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The Billionaire Games #2
The Marriage Bet
Rafe Montclair is the ruthless billionaire about to destroy my company. The only way to stop it? Become his wife and pretend to love the man I hate.
He’s tall, charming, and speaks three languages. But where I value craftsmanship, he shuts down century-old workshops for profit. I can’t let him do the same to my fashion house.
So I’ll wear his giant ring and spend the summer in his Lake Como villa, but I plan to drive him insane. I drink too much champagne, swim in his fountain, and steal shirts from his closet.
The problem? Rafe never backs down. He ups the stakes instead. Soon, we’re sharing a bed for appearances and kissing in public.
I tease him in tiny outfits just to see him crack. Until he does… and I learn the only thing more dangerous than Rafe Montclair in control is when he goes after what he wants.
He holds me when I have panic attacks and fights my battles like they’re his own. And when he wakes up from nightmares, he won’t explain… I realize he’s waging a war of his own.
Rafe bet he could control this marriage. But I’m the one thing he never planned on wanting this badly.
He’s tall, charming, and speaks three languages. But where I value craftsmanship, he shuts down century-old workshops for profit. I can’t let him do the same to my fashion house.
So I’ll wear his giant ring and spend the summer in his Lake Como villa, but I plan to drive him insane. I drink too much champagne, swim in his fountain, and steal shirts from his closet.
The problem? Rafe never backs down. He ups the stakes instead. Soon, we’re sharing a bed for appearances and kissing in public.
I tease him in tiny outfits just to see him crack. Until he does… and I learn the only thing more dangerous than Rafe Montclair in control is when he goes after what he wants.
He holds me when I have panic attacks and fights my battles like they’re his own. And when he wakes up from nightmares, he won’t explain… I realize he’s waging a war of his own.
Rafe bet he could control this marriage. But I’m the one thing he never planned on wanting this badly.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2026
1618 people are currently reading
6312 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Hayle
33 books3,697 followersHi there! I'm Olivia.
I write romance with billionaire heroes (despite never having met one in person). They're strong, ambitious, they don't need love... until they meet the women who change their minds.
I love witty banter, smart heroines, big cities and perfectly tailored suits. You'll find all four in every one of my books! 💜
➡ Explore the bonus content: https://oliviahayle.com/bonus-content
➡ Visit https://oliviahayle.com
READING ORDER
You can read any of the books as standalones, because each book follows a new couple. But if you ask me? This is my personal preference...
The Connovan Chronicles
- Best Enemies Forever
- The Perfect Mistake
- One Wrong Move
New York Billionaires
- Think Outside the Boss
- Saved by the Boss
- Say Yes to the Boss
- A Ticking Time Boss
- Suite on the Boss
- 12 Days of Bossmas
Seattle Billionaires
- Billion Dollar Enemy
- Billion Dollar Beast
- Billion Dollar Catch
- Billion Dollar Fiancé
Brothers of Paradise
- Dark Eyed Devil
- Ice Cold Boss
- Red Hot Rebel
- Small Town Hero
Standalones
- Arrogant Boss
- Look But Don't Touch
- The Billionaire Scrooge Next Door
- How to Honeymoon Alone
I write romance with billionaire heroes (despite never having met one in person). They're strong, ambitious, they don't need love... until they meet the women who change their minds.
I love witty banter, smart heroines, big cities and perfectly tailored suits. You'll find all four in every one of my books! 💜
➡ Explore the bonus content: https://oliviahayle.com/bonus-content
➡ Visit https://oliviahayle.com
READING ORDER
You can read any of the books as standalones, because each book follows a new couple. But if you ask me? This is my personal preference...
The Connovan Chronicles
- Best Enemies Forever
- The Perfect Mistake
- One Wrong Move
New York Billionaires
- Think Outside the Boss
- Saved by the Boss
- Say Yes to the Boss
- A Ticking Time Boss
- Suite on the Boss
- 12 Days of Bossmas
Seattle Billionaires
- Billion Dollar Enemy
- Billion Dollar Beast
- Billion Dollar Catch
- Billion Dollar Fiancé
Brothers of Paradise
- Dark Eyed Devil
- Ice Cold Boss
- Red Hot Rebel
- Small Town Hero
Standalones
- Arrogant Boss
- Look But Don't Touch
- The Billionaire Scrooge Next Door
- How to Honeymoon Alone
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,264 reviews
February 1, 2026
This was actually so much better than I was expecting it to be!!
I requested it because I love a marriage of convenience and I'm so happy I did!! I really enjoyed their story and the setting was absolutely beautiful.
Paige and Rafe got married so he can have his revenge and she can finally make the much needed changes in her family's company, company her uncle is destroying.. It's fake, but they need to pretend because her grandfather's will says she needs to marry the love of her life to gain access to the 10% she needs in the company.. Summer in Italy, pretending to be in love, planning a second wedding, travelling to Monaco and Switzerland, arguing and playing games has them becoming closer and closer.. Is it really all pretend?
I love Rafe, my heart broke for him, his struggles, the grief that never went away and how he copped with it. He was so protective and he never backed down from a challenge, I loved how competitive he was. Seeing him become more open and vulnerable was everything, he deserves all the happiness.
Paige was strong and stubborn and such a menace, I adored her so much. I loved seeing her annoy Rafe and how competitive she was. She struggled with grief too, and the anxiety that came with it.. I'm so happy she found a family with Rafe.
They started as rivals and seeing them fight and bicker was the highlight of the book. I loved their games and bets, them keeping score, the tennis matches, how she always kept him on his toes.. She was so unpredictable and he needed that. I loved how he was there for her during her panic attacks, how she was there for him during his nightmares and how they took care of each other.. They fell in love slowly and it really was a joy to read about it, the tension and the banter. Their progression was amazing, all the public appearences, the way they challenged each other, the kisses and the vulnerability, it was perfect. And I'm so happy there was no third act break-up, everything was handled so well.
Also, I absolutely loved Rafe and his friends and the group chat, I'm so excited to read everyone's story. And Nora and Amber were such great characters and I'm so happy they accepted Paige so easily. I'm definitely going back and reading Nora's and West's love story.
And Sylvie, I adored her, she was an icon. Her and her wife were definitely my favourite secondary characters, they made things so much more interesting for Rafe and Paige.
This was such a suprise, I didn't think I would enjoy it this much. The setting was the best part, Lake Como is the favourite place I've ever visited, so this being set there was an absolute win!!
I can't wait to read James's story next.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC.*
I requested it because I love a marriage of convenience and I'm so happy I did!! I really enjoyed their story and the setting was absolutely beautiful.
Paige and Rafe got married so he can have his revenge and she can finally make the much needed changes in her family's company, company her uncle is destroying.. It's fake, but they need to pretend because her grandfather's will says she needs to marry the love of her life to gain access to the 10% she needs in the company.. Summer in Italy, pretending to be in love, planning a second wedding, travelling to Monaco and Switzerland, arguing and playing games has them becoming closer and closer.. Is it really all pretend?
I love Rafe, my heart broke for him, his struggles, the grief that never went away and how he copped with it. He was so protective and he never backed down from a challenge, I loved how competitive he was. Seeing him become more open and vulnerable was everything, he deserves all the happiness.
Paige was strong and stubborn and such a menace, I adored her so much. I loved seeing her annoy Rafe and how competitive she was. She struggled with grief too, and the anxiety that came with it.. I'm so happy she found a family with Rafe.
They started as rivals and seeing them fight and bicker was the highlight of the book. I loved their games and bets, them keeping score, the tennis matches, how she always kept him on his toes.. She was so unpredictable and he needed that. I loved how he was there for her during her panic attacks, how she was there for him during his nightmares and how they took care of each other.. They fell in love slowly and it really was a joy to read about it, the tension and the banter. Their progression was amazing, all the public appearences, the way they challenged each other, the kisses and the vulnerability, it was perfect. And I'm so happy there was no third act break-up, everything was handled so well.
Also, I absolutely loved Rafe and his friends and the group chat, I'm so excited to read everyone's story. And Nora and Amber were such great characters and I'm so happy they accepted Paige so easily. I'm definitely going back and reading Nora's and West's love story.
And Sylvie, I adored her, she was an icon. Her and her wife were definitely my favourite secondary characters, they made things so much more interesting for Rafe and Paige.
This was such a suprise, I didn't think I would enjoy it this much. The setting was the best part, Lake Como is the favourite place I've ever visited, so this being set there was an absolute win!!
I can't wait to read James's story next.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC.*
February 26, 2026
When someone tells me reading is ‘boring,’ but they’ve never been up at 4 AM telling themselves just one more chapter and then going to sleep.
February 6, 2026
400 pages of nothingburger with a side of nothingfries
April 12, 2026
AHHHHHHH this book genuinely had me spiraling in the best way possible.
beware: get ready for a ramble because i have SO many thoughts to get out rn !!!
-•- First off I didn’t even realize I had missed this arc. So this is a super late review for it 😭 -•-
I went into this FULLY prepared to struggle through it (450+ pages?? for a romcom… 😭 immediate side-eye), and instead I absolutely devoured it. Like where did the time go kind of devoured. And when I realized I was getting close to the end??? I got that sinking feeling in my chest because I wasn’t ready for it to end 😭😭😭
And I think what shocked me the most is that there wasn’t a single part that dragged for me. Every scene, every interaction, every tiny shift in tension felt intentional and addictive. Especially the banter. OHHH THE BANTER.
These two??? Menaces. Actual professionals at pushing each other’s buttons. 😭 They don’t just argue… they perform. It’s sharp and biting and so ridiculously entertaining that I would catch myself grinning like an idiot at the pages. Like truly rage-baiting experts. 😭😭 And the thing is… underneath all that hostility??? The tension is just sitting there. simmering. waiting. building.
And when it finally snaps??? Yeah.
Worth 👏🏼 every 👏🏼 second 👏🏼 of 👏🏼 that 👏🏼 slow 👏🏼 burn 👏🏼 torture 👏🏼
Because this is that REAL kind of enemies-to-lovers. Stubborn, prideful, emotionally repressed disasters who would rather combust than admit they care. 😭😭 And then HE FALLS FIRST???
Case in point ↓ ↓
YES SIRRRRR
I already knew at this point that this man was down BAD. like why are you still denying it my guy. JUST KISS HER ALREADY 😭
And honestly that’s what made it so good—watching him slowly unravel. Because Rafe is so controlled, so composed, so stoic… and you just know it’s going to hit harder when that control cracks. 🫠🫣
And when it does, it’s not subtle. It’s consuming.
The yearning in this book is actually insane. It’s not just attraction. it’s obsession wrapped in denial wrapped in emotional warfare.
And Paige matches him every step of the way. I loved her so much. She’s strong in a way that isn’t loud for the sake of being loud. it’s rooted in loyalty and love for her people. She wasn’t just fighting him, she was fighting for something, and that made every clash between them feel even more charged. 🫣🫣
and their dynamic??? Built on straight chaos.
This right here??? This is the heartbeat of their relationship. Everything is a game, a negotiation, a challenge. It keeps the tension so high the entire time because nothing is ever simple with them. Not even feelings. Especially not feelings. Because when those start slipping through??? 😩😩
you feel it. That shift. That moment where it’s not just a game anymore. And suddenly everything is heavier. More dangerous. 👀
The desperation of this mannn??? The loss of control??? This man went from calculated and untouchable to completely undone and I ate it UPPPPP 😝
But what really stuck with me beyond the chemistry and the tension (which is insane, obviously because that was top tier) was how much this story leaned into emotional avoidance and what it means to finally let someone in anyway.
Both of them are so used to running. Suppressing. Pretending they’re fine. And watching them slowly & reluctantly start to rely on each other?? To need each other?? It felt just as impactful as the romance itself. 😌
Like yeah, the kisses were hot. The tension was unbearable. The banter was elite. But the vulnerability??? That’s what made this a 5⭐️ read for me.
Overall, this book completely took me by surprise in the best way. It gave me tension, humor, emotional damage, and a love story that felt earned every step of the way. 🫶🏼
things to know about the book ↓
💜 TRUE enemies → lovers
💜 marriage of convenience
💜 he falls first
💜 slow burnnnnn
💜 forced proximity (one bed)
💜 so. much. banter.
💜 dual POV
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
swearing: yes
The biggest thank you to NetGalley & Olivia Hayle for allowing me to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
beware: get ready for a ramble because i have SO many thoughts to get out rn !!!
-•- First off I didn’t even realize I had missed this arc. So this is a super late review for it 😭 -•-
I went into this FULLY prepared to struggle through it (450+ pages?? for a romcom… 😭 immediate side-eye), and instead I absolutely devoured it. Like where did the time go kind of devoured. And when I realized I was getting close to the end??? I got that sinking feeling in my chest because I wasn’t ready for it to end 😭😭😭
And I think what shocked me the most is that there wasn’t a single part that dragged for me. Every scene, every interaction, every tiny shift in tension felt intentional and addictive. Especially the banter. OHHH THE BANTER.
These two??? Menaces. Actual professionals at pushing each other’s buttons. 😭 They don’t just argue… they perform. It’s sharp and biting and so ridiculously entertaining that I would catch myself grinning like an idiot at the pages. Like truly rage-baiting experts. 😭😭 And the thing is… underneath all that hostility??? The tension is just sitting there. simmering. waiting. building.
And when it finally snaps??? Yeah.
Worth 👏🏼 every 👏🏼 second 👏🏼 of 👏🏼 that 👏🏼 slow 👏🏼 burn 👏🏼 torture 👏🏼
Because this is that REAL kind of enemies-to-lovers. Stubborn, prideful, emotionally repressed disasters who would rather combust than admit they care. 😭😭 And then HE FALLS FIRST???
Case in point ↓ ↓
“There are men who would be happy to have me, you know,” I say.
Rafe’s voice darkens. “I’m well aware, but they can’t have you. You’re mine. Put your rings back on.”
YES SIRRRRR
I already knew at this point that this man was down BAD. like why are you still denying it my guy. JUST KISS HER ALREADY 😭
And honestly that’s what made it so good—watching him slowly unravel. Because Rafe is so controlled, so composed, so stoic… and you just know it’s going to hit harder when that control cracks. 🫠🫣
And when it does, it’s not subtle. It’s consuming.
“And suddenly I hate the darkness. She should be clad in light, illuminated and worshipped.
I want her so badly it makes my teeth ache.”
The yearning in this book is actually insane. It’s not just attraction. it’s obsession wrapped in denial wrapped in emotional warfare.
And Paige matches him every step of the way. I loved her so much. She’s strong in a way that isn’t loud for the sake of being loud. it’s rooted in loyalty and love for her people. She wasn’t just fighting him, she was fighting for something, and that made every clash between them feel even more charged. 🫣🫣
and their dynamic??? Built on straight chaos.
“We make bets all the time. Demands and games and concessions. It’s the language of our marriage. The only
common language we’ve ever spoken.”
This right here??? This is the heartbeat of their relationship. Everything is a game, a negotiation, a challenge. It keeps the tension so high the entire time because nothing is ever simple with them. Not even feelings. Especially not feelings. Because when those start slipping through??? 😩😩
“It’s intoxicating to see him like this. Looking at me like I’m all he’s ever wanted.”
you feel it. That shift. That moment where it’s not just a game anymore. And suddenly everything is heavier. More dangerous. 👀
“You think I want to feel this way?” He groans in my ear. “Like I can’t breathe if you’re not in the room? Like I need you every morning, every lunch, every night?”
The desperation of this mannn??? The loss of control??? This man went from calculated and untouchable to completely undone and I ate it UPPPPP 😝
But what really stuck with me beyond the chemistry and the tension (which is insane, obviously because that was top tier) was how much this story leaned into emotional avoidance and what it means to finally let someone in anyway.
Both of them are so used to running. Suppressing. Pretending they’re fine. And watching them slowly & reluctantly start to rely on each other?? To need each other?? It felt just as impactful as the romance itself. 😌
Like yeah, the kisses were hot. The tension was unbearable. The banter was elite. But the vulnerability??? That’s what made this a 5⭐️ read for me.
Overall, this book completely took me by surprise in the best way. It gave me tension, humor, emotional damage, and a love story that felt earned every step of the way. 🫶🏼
things to know about the book ↓
💜 TRUE enemies → lovers
💜 marriage of convenience
💜 he falls first
💜 slow burnnnnn
💜 forced proximity (one bed)
💜 so. much. banter.
💜 dual POV
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
swearing: yes
The biggest thank you to NetGalley & Olivia Hayle for allowing me to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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dnr
February 3, 2026safety (gathered by skimming):
-no real OM drama (just some jealousy, fmc flirts with om during fmc and mmc’s wedding, because she saw a “hickey” on mmc’s neck, she thinks he’s sleeping with some ow and broke their celibacy rule, this is perceived OWD, mmc is keeping his fighting a secret, so he lets her think he is sneaking around with ow instead of telling her he frequents a fight club, this is where his hickey is from—fighting, probably just a bruise, she finds out about the fight club because she decides to follow him there, she thinks he’s fucking ow)
-perceived OWD (see above, I’ve not noticed anything else, but again, I was only skimming)
-both experienced, fmc’s last time was 6 months ago (she had a bf 2 years earlier, since then she’s had only a few hook ups), mmc says it’s been a few months for him (he also didn’t seem the one to have been in relationships, I think he only did hook ups, not sure if manhoe or not)
-both set celibacy as a rule when they decide to get married
-no cheating/no sharing
-idk about 3rd act, most probably was there l
-no real OM drama (just some jealousy, fmc flirts with om during fmc and mmc’s wedding, because she saw a “hickey” on mmc’s neck, she thinks he’s sleeping with some ow and broke their celibacy rule, this is perceived OWD, mmc is keeping his fighting a secret, so he lets her think he is sneaking around with ow instead of telling her he frequents a fight club, this is where his hickey is from—fighting, probably just a bruise, she finds out about the fight club because she decides to follow him there, she thinks he’s fucking ow)
-perceived OWD (see above, I’ve not noticed anything else, but again, I was only skimming)
-both experienced, fmc’s last time was 6 months ago (she had a bf 2 years earlier, since then she’s had only a few hook ups), mmc says it’s been a few months for him (he also didn’t seem the one to have been in relationships, I think he only did hook ups, not sure if manhoe or not)
-both set celibacy as a rule when they decide to get married
-no cheating/no sharing
-idk about 3rd act, most probably was there l
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2026
‧₊˚✧ 4 stars!
guys this pleasantly surprised me with how much I enjoyed it!! I finished this in 2 days and it made me stay up until 2:30 am this morning finishing it 🤭 there’s so many good tropes in here i def recommend!
it is a little bit on the spicer side so if that’s not ur thing you probably won’t like it 😭 normally i hate when there’s too much spice that takes away from the actual plot, but in this book i think there was good balance and it wasn’t overly lustful + they still had an emotional connection. THE BANTER. they have such witty banter and you all know i eat that up.
the way he takes care of her is everything 🥹 also he’s literally a billionaire so ofc he has multiple houses and the way the author describes the scenery of them makes you want to go there! especially with my intense need to go to Italy- reading this only amplified it 😭
↳˗ˏˋ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ˊˎ˗ 🪻
i absolutely LOVE the marriage of convenience trope so i can’t wait to read this one 🤭 i didn’t read the first book in the series but wtv i don’t think it matters that much bc they are interconnected standalones
guys this pleasantly surprised me with how much I enjoyed it!! I finished this in 2 days and it made me stay up until 2:30 am this morning finishing it 🤭 there’s so many good tropes in here i def recommend!
it is a little bit on the spicer side so if that’s not ur thing you probably won’t like it 😭 normally i hate when there’s too much spice that takes away from the actual plot, but in this book i think there was good balance and it wasn’t overly lustful + they still had an emotional connection. THE BANTER. they have such witty banter and you all know i eat that up.
the way he takes care of her is everything 🥹 also he’s literally a billionaire so ofc he has multiple houses and the way the author describes the scenery of them makes you want to go there! especially with my intense need to go to Italy- reading this only amplified it 😭
↳˗ˏˋ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ˊˎ˗ 🪻
i absolutely LOVE the marriage of convenience trope so i can’t wait to read this one 🤭 i didn’t read the first book in the series but wtv i don’t think it matters that much bc they are interconnected standalones
February 24, 2026
(3.5) Un romance muy entretenido que tiene los condimentos que necesita el fake dating.
Me gustaron los personajes secundarios, la dinámica de la relación y ellos dos. Lo que me faltó fue más desarrollo en la rivalidad de ellos, porque al principio se llevan mal y dicen que no pueden confiarse del otro, pero no sentí el justificativo tan fuerte.
Los personajes están bien desarrollados y se ayudan mutuamente, hay muy buenas escenas y un humor que entretiene. Lo recomiendo para leer algo ligero.
Me gustaron los personajes secundarios, la dinámica de la relación y ellos dos. Lo que me faltó fue más desarrollo en la rivalidad de ellos, porque al principio se llevan mal y dicen que no pueden confiarse del otro, pero no sentí el justificativo tan fuerte.
Los personajes están bien desarrollados y se ayudan mutuamente, hay muy buenas escenas y un humor que entretiene. Lo recomiendo para leer algo ligero.
February 16, 2026
This was one excruciating reading experience.
Hmm where to start? Where to start? 🤔🤔
Maybe with the fact that alllll this book was planned and manufactured by the MFC. "Good on her!" You might say. Yes, that's for sure. But let me let you in on a little secret.
Paige!, yes Paige with exclamation mark, armed by the very honourable excuse of wanting to save her family's long life company, which is being run to the ground by her "meany"👿 uncle, offers one of the major shareholders, our one and only Rafe, a marriage proposal. A marriage of convenience mind you, but she wanted that... To save her company... Aaand the staff...
So far so good. Yeah yeah very altruistic of Paige. slow 👏 clapping 👏.
In their marriage contract, Rafael's impressive team of lawyers comes up with the condition that whoever files for divorce first ☝️ will relinquish their shares to the other. So.... this is an iron clad marriage contract which can only end in two ways:
☝️ They stay married forever.
✌️ One is forced to file for divorce and consequently lose their shares.
Our devious little Paige opts for option number ✌️. We thought that this farce needed to be played out for at least a year so that they convince everyone that it was a love marriage, since it was a clause in her family's inheritance will, but Paige thought differently for some reason. 🤷♀️
So shortly, as in very very shortly, 2 days after the wedding, Paige starts acting out.
By being insolent, goading Rafe by always being late even to crucial meetings with designers and CEOs who ultimately play a big part in her initial excuse of saving her company.
By being immature, she makes it her mission to spend his money on extravagant and silly things like a penis enlargement treatment and sex toys. 🙄
By being impertinent, saying NO at every turn and doing the exact opposite of what he tells her to.
By being a brat, she makes it her life's mission to flash him every chance she gets, she doesn't care about his staff and his people, she just goads him into confessing that he is actually attracted to her. Which if you think about it, beats the purpose of her whole altruistic mission. If you want him to divorce you, why are you adamant on his being attracted to you?! 🤔
........ 🦗🦗🦗........
Moving on, Rafe... well I couldn't find a fault in Rafe to be honest. He was just bland. Paige, starts feeling attraction towards Rafe. Makes sense because:
- He is very well respected.
- He is overprotective and cares about his family.
- He is loyal to his friends.
- He cares about his staff and the people who work with him.
- He is a hardworking person and a professional.
- And even though he dislikes her but he steps up every time she has a panic attack and/or needs a little rescue.
- And let's not forget the fact that he is totally HOT!
See 👆 makes sense.
Rafe on the other hand, has nothing to base his attraction on. Except the physical because, mind you, he has no choice!
She keeps getting naked in front of him. And he IS a man! So obviously he's going to react. And well, she is a leggy blonde with a very toned body due to her years of being a tennis athlete. Other than that, she only showed him insolence, immaturity, pettiness, brattiness, childishness, and irresponsibility. There was no tension between these two. Even their steamy scenes were based on contractual agreements on owing you one or being owed one. It was all transactional between these two.
I could go on and on but honestly, this book already drained me to no extent.
I thank my lovely besties Chris and Lori for this entertaining read together. 💜🩷
2026 Bingo Challenge 🥳
#64 MCs with different nationalities
🟣|21|36|46|12|40|🟣|23|
47|🟣|17|63|🟣|04|🟣|30|
08|26|55|33|🟣|16|08|44|
27|05|43|60|58|🟣|13|38|
37|🟣|29|15|09|🟣|22|19|
10|🟣|🟣|28|54|🟣|56|02|
🟣|🟣|51|07|🟣|24|32|53|
31|49|20|🟣|39|🟣|41|11|
Hmm where to start? Where to start? 🤔🤔
Maybe with the fact that alllll this book was planned and manufactured by the MFC. "Good on her!" You might say. Yes, that's for sure. But let me let you in on a little secret.
Paige!, yes Paige with exclamation mark, armed by the very honourable excuse of wanting to save her family's long life company, which is being run to the ground by her "meany"👿 uncle, offers one of the major shareholders, our one and only Rafe, a marriage proposal. A marriage of convenience mind you, but she wanted that... To save her company... Aaand the staff...
So far so good. Yeah yeah very altruistic of Paige. slow 👏 clapping 👏.
In their marriage contract, Rafael's impressive team of lawyers comes up with the condition that whoever files for divorce first ☝️ will relinquish their shares to the other. So.... this is an iron clad marriage contract which can only end in two ways:
☝️ They stay married forever.
✌️ One is forced to file for divorce and consequently lose their shares.
Our devious little Paige opts for option number ✌️. We thought that this farce needed to be played out for at least a year so that they convince everyone that it was a love marriage, since it was a clause in her family's inheritance will, but Paige thought differently for some reason. 🤷♀️
So shortly, as in very very shortly, 2 days after the wedding, Paige starts acting out.
By being insolent, goading Rafe by always being late even to crucial meetings with designers and CEOs who ultimately play a big part in her initial excuse of saving her company.
By being immature, she makes it her mission to spend his money on extravagant and silly things like a penis enlargement treatment and sex toys. 🙄
By being impertinent, saying NO at every turn and doing the exact opposite of what he tells her to.
By being a brat, she makes it her life's mission to flash him every chance she gets, she doesn't care about his staff and his people, she just goads him into confessing that he is actually attracted to her. Which if you think about it, beats the purpose of her whole altruistic mission. If you want him to divorce you, why are you adamant on his being attracted to you?! 🤔
........ 🦗🦗🦗........
Moving on, Rafe... well I couldn't find a fault in Rafe to be honest. He was just bland. Paige, starts feeling attraction towards Rafe. Makes sense because:
- He is very well respected.
- He is overprotective and cares about his family.
- He is loyal to his friends.
- He cares about his staff and the people who work with him.
- He is a hardworking person and a professional.
- And even though he dislikes her but he steps up every time she has a panic attack and/or needs a little rescue.
- And let's not forget the fact that he is totally HOT!
See 👆 makes sense.
Rafe on the other hand, has nothing to base his attraction on. Except the physical because, mind you, he has no choice!
She keeps getting naked in front of him. And he IS a man! So obviously he's going to react. And well, she is a leggy blonde with a very toned body due to her years of being a tennis athlete. Other than that, she only showed him insolence, immaturity, pettiness, brattiness, childishness, and irresponsibility. There was no tension between these two. Even their steamy scenes were based on contractual agreements on owing you one or being owed one. It was all transactional between these two.
I could go on and on but honestly, this book already drained me to no extent.
I thank my lovely besties Chris and Lori for this entertaining read together. 💜🩷
2026 Bingo Challenge 🥳
#64 MCs with different nationalities
🟣|21|36|46|12|40|🟣|23|
47|🟣|17|63|🟣|04|🟣|30|
08|26|55|33|🟣|16|08|44|
27|05|43|60|58|🟣|13|38|
37|🟣|29|15|09|🟣|22|19|
10|🟣|🟣|28|54|🟣|56|02|
🟣|🟣|51|07|🟣|24|32|53|
31|49|20|🟣|39|🟣|41|11|
February 18, 2026
2.5 stars 🌟
I am so glad I have finished this story. 480 pages of what both were thinking and not much else , Repetitive. Kept waiting for something to happen. The text massage between friends was at least a bit amusing.
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them. But sadly not this one .
I have downloaded book one of this series, but with over 500 pages. I cannot see me reading it any time soon.
I am so glad I have finished this story. 480 pages of what both were thinking and not much else , Repetitive. Kept waiting for something to happen. The text massage between friends was at least a bit amusing.
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them. But sadly not this one .
I have downloaded book one of this series, but with over 500 pages. I cannot see me reading it any time soon.
February 3, 2026
4.5 ⭐
If you're new here, welcome, if you're not, well then, you'll already know that I will read anything that Olivia publishes; including her groceries list (if she ever were to publish it)! I don't know what it is about her books that just does it every single time for me!!
I have been eagerly anticipating Rafe and Paige's story, ever since it was teased at the end of The Faking Game that Rafe had married Ben Wilde's niece.
I love a good marriage of convenience and to make it better; these two absolutely hated each other on sight, but were both mutually attracted to each other, and I LOVED IT. Rafe and Paige were so much fun, their banter had me so giddy! Olivia knows how to write a good billionaire romance because this was rich, rich in spades, Raphaël Montclair, the man that you are! 😮💨😮💨
Olivia done an incredible job portraying both Rafe's and Paige's insecurities: Rafe's grief and guilt over the death of his older brother that resulted in the nightmares, and Paige's panic attacks; Rafe just knowing how to be there for her in her time of need; it was so precious and tender. The tension that lingered between them was tantalising and so delicious— especially, when they began to see different sides to each other.
I loved Paige being a menace, and knowing how to rile Rafe lmao and excuse meee, what ensued on the tennis net, will live rent free in my head, the spice was so hot!!
One thing I've also loved from this series is this group chat text between the guys; I loved it in the Faking Game, and I loved it in this! I'm so, so curious about James, I also didn't know he was a single dad, eeek I cannot wait for his story with Francesca.
Thank you endlessly to Olivia and Bri for the opportunity to read The Marriage Bet early, I'm so grateful and excited for more to come from this series! 💖
Tropes
Enemies to lovers
Marriage of convenience
Only one bed
Set in Italy
Pre-read September 2025: miss Olivia could present her groceries list in front of me and I can assure you I’d read it from front to back, anywayyy, I smell a marriage of convenience, brb, I’m going to brush up on my French for mr Rafe Montclair!!
If you're new here, welcome, if you're not, well then, you'll already know that I will read anything that Olivia publishes; including her groceries list (if she ever were to publish it)! I don't know what it is about her books that just does it every single time for me!!
I have been eagerly anticipating Rafe and Paige's story, ever since it was teased at the end of The Faking Game that Rafe had married Ben Wilde's niece.
I love a good marriage of convenience and to make it better; these two absolutely hated each other on sight, but were both mutually attracted to each other, and I LOVED IT. Rafe and Paige were so much fun, their banter had me so giddy! Olivia knows how to write a good billionaire romance because this was rich, rich in spades, Raphaël Montclair, the man that you are! 😮💨😮💨
Olivia done an incredible job portraying both Rafe's and Paige's insecurities: Rafe's grief and guilt over the death of his older brother that resulted in the nightmares, and Paige's panic attacks; Rafe just knowing how to be there for her in her time of need; it was so precious and tender. The tension that lingered between them was tantalising and so delicious— especially, when they began to see different sides to each other.
I loved Paige being a menace, and knowing how to rile Rafe lmao and excuse meee, what ensued on the tennis net, will live rent free in my head, the spice was so hot!!
One thing I've also loved from this series is this group chat text between the guys; I loved it in the Faking Game, and I loved it in this! I'm so, so curious about James, I also didn't know he was a single dad, eeek I cannot wait for his story with Francesca.
Thank you endlessly to Olivia and Bri for the opportunity to read The Marriage Bet early, I'm so grateful and excited for more to come from this series! 💖
Tropes
Enemies to lovers
Marriage of convenience
Only one bed
Set in Italy
Pre-read September 2025: miss Olivia could present her groceries list in front of me and I can assure you I’d read it from front to back, anywayyy, I smell a marriage of convenience, brb, I’m going to brush up on my French for mr Rafe Montclair!!
February 9, 2026
4.5⭐ "For years, I felt adrift. Like I was searching for something I couldn't quite name. But now It feels like I've dropped anchor."
Si el primer libro de esta serie me gustó, éste diría que más. Es de los que sabes que te va a gustar en cuanto empiezas a leerlo. Pero es la ejecución de la historia, la rivalidad entre Paige y Rafe con sus bromas, siempre dispuestos a una pelea, que se mantiene sin decaer, lo que hace que este libro sea un rivals to lovers que se disfruta hasta la última página.
Por supuesto, un buen matrimonio de conveniencia entre rivales y la proximidad forzada que supone, le va a poner la guinda a la historia. Nuestra pareja empieza su convivencia en el lago Como, Italia, aunque van a visitar otros países cercanos. Y así descubriremos como Rafe habla perfectamente en italiano y francés, los idiomas del amor.
Los dos tienen sus propias mochilas, algo que no quieren compartir con nadie pero que va a quedar expuesto sin remedio.
Desde luego, Olivia escribe unos millonarios fantásticos en esta serie. Rafe no es nada de lo que Paige esperaba, su empresa tampoco.
El resto de personajes del libro anterior también van a aparecer porque esa familia encontrada nos gusta y queremos seguir leyendo sobre ellos. También leeremos el chat grupal de los chicos que siempre es divertido. Y los personajes propios de este libro encajan perfectamente en la historia, me han gustado mucho las vecinas del lago.
Del argumento no digo nada. Lee el libro.
Ahora a esperar el del misterioso James.
Si el primer libro de esta serie me gustó, éste diría que más. Es de los que sabes que te va a gustar en cuanto empiezas a leerlo. Pero es la ejecución de la historia, la rivalidad entre Paige y Rafe con sus bromas, siempre dispuestos a una pelea, que se mantiene sin decaer, lo que hace que este libro sea un rivals to lovers que se disfruta hasta la última página.
Por supuesto, un buen matrimonio de conveniencia entre rivales y la proximidad forzada que supone, le va a poner la guinda a la historia. Nuestra pareja empieza su convivencia en el lago Como, Italia, aunque van a visitar otros países cercanos. Y así descubriremos como Rafe habla perfectamente en italiano y francés, los idiomas del amor.
Los dos tienen sus propias mochilas, algo que no quieren compartir con nadie pero que va a quedar expuesto sin remedio.
Desde luego, Olivia escribe unos millonarios fantásticos en esta serie. Rafe no es nada de lo que Paige esperaba, su empresa tampoco.
El resto de personajes del libro anterior también van a aparecer porque esa familia encontrada nos gusta y queremos seguir leyendo sobre ellos. También leeremos el chat grupal de los chicos que siempre es divertido. Y los personajes propios de este libro encajan perfectamente en la historia, me han gustado mucho las vecinas del lago.
Del argumento no digo nada. Lee el libro.
Ahora a esperar el del misterioso James.
March 3, 2026
this book felt like romance books i read in 2021 in the absolute best way. i had a blast reading this truly.
Review of advance copy
Книга дуже зайшла 🔥 Оцінка: 4,5⭐
Читалась легко й швидко, багато емоцій і напруги.☺
Між героями відчувається сильна хімія, а за їхньою взаємодією було реально цікаво спостерігати — постійні сутички, підколки, боротьба характерів.😏
Особливо сподобалось, як поступово розкривались почуття. Класна пара 🥰
Читалась легко й швидко, багато емоцій і напруги.☺
Між героями відчувається сильна хімія, а за їхньою взаємодією було реально цікаво спостерігати — постійні сутички, підколки, боротьба характерів.😏
Особливо сподобалось, як поступово розкривались почуття. Класна пара 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Olivia Hayle for the gifted eARC!
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Billionaire)
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 3/10
Cliffhanger Pain: 1/10 (Setup for book 3)
Noteworthy: Book 2 of an incomplete series of interconnected standalones. Reading book 1 is not required to fully enjoy this one. Dual first-person POV. Triggers include anxiety and grief. The expected publication date is 2/1/2026.
This cover is just beautiful! If you are looking for a medium stakes contemporary romance with a burn that's quick to ignite but slow fully burn then look no further. This is my first book by Olivia Hayle but it won't be the last. The rivals to reluctant allies to lovers is chef's kiss in this one. The games and banter volleyed between this couple make this such a fun read. I loved how Paige pushes Rafe's buttons but never feels desperate for attention. This FMC is so well written which is a rare treat these days. And Rafe, my goodness! Such a strong alpha MMC without needing to control the FMC completely. His love and fierce protective nature is super swoon worthy. The European setting combined with the unique aspects of the luxury brand companies, especially the watches, was really cool.
I also love the friendship group dynamic in this series. I haven't read West's book yet but definitely plan to. You can just tell these men would do anything for each other. Brothers by choice and lord help anyone who stands against one as they will stand against all. Bonus points for the group chats because it's always a highlight for me! I'm really excited for this entire series now!
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Billionaire)
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 3/10
Cliffhanger Pain: 1/10 (Setup for book 3)
Noteworthy: Book 2 of an incomplete series of interconnected standalones. Reading book 1 is not required to fully enjoy this one. Dual first-person POV. Triggers include anxiety and grief. The expected publication date is 2/1/2026.
This cover is just beautiful! If you are looking for a medium stakes contemporary romance with a burn that's quick to ignite but slow fully burn then look no further. This is my first book by Olivia Hayle but it won't be the last. The rivals to reluctant allies to lovers is chef's kiss in this one. The games and banter volleyed between this couple make this such a fun read. I loved how Paige pushes Rafe's buttons but never feels desperate for attention. This FMC is so well written which is a rare treat these days. And Rafe, my goodness! Such a strong alpha MMC without needing to control the FMC completely. His love and fierce protective nature is super swoon worthy. The European setting combined with the unique aspects of the luxury brand companies, especially the watches, was really cool.
I also love the friendship group dynamic in this series. I haven't read West's book yet but definitely plan to. You can just tell these men would do anything for each other. Brothers by choice and lord help anyone who stands against one as they will stand against all. Bonus points for the group chats because it's always a highlight for me! I'm really excited for this entire series now!
January 28, 2026
MEN WRITTEN BY WOMEN. that’s all i can say. i finished this in ONE sitting yall thats how much i was entertained. i know i was smiling n giggling almost the whole time too (how embarrassing for me)
anyway, this had so many fun tropes/microtropes: marriage of convenience(MY FAVEEEEE), he takes care of when she’s sick, they hate each other (so of course you know the banter is 10/10 i love it 😩😩) she steals his clothes to wear daily & he loves it, HES RICH & hot!!!!! wants her to spend his money!!!!!! i love when she’s sassy & gives him a run for his money hehe (& he loves it too tbh)
also why it is so hot when they are like “i know what you need” LIKE OK PAPÍ 🤭🤭🤭
in conclusion, im a BIG FAN of this book & everyone needs to read it RN! (aka when it releases in less than a week)
thank you to olivia hayle & her team for an early copy! all opinions are my own 😚
anyway, this had so many fun tropes/microtropes: marriage of convenience(MY FAVEEEEE), he takes care of when she’s sick, they hate each other (so of course you know the banter is 10/10 i love it 😩😩) she steals his clothes to wear daily & he loves it, HES RICH & hot!!!!! wants her to spend his money!!!!!! i love when she’s sassy & gives him a run for his money hehe (& he loves it too tbh)
also why it is so hot when they are like “i know what you need” LIKE OK PAPÍ 🤭🤭🤭
in conclusion, im a BIG FAN of this book & everyone needs to read it RN! (aka when it releases in less than a week)
thank you to olivia hayle & her team for an early copy! all opinions are my own 😚
February 25, 2026
-ˏˋ₊˚꒰💍꒱ ⊹ 4 stars ₊⊹
⤿ ohhh this was so fun, i love me a good, marriage of convenience for the *wink wink* company. i always tend to read books not in order , but i had fun in this!! you can see rafe's development, getting softer around the edges for her and their chemistry was there, it existed!! the faking, was beautiful, i got the feels i needed and especially with both of their snarky remarks clearly trying to hide what they're feeling was *chef's kiss*!
⌇• i. characters
⟢ paige, aw sweet girl with her history and wanting to keep everyone together, company in tact because of her parents. she just wants to simply be seen. everyone would put her in the shadows because of her job, her status and even marrying this man, people seem to underestimate and look past her. she's damn good at her job and she's just a girl who wants to do what her parents would do and keep the legacy of the company together. i did NOT like how she did that whole assumption almost third-party act, or whatever she did there because it was showing her lack of communication skills, and her willingness to ruin things with a sip of alcohol just because she couldn't ask.
⊹ rafe, gosh i love that name. ifykyk. AW OUR POOR BOY. he just blames himself for everything and when paige came into his life it's like he fully relaxed. he has such a tough exterior people don't see him for the inside and think he's so ruthless hello, like every single one of my fav mmc. you can tell family means everything to him and i 100% respect him for that. i get why and his hesitance in trusting lol bc same. the underground fighting was also just a slight great touch!
⌇• iii. overall feelings
⊹ i was debating whether to give this a 4 or not, but i might as well hand it out. it had me in the first half and i quite literally was enjoying it. They had the whole miscommunciation part/bit that pmo and was atrocious to go through and it kind of continued towards the end, which i felt like took a chunk of that book which made it obnoxious to read hence the star knockdown . but overall, i love the whole plot, i just love this trope so bad.
with love always, ashley 🤍
⤿ ohhh this was so fun, i love me a good, marriage of convenience for the *wink wink* company. i always tend to read books not in order , but i had fun in this!! you can see rafe's development, getting softer around the edges for her and their chemistry was there, it existed!! the faking, was beautiful, i got the feels i needed and especially with both of their snarky remarks clearly trying to hide what they're feeling was *chef's kiss*!
⌇• i. characters
⟢ paige, aw sweet girl with her history and wanting to keep everyone together, company in tact because of her parents. she just wants to simply be seen. everyone would put her in the shadows because of her job, her status and even marrying this man, people seem to underestimate and look past her. she's damn good at her job and she's just a girl who wants to do what her parents would do and keep the legacy of the company together. i did NOT like how she did that whole assumption almost third-party act, or whatever she did there because it was showing her lack of communication skills, and her willingness to ruin things with a sip of alcohol just because she couldn't ask.
⊹ rafe, gosh i love that name. ifykyk. AW OUR POOR BOY. he just blames himself for everything and when paige came into his life it's like he fully relaxed. he has such a tough exterior people don't see him for the inside and think he's so ruthless
⌇• iii. overall feelings
⊹ i was debating whether to give this a 4 or not, but i might as well hand it out. it had me in the first half and i quite literally was enjoying it. They had the whole miscommunciation part/bit that pmo and was atrocious to go through and it kind of continued towards the end, which i felt like took a chunk of that book which made it obnoxious to read hence the star knockdown . but overall, i love the whole plot,
"For years, I felt adrift. Like I was searching for something I couldn't quite name. But now It feels like I've dropped anchor."
with love always, ashley 🤍
February 6, 2026
4.8 stars
I’m obsessed with Rafe.
That’s it.
I’m obsessed with Rafe.
That’s it.
January 28, 2026
Хто б міг подумати, що двоє ворогуючих, конкурентоспроможних людей можуть отримати стільки спільних подій, емоцій і людей у своєму житті?🥹
• від ворогів до закоханих
• шлюб за домовленістю
• жартівливі перепалки як прелюдія
• герой-мільярдер
• таємні підпільні бої
• події відбуваються в Італії
• він допомагає їй із панічними атаками
• він захищає та турбується
Пейдж, ризикуючи задля порятунку сімейної спадщини, і Рейф, цинічно прагнучи своєї мети, опиняються разом у шлюбі за домовленістю, і це змінює їхнє життя на 360 градусів🤌🏻
Хімія між ними беззаперечна: читаєш кожен абзац і відчуваєш мурашки по тілу. Те, як вони стали командою, як піклувалися одне про одного навіть тоді, коли, здавалося б, повинні були ненавидіти одне одного… Це неймовірно🦋
Та і їх «ненависть» насправді виявилася способом приховати страх — страх близькості та відкритих емоцій. Розбіжності, які здавалися перепонами, насправді звели їх разом. Персонажі живі, емоційні і справжні. Я плакала то від болю за них, то від радості, коли траплялися щасливі моменти🫶🏻
Рейф — надзвичайно цілеспрямований чоловік, готовий йти на крайність, аби захистити свою сім’ю та досягти успіху в бізнесі. Але на його шляху трапилася Пейдж. Вона допомогла йому розкритися, почати боротися зі своїми психологічними проблемами та знайти внутрішній спокій🩵
Пейдж, сама травмована гірким досвідом втрати батьків і зради від дядька, у Рейфі знайшла підтримку, щирість і ніжність, яких так потребувала для стабільності та емоційного балансу. Разом вони стали неймовірно сильною парою: хоча поодинці вони вже були сильні, разом вони справжня залізна стійкість, підтримка і гармонія. «Partners in crime» — це про них🌹
Це історія про щирих, сміливих людей, які навчилися довіряти і відкриватися. Вони піклуються одне про одного, підтримують у скрутні моменти і разом переживають щастя та біль💫
Окремо варто відзначити неймовірні локації: Озеро Комо, швейцарські гори, Монако та їхні маленькі подорожі створюють живі візуальні образи і додають сюжету чарівності✨
Ця книга залишає післясмак радості, надії і віри в справжнє кохання. Красиво, емоційно і надзвичайно захопливо❤️🔥
_____
Who would’ve thought that two enemies could end up sharing so many experiences, emotions, and even people in their lives? 🥹
✨ Marriage of convenience
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Banter as foreplay
✨ Billionaire hero
✨ Secret underground fighter
✨ Set in Italy
✨ Hateplaying tennis
✨ Helping with panic attacks
✨ Protective MMC
Paige, risking everything to save her family legacy, and Rafe, cynically chasing his own goals, find themselves in a marriage of convenience, and it changes their lives completely 🤌🏻
The chemistry between them is undeniable. You read every paragraph and get literal goosebumps. Watching them slowly become a team, caring for each other even when it feels like they’re supposed to hate one another… it’s incredible 🦋
And their so-called “hatred” turns out to be nothing more than a way to hide fear – fear of closeness and emotional vulnerability. The differences that once seemed like obstacles actually brought them together. The characters feel alive, emotional, and real. I cried both from the pain they went through and from joy during the happy moments 🫶🏻
Rafe is an extremely driven man, willing to go to extremes to protect his family and succeed in business. But then Paige enters his life. She helps him open up, start confronting his psychological struggles, and find inner peace 🩵
Paige, deeply scarred by the loss of her parents and betrayal by her uncle, finds in Rafe the support, honesty, and tenderness she so desperately needs for emotional balance and stability. Together, they become an incredibly strong couple. Even though they were strong on their own, together they are pure steel: resilience, support, and harmony. “Partners in crime” fits them perfectly 🌹
This is a story about sincere, brave people who learn how to trust and open their hearts. They care for one another, support each other through hard times, and experience both happiness and pain together 💫
The stunning locations deserve a special mention: Lake Como, the Swiss mountains, Monaco… and their little trips create vivid imagery and add a touch of magic to the story ✨
This book leaves you with a lingering feeling of joy, hope, and faith in true love. Beautiful, emotional, and absolutely captivating ❤️🔥
February 8, 2026
Rating: 4.2🌟 (18+ mature content)
Trope: Marriage of Convenience/Forced Marriage/Enemies to Lovers/Billionaire Romance/Opposites Attract/Fake Relationship/Slow Burn Romance/ etc...
My thoughts 💭 (my opinion)
This story follows a woman who agrees to a fake marriage with the ruthless billionaire trying to destroy her fashion house. What starts as a strategic deal and mutual hatred slowly turns into an intense and emotional romance. As they pretend to be in love, hidden wounds, past trauma, and unexpected tenderness begin to surface. What was meant to be a business arrangement becomes something dangerous and real.
ARC REVIEW (RELEASED). Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader. Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy catching up on some errands. 😭
Okay, let me keep this review as short as possible. First of all, the storyline was quite enjoyable. At the beginning, the pacing felt a bit slow, but it gradually became more exciting. It was not a bad read at all.
I absolutely loved the banter between Rafe and Paige. The tension between them was so fun and entertaining to read. Toward the ending, the story became very heartwarming and full of happiness. 🤍
Even though this is the second book in the series, it can still be read as a standalone without any problem.
Personally, this was a really nice read for me. I am definitely looking forward to read the rest of the series since I really enjoy billionaire romance too. 🙈🤍
Trope: Marriage of Convenience/Forced Marriage/Enemies to Lovers/Billionaire Romance/Opposites Attract/Fake Relationship/Slow Burn Romance/ etc...
My thoughts 💭 (my opinion)
This story follows a woman who agrees to a fake marriage with the ruthless billionaire trying to destroy her fashion house. What starts as a strategic deal and mutual hatred slowly turns into an intense and emotional romance. As they pretend to be in love, hidden wounds, past trauma, and unexpected tenderness begin to surface. What was meant to be a business arrangement becomes something dangerous and real.
ARC REVIEW (RELEASED). Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader. Sorry for the late review. I’ve been busy catching up on some errands. 😭
Okay, let me keep this review as short as possible. First of all, the storyline was quite enjoyable. At the beginning, the pacing felt a bit slow, but it gradually became more exciting. It was not a bad read at all.
I absolutely loved the banter between Rafe and Paige. The tension between them was so fun and entertaining to read. Toward the ending, the story became very heartwarming and full of happiness. 🤍
Even though this is the second book in the series, it can still be read as a standalone without any problem.
Personally, this was a really nice read for me. I am definitely looking forward to read the rest of the series since I really enjoy billionaire romance too. 🙈🤍
April 28, 2026
this was cute i had fun
February 15, 2026
4.25⭐️ Another book by Olivia Hayle that I completely devoured and absolutely loved. I enjoyed this one so much. It wasn’t perfect, and the fmc could be bratty and immature at times, but I still understood why she acted that way. It was the only sense of power she felt she had in her marriage to the mmc, and honestly, he adored her sassy attitude anyway.
I’m also really excited to eventually read about the other side characters.
This was a BR with my two book besties 🩷🩷
Ok bye
I’m also really excited to eventually read about the other side characters.
This was a BR with my two book besties 🩷🩷
Ok bye
February 4, 2026
Read 309 of 476 pages and I just couldn’t take it anymore. DNF.
I usually enjoy slow burn. This wasn’t slow burn. It was watching paint dry while listening to nails on a chalkboard. The two main characters were churlish and super annoying.
I usually enjoy slow burn. This wasn’t slow burn. It was watching paint dry while listening to nails on a chalkboard. The two main characters were churlish and super annoying.
March 17, 2026
3.5⭐
It was such a perfect slow burn. I really appreciate how the author didn’t jump straight into physical attraction from the beginning instead, she took her time building their dynamic first. Which made it so much fun to read.
The tension and banter were sharp, and engaging. Loved their push-and-pull energy. And when the chemistry finally starts to unfold, it does beautifully.
It was such a great feeling of reading a good marriage of convenience after so long.
There were things which made me should WHY ?? Like, why would you get naked everytime just to prove he's attracted to you 😭. It would have been okay if it had happened just once but the repetition made it feel a bit embarrassing and awkward.
Even with a few minor things that could’ve been done better, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and had such a great time.
It was such a perfect slow burn. I really appreciate how the author didn’t jump straight into physical attraction from the beginning instead, she took her time building their dynamic first. Which made it so much fun to read.
The tension and banter were sharp, and engaging. Loved their push-and-pull energy. And when the chemistry finally starts to unfold, it does beautifully.
It was such a great feeling of reading a good marriage of convenience after so long.
There were things which made me should WHY ?? Like, why would you get naked everytime just to prove he's attracted to you 😭. It would have been okay if it had happened just once but the repetition made it feel a bit embarrassing and awkward.
Even with a few minor things that could’ve been done better, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and had such a great time.
March 24, 2026
los ame🥹🥹 me hicieron bien al corazon son todo lo que está bien❤️🩹
February 5, 2026
İlk kitaba oranla idare ederlik seviyesindeydi.
Çiftin arasındaki çekişmeli tansiyon, benim zevkime göre fazla uzun sürdü.
Yine de kendini okuttu.
Çiftin arasındaki çekişmeli tansiyon, benim zevkime göre fazla uzun sürdü.
Yine de kendini okuttu.
March 22, 2026
4.75 🌟
these two are everything I want from the arranged marriage trope. doggedly insisting they hate each other and yet comforting one another during panic attacks and nightmares, and insisting the other stay safe and content. I love them even more than I did Nora and West, and that's saying something. not once did I get bored with Rafe and Paige. 💖💖
these two are everything I want from the arranged marriage trope. doggedly insisting they hate each other and yet comforting one another during panic attacks and nightmares, and insisting the other stay safe and content. I love them even more than I did Nora and West, and that's saying something. not once did I get bored with Rafe and Paige. 💖💖
February 7, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Everything was wholesome in this book except the chemistry between Paige and Rafe. Even though they had some sweet scenes together it felt rushed, like they were hating each other and started feeling attraction overnight. But still the writing was good and the side characters were perfect.
next is James' book, so excited!!
Everything was wholesome in this book except the chemistry between Paige and Rafe. Even though they had some sweet scenes together it felt rushed, like they were hating each other and started feeling attraction overnight. But still the writing was good and the side characters were perfect.
next is James' book, so excited!!
February 17, 2026
Librazoooo. No hay nada malo en este libro dios mío.
Me dió tensión, me dió risas, llantos, pasión, odio, SIMPLEMENTE DEVORÓ.
Me devoré este libro en un abrir y cerrar de ojos. Olivia mis respetos, siempre es un placer leerte.
Me dió tensión, me dió risas, llantos, pasión, odio, SIMPLEMENTE DEVORÓ.
Me devoré este libro en un abrir y cerrar de ojos. Olivia mis respetos, siempre es un placer leerte.
February 6, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC copy - I only got it a couple days before it came out, so this one is out!
Pure enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, banter and slow burn romance.
All Paige wants is for her family's company to survive. Watching her uncle run it into the ground and ignore her ideas has her fed up and desperate. So what does she do? Proposes to business mogul who's been trying to buy out their company for years in order to gain control of the company and kick her uncle out. Rafe is the strong, disciplined and broody type - but even he won't pass up the opportunity to take the company he's wanted for years- as revenge of his own against her uncle. They meet the day of the wedding - and immediately dislike each other. Both strong and determined, they know this is nothing more than business. But in order for their plan to work and Paige to inherit the company - there is a clause in her late parents will that she must marry for love. Thus begins the performance of a life time - trying to convince everyone else that it's love and not just business. As they venture on a honeymoon to Europe, and are stuck with each other, their vulnerabilities and similarities start to build respect between them, and that's not even talking about the chemistry they have been fighting since the start. But neither can turn down a good challenge, so game on.
Pure enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, banter and slow burn romance.
All Paige wants is for her family's company to survive. Watching her uncle run it into the ground and ignore her ideas has her fed up and desperate. So what does she do? Proposes to business mogul who's been trying to buy out their company for years in order to gain control of the company and kick her uncle out. Rafe is the strong, disciplined and broody type - but even he won't pass up the opportunity to take the company he's wanted for years- as revenge of his own against her uncle. They meet the day of the wedding - and immediately dislike each other. Both strong and determined, they know this is nothing more than business. But in order for their plan to work and Paige to inherit the company - there is a clause in her late parents will that she must marry for love. Thus begins the performance of a life time - trying to convince everyone else that it's love and not just business. As they venture on a honeymoon to Europe, and are stuck with each other, their vulnerabilities and similarities start to build respect between them, and that's not even talking about the chemistry they have been fighting since the start. But neither can turn down a good challenge, so game on.
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