Beauty and the Billionaire

The Boys of Hudson Burrow #3

by Hayden Hall

My life was just fine until he came down from his ivory tower.

Sure, I lived my days hiding deep in the closet, but I got to see all the beautiful guys in Neon Nights whenever I delivered fresh produce from my father’s store. And maybe I didn’t have enough time to read all the books in the world the way I would have liked. And maybe sharing one small room with three siblings wasn’t ideal. But that was the best we could do.

Until a man with wolfish eyes and a sinful smirk came to our little home and demanded that my father settle an old debt. He was going to ruin what little happiness we built for ourselves in Hudson Burrow.

The only thing I could do was offer my work in exchange for my father’s mounting debts. I would go with Dominic Blackthorn to his secluded mansion, and I would work off the debt no matter how long it took.

But real life is never so simple.

Dominic is a cruel and emotionless man with nothing but disdain for those around him. And the longer I am there, the clearer it Dominic’s appetites extend beyond amassing his wealth. He wants the one thing he can never have. He wants me. And to be wanted like that stirs something new in me.

How long can I live with this heartless man before I start seeing something good in him? How long before he lets himself act on this impulse?

I want to resist him, even if I see disarming warmth in his handsome smile.

Beauty and the Billionaire is the third novel in The Boys of Hudson Burrow story. It features a young man torn between his father’s traditional values and a dangerous new fascination with his billionaire employer, a wounded man who locked himself up in the clouds and gave up on the world, and a deliciously long path to a HEA. Dominic and Zain’s story is full of teasing, power struggles, and unbearable attraction. It can be read as a standalone, but it’s best enjoyed if read in order.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Forced Proximity, LGBT, Contemporary, Queer, Audiobook

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2024

About the author

Gay. Sweet. Steamy.

Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.

Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.

His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.

You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com

Reviews

[San Lemonade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty And The Billionaire by Hayden Hall
📚 The Third book of The Boys Of Hudson Burrow Series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars

⬆️ Ebook ARC

😏 Adult MM Contemporary Urban Romance
🔀 Dual First-Person POV
📖 Cozy & Sweet Story
👉 Hurt & Comfort
❄️🔥 Where Winter Sparks Fly & Magic Fills The Air ✨️❄️
💼 Frosty Billionaire ☃️ x 🥕 Cozy Grocery Clerk 🌱
😡😁 Grumpy x Sunshine
👌 Enemies To Lovers
😤 Dislike To Love 😍
🧲 Close Proximity
👉 Polar Opposites Attract
👀 Longing Looks
👌 Bickering & Power Struggles
🎄 Twinkling Lights ✨ & ✨️ Warm Glow of the Fireplace 🔥
📖✨ Always Has a Book in Hand & 📚✨ Cozy Reading Nights
👉 Coming Out
👆 Self-Acceptance
👉😳 Intimate... Caring & A Beautifully Emotional First Time 🍒
🌺 Beautiful Sex-Scenes & Emotional Intensity Care ❤️‍🔥
😏 Age-gap & Size Difference (I looooove that last one 🥵)
🥵 Spicy: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

MC's:
🌱📚📖👉 Zain Rashid (he/him): 22yo of Lebanese and Mexican heritage, living in Hudson Burrow.
With striking features, molten-chocolate eyes framed by long lashes, unruly black curls, and bronze skin. He’s both graceful and captivating.

🌱 Zain holds a degree in Communications but currently works at his family’s vegetable store, handling all aspects of the business, including deliveries.

🌱 He enjoys making deliveries to Neon Nights, where the owner, Vivien Woodcock, a perceptive drag queen, always offers him warmth and kindness. He also enjoys the company of the vibrant and fearless people who work there.

📚 Zain always has a book in hand, he loves to read.

📚 He feels conflicted about his path, burdened by a personal secret he keeps hidden from his family for fear of disappointing them.

📚 His life begins to change as he grows closer to Dominic.
Zain, however, is torn. He’s caught between his father’s traditional values and his undeniable attraction to Dominic. Balancing family expectations with his newfound, complicated feelings pushes Zain to confront what he truly wants for his future.

🌨🏞💼✒️👉 Dominic Blackthorne aka Dom aka Baron of Manhattan (he/him): 32yo.
❄️ Self-made billionaire with light brown hair that’s almost blond, piercing blue eyes, and a cropped beard that gives him a refined look.

❄️ Once a Harvard student on a full scholarship, he faced severe bullying, leading him to determined to rise above his past, he threw himself into his work, building his fortune through sheer hard work and fueling his desire for revenge.

❄️ Now, he lives in isolation at Harringford Manor, a mansion located about two hours from the city, where he’s distanced himself from the world that hurt him.
Guarded and driven, Dominic begins to open up through Zain’s kindness. Zain’s warmth, along with the support of Dominic’s loyal servant, Orwell, helps him find new meaning and hope... Ah, and there’s also the support of Mama Viv and the guys.

😧❤️‍🩹 Who or What Hurt You?
⚠️ Low Angst
👉 No Cheating Happens
⚠️ Casual Alcohol Consumption
⚠️ Homophobic Parents
⚠️ Outed Without Consent
⚠️ Suffered From Bullying (past)
⚠️ Non-Consensual Drugging (past)
👉 Found Family
👏 Solid Character Development
💯 Best Side Characters
👉 Can Be Read As A Standalone
😍 Love The Ending
😍 HEA

Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

👏This story is a heartfelt retelling of Beauty and the Beast, easy to read and beautifully written. The MCs struggles feel real, and the side characters add warmth and charm. With a touch of Christmas, it’s an enchanting and memorable story.

👉❤️‍🔥 How did their paths cross (⚡️ sparking a connection neither saw coming 😅💭)?

Zain began working for Dominic Blackthorne to pay off a debt his father had secretly taken on to fund Zain’s college tuition.

Determined to help, Zain volunteered to work off the debt despite his father’s objections. Dominic, intrigued by Zain’s confidence and willingness, accepted his offer and hinted that Zain might even earn more than the amount owed.

This set up an unusual and tense arrangement between them...
😏 Little did they know that the close proximity, bickering, and power struggles would lead to an incredibly passionate, and unexpectedly beautiful attraction between them. 🥰

▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎

■ "Dominic: "He was, to my eyes, the most beautiful mix of backgrounds, of heritage, of the boiling universe that created worlds and cultures and histories that converged in this one person’s skin and eyes and curls, this one person’s sense of justice and pride." 😯😍💭

💞💖 ■ "Dominic: “Boyfriend,” Zain whispered, looking at me from beneath those long, dark eyelashes. I buried my head in the crook of his neck. I didn’t know why. Part of me wanted to hide my face. Part of me was still so desperate to preserve the shards of my heart from any hurt that could come my way that I didn’t want him to see how incapable I was of holding back a smile that one word dragged out of me. I was happy."

🥰 ■ "Zain: Dominic taught me so much in so little time. He gave me the pleasures I hadn’t realized our bodies were capable of. It wasn’t just about physical intimacy, though Dominic was more generous than I’d ever imagined possible. It was the way he made me feel seen, pulling back layer after layer of who I thought I was, exposing the pieces I’d buried for so long. He didn’t demand that I share myself; it just happened naturally, bit by bit, like a puzzle being assembled with time and care."🧩

🥺😢 ■ "Dominic: I stared into the flames, my armchair drawn close to the fireplace, but the real heat came from within. My flesh burned. My heart was like a dying star, the violent reactions making it hotter and hotter and hotter. As I followed the sparks that rose from the crackling wood, my mind kept returning to the sight of him leaving the house. His small, slender back receding in the distance, his footsteps leaving marks in the snow as he walked toward the waiting car, and the fresh snowflakes erasing any proof that he had ever crossed the driveway. Cruel. Heartless. Ruthless. He saw me for who I was, and he hated it"

The Boys of Hudson Burrow Series:
1. The Cinderella Prince To Read
2. Romeo vs Romeo ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
3. Beauty and the Billionaire ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
4. Mad For Madison Coming 16/01/2025

👍I'm definitely going to read this again

💯 I'm looking forward to reading the following books in this Series

😉 Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!

I received this book for free from GRR and am voluntarily leaving this review.

BookBub Review
StoryGraph Review
Reviews On Goodreads
My Socials

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
We met Zain in the previous books: the shy boy, son of the Lebanon immigrant, who delivered his produce to Mama Viv's but never stayed for the shows, despite being invited several times.
Zain is a bit of a dreamer, always reading gay love stories, but very scared of coming out in order to not disappoint his family.
He's a brave man too and he doesn't hesitate to offer to work for the misterious Dominic to help settling his father's debt.

The time he spent in close proximity with him, will allow Zain to discover the true nature of his boss: behind those high walls Dominic built to not being vulnerable again, Zain finds a wonderful man, who's been hurt in the past but who's got a lot of love to give.
I liked very much how Dominic was enthralled by Zain and how he couldn't resist him: they created a bubble in which they lived untouched by the outside world and where they could be themself without being judged.

What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
At first Zain was too hell bent on blaming Dominic, when in reality he never tried to take advantage of Amar's situation.
I was very glad of Dominic's choice about Julian's situation, but, after being mentioned a lot of time in this story and being an decisive element in Dominic's future choices, the way things ended with him left me unsatisfied, I feel there was much more to tell.

The most emotional parts were undoubtedly the first time they had intimacy and the conversation between Zain and his dad, both wonderful and beautiful scenes.

I can't wait for the next story: finally our single dad bartender will have his own HEA too.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[Laura Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauty And The Billionaire is book three in the Boys of Hudson Burrow series. This MM romance story is about Zain and Dominic.

We first met Zain in book one when he would stop by Neon Nights to deliver fresh produce for Mama Viv’s kitchen. He is a little younger than the guys working at Neon Nights, and works at his father’s store a few blocks away. Zain is quiet, shy, and in the closet because he is afraid of how his parents would react, especially his father since he was so tied to his heritage and tradition.

Dominic Blackthorne is a rich and ruthless man. He has pushed every competitor out of the business on a path of personal vendetta. He is a cruel and emotionless man. Amar, Zain’s father, owes Dominic money but doesn’t have it. Zain offers to work for Dominic in exchange for his father’s debts.

This is how Zain finds himself not only working but living with Dominic at his mansion, Harringford Manor. Zain was expecting to be helping with work around the household, but that wasn’t the case. Dominic knew Zain had a college degree, so he wanted Zain to help him organize the details for a company he took over from three men he once knew. They had treated him so poorly, especially back in college, and Dominic is looking to get revenge.

Zain became comfortable working with Dominic, and they soon fell into a routine which included dining together. The more Zain and Dominic learned about each other, the more they realized they are alike. Zain soon discovers Dominic is not at all the cold, detached, judgmental man he thought he was. And what happens when they both give into their attraction for each other?

These two were hot together, and I enjoyed seeing them become so much more. It wasn’t all smooth sailing into a HEA, but in the end I sure was happy to see it all work out for Dominic and Zain.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was the perfect retelling and Hayden did it again, I got hooked on this story from the first page. He's become one of my favourite authors and this series is getting better with each book.
Zain was such a sweet guy, hiding in the closet because he was afraid of his parents's reacting to his sexuality. Dominic was this powerful, rich man who came down to his family's shop to get his debt paid. Zain offered himself to work for the billionaire without knowing what was expected of him, but the attraction was there from the beginning and Dominic accepted.
Dominic just wanted to get revenge for what he went through at University and when Zain started working for him to pay for his father's debt, he couldn't help but fall for the younger guy. Zain was what Dominic needed and helped him realise what was important in life. He destroyed the walls Dominic had built around his heart and made him see there was more to life than getting revenge.
This was a very emotional book. I loved the time they spent together, it was sexy as hell but so beautiful. Dominic was caring, protective and willing to give Zain anything he wanted. Zain fell in love with the older guy because it was everything he had longed for and they made the perfect couple.
There were also many cozy moments between them and discoveries for both the MC. They both changed for good thanks to the other. Zain came out to his family and finally became his true self. Dominic realised his life was empty and left the hatred he'd carried for so long behind to start a new life with Zain. I just loved both MCs, they were just perfect.
I highly recommend this book. I sighed many times and felt my heart warm every time they were together. This novel had the purest romance ever.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb is already amazing, I couldn’t wait to dive into this story!

One thing people know about Dominic Blackthorne is that he’s a powerful, ruthless billionaire businessman. His main goal is to bring three college buddies down.
And Zain’s dad is in debt with that man!!

Zain offered to work for Dominic to pay off his father’s debts.
Dominic accepts.

Dominic has high walls built around his heart. When Zain looked more closely he recognized something.

The high and mighty billionaire and the grocery salesboy.
Without giving too much away about this story, let’s just say, they’re a bunch of things they could learn from each other if they let themselves.

Of course Mama Viv and Neon Nights are present! Gosh, I love her wise words!
I loved this story, this was an emotional ride. Feelings all over. Many little details of importance made it a rich and beautifully crafted narrative.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Boys of Hudson Burrow and I'm finding them different to Hayden's usual style. They are very deep, meaningful stories, the characters have a lot going on under the surface. This story is when different worlds collide, but underneath the worlds are really very similar. Zain has been a character in the background and now he gets his turn. He is quiet and knows he can't be who he truly is, so hides in the shadows scared to be honest with himself and his family. Having found out that his family is in debt to a powerful man he takes responsibility and finds himself working for the man. Dominic is more than wealthy and successful but he learnt the hard way about loyalty and family values. He tries to keep away from Zain, for his sake, but Zain discovers who and what he wants and Dominic doesn't stand a chance. It is a slow burn, and low steam, which fits  experience of Zain. A deep story, with a happy Christmassy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natalia Forciniti · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️: 8/10 🌶️: 2,5/5 😭: 3/5 🤣: 1/5

Relationship dynamic: Male - Male
Available on Kindle Unlimited
POV: 1st Dual

Tropes:
💜 Opposites
💚 Age gap
💜 Close proximity
💚 Sexual awakening

(ESP) Si hay algo que tienen en común, además de la locación, todos los libros de esta serie es la dulzura absoluta que caracteriza a sus protagonistas . Aún aquellos que se hacen los duros.
En este caso tenemos la historia de Zain y Dominic, dos personajes bellísimos que establecerán una relación preciosa que se desarrolla a un ritmo perfecto y les permitirá crecer a cada uno en su individualidad.
Dominic con todo su enojo para con el mundo se ganó mi corazón y verlo superarse a sí mismo fue muy bello de leer.
Un libro que desde el amor logra sacarnos alguna lágrimas y nos deja con el corazón contento.
Me gustó muchísimo y no puedo más que recomendarlo.

(ENG) If there's one thing all the books in The boys from Hudson Burrow series have in common, it's the sweetness of their protagonists. Even those who pretend to be tough!
In this case, we have the story of Zain and Dominic, two great characters who will form a beautiful relationship that develops at a perfect pace and allows them to grow and flourish in their individuality.
I just loved Dominic! I just loved Dominic! He was so angry at the world, poor guy, but it was so lovely to read about how he overcame that.
It's a book that makes us laugh and cry and leaves us feeling happy.
I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

💜 I'm so grateful to Hayden for sending me the eArc of this book! 💜

[Stephanie (NovelBound1813) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw that this was a gay, modern day re-telling of Beauty and the Beast I immediately wanted to read it. I wasn't immediately hooked, but when I pushed through a little bit I really started to enjoy the story. Zain and Dominic seem really different at first but they soon find common ground and their relationship starts to flourish. Their scenes are pretty hot and felt true to the story.

I really felt for Zain with the struggle of wanting to come out to his parents and not being sure how they would respond. I really enjoyed this book and now I want to go back and read the previous books in the series and learn more about the other characters we got a glimpse of in this book.

I received an eARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

[Showarst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty and the Billionaire by Hayden Hall is book 3 in the Boys of Hudson Burrow series. I think this may be my favorite of the series so far. Zain is forced to work for grumpy billionaire Dominic to work off his father’s debt. Zain knows he is gay but refuses to allow himself to act upon his desires for fear that his father will cut him off. Dominic has closed himself off so as to not be hurt by anyone else. I loved these two together and wished that we could have seen more of the interactions of them falling in love. I understand from a plot perspective, but time would go by quickly in a sentence or two and I was greedy for those moments. I do wish that Zain had made Dominic grovel just a little bit more. He said some pretty harsh and cruel things. I really am enjoying this series and look forward to the next one.


I received an ARC from the author for my honest review

[VicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dom is a ruthless, heartless man who will do anything he can to make sure he succeeds. Weeeelllll not really. As we get to know Dom more we learn that it's all a facade, to protect himself. I really like Dom by the end of the book.

Zain was such a likable character. I really loved watching him slowly break down Doms walls and make him into a better person.

They were such a great couple.

[Amanda Engqvist · Rating 1 out of 5]

So so boring and empty

[Julie Underhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauty and the Billionaire by Hayden Hall is the 3rd book in his The Boys of Hudson Burrow series. It is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and the story of a man who lives to seek revenge on college bullies and the man who sees him in a different light as they work together and fall in love. Zain Rashid is of Lebanese and Mexican descent and lives in Hudson Burrow. He works in his family’s store selling fruits and vegetables and has a college degree but isn’t currently using it. He also has a secret that he hasn’t shared with his family because he thinks they will be disappointed in him. It’s that he likes men over women. He enjoys making deliveries to Neon Nights where Viven Woodcock, a drag queen, oversees everything there, but he doesn’t stay long because of the kind of club it is and that it might get back to his parents. One day Dominic Blackthorne comes to the shop demanding that his father pay back a large debt that is owed to him. He is a billionaire and very aloof and Zain thinks of him as a wolf. When he learns that some of the money that was loaned was for his college education, Zain agrees to go to Harringford Manor and work for him to pay it back. He’s not sure what he is supposed to do and is surprised when Dominic says he is going to do research for him, since his degree is in business. Dominic is known as the Baron of Manhattan because of the properties and businesses he owns there. He went to school on a scholarship at Harvard and was ridiculed and bullied for liking men his entire time there by 3 wealthy men who didn’t like the way he was practical and didn’t rub elbows or buy favors like other rich men did. This caused him to retreat into himself and raise barriers because he thought everyone was out to hurt him and all he did was to seek revenge on the men through taking over the company they ran. He had just done this when Zain came to work with him. When Dominic told him he would pay off his debt and he could leave, Zain wanted to stay as he was seeing things in him that intrigued him. The more they are together the more they learn about each other. Dominic starts to change and show a softer side of himself that Zain really likes. They go to Neon Nights and dance and end up in Dominic’s penthouse in the city where they kiss and make love. When they return to the manor both men say they have no regrets about what they did and want to continue being together as boyfriends. Then some information comes to light that will lead to Dominic having to make a decision that will either break them up forever or lead to the love they both want to have with each other. It also leads to Zain coming out to his parents with love winning out. I enjoyed this book. There is a lot of hurt/comfort for both men but they overcome it as the story goes on. Zain is at a crossroads in his life but going with Dominic helps things come into focus for him. Dominic has put up so many walls around his heart that all he wants is revenge for those who hurt him. Zain brings out the good in him and helps him see what he really wants his life to be like. Orwell, Dominic’s manservant, and Zain’s family also play a part in the story. I recommend this book, especially if you like Beauty and the Beast retellings in M/M form, some hurt/comfort, and a man who sees himself as a beast but finds love with another who sees the good and caring that is still inside him.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I canNOT get enough of fairytales and retellings and princes. Here's Hayden Hall's latest: "Beauty and the Billionaire." Its the third novel in his new series: The Boys of Hudson Burrow.

["My life was just fine until he came down from his ivory tower.

Sure, I lived my days hiding deep in the closet, but I got to see all the beautiful guys in Neon Nights whenever I delivered fresh produce from my father’s store. And maybe I didn’t have enough time to read all the books in the world the way I would have liked. And maybe sharing one small room with three siblings wasn’t ideal. But that was the best we could do.

Until a man with wolfish eyes and a sinful smirk came to our little home and demanded that my father settle an old debt. He was going to ruin what little happiness we built for ourselves in Hudson Burrow.

The only thing I could do was offer my work in exchange for my father’s mounting debts. I would go with Dominic Blackthorn to his secluded mansion, and I would work off the debt no matter how long it took.

But real life is never so simple.

Dominic is a cruel and emotionless man with nothing but disdain for those around him. And the longer I am there, the clearer it Dominic’s appetites extend beyond amassing his wealth. He wants the one thing he can never have. He wants me. And to be wanted like that stirs something new in me.

How long can I live with this heartless man before I start seeing something good in him? How long before he lets himself act on this impulse?

I want to resist him, even if I see disarming warmth in his handsome smile."]

This book was beautiful and devastating. And soooo poetic in the way it continued to break my heart, repair it with some sweet words and swoony thoughts, and then break my heart again.

Like the other books in this series, Hayden took the original fairy tale and turned it on its head. There was boring life, threats, guilt, sacrifices, trust, broken trust, taking chances, falling in love..and breaking y heart (did I mention that already--because both of them were torturous in their feelings and standing by what they believe). But there wasn't any dramatic storm of the castle or wolves lurking in the forest or a hot-headed rival for the MC love-interest (or talking furniture or dancing dish ware).

I'm not sure if this is the end of the Boy of Hudson Burrow, of if we have more HEAs to look forward to, but this series was beautiful.

Trigger Warnings: mentions of past abusive parenting, mentions of homophobia, and more.

#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#thecinderellaprince #romeovsromeo #beautyandthebillionaire #theboysofhudsonburrow #theboysofhudsonburrowseries #haydenhall #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read I could not put this book down
Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews, and this is me leaving my honest reviews
There is something very special about this book. It is the third book in the series of the boys of Hudson Burrow and they just keep getting better and better. In this book, we centre and Zain who has been delivering to Neon night club for quite awhile, and it’s the only place that he can breathe, even though he is still hiding his secret. he works for his father in his shop and his secret is that he is gay, but his father is from Beirut and even though he has lived in America for a long time still holds up those traditions. He is working in the shop when a very handsome man comes in looking for his father. This man is called Dominic BlackThorne and he is coming to get a debt repaid. There is something special about this man in Zain‘s eyes.
Dominic Blackthorn has made his way up in the world through hard work, but past history has made him a very black and white kind of guy, and when a debt is not paid, he comes into the city, which he hates to make sure he gets his payment, but he comes across a little Spitfire of a Man who decides that he will work off his fathers debt. Dominic is intrigued by this man and agrees, but what does the future hold for these two men??
I don’t wanna say it’s a sunshine/grumpy book because it’s not, Dominic has got some heavy memories of being bullied when he went to university and it made him hard and unforgiving. But there is something special about Zain. Something that makes him want to spend time with him, but could there be any more than friendship??
This is an excellent read. I thoroughly enjoyed both characters. I understood Dominic’s you could go as far as to call it, PTSD but his need for revenge makes Zain see Dom in a totally different light but who is the real Dominic?? Absolutely brilliant couldn’t put it down. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5☆

I really enjoyed this book! So far it has been my favorite of the series. I was always curious to find out more about Zain, who we've seen in the other books delivering produce for Mama Viv's kitchen. Dominic is a billionaire who is dubbed the Baron of Manhattan and Zain's father owes him money. Dominic is no gangster, he has contracts in place for the money lending. Zain feels bad about the loan his father took out, because it was for his education so he offers to work off the loan himself. The close quarters they find themselves in make something blossom between them.
I really enjoyed Dominic and Zain as a couple. Zain had the openness and optimism Dominic was lacking because of years of being bullied and used. Dominic is bitter and feels like everyone only wants to use him for his wealth so he hides away from people in his mansion, but Zain shows him how that is not true. Zain shows him love and acceptance and everything Dominic was missing. I was really happy to see how honest they were about their feelings from the get go and they were sweet and cute together. I loved that Dominic opened up to Zain and they had some good conversations. Dominic still had to decide what to do with one of his former bullies and I totally agreed with what Zain said about that whole situation. I'm glad that in the end Dominic took the high road and he worked everything out with Zain.
They saw each other in a way that no one else saw them and that was great to see.

It was an enjoyable read that was pretty low-angst and I really enjoyed their story and how their relationship blossomed and I really enjoyed the elements that were reminiscent of The Beauty and the Beast. This book felt like a warm hug to me and it was exactly what I needed right now.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Zain has been delivering produce to the gay club Neon Nights and working in his father’s store for ages. He’s also very much in the closet because he fears his parents’ reaction. Dominic is a very rich man who comes into the store to see his father and collect the money his dad owes. This upsets Zain when he figures out that the money was borrowed to pay for his degree. Despite hating Dominic, Zain volunteers to work for the former so as to pay off the debt. It turns out that his job is to find a whole in the files of the three men whose company he just purchased. Dominic wants revenge on them because of how they treated him at Harvard. Over time, they fall in love. All does not go smoothly, but they eventually overcome the roadblocks and live happily ever after.

This is the third book I’ve read in the series, and they just keep getting better. This one has a straight-line plot with few if any diversions. One of the main characters is a happy guy who nonetheless has insights into the other’s character. He has a lot of trouble coming out to his family because of their conservative religion and he feels quite guilty about it. The other MC is totally ruthless at the outset, which is understandable in the circumstances, but I enjoyed watching him evolve into a very loving person. A number of the secondary characters we’ve seen before in the previous two books, including Mama Viv. There are a few new characters introduced, in particular Orwell, the major-domo, who is very sweet. All of the characters are important to plot development, especially Orwell and Mama Viv.

Mr. Hall has rapidly become one of my favourite authors and I highly recommend this installment.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Wonderfully written, reimagined tale of Beauty and the Beast.
Both MC's have an amazing depth to them.
Zain is deep in the closet for fear of disappointing the father he loves, one who's traditions may not align with Zain's identity. He is hardworking and only allows himself small glimpses of a life he yearns for when making deliveries to Neon Nights, a place filled with people who are friendly to him and would accept him with open arms. When Dominic arrives to claim the debt his father owes, Zain chooses to work to pay off the debt to a man he sees as cruel and ruthless.
Dominic has suffered much cruelty in his life, but he has a plan to get revenge on three men who caused the most pain, caused him to shut down his emotiions, and to shut himself away to feel safe. Zain's bravery in standing up to Dominic makes him remarkable to Dominic and is the catalyst for vast changes for both men.
Their journey is full of learning and acceptance, healing and redemption. It is emotionally powerful, full of steamy sexy times, and has a few hurdles to overcome before distrust turns to knowing, a deep connection develops, and love blossoms to give them their hard earned HEA.
The only thing I would have liked was a scene, or even just a mention, of Zain's family visiting them. Other than that, this book was heartfelt, enjoyable, and entertaining from start to finish.
I would definitely recommend this book, but I think it would be best enjoyed after reading the first two books in the series as Zain makes appearances in both of them.

I received an ARC, this is my unbiased, honest opinion.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zaine wasn’t living the life he had dreamed of. Selling herbs and fruits in his family shop after graduating college was not how he saw things turning out. Maybe it was because he wasn’t being honest about who he was, or maybe it was because he couldn’t say no to his family, but at this rate, he wouldn’t go anywhere further in life.

Dominic was bitter, and that bitterness allowed him to become ridiculously rich to prove a point. When he finally achieved his greatest revenge, he knew he had gotten everything he had ever wanted until Zaine ended up in his life.

Zaine saw behind the wall and easily worked his way into the world he had so carefully built. He showed Dominic the things he had forgotten about. Was he willing to change into the person he was before his parents rejected him and he had been bullied? Did they both have the courage to change who they were to be better?

OPINION: This was a pretty standard billionaire who meets someone significantly below his financial level story. Not that it’s a bad thing. Other than the mansion, there isn’t a whole lot of “buying love”; it’s very much a story about the emotional changes a person has to make when hurt or scared. There were tears I will admit—right in the feels. I enjoyed the whole story and the two MCs. The way Zaine nudged the good from the big bad billionaire was sweet, and it made for a great story. Love and hope fill the story, and both men learn about themselves and each other. This was an enjoyable read down a familiar trope. Definitely read if this is a favorite type of story, and pick it up if you want a little bit of emotion and a lot of love.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zain works at his parent’s produce shop, but longs for more in his life. He loves delivering to Neon Nights, where he feels he can watch people living their lives being out.

Dominic is a successful businessman known to be ruthless, but all he’s done is to be able to have revenge on his Harvard schoolmates, who bullied him for being gay.

When he accepts Zain working for him to pay off a debt for his parents that put him through school, they both feel a sense of understanding each other.

Zain is feeling afraid to come out, Dominic was cast aside when he did. But Zain sees his softer side and they begin a relationship, with Dominic forgiving the debt so there’s not a boss-employee power issue.

When Zain finds a strange expense by one of Dominic’s enemies after he’s bought their company out from underneath them, he finally has the information to ruin the worst of them. But Zain appeals to him not to do it, to be the kind man he loves and not the cruel one he could be.

They finally make up after Dominic sees the truth of what he’ll give up for revenge, and lets his enemy know he’s free.
Zain comes out to his Dad and receives the love he feared he might not have, so the way is clear for him and Dominic.

This is the best of the Hudson Burrows series, with lots of moral questions, cultural dimensions that add risk to coming out, all against the glittery backdrop of the most accepting place on earth, Neon Nights.

I received this ARC for free, and am happy to provide my honest review with gratitude.

[Steve Pardue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment in the “Boys of Hudson Burrow” series brings us a thrilling and heartfelt book, that continues to showcase the exceptional storytelling talent of Hayden Hall. As a devoted fan of this series, I was initially concerned that the absence of the charismatic setting of Neon Nights, a beloved gay bar from the earlier books, would detract from my enjoyment of the story. However, Hall expertly weaves Zain’s journey into a story that stands on its own merits.

Having been introduced as a shy produce delivery boy in the previous books, Zain truly shines in this volume. His struggle with a sense, of longing and fear is beautifully portrayed, making readers empathize with his character from the very start. Throughout the story, Zain’s growth unfolds as he opens up and begins connecting, with those around him, ultimately revealing the strength beneath his gentle exterior. Hall’s sensitivity in writing Zain’s story allows readers to root for him as he navigates his life and relationships.

Dominic, a complex character filled with anger and distrust, is Zain’s counterpart in this lovely romance. Their chemistry is palpable, and the emotional depth, between them is captivating, filled with resonance and relatability. While Dominic initially resists Zain’s warmth, their evolving relationship forms the crux of this romantic tale. The balance of Zain’s compassion with Dominic’s past creates a satisfying tension that captures the essence of romance, ultimately leading to a delightful happily ever after.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zain & Dominic
Any story that can breathe magical life into a massive library scene is incredible. Be it a similar-ish story to Beauty and the Beast, Zain's reaction to the manor's library is inspiring and enchanting.
Zain seemed so much younger or far more timid as a side character in the first two books. It was clear he yearned to be part of the Neon Nights crowd, but didn't know if he'd ever get there.

I really loved Zain's strength of conviction when it came to his limits on outing someone, no matter what. He really showed his strength when having to stand up to the man he loves and draw that incredibly difficult line. It can be a hard lesson for some, and I was glad to see how it played out in the end. Just because a story has a known HEA doesn't mean it'll be always easy to get there.

Dominic was a very domineering kind of personality added to this crew of MCs, but I did really love the way he softened and discovered himself with Zain. They both deserved their HEA, and I'm glad that Dominic grew up enough to overcome most of his personal grievances toward others. Dominic's butler/driver/valet Orwell was an awesome addition to this story. His instant like/connection to Zain was so sweet. He just knew that Zain was going to bring something special into Dominic's life, even if he wasn't sure exactly how it would come to be.

I really loved Beauty and the Billionaire and being given the chance to step away from the main Hudson Burrow environment for a good portion of the book, although I really loved all of the scenes at Neon Nights. I'm looking forward to spending time again in the Hudson Burrow with Bradley's story up next! He's had very little backstory so far, so I'm really looking forward to hearing about it and his HEA.

I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting version of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale set in the Hudson Burrow universe. It is my favourite and a case of ignoring the need to sleep.

We met Zaine in the previous books as the shy son of the local shop owner, his character did interested me because it felt clear that he wanted to belong to the Neon Nights family but felt he wasn't supposed to be.

Pushed into Dominc's world to help out his father, he slowly brings down Dominic's walls and sees behind the tough and emotionalless exterior Dominic presents to the world.

It's also about him being true to himself, letting him be vunerable and risk his relationship with his family.

Dominc is consumed by the feel to take revenge and never to let feelings go into the way. Meeting Zaine wasn't planned, wasn't intended to be more than maybe a way to cement the reputation he portraits. But Zaine is so much more to him.

There is less involvment from the Neon Nights' family as the majority of the book is not set in the Hudson Burrow. But maybe that's what it makes it so great, the two characters realising their attraction and developing their relationship in isolation instead of distraction from Mama Viv and the group.

While the small hiccup in the end wasn't unsurprisingly, it was also needed.

I would have loved to see the new Dominic interacting with Zaine's family though.

I love to see what happens next in the Hudson Burrow.

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great reimagining of a classic fairytale. Zain lives with his parents and siblings in a small 2 bedroom apartment and helps his Lebanese father and hispanic mother manage their ethnic family grocery store in Hudson Barrow. Zain is fascinated by the freedom and vibrancy of the local club, Neon Nights, and escapes reality thru reading. He meets Dominic Blackthorne when Dominic comes to collect a debt that his father owes him. When Zain finds out that his father borrowed money from Dominic to pay for his college tuition, he goes to Dominic's New York penthouse to make a deal to work for him to pay off his father's debt. To Dominic's own surprise, he agrees to the deal and is a bit impressed by Zain's temerity. Dominic and Zain go to Dominic's home and main office that is located in the New York countryside. The two fall into a uneasy working relationship. However, Zain soon sees that Dominic is not as hardhearted as he portrays himself and soon sees the wounded man that lies beneath the surface. As he learns more of Dominic's background and the hardships he suffered due to his family and college bullies, Zain falls under Dominic's spell. The two soon find themselves in a romantic relationship. However, Dominic's drive for revenge threatens to tear their relationship apart. This is a story of love, forgiveness, and overcoming past trauma to truly live in the present.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty and the Billionaire, the third book in the Boys of Hudson Burrow series, brings us Zain and Dominic's intense MM romance.

Zain is a quiet, shy young man who we first met in book one, delivering fresh produce to Neon Nights from his father’s store. He keeps his sexuality hidden, especially from his traditional family, fearing their reaction—particularly his father’s. Dominic Blackthorne, on the other hand, is a powerful, ruthless businessman with a reputation for crushing competition. When Zain’s father, Amar, falls into debt with Dominic, Zain offers to work for him to pay it off.

Living at Dominic’s luxurious Harringford Manor, Zain expects to handle simple household tasks but is instead asked to help with business matters, leveraging his college degree. Dominic, driven by a vendetta against men who wronged him in the past, begins to trust Zain with his plans. As they work together, they discover surprising similarities and grow closer, breaking through each other’s facades.

The slow burn of their attraction finally ignites, revealing a side to Dominic that’s more vulnerable than anyone imagined. Their chemistry is undeniable, but their journey to happiness has its hurdles. Despite the challenges, watching these two connect and grow was worth every moment, leading to a truly satisfying HEA. This romance is equal parts passion and redemption, making it a joy to read.

[bubblegumpopper · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun reimagining of Beauty & the Beast, this instalment of the series focuses on Zain and Dominic. Even though Zain desperately wants to come out of the closet to his parents, he lives in fear that they will reject him because of their traditional Muslim and Mexican backgrounds. He's finding it increasingly stifling to hide who he is though, and he yearns to branch out and experience more of the world. Enter Dominic, a harsh and domineering businessman who has come to call in the loan that Zain's father took out to pay for Zain's College tuition. Zain can't stand back and let his family lose it all, but he'd be lying if he wasn't intrigued by the freedom that entering Dominic's employ could offer him.

It was fun seeing the story twisted a bit, with Dominic providing freedom to Zain that living with his parents didn't provide him, unlike the original where the Beast takes Bell captive. It made it even more exciting to see the sexual tension between them build as the story progresses, knowing that there wasn't that same level of coercion there. I just realized that I forgot to go back and read the 1st book and have only read books 2 and 3, so I am off to check that out of KU!

***

I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zain and Dominic come together in an unlikely way with Zain pursuing the billionaire upon learning the reason his family is indebted to the man. Zain takes responsibility for the loan his father owes and makes a deal to work for Dominic until the debt is repaid. Previous books have given us the impression that Zain is somewhat reserved, not spending too much time at Neon Nights while delivering produce from the store. He is intrigued by the guys but tied by responsibility, and he does not want his family to know of his interest in the vibrant community at Neon Nights. Zain packs his things and goes to live with Dominic at his manor, but things are not what he expects. The ruthless Blackthorne is interested in the person Zain is, utilizing him for his skills and academic knowledge and not behaving in a petty way or giving him menial jobs that other household staff are already better able to accomplish. A mutual understanding of each other becomes so much more in this modern day ‘Beauty and the Beast’ reimagining. I enjoyed the way Zain’s father and Orwell, Dominic’s most loyal staffer, played important roles in reinforcing what we as readers have come to know about these characters on the MMCs’ way to their HEA.

[Shana W · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract tropes. There is a satisfying redemption arc for Dominic, our vengeful billionaire, who has a sad backstory that has caused him to be so reprehensible.  Zain feels like he can't truly be himself and he can't come out to his parents, due to a traditional family background.  He does what is expected of him, including working in his family's store, despite his college degree.  No one but sweet Zain could have such a positive effect on the Beast.
The two of them help each other be the better version of themselves. Zain helps Dominic let down his walls and be the kind person he really is inside, while Dominic is there for Zain in case coming out to his parents goes badly.
I feel like Mama Viv and Neon Nights were thrown in to make this story fit in with the series, as the visits there felt kind of perfunctory. 
In the epilogue, I would have liked to know more about what Zain does with his time now. Does he still work with Dominic?  Also, how do his parents feel about Dominic and how do they all interact together? I enjoy Hayden Hall's books and I look forward to the next one in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading books for 6 decades so it is safe to say that there has been a large variety of genres and tropes. My current favourite is what authors now advertise as "clean" romantic suspense, as long as there is no blasphemy. At times it is fun to read relaxing, comforting books, but the books that really stand out to me are those that leave me with more to ponder on, those that make me think less superficially.
Hayden Hall has now brought me two books this year where I have been left speechless for quite some time (my husband says thanks). There is so much depth to the characters, but also to his knowledge and command of the English language. I can't even remember colloquialisms or slang in this story, as I was so invested and appreciated me having to use my brains and sometimes, a dictionary.
In the previous book I wondered what Zain's story was, and hoped he would get a chance to tell it. Dominic, the bad guy to collect what was due and how Zain could show his inner strength to stand up to the Baron of Manhattan.
I received a copy and wish I was able to leave a sky full of stars this book deserves. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jenn ReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the Boys of Hudson Burrow: Please note that I have loved all of you so far, by Zain and Dominic hold my heart. Their story was raw, powerful, low-but-gut-wrenching angst, and beautiful.

Dominic is our Billionaire Beast, spending most of his time hiding in his country home, rarely stepping foot into the city.

Zain is our Beauty, toiling away in his family's store, dreaming of finding a love that isn't meant to be. When Beauty offers himself up instead of his father, Zain finds there is a lot more to our growly Beast-onaire when given a bit of sass, emotional intelligence, and pure goodness.

I LOVED watching Dominic transform into a real human being, with feelings, love, and a happy future at his fingertips.

And who knows, maybe this tale's Gaston will have his own story...
Beauty and the Billionaire
Hayden Hall

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good Beauty and the Beast retelling. After all, as sung in the movie, it's "a tale as old as time". since it was first written in the 1500's. Hayden Hall has certainly written a very beautiful version and set it in Hudson Burrow, where Mama Viv rules Neon Nights.
It is a tale of redemption. Dominic Blackthorn has encased his heart and emotions in ice. Everything is business. If you borrow from him and don't pay him back, or cross him, he'll bury you. Amar Rashid borrowed money to put his son through college. And can't pay it back. The son, Zain, offers to work for Dominic to pay off the loan.
There's lots of angst. Dominic went to Harvard on a scholarship, and three legacy students make his life miserable. For all four years. And when he came out to his parents, it didn't go well. Years later, he's estranged from his family and has the means to take down his former tormenters. And he's going to use Zain to do it. Zain is a ray of sunshine and innocence. He sees through Dominic's mask to the man inside. But he has his own darker side. He's living a lie, afraid if he comes out to his family, they'll disown him.
The last quarter of this book had me sniffling, and I was sobbing during the scene between Amar and Zain. The scenes between Dominic and Zain sizzle even just the talking. And of course Zain redeems his lover before the last rose petal falls..... Oh, that was the movie.
The book is well written and a quick, absorbing read. Absolutely destined to be one of my favorite Beauty and the Beast stories. I could read this again. And again.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.