Lavish

California Kings #2

by Tinia Montford

Serena King has spent years burying her sins beneath designer heels and ruthless ambition. But no lie lasts forever. When a ghost from her past returns, armed with secrets that could destroy her, she’s forced into a game she can’t control.
The first move? A marriage forced upon her

To him—her brother’s ex-best friend. Her first mistake. The man who was her first... and then broke her heart.
Miles Whitmore.

He’s not the reckless charmer she remembers. He’s colder. Crueler. Hungrier.

Miles wants to salvage his scandal-ridden family's legacy. He needs power. He needs redemption. But he's got secrets that could destroy everything too.

Their marriage is a business deal, a show for the public. But behind closed doors?

It’s a war.

A war of lies. A war of seduction. A war of who will break first.

But the deeper they fall into their twisted game, the more hatred turns to heat. The more vengeance turns to obsession.

Because in a world where power is everything and love is the most dangerous game of all…

The biggest threat isn’t their enemies.

It’s each other.

Lavish is a steamy, high-stakes arranged marriage romance packed with angst, brother's best friend, double lives, millionaire glamour, danger at every turn, and a heroine who is headstrong. It's a interconnected standalone and may be read out of order. Perfect for readers of Dynasty, 80s soap opera and mystery. This novel contains cursing and sex scenes, and intended for audiences 18 years and older.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Found Family, Second Chance

356 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2025

About the author

Tinia (TUH-NEE-YAH) Montford is a Pisces who’s a sap for romance, especially when there’s (tons of) kissing. Loves eighties sitcoms and will consume anything with chocolate. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in English and Graphic Design.

She is a world traveler having climbed a volcano in Nicaragua, scaled Angkor Wat in the blistering sun, and roamed the Acropolis of Athens. Oh, she also dabbles in short stories occasionally.

If you can’t catch her writing, you can bet she’s overindulging on poke bowls, listening to the same four songs, or chilling with her adorbs doggie.

Reviews

[Grecia T · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books read like a soap opera. Like a telenovela. The drama. The pining. There's blackmail and shady business deals. This is one of those series that reads like reality TV lol. It's hard to look away.

Spice level is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Tinia Montford and team for the advanced reader's copy of LAVISH.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
📚 Book Title: Lavish
✍🏽Author: Tinia Montford

Format: 📱

⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶 Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶

🕑Quick Take:
Serena is the often-overlooked middle child in the King family, striving to make her mark at King Development, the real estate development division of her family's empire.

Miles Whitmore is dedicated to redeeming and rebuilding his family's legacy with Whitmore Ventures. However, his rival, Serena, is relentless and consistently stays several steps ahead of him.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Lush, Dante Castillo, is urging the Kings and Whitmores to settle their feud, as their ongoing conflict has negatively impacted the town's image, creating an optics problem for the prominent founding families at odds with each other. How will they bury the hatchet? An arranged marriage, of course!

💕What I Loved:
Who doesn’t love the arranged marriage trope? This novel is also rich in suspense, featuring ghosts from the past, blackmail, and double lives.

Tropes:
- Arrange Marriage
- Second Chance
- Brother’s Ex-Best Friend
- Secret Lives

⚠️ Heads Up (Trigger/Content Warnings):
- Mature Content (18+)
- Substance Use
- Use of a Firearm

💭Final Thoughts:
This is my third read by Tinia Montford. My first was The Last Minute First Lady, which I absolutely adored! This novel is the second book in the California Kings series; I discussed Book 1: Lush in a post last week. I really enjoyed both reads and highly recommend this novel if you enjoy shows like “Dynasty,” “Beyond the Gates,” or “The Black Hamptons.” It has a soap opera-esque vibe with romance and suspense.

Thanks to Tinia Montford for this advanced reader’s copy.

[C'airra Carney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️

ARC Review🐈

Lavish is the 2nd installment of the California King Series and it delivered angst, pining, revenge, and redemption.

- Brother’s Best Friend
- Forced Proximity
- Second Chance
- LOTS of millionaires of course!

Lavish had everything I loved about Lush and more! These books feel like you’re watching a soap opera in the best way and it truly has you on the edge of your seat yelling at the book.

There were so many moments where I didn’t know how the characters were going to get out of the situations they put themselves in; those scenes were written so well and it felt like I was in their panic with them.

The MCs were powerhouses individually, but together they were INSANE🥵 the slow burn was so worth it! Especially watching the way they supported each other through their individual character developments.

Sorry not sorry, still hate their parents LOL… hopefully as the series progresses they’ll get their redemption.

Can’t wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds!

Thank you to the author for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Janiyah :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
This book was so good! I really enjoyed Serena and Miles’ story! So thankful for the ARC!

I liked Serena and Miles as the MCs. They both have such big roles to play in their families and that has given them something to bond over. They’re both very determined and hardworking!

Serena and Miles have a past and that played a major part in their new arrangement with each other. Even though things had changed and they are rivals they just couldn’t deny their incredible chemistry anymore! They’re made for each other!

It had the perfect mix of an interesting plot, drama, and complex characters! Plenty of secrets too!

Also, I’m so excited for the next one in the series 🥰!

I would recommend this so be sure to check it out once it releases August 6th! 🤎
* Black Romance
* Childhood Friends To Lovers
* Business Rivals
* Forbidden Romance
* Arranged Marriage
* Brother’s Best Friend
* Millionaire Romance
* Family Drama

[Aeman · Rating 2 out of 5]

duh dramatic

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Lavish by Tinia Montford
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

Thank you to Tinia Montford and @beyondthebookspr for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

After a secret broken engagement six years ago, Serena and Miles are now business rivals, representing their families' real estate empires. The families were once close, but betrayal caused a rift, and now Miles would do anything to restore his family’s reputation… even if it means marrying Serena.

Serena wants to make a name for herself in her family's empire, but her mother doesn't trust her to lead. She knows that securing one highly desirable property to renovate would prove her worth to the company. Her plans are derailed when a figure from her past comes back to haunt her. As if that wasn't bad enough, she is forced to marry Miles, the thorn in her side since she mailed back her engagement ring (ouch).

Serena and Miles try to fight the chemistry that brought them together when they were younger, but soon find themselves giving in to temptation. This time around, they must decide if they want to risk it all for love.

I love a good arranged marriage plot, and the added wrinkle of having previously been engaged was intriguing. The first time around, they were together out of love, but their families tore them apart. The second time, their families forced them together.

The book was marketed as having 80's Dynasty vibes, and I definitely felt that as I was reading the book. Every scene was dripping with opulence and drama.

Overall, this was a fun, dramatic ride, but it didn’t quite land for me. Some of the characters - particularly Serena's mother and Miles's father - felt so over the top that it took me out of the story. I expected a spicier Gossip Girl vibe, but it leaned heavier on melodrama.

For fans of: 💔 Second chance | 💍 Arranged marriage | 🙅‍♀️ Brother’s ex-BFF | 🏙️ Business rivals | 💎 Millionaires | 😱 High angst

#ARCReview #Lavish #TiniaMontford #RomanceBooks #ArrangedMarriageRomance #SecondChanceRomance #BusinessRivals #HighAngstRomance #BookReview

[Benie Kalala · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review!

Serena and Miles made me love them and simultaneously want to shake them. Their chemistry was undeniable, but whew, the stubbornness? Next level. There were so many moments I literally screamed, “JUST COMMUNICATE!” They were masters of bottling things up and letting pride do all the talking. And yet... I couldn’t stop reading. Their story was like a bad car crash messy, heartbreaking, but impossible to look away from.

The familial dynamics ran deep and were one of the most powerful parts of the book. I found myself empathizing with both Serena and Miles because their wounds were generations deep. It wasn’t just about love it was about identity, forgiveness, legacy, and survival. Their battles weren't just with each other, but with the families that raised them and failed them in different ways.

Let’s talk about friendship breakups because we do not acknowledge how hard those hit. Erik and Miles? That was a heartbreak in itself. You could feel the grief through their silence, their physical encounters and it was just as painful as any romantic fallout.

Now… I HATE THEIR PARENTS. Real bad. Like, therapy bills and then some. Yvonne seriously owes Serena an apology. That woman was ice cold. Still, and this might be an unpopular opinion, Serena also played a part in creating that distance with her siblings. Her standoffishness, even if rooted in pain, created a wedge she never really tried to mend. I get the mommy issues, but sometimes, she let them define her too much.

And that ending? I wanted more. It didn’t feel like closure it felt like the pause before another emotional storm. There’s still so much unresolved between Serena and Miles, so I’m hoping the next installment gives us the release we deserve.

Overall, Lavish was a compelling, frustrating, emotional ride that pulled me in and refused to let go. Can’t wait to see what comes next.

[Shikira Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strained family ties. Betrayal. Blackmail. Forbidden Romance. Lavish is an emotionally nuanced exploration of strained family dynamics, buried trauma and deep yearning to belong. The story paints a vivid picture of what lies beneath the glits and glamour of old money, wealth and success. Secrets, dysfunction and distorted, conditional love are what lies beneath the surface. Lavish bring us back to Lush, a prestigious town built on wealth, reputation and control.
 
At the center of the novel, we have Serena King; polished, put together and seemingly in control or at least publicly. We see her struggling under the weight of her family’s name and their expectations. She’s learned to wear a mask to survive. Not only is she trying to prove her worth and forge her own path, she’s desparately trying to win her cold, image-obsessed mother’s love. Montford does an excellent job examining the deep emotional void caused by unaffectionate and manipulative parents. 
 
Miles Whitmore is our MMC. In the wake of deep betrayal and the Whitmore’s fall from grace, we see Miles carrying the weight of his family’s legacy on his shoulders. He is dedicated to rebuilding and redeeming their legacy. We also see the challenge of being thrust into a role where responsibility and duty are all that matters.
 
Secrets and unresolved pain are a constant undercurrent throughout the book. Lavish captures the ache of being both bound to and betrayed by the people who are supposed to love you the most. It’s an emotionally resonant, beautifully written novel that will speak to anyone who’s ever felt like the black sheep.

Voluntary ARC book review 😊 thank you!

[Naila C Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

💍 Dual POVs
💸 Arranged Marriage
💙 Business Rivals to Lovers
💸 Hate to Love
💍 Second Chance
💙 Best Friend's Sister
💍 Always Been You
💸 Ice Queen x Golden Retriever
💙 Childhood Best Friends to Enemies to Lovers
💸 Family Drama
💍 Diversity Rep
💙 Forced Proximity
💸 Angsty & Tension
💍 Slow Burn
🐱 Cat Parents 🐈

Oh My God!
This story was SO addicting and plot driven!

I couldn't wait to return to the characters from Lush and all the craziness it brings with Serena and Miles' love story. 🩵

I was definitely rooting for Serena and Miles to find their way back to each other after the fallout six years ago.💙

Similar to Laurene and Reese's story in the first book of California Kings. Serena and Miles had an arranged marriage to solve their families' dilemma. Of course, it brings back memories for them being in close proximity. The chemistry Serena and Miles had for one another is SO good. Even though they became business Rivals, they never stopped wanting to be together after all. They might have another chance to find happiness with each other without everything getting between them again.🩵

Serena and Miles have their past coming back to haunt them. 🫣

Serena and Miles found their happily ever after, and it comes with two cats! 🐱

I can't wait to read about Erik's love story for the next book! 💙

[Camryn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

- 𝙇𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙗𝙮 𝙏𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙖 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙙

#𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★★

𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝 ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
✰𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯
✰𝘈𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦
✰𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
✰𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
✰𝘐𝘤𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘹 𝘨𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳
✰𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘴
✰𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴
✰𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘵 & 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘢
✰𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴
✰𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴

ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ:

Ouuuu did this book freaking eat! The angst, drama, tension and spice?! Definitely couldn’t get enough I was going through ALL the emotions I just wanted them to be happy!

This is my first read from this author and definitely won’t be the last because this series is going to be amazing I can just feel it all the dramaaaa

The chemistry between these two had me at the edge of my seat oh my and their banter was just chef kiss and I can’t forget doughboyyyy my shaylaaa

Their parents… hmmm… 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 I hate them loll I’m just a girl, maybe they’ll get their redemption

I loved both of the MCs, they are so relatable and flawed but also really amazing I couldn’t get enough I needed more the slow burn was so worth it, her braiding his hairrrrr!? I love that scene it was so intimate

They both just wanted to make their parents proud but also drained themselves in the process, this book had all the things drama, plot, secrets secrets, and definitely complex characters

I can’t wait for the next book I can already smell the Angst

Thank you Tinia for giving me this arc it was amazing <3

[Manda Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We’re more than our last names,”

Man I love this series! Serena and Miles did not disappoint they have the tension, banter, longing and the secrets! These two could not be more perfect for each other to balance the other one out. The weight on Serena and Miles shoulders is heavy in different ways. Serena wants to be seen in her family so she works herself to show she is valuable. Miles is working to rebuild what was lost six years ago at the hands of the town and the Kings. With their feud causing trouble for the town they must get married and try to deal with the pain and feelings of the past as well as hide their secrets from each other. I could not put this down absolutely start with book 1 I am on the edge for Erik’s book as well as Gigi. I am still not trusting anyone, even Dante but I kind of want to.

~~What to Expect~~
💍Brother’s Ex Best Friend
💍Business Rivals
💍Arrange Marriage
💍Second Chance
💍Childhood Friends
💍Found Family
💍Double Life
💍So many Secrets
💍Tension
💍Black Cat X Golden Retriever
💍Forced Proximity

~~Quotes~~
💙This was two broken legacies being stitched together in public view.
💙You know I’d fight the world for you. Right?
💙You take me apart and I love it
💙I’ve seen the worst parts of you Serena and I still love you.

[Heather (_lifewithheather_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out today is the second installment in the California Kings series by Tinia Montford. Thank you to the author for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

In Lavish, we return to the town of Lush and the King family. Serena is one of the daughters of the King family and currently running King Developments which has run into problems with protestors. Miles is running his father’s company after the Whitmore’s fall from grace but is also having business problems.

In order to save the legacy of each of their families, Miles and Serena are forced to marry. What no one knows is that these two share a secret romantic past that can’t help but resurface.

I love this series so far. There is romance and all the steam but the mystery and secrets give these books a little something extra. I will say again (as I did when I reviewed Lush) that these are the best part of a soap opera in book form.

We have rich people behaving badly, hot main characters with all the chemistry, slow burn second chance romance and forced proximity.

Also, Mama King is still the worst.

I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[Tasha Emm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: 2nd chance, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, brother’s (ex) best friend, secrets, reverse grumpy and sunshine.

Lavish is then 2nd installment of the California Kings series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of Lavish by Tinia Montford.

This novel is set in tension-filled universe of high-stakes power struggles, glitz and glamour, and salatious secrets between feuding families and societal expectations.

Miles and Serena have HISTORY!  They make it down the aisle, unfortunately not by their choice. But they do it for the benefit of their families/reputations within the community. This is a high stakes slow burn that will have you wanting to throw the book AND kick your fwet.

While I was immersed in Serena and Miles lives,  I enjoyed seeing Reese & Laurie within their happily ever after. It helped keep the story light as Miles and Serena worked though their trials. The dual POV gave us well needed insight into their personal history and internal struggles. They have so much going on separately but once they open up to each other, they were more equipped to navigate the obstacles impeding their happiness.

I enjoyed this book, a solid 3.5 star read.

[Kristen Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, Lavish had me hooked. Tinia Montford takes some of my favorite tropes—brother’s best friend, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, force proximity and blends them into a romance that’s both addictive and emotionally satisfying.

The tension between the leads crackles from their first interaction. They challenge each other, push each other’s buttons, and yet, underneath all that banter and stubborn pride, there’s a magnetic pull neither can deny. The forced proximity scenes had me grinning, blushing, and flipping pages way past bedtime. And the arranged marriage twist? It added just the right amount of stakes to keep me invested until the very end.

What I loved most was how real the characters felt. They’re ambitious, imperfect, and so easy to root for by the last page, I didn’t just want them together, I wanted more of their story.

If you love romance with heat, heart, and a dash of drama, Lavish is your next binge read. Montford didn’t just give me a book, she gave me a whole experience.

[Jess Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you’re forced to marry into a family you despise, how can you protect a heart that was already broken?

Lavish is a fast paced, romantic suspense that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. In this second book, we finally get to see Miles and Serena and experience events that coincided with the tragedy that began Lush. Miles and Serena both shoulder the weight of family responsibilities, have things from their past that threaten to come back, and can’t seem to forget what happened 6 years ago.

Montford brings us more lies, intrigue, and betrayal as we dig deeper in into the town of Lush, the Whitmores, and the Kings. As the story plays out, deeper twists and scandals are revealed that bring more questions that need to be answered. The biggest question of all….. can their love survive this time when it didn’t the first time?

Welcome back to Lush where family lies and betrayals are second nature and the fight to love may be the most dangerous choice you could make.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would first like to say thank you so much Tinia for letting me be apart of the ARC fam! It’s been such a delight getting to see all of your books come to light!!
Now about the book🤭Serena and Miles boy did I go on a roller coaster with these two, and might I add in the best way possible. I REALLY enjoyed the first book Lush but I LOVED Lavish. Tinia did a wonderful job making you hate these two and loving them the next. Not only did I appreciate the detail about their relationship, but their own individual experiences in life with different mysteries, thrillers, and difficulties. The short chapters might be my favorite part! It made it easier to keep going, and I was ALWAYS on the edge of my seat.
Every time I thought this is her best book yet, it made me more excited to see what she has in store for Erik’s adventure!! If you are looking for a book that will hold your attention, into mystery/suspense, and romance, this is the series for you!

[Jasmine Durham · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75
This story plays out like the soap operas your granny used to watch! It will have you on the edge of your seat yelling at the book like the characters can hear you. The author did such an amazing job writing this story in such a way that it feels like you’re in the story watching as every thing happens. Serena (FMC) is the middle child who is desperately trying to prove herself to her mother and show that she can run the business she already knows is going to her brother. Miles(MMC) is trying to build back his families reputation that was destroyed by his father. Separately the two are forced to be reckoned with but baby when they come together… UNSTOPPABLE POWERHOUSES! I’m usually not the biggest fan of slow burns but seeing how this couple found their way back to each other despite spending time as enemies was completely worth it!

Thank you so much to Tinia for the copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own💜💜

[Treasure · Rating 4 out of 5]

************ARC Review*************
Trope: arranged marriage, big brother’s best friend, fated mates, rivalry , enemies to lovers

General thoughts:
Tinia Mothford is a new author to me that has won me over with this drama ridden story.
The story reminded me alot of the Netflix series Dynasty. Full of secrets, drama and rivalry
The story was full of suspense making it very engaging

Book overview:
In this book we follow Serena (fmc) the second daughter of the king family, who runs the kings real-estate division of the king’s empire and Myles withmore (mmc) the only heir to the Withmore legacy who who runs his grandfather’s company after an scandal his father was in the forefront off.

In order to save the legacy of each of their families, Miles and Serena are forced to marry. What no one knows is that these two were engaged 6 years prior. As rivals will they continue to deny their chemistry or will they give in and make their arranged marriage work?
Read the story to find out

[abby :)]

the author very kindly sent me an arc of this story but it just didn't work for me. this is potentially all my fault given that i didn't read the first book in the series. if you enjoy books that read like soap operas i think you need to pick this up. the drama and family feuds were the forefront of the story and its so in depth. my biggest issue was just my inability to see the story. sometimes plots rely a bit too much on a readers ability to suspend disbelief. also most of the family characters are kinda unlikable.

miles and serena have great potential and if there was just a family feud and not all the other dramas going on, i would have loved their romance. this is by no means a bad book its just not a plot that spoke to me.

[Stacereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

I enjoyed reading Miles and Serena’s story so much ! Miles and Serena were forced into a marriage but both held secrets that will have you on the edge of your seat. The author delivers great plot and romance at the same time. This book is more fast paced than the first book of the series which I loved. If you’re into drama, high stakes, and a dash a romance this is it. Highly recommend this book and I’m so excited to keep reading this series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of the book and will give an honest review*

Tropes: second chance, lovers to enemies to lovers lol, arranged marriage, brother’s ex best friend, secret lives, reverse grumpy and sunshine.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit the spot. You have Serena and Miles both trying to find their place in the Legacy of their families. They start as childhood friends to lovers only for that to take a turn. Serena’s character is strong willed and independent. She is essentially the one who is dependable and thorough. Miles is determined to rebuild the reputation of his family.

They are hurst together due to circumstances. Their chemistry is amazing. Their characters even with the growth within the book complement each other so well. You could easily imagine them as a real couple. This book has drama for days. If you want a romance that is messy and has all kinds of layers then this book is for you.

I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TheLITZone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC in exchange for a review.

Worth the wait!!! This was such a great continuation of the Kind Family. While nothing is ever easy, finding your true self will always be the best thing you can do for yourself. The relationship the two main characters had when they were younger was rare and what led to them hating each other proved their loyalty to their families. I loved the way old wounds were starting to be healed but most importantly how love was found again. This author is one of my favorites because of how she brings everything together and this one I didn't connect the dots until it was happening because it had me in a chokehold. I can't wait for Erik's story. I can just tell it's going to be juicy...

[Torylovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review 🫶🏻

Where do I start from I thought no one could top the first book for me but serena said bet!! and boy did she!!!!
I love me a power empowered woman who doesn't give a shit and always do her best to get what she wants and Serena king is that woman....Woah ( literally kept saying that everytime she speaks).

Been in a reading slumps for months but lavish brought me out😩, it was just so good I'm trying not to give spoilers here but ughhh its really good ♥

As someone who grew up in similar environment with serena I felt seen❤ and I loved every bit of it.

@Tinia montford you deserve your flowers for writing a well written female character the readers can connect to.

love you for creating this masterpiece🩷🫶🏻

[Janette Gellar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book a solid 3 stars. I liked it. It gives you that awesome Empire television vibe with down to earth but super rich Black characters. The town of Lush has two prominent Black founding families and unfortunately they've been at odds with each other for a few years. So you get all of the drama of the feud, the heat of the romance and always someone trying to tear down their success. The only things I that stopped me from giving it a five star rating were 1) the pacing was a little slow and I put the book down several times and 2) I would have liked to savor the ending a little more. I did like that the series will continue with Eric the eldest sibling and heir!

[Arreia’L Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!!!!
Thank you to Tinia Montford for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
RATING: 5 Stars
TROPES:
Brothers best friend
Agganged Marriage ( chefs kiss)
family drama and redemption
Telenovela Vibes
( NEED I SAY MORE, INSTANT 5 STAR)
CHARACTERS:
The main characters are extreme powerhouses, but they were still able to cultivate a relationship of boundaries and respect for one another. Miles and Serena were both so stubborn, which helped build their tension and relationship. THEY WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER.

[Carissa Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a good soap opera, this is definitely a book you should read. But also if you just love a good angsty enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, romantic suspense, you should also give this one a read. Serena and Miles have to navigate this world of trying to be the best and leaving a legacy that has their names on people's lips forever. Problem is, they are both gunning for the same glory. With scandals, blackmail, and secrets as currency, this book take you on an adventure that will have you looking both ways and finding that the truth can really set you free.

[Timitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lavish was a messy, drama filled, over the top read that I quite enjoyed. Serena and Miles' journey was packed with angst, lies, betrayal, twists, steam and questionable decisions that made me want to slap them - good times. I loved the way past and present were intertwined throughout the story. This book had me highly amused, emotionally invested and anxious as hell. What an awesome ride it was. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.


Copy provided by author

[Madison quinter · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Reader Review**
This was such an interesting story, with so many different layers. A love story, a family drama, family friends turned enemies, con artist. This was truly a book like I’ve never read before.
Tinia knew what she was doing when she built this world and having a Mama like that is SOMETHING 🫣
I cannot wait to see what happens to all these characters and see how Erik deals with the constant pressure of this family. 👀

[Jenna Quoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review: 4⭐️ 2 🌶️
A book with two great tropes. Arranged marriage and brothers ex best friend. You have two prominent family’s in the Town of Lush, big falling out in the beginning that causes the families to become rivals in the business world. So you can imagine the DRAMA happening in this book. This book has tension, scandals, blackmail but it also has character growth. They lean on each other at a time of self discovery and I love their strength together.

[kara loves books · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

*Arc Review*

This book catches your attention immediately in the prologue! It's full of suspense, romance, and the perfect amount of drama. It also had one of my favoriteeeee tropes: Arranged Marriage LOL

Some tropes inside:

-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Arranged Marriage
-Second Chance
-Brother's Best Friend

Thank you Tinia Montford for this ARC!