A new enemies-to-lovers standalone.Byron Crowne is a charming liar and a gorgeous monster. I detest him.I can’t resist him.He’s awakened desires I didn’t know I had.When he touches me, I need to fight him . . . and I need him to win.Our one night stand bruises my skin and leaves dents in the walls, but the sheets aren’t the only thing we shred that night.And suddenly, the stakes are higher than … night.
And suddenly, the stakes are higher than ever.
Olivia Monroe lights a fire in me that died a long time ago.
I’m a different man when I’m with her. I need to own her, take her, mark her as mine.
Everything changes when she might be pregnant and for the first time in my life…I’m powerless against this stubborn, untamable woman.
She’s the one in control and I have an impossible job:
Prove I’m worthy to be a father.more
Iron Crowne by CD Reiss is the story of Olivia Monroe and Byron Crowne.
Byron is the Alpha male, bad man who has put up his shield of protection to prevent anything hurting him. Olivia is you sweet heroine who is strong and fun loving who is so hard for the anti-hero to resist. This is a start reading book and you won’t be putting it down. So don’t start it until you have the time to read until the end. I absolutely loved it and I would recommend it and of course always Ms. Reiss’s writing!
I loved how different this book is compared to C.d.’s earlier work. Its a nice change, but also she doesn’t sacrifice the heat level at all. I loved seeing how Byron and Olivia’s relationship develop and it also had a bit of an enemies to lovers element to it, which was fun to read. I really enjoyed this one and look forwards to Logan’s fake fiance book next!
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It’s the thrill of the fight, the adrenaline rush followed by the sweet sweet victory that keeps her job as a lawyer for the environmental protection fund exciting.
He’s known as the king of spec. He’s a high end developer with an eye for detail.
One piece of land, two different ideas and then the fireworks truly begin!
This book brought so many emotions to the surface that at the end I felt like I’d run a marathon!
I cried on the inside, I blinked back tears on the outside and I completely and utterly wore my heart on my sleeve as I lost myself.
Everytime the answer was a negative my heart broke a lil more. The situation so real.
Her dreams are shared by so many of us that it’s so easy to become one with her, and her predicament.
She’s the kind of character we all aspire to be. Confident and ballsy, driven and determined.
He’s the king of the hill so to speak. Knows what he wants and what he’s willing to do to get it. He oozes sex appeal and my gosh his dominance is so hot!!
CD Reiss has once again reminded me why shes a cut above the rest. Her writing style kills your heart and blows your mind all at the same time. Absolutely amazing!!
Once again Christine makes a love story that flows like poetry! Her words are always so eloquent, even when they are suggestive and saucy.
Byron and Olivia are both smart, driven, strong characters. I really liked how human they were, though. It wasn’t just being strong and not giving in, but being real. Olivia was honest about how she couldn’t protect her heart, and Byron was scared to let himself feel anything again. We’ve heard similar types of feelings before, but this felt different.
Also, Byron is pretty demanding in the bedroom, and Olivia is all about it. She can’t stand him half the time, but it’s like a switch is flipped. The push and pull, and the heat were entertaining and felt necessary for their story.
I’m so pumped at the start of a new series, I loved this one and the potential of the whole thing.
This book is gold! Rock solid brilliant!! The crafting of beautifully chosen words describing love, lust, friendship and the hearts own deliberations! I wish I had an iota of the talent of this woman who has, yet again, crafted a wonderfully well written book which delves into the minds and hearts of her creations and brings us a story that I have relished. It brings poignancy, red hot scenes, deliberations on hope and lost potentials to which so many of us can relate.
CD Reiss always manages to draw on heart and head with her writing as it is always so arresting. I have highlighted the living daylights out of the book, including the quotes from Byron. This is a love story full of storm and the quest for a calm centre. Loved it…if you haven’t already realised.
Iron Crowne was a delicious enemies-to-lovers story about the big, bad real estate developer and the environmentally conscience lawyer. The moment they lay eyes on each other, they are squaring off for a battle that neither one of them plan on losing.
CD Reiss has got the magic touch. I don’t know how she had these two in this epic business battle while cultivating a romance that was also kind of sweet. That may be just my take on it. I saw right through Byron from the start. The way he was consumed with Olivia had me convinced he was a better man than what he was presenting. I was right.
Olivia was so refreshing. She’s a very independent woman who had no qualms about admitting how she was feeling. She never had to pretend to be tough. She WAS tough and could still be vulnerable. It’s a great combination in a heroine.
I loved Byron’s family. They aren’t what you think they would be like when you learn how much money they have. Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. I want more from this world!
CD Reiss is synonymous with gifted storytelling and sizzling sexytimes. When I think of her one name always comes to mind: Jonathan Drazen. Well now after reading this book, a second name will without a doubt immediately follow: Byron Crowne. Jesus Christ this is one of my most anticipated reads in a long time and Reiss signed, sealed and delivered a phenomenal read and then some. Byron and Olivia were fire. Pure unadulterated sizzling chemistry on top of witty banter and reach for the sky brilliant storytelling. Iron Crowne is hands down one of the BEST stories I have ever read!
This story takes us on a journey of Olivia Monroe’s quest to take life by the horns and live it on her terms. But along comes Byron Crowne, the one man that makes her ache and tremble from the inside out and owns her with the dominance she craves. They equally hate and lust after one another – enemies by day and lovers in the dark. But when a one night stand may lead to a baby, Crowne is in for the fight of his life to prove he is worthy of the love of his greatest opponent.
Goddamn. CD Reiss can write a story. Iron Crowne is sexy and fiery but more importantly it is filled to the brim with emotion. I felt Olivia’s despair and sense of loss and Crowne’s frustration at his inability to prove himself to the woman that saw past his public playboy A-hole veneer. Not since Songs of Submission have I been in love with a story like I am with Iron Crowne. Reiss’ writing was edgy and provocative and almost poetic at times. She killed it with Iron Crowne and once again knocked it out of the park. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
A heated enemies-to-lovers novel. Whew! This book will keep you warm with the cold nights rolling in! Iron Crowne is well written and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Who will come out victor in this war on love? You will burn through the pages to find out.
Byron Crowne is calculated, a manipulator, and when he wants something he always gets what he wants.
Olivia Monroe is hardworking, follows the rules and has never lost a case, ever.
Both Olivia and Byron play to win. When they agreed to a brief affair, neither one anticipated losing. The rules were simple, yet also very complicated. Feelings have a way of doing that even when you agreed not to fall in love.
You know those authors, you have them, I know you do, the ones where no matter what they write, you can’t NOT one-click…CD Reiss is one of those authors for me. I can’t help it, I love her stories.
Iron Crowne is the epitome of Reiss’ brilliance as a writer. The characters are completely believable. Lord Byron could use a few lessons in how not to be an a$$, but once you peel back a few of his layers, you’ll find he harbors a hurt that not everyone would survive. Well hello, Olivia, could you be just the one to knock Byron down a few pegs? LOL
I loved their banter, and I loved the way these enemies to lovers behaved like adults, well mostly. If you follow my reviews you know I’m not one for over the top contrived angst and these two actually acted like adults, most of the time. Their struggles were real, their interactions were the perfect amount of push and pull and when it came time to make the hard choices, they behaved like adults and communicated. I love that!!
The cast of side characters doesn’t disappoint either…wonderful additions to give that full bodied feel to the story. I think there are more coming in this series and I personally can’t wait !
Utter perfection! Reiss has pulled out all the stops and given her readers steaminess like we haven’t experienced since the Submission series. And even though I’d steered away from erotic genre a while back, getting back into it in Iron Crowne was an absolute joy. Bearing the stamp of her poetic prose, Reiss has woven an enthralling story which highlights her protagonists’ vulnerabilities in a love-to-hate-hate-to-love relationship, stimulating every emotion.
“I work best in a fight. But see, the problem for the enemy—and I hate to think of such a beautiful creature as an enemy—but the problem is, I always win. And not just win.”
The tension between Byron Crowne and Olivia Monroe doesn’t just ebb and flow. It’s a constant battle of wits, skilful manoeuvres as to who is going to get what they want with no regard for the damage it could do. The author’s crafting of Byron’s complex character is spot on. Beautiful, broken and aloof, his sheer arrogance sets him apart. He has little time for Oliver’s environmental concerns with respect to one of his projects. Oliver, on the other hand, is unstoppable in her pursuit to put the blockers on it. Fought tooth and nail in and out of the legal board room could easily make or break them, so will that fine line between right and wrong be questioned?
“Stop pretending everything you hate isn’t everything you want.”
Olivia’s personal life is run with the precision of a Swiss watch. She wants what her sister has, time is running out and there’s no partner on the horizon. She doesn’t need one. Financially independent, I loved her determination and the fact that she wouldn’t be bullied into changing her mind showed me her deep inner-strength. She’s going to take Byron down a peg or two regardless of the crackling attraction between them. And romance certainly doesn’t come into the equation. Or will it?
‘He wasn’t the king of anything except me.’
Bryon wasn’t expecting to have such an adversary and not only does he like what he sees, but has trouble keeping Olivia at arm’s length. That One Big Thing he’s been striving for as his brother’s been left the helm in the family business is a step away from becoming a reality if it weren’t for her interference. A master at concealing his feelings, his sarcasm is cutting and hurtful; used as a smokescreen to protect his real persona.
‘Forgiving myself made grief remind me, steadily and quietly, that I was a dangerous man who could hurt someone again.’
Even though the scorchingly explicit scenes began as a means to an end, there is so much more behind them and more importantly, they don’t overwhelm the story. In this respect, the author’s writing is downright gritty, edgy—not typical of this kind of romance as the plot always takes first place. Reiss bringing out her heroes’ weaknesses is skillfully portrayed, and the first-rate secondary character development has to be mentioned, too. I couldn’t find fault with either Byron or Olivier’s families, the role friends play simply make the story more riveting. I loved how she’d toned down wealth because there is money…a lot of it. But both parents’ sentiments for the well-being of their children is foremost.
“This is who I am. My mind knows the boundaries, but my heart’s hell-bent on jumping fences.”
I couldn’t help searching for the literacy quotes and yeap, Lord Bryon will certainly make you go weak at the knees! I was wondering if asking for Logan’s story is too much ‘cause I’d also love to find out how he ticks. Thank you so much for this magnificent love story, Reiss. Bravo!
“Now, I’m not one to get between my brothers and the women they bring home, but in this case, I want you to know I’m not going to sit by and watch this turn ugly.”
C.D. Reiss has provided her readers with another sensual and erotic masterpiece. The prose flow like a well oiled machine with intelligently written banter, thoughtful situations and smoking hot scenes. In truth, this story reminded me of an old Hollywood cinematic blockbuster. Maybe it was the fact they were in California, maybe not, but it just reminded me of the good ‘ole California dream.
Byron and Olivia remind me of the push and pull of tides, or a push and pull of power between both of them. Byron always pushing forward and taking control, then Olivia pulling back but giving herself gracefully and with thought at the same time. Although Olivia commands control in most aspects of her life and choices she makes, she concedes it in the bedroom, or closet, or living room, etc… you know where I’m going. And Byron sure can impress with his dirty talking, alpha male voice. I’m melting now just thinking about it again.
This whole story is just a wonderful example of the dynamics of power between two very strong and independent characters. Their life situations have molded them into who they are today. Proud and resilient in their own right, but pliable when forced to their knees.
Another wonderfully exciting story with the alpha hero we’ve come to expect and the capable heroine we all hope to be.
I really enjoyed this book! Byron was a hot, egotistical, rich and entitled jerk, going up against Olivia, the David to his Goliath, the little guy standing up for what she feels is right. Add some sexual chemistry and sparks, and you have an explosive enemies to lovers romance! I loved Byron’s family too… I’m really looking forward to reading Logan’s book next!
This book got me right in the feels! Being a woman who has struggled with fertility issues and knowing what that does to you I felt deeply connected to Olivia. I felt all her sorrow and desperation. Then here comes Byron! Oh hold on to your parties ladies! He is my absolute favorite hero from this author! He’s a filthy dirty talking alpha just like I like them. This book surprised me in the best way. I always love this author’s characters and the worlds she builds for them but something about this couple felt so raw and real! I couldn’t put this one down!! Highly recommend this book!!
Sometimes you read a book and you wonder how you can ever read another one because this book surely destroys any need or desire to read something else. That’s how I felt when I finished Iron Crowne. CD Reiss crafts characters and stories that stick, and this one, dear readers, is like super glue.
Byron Crowne is one of those Reiss-ian heroes who is hard, imposing, demanding, controlling, and decisive. And yet he is perhaps more self-aware than previous heroes in Reiss’s works. He knows he does not want to get married, but he also knows that he would like to be a father. When he meets Olivia, a woman determined to have a child, he thinks he found a worthy vessel. He quickly discovers that he is the one who must prove his worth.
I loved Byron’s character arc. I loved getting to know him, and I loved watching his metamorphosis. He doesn’t change because someone asks; if anything, he would scoff at such a notion. He decides what to do and how to do it based on what he needs, on what serves him. If this means opening his heart, then he will.
Olivia is every bit as complex as Byron. She is not always a good friend (there is one scene in particular where she makes the selfish choice, and it bothered me because I expected better from her, even as I understood why she did what she did), but she is someone you want on your side. She pushes Byron–sometimes even away from her–and she resolutely refuses to twist herself into something she doesn’t want to be. I found myself becoming every bit as captivated by her as I was by Byron Crowne.
The sexy times are glorious. Raw, carnal, almost feral. Two people who take what they want while giving what serves them. You watch that selfishness morph, however, which makes Reiss’s sex scenes even hotter.
I am hooked on the Crownes and cannot wait to get to know Byron’s siblings better. They are distinctly different from the Drazens in ways that I find intriguing.
There are some authors who are automatic one-clicks for me because they write in a way that leaves me breathless. CD Reiss is one of those, and this book is the perfect example of why that is.
When I read the blurb I thought I knew what I was going to get.
But I was wrong.
This book is so much more!
The characters,Byron and Olivia are very complex people.
Byron is a cocky confident domineering man.
He plays to win and lives his life that way as well.
He never backs down.
It’s a principal of his no matter the situation.
Byron is sexy and intense.
He’s a successful businessman.
But his soul is damaged.
Olivia is a strong determined lady.
She’s a lawyer that fights to win.
Her beliefs and morals are high.
And she won’t let anyone dissuade her.
Olivia is so headstrong.
She is a liberated women.
Who believes in never backing down.
Sometimes in my opinion it went to the extreme.
I think her perception on certain things had to do with her childhood.
When these two strong willed people face off.
Well let’s just say all hell is about to break free.
They are absolutely combustible together!
Whether they are arguing or kissing they are a live electrical wire.
Fighting or burning up the sheets they are hot.
Their chemistry was so palpable it ripples off the pages.
Life is about give and take.
Compromise.
Can such iron willed people learn or even accept concessions?
This book was brilliantly written.
The language that was used and how things are situations were described was outstanding.
Having read a lot of Ms. Reiss’ previous work.
I knew I would get a fantastic read.
But I got so much more than fantastic.
I got powerful.