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My Way to Romance #1
My Forbidden Billionaire
He's a single dad. I'm his daughter's teacher. The last thing I expected to happen on the first day of school was for him to ask me out.
Never mind the fact that he's the most handsome man I've ever seen ... or the fact that we've met before.
My friends think I'm crazy for turning him down. But it's not like I can actually date this guy... right?
Full Blurb Coming Soon
Never mind the fact that he's the most handsome man I've ever seen ... or the fact that we've met before.
My friends think I'm crazy for turning him down. But it's not like I can actually date this guy... right?
Full Blurb Coming Soon
341 pages, Paperback
Published November 10, 2023
153 people are currently reading
1051 people want to read
About the author
Kristine W. Joy
19 books360 followersKristine W. Joy is an Amazon Bestselling Author who loves creating sweet and swoony stories full of sizzling chemistry and laugh-out-loud banter. She prefers her coffee iced and her kisses hot. When she's not dreaming up romance novels or writing from a cozy coffee shop in Northern California, she is spending time with her hubby and two young sons. Becoming a published author was a lifelong dream. Becoming a momma was the inspiration to make it a reality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
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March 25, 2024Clean fiction with sexual tension and heavy kisses but no spice/smut.
I won’t be rating this book as it went past my comfort level in the romance elements. While a considered to be a “clean fiction” book because there’s no major language and no bedroom scenes, there was a lot of sexual tension and heavy kisses that was over the top for my tastes.
(The embarrassment I have have for this title alone is nearly unmatched)
They fell hard and quick, but it was mostly cute. Expect for the tongue kisses. Ugh, why?
Things here and there I didn’t care for (such as mentions of alcohol and drinking, many mentions of fate and it bringing people together, Josephine living with her boyfriend, two kisses with tongues being mentioned, and a kiss in public after they said they wouldn’t be improper at the school (make it make sense)).
He’s ridiculously rich and it’s shows. It was about the same as I feel in my K-Dramas, half “that was so sweet” and half “there’s no way this fool manages his money well”. On that note, I did find it hilarious that Clementine was a BTS fan and it was mentioned a few times. Her dad has to be rich-rich to get backstage passes to a BTS concert like she wanted. 😂😅
The cover is really cute, but I personally found the story inside to be past what I’m comfortable reading.
Main Content-
Around 10+ Kisses (including four really long ones with moans and two involving tongues, up to multiple paragraphs in length); Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (a few sentences); Many mentions of their desire for the other showing; Touches, Embraces, Shivers/Electricity, Nearness, Smelling, etc. (up to a handful of sentences); Noticing (including curves and muscles, up to a few sentences in describing); Flirting.
The book starts with Josephine boyfriend breaking up with her and it’s reveled he’s been cheating on her (mentions of that throughout the book); Josephine and her boyfriend were living together; ‘hot’ is used often; A waitress is obviously trying to seduce and flirt with Jacob (touching her curves and being very flirty; Clem (Jacob’s ten-year-old daughter says that the woman is “thirsty” and when asked how she knows that word, says that “That’s what people say. When someone likes somebody else, and they act all…loopy and crazy like she just did. Thirsty. It’s just a phrase.” (Jacob is relived that his daughter is still sweet and innocent).
Mentions of dates, dating, crushes, exes, break-ups, cheating, & “side pieces”; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of puberty & hormones; A couple mentions of affairs; A mention of a place where students go to make-out.
No major language, instead words like ‘crap’, ‘’gosh’, heck’, ‘suck up’ are used.
Josephine’s parents are belittling and are not proud of her accomplishments, rather wanting her to marry someone rich to take care of them (even telling her to look the other way if he’s cheating on her; She stands up to her mother about half-way through); Jacob’s wife passed away after childbirth (up to a few sentences in what happened); Josephine & Jacob both lie a bit; Josephine & Jacob both drink at dinners or with friends; Mentions of drinking, alcohol, & clubs; Mentions of bullies & bullying (adults); Mentions of designer names, Taylor Swift, & BTS; A couple mentions of lies & liars; A couple mentions of a horror movie.
The author thanks Jesus in the acknowledgments; Many mentions of fate, believing in fate, & fate bringing people together.
I won’t be rating this book as it went past my comfort level in the romance elements. While a considered to be a “clean fiction” book because there’s no major language and no bedroom scenes, there was a lot of sexual tension and heavy kisses that was over the top for my tastes.
(The embarrassment I have have for this title alone is nearly unmatched)
They fell hard and quick, but it was mostly cute. Expect for the tongue kisses. Ugh, why?
Things here and there I didn’t care for (such as mentions of alcohol and drinking, many mentions of fate and it bringing people together, Josephine living with her boyfriend, two kisses with tongues being mentioned, and a kiss in public after they said they wouldn’t be improper at the school (make it make sense)).
He’s ridiculously rich and it’s shows. It was about the same as I feel in my K-Dramas, half “that was so sweet” and half “there’s no way this fool manages his money well”. On that note, I did find it hilarious that Clementine was a BTS fan and it was mentioned a few times. Her dad has to be rich-rich to get backstage passes to a BTS concert like she wanted. 😂😅
The cover is really cute, but I personally found the story inside to be past what I’m comfortable reading.
Main Content-
Around 10+ Kisses (including four really long ones with moans and two involving tongues, up to multiple paragraphs in length); Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (a few sentences); Many mentions of their desire for the other showing; Touches, Embraces, Shivers/Electricity, Nearness, Smelling, etc. (up to a handful of sentences); Noticing (including curves and muscles, up to a few sentences in describing); Flirting.
The book starts with Josephine boyfriend breaking up with her and it’s reveled he’s been cheating on her (mentions of that throughout the book); Josephine and her boyfriend were living together; ‘hot’ is used often; A waitress is obviously trying to seduce and flirt with Jacob (touching her curves and being very flirty; Clem (Jacob’s ten-year-old daughter says that the woman is “thirsty” and when asked how she knows that word, says that “That’s what people say. When someone likes somebody else, and they act all…loopy and crazy like she just did. Thirsty. It’s just a phrase.” (Jacob is relived that his daughter is still sweet and innocent).
Mentions of dates, dating, crushes, exes, break-ups, cheating, & “side pieces”; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of puberty & hormones; A couple mentions of affairs; A mention of a place where students go to make-out.
No major language, instead words like ‘crap’, ‘’gosh’, heck’, ‘suck up’ are used.
Josephine’s parents are belittling and are not proud of her accomplishments, rather wanting her to marry someone rich to take care of them (even telling her to look the other way if he’s cheating on her; She stands up to her mother about half-way through); Jacob’s wife passed away after childbirth (up to a few sentences in what happened); Josephine & Jacob both lie a bit; Josephine & Jacob both drink at dinners or with friends; Mentions of drinking, alcohol, & clubs; Mentions of bullies & bullying (adults); Mentions of designer names, Taylor Swift, & BTS; A couple mentions of lies & liars; A couple mentions of a horror movie.
The author thanks Jesus in the acknowledgments; Many mentions of fate, believing in fate, & fate bringing people together.
December 6, 2023
This was wayyyy to insta-love for me. Clem was the bright spot in this book, but everything else fell flat for me.
The dialogue felt stilted. It was as if the author had never heard two human beings speak to each other.
There were massive exposition dumps where the characters said paragraphs of things that they’d already know in an effort to educate the readers. I understand why it was done, but it could’ve been done way better.
Some chunks of the story are her telling her best friends what we just read, so it was like reading the same thing twice. Either show us what happened OR show us telling your friends. You can’t do both right after each other.
The male main character was so clearly written by a woman. An unrealistic man who almost seemed too perfect.
This story had incredible potential, but it wasn’t done well. I can see someone rewriting this story using the same premise and details, but with better writing. I would most definitely enjoy that.
The dialogue felt stilted. It was as if the author had never heard two human beings speak to each other.
There were massive exposition dumps where the characters said paragraphs of things that they’d already know in an effort to educate the readers. I understand why it was done, but it could’ve been done way better.
Some chunks of the story are her telling her best friends what we just read, so it was like reading the same thing twice. Either show us what happened OR show us telling your friends. You can’t do both right after each other.
The male main character was so clearly written by a woman. An unrealistic man who almost seemed too perfect.
This story had incredible potential, but it wasn’t done well. I can see someone rewriting this story using the same premise and details, but with better writing. I would most definitely enjoy that.
November 16, 2023
My Forbidden Billionaire is a sweet clean romance centering around a single dad, Jacob and his daughter's teacher, Josephine.
It's a story about fate and destiny with two big hearted, kind, amazing MCs, supported by Jacob's wonderful 10 year old daughter.
This is pure feel good vibes.
It's a story about fate and destiny with two big hearted, kind, amazing MCs, supported by Jacob's wonderful 10 year old daughter.
This is pure feel good vibes.
January 22, 2024
“You know, sometimes it’s the things that break us that make us stronger.”
"You can’t let fear stop you from taking a chance."
After 4 books that missed the mark for me, I decided to switch gears completely and read a sweet romance book. This book was incredibly simple and yet so sweet. It's exactly what I needed. No complicated plots or drama. Just two adults who find each other and learn how to be a couple. I absolutely loved both Jacob and Josephine. They were actual adults and communicated properly. None of this miscommunication absurd drama that there usually is with these types of books.
"Reading enables us to empathize with different people from different backgrounds, which helps us become more understanding and compassionate in our daily interactions. It also helps us think critically and creatively, which is invaluable in any aspect of life."
One of my favorite aspects of this novel is Jo's adoration and love for books. As someone obsessed with reading all sorts of genres, I really connected with Jo. And not just her love of reading, but her feelings of inadequacy from her parents. It's all something I genuinely understood.
Besides Jo, Clem is a favorite as well. I love how she gave her dad, Jacob, information on Jo and the things she liked. It was so sweet. This whole book was just perfect and adorable! I can't wait to read more from this author.
"You can’t let fear stop you from taking a chance."
After 4 books that missed the mark for me, I decided to switch gears completely and read a sweet romance book. This book was incredibly simple and yet so sweet. It's exactly what I needed. No complicated plots or drama. Just two adults who find each other and learn how to be a couple. I absolutely loved both Jacob and Josephine. They were actual adults and communicated properly. None of this miscommunication absurd drama that there usually is with these types of books.
"Reading enables us to empathize with different people from different backgrounds, which helps us become more understanding and compassionate in our daily interactions. It also helps us think critically and creatively, which is invaluable in any aspect of life."
One of my favorite aspects of this novel is Jo's adoration and love for books. As someone obsessed with reading all sorts of genres, I really connected with Jo. And not just her love of reading, but her feelings of inadequacy from her parents. It's all something I genuinely understood.
Besides Jo, Clem is a favorite as well. I love how she gave her dad, Jacob, information on Jo and the things she liked. It was so sweet. This whole book was just perfect and adorable! I can't wait to read more from this author.
December 16, 2023
Read this book in one sitting and enjoyed it overall.
Physical Intimacy Lvl 3 (Descriptive making out with tongue)
Zero Swearing
Dual POV
Physical Intimacy Lvl 3 (Descriptive making out with tongue)
Zero Swearing
Dual POV
November 17, 2023
I loved Jacob & Jo's sweet, caring, loving, swoony story!!
November 21, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Josephine (Jo) & Jacob’s points of view
– Josephine’s ex cheated on her & breaks up with her in order to pursue this other woman (happens within the first chapter)
– Josephine deals with a coworker/superior out to get Josephine fired
– Josephine’s mother wants her to marry for money/status & isn’t happy with her education/choices outside of marriage
– Jacob’s wife had passed away during childbirth
– kisses mention tongue
Review:
This forbidden romance kept me up way later than I expected to stay up! I enjoyed getting to know Josephine and her two best friends before the romance really developed between our two main characters. I loved the support the three girls had for one another and that they were willing to stand up for each other’s desires in life. I also loved that the girls made it a habit to get together in person as often as they did. I loved Jacob with his daughter so much! I enjoyed his daughter’s sass and know-it-all personality. I also loved that she knew what she wanted and was willing to ask for it and felt comfortable talking to her dad about her worries. I loved how Jacob handled her and made a point of making sure his daughter wouldn’t turn into a stuck up rich kid who looked down on others. And I loved how Jacob chose to show Josephine time and time again just how gone he was for her & how he respected her in his gestures throughout the entire story.
Summary:
Josephine is the newest literature teacher of a prestigious private school. She feels like she’s finally on her way to living a life that she wants that will also make her parents feel proud of her. But things aren’t going as well as she hoped at work. The biggest obstacle in her way is her feelings for a student’s father, a man that she met a few months ago that left a lasting impression on her. But now, it’s forbidden to pursue anything with him since they are on opposite sides of his daughter’s education. It’s going to be hard for Josephine to tamp down on her feelings for Jacob, especially with how involved in the different school events he is. It makes her fall even harder for the man she can’t have…
Jacob has been content being a single parent to his daughter, but his daughter is feeling the absence of a maternal figure in her life. He knew it was coming, but is still unprepared for the event. And when Jacob recognizes his daughter’s literature teacher as the woman who caught his eye a few months ago, he finds himself changing in an unexpected way. No longer is he content being single. He wants to pursue Josephine with all of his heart. And while his daughter’s desire for a mother is a strong addition to his pursuit, the only reason Jacob wants Josephine is because of the woman he’s getting to know little by little. If only she’s willing to pursue something more with him too…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Josephine (Jo) & Jacob’s points of view
– Josephine’s ex cheated on her & breaks up with her in order to pursue this other woman (happens within the first chapter)
– Josephine deals with a coworker/superior out to get Josephine fired
– Josephine’s mother wants her to marry for money/status & isn’t happy with her education/choices outside of marriage
– Jacob’s wife had passed away during childbirth
– kisses mention tongue
Review:
This forbidden romance kept me up way later than I expected to stay up! I enjoyed getting to know Josephine and her two best friends before the romance really developed between our two main characters. I loved the support the three girls had for one another and that they were willing to stand up for each other’s desires in life. I also loved that the girls made it a habit to get together in person as often as they did. I loved Jacob with his daughter so much! I enjoyed his daughter’s sass and know-it-all personality. I also loved that she knew what she wanted and was willing to ask for it and felt comfortable talking to her dad about her worries. I loved how Jacob handled her and made a point of making sure his daughter wouldn’t turn into a stuck up rich kid who looked down on others. And I loved how Jacob chose to show Josephine time and time again just how gone he was for her & how he respected her in his gestures throughout the entire story.
Summary:
Josephine is the newest literature teacher of a prestigious private school. She feels like she’s finally on her way to living a life that she wants that will also make her parents feel proud of her. But things aren’t going as well as she hoped at work. The biggest obstacle in her way is her feelings for a student’s father, a man that she met a few months ago that left a lasting impression on her. But now, it’s forbidden to pursue anything with him since they are on opposite sides of his daughter’s education. It’s going to be hard for Josephine to tamp down on her feelings for Jacob, especially with how involved in the different school events he is. It makes her fall even harder for the man she can’t have…
Jacob has been content being a single parent to his daughter, but his daughter is feeling the absence of a maternal figure in her life. He knew it was coming, but is still unprepared for the event. And when Jacob recognizes his daughter’s literature teacher as the woman who caught his eye a few months ago, he finds himself changing in an unexpected way. No longer is he content being single. He wants to pursue Josephine with all of his heart. And while his daughter’s desire for a mother is a strong addition to his pursuit, the only reason Jacob wants Josephine is because of the woman he’s getting to know little by little. If only she’s willing to pursue something more with him too…
November 16, 2023
This is the first in a new series by Kristine W. Joy and the first time she’s not basing the series off a family dynamic, but rather besties! This book focuses on Jo(sephine) and Jacob, but the story starts off a little rough!
Josephine is hoping to have a nice dinner with her boyfriend of 6 years before everything that could go wrong, does go wrong! Upon having a super bad night, Jo needs to have a well-deserved cry when she bumps into a compassionate stranger, who offers her a handkerchief, thoughtful words of encouragement, and potential cup of hot cocoa! She takes the first two, but kindly refuses the third.
The story really takes off when 3 months later, she begins her new job at an elite prep school and encounters the stranger (Jacob) again as well as a dictatorial supervisor Ms. Abadie! Abadie is appropriately named as she is the antagonist of this tale as she does everything in her power to make Jo’s teaching life miserable! Thanks to a friendly coworker, Stephanie, along with her besties (Larisa and Emmy), she keeps herself in check and doesn’t quit! The stranger turns out to be Jacob Carlton, single dad to Clementine, one of Jo’s bright young students! Much like Jo, he hasn’t forgotten about their chance encounter, and what’s more the sparks are alive and well for both!
As the story continues, Jo and Jacob find time to get to know each other through a variety of school functions before he works up the courage to ask her on a proper date! Despite every reason to say no, Jo allows herself to go on the date and enjoy herself! The pair continue to get closer, much to the delight of Clem! Jacob makes it his mission to treat Jo with a great deal of love and kindness- simple gestures go a long ways with her and this reader!
This book was a great, smooth flowing read! I look forward to seeing what else lies ahead in this series! I wouldn’t change a thing as everything, including the simplest of things are perfectly orchestrated by Kristine W. Joy!
I was honored to be both a beta and ARC reader for this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Josephine is hoping to have a nice dinner with her boyfriend of 6 years before everything that could go wrong, does go wrong! Upon having a super bad night, Jo needs to have a well-deserved cry when she bumps into a compassionate stranger, who offers her a handkerchief, thoughtful words of encouragement, and potential cup of hot cocoa! She takes the first two, but kindly refuses the third.
The story really takes off when 3 months later, she begins her new job at an elite prep school and encounters the stranger (Jacob) again as well as a dictatorial supervisor Ms. Abadie! Abadie is appropriately named as she is the antagonist of this tale as she does everything in her power to make Jo’s teaching life miserable! Thanks to a friendly coworker, Stephanie, along with her besties (Larisa and Emmy), she keeps herself in check and doesn’t quit! The stranger turns out to be Jacob Carlton, single dad to Clementine, one of Jo’s bright young students! Much like Jo, he hasn’t forgotten about their chance encounter, and what’s more the sparks are alive and well for both!
As the story continues, Jo and Jacob find time to get to know each other through a variety of school functions before he works up the courage to ask her on a proper date! Despite every reason to say no, Jo allows herself to go on the date and enjoy herself! The pair continue to get closer, much to the delight of Clem! Jacob makes it his mission to treat Jo with a great deal of love and kindness- simple gestures go a long ways with her and this reader!
This book was a great, smooth flowing read! I look forward to seeing what else lies ahead in this series! I wouldn’t change a thing as everything, including the simplest of things are perfectly orchestrated by Kristine W. Joy!
I was honored to be both a beta and ARC reader for this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
November 18, 2023
My Forbidden Billionaire ~ My Way To Romance #1 by Kristine W Joy
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
He’s a single dad. I’m his daughter’s teacher. Fate brought us together, but my job is keeping us apart...
Author's Blurb:
My Forbidden Billionaire is a sweet and swoony off-limits, billionaire, single dad romcom with plenty of sizzle while keeping the bedroom door closed. It’s the first standalone story in Kristine W. Joy’s sweet romcom series following three best friends in Boston.
Wow, Kristine has done it again with yet another brilliant story. I love how you can just start reading a new book and fall into the story immediately. I always know when one of her books release that it is going to be fantastic.
My Forbidden Billionaire has been written brilliantly with wonderful strong characters that keep you willing that things will go the right way for them. The storyline has a feel of true life to it, having worked in a school myself I could relate to this.
My Forbibben Billionaire is a truly wonderful story, that just pulls the reader in from beginning to end. I didn't want this to finish, it's that good. I looking forward to reading the next in the series. If I could rate this more than 5* then I would. I highly recommend this to all.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world-building, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
He’s a single dad. I’m his daughter’s teacher. Fate brought us together, but my job is keeping us apart...
Author's Blurb:
My Forbidden Billionaire is a sweet and swoony off-limits, billionaire, single dad romcom with plenty of sizzle while keeping the bedroom door closed. It’s the first standalone story in Kristine W. Joy’s sweet romcom series following three best friends in Boston.
Wow, Kristine has done it again with yet another brilliant story. I love how you can just start reading a new book and fall into the story immediately. I always know when one of her books release that it is going to be fantastic.
My Forbidden Billionaire has been written brilliantly with wonderful strong characters that keep you willing that things will go the right way for them. The storyline has a feel of true life to it, having worked in a school myself I could relate to this.
My Forbibben Billionaire is a truly wonderful story, that just pulls the reader in from beginning to end. I didn't want this to finish, it's that good. I looking forward to reading the next in the series. If I could rate this more than 5* then I would. I highly recommend this to all.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world-building, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
November 17, 2023
It Takes Two For Love To Shine -
Josephine was distraught when her boyfriend of six years broke up with her, so the last thing on her mind whilst was on her way home was for a gorgeous hunk to ask her out for a cup of cocoa. Jacob had made his life about work and his daughter since his wife passed away, but he felt a connection with Josephine the moment they bumped into each other. However, what neither one of them realised was that their meeting was the first of many.
Fate brought them back together again, but their circumstances made them getting together difficult. Luckily, they found a way around the obstacle in the path to happiness. Unfortunately, just as they settled into their relationship, their lives were upended again by someone with malicious intent, but they were able to turn the tables on that person and find their way toward the life of happiness they both deserved.
When I saw the number of pages on this, assumed the story would drag on, but I can say without a shadow of doubt that I was wrong. This story had everything in it, from drama, romance, betrayal, a precocious tween and a determination to get a happily ever after. I really enjoyed reading this book and I am happy to recommend it to any avid romance reader.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Josephine was distraught when her boyfriend of six years broke up with her, so the last thing on her mind whilst was on her way home was for a gorgeous hunk to ask her out for a cup of cocoa. Jacob had made his life about work and his daughter since his wife passed away, but he felt a connection with Josephine the moment they bumped into each other. However, what neither one of them realised was that their meeting was the first of many.
Fate brought them back together again, but their circumstances made them getting together difficult. Luckily, they found a way around the obstacle in the path to happiness. Unfortunately, just as they settled into their relationship, their lives were upended again by someone with malicious intent, but they were able to turn the tables on that person and find their way toward the life of happiness they both deserved.
When I saw the number of pages on this, assumed the story would drag on, but I can say without a shadow of doubt that I was wrong. This story had everything in it, from drama, romance, betrayal, a precocious tween and a determination to get a happily ever after. I really enjoyed reading this book and I am happy to recommend it to any avid romance reader.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2023
Josephine loves books so much, she's worked hard to gain the qualifications she needed to become a literature teacher. Even though her parents regarded it as nothing more than a hobby and not real work ethics she'd be more suited to marry and have children. When her boyfriend of over five years cheats on her she realises the relationship was always doomed, because it was only to please her parents. Jacob is the CEO of his own business and a single father who lost his wife ten years ago in child birth. His whole life revolves around his daughter, that is until he bumps in Josephine who is upset after finding out about her boyfriend. Offering her a friendly ear to listen and a warming hot chocolate which she declines, starts a series of events that bring them back together again. This is a lovely story about following your dreams and believing in yourself even if those closest to you don't. There are plenty of funny escapades and it's brilliant how so many times you finding yourself thinking how perfect Jacob is. I've always enjoyed Kristine's books and this is the first in a new series which I look forward to reading more off. I was lucky to recieve this book as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion and review of the book
November 17, 2023
Jo is a teacher at an elite prep school in Boston and Jacob is the CEO of a company and raising precocious 10-year old Clem on his own after his wife dies in childbirth. Their lives come crashing together not only when Jo literally runs into Jacob outside of a restaurant but also 3 months later when she becomes Clem's literature teacher and Jacob begins to fall in love with her as he gets to know her. There are some headwinds in their relationship to overcome when Jo's immediate supervisor, Ms. Abadie, not only creates a hostile work environment for her but also when their blossoming relationship is discovered and Ms. Abadie tries to get Jo fired (not to worry, Ms. Abadie gets what's coming!). While the relationship between Jo and Jacob is the main focus of the book, Clem, at times, steals the show with her sassiness and tween attitude!
This is the first book in this series about 3 best friends and I, for one, can't wait for the next books...
This is the first book in this series about 3 best friends and I, for one, can't wait for the next books...
November 18, 2023
When Josephine is dumped on her 6th anniversary, she is wondering when she bumps into a handsome stranger who offers her a hot cocoa, but his concern and kindness sticks with her.
Josephine is excited for her bew job at the private school..she is shocked to run into Jacob and his adorable 10 year old Clementine.
Jacob is smitten once again when he sees Jo... and is excited his daughter will have hers, her literature teacher.. Clem's love of books is passed from him and his grandfather.
Josephine must deal with a supervisor who dislikes her, but she loves teaching and the children.
Jo and Jacob sneak some time and find they have a great bond, but it's against school policy.
When Jo is up against the headmaster, Jacob professes his love and the wrongdoings of the supervisor.
Jacob, Jo and Clem make a great family!
Josephine is excited for her bew job at the private school..she is shocked to run into Jacob and his adorable 10 year old Clementine.
Jacob is smitten once again when he sees Jo... and is excited his daughter will have hers, her literature teacher.. Clem's love of books is passed from him and his grandfather.
Josephine must deal with a supervisor who dislikes her, but she loves teaching and the children.
Jo and Jacob sneak some time and find they have a great bond, but it's against school policy.
When Jo is up against the headmaster, Jacob professes his love and the wrongdoings of the supervisor.
Jacob, Jo and Clem make a great family!
November 17, 2023
This book was the perfect level of swoon and sweetness and tension! I absolutely loved Jacob and how attentive and amazing he was to Josephine from the moment they met. I truly enjoy a love at first sight but it takes some hurdles to get to the HEA.
My Forbidden Billionaire was an absolute pleasure to read and escape into. This author time and again has showed her skills with bringing me as the reader right into the world with her characters. This was an easy 5 star read that just made my heart so happy.
The single dad trope never gets old. And while this book is closed door, the kisses were steamy and perfect. I just can’t wait to keep reading about Josephine’s hilarious best friends falling in love next!
My Forbidden Billionaire was an absolute pleasure to read and escape into. This author time and again has showed her skills with bringing me as the reader right into the world with her characters. This was an easy 5 star read that just made my heart so happy.
The single dad trope never gets old. And while this book is closed door, the kisses were steamy and perfect. I just can’t wait to keep reading about Josephine’s hilarious best friends falling in love next!
November 18, 2023
This is book 1 of a new series. Josephine starts out thinking she is going to be proposed to by her boyfriend of 6 years on their anniversary. Little did she know he was cheating and breaking up with her. Tom (cheating boyfriend) is my new book enemy! Distraught Josephine literally runs into a man named Jacob who is sweet to her and tries to make sure she is ok. Flash forward both have thought of each other often and coincidence has it Josephine is a new teacher at his daughter’s school. Adorable plotting by Clementine his 10 yo daughter helps bring them together. Nothing can be simple though as there are rules against dating parents at the school. Jacob and Jo have their happy ending in the end and I can’t wait for book 2!
November 19, 2023
This is one of those fairytale books that you just wish you could live in. Jacob is a handsome billionaire single dad. I don’t think there was a moment in this book that he wasn’t perfect and lucky Josephine got to be the recipient of said perfect man. But it wasn’t an easy road. Her crappy ex-boyfriend, her overzealous parents and and obnoxious a coworker made her life miserable. A Charming Sweet clean Romance to melt all your cares away, at least for an afternoon. Great story characters love the wholesome romance. The only thing I wish to know is how Josephine‘s parents played into the ending
February 28, 2024
This was cute, and cutesy, a little over the top, sometimes overly formal, sometimes unrealistic. It's a romance novel, so yes, I do expect a certain amount of belief suspension, but this book took the billionaire trope and made it seem more like a fairy tale rather than real life. The cover is cute, but it looked like it's a billionaire and his assistant falling in love, not his daughter's teacher. The romance level is kissing only.
November 18, 2023
This is a dual pov, clean romance. This is a dual POV, clean romance. Jo and Jacob have a run in after Jo broke up with her long time boyfriend. Little did they know fate would bring them together again. This story is realistic in the aspect of how Jo got treated at work (not ideal circumstances but it happens) and how she guarded her relationship at work. I love her connection with Jacob’s daughter and how his daughter helped play matchmaker between the two. We all know I love kids helping scheme to get the happily ever after. I feel like Jacob was relatable and truly loved Jo and his daughter and would do anything for either of them.
November 20, 2023
I love hot hot chocolate man! I think she should have accepted the hot chocolate offer, but all’s well that ends well. I love Kristine W. Joy’s characters. Everyone needs best friends like Larisa and Emmy, we’ve all probably had co-worker/boss like Ms. Abadie, hopefully haven’t had a Tom but would probably all love to meet a Jacob. It would be nice for our children to have a teacher like Josephine who truly loves her subject and her students. This is a sweet romance with a few surprises thrown in.
November 17, 2023
My Forbidden Billionaire by Kristine W. Joy was such a cute and swoon-worthy book. This book follows billionaire single dad, Jacob and his daughter's teacher, Josephine. In true Kristine fashion, you can expect a happily ever after and very swoony moments. Clem, Jacob's 10-year-old daughter was just so adorable and reminded me of my own almost 10-year-old daughter. I really enjoyed this book my only issue was it was pretty obvious from the start that Jacob was interested but Josephine was pretty blind to that. I'm not sure many people would be so blind. Other than that this book was wonderful.
🌟Single Dad
🌟 Billionaire
🌟 He falls first
🌟 Off Limits Romance
🌟 Bookish MCs
🌟 Duel POV
🌟 HEA
🌟 Closed-Door Romance
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
🌟Single Dad
🌟 Billionaire
🌟 He falls first
🌟 Off Limits Romance
🌟 Bookish MCs
🌟 Duel POV
🌟 HEA
🌟 Closed-Door Romance
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
November 17, 2023
How can you not love a widowed billionaire and his precocious 10 year old daughter??? Jo (aka Josephine) is oh so interesting as the teacher of literature where Jacob’s daughter Clem attends. You can’t help but swoon when you read how Jacob has provided and loved Clem after he lost his wife. Jo has so many facets and brings literature to life for her students but alas, there’s someone who would love nothing better than too cause Jo trouble. I honestly had a hard time putting this book down and couldn’t wait to see how Jacob and Jo finally find their HEA. Kristine W. Joy is honestly one of my favorite “clean romance” authors, I can’t wait to read her next book!!
November 17, 2023
I enjoyed this sweet romance between Josephine and Jacob. A fairy tale setting, Jacob is the single dad of Clem, a smart and sweet ten year old girl. He's very rich from the business that he and his dad built together. He's kept his family values and kind behavior. Josephine is a smart scholarship winner who went through Harvard and became a literature teacher. She's kind, thoughtful and loves teaching children about great books and values. They meet unexpectedly and the tale unfolds.
I received a free ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2023
This was a 3.75 stars maybe. A nice, cute and sweet short romance, an easy read. I very much enjoyed it.
December 9, 2023
Fluffy, light romance story meant to be cute but quite illogical. Thankful that this author can write romance that’s passionate but not explicitly erotic. Cute read!
January 14, 2024
so cute
They way I was giggling and squealing when all they did was kiss 😭 so sweet I loved these characters.
They way I was giggling and squealing when all they did was kiss 😭 so sweet I loved these characters.
March 4, 2025
Billionaire trope is one of my favorite! I also love how his daughter encourages the relationship. I enjoyed this book!
November 14, 2023
Love, this book! It was a pleasure to read a heartwarming book about two “real” people falling in love. No one’s playing games. This would make a great Hallmark movie. First time reading Kristine’s work. Will definitely be checking out her other books.
November 14, 2023
This book was so sweet and the couple was so cute that I just found myself smiling the whole time I was reading it. They had a heartwarming chance meeting on the street and then fate brought them back together. It was a great story where love prevails and the villain gets what’s coming to them.
November 12, 2023
This was so fun! Jo and Jacob were so sweet together! It’s fun to see them bond over their love of books! This book had the perfect balance of sweet and swoony with the hurdle of forbidden love. It’s a fairly quick read that will leave you happy and looking for more stories just like it! Which is the perfect feeling to end on!
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