favorite character in the story, she has her hand in damn near every romantic pot in town, with plenty of time to stir! Absolutely a scene stealer and saved my overall impression of the story. If it were not for Lolly, Duke would not be back in town, nor would he have a chance to help raise his son. Grace and Duke have a ton of dormant aggression and anger to work out obviously, taking their battle royale between the sheets was a given! Nothing gratuitous, but I certainly was not left wanting in the sensuality department. The second chance love between the judge's daughter and the town drunk's son was hard-won and along with being a strong romance, the redemption both Grace and Duke achieved was respectable.
Overall, thankfully, the plot moved- a tribute to the author's ability to weave the story line exponentially. Betting the Bad Boy is a pretty fast read (a story like this does not work as a slow burner! Trust me!) and I also enjoyed getting to know the townsfolk as Destiny is a living city, teaming with colorful life. Betting the Bad Boy is the second in the Bad Boys of Destiny series. I think it stands squarely alone as I did not feel like there was an elusive "something" missing, the story was told and unfolded on its own quite nicely. Sugar Jamison is a new-to-me author, I am not compelled to go back and read The Bad Boy CEO, however, I am invested in Duke's brother, Levi having an HEA so count me in for Book 3!
August 5, 2018
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
While I wasn't really into the first book based on Colt King, I really wanted Duke King's story. You get a hint that he went to prison, but not really sure why other than it was a little shady what he was accused of doing. Then there is the whole secret kid while I have been gone that he just finds out about. So I knew a little going in, but not much in the way of details.
Duke King and his brothers never really had a good life growing up. Their mother passed away and their father was a drunk that caused an accident the town couldn't forgive. Then their dad up and leaves. Duke is forced to raise them alone for a bit before their aunt takes them in to her life. Well, she isn't the nicest lady. Now ten years later, she's in the hospital and has called the boys home to Destiny.
Duke King was never really a trouble maker no matter what everyone thought. He did his best to feed his brothers and take care of him, but he was labeled all kinds of bad stuff. With not much of a future, he in now way was considered good enough for the judge's daughter, Grace Truman. At an early age Grace knew Duke was her one and only, but convincing him was a different matter. She knew he would never hurt her and all the dreams her parents had for her were their own. Duke pushes her away wanting what was best for her and it wasn't him.
When Duke sees a young man slap Grace, he intervenes and is sentence to prison for attempted murder. The judge and sheriff throw the book at Duke and he is sent away never to hear from Grace again. Unbeknownst to both of them, they were being kept away and Grace sent letters he never received. Important letters like telling Duke she is pregnant.
So we pick up in the future with Duke back in Destiny and Grace having moved back to take care of her parents. The jig is up and Duke knows he has a son. No way is he leaving to be an absentee parent. He wants to know his son and can't quite forgive Grace for hiding him all these years. Grace on the other hand is afraid of losing her son to Duke, but also falls right back in love with Duke.
This isn't a terribly long story and Duke and Grace do fight a lot, but they are also in bed bumping uglies....without protection....every time. I wanted to bang my head on the wall for them. She's even a school nurse for goodness sake. I knew what was going to happen from sex scene number one.
You get to see the same scenes that you saw Colt in a few times, but from Duke's perspective. The same set up of moving back to Destiny. Even the famous roll-up scene comes back from the first book.
Overall, I like Duke so much more that Colt. This book had some holes, but overall you felt these two were handed a raw deal when they were young. They needed to walk carefully, make love often and become a family. Now I can't wait for the last brother's story. It's bound to be a dosey with a school teacher!
Challenge Info:
Literary Pickers: Sink
Books 'N Tunes: Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley
January 19, 2016
Betting the Bad Boy brings readers back to the King men that were introduced in The Bad Boy CEO. This one, however, features Duke King. We saw in that first book how the men returned to their hometown of Destiny when their aunt Lolly becomes ill. While Colt and Zanna's story was playing out as the main storyline in the first book, we did get little snippets of what was going on with the other brothers Duke and Levi. Here we get Duke's full side of the story.
Duke was sent to prison thirteen years ago after defending his then girlfriend and nearly killing a man in a fight. After getting out early from his sentence he started King's Custom Design. He, along with brothers Colt and Levi, build the business up to be quite successful. The last thing he expects when he arrives in Destiny is to learn he has a thirteen year old son.
Grace had loved Duke from the first moment she saw him. She didn't care who his family was, or that they had so little. Despite what her father, the judge, said she was going to be with Duke King for the rest of her life. Then everything changed. Duke was sent to prison and Grace found out she was pregnant. Caught in a conundrum she never told Duke about Ryder, and now that he's returned to Destiny, she realizes her mistake. Will they be able to move on from the past?
I really liked how this book went along in the same time frame as The Bad Boy CEO. It's been awhile since I've read the first story but it seemed like things matched up pretty good. I didn't notice really any glaringly obvious changes which can be tricky when you're writing intersecting storylines. I'd say the only thing that bothers me about this is that I wanted a bit more out of the ending, but I felt like it couldn't go that far because things have already been set up to stop at a certain point. Because of this, I also felt like there were things started that just didn't get the proper conclusion. I normally wouldn't mind, but because the next book will feature Levi's story and, I'm assuming, be told in the same format, I can't see the next book bringing any closure either. Mind you, these things are nothing huge, but sometimes I like the little details to get some attention like the big things.
I enjoyed Duke's story more than Colt's. I think probably because of the set-up we already had in the previous book. Which probably means I'm going to like Levi's story most of all! I think Sugar Jamison did a great job of giving readers the past between Grace and Duke but not making the past overshadow what is going on in the present. Of course, in Duke and Grace's case, the past is essential to knowing how to move on / forward. The questions / problems posed between Duke and Grace were pretty thought provoking. Grace did have opportunities to tell Duke about his son, but they way things are presented, I could understand her dilemma. Maybe not agree with it, but understand it.
Like I said previously, I enjoyed this story more than the first. The set-up was just right for this second chance romance. If you haven't read the first book, you can still pick this up and enjoy it no problem. I think in the end though, you'll get more out of the stories if you read them all.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Duke was sent to prison thirteen years ago after defending his then girlfriend and nearly killing a man in a fight. After getting out early from his sentence he started King's Custom Design. He, along with brothers Colt and Levi, build the business up to be quite successful. The last thing he expects when he arrives in Destiny is to learn he has a thirteen year old son.
Grace had loved Duke from the first moment she saw him. She didn't care who his family was, or that they had so little. Despite what her father, the judge, said she was going to be with Duke King for the rest of her life. Then everything changed. Duke was sent to prison and Grace found out she was pregnant. Caught in a conundrum she never told Duke about Ryder, and now that he's returned to Destiny, she realizes her mistake. Will they be able to move on from the past?
I really liked how this book went along in the same time frame as The Bad Boy CEO. It's been awhile since I've read the first story but it seemed like things matched up pretty good. I didn't notice really any glaringly obvious changes which can be tricky when you're writing intersecting storylines. I'd say the only thing that bothers me about this is that I wanted a bit more out of the ending, but I felt like it couldn't go that far because things have already been set up to stop at a certain point. Because of this, I also felt like there were things started that just didn't get the proper conclusion. I normally wouldn't mind, but because the next book will feature Levi's story and, I'm assuming, be told in the same format, I can't see the next book bringing any closure either. Mind you, these things are nothing huge, but sometimes I like the little details to get some attention like the big things.
I enjoyed Duke's story more than Colt's. I think probably because of the set-up we already had in the previous book. Which probably means I'm going to like Levi's story most of all! I think Sugar Jamison did a great job of giving readers the past between Grace and Duke but not making the past overshadow what is going on in the present. Of course, in Duke and Grace's case, the past is essential to knowing how to move on / forward. The questions / problems posed between Duke and Grace were pretty thought provoking. Grace did have opportunities to tell Duke about his son, but they way things are presented, I could understand her dilemma. Maybe not agree with it, but understand it.
Like I said previously, I enjoyed this story more than the first. The set-up was just right for this second chance romance. If you haven't read the first book, you can still pick this up and enjoy it no problem. I think in the end though, you'll get more out of the stories if you read them all.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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