Wicked Billionaire

by Stephanie Harrell

With a hardened heart and a soul filled with darkness, I’m convinced solitude is my only solace. Until I meet her.

Hazel has a gentle soul and unwavering principles. She’s nothing like the women that frequent my bed. She’s a bright light in my shadowed existence. Despite our age difference and the innocence that radiates from her, our mutual chemistry is undeniable. I find myself helplessly drawn to her intoxicating pull.

Yet, I can’t allow myself to embrace these feelings. Hazel deserves a life free from the reality of my grim existence.

However, fate has different plans in store.

An unforeseen event unravels the truth of my growing affection for Hazel and the weight of my desire threatens to consume both our worlds.

Haunted by my past I’m faced with an impossible choice. If I walk away then she’s safe from my darkness. If I stay, I risk everything, including her. One touch from me could forever shatter her innocent soul.

Author This is Jareth and Hazel's a grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance between a jaded, morally gray billionaire who thinks his soul is too dark to find happiness with his sweet plus-size assistant who believes that love can conquer all. If you read Second Chance for Mr. Alden, a loosely based Aladdin retelling, you may recognize Jareth as the villain of that story.

Genres: Romance, Plus Size, Contemporary, Spicy, Billionaire Romance

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2024

Reviews

[Judie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Wicked Billionaire" by Stephanie Harrell has a captivating storyline with complex characters. This is a tale of love, loyalty, and redemption set against the backdrop of a powerful billionaire’s dark past.

The story follows Hazel, a dedicated assistant to the enigmatic Jareth, who have both been attracted to each other for years. Things come to a head at the office Christmas party, but because of Jareths dark past and quest for revenge he pushes Hazel away. She is just as determined to show him what she knows they can have together and the feelings she knows he harbors for her.

He is so focused on revenge that he might lose the only thing that has rekindled any life in him. This puts Hazel in danger and he realizes he wants to keep her safe more than he wants revenge. When all the pieces fell into place, I was stunned. This was a first read of Harrell for me and it won’t be the last! I recommend this book for all of my romance girlies❤️

Tropes:

💌Billionaire
💌Age Gap
💌Workplace Romance
💌Plus-Size Heroine
💌Possessive Alpha
💌Opposites Attract
💌Found Family

#lovenotespr #stephanieharrell #wickedbillionaire #romance #romancebooks  #romancereads #bookish #bookstagram #author #romanceauthor #billionaire #agegap #workplaceromance #plussizeheroine #possessivealpha #oppositesattract #foundfamily

[Camela₊˚⊹♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

₊˚⊹♡ arc review

one thing I will say is that the beginning really threw me off it just felt like i missed something but other then that i reallly enjoyed this book. I loved most of the side characters they added so much to the story and I’m so obsessed with both Hazel and Jareth’s and i’m loved watching their relationship grow and develop.

Thank you Stephanie and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this arc!!!!

[❅ Karen ❅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off with the beginning threw me off. I felt as if I was missing such an important part of the story (something that only happened a few days before chapter 1).
The book follows sweet and spirited Hazel, the assistant of Jareth, the cold and vengeful billionaire. From the beginning, you can tell there is something going in between them but Jareth wants to keep his distance.
You slowly start to see the reason for who Jareth is, while you see Hazel trying to get close to him. The moment Jareth snaps was absolutely hilarious to me. Found Family is definitely a trope I would use in this book. And the ending was just as I expected, super cute and special. This book was so much more than the romance and I really enjoyed that.

🌶🌶.5/5

[Kim de Ville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Stephanie & her team for selecting me to ARC read this book!

I LOOOOOVED this one! This was everything I love in a Billionaire romance.

The characters and the storyline were well fleshed out, and the author had an exceptional way of keeping me interested as well as intruigued, from start to finish even duirng the beginning.

The story starts off where i'm assuming another book of hers finishes up, and Stephanie did an awesome job of giving us the relevant context of previous goings-on between the characters, as well as giving us a feel for the level of their already established connection, without having to go back and read the previous books where in which they had already briefly been introduced.

The plot twist toward the end get me gasping, and I felt well fed with how Hazel & Jareth's relationship developed and formed.

Can't wait to read more from this author as shes clearly well established, as well as comfortable and confident in herself as a writer... That aspect really shone through whilst reading!

Thank you again!

⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3/5

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC read.

A slow burn grumpy dark billionaire who fights his feelings for his sunshine assistant. Chuck in some spice (not till past the 50% way through the book mark) and a murder mystery and it's a pretty good read. Definitely set up for spin of sequels which I think I'd be up for reading.

[Laramie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ: Wicked Billionaire
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ: Stephanie Harrell
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐⭐⭐⭐•5
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ:
First, I wanna thank Stephanie and the Love Notes PR for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review, and here goes said review.

I have to admit tho, the first chapter had me reeling and cross-checking to make sure I didn't miss a prologue or something, lol, but getting to the middle of it, things became easier to grasp and then, I was flowing really well.

I love and admire Hazel's persistence and determination to prove to Jareth that they were a perfect fit together (which indeed was SO FREAKING true!) and Jareth's reluctance as well as his reasons for wanting the distance between them was very understandable, rather than annoying. He was worried about her safety amidst thinking that she deserved better than him and what he had to offer her instead of realizing that only he could truly love her right.

But we have to thank Jess for that sneaky little push she gave him, lmao. It was hilarious and damn smart.

From there on, things between them were set properly into motion and I got to see their attraction and feelings towards one another blossom into a love SO beautiful and fierce it withstood everything else they had to conquer together. And that major plot twist at the end? Blew my freaking mind! 🤯

I bring this review to a close with this: zaddy Jareth Vizier is BAE! 😭😫 His possessive alpha vibes was just 🔥🔥! I'll also take a moment to applaud Stephanie Harrell for her brilliant writing style and even though this is the first book of hers I'm reading, I'm already hooked and I'm looking forward to the next book in the Wicked series. 🫶🏼❤️✨

☙ 𝑳𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒆

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC Review
So let me start off by saying the beginning of this book kind of thew me, it felt life I missed a step or a chapter. The book kind starts off as if you are just walking into a personal private conversation between two people. Out side of that if was a solid read..




Tropes:

Billionaire, Age Gap, Workplace Romance, Plus-Size Heroine, Morally Gray Hero, Possessive Alpha, Villain inspired, Bad Boy, Opposite Attract, Found Family

Blurb:

With a hardened heart and a soul filled with darkness, I’m convinced solitude is my only option. Until I meet her.

Hazel has a gentle soul and unwavering principles. She’s nothing like the women that frequent my bed. She’s a bright light in my shadowed existence. Despite our age difference and the innocence that radiates from her, our mutual chemistry is undeniable. I find myself helplessly drawn to her intoxicating pull.

Yet, I can’t allow myself to embrace these feelings. Hazel deserves a life free from the reality of my grim existence.

However, fate has different plans in store.

An unforeseen event unravels the truth of my growing affection for Hazel and the weight of my desire threatens to consume both our worlds.

Haunted by my past I’m faced with an impossible choice. If I walk away then she’s safe from my darkness. If I stay, I risk everything, including her. One touch from me could forever shatter her innocent soul.

[Liberty · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up.

I have mixed feelings about this one. I really liked the plot, it was exciting and kept me reading. Jareth, the MMC, was dark, mysterious, and protective, leaving me waiting to know every detail of his past.

Hazel, the FMC, however, was not for me. It could just be personal preference, but I didn’t particularly like her. I liked her with Jareth and the relationship they created, just not on her own.

That being said, I would read more of Harrell’s work in the future as I enjoyed how fun and easy it was.

Thank you Love Notes PR for the eARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

[GenReadThis · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ e-ARC review ✨

This billionaire workplace romance from Stephanie Harrell ticked all the boxes for a thoroughly entertaining read. From a sassy heroine who doesn't take no for an answer to a tortured billionaire intent on righting the wrongs done to him & his family - the chemistry between Hazel & Jareth grabs you from the first page.

I loved to see Hazel's support system and how the ladies in her life rallied around her. Her relationship with her grandmother was a particular highlight - especially when Jareth had to undergo her inquisition. 😂

The murder mystery woven throughout the book kept me hooked and that final betrayal had me gasping.

This is definitely one to add to your TBR.

Wicked Billionaire is available on @amazonkindle unlimited on 27 April 2024.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wicked Billionaire is the first book in the Wicked series, though familiar faces from Stephanie's other books make an appearance. The story follows Jareth, a brooding billionaire who has convinced himself that love isn't an option for him. But when his kind, confident, plus-size assistant Hazel insists they’re meant to be together, his carefully built walls start to crumble. Jareth’s dark past and possessive nature create obstacles that could either tear them apart or bring them closer.

So, this genre: I’ve read similar books before, but this one definitely took things a step further! The writing style was smooth and easy to read, making it a quick and engaging book. However, the story had its highs and lows.

The story throws you straight into the action, almost as if a chapter is missing. At times, it felt like the author tried to do a little too much with this book. Jareth’s actions were often way over the top: he wasn’t even in a relationship with Hazel yet but still trashed his entire apartment because she went on a date with someone else? And then he just whisks her away to Bali for a week without asking, even though she planned to spend Christmas with her family? Major red flags.

That said, the characters grew on me as the story progressed. I really liked Hazel, and it was refreshing to see a plus-size FMC! The spice was well-written and definitely delivered. One of the book’s highlights is its side characters: Hazel’s support system, especially her grandmother, was heartwarming and added a lot of charm.

Overall, this was a fun dive into the genre, and I’m definitely curious about book two. Hopefully, the "morally grey" MMC will be a little less extreme next time!

[skyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I want to say a huge thank you to Love Notes PR for giving me this opportunity to ARC read Wicked Billionaire by Stephanie Harrell

✨RATING✨
✨✨✨/5
🌶️🌶️/5

✨REVIEW✨
I haven’t read anything by Stephanie Harrell yet so this was my first time. I really enjoyed it!

The plot was unexpected I’m not going to lie. She (Hazel) was Jereths assistant and she had had a crush on him for the 3 years they’d worked together and he was attracted to her but didn’t know the full extent of that attraction.

I’m actually very surprised with how the last few chapters went because although I was suspecting something might happen I wasn’t expecting that.

The main characters are really fun. It’s a sunshine x grumpy book which is one of my favourite tropes but I love how hazel may have been a sunshine she was comfortable enough with Jereth that she didn’t find the need to hide what she wanted.

She was upfront with him compared to how with others she kinda just helps them and doesn’t tell them how she’s feeling. I also really liked jereth.

At the start I wasn’t to sure if I did like him cause he was very forceful in a sense and didn’t care to much about what she wanted. He kinda just decided what would happen and expected her to just follow along.

But overall I’ll definitely be checking out Stephanie’s other work as I enjoyed this one and I really liked her writing style! Just a small little thing this book did take me a while to get through and I’m not to sure why. I think I might have just been distracted but it did take me longer than usual.

[Raquel Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

"(...) i choose to be happy. I choose not to let the dark shadows invade or settle within me. I choose to live the life i do. I've been through enough teraphy to know everything is a choice. Nothing about you or who you are can change who i am fundamentally."

"(...) grief is lifelong. We never get over losing someone we love."

"You always have a choice."

✨ arc ✨

This book captivated me from the start with its refreshing approach to relationships (in a world where it's almost halfway through the book before one of the characters realizes they like the other, knowing from the star that they like each other, was kind of breath of fresh air).

The chemistry between Hazel and Jareth is palpable, and I appreciated the comedic moments that brought levity to the story. Hazel's fearlessness and Jareth's protective nature create a compelling dynamic, and watching their relationship evolve was rewarding.

I liked all the mystery surrounding Jareth's father's death, and I think the ending was the happily ever after they deserved ❤️‍🩹

Thank you, Stephanie Harrel and Love Notes PR for the ARC.

Read this if you like:
• dual pov
• workplace romance
• grumpy/sunshine
• she puts him in his place
• found family
• no third act breakup

[Jadin Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good billionaire trope! Stephanie, I loved this book! I read it as a stand-alone which was perfect. I loved Jareth and Hazel.
I love an independent woman who knows what she wants. I also love the banter that they had in their work to personal relationship. Hazel just knew what she wanted and went for it, she didn’t take no for an answer and made Jareth come to understand that maybe he wasn’t the bad guy after all. I was not expecting the plot twist at the end of the book at all. To be fair I was also totally wrapped up in the relationship they had and how things were unfolding so it was perfect.
I loved how Jareth was brooding and stuck on seeking revenge but would do anything for Hazel. He went out of his way for her. He remembered her favourite things when she thought he didn’t notice and brought out the goodness in him.
One of my favourite characters though might have been gran. Oh I loved her! Her support for her granddaughter and her don’t take “crap” for an answer. She was so straight to the point and made Jareth sweat, I loved it!

I loved this book!

[Febe44 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Right from the beginning i knew i wouldn’t like it. The book started like in the middle of the story and i had to check a few times if there was a book prior to this one, but there wasn’t so i was a bit confused. The story was difficult to get into and i didn’t like either of the main characters. First of all the mmc’s name is Jareth with “th” at the end like are you for real? Secondly he constantly pushed her away as he felt he was not good enough for her and because he wanted to find his father’s murderer. Thirdly he was just an asshole and they didn’t have any chemistry. Furthermore she forgave him so easily all of the time and it became so tiring. AND OF COURSE SHES A VIRGIN. Like did we expect anything else? Lastly i think that the ending was a bit rushed and it was just a bit all over the place.

[Cloey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. I love the workplace romance trope!!! The only bad thing I can say about this book was that I didn’t like how the female main character had been pining over the male main character for a long time, I just don’t really like that kind of trope. But it wasn’t over exaggerated so it didn’t affect my reading enough to stop.

I did love how it was dual pov, that is definitely my favorite way to read romance books!!!! And I also loved Gran’s character, her energy was just chefs kiss.🤌🤌🤣 The last thing that I will say is that I loved the support the female main character got from all her friends because one of my least favorite things to read is when the friends are rude and don’t really care for one another.

So all in all, this book was amazing and you just need to add it to your growing TBR!! 🤭

[Georgina Lamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting this book to be heavily focused on the spice but it was more plot focused which I loved (obviously included a lot of spice tho which I also loved). I loved the short chapters in this book, it made it so easy to pick up on the go and put down without having to worry about ending the read mid chapter. the last 15% had me so gripped I couldn’t put it down. it was so tense but the ending was perfect

It was heavily focused on christmas theming too which is hard to connect with in the middle of the year but it was nice to be reminded of christmas activities.

the one thing I wished we knew more about at the beginning was the christmas party. I felt that this was a missed opportunity to expand on the storyline more and show the prior connection Jareth and Hazel shared.

[Reads With S ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
billionaire - workplace romance - age gap - plus size fmc - possessive mmc - slow burn - found family

ARC read! Thank you for the opportunity!

this book was good. it took me awhile to get into, because of the beginning. i felt like i was missing a huge chunk of the story, but about half way through, i couldn’t put it down, which is why it’s a 4 ⭐️ instead of lower. the beginning had a lot of potential, but it was hard to get into with feeling like there was a large piece missing.

about 50% through is where things really started to pick up. it turned out to be SUCHHHHH a good book at that point. all the twists & turns, and the ending?? 😩 i do recommend it, just get through the first bit of it without dnf it.

[Yeimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

Wicked Billionaire is a CEO/Assistant romance, featuring Jareth Vizier the CEO, and his assistant Hazel Finley. They both have feelings for each other and while Hazel is unafraid to admit her feelings, Jareth denies his to protect Hazel from his past and his current self.

The book is not only romance, it’s a murder mystery too! Jareth is on the hunt for the people behind his father’s murder. Made to look like a suicide, Jareth immediately knew his father would not take his life and has been on a decade long journey to find the killer with his uncle Terri. There is a MAJOR twist towards the end which I won’t spoil but just know that it’s always the person you least expect. 👀🤭

Back to Hazel and Jareth’s romance-
Hazel’s home floods and Jareth swoops in and tells her to move in with him while they fix her home, however, he starts to realize that he loves living with her but still doesn’t accept his feelings. That is until, Hazel accepts to go on a date and someone *cough* Jareth *cough* loses their fcking mind and books a last minute “work” trip to Bali with Hazel. There, their relationship blooms and they are officially together although Jareth sees it as temporary bc he convinces himself that he’s bad for her, but Hazel does everything she can to show him that they’re good for each other. They spend Christmas there and there’s also lots of FaceTimes with Hazel’s grandma and some spicy scenes 😏.

After the murder revelation and the kidnapping, Hazel and Jareth are stronger than ever and the epilogue was 🥰🥰🥰.

I’m a big fan of billionaire romances and this was definitely one of the best I’ve read in a long while. Thank you so much to love notes and Stephanie Harrell for allowing me to read it!

Definitely recommend it, go give it a read, you won’t be disappointed!!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by this author. Really well written story about a Curvy, bubbly assistant who is in love with her boss. It takes a jealousy for him to realise what's right in front of him, but will he let his revenge for his father's death come between his happiness.
I love the ending, great way to end the story but also leaving me wanting more.

[Reagan Slinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!
I am always a fan of work place romances and this book fulfilled my exact needs for this trope. Having the grumpy/sunshine romance incorporated between these characters also enhanced the story for me. At the beginning, I did feel that I was missing out on the backstory of some important aspects within this book. But overall, this was an amazing story!

[Kay Hertz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot: 2 📍
Spice: 2🌶️
Overall: 2⭐

Omigosh. I wanted to love this book. I wanted to just kick my feet up in the air and hold back those warm, fuzzy giggles. And I tried re-rereading it a second time to see if my original opinion improved.

It did not.

This book was, in a word, boring. By page 218 of 360, I gave up thinking the story would improve. Nothing was happening. Yes, the simpering spineless try-hard of an FMC who’d been pursuing her simply rude-AF jerk of an MMC for YEARS finally got some. Yes it took the MMC overhearing a conversation of her gal-pals getting FMC to agree to a date with someone else. But what does he do? He takes her away from her favorite people during her favorite holiday to traipse after the absolute flimsiest of leads on the source of his own childhood trauma rather than doing something SHE would enjoy.

He supposedly doesn’t know taking the FMC away from her friends and family during her favorite holiday would be absolutely devastating for her. Even though he can hack into her phone, delete contacts, knows everything every about her from all the conversations he’s memorized over the past few years?

Sorry, not buying it. And what does our FMC do? Does she stick up for herself? Does she actually put him in his place? Nope. She rolls over and just goes with the flow. Makes a comment some would call cute while I’d call it naive.

There’s just too much that doesn’t make sense, isn’t appealing to me. The title is “Wicked” Billionaire. But I see less Wicked and more “Entitled.” or "Childish." Neither exactly appealing qualities in an MMC.

Who works as a personal assistant for a billionaire financial CEO but wears blue jeans and a sweatshirt to the office (when it’s not some crunchy tech company?) Just no.

But I genuinely hope you enjoy it more than I did.

This was an advance copy where I had the chance to read a new author and this is my unbiased review and I waited as long as possible to post my review.

[Alexis Thrower · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 3🌶️

Tropes:
🔥 Billionaire
🔥 Age Gap
🔥 Worplace Romance
🔥 Plus-Size Heroine
🔥 Possessive Alpha
🔥 Opposites Attract
🔥 Found Family

I absolutely LOVED this books so much! I could not put it down! This book is everything you could ask for!

This is a grumpy sunshine workplace romance! This is the first book in a new series! Jareth is a morally grey MMC and Hazel is a cinnamon roll FMC! The growth of Jareth throughout the book is perfect! The loyalty of Hazel and the overprotectiveness of Jareth is absolutely amazing and makes this book so much better. You will not want to put this book down! This book does continue from another story, but we are given all of the details that we need so you don’t feel so lost in the story! This book is definitely worth the read!

Thank you @lovenotes.pr and @stephanieharrellauthor for the opportunity to read an ARC of Wicked Billionaire!

[Cindy Meadors · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Wicked Billionaire. I enjoyed the story and loved the chemistry between Jarreth and Hazel. I was a little confused when the book started because I felt like I was missing some of the backstory. After a couple chapters I was able to understand what was going on. Hazel works for her boss, Jarreth (she has feelings for him). Hazel has a plumbing issue at her house and has to move in with Jarreth until it is resolved. Jarreth realizes he has feelings for Hazel but doesn’t want to bring her into his dark past. Grumpy/Sunshine, age gap, close proximity, and boss/assistant.

[Courtney Riggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! The characters were so flushed out and the plot had me engaged the entire time. It was such a fun and quick read for me! Part of the book also takes place in Bali which is one of my favorite places ever.

One note is that this book is set during Christmas time so if you’re someone who enjoys reading those type of books around the holidays I would definitely add this to your list! Definitely add this book to your TBR!!

Thank you so much to Love Notes PR & Stephanie Harrell for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[MN Book Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Harrell starts her new series with a bang!

We all know the story of how the hero gets their happy ending but what about the morally grey guys? Hazel sees Jareth as such a man and likes him despite his faults; something he doesn't seem to get. He also knows sweet Hazel has no place in his world of revenge and wants her as far away from it as possible. Jealousy is terrible and Jareth goes to extreme lengths when he thinks she is out on dates.

Including whisking her away to Bali over Christmas, her favorite holiday, to avoid a set-up by Hazel's friend. Jareth's also out for revenge against his father's death and has a lead that may pan out. Just as things seem to be coming together, the real person behind it all shows their true colors and Hazel's life is in danger.

Jareth and Hazel get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.

I loved the hero's stories that Harrell wrote so it's interesting to come back to this world and the morally grey characters here. I think I missed a few in the previous series and need to go back to them to see Jareth's first appearance. Beyond that, I loved how Hazel had an inkling of what Jareth was capable of and still loved him and only wanted to curb the more extreme boughs of revenge he had.

I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Juni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐

Wicked Billionaire was a fun read!
I enjoyed Hazel and Jareth’s story, I absolutely loved watching their relationship grow and evolve. Hazel and Jareth’s story shows that love can truly conquer all.
The ending was so sweet and beautiful, it was perfect!

Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read Wicked Billionaire Stephanie Harrell & Love Notes PR

[Ormarr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️ ─=≡Σ((( つ＞＜)つ

Tropes

Billionaire
Age Gap (¬‿¬)
Workplace Romance
Plus-Size Heroine (≧◡≦) ♡
Morally Gray Hero („ಡωಡ„)
Possessive Alpha
Villain inspired ( ´ ▽ ` ).｡ｏ♡
Bad Boy
Opposite Attract (^‿^✿)
Found Family ( ˘ ³˘)♥︎

Summary

With a hardened heart and a soul filled with darkness, I’m convinced solitude is my only option. Until I meet her.

Hazel has a gentle soul and unwavering principles. She’s nothing like the women that frequent my bed. She’s a bright light in my shadowed existence. Despite our age difference and the innocence that radiates from her, our mutual chemistry is undeniable. I find myself helplessly drawn to her intoxicating pull.

Yet, I can’t allow myself to embrace these feelings. Hazel deserves a life free from the reality of my grim existence.

However, fate has different plans in store.

An unforeseen event unravels the truth of my growing affection for Hazel and the weight of my desire threatens to consume both our worlds.

Haunted by my past I’m faced with an impossible choice. If I walk away then she’s safe from my darkness. If I stay, I risk everything, including her. One touch from me could forever
___________________________________________

Hi! \(^ヮ^)
ARC Reader here!

P.S.
Do keep in mind that this is an opinionated review, and is not meant to offend anyone (」°ロ°)」, if it does, then my apologies (｡•́︿•̀｡), and grow some balls (눈_눈)


__________________________________〆(￣ー￣ )
Here’s the deal, the most I’ll give it is like 3.4/5. Because, this story mentally challenged my patience and gave me semi permanent brain damage from trying to understand the plot( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°) and make sense as to what part of the book I was thrown into, ESPECIALLY, at the beginning (ಡ‸ಡ). The first 3 chapters in itself go straight into the story so quick , you’d think you’ve already read 5-10 chapters, but no (ﾒ﹏ﾒ). You read three chapters in and we’re already approaching the main plot one of the book. ლ(ಠ_ಠ ლ)

(⌐■_■) Simply put, It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t good either(￣ω￣;). It’s more a deal of preference, but simply was not for me ┐(￣～￣)┌

BUT! The author did a really good job in opening up about plus size females, the hardships and self esteem the fact. (=^ ◡ ^=)That in my opinion was something very out the norm-you dint see it often- and I liked that.

As for the smut... (¬‿¬) 3.9/5 ⭐️ was good, not bad (っ˘з(˘⌣˘ )

HOWEVER! I’d recommend you take a look at other reviews and maybe even try out the book yourself! (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
See how it goes for you! (￣▽￣)

That'll be it for my review I hope it helped!
╰( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )つ──☆*:・ﾟ

ALSO, Thank you Love Notes PR for the e-ARC!
(〜￣▽￣)〜

[Megan Snyder · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

I really wanted to like this book and had really high hopes for it. The synopsis sounded amazing, I loved the suspense aspect of the storyline, about certain things in the story I did not like.

The story begins where the previous book left off, which was a steamy kiss at a holiday party. Jareth tells Hazel that he is not good for her and she deserves better than him, that there could be nothing between the two of them. She believes she is right for him and continues to pursue a relationship with Jareth, but his mind is on finding his father's killer, not to start any kind of relationship where he can't commit or give her what she needs. He never sees women past the first date and didn't want to do the same to Hazel.

When Hazel's home floods, Jareth moves her into his home until renovations are complete. He had a soft spot for Hazel, even if he had a difficult time admitting it. The tension continues as she stays in his home and on one night, he overhears a conversation between her and her friends who convince her that if he isn't willing to try with her, that he isn't worth her continuing. She reluctantly agrees and decides to be set up on a date with someone her friend knows. Jareth is then sent into a blind rage where he DESTROYS his study and gets so drunk he passes out on the floor. Um... this is how a grown ass adult is supposed to act? He blows up her phone, has someone track her cellphone to see where she is, then proceeds to blow up the phone of the friend she's staying with.

Jareth was so jealous he reaches out to the man and tells him that Hazel will not be going on the date with him and to stay away from Hazel, then books a flight to Bali for him and Hazel to follow up on a lead on who killed his father. On this trip, he decides that he is willing to try to have a relationship with Hazel, then turns around and tells her that he doesn't want to pursue anything, then when he sees her crying, he retracts the statement and wants to stay with her. WHAT?

I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story, finding out who killed his father and who betrayed Jareth himself. Jareth is able to turn his life around, not blinded by a murderous rage and is willing to let his father's killer be prosecuted instead of killed.

Once again, I really wanted to like this book. I had high hopes but it just wasn't for me.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review/book recommendation💵🥀:

Wicked billionaire by @Stephanie Harrell
Book Number five of the pit stop series

Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Topics throughout the book are:
💵boss/assistant relationship
🥀grumpy sunshine
💵villain inspired story
🥀age gap
💵 dual POVs
🥀 plus-size heroine

Summary💵🥀:
Hazel Finley is a 26 year-old with the kindest heart who makes everyone that she meets instantly love her. She was taken from her parents at the age of 6 and has been living with her grandmother ever since. Hazel is the assistant to Jareth Viriez, a grumpy billionaire, who builds his wealth by buying businesses that are run illegally. He is seeking revenge on his father's death. Since his passing, Jareth stopped measuring his life in happy moments and only looked forward to accomplishments and revenge. His life taught him to keep everything close and not to trust anyone. He can't be his true self with anyone other than Hazel, which he tries to push away in order to protect her. Will Jareth let go of his revenge and finally find happiness with Hazel?  Will he finally find out who killed his father? Read to find out! 
 
I would like to thank Love Notes PR and Stephanie Harrell for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review! This romance novel was very different from what I'm used to reading  but very good. The main male character is very protective but also closed off and you slowly witness his soft side come to light throughout the book. The relationship between Hazel and her grandmother had me in awe and their conversations had me laughing. The story also had a mystery side to it and kept you engaged and wondering what truly happened to Jareth's father! If you like a grumpy sunshine billionaire with some smut then this is a book for you!

Release date: April 27, 2024

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from page one and kept me reading long after I should have been in bed. Danger, romance, and sizzling chemistry? Yes, please! Stephanie does it again, delivering a workplace romance with an irresistible edge that had me completely enthralled. I adored her Curvy Ever After series, and this feels like the start of another great adventure. Though there is no denying Jareth and Hazel’s chemistry, Jareth, the brooding hero, consumed by his quest to find his father’s killer, has no time for romance, or at least, that’s what he tells himself. But Hazel? Oh, I loved Hazel. Sweet, sassy, and sharp as a tack, she’s no pushover. I loved the way she stood up to Jareth, and their banter was hilarious at times. Jareth might be a cold, closed-off grump, but his fierce protectiveness of Hazel reveals layers that will make you swoon. What I absolutely adored was Hazel’s unwavering ability to see all of Jareth—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and love him anyway. And when forced into close quarters after Hazel’s home is flooded, the tension is dialed up to max. Jareth’s refusal to admit his feelings pushes Hazel to join a dating site, and let’s just say... Jareth doesn’t take it well, prompting a whirlwind business trip to Bali to sabotage her potential date. I mean, how could you not be glued to the pages? And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Stephanie delivers a twist you won’t see coming as the mystery of the murderer is revealed. However, I can’t wrap this up without a shoutout to Hazel’s gran, whose unwavering support of Hazel and her laugh-out-loud interrogation of Jareth brought warmth and humor to every scene she was in. If you love romance with an edge, intrigue, and characters who leap off the page, this is an absolute must-read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.