#deceitful duke & duchess

[grits-galraisedinthesouth]

Rachel Meghan Markle is Wallis Simpson 2.0

Lauren: wherever you are, you were right.

The Traitor King by Andrew Lownie

The Meghans are following the Windsor Playbook

Wallis:Edward's mother::Meghan:Harold's mother

The 1st Duke & Duchess of Soho House

Murders, Robberies & Comfort to Enemies

Wallis ignored Edward as he died

[24kmagiic]

Ladies and gentlemen of the Ton:

It is said that the final night of the Courtship Trials reveals more than affection—it uncovers devotion, deceit, and the truth hiding beneath carefully practiced smiles.

And while many arrive dressed in satin and silk, this curious pair’s souls will be laid bare upon the ballroom floor.

Tonight, dear readers, two unlikely hearts will collide beneath the stars—not in scandal but in surrender. The Duchess who dared defiance, and the Duke who once delighted in ruin, now stand before the mercy of the Ancestral court to be bound (or unbound) by something far more powerful than a matchmaking decree: a choice.

And I, Lady Mistledown, will bear witness to it all….

To Catch a Duke (& Duchess)

May 5 - Matchmaker The Ancient Grand Ballroom Night Three of The Courtship Trials

Bonnie adjusted the sleeves of her ceremonial gown for what felt like the thousandth time. She was a bundle of nerves and needed something to occupy her hands, as well as the time it would take for the ballroom doors to open. She stood in the narrow hallway under the torch’s light, trying not to focus on the hybrid leaning against the wall mere feet away.

They hadn’t seen each other since the last trial—since he walked away without looking back. And he hadn’t spoken a word since she made her appearance. Still, despite the silence, his eyes hadn’t left her, following each of her movements as if she were an art exhibit at a museum.

Unlike yesterday, he didn’t offer a lifeline, nor did Bonnie. Each time she opened her mouth to speak, she closed it, realizing that words now failed them. Whatever happened was meant to be.

Still, her heart ached with the familiar pangs of rejection.

She wrung her hands tighter. A flash of gold light lit her collar, and Niklaus’s initials, KM, lit her sleeve. She didn’t need to glance at him to see the violet light illuminating the walls closest to him to know her initials were also branded on his sleeves.

Her dress thrummed with the energy of the ancestors and the ancient magic of her line. The ultra-rich violet radiated against her skin.

She cleared her throat, ready to break the silence when the locks of the ballroom door clicked succinctly and drifted open slowly.

Klaus stood to his full height, moving beside her with measured steps. She finally hazarded a glance at him and froze. He looked less like a rake and more like a king, and it scared her. His usual boyish charm and wit were replaced by something more ancient—more regal, and though she joked about it before, in this moment, he looked every bit of his age.

He was dressed in gold, laced with threads of violet light peeking through the intricate patterns decorating him. Her heart lurched—a wild rhythm against her sternum—when he reached for her hand, finally, the glow of double Bs on his sleeve burning into her psyche. 

Niklaus cleared his throat, and Bonnie snapped out of her trance, remembering to take his extended hand. A jolt of energy shot through them as they crossed the threshold into the Ancient Grand Ballroom. Bonnie shivered as she took in her surroundings.

The magic in the room was as old as the Earth itself. The ballroom floor looked like crystalline glass, and Bonnie recognized the web beneath them as Ley Lines—mystical lines beneath the earth containing magic as old as the universe they inhabited. 

They walked to the center of the room, where they were immediately surrounded by ancient runes lighting the floor, similar to the court of truths, only this time, the circle was broader and more significant.

Above was the open sky with the Full Beltane Moon shimmering above them like a watchful eye. Bonnie’s heart stammered, overwhelmed by everything at once.

The magic was almost too much for her, and much like the night of the Spring Soirée when she lit Lady Lockwood’s tree on fire, she felt her volatile magic responding to the energy surrounding her. Bonnie closed her eyes and tried to breathe. She’d come too far to mess things up now. She needed to control herself.

Klaus watched Bonnie struggle, not out of spite but out of the hope that she could contain her magic without assistance. However, the longer the seconds passed, the more he realized she was losing control.

He reached into his pocket, grabbing her chin with one hand to capture her attention. When she opened her eyes, a violet ring appeared around her irises, temporarily causing him to forget his words. “Wear this,” he managed to say. His voice sounded far away as his own heart slammed against his ribcage, making it hard to speak, to breathe. “It’ll help you control your magic.”

Bonnie blinked away the unshed tears and nodded before reaching for the object he held. It was a golden hairpin with amethyst crystals decorating it. It was beautiful and perfectly matched her gown. Touched, she reached for the pin but paused when he pulled it away.

“Allow me,” he offered. Bonnie felt her cheeks heat, but nodded anyway. Once the hairpin was fastened securely, he stepped away from her, and Bonnie closed her eyes from the lack of warmth. Her eyes stung from the distance, and she clenched her fist, hoping to ground herself.

When she opened her eyes, she realized for the first time that they weren’t alone. The Unbinding Waltz was the most public of all the trials, meaning every member of the Ton was in attendance. She immediately found Grams in the crowd and smiled when she felt the familial tug of magic.

Sheila Bennett blew her granddaughter a kiss, holding her chest to calm her beating heart. The Sovereign Queen, Esther Mikaelson, and the Mikaelson siblings sat ahead of them: Prince Elijah, Princess Rebekah, and Viscount Kol. And beyond the veil were the spectral forms of their ancient ancestors, long gone, yet their judgment was silent and suffocating.

The stars shone brightly above them as a giant crystal appeared floating above. Bonnie couldn’t help but feel as though she was centered in the middle of a fairytale. However, the consequences were dire.

“Ladies and Gentlemen of the Ton, I present to you, The Unbinding Waltz—an ancient ritual so old, it is said to reveal the soul’s tether. There are only two outcomes: Binding and Unbinding. The waltz will reveal which is true.”

Bonnie swallowed the lump in her throat. 

“If these two souls have come together under a ruse, they will be forever unbound and stripped of their ancestral rites. However, if their souls speak the truth, they will be bound together, always and forever.”

Bonnie turned to Niklaus, panic written all over her face. ‘What the hell are we doing?’ she thought.

‘Having cold feet, love?’ Bonnie jumped, beyond startled when Klaus’s voice… invaded her thoughts. She stared at him wide-eyed, and he simply nodded as confirmation.

‘This is part of the waltz, I presume,’  he concluded.

Bonnie huffed in frustration. ‘No matter what I do, I can’t get you out of my system.’

‘Be honest with yourself, Bonnie.’ Her eyes met his—glowing, magnetic—and she was utterly captivated. 

Not lost in them at all. 

‘I don’t think you’ve ever really tried.’

Bonnie swallowed. She didn’t say a word to refute him because, in truth, he may have been right.

Esther’s voice pierced through their thoughts. “Should either of you reject the other, you both will suffer the curse of the Unbound.” 

She’d heard of the curse once before; the reminder sent chills down her spine. To be cursed for eternity, searching for the soul you once rejected (or the soul who rejected you), finding only strangers in their place…

It was a cruel fate she prayed he wouldn’t inflict upon her. A fate she was sure she wouldn’t survive.

“By ancient decree and matriarchal matchmaking, the Unbinding Waltz has begun.” The crystal floating above them chimed as Queen Esther concluded her speech, signalling the beginning of the Waltz.

Bonnie exhaled deeply and placed her hand in Klaus’s, ready to accept her fate.

The veil had shown her a version of love that felt like freedom. The court had revealed a truth she could no longer bury.

And now, as the music swelled and the crowd faded into silence, all that remained was one question:

Would she fight for it or let it slip?

“If the waltz was meant to unbind, why does it feel so much like falling in love?”

Niklaus had danced hundreds of waltzes over the centuries, but never like this.

He wasn’t concerned with the steps, not really. His biggest concern was her. 

For the first time in centuries, he was worried. Worried that the waltz would show her the most terrifying parts of him and she’d bolt. Worried about what the waltz would force him to reveal prematurely. 

And worried that, once again, he wouldn’t be good enough.

But worse than that?

What if she stayed?

What if she stayed and forced him to be a version of himself he’d discarded centuries ago? The version he’d seen in her visions. A version she’d created—that she had never even witnessed yet believed was buried somewhere inside of him.

And worse still, what if he wanted to be that man?

To wake up every day and strive to be the version of himself she believed in.

And what if he failed?

His thoughts were jarred when she appeared, and for the first time, he saw her—truly looked at her. Not in amusement, not in jest, but to actually see her. A woman who went against societal norms and dogged the marital draft with a precision he had yet to see. A woman who was in her final social season and still dared to hope for a better life than the one she’d been spoon-fed.

He carried her fears with him now. The fear of being forcibly bred to exhaustion, the fear of being trapped in a loveless marriage, of never seeing what the world had to offer, and the fear of having to sell her mind, body, and soul to survive. He carried them and crushed them in his palms, hoping that even if they received the worst fate imaginable tonight, he’d protect her from all of it. 

And he’d do whatever it took to keep her from such a fate. He’d walked the veil expecting the usual. It’s what every woman of this era feared. But his reaction to said fear was nothing he was prepared to handle. The intensity with which he’d felt the urge to protect her forced him to shift forms that night, where he ended up outside her quarters, watching, waiting. For what? He couldn’t say. 

For two nights, he watched over her. He told himself it was for her benefit, but in truth, he needed to be near her. Each time they separated, the distance killed him until she was with him again. He felt crazy, absurd, but he didn’t focus on the logistics. Being near her felt good—damn good—and so he sat for hours until dawn broke.

He heard her footfalls long before she reached him, the sight of her stealing his breath. Her ceremonial regalia enhanced her beauty in ways he hadn’t noticed before. Her golden tiara sat high on her head, the light from the torches glittering against the amethyst crystals decorating it. Her dark curls cascaded down her back and around her head, creating a halo of ringlets he had to fight to keep from touching.

Her fidgeting only increased the longer he stared at her, and had this been a day earlier, he would have spared her the embarrassment by looking away, but he couldn’t. Not now, not after what they’d been through—what the trials had revealed.

He toyed with the hairpin in his pocket. He’d had it made for her specifically. His mother had expressed concern for how Bonnie might respond to the magic in the room. Nothing could ruin this for them, not even her volatile magic. So true to his nature of not leaving anything to chance, he solved the problem before it could become one.

And offered the pin just when he thought she’d succumb to the will of her magic.

It was a small gesture. Yet as he clapsed the pin in place, a feeling overwhelmed him.

He didn’t want to run from this. This was no longer a game to him. It was real, and he wanted—no, needed this. Whatever this was. Their eyes met, and the intensity of her gaze was too much to handle. He stepped away quickly, instantly regretting it as being away from her felt worse than it had previously.

He focused on his glowing sleeve and smiled, proudly wearing her mark, her brand. He was so lost in thought, he’d completely tuned his mother out. It wasn’t until Bonnie’s voice rang through his mind that he was pulled into the present. He glanced at her, confused, only to realize she hadn’t said the words aloud.

He smirked for the first time that evening before slipping into his old habit of teasing her.

When had this become so natural for him?

‘Having cold feet, love?’ He asked.

Her reaction left him smitten.

‘No matter what I do, I can’t get you out of my system.’ The words coiled around his heart and smashed into him with a force that left him breathless. The thought of her trying to escape him left him panicked, yet he called her bluff.

For all his teasing and provocations, she always came back for more. Like a kid with a toy, no matter how many times she discarded him, she returned to pick up where she left off.

And like a lovesick puppy, he was always there waiting.

When she failed to respond, she all but confirmed his suspicions.

The waltz began when the crystal above chimed. They took the first step together, and the Ley Lines beneath them lit in response—violet and gold spiraling like braided vines. The runes that encircled them flared to life, tracking their movements as if recording history in real time. 

The music playing was unlike anything he’d ever heard before, and that’s because it was unlike the music made by man. No, the crystals played the chords of their hearts, and judging by the sharpness of the melodies, he and Bonnie were out of sync. He glanced down at her, noting how her eyes darted around the room at any and everything. He could practically see her heart beating against her throat, and with a soft tug, he pulled her attention toward him.

‘Eyes on me, Bennett,’ he teased lightly. Her gaze met his, and he could make out his outline in her dilated pupils.

As they held each other’s gaze, the discordance in the musical notes began to harmonize, and it was music to his ears—a beautiful harmony that wrapped around his heart and nestled deep inside him. Centuries of stoicism melted away as a raw and unfiltered feeling of desire enveloped him wholly.

Klaus’s pulse pounded as his irises glowed and his canines extended. A low growl rumbled against his chest as his wolf made its presence known. He didn’t fight it, not this time. He needed to know if what his vision had shown him was real or the fabrications of his imagination. His claws extended, gently grazing her skin. The changes were subtle, but he could tell she was watching.

He expected Bonnie to falter. Expected her to look away in fear or for her heart to race. He didn’t expect the doe-eyed expression on her face—the look of pure awe as she reached up and cupped his cheek. Her palms grazed his chin, where his stubble grew noticeably. He leaned into her touch and kissed the inside of her wrist, bristling slightly at her soft skin brushing against his lips. The music notes responded in kind.

‘What’s on your mind?’ Her soft voice echoed through his mind. He closed his eyes, still leading them in the waltz, slower now, more intimate. He wanted to savor this moment, to stay in it forever, with her.

‘Can’t you read it?’ he deflected, despite himself.

She giggled aloud, and the crystal strummed a melodic chord, making his heart clench. His smile was bright as his eyes shimmered. He pressed his forehead against hers, staring into her.

“That was beautiful,” he whispered against her skin, aloud this time. His arms wrapped around her and pulled her close, inhaling her scent.

Bonnie felt her body tremble from his touch—his nearness. Her heart ached as it raced wildly in her chest. She held him as he buried his face into her neck, hoping she wasn’t imagining the soft kisses she felt against her skin.

Her pulse pounded against her throat as she swallowed with difficulty. “I know you’re hiding from me,” she said aloud, softly so that only he could hear. He remained quiet for several beats before he lifted his gaze to meet hers. Bonnie offered a soft smile. “I’m not afraid of you, Klaus.” 

He frowned, suddenly uncomfortable with hearing that name on her lips. “Nik,” he corrected hurriedly. “Klaus is for my enemies.” 

Bonnie felt her heart twist in her chest at the implication, but didn’t respond.  

“And, no. You never were.”

He chose that moment to spin her away from him. She twirled through the air, her curls trailing behind her, stopping at his command. They stared at one another, arms extended, chests heaving, the roar of their pulses pumping in their ears. The music slowed, matching their natural rhythm, as they remained locked in a trance.

Bonnie awaited his next move, holding her pose before he gracefully reeled her back in. When their chests met, a spark lit inside of her. His eyes glowed, and his fangs unsheathed as dark veins skittered beneath his eyes. He had shown her the wolf and now, the vampire. The man in full. And still, she didn’t flinch. She stared up at him, unable to look away, and, to his shock, she smiled—no, blushed.

The crowd gasped.

“By the Ancestors…” someone whispered. Even the Queen was stunned.

No one at court had ever witnessed his true form. He’d kept it hidden for centuries until now: when a daring little witch gave him the courage to show the world who he was without shame.

His heart leapt.

‘A normal woman would be halfway to Fells Church by now,’ he mused. Bonnie smiled at him as if he’d hung the moon and all the stars for her.

‘I thought we’ve established that I’m not normal.’

The ballroom blurred, reduced to the circle of magic and memory that pulsed beneath their feet. Spectral threads unspooled from their chests—hers violet, his gold—and twisted together with each turn of the waltz. The more they danced, the tighter the threads became, until Niklaus felt them pressing against his skin like invisible chains. He welcomed it. Feared it. Craved it.

The dance pulled them into another turn, and this time the ballroom around them fell completely away. They were alone now—no audience, no queen, no ancestors: only the stars above and the soul link between them.

Bonnie lifted her chin slightly, parting her lips as though she might speak—but she didn’t have to because he felt it. 

All of it.

Her aching heart. Her willful but hesitant surrender. Her terror that what she wanted most might break her. He felt it all as he arrived at a sudden, sobering realization.

The truth of the waltz wasn’t in their steps. It was in their surrender.

And all this time… when he thought he was calming her, she’d been waiting. Waiting for him to accept her and to surrender as well.

His breath caught as a single, breathless expletive rang through his thoughts:

‘Fuck.’

He felt himself free-falling as he stared into her eyes. He drew her closer, not as a leader in the waltz, but as a man choosing her—consequences be damned.

He felt her relax when she felt it—his surrender. As if she’d been leaning against heaven’s gates and he’d finally pulled them open. She staggered forward—drunk with a surge of emotion flooding her through the bond—and gasped as she fought to catch her breath.

Their threads flared one final time—gold and violet fusing into blinding white. The ballroom reformed around them with a gust of ancestral wind, and one by one, everyone who’d been watching came into view. 

The crystal above exploded in a shower of shimmering light, raining magic down on them both. It coated their hair, skin, and clothes, branding every inch of them. Their attention shifted to their joined hand where the initials, once on their sleeves, now glowed on their wrists with a rich crimson glow.

A hush fell over the crowd as the ancient runes beneath their feet shifted to spell out a single word: Bound.

Klaus exhaled slowly, stunned that he had been so lost in her, he’d nearly forgotten the stakes in which they entered their dance.

Bonnie’s eyes glowed with unspeakable emotion, all of which he could now feel pulsing inside of him, and it overwhelmed him. It overwhelmed them both. 

She met his gaze fully now. No running. No denial. No feigned disgust. 

It was her. Seeing him, choosing him—and for once, he felt like himself. Not the rake she knew him as, the hybrid everyone feared, not even Esther’s mistake.  

He swallowed.

“I believe,” he said softly, “that’s our cue to bow.” But neither of them moved because the dance was over…

…But everything had just begun…

Dear Faithful Readers,

Some dances are meant to dazzle and some, to deceive. But this? This was a waltz meant to seal fate.

For when violet threads of legacy entangle with golden strands of legend, only two outcomes remain: devastation… or devotion.

Our Duke and Duchess chose the latter tonight. Perhaps foolishly. Perhaps irrevocably. Perhaps exactly as fate intended. But make no mistake, dearest reader:

There will be no turning back from this.

For somewhere, deep in the ancestral registers where all great love stories are inked in stardust… 

…their names are now written.

And perhaps, they glow brighter than them all.

Forever yours in scandal,

– Lady Mistledown

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

[saintmeghanmarkle]

The Telegraph finally focuses on the Unsussexfuls & Misan Harriman's Photogate. The attacks on Catherine are hypocritical and disproportionate. When will media examine other past obviously botched photoshopped Sussex s with the same scrutiny? by u/wontyield

The Telegraph finally focuses on the Unsussexfuls & Misan Harriman's Photogate. 📸 🤥 📸The attacks on Catherine are hypocritical and disproportionate. When will media examine other past obviously botched photoshopped Sussex 📸s with the same scrutiny?

Original article link: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/03/13/meghan-pregnancy-photo-claim-doctored-willow-tree/

Archive link: https://archive.is/2024.03.13-095528/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/03/13/meghan-pregnancy-photo-claim-doctored-willow-tree/

The OSINT work of this sub has presented evidence of the botched edited Sussex photos for years. The media, both 🇬🇧 and 🇺🇸, have continued to ignore OBVIOUS deceit on part of the Sussexes and their minions, Liebrows Scobie and Misan Harriman. The media is complicit is Sussex 📸 scams. Major news outlets have continually propped up Sussexes lies by pushing their revisionist history via lies in articles and obviously edited images. 🕵️‍♀️

See link to Negative_Difference4's previous posts about the edited Sussex willow tree pregnancy announcement photo and other discrepancies in pinned comment.

Excerpts: One of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s own official portraits is said to have been edited with the insertion of a large willow tree.

The claim prompted accusations of hypocrisy after a source close to the Sussexes criticised the Princess of Wales, insisting that Meghan would “never” make a picture editing mistake and would have been “annihilated” for releasing a doctored family portrait.

However, an image released to accompany the announcement of Meghan’s pregnancy with her daughter Princess Lilibet on Valentine’s Day 2021 appears to have been heavily doctored, amid suggestions that a large willow tree was edited into the shot.

Mr Harriman took the picture with an iPad from his home in London and it was shared with no indication that it had been digitally altered.In 2022, he was asked during an appearance on BBC Radio 3 podcast Private Passions how he had created the photograph and admitted: “It’s amazing what you can do with technology.”

The presenter asked him: “They weren’t actually under a willow tree, they were lying outside in a meadow, weren’t they, Harry and Meghan, when you took the photograph of them?”

Mr Harriman said the image was his “most famous virtual shoot” as he described how he had used technology that allowed him to communicate with the Sussexes and tell them how to pose, before he remotely “pressed the shutter button” thousands of miles away.

‘Sussexes’ camp are hypocrites’

Angela Levin, Prince Harry’s biographer, told The Sun: “The Sussexes’ camp are huge hypocrites.”

A tree was doctored in their photograph to create a special backdrop so how dare their camp say anything about Catherine’s?”

THIS PART IS HILARIOUS!!!*🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Meghan spoke about her dislike of having certain features airbrushed out of photographs after posing for a People magazine cover in 2017.“

To this day, my pet peeve is when my skin tone is changed and my freckles are airbrushed out of a photoshoot,” she said.

😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶

There is no suggestion the Sussexes edited the photograph themselves.

A spokesman for the couple has denied commenting about the Princess’s picture. post link: https://ift.tt/gXdz5qD author: wontyield submitted: March 13, 2024 at 12:20PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[cosmicangst]

Hello! Do you have any favorite romance novels to recommend that are not YA? Thanks!

OH THE PANDORAS BOX YOUVE OPENED ANON ehem a not so exhaustive list

historical romance (this is my main genre so there's more books here)

bringing down the duke and a rogue of one's own by evie dunmore - part of a series but both can be read as stand-alones. victorian period ft suffragettes. the second one in particular is my absolute favorite. it's very Gender with an insouciant dandy and an ambitious activist leader, both lonely and stubborn.

the brothers sinister series (especially the countess conspiracy) and the turner trilogy by courtney milan - will admit i read these books a bit ago so i don't remember much of the details only to say that courtney is a brilliant romance writer so i automatically trust her any time i read her books. she makes the unromantic very romantic in a very grounded way. for example in one of the brothers sinister books, the couple has sex for the first time and it turns out to be understandably mediocre. but this becomes a starting off point that actually brings them closer together. i just love the touch of realism and imperfection she brings in a genre that's built off of heightened emotions and almost fantastical perfection in relationships.

the devil comes courting by courtney milan - separate rec because this is part of another series which i haven't fully read yet. but i just had to add this because i find it remarkably unique among the genre. the events span years (rather than the shortened time frame of most romance novels) and a large part of the courtship is epistolary. it's also interracial and does not feature a white person! (heroine is chinese and hero is black.) one of those hr books that is equally historical fiction as it is romance and explores a period that i think hasn't been touched upon as much yet.

a week to be wicked by tessa dare - the best romcom-y hr ive read! it's a zany road trip with a romance that happens so gradually it really does sneak up on you which is the best kind.

the belle of belgrave square by mimi matthews - marriage of convenience. read this recently and every plot beat was absolutely perfect. the reveals, the commitment between them, everything just made sense. nothing was extraneous.

convergence of desire by felicity niven - also marriage of convenience. I LOVE THIS HEROINE. she's on the spectrum and he has a toxic relationship to sex. he is absolutely not attracted to her in the beginning but the honesty she gives to him while she pursues her own ambitions has him absolutely at her feet by the end.

my deceitful duchess by aydra richards - nerdy virgin ass hero which is a breath of fresh air from all these alpha males. has one of the best grovels over a misunderstanding that absolutely makes sense and isn't contrived 👌👌👌

when beauty tamed the beast by eloisa james - read this a long time ago but this is the first romance book i read so i have a lot of fondness over it. a kind-of retelling of beauty and the beast. top notch banter.

suddenly you by lisa kleypas - older heroine and younger hero! virgin spinster and novelist starts a fwb relationship with her publisher. a bit dated but still a fun read.

devil in winter by lisa kleypas - oh very dated but a classic amongst the romance community. marriage of convenience. the hero sebastian is both loved and reviled (and rightfully so i think) by his readers but i just have so much fondness for evie and the way she absolutely does not give a shit about how intimidating he is.

a rogue by any other name by sarah maclean - childhood friends reunite years later. read this a loooong time ago and i don't remember much except he does the absolute most to push her away because of Revenge reasons and the fallout from that is delicious

a lady's guide to fortune hunting by sophie irwin - MY CURRENT LOVE. enemies to lovers with my favorite heroine. she is cunning and scheming and absolutely shameless without being a complete asshole. the hero is also equally savvy enough to match her wit and catch onto her grift. the interplay between them of trying to outscheme the other is hilarious and delightful.

contemporary:

georgie, all along by kate clayborn - sweet, slow romance where the drama happens around the couple rather than between them except for the very end and even that is handled pretty maturely. not a big fan of third act breakups in general unless it's for a very good reason so this one sidesteps that by not prolonging it.

against a wall by cate c. wells - small town enemies to lovers. one of those read with your pussy books. hero is kind of a dumb brick but he knows it and owns it and i admire him for it. heroine is the town pariah and spoilers he literally fights the whole town for her sake. get you a man!

the kiss quotient and the bride test by helen hoang - both feature leads on the spectrum. i've seen criticism regarding how she handles neurodivergent characters but reading her author's note, i can tell she definitely pulls a lot from her own experiences being on the spectrum herself so i don't really understand the crit tbh. kind of veers to melodrama a little at the very end but i eat that shit up

the hating game by sally thorne - overexposed now in the rec circles but still a mainstay for a reason. enemies to lovers workplace romance with two leads that are kind of deranged which i love. great prose, great banter.

the billionaire's wake-up call girl by annika martin - billionaires have no rights but just suspend your head for a sec. they could have made him a millionaire and functionally nothing would've changed. anyway also a yummy enemies to lovers with a case of mistaken identity.

well met by jen deluca - kind of like georgie, all along in that the heart of it is just two very normal people falling in love in a very normal way that feels true to life. setting is a renaissance fair which is delightful.

kiss an angel by susan elizabeth phillips - dated as all hell and has some troubling parts with a batshit premise. but the last several chapters honestly make the book and i reread it from time to time so im obligated to include it on this list.

bass-ackwards by eris adderly - okay TW on workplace harassment BUT JUST READ PAST CHAPTER TWO I PROMISE. if it's still not your cup of tea totally understand but anyway... er, workplace romance.

people we meet on vacation by emily henry - ive described this book before as when harry meets sally if harry and sally were making a travelogue. the best friends to lovers pining is actually painful.

other/kinda out there:

radiance by grace draven - arranged marriage interspecies romance! i love this one because both of them thinks the other is actually very ugly so they fall in love purely through their friendship.

transcendence by shay savage - OK LMAO hear me out: caveman and a modern human sent back in time due to shenanigans all from the caveman's pov. the premise is batshit and it's obvious which fandom this was originally a fanfic for if you think about it for more than a second but this author makes it work???? have no fucking clue how she did it but by god she absolutely did

last light by claire kent - apocalypse romance. kind of road trip with survival elements. again i just love unlikely romances where the couple isn't that attracted to each other from the start and having that gradually change through time in a way thats not signposting to the audience.

ghost walk by cassandra gannon - funniest shit ever. ghost who died in the revolutionary era meets a psychic who works as a walking tour guide and recovering from a nervous breakdown. absolutely ridiculous and over the top. insta love which i normally dont like but this was so campy and fun i didn't even care

all cishet but you can find my queer recs here

[sunfortune]

hello! i read some aydra richards books upon your recommendation and i fear that she is, like lisa kleypas is to you, a hit or miss author for me. some books i really enjoyed (a duke in disguise, the marquess wins a wife which are both arguably v similar books) but some i had to push through (the lady unmasked) 😭

LMAO 😭 i was scouring the rest of her lineup after reading my favs (the deceitful duchess and the marquess wins a wife) and nothing really looked good to me either. but all her other stuff is older and both of the books i really liked are her newest releases so i’m reaaaaally HOPING that means her newer books will continue to be good…hopefully.

[cordiallyhqs]

・.・𓂃۶ৎ ― WELCOME !! we extend our deepest thanks for your gracious acceptance of our invitation to the most dazzling of social seasons. to secure your rightful place among the most distinguished of society, please do kindly attend to the following steps found here so that your standing may be confirmed and your reputation duly polished.

please send your account to the main within 48 hours.

(edward bluemel, thirty-one, cis man, he/him) you do not know me but rest assured i know you, LORD CALLUM SINCLAIR. you are the YOUNGER SON TO MARQUESS SINCLAIR. you maybe be known for your ALTRUISTIC but it is only a mask for the true nature of your RECKLESS ways. however, i am not here to spread slander on the queen’s jewels, though i suspect you are her GREEN AGATE. the ton says your name reminds them of SECRETLY HELPING THE KITCHEN STAFF PREPARE MEALS, JOVIAL BELLY LAUGHS, JUMPING INTO PONDS, SNEAKING OFF ON LATE NIGHT HORSE RIDES, AND HIDING FROM RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE GARDENS how scandalous! you have been warned, dear reader, that i will prove if this is true and share every last detail. (alex, 32, cst, she/her, triggers body image, eating disorders)

(emily bader, twenty-eight, cis woman, she/her) you do not know me but rest assured i know you, LADY CASSANDRA LOCKRIDGE.  you are the WARD TO MARQUESS SINCLAIR. you maybe be known for your PASSION but it is only a mask for the true nature of your OBSTINATE ways. however, i am not here to spread slander on the queen’s jewels, though i suspect you are her ALEXANDRITE. the ton says your name reminds them of FLOWERS PRESSED BETWEEN THE WORN PAGES OF DOG EARED BOOKS, FRAYED EDGES ON THE HEM OF AN OTHERWISE PERFECT DRESS AND THE REFLECTION OF A FROWN IN A WELL MADE CUP OF TEA. how scandalous! you have been warned, dear reader, that i will prove if this is true and share every last detail. (nadia, 32, cst, she/her, no triggers)

(lily rose depp, twenty-eight, cis woman, she/her) you do not know me but rest assured i know you, LADY FAYE ROSEWOOD. you are the MIDDLE DAUGHTER OF VISCOUNT ROSEWOOD. you maybe be known for your CUNNING but it is only a mask for the true nature of your IMPERTINENT ways. however, i am not here to spread slander on the queen’s jewels, though i suspect you are her PAINITE. the ton says your name reminds them of A FLINT LOCK PISTOL HIDDEN BENEATH SUMPTUOUS, BLONDE DRESS CASCADING DOWN NAKED SHOULDERS, SCARS ACROSS HER BACK AND TOO MANY SECRETS FOR A YOUNG WOMAN. how scandalous! you have been warned, dear reader, that i will prove if this is true and share every last detail. (star, 24, gmt, she/they, no triggers)

(alisha boe, twenty-six, cis woman, she/her) you do not know me but rest assured i know you, LADY MAUDE WHITLOCK. you are the ELDEST DAUGHTER TO DUKE WHITLOCK AND STEPDAUGHTER OF DUCHESS WHITLOCK. you maybe be known for your EFFERVESCENT but it is only a mask for the true nature of your AVOIDANT ways. however, i am not here to spread slander on the queen’s jewels, though i suspect you are her MOONSTONE. the ton says your name reminds them of RAIN SOAKED CURLS, MUD ON THE EDGE OF PRETTY DRESSES, THE PATTERING OF DOG’S FEET BEHIND HER, CHARMING GLOSSY SMILES. how scandalous! you have been warned, dear reader, that i will prove if this is true and share every last detail. (alex, 32, cst, she/her, triggers for eating disorders & body image)

(anna sawai, thirty-one, cis woman, she/her) you do not know me but rest assured i know you, DUCHESS SAYORI WHITLOCK. you are the DUCHESS OF WHITLOCK. you maybe be known for your PHLEGMATIC but it is only a mask for the true nature of your DECEITFUL ways. however, i am not here to spread slander on the queen’s jewels, though i suspect you are her JADE. the ton says your name reminds them of A JADE HAIR CLIP CLASPING BLACK LONG HAIR ON A BUN, WHITE MAKE UP STAINED FROM NIGHT CRYING YOURSELF TO SLEEP, OLD KIMONOS HIDDEN IN AN OLD SUITCASE AND THE SWEET ARUMA OF SAKURA FLOWERS. how scandalous! you have been warned, dear reader, that i will prove if this is true and share every last detail. (star, 24, gmt, she/they, no triggers)

(jonathan bailey, thirty-three, cis man, he/him) you do not know me but rest assured i know you, SIR THAYER CLAREMONT. you are the YOUNGEST SON OF SIR THATCHER CLAREMONT. you maybe be known for your ASTUTENESS but it is only a mask for the true nature of your SATURNINE ways. however, i am not here to spread slander on the queen’s jewels, though i suspect you are her COAL. the ton says your name reminds them of SWEETENED VIOLENCE TO BECOME A GENTLE PREDATOR TO NEVER DRAW CRIMSON, TO HOLD AN ENEMY SO TENDER THAT THEIR DEFENSES LEAVE A BLUSHED IMPRINT LIKE A DAGGER HELD TOO CLOSE, TO WEAR WHITE LIES LIKE THE INTRICATE LACE OF A VEIL TO BE PURE IN DECEIT. how scandalous! you have been warned, dear reader, that i will prove if this is true and share every last detail. (danii, 25, est, she/her, no triggers)

[neilperryobsessed]

"Any old diamonds" by KJ Charles

Book description:

Lord Alexander Pyne-ffoulkes is the younger son of the Duke of Ilvar, with a bitter grudge against his wealthy father. The Duke intends to give his Duchess a priceless diamond parure on their wedding anniversary—so Alec hires a pair of jewel thieves to steal it.

The Duke's remote castle is a difficult target, and Alec needs a way to get the thieves in. Soldier-turned-criminal Jerry Crozier has the answer: he'll pose as a Society gentleman and become Alec's new best friend.

But Jerry is a dangerous man: controlling, remote, and devastating. He effortlessly teases out the lonely young nobleman’s most secret desires, and soon he’s got Alec in his bed—and the palm of his hand.

Or maybe not. Because as the plot thickens, betrayals, secrets, new loves, and old evils come to light. Now the jewel thief and the aristocrat must keep up the pretence, find their way through a maze of privilege and deceit, and confront the truth of what's between them...all without getting caught.

My rating: 5⭐

Review:

I found this to be a really interesting book that, even including explicit scenes, had some sort of depth behind it and described well the characters feelings.

It has major themes of grief and death in general and I think they were developed rather well.

I also really enjoyed the writing style, it was easy to get through even if it resembled an old style novel. I had a good time reading this and it kept my full attention (very important to me since lately I'm easily distracted).

Now it's definitely one of my new favorites in the LGBTQ+ books i read so far also because it didn't solely revolve around the two main characters story.

Fav quotes:

"When I rob your father's home I'll pile jewels round your neck, and have you wearing nothing but diamonds"

"I want to know what it's like to kiss you when we're not f*cking. Because I'd like to be the man you draw. That is, to be the man you think of when doodling, but even more, to be the man in that picture, the one who looks as though he deserves you."

[grits-galraisedinthesouth]

Was it worth it Sparry?

"Band aides Don't Fix Bullet Holes..."

AFTER Sparry's unconsciously biased conversation about fathering ginger kiddos, he chose NOT to seek clarification from the offensive family member(s) about what he may or may not have said or heard. Instead, while Sparry & Megain were dating, Sparry (as he told Colbert) assumed that IF their relationship were to go the distance: Megain's African genes would dominate his Ginger genes; however, low IQ Sparry only relayed to Megain whatever he overheard or misheard the Windsor's say so they could document the incident in her middle school girls' burn book as leverage for post-wedding blackmail.

Sparry certainly wasn't shy about entertaining multiple pre-engagement discussions about money, Megain's acting career/income, clothing, security, etc

These discussions led Charles to describe Rachel Megain Markle as "Tungsten."

Megain & Sparry were willing to challenge and debate The Queen of England and The Prince of Wales concerning material things, but refused to address the most important elephant in the room: Megain's DEMAND to work and reside amongst Sparry's unconsciously biased family.

The family came to a workable agreement about Megain's BRF "service" opportunities and Megain eagerly awaited Sparry's proposal.

The public knows that Megain expected Sparry to propose marriage because she phoned Mulroney in the midst of his proposal and said "it's (finally) happening." Rachel Megain immediately accepted Sparry's marriage proposal and wanted to "hit the ground running" for the family and institution that she & Sparry defined as racist unconsciously biased.

These two-faced, full grown, able bodied adults scripted and recorded their very first global lie-fest before the entire world and included how "wonderful" everyone, (particularly Catherine) had welcomed Megain into the Windsor family. Megain proceeded to invade the private homes & intimate spaces of Sparry's family without once telling them the truth about their racist unconsciously biased words concerning Megain's unfertilized eggs.

Megain even gave an unconventional Christmas speech to the ENTIRE extended Windsor family. She recycled how THIS (unconsciously biased) family (unlike the Engleson's) is the family she never had.

If the Meghans were so victimized, why didn't they ask Megain's therapist mother for advice? Megain requested a fast track entrance to the Anglican Church. The Arch Bishop could have coordinated private extended family counseling sessions.

Megain chose to lie before God and to the clergy. As Samantha (BP employee) said, "we have been duped" because Megain always planned for her relationship with the BRF to fail.

While preparing for the wedding, this middle school (adolescent) couple prepared to sell tell their story to NOprah for a biased, 1-sided, televised, air out "hearsay" and our dirty laundry faux therapy session.

These victimized Meghans should have visited with Megain's mom & father over that Christmas holiday. They could have used that holiday to plan for a simple beach wedding in Megain's CA USA hometown. Instead, they invaded the privacy of multiple family members at Sandringham. These intimate engagements provided deceitful opportunities for Me-Me to take note of even more unconsciously biased Windsor family offenses.

This selfish couple displaced the homeless population and billed the UK tax payer for the pre-engagement events, as well as millions of dollars to cover the security costs of their Spring "Spectacle."

The Duke and Duchess of Deceit:

Sparry asked his unconsciously biased father to walk his BLACK fiancee down the aisle.

Sparry asked his unconsciously biased & heavily pregnant sister-in-law to host his BLACK fiancee in her home at Christmas.

After the NOprah lie-fest, Sparry personally contacted CBS & Gayle King to clarify that his racist (unconsciously biased) "conversation" did NOT occur with his elderly grandparents.

The world heard Gayle King relay Harry's "message" and yet today the story has been revised to: "a sussex representative" stated that neither Sparry's grandmother, nor his grandfather were present for "that conversation" (convo Sparry vowed never to discuss).

As of December 2023, "THAT conversation" (relayed to Megain by Sparry) BEFORE they were engaged, BEFORE they were married, BEFORE megnancy has now been revised: an increase from one (1) to two (2) conversations and a decrease from "several conversations" to two (2) conversations.

How thoughtful of Sparry to use his wife's paranoia & her self-hatred to blackmail the entire Windsor family & markle his kids' royal heritage.

Megain hates The Royal Tea House. Please follow the link to subscribe & LIKE

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Security was the main essence of their plan from the very beginning. Hence the extreme nature of their war against the govt & RAVEC & they will act with increasing extremism and grifting and hoaxing in desperation now. The Royal Grift's brilliant video. by u/ElectricalAd9212

Security was the main essence of their plan from the very beginning. Hence the extreme nature of their war against the govt & RAVEC & they will act with increasing extremism and grifting and hoaxing in desperation now. The Royal Grift's brilliant video. The brilliant YouTuber The Royal Grift's latest video really gets to the nub of the matter.In essence, Markle and Harry's whole plan depended on having permanent tax payer funded security and this can be seen in their statement when they announced their plans.But most arrogantly and psychopathically, the statement was a typical Markle attempt to bounce the Queen and Palace into giving them everything they wanted.She thought that doing this would manifest it to happen, or force the hand by making the media and everyone else assume it was the case, and if they didn't agree, they could play the hate card of abuse and incitement, that the Palace was racist etc.Essentially, they tried to bully the Queen and Palace in the same way that Markle bullied her staff.from their website:Why do they carry out official overseas visits and who pays for it?The Duke and Duchess proudly carry out official overseas visits in support of Her Majesty The Queen at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), as is the case for all members of the Royal Family. The length and location of these tours are determined by the FCO and the Royal Visits Committee. All Official overseas visits are in support of Her Majesty’s Government’s objectives and paid for by The Sovereign Grant as well as contributions from the host country, when appropriate.Does their future financial autonomy extend to covering the costs of security?The provision of armed security by The Metropolitan Police is mandated by the Home Office, a ministerial department of Her Majesty’s Government, responsible for security and law & order. As stated on gov.uk, “No breakdown of security costs is available as disclosure of such information could compromise the integrity of these arrangements and affect the security of the individuals protected. It is long established policy not to comment upon the protective security arrangements and their related costs for members of the Royal Family or their residences.”​+++++++++​Why are they so desperate, to the extent of waging judicial and legal war on the govt and RAVEC?Because everything about their plans to make money and set up a rival Royal House in America with the sole purpose of making money from the royal name whilst pretending to be philanthropists depended on two things:(1) The British government and Foreign Office asking them to represent the UK overseas(2) The permanent funds from the British taxpayer to fund their lifestyle and allow them to travel as if they were Monarchs or the President of the USA and gain access to money making merchandising and commercial opportunities therein.The Royal Grift rightly points out a couple of things:(a) The New York car chase hoax and everything else -- including the Taliban comment -- was an attempt to force the govt to resume taxpayer funding for them and(b) They will not give up and will become even more desperate and extreme and commit more hoaxes and wage wars of deception and hoaxing in order to try and regain their fundingI agree with the Royal Grift. I expect to see strategic genius Markle and her husband indulge in ever more extreme and desperate attempts to regain working royal status, and funding. In short, they are going to become ever more extreme, lying, deceitful, hoaxing and fraudulent as they become more desperate.We ain't seen nothing yet from this pair of lying psycho grifters ​​ post link: https://ift.tt/QSidF16 author: ElectricalAd9212 submitted: March 02, 2024 at 04:54PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit

[gladdyator18]

Sorry for the late upload! School just started for me again. My cousin helped me with color palette. Again, his class/weapon of choice wouldn’t be possible without @giggly-squiggily!

Point of reference/inspiration

Meet Quinton Edric Lochan, former heir to House Lochan. Quinton is the son of Duke Adrien and Duchess Emmeline. Quinton is very serious young man who happily lives up to his parents’ expectations. He’s good-natured and has a kind yet deceitful heart. He’s also very observant, so if he views you as an accomplice or friend, you will see his kind and friendly side, but if he sees you as a potential thorn in his side, the script flips on its axis. Quinton is well-seasoned with many weapons but he prefers to fight with his lance atop of his trusty stallion.

Quinton has two younger sisters, Rosalind and Lilibeth, who he dotes on. Whenever his sisters call upon him for something, he would drop everything to help them. This is the only time when his heart isn’t deceitful. When Quinton and his family heard about the prophecy and found out that Quinton was the prophesied child, the young nobleman started growing closer to Claudia, the Imperial princess however, his feelings towards the Imperial princess are false. If anything, Quinton despises and loathes Claudia with a burning passion. He’s only pretending to like her in hopes of one day ascending the throne and leaving her for dead. This is where we get to see his deceitful heart come into play. There is nothing about Claudia that Quinton views as “worthy of his love and time,” but he’s playing it off like Claudia is the apple of his eye, only to stab her in the back when he ascends the throne. He knows that her brother, Kayden, is always on high alert around him, but Quinton knows how to shut him down.

I had a lot of fun with his backstory. When I had Claudia made, I knew that the prophesied child would try to grow close to her to overthrow her and the empire, so yeah!

More art coming soon, hopefully, so stay tuned!

[readtilyoudie]

“I don’t think he’s a monster at all,” she finished. “In fact, I heard that he stopped by a foundling home with great sacks of sweets, and that they mobbed him with hugs and kisses. I suspect that will be in the broadsheets tomorrow.”

“I suspect,” he said through a tight smile, “there will be a story of a duchess and her three accomplices jailed for slander.”

After a brief pause, the four ladies broke into simultaneous laughter.

Penny offered him the odious tray of edible deceit. “Do take another sandwich, Ash. Or was it lambkin?”

“It’s starshine, I believe,” Miss Mountbatten said.

“No, no,” Miss Teague said. “I could have been certain it was hot cross bun.”

As they all slipped into giggling again, Ash accepted the sandwich and arrowed a look at his wife.

Emma sipped her tea, casting him a coy smile over the cup’s rim. 

The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke, #1) by Tessa Dare

[jerseydeanne]

'Princes and the Press': BBC delays podcast amid concern over Palace reaction to part two of documentary​

Podcast, Harry, Meghan and the Media, to focus on coverage of the Duchess of Sussex and claims of sexism, racism and 'strategic leaks' A BBC podcast that was due to accompany a controversial documentary series exploring the relationship between the Royal Family and the press has been delayed amid concerns about how Buckingham Palace will respond to the second episode. The first instalment of the two-part series, The Princes and the Press, angered the royal households for presenting “overblown and unfounded claims” as fact. The BBC also provoked ire by refusing to give them advance sight of the final cut. The second episode, to be broadcast on Monday night, is expected to further ruffle feathers as it focuses on the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Reports suggest it will accuse the Duke of Cambridge of briefing stories against his brother and revisit the Sussexes’ claims that they did not receive adequate support from courtiers. A five-part podcast presented by Amol Rajan, the BBC media editor, who also hosts the programme, was due to be released alongside the series. But BBC sources admitted that amid the ongoing controversy, it had now been delayed and would instead be released as a box set at a later date. One claimed it was “still in production” as they awaited royal reaction to last night’s episode. The podcast, called Harry, Meghan and the Media, was to focus on the coverage of the Duchess of Sussex and allegations of sexism, racism and "strategic leaks". In a teaser, Rajan, an avowed republican, referred to the “culture wars” to which he claimed the younger royals had been conscripted.

'A very modern drama'​

He added: “Over the past year we have spent around 80 hours interviewing the people who wrote this very modern drama, the reporters, columnists and broadcasters who shape public opinion on royalty. “Some of what they say is shocking, some of it is plain weird but all of it helps us understand why we are where we are.” In a rare move, all three royal households - Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace - joined forces to release a joint statement ahead of the first episode of the documentary series. They said “A free, responsible and open Press is of vital importance to a healthy democracy. However, too often overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility.” A decision about whether to take further action, which could take the form of a formal complaint to BBC governors or to Ofcom, was delayed pending the final installment. However, the show has already generated such a furore that there was understood to be little appetite to fan the flames. The BBC2 series comes amid wider disquiet between the corporation and the royals, following the scandal over Martin Bashir's Panorama interview with Diana, Princess of Wales, which Prince William condemned earlier this year as "deceitful". In producing Rajan’s series, the BBC approached all three households for comment and offered them the opportunity to put up a representative to be interviewed. They each turned down the offer on the basis that they were not given enough information about the allegations being made and who was making them. Aides believe they were not given a “proper right of reply,” insisting that they would never issue a response to such “scant,” unsourced information. One brushed off the first episode as a "greatest hits of the stories already written” that the palace had never commented on in the first place. By contrast, the Duchess of Sussex authorised her lawyer, Jenny Afia, to defend her against accusations of bullying former staff and to discuss her recent court case against the Mail on Sunday. Omid Scobie, co-author of the Sussexes’ biography, Finding Freedom, also appeared, claiming that "negative stories" had been leaked about Meghan to “put her in her place”. Senior BBC sources have insisted that it was entirely appropriate not to make the full programme available to the royal households ahead of broadcast.

source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/11/29/princes-press-bbc-delays-podcast-amid-concern-palace-reaction/

[saintmeghanmarkle]

The Kings Speech 2023 by u/emzbobo

The Kings Speech 2023 Merry Christmas Sinners! 🎁How lovely of the King to show video clips of his beloved Son and Daughter in-law, their 3 children, and the active working royals at the end of his speech this afternoon!I imagine the Duke and Duchess of Moan-deceit-o will be falling to the floor wailing about the unfairness of it all, with one tear being forced out of their left eye 😢 post link: https://ift.tt/SXnZCMz author: emzbobo submitted: December 25, 2023 at 04:13PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit

[tillywhim]

Hubby has a theory regarding The BBC showing the program the princes and the press he thinks that Omid is or has been in a relationship with Amol And that is why Henry and Rachel have been getting much better and positive coverage compared to what William Catherine and the rest of the royal family have been subjected to. There was a report in the express newspaper saying that the BBC are no longer going to use the term Megxit after Harry complained that it was derogatory towards Megan they are instead going to use the phrase or term Sussexit. The whole thing is completely and utterly ridiculous the fact that a public funded service which carries a royal charter is pandering to 2 non-entities who not only left the country but did so after making demands that could not be reached, Leaves a bad taste in the mouth I am just wondering how much longer the BBC can continue to demand the license fee when acting as A propaganda service to the duke and Duchess of deceit in Montecito. 

[flynnstopher-rider]

HORACE DARK. EUGENE FITZHERBERT. FLYNN RIDER. // TWENTY-SEVEN. // THIEF. // SNUGGLY DUCKLING BARTENDER.

It was almost as if Flynn had been destined to a life of deceit. Or at least it would seem that way if he knew the whole story of his early years. All that Flynn was ever told was that he was left at the orphanage being only about a year old, with no name or way of tracing where he may have come from. Renamed Eugene Fitzherbert, that is where he believes his story to begin - but oh is there so much more to it than he may ever know. 

The truth is - Flynn is far more than just some nobody orphan. He was born Horace Dark, the son of a Duke and Duchess in a city that once stood near Animania. The city had been plagued with a war lasting for decades until it finally came to an end twenty-four years ago. Only… the good guys didn’t win in the end. In the last days of the war, the young boy’s mother saw the way the tides were turning and did the only thing she could think to do - she fled to her great-grandmother’s hometown of Echo Creek with her baby in tow. 

Torn between her responsibilities as a mother and her duty to her people back home - she left her child on the doorsteps of the local orphanage and returned to her city with the intention of getting as many people out as she could before returning for Horace. There was no time to explain and it was too risky to leave behind any information regarding his birthright, so the toddler was left with nothing. No name, no family - nothing but the love of a mother and the hope that she would soon return. 

Only… she never did. And she never made it back to her husband to tell him where she had taken their son. Young Horace was officially gone and forgotten to the world, leaving behind Eugene Fitzherbert in his wake. 

The next rebirth that this boy would go through is one he’d actually remember. While the life of Horace was put to rest without his say or control - killing off Eugene Fitzherbert and becoming Flynn Rider was a decision that he would make and own for the rest of his life. It wasn’t anything serious - no official change or anything (he was far too broke for that) - but it was a moment when a young boy decided to take it upon himself to create his own future and life. 

It may not have been one that many people would approve of, going into thievery and conning, but it was a life that he decided for himself. It was one that did him good, that got him everything he wanted with only a few minor setbacks (and one major one… but he doesn’t like to think about that night with Lance if he can help it), so fuck what anyone else had to say. He had no problems being who he was and living how he did… until he met Rapunzel. 

Or more accurately, it wasn’t until he started to really get to know Rapunzel that things began to change. Flynn started questioning some of the things he did… not enough to stop completely… but enough for him to begin cutting back. He still hangs out with his old crowd as much as he used to, still pickpockets nearly every time he passes an easy mark, and still lives a life of crime on the whole… but he also has a real job now, working as a bartender at the snuggly duckling and is even working on getting his GED (though very few people know that part yet). It may not seem like much, but it’s far more of a straight and narrow life than Flynn ever thought himself capable of having.

Flynn started off stealing with just simple things - swiping food from another kid at the orphanage when he was hungry himself and there wasn’t enough to go around. But it wasn’t until Lance came into the picture that he started to get really good about it. The two taught themselves everything they could and began stealing from far more than just a few fellow orphans. 

Dropped out of school when he was fifteen - that’s when he and Lance ran away from the orphanage and found their place behind the snuggly duckling. They paid their way with free labor, washing dishes and working as busboys when needed, and when that wasn’t enough to cover rent they always managed to scrape the rest up through a few con jobs or pickpocketing moments.

That lasted for a few years, until the night that everything went to shit. They were behind on rent. Way behind. Further behind than they’d ever been because business was slowing down at the snuggly duckling and their free labor wasn’t needed as much. So Flynn and Lance needed cash. Quick cash. More than just stealing a few wallets type of cash. Which was why they decided to rob the little gas station down the street. It should have been fine. An easy and quick job. But the man working the cash register that night had a gun and things got messy. With Lance’s encouragement - Flynn ran, thinking his buddy would be soon behind him. Only before the older boy could get out, the cops arrived. Lance was arrested and Flynn was officially on his own again. Without the second person around to pick up shifts and help with the thievery, Flynn was kicked out of his home. He quite literally lost everything because of that night.

Or at least - most everything. He still had his girlfriend, Stalyan. Who he ended up moving in with after being evicted - she had a small apartment, paid for by her father’s own life of crime. The two had only been dating for a few months and it was far quicker of a commitment than Flynn would have ever made under any other circumstance… but he needed a place to stay. And things with Stalyan were fun. So that lasted for a few years, reaching a peak on Flynn’s twentieth birthday when he drunkenly proposed to her and the two made arrangements to meet the next morning at the courthouse and elope - separating for the night to have last minute bachelor and bachelorette parties. Missing the wedding had been a complete accident, in all honesty, Flynn had simply overslept… but when he woke up and realized what he’d done, he freaked out. Marriage wasn’t for him. Especially not right now. And definitely not with Stalyan. So before the girl could track him down, Flynn packed up all his shit that mattered to him (which wasn’t much) and hightailed it out of that apartment, ending the relationship without so much as a note goodbye. A blowup fight came a day later, one that left him with a close to broken nose, and Stalyan was gone - leaving Animania to return to live with her father. Flynn has yet to hear from her ever since that day - but he’s not dumb enough to think that things will stay that way forever.

After moving out of Stalyan’s - he started crashing with the Stabbingtons, which is how he got entangled with them and their higher levels of crime. He wouldn’t call them friends per say, certainly not family the way that Lance was, so the spur of the moment decision to betray them wasn’t a hard one to make. It’s still not something he’s ever really felt guilt over - except for perhaps in the few moments he’s ever mentioned them to Rapunzel.

Speaking of Rapunzel…. THATS HIS BEST FRIEND. And he’s also lowkey in love with her but in complete denial because… she’s far too good for him and he is absolutely aware of that. Plus she’s got enough going on and needs to have a chance to find a life for herself out from under Gothel’s thumb. She doesn’t need him making her life any more complicated with dumb, stupid feelings. 

Uhhmmm he likes country music. Yeah.

Bisexual as fuck. We don’t know straights in this house.

He’s an idiot.

[victoriareyloficlists]

Engagements, Weddings, and Arranged Marriages

Updated 15 November 2021

Rest of the Masterlist.

(take me to) the lakes by akosmia (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: It’s a quiet Saturday morning and they've been dating only for two months, when Ben slips and calls her wife.) A Dog is a Man's Best Friend (and also a force for fate) by Impossiblefangirl0632 (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben is dog-sitting for Poe and everything is going fine until BB sees a rabbit and runs off. Rey finds a muddy, but happy dog and takes him home with her. She's going to turn him into the shelter, she really is but before she can she runs into a very stressed, very annoyed Ben who accuses her of dognapping.) A Doggy Intervention by corpse_wife (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Interventions come in many different forms. Whether it's time, a place or occasionally, people, it's up to the universe to decide when two soulmates meet. In Ben Solo's case, the universe had a cruel sense of humor. For his intervention comes in the form of a German Shepard and his graceless brunette owner. Two things happened in the short span of a minute: 1.) Ben got tackled to the ground 2.) The dog had just swallowed his wedding rings) A Marriage of Rebellion by Zoa (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Historical Arranged Marriage- Rey is a princess and must choose a prince to marry. Solely (at first) to spite her grandfather, she chooses the grandson of his old rival, Prince Ben Solo.) A merry Reylo Christmas by MeadowHayle (AO3 2018  Rated M Complete, 24 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben are roommates and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. For Rey it's the first real Christmas with friends and family and she wants to make up for all the things she missed as a child. Ben tries to help as best as possible, giving her a Christmas experience she deserves.) A Night at the Opera by orphan_account (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Prince Benjamin is resistant to his arranged marriage to the Palpatine heir. ) A Scandalous Match by Musickat18 (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, 18 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Despite a very poor first impression, Rey has found herself forced to wed the mysterious and intimidating Ben Solo, Duke of Ren. The marriage is deemed highly scandalous by society as Rey is no more than an orphan living on the good graces of Mr. Unkar Plutt. Rey, now Duchess of Ren, finds herself forced into a role for which she has no training, with a husband who does not even seem to like her.) Adoration of One Rey of Light by stellarnightmage (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Since she was born, Rey Palpatine has been betrothed to Ben Solo, someone she's never met, and who's 10 years older than her. She hates the very idea. That is until they meet when she's 19 and Rey finds that it's hard to hate someone when they seem to adore you. It was her birthday, and the contract dictated she had to meet her husband-to-be on this god-forsaken day. She’d rather not ever see him ever. Or marry him. Or whatever.) All I Need for Christmas is You by Atchamb7 (AO3 2019  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben wants to make this Christmas special. He finds a rare toy that Rey has wanted since she was a child (baby doll) and attached to the doll is a ring.) an unexpected alliance by antematter (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 6 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: A Regency ABO story in which Captain Kylo Ren dallies with Miss Rey Niima, and she accidentally mates him.) And Closer Still Is Never Enough by lovefrompluto (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben has an arranged marriage to Rey but what happens when he starts to court the wife who is a stranger to him?) And Your Kingdom Too by vuas (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Fantasy AU, Quick Synopsis: Her kingdom sells her hand the moment his thunderous black horse arrives at the border. Nobody fights for her honor like in the stories she’s read. There is no duty-bound, brave knight in possession of sparkling eyes coming to save her. There’s only the Red King and his bloody sword.) as luck would have it by prncesselene (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 16 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When a case of violent food poisoning ruins Rose and Hux’s honeymoon plans, who better to take their place at a pre-paid Hawaiian beach resort than the Maid of Honor and Best Man? Sure, it’ll take some maneuvering, but a free vacation is a free vacation. They just have to pretend to be devoted newlyweds for a bit to enjoy it. There’s only one glaring issue, really: they can’t stand each other.) baby fever by cursebreakker (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey’s boss kylo basically has a heart of stone, he literally has a reputation in the offices as 'Satan’s right hand'. That is until Rey’s two year old daughter toddles up to him outside of work one day and he just completely melts.) Baby, It's Just Biology by Polkadotdotdot (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 32 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: For Rey Jackson, trying to finish your degree in Biomedical Science at Harvard is difficult enough when you're one of the few Omegas on campus. It's made even more difficult when your Professor is the one to trigger your heat. You can't help it, it's just your biology. An Alpha Omega love story.) before we go. by AquaWolfGirl (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Medieval AU, Quick Synopsis: On the eve before the battle against their enemies, General Rey Jakksun seeks out General Kylo Ren. There are others she could have gone to in their camp, sure, but of all the men there, she decides to ask him to teach her pleasure -- something she's never known and wants to experience once before she dies in the morning.) Bespoke by fettuccine_alfreylo (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 12 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When new stylist Rey Jackson receives a request to dress the hottest (and most unfashionable) new actor in Hollywood, she gets a lot more than she bargained for. Mentally AND physically. Because Ben Solo is freaking massive.) But I Do by SpaceWaffleHouseTM (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben get married at the same venue at the same time. When both are left at the altar, they decide to flip life off and marry each other.) Butter Crisp Sandwich by DarkMage13 (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “Mr, I insist you join me for a tea party today, at precisely noon. My teddy will be there.” Ben glanced at the boring clock on the wall. Ten minutes until noon. He swallowed in fear. There was no escape.  Or: Ben Solo cannot say no to an adorable hazel-eyed little girl's request for tea.) Compass by SpaceWaffleHouseTM (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Kira is not in the business of harboring fugitives aboard her ship, but for a doe-eyed prince disguised as a peasant, she makes an exception.) count the rings by lachesisgrimm (olga_theodora) (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 20 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Urban legend says the demon tree needs a bride in order for it to escape its confines. What happens when Rey jokingly marries herself to the tree during a camping trip?) Crystal Crowns by altargaryen (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, 10 Chapters, Royalty AU, Quick Synopsis: Princess Rey Palpatine was a sprightly twelve year old the day her very best friend in the whole world left her. She is a women fully grown the day he returns, six years later, on the verge of taking up her own crown half a world away. A best friends to lovers, royalty romance.) Day Follows Night; Dark Follows Light Sequel by LyricalRiot (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 20 Chapters, Canon CD, Quick Synopsis: After the thorough defeat of the First Order, the Resistance is busy forming a new government, and two powerful Force users, Ben Solo and Rey, are in search of their destiny now that the war is over. Their new feelings for each other are strong, and they know they want to stick together, but learning what exactly that means is undiscovered country. Vague plans and a bit of planet hopping are all they have in their future for now, but it won't take them long to find the Force has other plans in store. Visits to old homes, nights of glamor and artifice, and exploring the secret deep places of the galaxy ahead. Steamy, but not graphic.) Deceit, Delusion, and Desire by AttackoftheDarkCurses, thebuildingsnotonfire (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 16 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Rey realizes her student visa is about to expire, she struggles to find a way to stay in the country legally. Her roommate has a terrible idea, and it's just risky enough to work.) Dreaming of a December Wedding by greywilde (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 11 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: A Reylo modern AU based on the Hallmark Christmas Movie, "A December Bride" Rey Jackson was supposed to marry Poe Dameron and have her dream December wedding - until he fell in love with her foster sister Kaydel. And it's all Ben Solo's fault. Now it's payback and he's her fake date to the wedding, but when Ben makes an impulsive announcement, it sets the stage for an elaborate holiday arrangement.) Eating for Two by Hellyjellybean (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is pregnant and smells her neighbour Ben's cooking. She goes round to ask if he would be willing to share. But maybe Ben would like to share more than his cooking with Rey.) Fated and Inevitable by Kyriadamorte (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Canon AU, Quick Synopsis: Padawan Ben's life gets a whole lot more complicated when a group of Force users on Jakku demands he marry one of their own before offering aid to a floundering New Jedi Order. He refuses, of course. At first.) Five Times That Ben Saved Rey's Valentine's Day & How She Forever Saved His by AnneAnna (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben makes a confession in his wedding speech: He knew he was going to marry Rey when he and Rey were 4 years old and she gave him a Valentine she made and colored herself. And 21 years later, he still has that Valentine.) for love or money by KiKi37 (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 30 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The loss of a scholarship has left Rey Niima in a financial bind, with only a few months until graduation. Her friend Rose might know of something that could help.) Force du Couer by Stargazer1116 (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 24 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Kylo Ren is the CEO of a successful corporation in NYC. In a power play, his board, led by his uncle, demand that he marry to makeover his dismal public image. Rey is an art therapist working with foster kids in Harlem. When she contacts Kylo for possible support, he proposes a business deal that can benefit them both. He has no idea how much this woman with a fierce heart will turn his world upside down.) forever valentine by bellestar (AO3 2021  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben makes a confession in his wedding speech. He knew he was going to marry Rey when he and Rey were 4 years old and she gave him a Valentine she made and colored herself. And 21 years later, he still has that Valentine.) Gifted Forevers by ABeautifulBreakdown (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Rey said yes to Marrying Ben Solo she never expected things to get so out of hand. Now, on the day of her wedding, she's given a choice because all roads lead to him.) Go And Catch A Falling Star Chapter 18 by Ayearandaday (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey asked for something to keep her warm for her birthday. Poe decides the best present he could get is Ben.) Go And Catch A Falling Star Chapter 45 by Ayearandaday (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: From childhood to adulthood, Ben is practiced at catching a clumsy Rey.) Go And Catch A Falling Star Chapter 50 by Ayearandaday (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben needs to get married in order to get full ownership of his company. Rey learns about her boss' predicament and offers a helping hand.) Go And Catch A Falling Star Chapter 56 by Ayearandaday (AO3 2021  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Hungry overworked Ben accidentally ends up in McDonalds. Guess what happens next?) Go And Catch A Falling Star Chapter 59 by Ayearandaday (AO3 2021  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: This chapter was born during a video about how pockets on women's clothing shrunk through history. Modern Rey would be outraged to know that womankind used to have pockets big enough to stash a loaf of bread. Imagine all the snacks they could fit! But she would have to make do with her boyfriend's pockets. Yep, that's basically the plot. Warnings: if Reylo babies bother you, you might want to skip this one.) Good Opinion by Hormonal_Trashbag (AO3 2016  Rated T Complete, 4 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: “Will you allow me my freedom if I consent to marry you?” He blinked, startled by her question. “You cannot be serious. Regardless of what my mother may want, we have no need to marry.” The flickering candlelight cast wild shadows on her lovely face. There was something absolutely untamable about her, something he could never touch should he want to; Ben found that he decidedly did not. She was fierce and unforgiving as the sea, and he could not fully comprehend the twist of desire coiled in his gut at her unmoving gaze. Her response was simple. “Is that really true?”) Good Opinion by Hormonal_Trashbag (AO3 2016  Rated T Complete, 4 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: “Will you allow me my freedom if I consent to marry you?” He blinked, startled by her question. “You cannot be serious. Regardless of what my mother may want, we have no need to marry.”) heaven in hiding by blessedreylo (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: They say it's impossible for a guy and girl to be "just friends", but Rey and Ben had managed to discredit that throughout their decade long friendship. What they both have is special, that people would often arrive at the conclusion the two were made for each other. He's her safe haven, her rock. She gives him a sense of clarity and direction. Ben and Rey know each other more than anyone ever possibly could. Therefore on Valentine's Day, their friends decided to secretly set them up together on a blind dinner date.) Heavy in Your Heart by crossingwinter (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Medieval AU, Quick Synopsis: Kylo, a prince who decided to have one last good night before their arranged betrothal, fell in love with a stranger at the bar. They don’t remember much except a voice. The next day, the stranger at the bar is at the altar marrying her bethrothed when she recognizes him as the man she had fallen in love with last night.) Homestead Fire by ladyofreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Prairie AU, Quick Synopsis: In this story, Ben Solo is a homesteader trying to court O. Kenobi's adopted daughter whilst on the prairie. He believes he will make Miss Rey a good husband. He shows her how when he stops by to chop wood and build up her fire.) Hope Is Like The Sun by LoufromJakku (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, 15 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Leia tries to set-up her painfully single son with her assistant Rey. What Leia doesn't know is that Rey's already pregnant with Ben's child after a (drunken) one-night-stand and she hasn't told him yet.) How Not to Break Up by LadyBrettAshley (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Nothing means more to Leia than her Annual Pumpkin Carving extravaganza. That’s why Ben asks Rey to keep their recent breakup a secret until after the party. After a carving-related accident, Ben comes to her aid and it turns out... they may not have to tell anyone they broke up at all.) I Thee Wed by Hellyjellybean (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is a wedding planner and on the wedding day she finds out that the young flower girl and the ring bearer are very stressed about their role in the wedding. Rey offers to walk them through it by pretending to be the bride so they could practice at the altar. They search for a fake groom amongst the wedding guests and find Ben. He agrees to help. ) I'll Pick You by greywilde (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey broke off her no-strings arrangement with Ben to move to the big city and broke his heart (and her own) in the process. Three years later, a trip to an apple orchard has her falling - literally - into the arms of the man she left behind. His feelings haven’t changed, but have hers?) I'm Your Dream Girl by Hellyjellybean (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Reylo AU where Ben & Rey are roommates but Ben is constantly blowing up at Rey for being messy, eating his food, but Rey always just smiles and takes it. That’s because she knows Ben’s secret. He talks in his sleep. Mainly about how much he loves her and wants her to be his wife.) ignorance of etiquette by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Lady Rey Kenobi lives a life of pristine comfort and luxury on her family's estate in Chesire with her parents Lord Obi-Wan Kenobi and Lady Satine Kenobi. When they receive word that an old family friend, Lord Benjamin Solo, is coming to visit, Lady Rey is reminded of how he tormented her as a child. She decides that she will prove herself not the same girl she once was in more ways than one.) ignorance of etiquette by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Lady Rey Kenobi lives a life of pristine comfort and luxury on her family's estate in Chesire with her parents Lord Obi-Wan Kenobi and Lady Satine Kenobi. When they receive word that an old family friend, Lord Benjamin Solo, is coming to visit, Lady Rey is reminded of how he tormented her as a child. She decides that she will prove herself not the same girl she once was in more ways than one.) In Sickness And In Health by Theyna_Shipper (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey knows it's not an ideal situation, but it's a situation thousands of people are in. It's not like there's much she can do about it right now, anyways. She can go a little while without health insurance. Until she gets breast cancer. The treatment will be simple if she can get it. But she's worried she can't, until her old co-worker Ben offers a solution: "We could get married.") Inspired by Wasting Time on the Interwebs Chapter 8 by Theyna_Shipper (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben are paired up for an economics assignment, but they have a major difference of opinion on some key points.) key to the kingdom by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 12 Chapters, Princess Diaries AU, Quick Synopsis: Most girls get a drunk weekend in Vegas for their 21st birthday, but Princess Rey Kenobi gets the chance to rule the country of Alderaan. But the only way she can become Queen is if she marries a man in 30 days, or the throne goes to the selfish (and annoyingly attractive) usurper Lord Benjamin Solo. Will Rey be able to ascend to the throne or will it all just become a royal pain in the ass?) lay all your love on me by akosmia (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben doesn't really think much of himself, and Rey is determined to change his mind.) Leave a Message by spicytofuuuu (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben and Rey's relationship as told by the voicemails Ben leaves for Rey.) Let me Dream, Let me Stay by Melusine11 (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 12 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey has kept up a charade of a non-existant boyfriend for two years and now that Rose and Finn are getting married, she needs someone to pretend to be said boyfriend, enter her coworker Ben.) lie with me and just forget the world by hi_raeth (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: For Rey Solo, the year is 2016. She’s just woken up in the hospital, she’s recovering from a car crash, and she’s wondering where the hell her husband is. For Ben Solo, the year is 2021. It’s been two years since the divorce, since the worst mistake in all of history, since the day he walked away from the love of his life. Sometimes, the universe has a weird (and potentially fatal) way of bringing people back together.) lucem ac viventis by neonheartbeat (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 17 Chapters, Beauty and the Beast AU, Quick Synopsis: In the midway of this his mortal life,/Poe found him in a gloomy wood, astray/gone from the path direct: and e'en to tell:/ it were no easy task, how savage wild/ that forest, how robust and rough its growth,/ which to remember only, his dismay/ renews, in bitterness not far from death/--Yet to discourse of what there good befell, /all else will he relate... discover'd there. A Star Wars take on Beauty and the Beast. Tale as old as time, in a galaxy far, far away.) Make Me Over by Hellyjellybean, Twisted_Mirror (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is a man with a past. The famous actor has used everything from drink to sex to try and fight his demons but maybe all he really needs is the love of a good woman? Rey Johnson is excited to have been appointed MUA to the lead actor on her first film set. From the moment she meets Ben Solo, she's a goner but does he feel the same?) make my heart a better place by defiersofthestars (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben is babysitting his niece and she begs him to FaceTime Rey so she can read her a bedtime story. He’s never met her but as soon as the call connects, he’s completely transfixed. He doesn’t tell her when the kid falls asleep because he doesn’t want her to stop reading.) My Dad Will Not Date Miss Palpatine (But Maybe He Can Marry Her) by AnneAnna (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Annie Solo is perfectly happy with her Dad and brother and the last thing she needs is her dad's high school sweetheart coming to town and ruining everything. But maybe just maybe Miss Palpatine will be far better than she expected.) My Sandwich by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Someone took Ben's turkey sandwich at work, he is infuriated and eager for revenge, until he finds out it was Rey then those feelings no longer exist.) My Whole Life by AttackoftheDarkCurses, thebuildingsnotonfire (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 13 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The "Without a Hitch" high school sweethearts, fake-dating rom-com AU.) Nevertheless, She Persisted by dawninthemtn (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, 24 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Junior campaign staffer Rey works for US presidential candidate Leia Organa and ends up with the job of babysitting her aloof and entitled adult son Ben.) Newspaper Hearts by Celia_and (AO3 2021  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “She made her Valentine’s cards. She tore hearts out of newspaper and glued them onto used envelopes and painstakingly wrote each child’s name. She probably spent days making them. And you know what she wrote on mine?” He doesn’t need to read it to know what it says, so he looks down at her instead, and the hand on her heart and the tears in her eyes. “Ben: You are OK. Rey.”) Nonsense & Nuptials by thehobbem (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, 2 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is the ward of Leia and Admiral Han Solo. She lives alongside Ben Solo who is the victim of her repeated attempts at matchmaking. But her scheming reveals more about her own feelings and fears that she's missed out on something very important.) Of Colds by Armayra (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis:  Rey gets a cold and ends up feeling lonely. Ben plans to fix that.) Peacock by AttackoftheDarkCurses (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 22 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Thanks to a series of misunderstandings, failed attempts at flirting, and loud Katy Perry music, Ben grows to hate his new neighbor. Proposing to her wasn't the best solution to his problems.) Port in the storm by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey pretends to be afraid of thunderstorms so she has an excuse to sleep next to Ben. Ben figures it out when he races home early after seeing thunder, fearing Rey will be crying alone curled up in a ball, only to find her totally chill and eating ice cream.) Rey, Voulez-Vous Prendre Ben Comme Époux? by Theyna_Shipper (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is her boss's best friend and is present at his French wedding. However, due to a language barrier, Ben and Rey are the ones who end up married.) Sleepyhead by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben, a mere himbo, tucks a stray hair behind Rey's ear in class. He knows he deserves the hot coffee in her hand to be thrown in his face and yet he gets a date. ) Something Beautiful by ceciliasheplin (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Medieval AU, Quick Synopsis: Lord Ren forces orphan Rey to marry him. On their wedding night he refuses to take her because he wants her to be willing. Rey is both enraged and frustrated. She may hate him but she isn’t exactly opposed to being ravished by her husband.) Sunshine and Gunpowder by rightforlife (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 8 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: She’s a teacher who would do anything to protect her student. He’s a glorified hitman with a heart of black gold.) Teenage Dream by ReyloRobyn2011 (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: They met on the playground in first grade. Ben saw the scrawny girl with three messy buns lining the back of her head from across the schoolyard. She sat by herself on the bench, watching the other kids play. He’d never seen her before; she was the new girl in class. Ben didn’t have any friends and he was too shy to talk to anyone— but there was something about this girl. He felt drawn to her.) The Background by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: He draws her every week. He draws her looking at him smiling, thoughtful, or truly magical, He pours his heart and soul into these drawings. Every Sunday he comes to the hospital room, hoping to meet her eyes. But she's not waking up. His hope is fading. Today...) The Five Times Ben Stole Rey's Halloween Candy and the One Time He Bought Her Some by AnneAnna (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: They meet when Ben Solo tries to steal Rey Kenobi's Halloween bucket and Rey hits him over the head the with her plastic lightsaber. They eventually become best friends and then more. This is just all the Halloween Fall Fluff in the world.) The Soiled Doves by fernybranca (AO3 2018  Rated M Complete, 28 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Luck raised Miss Rey Jakku from the streets into the household of Baron Luke Skywalker, and he willed her a fortune beyond the dreams of wealth—earning her the eternal hatred of Benjamin Kylo Skywalker Organa Solo, His Grace of Alderaan, who had counted on his uncle's money to rebuild his ruined ducal seat. But hatred bleeds into obsession, obsession into love, and the rules of the haut ton are strict.) The Trail Bride by SecretReyloTrash (BadOldWest) (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 47 Chapters, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey Niima finds herself in a perilous situation when her husband dies at the start of their journey West. From the few bachelors on the trail in her party; she attaches herself to the best of her options. That option is the mysterious Banker Ben Solo.) The Trial of Naboo: Fall of a Duke by Twin_Kitten (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben and Rey are engaged to be married, but after several attempts on her life, he takes personal responsibility for her safety, including keeping her in his bed at night. Problem? Ben is extremely attracted to his bride but the MUST wait until marriage. ) The Ward by dreamingspires (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 18 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: An angsty, Bridgerton-ish/Alpha/Omega/Smutty mash-up, Ben rescues Rey and ends up her guardian.) the way I see you by ocjones (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Historical AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben glides a finger over the painting’s shining face. It’s long since dried, having traveled the slow journey of hills between Naboo and Mortis, yet the varnish is so glossy it almost feels wet to the touch.And there she is: a soft-looking woman, her breasts pillowing over the top of her corset, her hair held lightly back with a band and flowing out behind her. Her delicate fingers grip a book, clasp it in her velvet-clad lap. The smile on her face is as gentle as her portrayal. His wife.) The Wedding Necklace by daughter_of_the_fifth_house (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 21 Chapters, Canon CD, Quick Synopsis: Nambi Ghima sensed Rey’s longing for a family and gave her a wedding necklace for her future husband - the necklace Kylo Ren ripped off Rey's neck. Which means getting married. First Order Officer Tishra Kandia is confused why she had to analyze said necklace. She and a lot of people – and droids – on both sides of this war wonder about the marriage of Supreme Leader Kylo Ren and the Jedi Rey. The only thing is… Rey and Kylo don't even know they’re married.) Through the Years by castles_and_crowns (AO3 2018  Rated T Complete, 10 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo and Rey Jakkson meet on the playground as children under unusual circumstances and quickly become best friends. This fic follows them through the years, showing glimpses of their friendship as it slowly progresses into something more.) to climb steep hills by galvanator (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: No one really talks to the new girl who sits in the back of the class. She’s been here a month but kids are afraid of her and teachers are too overworked to be able to solve a problem like Rey. No one really talks to the new girl - except for Ben. A childhood to adulthood love story.) To Have and to Hold by bunilicious (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Medieval AU, Quick Synopsis: “Your husband is gravely injured, my lady.” The envoy’s words should have pleased Lady Rey. After all, her husband was one of the dreaded Norman barons who invaded her beloved country and claimed the lands in the name of the bastard who now called himself king. Ben Solo had stormed her uncle’s keep, killed all the men who opposed their new conquerors, and claimed the stronghold for his own. He took the keep, he took the surrounding lands and, at the new king’s orders, took Rey to wife. Rey should have hated him. But, in the six months following their hasty and undesirable marriage, Rey found that hatred for her new husband was the furthest emotion from her heart and mind.) Trick or Treat, Baby by Everren (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is not in the mood to deal with trick or treaters this Halloween. In fact, he’s taken measures to ensure he doesn’t have to. Can Rey, his next door neighbor and lover of all things Halloween, change his mind?) Unexpected by incognitajones (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 6 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey doesn’t want anything from her one-night stand Ben Solo, not even now that she’s broke, jobless, and pregnant. But he’s desperate to avoid a scandal that could derail his election campaign, so they agree to a cold-blooded business deal: she’ll marry him and be the perfect political wife—for a price, and a limited term.) weddings and wingwomen by bigfootsflannel (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: After hiring Ben Solo as her wedding photographer, Rose discovers her true calling as part-time matchmaker.) Wild Child by tmwillson3 (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 4 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey spends her first Season in Bath with her best friend, Rose Tico. When Rose begins a hate-at-first-sight relationship with Sir Armitage Hux, Rey thinks that nothing more exciting could happen. That's when Sir Hux's friend, the Earl of Alderaan, and his dogs come crashing into Rey. Rey has never liked peers, but when she bonds with him on a rainy day, everything changes.) Wild Child by tmwillson3 (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 4 Chapters, Regency AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey spends her first Season in Bath with her best friend, Rose Tico. When Rose begins a hate-at-first-sight relationship with Sir Armitage Hux, Rey thinks that nothing more exciting could happen.That's when Sir Hux's friend, the Earl of Alderaan, and his dogs come crashing into Rey. Rey has never liked peers, but when she bonds with him on a rainy day, everything changes.) Worth the Wait by LadyBrettAshley (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: After being cheated on by her fiancé, Rey decides not to wait til marriage & decides to lose her virginity to known scoundrel Ben. "Scoundrel" Ben begs her for a dinner with him, worships her in bed and trails after her like a lovesick puppy. Rey is confused.)