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Grumpy Billionaire Playboy
Alternative cover edition of ISBN 9798397293402
My brother’s best friend is my worst enemy… Now, he’s my fake fiancé who just took my v-card.
Drake Bennet is a handsome, arrogant, Real Estate shark who always has women throwing themselves at him.
But I can’t stand him; we’ve always fought and bickered growing up.
His mom has been badgering him to settle down, so he asked me to be his fake fiance.
And I only agreed as long as he made me his plus one at exclusive events I needed to attend for my journalist job.
But while we’re “pretending” to be engaged, Drake takes care of me in more ways than one.
His touch brings me to ecstasy for the first time and makes my body quiver from head to toe.
He’s been caring for and protecting me in ways I’ve never seen before.
I’m falling for him, hard.
And if things couldn’t get more complicated — I’m pregnant.
But this can’t work. My new singing career is taking off and I’ll be in the public eye.
And our fake engagement has to come to an end.
Or will Drake finally be ready for a “real” happily ever after?
My brother’s best friend is my worst enemy… Now, he’s my fake fiancé who just took my v-card.
Drake Bennet is a handsome, arrogant, Real Estate shark who always has women throwing themselves at him.
But I can’t stand him; we’ve always fought and bickered growing up.
His mom has been badgering him to settle down, so he asked me to be his fake fiance.
And I only agreed as long as he made me his plus one at exclusive events I needed to attend for my journalist job.
But while we’re “pretending” to be engaged, Drake takes care of me in more ways than one.
His touch brings me to ecstasy for the first time and makes my body quiver from head to toe.
He’s been caring for and protecting me in ways I’ve never seen before.
I’m falling for him, hard.
And if things couldn’t get more complicated — I’m pregnant.
But this can’t work. My new singing career is taking off and I’ll be in the public eye.
And our fake engagement has to come to an end.
Or will Drake finally be ready for a “real” happily ever after?
- GenresRomance
246 pages, Paperback
Published June 18, 2023
210 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Ava Nichols
18 books64 followersAva Nichols is a #1 Amazon Best Selling Author who writes relatable, sexy, and heartfelt contemporary romance. Her stories have a balance of fun, edginess, steam, light-heartedness and depth. You’ll get to watch her characters grow, open up their hearts and eventually find a happily ever after.
Her favorite themes are Billionaire Bad Boys, Enemies to Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend, Boss, Second Chance, and Age Gap.
When she’s not reading or writing, she’s enjoying nature, dance, pilates and spending time with her family. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two young children and two small dogs.
Her favorite themes are Billionaire Bad Boys, Enemies to Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend, Boss, Second Chance, and Age Gap.
When she’s not reading or writing, she’s enjoying nature, dance, pilates and spending time with her family. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two young children and two small dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 7, 2024
Narration lacked for me with a virtual voice, and the storyline was too instant romance, cheesy, and predictable. Didn't hold my interest, sorry
**Fake relationship
**Non Friends to lovers
Audible plus 🎶
**Fake relationship
**Non Friends to lovers
Audible plus 🎶
June 19, 2023
OMG ! A must read. I could not put this book down. The beginning of the book started a little slow,but once I got to Chapter 3 it got better & better. Even though they were enemies, their sexual compatibility was amazing. They were so great together & the chapter when Drake met Leilas parents was intense. The way he stuck up for Leila was so sweet ! Will they have a happily ever after ? Read this amazing book & find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2023
This story has so much to offer and I could it out it down! Leila and Drake’s chemistry was off the charts. The way they bickered back and forth but if one of them needed the other, that person was always there was great.
So when they end up in a fake engagement, things only get more interesting. Lots of drama!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So when they end up in a fake engagement, things only get more interesting. Lots of drama!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2025
>>>_<<<
My brother’s best friend is my worst enemy… Now, he’s also my fake fiancé who just took my v-card.
Drake Bennet is a handsome, arrogant, Real Estate shark who always has women throwing themselves at him.
But I can’t stand him; we’ve always fought and bickered growing up.
His mom has been badgering him to settle down, so he asked me to be his fake fiance.
And I only agreed as long as he made me his plus one at exclusive events I needed to attend for my journalist job.
But while we’re “pretending” to be engaged, Drake takes care of me in more ways than one.
His touch brings me to ecstasy for the first time and makes my body quiver from head to toe.
He’s been caring for and protecting me in ways I’ve never seen before.
I’m falling for him, hard.
And if things couldn’t get more complicated — I’m pregnant.
But this can’t work. My new singing career is taking off and I’ll be in the public eye.
And our fake engagement has to come to an end.
Or will Drake finally be ready for a “real” happily ever after?
My brother’s best friend is my worst enemy… Now, he’s also my fake fiancé who just took my v-card.
Drake Bennet is a handsome, arrogant, Real Estate shark who always has women throwing themselves at him.
But I can’t stand him; we’ve always fought and bickered growing up.
His mom has been badgering him to settle down, so he asked me to be his fake fiance.
And I only agreed as long as he made me his plus one at exclusive events I needed to attend for my journalist job.
But while we’re “pretending” to be engaged, Drake takes care of me in more ways than one.
His touch brings me to ecstasy for the first time and makes my body quiver from head to toe.
He’s been caring for and protecting me in ways I’ve never seen before.
I’m falling for him, hard.
And if things couldn’t get more complicated — I’m pregnant.
But this can’t work. My new singing career is taking off and I’ll be in the public eye.
And our fake engagement has to come to an end.
Or will Drake finally be ready for a “real” happily ever after?
June 22, 2023
If you love a HEA, enemy's to lovers, billionaire and brothers best friend I think Ava Nichols has you covered with Drake and Leila's story.
Leila is a heiress from an old money family, she is working to make her own way but has to use her family connections to write gossip stories she hates. This is where she runs into her brothers best friend and man of her arch nemesis Drake and helps her get into one of the elitest weddings shes reporting on.
After the wedding Drake makes a dreadful mistake and lies to his mother about being secretly engaged.
One thing leads to another and Leila and Drake pretend to be engaged, then the love hate turns to love love and then turns to heartbreak leading us to our HEA with a suprise baby thrown in.
Drake and Leila encourage and bring out the best in each other which leads to them both supporting.
Only thing I wish there was included is an epilogue as the story ended abruptly
Leila is a heiress from an old money family, she is working to make her own way but has to use her family connections to write gossip stories she hates. This is where she runs into her brothers best friend and man of her arch nemesis Drake and helps her get into one of the elitest weddings shes reporting on.
After the wedding Drake makes a dreadful mistake and lies to his mother about being secretly engaged.
One thing leads to another and Leila and Drake pretend to be engaged, then the love hate turns to love love and then turns to heartbreak leading us to our HEA with a suprise baby thrown in.
Drake and Leila encourage and bring out the best in each other which leads to them both supporting.
Only thing I wish there was included is an epilogue as the story ended abruptly
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
Drake and Leila's Love Story
Drake Bennet is a billionaire real estate entrepreneur. He expanded his father's successful firm to a mega company. He is known as a shark, and he disdain the ostentatious people in his social circle.
Leila Douglas is the daughter of old money billionaires. She is at odds with her parents because they want to control her life, and she wants to work in journalism and ultimately be one a professional singer.
Drake is best friends with Leila's brother, Tom. Drake and Leila have bickered with each other since they were kids, although this bickering was actually their form of flirting.
Drake lies to his mother, telling her he is engaged. He convinces Leila to be his fake fiancée, promising to get her into exclusive parties that she can cover for her journalism job.
Their story is a fun one. Both fall in love with each other but don't tell the other.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
Drake Bennet is a billionaire real estate entrepreneur. He expanded his father's successful firm to a mega company. He is known as a shark, and he disdain the ostentatious people in his social circle.
Leila Douglas is the daughter of old money billionaires. She is at odds with her parents because they want to control her life, and she wants to work in journalism and ultimately be one a professional singer.
Drake is best friends with Leila's brother, Tom. Drake and Leila have bickered with each other since they were kids, although this bickering was actually their form of flirting.
Drake lies to his mother, telling her he is engaged. He convinces Leila to be his fake fiancée, promising to get her into exclusive parties that she can cover for her journalism job.
Their story is a fun one. Both fall in love with each other but don't tell the other.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
June 19, 2023
Leila and Drake have know each other since school and he is her brothers best friend. The two are used to sassing each other like they hate each other, but when each needs a favor, they are there to help. Now they are fake engaged but the feelings are gradually changing.
Loved the characters, their backstories, strengths and determination. The storyline has drama, career changes, walls coming down, deep feelings changing, twists, surprises, protectiveness, steam, caring and much more. His mother was key to him taking charge and telling Leila how he felt, which in turn gave her the strength to tell him a life changing secret, which he thinks might be a major illness. The ending was great, and would have loved a hint about five years from then, but that is okay.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the characters, their backstories, strengths and determination. The storyline has drama, career changes, walls coming down, deep feelings changing, twists, surprises, protectiveness, steam, caring and much more. His mother was key to him taking charge and telling Leila how he felt, which in turn gave her the strength to tell him a life changing secret, which he thinks might be a major illness. The ending was great, and would have loved a hint about five years from then, but that is okay.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2023
Leila and Drake’s Story . . .
I really enjoyed this humorous story line where two “combatants” end up helping each other while they throw bantering words back and forth. Drake Bennet is Leila’s brother’s best friend. Women love the handsome guy, but Leila has better sense than that. They have a lifetime of fighting and bickering to prove it. But when Drake needs a fake fiancé to get his mother to give up trying to force him to settle down, Leila agrees to do that in return for his being her plus-one at fancy events related to her job. Neither expected their chemistry to be so sizzling hot! So Drake took care of all her needs while keeping up their bargain. But someone “slipped up” and her little secret can ruin her new career as a performer in front of audiences. Could Drake be ready to settle down yet? Would he claim the HEA and family life she can offer him?
I really enjoyed this humorous story line where two “combatants” end up helping each other while they throw bantering words back and forth. Drake Bennet is Leila’s brother’s best friend. Women love the handsome guy, but Leila has better sense than that. They have a lifetime of fighting and bickering to prove it. But when Drake needs a fake fiancé to get his mother to give up trying to force him to settle down, Leila agrees to do that in return for his being her plus-one at fancy events related to her job. Neither expected their chemistry to be so sizzling hot! So Drake took care of all her needs while keeping up their bargain. But someone “slipped up” and her little secret can ruin her new career as a performer in front of audiences. Could Drake be ready to settle down yet? Would he claim the HEA and family life she can offer him?
June 19, 2023
OMG!!! This was another fantastic book and it was a page turner and the suspense was WOW!!! It was addictive and I was at the edge of my seat and I could not even stop reading it or put it down for a minute. Leila and Drake chemistry was like firework and their attraction was smoking hot. They could not keep their hands off one another they gave into their lust. They were falling in love with each other and how could they keep it a secret from her best friend. And how would her best friend feel about their romance relationship? Could they have a happily after end after all? I guess you will have to read it for your self? I highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed at all.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review. Trina Jones
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review. Trina Jones
July 1, 2023
Leila comes from a family with old money. She uses the information that she obtains from being part of the elite to write a gossip column, spilling everyone's secrets. She runs into her brother's friend, Drake. The two of them don't really get along, primarily because of what Leila does for a living. He does agree to help her get into a wedding, though, so she can get the gossip and report on the wedding. After the wedding, Drake lies to his mother and tells her that he is secretly engaged. Drake asks Leila to pretend to be engaged to him and he'll help her. Naturally, the more that they pretend to be in love, the more that real love grows. Soon these enemies aren't enemies anymore.
July 4, 2023
This is my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and characters. It is an enemies to lovers romance between Leila and her brother's best friend, Drake. These two likeable souls and the unique plot make for an interesting read. What starts out as a fake relationship turns into something more. It is a sweet love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, and humor and charm, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. Entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2023
This is a great story about a brother's best friend and his little sister who fight all the time but then end up falling in love with each other. This book will defiantly keep you hooked until the very end, and the sex scenes are so hot you will have to turn your A/C up. I loved reading how Leila and Drake first didn't like each other and then when they faked an engagement, they ended up really falling in Love with each other. The ending is perfect, and I love how caring and compassionate Drake ends up being with Leila. This is a 5-star read if not more in my opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2023
I've been getting tired of the grumpy billionaire friends to lovers brothers best friend trope but when I started this book I could not put it down. It blew me away. All the characters are well developed, it is well written and fast paced. The protagonists Drake and Leila are steamy and sexy together. They learn about each other and are unafraid to admit when they are wrong. It is such a well written novel I just loved it, even with all the tropes. Could not stop once I started it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2023
Journey Towards Self-Discovery
Leila and Drake grew up together but have "hated" each other. When Drake needs a fake engagement, they become close and realize their attraction towards each other. The story was a journey of self-discovery for these characters and their chemistry was steamy. What would have set this book to another level is an epilogue about their future together, but overall, I really enjoyed this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leila and Drake grew up together but have "hated" each other. When Drake needs a fake engagement, they become close and realize their attraction towards each other. The story was a journey of self-discovery for these characters and their chemistry was steamy. What would have set this book to another level is an epilogue about their future together, but overall, I really enjoyed this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2023
I enjoyed this story, it read well. We get a glimpse into Drake and Leila's relationship. The interaction between them was super always bickering or bickering with each other like they are already married than pretending to be engaged to each other. But one thing that stands out in their relationship is that they are always there for each other when they need each other. This is a recommended read.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
June 25, 2023
This is an awesome read,filled with drama,steam and great chemistry..An enemies to lovers,brother bestfriend and fake romance story of Leila and Drake..A billionaire handsome, arrogant, Real Estate shark and the woman who captured his heart,a journalist a writer and a singer in the making..loved it! well done!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2025
I really enjoyed the move the book. However, I would have given it 4 stars if it didn't have virtual. It took away from the book so much. The OB-GYN that was in the book was not pronounced correctly a lot of mis pronouncing broken sentences. The the storyline was excellent. But I just could not get into it because of the virtual. You need someone to actually read it. And that's my given.That's why I gave you a one star
June 20, 2023
A Deeper Connection.
MF, Brothers Best Friend, Fake Relationship, Sexual awakening, Enemies to Lovers, Contemporary, Romance. Easy to read with a fast paced plot told from dual points of view. A fairly quick to read, enjoyable overall light-hearted story with great characters, wit and humour and lots of steam. Guaranteed HEA.
MF, Brothers Best Friend, Fake Relationship, Sexual awakening, Enemies to Lovers, Contemporary, Romance. Easy to read with a fast paced plot told from dual points of view. A fairly quick to read, enjoyable overall light-hearted story with great characters, wit and humour and lots of steam. Guaranteed HEA.
June 20, 2023
Finished this read in same day read cover to cover. Drake and Leila hated each other was going back and forth for years. Drake needed a fake fiancé and talked Leila into becoming his fake fiancé. The sparks began to fly and they grew close with complications. The ending will e a HEA with beautiful moments.
June 20, 2023
Read this book in one sitting could not put it down. Drake and Leila were awesome together. They started by hating each other and never doing anything except cutting other down. Drake needed. Fake fiancé and talked Leila into helping him. The smarts began to fly and it was magic. The ending will blow you away!
June 25, 2023
Grumpy Billionaire Playboy A Brother's Best Friend Enemies to Lovers Romance
A good story of enemies to Lovers Drake is the best friend to Laila's brother Tom but the two of them argued but when she needed his help they agreed to let people think they were engaged but they fell in love and she became pregnant and they both confessed love.A story with steam
A good story of enemies to Lovers Drake is the best friend to Laila's brother Tom but the two of them argued but when she needed his help they agreed to let people think they were engaged but they fell in love and she became pregnant and they both confessed love.A story with steam
July 3, 2023
This book is different from what I usually read, but I found myself drawn into the plot and the main characters. I will say that it has several explicit sex scenes in it which might turn some readers off. Watching the two main characters verbally duel with each other was fun. I liked this book and will read more of this writer's work.
July 3, 2023
This was a great story which combined a number of tropes: billionaire, brother's best friend, enemies to lovers, and surprise pregnancy.
This was a great read. I loved watching Drake changing towards Leila, as he developed a very real case of feels during their pretend romance.
Truly enjoyable read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great read. I loved watching Drake changing towards Leila, as he developed a very real case of feels during their pretend romance.
Truly enjoyable read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2023
This book is absolutely fantastic and will have you enthralled from the beginning until the end. Drake was Leila brothers best friend and didn't like him much at all. Now when she needs help it's Drake to the rescue but can they get along with out causing a scene? This was a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2023
hate and love are two very powerful emotions
Oh wow! I couldn’t stop reading this kept me up all night.
I could see Drake falling in love and not understanding it. What a lovely story of love. So sad for Leila’s parents not knowing what love is. They’ve lost Laila and their grandchild to an archaic way of thinking and snobbery.
Oh wow! I couldn’t stop reading this kept me up all night.
I could see Drake falling in love and not understanding it. What a lovely story of love. So sad for Leila’s parents not knowing what love is. They’ve lost Laila and their grandchild to an archaic way of thinking and snobbery.
August 29, 2025
Grumpy Billionaire Playboy by Ava Nichols. This storyline is based on Drake and Leila. Drake is a playboy that doesn’t want a relationship. Leila is a virgin that has never been in a relationship. Leila needs to get into certain parties for her job, and Drake needs his mom to get off his back about not having a relationship. They make a deal to help each other. I highly recommend this book.
June 19, 2023
This was a really good book with a storyline that was so easy to get into. Lots of intense chemistry and some family drama mixed in with the growth of a new relationship hidden in secrets but about to come out. It's a definite must read.
June 25, 2023
This is a great read. It is well-written and fun throughout. Two people who have been bickering since childhood come together for their HEA. This book is highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2023
Wowsers! What a great enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend romance! The story of Leila and Drake had me hooked from the start. A definite must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2023
Mic drop
Oh my goodness!! This story had all the feels. I think it’s my favorite book of Ava’s (so far)!!!! The banter, then friendship, then heartbreak, then love is just sooooo perfectly laid out! This was so well written and thought out! I am starting the next book now!!!! ❤️
Oh my goodness!! This story had all the feels. I think it’s my favorite book of Ava’s (so far)!!!! The banter, then friendship, then heartbreak, then love is just sooooo perfectly laid out! This was so well written and thought out! I am starting the next book now!!!! ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews