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Crown or Fire #1
Choose Me: A Dark Billionaire Academy Slow-Burn Romance
She wasn’t raised for this world. He was raised to rule it. And he’s chosen her.
Beatriz Cruz arrives at St. Ives determined to survive the country’s most elite campus without drawing attention. Women are rare in the United Republic of Westhaven, and every choice has consequences, especially for a Toronto scholarship girl who doesn’t belong.
Then Gage King notices her.
Fourth generation of a financial dynasty, influence follows him everywhere. He doesn’t pursue. He chooses. When his focus lands on Bea, it pulls her into a world of privilege, pressure, and desire she never planned to enter.
A glance that marks her. A jacket over her shoulders. A penthouse code that unlocks more than just his front door.
Because being chosen by a King isn’t the end of the story.
It's only the first move.
Choose Me is Book 1 of the Crown or Fire series. This story continues in Book 2.
Beatriz Cruz arrives at St. Ives determined to survive the country’s most elite campus without drawing attention. Women are rare in the United Republic of Westhaven, and every choice has consequences, especially for a Toronto scholarship girl who doesn’t belong.
Then Gage King notices her.
Fourth generation of a financial dynasty, influence follows him everywhere. He doesn’t pursue. He chooses. When his focus lands on Bea, it pulls her into a world of privilege, pressure, and desire she never planned to enter.
A glance that marks her. A jacket over her shoulders. A penthouse code that unlocks more than just his front door.
Because being chosen by a King isn’t the end of the story.
It's only the first move.
Choose Me is Book 1 of the Crown or Fire series. This story continues in Book 2.
520 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2025
7 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Vivienne Cross
3 books10 followersI started writing during one of the most difficult seasons of my life, because I needed somewhere else to be. I’ve always escaped into stories where the world is dangerous, but the ending is always safe. Where powerful, obsessive men fall hard for the woman who upends their control. From brooding historical dukes to billionaires in Tom Ford, I’ve chased every version of that hero—and now I write them. If you love steam with soul, if you want to laugh, cry and FEEL, and heroines who get everything they never thought they could ask for, you’ll find all of it in the United Republic of Westhaven.
Please enjoy the world of Crown or Fire.
-Vivienne Cross xx
Please enjoy the world of Crown or Fire.
-Vivienne Cross xx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 15, 2025
It has everything i'm looking for in billionaire romance book, i live and breathe in it. I love how rich the world is, how i enjoy my billionaire romance gonna be. Alpha male, naive female, lost in a world that is so new to her. I love strong female like Bea, she adapts, and doesn't bend easily. The love triangle is so strong at beginning, to which i crave more as i read but couldn't find it. It makes me wonder why Rafael is even there? He got me excited for book 2, i just have to keep on reading. As for Gage and Bea, i love them as a couple, at the same time i wanna see them having disagreement sometimes. Just to see how their relationship works, so far it still looks like she's following his flow, probably because she's young and he's older and come from the upper world. I crave more of Bea taking her stand in the new world, more of romantic tension between the leads, or some love triangle with Rafael or Gage's being jealous. Hopefully i get to see it in book 2. The school setting is a bit much tho, wishing there's more of professional setting with function or galas now that Gage has graduated. We'll see...
January 18, 2026
What stands out most in this book is the character building and growth.
It’s very well written, the romantic suspense is constantly hanging in the air and it was a relaxing read!
I’ll want to read more of this! ☺️.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s very well written, the romantic suspense is constantly hanging in the air and it was a relaxing read!
I’ll want to read more of this! ☺️.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2026
Thank you so much Vivienne Cross for the review copy!
Rating: 3.5/5⭐ | Spice: 3/5🌶️
Read if you like:
• Billionaire romance
• Slow burn
• Strong FMC
I don’t usually pick up billionaire romances, but Choose Me ended up being a fun surprise for me. It really delivers the classic billionaire romance fantasy, but in a way that still feels character-focused rather than just about luxury and wealth. The story was easy to follow, and I liked getting to see that glamorous, high-powered world through the FMC’s perspective!
One of the highlights for me was Bea as the main character. Even though she’s new to this world, she doesn’t feel small or intimidated. She’s confident, capable, and knows her worth, which made her really satisfying to read about. I liked that her strength didn’t come across as forced, it felt natural in the way she handled situations and interacted with the people around her.
Gage definitely fits the “dream billionaire” role, but he isn’t written as just a fantasy stereotype. He’s a gentleman, thoughtful, and clearly cares, but there’s also emotional depth to him that makes his character more grounded. The slow burn between him and Bea worked well because it gave space for their connection to build instead of feeling rushed. Their dynamic leaned more on emotional tension and meaningful moments rather than just instant chemistry, which I appreciated.
I did go into this expecting more of a love triangle. I was really curious to see how things would play out between Gage, Rafael, and Bea, but Rafael didn’t get as much spotlight as I thought he would. Because of that, the tension around that angle felt lighter than expected. Still, it did make me more curious about his role in the rest of the series, so it feels like there’s more to come there!
Rating: 3.5/5⭐ | Spice: 3/5🌶️
Read if you like:
• Billionaire romance
• Slow burn
• Strong FMC
I don’t usually pick up billionaire romances, but Choose Me ended up being a fun surprise for me. It really delivers the classic billionaire romance fantasy, but in a way that still feels character-focused rather than just about luxury and wealth. The story was easy to follow, and I liked getting to see that glamorous, high-powered world through the FMC’s perspective!
One of the highlights for me was Bea as the main character. Even though she’s new to this world, she doesn’t feel small or intimidated. She’s confident, capable, and knows her worth, which made her really satisfying to read about. I liked that her strength didn’t come across as forced, it felt natural in the way she handled situations and interacted with the people around her.
Gage definitely fits the “dream billionaire” role, but he isn’t written as just a fantasy stereotype. He’s a gentleman, thoughtful, and clearly cares, but there’s also emotional depth to him that makes his character more grounded. The slow burn between him and Bea worked well because it gave space for their connection to build instead of feeling rushed. Their dynamic leaned more on emotional tension and meaningful moments rather than just instant chemistry, which I appreciated.
I did go into this expecting more of a love triangle. I was really curious to see how things would play out between Gage, Rafael, and Bea, but Rafael didn’t get as much spotlight as I thought he would. Because of that, the tension around that angle felt lighter than expected. Still, it did make me more curious about his role in the rest of the series, so it feels like there’s more to come there!
January 21, 2026
I just love a good slow burn romance. Bea is accepted to a prestigious international school to finish her finance degree. She feels like a fish out of water, everyone is from old money. The school and town are very old school and male dominated. She meets her roommate's cousin Gage and learns he's basically king of the school. Gage is patient when it comes to getting Bea to accept that he likes her. She is unsure she fits into this life. Slowly their relationship becomes more and they become the talk of the school. When it's break time, Bea decides to spend her 10 weeks at home in Toronto. Gage needs a plan to get her back sooner.
dnf-d
February 2, 2026this is a SOFT dnf, i am coming back to it!! i dont normally read third person so its been a little slow for me. ive been on this book for 6 days so I just need to step back and come back when im ready, 75% in! i do like the story
December 22, 2025
Loved this book I love B she is a strong amazing fmc and love our mmc and the love they share for eachother
November 16, 2025
Why Rafael is still with us??????????
January 10, 2026
“Nothing I do for you, for us, is something to be ashamed of.”
Billionaire Romance
Bea is a strong FMC. She gets accepted into an Elite school totally different then what she is used to.
Gage the billionaire college student, already working hard for his company. Gage decides that Bea is his and will do anything for her.
Rafael also a rich college student. Rafael also wants Bae.
Love triangle?????
ready for book two.
Billionaire Romance
Bea is a strong FMC. She gets accepted into an Elite school totally different then what she is used to.
Gage the billionaire college student, already working hard for his company. Gage decides that Bea is his and will do anything for her.
Rafael also a rich college student. Rafael also wants Bae.
Love triangle?????
ready for book two.
January 16, 2026
Review: 4.25 stars
Thank you, Vivienne Cross, for the finished copy of this book. It’s been awhile since I read a billionaire romance and I DEVOURED IN in one sitting because it was sooo good.
Picture this: A sovereign union of a cluster of islands where the wealthiest people live in an exclusive community of the rich and powerful where women are treated as assets and valued as opposed to the typical trophy wife. Occasionally, St Ives University, the elite university there would open their doors and offer scholarships to women in the hopes of bringing in more valuable women to the community as men numbered women there on a three to one ratio.
Bea, our FMC is such a scholarship student and would not pass up an opportunity to attend St Ives as a junior. There, she rooms with Georgina, an unexpected friend and ally and is introduced to Gage, Georgina’s cousin and the billionaire heir to King Global Capital. As she is thrown into this world, she is pursued by Gage and also, Rafael, another billionaire heir and Gage’s rival.
I love a strong female lead and Bea’s character delivered in every way. She is smart, resourceful, adaptable and never gives to the wealth surrounding her and so hardworking to continue to pursue her education to the fullest. I respect her character. She also does not give in to the power plays, belittlement moments and does her best to stand her ground and set appropriate boundaries. She is also far away from home, family and friends she knew as but she doesn’t let that break her but instead, embrace the opportunity present to her.
Being chased by a man like Gage can be overwhelming! I love the honest conversations between them as she navigates into his world. The way he remembers what she loves and takes care of her while constantly showing that she matters can be intense but so beautiful to see. I like that Bea takes the time to think for herself and is very clear on her boundaries and careful when dealing with Gage. Gage can be intense and appears very controlling but he is very gentle and mindful when dealing with Bea. I love how he respects her by doing so and takes her out on the sweetest of dates!
It also doesn’t help that she caught the eye of Rafael who is also an intense person in his right. This hits the love triangle trope which I dislike but it was done so well here that I cannot help but find it intriguing….
As the romance is very deliberate, it can feel very slow burn at times but so addictive! The chemistry here is scorching as there aren't any insta-moments here…As trust takes time to build, so does the romance and the new found feelings leading to a more natural growth.
The world building is so unique - I mean a world where women can be seen as assets and value alongside their strong partners! The supporting characters are wonderful as Bea develops friendships with a group of girls she comes to see as friends including a fellow scholarship student, Lillian.
I like where the author left off as they work through their next phase of their relationship (the long distance aspect) and there is even an extra bonus epilogue! Jumping into book 2 as soon as I receive the arc.
I will also preface that this book might not be for anyone looking for a quick read where the romance is instant as the slow burn might be too slow for some people. So, if you are looking for an insta-love type of love story with silly drama and questionable characters - this might not be the book for you. But, if you are up for the slowburn of a k-drama with the swoons and a beautiful relatable love story, this one is perfect!
PS: I love that some part of the story is set in Toronto with mentions of the Distillery District and UofT (University of Toronto).
PSS: Fair warning, this is also a 4 book commitment - IKYKR
Thank you, Vivienne Cross, for the finished copy of this book. It’s been awhile since I read a billionaire romance and I DEVOURED IN in one sitting because it was sooo good.
Picture this: A sovereign union of a cluster of islands where the wealthiest people live in an exclusive community of the rich and powerful where women are treated as assets and valued as opposed to the typical trophy wife. Occasionally, St Ives University, the elite university there would open their doors and offer scholarships to women in the hopes of bringing in more valuable women to the community as men numbered women there on a three to one ratio.
Bea, our FMC is such a scholarship student and would not pass up an opportunity to attend St Ives as a junior. There, she rooms with Georgina, an unexpected friend and ally and is introduced to Gage, Georgina’s cousin and the billionaire heir to King Global Capital. As she is thrown into this world, she is pursued by Gage and also, Rafael, another billionaire heir and Gage’s rival.
I love a strong female lead and Bea’s character delivered in every way. She is smart, resourceful, adaptable and never gives to the wealth surrounding her and so hardworking to continue to pursue her education to the fullest. I respect her character. She also does not give in to the power plays, belittlement moments and does her best to stand her ground and set appropriate boundaries. She is also far away from home, family and friends she knew as but she doesn’t let that break her but instead, embrace the opportunity present to her.
Being chased by a man like Gage can be overwhelming! I love the honest conversations between them as she navigates into his world. The way he remembers what she loves and takes care of her while constantly showing that she matters can be intense but so beautiful to see. I like that Bea takes the time to think for herself and is very clear on her boundaries and careful when dealing with Gage. Gage can be intense and appears very controlling but he is very gentle and mindful when dealing with Bea. I love how he respects her by doing so and takes her out on the sweetest of dates!
It also doesn’t help that she caught the eye of Rafael who is also an intense person in his right. This hits the love triangle trope which I dislike but it was done so well here that I cannot help but find it intriguing….
As the romance is very deliberate, it can feel very slow burn at times but so addictive! The chemistry here is scorching as there aren't any insta-moments here…As trust takes time to build, so does the romance and the new found feelings leading to a more natural growth.
The world building is so unique - I mean a world where women can be seen as assets and value alongside their strong partners! The supporting characters are wonderful as Bea develops friendships with a group of girls she comes to see as friends including a fellow scholarship student, Lillian.
I like where the author left off as they work through their next phase of their relationship (the long distance aspect) and there is even an extra bonus epilogue! Jumping into book 2 as soon as I receive the arc.
I will also preface that this book might not be for anyone looking for a quick read where the romance is instant as the slow burn might be too slow for some people. So, if you are looking for an insta-love type of love story with silly drama and questionable characters - this might not be the book for you. But, if you are up for the slowburn of a k-drama with the swoons and a beautiful relatable love story, this one is perfect!
PS: I love that some part of the story is set in Toronto with mentions of the Distillery District and UofT (University of Toronto).
PSS: Fair warning, this is also a 4 book commitment - IKYKR
December 29, 2025
This is a true slow-burn romance done right—no instant heat, no forced drama, just steady, addictive chemistry that sneaks up on you. Set on an elite university campus, it nails the rich heir/outsider girl dynamic, with Bea feeling refreshingly real: smart, grounded, and careful with her heart as she navigates a new country, a powerful social world, and rules she was never raised to understand. Gage is everything you want in this trope—controlled, powerful, unexpectedly gentle, and very much falling first while trying not to show it. Watching Bea give in bit by bit as trust grows feels natural and earned, and by the time it finally tips over, it’s explosive in the best way. The friendships, campus life, and worldbuilding add so much depth without ever overshadowing the romance. I meant to read a page and ended up abandoning my other book entirely (hot tip: first half in public, second half in private). The ending felt perfectly them, the bonus epilogue was a fun touch, and I closed the book weirdly proud of Bea. Fully invested, five stars, and already counting the weeks until book two.
October 20, 2025
This is the first book in the Crown or Fire Series and is a good start to the series. The story line is engaging and pulls you in right at the beginning. Beatriz, an honor student in Canada manages a scholarship her junior year to the elite and prestigious St Ives College in the sovereign area of UR. The town and the area is predominantly male and they have some interesting customs. She's thrown into a world of the elite and powerful, totally opposite what she was used to. She finds herself pursued by Gage, her house mate's cousin and the billionaire heir to a large financial conglomerate. He's powerful and controlling. Rafael, another wealthy wanna be suitor/rival and Catherine, the girl who lays claim to Gage add to the drama. What about the Korean customs concerning boyfriends? What about her parents? What about the Social Proximity List? She was the first thing that he got to pick for himself and he was determined to have her and what Gage wants, he gets. I read a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review.
December 28, 2025
A fantastic start to this series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was my first time reading this author's work and it definitely left me wanting more and extremely excited to see what happens in the next book.
The world building was fantastic and the side characters are wonderful, hopefully they will eventually get their own book.
This book follows MMC Gage and FMC
Bea. It is set in a graduate college setting in Toronto. It has elements of a secret society type, but this is being explained as Bea is falling for the Billionaire Heir Gage. She has decided to go home for 10 weeks to spend time with her parents and Claire, as well as to tell them about her seeing Gage. Will she be able to be what Gage will require if her to be in his world??? We shall see!
I cannot wait to see what happens next. I have a feeling that side characters Catherine and Griffin might cause issues between Gage and Bea. I guess we will see in the next book!
Thank you @viviennecrossauthor and @nishasbooksandcoffee for this amazing start to this series.
Story: 5⭐️
Characters: 5⭐️
Spice: 2🌶️
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was my first time reading this author's work and it definitely left me wanting more and extremely excited to see what happens in the next book.
The world building was fantastic and the side characters are wonderful, hopefully they will eventually get their own book.
This book follows MMC Gage and FMC
Bea. It is set in a graduate college setting in Toronto. It has elements of a secret society type, but this is being explained as Bea is falling for the Billionaire Heir Gage. She has decided to go home for 10 weeks to spend time with her parents and Claire, as well as to tell them about her seeing Gage. Will she be able to be what Gage will require if her to be in his world??? We shall see!
I cannot wait to see what happens next. I have a feeling that side characters Catherine and Griffin might cause issues between Gage and Bea. I guess we will see in the next book!
Thank you @viviennecrossauthor and @nishasbooksandcoffee for this amazing start to this series.
Story: 5⭐️
Characters: 5⭐️
Spice: 2🌶️
November 12, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed "CHOOSE ME" I found the journey these characters take you on is quite interesting, captivating, dealing with acceptance, fitting in, being strong, it'll keep you reading.
Beatrice Cruz earns a scholarship to St. Ives University she's not from money its a school for the elite, women are out numbered by the guys everything is about power, she's determined to fit in.
Gage King is from one the most powerful financial empires putting him out of her league but he seems taken with Bea.
Gage makes it known she's his & she needs to learn what that means, everyone in the room sees his intentions, no one will step over, his cousin is her roommate
Bea has to deal with Rafael another one who wants to claim her a rival of sorts & Catherine who wants Gage causing some drama.
Gage chose Beatrice for himself, not one of his parents choosing, will the difference between them cause them extra drama or can they get a HEA a must read to see how all the drama unfolds.
Beatrice Cruz earns a scholarship to St. Ives University she's not from money its a school for the elite, women are out numbered by the guys everything is about power, she's determined to fit in.
Gage King is from one the most powerful financial empires putting him out of her league but he seems taken with Bea.
Gage makes it known she's his & she needs to learn what that means, everyone in the room sees his intentions, no one will step over, his cousin is her roommate
Bea has to deal with Rafael another one who wants to claim her a rival of sorts & Catherine who wants Gage causing some drama.
Gage chose Beatrice for himself, not one of his parents choosing, will the difference between them cause them extra drama or can they get a HEA a must read to see how all the drama unfolds.
December 28, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Choose Me offers an intriguing twist on the billionaire romance trope, set in a fictional state where women are scarce and treated as property.
Bea is a scholarship student navigating an elite university and a deeply unbalanced society, while Gage is the powerful billionaire drawn to her. I really appreciated Bea’s struggle to stay true to herself, resisting both the social norms and the influence of money and power.
The story unfolds slowly, with strong worldbuilding and a deep focus on the academic setting. The writing leans more toward suggestion than explicit description, inviting the reader to feel the story rather than simply observe it.
The romance is built on angst, yearning, and courtship, with minimal spice and some sideline characters bringing a bit of tension without actually becoming fully involved. The book ends on a HFN with a small cliffhanger, leaving me curious to see where the next installment will go.
Spice: 🌶️
Choose Me offers an intriguing twist on the billionaire romance trope, set in a fictional state where women are scarce and treated as property.
Bea is a scholarship student navigating an elite university and a deeply unbalanced society, while Gage is the powerful billionaire drawn to her. I really appreciated Bea’s struggle to stay true to herself, resisting both the social norms and the influence of money and power.
The story unfolds slowly, with strong worldbuilding and a deep focus on the academic setting. The writing leans more toward suggestion than explicit description, inviting the reader to feel the story rather than simply observe it.
The romance is built on angst, yearning, and courtship, with minimal spice and some sideline characters bringing a bit of tension without actually becoming fully involved. The book ends on a HFN with a small cliffhanger, leaving me curious to see where the next installment will go.
December 28, 2025
A fantastic start to this series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was my first time reading this author's work and it definitely left me wanting more and extremely excited to see what happens in the next book.
The world building was fantastic and the side characters are wonderful, hopefully they will eventually get their own book.
This book follows MMC Gage and FMC Bea. It is set in a graduate college setting in Toronto. It has elements of a secret society type, but this is being explained as Bea is falling for the Heir Gage. She has decided to go home for 10 weeks to spend time with her parents and Claire, as well as to tell them about her seeing Gage.
I cannot wait to see what happens next. I have a feeling that side characters Catherine and Griffin might cause issues between Gage and Bea. I guess we will see in the next book!
Thank you @viviennecrossauthor and @nishasbooksandcoffee for this amazing start to this series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was my first time reading this author's work and it definitely left me wanting more and extremely excited to see what happens in the next book.
The world building was fantastic and the side characters are wonderful, hopefully they will eventually get their own book.
This book follows MMC Gage and FMC Bea. It is set in a graduate college setting in Toronto. It has elements of a secret society type, but this is being explained as Bea is falling for the Heir Gage. She has decided to go home for 10 weeks to spend time with her parents and Claire, as well as to tell them about her seeing Gage.
I cannot wait to see what happens next. I have a feeling that side characters Catherine and Griffin might cause issues between Gage and Bea. I guess we will see in the next book!
Thank you @viviennecrossauthor and @nishasbooksandcoffee for this amazing start to this series!
January 17, 2026
Choose Me is the first book in a new series by author Vivienne Cross and brings the reader along on a passionate, engaging journey set around its MFC Beatrice Cruz.
Beatrice who has just received a full scholarship to the prestigious St. Ives University a rare place for women.
Meeting MMC Gage King upon arrival sets into motion events that will soon shape a destiny forged from passion and desire.
I enjoyed this nicely written romance of opposites attracting, whose possessive alpha male stakes his claim and doesn’t look back, a first for him.
With family dynamics, friendships, and well drawn characters this was a story to become lost in and I look forward to the continuation in book two.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Beatrice who has just received a full scholarship to the prestigious St. Ives University a rare place for women.
Meeting MMC Gage King upon arrival sets into motion events that will soon shape a destiny forged from passion and desire.
I enjoyed this nicely written romance of opposites attracting, whose possessive alpha male stakes his claim and doesn’t look back, a first for him.
With family dynamics, friendships, and well drawn characters this was a story to become lost in and I look forward to the continuation in book two.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2025
What an interesting world the UR and St. Ives is! Bea and Gage are in college but it's not just any college. It's a whole different world where everyone knows the way to act, the players and the game. I would actually forget the characters were all college age. Vivienne wrote the fish out of water trope well. Bea is so likeable! She's no doormat and I really enjoyed her finding her footing amongst the continual agendas circling around her. I loved how Gage said so much without saying much at all. I REALLY liked him. The angst is top notch. And Rafael? What are we going to do about him? I'm anxious to read the next book! I need to know what's going to happen.
December 31, 2025
I love me a good billionaire romance and this one did not disappoint. Now I dont normally read slow burn romances, Im usually all about the insta love and LOTS of heat…. BUTTT This book was so good. Watching Bea and Gage slowly find their way was just adorable and I was so here for the angst and the yearning between them . Bea is a strong INCREDIBLY smart FMC who just happens to be in a new environment and finding her feet. Gage is that billionaire type that knows what he wants and isn’t going to let anything deter him from reaching his goals!
Im very curious to see how the rest of this story unfolds in book 2!!
Im very curious to see how the rest of this story unfolds in book 2!!
January 4, 2026
If you're starting out with your romance journey, this is a good Billionaire romance.
I liked that the FMC made her own way and that the MMC was the right amount of alpha and caring.
I will say that this book moved pretty slow for me. I wish there was more banter between the characters.
The premise of the school is very interesting and I loved hearing more about their rules for males and females.
I just wish there was a little more drama and movement. I also felt like a lot of chapters would end prematurely and then quickly move on to something else.
I will say though I did enjoy the story.
I liked that the FMC made her own way and that the MMC was the right amount of alpha and caring.
I will say that this book moved pretty slow for me. I wish there was more banter between the characters.
The premise of the school is very interesting and I loved hearing more about their rules for males and females.
I just wish there was a little more drama and movement. I also felt like a lot of chapters would end prematurely and then quickly move on to something else.
I will say though I did enjoy the story.
January 19, 2026
Choose Me genuinely surprised me in the best way. The slow burn, the tension, the quiet moments, it all worked so well together 🫠
The quiet moments especially made the read so good 😩 I absolutely loved the protective yet soft energy of the MMC and how the story builds yearning and tension without rushing the romance. Certain scenes, especially his calm confidence mixed with possessiveness and protectiveness had me smiling and swooning while reading 🤭
That ending?? I was not prepared. It left me so curious and genuinely excited for the next book.
If you love slow burn romance with yearning, jealousy and a MMC who decides instead of asking then this one’s for you 😏🔥
The quiet moments especially made the read so good 😩 I absolutely loved the protective yet soft energy of the MMC and how the story builds yearning and tension without rushing the romance. Certain scenes, especially his calm confidence mixed with possessiveness and protectiveness had me smiling and swooning while reading 🤭
That ending?? I was not prepared. It left me so curious and genuinely excited for the next book.
If you love slow burn romance with yearning, jealousy and a MMC who decides instead of asking then this one’s for you 😏🔥
December 14, 2025
This one is a college wheel of someone wants someone Gage has made it known that Bea is "his" but so has a rival, Raphael. Bea doesn't think that she's in the same class as Gage and isn't good enough. Catherine is a mean girl and she thinks that she's the only one for Gage. Raphael and Catherine don't care what it takes to get the ones that they want. Gage will do whatever it takes to have Bea and Bea just wants to keep her scholarship so because she can never afford the school. Eventually things iron themselves out and ultimately Bea gets her HEA.
December 31, 2025
This was a very slow burn billionaire story. Bea is a in an elite university and Gage is a billionaire that become obsessed with her. This story focuses on more on their school life with minimal spicy. I do enjoy a strong FMC that doesn’t take anything from anyone and don’t run scare when being intimidated or cornered. The love triangle with Rafael was strong at first and should have progressed to something more making it a MFM but it didn’t happen so why was he involved in the first place. Overall it was a good book and hopeful book two will give me more.
January 18, 2026
This is Book 1 of the Crown or Fire series. The story continues in book 2.
'She wasn’t raised for this world. He was raised to rule it. And he’s chosen her.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and compelling and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. A great start and I look forward to more from this world. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'She wasn’t raised for this world. He was raised to rule it. And he’s chosen her.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and compelling and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. A great start and I look forward to more from this world. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2025
This was an absolutely amazing and original idea for a book. I was genuinely captivated by the originality of it. Bea is young and naive, but she’s also strong. Her and Gage come together and they just click. I love the relationship between them. This book pulls you in and you’re just so lost in the awesomeness, love, and life is these two.
I received an ARC from Nisha’s Books and Coffee and Vivienne Cross.
I received an ARC from Nisha’s Books and Coffee and Vivienne Cross.
October 21, 2025
Author copy.
I still remember when this book first moved from the notes app on my phone to a word doc on my computer. I had no idea how big the world would become, or how much these characters would come to mean to me. I wrote it with everything I have, and I hope you feel it. I’m so incredibly grateful and excited for you to step into the UR with me.
Viv
I still remember when this book first moved from the notes app on my phone to a word doc on my computer. I had no idea how big the world would become, or how much these characters would come to mean to me. I wrote it with everything I have, and I hope you feel it. I’m so incredibly grateful and excited for you to step into the UR with me.
Viv
December 2, 2025
I was absolutely riveted to this book. Bea and Gage are terrific together. Their chemistry is intense and the reader feels this.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author but it won’t be my last. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author but it won’t be my last. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2025
Choose Me by Vivienne Cross (ARC)
This is the first book in the Crown or Fire Series and is a good start to the series. Beatriz, an honor student in Canada manages a scholarship her junior year to the elite and prestigious St Ives College. She finds herself pursued by Gage, her house mate's cousin and the billionaire heir.
This is the first book in the Crown or Fire Series and is a good start to the series. Beatriz, an honor student in Canada manages a scholarship her junior year to the elite and prestigious St Ives College. She finds herself pursued by Gage, her house mate's cousin and the billionaire heir.
February 17, 2026
Rating: 3 ⭐️
Choose Me was an enjoyable read, but the title didn’t quite match the story since the love triangle never felt fully developed or genuinely tense. Rafael appears here and there, but he never truly challenges the main romance, and Bea’s feelings toward him aren’t clearly explored. The mostly third-person POV was refreshing and gave the story a calmer, more balanced feel. More small, intimate details and emotional reactions would’ve helped, especially during moments meant to be meaningful. Some abrupt time jumps made the pacing feel choppy, but overall it was a decent, comfortable read.
Choose Me was an enjoyable read, but the title didn’t quite match the story since the love triangle never felt fully developed or genuinely tense. Rafael appears here and there, but he never truly challenges the main romance, and Bea’s feelings toward him aren’t clearly explored. The mostly third-person POV was refreshing and gave the story a calmer, more balanced feel. More small, intimate details and emotional reactions would’ve helped, especially during moments meant to be meaningful. Some abrupt time jumps made the pacing feel choppy, but overall it was a decent, comfortable read.
December 22, 2025
This was tender and sweet, with great banter throughout. I felt genuinely connected to the characters, and Gage was an absolute dream.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2025
I love me a good billionaire romance and this book definitely fit the vibe. The alpha male and the female who stands her ground is always a good combo that I can’t get enough of. Definitely excited for book two and I cannot wait to see what it has in store.
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