When beautiful shipping heiress Felicité Marielle Christiane Andrews finally returns to New Orleans after two years abroad, she does not expect to come face to face with the man she cannot forget—or to find him more captivating than ever. Now she must remind herself that she:Lives a fabulous life in EnglandIs engaged to marry a fine man of nobilityCannot allow the wicked Cajun back into her life. … the wicked Cajun back into her life. . .
. . .But indeed, she does.
Charismatic René Thibodeaux, illegitimate son of a voodoo witch, has worked hard to rise above his poverty-stricken bayou youth. He’s put his thieving and womanizing days behind him and earned a high-ranking position at Felice’s father’s company. Seeing her again only intensifies his longing for her—and his deep remorse for his past foolishness. But despite his success, he must remind himself:
He is unworthy of Felice in every way
She is forbidden fruit
He will do anything to win her—even risk his life. . .
“An extremely promising writer of American historical romance.” –Booklist on Josette
“Gripped me from the opening page . . .kept me reading long into the night.” –Jodi Thomas on Alanna
“A story to be savored.” –Publishers Weeklyon Celine
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Felice, by Kathleen Bittner Roth was the first book I have read from this author and I thought it was amazing. I loved it. I couldn’t put it down I read till 5 in the morning. Felice had gotten her heart broken and ran away to England. After 2 years she’s back in New Orleans to ask her father’s permission to marry. Rene who broke her heart is utterly amazing I might add and by far my favorite character , happens not to like her fiancé. So the author is really great at creating this world where you want to visit I felt like I was walking down the street in the dark with felice at times. I also loved bastien, renees brother and seriously I can’t wait for his book!!
Another top-notch American historical by this talented author!
What a great story at a time when we all need some distraction. As always Kathleen writes a strong, intelligent heroine, and a delicious bad boy. I always love her description of fashion, landscape and furnishings, as well as the food. Kathleen never disappoints, and I’ll be waiting for her next book!
Felice was a very entertaining book. It is a beautiful novel, so classy and well written with mystery and intrigue and that just right amount of delicious desire, a beautiful “ other side of the tracks” forbidden romance.
Felice by Kathleen Bittner Roth is the First Book in the Bayou Bad Boys Series. This is the story of Felice and Rene. Rene is a illegitimate son of a voodoo witch so that in itself makes me different and having a low bar in life but he wants to raise himself up to a hire level which he does. Rene and Felice have history that didn’t end well and Felice had left. Now she is back and Rene feelings for her are still there but he knows he has damaged what they once had. Both had tried to move on while they were apart but it soon shows now that they are within site of each other they didn’t really move on from the other. Enjoyed this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kathleen Bittner-Roth’s latest novel, Felice. I’m a sucker for handsome bad boys—especially the ones who are honorable gentlemen deep-down. Combine that with a story line of “forbidden fruit,” and you have a winner of a book. René Thibodeaux has several strikes against him, growing up poor in 1859 New Orleans and being the illegitimate son of a voodoo witch. So how can he possibly hope to win the boss’s daughter—who happens to be engaged to a British nobleman? With brilliant writing and lots of twists and turns, Bittner-Roth has managed to produce an awesome Book #1in her “Bayou Bad Boys” series. I can’t wait for the next one! (I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.)
This was such a wonderful read, I absolutely loved René and Felicité’s story!! How can you go wrong with a hot sexy Cajun and a beautiful lady with a mind of her own:) I don’t think I’ve ever read a story that takes place in New Orleans and I found it quite fascinating, especially since some of my ancestors ended up being displaced from Nova Scotia during the expulsions and went to New Orleans.
I really loved René’s character, not only is he extremely handsome, he’s managed to make something of himself, rising from the poverty he was raised in and has worked hard to be where he is today. When things start to fall apart for him, I just wanted to hold him, my heart ached for him. As for Felice, I adored her too, she is such a strong woman and I loved how independent she is. It’s a slow burn romance between them and when they finally give in to their passions, well let’s just say you’ll need a fan! lol
Lots of twists and turns to the story that keeps you on your toes! Heartache mixed in with lots of action and excitement. As they say in N’awlins…..”Laissez les bon temps rouler”:)
I won an ARC of this book in a giveaway and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Felice
Bayou Bad Boys Series #1
Kathleen Bittner Roth
https://www.facebook.com/Kathleen.bittnerroth.author/
Release date 04/28/2020
Publisher Kensington Zebra
Blurb :
When beautiful shipping heiress Felicité Marielle Christiane Andrews finally returns to New Orleans after two years abroad, she does not expect to come face to face with the man she cannot forget—or to find him more captivating than ever. Now she must remind herself that she:
Lives a fabulous life in England
Is engaged to marry a fine man of nobility
Cannot allow the wicked Cajun back into her life…
…But indeed, she does.
Charismatic René Thibodeaux, illegitimate son of a voodoo witch, has worked hard to rise above his poverty-stricken bayou youth. He’s put his thieving and womanizing days behind him and earned a high-ranking position at Felice’s father’s company. Seeing her again only intensifies his longing for her—and his deep remorse for his past foolishness. But despite his success, he must remind himself:
He is unworthy of Felice in every way
She is forbidden fruit
He will do anything to win her—even risk his life…
My review :
Will his past and upbringing always come between them …
Wow, what a read it was. As my first read by Mrs Kathleen Bittner Roth, I had no idea of the journey I will about to embark in.
And a journey it was!
I must say I had a preconceived ideas because of a few reviews I have read, why maybe I waited a bit too much to read it, and I hate love triangle, but here there is none.
I loved Felice, René, Bastien, Michel, his wife and their many children. While it was sad to know René and Felice lost so many years together, their reuniting is the opportunity to first put the past behind.
While I felt the first part of the story dragged a bit until Felice let René explain his past deeds. From there, they moved forward and the plot get carried away. It could have appeared as a bit erratic but it was fun as everything found its mark like a puzzle finally assembled.
Felice is no demure miss, she is outspoken, sassy, full of spunk. While she at the beginning tried to avoid René, she stands for herself and refuses to be pushed away. She has quite a temper and even if it can fail her and put her to fault, it also insures she is like a dog, never giving up.
René while he wears the mask of an easygoing man, he wears his wound in his heart. As he will never be enough, despite his many talents, his glibness hides the scars of a man who had to fight for everything in his life. And while he made a mistake and hurt deeply Felice, he wants to erase the slate and start over. Even if he knows she is far out of his reach, he wants her happy and refuses to see her personality to be crushed.
What will probably arrive if she marries her would-be fiancé.
After there is so many things going on, but I loved every moment of this story, from the funny or the full of actions ones to the sensual scenes or moving ones.
A special mention for Michel’s unusual family and while his romance with his wife looks like to have been a simple one, I laughed at the antics of the children and I loved the wisdom of his wife, while I wish it could become a novella if no more.
5 stars for this tale of choosing with one’s heart.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/608516253070883/?d=n
In New Orleans, Felice helps out as an accountant in the family shipping business. She’s been in emotional turmoil for years over René. René Thibodeaux’s attraction to Felice is the same turmoil, but he’s been threatened by her brother that he will lose his standing in the shipping business if he seduces Felice. One night and another day changes everything and when René is accused of murder Felice will follow her heart. Very nice read with a lot of passion.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Perfect beginning for a new series! 5 stars
If it’s impossible for you to stay away from bad boys series, then Kathleen Bittner Roth’s first novel ‘Felice’ is made for you. It’s a great introduction to her new ‘Bayou Bad Boys’ series which tells a romantic story between a beautiful heiress named Felice and a bad boy and son of a voodoo, named René. Together, they will embark on roller coaster ride of emotions and twists and turns.
New Orleans, 1859. One day, Felice returns to New Orleans after being away for two years. There she meets again René who had broken her heart three years ago. Love is still very much in the air for those two. Unfortunately, she is engaged to another man, so love is impossible between them. Several events may prove that her future husband is unworthy of her, so destiny has other plans for Felice and René. However, being the son of a voodoo, he comes from a very different background which makes their relationship very complex. Which man will really capture her heart forever?
I have to say that the plot is well developed, just enough to keep you in suspense until the end. A must to read if you love BB series.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an eARC!
Rating: 4 – 4.5 stars
This spin-off of “When Hearts Dare” series has me once again meeting up with a couple of those characters in the Bayou, folks. What can I say? Other than I could not be happier and cannot wait for all of these Bayou bad boy brothers to get their own HEA!
Felice and Rene’s love story was still a work in progress from the get go of this book. Literally from the ground up since it was completely burnt to ashes when Felice left three years ago. Yeah, things did not end well between them. Thanks to Rene striking the match and torching both their hearts in the process. Rene knows he did not do right by this leading lady, still carries the guilt, and hopes to now remedy that. But, alas, there are still obstacles in the way. However, nothing can stop their smoldering attraction and sizzling chemistry, both which fan the flames and won’t let this hope of love completely die out.
During this separation, both of them were not celibate. Make of that what you must. She’s returned with an English Duke to marry. At his insistence he keeps her at arm’s length. Yeah, no hanky panky there, but she did have a brief affair awhile back she regrets. Rene soon cuts loose a manipulating widow lover upon Felice’s return. Both of these sub-characters took side turns I found rather distasteful. A simple heads up not to feel sorry for them. They did add to the plot development the author was obviously shooting for though.
I’ve got to say I absolutely loved Felice’s snarky and sassy comebacks. Some may find her overly so, but I much prefer that over a weak minded heroine. She always had something on her mind and wasn’t hesitant to share it with the rest of the world, namely Rene and her brothers. Rene’s frequent, smoldering stare often did a lot of his talking.
In wrap-up, just know I stayed completely riveted and finished this story in one sitting. I cannot wait for future sequels, my fellow romance Bayou book loving friends. Bring it on, Ms. Roth. I am so ready for some more ragin’ Cajun romantic tales!
Title: Felice, Series: Bayou Bad Boys (Book 1), Author: Kathleen Bittner Roth, Pages: 384, stand-alone but part of a series, handsome Cajun hero, second chance romance, sassy, quick with a comeback, feisty heroine, non-virgin MC, not celibate during previous 3 year separation, no sex with OP upon her return, crazy ex-lover drama, not romance safe for some, never healed/got over each other.
When Hearts Dare: Book 1 – Celine, Book 2 – Alanna, Book 3 – Josette
Bayou Bad Boys: Book 1 – Felice
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or NetGalley.)
Felice is book one in the Bayou Bad Boys series by Kathleen Bittner Roth. This series picks up where the “When Hearts Dare” series ends. Although it isn’t necessary to read that series before this one, I think it would add to the reader’s experience to read them in order. I thought this book was very well written. Felicite Andrews has just returned home to Louisiana from England with her fiance on her arm when she encounters her old flame, Rene Thibodeaux. I enjoyed the chemistry in her relationship with Rene. “I could use a hug,” she said in a soft, wavering voice. “That is, if you don’t mind.” “I figured you might.” He stepped forward and opened his arms. She slipped into them like a rose petal on a summer wind, all soft and sweet-smelling. She rested her cheek against his chest, her body aligning with his, radiating warmth. He put his face in her hair, moved a hand along her back in a slow, soothing gesture. Her breath, as she relaxed against him, penetrated his shirt and heated his skin. A t that moment, he wasn’t quite sure if the deep need he was feeling belonged to him, to her, or to the merging of two desperate people seeking a safe harbor in an uncertain world.” Normally, I wouldn’t read a book about New Orleans or its history. But this story intrigued me. I found it creative and enchanting. I had a hard time putting it down. Roth does a magnificent job of layering her characters and giving them a depth that is rare to find in romance. I can’t wait to read more by this author. I was given a copy of this book.