Grumpy single dad billionaire meets fiery redhead in steamy slow burn Manhattan romance…Welcome to the first instalment in the Billionaire Row Series, by Caroline Whiteley. Perfect for fans of Anna Huang, Lucy Score and Elsie Silver.
The deal should have been simple. The money I desperately need in exchange for pretending to be his fiancée. Except I can’t keep away from him and he cant keep his hands off me.
Zeke Guerra is eleven years older than me and seated at the throne of a self-made empire. He’s cold, enigmatic and entirely off limits. That is until fate pulls us together in a tangle of schemes.
Forced to share a home, tension rises until all bets are off – and so are our clothes. With nothing left between us but the secrets we bear, I see a side to the sharp, filthy mouthed mogul that softens my heart. He says this is only temporary, so why do I feel more cherished than I ever have in his arms?
But secrets have a way of coming out, and when they do, will I be able to walk away with my heart intact?
4.5 ⭐️ The group chats are LIFE!! This book had me howling! But I also cried a little. The characters were captivating, the relationship was fun and full of banter, and ultimately even the third act breakup didn’t ruin it like most do for me 🤣…. The only things that would have made this perfect were: more Diego and more honesty. I get why they didn’t tell each other about their secrets since it took them so long to realize their love for each other, but I was dying for them to just be vulnerable!! Still, I would absolutely recommend this one!
Fake fiancé, filthy-mouthed billionaire… and I was absolutely not prepared for Zeke Guerra
4.5 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️
I went into Total Abandon by Caroline Whiteley expecting a fun billionaire romance. What I did not expect was to spend most of the book either giggling like an idiot or kicking my feet every time Zeke Guerra opened his mouth. And yet… here we are. 😌
This was my first Caroline Whiteley book and honestly? I’m already side-eyeing the rest of her catalogue because if they’re anything like this one, my TBR is in danger.
The story kicks off with Chloe, our neurospicy, chaotic-in-the-best-way FMC. She’s a tech employee who recently left one of the biggest tech companies in New York and is searching for a new job. By pure coincidence, she meets a mysterious man in her therapist’s waiting room… not realizing he’s actually the CEO of the company she’s about to be hired at. Iconic meet-cute energy right there.
Enter Zeke Guerra.
Grumpy. Controlled. Filthy-mouthed. Billionaire CEO. Single dad. Eleven years older. Emotionally locked down tighter than Fort Knox.
Naturally, things spiral quickly when he asks Chloe to become his fake fiancée so he can convince his father to leave his family home in Colombia to him. The arrangement should be simple: pretend engagement, shared house, keep it professional.
Except… these two have zero chill around each other.
The grumpy billionaire vs. loud-mouthed, says-whatever-is-on-her-mind heroine dynamic is chef’s kiss. Chloe absolutely refuses to be intimidated by Zeke’s broody billionaire act, and watching her bulldoze through his emotional defenses was endlessly entertaining.
But the real star of this book? The banter.
Not just between the main characters (which is top-tier), but with the side characters too. The dialogue is sharp, chaotic, and genuinely hilarious. I was LMFAO-ing throughout huge chunks of this book, which is not something I say lightly about romance novels.
And then there’s the chemistry. 🔥
This is very much a slow burn, but the tension builds in such a satisfying way. The forced proximity, the fake engagement, the moments where they almost say what they really feel… it all simmers beautifully.
Also; and I must address the elephant in the room: Zeke is Colombian.
Which means he occasionally leans in and whispers sweet (and definitely not innocent) things to Chloe in Spanish because she doesn’t understand the language.
Reader, I was SAT. Ay Dios mío, papi. I folded instantly. 🧎🏼♀️
Beneath the humor and heat, though, there’s also a softer emotional layer. Zeke tries to keep his distance because he knows this relationship is supposed to be temporary, while Chloe slowly and unintentionally makes herself at home in his life, and in his heart. Watching that shift happen felt really satisfying.
Yes, the ending is a little predictable. But honestly? I didn’t even mind. Sometimes you just want a romance that delivers exactly the emotional payoff you’re hoping for, and this one absolutely did.
Overall, this was a funny, steamy, addictive quick read with great character dynamics, a grumpy billionaire who secretly melts, and a heroine who refuses to be anything but unapologetically herself.
And if the rest of the Billionaire Row series has this same energy? I’m already seated. 🍿
She was hired to work in his company. While she was working they haven’t met for 4 weeks. One night they met, she lied to some one that she has a boyfriend and then she and mmc are having a dialog
He: “Boyfried?” She: “mhm. Military man, big guy, buns so tight you could bounce a quarter-“ He: “whatch your mouth” growls, grabbing her wrist She: “or what?” He: drags a broad thumb across my lips. “Or I’ll stuff it full for you, mi fuego”
I was honestly really irritated by the fact that the MMC was such a huge playboy. And if the FMC didn’t mind, maybe it would’ve been easier to read — but she clearly did care, and it obviously hurt her. Which is completely understandable. Who would want to get engaged to a guy who has slept with practically every girl we meet? In my eyes, he was just way too much of a manwhore.
And yes, I get that it was a fake engagement, but still — his behavior felt so typical and honestly kind of gross. What annoyed me even more was that he acted jealous whenever someone showed interest in the FMC, but when another girl wanted him, he didn’t refuse because he was obsessed with the FMC or truly wanted only her. He refused only because he promised FMC that they will not fuck anyone else (that was part of their agreement). So basically, if they hadn’t set rules, he would’ve slept with anyone.
The moment he proposed the fake engagement and then immediately went to bed with someone else really pissed me off. I personally prefer when the MMC is so taken with the FMC that he doesn’t even want anyone else.
Honestly, I also don’t understand what was supposed to be so special about the MMC in the first place. Apart from his money and looks, he didn’t really have much to offer. He didn’t do anything particularly meaningful for the FMC, his personality felt pretty average, and he was also a very average father. Overall, he just wasn’t that impressive. Is being rich and attractive really enough for every woman to fall at his feet? At the very least, I expected the FMC to be a bit more put together and not so easily impressed.
On top of that, the book was extremely boring. I found myself skipping through dialogues just to get through it, and in the end I didn’t even finish it. I stopped around 60% because nothing was holding my interest.
I’m also not planning to give the next book in the series a chance, because the MMC in the second part is apparently just as much of a playboy. Seriously — he had to sleep with the FMC’s sister? Absolutely not for me. Maybe some people enjoy these tropes, but this series is definitely not my thing.
Just to be clear: There wasn’t strict cheating here, but I also really dislike when the MMC sleeps with other women after already meeting the FMC. Even if they’re not officially together yet, that’s a major trigger warning for me.
Spoiler alert: The FMC hasn’t been sleeping with anyone and turns down every man from the start, while the MMC continues having sex with other women — even on the same day he proposes the fake engagement. Right after sleeping with another woman, he gets a message from the FMC agreeing to the engagement, and then tells the other girl he’s leaving to buy a ring for someone else. Even if it’s a fake relationship, it still felt wrong. Cosidering that OW is in the same social circle he is making it look like he has relationship with FMC and he is so into OW that he needs this last one night before going all in with FMC. Disgusting and completely unnecessary for the story IMO.
The whole book also revolves around constantly running into women from his past or women still throwing themselves at him even though he’s “engaged.” It completely ruined the MMC for me. Especially that most of the time he doesn't do anything to stop them.
So if this kind of dynamic also makes the MMC instantly unattractive to you, I’d honestly recommend skipping this book. I really regret buying it — I wouldn’t have wasted my time or money if I had known.
This was my first book by the author, and I really liked her writing style. However, there were several issues with the storyline that kept it from fully convincing me. Chloe and Zeke meet in a therapy waiting room, and on the very same day, she unknowingly ends up having her job interview with him. Their interactions were very entertaining and immediately drew me in. Chloe has a rival ex boyfriend who is ruthless and has caused her a lot of pain. He appears occasionally throughout the story and creates problems toward the end due to his manipulative nature and the lies he spreads. However, he doesn’t take up much space in the story itself, it’s more about dealing with the consequences of his actions.
Zeke is a billionaire and a single dad, and he feels an instant attraction to Chloe. At the same time, he’s portrayed as a playboy, and this is mentioned far too often. His father pressures him into finding a fake fiancée, which is how Chloe ends up in that role. What really bothered me, though, was that he gives her a 24 hour window to decide, and during that time, he still hooks up with one of his casual f**k buddies. It’s even mentioned that he can’t stop thinking about Chloe, which just made the situation feel even more off. Even though their relationship starts as fake, this aspect completely pulled me out of the story. I’m generally not a fan of other women being brought up when they don’t play a meaningful role later on, especially not within that short decision window.
The attraction between Chloe and Zeke is definitely there, and it does develop into something more. Chloe’s relationship with his son Diego was especially heartwarming and enjoyable to read. Overall, Chloe is a very funny and engaging character. With Zeke, though, there was just too much emphasis on his past with women, we get it, he’s a playboy, but it felt excessive, as if that trait overshadowed everything else about him, instead of also highlighting his roles as a single dad, billionaire, and brother etc. Unfortunately, this made it harder for me to fully connect with the story, which is a shame because it had a lot of potential. On top of that, the pacing toward the end was too rushed, with too many developments happening at once, leaving little room for emotional depth or a believable buildup. Overall, the story had great potential, but it lacked balance in character development, relationship depth, and plot progression.
Editing and updating because GR won’t let me comment to reply to the author. My first review stated that the book lost a star for me (now reinstated) when I read the following (with the context that the FMC asked the MMC if he was autistic)
“I’m serious. They have dating services for people like that, you know. I saw it on Netflix. Maybe you could find someone just as socially stinted as you and live happily ever after?”
I was concerned that the comment was in poor taste and was negatively stereotyping autistic people. However the author commented below and as I said, GR won’t let me reply so I thought I’d do it here.
Hey Caroline, I don’t know if you’ll see this but I genuinely appreciate you commenting. I was concerned about the way it came across (especially because the rest of the banter in the book was top notch!) but knowing you actually didn’t mean it in that way is totally reassuring. Thank you, I look forward to reading Logan’s book x
I do still feel that that particular comment could be perceived as negative towards autistic people but can appreciate that the author didn’t mean it to be. And I reaffirm that the rest of the interactions between the main characters was bloody excellent, they really did have a spark in an affectionately bullying kind of way. I look forward to reading the rest of the series with the knowledge that that little blip wasn’t meant negatively ❤️
Favourite bits and highlights - SPOILERS
“I could try and rustle up some fava beans and a nice Chianti, but it might be a stretch at this time of night,” I quip, narrowing my eyes at a line of code that is suddenly making zero sense to me. “Did you just… compare me to Hannibal Lecter?”
“You mean…” She trails off, her brow furrowed as her gaze skates over the car. “This isn’t the Volvo?”
Chloe is such a fun fmc, her vibes are just so great. She goes for what she wants, despite the things from her past. I felt so bad learning what Sweeney did to her, making her look bad, and the way he treated her. She didn’t deserve it at all, no one does. I love the way she didn’t settle, didn’t force anybody to want her, and didn’t let Zeke get away with how he acted for a single second. Badass strong book women are my favourite.
Zeke is such a sweetheart. The way he is instantly drawn to Chloe is so funny. He tries to resist so hard, but can’t. I admire the way he goes to such lengths for his mother, but also how much he was willing to sacrifice to show Chloe how he felt about her. But the way he was so quick to believe the worst made me so mad. I get it to a point, clearly he’s been used in the past by women, specifically Diego’s mother, but it was still no excuse not to at least hear Chloe out before believing the worst.
The texts at the beginning of each chapter were so funny, I loved them. And the side characters are so fun too!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you’re looking for a new author to fall in love with give Caroline Whitley a try.
This is the first book I’ve read by her and I’m honestly shocked she isn’t getting more attention. The plot was compelling the romance felt natural and deeply emotional and the spice? Perfectly passionate without overpowering the story too much.
What really stood out to me was the quality of the writing and character development. Every interaction felt intentional. The emotional beats landed exactly where they should. I’ve read plenty of “viral” books with thousands of reviews that didn’t have half the depth or care this one did.
This story felt thoughtfully written, immersive and wel paced from beginning to end. I’ll absolutely be reading more from this author.
Highly recommend giving her a chance. She deserves a much bigger spotlight.
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t help but laugh at loud at all the banter between all the characters. I loved the relationships between Chloe and her family i let out a few tears from crying laughing lol. The spice and the growing relationship ship between Zeke and Chloe was well written and i really felt like i knew both characters well. Just a few things held it from a five. I feel like when you have a child, it’s really much more involved. There were times when i wondered what happen to him, shouldn’t he be there. I loved his relationship he created with chloe and wish we could have seen more of it. I also just ish we wrapped up more on the story. Like getting to see the revenge stuff. I wanted chloe to get justice and for that creep to go down! Other than these few things i had a really good time with this read
Honestly I was expecting a comedic romance and funny banter that works its way up yo romance. Instead I got instalust ( can’t stand insta) on both ends. The banter was not there at all. Just lusty thoughts & inner monologue about the flesh of one another. Even with the characters situation the book just wasn’t interesting enough to keep you hooked or invested The inner monologue’s were dragging tbh also nothing of importance in them but lusty thought. Jokes were dry and sadly this became a dnf @ 30%.
This is my first time reading this author and omg she did not disappoint!! I laughed so hard all throughout - the ‘family group chats’ 🤣 PG’s name there’s so many bits that had me laughing out loud. The steamy scenes HOT!!!! Extremely well written. I could write so much more about this book but honestly if you haven’t read it, read it now! You will not be disappointed Hats off you to Caroline I can’t wait to read more of your books 🙌
Okay this was just fun from start to finish. The banter? Elite. The kind that has you smiling to yourself like you’re in on the joke.
I flew through this one - it’s light, entertaining, and doesn’t try too hard, which honestly made it even better. The group chat dynamic absolutely stole the show for me. It added such a fresh, chaotic (in the best way) layer to the story and I was fully invested in every message.
Also… Chace 👀 I need answers. I need closure. I need his book. Immediately.
Dnf @21% this story had so much potential 😔 but it was so rushed and the storyline did NOT connect well or flow, felt like we were skipping around and skimming. Imagine pressing fast forward multiple times and you can’t stop it but you’re so confused bc the scenes are skipping and when you try to rewind it you find out the scenes actually ARE skipping. Felt like I had no idea what was going on bc so much was just missing
Zeke and Chloe story was a delight to read, Zeke a grumpy billionaire where Chloe one sassy red head, the banter between these to had me chuckling away. The chemistry these had you need a cold flannel as the way Zeke stares at Chloe you will melt.
The side characters i loved I’m looking forward to Logans book I’ve my fingers crossed that Tilly and chase get a book.
Such an amazing debut novel from this author. The characters are amazing with a grumpy mmc and a sassy fmc - which sure makes for some real laugh out loud moments!! This is equal parts enticing, interesting and addictive while also having top level smut that doesn’t detract from the story! Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 😈😈😈😈😈
I’m all for a good spicy book but sometimes having one make you laugh is what pulls you in! I saw a text thread in TikTok and knew I had to read this one and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I laughed so hard I had to leave my room at one point because I was afraid i was going to wake my husband up 😂 definitely worth the read! I really hope there’s gonna be a chase walker book tho!
Loved it 🎉 perfect fun read finished it in one day, really liked the FMC strong funny and just the right amount of sensitive. I also loved all the side characters the friends of the main couple and felt like they were given just the right amount of spotlight to get to know them and get excited about their stories. 🫠
I liked the characters and the plot line. The spice was well written but abundant to the point of detracting from the plotline about 3/4ths of the way through. For a single dad book there needed to be a little stronger showing of his son Diego IMO. 3rd act break up was a little cliche and her reasoning for what what she needed was misguided, but the HEA ended nicely and I was glad I read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It was okay, the best parts were the group text messages at the beginning of the chapters. I didn't really connect with the characters. I think if you're looking for something quick to read to veg out on, then it'd work but it wasn't funny or engaging enough to keep me going. I started speed reading it since it was just mid. TT influenced me and unfortunately did live up to the promise.
This duo was so fun to read.Their banter was so refreshing 😂.It was a good level of spice while still having a plot which was exactly what I was looking for in an office romance while the man is a Single Dad so ofc he has me in heart eyes when he's with his child ,Diego. Zeke was a good boss and genuinely his past is just that the past.
this was such a joy to read! i loved how spicy chloe is
i only wish it was a bit longer, would’ve loved to see zeke grovel for not hearing her out, she absolutely deserved it after what these men put her through
I almost NEVER write reviews of books but this book had me laughing the entire time. Such a fun read and such a good story! I wish there had been more Diego moments, because the kid definitely steals the show.
Damn this was a fiery couple, I enjoyed them together, love that the dad got what was coming for him but god I wish they had taken down Sweeney too, a tad too much miscommunication in this book, but I liked the found family aspect
Such a great book, made me laugh so much!! When grumpy meets chaos... I'm obsessed 🤩 But can we talk about how FUNNY this book is?? I was not expecting to laugh this much, like genuinely laughing out loud at some parts & Definitely recommend!!
First book by the author after finding them on tik tok. The group chat banter at the start of each chapter was my fav part. Bit predictable but still enjoyable