What could be worse than my ex walking in on me half naked? How about being fake engaged to him and taking his orders 24/7.
Jackson Big shows up in my life after 10 years. And offers, no, orders me to work for him. It's going to be fun making his life hell.
So here I am in his office, waiting to see him again, my stomach in knots. And instead of keeping my cool, I spill coffee all down my blouse. I frantically try to clean up, standing there just wearing my thin bralette.
And that's when the door opens…
And in walks the man who crushed my heart. My bare torso in full view.
In his eyes, there's a hunger and longing that sets my heart pounding. And I can't help but notice how sexy he looks in a suit.
So he gives me his shirt. And now we're both half naked. Alone. In his office.
He's definitely got something BIG planned for me.
Because, somehow, he's now my boss AND I'm wearing his ring on my finger.
Ugh I wanted to love it. But this was a painful read. Once I start a book I don’t dnf it. Skip this one not worth reading. Plus Jackson and Mandy are so annoying!!
This was well written and started off interesting. I love a second chance romance. But the Male main character Jack keeps the female main character in the dark in the name of protecting her. Which actually puts her in danger because she isn’t aware of the threat looming. It’s frustrating enough that I DNF once things were resolved.
I didn’t love this book but read the second one because I love a surprise pregnancy story. The second one was also just okay, the characters weren’t likable. I started the third one and I’m not going to finish. Something I’ve noticed in all three in this series that I have read is that the FMC is all like, “I hate you, don’t touch me!” And then the MMC forces himself on her and after a minute says, “Tell me to stop and I will” but the FMC is all “No, don’t stop!” Every book, multiple times a book it feels like. Probably because all the MMCs are super cocky thinking they’re god’s gift with women literally falling all over them and they’ve never been rejected so they feel they can just do what they want to whomever they want, even if the woman has already said no. It just doesn’t sit well with me. Also the first two were long and drawn out breakups centered on the miscommunication/lack of communication/refusal to communicate tropes and the characters believe in their assumptions so much they don’t even try to get or listen to the other side. Haven’t gotten that far in the third but it’s probably a safe bet it will happen again. Those tropes bother me too. So I’m out.
I was hoping to like, but the female character was too much of a doormat. She was treated badly by the guy in the past, he didn’t give her a proper explanation and she just go so easy on him… weak female character, manipulative male character, weak friends.
I would have DNF’d this one very early on, but I committed to reviewing this book.
MMC/FMC- Jackson and Mandy (don’t call her Miranda) Genre- Contemporary Romance Heat- 🌋🌋🌋 there was some hotness and there was some boring. Series? I think so Safety? N because there’s attempted S.A. Triggers- Attempted S.A., violence, explicit erotic content, gaslighting. Tropes- Billionaire, Enemies to Lovers, Fake Relationship, Forced Proximity, Second Chance, …and a Partridge in a Pear Tree. What I liked- there was a cute scene where they were dancing and he was wearing panda bear slippers. What I didn’t- I disliked this book. I didn’t like how people were pushing her to reconnect with Jackson at the beginning. Harry insisted that she attend the meeting despite her very vehement refusal and her desire to not have to deal with Jackson because he treated her horribly. And her mom insisting that she still had feelings for Jackson despite her having been absolutely broken by his treatment of her. Basically, they were trying to get her to ignore her justified feelings. I was so over that. And Jackson manipulating circumstances and holding her business hostage in order to see her was more psychotic than sexy. Then there was the coffee stain on her shirt incident. Who on earth takes off their shirt in someone else’s office? Who doesn’t go to the restroom instead? For that matter, what billionaire outside of comic books is named “Mr. Big”? And this was all at the beginning of the book. The bad guy’s identity was painfully obvious. Although maybe a reader who is slightly concussed might miss it. And he was so Ebil that he did everything except shoot her dog and steal her Bible. And why *didn’t* Jackson hire security for her in the first place? The whole thing went past Suspension of Disbelief into Deliberately Dense territory.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed the story 'Big and Bossy' by Mia Mara. It was a love story that struggled to be along with a mystery to find who was trying to sabotage it. Jackson and Mandy had loved each other in college ten years ago and the night that they finally consummated their love in bed, Jack had disappeared from her room never to be seen for the next ten years. Mandy had been left broken-hearted and forlorn. When Jackson suddenly shows up ten years later and wants to be a part of Mandy's life, she is understandably angry and defensive against him. He enlists her interior design company to design the inside of his new company building he has moved to Boulder, Colorado just so that he can be close to her. The media's interference between Mandy and Boulder's newest and most eligible rich bachelor creates such an imposition to their privacy that a fake engagement between them is contrived so that the media will eventually leave them alone. While this is happening, Jackson hopes that he can make Mandy fall in love with him again. But there is the matter of a ten-year absence to explain. Also, someone is threatening their relationship. Jackson is trying to find out who would harm Mandy, but he makes the mistake of not confiding in her because he doesn't want her to worry. But not confiding in her and thinking he can handle it is the mistake that was made ten years ago.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The start of the Boulder Billionaire series once you start you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Fate puts those together she thinks belong together. Jackson sexy as all get out bossy grump somewhat and Mandy sweet but hurt interior designer met loved in college ten years ago and when they finally give in to the magnetic pull one amazing night but the morning, she wakes to find him gone to never hear from him ever nothing…not a peep which left her broken and angry. Fast forward ten years Jackson shows up out of nowhere wanting to be let back into her life she is still hurt, even more angry, wants nothing to do with him just in case he breaks her again after working so hard to put herself back together and all her defenses are in place. He hires her to decorate his new company building, moving to her home to be closer to her. Jackson is back to win his girls heart again he hasn’t forgotten about her knowing he owes her an exclamation throw in the media and they have a fake engagement on their hands but will she ever trust him, will she give him a chance to explain, the magnetic pull is still there just as it was when they were in college but will he convince her to give him another chance, will he be honest with her as to what happened ten years ago, and can they both see that fate has given them a second chance?
📚✨ Book Review: A Fake Engagement Second Chance Romance by Mia Mara ✨📚 Calling all romance lovers! 💖 A Fake Engagement Second Chance Romance by the talented Mia Mara is an emotional rollercoaster you won’t want to miss!
💔 The Story: Jack (aka Jackson) and Mandy (aka Miranda) were college sweethearts until Jack disappeared, leaving Mandy heartbroken. Ten years later, Jack is back—a billionaire in need of her interior design services. But there’s a catch: he refuses to sign the contract unless Mandy personally works with him. 💍 When the media catches wind of Jack’s single-billionaire status, he proposes a fake engagement to divert attention. Mandy reluctantly agrees, but as alarming threats against her escalate, Jack steps in to protect her.
💭 Will Mandy forgive Jack for vanishing years ago? Can they uncover the person behind the threats before it’s too late? And is there a chance for a real future together?
✨ What I Loved: The themes of forgiveness, trust, and second chances are woven beautifully throughout the story. Jack and Mandy’s journey back to each other is emotional and heartfelt. While Jack’s secrecy about the threats made me uneasy, the big reveal was satisfying and well-foreshadowed.
📖 Final Thoughts: If you’re into second-chance romances with a touch of suspense, this one is a must-read! 💕
When Jackson & Mandy were younger & dating, Jackson had received a threat from an unknown person. So in order to protect Mandy, he chose to leave her. Ten long years they tried to move on & to start a new life without each other but their feelings never died. Jackson had enough of this long separation & had returned to Boulder, Colorado to move his company there, insisting L&V Interiors, design his new business location, specifically Mandy to be the only one to work on this project. Lots of resistance on her part but with his patience, his charm & manipulations trying to get her alone with him in order to get the 2nd chance he needs to win her back. When the threats return, he keeps her in the dark about the threats. He works tirelessly in finding who’s threatening them. Throwing in some twists into the story, has you guessing on who it might be. You’ll have to read this one to find out if Jackson will be able to save Mandy from this threat. A good story to read to start this new series.
I received an ARC of this book (part of the Bossy: Boulder Billionaires, The Complete series) via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two people with a common past and a love that never stopped. What Jackson felt for Mandy is more than love, a feeling that goes beyond love, lust and desire. He needed her like the air he breathes and his need for protection and support was too sweet. On the one hand, his fear of rejection, and on the other, her fear of letting go and being hurt again. This story has romance, passion and mutual chemistry, drama, humor and many plots. I liked the ending the most, more precisely their plan to solve Jackson's problem and the realization of the same. I felt like I was in a spy movie. I was also touched by the loyalty and support and unconditional trust of his friends, and Mandy's friend is amazing to me. An interesting book that deals with the issue of children in foster families and the problems these children face in a very touching way. A book recommendation from me.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 I like the author but and this book was good but a little unrealistic.
Jackson and Mandy were in love in college. They night that finally had sex, Jaxon was forced to go into hiding for a year for a secret government job and technology he was working on. All the families were in danger he couldn’t say anything to her. She thought he had just up and left.
Fast forward 10 years and Jaxon sets up his companies base in Boulder, where Mandy works. He hires her firm to design the building. They have to fake being engaged, fall back in love. During this time she gets threats in her house gets broken into. As it turned out, it’s her business partner Harry and friend from college who is the stalker. Before Jaxon knows that it’s Harry, he starts to pull away thinking it will keep her safe.
Annoying because it all could’ve resolved with a little communication. But then there would be no book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jackson a tall drink of water, can I say more? He and Mandy fell in love in college then he upped and vanished one night. Now Mandy holds a grudge and all Jackson wants is to fix his mistakes. He broke her heart and she doesn't know if she can trust him. As other things continue to go out of control she just thinks he still that irresponsible person keeping secrets. Jackson has to fight to prove he loves her beyond a shadow of a doubt. Some parts were completely obvious. I can't see Mandy being so impervious to things happening not to see through some of the things happening. I loved watching them get their happily ever after. And I just cannot fathom why a man was at some woman's Bachelorette party that he didn't even know. It just made no sense he would be there when he couldn't even stand her brother. ugh.
Jack aka Jackson and Mandy aka Miranda had been sweethearts in college until Jack disappeared. Mandy was heartbroken that Jack had taken her virginity and then vanished. Now 10 years later, he is back. She hates him, but he won't sign a interior design contract for his new corporate building with her and Harry's business unless she agrees to work with him. Reporters want a story since Jack is a single billionaire, so Jack arranges for Many to be 'fake' fiancé. Someone is threatening Mandy with trashing her home and an email threat. Will Jack and his security be able to track who is threatening her? Will Mandy forgive Jack for vanishing from her and breaking her heart? Do they have a future?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mia Mara is a new author for me and I loved this story! Jackson and Mandy's story is a second chance at love . When fate aka Jackson intervenes, he will try everything in his arsenal to get her back. Jackson left Mandy without a word 10 years ago and now he wants to be back in her life and wants her for himself. She was/is hurt, heartbroken and has been going through life, but the past was always there in the back of her mind. She will fight him, try to hate him but when everything comes out to light, it is now clear for her. Jackson will have the fight of his life to get her back, but the price at then end will be so worth it for them. Trust will not come easily, but their epic arguments will have you smiling. I can't wait to see what's next for our Boulder Billionaires.
Jackson and Mandy have a past that didn't end good so when he reappears in her life again, she isn't as open to seeing him. Jackson makes it plain he won't do business with her company without her being present. Sparks reignite between them, and Jackson knows that he wants Mandy back. However, things continue to be complicated as outside issues keep coming between them. Will she take a chance and heart on Jackson again? Can this be a second chance for them?
This is an amazing story that will hook you in the first chapter. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Man read this in one sitting, it was emotional and romantic, the fmc was strong but her heart still broken from getting her life crushed by the mmc, who had a secret good reason. The mmc doing everything he can to win her back, screwing up in the process but loving her immensely. 3/5spice, this is a pretty clean solid romance that I read in one sitting, rooting for the mmc the whole time. No cheating, no kink but decent sex scenes not your hallmark version of romance, sexy, romantic with solid characters and back story. A HEA that wrapped up decent enough I won't rant, although I'm used to epilogues that give you a future update but possibly there might be a hint of them in the next boulder billionaires book? A solid happy romance with a touch of spice and drama.
the second chance romance aspect was really cute and I did really like Jackson and Mandy together but I didn’t really understand the fake dating and then when it changed to real dating it was still a little confusing what was going on. It was also very clear the stalker weird creepy dude was going to be her business partner I would have loved a little more mystery or suspense with that part of the book but there were still some surprises with his storyline so I liked it. Overall a good book but nothing crazy. I did not like Jackson in the beginning of the book though. I thought he was such an asshole I hated how mean and defensive he was to Mandy but he softened up a lot and I appreciated the other side of him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a good read for someone looking for a romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. There weren't any real surprises and all of the major conflicts resolved pretty quickly. Miranda/Mandy started off really confident but she lost some of that as the book progressed. Jackson was pretty consistent and at times infuriating throughout the book. Communication was a constant problem which brought down my rating because it became frustrating. I also wished there was a bit more character development and romance between them.Overall a good book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ten years ago, Jackson left Mandy in the middle of the night and ghosted her. Her heart broke and she swore she would never allow herself to get tricked into love by any man.
Jackson’s reason for leaving was to protect her. He found a way to get back with her. Hire her company to redecorate his new office in Boulder.
I like that the two of them found each other for a 2nd time, but the way he refused to tell her about the threats made me a little squeamish. The big reveal of the person responsible was foreshadowed earlier. It made sense and that made the ending very fulfilling.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ten years of questioning what happened, the one you thought would always be yours, and then poof gone. Great story, with complex characters and plot, that keeps your attention from beginning to end. Liked the unexpected twist, and the realization of who Mandy really trust in her life. Loved her supportive friend Amanda, and her open frankness no matter the situation. Enjoyed the ending as both of the main characters learned to not dwell upon the past, but rather live for the present and future they wished to build together.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I don't think I have read anything before from Mia Mara, this new author is one to follow. We start with Jackson and Mandy's second chance at love. When Jackson comes back into her life, he will try everything to win her back. Jackson's abandonment without a word 10 years ago he wants to be back in her life She was hurt, heartbroken and has been but the past with Jackson is always lingering in the back of her mind. She will fight him, and Jackson will have the fight of his life to get her back. The banter between them will leave you smiling. I can't wait for our next Boulder Billionaires.
Jackson Big is moving his whole company to Boulder Colorado to try to get the women he lost ten years ago. Mandy really doesn’t want anything to do with him he broke her heart ten years ago by just disrespecting. No call no notes nothing just gone. Now she is going to be working on his new building for his company but she doesn’t want to but her company needs the business. But things happen and they have to fake a relationship to get the press to leave them alone. But then someone targets them in threatening emails and Jackson is trying to find out who it is. But Mandy partner is making it hard on her. So enjoy another good read and see what they go through!!
Big and Bossy was a fun romp to read. It was a different play on a billionaire romance that I loved. It does take a couple chapters to get into things but that’s good because we get a backstory and it actually continues throughout the book. The way things kick off though was funny because it was because of a dinner that went awry and it’s always when famous people go out to eat that something happens and it all gets caught on someone’s phone. Mia has written another enjoyable book and I’m happy to have read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the first book of Boulder Billionaires and is a great start to the series. If you like second chances and fake engagements, you'll love this book. Mandy and Jackson will grab your attention right at the beginning and it won't take you long to get emotionally involved with them. Prepare to lose a little sleep, as you'll find it hard to put this book down. Sassy banter, chemistry that's off the charts, emotions galore, secrets revealed and a HEA you'll love, read a free arc via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book has marked every box off my want list in a really HOT and WONDERFULLY written romance book that is the start to a series you are going to not want to miss out on reading. WOW this has intense scenes, second chances in love with an ex, has you emotionally hooked from the very first page and a chemistry with the characters that will blow the roof right off your house. If this doesn't scream read me then I don't know what will.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Big & Bossy: A Fake Engagement Second Chance Romance is a an awesome story very well written by the talented author Mia Mara. Another outstanding read by this author! This is Jackson Big & Miranda Littleson second chance story taking place in Boulder, Colorado. This book had a lot of drama, secrets, amazing characters, an emotional roller coaster ride, featuring a nerve-wracking backstory, sizzling chemistry, steamy scenes, and love. I found myself unable to put the book down. Highly recommended. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book was interesting... it had memories, that descisive hate to love, cause you can never forget your First Love, romance, passion, chemistry, drama, humor and many avenues of them both struggling to accept what fate has in store... I liked the ending the most, I knew somewhere in my mind that their plan to solve their problem's and the realization of who was to blame.... I was touched by the loyalty and support and unconditional trust of his friends, and Mandy's friend Amanda altho knew of mandy's struggles with jackson she still supported her hopes.......
Jackson and Mandy had been dating in college. Until Jackson decided to disappear. Mandy was very upset and heartbroken that he vanished like that. Now years later he is back, but she is still very bitter and hurt. Now Mandy has a stalker that is threatening her, violates her home and send her unsettling emails. Jackson proposes that he become her fake fiancé to protect her. Can these two work through their issues and misunderstanding and find love? Great story. I always love when people reunite and try to make it work. There is always lots of angst which I love.