Morgan Caplan has had one dream her entire life. When her adult services website leaks to her interviewer, it seems she can kiss her dream goodbye. That is... until a new client makes her an offer she simply can't refuse. Damien doesn't need to give her a reason to accept. There are at least a billion.
Forever a South Florida girl, Millie Belizaire has a thrill for the exciting (and a little of the weird), unnecessarily sped up music, and painting. Most of the time, however, she can be found tucked in her cozy lair typing away at her laptop. A storyteller to the bone, she finds no greater joy than sharing her tales of love, of action, of pain, and of life.
This story begins with Damien as a teenager. His father involves him in an unthinkable act and THEN tries to take him out. Damien tells the truth about the night that changed his life but of course, the justice system failed him. In comes a young lawyer, Martina Cross, who vows to help Damien. She does and some events occur that make Damien a millionaire.
Fast forward - Damien is rich af. He and Dr. Cross are friends and he makes huge donations to the school she works at - Stanford. 23 year old Morgan Caplan’s dream is to get into Stanford so that she can be accepted by her trifling behind daddy. The only thing stopping her was her occupation…she was a Dominatrix. Mistress Morgan.
Damien makes Morgan an offer she can’t refuse (be his Submissive) and we begin to see the depth in Morgan’s character. She’s been through some traumatic things and they begin to resurface during her time with Damien. Towards the end of the story, Damien’s past resurfaces and threatens to claim the life of the one he loves.
I enjoyed Damien and Morgan’s dynamic. They were two Dominant beings fighting to conquer one another. Once they stopped fighting to conquer each other- they became equals ❤️
This was originally a Kindle Vella series and the end of each chapter had me rushing to the next.
(Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, domestic violence, su*cide)
Okay, so I didn't realize that this story was about Morgan, the sister of Lauren from the Collide series', until AFTER I read the book 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️ Don't judge me, it's been a long time since I read that series.
The book opens up wirh us being introduced to Damien, who is now an accomplished business man, but has the weight of terrible childhood trauma and public scrutiny heavy on his shoulders.
Needless to say they both have childhood trauma in common. Morgan is still very scarred from their trash azz daddy, her parents really. She has managed to move forward and she is now trying to prove that she is MORE than her daddy ever thought she could be. When an interview for her dream school goes awry and she thinks Damien is to blame, she makes it her mission to seek him out.
The situation is not at all what she thinks it is. She seemingly thought her extra curricular activities were far more discreet than they were. She now finds herself at the mercy of Damien. They enter an arrangement that creates a bond that neither of them expect. If you are expecting some full blown BDSM this isn't that, in reality their interactions are mild (still sexy) but the power dynamics are very clear. I didn't mind that, I think it fit the story. I wasn't sure I liked Damien, until he started building Morgan back up. He was not playing about her and his ACTIONS showed just that. In a way, they helped each other move beyond their childhood trauma. They really end up with a sweet love, despite how it all started.
Things I needed just a little more on: *Why TF was Dr. Cross such a judgmental hater?? Her anger was hella misplaced and I didn't understand it. *Were we to think Morgan's clients would just disappear? It felt like we needed some closure with her regular at least. *Why has daddy Caplan, not been unalived yet?? He has wreaked havoc through too many books. His trash azz deserve some bad karma. *I'm on the fence about how the situation with Sebastien ended. Felt like the brothers needed some closure.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. You could feel the shift in the mcs when they fell for each other and that is always a win in my book.
While this was a good book it could have been better. I wanted Damien to be more of a Dom to Morgan since she was a sub. The BDSM was barely and lacked feeling like BDSM gave very vanilla. I didn’t not see the plot twist of Sebastian confession but it gave an insight to the battle (s) he was fighting but still fck him. The mayor got exactly what he deserved but her father should have died too..fck him.
I started reading this when the author began this on Kindle Vella. It was very entertaining and exciting. It took me a while to actually complete the book but I'm glad I did. I feel like I remember the story of Morgan and Lauren from the party as teens but I'm not sure if that was another story. I'm glad I finally finished this one, it was really good.
Millie, has done it again. Man 10 across the board this book was so good . I couldn’t not put it down once I officially started to read every freaking page I felt all the emotions & more ! I need / want more! Omg I can’t get enough of Damien & Morgan! 🥰🥰 I love every minute of their Journey! Read Read Read! I Totally get it one billion reason!!!
1st book of 2024!! and we start off with a BANGER! A fun banger too (for the most part lol)
A Brief Aside So, I've been struggling for the past 5 years with writing reviews. When I first started this reading thing, I burned myself out by writing reviews, LONG ones, for literally every book I read from 2012 - 2018... That's 300+ IN-DEPTH reviews. And...with the way my brain and my life is set up now, I just don't have it in me anymore. But I feel so bad sometimes because I REALLY love some of these books and want to give them and the author their flowers. But my brain just be like "girl bye, we not doing that!" So! I'm going to try something else. I'm going to try voice recording (speech-to-text) my reviews to see if that helps. So here is the 1st!
Voice Note Review - Edited Transcript - Jan. 11. 2024 | 10:02 PM All right. So, I just finished reading One Billion Reasons by Millie Belizaire, and FIVE STARS! It's note even a question! If I want a quick 5 star read, guaranteed? I know exactly where to go because Millie DOES. NOT. MISS!
One Billion Reasons was released, I think, on Kindle Vella, so I was aware of it and knew that it was about Morgan, who is Lauren's sister from the When World's Collide series. I can't remember how much we actually learn about Morgan in those books, but this book was a good exploration of Morgan's story.
We find her as she's trying to get into Stanford Law as kind of an FU to her waste of space of a father. The POS told her that she wouldn't amount to anything and that her looks were all she had going for her. So she's made it her mission to get into Stanford because that was the one thing her dad wanted but wasn't able to achieve. But while she's chasing her misguided dream, she has to also chase the bag, and so she has a side BDSM business, working as a Mistress.
Damien Fine is this Billionaire Bae, who has a bit of a sordid past and has an infamous public persona because of it.
I REALLY enjoyed this book. I loved Damien and Morgan individually but I really enjoyed watching their friendship and feelings for each other blossom over the course of the month that they shared space. I think they both were each other's firsts when it comes to finding someone who truly SAW them and saw past the projections of who the world thought they were or should be. They were able to be honest and vulnerable with each other, revealing the skeletons they had in their closets to one another and being someone that the other could FINALLY lean on.
All her life, Morgan had to put on this façade of being unbreakably strong, dominant and in charge. But for once, with Damien, she could let her guard down and be the innocent girl that she didn't get a chance to be growing up. Since the death of his mother, Damien has had to bury the sweet and vulnerable boy he was to protect himself from a world that viewed him as a monster, even sometimes embracing that persona to survive. And for the first time, with Morgan, he was able to let the walls down and let someone see that sweet vulnerable boy again.
This was just an all-around good story. While dark in some respects, I REALLY had fun reading it. I could honestly read 6 more books about Morgan AND Lauren if Millie wrote them. Absolutely amazing read.
Outside of that, I do want mention that Martina is a bitch! While I'm glad she saw the innocence in Damien and did everything in her power to make sure he didn't become a victim of the system, I could not stand her power-tripping, judgmental ass. I wish Morgan would have told Damien more about how Martina was behaving and speaking to her because if it were ME? Homegirl would have been F.I.R.E.D. As Damien's friend and dean of admissions.
Whew, I don’t know why it took me so long to read this book. I loved Lauren’s story, and I didn’t realize that One Billion Reasons was about her sister uuugh, I surely would have read it sooner lol! Anyhow, I loved the dynamic between Morgan and Damien - it was a mutual beneficial arrangement, until it wasn’t. Damien took “You can have whatever you like” quite literally! Oh so good, Millie truly doesn’t miss. 🥲
Millie does not miss!!! One Billion Reasons was a very well written story that kept my attention from page one. The way these two loved each other through trauma was beautiful. I truly enjoyed this story. Damian really touched me with his story. This is a must read!
I started reading Millie earlier last year with The collide series….she didn’t disappoint then and she definitely didn’t disappoint this time…This story was just OMG, everything I thought was gone happened didn’t and I love that for me. Stories that are predictable are boring 🤷🏽♀️ THIS STORYLINE HOWEVER ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😍👏🏽🔥🥰😻😊
I read Fast by Millie Belizaire and quickly downloaded this one right after I was done. Belizaire’s ability to make you truly see and feel a character is second to none. The way she builds worlds and narratives is truly amazing.
In One Billion Reasons we meet Morgan who is a girl just out here trying to make her dreams happen and make a dollar. Trying to get into law school, Morgan works as a dominatrix, making her money and putting in the work, but she has dreams and aspirations of doing more. After failing her law school interview she aims to meet billionaire Damien, so he can help her get into law school. And although her plan is pretty much doomed from the start she sets out to make it happen, but Damien doesn’t care about helping Morgan do anything. Dealing with his demons, Damien has a lot going on, not only is running a billion-dollar company but he’s trying to save his only remaining family, his brother, from being a drug addict.
When Morgan and Damien create an ‘arrangement’ it is more than they both expected and both of them start to catch feelings.
I was here for all of this! I loved both characters and their backstories were so well-developed I just wanted more.
Idk I just didn’t connect with this one (the connection btw the main characters was no where to be found) . Ughhh idk just didn’t give what I thought it would ….but it’s not bad
This book was heavy on the drama. Starting with the prologue, there was so much trauma and evilness. Damien’s backstory was so much to take in. Morgan’s life was dysfunctional, too. She was victimized in so many ways. Once their paths crossed, I became really invested in their story. I loved their power struggle mixed with an intense attraction to each other. Their original arrangement felt so taboo, but it eventually morphed into something sweet. I was glad to get past the dark moments. While I was beginning to feel overwhelmed by the angst, it was a very interesting story. It held my full attention. I wish the editing had been a little cleaner because the typos were a little distracting.
Star level: 5 stars Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Trope: age gap, strangers to friendish/lovers to enemies to lovers, femdom, bdsm, Dom/Sub Trigger: rape, drug abuse, domestic violence, childhood trauma, sexual assault, suicide Fav quotes: “I only know what I am.” “And what are you?” I wondered. His answer was simple. “Yours.” The book is good! I’m glad a randomly found it scrolling looking for a new book to read and I’m soooo glad I ran across this book. The book starts off in Damien’s pov at the age of 15 years old we his whole world tuned up side down. His abusive father was at it again with his stepmother but this time he went too far. Because of the he made Damien help him set the house pouring gasoline everywhere. What Damien didn’t know was that downstairs a fire had started and he had to make a choice between himself of saving his stepmother and possibly killing his self in the process. And this is how now in the present day of the story view him “A monster that got away with killing his mother” but they didn’t know the horrible truth. His lawyer saw through that and was able to get him his freedom. And no matter how much he donates people still fear him and judge him. Damien and Morgan or for two different worlds at the money (and age group) so the chances of them meeting was slim but true fate. Damien is a billionaire, single, donating lots of money her and there. While Morgan is trying to get into Stanford law school, want nothing to do with men, a FemDom. So what happen when Morgan is also in the school of her dreams but a background check pull up her website wrongful dismissal that’s what happen. But that’s not the reason why Morgan thinks she didn’t get in she believes it’s the call Ms.Cross takes during her interview with Mr. Damien Fine. So she makes it her mission to find him and have him write her a letter of recommendation since her messed up her chances the first time. But he tells her the real reason why and from there they make an agreement with Morgan being Damien’s sub for one month and he’ll write her a letter of recommendation. Within the one month we see some BDSM but not enough I do wish it was more. They get closer but then one night Morgan reveals a deep dark secret that cause Damien to push Morgan away. With they time apart from each other not only does she go to Stanford for law they also find themselves, grow stronger, and discover they love each other. And soon they come back together stronger then before and Damian let’s no one walk over his women not even the people he thinks he owes his life too. I love the story I do with we got to read more after they got together officially but I still loved the story. And the brother was no good and Ms.Cross was a hater for no reason.
I'm starting to think Millie Belizaire is just not for me. This is the second book I've read from her that started off promising but didn't stick the landing. The first issue is the fact that this isn't a romance. It's women's fiction. There's romance elements to it but an actual romance it is not. Had I known that from the beginning it'd never have read this story.
Secondly, it's too short. A big issue on why this book wasn't it for me was because it was too short. Had she added 100 more pages it wouldve made a big difference in a good way.
Martina being a raging snobby bitch to Morgan was so confusing. She was ugly to her from the beginning and I still don't understand why. The way she stayed judging her and didn't even know her was weird as hell and also hypocritical. She didn't judge Damien when she decided to help him when he was a teen but she's judging how this 23 year gets money to support herself?? She was a whole weirdo.
The whole last arc just fell flat for me. As soon as Sebastien popped up at Dame's the story went downhill. I sympathized with Morgan when she revealed her trauma to Damien but she lost me when she drunkenly stated that Dame was taking advantage of her and triggering her trauma. When she called their mutual transactional relationship as her having Stockholm syndrome, I rolled my eyes. Their relationship was one where everything that was going to happen was talked about from the beginning. Morgan was the one who kept her secrets to herself. How was he supposed to know her triggers if she didn't mention her. That was her fault. I just couldn't after that tbh.
Lastly, the whole love confession at the end fell flat because it was not believable. None of Damien and Morgan's interactions gave loving. Attraction sure, but love?? When did that happen? Had to be off screen because seeing it happen on page was notably absent.
This book wasn't bad but it wasn't goof either. It'll be for somebody though.
This story follows Morgan and Damien. If you haven’t read the Collide story yet. I suggest you start there first before you read this. (It’s Morgan’s twin sister story) it will give you a lil more insight.
This book was soo good. In the beginning we see the fucked up childhood Damien went through. We also see the point of views of how judgmental “we” can be when we don’t have the full story of what happens. Even though Damien had a messed up childhood we see his life changed after he turned 18. Insert Morgan who also had a messed up childhood. Her father ain’t shit. Actually both parents. But she desperately trying to prove her worth cause her daddy told she never be good enough just find a man to take of you. At least you’re pretty. Something along those lines. Don’t quote me. She wants or needs to get into a school that rejected her dad. Her application got denied but she thought it was Damien fault. Not knowing her extracurricular activities wasn’t fully protected 🥴🤭🤭
Now we see Damien and Morgan helping each other out. There some BDSM in here but it’s light. Just enough if you ask me. You see healing and love inside this book. Damien that’s a good man right there. 🥹 And the plot twist with the Sebastian???????? He had needed more punishment on what was being done to him.
And DR. Cross why were you so judgmental to my girl Morgan???? I didn’t like you and you had need to disappear 😂
I love seeing people with messed childhood trauma still being good people.
Ms. Millie you can write your ass off!!! That pen game. I love it a lot!!!!
"The book, centered around the intriguing character Morgan, a twin and a mistress, brims with untapped potential. Her encounter with Damion, a man scarred by a tumultuous past where he and his mother were targeted by his father, adds an edge to the narrative. Frustration ensues as Morgan's aspiration to study in Columbia is thwarted by the institution's disapproval of her occupation. Damion, in turn, proposes a unique solution: to become his submissive.
There is a sense of promise in the narrative, like a light waiting to shine brighter under the author's skillful touch. Despite the evident potential, the book might have benefited from a deeper exploration of the characters and their relationships. Millie’s writing is commendable, but one can't shake off the feeling that the book could have been more.
The plot could have been enriched by drawing out the scenes, creating more sensual and submissive encounters, and delving into the nuances of teaching submission. This would have added layers to the characters and made the narrative more engaging."
Morgan was so entitled. Her reasoning for going after Damien was just so stupid to me. She was willing to wait 30 days in the coffee shop of this mans office building for a chance meeting so that she can DEMAND he write her a letter of recommendation because she felt like HE OWES HER for calling her interviewer in the middle of her Admissions interview. Mind you, the interview was running LATE & going over the alotted time! Its not his fault he called when the interview was supposed to be over by then! Girl please. He doesn’t owe you squat!!! And if she had an issue with her rejection she should have taken that up with the school admissions office not the man that just so happened to call during her interview!!!! Only in the book world would someone be crazy enough to do something like this 🙄
Theres so many other things that bothered me in this book but I won’t go any further. I will gladly give this 1 ⭐️.
Trust me you will not be able to put this one down
I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read some more books by this author. Morgan went through so much and trying to impress her Dad to be raped by her Dad’s bestfriend. Imagine even after telling your dad he still didn’t believe you. Morgan wanted to get into Stanford law school and was rejected. She tracked down this billionaire who she thought was the reason she didn’t get in. Damien had stuff of his own when it came to his past so he made an agreement with Morgan to get her in to law school…This book was so good and I couldn’t put it down. 5 stars for sure
This was my first book from this author and I’m an audiobook “reader”.
The story had me and then lost my attention and then pulled me back in. So it was mostly good.
I did not see the plot twist with Sebastian at the end.
I hated and I mean HATED the audiobook being read by AI. It messed up several words but the way it read a main characters name - Sebastian, as say-bash-tay-on drove me insane. I wanted to throw my phone.
Didn’t hate it but didn’t love it although I can see why others do.
Millie B you will alway have a faithful fan in me 😭. Damien quickly became my man af which is a hard task because Kain is really my man my man, like my man 100 grand, however, Sean is also my man.
As it currently stands: 1. Kain 2. Damien 3. Sean
I love Sean real bad but Kain and Damien just have that extra sprinkle of "real nigga" that makes the world go round 😭. Sean's a real nigga too but calmy.
Anyways, I'm happy for Morgan, and was super pleased at this first read of 2024.
Millie Belizaire can do no wrong in my eyes. Every one of her books is interesting and tastefully smutty. Nobody does love better! I loved the relationship between Damien and Morgan. I wouldn’t mind a part 2 that further explores the relationship between Morgan and her father and what happens with Sebastien. And of course Damien’s and Morgan’s future. I’ll keep an eye out for the sequel!
I absolutely loved this story. I was not expecting the story to unfold how it did. Very surprised by Mr. Fine he was full of surprises. So was Morgan. I wish we would’ve learned more about her childhood with her dad and sister and mom I don’t remember anything about her mom. Wasn’t enough background in her childhood but everything else was amazing. Dr.Cross was pissin me off and I wanted to knock Sebastian out cold.
I felt bad when I learned Morgan’s true history but before that she was an annoying brat. Damien’s start was wild and the Sebastian confession didn’t make sense. Morgan’s dad is an awful human; he’s worst than Hershel or at least equally as horrid. Martina was a judgmental wretch.
Morgan was the one who was always in control! Dominating men along the way, who knew Damien would come along and bring out the submissive side that would be the balance and love she needs that is priceless! Who would have thought she would snag this billionaire?
I don't usually like all of the dominatrix stuff, but for this book it was key and the details provided was necessary, so it wasn't too much. This book was a little different than the other couple's story and I really liked that. But just like her other books, this one had me emotionally invested and mentally stimulated.
I first stumbled across FAST, then binged the Collide series and Garden of Eden. I just finished One Billion Reasons and I’m so absolute awe of this author’s pen game. This story kept me pe glued from start to finish and kept me up all night. I can’t wait to read another one of Millie’s books. Easy five star story.
So I have been waiting on Mr Fine’s story when he was introduced in Fast. I also read this story in installments when it was introduced in kindle Vella. It’s an absolute beautiful story and I enjoyed reading it again