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Le Beau Brothers #3
Stefan
Beautiful, successful, and plus-sized El suffered a violent attack that has left her hating all handsome, wealthy men. Unfortunately for Stefan, he’s exactly what she hates.
Stefan is a playboy to the extreme with one hard and fast rule: date a woman once, take her to bed, and be gone before morning. Until El.
When he is the winning bidder at his brother Simon’s charity auction, he thinks his dream of finding his one true mate has come true. Wrong. So very very wrong.
It’ll require drastic measures by the entire Le Beau family to make this mating happen.
Welcome to New Orleans, Louisiana, where every myth and scary story you were ever told is real. A place where the things that go bump in the night, or daytime for that matter, are surprisingly friendly. For the most part.
Take a good look at your neighbor, the person sitting beside you at the bar, or your coworker. Are you sure they’re human?
Le Beau Series
Book 1 CADE
Book 2 SIMON
Book 3 SIMON & ROSE
Book 4 STEFAN
Book 5 THOMAS
Book 6 CADE & ANNA
Book 7 LUCAS
Book 8 RICHIE
Book 9 SETH
Stefan is a playboy to the extreme with one hard and fast rule: date a woman once, take her to bed, and be gone before morning. Until El.
When he is the winning bidder at his brother Simon’s charity auction, he thinks his dream of finding his one true mate has come true. Wrong. So very very wrong.
It’ll require drastic measures by the entire Le Beau family to make this mating happen.
Welcome to New Orleans, Louisiana, where every myth and scary story you were ever told is real. A place where the things that go bump in the night, or daytime for that matter, are surprisingly friendly. For the most part.
Take a good look at your neighbor, the person sitting beside you at the bar, or your coworker. Are you sure they’re human?
Le Beau Series
Book 1 CADE
Book 2 SIMON
Book 3 SIMON & ROSE
Book 4 STEFAN
Book 5 THOMAS
Book 6 CADE & ANNA
Book 7 LUCAS
Book 8 RICHIE
Book 9 SETH
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2014
614 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
V.A. Dold
18 books345 followers V.A. Dold is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Award-winning Le Beau Series, League of Guardians series, and K.I.S.S series.
Her idea of absolute heaven is a day in the French Quarter with a cup of café au lait, and the Le Beau brothers, of course.
A Midwest native, with her heart lost to the French Quarter. She has a penchant for titillating tales featuring sexy men and strong women. When she’s not writing, she’s probably reading or traveling. Oh, and there is the distinct possibility she is hanging out with Etienne.
Her idea of absolute heaven is a day in the French Quarter with a cup of café au lait, and the Le Beau brothers, of course.
A Midwest native, with her heart lost to the French Quarter. She has a penchant for titillating tales featuring sexy men and strong women. When she’s not writing, she’s probably reading or traveling. Oh, and there is the distinct possibility she is hanging out with Etienne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
February 13, 2018
Quick Summary:
This a shifter romance between wolf shifter Stefan and his human mate, El. Stefan has been searching for his mate, the woman who visit’s him in his dreams but refuses to tell him her name, for a while, with no success. But thanks to his matchmaking mother, he finally meets El face to face at his brother’s charity auction ball.
But after being burned in the past, Stefan hasn’t lived a monk’s existence and El can’t believe that this confirmed bachelor is ready to settle down, with her, no less. On top of that, El has also been burned in the past and has serious issued with men but especially the handsome and wealthy ones.
It’s an uphill battle for Stefan as he tries to win his very reluctant mate.
I wanted to really like this one but in the end, it didn’t work for me. I strongly disliked the h for the majority of the story. I understand she was put in a horrible situation and what happened to her was unforgivable and something that would leave it’s mark but the way she constantly treated the H was too much for me. I didn’t like the fact that 300 year old Stefan was in love with OW at one point (I think it was like over 100 years ago but still!) and that his feelings for her pretty much altered his whole future. I get that his man whore reputation of hooking up for sex with any woman that struck his fancy was also not a point in his favor but as soon as he realized his dream woman was his true mate, and then met El, she was it for him. He really was a changed man. But El was just too catty and mean for me to warm up to. There were too many instances where I wanted Stefan to just call it quits and leave her! That, a good romance does not make (IMO)
Would I recommend?
If the writing is similar to this one, I’m gonna have to pass on the rest of series. The dialogue was a little too OTT at times and didn’t feel natural to the characters. There was a lot of telling and very little showing. Not my style.
SAFETY INFO:
This a shifter romance between wolf shifter Stefan and his human mate, El. Stefan has been searching for his mate, the woman who visit’s him in his dreams but refuses to tell him her name, for a while, with no success. But thanks to his matchmaking mother, he finally meets El face to face at his brother’s charity auction ball.
But after being burned in the past, Stefan hasn’t lived a monk’s existence and El can’t believe that this confirmed bachelor is ready to settle down, with her, no less. On top of that, El has also been burned in the past and has serious issued with men but especially the handsome and wealthy ones.
It’s an uphill battle for Stefan as he tries to win his very reluctant mate.
I wanted to really like this one but in the end, it didn’t work for me. I strongly disliked the h for the majority of the story. I understand she was put in a horrible situation and what happened to her was unforgivable and something that would leave it’s mark but the way she constantly treated the H was too much for me. I didn’t like the fact that 300 year old Stefan was in love with OW at one point (I think it was like over 100 years ago but still!) and that his feelings for her pretty much altered his whole future. I get that his man whore reputation of hooking up for sex with any woman that struck his fancy was also not a point in his favor but as soon as he realized his dream woman was his true mate, and then met El, she was it for him. He really was a changed man. But El was just too catty and mean for me to warm up to. There were too many instances where I wanted Stefan to just call it quits and leave her! That, a good romance does not make (IMO)
Would I recommend?
If the writing is similar to this one, I’m gonna have to pass on the rest of series. The dialogue was a little too OTT at times and didn’t feel natural to the characters. There was a lot of telling and very little showing. Not my style.
SAFETY INFO:
August 16, 2017
Stefan and El. I liked this one much more than the first book, but still found the world building kinda too cheesy/fluffy/convenient... . There's a wee/miniscule bit of political intrigue that serves to liven up the ending, but mostly the story is about El overcoming her fear of men to be able to accept Stefan, the playboy extraordinaire, as a mate. How could she ever trust him? And that's before she even knows about his being a wolf-shifter!
The story was actually engaging, despite falling short in so many ways. The author does a great job of addressing the pit falls of falling in love with a male slut, with out slut shaming the man or making El a doormat. Tristan has dug himself a deep hole over the years, first by not noticing her when she was younger and then by parading a very long list of women by her as the years passed. It was fun watching her make him jump through hoops as justified comeuppance. Warning about El's past
ps I forgot to mention that despite Stephan's manho status, there is
The story was actually engaging, despite falling short in so many ways. The author does a great job of addressing the pit falls of falling in love with a male slut, with out slut shaming the man or making El a doormat. Tristan has dug himself a deep hole over the years, first by not noticing her when she was younger and then by parading a very long list of women by her as the years passed. It was fun watching her make him jump through hoops as justified comeuppance. Warning about El's past
ps I forgot to mention that despite Stephan's manho status, there is
March 31, 2015
I'm going to say first I really liked book one and two much better then this book. I didn't like Ei from the very beginning. I think she's just rude and ignorant the entire book even though you do find out shyly but very late in the book and it gives her no excuse to treat Stephan the way she did.
As for Stephan, you finally find out why he us the way he us. playing the man who're the last two books but that's really not him at pall. it just eases his pain.
I'm not going to five away any spoilers here because first of all I'm sure you read book one and two before you read this and if you haven't you need too so you understand the book.
Why their needling mother keeps getting involved in her son's finding their matrices beyond me with this book. I think it was cute the first two books because the sons clearly couldn't see what was right in front of them but with Stephan I think she's not the right mate for him. the sons are all real gentleman and she just doesn't fit if you ask me.
so really I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the first two. that being Said I'm not giving up on the series. I'll read the next book in the Series and hope it's better. and if Ei is brought up I hope she's a better person with a change of attitude.
I do like the fact that the females are all strong characters and the males are such southern gentleman. And the family aspect is wonderful. I just don't like the Stephan and Ei mating. Rather I just don't like Ei.
I'm only giving it four stars be cause it's well written and does have a good storyline although I think some parts could be come earlier in the book and it might've helped my dislike towards Ei but that's hard to say. I still think it's no excuse to take out everything on the person who loves you and is only trying to do everything right only to be k inched down again and again.
As for Stephan, you finally find out why he us the way he us. playing the man who're the last two books but that's really not him at pall. it just eases his pain.
I'm not going to five away any spoilers here because first of all I'm sure you read book one and two before you read this and if you haven't you need too so you understand the book.
Why their needling mother keeps getting involved in her son's finding their matrices beyond me with this book. I think it was cute the first two books because the sons clearly couldn't see what was right in front of them but with Stephan I think she's not the right mate for him. the sons are all real gentleman and she just doesn't fit if you ask me.
so really I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the first two. that being Said I'm not giving up on the series. I'll read the next book in the Series and hope it's better. and if Ei is brought up I hope she's a better person with a change of attitude.
I do like the fact that the females are all strong characters and the males are such southern gentleman. And the family aspect is wonderful. I just don't like the Stephan and Ei mating. Rather I just don't like Ei.
I'm only giving it four stars be cause it's well written and does have a good storyline although I think some parts could be come earlier in the book and it might've helped my dislike towards Ei but that's hard to say. I still think it's no excuse to take out everything on the person who loves you and is only trying to do everything right only to be k inched down again and again.
August 1, 2015
What an intriguing novel. Dold returns to her world of shifters in the bayou with a flair. Suspense runs rampant as the story takes off. This was also a very emotional story. Dold brought tears to my eyes more than once. She also made me laugh. I love the concept of the goddess. It’s more prominently developed here than in the previous novels. It really helps to explain what being a shifter means to these individuals. This novel can be read as a standalone, but the first two novels in the series do give a great deal of context. You can also really see the change in Dold’s writing since the beginning of the series. This novel is much smoother and more personal.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this main couple. Both were well developed individuals who can stand very well on their own. Seeing them come together and how they did so really lets you get to know them on a personal level. I liked seeing more of this world from the mate’s perspective. It really helped me understand the female characters better.
As a whole, this was a fantastic addition to Dold’s series. I’d definitely recommend it to those who enjoy a racy shifter romance.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this main couple. Both were well developed individuals who can stand very well on their own. Seeing them come together and how they did so really lets you get to know them on a personal level. I liked seeing more of this world from the mate’s perspective. It really helped me understand the female characters better.
As a whole, this was a fantastic addition to Dold’s series. I’d definitely recommend it to those who enjoy a racy shifter romance.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2015
Another great read!!
First off let me say, I received a copy from the author/publisher for an honest review. (No spoilers here) That being said.....This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. Beautifully written. You can't help but fall in love with the Le Beau brothers and their mates. If you love shifters, hot men, strong women and an engrossing story, then I highly recommend this series.
First off let me say, I received a copy from the author/publisher for an honest review. (No spoilers here) That being said.....This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. Beautifully written. You can't help but fall in love with the Le Beau brothers and their mates. If you love shifters, hot men, strong women and an engrossing story, then I highly recommend this series.
January 26, 2018
(3.5 Stars)
"Stsfan" was not your typical romance novel. It contains a lot more teeth than most plots in this genre. The summary seems to suggest that we will be reading the story of a Manwhore who has found his true mate whom he will have to convince he is sincere. While this is the overall plot, the story is more of two characters who are suffering from heartaches so deep that they will have to fight their way to help and back to find love with each other.
In the past I have found major fault with female authors who write about abuse suffered by women but do not deal with the emotionally aftermath. It's as though sexual assault is just a literary ploy that the character discards as a dirty shirt. This is definitely not the case with Ms. Dold. She shows the reader the difficulty in recovering from such a devastating crime and what it requires for a man to tear down the walls in order to love her. Kudos Ms. Dold. Well done!
The Story was not submerged in negativity and good moments of humor and levity. Also the love scenes were very steamy and passionate. I enjoyed the read and will have to check out other books by this author and this series.
"Stsfan" was not your typical romance novel. It contains a lot more teeth than most plots in this genre. The summary seems to suggest that we will be reading the story of a Manwhore who has found his true mate whom he will have to convince he is sincere. While this is the overall plot, the story is more of two characters who are suffering from heartaches so deep that they will have to fight their way to help and back to find love with each other.
In the past I have found major fault with female authors who write about abuse suffered by women but do not deal with the emotionally aftermath. It's as though sexual assault is just a literary ploy that the character discards as a dirty shirt. This is definitely not the case with Ms. Dold. She shows the reader the difficulty in recovering from such a devastating crime and what it requires for a man to tear down the walls in order to love her. Kudos Ms. Dold. Well done!
The Story was not submerged in negativity and good moments of humor and levity. Also the love scenes were very steamy and passionate. I enjoyed the read and will have to check out other books by this author and this series.
April 6, 2018
El is still recovering from a very traumatic college experience and is no way ready for Stefan who declares that she is his fated mate. The story follows both POV's as they try to overcome the obstacles that keep them apart- including someone out to destroy the Le Beau family.
For some reason this wasn't quite as good as the first two, but still a good story.
For some reason this wasn't quite as good as the first two, but still a good story.
April 16, 2018
DNF at 65%
I can't. I just...can't.
The author dropped me directly into infodump land and I was unable to fight my way back out.
I mean, chapters full of nothing but infodumping. Multiple characters doing nothing but infodumping. A whole group of characters infodumping.
It was all too much. I stopped giving any types of any shits. I just wanted it to be over so I wouldn't throw my reading device. But, since it never stopped, I DNF'd this monstrosity.
I can't. I just...can't.
The author dropped me directly into infodump land and I was unable to fight my way back out.
I mean, chapters full of nothing but infodumping. Multiple characters doing nothing but infodumping. A whole group of characters infodumping.
It was all too much. I stopped giving any types of any shits. I just wanted it to be over so I wouldn't throw my reading device. But, since it never stopped, I DNF'd this monstrosity.
February 7, 2018
Riveting, reality, sweet
Loved this read. Captivated me from the first. Characters emotions felt so real. Will be reading the rest of the trilogy.
Loved this read. Captivated me from the first. Characters emotions felt so real. Will be reading the rest of the trilogy.
December 1, 2015
Oh my! I feel like I have whiplash!
I have always enjoyed Stefan, he is a cheeky, suave, debonair sexy man. With as much charm as his brothers.
The brothers have a really great relationship, I love how they are all there for each other.
I also feel the bond between the 'new' ladies of the group is so strong they all have a connection.
El was fun, although troubled, she was a great sport. I loved her reaction to the auction, made me chuckle.
Poor Stefan he had a really hard time, he finds his Mate, only to have her rebuff him time and again.
It was lovely experiencing their first with them.
As I mentioned - Whiplash - I really wanted to bash El upside the head, shake her so she could see through Stefan's old man-whoring ways, he really had to work hard.
When she was cross with him and used humiliation on him, I felt the same as the brothers, maybe Stefan would be better off without her, although that wasn't an option.
I have great respect for El's grandma Maria, and I hope she gets to see some great grand babies.
The construction accident, oh my word, I kept tearing up, thankfully the shifter inside helps with the healing.
I am so happy for Stefan, after El finally realised that she did in fact have very deep feelings for Stefan.
Yes she had a very traumatic time whilst in College, which almost destroyed the greatest love, she will ever find.
I'm loving the Le Beau boys, and hopefully will get each of them before the series if over and to meet the next generations of the Le Beau children.
These sexy debonair men have captured my heart, and equally so has the ladies.
Can't wait to see whats in store for Thomas and Julia and Lucas and Krystal.
I have always enjoyed Stefan, he is a cheeky, suave, debonair sexy man. With as much charm as his brothers.
The brothers have a really great relationship, I love how they are all there for each other.
I also feel the bond between the 'new' ladies of the group is so strong they all have a connection.
El was fun, although troubled, she was a great sport. I loved her reaction to the auction, made me chuckle.
Poor Stefan he had a really hard time, he finds his Mate, only to have her rebuff him time and again.
It was lovely experiencing their first with them.
As I mentioned - Whiplash - I really wanted to bash El upside the head, shake her so she could see through Stefan's old man-whoring ways, he really had to work hard.
When she was cross with him and used humiliation on him, I felt the same as the brothers, maybe Stefan would be better off without her, although that wasn't an option.
I have great respect for El's grandma Maria, and I hope she gets to see some great grand babies.
The construction accident, oh my word, I kept tearing up, thankfully the shifter inside helps with the healing.
I am so happy for Stefan, after El finally realised that she did in fact have very deep feelings for Stefan.
Yes she had a very traumatic time whilst in College, which almost destroyed the greatest love, she will ever find.
I'm loving the Le Beau boys, and hopefully will get each of them before the series if over and to meet the next generations of the Le Beau children.
These sexy debonair men have captured my heart, and equally so has the ladies.
Can't wait to see whats in store for Thomas and Julia and Lucas and Krystal.
January 29, 2015
V.A. Dold has written a wonderful story. I have the privilege of reading Stefan and giving a review in exchange for a reviewers copy of the book. I really enjoyed this book, and I am sure that I would enjoy the whole series. I read this book knowing that it was part of a series, but it could stand alone.
Stefan is a notorious playboy who has done so for hundreds of years, because he is immortal. He is a shifter as is his whole family.
One night he meets El, a girl he hasn't seen since she was in high school, Stefan is unbelievably attracted to her. He falls hard for her and pays two hundred thousand dollars to buy her date at a charity auction.
El can't believe that Stefan, a notorious play boy, wants to go out with her. He buys her date for an outrageous price and she can't think of a thing to say to him.
Stefan must win El's heart, or be lost forever, she is his mate. El is not a shifter and does not understand anything about mating, she just thinks of Stefan as a playboy who wants a date. As they start growing closer, they both feel a tug to be together. Stefan must woo El with anything he can, so that she will be his.
I really liked this book and I appreciate the way it was written.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
Stefan is a notorious playboy who has done so for hundreds of years, because he is immortal. He is a shifter as is his whole family.
One night he meets El, a girl he hasn't seen since she was in high school, Stefan is unbelievably attracted to her. He falls hard for her and pays two hundred thousand dollars to buy her date at a charity auction.
El can't believe that Stefan, a notorious play boy, wants to go out with her. He buys her date for an outrageous price and she can't think of a thing to say to him.
Stefan must win El's heart, or be lost forever, she is his mate. El is not a shifter and does not understand anything about mating, she just thinks of Stefan as a playboy who wants a date. As they start growing closer, they both feel a tug to be together. Stefan must woo El with anything he can, so that she will be his.
I really liked this book and I appreciate the way it was written.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
February 1, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Stefan compares well with the previous two books in the series if adding a little more to the danger level to the family. And that's a good thing. There's the sole arc of Stefan trying to win El but the books in the series are all connected by several story lines that maybe don't take a whole lot of precedence overall in the book but that are just as important.
You also get familiar characters and that made me smile. You get to check in with the previous pairs and see the meddling Emma at work once more. Which admittedly gives me kind of shivers while making me laugh at the same time.
The writing was well done and easy to read, especially with that Cajun accent and some french phrases thrown in as well. Can anyone say sigh. I'm all for a good British or English accent but Cajun's slow drawl is a close third.
I just enjoy the relationships between family members. It's easy, loving and I just love that feeling.
If you're looking for a shifter romance than the Le Beau Brothers series is a good read. And I'm excited to see some more from V.A. Dold.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
Stefan compares well with the previous two books in the series if adding a little more to the danger level to the family. And that's a good thing. There's the sole arc of Stefan trying to win El but the books in the series are all connected by several story lines that maybe don't take a whole lot of precedence overall in the book but that are just as important.
You also get familiar characters and that made me smile. You get to check in with the previous pairs and see the meddling Emma at work once more. Which admittedly gives me kind of shivers while making me laugh at the same time.
The writing was well done and easy to read, especially with that Cajun accent and some french phrases thrown in as well. Can anyone say sigh. I'm all for a good British or English accent but Cajun's slow drawl is a close third.
I just enjoy the relationships between family members. It's easy, loving and I just love that feeling.
If you're looking for a shifter romance than the Le Beau Brothers series is a good read. And I'm excited to see some more from V.A. Dold.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
February 16, 2015
While the first two books in this series were amazing, I can't say the same for this one. The female lead, El was beyond nasty and rude. I didn't like how this story played out. It was too dark and full of just constant hate, degrading, and misery. This isn't how a romance novel should be. El has something horrible happen to her in her past, which is understandable, however, that doesn't give her cause to treat Stephen as if he was the cause of her problems. The way she treated him and laughed about it in one scene made me want to stop reading the books completely. I hated that Stephen had to be stuck with her. His past wasn't as horrible as hers but he didn't treat her anywhere near the way she treated him.
I also didn't like the fact there was no warning whatsoever regarding the book contained a rape scene....
El was raped in college and degrading during this rape....she uses that as an excuse to push Stephen away.
I can recommend the first two books which by far are the best. I can't recommend this one. You don't even find out El's history until the end of the book which defeats the purpose of them trying to overcome anything. You'd think the author would've told her story in the middle and not have her be a such a witch. I hated this book.
I also didn't like the fact there was no warning whatsoever regarding the book contained a rape scene....
El was raped in college and degrading during this rape....she uses that as an excuse to push Stephen away.
I can recommend the first two books which by far are the best. I can't recommend this one. You don't even find out El's history until the end of the book which defeats the purpose of them trying to overcome anything. You'd think the author would've told her story in the middle and not have her be a such a witch. I hated this book.
April 24, 2015
Big bad Stefan meets his match
I was gifted this book by the author for a honest review. V. A. Dold rocks it again with another hot sexy LeBeu brother. Stefan meets El at the charity auction his family is hosting, she's one of the prizes and Stefan isn't about to lose now that he has found the woman from his dreams, his mate. A dance and dinner for the highest bidder. Little does El know he is about to rock her world. Hurt horribly in her past, El has no intention of falling for the, as she calls him, man whore scallywag Stefan Le Beau!! Oh but the Goddess has different plans for her. After trying her best to avoid him, she's in a car accident that has her in a dangerous situation and Stefan's wolf on edge. As he tries to get closer to El and calm her fears, that's when the story really takes off. Stefan will have to prove he has changed and El will have to tell him of her past, but someone is lurking in the shadows. Between panic attacks and a different accident involving Stefan, has El questioning her accusations of him. Another fabulous story with heart pounding, intense storytelling. Thrilling, exciting and fun, OH and the steamy sexual scenes, are down right hysterical yet HOT. A must read in my book. Loved it.
I was gifted this book by the author for a honest review. V. A. Dold rocks it again with another hot sexy LeBeu brother. Stefan meets El at the charity auction his family is hosting, she's one of the prizes and Stefan isn't about to lose now that he has found the woman from his dreams, his mate. A dance and dinner for the highest bidder. Little does El know he is about to rock her world. Hurt horribly in her past, El has no intention of falling for the, as she calls him, man whore scallywag Stefan Le Beau!! Oh but the Goddess has different plans for her. After trying her best to avoid him, she's in a car accident that has her in a dangerous situation and Stefan's wolf on edge. As he tries to get closer to El and calm her fears, that's when the story really takes off. Stefan will have to prove he has changed and El will have to tell him of her past, but someone is lurking in the shadows. Between panic attacks and a different accident involving Stefan, has El questioning her accusations of him. Another fabulous story with heart pounding, intense storytelling. Thrilling, exciting and fun, OH and the steamy sexual scenes, are down right hysterical yet HOT. A must read in my book. Loved it.
January 1, 2015
4 1/2 stars....
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved reading this book just as much as the previous two. Stefan historically has been a man who sleeps around, to the point where in the beginning of the book, he finds himself in the midst of a group of beautiful women at a social event, realizing he’s slept with every single one of them. Can you say AWKWARD? El on the other hand, avoids men like the plague, especially billionaire playboys like Stefan.
This sets up a very antagonistic tension between them as Stefan fights to prove his monogamous intentions to his new mate, and El fights against her painful past. At times, the tension between them almost made me want to cry, it was too much, it was too painful, it was too deep.
This book isn’t as easy to read as the previous two books simply because of the heaviness of the emotions, but it is so worth it. The author does an incredible job of wringing out the deep, painful emotions, and then soothing it over with a sweet scene, or a hot, erotic scene.
Overall, I truly loved reading this book, and the author does an incredible job of writing.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved reading this book just as much as the previous two. Stefan historically has been a man who sleeps around, to the point where in the beginning of the book, he finds himself in the midst of a group of beautiful women at a social event, realizing he’s slept with every single one of them. Can you say AWKWARD? El on the other hand, avoids men like the plague, especially billionaire playboys like Stefan.
This sets up a very antagonistic tension between them as Stefan fights to prove his monogamous intentions to his new mate, and El fights against her painful past. At times, the tension between them almost made me want to cry, it was too much, it was too painful, it was too deep.
This book isn’t as easy to read as the previous two books simply because of the heaviness of the emotions, but it is so worth it. The author does an incredible job of wringing out the deep, painful emotions, and then soothing it over with a sweet scene, or a hot, erotic scene.
Overall, I truly loved reading this book, and the author does an incredible job of writing.
October 29, 2015
LeBeau Bro
Another beautiful love story packed with romance, intrigue and evil deed doers! This one is about Stefan and his intended mate El who is a local large animal veterinarian and also owns a large stable & horse breeding farm. She had a terrible experience when she was in college that has left her heart so scarred she has no interest in ever being in a relationship with any man. To say Stefan has his work cut out for him is putting it mildly! It was alternately funny and tragic following them as they try to find their way through the emotional maze to true love but well worth it in the end. A nefarious plot to over throw the LeBeau kingdom puts them all in danger and really ramps up the adrenaline in this episode! I highly recommend this series, if you love gorgeous hunky shifters, magic and intrigue, you will love these stories! This is my third book in the series and I can't wait to start the next one. Thank you Ms. Dold/Austin for your great works, I love the stories!. Merrilyn
Another beautiful love story packed with romance, intrigue and evil deed doers! This one is about Stefan and his intended mate El who is a local large animal veterinarian and also owns a large stable & horse breeding farm. She had a terrible experience when she was in college that has left her heart so scarred she has no interest in ever being in a relationship with any man. To say Stefan has his work cut out for him is putting it mildly! It was alternately funny and tragic following them as they try to find their way through the emotional maze to true love but well worth it in the end. A nefarious plot to over throw the LeBeau kingdom puts them all in danger and really ramps up the adrenaline in this episode! I highly recommend this series, if you love gorgeous hunky shifters, magic and intrigue, you will love these stories! This is my third book in the series and I can't wait to start the next one. Thank you Ms. Dold/Austin for your great works, I love the stories!. Merrilyn
January 31, 2015
El is a plus sized woman who had a traumatic event that left her untrusting when it comes to affluent men. Stefan Le Beau has been dreaming of his mate and although she seems familiar he can't figure out who she is. When he wins El at a charity auction, he is thrilled to come face to face with his mate.
El though is not as eager, she believes Stefan is a playboy who is only looking for one thing. As Stefan tries to earn El's trust and delicately convince her she is his mate and he would never stray, it seems like an uphill battle. Stefan is questioning if he will ever be able to break through with his mate?
Another exceptional read from V.A. Dold. This is a fantastic shifter series. Stefan had a bit of a reputation as a one and done type of man and it comes back to haunt him with El. I thought El was in some ways very confident but in another she is on really shaky ground and it's easier to push away than confront the issue. The next book looks to be excellent.
El though is not as eager, she believes Stefan is a playboy who is only looking for one thing. As Stefan tries to earn El's trust and delicately convince her she is his mate and he would never stray, it seems like an uphill battle. Stefan is questioning if he will ever be able to break through with his mate?
Another exceptional read from V.A. Dold. This is a fantastic shifter series. Stefan had a bit of a reputation as a one and done type of man and it comes back to haunt him with El. I thought El was in some ways very confident but in another she is on really shaky ground and it's easier to push away than confront the issue. The next book looks to be excellent.
November 6, 2015
Stefan lived his life as a rich playboy, but all that changed when he met el. Some may dislike el for the way she treated him, and I didn't like it either, but I get why she did what she did. Going through a horrific tragedy in college has her stay away from all men, but most especially handsome, rich, smooth talkers, who treat women as disposable. Stefan, in trying to change his ways, reminds el of exactly of the one person responsible for her nightmares. It's a miracle she ever gave him even half a chance. From reviews of the first two book, I had commented on the déjà vu of the dialogue of the ritual and explanation of it. But this book seemed tailored to the two characters that kept me in the story world. I do wonder why el didn't tell Stefan about Chet or why he didn't make an appearance within this story, which leads me to think there is more to their story. 3 1/2 stars
January 12, 2020
Very good series!
February 5, 2018
Let me start off by saying that I downloaded this book on a lark. I wanted something easy, romantic and well I’m just going to say it…dumb to read after reading some seriously heavy books. I read the caption of “New Orleans Billionaire Wolf Shifters with BBW mates” and said BINGO! Now that I sound like a total jerk reviewing the 3rd book in a series that you love and you are thinking “how dare she talk about my beloved shifters this way?!?!” let me point up and say I did give it 4 stars.
So, this book is totally off my usual picks. Well not too far off. I like Paranormal Romances as much as the next gal but I never pick ones about shifters. Not sure why I just don’t gravitate to that realm. I usually go for the vampires and if a wolf, zombie or witch slips into the story I’m cool with it. But, I felt like coloring outside the box and picked up this one. I’ve not read any others in this series and this was my first time reading this author.
Now, the reasons for my four star rating. It was mostly well written, no typos that I found, no misuse of words, no characters were called by different names, the writing style was easy to follow and the story had an easy and consistent flow but it did lag at times. Much of the character interaction and scenarios had me smiling and falling for Stefan and rooting for their relationship to make it and I was crossing my fingers for the HEA. I did have a lot of problems with the amount of characters in the book, again I started on the 3rd in the series so maybe it would have been easier to follow if I had started from the beginning. All in all it was a good story with a good plot and main characters I wanted to know more about. El had her reasons for distancing from Stefan and that’s where I believe the story lulled a bit and some of it was predictable but the characters were so likable I kept on with it and enjoyed it a lot.
That being said, here’s where I took off a star. **SPOILERS AHEAD**
This author is good, as I’ve said, but it felt at times that she was writing just to write and the some of the scenarios that Stefan and El were put into were just too juvenile. Like this scene where the Stefan and El are at the charity auction and Stefan kisses her and then she slaps him and his shirt flies open exposing an expanse of manly chest…cueing an eye roll from me. There were a bunch of scenes like this (I won’t get into the whole scene of him buying feminine products because she’s mad at him and he’s super embarrassed about it…MAN UP! They are just tampons and you can change into a wolf!) and I admit I like some goofy Three’s Company type scenes like this sprinkled into a romance but this book was kind of chalked with them and to me it just started to feel like filler. I also felt that El had way to many issues to not be in therapy 24/7. Let me list a few: overweight/poor self-image, daddy issues, mommy issues, collage trauma, trust issues, dated A-holes in the past and oh and she has the ability to touch an item and tell you who or what has happened to the object. That last one just kind of got tossed into the story at about 30% and because there was no lead up or discussion of other shifters and their significant others having powers it totally confused me and took me out of the story because I felt like I missed something. I know, I know, book about magic and this is the 3rd in the series but still give me some lead in before you just go tossing that out there. AND for El having so many trust issues she sure put herself into some dumb situations. Hello, DON’T get into cars with strangers when your car has broken down in the middle of the night in a rain storm! It’s rule #1 in how to survive a horror story, duh.
I think El’s character was really too complex and I felt with all the wolf/billionaire/finding his mate that it made the story really convoluted. Last thing here, and it may just be a personal preference BUT if he called her his mate one more time I was going to MATE my finger with the DELETE button on my Kindle. I was so tired of the overuse I had to remove everything to do with MATE from my life! Paper Mate, Coffee-Mate, speaking with anyone from Australia, Mate. I got it, you want her to be with you forever and you are a wolf so you will “MATE” with her but geez can you slip in a “I want you to marry me” or “sweetheart” or “bebe” (do the kids still say that?). It’s set in old school New Orleans French style so belle or the modern version boo would have fitted in perfectly! “El I want you to be my wolf boo 4eva.” There, perfect!
**End Spoilers** Sorry about the rant.
In conclusion, I liked this book and if this is your series and you’ve read the first two books pick this one up for sure. It will not disappoint. If you are looking for something a little different from what you usually read, this is it! If you are looking for a Jane Eyre or The Notebook… well, this isn’t it…but if you like Twilight but wanted it to be a little more sexy this is the book/series for you.
So, this book is totally off my usual picks. Well not too far off. I like Paranormal Romances as much as the next gal but I never pick ones about shifters. Not sure why I just don’t gravitate to that realm. I usually go for the vampires and if a wolf, zombie or witch slips into the story I’m cool with it. But, I felt like coloring outside the box and picked up this one. I’ve not read any others in this series and this was my first time reading this author.
Now, the reasons for my four star rating. It was mostly well written, no typos that I found, no misuse of words, no characters were called by different names, the writing style was easy to follow and the story had an easy and consistent flow but it did lag at times. Much of the character interaction and scenarios had me smiling and falling for Stefan and rooting for their relationship to make it and I was crossing my fingers for the HEA. I did have a lot of problems with the amount of characters in the book, again I started on the 3rd in the series so maybe it would have been easier to follow if I had started from the beginning. All in all it was a good story with a good plot and main characters I wanted to know more about. El had her reasons for distancing from Stefan and that’s where I believe the story lulled a bit and some of it was predictable but the characters were so likable I kept on with it and enjoyed it a lot.
That being said, here’s where I took off a star. **SPOILERS AHEAD**
This author is good, as I’ve said, but it felt at times that she was writing just to write and the some of the scenarios that Stefan and El were put into were just too juvenile. Like this scene where the Stefan and El are at the charity auction and Stefan kisses her and then she slaps him and his shirt flies open exposing an expanse of manly chest…cueing an eye roll from me. There were a bunch of scenes like this (I won’t get into the whole scene of him buying feminine products because she’s mad at him and he’s super embarrassed about it…MAN UP! They are just tampons and you can change into a wolf!) and I admit I like some goofy Three’s Company type scenes like this sprinkled into a romance but this book was kind of chalked with them and to me it just started to feel like filler. I also felt that El had way to many issues to not be in therapy 24/7. Let me list a few: overweight/poor self-image, daddy issues, mommy issues, collage trauma, trust issues, dated A-holes in the past and oh and she has the ability to touch an item and tell you who or what has happened to the object. That last one just kind of got tossed into the story at about 30% and because there was no lead up or discussion of other shifters and their significant others having powers it totally confused me and took me out of the story because I felt like I missed something. I know, I know, book about magic and this is the 3rd in the series but still give me some lead in before you just go tossing that out there. AND for El having so many trust issues she sure put herself into some dumb situations. Hello, DON’T get into cars with strangers when your car has broken down in the middle of the night in a rain storm! It’s rule #1 in how to survive a horror story, duh.
I think El’s character was really too complex and I felt with all the wolf/billionaire/finding his mate that it made the story really convoluted. Last thing here, and it may just be a personal preference BUT if he called her his mate one more time I was going to MATE my finger with the DELETE button on my Kindle. I was so tired of the overuse I had to remove everything to do with MATE from my life! Paper Mate, Coffee-Mate, speaking with anyone from Australia, Mate. I got it, you want her to be with you forever and you are a wolf so you will “MATE” with her but geez can you slip in a “I want you to marry me” or “sweetheart” or “bebe” (do the kids still say that?). It’s set in old school New Orleans French style so belle or the modern version boo would have fitted in perfectly! “El I want you to be my wolf boo 4eva.” There, perfect!
**End Spoilers** Sorry about the rant.
In conclusion, I liked this book and if this is your series and you’ve read the first two books pick this one up for sure. It will not disappoint. If you are looking for something a little different from what you usually read, this is it! If you are looking for a Jane Eyre or The Notebook… well, this isn’t it…but if you like Twilight but wanted it to be a little more sexy this is the book/series for you.
March 9, 2018
El is a plus size woman { size 16} who has body image and self esteem issues. She went through a very horrendous experience while she was in collage and now she absoulutley hates rich spoiled men, she thinks they all are playboy man whores. because of this experience she suffers from panic attacks and is working with a therepist. she is a veternarian now, and owns and runs her own ranch. She gets asked to go to a charity ball, as a fund raiser her and several other people are asked to be " auctioned off" the highest bidder gets to dance with her at the ball all night and take her out for dinner. against her better judgement she agrees to do it because its all in good fun and its a fund raiser. No Hanky Panky allowed.
When she is next up to be bid on she cant believe who is bidding on her. Stefan, the guy who wouldnt give her the time of day when she was a teen and she had such a crush on him. Now he is a rich playboy. El sees him bid and she says HELL NO!!!
I love the cat and mouse chase they have through out the story. She is nasty towards Stefan because she dont want anything to do with men because of what happened to her, but Stefan wont give up.
I had so many laugh out loud moments with this story. The part where Stefan was in the store buying her Midol, and Tampons and Pads was so hilarious!!!
once she starts to warm up to Stefan just a tad she finds out that he is a shifter that turns into a wolf.. that almost puts her over the edge... lol
I have to say though, after awhile it was getting frustrating when Stefan was showing her and telling her how much he loved her and she would still say he was a man whore and not giving him a chance. I just wanted to shake some sense into her and say stop blaming him for something someone else did..
would love to find the other books that go in this series.... loved it
When she is next up to be bid on she cant believe who is bidding on her. Stefan, the guy who wouldnt give her the time of day when she was a teen and she had such a crush on him. Now he is a rich playboy. El sees him bid and she says HELL NO!!!
I love the cat and mouse chase they have through out the story. She is nasty towards Stefan because she dont want anything to do with men because of what happened to her, but Stefan wont give up.
I had so many laugh out loud moments with this story. The part where Stefan was in the store buying her Midol, and Tampons and Pads was so hilarious!!!
once she starts to warm up to Stefan just a tad she finds out that he is a shifter that turns into a wolf.. that almost puts her over the edge... lol
I have to say though, after awhile it was getting frustrating when Stefan was showing her and telling her how much he loved her and she would still say he was a man whore and not giving him a chance. I just wanted to shake some sense into her and say stop blaming him for something someone else did..
would love to find the other books that go in this series.... loved it
January 26, 2018
I was a little hesitant to read this, however, I was surprised it was not that bad, I have not read any of the other stories before this. There was a lot that I liked about this book the way that El was still a strong woman even after the horrific event that happened to her and her hard work and dedication to overcoming these issue were really something special that is not always included in a book about Rape victims and the pain afterward. I was happy that she did not immediately let go of all her issues because that is not reality. I thought Stefan was sweet and really did everything in his power even letting her go to make El happy. While there were many things I loved about the book there where some that put me off the first is the magic that lets them all look different ages to fit in while this was interesting for some reason it just put me off, at one point of the book El is trying to embarrass Stefan I did not like this part of the book I thought it was childish and really for too much I almost stopped reading because it made me not like her as a character , finally all the refrences to his jeans got to be way too much we get it he wants her but this came off cheap and not sexy or attractive. I like books that are more plot than sex and the references over and over again about how hot and bothered Stefan was just distracted from what could have been more plot because looking back there really was not one at all.
It was not a bad book it was a sweet story and while there were things I did not like there were lots that I did the only reason it got three starts and not two I may go read the other books at some point, however, I have a list of other books that I have to read this was to so good that the other blow past my reading list.
It was not a bad book it was a sweet story and while there were things I did not like there were lots that I did the only reason it got three starts and not two I may go read the other books at some point, however, I have a list of other books that I have to read this was to so good that the other blow past my reading list.
January 27, 2018
The book had a really good plot. The characters were well developed. Their back stories let you understand what motivated them. There were several lol moments. However the hero didn't know what caused the heroine reaction. He made mistakes that caused her distress and hurt him. Even though she knew his past, she didn't understand why he behaved the way he did with so many women. There were women that loved them both and understood the past of both which caused both unnecessary distress. Still they didn't reveal her past to him or his to her causing more angst.
The book was supposedly about a "BBW". Nothing indicated her race. Yes, she had lots of curly hair which any ethnic group could have. She blushed "pink" and had "pink lips". There was nothing "alpha" about him. He simply groveled. Even once she knew that he truly loved him, she continued to mistreat him thinking he was proving his love. She almost took her treatment of him too far and almost ruined there ever being a relationship between them as she soon found out.
In spite of the positives, the book was too long because it just dragged and was very repetitive. There were no cliffhangers and there was a HEA. Still, there were questions left unanswered. Haven't decided if I'll purchase the other books in the series. I don't know if my questions would be answered or even if I'm curious enough to find out.
The book has a really good premise but missed out on being a really good book.
The book was supposedly about a "BBW". Nothing indicated her race. Yes, she had lots of curly hair which any ethnic group could have. She blushed "pink" and had "pink lips". There was nothing "alpha" about him. He simply groveled. Even once she knew that he truly loved him, she continued to mistreat him thinking he was proving his love. She almost took her treatment of him too far and almost ruined there ever being a relationship between them as she soon found out.
In spite of the positives, the book was too long because it just dragged and was very repetitive. There were no cliffhangers and there was a HEA. Still, there were questions left unanswered. Haven't decided if I'll purchase the other books in the series. I don't know if my questions would be answered or even if I'm curious enough to find out.
The book has a really good premise but missed out on being a really good book.
June 22, 2017
Love the strong women in this series!!
El is simply bad-ass! She runs a ranch on her own, she has survived a horrific attack, she is strong enough to find love again. Stefan had some serious work to change El's perception of him. It was cute to see him ask his family how to date. The struggles that El gets through makes you truly appreciate and value people with strong constitutions. When she kicks Joe's butt when she is attack was amazing. This book showed that even though there are horrible people in the world there are more wonderful people that can help to make life amazing again. I loved this book and I have been asking myself where this series has been all my life!! Super glad though I found it and I am eagerly devouring the books! Great story concept, great characters both men and women, and love this authors writing style! Highly recommend this author and this series!
El is simply bad-ass! She runs a ranch on her own, she has survived a horrific attack, she is strong enough to find love again. Stefan had some serious work to change El's perception of him. It was cute to see him ask his family how to date. The struggles that El gets through makes you truly appreciate and value people with strong constitutions. When she kicks Joe's butt when she is attack was amazing. This book showed that even though there are horrible people in the world there are more wonderful people that can help to make life amazing again. I loved this book and I have been asking myself where this series has been all my life!! Super glad though I found it and I am eagerly devouring the books! Great story concept, great characters both men and women, and love this authors writing style! Highly recommend this author and this series!
August 3, 2019
Stefan is the next one in the bunch to find his mate. Her name is El for short. She is a veterinarian and owns a ranch. Her grandmother lives with her as well. While in college, a man and his frat buddies committed a horrible offense against her. Now, she wants nothing to do with men or dating. Stefan unaware of her past does everything in his power to make her his! Along the way, many times he will be hurt to the core and suffer the consequences of her past. She ends up fighting off an attacker and someone is trying to kill his father. A near death experience shows El just how strongly she feels for him and she takes matters into her hands. This story will really touch your heart at what El experienced and how it affects her relationship with Stefan. You will root for the both of them~ You will also LOVE El’s grandmother! I received this book as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.
January 24, 2018
Better
When I started this book, I realized I had already read the first one in the series, and didn't really like it very much. However, this one was better. It read faster and with more realism. The characters were believable, even if the writing style was stilted in places. And the plot was better than the first one. The teaser at the end of the book was almost word for word what had already been read earlier in the story. I don't like that all the male characters' voices sound the same. And their inner dialogue is much more tell than show. But those are just some of my personal pet peeves. Side note: I don't understand why men are so embarrassed about buying tampons. Even two hundred years old and little things like that fluster them. The immaturity of it just makes me groan.
When I started this book, I realized I had already read the first one in the series, and didn't really like it very much. However, this one was better. It read faster and with more realism. The characters were believable, even if the writing style was stilted in places. And the plot was better than the first one. The teaser at the end of the book was almost word for word what had already been read earlier in the story. I don't like that all the male characters' voices sound the same. And their inner dialogue is much more tell than show. But those are just some of my personal pet peeves. Side note: I don't understand why men are so embarrassed about buying tampons. Even two hundred years old and little things like that fluster them. The immaturity of it just makes me groan.
January 27, 2018
This is not a stand alone story - and I have not read books 1 & 2 - so I don't know some of the references mentioned, but I didn't find that to be to off putting.
I thought El's angst was a bit over the top. Not that her past shouldn't have an affect on any relationship, but there were SO MANY triggers that I began to wonder if Stefan should actually keep trying.
I enjoyed the story even though I got pulled out of it fairly often for things that shouldn't have passed an editor. i.e. :
Word selection issues:
"…her engorged nipples… " Last I knew nipples constrict when aroused, they don't plump up.
And the head hopping every few paragraphs or even paragraph to paragraph made my head swim.
I am not intrigued enough to seek out the 1st two books, or to continue with any future books in the series.
I thought El's angst was a bit over the top. Not that her past shouldn't have an affect on any relationship, but there were SO MANY triggers that I began to wonder if Stefan should actually keep trying.
I enjoyed the story even though I got pulled out of it fairly often for things that shouldn't have passed an editor. i.e. :
Word selection issues:
"…her engorged nipples… " Last I knew nipples constrict when aroused, they don't plump up.
And the head hopping every few paragraphs or even paragraph to paragraph made my head swim.
I am not intrigued enough to seek out the 1st two books, or to continue with any future books in the series.
March 19, 2018
Great read!
Stefan is a playboy who never dates a woman twice. He has been having dreams of his dream woman for the past several years. He is completely floored when he finds her being auctioned off at a charity auction.
El is the owner of the local stables and has had a terrible past with men which shows its effects to this day.
Stefan has an uphill battle trying to win the love of El. Will he achieve his aim in claiming El as his mate?
I loved this story as it showed Stefan who gas no experience with dating, romance and love. He us a completely changed man once he meets his mate. It was beautiful to watch to see the journey of El and Stefan.
I am absolutely loving this series. Its full of humour, laughter, love and deep emotion.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Stefan is a playboy who never dates a woman twice. He has been having dreams of his dream woman for the past several years. He is completely floored when he finds her being auctioned off at a charity auction.
El is the owner of the local stables and has had a terrible past with men which shows its effects to this day.
Stefan has an uphill battle trying to win the love of El. Will he achieve his aim in claiming El as his mate?
I loved this story as it showed Stefan who gas no experience with dating, romance and love. He us a completely changed man once he meets his mate. It was beautiful to watch to see the journey of El and Stefan.
I am absolutely loving this series. Its full of humour, laughter, love and deep emotion.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
March 23, 2018
This book was very very good. This is all about El and Stefan LeBeau. El is a full figured woman who was really brutalized by her previous boyfriend in college. She has had to go through a lot of therapy to get over it. Her ex boyfriend just happened to be a handsome, spoiled rich guy so every time El meets a handsome rich man she withdraws and will not be in their company. Stefan is a wolf shifter and El is his mate. They have lots and lots of issues and most of it is El's doubts. This is very emotional , especially for Stefan. There were a lot of times I really wish I could have slapped El as she put the blame straight on him for her ex's brutality. They have great passion for each other but you are not sure is can be worked out. Kept me enrapt from the first. Highly recommend.
October 9, 2020
The whole book was a mess and had not plot that I could discern. It was a convoluted shit show that made no sense and kept skipping around. I could NEVER tell whose perspective I was following because it changed every few sentences. And the POVs weren’t just the two Mains either. The story was further complicated by other shit that was going on that ultimately has very little closure by the end.
Also there was a whole bit in there about trying to humiliate the guy by making him buy tampons and hold her purse in public… that’s just shit writing right there. I mean the guy is 200 years old! Tampons and holding a handbag should not be so embarrassing!!!
Also she seemed to get over her college trauma way too quickly.
This was a waste of time, but thankfully not money as I got it free on iBooks.
Also there was a whole bit in there about trying to humiliate the guy by making him buy tampons and hold her purse in public… that’s just shit writing right there. I mean the guy is 200 years old! Tampons and holding a handbag should not be so embarrassing!!!
Also she seemed to get over her college trauma way too quickly.
This was a waste of time, but thankfully not money as I got it free on iBooks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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