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The Billionaire Surprise #3
The Billionaire Land Baron
Jake is the big-city billionaire. Shelby is the small-town sweetheart. Opposites attract, but there's one little problem: her home is the final land he needs for his new development.
When Jake travels to Lucky, Texas to finalize the details of his billion-dollar development, falling in love was not a part of the plan. But the feisty and beautiful Shelby has him questioning everything--especially when he realizes that her land is an integral to the success of his project.
Shelby feels trapped in Lucky. After her mother has run off, she's left caring for her disabled veteran father. Jake gives her a glimpse of all that she's missing and makes her wonder if love might be possible for her after all.
When she finds out that Jake is the reason she's losing her land, can she find it in her heart to forgive? Or is this the proof that a happy-ever-after is just out of reach?
With plenty of sass, a few shakes of humor, and an alligator named T-Ball, you'll laugh and cry along with these one-of-a-kind characters in this clean romance.
This is book two in The Billionaire Surprise series! Check out all the books here:
Book 1 - The Billionaire Love Match
Book 2 - The Billionaire Land Baron (where you first meet Xander!)
Book 3 - The Billionaire Benefactor
Book 4 - The Billionaire's Masquerade Ball
272 pages, Paperback
Published May 22, 2024
336 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Emma St. Clair
62 books3,881 followersEmma St. Clair is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, Texas (go, Tigers!) with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels. (Yet.)
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 30, 2018
The laughs keep on coming
The episode when Jake and Shelby first meet was one for the books! I was laughing out loud and chuckling so frequently I had to share what was occurring with those around me they'd understand, and could join in too.
The book just got better from there.
I loved the metaphors, the descriptions, the banter between the characters. I didn't see the twists coming, and they were great!
I enjoyed the fact that the passions weren't too hot. On a steaminess level I would rate this a warm PG.
This book is definitely worthy of a repeat read!
The episode when Jake and Shelby first meet was one for the books! I was laughing out loud and chuckling so frequently I had to share what was occurring with those around me they'd understand, and could join in too.
The book just got better from there.
I loved the metaphors, the descriptions, the banter between the characters. I didn't see the twists coming, and they were great!
I enjoyed the fact that the passions weren't too hot. On a steaminess level I would rate this a warm PG.
This book is definitely worthy of a repeat read!
September 23, 2018
Excellent Book
Very enjoyable book. Two people.with very different lifestyles meet. Each have a very different agenda for their lives. Read what happens when their attraction becomes overwhelming
Very enjoyable book. Two people.with very different lifestyles meet. Each have a very different agenda for their lives. Read what happens when their attraction becomes overwhelming
September 13, 2018
This is the first book I have read in this series and I was given an ARC for an honest opinion.
Both Jake and Shelby had baggage from their childhood that was affecting them in adult life, I think this is why at times their behaviour/attitude/actions came across as immature. For me Jake was was so overwhelmed by his feelings for Shelby that he forgot his faith and let his hormones rule. Shelby I empathised with as there have been times I've also wanted to hold on to my anger rather than turn to God.
For me this book really brought home how much issues from our past that are not dealt with can have a lasting effect on our personal development and growth as a person, such as Jake's self doubt which was sad to read, I just wanted to give him a big hug! Both Jake and Shelby had issues to deal with and some growing up, it was meeting each other that helped them to realise this and have the courage and desire to do so.
I'm giving this 3.5 stars as I believe that the writing is good, I liked the characters and the story concept. I will totally admit that I thought T-Ball as a character was brilliant! Poor Layla though!
Both Jake and Shelby had baggage from their childhood that was affecting them in adult life, I think this is why at times their behaviour/attitude/actions came across as immature. For me Jake was was so overwhelmed by his feelings for Shelby that he forgot his faith and let his hormones rule. Shelby I empathised with as there have been times I've also wanted to hold on to my anger rather than turn to God.
For me this book really brought home how much issues from our past that are not dealt with can have a lasting effect on our personal development and growth as a person, such as Jake's self doubt which was sad to read, I just wanted to give him a big hug! Both Jake and Shelby had issues to deal with and some growing up, it was meeting each other that helped them to realise this and have the courage and desire to do so.
I'm giving this 3.5 stars as I believe that the writing is good, I liked the characters and the story concept. I will totally admit that I thought T-Ball as a character was brilliant! Poor Layla though!
September 23, 2018
When Jake’s Aston Martin Layla breaks down in Lucky, Texas he never expects to change his perspective on what’s important and find the love of his life. He’s there to broker land deals and permits for the casino his company Obsidian wants to build. But he starts to get know the people of Lucky and have second thoughts about being involved in a deal that could change their lives and not for the better. When he discovers that the last piece of land purchased was Shelby’s, a woman who’s RV he is staying in while he’s there and who he has come to care about, for such a small amount that she could only afford to purchase another shack to replace it, he realizes that it’s time to leave his company. Can he stop the deal before it’s too late? Will Shelby still want to be with him after she discovers that he is the reason she lost her house? Plenty of humorous moments in this cute instant love romance.
September 18, 2018
A well written clean sweet enjoyable story with an inspiring message. It is fast paced story with a smooth flowing storyline that is heartwarming, and includes interesting, relatable characters and an alligator and a dog that aid in the laughter. Jake, a billioniare is driving his ridiculously expensive car when it breaks down, landing in a town with no lodging. Shelby is able to rent him an airstream trailer. Shelby has lived in lucky her whole life working many jobs to make ends meet and taking care of her ailing and veteran father, but struggling with finding out the city is taking her land. This is a funny sweet story with a twist that includes a love at first site, funny banter, sweetness and sparks. I enjoyed following the romantic tension of these two oppisites and an awesome ending. I voluntarily reviewed this standalone ARC.
September 27, 2018
I love a good billionaire romance, and Emma St. Clair’s The Billionaire Land Baron (The Billionaire Surprise Book 2) is most definitely that. Jake and Shelby might have some huge road bumps in their path to happiness but the fundamentals of their attraction - and ultimately love - for each other are very strong. How they deal with those “bumps” makes for a fine story when in the hands of a good story-teller and this author is most definitely that. The result is both romantic and fun. What more could one ask for? But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 26, 2023
Jake visits Lucky, Texas to view the land where his new development is going and to finalize the deal. After breaking down, he meets the locals and stays at Shelby's Airbnb. Shelby lives with her dad, and she's doing everything she can to keep their land, but she's behind on her payments to the bank. Shelby's never met a guy like Jake, but he's keeping a secret from her. Jake needs Shelby's land for the success of his project.
This was a fun contemporary read. It gives all the fun country small-town vibes. I loved T-ball! I think he was a fun addition to the story. This story has Christian themes.
Content Warning:
-Mother with bipolar schizophrenia
-Mother abandoning her family
-Father with injuries from an IED (missing leg and brain injury)
-Family struggling to keep their home and land
*This is a clean contemporary read.
This was a fun contemporary read. It gives all the fun country small-town vibes. I loved T-ball! I think he was a fun addition to the story. This story has Christian themes.
Content Warning:
-Mother with bipolar schizophrenia
-Mother abandoning her family
-Father with injuries from an IED (missing leg and brain injury)
-Family struggling to keep their home and land
*This is a clean contemporary read.
September 13, 2018
Lovely story! Emma St. Clair always delivers a great, faith-filled novel! I'm loving the series so far.
This novel was quite different from the first novel, and there aren't noticeable connections between the two; meaning that this novel can be read as a standalone.
I liked the characters, and they are well suited for each other. The plot was good as well. Overall, I enjoyed it! Also, I LOVE the cover!!
RATING: 4 points
1-5 SCALE
1: I couldn’t even finish it
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but I didn't like it either
3.5: On the line between good and ok
4: Solid story / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it!
This novel was quite different from the first novel, and there aren't noticeable connections between the two; meaning that this novel can be read as a standalone.
I liked the characters, and they are well suited for each other. The plot was good as well. Overall, I enjoyed it! Also, I LOVE the cover!!
RATING: 4 points
1-5 SCALE
1: I couldn’t even finish it
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but I didn't like it either
3.5: On the line between good and ok
4: Solid story / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it!
November 11, 2019
You know when the story starts with the hero, Jake, referring to his car, Layla, as the love of his life, he obviously needs more of a life. I’m sure he was not expecting to find himself staying in a small travel trailer waiting for his Layla, an Aston Martin, to be repaired. Shelby has put all her dreams on hold in a futile attempt to care for her father and save their home and land from foreclosure. Shelby and Jake are on a collusion course in more than one way. Emma St. Clair has written a story that holds a few tough truths about small town politics and big business. This was a fun story and I enjoyed it.
January 26, 2020
Emma St. Clair is one of my favorite authors to read when I am wanting a clean romance or Christian story to read. Jake's car breaks down in this small Texas town while Shelby lives in this town to take care of her disabled veteran dad who doesnt want her help. The story and characters will make you laugh, smile and even shed a few tears but most of all I think you will love of how they meet and the paths they cross to make their happily ever after happen. Once i started reading i couldn't put the book down until i flipped the very last page. I truly hope you enjoy this story and will want to read more of Emma's stories and love each and every one of them.
September 13, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed The Billionaire Land Baron. I like the characters, particularly Jake and Shelby. Most Billionaire's do not name their cars, but Jake had Layla - until she broke down near Lucky, Texas. Shelby is a very enterprising girl working multiple jobs trying to care for her dad and keep the property in her family. There is an alligator named TBall and a dog named City. Folks in Lucky take care of their own, something Jake learns the hard way. I could not put down this very entertaining romance.
September 13, 2018
Opposites attract in this new book by Emma St Clair yet they are more alike than Shelby Boyce can imagine. This is a feel good story that is quite entertaining at times and most of that is because of Shelby and her actions. She is not afraid to say what she thinks and boy does she have opinions about Jake. The banter between them helps to move the interesting story along. Welcome to Lucky, Texas where everyone knows your business before you do and looks out for you too! I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
September 17, 2018
Emma St. Clair does it again! The Billionaire Land Baron pits big city against small town. Wealthy but dissatisfied Jake meets broke but determined Shelby and the sparks fly. Can they see beneath the surface and get passed the misunderstandings, outside influences, and quit jumping to conclusions? How can you go wrong with an alligator named T-Ball, a delightful dog, a town that will stick up for their own, and well-written characters? You can’t….so read it today! I couldn't put it down. It was well worth the loss of sleep!
February 13, 2019
The Billionaire Land Baron
Really enjoyed this story. I'd give it a 4.5. It wasn't quit as good as the first, but still really good. I didn't quite fall in love with the characters as much. Shelby is a small town girl, full of life, but weighed down with problems. Jake is a billionaire land developer, great guy, but a little insecure. He broke down in the town he is trying to set up a development deal in. The small town wants to stay small town and don't like the idea of change.
Really enjoyed this story. I'd give it a 4.5. It wasn't quit as good as the first, but still really good. I didn't quite fall in love with the characters as much. Shelby is a small town girl, full of life, but weighed down with problems. Jake is a billionaire land developer, great guy, but a little insecure. He broke down in the town he is trying to set up a development deal in. The small town wants to stay small town and don't like the idea of change.
November 19, 2021
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this series since billionaire romances can be pretty fluffy. This book instead contained a mix of character depth, humor, elements of how our pasts stick with us until they're addressed, and eventually a HEA conclusion. It touches on some heavy things & I could feel the desperation + resignation of the protagonist as she navigated some challenging decisions as a new adult & trying to do what was best for herself as well as her dad. This book was a good mix of romance and realism, without getting too heavy for a lighter read.
September 11, 2018
Cute and Clean Billionaire Romance
This is a cute and clean story with just a touch of faith. The story takes place along the Sabine River dividing Texas and Louisiana. The story is filled with colorful euphemisms and it all sounds authentic. The plot is great. The reader will likely know how it ends, but it is the journey to the end that is so enjoyable. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
This is a cute and clean story with just a touch of faith. The story takes place along the Sabine River dividing Texas and Louisiana. The story is filled with colorful euphemisms and it all sounds authentic. The plot is great. The reader will likely know how it ends, but it is the journey to the end that is so enjoyable. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
September 16, 2018
I received this book as a member of the ARC team. Small town country girl meets big city billionaire. Billionaire gets stuck in small town due to car break down and meets country girl. How? Where? Circumstances? Their lives get tangled up in a mess, she’s poor, finds out the hard way he has more money than anyone can believe. Circumstances lead them to go their separate ways. Are they ever to get together? Hmmm ........
September 26, 2018
The Billionaire Land Baron is a fun, well-written, clean romance. While the well-developed characters are not perfect, they are very likable. I definitely wanted Shelby and Jake to get their HEA, and Emma St. Clair delivered. The book is humorous and romantic. T-Ball is definitely not your swim buddy! You need to read it for that part alone, but by then you'll be hooked. I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this delightful story.
October 9, 2018
The Best Kind of Romance.
Wealthy city boy meets broke Texas country girl. Shelby may not have money, but she has plenty of integrity and strength. Jake has a lot of money, and he's also full of integrity. It just doesn't show right away. He's in Texas to make a big land deal and business venture. Meeting Shelby was a surprise. This is just such a beautiful story. If I could, I'd give it more than five stars. The ending brought tears to my eyes. Just wonderful. I loved it.
Wealthy city boy meets broke Texas country girl. Shelby may not have money, but she has plenty of integrity and strength. Jake has a lot of money, and he's also full of integrity. It just doesn't show right away. He's in Texas to make a big land deal and business venture. Meeting Shelby was a surprise. This is just such a beautiful story. If I could, I'd give it more than five stars. The ending brought tears to my eyes. Just wonderful. I loved it.
January 8, 2019
And Then There's T-Ball
Never mind who T-Ball is. You'll learn that soon enough.
Shelby is stuck and doesn't know how to get unstuck without leaving her father, who depends on her for very good reasons.
Jake is stuck. He's stuck in an odd sort of way, but he also doesn't know how to get unstuck.
Then they meet each other.
St. Clair describes a world she knows well, and shows people dealing with or failing to deal with the situations.
Recommended for all readers of romance.
Never mind who T-Ball is. You'll learn that soon enough.
Shelby is stuck and doesn't know how to get unstuck without leaving her father, who depends on her for very good reasons.
Jake is stuck. He's stuck in an odd sort of way, but he also doesn't know how to get unstuck.
Then they meet each other.
St. Clair describes a world she knows well, and shows people dealing with or failing to deal with the situations.
Recommended for all readers of romance.
October 31, 2019
I really loved this book! It is funny because Shelby is so down to earth & Jake is the billionaire that doesn't want to fall in love & doesn't know what to make of her. Then there is the alligator in her lake. Near the end is the dog that Shelby didn't know was just what she needed. I loved the text messages that flew back & forth between Jake & Shelby. Her nickname for Jake & later the dog is perfect for both. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary opinion/review.
August 22, 2025
Sweet, contemporary romance
Romance, sweet, contemporary; series but stand alone read
Jake and Shelby’s story was more of a 3.5 for me as a reader. Cute small town setting, with all the eccentricities and crazy along with town villain and community caring that also included a gossip chain as well.
Sweet fall, some humorous moments and fun sweet moments with J&S. Cute escape read
Romance, sweet, contemporary; series but stand alone read
Jake and Shelby’s story was more of a 3.5 for me as a reader. Cute small town setting, with all the eccentricities and crazy along with town villain and community caring that also included a gossip chain as well.
Sweet fall, some humorous moments and fun sweet moments with J&S. Cute escape read
September 12, 2018
Fun new romance from St. Clair! Jake is just a regular old businessman, who happens to be a billionaire. Shelby is just a regular old small town girl, who happens to be super quirky. What will happen when these two opposites end up in the same novel? Hilarity and sweetness.
I received a review copy of this novel from the author--all opinions are my own!
I received a review copy of this novel from the author--all opinions are my own!
November 8, 2019
I like Shelby, she is a hot head but I like her frankness, that she has a big heart & gives her all. I like Jake too, he's gun shy and down to earth, for a billionaire. This is hilarious although the omission of a devastating secret scenario is predictable, I will say that the town uproar is unique. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
July 15, 2020
I loved this small-town story and the unique plot points. It was fun. The banter between the billionaire and the feisty small-town heroine is so engaging and builds the romantic tension. The date he takes her on is so swoon-worthy. As always in Emma St. Clair books, the internal struggles of the characters and the extended relationships around the romance make her books stand apart. So good!
February 8, 2025
This was not bad; not fabulous, but not bad. The writing was a bit … unpolished, and the instalove trope is not really my thing, but I really appreciated that the book was squeaky clean and contained an uplifting message. I also am happy that I can trust this author to always write this way.
Rating: G
Rating: G
September 12, 2018
Another great book from Emma St. Clair. I love the way Jake and Shelby fire film and book references at one another. There are quite a few misunderstandings along the way but that adds to the will they won’t they. I love the small town America vibe where everyone gangs up on the outsider.
September 15, 2018
I enjoyed this book, like all of Emma St. Clair's books. It took a little longer to get into than some of her earlier stories, but it was still a pleasant read for a quiet Saturday. I enjoyed the book and movie references throughout.
November 3, 2018
Emma St. Clair has another winner with this clean, contemporary, romance. It is the 2nd book in the Billionaire Surprise series and is a stand-alone story. I found the story to be a fun, fast, delightful read that I can recommend to all my friends.
January 3, 2019
As with all of Emma St. Clair's delightful writing, I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely read. Her characters are relatable, funny and real. Perfect rainy day or beach read...or anytime if you love romance like I do! :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews