With the paparazzi hot on her heels, Mandy Bettencourt is desperate for a place to hide, and her best friend has just the place.It’s perfect. No Internet. No phone. A deep bathtub she’s soaking in when HE shows up.Her best friend’s brother, Dante Crowne. Rich as a cardinal sin and handsome enough to piss off the devil. A man with a reputation for unforgettable bedroom games. Mandy got an early … got an early taste of them in high school–for seven minutes in a closet. She can tell you, the rumors are all true.
Dante knows he’s got a reputation for a lot of things, including a love of solitude.
But there’s a beautiful socialite in his bathtub, and the memory of those seven minutes isn’t inspiring him to kick her out.
So he offers her a deal.
If she wants to stay, she has to work.
If she makes a mistake, she’s corrected with pink hand marks on her backside.
That’s the deal.
Beg for it or leave it.
He’s surprised when she gets on her knees, and he’s even more surprised when she likes the punishment.
The most shocking thing, though, is how much he’s starting to like her.
They can’t stay in paradise forever.
Los Angeles awaits.
But an old nemesis sets his sights on tearing them apart, and Dante may be the one left begging.
—
Crowne Rules is a complete STANDALONE. You don’t have to read any of the Crowne Brothers books to pick this up, but you might want to once you’re done with Dante.
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Be still my heart, I love a dominant man. Dante is someone who I think has been misunderstood to some degree. He had some revelations during his time with Mandy. I also think Mandy didn’t him in ways that she didn’t even know until their relationship started. I loved seeing their relationship evolve. I also really loved the epilogue! It was perfect, so so perfect.
CROWNE RULES is passionate and kinky, powerful and filthy, heartfelt and dirty. A well-blended, well-balanced concoction of dominance and submission, spiced by the amazing storytelling of CD Reiss.
Dante Crowne is one complex man. His need for rules and control is deep-seated and reach past the closed doors of the bedroom. It’s more than just a sexual need for him. He is infuriatingly bossy and arrogant, yet undeniably sexy. He oozes power. But then Mandy Bettencourt uninvitedly appears on the doorstep of his secluded cabin and throws him for a major loop, unravels him …
Mandy herself is Dante’s complete opposite – open and cheerful, emotional and impulsive. A vivacious spitfire for sure – one with a bad track record with men who has her own issues which she is currently running from and thus is needing a bit of control herself.
It’s about to get interesting in the cramped confines of Dante’s small cabin … A lot of sassy banter and explosive chemistry ensues as the two learn that they might complement the other in ways they never would have expected …
I loved the dynamics between the two of them, loved watching that meticulous man becoming shaken and vulnerable by Mandy. High on emotion and tension – and beautifully wicked on the sex. I was right there with them, cooped up in the cabin, not able to escape until I gobbled up the last word. I think I’ve found my favorite Crowne so far.
Hottest Crowne Brother Yet!
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2020
What happens when your public fall from grace lands you in the boonies at your best friend’s family house? You would expect solitude and Zen, not your friends brooding brother who’s chasing his own demons.
The flame between the two was fanned years ago during a brief high school game goes up in blazes as the two work off steam. Dante’s disregard for what he believes is Mandy’s pampered life as they both discover what they believe is stress relief turns into more. But is it more or just another trip to the closet? One and done?
CD Reiss is a brilliant writer who sets the stage with enough drama, a sprinkling of intrigue and a whole lot of heat.
I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.
If yore looking for a HOT dom/sub book, look no further. This one has that in spades. Unfortunately it was a story I felt that I have read before and it was a little rough for me to get through. If you’re looking for something that will get you all hot and bothered, this is the book for you.
I felt like it was so much different from the other books in the series, the plots of those books felt deeper to me. I loved the last book and couldn’t wait for this one, it just was a bit of a let down because I was expecting that same level from this series.
I absolutely hate books that demean or dehumanize women. We have fought too hard to get to where we are today. I don’t mind when the H is a big dick, is cruel with his words and a miserable human being u til he meets his other half and then we start to see personal growth – I thought the men in the first 2 books push the edge enough with their arrogant a$$holery but I did enjoy the books enough to buy the 3rd. I was hoping and expecting more of the same. Dante’s treatment of Mandi was above and beyond. It actually made my stomach sick. I’d of punch Dante right in the face first day! The only thing worst then an arrogant a-hole is when I have to read about the h bending to his nonsense: who meets someone they barely know, not a sexual conquest but a visitor and forces them or threatens to make them leave: yes sir, no sir – please hit me again sir and they bruise and cause swelling. I am sure that BDSM is quite titillating for some couples and all the power to them, but this heroine didn’t have a clue what was going on and certainly didn’t know enough to give consent., nor was she in the mind set. He was just an abusive dick exhibiting cruelty towards someone who was practically a stranger to him for what: kicks? ego? dominance? He needed a good slap himself. She was going through a very emotional time having just be betrayed and dumped by someone she loved. I was very disappointed.
5 Amea Crowns
Wow. Just. Wow. That pretty much sums up my experience while reading this. C.D Reiss has left me speechless with this flawlessly written story that will capture you from the moment you open the pages until the very last word. I have to admit I was intrigued to see where she was taking Dante’s story after the ending of Logan’s and I am here to say she has giving me more than I ever could have hoped for.
Dante was the aloof one, the brother that liked his solitude, and everyone thought incapable of emotions. Cold as ice they called him. So I was so excited to see his icy exterior slowly thaw as the story progressed and he became more and more infatuated with Amanda. There’s just something so gratifying when you watch as a man that no one could touch, slowly come undone. And believe me, Dante comes undone. But what I loved that most was the dichotomy between the person he is and the one he turns into: in one aspect he’s completely controlled not only in life but in the bedroom. He always needs that sense of control at all times. But you can see when he loosens the reigns slightly and lets Amanda own some of that control, it’s then that you can see this other side to him that was always there, but hidden.
I loved Amanda since I was first introduced to her, but you could tell that she had terrible taste in men. Partially because she has low self-esteem and she doesn’t know how to do anything half way and that includes relationships. She’s always 100% in, and the men she’s chosen always had one foot out the door. But she’s loyal and just an overall amazing person. But she definitely needed someone who could help her control her emotions better but at the same time have her feeling protected and loved. I loved watching her come into her own, the changes in her weren’t anything major they were subtle but the impact was visceral.
C.D Reiss has crafted a deliciously wicked and sultry tale that is filled to the brim with lust, passion and love. The chemistry between Dante and Mandy is legit Melt Your Kindle HOT!!!!!! These are two broken and emotionally stunted people, who fit perfectly together. They are the balance that each of them was so desperately looking for but never thought they’d find. This book will run you through every single emotion leaving you breathless but sated. Bravo C.D Reiss this book is beyond anything I could have asked for.
C.D. Reiss hit it out of the park with both Dante and Mandy!
You know what I love most about this author? I mean there’s a lot, but the mostest is that when she decides to write something, she is all. There are half-measures, every single plot point means something and either moves the story forward or the characters. When she decides to right passion, it is intense, forceful (not nonconsensual forceful) and deeply sexual. She is glorious in every way.
Confession: Jonathan Drazen and I are not acquainted *runs* I know there are super fans out there who might read this and go “whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat” but try not to throw things at me 😉 I’m actually only mentioning it because I’ve heard so many people compare/contrast Jonathan with Dante that I made sure all Jonathan’s books are now top on my kindle because Dante was delicious and I need more delicious in my life 🙂
I read this book in one sitting which is not that big of a feat most cases, but this book was different because it wasn’t just the story that I couldn’t get enough of and wanted to see the detailed outcome of, it was also a vibe/spell the storyline had and I was just stuck to it LOL I tried one time to put my kindle away and it lasted like 3 minutes. I didn’t want to disconnect from the story’s mood, ever. Sometimes, Dante was a little too much for my tastes, but never so much that I wasn’t always rooting for him. He’s the man you hate to love but just can’t help yourself. He developed so much in this story that I found myself in awestruck at times. Mandy was a surprising force with Dante and that made the story even more engaging for me. She was courageous and gave right back. These two together were magical even when they didn’t know it.
I really enjoy reading Christine’s work, even when it pushes my own boundaries. She’s talented and as I mentioned before, always delivers full force!
What a wonderful story and series. Dante, the loner of the Crowne siblings, is more complicated, layered, and demanding of himself than his brothers. Not saying they are one-dimensional–because they aren’t. But Dante had his own set of issues that most of his family wasn’t aware of. The epitome of control, or was it all an illusion he felt he needed to exhibit? I’m still wondering this.
Mandy, having been through a bad and public breakup, heads off to her best friend Logan Crowne’s family retreat. Unbeknownst to her, the aforementioned brooding brother, Dante is also there. After discovering each other, they amicably agree to peacefully coexist and steer clear of each other. That last task turns out to be much more difficult than either of them expected. Having grown up in the same social and family circles, Mandy and Dante are familiar with each other, but it’s more of a superficial acquaintance. As they slowly get to know one another, they both realize that they’re definitely attracted to each other, but it’s probably best they don’t act on that attraction. Until they don’t. Hey, it’s a love story, so eventually there is some getting together.
Dante has serious control issues, and Mandy doesn’t have much control at all. Seemingly a perfect match, but not an easy one. Both learn so much about themselves as their attraction grows and veers into more than just physical. I loved how headstrong Mandy wasn’t quite what Dante was expecting, but he kinda liked it. And Mandy wasn’t crazy about Dante’s domineering personality, but soon discovers it’s what she needs. This story was all kinds of hot, and complicated, and I went through a range of emotions. Christine Reiss knows her characters, and I love how she carefully plots every little detail–and she does–where the slightest thing means more than you think it does. Very cerebral, and I love her for it.
Christian Fox and Emma Wilder were great narrators, and I think Christian was perfect portraying Dante’s beautifully broken self.
“You’re everything I’ve been too afraid to become, and without you, I’ll never be more than I am…”
Crowned Rules is the perfect book for a peaceful night, it is a hot, easy and naughty read. It is a standalone, however we get glimpses of previous characters from Crowne of Lies and Iron Crowne, making the perfect trio of Crowne brothers.
After an ugly and very public breakup Mandy needs to get away for a few days so she can finally breathe without the social pressure; so she’s set on going to the Crownes Cambria house, an amazing house that provides privacy and peace…that is until the very Dante Crowne arrives and practically sends her on her way; unless she’s willing to play by his rules.
This book is fun, light, full of steamy moments and of course a HEA!!
Talk about teo people that at first read you’ll say that they despise each other. Dante was a bit of a mystery and kept to himself unlike Mandy. Mandy seemed to always be seeking someone’s approval and attention. But the chemistry between these two was intense. Dante was similar to his brothers in reference to business and things he had to deal with. Mandy was not the person people thought she was; she was not shallow like dole thought.
The love these two shared and the chemistry made for a very good read. The Crownes never disappoint and always make for a good read.
OMG! I love all of C.D. Reiss’ books. They are all fabulous. This book and Dante, is outstanding! I can’t express how much I fell in love with the bossy, dominant Dante. And Mandy is perfect, too. When you get these two’s backstory, everything clicks into place as to why they are who they are. Especially Dante’s history which is very sad in so many ways. The chemistry between Dante and Mandy is . I loved all the Crowne men, but Dante stole the show. Please read the Crowne series. You won’t be disappointed.
The third book in the Crowne Brothers series. Although part of a series, this can definitely read this as a standalone.
Crowne Rules features duel POV from Dante and Amanda so you can see what their thoughts are during their story and how their feelings evolve.
Dante, the ice cold, hard exterior brother likes his rules. A Dom in the BDSM community, he still hasn’t found that elusive woman to submit to him full time after losing someone special to him in the past. Amanda, the emotional, fiery socialite who’s running away from the latest drama to have entered her life. Deep down I just felt she wanted to be loved, not to be second best in a relationship that wasn’t clearly going to work.
How could these two completely different characters make a situation like being stuck in a dilapidated house work….a complete enemies to lovers scenario.
The tension between these characters was great and CD really knows how to write dirty talk
An enjoyable conclusion to this series.
Mandy has found herself in a low place. Her taste in men hasn’t been the greatest. And Dante just needs to get away sometimes. Their needs intertwined and the sexual chemistry was through the roof! I enjoyed the banter between them and the way in which these two truly learned things about each other. Once the walls started coming down, the gloves came off and things got real. There’s no storyteller like CD Reiss … make sure this book doesn’t pass you by!
My my my! Is thier anything that C.D. Reiss writes that she doesn’t instantly turn you into a hot mess? I love the Crowne men they are all alpha and dominant! I really loved Dante and Mandy’s story just as much as I did the other 2!
Mandy is going through a hard time and Logan offers Mandy the family’s house in the mountains to get away but little does she know that she will not be the only one staying there! The chemistry between her and Dante is insane! Will Mandy be able to resist the chemistry between them? After all she is nursing a broken heart.
When Dante learns that Mandy is at the family cabin it infuriates him that a woman is thier at “his” place! Dante is going to make it his mission to chase her off but when he gets thier and she’s Mandy for the first time sense they were kids all bets are off he just doesn’t know it yet. They both are going through things but when they are together all that seems to fade away.
Can Mandy move on from the shambles she made of her life or will it catch up to her and remind her not to give her heart away?
I just finished this book and I have so many thoughts swirling in my head. One measure of how much I love a story is how many times I have highlighted sections of the story. I love to go back and re-read the words that made me stop to enjoy a sentence or page along the way.
It’s more enemies than friends to lovers. Dante and Mandy accidentally end up together in a remote vacation home. It was supposed to be a weekend to runaway from their issues, and it became a weekend to figure out what they craved and needed in their life. There was some sexy shadow play that I cannot ( dont’t want to) get out of my head.
One of my favorite quotes from the story, “We kissed for a month, through spring into summer’s heat and winter’s damp chill, unwilling to let go of each other and deal with the inevitable, until he pulled away a few inches to yank us back in the moment again.” I was melting.
This is book three of a series. It may be read as a stand alone without needing background. But, I love CD Reiss stories and the Crowne guys are must reads. #DanteandMandy #sexysweet #alpha #D/s- lite #Crownfamily #houseissuesdontcare
Crowne Rules by CD Reiss follows her work to the T, fiery connection between two people that just can’t help themselves. Dante has to be one of the most interesting characters as a Dom I have read about in some time, and Mandy is a hoot all on her own. Together they start a story that was beyond awesome to read.
Dante most definitely follows in Byron and Logan’s way of life, and if you haven’t read these stories, I would recommend them first. They are a great way to start the CD Reiss world off, but not a MUST read to adventure into Crown Rules.
Dante is wrapped up in his past, and for good reason, but the chance encounter with Mandy leads him on a path neither of them were prepared for, but both are eager to explore it. Their chemistry is so smoking hot, their connection even more so and the amount of emotion you will experience in this book is off the chain. 4.5 star recommend to readers, can’t wait to see what comes next.
Oh Dante how I love you and your dark delicious ways. Amanda’s story with Dante has an interesting start and especially her being best friends with his brother. While she is trying to escape from the crazy of life she ends up in an isolated cabin with Dante. Truly this was a hot delicious which kept my attention the entire time devouring the entire story. I cannot recommend this book enough as I wasn’t sure to to expect from Dante but he took a part of my heart
Emotional and steamy.
This is the story of Dante & Mandy. Dante has built walls so high around himself, he doesn’t know how to break them down, plus he’s a dominant. Mandy was in a secret relationship, was being the operative word. She’s trying not to be the same person she was with guys. She is a submissive from deep within. Dante and Mandy know each other from childhood because both of their families always got together. This story is a twisted web of emotions on both their parts. They are very different from each other. Attraction is electric between them, and steamy. This story was extremely good. Every book I have read of C.D. Reiss I really liked. Looking forward to more books from her.
We were missing Dante’s story to makes this saga whole. Dante is the more complex of the Crowne men and his past and demons makes him the most deviously handsome control freak. Mandy comes from the same world and when it came crashing down, she started floundering and in need of a soft place to land to regroup and rise about all that happened. She ends up in the Crowne’s family cabin, where she will not be welcomed by Dante. They had a brief encounter in the past and it left him with an aversion to Mandy which he thinks is vain and without any substance. They are complete opposites that actually fit together and CD Reiss will take through a ride before they come to this realization of what they are and what they could be. The story is brilliantly written and the intense sexual tension that they bring in the forefront takes the story over the top! I volunteered to review this arc.
I wish I could give this book 10 stars or more. Dante and Mandy hooked me right away. These characters had so much depth to them . It was Awesome being with Mandy as she grew into a Beautiful Female lead. I fell in love with Dante immediately and loved watching him fall in love with Mandy. Bravo CD this book jumped to the top of my 2020 Best Reads.