I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 3.5 out of 5 Stars -
For some, love or the fear of being in love can be an emotional storm as strong as a hurricane. In Christine Tetreault's The Billionaire Playboy, it's an actual hurricane which brings the young lovers together. With likable characters, a sweet romance and plenty of angst, Ms. Tetreault's story transported me to a picturesque town where two characters, with backgrounds as different as night and day, meet, fall in love and entertained me for the day.
Captain Charlotte “Charlie” O'Brien is home on leave while trying to decide what to do with her future, should she re-enlist in the Navy or take a chance and head into public practice. While staying at her mother's bed and breakfast, a hurricane sweeps through the small town of North Salem, and Charlie finds herself doing what she does best - taking charge of the situation. She never expected to meet Jake Sherbrooke, a man known as "The Billionaire Playboy" or on falling in love with the man he reveals himself to be.
Jake Sherbrooke has spent his whole life trying to carve out a life of his own separate from his wealthy and politically powerful family. Establishing "The Sherbrooke Foundation" was supposed to help him do what he loves, reach out to those in need, and establish him as a serious philanthropist. Unfortunately the paparazzi is determined to simply portray him as the President's young, rich and handsome son. When he learns of the hurricane and the damage it's done to North Salem, he personally visits the town to help as much as he can. He never planned on falling in love with a gorgeous redhead who's different from anyone he's ever dated before.
The scenes between Charlie and Jake are entertaining and they have great verbal and physical chemistry. Coming from two very different social backgrounds, Jake has lived a privileged life while Charlie has struggled for everything she's ever received, they soon realize they have more in common than they thought. They fit together. Unused to the attention the media brings to anyone in Jake's life, Charlie is unprepared to deal with the realities of dating someone who's famous more for who they are than what they do. Ms. Tetreault did a great job developing both Charlie and Jake's characters; we get to see what makes them tick as individuals and as a couple. The biggest problem their relationship has is their fear, Jake's fear of being judged for his birthright and Charlie's childhood fear of being abandoned by another man.
When photos appear making it appear as if Jake is being unfaithful, will Charlie give him a chance to explain? Will Charlie and Jake's fears tear them apart? You'll have to read The Billionaire Playboy to find out. It's a light romance and fun book to read.