Billionaire Hayes Rivers came into my life like a hurricane…Heir to an oil empire, he was sexy and seductive, controlling and scorching hot. I craved every touch, every filthy promise that fell from his beautiful mouth, knowing he could break me. My past had left me battered and bruised, with scars he was determined to heal. Loving him was like drowning—he consumed me, body and soul.But Hayes … body and soul.
But Hayes has secrets of his own. And nothing could prepare me for the shocking pieces of our pasts that threaten to rip us apart.
When the truth is revealed will our love be enough to shelter the storm?
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5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review
I loved everything about this story. I have fallen head over heels for Dylan Allen. She is an amazing author. This story solidified that for me. I loved getting to see her words turn to magic in my imagination. I loved everything about this intense, twisted, sexy story. I loved every second of the forbidden romance and love between Hayes and Confidence.
I say I loathed Hayes in the beginning would be an understatement. I wanted to stop this book, because he was such a jerk (not the word I wanted…but I have to keep my review clean). But Hayes has a reason for being the way he is. In the end, I got it. My opinion quickly changed and I feel for him…hard. Confidence at times…well she didn’t always live up to her name. I found myself loving her though in the end. I loved the chemistry these two had. I loved how explosive their relationship was at times.
Dylan Allen did an amazing job with this book. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I love the way her stories grip me and make me want more. I loved the book so much. Please check it out.
I write reviews on my blog at professorromance.wordpress.com.
“I’m going to show you why us. How us. I’m asking for a lot. Your future. Your love. Your loyalty. Your body. Your children. Your life,” he says. “But I’m offering you the same things in return.”
I fell in love with Dylan Allen after reading her book, Envy. It hurt my heart in the most delicious way. The strife between Graham and Apollo left me sick at times. I needed them to be together so much that I found myself taking breaks from it to alleviate my breaking heart. For me, that is the beauty of a well-written romance.
I just finished Dylan Allen’s newest book, The Legacy. I was worried that the main characters, Hayes and Confidence, would follow the same path as Graham and Apollo, and I waited a day or two after its release before reading it, thinking I would need to prepare my heart. Boy was I wrong.
In my foray to reading more romance, I have come to expect a certain level of strife between the main hero and heroine. There is the typical trope wherein they fight against the odds to be together, and it takes most of the book for them to finally inhabit a relationship.
This isn’t really the case with Allen’s story. Hayes and Confidence meet at the beginning of the book, struggle at first out of a misunderstanding, and recognize quickly that they are “meant to be.” There is a time when they break up, but their love is never lost, and they reconcile quickly. As far as their relationship, that is the easy part of the book, especially because these two characters are delicious. Like, I want to gobble them up.
First and foremost, Confidence is the perfect representation of strong womanhood. She is the voice of reason (for the most part) in this book, and her words, her glorious words, save Hayes. She helps transform him into a man of social integrity. He is responsible for the continuation of his legacy, one that could net more monetary worth for his family. However, she shows him that the true power behind money is social obligation, and his legacy is forever changed.
Confidence, however, is not possible without Hayes. As I’ve mentioned in a prior blog post, there is something in the authorial minds of recent romance writers, especially writers that I love. They are writing men, serious alpha males, who have compassion and loyalty to the women they love. They don’t undermine the female characters. Instead, they empower them. This is insightful in our #metoo times. We want men who know their place as providers and the strength of a partnership, but these male characters also recognize their strength comes from their relationship with the heroine. In The Legacy, Hayes is a flawed man. His wealth and past experiences have made him suspicious of people. He doesn’t trust easily, and he struggles with connecting with others. After meeting Confidence, judging her falsely, and finally saving her, he quickly recognizes her value. This is not the norm in most romances. It often takes the male hero most of the book to see this. That isn’t the case with Hayes. Once this happens, even when they break up, the reader understands these two characters will end up together, Hayes will insist upon it. We are able to watch them grow stronger as a couple, falling in love with their coupleship as they fall deeper in love with each other. Dylan Allen writes THE most beautiful relationship between Hayes and Confidence. I spent most of my time highlighting the most heartfelt dialogue between the two.
Now, for me, this book is about so much more. The real message of this book is not the message of love in the traditional romantic sense. Instead, the message of this book is social responsibility. Allen is asking the question: what is one’s duty to one’s community especially if one has money? How does one show a “love” for one’s community? This is the true love affair of this book, and it happens within the community of River’s Wilde, an enclave of Houston. We are treated to a community bent on helping its citizens. Allen spends so much time focusing on this theme, that you know this is the take away from her book. Through the character of Confidence, we see the importance of social responsibility, and Hayes’s transformation to this understanding offers the most profound moments in the book. This is the book’s true beauty.
In all, I LOVED this story. Really, really loved these characters. Like her writer-sister, Kennedy Ryan, we are treated to the way that romance genre can be something more than its characters. We are given a lesson in how to be better citizens.
“I mean that you started like that for me. A pin prick sized drop of water on the very still waters of my life. And the minute you touched me, you caused a ripple that blurred everything I thought I was certain of. The way I saw myself, my obligations, my future. And now, just like that river you love so much does, it winds its way south, you rush through me, and I’m drowning in you.”
Dylan Allen is a new author to me and as she will be attending RARE19 London next year (as will I) I jumped at the opportunity to read The Legacy before the event.
Hayes Rivers could well be in the battle of his life. Returning to take his place as the head of a powerful family, Hayes is haunted by his past and now it seems he is going to have to fight for his future.
When Hayes meets Confidence, he wants her, the attraction undeniable.She is a strong, confident woman who faces the world head on. I really liked her and the fact that she refused to allow anyone to put her down and had no problems going after what or who she wanted.
Together Hayes and Confidence heat up the bedroom with chemistry so intense that it almost sizzles. They are a force to be reckoned with and in my opinion made for a great couple. At times I did feel that Hayes was a bit of a jerk, but despite all that he got to me; maybe it was the way he felt for Confidence, I’m not sure.
Dylan Allen kept me riveted throughout the story with plot twists and turns that at times certainly surprised me and I look forward to reading more from this author as soon as time permits.
Dylan Allen does it once again, folks! Her writing is nothing short of spectacular, so I expected nothing less while reading an ARC copy of this book. I fell in love with Hurricane Hayes and the strong Confidence. Of course, for me, it helped that this book is based in Houston and I live around H-town. If you’re looking for an amazing read, that will give you all of the feelings (sexy, happy heart, surprise twists, etc.) this book is for you. If I could give it 50 stars, I would! Congratulations Dylan, on another WONDERFUL, AMAZING masterpiece!
Dylan Allen launches a new stand-alone series with The Legacy, which is set in the fictitious enclave of Rivers Wilde. It’s a captivating world of secrets, lies, power and wealth with unforgettable characters and big family drama. Hayes meets Confidence while overseas, and they have an instant connection, but he has to introduce her to his life in Rivers Wilde and prove she won’t lose him to the theatrics that surround him. She’s smart and fierce and can hold her own, and they make a powerful and supportive team. Hayes’ masterful command in the bedroom raises the heat level to epic levels, so prepare yourself and have a fan close by. The Legacy is a drop-dead sexy and beautifully emotional romance that sucks you in and doesn’t let you go.
Recommendation appeared @ USA Today’s Happy Ever After on October 30, 2018
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
If you like hot dirty talking men and strong independent women, then Dylan Allen’s The Legacy is for you! And I’m talking hot, hot, HOT dirty talk! Hayes Rivers actually made me blush! The two main characters, Hayes and Confidence, have loveable personalities and chemistry off the charts. The storyline only exemplifies the book as a whole because it’s unique and keeps your attention the entire time you are reading. I love how Hayes has such strong ambition to keep his family’s name in good standing, for the future. He’s not all about his wealth and power…that’s just a side note. He only cares about how the Rivers family name can continue for good, to bolster the community and future generations. He just needs to be brought down to earth a bit, because of his life of luxury. Confidence is the perfect counterpart to do just this. She has seen struggle, and she has dedicated her life to help others and live a life to be proud of. Her independence is fierce, and it creates delicious friction with Hayes’ need to take care of her. Bravo Dylan! I loved this story, and you left me wanting more and more from this series. 5 stars for The Legacy!
Where do I start? How do I put into words what reading this book has done to me, made me feel? Dylan Allen has done it again! There is no stopping this creative genius, every book I’ve read by her just surpasses the previous one. Her words flow like the river, a little at a time, and then soon you’re drowning in the depths of her characters souls. This book will hit you in the FEELS, make you cry, break your heart, and magically and spiritually put it back together. Hayes and Confidence are two Unicorns in a sea of Sharks, but with each other, and BECAUSE of each other, they survive, They lead, They grow and change into the beautiful souls they were always destined to be. The love between these two is out of this world! They are each other’s true halves, perfect partners, best friends and soul mates!
This book is a MUST READ!!!
I’ll leave you with one of my FAVE parts in the book.
“Your Love has changed me. You’ve Rewritten my future. Because of you, I know that my legacy will be whatever I choose. If people look at me and think I’m a King, it’s because I’m standing next to a Queen.”
I’ve read all of Ms. Allen’s work. And I have to tell you, each book just keeps getting better and better! That’s not to say I don’t love everything she writes, I just fall more and more for every new story! And this one is no different!! The chemistry, the story, the way Confidence and Hayes really hit things off. I was on the edge of my seat while reading! And I couldn’t put it down! I love a strong female character and like she told Hayes why her parents named her Confidence, I truly believe she has all of that in the world and then some. I love it. I love her name and the way she carries it. I can’t wait for more to come! I’m in love with these characters and just so so so good!!
4 stars
Review by Morgen
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
The Legacy by Dylan Allen is a standalone romance. It is about knowing who you are meant to be, going after it and helping out the world as you go.
Confidence Ryan is true to her name. She is a lawyer, recently out of a job. She is deeply passionate about everything she cares about and has confidence for miles. She is also fearless in her convictions and has a strength that shines. Confidence knows who she is and is proud of it.
Hayes Rivers is the rightful heir of the Kingdom legacy. He wants his family’s legacy to be something more than mounds of money. He wants his company to give back to the community instead of having a business mind like those before him.
When Hayes’ father passes, he is still a young teen and not yet ready to take charge of the company and their many holdings. He is sent to live with a relative out of country, away from the influence of his family who are only greedy for more power and money, while he grows up and learns what kind of man he wants to be
It’s time to go home and Hayes is finally ready. He had a marriage end terribly and is no longer looking for anything long term. He is only looking for fun. A chance encounter with Confidence at a wedding will set them on a path neither could have ever seen coming. They are both stubborn and proud and from the moment their eyes meet, they try desperately to deny what their bodies seem to have accepted long before their minds.
The passion that burns between them heats up the pages and sucks you in for the ride of your life. The twists and turns make sure you never know exactly what’s next. The story is written in first person and we get an inside look into both Hayes and Confidence’s minds.
I absolutely loved how their pride is something that connects them but it’s also what tears them apart. They both are recently out of bad relationship situations so they’re looking at the world from a place of suspicion.
The emotional journey is amazing and the depth of their affection for each other swept me away. The author did something amazing and made the characters feel so real that the characters leapt off the pages and into my heart forever. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys getting lost in the emotions of a book.
This was a great addicting 5 star story that consumed me from the first page to the last one read.
I don’t want to reveal too much because there are a lot of twists and turns in this storyline. At first I wasn’t sure what kind of story I was reading and then it became quite an addicting storyline. I read most of it in one sitting.
Characters that were perfectly created for this story. I can’t wait to read more.
Standalone for now, told in a dual POV with an HEA. I highly recommend this story.
The Legacy by Dylan Allen
5++ Stars
OMG THIS IS SOOO SUPERB!! Very captivating from the cover to the very end!! Very well written!! Loved all of the emotions and twists and turns. FANTASTIC!!
Hayes Rivers and Confidence Ryan~
At the age of 16, Hayes’s father passes away. When he turned twenty-five he inherited all the money from, Kingdom, the family’s business.
Confidence is off to college. She comes back home due to a failed job. Confidence is a strong lady.
“And you’re the reason I’ll never doubt that love is power.”
“Your love has changed me. You’ve rewritten my future. Because of you, I know that my legacy will be whatever I chose.”
Rivers Wilde
We speak with our brains. People hear with their hearts…. (<==== This, this quote right here made me melt....) When I was introduced to Ms. Allen's stories with Envy, I was floored. Then I thought, there is no way she can top that! Legacy did just that! This is the introduction to the world of Rivers Wilde. This story reminds me of the fantastic TV dramas of the 80's like Dynasty and Dallas, but without the shoulder pads and the 20 gallon hats. It's the best and the worst of what money and power can do to families! This story is also about Hayes Rivers and Confidence Ryan (love the names!). This is a story of prejudices and pride. This is a story of love overcoming all and determination to stay the course. This is the story of a King and his badass Queen! This story has humor, it has heart and boy to the twists come out of right field!! This story will not allow you to put it down until it's finished! This story has the angst to keep you hoping for the very best for Confidence and Hayes. Ms. Allen creates the world of Rivers Wilde with such amazing clarity! You can see the architecture, you can hear the people living there, you can feel the amazing intrigue that this world will bring you into. You are going to fall in love with Rivers Wilde, you are going to fall in love with Hayes and Confidence. You are going to love to hate some of the other members of the Rivers family. I cannot wait to read more from this series and learn more about the Wilde family. Your words and the worlds you create absolutely slay me Ms. Allen!!
Confidence (love that name!) is a strong, compassionate woman. When she has a second meeting with Hayes Rivers, it’s not exactly one of those adorable meet cutes you see in movies. No, it ends with her almost dying. But it sets the stage for their fiery relationship. He’s the heir to his family’s huge empire who has been living in Italy for 15 years. She’s a jobless woman who’s just trying to find her way. That they find love with each other is a beautiful thing.
I loved The Legacy. Hayes is a typically alpha man – swaggeringly confident with a dirty mouth, but beyond complicated. She’s his perfect foil, the light to his darkness, the warmth to his cold. Their journey to happily ever after came with a ton of obstacles – lies, betrayal, secrets – but it was worth it in the end. I can’t wait for more of this Rivers Wilde world!
Dylan Allen did a great job on The Legacy, the book was well written and had a great plot with twists. Hayes and Confidence were great characters, strong and fierce. They fit together perfectly. The attraction between Confidence and Hayes was off the charts, a strong connection. Their chemistry was sizzling. These two were made for each other. I enjoyed Hayes and Confidence’s story. They were great together.
This was a great story. I enjoyed it. I suggest reading.
Thank you, Dylan Allen. Great work 🙂
The Legacy is the first book in a series revolving the city Rivers Wilde.
Hayes Rivers and Confidence are the two protagonists and together they share wonderful chemistry. Off the charts hot as hell chemistry. I enjoyed how independent she is and her reason for being so. She doesn’t want anything handed to her. She wants it because she’s the right woman for the job and she’s capable. Hayes is the heir to Rivers Kingdom and is back in Houston to claim what is rightfully his.
The story is fast paced which I enjoyed. Hayes makes a mistake regarding Confidence and I reveled in how he tried to make amends to her. He was so sweet, patient and believed in her skills as a lawyer. Confidence doesn’t just roll over when it comes to Hayes. No, he has to work for it. She’s a passionate lawyer and philanthropist who wants to do whatever is possible for the people who’s in need. Together Hayes and Confidence are the perfect team.
The Legacy is as I mentioned the first book in a series and as first book there’s a lot of characters that are introduced. To many in my opinion. Some times I lost focus on the story and the characters.
I enjoyed The Legacy despite its very minor flaws. I’m definitely going to read the next book in the series. A certain Remington Wilde has caught my eye.
4 Tesoro Stars
5.5 Amazing Stars!
Ms. Allen has proven time and time again she has the amazing ability to write an incredible story that makes us, the readers, get pulled in and feel every aspect of it. I loved the main characters and their amazing story, told in The Legacy; the first book, a Standalone, in the new Rivers Wilde series revolves around the ruthless Rivers family of Houston.
This romance spins a web of suspense, betrayal and the steps taken by some family members to keep their wealth and legacy secure; while keeping us on our toes with a story line that was at times funny and heartbreaking. I can’t fully describe how much I loved Hayes and Confidence and how they overcame all the adversities they both faced throughout their lives. These well developed and complex characters had qualities that made you overlook their flaws, and together they were a force to be reckoned with. Their chemistry was as scorching hot as an August day in Houston.
“There is nothing that could reduce you. You wear your name like a crown, and it’s one of the truest things about you.”
Confidence Ryan grew up dirt poor in a small town in Arkansas, something she’s not ashamed of. It’s made her a strong and like her name implies, confident woman. She managed to graduate first in her class, from a small school, and become a lawyer. After an article she wrote was published in the Harvard Law Review, Confidence had no problem landing a job in DC, at a top firm. There she worked hard and was making really good money and supporting her mother back home. When she’s fired, after a horrible incident, Confidence takes off to Tuscany after a friend invites her to a wedding, not expecting she’d meet the man who would change her life forever.
“You were raised to be proud of who you are. Not what you have. He was raised to believe the exact opposite. All of that honor, pride, conviction they all fuel the need to protect the things—his name, his money, his position.”
Hayes was born in Houston, the heir of a vast fortune, and despite having spent the last fifteen years living in Italy, he’s a Texan through and through. Despite his privileged upbringing, Hayes’ life has not been without sorrow and painful loss. And after a horrible marriage, to a gold digger, he’s now weary of all women, knowing what they are capable of. He’s now working for Kingdom, the family business, back in Houston.
“We settled here. And in this city we are titans. Power covets power. Above all. Money and fame were never the goal. Power was how you survived. Power was what gave you the ability to execute your vision…Once you tasted it, you never wanted anything else.”
After being forced to attend a wedding in Tuscany, he’s his usual cold and detached self. Until he meets Confidence and they get off on the wrong foot, he soon realizes she’s nothing like the women he’s known before. How could this amazingly complex woman get under his skin in a blink of an eye?
“You are more than my little treasure. You are my big magic. My forever wonder. The Russian doll that never stops surprising me with the depth of your brilliance. And You’re the reason I’ll never doubt that love is power.”
Confidence knows Hayes is meant for her. She has no doubt about it. Unfortunately, some things aren’t meant to be. Not when there’s a legacy to live up to and people who think they have a say in other’s lives.
“For the first time, I see the little boy who grew up without his mother in a house that was managed like a chessboard. Manipulations, lies and death blows.”
When Hayes realizes what he’s lost, he knows he needs to move heaven and earth to prove to Confidence he’s worthy of her, not the other way around.
“If people look at me and think I’m a king, it’s because I’m standing next to a queen. You are my reason, you are my river. You’ve been the making of me.”
Dylan Allen has written a book that touches on the humanity in each person. There is something about this story that just grabs you right there at the bottom of your soul and says “do better, be better, live better” and you often do not find a book that does that. The ability in which she was able to give us a story of this caliber was masterful.
Confidence is a little down on her luck after being humiliated and blacklisted by her former employer and decides to live it up over the summer. While in Italy at a friends of friends wedding, she meets Hayes and has a lack luster encounter with him. While leaving the event, she has an accident and Hayes saves her leading to them both reevaluating the other.
Hayes is larger than life as a character and he has the weight of the world on his shoulders and is trying to salvage what is left of his families legacy in Houston. Meeting Confidence in Italy was fate telling him there is always hope left.
Getting to see two people so perfect for each other overcome so much and rise above and take their thrones… it was glorious.
Allen’s world building and her ability to create such rich visuals and scenery is par none. I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us with the Wilde’s and Houston!
Dylan Allen is one of my 1-click authors, anything she writes i am going to get it and DEVOUR IT!!!
The Legacy is much lighter than her other books in the angst section BUT it makes up for it in the other aspects *hint hint*
There were so many characters in Rivers Wilde that I’m so so excited to see next!
I am 100% recommending this book. You would not be disappointed in the least
One thing I love about Dylan Allen’s books is that she is able to create a setting that feels so real and unique that you can’t help but fall right into the story with the characters. This book was no different. A good part of this book takes place in Italy, which is my favorite place in the world! The descriptions of the setting, the language, people, food, and lavish environment were so exquisite that it just added to the beauty and extravagance of Hayes Rivers.
Hayes is the heir to an extremely wealthy family who was brought up by his aunt in Italy, while the rest of his family lives back in Houston. He experienced tragedy at a young age and left the States jaded, hurt, and angry at the world. As the years passed, he learned from his Aunt how to channel that anger into something else, and created his own reputation in the business world. After Hayes was burned by his ex, he never thought he would fall for another woman – always remaining guarded and skeptical – until he met Confidence. Her name is everything she wants to exude and more.
Hayes & Confidence could not come from more different backgrounds, but together they are like two perfectly fitting puzzle pieces! She is bright – he is dark; she is compassionate – he is a shark; she’s a philanthropist and dreamer – he’s a realist and business mogul. But – they are both brilliant, determined, and strong headed. I loved the fact that Confidence never faltered with him. She stood her ground and stated what she wanted no matter how intimidating he was to her. The fact that she was so humble and down to earth drew her to me more and I just adored her character.
There are many other fascinating characters who you will meet along the way in this story, and I can’t wait to see what plays out next. Hayes’ arch-nemesis, Remington Wilde, I am sure will cause quite a stir and I loved his character. This book will make you swoon, dream, and cheer for the underdog. You will fall for Hayes, and his chemistry with Confidence is off the charts! Thank you once again D. Allen for creating characters and a storyline that keeps the reader captivated and glued to each and every page. Can’t wait to read what’s next in this series.
My heart is jumping out of my chest still thinking about this story. I love how Confidence took her childhood and rose above all that she was, even as people were trying to knock her down. She was a champion for those who needed help. Hayes had walls around his heart, and could have a gruff exterior, but Confidence helped knock those down, and they both knew that while a big emphasis was built on family, “family” is not always blood.