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stephv99's review
5.0
I think it was a great read , the premise of the story sounded intriguing and fun. I was hooked from the start and it kept me captivated the entire way through. Itโs fast paced and a good story
the_travelingbooknerd's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It wasn't awful, but I never understood the "why"
Plot: 3 ๐
Spice: 3 ๐ถ๏ธ
Overall: 3 โญ
- Why would a billionaire family adopt a 17 y/o?
- How on earth could a 17 y/o possibly integrate himself into High Society and (with absolutely no formal education) catch up in 1 year to be prepared for a BA/MBA 6-year collegiate/masters program? No genius-level IQ was inferred.
- What exactly was his "business" - there's some random meeting with a Ms. Petticort (Also spelled Petticoat... I'm confused) with some vague mention of shipping? And what exactly was his nefarious past that's only every alluded to as "the gang"?
- What exactly does Aurora DO other than shop, read books, and breathe air to exist?
- If she hates dressing up, makeup, etc., and her mother wouldn't approve of too much skin, why does she & her mother select an absolutely trashy/vampy outfit to a charity Gala held with all the other Big Wigs and their significant others?
I could see so many places where the story had a ton of promise & potential, but way too many questions left unanswered to make the story truly come together for me.
This needed to reel in all the random whiskey drinking, repetitive conversations with Drake (he sure smirked a lot), low class speech (this is supposed to be a Billionaire/CEO romance), and build up the actual "Why", the motivation behind the plot.
Keep all that steamy spice!!!
But the "why, how come, for what reason" seemed to be entirely missing for me.
Plot: 3 ๐
Spice: 3 ๐ถ๏ธ
Overall: 3 โญ
- Why would a billionaire family adopt a 17 y/o?
- How on earth could a 17 y/o possibly integrate himself into High Society and (with absolutely no formal education) catch up in 1 year to be prepared for a BA/MBA 6-year collegiate/masters program? No genius-level IQ was inferred.
- What exactly was his "business" - there's some random meeting with a Ms. Petticort (Also spelled Petticoat... I'm confused) with some vague mention of shipping? And what exactly was his nefarious past that's only every alluded to as "the gang"?
- What exactly does Aurora DO other than shop, read books, and breathe air to exist?
- If she hates dressing up, makeup, etc., and her mother wouldn't approve of too much skin, why does she & her mother select an absolutely trashy/vampy outfit to a charity Gala held with all the other Big Wigs and their significant others?
I could see so many places where the story had a ton of promise & potential, but way too many questions left unanswered to make the story truly come together for me.
This needed to reel in all the random whiskey drinking, repetitive conversations with Drake (he sure smirked a lot), low class speech (this is supposed to be a Billionaire/CEO romance), and build up the actual "Why", the motivation behind the plot.
Keep all that steamy spice!!!
But the "why, how come, for what reason" seemed to be entirely missing for me.
hawaiirican808's review
4.0
I read a ton of dark romance and will always be in a chokehold with mafia romances, and C.L did not disappoint with "Raising the Stakes" AT ALL.
I like books that can captivate me from the start and she mastered that with this storyline. There were so many plots, a storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat, and spice that was EASILY 4/5 chilis for me. I loved that she really paid attention to the little details when she wrote her character's stories. A lot of background history so you can know the main characters especially TC in depth. The enemies to lovers/ arranged troupes were PERFECT for this book and storyline. TC was as morally gray and possessive as they come. I will say, the only thing I did not like with this book was the cliffhanger. Way to drop a bomb right at the end that had my jaw dropped to the floor! She did an incredible job with this book and for her first novel on the dark side, she did AMAZING! I will definitely be following and seeing where she takes the next book in this series because I devoured this and enjoyed it way too much!
I like books that can captivate me from the start and she mastered that with this storyline. There were so many plots, a storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat, and spice that was EASILY 4/5 chilis for me. I loved that she really paid attention to the little details when she wrote her character's stories. A lot of background history so you can know the main characters especially TC in depth. The enemies to lovers/ arranged troupes were PERFECT for this book and storyline. TC was as morally gray and possessive as they come. I will say, the only thing I did not like with this book was the cliffhanger. Way to drop a bomb right at the end that had my jaw dropped to the floor! She did an incredible job with this book and for her first novel on the dark side, she did AMAZING! I will definitely be following and seeing where she takes the next book in this series because I devoured this and enjoyed it way too much!
breslibraryy's review
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ : ๐.๐/๐ โ
๐๐ฉ๐ข๐๐: ๐
๐๐ฒ๐ง๐จ๐ฉ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ:
TC is a playboy that comes from a dark past. He grew up in an orphanage which is where he got mixed with the wrong people. He never thought he'd find a family but when a rich successful family picks him his world changes. Now as an adult with a family he loves, a job he's great at, and all the money and women he could want his past comes back to haunt him.
Aurora is a heiress who just wants a quiet life out of the spotlight but when Aurora and TC fathers arrange a marriage between them she knows she won't ever get that. To make things worse Aurora and TC spent their school years making each other's lives miserable and absolutely despise each other. Physical and emotional lines start to blur making Aurora the perfect target for TC enemies.
๐๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ:
I devoured this one! From start to finish, I was hooked. It's a great mix of dark romance, marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, and touch her & ๐
TC & Auroraโs relationship is a rollercoaster of tension, heat, and angst. I loved the push & pull between them.
I love Aurora she is such a strong FMC she doesn't let TC walk all over her she gives it right back to him and usually always gets the last word in.
TC is one of those MMCs you want to hate but can't it starts out with him being a complete jerk who sleeps around but his possessiveness and protectiveness win you over. I also love how confident he helps Aurora become.
I recommend this to anyone who likes dark romance or the arranged marriage trope.
Thank you so much to the author and HappilyBookedPR for the Earc
๐๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐จ:
โฆEnemies to Lovers
โฆArranged Marriage
โฆTouch her and ๐
โฆRags to Riches
โฆMorally Grey MMC
โฆPierced MMC
โฆKinky MMC
rainydaybookaddict's review
5.0
If you love an enemies to lovers with angst, tension and clear hate that has been on the surface for years you will love TC and Aurora. Their hate for each other goes back to their teenage years and has just grown over the years but in order for TC to keep his company they must marry since it has been arranged since they were teenagers.
There is also action in this it is not a mafia romance but has some elements of it. TC was adopted and people from his past come to threaten those he loves so we definitely get an my wife moment. The spice ๐ฅต๐ฅต๐ฅต when I tell you TC is down for whatever whenever I mean it that man takes no days off.
I loved Aurora she does not let TC walk all over her and absolutely gives it back to him usually with the last word.
~~What to Expect~~
๐ฅDark Romance
๐ฅOTT/Jp Hero
๐ฅPierced MMC
๐ฅEnemies to Lovers
๐ฅArranged Marriage/Marriage of Connivence
~Quote~
๐ Because you are my addiction. Iโve never had an addiction before.
But you, Youโre mine.
There is also action in this it is not a mafia romance but has some elements of it. TC was adopted and people from his past come to threaten those he loves so we definitely get an my wife moment. The spice ๐ฅต๐ฅต๐ฅต when I tell you TC is down for whatever whenever I mean it that man takes no days off.
I loved Aurora she does not let TC walk all over her and absolutely gives it back to him usually with the last word.
~~What to Expect~~
๐ฅDark Romance
๐ฅOTT/Jp Hero
๐ฅPierced MMC
๐ฅEnemies to Lovers
๐ฅArranged Marriage/Marriage of Connivence
~Quote~
๐ Because you are my addiction. Iโve never had an addiction before.
But you, Youโre mine.
mnimismemory's review
4.0
Raising the Stakes by C.L Ledford is part of the Dark Era Series. I was already a fan of this authorโs writing before going into this book. But let me just say this book just took it to another level. After reading the blurb I knew this in my wheelhouseโฆ dark romance, enemies to lovers, a marriage of convenience. I read this in about a day, it caught my attention and kept it until the end. I really enjoyed reading TC and Auroraโs past and them growing into something different. I did like their chemistry and the spice was just fire. It did take me a bit to warm up to TC but once I did, I was all in with him. Heโs a broody tattoo guy, so of course I would wind up loving him. This was full of tension, intensity, action, a twist and suspense. Overall I really enjoyed this book even if I have unanswered questions after that bomb drop. So Iโm unsure how Iโm feeling about the ending. I thought it was written well and the plot was addicting while moving at a consistent pace. A page turner thatโs for sure. It was described well where you could picture/imagine everything clearly. If youโre a fan of dark romance, than I definitely recommend that you check out this book. C.L Ledford is an amazing author who really knows how to write interesting characters and stories.
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
amymichhelle's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
naniisbookcorner's review
3.5
BOOK TITLE: Raising the Stakes
AUTHOR: C.L. Ledford
STAR RATING: โ โ โ .5
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โด
For those readers that want a man who is kinky and isnโt afraid of a little blood and torture. This book is for you.
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ โด
๐ค Kinky MMC
โจ Pierced MMC
๐ค Rags to Riches
โจ Touch Her & Die
๐ค Enemies to Lovers
โจ Morally Gray MMC
๐ค Arranged Marriage
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โด
I did not like Tomโs attitude in the beginning whatsoever. The fact that he even thought about being with other women after getting married immediately turned me off lol. Also the name Tom, sir with a name like that you shouldnโt be acting the way you were acting. I was definitely going to DNF it but then decided to keep reading because he hadnโt cheated yet. This book seemed to be more smut than it was plot (not that I minded that one bit) the smut was so good but again I just couldnโt connect with Tom. I did like the way he protected Aurora and the jealousy he displayed whenever a man got too close to her. The writing itself was great, as far as recommending the book, I would recommend it simply because I feel like others wouldnโt have a problem connecting with Tom, itโs just a me thing that caused me to reduce the rating.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โด
As always, although this is an E-ARC, my thoughts are my own and this is my honest review. Thank you to C.L. Ledford & Happily Booked PR for the ARC opportunity.
โฝ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐
โหโบโงโโฝโฏโพโโงโบหโ
AUTHOR: C.L. Ledford
STAR RATING: โ โ โ .5
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โด
For those readers that want a man who is kinky and isnโt afraid of a little blood and torture. This book is for you.
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ โด
๐ค Kinky MMC
โจ Pierced MMC
๐ค Rags to Riches
โจ Touch Her & Die
๐ค Enemies to Lovers
โจ Morally Gray MMC
๐ค Arranged Marriage
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โด
I did not like Tomโs attitude in the beginning whatsoever. The fact that he even thought about being with other women after getting married immediately turned me off lol. Also the name Tom, sir with a name like that you shouldnโt be acting the way you were acting. I was definitely going to DNF it but then decided to keep reading because he hadnโt cheated yet. This book seemed to be more smut than it was plot (not that I minded that one bit) the smut was so good but again I just couldnโt connect with Tom. I did like the way he protected Aurora and the jealousy he displayed whenever a man got too close to her. The writing itself was great, as far as recommending the book, I would recommend it simply because I feel like others wouldnโt have a problem connecting with Tom, itโs just a me thing that caused me to reduce the rating.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โด
As always, although this is an E-ARC, my thoughts are my own and this is my honest review. Thank you to C.L. Ledford & Happily Booked PR for the ARC opportunity.
โฝ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐
โหโบโงโโฝโฏโพโโงโบหโ
lululovesbooks77's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I am definitely in my mafia, darkish romance phase right now because thatโs all I want to read! TC and Auroraโs relationship has always been a hateful, but their parents forcing them to marry each other really put the cherry on top.
Being forced to live with each other is the best way to quickly know more about the other person, and with TC and Auroraโs chemistry it was FIRE! But TC has a dark past that starts to get in the wayโฆ andโฆ. Well youโll have to read the book to find out more!!
This book is also part of a a series, but the ending was satisfying and not a massive cliffhanger like others! At least thats how I felt ๐
๐ช๐ต๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ:
๐ฅArranged Marriage
๐ฅEnemies to loves
๐ฅForced proximity
๐ฅTouch her and ๐
๐ฅMorally Grey Alpha
๐ฅDual POV
๐ฅMafia/Gang
๐ฅBillionaire
๐ฅSpicy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
honeydipped229's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
TC and Aurora have known each other since high school. They were both successful in making each other's lives miserable in one way or another. Soooooo of course my parents who are good friends decided to arrange for the two to be married. Aurora and TC agreed that their marriage would just be a marriage of convenience and they would continue to live their lives as though they weren't married. That all changed one night when TC heard Aurora say his name while pleasuring herself. From that point on they navigated the ups and downs of discovering their true feelings for each other. Great plot and great spice.