The CEO: a sweet, wholesome contemporary, romantic suspense novel

by Cynthia Woolf

Adam Kincaid never expected to become a single father overnight. When his infant daughter, Lilly, is left in his care, Adam turns to his best friend, Bree Taylor, for help. Bree, still grieving the loss of her fiancé, agrees to a marriage of convenience to give Lilly the family she deserves.

But as Adam and Bree navigate their unexpected roles, sparks of something deeper ignite between them. Just as they begin to hope for a future together, a ruthless rival sets their sights on Adam, threatening not only his business but the fragile new bond they’re building. With love and their family at stake, Adam and Bree must confront the danger—and their own fears—before they lose everything.
Tropes
Billionaire, Friends to Lovers, Kidnapped, Marriage of Convenience, Secret baby, Single parent, Sudden baby,

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Contemporary

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2024

About the author

Cynthia Woolf is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of eighty-five works of romance fiction. Comprising sixty-six historical western romances, ten contemporary romance novels, two contemporary romance novellas, one historical western romance novella, and six sci-fi space opera romances, which she calls westerns in space. Along with these books, she has also published twelve boxed sets of her books and two short stories.

Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance, Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia's father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede, that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy, not a bounty hunter, and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now), not the ranch owner.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband, Jim, and her great critique partners for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.



WEBSITE – http://cynthiawoolf.com

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TITLES AVAILABLE (English unless otherwise stated)

COLORADO BILLIONAIRES (sweet contemporary novels)
THE CEO
THE RANCHER
THE MAVERICK
THE TYCOON
THE ARTIST (coming soon)
THE QUARTERBACK (coming soon)


MONTANA BILLIONAIRES SERIES (contemporary sweet western novels)
Her Secret Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Mysterious Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Christmas Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire
Her Disguised Cowboy Billionaire


CHRISTMAS AT THE MISTLETOE INN (contemporary novella)
Cooking Up Christmas


THE BRIDES OF THE KLONDIKE
The Gold Rush Bride (Available in German)
The Gold Mountain Bride


THE PRESCOTT BRIDES (Available in German)
A Bride for Ross
A Bride for Frank
A Bride for Tucker
A Bride for Clay
A Bride for Brodie



THE HEART WISH MAIL-ORDER BRIDES SERIES
Heart of Stone
Heart of Shadow


MARSHALS MAIL ORDER BRIDES
The Carson City Bride (Available in German)
The Virginia City Bride (Available in German)
The Silver City Bride
The Eureka City Bride


ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES
Adele


BRIDES OF GOLDEN CITY
A Husband for Victoria
A Husband for Cordelia
A Husband for Adeline


BRIDES OF THE OREGON TRAIL (Available in German)
Hannah
Lydia
Bella
Eliza
Rebecca
Charlotte
Amanda
Emma Rose
Nora
Opal


BACHELORS & BABIES
Carter (Book 3)


BRIDES OF SEATTLE (Available in German)
Mail Order Mystery
Mail Order Mayhem
Mail Order Mix-Up
Mail Order Moonlight
Mail Order Melody


CENTRAL CITY BRIDES (Available in German)
The Dancing Bride
The Sapphire Bride
The Irish Bride
The Pretender Bride


HOMESTEAD CANYON SERIES
Thorpe’s Mail-Order Bride
Kissed by a Stranger
A Family for Christmas


HOPE’S CROSSING
The Hunter Bride
The Replacement Bride
The Stolen Bride
The Unexpected Bride


AMERICAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDES
Genevieve, Bride of Nevada


THE SURPRISE BRIDES
Gideon


THE BRIDES OF SAN FRANCISCO
Nellie (Available in German)
Annie (Available in German)
Cora (Available in German)
Sophia (Available in German)
Amelia (Available in German)
Violet


THE BRIDES OF TOMBSTONE (Available in German)
Mail Order Outlaw
Mail Order Doctor
Mail Order Baron


DESTINY IN DEADWOOD (Available in German)
Jake
Liam
Zach


MATCHMAK

Reviews

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars 🌟
Nice story.
Adam has a visitor in his office. This lady hand over a six months old baby. Say hello to your baby daughter. Then leaves.
Adam ask’s his best friend Bree . To help him by having a marriage of convenience.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The CEO is book 1 in the Colorado Billionaires series by Cynthia Woolf and a great start to this series! 4.5 stars

What happens when you become a single dad overnight and ask your best friend for help…loss, grieving, deep feelings, chemistry, business rivals, kidnapping, marriage of convenience and more…

I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billionaire Adam Kincaid and Bree Taylor's well written story with a very good storyline that held my interest. I enjoyed seeing the story come together and them get a happy ending.

[zen_s]

[dnf @ 38%] don't find it particularly interesting...

[Mary Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

They started off with loss and betrayal but they have always been best friends. Who else would he turn to when he is gifted with an unexpected bundle of joy. Marrying to parent, they each realize that a marriage of convenience, although what they agreed to, is not what they really want. It takes an attack by a competitor to make them declare their feelings.
A feel good book. Just what you need, a Christmas HEA read. Well done!

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam and Bree have been friends for years. The connection for their friendship was Bree's fiancée, who died while deployed as a marine. Several years later, a woman walks into Adam's office and gives him a little girl. Turns out that he has a daughter. He really needs a mother for the baby and immediately thinks of Bree. Neither of them wants to open their hearts to someone and Bree really wants children, so this seems the perfect solution. As time goes by, Adam and Bree both are rethinking their marriage of convenience. When danger comes, Adam is willing to do anything to protect Bree and his daughter.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bree's fiancé, Brad, died while on a tour of duty, Adam is her best friend and had been Brad's knowing him since nursery. He'd always wanted to be a marine and died doing what he loved best.
Bree has decided not to marry but would like children. Then Adam is in a bit of a predicament. She agrees to help him out as she's been in love with him for years but he's not in love with her. At least he doesn't think he is! Men!

A great start to a new series from Cynthia

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story. I really enjoyed it

[Delbora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this first story about the Kincaids. I fell in love with the main characters probably because of the instant and complete love both gave to a child newly introduced into their lives.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book. It was suspenseful, well written, and easily lost in. This was a second chance love story with both being afraid to fall in love again. I strongly recommend this book.

[Daphne Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a wonderful first book in a new series. This is a sweet romance between 2 best friends who will always be there for each other. A perfect read for a winter afternoon.

[Beckie Johnson Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Adam & Bree story, and so will you. Lilly, the sweetest baby who brought to friends in love together. Thanks, Cynthia, for writing an amazing book. Can't wait for more.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off so heartbreaking, but the good news was it started getting heartwarming fast. When Bree’s fiancé Brad didn’t come back from Afghanistan, Bree and Adam were heartbroken as they had all been best friends. A few years later, Adam was shocked when a weekend fling came to his house with his baby girl, Lily. I couldn’t believe the mother didn’t want her daughter, but that was a blessing in disguise. Adam knew nothing about children but had an idea to ask Bree to marry him in a marriage of connivence so she could help him take care of Lily. It was wonderful to see both of them fall in love with Lily and want to do everything they could to make her happy. It was nice seeing a dad taking time out of his day to be with his daughter. It was so sweet how the two were falling in love, but afraid to admit it. Then tragedy happened when a competitor from Adam’s business did something cruel. This is such a sweet book that I strongly encourage you to read.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit to loving this story, but I do question how fast and smoothly Adam accepts suddenly being left with an infant. Perhaps that is just his character to take responsibility and move forward. Now, unless you are completely innocent of knowing about fake/convenient marriages, you know that Adam and Bree’s marriage will not stay platonic. They are amusing as they try to pretend they are happy with the status quo. The author does throw a few surprises in the mix . Overall a totally enjoyable book.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

HER DREAMS REALLY DID COME TRUE

The series will take place in Colorado. It is a contemporary romance with a touch of suspense, angst, and eventually romance. Sometimes, it will take time for them to acknowledge their feelings. The story takes place in Cherry Hills Village and will involve best friends Adam Kincaid and Bree Taylor.

Brianna ‘Bree’ Taylor was engaged to Bradford Anderson who was killed on active duty in Afghanistan. Adam Kincaid was best friends with Brad, and therefore, through their relationships, best friends with Bree. So the death of Brad is hard on both of them. Bree had no idea that Brad had heavily invested in Kincaid Holdings, and she was his next of kin, which left her wealthy. With the help of Adam, she navigated the new changes in her life.

Adam’s marriage went bad early, with his ex-wife Valerie cheating on him. It has soured him on marriages and he sticks to dalliances with no commitment. So when Sally Raines shows up at Kincaid Holdings with a baby girl in tow informing Adam that she is relinquishing custody of their daughter, Lilly, to him so she can pursue her dream job aboard, he is blindsided. But it only takes one look at Lilly for him to know she is his, and his heart is now involved. But he is working on a critical deal with Danvers Industries and it will require him to be married.

Adam: I’m here because I need your help and not just with Lilly. I need a wife and Lilly needs a mother.
Bree: Why did you come to me? Do you want me to help you find a wife?
Adam: No. I want you to be my wife. Please hear me out before you say no. I need a wife for a deal I’m working on. They want whoever they choose to go with, to be a family man. Now, especially with Lilly, I need a wife. It wouldn’t have to be permanent. A marriage of convenience. Please say you’ll do it.
Bree: I’ll get attached to Lilly. I never wanted to marry. Not after Brad. You know that. And I thought you would never marry again after Valerie. I’ll do it. I want to be a mother, Adam but I don’t want our friendship to become romantic. I want to be loved, as a woman, before I have sex with anyone, including you. You’re my best friend; so of course, I’ll help you. When do you want to get married?
Adam: Today is Wednesday. Is Saturday too soon?

The story is a roller-coaster ride that will take best friends to a marriage of convenience to more. After a quick marriage, these two are so in love with Lilly, who is the glue that bonds them together. The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. And isn’t always a smooth road, it is full of troublemakers, and life-and-death danger. How far will a competitor go to jeopardize the deal Adam is working on? Will Bree and Adam discover that love is critical in a happy marriage before it is too late? Will the Kincaids get their happily ever after ending?

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Woolf has written an exciting, contemporary romantic suspense novel that is filled with love, romance, a marriage of convenience, a jealous ex-girlfriend, and an evil rival. The couple’s beautiful romance is remarkable as the couple’s feelings gradually shift from friendship to love. Plus, their lives are in extreme danger from evil rivals who want to eliminate both of them.

Billionaire CEO Adam Kinkaid is very happy with his life as a single, wealthy CEO. However, he is unexpectedly shocked when a former girlfriend leaves a secret baby daughter for him to take keep. He has no idea what to do with a baby, so he calls Bree Taylor, his best friend, for help. The two of them instantly fall in love with Lily, their new daughter.

Bree and Adam immediately discover that they are very happy with their new life. They both have always had an underlying attraction for each other although they have never acknowledged it to themselves. But now they finally realize that their wonderful friendship has gradually turned into passion and love.

Plus, Adam is the favorite to move into a new position that interests him. His boss admires and respects his ability and work ethic. Now, his boss appreciates him more because he commends and admires Bree and Lily.

An exciting secondary plot involves another one of Adam’s ex-girlfriend. She is very bitter because she wanted to marry him, but he broke up with her. Thus, she is extremely jealous of Bree who is now the wife she wanted to be. Now Adam’s
Ex is dating his evil abusive rival for this new position they both want. The Ex and the rival will do anything to hurt Bree and Adam.

Cynthia Woolf now writes in the contemporary genre and has changed her style to match that. She still writes a clean book with no sex. However, there is no doubt that they are exciting, heartwarming and intriguing.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enjoyable romance between best friends who would do anything to help one another evolves into a marriage of convenience when Adam is faced with the prospect of taking care of the baby he knew nothing about, being deposited at his feet in a car seat. He, in fact, has two problems: one is his hither to unknown baby, and the other is the merger he is chasing with a conservative couple who would not be happy about him being an unmarried father. There is only one person he can call on to solve both problems, and that is to ask Bree to marry him. Having lost her boyfriend to an IED, Bree thought that all her dreams of a perfect life with the perfect man had been stripped from her. However, Adam's request makes her realize that at long last she can have her own child, even if she did not give birth to the sweet baby girl. While Adam and Bree understand each other well based on many years of friendship, they nevertheless have different expectations from the marriage which leads to some troubled waters. When Bree's life is put in danger, Adam realizes that he can no longer put off the inevitable and it's time to tell Bree how he really feels about her. The novel, a copy of which I received as a gift, comes to a happy conclusion, with happiness abounding. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Maureen Metcalfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am used to reading Cynthia’s historical novels, which I loved, so I was a little dubious as to how I was going to like a contemporary novel. However, I shouldn’t have worried - Cynthia hasn’t lost her touch. 😃.

The novel starts with Bree’s fiancé dying whist on deployment with the forces, and Brad is introduced as the best friend of them both. As if there is not enough there to point to an excellent will they, won’t they love story, it is further complicated by a)Brads ex girlfriend dumping a previously unknown baby daughter into his lap, and b) him needing to find a wife immediately for a business deal. Cue his best friend…………..
I found this book extremely easy to read, and hard to put down. It had its usual twists, turns, adventures and dramas. There are only 2 things that I find hard to understand. The first, how the mother just dumps the baby, and then is practically not mentioned or in contact again, and secondly, how Bree seems to have an extreme bond with the baby the moment she sees her. I just find these 2 points a little unbelievable. However, as stated before, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, and totally recommend it.

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started promising

This book started strong with a compelling first chapter that had me optimistic, but unfortunately, the momentum didn’t hold. While the story had the ingredients for of a sweet, simple love story, the execution fell short for me. I found myself being told too much about what was happening, rather than experiencing it alongside the characters. There was an overabundance of detail in the characters’ actions, which made the pacing feel sluggish. Sometimes, less really is more.

As the story progressed, I found it harder to stay engaged and eventually began skimming. I ultimately decided to DNF after a scene that felt jarringly out of place—a love scene introduced so abruptly, it felt disconnected and lacked the emotional buildup and passion I was hoping for.

I appreciate the effort and recognize the author’s talent for ideas, but I expected more polish and depth, especially from someone with experience. That said, readers who enjoy straightforward romances without a lot of angst or tension might find this an easy, light read.

[Jerri Liechty · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first read from Cynthia Woolf. I really liked the start of the book. It had all the feels and a story that I was waiting to read, a fiance that lost her loved one in a war and his best friend who was Bree's best friend too. Three years later a daughter comes into Adam's life that he knew nothing of. The mom brings her to his office and leaves her for him to raise. Because of his business and an important deal he needs a wife and asks Bree, his best friend and his former buddy's fiance, who died at war, to be his wife. She agrees immediately and knows it is a marriage of convenience. She wants to be a mom but had decided not to marry again after her fiance's death. The story moves forward and a wedding happens. Bree moves into his house and they sleep in separate bedrooms. They play the part of partners and parents but that is all. I felt the story was choppy. Some parts were great and then some were so-s0. I wanted to see more into the characters and their history and families. I longed for more and I gave the book three stars.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will touch your heart. It starts with the main female character suffering a significant loss and call her fiancé's best friend to help her. Fast forward a couple of years and that friend comes back with a request of his own. It seems that he has an infant daughter that he didn't know about, and he has no idea how to take care of her. He proposes a marriage of convenience as he not only needs help caring for his daughter but he also needs help with a business deal. I love stories with kids in them and especially stories where the guy gets all twisted up over the kid(s). This story is full of heart, fun, unexpectedness and love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Cynthia Woolf and this does not disappoint, this is book one in The Colorado Billionaire's series. Adam Kincaid and Bree Taylor are best friends. Adam had a fling with Sally, that ended with a baby he did not know about. Sally comes to his office to drop off baby Lilly, she's leaving the country. He knows nothing about babies. He takes the baby to Bree. Could they have a marriage of convenience, so Lilly will have a mom and dad. Could this work out? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Cynthia Woolf!!!!

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bree’s fiancé Brad and Adams friend didn’t come back from Afghanistan All three had been best friends. Years later, after a one night fling Adam finds he is a father to a baby girl Lily. The mother tells him, that he is now responsible for her. Not knowing what to do, he askes Bree for help, but he also askes he marry him, but it will be a marriage of connivence so she could help him take care of Lily. Slowly these two fall in love, but are to scared to admit it. When a tragedy happened, after a competitor from Adam’s business does something. These two find the courage to admit their feelings.
This a wonderful love story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a friends to lovers romance between Adam and Bree. When Bree's fiance, Brad, is killed while serving his country, she confides in Adam, who was Brad's best friend and her friend also. Adam just found out he has an infant daughter, Lilly, when his ex left her with him so she could follow her dream. Since Bree was available and a good friend and he had to be married to gain a contract with a new company, he suggested a marriage of convenience. You will have to read the book to find out if it becomes a real marriage. The characters are likeable and the story interesting. I recommend this as a clean romance and an enjoyable read. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Jeanne Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends, Bre - who's still grieving the loss of her fiancé agrees to a marriage of convenience to Adam upon his discovery of having an infant daughter who's been dropped off at his doorstep.
They both love adorable Lily but are finding that admitting the bond growing between the two of them is harder to deal with. Strange and unstable business adversaries' cause a life-threatening situation that could change everything. Will Adam and Bre get their happy ever after? A wonderful falling in love story!

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The CEO: a sweet contemporary billionaire romance story of Adam and Bree..2 bestfriend and 1 baby..He become a daddy overnight and needs help ASAP to care for his infant baby..she's still grieving for the lost of her fiance and agrees to a marriage of convenience to give her bestfriend daughter the family she deserves and got a baby she wanted..Just as they dream for the future someone wanted to cut it from the start..A captivating,wonderful,heartwarming,second chance at love with a touch of suspense and angst..

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Heartwarming Read
Bree Taylor and Adam Kincaid have been best friends for a long time. Adam was the first person she called when her husband was killed three years ago. Now she is the first person that he turns to for help when he finds out he is a father to six month old Lilly. This is a sweet read with so many tropes that make for a great story - best friends to lovers, close proximity, marriage of convenience and so much more. Their story is heartwarming with an element of danger and suspense as well. Loved the Epilogue which was a great conclusion to Bree and Adam’s story.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

[Estie Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story. Adam is a billionaire who gets a baby dumped into his lap. He has no idea what to do but he knows someone who does. His best friend, Bree. She is mourning the loss of her fiance and the future she had planned. Adam shows up to her house with a screaming baby and begs for her help. She agrees to help under one condition-they get married. This story travels the emotion highway from friends to lovers. Highly recommended! I received a free copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patti Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Ms. Cynthia's books. I just love her historical reads. And now she has created this fun book. Right from page one. I was kept wanting to get to the next. It's pretty clean. Not a lot of spice. But. There is a lot of love. And baby action. I adored that baby. The mystery is very interesting. Keeps you wondering. Little thing pop up. You know when you are going to say. Omg no way. I highly recommend it. Can't wait for the next one.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends-to-Lovers, Romance with Suspense

When Adam finds himself a single father overnight, he asks Bree for help. The two friends have a marriage of convenience, but their hearts become involved. A villain is waiting in the background to destroy Adam. Who is the villain? What does he do, and why?

This is an entertaining story. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like contemporary romance with suspense.