The day I turned fifteen years old I knew I loved James Blakney.There was a look in his eye that told me he’d finally noticed I existed in a realm beyond best-friend’s-much-younger-off-limits-don’t-even-think-about-it-little-sister. Call it womanly intuition, despite the fact I was barely qualified for being an actual woman at just fifteen—and only in the biological sense—but still, I knew I … knew I loved him.
What I never expected from him was a proposal of marriage nearly eight years later.
I know it’s not supposed to be a real marriage, but James is certainly making it feel that way.
He’s also hiding something from me.
But I’ve hidden the truth from him as well.
Lies.
So many filthy lies.
~Winter Blackstone
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5.0 Star Review Filthy Lies (Blackstone Dynasty #2) by Raine Miller
Raine Miller’s writing style is effortless and she had me riveted to this book from start to finish. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. As with other books I have read by Ms. Miller, the story was brilliantly written, her characters were exceedingly well developed, not only James and Winter but her supporting characters as well.
Reading Filthy Lies was like coming home as I love the Blackstone family and Winter Blackstone was such a great character and James, well he is swoon worthy for sure. The story line was strong, with plenty of sizzling moments as their chemistry was off the charts along with sadly the harsh realities that life can deal us. Through it all Raine Miller wove a story of romance, love and determination and it is one that I will remember for a long time to come.
Winter has been in love with James since she was 15 years old when he swooped in to rescue her like a Knight in Shining Armour. James has lusted after (and loved) Winter for many years but as she is his best friend Caleb’s sister, to him she is of limits. That is until fate brings these two together and they embark on a journey which will test them and bring about great sadness and happiness and a love that will stand the test of time.
One click now, you won’t be disappointed.
ARC received from author for an honest review
YES! Raine Miller has taken us back into Blackstone world, and this old duck couldn’t be any happier about it!
This is Caleb (from Filthy Rich) sister Winter Blackstone – I love getting a female Blackstone’s story!
Winter is a beautiful, successful young woman who has been in love with her brother’s best friend forever. James is a successful lawyer, and has had feelings for Winter for years, though neither of them have ever made that move.
Until now. I don’t want to give too much away about the hows and whys that our lovelies make that move, but you will love it when they do.
Sweet, tender, sexy – though at times James seems a bit too unmanly for who he is (but this is probably just me). They are pretty swoony together.
There are some secondary characters that I adore, however there are some that needed a swift kick in the goolies!
I loved seeing more of Caleb and Brooke, and I can’t wait to see what Ms Miller brings us next.
It is always sweet bliss picking up a Raine Miller book. I am thoroughly in love and enjoying the American Blackstone world that Raine is gifting to us. We were first introduced to Winter and James in Filthy Rich, the first book in this series that revolved around Caleb Blackstone and his beautiful girl, Brooke.
When I meet secondary characters in a book, I can’t help but start formulating their stories in my head, way before an author has even announced whether or not they’re going to write books for them. James and Winter are no exception. I picked up on little things while reading Filthy Rich that caused me to start wondering what their backstory is. And after Raine announced Filthy Lies would be about this couple, I couldn’t wait to dive in and see if anything I thought up for them would come true. Yeah, nothing I thought of is what happens. What Raine gives us is SO much better than anything I could have imagined. That is why she is the master storyteller and I need to stick to just being a faithful reader!
James and Winter have known each other for most of their lives. Winter is the little sister of James’s best friend, Caleb, so that automatically puts her in the off limits category, right? Hopefully not, if Winter has anything to say about it.
Raine weaves a complex tale of two people who come from privilege and all its trappings, trying to break free of the constraints and expectations set for them and live their lives on their own terms. But demands from James’s father has him moving in a direction he never thought would come to fruition. How does he carefully balance what his father is expecting from him with the wholly real feelings he has for Winter? And how does he reveal all of himself to her, without scaring her away?
Winter has an incredibly mature head on her shoulders for such a young lady. It is obvious that she has been raised to be independent and self sufficient, even though she has a huge inheritance waiting for her. An inheritance that she could put to good use in her chosen field of Social Work, if she didn’t have to wait to turn 30 to get it. Or get married, whichever comes first…
The chemistry and passion between James and Winter is incredible. Their sexy times are oh so sexy! But they also have a shared respect for each other that has been there for as long as they can remember. Having the added benefit of being around each other all their lives and knowing everything (almost) about each other certainly is a benefit when it comes to knowing what the other’s wants and needs are.
There’s several twists and turns and revelations that cause a bumpy road that James and Winter have to travel to make it to their happily ever after and I admit I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see if they were ever going to get there. A certain despicable character made me want to go a little ballistic on them with the things they said, and the actions they took, but they got their just desserts in the end.
I am blissfully happy with how Winter and James’s story unfolded. I now have my eye on the next two characters from that world that I want to see a story written for. If you have been anything like me and have been craving a new Raine Miller book told in her beautifully classic storytelling, you will get your wish with this one! I can’t wait for everyone to read it!!
5 Stars!
Winter Blackstone is a beautiful 24 yr. old woman who comes from a wealthy, prominent family. She lives in Boston where she spends her time volunteering at a youth center, and taking classes to complete her masters in social work. Her family has been coping with the devastating loss of her father, and wanting a fresh start she takes one of the apartments in her brother Caleb’s building. Added benefit is her longtime crush James Blakney lives in the apartment above her. She’s loved James since she was fifteen when she realized he’d finally noticed her as more than just his best friend’s little sister. Over the years she cherished their lifelong close friendship, and secretly longed for more. Since she’d moved into the same building something had shifted between them, and it seemed she finally had his attention.
James Blakney is a successful corporate lawyer in his 30’s. He grew up with a manipulative father who always tried to control his life. He’s made a lot of changes in the last few years in his personal and professional life. He’d started his own firm, and also found a place he could express his hidden desires without judgement. Everything is going well for him until Winter Blackstone gets under his skin. She was completely unaware of her beauty, and she possessed every quality he could look for in a woman. Ever since she moved into his building he couldn’t quit fantasizing about her. He’s always admired her from afar, and accepted long ago she was off limits, but now it was pure torture being close to her and not being able to touch her. She was too sweet and innocent for the likes of him, but oh how he craved her like his next breath. He had it bad for a woman he shouldn’t. He thought he could never have her, but then an unexpected opportunity to go there with her is presented.
The flirting and sexual tension between James & Winter is through the roof. Soon boundaries are crossed, and Winter quickly becomes addicted to being his. The man who took possession of her heart years ago, now owns her body as well. She trusts him implicitly, but will secrets and lies stand in the way of true love?
This was book two in the Blackstone Dynasty series, and Raine Miller really brought it all and knocked it out of the park with this amazing friends to lovers/brothers best friend romance. This is one of my favorite books she’s written. Why??? One word… JAMES!!! Omg, this man is everything! He’s so loving, but also sexy as hell, & did I mention dirty. Yeah, James is delicious! I couldn’t put this book down, and flew right through it. Just loved it! I hope we get a story for Lucas & Victoria next!
Winter has been in love with James since she was fifteen years old. He is everything a man should be: caring, funny, intelligent, and easy on the eyes. Now that she is twenty-four years old and ready to graduate, a turn of events brings James to ask her to marry. She is about to lose her innocence and walk into a situation that will forever change her life.
James has loved her for years now. He does not feel worthy of her with all the baggage and the lifestyle he has pursued. But if it is possible to finally call her his own and love her openly, he is willing to do anything for her.
A passionate love story like only Raine Miller can write. It is full of the sweetness of an enduring love and the evil forces that mire their lives. I am glad we have Mrs. Miller back writing unforgettable books! BONUS: Read to the end and you will find a short story about Caleb and Brooke. Sweet!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.
I’m not going to write a review that’s full of spoilers because I really feel you need to read Filthy Lies with no preconceived ideas so I’m just going to tell you how this book made me feel. Raine Miller is the queen of romance no one gives us characters that stand the test of time quite like this author.
James and Winter’s story is a bit diffent because it’s Winter who is a Blackstone but that doesn’t mean James is any less of a swoon worthy hot male and I’m sure like me you will fall in love with him. This story is romance at its best this book gave me everything I want from a love story and it left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside, it’s a page turner that I couldn’t put down and I can’t wait to see where this author takes us with the next book in the Blackstone Dynasty because the Blackstone’s will always hold a special place in my heart. This is a must read romance.
Winter has been in love with her brothers best friend for years. She has resigned to the fact that while James may see her as a woman, he will never act on it.
James noticed Winter long before what was appropriate but he knew she was off limits as his best friends little sister. After a disastrous relationship, James changed, became darker. It’s no place for such a sweet woman like Winter. But what if she likes a little bit of the dark?
I was pleasantly surprised by this story based off the title of the book. I was gearing up for some major drama. What’s funny is this did have some pretty angsty situations throughout the book but it never really felt it. I have the reactions of James and Winter to thank for that. If I could have given a wish list to an author on how I want to see the main characters respond in conflict, this was it.
Filthy Lies was a pretty refreshing take on this slightly forbidden trope. I absolutely adored how James took care of Winter. I also adored how sweet and genuine Winter was. I would have liked to have their story expanded a bit more but that’s always the case with a couple I love.
This was a good friends to lovers romance read. I enjoyed the characters in the story, the storyline, and the pace of the story. The chemistry between James and Winter was undeniable and their story was sweet and steamy. However, one thing that bothered me about this story were the parts where Winter came off as a weak character. I wish that instead of running or crying that she would have just told James what was bothering her. I disliked James father Judge Blakney, and was happy when James mother Vanessa decided to do what was best for her. In the end Judge Blakney got what he deserved. I didn’t care for how Blakney played the recording for Winter and she never questioned James about it. However, I loved that although Winter was wealthy that she had a heart of gold and I loved what she did for the kids and their mom. I thought the drama with Caleb, Brooke and Janice in this story was unnecessary. The ending of the story was sweet but I would have loved an additional epilogue with an addition to their family. This story wasn’t a 5 star read for me but I would defintiely read other books from this author.
Winter Blackstone has secretly loved James Blakney since she was 15 year old, and he was 23. As the years went along, Winter loved the handsome James from afar. James’d always been a little flirty with Winter, but she knew he didn’t mean anything by it. Meaningless stuff between two friends. But was it meaningless?
Filthy Lies is an angsty, drama-filled and steamy story that will give you all the feels
According to Goodreads I had read this book. When I went to grab my book and read the beginning. I actually hadn’t read it all. So here I am letting everyone know I have read this book and OMG!!
I met James and Winter in Smokeshow: A Hockey Love story in the Vegas Crush series.
Let me just start off with how these two skated around each other for years, then finally sparks flew! I understand Winter wasn’t of age, however dude James you had your moment when she did! I get it, I get it you were about to be married. I bet you’re so happy that didn’t happen.
Anyhow, Winter and her way around children was magical. The way James calmed Winter’s mother down that was wonderful as well. They each have their way with people, just Winter with the smaller ones.
I do want to say this though I really hated James’s dad! I wanted to reach through my book and slap the man. That whole shindig of a talk while at the ball. Yeah I would have flipped my lid.
All in all, I couldn’t put the book down. Loved it all! I don’t know why it took me this long to read it. Now onto the next Raine Miller book because this lady needs to catch up.
Another great Blackstone book by Raine Miller.
Great characters and storyline that I devoured in one sitting.
This is one of the best books I have read in awhile. I loved James and Winter and their story. This is a stand alone, but I really recommend reading Filthy Rich first. The unique aspect of this book is that the time line overlaps with Filthy Rich. Again it is a stand alone, but knowing part of what is going to take place from Caleb and Brooke’s point of view is very refreshing. I can’t wait for Lucas’s book!
5 This Book is EVERYTHING Stars!!!!
Just when I thought no one could replace Caleb Blackstone in my heart, James Blakney, a true manwhore, which we get so many answers as to the why’s of his actions for the last several years, waltzes in and his finally admitting his love for Winter Blackstone and I’m a goner!!
Winter has worshiped James from a far, well not that far, given he’s Caleb’s best friend, since she was a teenager and now that she’s in his daily world and living in his same building, all things are going to change.
Oh the drama and angst. There were times I wanted to slap him and then turn around and wrap him in the biggest hug imaginable. He’s hiding so many secrets and hurts that he’s never really showed anyone close to him his true desires. When Winter’s greatest desire comes true and James marries her, you’d think her life would be made. But it’s not that simple.
Ms. Raine has written a story that is angsty and dramatic. But in the same vein, it’s beautiful in its passion and love that our H/h find overcoming all the naysayers! There’s a goodness in Winter that touched so many places in my heart and her sweet nature is exactly what James needs to be the man we all know he can be… a man that is worth all the love I have in my heart!!!
I am in absolute awe with James and Winter’s story. I was curious about their interactions in the first book and knew that there had to be so much more to their story. Their journey from friends to lovers just blew me away. I loved seeing the way that they both had such strong feelings for each other and not knowing that the other had the same feelings. Their love and feelings for one another is so off the charts good. The way that they claim one another will melt your heart. This has the perfect ending to such a perfect love story!!!
Anytime that you get a book about the Blackstone’s, you already know that it’s going to be good. I didn’t realize how much I missed them all until the new Blackstone Dynasty series. Can’t wait for more Blackstone.
Happy Reading Everyone!!
Thank you, Raine Miller, for taking me back to the Blackstone Family World!! I am so head over heels in love with the Blackstone family!! As everyone knows we first became acquainted with the Blackstone family through Ethan Blackstone, the gorgeous, dirty talking British alpha male who fell in love with his beautiful American girl Brynne in the Blackstone Affair series, and then we crossed the pond and met the American side of the Blackstone family, starting with Caleb Blackstone who fell in love with his beautiful English girl Brooke in Filthy Rich, and now we are getting to meet Winter Blackstone, one of Caleb Blackstone’s sisters, and his best friend James Blakney!! OMG I have fallen head over heels in love once again with not only Winter, but with James!! These two were destined to be together, no matter how they fought against it and thought of all the ways in which they should not be together, or the many roadblocks that were thrown in their way. You cannot change fate…and these two were definitely fated to be together.
James and Winter have known each other all their lives, and since, Winter is Caleb’s little sister, James has stuck her in the “completely and totally off limits for all eternity” category, but Winter has loved James FOREVER…and as Winter grows and blossoms in the beautiful young lady that she is, James finds he may not be able to keep her in that category for too much longer, if he ever really placed her in that category.
Filthy Lies is an absolutely beautifully written story that will keep you hooked from the moment you read The Prologue, and what a prologue it is!! Wow!! I could not put this one down. The story that Raine Miller weaved together so effortlessly and beautifully, is also a very complex and intriguing story about two people who both come from very wealthy backgrounds, but who are trying very hard to breakaway from what the constraints and confines that such backgrounds enthrall you in. There are several twists and turns that were so unexpected in their story, but it is a story that will keep you engrossed and just waiting for Winter and James to find the happily ever after that they truly deserve and are fighting so hard for. So, yes, be prepared to gasp, cry, shout, and laugh, but most important, be prepared to fall in love with two absolutely amazing characters. Oh, and, honestly, I really should mention that the chemistry between Winter and James, who is a beyond gorgeous, super sexy alpha male, is off the charts!! Whoa!! I am still fanning from some of those scenes that I read!! Bravo, Raine Miller, on yet another brilliant book. I must say that I cannot wait for the next installment in the Blackstone Dynasty, because the hints and breadcrumbs that were dropped about the next two characters lets me know that we will be in for another wonderful roller coaster of a ride.
“My review is for an ARC of Filthy Lies, BLACKSTONE DYNASTY II”
I loved being back in the Blackstone Universe! Raine Miller has always been an eloquent writer, and Filthy Lies has as much of an amazing prose as I’ve come to expect from this author. It gives the story an even more romantic feel because the words and sentences are as beautiful as the story.
Onto James and Winter… sigh. These two are ridiculously adorable and sexy together. Of course, I love an unrequited young love turned amazing adult relationship trope, but with the layered emotions and trials that James and Winter faced it was a breathtaking journey to follow their story. I never knew when the next shoe was going to drop, and when it did I was very much brokenhearted. And though the ending did a very good job at satisfying my shattered HEA-needy reader heart, I found the climax part of the story to have broken my heart a little bit more than I was anticipating. That is not to say that the ending was dissatisfying in the slightest, it was amazing and James and Winter got everything they deserved in the end, each other. However, there was a singular plot point that ended up being a rollercoaster ride I wasn’t prepared for, and for me personally, it concluded in a way that I always feel it a bit unnecessary in books, so it was a bit harder to recover from for me. I know I’m talking in circles, because I refuse to spoil it, but just know the issue I had with this book was most likely a personal one that I don’t think I ton of readers would have an issue with. And everything before and after said plot point was purely amazing and I couldn’t get enough of it.
So bottom line, I would absolutely suggest this book. Even if you haven’t read this author/the first book in this series, you can step into this book as a standalone and thoroughly enjoy the emotionally, and wonderfully epic book that is Filthy Lies!
Happy Reading!