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Chicago Billionaires

Very Bad Things

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He said he wants to do bad things to me…very bad things.

The first time I met single dad Weston Vaughn, I thought it was my meet cute.
I was in Paris looking to start over and he was right in the path of my hot coffee.
But it turns out, my knight in shining armor was just a grumpy billionaire in a custom suit.


After a nightmare year of losing not only my fiancé and my mother, I’m in desperate need of a fresh start.
And what better way than to land a teaching job at the prestigious Crestwood Academy in Chicago.

Imagine my surprise though when the handsome stranger I accidentally assaulted in front of the Eiffel Tower, turns out to be the father of one of my students.
The same stranger that made me miss my flight back home from Paris and is now standing in my classroom lecturing me.

He might be devilishly handsome, but no amount of good looks can make up for his arrogant and bossy attitude.

It takes everything I have to plaster on a smile and deal with his antics but the school is in desperate need of his participation in our annual silent auction and I’m tasked with getting him on board.

But when he shows up on my doorstep, desperate for a babysitter, I agree…if only that was the last favor he demands of me.
Next thing I know, I’m flying to the Bahamas on a private jet with him and his daughter and sailing off into the sunset on his private yacht.

Soon our back and forth banter goes from scorching jabs to fiery passion.
He pushes my boundaries in ways I never imagined, ways that have me ready to throw caution to the wind and jump in with both feet.

And while falling in love again is the furthest thing from my mind, a summer fling might be just what I need.

Instead, I’m flung right into some dangerous drama that sees me getting fired from my dream job and shadows from Weston’s past reappearing.
So when I decide I need space and a fresh start, he gives me one week before he shows up at my apartment and demands we stay together.

One thing I’ve learned about Weston Vaughn, he doesn’t negotiate.
He gets what he wants, no matter the cost.
Even if what he wants is me pregnant.



Very Bad Things is a complete standalone billionaire romance with LOTS of HOT romance, drama and a moody bossy billionaire that gets what he wants. This book contains several explicit scenes and language. Not suitable for those under 18.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2023

1237 people are currently reading
1002 people want to read

About the author

Alexis Winter

123 books2,161 followers
Alexis Winter is a contemporary romance author who loves to share her steamy stories with the world. She specializes in sexy billionaires, cocky alphas, brooding bad boys and the women they love. 

If you love to curl up with a good romance book you will certainly enjoy her work. Whether it's a story about an innocent young woman learning about the world or a sassy and fierce heroine who knows what she wants you're sure to enjoy the happily ever afters she provides.
 
When Alexis isn't writing away furiously, you can find her exploring the Rocky Mountains, traveling, enjoying a glass of wine or petting a cat.
 
You can find her books on Amazon.

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Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,770 reviews983 followers
August 5, 2023
2.5 ⭐

Background on the MCs:

Weston (42)
- Single dad to a six year old (Daisy)
- Widower for four years
- They were about to divorce when they found out she was sick. Because he's a workaholic, his wife cheated on him. Not that it's a valid excuse, but based from his chapters, his wife begged him more than once to choose her over his job, but he never did. So he somehow understood her infidelity.
- Billionaire who owns multiple companies, and also a pilot
- Idk if he's a manhoe, but maybe close enough? Ever since his wife died he only have arrangement with women that knows it purely physical needs. Sometimes these arrangements last for months.
- Last year, he started an on/off again benefits situationship with his wife's best friend (she's divorced and has 2 kids that goes to the same school as his daughter)

Daphne (27)
- First grade teacher
- Grieving the loss of her fiance for the last two years and never have been with anyone since .
- Has some daddy issues, cuz her dad married someone else only three months after her mom's death.


-----------------

They met in Paris when Daphne was taking a vacation there, she spilled some coffee on him and he snapped at her. Totally rude and off-putting impression, really! Then on her last day in Paris, she forgot to charge her phone causing her to wake up late and be late by two minutes on her boarding time. Weston showed at least 3 minutes late too, but they opened the door for him, as it turns out he's the pilot. Daphne asked him if he could vouch for her so that they would let her board the plane. But the asshole even lied that he didn't know her and reprimanded her about the essence of being on time.

Then back in Chicago, one of her student's parent is late for pickup and for a parent-teacher meeting. And the parent is no other than Weston, and mind you, he was late for more than two hours, talk about being hypocritical, essence of time my ass! In this meeting he snapped at her too, cuz according to him this can be done in a freaking email. And when Daphne told him that only his daughter was the last student left for picking up, he got mad at her, telling her not to teach him how to handle his kid. I mean what the actual fuck dude? She was coming from a good place and was only concerned cuz the kid was so sad that her daddy wasn't on time.

I hate Weston and he's an asshole. I don't have problems with alpha MMC, but Weston comes off as annoying and over the top controlling. He was rude at Daphne for the major part of the book. He would snap, shout, and insult her when something didn't go in his way. Then he will realize that he made a mistake or that he treated her badly, and will apologize for it. Does he have multiple personalities? Istg, one minute he's a dickhead then in a flash he will flirt and seduce his way to Daphne. The hot and cold treatment is infuriating and if I could get inside the book, I will definitely throat punch him. Goooosh! He was exhausting, it's always his way or the highway, Daphne never got to express what she wants because all she ever did was follow him.

And for the life of me, I cannot understand Daphne. She knew that he was awful at her, but she would still let it pass even though these scenarios happened so many times. I'm not sure if she's just a nice person or a dumb masochist. But the idiotic heroine that she is always lets her body betraying syndrome prevails all the freaking time! I really hoped that she would grow some backbone along the way, but it never happened. She always gives in so quickly to his orders and demands, idk if she has some self respect cuz she's more than happy to let someone take autonomy for her decisions.

The age gap was confusing too, Daphne is 27 but then based on one chapter Weston is 42, then on another chapter it was said that the gap between them is 17 years. So what is it really? Is he 42 or 44?

I'm not really a fan of OM/OW drama, and that element is very much present in this book. After Weston went home after that first meeting with Daphne in the school. He texted the OW to release some tension which she replied so fast and saying she's available. But then he didn't push through cuz for some goddamn reason, all he can imagine was Daphne. So he left the OW on read. Then this OW is also one of the heads of the company they're currently buying, so it's a tricky situation. But he didn't engage with her every time they had a meeting, he was professional and polite with her. But then the OW is kind of persistent, I think she wanted more than sex from him but as always the guy isn't interested in something more.

Daphne also sees this OW in school, cuz like I said her kids go to the same school where Daphne's teaching. Then one day, idk, maybe the OW had enough of Weston ignoring her she went to the school to tell Daphne that she (OW) and Weston were a thing or used to have a thing, she was not being a witch mind you, just plainly stating a fact. Her faux concern that she only wants what's best for Daphne and not to get her hopes up really annoyed the crap out of me. But at least in the end she apologized to Daphne and Weston for what she did.

As for the OM, there was another teacher who flirted and seems interested in her at the beginning. She was polite with him, but eventually he got the hint that she's not interested. There's also this weird neighbor who sometimes asks her if she wants to hang out with him. And again she's nice with him but didn't string him along.

For the conflict, after that conversation with the OW, Daphne talked to Weston and asked him why he lied (by omission, she asked him before if there was something going on between them (Wes and OW) but he said nothing. Technically, nothing at that time because he already stopped their arrangement, but still he should've come clean) she got pissed and blindsided by this information so she asked for space. The asshole Weston got mad too, the audacity of this twat, said he would give her one week and then he'll be coming for her. Wow so it should be based on your timeline??

One week after, she came to her apartment drunk and Weston was waiting for her, and this egomaniac even told her that she should apologize for leaving him!!! Uhm, are you nuts? You lied to her about your fuck buddy and she should say sorry for taking some time to process that bomb?? Despite this irritating conversation, and thank fuck she didn't apologize, they slept together that night and Weston confess his love and that he wanted all of her. But Daphne was scared of giving her heart out so she told him that she still hasn't moved on from her fiance. Which hurt Weston in the process and that led to another week of no contact.

Then another shoe dropped, someone notified the school's principal about their relationship and Daphne got fired. She went to Florida to talk things out with her father and Weston was out of his mind looking out for her. But she came home to him, apologized, told him what she said isn't true and finally confessed her love.

In the epilogue, they got married in Paris and she's six months pregnant with a baby girl.

Overall, I didn't enjoy this at all. Okay, so maybe some scenes where Daisy was involved, the kid was adorable. But other than that, nothing made this better. I dislike the MCs so much, they're annoying and there's no character growth. She's still a timid but loving teacher from start to end and he's still an annoying jerk but at least he now has someone to love aside from Daisy. As for the plot nothing really exciting about it, this is light tbh with some added threats at the last chapter. Anyway, it didn't work for me but maybe other readers would love this.


Book info:
- No cheating
- OM/OW drama
- Death of a loved one
- Exhibitionism
- Breeding kink
- Age gap
- Teacher/Student's parent relationship
- Billionaire romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jorie.
520 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2023
Alpha male.
Meek heroine.
Marginal plot.
Lots of sex nicely described.
The. End.
522 reviews
August 11, 2023
A bit unrealistic but entertaining

Quick read that’s entertaining, although a bit unrealistic, with a heat 🔥 ❤️‍🔥 level that might cause your kindle to self combust.
712 reviews16 followers
July 9, 2023
Daphne lost her mother to cancer and then within 6 months she lost her fiancé Carson in a tragic car accident. It’s been two years and Daphne is still grieving her mom and Carson. Daphne is a schoolteacher and she applied at a private school, it’s been weeks since she had her second interview and she has already quit her job at the public school so she decides to go to Paris to find her way. She is even considering moving to Paris. As Daphne is standing in front of the Eiffel Tower with a coffee in one hand and a croissant in the other when her phone starts to ring. Daphne is trying to juggle everything and get her phone, she drops her phone and pours coffee on the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. Weston is a billionaire and a single dad to Daisy who is in first grade at Crestwood Academy in Chicago. Weston was married to Mirabelle for a few years before they had Daisy and Mirabelle tried to tell Weston that she needed him at home more. Mirabelle ended up having an affair and then she found out that she was terminally ill and she died when Daisy was two. Weston has not been involved in a relationship since. Weston is very enamored by Daphne but he never shows it. The next meeting between Weston and Daphne is at the airport. Daphne was late for her flight and they wouldn’t let her on but as soon as Weston walked up they let him on the flight. Daphne gets upset and Weston tells her that he owns the airline and she should always be early for her flight. Daphne gets the job teaching first graders at Crestwood Academy and she loves it. She immediately gets along great with Daisy. Then Weston is two hours late for picking up Daisy and Daphne remarks that he shouldn’t be late. There is a thin line between love and hate and it is very thin between Weston and Daphne. Weston has always wanted to be dominant in his relationship but he never was with Mirabelle. Weston would like to be with Daphne. Daphne never had anything other than vanilla with Carson and she is very interested in trying something new with Weston. Weston needs a babysitter and ends up going to Daphne. The principal at Crestwood wants Daphne to get Weston involved in a silent auction and Weston puts up his private yacht for a weekend then he bids on it under Daphne’s name. Weston convinces Daphne to go and help with Daisy. That’s where they have their first sexual encounter. Daphne and Weston both need to get over their past losses. Weston falls in love with Daphne and Daphne is in love with Weston but her past is causing her to feel guilty. Weston will o anything for Daphne. Daphne gets fired when a picture of her and Weston kissing on his yacht and she is taking money for babysitting comes to light. Will Weston be able to get Daphne back to teaching? Will Daphne finally realize that she wants to be with Weston? Will Mirabelle’s boyfriend play a part in getting Daphne fired? Will Weston, Daphne and Daisy make for a happy family? Will Weston and Daphne finally find love and happiness together?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
710 reviews21 followers
June 13, 2024
What teacher wouldn't want a billionaire to become obsessed with them?? This was a fun age gap single billionaire father. I liked how Daphne was a teacher, specifically to his daughter because that was a nice twist I haven't read with this trope before.
Profile Image for Amy.
320 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2024
This book was fine. It had some plot to it at least. I guess you might classify this as a soft bully romance? Also a bit of a pregnancy trope. Not really my cup of tea honestly!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Fiatgal.
1,014 reviews
September 7, 2023
3.5 I enjoyed the story, a bit of an age gap, interesting in a "meet-cute" kind of way. Low drama.
Why put so much effort into these books without spending some money on a good copy editor?
Profile Image for kelly.
652 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2023
daphne and weston bump into each other in paris before they realise that daphne is weston's daughter's new teacher. they start off on a bad note, both of them being rude to each other but there's an underlying sexual tension. weston was a protective, jealous and dominant dilf frfr and daphne was just so sweet. i really like her interactions with the daughter daisy

“You’ve got a smart little mouth on you, don’t you? I bet that too could be taken care of with a little discipline as well.”

when he got jealous
“Who is Mr. Double Fudge Sundae?”
Fuck, I meant to keep that to myself.
Feeling her body against mine, feeling the burn of jealousy in my chest when she was flirty with deck shoes or Mr. Fudge Fucking Sundae whatever the hell his name is, I knew I had to do something.

he's protective
“Why the fuck are you opening the door when you can’t see who it is?”

“I heard you needed a picture hung.”
“Eavesdropping again, Mr. Vaughn?” She cocks her head, a smirk on her face. It’s funny to see how she slips between that nervous, bubbly woman I met in Paris and this feisty, combative woman standing before me.

“Because the things I want to do to you”—I lean in, running my lips softly up her neck—“are not nice.”
“What kinds of things?” Her eyes flutter closed, her head tilting back to expose her neck even further to my lips.
“Bad things, Miss Flowers. Very bad things.”

“I’ve thought of nothing but tasting your lips again,” I murmur against them before sliding my tongue between them. “I promised myself I would behave with you on this trip but I’m not sure I can do that.” I kiss her again, deeper, harder till she’s moaning, then I step back, leaving her panting, her hands against the wall behind her.
“Why behave? Because stuffing every hole in your body with my cock and tongue for three days straight really isn’t an option with others on board. Why won’t I be able to keep my promise? Because all I can think about is stuffing every hole in your body with my cock and tongue for three days.” I reach my hand out to touch her chin gently.

“Good girl,” I say, deciding to call her bluff. “What would you say if I told you to pull your bikini bottoms to the side and pleasure yourself for me while I watched?” Her lips part and I hear a sharp intake of air. “Or do you prefer the other way around? Maybe you want to watch me get off? Leave a nice trail of my cum”—I reach my fingertip out and drag it lightly down between her breasts to her belly—“on your smooth skin?”

“I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist you.” He says it almost to himself, like he didn’t mean to say it aloud.

“I like when you’re defiant; it’s a turn-on for me but don’t think it will stop me. You might cause a scene, sweetheart, but the second I get you alone, you’ll also crawl and beg.”

“Arms up,” he says and I obey, lifting my arms up as he pulls his t-shirt down over my arms and head. “That will be way more comfortable.” He pulls my hair to the side, planting a featherlight kiss against my neck.

“Good, because all I’ve thought about tonight is how fucking sexy it was to know you were sitting there beside me so politely with a belly full of my cum.”

“You look good bent over a desk.”
“Not in my classroom, Mr. Vaughn.” I spin around and push against his chest unsuccessfully.
“Mmm, you know what that does to me when you call me that, Miss Flowers.” His hands reach up to tilt my head as his lips caress mine.

“Mmm, or maybe it’s a new kink unlocked”—his hand comes up to cup my breast—“roleplaying that I get to pay you for services rendered.”

“Fuck, you look good in this little dress.” He slides his hand up my leg, beneath the dress to grab a handful of my ass. He pulls it up over my ass, smacking me hard before pulling my panties to the side. “But you need to be reminded who you belong to.”

“I’m going to leave a wet spot on the stool.”
He gives me that smirk, the one that makes my knees weak. “Exactly. Marking my territory.”

“Good girl.” I pull them out slowly and bring them to the edge my glass, rubbing her release on it. I reach back between her thighs, dipping my fingers inside her again, then bring them back to the glass. She stares at me, her eyes heavy as I pick up the glass and bring it to my lips, taking a sip. “So much better.”

“Tell me you’re mine.” I kiss my way up her body. “Tell me no other man gets to touch you like this.” I bury my face in her neck, pulling her hands over her head to pin them to the pillow. “Tell me you want this too.”

“The thought of Preston or any man touching you makes me want to tear them limb from limb, baby. You’re mine, you understand me?”

“New rule, my shirt is the only thing you wear from now on. Well, this and my cum.”

“I meant what I said tonight—I’m done playing nice; I’m done playing games. You might be falling, baby, but I already fell.”
“You— You’re—”
“In love with you? Yes.”

“I think I’ve been in love with you since the moment I met you. I felt drawn to you but I fought it. I was scared too but I can’t fight it any longer. I don’t want to. I want your heart.” I place my hand over her chest. “I want your body.” I drag it down, plumping her breast in my hand. “I want your mind and your soul. I want you, all of you. I want a life with you.” I continue dragging my hand down further till I reach her belly. I press my hand against her. “I want to create life with you.”

“I know. I understand, trust me, but I promise I’ll be here for you. I’m not asking for you to give me everything right now. I’m just asking for a chance because this, what we have, is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. The love of your life kind of love.”

“Are you okay, baby? I’ve missed you. I looked everywhere for you; I was so scared.”
"You were scared and hurting, I understand. Wherever you were, whatever happened, it’s in the past. As long as I know you’re safe, that’s all that matters.”

“No. You and Daisy are my world.”
“Because I’m not the kind of man who takes lightly to threats, especially against you. If you thought for one second I wouldn’t tear this fucking world apart come hell or high water to defend you and protect you, then you don’t know me very well.”
“There is no mercy when it comes to you, no second chances for people who try to fuck over my family. And I’ll get a lot of joy out of ruining them. Do you understand me?”

“I don’t want there to be secrets between us. I want you to know exactly what kind of man I am. I will be loyal to you and honest. I “want to say that if you need more space and time, I’ll give it to you, but I don’t think that I can, Daphne. I don’t think I can spend one more fucking second without having you as mine and if I do have to, I’m prepared to burn the world down so you have no other choice but to crawl back to me.”

“I want to be yours. I don’t want to run any longer.”
“That means you belong to me.” He squeezes my throat a little tighter. “You are mine and mine alone. You don’t get to run away again. You don’t get to live life without me. Every fucking inch of you is my property.”

“Such a good girl. You deserve to be rewarded. What do you want, baby?”

“Are you mine, baby, to do with whatever I want?”

“Now that is a vision I want for the rest of my life.” He holds out his arms toward me as I approach, pulling me onto his lap so I’m straddling him. “You are so beautiful, baby, so stunning.” His lips find mine and the kiss is soft and warm. His tongue is demanding, his hands gripping my waist as he pulls me against him. “I will never tire of kissing these lips, of holding this body, of tasting you.”

“Don’t you dare apologize. I want to be covered in your scratches and bite marks. I wear them like a badge of honor, baby, knowing I can make you lose complete control like that with me. Hell, maybe I’ll tattoo them on me.” I laugh and he leans in to bite down on my nipples. “Or maybe I’ll just mark you as well so that you have a permanent reminder that you belong to me.”

“I’m going to fuck you so hard, so deep that you’re not going to be able to sit down for a week as punishment for leaving me. Every time you move or breathe, I want you reminded that my cock is the only cock that will ever be inside you again. I’m the only person who will ever bring you pleasure again. I want you screaming my name so loud that every time you hear it after this, your body will ache for me.”

I wave at Daisy as she slides her backpack on and grabs her grandma’s hand. She waves at me with a big smile. “Bye, Mom. I love you.”
My heart feels like it’s going to burst.

“You know,” he says, kissing the top of my head, “the day I met you here, I was completely taken by your beauty. You had this split second where the sun was behind you and the wind was causing your hair to fly around you and you just took my breath away.”
“Is that—is that why you took that first photo?”
He takes the phone from my hand and stares at it, a smile spreading across his lips. “I didn’t even realize I took a photo of you. I was so lost in your eyes for that brief second that I must have taken it not thinking that it wasn’t my phone. This is getting framed and put in my office.

“No, I hoped and prayed that I would somehow find you again, and then when I did at the airport, I was terrified. I knew right then that if I were to talk to you, to look at you for longer than a second, you would see right through me. You would know how infatuated with you I was and I knew that I’d never be able to walk away from you. I would rather never give you the chance to destroy me instead of risking getting everything I imagined with you.”
“I didn’t have a choice. There was no way I was going to be able to talk myself out of not falling in love with you so I leaped with both feet and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

“You’re my wife now, Daphne, and you’re going to take my cock like a good little wife should. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Mr. Vaughn.” My name sounds like the sexiest moan I’ve ever heard on her lips.
“Good girl. Now relax and let me do very wicked”—I pull back, then thrust in hard again—“vile”—I do it again—“bad”—one more time—“things to you.”
Profile Image for Sheena Frady.
269 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2023
So the beginning of the book had some time frame consistency issues. It seemed like her mom and fiancé JUST died but it had actually been two yess since then? And then the time in between the deaths was also inconsistent. I was able to look past that though because there was just as much spice and there was plot and it was good! How we, the bit about the principal his brother and the roommate was ssooooooo unnecessary. It ruined the rest of the book for me honesty.
Profile Image for Murjani.
141 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2023
I ain’t even gonna hold you— the first intimate scene on the boat where he orders her to blow him, comes down her throat and then leaves her to deal with clean up, I was done. I read some other reviews on here and I know I’m not missing anything by not continuing this.

Started nice, had promise but this isn’t worth it.
Profile Image for Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer).
964 reviews82 followers
June 24, 2023
4.5 ⭐️

Alexis Winter is back with another Standalone from her Chicago Billionaires series.
Very Bad Things is an Age-Gap, Contemporary Romance told through the dual perspective of Daphne ‘Dash’ Jane Flowers and Weston Vaughn.

The journey of Daphne and Weston was a right whirlwind, especially when it came to the romance side of their relationship.
It may have started out slow, and not just from being a Slow Burn. But from setting up the storyline that Alexis made with being able to delve right into the characters, to get a real feel for who they were, and the journey they were travelling upon when it came to their personal lives that involved work, friends and family.

Once that was all established, was when the story started to shift gears, having us dive headfirst in the makings of the budding relation between Daphne and Weston.
Especially after getting off to a rocky start from their previous encounters that didn’t end so well.
Yet it made for some great entertainment, having your interest piqued to see where it would all go from there.

When it comes to Alexis, she always delivers in writing a great Contemporary Romance. And so it’s no surprise that she has done it again with Very Bad Things.
So much so, that safe to say this is my favourite from the series so far.
It had all the feels from the mixture of many emotions explored and invoke throughout. Resulting in moments of highs from the laughter, happiness, joy and merriment to the lows consisting of heartache, grief, sadness and sorrow.
You were able to sympathise with Daphne and Weston from seeing and experiencing all that they were alongside them, given their dual perspective that expressed said thoughts and feelings to us.

Holy Smokes Batman!
Alexis completely and utterly raised the ante from the volcanic eruption of the Burning Hot, Spicy steam she delivered between Daphne and Weston in their story.
Each and every moment shared between the two continued to burn HOTTER, going from a small fire, to turning into a full on explosive bonfire.
When they came together, Alexis made it known they could not keep their hands to themselves, like animals in heat, they went full on out in getting down and dirty together.

Daphne and Weston's story is my favourite book from Chicago Billionaires series, as well as them being my favourite couple to come out of the series.
A job well done to Alexis Winter, who came through yet again, paving way for Very Bad Things to be a well rounded story that delivered on many accounts.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bonny Read.
523 reviews19 followers
September 2, 2023
For those who love stories where the Hero falls first!

This is one of six books in Alexis Winter's Chicago Billionaires series. (Each is a stand alone.). Some were better than others, but I enjoyed them all. After seeing many excerpts from, and teasers for this one on my FB feed, I finally took the bait and bought it. So glad I did. This is one of my favorites in the series. Note: This story ends somewhere in the 80% range; the rest is teaser chapters for other books in the series.

I loved both characters....Weston and Daphne. He's a widower with a 6 yr old daughter. He is successful, rich, an alpha with some dominant kinks and a filthy talker. But since he lost his wife he only has short hook-ups. There are reasons for that. She is a teacher who lost her Mother to illness, then her fiancé in a car accident 6 months later. After two years she's still having trouble moving on, in part because she fears loss again. She's sweet, charming and sometimes sassy; a woman who loves to read smutty romances and has fantasies about what she reads, but she's only ever had vanilla.

Their meet cute in Paris comes to nothing...Their next unexpected meet causes her to miss her flight home. So imagine her surprise when he turns out to be the father of one of her students at her new school back home in Chicago.... and he shows up late for the parent meet and greet after class the first day of school.

Attraction is definitely there and each knows the other gives them something they didn't get from their previous relationship. Yet each truly loved their past partner so they're dealing with guilt that this could be more....possibly the "love of their life", ascwell as other fears, so both fight their feelings. I loved that he quits fighting first, accepts what he feels, wants and good s for it. I also love his patience and undersanding with yet, pushes her limits. In spite of their struggles, when attempts from an unknown in his past to ruin him.puts her in the cross hairs, he doesn't hesitate to come to her recue.

Those of you who love stories where the hero falls first, this is definitely one for you! 5 stars
Profile Image for Kim Nicole.
703 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2024
It’s been a while since I read the Chicago Billionaire series. I forgot about them and how good they are! It’s been almost 2 years since I read one. I don’t remember the others being as spicy as this one, holy moly! Were they always like this? I can’t remember, but damn! This has the heat, passion and emotion that the last book was missing. Weston was ruthless, not a bad person but a man who knew what he wanted and didn’t take no for an answer. It was seriously hot and I was burning up from everything he did and said. It was no wonder Daphne couldn’t say no to him and how could you not? Yes his advances were rash but he wasn’t being a dick about it. He knew all the ways he could make her feel good and put her first. He didn’t do it for his own gain or agenda. He did it because he had this insane attraction to Daphne, and she to him and with the way they were drawn to each other like a moth to a flame. Everything was with consent between them, though the things he said could give readers a different idea. Not me though, all it did was have me swoon. Sure, this book was mainly about lust and owning each other but it was also about an intense love they felt that grew as they got to know each other and understand each other. Their chemistry was off the charts and I loved how Weston fell first and hard. It was beautiful how two people came together and connected with both of them not afraid to allow love back in, though Daphne took a little bit longer to admit and accept it. I enjoyed following their story and heated moments and the way you felt the passion. More often, the way they understood each other and communicated was nice to read and the way they respected each other’s wishes for the most part, aside from Weston’s need to control and not let her go. Overall it captured longing and the forbidden beautifully. I’m so glad I re-visited this series and I’m upset I didn’t finish this sooner. I saw that I missed another story in it as well and I can’t wait to read that one next. Definite deserving of 5 stars!
2,139 reviews7 followers
July 11, 2023
Daphne Flowers loses her mother to cancer and her fiancé Carson in a car accident within six months. It is about two years later. She is 27 now and decides to go to Paris. Her best friend Xana is worried about Daphne when she says she wants to move to Paris. Luckily Daphne only booked a week long vacation to fact find and decide if she really wants to live in Paris.

On Daphne’s first day in Paris, she is standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. Her phone rings and she ends up dropping it and crashing into a handsome man and spills her latte on him. The missed phone call was the prestigious Crestwood Academy in Chicago. Daphne got the job as the new first grade teacher there so she will not be staying in Paris. On her last morning in Paris, she oversleeps and gets to the airport a minute too late to board. She sees the same handsome stranger from her first day getting to board late. Turns out he is the owner of the airline but he won’t acknowledge that he knows her so she ends up sitting all day in the airport waiting for the midnight flight home.

She starts her job and requests the parents to come the first day of school to meet her, let her know anything specific about their child and ask her anything they want to know about her. Only Mr. Weston Vaughn does not respond to her email. He is the single dad to Daisy. Daisy’s grandmother Regina picks her up and she tells Daphne that her son Weston will be there but later. Turns out he is the stranger from Paris.

Weston’s wife died four years ago. Daphne is the first woman he has been emotionally attracted to since then and it scares him. He knows she is much younger than him but he is intrigued. He wants to do things to Daphne, very bad things.

Will Daphne get Weston to actually participate in school events instead of just donating money? Can Weston control himself around Daphne? Who is trying to hurt Weston?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
570 reviews10 followers
July 21, 2023
Its been a while since I've read an Alexis Winter book and after reading this I can't fathom why. She's a great author with a wonderful talent for writing great characters. At first I didn't think I was going to like Weston because he's so rude to Daphne when they meet for the first time in Paris. But as the two spent more time together back in Chicago I started to warm up to him. Eventually when he was protecting Daphne from those that threatened and messed with her career I fell in love. Daphne is pure sweetness that's probably why it was so hard to see Weston be so cold and rude towards her. Plus all the sad events that happened to her recently made you root for her to find some happiness. When these two finally gave into the attraction and started feeling something for one another (Bake sale both funny and hot; Mr. Double Fudge Sundae! Weston's obsession with deck shoes! 😆) that's when the book really picked up for me. With the major loses these two endured it took a lot of fighting to push back the fear of giving someone your heart again and them not taking it with them when they go. By the end the 3 of them together, growing in love and expanding their family in their hea. I would have given a 5 but it bugged me that Alexis didn't write that Daphne's dad and step-mom were in Paris even after they had their reconciliation.

"You have completely turned my life upside down so thank you for spilling your coffee on me and making me fall in love you." 😊
The day I met you here, I was completely taken by your beauty. You had this split second where the sun was behind you and the wind was causing your hair to fly around you and you just took my breath away.” ❤️🥰
“I didn’t have a choice. There was no way I was going to be able to talk myself out of not falling in love with you so I leaped with both feet and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.” ❤️😊

I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,072 reviews31 followers
July 9, 2023
Finally Accepting Their Destiny -
When Daphne accidentally poured coffee on Weston on the streets of Paris, she never expected to see him again, that it until she met him at the airport on the day of her return. Unfortunately, both encounters left a sour impression of him in her mind, so the last thing she expected to happen was to find out he was the parent of the sweetest little girl in her classroom.

Daphne realised fate was playing a trick on her when Weston showed up to a parents teachers meeting and was still as arrogant as he was during their previous encounters. However, she chose to put it behind her. Even though Weston’s previous encounters with Daphne did end well, the first person he went to for help when he was in a bind was Daphne and she reluctantly agreed to help.

Weston realised his preconceptions about Daphne was wrong and invited her on the summer vacation, which gave him the opportunity to get to know her better. Spending time together led them to embark on a secret relationship, but Daphne’s insecurities got in their way and created friction between them. Unfortunately, just before they were able fix their problems, Daphne’s life was thrown into disarray.

Once Weston discovered what had happened to Daphne, he stepped in to not only rectify the problem, but totally removed the problem. Finally finding peace after the chaos, helped them get back on track towards their happy family family life. I read this book as my Sunday afternoon relaxation entertainment and I can say it was definitely a worth my while. If you are looking for a well written, sexy and deeply moving story to read, then this is the one for you. Take a chance on this book and you will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jela  Heneghan.
363 reviews20 followers
July 13, 2023
Very Bad Things is just what I've come to expect from the Chicago Billionaires series. It's spicy and well done with an engaging plot. Weston and Daphne’s story begins with them literally bumping into one another in Paris after Daphne decides she wants to see about living there following a very rough time in her life. The exchange between them isn’t what I’d consider pleasant, and things get worse with their second chance encounter. Then later when it turns out Daphne is Weston’s daughter’s teacher, things take a turn neither seemed to expect. However, as these two are trying to figure things out, other people are conspiring against their happiness, and we’re left to find out whether or not they can make it.

Daphne is just the sweetest and completely relatable. The things she’s gone through and the way that she’s written to be sort of vulnerable but strong and resilient make her such an altogether lovely character that I enjoyed getting to know. Then there’s Weston, and he’s every bit the alpha billionaire I love my billionaire MMCs to be. Sure, he’s got his prickly, sometimes dense moments, but the way that plays off Daphne’s character makes their interactions believable.

The chemistry between these two is palpable, and it’s like they couldn’t help but gravitate toward each other if they tried. Both Weston and Daphne have experienced great loss, and yet it’s like they’re simply made for one another. I loved seeing their hilarious and heated first moments together and then later as their relationship grew into something else. And the plot and how things aren’t smooth sailing for them is what makes it such an addictive read. Add in the spice, and we’ve got a steamy, at times angsty romance.

So, if you’re in the mood for an interesting storyline and well written characters, then you’re definitely going to want to read the latest in this series. You’ll get sweet mixed with heat mixed with some drama, and you’ll be left with a satisfying ending.
Profile Image for Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily).
1,588 reviews115 followers
June 30, 2023
This is officially my favorite Alexis Winter book. I loved this book and this couple (and kiddo) so much. Things to look for in this book:

Not So Cute Meet Cute ✔️
Age Gap ✔️
Enemies to Lovers ✔️
Single Dad ✔️
Billionaire Romance ✔️
Nanny Romance ✔️
Trauma Bonding ✔️
Public Play ✔️
Hand Necklaces ✔️
ALL THIS SPICE ✔️
Super kinky ✔️

Daphne and Weston have three chance encounters and none of them go well. First Daphne spills her coffee all over him; then Weston won't allow her on his plane; then Weston shows up two hours late to meet his daughter's teacher aka Daphne, at school. After this happens, it looks like there is no hope for our couple!

But... The sexual chemistry radiating off of them when they argue is HOT. But both have them have suffered from losses in their previous relationships (Weston lost his wife four years ago and Daphne's fiancé tragically passed away two years prior), so they don't want to admit to themselves or each other that they have feelings.

When Weston finds himself without a nanny and needing to go on a trip with his family, he invites Daphne to go along. And go along she does. I can't explain to you how HOT this book was. Weston's dirty mouth was making me sweat. And their public play - WOAH. This has to be the hottest book that Alexis Winter has written.

I just loved this book and the spice so much - if you are looking for a book with ALL THE SPICE, but also has a plot, this is the book for you! This book was full of so much kink you won’t know what to do with yourself!
Profile Image for Susan McWhinney.
620 reviews9 followers
June 24, 2023
Another great Billionaire Romance from Alexis Winter. Daphne Flowers needs to work out what she wants in her future. Having gone through the trauma of losing her fiance and her mother close together, she is still struggling with her grief and to let go and live again.
Accidentally meeting a hot guy in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and again at the airport on her way home has her thinking she can actually find someone new and move on in her life. He got her feeling things she hadn't felt since her fiance had passed away 2 years earlier.
What are the chances that the same arrogant man turns out to be the father of one of her students.
Weston liked what he saw when he had hot coffee thrown at him in Paris, so it was a pleasant, but unexpected pleasure that the same woman was his daughter, Daisy's teacher.
Also coming back from losing his wife 4 years previously, he does not want to accept he may be developing feelings toward Daphne. Both have secrets and do not want to get involved, but when Weston decides he wants something he goes all out to get it. And he wants Daphne. A forbidden age romance begins.
It is an intriguing story with lots of hotness, and both Daphne and Weston allow themselves to explore their sexual fantasies together. Many twists in the storyline keep you wanting to turn the pages, from blackmail to Weston's disgruntled ex. A great read overall.
I received an ARC and giving an honest voluntary review

Profile Image for Jenn .
752 reviews15 followers
June 30, 2023
Ooooh.... This Book 🥵🥵🥵 Alexis Winter needs to put a warning that is is NOT the book to read out in public because *fans self*

Very Bad Things is another STEAMY age-gap romance in the Chicago Billionaires series by Alexis Winter. All of the books in this series are complete stand alones and are actually not interconnected in any way other than the fact that they are all located in Chicago, have a sexy billionaire that goes and falls for a younger woman.

For me age-gap stories can be a hit or a miss. Sometimes they can make me cringe while other times it can be perfection. This is one of those times.

Daphne Flowers and Weston Vaughn are a little bit of hate to love after a rough initial meeting in Paris followed up with Daphne finding out that Weston is the father of Daisy, one of her students. These two bicker flirt, challenge each other and get under each others skin all the while a sizzling chemistry is brewing between them until it's too hot to ignore. Both Weston and Daphne have experienced loss- Daphne with her mom and fiance and Weston with his wife. Weston had no interest in finding another partner- just a willing participant to fill his needs until he could start seeing more with Daphne. Daphne on the other hand grieved hard and was still having trouble moving on- but she adored Daisy and Weston intrigued her, satisfying needs that she had never explored.

There is a little unexpected twist in the third act- where you expect things to go wrong but the way that it happens was not at all what I thought would come up in the story. Even with the twist I was gripped by this book. I love how it all came together!
1,260 reviews
July 7, 2023
Life had thrown a curved ball at Daphne Flowers, the mother that she adored and her wonderful fiance had both died within months of one another and to make matters worse, her father who she thought would fall apart, moved too quickly on with his life, could she ever forgive him ?
Trying to get her life back on track Daphne went on a visit to Paris and in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower had a close encounter with a tall dark stranger with mesmerizing blue eyes and what did she do......spill coffee down his pristine white shirt, that what.
Her second encounter with Mt Eiffel Tower was at the airport where he could have helped her to catch her flight home, could have, but didn't.
Life began to improve for Daphne, she secured a job teaching in a private school, a job that she had always wanted, things were going smoothly for a change.........until they weren't, arriving late to pick up his sweet daughter, Daisy was, yes, Mr Eifel Tower.
This story follows the journey of Daphne and billionaire Weston Vaughn, the magnetic attraction of two opposites, two opposites with a seventeen year age gap, two opposites who both had a past and demons to fight.
I loved the banter between Weston and Daphne, I loved the passion, I love how she wouldn't be intimidated by him, I love how he would do anything to protect her.......anything but give her up. Great story with a lovely HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,640 reviews16 followers
July 9, 2023
“Very Bad Things” made me shiver in the very best way
If you like your male main character all take-charge, caveman and alpha, you will want to read this age-gap romance with lots of passion, steam, angst, and flirty, funny, provocative banter. After suffering through a very bad year, Daphne decides she needs to make a major change in her life. She goes to Paris to scout out the potential of living there where she literally bumps into the dreamiest man she had ever seen until Weston scolds her for dumping coffee all over him before his big meeting. So much for thinking she had just witnessed her very own meet-cute like in her romance novels! What will happen when she gets home and gets a new job where one of the parents is none other than…you guessed it? Thus begins one of Ms. Winter’s best scintillating romances.
Kudos to her cover designer for always finding the perfect covers. I sat down and read this book in one day! It was so good. Although there is an age difference between Daphne 27yo and Weston 42yo, they are experiencing his experimentation in kink for the first time. Both of their former lovers were more vanilla than kink. Totally enjoyed Daisy too. Ms. Winter can bring on the heat with dirty talk in the bedroom. Whew! Fanning myself.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Rena Spensley.
85 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2023
Oh my goodness, I swear Alexis' books are getting spicier and spicier and I absolutely love it.

Daphne and Weston's story is a whirlwind of a romance. from where they accidently bump into each other in Paris, to her returning home to Chicago starting her dream job as a teacher at a prestigious school, and of course Weston's daughter just happens to be a student, and Daisy is absolutely adorable. Of course, they couldn't deny the chemistry between them, but both afraid of their feelings as they both dealt with loss in their pass with Weston losing his wife to a sudden illness, and Daphne losing her mother and fiancé in the span of a year. And of course, you're going to have your drama and it's definitely surprises you as it's not what you or who you think it could be. But they get through it and get the HEA and get engaged and married where it all started in Paris.

Now Weston is intense and a dirty talker in the bedroom, a couple times I stopped and was like ok, umm did I just read what I thought I did. But man, it was steamy, hot and I wish just once for my hubby to talk to me like that lol.

Alexis keep the spice coming girl, these are the stories I live for.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna.
324 reviews211 followers
July 10, 2023
“Do you ever just let a moment happen, Daphne?”

Holy hotness, Mr Vaughn!! Weston Vaughn was everything I want my billionaire alphas to be, rich and powerful, totally in control and sexy as sin. I was left completely at his mercy. He was arrogant, bossy and absolutely infuriating but when he met Daphne Flowers, his daughter's first grade teacher, his entire world was turned upside down as she became the one woman who could bring him to his knees.

I loved how dominant and commanding Weston was, all about surrender and discipline. I was drawn to his possessiveness and jealousy as he let himself feel things he had never felt before. He was so loyal and protective of Daphne and I was completely mesmerized by him. I loved how he brought out Daphne's adventurous side, allowing her to let go of her inhibitions.

Weston met his perfect match in Daphne and I loved how feisty she was, how she spoke her mind and gave just as good as she got. The frustration and snarky banter between them built the tension and angst to an agonizing peak, crashing down into a fire that was so intense and absolutely carnal. The dirty talk and the way they told each other exactly what they wanted and needed were undeniably captivating and I couldn't get enough. But underneath it all, they shared openness and vulnerability as well as deep intimacy that was simply beautiful to watch unfold.

Grief and loss played a significant role in this story with a focus on how to work through the guilt and fear of moving on. Ultimately, this was a lesson in living life with no regrets. I was thoroughly consumed by the love and passion between Weston and Daphne, losing myself in their magnetic connection and a whirlwind of emotions, and I was swept away in their once-in-a-lifetime romance.

** Special thanks to author Alexis Winter for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available July 10, 2023. **
Profile Image for thebeespot72.
1,730 reviews188 followers
July 10, 2023
So You’re A Tough Guy Like It Really Rough Guy…

Faithful Age Gap Trope readers will love that there is a seventeen-year age gap between Daphne and Weston in “Very Bad Things” by Alexis Winter. Daphne lost her mother and fiancé in a close time frame. Shortly after, she decided to go to Paris. While there, she haphazardly runs into Weston, who is in a hurry and not friendly about it. After a few more humourous run-ins, including a return to the States and discovering that Daphne is his daughter’s first-grade teacher, the s£xüal tension builds.

The unexpected run-ins the two characters had, gave me so much second-hand embarrassment and had me laughing so hard! Weston comes across as the billionaire d*** who happens to be a widower. As the story progresses, both Weston and Daphne find that the challenges of grieving the loss of a loved one can hinder the potential of a successful relationship.

Weston certainly does his fair share of “very bad things” to Daphne that she loves exploring with him. The scenes are hot, and Weston'’s mouth is dirty. However, it did seem that the spicy scenes were cut off abruptly, more so than other Alexis Winter books, but I still rate this five stars. Winter can tell a story that readers can easily picture and almost watch in their minds as the scenes unfold. She conveys the emotions of each character through the pages, whether it be their embarrassment, sadness, anger, and of course, love.

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Heidi.
1,515 reviews15 followers
July 24, 2023
What can I say. I love Alexis’s books. She brings in the emotions, angst, some drama and sone twists. I loved Daphne and Weston’s story so much. And Daisy was just the cutest and sweetest girl ever. When Daphne and Weston first meet, it doesn’t go that great, and then they see each other again and it is worse than the first time. You think it can’t get any worse until they see each other again and she is his daughter’s teacher and his impression to Daphne is the absolute worst now. This is a grumpy/sunshine, billionaire single dad romance with some forbidden added in. She is her student’s father and she is not sure if anything like that could be possible and she is still working through healing after losing her fiancé a few years ago and so shortly after she lost her mother. These two have had sone losses of people they love. Wes also has his loss to straighten out to himself. They both fall for each other, even though they are scared, one more than the other. Will they be able to heal each other completely and get the happiness they both deserve? I guess you will need to read that to find out. Hot fudge sundaes may be forbidden and not the best to have, but it can turn out to be the best thought to have.
623 reviews6 followers
July 1, 2023
Very Bad Things: A Billionaire Romance (Chicago Billionaires), book six by Alexis Winter, is the romance between a first-grade teacher at an elite private academy and Weston, the parent of Daisy, who is in her class. While on vacation, Daphne accidentally spills coffee on Weston at the Eiffel Tower in France. He falls first, but Daphne still holds on to the grief of losing her finances to a tragic accident. She isn’t sure she can let go of her past so she can embrace a future with Weston. Weston feels riddled with the guilt of losing his wife to cancer when their marriage is anything but healthy. Daisy gravitates toward Daphne, which keeps her front and center to Weston, who is fighting his attraction to her. Weston invites Daphne to help babysit Daisy on a family yacht to the Bahamas during a school break, causing their flirtations to erupt into spicy days and steamy nights spent together. Much needs to be dealt with and overcome by both for their relationship to work for them to move together toward a future. Alexis Winter always writes a wonderful romance that has a guaranteed HEA.
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