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Chrysalis: A Crown Family Novel
Charlotte “Charlie” Chase appears to have a lucrative marketing career, a handsome fiancé, a mansion in Houston. But a chance encounter with the mysterious, and alluring, Paxton Crown (owner of L.O.V.E. enterprises) at a pole dancing studio, is forcing her to admit that she’s disillusioned with her stellar-but-soulless job and frigid fiancé. The world of pole dancing pulls Charlie in, and the passionate, sultry environment has her questioning her life’s direction. Taking a leave from her executive position, Charlie becomes immersed in a world of independence, unbending friendships, and sensual power. The studio and the thrilling knowledge of an upcoming competition become the only bright spots in her conventionally basic life.Paxton is crass and unapproachable, and despite the delicious way her body responds to his presence, Paxton has made it clear he’s not interested in an emotional attachment. As Charlie and Paxton work more closely together, Charlie finds herself caught between his vulgarity and his warmth. Wanting desperately to discover what has caused him to close himself off from falling in love, she pushes him to open up. As layers of a dark past are revealed, Paxton closes himself off further from Charlotte, preventing him from seeing how sensuous, courageous, and strong Charlie really is... And how this could be the love they both need, in order to live a life of not so basic things.
280 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2021
8 people are currently reading
3493 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 13, 2021
I expected to like this book, but I was wrong....I absolutely LOVED this book! I've read other books by Rie Anders and have enjoyed them. I didn't expect to get completely pulled in by the characters. I literally read the book in a day only taking breaks when I had no choice. Charlotte was such a great character. She's the right mix of strong and vulnerable. She is inspiring by going after what she wants. Paxton is a perfect alpha hero, tough on the outside and an absolute marshmallow with his family on the inside. I loved the rest of the characters too and am already counting down until the next book. The book has a very satisfying ending but I want more! I want the author to write faster!!! I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2021
I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway.
It was enjoyable to read Charlotte’s journey from being a person who felt trapped in her “perfect” life to someone genuinely happy. And what better way than take a risk by joining a pole dancing class. When she bumps into the handsome but grumpy studio owner, there is an instant attraction that develops as the story unfolds.
Before reading this story, I knew nothing about pole dancing other than it takes great strength and skill. The behind-the-scenes glimpses were really interesting.
The plot was fairly predictable, but there were several things that held my interest. Charlotte was a very relatable character, knowing that she wanted to change her life, but not sure how to go about it. There is something quite satisfying to read about someone who has the courage to take active steps to live the life she chooses.
The more Charlotte gets to know Paxton, the reader realizes that he has a complicated back story. I also really enjoyed the new friendships Charlotte made. The secondary characters were developed nicely. The story title tie-in was perfect.
The story title on my Kindle says this is a Crown Family Novel. I would definitely read another book in this series.
It was enjoyable to read Charlotte’s journey from being a person who felt trapped in her “perfect” life to someone genuinely happy. And what better way than take a risk by joining a pole dancing class. When she bumps into the handsome but grumpy studio owner, there is an instant attraction that develops as the story unfolds.
Before reading this story, I knew nothing about pole dancing other than it takes great strength and skill. The behind-the-scenes glimpses were really interesting.
The plot was fairly predictable, but there were several things that held my interest. Charlotte was a very relatable character, knowing that she wanted to change her life, but not sure how to go about it. There is something quite satisfying to read about someone who has the courage to take active steps to live the life she chooses.
The more Charlotte gets to know Paxton, the reader realizes that he has a complicated back story. I also really enjoyed the new friendships Charlotte made. The secondary characters were developed nicely. The story title tie-in was perfect.
The story title on my Kindle says this is a Crown Family Novel. I would definitely read another book in this series.
April 12, 2021
I will admit this took me a little to get into but once I did I was hooked.
We've all been in a place at one time in our lives when we asked "How did I get here?" "Am I happy?" This story is Charlotte's journey to find herself. She's somewhere she didn't want to be but how to get out. Pole dancing!
Paxton is the owner of the dance studio and immediately smitten with Charlotte. She with him too but his forwardness and her current situation does not allow her to explore the feelings.
This journey has Charlotte, finding out that her friends and who she thinks and her new friends support whatever she wishes.
This is a good finding yourself story.
Several things happen to Charlotte during her journey that give her the courage to move forward.
I'll definitely read this author again.
We've all been in a place at one time in our lives when we asked "How did I get here?" "Am I happy?" This story is Charlotte's journey to find herself. She's somewhere she didn't want to be but how to get out. Pole dancing!
Paxton is the owner of the dance studio and immediately smitten with Charlotte. She with him too but his forwardness and her current situation does not allow her to explore the feelings.
This journey has Charlotte, finding out that her friends and who she thinks and her new friends support whatever she wishes.
This is a good finding yourself story.
Several things happen to Charlotte during her journey that give her the courage to move forward.
I'll definitely read this author again.
April 25, 2021
I won this book through Goodreads giveaways! This book is a good romance novel that keeps you interested in the story. It's much lighter reading, and is a book great for taking to the beach. My issues with the book were that I had a hard time identifying with the main character, who was born with priveledge, then lived with priveledge, and then "left" her life behind, but it didn't actually affect her at all. The emotional writing was realistic, but I just didn't sink into the book like I have in others.
May 2, 2021
This was an out of the box read. Don’t know where I came across it but it was engaging. A bit of editing and it would be a great story. Transitions were rough, and the dance studio was a studio, club, and store which threw me out of the story many times. I feel like this story had ALL the things going, much like our busy lives but sometimes too much overwhelms the story. Death, love, divorce, heartbreak, abortion and male assholery take a lot of emotion to read all in one short book.
April 21, 2021
Chrysalis
I loved this story so much I read it in one sitting. Many twists and turns, sadness, laughter, love, hard decisions, but I had a smile on my face at the end. Kudos Ms Anders.
I loved this story so much I read it in one sitting. Many twists and turns, sadness, laughter, love, hard decisions, but I had a smile on my face at the end. Kudos Ms Anders.
August 5, 2021
read this and more reviews on Frayed Books:
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The author was hosting a giveaway on Facebook for a few copies of the audiobook of her newest novel, Chrysalis – I’ve read a Rie Anders book in the past and enjoyed it, and since I’ve been on a romance kick, I figured, why not enter! And what do you know – I won a copy!
Thank you to the author for an audiobook copy, all opinions are my own and I was under no obligation to share this review.
This story follows Charlotte aka “Charlie” – she is vice president of marketing for a company, she’s engaged to be married, her and her fiancé have a beautiful mansion – but Charlie still feels like something is missing in her life. She decides to stop by the dance studio across the street from her office and sign up for classes – pole dancing classes.
Charlie falls in love with pole dancing and takes classes as often as she can. When she tells her fiancé what she has been doing, he is displeased and belittles her, telling her to stop taking “stripper” classes – which she is not happy about. Despite that, Charlie doesn’t stop taking classes and only becomes more invested in pole dancing even entering a competition. I love that Charlotte doesn’t let a man tell her what she can or can’t do – she loves dancing and both her mind and body are stronger because of it.
One day at the studio she literally runs into Paxton, owner of the dance studio, and he is crass and unapproachable and yet Charlie feels drawn to him. You can guess where this is leading. It’s hard to say more without giving too much away, but dark mysterious sexy man? Oh yeah, hard to resist.
Honestly there is a lot packed into this book. The main focus is the pole dancing but there are a lot of emotional relationships within this story. I was really invested in each character and they all felt pretty well fleshed out. I wanted to know what would happen next. While some moments were predictable, others took be my surprise and I appreciate when a book can do that.
While this was good, its not without its flaws. Some authors use certain words too often, and with this story, its “laughs” – everyone laughs at everything! And not just laughs. “…laughs, and laughs, and laughs” – 3 times in a row – is said more times than I could count. (I should’ve counted.) It got to be a little ridiculous how often the laughs x3 was used throughout this book. Nothing was ever THAT funny and it drove me up a wall insane.
Another thing that bothered me – Charlotte tells everyone to call her “Charlie” but only her fiancé and college best friend call her that. Everyone else in her life calls her Charlotte – so that nickname felt almost pointless to mention.
As with Rie Anders past book, this book was good, but it was missing a spark that could’ve made it great. Don’t get me wrong – I still enjoyed this and thought the romance was sexy, but I always felt like some spark was missing. I’m giving this a solid 3 stars – still a good rating!
Audiobook Thoughts
I listened to this as an audiobook and I really enjoyed the narrator! I thought she did well with the narration and voices of characters – a few were a little awkward but overall it was a good listen. I ended up on 2.4x speed.
Recommend?
As always, 3 stars is NOT a bad rating! I enjoyed this book and if you’re looking for a romance thats under the radar, I would say give this one a try and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised! I haven’t read many books that feature pole dancing strictly as a sport so that was refreshing and interesting to read about. It’s not just for strippers.
Frayed Books - blog | twitter | bookstagram | fb
http://frayedbooks.wordpress.com
The author was hosting a giveaway on Facebook for a few copies of the audiobook of her newest novel, Chrysalis – I’ve read a Rie Anders book in the past and enjoyed it, and since I’ve been on a romance kick, I figured, why not enter! And what do you know – I won a copy!
Thank you to the author for an audiobook copy, all opinions are my own and I was under no obligation to share this review.
This story follows Charlotte aka “Charlie” – she is vice president of marketing for a company, she’s engaged to be married, her and her fiancé have a beautiful mansion – but Charlie still feels like something is missing in her life. She decides to stop by the dance studio across the street from her office and sign up for classes – pole dancing classes.
Charlie falls in love with pole dancing and takes classes as often as she can. When she tells her fiancé what she has been doing, he is displeased and belittles her, telling her to stop taking “stripper” classes – which she is not happy about. Despite that, Charlie doesn’t stop taking classes and only becomes more invested in pole dancing even entering a competition. I love that Charlotte doesn’t let a man tell her what she can or can’t do – she loves dancing and both her mind and body are stronger because of it.
One day at the studio she literally runs into Paxton, owner of the dance studio, and he is crass and unapproachable and yet Charlie feels drawn to him. You can guess where this is leading. It’s hard to say more without giving too much away, but dark mysterious sexy man? Oh yeah, hard to resist.
Honestly there is a lot packed into this book. The main focus is the pole dancing but there are a lot of emotional relationships within this story. I was really invested in each character and they all felt pretty well fleshed out. I wanted to know what would happen next. While some moments were predictable, others took be my surprise and I appreciate when a book can do that.
While this was good, its not without its flaws. Some authors use certain words too often, and with this story, its “laughs” – everyone laughs at everything! And not just laughs. “…laughs, and laughs, and laughs” – 3 times in a row – is said more times than I could count. (I should’ve counted.) It got to be a little ridiculous how often the laughs x3 was used throughout this book. Nothing was ever THAT funny and it drove me up a wall insane.
Another thing that bothered me – Charlotte tells everyone to call her “Charlie” but only her fiancé and college best friend call her that. Everyone else in her life calls her Charlotte – so that nickname felt almost pointless to mention.
As with Rie Anders past book, this book was good, but it was missing a spark that could’ve made it great. Don’t get me wrong – I still enjoyed this and thought the romance was sexy, but I always felt like some spark was missing. I’m giving this a solid 3 stars – still a good rating!
Audiobook Thoughts
I listened to this as an audiobook and I really enjoyed the narrator! I thought she did well with the narration and voices of characters – a few were a little awkward but overall it was a good listen. I ended up on 2.4x speed.
Recommend?
As always, 3 stars is NOT a bad rating! I enjoyed this book and if you’re looking for a romance thats under the radar, I would say give this one a try and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised! I haven’t read many books that feature pole dancing strictly as a sport so that was refreshing and interesting to read about. It’s not just for strippers.
Frayed Books - blog | twitter | bookstagram | fb
April 16, 2021
I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. It sounded interesting, not my normal fare but at the very least I thought it would be fun and interesting to see how the dancing was described and incorporated into the story.
It was fun. It was interesting. I hoped to at least enjoy it and ended up loving it. Having no experience whatsoever in either the world of pole dancing or corporate success, I was afraid I would find Charlie completely unrelatable, but she and I share other things, like feeling trapped in our own skin and strangers in our own lives, staying with the wrong man and struggling to reconcile that fact and then finally breaking free and finding happiness in walking away to embrace a fresh start.
The cast of characters was well developed, the story unfolds nicely and the only reason it took me nine days to read was outside forces combining to keep us apart. (Kids, birthdays, computer on the fritz making it hard to access the book) My wonderful MIL gifted me a tablet and BEHOLD I was able to settle in and enjoy!
The show vs tell ratio was refreshing after some of what I've recently read, and the word pictures played out in my mind like a movie I thoroughly enjoyed. Even more refreshing, there was only one "How did the editor miss that?!" moment, closer to the end of the story (I can't remember which page now and am too lazy to go find, but she's describing an outfit) there is a 1 where an I should be. It stood out to me mostly because there had been none of these types of errors earlier so I worried there was something wrong with my brand new screen! Kudos to the team on that! This in and of itself was a breath of fresh air.
I enjoyed my introduction to this world and this author. Charlotte's journey to Paxton was fun to tag along on and I'll be on the look out for more.
It was fun. It was interesting. I hoped to at least enjoy it and ended up loving it. Having no experience whatsoever in either the world of pole dancing or corporate success, I was afraid I would find Charlie completely unrelatable, but she and I share other things, like feeling trapped in our own skin and strangers in our own lives, staying with the wrong man and struggling to reconcile that fact and then finally breaking free and finding happiness in walking away to embrace a fresh start.
The cast of characters was well developed, the story unfolds nicely and the only reason it took me nine days to read was outside forces combining to keep us apart. (Kids, birthdays, computer on the fritz making it hard to access the book) My wonderful MIL gifted me a tablet and BEHOLD I was able to settle in and enjoy!
The show vs tell ratio was refreshing after some of what I've recently read, and the word pictures played out in my mind like a movie I thoroughly enjoyed. Even more refreshing, there was only one "How did the editor miss that?!" moment, closer to the end of the story (I can't remember which page now and am too lazy to go find, but she's describing an outfit) there is a 1 where an I should be. It stood out to me mostly because there had been none of these types of errors earlier so I worried there was something wrong with my brand new screen! Kudos to the team on that! This in and of itself was a breath of fresh air.
I enjoyed my introduction to this world and this author. Charlotte's journey to Paxton was fun to tag along on and I'll be on the look out for more.
May 7, 2021
Full of heart
Like the name suggests, CHRYSALIS is a story of transformation; of a woman who was not satisfied with the life she was living.
The plot was original and the aspects of pole dancing for fitness or self actualization was well researched without being more than the reader needed to become immersed in the atmosphere created by the author. The contrast between real life and the pursuit of a satisfying life made it easy to feel the emotional upheaval of the main characters.
Paxton was frustrating because of his inconsistency and Charlotte was frustrating because of her insecurity. In the story we see what made them transformed them.
The book has vivid descriptions of clothes, landscapes, venues, etc. making it easy to visualize the story. There is angst, drama, and some tragic moments all of which is balanced out with energy, steam and friendships.
Like the name suggests, CHRYSALIS is a story of transformation; of a woman who was not satisfied with the life she was living.
The plot was original and the aspects of pole dancing for fitness or self actualization was well researched without being more than the reader needed to become immersed in the atmosphere created by the author. The contrast between real life and the pursuit of a satisfying life made it easy to feel the emotional upheaval of the main characters.
Paxton was frustrating because of his inconsistency and Charlotte was frustrating because of her insecurity. In the story we see what made them transformed them.
The book has vivid descriptions of clothes, landscapes, venues, etc. making it easy to visualize the story. There is angst, drama, and some tragic moments all of which is balanced out with energy, steam and friendships.
March 20, 2021
If you are a Rie Anders fan you will love this book! If you haven't read any of her other stories this is an excellent book to begin with.
First off, this title is the perfect one for this story. It is exactly what this story encompasses.
Right from the beginning you are snared into this captivating tale of Charlotte's journey to self happiness. You live through her self doubts and experience her joys.
You are introduced to a world, I might not normally be interested in, but was totally enchanted by this wonderful storyline and character depiction of what it takes to be a part of this world.
Once again, Rie Anders far exceeded my expectations. This is a great read and I recommend it!
First off, this title is the perfect one for this story. It is exactly what this story encompasses.
Right from the beginning you are snared into this captivating tale of Charlotte's journey to self happiness. You live through her self doubts and experience her joys.
You are introduced to a world, I might not normally be interested in, but was totally enchanted by this wonderful storyline and character depiction of what it takes to be a part of this world.
Once again, Rie Anders far exceeded my expectations. This is a great read and I recommend it!
April 26, 2021
I loved the story of Charlotte and Paxton. I’ve had it in my library for several weeks and so happy I decided to make it my Sunday read! I couldn’t put it down, the story was so realistic. Charlie caught up in a career and stagnant relationship, she feels empty. She sees a pole dance studio and close to work and thinks it might be fun to give it a try, not realizing it’s going to change her life. Lots of real life situations, meeting Paxton, who is brash and rude at times, a fiancé that she realizes they are becoming distant and his disapproval of the pole dance classes. Reading how Charlie is slowing finding herself and along the way finds a love she deserves and happiness. I’ve read a few of Rie Anders books and want to read more!
March 18, 2021
What a wonderful, mysterious, complicated storyline, it is a perfect blend of romance and drama. You will be swept off your feet with this world wind story, Charlotte is confused about herself and try to find her way and Paxton is really a wounded man, that is a great start for one of the greatest book I have read this year. Read it you won’t be disappointed.
I received an Arc and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an Arc and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 22, 2021
I loved this book more than any other book I've read in the last few years. Yes, this one hit home with me as I could 100% relate to the main character. If I didn't have a dreaded day job I probably would have finished this book in one sitting. I want to get to know Charlotte and be her friend in real life. The name of the book is perfect Chrysalis - we are all transforming all the time, even though we remain the same person.
March 23, 2021
Loved It!!!! Right from the beginning I was drawn into Charlott's story. The characters felt so real and so relatable.. I felt like I was right there next to them witnessing it all first hand.. There were times when I was laughing out loud and other times when I had tears running down my face.. I started this book before I went to work on Sunday, read it a little more on my lunch break and then stayed up late that night to finish it. I just did not want to put this book down!
April 17, 2021
This book is about Charlotte and Paxton. What do you do when you get tired or doing the same thing day in and day out, you try something new. Charlotte decides she is going to do a pole dancing class. She loves doing it and she begins to think she is good. Her boyfriend/fiancée Mark doesn't think its a very good idea or look for her. Paxton owns the dancing studio and meets Charlotte. Paxton encourages Charlotte in his gruff manner to keep dancing. This book will keep wanting more.
April 14, 2021
Great start to a series
First book in the Crown family series. I can't wait to read additional stories on the other Crown siblings. Story kept my interest and the main characters were very likable. You want a happy ending for all. Right amount of background content for a series starter.
First book in the Crown family series. I can't wait to read additional stories on the other Crown siblings. Story kept my interest and the main characters were very likable. You want a happy ending for all. Right amount of background content for a series starter.
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March 16, 2021I couldn't put this book down! The story is wonderful and the characters are relatable and real. You can't help but fall in love with them! If you like steamy romance stories, then this one should be on your must read list!
March 24, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars! I couldn’t put this book down! I was hooked from the first chapter! These characters are very relatable. This book is so well written. I was feeling their emotions! Do yourself a favor and ready this!
5 stars! I couldn’t put this book down! I was hooked from the first chapter! These characters are very relatable. This book is so well written. I was feeling their emotions! Do yourself a favor and ready this!
March 27, 2021
Rie, you did it again. I felt like a minor character in this book watching from the sidelines. I felt the music and wanted to find a pole and get dancing! We need more. Solara and Max each have a story, I can feel it. I see a movie with this one. Great job❤️
September 6, 2024
This started out as a freebie I had nothing ever said it was only a 3 chapter sample from when I took it offer even had given page count. Was so upset was lucky that my library’s Hoopla had ebook so I was able to finish book.
March 19, 2021
Everything about this book was great! Pulled me in from the beginning and has me wanting to do things I would not do.
June 15, 2021
Breathe taking
This book was so overwhelming spectacular. I could hardly put it down. It got me all in feels. I highly recommend it
This book was so overwhelming spectacular. I could hardly put it down. It got me all in feels. I highly recommend it
August 25, 2021
I love Rie’s writing style! This book was beautiful! Romance at its best! Thank you Rie Anders!
May 4, 2021
I enjoyed the romance between Paxton and Charlotte.The author 's voice was fresh. I thought the setting inside a pole dancing studio was interesting.
April 7, 2021
I love Anders characters and Charlotte, Paxton and everyone else in Chrysalis were so well written. Who hasn't wished they could just let go of something that doesn't make them happy, like a job to instead do something they really enjoy?
Charlotte struggles, as anyone would, and it takes her much of the book to solidify the change from VP in the corporate world to whatever all her future holds with Crown and her dancing. She also takes a huge leap from a boring, safe and "acceptable" boyfriend to the hot and sexy enigma that is Paxton Crown.
I loved the plot, the people, the interesting world of pole dancing and the perplexing changes Charlotte faces. I cried and cheered at various times as there was no shortage of feelings throughout Charlotte's progression.
Thank you to Rie Anders for the ARC.
Charlotte struggles, as anyone would, and it takes her much of the book to solidify the change from VP in the corporate world to whatever all her future holds with Crown and her dancing. She also takes a huge leap from a boring, safe and "acceptable" boyfriend to the hot and sexy enigma that is Paxton Crown.
I loved the plot, the people, the interesting world of pole dancing and the perplexing changes Charlotte faces. I cried and cheered at various times as there was no shortage of feelings throughout Charlotte's progression.
Thank you to Rie Anders for the ARC.
April 17, 2021
I absolutely loved this book, charolette was in a relationship that just wasnt what she wanted anymore but kept going through the motions. Paxton walked around in a bad mood and made people uncomfortable because he had a lot going on in his life. A literal run in with each other set them on a course to find happiness and it was so wonderfully written. I started this book last night and did not go to sleep until it was done. The author knows how to tug on our heart strings and send us into annoyance depending on the scene. She is amazing and her books are a must read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews