What do you think?
Rate this book
Kings of Castle Beach #1
Picture Perfect Lie
The 1st book in my new and super sexy Kings of Castle Beach series about siblings on the NC coastal town of Castle Beach.
All Campbell Faircloth wanted was a safe place to call home.
All Knight King wanted was to leave his hometown behind.
I never expected to end up in Castle Beach, surrounded by a family who believes that I’m not only their brother’s wife, but the mother of his infant daughter.
I can’t tell them the truth—Knight and I met only three days earlier, during a layover in Atlanta.
He was headed out to fight in a war that hardly anyone talked about anymore, and I was headed back home to a family who pretended that I didn’t exist.
He helped me with my baby.
He kept us safe while we slept.
We shared lunch and dinner… and I spilled all my secrets to him.
Then he gave me an address, along with an offer I couldn’t refuse.
***
Six months later he’s back to bury his brother, and my lie is about to be exposed.
Only Knight doesn’t say a word.
He goes along with the charade, and each day we spend together, pretending to be husband and wife, it’s getting harder and harder not to believe in our lie.
Could our picture perfect lie turn into a picture perfect forever?
All Campbell Faircloth wanted was a safe place to call home.
All Knight King wanted was to leave his hometown behind.
I never expected to end up in Castle Beach, surrounded by a family who believes that I’m not only their brother’s wife, but the mother of his infant daughter.
I can’t tell them the truth—Knight and I met only three days earlier, during a layover in Atlanta.
He was headed out to fight in a war that hardly anyone talked about anymore, and I was headed back home to a family who pretended that I didn’t exist.
He helped me with my baby.
He kept us safe while we slept.
We shared lunch and dinner… and I spilled all my secrets to him.
Then he gave me an address, along with an offer I couldn’t refuse.
***
Six months later he’s back to bury his brother, and my lie is about to be exposed.
Only Knight doesn’t say a word.
He goes along with the charade, and each day we spend together, pretending to be husband and wife, it’s getting harder and harder not to believe in our lie.
Could our picture perfect lie turn into a picture perfect forever?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2018
831 people are currently reading
1455 people want to read
About the author
Marquita Valentine
75 books1,734 followersMarquita Valentine is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance.
When she's not writing sexy heroes who adore their sassy heroines, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Married to her high school sweetheart, Marquita lives in a seriously small town in the south.
You can sign up for her newsletter here: https://goo.gl/3XFh3k
When she's not writing sexy heroes who adore their sassy heroines, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Married to her high school sweetheart, Marquita lives in a seriously small town in the south.
You can sign up for her newsletter here: https://goo.gl/3XFh3k
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
December 13, 2018
Very sweet and lovely read 💕
Likable heroine, cute baby, amazing hero!
Safe. Good honourable hero. Warm and kind family dynamic.
All possible triggers are in the blurb.
I wished for more time with MCs together-together. A bit rushed and abrupt ending. His mother always knew?.. *lol*
Likable heroine, cute baby, amazing hero!
Safe. Good honourable hero. Warm and kind family dynamic.
All possible triggers are in the blurb.
I wished for more time with MCs together-together. A bit rushed and abrupt ending. His mother always knew?.. *lol*
March 22, 2018
MY REVIEW can also be found on my blog:
KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
PICTURE PERFECT LIE: Is a full length contemporary romance novel and is the first book in the ‘Kings of Castle Beach’ Series by new to me 'author Marquita Valentine'. Spoken in ‘Dual Perspectives’ In this we meet ‘Campbell Faircloth’ & ‘Knight King’
"I'm not looking for a savoir or salvation from a man. But Knight makes it easy for me to pretend he can save us from all the evil in the world.
Knight is delayed in an an airport due to an ice storm before his next mission, it’s been years since he’s seen his family but it still doesn’t stop him from missing them, especially hearing that his brother Laird is at present missing at sea has his heart and mind in turmoil. At one time all the Knights were as thick as thieves and inseparable. The last place he wants to go back to though is Castle Beach but if they end up burying his brother nothing will keep him away.
Over the loudspeaker it’s announced that the flights will be laid off for another two hours, it’s then that he spots a young attractive female trying to settle down a young baby and a strong urge to help her takes over him, it doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous to boot.
Campbell has had some hard knocks in her short life, a family that turned their backs on her, to raising a child by herself when her so called partner walked out, to having no money and having to succumb to seeking refuge in a women's shelter until she could come up with a plan.
It's not until she meets Knight that things turn around, he's wanting to protect her and keep her and her newborn safe all it took was one lie, that they were a newly wed couple. All she's wanted is to call somewhere home it's not until she's urged by Knight to go to his family home is where she can finally see a future.
Fans of Abbi Glines (Rosemary Beach series) will enjoy this one, similar (beach, family orientated) but completely unique as a whole. There were a few gaps within the story but I'm hoping those are cleared up in the next book, a solid start to a new series that surprisingly didn't end in a cliffy.
* Teasers used are off the authors fb page.. *
March 26, 2018
4-4,5 STARS ❤️
This was a sweet,lighthearted story!It was fast paced and I like the story, it was refreshing! This was my first read by this author, and I will definitely read more books by her! Campbell and Knight meet at an airport while waiting for their respective flights.I loved their moments together and I have a smile in my face most of the time!I just wished this book was longer, some parts felt a little bit rushed in my opinion!I can't wait for the next book in the series!
This was a sweet,lighthearted story!It was fast paced and I like the story, it was refreshing! This was my first read by this author, and I will definitely read more books by her! Campbell and Knight meet at an airport while waiting for their respective flights.I loved their moments together and I have a smile in my face most of the time!I just wished this book was longer, some parts felt a little bit rushed in my opinion!I can't wait for the next book in the series!
March 29, 2018
I absolutely loved the premise of this story and Knight surely lived up to his name when it came to Campbell. Our heroine has really had it tough and she totally deserves the best of the good guys. Ms. Valentine captured and held my attention as she unraveled her tale.
The characters were beautifully crafted with dynamic personalities and flaws. The relationship was gradual and paced well. I was totally charmed by the process and their chemistry. The supporting characters were memorable and interesting.
The writing was strong. However, a distinct area for improvement was the abrupt resolution. I felt that with just a little more page space, the story could’ve eased into an ending a little slower. Please don’t misunderstand, we aren’t left with a cliffhanger. However, it feels as if we go from the MCs just starting to really connect and jump to their hfn/hea.
All in all, I am definitely looking forward to reading more in the series and would recommend. Safety: No cheating. No rape. Yes to a history of abuse. No graphic scenes.
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
The characters were beautifully crafted with dynamic personalities and flaws. The relationship was gradual and paced well. I was totally charmed by the process and their chemistry. The supporting characters were memorable and interesting.
The writing was strong. However, a distinct area for improvement was the abrupt resolution. I felt that with just a little more page space, the story could’ve eased into an ending a little slower. Please don’t misunderstand, we aren’t left with a cliffhanger. However, it feels as if we go from the MCs just starting to really connect and jump to their hfn/hea.
All in all, I am definitely looking forward to reading more in the series and would recommend. Safety: No cheating. No rape. Yes to a history of abuse. No graphic scenes.
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
March 27, 2018
I liked it. I didn’t mind that there wasn’t enough couple time in the book because while he was away they talked and texted so I felt like they were building their relationship.
Hero was a sweet good man.
Heroine was strong, I liked her a lot.
Loved his family and the heroine’s brother.
Call me a hypocrite but I don’t like it when my heroes have loved before, it’s not an issue here but i want my heroine to be his first love. Yes it’s unrealistic but whatever. Im interested If the author’s going to write about Ophelia and laird.
Not sure about the next book. Best friend’s brother is not my favorite at all.
~Celibate hero.
Hero was a sweet good man.
Heroine was strong, I liked her a lot.
Loved his family and the heroine’s brother.
Call me a hypocrite but I don’t like it when my heroes have loved before, it’s not an issue here but i want my heroine to be his first love. Yes it’s unrealistic but whatever. Im interested If the author’s going to write about Ophelia and laird.
Not sure about the next book. Best friend’s brother is not my favorite at all.
~Celibate hero.
April 3, 2018
3.5 Little Lies, Big Truth Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Oh, how a name from birth can blueprint behavior and actions. Knight King was his name and it seems it was also how he was wired... the Knight part.
Knight sees a young woman with a fussy baby in the airport waiting for a flight just like him. She is beautiful and caring, trying to calm her little one down.... But there is something that looks a miss...
Campbell doesn't know how she is going to get by, but she is determined to... one way or another. She has made some mistakes...but the little sweet one in her arms wasn't one of them. Campbell is stuck at the airport with all of the other passengers due to the ice storm hitting the area. She out of funds, has no family that will accept her and her baby and is feeling all of these emotions.
She must have had them transmitted to her daughter Hazel, because she just won't stop fussing...until He shows up... Just like a Knight in White Armor...
Knight and Campbell strike up a conversation and the next thing they know, they are sharing their time, meals and hidden secrets with each other. Knight is about to go off on another military mission and the idea of Campbell lost and caring for little Hazel alone out there is too much for him to take. He decides the only way she can handle it all is to take advantage of his not being around his home and go to Castle Beach as his wife. He isn't planning on being back anytime soon, outside of some serious family emergency, so she would be free and clear to raise Hazel safely away from her issues.
This way Campbell can get on her feet, figure things out like she had hoped... no harm. no foul...
Perfect...After first saying no... Campbell realizes doing as Knight offered is the only way...and his family takes her on board as Knight's wife with his daughter. Knight and Campbell start a long distance friendship via Skype and Facetime...Where they get to know each other little by little...
Campbell and Hazel are safe and sound and both of them figure things are ok as he is away....But then there is a serious family trauma and Knight must return home... and this is where all the "picture perfect lies" come home to roost...
This is one of those reads that happen fast...has enough sweetness to enjoy and hope for more of the series to come.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Oh, how a name from birth can blueprint behavior and actions. Knight King was his name and it seems it was also how he was wired... the Knight part.
Knight sees a young woman with a fussy baby in the airport waiting for a flight just like him. She is beautiful and caring, trying to calm her little one down.... But there is something that looks a miss...
Campbell doesn't know how she is going to get by, but she is determined to... one way or another. She has made some mistakes...but the little sweet one in her arms wasn't one of them. Campbell is stuck at the airport with all of the other passengers due to the ice storm hitting the area. She out of funds, has no family that will accept her and her baby and is feeling all of these emotions.
She must have had them transmitted to her daughter Hazel, because she just won't stop fussing...until He shows up... Just like a Knight in White Armor...
Knight and Campbell strike up a conversation and the next thing they know, they are sharing their time, meals and hidden secrets with each other. Knight is about to go off on another military mission and the idea of Campbell lost and caring for little Hazel alone out there is too much for him to take. He decides the only way she can handle it all is to take advantage of his not being around his home and go to Castle Beach as his wife. He isn't planning on being back anytime soon, outside of some serious family emergency, so she would be free and clear to raise Hazel safely away from her issues.
This way Campbell can get on her feet, figure things out like she had hoped... no harm. no foul...
Perfect...After first saying no... Campbell realizes doing as Knight offered is the only way...and his family takes her on board as Knight's wife with his daughter. Knight and Campbell start a long distance friendship via Skype and Facetime...Where they get to know each other little by little...
Campbell and Hazel are safe and sound and both of them figure things are ok as he is away....But then there is a serious family trauma and Knight must return home... and this is where all the "picture perfect lies" come home to roost...
This is one of those reads that happen fast...has enough sweetness to enjoy and hope for more of the series to come.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 1, 2018
This book was pretty sweet. I liked Campbell and Knight. I really liked Knight's mom and sister! I would have rated it higher if we would have had more time with Campbell and Knight together. Also, I didn't enjoy the repeated mentions of Knight's history with women. He loved his high school sweetheart, but she cheated on him. He had been with who knows how many other women in need. It seemed as if 8 months was the longest adult relationship he had and that was with another single mom-that bothered me. It didn't seem like Campbell was anything new or different for him and without showing us more couple time I just wasn't totally convinced. I will admit I am very picky!
March 19, 2018
I love it. Such an adorable, sweet and sexy read with feel good moments, low angst and that some people are meant to be.
After Campbell Faircloth “apparently” lied that she was being abused by her ex-husband, she goes out to Hollywood to get her big break. But now she is coming back home with her tail tucked between her legs.
As she is in a bit of a pickle.
With no money, no job and sweet little Hazel in tow and although Hazel is the best thing that could have happened to her, her stuck up parents see it differently. Very differently. Either leave her child to be adopted by her parents or be kicked out. Luckily enough an act of kindness offered to her at the airport is to become her plan B.
I like Campbell (although the name not so much) it reminds me of the soup. She is strong and wants to do right by her child even if she has to rely on others she finally gets it all together. She blossoms in Castle Bay.
Knight King left Castle Bay at the age of 18 to join the army to escape from the name, the gossip and the past. He is still running but the running is soon to come to an end. Although he misses his family and with what happened with his brother he still finds it difficult to go back home.
Knight is solid and he tries to fix everyone. He has white knight syndrome. He is giving, caring and is the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. But at the same time he is alpha with a soft side and he takes to Hazel like a duck to water.
Knight in his shining armour comes to the rescue when he sees Campbell at the end of her rope. He decides to help her by saying that they are married and giving her the support that she desperately needs and wants. They have chemistry but strike up a friendship first.
Although these two don’t really spend that much time with one another. Lunch, dinner and a night at the airport they facetime and write to one another when Knight is overseas. I loved how they met and what Knight did even if he has the white knight syndrome. Everyone implies that they are married so they don’t correct that small truth.
It was refreshing to see that they built a connection and that they really got to know one another before we went over to them knocking boots.
I docked a star because the depth to what happened to Knight’s Dad & brother was somewhat flimsy in my opinion. That most certainly needed to be fleshed out more.
A fantastic start to a series I can’t wait to read more about all of Blackbeard’s descendants the Kings of Castle Bay. Be it Quinn, Deacon, Duke or Barron. Yep the Mum had a thing for names based on royalty.
═══ PLEASE SUBSCRIBE / LIKE / FOLLOW US ════
Blog : https://www.jerisbookattic.com
FB Page : https://www.facebook.com/JerisBookAttic
Twitter : https://twitter.com/JeriTRyan
Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
Bloglovin : https://www.bloglovin.com/@jerisbooka...
After Campbell Faircloth “apparently” lied that she was being abused by her ex-husband, she goes out to Hollywood to get her big break. But now she is coming back home with her tail tucked between her legs.
As she is in a bit of a pickle.
With no money, no job and sweet little Hazel in tow and although Hazel is the best thing that could have happened to her, her stuck up parents see it differently. Very differently. Either leave her child to be adopted by her parents or be kicked out. Luckily enough an act of kindness offered to her at the airport is to become her plan B.
I like Campbell (although the name not so much) it reminds me of the soup. She is strong and wants to do right by her child even if she has to rely on others she finally gets it all together. She blossoms in Castle Bay.
Knight King left Castle Bay at the age of 18 to join the army to escape from the name, the gossip and the past. He is still running but the running is soon to come to an end. Although he misses his family and with what happened with his brother he still finds it difficult to go back home.
Knight is solid and he tries to fix everyone. He has white knight syndrome. He is giving, caring and is the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. But at the same time he is alpha with a soft side and he takes to Hazel like a duck to water.
Knight in his shining armour comes to the rescue when he sees Campbell at the end of her rope. He decides to help her by saying that they are married and giving her the support that she desperately needs and wants. They have chemistry but strike up a friendship first.
Although these two don’t really spend that much time with one another. Lunch, dinner and a night at the airport they facetime and write to one another when Knight is overseas. I loved how they met and what Knight did even if he has the white knight syndrome. Everyone implies that they are married so they don’t correct that small truth.
It was refreshing to see that they built a connection and that they really got to know one another before we went over to them knocking boots.
I docked a star because the depth to what happened to Knight’s Dad & brother was somewhat flimsy in my opinion. That most certainly needed to be fleshed out more.
A fantastic start to a series I can’t wait to read more about all of Blackbeard’s descendants the Kings of Castle Bay. Be it Quinn, Deacon, Duke or Barron. Yep the Mum had a thing for names based on royalty.
═══ PLEASE SUBSCRIBE / LIKE / FOLLOW US ════
Blog : https://www.jerisbookattic.com
FB Page : https://www.facebook.com/JerisBookAttic
Twitter : https://twitter.com/JeriTRyan
Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
Bloglovin : https://www.bloglovin.com/@jerisbooka...
October 2, 2019
Campbell Faircloth was alone in the world with a newborn baby. Her family didn't want her and she was eventually made to leave. That was better than handing over her precious baby. Her parents were demanding to adopt her child and raise it as their own. There was no way in this world that Cam would let her horrible parents do to her child what they did to her and her brother. He was the only family she really had and he loved his sister dearly.
While she is waiting for her and the baby's flight home there were a group of military men waiting as well. The weather was bad and they had been waiting for hours. One man, Knight King, offered to help her and they spend the rest of the day and the beginning of the next together. They really hit it off and he was so good with baby Hazel.
She has told him of her family and that there was a possiblilty they wouldn't let her come home. He tells her if that happens to go to his family who lived three hours away and they would get them settled into his house. He calls to let his family know and tells them this woman is his wife and the baby is his.
For five months they communicate via Skype three times a week and he would ask to see and talk to the baby after he had talked to Cam. His brother was lost at sea and he is heading home for the memorial service. What will happen when the truth comes out.
Safety:
Hero celibate for eight months when he meets h.
They do not physically get together until he comes home for his brother's memorial service (5 mos. later so the celibacy was a total of thirteen months.
No OW or OM drama
No cheating
I definitely recommend.
While she is waiting for her and the baby's flight home there were a group of military men waiting as well. The weather was bad and they had been waiting for hours. One man, Knight King, offered to help her and they spend the rest of the day and the beginning of the next together. They really hit it off and he was so good with baby Hazel.
She has told him of her family and that there was a possiblilty they wouldn't let her come home. He tells her if that happens to go to his family who lived three hours away and they would get them settled into his house. He calls to let his family know and tells them this woman is his wife and the baby is his.
For five months they communicate via Skype three times a week and he would ask to see and talk to the baby after he had talked to Cam. His brother was lost at sea and he is heading home for the memorial service. What will happen when the truth comes out.
Safety:
Hero celibate for eight months when he meets h.
They do not physically get together until he comes home for his brother's memorial service (5 mos. later so the celibacy was a total of thirteen months.
No OW or OM drama
No cheating
I definitely recommend.
Read
September 12, 2019Spoilers ahead
H/h meet at the airport where flights are grounded, she's on her way to her family's home he's on his way to war. They talk, like each other, everyone thinks they are a couple. He tells her if things don't work out with her family to go to his family for help.
Since her mom turns out to still be a crazy lady who wants to take the h's child from her she goes to his family who believe she's his wife and her daughter is his.
H/h communicate and basically fall in love while he's away
He returns, they get together for real and he eventually adopts her daughter with his mother claiming she'd known all along it wasn't his child. This from the same woman who compared the baby's mannerisms to his when he was a child lol.
I didn't like hearing that he apparently had a hero complex, where he'd "save" women while they needed him but lose interest when they didn't. His last relationship was also with a single mom. It wasn't bad per se but made me doubt their relationship a bit
He came home and acted like a jerk a bit but things eventually worked out
There was no way these 2 spent enough time together to actually develop a relationship
The relationship felt way too convenient
All in all nothing really wrong with it just not my cuppa so I won't rate it.
H/h meet at the airport where flights are grounded, she's on her way to her family's home he's on his way to war. They talk, like each other, everyone thinks they are a couple. He tells her if things don't work out with her family to go to his family for help.
Since her mom turns out to still be a crazy lady who wants to take the h's child from her she goes to his family who believe she's his wife and her daughter is his.
H/h communicate and basically fall in love while he's away
He returns, they get together for real and he eventually adopts her daughter with his mother claiming she'd known all along it wasn't his child. This from the same woman who compared the baby's mannerisms to his when he was a child lol.
I didn't like hearing that he apparently had a hero complex, where he'd "save" women while they needed him but lose interest when they didn't. His last relationship was also with a single mom. It wasn't bad per se but made me doubt their relationship a bit
He came home and acted like a jerk a bit but things eventually worked out
There was no way these 2 spent enough time together to actually develop a relationship
The relationship felt way too convenient
All in all nothing really wrong with it just not my cuppa so I won't rate it.
March 28, 2018
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
A picture perfect sweet romance!!! Call it kismet or fate or what not but a chance meeting in airport of two strangers. Yup, that’s like a storybook meeting that you only seen in movies or read about and so of course naturally Marquita Valentine will write a love story that puts a fun and cute spin on it in her latest new release Picture Perfect Lie. So if you are looking for a fast paced and charming love story with a very sweet and swoonworthy hero then this book is for you. Trust me Knight will be your knight in shining armor.
A picture perfect sweet romance!!! Call it kismet or fate or what not but a chance meeting in airport of two strangers. Yup, that’s like a storybook meeting that you only seen in movies or read about and so of course naturally Marquita Valentine will write a love story that puts a fun and cute spin on it in her latest new release Picture Perfect Lie. So if you are looking for a fast paced and charming love story with a very sweet and swoonworthy hero then this book is for you. Trust me Knight will be your knight in shining armor.
March 20, 2018
Knight and Cambell meet at an airport in Atlanta when their flights are cancelled due to an ice storm.
Knight is in the military and on the way to his next mission.
Campbell is a new mom and is on her way back to her hometown. Where she fled from after a disastrous marriage and left for LA to pursue an acting career, but then she met a director and fell in love, until she got pregnant and he told her to get rid of it. So after having Hazel, she is headed back home to parents.
It's a sweet story. Not my usual read. No over the top angst or drama. Just a feel good story. There are bits and pieces missing but I think those pieces will be put together throughout the series.
I enjoyed it. It flowed well and I liked the characters. This was my first read by this author, and I will definitely be reading the rest of the books that come out in this series.
Knight is in the military and on the way to his next mission.
Campbell is a new mom and is on her way back to her hometown. Where she fled from after a disastrous marriage and left for LA to pursue an acting career, but then she met a director and fell in love, until she got pregnant and he told her to get rid of it. So after having Hazel, she is headed back home to parents.
It's a sweet story. Not my usual read. No over the top angst or drama. Just a feel good story. There are bits and pieces missing but I think those pieces will be put together throughout the series.
I enjoyed it. It flowed well and I liked the characters. This was my first read by this author, and I will definitely be reading the rest of the books that come out in this series.
dnf
September 11, 2019Absolutely nothing wrong with it, as far as I've read (30%). I just realized I hate contemporary romance.
Free on Amazon 9/9/19
Free on Amazon 9/9/19
March 26, 2018
Knight King is on a layover from his army tour and is at the airport where he meets Campbell Faircloth and her baby Hazel. Knight is the type of guy we learn who loves to save damsels in distress and at this time Campbell is definitely that with her baby and nowhere to go except crawl back home. For one night Knight and Campbell and Hazel play a happy family, and it leaves Knight wanting more. Knight offers Campbell if things go south for her and Hazel to come and stay at his family home in Castle Beach. Campbell declines but finds herself in a predicament when things with her own family are horrible, and they don't welcome her but are willing to take her newborn. This ends with Campbell calling Knight and him his twin sister Quinn. Campbell and Hazel end up in Castle Beach at the Kings House and turns out that the family believes Campbell is Knight's wife and that her daughter Hazel is Knights baby. Can Campbell keep up the facade and the family inquisition while Knight is away overseas? What will happen though when over the next few months, Knight and Campbell start to fall in love over Skype and Facetime? Can the pair pick up from their one night together and fall in love for real, in each others company? Find out in Picture Perfect Lie by Marquita Valentine. A fun fake romance which I loved as the Kings were so warm and welcoming and I liked this twist as it added a child to the mix. I am looking forward to the rest of the series and hope that unlike her Royals in Exile series, that she finishes this one and not leave us hanging as I want to find out more about Laird.
September 3, 2019
Great hero- sweet, caring, kind and gentle. Totally in love. The way he protects and helps anyone who needs it is so endearing. He has a big heart.
Heroine is strong- she has experienced so much and suffered from the hands of people who should have loved her and yet managed to overcome all of that shit.
Their story was sweet, easy and romantic. Nothing heartbreaking but really cute.
The baby was soo cute!
Heroine is strong- she has experienced so much and suffered from the hands of people who should have loved her and yet managed to overcome all of that shit.
Their story was sweet, easy and romantic. Nothing heartbreaking but really cute.
The baby was soo cute!
March 29, 2018
Sweet story. Little bit rushed towards the end though.
March 28, 2018
This book didn't have substance. I had a hard time in believing the story.
Felt bad about Ophelia and Laird. I hope that Laird returns to her and her love wins.
Not enthusiastic to read the other books in these series but if the author writes Laird and Ophelia's story then will definitely read it. Don't know if that will happen because there are 5 books listed under these series and there are six "Kings".
Felt bad about Ophelia and Laird. I hope that Laird returns to her and her love wins.
Not enthusiastic to read the other books in these series but if the author writes Laird and Ophelia's story then will definitely read it. Don't know if that will happen because there are 5 books listed under these series and there are six "Kings".
February 20, 2020
Strangers in an airport- she's at the end of her rope and he could use an uplifting distraction. Just the right time and just the right place... they find each other. I've been meaning to try this author's books for a while and with the gentle nudge to do a buddy read with a book pal, I had the momentum to reach for this first in a series that was a heartwarming feel-good that made me regret the last page coming so swiftly.
Picture Perfect Lie introduces the start of a new series about the ill-fortuned yet wealthy King family of widowed mother, brothers, and only sister. This first book begins with Knight's story.
Knight struggled with his father's suicide over a business scandal and has stayed away from home by jumping into the military and making a career of it. He knows he has let his family down by staying away and over the last few deployments, has started struggling with the wear and tear of war. He's headed out one more time, but just needs a push to come home. He finds that while sitting at the Atlanta airport during a flight delay and spotting a beautiful young woman struggling under exhaustion and a crying baby. He's always been one to come to the rescue with women, but the spark and connection with Campbell and baby Hazel hit him in all the hollow places and fulfill him more than any of his past fixer-uppers ever did. Cam is fierce and sassy even if life has beaten her down and she's no one's pity project.
Campbell Faircloth has had a failed Hollywood dream to act though she got bit parts and as to men? She made some bad mistakes in her life that left her battered and struggling, but she has learned and forged an inner strength. She is going to do her best for Hazel's sake and that means crawling back home in hopes her cold, judgmental country club parents will take her back and give her a chance to get on her feet. Deep down she knows this will be a long shot so when a chance encounter with a friendly and compassionate soldier happens right when she's about to collapse from hunger and too little sleep, she lets down her guard against men and takes his help. They pretend to be a family for that little time and it feels so real. Knight is something special and almost too good to be true especially when he insists she promise that if things don't work out with her family that she will go to his family who will take her in because he sent her. Dare she trust in this modern knight in shining armor for her own sake as well as Hazel's?
The story gave me a 'While You Were Sleeping' vibe at first because of a misunderstanding mentioned in the blurb which was the source of my initial excitement. But, then I met Campbell and Knight, learned their situations, and felt their chemistry. The story was not like that movie and I barely noticed as I cozied up to this adorable and yet spicy feel-good romance.
It went by quickly and was a shy under-developed in spots, but that didn't stop me from all the feels as the book checked off several boxes of my favorite elements- big family, military, sweet baby, woman starting over and making good, long-distance romance and beach.
As I mentioned, the romance was a combo of a 24 hour encounter followed by long distance texting, face-timing, and emailing before a reunion in person. It had depth and soul because this pair connected, shared the deep places inside themselves that were raw and vulnerable, supported each other and challenged each other just because the other person made them want to be better. The attraction was sizzling between them and it did get sexy eventually, but I liked that they had that time apart to get their minds and troubles sorted first.
Knight's family of three surviving brothers and sister and his widowed mother had gone through hard times and loss and yet they were magnificent with Campbell and Hazel making her mean and cruel parents seem even worse. I was glad Campbell at least had her brother to love and support her when she was at her lowest, but he was in college and still dependent on their parents' help so could only do so much. Knight's family are going to each get their own stories and after meeting them, I look forward to them.
So, it was a deliciously sweet and spicy story that left me swooning and smiling over the tender romance and a knight in shining armor hero. Those who like easy and heartwarming contemporary romance should give this one a try.
I enjoyed this book as a COYER Winter Friends Buddy Read with Brandee @ Unconventional Bookworms.
Picture Perfect Lie introduces the start of a new series about the ill-fortuned yet wealthy King family of widowed mother, brothers, and only sister. This first book begins with Knight's story.
Knight struggled with his father's suicide over a business scandal and has stayed away from home by jumping into the military and making a career of it. He knows he has let his family down by staying away and over the last few deployments, has started struggling with the wear and tear of war. He's headed out one more time, but just needs a push to come home. He finds that while sitting at the Atlanta airport during a flight delay and spotting a beautiful young woman struggling under exhaustion and a crying baby. He's always been one to come to the rescue with women, but the spark and connection with Campbell and baby Hazel hit him in all the hollow places and fulfill him more than any of his past fixer-uppers ever did. Cam is fierce and sassy even if life has beaten her down and she's no one's pity project.
Campbell Faircloth has had a failed Hollywood dream to act though she got bit parts and as to men? She made some bad mistakes in her life that left her battered and struggling, but she has learned and forged an inner strength. She is going to do her best for Hazel's sake and that means crawling back home in hopes her cold, judgmental country club parents will take her back and give her a chance to get on her feet. Deep down she knows this will be a long shot so when a chance encounter with a friendly and compassionate soldier happens right when she's about to collapse from hunger and too little sleep, she lets down her guard against men and takes his help. They pretend to be a family for that little time and it feels so real. Knight is something special and almost too good to be true especially when he insists she promise that if things don't work out with her family that she will go to his family who will take her in because he sent her. Dare she trust in this modern knight in shining armor for her own sake as well as Hazel's?
The story gave me a 'While You Were Sleeping' vibe at first because of a misunderstanding mentioned in the blurb which was the source of my initial excitement. But, then I met Campbell and Knight, learned their situations, and felt their chemistry. The story was not like that movie and I barely noticed as I cozied up to this adorable and yet spicy feel-good romance.
It went by quickly and was a shy under-developed in spots, but that didn't stop me from all the feels as the book checked off several boxes of my favorite elements- big family, military, sweet baby, woman starting over and making good, long-distance romance and beach.
As I mentioned, the romance was a combo of a 24 hour encounter followed by long distance texting, face-timing, and emailing before a reunion in person. It had depth and soul because this pair connected, shared the deep places inside themselves that were raw and vulnerable, supported each other and challenged each other just because the other person made them want to be better. The attraction was sizzling between them and it did get sexy eventually, but I liked that they had that time apart to get their minds and troubles sorted first.
Knight's family of three surviving brothers and sister and his widowed mother had gone through hard times and loss and yet they were magnificent with Campbell and Hazel making her mean and cruel parents seem even worse. I was glad Campbell at least had her brother to love and support her when she was at her lowest, but he was in college and still dependent on their parents' help so could only do so much. Knight's family are going to each get their own stories and after meeting them, I look forward to them.
So, it was a deliciously sweet and spicy story that left me swooning and smiling over the tender romance and a knight in shining armor hero. Those who like easy and heartwarming contemporary romance should give this one a try.
I enjoyed this book as a COYER Winter Friends Buddy Read with Brandee @ Unconventional Bookworms.
March 23, 2018
Picture Perfect Lie is the first book in a brand new series, The Kings of Castle Beach by Marquita Valentine. It’s a sweetly, romantic story with just a hint of sexy.
Knight King is a soldier returning to his base for deployment back to Afghanistan when he and his buddies are held up in Atlanta airport by an ice storm. Knight can’t help living up to his name when he sees a young mother who’s obviously on her own and struggling. He moves in and takes control, something his friends razz him about constantly. But, Knight somehow knows this time is different.
Campbell Faircloth has hard a tough few years and being on her own with a baby that’s just a few months old is tough. Tougher than she ever thought it would be, so when Knight turns into her saviour in shiny army issues clothing, she feels herself letting go for once.
After spending an innocent night together, Knight helps out again and then stuns Campbell with an offer she knows she should refuse, but still wants with all her heart. He suggests she move to his hometown and live in his house. He’s already pretended they were married, so what the heck?
When Campbell is left with nowhere else to turn, she find her way to Castle Beach and Knight’s family. His mom and sister welcome her with open arms.
Is this the start of a brand new beginning? Or will it all come crashing down on Campbell and her daughter Hazel when the truth comes out?
I loved this story, it was a slow burner in the romance department which was carried out in a slightly unusual way due to their circumstances. But, that didn’t stop the chemistry and feelings from bleeding through the words. Knight was a really good guy, who wanted to do the right thing and was ready for love.
Campbell was a little more wary and skittish at first, but then as she got to know Knight, it all clicked into place. A sweet and heartfelt ending to a gentle tale.
Knight King is a soldier returning to his base for deployment back to Afghanistan when he and his buddies are held up in Atlanta airport by an ice storm. Knight can’t help living up to his name when he sees a young mother who’s obviously on her own and struggling. He moves in and takes control, something his friends razz him about constantly. But, Knight somehow knows this time is different.
Campbell Faircloth has hard a tough few years and being on her own with a baby that’s just a few months old is tough. Tougher than she ever thought it would be, so when Knight turns into her saviour in shiny army issues clothing, she feels herself letting go for once.
After spending an innocent night together, Knight helps out again and then stuns Campbell with an offer she knows she should refuse, but still wants with all her heart. He suggests she move to his hometown and live in his house. He’s already pretended they were married, so what the heck?
When Campbell is left with nowhere else to turn, she find her way to Castle Beach and Knight’s family. His mom and sister welcome her with open arms.
Is this the start of a brand new beginning? Or will it all come crashing down on Campbell and her daughter Hazel when the truth comes out?
I loved this story, it was a slow burner in the romance department which was carried out in a slightly unusual way due to their circumstances. But, that didn’t stop the chemistry and feelings from bleeding through the words. Knight was a really good guy, who wanted to do the right thing and was ready for love.
Campbell was a little more wary and skittish at first, but then as she got to know Knight, it all clicked into place. A sweet and heartfelt ending to a gentle tale.
March 29, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Author and Social Butterfly PR***
3.5 Stars
Fake relationship books are fun. But this is one with a bit of a twist. Usually, the couple is together and there is a reason one, or both, of them need to have a significant other. But, in this case, Knight is on his way overseas for a deployment, a flight is delayed, and to make sure she has a room to sleep in, Knight has her pretend to be his wife....and, tells her to continue the charade if things don't go well with her family.
Campbell ends up at Knight's home, his family thinks her daughter is his and that she is his wife. Most of the book is spent with them apart, developing their relationship. And, I liked the twist on this...usually, the couple in the fake relationship winds up spending a lot of time together because they have to in order to make it believable...the switch of the couple being apart gave this a fresh feel.
That said, I had some issues with the pacing, as it did seem that the parts of the story where they were together seemed to be a little rushed. The beginning of the book was interesting, their time together to get to know one another moved well. The time apart was also interesting...but the parts where they were together felt rushed, like there was limited time for them to be in the same place and they had to take advantage of it...which makes sense, but at the same time caused to the book to move too quickly.
I did end up enjoying the book overall and I do recommend this title.
***This and other reviews featured on our blog Booked All Night http://bookedallnightblog.com/***
3.5 Stars
Fake relationship books are fun. But this is one with a bit of a twist. Usually, the couple is together and there is a reason one, or both, of them need to have a significant other. But, in this case, Knight is on his way overseas for a deployment, a flight is delayed, and to make sure she has a room to sleep in, Knight has her pretend to be his wife....and, tells her to continue the charade if things don't go well with her family.
Campbell ends up at Knight's home, his family thinks her daughter is his and that she is his wife. Most of the book is spent with them apart, developing their relationship. And, I liked the twist on this...usually, the couple in the fake relationship winds up spending a lot of time together because they have to in order to make it believable...the switch of the couple being apart gave this a fresh feel.
That said, I had some issues with the pacing, as it did seem that the parts of the story where they were together seemed to be a little rushed. The beginning of the book was interesting, their time together to get to know one another moved well. The time apart was also interesting...but the parts where they were together felt rushed, like there was limited time for them to be in the same place and they had to take advantage of it...which makes sense, but at the same time caused to the book to move too quickly.
I did end up enjoying the book overall and I do recommend this title.
***This and other reviews featured on our blog Booked All Night http://bookedallnightblog.com/***
April 16, 2018
Short and sweet. Can't wait for the next one in the series.
March 19, 2018
What a fantastic beginning to a completely new series by one of my favorite authors!
I totally loved Knight and Campbell!!! Knight King is a true "knight in shining armor" and rescues Campbell when she needs it most. In the process they fall for each other. This is their story and it's a beautiful one!!!! Can't wait to see where this series goes!
And if you've never read Marquita Valentine, this is the perfect book to start with as it has no ties to any of her other series! Which I've read all of and LOVE!!!!
I totally loved Knight and Campbell!!! Knight King is a true "knight in shining armor" and rescues Campbell when she needs it most. In the process they fall for each other. This is their story and it's a beautiful one!!!! Can't wait to see where this series goes!
And if you've never read Marquita Valentine, this is the perfect book to start with as it has no ties to any of her other series! Which I've read all of and LOVE!!!!
September 30, 2019
Picture Perfect Lie is a short story that I can best describe as a giant cliché cheese fest. The writing rubbed me the wrong way a little and the love story was rushed. But my biggest pet peeve was that they never tell his family that they were lying to them! The fact that the mother "always knew" felt like a cop out.
P.S. the brother lost at sea is clearly not dead. That it all.
P.S. the brother lost at sea is clearly not dead. That it all.
August 30, 2018
Completely safe with a very sweet Hero who has a savior complex.....but I found it mostly boring. I needed more time of them together as a couple, more growth from the heroine, and the ending was completely rushed.
September 5, 2019
Great read, I love this family and look forward to more books
March 25, 2018
* ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
Perfect Picture lie is emotional, tear-jerker, and sweet romance. The story has 2 main characters like any other novel, but he is the star, he is too good to be real. Not only for his phisycal beauty, but especially for his incredibly beautiful heart. Knight King is a HERO in everything and for everything he does. Is a hero for his country, is a hero for Campbell.
I literally have no words to describe how much has Knight impressed me. A man like him, is a rare human being.
As I already said, Knight is a hero, a hero that comes along, unexpectedly, for Campbell with strength to carry on, with the kindness to mell her heart, ready from the first moment to cast her fears aside, knowing so well how can be dificult to survive when life is far from what you have dream about. Their emphaty, and the instant connection is so powerful and so obvious for themselves and for everyone. He is her savior, her angel, her light. That stranger who is ready to help and defend her even if they don't know each other. I mentioned their emphaty, well it's something real and deep because both know how you feel like hope is gone. That's the point where Knight King shows all his strength and his amazing way to be and to understand. Because he saw beyond the evidence, for Knight Campbell is a heroine as well, because she never gave up, no matter what people, friends or her own family said, she keeps fighting for the one who means the world for her. But no matter how brave she was or still be, sometimes is hard to keeping going to believe in a better day. And that's exactly what Knight will show her.How to look inside her and be strong And when she'll finally see the truth, that a hero lies in her, she will realize how beautiful and amazing woman she is, how many times she faced the world alone, how many times life punched her right in her face, but she carried on, because she had the right reason to. The moment when Knight reaches out for her hand to hold and carries that's when life gives her a second chance, a second chance to hope, to try, to feel, to find love. Because that kindly and generous stranger knows how much fate can be cruel, but he doesn't stop to search within himrself and find a reason/ a person to make the emptiness disappear, and in the end replaced it only with love and loyalty.
So after turning off the last page of this incredibly romance, you'll eventually understand the impact and the feelings that a character like Knight King has not only for a lonely mother like Campbell, but for all of us.
Perfect picture lie is a 3 words title that could be linked to the story ( oviously) but also to what Knight has given to Campbell, a perfect love story and a father to her daughter, a picture of the lovely family she craved for and a lie who turned into something real.
Perfect Picture lie is emotional, tear-jerker, and sweet romance. The story has 2 main characters like any other novel, but he is the star, he is too good to be real. Not only for his phisycal beauty, but especially for his incredibly beautiful heart. Knight King is a HERO in everything and for everything he does. Is a hero for his country, is a hero for Campbell.
I literally have no words to describe how much has Knight impressed me. A man like him, is a rare human being.
As I already said, Knight is a hero, a hero that comes along, unexpectedly, for Campbell with strength to carry on, with the kindness to mell her heart, ready from the first moment to cast her fears aside, knowing so well how can be dificult to survive when life is far from what you have dream about. Their emphaty, and the instant connection is so powerful and so obvious for themselves and for everyone. He is her savior, her angel, her light. That stranger who is ready to help and defend her even if they don't know each other. I mentioned their emphaty, well it's something real and deep because both know how you feel like hope is gone. That's the point where Knight King shows all his strength and his amazing way to be and to understand. Because he saw beyond the evidence, for Knight Campbell is a heroine as well, because she never gave up, no matter what people, friends or her own family said, she keeps fighting for the one who means the world for her. But no matter how brave she was or still be, sometimes is hard to keeping going to believe in a better day. And that's exactly what Knight will show her.How to look inside her and be strong And when she'll finally see the truth, that a hero lies in her, she will realize how beautiful and amazing woman she is, how many times she faced the world alone, how many times life punched her right in her face, but she carried on, because she had the right reason to. The moment when Knight reaches out for her hand to hold and carries that's when life gives her a second chance, a second chance to hope, to try, to feel, to find love. Because that kindly and generous stranger knows how much fate can be cruel, but he doesn't stop to search within himrself and find a reason/ a person to make the emptiness disappear, and in the end replaced it only with love and loyalty.
So after turning off the last page of this incredibly romance, you'll eventually understand the impact and the feelings that a character like Knight King has not only for a lonely mother like Campbell, but for all of us.
Perfect picture lie is a 3 words title that could be linked to the story ( oviously) but also to what Knight has given to Campbell, a perfect love story and a father to her daughter, a picture of the lovely family she craved for and a lie who turned into something real.
March 24, 2018
Review by Trinette Dungee
Sometimes it doesn’t take a lot and you just know when you know….you know. At that’s what happens with Campbell and Knight.
Stuck in an Atlanta airport during an ice storm Knight King sees a young mother, exhausted and almost at her wits end and does what he does best….helps. He more or less takes Campbell and her infant daughter under his wing for the night feeding them and providing warm, safe, and comfortable place to sleep. Within hours he realizes that there is something special about this woman, but he’s on his way to war and she’s on her way home.
Campbell Faircloth never imagined her life would be the way it is. With a newborn and nowhere else to go she’s returning to her childhood home begrudgingly. Stuck in the airport with a cranky baby and very little money to her name Campbell’s not sure what to do. When Knight steps in and offers to help, she’s surprises herself with how easily she accepts. The one night spent with Knight she confesses her hesitancy in going home and is surprised by how taken with him she is. When they part Knight gives her the address of his family and tells her if she ever needs anything to reach out to them.
I love it when there’s a scene in a book that leads to the books title. Here it was one of the men in Knight’s group snapping a pic of Knight, Campbell and baby Hazel and posting it to FB and tags Knight…where of course they appear to be the picture perfect family. Needless to say the pic is seen by Knight’s family who naturally assume the woman and the baby in the pic belong to Knight.
Only a few hours together in an airport and these two are so taken with each other it makes you anxious for them to reconnect. This was a pretty quick moving story but it didn’t feel rushed. The immediate connection between the characters had me wanting things to happen at the speed of lightning.
I liked pretty much all of the characters in this book, except for Campbell’s mother. That woman!!! UUUHHHGGGG!!! I’m very anxious to read about the other King Siblings and hopefully there will be a story for Campbell’s brother Cain. Something that really struck me in this book was Knight’s deployment. Normally with military guys you get flashbacks to their time during active duty or they tell the story of what happened. I think this is the first time I’ve read a book where the soldier was actually serving. Because of this we actually watched as these two fell in love over facetime and email and you watched Knight become daddy to a little girl that wasn’t his and whom he’d only spent a few hours with. This book honestly made me feel like Love-At-First-Sight is actually possible.
Sometimes it doesn’t take a lot and you just know when you know….you know. At that’s what happens with Campbell and Knight.
Stuck in an Atlanta airport during an ice storm Knight King sees a young mother, exhausted and almost at her wits end and does what he does best….helps. He more or less takes Campbell and her infant daughter under his wing for the night feeding them and providing warm, safe, and comfortable place to sleep. Within hours he realizes that there is something special about this woman, but he’s on his way to war and she’s on her way home.
Campbell Faircloth never imagined her life would be the way it is. With a newborn and nowhere else to go she’s returning to her childhood home begrudgingly. Stuck in the airport with a cranky baby and very little money to her name Campbell’s not sure what to do. When Knight steps in and offers to help, she’s surprises herself with how easily she accepts. The one night spent with Knight she confesses her hesitancy in going home and is surprised by how taken with him she is. When they part Knight gives her the address of his family and tells her if she ever needs anything to reach out to them.
I love it when there’s a scene in a book that leads to the books title. Here it was one of the men in Knight’s group snapping a pic of Knight, Campbell and baby Hazel and posting it to FB and tags Knight…where of course they appear to be the picture perfect family. Needless to say the pic is seen by Knight’s family who naturally assume the woman and the baby in the pic belong to Knight.
Only a few hours together in an airport and these two are so taken with each other it makes you anxious for them to reconnect. This was a pretty quick moving story but it didn’t feel rushed. The immediate connection between the characters had me wanting things to happen at the speed of lightning.
I liked pretty much all of the characters in this book, except for Campbell’s mother. That woman!!! UUUHHHGGGG!!! I’m very anxious to read about the other King Siblings and hopefully there will be a story for Campbell’s brother Cain. Something that really struck me in this book was Knight’s deployment. Normally with military guys you get flashbacks to their time during active duty or they tell the story of what happened. I think this is the first time I’ve read a book where the soldier was actually serving. Because of this we actually watched as these two fell in love over facetime and email and you watched Knight become daddy to a little girl that wasn’t his and whom he’d only spent a few hours with. This book honestly made me feel like Love-At-First-Sight is actually possible.
April 1, 2018
*ARC REVIEW*
Please note that this book was provided for free by the author's publishing PR in exchange for an honest review. Feel free to check out my full book review policy here for more details.
Ok if you want a sweeter than sweet romance with instant chemistry then you need to pick up this book by Marquita Valentine. This book was an easy, quick to the point but no less impressive for it read and I honestly am so glad I got the chance to read it.
The story is the first in the Kings of Castle Beach series and is the story of Campbell, a single mother who has such a heart tugging history and Knight, an army Lieutenant with a heart for helping people, an easy-going warm nature and a family that he needs to reconnect with. When the two meet at an airport waiting area, Campbell exhausted with little money to her name but a determined spirit and Knight with his good humour and the desperate urge to help, the two ride out an ice storm together in what forms the beginning of their love story.
I really fell hard for this book. I usually don’t care for instant love matches and while this one had a little bit of that going on it really didn’t detract from how lovely the story was. I mean, Campbell has experienced a marriage, a divorce and getting pregnant with a baby whose father wants nothing to do with all by the age of twenty six! If your heart is not pulling for her to get a happily ever after within the first chapter it has to be made of stone! What I really admired about her was her resilience and her love for her daughter Hazel not to mention her guilt at having to tell some untruths to the people of Castle Beach. I loved that while her upbringing wasn’t rosy (like, at all) she didn’t let that make her jaded or bitter and she still freely loved her daughter!
Speaking of her daughter, I love any story with kids in it and reading about baby Hazel and her connection with Knight had me feeling all the warm and fuzzies! Talk about making my ovaries dance! They say kids can sense if people are good natured so the fact that Hazel clicked with Knight had me lighting up on the inside.
Knight. What an apt name. He has a saving woman in need complex (I would have said hero complex but I think that makes it sound more self serving than it came across as). He loves to help people and his guilt when he fails like with his dad and his brother eats at him. I really loved that although he had this tough time with his family he was still this funny, charming guy who was so keen to give. I honestly found his goodness downright unrealistic but also something I seriously hope exists out there!
The King family has so many characters that I can’t wait to spend more time with. I really loved Quinn, Knight’s twin sister! She was spunky and had this fun personality and tried really hard to help Campbell and Knight’s love along. She is someone I am hoping to see have her own love story soon. I honestly felt really bad for Ophelia. She seemed like such a sad character (understandably so) and I really hope she gets some sort of closure in future.
I loved everything about this book and gave it a warm, funny and well rounded 3.5 stars! I thought it could have been longer so I could delve a bit deeper into each of the characters but that's typical me, wanting more of a good thing!
Thank you Marquita for this treat!
Please note that this book was provided for free by the author's publishing PR in exchange for an honest review. Feel free to check out my full book review policy here for more details.
Ok if you want a sweeter than sweet romance with instant chemistry then you need to pick up this book by Marquita Valentine. This book was an easy, quick to the point but no less impressive for it read and I honestly am so glad I got the chance to read it.
The story is the first in the Kings of Castle Beach series and is the story of Campbell, a single mother who has such a heart tugging history and Knight, an army Lieutenant with a heart for helping people, an easy-going warm nature and a family that he needs to reconnect with. When the two meet at an airport waiting area, Campbell exhausted with little money to her name but a determined spirit and Knight with his good humour and the desperate urge to help, the two ride out an ice storm together in what forms the beginning of their love story.
I really fell hard for this book. I usually don’t care for instant love matches and while this one had a little bit of that going on it really didn’t detract from how lovely the story was. I mean, Campbell has experienced a marriage, a divorce and getting pregnant with a baby whose father wants nothing to do with all by the age of twenty six! If your heart is not pulling for her to get a happily ever after within the first chapter it has to be made of stone! What I really admired about her was her resilience and her love for her daughter Hazel not to mention her guilt at having to tell some untruths to the people of Castle Beach. I loved that while her upbringing wasn’t rosy (like, at all) she didn’t let that make her jaded or bitter and she still freely loved her daughter!
Speaking of her daughter, I love any story with kids in it and reading about baby Hazel and her connection with Knight had me feeling all the warm and fuzzies! Talk about making my ovaries dance! They say kids can sense if people are good natured so the fact that Hazel clicked with Knight had me lighting up on the inside.
Knight. What an apt name. He has a saving woman in need complex (I would have said hero complex but I think that makes it sound more self serving than it came across as). He loves to help people and his guilt when he fails like with his dad and his brother eats at him. I really loved that although he had this tough time with his family he was still this funny, charming guy who was so keen to give. I honestly found his goodness downright unrealistic but also something I seriously hope exists out there!
The King family has so many characters that I can’t wait to spend more time with. I really loved Quinn, Knight’s twin sister! She was spunky and had this fun personality and tried really hard to help Campbell and Knight’s love along. She is someone I am hoping to see have her own love story soon. I honestly felt really bad for Ophelia. She seemed like such a sad character (understandably so) and I really hope she gets some sort of closure in future.
I loved everything about this book and gave it a warm, funny and well rounded 3.5 stars! I thought it could have been longer so I could delve a bit deeper into each of the characters but that's typical me, wanting more of a good thing!
Thank you Marquita for this treat!
September 21, 2019
I found a new small town series to binge read! When I came across this book and saw that is was FREE for a limited time AND a series starter, I grabbed it. Not only because I love loyal families, small towns and emotional love stories, but because I truly enjoy reading this author. So it was a no brainer for me to grab this book. I loved it so much. I loved meeting the King family and learning about the tragedy that made them the flawed but loving characters they are.
This book is about one of the middle brothers, Knight King. I just loved the royal names!
Knight and Campbell were the perfect couple. I believed their connection from the very moment they met and that chemistry only grew, even when they were apart. Knight is a fixer by nature. He hates to see people struggling with anything. If he can step in and fix it, he will. On a layover at an airport, Knight, who is active military, spies a disheveled and distraught woman with an infant. It only takes him a moment to observe Campbell and decide he needed to help her out with whatever she needed. Campbell is on her way home after her latest relationship failed and she ran out of money. Her parents are not the friendliest nor do they approve of where their daughter is in her life. But thankfully, Campbell has a wonderful brother by her side and he helps her whenever he can. While at the airport she is approached by Knight who seems to know that she is in need of a friend, among other things. Once he finds out her plight, he offers for her to use his home if she needs a place to run away to.
Campbell isn't home even twenty-four hours before she decides to take Knight up on his offer. And here is where she finds a loving, loyal family who take her in and care for her and her daughter. Of course they are under the impression she is Knight's wife and the baby girl is his daughter.
Now you should know that while Campbell is staying at Knight's house, he is away on assignment for the military. They FaceTime, email, call, and text often. During that time they truly get to know each other. I loved how the author grew their relationship while they were miles apart. And I loved the book even more when Knight finally returned to Castle Beach.
I don't want to say too much more about the story. But I will tell you that this family is struggling. Each sibling is hurting because of what happened to their father. Not only that, but each sibling is struggling with other things as well. I can't wait to keep reading this series and find out more about the hurts and heartache that each faces because that will only make their happily-ever-afters even more poignant and deserved. I absolutely recommend this book! I can't wait to read about Quinn next.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
This book is about one of the middle brothers, Knight King. I just loved the royal names!
Knight and Campbell were the perfect couple. I believed their connection from the very moment they met and that chemistry only grew, even when they were apart. Knight is a fixer by nature. He hates to see people struggling with anything. If he can step in and fix it, he will. On a layover at an airport, Knight, who is active military, spies a disheveled and distraught woman with an infant. It only takes him a moment to observe Campbell and decide he needed to help her out with whatever she needed. Campbell is on her way home after her latest relationship failed and she ran out of money. Her parents are not the friendliest nor do they approve of where their daughter is in her life. But thankfully, Campbell has a wonderful brother by her side and he helps her whenever he can. While at the airport she is approached by Knight who seems to know that she is in need of a friend, among other things. Once he finds out her plight, he offers for her to use his home if she needs a place to run away to.
Campbell isn't home even twenty-four hours before she decides to take Knight up on his offer. And here is where she finds a loving, loyal family who take her in and care for her and her daughter. Of course they are under the impression she is Knight's wife and the baby girl is his daughter.
Now you should know that while Campbell is staying at Knight's house, he is away on assignment for the military. They FaceTime, email, call, and text often. During that time they truly get to know each other. I loved how the author grew their relationship while they were miles apart. And I loved the book even more when Knight finally returned to Castle Beach.
I don't want to say too much more about the story. But I will tell you that this family is struggling. Each sibling is hurting because of what happened to their father. Not only that, but each sibling is struggling with other things as well. I can't wait to keep reading this series and find out more about the hurts and heartache that each faces because that will only make their happily-ever-afters even more poignant and deserved. I absolutely recommend this book! I can't wait to read about Quinn next.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
January 8, 2020
This was a super cue book, good love story and chemistry. Knight and Campbell meet on a flight, and both share their story. While Knight is serving in the military he give Campbell the address for his family where she can get shelter for her and her little girl. Is it her fault that his family believed the baby was Knight's? There is a time of sadness for the family and a new baby gives them some new hope.
When Knight comes back to help find or bury his brother, he decides he wants to protect Campbell and keep the lie going. After getting to know her through their letters and emails he finds he quite likes her, and wants to protect them.
When Knight comes back to help find or bury his brother, he decides he wants to protect Campbell and keep the lie going. After getting to know her through their letters and emails he finds he quite likes her, and wants to protect them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews