Bribed by the Billionaire Bad Boy

by Camilla Evergreen

Since when do billionaires with bad reputations buy friends?
Okay, technically, Lex Hawthorn contractually obligated me to act opposite him in our college theater play, not become his friend, but the lines do get blurry when he's taking me out for ice cream, offering me homemade muffins, and saving me when I don't know where else to go.

I've never felt this comfortable with someone before, much less with someone who's paying for my time.

If only secrets and contracts weren't the foundation of our "relationship," maybe I could start taking him seriously.

Bribed by the Billionaire Bad Boy is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with mutual pining, neurodivergent characters, and plenty of closed-door sizzle.

Previously Published as Unspoken.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Rom Com

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 4, 2024

About the author

Camilla Evergreen is an alias of USA Today bestselling author Anne Stryker. Originally intended as a dumping ground for all things lacking fantasy, Camilla/Anne came to the shocking discovery that writing sarcastic, chaotic romcoms full of quippy heroines and adoring heroes has a kick to it.

Camilla/Anne’s neurodivergent tendencies leave her hyperfocused on writing sweet and sassy romances from dawn till dusk and lending whatever her current creative obsessions are to her characters. From arranged marriages to falling for the boss, there’s lots of love to go around.

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorannemilla

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the World’s a Stage

Calypso Kole is a quiet and shy girl going to a prestigious school for the arts on a full scholarship. She is brilliant, but hides her gifts behind the scenes, never stepping into the spotlight. That is, until Lex all but dragged her into the lead for what was unbeknownst to everyone except their professor, her play.

Lex is a vibrant and outgoing young man from a wealthy family. Nothing seems to ever bother Lex, but then looks are often deceiving.

This is a story about parental expectations and coming of age and finding ourselves despite what roles we have been forced into. This was an engaging, five star clean romance.

[bookgirlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again I find my self at loss of words to describe the perfection of camilla's books

It was so beautifully written . The message was so perfectly delivered I can't----

“𝙉𝙤… 𝙎𝙪𝙜𝙖𝙧, 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮. 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩. 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩.” 𝙄 𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬. “𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝.”
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙏-𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨.

My favorite line ever I think my heart broke a little while reading this

I literally just finished the book & my feelings are all over the place . I cried , I laughed , and I found myself giggling at how cute the Main characters were

The author has a way of mixing cute romance and serious issues ( the message that author is trying to deliver) so perfectly well together ..

Speaking of cute romance....

- He falls first and hard ( cause let's be real is it camilla's book if he doesn't?  )
- he calls her sugar...for reasons you won't expect lol ( read & find out )
- he brings her muffins
NEED I SAY MORE ????
( I actually want too but that's enough spoilers for the day )

The depth in these characters is unreal .
as much as it was a super cute romance book it also talked about our Fmc and the pressure of being 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙩 and her relationship with her mother who was mentioned to have hints of narcissism . It was super hard for our Fmc to deal with this pressure because her mother is her 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 and 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭
I loved seeing her development and how she dealt with all this and embraced parts of herself at the end ( especially with a certain someone )

Oh and this book was DUAL POV
Which means it was PERFECT
you get to see what he THINKS from his POV

It was very interesting reading about lex
( our mmc ) his shifting of interests was SO VERY relatable . I enjoyed his pov very much

Most of the time I can not put my feelings into words . So camilla does it for me .
The way she describes the character's feelings is so perfectly written it makes me want to cry

**4.5 🌟

This book made me want to reread how to fake date your grumpy boss ( which is also another master piece by the same author that you should DEFINITELY check out ) so I'm on my way to do it 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, this was adorable! The best comparison I can come up with is High School Musical—but make it the College version. Also without the crazy amount of cheesiness, haha. 🤭

Confession: Bad boys tropes aren’t usually my favourite. If they’re glorifying toxic behaviours & relationship, I’m out. If we get a good redemption arc without the guy being a total jerk, then yes.

I LOVED the way Camilla handled Lex; he isn’t the typical “bad boy” and he’s truthfully a sweetheart. He fell first and he fell hard, my friends.

Lex & Calypso are adorable beans. He brings her muffins. They bake together. He braids her hair. She defends him to his father. He calls her “sugar.” And of course, they’re acting together. Like I said, so adorable.

And all the theatre & thespians are wrapped up in the beautiful reminder that “usefulness” doesn’t define worth. 💛

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should come with a warning: will test your self control, your desire to make or eat meals, and interrupt your sleep cycle. And yeah, it’s worth it!

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract, with 2 people from the opposite side of the tracks. Lex is a smooth, charismatic rich boy. Calypso is a shy, awkward girl from an extremely modest background.


Lex has a tendency to become fascinated with things, almost addicted, and then quickly loses interest. For some reason he sets his sights on Calypso, a fellow student at his college and in his theater class. He comes up with the brilliant idea to pay for her time to compensate for missed work so she can play opposite him as the female lead in the school's play.


This is a sweet romance. I enjoyed the backdrop of the theater and loved watching Calypso be brave and do hard things. It was a bit of an underdog story and I enjoyed it.


It didd read a bit like a young adult romance due to the innocence and sheltered life of the MCs. I'm personally a fan of ya, so I didn't mind.


A truly moving love story. I will definitely read more by this author.

[fullyb00ked👻📚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
Characters: 😁😁😁/5
Editing: ✏️✏️✏️✏️✏️/5
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Before I get into this I have to say the negatives I have don’t reflect on the author who I know is such a lovely person. Her writing style as always is beautiful and I was immediately pulled into the story. But I didn’t like quite a few things that happened in the story. They genuinely made me so mad, especially as someone who has dealt with the same sort of mother Calypso has. This is just my opinion (and my trauma 😅)
~~~
Lex “hires” Calypso to be in the school play with him. What he doesn’t know is that she actually wrote it herself. The more time the two of them spend together the more they start to fall for each other. It’s a very slow burn and I was a bit frustrated at a lot of the lack of communication between them but I get it, it makes sense with their trauma and neurodivergence.

They both keep their involvement in the play hidden from their parents. Lex’s dad is distant ever since the mum died and seems to only care about Lex getting into business school so he can take over the family company rather than following his dreams. Calypsos mum, aka the biggest b*tch ever, spends the entire time putting down Calypsos interests whilst also telling her how brilliant she is. She babies her a lot even though she’s 21, this is a big issue with neurodivergent people, parents can infantilise their kids even when they’re adults. This is clearly what Calypsos mum is doing. Eventually Calypso calls her out on all of this and goes to live with Lex. Great yes let her freaking stew. But then the ending argh!

Unfortunately the ending made me so mad and for me it didn’t feel like a hea 😭 Why the F did calypso go back to her abusive mum???? She finally found a place where she belongs, living with Lex, and got to be herself then she (a 21 year old adult!!!) goes back to live with her mum rather than her boyfriend. Like no drop that bish. You don’t have any money worries or anything since Lex is a billionaire and would gladly support you no matter what so don’t go back 😩😩 She’s been emotionally abusing you your entire life she doesn’t deserve you, let her figure out how to be a decent person by herself rather than letting her continue to infantilise you. If there was an epilogue showing Lex and Calypso happy together in the future without her mum it would have made things better for me. Or she could have had a relationship with her mum from a distance. Just because someone’s blood or because they’ve raised you doesn’t mean they have any right to be in your life.
~~~
“I will not be yet another tool for you to use to escape the rich confines of your lavish tower.”

I really liked the way that the plot of the play overlaps seamlessly with the story. I won’t say much about this because it’s really better reading it for yourself and I don’t think I’d do it justice.
~~~
I do wish that Agatha had been dealt with via violence 😅 I would have been happy for her to break a leg or two. She’s a bully and constantly tries to undermine Calypso, eventually she stands up for herself but I don’t feel like she got the karma she deserved. They have a conversation and that’s kind of it.

[Reah N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. The first chapter was a bit slow but after that, I was hooked.

I loved Lex and Calypso's relationship, and the backstory, and their characters and there was so much going on the entire time that I didn't want to put it down. This was a romance, though Lex and Calypso never quite defined themselves as romantically involved, and it was great how first and foremost they were friends, well, trusted acquaintaince I guess, and the romance only started long afterwards. Lex and Calypso also really grew into themselves during the book, and brought out the best in each other as well, which I loved seeing.

As I'm coming to expect from Camilla Evergreen's books, there were a few moments were I wondered were it was going, and wasn't quite sure how I felt about events, but it always worked out. Like the fact that they somehow have a sweet, healthy relationship despite the fact that Calypso was bribed into being friends with Lex. Literally paid to do it.

It might have even been a five star read, until the last few chapters, when Lex starts labelling Calypso's mother as abusive and narcissistic, despite the fact that this doesn't align with her behavior. And then to make matters worse, this same fragmented, even dangerous, relationship is just magically cured a few months later. Which doesn't align with the reality of narcissists and is misrepresenting those people who really do have narcissistic relatives and whose parents never will heal, despite a lifetime of wanting and trying on the child's part.

Despite the heavier underlying themes, this wasn't a heavy book, it stayed light and fun throughout, even though it was real and had depth.

Read for a cute friends to lovers, that addresses some deeper topics while staying fun. Also - acting, and unexpected friendships, and a kind, loving, rich love interest.

Similar:


Content:
Sleeping in the same bed, one or two discussions of sеx, Lex and Calypso kiss, remain just friends.
Bullying, minor abuse.

[Kimberlee Crismon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! If you love music, theater and romance you will love this book! I loved the symbolism that was added and the emotion behind the music.
I really resonated with the relationship between Calypso and her mom and felt that Camilla did an amazing job with describing it and connecting with her readers.
The dual POV was perfect and I always love it when the male lead falls first. The chemistry between Calypso and Lex was so cute and I wish we could’ve had an epilogue likes Camilla’s other books have but it’s not necessarily needed just wanted 😅

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some books that you connect with right away... and others that take a little longer to get into. This one definitely fell into that latter category for me. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to make of Lex's character at first. But as the story went on and we got to know these characters on a deeper level, they managed to weave themselves around my heart and I found myself absolutely adoring them and their unique romance. The story has a bit of a slower pace, but that pace felt very natural to these characters and allowed us to see their growth throughout. I almost felt like there was a little bit of a musical quality to the story, which was quite fitting with these two.

As always, Camilla does a beautiful job of creating sweet love stories while also addressing more difficult moments. In this case, we see that with the strained parental relationships for both Calypso and Lex. There were moments that were absolutely heartbreaking... but they were balanced so well with those lighter moments. Another thing that I always enjoy about Camilla's books is how very deeply her MMCs fall... and Lex certainly had that covered. While again I wasn't sure about him at first, by the end he'd won me over and was just the perfect complement to Calypso. They truly were the sweetest and I absolutely adored them.

Bribed by the Billionaire Bad Boy is a closed-door romance with kisses only and very minimal language.


**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Desiree Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Clean (kisses and innuendo). There are so many fun things about this book. Adorable characters, hilarious moments, sweet kisses, overcoming pain from four past, and healing relationships, including those with ourselves.

I LOVED this story. The main characters are kind, caring, and a little cheeky.
I received an ARC and the opinion is my own with no strings attached.

[Celebrilomiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much of this hits close to home (and by that I mean themes and family dynamics; I am not a genius actor and I have never once met a billionaire, much less been hired by one to perform in a play), but apart from my own personal resonance with the book, the story and characters are just really good. Evergreen's characters always live and breathe, and the growth and, often, healing they experience always rings true.

[Shawna Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another triumph for Camilla Evergreen, despite the cheesy titles she fully embraces and bring me joy. I have to admire the guts it takes to be so laid back to just tell it like it is in both title and story.

So don't let the title fool you- this charming story fills everything we need for a sweet, no spice romance. We have two POV here and both our leads are sharing their side of the story as we eventually learn who they are inside. Calypso is shy, she has no friends and has taught herself to play piano by the use of a cheap yardsale keyboard. Her mother, a minimum wage single wpman, won't approve of anything less than her daughter being brilliant and focused on getting a degree that will give her high wages and endless job security. Calypso's father is rarely in touch and of no real use, as he has an all new family. As such, Calypso works part time to pay half the bills, on top of her huge college workload, using the bus with all of its delays, and still make it home to clean and cook meals. As such, Calypso is tired and overwhelmed by her mother's consistent determination to guilt and demean her daughter, so there are parts of herself she no longer tells her mother in order to snatch at a little joy for herself.

Alexander "Lex" has a bad reputation on campus. He has one friend and comes across as too arrogant for the peasants, given that he's the son of a billionaire and Lex can buy anything he wants... and he wants Calypso, after hearing her playing piano in the theater room. A new play is being cast, and Lex announces he'll be the lead, and to prove it he calls out Calypso to read with him for the female lead. Surprisingly, she takes up the challenge and they win the roles. But can shy Calypso get over her stage fright? Alexander's propose to pay her for her time would allow her to quit her minimum wage job and still have extra money to save up.

Will she "work" for Alexander? Will the time spent working on the play allow a friendship to bloom? You'll have to read to get the rest, but they both have deep secrets they hide from the world that could cause big changes to their lives should they come to light.

Its a well-written story that allow laughter and joy in balance with darkness. I fell for Calypso immediately, and Alexander was only a chapter or two behind.

Themes to watch for any younger reader- there is bullying and verbal abuse as well as censure from parents who just want to do good for their children, but have no idea how to do that properly. Don't worry though, because things work themselves out by the end for a HEA ending.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I have to read stories by camilla Evergreen a little slower, more carefully and more thoughtful than other books. There is a lot of wisdom and insight packed into these stories that I find myself constantly re-reading passages and making sure I've really absorbed everything I'm reading. I have some self reflective moments and maybe even a little bit of self therapy sessions- ha ha. I do find that her characters are very insightful and see things in each other and themselves that most people don't identify or even understand and it's interesting to see things from their perspectives.

This is a cute story and I liked the aspect of the play thrown in, how the main characters related to the characters in the play. Calypso and Lex are sweet and strengthen each other and complement each other quite nicely.

Do I say this or not? (I could totally be seeing this wrong). The really only hard thing for me in the story was Caly's relationship with her mom. It seems like a lot of the parents in Camilla's stories tend to be the "villains"- the ones that don't understand their kids, the ones that put unfair pressure and expectations on them and therefore create damaging habits and beliefs that their kids then need to break free from, (often with the help of their friends or love interest). I am a believer of breaking chains and not passing on toxic things to the next generation, etc. (Making your own choices). I also know that parents, despite trying their best, are not always doing what might be best for their children. But being a parent myself, I know that it's a really hard line to walk. Unfortunately, we make mistakes, sometimes we don't realize something isn't working until after the fact and therefore need to pivot and try something else. (However, if a parent is knowingly creating toxic environments for their kids then that's different). I think her mom was made to be a bad guy, despite not intentionally hurting Calypso, (at least initially), but the classmate from high school did way more damage, in my opinion- because it was completely intentional, cruel and purposefully unkind. Sure, her mom was misguided and had her own issues to work out, but when Calypso says she didn't outright lie to her, but still led her mom to believe some things that weren't true, (still lying in my opinion), what else is the mom left to assume or think? If Calypso doesn't express things to her mom, how is her mom supposed to be any different? Try anything different? Her mom thought things were just fine because Calypso never said anything different so I kind of feel like some of Calypso's issues were self imposed or could've been handled another way. No one can change or improve if never given the opportunity. Where is Calypso's responsibility for misleading her mom and lying to her for so long and therefore hurting her mom's feelings, but being upset that her mom is even upset? Maybe her mom needed time and grace to adjust as well. It just seems like Lex came in and saved the day and was the hero, saving her from her mom, when I see different ways the situation could've been handled. So, for what it's worth, that's my opinion.

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The book’s blurb gives you an idea of what to expect and do be sure and read the author’s disclaimer and note for the content warning. Bribed by the Billionaire Bad Boy is told through Calypso and Lex’s pov and is a sweet romcom about two hearts understanding each other.

Calypso has lived her life keeping to herself and staying out of the spotlight. She keeps her talents guarded and rather than thinking of pursuing her dreams she is doing what is practical and safe for her. When she crosses paths with Lex, he challenges her and the life she had been living. Unlike her, Lex is used to the attention and getting what he wants. His interests change quickly and he has a bad reputation. Meeting Calypso sparks those same feelings he gets when he finds a new hobby to master and those feelings only intensify the more time that they spend together.

Because Calypso didn’t even want to be friends and the agreement they came to, their romance is a very slow burn. They were strangers though could each recognize something in the other that made it easy for them to form a connection, even if neither wanted to acknowledge it. I liked the way that Lex brought out a more confident side to Calypso and gave her the tiny pushes that she need to go after what she wanted. And, while Lex put on roles for everyone else, Calypso was able to see past that and made him feel comfortable with being himself. She also brought out a protective side to him and made him realize things about his relationship with his father. I liked seeing how Calypso and Lex understood each other without words. Their romance is a clean one consisting of descriptive kissing, innuendo, mentions of physical intimacy (not detailed), and no cursing but a few words that some readers could take as strong. Aside from the romance, I liked their individual coming of age journeys and was satisfied with the conclusions. I think this story includes things that many young adults will be able to relate to or sympathize with. Overall, I really loved Lex and Calypso’s story.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real life characters with real problems and a little sarcasm make this book an interesting book to read. Calypso has been content to live in the background for most of her life. She is beyond brilliant. She is so far ahead of her peers and even her college professors. She is also musically talented and artistic, but she only plays the piano for one, that is herself. All that is shattered one day when the billionaire bad boy, who is also a student at the university, hears her playing the piano. Lex Hawthorne usually gets what he wants, and he wants to know more about this beautiful pianist.

He next sees her in theater class when the professor announces they will be having auditions for parts in their end of year play. Calypso would never offer to take a part, but when Lex decides he wants the main male character part of Kenneth, he challenges her to be Harriet. Their duel in class is the stuff of dreams. Thus begins their contractual relationship where he offers to pay her to be his "Harriet". I knows this sounds strange, but once you read the book you will fully understand what this means.

Both Lex and Calypso have complicated relationships with a parent. Lex with his father and Calypso with her mother. I really did not like Calypso's mother. Smothering and verbal abuse do not even begin to describe this woman. Calypso was a flower needing to burst forth from the soil, but her mother had killed her desire and made her feel unworthy to be anything in life. You also have the mean girl who has been tormenting Calypso since high school. This torment has carried over into their college years. Camilla Evergreen knows how to write a good romance with comedy mixed in while also addressing real life issues with her characters which provides a more serious side to the plot. I highly recommend this book for romance lovers, especially those who enjoy a closed door romance with characters who are seemingly polar opposites.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Bribed by the Billionaire Bad Boy by Camilla Evergreen Calypso (great name!) is a shy girl, when she has to act in a schoolplay with Lex Hawthorn. But as they have a contract of sorts, she can’t do anything about it. When the line between play and real life get blurry, things change between them.

This is such a great book, I had no idea it was such a rollercoaster of emotions. Calypso is a loner, she hides from the world, but has some secrets. Lex is totally different, he rolls through life, but no one knows his fater demands he becomes like him. They are totally different, but thanks to their contract (devised by Lex for keeping Calypso in the play), becoming lead actors in a play and their interactions during school and after, each brings the best out of the other and that was such a joy to read. I loved how Calypso became more open and how Lex became more sure of what he wants. He stood up for Calypso and she for him. They have a great chemistry and I was rooting for them. The play did wonders for both of them and I loved how each of them defended the other to their respective parent.

The writing style is great, flowing, and there is a a dual POV. Because of this style, we get to know the characters better. Because both of them have a parent who wants them to excel, but not to a burnout level, it is sometimes a bit sad to read. All along the story the lines between play and real life are getting mixed up. I loved how Camilla Evergreen made a story in a story, because the play becomes somewhat real.

So, if you like a entertaining and sweet romance novel, a story about music and theater, with lovely characters, a novel with depth, I can definitely recommend this book.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This author has a unique way of storytellling and it speaks to me. Her characters are wonderful and nuanced and often have characteristics or thought processes that we don’t see as much in main characters. “Sometimes it doesn’t matter what you can do. Sometimes the world chews you up all the same.” Calypso kept to herself at school, but caught the attention of Lex, a wealthy and easily bored student in her theatre class. He paid her to act in the class play with him and spend time with him. “‘Is this how rich people make friends? Through commissions and contracts?’” The more time they spent together, the more it moved beyond a business relationship. The gradual and intense building of the romance was so good. The sugar glider references were adorable. The sweet care that developed between them, even with such a different beginning, was so endearing. “When I’m with him, when he’s looking at me, I can almost be proud of what I am and what I love to do.” Both main characters had hurts from their families and pasts that they needed to overcome. “‘Sometimes our wings have been broken so long we don’t realize they’ve been healed until after a push forces us to fly.’”

This author gives detailed expectations at the start of her books. She characterized this story as fade-to-black, but I would consider it closed door with innuendo, discussion and reference to intimacy, but no actual intimacy occurring during the story. There is no harsh language in this book

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Bribed By The Billionaire Bad Boy
A Novel Written By Camilla Evergreen
Fiction - Romance
Published January 9, 2024
389 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a sweet story of two college students trying to find their independence. It is well written and the words make you think. Camilla Evergreen succeeds again at what she does best, creating neurodivergent characters for readers to love and cheer on.

Calypso Kole and Lex Hawthorn meet when both are in their second year at the Olympus College of Fine Arts. They are in the same theatre class and get the lead roles in a play at the school. They slowly become friends as they spend more time together. Lex helps Calypso come out of her shell and become more visible. Their friendship does become deeper. I cheered when they finally took the leap and kissed. There is much character development for the two main characters as the author takes us on a journey through their year in college as they rehearse for the play, The Magpie Girl. Both Calypso and Lex gain the strength to admit to their parents what they truly want.

Readers who like theatre, plays, and music will want to read this book.

“Because some things in this world are better felt than heard.”

“I will be everything you see in me.”

[Zoya Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed. Obsessed with Lex, Calypso, their chemistry, relationship, all of it. I’m not an avid closed door romance reader but I loved this book. Every time Lex called Calypso his little sugar glider/sugar, I melted. Lex and Calypso’s obsession with muffins was (oddly?) relatable for me. “The world would be a better place if all apologies came in muffin forms.” I one hundred percent agree! I absolutely despised Calypso’s mother (but in a good way. Does that make any sense? Probably not) but loved the reunion the two of them have toward the end. I could probably make ninety percent of this review on how obsessed I was with Lex while reading this book, I’m going to try my hardest not to. BUT I have to talk about one quote that probably solidified the obsession. “We’re talking about how this isn’t a date. Because your heart belongs only to fictional characters, and, alas, I am real.” Yes Lex, fictional characters will always be better than real people, so glad you’re recognizing it. And just like the other Camilla Evergreen books I’ve read, the obsession the mmc has with the fmc is always a favorite.

[Brittany Landrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bribed by the Billionaire Bad Boy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A cute romance.

Calypso and Lex meet during their second year at college during their theater class. They both get the lead roles in the play they audition for. Having to spend time together for the play, they both become friends…well kinda. Calypso is shy and Lex helps her with that, by helping her to become more outgoing and speaking for herself. As they spend more time together their feelings grow even deeper. They both realize what they want out of life and who they want to be with.

I so enjoyed this book. I loved how much character growth these two had! While this was a cute romcom style book the author also had some serious life experience thrown in. But handle them with care. I loved how this book was a dual POV so we get to see what each character is thinking. It was also a sweet closed door romance in which I liked.

This book is already out so be sure to add to your never ending TBR list 😉

Thank you Camilla for my advanced readers copy. This is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Sarah Bowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny premise, Lex and Calypso are in the same theater class in college. Calypso likes to blend into the background and Lex is a very confident guy. He's so much so that he says he'll be the lead of the assigned play and that he wanted to play opposite her.

I loved how Lex drew up a contract to get Calypso to do this. I love how they brought out the best in each other even when there were so many people on the sides trying to dictate their lives. There's a mean girl, father who wants his son (Lex) to be his business heir even when the very thought sickens the son, and a mother (to Calypso) who is so overbearing and looks down on her daughter.

I absolutely love how Lex falls for Calypso. How he takes her to his house to stay when she needs to get away from the toxicity of her Mom. I love how Calypso stood up to Lex's dad and he ended up respecting her.

Super cute romcom with real character growth, I flew through this amazing story

[Michelle Angus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit a little too close to home for me. But it was (and I will steal a word from this book) brilliant!! I absolutely loved Calypso and adored Lex!

Calypso likes to fade into the background and she doesn’t like attention. She has issues with alot of things, but has no one to help her through them. She is just kind of ‘stuck’ in life.

Lex is a rich boy and takes what he wants in life. He is cocky and arrogant because he can be, but he is also a gentleman. Lex likes learning new things. He calls them obsessions. His newest just so happens to be Calypso, the girl with the long braids. But he isn’t worried, because his obsessions only last for a little while.

I could go on an on about this book. I related to it in so many ways and although some of the subjects were hard to read (mainly mental abuse from a parent) I would read it again and again. I adore Camillas books so much!

*I received a copy of this book as an ARC reviewer, but a positive review wasn’t required. All thoughts are solely what I personally thought of this beautiful book.❤️❤️❤️

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters I Couldn't Get Enough Of

Camilla Evergreen's characters pull me into the story every single time! Calypso and Lex, their parents, their friends, and their enemies all have me unable to put this book down! The emotions are deeply felt and written so the reader can almost feel them, too. I love how the layers of each person are carefully peeled back as we read further. I have grown to love switching back and forth from each character's thoughts and frame of reference in each chapter. The ending is perfect, and I've already downloaded yet another book by this author because I know I won't be disappointed.

[Aunt LoLo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one I jokingly call “the one with the trending keywords title”.

Calypso is invisible, and she likes it that way. She spends her free time making music that she is never going to share, and wearing the blandest clothes while she sits in the back of her classes. If you never put yourself out there, nobody can shoot you down.

Lex is the son of a billionaire with more money than attention span, and he always gets what he wants.

One day, the invisible girl from the back of the room catches his attention in theatre class. She intrigues him- she is so obviously hiding, but how much is she hiding?! How much talent is in there? He decides to pay her to quit her minimum wage job and audition as the lead for the year’s play.

And thus begins the beginning of a very very weird relationship between a boss…friend…er…classmate? And his…something.

This book felt like an ode to “what women want”. Every line, every gesture, every swoony little action was exactly what I hoped would happen.

Trigger warnings for narcissistic parent, absent parent, dead parent, and divorced parent. Basically, just trigger warnings for poor parenting. Oh, and bullying. Because what’s theater class without some drama?

[Wendy Droke · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I have come to expect of everything Camilla Evergreen writes, this book is fantastic. Dealing with many very real issues, Camilla handles relationships between family, friends, and classmates with skill, grace and a quiet understanding. This is a dual point of view, closed door (or really, no need to close the door, kissing only), no third act breakup, billionaire trope book that breaks many of the standard rules of billionaire trope. A college aged romance, Lex offers Calypso money to perform with him in the class play so she can quit her job and be available for rehearsals.
"It's amazing what we all can create, what we manage to pour into the world. It's beautiful. And no matter what we do, it's still only revealing the barest sliver of ourselves. We spend our whole lifetime trying to share mere fractions of our souls, always, always asking - do you see me? And somehow, somewhere, knowing no one ever will."
Delving into complex family relationships, Bribed by the Billionaire finds both Caly and Lex facing the demons of their family relations, learning to care about another person completely, and explores many facets of being deemed "brilliant" at a young age and how that can play out in someone's psyche.
I found this book an interesting read, so much so that I have read it twice since I received it as an ARC. I hope others will read and enjoy as much as I have. This is my honest review.

[Victoria Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I describe the beautiful brilliance that is this book? I laughed. I cried. I squealed and hid under blankets. It’s just that perfect.
Lex has charisma with gentleman’s manners, making him the perfect match for darling little Calypso. Her mom struggles really, really hit close to home for me. And relatability on a deep, personal struggles, level is the greatest connection a character and story can give.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

This is a updated version of an earlier book but I love it just as much the second time around. Lex and Calypso both have strained relationships with the parent that raised them. At first, this seems to make them alike and makes you understand the issues they each have. Make sure and read the trigger warnings. I loved the progression of their relationship as both learn to trust and love and learn how to fly.

[S Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not normally a Rom-Com kind of person (not because I don't enjoy it, but because I just don't cross paths with the genre as often). This book made me reconsider the genres I seek out.

It is light and fun and all of the warm fuzzies all wrapped into one cute story that I didn't want to put down. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.

I am writing this review after reading an advanced reader copy of the novel. I loved it, and I still can't stop smiling.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fmc was almost too perfect and talented but also has so much anxiety over trying to be perfect that she feels disingenuous. I wanted to root for her but her lack of growth with her toxic mother made me walk away from this book.


I just hate mental or emotional abuse of neurodivergent characters because they are easy to prey on. So in my fiction, I need them to fight back and give me hope. This one did not.

[S Tomasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utter Perfection

I don’t have the words to express my appreciation for this book. I will have to reread it over and over. I am buying this book for my daughter and granddaughters. It tells a story they need to read. It is that good.
The depth of emotion just squeezes my heart. In explaining the character’s thoughts and motivations this author really digs deep. She never “dumbs” it down. She respects her readers more than that.
I’m just blown away.