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Breaking Belles #4
Inherited Malice
I’m a con artist, and I’ve got my sights set on Beau Radcliffe.
He’s dominant, arrogant, and always thinks he’s the smartest person in the room. But he made the mistake of getting way too drunk one night and telling me all about the twisted ways of the dark, mysterious secret society he was about to be initiated into.
So, I steal an invite and show up as a belle. And just like that night in the bar several months ago, Beau picks me out of the line-up to be his partner in debauchery for the next three months. I’ll get everything I ever dreamed of if I can just stick it out with him.
Beau thinks he’s in charge, making the rules of this game as we go, but he has no idea.
This is going to be fun…
He’s dominant, arrogant, and always thinks he’s the smartest person in the room. But he made the mistake of getting way too drunk one night and telling me all about the twisted ways of the dark, mysterious secret society he was about to be initiated into.
So, I steal an invite and show up as a belle. And just like that night in the bar several months ago, Beau picks me out of the line-up to be his partner in debauchery for the next three months. I’ll get everything I ever dreamed of if I can just stick it out with him.
Beau thinks he’s in charge, making the rules of this game as we go, but he has no idea.
This is going to be fun…
320 pages, ebook
First published April 12, 2021
206 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Stasia Black
76 books2,102 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
December 1, 2021
3.5/4 stars
April 4, 2021
Inherited Malice, the continuation of the secret society, and the Belles and Initiates, is a fabulous story filled with hope and dreams, but as usual it shows more of the deprivation and wicked games in these trials.
109 days the couple must spend together, completing trials and tasks that are sensual and sometimes deprived.
Abiline/Conseula and Beau are the newest couple to enter the manor but they have a past. Secrets, mistrust, and painful childhoods are revealed and motive and circumstances come into play.
Alta Hensley and Stasia Black have created a spectacular series that draw the reader in and make us want to know more about this Order
109 days the couple must spend together, completing trials and tasks that are sensual and sometimes deprived.
Abiline/Conseula and Beau are the newest couple to enter the manor but they have a past. Secrets, mistrust, and painful childhoods are revealed and motive and circumstances come into play.
Alta Hensley and Stasia Black have created a spectacular series that draw the reader in and make us want to know more about this Order
April 7, 2021
Refreshingly Different Than Earlier Books In The Series! Beau & Connie’s Sinfully Steamy Story Of Con Jobs & Self Control Takes Two Broken Souls From Opposite Sides Of The Track, Neither Of Which Grew Up With A Real Sense Of Family, And Forces Them To Take Stock Of Their Lives. As They Struggle For Power, They Begin To See An Opportunity For Real Change.
This book is the fourth in what appears to be a six-part series. A number of characters are introduced in the first book and the set-up is complex, so I have summarized it here to serve as a quick reference.
The series includes:
1. Elegant Sins (Montgomery & Grace)
2. Beautiful Lies (Sully & Portia)
3. Opulent Obsession (Rafe & Fallon; Rafe’s story overlaps with Beau’s)
4. Inherited Malice (Beau and Consuela/Abilene; Beau’s story overlaps with Rafe’s)
5. Delicate Revenge (appears to be Emmett & Bellamy’s story)
6. Lavish Corruption (appears to be Walker’s story)
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 in book one, 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.
A few issues merit mention. Although no overarching scheme is shared, it appears there could possibly be an end goal relating to the Order. Book two confirms that Montgomery has plans, but hopes to eventually make change from the inside with the help of his friends. Additionally, the initiation lasts 109 days, the length of which is explained in book two. 109 represents the Oleander’s street address. Since the men involved work for their fathers, and the women are dirt poor and desperate, the timeline conceivably works. But the majority of the time is spent in between events, which appear to be held mostly 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. Next, the open request given to the belles feels odd – certainly there should be some limits set. Finally, unless the recruits have overlapping initiations, it is not possible for them all to be initiated on their twenty-fifth birthdays. Since these six men were classmates, it would make sense that their birthdays all fall within the same year following the cutoff date for kindergarten registration in Georgia, which has long been September first. The overlap begins with books three and four. Five and six are set to overlap as well. Dates of the Trials of Initiation thus far include:
Montgomery Kingston: Saturday, September 16 – January 2.
Sullivan VanDoren: Saturday, January 18 – May 6.
Rafe Jackson: Saturday, May 10 – August 26 (but he leaves a little early).
Beau Radcliffe. Saturday, July 5 – October 21.
Since Beau left before Emmet and Walker began their initiation, it appears they might not have all been in the same grade after all.
IN THIS BOOK:
Beau Radcliffe, twenty-five, likes to play things cool and close to the vest. His entire life is carefully controlled diligently planned out. Emotions make a man weak. Inside he is on fire. He is thrilled to finally have the opportunity to join the Order like his father, though he doesn’t let on to that. He wants it all – the membership and the experiences. He is ready to take charge of the family business, though he already began that process a year ago by taking over more duties from his father. Jewels are the family business and have been for generations. Beau wants to take RJ&I, or Radcliffe Jewelers and Imports, to new levels of success. But if he fails his Initiation, the family business will be lost. He won’t ever let that happen.
Beau looks up to his father; it has always just been the two of them. His mother died from cancer when he was young, and he has very few memories of her. He and his father have their own traditions, and so many of Beau’s memories revolve around Oleander. Mrs. H was sort of like a mother figure to him. His father never liked to miss an event at the manor. He is an ambitious man, yet for some reason he never chose to rise to the rank of Elder. His father warns his that there is only so much he can do to protect him during his Trials.
What concerns Beau most about the Initiation is the time wasted between the Trials. He is a busy man, but conducting business remotely isn’t always as effective as face to face. Beau is great at reading people, but that doesn’t translate well to phone calls. Likewise, his intimidating demeanor and magnetism won’t always come across as strongly when not looking someone in the eyes. Spending so much time with a belle will also be a challenge, since he isn’t great with relationships. Beau keeps mostly to himself. Montgomery advises him to work with his belle as a team in order to reach the end, but teamwork isn’t really Beau’s thing. He likes to control and dominate.
Consuela Borden is a con artist. She really cannot help herself – some people are just easy marks. She had been bounced around from group homes and foster homes from the age of six after her mother took her own life. Her father had left before that. Connie had suffered from anxiety, which made her unlovable and not prime adoption material. It wasn’t until age fourteen when she met someone that really paid her any attention. Tina was a few years older, but she took Connie under her wing when they ended up in a foster home together. It was from Tina that she learned to shoplift and eventually pull cons. Tina was like family to her. They were supposed to have been sisters for life, but Connie learned the hard way that everybody leaves. Nobody can be trusted.
Which was just as well, since Tina had been more invested in the grifting lifestyle than Connie ever had been. Tina ghosted her when she was nineteen. And with hindsight Connie saw that Tina had just used her until it was no longer convenient. Now Connie has a good resume with steady work, but it is hard to get by. Every so often a worthy mark comes along, a real jerk, and she Connie decides to level the playing field a little. But she sees one last job on the horizon, and then she will leave her grifting days in the past. The Order can offer her any wish, which is exactly what she needs. She wants the Radcliffe name and all the privilege that comes with it. She knows Beau’s type – fiery redheads – and is convinced that she will be his choice if only she can secure an invitation.
Beau and Connie’s story is refreshingly different than the earlier stories. Beau’s cold and controlling ways often make him come across as a real jerk. But beyond her looks, Connie’s confidence and strength capture his attention. They enjoy a casual relationship, carefully defined, and indulge in a little dominance and submission to pass the time. Their agreement is meant to keep things from getting messy, more like a business relationship, but Beau finds himself breaking his own rules. He doesn’t know that Connie has some secrets that could blow everything up for both of them. As Beau learns one layer of her deception, he struggles with what to believe. His entire world could change as a result, and it takes great faith and his natural ability to read people before he begins to pull himself together and plan a way forward. His reaction, though perhaps warranted, is harsh and shocking. It is also characteristic of his reputation to be a jerk. But that just makes Connie have second thoughts about what she wants out of her participation in the Initiation. The pair later forms a deep and real connection, but with the possibility of the secrets spilling, the idea of a future together is tenuous at best. It is fascinating to see Beau turn on and off like a switch. He undergoes a transformation of sorts in the latter half of the book, which makes him rather adorable. The couple eventually finds a happy ending, but not necessarily the ending they had anticipated.
Note that the epilogue hints at the next book in the series, which promises to change things up a little, too. Debutante Bellamy was Montgomery’s old cotillion partner. She comes from one of the great families in Darlington, but few know the secret the family hides. Belles are typically from unknown families with little means, but that won’t exactly be the case if Bellamy secures a ticket to Emmett’s Initiation. She is tired of rules and being a good girl, and she definitely won’t attend with the goal of finding a husband.
There are a few issues that merit mention. *Spoilers* The passage of time is once again problematic in this story. The entire premise that Connie is pregnant doesn’t stand up, unfortunately. She expected to be naked most of the time, so later on there will be no way to hide her condition from the Order. With a May first conception date, she is nine or ten weeks along when the Initiation begins. She would be twenty-five weeks pregnant when the Initiation ends on October twenty-first, over five months along. As the timeline progresses, it is stated that they have not been there long right before the scene with Rafe in the cemetery (which may be about a month into it). Yet two Trials later it states that their time is almost over. Then it says Connie has six months to go, which means she is only three months pregnant, which then means they have only been there about one month; yet all things point to them being there about two months at that time which makes her about four months pregnant with five months to go. But then Connie’s doctor appointment puts her at twelve weeks along, which is told in past tense one and a half weeks later. So she is thirteen and a half weeks, which makes it the middle of the first week of August. They would have been there just about one month. Suddenly they jump forward to less than one month left, which puts them at late September, roughly twenty-once weeks pregnant. Things settle down for about two weeks. When the Order finally addresses them again, it is probably two weeks before the official end of the Trials. Robe or not, Connie’s condition would have been increasingly obvious to the Order over the past weeks, as her naked state couldn’t hide the gradual but steady changes to her body. The storyline is great, but the timeline fails to pass the test.
*Spoilers* In another point, Montgomery seems to have won a victory of sorts in one of the initiations, yet I have a hard time deciding if it was really much of a victory at all. In some ways it is worse than the old tradition. The event lasts longer and involves more people – and some are rather perverted. I also think it is more personal than the earlier version. And invasive. I am not convinced it was a victory. If this is the kind of change Montgomery has in mind for the Oder, it doesn’t look like much will change at all. In fact, this also encourages acts of perversion more so than the earlier version. Next, Beau doesn’t typically do one night stands, but he also doesn’t really do relationships. This is a little confusing. It would have helped if it were further clarified. As it is, the only dating history given is his one drunken and uncharacteristic night with Connie, but he doesn’t seem to lack experience. Further, Beau is surprised by the debauchery and group activity in one Trial, but it doesn’t ring true since most of the Trials to that point and in general admittedly included some level of this type of spectacle. He also complains about watching men, but again it has been happening since his first night. Finally, there is a Trial in which Mrs. H enters which completely took me by surprise. That she had been watching and waiting is a little uncomfortable but also funny.
Beau and Connie’s sinfully steamy story of con jobs and self control takes two broken souls from opposite side of the track, neither of which grew up with a real sense of family, and forces them to take stock of their lives. As they struggle for power, they begin to see an opportunity for real change. The story is nicely written and plot-driven. It is complex. The characters are carefully crafted and realistic. Thrown together in a sequence of sick ceremonies and activities, Beau and Connie try to survive without breaking. Fans will be happy that new Order members Montgomery Kingston and Rafe Jackson have small roles in this book. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Beau and Consuela; the epilogue is in Bellamy Carmichael��s POV. I rate this book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is the fourth in what appears to be a six-part series. A number of characters are introduced in the first book and the set-up is complex, so I have summarized it here to serve as a quick reference.
The series includes:
1. Elegant Sins (Montgomery & Grace)
2. Beautiful Lies (Sully & Portia)
3. Opulent Obsession (Rafe & Fallon; Rafe’s story overlaps with Beau’s)
4. Inherited Malice (Beau and Consuela/Abilene; Beau’s story overlaps with Rafe’s)
5. Delicate Revenge (appears to be Emmett & Bellamy’s story)
6. Lavish Corruption (appears to be Walker’s story)
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 in book one, 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.
A few issues merit mention. Although no overarching scheme is shared, it appears there could possibly be an end goal relating to the Order. Book two confirms that Montgomery has plans, but hopes to eventually make change from the inside with the help of his friends. Additionally, the initiation lasts 109 days, the length of which is explained in book two. 109 represents the Oleander’s street address. Since the men involved work for their fathers, and the women are dirt poor and desperate, the timeline conceivably works. But the majority of the time is spent in between events, which appear to be held mostly 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. Next, the open request given to the belles feels odd – certainly there should be some limits set. Finally, unless the recruits have overlapping initiations, it is not possible for them all to be initiated on their twenty-fifth birthdays. Since these six men were classmates, it would make sense that their birthdays all fall within the same year following the cutoff date for kindergarten registration in Georgia, which has long been September first. The overlap begins with books three and four. Five and six are set to overlap as well. Dates of the Trials of Initiation thus far include:
Montgomery Kingston: Saturday, September 16 – January 2.
Sullivan VanDoren: Saturday, January 18 – May 6.
Rafe Jackson: Saturday, May 10 – August 26 (but he leaves a little early).
Beau Radcliffe. Saturday, July 5 – October 21.
Since Beau left before Emmet and Walker began their initiation, it appears they might not have all been in the same grade after all.
IN THIS BOOK:
Beau Radcliffe, twenty-five, likes to play things cool and close to the vest. His entire life is carefully controlled diligently planned out. Emotions make a man weak. Inside he is on fire. He is thrilled to finally have the opportunity to join the Order like his father, though he doesn’t let on to that. He wants it all – the membership and the experiences. He is ready to take charge of the family business, though he already began that process a year ago by taking over more duties from his father. Jewels are the family business and have been for generations. Beau wants to take RJ&I, or Radcliffe Jewelers and Imports, to new levels of success. But if he fails his Initiation, the family business will be lost. He won’t ever let that happen.
Beau looks up to his father; it has always just been the two of them. His mother died from cancer when he was young, and he has very few memories of her. He and his father have their own traditions, and so many of Beau’s memories revolve around Oleander. Mrs. H was sort of like a mother figure to him. His father never liked to miss an event at the manor. He is an ambitious man, yet for some reason he never chose to rise to the rank of Elder. His father warns his that there is only so much he can do to protect him during his Trials.
What concerns Beau most about the Initiation is the time wasted between the Trials. He is a busy man, but conducting business remotely isn’t always as effective as face to face. Beau is great at reading people, but that doesn’t translate well to phone calls. Likewise, his intimidating demeanor and magnetism won’t always come across as strongly when not looking someone in the eyes. Spending so much time with a belle will also be a challenge, since he isn’t great with relationships. Beau keeps mostly to himself. Montgomery advises him to work with his belle as a team in order to reach the end, but teamwork isn’t really Beau’s thing. He likes to control and dominate.
Consuela Borden is a con artist. She really cannot help herself – some people are just easy marks. She had been bounced around from group homes and foster homes from the age of six after her mother took her own life. Her father had left before that. Connie had suffered from anxiety, which made her unlovable and not prime adoption material. It wasn’t until age fourteen when she met someone that really paid her any attention. Tina was a few years older, but she took Connie under her wing when they ended up in a foster home together. It was from Tina that she learned to shoplift and eventually pull cons. Tina was like family to her. They were supposed to have been sisters for life, but Connie learned the hard way that everybody leaves. Nobody can be trusted.
Which was just as well, since Tina had been more invested in the grifting lifestyle than Connie ever had been. Tina ghosted her when she was nineteen. And with hindsight Connie saw that Tina had just used her until it was no longer convenient. Now Connie has a good resume with steady work, but it is hard to get by. Every so often a worthy mark comes along, a real jerk, and she Connie decides to level the playing field a little. But she sees one last job on the horizon, and then she will leave her grifting days in the past. The Order can offer her any wish, which is exactly what she needs. She wants the Radcliffe name and all the privilege that comes with it. She knows Beau’s type – fiery redheads – and is convinced that she will be his choice if only she can secure an invitation.
Beau and Connie’s story is refreshingly different than the earlier stories. Beau’s cold and controlling ways often make him come across as a real jerk. But beyond her looks, Connie’s confidence and strength capture his attention. They enjoy a casual relationship, carefully defined, and indulge in a little dominance and submission to pass the time. Their agreement is meant to keep things from getting messy, more like a business relationship, but Beau finds himself breaking his own rules. He doesn’t know that Connie has some secrets that could blow everything up for both of them. As Beau learns one layer of her deception, he struggles with what to believe. His entire world could change as a result, and it takes great faith and his natural ability to read people before he begins to pull himself together and plan a way forward. His reaction, though perhaps warranted, is harsh and shocking. It is also characteristic of his reputation to be a jerk. But that just makes Connie have second thoughts about what she wants out of her participation in the Initiation. The pair later forms a deep and real connection, but with the possibility of the secrets spilling, the idea of a future together is tenuous at best. It is fascinating to see Beau turn on and off like a switch. He undergoes a transformation of sorts in the latter half of the book, which makes him rather adorable. The couple eventually finds a happy ending, but not necessarily the ending they had anticipated.
Note that the epilogue hints at the next book in the series, which promises to change things up a little, too. Debutante Bellamy was Montgomery’s old cotillion partner. She comes from one of the great families in Darlington, but few know the secret the family hides. Belles are typically from unknown families with little means, but that won’t exactly be the case if Bellamy secures a ticket to Emmett’s Initiation. She is tired of rules and being a good girl, and she definitely won’t attend with the goal of finding a husband.
There are a few issues that merit mention. *Spoilers* The passage of time is once again problematic in this story. The entire premise that Connie is pregnant doesn’t stand up, unfortunately. She expected to be naked most of the time, so later on there will be no way to hide her condition from the Order. With a May first conception date, she is nine or ten weeks along when the Initiation begins. She would be twenty-five weeks pregnant when the Initiation ends on October twenty-first, over five months along. As the timeline progresses, it is stated that they have not been there long right before the scene with Rafe in the cemetery (which may be about a month into it). Yet two Trials later it states that their time is almost over. Then it says Connie has six months to go, which means she is only three months pregnant, which then means they have only been there about one month; yet all things point to them being there about two months at that time which makes her about four months pregnant with five months to go. But then Connie’s doctor appointment puts her at twelve weeks along, which is told in past tense one and a half weeks later. So she is thirteen and a half weeks, which makes it the middle of the first week of August. They would have been there just about one month. Suddenly they jump forward to less than one month left, which puts them at late September, roughly twenty-once weeks pregnant. Things settle down for about two weeks. When the Order finally addresses them again, it is probably two weeks before the official end of the Trials. Robe or not, Connie’s condition would have been increasingly obvious to the Order over the past weeks, as her naked state couldn’t hide the gradual but steady changes to her body. The storyline is great, but the timeline fails to pass the test.
*Spoilers* In another point, Montgomery seems to have won a victory of sorts in one of the initiations, yet I have a hard time deciding if it was really much of a victory at all. In some ways it is worse than the old tradition. The event lasts longer and involves more people – and some are rather perverted. I also think it is more personal than the earlier version. And invasive. I am not convinced it was a victory. If this is the kind of change Montgomery has in mind for the Oder, it doesn’t look like much will change at all. In fact, this also encourages acts of perversion more so than the earlier version. Next, Beau doesn’t typically do one night stands, but he also doesn’t really do relationships. This is a little confusing. It would have helped if it were further clarified. As it is, the only dating history given is his one drunken and uncharacteristic night with Connie, but he doesn’t seem to lack experience. Further, Beau is surprised by the debauchery and group activity in one Trial, but it doesn’t ring true since most of the Trials to that point and in general admittedly included some level of this type of spectacle. He also complains about watching men, but again it has been happening since his first night. Finally, there is a Trial in which Mrs. H enters which completely took me by surprise. That she had been watching and waiting is a little uncomfortable but also funny.
Beau and Connie’s sinfully steamy story of con jobs and self control takes two broken souls from opposite side of the track, neither of which grew up with a real sense of family, and forces them to take stock of their lives. As they struggle for power, they begin to see an opportunity for real change. The story is nicely written and plot-driven. It is complex. The characters are carefully crafted and realistic. Thrown together in a sequence of sick ceremonies and activities, Beau and Connie try to survive without breaking. Fans will be happy that new Order members Montgomery Kingston and Rafe Jackson have small roles in this book. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Beau and Consuela; the epilogue is in Bellamy Carmichael��s POV. I rate this book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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April 19, 2021
A quick read. The couple's relationship seemed to develop unnaturally fast. Am I wrong to think the Trials lasted way longer in this book than in others? I feel like in the first book, the timeline was much shorter. This book ended wrapped up in a neat little bow. 3½ stars
June 24, 2021
Erotic and enthralling, this book just ruined me for other books for a while!
Gaaaahhhh!!!
Can this series get any better!?
The heat, the debauchery, the intensity of it all! I can't get enough!!!
I'll be truthful, I was a little scared of this book coming into it. After reading the snippet in the previous book and seeing the title, I was afraid it would break me. That, more specifically, Beau would break me. I feared for nothing, though, because Beau MELTED me! He set me on fire and left me as a puddle of lust and swoon at his feet! I ate the pages up because I couldn't get enough of him!
Beau's a**holery wasn't nearly as great as I thought it would be. There was so much more to him that took me by surprise and warmed my heart to bursting. And Connie... she was FEROCIOUS! I absolutely LOVED her character. Her fire and her determination to accomplish her goal no matter what was thrown at her was both admirable and breathtaking.
There are so many unexpected twists to this story that I can't gush about because I don't want to spoil this MUST-READ book for others, but believe me when I tell you that you won't want to put it down once you've started reading.
I cannot wait for the next book in this erotic and enthralling series!
Gaaaahhhh!!!
Can this series get any better!?
The heat, the debauchery, the intensity of it all! I can't get enough!!!
I'll be truthful, I was a little scared of this book coming into it. After reading the snippet in the previous book and seeing the title, I was afraid it would break me. That, more specifically, Beau would break me. I feared for nothing, though, because Beau MELTED me! He set me on fire and left me as a puddle of lust and swoon at his feet! I ate the pages up because I couldn't get enough of him!
Beau's a**holery wasn't nearly as great as I thought it would be. There was so much more to him that took me by surprise and warmed my heart to bursting. And Connie... she was FEROCIOUS! I absolutely LOVED her character. Her fire and her determination to accomplish her goal no matter what was thrown at her was both admirable and breathtaking.
There are so many unexpected twists to this story that I can't gush about because I don't want to spoil this MUST-READ book for others, but believe me when I tell you that you won't want to put it down once you've started reading.
I cannot wait for the next book in this erotic and enthralling series!
April 11, 2021
She wants a better future. He doesn't do relationships. When they have one big asset in common, all of their walls crumble.
The next installment does not disappoint. Lots of plot, well written and of course, steamy scenes.
The next installment does not disappoint. Lots of plot, well written and of course, steamy scenes.
7-tbr-ooit
March 9, 2023Breaking Belles series by Alta Hensley & Stasia Black
May 10, 2021
Beaus time has come to meet his Belle, however he's already met her in a bar months prior. Honestly couldn't connect with Beau who was cold and standoffish the entire book until his flip switches and he's in love/protective.
Connie is determined to not have a life of struggle, not after growing up that way. I get what she was doing but I found her unlikable which made reading this difficult when I wasn't rooting for either of the leads. The connection they had was purely physical and nothing really happened throughout the book.
It seems like this series goes love, okay, love, okay... I'm not sure what to make of it. The premise from book one intrigued me, every time I read the blurb for one of them I want to read it immediately. I've realised the premises hold up it's the characters connections that seem to be the problem. I hope the next in the series is back to being love, Bellamy seems like she'll be interesting, bring it on!
2.5 Stars on this one sadly
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Connie is determined to not have a life of struggle, not after growing up that way. I get what she was doing but I found her unlikable which made reading this difficult when I wasn't rooting for either of the leads. The connection they had was purely physical and nothing really happened throughout the book.
It seems like this series goes love, okay, love, okay... I'm not sure what to make of it. The premise from book one intrigued me, every time I read the blurb for one of them I want to read it immediately. I've realised the premises hold up it's the characters connections that seem to be the problem. I hope the next in the series is back to being love, Bellamy seems like she'll be interesting, bring it on!
2.5 Stars on this one sadly
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2021
Inherited Malice by Stasia Black & Alta Hensley is the fourth book in the secret society series that surrounds the members of The Order of the Silver Ghost. Thus far, each book in the series has had its own style and dark elements.
As someone who read all of the books, I highly recommend you read this series in order to be able to fully grasp and understand the Order of the Silver Ghost, the reasons for the trials as well as other characters that make appearances here.
The three prior books are:
1. Elegant Sins (Montgomery & Grace)
2. Beautiful Lies (Sully & Portia)
3. Opulent Obsession (Rafe & Fallon)
Rafe’s story actually coincides with this one. During book three, Opulent Obsession, we see that there is another member whose trial is taking place at the same time.
The Order of the Silver Ghost is a secret society of influential men who hold the upmost power and influence in this country. All of the members are extremely wealthy and have their own reasons for wanting to partake in these “trials” which are often horrifying rituals in which young men chose one “belle” to become partnered with for 109 days in order to pass.
In this book, we meet Beau Radcliffe and Consuela/Abilene. Right off the bat we learn that Consuela’s got something to hide. She is a con artist who for some reason, wants in on the trials. We slowly uncover the reasons why she wanted to participate.
In order to become a Belle, Connie has to lie and con her way in. Connie is strong and has had a har life. We learn that her reasons aren’t malicious at all.
Beau is boyfriend goals. He was so dominant, stern, bossy and hot! I love Beau. He treated Abilene with respect and kindness when it called for it and he was extremely mature.
I liked the lighter take this book took than the prior three. There was less rituals and more time spent with the couple. The book flowed nicely, and it was a fast-paced read.
I received an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As someone who read all of the books, I highly recommend you read this series in order to be able to fully grasp and understand the Order of the Silver Ghost, the reasons for the trials as well as other characters that make appearances here.
The three prior books are:
1. Elegant Sins (Montgomery & Grace)
2. Beautiful Lies (Sully & Portia)
3. Opulent Obsession (Rafe & Fallon)
Rafe’s story actually coincides with this one. During book three, Opulent Obsession, we see that there is another member whose trial is taking place at the same time.
The Order of the Silver Ghost is a secret society of influential men who hold the upmost power and influence in this country. All of the members are extremely wealthy and have their own reasons for wanting to partake in these “trials” which are often horrifying rituals in which young men chose one “belle” to become partnered with for 109 days in order to pass.
In this book, we meet Beau Radcliffe and Consuela/Abilene. Right off the bat we learn that Consuela’s got something to hide. She is a con artist who for some reason, wants in on the trials. We slowly uncover the reasons why she wanted to participate.
In order to become a Belle, Connie has to lie and con her way in. Connie is strong and has had a har life. We learn that her reasons aren’t malicious at all.
Beau is boyfriend goals. He was so dominant, stern, bossy and hot! I love Beau. He treated Abilene with respect and kindness when it called for it and he was extremely mature.
I liked the lighter take this book took than the prior three. There was less rituals and more time spent with the couple. The book flowed nicely, and it was a fast-paced read.
I received an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 3, 2021
Each book in the Breaking Belle series just gets better and better! I loved the Belle so much, she brought a new energy and twist to this series that I wasn't expecting. I continue to be shocked and love how each book is still so unique.
Beau Radcliffe likes control, with a side of danger. When a fiery redhead attracts his attention as the only redheaded Belle, he knows exactly who he's going to choose and doesn't waste time in picking her. That was exactly Connie's (aka Adalie's) thought when she conned her way into the event. She knew his type and knew this was her one shot at gaining Beau's attention...again.
Connie has such spunk and forwardness. She might be my favorite Belle yet. Beau might be ready to face The Order, but he truly has no idea who he picked. Connie is soooooo ready to take on any challenge and face absolutely anything, which is fantastic in Beau's eyes, but the ultimate end goal, he's not exactly sure his controlled life is ready for that.
Beau's family run's diamonds and jewelry. His family is the one that actually makes the pearl necklaces that grace the Belle's necks each time before one of them is ripped away in ceremony. His family name is highly valuable and nothing means more than finishing the ritual and continuing his family legacy. When his Belle also seems to have a highly competitive spirit he's pleased, but even more so that they are compatible in every way. He's not looking for anything beyond the 109 days, but as their time lengthens things get complicated. Could his Belle be his downfall instead of partner to what he so desires? Time will tell.
This is a world which feeds on the weaknesses of others, glorifying in their own dominance and wealth are you ready to face The Order of the Silver Ghost?
Beau Radcliffe likes control, with a side of danger. When a fiery redhead attracts his attention as the only redheaded Belle, he knows exactly who he's going to choose and doesn't waste time in picking her. That was exactly Connie's (aka Adalie's) thought when she conned her way into the event. She knew his type and knew this was her one shot at gaining Beau's attention...again.
Connie has such spunk and forwardness. She might be my favorite Belle yet. Beau might be ready to face The Order, but he truly has no idea who he picked. Connie is soooooo ready to take on any challenge and face absolutely anything, which is fantastic in Beau's eyes, but the ultimate end goal, he's not exactly sure his controlled life is ready for that.
Beau's family run's diamonds and jewelry. His family is the one that actually makes the pearl necklaces that grace the Belle's necks each time before one of them is ripped away in ceremony. His family name is highly valuable and nothing means more than finishing the ritual and continuing his family legacy. When his Belle also seems to have a highly competitive spirit he's pleased, but even more so that they are compatible in every way. He's not looking for anything beyond the 109 days, but as their time lengthens things get complicated. Could his Belle be his downfall instead of partner to what he so desires? Time will tell.
This is a world which feeds on the weaknesses of others, glorifying in their own dominance and wealth are you ready to face The Order of the Silver Ghost?
April 6, 2021
This fourth in the Breaking Belles Series by these two consummate story tellers is a terrific read. This is Beau Radcliffe and Consuelo/Abilene’s story. It has come round to Beau’s Trials to be initiated into the Order of the Silver Ghost an archaic but supremely powerful ‘men only’ organisation run from Orleander Manor in Darlington Georgia. Unlike his previous friends Beau is all in for the initiation because, once inducted into the Order as a full member he can inherit his family business. Beau prides himself on his total control, in all things, and sees the initiation and all of its depravities as simply a business to be negotiated. He has no interest in the Belle, he sees her as a means to an end and nothing more. Consuelo/Abilene is a grifter, she’s had it harder than most growing up the product of an absent father and a mother who took her own life when Connie was just six years old, she is the product of a broken system which didn’t want her. She and Beau have met just once before but he was very drunk and loose tongued about the Order and it wasn’t difficult for a talented con artist like Connie to grift an invitation to Beau’s Initiation, now all she had to do was get him to pick her, but that was easy too, he had a type, and she was it. I really liked Connie/Abby, she was feisty and proud and very tough, a truly strong woman. Although Beau was a single minded control freak who seemed heartless and cold, he had integrity and honesty and if he made a promise he would keep his word. I was really invested in this couple and this was a fabulously easy read, in fact, I read it one sitting, couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to Emmett and Bellamy’s story next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2021
If you've been following the "Breaking Belles" series, then you know 'Inherited Malice' is the fourth book within the series. We've seen three of the young initiates, and their belles, go through their individual set of trials to become a member of The Oder of the Silver Ghost and receive their inheritance, their membership, and their place within society. Now it's Beau Radcliffe's turn. He's dominant to a fault and needs to control every situation he's in, whether it's business or personal. When the story opens we meet a young woman intercepting Abigail in a bar after she received the coveted invitation to attend the Belle selection. Abigail was fearful of what all it entailed, having heard the rumors, so when she was offered an envelope of cash for her ticket Abigail jumped at the chance, took the money, and immediately gave over the ticket. Alta Hensley and Stasia Black are masters at painting a picture with words and pulling me into their stories and that's exactly what happened here. Reading the interaction between the two women, I automatically knew the unidentified woman was keeping secrets and things were going to run afoul. There's an instant chemistry when our Hero meets our heroine at the Oleander that practically jumps off the page. When the initial secret comes out I about fell out of the chair! I'm not sure what I was expecting, but that certainly wasn't it! These authors have outdone themselves this time. The characters had a lot of growing and maturing to do and I was privileged enough to watch it in both individuals and then as a couple to make it through the trials. But will the secrets get them disqualified? Has everything up to that point been for nothing? This is a must read that I'm proud to recommend.
April 9, 2021
A Fascinating and PHENOMENAL dark romance!
INHERITED MALICE, the fourth and newest release by the writing team of Alta Hensley and Stasia Black is absolutely spellbinding! Having read the other three novels in this Dark Secret Society series, I thought I knew what I was getting into. However, I soon found out I had NO IDEA. While each story in the series is based on the same basic premise, the characters and individual storylines are as different as night is to day. By far, INHERITED MALICE is my favorite of the series so far. That’s probably because of my investment in both Abilene and Beau as flawed but worthy humans fighting for a future each found worthwhile. The characters seem just that real. Beyond the trials, it was glorious to watch them fall in love and heal each other through their willingness to listen, be present for each other, and put the other first. While I VOLUNTARILY read an early copy of INHERITED MALICE, I have also purchased a pre-order copy to support a wonderfully creative writing team. Additionally, there should be a cautionary note that INHERITED MALICE is for mature readers due to the explicit nature of many scenes. Beyond that, though, INHERITED MALICE is about two individuals who find trust, love, and the promise of a life filled with joy in each other, a phenomenal lemonade recipe for life. There is no better definition of a romance, and no better dark romance tale offered than INHERITED MALICE by Ms. Hensley and Ms. Black. This review is voluntarily written and submitted along with a stellar 5+STAR recommendation to get your copy and get reading INHERITED MALICE today! Happy pages! 😉
INHERITED MALICE, the fourth and newest release by the writing team of Alta Hensley and Stasia Black is absolutely spellbinding! Having read the other three novels in this Dark Secret Society series, I thought I knew what I was getting into. However, I soon found out I had NO IDEA. While each story in the series is based on the same basic premise, the characters and individual storylines are as different as night is to day. By far, INHERITED MALICE is my favorite of the series so far. That’s probably because of my investment in both Abilene and Beau as flawed but worthy humans fighting for a future each found worthwhile. The characters seem just that real. Beyond the trials, it was glorious to watch them fall in love and heal each other through their willingness to listen, be present for each other, and put the other first. While I VOLUNTARILY read an early copy of INHERITED MALICE, I have also purchased a pre-order copy to support a wonderfully creative writing team. Additionally, there should be a cautionary note that INHERITED MALICE is for mature readers due to the explicit nature of many scenes. Beyond that, though, INHERITED MALICE is about two individuals who find trust, love, and the promise of a life filled with joy in each other, a phenomenal lemonade recipe for life. There is no better definition of a romance, and no better dark romance tale offered than INHERITED MALICE by Ms. Hensley and Ms. Black. This review is voluntarily written and submitted along with a stellar 5+STAR recommendation to get your copy and get reading INHERITED MALICE today! Happy pages! 😉
April 20, 2021
Consuela has had a really bad childhood. Passed from pillar to post within the system and then taken in by a friend that taught her how to be a conwoman. But dumped when she was inconvenient.
She has heard all about the trials of the Order of the Silver Ghost after a one night stand with Beau Radcliffe. He was drunk and pillow talk opened her eyes. She just needs to get hold of one of those invitations. It will change her life. Using all the tricks she’s been taught she manages to convince a belle called Abilene to let her take her place. Once she has the invitation then the only thing she has to worry about is getting Beau to select her...
Beau has a lot riding on the trials. He has been running his fathers company for him but his inheritance is all tied up in tradition. He has to pass the trials. He will also have to work during the day so that everything continues to operate smoothly. He runs a tight ship.
When he first sees Abilene she looks familiar but he can’t place her. She’s a stunning redhead and just his type. But getting close to a woman is the last thing on his mind. They simply need to work together to pass the trials so that he no longer has to worry about his company.
This is a fantastic, well written and thoroughly engrossing addition to the series. It sees two focused and determined competitors but they’ve both got their priorities confused. They need to work together and as the trials become more intense and their relationship more honest yet complicated, they begin to get their heads in the game...together.
Absolutely superb!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She has heard all about the trials of the Order of the Silver Ghost after a one night stand with Beau Radcliffe. He was drunk and pillow talk opened her eyes. She just needs to get hold of one of those invitations. It will change her life. Using all the tricks she’s been taught she manages to convince a belle called Abilene to let her take her place. Once she has the invitation then the only thing she has to worry about is getting Beau to select her...
Beau has a lot riding on the trials. He has been running his fathers company for him but his inheritance is all tied up in tradition. He has to pass the trials. He will also have to work during the day so that everything continues to operate smoothly. He runs a tight ship.
When he first sees Abilene she looks familiar but he can’t place her. She’s a stunning redhead and just his type. But getting close to a woman is the last thing on his mind. They simply need to work together to pass the trials so that he no longer has to worry about his company.
This is a fantastic, well written and thoroughly engrossing addition to the series. It sees two focused and determined competitors but they’ve both got their priorities confused. They need to work together and as the trials become more intense and their relationship more honest yet complicated, they begin to get their heads in the game...together.
Absolutely superb!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2021
Inherited Malice is the 4th Book in the Breaking Belles Series. We are following 6 friends as they go thru the Trials of Initiation into The Order of the Silver Ghost. Each book is part of an interconnected series. To really get the full effect of the books, I would highly recommend reading them in order.
We got a glimpse of Beau Ratcliffe’s Initiation in Opulent Obsession as his and Rafe’s Trials slightly overlapped. Unlike his friend’s Beau has been looking forward to his Initiation and for more reasons than just his heritage.
Consuela (Connie, Abilene) spent one drunken night with Beau two months ago. He spilled the Orders secrets and now she has one of her own. After doing her research and securing another’s invite she is ready to do one last con.
In this book we start to see the subtle changes in the Trials. Yes, there are still the depraved games, but in one of the trials Montgomery states “that some of the old ways must be adapted to more modern sensibilities”.
This book also focuses more on Beau and Abilene’s relationship as it grows. Beau’s life is all about control, but then so is Abilene’s. Despite the apparent differences in their social hierarchy, they both grew up without a traditional family. As they navigate the trials they each have to rely on the other and at times give up their control. Their chemistry is off the charts. Each drawing out of each other a feeling they have never experienced before.
And, as in each book before, we get a glimpse at the next book. Let the trials begin.
We got a glimpse of Beau Ratcliffe’s Initiation in Opulent Obsession as his and Rafe’s Trials slightly overlapped. Unlike his friend’s Beau has been looking forward to his Initiation and for more reasons than just his heritage.
Consuela (Connie, Abilene) spent one drunken night with Beau two months ago. He spilled the Orders secrets and now she has one of her own. After doing her research and securing another’s invite she is ready to do one last con.
In this book we start to see the subtle changes in the Trials. Yes, there are still the depraved games, but in one of the trials Montgomery states “that some of the old ways must be adapted to more modern sensibilities”.
This book also focuses more on Beau and Abilene’s relationship as it grows. Beau’s life is all about control, but then so is Abilene’s. Despite the apparent differences in their social hierarchy, they both grew up without a traditional family. As they navigate the trials they each have to rely on the other and at times give up their control. Their chemistry is off the charts. Each drawing out of each other a feeling they have never experienced before.
And, as in each book before, we get a glimpse at the next book. Let the trials begin.
April 10, 2021
**4.5 stars**
I loved how Inherited Malice took a different twist than the previous books.
Rafe’s book Opulent Obsession we got a little glimpse of Beau and his Belle.
That little bit of teaser had my jaw dropping and thinking omg Beau what are you having your Belle do?!
So I was excited about reading how his trials would go.
Beau is a planner and organizer.
He likes to have a plan, well like isn’t the right word.
He lives his life always having a plan and everything being thought out.
Beau is a workaholic and demands respect and compliance from those who work for him.
He’s persona of always being in charge carries through to the bedroom.
He’s dominant and in control at all times.
Abilene was a conundrum for me.
I wasn’t sure about her actions and reasons and she had me guarded to how I should feel about her.
But as a progressed more into the story I fell in love with her.
She is sassy but omg the determination and strength she has bowled me over!
The passion in her soul for what she truly wants had me not only rooting for her but hoping for her to get more than she thought would be possible.
I loved how Abi slowly started blowing Beau’s laid out plans to smithereens.
And how his respect and truthfulness started to effect her outlook on him and her trust issues.
They made the perfect couple in regards to their weaknesses and their strengths.
Pair that with the lust and sexual connection they had and they were not only explosive.
They were also an unstoppable duo!
I loved how Inherited Malice took a different twist than the previous books.
Rafe’s book Opulent Obsession we got a little glimpse of Beau and his Belle.
That little bit of teaser had my jaw dropping and thinking omg Beau what are you having your Belle do?!
So I was excited about reading how his trials would go.
Beau is a planner and organizer.
He likes to have a plan, well like isn’t the right word.
He lives his life always having a plan and everything being thought out.
Beau is a workaholic and demands respect and compliance from those who work for him.
He’s persona of always being in charge carries through to the bedroom.
He’s dominant and in control at all times.
Abilene was a conundrum for me.
I wasn’t sure about her actions and reasons and she had me guarded to how I should feel about her.
But as a progressed more into the story I fell in love with her.
She is sassy but omg the determination and strength she has bowled me over!
The passion in her soul for what she truly wants had me not only rooting for her but hoping for her to get more than she thought would be possible.
I loved how Abi slowly started blowing Beau’s laid out plans to smithereens.
And how his respect and truthfulness started to effect her outlook on him and her trust issues.
They made the perfect couple in regards to their weaknesses and their strengths.
Pair that with the lust and sexual connection they had and they were not only explosive.
They were also an unstoppable duo!
April 13, 2021
I've followed this series throughout, and this book is pretty tamed compared to the others. There's more of a focus on the characters rather than the initiation and trials itself, so don't count on any shock value factor here.
It's Beau's turn to go through his initiations, and his only desire is to win so that he can inherit the family business Radcliffe Jewelers and Imports, so that he can take it to the next level. I would've liked some more info here about what kind of business man he is, because there are some sentences about how hard Beau works and how long he works in between the trials, but very little is revealed about his job and position in the actual company, and what exactly he wants to do with it once he has. Since there wasn't a lot of crazy action from the trials, his characterization could've been built a little bit more.
Beau's attraction to Abilene is definitely physical in the beginning. He picks her cause he has a thing for redheads, though her pride and ability to withstand the trials makes him appreciative that she's his partner. She's had a hard life, but she's willing to go the distance to protect the secret she's carrying. I would've loved to hear a little bit more about her past here. There's enough to show her desperation, but more would've giver her depth as a character.
This was still a 4 star read for me cause I liked the characters. Beau was caring and sweet, you can tell Abilene is resilient and headstrong.
It's Beau's turn to go through his initiations, and his only desire is to win so that he can inherit the family business Radcliffe Jewelers and Imports, so that he can take it to the next level. I would've liked some more info here about what kind of business man he is, because there are some sentences about how hard Beau works and how long he works in between the trials, but very little is revealed about his job and position in the actual company, and what exactly he wants to do with it once he has. Since there wasn't a lot of crazy action from the trials, his characterization could've been built a little bit more.
Beau's attraction to Abilene is definitely physical in the beginning. He picks her cause he has a thing for redheads, though her pride and ability to withstand the trials makes him appreciative that she's his partner. She's had a hard life, but she's willing to go the distance to protect the secret she's carrying. I would've loved to hear a little bit more about her past here. There's enough to show her desperation, but more would've giver her depth as a character.
This was still a 4 star read for me cause I liked the characters. Beau was caring and sweet, you can tell Abilene is resilient and headstrong.
December 12, 2021
Inherited Malice: A Dark Secret Society Romance (Breaking Belles #4) by Alta Hensley and Stasia Black is Beau Radcliffe Initiation time. He is excited about his turn at the trials. He is a planner and he had his whole life planned out and passing the trials and taking over his father's business is all he wants. From book 3 we know the next belle is Abilene West. What we thought about her turns out to not be true. There is an imposter in the midst and she needs to get an invitation as a belle. This was a really good story. The story as to who Abilene aka Consuela is and how she comes to wanting to be a belle was an interesting story within itself. Than the relationship between Beau and Abilene was something too. I really enjoyed their journey through their trials. Abilene is a tough cookie. She has been through a lot in her life and her determination is what will get her through the trials and she will make it through to the end regardless. Abilene has an agenda and getting what she wants is of utmost importance. She has her sites set on getting to Beau and her secret depends on it. Beau is not a relationship person but Abilene stirs something in him. His fight within him is taking a toll on him but he like Abilene and they both are determined to make it to the end. A good story, much better than book 3. Inspite of that fact, this book is a stronger 4 than book 3. Book 5 looks to be rather interesting, looking forward to reading it.
April 9, 2021
Gripping and pulse pounding dark anticipation
Inherited Malice: A Dark Secret Society Romance by Alta Hensley and Stasia Black is so freaking awesome! For the fourth book in this series, this dynamic writing duo have blown me away with Beau and Abilene/Consuela. These two characters are cut from the same cloth even though they come from as extremely opposite backgrounds as one can get.
The plot is beyond gripping and had my pulse pounding in what seemed like every chapter! The character’s interactions and chemistry is off the charts hot. These two authors write these characters and the blended story so well and so seamlessly, one might never know it’s written by two writers. This series, Inherited Malice included, has truly dark elements, thus the pounding pulse and racing heart. Between the trials of the initiation as well as the machinations of Beau and his Belle coming together, learning about each other, discovering hearts and minds becoming engaged, makes this an action packed, high intensity read. I found it very difficult to put it down.
Overall, this book holds true to the series with a twist for these characters and sheds a whole new light for this book. When all seems lost, there’s still hope as well as the promising, loving HEA for us rabid romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my review.
Inherited Malice: A Dark Secret Society Romance by Alta Hensley and Stasia Black is so freaking awesome! For the fourth book in this series, this dynamic writing duo have blown me away with Beau and Abilene/Consuela. These two characters are cut from the same cloth even though they come from as extremely opposite backgrounds as one can get.
The plot is beyond gripping and had my pulse pounding in what seemed like every chapter! The character’s interactions and chemistry is off the charts hot. These two authors write these characters and the blended story so well and so seamlessly, one might never know it’s written by two writers. This series, Inherited Malice included, has truly dark elements, thus the pounding pulse and racing heart. Between the trials of the initiation as well as the machinations of Beau and his Belle coming together, learning about each other, discovering hearts and minds becoming engaged, makes this an action packed, high intensity read. I found it very difficult to put it down.
Overall, this book holds true to the series with a twist for these characters and sheds a whole new light for this book. When all seems lost, there’s still hope as well as the promising, loving HEA for us rabid romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my review.
April 10, 2021
Black and Hensley what amazing talent! I've read and liked both authors separately and together well yeah amazing! also, I hadn't realized until I started reading it that it was part of a series I hadn't started reading. I don't think having not read the previous books took anything away from the experience.
Your life has sucked most of your life, but you learn to seize an opportunity when one raises, you've done some things and learned some stuff and it all comes down to the ultimate con, the one that will change your life as you know it. There is no room for mistakes. Game On.
You don't have time for anything that takes you away from running the business, that is your goal your end game. But you know how the dirty rich do things and the Order in their closed deviate gatherings are only for the top of the cream. The males in my family has been ensconced in the order for as long as I can remember. If he's going to sit at the seat of the family business he will get through the trials.
What a rollercoaster of emotions, you don't just dip your toe you fully step into this world the writers created, you in invested in the amazing dark and a bit twisted minds of both Alta and Stasia. Love...Angst..trust and fear the characters wear them as a second skin. Hmmm, is it a done deal? Will they survive the *trials* and get what they both want? or think they want. Enjoy.
Your life has sucked most of your life, but you learn to seize an opportunity when one raises, you've done some things and learned some stuff and it all comes down to the ultimate con, the one that will change your life as you know it. There is no room for mistakes. Game On.
You don't have time for anything that takes you away from running the business, that is your goal your end game. But you know how the dirty rich do things and the Order in their closed deviate gatherings are only for the top of the cream. The males in my family has been ensconced in the order for as long as I can remember. If he's going to sit at the seat of the family business he will get through the trials.
What a rollercoaster of emotions, you don't just dip your toe you fully step into this world the writers created, you in invested in the amazing dark and a bit twisted minds of both Alta and Stasia. Love...Angst..trust and fear the characters wear them as a second skin. Hmmm, is it a done deal? Will they survive the *trials* and get what they both want? or think they want. Enjoy.
April 7, 2021
The only thing bad about an Order of the Silver Ghost novel, is that each time you finish one means you are closer to the end of the series. When I read the first book featuring Montgomery Kingston, I was gripped from the first page and when it finished, I wonder how these authors could possibly do better than that. With each subsequent initiate: Sully, Rafe and and now Beau, the dark deviance of the Oleander becomes the test for a young woman and young man’s breaking point, their success and very sanity dependent upon each other. Each new novel has a creative set of circumstances.
INHERITED MALICE may be one of the most appropriate titles so far given all the young men are heirs to a position in the Order. We were given to believe during Rafe’s story that Beau was completing his intimidation with indifference; detachment. The truth is so much better, so much different and no less mesmerizing.
INHERITED MALICE was another excellent book in a series of excellent books. It can easily be read as a stand alone, but do yourself a favor and read all the books in order to truly enjoy their quality and depth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
INHERITED MALICE may be one of the most appropriate titles so far given all the young men are heirs to a position in the Order. We were given to believe during Rafe’s story that Beau was completing his intimidation with indifference; detachment. The truth is so much better, so much different and no less mesmerizing.
INHERITED MALICE was another excellent book in a series of excellent books. It can easily be read as a stand alone, but do yourself a favor and read all the books in order to truly enjoy their quality and depth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2021
Ssh.... It's a secret....
by and1515
You could say I had an un-conveniental education and you'd be absolutely right.
I learned for the very best and at the moment the perfect opportunity was knocking and I had zero intentions of watching it pass me by oh no.
I've dreamed of this moment most of my life and finally it's my turn to prove myself.
And if the most important men in my family can prevail at this; then so can I.
Now it's my turn to choice from all the lovely petals there trying to tempt me with and yep I know just the one I want.
Honestly yeah I've probably bite off a little bit more then I anticipated but I'm not about to give up now; I have to much riding on my success.
But this place with it's ostentatious trapping was just a smoke screen to hide it's true colors.
And with each new day also meant a different experience aimed at pushing them or more importantly her to prove she could deal with what ever depravity the might dream up.
With the end finally insight
I just needed to keep my eye on the prize and pray I'll survive there upcoming finale because everything was riding on the outcome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by and1515
You could say I had an un-conveniental education and you'd be absolutely right.
I learned for the very best and at the moment the perfect opportunity was knocking and I had zero intentions of watching it pass me by oh no.
I've dreamed of this moment most of my life and finally it's my turn to prove myself.
And if the most important men in my family can prevail at this; then so can I.
Now it's my turn to choice from all the lovely petals there trying to tempt me with and yep I know just the one I want.
Honestly yeah I've probably bite off a little bit more then I anticipated but I'm not about to give up now; I have to much riding on my success.
But this place with it's ostentatious trapping was just a smoke screen to hide it's true colors.
And with each new day also meant a different experience aimed at pushing them or more importantly her to prove she could deal with what ever depravity the might dream up.
With the end finally insight
I just needed to keep my eye on the prize and pray I'll survive there upcoming finale because everything was riding on the outcome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2021
Inherited Malice: A Dark Secret Society Romance is the 4th book in the Breaking Belles Series. You could read each of these books as standalones but there is so much that you would be missing. The Breaking Belles Series is so deliciously dark!
Ms. Abilene West and Beau Radcliffe’s have been invited to attend. If Beau makes it through all the challenges he will be inducted into the secret society and become in charge of the family business. If Abilene makes it through she is granted her wish.
Now these challenges are meant to push limits & boundaries. Because nothing in life is free. The secret society members are pretty kinky. Although I felt they were tamer in this book compared to the other books in this series. Or I have become kinkier and just felt that this was tamer. Haha!
There are 3 other books in this series.
Elegant Sins, book 1 - Montgomery Kingston and Grace Magnolia Morgan
Beautiful Lies, book 2 - Sullivan “Sully” Vandoren and Portia Collins
Opulent Obsession, book 3 - Rafe Jackson and Fallon Perry
Inherited Malice, book 4 - Beau Radcliff and Abilene West (or is that her name?)
2 more books in this series are going to be Delicate Revenge and Lavish Corruption and I can’t wait for them to come out!
Ms. Abilene West and Beau Radcliffe’s have been invited to attend. If Beau makes it through all the challenges he will be inducted into the secret society and become in charge of the family business. If Abilene makes it through she is granted her wish.
Now these challenges are meant to push limits & boundaries. Because nothing in life is free. The secret society members are pretty kinky. Although I felt they were tamer in this book compared to the other books in this series. Or I have become kinkier and just felt that this was tamer. Haha!
There are 3 other books in this series.
Elegant Sins, book 1 - Montgomery Kingston and Grace Magnolia Morgan
Beautiful Lies, book 2 - Sullivan “Sully” Vandoren and Portia Collins
Opulent Obsession, book 3 - Rafe Jackson and Fallon Perry
Inherited Malice, book 4 - Beau Radcliff and Abilene West (or is that her name?)
2 more books in this series are going to be Delicate Revenge and Lavish Corruption and I can’t wait for them to come out!
April 15, 2021
THE ORDER OF THE SILVER GHOST Requests the honor of your presence for * * * MS. ABILENE WEST * * * As we prepare for the celebration of The Trials of Initiation for Beau Radcliffe
Connie is a con artist who manages to get the invitation of another girl to attend a private and exclusive event, where if she overcomes the Trials, she will leave there a rich woman, but Connie also wants to go achieve another goal: Beau Radcliffe, heir to a diamond and jewelry company.
Beau, like many of his friends, participated in this in order to inherit the family business. He is determined to be victorious, whatever the cost. But nothing could prepare him for Connie, a woman he doesn’t remember, a thing that Connie use in her favor.
The Trials are basically sexual, and often end in orgies. And both characters face them in different way, being Connie the strongest.
The relationship they develop behind closed doors goes through ups and downs.
Beau is a control freak, who only lives to work, and don’t let people get close to him.
Connie has abandonment issues and with some of Beau’s behavior they trigger.
And with another secrets coming to light, this couple will have to face all keeping in secret from the Elders.
The best: the chemistry between Beau and Connie.
The worst: the Elders.
Connie is a con artist who manages to get the invitation of another girl to attend a private and exclusive event, where if she overcomes the Trials, she will leave there a rich woman, but Connie also wants to go achieve another goal: Beau Radcliffe, heir to a diamond and jewelry company.
Beau, like many of his friends, participated in this in order to inherit the family business. He is determined to be victorious, whatever the cost. But nothing could prepare him for Connie, a woman he doesn’t remember, a thing that Connie use in her favor.
The Trials are basically sexual, and often end in orgies. And both characters face them in different way, being Connie the strongest.
The relationship they develop behind closed doors goes through ups and downs.
Beau is a control freak, who only lives to work, and don’t let people get close to him.
Connie has abandonment issues and with some of Beau’s behavior they trigger.
And with another secrets coming to light, this couple will have to face all keeping in secret from the Elders.
The best: the chemistry between Beau and Connie.
The worst: the Elders.
April 4, 2021
The Initiation doesn’t need just a belle....
Becouse a true Belle of the South doesn’t stand a chance!
A garden flower - sheltered and protected doesn’t stand a chance!
The Order (and the Initiate) will eate her alive and spit her out!
Luckily the belles selected at all the Initiations aren’t some flowers.
They are like Cactus - resilient, thriving in the desert, blooming with such a beauty!
I love Abby/Connie, becouse she is just like that!
She is not just a beauty - in fact she is gorgeous! But more than that, she is strong, resilient, fierce and a little ruthless.... She has all that need to win this twisted contest!
And Beau proved that it is a wonderful man, regardless - or in spite of - inherited malice.
It’s the 4th book of the series, and with each one I wonder what twisted games Alta & Stasia come with. And with each one, they deliver!
Thank you for that!
P.S. Just to prove me wrong, in the next book, a true belle of the south will play the game!
I’m anxious to see what she’ll do! Becouse she’s no Connie!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Becouse a true Belle of the South doesn’t stand a chance!
A garden flower - sheltered and protected doesn’t stand a chance!
The Order (and the Initiate) will eate her alive and spit her out!
Luckily the belles selected at all the Initiations aren’t some flowers.
They are like Cactus - resilient, thriving in the desert, blooming with such a beauty!
I love Abby/Connie, becouse she is just like that!
She is not just a beauty - in fact she is gorgeous! But more than that, she is strong, resilient, fierce and a little ruthless.... She has all that need to win this twisted contest!
And Beau proved that it is a wonderful man, regardless - or in spite of - inherited malice.
It’s the 4th book of the series, and with each one I wonder what twisted games Alta & Stasia come with. And with each one, they deliver!
Thank you for that!
P.S. Just to prove me wrong, in the next book, a true belle of the south will play the game!
I’m anxious to see what she’ll do! Becouse she’s no Connie!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2021
No spoilers -
Malice was a different tone than the previous books from this interconnected series
"and for the first time, I actually believed it. Oh God, I believed it."
From the first chapter to the final echo of the staffs Consuela was in charge and she was going to survive and she was going to get her dream fulfilled
I liked her character and her reasons just endeared her to me more. She had survived so much adversity in her short life.
She walked both sides of the line but with a sense of morality (I know but sometimes you have to choose the lesser of two evils) even though survival was her only goal.
When her secret was revealed? What she wanted from this "game"?
I was speechless.
She played their games with her head held high and her crown 👑 on straight.
Beau was so disconnected from his own feelings- I truly don't think he realized how lonely and detached his world was.
Watching the blinders that had been a part of his life fall away?
Watching him lose his perfectly organized control?
Priceless!
I do wish this had been a bit longer. I would have enjoyed more time with this couple and a bit more detail
A solid addition to the collection
Malice was a different tone than the previous books from this interconnected series
"and for the first time, I actually believed it. Oh God, I believed it."
From the first chapter to the final echo of the staffs Consuela was in charge and she was going to survive and she was going to get her dream fulfilled
I liked her character and her reasons just endeared her to me more. She had survived so much adversity in her short life.
She walked both sides of the line but with a sense of morality (I know but sometimes you have to choose the lesser of two evils) even though survival was her only goal.
When her secret was revealed? What she wanted from this "game"?
I was speechless.
She played their games with her head held high and her crown 👑 on straight.
Beau was so disconnected from his own feelings- I truly don't think he realized how lonely and detached his world was.
Watching the blinders that had been a part of his life fall away?
Watching him lose his perfectly organized control?
Priceless!
I do wish this had been a bit longer. I would have enjoyed more time with this couple and a bit more detail
A solid addition to the collection
April 12, 2021
Beau has been waiting not so patiently for his turn to complete the trials so that he can not only take his rightful place in the Order but in the family business as well. He is strong, determined and used to having his every demand followed and thought that when it came to the Belle he had chosen that this situation will be no different, but think again.
Connie has learnt from a young age that the only person she can count on is herself and that lesson has been reinforced more than once. She and Beau have a past even if he doesn’t remember it and she plans on using what she knows to her advantage. Once he chooses her as his Belle, she will show him that she is not meek and mild but rather that no one or nothing will stand in her way.
Beau and Connie both have less than idyllic childhoods which drives their need to succeed. They both have their own agendas, but they may find that they are better served acting as a team especially when it comes to the secrets that remain between them. As the chemistry ignites between them so do the feelings which make a complex situation more difficult as they fight for their futures.
Connie has learnt from a young age that the only person she can count on is herself and that lesson has been reinforced more than once. She and Beau have a past even if he doesn’t remember it and she plans on using what she knows to her advantage. Once he chooses her as his Belle, she will show him that she is not meek and mild but rather that no one or nothing will stand in her way.
Beau and Connie both have less than idyllic childhoods which drives their need to succeed. They both have their own agendas, but they may find that they are better served acting as a team especially when it comes to the secrets that remain between them. As the chemistry ignites between them so do the feelings which make a complex situation more difficult as they fight for their futures.
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April 17, 2021What really goes on behind those silver capes besides debauchery?
What do you do if you’re alone in the world, are low on funds and need a future? If you’re Consuela you try to crash the Trial of Beau Radcliffe’s initiation into the Order of the Silver Ghost. Of course. And you do that by becoming someone else, Abilene who has the engraved invitation that you need.
Beau Radcliffe is desperate to join the Order so that he can take his rightful place in running Radcliffe Jewelers & Imports. What I don’t understand is that as his father already runs it, why wouldn’t he get it by default? Anyway, he has a type so when the beautiful Belles are paraded in front of him, he chooses Abilene/Consuela. Let the naughty and dark fun begin!
This was my first book in the Dark Secret Society Romance series. Although it alluded to the other past participants, they only entered the story incidentally. This book was all about Beau and Abilene/Consuela. And I loved it! Loved the HEA and the snippet about the next book: Emmett and Bellamy Carmichael. Looks delicious just like this one. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and it gets my steamy, suspenseful praise.
What do you do if you’re alone in the world, are low on funds and need a future? If you’re Consuela you try to crash the Trial of Beau Radcliffe’s initiation into the Order of the Silver Ghost. Of course. And you do that by becoming someone else, Abilene who has the engraved invitation that you need.
Beau Radcliffe is desperate to join the Order so that he can take his rightful place in running Radcliffe Jewelers & Imports. What I don’t understand is that as his father already runs it, why wouldn’t he get it by default? Anyway, he has a type so when the beautiful Belles are paraded in front of him, he chooses Abilene/Consuela. Let the naughty and dark fun begin!
This was my first book in the Dark Secret Society Romance series. Although it alluded to the other past participants, they only entered the story incidentally. This book was all about Beau and Abilene/Consuela. And I loved it! Loved the HEA and the snippet about the next book: Emmett and Bellamy Carmichael. Looks delicious just like this one. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and it gets my steamy, suspenseful praise.
April 19, 2021
This is the fourth in the series. It is Beau and Connie’s story. I loved this story, but Rafe is still my favorite. This is different than the past three books. It still has darkness, but it is not as dark and twisted as the others. Connie is a con artist and has some other secrets. She met Beau one night and he got drunk and spilled secrets of Oleander. She gets an invite from the Belle who was supposed to get it. She figures this will help her most. If she makes it through the trials, she will have what she really wants. Things take a turn when one of Connie’s secrets is exposed. Now Beau is going to do whatever it takes to pass the initiation while also keeping Connie safe. With the trials, you never know what can happen. There is twists and turns, some angst, suspense, secrets, hopes, truths and some oh my gosh moments. I have loved this series and cannot wait for Emmett’s stories. Love these guys who have been friends forever and look out for each other. These are each a complete standalone, but if you like dark reads, start at the beginning. Meet all the guys and find out who you’re favorite is.
May 5, 2021
There are so many reasons I love this series and this book is my favorite (so far). Each story is a stand alone, but there is a lot going on with The Order of the Silver Ghost Society that doesn't get talked about much in the proceeding books so I recommend reading them in order. I specifically love that each story is different when it comes to the character's personalities, the reasons for them doing the challenges, and the dark elements that each couple experiences. This story felt less dark to me, but that could be because my threshold for what I consider dark has continued to expand. I was also able to connect to the characters right from the start. The sly, sneaky way the story begins and the way the romance then unfolds is captivating, and the relationship between Consuela and Beau felt for believable because of it. Without giving spoilers, all I can say is that the story is passionate, fast-paced, suspenseful, and exciting from beginning to end. The characters are fantastic and it's easy to become invested in their lives. The writing and storytelling is flawless and flows beautifully, and I can't wait to see where the series goes next.
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