Scan barcode
kaydanielsromance's review against another edition
5.0
Wow!! Business in the boardroom and a freak in the sheets...Logan and Ella may have a fake relationship, but their story is full of passion, emotion, and steamy heat.
Logan is the second child in the Crowne family, but he has been running the Crowne empire for quite some time. However, when his father (who still is a major shareholder in the company) lays down an ultimatum that he has to take time off and get married Logan is less than pleased. Logan sets out to find a partner that would work out better in a business deal vs. someone to love in a marriage so he can get back to work as soon as possible and not be tied to someone with all the messy emotional entanglements that relationships require.
When Logan finds Ella, a woman looking to turn around her father's company she is the perfect fit. She too needs someone to help her out of the hole she's in and isn't looking for an emotional attachment either.
Their plan seems perfect, their goals both seem in line, however neither one expected to feel the chemistry explode between them which only makes the months they will spend together a form of torture or exquisite bliss. It just depends on how they look at the risk they are willing to take and if they can keep themselves from getting attached.
Perhaps as a second child myself, I really understood Logan's sense of proving himself, his need for perfection, and his overwhelming desire to outshine his older brother. I know from asking my own older brother if he knew of the competition we had going on sometimes and he honestly never knew I was trying to win at a game that he never knew we were playing. Logan gives examples of trying to best his older brother and that connection was very palpable.
Then we have Ella, for all appearances, she is the opposite of Logan. An artist, a rebel, a rule breaker. However, we find out that she may be more like him and also that underneath the stiff, uppercrust Logan, he might also be a little like her and that combination is what makes them an explosive couple. That passion also might be what kills their relationship, but you need to read the story to find out what happens.
Interconnected with Iron Crowne, but you can jump into Crowne of Lies if this is your first taste in this world. Although I'd highly recommend reading Byron's story just so you understand some of the structure of the Crowne world and perhaps some of the barbs the family tosses out at each other, but it isn't necessary to enjoy Logan's story.
Logan is the second child in the Crowne family, but he has been running the Crowne empire for quite some time. However, when his father (who still is a major shareholder in the company) lays down an ultimatum that he has to take time off and get married Logan is less than pleased. Logan sets out to find a partner that would work out better in a business deal vs. someone to love in a marriage so he can get back to work as soon as possible and not be tied to someone with all the messy emotional entanglements that relationships require.
When Logan finds Ella, a woman looking to turn around her father's company she is the perfect fit. She too needs someone to help her out of the hole she's in and isn't looking for an emotional attachment either.
Their plan seems perfect, their goals both seem in line, however neither one expected to feel the chemistry explode between them which only makes the months they will spend together a form of torture or exquisite bliss. It just depends on how they look at the risk they are willing to take and if they can keep themselves from getting attached.
Perhaps as a second child myself, I really understood Logan's sense of proving himself, his need for perfection, and his overwhelming desire to outshine his older brother. I know from asking my own older brother if he knew of the competition we had going on sometimes and he honestly never knew I was trying to win at a game that he never knew we were playing. Logan gives examples of trying to best his older brother and that connection was very palpable.
Then we have Ella, for all appearances, she is the opposite of Logan. An artist, a rebel, a rule breaker. However, we find out that she may be more like him and also that underneath the stiff, uppercrust Logan, he might also be a little like her and that combination is what makes them an explosive couple. That passion also might be what kills their relationship, but you need to read the story to find out what happens.
Interconnected with Iron Crowne, but you can jump into Crowne of Lies if this is your first taste in this world. Although I'd highly recommend reading Byron's story just so you understand some of the structure of the Crowne world and perhaps some of the barbs the family tosses out at each other, but it isn't necessary to enjoy Logan's story.
milicasbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
I love arranged-marriage stories and this one is pretty good.
I love arranged-marriage stories and this one is pretty good.
groovygirl858's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
1.5 stars
At 35 percent, this book is confusing me. It's disjointed and swings wildly from one emotion to another. The characters keep having changes of heart/mind with no real catalyst. Something small will happen and it's treated like it's a major deal. Also, scenes just randomly take on a different tone with no warning. The premise is good and the characters are somewhat likeable, but the execution of this story so far leaves a lot to be desired.
At 74 percent, I just don't like the FMC. It's hard to root for this couple. They don't make each other happy at all and I'm not even sure why they have feelings for each other. Seems like just lust, at this point. And the disjointedness of the book is still a problem. Also, the FMC enjoys illegal graffiti art. I wouldn't have even started this book had I known that. She's acting like her life has no meaning if she can't participate in illegal art projects. What a stupid FMC.
End: Meh. I didn't really feel the connection between the characters. The story was too all over the place and it seemed to me that the characters became a habit for each other more than "they fell in love." Very unromantic romance book.
At 35 percent, this book is confusing me. It's disjointed and swings wildly from one emotion to another. The characters keep having changes of heart/mind with no real catalyst. Something small will happen and it's treated like it's a major deal. Also, scenes just randomly take on a different tone with no warning. The premise is good and the characters are somewhat likeable, but the execution of this story so far leaves a lot to be desired.
At 74 percent, I just don't like the FMC. It's hard to root for this couple. They don't make each other happy at all and I'm not even sure why they have feelings for each other. Seems like just lust, at this point. And the disjointedness of the book is still a problem. Also, the FMC enjoys illegal graffiti art. I wouldn't have even started this book had I known that. She's acting like her life has no meaning if she can't participate in illegal art projects. What a stupid FMC.
End: Meh. I didn't really feel the connection between the characters. The story was too all over the place and it seemed to me that the characters became a habit for each other more than "they fell in love." Very unromantic romance book.
rcrg's review against another edition
5.0
Man this author just brings it home for me. There are very few writers that can piss me off, yet keep me turning the pages with blind devotion.
I was pissed at Papa Crowne. Who makes that kind of demand and not expect it to be a shit show? Who? I realize it all worked out, but does the end ever really justify the means?
I loved the life out of Logan and Ella. They were the quintessential perfectly imperfect. They were the square peg in a round hole. She was destructive and creative while he was solid and focused. When they truly saw each other, it was pure magic.
Only CD Reiss can catch me free falling into angry, jerk me by the hair, shake me, tell me to get a grip and leave me with a satisfied smile.
Read this book and better yet, read this series.... or as CD says on her Insta/Facebook stories ..... or don't...... but seriously do. It's fabulous!
I was pissed at Papa Crowne. Who makes that kind of demand and not expect it to be a shit show? Who? I realize it all worked out, but does the end ever really justify the means?
I loved the life out of Logan and Ella. They were the quintessential perfectly imperfect. They were the square peg in a round hole. She was destructive and creative while he was solid and focused. When they truly saw each other, it was pure magic.
Only CD Reiss can catch me free falling into angry, jerk me by the hair, shake me, tell me to get a grip and leave me with a satisfied smile.
Read this book and better yet, read this series.... or as CD says on her Insta/Facebook stories ..... or don't...... but seriously do. It's fabulous!
ree128's review against another edition
5.0
Fake marriage contract turns real
I loved how Logan thought he could stay indifferent during a marriage to Ella for a year. Especially when their marriage began with such a memorable night. Ella thought she wanted to buy out her step mother in return for the marriage of convenience. She found out so much about herself during the first six months of marriage to Logan. Interests change over time as well as feelings. This couple were meant to be from the word I do.
I loved how Logan thought he could stay indifferent during a marriage to Ella for a year. Especially when their marriage began with such a memorable night. Ella thought she wanted to buy out her step mother in return for the marriage of convenience. She found out so much about herself during the first six months of marriage to Logan. Interests change over time as well as feelings. This couple were meant to be from the word I do.
sjb86's review against another edition
5.0
First book for me by CD Reiss and OMG loved it especially with the audiobook by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell.
This book is a classic fake marriage to inherit the company sort of this which I personally enjoy anyway but love that Logan is actually a nice guy mostly through the book but a workaholic and Ella comes from a clothing designer family and is a hippie free spirit type of person which is completely different personalities.
The book is fantastic but I think the story is made so much better by having two awesome narrators that made me not want to stop listening. Definitely gonna be checking out more CD Reiss.
This book is a classic fake marriage to inherit the company sort of this which I personally enjoy anyway but love that Logan is actually a nice guy mostly through the book but a workaholic and Ella comes from a clothing designer family and is a hippie free spirit type of person which is completely different personalities.
The book is fantastic but I think the story is made so much better by having two awesome narrators that made me not want to stop listening. Definitely gonna be checking out more CD Reiss.
jennyluvlitbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Crowne of Lies is the second book in this stand alone but interconnected series. This time, we have the story of the other Crowne brother, Logan.
If you had followed this series, then you would have a glimpse of Logan on the first book. What I loved about it, is that this is a marriage of convenience trope, and definitely one that I like. The tension and chemistry between Logan and Ella is everything that I'm expecting for this trope and more. Overall, another must read and recommends to fans of the author.
If you had followed this series, then you would have a glimpse of Logan on the first book. What I loved about it, is that this is a marriage of convenience trope, and definitely one that I like. The tension and chemistry between Logan and Ella is everything that I'm expecting for this trope and more. Overall, another must read and recommends to fans of the author.
thatswhatfazread's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
As always, good writing on C.D Reiss's part, however, it didn't capture me the way I would expect a character driven book to.
I would've liked it to be more emotional/angsty but for a standalone with so much to unpack the story really did well!
Overall a good read, Logan was unexpectedly sweet but Byron still holds my heart for now in this series. Off we go to Dante!
I would've liked it to be more emotional/angsty but for a standalone with so much to unpack the story really did well!
Overall a good read, Logan was unexpectedly sweet but Byron still holds my heart for now in this series. Off we go to Dante!