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Invested In Love #3
Private Scandal
"Once their love was under wraps. Now it s burning up the sheets. "
Three months ago, Megan Carlton had the world on a string. That was before the man she loved took over her family s hotel business and wiped out a family fortune it had taken generations to build. And before she caught him kissing another woman.
Her only solace: the secrecy of their affair saved the family from public scandal, and kept her embarrassment private. Meanwhile, with a mountain of self-confidence to rebuild, she trades her Manolos and late-night parties for coffee-stained sneakers and early morning barista shifts.
Brandon Knight had everything he ever wanted then the woman of his dreams disappeared without one word of explanation. When he finds Megan serving coffee, he wonders if the socialite is suffering from amnesia. A hot venti to the chest proves she recognizes him. But she s got the situation and him all wrong. All he has to do now is prove it.
Warning: Samhain Publishing cannot be held responsible for any characters harmed by flying handbags, improper use of a door or the misguided application of hickies. All activities involving lingerie, towels or ice cream are to be executed with extreme caution."
Three months ago, Megan Carlton had the world on a string. That was before the man she loved took over her family s hotel business and wiped out a family fortune it had taken generations to build. And before she caught him kissing another woman.
Her only solace: the secrecy of their affair saved the family from public scandal, and kept her embarrassment private. Meanwhile, with a mountain of self-confidence to rebuild, she trades her Manolos and late-night parties for coffee-stained sneakers and early morning barista shifts.
Brandon Knight had everything he ever wanted then the woman of his dreams disappeared without one word of explanation. When he finds Megan serving coffee, he wonders if the socialite is suffering from amnesia. A hot venti to the chest proves she recognizes him. But she s got the situation and him all wrong. All he has to do now is prove it.
Warning: Samhain Publishing cannot be held responsible for any characters harmed by flying handbags, improper use of a door or the misguided application of hickies. All activities involving lingerie, towels or ice cream are to be executed with extreme caution."
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2011
31 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Bayley-Burke
38 books436 followersBy day, USA Today Bestselling author Jenna Bayley-Burke is faster than a speeding toddler, stronger than a stubborn husband, able to leap tall Lego structures in a single bound...but by night, while the family sleeps she writes romance novels where no one ever has to scoop up after the dog, change diapers, clip coupons, drive carpool, do laundry, mop floors, get silly putty out of hair, vacuum, empty the vacuum bag (gross!), exercise, count calories, apply bandaids, clean up puke...wait where was this going? Oh, Jenna writes romance because it is glamorous. Just ask the dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 17, 2017
Brandon and Megan are in love, and have been together for seven years. However, nobody but them knows this as they kept their relationship a secret from everyone. Then a few months ago, Megan's world horrendously came crashing down, breaking her heart and ruining her trust in Brandon at the same time.
Brandon has no idea why Megan left so abruptly, cutting off all contact with him. He's looked for her non-stop ever since, never expecting to find her working as a barista when arriving for a business meeting.
Megan blames Brandon for all the hurt she's endured. He knew her Dad was involved in shady business dealings, knew Megan's family would lose everything because of it, and yet, he never warned her. Instead she was blindsided by all of it, and when she went to ask him about it, on her birthday no less, she's devastated to see him kissing another woman, Gemma, one he's always assured her was just a friend.
Brandon doesn't know what happened between him and Megan, but he does know she's the one for him and he wants, needs, her back. Unfortunately, she refuses to talk to him or let him explain his actions regarding her family's business. He was trying to help her, to protect her, but, when he truly listens to how it appeared to Megan, he sees where he messed up.
These two cannot be together without their intense chemistry sparking, nor the love they feel for one another coming through. When Megan informs Brandon she saw him with Gemma, after numerous thinly veiled, and some not, insults aimed at her, Brandon tries to explain she misunderstood the situation completely, that there never has been, nor ever will be, anything between him and Gemma, let alone any other woman. Gemma was in a bind, and, unfortunately, tried to solve it the wrong way, with the help of a man, a brother-like friend, that she trusts, not knowing of Brandon and Megan's relationship.
Can Brandon and Megan work through all the misunderstandings and find their way back yo each other? Will Megan believe Brandon when he explains what truly happened regarding what she saw? Will Brandon realize the damage he unintentionally did with his actions, not just now, but over their years together? Is there a HEA for these two?
One-click now and follow along as two people, in love with one another for years, must work through the issues keeping them apart.
On a purely personal note, while I know it played into the premise of why Megan left, heartbroken, but I really wish it could've been done without another woman, one that's a close friend and a part of his life, kissing him. Regardless of the situation, that is an image a woman will never be able to stop seeing in regards to the man she loves touching lips with another woman, one she'll see consistently during their lives together. Also, Brandon states that he didn't push her away because of the awkwardness of the kiss, and knowing that there was no passion behind it, nor a future to it. Umm, that's not a reason to not stop another woman from kissing you. The reason to do so is because it's not the woman you supposedly love doing the kissing, and you don't want anyone doing so that isn't her. Lastly, I didn't like how Brandon defended Gemma to Megan, getting upset when she called her names, etc. No, your woman is hurt, and understandably so, because she saw another woman, a "friend only," kissing you, on the same day she learned about her Dad's wrongdoing, that you knew about it, oh, and it's her birthday. Oh, and let's not forget that her Dad regularly cheated on her Mom. Screw defending Gemma, understand where Megan is coming from, don't the two of you gang up on her instead, treating her like she's the one in the wrong, not the friend that kissed you, and proposed to you, because she needs to be married by a certain deadline. Why isn't he mad at her? If it wasn't for her actions, the months long separation between him and Megan might not have happened, saving them both pain and wasted time.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Brandon has no idea why Megan left so abruptly, cutting off all contact with him. He's looked for her non-stop ever since, never expecting to find her working as a barista when arriving for a business meeting.
Megan blames Brandon for all the hurt she's endured. He knew her Dad was involved in shady business dealings, knew Megan's family would lose everything because of it, and yet, he never warned her. Instead she was blindsided by all of it, and when she went to ask him about it, on her birthday no less, she's devastated to see him kissing another woman, Gemma, one he's always assured her was just a friend.
Brandon doesn't know what happened between him and Megan, but he does know she's the one for him and he wants, needs, her back. Unfortunately, she refuses to talk to him or let him explain his actions regarding her family's business. He was trying to help her, to protect her, but, when he truly listens to how it appeared to Megan, he sees where he messed up.
These two cannot be together without their intense chemistry sparking, nor the love they feel for one another coming through. When Megan informs Brandon she saw him with Gemma, after numerous thinly veiled, and some not, insults aimed at her, Brandon tries to explain she misunderstood the situation completely, that there never has been, nor ever will be, anything between him and Gemma, let alone any other woman. Gemma was in a bind, and, unfortunately, tried to solve it the wrong way, with the help of a man, a brother-like friend, that she trusts, not knowing of Brandon and Megan's relationship.
Can Brandon and Megan work through all the misunderstandings and find their way back yo each other? Will Megan believe Brandon when he explains what truly happened regarding what she saw? Will Brandon realize the damage he unintentionally did with his actions, not just now, but over their years together? Is there a HEA for these two?
One-click now and follow along as two people, in love with one another for years, must work through the issues keeping them apart.
On a purely personal note, while I know it played into the premise of why Megan left, heartbroken, but I really wish it could've been done without another woman, one that's a close friend and a part of his life, kissing him. Regardless of the situation, that is an image a woman will never be able to stop seeing in regards to the man she loves touching lips with another woman, one she'll see consistently during their lives together. Also, Brandon states that he didn't push her away because of the awkwardness of the kiss, and knowing that there was no passion behind it, nor a future to it. Umm, that's not a reason to not stop another woman from kissing you. The reason to do so is because it's not the woman you supposedly love doing the kissing, and you don't want anyone doing so that isn't her. Lastly, I didn't like how Brandon defended Gemma to Megan, getting upset when she called her names, etc. No, your woman is hurt, and understandably so, because she saw another woman, a "friend only," kissing you, on the same day she learned about her Dad's wrongdoing, that you knew about it, oh, and it's her birthday. Oh, and let's not forget that her Dad regularly cheated on her Mom. Screw defending Gemma, understand where Megan is coming from, don't the two of you gang up on her instead, treating her like she's the one in the wrong, not the friend that kissed you, and proposed to you, because she needs to be married by a certain deadline. Why isn't he mad at her? If it wasn't for her actions, the months long separation between him and Megan might not have happened, saving them both pain and wasted time.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
July 10, 2017
'The Billionaire's Private Scandal' by Jenna Bayley-Burke. Is the story of Megan and Brandon.
Megan has come along way from her life as a Hotel Heiress. Now she is a regular hardworking person trying to survive. Megan blames Brandon for how her life is going now. Brandon and Megan had bee having a secret relationship which at the time suited them both. But when Brandon takeover of Megan father's business everything was lost to her. When she had head to him to speak to him she found him with another women.. so she left. Brandon has been wondering were Megan is and when he went to check out a Coffee house looking to go into a different direction he finds Megan working there. This causes them to confront what has happened and to start to correct the misunderstandings.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Megan has come along way from her life as a Hotel Heiress. Now she is a regular hardworking person trying to survive. Megan blames Brandon for how her life is going now. Brandon and Megan had bee having a secret relationship which at the time suited them both. But when Brandon takeover of Megan father's business everything was lost to her. When she had head to him to speak to him she found him with another women.. so she left. Brandon has been wondering were Megan is and when he went to check out a Coffee house looking to go into a different direction he finds Megan working there. This causes them to confront what has happened and to start to correct the misunderstandings.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
July 22, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. Let me tell you, that these to should not be together. He is a stalker, and she did have a little growing up to do, to get her life in order, but she was working towards that. However, that said, I did not think that Megan was wrong in leaving Brandon in the dust, first off even if the world did not know that they were together, he did,so him kissing someone else, was not o.k., and his lame excuse, whatever, aaaaand then for him to defend that person over the one he supposedly loves, hell to the no. He would have been left.
July 10, 2017
Megan Carlton had a secret affair with billionaire Brandon Knight which she ended by disappearing after he took over her family’s chain of hotels and she then saw him kissing another woman. From being a trust fund, respected member of the wealthy community, Megan and her sisters suddenly came crashing down to earth, needing to support themselves after their parents disappeared without indicating where they were going or giving any explanation. The sisters have all taken on their changed circumstances in different ways.
Megan is working two jobs - as a barista and in a bar - striving to get herself a firm financial base to build upon. The coffee shop is where Brandon comes face to face with her again. With a seven year secret relationship largely based on intimate encounters, they never went on dates together or anything that might let others realise they were together. This - and his takeover of her family’s hotels - has undermined the trust between them. This is the story of how he tries to prove he had good motives, ones that she would support if only she would listen to him whilst she strives to keep her independence and not let him hurt her again!
This is a real emotional roller coaster, so packed with secrets and misunderstandings that overflow to drown their relationship.There are also elements of suspense and mystery, especially concerning Megan’s parents, which I can only hope will be answered in future stories in this series. There are also some very moving moments concerning the refuge homes Megan is involved with. I enjoyed reading this story - it is a quick read with a cliff hanger ending that left me wanting to know more so I can’t wait for the sequel to be published!
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
Megan is working two jobs - as a barista and in a bar - striving to get herself a firm financial base to build upon. The coffee shop is where Brandon comes face to face with her again. With a seven year secret relationship largely based on intimate encounters, they never went on dates together or anything that might let others realise they were together. This - and his takeover of her family’s hotels - has undermined the trust between them. This is the story of how he tries to prove he had good motives, ones that she would support if only she would listen to him whilst she strives to keep her independence and not let him hurt her again!
This is a real emotional roller coaster, so packed with secrets and misunderstandings that overflow to drown their relationship.There are also elements of suspense and mystery, especially concerning Megan’s parents, which I can only hope will be answered in future stories in this series. There are also some very moving moments concerning the refuge homes Megan is involved with. I enjoyed reading this story - it is a quick read with a cliff hanger ending that left me wanting to know more so I can’t wait for the sequel to be published!
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
April 19, 2011
I did like this book. It was funny and it went really fast. But just after finishing it, I am still mad at the H because he was such a jerk all the way up until the last chapter and his two friends were the secondary characters and I definitely did not like the girl friend. I generally feel like this book was left unfinished. Megan, the h, did not forgive the H (Brandon) until the last couple of pages and it was not because she was being deliberately nasty-- he had a lot to grovel about and it really did not happen. On top of that, the big picture of this story was left hanging with how the Carlton family is going to go on. If JBB is planning to make this into a series, that would be cool, but I would still wish for more of an ending/resolution for Megan and Brandon.
May 16, 2011
I can't believe I finished this book. The heroine never grew past her spoiled, selfish self. I gave her credit in the beginning because she had been raised that way even though the author tried to give her the "responsible despite her wealth" personality. I tried to see past how hateful she was to others just because she was hurting. I tried to see her as the caring, nurturing, philanthropist that she was described as but I just couldn't. She ran every time she was upset which is irresponsible and immature. When she couldn't run she became hateful, lashing out at anyone around her so she could get away. And she couldn't stop comparing herself to her doormat mother which is really stupid, and got annoying quickly.
I do understand her hurt over seeing him kiss another woman. But hating him because her family fortune was lost because her father was an embezzler?? Really? That's like me hating my husband if we lost all our money to Bernie Madhoff. She's supposed to be so caring, and yet she can't stand to see that her father bankrupted the family company, stole her trust fund, and hasn't cared enough to see how she fared in the last three months? And she blindly hates Brandon for being a part of it all?
Then, in the end, the author has the hero, THE HERO, apologizing to her for always being her booty call when she was the one who demanded that in the first place. She was the one who chased him down when it was convenient for her, never allowing him to go public. When he wanted to further their relationship, she freaked and demanded he keep it secret. And yet, he is apologizing to her for not being better to her!! Yes, I'm serious. In fact, the heroine even confesses after confronting him about not being more than a booty call to him "Actually, I just didn't come to you if I wasn't in the mood." WTF???!!!
I'm not real sure how people liked this book, but I do know to each his own so I am not bad-mouthing the author. This story, however, will go down as a wall banger for me. The only reason I did finish was so I could avoid the file room at the office. Horrible heroine, no character development, a really stupid and contrived obstacle, characters that disappear without comment, confusing and/or bad editing, and a ridiculous obsession with the two dogs all combine to make this a definite bad read for me.
***edited to add: And a will that stipulates you have to be married for one year for your inheritance?? Almost illegal, and very easily dismissed in court these days. It isn't 1810. If you needed a bad plot device to get Gemma and Danny together, I'm sure she could have come up with something just as stupid as this novel.
I do understand her hurt over seeing him kiss another woman. But hating him because her family fortune was lost because her father was an embezzler?? Really? That's like me hating my husband if we lost all our money to Bernie Madhoff. She's supposed to be so caring, and yet she can't stand to see that her father bankrupted the family company, stole her trust fund, and hasn't cared enough to see how she fared in the last three months? And she blindly hates Brandon for being a part of it all?
Then, in the end, the author has the hero, THE HERO, apologizing to her for always being her booty call when she was the one who demanded that in the first place. She was the one who chased him down when it was convenient for her, never allowing him to go public. When he wanted to further their relationship, she freaked and demanded he keep it secret. And yet, he is apologizing to her for not being better to her!! Yes, I'm serious. In fact, the heroine even confesses after confronting him about not being more than a booty call to him "Actually, I just didn't come to you if I wasn't in the mood." WTF???!!!
I'm not real sure how people liked this book, but I do know to each his own so I am not bad-mouthing the author. This story, however, will go down as a wall banger for me. The only reason I did finish was so I could avoid the file room at the office. Horrible heroine, no character development, a really stupid and contrived obstacle, characters that disappear without comment, confusing and/or bad editing, and a ridiculous obsession with the two dogs all combine to make this a definite bad read for me.
***edited to add: And a will that stipulates you have to be married for one year for your inheritance?? Almost illegal, and very easily dismissed in court these days. It isn't 1810. If you needed a bad plot device to get Gemma and Danny together, I'm sure she could have come up with something just as stupid as this novel.
April 9, 2018
I was looking for something fun and light. This was just constant fighting with about 4 pages of happiness. I was disappointed.
June 30, 2017
I really liked this one. Very interesting story. Rich girl and her family fall from grace now Meghan is working hard to stand on her. Unfortunately that's where my respect for her ended. To be honest she drove me a bit crazy and it's what kicked this down to a four star read. I found her immature and unreasonable. Now Brandon I loved. He was loving, understanding, and determined to get her back. Overall the story is very well done and definitely a book I would recommend.
April 20, 2011
Have you ever liked a book, but at the same time the H/h irked you? I liked the potential of this book, but felt it was not fully fleshed out. Scenarios were introduced but lots of time no conclusion or follow up. I understand why Megan was so upset her life as she knew it was torn apart in one day. She never even questioned Brandon or confronted him. Megan never confronted her parents, there was a scene about hickies and the receivers reaction then dropped, I kept waiting for the issue to be addressed.
It seems like this may be set up to continue with Megan's sisters, Danny and Gemma, hopefully there is a little more "flow" in their books.
I will read this author again, like I stated I liked it, but it irked me because I felt I was left hanging. I am hoping it is just becuase she is a new author.
It seems like this may be set up to continue with Megan's sisters, Danny and Gemma, hopefully there is a little more "flow" in their books.
I will read this author again, like I stated I liked it, but it irked me because I felt I was left hanging. I am hoping it is just becuase she is a new author.
May 6, 2011
This was kinda heart wrenching. I mean my heart was seriously breaking through most of the book for what each of the main characters was feeling. And at the same time, I wanted to smack the heroine a few times. Just shut your trap and listen to the man! Hell, for the first 2/3 of the book, he didn't understand the REAL reason for your wrath! And yes, the man may have made some assumptions, but she didn't give him much to work with. Sheesh! It all worked out and it was sweet, but my god, I need a pick me up now, lol!
July 12, 2017
Megan Carlton and Brandon Knight were happy and in love until he betrayed her. The hostile takeover he pulled off of her family's hotel empire cost her everything and now Megan is barely staying afloat serving coffee and surviving on the tips she earns. When Brandon walks into the coffee shop where she's working, Megan does her best to ignore him. But she should know by now that he doesn't give up when he wants something. Will Megan be able to forgive him for what he did or has he hurt her too much to be given a second shot at forever after?
What a captivating enemy to lovers story Ms. Burke has penned in this story, encompassing a heroine hurt due to the betrayal by the man she loved; and a hero determined to make things right and prove what the heroine believes he did is all a misunderstanding. The way this story started had me sympathizing with the heroine, as she's surviving the best she can and coming face-to-face with Brandon again brings everything she's tried so hard to forget to the surface. Will Brandon be able to win back Megan?
As for the main characters, both the hero and heroine were entertaining due to their history and the dialogue was intense due to how the heroine believes the hero betrayed her in more ways than one and the harsh name calling the heroine hurls at someone she believes is the 'other woman'. However, there were a couple of really good light-hearted moments that had me believing there was hope for this couple, even though Megan doesn't make it easy for Brandon to convince her of his side of the story. That he thought what he was doing was a good thing, and hoped she'd see it that way too, because of how much she loved her family's hotel empire.
Moreover, the heroine was strong and brave in how she managed to keep going after Brandon's betrayal. Certainly, she didn't give up on getting her life back on track, even though she lost everything such as her home, her money and any friends she had. I also liked that she stands up to Brandon when he gets bossy and makes her feel like a prisoner. While Brandon, I liked how confident and determined he was to win the heroine back, even though Megan puts up quite a challenge because of what she believes the hero did. I also liked that the hero knew when to back off, instead of forcing her to face the truth and realize that what he did was the right thing to do.
Overall, Ms. Burke has penned a fascinating read in this story where the couple being at odds delivers really strong chemistry, and ups the sexual tension until it spills over onto the pages in hot sex scenes that illustrated how good these two are together. Furthermore, the way this story ended left me a tad frustrated. I felt like the story wasn't wrapped up enough to leave me completely satisfied. Why wasn't there an epilogue to show how far this couple have come since Megan made the right decision when it came to their relationship? However, I did like Brandon's decision when it came to the Carlton family empire, how the heroine was with her sisters towards the end and what Megan is going to do for the woman she believed Brandon betrayed her with. I would recommend The Billionaire's Private Scandal by Jenna Bayley-Burke, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Sonya Weiss, Lexxie Couper, Diana Alberts or Amy Ayers.
August 6, 2017
This review was originally posted at Rosennette, the lifestyle of a bookish heart.
I received this book from the publisher through in exchange for an honest review. This didn’t affect my opinion of it.
I have only read one book by Jenna Bayley-Burke before, Cooked Up a Seduction, which is a romantic comedy with some delicious food recipes. Now, The Billionaire’s Private Scandal was completely opposite to that first book I read. But it wasn’t bad at all, on the contrary, it was a really good drama that kept me engaged through the whole reading.
The premise of the plot was very solid, and I think the author made a great job constructing the scenes and dialogues, and the time line was perfect. The feels were present from the start. I don’t know if it was because what I read in the synopsis or because of the story per se, but from the first pages, I was getting chills, something that I have when the emotions got me to the core.
The characters were a little bit more complicated, both leads have good things but also made me roll my eyes from time to time. For example, I like that Megan was trying to make something up of her life and facing her problems, even when that means she has to face all the people her dad did wrong, but she over the top concerning her relationship with Brandon. For me, she was right about been upset and want him to apologize, because he never gave her a reason to trust him. But the entire book shouldn’t have been about it and after the half of it, I was tired of her drama queen attitude.
By other hands, I like that Brandon was a good guy, that he tried to save Megan and protected her from her own family but he was so immersed into that that he didn’t stop for a moment to think about what she wanted. I was really mad at him for thinking that after what she saw, she was going to be so willing and receptive to believe in him. Brandon was one of those guys who think we, women, are so basic that we can forgive any transgression with just a few beautiful words? Well, no.
Despite the characters flaws, I really enjoy this books some much and I believe the author created a strong, compelling story that deserves to be read. I really recommend this book to all of those who like second chances, redeemed characters and a little bit of glamour.
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I received this book from the publisher through in exchange for an honest review. This didn’t affect my opinion of it.
I have only read one book by Jenna Bayley-Burke before, Cooked Up a Seduction, which is a romantic comedy with some delicious food recipes. Now, The Billionaire’s Private Scandal was completely opposite to that first book I read. But it wasn’t bad at all, on the contrary, it was a really good drama that kept me engaged through the whole reading.
The premise of the plot was very solid, and I think the author made a great job constructing the scenes and dialogues, and the time line was perfect. The feels were present from the start. I don’t know if it was because what I read in the synopsis or because of the story per se, but from the first pages, I was getting chills, something that I have when the emotions got me to the core.
The characters were a little bit more complicated, both leads have good things but also made me roll my eyes from time to time. For example, I like that Megan was trying to make something up of her life and facing her problems, even when that means she has to face all the people her dad did wrong, but she over the top concerning her relationship with Brandon. For me, she was right about been upset and want him to apologize, because he never gave her a reason to trust him. But the entire book shouldn’t have been about it and after the half of it, I was tired of her drama queen attitude.
By other hands, I like that Brandon was a good guy, that he tried to save Megan and protected her from her own family but he was so immersed into that that he didn’t stop for a moment to think about what she wanted. I was really mad at him for thinking that after what she saw, she was going to be so willing and receptive to believe in him. Brandon was one of those guys who think we, women, are so basic that we can forgive any transgression with just a few beautiful words? Well, no.
Despite the characters flaws, I really enjoy this books some much and I believe the author created a strong, compelling story that deserves to be read. I really recommend this book to all of those who like second chances, redeemed characters and a little bit of glamour.
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July 12, 2017
Brandon stopped at the coffee shop there was Meagan and he couldn’t believe it. Megan was a socialite with a trust fund deep enough to buy this shop one hundred times over. Megan was suppose to be on a beach while her father avoided extradition for embezzlement. Yet Megan was here in front of Brandon- a smaller angrier version of the hotel heiress Brandon loved. Megand had not made Brandon’s drink she refused to and quit her job. Brandon begged Megan to talk to him even said that Megan owed him some kind of an explanation. Megan said she owed Brandon nothing that he was a liar and a cheat and she never wanted to see him again. Megan was intensely private and no one had known Megan and Brandon had been together for the last seven years. Megan was great at putting on a show and making the world think she had it all together even when things were falling apart. Megan shot the cup of coffee at Brandon before she quit. But Brandon followed her to her apartment. Brandon couldn’t believe the way Megan was living. Megan remembered back when she had went to a party with her older sister Ava at Brandon’s house and Megan had set her sights on Brandon. Brandon was fresh out of military school and wanted to have some fun. Every time Brandon turned Megan down she wanted him more. Megan even lost all interest in boys at school. Megan’s heart squeezed when she thought of how naive she had been to think she could change the world without it changing her. Megan seriously slept an hour at a time and usually jolted awake by a sound that terrified her. Soon Megan would have enough money to take some computer classes. She had already earned her GED in the last year. While at Brandon’s house the dog her had bought her - Cash- a cockapoo comes running to her and all Megan’s walls crumbled. Then Megan thought maybe she should take a page out of her sister Ava’s book. Brandon had said he wanted to put a ring on Megan’s finger but never bought one and he said he wanted them to become public with their relationship but never asked her out. The hope is what devastated her when she was going to Brandon for some answers and help on her birthday and saw him kissing Gemma then they went into his apartment. She had given Brandon her virginity - her first love, and first and only lover.
I loved most of this story. But I didn’t particularly liked the way the ending was written I felt it was just rushed. I like what it entailed just not how it was written. Otherwise I loved the story and the plot. I loved how much Brandon had truly loved Megan and never gave up on finding her and being back with her. I also loved how Megan loved him right back but was so lost and hurt. I felt bad for everything she had went through with no one to really turn to. I felt bad how hurt and confused and how she hadn’t felt safe in a long time. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.
I loved most of this story. But I didn’t particularly liked the way the ending was written I felt it was just rushed. I like what it entailed just not how it was written. Otherwise I loved the story and the plot. I loved how much Brandon had truly loved Megan and never gave up on finding her and being back with her. I also loved how Megan loved him right back but was so lost and hurt. I felt bad for everything she had went through with no one to really turn to. I felt bad how hurt and confused and how she hadn’t felt safe in a long time. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.
December 3, 2017
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone but part of a series
Ages of H and h: Megan is 25ish and Brandon is the same age
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: So. Megan's family business is taken over by Brandon and when Megan confronts Brandon and she sees him kissing a friend of his , Gemma she wits around and sees that she he invites her in. She's pretty cut up about it and runs away and Megan is insanely jealous whenever she sees Brandon and Gemma together and comes to the wrong conclusion. At the end Brandon tells her that it was a kiss but it was nothing more than that and that it was Gemma's attempt at trying to get Brandon to see if there's anything amongst them because she needs to get married to someone because hee grandfather's will.
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
A great read if you're looking for angst. I usually don't like OW drama but it was tolerable here. I'm quite curious to read ahead.
Ages of H and h: Megan is 25ish and Brandon is the same age
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: So. Megan's family business is taken over by Brandon and when Megan confronts Brandon and she sees him kissing a friend of his , Gemma she wits around and sees that she he invites her in. She's pretty cut up about it and runs away and Megan is insanely jealous whenever she sees Brandon and Gemma together and comes to the wrong conclusion. At the end Brandon tells her that it was a kiss but it was nothing more than that and that it was Gemma's attempt at trying to get Brandon to see if there's anything amongst them because she needs to get married to someone because hee grandfather's will.
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
A great read if you're looking for angst. I usually don't like OW drama but it was tolerable here. I'm quite curious to read ahead.
July 9, 2017
The Billionaire’s Private Scandal by Jenna Bayley-Burke was a quick read with an intriguing story. A fallen socialite and a billionaire in love and so many misunderstandings and secrets, what can go wrong, right?
Megan Carlton had everything she wanted in life. A secret affair with a sexy billionaire, money and status. She never wanted for anything. Then her world fell apart and when she ran to the man she thought she could always count on, she lost the little bit she had left.
All Brandon Knight ever wanted was Megan. Their secret affair suited him fine, until it didn’t. Determined to have her, he put a plan in place to protect her, but instead it blew up in his face. But he loved her and was determined to protect her at all cost. All he had to do was find her.
Though I liked Megan and Brandon, communication would have gone a long way between these two. When we meet Megan, she was at her lowest. Having lost everything after the man she loved did a hostile takeover of her family’s business and kissed another woman, all in the same day. She is broke and barely surviving. But she is determined to move forward and continue the charitable legacy her grandmother founded. Though she struggled on a daily basis, her determination pulled her through.
Brandon is a man accustomed to getting everything he wants. He is a fair man, sexy, charming and caring, but determined just the same. When the woman he loves disappears, all he wants is her back in his life. However, when he finds her, it’s at the last place he ever imagined and not the welcome he imagined.
Brandon and Megan never stopped caring about each other, however, so many misunderstandings and secrets got in their way. Hurt, broke and heartbroken, Megan ran away from her life to survive. Brandon only wanted to protect Megan, but not understanding how his actions may look, he drove her away instead. Can they find a way back to each other or is there to much hurt and secrets between them now?
This was a great quick read. I read this in one sitting. I loved the banter and friction between the two main characters. Neither was willing to budge, but both cared too much to let go. The push and pull, throughout the story will keep you invested and rooting for them.
Happy reading!
Megan Carlton had everything she wanted in life. A secret affair with a sexy billionaire, money and status. She never wanted for anything. Then her world fell apart and when she ran to the man she thought she could always count on, she lost the little bit she had left.
All Brandon Knight ever wanted was Megan. Their secret affair suited him fine, until it didn’t. Determined to have her, he put a plan in place to protect her, but instead it blew up in his face. But he loved her and was determined to protect her at all cost. All he had to do was find her.
Though I liked Megan and Brandon, communication would have gone a long way between these two. When we meet Megan, she was at her lowest. Having lost everything after the man she loved did a hostile takeover of her family’s business and kissed another woman, all in the same day. She is broke and barely surviving. But she is determined to move forward and continue the charitable legacy her grandmother founded. Though she struggled on a daily basis, her determination pulled her through.
Brandon is a man accustomed to getting everything he wants. He is a fair man, sexy, charming and caring, but determined just the same. When the woman he loves disappears, all he wants is her back in his life. However, when he finds her, it’s at the last place he ever imagined and not the welcome he imagined.
Brandon and Megan never stopped caring about each other, however, so many misunderstandings and secrets got in their way. Hurt, broke and heartbroken, Megan ran away from her life to survive. Brandon only wanted to protect Megan, but not understanding how his actions may look, he drove her away instead. Can they find a way back to each other or is there to much hurt and secrets between them now?
This was a great quick read. I read this in one sitting. I loved the banter and friction between the two main characters. Neither was willing to budge, but both cared too much to let go. The push and pull, throughout the story will keep you invested and rooting for them.
Happy reading!
July 10, 2017
The Billionaire's Private Scandal by Jenna Bayley-Burke, is a fun and sexy novel, which at times was quite sad. It is a fast-paced read, replete with an engaging plot, well-defined characters, and a very seductive romance. This is the third book from the author's Invested In Love series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Megan Carlton was a very happy socialite, until she became an outcast. Thanks to her father, the name Carlton is now synonymous with embezzlement, evading the law, and deceit. Her family's once thriving hotel conglomerate was purchased by her secret boyfriend of seven years, billionaire and financier Brandon Knight. While her two sisters escaped all the drama by moving out of state, Megan made a home for herself on the seedy side of Pasadena, in order to ensure that the charities her family once supported continued to help those in need. In addition to being homeless and penniless, she caught Brandon kissing another woman, which truly left her with nothing.
Brandon has loved Megan since the moment they first met. He never meant to hurt Megan or her family, but Megan's father was embezzling money from his own company, in addition to stealing from his daughter's trust funds. The kiss Megan witnessed was truly nothing, but at that point her ability to trust was non-existent. Keeping their relationship a secret was always Megan's idea, and Brandon went along with it because he believed it made Megan happy. Finally locating her after months of searching, he only wants to keep her safe. Megan has a hard time trusting him, but their sexual pull is overwhelming, and she loves him as well.
I enjoyed this book, even though the ending was disappointing and left me bereft. Megan and Brandon are a hot couple and their sexy times are very steamy. The love between them is executed beautifully, and their connection to each other is tangible. Ms. Burke is a passionate writer, and the love she feels for her characters is easy to experience from her expressive words.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Megan Carlton was a very happy socialite, until she became an outcast. Thanks to her father, the name Carlton is now synonymous with embezzlement, evading the law, and deceit. Her family's once thriving hotel conglomerate was purchased by her secret boyfriend of seven years, billionaire and financier Brandon Knight. While her two sisters escaped all the drama by moving out of state, Megan made a home for herself on the seedy side of Pasadena, in order to ensure that the charities her family once supported continued to help those in need. In addition to being homeless and penniless, she caught Brandon kissing another woman, which truly left her with nothing.
Brandon has loved Megan since the moment they first met. He never meant to hurt Megan or her family, but Megan's father was embezzling money from his own company, in addition to stealing from his daughter's trust funds. The kiss Megan witnessed was truly nothing, but at that point her ability to trust was non-existent. Keeping their relationship a secret was always Megan's idea, and Brandon went along with it because he believed it made Megan happy. Finally locating her after months of searching, he only wants to keep her safe. Megan has a hard time trusting him, but their sexual pull is overwhelming, and she loves him as well.
I enjoyed this book, even though the ending was disappointing and left me bereft. Megan and Brandon are a hot couple and their sexy times are very steamy. The love between them is executed beautifully, and their connection to each other is tangible. Ms. Burke is a passionate writer, and the love she feels for her characters is easy to experience from her expressive words.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
July 10, 2017
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
The Billionaire`s Private Scandal was the first book I read by author Jenna Bayley-Burke and I really enjoyed it.
Megan and Brandon have been secretly together for 7 years when Megan leaves him and disappears. Brandon doesn`t know why and take a couple of months to find her. The truth is that Megan blames him for hew family`s financial problems and believes he cheated on her.
I won`t give any spoilers, but the book is really good.
Brandon is so so lovable. He is handsome, rich ( of course!) and such a good guy. He`s loving, caring and you can see since page 1 that he REALLY LOVES Megan. The entire book is about Brandon showing Megan how much he loves her, if not with words, with his actions. He`s fighting hard to get her back!
I related to Megan in the beginning of the book and I understood why she was so hurt by Brandon`s actions, but it got really annoying as the pages went by. Megan sounded like a broken record and she pissed me off. I felt like punching her for being so stubborn. She sounded really immature and unreasonable and If I was Brandon I would give up and move on. I mean, he said many and many times he loved her and he even asked her to marry him! How can she not know he loves her?? I don`t get it!
I also don`t get why Megan wanted to keep their relationship a secret and I could not relate to that. I understand something like that in the beginning of a relationship, but after 7 years? I don`t even know how they managed that and it seemed childish to me.
I didn`t like the end of the book. It felt like some pages were missing and the story was cut because the book ends in the middle of a conversation and It`s weird.
Overwall the book is really well written and the story is well paced. I look forward to Megan`s sisters books.
The Billionaire`s Private Scandal was the first book I read by author Jenna Bayley-Burke and I really enjoyed it.
Megan and Brandon have been secretly together for 7 years when Megan leaves him and disappears. Brandon doesn`t know why and take a couple of months to find her. The truth is that Megan blames him for hew family`s financial problems and believes he cheated on her.
I won`t give any spoilers, but the book is really good.
Brandon is so so lovable. He is handsome, rich ( of course!) and such a good guy. He`s loving, caring and you can see since page 1 that he REALLY LOVES Megan. The entire book is about Brandon showing Megan how much he loves her, if not with words, with his actions. He`s fighting hard to get her back!
I related to Megan in the beginning of the book and I understood why she was so hurt by Brandon`s actions, but it got really annoying as the pages went by. Megan sounded like a broken record and she pissed me off. I felt like punching her for being so stubborn. She sounded really immature and unreasonable and If I was Brandon I would give up and move on. I mean, he said many and many times he loved her and he even asked her to marry him! How can she not know he loves her?? I don`t get it!
I also don`t get why Megan wanted to keep their relationship a secret and I could not relate to that. I understand something like that in the beginning of a relationship, but after 7 years? I don`t even know how they managed that and it seemed childish to me.
I didn`t like the end of the book. It felt like some pages were missing and the story was cut because the book ends in the middle of a conversation and It`s weird.
Overwall the book is really well written and the story is well paced. I look forward to Megan`s sisters books.
July 12, 2017
Megan Carlton's life took a dramatic turn when her secret affair with Brandon Knight, ended with him pulling off a takeover of her family's hotel empire, not to mention kissing another woman on her birthday. Now she's broke and alone, working herself to the bone to just survive, while her heart is shattered into a million pieces. Months later, Brandon finds her serving coffee, and while he doesn't understand what is going on, she's very bitter, and makes no bones about it. He won't stop trying to insert himself back into her life, but she will never trust him again, although she never stopped loving him. Will he ever be able to prove to her that she was wrong about him? I absolutely LOVED The Billionaire's Private Scandal, and devoured it in one sitting. My heart broke for Megan, and everything she went through after losing everything. She didn't even eat for days in order to keep a roof over her head. And while Brandon was mouthwatering hot, he still made me mad more than once, especially when he took other people's side over her feelings. I am a relative newer fan of Jenna Bayley-Burke, as her talented writing style has me very addicted after the couple of books that I've read. She also has a knack for drawing out my dramatic emotions, and I found a big lump in my throat for most of the story, while some eye leakage ensued. But on the flip side, Megan's sassy attitude kept me laughing with the well placed humor throughout. However, after this angst filled journey, the ending left me a bit confused, as it seemed, IN MY OPINION, that it just dropped off, so didn't feel finished to me. Anyway, I wouldn't be opposed to seeing another book with Megan and Brandon, (hint hint), but also excited to read more of her amazing books! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 12, 2017
I know, I just read another story by Ms. Bayley-Burke and it was just okay for me. Not this one. I really loved this story about a second chance/childhood lovers romance. Plus, it is Indulgence, which is catnip to me.
What really got me going was that Brandon really is a good guy. He’s not an **shole at all. In fact, the person that had to the groveling/growing up is Megan. She is the best-spoiled princess that I have read in a long time. Sure, after everything that happened, she pulled her boot straps up and did what she had to do but her treatment of Brandon at times was really unwarranted. She just DIDN’T want to hear Brandon. Which leads me to the why Brandon would put up with her treatment? He already knew everything but still kept coming back for more from her.
Megan really needed to grow up in the book. She eventually did but her journey is still far off. Her treatment of Gemma and Danny is completely off the charts and if they never speak to her again, I would understand. Lashing out is one thing but what she said isn’t cool. I did, however, loved her interactions with her sisters, Briana and Ava. I can’t wait to read their stories, hopefully. The plot thread that is set up in this book about her dad, mom (wow, that was a doozy at the end) and the embezzled money is just awesome.
Brandon and Megan had a lot to overcome in this story. Megan had the most to lose and that much more to gain. Brandon is a great hero and Megan is an awesome spoiled little rich girl that I wanted to see grow up and move on. I felt like she did but she still has ways to go.
What really got me going was that Brandon really is a good guy. He’s not an **shole at all. In fact, the person that had to the groveling/growing up is Megan. She is the best-spoiled princess that I have read in a long time. Sure, after everything that happened, she pulled her boot straps up and did what she had to do but her treatment of Brandon at times was really unwarranted. She just DIDN’T want to hear Brandon. Which leads me to the why Brandon would put up with her treatment? He already knew everything but still kept coming back for more from her.
Megan really needed to grow up in the book. She eventually did but her journey is still far off. Her treatment of Gemma and Danny is completely off the charts and if they never speak to her again, I would understand. Lashing out is one thing but what she said isn’t cool. I did, however, loved her interactions with her sisters, Briana and Ava. I can’t wait to read their stories, hopefully. The plot thread that is set up in this book about her dad, mom (wow, that was a doozy at the end) and the embezzled money is just awesome.
Brandon and Megan had a lot to overcome in this story. Megan had the most to lose and that much more to gain. Brandon is a great hero and Megan is an awesome spoiled little rich girl that I wanted to see grow up and move on. I felt like she did but she still has ways to go.
July 11, 2017
Megan Carlton has lost everything. She goes from being a rich socialite heiress to a hotel fortune to being destitute. On top of everything, the guy she’s been having a secret affair with for seven years (seven!) is the guy who has bought out her father’s company and exposed her father’s embezzlement. On top of all that, on the same day that her world crashes around her she sees him kissing his socialite best friend. So she fled and then has tried to make it on her own working two jobs and living in a rough part of town. Brandon Knight (get the symbolism of his name?), her hidden boyfriend has been looking for her for months and then encounters her working in a coffee shop.
Thus proceeds the back and forth as he tries to win her back and she tries to maintain her independence and self respect. In between, they have some hot sex and then she remembers that she doesn’t trust him and they rinse and repeat.
At times I just wanted to smack both of them and tell them to sit down and talk things out. So many romance novels seem to build a whole plot around people not communicating with each other and it gets annoying after a while. Megan gets annoying since she is so determined to make it on her own even if she has to literally starve while doing it and snap at anyone, particularly Brandon, who tries to help her.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thus proceeds the back and forth as he tries to win her back and she tries to maintain her independence and self respect. In between, they have some hot sex and then she remembers that she doesn’t trust him and they rinse and repeat.
At times I just wanted to smack both of them and tell them to sit down and talk things out. So many romance novels seem to build a whole plot around people not communicating with each other and it gets annoying after a while. Megan gets annoying since she is so determined to make it on her own even if she has to literally starve while doing it and snap at anyone, particularly Brandon, who tries to help her.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2017
Pride, insecurities and betrayal set the stage for a complicated, frustrating and dramatic romance. Without trust there can never be love. Megan and Brandon built a relationship based on lust and confused it with love. When the storm came, their foundation wasn't strong enough to withstand the fall out. Self destructive behavior, misunderstandings and secrets toppled what was thought to be an everlasting love. Will regret and forgiveness offer up a second chance? The Billionaire's Private Scandal had a strong start but the race to the finish line stalled. The constant back and forth, gave me a touch of whiplash. I wish the main characters had worked things out sooner.
July 9, 2017
Megan’s lost everything when her father absconds with her and her sisters’ trust funds after stealing money from his investors. When she goes to her boyfriend, Brandon, for help she finds him kissing another woman. Forced to make it on her own after a huge fight with her sisters, Megan’s strength comes out. Working two menial jobs and barely making it is where Brandon finds her. Trying to convince Megan she read the situation all wrong is an uphill climb for Brandon since he doesn’t realize what he’s up against. Megan will need to decide if she can trust Brandon to have her happily ever after or not!
July 10, 2017
I received this ARC copy of this book from NetGallery in exchange for a fair and honest review. I give this book 5 stars. The storyline between Brandon and Megan was well written and starts with Brandon's betrayal. A must read book. This was the first book a read from this Author and she goes to depth when they argue.
June 30, 2017
I actually really liked reading The Billionaire's Private Scandal by Jenna Bayley-Burke.It's the first book I've read by this author but definitely will not be my last. I was swept up in the drama and chaos right away and before I realized it I was at 80%! I could have bitch slapped Gemma several times and feel that she should have been put in her place and that's my only complaint. She was so nasty and destructive and I have a strong dislike of femae "friends" of heros in a story to begin with and the amount of times he let her get away with bad mouthing his woman/lover/soul mate made me mad and lose respect for him in the process. I wish the author had added even a little something along those lines as I'm sensing Gemma will get her own book/story in this series eventually and I'd not like going into it already hating the heroines character when we're supposed to be cheering for them. Basically he should have defended his woman and stood up for her, plus a lot more groveling. I would have totally added another star for that. But since I feel so strongly about the characters, I know this was a great book and wonderful story. I appreciate the opportunity to read the book and Thank Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
July 5, 2017
This was a quick paced read that was really good. I enjoyed the sassiness and spitfire that Megan was. And it was even better with Brandon trying to control her. He didn't stand a chance. Almost made me feel for the guy, but he truly deserved it. I loved how he wanted to take care of her, protect her and be there for her, but I wanted him to know her and her heart. I think he finally got it. And he did good. I really want more from this family, her sisters and Danny especially, maybe even Gemma. I hope this is not the end for this family.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
July 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read (took me about 2.5 hours) and easy to fit into a relaxing evening. I like that it drops you into the middle of the story, rather than starting just prior to the H and h meeting. I plan on reading the other books in the series.
June 25, 2017
I was given this ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading this book. This is the first book I've read from Jenna Bayle-Burke and I loved it. It has romance, comedy, secrets and misunderstandings. Megan might have thought that Brandon was playing with her and cheating on her with Gemma but underneath all that anger and betrayal she still in love with Brandon. Brandon might not know why Megan left him without a word but now that he has found her he is not letting her go. Brandon might have thought he was doing the right thing by keeping Megan in the dark but he couldn't have been more wrong. I'm glad that at the end they both got their HEA all they needed to do was just communicate and trust each other. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, I was expecting more. Overall The Billionaires Private Scandal was a fun read!
June 21, 2017
This is a fun quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. In it, Megan has hit rock bottom after her father's embezzlement came to light and he flew the jurisdiction. She blames Brandon for her circumstances and the fact that she was left with nothing.
Brandon doesn't know why Megan disappeared without a word and searched until finding her (months later). However, what Brandon viewed as a business decision, Megan viewed as a personal betrayal. Add in that she saw him kissing her nemesis and, to say the least, Megan is not happy to see him when he shows up. This led to a number of entertaining scenes that range from sad to amusing....I mean, really, who hasn't wanted to throw a cup of hot coffee at an ex? The difference is that Megan gets to actually do it....lol.
I loved the premise and the way the author told the story - it had me totally engaged from the very first page until the very last page. I took away a star because of the ending, while all the elements were resolved, it just felt a bit abrupt to me.
Fans of the genre will enjoy this novel and I'm looking forward to reading more by the author.
Brandon doesn't know why Megan disappeared without a word and searched until finding her (months later). However, what Brandon viewed as a business decision, Megan viewed as a personal betrayal. Add in that she saw him kissing her nemesis and, to say the least, Megan is not happy to see him when he shows up. This led to a number of entertaining scenes that range from sad to amusing....I mean, really, who hasn't wanted to throw a cup of hot coffee at an ex? The difference is that Megan gets to actually do it....lol.
I loved the premise and the way the author told the story - it had me totally engaged from the very first page until the very last page. I took away a star because of the ending, while all the elements were resolved, it just felt a bit abrupt to me.
Fans of the genre will enjoy this novel and I'm looking forward to reading more by the author.
April 22, 2011
CAUTION: Spoilers
I originally rated it as 3 stars, but downgraded to 1 star upon retrospect. Like the other reviewers, the story had a wonderful premise but there were *alot* of issues left unresolved which irked me.
- Genma and her inheritance and the marriage she needs to keep her inheritance.
- Danny's friendship with Brandon upon finding out Genma kissed Brandon.
- Meagan's parents' disappearance. The crux of the story and they never showed up.
- The Carlton House. Sure they had a fundraising, but was it successful? Was the charity saved?
Moreover, there were alot of personality issues with Megan.
- Her insistence on taking Cash with her. She can't even support herself, how the hell will she support the dog?
- The non-communication with her sisters...doesn't the Carlton House have a phone she can borrow to call her sisters?
- She had no problem telling Brandon all the crap he inflicted upon her, but she consistently forgot to yell at him for his supposed infidelity?
- Her insistence to return back to her apartment after it's been trashed by some unruly males. Doesn't she work in a battered women's shelter and knows how dangerous men can be? Hate Brandon all she want, but at least he never physically threatened her.
- Once she found out about her sisters and planned to move in with one of them, why doesn't she? What with the delay?
For all Megan's self-proclaimed independence and common sense, I'm not see any. Accepting help, even from someone you hate, doesn't necessarily mean you're losing your independence. It means you're doing what needs to be done to survive. Pride before food, shelter, and clothes. Megan seem to have a bigger problem accepting Brandon's help than having sex with him (which she did on multiple time when she still hate him).
Moreover, the ending was too abrupt. There was absolutely no way Megan could have forgiven Brandon that quickly after years of holding a grudge, but yet she did. The HEA was executed very poorly.
I originally rated it as 3 stars, but downgraded to 1 star upon retrospect. Like the other reviewers, the story had a wonderful premise but there were *alot* of issues left unresolved which irked me.
- Genma and her inheritance and the marriage she needs to keep her inheritance.
- Danny's friendship with Brandon upon finding out Genma kissed Brandon.
- Meagan's parents' disappearance. The crux of the story and they never showed up.
- The Carlton House. Sure they had a fundraising, but was it successful? Was the charity saved?
Moreover, there were alot of personality issues with Megan.
- Her insistence on taking Cash with her. She can't even support herself, how the hell will she support the dog?
- The non-communication with her sisters...doesn't the Carlton House have a phone she can borrow to call her sisters?
- She had no problem telling Brandon all the crap he inflicted upon her, but she consistently forgot to yell at him for his supposed infidelity?
- Her insistence to return back to her apartment after it's been trashed by some unruly males. Doesn't she work in a battered women's shelter and knows how dangerous men can be? Hate Brandon all she want, but at least he never physically threatened her.
- Once she found out about her sisters and planned to move in with one of them, why doesn't she? What with the delay?
For all Megan's self-proclaimed independence and common sense, I'm not see any. Accepting help, even from someone you hate, doesn't necessarily mean you're losing your independence. It means you're doing what needs to be done to survive. Pride before food, shelter, and clothes. Megan seem to have a bigger problem accepting Brandon's help than having sex with him (which she did on multiple time when she still hate him).
Moreover, the ending was too abrupt. There was absolutely no way Megan could have forgiven Brandon that quickly after years of holding a grudge, but yet she did. The HEA was executed very poorly.
July 5, 2017
I had a tough time with this one, so my review will reflect that. Let me first say that I love Jenna BB's books and she's a great writer and a consistent good read. Perhaps that's what threw me off so much with this one.
I had a hard time liking either character, add to the mix Gemma... need I say more. There were too many holes in the story, it lacked the flow that is normally found in her other books. I totally got Megan's anger. I also fail to understand why the H was so evasive so often and never filled in the blanks for her. Meanwhile he's still having her tracked along with her sisters in hopes of finding their father and the missing money. The girl was living below the poverty level. What did he think he was going to do to her by his business transactions? Selfish twit. The story was too choppy, I think the book would have been much better had it been longer and really delved into the plotline deeper, along with the character development. Why would your "boyfriend" think that it was ok to pair you up with a gal pal like Gemma? Seriously? I didn't see the point. Especially after she told him what she saw.
No matter what his explanation was. Danny also didn't do a dang thing for me.
I had to push myself to finish this, something I've never had to do. I hate putting things in the DNF slot and because it's Jenna I felt like it would get better. So much for thinking.
This book just wasn't for me obviously and I'm sure other readers will enjoy it very much.
**arc from NetGalley and Entangled in exchange for a fair review.**
I had a hard time liking either character, add to the mix Gemma... need I say more. There were too many holes in the story, it lacked the flow that is normally found in her other books. I totally got Megan's anger. I also fail to understand why the H was so evasive so often and never filled in the blanks for her. Meanwhile he's still having her tracked along with her sisters in hopes of finding their father and the missing money. The girl was living below the poverty level. What did he think he was going to do to her by his business transactions? Selfish twit. The story was too choppy, I think the book would have been much better had it been longer and really delved into the plotline deeper, along with the character development. Why would your "boyfriend" think that it was ok to pair you up with a gal pal like Gemma? Seriously? I didn't see the point. Especially after she told him what she saw.
No matter what his explanation was. Danny also didn't do a dang thing for me.
I had to push myself to finish this, something I've never had to do. I hate putting things in the DNF slot and because it's Jenna I felt like it would get better. So much for thinking.
This book just wasn't for me obviously and I'm sure other readers will enjoy it very much.
**arc from NetGalley and Entangled in exchange for a fair review.**
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