Escorting the Mogul

by Leigh James

He hired her to be his fake date. She never expected to fall for a billionaire.

🖤 Grumpy Billionaire Mogul
💋 Smart, Scrappy Escort Heroine
💥 Fake Relationship → Real Feelings
🚫 Family Drama, Power Struggles, Forbidden Love

Jenny doesn’t do relationships. Not with clients. Not with anyone. But when billionaire Cole Bryson hires her as his fake date for a high-profile event, the lines between business and desire blur fast.
Cole is powerful, magnetic, and completely off-limits. The man doesn’t believe in love—he’s made that clear. But with every touch, every look, every night they spend together, Jenny starts to believe the
That maybe she’s more than a girl from nowhere.
That maybe she belongs in his world.
That maybe this is real.
But secrets have a cost—and when Cole’s ruthless father discovers Jenny’s past, the fallout could destroy everything. Her future. His empire. Their chance at love.

She was supposed to play a part. But now she’s fighting for the role of a his forever.

✅ One epic love story. One massive standalone. One unforgettable HEA.
✅ Fake Relationship, Billionaire vs. Family, Escort with a Secret, Grumpy/Sunshine, Ultimate Redemption Romance
✅ Formerly The Billionaire and I and The Billionaire's Hire

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fake Dating, Billionaire Romance

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

USA Today and Amazon Top-10 Bestselling Author Leigh James is currently sitting on a white-sand beach, watching the sunset, dreaming up her next billionaire. Get ready, he's going to be a HOT one!

Just kidding! Leigh is actually freezing her butt off in Maine, USA, where she lives with her awesome husband, their great kids, and her BFF Choco the chocolate lab. But she promises that billionaire is REALLY going to be something!

Her books have been translated into German, French, Italian, and Portuguese. Leigh also writes Young Adult Paranormal Romance as Leigh Walker. Her smash-hit series Vampire Royals was previously optioned by Netflix.

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Reviews

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75/5★

I just couldn't get into this authors style of writing. I loved the story between these two but at the same time, I feel like the way the FMC spoke wasn't realistic and it almost felt like the author went out of her way to make her seem really low class.

There were also a lot of little things (that probably make me seem nitpicky) such as:

- repeating the same phrase really close together (characters spitting out their drink back to back for example)
- the /constant/ talk about her doing something to his balls? It just felt really weird/descriptive when the rest of the spice wasn't described
- so so so many random exclamation marks for sentences that didn't need them/felt very out of place in the sentence
-characters thinking in slang? FFS and such in an internal thought felt weird.

All in all, I didn't dislike the book enough to stop reading it but I'm not sure if I'll read the next book in the series when it comes out.

Thank you to The Author Agency for sending an eARC to me exchange for this review.

[Yamina -Women Who Stare at Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Cole Bryson was a job—one that I enjoyed—but nothing more.”

The Billionaire and I was a good and easy read… with a cliffhanger!

Cole is a rich, ruthless, cocky and alpha male! He is a womaniser and has zero intention to settle.

When his friend James let him know that “his girlfriend” is actually an escort, Cole decides to hire one for a fortnight to go to the wedding with him.
Jenny is sassy, full of life and real. She struggles to pay her bills and becoming her escort was her only option to care for her brother.

Together, they will make you laugh out loud, swoon and some scenes are H.O.T
They instantly clicked ( I was not a big fan of this) Cole was fascinated by her- by the way she looks, she acts and speaks .

Fake dating will soon become a problem… people are not a fan of the new couple… neighbours are nosy…

Do they have a future together? Will he buy out Jenny?

Special shout out to Shirley! I love her!

*arc kindly provided by the author agency

[Corey Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake Dating a Billionaire is on my bucket list in my next life! Cole and Jenny’s contract turned relationship was so fun. Jenny is hilarious and quirky and everything Cole needs in his life. I also love a good side character story and I’m giving an honourable mention to Shirley who I adored.
This book had major Pretty Woman vibes which I’m obsessed with.

If you love a fast paced, insta-love, binge worthy fake dating billionaire book - this one is for you!

Huge thanks to The Author Agency and author Leigh James for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

You can pick this one up January 26th!!!

[Apoorva Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read without any exceptions and hopes I dived into this one. I knew this was a Triology but now will have to wait for the next book because of the cliffhanger. You can read this book if you need a break from the common reads with the setting of Pretty Girl.

[KeelyReadsRomance · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, easy, quick read. It was spicy and I enjoyed it. It’s book 1 of a trilogy so it DOES end on a cliffhanger.

[tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embark on a mesmerizing journey into the world of "The Billionaire and I" by Leigh James, where love blooms amidst the most unexpected circumstances. From the moment I delved into the pages of this captivating romance novel, I was utterly spellbound by the dynamic characters and the magnetic pull of their burgeoning relationship.

James weaves a tale of passion, intrigue, and undeniable chemistry, drawing readers into the lives of our protagonists as they navigate the complexities of love and desire. What begins as a simple arrangement—a fake date—soon evolves into something far deeper and more meaningful than either of them could have imagined.

The character development is superb, with each protagonist possessing depth, flaws, and a relatable vulnerability that tugs at the heartstrings. I found myself rooting for their happiness, empathizing with their struggles, and celebrating their triumphs along the way.

The pacing is flawless, keeping me eagerly turning the pages as I became increasingly invested in the outcome of their love story. James' prose is both elegant and emotive, effortlessly conveying the whirlwind of emotions experienced by the characters as they navigate the highs and lows of romance.

But what truly sets "The Billionaire and I" apart is its ability to transport readers into a world where fairy tales become reality, and where love has the power to conquer even the most formidable obstacles. It's a story that reminds us of the transformative power of love, and leaves a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

In summary, "The Billionaire and I" is a masterpiece of contemporary romance—a must-read for anyone who believes in the transcendent power of love. Prepare to be swept away on a journey of passion, intrigue, and undeniable chemistry that will leave you utterly captivated. Bravo, Leigh James, for crafting such an unforgettable tale! 📚

[Nickie Sale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy, curl up on the sofa, glass of wine, relax and just read. The start of Cole and Jenny's journey is not something you typically see, but makes this book a bit more interesting, waiting for the inevitable bomb to fall.

Cole, a billionaire venture capitalist wants a "fake" girlfriend for 2 weeks to attend all the events surrounding and including his best friends brother's wedding. His best friends recommends he hires Jenny, his escorts best friend, from the same escort agency. It was great fun watching how the clearly upper class Cole dealt with the beautiful but sassy, lower class Jenny. Not sure I would call this insta-love but most definately insta-lust which unsurprisingly they both just could not resist.

Whilst it was clear that Cole and Jenny belonged together, it is by no means a forgone conclusion. Cole is such a playboy, only one night stands, never woken up with a women in bed beside him. Jenny, being an escort is all she knows, it pays her rent and puts food on her table, more so than any waitress job she might be able to pick up. Her dream? is that a billionaire will come along and "buy" her. Could Cole be the one? They clearly have a very real connection, and this translate into some hot scenes and really sweet scenes. Cole getting his personal assistant Shirely (she's worth her weight in gold and more) to go shopping for a drop dead gorgoeus dress. Jenny's genuine shock and delight at everything Cole does for her brings a smile to your face. But not everyone is happy to see them getting close and is determined to come between them. In a twist of events Cole and Jenny's future is far from certain. I can't wait to read the next installment of their journey.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really did not enjoy this book at all. I felt like the writing was very repetitive and the book was so far from reality. I couldn’t connect to the characters at all and I really struggled through the book. I didn’t want to DNF the book as I was hoping it would get better but it would not be a book I would recommend.

Cole was such a jerk and was so hard on everyone he worked with to the point that it was almost unbelievable. The author was trying to create a very successful businessman who operated on fear and fired like 3 or 4 hockey coaches within 1 year. Plus he had no idea that his personal secretary for the past 10 years or so was married? It just put him off as a total self-centered jerk that had no ounce of reality.

Jenny was a legal escort/hooker as she was booked through an agency but had sex with her clients and they could rough her up a little. She barely had enough money to survive and pay rent and constantly dreamed of having her own billionaire.

Sparks flew when the two of them meet and then things happen at some warped speed and somehow Jenny melts Cole’s hard exterior and within a couple of days they are madly in love with each other. Jenny constantly referring to Cole as “Coley” was absolutely aggravating like nails on a chalk board. Every time I read it I just threw up a little in my mouth.

SO of course people aren’t happy that Cole has fallen for a hooker and secrets begin to be revealed and threats are made and the book ends in a cliffhanger.

This was a very painful read and I will not be finding out what happens next.

[A.H. Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

✍️ My first thought was ‘I love Shirley’. When you read this book, you will understand what I mean. This story follows Jenny and Cole. Jenny is an escort and an all around sunshine who isn’t afraid of showing off her sexuality. I absolutely adore her and I would love to hang out with here because she is so much fun. Cole on the other hand is a stern CEO and he doesn’t play around. For the wedding of his best friend’s brother he needs a date and Jenny is more than willing to fulfill that role. These two were attracted to each other instantaneously. Jenny hoped that Cole would ‘buy’ her out so that she can leave the escort business, but it grew into so much more. I did have the feeling that Jenny had a LOT of growing up to do because in her inner monologues she came off like that at times. But I’ll tell you this, my opinion changed a bit of her at literally the last page. Because that ENDING? I was flabbergasted. I think we will see a much more mature Jenny in book two.
❗️ On an important note, sex workers are not and I repeat are NOT people that are not worthy of respect. They deserve just as much respect and love like anybody else.

📕 * I received an ARC from the author and Grey’s Promo in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Venture Capital Trilogy and is Jenny and Cole's story. Talk about an engaging story that will capture your attention right at the beginning, and you won't be able to put it down. The dialogue with Shirley, his sixty-year-old assistant, was humorous at times, and she turns out to be a real treasure. The story begins with Cole's best friend, James, hiring an escort for two weeks of celebrations with his brother's wedding. James points him to his date/escort's best friend, Jenny, and Cole hires her for the same. Plenty of drama, family angst and explosive chemistry. Expensive dresses and society events. Throw in an angry father with threats, James's mother accused of murder, nosey neighbors and more. A page turner that ends on a massive cliffhanger, but you'll be so hooked on Jenny and Cole that you'll wait until book two, I read a free arc via Grey's Promotions and voluntarily chose to review.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fake dating happens to be my favorite romance trope, so I jumped at the opportunity to get an ARC of The Billionaire and I by Leigh James!

This was a quick, very cute read about Cole, a billionaire, who hires Jenny, an escort to attend two weeks of events and festivities for his best friend's brother's wedding. There were definitely major Pretty Woman vibes -- but what's not to love there. I enjoyed the character development, spicy scenes, and overall storyline (including an unexpected twist at the end).

I had some trouble with Jenny's voice/language - she seemed very Southern and not at all Bostonian but to be fair, I'm from neither of those places so I could be way off! Some of her catch phrases an pet names were just a bit distracting.

I'm excited to continue the Venture Capital Trilogy since I'm now invested in Jenny and Cole's romance ;)

ARC provided by The Author Agency. I was given a copy of the book but was not paid for this review.

[Erika wickwire · Rating 4 out of 5]

So while reading this one, I completely forgot that it mentioned a trilogy and I was a bit disappointed in how little action was going on. Then we get to the cliffhanger at the end and it all makes sense (and I also felt silly)
This was a fast paced, very quick story to read. Cole and Jenny have an instant attraction and are in love at the end of their contract. We’ve also got her friend Dre’s love story going on in the background and I was glad to see that she got her own book.
Sometimes the way Jenny talked got on my nerves but I believe it was just the way she grew up, she didn’t speak as cultured as others. But the ‘Ho my fricking god’ really started grating my nerves by the end of the story. The spice was open door but nothing explicit or detailed or kinky.
I loved the pretty woman/cinderella story theme of the story and can’t wait to see how it all plays out. I really loved Shirley and Amari’s characters and could even grow to like the sisters who live in the building.

[Fatma · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was such a sweet book! Also the real MVP of the book is Shirley and she definitely needs a raise along with the annual cruises!

Jenny is an escort for a "dating" agency in Boston. She's barely making by, honestly hates her job and dreams of a day a rich(billionaire) will see and "buy" her. After years her wishes come true!

Cole is a venture capitalist playboy in Boston. He hires Jenny just for fun after learning his friend hired one of Jenny's friends at the agency. As soon as Cole sees Jenny he's attracted to her, he feels that he can be is authentic self with Jenny and loves the she brings out the best in him and makes him happy. He'll do anything to make Jenny happy as well.

This story is a bit insta love for me, but when you know you know. They make an adorable couple and are basically made for each other!

Can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Heather Mcsweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Billionaire and I by Leigh James takes us on the journey of Jenny, an escort who has been hired to accompany a client to a high-profile wedding. Cole, our billionaire who doesn’t want all the fuss of a relationship, has seen his friend navigating the use of an escort and decides to give it a whirl. What he didn’t know was how much of an impact Jenny would have on him.

Jenny is just looking for a paycheck so she can pay her rent on time. She’s been unable to get out of her current situation and when the opportunity arose to become the fake girlfriend to Cole for a couple of weeks, she lept at the chance. She also wasn’t prepared for the feelings she began to have for Cole and what that would mean at the end of their time together.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what happens next, as this is the first book in the Venture Capital Trilogy.

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off this ends in a cliff hanger.
I enjoyed reading this book and fall in love alongside them.
It gave all the giddy feelings you get from Pretty Woman.
Cole, self made billionaire and the ultimate playboy. He never wants to settle.
When he finds out his friend hires an Escort for these functions he looks into it.
Jenny is actually very sweet, fun, full of life and sassy. I really loved her. She finds this is the only job that pays her bills better than waitressing.
Cole is pleasantly surprised by her full of life attitude and so down to earth too.
This should be fine, as he doesn't do relationships and she is just working.
I loved all their interactions and how they slowly fell in love.
Unfortunately, their story might end before it even started as someone isn't happy about her being an Escort.
Now need book two for the conclusion.

[Sheila Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too simular to other couple's story.

I liked this in the beginning but the similarities to the angst of the other couple- the family disapproval, the blackmail of exposure & disinheritance, etc, (even after FMC encouraged the bff to ignore her similar challenge to HEA) just annoyed me until I DNF.
You have to more creative & bring a completely different angst & challenge to their HEA than this.
They could have separated as contracted, hiding their real feelings from the other. Unable to live their lives without the other. Both changing their goals & future. Him forging a life without his father's influence, able to hold past secrets to end his threats. Her using the contract $+ bonus to go back to school\learn a trade (skin care, etc) The other couple forcing them together later making them realize there's no happiness without the other.
Something different !!!!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this novel did not disappoint! This is a new author for me but this will not be the last novel I read from this author. This novel had so many things I love like instalove and fake dating in a novel. from the first chapter this novel reeled me in. So good! I loved Cole and Jenny. Their chemistry was so hot. I love when a novel just won't let me put it down because I need to know what is going to happen next. This novel checked my boxes. I can't wait to start on the next novel in this series because I need to know what is going to happen next. Loving it so far and excited for the next novel.

[Lisa Nizz · Rating 4 out of 5]

cliffhanger

This was different than the normal fake date trope books I usually read. Cole is a billionaire and is recommended an escort service by his best friend James. James was matched with Audrey and is falling for her so Cole decides it would help him through upcoming events he has including the wedding of James’s brother. He is matched with Jenny who is Audrey’s best friend & coworker. Jenny is hoping that Cole will “buy” her and she could leave the agency. She tries to stop falling for him but outside forces threaten them, to destroy them. This is the first of a trilogy and was shocked to be left on a cliffhanger and am anxiously awaiting the next in the series!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Billionaire and I was good. I wish I could say more about it but it was not a blow your socks off read for me.

I am completely invested in reading more of Cole and Jenny’s story though. I usually only read standalone so it was a nice change to be left on a cliffhanger.

It was a quick and easy read, but I was not a huge fan of the style of writing. There are parts that are very repetitive and spots where the characters speak in text speak. It definitely bothered me. I found myself skimming over small sections.

It’s definitely a cute story and I would recommend it to someone looking for a quick and easy read.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1 in the Venture Capital Trilogy and my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It is a heartwarming romance between escort Jenny and billionaire Cole. These flawed but likeable characters and the unique plot make for an entertaining read. What starts out as a temporary gig turns into something more. It is a romantic journey layered with drama, humor, sweetness, frustrating moments, and steam. A sweet love story ending in a cliffhanger!

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Grey's Promotions and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Mary Fazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

not bad

Cole is a billionaire who doesn’t do real relationships. Jenny is a high end hooker that has been keeping her head above water to pay her bills. When Cole reaches out to the agency for a hooker to be a fake girlfriend for two weeks he never even thought about falling for her. Jenny is fun, real, caring and all around a wonderful woman that Cole is truly enjoying. They go to a rehearsal dinner and wedding and honeymoon getaway with the family. They are have a great time being together and falling for each other but Jenny isn’t really sharing anything about her past and is hiding things. She runs to protect Cole and herself.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Venture Capital Trilogy and is the first book I have read from Leigh James.

Cole and Jenni’s story caught my attention from chapter one. Getting a referral to an escort service from his best friend, Cole meets the girl that puts the smile back on his face. This story is fast paced and was a book I did not want to put down. There is spice, drama, friendships and even an airport arrest. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I really can’t wait to see where this story goes! Bring on book two!

Shirley deserves yearly cruise vacations for sure!!!

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Billionaire and I, is just a 👌🏻 title, right? I am a massive fake dating trope reader so I jumped at the opportunity to read this by Leigh James. I'll admit that I needed to warm up a bit to Cole. I had read this reads like Pretty Woman, and Cole hit on his best friends escort (almost uncomfortably in my opinion) and it gave me Stuckey vibes from Pretty Woman. But, like all good things I started seeing the good side of Cole. Jenny was sweet, often times too sweet for me, but I did like the characters and the spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Billionaire and I is a wonderful read. Note this does end in a cliff hanger and you are going to want the next book. Cole is a billionaire who is missing something. Jenny is an escort looking for a better John. Think Pretty Woman with a little twist and you have Cole and Jenny. They have amazing chemistry that neither expected. I love how Jenny seems to have this relaxing way with Cole. I could not put this down. I cannot wait to see where the next book goes.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Billionaire and I by Leigh James is the First book in the Venture Capital Trilogy. This starts the story of Cole and Jenni. Jenni works for a dating escort service but she hopes for more. Cole is a very well of man who after his friend suggested that he uses the Escort service to help with some up and coming events he meets Jenni. There is an instant attraction between the two and set off a "Pretty Women" vibes. This book does end with a cliffhanger...can't wait to read more.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new trilogy, and this is Cole and Jenny’s story.
Cole is a self-proclaimed billionaire bachelor, and Jenny works for a dating escort agency.
This is a good story which has family, friendships, fake dating, dark secrets, forced proximity, twists, romance, humor, conflict, undeniable chemistry, and is a fast paced, enjoyable story.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my jam...couldn't get into it. I like a good build up with some tension....Jenny is a for sure thing so there's no build up and she is paid to be into Cole. I get they have "wicked" sexual chemistry and they start to have real feelings for each other, but that wasn't enough for me. Also was annoyed by the constant "Ho my God", "wicked-good" or Jenny's "honk laugh". I just kept thinking of Fran Drescher.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's book one in the Venture Capital Trilogy, and it was great! I adored Jenny's character and Coles. Jenny is an escort who gets hired for a couple of weeks. Everything is going great until Coles father steps in. This is a sweet romance with a sad cliffhanger. I can't wait to read book two!

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

I had a fun time with this book. I do think that the next book could be combined with this one since it was so short. I wanted more time to get to know the characters since we know almost nothing about Jenny's past. I am very interested to go and read James and Audrey's story though.

I received an arc from grey's promotion.

[Louise - romance.movies.and.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good billionaire romance. This book gave off a Pretty Woman / Wedding date vibes which I love.

The authors writing style is different to what I am used to and I think it is because the writing didn’t flow.

Even though this book finishes on a cliff hanger I am in two minds if I am going to read the next books in this series.


I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book for an honest review.