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New York Billionaires #5
Playboy Billionaire's Fake Marriage
My best friend warned me to stay away, and I tried…
But when she crashes my wedding and offers herself as the bride? All bets are off.
The plan was simple: Marry and divorce in six months. She gets her niece, and I get my company.
But I didn’t plan on Stella driving me to the brink of insanity.
Every teasing smirk makes my palms itch, and her defiant submission leaves me rock-hard and throbbing.
Living with her re-ignites something inside me. Something that I thought was long dead.
And suddenly, I want to break all my rules and tear through her defenses;To make her mine in every sense of the word.
Until in a cruel twist of fate, our pasts collide: one painful night from seven years ago.
The discovery threatens everything we’ve built, compelling me to give up all I have
In exchange for the one thing I now can’t afford to lose: My wife.
But when she crashes my wedding and offers herself as the bride? All bets are off.
The plan was simple: Marry and divorce in six months. She gets her niece, and I get my company.
But I didn’t plan on Stella driving me to the brink of insanity.
Every teasing smirk makes my palms itch, and her defiant submission leaves me rock-hard and throbbing.
Living with her re-ignites something inside me. Something that I thought was long dead.
And suddenly, I want to break all my rules and tear through her defenses;To make her mine in every sense of the word.
Until in a cruel twist of fate, our pasts collide: one painful night from seven years ago.
The discovery threatens everything we’ve built, compelling me to give up all I have
In exchange for the one thing I now can’t afford to lose: My wife.
- GenresEnemies To Lovers
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2024
59 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 24, 2024
Spicy read with a splash of darkness. Ryan is, you guessed it, a playboy billionaire who needs to get married in order to become the CEO of his company due to some weird family/company rules. The twist is that Stella is also not interested in a relationship. So, of course, Ryan decides that Stella is the perfect person to stand in as his wife. Six months, and he gets his company. Too bad she doesn’t agree… until something happens, and she does. Stella is a strong-willed woman who is tough on the outside and plagued with guilt on the inside. She keeps everything close to her chest. But how long before her walls crumble?
I adored this book. Ryan is definitely a hidden cinnamon roll MMC. And Stella has so many layers! I loved just reading and letting everything unravel both individually and together. I don’t want to spoil anything here, but my mind was absolutely blown when the realization from the past was discovered! In hindsight, the puzzle pieces were there for me to find… I just didn’t put them together before the reveal. Perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with some angst/drama, plus found family (which I love!) makes for an awesome read overall, in my opinion!
There are some TW to be aware of, but mostly in the past and off-page/in the past and not graphic… Still, check those if you need to.
I adored this book. Ryan is definitely a hidden cinnamon roll MMC. And Stella has so many layers! I loved just reading and letting everything unravel both individually and together. I don’t want to spoil anything here, but my mind was absolutely blown when the realization from the past was discovered! In hindsight, the puzzle pieces were there for me to find… I just didn’t put them together before the reveal. Perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with some angst/drama, plus found family (which I love!) makes for an awesome read overall, in my opinion!
There are some TW to be aware of, but mostly in the past and off-page/in the past and not graphic… Still, check those if you need to.
March 10, 2024
I never wanted to put this book down! The story played out amazingly. Two people who just click so well and an amazing little enemies to lovers. The spice was fantastic as well! 100% suggest this book if your looking for that spicy read!
March 14, 2024
Great Book
This is the fifth,book, in the "New York Billionaire series.". This book was Great. I 💓 this book. It kept, me interested, from page 2. I just couldn't put this book down. 💓 Ryan ( even though he was an Playboy) and Stella.
This book has enemies to lovers, wonderful characters, secrets, suspense intense, kept me on the edge of my seat, action-pack, CHEMISTRY, unforgettable romance, HEA, romantic, Steamy, fighting for custody, justice, attraction, challenging, and so much more. Will definitely, read more of her books. 💓 it!!
This is the fifth,book, in the "New York Billionaire series.". This book was Great. I 💓 this book. It kept, me interested, from page 2. I just couldn't put this book down. 💓 Ryan ( even though he was an Playboy) and Stella.
This book has enemies to lovers, wonderful characters, secrets, suspense intense, kept me on the edge of my seat, action-pack, CHEMISTRY, unforgettable romance, HEA, romantic, Steamy, fighting for custody, justice, attraction, challenging, and so much more. Will definitely, read more of her books. 💓 it!!
April 10, 2024
Complex & Captivating - a must read. Ryan - wow! I've got a new book boyfriend. A fabulous dark and steamy read with all the feels. I love books where the puzzle is so expertly unraveled by the author.
April 10, 2024
This is book 5 in the series but is a standalone. However, I think it would be better to read the previous books to get a sense of the history these characters have. Stella and Ryan’s story is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, spice, surprises and touches of darkness. They are characters with so many layers to them and it was great to reveal them as the story goes along. It’s an enemies to lovers story with a playboy turned cinnamon roll MMC and a feisty, strong FMC.
I haven’t read the previous books, but this one captured me so well, that I’m going to have to read the rest of the series! This author will be on my must read list for sure!
I haven’t read the previous books, but this one captured me so well, that I’m going to have to read the rest of the series! This author will be on my must read list for sure!
March 21, 2024
This was my 1st book by Judy Hale and now I need to go read all the others! This book was so good I didn't want to put it down! Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes because they always end up together and I'm a complete sap! Ryan and Stella are perfect for each other! Between the spice, the family and Ryan and Stella this book will keep you wanting more. Absolutely loved this book!
March 12, 2024
I don't know what I was expecting here but it wasn't what I read.
H & h have known each other for some time as they have mutual friends in common. Heroine is an orphan who had a younger sister who died several years prior and left a baby girl who is in the system. Heroine is trying to adopt her for years but they keep turning her down and unless she is married and has a better home/job, she doesn't stand a chance.
Hero is a billionaire running his family's business with his cousins. There is an archaic rule that requires him to get married within a month or forfeit his right to run the company.
When story opens, H & h were attending their friend's wedding and they agreed to hook up. Heroine had brought along her FWB guy but she ditched him to go f**k Hero because she was horny. She ends up going up to his room where she finds a naked sub woman on her knees and Hero sporting a tent. Not clear if that was due to whatever the OW had done to him or at seeing heroine. In any case, he thought heroine would enjoy a threesome, hence for the OW, but heroine shut it down immediately as that wasn't her thing and left.
Several weeks later, Hero tracks her down to ask her to agree on a fake marriage with him after he gave her an orgasm or two to satisfy the company rules. She turns him down. Hero then asks another OW to marry him and after she learns this, she changes her mind and begs him to marry her instead but he says NO that it is too late as OW has already signed contract, etc. However, he tells he that he would only marry her now if she was pregnant with his kid.
Then on his wedding day when he is about to exchange vows with OW, heroine stops it and says she is pregnant. She is not but the doofus actually believes her. Go figure.
Anyway, they get married and slowly build a friendship and eventually fall in love. However, what we as readers don't know until the 80% or so is that when he was a teen, he fell in love with a girl who had a terminal illness and not much time to live. She was his world and he said they married at 18 and she died at 21 and was devastated. So much so that he mourned her for 10+ years and never allowed anyone again to get close to him.
He wore a tee shirt or sweatshirt with her name and had a large portrait f the two of them in his room over his bed which he didn't allow heroine to see. She only learned about the OW and the portrait from his sister and by going into his room by accident or curiosity when he wasn't home.
The way the OW and his feelings for her was portrayed was that she was his soulmate. Not heroine but the OW which is a trope that I absolutely loathe and would have loved a heads-up from author or any of the reviewers who love for some reason to hide these things.
Anyway, the MCs relationship is fun & sweet after they get married when they start getting close but it was ruined for me with not only the OW at the start with the threesome crap, but with also the OW dead ex that really had no other purpose then to annoy me because even the heroine felt that she was his 2nd choice.
Safety:
No OW/OM drama
No cheating - though do note that he had a naked OW in his room that he wanted to share with heroine which means he did this often and he was also a fuckboy he said for several years after the OW died where he was trying to block his pain.
No virgins. Heroine had a FWB relationship with a guy and no love interest in the past. Hero as noted had loved his first wife with all his soul. It was a deep & young type of love that lasts and lasts and one never forgets. He certainly didn't as he grieved for her for a long time, kept a shrine and heroine had to live in the home(s) he bought for OW and most likely sleep in the same bed and everything else that was the OWs.
HEA with a kid on the way and them adopting the niece.
H & h have known each other for some time as they have mutual friends in common. Heroine is an orphan who had a younger sister who died several years prior and left a baby girl who is in the system. Heroine is trying to adopt her for years but they keep turning her down and unless she is married and has a better home/job, she doesn't stand a chance.
Hero is a billionaire running his family's business with his cousins. There is an archaic rule that requires him to get married within a month or forfeit his right to run the company.
When story opens, H & h were attending their friend's wedding and they agreed to hook up. Heroine had brought along her FWB guy but she ditched him to go f**k Hero because she was horny. She ends up going up to his room where she finds a naked sub woman on her knees and Hero sporting a tent. Not clear if that was due to whatever the OW had done to him or at seeing heroine. In any case, he thought heroine would enjoy a threesome, hence for the OW, but heroine shut it down immediately as that wasn't her thing and left.
Several weeks later, Hero tracks her down to ask her to agree on a fake marriage with him after he gave her an orgasm or two to satisfy the company rules. She turns him down. Hero then asks another OW to marry him and after she learns this, she changes her mind and begs him to marry her instead but he says NO that it is too late as OW has already signed contract, etc. However, he tells he that he would only marry her now if she was pregnant with his kid.
Then on his wedding day when he is about to exchange vows with OW, heroine stops it and says she is pregnant. She is not but the doofus actually believes her. Go figure.
Anyway, they get married and slowly build a friendship and eventually fall in love. However, what we as readers don't know until the 80% or so is that when he was a teen, he fell in love with a girl who had a terminal illness and not much time to live. She was his world and he said they married at 18 and she died at 21 and was devastated. So much so that he mourned her for 10+ years and never allowed anyone again to get close to him.
He wore a tee shirt or sweatshirt with her name and had a large portrait f the two of them in his room over his bed which he didn't allow heroine to see. She only learned about the OW and the portrait from his sister and by going into his room by accident or curiosity when he wasn't home.
The way the OW and his feelings for her was portrayed was that she was his soulmate. Not heroine but the OW which is a trope that I absolutely loathe and would have loved a heads-up from author or any of the reviewers who love for some reason to hide these things.
Anyway, the MCs relationship is fun & sweet after they get married when they start getting close but it was ruined for me with not only the OW at the start with the threesome crap, but with also the OW dead ex that really had no other purpose then to annoy me because even the heroine felt that she was his 2nd choice.
Safety:
No OW/OM drama
No cheating - though do note that he had a naked OW in his room that he wanted to share with heroine which means he did this often and he was also a fuckboy he said for several years after the OW died where he was trying to block his pain.
No virgins. Heroine had a FWB relationship with a guy and no love interest in the past. Hero as noted had loved his first wife with all his soul. It was a deep & young type of love that lasts and lasts and one never forgets. He certainly didn't as he grieved for her for a long time, kept a shrine and heroine had to live in the home(s) he bought for OW and most likely sleep in the same bed and everything else that was the OWs.
HEA with a kid on the way and them adopting the niece.
March 11, 2024
"I don't plan to stare, my eyes just aren't taking instructions to look away."
I see you Stella. Who could ever look away from that tall man walking straight to you?!!🤣😝🤣
Dannggg!! How do I even begin my review. I loved it!!! Madly. Unequivocally. It's magnificent!! I had to do it. I had to. I went there. There's the WORD.😂😂 For you, Ryan. For you, Stella.♥️♥️♥️ For you, Ms Hale. Get ready for another heart-stopping, feisty, hawwtt, I mean fire-cracker, boiling over, scorch you, falling in love story. With tons of drama, angst, (💋the kiss of a lifetime!💋 You know, the ones you can still feel the next day!) sass, and humor from both parties. Thank you!! You might blush. I'm okay with that.🤭 I couldn't stop giggling. The things that were said. Oohhwee.🥵 You did not say that Stella. Yass, she did!! lol But also be aware there are some triggers that a reader should take into consideration. Filming of SA. Drug trafficking. Terminal illness. Death. Grief. But Ms Hale, wrote each topic with sensitivity and was respectful. This is part of the New York Billionaires series but it can be read as a standalone. I was happy to read and visit with all these characters again.🙌🏻 🙌🏻 🙌🏻
Gorgeous Ryan Fairchild is a man's man. He's smart, charismatic, crazy wealthy, can help run a multibillion dollar company that has been in his family for 200 years, and given half a chance, can pretty much get whatever he wants. From anyone. Especially the ladies. Ryan's a determined man, a private one, experienced with life, and he has his blue eyes set on the petite woman that isn't afraid to stand up to him. He loves that!!!!😏
Stella Marsh is a beautiful stylist (hair, makeup, clothes) a social media influencer, and a woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind. She doesn't bite her tongue. Blunt. Brassy. No holds barred. She works hard, but plays by HER own rules. She will not bow down to anyone. Especially, not Ryan. Even if he looks soo good! And she really really wants him. She will never admit it. But her eyes give her away.🫣
These two will deal with their own past struggles, hurts, regrets, as they navigate a budding, once in a lifetime relationship. See Ryan has to be married to be CEO of Ocean Gate. And Stella is his choice. Stella wants to accept. It would certainly help with gaining custody of her cute 6yr old niece that is about to be adopted. And she nearly nearly missed out when Ryan almost married someone else. Girll. There's so much I can share with you, but that's not any fun, is it?🫡 Needless to say, these two will face pressure, scrunity, and a spicy steamy attraction that neither one can deny. Why bother? Ryan. Sweetheart Ryan. It was insanely good!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love is here to stay people. But a mistake, a painful misunderstanding, miscalculation, from both of their past, can take it all away. Communication!! Talk to your man, Stella. How could you even think that Ryan could ever...!!! I'm not telling.🙅🏻🤐🤫 I highly highly recommend you get this book. Trust me. This is not to be missed. And be sure to have some ice to cool down with.🧊😁🧊 Happy reading!!❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
🛥️⚓Thank you for an early book via Booksprout. This is my honest critique on the story I read. What are you waiting for? Go get your book.⚓🛥️.
I see you Stella. Who could ever look away from that tall man walking straight to you?!!🤣😝🤣
Dannggg!! How do I even begin my review. I loved it!!! Madly. Unequivocally. It's magnificent!! I had to do it. I had to. I went there. There's the WORD.😂😂 For you, Ryan. For you, Stella.♥️♥️♥️ For you, Ms Hale. Get ready for another heart-stopping, feisty, hawwtt, I mean fire-cracker, boiling over, scorch you, falling in love story. With tons of drama, angst, (💋the kiss of a lifetime!💋 You know, the ones you can still feel the next day!) sass, and humor from both parties. Thank you!! You might blush. I'm okay with that.🤭 I couldn't stop giggling. The things that were said. Oohhwee.🥵 You did not say that Stella. Yass, she did!! lol But also be aware there are some triggers that a reader should take into consideration. Filming of SA. Drug trafficking. Terminal illness. Death. Grief. But Ms Hale, wrote each topic with sensitivity and was respectful. This is part of the New York Billionaires series but it can be read as a standalone. I was happy to read and visit with all these characters again.🙌🏻 🙌🏻 🙌🏻
Gorgeous Ryan Fairchild is a man's man. He's smart, charismatic, crazy wealthy, can help run a multibillion dollar company that has been in his family for 200 years, and given half a chance, can pretty much get whatever he wants. From anyone. Especially the ladies. Ryan's a determined man, a private one, experienced with life, and he has his blue eyes set on the petite woman that isn't afraid to stand up to him. He loves that!!!!😏
Stella Marsh is a beautiful stylist (hair, makeup, clothes) a social media influencer, and a woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind. She doesn't bite her tongue. Blunt. Brassy. No holds barred. She works hard, but plays by HER own rules. She will not bow down to anyone. Especially, not Ryan. Even if he looks soo good! And she really really wants him. She will never admit it. But her eyes give her away.🫣
These two will deal with their own past struggles, hurts, regrets, as they navigate a budding, once in a lifetime relationship. See Ryan has to be married to be CEO of Ocean Gate. And Stella is his choice. Stella wants to accept. It would certainly help with gaining custody of her cute 6yr old niece that is about to be adopted. And she nearly nearly missed out when Ryan almost married someone else. Girll. There's so much I can share with you, but that's not any fun, is it?🫡 Needless to say, these two will face pressure, scrunity, and a spicy steamy attraction that neither one can deny. Why bother? Ryan. Sweetheart Ryan. It was insanely good!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love is here to stay people. But a mistake, a painful misunderstanding, miscalculation, from both of their past, can take it all away. Communication!! Talk to your man, Stella. How could you even think that Ryan could ever...!!! I'm not telling.🙅🏻🤐🤫 I highly highly recommend you get this book. Trust me. This is not to be missed. And be sure to have some ice to cool down with.🧊😁🧊 Happy reading!!❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
🛥️⚓Thank you for an early book via Booksprout. This is my honest critique on the story I read. What are you waiting for? Go get your book.⚓🛥️.
May 29, 2024
I am so sad that I started this on the 5th book because Judy Hale is slowly becoming one of my favorite authors and now I need to know of the back stories of all of Ryan and Stella's friends.
Marry for six months, divorce and have the company he has always wanted? Seems like an easy solution for Ryan. Problem is, can he find a woman who would be willing to go along with the plan and never talk about it. There is only one possible candidate for the job and that is Stella. Too bad she can't stand Ryan and wants nothing to do with him. Throw in her own problems and you have a recipe for disaster right from the beginning.
I seriously loved Ryan and Stella together. They both have such personalities and strong wits about them that putting them together created some really fun and interesting banter along with a boat load of chemistry. It was really fun to witness both of them navigate this life all while trying to protect what they think is the most precious aspects and trying desperately not to fall head over heals for each other. I think some of the best moments between these two was when they threw caution to the wind so to speak and let themselves feel in the relationship and act on those feelings without thinking about the deal that they had struck.
I also love the plot twist within this story. There were always hints that Ryan could have been the root cause of the devastation in Stella's life and while I maybe thought it could have been someone else in the Fairchild family, I certainly wasn't prepared to read who it was. I also wasn't prepared for the extreme plot twist at the end involving Ryan's sister, Gina (who I hope gets her own story out of this because let me tell you her and Antonio could certainly be extremely steamy if the hints that were dropped are any indicator!)
I will certainly be going back and reading the rest of this series and adding Judy Hale to my automatic reads list-the plots are always fantastic and the chemistry and character development are always right on point!
Marry for six months, divorce and have the company he has always wanted? Seems like an easy solution for Ryan. Problem is, can he find a woman who would be willing to go along with the plan and never talk about it. There is only one possible candidate for the job and that is Stella. Too bad she can't stand Ryan and wants nothing to do with him. Throw in her own problems and you have a recipe for disaster right from the beginning.
I seriously loved Ryan and Stella together. They both have such personalities and strong wits about them that putting them together created some really fun and interesting banter along with a boat load of chemistry. It was really fun to witness both of them navigate this life all while trying to protect what they think is the most precious aspects and trying desperately not to fall head over heals for each other. I think some of the best moments between these two was when they threw caution to the wind so to speak and let themselves feel in the relationship and act on those feelings without thinking about the deal that they had struck.
I also love the plot twist within this story. There were always hints that Ryan could have been the root cause of the devastation in Stella's life and while I maybe thought it could have been someone else in the Fairchild family, I certainly wasn't prepared to read who it was. I also wasn't prepared for the extreme plot twist at the end involving Ryan's sister, Gina (who I hope gets her own story out of this because let me tell you her and Antonio could certainly be extremely steamy if the hints that were dropped are any indicator!)
I will certainly be going back and reading the rest of this series and adding Judy Hale to my automatic reads list-the plots are always fantastic and the chemistry and character development are always right on point!
March 20, 2024
**I had an opportunity to beta read this book so my review is based on the final draft, and contains spoilers**
I haven't read any other books in this series, but I think it is still readable as a standalone. The side characters appear to all have their own established stories (either published, or presumably to come), but each one seems fully realized and additive to the story. When we meet Stella and Ryan, she is thinking really hard about hating him, but for whatever reason, they decide to have a hate hookup (as you do)... because it turns out that Ryan needs to get married in order to keep control of his family's marine technology company. It takes some time, but they do eventually get to the fake marriage (including Stella wooing the metaphorical pants off of Ryan's large, ruthless extended family), with plenty of spice along the way. He falls first! We eventually learn that he has loved deeply and lost before, which as made it hard for him to fully experience his range of emotions with another lover. Stella has also witnessed the trauma of her sister's assault and subsequent death in childbirth, and her deepest wish is to formally adopt her niece out of foster care, even as the current foster family hopes to do the same. Both of these arcs resolve satisfactorily, even as Stella finds herself unable to confront Ryan about her worst fears.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read. Quite spicy, well-developed main and side characters, a fast-moving plot that kept me guessing the whole way through, a villain who gets what's coming, a HEA with an epilogue, and plenty of room for additional stories about the side characters.
Some spoilers in the CWs: an SA was filmed; a death in childbirth is referenced (it happened in the past); hints of intimate partner violence; some dom/sub references; dubcon; foster/adoption; explicit s3x; pregnancy; is she/isn't she pregnant; chronic illness
I haven't read any other books in this series, but I think it is still readable as a standalone. The side characters appear to all have their own established stories (either published, or presumably to come), but each one seems fully realized and additive to the story. When we meet Stella and Ryan, she is thinking really hard about hating him, but for whatever reason, they decide to have a hate hookup (as you do)... because it turns out that Ryan needs to get married in order to keep control of his family's marine technology company. It takes some time, but they do eventually get to the fake marriage (including Stella wooing the metaphorical pants off of Ryan's large, ruthless extended family), with plenty of spice along the way. He falls first! We eventually learn that he has loved deeply and lost before, which as made it hard for him to fully experience his range of emotions with another lover. Stella has also witnessed the trauma of her sister's assault and subsequent death in childbirth, and her deepest wish is to formally adopt her niece out of foster care, even as the current foster family hopes to do the same. Both of these arcs resolve satisfactorily, even as Stella finds herself unable to confront Ryan about her worst fears.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read. Quite spicy, well-developed main and side characters, a fast-moving plot that kept me guessing the whole way through, a villain who gets what's coming, a HEA with an epilogue, and plenty of room for additional stories about the side characters.
Some spoilers in the CWs: an SA was filmed; a death in childbirth is referenced (it happened in the past); hints of intimate partner violence; some dom/sub references; dubcon; foster/adoption; explicit s3x; pregnancy; is she/isn't she pregnant; chronic illness
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2024
This book takes the reader on one wildly emotional and rather twisty ride. Both Ryan and Stella are a bit broken, heartsore and definitely not looking for love or commitment. They both are fiercely attracted to each other, though, and anyone who sees them together can’t help but be aware of their red hot chemistry. Despite the animosity and prickliness that seems to be the norm when they are near each other, Ryan has picked her to be his temporary wife in order to secure his position of CEO of the family business. Despite his very intimate and steamy attempts to persuade Stella to be his wife, she refuses, only to turn around and usurp the substitute bride at the last minute. It is not the money she is after, but what the position as his wife might win for her.
Neither is prepared for the deeper feelings that begin to emerge from hearts they thought were frozen. As well as indulging in some very steamy interludes, both begin to see new sides of the other, including hidden pain, tender vulnerabilities and endearing qualities that draw them closer to each other. Their story is littered with secrets, family drama, hidden agendas and few twists that threaten to tear their tender connection apart. Could this temporary marriage turn into a lifetime love match?
This book is rather intense, complex and hard to put down. The characters have flaws, quirks and character traits that make them very relatable. It was easy to become invested in their story and hope for a very happy ever after. I can’t wait to read more books written by this author.
Neither is prepared for the deeper feelings that begin to emerge from hearts they thought were frozen. As well as indulging in some very steamy interludes, both begin to see new sides of the other, including hidden pain, tender vulnerabilities and endearing qualities that draw them closer to each other. Their story is littered with secrets, family drama, hidden agendas and few twists that threaten to tear their tender connection apart. Could this temporary marriage turn into a lifetime love match?
This book is rather intense, complex and hard to put down. The characters have flaws, quirks and character traits that make them very relatable. It was easy to become invested in their story and hope for a very happy ever after. I can’t wait to read more books written by this author.
March 11, 2024
Look, I’m a huge sucker for billionaire romance books. I can’t help it! It’s a guilty pleasure. Do they all have a similar frame work? Yes. Does that mean I’ll stop reading them? NO! lol
This book is for you if you’re like me and love the billionaires (let’s just always skip the millionaires we want more!). The MMC Ryan is cocky, gorgeous, filthy rich and knows his way around women. He’s also none committal and doesn’t want to marry, but if he wants to become CEO and take over the family company when his dad steps down he better find a bride stat!
Enter Stella! The gorgeous petite blonde he spent lots of time with while planning his best friend Xavier, and her best friend Brooke’s wedding. She is a spitfire who also wants nothing to do with commitment or marriage, so naturally she’s the best woman for the job. A job that gives her 20 Million reasons to marry him for 6 months and then they can get a divorce and move on with their lives. No harm, no foul?!
She agrees to marry him because she needs the money he’s offering for a secret she’s been keeping, she wants to adopt her niece. Using his money and status it just might be the trick to finally securing her adoption.
This could be a train wreck ready to happen or inevitable bliss!
This book is for you if you’re like me and love the billionaires (let’s just always skip the millionaires we want more!). The MMC Ryan is cocky, gorgeous, filthy rich and knows his way around women. He’s also none committal and doesn’t want to marry, but if he wants to become CEO and take over the family company when his dad steps down he better find a bride stat!
Enter Stella! The gorgeous petite blonde he spent lots of time with while planning his best friend Xavier, and her best friend Brooke’s wedding. She is a spitfire who also wants nothing to do with commitment or marriage, so naturally she’s the best woman for the job. A job that gives her 20 Million reasons to marry him for 6 months and then they can get a divorce and move on with their lives. No harm, no foul?!
She agrees to marry him because she needs the money he’s offering for a secret she’s been keeping, she wants to adopt her niece. Using his money and status it just might be the trick to finally securing her adoption.
This could be a train wreck ready to happen or inevitable bliss!
March 17, 2024
This was an awesome book and I highly recommend it for fans of enemies to lovers, suspense, forced proximity, fake relationships, incapable of love, and HEA tropes. The premise is that Ryan Fairchild, of those Fairchilds, needs a wife if he wants to become CEO of his family’s company. In turn, Stella needs help to be able to adopt her niece, Harriett. A fake marriage will fix both of their problems. They just didn’t account for falling in love. I loved the plot, the tension, and the characters (except for Don!). My only disappointment is the number of grammatical errors. One star deduction because it is totally unnecessary when there are so many types of free grammar check software out there.
I enjoyed the relationship between Stella and Ryan. Their relationship is layered, multi-faceted, and intertwined with the other supporting characters. The romance between them is angsty, complex, messy, and sizzling. The descriptive prose is so well-written that you can practically see the air crackling around these two. So good you are going to need something cold to drink, because it is going to get hot. Both have emotional wounds that need to be healed, and the route to getting that healing is detailed in the story. Read this sweet and spicy romance. You will be glad you did.
I enjoyed the relationship between Stella and Ryan. Their relationship is layered, multi-faceted, and intertwined with the other supporting characters. The romance between them is angsty, complex, messy, and sizzling. The descriptive prose is so well-written that you can practically see the air crackling around these two. So good you are going to need something cold to drink, because it is going to get hot. Both have emotional wounds that need to be healed, and the route to getting that healing is detailed in the story. Read this sweet and spicy romance. You will be glad you did.
March 7, 2024
This is book five of the New York Billionaire's Series. We get to see the relationship of Stella and Ryan develop from hate to love. I hadn't read any of the other books in the series, but I feel it might help to read them to better understand how Stella and Ryan know each other and why they act the way they do around each other.
There were a lot of twists and turns in this story. Once you thought everything was going according to plan, boom, something would happen to disrupt that. There was a lot of secrets which ended up coming out and blowing things up. They just needed to communicate better with each other instead of running from their feelings and each other.
Ryan was a very emotionally detached and angry person. It took a lot to break him out of his shell. But once he did, boy was he delicious. Sadie is a strong woman who doesn't want to rely on anyone, but has to for the sake of her niece. There was a lot of great character development and I enjoyed getting to know each character.
There were a lot of twists and turns in this story. Once you thought everything was going according to plan, boom, something would happen to disrupt that. There was a lot of secrets which ended up coming out and blowing things up. They just needed to communicate better with each other instead of running from their feelings and each other.
Ryan was a very emotionally detached and angry person. It took a lot to break him out of his shell. But once he did, boy was he delicious. Sadie is a strong woman who doesn't want to rely on anyone, but has to for the sake of her niece. There was a lot of great character development and I enjoyed getting to know each character.
March 23, 2024
Stella has been trying to get custody of her niece for months, but with no stability, she is finding it is hard to do that. Ryan needs a wife fast – he only has a few weeks until his 31st birthday and if he is not married, he loses out on the CEO position of his family’s company. Ryan offers Stella the opportunity to be married for 6 months, then they can divorce and she will be well compensated.
Neither one of them is looking for any type of commitment – but when the feelings emerge for both, will they be able to walk away from each other? And will a secret from the past ruin the relationship that is building between Stella and Ryan?
A few twists and turns, deception, hurt, denial, and passion will make it very hard to put this book down!
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Neither one of them is looking for any type of commitment – but when the feelings emerge for both, will they be able to walk away from each other? And will a secret from the past ruin the relationship that is building between Stella and Ryan?
A few twists and turns, deception, hurt, denial, and passion will make it very hard to put this book down!
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2024
This is stella and ryans story
These two have so much chemistry towards each other.
Ryan has closed off to love die to his past and now basically is a playboy that doesnt show the women his true self.
Stella is fighting for custody of her niece as her sister had passed away.
It was lovely watching this 2 characters grow and begin to grow through the book.
I did want to smack ryan around the back of the head for the scene in the hotel,and stella as well at one point as wanted her to just talk to ryan instead of leaving.i did guess who was responsible and was so happy how both women got their justice.
This was my 1st read by judy hale,but it wont be my last.
Cant wait to read more from this series as these characters were amazing
These two have so much chemistry towards each other.
Ryan has closed off to love die to his past and now basically is a playboy that doesnt show the women his true self.
Stella is fighting for custody of her niece as her sister had passed away.
It was lovely watching this 2 characters grow and begin to grow through the book.
I did want to smack ryan around the back of the head for the scene in the hotel,and stella as well at one point as wanted her to just talk to ryan instead of leaving.i did guess who was responsible and was so happy how both women got their justice.
This was my 1st read by judy hale,but it wont be my last.
Cant wait to read more from this series as these characters were amazing
March 14, 2024
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
It was good. Both Stella and Ryan have been hurt in the past. They are both reluctant to be in a relationship, but they both have a need to be married. Ryan needs to be married in order to become CEO of his company. Stella needs to be married in order to adopt her niece. Stella and Ryan enter into a marriage of convenience, but yet they are strongly attracted to each other. Their business arrangement slowly fades into a real relationship.
The story flowed really well. It held my interest. The characters are very likable.
It was good. Both Stella and Ryan have been hurt in the past. They are both reluctant to be in a relationship, but they both have a need to be married. Ryan needs to be married in order to become CEO of his company. Stella needs to be married in order to adopt her niece. Stella and Ryan enter into a marriage of convenience, but yet they are strongly attracted to each other. Their business arrangement slowly fades into a real relationship.
The story flowed really well. It held my interest. The characters are very likable.
March 19, 2024
This was my first time ever reading this author and I absolutely loved this book!! I couldn’t get enough of the characters and their banter. They had so many different things going on at once, but it was legit such an amazing book that I just couldn’t put it down! It had me laughing so hard half the time, but other times it had me captivated and wondering what was going to happen next plus, there were soooo many steamy scenes which made the book even more yummy!! I wish I could just stay in this book forever, that’s how much I love these characters and their story!! Amazing and deserves 5++++ stars!!
March 23, 2024
This story was full of the miscommunication trope, but I still enjoyed it. Ryan and Stella had their work cut out for them; fighting against everything to get into a good place with each other. They are both haunted by their pasts, but their future was at stake. I did like how all the issues got resolved with some help from their found family of friends. Not having read previous books in the series, it was a little confusing to get hit with so many characters and their stories, but I figured it out soon enough. I like how the stories all seem to be interwoven, with multiple storylines happening simultaneously. Overall, a good read.
March 10, 2024
This is the fifth book in the New York Billionaires Series, but can be read as a standalone. Stella and Ryan are enemies who progress to lovers in this emotional, page turning story. It will grab your attention right at the beginning, and you'll find it hard to put down. Some dark elements that might be triggers for some are drug and sexual abuse. The story is a marriage of convenience of two enemies who fall in love. No shortage of drama, twists or emotion. An ending you'll like. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2024
Second Choice Marriage
These two cannot seem to communicate and rend to make rash decisions that almost affect their growing relationship, even in the beginning. Ryan's playboy ways certainly get in the way a few times as well as his past that still haunts his choices. Stella unfortunately, isn't any better at making some decisions either however, her feelings of being second choice exacerbate the issue to the point of emotional pain.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These two cannot seem to communicate and rend to make rash decisions that almost affect their growing relationship, even in the beginning. Ryan's playboy ways certainly get in the way a few times as well as his past that still haunts his choices. Stella unfortunately, isn't any better at making some decisions either however, her feelings of being second choice exacerbate the issue to the point of emotional pain.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2024
Ryan is the typical playboy billionaire. Not wanting to settle down. Until he finds a rule that states he must marry in order to become CEO. He finds Stella who has the same views about relationships. So who better to marry then someone with the same views. He has the perfect plan. 6 months then they can divorce and he can still become CEO. But i think fate and destiny have another plan for these two.
This was a great enemies to lovers story with some great spice. This is part of a series "New York Billionaires" but can be read as a standalone
This was a great enemies to lovers story with some great spice. This is part of a series "New York Billionaires" but can be read as a standalone
March 9, 2024
Judy Hale’s latest story is a short-term marriage of convenience/enemies to lovers. Stella and Ryan both need something from their arrangement; luckily, they are attracted to each other as well. But Ryan has issues—lots of them. Those issues bring on a whole host of problems that impact their relationship.
Playboy Billionaires is plot-heavy, but there is a spice that includes praise, and Ryan has quite a dirty mouth. Overall entertaining.
Playboy Billionaires is plot-heavy, but there is a spice that includes praise, and Ryan has quite a dirty mouth. Overall entertaining.
March 10, 2024
She gate crash his wedding and offers herself as the bride. He was warned to stay away from her but he plans a fake marriage. He would get what he needs and she gets custody of her niece. Life is going to become very interesting for them both. They will try to get along for the 6 months he planned. How will he get on? Will it become even more? See just what will happen next
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
March 10, 2024
I thought this book was good. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and it was really hard to put down. I thought the characters of Stella and Ryan were well developed and they worked hard to overcome the traumas of their past and their HEA was well deserved. The book has a pretty high level of spice as well as past trauma that could be triggers for some readers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2024
This was a good read. It has strong characters and a good storyline. The spice level is pretty good too. I maybe would have liked more of the book focused on "Don" and his connection to the mfc, but that's only as I personally like twists and turns in my books.
If you enjoy Romance books, with an emphasis on a friendship group you will enjoy this book.
I would enjoy reading about the other characters involved in this.... particularly Carmen I'd love to know how her future pans out
If you enjoy Romance books, with an emphasis on a friendship group you will enjoy this book.
I would enjoy reading about the other characters involved in this.... particularly Carmen I'd love to know how her future pans out
March 12, 2024
Fake to real to magnificent! This book just took me to levels of emotions that I never saw coming! Ryan had a long road to travel to become the man he never knew he could be. From mean, angry, self-centered to thoughtful, vulnerable, giving, and selfless. Sadie is loving, determined, selfless, and giving of herself unselfishly. The two of them travel a journey you must read, enjoy.
This a Bookfunnel ARC is one of the best books I have read so far this year.
This a Bookfunnel ARC is one of the best books I have read so far this year.
March 19, 2024
Explosive chemistry
Ryan is a brick wall, no feelings, no relationships. Stella has no interest in a relationship but man these two have so much sexual tension surrounding them. They have the perfect banter. When they finally give in to their desire, they are off the charts. Their storyline was a slow buildup but it was definitely a great one!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy
Ryan is a brick wall, no feelings, no relationships. Stella has no interest in a relationship but man these two have so much sexual tension surrounding them. They have the perfect banter. When they finally give in to their desire, they are off the charts. Their storyline was a slow buildup but it was definitely a great one!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy
March 7, 2024
I received an ARC of “Playboy Billionaire’s fake marriage” for an honest review.
I really loved this book. The character development of the MMC & FMC kept me hooked and so finished the book in 1 day.
There was enough back story and mystery to keep me engaged and I loved the banter between the main characters.
Overall a great contemporary romance.
Happy reading!
😊🌃
March 7, 2024
Loved Ryan and Stella’s story. Wonderful read, Exciting, thrilling and spicy hot. A story of two broken hearted people who make a business alliance. Both have secrets from their past that drives their emotions. A definite must read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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