Rhys

The Moguls

by Scarlett Avery

He’s my overprotective older brother’s lifelong best friend…

That alone should prevent me from throwing myself at him, but it doesn’t.

My world starts and ends with sexy one-hit wonder turned billionaire mogul, Rhys Hartford.

Not that it matters. Rhys’s fierce loyalty to my brother trumps everything. When it comes to me, he has blinders on.

I’ve been in love with him for half of my life, but he’s completely oblivious to my infatuation. Even as an adult, no other man has ever been able to make me forget the tall, blue-eyed hunk who has a hold on my heart.

Not even unrequited love is enough of a crushing humiliation to open myself to possibilities with another man, so I resigned myself to never having what I want––him.

After my short-lived career comes to a screeching halt, leaving me without a dime to my name, I’m forced to move in with the man who’s played a starring role in all of my teenage—and young adult—fantasies.

Now that my brother’s best friend and I are roommates, the stakes are high.

How do I convince him to break the bro code? …And cross the line?

USA Today Bestselling Author Scarlett Avery brings you a scorching hot older brother’s best friend romance that will keep you reading well past your bedtime.

READER WARNING: You’ll be fanning yourself… a lot. If you’re not into dominant, tattooed billionaire execs and sassy heroines who are willing to pull all the tricks in the book to seduce the man she’s been lusting after forever, DO NOT one-click this scorching hot romance.

Genres: Romance, Forced Proximity, Billionaire Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

About the author

Bestselling Amazon Author Scarlett Avery’s Book Boyfriends aren’t like ANY others you’ve ever cuddled to before.

These dirty-talking, DOMINEERING, saucy seducers will make you forget all the other ones. Yeah, Scarlett’s Alpha Males are that DANGEROUSLY HOT!

Be warned: Her books have been dubbed, “Epic & Mind-Blowing”! This Canadian romance author’s books will melt your e-readers and they will leave you on the edge of your seat!

I dare you to discover how SIZZLING they REALLY ARE...

P.S.: Once you 1-click Scarlett’s books, there’s NO going back!

Reviews

[glavreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a hotttttt billionaire/brother’s best friend + forced proximity story.

and can i just say? *potentially minor spoiler* i don’t mind if the brother has a mild freak out in a brother’s bff book when he discovers they’re together but it needs to be like this one where the brother immediately realizes he’s overreacting and backtracks ok like that’s your best friend babe, act like it!!!!

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this one!

This was my first read from Scarlett Avery and I had a great time with it. It was punchy, sexy, quick witted, and smoking hot! I loved the dynamic of the characters and the chemistry was off the charts. Kiera & Rhys were meant to be and it was fun to watch them finally get their chance at love.

This had some delightful treats to snag your attention:
Brother's Best Friend
Childhood Crush
Billionaire Mogul
Tattooed ex-rapper
Little bit of Dominance
No 3rd Act Break Up

I really enjoyed this, though I was a bit confused about an event that happened in the 3rd act. No, it wasn't a break up but it was something very serious and then we just... skipped past it. I'm struggling to see why such a traumatic event was just stuck in the middle of the story and then we skip ahead. It seemed like an odd choice, and that's what kept this from being a 5 star.

It was narrated in a duet style by JF Harding and Vivienne Larue. They were burning up my earbuds. Wowza!

4 Stars
4 on the spice scale

CW: Car Accident, medical content, sl*t shaming (not of heroine), Impact play, punishment, roleplay

*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhys and Kiera have known each other for a long time. Kiera’s older brother is Rhys’s best friend, which has always made her off-limits. But everything changes when she returns from her trip and her brother arranges for her to stay with the very man who has always starred in her fantasies. Rhys would never betray his best friend but how long can he resist before he finally falls for Kiera?

First off, the audiobook is brilliant I highly recommend picking it up, as it really immerses you in the story.

Starting with Kiera, I found her strong, intuitive, and warm-hearted. I loved that she stepped out of the spotlight, took time away to find herself, and then returned to move in with her brother’s best friend. I enjoyed her playful side, but also how in touch she was with her emotions.

Rhys tried so hard to keep his head together, but this man was struggling. He would do anything for Kiera, since they’ve known each other for so long, and yet he still fell hard for her.

I laughed at the lingerie scene, loved the role play, and really enjoyed the moment when she blurted out the truth to her brother. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and their relationship as a couple. I’m looking forward to reading more of Scarlett’s work in the future.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 10hrs 20mins
Narrators: J.F. Harding and Vivienne LaRue - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Standalone: Book Two In The Billionaire Mogul Series
Tropes or Themes: Brother’s Best Friend, Grumpy Sunshine, Billionaire, Age Gap (8yrs), Forced Proximity, Obsessive MMC, Jealousy, Chemistry, Car Accident, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Impact Play, Punishment Play, Role Play, Restrictive Scene, Sex Club Scene.
Mentions: Death
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[Jemmsbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series by Scarlett.
Rhys and Keira are the main characters. Keira is the little sister of Rhys best friend. When circumstances occur requiring Keira staying with Rhys, things really start to heat up and their true feelings to each other come to light. This book is as spicy as the first one in the series and this time includes there adult club where the girls go with there guys. HEA and brilliant read!

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys is in southest Asia trying to resolve a comoany problem when his BFF asks him to help out his sister Kiera with he returning to LA. Kiera was part of a worldwide renown group when she walked out and disapear for awhile and returns to LA in her brother's Noah and her childhood friend Ryhs life. She has a burning attraction to Rhys and he does also but won't act on it until one day someday somebody opens his eyes on it! Soon their lives will be forever changed and they will have to come to terms with the fallout. An amazing story that will enthrall and captivate you with a lot of hot moments! I volunteered to review this story

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys and Kiera have known each other for years since he is her brother's best friend. She has crushed on him just as long as he has acted like she is the annoying little sister. Now that she is living in his house can she change his mind?

I love this author's style. She takes the dominant, alpha men and creates sassy, strong women to bring them to their knees. Love how we get crossover from other series that tie in with this one. I love revisiting other couples too. This one is fun and sexy! Can't wait for the next book.

[Joleen Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This genre is one of my favorites and Scarlett does an awesome job with it!! Rhys, the super sexy playboy had been the object of Keira’s affection for years. After running away from her problems, she’s back and moving with the sexy man!!! Such an awesome connection and steamy story. Love all the characters in this series!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me at hello !! Just when you thought you knew what was happening next, you didn’t !! I could not put it down, it was great !! Super hot scenes, super sweet moment, super crazy no that didn’t just happen moment…. Yeeeessss please !!

[LS Kralicek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys

Best friends brother romance… check…. Billionaire romance… check…. Alpha male/age gap….check…fighting for their love… must read…. Rhys and Kiera have both had to restart their lives and rebuild images. They truly understand each other at a different level. This book is one definitely not to miss!

[Samantha Waldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rhys gets a call from his friend Noah he didnt know what he was in for. Keirra his sister is traveling and need a place to stay. This is such a great book from start to finish. Loved to see the characters from book 1. Loved it

[Sabra Barowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Domineering and a super sweet side?? Yes please!! After reading Beckett I didn’t think it could get better but oh sweet Jesus it did! Loved the characters and storyline!! Must read!!

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wings to fly"
Another excellent chapter in this series. Rhys is being a good best friend to Noah when he says he will let Keira stay with him in LA. There's past history there, and it's not pretty, it's embarrassing. And Keira puts her foot in her mouth, on her first night in LA. It takes a good friend to push Rhys, and when he goes in, he goes all in. Cute texting on her first shopping experience, a great cast of characters again, just the right amount of stress, had me holding my breath. Another great stage "rehearsal" at the end, definitely panty melting. Love this author.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys is a man who made himself from nothing twice. He had a fleeting career in music but ruined it by finding every pitfall you can then reinventing himself as a business man. His desire to succeed over saw any relationship he may have had. Keira has been escaping life. She's ready to come back home but has nothing to show for it. Her past with Rhys makes him a perfect port to come home to. He has always protected her like a big brother especially since he is her older brothers best friend.
I loved these two characters and the push and pull between them. They have history and not just as friends. Keira has had heart eyes for Rhys forever but now it's different. She's older and has been through so much. Her heart still knows what it wants though. Rhys is more difficult to come around but when he decides he's all in? Keira doesn't have a chance.

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot dang it ;p

[Mary Fazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhy’s best friend, Noah, has a younger sister, Keira. She coming home to the states after a few years in hiding and trying to out run things. Since Noah is filming he can’t be there but Rhy can. Rhy states he’ll watch out for her. They have a past that needs closer but will they get it. Keira has been through a lot and is in need of healing and love. She’s always had feelings for Rhy but he has always shot her down and pushed her away. Maybe now is the time to look into their true feelings and heal what is missing. Noah and Keira grew up in an unloved home. So needing that love from someone other than a sibling is a force. Rhy is seeing Keira is a whole new light and wants her and is willing to take what he wants, but will Noah accept them being together. Will her fame and Rhy’s let them be free of so many eyes. Loved this quick read and fell in love with both of them.

[Maggie2u2000 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needs more stars

This book was absolutely perfect! Rhys and Keira have known each other their entire life. Keira has always been in love with Rhys, but he's also her brother's best friend. She has tried everything she knows to get Rhys to see her as more than Noah's little sister, but nothing has worked. Rhys has always noticed Keira, but he holds true to the bro code. Noah calls his best friend to ask a favor, but Rhys is speechless to find that Noah want him to let Keira live with him while she gets back on her feet. Not going into anymore detail, but I can tell you, I cried twice when my heart broke for the characters. All the characters were awesome. I highly recommend reading this book, you won't be disappointed. I couldn't put it down! Excellent job Scarlett Avery! You have a new fan of your work!

[Simply.Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good brothers best friend story.
I love a good billionaire romance even more.

Put them together and you got yourself a yummy delicious story, I could wait to spread the pages of.

Rhys was everything and so much more. I loved Rhys and Kiera together. They were absolutely adorable.

simply.shannon💜📚
Instagram | Goodreads | Bookbub | Amazon 💫

[Laura Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lov3d it!

Just as good as the first one! Love this series! Can't wait to read Mikki's story next! Scarlett doesn't disappoint!?

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and only the second book I have read that she wrote and I am in love with her stories, her writing and her characters. They are hot, fun and I adore the men and the women she matches them with.

This is book 2 in the series and can easily stand alone. Its a romance between brothers best friend and his younger sister and if you think its a well used trope. Yes, it has been done before but not in this way and not with Rhys who I met in the first book and he is why I wanted to read this book. He is just that awesome. He is matched with Rhys best friend, Noah's sister Keira and Keira was such a mysterious character and one I grew to adore that I could not put this story down.

This story has ALOT of hot scenes between Keira and Rhys. He is also many years older than her so there is a big age gap. But both were rock and roll stars some years back. Rhys was a rapper who had a bit of a substance problem that he fixed in rehab and then he started a new business with his fellow rehab rocker.

Keira grew up with Rhys as he was her brothers best friend. She also was a rock n roll type but her story ended in tragedy and she ran away for a few years and is now back in town. Thats how she ends up as Rhys roomie.

This was a super romantic story and very HOT and so much fun. I absolutely adored the entire book from page one to the very end. The book gets weird a few chapters before the end but I kinda liked what the author did with the story and the characters that lead into the next book in the series and I cannot wait for the next couple.

I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

He's my overprotective older brother's lifelong best friend. That alone should prevent me from throwing myself at him. My world starts and ends with sexy one-hit wonder turned billionaire mogul Rhys Hartford. Not that it matters. Rhy's fierce loyalty to my brother trumps everything. When it comes to me, he has blinders on. I've been in love with him for half of my life, but he's completely oblivious to my infatuation. Even as an adult, no other man has ever been able to make me forget the tall, blue-eyed hunk who has a hold on my heart. Not even unrequited love is enough of a crushing humiliation to open myself to the possibilities with another man, so I resigned myself to never having what I want--him. After my short-lived career comes to a screeching halt, leaving me without a dime to my name, I'm forced to move in with the man who's played a starring role in all of my teenage-and young adult fantasies. Now that my brother's best friend and I are roommates, the states are high. How do I convince him to break the bro code and cross the line?

I am really liking this Billionaire Mogul Series from Scarlett Avery. I really loved the first and this one is equally as good and I found myself back with a billionaire and a sassy heroine. Rhys has been friends with Noah for as long as they have been alive and he knows his baby sister. Keira ran from her life to of being famous and now had decided to come back to LA and Noah asks Rhys to let her stay with him. Rhys hasn't seen Kiera in a very long time and the poor guy was surprised at the young woman at this door and his first thought was what the holy heck have I gotten myself in to. One the first night in LA Kiera sticks her foot in her mouth and Rhys knows he can't betray his best friend. There is past history in this relationship already but can Rhys forget he is Noah's best friend and become the man Kiera needs? And equally as important is can Kiera get over the feelings she had her whole life for Rhys and let them become mature and healthy feelings? I hope you give this book a chance. I really loved it and think a lot of y'all will too.

[Lissete · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Billionaire Mogul Series.
Rhys Hartford is a young billionaire who’s in South Asia dealing with a factory crisis for his company. He gets a call from his best friend asking for a big favor, his little sister needs a place to stay in LA and since he’s in New Zealand working, he can’t be there for her. Rhys takes one for the team and accepts to host Keira in LA.
When he picks her up at the airport time stops and they are lost in each other’s eyes. Keira is 8 years Rhys’ junior but she has grown to be a beautiful woman. She has always had a crush for Rhys but he’s always been a gentleman and never tried anything with her. Until now. After avoiding each other for a bit, Rhys gives himself permission to explore what is it that’s between himself and Keira. As it turns out, they’re soulmates and they are just right for each other. Until Noah, Keira’s brother, arrives unannounced and all hell breaks loose.

This was an enjoyable read, although I was expecting a little bit more banter between Rhys and Noah. There’s plenty of sexy moments, Rhys is quite the domineering and Keira is insatiable.
It can be read as a stand alone but I think it would be best if you read Beckett’s book first.

If you like:
💫 Age Gap
💫Brother’s best friend
💫Billionaire
💫You’ll enjoy this book.

I read this book as an ARC and I’m thankful for the opportunity. This is my honest opinion.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yes, Scarlett Avery, you have done it again with the 2nd book in the Billionaire Moguls series, Rhy and Keira's story is not only seriously hot (ladies have a long cup of ice by your side) it also has an engrossing storyline, there is nothing better than an older-brothers best friend romance when it is delivered with punchy edgy lines, some great moments to make you smile and others to make you swoon, and Scarlett Avery delivered it all in this seductive and absorbing read.

When Rhys agreed to take in his best-friends little sister when she decides to return to the US after going off the radar for nearly a year due to a tragedy in the UK that left Keira needing time to travel without the world watching, he wasn't expecting to be confronted with the all grown up yet different Keria. Keria has always crushed on Rhy's and the one kiss they shared years ago is now on replay in her mind but now she is a woman, not a girl and about to be room mates with the only man she has ever wanted.

Are you sitting comfortably? Are you ready?, because this is one book you won't be putting down!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys is Keira's older brother's best friend since forever, but he's also the star of her secret feelings but he would never go there because of the history he has with her brother. However, things take a turn when Keira's brother asks Rhys to let Keira stay with him after she goes through something so the close proximity could be an issue now that she's all grown up. Turns out that Rhys is fighting the inner battle of wanting Keira, and she's not going to make it easy on him since she is going after what she wants finally, but that bro code is fierce. The push & pull definitely kept me on edge because I wanted them to be together as the sparks were flying right out of my kindle. It's undeniable so when it all explodes, I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for this secret to be revealed to her brother/his best friend so yeah, I read it all in one sitting easily! To find out how it all will play out, you'll have to hit those one click buttons since I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Daisy.readsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Rhys and Kiera😍

🔥 𝙶𝚛𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚢 𝚡 𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚎
🔥 𝙰𝚐𝚎 𝚐𝚊𝚙
🔥 𝚃𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚜𝚞𝚒𝚝
🔥 𝚅𝚒𝚛𝚐𝚒𝚗 𝙵𝙼𝙲
🔥 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚢 𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚜

✨𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠✨
𝐈𝐟 age gap romance is your thing, you're going to absolutely love this audiobook. It features a duet-style narration by 𝐉. 𝐅. 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 and 𝐕𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐑𝐮𝐞 that immediately grips you and keeps you hooked from start to finish.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 story follows Kiera, who finds herself in need of a place to stay in LA. The best option? Staying with her long-time crush, Rhys Hartford, a billionaire and her brother’s best friend.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 from a monastery to escape the music and entertainment world, Kiera is looking for healing and a fresh start after a tragic event altered her life and career. On the other hand, Rhys is a workaholic in need of someone to help him rediscover his spark. Their chemistry is so good! The steamy scenes are scorching hot - they practically sizzle through your headphones!

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐥 is a fantastic listen for fans of brother's best friend and age gap romances. Big thanks to the author and 𝐌𝐋𝐀 for providing this audio copy. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

No the little sister any longer

Keira and Rhys story is enjoyable because Rhys behind the scenes is more uncontrolled and skilled at talking during those passionate moments than we expect from his COO role ironing out supply and worker strike issues for his billion dollar company.

We learn Keira’s story bit by bit starting with the idea she is recovering from a scandal but having no idea what could have happened to make her live in a Nepalese monastery.

Keira’s brother and Rhys go back a long time, but Rhys fears Noah’s reaction to Rhys dating Noah’s sister when he was doing him the favor of taking care of her when she returned to LA.

It’s a good addition to the series. It overlaps another Billionaire series and it is getting a little more complicated keeping track of the secondary characters. The book can be enjoyed as a stand alone, though.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series! Rhys childhood best friend needs a big favor, his sister is coming to LA and needs a place to live. Of Course he says yes, but we all know what’s going to happen next! Keira has been through a emotional journey and is trying to get her life back on track. She is moving in with her brothers best friend, the same best friend she has been crushing on since she was ten years old. As then navigate through their feelings for each other, she works through her emotions to figure out what she wants out of life for herself. What happens when her brother comes to town? What happens when part of her past comes out of the woodwork? I love How well developed these characters are and how much we know about them. I also Truly enjoyed the fast paced of this book and and extremely entertained by the story. I am already looking forward to reading the next book in the series! I am Really enjoying this series and this great group of friends.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and is Rhys and Keira’s story. Keira has been in love with her overprotective older brothers’ best friend for years, but he never seems to notice her. Keira has been living under the radar for the past year after a tragedy, and she is returning to LA, so her brother Noah asks Rhys for a favour to let her stay with him until she gets her life back on track. Being is close proximately to Rhys is not ideal, and as time passes, he has his eyes opened to what is right in front of him. This is a well written flawless story which is an emotional roller coaster, with drama, humor, witty banter, heartbreak, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Scarlett Avery is back with her Billionaire Moguls and the next billionaire up is Rhys and Keira.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Beckett, and y'all, Rhys was just as good. Steamy, swoony, intense, full of heat, and packed to the brims with all of the feels. Scarlett hooked me within the first chapter of this new release and I didn't put this beauty down until the pages quit turning.

If you like the brother's best friend trope in romance then this is a must read. And I have to say I'm digging Scarlett and her words.. characters.. stories.

I can totally recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Rhy's in book one and he was an adorable dork that just made you want to get to know him. When he sees Keira after years the sparks do fly. These two have dealt with their pasts differently, but one thing is for certain sometimes a person can help heal you in a way other things can't. These two will fight tooth and nail with their lives to make sure they come out on the other end. Sometimes it's the ones in your corner you need to listen to more. The drama, love, lust, and friendship make this story amazing.

[Tammy Deighan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys is about a story that involves his best friends sister. Her brother and him had been friends for a very long time. Even his sister Keira has been around Rhys as well. Keira had a crush on him for a long time,and Rhys always put her in a kid sister static... When she was sent away fro 3 years after an accident with some of her band members. Being out of the country her brother asks his best friend to house his sister for a little bit until she got her life back on track. This is where the really fun comes. This story is great the back and forth and then how they decide lets give it a try and how they were going to tell her brother. This is a great story. I would ready it again. It has some really steamy places in it as well....