What do you think?
Rate this book
Big Bad Billionaires #9
The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée
Enemies to Lovers Standalone Romance
I should've never agreed to being his pretend fiancée...
Jace Walker aka JK aka Mr. Smirky Pants.
Mr Obnoxious who asked me to be his fiancée, so he could save his inheritance.
If I agreed, he'd deposit a million dollars in my bank account, no questions asked.
I should have turned him down and walked away... should've!
Sadly, I needed the money to save my floundering start-up, and to put my sister through college.
Besides, the rules were pretty simple: Feelings were not on the table, not unless I initiated it.
As if?
I hated him, I loathed him. No way was I going to fall for the most notorious playboy of the Valley, right?
I definitely didn't need to think twice about this, I signed.
Guess what happened next? Yeah... no!
We barely lasted the flight on his private jet across the pond, failed to convince his family... oh! Did I mention I got drunk and swam naked in front of them, gulp!
Only that seemed to catch his attention.
He wooed me, courted me, floored me with his trademark panty-melting smirk. He convinced me that he was the one...
He must be, right?
Then a phone call from my past changed everything...
Note: This is an enemies to lovers, pretend fiancée billionaire romance with a very satisfying HEA.
This book was previously published as Jace (Love Caution, #1).
I should've never agreed to being his pretend fiancée...
Jace Walker aka JK aka Mr. Smirky Pants.
Mr Obnoxious who asked me to be his fiancée, so he could save his inheritance.
If I agreed, he'd deposit a million dollars in my bank account, no questions asked.
I should have turned him down and walked away... should've!
Sadly, I needed the money to save my floundering start-up, and to put my sister through college.
Besides, the rules were pretty simple: Feelings were not on the table, not unless I initiated it.
As if?
I hated him, I loathed him. No way was I going to fall for the most notorious playboy of the Valley, right?
I definitely didn't need to think twice about this, I signed.
Guess what happened next? Yeah... no!
We barely lasted the flight on his private jet across the pond, failed to convince his family... oh! Did I mention I got drunk and swam naked in front of them, gulp!
Only that seemed to catch his attention.
He wooed me, courted me, floored me with his trademark panty-melting smirk. He convinced me that he was the one...
He must be, right?
Then a phone call from my past changed everything...
Note: This is an enemies to lovers, pretend fiancée billionaire romance with a very satisfying HEA.
This book was previously published as Jace (Love Caution, #1).
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2020
495 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
Laxmi Hariharan
57 books1,390 followersLaxmi is a New York Times bestselling author of paranormal and contemporary romance.
Her books have been featured in USA Today Happily Ever After and the Guardian, among others.
PS: She insists that you call her Lax!
Claim your FREE books : BookHip.com/WFVDWA
Order of reading her books: https://readerlinks.com/mybooks/950
Stalk her:
Instagram: instagram.com/authorlaxmi
FB: http://laxmihariharan.com/LaxFBPage
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laxmi-Harihara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laxmi...
Her books have been featured in USA Today Happily Ever After and the Guardian, among others.
PS: She insists that you call her Lax!
Claim your FREE books : BookHip.com/WFVDWA
Order of reading her books: https://readerlinks.com/mybooks/950
Stalk her:
Instagram: instagram.com/authorlaxmi
FB: http://laxmihariharan.com/LaxFBPage
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laxmi-Harihara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laxmi...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
Read
July 26, 2020When I read the blurb I was excited and intrigued! I started reading it and I was dumbfounded!!!
The writing had a very peculiar style. When the story was told from Sienna’s pov, it was in first person. However, Jace’s pov was in third person. To be honest it was awkward and kind of frustrating...
I put aside the thought of dnfing and kept reading because the plot was engaging, yet its pace was too fast.
Sienna started having feelings for Jace the second time they met! She didn’t even know the guy!!!! 🙄 She was against a sexual relationship with him and a few scenes later she was initiating his seduction.
Up to 39%, Sienna had met with Asher -Jace’s close friend who was having a great crush on Jace, and later with Eric - Jace’s business partner, and both of them were aroused after seeing her. 🙄🙄
That was the icing on the cake for me, I said, No, thank you, and dnf it.
The writing had a very peculiar style. When the story was told from Sienna’s pov, it was in first person. However, Jace’s pov was in third person. To be honest it was awkward and kind of frustrating...
I put aside the thought of dnfing and kept reading because the plot was engaging, yet its pace was too fast.
Sienna started having feelings for Jace the second time they met! She didn’t even know the guy!!!! 🙄 She was against a sexual relationship with him and a few scenes later she was initiating his seduction.
Up to 39%, Sienna had met with Asher -Jace’s close friend who was having a great crush on Jace, and later with Eric - Jace’s business partner, and both of them were aroused after seeing her. 🙄🙄
That was the icing on the cake for me, I said, No, thank you, and dnf it.
March 12, 2018
I couldn't get past 55% of the book. How can I explain why I didn't finish it?
It began when Sienna realise she was starting to fell in love (at 27% of the book) despite the fact they never had a conversation. How is that possible?
And diving nearly naked at a wedding reception and leaving with another man, then running with another one, then being blackmailed by a third one, it was a little too much and I couldn't do it anymore.
I just can't connect with Sienna and Jace and the story is bothering me.
It began when Sienna realise she was starting to fell in love (at 27% of the book) despite the fact they never had a conversation. How is that possible?
And diving nearly naked at a wedding reception and leaving with another man, then running with another one, then being blackmailed by a third one, it was a little too much and I couldn't do it anymore.
I just can't connect with Sienna and Jace and the story is bothering me.
June 16, 2024
Should've read first!
I like this book more than a lot of the previous ones I've read... I like an alpha make as much as the next gal but a man who truly loved his woman is much more important and Jace really loves Sienna and isn't afraid to tell her.
I like this book more than a lot of the previous ones I've read... I like an alpha make as much as the next gal but a man who truly loved his woman is much more important and Jace really loves Sienna and isn't afraid to tell her.
June 29, 2021
Had I read this book before the other books in the Big Bad Billionaires series, perhaps I would have liked it more. Instead, I found it really doesn’t compare to the others. All of L. Steele’s books are told in present tense, which has the benefit of pulling the reader into the story and making them feel like they are experiencing it in real time. The book starts from Sienna’s POV in first-person, but when it switches to Jace’s POV, the voice changes to third-person. Every time this happened, it jolted me out of the story. To go from a voice saying “I” this and “I” that, to one saying “he” this and “he” that is very jarring, and initially it made me go back to see if I had misread the first part.
The characters are not as well-developed and the plot seems abridged. There could have been so much more. Sienna’s background is sketchy and the explanation for how she came to be adopted has some holes. There is some mention of her adoptive family and one childhood friend, but little else (no concrete memories to speak of). The reader is told how much she loves her sister Bella, but there’s never any interaction between them. The mother is a shadowy figure. The issue with Tom is never really resolved. And honestly, I’m not sure why Sienna was so bothered about a video from when she was 18 showing her topless. I mean, it’s not ideal, but it’s not devastating either.
Jace’s backstory also seems inadequate to explain his relationships with his friends and family. We never really find out why he’s friends with Damian and Arpad. At one point, Damian says something in his “Texas drawl” and that threw me because I thought all of the Seven, of which Damian is a part, are British. I’m not clear on how Jace met Eric either. And does he resolve things with Asher? Asher played a big part in Jace’s development into an adult, but I feel like he needs to deal with that history (and Asher’s current actions) to be able to move one. I’d like to see another interaction with Asher before Jace heads back to the US.
Overall, I felt like I was reading the surface of a story rather than getting the complete picture. I read about the characters, but I didn’t feel their emotions. Sure, I know a bit more about Sienna and Jace, and that’s useful for reading the other stories. On the other hand, I feel like I don’t really know them at all. This book doesn’t pack the emotional punch of the other books in the series (especially The Billionaire’s Christmas Bride). Secondary characters felt more like props than real people. For example, Natalie seemed to serve the sole purpose of facilitating bringing Sienna and Jace together. She was the bride-to-be and immediately glommed onto Sienna like they were best friends, and there was no evidence of other friends at the wedding. Didn’t she have bridesmaids?
This could be a really good book, but it needs more development. First of all, I would change the POV to first-person and continue to switch between Sienna and Jace. Next, I would explore Sienna’s and Jace’s backgrounds, before they met each other, to explain why they are who they are and how they relate to other people in the book. Finally, I would delve into the feelings they have for one another by providing more interactions and emotional responses. We know they’ve both built up walls to protect themselves. Who hasn’t? We want to know why and how the other person helps to break down those walls. Show; don’t tell. Give the reader some credit for being able to interpret the information provided and understand the characters.
The characters are not as well-developed and the plot seems abridged. There could have been so much more. Sienna’s background is sketchy and the explanation for how she came to be adopted has some holes. There is some mention of her adoptive family and one childhood friend, but little else (no concrete memories to speak of). The reader is told how much she loves her sister Bella, but there’s never any interaction between them. The mother is a shadowy figure. The issue with Tom is never really resolved. And honestly, I’m not sure why Sienna was so bothered about a video from when she was 18 showing her topless. I mean, it’s not ideal, but it’s not devastating either.
Jace’s backstory also seems inadequate to explain his relationships with his friends and family. We never really find out why he’s friends with Damian and Arpad. At one point, Damian says something in his “Texas drawl” and that threw me because I thought all of the Seven, of which Damian is a part, are British. I’m not clear on how Jace met Eric either. And does he resolve things with Asher? Asher played a big part in Jace’s development into an adult, but I feel like he needs to deal with that history (and Asher’s current actions) to be able to move one. I’d like to see another interaction with Asher before Jace heads back to the US.
Overall, I felt like I was reading the surface of a story rather than getting the complete picture. I read about the characters, but I didn’t feel their emotions. Sure, I know a bit more about Sienna and Jace, and that’s useful for reading the other stories. On the other hand, I feel like I don’t really know them at all. This book doesn’t pack the emotional punch of the other books in the series (especially The Billionaire’s Christmas Bride). Secondary characters felt more like props than real people. For example, Natalie seemed to serve the sole purpose of facilitating bringing Sienna and Jace together. She was the bride-to-be and immediately glommed onto Sienna like they were best friends, and there was no evidence of other friends at the wedding. Didn’t she have bridesmaids?
This could be a really good book, but it needs more development. First of all, I would change the POV to first-person and continue to switch between Sienna and Jace. Next, I would explore Sienna’s and Jace’s backgrounds, before they met each other, to explain why they are who they are and how they relate to other people in the book. Finally, I would delve into the feelings they have for one another by providing more interactions and emotional responses. We know they’ve both built up walls to protect themselves. Who hasn’t? We want to know why and how the other person helps to break down those walls. Show; don’t tell. Give the reader some credit for being able to interpret the information provided and understand the characters.
January 30, 2022
Ooph y’all, this one was a battle to not DNF. Sheer stubbornness just to see if it could redeem itself. Spoiler: it did not. But it was a free ebook so I’ll give it 2 stars. I know I’ve read better, and I’m sure I’ve read worse.
Jace - He’s got stormy eyes. Like, constantly and distractingly stormy eyes. Sienna - She’s a tech entrepreneur who desperately needs his money (though apparently he doesn’t really have money?) to keep her kid sister in college and pay her company employees. He offers her $1M to go to London and attend a cousin’s wedding, and convince his dad that they’re a real couple. Because, surprise, daddy control the $5B inheritance that Jace needs to recover his own recent misadventures in Angel Investing.
Obviously they hate each other. And he’s a control freak. And she’s a pusher and won’t submit. And he’s got emotional baggage. And she’s got ghosts from the past. Naturally, he gives her his credit card to buy all the clothes she needs for this vacation (but not even the joy of a shopping montage to be had in his story). Obviously they’re in a suite with two rooms, but he insists on sharing a bed. Of course she will rebel at first opportunity and strip basically naked to jump in the pool and blow their fake dating/engaged/real deal happy meal cover. It gets worse from there.
So much going on, so many people, so shallow. Insta lust but then insta love?! Neither MC is like-able, neither has any development depth. I think he’s supposed to be an alpha type? But for all the “he’s controlling” not once does he really pull it out and put it to use. The writing style is interesting; it’s sort of first person but not? I got to the end and honestly I’m not even sure which MC is supposed to be “the billionaire” since they both have and/or need money at one point in time 😂.
Steam level: forgot to plug in the iron (no steam)
Interest level: was more entertained by local news playing in the background
Most memorable line: “You’d do well to remember to always start what you finished. Whether in life or in business.” -Jace. Scratched my head for 5 mins with this one…
Jace - He’s got stormy eyes. Like, constantly and distractingly stormy eyes. Sienna - She’s a tech entrepreneur who desperately needs his money (though apparently he doesn’t really have money?) to keep her kid sister in college and pay her company employees. He offers her $1M to go to London and attend a cousin’s wedding, and convince his dad that they’re a real couple. Because, surprise, daddy control the $5B inheritance that Jace needs to recover his own recent misadventures in Angel Investing.
Obviously they hate each other. And he’s a control freak. And she’s a pusher and won’t submit. And he’s got emotional baggage. And she’s got ghosts from the past. Naturally, he gives her his credit card to buy all the clothes she needs for this vacation (but not even the joy of a shopping montage to be had in his story). Obviously they’re in a suite with two rooms, but he insists on sharing a bed. Of course she will rebel at first opportunity and strip basically naked to jump in the pool and blow their fake dating/engaged/real deal happy meal cover. It gets worse from there.
So much going on, so many people, so shallow. Insta lust but then insta love?! Neither MC is like-able, neither has any development depth. I think he’s supposed to be an alpha type? But for all the “he’s controlling” not once does he really pull it out and put it to use. The writing style is interesting; it’s sort of first person but not? I got to the end and honestly I’m not even sure which MC is supposed to be “the billionaire” since they both have and/or need money at one point in time 😂.
Steam level: forgot to plug in the iron (no steam)
Interest level: was more entertained by local news playing in the background
Most memorable line: “You’d do well to remember to always start what you finished. Whether in life or in business.” -Jace. Scratched my head for 5 mins with this one…
July 16, 2020
The only thing that was running through my mind as I was reading was: what in the world is going on?
I couldn't finish it, though I tried my best to stick through. I saw the good ratings and kept trying to convince myself that the plot would get better the more I read. It didn't.
The characters are confusing and unrelatable, I lost track of who-randomly-kissed- who; mcs barely communicate but they just happen to somehow fall in love; couldn't wrap my mind around the female mc's reasoning and choices; everyone is attracted to everyone; then blackmail is randomly thrown in the mix?
I honestly felt like the novel was a mess.
I couldn't finish it, though I tried my best to stick through. I saw the good ratings and kept trying to convince myself that the plot would get better the more I read. It didn't.
The characters are confusing and unrelatable, I lost track of who-randomly-kissed- who; mcs barely communicate but they just happen to somehow fall in love; couldn't wrap my mind around the female mc's reasoning and choices; everyone is attracted to everyone; then blackmail is randomly thrown in the mix?
I honestly felt like the novel was a mess.
July 13, 2020
A sizzling Romance with surprises & a Twist towards the end! This story is well written, I was engrossed in it! Read it full in 5hrs❤
eBook copy received for a honest review.
Both characters are lovable! They have lots of personality development throughout the story.
Sienna was adopted by her American family when they were visiting Bombay, India. She remembers just glimpses of her life there. She's unpredictable, rebellious.. Resilient.
Jace was grown in money, an entrepreneur. He's arrogant, Cocky. Though his interaction with his friends melt my heart❤
The story starts with her signing the deal. Both's reason are same: Money. Her? To pay of the debt & start fresh. Him? To inherit his dad's money, so he could right his big *investing* mistakes.
Their attraction was blazing from the start. One look, all hot+Bothered. Both were on a fine thread.
A few hours with him, she knew she was screwed. She'll fall for him..Their connection, sexy looks, belonging, possession. But did he feel the same?
Everything written in the blurb happened due to this! Omg, it was hilarious. But she inadvertently hurt him, which led to him opening up (finally!)
Their relation was new, Was it just a deal OR More? Jealousy was a bitch! Also It was new ground for him, feeling so much for someone, due to which he was closed off. Still They did a lot to show they were real: PDA, public proposal. But his dad's smart! Saw through the ruse.
But Lines had blurred, both were reeling. Finally maybe he has someone genuine, real. (The sex was hot, I just knew it'd be, you should've seen the angst of before!)
They didn't get to take it far though.
At the last day of agreement, She left. Her whole life had gone upside down. A call from India. Her birth mom has found her and she's dying. Her leaving changed his everything too. He lost *almost* everything, but due to this found himself.
Weeks later they meet again, and How the tables have turned!
(Ohh, it was quite lovely to see *wink*)
He left her once, he won't again. He wants a 2nd chance. Will he get it? Will she accept him?
As the days had gone, she never forgot him. But This is her chance to show him how it feels to be manipulated (you'll love this scene!)
It soon becomes apparent that she's playing with her own feelings though, and when he finally opens himself fully, confesses his feelings. She knows this was what she was missing all along. This feeling? It's worth it. (ohh, that talk was beautiful..freeing)
Cue HEA! The epilogue was wonderful❤
I loved his friends! His pride kept him away from them after he lost it all, but Gladly they found him. They were so helpful to him, to realize what he needed to do to not lose Sienna again.
So excited for more!
eBook copy received for a honest review.
Both characters are lovable! They have lots of personality development throughout the story.
Sienna was adopted by her American family when they were visiting Bombay, India. She remembers just glimpses of her life there. She's unpredictable, rebellious.. Resilient.
Jace was grown in money, an entrepreneur. He's arrogant, Cocky. Though his interaction with his friends melt my heart❤
The story starts with her signing the deal. Both's reason are same: Money. Her? To pay of the debt & start fresh. Him? To inherit his dad's money, so he could right his big *investing* mistakes.
Their attraction was blazing from the start. One look, all hot+Bothered. Both were on a fine thread.
A few hours with him, she knew she was screwed. She'll fall for him..Their connection, sexy looks, belonging, possession. But did he feel the same?
Everything written in the blurb happened due to this! Omg, it was hilarious. But she inadvertently hurt him, which led to him opening up (finally!)
Their relation was new, Was it just a deal OR More? Jealousy was a bitch! Also It was new ground for him, feeling so much for someone, due to which he was closed off. Still They did a lot to show they were real: PDA, public proposal. But his dad's smart! Saw through the ruse.
But Lines had blurred, both were reeling. Finally maybe he has someone genuine, real. (The sex was hot, I just knew it'd be, you should've seen the angst of before!)
They didn't get to take it far though.
At the last day of agreement, She left. Her whole life had gone upside down. A call from India. Her birth mom has found her and she's dying. Her leaving changed his everything too. He lost *almost* everything, but due to this found himself.
Weeks later they meet again, and How the tables have turned!
(Ohh, it was quite lovely to see *wink*)
He left her once, he won't again. He wants a 2nd chance. Will he get it? Will she accept him?
As the days had gone, she never forgot him. But This is her chance to show him how it feels to be manipulated (you'll love this scene!)
It soon becomes apparent that she's playing with her own feelings though, and when he finally opens himself fully, confesses his feelings. She knows this was what she was missing all along. This feeling? It's worth it. (ohh, that talk was beautiful..freeing)
Cue HEA! The epilogue was wonderful❤
I loved his friends! His pride kept him away from them after he lost it all, but Gladly they found him. They were so helpful to him, to realize what he needed to do to not lose Sienna again.
So excited for more!
September 28, 2023
A lovely read. Quite enjoyable although I couldn’t relate to the main characters and their Insta love.
dnf
July 7, 2021I think this wins the award for the dumbest reason I've dropped a book in my entire life. But I just can't.
I'm sorry but I cannot swallow how she thinks a dating app that creates horoscopes based on profile pictures and matches you with someone is "a genius idea". No wonder you need the investment, pal. Your business idea sucks.
Couldn't get past this. Literally DNFed it within the first 10 pages. Womp womp womp.
I'm sorry but I cannot swallow how she thinks a dating app that creates horoscopes based on profile pictures and matches you with someone is "a genius idea". No wonder you need the investment, pal. Your business idea sucks.
Couldn't get past this. Literally DNFed it within the first 10 pages. Womp womp womp.
April 15, 2025
Sienna Murphy is a businesswoman whose start-up company isn't starting up. She needs a quick influx of capital which leads her to Jace Walker. Jace is going to London for a family wedding and he needs a fake girlfriend so he can get his inheritance and finally be the billionaire the book title claims he is. Okay, it sounds preposterous but at least we've got a plot. I've read plenty of books that didn't have hide nor hair of a plot.
This is a rather short book so there is no time to build an actual relationship. Standing next to each other for two minutes will have to suffice. By Day Two Sienna decides she is in love with Jace. This is after she's run into a childhood friend who always had a crush on her, swimming naked with a male model, and making a connection with Jace's business partner.
The author's writing style got on my nerves. First is was the repeated Writing. Like. This. As I read further the writing got odder, like it became present tense or something. Anyway, it didn't read comfortably. Meaning no offense but is English the author's second language maybe?
This is a rather short book so there is no time to build an actual relationship. Standing next to each other for two minutes will have to suffice. By Day Two Sienna decides she is in love with Jace. This is after she's run into a childhood friend who always had a crush on her, swimming naked with a male model, and making a connection with Jace's business partner.
The author's writing style got on my nerves. First is was the repeated Writing. Like. This. As I read further the writing got odder, like it became present tense or something. Anyway, it didn't read comfortably. Meaning no offense but is English the author's second language maybe?
August 2, 2021
Fake Fiancee is a contemporary billionaire romance told in dual pov with a guaranteed hea. A fake fiancee, two rebels entangled in a heated fairtytale, & a modern day love story enveloping me to read this all in one sitting. Jace & Sienna are compelling characters with complex personalities. I found them both intriguing. A page turner read leaving you craving to see what will happen next.I loved reading about Sienna's history and the plot twist was unexpected. Im looking forward to reading more books in this series as I would love to get to know the supporting character's better. The writing style is entertaining. Overall a fun read.
December 17, 2020
I didn't like the decisions of the heroine, she was agreeing to the fake relationship because of her sister but at every moment she just regrets and wants to run away or made dump decisions that will affect the agreement, so...How much she really loves her sister? Or it was an excuse for going with that man? And also, why she always make decisions based on the "challenge" others put to her?
I'm sorry but I even couldn't feel real feelings between them, It was just lust and at some point, they were supposedly in love but I didn't see that which is a shame because the fake relationship is one of my favorites tropes.
I'm sorry but I even couldn't feel real feelings between them, It was just lust and at some point, they were supposedly in love but I didn't see that which is a shame because the fake relationship is one of my favorites tropes.
August 11, 2020
I would say this was one of my worst experience with this fake Fiancee trope. I really tried hard to connect with the book but couldn't.
Though I really wanted to ask one question from author if Eric was crushing on Sienna atleast give us some moments between them.
And with the main characters as well there was no such sweet moments between them where they realise there love or anything else.
Sorry, but didn't like this at all! Wasted my time.
Though I really wanted to ask one question from author if Eric was crushing on Sienna atleast give us some moments between them.
And with the main characters as well there was no such sweet moments between them where they realise there love or anything else.
Sorry, but didn't like this at all! Wasted my time.
July 16, 2021
This one was kinda all over the place with the POV back & forth to third person writing was kinda hard to follow. Then with multiple men getting the hots for Sienna, come on.
Geez she goes into the agreement with eyes wide open but the shit this little tart does, drunk or not, to hurt Jace... sheesh Next time sweetie just kick him in the balls.
Geez she goes into the agreement with eyes wide open but the shit this little tart does, drunk or not, to hurt Jace... sheesh Next time sweetie just kick him in the balls.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2023
2/5 Overall
0/5 Spice
0/5 Humor
0/5 Emotional
Sienna's chapters are normal then Jace's chapters are in 3rd person. It's like 2 different people wrote each character with 2 different writing styles. It wasn't that big of a deal, but I hated the switch up. I just don't really care for 3rd person stories.
The whole story is fkn confusing and is hard to follow wtf is going on in Sienna's story line
After 1 day she's already falling in love with a guy who has been indifferent to her and is manipulating her. They didn't come up with some type of plan or cover story for their fake relationship AND they aren't acting like they are together at all. She's got men on her in public not to mention what she did with Asher in front of everyone. like WTF (the dad who they are trying to trick is like - I'll give you one more chance to prove you and your 'girlfriend' are serious - like no one's buying it... it's obvious its fake yet the dad is still going to pretend they are really dating?)
Then in Asher's room she pulled the same shit like WTF. none of it makes any sense why she did any of that ! Her internal battles about Jace are confusing af as well - like before they walked into the party - she was freaking out because she couldn't think she could do it, Jace stops to asks her if she is okay and she is thinking to herself 'can he tell that i'm this close to giving in to him and letting him have me' basically talking about finally screwing him - but THAT WAS NOT WHAT THE FREAK OUT WAS ABOUT lol
I was disappointed - I thought this was going to be really good. I still want to read the Billionaire's Fake Wife though - I had originally seen that one on FB reads post thing and it was interesting. I am hoping its better
The characters have nothing going for them and its like 8 different story lines trying to play out at the same time it seems.
0/5 Spice
0/5 Humor
0/5 Emotional
Sienna's chapters are normal then Jace's chapters are in 3rd person. It's like 2 different people wrote each character with 2 different writing styles. It wasn't that big of a deal, but I hated the switch up. I just don't really care for 3rd person stories.
The whole story is fkn confusing and is hard to follow wtf is going on in Sienna's story line
After 1 day she's already falling in love with a guy who has been indifferent to her and is manipulating her. They didn't come up with some type of plan or cover story for their fake relationship AND they aren't acting like they are together at all. She's got men on her in public not to mention what she did with Asher in front of everyone. like WTF (the dad who they are trying to trick is like - I'll give you one more chance to prove you and your 'girlfriend' are serious - like no one's buying it... it's obvious its fake yet the dad is still going to pretend they are really dating?)
Then in Asher's room she pulled the same shit like WTF. none of it makes any sense why she did any of that ! Her internal battles about Jace are confusing af as well - like before they walked into the party - she was freaking out because she couldn't think she could do it, Jace stops to asks her if she is okay and she is thinking to herself 'can he tell that i'm this close to giving in to him and letting him have me' basically talking about finally screwing him - but THAT WAS NOT WHAT THE FREAK OUT WAS ABOUT lol
I was disappointed - I thought this was going to be really good. I still want to read the Billionaire's Fake Wife though - I had originally seen that one on FB reads post thing and it was interesting. I am hoping its better
The characters have nothing going for them and its like 8 different story lines trying to play out at the same time it seems.
February 3, 2021
So I feel like this book was kind of forced on me from all angles. It kept turning up in my Facebook feed as a freebie, it was in the free giveaways constantly from Book Funnel and was also book of the month from the Billionaire Boyfriends. Could it really be that bad I thought?
It wasn't great but it wasn't the worst book; I did finish it, eventually but it did take me a while. My first complaint is that the cover model doesn't match the description of the main character, which is always a major gripe of mine; why do that, find a picture that represents what you've written how hard can it be??
My second complaint is the way the book is all over the place; it made my head hurt with the randomness of the toing and froing. I found myself lost a lot of the time and having to stop reading or going back pages to reread to make sure what was happening with who.
My third complaint would be the inconsistencies within the stories; something said at one point that is different to it being said further in with no explanation. Usually I would make a list for the author but there were too many for me to do this with this book. Sorry!
Having said that the story of the book would work better with some of the peripheries removed, they are just like unnecessary stabilisers on a teenagers bike. I'm sure the old adage of less is more would definitely work with this book. There is plenty of description, texture, emotion, sexiness, warmth, depth, heat, sass, punch, and all the other things that you would expect from your romance novel but unfortunately they are outweighed by the poor editing and proof reading errors.
I didn't hate the book, it was ok, I just didn't love it like I wanted to xx
It wasn't great but it wasn't the worst book; I did finish it, eventually but it did take me a while. My first complaint is that the cover model doesn't match the description of the main character, which is always a major gripe of mine; why do that, find a picture that represents what you've written how hard can it be??
My second complaint is the way the book is all over the place; it made my head hurt with the randomness of the toing and froing. I found myself lost a lot of the time and having to stop reading or going back pages to reread to make sure what was happening with who.
My third complaint would be the inconsistencies within the stories; something said at one point that is different to it being said further in with no explanation. Usually I would make a list for the author but there were too many for me to do this with this book. Sorry!
Having said that the story of the book would work better with some of the peripheries removed, they are just like unnecessary stabilisers on a teenagers bike. I'm sure the old adage of less is more would definitely work with this book. There is plenty of description, texture, emotion, sexiness, warmth, depth, heat, sass, punch, and all the other things that you would expect from your romance novel but unfortunately they are outweighed by the poor editing and proof reading errors.
I didn't hate the book, it was ok, I just didn't love it like I wanted to xx
July 17, 2020
💋💋DELIGHTFULLY DELECTABLE💋💋
Intense! Steele just rocked my world, dialed my number and rang my bell with this incredibly sweet piece of pleasure, floating my boat and cranking my tractor, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Entangled, banded and tightly coiled, displaying the soaring ups and agonizing downs, breathtaking in it's simplicity and impressive in it's depth, putting our characters through their paces, blasting this baby to life brilliantly. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, suspense and decadent delight ensues in epic proportions, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never envisioned. Anarchy escapades and havoc run amuck, unleashing one wild ride and banging this baby like a cheap screen door, raising the stakes and keeping it real. The dynamics and presentation in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The magnetism, attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity, exposing deep emotions, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that add diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and depictions create an elaborate backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job Steele, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
Intense! Steele just rocked my world, dialed my number and rang my bell with this incredibly sweet piece of pleasure, floating my boat and cranking my tractor, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Entangled, banded and tightly coiled, displaying the soaring ups and agonizing downs, breathtaking in it's simplicity and impressive in it's depth, putting our characters through their paces, blasting this baby to life brilliantly. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, suspense and decadent delight ensues in epic proportions, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never envisioned. Anarchy escapades and havoc run amuck, unleashing one wild ride and banging this baby like a cheap screen door, raising the stakes and keeping it real. The dynamics and presentation in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The magnetism, attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity, exposing deep emotions, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that add diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and depictions create an elaborate backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job Steele, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
September 10, 2023
A captivating read, great characters and a simply wonderful addition to the series simply fantastic reading
Jace had asked me to play a part to pretend that I was his Fiancée and because of the situation I had gotten myself in I had no choice I had to agree and so she had. Having to look after her sister and also desperately trying to get her business started was not easy especially when you were starting with nothing but a great idea, talent and determination and that she had plenty of.
Sienna had thought it would be easy she hated him but when he turned on his charm, she just found herself falling in love and then everything changed for sienna and she was totally thrown. Jace knows that I will do anything for Bella and even if it is at my detriment, she will stand anything if it allows her to reach her dreams.
The sexual chemistry between them is always on the back burner and I guarantee that you will read this book with trepidation waiting to see what is going to happen to these two strong minded and extremely stubborn individuals as Jace and Sienna are as stubborn as they come.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Jace had asked me to play a part to pretend that I was his Fiancée and because of the situation I had gotten myself in I had no choice I had to agree and so she had. Having to look after her sister and also desperately trying to get her business started was not easy especially when you were starting with nothing but a great idea, talent and determination and that she had plenty of.
Sienna had thought it would be easy she hated him but when he turned on his charm, she just found herself falling in love and then everything changed for sienna and she was totally thrown. Jace knows that I will do anything for Bella and even if it is at my detriment, she will stand anything if it allows her to reach her dreams.
The sexual chemistry between them is always on the back burner and I guarantee that you will read this book with trepidation waiting to see what is going to happen to these two strong minded and extremely stubborn individuals as Jace and Sienna are as stubborn as they come.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
July 12, 2020
This book has it all in drawing you into the story and you can’t help but laugh and cry and celebrate with the characters. L.Steele has really written a story with it all. An abandoned child in the streets of Bombay, being found by an American couple who adopt her, then later in life finding her mother who gave birth to her, but never gave up hope in finding her. This book will really play with your heartstrings.
Sienna is in trouble financially and is on the brink of losing everything, but Jace has a proposition for her. Spend a week with him in England and he will pay her a million dollars. Sienna so badly wants to say no, but her sister is at college and she needs the money to pay for her tuition fees. She also has a startup company that owes money. This is the only way she can achieve her goals.
They arrive in England and Jace has to face his two demons in his life. The man who is his father, but uses his power over his inheritance to make Jace toe the line, also the man who was his friend who played a part in his mother’s decision that changed his life. What starts as a part they are playing, turns into the real deal, but they both have to get through their own battles first.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and review with my honest and fair opinion.
Sienna is in trouble financially and is on the brink of losing everything, but Jace has a proposition for her. Spend a week with him in England and he will pay her a million dollars. Sienna so badly wants to say no, but her sister is at college and she needs the money to pay for her tuition fees. She also has a startup company that owes money. This is the only way she can achieve her goals.
They arrive in England and Jace has to face his two demons in his life. The man who is his father, but uses his power over his inheritance to make Jace toe the line, also the man who was his friend who played a part in his mother’s decision that changed his life. What starts as a part they are playing, turns into the real deal, but they both have to get through their own battles first.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and review with my honest and fair opinion.
July 19, 2020
This was a fast and intense read. We follow Sienna as she’s struggling to get her app funded and up and running or facing ruin. She turns to Jace for start up aid and he offers her the money in return for acting the part of his loving girlfriend at a family wedding to try and claim his inheritance.
The chemistry between the two is sky high and intense. They continuously fight their feelings for one another, which leads to misunderstandings and strife. When outside forces come crashing into their newfound connection they must find their way back to each other.
There were a lot of steamy scenes and intense emotional situations that they both had to deal with and I’m proud of how they came through it all and the amazing ending. This could be read as a stand-alone yet it fits into a bigger series and introduces us to many other characters. There are tons of hot steamy scenes and it wouldn’t be fun without a wicked enemy to contend with. Definitely worth the read.
The chemistry between the two is sky high and intense. They continuously fight their feelings for one another, which leads to misunderstandings and strife. When outside forces come crashing into their newfound connection they must find their way back to each other.
There were a lot of steamy scenes and intense emotional situations that they both had to deal with and I’m proud of how they came through it all and the amazing ending. This could be read as a stand-alone yet it fits into a bigger series and introduces us to many other characters. There are tons of hot steamy scenes and it wouldn’t be fun without a wicked enemy to contend with. Definitely worth the read.
August 20, 2023
(I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.)
1,5⭐️ I didn't hate it, I was just.. confused.
I don't know how to feel about this one. It's a bit confusing all together.
Her pov is in first person. His is in third person. I was thinking okey, frustrating but continued. ( nothing against 3.person books, it's just weird to not decide to use one or the other.)
It's a very insta love/insta lust story, and it might be me, but I couldn't connect with it. She seems both very sure in what she wants, then right after really immature and the story seems rushed, or something feels missing, I just can't pin point it.
To be a fake relationship/ fake marrige themed book, it really wasn't what I thought it would be.
Everyone of the guys in this book wanted her, and not much was done to keep the "charade" going when it comes to the theme/ trope.
I've seen better reviews on this book, so it might just be me.
Skimmed through about half of the book, almost dnf.
1,5⭐️ I didn't hate it, I was just.. confused.
I don't know how to feel about this one. It's a bit confusing all together.
Her pov is in first person. His is in third person. I was thinking okey, frustrating but continued. ( nothing against 3.person books, it's just weird to not decide to use one or the other.)
It's a very insta love/insta lust story, and it might be me, but I couldn't connect with it. She seems both very sure in what she wants, then right after really immature and the story seems rushed, or something feels missing, I just can't pin point it.
To be a fake relationship/ fake marrige themed book, it really wasn't what I thought it would be.
Everyone of the guys in this book wanted her, and not much was done to keep the "charade" going when it comes to the theme/ trope.
I've seen better reviews on this book, so it might just be me.
Skimmed through about half of the book, almost dnf.
May 1, 2022
A great read
This is a very good and fluid story. This is a standalone and actually had nothing really to do with the Seven as such. I read it as it comes up as book nine, but to be honest, you're better off reading this book before Fake Wife as it comes prior to Summer and Sinclair meeting. As far as the usual we'd expect now from Lax, this book actually had very little focus on the intimate side of their relationship, what little sex there is, it's actually very tame. This is a book I wouldn't mind my sixteen year old reading, whereas the others.....not so much lol. I really enjoyed it for the lack of the sexual side of it, as it focused on Sienna and Jace and how they met and how they eventually ended up together, expecting their baby at Summer and Sinclair's wedding. So give it a read and tell your friends about it, you'll not regret it 😊😊
This is a very good and fluid story. This is a standalone and actually had nothing really to do with the Seven as such. I read it as it comes up as book nine, but to be honest, you're better off reading this book before Fake Wife as it comes prior to Summer and Sinclair meeting. As far as the usual we'd expect now from Lax, this book actually had very little focus on the intimate side of their relationship, what little sex there is, it's actually very tame. This is a book I wouldn't mind my sixteen year old reading, whereas the others.....not so much lol. I really enjoyed it for the lack of the sexual side of it, as it focused on Sienna and Jace and how they met and how they eventually ended up together, expecting their baby at Summer and Sinclair's wedding. So give it a read and tell your friends about it, you'll not regret it 😊😊
January 12, 2023
Okay, not sure what to think about this book. I don't love the main characters, I think they made some questionable decisions and I didn't really get where they were coming from. They also did not know each other at all, not sure why she fell in love with him. Can't be his personality. There were some plotholes and some unnecessary side stories. There was this big build up to the main characters getting together, but then the book stopped a page after they said they love eachother. Build up for nada. What I did like was how easy it was to read, some of the side characters and that the main characters had a life of their own (mostly tell no show, we didn't hear anything from the sisters during the book) I also liked the adoption side story, weird but interesting.
Oh, also, her pov is first person and his pov third person? Not sure, but it didn't make sense.
Oh, also, her pov is first person and his pov third person? Not sure, but it didn't make sense.
February 28, 2018
REVENGE AT IT'S FINEST!!!
A devious plan, a pawn, and the root of all evil. A well written, easy to follow, evenly paced and a very thorough plot. I was captivated and held prisoner until the very last word. A hard read to put away with so many twists and turns that keep your attention with surprises at every corner you don't know which side is up or down. Caught in the middle and with no one to trust puts you in a very unique position. Pressure is building and so is an unexpected
combustible chemistry that just might incinerate everything around them. You're frozen to your seat, biting your nails with every scene so realistic you expect to go up with it. One wild ride that will stay with you for a long time. I have to applaud Laxmi who has a unique way of bringing her stories to life.
A devious plan, a pawn, and the root of all evil. A well written, easy to follow, evenly paced and a very thorough plot. I was captivated and held prisoner until the very last word. A hard read to put away with so many twists and turns that keep your attention with surprises at every corner you don't know which side is up or down. Caught in the middle and with no one to trust puts you in a very unique position. Pressure is building and so is an unexpected
combustible chemistry that just might incinerate everything around them. You're frozen to your seat, biting your nails with every scene so realistic you expect to go up with it. One wild ride that will stay with you for a long time. I have to applaud Laxmi who has a unique way of bringing her stories to life.
April 6, 2018
I was really interested how this one will go, as the author wrote only paranormal romances, but there is something in it that made me eager to turn pages!
It's a romance with raw emotions.
Sienna is a woman that is really likable and the reader will feel a connection with her from the first pages. She knows her way and she does what she needs to do even if that's not easy for her. Will she fulfill her agreement with Jace?
Jace - investor from Silicon Valley, from the beginning I had something for him - I didn't like his way, but still, I felt that there is something in him that will get women to him.
The story is developed with background characters also that I would love to read about in the future
It's a romance with raw emotions.
Sienna is a woman that is really likable and the reader will feel a connection with her from the first pages. She knows her way and she does what she needs to do even if that's not easy for her. Will she fulfill her agreement with Jace?
Jace - investor from Silicon Valley, from the beginning I had something for him - I didn't like his way, but still, I felt that there is something in him that will get women to him.
The story is developed with background characters also that I would love to read about in the future
July 15, 2020
****spoiler alert ****Sienna needed money to save her failing business so she accepted Jace’s plan. He needed her to play his fake fiancée to show his dad that he was committed to having a family so he could get some of his inheritance. Then Sienna botched that up and he didn’t get anything from his father. She went to Bombay to meet her past and found out what happened to her years ago and met her mother, but she died a week later from cancer. But Sienna found out that she very wealthy and used her money to help children that needed it. Then she met Jace again he was going to ask her if he could get her to help him but they ended up back together and his father gave him some of his money. They used it to help children too.
July 17, 2020
I am familiar with this author's paranormal writings and am a fan. I read this one and was pleased with the whole story. Jace is an arrogant billionaire with the idea that he can do no wrong. Sienna is a business owner that is in a perilous financial position and needs a quick cash infusion. They make a contract for her to play his fiancee for a week and he's pay her a million dollars. Sienna gave me whiplash with "I need this" and then "I'm just gonna leave" back and forth so many times. I did not like how she left him hanging. Jace did learn an important lesson, but I had a hard time really connecting with Sienna. I requested an advanced reader copy and am under no obligation to leave this review.
July 18, 2020
I usually like a fake fiance romance but I just didn't like Sienna shes just to much and both she and jace are immature but by the end I thought Jace made the most improvement as a character but Sen im not sure she should have ended up with Jace. But this is my personal opinion and doesn't reflect the authors writing style in any way.
Both Jace and Sen need something he needs his family money she needs money for her failing business and also she has know clue were she came from since she's adopted. And Jace his family is a nightmare but there is a happy ever after ending for them. So yes I can recommend the book but I'm just on the fence about the female character.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Both Jace and Sen need something he needs his family money she needs money for her failing business and also she has know clue were she came from since she's adopted. And Jace his family is a nightmare but there is a happy ever after ending for them. So yes I can recommend the book but I'm just on the fence about the female character.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
October 13, 2020
I had not read this author until this book. It had a decent story line, but just didn't do it for me.
It felt like I was reading someone's outline and having them tell me their thoughts of what they wanted to write. There was not much dialogue, but more of a narrator feel to it. That didn't help me connect with the characters as I didn't feel like I got to know them at all. It was like there was a lot of jumping from one topic to the next and we were supposed to figure out for ourselves what happened in between. Almost like a formula was being followed with the connecting pieces not fleshed out into a full story. Just very disjointed for my taste.
It had potential, just didn't quite reach it.
It felt like I was reading someone's outline and having them tell me their thoughts of what they wanted to write. There was not much dialogue, but more of a narrator feel to it. That didn't help me connect with the characters as I didn't feel like I got to know them at all. It was like there was a lot of jumping from one topic to the next and we were supposed to figure out for ourselves what happened in between. Almost like a formula was being followed with the connecting pieces not fleshed out into a full story. Just very disjointed for my taste.
It had potential, just didn't quite reach it.
October 20, 2020
Though contemporary romance is not my typical read I enjoyed this one. The plot was engaging and character development throughout was well done. Lax shines again with her talent to write across genres.
Sienna has a strange way of dealing with life for being in the business world. But she seems to find her steel. After being striped bare of all her defences.
Jace has always had a safety net and that made him a bit reckless and arrogant. What happens if that safety net isn't there any more?
What happens when you meet your match? That one thing/person that you can't control? What do you do when your world is spiralling out of control?
You have one shot to try and fix it, do you take that chance or not?
Sienna has a strange way of dealing with life for being in the business world. But she seems to find her steel. After being striped bare of all her defences.
Jace has always had a safety net and that made him a bit reckless and arrogant. What happens if that safety net isn't there any more?
What happens when you meet your match? That one thing/person that you can't control? What do you do when your world is spiralling out of control?
You have one shot to try and fix it, do you take that chance or not?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews