Rival Desires

The Scottish Billionaires #13

by M.S. Parker

Cory McCrae, a charming hunk yet socially awkward finance guru, clashes with Rylee Palmer, a brilliant rival. This sparks an intense, steamy romance amid fierce rivalry and a scandal threatening their passionate connection.

Meet Cory charming, socially awkward, and co-owner of the established Palo Alto finance firm Gracen & McCrae. Enter Rylee Palmer, the brilliant, enigmatic head of the new game-changer in town, Palmer Money Management. Their paths cross at a masquerade ball, igniting an instant spark and off-the-charts chemistry. Yet beneath their masks of anonymity lies a brewing rivalry that threatens to turn any potential romance dead on arrival.

As the competition intensifies, Cory battles to retain his clients while wrestling with a baffling, all-consuming desire for the very woman who stands as his most formidable business adversary.

Simultaneously, Rylee navigates the complexities of expanding her company, dealing with her intensely fiery yet perplexing feelings for Cory.

But just when you think you've unraveled this love story, a scandalous twist strikes. Accusations fly, deep-seated secrets come undone, and Cory and Rylee find themselves in a web of domination, jealous schemes, and a romance as unpredictable as it is steamy.

"Rival Desires," M. S. Parker’s latest novel in the Scottish Billionaires series, is a steamy tale of desire where the biggest deals are sealed––not only in the boardroom––but also in the bedroom.

Genres: Romance

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2024

About the author

Step into the seductive and suspenseful world of M. S. Parker, a USA Today Bestselling author where dark romance meets thrilling suspense. If you crave stories that are both steamy and intricate, with characters that are as dangerous as they are desirable, you've found your next obsession.

M. S. Parker specializes in crafting addictive series that push boundaries and keep you guessing until the very last page. Expect to find dangerous mafia bosses and intense, grumpy billionaires clashing with smart, witty young women who, though perhaps out of their element, are quick to adapt and hold their own. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, where passion is a weapon and love is the ultimate prize. Dive into the darkness. You might just find your new favorite escape.

Connect with M. S. Parker on Facebook at http://facebook.com/msparkerauthor

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rival Desires is the thirteenth book in the Scottish Billionaires. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating, no cliffhanger and complete with a happily-ever-after. A beautifully written story with extraordinary characters and a fascinating storyline that captures the reader attention from the beginning and keeps you turning the pages until end. An enemies-to-lovers romance, hate-to-love vibes story, contemporary romance, polar opposite attracts story, forbidden romance, with lust-at-first-sight, rivalry, scorching hot passion, power struggle, power play, steam, expected twists and turns, secrets, mystery, revelations, revenge, drama, retaliation, attacks, threats, jealousy, tension, emotions, surprises, anger, angst, one night stand, resentment, and love. This is Cory and Rylee story.
Cory McCrae is a shy, handsome, socially awkward, intelligent finance guru. He's the founder partner of Gracen & McCrae. Cory and his stepcousin Fury Gracen are partners of Gracen & McCrae Finance in Palo Alto. Their business of have been hemorrhaging and losing some of their top clients, from rival who recently moved into the area. Palmer Money Management is poaching and stealing their clients. In order to drum up business Fury convince Cory to go to The Annual Silicon Valley Tech Charity Gala. This event brought out people from all walks of life model billionaires, Instagram influencers, models, actress, tech nerd, businessmen, retired athletes, entrepreneurs etc. The gala was a masquerade ball, Fury schmooze with the Silicon Valley elite all the while Cory felt out of place. He sticks to bar drinking since it's an open bar, but suddenly across the he noticed a beautiful woman looking at him, with enough liquid courage he decided to approach her but got cold feet and went to the balcony for some air. She followed him outside and started talking to him. It is a game for her, something that she normally does at events where she target men and get open up and get information. However, Cory was shy and really nervous but did ask her for a dance which she also anticipated.
Their chemistry was so intense that they decided to get out of there to be alone. They sex in his BMW overlooking the city. The didn't exchange names or numbers they only took off their mask. Rylee Palmer is owner of Palmer Money Management and has just recently moved from Sacramento to Palo Alto after getting away from the tumultuous relationship with her father the infamous Randall Palmer and started her way finance company. Rylee is beautiful, shrewd and ruthless and she continuously one step ahead of her competition Gracen & McCrae. Although she's new to the area she knows now to play if she wants to be apart of the Good Ole boys world. Fury and Cory thinks that Rylee is a man because of her name. Fury also believes that she has some association with Randall Randall out Sacramento by he didn't find any connection. When the two ran into each other again they decided to act on their attraction once again. But when Cory find out that Rylee is the one that's continously stealing their clients he's not going to be happy regardless of their chemistry. How will these two resolve issues of stealing clients when they both feel manipulated? Will they get their HEA?

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gemma Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so strictly business

I can’t help but love these Scottish Billionaires. There’s something endearing about them and the socially awkward Cory McCrae is no exception. He’s sweet and kind but not exactly great when it comes to flirting with the opposite sex. He leaves that to his cousin and business partner, Fury. But when he meets a mysterious masked siren at a charity masquerade ball their chemistry needs little flirtation to set the sparks flying.

There’s a problem though. She’s not who he first thinks she is… maybe getting her name before getting down and dirty might have clued him in… but in the heat of the moment that doesn’t matter.

When the truth is revealed Cory starts to question the beautiful Rylee’s motives. Could she really be interested in Cory or was she just using her assets to steal his clients from under him.

Newly established businesswoman Rylee Palmer is on a mission to prove to her father that a woman can cut it in the financial market and she’s certainly ruffling a few feathers… namely those of Gracen & McCrae as she sets about securing their clients before they get a bite of the cherry. What she doesn’t expect is the way she feels about a certain Cory McCrae. As much as she tries to stay away and keep their rivalry aflame, the attraction is too strong.

Will they be able to explore their attraction further or will they remain strictly business?

Really enjoyed this story… but that praise comes with just a slight criticism. Everything that happens at the end just leaves other things wide open and with so many loose ends. What about their rivalry? What about the account they were competing for? What happened to Becky and Natalie. Just feels a little unfinished.

Other than that… great read and will definitely be looking forward to Fury’s love story.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rival Desires (The Scottish Billionaires)

******* Spoiler Alert ******
The Scottish Billionaires is one of my favorite series. There are very few where I have actually asked the writer for more books. Insane...I know! So I was thrilled to see Rival Desires come out and see Cory and Rylee's story. Unlike most of the other stories, there is perceived to be very little contact with the rest of the family. (You know it isn't true from all the other stories.)
The gist of the story is that there is an up and coming company that is taking business away from Gracen and McCrae.
Well before you found out who there is a masquerade party. Cory was set to go home until he is zoned in on this beauty in purple. They end up in a night of erotic passion. Rylee, the beauty is in the grocery store and runs into hin there. He gets ready to help her then kisses her and then things get heated. They end up in a frenzied erotic passion in a dressing room. This continues to happen. He catches her after a bad week in tears at her office. Again more passion and erotica ensue. In the meantime, Cory has a Crazy woman Becky who is making a bunch of meals for him.
Does Cory choose Rylee, his nemesis in business or choose Becky, the person who always tries to make him happy with meals?
This book is very exciting and does include a small nod to the family at the end. I look forward to reading Fury's story with Nat?

10/10++

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very glad to see that Cory McCrae who is a very handsome and successful billionaire happens to be shy and awkward, especially around women. Too often the main male character comes across as arrogant and cocky and this is a breath of fresh air. When Cory meets a beautiful woman (Rylee Palmer) at a masquerade party, the comfort of hiding behind his mask gives him the touch of confidence to flirt with and have a "one-night stand" that turns into more. Enter the twist, these two are competitors in the world of finance in Palo Alto with her being the newcomer who is set on stealing customers from the well-established firm Cory owns with this cousin, Fury. This story is well written and a joy to follow as these two, often unsuccessfully try and balance their attraction as they interact and find themselves direct competitors as they try and win a new client. There are many twists and turns and some heart stopping surprises, but I loved this story and have added MS Parker to my favorite author's list. This is a standalone story and the last in the Scottish Billionaires series which I definitely intend to go back and read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill Haworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cory McRae runs a successful money management firm with his cousin Fury Gracen in Palo Alto.
Rylee Palmer had recently started up her own company after moving from Sacramento. She is fierce competition and creating a lot of problems for Cory and Fury. Safe bets are being swept away.
Initially mistaking her for a guy, searching for a Riley Palmer, Cory has two steamy and spicy encounters with Rylee without either of them knowing their names. When he discovers her true identity, Cory feels like he’s been played. But Rylee feels exactly the same way.
With this giant misunderstanding and pitfalls along the way, will Cory actually realise that he could have something special with his rival if they give each other a chance?
Another excellent addition to the fantastic Scottish Billionaires series, this time focussing on one of the twins. Carson found his happy ever after with Vix in A Dress for Curves. Is it Cory turn? Socially awkward at times, especially around women, Cory finds himself totally enamoured by the beautiful Rylee and their chemistry is of the charts. Rylee’s also fun, flirty and mischievous, bringing Cory out of his shell. Superb.

[Troubleinfl (Dee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author's work, so I jumped at the chance of reviewing her book "Rival Desires". I thought it was excellent writing, with a story that pits the fmc and mmc in a war to obtain customers for their company.

The attraction between the main characters is an insta-lust type of thing and the sex between them is very hot. The problem with it all is that I think the adversarial relationship was not as cutthroat as I was hoping. The title of the book is definitely accurate but the mmc is a bumbling, nervous, socially shy nerd who is never comfortable having to deal with people.

There is a lot of graphic sex between our fmc and mmc. Unfortunately, I have become accustomed to reading/loving strong male characters that take charge. In this relationship, it seems that the fmc has that role. That's fine, it's just unexpected.

I do recommend it the book, particularly if you like to read about strong female characters that are in charge both at work, and in their relationship with men.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Cory and Rylee’s forbidden romance!
The spark between Cory and Rylee’s first meeting at a masked gala held all kinds of attraction and steam, as they agreed to a one time fling. I give major kudos to Rylee as she is growing in leaps and bounds in an industry dominated by men as she steals clients from Cory’s company. When they meet again, they still have no clue who the other is, so seize the moment to try to burn out their attraction for one another to no avail. When the moment of recognition happens, it’s confusing as both sides see the worst in the other. When Riley and Cory start working to each woo a perspective client, they fall in to a war zone where things get complicated between them. Yet when push comes to shove, Riley’s hands down in a bad situation, but Cory feels at a disadvantage too. Will Cory and Rylee be able to work around their competing firms to find true love? You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down until you turn the last page!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are realistic and captivating. Their journey is enthralling with rival desires, explicit romance that is consumed by sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to have readers toes curling, competition intensifies, co-owner of the established Palo Alto finance firm, Scottish billionaires, deep-seated secrets come undone, Cory and Rylee find themselves in a web of domination, jealous schemes, danger, action, adventure, drama heartfelt emotions, instant sparks off-the-charts chemistry, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with rival desires and explicit romance that is sure to transport readers on an exhilarating roller coaster ride that is wild and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rival Desires
By M. S. Parker
Main Characters: Rylee and Cory
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 out of 5 stars
Cory is a co-owner of a finance firm and is a socially awkward but likable guy. Rylee is the owner of her finance firm. These two have great chemistry from the get-go when they meet at a masquerade ball but do not exchange names or numbers. Sparks fly when they finally meet again and find out who each other is. They are competitors for the very same business. While I did like both characters, I felt Cory was a little too milktoast for my liking. I did enjoy secondary characters Natalie and Fury and would love to see their stories and hopefully, they will be together.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 13th book in The Scottish Billionaires series featuring Cory and Riley's entertaining rivals to lovers romance with a few surprises and twists along the way. Cory and Riley meet at a masquerade ball where they really hit it off and the sparks really fly between them leading to a passionate evening together. They have no idea that they're business rivals so when they see each other again they give in to temptation in order to finally get over their attraction to each other. However once they realize who they are to each other they go from lovers to battle zone combatants making things really complicated between them. Can Cory and Riley overcome their rivalry to find true love? You really need to read this entertaining rivals to lovers romance to see what happens? I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Socially shy..but…

Cory is the wingman, the sidekick, the behind the scenes workaholic, not the main player. His tongue got tangled, palms got sweaty and he had a hard time breathing when he had to be the front talker. That’s why he worked with Fury, so the clients would have someone to make them comfortable. How had he let himself be talked into this situation?

Rylee had started her firm on shear determination. Constantly doing above and beyond what the client needed. Against all her father’s odds her business was doing well and she was taking a well deserved night off. As she people watched, a mystery man wandered into her sights and she couldn’t take her eyes off of him in case it was a dream.

This is quite a story with a twist at the end. Don’t miss a minute of the book. It is well worth the time.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just to start with, we have a less than perfect male main character. Cory is so uncertain of himself although he is really good at his job. Unfortunately for him, there is a new company in town that is making inroads into his client base.

Rylee is a recent transplant, breaking away from dad's shoestrings (kudos to her)and to prove her worth in a male dominated industry. Boy, does she know what she wants! Love her.

They meet at a charity ball, hook up and knock each other's socks off. Then, oops, they return to reality and realise they are business rivals. This is followed, hotly on their heels, a scandal. What now? Read the book.

There are explicit scenes, if you find those offensive, this isn't a book for you.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the thirteenth book in The Scottish Billionaires by M. S. Parker and each of these books a solid 4 to 5 star reads. This is Cory McCrae and Rylee Palmer's story. He is a successful partner in a top financial firm and she is starting her firm and becoming a busyness rival. They meet at a charity masquerade ball and enjoy an evening together. But they soon discover who they spent the evening with. Even though they are rivals, they have an intense attraction to each other. The characters are well-written and compelling, and the storyline is well-paced, full of steam, drama, and more. A great addition to the series and 4 1/2 star read for me.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rival Desires (The Scottish Billionaires)

Tyler left her dad's company because she didn't play by the good ole boys club. She ended up starting her own money management company. She was invited to a masquerade ball where she met Cory. Cory and his brother Fury own the rival company. She went after their customers, stealing whoever wanted to deal with her company. So many shenanigans that were happening with their business associates. One of their customers wanted them to compete against each other to win the deal. The challenge was on and the client would pick the best deal. Tyler and Cory their relationship between each other were electrifying, lusting for each other. Very intense story to read. ENJOY

[Tina Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cory is such a gentleman. Even though Rylee and Cory met at a masquerade ball, they knew nothing about each other apart from the chemistry they felt. They had a one night together, then went there separate ways. Cory found out that Rylee is actually the girl he was with that night and actually the woman who is the owner of his rival company Palmer Money Management. They both need to work out how they can keep their businesses on top as much as keeping their distance. Love how they both always end up meeting up again and how they can't control how they feel for each other. Loved how Cory was always there for Rylee. I enjoyed this story.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rival Desires😍

Rival Desires is the next book in the Scottish Billionaires series and features Cory, a shy, handsome yet nerdy McCrae. He works with his cousin Fury, managing money for the wealthy when all of a sudden a new company starts taking their clients from them.

To let loose Cory and Fury attend a masked event, where Cory finds himself at the attention of a beautiful woman. Only later to discover that she is Rylee, the woman taking their clients😳

A really interesting story and dynamic with some suspense thrown in as well❣️I enjoyed this couple and I look forward to more😁

I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A role reversal book, and I loved it!

Cory McCrae is co-owner of Gracen & McCrae, a finance firm in Palo Alto. Rylee is new to Palto Alto and is the head of Palmer Money Management. So now that makes them rivals in the finance world. They meet at a Masquerade Gala, but they take off their masks so they now know what each other looks like. They hook up on the way home. Cory is very shy, but Rylee is the opposite. They have no idea who the other is, until they do. Wow, what a rocky road they go down, tempers flying and the desire for another off the charts. This book and the whole series is great!

[Amelia Blackmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rival Desires by M.S. Parker is the latest title in the Scottish Billionaires series. This is a new series to me, as well as a new author. I always enjoy a billionaire romance story, and this title had its comedic and sexy moments.

What I did not enjoy is the miscommunication trope and the over-bearing parent. The FMC is a grown woman, why is her father trying to demand her to live her life his way??

The crazy neighbor girl was quite entertaining though, really enjoyed her character!!

Overall it is a good concept and I enjoyed reading the book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

They meet at a masked party where Cory gets up the nerve to make a move on Rylee that leads to an intimate evening. Events turn when he learns that she is their rival that has moved to town and set on taking customers away from his firm. The twists and turns to the story kept me glued to the pages to see if Rylee and Cory's relationship will withstand the rivalry between their businesses and allow their relationship to flourish.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Smith]

Truth, I haven't finished the book yet, but so far this book is amazing as usual.

I've been having a hard time with Rylee's character because she was so back-stabbing and conniving, but a woman in the real world has to keep her wits about her. Cory is sweet the way is gets all shy in the beginning and blushes while trying to talk to Rylee.

I'll update my review once I'm finished, but I'm sure its still gonna be a 5!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard reading parts of this one because the business part of it dragged on for me. Rylee going after Cody’s clients because of what she thought might have happened was not cool. Especially when he his plan was not messing with her business, but bettering his own. I liked Fury and Rylee’s friends. I liked everything BUT the business stuff, actually. Becky was definitely interesting. Rylee’s dad was just a big yucky misogynistic jerk. I loved how Cody was there for her, supporting her.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Rival Desires" is a wonderful addition to the Scottish Billionaire series by M.S. Parker. This read is about Cory McCrae and Rylee Palmer, who meet at a masquerade ball and have an immediate connection. Never sharing names with each other, neither are aware that they are business rivals in the world of finance. Filled with lots of drama, chemistry, and doubts, the adversaries have you turning the pages on an emotional ride to find out the outcome.

I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cory and Rylee both felt the attraction the moment they met eyes across the room, unfortunately they didn't realise they were rivals at the time. They can't seem to resist one another, but is it doomed to fail or do they have a chance together? I loved this streamy romance with it's drama, scorching heat, and the interactions between this great pair. I loved how Cory is a shy guy, that sometimes is awkward around Rylee.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are well developed and it would appear to be part a family arc. However this was the first one I had read. The plot was a good one, meeting at a masquerade ball and an usual twist to the girl being shy …. Cory actually being the one who struggles in social situations. The sparks fly in their meetings. The power play when they meet up and the interactions with other characters make the story a delightful yarn.

Looking forward to reading the others in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rylee and Cory meet at a masquerade ball. It's instant fireworks for them both! What they each don't know yet is they both are in the same business and they are rivals! Which makes for a fun, interesting story!

This was such a great addition to The Scottish Billionaires series! Cory and Rylee are competing for the same customers, and she thinks he planned their meeting trying to get the inside track. He thinks the same of her. So many assumptions and mistakes were made between these two, which is why I couldn't put it down.

[Canada162 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rivals at Their Best and Worst - WOW!!

I was conflicted while reading this book.; which doesn't happen often. Conflicted with the heroine is a first for me. I didn't know how much or if I would like the storyline. However, Parker nailed it - i kept reading just to see if i would keep my dislike of Rylee. I was even conflicted with Cory at times... Parker proved herself and made me love the couple in the end. And she didn't disappoint with all the sexy scenes.
Well worth the read. Happy i kept turning those pages.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rylee and Cory’s story is a blast!
Their encounters, their banter, their chemistry - all kept me glued to this story.
And Rylee’s mischief compared with Cory’s shyness is as fun as could be.
I love all the series - the extended family, all the characters and their stories.
And with each new one, I’m more curious about the next one!
What story will M.S. cook? What troubles? What new character? Or maybe an already known one - who knows?
Waiting eagerly Fury’s story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

Rival Desires is the thirteenth book in The Scottish Billionaires series. This is another delicious story in this series. The story is about rivals who become something a lot more interesting, Rylee and Cory. Rylee is out to prove herself a success in the cutthroat world of financial management after starting her own company. Cory works for Rylee's competitor in town, but they do not know this at the beginning. But when they find out the fireworks spark even brighter and that sets in motion something else.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book frustrated me. So yes it did its job. It pulled me in to see how the chemistry between Cory and Rylee could be so off the chart but their rivalry burned just as hot. They both learned a lot of lessons along the way and of course there were a couple of crazy sorta villains in the story. It was also super sweet that Cory was awkward and sorta shy. We usually don't see a strong MC that is also socially awkward. The end is a doozy. Enjoy this read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cory is a partner in a financial services company. He is somewhat awkward in social situations and mostly leaves that part of the business to his partner. He meets Rylee at a function and has a quickie without knowing who she is. Turns out she is starting her own business in direct competition. It's instant enemies when they discover each other's identity. It becomes lovers to enemies to lovers to enemies etc. And then here comes Becky! Great characters all. And a very entertaining story. Loved it!