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Breaking Belles #1
Elegant Sins
There is nothing more dangerous than a secret…
It is how the powerful survive.
They spin their influence in the shadows as their sins corrupt the innocent.
And I, Montgomery Kingston, am one of them.
The elite.
The chosen.
It is my inherited fate to claim a place among one of the most secret societies of them all…
The Order of the Silver Ghost.
It is her fate to be my sacrifice on the altar of wealth and seduction of riches.
Tonight, my belle of the ball will dance with the devil and by morning, I will have broken her.
For my initiation is a ritual steeped in a dark and twisted tradition of elegant sins.
As I said, secrets are dangerous…
But then again, so is love.
It is how the powerful survive.
They spin their influence in the shadows as their sins corrupt the innocent.
And I, Montgomery Kingston, am one of them.
The elite.
The chosen.
It is my inherited fate to claim a place among one of the most secret societies of them all…
The Order of the Silver Ghost.
It is her fate to be my sacrifice on the altar of wealth and seduction of riches.
Tonight, my belle of the ball will dance with the devil and by morning, I will have broken her.
For my initiation is a ritual steeped in a dark and twisted tradition of elegant sins.
As I said, secrets are dangerous…
But then again, so is love.
237 pages, ebook
First published August 31, 2020
1407 people are currently reading
1708 people want to read
About the author
Stasia Black
77 books2,096 followersStasia was born in Georgia, grew up in Texas, recently spent a freezing five-year stint in Minnesota, and now is happily planted in sunny California, which she will never, ever leave.
She loves writing, reading, listening to podcasts, and has recently taken up biking after a twenty-year sabbatical (and has the bumps and bruises to prove it). She lives with her own personal cheerleader, aka, her handsome husband, and their teenage son. Wow. Typing that makes her feel old. And writing about herself in the third person makes her feel a little like a nutjob, but ahem! Where were we?
Stasia’s drawn to romantic stories that don’t take the easy way out. She wants to see beneath people’s veneer and poke into their dark places, their twisted motives, and their deepest desires. Basically, she wants to create characters that make readers alternately laugh, cry ugly tears, want to toss their kindles across the room, and then declare they have a new FBB (forever book boyfriend).
She loves writing, reading, listening to podcasts, and has recently taken up biking after a twenty-year sabbatical (and has the bumps and bruises to prove it). She lives with her own personal cheerleader, aka, her handsome husband, and their teenage son. Wow. Typing that makes her feel old. And writing about herself in the third person makes her feel a little like a nutjob, but ahem! Where were we?
Stasia’s drawn to romantic stories that don’t take the easy way out. She wants to see beneath people’s veneer and poke into their dark places, their twisted motives, and their deepest desires. Basically, she wants to create characters that make readers alternately laugh, cry ugly tears, want to toss their kindles across the room, and then declare they have a new FBB (forever book boyfriend).
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December 31, 2024Writing this book with the amazing Alta Hensley was frankly a magical experience, and I'm not blowing smoke up your butt, lmao! If you want some inside deets about how co-writing this book worked: Alta wrote Montgomery's POV and I wrote Grace, then we'd edit each other's chapters. It was a great way to get really distinctive, different voices for the two characters.
Plus, it was just hella fun finding out what Alta had written for me to pick up answer. We had a basic outline, but we'd start setting little Easter eggs, put them in intense situations or do something crazy at the end of the chapter so the other person would have a fun new challenge when they picked it up. It made writing feel exciting after I'd gone through a slump earlier in the year. Now we're writing book 2-Sully's Book-and good Lawd, we're having a blast with pushing the limits even further :D
Plus, it was just hella fun finding out what Alta had written for me to pick up answer. We had a basic outline, but we'd start setting little Easter eggs, put them in intense situations or do something crazy at the end of the chapter so the other person would have a fun new challenge when they picked it up. It made writing feel exciting after I'd gone through a slump earlier in the year. Now we're writing book 2-Sully's Book-and good Lawd, we're having a blast with pushing the limits even further :D
August 7, 2025
They wouldn't be able to break her. Oh, how they would try.
But they would never be able to break this belle.
I wasn’t expecting to love this as much as I did, but this book really pulled me in , the whole setup was so darkly intriguing. A secret society, an elite heir forced into a twisted initiation, and a working-class girl caught in the middle of it all. Basically, Montgomery has to complete 109 days of brutal trials with a woman he handpicks from a group of twenty, and if they both make it to the end, he wins control of his father’s company and a place in the Order of the Silver Ghost. But if either of them quits? They both lose everything.
But what’s the catch in this entire setting? These “challenges” they’re thrown into are specifically designed to break them down, physically, mentally, emotionally. It’s cruel, strategic and twisted. But somehow, instead of it pushing them apart, it brings them closer.
„I owed her more.
She deserved equal.
If she was bare and exposed, I sure as fuck would be too.“
Grace knows the odds, but she also knows this might be her one chance to escape her dead-end life. So when she's chosen, she agrees ….even though the entire thing is set up to break her. What she doesn’t expect is Montgomery, the rich boy who turns out to be nothing like the rest of them. He’s kind, respectful, protective... definitely not a copy of his cold, manipulative father (thank god). honestly, he made it very hard not to fall for him alongside her. He may have grown up surrounded by privilege, but he carries himself with quiet strength and genuine care, and that made every intense, high-stakes challenge so much more emotionally charged.
„Animalistic. Raw. I fucked her like a lion in heat. Mating with my creature. Mine. I would never share. I would never lend. “
The tension between them builds so well … not just physically, but emotionally too. I really liked how their connection grew naturally. There’s this subtle tenderness woven between the tests they have to face, the whispered conversations about their dreams and the way they start trusting each other. Montgomery visits his mom every Sunday. Grace dreams of owning her own restaurant. It’s all so grounded in who they are as individuals, even as the circumstances are wildly twisted and elite.
„My eyes locked on the black collar around her neck, and I knew that would be the only color she’d ever wear. Black. Black. Black. My dick would be the only one filling her holes. Only mine. Mine“
And the spicy scenes? Definitely delivered!! There was heat, but also care , the way he always made sure Grace came first, the way he worshipped her honestly. That kind of dynamic always works for me. And what really stood out was how the book didn’t just lean into the spice or the angst , it gave time for both characters to grow, support each other and become a team. Especially Grace, she’s not a passive character. She knows what she wants and when to fight for it, even after everything she's been through. She was strong, sharp and so easy to root for.
My only little complain is that it ended rather fast to the end but it’s definitely worth picking up if you like dark-ish, high-stakes romance with survival games, class differences and a couple that actually makes sense together. Would read again just for how much Grace and Montgomery made me root for them.
trops/kinks/safety
🖤secret society
🖤class difference
🖤instalove
🖤strong FMC
🖤forced proximity
🖤human auction
🖤D/s
🖤collaring
🖤humiliation
🖤degradation
🖤pet play
🖤voyeurism
🖤orgy setting (MCs aren’t participating)
🖤object insertion
🖤objectification
🖤nyotaimori (sushi girl)
🖤anal play/sex
🖤rough sex
🖤impact play
🖤branding
But they would never be able to break this belle.
I wasn’t expecting to love this as much as I did, but this book really pulled me in , the whole setup was so darkly intriguing. A secret society, an elite heir forced into a twisted initiation, and a working-class girl caught in the middle of it all. Basically, Montgomery has to complete 109 days of brutal trials with a woman he handpicks from a group of twenty, and if they both make it to the end, he wins control of his father’s company and a place in the Order of the Silver Ghost. But if either of them quits? They both lose everything.
But what’s the catch in this entire setting? These “challenges” they’re thrown into are specifically designed to break them down, physically, mentally, emotionally. It’s cruel, strategic and twisted. But somehow, instead of it pushing them apart, it brings them closer.
„I owed her more.
She deserved equal.
If she was bare and exposed, I sure as fuck would be too.“
Grace knows the odds, but she also knows this might be her one chance to escape her dead-end life. So when she's chosen, she agrees ….even though the entire thing is set up to break her. What she doesn’t expect is Montgomery, the rich boy who turns out to be nothing like the rest of them. He’s kind, respectful, protective... definitely not a copy of his cold, manipulative father (thank god). honestly, he made it very hard not to fall for him alongside her. He may have grown up surrounded by privilege, but he carries himself with quiet strength and genuine care, and that made every intense, high-stakes challenge so much more emotionally charged.
„Animalistic. Raw. I fucked her like a lion in heat. Mating with my creature. Mine. I would never share. I would never lend. “
The tension between them builds so well … not just physically, but emotionally too. I really liked how their connection grew naturally. There’s this subtle tenderness woven between the tests they have to face, the whispered conversations about their dreams and the way they start trusting each other. Montgomery visits his mom every Sunday. Grace dreams of owning her own restaurant. It’s all so grounded in who they are as individuals, even as the circumstances are wildly twisted and elite.
„My eyes locked on the black collar around her neck, and I knew that would be the only color she’d ever wear. Black. Black. Black. My dick would be the only one filling her holes. Only mine. Mine“
And the spicy scenes? Definitely delivered!! There was heat, but also care , the way he always made sure Grace came first, the way he worshipped her honestly. That kind of dynamic always works for me. And what really stood out was how the book didn’t just lean into the spice or the angst , it gave time for both characters to grow, support each other and become a team. Especially Grace, she’s not a passive character. She knows what she wants and when to fight for it, even after everything she's been through. She was strong, sharp and so easy to root for.
My only little complain is that it ended rather fast to the end but it’s definitely worth picking up if you like dark-ish, high-stakes romance with survival games, class differences and a couple that actually makes sense together. Would read again just for how much Grace and Montgomery made me root for them.
trops/kinks/safety
🖤secret society
🖤class difference
🖤instalove
🖤strong FMC
🖤forced proximity
🖤human auction
🖤D/s
🖤collaring
🖤humiliation
🖤degradation
🖤pet play
🖤voyeurism
🖤orgy setting (MCs aren’t participating)
🖤object insertion
🖤objectification
🖤nyotaimori (sushi girl)
🖤anal play/sex
🖤rough sex
🖤impact play
🖤branding
September 19, 2020
For people who LOVED Nikki Sloane's Filthy Rich Americans, and you're looking for another sexy tale of secret societies and initiations, check out Elegant Sins.
Montgomery has.just turned 25 and is now ready to step into the role of CEO of his father's business. But in order to do so, he has to go through his 109 day initiation into a society with blue-blood roots going back generations. He's not entirely sure what's in store for him, but what the Elders don't know is he has a plan bigger than his invitation.
Grace is a smart, but not formally educated, waitress from the wrong side of the tracks. Her boyfriend leaves her with nothing and then she receives an invitation from the Order. She has no idea what's in store for her, but on the first night of the initiation, she is chosen by non-other than Montgomery himself.
As the days go on, these two grow closer and closer through each "Invitation".
The book was a bit short and the ending felt rushed but it was XTRA hot and I couldn't put it down.
RATING: 💋💋💋.75
Montgomery has.just turned 25 and is now ready to step into the role of CEO of his father's business. But in order to do so, he has to go through his 109 day initiation into a society with blue-blood roots going back generations. He's not entirely sure what's in store for him, but what the Elders don't know is he has a plan bigger than his invitation.
Grace is a smart, but not formally educated, waitress from the wrong side of the tracks. Her boyfriend leaves her with nothing and then she receives an invitation from the Order. She has no idea what's in store for her, but on the first night of the initiation, she is chosen by non-other than Montgomery himself.
As the days go on, these two grow closer and closer through each "Invitation".
The book was a bit short and the ending felt rushed but it was XTRA hot and I couldn't put it down.
RATING: 💋💋💋.75
October 22, 2020
Ugh this book was just bad. I didn't like the heroine and I didn't care about her backstory. The southern references were way to wordy. I don't know it wasn't for me.
August 30, 2025
“There is a very fine line between good and evil. Everyone has a seat in their soul for the devil”
star rating: 3.5/5 stars.
FRTC
star rating: 3.5/5 stars.
FRTC
December 9, 2025
The warning was scarier than the content
I have no idea why I picked this up, but I did. I guess I was in the mood for something darker?
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
I have no idea why I picked this up, but I did. I guess I was in the mood for something darker?
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
This book was ... fine. It tries hard to be a romantic thriller, but doesn’t manage to be either very well. The characters are flat and undeveloped, and there’s zero character growth throughout the book. The sex scenes are fine. They try to be shocking, but there’s never enough detail for them to be truly erotic, and there’s not enough time spent on what’s going through the characters’ heads during such scenes to really add much to the story except shock value of the acts being done. But it’s fine. It’s cardboard characters being forced to do morally grey kinky stuff, and it’s fine if that’s your thing.
My biggest issue, however, is the lazy writing toward the end of the novel. Grace has come to trust Montgomery through their trials, and then she overheard a conversation that leads her to believe Monty is lying to her, and she feels crushed and violated. And then it’s like it never happened, and she’s warm and trusting again. She never confronts him, and they go on like before. And then at the very end, we’re given an ex post facto explanation that they actually had planned everything out and were on the same page, and everything worked out as planned. It was just lazy and dull, and you’d think with two authors contributing, they might have been able to come in with something better. But I guess not?
My biggest issue, however, is the lazy writing toward the end of the novel. Grace has come to trust Montgomery through their trials, and then she overheard a conversation that leads her to believe Monty is lying to her, and she feels crushed and violated. And then it’s like it never happened, and she’s warm and trusting again. She never confronts him, and they go on like before. And then at the very end, we’re given an ex post facto explanation that they actually had planned everything out and were on the same page, and everything worked out as planned. It was just lazy and dull, and you’d think with two authors contributing, they might have been able to come in with something better. But I guess not?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2020
This is my first book by this author and it was good. I was expecting something a little darker and this was like a grey Cinderella.
There is some messed up douche bags in this secret society man 😰
Montgomery Kingston was so sweet!! His father was a huge dick!!!! His mama, that’s where he got his sweetness from!! She was great!
Grace was a ball buster and she made the book!
I don’t know, this was bland for me. The sex was meh, the plot was good but it just lacked the flair I was hoping for and the character arc that I needed. I’m so gonna read that next book tho because all in all this was a great story!
Angst✨✨
Cheating None
Sexy Time ✨✨✨
Epilogue ✨✨
Plot✨✨✨.5
There is some messed up douche bags in this secret society man 😰
Montgomery Kingston was so sweet!! His father was a huge dick!!!! His mama, that’s where he got his sweetness from!! She was great!
Grace was a ball buster and she made the book!
I don’t know, this was bland for me. The sex was meh, the plot was good but it just lacked the flair I was hoping for and the character arc that I needed. I’m so gonna read that next book tho because all in all this was a great story!
Angst✨✨
Cheating None
Sexy Time ✨✨✨
Epilogue ✨✨
Plot✨✨✨.5
September 22, 2020
Montgomery was raised in a rich family and knows his duty to join an elite club before he takes his place as CEO of his father's company. Grace comes from a different background and works a minimum wage job just to get by in life. An invitation can change her life if she can hold out for 109 days. Montgomery has his own plans and is protective of Grace. Will the couple be able to come out whole?
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
February 21, 2021
After reading this book I am surprised to say I am extremely underwhelmed by it.
The characters, the lack of emotions throughout, the lack of excitement, lack of dark aspects and plot overall contribute to my feeling disappointed and a bit sad.
What I did like is the writing. I loved the way both authors wrote this book. I enjoyed the POV of both Montgomery and Grace which were each written by different authors. I preferred Montgomery’s POV over Grace’s, but I liked them both as far as their thoughts. I agreed with the morals and beliefs given to each character by the authors. The issue was that the words written on paper, while amazing felt like just that… words. They were words without feelings behind them. To me at least. I didn’t get that heart stopping, hang gripping, can’t put down my kindle feelings I crave when two characters call out to me. I didn’t get any feelings about them at all.
Elegant Sins is the first in the Breaking Bellas series. We begin with Montgomery Kingston’s POV and learn that the book is based around a secret society that initiates it’s members when they become of age by making them go through a 109 period where they will be tested. During said trial period the hero and his chosen “bella” must go through “extremely” difficult trails testing their will. At the end, if both of them passes, they will receive great benefits.
The book explains to us, the reader, why it’s important to each character. The authors wrote the heroine, Grace to be a poor waitress struggling to get by. In the beginning of the book, she’s in a tough situation and the circumstances seem to be piling up against her. The thing is, I found all of this to be extremely anti-climactic. I wanted so badly for this to be a dark read. I wanted to see a heroine go through extreme trials, I wanted to feel the pull of two characters discovering each other throughout the mist of unfortunate circumstances. I didn’t feel ANY of that in this case. There was such a lack of emotions and feeling in this book. I felt disappointed by it. I found myself growing bored and rolling my eyes because each initiation event was as boring as the next.
Perhaps it’s because I’m an avid reader of dark books, I don’t know exactly why but I found all of the events lacking any excitement or darkness. I wasn’t scared for the heroine and none of the events seemed to even be that traumatic. Overall, I wanted more because if I was going to read a book about a secret society called The Order of the Silver Ghost, I wanted to be entertained. I didn’t find the Order of the Silver Ghost. Aspect of it to be exciting either.
In order to suspend belief enough to think that all a person would have to do to gain great benefits (that’s all I’ll say) is to participate in this trail was too much for me to pretend to do. Some books, for example, captive books/evil hero books are set in ways that force BDSM. For example, in captivitiy books, the hero needs to “tame his sub” and therefore, performs BDSM acts as a way to get his captive/sub to behave. That is one version of doing the BDSM in a book that’s not a sex club. I love books like the captive theme by the way. If done right, BDSM in a forced proximity/evil hero/dark situation can be so pleasurable, so downright enjoyable you never want to leave your house. There’s book I will remember forever based on how sick and twisted they were i.e. Indebted, Captive in the Dark, Captive by Trent Evans.
This book is a lighter version of said theme. We are forced to suspend belief at least in some way which we do often in these books but in this case, I wasn’t aroused, and I wanted it to end without having any investment toward the love story.
I won’t be reading the next book which is Sully’s story. I can’t sit through a brooding, rich man complaining about his familial obligations to participate in a 109-day trial that isn’t even that bad. I’d be thinking angry thoughts the entire time and I just want to be happy when I’m reading a book or at least at the end of one. Being angry at the characters wouldn’t be fair to me or the next book.
As excited as I was to read it, I am sad to say I disliked the book. We’re all different’ and perhaps not everyone feels that way as I see the book has 4 & 5 star reviews. Go figure, I feel like an outcast ha jk. It’s all love in the book world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters, the lack of emotions throughout, the lack of excitement, lack of dark aspects and plot overall contribute to my feeling disappointed and a bit sad.
What I did like is the writing. I loved the way both authors wrote this book. I enjoyed the POV of both Montgomery and Grace which were each written by different authors. I preferred Montgomery’s POV over Grace’s, but I liked them both as far as their thoughts. I agreed with the morals and beliefs given to each character by the authors. The issue was that the words written on paper, while amazing felt like just that… words. They were words without feelings behind them. To me at least. I didn’t get that heart stopping, hang gripping, can’t put down my kindle feelings I crave when two characters call out to me. I didn’t get any feelings about them at all.
Elegant Sins is the first in the Breaking Bellas series. We begin with Montgomery Kingston’s POV and learn that the book is based around a secret society that initiates it’s members when they become of age by making them go through a 109 period where they will be tested. During said trial period the hero and his chosen “bella” must go through “extremely” difficult trails testing their will. At the end, if both of them passes, they will receive great benefits.
The book explains to us, the reader, why it’s important to each character. The authors wrote the heroine, Grace to be a poor waitress struggling to get by. In the beginning of the book, she’s in a tough situation and the circumstances seem to be piling up against her. The thing is, I found all of this to be extremely anti-climactic. I wanted so badly for this to be a dark read. I wanted to see a heroine go through extreme trials, I wanted to feel the pull of two characters discovering each other throughout the mist of unfortunate circumstances. I didn’t feel ANY of that in this case. There was such a lack of emotions and feeling in this book. I felt disappointed by it. I found myself growing bored and rolling my eyes because each initiation event was as boring as the next.
Perhaps it’s because I’m an avid reader of dark books, I don’t know exactly why but I found all of the events lacking any excitement or darkness. I wasn’t scared for the heroine and none of the events seemed to even be that traumatic. Overall, I wanted more because if I was going to read a book about a secret society called The Order of the Silver Ghost, I wanted to be entertained. I didn’t find the Order of the Silver Ghost. Aspect of it to be exciting either.
In order to suspend belief enough to think that all a person would have to do to gain great benefits (that’s all I’ll say) is to participate in this trail was too much for me to pretend to do. Some books, for example, captive books/evil hero books are set in ways that force BDSM. For example, in captivitiy books, the hero needs to “tame his sub” and therefore, performs BDSM acts as a way to get his captive/sub to behave. That is one version of doing the BDSM in a book that’s not a sex club. I love books like the captive theme by the way. If done right, BDSM in a forced proximity/evil hero/dark situation can be so pleasurable, so downright enjoyable you never want to leave your house. There’s book I will remember forever based on how sick and twisted they were i.e. Indebted, Captive in the Dark, Captive by Trent Evans.
This book is a lighter version of said theme. We are forced to suspend belief at least in some way which we do often in these books but in this case, I wasn’t aroused, and I wanted it to end without having any investment toward the love story.
I won’t be reading the next book which is Sully’s story. I can’t sit through a brooding, rich man complaining about his familial obligations to participate in a 109-day trial that isn’t even that bad. I’d be thinking angry thoughts the entire time and I just want to be happy when I’m reading a book or at least at the end of one. Being angry at the characters wouldn’t be fair to me or the next book.
As excited as I was to read it, I am sad to say I disliked the book. We’re all different’ and perhaps not everyone feels that way as I see the book has 4 & 5 star reviews. Go figure, I feel like an outcast ha jk. It’s all love in the book world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐ Definitely recommend this, it's very underrated, i dived into it assuming this would be some short fun forgettable book but i LOVED it. i crave more of the characters, miss grace and Montgomery.
September 12, 2020
Elegant Sins by Alta Hensley and Stasia Black is the First book in the Breaking Belles Series. This is the story of Montgomery and Grace. This is a somewhat dark retailing of the story of Cinderella. I was completely taken in from the first chapter and it kept me turning the pages. I do want to read more from these authors and of course this series. Really enjoyed this dark read.
September 9, 2020
“I deserved my place here and I deserved to be his. He would be lucky to have me. I waited for him to realize it, too.”
Elegant Sins is the first installment in the all new Breaking Belles series, featuring the dark secret society romance of Montgomery Kingston & Grace Morgan. Working a dead end job in a small town in Georgia, Grace’s dreams of being “more” crash around her time after time until she receives a mysterious invitation that has the power to change her life forever. Giving herself over to a man for 109 days as part of his initiation, she can have any wish granted in exchange. Montgomery is that initiate, and he is determined to get through his tasks to claim what’s rightfully his. Nothing can stand in their way when it comes to the end goal, nothing except the very thing that could destroy it all.....a little thing called love.
“Delicious… and though I wasn’t hungry for dinner, I sure as fuck was ravenous for her.”
I don’t have the best reading history with Alta but I couldn’t deny myself a good secret society romance. When they are done right they often end up on my faves lists, and after a string of 3 star reads I needed a 4 star or better read.....
.....who knew an author pairing I didn’t have a ton of faith in is the very one that gave me the best read of the month so far? Strong women, secret societies, and a Southern gentleman that sure knew how to treat a woman....all came together in a story that I didn’t want to put down & introduced a series I can’t wait to get more of. It wasn’t perfect (as you will see shortly), but it gave me a much needed break in one of the worst reading slumps of the year for me.
Book Facts:
Told in: Dual POV, all present day.
Type? Interconnected stand-alone within a series featuring new couples in each installment.
Triggers: N/A
Ends in: HFN ending for couple, continuation of overall story with new couple(s) in future.
The Main Players:
Montgomery Kingston: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’d part ways with this gorgeous man who carried the world on his shoulders and a wicked dominant streak in his eyes when he got the hankering, and I wouldn’t look back. There were a thousand reasons why I couldn’t afford to.”
Grace Morgan: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“It was right then and there that I knew I had my perfect belle. She would be just fine in this entire process. They wouldn’t be able to break her. Oh, how they would try. But they would never be able to break this belle.”
What I liked:
❤️ I absolutely LOVED Grace, there wasn’t a single moment I didn’t love her. How strong and determined she was and how she refused to depend on others for the future she so desperately sought.....
“Was tonight hard? Yes. But I’ll do it again if I have to. I’ll do whatever it takes to reach my dream. Because as much as I want to be Cinderella, there is no Prince Charming who is going to come and rescue me. I have to save myself.”
But what made me even more enamored by her is the humor she brought to the story.....
“Dear God, had they mixed the orange-juice with grapefruit juice, too? Who were these sadistic bastards?”
....she had so many funny moments and I loved her for it.
❤️ Montgomery is the epitome of a Southern gentleman and I was living for it. The way he treated her with such respect and admiration despite being from a different social class and being in a situation where he was expected to treat her like a toy.....
“I owed her more. She deserved equal. If she was bare and exposed, I sure as fuck would be too.”
.....I waited for him to mess up or drop the act but it was soon clear it’s just who he was. However, under the gentlemanly demeanor was this delicious alpha dominance......
“You see,” Montgomery said, “I thought being a part of the Order meant that we got to be kings among men. And tonight, as a king, I want all of my pet’s attention centered on me. Isn’t that right, pet?” He snapped his fingers, the ones that had just been teasing at my sex and pointed at the floor. And God help me, I dropped to my knees.
.....it just felt so effortlessly and I am eager to see the other men try to top it.
❤️ I was rather fascinated by their initiation and trials they went through.....
“There is a very fine line between good and evil. Everyone has a seat in their soul for the Devil. The trials will pull the chair out and invite the dark angel to sit.”
....it wasn’t that it was necessarily dark or “unique”, but it did make me want to absorb everything I could about it.
❤️ You would think with this featuring a secret society where women are used as “toys/pets” to play with & break that it would lack strong female characters..... that IS NOT the case. In fact, the women impressed me far more than the men. Montgomery’s mama, Grace, Mrs. H....
....they all set the standard high for those that will follow.
❤️ There is so much potential for other installments. I think bc Montgomery was so good & gentlemanly that Sully is going to be the one that cranks the angst up a little more. I’m excited to see what each guy brings to the series.
What I didn’t:
🖤 The ending was too sweet and perfect. I wanted something a little harder, it was just a little blah & boring. Far too Easy. And too zero to 100. Much more believable if it would’ve ended without going to the extreme they went (in the relationship dept).
🖤 It was never really dark at all, there is one initiation task that was harder to read but it really was child’s play where dark is concerned. I guess I expected more overall.
🖤 The initiation was too easy for it to make sense in regards to everything they get to walk away with once they succeed. I didn’t see the “challenge”. You would think with so much on the line, the trials they were put through would push them to the breaking point (or try hard to).
🖤 I wanted to see their “connection” tested more. This was another area that felt too easy. It made their ending and insta-love a little unbelievable.
The Verdict:
For the first time in what feels like forever (but more like 2 weeks), I can confidently say I definitely recommend a read. It’s an early Christmas miracle.....
.....bc I was losing faith with my recent reads. I may not be able to say that about all of Alta’s books, but something about this duo and the characters they created within this world has created an entertaining & exciting series I have no plans to quit anytime soon. I’m only disappointed in one thing, I now have to wait for the next installment to release!
“Grace, you’re the most precious thing I’ve ever held in my hands. I’ll keep you safe. I swear.”
Elegant Sins is the first installment in the all new Breaking Belles series, featuring the dark secret society romance of Montgomery Kingston & Grace Morgan. Working a dead end job in a small town in Georgia, Grace’s dreams of being “more” crash around her time after time until she receives a mysterious invitation that has the power to change her life forever. Giving herself over to a man for 109 days as part of his initiation, she can have any wish granted in exchange. Montgomery is that initiate, and he is determined to get through his tasks to claim what’s rightfully his. Nothing can stand in their way when it comes to the end goal, nothing except the very thing that could destroy it all.....a little thing called love.
“Delicious… and though I wasn’t hungry for dinner, I sure as fuck was ravenous for her.”
I don’t have the best reading history with Alta but I couldn’t deny myself a good secret society romance. When they are done right they often end up on my faves lists, and after a string of 3 star reads I needed a 4 star or better read.....
.....who knew an author pairing I didn’t have a ton of faith in is the very one that gave me the best read of the month so far? Strong women, secret societies, and a Southern gentleman that sure knew how to treat a woman....all came together in a story that I didn’t want to put down & introduced a series I can’t wait to get more of. It wasn’t perfect (as you will see shortly), but it gave me a much needed break in one of the worst reading slumps of the year for me.
Book Facts:
Told in: Dual POV, all present day.
Type? Interconnected stand-alone within a series featuring new couples in each installment.
Triggers: N/A
Ends in: HFN ending for couple, continuation of overall story with new couple(s) in future.
The Main Players:
Montgomery Kingston: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’d part ways with this gorgeous man who carried the world on his shoulders and a wicked dominant streak in his eyes when he got the hankering, and I wouldn’t look back. There were a thousand reasons why I couldn’t afford to.”
Grace Morgan: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“It was right then and there that I knew I had my perfect belle. She would be just fine in this entire process. They wouldn’t be able to break her. Oh, how they would try. But they would never be able to break this belle.”
What I liked:
❤️ I absolutely LOVED Grace, there wasn’t a single moment I didn’t love her. How strong and determined she was and how she refused to depend on others for the future she so desperately sought.....
“Was tonight hard? Yes. But I’ll do it again if I have to. I’ll do whatever it takes to reach my dream. Because as much as I want to be Cinderella, there is no Prince Charming who is going to come and rescue me. I have to save myself.”
But what made me even more enamored by her is the humor she brought to the story.....
“Dear God, had they mixed the orange-juice with grapefruit juice, too? Who were these sadistic bastards?”
....she had so many funny moments and I loved her for it.
❤️ Montgomery is the epitome of a Southern gentleman and I was living for it. The way he treated her with such respect and admiration despite being from a different social class and being in a situation where he was expected to treat her like a toy.....
“I owed her more. She deserved equal. If she was bare and exposed, I sure as fuck would be too.”
.....I waited for him to mess up or drop the act but it was soon clear it’s just who he was. However, under the gentlemanly demeanor was this delicious alpha dominance......
“You see,” Montgomery said, “I thought being a part of the Order meant that we got to be kings among men. And tonight, as a king, I want all of my pet’s attention centered on me. Isn’t that right, pet?” He snapped his fingers, the ones that had just been teasing at my sex and pointed at the floor. And God help me, I dropped to my knees.
.....it just felt so effortlessly and I am eager to see the other men try to top it.
❤️ I was rather fascinated by their initiation and trials they went through.....
“There is a very fine line between good and evil. Everyone has a seat in their soul for the Devil. The trials will pull the chair out and invite the dark angel to sit.”
....it wasn’t that it was necessarily dark or “unique”, but it did make me want to absorb everything I could about it.
❤️ You would think with this featuring a secret society where women are used as “toys/pets” to play with & break that it would lack strong female characters..... that IS NOT the case. In fact, the women impressed me far more than the men. Montgomery’s mama, Grace, Mrs. H....
....they all set the standard high for those that will follow.
❤️ There is so much potential for other installments. I think bc Montgomery was so good & gentlemanly that Sully is going to be the one that cranks the angst up a little more. I’m excited to see what each guy brings to the series.
What I didn’t:
🖤 The ending was too sweet and perfect. I wanted something a little harder, it was just a little blah & boring. Far too Easy. And too zero to 100. Much more believable if it would’ve ended without going to the extreme they went (in the relationship dept).
🖤 It was never really dark at all, there is one initiation task that was harder to read but it really was child’s play where dark is concerned. I guess I expected more overall.
🖤 The initiation was too easy for it to make sense in regards to everything they get to walk away with once they succeed. I didn’t see the “challenge”. You would think with so much on the line, the trials they were put through would push them to the breaking point (or try hard to).
🖤 I wanted to see their “connection” tested more. This was another area that felt too easy. It made their ending and insta-love a little unbelievable.
The Verdict:
For the first time in what feels like forever (but more like 2 weeks), I can confidently say I definitely recommend a read. It’s an early Christmas miracle.....
.....bc I was losing faith with my recent reads. I may not be able to say that about all of Alta’s books, but something about this duo and the characters they created within this world has created an entertaining & exciting series I have no plans to quit anytime soon. I’m only disappointed in one thing, I now have to wait for the next installment to release!
“Grace, you’re the most precious thing I’ve ever held in my hands. I’ll keep you safe. I swear.”
November 25, 2021
"we were both thrust into a degrading and sordid nightmare of lust and debauchery."
3.5 stars
This book was selected for me by my friend Anna for my end of 2021 reading challenge. I've had this book on my kindle for months and I'm glad I was pushed to finally read this.
I have to say I REALLY enjoyed the first 60% of this book. It's one of those stories where you should just check your morals at the door because it's gonna be a twisted and effed up ride and you're gonna wonder why you like it so much. It involves a secret sex society run by a bunch of richer than God old white dudes where 20 down on their luck in life woman are selected and if they get picked by a man going through his initiation, they have to make it through a series of trials and by the end all their dreams will come true. Seems perfect no? Well the trials are designed to absolutely break you so it's not easy to make it all the way to the end and keep your dignity, morals and sanity intact.
Grace and Montgomery have some really great on page chemistry and I loved seeing them going from two strangers to a team trying to make it to the end. The reason for a lower rating is that I got really bored with the last 30% and the ending was so cheesy I was rolling my eyes all the way to the back of my head.
Basically, if you want something hot and wild give this book a go!
3.5 stars
This book was selected for me by my friend Anna for my end of 2021 reading challenge. I've had this book on my kindle for months and I'm glad I was pushed to finally read this.
I have to say I REALLY enjoyed the first 60% of this book. It's one of those stories where you should just check your morals at the door because it's gonna be a twisted and effed up ride and you're gonna wonder why you like it so much. It involves a secret sex society run by a bunch of richer than God old white dudes where 20 down on their luck in life woman are selected and if they get picked by a man going through his initiation, they have to make it through a series of trials and by the end all their dreams will come true. Seems perfect no? Well the trials are designed to absolutely break you so it's not easy to make it all the way to the end and keep your dignity, morals and sanity intact.
Grace and Montgomery have some really great on page chemistry and I loved seeing them going from two strangers to a team trying to make it to the end. The reason for a lower rating is that I got really bored with the last 30% and the ending was so cheesy I was rolling my eyes all the way to the back of my head.
Basically, if you want something hot and wild give this book a go!
August 27, 2020
** 3.5 stars **
While it's not a new theme, it was entertaining to read. Though not as darkly twisted as others in the secret society trope (I'm talking Truth or Lies series by Ella Miles), there are still moments of perverse kink in which power-play plays a big hand in the science.
The overall plot is one where an elite blue-blood is going to be the test to get into the Order of the Silver Ghost in the hopes of talking the reins of the kingdom from his father but to do that he must pass 109 days of initiation. To do that he must break a Belle.
The Belle in question is from the "wrong-side of the tracks". She will be made to do anything in the hopes of having her life changed because while the Order are kingmakers, they are also dreamakers. She just has to survive with her heart in one piece at the end.
I just felt like there want a lot of background laid on the Order or the understanding of rules of succession. It would have been nice to get some background on how the Order got it's name (because it's kind of a hokey name). It's also kinda sketchy that once the sons are initiated they can basically disappeared their fathers. Didn't really understand that. But the interplay between the character was entertaining. Looks like this is the beginning of a beautifully broken series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While it's not a new theme, it was entertaining to read. Though not as darkly twisted as others in the secret society trope (I'm talking Truth or Lies series by Ella Miles), there are still moments of perverse kink in which power-play plays a big hand in the science.
The overall plot is one where an elite blue-blood is going to be the test to get into the Order of the Silver Ghost in the hopes of talking the reins of the kingdom from his father but to do that he must pass 109 days of initiation. To do that he must break a Belle.
The Belle in question is from the "wrong-side of the tracks". She will be made to do anything in the hopes of having her life changed because while the Order are kingmakers, they are also dreamakers. She just has to survive with her heart in one piece at the end.
I just felt like there want a lot of background laid on the Order or the understanding of rules of succession. It would have been nice to get some background on how the Order got it's name (because it's kind of a hokey name). It's also kinda sketchy that once the sons are initiated they can basically disappeared their fathers. Didn't really understand that. But the interplay between the character was entertaining. Looks like this is the beginning of a beautifully broken series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2020
This is the first book in what looks like will be series of blue blooded southern gentlemen becoming initiated into a secret club that their fathers and forefathers belonged to, when they turn 25. The initiation rituals are of a high degree of debauchery.
You will love Montgomery because he is a true gentleman. I liked that his protective and possessive instincts were always high. The rituals were out of character for him, but he had Grace. To make him even more swoon worthy, he visited his mom every Sunday.
Grace was the waitress that lived in a trailer who got invited to the initiation. What I liked about her is she knew when to let something go or when to fight for it. She was less experienced than Montgomery in the carnal arts. She was a strong and independent woman that could not be broken by a process that was designed to do just that.
The story and the plot twists are very well done. The dialogue is so smooth and effortless which is very important in a book told for both perspectives. I say, “read this book”.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
You will love Montgomery because he is a true gentleman. I liked that his protective and possessive instincts were always high. The rituals were out of character for him, but he had Grace. To make him even more swoon worthy, he visited his mom every Sunday.
Grace was the waitress that lived in a trailer who got invited to the initiation. What I liked about her is she knew when to let something go or when to fight for it. She was less experienced than Montgomery in the carnal arts. She was a strong and independent woman that could not be broken by a process that was designed to do just that.
The story and the plot twists are very well done. The dialogue is so smooth and effortless which is very important in a book told for both perspectives. I say, “read this book”.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2020
This was a really interesting book. I thought that things would go one way, but then they would turn out a completely different way, so I would expect them to go another way because of what just happened, and they would go a completely 3rd direction. It was really interesting, and I was left guessing what was going to happen, and I really liked that.
I think that Montgomery is very screwed up, but not necessarily in a bad way. I mean, yeah, his dad's a dillhole, and Montgomery himself has to do some things that he doesn't like, but I think that there is a lot of hope out there for him.
I admired how strong Grace was and how much she was willing to do and how much she's already done. She was really impressive.
I think that Montgomery is very screwed up, but not necessarily in a bad way. I mean, yeah, his dad's a dillhole, and Montgomery himself has to do some things that he doesn't like, but I think that there is a lot of hope out there for him.
I admired how strong Grace was and how much she was willing to do and how much she's already done. She was really impressive.
May 4, 2022
3.5 stars
I'm not sure that I really have any feelings one way or the other on this book. Each of the trials aren't really my thing, but they didn't repulse me either. I think that I liked the characters, and while I felt their bond through the tests, I didn't feel their love throughout so when it happened at the end, it felt a little out of nowhere and instalovey. The writing was good, so I'm going with a 3.5 instead of just a 3, but because of the narration of the audiobook, which I wasn't impressed with, I'm rounding it down.
I'm not sure that I really have any feelings one way or the other on this book. Each of the trials aren't really my thing, but they didn't repulse me either. I think that I liked the characters, and while I felt their bond through the tests, I didn't feel their love throughout so when it happened at the end, it felt a little out of nowhere and instalovey. The writing was good, so I'm going with a 3.5 instead of just a 3, but because of the narration of the audiobook, which I wasn't impressed with, I'm rounding it down.
September 9, 2020
Hummmm...3.5
Good potential but kinda turned into Cinderella at the end. The story kept you reading to see what would happen. It was mysterious and some anxiety and then took off to the HEA at rocket speed. Dirty old men on a club with no respect for women. Montgomery’s dad sure was an a$sh*le!
I might read the next.
Good potential but kinda turned into Cinderella at the end. The story kept you reading to see what would happen. It was mysterious and some anxiety and then took off to the HEA at rocket speed. Dirty old men on a club with no respect for women. Montgomery’s dad sure was an a$sh*le!
I might read the next.
January 25, 2021
This is different than what I would usually read but I really enjoyed it. I would have usually gone for a much darker read and this book could have easily gone much darker but was a nice read. The ending with HEA was a bit quick to happen but otherwise loved this read
August 20, 2020
This was a great gothic dark novel even if it is set in modern day Georgia
It is centered around a mega wealthy cultish inner circle that keeps you intrigued and on the edge of your seat - what kinky sadistic trial awaits our heroes?
The love story is build on trust and respect. We get a great set up on Montgomery and Grace, who they are before the testing starts and they are a perfect match despite the class and money difference
The atmosphere is choc full of suspense and OTT characters.
If you are easily triggered be warned this is a heavy message read about the quest for power, privilege and sexual power games
There are more members to be initiated and the next book in the series have characters that are very intriguing and mysterious
Can’t wait for the next one
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is centered around a mega wealthy cultish inner circle that keeps you intrigued and on the edge of your seat - what kinky sadistic trial awaits our heroes?
The love story is build on trust and respect. We get a great set up on Montgomery and Grace, who they are before the testing starts and they are a perfect match despite the class and money difference
The atmosphere is choc full of suspense and OTT characters.
If you are easily triggered be warned this is a heavy message read about the quest for power, privilege and sexual power games
There are more members to be initiated and the next book in the series have characters that are very intriguing and mysterious
Can’t wait for the next one
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2020
Oh my gosh!! Loved this book! Thankyou @kailey for recommending this to me! Kept me up all night like you!
August 22, 2020
We are taken to the dark side of the rich! Poor Grace has had a terrible life and has been given a chance to get out of her poor situation. On her journey, she meets Montgomery, who is her companion on the way... They both are strong, loyal and lovable characters, you are routing for them to succeed. Yeah but I hated Montgamory's Dad, that guy is a piece of shit!!!!
This is not a comfortable read sometimes, as it has a lot of dark themes --> BDSM and Sub/Dom situation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is not a comfortable read sometimes, as it has a lot of dark themes --> BDSM and Sub/Dom situation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2020
Montgomery And Grace’s Story Is Sinfully Dark And Dangerous, Yet Surprisingly Sweet and Tender!
This book appears to be the first in a six-part series. A number of characters are introduced and the set-up is complex, so I have summarized it here to serve as a quick reference.
Darlington County, Georgia is home to the state’s most affluent men and steeped in Southern charm and tradition. The historic Oleander Manor is home to tradition that goes back generations. It is owned by the Order of the Silver Ghost, a society of powerful and influential men. They don’t frown upon inviting new money to join, though their ranks are filled with old. These men represent sin, lies, and obsession. The atmosphere at the manor drips with malice, revenge, and corruption. They are blue-blood, and they pass their dark lifestyle on from one generation to the next. They operate under a law book, and ten Elders lead them through their various ceremonies and rituals.
As the story opens, six recruits into the Order of the Silver Ghost are gathered at the manor. All are graduates of Darlington Preparatory Academy seven years ago. All work for their fathers. All turn twenty-five this year – the year that they become eligible to become members of the Order. Once they earn membership and the key passing ceremony takes place, the laws dictate that they take the reins of their family empires. All are committed to doing whatever it takes to maintain their wealth and continue the blue-blood legacy. Growing up, they had been permitted to participate in certain of the trials and events as spectators, so they have some ideas as to what to expect. They are all nervous, wondering if the trials will change them forever. It begins with a Ghost Ball, where a belle is chosen by the recruit and approved by the Order. In the following 109 days, the recruit is hunkered in at Oleander with his belle. During that time, the Order works to break her.
Montgomery Kingston is the guest of honor for the evening. This book is his Trial of Initiation. He is the first of the group’s graduating class to turn twenty-five and go through the trials. He is a pretty boy and loves his mama. He was captain of the football team, top of his class, and has worked tirelessly to grow the family business. His is listed in Forbes as one of the wealthiest men under the age of thirty. His father is one of the Elders of the Order. As such, Montgomery is expected to help run the Order one day.
Sully VanDoren will be the next to go through the trials. He doesn’t buy into the tradition. He hates anything to do with high society and Southern charm, so it isn’t surprising that he left Darlington years ago. Pessimistic and unhappy to be forced to participate, he reluctantly goes along because he will do what it takes to get the keys to his father’s kingdom.
Beau Radcliffe is the third recruit. Little is yet known of him.
Walker St. Claire is much like Montgomery. He was born and raised to be a Southern gentleman. His father is one of the Elders of the Order. Like Montgomery, Walker is expected to help run the Order one day.
Emmett Washington is a busy man, and attending Order gatherings is a waste of his precious time. He considers the trials to be a sick tradition. He is from new money and works hard to keep and increase that money. His father joined the Order over a decade ago.
Rafe Jackson is similar to Emmett. He doesn’t want to waste his time with the trials. He works the hardest of the group because his wealth is newer and not well-established. Keeping among the ranks of the wealthy is a daily struggle. He is stubborn and the most driven of the group. He will stop at nothing to be amongst his peers and in the Order.
*Spoilers* Although no overarching scheme is shared, after reading the first book it appears there could possibly be an end goal relating to the Order. Additionally, the initiation lasts 109 days, but no reason is given for it. Since the men involved work for their fathers, and the women are dirt poor and desperate, it conceivably works. But the majority of the time is spent in between events, which appear to be held only on the weekends. There doesn’t seem to be any reason for the couple to remain during the week. A two week intensive initiation, for example, might make more sense. Moreover, if the Order indeed sees the belles as non-marriageable, then it does not make sense for the men to spend so much time alone with a woman they are not expected to ever respect or love. So much time together, alone, breaks down barriers and encourages attachment. Finally, the open request given to the belles feels odd – certainly there should be some limits set.
In this book:
Montgomery Kingston, twenty-five, is beginning his dreaded and unavoidable initiation into the Order of the Silver Ghost. It is the only way for him to join the society and to be given the keys to his father’s empire. Montgomery is the sixth powerful generation of Kingstons. He has a different relationship with each of his parents, Edward and Edith. He has never gotten along with his father, and it is doubtful that his father will be pleased with turning over the keys. Montgomery works for him, helping to run the business. While the company has never been squeaky clean, his father’s recent activity is arrogant and careless. Montgomery wants the keys to the empire so that he can clean up the company and bring it to new heights of success, and the only way to achieve that is by successfully getting through the dreaded initiation. Montgomery loves his mother, and though he cannot be open with her about everything relating to the Order, she certainly knows enough. Montgomery has had girlfriends, of course, but one night stands and such are not his cup of tea. His mother kindly calms his nerves about leaving for his initiation by reminding him that the girls are there for their own reasons, too, and he should not let guilt get in his way. His father’s way of advice is to remind him that the girls aren’t marriageable material and not to get attached.
Grace Magnolia Morgan, twenty-three, lives in a dead-end life in a dead-end small town in Georgia, but she wants more. She doesn’t want to fall into her mother’s footsteps, and she wants out of her trailer park existence. She had a few boyfriends in high school, and now has a live-in boyfriend. Kyle doesn’t seem to be able to keep a job more than six months, though, and recently has taken to living off of Grace’s hard work and playing video games. But Grace has a goal. She dreams of running her own restaurant, one with a sense of community. Toward that effort, she has been working on her education and is nearly done with her business degree. She is also saving money to secure a loan. There aren’t too many options for employment in her small town. It took her months to secure her position as a waitress at Bill’s Diner, where creepy men hit on the waitresses and sometimes feel entitled to a pinch. In her limited experience, Grace questions whether any man worth respecting exists out there. Especially after everything that happened to on this day. But as she tries to get through the evening shift without falling apart, an older man in a tuxedo offers her an opportunity that sounds too good to be true. She doesn’t believe it is real, but her friend and coworker Delilah insists that she accept.
Montgomery and Grace meet in the most unconventional of ways. Grace is chosen as his belle, and they are essentially sequestered together for 109 days with an occasional trial. Although the belle is sometimes made out to be a prostitute, the men going through the initiation are also there for financial gain. They are essentially on even moral ground. Montgomery and Grace understand this, and neither presumes there is anything between them beyond going through the motions for 109 days. But as those days pass by, they get to know one another and their feelings begin to feel real. Grace shows strength, maturity, and determination when accepts the invitation and the opportunity it presents. Though reluctant, Montgomery also shows determination to endure the trials. He thinks strategically.
Montgomery and Grace’s story is sinfully dark and dangerous, yet surprisingly sweet and tender. The carefully detailed description takes the reader deep into the world of the Order. The old guard is mysterious, and though draped in tradition, members have room enough for interference. The initiation is a test of will, a test of mental strength more so than anything else. As they begin, Montgomery worries that they will be ruined by the experience. As they are thus tested, Montgomery and Grace show great restraint and respect for one another. It is wonderful to see that amidst such depravity, and despite what they agree to endure for the end goal, they do not succumb to corruption. Montgomery’s strength and restraint are remarkable given his upbringing and the respect he has desperately sought to earn from his father. Grace is not the typical Southern belle that Montgomery grew up around, but her willingness to work hard and to improve herself give her strength of character that exceeds his expectations in a woman. Montgomery’s gentleman-like manners earn Grace’s respect. The couple eventually earns a happy ending.
A few issues merit mention. *Spoilers* First, one Order member shows kindness to the couple, but given the nature of the Order and its activities, and the activities that same member partakes in, it is unclear why the member would be inclined to show any favor. Next, long lapses of time pass that include initiation activities, but it is difficult to grasp what the couple might have endured or gone through because there are no specific references. It is difficult to judge where the couple stands with no understanding of what they endured. And after three months of activities, it is hard to imagine that worse activities, or activities designed to bring tension between Montgomery and Grace, were not forced upon them. Nevertheless, the story works if the lapses in time are overlooked.
Montgomery and Grace’s story of Southern charm and secret societies captivates. The story is beautifully written and plot-driven. It is complex. The characters are carefully crafted and realistic. Thrown together in a sequence of sick ceremonies and activities, Montgomery and Grace work together to stay sane and reach the end, no matter what it takes. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Montgomery and Grace; the epilogue is in Sully VanDoren’s POV. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book appears to be the first in a six-part series. A number of characters are introduced and the set-up is complex, so I have summarized it here to serve as a quick reference.
Darlington County, Georgia is home to the state’s most affluent men and steeped in Southern charm and tradition. The historic Oleander Manor is home to tradition that goes back generations. It is owned by the Order of the Silver Ghost, a society of powerful and influential men. They don’t frown upon inviting new money to join, though their ranks are filled with old. These men represent sin, lies, and obsession. The atmosphere at the manor drips with malice, revenge, and corruption. They are blue-blood, and they pass their dark lifestyle on from one generation to the next. They operate under a law book, and ten Elders lead them through their various ceremonies and rituals.
As the story opens, six recruits into the Order of the Silver Ghost are gathered at the manor. All are graduates of Darlington Preparatory Academy seven years ago. All work for their fathers. All turn twenty-five this year – the year that they become eligible to become members of the Order. Once they earn membership and the key passing ceremony takes place, the laws dictate that they take the reins of their family empires. All are committed to doing whatever it takes to maintain their wealth and continue the blue-blood legacy. Growing up, they had been permitted to participate in certain of the trials and events as spectators, so they have some ideas as to what to expect. They are all nervous, wondering if the trials will change them forever. It begins with a Ghost Ball, where a belle is chosen by the recruit and approved by the Order. In the following 109 days, the recruit is hunkered in at Oleander with his belle. During that time, the Order works to break her.
Montgomery Kingston is the guest of honor for the evening. This book is his Trial of Initiation. He is the first of the group’s graduating class to turn twenty-five and go through the trials. He is a pretty boy and loves his mama. He was captain of the football team, top of his class, and has worked tirelessly to grow the family business. His is listed in Forbes as one of the wealthiest men under the age of thirty. His father is one of the Elders of the Order. As such, Montgomery is expected to help run the Order one day.
Sully VanDoren will be the next to go through the trials. He doesn’t buy into the tradition. He hates anything to do with high society and Southern charm, so it isn’t surprising that he left Darlington years ago. Pessimistic and unhappy to be forced to participate, he reluctantly goes along because he will do what it takes to get the keys to his father’s kingdom.
Beau Radcliffe is the third recruit. Little is yet known of him.
Walker St. Claire is much like Montgomery. He was born and raised to be a Southern gentleman. His father is one of the Elders of the Order. Like Montgomery, Walker is expected to help run the Order one day.
Emmett Washington is a busy man, and attending Order gatherings is a waste of his precious time. He considers the trials to be a sick tradition. He is from new money and works hard to keep and increase that money. His father joined the Order over a decade ago.
Rafe Jackson is similar to Emmett. He doesn’t want to waste his time with the trials. He works the hardest of the group because his wealth is newer and not well-established. Keeping among the ranks of the wealthy is a daily struggle. He is stubborn and the most driven of the group. He will stop at nothing to be amongst his peers and in the Order.
*Spoilers* Although no overarching scheme is shared, after reading the first book it appears there could possibly be an end goal relating to the Order. Additionally, the initiation lasts 109 days, but no reason is given for it. Since the men involved work for their fathers, and the women are dirt poor and desperate, it conceivably works. But the majority of the time is spent in between events, which appear to be held only on the weekends. There doesn’t seem to be any reason for the couple to remain during the week. A two week intensive initiation, for example, might make more sense. Moreover, if the Order indeed sees the belles as non-marriageable, then it does not make sense for the men to spend so much time alone with a woman they are not expected to ever respect or love. So much time together, alone, breaks down barriers and encourages attachment. Finally, the open request given to the belles feels odd – certainly there should be some limits set.
In this book:
Montgomery Kingston, twenty-five, is beginning his dreaded and unavoidable initiation into the Order of the Silver Ghost. It is the only way for him to join the society and to be given the keys to his father’s empire. Montgomery is the sixth powerful generation of Kingstons. He has a different relationship with each of his parents, Edward and Edith. He has never gotten along with his father, and it is doubtful that his father will be pleased with turning over the keys. Montgomery works for him, helping to run the business. While the company has never been squeaky clean, his father’s recent activity is arrogant and careless. Montgomery wants the keys to the empire so that he can clean up the company and bring it to new heights of success, and the only way to achieve that is by successfully getting through the dreaded initiation. Montgomery loves his mother, and though he cannot be open with her about everything relating to the Order, she certainly knows enough. Montgomery has had girlfriends, of course, but one night stands and such are not his cup of tea. His mother kindly calms his nerves about leaving for his initiation by reminding him that the girls are there for their own reasons, too, and he should not let guilt get in his way. His father’s way of advice is to remind him that the girls aren’t marriageable material and not to get attached.
Grace Magnolia Morgan, twenty-three, lives in a dead-end life in a dead-end small town in Georgia, but she wants more. She doesn’t want to fall into her mother’s footsteps, and she wants out of her trailer park existence. She had a few boyfriends in high school, and now has a live-in boyfriend. Kyle doesn’t seem to be able to keep a job more than six months, though, and recently has taken to living off of Grace’s hard work and playing video games. But Grace has a goal. She dreams of running her own restaurant, one with a sense of community. Toward that effort, she has been working on her education and is nearly done with her business degree. She is also saving money to secure a loan. There aren’t too many options for employment in her small town. It took her months to secure her position as a waitress at Bill’s Diner, where creepy men hit on the waitresses and sometimes feel entitled to a pinch. In her limited experience, Grace questions whether any man worth respecting exists out there. Especially after everything that happened to on this day. But as she tries to get through the evening shift without falling apart, an older man in a tuxedo offers her an opportunity that sounds too good to be true. She doesn’t believe it is real, but her friend and coworker Delilah insists that she accept.
Montgomery and Grace meet in the most unconventional of ways. Grace is chosen as his belle, and they are essentially sequestered together for 109 days with an occasional trial. Although the belle is sometimes made out to be a prostitute, the men going through the initiation are also there for financial gain. They are essentially on even moral ground. Montgomery and Grace understand this, and neither presumes there is anything between them beyond going through the motions for 109 days. But as those days pass by, they get to know one another and their feelings begin to feel real. Grace shows strength, maturity, and determination when accepts the invitation and the opportunity it presents. Though reluctant, Montgomery also shows determination to endure the trials. He thinks strategically.
Montgomery and Grace’s story is sinfully dark and dangerous, yet surprisingly sweet and tender. The carefully detailed description takes the reader deep into the world of the Order. The old guard is mysterious, and though draped in tradition, members have room enough for interference. The initiation is a test of will, a test of mental strength more so than anything else. As they begin, Montgomery worries that they will be ruined by the experience. As they are thus tested, Montgomery and Grace show great restraint and respect for one another. It is wonderful to see that amidst such depravity, and despite what they agree to endure for the end goal, they do not succumb to corruption. Montgomery’s strength and restraint are remarkable given his upbringing and the respect he has desperately sought to earn from his father. Grace is not the typical Southern belle that Montgomery grew up around, but her willingness to work hard and to improve herself give her strength of character that exceeds his expectations in a woman. Montgomery’s gentleman-like manners earn Grace’s respect. The couple eventually earns a happy ending.
A few issues merit mention. *Spoilers* First, one Order member shows kindness to the couple, but given the nature of the Order and its activities, and the activities that same member partakes in, it is unclear why the member would be inclined to show any favor. Next, long lapses of time pass that include initiation activities, but it is difficult to grasp what the couple might have endured or gone through because there are no specific references. It is difficult to judge where the couple stands with no understanding of what they endured. And after three months of activities, it is hard to imagine that worse activities, or activities designed to bring tension between Montgomery and Grace, were not forced upon them. Nevertheless, the story works if the lapses in time are overlooked.
Montgomery and Grace’s story of Southern charm and secret societies captivates. The story is beautifully written and plot-driven. It is complex. The characters are carefully crafted and realistic. Thrown together in a sequence of sick ceremonies and activities, Montgomery and Grace work together to stay sane and reach the end, no matter what it takes. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Montgomery and Grace; the epilogue is in Sully VanDoren’s POV. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2022
3.5 stars
Would’ve been 4 but the ending felt rushed and hence the drop in stars.
Would’ve been 4 but the ending felt rushed and hence the drop in stars.
Want to read
March 19, 2021
→ On sale for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
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Blurb:
There is nothing more dangerous than a secret…
It is how the powerful survive.
They spin their influence in the shadows as their sins corrupt the innocent.
And I, Montgomery Kingston, am one of them.
The elite.
The chosen.
It is my inherited fate to claim a place among one of the most secret societies of them all…
The Order of the Silver Ghost.
It is her fate to be my sacrifice on the altar of wealth and seduction of riches.
Tonight, my belle of the ball will dance with the devil and by morning, I will have broken her.
For my initiation is a ritual steeped in a dark and twisted tradition of elegant sins.
As I said, secrets are dangerous…
But then again, so is love
Merged review:
→ On sale for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←
→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←
Blurb:
There is nothing more dangerous than a secret…
It is how the powerful survive.
They spin their influence in the shadows as their sins corrupt the innocent.
And I, Montgomery Kingston, am one of them.
The elite.
The chosen.
It is my inherited fate to claim a place among one of the most secret societies of them all…
The Order of the Silver Ghost.
It is her fate to be my sacrifice on the altar of wealth and seduction of riches.
Tonight, my belle of the ball will dance with the devil and by morning, I will have broken her.
For my initiation is a ritual steeped in a dark and twisted tradition of elegant sins.
As I said, secrets are dangerous…
But then again, so is love
September 11, 2020
Stasia Black is one of the most underrated indie erotic romance writers out there. I loved this sinful story and while it was sick and twisted at times, I appreciate Montgomery's character and Grace's strength. This book had an interesting premise and a great follow through. I was interested the entire time.
December 2, 2020
Montgomery was raised in an affluent lifestyle and he has always known what was expected of him. If he is to claim his position as heir to the family empire he needs to not only become a member of The Order of The Silver Ghost but pass the test they have devised for him. He has 109 days to show that he is worthy and that means proving his mastery over Grace.
Grace couldn’t be more different from Montgomery. She works a minimum wage job as she tries to better her life, but it is a constant fight. Receiving an invitation could open the door to the life she wants to lead however she must get through the next 109 days first.
Both find themselves in situation they would rather not be part of but between his protective instincts and her strength and resilience they may just find out that together they can accomplish anything. I thought the narrators did a great job with the characters as you could feel how conflicted they both were about the situation they founds themselves in and their feelings for each other.
Grace couldn’t be more different from Montgomery. She works a minimum wage job as she tries to better her life, but it is a constant fight. Receiving an invitation could open the door to the life she wants to lead however she must get through the next 109 days first.
Both find themselves in situation they would rather not be part of but between his protective instincts and her strength and resilience they may just find out that together they can accomplish anything. I thought the narrators did a great job with the characters as you could feel how conflicted they both were about the situation they founds themselves in and their feelings for each other.
September 7, 2021
This is the first book in what looks like will be series of blue blooded southern gentlemen becoming initiated into a secret club that their fathers and forefathers belonged to, when they turn 25. The initiation rituals are of a high degree of debauchery.
You will love Montgomery because he is a true gentleman. I liked that his protective and possessive instincts were always high. The rituals were out of character for him, but he had Grace. To make him even more swoon worthy, he visited his mom every Sunday.
Grace was the waitress that lived in a trailer who got invited to the initiation. What I liked about her is she knew when to let something go or when to fight for it. She was less experienced than Montgomery in the carnal arts. She was a strong and independent woman that could not be broken by a process that was designed to do just that.
The story and the plot twists are very well done. The dialogue is so smooth and effortless which is very important in a book told for both perspectives. I say, “read this book”.
You will love Montgomery because he is a true gentleman. I liked that his protective and possessive instincts were always high. The rituals were out of character for him, but he had Grace. To make him even more swoon worthy, he visited his mom every Sunday.
Grace was the waitress that lived in a trailer who got invited to the initiation. What I liked about her is she knew when to let something go or when to fight for it. She was less experienced than Montgomery in the carnal arts. She was a strong and independent woman that could not be broken by a process that was designed to do just that.
The story and the plot twists are very well done. The dialogue is so smooth and effortless which is very important in a book told for both perspectives. I say, “read this book”.
January 25, 2021
Ok I’m beginning this book because secret society’s are soooo ...duh secret hahaha and sexy I’ll confess , and this book looks all ...you know with a sexy air? Well something like this hahahaha .
Damn this is what ? The first paragraph of the book and I’m already in love , seriously filthy rich bastard ? They are my type, yeah , yeah I know ...what a horrible taste in man I have hahaha but what can I do ? I always liked the bad ones more , and seeing that yes the guy looks like he knows he is one of the elite of society but he isn’t apologizing about it like a “good guy” , this makes me think he is like a anti-hero , and he is more like damn it all to hell because only the privileged understand the privileged . Hahaha LOVING IT .
So we have Grace ...she looks like a hard working young woman hahaha damn I’m speaking like my grands now , she has a boyfriend that is a loser ,damn this will make the things sooo easy for Montgomery... ok we will call him Mont now because is more easy but seriously now , looks like she has a ....mediocre life , with her loser , jobless boyfriend and she working like crazy to gain money enough to sustain both of them it’s kind of sad .
What a b*tch!! C’mon baby never accept less than you deserve. F*ck looks like Grace’s life is even more ...uh? Miserable her friend was hit by her boyfriend and says it wasn’t his fault , her mother was like this too ...looks like she really lives in some kind of purgatory where woman has just to accept everything that happens and live with losers , not so far away from reality you know ...
Yeah girl !!! Our girl has a brain !! I’m liking her even more but ...her friend? damn it I’m astonished with the things Delilah says ...seriously.
Whoa this gave me goosebumps hahaha but sweetheart you have to do him fall to his knees before you . OMG our girl just got in the Order and damn it !!! This things look like some BDSM weird sh*t like WTF!? And looks like Grace will hahaha damn I can’t resist looks like Grace will well...fall from grace hahahaha .
Damn Mont isn’t a asshole ...I don’t know if I’m grateful for this or disappointed hahaha but I think it’s good , if he was a real asshole I don’t think I could like him , not in this creep and weird situation.
Poor guy seriously , Grace isn’t comfortable but he isn’t either so this is good . He’s even trying to make her comfortable getting naked too hahaha he’s confidence is hot I won’t lie , we have a golden boy here ,thank goddess. Damn my inner feminist relationship hopes that Grace knock this old f*ck off seriously!! The dinner ? Damn it !! Mont is a angel but these other f*ckers ? Damn them . Ok I’m not normally in this BDSM sh*t and I don’t even know if this is what it is but ....this book is HOT .
I love the chapters that are from Mont’s view, we can better understand his thoughts and how he’s f*cked because he obviously is falling for Grace hahaha. And guys Grace is a force to be recognized, I’m seriously Mont is strong and all but Grace ? I don’t think he could do this without her .
Ok ... I finished the book and was ok ... I won’t lie I was expecting MORE something more epic...idk , just lacked something like why you go for all that just to ...have a HEA that is pretty vanilla ? Grace could have asked to enter the Order and we could have more books about them wrecking havoc and all that but ... will be a book of each guy ? Damn what a ...deception, because I think this will start to be pretty predictable.
“Blue-blood lineage had a stench so thick and suffocating that only a true disciple could recognize the smell. It reeked of elegant sins, beautiful lies, and opulent obsessions. The odor dripped with inherited malice, the delicate revenge exacted by the super-privileged on whomever they deemed lesser, and the lavish corruption born of centuries with no one to answer to but themselves”
Damn this is what ? The first paragraph of the book and I’m already in love , seriously filthy rich bastard ? They are my type, yeah , yeah I know ...what a horrible taste in man I have hahaha but what can I do ? I always liked the bad ones more , and seeing that yes the guy looks like he knows he is one of the elite of society but he isn’t apologizing about it like a “good guy” , this makes me think he is like a anti-hero , and he is more like damn it all to hell because only the privileged understand the privileged . Hahaha LOVING IT .
“As I walked down the long halls of Oleander Manor, I breathed in the redolence of expensive bourbon, coveted cigars, and the intoxicating perfume of secret mistresses of times past as well as times present. And although many would be intimidated by such a refined aura, I was at home with it.
Elite.
It was who I was.”
So we have Grace ...she looks like a hard working young woman hahaha damn I’m speaking like my grands now , she has a boyfriend that is a loser ,damn this will make the things sooo easy for Montgomery... ok we will call him Mont now because is more easy but seriously now , looks like she has a ....mediocre life , with her loser , jobless boyfriend and she working like crazy to gain money enough to sustain both of them it’s kind of sad .
“Delilah said. But she crossed her arms over her chest. “And someday
you’re gonna have to get down off that high horse and realize you’re just like the rest of us. Yeah, you’re super pretty, but ain’t nothing special about you, or me, or any other girl ever born in this county. We were born in the dirt and that’s where we’ll die. Reading all these books is only making you miserable about that fact.”
What a b*tch!! C’mon baby never accept less than you deserve. F*ck looks like Grace’s life is even more ...uh? Miserable her friend was hit by her boyfriend and says it wasn’t his fault , her mother was like this too ...looks like she really lives in some kind of purgatory where woman has just to accept everything that happens and live with losers , not so far away from reality you know ...
“I was smart and I wasn’t going to be a lowly waitress barely earning minimum wage all my life.”
Yeah girl !!! Our girl has a brain !! I’m liking her even more but ...her friend? damn it I’m astonished with the things Delilah says ...seriously.
“All these dumb little bastards on their power trips. Bill was the same way. Their lives were so petty, they lorded the stupidest shit they could over others and thought it made them men.
All it really did was expose how weak they were.
Give me a man worth respecting and I’d fall at his knees.
Ha. Too bad they didn’t exist”
Whoa this gave me goosebumps hahaha but sweetheart you have to do him fall to his knees before you . OMG our girl just got in the Order and damn it !!! This things look like some BDSM weird sh*t like WTF!? And looks like Grace will hahaha damn I can’t resist looks like Grace will well...fall from grace hahahaha .
Damn Mont isn’t a asshole ...I don’t know if I’m grateful for this or disappointed hahaha but I think it’s good , if he was a real asshole I don’t think I could like him , not in this creep and weird situation.
“I would be lying if I said my body didn’t react to the sight. I also would be lying if I didn’t also feel some relief when my cock hardened because I had actually considered stealing a blue pill from my father’s medicine cabinet to help me get through this night but couldn’t bring myself to do so. The last thing I needed was performance issues to occur as I fucked—or tried to fuck—in front of the Elders during my Initiation. I’d had no idea if my body would revolt or respond.
Clearly, as my pants tented, my body chose to respond regardless of the fucked up voyeuristic situation I was in”
Poor guy seriously , Grace isn’t comfortable but he isn’t either so this is good . He’s even trying to make her comfortable getting naked too hahaha he’s confidence is hot I won’t lie , we have a golden boy here ,thank goddess. Damn my inner feminist relationship hopes that Grace knock this old f*ck off seriously!! The dinner ? Damn it !! Mont is a angel but these other f*ckers ? Damn them . Ok I’m not normally in this BDSM sh*t and I don’t even know if this is what it is but ....this book is HOT .
I love the chapters that are from Mont’s view, we can better understand his thoughts and how he’s f*cked because he obviously is falling for Grace hahaha. And guys Grace is a force to be recognized, I’m seriously Mont is strong and all but Grace ? I don’t think he could do this without her .
Ok ... I finished the book and was ok ... I won’t lie I was expecting MORE something more epic...idk , just lacked something like why you go for all that just to ...have a HEA that is pretty vanilla ? Grace could have asked to enter the Order and we could have more books about them wrecking havoc and all that but ... will be a book of each guy ? Damn what a ...deception, because I think this will start to be pretty predictable.
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