Bargain with the Billionaire

by Keely Stephens

Experienced landscape architect.

Eye-catching newcomer.

Stiff competition.

Lilly Santos-Milligan likes to have fun in life and love, and subscribes to the motto the more the merrier. Until she interprets her mother’s health woes as the universe telling her to pull away from meaningless relationships and concentrate on her landscaping business. Then she meets Blake Garner, the long-lost Forelle half brother, who makes her second-guess her decision to forsake men.

Newly minted billionaire Blake Garner hopes to prove to his newfound family that he’s worthy of their love and respect and that he’s capable of spearheading a successful landscape architecture firm. With his eye on the prize, he plans to stick with his solid, stable ways and has no intention of starting any relationships—especially one with the often impulsive Lilly Santos-Milligan.

A “miscommunication” forces Lilly and Blake to join forces, and the more they work together, the more their desire grows. Soon, both Lilly and Blake must ask What’s keeping them apart?

Genres: Romance

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2024

About the author

Nature Lover. Bob Ross Enthusiast. Feminist.

Keely Stephens grew up reading her mom’s (not very spicy) Harlequin books on summer afternoons, at a time when she couldn’t imagine a happily ever after for a shy, nerdy introvert like her. Though it took Keely a while to find the courage (and time) to write her own happily-ever-after books (both spicy and not), she’s thrilled to have found how much she enjoys writing them. She hopes to always write strong, capable characters (of all sorts) that view sex (of all sorts) positively. Keely still reads romances on summer afternoons. She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to get in touch! IG: @keelystephensauthor; FB: @AuthorKeelyStephens

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the Billionaire trilogy! I was lucky to read an early copy of this steamy tale, and Lilly has found her way into my heart. I hope we see more from this fun and quirky series!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bargain with a billionaire is a good solid story about the half brother of the Forelle brothers who is wanting to prove his worth when tasked with a landscaping project. Blake Garner hasn’t time for the affairs of the heart , he wants to make a good impression on the family and this landscaping is his shoe in his start to gain their trust. Lilly Santos Milligan fears that her mum’s illness is a warning to heed and slow down her speed and her wanton ways and keep a steady pace with her landscaping business. When she is doing some landscaping for her best friend she encounters Blake but after a bit of deliberation they joint project , .working close together draws them into each other’s arms and before long their protestation against relationship is out the window or it would if she took notice of her mum…Great story , solid writing and the storytelling is awesome. I’m leaving my review voluntarily .

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bargain with the Billionaire by Keely Stephens is the story of Blake and Lilly. They are both accidentally slated to head up the same project!! Both have a vested interest in the project and neither wants to give it up. So, they agree to work together on it.

This was a tantalizing story that kept me invested! One would think they have nothing in common and nothing to convince them to work together on this lucrative endeavor. They both have their own reasons for wanting to successfully head up this project. Unexpectedly touching read!!!

[Erin Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite Billionaire book yet! I always love later books in a series when you get to see the couples who already have their HEAs in action, holding a hand out to pull up those not yet lucky in love. Lilly is a great protagonist--her headstrong attitude along with her vulnerability make her fun to root for--and Blake is a worthy adversary and partner. I will not spoil the question of what the "E" stands for, but read to find out, and for some sexy fun along the way!!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Keely Stephens, and it certainly won't be the last! Lilly and Blake's story was incredibly well written, and the spice was wonderful! The characters were funny and sweet and REAL. I love their chemistry and connection. Would absolutely recommend this one! Can't wait to see what Keely has coming next!

[Mia Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. this was so good. I loved how realistic this felt. many of the decisions that the FMC made in regards to her friends, family, and career were so interesting. it was like I was making those decisions too. the instant attraction trope, chiefs kiss. I loved this so much.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A satisfying conclusion to the Billionaire series!

[Rediswow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bargain with the Billionaire by Keely Stephens was a tantalizing story that kept me invested! This is the first book I’ve read by Keely Stephens, and it certainly won’t be the last! Lilly and Blake’s story was incredibly well written, and the spice was wonderful! The characters were funny and sweet and REAL. I love their chemistry and connection. They are both accidentally slated to head up the same project!! Both have a vested interest in the project and neither wants to give it up. So, they agree to work together on it. One would think they have nothing in common and nothing to convince them to work together on this lucrative endeavor. They both have their own reasons for wanting to successfully head up this project. Lilly is a great protagonist—her headstrong attitude along with her vulnerability make her fun to root for—and Blake is a worthy adversary and partner. I will not spoil the question of what the “E” stands for, but read to find out, and for some sexy fun along the way!! Would absolutely recommend this one! Can’t wait to see what Keely has coming next!

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilly meets Blake while she is handling the landscaping for her best friend. Blake is the new found half brother of the best friend’s man. Both are given free rein without the other knowing, so they strike a bargain. I liked that Lilly was independent and strong but she was afraid to love Blake and live her life in my opinion. She wanted to be there for her mom but even her mom could see how she felt for Blake. Overall it was a good story.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read this book and with had read the others book. I got this as an ARC. I love Lillie, she is fierce and goes after what it, sometimes in impulsive haha! Blake who is trying to prove himself has no time for love! This is a fun and sexy forced proximity, workplace romance!!

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance story of a sexy billionaire and a woman who has fears to overcome in order to be able to receive the love that she deserves. There is some oral play toward the last chapters, but nothing to spicy. Just a sweet story about two souls coming together.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun romp with Lilly (who first showed up in Breakfast with the Billionaire) and Blake, Grant and Byrd's half brother. More to come!

[Sharon Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read an early version of this novel. Sexy, fun, and great character arcs!

[Dani Lewandowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

No hook

I really really wanted to like this book but for the life of me I couldn’t connect with the characters. The romance felt so dry.