Nothing ever came easy to Angie Russo. Hard work, loyalty, and sheer grit made her the kick-ass realtor she is today. But when her best still isn’t good enough, Angie decides to try something different. Maybe a stint on the new real estate reality show can give her the notoriety she needs to push her firm to #1. Her chances of winning the show’s prize are high…until she meets the entitled, cavalier, and all-too-sexy jerk she’s competing against.
Angie’s big chance is King Hunte’s rock bottom. He screwed up big, and he needs money fast. The silly real estate competition should be a breeze to win. Or, at least it would be, if not for the sassy, determined, and ridiculously desirable Angie. King’s suddenly forced to work harder than he ever has, and he’s shocked to find that he actually enjoys it…almost as much as he savors the combustible chemistry he shares with his prickly co-star.
Just as Angie discovers there’s more to King than meets the eye, King realizes Angie could be the key to the life he’s always secretly wanted. When a ghost from the past emerges to threaten their future together, Angie and King must overcome the obstacles the show—and life—throw at them, or see their shot at love end before the first commercial break.
For as long as Arell Rivers remembers, she has been lost in a book. During her senior year in college, she picked up a romance novel … and instantly was hooked.
She started writing her first novel, No One to Hold, because the characters were screaming at her to do so. The story started coming out in Arell’s dreams and attacking her in the shower, so she took to the computer to shut them up. But they kept talking.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Arell has what some may call a “checkered past.” Prior to discovering her passion for writing romance, she practiced law, was a wedding and event planner and even dabbled in marketing. She lives with a very supportive husband and two mischievous cats. When not in her writing cave, Arell can be found making dinner in the crock pot, working out with Shaun T or hitting the beach.
She hopes you enjoy her stories about flawed men, strong women and the passions that ignite!
I have been a fan of Arell Rivers since the Hold Series and the Hunte Family Series does not disappoint. Out Of The Shadow is a brilliant follow up to the first book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a unique read that I did not want to put down.
I loved Angie and King's story. Their competitive banter and scorching hot chemistry was so much fun to read. The characters were both well-developed, multifaceted, and relateable with a lot depth. The story covered a full spectrum of emotions. It was witty, fun, emotional, steamy, romantic, and suspenseful - with a heart-stopping twist and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride!
Out of the Shadow is the second book in the Hunte Family series, and it’s a great addition to the series. Although it is the second book in the series, Out of the Shadow works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. At the same time, if you’ve read the first book, Out of the Red, you’ll have a better understanding of the family dynamic. It’s not a necessity, but it certainly adds a bit more to your understanding of one part of the storyline.
I’m going to be completely honest and say this wasn’t quite a full four-star rating. I certainly enjoyed it, I could not put it down, but I wasn’t completely satisfied with the way things played out at the end. It was close enough to be rounded up to a four-star rating, but it wasn’t quite there.
The start of Out of the Shadow really hooked me, I was sucked right in and could not put it down. I adored the way the relationship developed between the main characters and had so much fun watching the way events played out. I also had a lot of fun with the reality television aspect of the story. I find the reality television storyline can be very hit or miss, so I was pleased when this one was done so well. All in all, things hooked me early and had me desperate for more.
The reason this wasn’t quite a full four-star rating was because of the way things played out at the end of the book. A lot happened, but it all seemed to happen too quickly and too easily. I wanted a bit more depth and emotion when it came to how things played out in the end, and things were wrapped up too easily for me to be perfectly content. I enjoyed it, but I wanted more.
Overall, Out of the Shadow was an enjoyable second book in the Hunte Family series. I’m now eager for book three.
Contrasts between King’s life of spontaneous getaways to exotic locations on luxurious yachts where the idle rich indulge themselves, and Angie’s more relatable existence of deeply emotional family connections and a daily work grind that has her treading water financially offer poignant insights.
This was book two in the Hunte Family Series by Arell Rivers and I was blown away. This book is a standalone in the series but if you want to know why King and his father are the way they are, you will need to read book 1 but it is not necessary. King and Angie were a great couple. They both had things that have happened in their past that was shaping how they were in the present. They were brought together because of a reality TV show. The more time they spent together, the closer they got. The chemistry between them was hot. Will they be able to overcome their past to start the future that they both are looking for? I can’t wait for book 3.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love the premise of this read with a reality real estate show with two people are are complete opposites but you can feel the tension and chemistry oozing through. This story was a great story, with an easy flow to it that kept the pace moving. The wit was fun and when the two finally connect it is off the charts.
This is about Brax’s oldest child, his son King. Growing up living with getting money from his dad whenever he wanted it, learning to manipulate him like his mom did, he finally messes up that his dad cuts him off. He needs money so he does a reality real estate show. Didn’t realize he’d meet a woman that would capture his heart at the same time making him give up his playboy party ways. But she has a past she’s not sure she can let go of. And his past may come Back to hurt any future he could have with Angie. Great book.
I am loving this series thus far. One of the beautiful things that has been highlighted throughout not only this book but 'Out of the Red' also, is the importance of perspective, point of view, and knowing the whole story. While of course, it is easy to fit all the pieces together in an awesome story, reading though them makes me wonder how much I have "jumped the gun" so to speak in making judgments in my own life. So thank you for making me reflect on the good, the bad, and the crazy that is my life. Can't wait to read Melody's story next.
This was a story I easily gave 5 ⭐! I was completely and pleasantly surprised by this book. This was my third book by this author and for me, each book gets better than the last. The setting for this story takes place in and around a reality TV show that pits two real estate agents against each other. Real estate is a rather boring subject for me therefore I didn't think I would enjoy the experience very much. But I didn't need to worry. The story latched onto me before I even turned to the second page. We are first introduced to King Hunte, who is the son of rock icon, Braxton Hunte. The first book in this series, Out of the Red, told his story. We are only briefly introduced to King, as a young child, in that book. He has had to grow up in his father's impressive shadow. I really did not like King in the beginning. He was a spoiled, entitled playboy who had no trouble blowing through his trust fund until his father cuts him off due to his outrageous behavior. For the first time in over 30 years of life, he is forced to find a way to make it on his own and hopefully grow up in the process. It was definitely high time he took life more seriously instead of continuing to live his life as if it's a 24/7 party. In the beginning, his one redeeming quality is that he is part of a Big Brother program. He has always enjoyed being a big brother to Diego. He was a true guiding light for the younger man. His constant encouragement helped him achieve his dream of getting a scholarship to NYU. King already promised to cover any extra expenses. But now he finds himself without a dime to help keep his promise. This leads him to the Real Estate reality TV show and to his spitfire of a costar, Angie Russo. Angie couldn't be more different from King. Being a successful realtor is her dream especially being one in the Hamptons. She is no stranger to hard work and is doing everything she can to keep her dream alive. She has had to deal with a lot in her still relatively young life. This TV show could be what makes a success of her small real estate firm. Thus the very entertaining enemies to friends to lovers story is born. I absolutely loved the chemistry between King and Angie! It was like watching a tennis match as they went head to head in all their different opinions which made the show the entertainment success they hoped it would be. I loved watching their story unfold. They were able to give each other exactly what the other needed in order to get the end result we all hoped for. This story had everything that makes a great love story. I definitely enjoyed the ride and I will certainly continue to read this author's work.
This story really captured me from the minute I opened the first page. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first. I had no preconceived ideas of what this story was going to be like so I was really surprised when the story took a sudden turn from what I thought it was going to be. The plot of the story was extremely unique. At least I thought it was.
King is the guy who has it all...or so you think. Looks can be deceiving as we get to know and really delve into King’s past ad present. Everyone loves him. It looks like the world is his oyster. It’s exactly what he wants everyone to see, except for maybe one person. The question becomes, is he ready to escrow his heart? Angie is the girl who works hard for everything she has and everything she is trying to achieve in life. She has dreams and lists and a past she is desperately trying to hold onto. Angie can’t really see anything or anyone changing her mind to a different type of forever but learning to adapt on a temporary basis is something she is willing to try. Watching these two, individually and together, is such a treat. It like witnessing a metamorphosis and at times an awakening. With it we also feel the heartbreak of both the past and the present. I don’t do spoilers cause you need to read the book. It’s so worth it. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn’t stop reading. The book compelled me to see how this all played out. I had to see if there was an agreement in the works or would the deal fall through.
As if all this wasn’t enough there’s intrigue, smiles, villains, witty banter, drama, romance, beautiful family relationships as well as not so beautiful relationships, loyalty, disloyalty and heat! This book brings all the feels. I have read the author’s previous book in this series and really enjoyed it but I think this one is even better. Color me surprised! This book is a standalone but there are characters from the previous book that definitely add to the story. So you might want to check it out. This is only the second book I’ve read from this author but I’ve become a fan. Can’t wait to see what comes next. I guess you can tell by now that I totally enjoyed this book. Kudos to the author. You sealed the deal on this one
We met King in book 1, Out of the Red - we got some info on him, his mother used him to get more and more money out of his Dad, Brax, who is the lead singer for the musical group Hunte. Braxton was always on the road, performing, so his experience and time spent with King, is minimal - but he does love him, although King has heard different from his Mom.
In this book, King is up against a wall, he has disappointed his Dad and has had his trust fund cut off, he needs to find a way to make some money - he has a lifestyle he is used to, so he needs to get a job. A friend of his comes to the rescue and offers him a tryout for a reality show - he thinks, how hard can it be. He does a screen test with the female lead, Angie - he thinks, he can sell real estate - he's been good at matching his friends up with properties back in LA - how hard can it be.....
Angie isn't easy on him, she lets him know, that if he gets this gig, he needs to work hard and get his real estate license; on the other hand, she really needs this show to do well, she is banking on the fact that it'll bring in new clients and help her business. The other realtor in town, Poppy, is a real b*tch, and wants nothing more than to rub Angie and her business right out;
King really wants this job - he thinks it'll be great - and living and doing the show in The Hampton's is an added bonus.
Angie has a tragic past, King too, hasn't had the happiest of childhoods - no matter who is father is. They develop a friendship, and help each other with different aspects of the reality show requests, fighting every feeling - in the end they can't deny their feelings.
This books was so much more that what I've written - such good coverage and every question that invaded your head, was answered. I loved it!
What a great read and certainly not what I expected as the second book about the Hunte family. Unsurprisingly Braxton's son King comes across as the grown up spoiled brat that you would expect him to be, living on Daddy's money and not caring about anything. Things change drastically from him when his Dad cuts him off and he has to earn his own money. When his friend Blaine offers him a possible job on a reality show he decides to audition and meets the feisty Angie who is struggling to make the real estate dream with her late husband a reality.
The arguments, different points of view and banter between these two is really entertaining. Both stubbornly believe that their ideas to sell real estate are the best and they compete against each other to do anything to prove it. King's flippant attitude to the contest quickly ends when the reality of studying for his real estate license hits him. This probably the first serious thing he has ever done in his life and he finds it unexpectedly refreshing to work hard to earn his own money. In addition if gives him the chance to come out of his Father's shadow and maybe even make him proud.
The unlikable King becomes a lot more likeable as he starts to re-evaluate his life his future and realizes that he wants Angie to be a major part and he wants her to win the competition. All he has to do is to gently move her out of the past into a bright future with him.
This story is so romantic as King does everything he can to both win Angie's love and win the game with her. The ending is particularly poignant and left me with tears in my eyes. All in all it's a wonderful story about how two very different people can change and become so much more together. I loved it as I did the other books I have read from Arell.
Out of the Shadow: Imagine Being Braxton Hunte's Son (Hunte Family #2) by Arell Rivers is a contemporary, enemies to lovers, workplace romance told in first person, dual POV. Although it's the second book in a series, it can be read as a standalone.
When his rockstar father cuts him off financially, King Hunte is forced to get a job for the very first time in his life. So, when the opportunity arises for him to star on a reality real estate TV show where he will compete in a series of challenges, he can't pass it up. He's not looking forward to working, but he doesn't really have a choice. Besides, it's reality TV, how hard could it be?
Realtor Angie Russo is in financial trouble and she's counting on this TV show to give her agency the publicity needed to make it a success. She can't believe they cast King Hunte as her costar. He's spoiled, entitled, and has no real estate experience. Is this a joke? King's so arrogant and irritating, if Angie didn't need to win the prize money, she'd quit.
I loved Angie and King's story. Their competitive banter and scorching hot chemistry were so fun to read. As characters, they were both well-developed, multifaceted, and relateable with much more depth than initial impressions revealed. The story covered a full spectrum of emotions. It was witty, fun, emotional, steamy, romantic, and suspenseful - with a heart-stopping twist! I thoroughly enjoyed the ride!
Nothing ever came easy to Angie Russo. Hard work, loyalty, and sheer grit made her the kick-ass realtor she is today. But when her best still isn’t good enough, Angie decides to try something different. Maybe a stint on the new real estate reality show can give her the notoriety she needs to push her firm to #1. Her chances of winning the show’s prize are high…until she meets the entitled, cavalier, and all-too-sexy jerk she’s competing against.
Angie’s big chance is King Hunte’s rock bottom. He screwed up big, and he needs money fast. The silly real estate competition should be a breeze to win. Or, at least it would be, if not for the sassy, determined, and ridiculously desirable Angie. King’s suddenly forced to work harder than he ever has, and he’s shocked to find that he actually enjoys it…almost as much as he savors the combustible chemistry he shares with his prickly co-star.
Just as Angie discovers there’s more to King than meets the eye, King realizes Angie could be the key to the life he’s always secretly wanted. When a ghost from the past emerges to threaten their future together, Angie and King must overcome the obstacles the show—and life—throw at them, or see their shot at love end before the first commercial break.
This book was so good!! As opposite as Angie and King were they totally worked! Their banter was great, chemistry hot! Their story was flawlessly written and heartfelt! Highly recommend!
I have been a fan of Arell Rivers since the Hold Series and the Hunte Family Series does not disappointment. Out of the Shadow is the second book in the Hunte Family Series. It is King Hunte's story. King is the son of Braxton Hunte, we first met him in Braxton's story as just a young boy. Now he is 34, all grown up and the quintessential rich, spoiled, playboy who knows nothing of the real world until Daddy cuts him off.
The characters are well developed. The story is great. I personally love stories that begin with the characters having an immediate dislike of each other. At their first meeting, King and Angie's dislike of each other and antagonistic bickering with each other was so fun to watch. When I read a well written book I see the story as a movie in my head. I wasn't the only one amused by their bickering, it was what made the producers pick them to star in the Reality Show.
Angie and King learn a lot from each other as they soften toward each other. They are both extremely surprised by and initially refuse to admit, even to themselves, their attraction to the other. Their growing friendship helps both to heal and become whole. Together they are dyno-might. At first glance, King's story may seem similar to Braxton's, which it is, but at the same time it's a whole lot more.
If you like like any or all of Ms. River's previous books, you will love Out of the Shadow. I can't wait for Melody's story to come out later this fall.
Out Of The Shadow is a brilliant follow up to the first book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Being the son of a famous Rockstar has its ups and downs,and your first impression of King Hunte is that he is just a spoilt rich kid and he is not an easy guy to like.But as the book progresses you will discover just how wrong you are about him as we see a different side to King. I love it when you read a book and it throws in twists that you didn't expect and you see characters grow and become people that you Love. I was engrossed from the start by King and Angies rollercoaster of a romance. Meeting on a reality T.V show were they both need the money,so are competeing to win which leads to some memorable moments.This story had me laughing and crying in equal measure Arell Rivers is really excelling herself with this series and I cannot wait for the next book. I Loved this book and I know you will love it too. I highly recommend it.
Unexpectedly loved this book. After Out of the Red, I truly didn’t expect to like King. He was spoiled and entitled. Having his Dad cut off his Trust Fund turns out to be the best thing that could happen to him. A reality TV show pitting 2 realtors against one another gives King a chance to get back on his feet. Angie needs the reality tv show to give her agency a boost and get her some much needed clients. They couldn’t be more different. Can they work together without killing each other? Can they bring out the best in each other?
A compelling story that grabs you and holds you captive until the end!
Arell has a gift that allows her to capture readers from the opening words and holds them captive until the very end. And even then, we're not ready to let go. I love watching her take something and spin it in a way I didn't expect. And I trust her to always deliver the happily ever after, even if I have to shed a few tears along the way. King's story is no exception to her talent. She made us curious about him when she introduced him as a secondary character in Brax's story and she delivered a story fit for a king.
The second in the Hunte Family series and another great read. This book can be read on it's own but to fully understand the family dynamic I would encourage you to read Out Of The Red as well. King is the son from a failed marriage between his Mum and the famous rock star Braxton Hunte. Throughout his childhood his interaction with his Dad is sporadic at best. Now in adulthood he is living the dream off his Dad's dime,until his Dad cuts him off until he learns to stand on his own two feet. Angie runs a realtor agency and is good at it but business is slow. In order to get her business seen and to become the best in the area Angie signs up for a reality show. The same show King has signed on to in a desperate effort to make some real money. The show pairs these two unlikely business partners together and it's definitely a " light the blue touch paper and stand back" moment when the two meet. In spite of himself King finds he actually likes the Realtor business and maybe the Realtor herself more than he should. The forced relationship between King and Angie along with the twists and turns the story takes makes for a great read. So much seems to be working against these two and a possible HEA you will find yourself rooting for them, even the sometimes, unlikeable King. I would urge to to give this a look and maybe Out of The Red as well.
It kind of hurt my heart the way that King felt that he was such an afterthought. After reading Brax’s story, especially with the epilogue, I had great hopes for him & his dad. But alas…that narrative wouldn’t have delivered such an amazing opportunity for King’s growth. With the same theme of being placed on a budget—just in a different way—King is desperate to find an easy way to make some money. But in the process of signing on to do a reality tv show about realtors, his costar, Angie, places a stipulation that he must obtain his realtor license. I loved the way that King found a passion within himself that was always there on the surface, he just hadn’t tapped into it. And the way he completely took care of Angie, her fragile heart, and made her want to live & love again. But also how Angie wanted to make King feel the love that her large Italian family had always shown her by allowing him to become part of their crazy world. Seeing both of these characters grow so much both personally, professionally, & in their relationship together just absolutely warmed my heart.
This is King's book. He was a child in book one, and now he is all grown up. I was sad and surprised about his life from the last book until now. He is isolated and has no true friends and family he is close with. Brax, his dad has froze his trust fund, and now he has to find a job to make money.
Angie is a real-estate agent, and she needs to boost her sales to stay in business. She enters a reality show competition with King as her opponent. King has to learn the ropes and take the real estate test.
These two have amazing chemistry and bickering banter. I enjoyed these two together. They are both competitive during the reality competition. I love the growth of these two characters, especially their self-discovery. It was a great read.
This book is very well written. I laughed, cried, got angry at a few parts. Sometimes I just wanted to tell the characters how childish they were acting, but those are all things that make a good book.
I loved watching the character development in the storyline along with all the interplay with the background they came from.
Watching how King was able to find the two things he sought most out of life even if he did not recognize it himself in the last place he would expect.
It was amazing to see Angie blossom with the one thing she had no idea she was missing.
This book blew me away, in my opinion Melody and Chase book is outstanding, I could not put it down. I loved that Arell included old characters like Braxton, King etc back as I love to hear from them and how they are getting on.It is one of Arells best written books to date, in my opinion. These two people have a lot to overcome to be together and it isn't easy for either of them as they both have a lot of baggage to get over. Melody is a very strong minded person and kicks ass when needed, and Chase i wasn't sure about him at first but i totally fell in love with him. It is such a well written story and I cant wait for the next book to come out. Loved all of it.
Wonderfully done. I imagine the feelings here by King are tragically realistic. His mother was a self absorbed witch in book 1. She’s more so here. King is a product of his mother’s upbringing. Sadly. When a terrible picture surfaces, that has his father cut off his trust fund, and he has to earn his own way, his life begins. Enter Angie and her own tragic story. They find each other and she leads him back to his father and family. All while giving him her family, and what he’s sought his whole life. Very entertaining read.
Out Of The Shadow is book two in Arell Rivers' Hunte Family series and oh what a great read. Being the son of a world famous rockstar isn't easy, but it can sure be fun . Endless amounts of money and parties...That is until Daddy cuts him off and King has to stand on his own two feet. What happens next is a reality show and a real estate agent who instantly dislike each other. Or do they? I loved this book from the first page to the last.
Mega rich and living the high life, King's father takes him down a peg when he freezes his trust fund. Forced to work for the first time in his life, King latches on to a unique opportunity which includes a reality TV show based in the world of real estate. He plans on completing his obligation, getting paid and cutting out. But the best laid plans and a beautiful woman derail his world!
I Like the family potential. I think the story is hard for me is that there is no heart to heart between King and his dad so the son can see what his mother did to them by denying Braxton a bonding with his son. Also that Brax never fought for his son. How could your child be in an accident and all you send is flowers? The romance was good and the suspense was a nice touch.
I do love a good rock star series. Never read one that focused on the adult son of the rock star. The book was fine but didn't have the cachet as the first book in the series. I was not bored but didn't have the drive to stay up late reading. The steam also was not as steamy which is a key component for me. I am going to start book 3 which is the adult daughter of said rock star. If the steam is missing I will be too
I am hooked on this series. Author Arell Rivers did an excellent job with the first book, Out of the Red, and set up the backdrop for the stories of Braxton Hunte's kids. Reading about his son King's journey to find himself was wonderfully done, and I look forward to daughter Melody's saga next.
I truly enjoyed king and Angie’s story. It certainly gives you insight into how a mother poisoning their child against their father can make a big impact. I love how Arellano Showcases Angie’s loyalty and strong family ties. Can’t wait for the next one
Angie amd Kings story was a great boo k I could relate to so many things in this book. I seriously enjoyed reading about there story now I can't wait to find out more about Kings sister in the 3rd book.