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Lovesick: A Billionaire Best Friends Brother Secret Baby Romance

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He was a billionaire bad boy, my best friends brother, and I was hopelessly in love. When I saw him again at her wedding, he looked at me like I was a woman.

I gave him my virginity, and it was worth the wait, it was electric though I knew this was nothing but a dream.

His father called me a whore and paid me to leave.

He was engaged to another beautiful woman. I was heartbroken and lovesick. I thought I would never recover from losing my true love.

But I was not lovesick, I had a secret, I was pregnant with his baby.

He could never know the truth because I refused to be the gold digger they said I was.

The first moment I saw her, I wanted her.

When she turned out to be the girl I used to know, I craved her even more.

One night with her made me addicted to her love, but I'd lost her.

When I found her again, she was with another man.

I had never been denied what I wanted and I wanted her!

Her boyfriend wouldn't, my father couldn't, even she wouldn't get in the way of making her mine!

Audible Audio

Published December 24, 2019

44 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

L.A. Pepper

36 books117 followers

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5 stars
59 (25%)
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73 (31%)
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66 (28%)
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28 (12%)
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7 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Veronica Ticker.
901 reviews61 followers
January 15, 2020
(audiobook) It was kind of nice, although I was expecting something better. I still enjoyed it.

My major problem was the narrator. I thought the reading was dull and monotonous. I didn’t quite get the differences between the characters, nor the various emotions the characters expressed. Since I have the ebook too, I’ll try to read it myself and see if it’s better this way.

It’s a short read, and I felt the story was rushed. The main elements were there--the meet-again, the one-night, the seduction...--but I like when you see in-between stuff. It gives depth to the characters, they aren’t there only to bring the story to its conclusion.

Let’s say there’s potential here for a great story. Ben is an interesting character, and I want to know more about the gay fiancee.

Quickie

Series: standalone

Hashtags: #billionaire romance #virginity #brother’s best friend #novella #surprise pregnancy

Main couple: Brooke Snow & Benjamin Oldham

Hotness: 3/5

Romance: 3/5

+ gay girlfriend, even though she needs to hide

- too short, it felt rushed at times
866 reviews10 followers
January 30, 2021
How to Cure Lovesickness

Today, as a bridesmaid at her best friend Izzy Oldham’s destination wedding, Brooke Snow is an enchanting, green-eyed voluptuous siren with hair that looks like spun moonbeams, but only a few years earlier she was known by the “mean girls” in her community as “Snowball”—a sarcastic homage to her name, her hair color and her body’s response to her over-indulgence in her mother’s delicious and comforting food. As the cook in Izzy’s affluent parents’ home, Brooke’s mom and Brooke shared the same address as the Oldham’s but they did not share the luxurious accommodations. Her mom was not the “lady of the house,” and it was very clear that while her mom might be the queen of the kitchen, she was the “hired help.”

But social distance did not separate Izzy and Brooke—they were best friends. And despite her parents’ on-going disapproval of the relationship, it was impossible to convince Izzy to distance herself from “the help’s” daughter, Brooke. And, their true friendship continued to the present day and Izzy’s wedding. And so, the bride, the daughter internationally recognized hoteliers for the rich and famous, had as her attendant for her wedding her best friend, Izzy, the cook’s daughter.

And just as Brooke returned the sisterly love for her best friend, she also loved her best friend’s older brother, Ben, but not as a sister. To Brooke, Ben, an ebony-haired, grey-eyed walking advertisement for GQ was her secret dream love. And, in all the years of her association with the Oldham’s, Brooke believed that she had hidden her crush on Ben—even from Izzy. And, because over the years, Brooke had developed no overwhelming passion for any man other than Ben,. And so, even in her 20’s, Izzy is still a virgin.

But Izzy has other plans for her best friend and her brother. As the bride, Izzy has decided who escorts whom, so of course, Izzy’s greatest wish for her best friend, Brooke, is to make Brooke a member of her family. Her belief is that if best friend Brooke and older brother Ben were to be forced by the requirements of the wedding to be together, then maybe, finally, Ben would recognize how perfect Brooke would be for him—much better than the friend of the family, Bette Durning, whom her parents favor as a potential daughter-in-law.

But even if Izzy’s best laid plans work, Benjamin Oldham Sr. has had enough of Brooke Snow. And, no matter how valuable her mother is as the family cook—she and her daughter are not suitable as members of the Oldham family. And so, father Oldham will watch and wait, and he is willing to pay to get rid of anything or anybody who stands in the way of his plans for his heir.

LA Pepper continues her powerful and engaging storytelling in Lovesick. She weaves a passionate and sensuous tale of love and discovery that are filled with unexpected twists, turns and tunnels around Brooke and Ben. This romance is a reading adventure well worth the reader’s attention.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review ARCS, but I enjoyed the reading experience so much that I bought a copy for my "read-again" titles.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,330 reviews24 followers
October 8, 2022
Lovesick: A Billionaire best friends brother secret baby romance. A quick read told from dual POV. It's contains no cheating and ends with a happily-ever-after. The story was beautifully written with well developed characters and great supporting characters that helps it flows seamlessly. It was intriguing and swoon worthy. It's part of the Billion Scandal series but can be read as a standalone even though they're interconnecting characters from other series. This is Brooke and Ben story. Brooke knew Ben since was younger and in middle school. He's a billionaire and her mom his family cook.
Ben has a sister name Izzy who Brooke became best friend with. Izzy thought of Brooke as her sister and wanted her to be her sister. Brooke had a crush on Ben since she were twelve years old. Fast forward ten years and Izzy is getting married and she set it up that her brother and Brooke walk down the isle. Izzy dad doesn't like that because although he loves Brooke's mom he doesn't think she's good enough for his son and believes she's a gold digger and he already plans for him. Ben and Brooke spend the night together, Brooke finally got what she wanted for years. But dad saw her coming from his room. But his father paid her off to leave town. Ben was lovesick after she left abruptly and Brooke also discovered that so was pregnant and carrying his child.
He later realized that Brooke was much more suited for him than family friend that his dad chose.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,460 reviews42 followers
July 25, 2021
More from the random freebies shelf: this novella is the story of Brooke and Ben who used to know each other as children. She is the daughter of the cook of Ben's rich family so they don't really move in the same circles. She is friends with Ben's sister, however, and they meet at the sister's wedding. Ben has a fake relationship with a gay woman who is not out. He sees Brooke and falls in instant lust. She has had a secret crush on her since forever. They have unprotected sex. His father interferes in a nasty manner, and the rest of the book is Ben trying to get together with Brooke.

It was okay but not great. There are some minor editing issues and characterwise, Ben does everything wrong here, from not telling her the truth about the beard relationship to deflowering a virgin without a condom. Later he sets spies on her and finds out where she works and who she lives with but somehow he is unable to find out her address until his sister gives it to him. When she finds out she's pregnant she starts dressing in a flannel and old sweats because none of her other clothes fit anymore although we later find out that her baby swell is yet tiny and hard to observe.

The chapters are dual POV but not clearly marked. I went in with the assumption that every other chapter would be her and every other chapter would be him and it worked.
1,534 reviews
March 9, 2020
Brooke has been in love with Ben since they were children. He teased her like young kids do, but he didn't have the same feelings that she did...or so she thought. Ben's sister, and Brooke's best friend, Izzy. She is getting married and Ben and Brooke are both home for the wedding. At first, Ben doesn't recognize her because she's changed so much. She was always concerned about her weight, but it's certainly not an issue in Ben's eyes. He is smitten and wants to spend more time, having a chance to reconnect. And that they do! After a wonderful night of passion, things change when Ben's father accuses her of being a gold digger scheming to trap him since she was 12. She gets out of there as quickly as she can, never giving a reason nor telling anybody. Misunderstandings keep them apart and once they do have a chance to talk, the misunderstandings are still there. Unless they start to communicate better, their friendship is going to remain just that...friends. It's a delightful story that includes a nice surprise! The narration by Natalie May is clear, concise and it's easy to tell the characters apart. Her voice is well modulated and pleasing. 
1,020 reviews12 followers
April 12, 2023
Your love tastes better than wine
This book is about Brooke and Ben. Her best friend Izzy is his sister and is getting married. Brooke’s been in love with Ben for years, but has never said anything. They come from very different worlds, and not everybody would approve. At the wedding, Izzy pairs up Brooke and Ben in the bridal party, unbeknownst to both of them. He can’t keep his eyes off of her, but he doesn’t recognise her. So she takes a bit of a gamble that works well for her, and him… until things fall apart thanks to his obnoxious father.
This was a great story of longing, sweet memories, cruel taunts, passion, humour, frustration, miscommunication, friendships, lots of drinking, and wonderful steam! The characters were wonderful, and the struggles and triumphs were realistic, making everything so likeable. However, I was disappointed at where the story finished. I was really just hoping for more. But I do give this book four soulful stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,036 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2019
This is a short sweet romance about Brooke and Ben. Growing up Brooke’s parent worked for the wealthy Oldham family and Brooke was best friends with Izzy their daughter. Ben is Izzy’s older brother and Brooke would follow him and his friends around all the time. Brooke was given a nickname “Snowball” and when Ben shows up for Izzy's wedding Ben does not recognize who Brooke is. Ben makes it a point to find out who this beautiful woman is but she seems to not care about him. After being told it’s Brooke his sister’s childhood best friend does Ben make his move. They spend one incredible night together and after Brooke is berated by Ben’s father and things go from amazing to down right fearful does Brooke disappear. After a big misunderstanding Brooke quits her job and tries to move on. Will their secrets keep them apart for good or can Ben find a way to bring them together? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Vanda O'Neill.
412 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2021
Brooke Snow is the daughter of the Oldham family's cook and has been in love with Ben Oldham since she was 12.
His younger sister, her best friend, encourages her to go for him on her wedding day.
Ben has an arrangement with his lesbian best friend Bette to pretend to be engaged. He liked sweet little Brooke since she was 12, but, when he sees her at his sister's wedding, he falls head over heels even before he recognizes her as the little girl he used to comfort with ice cream and The Lion King viewings when she was bullied.
This story of forbidden love has it all: intrigue, laughter, sadness, struggles and a few misunderstandings along the way that keep our lovebirds apart for so long...
I loved it.
Brooke and Ben are perfect for each other, Bette is a bit of a b**ch and Diego is the fierce best friend who would do anything for Brooke. We should all have a Diego in our lives.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,356 reviews18 followers
January 30, 2021
4.5 stars
This story is a perfect fairytale first love kind of story for every young girl who ever felt invisible.
Brooke is a hopeless romantic and has never given up the hope that some day her childhood crush might someday have feelings for her.
Ben strong, intelligent, confident and a born leader has had woman falling at his feet his entire life. But until Brooke steps back in his life after ten years, Ben doesn't realize he's never had true feelings for a girl/woman other then Brooke.
Reading on as these two discover just exactly who they are, together and as individuals is great. Also being L.A.'s first book you get a great taste of what's to come. Which of course I love.
So get Lovesick and discover how Ben and Brooke reach there final happily ever after.

I have voluntarily left this review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,086 reviews13 followers
July 21, 2020
I received a free ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.

The history behind Brooke and Ben was sweetly told. Ben came across as a caring young man looking out for young Brooke. Her feelings were on her sleeve even then.

Fast forward to adults, she was still loving him. Ben sees the hot Brooke, not recognizing her and must have her. I got as frustrated as the couple when misunderstandings complicate their future. His feelings compound finding out who she is. His angst abounds as he struggles to get her to see his love for her. When they do get the chance to be with the other, their passion is fiery.

This quick read is a standalone but part of A Billion Scandals series. The other characters from the series are apart of this story too. I like reading about the others to get a fuller view of their personality. We do get a happily ever after with no cliffhanger.
264 reviews
April 11, 2022
I cannot get enough of Ms Pepper’s writing. Everyone of her books has grabbed me from the start, her storylines are so unique and beautifully written and I was emotionally involved from the happenings in the book, it made me grab a tissue. I was so intrigued by Brooke and Ben I could not put the book down. Brooke was the cook’s daughter and Ben is a rich playboy expected to marry well to increase the family wealth. Also, Brooke is Ben’s sister’s best friend and has been in love with Ben for a long time. I do not want to ruin the story for you as I strongly recommend reading this truly amazing story. I know you will enjoy it as much as I have. The writing is truly beautifully done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.2k reviews154 followers
July 9, 2022
Ben and Brooke had me all caught up in their story. She has had a thing for Ben since she was a little girl, but he only saw her as a friend to his little sister that is until Izzy's wedding. Ben was drawn to Brooke because she was down to earth with no pretenses. They had one intimate night where his father proceeded to call her a gold digger followed by paying her off and sending her home with a final dig that he was marrying someone else. They reconnect in New York where he tells her the truth, but Betty is still skeptical. Has Ben's father ruined his chances to be with Brooke? I found myself connecting with Brooke and cheering her on to finding happiness!
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
647 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2019
This book is about Brooke, who had had a crush on the brother of her best friend since childhood. Ben had always stood up for her against the bullies. Now, she was seeing him for the first time since they had grown up and the crush was alive and well. Of course, he was oblivious.

I would have enjoyed this book much more had it not been for some grammatical errors, such as change of POV mid sentence. The story was sweet and entertaining. I will be looking forward to reading more from Ms. Pepper, who is a new to me author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,427 reviews14 followers
January 25, 2021
Brooke has had a crush on her best friend's brother, Ben since they were kids. While helping her BFF Izzy at her wedding she runs into Ben who didn't quite recognize her as she has changed so much. He's smitten and happy to see it was Brooke and makes his move. They spend a night together but all does not end the way they both hoped as Ben's father accuses her of scheming and trying to trap Ben. Of course she tells no one and leaves. Lots of misunderstandings and not communicating is keeping them apart. Can they get past it all, or will secrets keep them apart?

4 stars
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Profile Image for Tahnia Ross.
2,184 reviews9 followers
January 31, 2021
For the past 10 years, Brooke Snow has loved Ben Oldham. When his older sister Isabelle is getting married he sees Brooke again, he is instantly drawn to her even though he does not recognize her. After the wedding, Ben goes to talk to the woman he is drawn to when he finds out it is Brooke. She talks Ben into taking her to his room where he finds out Brooke has been waiting for him. Ben realizes Brooke is who he has been waiting for without realizing it. This short story has a lot of steam and ends with a HEA and is perfect for adults who love hot romance. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alis Renzi.
Author 5 books11 followers
May 9, 2022
Brooke e Ben si conosco fin da piccoli. Lei è la migliore amica della sorella di lui. Ma una sera, al matrimonio della sorella hanno una notte di passione che finisce con il padre di lui che la paga per sparire.

Passa un mese e lei scopre di essere incinta. Si rivedono e bammmm si vengono a scoprire un paio di segretari.

EHM non la miglior novella che abbia letto ma dopo tutto dalla trama non mi aspettavo chissà che.

I personaggi secondari non sono un granché e non aggiungono nulla alla "trama" inesistente.
Non mi ha di sicuro trasportato al paese delle favole. Mi ha fatta passare mezz'oretta tranquilla e ho letto. Punto. Nulla di più.

Il migliore amico e la sorella sono simpatici ma neeeee...

Non so se consigliarlo. Neanche per passare il tempo. C'è di meglio... ma anche di peggio. Ecco.
Profile Image for Patricia.
630 reviews
May 3, 2020
I loved this book couldn't put it down. Brook Snow is helping her best friend Isabelle Oldham to get ready for her weddng to her long time boyfriend Lawrence, but Isabelle really just wants Brook to get together with her brother Ben Oldham. Brook has been in love with Ben since she was a kid, but Ben never saw her that way until he sees her at his sisters wedding. After being together at his suite Brook leaves his room, but then runs into his father and he accuses her of being a whore and a gold digger. Ben's father sends her away before he even wakes up, but Ben can't stop thinking about her. When Ben sees her again in New York and sees that she has someone named Diego with her, but he decides that he's going to fight for her. One day Brook finds out she's pregnant but she doesn't want to tell Ben cause then his father would think that he was right.
Profile Image for Shebb.
774 reviews
January 25, 2021
I believe this was LA Pepper's debut novel, and having read her most recent completed series, I can see how much she's grown as an author.

The story was nice - a little unrequited love, romance, tension, anger and misunderstandings which are very LA Pepper - but it lacked her more recent finesse with dialogue, beats, and overall story-writing.

It's a great little story that I'd love Ms Pepper to re-edit and add the depth of character she's written in the past twelve months. (Just my two cents... 😉)
Profile Image for Kathy Dunn.
1,314 reviews24 followers
January 25, 2021
This story caught me by surprise. It seemed a whirlwind and I was enjoying Brooke and Ben’s story yet something was missing. Because their book was so short, I didn’t get to know the characters as well. Ben was caring and in love with Brooke, and it was so sweet and romantic as he tried to woo her. Brooke put up a great battle however, and through several misunderstandings, they finally found their HEA.
Sweet story but would have liked to have known more of the characters in depth, yet is worth reading this short romantic story.
3,297 reviews71 followers
January 28, 2021
I was very fortunate to have received a copy of Lovesick as a ARC For Review . Lovesick is one of my very favorite Tropes in romance , brothers best friend as well as secret baby romance . I was hooked from the very first page , Ben and Brooke make a great couple , there is so much chemistry between the then . I genuinely love how it starts of telling their story from when they are kids and jumps to their relationship as adults . This is a wonderful romance that has it all , chemistry, angst , ups and downs and plenty of steam . I highly recommend this amazing book 📚 💜❤️
Profile Image for Claudia.
792 reviews26 followers
January 31, 2021
Ben and Brooke have known each other for years. Brooke is best friends with Izzy Ben's brother. Many times when she was picked on Ben did what he could to spend time with her and make her feel better. Brooke grew a crush that over the years turned to love. At his sister's wedding he she's Brooke in a new light, which then causes trouble for the plans his father has for him. Which leads to a load misunderstandings. Just when it seems they are finally getting together, fear and secrets rips them apart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
757 reviews5 followers
June 11, 2019
Lovesick by L. A. Pepper is a romantic novella which is about sometimes love is where you least expect to find it. In this tale, Ben Oldham meets his sister’s best friend Brooke again after years at his sister’s wedding. He is immediately smitten and Brooke remembers how much she always loved Ben. This is a funny and sweet romance where misunderstandings are all around but in the end this couple gets its happy ever after. This is a wonderfully sweet romantic read.
Profile Image for Laura Carter-Alexander.
562 reviews9 followers
October 22, 2022
Brooke has had a crush on Ben for years but he has never noticed her. They come from two different worlds. Ben sees Brooke again at his sister's wedding and is smitten from the moment they meet again. Their connection is intense as they begin a passion filled relationship. But there are others who aren't happy with their relationship and work to tear them apart. WIll Ben and Brooke have the strength to go against their detractors and fight for their love?
Profile Image for Darcy.
2,152 reviews22 followers
May 28, 2019
Lovesick is this sweet and beautifully written story. It has wonderfully developed characters with fantastic personalities. Brooke and Ben have amazing chemistry with some drama throughout the story. At times I didn’t like Brooke's attitude but she grew as the story progressed. It is a quick read but still very good.
Profile Image for Rhonda Freeman.
36 reviews
June 9, 2019
I recd this as an ARC book in return for my honest review. This was a good book to read. The characters were likable most of the time. Sometimes Brooke could have a little attitude about things but for the most part was a good person. I would recommend this book and I will read more books by this author.
1,009 reviews9 followers
June 14, 2020
I thought this book was a nice, quick story. I just read the description (after listening) and I think it gives most of the storyline away. It seems to tell just the story of the beginning of the relationship.

I listened to the Audible version. Natalie May has a pleasant voice. There are occasional mispronunciations (at least in American English).

#AudiobookObsession
Profile Image for Debra Floyd.
417 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2020
Brooke was in her best friends wedding. Her Best friend, Izzy, encourages her to go after her longtime crush. Her longtime crush is Izzy’s brother Ben.

Ben walks her down the aisle and doesn’t recognize her but is attracted to her. Problem is can Ben go after her when he is supposed to be engaged?

You will need to read to find out what happens!
95 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2021
You can't get a better Cinderella story than this one.
I read this book a while back and enjoyed it then, I enjoy it still. If you like a good Cinderella story this is what you want to read. This is the kind of book that makes you want to put it in a special place so you can reread it over and over again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,768 reviews12 followers
January 30, 2021
You gotta love a book that makes you laugh and emotional pissed at certain people in the book. Brook always loved Ben, but one special night went so wrong it that ruined their relationship. A huge surprise is in store! Will the truth come out? I love L.A. Pepper books!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mariel  Quiles.
143 reviews
March 13, 2021
While it was a little slow to get into, I was soon immersed into the story, which held my interest and my emotions.  We are introduced to a multitude of characters from the past and the present. Can the love interests get out of their own way to find their HEA? Gotta get the book to find out! Sorry no spoilers.
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