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Shopping for a Billionaire #1

Shopping for a Billionaire

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When mystery shopper Shannon Jacoby meets billionaire Declan McCormick with her hand down a toilet in the men’s room of one of his stores, it’s love at first flush in this hilarious new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2014

1748 people are currently reading
5726 people want to read

About the author

Julia Kent

122 books7,973 followers
Sign up for my newsletter at: https://jkentauthor.com/newsletter/

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 5 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.

From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire in a rom com).

She also writes romantic suspense as Meli Raine, sexy shifter romances as DJ Jennings, billionaire shifters as half of the author team Diana Seere, and co-authors with Elisa Reed.

She lives in New England with her husband and three children in a household where she is the only person with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.

She loves to hear from her readers by:

Email at jkentauthor@gmail.com

Twitter @jkentauthor

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jkentauthor

Instagram @jkentauthor

Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com

FORTHCOMING:


Love You Again (Love You, Maine, #2), July 19, 2022

Ten First Kisses (anthology with my story, Shopping for a Booty Call), August 12, 2022

Love You More (Love You, Maine, #3), October 11, 2022

Love You Now (Love You, Maine, #4), January 3, 2023


Author photo credit: Felix Rust http://www.felixrust.com

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5 stars
2,843 (30%)
4 stars
2,962 (31%)
3 stars
2,431 (25%)
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1 star
375 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,021 reviews
Profile Image for Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog.
337 reviews1,031 followers
April 24, 2018
3.5 stars

Would you consider meeting the love of your life in the men's room—your hand in a toilet—as a meet-cute? Because that's exactly how mystery shopper Shannon Jacoby met almost billionaire Declan McCormack. The second meeting isn't exactly the best either, but despite the weird encounters, Declan seems to be incredibly into Shannon. And the feeling is mutual.

This series definitely has some OTT antics that either make me laugh out loud or cringe my soul out of my body, but I know I had to read the rest. It's like crack, and I can't get enough. I'm not usually a fan of the insta-love/lust trope, which I think this book kind of has (the events that occur in the first novella span two days, I think), but I think it was dealt with nicely.

I have to admit I skimmed through some pages. I think the book would have been enjoyable if Declan's perspective was added in (which it was, as a bonus). Other than that, I enjoyed the first novella and the collection overall.

I read this as a whole (the boxed set features the first 5 novellas in the series), so I will be reviewing the other novellas and the collection separately.
Profile Image for Jay Bee.
51 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2014
I found this book on Amazon as one of their "free books" and decided to download it onto my Kindle as I usually find Chick-Lit to be perfect as a quick read when out and about. However, I'm surprised I made it through the book.

I'm actually very surprised by the high reviews this series has gotten. Personally, I found myself skimming through some parts, especially at the beginning. It did get better towards the end and that's the only reason I finished the book. And, imagine my surprise when the book ends and I realized only a day had gone by in the characters world. Considering how little actually happened in the book, I'm betting all 4 books in the series is enough to make one complete novel.

I don't know if this was just me but wow, did the author put every reference she could into the book. From plentyoffish to Honey Boo Boo, this book had it all. And I wasn't a fan.
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,374 reviews203 followers
October 9, 2019
I was hoping for something along the lines of shopaholic vibes.. but again, I keep getting freaking 50 shades..

WHEN WILL PEOPLE STOP WRITING OTHER VERSIONS OF THAT HORRIBLE BOOK?

I feel like I need wine.. is it too early to drink? It's 5 pm somewhere I believe.

Shopping for a Billionaire was a very short audiobook that pleased me to no end. I was so happy that I was flying through it because I couldn't stand it for another second. I didn't like 5o shades the first time.. and if I knew this was going to be similar I would've skipped it all together.

Everything happens at a fast pace in this book because it was, again, a super short audio. If I could remember, or even try to remember, what happened in this book I might talk about it. Unfortunately, I was really invested it in that much and it did get rather boring towards the end.

YET, I was very happy once it was over.
Profile Image for Els.
334 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2018
DNF.
One star for effort.
Profile Image for MarytheBookLover.
456 reviews954 followers
August 24, 2018
My Opinion:

This book is hysterical. You will laugh all the way through. I really enjoyed it. Two words "toilet girl"- enough said! Julia brings Shannon to life in this romantic comedy. I enjoyed Shannon and Declan together. This tale starts off with Shannon being a secret shopper and she is evaluating a coffee shop when she spots Declan, in all his sexiness, stops in and then everything starts to fall apart for Shannon. I totally enjoyed this book. I love Shannon's snarky attitude and quick wit and Declan is all the better for backing her up. Billionaire or not he is awesome. These two have banter between them and some amazing comebacks with each other. I found it funny and love this type of humor in books. I am really glad I picked this one up!

Her sister's and mother are in this start of the series and they are just as fun as Shannon and Declan. Shannon's work buddies are a treat too. This was a quick Audiobook and a great start to the series. I am now on book three of it. I do see myself reading the full series as it is just too good to pass up! I recommend this book for a light, fun read!

I also really enjoyed the narrator and I think she will quickly become one of my favorites!

I give this book 5 of 5 Stars!
Profile Image for Sheryl.
1,895 reviews38 followers
May 29, 2015
This book is only a little over 100 pages and 2-1/2 hours long (audiobook) and I couldn't even bring myself to finish it. I got through a third of the book and just couldn't do it any longer. The 5 minute audio sample was cute and the book is billed as a "romantic comedy" so I was looking forward to it. I had the kindle version (free, thank goodness) and the audio book was only $1.99 (a good deal, I thought). Do not waste your time or your money on this. After the 5 minute sample the book goes downhill quickly. The lead character (Shannon) goes on and on about the body/figure/looks of the main character (Declan) whom she has not yet met and fantasizes about how great it would be to touch him (and do more). And she goes on and on and on, ad nauseum-- multiple times, multiple scenes all within the first third of the book that I made it through. The comedic parts that I got to, I did not find particularly funny, mostly I thought they were dumb. The further I got into the book, the more grating I found Shannon. I just couldn't deal with her, so I gave up. Very disappointing. I had such high hopes for it.
Profile Image for Siv30.
2,792 reviews194 followers
May 30, 2017
בהתחלה הספר נראה כעוד אחד מהספרים בסדרות הבלתי נגמרות על בחורה צעירה וקצת קלולסית שננטשת ע"י ארוסה רק כדי ליפול כפרי בשל לידי המליונר הבא. לפעמים אותו מליונר גם נושא תכונות אופי ממש מדכאות ושרוטות שהן תוצר של ילדותו העשוקה וחסרת אהבת אם.

אבל זה לא המקרה עם שאנון ודאקלן. שאנון טיפוס עם אינטרוספקטיבה מספיק כנה כדי לראות את עצמה ואת משפחתה ההזויה באור בהיר. הסצנה של הדייט הראשון פשוט מצחיקה במיוחד הקטע אם אמא שלה שמלווה אותה לדייט העיסקי ומתנהגת כאילו הם חתן וכלה.

גם דקאלן לא סובל משריטות עמוקות מידי והמפגשים שלו עם שאנון משעשעים והזויים. חמוד ביותר כהתחלה ל 10 ספרים.

הטיפוסים מספיק אקסצנטרים בכדי שהיא לא תדרש לסקס כבר בספרון הראשון, ומאידך המתח המיני קיים. כך שזו התחלה טובה (אם כי קצרה מידי )
Profile Image for Lillian ☁ Cloud 9 Books ☁.
575 reviews341 followers
April 3, 2018
***** 4 Stars *****

A quick fun rom com. I loved it! If you enjoy awkward situations, pick this up!

As a secret shopper, Shannon has so get involved with some odd shops... Like examining the men's bathroom. When Declan catches her in an questionable position, he can't stop thinking about her.

This book had me giggling, and I will definitely be read the next book as soon as possible.



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Profile Image for April.
2,641 reviews176 followers
October 26, 2014
Wow!! I totally underestimated this book! I walked into it thinking it was a humdrum smutty serial. I was so very wrong!! To my utter shock this is a fun witty romance, with only a couple kisses!!! It is a serial, but I am willing to forgive that, because all the parts have been released on audio already. So, no nasty waiting time for me! Hooray!!!

Shannon is a sassy, snarky curvy gal!! Just the sort I adore!! I loved her from the very start. How could you not!! I found my self laughing at her antics and never wanting it to end! The whole book is from her POV, which make it essential that she have an awesome personality, which she does!!!

Declan is yummy and totally into her from the start. I would love to get him in the narration, it would help me see his side of the flirtation. I am very excited to see how it will all progress in the next book.

In addition to how fabulous Shannon is, there are all the quirky fun supporting characters. From her grumpy cat to her outspoken mom, her bff and her cheapskate boss. This book is bursting at the seems with all the fun and witty banter!!! I had to pick up the ebook, just so I could make favorite quotes on Goodreads!!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tanya Eby, who is delightful! She has the perfect tone for the vibe of this book. I love the way she adds energy and sass to the characters. She keeps the story moving right along with her swift pace. The men's voice are just masculine enough, without seeming like a caricature. Definitely a narrator I will be looking for more of in the future! She gives good voice!!!

The book leaves off at on okay point, just starting things out and ready to see what comes next. As a general rule, I do not like books that are delivered piece mail. However, this one being all out already helps soften that for me. Pick up this first book free on Amazon and then get the audio on a whispersync deal. You will be just as hooked as I am!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
Profile Image for BeccaJBooks.
521 reviews53 followers
August 22, 2020
This a great little read. Not something I would usually pick, but I needed something light to read after some really good, but intense, thrillers.

It was funny and easy to read. I laughed out loud at bits of it.

Shannon is a mystery shopper, who meets a handsome guy whilst she has her hand down the men's toilet in a bagel shop.... Read the book and you'll find out why.

I'd recommend for a quick bit of light relief and a laugh.

https://thebeautifulbookbreak.com
Profile Image for Amy.
3,054 reviews623 followers
July 28, 2018
Book: "What shall we toast to?"
"To...shopping for a billionaire!"

Me: ROLL CREDITS

Fluffy fun with a bit of zing. Great hook at the beginning. I particularly enjoyed the little blip at the end where it replayed some of the scenes from Declan's POV. He's kind of insufferable but the book isn't. I like what a short amount of time actually passes.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
1,717 reviews156 followers
Read
March 21, 2021
Dnf
I love a funny, witty story but this wasn’t it. Literally every line was an attempt at a joke. It just felt like it was trying too hard to be funny and the constant quips slowed down the story to snails pace; I’m 12 chapters in and we’ve only covered a couple of hours. Not for me.
Profile Image for Dani .
1,074 reviews15 followers
March 10, 2019
I read this book and the second installment as part of an anthology called Valentines Days and Nights that was offered for free on Amazon around Valentine's Day.

As other readers have commented, calling these installments full-length novels seems a bit of a stretch. They are just new episodes of a continuing story. I think a lot of readers enjoy a story being released this way as long as it is labeled as such.

My feeling about the content is mixed. While I enjoy snappy banter between a hero and heroine, it is less appealing to me when it is part of a character's inner monologue. Our heroine Shannon's thoughts are filled with so many pop culture references that it was slightly off-putting. I read this roughly five years after the original publication date and some of the references already sounded dated.

For the most part, I like the portrayal of Declan, the hero. However, there wasn't enough of them getting to know each other. Declan seemed willing to throw business Shannon's way and reschedule plans after just a couple of witty exchanges. If there had been even a sentence or three telling the reader that Shannon and Declan had spent a few hours sharing stories, then that would have been more believable. Shannon questions why Declan likes her several times, and I am inclined to agree with her because by the end of the second installment, they still haven't really gotten to know each other yet.

On the plus side, the first two installments were a quick read and there were some laugh-out-loud scenes, especially involving Shannon's inappropriate mother. If the other installments ever hit my library or Kindle Unlimited, I may finish the story, but I am not going to seek them out.
Profile Image for Shabana Mukhtar.
Author 82 books175 followers
August 30, 2018
Shopping for a Billionaire (Shopping for a Billionaire, #1)
Non-review rant
I read this in April. I don't know how I missed to review it here. I am sure I have reviewed somewhere, but can't find it and have to write the review again. I could be finishing my novel instead you know. But I am a reader first, so here goes.
Review
Some of the things I really adored.
1. The writing is funny - my kind of funny. Very sarcastic and internalized talks in Shannon's head makes it a good read.
2. It is clean. There is only one kiss towards the end. No dirty business.
3. I like the profession. Isn't is empowering? to able to shop / review to kill someone's reputation.
4. I like the protagonist really. She is not into looks - hers or others, very straight-forward and does not socialize much. Hmmm, wonder why I like her :p
5. The cover is fun.
Things I didn't find novel.
1. the jealous-the-ex angle, arghhh. Almost all the romantic / rom-com books have that.
2. In some places, the 'head-talk' is a little too much and I want to scream 'move on, girl'.
Verdict
2.423781 stars rounded up. On to next book.
Profile Image for Laura..devouring books like crumpets.
1,968 reviews109 followers
April 20, 2018
It was ok..... I honestly found the character a bit shallow and not very likeable..... it says she has OCD, if that was truly the case a person with OCD would not stick their hand down a public men's toilet for a phone in the first place, and definitely wouldn't make a coffee before showering.

But ok i like the fact a normal looking girl gets the guy for once, and some bits were really funny.

Profile Image for Mes.
127 reviews58 followers
March 31, 2020
Amazon free kindle offers made me do it
In theory this could have been fun and it was funny in certain moments. No sky high expectations here, I just wanted a good time, I'm not a literary scrooge here to bring down silly romcoms. That was exactly what I was looking for!
However, this book mostly just felt pointless and half finished. Everything happened very quickly, there was barely any actual conversation between our heroes, instalove ensued and we still didn't get a story arc that felt complete in any way shape or form. Also can we stop doing that when we treat the guy's wallet as a character trait? Can we? Wealthy is not a personality. Cheers.
Profile Image for ⊱✿⊰ Alicia ⊱✿⊰ .
675 reviews465 followers
October 11, 2015
I was looking for something fun to read and I got it. I LOL all through this book and I loved the original concept of the story. Shannon is great and it's good to read a book with a real woman as the lead with curves and big boobs like so many of us have. I am looking forward in seeing where this story goes and all the funnies along the way :)
Profile Image for Danielle.
1,339 reviews51 followers
May 21, 2015
Sounded cute but not something I could really get into
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,049 reviews934 followers
April 7, 2016
Listening to the audio version

Profile Image for Preet.
3,385 reviews233 followers
February 9, 2017
This is hilarious and so hot! Why am I just now discovering it?
Profile Image for Cyndi.
2,452 reviews123 followers
December 26, 2019
I am a sucker for romcoms. Give me a good romantic comedy and a cup of tea and I'm set. So this series has kept me so happy.
Our heroine is living a life of chaos. She is an upper echelon worker in a secret shopper company. One day she is forced to take over for one of her workers and meets one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. Unfortunately she also has her hand stuck in the toilet while trying to retrieve her phone.
This is the first story in the series and the beginning of an excellent relationship between me and the author. (Also between the hero and heroine)
Profile Image for Lisa (Two Bookish Brits).
913 reviews167 followers
November 7, 2017
What a pleasant surprise this little beauty was.

Shopping for the billionaire is quite the funny read. The main characters first encounter was absolutely hilarious and seriously embarrassing, I actually hid my face for her, That poor girl. Let’s not start on how embarrassing her mother and friend are, good god.

This is my first read by Julia Kent and I’m excited to say it was this book, it was fun, short and sexy, I loved it.
1,796 reviews11 followers
August 23, 2017
This book had me laughing from the very beginning. Shannon is a riot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,021 reviews

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