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Boston Belles #4
The Rake
Boston’s most infamous femme fatale meets her match in a dangerously mild Englishman who has vowed to never marry in this romantic standalone from Washington Post bestselling author L.J. Shen
Emmabelle Penrose has cruised through life never needing a man, a plan that has worked stunningly well until about five minutes ago, when she decided she must have a baby.
Devon Whitehall is 6’2” of premium DNA, financial security, and British royal titles. Best of all, he fears the one thing she dreads the most: getting hitched.
Emmabelle figures it’s a no-brainer when Devon offers his services—sperm and involvement in her future child’s life.
What begins as an innocent, modern-family arrangement, quickly erodes into a web of lies, dark pasts, and unfurled secrets.
Inside this chaos, Emmabelle and Devon are forced to face the awful truth—they are capable of love.
Even worse, they might feel it toward each other.
Emmabelle Penrose has cruised through life never needing a man, a plan that has worked stunningly well until about five minutes ago, when she decided she must have a baby.
Devon Whitehall is 6’2” of premium DNA, financial security, and British royal titles. Best of all, he fears the one thing she dreads the most: getting hitched.
Emmabelle figures it’s a no-brainer when Devon offers his services—sperm and involvement in her future child’s life.
What begins as an innocent, modern-family arrangement, quickly erodes into a web of lies, dark pasts, and unfurled secrets.
Inside this chaos, Emmabelle and Devon are forced to face the awful truth—they are capable of love.
Even worse, they might feel it toward each other.
416 pages, Unknown Binding
First published February 16, 2022
2995 people are currently reading
19496 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Shen
77 books56k followersL.J. Shen is a New York Times, USA Today, WSJ, Washington Post and #1 Amazon Kindle Store bestselling author of contemporary romance books.
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,712 reviews
February 18, 2022
if you’re wondering how im doing:
girly really wants her Vicious era back but someone needs to tell her to move the fuck on fr💀
and that same person needs to take away her laptop, her phone, her pens and paper, wood and lil carving knives, slabs of stone – legit anything this woman can write with and place her in a dark room so she can think about what she’s done.
also putting a disclaimer for all the LJ Shen bots who sniff her arse like it’s crack, to swiftly move on from this review :) take your arse licking elsewhere please.
girly really wants her Vicious era back but someone needs to tell her to move the fuck on fr💀
and that same person needs to take away her laptop, her phone, her pens and paper, wood and lil carving knives, slabs of stone – legit anything this woman can write with and place her in a dark room so she can think about what she’s done.
also putting a disclaimer for all the LJ Shen bots who sniff her arse like it’s crack, to swiftly move on from this review :) take your arse licking elsewhere please.
February 16, 2022
For the last 0.05 seconds I was trying to come up with something that is not too offensive that would hurt some Tiktok girl feelings and get me cancelled, but ultimately the only thing I can say about this book: this is a pile of shite.
I don't feel like writing a review right now, cause I'm tired, but I wanted to rank all the characters in this series, cause they mean so much to me 🤩 Best found family I've ever read!!!! I don't know better people. Best parents. Best girl group. Best bromance. Best best best best best everything. <3
Girls:
Emmabelle >>>>
Ugly duck = Cloud girl >>>>
The mass murderer’s fav tight hole
Boys:
The Fitzpatrick brothers (Hunter = Cillian) (i can’t believe Hunter is this high on the list either, no one is judging me harder than i do, believe me.) >>>>
CHEATING STD WALKING BRITISH GRANDPA >>>
The kid that was a drug addict at 8
"Mummy."– said by a 41-yrs old skeleton
I don't feel like writing a review right now, cause I'm tired, but I wanted to rank all the characters in this series, cause they mean so much to me 🤩 Best found family I've ever read!!!! I don't know better people. Best parents. Best girl group. Best bromance. Best best best best best everything. <3
Girls:
Emmabelle >>>>
Ugly duck = Cloud girl >>>>
The mass murderer’s fav tight hole
Boys:
The Fitzpatrick brothers (Hunter = Cillian) (i can’t believe Hunter is this high on the list either, no one is judging me harder than i do, believe me.) >>>>
CHEATING STD WALKING BRITISH GRANDPA >>>
The kid that was a drug addict at 8
February 17, 2022
1.5 stars ✨
you know, i was ready to write a shitty sentence for a review and call it a day, but said shitty sentence now became one of my most liked reviews and i can't have that. so now you get to read my complaints in full detail 🤍
i'm kidding though this won't be long because this book has left me fucking EXHAUSTED, and you should read Tanaz's review for a great summary of this book 🥰 but mainly i need to cry over
💫💋 THE WASTED POTENTIAL 💋💫
we all know LJ's latest releases have not been particularly... good... but honest to god i had HOPE for this book. am i a fool for that? definitely, but Emmabelle was the only character i LIKED in this series. she wasn't the typical LJ heroine and we loved her for that!!! and Devon hadn't appeared a lot but I never hated him, which is more than I can say for the other heroes!! and then when I heard that this would be a pregnancy romance? 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️ i know most people hate this trope but I RAN SO FAST!! cause i'm a whore for pregnant heroines and cute little babies 🥺
so i actually thought everything in this book could work for me 👁👄👁
it already started badly when we find out in Chapter 1 that these two had previously hooked up around THREE TIMES before this book starts. BITCH WHEN???? this was never brought up in previous books i was already getting angry at this point, but i tried to convince myself that it had probably been meaningless.
however, what do they say at the end?
i'm sorry are you actually telling me that after a one night stand Devon was already fantasizing about MARRYING HER and WE DON'T GET TO READ ABOUT IT??? and also WHERE WAS THIS OBSESSED BOY DURING THE REST OF THE BOOK? because we could've gotten Devon chasing Emmabelle's ass for the entirety of this book, yet what did we get? a 41-year-old cheater with mummy issues 🥰💖✨
because yes that's the other part. this asshole fucking cheats on her WHILE SHE'S PREGNANT 😭😭😭 a more rational person would tell you it's not really cheating since they weren't together and Emmabelle kinda said she didn't care and blah, but it was cheating in my eyes okay. when I read:
i may as well have dnfed, because my brain checked out.
and then?
YES. Y-E-S. Y-E-S-SSSS!!!""2 3YIQWYREWY42 WHERE IS THE OBSESSED BOY TROPE MS. SHEN. WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEREEEEEE.
you can see i really wanted to like this book BUT WHAT THE HELL WAS THIS. WHAT THE HELL. 😭 As if that wasn't enough, Devon also cheats on her a second time, though this time he doesn't fuck the OW cause he couldn't get hard. as my man Vicious would say, “In other words, your incompetence saved you.” (don't ask me why that quote from The Hunter lives rent-free in my mind though. I miss my O.G. LJ asshole 🤧)
he definitely wasn't saved though. by that point Devon's character was already really ruined. and it just pains me because !!!! look at this quote 🥺
HELLO THE ANGST??? I KNOW THIS COULD'VE BEEN BEAUTIFUL 🥺 Instead I got a cheating hero, the longest and most annoying OW drama (with not one but TWO women ❤️ gotta love Louise/Louisa/Lou/Laura/whatever the hell her name was), Belle having TWO stalkers, Devon and Belle attacking and possibly murdering (don't ask me what happened here) one of said stalkers, and them falling in love out of nowhere ❤️
Special mention to the smut ofc. Was it good? Of course not 🥰 during their first time Devon didn't even take his clothes off, barely touched Emmabelle and fucked in 2 minutes 🥵 the rest wasn't memorable at all either. And there was a lot of telling rather than showing, cause I kept reading about how they had AnImAlIsTic sEx and slept together every week for months and again.. bitch, when 🤠
AND ANOTHER SPECIAL MENTION to the best girl group in history. They literally tell Devon NOT TO PURSUE EMMABELLE!! Which side are you all even on 😭😭😤😤😤 I hate you and you don't deserve Emmabelle.
Now to the important thing: did I at least get the pregnancy content I wanted?
Aside from the ultrasound scene.. No. ❤️
All in all: i'm disappointed, this wasn't worth it and I rarely give books 1 star, but I may make an exception for this whole series 💀💋
you know, i was ready to write a shitty sentence for a review and call it a day, but said shitty sentence now became one of my most liked reviews and i can't have that. so now you get to read my complaints in full detail 🤍
i'm kidding though this won't be long because this book has left me fucking EXHAUSTED, and you should read Tanaz's review for a great summary of this book 🥰 but mainly i need to cry over
💫💋 THE WASTED POTENTIAL 💋💫
we all know LJ's latest releases have not been particularly... good... but honest to god i had HOPE for this book. am i a fool for that? definitely, but Emmabelle was the only character i LIKED in this series. she wasn't the typical LJ heroine and we loved her for that!!! and Devon hadn't appeared a lot but I never hated him, which is more than I can say for the other heroes!! and then when I heard that this would be a pregnancy romance? 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️ i know most people hate this trope but I RAN SO FAST!! cause i'm a whore for pregnant heroines and cute little babies 🥺
so i actually thought everything in this book could work for me 👁👄👁
it already started badly when we find out in Chapter 1 that these two had previously hooked up around THREE TIMES before this book starts. BITCH WHEN???? this was never brought up in previous books i was already getting angry at this point, but i tried to convince myself that it had probably been meaningless.
however, what do they say at the end?
“The night we got in bed together for the first time, at Cillian’s cabin, was the night I first contemplated breaking my pact with myself to never marry a woman.”
i'm sorry are you actually telling me that after a one night stand Devon was already fantasizing about MARRYING HER and WE DON'T GET TO READ ABOUT IT??? and also WHERE WAS THIS OBSESSED BOY DURING THE REST OF THE BOOK? because we could've gotten Devon chasing Emmabelle's ass for the entirety of this book, yet what did we get? a 41-year-old cheater with mummy issues 🥰💖✨
because yes that's the other part. this asshole fucking cheats on her WHILE SHE'S PREGNANT 😭😭😭 a more rational person would tell you it's not really cheating since they weren't together and Emmabelle kinda said she didn't care and blah, but it was cheating in my eyes okay. when I read:
He chuckled, and that was when I noticed them.
The faint pink scratches on his neck.
i may as well have dnfed, because my brain checked out.
and then?
“Not until you answer me. Did. She. Suck. You. Off?”
His pale eyes met mine soberly. “Yes.”
“And did you enjoy it?”
“Yes.”
YES. Y-E-S. Y-E-S-SSSS!!!""2 3YIQWYREWY42 WHERE IS THE OBSESSED BOY TROPE MS. SHEN. WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEREEEEEE.
you can see i really wanted to like this book BUT WHAT THE HELL WAS THIS. WHAT THE HELL. 😭 As if that wasn't enough, Devon also cheats on her a second time, though this time he doesn't fuck the OW cause he couldn't get hard. as my man Vicious would say, “In other words, your incompetence saved you.” (don't ask me why that quote from The Hunter lives rent-free in my mind though. I miss my O.G. LJ asshole 🤧)
he definitely wasn't saved though. by that point Devon's character was already really ruined. and it just pains me because !!!! look at this quote 🥺
“You’ll never be able to tame me,” I warned.
“I have no desire to.” He licked his way up my neck, sealing my mouth with a red-hot kiss. With all the tongue and droplets of water and so much desire, I thought I was going to combust. “I like you just the way you are. Unlikely, I know, considering your mule of a personality, but true.”
“I’m a mess,” I panted.
“Be my mess.”
HELLO THE ANGST??? I KNOW THIS COULD'VE BEEN BEAUTIFUL 🥺 Instead I got a cheating hero, the longest and most annoying OW drama (with not one but TWO women ❤️ gotta love Louise/Louisa/Lou/Laura/whatever the hell her name was), Belle having TWO stalkers, Devon and Belle attacking and possibly murdering (don't ask me what happened here) one of said stalkers, and them falling in love out of nowhere ❤️
Special mention to the smut ofc. Was it good? Of course not 🥰 during their first time Devon didn't even take his clothes off, barely touched Emmabelle and fucked in 2 minutes 🥵 the rest wasn't memorable at all either. And there was a lot of telling rather than showing, cause I kept reading about how they had AnImAlIsTic sEx and slept together every week for months and again.. bitch, when 🤠
AND ANOTHER SPECIAL MENTION to the best girl group in history. They literally tell Devon NOT TO PURSUE EMMABELLE!! Which side are you all even on 😭😭😤😤😤 I hate you and you don't deserve Emmabelle.
Now to the important thing: did I at least get the pregnancy content I wanted?
Aside from the ultrasound scene.. No. ❤️
All in all: i'm disappointed, this wasn't worth it and I rarely give books 1 star, but I may make an exception for this whole series 💀💋
June 13, 2022
LJ Shen really did miss out on the opportunity to make Emmabelle the The Rake and not Devon, but I was still thoroughly entertained and happy with how the series came to an end!
February 16, 2022
An amazing CillianPersy sequel 👏🏼👏🏼!!
1.5 stars | 🛑 Proceed with caution because I'm obviously going to spoil everything here, and also don't forget to check the trigger warnings if you're going to read it. 🛑
﹄ The plot. 30-something Emmabelle Penrose needs to have a baby NOW. Why? because she just found out about some health problems that will make it difficult for her to conceive in a few more years, and after all, she always wanted to be a mother. Now she just needs a sperm donor to do the work and get out of her life because she's ready to do it all by herself. And the winner is... Devon Whitehall!! but there's a catch because he wants to be a part of the baby's life, and he wants Belle too because believe it or not (and I don't), he's always been obsessed with her. ➜ Until this point everything was fine for me because I like tropes involving babies and my expectations were already at level -20, but as you can imagine things can always take a turn for the worse... oh, but at least i got some good laughs out of this!
﹄ Devon Whitehall. Not a real man and 100% a fucking loser just standing on his title to attract women, because he was no rake. In previous books he was portrayed as this mysterious man that we didn't know much about, and do you know why that was? because he had no personality AT ALL. Literally my cereal box has more and better qualities than Devvie. Where's the charm? At what point should I start to feel attracted to his character, if he brings nothing to the table? His only traits were being a cheater and a mama's boy, cause let's be honest —british or not—, in whose mind it sounds sexy for a man in his 40s to call his mother "mummy"? Devvie was really just a creepy old man who I bet kissed her mom on the lips when they greeted each other... ew.
﹄ Emmabelle Penrose. So this was a surprise because she was an okay character? I feel like we got the Belle from The hunter version who was this fun girl with a lot of red flags on display but always up for a good time, and not the Belle of the last 2 books who was this obnoxious and desperate woman that everyone made fun of and that couldn't shut up to stop humiliating herself. Surprisingly she was the funny part of the book —and I don't mean this in a bad way, like she's the clown or something—, but she carried most of the book on her back with her comebacks and funny lines, usually to put Devvie on his place (which should have been the trash can if you ask me). Now now, let's not get ahead of ourselves, she did get a little bit annoying and tiring with her "dude" and "bro", but what is that in the grand scheme of things when the whole book was a mess? I can totally look the other way.
﹄ The Romance. I'm sorry, but I can't talk about something that doesn't exist.
.
.
.
.
No, cause there were so many wrong things here that I can't let go... lemme just *big inhale and exhale*, okay:
• First: Are you really looking me straight in the eye while telling me that they hooked up like 3 years ago at Cillian's cabin, where they had wild animalistic sex because they had unexplained chemistry, and you didn't think to show any of it? NOT EVEN A FLASHBACK? Sorry, but if she had shown part of this the relationship could have been SO much more believable but nooo, she chose to start everything from 0 as if the moment in the cabin never happened and everyone went on with their lives and only now they they met all these years later and just went straight to business, again... WHAT!? WHY!?
• Second: Devvie lacks any personality yet still had the audacity to cheat on Belle!? Look, I can excuse the first time because Belle insisted that the agreement ended once she got pregnant and explicitly told him not to wait for her, but the second time with Louisa —the girl he was betrothed to but left high and dry for decades and STILL was obsessed with him—? At this point he had already developed a more intimate relationship with Belle and he just needed to give her a little push to get her to open up to him, but big NOPE. He chose to go to this Louisa girl, with a ring ready to ask her to marry him, let her kiss and touch him, only to come home and sleep with Belle... Ufff, and then they say romance is dead!
• Third: The nicknames. Already mentioned that Belle calling him "dude" and "bro" was weird and tiresome, but the term of endearment Dear Devvie used for Belle? Sweven. There was a big and poetic explanation about the meaning of this word that I honestly don't remember, but do you know what I thought every time he called it that? I thought of Sven... from Frozen. I don't know, Devvie was indeed a creepy old man and he DID kiss a dead fox once, and there was also all these weird conversations between him and belle about rare and exotic animals so...
﹄ The crumbs. Basically the reason why I didn't throw this book away and make it to the end.
• Hunter and Sailor: They are my dummies and I'm happy that Sailor got her personality back and wasn't the annoying friend portrayed in The monster. And Hunter is a himbo but at least he acknowledges it and doesn't pretend to be something he is NOT.
• Sam and Aisling: someone please give me a scientific explanation as to why Lj Shen was able to write good crumbs for them, even a good valentine love letter, but couldn't do the same for their book? I'm mad and I feel so much robbed!!
• Cillian and Persy: I have never laughed so hard thinking about their haters reading this book. Miss Shen obviously knows who paid her bills!!
﹄ The Penroses and Whitehalls parents. I just know that this author has a lot of unresolved mommy and daddy issues. Maybe it's time to let go of the romances and write an autobiography to let it go. First, the Whitehalls tried to kill their own son when he was a child, when it could all have been easily solved with a little misoprostol BEFORE Devvie was born, but these plots keep repeating themselves so Miss Shen, is this a call for help? are you trying to tell us something? And then the Penroses, who looked like the perfect family were also thrown under the bus with an affair that dad Penrose had for NINE YEARS and only to end in nothing because mom Penrose forgave him, so the bottom line of this book is basically "forgive your unfaithful partner because love can do everything" and I'm so NOT here for it.
﹄ The wedding. Read this:
Did the author rationalize the part where Cillian and Hunter saw their little sister in lingerie, and the same for Sam and Sailor? I don't think she did, she just has a special talent for writing really weird stuff.
﹄ The baby's name. Nicola Zara Constance Whitehall... I'd probably use that as a stage name if I had a job at Belle's burlesque club.
﹄ The genre. I'm just confused because all of these books have rom-com potential with how much fun they are (even without even trying), but then the author throws out mob tropes and parents wanting to kill their kids, and now Emmabelle killing not just one, but two people and I'm just confused by it all.
—
Ratings:
The Hunter • 2 stars.
The Villian • 4 stars.
The Monster • 1 star.
1.5 stars | 🛑 Proceed with caution because I'm obviously going to spoil everything here, and also don't forget to check the trigger warnings if you're going to read it. 🛑
﹄ The plot. 30-something Emmabelle Penrose needs to have a baby NOW. Why? because she just found out about some health problems that will make it difficult for her to conceive in a few more years, and after all, she always wanted to be a mother. Now she just needs a sperm donor to do the work and get out of her life because she's ready to do it all by herself. And the winner is... Devon Whitehall!! but there's a catch because he wants to be a part of the baby's life, and he wants Belle too because believe it or not (and I don't), he's always been obsessed with her. ➜ Until this point everything was fine for me because I like tropes involving babies and my expectations were already at level -20, but as you can imagine things can always take a turn for the worse... oh, but at least i got some good laughs out of this!
﹄ Devon Whitehall. Not a real man and 100% a fucking loser just standing on his title to attract women, because he was no rake. In previous books he was portrayed as this mysterious man that we didn't know much about, and do you know why that was? because he had no personality AT ALL. Literally my cereal box has more and better qualities than Devvie. Where's the charm? At what point should I start to feel attracted to his character, if he brings nothing to the table? His only traits were being a cheater and a mama's boy, cause let's be honest —british or not—, in whose mind it sounds sexy for a man in his 40s to call his mother "mummy"? Devvie was really just a creepy old man who I bet kissed her mom on the lips when they greeted each other... ew.
﹄ Emmabelle Penrose. So this was a surprise because she was an okay character? I feel like we got the Belle from The hunter version who was this fun girl with a lot of red flags on display but always up for a good time, and not the Belle of the last 2 books who was this obnoxious and desperate woman that everyone made fun of and that couldn't shut up to stop humiliating herself. Surprisingly she was the funny part of the book —and I don't mean this in a bad way, like she's the clown or something—, but she carried most of the book on her back with her comebacks and funny lines, usually to put Devvie on his place (which should have been the trash can if you ask me). Now now, let's not get ahead of ourselves, she did get a little bit annoying and tiring with her "dude" and "bro", but what is that in the grand scheme of things when the whole book was a mess? I can totally look the other way.
﹄ The Romance. I'm sorry, but I can't talk about something that doesn't exist.
.
.
.
.
No, cause there were so many wrong things here that I can't let go... lemme just *big inhale and exhale*, okay:
• First: Are you really looking me straight in the eye while telling me that they hooked up like 3 years ago at Cillian's cabin, where they had wild animalistic sex because they had unexplained chemistry, and you didn't think to show any of it? NOT EVEN A FLASHBACK? Sorry, but if she had shown part of this the relationship could have been SO much more believable but nooo, she chose to start everything from 0 as if the moment in the cabin never happened and everyone went on with their lives and only now they they met all these years later and just went straight to business, again... WHAT!? WHY!?
• Second: Devvie lacks any personality yet still had the audacity to cheat on Belle!? Look, I can excuse the first time because Belle insisted that the agreement ended once she got pregnant and explicitly told him not to wait for her, but the second time with Louisa —the girl he was betrothed to but left high and dry for decades and STILL was obsessed with him—? At this point he had already developed a more intimate relationship with Belle and he just needed to give her a little push to get her to open up to him, but big NOPE. He chose to go to this Louisa girl, with a ring ready to ask her to marry him, let her kiss and touch him, only to come home and sleep with Belle... Ufff, and then they say romance is dead!
• Third: The nicknames. Already mentioned that Belle calling him "dude" and "bro" was weird and tiresome, but the term of endearment Dear Devvie used for Belle? Sweven. There was a big and poetic explanation about the meaning of this word that I honestly don't remember, but do you know what I thought every time he called it that? I thought of Sven... from Frozen. I don't know, Devvie was indeed a creepy old man and he DID kiss a dead fox once, and there was also all these weird conversations between him and belle about rare and exotic animals so...
﹄ The crumbs. Basically the reason why I didn't throw this book away and make it to the end.
• Hunter and Sailor: They are my dummies and I'm happy that Sailor got her personality back and wasn't the annoying friend portrayed in The monster. And Hunter is a himbo but at least he acknowledges it and doesn't pretend to be something he is NOT.
• Sam and Aisling: someone please give me a scientific explanation as to why Lj Shen was able to write good crumbs for them, even a good valentine love letter, but couldn't do the same for their book? I'm mad and I feel so much robbed!!
• Cillian and Persy: I have never laughed so hard thinking about their haters reading this book. Miss Shen obviously knows who paid her bills!!
﹄ The Penroses and Whitehalls parents. I just know that this author has a lot of unresolved mommy and daddy issues. Maybe it's time to let go of the romances and write an autobiography to let it go. First, the Whitehalls tried to kill their own son when he was a child, when it could all have been easily solved with a little misoprostol BEFORE Devvie was born, but these plots keep repeating themselves so Miss Shen, is this a call for help? are you trying to tell us something? And then the Penroses, who looked like the perfect family were also thrown under the bus with an affair that dad Penrose had for NINE YEARS and only to end in nothing because mom Penrose forgave him, so the bottom line of this book is basically "forgive your unfaithful partner because love can do everything" and I'm so NOT here for it.
﹄ The wedding. Read this:
"It was a small, intimate ceremony in Madame Mayhem. The bridesmaids wore red lingerie and garters and couldn’t say shit about it."
Did the author rationalize the part where Cillian and Hunter saw their little sister in lingerie, and the same for Sam and Sailor? I don't think she did, she just has a special talent for writing really weird stuff.
﹄ The baby's name. Nicola Zara Constance Whitehall... I'd probably use that as a stage name if I had a job at Belle's burlesque club.
﹄ The genre. I'm just confused because all of these books have rom-com potential with how much fun they are (even without even trying), but then the author throws out mob tropes and parents wanting to kill their kids, and now Emmabelle killing not just one, but two people and I'm just confused by it all.
—
Ratings:
The Hunter • 2 stars.
The Villian • 4 stars.
The Monster • 1 star.
February 16, 2022
1 (it would be 0 but gd don’t allow that) / 5 ⭐️
•tropes: f*cking cheating trope 🤢
•characters: 0,5 / 5
•romance: 0 / 5
•development: 0 / 5
So you’re telling me that L J Shen sold this book as obsessed boy trope but irl Devon and Belle hooked up off page, Belle just wanted a baby bc everyone is having tons of it and Devon don’t want to marry a woman his daddy had choose so he makes a deal with Belle?
You’re telling me that L J Shen sold this book as obsessed boy but irl Devon CHEATED on Belle several times WHILE they already had feelings for each other and she was already pregnant?????? bc he just couldn’t put his d*ck away for a moment?????? Bc he is this insecure selfish idiot? And that Belle never knew he cheated and gone there and SHE PROPOSED (one knell and all) TO HIM??!!??!!!
I just……
Someone sedate me I want to forget that this book even exists
I mean… I love L J Shen for her alpha males (Vicious is my favorite male character of all, I would literally die for him) but you want me to believe that she really thought it was a good ideia to creat a man that CHEATS???????!!?
Vicous would never cheat Emilia, he is obsessed with her
Knight would never cheat on Luna she is his whole life
Dean would prefer to die to cheat baby leblanc
Like father like son, Vaughn is obsessed with Lenora
For gods sake, Cillian is highly obsessed with Persy
And you want me to believe she thought it was a good ideia to write a man that CHEATS?????
CillianPersy is the absolute only reason why I would rate this book anything but 0
•tropes: f*cking cheating trope 🤢
•characters: 0,5 / 5
•romance: 0 / 5
•development: 0 / 5
So you’re telling me that L J Shen sold this book as obsessed boy trope but irl Devon and Belle hooked up off page, Belle just wanted a baby bc everyone is having tons of it and Devon don’t want to marry a woman his daddy had choose so he makes a deal with Belle?
You’re telling me that L J Shen sold this book as obsessed boy but irl Devon CHEATED on Belle several times WHILE they already had feelings for each other and she was already pregnant?????? bc he just couldn’t put his d*ck away for a moment?????? Bc he is this insecure selfish idiot? And that Belle never knew he cheated and gone there and SHE PROPOSED (one knell and all) TO HIM??!!??!!!
I just……
Someone sedate me I want to forget that this book even exists
I mean… I love L J Shen for her alpha males (Vicious is my favorite male character of all, I would literally die for him) but you want me to believe that she really thought it was a good ideia to creat a man that CHEATS???????!!?
Vicous would never cheat Emilia, he is obsessed with her
Knight would never cheat on Luna she is his whole life
Dean would prefer to die to cheat baby leblanc
Like father like son, Vaughn is obsessed with Lenora
For gods sake, Cillian is highly obsessed with Persy
And you want me to believe she thought it was a good ideia to write a man that CHEATS?????
CillianPersy is the absolute only reason why I would rate this book anything but 0
February 15, 2022
📚 'THE RAKE' 📚 Is the final full length romance book in L.J. Shen's 'Boston Belles' series. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.' Flits from past to present.
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
This was the one book I'd been highly anticipating, loving this series this author had thrown us in, excited to see what twists would get thrown my way and I was not disappointed, this was embarrassingly inhaled in no time at all.
Instead of an alpha A-hole we're prone to getting Devin Whitehall is like a breath of fresh air, he embodies everything I seek in my hero characters and he was just the right match for Emmabelle Penrose with her sharp tongue and claws for nails everything is on the line for her when she decides to embark on having a child of her own and Devin is her end game.
When it came to her business she was at the top making her the proud owner of a trendy nightclub which offered its clientele burlesque shows. But when it comes to her personally life that's where things aren't running so smoothly. Her biological clock is ticking.
And that's where Devin Whitehall comes into it. These two have got history so it was only right that they would come together to solve both their problems.
With what started off as a convenient way of them both getting what they want out of this unorthodox arrangement as they became entwined lines quickly became blurred and they realised that maybe in the end they wanted the same thing.
These two were perfectly matched. And I'm so glad this series ended on such a high note. This was possibly my favourite in this series. The characters were real, relatable, and the twists and turns had me enthralled speed reading to see how it all would play out.
February 23, 2022
The royal rake!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💛🖤💜💙❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 😕🤬🤯😎🥰
The Hero: Devon Whitehall - grew up in England as one of the British aristocracy. His father is a Marquess and is all about gaining more power through a good match for his firstborn son. Devon has been promised to marry Louisa Butchart since he was young, though he got out of that by moving to the states and never speaking to his father again. He is now 41 and considers himself a rake and is proud of it and never plans to marry.
The heroine(s): Emmabelle Penrose (a.k.a. Belle) - she is the thirty year old owner of a burlesque club in Boston. It is just starting to be profitable and Belle spent all her money buying her partners out. She finds out she has a medical issue which makes her chances of having her own baby smaller with each year she waits.
The Story: Belle wants her own baby but not a husband. She has no trouble using a sperm bank but the timing isn’t right since babies are expensive. So when Devon Whitehall proposes that he impregnate her and offers to support the baby, but also doesn’t want marriage, she agrees.
Both Devon and Belle have past baggage that they haven’t quite been able to get over. I liked the fact that they are so similar in that their baggage has made them commitment phobes. I also like the fact that Belle is a strong woman who owns her sexuality and wants to live her life on her own terms.
I thought going in that this would be the standard bad boy, good girl romance with the Hero playing the jerk through much of it but I was pleasantly surprised this time in that Devon is actually a really great guy in every way. I won’t go into specifics but I really liked him and I would definitely want wouldn’t throw a guy like him out of bed.
The story was good, there was suspense in the form of things that happened to each of them in their childhoods that was told in flashback format throughout the book, where the reader finds out a little bit more with each flashback. There was also plenty of romance and the building of a friendship between Devon and Belle that I really enjoyed. And a bit of danger added in to the plot spiced things up just right.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💛🖤💜💙❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 😕🤬🤯😎🥰
The Hero: Devon Whitehall - grew up in England as one of the British aristocracy. His father is a Marquess and is all about gaining more power through a good match for his firstborn son. Devon has been promised to marry Louisa Butchart since he was young, though he got out of that by moving to the states and never speaking to his father again. He is now 41 and considers himself a rake and is proud of it and never plans to marry.
The heroine(s): Emmabelle Penrose (a.k.a. Belle) - she is the thirty year old owner of a burlesque club in Boston. It is just starting to be profitable and Belle spent all her money buying her partners out. She finds out she has a medical issue which makes her chances of having her own baby smaller with each year she waits.
The Story: Belle wants her own baby but not a husband. She has no trouble using a sperm bank but the timing isn’t right since babies are expensive. So when Devon Whitehall proposes that he impregnate her and offers to support the baby, but also doesn’t want marriage, she agrees.
“She was perfect. And by perfect, I meant a mess. No one would touch me with a ten-foot pole if I got her pregnant. Least of all Louisa Butchart.”
Both Devon and Belle have past baggage that they haven’t quite been able to get over. I liked the fact that they are so similar in that their baggage has made them commitment phobes. I also like the fact that Belle is a strong woman who owns her sexuality and wants to live her life on her own terms.
I thought going in that this would be the standard bad boy, good girl romance with the Hero playing the jerk through much of it but I was pleasantly surprised this time in that Devon is actually a really great guy in every way. I won’t go into specifics but I really liked him and I would definitely want wouldn’t throw a guy like him out of bed.
The story was good, there was suspense in the form of things that happened to each of them in their childhoods that was told in flashback format throughout the book, where the reader finds out a little bit more with each flashback. There was also plenty of romance and the building of a friendship between Devon and Belle that I really enjoyed. And a bit of danger added in to the plot spiced things up just right.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
Want to read
December 19, 202017 December, 2020
kay guys I've learned my lesson
Fact that I was upset it was not the other sister......
Right ....the mere thought ofkillxbelle ewwwwww I puked a little
I will nvrrrrrr doubt L.J's Match making skill again 😑
PersxKillxRoyalty 🎆 can kick my a$$!
I am doomed 🤧 I will cut a b*&tch to be Persephone rn bcz kill 😻 is everythingevil
kay guys I've learned my lesson
Fact that I was upset it was not the other sister......
Right ....the mere thought of
I will nvrrrrrr doubt L.J's Match making skill again 😑
PersxKillxRoyalty 🎆 can kick my a$$!
I am doomed 🤧 I will cut a b*&tch to be Persephone rn bcz kill 😻 is everything
February 16, 2022
2 'at least i finished it' stars
things this book was supposedly going to serve...
• boy obsessed ❌
• royal romance ❌
• duchess belle ❌
• breeding kink ❌
• devon pining for belle ❌
let's just say it served none of the above and devon whitehall was a bland ass, cringey ass, vanilla ass loser who had the EQ of a toothpick. i despise sam brennan, but devon gave him a real run for his money on the unlikability scale.
this book didn't know if it wanted to be an epilogue novella or women's fiction because between belle's flashback chapters (please check the tw's!!!), devon's random trips to england, and scenes of the other couples there was literally no plot. belle said dude and bro 5000000x and was some attempt at an independent heroine and while i liked her way more than aisling and sailor (the bar is kinda nonexistent) she still got annoying at times.
weirdly enough, the book is decently written but the couple is so bad idk what to say lmao. they literally gave me platonic bestie vibes and that's NOT the feeling you're supposed to get in a romance book. the OW drama was beyond mind numbing and didn't do anything except make me dislike devon even more.
anyways i read this book for cillian and persy and was not disappointed at all on that front (in fact it felt like everything was decent in this book BESIDES the main couple) so let me leave you with a couple of my fav crumbs:
❝ Cillian just couldn’t help himself. My brother would give away national secrets and the state of Texas without blinking to meet his wife’s approval. ❞
•
•
•
❝ Cillian was the first one to recover. "It’s true. A pregnant woman can be all of those things.” He shrugged. “And she is also the person who is carrying the most important human in the world to you. The truth is, you fall in love with a woman twice. Once, so that you want her to give you a child. And a second time, when she does and you realize you cannot live without her.” ❞
•
•
•
❝ She was delicate as an eggshell, pale as the midnight moon. Sweet and placid, a far cry from her fire engine older sister; I could see why she suited Cillian, who was cold and callous everywhere. She brought his temperature up, while he cooled down her warmth. Yin and Yang. ❞
i mean it's pretty clear the author knows which couple is the most beloved in the series because they're being treated accordingly lmao. as far as the actual book goes, it still gets 2 stars from me because i actually finished it and i haven't been able to finish a book in so long. and there are hints she might spin-off boston belles and do a second generation in which case i will be reading it because 1. i need to know astor's story and 2. i just can't help myself
𝐛𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 ⇢ 𝟐.𝟓 ☆
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣 ⇢ 𝟓 ☆
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 ⇢ 𝟏.𝟓 ☆
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙠𝙚 ⇢ 𝟐 ☆
things this book was supposedly going to serve...
• boy obsessed ❌
• royal romance ❌
• duchess belle ❌
• breeding kink ❌
• devon pining for belle ❌
let's just say it served none of the above and devon whitehall was a bland ass, cringey ass, vanilla ass loser who had the EQ of a toothpick. i despise sam brennan, but devon gave him a real run for his money on the unlikability scale.
this book didn't know if it wanted to be an epilogue novella or women's fiction because between belle's flashback chapters (please check the tw's!!!), devon's random trips to england, and scenes of the other couples there was literally no plot. belle said dude and bro 5000000x and was some attempt at an independent heroine and while i liked her way more than aisling and sailor (the bar is kinda nonexistent) she still got annoying at times.
weirdly enough, the book is decently written but the couple is so bad idk what to say lmao. they literally gave me platonic bestie vibes and that's NOT the feeling you're supposed to get in a romance book. the OW drama was beyond mind numbing and didn't do anything except make me dislike devon even more.
anyways i read this book for cillian and persy and was not disappointed at all on that front (in fact it felt like everything was decent in this book BESIDES the main couple) so let me leave you with a couple of my fav crumbs:
❝ Cillian just couldn’t help himself. My brother would give away national secrets and the state of Texas without blinking to meet his wife’s approval. ❞
•
•
•
❝ Cillian was the first one to recover. "It’s true. A pregnant woman can be all of those things.” He shrugged. “And she is also the person who is carrying the most important human in the world to you. The truth is, you fall in love with a woman twice. Once, so that you want her to give you a child. And a second time, when she does and you realize you cannot live without her.” ❞
•
•
•
❝ She was delicate as an eggshell, pale as the midnight moon. Sweet and placid, a far cry from her fire engine older sister; I could see why she suited Cillian, who was cold and callous everywhere. She brought his temperature up, while he cooled down her warmth. Yin and Yang. ❞
i mean it's pretty clear the author knows which couple is the most beloved in the series because they're being treated accordingly lmao. as far as the actual book goes, it still gets 2 stars from me because i actually finished it and i haven't been able to finish a book in so long. and there are hints she might spin-off boston belles and do a second generation in which case i will be reading it because 1. i need to know astor's story and 2. i just can't help myself
𝐛𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 ⇢ 𝟐.𝟓 ☆
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣 ⇢ 𝟓 ☆
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 ⇢ 𝟏.𝟓 ☆
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙠𝙚 ⇢ 𝟐 ☆
February 22, 2022
0.25 stars.
not the weird animals in this book being better than the whole plot🤡
this review is filled with spoilers and isn’t really a review, but more of a reaction.
“Not until you answer me. Did. She. Suck. You. Off?”
His pale eyes met mine soberly. “Yes.”
“And did you enjoy it?”
“Yes.”
^our hero, devon whitehall. what a keeper, right?🥰🥰
→as a lover of historical romance, I was SO excited when i heard the title. i thought, “oh hey, a REFORMED rake who finally meets his match, what could go wrong?”
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA, cheers, LJ.
→emphasis on the word ‘reformed’. there’s no such thing in this book. he’s a rake through and through, even when his baby mama is carrying his child, he cheats on her twice. i’ve read books with cheating before, but i never expected it from LJ. Why’d you make him do it twice, man? WHY? the first one gutted me, because they’re on their way to the obgyn appointment when she sees scratch marks on his neck
→granted, he’s constantly asking her “should i wait for you?” and she keeps saying no. when we read her chapters we know she’s always had a thing for Devon but wants to protect herself.…BUT FFS THIS IS A ROMANCE. IT’S FICTIONAL. if i wanted a realistic situation i wouldn’t be reading this shitty book, would I? and when it happened again, i was so deep into my rage i couldn’t care less.
→now, let’s talk about emmabelle. the only good part of this book. she’s without a doubt, the best heroine LJ has written. Intelligent, witty, a badass bitch who runs her own burlesque club. But all of this greatness flew out the window whenever Devon entered the scene. Ma’am, the dude has cheated on you twice, has the personality of a potato, and you still go crawling back to him every time? 💩
when we read her chapters set in the past, she even says:
What kind of man cheats on his pregnant wife? Not a worthy one, that’s who.
→emma, sweetie? you're in the same situation right now? LJ, care to comment?
→I used to be a big LJ Shen fan. I’d still ride Vicious’s dick and re-read a bunch of her other books, but she did her readers dirrrrrty with this book.
→if you’re looking for her trademark alpha heroes, this isn’t it.
→if you’re looking for her cold ruthless heroes that are total simps for the heroine, this isn’t it.
→if you’re looking for smut, this has zero.
→if you’re looking for a whirlwind romance, swoon and a great plot? HAHAHAHA, better luck next time, sweetie.
→ Now, if you’re looking for one of your favourite authors to fuck you over with the weakest plot, the worst hero in history and 0.25% of laughs thanks to our heroine….
→this is the lowest rating i’ve ever given a book. even when i’ve read some horrible books, I've given it a 1 or 2. But i feel like LJ took my trust, stomped all over it and delivered it with a bow on top in the form of this nasty ass book.
→even after all the controversy, i would diligently read her books through my KU subscription and talk about how well she writes anti-heroes. Idk what happened to LJ, but i’d like to send her on a retreat, get her to drink some ayahuasca tea. puke out all the nonsense ideas that was this series and come back a better writer. the one who gave us vicious, celian, trent. (to name a few).
→Seriously LJ, if you’re reading this, and i hope you do, i’m beyond disappointed. you took a shit on the worst book i’ve ever read and claimed your place. i’m being sincere here when i say this, but please stick to what you know-the cold heroes, the ones who don’t give a fuck about anything except their woman. you tried the whole ‘manwhore with a sense of humor’ with heroes like hunter and Devon and it was less than successful. PLEASE STICK TO WHAT YOU KNOW AND GIVE THE READERS WHAT THEY WANT.
thank you penny for dealing with my texts while i was reading this, couldn't have gone through this without you🌚
→ i had a migraine that lasted 4 days before reading this book, but the book was worse. i need help from all the emotional damage this caused me.
→in conclusion:
not the weird animals in this book being better than the whole plot🤡
this review is filled with spoilers and isn’t really a review, but more of a reaction.
“Not until you answer me. Did. She. Suck. You. Off?”
His pale eyes met mine soberly. “Yes.”
“And did you enjoy it?”
“Yes.”
^our hero, devon whitehall. what a keeper, right?🥰🥰
→as a lover of historical romance, I was SO excited when i heard the title. i thought, “oh hey, a REFORMED rake who finally meets his match, what could go wrong?”
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA, cheers, LJ.
→emphasis on the word ‘reformed’. there’s no such thing in this book. he’s a rake through and through, even when his baby mama is carrying his child, he cheats on her twice. i’ve read books with cheating before, but i never expected it from LJ. Why’d you make him do it twice, man? WHY? the first one gutted me, because they’re on their way to the obgyn appointment when she sees scratch marks on his neck
→granted, he’s constantly asking her “should i wait for you?” and she keeps saying no. when we read her chapters we know she’s always had a thing for Devon but wants to protect herself.…BUT FFS THIS IS A ROMANCE. IT’S FICTIONAL. if i wanted a realistic situation i wouldn’t be reading this shitty book, would I? and when it happened again, i was so deep into my rage i couldn’t care less.
→now, let’s talk about emmabelle. the only good part of this book. she’s without a doubt, the best heroine LJ has written. Intelligent, witty, a badass bitch who runs her own burlesque club. But all of this greatness flew out the window whenever Devon entered the scene. Ma’am, the dude has cheated on you twice, has the personality of a potato, and you still go crawling back to him every time? 💩
when we read her chapters set in the past, she even says:
What kind of man cheats on his pregnant wife? Not a worthy one, that’s who.
→emma, sweetie? you're in the same situation right now? LJ, care to comment?
→I used to be a big LJ Shen fan. I’d still ride Vicious’s dick and re-read a bunch of her other books, but she did her readers dirrrrrty with this book.
→if you’re looking for her trademark alpha heroes, this isn’t it.
→if you’re looking for her cold ruthless heroes that are total simps for the heroine, this isn’t it.
→if you’re looking for smut, this has zero.
→if you’re looking for a whirlwind romance, swoon and a great plot? HAHAHAHA, better luck next time, sweetie.
→ Now, if you’re looking for one of your favourite authors to fuck you over with the weakest plot, the worst hero in history and 0.25% of laughs thanks to our heroine….
→this is the lowest rating i’ve ever given a book. even when i’ve read some horrible books, I've given it a 1 or 2. But i feel like LJ took my trust, stomped all over it and delivered it with a bow on top in the form of this nasty ass book.
→even after all the controversy, i would diligently read her books through my KU subscription and talk about how well she writes anti-heroes. Idk what happened to LJ, but i’d like to send her on a retreat, get her to drink some ayahuasca tea. puke out all the nonsense ideas that was this series and come back a better writer. the one who gave us vicious, celian, trent. (to name a few).
→Seriously LJ, if you’re reading this, and i hope you do, i’m beyond disappointed. you took a shit on the worst book i’ve ever read and claimed your place. i’m being sincere here when i say this, but please stick to what you know-the cold heroes, the ones who don’t give a fuck about anything except their woman. you tried the whole ‘manwhore with a sense of humor’ with heroes like hunter and Devon and it was less than successful. PLEASE STICK TO WHAT YOU KNOW AND GIVE THE READERS WHAT THEY WANT.
thank you penny for dealing with my texts while i was reading this, couldn't have gone through this without you🌚
→ i had a migraine that lasted 4 days before reading this book, but the book was worse. i need help from all the emotional damage this caused me.
→in conclusion:
February 9, 2022
Ahhh!! I am SO obsessed with Emmabelle and Devon it isn't even funny! Their pairing was a long time coming but in true L.J. Shen fashion, she saved the most emotional and angsty story in the Boston Belles series for last!! The Rake is hands down one of the best stories I have ever read!
This story was dark, riveting and full of heart, passion and the most heart-pounding angst that only L.J. can deliver. The banter alone was FIRE with the most incredible storyline that took my breath away. You will lose track of time as this story will not only shock you but it will consume you from the very first page. Buckle up, Buttercup! The Rake is nothing short of magnificent and will knock you completely senseless!!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
This story was dark, riveting and full of heart, passion and the most heart-pounding angst that only L.J. can deliver. The banter alone was FIRE with the most incredible storyline that took my breath away. You will lose track of time as this story will not only shock you but it will consume you from the very first page. Buckle up, Buttercup! The Rake is nothing short of magnificent and will knock you completely senseless!!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
June 22, 2021
Please just stop...
Y'all bully supporters :)
Y'all bully supporters :)
February 17, 2022
3.5 🌟
This wasn’t mind-blowing in any way, but my girl Belle carried the show. She's the only good thing to come out of this dreadful series, and I fell in love with her character so much in this book. In my opinion, she is the definition of a strong woman, and her back story was very well thought out and it made the reader understand what led her to have such a cutthroat personality.
Devon... I didn’t hate him. Some of his actions frustrated me, but they weren't completely baseless from the way Belle was treating him half the time. He was immensely better than all the other IRREDEEMABLE heroes in this series though, and at the end of the day, was always there for Belle.
I would’ve liked to see some more cute moments between them, seeing as they were always wrapped up in drama (and it was unnecessary half the time), and honestly, the sex scenes were very bland. But I knew this would probably be the case going in because L.J. Shen is not famed for either of those things, my four stars are for Belle and for Belle only.
Since this is the last book in the series I'll rank them from best to worst in my opinion:
1) The Rake
2) The Villain
3) The Hunter
4) The Monster (one of the worst books I read last year, actually)
This wasn’t mind-blowing in any way, but my girl Belle carried the show. She's the only good thing to come out of this dreadful series, and I fell in love with her character so much in this book. In my opinion, she is the definition of a strong woman, and her back story was very well thought out and it made the reader understand what led her to have such a cutthroat personality.
Devon... I didn’t hate him. Some of his actions frustrated me, but they weren't completely baseless from the way Belle was treating him half the time. He was immensely better than all the other IRREDEEMABLE heroes in this series though, and at the end of the day, was always there for Belle.
I would’ve liked to see some more cute moments between them, seeing as they were always wrapped up in drama (and it was unnecessary half the time), and honestly, the sex scenes were very bland. But I knew this would probably be the case going in because L.J. Shen is not famed for either of those things, my four stars are for Belle and for Belle only.
Since this is the last book in the series I'll rank them from best to worst in my opinion:
1) The Rake
2) The Villain
3) The Hunter
4) The Monster (one of the worst books I read last year, actually)
February 17, 2022
-⭐ -1 FUCKING STAR
(Because I can and I want to.)
Not supporting an asshole and a copycat, sorry buy NOT SORRY.
I'm even 100% sure the book is shit same as the ones that preceeded this one... what can we expect from this type of author (nothing much honestly... hopefully in the future the 4 star ratings drops and people start coming to their sense as they should 🙏🏻🛐).
Congratulations LJ Shen for a new fucking mess toy wrote and you decided to publish, you must be holding a huge grudge against humanity, if you want to torture us with this bullshit here 👏🏼👏🏼.
Some people really should know when to stop ✋🏻 🙄, aka you LJ S.
(Because I can and I want to.)
Not supporting an asshole and a copycat, sorry buy NOT SORRY.
I'm even 100% sure the book is shit same as the ones that preceeded this one... what can we expect from this type of author (nothing much honestly... hopefully in the future the 4 star ratings drops and people start coming to their sense as they should 🙏🏻🛐).
Congratulations LJ Shen for a new fucking mess toy wrote and you decided to publish, you must be holding a huge grudge against humanity, if you want to torture us with this bullshit here 👏🏼👏🏼.
Some people really should know when to stop ✋🏻 🙄, aka you LJ S.
February 20, 2022
JUSTICE FOR BELLE!😤😤😤
She deserved so much better than sleezy, pervy, bland, wanna be rake who fucks everything with a pulse, zero personality Devon, the most boring hero in LJ shen history Whitehall.😤
what grown 40 year old man calls his mom "mummy".
He also had sex with another woman while Belle was pregnant.
He was also engaged to another woman (Louisa)he kissed her, went on dates with her. Honestly him and Lou were perfect pair, both obnoxiously bland awful human beings who deserved one another.
I don't care if that's not cheating since they weren't technically together but i hate when this happens.
How can you get invested in their romance if he keeps having sex with different women? This all happened in the last 60%.
She ruined her book.
Total mismatch, zero chemistry, zero relationship development.
She deserved so much better than sleezy, pervy, bland, wanna be rake who fucks everything with a pulse, zero personality Devon, the most boring hero in LJ shen history Whitehall.😤
what grown 40 year old man calls his mom "mummy".
He also had sex with another woman while Belle was pregnant.
He was also engaged to another woman (Louisa)he kissed her, went on dates with her. Honestly him and Lou were perfect pair, both obnoxiously bland awful human beings who deserved one another.
I don't care if that's not cheating since they weren't technically together but i hate when this happens.
How can you get invested in their romance if he keeps having sex with different women? This all happened in the last 60%.
She ruined her book.
Total mismatch, zero chemistry, zero relationship development.
February 13, 2022
I'm struggling not to cry, this book feels like an ending and I can't get over it, I love Boston Belles so much, and the author definitely did a great job with all them but The Rake is definitely my favorite! I love this story soo much, it is dark, intriguing, intense, emotional, an overload of emotions, UNPUTDOWNABLE, it is those kinds of books that you never forget, amaze you, leave you gasping, they steal your breath and it leave you in awe. Between laughter and tears Belle and Devon owned my heart, paragraph after paragraph, page after page intense emotions flow, and the twists blown me away.
Devon, gahhhh he is everything, he is a hero with villain overtones, intelligent, sexy, funny and so protective of those that he loves, his devotion towards Belle is incomparable, Belle wow, she is so brave, resilient, strong, she just left me speechless, L.J.Shen brought to life a unique couple, I am absolutely obsessed with them, one of the sexiest I've read, but at the same time so emotional! EPIC!! I LOVE THE BANTER !!! is the best thing ever!!
The Rake is decadent, dark but inspiring, angst and hilarious, it teaches you that happiness is in little things in life and that your family is not always the one with your same blood, but the one who loves you as you are, an epic and perfect story to close this amazing series. L.J. slayed it again!!
Devon, gahhhh he is everything, he is a hero with villain overtones, intelligent, sexy, funny and so protective of those that he loves, his devotion towards Belle is incomparable, Belle wow, she is so brave, resilient, strong, she just left me speechless, L.J.Shen brought to life a unique couple, I am absolutely obsessed with them, one of the sexiest I've read, but at the same time so emotional! EPIC!! I LOVE THE BANTER !!! is the best thing ever!!
The Rake is decadent, dark but inspiring, angst and hilarious, it teaches you that happiness is in little things in life and that your family is not always the one with your same blood, but the one who loves you as you are, an epic and perfect story to close this amazing series. L.J. slayed it again!!
February 14, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
"If you truly don't want to play by the mortals' rules, tie your destiny to mine."
Emmabelle Penrose was everything I expected her to be: independent, smart, funny, witty, utterly beautiful, haunted by her past but most of all- a badass bitch! This book will burn your heart and want to rage but you will absolutely adore Belle and Devon. These two were EVERYTHING! I loved their chemistry and the angst served hard. Nothing solid about Devon, his history, his family or his mysterious title was known in the previous books but after getting to know more about him, I can definitely say that he was as enthralling as Belle. Both of them were commitment phones and entered into an arrangement that benefitted them in the long term. But what happens when hidden feelings come alive and it makes them question their own theories about love and relationships? The struggles Belle went through though were so deep and dark that my heart hurts for her. I suggest you take the trigger warnings seriously before diving into the book because there's no way y'all are ready for it. My only complaint about the book was the amount of OW drama it had, because it got on my last nerves tbh.
"A man in line for the crown is a very dangerous thing..."
That being said, I'm so sad to finally say goodbye to the Boston Belles gang because all of them- Belle, Devon, Cillian, Sam, Persy, Ash, Sailor, Hunter and ofcourse Troy & Sparrow have taken up a special place in my heart. I still remember the time I read The Hunter, I was so excited for all the next books in the series to come out and now I just feel so nostalgic! The ending of this book was really cute and wholesome but I still wish we can get a proper epilogue novella featuring all four couples.
Thank you Socialbutterfly PR for the ARC
"If you truly don't want to play by the mortals' rules, tie your destiny to mine."
Emmabelle Penrose was everything I expected her to be: independent, smart, funny, witty, utterly beautiful, haunted by her past but most of all- a badass bitch! This book will burn your heart and want to rage but you will absolutely adore Belle and Devon. These two were EVERYTHING! I loved their chemistry and the angst served hard. Nothing solid about Devon, his history, his family or his mysterious title was known in the previous books but after getting to know more about him, I can definitely say that he was as enthralling as Belle. Both of them were commitment phones and entered into an arrangement that benefitted them in the long term. But what happens when hidden feelings come alive and it makes them question their own theories about love and relationships? The struggles Belle went through though were so deep and dark that my heart hurts for her. I suggest you take the trigger warnings seriously before diving into the book because there's no way y'all are ready for it. My only complaint about the book was the amount of OW drama it had, because it got on my last nerves tbh.
"A man in line for the crown is a very dangerous thing..."
That being said, I'm so sad to finally say goodbye to the Boston Belles gang because all of them- Belle, Devon, Cillian, Sam, Persy, Ash, Sailor, Hunter and ofcourse Troy & Sparrow have taken up a special place in my heart. I still remember the time I read The Hunter, I was so excited for all the next books in the series to come out and now I just feel so nostalgic! The ending of this book was really cute and wholesome but I still wish we can get a proper epilogue novella featuring all four couples.
Thank you Socialbutterfly PR for the ARC
February 18, 2022
I would like to
Add that apparently this had “ obsessed boy trope”
WHERE BITCH TELL ME FUCKING WHERE WAS THIS MOTHERFUCKER MUMMY OBSESSED??????
He was more obsessed with .. whatever tf her name was x fiancé then he was bell
The way LJ shen really must of thought she ate writing this … I can’t.
The women put a trigger warning at the beginning of the book to really say.
“ this is not a story that will give the warm and fuzzies”
Yeah no shit Sherlock.
The sad fact is it wasn’t even Devon cheating on her after they had a baby that was the sad part for me.
Even tho that’s bottom of barrel type behavior.
Bell honesty deserved so much better then “
this fucking old lame ass fake British really thought he was some kind of feminist with his love of pussy bastard”
Devon.
Add that apparently this had “ obsessed boy trope”
WHERE BITCH TELL ME FUCKING WHERE WAS THIS MOTHERFUCKER MUMMY OBSESSED??????
He was more obsessed with .. whatever tf her name was x fiancé then he was bell
The way LJ shen really must of thought she ate writing this … I can’t.
The women put a trigger warning at the beginning of the book to really say.
“ this is not a story that will give the warm and fuzzies”
Yeah no shit Sherlock.
The sad fact is it wasn’t even Devon cheating on her after they had a baby that was the sad part for me.
Even tho that’s bottom of barrel type behavior.
Bell honesty deserved so much better then “
this fucking old lame ass fake British really thought he was some kind of feminist with his love of pussy bastard”
Devon.
February 12, 2022
“You’re a fantasy. Too good to be true. Too bad to be experienced.”
OH MY WOW!!! LJ Shen ends the Boston Belles series with a bang! I was besotted by The Rake that’s bloody brilliant and beautifully told. A heart-hitting love story full of feminism, fire, and feels. I was completely captivated by Belle and Devon’s romance—the best clashing of fire and ice—that made my heart pound and mind race as I lived and breathed this book.
Threaded with an unbreakable bond of soulmates destined to be one, The Rake is the tale of two broken souls who find light together, learning to love and trust, as they embark on a captivating journey full of heartbreak and healing. LJ Shen brings much-needed depth to her characters, painting their backstories, so you watch how they grew up and what made them ... them. I felt for the feisty and fire-hot hero and heroine, both trapped by painful pasts.
Belle is a beauty, a feminist queen who has met her match in the dashing king, Devon, delicious and dominant with all the Lucifer vibes. Dare I say that I read the all alpha hero’s enticing words out loud—albeit in my head—in a British accent. Belle and Devon were created for each other with combustible chemistry, an undeniable connection, and the ability to challenge each other every step of the way. The vixen and her rake explode together, and I fell hard for these soulmates.
The Rake is heartfelt and unapologetically sexy as hell, a powerful and passionate romance about slaying demons, downright owning your desire, and finding the love that you deserve. Belle and Devon captured my heart from their first interaction. I loved every word of this steamy, explosive, and empowering love story. I was thoroughly ravaged by this royal romance that stole my heart and breath, leaving me burning and begging for more!!!
💋💋💋💋💋 heart-pounding kisses
➡️ https://amzn.to/3Lx66nC
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
OH MY WOW!!! LJ Shen ends the Boston Belles series with a bang! I was besotted by The Rake that’s bloody brilliant and beautifully told. A heart-hitting love story full of feminism, fire, and feels. I was completely captivated by Belle and Devon’s romance—the best clashing of fire and ice—that made my heart pound and mind race as I lived and breathed this book.
Threaded with an unbreakable bond of soulmates destined to be one, The Rake is the tale of two broken souls who find light together, learning to love and trust, as they embark on a captivating journey full of heartbreak and healing. LJ Shen brings much-needed depth to her characters, painting their backstories, so you watch how they grew up and what made them ... them. I felt for the feisty and fire-hot hero and heroine, both trapped by painful pasts.
Belle is a beauty, a feminist queen who has met her match in the dashing king, Devon, delicious and dominant with all the Lucifer vibes. Dare I say that I read the all alpha hero’s enticing words out loud—albeit in my head—in a British accent. Belle and Devon were created for each other with combustible chemistry, an undeniable connection, and the ability to challenge each other every step of the way. The vixen and her rake explode together, and I fell hard for these soulmates.
The Rake is heartfelt and unapologetically sexy as hell, a powerful and passionate romance about slaying demons, downright owning your desire, and finding the love that you deserve. Belle and Devon captured my heart from their first interaction. I loved every word of this steamy, explosive, and empowering love story. I was thoroughly ravaged by this royal romance that stole my heart and breath, leaving me burning and begging for more!!!
💋💋💋💋💋 heart-pounding kisses
➡️ https://amzn.to/3Lx66nC
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
February 15, 2022
I had a good laugh while reading it that's for sure
February 19, 2022
Devon: ⭐
A disappointment. How do you write a character with no personality at all. He was supposed to be that mysterious guy but turned out to be mysteriously boring and mediocre. No title can save him from boringness and mediocrity.
Belle: ⭐⭐
She was dumb at times but a decent character. Deserved a better man
Louisa: ⭐
Waste of time and space and pathetic
Romance: ⭐
You can't even call that romance.
Overall story: ⭐
Not even mediocre. It had it good parts but there was more bad than good. Boring "plot" if you can call it that and annoying characters.
Author: 44 negative ⭐
It's obvious she wants her vicious Era back but thank God that's over and I'm glad more people are seeing her for who she is. A horrible bully and mediocre writer.
A disappointment. How do you write a character with no personality at all. He was supposed to be that mysterious guy but turned out to be mysteriously boring and mediocre. No title can save him from boringness and mediocrity.
Belle: ⭐⭐
She was dumb at times but a decent character. Deserved a better man
Louisa: ⭐
Waste of time and space and pathetic
Romance: ⭐
You can't even call that romance.
Overall story: ⭐
Not even mediocre. It had it good parts but there was more bad than good. Boring "plot" if you can call it that and annoying characters.
Author: 44 negative ⭐
It's obvious she wants her vicious Era back but thank God that's over and I'm glad more people are seeing her for who she is. A horrible bully and mediocre writer.
February 11, 2022
I'm not going to say much because I don't want to spoil the book. However, this was not mentioned much, but know that 𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐏!!! But we kind of should have known that since Cillian is older than Persephone, and Devon is Cillian's lawyer. 𝘚𝘰𝘰𝘰...𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘩.
Emmabelle is on the hunt looking for a 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫, and of course. Mr. Devon Whitehall 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 to be the sperm donor. They hardly know each other's past at all besides a few one night stands. Remember, in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯, we all know that Devon was a rich man from England, and he ran away from home. You'll totally understand why when you read The Rake. As for Emmabelle, my heart 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬 for her. But guys, she's one 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘣𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 lady. Ugh at times, I wanted to 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘬𝘦 her. Lol Devon and Emmabelle are always going at each other's throat. There's 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐄 that got me really 𝘮𝘢𝘥 and made want the throw the book across the room. Lol Have to mention, whenever the guys are together, I get so giddy. Lol
Devon and Emmabelle both 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐞. Lol But I 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 them so much. 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥. LJ Shen always know where and when to make you hurt. Definitely another 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐂 read. It was 𝐔𝐍𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐃𝐎𝗪𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄!!! Finished it in one sitting. That doesn't happen often anymore.
The Rake is definitely the 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 conclusion to the Boston Belles Series. I'm totally going to miss them.
Emmabelle is on the hunt looking for a 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫, and of course. Mr. Devon Whitehall 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 to be the sperm donor. They hardly know each other's past at all besides a few one night stands. Remember, in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯, we all know that Devon was a rich man from England, and he ran away from home. You'll totally understand why when you read The Rake. As for Emmabelle, my heart 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬 for her. But guys, she's one 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘣𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 lady. Ugh at times, I wanted to 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘬𝘦 her. Lol Devon and Emmabelle are always going at each other's throat. There's 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐄 that got me really 𝘮𝘢𝘥 and made want the throw the book across the room. Lol Have to mention, whenever the guys are together, I get so giddy. Lol
Devon and Emmabelle both 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐞. Lol But I 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 them so much. 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥. LJ Shen always know where and when to make you hurt. Definitely another 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐂 read. It was 𝐔𝐍𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐃𝐎𝗪𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄!!! Finished it in one sitting. That doesn't happen often anymore.
The Rake is definitely the 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 conclusion to the Boston Belles Series. I'm totally going to miss them.
February 17, 2022
These
Boston Belle
are in the league of their own. They are epitome of beauty, brains and the loyal sisterhood they share equally.
All For One and One For All.
Shen goes a step further and gives all the alpha qualities to Emmabelle Penrose this time.
Focused, driven and owner of a burlesque bar
"Madame Mayhem: Where Your Morals Go to Die"
And in search of a sperm donor.
She thinks like a man and works like a man. Keeps business separated from pleasure, so in a sense she IS the Rake
Devon Whitehall, The Marquess of Fitzgrovia, is gentleman personified. Dashing, suave, posh.
His soft gentle charms are what drew Belle in
The story is gentler in content and characters are more lovely than she's ever penned before. I quite liked it actually.
4.5 stars for Go-getter with a plan
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
All For One and One For All.
Shen goes a step further and gives all the alpha qualities to Emmabelle Penrose this time.
Focused, driven and owner of a burlesque bar
"Madame Mayhem: Where Your Morals Go to Die"
And in search of a sperm donor.
She thinks like a man and works like a man. Keeps business separated from pleasure, so in a sense she IS the Rake
Devon Whitehall, The Marquess of Fitzgrovia, is gentleman personified. Dashing, suave, posh.
His soft gentle charms are what drew Belle in
The story is gentler in content and characters are more lovely than she's ever penned before. I quite liked it actually.
4.5 stars for Go-getter with a plan
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
Read
February 16, 2022no spark tho? dnf @ 40%
February 16, 2022
PLEASE read this book fully and form your own opinion. Don’t go based off of what big users are writing or what your friends are saying.
imo, best bb couple. Belle and Devon deserve everything. Full review to come.
imo, best bb couple. Belle and Devon deserve everything. Full review to come.
February 9, 2022
Devon and Belle bring all the heat, covered with sinfully delicious darkness... just like the cherry on top !!!!
I'm in awe, and I'm speechless... and what's my name? You can slap my smth and call me Belle, because this book, this story, this couple ??? I breathe for The Rake today.
LJ ends this series with the biggest bam and I'm not sure how much time I'll need to recover. The Rake is brilliant, flawless and one hell of an experience. LJ is one of this genius authors, who create their heroes, in a way, that You can't stay away. The Rake, Belle and Devon are no exception here. They are wild, and untamed, as we remember from the previous books. Just, please, don't be sure that You know them very well lol. It is Devon, and so it's Belle - they will bring the highest level of tension, passion and angst, just to melt Your heart into puddle at the end.
Saying goodbye to my fave world and characters isn't easy, and I'm so NOT ready for this goodbye, but! LJ is a master storyteller - The Rake is a perfect conclusion for Boston Belles series.
#BuckleUpLadies Devon and Belle had already started to plan, how to hunt Your hearts down😉
I'm in awe, and I'm speechless... and what's my name? You can slap my smth and call me Belle, because this book, this story, this couple ??? I breathe for The Rake today.
LJ ends this series with the biggest bam and I'm not sure how much time I'll need to recover. The Rake is brilliant, flawless and one hell of an experience. LJ is one of this genius authors, who create their heroes, in a way, that You can't stay away. The Rake, Belle and Devon are no exception here. They are wild, and untamed, as we remember from the previous books. Just, please, don't be sure that You know them very well lol. It is Devon, and so it's Belle - they will bring the highest level of tension, passion and angst, just to melt Your heart into puddle at the end.
Saying goodbye to my fave world and characters isn't easy, and I'm so NOT ready for this goodbye, but! LJ is a master storyteller - The Rake is a perfect conclusion for Boston Belles series.
#BuckleUpLadies Devon and Belle had already started to plan, how to hunt Your hearts down😉
February 16, 2022
LJ Shen does it again and brings angst, wit, a sexy alpha, and an obstinate heroine all together to create an emotional roller-coaster ride of a story. This book will surprise you and steal your heart!!
Devon Whitehall & Emmabelle Penrose are absolutely delectable, sexy, and will pull at all your heartstrings in this angsty love story. Devon became my favorite hero of the series with his humor, loyalty, and overall passion and love of life and Belle. My heart broke and soared for this sassy heroine who acts much stronger on the outside than she is on the inside. Her story will break you, and then she'll put it all back together for you.
I am going to miss this fabulous world of the Boston Belles!!! Such an amazing, unique, and original series. Well done once again LJ Shen!!
Devon Whitehall & Emmabelle Penrose are absolutely delectable, sexy, and will pull at all your heartstrings in this angsty love story. Devon became my favorite hero of the series with his humor, loyalty, and overall passion and love of life and Belle. My heart broke and soared for this sassy heroine who acts much stronger on the outside than she is on the inside. Her story will break you, and then she'll put it all back together for you.
I am going to miss this fabulous world of the Boston Belles!!! Such an amazing, unique, and original series. Well done once again LJ Shen!!
April 25, 2023
TROP TROP BIEN
February 14, 2022
How does one cope with all these emotions going on right now…I’m an emotional mess.
From the start it’s very clear that bad things have happened to Emmabelle and Devon and it’s one of the reasons LJ has put a trigger warning at the start of the book. The telling of the heartbreaking things are indeed dark and disturbing and my heart completely broke for them both.
So if you’re reading this and need to know what trigger warnings are in the book before reading it, I’m going to place the trigger warnings below
Trigger Warnings: Child Abuse, Grooming and Sexual Assault/Rape.
So please take those warnings into consideration before picking up this book.
I fell in Love with Devon and Emmabelle instantly. I couldn’t help it, it just happened.
Devon is so much more than I thought he would be. He’s a Hero with Villain qualities which come out in full force when his family and loved ones are threatened. He’s patient, kind and insanely intelligent. His protectiveness over Belle is a sight to behold, this man deserves the entire world flaws and all because Devon has his fair share of flaws.
Belle, oh this woman had me close to tears multiple times. The hardships this woman has gone through are heartbreaking. From the very beginning we get to see her pain and throughout the book we get to understand the reason why she’s so strong against trusting. I just wanted to wrap her up and hug her. She’s so brave and strong.
The way they work together is absolutely great at times and ~pull your hair out~ frustrating at other times but their chemistry is insanely hot.
Their banter is fun and made me laugh and the facts they would spout out to each are so adorable to read through and had me laughing. I just loved them so much
LJ truly brought some incredible characters to life when she gave us Belle and Devon’s story, they’re easily my favourites in this series. Which is why I ended up super emotional at the end. There’s no more books to come in this series and it’s so so hard feeling like it’s a goodbye. I’ve loved all the characters, I feel like they became a part of my life *sighs*
But knowing LJ nothing is truly the end with her characters, there’s always a chance for more or well I’m hoping anyway LOL
The Rake is a dark and disturbing read filled with heartbreak but also fun times. It’s a book that’s about two broken souls healing and overcoming trauma and finding love when they least expected it.
From the start it’s very clear that bad things have happened to Emmabelle and Devon and it’s one of the reasons LJ has put a trigger warning at the start of the book. The telling of the heartbreaking things are indeed dark and disturbing and my heart completely broke for them both.
So if you’re reading this and need to know what trigger warnings are in the book before reading it, I’m going to place the trigger warnings below
Trigger Warnings: Child Abuse, Grooming and Sexual Assault/Rape.
So please take those warnings into consideration before picking up this book.
I fell in Love with Devon and Emmabelle instantly. I couldn’t help it, it just happened.
Devon is so much more than I thought he would be. He’s a Hero with Villain qualities which come out in full force when his family and loved ones are threatened. He’s patient, kind and insanely intelligent. His protectiveness over Belle is a sight to behold, this man deserves the entire world flaws and all because Devon has his fair share of flaws.
Belle, oh this woman had me close to tears multiple times. The hardships this woman has gone through are heartbreaking. From the very beginning we get to see her pain and throughout the book we get to understand the reason why she’s so strong against trusting. I just wanted to wrap her up and hug her. She’s so brave and strong.
The way they work together is absolutely great at times and ~pull your hair out~ frustrating at other times but their chemistry is insanely hot.
Their banter is fun and made me laugh and the facts they would spout out to each are so adorable to read through and had me laughing. I just loved them so much
LJ truly brought some incredible characters to life when she gave us Belle and Devon’s story, they’re easily my favourites in this series. Which is why I ended up super emotional at the end. There’s no more books to come in this series and it’s so so hard feeling like it’s a goodbye. I’ve loved all the characters, I feel like they became a part of my life *sighs*
But knowing LJ nothing is truly the end with her characters, there’s always a chance for more or well I’m hoping anyway LOL
The Rake is a dark and disturbing read filled with heartbreak but also fun times. It’s a book that’s about two broken souls healing and overcoming trauma and finding love when they least expected it.
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