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Contemporary Erotic Romance - Suitable only for readers 18+ years and older due to explicit sexual content.

Maribel Martinez has worked at the department store for as long as she can remember. She loves selling expensive pieces of jewelry without ever daring to wish to receive something so beautiful for herself. But on the night before Valentine's Day, everything changes when Maribel assists the building owner, Miles Braxton-Worth, with a luxury purchase. Was it just her imagination, or did he feel their mysterious connection, too? Will Maribel be willing to relinquish her mind, body, and soul to the enigmatic billionaire for the chance to be the woman special enough in his eyes to receive his priceless gifts? Will he accept her love for free, or will she be the one to pay the ultimate price?

Billionaire real estate tycoon Miles Braxton-Worth has carefully watched Maribel Martinez work in the department store of his downtown property for years without ever approaching her--until now. It's the night before Valentine's Day, and Miles decides to pursue the only woman in the world who has the power to save him from himself, and he's bought her the most expensive necklace in the jewelry case--just to prove it. But will she accept him? Or will his attempts to buy her love cost him something even more priceless?

Please note that all of Ms. Hawthorne's billionaire romances are stand-alone novels set in Chicago with minor subplots and secondary characters that intersect, but each book can be read and enjoyed in any order.

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2014

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467 people want to read

About the author

Aria Hawthorne

12 books291 followers

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Also, she loves to receive comments about her books from her readers on her official Facebook author page.

Bestselling author Aria Hawthorne loves writing about billionaire men who lavish their women with expensive jewelry and ravish them like queens in bed. Her new schmexy romantic comedy, HOT MESS LOVE ❤︎, is coming Oct 15, 2019. She was named by Amazon US and UK as a Top 100 "Most Read" Kindle "All-Star" author. Her CHICAGO BILLIONAIRES - Contemporary Romance Series Boxed Set includes all of her bestselling billionaire romances. Once upon a time, she lived in the grand lakefront city of Chicago; now, like a forlorn lover, she simply yearns for the day when she can return to it.

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5 stars
372 (30%)
4 stars
392 (31%)
3 stars
296 (24%)
2 stars
118 (9%)
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50 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews225 followers
April 18, 2015
I purchased a copy of this some time ago and then promptly forgot it was in my Kindle app. The other day I was looking for something new to read and came across it. I thought why not? I'm glad I did.

This is a light, but beautiful, romantic read. It is a standalone, so if cliffhangers bother you, this will be right up your alley. The two main characters were well written and I felt like I got into their motivations very well. It's a fairly typical story, rich man falls in love with a beautiful common woman, but the reason these stories are so popular is because they work so well. 

Maribel is a wonderful sweet woman, who is just trying to make it by paycheck to paycheck in her department store job. Miles is a billionaire who is fed up with the shallowness of his life. He yearns for something real, someone real. He has been keeping his eye on the beautiful store clerk for a long time, but never took action. I don't think he thought he was good enough for her. I don't think he wanted to sully her with his lifestyle, but that all changes one Valentine's Day. 

Miles has recently broken up with one more in a string of heartless women, women who are only interested in what he could do for them. He decides to finally take the plunge and speak to Maribel. What follows is a whirlwind relationship that takes them both by surprise. The sex scenes are very well written and hotter than hell. It is definitely a book for adults only.

There is nothing earth shattering in this book, but if you are looking for a sweet romance, one with no cliffhanger, then you certainly can't go wrong with this book. 
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,161 reviews11 followers
June 12, 2017
ARC Review of Priceless by Aria Hawthorne

Another great read by Aria ! I was lucky enough to get to read an advanced reader copy as part of the Chicago Billionaires series. Each book was SO outstanding ...

In Priceless we meet Miles & Maribel they come from very different worlds. Miles found success & made his billions in Chicago real-estate. On the outside it seems like Miles has it all - all the trappings that define wealth & success. He has become disillusioned & somewhat jaded .... Maribel has been pretty much a loner most of her young life the product of a single parent household. She is a shop girl - working in retail at Fields Dept store having worked her way up to fine jewelry. What she doesn't know is that Miles has been watching her from afar & for many years. A few days before Valentines Day Miles decides it's time to seek Maribel out under the guise of needing her assistance with making a jewelry purchase she thinks is for his girlfriend. Little does she know the gift is for her & what ensues are several romantic encounters as they slowly get to know each other. Maribel is in no means impressed by Miles wealth - she is however somewhat intimidated by all his wealth & success. All she wants however is for him to be happy during the time they spend together.
This is such a touching story ! I loved every minute of it and could not put it down. Aria writes very true to life romance with that bit of escapism !! 5 stars for this fabulous read - a reminder that love in and of itself is truly Priceless ❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kimberly .
927 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2014
Rubies are for passion...

Liked the story. Gillian is a great villain and liked seeing her get screwed. (muah hahaha) Loved Miles line at the end of the story. would read additional books from Aria.
53 reviews
March 6, 2014
This was a cute and light love story. The chemistry between Maribel and Miles was great.There is so much that can be said through the eyes but you have to find the right person to truly understand you. I love that they found that in each other their own form of redemption.
Profile Image for Helen.
49 reviews
August 19, 2014
A Steamy Version of Shop Girl

A Steamy Version of Shop Girl

This story is an erotic version of Steve Martin's Shop Girl. It is an entertaining yet predictable read. I felt the end was a little rushed and wanted the "villain" to have a little more of a set down.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
31 reviews
September 3, 2014
Not a fan of this book at all. Talk about moving way to quickly! Not believable. Not relateable. I almost didn't want to finish the book. Good thing I got the book for free otherwise I would have asked for a refund.
Profile Image for Nightbird Novels.
1,138 reviews25 followers
May 21, 2017
Miles Braxton-Worth has been watching Maribel Martinez from afar... she is a shop girl in a department store in his work building. On Valentines Day Eve he decides to finally approach her.

Maribel knows who Miles Braxton-Worth is... everyone who works in her building does... but the fact that he knows her... by name? That was not something she was expecting.

With their fantastic chemistry and undeniable attraction, they both head for an intense weekend of getting to know each other... but when Valentines Day is over and their real world starts interfering, will what they have found in each other withstand the differences in their lives?

Once again, this was a amazing story. I love that Miles doesn't care or really even notice the differences in his and Maribel's means and existences. He is into her and wants to spoil her and all he can hope is that she lets him. Maribel is wary of Miles and if his feelings for are indeed genuine. She doesn't want him to feel like he needs to buy her and she isn't dazzled by all of his money, she just likes him for who he is and can't seem to keep herself from giving into him repeatedly.

Miles and Maribel have some hot and steamy sex, a fast whirlwind romance and after it all, you find they have an even deeper meaning and understanding that they share.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

Check out the Blog!

https://nightbirdnovels.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Estella.
436 reviews14 followers
May 15, 2017
Maribel Martinez has worked at the department store for as long as she can remember. She loves selling expensive pieces of jewelry without ever daring to wish to receive something so beautiful for herself. But on the night before Valentine's Day, everything changes when Maribel assists the building owner, Miles Braxton-Worth, with a luxury purchase. Was it just her imagination, or did he feel their mysterious connection, too? Will Maribel be willing to relinquish her mind, body, and soul to the enigmatic billionaire for the chance to be the woman special enough in his eyes to receive his priceless gifts? Will he accept her love for free, or will she be the one to pay the ultimate price?

Billionaire real estate tycoon Miles Braxton-Worth has carefully watched Maribel Martinez work in the department store of his downtown property for years without ever approaching her--until now. It's the night before Valentine's Day, and Miles decides to pursue the only woman in the world who has the power to save him from himself, and he's bought her the most expensive necklace in the jewelry case--just to prove it. But will she accept him? Or will his attempts to buy her love cost him something even more priceless?

Awesome! Another great read in a great series! I am still in love with this series and Aria! This is a must read series! Don't sleep on these great books!
Profile Image for Margaret.
2,652 reviews12 followers
May 19, 2017
Excellent contemporary billionaire romance. Miles was an excellent student and became a millionaire in his early 20's. He worked and played hard all while making more and more money. Maribel has worked at his department store, since she was a teenager, for a decade now. She has worked hard, often staying late or coming in early. During that time she moved up into more difficult positions as Miles stayed in the background watching to see if she's stay true to her dedication, she did. Their relationship takes a sudden change. There are ups and downs as well as personal hardships that make these two main characters come together and work on a relationship. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. This book is part of the: Chicago Billionaires set. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Hawthorne.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,002 reviews798 followers
May 8, 2017
A billionaire who wants to buy me clothes, jewelry and have hot sexy times, you say? Yep, sign me up! I'm going to steal a label from a friend of mine (Erika) and say these billionaire stories are brain candy for me. It's like a modern day Cinderella story where the prince swoops in and takes the overworked princess and puts her in a life of luxury. Miles wasn't a completely likable character in the beginning, but once he got the kahuna's to pursue Maribel, she showed him what life could be. She took a jaded billionaire and taught him kindness and selflessness. There are a few bumps in the road with some other woman drama but I loved how Miles handles it. Lovely story!
Profile Image for Terry.
1,497 reviews
November 30, 2017
Maribel has worked at a department store for the last 10 years with the last 8 in the fine jewelry department. Then the day before Valentine’s Day, Miles (the billionaire who works upstairs) comes to her counter and asks her out. The chemistry between them is undeniable but their worlds are very different ... will they be able to overcome the differences?

Although the premise of the book is good, I found it a little cheesy at times ... but the sex scenes were HOT and made up for It!

I received a copy courtesy of French Kiss Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Villere.
1,400 reviews6 followers
December 21, 2017
Bring on the next Billionaire!

This is Priceless, book three of the Chicago Billionaires series written by Aria Hawthorne. I’m enjoying this series. Each one of these books is a fresh story line with a new set of star crossed lovers. In this one we meet Maribel Martinez who has worked in the department store for 10 years. She gets to meet Miles Braxton-Worth, who has had his eye on her. Sparks fly and so do the clothes! Another great book!
Profile Image for Mary R. Soto.
284 reviews11 followers
March 17, 2018
Oh, my goodness, Brax, my beautiful man.
I loved that man, people. I loved him.

This was a precious book. I really enjoyed it.
I felt Maribel and Brax's connection.
I cried my eyes out at the end of the book.
I loved every chapter and the jewls, of course ♥

5 stars.
Profile Image for Christine Townes.
689 reviews10 followers
December 19, 2016
Short

It was good but short. I like the chemistry between the two. I felt at times things were rushed it would've been great if the author would have drawn it out longer
3 reviews
May 11, 2017
I absolutely loved this story. It was a sweet story and a quick read.
Gillian is a great villain . Miles and Maribel are a great couple and would love to see what happens with them in he future.
Profile Image for Jacqui Foster.
987 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2018
Another good read from this author, the story of Miles and Maribel, it was all going so well then Gillian had to get involved.
1,465 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2019
It was your typical love story. Maribel and Miles dealing with people who did not care for them like they thought; only what they could give them.
Profile Image for Jodie Lauren.
1,953 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2020
Shop girl Maribel is shocked when handsome billionaire Miles purchases a necklace and then gifts it to her. The chemistry is there but is it all a bit much?

Bit too much, too soon for me!

Xx
1,092 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2020
Actually a 3.5

I liked the main characters quite a bit and even though it seemed fast the author provides a good back story to help.
Profile Image for Dena.
1,232 reviews13 followers
September 30, 2016
Cute story. I just went AWH and the end
Profile Image for Judith.
1,226 reviews
June 2, 2015
A trip down memory lane

There is no doubt that this is a marvelous romantic novel. That it takes place largely in the context of a city I view as extremely present in my younger years makes it e end better. I was visiting Chicago the summer before Marshall Field ceased to exist and it became Macy's. Wrapped up in my upset that a Chicago icon was soon to be no more was my own anger that a place that had dominated the business life of this unique city was soon to be gone and with it any further chance to revisit my own personal memories created there. The heroine in this story certainly embodied the business attitude of Mr. Fields when he told all his employees to "give the lady what she wants." This mindset is very Mich evident in the was she worked hard to be an excellent sales associate that could be relied upon to get the job done. The hero was a business mogul who finally came to realize that money and power, while in and of themselves are seductive lovers, can never keep your heart whole or provide the deep satisfaction one experiences through a soul connection with another person. It is a story that embraces disparity socially while affirming the equality of value in all people. It is a romance involving people who seek relevance and an authentic sense of worth and lifts up the value of looking beyond the trappings of wealth or the lack thereof and finding the kind of love that nourishes the spirit while enriching all the other aspects of human relationship. Great writing, compelling characters, warmth and endearing scenes to keep the romance alive in all of us who love this literary genre. Enjoy to the max, and then read the next one. It's great, too.
Profile Image for Rachele.
706 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2015
Was going along reading a great story, drawn into the characters flaws and fall...knowing there was time to see actions to back up all the words and promises...then about 75% done it falls flat...fails miserably and never turns around.

How can Miles be so daft...so self absorbed that he doesn't see the things he does or changes his MO with her because she is supposed to be different. Gillian pointed out so clearly how he operates the same way just inserts a different woman in the place. Everything felt cheap at that point...

Then he FINALLY tracks her down and says he misses her and all is forgiven and no questions asked...no explanations...NOTHING! She just rolls over to be inserted in his life...he may "have feelings" for her but when he treats her like every other woman and continues with the damn jewelry I was done with him. This isn't a turn around or a changed man...nope it's a self center ass who only cares for himself...putting jewelry on a doormat and not a bitch.

I wanted to give it a lower score but I did like the book until it reached the point of no return.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for DawnMarie  Carpintero.
Author 2 books19 followers
March 15, 2014
First off Kudos to the author. This book was AMAZING. The cinderella twist in the new age was so awesome that this book gets the 5 stars that it so richly deserves. Really though the story between Maribel and Miles had been a decade of coming. The story line in itself was a memorable book for me. I didn't however like the repeating in the book. I could have done without that for sure. However with that said if your reading my review of this AMAZING book then STOP. In order to really understand this review you will have to pick up this book. The love that these two find is pure without conviction and awesome. Cinderella eat your heart out cause there is a new girl in town named Maribel and she is taking the hunk for her own. When you read this book Laughing is so not optional and neither is crying so get the tissues out sit back in the lazy chair and be prepared to take a journey of AWESOMENESS.
3,114 reviews26 followers
January 12, 2015
Set in Chicago, this is a cute book about a "shopgirl" and the billionaire who owns the building where she works.

There are some nuances that made this good -- his connection to her late mother; how they've seen each other in passing for the past 8 years... and of course her knowledge of fine jewelry.

I wanted more character development for Maribel... she's quiet, works in fine jewelry and likes to read... and that's it. We learn much more about Miles which makes him endearing.

The last chapter of the book did not work for me. The resolution of the Gillian storyline was flat... I wanted more revenge. There's also the erroneous assumption by the lawyer that Maribel was in on Miles' plan the entire time, when it was clear that she wasn't. What was the point?
Profile Image for Sima.
117 reviews
July 20, 2015
Brilliant short read but for me it was too short. Would of loved it to have been a full novella even maybe a series.

I have to admit it left me with a few questions.

1. Why couldn't Miles have his businesses and still be with Maribel? (He could of took a backseat and left somebody else to manage them but only made ultra important decisions)

2. Whatever been came off the b***h Gillian?

3. Did Maribel get things put right at the fields building?

4. How exactly did their HEA pan out?

Otherwise a great read. I always love reading it from both perspectives

Well done to the author will be looking at more of your books
Profile Image for Megan.
66 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2014
this was an alright read for me. I can typically get through most things and I generally can giggle off most things.

The story line was alright. Just not a lot of depth. Not a lot of story and build up... I just felt like they met and then they got corny, and if I had to read "he sucked me dry" or "Probing" and the talking without talking thing? Not so sure about that.

All in all I was able to get through it. It just left so much out and could have been so much more.

Did not hate it, but did not love it. sorry
Profile Image for Carol.
3,569 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2015
Priceless

Wow, loved this story, Maribel young woman lost her mother, struggling to earn her way, has an admirer in Miles, his Aunt was owner of the store she works in, and he has been aware of her for of for over 10 years. Decided to ask her out for Valentine's, she doesn't feel she fits in his world, but they are both attracted to each other. They share laughter, fun, past memories, open their hearts to each other, until someone tries to hurt Maribel and turn her against Miles, can they survive? The hurt, sadness, feelings of betrayal, great love story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

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