The year is 1919, and the Great War has ended. As everyone picks up the pieces of their lives, I have only copious amounts of alcohol and women keeping me together. Most of the men I went to war with didn’t make it home, including my best friend, Miles. I thought I knew everything about him until I discovered he made me the executor to his little sister Rainey’s dowry. Rainey Pleasonton is … Pleasonton is anything but pleasant. Most men in Charleston found her wild and carefree ways to be terrifying, which explained why she was twenty-eight and still unmarried.
I have sixty days to help her find a husband before she loses her inheritance, her family’s legacy, and I lose the last of my sanity.
The only problem is, I’ve watched her go from a little girl who chased us around with a bow and arrow to the only woman in the South immune to my charm. And the men who were once scared of Rainey? They now find my le savauge beguiling, and I do not care for it one bit …
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King of the South is just wonderful. Calia Read takes us on a journey that is sweet and witty and at times heartbreaking. But through it all, it’s the love, whether between soulmates or family members that clearly drives this story. This continuation of all things Belgrave features the seemingly roguish Livingston Lacroix and the woman who is both his formidable adversary and closest confidante, Rainey Pleasanton. The subtle heat between them only gets hotter as Rainey’s life is turned upside down after her brother Miles’s death. With Livingston his war-ravaged best friend, it’s a complicated path to his finally seeing Rainey as much more than just an obligation.
This gorgeous slow-burn romance is downright addictive! I love the way Read carefully crafts a story-line that is not only brilliant but full of mirth that only she can deliver. With Serene and Etienne a huge component of the ultimate in ‘capers’, I couldn’t help but smile often and chuckle softly to myself as the city of Charleston is all agog over the chance to both court and marry Rainey. Serene is a true saving grace (which trust me, is not the usual with her) for both Rainey and Livingston as she cleverly figures out a way to finally get these two to admit their feelings for one another.
I could not put this book down as hearts are tethered together, broken apart and mended just when all seemed lost. In addition, the passion that is both welcomed and a bit surprising to Livingston and his Raina is quite intense. It’s not only sexy but filled with emotions only they are capable of feeling towards the other. The years-long relationship gives this burgeoning affection of theirs a tenderness that is truly beautiful, even in the dark.
Right along with the author, I could read about Belgrave and the incredible occupants forever. Read has found a rhythm with this time-frame that is wildly compelling. Her continued seduction of our attention with her stellar words is more than welcomed by this reader. And I look forward to the next book in the series as the world of Lacroix and all that entails keeps me happily captive.
5+++++ huge stars once more!
Get ready to step back into the Belgrave world this time we get Livingston’s story and whilst you don’t need to read the Echoes of Time series I would definately recommend you do so. Calia writes a historical romance but manages to make it feel contemporary. The writing is absolutely beautiful I can’t think of another word to describe it. The story flows and manages to effortlessly deliver fun emotion and a stunning love story. I felt like I was with Livingston and Rainey, I could see the homes, the scenery the people and that is because Calia uses imagery to create the Belgrave world. A well written love story for the ages.
I always love historical romance. There’s always a different kind of magic in this time setting that just can’t be found in contemporary romance. And Calia Read nailed it perfectly.
We meet Livingston in Serene and Etienne’s story. We know Livingston to be that care free, fun, easy to love, bit naughty kinda guy. But in this book, we meet a different Livingston.
It’s after the great war and Livingston comes home a different man. He’s darker. He lost so many of him self in that war. He saw so many that change him. The guilt of the survivor becomes his private demon. And nothing can make him wants to live until Rainey “Le Savage” were pointed to be his ward in her brother and his late best friend will.
It’s a disaster for Rainey. That will and the fact it’s Livingston, her greatest enemy were pointed to be the executor for her dowry in her brother’s will. Rainey will fight Livingston tooth and nail to get out of that silly will until the fact of her family finance come to surface. She have no option beside to comply and find a husband in sixty days.
Let the Bachelorette begin!
Oh how I love this couple!
When Etienne is sexy in his broody, serious no nonsense type, Livingston is that naughty charmer seducer. You can’t help falling in love with him.
And Rainey… Omg this girl! She’s not your typical southern lady. She’s feisty. She got opinion and not afraid to say it. Her sense of humor is wicked. And she know how to shoot her arrowoh lawwdy how she know how to shot her arrow
I laugh so hard in so many their banters. It was fresh and sexy and smart.
So many times I wanna kick Livingston behind for his fear is his great enemy.
And I keep cheering on Rainey for this girl bravery facing our wounded soul Playboy.
And their steamy scenes? Whohaaa! Too hot, baby! It’s too
Love every second of this book. I wish I can read it slowly to savour it but I can’t!
I just need the next book cause that teaser at the end? It’s killing me with suspence in waiting
Oh Livingston
I knew I wouldn’t be immune to your charms. I also knew that you’d be as stubborn as all get out, but I really wanted to punch you as much as was wanted to kiss the crap out of you. I can see exactly why you and Rainey sparred in almost every interaction you had. There was never a dull moment with you!
Rainey was AWESOME! She was a complete spitfire. Her sass, wit and quick tongue were definitely some of her best attributes. She had a heart as big as the sun, putting the needs of her friends and family first.
Livingston and Rainey were on fire. They understand each other on a level no one could possibly understand. Even so, they’re journey to find their HEA was a bumpy road with these stubborn childhood friends. I really enjoyed being back in their world, I look forward to the next book in the series!
Rainey and Livingston were everything I was hoping for. They had a passion that I was able to feel from the start. Yes, that passion was more from dislike for each other but at the same time you could truly feel them just fighting that love. I loved the banter between the two and there was steam but it wasn’t a big focal point in the story. Getting to see some of my favorites from the original trilogy made me feel so giddy in side.
I’m giving it 4 stars because I feel like some things were glossed over. Not in a way that truly affected the story, but just in a way it kept me wondering. I still truly loved the story and honestly can’t wait for the next one and see what will happen with Nat. This author has pulled me into these characters lives and I could read a hundred books about them and never get truly hoard. 4 stars #2OCCJD
“A man with charm is a very dangerous thing.”
King of the South is a standalone story, and book one in the Belgrave Dynasty.
Although, it is truly no secret that I have loved Livingston Lacroix from the moment he was introduced in The Surviving Trace, book one of The Surviving Time series.
I knew he was a special character, and I just wanted more and more of him. His charm swept me off my feet, and his love and loyalty to his family melted my heart. And the dirty talk in French? Oui s’il vous plaît!
But this is not the Livingston Lacroix we have previously known. Love and loss come in many forms, and Livingston has experienced more than his fair share of both.
Enter Rainey Pleasonton. The less refined, younger sister of Livingston’s best friend Miles. But now Rainey is all grown up, and I couldn’t love her character any more than I do. She is courageous, outspoken, honest and loyal.
These two re-enter each others lives in the most unexpected of ways, and sparks (and maybe some arrows ) fly.
Calia weaves a love story that is unlike any other. The twists and turns are inspired, infusing humor into a story of two haunted and broken souls needing each other more than either ever thought possible.
And if you are missing the rest of the residents of Belgrave? Fear not. There is plenty of Étienne and Serene to go around, and some fantastic new characters introduced as well.
This review would be incomplete if I didn’t talk about the writing. Calia’s writing is nothing less than perfection. Her writing style immerses the reader into the story. At times I could actually feel myself in the ballroom at Belgrave, in the Pleasonton’s sitting room, or in Étienne’s office listening to his conversations with Livingston. Calia’s words make me want to live in Charleston in the 1910s, and if that’s wrong I don’t want to be right.
I thank my lucky stars every day that Calia Read patiently listened to my begging for more Livingston and rambling about my love for him.
Livingston Lacroix had a story to tell, and what a story it is.
This was such a great love story. Calia’s words make you want to keep reading to know what happens next. There is never a boring moment. The words she uses are so romantic.
I’ve loved Livingston’s character from the beginning and was happy to know this was about him. Him and Rainy are so cute together.
Serene was something else, she’s hilarious!!
I can’t wait to see what happens with Nat!
A must read!
I just don’t know how Calia does it!! I loved the Surviving Trace books and this one is not for the faint of heart just because of the size of this book. I mean the cover alone should make you want to check it out.
Livingston and Rainey’s story is perfect for them. I just loved the back and forth with these 2 and how Rainey’s smart mouth and she doesn’t take anything from Mr. Lacroix. I laughed and cried and rooted for these two early on. The banter and the chemistry these 2 have are off the charts which make their story so amazing.
I have not read many historical romance books in the last few years, but definitely recommend this author if you have not read her books before.
I am so so so thrilled that Calia Read has given us more in this world she has created. I was so enamored with The Surviving Time Series I literally cried at the end because I did not want to say goodbye to the fantastic characters.
Livingston’s book blew my expectations completely out of the water. It had me feeling all the emotions and I could not get enough.
I love Serene so very much and it was great to see her, Etienne, and their little family but Rainey is another beautifully written strong woman. She is a very close second to Serene as my favorite heroine.
And what is coming to be true Calia Read fashion, that epilogue has me needing more right freaking now!!
The King of the South had arrived! The story was written during the period that I loved so much. Historical Romance with the Southern twang and French influence really hit the spot.
Livingston Lacroix had seen too many things from the beauty of womens, carefree lifestyle and the darkside of war. Him and Rainey Pleasonton were so good for each other. The story was heartfelt..funny in a way.. full with personalities. I had so much joy watching their relationship grow. Too good to let it go. Calia, you had represented strong womens like Serene and Rainey. They had all the magic to tame the Lacroix’s men 😉
Livingston has been in all of the books in the series, he’s one of my favourite characters in the entire series so I was VERY happy when I found out that he was getting his own book and Calia did not disappoint, I loved the book so much! Of course there were moments where I wanted to slap the two main characters while there were other parts that just made me swoon. I loved and adored so many parts in this book: Raina/Rainey and Livingston, Rainey and Serene, Serene and Livingston, Livingston and Etienne, Serene and Etienne’s babies!!, and of course Serene and Etienne being amazing, funny and adorable married couple. I loved this book so freaking much and based on what happened in the epilogue, I’m REALLY excited for the next book!!!
King of the South is an incredible read that transported me back in time and imposed all the southern manners expected of the people during that time. I found the characters to be so well written, charming and I loved their strong personalities and even more when those personalities clashed. The angst between Lainey and LIvingston, the shenanigans with Serena truly created for such a fantastic escape. Books like this should never end
After reading The Surviving Trace series I couldn’t wait for Livingston’s story to be told, and it hit every mark for me and then some! Childhood friend/enemies, best friend sister/older brother, damaged hero….like I said it had everything and more! I loved Surviving Trace and couldn’t wait to get back to Belgrave to get wrapped up with the characters once again.
Livingston’s struggle after coming home from the war is heartbreaking! His pain and struggles are covered with his trademark smirk but Rainey knows he’s hurting and will do anything to help him get that lively spark back in his eyes permanently.
Raina grew up while Livingston was away and she’s no longer the little girl he tormented in their childhood. She’s come into her own and he’s not prepared for it. Rainey pushes Livingston’s buttons as much as he does hers and their back and forth snarky comments had me laughing at their antics. “Hiscock” had to be one of the best hidden gems in the story!
I could go on and on with more details and my feelings about this book, it’s characters and storyline but why ruin another reader’s journey through time and Belgrave!
King of the South is a historical romance. The first book in the Belgrave Dynasty series and it was everything I expected and more. We’re first introduced to Livingston in the Surviving Time series but only got a glimpse of him. If you love Etienne and Serene as much as I do then you’ll be pleasantly surprised with their appearances throughout the story. Their one of those couples you instantly fall in love with and once you’ve read King of the South you’ll fall in love with Livingston and Rainey too.
Livingston is not the same man he was before the war. Trying to forget the nightmares by drowning himself in alcohol and women. We see a different side of him. Where he was once a playful and charming man, now he’s lost and trying to find himself again.
Rainey is Miles little sister and Livingston is his best friend. A hellion instead of acting like a proper Southern lady who can’t seem to control her mouth and the only girl to put Livingston in his place. They’ve often picked on one another through the years but also leaned on one other during difficult times.
Less than 24 hours after Rainey’s brother’s memorial, the Pleasanton’s attorney reads Miles will with stipulations naming Livingston as her ward and the executor for her dowry.
“It’s also stipulated you have sixty days to find a suitable husband or your dowry will be dissolved and the money will be donated to a charity of Mrs. Leonore Pleasanton’s choosin.”
The news is shocking and one that will completely turn Livingston and Rainey’s life around.
Watching them bicker, tease, fight their attraction and falling in love was incredibly fun to watch. Their chemistry is off the charts HOT!!! The ending…oh my gahhhh Livingston, you literally melted my heart. SWOON!!!
If you’re a reader who doesn’t read historical romance, give this one a chance and I promise you’ll fall in love as much as I have and once you’ve finish you’ll be craving for more. One of my top reads this year!
Raina has sixty days to find a husband according to her brother’s will. Livingston came back from World War I with horrible nightmares, and a serious case of battle fatigue (now known as PTSD.)
When Livingston doesn’t take her concerns about her mothers debt, Raina decides to work with Serene to find a husband as soon as possible. But there’s still an overreaching attraction between Liv and Rainey. He can’t love her, but he won’t give her up either.
King of The South is a beautiful, slow burn historical romance based in Charleston, South Carolina in the years immediately after World War I.
Calia Read wrote a gorgeous enemies to lovers novel in which both characters learn to save themselves as they save the one they had never recognized in all the years spent standing side by side. The side characters, Etienne and Serene, Lorene and Nat are beautifully written and just as well developed as the main characters. An absolute wonder of a book that guarantees I’ll read more by Calia Read.
I really enjoyed this one. There aren’t to many recent historical’s set in the early 1900’s that I have read. Its a nice change. Oh boy Rainey isn’t afraid to put an arrow to Livingston! That was very interesting and fun to read. This story was great and seeing the relationship build between Livingston and Rainey. Is their story done? IDK. I have an inkling on the next book because of the epilogue, but I can’t wait to check it out.
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.