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Billionaire Romance #1
The Mix-Up
When the grumpy CEO finds me in his office and mistakes me for someone else, I realize this could be the answer to my family’s financial problems, I just didn’t count on my heart to mess it up.
No one pays attention to me, the mailroom girl at Crawford Corporation, and I prefer it that way. Until Colton Crawford, the company’s surly CEO, finds me in his office holding another woman’s resume and offers me the Personal Assistant position on the spot so he can move on with his day. I try to correct him, only for him to increase the salary offer. It’s not like I can’t do the job, I’m more than qualified, and my family really needs the money. I vow to tell him everything… after payday.
Except, Colton makes me yearn for things I haven’t desired in a long time. I’m afraid that when I confess, I risk losing not only my job but the one person who sees the real me.
Content Warning: Scenes alluding to past trauma, one scene of domestic violence, a power imbalance, foul language, and open-door romance. Reader discretion is advised.
No one pays attention to me, the mailroom girl at Crawford Corporation, and I prefer it that way. Until Colton Crawford, the company’s surly CEO, finds me in his office holding another woman’s resume and offers me the Personal Assistant position on the spot so he can move on with his day. I try to correct him, only for him to increase the salary offer. It’s not like I can’t do the job, I’m more than qualified, and my family really needs the money. I vow to tell him everything… after payday.
Except, Colton makes me yearn for things I haven’t desired in a long time. I’m afraid that when I confess, I risk losing not only my job but the one person who sees the real me.
Content Warning: Scenes alluding to past trauma, one scene of domestic violence, a power imbalance, foul language, and open-door romance. Reader discretion is advised.
Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
May 31, 2022
2,5 😔😔⭐️s
An easy romance read where development was adequate, the ending was very abrupt, feelings came out of almost nowhere.
An easy romance read where development was adequate, the ending was very abrupt, feelings came out of almost nowhere.
November 14, 2025
Hızlı ilerleyen bir kitaptı. İlk görüşte etkilenmeler, sana dayanamıyorumlar bla bla.
Ama göreceli olarak en azından kendini okuttu.
Zaman geçirmelik, çerezlik kitap.
Ama göreceli olarak en azından kendini okuttu.
Zaman geçirmelik, çerezlik kitap.
April 20, 2022
Enjoyed this story of the case of mistaken identity. Or was it?
Colton was a grumpy, rude CEO of Crawford Corporation who couldn’t keep a Personal Assistant because they simply couldn’t tolerate his attitude. Frances was a mailroom clerk who was content with people not paying attention to her. One day during a mail delivery to Colton’s office she picked up a resume on his desk of an applicant who was applying for his PA Assistant position. Colton mistaking Frances as the applicant herself offers her the job with a lucrative salary and Frances accepted.
Granted Frances was helping to put her brother through school and was still living with her family to cut cost she was still wrong for what she did. She already had a crush on Colton and had been secretly pining over him for years. Frances had an opportunity to tell the truth, but she waited until Colton has already fell in love with her and his brother/Attorney did some digging and uncovered the truth.
Colton was absolutely swoon worthy. He was hard as stone in the office but outside of the office he was boyfriend/husband material with the right woman. Frances was dealing with a lot of self esteem issue due to her previous relationship where her former boyfriend literally broke her down to believing that she was nothing and didn’t deserve nice things. Colton was ready to give Frances the world but her lies and low self esteem was getting in the way of her experiencing true happiness. I was pleased to see how the author touched on Frances realizing that she needed to seek counseling so that she could make amends and move forward with her life.
Although hurt and devastated by Frances lies; Colton still wanted to be with her and help her through whatever she was going through. Heartwarming story about Lies, Betrayal, Overcoming your Past and fighting your inner demons that are standing in the way of your happiness.
Colton was a grumpy, rude CEO of Crawford Corporation who couldn’t keep a Personal Assistant because they simply couldn’t tolerate his attitude. Frances was a mailroom clerk who was content with people not paying attention to her. One day during a mail delivery to Colton’s office she picked up a resume on his desk of an applicant who was applying for his PA Assistant position. Colton mistaking Frances as the applicant herself offers her the job with a lucrative salary and Frances accepted.
Granted Frances was helping to put her brother through school and was still living with her family to cut cost she was still wrong for what she did. She already had a crush on Colton and had been secretly pining over him for years. Frances had an opportunity to tell the truth, but she waited until Colton has already fell in love with her and his brother/Attorney did some digging and uncovered the truth.
Colton was absolutely swoon worthy. He was hard as stone in the office but outside of the office he was boyfriend/husband material with the right woman. Frances was dealing with a lot of self esteem issue due to her previous relationship where her former boyfriend literally broke her down to believing that she was nothing and didn’t deserve nice things. Colton was ready to give Frances the world but her lies and low self esteem was getting in the way of her experiencing true happiness. I was pleased to see how the author touched on Frances realizing that she needed to seek counseling so that she could make amends and move forward with her life.
Although hurt and devastated by Frances lies; Colton still wanted to be with her and help her through whatever she was going through. Heartwarming story about Lies, Betrayal, Overcoming your Past and fighting your inner demons that are standing in the way of your happiness.
dnf-2024
August 12, 2024dnf 20 % seems pretty insta love . pass
April 12, 2022
This book is amazing!! I read it in 2 days. Definitely worth the read!! Go check it out when it releases!!!
January 8, 2025
It was an enjoyable read but the ending seemed abit rushed !
January 11, 2025
The Mix Up had a fun premise, but the execution fell flat. The romance was too fast-paced, with little chemistry or depth, and key moments were rushed instead of explored. The writing felt underdeveloped, leaving the story feeling shallow and unsatisfying. Great idea, poor delivery.
May 13, 2024
Very mixed up
Only in romance books can you do things illegally and not get into trouble. This book had it's share. The book was a easy read and entertaining.
Only in romance books can you do things illegally and not get into trouble. This book had it's share. The book was a easy read and entertaining.
November 8, 2024
A waste of two days and my brain cells
The characters for one dimensional and Harley any personality and no chemistry.
The characters for one dimensional and Harley any personality and no chemistry.
April 14, 2022
I was lucky enough to be apart of the ARC group. I will say I was done the book in a day, I couldn’t put it down. If you like steamy romance with a side of conflict I think you’ll love this one. I love the characters Colton and Frances and even got hooked on their siblings stories, which I hope we get to see in the near future. Colton melted my heart and I was proud for Frances and the obstacles she overcame. The story flowed beautifully and I enjoyed the separate points of view from the characters. I would recommend reading this, I know it’s one you won’t put down.
April 11, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and I devoured this book!! I haven’t read a book in one sitting in a really long time! Please check all TW!
If you enjoy spice, complex characters, fast paced, and easy to read billionaire men who only have a soft spot for one girl then this is for you!
This book made me feel so happy while reading it. I love the playful nature between the love interests and even though it was a fast paced beginning I truly felt invested in their relationship and I believed it.
This does have a happily ever after and I loved that, but the winding road they took to get there almost killed me!!! Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen I was so wrong!
If you enjoy spice, complex characters, fast paced, and easy to read billionaire men who only have a soft spot for one girl then this is for you!
This book made me feel so happy while reading it. I love the playful nature between the love interests and even though it was a fast paced beginning I truly felt invested in their relationship and I believed it.
This does have a happily ever after and I loved that, but the winding road they took to get there almost killed me!!! Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen I was so wrong!
April 13, 2022
I was blessed to receive an ARC of this book. I really liked these characters and the story was super cute. I love dual POV books because we all want to know what's going through both characters heads. There was some good spice but I wouldn't say super spicy. Overall, this was a good book that I would recommend reading, especially if you like the boss trope.
August 27, 2024
This book had no character building, no build up and was rushed. Do not recommend.
January 21, 2025
Okay here’s the thing, I picked this book to read as a palate cleanser from the last book I read that was a dark mafia romance. This definitely achieved what I needed it to but being honest it was really not a great book.
The dialogue is a bit painful. It feels like these are two people who really don’t talk to many people when really he is supposed to be this powerful, intimidating CEO. The way he calls her sweetheart feels condescending and not endearing.
The spice is very vanilla. They make Colton out to be a playboy yet it feels like he’s never been with a woman at all. And how after only 5 days is he immediately wanting to take her away and be with her forever? Where did that even come from since their interactions were so limited by that point? Honestly, the entire story content is vanilla despite there even being a DV incident.
Between both of their histories it didn’t feel like anything was developed properly. It was just kept secret until it wasn’t. And why did they have to go to the cabin with Robert if that was only going to end up going nowhere? How did everything go down with her other boss and her finding out she not only quit but then she didn’t get the contract. Plus we find out that Robert is giving Colton the contract by Frances just handing him an envelope? There’s no other discussion?!
Overall a lot of loose ends and parts of the story that had no resolution. What did Clive think of her pretending to be Ava and then getting fired from the mail job? Why is the real Ava still the PA when Colton didn’t even like her and she’s a huge brat to everyone.
Ugh. While this book was the cleanser I needed it kind of only frustrated me and makes me need to find another book to read immediately.
The dialogue is a bit painful. It feels like these are two people who really don’t talk to many people when really he is supposed to be this powerful, intimidating CEO. The way he calls her sweetheart feels condescending and not endearing.
The spice is very vanilla. They make Colton out to be a playboy yet it feels like he’s never been with a woman at all. And how after only 5 days is he immediately wanting to take her away and be with her forever? Where did that even come from since their interactions were so limited by that point? Honestly, the entire story content is vanilla despite there even being a DV incident.
Between both of their histories it didn’t feel like anything was developed properly. It was just kept secret until it wasn’t. And why did they have to go to the cabin with Robert if that was only going to end up going nowhere? How did everything go down with her other boss and her finding out she not only quit but then she didn’t get the contract. Plus we find out that Robert is giving Colton the contract by Frances just handing him an envelope? There’s no other discussion?!
Overall a lot of loose ends and parts of the story that had no resolution. What did Clive think of her pretending to be Ava and then getting fired from the mail job? Why is the real Ava still the PA when Colton didn’t even like her and she’s a huge brat to everyone.
Ugh. While this book was the cleanser I needed it kind of only frustrated me and makes me need to find another book to read immediately.
April 11, 2022
ARC review
My first novel by this author and certainly not the last.
Office romance again? Yes we love romance at work!!! If at the base we still imagine the story of a rich businessman and his assistant, it is because you are not reading the right novel. It's much more than that!!!
This is definitely not a novel where the action takes forever to arrive on the contrary, here we do not waste time.
This novel takes us beyond the assistant who falls for her grumpy boss. Frances has a past that she must learn to manage and Colton must learn to trust.
Frances is not the beautiful, confident girl ready to grab anything in her path. No. She beautyful of course, but she is human filled with doubts and insecurities and we follow her journey towards maturity through this novel.
Colton despite his character is ready for a lot for the one he loves.
I seriously loved watching these two characters evolve. No downtime, I loved every page I read. For me it's a big yes, if you ask me if it's worth reading. It will definitely be part of my library as soon as it becomes available.
From one Canadian to another, Eve Marian well done and I,m proud of you. <3
My first novel by this author and certainly not the last.
Office romance again? Yes we love romance at work!!! If at the base we still imagine the story of a rich businessman and his assistant, it is because you are not reading the right novel. It's much more than that!!!
This is definitely not a novel where the action takes forever to arrive on the contrary, here we do not waste time.
This novel takes us beyond the assistant who falls for her grumpy boss. Frances has a past that she must learn to manage and Colton must learn to trust.
Frances is not the beautiful, confident girl ready to grab anything in her path. No. She beautyful of course, but she is human filled with doubts and insecurities and we follow her journey towards maturity through this novel.
Colton despite his character is ready for a lot for the one he loves.
I seriously loved watching these two characters evolve. No downtime, I loved every page I read. For me it's a big yes, if you ask me if it's worth reading. It will definitely be part of my library as soon as it becomes available.
From one Canadian to another, Eve Marian well done and I,m proud of you. <3
April 2, 2024
Brilliant Story & Narration🎧Gripping & Heartfelt!
The Mix-Up
Billionaire Romance, Book 1
By: Eve Marian
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost
Sometimes I am late to the party because not all authors get to bring their books to audio right away, but how have I not heard of this author before, Eve Marian, so not only did this book impress me, but so did her wonderful writing style and creative mind. She puts her own unique spin on an office/work place romance and the story not only captivated my attention the entire time, but it tugged at my heartstrings, too. You could feel the emotions pour off the pages into your heart. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are easy to like and root for too. Frances “Frannie” Netto works in the mailroom at Crawford Corporation, despite having a college degree in business. She lacks confidence and prefers to remain in the background, a nobody that no one sees, and while the pay is not the best, she likes her job. The CEO of the company, Colton Crawford, is a tough person to work for and goes through personal assistants because no one wants to put up with his grumpy attitude. Frannie’s friend Erika tells her she should apply for the position, but she declines. While dropping off a package in this office, she picks up an applicant’s resume to check out, and the boss catches her red-handed demands to know what she was doing. He took her by surprise and everything just happens so quickly and she is his hired as his new personal assistant, except she is not who he thinks she is. She goes along with it and thinks the salary will really help and she’ll make it work for two weeks before coming clean. She turns out to be a resourceful P.A. and impresses him with how she handles her work, and has been less grumpy, too. There is an undeniable chemistry between them, and they could only deny each other for so long. I loved how everything played out in this book, as well as all the layers of the story. The complexity of the characters is absolutely amazing, and it was great to watch them get to know each other and the character growth is also amazing, and I loved how they grow into their own by the end, especially Frannie, who became the person she was meant to be, strong, confident and not afraid to go after what she wants. This wonderfully plotted story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Eve Marian, thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride, I hope to hear more of your books soon.
🎧📚🎧Allie Martina and Gideon Frost are exceptional at what they do, bringing these characters to life from the pages to your ears. Humanizing them with their emotions and personality and understand the characters they are portraying, giving each a voice that is fitting. I loved how they took each role and owned it, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. Martina nailed it as Frannie, grasping all aspects of who she was, building up her characters and transforming her from the insecure wallflower to the confident woman she became. Frost nailed it as Colton and he, too, grasped all sides of his personality, from a grumpy boss alpha-hole to his vulnerable side, to his caring side, and all in between. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling each one. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance elevates this already fantastic story to another level. Thank you for another amazing listen.
The Mix-Up
Billionaire Romance, Book 1
By: Eve Marian
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost
Sometimes I am late to the party because not all authors get to bring their books to audio right away, but how have I not heard of this author before, Eve Marian, so not only did this book impress me, but so did her wonderful writing style and creative mind. She puts her own unique spin on an office/work place romance and the story not only captivated my attention the entire time, but it tugged at my heartstrings, too. You could feel the emotions pour off the pages into your heart. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are easy to like and root for too. Frances “Frannie” Netto works in the mailroom at Crawford Corporation, despite having a college degree in business. She lacks confidence and prefers to remain in the background, a nobody that no one sees, and while the pay is not the best, she likes her job. The CEO of the company, Colton Crawford, is a tough person to work for and goes through personal assistants because no one wants to put up with his grumpy attitude. Frannie’s friend Erika tells her she should apply for the position, but she declines. While dropping off a package in this office, she picks up an applicant’s resume to check out, and the boss catches her red-handed demands to know what she was doing. He took her by surprise and everything just happens so quickly and she is his hired as his new personal assistant, except she is not who he thinks she is. She goes along with it and thinks the salary will really help and she’ll make it work for two weeks before coming clean. She turns out to be a resourceful P.A. and impresses him with how she handles her work, and has been less grumpy, too. There is an undeniable chemistry between them, and they could only deny each other for so long. I loved how everything played out in this book, as well as all the layers of the story. The complexity of the characters is absolutely amazing, and it was great to watch them get to know each other and the character growth is also amazing, and I loved how they grow into their own by the end, especially Frannie, who became the person she was meant to be, strong, confident and not afraid to go after what she wants. This wonderfully plotted story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Eve Marian, thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride, I hope to hear more of your books soon.
🎧📚🎧Allie Martina and Gideon Frost are exceptional at what they do, bringing these characters to life from the pages to your ears. Humanizing them with their emotions and personality and understand the characters they are portraying, giving each a voice that is fitting. I loved how they took each role and owned it, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. Martina nailed it as Frannie, grasping all aspects of who she was, building up her characters and transforming her from the insecure wallflower to the confident woman she became. Frost nailed it as Colton and he, too, grasped all sides of his personality, from a grumpy boss alpha-hole to his vulnerable side, to his caring side, and all in between. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling each one. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance elevates this already fantastic story to another level. Thank you for another amazing listen.
April 6, 2024
This is the first time I have experienced a story written by Eve Marian and I really enjoyed it.
I listened to the audiobook of The Mix-Up and I am so glad that I did,because narrators Gideon Frost and Allie Martina are Amazing telling this story.
They really made the book shine and did a fantastic job at bringing both Colton and Francis to life and both of their male and female voices were very well done.
Their voices were expressive and showed all the emotions when neccessary I loved listening to them both.I have heard Gideon Frost before and he is always excellent,Allie Martina on the other hand is a new voice actor to me and I thought she was phenomenal...she real impressed me and will most certainly listen to her performances in other books.
The Mix-Up is a mistaken identity romance with Colton mistaking Francis for someone who is there to be interviewed for a job as his assistant.But actually Francis was in his office to drop something off for him as she actually works in the mailroom.
Colton thinks Francis is Ava the interviewee he is suppose to check out for the position and he is so desperate for an assisstant he hires her on the spot.
Francis plays along with the ploy as she needs the money this job would pay her,to help her brother but she vows to herself she will stick it out for 2 weeks and then come clean...but she never expected the turn of events that would happen in those 2 weeks.
Colton is the epitome of the grumpy boss,all his employees are afraid of him he can't seem to keep an assisstant.He also has a reputation as being a ladies man along with his brothers he has made a few headlines.
Francis is a shy woman and she feels invisible at work in the mailroom of Colton's company and she has crushed on Colton ever since she began working there.Colton has never met and now she is his assisstant for 2 weeks and all of a sudden Colton his looking at her like she is someone he wants to devour...She didn't anticipate that they would become friends and he would develop feelings for her too. He opens up to her and telling her things he never told even his brothers...and they take the relationship to the next level and they are so hot together.
Colton falls hard and fast for Ava/Francis and the longer the charade goes on, it is harder for Francis to tell the truth about her real identity.
I really enjoyed this story and it took some turns that I didn't expect and so kept my interest and wondering what would happen next between Colton and Francis.
Colton surprised me because I didn't find him grumpy at all,well he was a little bit at first but honestly he is so swoon worthy at times.Although he did annoy me when he wouldn't listen to Francis when she tried to explain the situation to him.
Francis begins the book very fragile and shy a past relationship has her doubting herself,but as the book progresses she becomes more confident in herself.
There is a trigger warning with this story that may be uncomfortable for some readers who may have experienced abuse in a relationship so be aware if this is you.
I enjoyed this book and I will definately want to listen to the next book within this series when available...Because judging by this audiobook I know it will be great.
I loved the narrator and Loved Eve Marian's writing.
Fabulous audiobook.
5 Stars.
I listened to the audiobook of The Mix-Up and I am so glad that I did,because narrators Gideon Frost and Allie Martina are Amazing telling this story.
They really made the book shine and did a fantastic job at bringing both Colton and Francis to life and both of their male and female voices were very well done.
Their voices were expressive and showed all the emotions when neccessary I loved listening to them both.I have heard Gideon Frost before and he is always excellent,Allie Martina on the other hand is a new voice actor to me and I thought she was phenomenal...she real impressed me and will most certainly listen to her performances in other books.
The Mix-Up is a mistaken identity romance with Colton mistaking Francis for someone who is there to be interviewed for a job as his assistant.But actually Francis was in his office to drop something off for him as she actually works in the mailroom.
Colton thinks Francis is Ava the interviewee he is suppose to check out for the position and he is so desperate for an assisstant he hires her on the spot.
Francis plays along with the ploy as she needs the money this job would pay her,to help her brother but she vows to herself she will stick it out for 2 weeks and then come clean...but she never expected the turn of events that would happen in those 2 weeks.
Colton is the epitome of the grumpy boss,all his employees are afraid of him he can't seem to keep an assisstant.He also has a reputation as being a ladies man along with his brothers he has made a few headlines.
Francis is a shy woman and she feels invisible at work in the mailroom of Colton's company and she has crushed on Colton ever since she began working there.Colton has never met and now she is his assisstant for 2 weeks and all of a sudden Colton his looking at her like she is someone he wants to devour...She didn't anticipate that they would become friends and he would develop feelings for her too. He opens up to her and telling her things he never told even his brothers...and they take the relationship to the next level and they are so hot together.
Colton falls hard and fast for Ava/Francis and the longer the charade goes on, it is harder for Francis to tell the truth about her real identity.
I really enjoyed this story and it took some turns that I didn't expect and so kept my interest and wondering what would happen next between Colton and Francis.
Colton surprised me because I didn't find him grumpy at all,well he was a little bit at first but honestly he is so swoon worthy at times.Although he did annoy me when he wouldn't listen to Francis when she tried to explain the situation to him.
Francis begins the book very fragile and shy a past relationship has her doubting herself,but as the book progresses she becomes more confident in herself.
There is a trigger warning with this story that may be uncomfortable for some readers who may have experienced abuse in a relationship so be aware if this is you.
I enjoyed this book and I will definately want to listen to the next book within this series when available...Because judging by this audiobook I know it will be great.
I loved the narrator and Loved Eve Marian's writing.
Fabulous audiobook.
5 Stars.
April 1, 2024
The Mix-Up
Billionaire Romance, Book 1
By: Eve Marian
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost
Wow! An emotional powerhouse perfectly done!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 04-01-24
When Colton Crawford arrogantly makes an assumption that puts Frances Netto in the position of financially securing her younger brother’s immediate academic future, she doesn’t correct him. After all, it’s only two weeks … then she’ll come clean … what could go wrong … Oh what a tangled web we weave… isn’t that how the saying goes? Beautifully, heart fully and most of all emotionally written, this story, this beautifully complex story had me laughing, crying and wanting to punch walls, sometimes ALL at the same time! Possibly triggering for some, the takeaway, beautifully executed, is that survival IS possible, healing IS possible and happiness is not only possible but is DESERVED! Both the hero and the heroine in this story are damaged by events in their pasts. Both need to come to terms with that damage, to find a way to heal and move forward. This is their stories, and that is all the plot detail I am giving. Going further would venture into spoilerville and I’m not going there! Know that the ride is emotional, powerful, and you’ll not be the same when finished. The characters are wonderfully defined, realistically drawn and cover all ranges of the human spectrum. There were a few that I would have cheerfully taken a croquet mallet to at one point or another, some of those I had a change of heart on … some not, and some I wanted to adopt me! I leave the identities anonymous to preserve the mystique of this marvelous listen! The narration, oh my stars, holy WOW!!! The narration was beyond spectacular! The gut wrenching, soul searing emotional pain and trauma that these characters were feeling came through loud, and crystal clear, via astounding vocal intonation, inflection and character voicing! I was stunned silent, and sat slack jawed, tears streaming while listening as the authors vision stunningly played out! This beyond fabulous collaboration of writing and narration is deserving of many more than the five stars I am allowed to award! I will be looking for more in this stunning series! Five stunning stars!
Billionaire Romance, Book 1
By: Eve Marian
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost
Wow! An emotional powerhouse perfectly done!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 04-01-24
When Colton Crawford arrogantly makes an assumption that puts Frances Netto in the position of financially securing her younger brother’s immediate academic future, she doesn’t correct him. After all, it’s only two weeks … then she’ll come clean … what could go wrong … Oh what a tangled web we weave… isn’t that how the saying goes? Beautifully, heart fully and most of all emotionally written, this story, this beautifully complex story had me laughing, crying and wanting to punch walls, sometimes ALL at the same time! Possibly triggering for some, the takeaway, beautifully executed, is that survival IS possible, healing IS possible and happiness is not only possible but is DESERVED! Both the hero and the heroine in this story are damaged by events in their pasts. Both need to come to terms with that damage, to find a way to heal and move forward. This is their stories, and that is all the plot detail I am giving. Going further would venture into spoilerville and I’m not going there! Know that the ride is emotional, powerful, and you’ll not be the same when finished. The characters are wonderfully defined, realistically drawn and cover all ranges of the human spectrum. There were a few that I would have cheerfully taken a croquet mallet to at one point or another, some of those I had a change of heart on … some not, and some I wanted to adopt me! I leave the identities anonymous to preserve the mystique of this marvelous listen! The narration, oh my stars, holy WOW!!! The narration was beyond spectacular! The gut wrenching, soul searing emotional pain and trauma that these characters were feeling came through loud, and crystal clear, via astounding vocal intonation, inflection and character voicing! I was stunned silent, and sat slack jawed, tears streaming while listening as the authors vision stunningly played out! This beyond fabulous collaboration of writing and narration is deserving of many more than the five stars I am allowed to award! I will be looking for more in this stunning series! Five stunning stars!
April 4, 2024
The Mix-Up
Billionaire Romance, Book 1
By: Eve Marian
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost
There is something about a grumpy billionaire that I just love. Eve Marian brings this story, the first in her Billionaire Romance series to my ears, and not only is Colton a bit on the grumpy side, but the premise of this story is original and fun! Colton's attitude has made it difficult to keep a personal assistant. When Frances walks in his office from the mail room where she works, holding a resume for someone else. Being mistaken for that person, Colton offers her a salary and position Frances cannot pass up! If she only stays for a couple of weeks, the money could change her life. But pose as someone else? Could she get away with it? Not only could she, but the immediate attraction between these two may just be a problem that is going to cause a bigger mess involving their hearts. What will happen when the truth is revealed? Colton is a fantastic character. Yes, a bit broody, he has some baggage that clearly makes it understandable. But can his mood be changed? Not only did I love the man, but Frannie is phenomenal. A business major hiding out in the mailroom, she proves that with beauty comes brains! She is smart and compassionate, knowing how to reach the hardest of people's hearts. Marian is a new to me author, but now that has changed and I hope she continues to put her amazing stories on audio!
Allie Martina and Gideon Frost. The narration team for this book is as if Marian had heard their voices while she was writing. Perfectly cast, they understand their characters and brought me into that office romance heart first! Martina falls into character as Frannie, conflicted and passionate, and though her fear of being caught it felt, Martina keeps her feelings for Colton on her sleeve. Frost uses that sensual voice as Colton, and as easy as he wins me over with passion he can use the voice of steel as the master business man. These two compliment each other and make the story fly by!
Billionaire Romance, Book 1
By: Eve Marian
Narrated by: Allie Martina, Gideon Frost
There is something about a grumpy billionaire that I just love. Eve Marian brings this story, the first in her Billionaire Romance series to my ears, and not only is Colton a bit on the grumpy side, but the premise of this story is original and fun! Colton's attitude has made it difficult to keep a personal assistant. When Frances walks in his office from the mail room where she works, holding a resume for someone else. Being mistaken for that person, Colton offers her a salary and position Frances cannot pass up! If she only stays for a couple of weeks, the money could change her life. But pose as someone else? Could she get away with it? Not only could she, but the immediate attraction between these two may just be a problem that is going to cause a bigger mess involving their hearts. What will happen when the truth is revealed? Colton is a fantastic character. Yes, a bit broody, he has some baggage that clearly makes it understandable. But can his mood be changed? Not only did I love the man, but Frannie is phenomenal. A business major hiding out in the mailroom, she proves that with beauty comes brains! She is smart and compassionate, knowing how to reach the hardest of people's hearts. Marian is a new to me author, but now that has changed and I hope she continues to put her amazing stories on audio!
Allie Martina and Gideon Frost. The narration team for this book is as if Marian had heard their voices while she was writing. Perfectly cast, they understand their characters and brought me into that office romance heart first! Martina falls into character as Frannie, conflicted and passionate, and though her fear of being caught it felt, Martina keeps her feelings for Colton on her sleeve. Frost uses that sensual voice as Colton, and as easy as he wins me over with passion he can use the voice of steel as the master business man. These two compliment each other and make the story fly by!
January 5, 2025
This was an easy fast read. Finished it in one day. I’m not a big fan of deception in romance. I can’t believe how Frances kept on going with the deception even as their feelings deepened.
I loved how she sought therapy for her trauma and how she handled her fears. I think it’s great that the author gave her the independence to fight for herself.
Colton was an okay guy, though how he treats his staff is unjustifiable. No small talk, really? And having many personal assistants leave you is something you should reflect on as a leader.
Also the fact that Frances makes his mood better kind of the trope of “I can fix him” … cue Taylor Swift’s song.
I think it’s also about time I stop reading tropes where the guy is filthy rich and the lady is barely making ends meet. But I’m a hopeless romantic so I won’t be stopping anytime soon 😏
Some quotes I liked:
I didn’t want to sacrifice myself to please others. I would choose what was best for me.
I needed to talk to someone about my fears. I couldn’t deal with them alone anymore and I was tired of letting them run my life.
“You don’t need designer clothes to look fashionable, trust me.”
“I want you to hold me until the sun comes up,” I whispered. He cursed softly under his breath. “Then I’ll stop the sun from rising.”
I loved how she sought therapy for her trauma and how she handled her fears. I think it’s great that the author gave her the independence to fight for herself.
Colton was an okay guy, though how he treats his staff is unjustifiable. No small talk, really? And having many personal assistants leave you is something you should reflect on as a leader.
Also the fact that Frances makes his mood better kind of the trope of “I can fix him” … cue Taylor Swift’s song.
I think it’s also about time I stop reading tropes where the guy is filthy rich and the lady is barely making ends meet. But I’m a hopeless romantic so I won’t be stopping anytime soon 😏
Some quotes I liked:
I didn’t want to sacrifice myself to please others. I would choose what was best for me.
I needed to talk to someone about my fears. I couldn’t deal with them alone anymore and I was tired of letting them run my life.
“You don’t need designer clothes to look fashionable, trust me.”
“I want you to hold me until the sun comes up,” I whispered. He cursed softly under his breath. “Then I’ll stop the sun from rising.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2022
This is Book 1 of what I hope will become a long series of romance novels. The Mix Up from Eve Marian has all you need for a great book. Frances just wants to be seen, in life and maybe in romance eventually, by the hot boss, Colton. Colton doesn't see anyone, he just is a grumpy boss, but is it just a way to protect himself.
One moment, in the boss's office changes the course of their lives forever. A misunderstanding, one that can't be easily fixed after the first moments of it happening take these two down a path of discovery, about themselves and each other. Both have lived through things in their lives that have scarred them deep, can they heal each other?
This is my first book from Eve Marian, but I really hope it's not the last. I laughed, I definitely had moment I wanted to cry for all involved, and some of the banter is just so sweet between the characters. Oh and Nonna, we all love the sweet Nonna.
I know not every book is for everyone, but this one deserves you to give it some attention. Warning, there is a trigger or two, BUT the author has a warning right at the beginning before you start.
One moment, in the boss's office changes the course of their lives forever. A misunderstanding, one that can't be easily fixed after the first moments of it happening take these two down a path of discovery, about themselves and each other. Both have lived through things in their lives that have scarred them deep, can they heal each other?
This is my first book from Eve Marian, but I really hope it's not the last. I laughed, I definitely had moment I wanted to cry for all involved, and some of the banter is just so sweet between the characters. Oh and Nonna, we all love the sweet Nonna.
I know not every book is for everyone, but this one deserves you to give it some attention. Warning, there is a trigger or two, BUT the author has a warning right at the beginning before you start.
February 7, 2025
I stumbled upon this book on Amazon Kindle Unlimited without any expectations, but I decided to give it a shot. It’s not my usual slow-burn romance, and I found the pacing much faster than what I typically enjoy. Initially, I was a bit close-minded about the rapid progression—girl meets boy, boy falls in love, they grow apart, find their way back, the end. But as the story unfolded, I realized that the fast pace actually worked, making for a spine-tingling and engaging read.
What I appreciated most was that the book never felt boring. Despite my reservations, I found myself enjoying the story more than I expected. Colton’s character, however, could have been introduced with a bit more depth. Instead of being the brooding, handsome billionaire type, he came across as love-sick from the very beginning. While that wasn’t my preference, I have to admit that it still worked within the story’s framework.
This book won’t make it to my list of all-time favorites, but it was a fun and light read. If someone is looking for a quick, entertaining romance without too much emotional heaviness, I’d definitely recommend it.
What I appreciated most was that the book never felt boring. Despite my reservations, I found myself enjoying the story more than I expected. Colton’s character, however, could have been introduced with a bit more depth. Instead of being the brooding, handsome billionaire type, he came across as love-sick from the very beginning. While that wasn’t my preference, I have to admit that it still worked within the story’s framework.
This book won’t make it to my list of all-time favorites, but it was a fun and light read. If someone is looking for a quick, entertaining romance without too much emotional heaviness, I’d definitely recommend it.
April 27, 2022
The Mix-Up by Eve Marian is a contemporary romance with multiple POVs.
Colton is the cold, grumpy ceo of Crawford Inc whose personal assistants keep quitting. Frances is a somewhat insecure woman with a business degree, but is very content staying in the background. Shes working in the mailroom at Crawford Inc trying to make it by to help support her brother so he can go to college.
One day there was a "mix-up" and Colton ends up hiring Frances as his PA assuming she was in his office for an interview.
There are so many levels to this wonderful story! You feel Frances' journey throughout the book in gaining her confidence and becoming a strong female. At the same time you see Colton's walls break down allowing you to see what Frances has always seen in him. There were so many fun moments that make you fall in love with the characters. There are also really frustrating moments that make you want to yell at your book. It has just the perfect amount of spice, complex characters and the "who did this to you" trope!
TW: Trauma/Domestic violence
Colton is the cold, grumpy ceo of Crawford Inc whose personal assistants keep quitting. Frances is a somewhat insecure woman with a business degree, but is very content staying in the background. Shes working in the mailroom at Crawford Inc trying to make it by to help support her brother so he can go to college.
One day there was a "mix-up" and Colton ends up hiring Frances as his PA assuming she was in his office for an interview.
There are so many levels to this wonderful story! You feel Frances' journey throughout the book in gaining her confidence and becoming a strong female. At the same time you see Colton's walls break down allowing you to see what Frances has always seen in him. There were so many fun moments that make you fall in love with the characters. There are also really frustrating moments that make you want to yell at your book. It has just the perfect amount of spice, complex characters and the "who did this to you" trope!
TW: Trauma/Domestic violence
March 31, 2024
Audio book review.
My first audio by the author. Hope the rest of the series is with the same narrators.
This was an office romance but not your typical office romance. It had drama , light funny scenes with Colton and Frances’s .
Colton is a grumpy boss but Frances doesn’t think so . She’s had her eye on Colton drooling over him for a while. Colton loves women a use them and leave them.
Frances Ed’s money for her brother school. Working in the company mailroom she knows that won’t be enough. Colton also needs a company PA , none of then stay with his attitude.
Unlikely circumstances brings them together but under false pretences. The sparks fly but they both have issues. Something happened in both of their pasts.
Grab it and see do they resolve the issue and what was it
Love the voice of Alie Martinez and Gideon Frost they have become one of my favourite people together
My first audio by the author. Hope the rest of the series is with the same narrators.
This was an office romance but not your typical office romance. It had drama , light funny scenes with Colton and Frances’s .
Colton is a grumpy boss but Frances doesn’t think so . She’s had her eye on Colton drooling over him for a while. Colton loves women a use them and leave them.
Frances Ed’s money for her brother school. Working in the company mailroom she knows that won’t be enough. Colton also needs a company PA , none of then stay with his attitude.
Unlikely circumstances brings them together but under false pretences. The sparks fly but they both have issues. Something happened in both of their pasts.
Grab it and see do they resolve the issue and what was it
Love the voice of Alie Martinez and Gideon Frost they have become one of my favourite people together
April 4, 2024
🅰🆄🅳🅸🅾🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
5 stars for the narration by Allie Martina and Gideon Frost ( who are so fantastic together )
3.5 stars for the book that had all the makings of a great book but needed just a bit more fleshing out of the storyline . Eve Marian (new to me author) did a great job hooking me with the premise and the tropes, I just wish there was more details.
With that, I will say, yes, I need all the brothers' stories!!
Frances accidentally pretends to be Colton's newest PA in order to pay for her brother's tuition.
Colton is the epitome of a grumpy CEO who scares off everyone but Frances.
I really love how gentle he is with her and how she gets him to soften up.
Gideon is the perfect voice for Colton who has serious trust issues due to childhood trauma. His voice can go from growly alpha to sensitive and emotional flawlessly.
Allie portrayed Fran so beautifully. I felt all her emotions come through her narration.
5 stars for the narration by Allie Martina and Gideon Frost ( who are so fantastic together )
3.5 stars for the book that had all the makings of a great book but needed just a bit more fleshing out of the storyline . Eve Marian (new to me author) did a great job hooking me with the premise and the tropes, I just wish there was more details.
With that, I will say, yes, I need all the brothers' stories!!
Frances accidentally pretends to be Colton's newest PA in order to pay for her brother's tuition.
Colton is the epitome of a grumpy CEO who scares off everyone but Frances.
I really love how gentle he is with her and how she gets him to soften up.
Gideon is the perfect voice for Colton who has serious trust issues due to childhood trauma. His voice can go from growly alpha to sensitive and emotional flawlessly.
Allie portrayed Fran so beautifully. I felt all her emotions come through her narration.
April 18, 2024
Let me start of by saying that this is the first book I read/listen to from this author (Eve Marian) and it will not be my last. I love me a good Office Romance/Boss-PA trope and this book did NOT disappoint. Colton Crawford is the CEO of Crawford Corp. and Frances is an employee who worked in the mailroom until a little Mix-Up ended in her working as Colton's personal assistant. In no time, the work/personal relationship between the two of them begin to grow, but when secrets are exposed and trust is broken, the two must navigate between what is real and worth it.
I really enjoyed this story. Despite their different background, the one thing Colton & Frances have in common is their loyalty to family. Neither will stop at anything to make sure their families are taken care off. Orphaned at a young age and taken advantage of by a family member, Colton is very cautious about who he lets into his life. He has lived trying to make up for a mistake he feels responsible for. Frances on the other hand works to take care of her family, especially her brother. While her past is different than Colton's, she, too, was taken advantage of someone he trusted. Their pasts still haunts them and they both have to work through those internalized feelings. What I love is that they worked through this separately, but also together. I enjoyed how their work-relationship turned into friendship and eventually love.
I am a big audio book girlie, and I breezed through this one. Allie Martina and Gideon Frost did a fantastic job narrating Frances and Colton. There is part in this book in which Frances deals with a scary and traumatic situation with her abusive ex-boyfriend and Allie Martina poured her every emotion into that part. I felt Frances' fear, but also her strength. The way Allie transformed herself into the character of Frances was just phenomenal.
I can't wait for the next books in the series to be available in audio.
I really enjoyed this story. Despite their different background, the one thing Colton & Frances have in common is their loyalty to family. Neither will stop at anything to make sure their families are taken care off. Orphaned at a young age and taken advantage of by a family member, Colton is very cautious about who he lets into his life. He has lived trying to make up for a mistake he feels responsible for. Frances on the other hand works to take care of her family, especially her brother. While her past is different than Colton's, she, too, was taken advantage of someone he trusted. Their pasts still haunts them and they both have to work through those internalized feelings. What I love is that they worked through this separately, but also together. I enjoyed how their work-relationship turned into friendship and eventually love.
I am a big audio book girlie, and I breezed through this one. Allie Martina and Gideon Frost did a fantastic job narrating Frances and Colton. There is part in this book in which Frances deals with a scary and traumatic situation with her abusive ex-boyfriend and Allie Martina poured her every emotion into that part. I felt Frances' fear, but also her strength. The way Allie transformed herself into the character of Frances was just phenomenal.
I can't wait for the next books in the series to be available in audio.
April 22, 2022
Frances worked in the mailroom and no one really noticed her. She had a crush on the CEO of the company but even he did not notice her until she was accidentally mistaken for a candidate for the PA job. He hired her right away and she needed the money desperately so she took the job under an alias. They fell in love and he was hurt when he found out she was not who he thought she was. So he fired her. She got another job and tried to get over him. They finally get together and talk about their problems and have a wonderful HEA. This was a wonderful story of love and angst. Their misunderstandings really made their problems seem realistic. I liked the way that they ultimately talked and realized that their love was the most important thing to them.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily.
September 24, 2024
Easy read
I finished this book in around 2 days, so I enjoyed it, and I wanted to know what would happen next.
I liked the backstory of the characters, I think that was my favorite part from the book and the characters had a nice arc.
There were like 4 or 5 explicit sex scenes, but it wasn't the main thing in this book, which I appreciate.
I liked the fact that Colton didn't show of all his weath to Frannie, and that he helped her there on her own.
I took a star off because maybe I would have liked the main characters to have a bit more character, and some traits that would made them stand out a bit more. He was supposed to be a grumpy boss, but he wasn't really, and I never understood why Frannie like him when she says that the whole office hated him.
But overall, I enjoyed the novel.
I finished this book in around 2 days, so I enjoyed it, and I wanted to know what would happen next.
I liked the backstory of the characters, I think that was my favorite part from the book and the characters had a nice arc.
There were like 4 or 5 explicit sex scenes, but it wasn't the main thing in this book, which I appreciate.
I liked the fact that Colton didn't show of all his weath to Frannie, and that he helped her there on her own.
I took a star off because maybe I would have liked the main characters to have a bit more character, and some traits that would made them stand out a bit more. He was supposed to be a grumpy boss, but he wasn't really, and I never understood why Frannie like him when she says that the whole office hated him.
But overall, I enjoyed the novel.
February 10, 2025
Did a person write this or AI software?
Did Chat Gpt write this? I cannot believe it has as many good reviews as it does. It barely constitutes a book. It easily needed
60 more pages and yet I couldn't get through it fast enough ( even tho it only took a,day). Everything was so thinly written. The characters were one note. There was no expositions or description. It was barely more than an outline. Every sentence and scene resolved so quickly that it all felt shallow, like it was all a short cut. Middle schoolers would produce a work as deep. For crying out loud, the Billionaire was trying to build a mall! A mall?? Like that's even a viable investment anymore? This was the epitome of not trying hard. Oh and the sex scenes where the worst: boring, a uncreative, brief. Honestly, I just really want to know if this was AI??
Did Chat Gpt write this? I cannot believe it has as many good reviews as it does. It barely constitutes a book. It easily needed
60 more pages and yet I couldn't get through it fast enough ( even tho it only took a,day). Everything was so thinly written. The characters were one note. There was no expositions or description. It was barely more than an outline. Every sentence and scene resolved so quickly that it all felt shallow, like it was all a short cut. Middle schoolers would produce a work as deep. For crying out loud, the Billionaire was trying to build a mall! A mall?? Like that's even a viable investment anymore? This was the epitome of not trying hard. Oh and the sex scenes where the worst: boring, a uncreative, brief. Honestly, I just really want to know if this was AI??
April 16, 2022
The Mix-Up by author Eve Marian. A captivating tale that starts with a little misunderstanding. He’s arrogant, driven, brusque and absolutely sexy as all hell. She’s sweet with bits of feisty, insightful, smart and unselfish until, well I’ll let you figure that part out. Their journey is filled with obstacles and many of their own making - although they do get help along the way.
So how does this sound so far?? A storyline you can sink your teeth into, right??!! You’ll be wishing for your own happy ending. Maybe wishing for more- well at least I am. Hoping this turns into a series- I mean come on don’t y’all want to learn Ryan & Luke’s stories- oh and maybe Marcos’s too.
Anywho, have at it - falling in love with the characters have never been so easy.
Enjoy!!
So how does this sound so far?? A storyline you can sink your teeth into, right??!! You’ll be wishing for your own happy ending. Maybe wishing for more- well at least I am. Hoping this turns into a series- I mean come on don’t y’all want to learn Ryan & Luke’s stories- oh and maybe Marcos’s too.
Anywho, have at it - falling in love with the characters have never been so easy.
Enjoy!!
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