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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REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
“A kiss is a kiss, but a touch can break you.”
I’m pretty certain, it’s at this point in my “Calia Read Reading Career” that I can put her on my list of must read authors. I need to read her and cannot wait for more words to come from her. She’s a special someone – I cannot deny that. I enjoy her group, her books, and she’s got a comedic side to her as well. I feel like I got pretty lucky when I decided to jump into my first book of hers, The Surviving Trace. That book set my love in motion and it has kept pace with each book since. So now I have moved onto my fourth book of hers and my love affair is only growing. There’s an authenticity to her stories that is unrivaled in many of the stories I’m reading or have read. She definitely dominates a corner of my kindle and I will keep feeding this need for her words.
My goal with my reviews is to always share what a book did to me or for me or with me. I want to show you how it made me feel. The emotions I waded through, and why it did that. I feel that my review for this book won’t properly deliver the amount of love I have for Livingston and Rainey. This book spoke to me. It gave me all the feelings and emotions, it brought me back to a time that I have already fallen in love with and it put me right back in my favorite fictional world. I can’t say it enough HOW MUCH I loved everything about this story and this family.
“Perhaps, when you dislike someone long enough, the animosity can burn bright enough to start a fire.”
I love that the barrier of proper versus desire is the weighted gate between these two lovers. Protocol and responsibility; it’s all so intriguing. What a window into the past with restrictions and requirements. This was a best friends’ younger sister/enemies to lovers style trope set in the early 1900’s, so it hit the historical romance genre as well – one I don’t read often, but I do know that Calia Read delivers it with precision. The fact that she was able to showcase not only the proper side of things, she also shared the very reality of a love that was undeniable – this really was the perfect example of an undeniable pull confronting circumstance. A magnetism that could not be fought.
It blew my mind that she was able to bring me back to a place I loved in another book and the storyline didn’t suffer, and if anything, it kept the love alive. It kept the ‘dream’ alive. I was honestly concerned about this series having the same magic as her Surviving Time series did, but she put my fears to rest. Her delivery of this storyline was unmitigated – completely undiluted perfection. Oh my gosh, I loved this one so much!! I love this family, this era….this dynasty. Absolutely love it!!
“Everything I do seems wrong. But you? You are the only thing that feels right.”
Read’s words are so descriptive. The way she gives me the sights, the smells, the life of a long ago forgotten world. I smelled the scents, heard the southern drawl, felt the mugginess of the southern summers. It’s always amazing to read her stories and be transported to another time and place, and yet, I always feel at home within her stories. She will easily give me story after story to dream upon, and I will happily get lost in them, each and every time.
And let’s discuss all that French. It’s not just the language of love, but it’s clearly Livingston’s preferred way to sneak his emotions out. He definitely made me swoon. Livingston has a tongue, and he puts it to good use. Oh my gosh, because wooh-wee. I swooned so hard. I used the translate option on my kindle often, and I just melted every single time he would say something. There was something so intimate about his deepest thoughts and desires being whispered and put out into the universe with his sexy tongue. Grrr, baby. Seriously…..{{drool}} and swoon. I am eagerly awaiting Nat’s story, and while I know she is writing that one currently, I am very (im)patiently waiting to see where she takes it. HIGHLY anticipated next book….in one of my new favorite series.
“Je te veux plus que tout.”
~BEE
Calia Read has done it again. 5+ stars. She’s has written a book with so much life. While reading “King of the South” I was taken into a time of history and innocence which she writes passionately about. The book has everything I love about reading romance. I couldn’t get enough of Livingston and Rainey’s story. There’s so much intense emotion between them that you are cheering all through out the book for them. It’s a long slow journey with intense wit, sadness, joy, romance and courage. Then Calia’s writes characters from “ The Surviving Trace” series to help along with all the fun and emotional support. I highly recommend you read those three books before you read this one. It’s part of this series and trust me you’ll love Livingston and Rainey’s in those books, also. My review does not do justice on how well written and how much this book means to me. I’ll leave it at this final thought, this entire series needs to be on Masterpiece Theater. I’ve have voiced this many times. It’s just that good. “King of the South” is so worthy! Bravo Calia!
“T’es La mienne. Mon beau sauvage.” Livingston Lacroix
Calia Read is the Queen of historical romance storytelling! Taking us back to Belgrave in King of the South, she brings early 20th century back to life with vivid descriptions and captivating characters. The imagery elicits a sense of nostalgia even though it takes place 100 years before our time. Calia Read let’s you believe you’re totally familiar with the time frame. Yes, she’s that creatively talented!
I loved the banter, wit, and underlying chemistry between Livingston and Rainey. They completely drive this story in a heartfelt and endearing way. We get insight into their internal struggles and points of view. Characters from the Echoes of Time series are intricately woven into the story. I loved Etienne’s serious insightful involvement and Serene’s wit and colorful language throughout this awesome story.
While it’s not necessary to read the Echoes of Time series prior to this story, I strongly recommend it in order to appreciate the full effect of Belgrave and the LaCroix family. This is sure to be one of my top reads this year!
King of the South is enemies to lovers goodness. I enjoyed it. Livingston and Rainey are perfect for each other, they have the same stubborn, headstrong nature that causes them to butt heads as well as ignite into an unquenchable flame. I loved watching them finally succumb to each other. There journey was one of endurance. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series it promises to be explosive.
Copy provided by author
King of the South is a very marvelous story that took place in an old era. I did read some Historical Romance before, but not like this. I’ve never read anything like this before. I was blown away by how excellent and well-written the story is. Now I’m not sure whether there will be any books that can top this one.
Reading this book reminded me of The Bachelorette show, in which the woman has to meet the bachelors in order to find a suitable partner, but make it the old era style. Honestly, I didn’t expect this at all but I really liked how it all went. The story is more relaxing, nothing too intense but still very enjoyable to read. However, there are some challenges that the characters had to face in order to get their happily ever after. I really liked the direction the author went for and was satisfied by how the story went. The whole process was really long but worth it. Also, the angst…I thought I wouldn’t survive due to all the angst. Thankfully I did even though I was struggling so hard because of it. The angsty element will either make you want to cry or scream, there is no in-between. But still, you will love it after you suffered from the angst. I ended up loving this book way too much, but I’m not complaining since this book has a unique story.
As for the ending, it was exactly like what I hoped for. It was so satisfying to see how it ended, and I had a huge smile on my face after reading the ending. But…I was shocked at what was being revealed in the epilogue chapter. I was nervous and scared something might happen to Livingston and Rainey, but was glad knowing they were fine. And since this book is a standalone in the Belgrave Dynasty series, so it’s safe to guess that the next book will focus on Asa and Nathalie due to the epilogue is from Nat’s POV. There was a shocking thing about what she will do next, and I can’t wait to read her story and find out more about her agenda. I can already sense that it will be more intense.
The story really took an emotional turn when Livingston and Rainey confessed their feelings and the ballroom scene when they dance together. My heart felt so heavy at those scenes and I can’t stop my tears from falling. Those two moments was beautiful even though it was actually emotional. But it help proven that they do belong to each other.
Livingston has been shown as this very broken man. He was still the same him but there was a little bit different about him. A war can changed a man, and that’s what it did to Livingston. I really feel bad for him, for all the sufferings he had to endured. He had nightmares that haunt him at night and it took him longer to be able to function normally. I understood the reason why he was so afraid to fall in love, he couldn’t take care of himself so what makes him able to take care of someone else? When he was questioning himself, I wanted to give him a hug. He deserve a happiness, he deserve to fall in love with Rainey since they knew each other from the moment Rainey was born. She is his soulmate, and nobody can deny it.
Livingston was a lot of things, not only was he charming and playful, but he was also a nice gentleman with a heart of gold even though be always underestimated himself. Yes he is a well-known womanizer, but that side of him completely stop the moment he spend a lot of his time being intimate with Rainey. I like the fact that he changed himself to be better later on. He gets a good character development in the story and I really loved how well-developed his character has become in this one. There are so many sides of him that can be seen in this book, especially the vulnerable side of him which was really-really rare to see. It was like seeing a different Livingston than the one from the previous series. I really dig the version of Livingston in this one. And one last thing, he is one of the most swoon-worthy man, the way he just whispered filthy things in French was deliciously hot.
As for Rainey, this woman has a lot of surprises. Her character surprised me a lot. She wasn’t only stubborn, but she was also this strong and independent woman who doesn’t care what others said about her. She just mind her own business instead of being a busybody. Rainey is a real badass, I mean who carried a bow and arrow like it was a normal thing and then shot someone to give them a small injury (not deadly) because that someone was pissing her off? Only Rainey Pleasonton did that. Her character is very intimidating. She can be scary and have a soft heart at the same time.
The soft side of Rainey is very different than the intimidating side of her. I really like seeing the softness she showed Livingston the more they spend their time being intimate to each other. Seeing her taking care of him, and to see how much she cared for him and also how much she wanted to fix him and help him get rid of his nightmares really showed a different side of her. It really brings out the womanly/feminine side of Rainey Pleasonton. She can adapt into so many sides, like she can be tough and intimidating, and she can also be soft and more feminine like any other well-mannered women. Rainey is a different kind of woman, she’s unique in her own way, and that’s what make her character special. She may not be like Serene and Nathalie, but she can still blend in with them so easily. Finding a heroine like Rainey is hard, not many authors managed to write and make such heroine justice, but Calia did a very good job at writing Rainey’s character and making Rainey unique and far different than most heroines.
The romance of Livingston and Rainey was beautiful in so many ways with a little bit of complication. It was so wonderful to witness how far they have come, from being childhood friends to two people who couldn’t stand each other to friends again and then to lovers who finally get their happily ever after. The whole process was really long and so challenging but it was really worth the wait even though I had to suffered from the angst as a reader. These two trying to reach their happy ending was tough, so many things tried to tear them apart; first, the whole bachelor thing, and then a man out of nowhere trying to get Rainey’s attention. I was so stressed out and so frustrated knowing these two had to go through all of that, but I managed to keep calm a little bit knowing that no matter what challenges Livingston and Rainey had to face, the ending will end with them sorting out the mess and finally be together.
They are each other’s soulmate, from the beginning it was proven that they only belong to one another. Their relationship had a rocky start, but later on it become more smooth. The development of their relationship was really amazing, and I loved seeing how far their relationship have come. The whole thing was just them trying to find and understand the meaning of love since it was a new territory for them. Both of them were scared to fall in love for different reasons, which I really understood. It took them really long to realize and acknowledge their feelings. Their journey was wonderful with a little bit of sadness and pain, but it ended beautifully and just as what I expected.
If you want to read this book, you better prepare your heart because this book will crush you, hurt you and break your heart into million pieces, and then it will mend your heart in the end. This is the type of book that I can’t just forget, this story will stick with me for the rest of my life because it was so unique and extremely beautiful. Plus, Livingston Lacroix isn’t exactly a man you can just forget once you close this book. This beautiful broken man and Rainey Pleasonton the brave and tough woman are the characters that you can’t get rid of, they are the type of characters that will stay in your memories. Their journey in this book was phenomenal, and I really adored these two. Any historical romance fans should read this one, and if you’re not one of them then I suggest you to try and give it a chance. Calia really deserve a standing ovation for writing this book, she really is an outstanding author.
Incredible
There’s nothing like finding a new world, in a place that you least expected it.
This cover caught my attention about 857 before I finally decided that I was just going to dive in. And without learning the tiniest bit about where I was going, I immersed myself in Charleston, more than 100 years ago.
And it was such a great idea.
Obviously, I think I may have read this out of order, but, now I have something else to dive into.
This was incredible. I loved how different Rainey was. And a broken hero with a penchant for dirty talking in French? Haha, yes please!
The writing is phenomenal. The story is compelling. I love the era that it was written in. I love Rainey and Livingston’s characters.
This is my first book by this author. Lots of positives here…interesting characters, good story setting, intriguing plot with twists. A big negative (for me at least)…slow going, I found it really hard to non-stop read, at least until the final few chapters. Plus, I kept asking myself, would I behave the same way as these “grown-ups”? I mean, more than once I wanted to scream at them to SPEAK UP! and they were both very outspoken, in-your-face characters! So, a few minor things that didn’t grab me, but overall, a very interesting love story. I’m glad I read it. Not sure yet if I’ll be back for more, but I am intrigued to see what else this author has to offer, so I guess that’s a good thing. I’ll say, 4 Positive Stars from me.
UH-MAZING!! This book. This series. These characters (starting from The Surviving Time series)
It’s been an all consuming world I can’t get enough of and I want more of it.
Nathalie’s book is next and I’m soooo here for it.
I FREAKEN Love Livingston He is so sweet and hot and everything.
And I loved the buildup and slow burn between Raina and Livingston
Quote ~ She is the phantom echo of the heart I once had before everything changed. The amount of love she has for me is irrelevant because every part of me beats for her.
She is the phantom echo of my heart I once had before everything changed. The amount of love she has for me is irrelevant because every part of me beats for her.
From the first page on, I fell in love with the characters, I fell in love with the story and the storytelling.
I honestly feel like this story is so good, it could be a classic. It’s not one you read and as the time goes by, you forget. This one stays with you forever.
Can’t wait for the next one.
I have to start by saying that I don’t usually read historical romances; it’s not that I don’t enjoy them, it’s just that I spend most of my reading time with Contemporary and New Adult romances, but after reading Calia Read’s Surviving Time series, part historical/part time travel romance, I was beyond ready to head back to Belgrave and the 1900s, 1919 to be exact, and I couldn’t wait to be reunited with Etienne and Serene and witness everything unfold between ‘Charleston’s number one womanizer’ and a heck of an ‘untamed debutante.’
Charleston high society is quite difficult to find one’s way in, especially someone like Rainey Pleasonton – a southern belle with quite the stubborn and independent mindset. At face value, Rainey wouldn’t be considered a southern gentleman’s first choice because she’s not afraid to say what she thinks and she makes it more than clear how she feels, and in this time period, society, and lifestyle, women were supposed to be more seen than heard, which is not a description anyone could use to describe Rainey.
And all of those qualities that make her a bit of an outcast are exactly what I loved about her from the start. She’s highly intelligent and has one wicked sense of humor along with the ability to shoot a bow with precision. And while her feistiness does get her into a bit of trouble, specifically with the bane of her existed as well as the executor of her funds, thanks to the instructions in her brother’s will, her personality is also what seems to pull said man, Livingston, out of the dark abyss that threatens to consume him.
The Livingston Lecroix who returns to Charleston from the Great War is not the one who left with his best friend. Because not only does Livingston return without Levi, but he also comes back without is easy going, carefree personality. Now, he spends his time fighting nightmares and drinking excessively as he combats the demons that threaten to completely destroy him.
Read does a great job of illustrating just how tortured Livingston is due to the war, and while his crass behavior, wicked words, and broody personality are a bit over the top, at times, the way he evolves throughout the story and fights to be the man Rainey both wants and needs will have readers rooting for these two to figure things out and give into the clear attraction that’s simmering just beneath the surface.
Livingston and Rainey share a long history – one full of verbal sparring, impetuous exchanges, and dastardly deeds, which means that the fact that her brother put her sworn enemy, Livingston, in charge of her affairs does not set well with her at all, and what ensues, because of this rather precarious position, is a battle of wills, pithy barbs, and whole lot of sexual tension, even though these two don’t recognize it as such for quite some time.
King of the South is a slow burn historical romance, one that paints a clear picture of the time period and all it entails for those who live in high society as well as the losses felt and scars acquired due to the war. I love how essential Serene is in helping Rainey and Livingston admit their true feelings for one another, and she and Etienne are a huge part of their lives, which means readers familiar with the Surviving Time series will feel right at home.
4.5 Poison Apples
She is the phantom echo of my heart I once had before everything changed. The amount of love she has for me is irrelevant because every part of me beats for her.
Livingston and Rainey. Livingston and Rainey. LIVINGSTON AND RAINEY, oh how I love thee. It was SO wonderful being back in this world! Back at Belgrave! Oh how I have missed this group of characters. We met Livingston and Rainey in THE SURVIVING TRACE series (which I would HIGHLY recommend you read because it’s phenomenal! You will appreciate this book even more if you read it IMO). It was apparent, after getting snippets of their history in those books, that their book would be packed full of a push and pull encounters and loaded with tons of resistance. Livingston is a Lacroix after all, and they are extremely stubborn in nature, but Rainey is VERY MUCH just as stubborn and the combination of their stubbornness makes for explosive encounters. Their story was a sizzling slow burn. Their verbal sparing was comical and their own unique form of foreplay. I just adored EVERY interaction they had because they had such a long shared history, that it was apparent they connected on a deeper level than an average couple. They had a “long intricate history that was impossible to deny” and I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed watching them navigate through their feelings and come to the undeniable conclusion that they loved one another. They both needed a miracle and they found that in each other.
Gah! And don’t even get me started on the moments when Livingston reverts to speaking French to Rainey. I WOULD DIE to hear this in audiobook. #swoon “Puis-je te garder pour toujours?”he drowsily murmurs. (Translated to: “Can I keep you forever?” ). YES! Yes, you can keep me forever, Livingston! #moreswooning
I loved the direction Calia took this storyline. It was unique, addictive and unpredictable. I love that this was very much THEIR story, Livingston and Rainey’s, but at the same time, Calia wove in moments with the previous characters (Etienne, Serene, and Nat) that gave us fans of that series something to smile about. We got to read the “after the HEA” for Etienne and Serene, without it taking from Livingston and Rainey’s story, it actually build to it and helped their love along the way. Without Serene and Etienne’s love as an example, Livingston and Rainey might not have been willing to give their love a chance. I can not emphasize how much I love these characters!
The only things that I was bummed about was I felt the ending was slightly rushed/open ended and there were a couple things I was hoping would be addressed within the story but they weren’t and maybe they’ll be mentioned in Nat’s book? (book 2 of BELGRAVE series). That’s why I knocked 1 star off, otherwise I loved everything about this book. BRAVO, Calia, once again you gave us an exceptional story.
Throughout the years, we have found ourselves at war with one another, but with love, we found peace.
4 stars
Feb 23rd…6 Stars for me!!!! Quite possibly my favorite book this year thus far.
I need to write a full review of this book, but my heart is beating out of my chest!!! Oh my gosh, to say that I’m in love with these characters is such a massive understatement. This storyline completely captivated me and took me on an unbeatable journey that I wish I didn’t have to come back from. I’m soaring with energy right now!!! Livingston and Rainey gripped my heart in their tight little fists and nearly squeezed the life out of me. They were crafted directly from my perfect hero/heroine recipe.
Gah!!! I miss them already, but I need a moment.
Blurb:
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 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.
Feb. 25th…To me, this was a modern twist on a historical fiction romance. The author really shakes things up and I was honestly glued to the pages! Tradition, and polite society have almost no significance to the backbone possessed by the wonderful women in this book. They will run away with your heart in equal measure to the phenomenal men in the story. I love them!! The women in this book, are the tell it like it is types. They are fierce, quick witted, silver tongued, strong, intelligent, and challenging.
“Why would I want to settle down with one woman?”- Livingston
“Because we’re sugar and spice and everything nice. So, kiss my ass.”-Serena
Not what you’d expect a woman of means in 1919 to say, but the book is full of these types of quips. I laughed out loud at the dialogue that flows so freely between the men and women so often that I completely lost count. It was like reading a tennis match at times, a literary sparring match between the characters, with everyone trying to keep one another on their toes. The banter was honest, raw, and refreshing and definitely added to the progression of the storyline. There is laughter, but there are tear jerking moments as well. It’s a fully developed and emotional story, no doubt about it. The characters have tremendous depth and I felt each one take residence in my heart. Especially Livingston, gah…my heart bled out for this tortured man. When he whispers words of love and romance in French to an unsuspecting Rainey throughout so much of this book…be still my beating heart. I WAS SWOONING, SWOONING, SWOONING. So darn sweet!!
This book is a spin off of The Surviving Trace trilogy which I had considered reading, but never got around to it. I was afraid with the time gaps between each release, that I would not be able to recall important details of the previous book, so my motivation fell by the wayside. Why do I mention this? Because I enjoyed the holy heck out of THIS book, and do not feel as if I was missing out on pertinent details that would’ve added anything to my enjoyment of Livingston and Rainey’s romantic journey.
This was their story folks, and it can be read as a standalone.
What I will say is that Calia Read can WRITE! Wow, color me impressed with her style and her prose.
Oh my goodness….magical! Therefore; I am currently reading book 1 of The Surviving Trace trilogy and loving it so far.
King of the South is written in dual POV’s alternating between chapters. It is the story of a thirty-eight year old man who has recently lost his most beloved best friend to war, and loses a bit of himself in the process of rejoining the land of the living. He was as much a part of the Pleasonton household growing up, as he was his own, so he has always maintained a watchful eye over his friend’s little sister, Rainey. However, time has passed as the young men went off to war, and the Rainey he once knew, is all grown up. The story of Livingston and Rainey revolves around her brothers wish for her to marry in order to help solve some financial troubles the family is imminently facing. Livingston is trusted to facilitate this, while also being the executor of her dowry. To say that Livingston struggles with various aspects of this process would be like saying Americans have slightly different views on politics. It’s a hot mess y’all! Livingston wants to do right by Rainey, but he seems to be the ONLY person who can’t see what that actually means. And Rainey doesn’t exactly win any points for her charming demeanor. She’s a feisty wild card, and makes her own choices. LOVE HER!
But…there are times I wanted to slap the both of them! lol
The journey between Livingston and Rainey will stay with me. I could not have loved their story any more than I did. If you love mouthy women, and the possessive, beasty men who’ll do anything to keep them happy, you’ll love this book. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Plus, if you’re looking for heat….you’ll not be disappointed.
4.5 stars
Ever since I finished The Surviving Time series I always felt like I needed more, more about the Lacroix family more about that family that stole my heart. When I knew we will have Livingston story I was so excited. it’s so good to be back at Belgrave.
KING OF THE SOUTH is the story of Rainey and Livingston, they’ve met since they were kids and I truly believe they were meant to be together. Of course they don’t know that, their bickering and banter is hilarious and the sex tension is very palpable but Livingston still sees her as his best friend little sister.
But truth is that their relationship is deeper than it looks, they had suffered so much loss in their lives that they are used to be the comfort of each other, and after Livingston came back from War, Rainey was the only one who can tame his demons. He’s a different man now, he has anxiety attacks and he’s drowning his pain in alcohol, the war has also taken Rainey’s brother and here is where the story comes, Miles stipulate on his will that Rainey must find a husband within sixty days with a dowry of $60,000 and Livingston is the executor of the funds.
Let the bachelors hunt begins……. I really had an amazing time reading this book, Serene and Etienne are back and it felt so good to meet them again. Now I’ll get back to my Belgrave’s withdrawal, waiting not so patiently for Nat’s book.
King of the South is the first book in the Belgrave Dynasty. I was so excited to get back to Belgrave. This is Livingston’s story and it was everything I’d hoped it would be and more m. It made me cry, laugh, and swoon with his dirty French talk. The banter between Rainey and Livingston was perfection. They have known each other their whole lives and yet seem to know nothing about each other. The chemistry is off the charts. I have fallen in love with all of the characters at Belgrave. This story was amazing and I cannot wait for the next one!
I was glad to see that the characters from
The Surviving Time Trilogy got their own
books. They were too special and unique,
and were practically screaming for their
stories to be told and read. With the first
book in The Belgrave Dynasty Series, it finally
gives us a little more insight to whom the other
Lacroix twin is…because Livingston is sooo very
different than his twin, almost the opposite.
And let’s not forget Rainey, whom he has know all
his life. I think I liked her a little more because of her
honesty, it was raw and without any malice. I truly truly
enjoyed this book, really looking forward to the next one.
5 OH NO IT IS OVER STARS!! I never wanted this book to end!!! I absolutely LOVE LIVINGSTON!!! Livingston and Rainey’s story touched my heart and was written PERFECTLY. I felt like I was watching a movie play out, with all the detail this author gives us readers. You find yourself being transported back in time and talking like the characters. You must read this book, so download now and enjoy.
I am so happy that we have this spinoff series from The surviving Trace Series. Book one in this series was amazing. We finally have the twin brothers story and it was everything I thought it would be and everything I never imagined. This story had it all, but most importantly it had two very stubborn characters that drove me insane. Be prepared to yell to yell at something or someone, it will bring out the emotions in you.
Calia Read’s King of the South was a HIGHLY anticipated book for me and I enjoyed every minute of it. I LOVE these characters so much.
Livingston & Rainey’s story was entertaining, at times frustrating (OMG those two fighting the obvious…lordy! hahaha), however the two of them FINALLY finding love, understanding, and most importantly, ACCEPTANCE and forgiveness (because my God, Livingston broke my heart at times) made it all worth it.
It was also SUPER amazing to have Serene and Etienne make their cameo’s….I FLOVE Serene so much.
Cannot wait for the next book!
3.5+ Le Savauge Stars
The prologue sets up the story perfectly of what’s to come between Livingston Lecroix and Rainey Pleasonton. From childhood to adulthood, their relationship is a mutual give and take, love and hate. Their banter and wit are whip smart. Livingston with his tortured soul and Rainey with her strong will and sharp tongue need each other more than they care to admit. Their attraction crackles. They circle one another patiently waiting to see which one gives in first.
And Livingston’s whispered French is sexy and intimate. Ooo la la!
Ms. Read’s vibrant descriptions makes it simple to picture the early 1900’s in Charleston with its southern charm, but also a woman’s place in life and expectations. Luckily, Rainey and Livingston go against that grain in the best ways. And while I really enjoyed their story, it was also great to be back at Belgrave. Etienne and Serene added a special charm and bit of fun to the romance. I look forward to what’s coming next.