| Title | : | Filthy Rich (Blackstone Dynasty, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 304 |
| Publication | : | First published November 15, 2016 |
Only Brooke isn’t looking for love. She knows all too well just how much damage the wrong guy can do. Still, what sane, broke British girl can resist the charms of an incredibly sexy, chivalrous billionaire? What starts as flirtation quickly turns into all-consuming passion. Nothing could have prepared her for the searing heat of Caleb’s touch—or just how much she craves him.
Their whirlwind romance is the stuff of high-society fantasy—but for every moment of pleasure, there is a cost. Past mistakes and tragedy shadow them both…and falling for him might be the kind of trouble she can’t afford.
Filthy Rich (Blackstone Dynasty, #1) Reviews
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★★★★★! Filthy Rich (stand-alone, book 1 of X). British girl is swept off her feet by larger-than-life Caleb Blackstone who will stop at nothing to have her!
“She’d turned me into one horny fucking creature, that side of me wanting to get buck-ass naked and lick each other’s privates for a day.”
Books in Blackstone Dynasty series are stand-alones:
Book 1:
Filthy Rich - Caleb & Brooke
Book 2:
Filthy Lies - James & Winter
Book 3:
Untitled
Filthy Rich opens up to heir, playboy and venture capitalist Caleb J. W. Blackstone’s life the day before it derails. Everything he knows or thought he knew, felt and believed will be rocked by an encounter with Junior designer Brooke E. Casterley.
From different worlds, a regular girl is about to get swept off her feet….
Caleb is determined to have Brooke and will stop at nothing to master-mind a rendezvous. Off-the-chart sex, candid conversation and an eerie connection has them both coming back for more, falling deeper into an affair.
With the odds stacked against them, they must discover what ties them together and sets them apart…
For the first time in his life the commanding and self-assured Caleb J. W. Blackstone finds himself intrigued by a woman. Seven words to describe Caleb: Captivating, controlling, worldly, determined, confident, dirty-talker and possessive.
Seven words to describe Brooke E. Casterley: Innocent, unassuming, naive, loyal, caring, broken and private.
Filthy Rich, told from dual POVs, is a whirlwind affair with a larger-than-life hero and a heroine who can hold her own. There is seduction, steam, secrets, painful pasts, set-backs and a destined butterflies-in-your-belly romance that ends perfectly. I cannot wait for the next story about Caleb’s sister and best friend in book 2,
Filthy Lies.
“I was a motherfucking caveman with my woman beneath me.”
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Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Plot rating: 5 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
**********************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
ARC provided to me by author Raine Miller, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. -
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I listened to the Audible version of this book and it was just the type of light, uncomplicated story that I love for audiobook selections. It was sweet, predictable and admittedly cliché...but I enjoyed every minute! Sometimes you just need a little "fluff" in your reading regimen!
Caleb Blackstone is the dreamy, billionaire playboy. When he sets his eyes on Brooke Casterley, who is working as a server at a black tie event, he is immediately taken aback. It is insta-love.
After coming to her rescue when another rich party guest sets his sights on her and gets a little grabby, she leaves. Caleb resorts to some creepy, stalker behavior to obtain her name and address, even talking to her boss and following her home. (Of course, this type of behavior is only a problem in real life. In a romance novel, it is perfectly acceptable and doesn't raise any red flags. LOL.)
Once he has her information, she doesn't stand a chance. He comes on strong, wooing her with flowers and a new dream job. In literally one date, he manages to have her completely at his mercy.
Yes, it is as over-the-top and sweet as it sounds. You need to be in the mood for this type of book, or you'll spend a lot of time rolling your eyes. I was, so it was a good choice, but be forewarned.
As expected, when the happy couple starts to get cozy in their new relationship something happens to upset the balance. No big surprise here, but the billionaire playboy has a psycho ex-girlfriend that isn't ready to give up her fantasies of being Mrs. Blackstone anytime soon. Similarly, Brooke has a past that continues to haunt her and scare her away from men. After all, what good would a story be if there wasn't a little tension?
In the case of 'Filthy Rich', the dramatics are pretty short-lived. For the most part, it was a happy-go-lucky type of story. Poor little Brooke is working her butt off to get by one day and she won the billionaire lotto the next. Bam!
Even when there was a huge - and pretty crazy - attack on the happy couple, it was passed over like nothing more than a small bump on the road to their HEA. Then, it is back to perfection for these two. I think this might have been the least angsty romance that I've ever read.
Overall, if you're looking for a straightforward, sweet and heartwarming type of story, this is a good choice. In fact, it was so straightforward that I questioned whether or not there was something going on beneath the surface. It just seemed too simple and I was sure that I was going to be blindsided by some big twist at the end. However, it didn't happen.
I listened to this audiobook while doing housework and cooking dinner for the evening. It was a great choice because it didn't require a lot of concentration and I could divide my attention between the story and other things. Literally, it was so straightforward that I felt like I didn't even have to think.
It was sweet, uncomplicated and cute. No twists or surprises here. Will it make a lasting impression on me? Certainly not. However, it was a good way to pass the afternoon and I enjoyed it. It left me with a smile. -
ARC generously provided to me by NetGalley and Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.
An amazing, heart-warming start to the series!
The anxiously awaited first book of The Blackstone Dynasty did not only live up to my expectations, it exceeded them and then some. It was definitely worth the wait.
My heart raced from the first page, every word in this exhilarating romance making me forget the world around me and immerse myself blissfully in yet another beautiful Raine Miller story that I adored.
Brooke Casterley is a young British Interior designer. She left a painful past behind her, hopeful to start a new life in Boston as far away from her old home as possible. She’s now living on the high-end, touristy retreat called Blackstone Island with her Nan who needs her. There wasn’t anything Brooke wouldn’t do for the woman who had taken her in at fifteen after her parents were killed in a car crash. When Brooke left LA five months ago and came back to Boston her only goal was all about getting her life back. Brooke made a promise to herself not to let the bad parts of her past hurt her anymore. She’s not looking for love and she’s determined to keep moving forward.
Caleb Blackstone is a business mogul travelling all around the world since he’d taken over the reins at Blackstone Global Enterprises. For the last height years, his life was all about working hard and living every aspect that came with the lifestyle of wealthy people. Until her. One look at Brooke and Caleb is utterly bewitched, making him believe what his father had said to him before he’d died « when you find whatever it is that makes you happy, Caleb, hold on to it with everything you’ve got. Your heart will let you know.»
For Caleb, Brooke is his fate personified. He thinks that his path to finding her was set in motion a long time ago. Caleb is intoxicated by her presence, wanting her with a primal desire and embracing that desire wholeheartedly even knowing that his mother would never approve of us together neither the New England high-society. But the heart wants what it wants, and his was irrevocably wrapped up in the package that was Brooke. It was just fate doing its thing. Brooke has brutally and savagely ripped right into his heart.
« I knew it down in my bones. I was going to marry that lovely, beautiful girl from England, and she would be mine. »
Caleb Blackstone is pure alpha yumminess! He is simply a remarkable man and inside-out beautiful. After he meets her all his actions from then on are driven only by his growing feelings for her and his almost-primal urge to protect her and claim her as his own. I loved him, all his sweet gestures and every thoughtful part of him.
Brooke is a woman in need of emotional healing and Caleb is the perfect man for her. His protectiveness makes Brooke feel safe for the first time in years, safe enough to show him all her fears. Their connection is all-consuming and passionate. They awaken needs and desires in each other that they weren’t even aware of having, their bodies responding to each other instinctively and effortlessly.
« I’ve ever known that sort of love. Never known unconditional, fearless love. »
« It’s never been like this. It was filthy and beautiful and savage - it was filthy and precious ».
But Brooke’s heart has been horribly wounded and she’s desperately afraid of losing control of her life, to be vulnerable again. Can Caleb prove to her that what they share isn’t just an intense physical relationship but an emotional connection strong enough to last forever?
This is a genuinely romantic and beautifully written story about wanting more out of life and finding someone to be your true self with. Filthy Rich is a story that will warm your heart and make it race all at the same time, every part of it done just right. The supporting characters are all amazing and Raine Miller has also once again, successfully transmitted her passion for history and heritage. My love for this author is absolute and I can’t wait to read James and Winter’s story. -
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
Nothing was familiar when it came to Brooke. Each new thing we shared together felt to me as if I’d never done it before, and more importantly, as if I never wanted to do it again with anyone other than her—ever.
Fans of Raine Miller are in for a treat with this new spin-off series, The Blackstone Dynasty. I was a little sad that Ethan Blackstone never makes an appearance in this one but I do believe that Caleb Blackstone will melt a few hearts out there. Those of you who have read Raine’s other books, know all too well that she can deliver the decadent steam like no other and we get it and then some in Filthy Rich!!
Caleb Blackstone has kept himself very busy running the family’s empire for the past several years and hasn’t had much time for anything else. His personal life has been filled with one-night-stands and a few meaningless relationships that never outlived more than a few months. He’s never been tempted to want anything more with a woman until the day he sees a strikingly beautiful woman leaving the Starbucks he frequents and entering an interior design office next door. He’s even more surprised when he sees the woman again, serving hors d'oeuvres at a charity dinner later that evening. He ends up coming to the rescue when one of the guests gets a little too handsy with Brooke. Caleb later learns that it really is a small world, when he finds out that she lives on Blackstone Island with her grandmother, who was the cook for the Blackstone family for over thirty years.
Brooke Casterley is no stranger to heartbreak. She lost both of her parents when she was only fifteen and had to leave her home in England to go live with her Grandmother in Massachusetts. Her life on Blackstone Island turned out to be a good one but while she went off to college she became involved with a man who would turn out to be a master manipulator and abusive. Once again, tragedy brings Brooke back to Blackstone Island. She’s trying to get her life back on track and a relationship with another man is the last thing that she needs or wants. But sometimes the one thing you think you can do without, happens to be what you need the most!!
There is no mistaking the insta-love factor in this story. Caleb has hearts and flowers coming out of his eyeballs the moment he sees Brooke and he vigorously pursues her. But he’s so very charismatic and I couldn’t deny the fact that I might have been wishing I were in Brooke’s shoes. Don’t even get me started on how incredibly hot the shmexy factor is in this book!!
FILTHY RICH is currently available. Be sure to one-click!! I mean check out that GORGEOUS cover. I was in cover-lust the moment I saw it!!
Amazon US:
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Amazon UK:
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Paperback:
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Billionaire Caleb Blackstone is a player. He is successful, rich, and smoking hot. When he sets eyes on Brooke Casterley at a party he knows he will do anything and everything to have her.
Brooke Casterley knows all too well what a powerful man can do. She has the scars to prove it. Moving back home to help her Gram, she just wants to have a quiet life to heal her soul. That's until Caleb Blackstone comes to her rescue.
Can Brooke resist the charm that is Caleb Blackstone? Does she even want to? What could a filthy rich player have in common with a broke British girl?
I really enjoyed this one. It was super sweet. Very insta-love. Low angst. A tiny bit predictable. But I loved the characters (both main and secondary.) Caleb was SO sweet and one look at Brooke was all it took for him to give up his player ways and fall madly in love. Brooke was a sweet heroine. She had been through so much for such a young woman, but she handled it all so well. There is a fabulous cast of secondary characters, from Brooke's Gram to Caleb's siblings and best friend James. They all added an extra layer to the overall story. I can't wait to see what is in store for them.
That said, it did drag a little for me through the middle and I felt like we were left hanging about the heroine's husbands family. The author kept alluding to them being dangerous or potentially coming after the heroine, but nothing ever came of it. I also (as I mentioned above) found it a bit predictable. I saw the big surprise at the end coming from a mile away.
Overall, though, this was a fabulous little read that kept me entertained. So it gets two thumbs up from yours truly.
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Audio "re-read" 12/12/19
The billionaire falls for the destitute woman. It's nothing new and has been done many times. Yet Raine Miller was able to take this trope and put her own unique spin on it, keeping the story interesting and enjoyable. I liked that Caleb wasn't your typical billionaire, and he could be really sweet at times. I loved him and Brooke together and thought they made a perfect couple.
Brooke didn't let Caleb's money dissuade her from being with him and I liked that she was comfortable with their relationship. There are also some secondary characters that I can't wait to read more about so I'm looking forward to getting more from this series. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long! -
4.5 'Wonderful Moments' Stars!
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I fell in love with Raine Miller when she created and gave us Ethan Blackstone and his love story with Brynne Bennett. Now, you can imagine how excited I was when she announced she was writing a new series called Blackstone Dynasty! I haven't read anything by her for a long time and I was left completely satisfied when I finished reading her upcoming release.
Filthy Rich is the first installment of this series and it's focused on a new generation of Blackstones that includes Caleb (of course) and his brothers and sisters. But let's talk about this novel. Filthy Rich is the love story between Caleb Blackstone (the sexy CEO of Blackstone Global Enterprises, a man focused on his work -especially after losing his father- who will become obsessed with certain British interior designer) and Brooke Casterley (a woman who comes with a difficult past but wants to move on and that seems to be the case when Caleb starts wooing her).
Brooke and I were inevitable.
Inevitable.
Ladies, if you have read anything by this woman you know she can create sexy and swoon worthy heroes. Well, Caleb Blackstone is not an exception. The man is hot, smart, funny and completely intoxicated by Brooke's presence. He falls in love instantly and he is determined to claim what he considers his. I mean, what is not to love?
I fucked her like a madman, hard… deep… and wildly.
It’s never been like this. It was beautiful and savage—it was filthy and precious.
It makes me sigh with satisfaction when I read a well-written and well-developed love story. Raine Miller's writing is flawless and fluent. I mean, I devoured this book in such a short time! I felt so connected with the story and the chemistry between the main characters that I could not stop reading. Damn, it has some hot scenes in there! And that's why I can assure Filthy Rich is a wonderful reading journey.
I love him—every beautiful, generous, thoughtful part of him. And it was so easy to do so, as if he’d been made for me.
The only thing I have to say stopped me from rating this book with 5 or even 6 stars is that the love story between these too almost seems surreal. It happens in such a short period of time, especially for Caleb! I do get it’s like love at first sight but everything happens quite rapidly. Still, I felt the love and the strong connection between the couple so it’s all good for me!
Being loved by him was the best thing to ever happen to me.
Therefore, my rating for Filthy Rich is 4.5 STARS because this was a fantastic way to introduce Raine’s new series and new characters. I am so excited to see all this Blackstones falling in love, I cannot wait for the next books! I highly recommend this, especially if you loved Ethan Blackstone and you want a new swoony hero!
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Caleb Blackstone *sigh* <3 OMG I'm melting in here... :) I'm absolutely in love with this book!!!
Caleb is my new book boyfriend now. :) He's smart, so sexy but he's also so kind and thoughtful too.
My God, I just can't get enough of him and I can talk about him on and on... :)
Ps. Can't wait to read 2nd book too. James & Winter's story. <3 -
Raine Miller writes beautiful romance! There’s just something so classic and sexy about the way she weaves a story. Her words capture you in the first chapter and transport you into Caleb and Brooke’s relationship. From the first page to the last, it’s sexy and emotional. Five rich-in-so-many-ways stars!
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Caleb and Brooke's story is the very definition of true romance. My heart is full. FIVE FILTHY FEEL GOOD STARS!
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Drum roll please.....And the award for "Best Book Boyfriend/Husband" goes to.......Caleb Blackstone!!!
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CALEB BLACKSTONE
His life is great. He's filthy rich. He loves his job. He loves uncomplicated one-night stands.
Nothing is missing from his perfect bachelor-life.
Until he sees her....Brooke Casterley.
I knew it the first time I ever felt the heat of her eyes as they burned me from across the room. I knew it down to in my bones. I was going to marry that lovely, beautiful girl from England, and she would be mine.
He's instantly fascinated. She's beautiful, strong, smart, funny, sad...
He knew the moment he met her that she'll be the future Mrs. Blackstone.
But of course it's not as easy as that.
Brooke's been hurt pretty badly in her past relationship. Both emotionally and physically.
She doesn't really trust that Caleb is as great as he appears.
And then there's the fact that Brooke's and Caleb's lives are connected in a small way.
Brooke grew up on Blackstone Island. As the granddaughter of the lady who ran the Blackstone family household.
But Caleb hasn't been on the Island for years, and after his dad died recently, his mom wants to sell the house. The house that meant so much to his dad and him.
Caleb doesn't want to seem too stalkerish. That's why he hires Brooke to redesign his Boston apartment.
And of course all of her 'stay-strong' promises fly right out this million-dollar-view-window once she's in that apartment with him.
What will happen with Brooke & Caleb?
Will there be a HEA?
Or will there be a horrible Cliffy?
I'm not telling you that of course ☺ ☺
════════════════════════
Amazing Story!
I loved it from the prologue all the way through to the end.
The whole Boston and Blackstone Island atmosphere is so beautifully comfortable somehow.
I just loved everything about the story without even including the main characters.
I loved Brooke's place of work - her co-worker: super-gay Eduardo. Adorably hilarious.
The ferry-ride into Boston and the talks with Herman.
Caleb's brother Lucas. Caleb's best friend James and his sister - who is Caleb's PA - who will probably get her own story with Lucas one day. ☺ Same with Caleb's buddie James and Caleb's sister Winter.
If this were a movie, I would say they had the most perfect casting director, script-writer and location-scout!
And now Brooke and Caleb. Perfect. The perfect match.
They just belong together. And we just want to fast-forward to their Happy End. But of course it's not as easy as that.
I loved how 'I-will-never-get-serious-with-one-girl' bachelor Caleb is so insta in love with Brooke. Totally adorable.
And Brooke. She's just as charmed. But of course she wants things to go slow, she has to be careful. She doesn't want to get hurt again.
Some problems are still left to overcome for the new couple - like sad pasts, family and exes, the paparazzi et cetera....but keep on reading...they'll get there. ☺
I especially love the end of the book!
Can't wait for more in this great new series!!!
FILTHY RICH was such a beautiful and adorable love story. Run to your nearest amazon to find out how Brooke & Caleb will fight for their HEA!!!
If I had to name some things I didn't like. Hm...maybe only Caleb's mega insta-love. Usually it's the guys who have to be convinced that they're in love, but here it's the other way around. And all this insta-loving makes Caleb appear a tiny little bit mushy. Too soft. He doesn't come across as this mega, dominant, alpha male. Also the way he always asks her: Do you really like it? So unsure and unsexy :/ BUT - doesn't mean that he's all super-soft and ewww. I still loved him A LOT!!!!
And then the writing. I didn't like some parts of it. Maybe Raine was trying too hard to make Brooke british. Sometimes it worked and sometimes really not. Also, there were way too many I AMs and YOU AREs. I hate that. It's totally okay to use it to underline what someone says, but just to make someone appear more british or no idea what... Please use I'M and YOU'RE - it totally breaks up my reading flow☺!!!
BUT .... ALL THAT DIDN'T MAKE ME LOVE THE BOOK ANY LESS!
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****4 STARS****
This book was just what I needed right now! Filthy Rich (Blackstone Dynasty Book 1) by Raine Miller was the perfect book to bring me out of my “dramatic” book run.
I’ll start by saying everything about this book is cliche and I hate cliche. Now, I will also tell that this book does cliche so damn good that I ended up loving cliche. There’s no huge plot or drama, just two people getting to know one other.
Caleb is so damn sweet and cute! He is everything you need for a book boyfriend. The number one thing I love in my book boyfriends is their looks and he is sexy as hell. Now we can obviously throw in the fact that he is a billionaire. Yes, it may be a bit shallow but I’ve been called worse. He is also loving, sensitive, open minded, generous and thoughtful.
Brooke is healing from a pretty significant loss, bless her heart. What do beautiful girls in romance books do when they need heal? They move back home with family and friends. (I told ya, cliche. All the way down to gay male best friend.) I didn’t like nor dislike Brooke, I was just indifferent. Not in a bad way, she was just the type of girl who blends in to me.
Brooke is a crier, not your normal crier either, she just randomly starts crying for any reason. Caleb is sweet about it though, he’s not weirded out by it like I was. I’m like a man – it makes me uncomfortable and I don’t know what to do.
It’s like I want to give you a hug or something but I don’t know if that’s going to make you cry more or less. So, yes, crying makes me uncomfortable. Which in turn made me feel indifferent about Brooke. I needed to separate myself from all that.
When the crying really started to get on damn nerves my question were answered and the reason she cried all the time made sense. I was so happy about that because the crying was starting to work my nerves.
Caleb, like any man, wanted Brooke in his bed. He was open about it but he never forced himself on her. He was patient with her and never forced the issue and I appreciated that in him. Brooke loved his honesty too.
Caleb and Brooke’s relationship progressed well, even though he fell in love with her a little bit quicker than I would have liked. The whole “I love you” thing freaks me out. OMG, I really am the female version of a man. Yeah, anyways Brooke was okay with it after a while and that’s all that matters. I can respect her feelings about Caleb telling her a little bit too soon that he loved her. I would have been running for the hills! LOL!
All in all Caleb and Brooke worked well together and it makes you believe some people can experience love at first sight.
I'm recommending this one for our true romance readers who love simple, modern day novels.
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2.5 Meatballs Stars
Brooke and Caleb bond over meatballs and Caleb rushing to her defense when she is being hit on by a slimy rich guy. Caleb has seen her before and is enchanted from the first second he lays eyes on her. He has broken up with his girlfriend recently and up until now he has never considered a serious relationship. Until he looks into a pair of sad eyes.
Brooke isn't on the market for something more than a hook up with a gorgeous guy but the more she gets to know Caleb, the more intrigued she is. She is honest and tells Caleb right away her sad story thinking it will scare him away...but she didn't expect Caleb's resilience and his desire to extinguish the sadness in her.
The story had a lovely premise and I was looking forward to reading the journey of those two. Everything was pretty insta with them. Insta-lust, insta-love, insta-forget-about-the-past. I have known authors who pulled off insta. Unfortunately this wasn't the case here. While I loved the first bit of this book the more I advanced, the cheesier it got. The I-love-yous started early on and Brooke's willingness to revise her decision to not have a relationship was too fast. Even the wrench thrown into the game by a vengeful ex and some paparazzi didn't make for an exciting twist.
On the plus side was the insane chemistry these two had. The smexy times were incredibly hot and so much better than the dialogues which didn't feel natural to me. Another plus were likable characters. Overall though it wasn't enough to wow me. I keep hearing that I should read Raine Miller's first series, especially Naked and I definitely will. I will also continue reading this series hoping that this one was a fluke.
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****4 Inevitable Stars****
I really enjoyed this story! Raine Miller is a marvelous storyteller and she fully delivered on this one! The way she was able to weave back and forth with the Male and Female POV was an impressive feat! It almost felt like there were two different writers writing this story! She did a fabulous job creating a very distinctive voice for Caleb and also for Brooke! I loved the flow of the story and appreciated the fact that this couple formed their relationship halfway into the story! The reader gets to experience their relationship blossoming!
“Did you ever want something so badly that you were afraid for your future if you couldn’t have it?”
CALEB BLASCKSTONE
Pre-Brooke: Billionaire, Alpha, Manwhore
Post Brooke: Still the Billionaire and Alpha but no longer the manwhore! With Brooke we get to see the Gentleman underneath the Suit! He treats her with respect, love, kindness, understanding. Ok, so basically he is PERFECT! Not just on the inside but the out...I mean look below. Yup! That's him! That's Caleb Blackstone!
"I,KaleighCaleb Blackstone, became a stalker in that moment and was not apologetic about it in the least, either."
"The heart wants what it wants, and I’d discovered that for my heart, want was all wrapped up in the package that was Brooke Ellen Casterley."
BROOKE CASTERLEY
One thing that I loved about Brooke was that she is British! I find that usually there are lots of British Heroes in books but we hardly get to see the Heroines with the British accents! Brooke is proper, witty and feisty! She is also a sad person! She was vulnerable and had trust issues due to past experiences in her life. She felt unworthy of love and Caleb was the perfect man to break through her protective shell!
“The movie, Inside Out? It’s a wonderfully insightful animated Disney film about our individual inner emotions and how we need all of them working together in order to function properly. Sadness is my go-to girlfriend.”
Will Brooke's past and people tear their relationship apart? Or will LOVE prevail?! Read the book to find out!
"I want to be the one to make you forget him. I want to be the one who loves you how you should have been loved in the first place. To make you feel safe, adored, cherished."
"Bless Caleb Blackstone for giving me something I’d never been given before by another man. Adoration. I might just fall in love with him after all...."
Ps. You're welcome for all of the Man Candy! ❤️
{I voluntarily reviewed this ARC via Netgalley} -
Seductive, enticing, and mouthwatering...this book will leave you wanting more!
Filthy Rich is exactly what I thought it would be - a phenomenally delicious love story! It will make you laugh from the witty banter, cry for what was endured, and absolutely fall in love with the romance and passion.
Billionaire Caleb Blackstone only knows work, hookups, and luxury. As CEO of his father's company, he has no time for romantic relationships, especially ones that mean nothing to him. Until he meets Brooke...
"When you find whatever it is that makes you happy, Caleb, hold on to it with everything you’ve got. Your heart will let you know."
Brooke Casterley is the epitome of everything his father was referring to. But Brooke isn't exactly interested. And unfortunately, she knows all too well the negative effects of what love can do to people. Can Caleb persuade Brooke to take a chance with him?...or will her pained past continue to darken any thoughts for a lasting and meaningful love?
I am so ecstatic for this new series from Raine Miller, and I just couldn't wait to read this book! The writing is beyond amazing, and the story is an emotional tear-jerker! The love and affection between Caleb and Brooke, along with the raw emotions and inner turmoil, made my heart melt. This story is utterly unique! It makes you believe in a true soul mate. And with that person, you can conquer anything!
A highly recommended 5 star MUST READ!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.* ~Kelly -
Beautiful sweet romance
I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a simple romance so much and when I say simple it's not an insult in any way I just mean it's a pure romance, no MC's, Mafia, Vampires or Shifters just a lovely sweet read.
Brooke is twenty-three years old and her life has been a bit of a roller coaster, we know she lost both her parents when she was fifteen years old and had to leave England to live with her grandma on Blackstone Island Massachusetts the rest of Brooke's story is slowly revealed as the book progresses.
Caleb Blackstone has the world at his feet, he's rich successful and enjoys women, his life is good and he's happy as a bachelor until everything changes the minute he sees Brooke and he knows she's the one.
Caleb can see the sadness behind her eyes he knows he has to tread carefully but once he realises his heart is committed there's nothing he wouldn't do for her.
This is the first book I've read by this author but it was a lovely read, if you're looking for sweet, a romance where the man is 100% committed and madly in love then look no further.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Montlake Romance. -
It's been two years since we've seen anything new from Raine Miller, but with Filthy Rich, she came back with a bang! I fell in love with Caleb Blackstone within the first chapter and the further along I got with this story, the more that love solidified!
Caleb was handsome, refined, considerate, generous, a gentleman, had a huge heart, fell helplessly in love with Brooke almost instantly, and was obviously "filthy rich". Brooke grabbed my heart from the get go as well and I was anxious to find out the reason(s) for her innate sadness. I wasn't prepared for the truth.
Actually Jack, I could indeed handle it. Doesn't mean I had to like it. My heart broke for Brooke but it did explain a lot of what shaped this young woman into the formidable force she was. Despite the pain of her past (or maybe because of it), Brooke was as beautiful as Caleb, inside and out. These two were made for each other. Together they created something so special. Something worth holding on to for all time. Caleb's father's wisdom rang true throughout this story and I adore each time that Caleb dwelled upon his words.
There was tons of drama and the author dished it out in ways that made me laugh, cringe, and become tense with the suspense. In particular, Janice was a freaking ridiculous hot mess!
This was a fantastic introduction to what I can tell will be a truly awesome series. I'm excited to learn more about the infamous Blackstones and can't hardly wait for the next installment!
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review
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Billionaire Caleb Blackstone thinks he has it all money, power and women until he meets Brooke Casterley the British granddaughter of his childhood house keeper Brooke has some demons in her past but that doesn't stop Caleb from falling in love with her and being consumed by her. I love Raine Miller and I love both the characters in this story, a few ups and downs with some hot sex on the side but the story line was a little familiar and predictable and they fell into love very quickly but when your a fan, your a fan. Narrated by Jeremy York who has such a beautiful, sensual relaxing voice and Sienna Frances, looking out for the story of Lucas now.
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Why is Raine Miller my favorite author? She just knows how to perfectly entangled me in her world of fiction and make me feel like I'm living in their world. Reality doesn't exist anymore and I'm transported to this world that she creates that captivates me from the first page to the page I read The End and then I feel like I have a massive bookhangover and I want it all to happen all over again. That is exactly how I felt with Filthy Rich. I felt like Blackstone Island was my place and I lived vicarously through Caleb Blackstone and Brooke Casterley.
Even though Caleb pretty much has it all to the outside eye I found his journey fascinating. Again, Raine brings a hero to life with the perfect qualities and brokenness to make you want to devour this book and follow his journey. He falls for Brooke, a beautiful heroine who has dealt with quite a lot in her young life. Raine gives us a heroine that you can't help but adore. The connection with Caleb and Brooke is imminent and you feel it deep in your bones. Their love story a beautiful one filled with very sexy and intimate moments, humor and love. What can I say, Mrs. Miller knows how to make a man fall in love with his woman. And she does it in the most perfect ways that have you swooning and swooning endlessly.
The secondary characters in Filthy Rich are legendary. Again, another quality in Raine Miller's stories. We just don't get a story with strong protagonists, we get a story with strong friends like Eduardo and a loving grandma in Nan with her own happy story within the story. I just love the friends and family members we get to meet in Raine's story.
And what can I say about that cover? Oh em gee!! That is right. That ladies and gentlemen is Caleb Blackstone and I recommend you get to know him as soon as you are able to...as in November 15...release day and it is available for preorder as well...because well a Blackstone is a Blackstone. Thank you, Raine Miller for another captivating story. -
More Raine Miller? More Blackstone Men? All the yessssses!!!!!
Let’s just get this out of the way.... Raine Miller just is incapable of writing a bad book. Incapable of creating a hero that is not swoon-worthy. She nails it. Every. Single. Time.
In Filthy Rich, Caleb Blackstone is inundated with work after his father passes away. Taking over the family business, scheduling in sex, all while living the dream. But it isn’t until he kicks his latest fling to the curb that he starts to remember what his father said to him on his death bed. How family is worth much more than money. That when he found the one, he’d know. And boy does Caleb know.
Brooke isn’t a stranger to the lifestyle of the rich, she saw it, from a distance – as her grandmother took care of the housework. Sent to the states after her parents both die, Brooke at 16 morphs into a young twenty-something with a painful past. When Caleb starts to show an interest in her, at first her rich vs. poor ideals get in the way, but she suddenly realizes that denying the attraction just isn’t going to work.
But don’t think this is just another hot rich guy, meets poor beauty. Filthy Rich takes a few twists and turns throughout the story, drawing connections that show you the power of fate and in the process, sets up the next books perfectly.
I didn’t know if I could find myself falling for the Beantown version of the posh, epically British, Blackstone. But boy does Caleb do his namesake justice. I can only pray that by the end of this series, we have one big family reunion.
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Another fantastic story from Raine Miller. I am very glad that I had some trusted Goodreads friends who actually read this and steered me in the right direction. This is one of the many books that have a lot of misinformation floating around about it.
I adored Caleb Blackstone! He was smart, charming, sexy and successful. He ran the family business after the death of his father which left little time for a life. After reading the first chapter, you knew that although he had been with different women through the years, he had never been with anyone who he wanted to start a life with. That is until he spotted Brooke Casterly. The attraction was instant and his feelings grew very fast. He just had to take it slow with her. One of the many things I liked about him was the fact that he was ashamed that he had slept around before. He loved Brooke so much that he wanted to be the best man he could possibly be. That is true love, and that vaulted Caleb up the ranks for me. He knew without a doubt that Brooke was his future.
Brooke was a great heroine. She'd had her fair share of heart ache and sadness in her short life, but she wasn't bitter, just cautious. She knew quickly that Caleb had the power to crush her heart if given the chance. She was surprised when he was so attentive and sweet. She was a caring warm woman who took the time to care for her grandmother in her time of need. I was concerned initially that she was going to push Caleb away, but she didn't.
-awesome hero and heroine whom I adored tremendously
-Caleb had been with many women, but once he met Brooke, there was no one else for him at all. The scene in the first chapter that has caused a stir. He had planned on breaking up with her because she clearly had ideas in her head about him marrying her and he wanted nothing to do with that. He had no intentions of marrying her whatsoever. He even had reason to believe she was cheating on him. He broke up with her and asked her to leave. After making a scene she left and went to his friend to hook up (the friend called him) Classy broad, wonder why he didn't want to marry her *insert eye roll here* all of this with Janice happened BEFORE he saw Brooke for the first time.
-Brooke was not a virgin and had a heartbreaking back story.
-no pushing away - some hesitancy at first from Brooke because of her past, but she powered through and let Caleb in. Caleb was so patient with her.
-steamy sex scenes
-no cheating whatsoever
-om drama - none
-ow drama -
-great cast of secondary characters who will be what I assume is the MC'S of future books.
-even though there was an epilogue, it was more of a HFN ending. Wish we had further out for them. YES I know it's a series, YES I know they will be mentioned in future books but let's get real, it's never enough. I like more info NOW, not a brief mention in subsequent books. Hopefully Ms Miller will give us better updates on them.
-I was curious of how this Blackstone family was linked to Ethan Blackstone and was assured it will be revealed in future books. Sounds like a bit of a crossover maybe?? We can only hope!
****there was a bit of book 2 (due out Feb 2017) at the end of the story. It is about James (Caleb's best friend) and Winter (Caleb's sister) I have my concerns about the storyline but I will wait to see what it ends up being about. I do know that it sounds like he has pined for her but never perused because she is younger and his best friend's sister. She also has loved him since she was a young teenager. This storyline can be tricky but I will hold judgement until I actually know more. I hope the author doesn't stray down the path of cheating and ow/om drama because I enjoyed this book! -
The story of Caleb and Brooke was so refreshing! Cinderella is referenced in this book and it is a good description, but it's not what I love about the book. What I loved was that Caleb instantly recognized what Brooke was to him. There was no denial stage. No tortured hero that believes he can't be loved and pushing her away. He knew Brooke was important and set about making her his while not bulldozing her to mold to him. She has a tramatic past and he set about healing her at her pace and showing her just how important she is to him. This was a low angst read with a small side of crazy ex-girlfriend that didn't affect their relationship. Refreshing! I look forward to reading more about this family in upcoming books.
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4.5 'Blackstone' Stars
The Blackstone Affair series introduced me to Raine Miller’s incredible talent and got me hooked on her writing style, becoming instantly part of my all time favorite series. So, when the Blackstone Dynasty was announced I was ecstatic, since I wanted to know more about this world and this family, so I was counting down the days to read about Caleb, after that blurb that fit all the right marks for me, and let me tell you, Raine Miller did not disappoint! Filthy Rich was fantastic!
Caleb was everything I was looking forward and more. Handsome, alpha, protective, confident, the right dose of arrogant and incredibly devoted and caring of those he loves. He ended up surprising me even more, when he shows that behind that well constructed facade of the power persona he was hiding a passionate and incredibly devoted soul. The moment he takes his first look at Brooke, he is lost, – in the best way – and he immediately recognizes her as the one and only for him.
Maybe that’s what made her so intoxicating?
I didn’t know and I didn’t care because it made absolutely no difference to me. I wanted her with a primal desire I could barely understand, yet I embraced that desire wholeheartedly because I was incapable of doing anything else with it. How could I not? She had enchanted me.
And that just made me love him even more, because he followed his instincts – and his father’s last words/advise – and truly let himself go to all these new and unique emotions that Brooke awoke in him.
The heart wants what it wants, and I’d discovered that for my heart, want was all wrapped up in the package that was Brooke Ellen Casterley.
Brooke has just been back to the island, and city, where she spend her teen years and start of adulthood with her grandmother, after losing both parents in a car accident. At the time she was forced to move to America, to the Blackstone Island, because of tragedy that left deep scars, but now she came still recovering after a whole new tragedy, that left her broken in more ways than one. Five months and she’s still fighting every day, but always with a cloud of sadness surrounding her. And you may think that would make Caleb step back, but no, that just makes him more determined to bring her happiness and vanquished those shadows.
I couldn’t explain why, but I felt like I just needed her. Brooke was like a breath of fresh air into my very narrowly constrained life. Refined, yet not haughty. Strong, but wielding her strength with a careful sense of purpose. Fiery, but not with anger, just wickedly intelligent sass on the tip of her tongue ready to fly. Someone who knew who she was, but not through entitlement and prestige. In other words, a complete anomaly in my world.
He was absolutely relentless, using all the tools he had at his disposal to get what he wanted, who he wanted, because for him, they were fated to be together.
Brooke and I were inevitable.
Inevitable.
Of course it wasn’t an easy mission, given Brooke’s scarred and deeply sad past, but I loved that there wasn’t really much of a push and pull from her part. She felt their chemistry, had her personal and justified reservations, but never cut him off. She could see his good and generous heart behind all that gorgeous and wealthy cover, mainly because he allowed. He opened up his soul and heart to her.
“My whole life changed the moment I saw you, Brooke. I knew it then. It felt like the shades were drawn open, letting the sunlight in after being shut in the dark for years. That’s exactly how it felt for me.”
Filthy Rich was such a heart warning, beautiful, love story about relationship development as much as personal growth and emotional healing as well and soul deep love and connection. Raine Miller created the perfect recipe to captivate us, yet again, to this new series and make sure we don’t forget Caleb and Brooke any time soon, while simultaneously enticing us with these intriguing secondary characters that I’m sure will provide interesting stories of their own.
Caleb and Brooke were perfect together, but what stood out more than anything and that I, personally treasured, and made it completely swoon worthy – and let’s not forget, panty melting, because, boy, were they scorching together – was the irreprehensible and memorable way he LOVED her! What woman doesn’t which for that kind of love and devotion?! It’s was Romance at its best!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
“So I won’t ever forget that you are the heart and I am your key?” I asked.
“That is correct, beautiful.”
“What if I told you that you are the same for me, Caleb? That I am the heart and you are my key?”
“Am I, Brooke?”
I nodded my head up and down because I needed a moment to compose myself from the onslaught of emotions bubbling up. “You are inside my h-heart, Caaa—leb. You’re in here s-so very deep, inside a p-part of me I thought—I thought—wouldn’t ever be c-capable of f-f-feeling this way.” I splayed my palm over my heart and struggled to get the rest of the words out. “But my heart does work. You healed what was broken inside it and brought that part back to life.
ARC kindly provided by the author via TRSoR Promotions in exchange for an honest review
For full review with Book Tour, check out my blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2... -
**This is an instance where I wish GR had half star ratings. This was more than a 4 star read to me but less than 5 if that makes sense. So 4.25-4.5 Stars.
After a shitty scene with his ex that results in a black eye and a trashed bathroom, Caleb is grumpy and the last thing he wants to do is schmooze with a bunch of stuck-up obnoxious assholes. That is until he sees the beautiful server, Brooke. Coming to her rescue after a man gets too handsy, Caleb is smitten and ready to pursue the beautiful but sad Brooke.
I really enjoyed both of these characters. Caleb was absolutely perfect. I wasn't sure in the beginning after his scene and breakup with his semi-girlfriend. He came across as an asshole. But he did a 180 turnaround and became the absolutely perfect hero. He was just amazing and based on him solely, it would have been a 5 star read. He continued to go after Brooke and he was determined to wait however long it would take her to come around and become his.
Brooke has had a really hard life. She's had many losses in her young life and could have been a really depressed and miserable person. But she wasn't. She was actually strong and brave. There was only a time or two where she got on my nerves but for the most part, she was a great heroine.
The main issues I had was it drug a little for me around the middle and then at the end, there was the big "conflict" and a "reveal" and it was just wrapped up a little too quickly. Now, neither of these had anything to do with Caleb and Brooke's relationship, so I really appreciated that. But I just felt these things warranted a little more page time. Other than that, it was a great book and I look forward to more of this series. -
Update January 4th - BONUS SCENE - HAWAIIAN HONEYMOON
http://www.rainemiller.com/2016/12/25...
Fantastic read. Hot, bossy, protective alpha that falls in love instantly with a sweet heroine. I loved it even more than the Blackstone Affair series. Highly recommend if you are looking for a low angst romance. One of my favorite books of 2016.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: High -
Thank you Montlake Romance for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange of honest review.
Sexy and alluring. Raine Miller just gave me a new book boyfriend to add on my list. I haven’t read any of her books and I'm sure it won't be my last.
Filthy Rich is a great beginning in this companion series. It's well written with steamy romance and minimal drama. The characters are likable and they have a steamy, passionate romance. I dive into their story and I'm instantly hooked with it.
Our heroine, Brooke Casterley had a traumatic past that left her broken. She wants a new start by living in Blackstone Island with her grandmother who recently underwent a surgery after a bad fall. Focusing on her work as an Interior designer, it helped her move past on hurtful experiences happened in her life, starting from the moment she lost her parents at a young age to what happened in her previous home that almost caused her death. It takes a lot for her to conquer and find healing. I admire her courage, simplicity, thoughtfulness, independence, and perseverance. She's not rich but I love her practicality and appreciating the little things she have.
No wonder our billionaire hero, Caleb Blackstone is captivated by her. There are so many things I love about Caleb. He's attractive, sexy, sweet, down to earth and such a gentleman. He's a kind of man who gets what he wants but not being pushy. I love he pursues Brooke and respects her space. He patiently waits and listened to her open up her feelings and comforts her when she breaks down. So much love for this man. Hands. Down. With. Heart. Eyes. He just worships Brooke like a Queen. Truly one of the sweetest book heroes I've encountered.
Bless these two good souls. Their relationship naturally flows as they maturely work on their own issues. No whiny dramas and I love it! I recommend this book if you need a light and blissful romance with lots of swoon-worthy moments. -
4 Sweet Stars
Who doesn't want a rich, handsome, Prince Charming coming into their life and sweeping them off their feet? Caleb Blackstone is Prince Charming and when he spots his Cinderella, Brooke Casterley, he falls hard because as his father told him recently.......
“When you find whatever it is that makes you happy, Caleb, hold on to it with everything you’ve got. Your heart will let you know.”
This story is a sweet, romantic, low angst, feel good read. Caleb is every girl's dream. He is rich, sexy, gorgeous and a perfect gentleman. Brooke is a transplanted Brit who came to live with her grandmother in American when she was 15. She has had a hard life and has many deep scars that she carries deep within. But they meet and his charming and gentlemanly ways begin to win over Brooke. Their journey is emotional, flirty, and enchanting.
Filthy Rich is told in dual POVs and there is a cast of secondary characters that are completely endearing. Raine Miller writes with a lovely ease about love, loss, trust and that everyone deserves a happily ever after.
*advanced copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review* -
4.5 Stars
(ARC provided by author)
Brooke Casterley is a 23 yr. old woman from England who lost her parents when she was 15 & went to live with her Nan in Massachusetts. Her Nan ran a household for a wealthy family on a resort island on the Massachusetts Coast called Blackstone Island. Brooke still lives in small cottage on the island & works in Boston at an interior design firm.
Caleb Blackstone is a 31 yr. old gorgeous, successful billionaire bachelor. He grew up privileged in the Boston area & runs Blackstone Global Enterprises. He only does casual relationships with women & never wants more until he crosses paths with Brooke. He keeps running into her everywhere he turns & is totally bewitched by her. He aggressively pursues her, & decides he will do anything to make her his. There's just something different about her he's drawn to. She's nothing like the women he's usually with & he finds her refreshing.
Caleb falls hard & fast for Brooke and is persistent in trying to woo her. Brooke was hurt by a man in her past & isn't looking to be in a relationship. She's just trying to put her life back together. Caleb continues to chase her, & eventually she can't resist him any longer. He's kind, sexy & gives her the most intense pleasure she's ever experienced. She's soon hooked on Caleb Blackstone & is completely addicted to him & how he makes her feel. He's charming and slowly working his way into her heart.
I really loved this book & adored Caleb Blackstone! It is a spin off of the Blackstone series, & I am so happy we are getting more Blackstones. I can't wait for James & Winter, and Lucas & Victoria!
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Raine Miller has written another swoony, sexy, and beautiful story!! I fell in LOVE with Caleb!
I couldn't wait to read this new series from Raine Miller. Loosely connected to the Blackstone Affair series, the new Blackstone Dynasty introduces Caleb Blackstone, a wealthy businessman who is handsome, brilliant, driven, and of course, all alone. His life is filled with one-night stands and no permanence. He neither has the time or the interest in a lasting relationship. His family is wealthy and he does seems to have it all. Raine Miller writes an Alpha male like nobody's business and you can add Caleb Balckstone to the short list of handsome, passionate heroes.
Yes, there is some insta-love here BUT Raine Miller is a masterful writer and takes time to build her characters. When Caleb first sees the pretty Brooke, he smitten. Their later chance encounter at a party leaves a lasting impression on him. Little does he know that their families actually share a long history together. But Brooke, who is working several jobs, has ZERO interest in a serious relationship. She has suffered great loss in her life and was forced to leave her home England at a young age to live with her grandmother in America. Caleb and Brooke are both totally blind-sided by their mutual attraction.
"Nothing was familiar when it came to Brooke. Each new thing we shared together felt to me as if I’d never done it before, and more importantly, as if I never wanted to do it again with anyone other than her—ever."
I loved how Ms. Miller touched on the loneliness that both of her main characters felt. It was very poignant and made Caleb and Brooke's growing relationship all the more sweeter. I also adored how devoted Caleb was to Brooke and their passion together was INCREDIBLE! If you are looking for a beautifully written contemporary romance that is fairly low on the drama and angst, then 'Filthy Rich' is for you. The author made the New England setting come alive for me and I absolutely ADORE the cover of this book. The cover model Adam Cowie is THE perfect Caleb Blackstone.
While this book is a standalone, there will be another book coming in this series in February of 2017 for more about the Blackstone family!
"When you find whatever it is that makes you happy, Caleb, hold on to it with everything you’ve got. Your heart will let you know."
With thanks to the author for an ARC provided in return for an honest review.
