How to Belong with a Billionaire

Arden St. Ives #3

by Alexis Hall

If you love someone, set them free...

I thought I'd be okay when Caspian Hart left. He was a brilliant, beautiful billionaire with a past he couldn't escape. And I was ... just me: an ordinary man lost in his own life. It would never have lasted. It should never have happened. Not outside a fairytale.

And I am okay. I've got my job, my family, my friends, and everything Caspian taught me. Except it turns out he's going to marry his ex-boyfriend. A man who doesn't understand him. A man who almost broke him. And I've finally realized it's not enough for me to be happy. I need Caspian to be happy too.

Problem is, I've already done all I can to help him. I've followed his rules and broken his rules and learned his secrets. And he still won't believe I can love him. So now it's his turn. His turn to fight, and trust, and hope. It's time for Caspian Hart to choose me.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, BDSM, Queer, LGBT, Audiobook

352 pages, ebook

First published September 3, 2019

About the author

One of those intricate British queers.

Please note: I don’t read / reply to DMs. If you would like to get in touch, the best way is via email which you can find in the contact section on my website <3

Reviews

[Amanda]

Dying to read the final book. If you value your sanity, DO NOT read the preview chapters at the end of Book 2. I wanted to flung myself out of the nearest window.

[Dia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars rounded up

To be honest, I really really wanted this to be a 5 stars book. I have read the first 2 books in a row, finished the second book and read the excerpt from the third book and wanted to throw my iPad on the window!!!

I absolutelty couldn't put this one down. I've read it in one sitting, BUT it wasn't what I expected. I wanted Caspian to grovel more, to fight for Arden's forgiveness and somehow he dissappointed me... Not enough for me to forgive him.

We get many scenes with the secondary characters, and all I wanted was for Caspian to admit he really wanted Ardy. I didn't want his excuses. I didn't really want his doubts.

So overall I enjoyed it, but it was a little too detailed for me, and the ending felt a little too fairytale for my taste.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3,5 stars*

I’m not quite sure what happened here.
I loved books 1 and 2, and it’s not that I didn’t like the last instalment of this series, but I’m somehow left … a teeny bit … unfulfilled?

But before I get to that I must say that, as always, reading Alexis Hall’s writing is pure bliss. I love language, and he certainly knows what to do with it. His intelligent wit, original metaphors, expressive imagery and overall cleverness never fail to make me swoon linguistically. Admittedly, the references to English literature were a bit lost on me (I’m not that way inclined), but Thank God, at least I got the movie ones. 😁

Arden himself can only be described as a real sweetie-pie, but one who’s also full of sass, snark, genuine emotions and able to stand up for himself. I couldn’t help but smile at his usual, socially awkward antics, and his amusing self-deprecating thoughts. Arden makes mistakes, he has his faults, but when it comes to his heart, he really shines.

However, Arden’s personal development and his attempts at living a life ‘after Caspian’ are very much at the centre of this book.
Which isn’t a bad thing or anything (and he does make HUGE leaps in character development!), but I was really gasping to see what was going on with Caspian, particularly after the ‘punch in the guts’ revelation (the cliffhanger we were left with at the end of book 2) that happens in chapter 3.

But, about 50% into the book, Arden and Caspian have met (I think) only twice. And there’s very little movement on where they stand – Caspian being distant and cold and Arden still in love and heart-broken. Which is when my fingers started tapping, and my patience was slowly dissolving into thin air.

Instead we get a LOT of …

...Arden and George: Ok, I loved George and didn’t begrudge her the page time she and Arden got together. Basically, she is exactly what Arden needs at that point in time. She is such a kind and wonderful person who gives him the opportunity the explore his submissive desires in a safe and accepting environment.

And yes, I think I have to mention here that quite a bit of the scorching sex happening in this book, is not between Arden and Caspian.

For those readers who are very infidelity-sensitive, it might be important to know there’s one incidence of cheating. I do get why it happens, and we get complete remorse, at least on Arden’s part (as we get his POV only), but I understand that this might be an issue for some people.

... Arden and his best friend Nik. Not sure why we needed so much on-page time with Nik, as much as I like the guy. One chapter in Boston would have been enough for me.

... Arden and Caspian’s sister and female best friend, Ellery
Tbh, Ellery started to seriously annoy me with her attitude and behavior. She desperately needs therapy and/or medication. But what irritated me the most was the events about 50%.

Then there are further ‘diversions’ in the form of Bellerose and Finesilver. Two undoubtedly interesting characters I would have been happy to find out more about if they hadn’t been standing in the way between me and finding out about Arden and Caspian. Not to mention the events around Arden’s father which felt a bit constructed.

I wonder if Alexis Hall tried to pack too much into this last book (maybe there should have been one more?). So, while some of the events get a lot of detail, others (I would have liked to know more about) don’t. I would have loved to see some bigger reaction, apart from the physical, by Caspian to the Exhibition, and I was really craving to see some evidence that Caspian was going to reach out to Ellery at the end.

I also would have liked to get more detailed information about Caspian’s past and what really happened. But mostly, I was hoping to see him slowly starting to realize there’s some truth in what Arden keeps telling him in various ways …

“It’s a story that broke me a long time ago.” (Caspian)
“It hasn’t broken you. It’s just hurt you and made you feel weak. But that doesn’t mean hurt is all you’ll ever be, and it doesn’t mean you can never be strong.” (Arden)

“You have spent so long punishing yourself for something someone else did to you. Questioning everything you want and denying everything you need. But … I’m begging you, Caspian, you’ve suffered enough. Choose peace. Choose freedom. Choose you.

However, when Caspian still repeats his never changing mantra of what a monster he is by 80-odd percent, I started to despair. I could not see any way forward at all. I mean three books on, and Caspian seems to be stuck in the same mind frame!

Thank God, Alexis Hall gives us a few glorious (if dramatic) final chapters where things do move on and allow both men to believe in a future together.

It was kind of weird to think I’d spent so long dreaming about the end of my story with Caspian … All that time waiting like a fool for an ending.
When what I’d really wanted – what we’d both needed - was a beginning.

I am very happy about the eventual outcome and how it went down, but … it seemed to happen all very quickly and very late.

I had real trouble putting a rating on this.
I mean - I LOVE these two guys, I love the story and the whole scenario, but I felt that this book took me too far off-tangent for too long.

Still, this is a series I will, no doubt, reread.

[cal · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book is shit. turns out i'm a clown after all.

[Darien · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Story: 3 Pants Off

I am so disappointed in this book 😞. With the first 2 books being so excellent I was expecting great things but I felt like I got the same issues which should have been handled but it all just got left up in the air.

So the blurb describes the book has being an epic conclusion and all I can think is that yeh it was epic, an epic let down.

Let’s get into it..

1) Caspian Hart is an epic asshole. He needs help and a school for adult babies because that’s exactly what he is (a giant ass baby).

2) Arden 😫 absolutely no growth as a character. He actually became even more stupid in this last book.

3) The Story. A mess, an actual dirty in the house mess that couldn’t be cleaned up by the ending.

4) Arden and George. That entire sexual relationship made me uncomfortable based on how it started (oh you’re upset about losing your love. You wanna fuck). Almost all their sexual encounters sprouted from Arden being in some sort of distress. HATED IT!! A beautiful friendship was ruined IMO and George who I really liked ended up looking predatory.

5) An asshole/pedophile didn’t get the throat punch he deserved (this upsets me the most)

6) This should have been called “How To Tell A Billionaire To Go Suck A Dirty Dick”

Overall, I don’t think anything was handled well and Arden and Caspian’s love is tainted in my eyes. Maybe that was the point of the story that nothing ends perfectly even for a dude with lots of money but sue me I wanted more.

A bitch is disappointed!



The Narration: 4 Pants Off

A good job by Joel Leslie even though his Arden got a bit whiny at times, still delivered on this great disappointment of a book.

[Line · Rating 3 out of 5]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, what is going ON in the rotten state of Denmark?????

Update no. 2 - March 2018:

"Amazon.com Your Orders | Your Account | Amazon.com
Release Date Change

We have received new release date information for the item in the order below. The release date has been changed by the publisher and we want to provide you with the updated release date. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by this delay. We'll keep your pre-order open on your account and you'll receive a confirmation when the item is available for download.* As a reminder, you can change, cancel, or view the status of your orders in Your Orders on Amazon.com.

Your new pre-order release date:
Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Order Details
Order #D01...
Placed on Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Arden St. Ives #3"

------------------------------------------------

Amazon sent me an email saying that my pre-order was moved to August 14, 2018!
That is a fucking long ways to go *pouting*

[Mónica BQ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah, no.

My review of book #1
My review of book #2

My thoughts are so scattered here, I already know I won't make any sense. But basically, all the things that I found issues within the previous books, that were manageable, aren't here.

First, the elephant in the room: the waiting time for this book. I just couldn't care less about the politics behind publications. As a reader, that was shit. And I can only be glad that Hall does warn readers about the huge cliffhanger at the end of Book #2 so we could decide not to read it until the series was complete. Had I not been thoroughly prepared for that I would have canceled Hall forever.

Second, that prologue. I'm just going to say it again: complete and utter bullshit. The exact thing I don't want to have in my romances: other people's feelings (like outside the couple or the people involved in the main goal relationship I mean). And like dark. And not in a sexy way. It put me in a bad reading mood from the get-go.

Lastly, everything else.

I know that what didn't work for me isn't like realistic. I'm perfectly aware that the book did a good job of depicting life. It wasn't what I wanted at all. And most definitely not what was expected from a series with the selling point of: How to Bang a Billionaire.

Basically for me, the book didn't deliver in emotionally satisfying the expectation of a well-rounded HEA. This book follows the MCs on completely different emotional paths. Caspian is engaged to Nathaniel until the 89% mark of the book. And Arden feels like crap for that exact length of the book and the relationships he forms elsewhere show how he overcomes that.

How to Belong is accurate. Both Arden and Caspian most likely needed the (mental health?) journey to get to a point where they could realistically be together. This book is about the growth they both go through- separately.

Fuck that shit. I'm not here for that.

Plus, I kind of disagree with the conveyed "message" in How to Belong. I find the notion that there’s nobility in forgiving those who have greatly wronged you abhorrent. The story puts the onus of being the better and bigger person on Arden. Instead of on Caspian, which I don't give a fuck how many ways the background story is spun around, should have shouldered the burden of asking Arden to forgive him. And the same goes for Caspian and his demons.

Look, I’m not emotionally stunted, so I get the point of like the complexity of this love story. Except that’s not at all what I expect nor want when I pick up a series about how to bang a billionaire. If I had wanted to delve deep into the intricacies of human emotions and our different manifestations of love I would have reread Kundera or some shit.

I didn't want to read 200 pages of Caspian being all: I don't want to hurt you so I can't be with you even though I'm hurting you deeply right now and meanwhile, I'm also hurting the other man that cares for me and I care for him too and ooooooh the torture. Caspian and Arden barely even interact with one another in this book. I think there's more dialogue between Arden and Nathaniel.

Oh, and huuuuuuuuge plothole: at the end Arden states that he won't be telling Caspian about what happened with Lancaster Steyne. It makes no sense that Arden could have found Caspian and Nathaniel in the secret, über risqué, sex party. He couldn't have known what, where, and when. He would have been oblivious to it all. Not to mention the crappiness of not telling Caspian for like "his own good". The most rubbish reason ever for anything.

After three fucking books and three fucking years I wanted a no- holds- barred coupledom and a full book absolutely filled with certainty in Caspian and Arden's love and intentions for each other. Instead, I got a: people are complicated and so is (self) love.

For the first time ever I think I wanted an epilogue type thingy that showed me a lot more of the happy, a shit ton more of the ever, and a fucking whole more of the after.

My point is I wanted a black and white closure and this series only gave me shades of grey.

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sorry to report that this book was a mess of epic proportions. By reviews I read prior to reading it, I feared this might be the case but I was too invested in the series to not finish it. I will say that the ending was divine but what it took to get to that ending was not good. I can’t give high stars for a good ending when the rest of the book made me so frustrated and angry. And while I did like the ending, I would have loved longer time with the guys happy after they reunited. I skimmed A LOT. (A LOT!) Which is never a good sign. This isn’t a review so much as a rant. 🤷🏻‍♀️

In no particular order, things that drove me nuts:
-Arden and Caspian spend most of the book apart and only get their acts together at around the 90% mark. I love pining as much as the next person but all of this time apart meant that most of the book was spent on things that were just so boring.
-Arden’s relationship with George...yawn.
-The whole Arden and Ellery doing coke and him kissing her and that turning into a big old thing..also yawn and out of character.
-The plot with Arden’s Dad...what even was that?
-The attempted rape of Arden by creepy, weird, old master of Caspian’s and no real resolution with that. WTF?
-Basically what happened to Arden and this book? What was I even reading?

I could go on but I’ve run out of steam. I’m just going to pretend like this book doesn’t exist and that book two ended with them not breaking up and living happily ever after. I suggest you do the same if you try this series. Or just skim to the end because that part was, too brief, but lovely.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant ending to a brilliant series! It was not what expected and it worked perfectly in the end.
I absolutely love how the authors plays with romance conventions and turns them on their heads to make a contemporary queer billionaire romance so much more than a fantasy escape read.

I will be reviewing the whole series together some time this week. For now, I highly recommend it!

Here is my review of the complete series:
I got an ARC of the final book in the series, so I binge read all three books in a week. What an emotional journey this has been. As usual I find myself lost for words when it comes to reviewing Alexis Hall’s books, so this won't be a very eloquent or coherent review, I'm afraid. I tend to have a very emotional reaction to his stories which makes my reviews more personal than usual.

On the surface and judging by the titles ans covers this is a billionaire m/m romance but the more I read the more I saw it as a story about two people with troubled pasts find their ways to each other. A bildungsromans of sorts for Ardy in particular, but very much for Caspian too.

The story is told exclusively from Ardy's POV and I loved the easy flow and multitude of things going on that made me eager to keep reading in order to find out how it will end.

Something, Alexis Hall does really, really well in my opinion is the creation of characters who feel real, human, with flaws and strengths. And this was very much the case here. It's not just Ardy and Caspian but almost every minor character was interesting and I got engaged in their stories.

I found Ardy so easy to relate to - we see him navigating University, graduation, first serious job, making new friendships and keeping close the old ones, first attempt at a serious relationship. And the pressure there was not because Caspian was a billionaire, it was because of who Caspian is- a trauma survivour riddled with guilt and shame, refusing to accept his past, desperately trying to be someone different than who he is.

It's a very emotional story both for Ardy and Caspian. Lots of mistakes get made and it's one of the things I particularly liked int he story. The way none of the characters are perfect and they don't always know the right thing to do/say but Ardy is very keen to listen and to learn, Caspian is more reluctant but still ready to make sincere apologies and amends for his mistakes. Even Nathaniel whom I got hate at some point despite understanding the terrible position he found himself to be, so even he is not malicious and only had the best intentions and is ready to admit he has been wrong/misguided in his approach to everything.

I want to say a few words how trauma is handled in this series. It's not there for shock value or for tragedy p0rn, it's presented a complex issue that needs professional handling, one that affects the deepest corners of one's soul. There is no easy way to deal with it and no magic peen can cure it.

On that note, I am very happy to say that despite the heavy emoptional content of the books none of it due to queerphobia. The issues the characters deal with have nothing to do with them being gay. And the books are so effortlessly queer, it's a joy to read. No token marginalisation, no fetishising, lots of queer characters interacting in multitude of ways - as friends, lovers, in professional capacity.

I also want to mention how much I loved Ardy's family and how important I found the episode with his biological father. It was disturbing but also very much needed to show a different aspect of Ardy's personality. We get a first-hand look at how powerful manipulation can be, how dangerous people like Ardy's father can be and how Ardy is noting like that.

Caspian and Ardy spent most of book 3 apart, they are both involved with other people, they cheat on them. It was a wild ride, I cried and laughed and wanted to hug them and make it all better for everyone. But I also see how they needed that time apart, how it was important for them to work through their issues on their own before trying to be together. Because we know they can be good together, we saw that already in the previous book.

All in all, I love how Alexis Hall takes apart the conventions of the romance genre and re-arranges them to come up with an unforgettable romance. It's nothing like I have read before, yet it's very much a tropey, swoon-worthy romance.

Just a couple of words on the supporting characters, Ellery, Bellerose, Nik, Nathaniel, George - they are all colourful and unique and give this richness and depth to the world of the books. The romance between Caspian and Ardy doesn't happen in isolation, like real people they are busy doing other things while falling in love.

One of the most loving episodes in the series for me involves Ardy taking care of Bellerose. It encapsulates everything good in this world (together with so much of the bad in it). It's about love and care in its purest form.

The trilogy ends with the sweetest epilogue, full of tenderness and promise. It's the beginning of a long process for Ardy and Caspian of learning how to be together and be happy. And it's why I read romance, for this ultimate moment of hope - love is possible, happiness is possible, the darkness can be defeated.

CWs for the series: Assault, sexual abuse (in the past), attempted rape, death of a parent (in the past), stalking and manipulation, drug use, car accident (secondary character), cheating, panic attack, unprocessed trauma

[Rhosyo MT · Rating 5 out of 5]

2019, first read
so now the long days without Arden have begun🙁

Spoilers ahead (kind of):
So many feelings reading this last book! The first thing that popped in my mind after finishing it was that somehow I've missed the moment, the scene, in which Arden and Caspian went from being separated to being together. I felt like I've missed a piece of the story. I think now maybe I was waiting for some kind of climax or decisive cliched moment in which the two protagonists would look into each other's eyes and realize that they could not live without each other. But that moment took place practically at the end of the first book. This third book was about finding the courage to be what the other needed in Ardy’s case, and accepting oneself in Caspian’s. nonetheless, it took too long for these two to work things out! It was complete torture 🙈🤣. Only AjH can make me love this kind of agony so much

I loved watching Ardy growing as an adult, and nurturing his personal and professional world.
Caspian also has a long and hard journey in the book, although this path we only see through Arden's perspective. Caspian has to finally accept himself as he is, and therefore accept that part of his feelings towards Arden aren't crooked or harmful for any of them. I would have loved some Caspian’s POV, but I get why we didn’t get it.

The book left me with a bitter taste due to the way Nathaniel's story was treated. Despite his prejudices and ignorance, he loved Caspian. The story is a bit cruel to his character, he was simply a desperate man trying to hold on to the person he loved.
I hope some day we get to read his story.

And ok, I have to say it... Wouldn't it be great for Bellerose to meet this other secondary character in the story in need of some english company in those Far Away Lands where he is recuperating from some health problems? Maybe I like to pair everyone up (yep, I do), but those two would be great together! Nik isn't as straight as he so desperately wants to appear... I think...
Oh, and Ellery and the lawyer!
and what about sexy George ??? She needs her own book!
So many amazing characters! I want books for all of them (but mostly for myself)
Alexis Hall Universe continues to grow, and I love it!

........................
August 2022, second read
Still as good and honest as I recalled it.
I thought maybe in this second read I wouldn’t liked it that much, bc the whole book doesn’t go as one could expect.
But I don’t imagine a better conclusion. The whole trilogy is a retelling/refreshed perspective of the Cinderella romances, so the ending should also be new and unexpected... obviously with an HEA guaranteed. And it is.

I think this world really needs more books! Not with Ardy and Caspian as the main couple, but with everyone else taking their turn to shine as the MC, and Ardy and his billionaire as recurring supporting characters. This book left Ardy and Caspian in a good and promising place, but I still want to indulge myself in many epilogues.

[♥️Victoria ♥️ ♥️love books♥️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

How to go from HERO to ZERO in 3 books!!!!

I am to mad and to emotional right now to put my thoughts and feelings in words but, I Can say this was a Royal f@##$%%. Sorry Alexis Hall you've put me through hel to only give me that amount of Caspian an Arden time together.... I am not impressed at all!!!!!

[Eugenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL the STARS! This one BROKE my heart 💔, but mended it by the end ❤️.

Im not sure why it took me so long to finish this series, but the last book was EVERYTHING!

[Sera Taíno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out my combined review for the two previous books:

How to Bang a Billionaire

How to Blow it With a Billionaire

https://wordpress.com/post/serataino....

Warning: Contains some spoilers

Initially, this review was intended to be a joint one together with my friend, handsfullmama.com. We’d broken down all the elements to discuss but realized, 5k words later, that maybe we’d taken the task beyond its intended purpose. Plus, 5k is very long for a review so we decided to cancel that project and take our observations back to our respective sites. As it is, this review is still insanely long so I apologize in advance.

So this series - I almost wish I could go back and review the series all over again with the third book in mind. What started off as a rejoinder to 50 Shades of Grey has in fact turned into a genre-challenging thought piece on sexuality, sexual abuse recovery and the subversion of the most toxic elements of mm romance. When looked at in its entirety, I have to kind of sit back and take a deep breath because there is a lot to work with here. I'm going to start with the craft stuff.

TL;dr – This series is excellent and worth all the stars. All. The. Stars.

Proceed at your own risk.

Structure/Beats

Obviously, being the third act of a trilogy and the post cliffhanger book, the beats differ from a standalone novel. There is a significant portion in the first half of the novel where Arden and Caspian do not spend actual time on page. But Caspian’s presence is everywhere - he’s always on Arden’s mind as Arden actively works to get over him. Still, there's lots of emotional tension from not knowing what form the resolution would take. It’s a credit to Hall as a writer that, even writing in the romance genre where an HEA is guaranteed, I was genuinely unsure until the very end if he would pull it off.

Characterization

Arden

My favorite character after Darian and Ash in Glitterland. Perfectly drawn, distinct voice, thinks like an English major steeped in pop culture. There's a comment his aunt makes about Arden that sums up his character - he's not a cynic. I don't want to exaggerate his perfection because he’s not - Nathaniel wasn't too far off base to call out Arden for wasting the privilege of studying at Oxford. But Arden's faith in the goodness of people and general openness to life makes him precious. The way he sees Caspian is the perfect counterpoint to the way Caspian sees himself. Arden sparkles and you want to keep him safe even though he doesn't actually need it. Arden is strong because he knows who he is, a sense of self that gets stronger as the narrative progressive. He also has a solid moral core, the result of being well-loved, and an intuitive understanding of what is right and wrong.

Caspian

Ah, Caspian, Caspian. He did not give me the kind of satisfaction as a reader that I wanted from a romantic lead. Hall does a good job of retooling the character of Christian Grey, with his need for control and his extensive emotional damage, to give us Caspian Hart. And considering the prime material, it’s a miracle we got what we got. Caspian has a lot of shortcomings. He pissed me off so many times because his own issues caused him to hurt Arden.

However there is no moment in the narrative where I doubted that Caspian loved Arden. Through all his misguided decisions, his self-loathing (“such a self-masturbatory vice”), his gift for hurting Arden, I knew he loved him. Caspian is himself wounded in so many ways and honestly, for as much as I kick and scream and whine about him, I get him. I’d have a hard time giving in to something that I felt reduced me as a human being and reminded me of my trauma. And if I considered my preference to be beyond deviant (the way Caspian describes himself, you’d think he was eating newborn babies), then I’m going to question who and how I love.

Arden fights this toxic belief throughout the series. It goes back to a persistent theme in Hall’s novels - that sexuality is fluid, that your preferences are your own and it doesn’t matter why want who you want, it’s the wanting that matters, if that makes sense. Arden keeps telling Caspian this - it’s just sex in the end. Who cares where your compulsions come from? It’s who Caspian is now. But Caspian takes a long time to accept what Arden is saying and he is still hesitant by the end of the novel.

His damage wrecks my heart. But he hurts Arden and really, I’m #protectArden all the way.

Also, as I’m rambling, this reminds me of a blog post that Hall made about Buffy the Vampire Slayer where he talks about the amorality of love - you can be evil and cruel and still be able to love someone. It isn’t that love, objectively speaking, is some sort of redeeming trait. Anyone can love. They may not love well, but they can love. Consider Ellery and the way Caspian responds to her. Caspian loves her but he has a tragic way of showing it.

After finishing the novel, I reread the blurb - "So now it's his turn. His turn to fight, and trust, and hope. It's time for Caspian Hart to choose me " I can't help but feel that, yet again, it's Arden, who fights to the bitter end and eventually saves Caspian.

Tropes

Billionaire Dom trope is completely upended. Caspian is a reluctant dom. I can see this being frustrating for readers who are ready for a bit of tie-em-up (and they get that through a secondary relationship) but Hall demonstrates a deep understanding and great respect for the experience of sexual abuse survivors. We never get to see actual BDSM between Arden and Caspian on the page and, given where the characters are in their personal development and in their relationship, this is appropriate. Not only, but the role of the dom and sub are subverted. Though Caspian will certainly take the lead in the role playing, it is Arden who is most at ease and will have to follow Caspian’s readiness and teach him to be comfortable.

In 50 Shades, we see an (overbearing) Christian Grey navigating Anastasia into a poorly interpreted BDSM space. In this series, the hesitation is on Caspian’s side, because of the association he makes with his sexual abuse, complicated by the fact that he takes too much responsibility for what took place. He is coming from a place where he sees his preferences, and by extension, himself, in a dirty light. Whereas James asks us to take at face value that Grey’s predilections were caused by his own abuse and can be “cured” by love’s true light (give me a moment while I barf), Hall has his Caspian suffering through the connection he has made between his abuse and his preferences. Caspian then enters into a truly toxic relationship with Nathaniel because it reinforces this image of himself, assumptions Arden continues to challenge. It is a neat role reversal and it works, again, because it’s very respectful of the experience of sexual abuse.

Another trope that is essentially trashed in this novel is the slutty bisexual trope. Because Arden is so sex-positive, he embraces the exercise of his sexuality like a maniac (yasss, son!). However, he then turns its ear completely because he is insanely in love with and committed to Caspian. He’s comfortable with the fluid nature of his sexuality and expresses pleasure with George without guilt (as well he should) but emotionally, he is all about Caspian. He demonstrates his commitment to Caspian by fighting for him to the very end, even when all evidence of Caspian ever reconciling with him seems absent. I’m all about smashing this trope. I honestly think you can’t label Ardy’s sexuality and that’s the point. We shouldn’t. Wherever our impulses come, they are valid, and sexuality is as much a part of a person’s character and their temperament as their other preferences.

So did I love this series? Sometimes I didn’t, but not because it wasn’t good. It was hard and demanding and intense but it was worth the roller coaster ride. There are so many fun references to pop culture and literature. Jane Eyre and Roland Barthes keep popping up (Barfes!). I’m not much for the post-structuralists but I’m going to have to go back and read something of Barthes now, dammit. All in all, this series is worth reading and rereading, as long as you don't mind being emotionally shredded along the way.

Check out my combined review for the two previous books:

How to Bang a Billionaire

How to Blow it With a Billionaire

ARC provided by Netgalley

https://wordpress.com/post/serataino....

[Sam I AMNreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've made no secret of my enjoyment of this series or of Alexis Hall's writing-what I've read thus far anyway. And I would say I still thoroughly enjoy this book and series, and that this was a good story and resolution, there were major disappointments for me.

So much was going on. Like, so much. Ultimately, the failing of this book was how much was going on but it was a third and final book in the series, and when the first third focuses on Arden's relationship to someone else and moving on from Caspian, I found myself utterly frustrated. I'm not sure that it helped me see how he grew so much as told me he did, and honestly sets up Ardy & Caspian reconnecting. I never felt like the way they were orbiting each other was odd or manufactured, even though it could have felt forced. I will just say that ultimately, they seem to have too long to go for their HFN/HEA given the pain that underscores their relationship and Caspian in particular.

I love Arden's views on strength/weaknesses and accepting a whole person, because I agree. I think Hall's strength in writing characters lies with those who are unafraid to give and love wholly, realizing love is a risk, being vulnerable can be a wonderful reward, and yet still maintain their identity. Because Arden is one such character, this, for me, is the appeal of the book and series. Caspian and Arden's interactions are delightful and funny, when they aren't making me want to cry (as was often the case here). And I think that's where my disappointment came from, for some reason I just wanted more them or more resolution. It happened so late in the game, after so many traumatic and hurtful events, it was a struggle to feel fully trusting in that end, even though I do trust Arden to make it work. 2.5, rounded down, because while super readable, it just didn't work for me.

Please be sure to review content/trigger warnings if considering this book or series.

[Monika K · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Perks of dating someone incredibly fucking rich" – I’m a few years late in discovering this series, but I finished this trilogy last night and I am not ok. My. Goodness. I was so worried for a while there during the conflicts & now my heart is filled with sparkles. It's so interesting to have a love story span the course of 3 books and I feel lucky that I didn't have to wait for these to come out in real time.

I guess this is Hall's play on the 50 Shades trilogy (which I didn't read) just in the general premise of a hot Billionaire who meets an adorably endearing graduate, and it includes BDSM, but it's really more of a steamy, slightly dark, contemporary queer romance that takes place in London with the humor and writing style of all his other books.

As always, the side characters are fabulous (George!), the banter is perfect and the arcs and personal character growth that happens is really satisfying. Arden, the narrator, is a sweet, lovable, glittery mess, but with a high sense of self-worth. Caspian is damaged and so tortured, but also brilliant and incredibly romantic. I loved how they give to each other in different ways over the course of the story, and really learn from each other despite their differences. Arden & Caspian will stay with me for a long time to come. Their chemistry is fabulous. I just loved it.

"Arden, my Arden" – SWOON

Link to a longer spoilery gushy post on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/romancelandi...

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book as part of the 2019 Members' Choice Awards Challenge.
Categories: Best BDSM/Kink/Fetish

February 21, 2020
I had fun reading it, but this was not my favorite Alexis Hall story. Mostly because of the second book, where both Arden and Caspian pissed me off to no end. And, while reading it, I was equal parts engrossed in it, but also thinking omg enough with the melodramatic ominous statements and tell us what's your damage already. ffs..
But still... I practically read the last installment in one breath and I loved their HEA, so it must not have been that big of a deterrent to my enjoyment of it.

August 18, 2019


February 19 2019

I'm waiting for this book to come out to read the whole series.

Been waiting for so long I forgot I already pre-ordered it in OCTOBER 2018.

*glares at the release date*

[Daydreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Shit! This was so great I'm sorry I finished.
I have to recognize the title of the first book kept me skipping it for a while, but to my surprise, I've found a real gem.
I've recently finished the last book in the trilogy and enjoyed them SO MUCH that I couldn't take the time to review the previous ones. That's how hooked and desperate Alexis Hall kept me all along.
Usually, in most series, I find the first book more compelling than the following, but this only got better and better.
The writing is so rich and smart! And the way Arden's mind works; it made me lol so many times!
The dialogs are witty, and I've found the characters beyond delightful. You have to be brilliant to make all the characters, even the secondary ones, complex and interesting.
The way the author went through the use of recreational drugs and suicidal thoughts was unapologetically real. I particularly enjoyed this aspect very much.
The books are full of smart references from Columbo, Pretty Woman, and StarWars to T.S. Eliot and Charlotte Brontë.
If you like romance BUT you also enjoy clever writers these books are for you.

[Alisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I put my review on this off when I first read it because I had a really early copy and I was so disappointed in this story. I loved the first two and thought the writing was excellent and I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately I didn't like anything about it. I think I might have actually hated it. they weren't even together until the last few pages of the book and they spent most of the story banging other people It was absolutely not the redemption arc I was hoping for, I hated how their relationship ended up and honestly by the end I really didn't like either Arden or Caspian. Nothing worked me here.


**ARC received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

[Estephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATE 10/9/18: SEPTEMBER 2019...TWENTY NINETEEN 😭🤯

UPDATE 4/23/18: FEBRUARY 😭

UPDATE 3/17/18: I'm still pissed with Caspian, so y'all know the anxiety is real. Come on! 5 more months!

I NEED THIS BOOK IN MY LIFE

[Gillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5ish stars??

Are you sitting comfortably? Good, because I have some (probably incoherent) thoughts.

Look, I'm pretty much an AJH fangirl and I have loved the previous two books in this series a whole fucking lot. Basically, I was pretty much ready to five star this baby from the time I opened my Kindle to start reading this book. So, what happened?

Well, here are some points that are in no particular order but that sum up my feelings about Belong (I'm using point form because I've tried to write this review several hundred times and it wasn't working):

-Belong didn't have the same magic that made Bang and Blow so lovely and enjoyable
-Nathaniel deserved better
-I don't think Caspian earned Ardy's forgiveness nor do I think he's good enough for Ardy
-The redemption arc was underwhelming
-The ending felt more like an HFN than an HEA (which is fine in other books except that's not what the end of a 3 book series should feel like)
-George was cool and I liked her and Ardy together
-Bellerose was cool and I liked the thought of him and Ardy together even just for a fling
-What was with the lawyer? Was he in love with Ellery? That part was jarring
-Ardy's dad storyline was an odd choice that felt tossed in just to allow Caspian and Ardy to see each other again
-Ellery is unlikeable which I know is her thing, but show me something - ANYTHING - that makes her even a little bit of fun to hang out with (other than finally humanizing her just a wee bit during the Nik visit)

I'm making it sound like the book was terrible, which it most definitely is not. It just didn't seem like AJH's heart was in it. I could be completely wrong of course, but it felt distracted somehow.

In the end, I just felt like with everything Ardy went through, he deserved better than someone who spent the better part of three books going "It's not you, it's me". I don't think Caspian is in a place to make promises for a solid future together and given that we're supposed to be convinced of their commitment to each other after everything, I simply wasn't.

Ultimately, I was underwhelmed.

[Lori¸¸¸.•*❀Ɍɛɑɗs̱LɪƙɛIʈs̱H̱ɛɍJɔɓ 유❤유 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update after 2nd read: I stand by my first review wholeheartedly and I even feel more strongly about how much I loved George and how she helped Arden realize his worth. I could've never seen them as a couple but she was one the most unselfish, selfish people I have read.

I still am not a big fan of Caspian but love is blind and we can't help who we love.

Arden is still one of my favorite characters because he might almost be a cinnamon roll, but not quite. He makes a lot of mistakes but he is also young and should be able to do that so he can learn. All I know is that I still love this and will probably read it again in another couple of years.


Original review: I want to preface to say that even though I adored Arden, I think George is probably my favorite character in the book. George was a giving, wonderful friend-with-benefits and she was there when Arden really needed someone. Actually, a friend brought up that maybe George and Bellerose should meet.😍

As for Caspian, well he was pretty much a selfish prick for most of the book who, in all honesty, did not deserve Arden. Yeah, I get that he was flawed but he hurt two people due indecisiveness and I don't know what. I am not saying he didn't have the capacity for love but to basically string two people along, just no. That's how I saw it at least.

I just wanted to touch on Nathaniel and how I felt truly bad for him as well. Was he by any means perfect, hell no, but Alexis Hall has a way to make his characters seem human and Nathaniel was not a bad person, he just made bad decisions imo.

In the end, I truly wish there had been some justice for what Steyne had done to Caspian and Arden (and probably Bellerose as well,) but I guess life doesn't always work that way.

All-in-all, this was an amazing series one that had affected me enough to lose sleep sometimes but I guess it was that pretty powerful for me. It's up there with For Real as well as being some of my favorite MM books.

[Victoria (Eve's Alexandria) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I binged 1200 pages about a billionaire and his irrepressible mad pixie dream boy falling in love, breaking each other and then stitching the pieces back together.

Last year I would have probably been trying to read 1200 pages of Ducks, Newburyport instead.

I have zero regrets about this year’s choices. I’m shortlisting Alexis Hall for my own personal Booker prize.

[Sarah Silverman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does Alexis Hall wake up every morning thinking to himself, “Fuck! I’m a good writer!” Because, damn, this book!

This book was an absolute banger. And when it came to bangs, AH delivered aplenty! This book also wins the award for sexiest scene where they’re not even having sex.

Let’s talk about the little things. First up, George’s pet names for Arden. Next, Ellery’s snarky way she shows Arden she cares. Then we have the descriptions about wardrobe - chef’s kids. Lastly, Arden’s family being the absolute best (like, will they please adopt me?).

I’m going to sneak in the Joel Leslie appreciation commentary here. I will say that the writing is impeccable, but so is the audio performance. Truly, it’s so good I almost don’t have words for how delicious it is.

Now I will talk about the one thing I didn’t like about the series - the covers. I’m sorry, this is totally me, but the cover model doesn’t look anything like how I picture Caspian and I find him very distracting.

I’m not gonna lie. This book - and the series in general - was difficult at times. For sure check the trigger, er, Caspian doesn’t like that word… but you get what I’m saying. The content warnings. They are plentiful. But AH doesn’t shy away from the difficult and uses it to create a touching story of healing and finding (accepting?) what makes you happy.

Somewhere in the middle I think I would’ve been ok if the book had gone in a different direction. I was ok with Arden finding his happiness elsewhere. But hot damn! AH spins the story and makes it work. How? I will end how I began. Alexis Hall is an amazing writer.

Now it’s over and I have the sads. 😔

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m so so disappointed... What I’m gonna write next is totally on me. The author is one of best and my review is all about me and my experience, my expectations and therefore my disappointments.

How to belong with a billionaire is a 3 stars for a, for me, disappointing story I waited almost TWO years for and 5 stars for the writing skills so.... 3 stars it will be.
The first two books, such intensely impressive stories, almost only about the two men and their journey. And book three... not.
Not what I expected at all.. I was 90% disappointed. Arden and George ughh... George, she made beautiful pics and they gave a turn to this story. Then a lot about Arden and Ellery with Nik in Boston, then someone from Arden’s past. Where was Caspian....? He was like a cloud...
I wanted Arden and Caspian... still nothing. One encounter at a dinner.
At some point Arden raised above himself, that was quite impressive.
I understand the author wanted to make an intelligent story, likewise the author is and like all other stories from this author.
But this wasn’t it for me.

I delayed the reading of this one. I prepared myself by rereading book one and two and then give this one my full time and attention.... because hey I waited almost two years.
I’m so so disappointed, I can cry for all the things I missed in this story, for all the promises I thought I read in the previous books. Instead it felt like a punishment.
I think I’m just a dumb stupid romantic that wanted some romance...

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arden ya lleva meses separado de Caspian, pero sus intentos mantenerse como amigos fracasan epicamente, ahora Arden esta seguro que no pueden estar cerca uno del otro al menos por un largo tiempo hasta que los sentimientos de ambos se hayan enfriado. Mientras tanto, Arden sigue su vida tranquila con su trabajo, sus amigos y sobre todo Ellery.
Pero como siempre las cosas no pueden ser sencillas, cuando su padre reaparece intentando "reconectar" con el, Arden comete uno de los errores mas grandes de su vida y corre hacia Caspian para pedir su ayuda, esto le hace ver que, aunque no tenga una relacion con Caspian, este estara siempre ahi para el.
Y cuando Caspian necesita su ayuda, Arden corre hacia el, para prevenir que los planes de Lawrence sigan su curso y le hagan dano, Caspian se enfrentara a la decision mas dificil de su vida, seguir viviendo una mentira con Nathaniel intentando "curarse" o intentar aceptar sus sentimientos por Arden y todo sus "oscuros" deseos.

Este es el libro final de la trilogia de Arden-Caspian y aunque me parece que estiraron mucho la historia, nos muestran todo el camino de Arden, pero dejan mucho del camino de Caspian y el porque siente/piensa como lo hace. Esta trilogia te hace querer a los personajes e interesarte por todos, pero el final queda demasiado abierto en muchos frentes, y aunque me gustaria que el autor publicara spin-off de esta serie con los otros personajes (Nathaniel, George, Nik, Ellery, Bellarose, etc), me gustaria mucho mas un epilogo donde pudieramos ver que paso con Arden-Caspian y Lawrence, y la relacion de Caspian y Ellery, ademas de Bellarose, que aunque fue un personaje muy pequeno, tiene un gran potencial para ser importante.
Asi que si, la trilogia es interesante, divertida y con mucho drama, vale la pena leerla, pero al final se siente inconclusa, y como fue terminada hace tanto tiempo no creo que el autor la continue, lastima.

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexis Hall is one of my favorite writers for a reason and I could not have loved the ending of this series more. He took big risks (so big!) and for me, they paid off. Ardy and Caspian had such a hard-wrought but satisfying story. Perfectly balanced humor and angst! In fact, I laughed out loud a ton while reading, even more than the previous two books. Plus, the writing is just so good, from the beauty of the prose to the character development.

Every scene Arden and Caspian shared for the first three-quarters hurt my heart so much. Caspian had this stupid self-abnegation thing going on and I wanted to yell at him to embrace love and happiness, even if he didn't think he deserved it. He was so sure that he was doing the best thing for Ardy when really it was the worst thing for everyone. I kept wanting to cuddle Ardy and reassure him it would be all right. These two are messes and it tore my heart out, especially because they kept getting drawn into each other’s orbit. Neither had a chance to really move on and that wasn’t healthy…even though I obviously wanted them to get back together.

One of the aforementioned risks Hall took is a spoiler but I have to address it, especially because I knew it was included and worried about how it would be handle. Caspian and Arden have sex while Caspian is engaged to someone else. (Arden and George have an occasional sexual relationship but nothing more so I didn’t count her in the equation.) The infidelity scene didn't bother me, which shocked me because that's usually a dealbreaker. Not that I enjoyed it. I was so mad at them, even though I understood why it was happening. But the difference here is that they're in no way justifying or rationalizing what happened. They know it was wrong and while they have different ideas on what to do about it, it isn’t something either of them intends to repeat. That made it stand out from other books that include infidelity.

Arden makes for a fantastic narrator, in part because he’s such a sex puppy of a character. You can’t help but love him and want to know what he’s going to do next, even when he’s making the absolute worst choices. He’s indeed a 22 year old young man figuring life out. He’s bound to screw up here and there and yet I was so fully in his corner through it all. I could clearly see what Caspian saw in him. Caspian, on the other hand, is one of the most buttoned up characters ever written. It was as impressive as it was maddening. But I loved his emotional arc, especially given his struggle to accept his desires.

The side characters are just as notable, especially George and Ellery. I would totally read their respective stories.

The way it handled the abuse and trauma was compassionate and nuanced, particularly in how it impacted their relationship moving forward. They're back together but there's still work to be done and on top of all that, there's hope. They are beautiful works in progress together. My heart is so full!

CW: Past child sexual abuse, side character is a former alcoholic, side character with spinal cord injury, recreational drug use (marijuana, cocaine), cigarette smoking, kink shaming (countered), infidelity, stalker situation, toxic father, attempted sexual assault, reference to a politician sending a dick pic to undercover journalist posing as teen girl, “jokes” about suicide (mostly colloquialisms)

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

How to Belong with a Billionaire is the long-awaited third book in Alexis Hall’s wonderful Arden St. Ives trilogy. Not only did the second book come out close to two years ago, but we left things on a major cliffhanger with the relationship between Arden and Caspian falling apart. So to say that I was eager for this book is a vast understatement.

The focus of this story is very much on Arden’s journey for most of the book. We see him in the aftermath of the breakup, and even months later, he is still devastated. Arden is doing his best to move forward, but he is in so much pain it is really palpable. Still, Arden soldiers on, and his unique blend of humor, self deprecation, and assorted pratfalls help to keep the tone light even as we see him struggle. Over the first two-thirds of the book or so, we see Arden interacting with different people who help him get some perspective on his life and his relationship. First, he starts a casual affair with his co-worker, George. George is bold and kinky and unashamed, and she is a perfect person to help reconnect Arden with the joy he has in submission. I enjoyed not only George’s fierce personality, but also the way she is unapologetic about her needs and desires, and it is nice to see Arden be able to have that confidence again after Caspian struggled with accepting his own desires. Arden also spends some time with his best friend in Boston, and even befriends a woeful Bellerose. Like I said, this section really allows Arden to get perspective and helps him move forward. At times it felt a bit like he was traveling from mentor to mentor, but I still think the insights were useful.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up for the excellent narration

Let me acknowledge this right off the bat: this isn't necessarily how I wanted to experience the final book in Arden and Caspain's tale. But it was realistic - relationships are often messy.

Despite that, I was still thoroughly entertained and my heart was whole at the perfect ending.

After the way book 2 ended, I was expecting some good hurt in this book. And it delivered! Arden doesn't do a lot of moping around, but he's still left picking up the pieces and trying to move on.

And that means he makes some poor decisions. In sex, friendship, and family.

Not the smartest decisions at all, but still understandable.

On the other hand, Caspian tries to be a pillar of ice. Emphasis on tries. Because everytime he and Arden are in the same room, the facade inevitably breaks.

And Caspian makes some not-so-smart decisions as well, but also still understandable.

Because they're in love! And that's what made all the eye-rolling and scoffing worth it in the end - I absolutely love how Arden and Caspain love each other.

It's a love that's rough and broken at times, but it's also a love that's all-consuming, forgiving, caring, and sexy.

Where book 3 is lacking bigtime is not giving Caspain and Arden enough time together. The two are officially broken up for the vast majority of the book, which meant their page-time alone was severely limited.

Even an extra chapter or epilogue after their excellent happy ever after would have been appreciated.

Also, the audiobook narration by Joel Leslie, as always, was brilliant!

In sum, this series has been a great ride. It has its ups and downs, but Arden and Caspian are firmly on the favourites list.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you wish.

The perfect ending. There are some realistic elements some readers might not appreciate, but it's hard to sympathize with Nathaniel, even if I can empathize with his motives, something Arden does a better job of than I could, again highlighting the stunning realness of the characters. Alexis Hall is a master of the moral grey area.

I'm hoping some of the deliberate loose threads mean there will be at least one more book, focusing on other characters in this universe.

One of my favorite things about Alexis Hall books are the geek culture references. Yes, please!

Caspian persists in being an ass for about 75% of the book, but it's absolutley worth it, and never feels tedious. I also love George. She's the amazing photographer who helps Arden figure himself out.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes:
🔹Each novel begins with a quote from As You Like It
🔹Holy shit, the prologue left me reeling. That was an unexpected twist. Lots of new background information about characters.
🔹Bellerose is one of the best subs I've ever seen described.
🔹In this book, Arden thrives and suffers w/o Caspian. Through his personal growth over the first two novels he now has the confidence and assurance of self-worth to live well even after heartbreak.
🔹I love reading more about Arden's relationship with Ellery. Ellery and Caspian are excellent contrasts to Arden and push his boundaries and growth in different ways.
🔹The prologue set me off balance as a reader and the following chapters leave complicated feelings about the characters' choices post breakup. Like, you want them to end up together but also want them to be able to move on and see value in life beyond this relationship. The emotional pain and awkwardness are potent and disorienting.
🔹Even the antagonists, or at least Nathaniel, are multi-faceted.
🔹Arden is irrepressibly himself. If he doesn't fit in, he doesn't try to change himself; the people who love him love him exactly as he is. His distinctness doesn't make him feel weak or vulnerable.
🔹Lots of diverse queer representation.