Consumed by Desire

Billionaire Island Brides #2

by Ana E. Ross

Will they find their way back to each other and to the love that blossomed beneath the warm, tropical sun, or will the consequences of one life-changing mistake prove too much to bear?

Neopheus Giannopoulos is impatient, determined, and hopelessly romantic, though he’s not looking for love––he’s grieving the loss of it. But while on Akilina for his brother’s royal wedding, a chance encounter on the beach changes everything for this billionaire real estate mogul. She’s an intoxicating vision moving under the moonlight, her lithe body swaying in the island breeze, and Neo sets out to convince her of what he knows in the depth of his soul––that they are meant to be together.

After a year of devastating heartbreak and healing, celebrating her best friend’s bachelorette weekend is the only thing on Calista Larson's mind. Three nights at the world-renowned Jewel Beach Resort was all she’d bargained for, but fate has something else in store. He’s kind and generous, and just the sound of his voice sends shockwaves up and down her spine. However, one false move forces Cali to decide between running back home, or giving love a second chance.

But…

He should have learned by now that the truth never stays hidden for long.

And…

She should have known that an all-expenses-paid week in paradise was too good to be true.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2025

About the author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Ana E Ross writes steamy and sophisticated, multicultural, contemporary romance novels. Her novels feature powerful, charming, billionaire heroes and strong, beautiful, ambitious heroines, who fight and love with equal passion.

Ana's published works include several short stories, five books in her bestselling series, Billionaire Brides of Granite Falls, three books in the spinoff series, Beyond Granite Falls, and several novellas. She is currently working on her third series, Billionaire Island Brides.

Connect with Ana at: www.anaeross.com
Subscribe to her Newsletter: www.anaeross.com/newsletter/

Reviews

[Tushula Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read

I fell in love with the island and description of the food and locations! I love a happily ever after and this one did not disappoint! There was so much loss but the love the real! A good read!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Neo and Cali. The author does a great job developing the story and brings it to life with her descriptive scenes. She takes you into their lives with chemistry and romance and gives them some obstacles to overcome along the way to their HEA. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[bythesea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Rare and Beautiful Thing

This was one of those books I needed to sit with for a while once I finished… First of all, I loved being back in Akilina. And Neo is the perfect guy. I would have been all over him in a heartbeat, but Cali’s past experiences temper her ability to let-go and give-in to the attraction between them.

By the time she finally does, Neo’s past comes waltzing back into his life in sky-high stilettos, and threatens to destroy everything they have built while in Akilina. That chapter came out of nowhere, and from that point on, I was hooked! I couldn’t put it down until Neo and Cali found their way back to each other.

One of the main themes in this book was difficult to read at times, but it was so true to life. While reading those chapters, so many women in my life came to mind, and I appreciated the way the Author handled those situations — with honesty, sensitivity, and respect. Ms Ross really put these characters through the wringer, but their experiences only brought them closer in the end. Instead of feeling alone in their pain, they could find comfort and understanding in each other without ever having to explain themselves. That is a rare and beautiful thing, and I think it will be the glue that binds them.

Cali and Neo’s physically chemistry was on FIRE (very spicy!), and I loved their sense of humor, and how they played off of each other, but at the core of their relationship was a no-fuss-necessary love. I could see them growing old together as the perfect couple to everyone in their lives. And despite coming from very different worlds, I think their lives will blend together seamlessly. I can picture them now, walking hand-in-hand through the park, forever thanking fate for bringing them together. The final chapter was just perfect…

In this follow-up to Seduced by Passion, we get to see Raph and Xiomara tie the knot, revisit Akilina and the Giannopoulos family, are swept off of our feet by Neo and his access to luxury, and we’re reminded that love can find us in the most unexpected places, and at the most inopportune times, and that sometimes it takes strength to say “yes” to happily-ever-after.

A huge thank you to Ms. Ross and five stars for Consumed by Desire.

*The author also teased a spin-off in the epilogue! I’m looking forward to reading about Gianna and Cleon and some more Giannopoulos family drama (ya’ll, Andris is something else smh), and I can’t wait for the third book in this series.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The descriptions in this book were so detailed and vivid, I actually felt like I was in Akilina. The flowers, the serene clear water, the beautiful beaches, hotels, and restaurants were all very clear in my mind and added a soothing quality to the book. Even the descriptions of the food made me hungry, lol.

This was not an easy book to read in terms of some of the topics discussed. At times, it was sad, and I would even say it might be painful for some people.

Neo and Cali's journey to happiness did not follow a smooth path. Their connection, romance, chemistry, and passion for each other on Akilina blossomed into a love that seemed like fate.

The challenges they encountered only strengthened their bond, allowing them to grow as individuals. Despite the obstacles, their love prevailed. It served to show that true love can overcome even the most complicated circumstances.

I felt this story was about both a love-at-first-sight and second-chance romance. There was passion, love, sensuality, heat, hurt, pain, sorrow, healing, and finally, happiness.

Neo and Cali's journey to their HEA was hard-fought but deeply rewarding. Their appreciation for one another grew through their shared experiences. A lasting relationship was created, hopefully built on a solid foundation. Rating: 3.5 stars.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Billionaire Island Bride’s series and it is Cali and Neo’s story. Neo was at his brother’s wedding in Akilina and while he was taking a break for a breather away from all the wedding stuff he saw the most beautiful and captivating woman and decided that he wanted to get to know her better if possible so when she fell into his lap and spilled a drink on him he asked her to compensate him by being his date for his brother’s wedding and she ended up saying yes. Cali has her own dog walking company and doing really well but at the moment she is on a girls weekend away because her best friend was getting married soon and while at a bar they were all very drunk and the next morning she was woke up by banging on the door only to find a really handsome man who said that she had agreed to go to a wedding with him but she had no memory of what he was on about. Cali and Neo started spending time together and the attraction, chemistry and connection was so strong and they felt like they had known each other for years instead of just days and the more time they spent together the deeper there feelings for each other grew and they decided that when this break was over they still wanted to keep in touch and still see each other because of how they felt. Cali and Neo were so perfect together and for each other and you could feel how close they were and when they eventually gave in to how they felt it was absolutely explosive and sparks flew all around them but then something happened that completely shattered the trust between them which broke them apart but will they be able to get through the situation and get a second chance or is it really all over for them, well only time will tell what the outcome will be for them in the end. I absolutely loved this book so much and I couldn’t put it down because the story pulled you in and kept your attention throughout the whole story. The author described the island, smells, sounds and everything that was going on and you felt like you were there with them experiencing it all even the emotions that Cali and Neo felt and I can’t wait to read more books in this beautiful and addictive series.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consumed by Desire is the second book in this contemporary romance series of Billionaire’s unexpectedly finding true love.
Neo and his family are attending his brother’s wedding on an island getaway surrounded by friends and family as Neo is wishing he had someone in his life to share it all with after a recent breakup.
After the festivities he takes a walk along the beach and a chance encounter brings Calista Larson into his life, and he just knows he has found his soulmate.
But the path to love can often become a turbulent one and for Neo and Calista happiness soon becomes marred by a misunderstanding that separates them.
But true love never fades and as the reader follows their time apart through personal tragedy and overcoming of vulnerabilities it is that much sweeter when fate brings them back together again in a second chance.
This was a beautiful story that had drama, friendships, family dynamics, heart tugging moments, and passionate romance.
Loved the well crafted characters, and wonderful writing which as this was my first time reading this author’s work has me eager to immersive myself in more of her entertaining stories. HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story. I'll be anxious to read the rest of the series, plus I'll grab the first one soon. Cali met neo on an island where he was there for his brother's wedding and she was at a bachelorette party. She literally fell in his lap. He was struck by her looks and really wanted to get to know her. He talked her into staying a few extra days and they had a wonderful time, until his ex showed up. She misunderstood their arrangement and left immediately. Neo had that heartbreak as he was in love with her and then soon after another instance broke his heart. He was really struggling when Cali got in touch with him again and they talked out their differences. It wasn't easy but well worth it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is heartfelt, very emotional and dramatic. He really seems like the romantic type that anyone can quickly fall for and she's likeable as well. The road isn't always easy and I get that. This story had so many obstacles for this new couple to overcome that I feel like their actual romance became secondary. I prefer more romance or evenly blend so I can really connect with either character in a couple environment. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cali and Neo draw you into this delightful story. It is descriptive, well written and had me right there with them on the island as their story unfolds. I enjoyed connecting with the characters and anticipating what was going to happen next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LaTarsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not favorite Book by the author. There was so much going on that Neo and Cali had to overcome to find happiness. The challenges however only seemed to strengthen their bond and made the ride worth it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the setting for this book. The characters were very interesting and had some realness about them. The development of their love story was interesting to read. For me, the book started a little slow, but was worth it as the story continued. I thought the story was well-written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peachluck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a real treat. Exotic locations, interesting and relatable characteristics and lots of spice and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.