I was provided an ARC of this book by the author, all opinions are my own.
This is the second book in The Billionaire Games series, however you can read it as a standalone. This is a 4 part series of interconnected standalones following four wealthy friends who find love with unlikely partners. This is a true enemies to lovers, where business rivals marry because it will save her business. If they can make the media believe they are truly in love, she can save her company and make it the successful brand it once was. Rafe is a successful business man with a track record and for helping luxury businesses succeed on the business side so they can focus on their craftsmanship and artistry. Paige expects him to gut her company and stomp on the legacy her parents and grandparent left behind for for her to lead. Unfortunately her uncle has already started the company down that road already, and with Rafe's help she just might be able to save the company she loves and find love herself.
I love the banter between Rafe and Paige. They were so cold to each other in the beginning, but you could feel that tension was going to turn into attraction eventually. I loved all of the outlandish things Paige would do to push Rafe's buttons and annoy him. I also enjoyed watching them connect when it came to past trauma. They realized that underneath their business deals and competitive natures, they could actually connect and support each other on a human level that no one else could understand. Their chemistry builds slowly as does their true relationship, so when they finally admit their feelings it is no surprise as they've been getting to know one another for quite sometime while "pretending" to be a couple madly in love.
I also really enjoyed seeing the friend group again and getting to know them a bit more. The group chats are always entertaining between the guys, and I'm looking forward to James' story later this year.
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.
This is the third book in the Connovan Chronicles, however it can be read as a standalone. Each of the books follows one of the Connovan siblings as they navigate the daily grind of running a successful corporation while finding love. This installment follows the middle sibling, Nate, who runs the London office and spearheads most of the European business for the company while his siblings head up the New York office.
Nate has been in love with his best friend's girl for 4 years. He saw her first, but his lack of action that fateful night has lead him to years of misery. Harper is a delightful art historian, but her former fiancé didn't felt her place was on his arm not in a gallery. As her wedding date approaches, Harper decides that she doesn't want to be his arm candy and wants to continue to persue her art career and takes a chance on a training program in London to get away from her ex, her family and everything she knows.
This was a little on the slow side for me. I love a good slow burn, and while I appreciate Nate giving Harper space, Harper seemed completely out of touch when it came to Nate. She was oblivious to his feelings for her, even after he put them out there. Harper spent a bit too much time pushing Nate to maintain his relationship with her ex, a relationship that Nate didn't really put much effort into and wasn't really set on keeping. Eventually they talk it out, but it takes a long time to get there. I liked all of the sweet things Nate did for Harper to help her check things off of her list, which helped them get to know each other better and spend quality time together. When conflict arises Connie, Nate's sister, has great advice for both Nate and Harper and she clearly explains both sides in such a wonderful way. I really appreciated the author's commentary about agency and independence.
Overall this is a fun age gap (10 years) romance that really made me want to visit London and an art gallery or two. I enjoyed the characters and getting to know them.
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.
While this is the second book in The Connovan Chronicles, it does read as a complete standalone. I do highly recommend reading Best Enemies Forever as well. It is where we first meet Isabel and Alec. That is also where we get to know Connie and Gabriel, so if you want to understand their backstory, you can do so there. Don't worry if you haven't read that one yet, you get all of the necessary information you need for the main characters in this installment and I feel you can read the in either order.
This follows Isabel, a professional ballerina who has been forced to take a hiatus from dancing due to an injury. Her best friend Connie suggests she take up nannying while she rehabs and figures out next steps. Connie also happens to know that her older brother desperately needs a nanny ASAP as his last nanny quit abruptly. Alec is CEO of a successful corporation and his kids have run off every nanny he has ever hired. With Connie's glowing recommendation, he agrees to hire Isabel, the only problem is he is 15 years her senior and extremely attracted to her. As Isabel settles into routines with the kids and they begin to warm to her, joy begins to return to the Connovan home. Isabel isn't afraid to advocate for the kids when they need Alec to change his routines, and she certainly isn't afraid to let him know that she reciprocates the attraction that is growing between them.
If you like an age gap, semi-slow burn romance, with a decent amount of spice give this one a read. Alec and Isabel have good chemistry, but Alec is slow to move on his feelings because of his desire to do what is best for everyone. He has a hard time breaking the habits he learned as a child and built over time when it comes to relationships. I'm never a fan of a main character (male or female) telling someone else what is best for them or how they will feel, Alec does a lot of that, instead owning up to his own feelings. It takes him a while to get there, but he eventually does get there. Isabel is no stranger to working hard and being patient for the things that she wants, she is willing to wait for Alec as he figures things out. I do appreciate that the talked through their issues, even if Alec was stubborn and not always listening. While this is a romance at the heart, there are some somber moments that deal with grief and loss, and both characters are finding their way back to happiness again both with each other and in life itself.
Overall, I really loved this. I am loving getting to know the Connovan family and I'm very much looking forward to Nate's book.
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.
This was so fun! I love a good enemies to lovers and this delivered. This also had a little bit of a second chance romance aspect, but the banter between Connie and Gabriel was really what shines through.
Constance "Connie" Connovan is the youngest daughter of a powerful company, likewise Gabriel Thompson is the only son of an equally powerful rival company. While their companies don't really deal in the same type of business, they have always have a healthy competition as to which business was the most powerful and have tried to play in each other's sandbox a time or two. Connie and Gabriel both attended the same prestigious prep school, separated for undergrad and were reunited a few years later at Harvard Law. Connie being the youngest daughter by almost a decade not only had something to prove to her father and brothers, but as a woman in a man's world in general. She always got perfect grades, carefully crafted her image, likes to be overprepared, and meticulously plans everything so it is perfect. Gabriel is her complete opposite, he is great at thinking on his feet, is a little more carefree, and loves to challenge Connie at every possible moment. The two of them trade barbs like professional boxers. They both have a competitive nature and neither will back down from a challenge. This as you can guess leads to a very unexpected and unorthodox Vegas wedding.
I really loved the family dynamics and character development we get to see play out in this book. I was so frustrated by the way that Connie's family treated her and the way she was treated by the men in her field. I really feel that the author did a good job of capturing the dynamics of how differently men and women are treated in the workplace. It is getting better, but it still isn't great. As Gabriel and Connie play at being husband and wife to save face, they realize that they actually might like each other. Their banter changes from mean spirited to playful and they find that they have found a support system and respite in each other that they don't have elsewhere. I really enjoyed getting to know them as they got to really know each other.
I cannot wait for Alec's book. I can already tell it is going to be a good one! He was really tough to like in this book and I'm hoping as we get to know him his hard exterior softens a bit.
With the backdrop of paradise and sizzling chemistry, anything could
happen!
How to Honeymoon Alone, a sexy romantic comedy featuring a feisty heroine and
a grumpy hero from Olivia Hayle is out now!
A paradise island. Two strangers. The attraction they never saw
coming…
When Eden dumped her cheating ex before the wedding, the last thing she
expected was to go on their tropical honeymoon alone. But with no refunds
possible, she packs her budget guidebook and broken heart, and sets off.
She plans to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, and drink cocktails until
she feels like herself again… or falls over. Whichever comes first. What she’s
not expecting is the brusque, handsome stranger who sits down at her table on
the first night.
Philip Meyer is a grumpy workaholic, and so irritatingly cynical that it makes
her forget she’s grieving just to prove him wrong about the world. The two
have nothing in common… except trying to forget who they’ve left behind.
The luxury resort isn’t too big, and fate soon pushes them together again. And
again. Catamaran cruises and midnight swims give way to late night room
service and whispered nothings. Maybe opposites really do attract. But every vacation has to end, even the very best ones… Can these two
opposites make it last?
This steamy romantic comedy is the perfect summer read! Great for fans of The
Love Hypothesis or Beach Read, it involves a feisty heroine and the grumpy
hero who reluctantly (but inevitably) falls for her charms…
Check out a special excerpt from How to Honeymoon Alone!
“Good evening,” a smiling host says. “Do you have a reservation for
tonight?” “I don’t, no. I can see that you’re pretty busy. Is there a
space for one?” “Just one?” “Yes.” I can feel myself shrink. “Let
me check…” He looks down at the screen and taps it a few times. “We do seem to
have a table available. You’ll get our last one of the night!” “Oh,
that’s wonderful. Thank you.” Next to me, a man clears his throat. “There
you are,” he says to me. “Sorry, I’m late. Table for two, actually.” I
stare up at the stranger. His head of dark-brown hair towers over me by a
few inches, and he’s wearing a white button-down. He’s also watching me
meaningfully. “That’s not a problem,” the host says, grabbing another
menu. “Right this way.” He turns and sets off through the packed
restaurant. I remain locked in a staring contest with the intrusive
stranger. He raises an eyebrow. “Share the last table?” he asks and
motions for us to start moving. I’m too stunned to do anything but follow
the host obediently through the restaurant. He leads us to a two-top right
next to the boardwalk and the soft waves. There’s a single lit candle on it,
it’s flame flickering in the light breeze. “Here you are,” the host
chirps and sets the menus down. “Your waiter will be over soon to take your
drink orders.” And just like that, I’m left staring at the tall stranger
in front of me. He pulls out a chair and sits as if he hasn’t just stolen it.
There’s a hint of stubble along his sharp jaw. He looks closed-off and a bit
predatory like he spends much time getting his way just as he is right now. “Excuse
me,” I say. “What was that?” “Maybe I just wanted to get to know you,” he
says. Judging by his lack of accent, he’s American, too. I cast a
meaningful look around the crowded restaurant. “No, you wanted a table in a
full restaurant.” “Nothing escapes you.” He nods to the chair in front of
him. “Have a seat.” “You know, I studied karate for seven years, and I
always carry pepper spray. Not to mention we’re in public.” “Consider me
warned,” he says and opens his menu. “They do good fish here, I’ve heard.” I
finally sit down, my movements slow. “Yes. It’s in the name.” He gives a
low hum. I look down at my menu, but the words bleed together on the page. At
least his sudden arrival means I don’t need to think twice about what the
other guests may be thinking, seeing me here alone. Across the table, he
flips a page of his menu. “Dinner is on me as a thank you,” he says. “Choose
whatever you want. And no need to worry about awkward small talk, if you’re
not in the mood. I have some emails I need to take care of.” I look at
him. “You’re going to work?” He keeps his eyes trained on the menu.
“Would you rather we talk about nothing important just to fill the
silence?” “Wow. I… just wow.” He looks up with a faint frown.
“What?” “I don’t think anyone’s ever spoken to me like you have.” “Right.
I can be direct.” “No, really?” I ask. Sarcasm drips from my words. He
puts the menu down, and it looks like it pains him. “I’m sorry about crashing
your evening. Is it okay with you? Say no, and I’ll leave, no questions
asked.” “It’s okay,” I hear myself saying because, if nothing else, this
is a story to tell Becky about. “I’m just… surprised.” He nods like
that’s that and returns to his menu. The silence stretches between us. I
read my menu without taking in the words and sneak looks at him. I haven’t
spoken to a man who wasn’t my family member, a co-worker, or a friend’s
husband since Caleb and I ended our engagement. He leans forward, a lock
of dark hair falling over his forehead. A heavy watch on his wrist reflects
the flickering candle on the table. “What are you having?” I finally ask
him. He closes the menu with a snap. “The steak.” “The steak,” I
repeat. “At a restaurant famous for its fish? On an island in the middle of
the sea? You do know that swordfish is famous in Barbados?” “Yes.” “I
think I’m having the locally sourced marlin.” He makes that low humming
sound again and reaches into the pocket of his slacks. He pulls out a phone
and puts it on the tabletop. “I don’t want to be rude,” he says, “but I really
do need to answer a few emails.” “You’re working on your vacation?” His
eyes are already on the screen. “Yes.” “Why didn’t you just order room
service?” I ask. He doesn’t look up at me, but he seems to tense up at my
question. “My room wasn’t properly cleaned when I arrived. They’re fixing it
now.” “Oh.” That seems… odd at a five-star resort, but okay, then. I
entertain myself by reading through the dessert menu, and then the wine list.
My eyes graze over the impossible prices of the glass to the bottle. Between
mine and Caleb’s salaries, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Staying at
the Winter Resort was always going to be a stretch. When I sat down to cancel
the honeymoon and learned about the cancellation fees, we’d have to pay for
the flights and the deposit we’d lose on the standard double at the resort…
well. Caleb already took the wedding from me, and I’ll be damned if he takes
my lifelong dream vacation, too.
Read this meet cute romance today! Exclusively on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited!
Olivia is a hopeless romantic who loves billionaires heroes, despite never
having met one. So she took matters into her own hands and creates them on the
page instead. Stern, charming, cold or brooding, so far she’s never met a
(fictional) billionaire she didn’t like.
A voracious reader of romance, Olivia picked up the pen a few years back and
what followed was nothing short of a love affair of. Now she spends her days
chuckling at the steamy banter she’s writing or swooning at
happily-ever-afters.
She’s been writing contemporary romance novels since 2019. They’re all
available on Amazon and enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.
(Phew. Now I can go back to writing first-person love stories!)
Take one ex-bride recovering from a nuptial disaster and one workaholic who
doesn’t know how to relax, and you’ve got a romantic comedy for the
ages!
How to Honeymoon Alone, a steamy, meet-cute, opposites-attract romantic comedy
from Olivia Hayle, is available now!
A paradise island. Two strangers. The attraction they never saw
coming…
When Eden dumped her cheating ex before the wedding, the last thing she
expected was to go on their tropical honeymoon alone. But with no refunds
possible, she packs her budget guidebook and broken heart, and sets off.
She plans to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, and drink cocktails until
she feels like herself again… or falls over. Whichever comes first. What she’s
not expecting is the brusque, handsome stranger who sits down at her table on
the first night.
Philip Meyer is a grumpy workaholic, and so irritatingly cynical that it makes
her forget she’s grieving just to prove him wrong about the world. The two
have nothing in common… except trying to forget who they’ve left behind.
The luxury resort isn’t too big, and fate soon pushes them together again. And
again. Catamaran cruises and midnight swims give way to late night room
service and whispered nothings. Maybe opposites really do attract. But every vacation has to end, even the very best ones… Can these two
opposites make it last?
This steamy romantic comedy is the perfect summer read! Great for fans of The
Love Hypothesis or Beach Read, it involves a feisty heroine and the grumpy
hero who reluctantly (but inevitably) falls for her charms…
Fall in love in paradise! Exclusively on Amazon and in
Kindle Unlimited!!
Olivia is a hopeless romantic who loves billionaires heroes, despite never
having met one. So she took matters into her own hands and creates them on the
page instead. Stern, charming, cold or brooding, so far she’s never met a
(fictional) billionaire she didn’t like.
A voracious reader of romance, Olivia picked up the pen a few years back and
what followed was nothing short of a love affair of. Now she spends her days
chuckling at the steamy banter she’s writing or swooning at
happily-ever-afters.
She’s been writing contemporary romance novels since 2019. They’re all
available on Amazon and enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.
(Phew. Now I can go back to writing first-person love stories!)
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and The Indie Author's Apprentice, all opinions are my own.
This was so fun! If you are looking for a beach read look no further. This follows Eden and Philip as they both honeymoon alone at a beautiful resort. Philip is a grumpy lawyer who works too much, while Eden is an unpredictable kindergarten teacher who wants to make the most of her vacation. Eden has decided to be her best vacation self and doing things that she normally wouldn't do at home and experience everything she can on her once in a lifetime vacation to Barbados. Philip is stoic and serious, but when he crashes Eden's dinner plans on their first night on the island he finds himself having the most random and interesting conversations and being challenged to become his best vacation self. The more time he spends with Eden, the less time he spends answering emails and work calls and doing fun things on his vacation itinerary and things Eden bookmarked in her island guidebook.
This is a moderately steamy, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract romance and I loved every minute of it. Philip and Eden take their time getting to know one another before jumping into something more, which I appreciated. While they only spent 2 weeks together, they spent alot of time being platonic before being romantic so it almost felt like a slow burn even though it was only 2 weeks. They had great conversations that made me smile and laugh. I loved the descriptions of the island, it made me want to go on a tropical vacation and drink locally sourced cocktails and go snorkeling.
Overall I highly recommend this and if you enjoy a good romance you should check this out when it comes out on June 13th.
The Marriage Bet by Olivia Hayle
