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Resplendence #1
Resplendent Ruin
Juliette thought she had love. She thought she knew what it felt like to be loved. And to finally marry her fiancé, Daniel, was a dream she refused to let go of—until Knox Taylor showed up and made her question everything she thought she knew about life and love.
Juliette Mason had it all—the perfect job, the perfect home, the perfect fiancé. She lived the perfect life. Until everything started to slowly fall apart.
Daniel, her attractive and success-driven fiancé, was the love of her life. For years she wanted nothing more than to finally walk down the aisle, to be Mrs. Daniel Clarke. But as time went by, the cracks in their relationship started to come to the surface, and Juliette found herself in a place she never imagined she would be. It was a place where she started to question everything about her life and her dreams, a place where nothing about her life made sense anymore—a place where she found Knox Taylor.
Knox didn’t count on falling in love. In fact, Knox didn’t count on anything really. He was blissfully happy living a fast life of reckless behavior, impulsive decisions, and beautiful women. He lived the perfect life of a flourishing bachelor—but then she happened.
Content Spicy, Contemporary
Juliette Mason had it all—the perfect job, the perfect home, the perfect fiancé. She lived the perfect life. Until everything started to slowly fall apart.
Daniel, her attractive and success-driven fiancé, was the love of her life. For years she wanted nothing more than to finally walk down the aisle, to be Mrs. Daniel Clarke. But as time went by, the cracks in their relationship started to come to the surface, and Juliette found herself in a place she never imagined she would be. It was a place where she started to question everything about her life and her dreams, a place where nothing about her life made sense anymore—a place where she found Knox Taylor.
Knox didn’t count on falling in love. In fact, Knox didn’t count on anything really. He was blissfully happy living a fast life of reckless behavior, impulsive decisions, and beautiful women. He lived the perfect life of a flourishing bachelor—but then she happened.
Content Spicy, Contemporary
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2015
79 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Bella J.
57 books2,051 followersBella J. is an International and Amazon top 100 bestselling author.
Writing DARK ROMANCE with twists, Bella has an affinity for the ruthless men of the MAFIA world and weaves tales that will leave you breathless and questioning your own moral compass.
When she's not busy creating worlds where danger and romance dance a tango, you can find Bella soaking up the sun in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. Her writing lair is occasionally invaded by her husband, two kids, and a basset hound who reigns supreme.
A firm believer that laughter is the best medicine, Bella infuses her fictional dark worlds with some wit and humor that peppers her novels.
So buckle up for a thrilling ride through the shadows of romance where happily ever afters have a dark side.
Writing DARK ROMANCE with twists, Bella has an affinity for the ruthless men of the MAFIA world and weaves tales that will leave you breathless and questioning your own moral compass.
When she's not busy creating worlds where danger and romance dance a tango, you can find Bella soaking up the sun in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. Her writing lair is occasionally invaded by her husband, two kids, and a basset hound who reigns supreme.
A firm believer that laughter is the best medicine, Bella infuses her fictional dark worlds with some wit and humor that peppers her novels.
So buckle up for a thrilling ride through the shadows of romance where happily ever afters have a dark side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 13, 2015
Being wrong never felt so right…
Juliette Mason and Daniel Clarke had been together for years. They hold top positions in the company created by their fathers but they are also in love and engaged. On the surface, everything seems blissful but it doesn’t take much to see the cracks in that pretty picture. The couple have grown distant as pressures of the business have meant Daniel spends more time away from home, and Juliette is uncertain and lonely in a relationship that she thought would never change.
When Knox enters Juliette's life, she sees a rude and obnoxious person but her heart sees someone else. With her mind thinking one thing and her body (and heart) another, their relationship changes, as does the inner battle she is facing.
“Underneath all those layers of sarcasm and snide remarks, she saw kindness and compassion.”
“Juliette had never felt so torn in her life… She knew the difference between right and wrong…”
Cheating. It’s an ugly word to describe betrayal and pain, and one it’s hard to put a positive spin on. What happens though when black and white is not so clear cut? When choices are made not cavalierly, but with thoughtful, painful, deliberation?
My line in the sand is cheating. Normally. This story had me feeling the pain all the way around in this story of secrets, revelations and betrayals. I felt Juliette’s pain as she tried to work through her feelings for both Knox and Daniel, not really knowing until the end which way things were going to go. And that journey? This story was so full of highs and lows that my heart needed a break by the end. As Knox coaxed Juliet out of her shell, and had them experiencing new adventures together, the joy of those moments were ones to savor.
There are more than the three principals in this story and they factor into much of the drama that ensues. There are family dynamics with unconditional love and acceptance on one end, and manipulation and betrayal at the other. There is every emotion you can think of, with each one laid out in a way to touch your heart—whether it is love or “dislike” (because who would hate a fictional character, right?). But wait? These people aren’t real?? Well, they sure feel real to me as each up and down, each high and low had me embracing Juliette and Knox even more.
There is sex—oh yes, mind-blowingly delicious and tasty, tasty, tasty sex. The feelings behind the actions make it for me though, as the story ends in an entirely different place than I thought going in. While the ending had me a bit perplexed as decisions were made and unmade based on not flimsy, but let’s say questionable in my mind, information, I was certainly willing to give some leeway, as it in no way affected my enjoyment of the story.
“I want you to be mine.”
“I want to be yours too…”
This is the first in the series and I can’t wait for the next! ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
Juliette Mason and Daniel Clarke had been together for years. They hold top positions in the company created by their fathers but they are also in love and engaged. On the surface, everything seems blissful but it doesn’t take much to see the cracks in that pretty picture. The couple have grown distant as pressures of the business have meant Daniel spends more time away from home, and Juliette is uncertain and lonely in a relationship that she thought would never change.
When Knox enters Juliette's life, she sees a rude and obnoxious person but her heart sees someone else. With her mind thinking one thing and her body (and heart) another, their relationship changes, as does the inner battle she is facing.
“Underneath all those layers of sarcasm and snide remarks, she saw kindness and compassion.”
“Juliette had never felt so torn in her life… She knew the difference between right and wrong…”
Cheating. It’s an ugly word to describe betrayal and pain, and one it’s hard to put a positive spin on. What happens though when black and white is not so clear cut? When choices are made not cavalierly, but with thoughtful, painful, deliberation?
My line in the sand is cheating. Normally. This story had me feeling the pain all the way around in this story of secrets, revelations and betrayals. I felt Juliette’s pain as she tried to work through her feelings for both Knox and Daniel, not really knowing until the end which way things were going to go. And that journey? This story was so full of highs and lows that my heart needed a break by the end. As Knox coaxed Juliet out of her shell, and had them experiencing new adventures together, the joy of those moments were ones to savor.
There are more than the three principals in this story and they factor into much of the drama that ensues. There are family dynamics with unconditional love and acceptance on one end, and manipulation and betrayal at the other. There is every emotion you can think of, with each one laid out in a way to touch your heart—whether it is love or “dislike” (because who would hate a fictional character, right?). But wait? These people aren’t real?? Well, they sure feel real to me as each up and down, each high and low had me embracing Juliette and Knox even more.
There is sex—oh yes, mind-blowingly delicious and tasty, tasty, tasty sex. The feelings behind the actions make it for me though, as the story ends in an entirely different place than I thought going in. While the ending had me a bit perplexed as decisions were made and unmade based on not flimsy, but let’s say questionable in my mind, information, I was certainly willing to give some leeway, as it in no way affected my enjoyment of the story.
“I want you to be mine.”
“I want to be yours too…”
This is the first in the series and I can’t wait for the next! ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
April 27, 2016
Title:Resplendent Ruin
Author:Bella J
Series:Resplendence, Book #1
Publisher:Liquid Silver Books
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:November 16, 2105
Genre(s):Contemporary Romance
Page Count:200
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“He palmed her cheek, and his blue eyes were every shade of serious. How did he do that? How did he make her feel like she could trust him even though she was scared out of her mind? Those eyes. It had to be those freakin’ eyes.”
5 fall for me stars!! Beautiful and sexy!
Juliette was living the dream life, well to her anyway. She had the perfect house, the perfect job and perfect fiance’. But as the years tick by she’s slowly learning that her perfect life isn’t as perfect as she had hoped. Not sure what to do anymore, she starts to question everything and then she meets the reckless Knox. And both of their lives change…. But is it for the better??
I was offered these books to review and I’m so thrilled! I loved this first book in the series and now I’m hooked! I challenge you to not fall in love with Knox the minute he walks into your kindle… You won’t be able to. And your heart will break for Juliette when her life comes crumbling to the ground. I can’t stress enough how fabulous this book is. I can’t wait to read the next one!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author:Bella J
Series:Resplendence, Book #1
Publisher:Liquid Silver Books
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:November 16, 2105
Genre(s):Contemporary Romance
Page Count:200
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
People make mistakes, feelings get hurt and hearts get broken. But who said love is always black and white?
This is a story of how easy it is to find the gray area when it comes to playing the game of love.
Juliette Mason had it all—the perfect job, the perfect home, the perfect fiancé. She lived the perfect life. Until everything started to slowly fall apart.
Daniel, her attractive and success-driven fiancé, was the love of her life. For years she wanted nothing more than to finally walk down the aisle, to be Mrs. Daniel Clarke. But as time went by, the cracks in their relationship started to come to the surface, and Juliette found herself in a place she never imagined she would be. It was a place where she started to question everything about her life and her dreams, a place where nothing about her life made sense anymore—a place where she found Knox Taylor.
Knox didn’t count on falling in love. In fact, Knox didn’t count on anything really. He was blissfully happy living a fast life of reckless behavior, impulsive decisions, and beautiful women. He lived the perfect life of a flourishing bachelor—but then she happened.
Review:
“He palmed her cheek, and his blue eyes were every shade of serious. How did he do that? How did he make her feel like she could trust him even though she was scared out of her mind? Those eyes. It had to be those freakin’ eyes.”
5 fall for me stars!! Beautiful and sexy!
Juliette was living the dream life, well to her anyway. She had the perfect house, the perfect job and perfect fiance’. But as the years tick by she’s slowly learning that her perfect life isn’t as perfect as she had hoped. Not sure what to do anymore, she starts to question everything and then she meets the reckless Knox. And both of their lives change…. But is it for the better??
I was offered these books to review and I’m so thrilled! I loved this first book in the series and now I’m hooked! I challenge you to not fall in love with Knox the minute he walks into your kindle… You won’t be able to. And your heart will break for Juliette when her life comes crumbling to the ground. I can’t stress enough how fabulous this book is. I can’t wait to read the next one!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
January 4, 2016
He called her his Duchess….she was looking to escape her gilded cage.
The heroine is a cheater. No smoke signals, no wrapping it up in a bow and calling it pretty. She cheats on her man and does so with reckless abandon at her most vulnerable point. I spent most of this book in awe. Primarily at myself because I did not cast it off and bail given the seediness of the love triangle. Geeze, do I hate cheating in my romance novels. However, once I saw the dynamic between Juliette and her betrothed, Daniel, I was far more curious than pissed off.
A woman, seeming with everything, spends her days suffering uncontrollable thoughts of what she is missing. She sits on a shelf, a pretty gilded shelf, but a shelf nonetheless and longs for her man to come home- in the figurative and physical sense. On paper Juliette and Daniel are a shoe in for a traditional romance HEA, until tragedy strikes. Both are gorgeous, comfortably wealthy, young, driven, educated and in love. He, the son of the man who founded a successful firm with her father. She the prim and proper perfect woman for him is CFO of their father’s firm. They fall in love, his father dies and Daniel assumes his right as the heir and CEO of the firm. Then Daniel loses sight of Juliette. Beautiful, neglected, lonely Juliette. It is only logical that she waiver in her commitment and fall down the rabbit hole where her attraction leads her to another man- right? The rub- Daniel isn’t a douchelord. You see, in order for most romance novels where there is infidelity to work, the woman is typically ball and chained to a huge dick- and not in the good way that just made you smirk. Daniel is characterized as caught up in his profession, duty bound to make his father proud he is a workaholic yet loving, apologetic and quite tenderhearted toward Juliette. Yes, over the past two years (you know, since his father DIED) he has had to assume a huge mantle of responsibility and prematurely step into his father’s shoes as CEO. So sure, dude’s missed a few date nights. I quickly found myself sympathizing with Daniel and mentally chastising Juliette for not being as understanding as she probably could have been. Annnnnd this was the beginning of my conundrum.
When Juliette meets Knox, sparks, fly, his oooey gooey sapphire eyes burn holes, etc etc. But I’m not buying it. I am too busy side eyeing Juliette to really register how hot Knox is, but their magnetism is duly noted. He is her polar opposite. Wild, bad, tattooed and seemingly just living life from pillar to post (but it is very clear he is wealthy) chasing down the sun on the open road sitting pretty on his Ducati. They take an immediate mutual interest, there is a lot of requisite push and pull (Juliette has a conscience attack whenever things heat up). Soon enough/finally (if you are in Knox’s head, heh) the affair is consummated and all hell quite literally breaks loose.
He knew the minute he saw her standing on the other side of the door last week, wearing her uptight coat and Margret Thatcher gloves that he would have loved to strip her of all her sophistication as he screwed her straight into the twenty-first century. Oh, and when she looked at him with those disapproving eyes as he cracked open his first beer of the day-oooooh, he wanted to bend her over and make sure she couldn’t walk for days, mainly just to teach her a lesson, of course. To show her that he might not be one of the perfectly groomed, suit-and-tie guys that she usually mingled with up there in her little high-society circles, be he sure as hell had what it took to make her scream his name over and over, and over again.
I figured the plot twist the second or third time Knox appeared in the story so for the most part, I stuck around because, though I was no huge fan of the main couple, the writing itself, the story was very compelling. I didn’t want to put it down. Too much happens that will spoil for some readers but I will dance close to the edge and say that how Bella J handled what I can only call a particular character’s assassination has given me much pause. By chapter 22 in a book of 24 chapters, I found myself rethinking all of my damn allegiances and more than a little put out at the effort! Then I considered what had just happened- I was forced to see everyone in a new light- fluorescent- and very unforgiving and it was well….interesting!!
Resplendent Ruin is sexy and compelling. It reads like a psychological thriller- without the horror- and I need to find someone else who has read this novel so we can over think it together- with wine. I did not care for most of the heroines actions. She annihilated any sympathy I had for her “plight”and never fully recovered-I’d say her redemption was tenuous at best. The (anti?) hero, Knox, gave me so many red flags, it was impossible for me to root for his cause. I seriously kept waiting for the chapter where we find out he is manic depressive. The husband/other hero, is probably the most interesting “other man” (I know- ironic) I have read about in a long while. There were a few chapters that delved inside his head and I wish there had been more. Bella J did her best work with the supporting characters. Never a dull moment with them as they were multi-dimensional and freaking interesting. Juliette’s spitfire little sister Lexi (who is featured in book, 2, Resplendent Rush) who is probably the best book-sister ever– and the real prize, a meddling, Mother Dearest-type mom who quite literally drives Juliette to drinking. I totally appreciate the foundation Bella J set with this series starter. She is a new to me author and I believe this is a debut novel. To that I say well done and this may be an author to watch for as she hones her craft even more. One thing’s for sure, she’s got the smex down!
I would be remiss to neglect mentioning the few inconsistencies and “wait, what-hunh?” moments that didn’t always jive with what I was led to believe or read early on in the novel. However, these little bumps were not damaging enough to take away too much from the reading experience. This is not a happy love story. It has a very melancholy vibe that is pervasive- even when we see the love triangle shatter and a HEA is revealed. So far I am bewilderingly sold and will be back January 11, 2016 when Resplendent Rush releases. I am already invested lock, stock and barrel with Lexi and Levi and if it is 1/2 as interesting as Resplendent Ruin, I will stick with this series for the long haul.
The heroine is a cheater. No smoke signals, no wrapping it up in a bow and calling it pretty. She cheats on her man and does so with reckless abandon at her most vulnerable point. I spent most of this book in awe. Primarily at myself because I did not cast it off and bail given the seediness of the love triangle. Geeze, do I hate cheating in my romance novels. However, once I saw the dynamic between Juliette and her betrothed, Daniel, I was far more curious than pissed off.
A woman, seeming with everything, spends her days suffering uncontrollable thoughts of what she is missing. She sits on a shelf, a pretty gilded shelf, but a shelf nonetheless and longs for her man to come home- in the figurative and physical sense. On paper Juliette and Daniel are a shoe in for a traditional romance HEA, until tragedy strikes. Both are gorgeous, comfortably wealthy, young, driven, educated and in love. He, the son of the man who founded a successful firm with her father. She the prim and proper perfect woman for him is CFO of their father’s firm. They fall in love, his father dies and Daniel assumes his right as the heir and CEO of the firm. Then Daniel loses sight of Juliette. Beautiful, neglected, lonely Juliette. It is only logical that she waiver in her commitment and fall down the rabbit hole where her attraction leads her to another man- right? The rub- Daniel isn’t a douchelord. You see, in order for most romance novels where there is infidelity to work, the woman is typically ball and chained to a huge dick- and not in the good way that just made you smirk. Daniel is characterized as caught up in his profession, duty bound to make his father proud he is a workaholic yet loving, apologetic and quite tenderhearted toward Juliette. Yes, over the past two years (you know, since his father DIED) he has had to assume a huge mantle of responsibility and prematurely step into his father’s shoes as CEO. So sure, dude’s missed a few date nights. I quickly found myself sympathizing with Daniel and mentally chastising Juliette for not being as understanding as she probably could have been. Annnnnd this was the beginning of my conundrum.
When Juliette meets Knox, sparks, fly, his oooey gooey sapphire eyes burn holes, etc etc. But I’m not buying it. I am too busy side eyeing Juliette to really register how hot Knox is, but their magnetism is duly noted. He is her polar opposite. Wild, bad, tattooed and seemingly just living life from pillar to post (but it is very clear he is wealthy) chasing down the sun on the open road sitting pretty on his Ducati. They take an immediate mutual interest, there is a lot of requisite push and pull (Juliette has a conscience attack whenever things heat up). Soon enough/finally (if you are in Knox’s head, heh) the affair is consummated and all hell quite literally breaks loose.
He knew the minute he saw her standing on the other side of the door last week, wearing her uptight coat and Margret Thatcher gloves that he would have loved to strip her of all her sophistication as he screwed her straight into the twenty-first century. Oh, and when she looked at him with those disapproving eyes as he cracked open his first beer of the day-oooooh, he wanted to bend her over and make sure she couldn’t walk for days, mainly just to teach her a lesson, of course. To show her that he might not be one of the perfectly groomed, suit-and-tie guys that she usually mingled with up there in her little high-society circles, be he sure as hell had what it took to make her scream his name over and over, and over again.
I figured the plot twist the second or third time Knox appeared in the story so for the most part, I stuck around because, though I was no huge fan of the main couple, the writing itself, the story was very compelling. I didn’t want to put it down. Too much happens that will spoil for some readers but I will dance close to the edge and say that how Bella J handled what I can only call a particular character’s assassination has given me much pause. By chapter 22 in a book of 24 chapters, I found myself rethinking all of my damn allegiances and more than a little put out at the effort! Then I considered what had just happened- I was forced to see everyone in a new light- fluorescent- and very unforgiving and it was well….interesting!!
Resplendent Ruin is sexy and compelling. It reads like a psychological thriller- without the horror- and I need to find someone else who has read this novel so we can over think it together- with wine. I did not care for most of the heroines actions. She annihilated any sympathy I had for her “plight”and never fully recovered-I’d say her redemption was tenuous at best. The (anti?) hero, Knox, gave me so many red flags, it was impossible for me to root for his cause. I seriously kept waiting for the chapter where we find out he is manic depressive. The husband/other hero, is probably the most interesting “other man” (I know- ironic) I have read about in a long while. There were a few chapters that delved inside his head and I wish there had been more. Bella J did her best work with the supporting characters. Never a dull moment with them as they were multi-dimensional and freaking interesting. Juliette’s spitfire little sister Lexi (who is featured in book, 2, Resplendent Rush) who is probably the best book-sister ever– and the real prize, a meddling, Mother Dearest-type mom who quite literally drives Juliette to drinking. I totally appreciate the foundation Bella J set with this series starter. She is a new to me author and I believe this is a debut novel. To that I say well done and this may be an author to watch for as she hones her craft even more. One thing’s for sure, she’s got the smex down!
I would be remiss to neglect mentioning the few inconsistencies and “wait, what-hunh?” moments that didn’t always jive with what I was led to believe or read early on in the novel. However, these little bumps were not damaging enough to take away too much from the reading experience. This is not a happy love story. It has a very melancholy vibe that is pervasive- even when we see the love triangle shatter and a HEA is revealed. So far I am bewilderingly sold and will be back January 11, 2016 when Resplendent Rush releases. I am already invested lock, stock and barrel with Lexi and Levi and if it is 1/2 as interesting as Resplendent Ruin, I will stick with this series for the long haul.
November 6, 2015
INSTANT LOVE with the Author Bella J after reading her debut novel Resplendent Ruin. She knows her Alpha male and she knows it too well. The story was honestly just addictive! It’s the kind of story where you start the book and then suddenly realize that you’re halfway through and you have barely stopped. It was thrilling, emotional, romantic, hot, sexy, a lot of drama, just what I was looking forward to. Resplendent Ruin is a love triangle between Juliette Mason, her fiancé Daniel Clark and a mysterious stranger Knox Taylor.
Juliette Mason had a perfect life. She was beautiful, stunning, had a perfect fiancé, a perfect 15 rooms luxury apartment, a lifestyle to die for. Juliette and Daniel had been engaged for five of the ten years they had been together. Yes, it seemed like a long engagement—a really long engagement—but with Clarke & Mason in the forefront of their lives, they just never had the time to plan a wedding. With time, Daniel got busy with heavy workload and Juliette took a backseat in his life. They were drifting off.
Taylor Knox didn’t count on falling in love. He was living an adventurous life, reckless behavior, impulsive decisions, and beautiful women. While Knox is in town for business staying at Lexi’s, he comes across Juliette. It was an instant love-hate bond between them. Knox was an absolute opposite of what Juliette wanted, yet the attraction between them could not be denied.
“His blue irises reminded her of the ocean, crashing and churning and sparkling like diamonds under the moon. One minute they were peaceful and tranquil, the next there was an angry storm threatening to capsize an entire fleet of ships. She felt herself being reined in, little by little, drawn to the center, to the eye of the perfect storm—and there was no way she could fight it.
While Daniel was away on business, Juliette spent time with Knox, he swept her off her feet and they both started falling for each other.
“I cant stay away from you Juliette.”
“I don’t know what this is between you and me, but God knows I want more of it.”
Magnitude of her feelings for Knox was much stronger than she ever felt before. She starts to see the cracks in her relationship with Daniel, yet she just could not be with Knox.
“I’m in love with you, Duchess, and I will never stop until you are mine.”
It was heart breaking to see her struggle to choose between the two men. The man she promised to spend her life with or the man who had her heart and soul.
Who will she choose? To know more, read Resplendent Ruin.
Click below for Pre-Order link info :
http://www.lsbooks.com/
This was a well written, engaging, heart-warming and at times gut-wrenching love story with a lot of twists and turns.
4.5 KNOX STARSSSSS !!!
ARC graciously provided by Author in exchange for an honest review!
March 31, 2016
WOW! I absolutely loved this story! At the very beginning I was completely drawn in to the emotions of the story and felt a complete drive to read this book and the ending was so worth the power read!
Juliette Mason seemingly has the perfect life. She is engaged to her gorgeous, successful business partner, they live in a beautiful apartment, and they have an ideal life. However, Juliette feels things are off, she needs more, not more material things, but more from her fiancee, mainly his attention.
Daniel Mason and Juliette have known each other forever, their fathers run Mason & Daniel, well his father did but passed away right after he proposed to Juliette leading him to the main job. Now two years later, Daniel is working on landing a huge deal and constantly neglects Juliette. When anything comes up, she is the easiest to put on the back burner.
Now, after being engaged for 5 years they still don't have a wedding date set and Juliette is wondering what type of marriage and home life they will ever have. Will he ever be there for her? How did the love of her life so easily start neglecting her?
A chance encounter with sexy Knox Taylor, who happens to be crashing at the apartment of Juliette's sister and her boyfriend, has Juliette wondering if there is more. Dark, sexy and somewhat mysterious, Knox immediately has Juliette on edge. These two are completely drawn to one another and she can't get him out of her head.
Knox lost his parents tragically and decided he wanted a no holds bar lifestyle. Recklessness, adrenaline junky, Knox didn't expect to feel such a connection with Juliette and now he can't get her out of his head.
These two can't seem to stay away from one another. Can Juliette and Knox hold off on acting on the extreme draw they have to one another, the explosive chemistry they seem to have, the bond they share that just seems to be what each of these two are looking for, needing, craving?
When Daniel returns from a two week business trip, Juliette finds herself caught up in a love triangle, dealing with a relentless mother, and other issues that have her an emotional wreck. Who will she choose? Will her self-serving mother get her way?
Loved the ending!
Author Bella J has a resplendent success on her hands!
P.S. I adore Knox's nickname for Juliette, Duchess. (swoon)
Juliette Mason seemingly has the perfect life. She is engaged to her gorgeous, successful business partner, they live in a beautiful apartment, and they have an ideal life. However, Juliette feels things are off, she needs more, not more material things, but more from her fiancee, mainly his attention.
Daniel Mason and Juliette have known each other forever, their fathers run Mason & Daniel, well his father did but passed away right after he proposed to Juliette leading him to the main job. Now two years later, Daniel is working on landing a huge deal and constantly neglects Juliette. When anything comes up, she is the easiest to put on the back burner.
Now, after being engaged for 5 years they still don't have a wedding date set and Juliette is wondering what type of marriage and home life they will ever have. Will he ever be there for her? How did the love of her life so easily start neglecting her?
A chance encounter with sexy Knox Taylor, who happens to be crashing at the apartment of Juliette's sister and her boyfriend, has Juliette wondering if there is more. Dark, sexy and somewhat mysterious, Knox immediately has Juliette on edge. These two are completely drawn to one another and she can't get him out of her head.
Knox lost his parents tragically and decided he wanted a no holds bar lifestyle. Recklessness, adrenaline junky, Knox didn't expect to feel such a connection with Juliette and now he can't get her out of his head.
These two can't seem to stay away from one another. Can Juliette and Knox hold off on acting on the extreme draw they have to one another, the explosive chemistry they seem to have, the bond they share that just seems to be what each of these two are looking for, needing, craving?
When Daniel returns from a two week business trip, Juliette finds herself caught up in a love triangle, dealing with a relentless mother, and other issues that have her an emotional wreck. Who will she choose? Will her self-serving mother get her way?
Loved the ending!
Author Bella J has a resplendent success on her hands!
P.S. I adore Knox's nickname for Juliette, Duchess. (swoon)
October 12, 2015
This debut novel by Bella J is the most suspenseful romance I have ever read. Right from the beginning you feel for Juliette. While she seems to have it all, great job, gorgeous CEO fiancé, money, beautiful condo, housekeeper, everything. What she doesn't have is time and attention from her fiancé. So when she is dragged out to a club with her sister and her boyfriend and meets Knox, the darkly sexy alpha bad boy, you can understand why she would find him so infuriating and attractive at the same time. In proving to him that she isn't the person he thought she was, she finds she enjoys spending time with him and that he is more attentive and interesting than she thought originally as well. She realizes he is too tempting and does everything in her power to avoid him but he keeps ending up in her path. As time goes by and as Daniel, her fiancé, keeps leaving her alone, she begins to question her marriage and finds herself spending more time with her sister which leads to Knox where he attraction continues to build until the reader finds themselves rooting for Knox and as frustrated as Juliette and Knox are when she keeps resisting his advances.
The characters in this novel are some of the best developed characters I have ever read and that is saying a lot. I never could have seen myself wanting someone to have an affair but the characters of Juliette and Knox seem so perfect for each other and so attracted to each other while Daniel is so clueless and puts Juliette second in every decision he makes, I found myself actually wanting her to go through with it. This is all due to the skill of the writing. She builds the suspense and attraction so gradually, careful not to go too far too soon until the decisions they make are completely understandable and seem well overdue. The challenge the author puts in front of both men and the way they respond to that challenge says everything about them and also well planned.
This is a traditional romance, not erotic, but it doesn't need to be. The suspense that built throughout this story was far more intense than any erotic romance. I highly recommend this book to any reader of romance. This book was so well written, I can't wait to read the next book in the Resplendence series.
The characters in this novel are some of the best developed characters I have ever read and that is saying a lot. I never could have seen myself wanting someone to have an affair but the characters of Juliette and Knox seem so perfect for each other and so attracted to each other while Daniel is so clueless and puts Juliette second in every decision he makes, I found myself actually wanting her to go through with it. This is all due to the skill of the writing. She builds the suspense and attraction so gradually, careful not to go too far too soon until the decisions they make are completely understandable and seem well overdue. The challenge the author puts in front of both men and the way they respond to that challenge says everything about them and also well planned.
This is a traditional romance, not erotic, but it doesn't need to be. The suspense that built throughout this story was far more intense than any erotic romance. I highly recommend this book to any reader of romance. This book was so well written, I can't wait to read the next book in the Resplendence series.
November 17, 2015
I LOVED this debut novel, the first in the Resplendence Series. It's an emotional roller coaster ride that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I couldn't put it down.
Juliette Mason has the perfect job, a great home, a fiance', Daniel, that works too much and over time the life she thought she wanted, doesn't quite look the same. She keeps hoping that things will calm down and she'll get her happily ever after.
Knox Taylor is used to living his life anyway he wants and making impulsive decisions with beautiful women, and loving bachelor life. He comes to town to visit Levi and Lexi, Juliette's sister and doesn't expect to pick up a woman, especially one with problems or lots of drama.
While Knox is staying with Levi, Knox is introduced to Juliette and there is an instant attraction. Of course they both know she's engaged and it's not right but sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you have to go with it.
This story is written well, has great twists and turns, has drama, comedy, suspense, great supporting characters and kept my interest through the whole book. I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next.
I can't wait to see what Bella J does in the next book and with her career. GREAT start!
Juliette Mason has the perfect job, a great home, a fiance', Daniel, that works too much and over time the life she thought she wanted, doesn't quite look the same. She keeps hoping that things will calm down and she'll get her happily ever after.
Knox Taylor is used to living his life anyway he wants and making impulsive decisions with beautiful women, and loving bachelor life. He comes to town to visit Levi and Lexi, Juliette's sister and doesn't expect to pick up a woman, especially one with problems or lots of drama.
While Knox is staying with Levi, Knox is introduced to Juliette and there is an instant attraction. Of course they both know she's engaged and it's not right but sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you have to go with it.
This story is written well, has great twists and turns, has drama, comedy, suspense, great supporting characters and kept my interest through the whole book. I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next.
I can't wait to see what Bella J does in the next book and with her career. GREAT start!
September 14, 2015
The author of the book so hist inherit that it is based on real life. And I think it's great to see the connection between being bloom knox and julliette but also in the book you'll see like in real life that mothers always involved in their children's lives. But true love will find each other again or do people interfere with it yes or no. I give my compliments to the author because this book is worth reading plus it seems that this is really happening to the story as well , she has written to Ms. Bella J.
November 18, 2015
Great read!
Loved this book! Definitely team Knox all the way. Characters were well-written and the story just flowed. I am definitely excited to read more from this author!!
Loved this book! Definitely team Knox all the way. Characters were well-written and the story just flowed. I am definitely excited to read more from this author!!
October 8, 2016
Resplendent Ruin
Bella J
4.5 stars
Juliette Mason finds herself at a cross roads with her fiancé Daniel Clarke. Together since as long as she can remember their life together was planned. Forever was the word they lived by until Danielle took over the Clarke and Mason firm. Growing apart but desperately trying to mend the cracks, Juliette swears it wont be forever. Danielle didn’t ask to take over the firm right now it just happened. Five years … waiting with a closet full of DA pieces.
On a whim Juliette decides to go out and do something she has never done before. Enlisting her sister Lexi’s help she goes to her apartment to pick her up … however the man answering the door is not her boyfriend Levi …. Rude overbearing and obnoxious .. Juliette finds herself memorized by the bad sexy man. .. Knox ... I LOVE THAT NAME!
Cheating and shocking event after event fills the pages of this story. I couldn’t believe some of the things that were thrown our way. Just as you think .. ok .. finally .. then wham. I said holy sheesh .. what the heck more than once .. more than a dozen times. Danielle and Juliettes mother are infuriating.
The characters are well written and there is a cliffhanger of sorts. I loved the ending and the shocker brought into the story in the line of a character that you though you wouldn’t meet. The heart knows what the heart wants .. its just getting there sometimes. What a suspenseful read with no one being killed or anything! Soooo good!
Anxious for the next book! Thank you for the ARC! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets!
Bella J
4.5 stars
Juliette Mason finds herself at a cross roads with her fiancé Daniel Clarke. Together since as long as she can remember their life together was planned. Forever was the word they lived by until Danielle took over the Clarke and Mason firm. Growing apart but desperately trying to mend the cracks, Juliette swears it wont be forever. Danielle didn’t ask to take over the firm right now it just happened. Five years … waiting with a closet full of DA pieces.
On a whim Juliette decides to go out and do something she has never done before. Enlisting her sister Lexi’s help she goes to her apartment to pick her up … however the man answering the door is not her boyfriend Levi …. Rude overbearing and obnoxious .. Juliette finds herself memorized by the bad sexy man. .. Knox ... I LOVE THAT NAME!
Cheating and shocking event after event fills the pages of this story. I couldn’t believe some of the things that were thrown our way. Just as you think .. ok .. finally .. then wham. I said holy sheesh .. what the heck more than once .. more than a dozen times. Danielle and Juliettes mother are infuriating.
The characters are well written and there is a cliffhanger of sorts. I loved the ending and the shocker brought into the story in the line of a character that you though you wouldn’t meet. The heart knows what the heart wants .. its just getting there sometimes. What a suspenseful read with no one being killed or anything! Soooo good!
Anxious for the next book! Thank you for the ARC! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets!
December 8, 2015
Book: Resplendent Ruin (Resplendence #1)
Author: Bella J.
Publication Date: 11/16/2015
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
Juliette thought she had a great love life with her fiancé Daniel of 5 years the man she has been with for 10 years. But with takeovers and work and trips away things for her and Daniel just never seem to fall into place. Well she decides to make some changes in her life but are they for the better? Well we will see. Her sister Lexi is all for helping her sister get a life. Jules meets Knox while at her sister Lexi's place and things start happening inside her and she isn't sure how to handle it. Daniel knows he is losing Juliette and he knows this takeover is important to the business and he also has Jules' mom on his ass to get the wedding date set. This wedding would be a huge merger between the family. Can this couple find each other again or is it to late? And where does that leave Knox? He is mysterious and sexy as hell and there is just something about him. Does Jules want to stay Miss prim and proper?
I have to say this author is new to me and this book just blew it away. I kept reading til it was to the end.
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.
Bella J.
Author: Bella J.
Publication Date: 11/16/2015
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
Juliette thought she had a great love life with her fiancé Daniel of 5 years the man she has been with for 10 years. But with takeovers and work and trips away things for her and Daniel just never seem to fall into place. Well she decides to make some changes in her life but are they for the better? Well we will see. Her sister Lexi is all for helping her sister get a life. Jules meets Knox while at her sister Lexi's place and things start happening inside her and she isn't sure how to handle it. Daniel knows he is losing Juliette and he knows this takeover is important to the business and he also has Jules' mom on his ass to get the wedding date set. This wedding would be a huge merger between the family. Can this couple find each other again or is it to late? And where does that leave Knox? He is mysterious and sexy as hell and there is just something about him. Does Jules want to stay Miss prim and proper?
I have to say this author is new to me and this book just blew it away. I kept reading til it was to the end.
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.
Bella J.
November 16, 2015
I'm in knots over here, I'm loosing my mind, what do you mean?! I need more Knox! I need it! Like an adreline junky needs there next rush!
Oh man, what a book. For a debut novel, I'm screaming from the rooftops to get your copy. This book knocked my socks off. That cover sucked me in and then the world painted for me kept me turning page after page.
This is one of those books you don't want to end, a new BBF has just taken claim. I am completely obsessed, I want more, I feel empty. This was one of those books you want to speed through so you can find out what happens, but at the same time never want it to end?
Merged review:
I'm in knots over here, I'm loosing my mind, what do you mean?! I need more Knox! I need it! Like an adreline junky needs there next rush!
Oh man, what a book. For a debut novel, I'm screaming from the rooftops to get your copy. This book knocked my socks off. That cover sucked me in and then the world painted for me kept me turning page after page.
This is one of those books you don't want to end, a new BBF has just taken claim. I am completely obsessed, I want more, I feel empty. This was one of those books you want to speed through so you can find out what happens, but at the same time never want it to end?
Oh man, what a book. For a debut novel, I'm screaming from the rooftops to get your copy. This book knocked my socks off. That cover sucked me in and then the world painted for me kept me turning page after page.
This is one of those books you don't want to end, a new BBF has just taken claim. I am completely obsessed, I want more, I feel empty. This was one of those books you want to speed through so you can find out what happens, but at the same time never want it to end?
Merged review:
I'm in knots over here, I'm loosing my mind, what do you mean?! I need more Knox! I need it! Like an adreline junky needs there next rush!
Oh man, what a book. For a debut novel, I'm screaming from the rooftops to get your copy. This book knocked my socks off. That cover sucked me in and then the world painted for me kept me turning page after page.
This is one of those books you don't want to end, a new BBF has just taken claim. I am completely obsessed, I want more, I feel empty. This was one of those books you want to speed through so you can find out what happens, but at the same time never want it to end?
October 19, 2016
Four stars for Knox
I really liked Knox, and it was very easy to like him. Sexy, confident, and just so easy to like. Daniel, well, I even liked him. It was nice to get his POV and see a little insecurity. Now Juliette, I didn't really like her. She was okay in the beginning, toward the middle it started to go downhill, and by the end I couldn't stand her. The choices she made just made me mad all the way through the book. The writing was great and kept me sucked in the story, but only really to see more of Knox. So, based on that, I give Knox four stars:)
I really liked Knox, and it was very easy to like him. Sexy, confident, and just so easy to like. Daniel, well, I even liked him. It was nice to get his POV and see a little insecurity. Now Juliette, I didn't really like her. She was okay in the beginning, toward the middle it started to go downhill, and by the end I couldn't stand her. The choices she made just made me mad all the way through the book. The writing was great and kept me sucked in the story, but only really to see more of Knox. So, based on that, I give Knox four stars:)
August 13, 2018
No! I am sorry, I can't do it. I just can't.
DNF chapter 2.
All tell, no show. Flat characters, tepid dialogue, slow pacing. I am sorry, I just can't.
The focus on mundane details and descriptions that has very little to do with the plot or the story line, is making me cranky and impatient.
The subject matter is not NA, but there is a definite NA feel to it.
DNF chapter 2.
All tell, no show. Flat characters, tepid dialogue, slow pacing. I am sorry, I just can't.
The focus on mundane details and descriptions that has very little to do with the plot or the story line, is making me cranky and impatient.
The subject matter is not NA, but there is a definite NA feel to it.
November 18, 2015
Wow, loved this book. The story just pulls you in and takes you on a wonderful journey of love and discovery. Great characters and Knox 'swoon' enough said. Looking forward to reading more by this author. Great debut book.
5* read for me.
5* read for me.
July 29, 2016
Awesomeness
This book consumed me. Had enough angst to keep me on edge. I loved Knox. Somewhat of a Cliffhanger and I can't wait to read book two.
This book consumed me. Had enough angst to keep me on edge. I loved Knox. Somewhat of a Cliffhanger and I can't wait to read book two.
September 9, 2017
NO, NO WAY DID THIS BOOK END ALREADY AS I WANT MORE. WOW!!! This book is THE EPIC... The book is about Juliette Mason and Knox Taylor. She is already in a relationship with Daniel Clarke for whom his work is much more important than her. Although he is a good man with a good heart but the redundant nights of loneliness and longing leaves Juliette feeling like she just doesn't matter to him any more. It's always work for him and no time for her. Enter mysterious Hot as hell Knox, who acts like an arrogant dude with her but then without any of them planning to, both of them start falling for each other. THE INTENSITY, THE ANGST AND THE ROMANCE BETWEEN JULIETTE AND KNOX IS OH SO INTENSE, IT IS SCORCHING. THIS IS ONE OF THE THOSE BOOKS WHICH ARE A MUST MUST READ. I WOULD GIVE A 10+ STARS TO THIS ONE. 💖
September 11, 2017
I'm very quickly becoming one of Bella J's biggest fans!
Talk about taking your emotions for a ride - i laughed, hated on characters and cried when they got hurt.
The way she writes makes you feel like you are standing on the outside of an invisible bubble watching quietly.
Knox is definitely one of my favourite Alphas that I have met.
Jules strong willed and successful.
Can't wait to get into the next one!
Talk about taking your emotions for a ride - i laughed, hated on characters and cried when they got hurt.
The way she writes makes you feel like you are standing on the outside of an invisible bubble watching quietly.
Knox is definitely one of my favourite Alphas that I have met.
Jules strong willed and successful.
Can't wait to get into the next one!
March 7, 2017
This one was an angst fest of epic proportions from what I remember, and not something I would normally enjoy, because the heroine is wishy washy as f***, the way the boyfriend was vilified was a bit of a stretch, IMO, but for some reason, I liked it. I would recommend to those who like angst, love triangles and heroines who just can't make a decision.
April 11, 2016
What an emotional roller coaster this book was. Hot, sexy, full of angst and forbidden feelings, Resplendent Ruin was an emotional story that had me hanging on to every word. It tells the story of Juliette, a woman who leads a seemingly charmed life with her longtime fiancée, Daniel. Having grown accustomed to taking a backseat to Daniel's work for years, Juliette is resigned to accepting her role and everything that comes with it. When the sexy and irresistible Knox Taylor comes into her life, all bets are off, and Juliette finds herself in a situation she never saw coming.
I tend to get irritated with love triangles and the indecisiveness involved with the characters, but in this case I completely understood Juliette's dilemma. Although her relationship with Daniel had been solid for years, it was at the point where it lacked the passion and spontaneity that she yearned for. Knox came barreling into her life with his confident swagger and dirty mouth, and she couldn't help but be swept away. He introduces her to a type of intimacy that she never thought existed, and that affects her immensely.
"She felt herself being reined in, little by little, drawn to the center, to the eye of the perfect storm- and there was no way she could fight it."
The author did an exceptionally good job with the inner turmoil that the characters faced. This was no simple love triangle. Daniel was not a villain, he was just someone who allowed his priorities to become shifted, which essentially caused his relationship to suffer. He and Juliette did love each other, but there is only so much a relationship can withstand. I felt Juliette's pain as she tried to work through her feelings. She felt so incredibly torn between the two men. Her guilt over developing feelings for Knox was always present, as she tried to fight her feelings for him. Knox felt similar feelings of guilt, but that didn't stop him in his pursuit of Juliette. She was different in so many ways to anyone he crossed paths with before, and he couldn't deny the intense pull he felt towards her.
"He was a selfish bastard and he never claimed to be otherwise. He wanted her...he wanted all of her."
Knox was an amazing character, and I loved how he fought for Juliette with wholehearted determination. He knew what they had was rare and wasn't willing to let it go easily. What I really loved was how Juliette and Knox's connection was so much more than a physical attraction. They were drawn to each other on a deeper level, and he showed her that there was so much more to life than what she allowed for herself. After living for so long in a sheltered existence, always putting others first, here came this wild and utterly captivating man who opened her eyes to a whole new world.
"She saw the danger and the hidden promise of something that she had never experienced before. Passion, thrill... adventure."
Torn between two men who each owned a piece of her, Juliette had some extremely difficult decisions to make. The author weaved some great twists into the storyline, and I found myself so hooked into the story that I was dying to see how things would play out. This was an incredible tale about the tumultuous road to happiness and true love, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I absolutely cannot wait to dive into Levi and Lexi's story next. I loved both of their characters so much, and their story is sure to be a fantastic one.
I tend to get irritated with love triangles and the indecisiveness involved with the characters, but in this case I completely understood Juliette's dilemma. Although her relationship with Daniel had been solid for years, it was at the point where it lacked the passion and spontaneity that she yearned for. Knox came barreling into her life with his confident swagger and dirty mouth, and she couldn't help but be swept away. He introduces her to a type of intimacy that she never thought existed, and that affects her immensely.
"She felt herself being reined in, little by little, drawn to the center, to the eye of the perfect storm- and there was no way she could fight it."
The author did an exceptionally good job with the inner turmoil that the characters faced. This was no simple love triangle. Daniel was not a villain, he was just someone who allowed his priorities to become shifted, which essentially caused his relationship to suffer. He and Juliette did love each other, but there is only so much a relationship can withstand. I felt Juliette's pain as she tried to work through her feelings. She felt so incredibly torn between the two men. Her guilt over developing feelings for Knox was always present, as she tried to fight her feelings for him. Knox felt similar feelings of guilt, but that didn't stop him in his pursuit of Juliette. She was different in so many ways to anyone he crossed paths with before, and he couldn't deny the intense pull he felt towards her.
"He was a selfish bastard and he never claimed to be otherwise. He wanted her...he wanted all of her."
Knox was an amazing character, and I loved how he fought for Juliette with wholehearted determination. He knew what they had was rare and wasn't willing to let it go easily. What I really loved was how Juliette and Knox's connection was so much more than a physical attraction. They were drawn to each other on a deeper level, and he showed her that there was so much more to life than what she allowed for herself. After living for so long in a sheltered existence, always putting others first, here came this wild and utterly captivating man who opened her eyes to a whole new world.
"She saw the danger and the hidden promise of something that she had never experienced before. Passion, thrill... adventure."
Torn between two men who each owned a piece of her, Juliette had some extremely difficult decisions to make. The author weaved some great twists into the storyline, and I found myself so hooked into the story that I was dying to see how things would play out. This was an incredible tale about the tumultuous road to happiness and true love, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I absolutely cannot wait to dive into Levi and Lexi's story next. I loved both of their characters so much, and their story is sure to be a fantastic one.
August 30, 2021
I'm going through my 5 star read books and re-reading some of the ones I haven't read in years. I wasn't planning on changing the rating unless I really wanted to because despite the fact that my tastes have changed in the last few years, the feelings of younger me are still valid. However, I cannot believe that five years ago I not only finished this book but gave it five stars because this time around I barely made it a few chapters in.
The premise of this book is that Julie has been in a relationship for ten years, engaged for five and has seemingly been happy during this time. It's not until the last couple of months where her fiancé has had to take over the family company after his father died and after finding out he couldn't have kids, that he's been working a lot and the distance in the relationship has started. Look, if I go into a book knowing that the hero/heroine are going to cheat/have an affair, I'm okay with it and all I ask is that I understand why they did it. Here, I can't see myself understanding because they've just had a big change in the relationship so of course there's going to be an adjustment period like there would be in any big change like having the children you want. Also, it's not like the fiancé is an asshole, he understands that he's been working a lot and he did actually try to make an effort and he loves her and is scared of loosing her, but there's just a whole load of new shit he has to deal with now that he's taking over a big company. Not to mention, it's only been two months and this woman is taking about how she feels like she should be used to him cancelling on her by now and walking into a empty apartment and yada yada yada. Ma'am stop being so damn dramatic and have a little fucking patience.
The real thing that made me go "fuck this I'm out of here" was the hero. He was DISGUSTING. This guy is cracking open a beer at half ten and makes the heroine feel like she's some sort of stick up her arse goody two shoes because she was drinking coffee instead. I'm sorry what? This guy is the loser in this situation. Oh and this is the first time he meets her. The second time he see's her he tells her that the sports car she bought doesn't suit her because of the way she's dressed, i.e., a pencil skirt, and again acts like she's uptight for this. Bitch she just came from work where you're meant to dress in a professional way what the fuck should she be wearing? Then the next night or so when the heroine comes over for dinner with her sister (where the hero is crashing) he overhears her crying about her relationship problems to her sister, and then later starts winding her up about sex toys at the dinner table. This was apparently meant to be sexy but if a guy tried that with me my fork would be in his eyeball. But oh no the hero's the cool sexy god and the heroine's an uptight sheltered princess for being a little uncomfortable with this. It was after this moment and the moment where the heroine's sister (who was such an annoying spoiled bitch) called her a prude for the thousand time that I peaced out.
Also that comment the hero made where he was planning on getting drunk and finding a cute blonde with daddy issues to fuck made me physically ill. No wonder I've never read any of this author's books.
The premise of this book is that Julie has been in a relationship for ten years, engaged for five and has seemingly been happy during this time. It's not until the last couple of months where her fiancé has had to take over the family company after his father died and after finding out he couldn't have kids, that he's been working a lot and the distance in the relationship has started. Look, if I go into a book knowing that the hero/heroine are going to cheat/have an affair, I'm okay with it and all I ask is that I understand why they did it. Here, I can't see myself understanding because they've just had a big change in the relationship so of course there's going to be an adjustment period like there would be in any big change like having the children you want. Also, it's not like the fiancé is an asshole, he understands that he's been working a lot and he did actually try to make an effort and he loves her and is scared of loosing her, but there's just a whole load of new shit he has to deal with now that he's taking over a big company. Not to mention, it's only been two months and this woman is taking about how she feels like she should be used to him cancelling on her by now and walking into a empty apartment and yada yada yada. Ma'am stop being so damn dramatic and have a little fucking patience.
The real thing that made me go "fuck this I'm out of here" was the hero. He was DISGUSTING. This guy is cracking open a beer at half ten and makes the heroine feel like she's some sort of stick up her arse goody two shoes because she was drinking coffee instead. I'm sorry what? This guy is the loser in this situation. Oh and this is the first time he meets her. The second time he see's her he tells her that the sports car she bought doesn't suit her because of the way she's dressed, i.e., a pencil skirt, and again acts like she's uptight for this. Bitch she just came from work where you're meant to dress in a professional way what the fuck should she be wearing? Then the next night or so when the heroine comes over for dinner with her sister (where the hero is crashing) he overhears her crying about her relationship problems to her sister, and then later starts winding her up about sex toys at the dinner table. This was apparently meant to be sexy but if a guy tried that with me my fork would be in his eyeball. But oh no the hero's the cool sexy god and the heroine's an uptight sheltered princess for being a little uncomfortable with this. It was after this moment and the moment where the heroine's sister (who was such an annoying spoiled bitch) called her a prude for the thousand time that I peaced out.
Also that comment the hero made where he was planning on getting drunk and finding a cute blonde with daddy issues to fuck made me physically ill. No wonder I've never read any of this author's books.
December 14, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
At the beginning I was very hesitant to read this book, but yet still intrigued to see where the story line went between Juliette and Knox. From the moment Juliette was introduced, I noticed three things: her loneliness, her love for Daniel, and that her moral beliefs that were going to be pushed to the limits in this love story. Your heart can't help but go out to her, when you read the desperate feelings she has towards Daniel and his neglect along with the confusing, all consuming desire for Knox. Bella J wove a story of deception, power, and love that shows that everything is not always black and white but instead various shades of gray.
Juliette Mason or “Duchess” as Knox affectionately referred to her, is tucked away in the rich and lonely lifestyle. She has been engaged to Daniel Clarke for many years and it doesn't look like a wedding is at the top of their list of priorities. They are both in a very prestigious position at a company owned by both of their families and it would please everyone to see both Juliette and Daniel be united in marriage and would benefit the company as well. Unfortunately since Daniel has become CEO the company has become his mistress, stealing all of their time and “intimate moments” away from Juliette. Leaving a sexually frustrated, lonely shell of a woman behind.
That is until she meets Knox Taylor and he drags her into a world of uncontrollable passion, spontaneity, and outrageous activities that solidifies a bond between this motor cycle god and the prim and proper Juliette. At first Knox thinks that Juliette is an “ice princess” before he starts chipping away at her frozen outer shell and sees the amazing woman underneath. Once he gets a glimpse, he plans on making her his.
Daniel is perfectly aware of the advantages of being married to Juliette and knows that he loves her with all his heart even as he pulls away from her. Since he failed her in the one thing that he could truly offer her as a man, he completely immerses his self in his work. Until he comes to the realization that Juliette should be his most important priority and he feels her slipping through his fingers.
While this is not a traditional love story, it struck a chord within my heart. No one should ever neglect the love that they feel for another, and sometimes your life plays out in a way that is completely different then what you imagined. Although Juliette chose a different, more difficult path to happiness, she flourished and was given the love that she deserved. There were so many different factors at play in this entertaining love story of lines being crossed and new lines being drawn. I highly recommend for lovers of romance that challenge your values and show that there is a different side to every story. Bella J did an excellent job of showing emotions felt by all the characters during this tumultuous love found in an unconventional way.
At the beginning I was very hesitant to read this book, but yet still intrigued to see where the story line went between Juliette and Knox. From the moment Juliette was introduced, I noticed three things: her loneliness, her love for Daniel, and that her moral beliefs that were going to be pushed to the limits in this love story. Your heart can't help but go out to her, when you read the desperate feelings she has towards Daniel and his neglect along with the confusing, all consuming desire for Knox. Bella J wove a story of deception, power, and love that shows that everything is not always black and white but instead various shades of gray.
Juliette Mason or “Duchess” as Knox affectionately referred to her, is tucked away in the rich and lonely lifestyle. She has been engaged to Daniel Clarke for many years and it doesn't look like a wedding is at the top of their list of priorities. They are both in a very prestigious position at a company owned by both of their families and it would please everyone to see both Juliette and Daniel be united in marriage and would benefit the company as well. Unfortunately since Daniel has become CEO the company has become his mistress, stealing all of their time and “intimate moments” away from Juliette. Leaving a sexually frustrated, lonely shell of a woman behind.
That is until she meets Knox Taylor and he drags her into a world of uncontrollable passion, spontaneity, and outrageous activities that solidifies a bond between this motor cycle god and the prim and proper Juliette. At first Knox thinks that Juliette is an “ice princess” before he starts chipping away at her frozen outer shell and sees the amazing woman underneath. Once he gets a glimpse, he plans on making her his.
Daniel is perfectly aware of the advantages of being married to Juliette and knows that he loves her with all his heart even as he pulls away from her. Since he failed her in the one thing that he could truly offer her as a man, he completely immerses his self in his work. Until he comes to the realization that Juliette should be his most important priority and he feels her slipping through his fingers.
While this is not a traditional love story, it struck a chord within my heart. No one should ever neglect the love that they feel for another, and sometimes your life plays out in a way that is completely different then what you imagined. Although Juliette chose a different, more difficult path to happiness, she flourished and was given the love that she deserved. There were so many different factors at play in this entertaining love story of lines being crossed and new lines being drawn. I highly recommend for lovers of romance that challenge your values and show that there is a different side to every story. Bella J did an excellent job of showing emotions felt by all the characters during this tumultuous love found in an unconventional way.
July 19, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Resplendent Ruin is the first book in the Resplendence Series from Bella J. This book is a standalone with no cliffhanger and a HEA. It's also Bella J's first published novel.
Juliette Mason is a women who appears to have it all. Great success, perfect home and perfect fiancé. She's got everything you could ever want until it slowly starts to unravel.
Daniel is Juliette's fiancé. CEO of the company their fathers were the head of, he and Juliette have built a life they had dreamed about over the last ten years. Devoted to his job and spending an enormous amount of time earning the respect he thinks he needs and making the company better than it has ever been he pushes his relationship with Juliette to the back burner.
Knox Taylor is the resident bad boy. A motorcycle riding , adrenaline junkie with a cocky attitude. he has everything a man could want. A carefree life, women and no commitment. Is it possible for this bad boy to ever fall in love?
This book is absolutely amazing!!! I could not put it down and basically devoured it. Juliette is a character you will fall in love with. She's in a place in her life were she wants and deserves more than she is getting from Daniel. She never expected for Knox to walk into her life and when he does let the fun begin. This book has the heart melting tender moments; edge of your seat I didn't see that coming moments; and moments that make you just want to wrap Juliette in your arms. It broke my heart at times and I felt so for Juliette. She had some hard truths to face and hard decisions to make. I rooted for her. Was shocked for her and cried right along with her. If your looking for a book that has all the angst, excitement and surprises this is a book you do not want to miss.
I have to say to I was shocked to learn that this is Bella J's first published novel. Sometimes in first time novels you are left with a it was great but could have been better feeling but not with this book. It's so well written with excellent character development. Bella has done an amazing job writing his book.
Resplendent Ruin is the first book in the Resplendence Series from Bella J. This book is a standalone with no cliffhanger and a HEA. It's also Bella J's first published novel.
Juliette Mason is a women who appears to have it all. Great success, perfect home and perfect fiancé. She's got everything you could ever want until it slowly starts to unravel.
Daniel is Juliette's fiancé. CEO of the company their fathers were the head of, he and Juliette have built a life they had dreamed about over the last ten years. Devoted to his job and spending an enormous amount of time earning the respect he thinks he needs and making the company better than it has ever been he pushes his relationship with Juliette to the back burner.
Knox Taylor is the resident bad boy. A motorcycle riding , adrenaline junkie with a cocky attitude. he has everything a man could want. A carefree life, women and no commitment. Is it possible for this bad boy to ever fall in love?
This book is absolutely amazing!!! I could not put it down and basically devoured it. Juliette is a character you will fall in love with. She's in a place in her life were she wants and deserves more than she is getting from Daniel. She never expected for Knox to walk into her life and when he does let the fun begin. This book has the heart melting tender moments; edge of your seat I didn't see that coming moments; and moments that make you just want to wrap Juliette in your arms. It broke my heart at times and I felt so for Juliette. She had some hard truths to face and hard decisions to make. I rooted for her. Was shocked for her and cried right along with her. If your looking for a book that has all the angst, excitement and surprises this is a book you do not want to miss.
I have to say to I was shocked to learn that this is Bella J's first published novel. Sometimes in first time novels you are left with a it was great but could have been better feeling but not with this book. It's so well written with excellent character development. Bella has done an amazing job writing his book.
August 18, 2016
This is the first book that I have read from this Author, and I will be reading more in the future. The book flowed nicely and the characters were believable.
This book is about a woman, (Juliette) who has been with her Fiance' Daniel, for 10 years, and engaged for 5 of those years. They started out really happy and in love. Before long the two of them are working for their fathers company. Just when they're about to plan for their happily ever after, Daniel's father passed away and he's now taken over his father's place. They want to start a family, but then they find out that Daniel has an issue with fertility. Juliette, has began to feel like she has taken 2nd place in his life. He's always away on trips, and when he's not gone, He's at the office for long periods of time.
Juliette, and her sister Lexi, are planning a night together. When she gets to her house this hot as hell guy answers the door. She is wondering whats going on since her sister is in love with her boyfriend. She soon finds out that Knox, is Lexi's boyfriends, long term buddy and is staying in town until he gets his business taken care of.
Juliette and Knox, don't like each other at all. She thinks he's over confident and he thinks she's a spoiled little princess.
Before long they start to realize that they actually are attracted to each other. Juliette tries her best to deny her feelings and Knox tries his best to win her over.
They find themselves in a very difficult situation and things just start going from bad to worse.
This story had me interested pretty much all of the way through. Sometimes the scenes dragged on a little long for me, and other times I wanted them to last a little longer.
There is love, hate, greed, and a whole lot of deception in this book.
This book is about a woman, (Juliette) who has been with her Fiance' Daniel, for 10 years, and engaged for 5 of those years. They started out really happy and in love. Before long the two of them are working for their fathers company. Just when they're about to plan for their happily ever after, Daniel's father passed away and he's now taken over his father's place. They want to start a family, but then they find out that Daniel has an issue with fertility. Juliette, has began to feel like she has taken 2nd place in his life. He's always away on trips, and when he's not gone, He's at the office for long periods of time.
Juliette, and her sister Lexi, are planning a night together. When she gets to her house this hot as hell guy answers the door. She is wondering whats going on since her sister is in love with her boyfriend. She soon finds out that Knox, is Lexi's boyfriends, long term buddy and is staying in town until he gets his business taken care of.
Juliette and Knox, don't like each other at all. She thinks he's over confident and he thinks she's a spoiled little princess.
Before long they start to realize that they actually are attracted to each other. Juliette tries her best to deny her feelings and Knox tries his best to win her over.
They find themselves in a very difficult situation and things just start going from bad to worse.
This story had me interested pretty much all of the way through. Sometimes the scenes dragged on a little long for me, and other times I wanted them to last a little longer.
There is love, hate, greed, and a whole lot of deception in this book.
April 28, 2016
Resplendent Ruin by Bella J. is a new book and author to me. So when the author asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing it I jumped at the opportunity to do so. The blurb of the story fascinated me and I Love reading new authors. And after reading it, I believe Bella J. has a hit series on her hands. Touche'.
Being a high society person person with a partnership in a million dollar company still wont give a woman what she really needs. Which is feeling truly and deeply for their man and the Love and passion it brings. In this book, Juliet Mason is that woman. Engaged to a man she has been with for 10 years now, 5 of them engaged is become such a routine in her life she has begun to question it all. Boring is the understatement here, lol. But a visit to her sister's place one evening will become more than she bargained for is when this story takes off. Heck Yeah!!
Enter Noax, 6ft plus, tattooed and hotter than hades hunk of a man.. He is about to rock Juliet's world in more ways than one, hehe. Oh man does he.
At times in this book I wanted to jackslap both Juliet's mom or her fiance Daniel more than once. Smack. The guilt treatments and heartache they show toward her broke my heart. But Noax will show her what a true man does when they Love someone. The building tension up to each other's love for them will take you on a emotional ride. I can not wait to see what Book 2 will bring.
Reviewer for Nook Books and More.
Being a high society person person with a partnership in a million dollar company still wont give a woman what she really needs. Which is feeling truly and deeply for their man and the Love and passion it brings. In this book, Juliet Mason is that woman. Engaged to a man she has been with for 10 years now, 5 of them engaged is become such a routine in her life she has begun to question it all. Boring is the understatement here, lol. But a visit to her sister's place one evening will become more than she bargained for is when this story takes off. Heck Yeah!!
Enter Noax, 6ft plus, tattooed and hotter than hades hunk of a man.. He is about to rock Juliet's world in more ways than one, hehe. Oh man does he.
At times in this book I wanted to jackslap both Juliet's mom or her fiance Daniel more than once. Smack. The guilt treatments and heartache they show toward her broke my heart. But Noax will show her what a true man does when they Love someone. The building tension up to each other's love for them will take you on a emotional ride. I can not wait to see what Book 2 will bring.
Reviewer for Nook Books and More.
Want to read
November 27, 2021💝FREE on Amazon today (8/13/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Juliette had it all. The perfect job, the perfect home, the perfect fiancé. She lived the perfect life...at least, that’s what it seemed like from the outside.
From the inside everything was slowly falling apart.
Her success-driven fiancé was supposed to be the love of her life. Yet, as time went by, the cracks in their relationship started to come to the surface forcing Juliette to question every decision she’s ever made.
But it’s not until she meets the mysterious, brooding, blue-eyed Knox Taylor that she realizes nothing about her life makes sense anymore.
Knox is everything she thought she never wanted—impulsive, reckless, cocky…and utterly magnetic. He opens her eyes to a whole new world, and now Juliette needs to decide if what she’s been doing all along was living…
…or merely existing.
Blurb:
Juliette had it all. The perfect job, the perfect home, the perfect fiancé. She lived the perfect life...at least, that’s what it seemed like from the outside.
From the inside everything was slowly falling apart.
Her success-driven fiancé was supposed to be the love of her life. Yet, as time went by, the cracks in their relationship started to come to the surface forcing Juliette to question every decision she’s ever made.
But it’s not until she meets the mysterious, brooding, blue-eyed Knox Taylor that she realizes nothing about her life makes sense anymore.
Knox is everything she thought she never wanted—impulsive, reckless, cocky…and utterly magnetic. He opens her eyes to a whole new world, and now Juliette needs to decide if what she’s been doing all along was living…
…or merely existing.
February 26, 2016
5 Crazy Ass Must Read Stars!!!!!
First off, I hate cheating. In life and in books. I'm usually black and white with this. There's no in between for me so I'm a little glad I went into reading this blind. I didn't read the blurb or any reviews. Had I, I would not have read it. After reading though, I'm seeing the grey areas on this matter. I got sucked into the story and was Team Knox all the way. Yeah, Juliette could have handled a few things differently. Crap, I'm on the verge of spoilers here. Literally just had to delete like five sentences riddled with spoilers. Read this. It was a great story. I'm in need of more Knox now. I'm onto Resplendent Rush to get Lexi and Levi's story and hopefully some more of Jules and Knox.
First off, I hate cheating. In life and in books. I'm usually black and white with this. There's no in between for me so I'm a little glad I went into reading this blind. I didn't read the blurb or any reviews. Had I, I would not have read it. After reading though, I'm seeing the grey areas on this matter. I got sucked into the story and was Team Knox all the way. Yeah, Juliette could have handled a few things differently. Crap, I'm on the verge of spoilers here. Literally just had to delete like five sentences riddled with spoilers. Read this. It was a great story. I'm in need of more Knox now. I'm onto Resplendent Rush to get Lexi and Levi's story and hopefully some more of Jules and Knox.
August 22, 2016
Love it!
Absolutely must read!
Dapet buku ini free ibarat dapet jackpot.
Ide cerita yg simple dng alur cerita yg padat merayap tanpa sempet bikin ngantuk and bikin tarik nafas ikutan galau sm Juliet.
Mana yg bakal kamu pilih, tunangan ganteng super kaya yg udah kamu kenal nyaris seumur hidup atau cowok baru super seksi dng tato, motor besar, jaket kulit dan borgol di tiang tempat tidurnya?
Mmm...yup Knox memang luarbiasa seksi. Tapi dng pertunangan yg kelewat panjang, Juliet sadar Knox cuma godaan sesaat di banding Daniel yg stabil dng penampilan yg gak kalah ganteng.
Iya kan? Atau si penggoda ternyata adalah satu2nya pria dalam hidup Juliet yg mengenal siapa dirinya di balik topeng yg Juliet pasang selama ini? Pria yg menjadi kehancuran yg di idamkan Juliet selama hidupnya
Absolutely must read!
Dapet buku ini free ibarat dapet jackpot.
Ide cerita yg simple dng alur cerita yg padat merayap tanpa sempet bikin ngantuk and bikin tarik nafas ikutan galau sm Juliet.
Mana yg bakal kamu pilih, tunangan ganteng super kaya yg udah kamu kenal nyaris seumur hidup atau cowok baru super seksi dng tato, motor besar, jaket kulit dan borgol di tiang tempat tidurnya?
Mmm...yup Knox memang luarbiasa seksi. Tapi dng pertunangan yg kelewat panjang, Juliet sadar Knox cuma godaan sesaat di banding Daniel yg stabil dng penampilan yg gak kalah ganteng.
Iya kan? Atau si penggoda ternyata adalah satu2nya pria dalam hidup Juliet yg mengenal siapa dirinya di balik topeng yg Juliet pasang selama ini? Pria yg menjadi kehancuran yg di idamkan Juliet selama hidupnya
February 2, 2017
OMG!
Okay for most of the book I was starting to hate Juliette for her actions and messing up her relationship Daniel. But the more I kept reading and loving Knox I see why Juliette was falling in love with him. But I hated how she was hurting Daniel, but in the end when Daniel betrayed her I was happy she finally chose the right man. What a great read.
Okay for most of the book I was starting to hate Juliette for her actions and messing up her relationship Daniel. But the more I kept reading and loving Knox I see why Juliette was falling in love with him. But I hated how she was hurting Daniel, but in the end when Daniel betrayed her I was happy she finally chose the right man. What a great read.
November 25, 2015
This book is amazing. You are going to love every bit of it. Jules thinks her life is perfect, until she meets a tall dark stranger. Will she follow her heart or so what is expected of her? You will have to read it to find out. I can't wait to see what Bella has in store next for Jules.....
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