Enter to Win a Print Set of RESCUING THE BAD BOY
and RETURN
OF THE BAD BOY, along with a $10 Starbucks Gift Card
The
Billionaire Bachelor
Billionaire Bad Boys #1
Billionaire Bad Boys #1
By: Jessica Lemmon
Releasing
June 28, 2016
Forever
Forever
In The Billionaire Bachelor (Billionaire Bad Boys #1) by Jessica Lemmon, Reese Crane wants nothing more than to be CEO of Crane Hotels, but it doesn't seem the board of directors will vote in his favor. Even though he spends endless hours working, they can't seem to look past his relationship history. The only way to get what he wants is to offer Merina Van Heusen the one thing she wants -- her family hotel back in exchange for becoming his wife for six months to clean up his image and prove to the board he can commit to something important.
Ms. Lemmon just keeps getting better and better, and this first book in a new series for her proves that with how entertaining it was and the fact it encompasses the marriage of convenience trope. Right from the beginning, this story drew me in immediately with Merina being hit hard by what her mother reveals about the family hotel. However, it was the moment that Merina confronted Reese that made this book riveting, fast-paced and a complete page turner because the heroine isn't afraid to challenge the hero. I doubt anyone ever talks to him the way she did the first time they come face-to-face.
The dialogue was intense due to the main characters back stories, because neither have had the best of luck with relationships. Both have been betrayed by those they really cared about, and it's made them wary of getting involved with someone again. However, there were some really good light-hearted moments that had me laughing or smiling. Indeed, Merina impressed me with the way she handled Reese's ex.
Both Merina and Reese were absolutely fantastic characters, which I couldn't get enough of. Their growing relationship definitely has its ups and downs, yet they both handle things the best they can, despite the fact that it isn't easy for either of them. The heroine is strong, brave, and I liked that she would do anything to acquire back her family's hotel. Even knowing that marrying Reese could end in disaster or end up being the best thing that happened to her, if she could convince Reese that he deserved to be happy. I also liked how she handles the situations thrown her direction such as the press following the couple, interacting with different directors of the board, the family get togethers and his ex. While Reese, he faces quite a challenge not only with Merina but with the board of directors. However, he's more than up to the challenge because when he wants something, he'll stop at nothing to get it. He's quite ruthless the way he pushes Merina into accepting his proposal until there's no way she can't because she really wants her family's hotel back.
Hot sex scenes heat up this story, and prove how good these two are together. They have such strong chemistry, and although they're both adamant that their marriage will be strictly platonic, they can't seem to stay away from each other. Reese hasn't had a long term relationship since he was betrayed by a woman he loved, yet I liked the fact that there was something about Merina that he couldn't resist. Besides, he knows she's different because she's also known betrayal at the hand of an ex.
Overall, Ms. Lemmon just keeps getting better and better with her writing, and this book definitely has me looking forward to more from the Crane Brothers. Tag, Reese's brother, was an absolute charmer and I liked how he kept Merina from doing something she'd regret at a critical moment in this story. The way this story ended was perfect, as Reese needed to do some serious groveling to win Merina back and I loved the words he said to her. I would recommend The Billionaire Bachelor by Jessica Lemmon, if you enjoy the marriage of convenience trope, billionaire heroes, or a heroine willing to do anything for her family.
OVERALL RATING:
BLURB:
Indecent Proposal
Indecent Proposal
Manwhore. That's what the board of
directors-and the tabloids-thinks of billionaire bachelor Reese Crane.
Ordinarily he couldn't care less, but his playboy past is preventing the board
from naming him CEO of Crane Hotels. Nothing-and no one-will keep him from his
life's legacy. They want a settled man to lead the company? Then that's exactly
what he'll give them.
Buy Links:
Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo
Even
with her nostrils flared, Merina forced a smile. There was only one way past
this gatekeeper. She called up an ounce of poise—an ounce being the most she
could access at the moment. “Merina Van Heusen to see Reese Crane.”
“Ms.
Van Heusen,” the woman said, her tone flat, her eyes going to the doorknob in
Merina’s hand. “You’re here regarding the changes to the hotel, I presume.”
“You
got it,” Merina said, barely harnessing her anger. How come everyone was so
damn calm about dismantling a town landmark?
“Have
a seat.” Crane’s bulldog gestured one manicured hand at a group of cushy white
chairs, her mouth frowning in disgust as she took in Merina’s dishevelment.
“Perhaps I could fetch you a towel first.”
“I
won’t be sitting.” She wasn’t about to be put in her place by Reese’s
underling. Then her prayers were answered as the set of gleaming wooden doors
behind the secretary’s desk parted like the Red Sea.
Jackpot.
Merina
barreled forward as the woman at the desk barked, “Excuse me!”
Merina
ignored her. She wouldn’t be delayed another second…or so she thought. She
stopped short when a woman in a very tight red dress, the neckline plunging
into plentiful cleavage, her heels even higher and potentially more expensive
than Merina’s Louboutins, swept out of the office and gave her a slow,
mascaraed blink back. Then she sashayed around Merina, past the bulldog, and
left behind a plume of perfume.
Interesting.
Reese’s
latest date? An escort? If Merina believed the local tabloids, one and the
same. Paying for dates certainly wasn’t above his pay grade.
Before
the doors closed, she slipped into Reese’s office.
“Ms.
Van Heusen!” came a bark behind her, but Reese, who stood facing the windows
and looking out upon downtown, said three words that instantly shut his
secretary up.
“She’s
fine, Bobbie.”
Merina
smirked back at the sour-faced, coal-eyed secretary as Reese’s office doors
whooshed shut.
“Merina,
I presume.” Reese still hadn’t turned. His posture was straight, jacket and
slacks impeccably tailored to his muscular, perfectly proportioned body. Shark
or not, the man could wear a suit. She’d seen the photos of him in the Trib as well as Luxury Stays, the hotel industry’s leading trade magazine, and like
every other woman in Chicago, she hadn’t missed the gossip about him online.
Like his more professional photos, his hands were sunk into his pant pockets,
and his wavy, dark hair was styled and perfect.
Clearly
the woman who had just left was here on other business…or past business. If
something more clandestine was going on, Reese would appear more mussed. Then
again, he probably didn’t muss his hair during sex. From what she gleaned about
him via the media, Reese probably didn’t allow
his hair to muss.
The
snarky thought paired with a vision of him out of that suit, stalking naked and
primed, golden muscles shifting with each long-legged step. Sharp, navy eyes
focused only on her…
He
turned to face her and she snapped out of her imaginings and blinked at the
stubble covering a perfectly angled jaw. What was it about that hint of
dishevelment on his otherwise perfect visage that made her breath catch?
Thick
dark brows jumped slightly as his eyes zoomed in on her chest.
She
sneered before venturing a glance down at her sodden silk shirt. Where she saw
the perfect outline of both nipples. A tinge of heat lit her cheeks, and she
crossed her arms haughtily, glaring at him as best she could while battling
embarrassment.
“Seems
this April morning is colder than you anticipated,” he drawled.
A former job-hopper, Jessica Lemmon resides in Ohio
with her husband and rescue dog. She holds a degree in graphic design currently
gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing super-sexy
heroes, she can be found cooking, drawing, drinking coffee (okay, wine), and
eating potato chips. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a
purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.
TOP 5 THINGS THAT MAKE THE MAN: REESE CRANE
Curious about what makes Reese Crane, billionaire bachelor, the man? Lucky for us, I was able to get
my latest (stubborn) hero to open up about 5 things that make him, well, him.
#4 ~ Scotch.
Reese prefers it on the rocks, and as he tells Merina on their date one evening,
“It’s always what I expect.”
#3 ~ Yacht. In
case of temporary nuptials, climb aboard and hide out! But not for long.
Sunrise on the deck isn’t optional for
Reese—he and Merina need reporters to see them together after the wedding.
#2 ~ Sharp wit.
I’m not sure whose banter is more infectious, Merina’s or Reese’s. But I
promise you this: when they’re together, they are on fire!
#1 ~ The tie.
Merina becomes obsessed with loosening Reese’s ever-present tie, much to the
reader’s delight. As she puts it, she likes to see him come undone.
Thank you for sharing your amazing review!
ReplyDeleteWell, sexy billionaires are a dream come true!!
ReplyDelete