An irresistible connection, a desire that won’t let go…When aspiring antiques dealer Eleanor Cole is handed the chance of a lifetime to work for the Hunt Corporation, the renowned antiques dealers, she doesn’t think twice. Only to discover she’ll be working up close and personal with the notorious and insanely irresistible Becker Hunt. He is a man famous for getting what he wants, and Becker … and Becker wants Eleanor.
But as Becker pulls her deeper into his world, she discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye.
And falling for Becker goes from being foolish to dangerous…
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I had no clue what to expect from this story. I never read a single teaser or a blurb.
It took a few chapters before I “connected” with the story and with Eleanor and Becker. It felt a little like a pin pong ball bouncing between the two of them. But as the store progressed I fell head over heals for the both of them.
I loved the banter between Eleanor and Becker. The sass and the sexy.
And not to mention Mrs. Potts and Mr. H. Such wonderful characters. Both wise and funny.
I liked the setting of Artful Lies – then again give me a sexy Brit, mention London and England and I’m hooked…
And btw, this book ends with a cliffhanger! This means we’ll get another Eleanor and Becker book (so I might just forgive Jodi for this ending)
This is book 1 in the Hunt Legacy Duet and Oh holy mother of #jodiellenmalpas, it’s off to a fantabulicious start.
Gripping, passionate with lots of snarky humor, this installment was unputdownable.
There’s a new alpha in Jodi world, and his name is Becker Hunt. An art and antiquities dealer with an eye for perfection and the finer things in life. He’s Uber alpha, broody, mysterious and frustratingly aloof.
He’s also in need of an assistant and when Eleanor Cole is hired for the job, he had no idea what he was in for!
Eleanor is new to London looking for a fresh start. She’s fiercely independent, and strong willed.
They both got more what they bargained for and their work relationship too on a whole new meaning.
This read flowed nicely, the characters were flawlessly developed and their chemistry was combustible. Who knew that Becker could show a side of him, he didn’t know he had!
As their story evolved and developed there were subtle hints of something lurking, waiting to happen.
Boom! The twist at the end, took this read to another level leaving me hungry for more.
4.5 stars
Wow! I just finished this and I am absolutely floored. I am so glad I picked this up… and trust me you will be too. Just be warned, it does end on a doozy of a cliffhanger.
Eleanor Cole had dropped her schooling and dreams when her father suddenly died. Five years since he’s passed, she is ready to pursue her dreams. She moves to London and is on the hunt for a job when an amazing opportunity drops in her lap, to work for the Hunt Corporation. Only her new boss is the obnoxious man she seems to keep running into.
Becker Hunt is a world renowned antiques dealer. He always gets what he wants and right now that is Eleanor. He comes off as an infuriatingly, handsome, charming womanizer. And it’ll only be so long that Eleanor can resist him.
The longer that Eleanor works there, the deeper Becker Hunt draws her in.
This book was amazing. I couldn’t put it down. No for the agonizing wait for the second book. One-click this now!
Part one in a new duology from JEM and this one was an absolute winner for me…. meet Becker Hunt, a domineering alpha, wickedly sinful. cocky, arrogant and deliciously hot!! He’s the Hunt behind the infamous Hunt Corporation, a very famous and elite antiques dealer. Eleanor Cole has just moved to London, leaving her cheating boyfriend behind her. With her love and passion for all things old and antique she is looking for a new start, and can’t believe her luck when she literally stumbles into the job with the Hunt family. Becker and Eleanor’s chemistry is instant and off the charts, but very much forbidden, he is her boss and a well known playboy, never bedding the same woman twice and does not believe in love, she needs to keep her distance to save her heart from being broken.
I loved this so much!! Becker is very much like Jessie Ward but without all the psychotic tendencies. Eleanor is broken but determined to succeed when she gets to London and is determined to resist all that is Becker to have her career.
I loved the plot, it grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go. The electricity between Becker and Eleanor was immense, their banter and the ability to push each other’s buttons was wonderful, as was watching them both explode when pushed! This coupled with the thrill of the chase and their passion kept me engrossed throughout and wanting more.
I loved Becker with a passion, his adventurous lifestyle, his passion, his wit……. who would’ve thought that ‘Shhhh’ and the eating of an apple could be so erotic and hot!!! I loved watching Eleanor’s character develop the more confident she became as she settled in her new job, her love and passion for antiques coming out and her awe at Becker’s professional side.
This was a thrilling adventure of a read, passion filled along with angst to keep you on your toes. Their banter had me tittering and laughing whilst reading which was a great balance to the angst and hot passion. A total win for me, except I’m not sure if I can stand to wait until November for the second book in the duo, damn!!!
I devoured this book. From page 1, I was intrigued with Eleanor’s story as she embarks on a new start in London while feeling guilt at leaving her father’s dream behind. She is coping with his loss but knows maintaining his ‘antique’ shop isn’t the life she wants. What he collected aren’t really antique’s but through her love of reading, she found a world in old things that she desperately wants to be part of. While job hunting, she bumps into a frustrating yet sexy man. When he is suddenly her boss, she isn’t sure what to do. Becker Hunt is all kinds of wrong while creating all kinds of right feelings inside her. Becker pushes all of her buttons as he attempts to push her away while trying to keep her close. Truly frustrating but enthralling all at the same time. Becker delivers a sexy alpha male with a flair for adventure. As Eleanor is let into his secret world, she learns about his true passion for collecting things, something they share. But knowing Becker won’t open his heart, is there any way for Eleanor to protect hers? I am loving the quest for antiques and being introduced into this amazing world through this incredible couple. So excited to see how this adventure will end. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Occasionally you read a book that hits you like a freight train. That’s exactly what Artful Lies by Jodi Ellen Malpas did to me. Artful Lies was AMAZING AND I WAS HOOKED FROM PAGE ONE!!
JEM knows how to write Alpha men that will drive us crazy but that will make us drool and crave for more and BECKER is all of that and more!
I stepped into this book and had my mind blown by the characters and the writing. The story is told in the POV of Eleanor but Becker oozes dominance, power & control!
“ shhhh, His fingers comes up to his mouth and shushes me . It’s sexy as hell, even as a warning.”
Be ready for one hell of a ride with an Alpha that makes your toes curl and your skin tingle- Who would have thought that being shushed and eating apples was the new sexy?
“ Eating apples shouldn’t be erotic, it just shouldn’t , but every time I witness him sinking his teethe into one, it’s all I can do not dive on him and lick the juice from his lips.”
Top 5 of 2020 without a doubt!! Absolutely fantastic.
Becker, Becker, Becker!!!!! Eleanor moves to London for new beginnings and escaping a hurtful relationship which she was happy to leave behind. Things in London at first wasn’t looking up but then there’s her sexy alpha boss. There’s an attraction between them and slowly they fall for each other. But things starts happening to Eleanor that are unexplainable. The last incident that happened to her when she approached Becker for help she realized he wasn’t who she thought he was and oh boy the drama increases!! Eleanor leaves a stunned Becker even though her heart is completely vested but so is his she just know it. How he will be able to convince her will be soooo good to read.
JEM is renowned for giving us Swoonworthy, alpha men who like total control and beautiful damsels who rebel against it. Her trademark Head vs Heart tussle sets stage for sexy hot scenes and funniest banter.
This book continues in the same vein. Eleanor Cole dreams about escaping her countryside home and her Dad’s “Antique” shop to more high end Arts & Antiques job in London. She lands right in the midst of the bustling city on her two feet and goes about job interviewing
Becker Hunt saves her from falling on the sidewalk and then proceeds to steal her senses!!
Cab thief.
Scarf thief.
Job thief.
The gorgeous, angel-eyed specimen
He’s her new boss and despite multiple caution warnings, she starts falling under his spell.
He’s a leopard never to change his spots though.
“He’s suggestive, tempting, and has the power of seduction down to a fine art. And he manages to be a total prick during the process.
He’s a maverick. A rogue. A player. Seduces women for fun. Honestly, he has a problem. It’s unhealthy.”
OH what’s a girl got to do to keep her heart safe when the tall drink of water is beckoning her, when she’s parched from breath holding and tongue tying by just LOOKING at him
It’s a Tete-A-Tete story going back and forth with power struggles between Eleanor and Becker. His grandpa and Mrs. Potts provide support and little background details. The most adorable Winston wins over Eleanor’s heart, much to everyone’s dismay.
The story is full of high roller lifestyle tricks, games rivals play, decades old family feuds, challenging psychological problems and violent behavior patterns and lots and lots of secrets tumbling out, once Eleanor opens the secret Pandora’s Box.
It’s fast, racy, slick story and will be a delight for die hard JEM fans
4 stars for The World On My Back
If your a Jesse Ward or Miller Hart fan then ladies your going to love you some Becker Hunt! He’s an alpha hero with a a deeply wounded past, he lives at The Haven surrounding himself with all things beautiful, rare and expensive, he’s rich, handsome, well connected and a man who likes the ladies but underneath the perfect gentleman surface he is a ruthless scoundrel where his family is concerned.
Eleanor Cole instantly clashes with Becker upon her first meeting him, he steals her cab on the way to a job interview which he makes her late for, then he steals her scarf the next time that they meet, and be this as a warning to all you ladies reading this because Becker Hunt is also a stealer of hearts! Upon seeing him again at her new job at The Haven, she finds him to be a complete ass for most of her time there. As time goes by their up close and personal interactions with each other, brings out the physical chemistry that they both share bubbling to the surface.
This book you can tell Jodi Ellen Malpas wrote straight after the success of This Man and the One Night series, it has a similar style of writing with a damaged alpha hero that has a different outlook on life. He has many coping mechanisms that helps him get through his average day. He’s very controlling and a little immature at times but hey I like a man that thinks that they have all the power but they really don’t, they just need someone to come along and save them from themselves. She also wrote Eleanor Cole as a strong female character that steps up to the challenge of such an intimidating man, their banter is so hilarious as they continue to irritate each other throughout the book and their fight to not give in to temptation is a delicious tease and so explosive that when it does actually happen it’s an inferno of lust and hot dirty sex.
This book does end with a big massive cliffhanger at it’s end and OMG the wait till November to get more Becker Hunt in the next book of this series ‘Wicked Truths’ is going to be so bloody hard. This was such a fantastic read and is a romance that has really blown out of the water everything else that I have read this year so far. I was so enchanted by Becker Hunt and all his charm and so will you be!
Intriguing, playful, sensual.
Art and romance are a powerful combo that I never cease to crave. Just like this author’s stories. A little bit of mystery, the luxurious world of antiques and treasures, and a dashing tortured hero to unravel a woman’s heart.
What a setting! London, sins of the flesh, historical antiques, greedy passion for art. Marvellous.
I couldn’t resist the excitement of a mischievous first encounter between Eleanor and Becker, as cheeky as it was titillating. It reminded me of old films starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. I really loved the sneaky, sophisticated mystique of the hero’s den, where all the magic happens. It is a place imbued with Beauty and the Beast ambiance, but with a hectic dose of jealousy, passion and provocative chemistry.
I wish I could have that kind of job, surrounding myself with picturesque secondary characters, priceless objects and an infuriating man capable of reducing a woman to sighs and moans in his presence. The passion games they played were fun, yet I wasn’t prepared for the sheer intensity of their lovemaking. My goodness, that was a human earthquake! Hold on for your dear lives.
The relationship between Eleanor and Becker is stormy to say the least. It may start playful and sometimes derail into childish tantrum, but it rises like a tidal wave of reckless, potent, sweaty rapture. I loved his debonair control and her defiance, the rush of adrenaline of the auctions and the multilayered secrecy behind the Hunt name.
I think this tale could be labelled as romcom with a dash of cloak-and-dagger art mystery.
Luxurious art, bitter rivalries, the thrills of passion filled with ecstacy and emotional turmoil. I could have done without some ‘dears’ from a certain character, but the rest of the cast’s appearances were enchanting, even the archenemy’s. And the final chapters are a veritable eruption of volcanic eroticism and one twist that left me firebreathing questions. What on earth is going on with this Becker Hunt? Next book better be answering right 😉
An epic, heart quenching read. I felt madly in love with Becker. This book feels like a part if me.
4.5 Stars!
Eleanor Cole is a beautiful, smart, ambitious 28 yr. old woman who is starting a new life in London. She’s fresh off a break up, and leaves her small town behind for a fresh start. With a love of history and antiques, she’s looking for a job to utilize her knowledge. She’s thrilled when she’s offered her dream job for the prestigious Hunt Corporation. Working for the renowned antique dealers could open so many doors for her. This place is like her own personal heaven. She’s surrounded by priceless, exquisite art and antiques.
She’s finally chasing her dreams, and this job means everything to her. It’s a rare opportunity, and she feels like she truly belongs. Then she meets the tempting, sinfully sexy, enticing man she’ll be working closely with. He commands attention the moment he enters a room. He’s that stunning and irresistible, but she soon learns he’s also self absorbed, arrogant, annoying, and difficult. He has a reputation as a notorious playboy, but when he’s near it does things to her she’s never felt before. The rush of desire is so intense she can hardly handle it, but she must keep things professional. As she tries to fight their explosive chemistry he decides to play dirty. He knows the attraction is mutual, and decides he wants her, even if she’s forbidden and off limits. As he continues to wind her up he infuriates her. She tries to pretend she’s immune to his charms, but he’s distracting, and she’s never met anyone like him. As their connection grows she discovers a more tender, playful, vulnerable side to him that draws her in further. As she fully immerses herself in his world will she be able to stop herself from falling for him?
Artful Lies (Hunt Legacy Duology, #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas is a sexy, captivating fantastic story full of angst, mystery, intrigue, and wonderful banter. I loved this brooding, delicious alpha male and can’t wait for the next book!
I was left panting, hyperventilating and shocked at the end of this fabulous story. The intrigue was killing me. The magnetic attraction was scorching and I just can’t WAIT to get my hands on the conclusion to this fabulous tale.
Becker is a strange character, I found myself guarding my heart against him and I’m sure I was right to do so right at this moment. I have no doubt Jodi-Ellen Malpas will change my view of him in the next instalment.
Eleanor is in trouble! Her heart is going to be broken… again. The poor girl has been warned by everyone not to fall for Becker. Too late. However, the last revelation just tipped the scales and she’s as dazed and confused as me!
What a complete mind-bender. I’m so excited to find out the insides of Becker’s soul. Is it November yet?
Artful Lies is fabulous. Hang onto your seats and enjoy the ride with this one. You might also say hello to a book hangover and cliffy when you are finished with this one. But all in a good way, trust me. You will love the heat and mystery Jodi Ellen Malpas gives us between Becker and Eleanor. Eleanor is smart and trying to get a fresh start on life. Landing her dream job in the antique and art world takes her on a path she never imagined. Becker Hunt is mysterious with a long list of issues. He is the head of his family legacy. He plays his cards close to his chest and will just make your panties melt. You feel the attraction between Becker and Eleanor from the beginning. Little question will pop up in your head as Artful Lies goes on. You will see what I mean as you read. Slowly as the trust builds between Eleanor and Becker and the mysteries start to unravel you are so sucked into the story that you will just fall in love with Eleanor and Becker. Then bam you’ll know when it hits you. You will be begging for more and I for one can not wait for book two to come out. Artful Lies is one book I couldn’t put down and makes you wonder what will be next.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It reminded my of how much I love Jodi’s written and her alpha males. I completely DEVOURED this book. I couldn’t put it down. I was completed sucked into the story. Artful Lies is mysterious, suspenseful, steamy, heartbreaking, addicting and beautifully written.
Eleanor is fierce, strong, independent and I pretty much have a girl crush on her. I love her love for antiques and history. She moved to London to get a fresh start in life and never did she expect fate would intervene in a major way. Becker is mysterious at first, there is a lot of layers to this man. You can’t help but love him from the first moment you meet him though. He’s a mysterious, possessive alpha male that you hate to love!
The two of them together have LOADS and LOADS of insane chemistry. The tension and banter throughout the story is addicting. Becker likes control and Eleanor has no problem pushing back. These two play off each other so well.
This is the first book in a duet and when I got to the end I had so many different emotions. My jaw was on the floor and I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. I can’t wait to see what is next for Becker and Eleanor!! This is a MUST READ!
A new romance from JEM, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one. Just a quick warning, it’s a cliffhanger, but the best kind.
The book is captivating from the beginning, warning make some time to just sit down and power through, this one is hard to but dawn. Eleanor and Becket have a chance encounter while Eleanor is on her way to an interview, Becket steals her cab and so it begins. There is just something about a JEM alpha hero, at one point you want to smack them, the next you want to rip their clothes off, and Becket is no exception. Eleanor may not get the job she tried for at first, but she does get her dream job with the Hunt Cooperation, a prestigious art and antique dealer.
This book has it all, angst, mystery, intrigue, heat, an alpha hero, and take no crap heroine. I can’t wait for book two.
Well, Jodi Ellen Malpas did it again. She left me hanging on a literary cliff, and I am frantic to know what happens next. She made me really like Eleanor and Becket. She made me worry about them, and she made me want them to be happy together.
Eleanor and Becket have a key thing in common: they love antiques. They love searching for them, discovering them, studying them, and possessing them. Granted, the terms differ. Eleanor’s father owned a “junk store,” whereas Becket is a leading collector and seller in the world. He likes that she appreciates what he appreciates, so in addition to their clear physical attraction for one another, their shared joy of antiques and art no doubt binds them further.
Since this is a Jodi Ellen Malpas book, you know there are some DELICIOUS sexy times. DELICIOUS. She keeps you waiting, but boy is the wait ever worth it.
I loved watching the dynamic develop between Becket and Eleanor. He has his reasons for being reluctant, and she fears the hurt that comes with loving him. Malpas shows you Becket’s near desperation to believe that Eleanor is different, even as he resists everything she represents.
I’m one of the (very) few Jodi Ellen Malpas fans who did not like the Jesse Ward series. There was so much yelling between Jesse and Anna, to the point where I felt distracted by their anger. So when Becket and Eleanor yell at each other–and there is a lot of yelling–I had to resist lumping them in with Jesse and Anna. I like this couple more. There is a frisky humor between them that I enjoyed.
Artful Lies is a long book. At times it feels a little repetitive–you’re told more than once that Eleanor should not fall in love with Becket–and the are a few points where the story lags and lulls. I liked Becket and Eleanor so much, though, that I could overlook those deficits.
Now to the wait for the sequel.
POSSIBLE SPOILER FOR THE SECOND BOOK:
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[A mystery surrounding something Becket wants enters in the last quarter of the book, and I can’t help but wonder if Eleanor’s father’s shop has something to do with it. What do you think?
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
When I saw that Jodi Ellen Malpas has a new story coming all those months ago, I didn’t care what it was about I knew I wanted to read it.
Elenor Cole has always had a thing for older things. She was on track to living her dream when her Dad died and she was left not finishing college and back home helping her Mom. Now it has been a few years since her father passed and she wants to move to the big city and begin living her life. With her mother’s encouragement, she does just that. After a missed appointment, she finds herself with a job interview with the Hunt Corporation, the renowned antique dealers. What she isn’t prepared for is Becker Hunt. This man is a mystery and they have electricity that will set the place on fire if the banter and arguing keep up.
Becker Hunt is…. wow what is he? He is a man filled with hurt from losing the people he loves. He believes that if he doesn’t love people then he will not get hurt. But there is a problem, he wants Elenor and there is nothing he can do to stop her from falling for him. He is a mystery, intriguing, alpha, possessive, and more to him than he shows the world.
I loved Jesse Ward and Becker Hunt is even more complex than him. It will take a strong woman to bring him back to earth and show him that not everyone he loves will die. I kept looking at the % left and couldn’t believe that it was going to end so soon. I need more Becker and Elenor now. Is it November yet?
If you want a story that will pull you in with the intrigue, mystery, banter, fun, and steaminess then you need to read this one. Author Jodi Ellen Malpas has a way of telling a story that will encompass you and may you feel like you are right there in the moment. So sit back and enjoy the ride.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**
4.5 stars–ARTFUL LIES is the first instalment in Jodi Ellen Malpas’ contemporary, adult HUNT LEGACY erotic, dark, romantic suspense series focusing on thirty-two year old antiques dealer Becker Hunt, and twenty-eight year old PA Eleanor Cole.
Told from first person perspective (Eleanor Cole) ARTFUL LIES follows Eleanor Cole in the wake of discovering her boyfriend and best friend’s affair, and the death of her father five years earlier. Eleanor loves the world of antiques and art having lived the life with her father’s antique obsession, and set off to London to make her own place in the world but she has no idea that the man who is currently the bane of her existence is about to become her boss at the Hunt Corporation, a prestigious house dealing in arts and antiquities. Enter Becker Hunt-womanizer, man-wh*re, alpha-hole, and troubled man-child who is unable to move on from the past. What ensues is the forbidden relationship between Becker and Eleanor, and the potential fall-out as Becker’s predilections come to light.
Eleanor Cole is an independent and intelligent woman who loves working for the Hunt Corporation but struggles with her attraction to heir-apparent Becker Hunt. Warned against getting involved by the people who know our hero, Eleanor finds herself pulled into the aura that is Becker Hunt, a man whose need for revenge places Eleanor in the direct line of fire. Eleanor will become the pawn in a hundred year old game of betrayal and vengeance, but it is Becker’s deeper and darker secrets that threaten Eleanor the most.
Becker Hunt has the looks and the charm of a Victorian rogue but our hero is a broken man unable to let go of the past. Cocky, dominant and controlling, Becker doesn’t do relationships, and has a reputation as a womanizer who uses women then spits them out. Eleanor has been forewarned on numerous occasions but the sexual tension and palpable sexual energy between Eleanor and Becker is too dangerous and strong to overcome.
The relationship between Eleanor and Becker begins as an accidental meeting when Becker Cole ‘steals’ Eleanor’s cab. The Hunt Corporation rarely hires outside help but something about Eleanor finds the people in charge hiring our heroine against their better judgement. As the remaining members of the household approach and pass the age of retirement, everyone is reluctant to expose Eleanor to Becker Hunt. Like a moth to a flame, Becker’s curiosity and need for Eleanor Cole finds our heroine caught between head and heart when Becker’s true nature and intent comes to light. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to a colorful and eclectic cast of secondary and supporting characters including Becker’s rival in and out of the art world Brent Wilson; Becker’s grandfather Mr. H aka Donald, his assistant Mrs. Potts, and Eleanor’s neighbor and friend Lucy Bason.
ARTFUL LIES is a tragic story of betrayal and revenge; power and control; obsession, attraction, chaos and heart break. The premise is captivating and compelling; the characters are startling, destructive and complex ; the romance is provocative, and edgy. ARTFUL LIES ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
5 Star Review Artful Lies (Hunt Legacy Duology #1)by Jodi Ellen Malpas
Wow, where do I start? From start to finish I was riveted to Eleanor and Becker’s story and was frustrated when real life kept getting in my way. Be prepared, Artful Lies ends on one heck of a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to read the conclusion to their story.
I have been looking forward to reading this new book by Ms. Malpas ever since she announced it. Artful Lies is well written and so descriptive that I found myself wanting to revisit London as soon as I can. The characters were well rounded, strong and at times the situations they find themselves in dangerous and I found myself on the edge of my seat at times.
Eleanor Cole is my kind of woman, she is sassy, feisty and not afraid to stand up for who or what she believes in. Despite not getting off to a spectacular start, the sparks quickly fly between them, even though Eleanor knows that she needs to focus on her new job and not the boss who she is wildly attracted too.
Becker is arrogant, at times a tad immature, but there is something about him that draws me to him like I haven’t been in a long time. There is so much more to Jodi Ellen Malpas’s characters, they are flawed, human and not afraid to show their vulnerability and it is here that Ms.Malpas weaves her magic.
There are so many layers to this story, it reminded me of an onion, being peeled away one layer at a time. I laughed, I cried, I worried, I sighed but through it all I was absolutely riveted to the story and the secrets and mysteries that surround Becker and Eleanor.