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Love in London #5
The Reluctant Billionaire
LOTTA
I may be a total princess, but I’m not looking for a prince. Or even my usual type of wealthy, overly-groomed playboy.
I’m done with smooth. I want a bit of rough. A real man, with a real job. One who’s good with his hands and not afraid to get them dirty.
Someone exactly like the foreman on the new community project my team’s volunteering on.
Aide.
He’s delicious. Even his name says “I know how to get the job done”. And his demeanour says “I could have you moaning in five seconds flat”.
AIDE
Carlotta Charlton-Montefiore is as ridiculous as her name. She’s a pampered princess who’s totally out of her depth on a building site.
Even her bras are incompetent at doing their basic job.
Usually, I’d run a mile from a woman like her. But she looks like an angel, and I can’t stay away.
It seems I’m her “bang a poor guy” project. It’s not on me that she’s underestimated my bank balance.
By eight or nine zeroes.
She has me all wrong.
I can’t be her Mr Right.
The Reluctant Billionaire was previously published with the same title under Elodie Hart's real name, Sara Madderson. The content remains the same.
I may be a total princess, but I’m not looking for a prince. Or even my usual type of wealthy, overly-groomed playboy.
I’m done with smooth. I want a bit of rough. A real man, with a real job. One who’s good with his hands and not afraid to get them dirty.
Someone exactly like the foreman on the new community project my team’s volunteering on.
Aide.
He’s delicious. Even his name says “I know how to get the job done”. And his demeanour says “I could have you moaning in five seconds flat”.
AIDE
Carlotta Charlton-Montefiore is as ridiculous as her name. She’s a pampered princess who’s totally out of her depth on a building site.
Even her bras are incompetent at doing their basic job.
Usually, I’d run a mile from a woman like her. But she looks like an angel, and I can’t stay away.
It seems I’m her “bang a poor guy” project. It’s not on me that she’s underestimated my bank balance.
By eight or nine zeroes.
She has me all wrong.
I can’t be her Mr Right.
The Reluctant Billionaire was previously published with the same title under Elodie Hart's real name, Sara Madderson. The content remains the same.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2025
789 people are currently reading
2242 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
June 7, 2023
This author has a way with words that entertains and sums things up in a neat, observant manner. Her newest book is a fun steamy story with some serious undertones about social class and wealth inequality.
Carlotta and Aidan meet at a charitable project for a community centre. Originally she thinks he's a grumpy but yummy builder and he thinks she's a ditzy socialite. In fact, they're both good people at heart, despite being obscenely rich, but it takes a minute to establish this as a fact. She wears six grand worth of designer shoes to work at a renovation site so totally relatable, right? Aidan didn't make the best first impression as at his introduction we find out that he is weirdly obsessed with her breasts. I mean, get a grip, mate, it seems like you've never seen a person with boobs. Lots of people have nipples, deal with it. He's known Lotta only a couple of days but he is so distracted by the thought of her physical attributes that he wants to end his suffering and buys her an unsexy bra. This had me cringing a bit as this would be rather creepy behaviour if she didn't find him so hot. If some other recent acquaintance that she didn't fancy the least bit focused on her nipples so much and gave her underwear she'd be googling restraining orders. But lucky for him, she objectifies him right back so his stunt leads to mutually satisfying shenanigans. However, she is rather upset when she finds out that he is not the hot blue-collar hunk that she thought he was but a tech billionaire. This was an amusing interlude although her anger seemed a little over-the-top, considering he never lied outright and told her that he was a broke builder, it was just a baseless assumption of hers that he could not be considered responsible for.
I found the characters more likable later as they explore their chemistry and learn to know more about each other's lives and values. Lotta was born into more privilege than Aidan but she still knows how to work hard, despite rich parents. Aidan's family was poor when he was growing up, and his roots make him feel a bit guilty for his current wealth and out of place in ritzy events. He has seen some misery in his youth and now he's got a bit of a do-gooder compulsion, trying to fix things for kids like him. I am usually a wuss and dread the third act break-up but for once, my favorite part of the story was the last minute conflict because it felt fresh, not your usual stupid misunderstandings but fueled by Aidan's character and values.
Series status: This stands alone but there are minor characters who are familiar from other stories and you can probably guess who Madderson's next book will be about.
Steam level: Hot and heavy. This author writes great smut but there's a whole lotta sex and I could have traded some of the orgasm scenes with more getting-to-know-you-with-clothes-on because these are great characters beyond the bedroom chemistry and had potential for more than sex.
I received an early copy and this is a voluntary review.
Carlotta and Aidan meet at a charitable project for a community centre. Originally she thinks he's a grumpy but yummy builder and he thinks she's a ditzy socialite. In fact, they're both good people at heart, despite being obscenely rich, but it takes a minute to establish this as a fact. She wears six grand worth of designer shoes to work at a renovation site so totally relatable, right? Aidan didn't make the best first impression as at his introduction we find out that he is weirdly obsessed with her breasts. I mean, get a grip, mate, it seems like you've never seen a person with boobs. Lots of people have nipples, deal with it. He's known Lotta only a couple of days but he is so distracted by the thought of her physical attributes that he wants to end his suffering and buys her an unsexy bra. This had me cringing a bit as this would be rather creepy behaviour if she didn't find him so hot. If some other recent acquaintance that she didn't fancy the least bit focused on her nipples so much and gave her underwear she'd be googling restraining orders. But lucky for him, she objectifies him right back so his stunt leads to mutually satisfying shenanigans. However, she is rather upset when she finds out that he is not the hot blue-collar hunk that she thought he was but a tech billionaire. This was an amusing interlude although her anger seemed a little over-the-top, considering he never lied outright and told her that he was a broke builder, it was just a baseless assumption of hers that he could not be considered responsible for.
I found the characters more likable later as they explore their chemistry and learn to know more about each other's lives and values. Lotta was born into more privilege than Aidan but she still knows how to work hard, despite rich parents. Aidan's family was poor when he was growing up, and his roots make him feel a bit guilty for his current wealth and out of place in ritzy events. He has seen some misery in his youth and now he's got a bit of a do-gooder compulsion, trying to fix things for kids like him. I am usually a wuss and dread the third act break-up but for once, my favorite part of the story was the last minute conflict because it felt fresh, not your usual stupid misunderstandings but fueled by Aidan's character and values.
Series status: This stands alone but there are minor characters who are familiar from other stories and you can probably guess who Madderson's next book will be about.
Steam level: Hot and heavy. This author writes great smut but there's a whole lotta sex and I could have traded some of the orgasm scenes with more getting-to-know-you-with-clothes-on because these are great characters beyond the bedroom chemistry and had potential for more than sex.
I received an early copy and this is a voluntary review.
March 10, 2025
Read on and be prepared for the best wobble yet!
I hope she forgives me for doubting her, but I did… The first installment of her new Elgin series, The Reluctant Billionaire, is unlike any other Sara Madderson (or Elodie Hart) book I’ve read… That kind of says a lot, because there is so much variety to her books, it keeps me panting for more. And I absolutely loved how we got to revisit so many old friends from past books!
I’ve been ARC reading for Sara since the beginning of the year, and I am so honoured to be on her team. But yes, I will admit, as I was reading I was saying to myself , ‘Wow, this isn’t like her usual books. There’s no conflict or action to make them wobble. What?!’
Sara is the Mistress of the Wobble. I love the wobble because I don’t think every couple needs to break up to see how great they are together and to finally admit how much they love each other. Talking about how you feel and saying I love you, may come with some risk, but if I could do it (and 20 years later still be married), book characters can too.
All this to say, read on and be prepared for the best wobble yet! That’s all I’m going to say, because I don’t want to give too much away, and you need to discover for yourself how truly masterful she is at adult storytelling.
And shew… speaking of adulting, this book is filled with desperate, wild and untethered sexy times! Aide and Lotta are on fiyah and seriously gorgeous together. They bring out the most wanton in each other, and they complement each other so perfectly — in and out of the bedroom. So, make sure you have lots of time to pour through this book because you won’t want to let it go once you start. Especially during the wobble.
Sleep? Pish-posh! Not when you can read!
I hope she forgives me for doubting her, but I did… The first installment of her new Elgin series, The Reluctant Billionaire, is unlike any other Sara Madderson (or Elodie Hart) book I’ve read… That kind of says a lot, because there is so much variety to her books, it keeps me panting for more. And I absolutely loved how we got to revisit so many old friends from past books!
I’ve been ARC reading for Sara since the beginning of the year, and I am so honoured to be on her team. But yes, I will admit, as I was reading I was saying to myself , ‘Wow, this isn’t like her usual books. There’s no conflict or action to make them wobble. What?!’
Sara is the Mistress of the Wobble. I love the wobble because I don’t think every couple needs to break up to see how great they are together and to finally admit how much they love each other. Talking about how you feel and saying I love you, may come with some risk, but if I could do it (and 20 years later still be married), book characters can too.
All this to say, read on and be prepared for the best wobble yet! That’s all I’m going to say, because I don’t want to give too much away, and you need to discover for yourself how truly masterful she is at adult storytelling.
And shew… speaking of adulting, this book is filled with desperate, wild and untethered sexy times! Aide and Lotta are on fiyah and seriously gorgeous together. They bring out the most wanton in each other, and they complement each other so perfectly — in and out of the bedroom. So, make sure you have lots of time to pour through this book because you won’t want to let it go once you start. Especially during the wobble.
Sleep? Pish-posh! Not when you can read!
did-not-finish
September 3, 2023DNF for now, nothing wrong with the story. It's probably the current mood I'm in. Will try to pick it up again some other time
June 6, 2023
Yet another absolute winner from Sara Madderson! Aides is the ultimate book boyfriend- kind, caring, thoughtful, and wickedly dirty both in and out of the bedroom!
Some beautiful messaging throughout too about social inequity and roots and privilege- plenty to think about, that’s for sure.
As always, lovely to revisit characters from past books, but this could definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks to Sara for the early copy!
Some beautiful messaging throughout too about social inequity and roots and privilege- plenty to think about, that’s for sure.
As always, lovely to revisit characters from past books, but this could definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks to Sara for the early copy!
June 19, 2023
When rich girl Carlotta Montefiore-Charlton is forced to be the family face on a community project, she’s instantly attracted to the job foreman, blue collar hottie Aide. Little does she suspect appearances are deceiving.
Aidan Cuthbert Duffy, OBE, has no time for pampered princesses, but something about Lotta has him entranced, and it’s more than her inadequate undergarments that pique his interest.
This delightful spicy rom-com kept me up all night, turning pages. It has all we’ve come to expect from author Sara Madderson—characters we invest in, laugh out loud authenticity, elevated prose, and steamy happily ever afters.
Cameo appearances from previous characters add familiar depth for established Madderson readers while inviting newcomers to further exploration of her work. These do not detract from this story’s standalone quality.
Aidan Cuthbert Duffy, OBE, has no time for pampered princesses, but something about Lotta has him entranced, and it’s more than her inadequate undergarments that pique his interest.
This delightful spicy rom-com kept me up all night, turning pages. It has all we’ve come to expect from author Sara Madderson—characters we invest in, laugh out loud authenticity, elevated prose, and steamy happily ever afters.
Cameo appearances from previous characters add familiar depth for established Madderson readers while inviting newcomers to further exploration of her work. These do not detract from this story’s standalone quality.
November 25, 2023
Pro: lots of spice
Cons: everything else 🤷♀️
She has huge boobs, he has a huge… heart 😉. And that’s about as deep as their relationship gets.
Honestly, for the majority of the book I thought she was the villain. She’s soooooo spoiled and bratty. And the biggest point of drama is him choosing to help underprivileged children instead of attending a rich party with her. I guess that was a rude move on his part? I just don’t get it.
I also didn’t understand most of the slang or cultural references. But that’s just because I’m not the targeted audience for this one.
Cons: everything else 🤷♀️
She has huge boobs, he has a huge… heart 😉. And that’s about as deep as their relationship gets.
Honestly, for the majority of the book I thought she was the villain. She’s soooooo spoiled and bratty. And the biggest point of drama is him choosing to help underprivileged children instead of attending a rich party with her. I guess that was a rude move on his part? I just don’t get it.
I also didn’t understand most of the slang or cultural references. But that’s just because I’m not the targeted audience for this one.
June 23, 2023
SPOILERS⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
It started with a BRA and ended in a sweet HEA…..
This was a fun read for me because if anyone knows me, I like humor in my romances and this one delivered – along with sexy/hot times and a satisfactory ending. And that cover? Man is the model yummy!
Was it perfect? No. Not by a long shot and that was because of a few pet peeves of mine (see Safety below) which may not bother anyone else.
So plot first:
Hero is a self made Tech Billionaire who came from a poor/middle class background and has conflicted emotions about keeping to his roots & humble beginnings and giving to the needy. He is not too fond of rich people and the lifestyle (fakeness) that they live but does enjoy some of the comforts that go with it.
Heroine is the opposite. She comes from a wealthy family who has ingrained on her & her sibling to work hard & give back to the community. She is smart, beautiful and comfortable in her skin and she likes everything that money can buy (aka nice clothes & things and lifestyle it can afford).
MCs are working together to renovate a community center for under-privileged kids in Hero’s old neighborhood. Heroine & her brother own & run a company that builds homes & buildings so she supplied the manpower & supplies to get the job done while Hero helped to renovate as well. (Question for the day: For a Billionaire with lots of money, why couldn’t he afford to hire his own people and pay out of his pocket? Why did he need Heroine’s charity donations? Hmm….. )
Anyhoo, from first glance, these two are hot for each other and once they give in to that attraction, there is no stopping them. They were a great fictional couple that I enjoyed reading about once I got past the things that ticked me off, but some things were left open ended and I would have liked a resolution to it. For instance, his family (his Mom) didn't like rich people and didn't seem to want him to hook up with heroine so we never got any scenes where heroine met his family and they accepted her. Then there was the whole thing with him liking a simplistic life where she tended to be a little over the top. The explanation in the end was not him changing his mind about living the high life vs sticking to his roots mentality where his mom ingrained on him that having money while others didn't was shameful. That was disappointing to me because I never read a trope like that before and would have liked if author delved into it a bit more. It was interesting.
Safety:
- Safe. No OW/OM
- No intimate scenes with OP
- Hero does not come off as a Manho but he stated that he was not short of women and that he tended to go for the girl-next door type in the past. Aka - needy girls. One of my pet peeves that I wish author had not inserted is learning he bought lingerie in past for all his OW which ruined the scene with the Bra. I would much have enjoyed it if he never did that before with anyone else.
- As for heroine, she came off as flaky & slutty in the beginning which is not what I like in heroines. She said she liked sex and lost her virginity at age 16 (after she first met Hero which she couldn’t remember) and that she had great sex with many lovers and not so great sex with others. She also said she was an exhibitionist – she wore a barely-there Cher like dress to a party and dressed provocatively often and loved to party. Which to me translates into slutty-ness. Ewe.
- HEA with an epilogue of 2 years later married with kid on the way. Sweet.
Nope. The biggest problem by far is that this woman’s bra is clearly as unsuitable as the rest of her attire, because it’s completely and utterly failing in its primary job. But on its secondary job? Its job of presumably forming a protective layer between her nipples and the rest of the world?
Epic fucking fail.
Because, either side of GUCCI it’s clear that this woman is smuggling peanuts with the best of them. I know it’s chilly in here, but come on. Her porn star-level nipples are beacons, and, like a car crash, I cannot look away. I can’t seem to look anywhere else when they’re winking at me.
Her bra must be lace, or mesh, or something sheer and sexy and totally impractical because, while its vague outline is visible, it’s forming a non-existent barrier between nipples so perfect they’re proof there is a God and the poor bastards who have to look at them.
The woman is undeniably hot.
That’s unfair.
I clear my throat.
‘You need to wear a better bra tomorrow,’ I say, studiously training my eyes on her face.
Her jaw drops open. ‘Excuse me?’
‘You heard me. You need to put those fucking nipples away. They’re distracting to the point of being a hazard.’
She glares as me. ‘You’re actually calling my nipples a hazard. Please tell me you’re not serious.’
‘Us looking at them could be a hazard,’ I say with less conviction.
She puts her hands on her hips, which doesn’t help at all, because the slender curves of this woman’s body are knockout. She’s a knockout, and she knows it. ‘How so? Pray, tell me why my nipples are a hazard.’
‘Don’t get fancy with me. They are fucking mesmerising, and I need to make sure I and all the guys here keep our focus on the job at hand and don’t do ourselves an injury because we can’t keep our eyes off your tits.’
Okay. That was definitely a step too far.
‘This is harassment,’ she says. ‘I suspect you don’t come from a corporate background, but you absolutely cannot say this to people in the workplace.’
---
‘I’m looking for a bra,’ I blurt out.
‘Ah.’
We stare at each other.
She presses her lips together then, when I’m not forthcoming with further detail, says, ‘And will that be for yourself, sir?’
‘Jesus, no!’ I practically shout.
She raises her eyebrows at me in a schoolmarmish manner.
‘No,’ I repeat, more quietly this time. ‘For a… friend.’
For a gorgeous prick-tease non-friend with fantastic tits and porn-star nipples who’s quickly becoming the bane of my—and my cock’s—existence.
‘Right you are. Any particular style you’re after?’
I swallow. This is excruciating. I’ve bought lingerie for women before, but that usually involves me giving their vitals to Tish and having her order from Matches or Net à Porter.
‘I’m after something…’ Ugly. Asexual. Man-repelling. Dick-shrivelling. ‘…full coverage. Something really plain, so you can’t see anything through clothes. Like no patterns, or outlines, or…’
I shoot her a long, pleading, and hopefully telepathic look. ‘Nipples?’ she suggests. I give her a curt nod of relief. ‘Exactly.’
Five minutes later, I’m emerging into the July sunshine, a staggering one-hundred-and-twenty pounds poorer and in possession of the ugliest bra I’ve ever seen. It’s the colour of granny tights and about a hundred times thicker. If Carlotta’s nipples are bullets, this is a bulletproof vest. Perfect.
----
‘He’s a looker,’ Judy observes. ‘And he has a huge ding-dong, if I’m not mistaken. I think it’s the girls who are the lucky ones.’
I’m so shocked that I go to inhale and instead manage to choke on some air, resulting in a massive coughing fit. Sylvie gets up to rub my back.
‘You okay, love?’ she asks.
‘Yes,’ I wheeze. I sound like I’m dying. I feel like I’m dying. I cannot believe what just came out of Judy’s mouth.
‘She’s not used to you, Judy,’ Gaz chides. ‘You’ve got to watch that potty mouth of yours. You can’t just go around dropping Aide’s ding-dong into the conversation or being a dirty little cougar. It’s unseemly. Got it?’
‘Then someone should tell him not to strut around the place in tracksuit bottoms with no briefs on,’ Judy argues. ‘It’s not right, letting it all hang out like a boa constrictor.’
‘I cannot with you today, Judith,’ Gaz says, getting to his feet and pretending to pick her up. ‘I just cannot. It’s time for your nap, dear.’
‘Fuck you,’ Judy says.
-----
‘I got you something and I need you to wear it tomorrow,’ he says. ‘It doesn’t have to be a big deal, so don’t make it one.’
I stare at him, gobsmacked, then down at the bag. ‘Okay,’ I say slowly. I peek in and I open it. It’s a bra.
A bra that may be the ugliest, most industrial-level undergarment I’ve ever seen.
‘It’s a bra,’ he says, attempting to put it back in my hands, but I hold them up in a back off gesture. ‘It’s for you.’
He’s lost the plot. He’s actually insane. ‘It’s hideous, and you have no place buying me a bra. This is totally inappropriate. And also, you know, really creepy.’
‘I need you to wear it,’ he says, and I’m amazed to hear the pleading tone in his voice. ‘Seriously, Carlotta, I need you to put your fucking tits away, properly, in a proper fucking bra, once and for all. Or I’ll—’
This guy gives nothing away. He’s as closed off as they come, from what I’ve seen. But, somehow, my boobs and I have worked him up so much in the past three days that we’ve driven him to go to a department store, buy me an actual—if revolting—bra, and express his darkest fantasies to me.
‘Not a good idea,’ he murmurs. He nudges me gently with his erection. ‘Can’t serve the kids with a raging boner, and I can’t get rid of it if you and your tits are hanging around, can I?’
---
‘But if you’re looking for a peep show today, you’ll be disappointed,’ she says blithely, ‘because I’m wearing your bra and it’s hideous.’
‘Show me,’ I say.
She shakes her head. ‘Nope. Too hot. Just the bra of doom. If you want to see it, you do the honours.
She’s in just the bra and her cutoffs now, and I survey the picture. Fuck, the bra is ugly—a shiny, depressing beige with sensible, supportive straps and not a nipple in sight. Still, it has her tits practically on a platter and it gives her one hell of a cleavage. When I drag my eyes downwards, the soft, tanned skin of her stomach draws me in.
‘Grim, isn’t it?’ she says.
‘There is nothing grim about you, Carlotta,’ I say. ‘Nice cleavage.’
She smirks. ‘You’ve sucked my boobs. I think you can call me Lotta.’
---
He grimaces as he eyes up the bra he gave me. ‘You can burn this,’ he says as he unhooks it.
‘Don’t worry,’ I tell him. ‘I plan to. I only wore it to make a point.’
‘Point made.’
---
‘Morning,’ he says in a low voice.
‘Why, good morning,’ I singsong cheerily.
‘You still staying at mine tonight?’ he asks my chest.
‘My boobs are still planning to spend the night with you, yes, and I was going to come along too if that’s okay?’
----
‘Can’t wait to have you in my bed.’
I shoot him a smile that telegraphs how similarly I feel. ‘How will we get back to yours?’
‘My driver, Andy, will pick us up.’
I snigger. ‘You’ve got so many personas I’m getting whiplash. I was indulging in some verbal foreplay with my bad boy builder, and then you throw bad boy billionaire into the mix. It could confuse a girl with a lesser intellect than mine.’
-----------
It’s almost laughable to me now that I saw his attraction as skin-deep at first. Sure, I came for his pecs.
But I stayed for his heart.
And I’m falling for him.
-----
‘Do you see the difference? I want you. I love you. I hate it when you’re not around. But I don’t want to be another person adding to your list of obligations.’
‘You will never, ever be that,’ he chokes out. ‘But you love me?’
I smile against his lips. ‘I do.’
He hums approvingly. ‘The other thing she mentioned was that I was probably self-sabotaging. You know, because of what she said about me being scared to love someone who doesn’t need me. But she also said it was encouraging that I’d fallen for someone strong and independent. She said it sounded like you had excellent boundaries.’
I preen. ‘Did she, now?’
‘I told her they were good, but not as excellent as your tits.’
‘Classy guy.’
‘Fuck, that was a lot of words.’ He bends to nuzzle at my neck.
‘I’m not sure where my caveman’s gone, that’s for sure.’
‘Ug.’
I laugh. ‘You can use your body now,’ I say helpfully.
He grins. ‘I love you.’
It started with a BRA and ended in a sweet HEA…..
This was a fun read for me because if anyone knows me, I like humor in my romances and this one delivered – along with sexy/hot times and a satisfactory ending. And that cover? Man is the model yummy!
Was it perfect? No. Not by a long shot and that was because of a few pet peeves of mine (see Safety below) which may not bother anyone else.
So plot first:
Hero is a self made Tech Billionaire who came from a poor/middle class background and has conflicted emotions about keeping to his roots & humble beginnings and giving to the needy. He is not too fond of rich people and the lifestyle (fakeness) that they live but does enjoy some of the comforts that go with it.
Heroine is the opposite. She comes from a wealthy family who has ingrained on her & her sibling to work hard & give back to the community. She is smart, beautiful and comfortable in her skin and she likes everything that money can buy (aka nice clothes & things and lifestyle it can afford).
MCs are working together to renovate a community center for under-privileged kids in Hero’s old neighborhood. Heroine & her brother own & run a company that builds homes & buildings so she supplied the manpower & supplies to get the job done while Hero helped to renovate as well. (Question for the day: For a Billionaire with lots of money, why couldn’t he afford to hire his own people and pay out of his pocket? Why did he need Heroine’s charity donations? Hmm….. )
Anyhoo, from first glance, these two are hot for each other and once they give in to that attraction, there is no stopping them. They were a great fictional couple that I enjoyed reading about once I got past the things that ticked me off, but some things were left open ended and I would have liked a resolution to it. For instance, his family (his Mom) didn't like rich people and didn't seem to want him to hook up with heroine so we never got any scenes where heroine met his family and they accepted her. Then there was the whole thing with him liking a simplistic life where she tended to be a little over the top. The explanation in the end was not him changing his mind about living the high life vs sticking to his roots mentality where his mom ingrained on him that having money while others didn't was shameful. That was disappointing to me because I never read a trope like that before and would have liked if author delved into it a bit more. It was interesting.
Safety:
- Safe. No OW/OM
- No intimate scenes with OP
- Hero does not come off as a Manho but he stated that he was not short of women and that he tended to go for the girl-next door type in the past. Aka - needy girls. One of my pet peeves that I wish author had not inserted is learning he bought lingerie in past for all his OW which ruined the scene with the Bra. I would much have enjoyed it if he never did that before with anyone else.
- As for heroine, she came off as flaky & slutty in the beginning which is not what I like in heroines. She said she liked sex and lost her virginity at age 16 (after she first met Hero which she couldn’t remember) and that she had great sex with many lovers and not so great sex with others. She also said she was an exhibitionist – she wore a barely-there Cher like dress to a party and dressed provocatively often and loved to party. Which to me translates into slutty-ness. Ewe.
- HEA with an epilogue of 2 years later married with kid on the way. Sweet.
Nope. The biggest problem by far is that this woman’s bra is clearly as unsuitable as the rest of her attire, because it’s completely and utterly failing in its primary job. But on its secondary job? Its job of presumably forming a protective layer between her nipples and the rest of the world?
Epic fucking fail.
Because, either side of GUCCI it’s clear that this woman is smuggling peanuts with the best of them. I know it’s chilly in here, but come on. Her porn star-level nipples are beacons, and, like a car crash, I cannot look away. I can’t seem to look anywhere else when they’re winking at me.
Her bra must be lace, or mesh, or something sheer and sexy and totally impractical because, while its vague outline is visible, it’s forming a non-existent barrier between nipples so perfect they’re proof there is a God and the poor bastards who have to look at them.
The woman is undeniably hot.
That’s unfair.
I clear my throat.
‘You need to wear a better bra tomorrow,’ I say, studiously training my eyes on her face.
Her jaw drops open. ‘Excuse me?’
‘You heard me. You need to put those fucking nipples away. They’re distracting to the point of being a hazard.’
She glares as me. ‘You’re actually calling my nipples a hazard. Please tell me you’re not serious.’
‘Us looking at them could be a hazard,’ I say with less conviction.
She puts her hands on her hips, which doesn’t help at all, because the slender curves of this woman’s body are knockout. She’s a knockout, and she knows it. ‘How so? Pray, tell me why my nipples are a hazard.’
‘Don’t get fancy with me. They are fucking mesmerising, and I need to make sure I and all the guys here keep our focus on the job at hand and don’t do ourselves an injury because we can’t keep our eyes off your tits.’
Okay. That was definitely a step too far.
‘This is harassment,’ she says. ‘I suspect you don’t come from a corporate background, but you absolutely cannot say this to people in the workplace.’
---
‘I’m looking for a bra,’ I blurt out.
‘Ah.’
We stare at each other.
She presses her lips together then, when I’m not forthcoming with further detail, says, ‘And will that be for yourself, sir?’
‘Jesus, no!’ I practically shout.
She raises her eyebrows at me in a schoolmarmish manner.
‘No,’ I repeat, more quietly this time. ‘For a… friend.’
For a gorgeous prick-tease non-friend with fantastic tits and porn-star nipples who’s quickly becoming the bane of my—and my cock’s—existence.
‘Right you are. Any particular style you’re after?’
I swallow. This is excruciating. I’ve bought lingerie for women before, but that usually involves me giving their vitals to Tish and having her order from Matches or Net à Porter.
‘I’m after something…’ Ugly. Asexual. Man-repelling. Dick-shrivelling. ‘…full coverage. Something really plain, so you can’t see anything through clothes. Like no patterns, or outlines, or…’
I shoot her a long, pleading, and hopefully telepathic look. ‘Nipples?’ she suggests. I give her a curt nod of relief. ‘Exactly.’
Five minutes later, I’m emerging into the July sunshine, a staggering one-hundred-and-twenty pounds poorer and in possession of the ugliest bra I’ve ever seen. It’s the colour of granny tights and about a hundred times thicker. If Carlotta’s nipples are bullets, this is a bulletproof vest. Perfect.
----
‘He’s a looker,’ Judy observes. ‘And he has a huge ding-dong, if I’m not mistaken. I think it’s the girls who are the lucky ones.’
I’m so shocked that I go to inhale and instead manage to choke on some air, resulting in a massive coughing fit. Sylvie gets up to rub my back.
‘You okay, love?’ she asks.
‘Yes,’ I wheeze. I sound like I’m dying. I feel like I’m dying. I cannot believe what just came out of Judy’s mouth.
‘She’s not used to you, Judy,’ Gaz chides. ‘You’ve got to watch that potty mouth of yours. You can’t just go around dropping Aide’s ding-dong into the conversation or being a dirty little cougar. It’s unseemly. Got it?’
‘Then someone should tell him not to strut around the place in tracksuit bottoms with no briefs on,’ Judy argues. ‘It’s not right, letting it all hang out like a boa constrictor.’
‘I cannot with you today, Judith,’ Gaz says, getting to his feet and pretending to pick her up. ‘I just cannot. It’s time for your nap, dear.’
‘Fuck you,’ Judy says.
-----
‘I got you something and I need you to wear it tomorrow,’ he says. ‘It doesn’t have to be a big deal, so don’t make it one.’
I stare at him, gobsmacked, then down at the bag. ‘Okay,’ I say slowly. I peek in and I open it. It’s a bra.
A bra that may be the ugliest, most industrial-level undergarment I’ve ever seen.
‘It’s a bra,’ he says, attempting to put it back in my hands, but I hold them up in a back off gesture. ‘It’s for you.’
He’s lost the plot. He’s actually insane. ‘It’s hideous, and you have no place buying me a bra. This is totally inappropriate. And also, you know, really creepy.’
‘I need you to wear it,’ he says, and I’m amazed to hear the pleading tone in his voice. ‘Seriously, Carlotta, I need you to put your fucking tits away, properly, in a proper fucking bra, once and for all. Or I’ll—’
This guy gives nothing away. He’s as closed off as they come, from what I’ve seen. But, somehow, my boobs and I have worked him up so much in the past three days that we’ve driven him to go to a department store, buy me an actual—if revolting—bra, and express his darkest fantasies to me.
‘Not a good idea,’ he murmurs. He nudges me gently with his erection. ‘Can’t serve the kids with a raging boner, and I can’t get rid of it if you and your tits are hanging around, can I?’
---
‘But if you’re looking for a peep show today, you’ll be disappointed,’ she says blithely, ‘because I’m wearing your bra and it’s hideous.’
‘Show me,’ I say.
She shakes her head. ‘Nope. Too hot. Just the bra of doom. If you want to see it, you do the honours.
She’s in just the bra and her cutoffs now, and I survey the picture. Fuck, the bra is ugly—a shiny, depressing beige with sensible, supportive straps and not a nipple in sight. Still, it has her tits practically on a platter and it gives her one hell of a cleavage. When I drag my eyes downwards, the soft, tanned skin of her stomach draws me in.
‘Grim, isn’t it?’ she says.
‘There is nothing grim about you, Carlotta,’ I say. ‘Nice cleavage.’
She smirks. ‘You’ve sucked my boobs. I think you can call me Lotta.’
---
He grimaces as he eyes up the bra he gave me. ‘You can burn this,’ he says as he unhooks it.
‘Don’t worry,’ I tell him. ‘I plan to. I only wore it to make a point.’
‘Point made.’
---
‘Morning,’ he says in a low voice.
‘Why, good morning,’ I singsong cheerily.
‘You still staying at mine tonight?’ he asks my chest.
‘My boobs are still planning to spend the night with you, yes, and I was going to come along too if that’s okay?’
----
‘Can’t wait to have you in my bed.’
I shoot him a smile that telegraphs how similarly I feel. ‘How will we get back to yours?’
‘My driver, Andy, will pick us up.’
I snigger. ‘You’ve got so many personas I’m getting whiplash. I was indulging in some verbal foreplay with my bad boy builder, and then you throw bad boy billionaire into the mix. It could confuse a girl with a lesser intellect than mine.’
-----------
It’s almost laughable to me now that I saw his attraction as skin-deep at first. Sure, I came for his pecs.
But I stayed for his heart.
And I’m falling for him.
-----
‘Do you see the difference? I want you. I love you. I hate it when you’re not around. But I don’t want to be another person adding to your list of obligations.’
‘You will never, ever be that,’ he chokes out. ‘But you love me?’
I smile against his lips. ‘I do.’
He hums approvingly. ‘The other thing she mentioned was that I was probably self-sabotaging. You know, because of what she said about me being scared to love someone who doesn’t need me. But she also said it was encouraging that I’d fallen for someone strong and independent. She said it sounded like you had excellent boundaries.’
I preen. ‘Did she, now?’
‘I told her they were good, but not as excellent as your tits.’
‘Classy guy.’
‘Fuck, that was a lot of words.’ He bends to nuzzle at my neck.
‘I’m not sure where my caveman’s gone, that’s for sure.’
‘Ug.’
I laugh. ‘You can use your body now,’ I say helpfully.
He grins. ‘I love you.’
June 10, 2023
Sara Madderson’s writing in book one of her new Elgin series is, as always, utterly luxurious and gorgeous and is chock full of delightful British isms and entertaining banter. But good god, the lust between Aide and Lotta plays the starring role—raw, sensual, adoring, loving, and delightfully dirty. Prepare yourself to be wowed! And more than a little envious as you witness these two beautiful people, inside and out, fall in love.
June 13, 2023
Oh my goodness, Sara Madderson has done it again!! Lotta and Aide were fire together🔥🔥. Each had some initial preconceptions about each other that had to be overcome, but once that happened...... Whoa!
What's more attractive than a muscle bound builder? A billionaire muscle bound builder with a heart of gold who loves children..... Talk about irresistible. Lotta may seem like a spoiled socialite who hasn't done a day of work in her life, but she has hidden depths as well. Sara has developed these characters so well that you feel like you could meet them on the streets of London (or a local pub). Add in some amazing supporting characters (Gaz is my favorite I think, but Judy is a close second) and this book really comes to life. I love the epilogue and seeing a bit into their future. This is a great romantic (and steamy) read that I would definitely recommend!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
What's more attractive than a muscle bound builder? A billionaire muscle bound builder with a heart of gold who loves children..... Talk about irresistible. Lotta may seem like a spoiled socialite who hasn't done a day of work in her life, but she has hidden depths as well. Sara has developed these characters so well that you feel like you could meet them on the streets of London (or a local pub). Add in some amazing supporting characters (Gaz is my favorite I think, but Judy is a close second) and this book really comes to life. I love the epilogue and seeing a bit into their future. This is a great romantic (and steamy) read that I would definitely recommend!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
September 12, 2025
4.5⭐️
I just adore a good billionaire story — and this one is super unique with both MCs being billionaires — one by birthright and the other self-made through hard work following a childhood tragedy.
The relationship between MCs Lotta and Aide is witty, with sizzling attraction and a kind of vulnerability that made them so easy to root for. And as always with Elodie’s work, the spice is SO FREAKING GOOD!
These two characters are so well written. They feel like real people - and I fell hard for both of them. And you will too!
In the end, this is a low angst, hot, steamy, love story — one that had me captivated from the very beginning.
I just adore a good billionaire story — and this one is super unique with both MCs being billionaires — one by birthright and the other self-made through hard work following a childhood tragedy.
The relationship between MCs Lotta and Aide is witty, with sizzling attraction and a kind of vulnerability that made them so easy to root for. And as always with Elodie’s work, the spice is SO FREAKING GOOD!
These two characters are so well written. They feel like real people - and I fell hard for both of them. And you will too!
In the end, this is a low angst, hot, steamy, love story — one that had me captivated from the very beginning.
June 17, 2023
What an absolute delight!
I adore this author’s writing style, she has such a gift of painting the perfect picture with her words. May it be the characters, nature, the city, feelings, clothing or everyday objects - her storytelling provides such captivating, descriptive and beautiful real feeling it’s like the story lifts off the page and you are experiencing it in living color in front of your eyes. That’s how powerful and extraordinary Sara’s prose is.
Lotta and Aide are made for each other, and watching them discovering each other, their priorities and backgrounds was such a heartwarming journey. And when I say heartwarming, I mean melt your Kindle steamy!
I thoroughly enjoyed this reluctant billionaire romance and would certainly recommend it to everyone who enjoys a great love story.
I adore this author’s writing style, she has such a gift of painting the perfect picture with her words. May it be the characters, nature, the city, feelings, clothing or everyday objects - her storytelling provides such captivating, descriptive and beautiful real feeling it’s like the story lifts off the page and you are experiencing it in living color in front of your eyes. That’s how powerful and extraordinary Sara’s prose is.
Lotta and Aide are made for each other, and watching them discovering each other, their priorities and backgrounds was such a heartwarming journey. And when I say heartwarming, I mean melt your Kindle steamy!
I thoroughly enjoyed this reluctant billionaire romance and would certainly recommend it to everyone who enjoys a great love story.
June 7, 2023
Oh goodness, what a fun story! I loved Lotta and Aide. Aide at times was grumpy and caring and just what I want irl billionaires to be! Lotta, although you know enjoys the finer things, is caring and when she's wrong, not being a witch about it (case in point, the shoes). And steamy! Whew.
I really enjoyed their meet cute. Being at the center and in such close proximity? Yes please. Judy and Gaz were both riots and we all need a Judy in our lives to give us the what's what.
So much hilarity. When he went to Harrods (I hope I'm spelling it right) I was like, oh no bro, this is wrong, don't do it!
But a lot of realism too. I work for a Title 1 school and you worry about how much your students will get to eat during the summer. I felt Aides pain for the kids. You worry about them. This book showed us the high highs and the low lows of the real world.
Last but not least some updates of our past characters! A wedding! A baby?! I'm not saying who here, lol.
I really enjoyed their meet cute. Being at the center and in such close proximity? Yes please. Judy and Gaz were both riots and we all need a Judy in our lives to give us the what's what.
So much hilarity. When he went to Harrods (I hope I'm spelling it right) I was like, oh no bro, this is wrong, don't do it!
But a lot of realism too. I work for a Title 1 school and you worry about how much your students will get to eat during the summer. I felt Aides pain for the kids. You worry about them. This book showed us the high highs and the low lows of the real world.
Last but not least some updates of our past characters! A wedding! A baby?! I'm not saying who here, lol.
June 17, 2023
This book is a pleasure to read! Aide is a swoony hero with a lovely vulnerable side. Lotta is a bad @ss heroine who knows who she is and what she wants. Their love story is beautiful!
June 20, 2023
This book ticks off all the check boxes for a really satisfying romance. An immensely, deeply good guy. A smart, sassy heroine with a thing for a man who works with his hands. Hilarious and wise secondary characters. All the steam. Tons of laughs. This is an epic, swoony, page-turner you don’t want to miss!
June 12, 2023
Holy hotness!!!! Get your fans out!! Aide and Lotta are amazing as a pair. These two earned their HEA.
September 15, 2025
4.75/5
I literally swooned at Aide throughout this entire book. He was the epitome of what I would want in a book boyfriend. Between the description of what he looks like (uhm hellllooo Henry Cavil), to just the utter perfection he is in being the most selfless human being. His entire backstory made me just love him even more. Even Lotta had her moments of being truly great. Obviously, there's always going to be flaws in a human and I definitely felt that out of the pair of them Lotta had a lot of growing to do but together they got to grow together and that was truly beautiful.
The chemistry between them was HOT. There was so much more spice in this book than other books I've read from Sara and I'm absolutely here for it.
Judy hands down is my favorite character in this book (aside from the MMC of course) as she just comes out with the most hilarious lines in this book. Just one of many gems is this, "You're also the cleverest kid I've ever seen. But sometimes you are thick as pig shit". There are so many more and picking just one line is so hard.
Overall, this book was just so great. There are cameo's of other characters from other books but this can be read as a standalone but I would say read the other books just to get further into the world that Sara has created.
I literally swooned at Aide throughout this entire book. He was the epitome of what I would want in a book boyfriend. Between the description of what he looks like (uhm hellllooo Henry Cavil), to just the utter perfection he is in being the most selfless human being. His entire backstory made me just love him even more. Even Lotta had her moments of being truly great. Obviously, there's always going to be flaws in a human and I definitely felt that out of the pair of them Lotta had a lot of growing to do but together they got to grow together and that was truly beautiful.
The chemistry between them was HOT. There was so much more spice in this book than other books I've read from Sara and I'm absolutely here for it.
Judy hands down is my favorite character in this book (aside from the MMC of course) as she just comes out with the most hilarious lines in this book. Just one of many gems is this, "You're also the cleverest kid I've ever seen. But sometimes you are thick as pig shit". There are so many more and picking just one line is so hard.
Overall, this book was just so great. There are cameo's of other characters from other books but this can be read as a standalone but I would say read the other books just to get further into the world that Sara has created.
March 19, 2025
The Reluctant Billionaire
oh my god, it was such a stupid book. I regret reading it, and it's one of the few books where I skipped the smut parts because it was so uninteresting.
The story follows a rich girl who's building a community center. She's hardworking, but she has a crush on the main builder, thinking he's a regular working man. However, he's actually a billionaire, which she discovers later.
They start flirting and develop an interest in each other. He knows who she is, and they begin a relationship. She confronts him about his wealth, and they start dating.
The third-act breakup happens when he prioritizes others' well-being over her happiness. Eventually, they end up together, and the epilogue shows them married with kids.
I didn't enjoy this book at all. The story was basic, and the writing made it unbearable for me. I won't be reading this book again.
oh my god, it was such a stupid book. I regret reading it, and it's one of the few books where I skipped the smut parts because it was so uninteresting.
The story follows a rich girl who's building a community center. She's hardworking, but she has a crush on the main builder, thinking he's a regular working man. However, he's actually a billionaire, which she discovers later.
They start flirting and develop an interest in each other. He knows who she is, and they begin a relationship. She confronts him about his wealth, and they start dating.
The third-act breakup happens when he prioritizes others' well-being over her happiness. Eventually, they end up together, and the epilogue shows them married with kids.
I didn't enjoy this book at all. The story was basic, and the writing made it unbearable for me. I won't be reading this book again.
June 17, 2023
I loved this story from page 1, and it usually takes a few pages or chapters to really draw me in. I was laughing so hard during the first couple of chapters I had tears running down my eyes. Let me just say “awkward bra scene”, you’ll know when you get there!
Carlotta Montefiore-Charlton (Lotta) comes off as a spoiled, rich, princess in her Gucci t-shirt and $6,000 pink Dior Air Jordan high-tops, and a lacey bra that shows off her very ample breasts with a little peek-a-boo going on! The second she sets eyes on Aide she wants him; from his dirty, sweaty, white beater top, his ginormous arm porn, and his nice butt, to his big sweaty palms as he shakes her hand. She decides she must have a hardworking carpenter fantasy that’s coming to life!
Aiden Duffy (Aide) isn’t impressed with the princess in front of him. He’s incredibly attracted to her gorgeous body and beautiful face, but inwardly groans at the idea of this woman actually working and getting dirty at the work site. When she asks if they have a Nespresso machine, he knows she’s more princess than worker. But man, he’s attracted to her!
As they work together for the next two weeks, Lotta impresses him with how she digs in and helps. When she voluntarily helps serve breakfast to the kids of the neighborhood that depend on the center for meals, he realizes he’s misjudged her. The heat between them grows until they nearly combust before finally getting together.
But then Lotta finds out her sexy, manly builder is actually tech billionaire Aiden Duffy, she’s furious with him for lying to her. While he didn’t lie exactly, he hadn’t told her the truth, letting her think he would never fit in her world. When she confronts him a few days later in his Tom Ford, perfectly tailored suit, he shows her that no matter if he’s the carpenter of the billionaire entrepreneur, he can satisfy her desires.
These two come together so well, but not without some issues to work through. Aiden grew up poor and struggles with having so much money, so he overcompensates by giving of himself and his money to everyone. Lotta is trying to figure out how she can support him and let him know she wants him for him, not for what he can give her.
This is a low angst, hot, steamy, love story that had my Kindle smoking, and me unable to put it down. There are some really good secondary characters, Gaz, Judy, and Sylvie, that add a lot to this story as well. This is book 1 of Sara Madderson’s new Elgin series and I can’t wait for the next one. This is a 5-star read for sure and needs to be on your summer TBR!!
Carlotta Montefiore-Charlton (Lotta) comes off as a spoiled, rich, princess in her Gucci t-shirt and $6,000 pink Dior Air Jordan high-tops, and a lacey bra that shows off her very ample breasts with a little peek-a-boo going on! The second she sets eyes on Aide she wants him; from his dirty, sweaty, white beater top, his ginormous arm porn, and his nice butt, to his big sweaty palms as he shakes her hand. She decides she must have a hardworking carpenter fantasy that’s coming to life!
Aiden Duffy (Aide) isn’t impressed with the princess in front of him. He’s incredibly attracted to her gorgeous body and beautiful face, but inwardly groans at the idea of this woman actually working and getting dirty at the work site. When she asks if they have a Nespresso machine, he knows she’s more princess than worker. But man, he’s attracted to her!
As they work together for the next two weeks, Lotta impresses him with how she digs in and helps. When she voluntarily helps serve breakfast to the kids of the neighborhood that depend on the center for meals, he realizes he’s misjudged her. The heat between them grows until they nearly combust before finally getting together.
But then Lotta finds out her sexy, manly builder is actually tech billionaire Aiden Duffy, she’s furious with him for lying to her. While he didn’t lie exactly, he hadn’t told her the truth, letting her think he would never fit in her world. When she confronts him a few days later in his Tom Ford, perfectly tailored suit, he shows her that no matter if he’s the carpenter of the billionaire entrepreneur, he can satisfy her desires.
These two come together so well, but not without some issues to work through. Aiden grew up poor and struggles with having so much money, so he overcompensates by giving of himself and his money to everyone. Lotta is trying to figure out how she can support him and let him know she wants him for him, not for what he can give her.
This is a low angst, hot, steamy, love story that had my Kindle smoking, and me unable to put it down. There are some really good secondary characters, Gaz, Judy, and Sylvie, that add a lot to this story as well. This is book 1 of Sara Madderson’s new Elgin series and I can’t wait for the next one. This is a 5-star read for sure and needs to be on your summer TBR!!
June 15, 2023
Book one in the Elgin series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. Other characters from the author’s previous books make some appearances, but it only made me want to dive into her backlist. I did not feel like it affected the story. This book is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Lotta and Aide are both rich, only Lotta does not realize that when she first meets Aide at a community center refurb project. What she does know is that she is instantly attracted to the big, gruff hottie. Aide can’t deny his attraction to Lotta, but he believes her to be a bit of a spoiled princess. At first, readers see Lotta through Aide’s eyes and I was afraid I was not going to like her. Thankfully, the author quickly reveals to the reader and to Aide that appearances can be deceiving. Lotta is actually a wonderful character. I loved her strength, perseverance, and matter-of-act attitude. I adore that she owned her needs and her physical appearance with a confidence that was inspiring. I love how she accepts herself completely. She is a character with the wisdom of an old soul. Aide, on the other hand, is struggling with meshing the person he used to be with the person he is now. I really liked that Lotta was able to understand Aide so quickly and help him through some of his struggles. I loved Aide’s dirty mouth and mind. I really loved how much he appreciated Lotta for all that she is.
Lotta and Aide are super steamy together. (I would also like to say that I appreciated Aide’s hairy chest- Yum!) Heat radiates from the page. At the same time, they share a lot of emotion once they allow their vulnerabilities through. They fall for each other in the most beautiful way; becoming more to each other in a very short time. One of the things I appreciate most about this author is how she handles the third act of her books. Instead of a contrived and angsty dark moment, her couples tend to just have a minor wobble that is quickly resolved. I love that. Aide and Lotta handle their disagreement with maturity and communication.
(I also need to note that I adore the side characters in this book. In particular, Judy was a fun character to read. Usually, characters with my name have been the villainous type; it as a treat to read a character with my name who was a strong and fiery woman who says what is on her mind.)
This was a fantastic read that I didn’t want to put down. I am so excited to read more of this author’s work, and I believe I will be diving into that backlist soon.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Lotta and Aide are both rich, only Lotta does not realize that when she first meets Aide at a community center refurb project. What she does know is that she is instantly attracted to the big, gruff hottie. Aide can’t deny his attraction to Lotta, but he believes her to be a bit of a spoiled princess. At first, readers see Lotta through Aide’s eyes and I was afraid I was not going to like her. Thankfully, the author quickly reveals to the reader and to Aide that appearances can be deceiving. Lotta is actually a wonderful character. I loved her strength, perseverance, and matter-of-act attitude. I adore that she owned her needs and her physical appearance with a confidence that was inspiring. I love how she accepts herself completely. She is a character with the wisdom of an old soul. Aide, on the other hand, is struggling with meshing the person he used to be with the person he is now. I really liked that Lotta was able to understand Aide so quickly and help him through some of his struggles. I loved Aide’s dirty mouth and mind. I really loved how much he appreciated Lotta for all that she is.
Lotta and Aide are super steamy together. (I would also like to say that I appreciated Aide’s hairy chest- Yum!) Heat radiates from the page. At the same time, they share a lot of emotion once they allow their vulnerabilities through. They fall for each other in the most beautiful way; becoming more to each other in a very short time. One of the things I appreciate most about this author is how she handles the third act of her books. Instead of a contrived and angsty dark moment, her couples tend to just have a minor wobble that is quickly resolved. I love that. Aide and Lotta handle their disagreement with maturity and communication.
(I also need to note that I adore the side characters in this book. In particular, Judy was a fun character to read. Usually, characters with my name have been the villainous type; it as a treat to read a character with my name who was a strong and fiery woman who says what is on her mind.)
This was a fantastic read that I didn’t want to put down. I am so excited to read more of this author’s work, and I believe I will be diving into that backlist soon.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
June 17, 2023
My Thoughts: oh my days this book, I don’t even know where to start, I absolutely adored it, devoured it in one sitting and may even go as far as to say Aide and Lotta might just be my favourite Sara Madderson pairing yet..
They just had it all, the wit, the banter, the friendship and they definitely had the chemistry. They were both equally matched in all of it and gave as good as they got!
They meet at a community project that Lottas company is funding, they’re remodelling the kitchen in a community centre, the service they provide is essential to the families that live locally..
Aide is the foreman on the project and Lotta immediately swoons, she’s ready for a real man, one who isn’t afraid of hard work, who’s good with his hands in more ways than one, not someone like her past relationships where they sit around and throw cash at people to get things done…The only problem is that Aide is a billionaire, which is the last thing Lotta wants right now and she has no idea.
Lotta comes from money, she’s never wanted for anything and has never had to save a day in her life, she is aware how privileged she is, but also isn’t afraid to work either.
Aide is a self made billionaire who got a lucky break and support from the right person when he was young, so he knows what it’s like to be at the bottom of the pile so he puts his heart and soul into everything he does & you can really feel that oozing from the page.
Not only do the two of them have all the attributes you could want from the main characters of a rather spicy romance but they also had what a lot of them seem to lack and that’s the ability to communicate, once all the truths were out they talked throngs through like grown adults!
This book really has everything, the story is told in such great detail that it almost feels like a movie, I know I would definitely watch it!
I personally was really sad when it ended I could read about Aide, Lotta and their gang of lovable misfits (meant in the nicest way possible) forever.
Well done Sara on another beautifully written book that I am still thinking about over a week later.
🐧🩷
They just had it all, the wit, the banter, the friendship and they definitely had the chemistry. They were both equally matched in all of it and gave as good as they got!
They meet at a community project that Lottas company is funding, they’re remodelling the kitchen in a community centre, the service they provide is essential to the families that live locally..
Aide is the foreman on the project and Lotta immediately swoons, she’s ready for a real man, one who isn’t afraid of hard work, who’s good with his hands in more ways than one, not someone like her past relationships where they sit around and throw cash at people to get things done…The only problem is that Aide is a billionaire, which is the last thing Lotta wants right now and she has no idea.
Lotta comes from money, she’s never wanted for anything and has never had to save a day in her life, she is aware how privileged she is, but also isn’t afraid to work either.
Aide is a self made billionaire who got a lucky break and support from the right person when he was young, so he knows what it’s like to be at the bottom of the pile so he puts his heart and soul into everything he does & you can really feel that oozing from the page.
Not only do the two of them have all the attributes you could want from the main characters of a rather spicy romance but they also had what a lot of them seem to lack and that’s the ability to communicate, once all the truths were out they talked throngs through like grown adults!
This book really has everything, the story is told in such great detail that it almost feels like a movie, I know I would definitely watch it!
I personally was really sad when it ended I could read about Aide, Lotta and their gang of lovable misfits (meant in the nicest way possible) forever.
Well done Sara on another beautifully written book that I am still thinking about over a week later.
🐧🩷
June 12, 2023
This book was fantastic! It’s been awhile since I’ve read one of Sara’s books and I was so happy to be back! It was sweet and oh so spicy! Sara’s writing always makes me happy, it never complicated but always full of so many moving parts that just make sense. I loved being back in the world Sara created! She writes about the fanciest, richest, the most posh but also still very relatable characters and I love it every time.
I loved Lotta and Aide so much. They were so sweet together. They were exactly what the other needed. She was SO independent and he was a care giver almost to a fault. And while Lotta didn’t NEED him, she wanted him. And it took a second for Aide to realize he didn’t NEEDS to take care of her the way he takes care of literally everyone. But once they sorted that out they were officially unstoppable!
They slipped so easily into being a couple! They had obvious chemistry and tension and were both wildly attracted to each other. And since they couldn’t keep their hands off each other so becoming a couple was the easy, obvious choice. They had the thing where she was feeling lied to about who he really is, but once he told her she has always known the REAL him, that was it and it was so good!
I love how connected all of Sara’s books are! Everything is so intricate and thought out and done so well. Seeing everyone from past books and seeing how everyone knows each other is always so fun. This one has Josh and Elle’s wedding, and Falling Stars was the first book of Sara’s I read and I love seeing their story continue even from a distance!
Thank you so much to Sara Madderson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I cannot wait to see what’s next for her new series!
I loved Lotta and Aide so much. They were so sweet together. They were exactly what the other needed. She was SO independent and he was a care giver almost to a fault. And while Lotta didn’t NEED him, she wanted him. And it took a second for Aide to realize he didn’t NEEDS to take care of her the way he takes care of literally everyone. But once they sorted that out they were officially unstoppable!
They slipped so easily into being a couple! They had obvious chemistry and tension and were both wildly attracted to each other. And since they couldn’t keep their hands off each other so becoming a couple was the easy, obvious choice. They had the thing where she was feeling lied to about who he really is, but once he told her she has always known the REAL him, that was it and it was so good!
I love how connected all of Sara’s books are! Everything is so intricate and thought out and done so well. Seeing everyone from past books and seeing how everyone knows each other is always so fun. This one has Josh and Elle’s wedding, and Falling Stars was the first book of Sara’s I read and I love seeing their story continue even from a distance!
Thank you so much to Sara Madderson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I cannot wait to see what’s next for her new series!
June 19, 2023
Sara Madderson has this thing where she gives me unrealistic expectations on men and she doesn’t seem to be stoping this pattern anytime soon. I’m not complaining.
One of the things I love the most about her books are how well fleshed out her characters are. We can totally feel like they’re real people and not just characters in a book. We feel with them and understand them.
Aide is so sweet and always there for the people he loves, he’s what every self made billionaire should be because we would be so much better as a society if people were so selfless and generous as he is. But he’s also so sizzling hot. I wouldn’t even mind if he were the builder Lotta thought he was, but the bits with him being the dressed up CEO? Really appreciate those too.
And Lotta is a blast. I laughed so hard at her internal monologues (they sounded extremely relatable) but she is also smart and compassionate and I’m pretty sure they will achieve amazing things.
The social commentary it’s so good too! Sara has a way of including relevant themes in her books. Here we can see Aide being conflicted between his humble upbringing and the life he made for himself and it’s so well done. It shows different aspects of life and the two sides finding a common ground.
The only thing I will inform here is that they get together really quickly so don’t expect a slow burn because you’ll be disappointed. It’s not insta-love but it is insta-lust so they start going at it pretty soon. But trust me on this, it’s made perfectly and you don’t even miss the slow burn. This relationship develops in a really wholesome way (yes, wholesome even if they’re going at it like rabbits covered in filth)
I know I say this about every Sara’s book but I LOVE IT!! And she deserves the praise and I’m not only saying this because I’ve got an ARC, she really is my favourite contemporary romance author and she’s amazing.
One of the things I love the most about her books are how well fleshed out her characters are. We can totally feel like they’re real people and not just characters in a book. We feel with them and understand them.
Aide is so sweet and always there for the people he loves, he’s what every self made billionaire should be because we would be so much better as a society if people were so selfless and generous as he is. But he’s also so sizzling hot. I wouldn’t even mind if he were the builder Lotta thought he was, but the bits with him being the dressed up CEO? Really appreciate those too.
And Lotta is a blast. I laughed so hard at her internal monologues (they sounded extremely relatable) but she is also smart and compassionate and I’m pretty sure they will achieve amazing things.
The social commentary it’s so good too! Sara has a way of including relevant themes in her books. Here we can see Aide being conflicted between his humble upbringing and the life he made for himself and it’s so well done. It shows different aspects of life and the two sides finding a common ground.
The only thing I will inform here is that they get together really quickly so don’t expect a slow burn because you’ll be disappointed. It’s not insta-love but it is insta-lust so they start going at it pretty soon. But trust me on this, it’s made perfectly and you don’t even miss the slow burn. This relationship develops in a really wholesome way (yes, wholesome even if they’re going at it like rabbits covered in filth)
I know I say this about every Sara’s book but I LOVE IT!! And she deserves the praise and I’m not only saying this because I’ve got an ARC, she really is my favourite contemporary romance author and she’s amazing.
June 18, 2023
Steamy!
Aidan Duffy is an intelligent, powerful man. He’s an intellectual powerhouse who developed a groundbreaking medical data system, and who volunteers at a community center in his spare time. He’s the perfect hero. But when Carlotta Montefiore Charlton shows up at his community center to help volunteer, Aide turns into a blithering caveman unable to see past Lotta’s charms. She stuns him stupid.
Lotta only sees the muscled, sweaty builder who she thinks she’s going to have a fun romp with. She almost misses the Aide who is kind, generous and cares deeply about anyone that has less than he’s been blessed with. She has no idea his brains have made him a fortune.
When all their truths come out, Aide and Lotta have explosive chemistry. I think this is Sara Madderson’s steamiest book yet, it’s a super schmexy book!
Aidan Duffy is an intelligent, powerful man. He’s an intellectual powerhouse who developed a groundbreaking medical data system, and who volunteers at a community center in his spare time. He’s the perfect hero. But when Carlotta Montefiore Charlton shows up at his community center to help volunteer, Aide turns into a blithering caveman unable to see past Lotta’s charms. She stuns him stupid.
Lotta only sees the muscled, sweaty builder who she thinks she’s going to have a fun romp with. She almost misses the Aide who is kind, generous and cares deeply about anyone that has less than he’s been blessed with. She has no idea his brains have made him a fortune.
When all their truths come out, Aide and Lotta have explosive chemistry. I think this is Sara Madderson’s steamiest book yet, it’s a super schmexy book!
June 16, 2023
I haven’t read a billionaire book in quite some time so it felt like the perfect time to read The Reluctant Billionaire, especially cause it’s by one of my favourite authors!
‘If I’m ice, this woman is fire.’
Lotta is aware she’s very privileged, having grown up in a wealthy family and co-owning a business with her brother. She is ready for someone different than rich men and playboys, so when her brother tells her she has to volunteer at a refurbishment of a community town hall, she hopes there could be someone who isn’t afraid to get a bit of dirt on his hands and looks the part of a builder. Then she meets Aide, who fits this description perfectly, but the only issue is he is absolutely infuriating.
‘Just warning you. I want this for us someday, and I’m not planning to wait too long. Because I’m not letting you go.’
Aide is distracted by Lotta from the get go and seemingly cannot get her out of his head. He thinks she is just a princess who has never worked a hard day in her life, so doesn’t understand why she is helping out on the community project. But Aide is hiding the fact that he is a self-made billionaire so as Aide and Lotta spend more time together and get closer, Lotta may just find herself in a situation with just the kind of person she was trying to avoid.
This book had everything I needed! Spice, a lot of chemistry and tension and I loved the story associated with the community centre and the team spirit really came through with this book. It was such a fun read and I devoured it within two days!
*Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
‘If I’m ice, this woman is fire.’
Lotta is aware she’s very privileged, having grown up in a wealthy family and co-owning a business with her brother. She is ready for someone different than rich men and playboys, so when her brother tells her she has to volunteer at a refurbishment of a community town hall, she hopes there could be someone who isn’t afraid to get a bit of dirt on his hands and looks the part of a builder. Then she meets Aide, who fits this description perfectly, but the only issue is he is absolutely infuriating.
‘Just warning you. I want this for us someday, and I’m not planning to wait too long. Because I’m not letting you go.’
Aide is distracted by Lotta from the get go and seemingly cannot get her out of his head. He thinks she is just a princess who has never worked a hard day in her life, so doesn’t understand why she is helping out on the community project. But Aide is hiding the fact that he is a self-made billionaire so as Aide and Lotta spend more time together and get closer, Lotta may just find herself in a situation with just the kind of person she was trying to avoid.
This book had everything I needed! Spice, a lot of chemistry and tension and I loved the story associated with the community centre and the team spirit really came through with this book. It was such a fun read and I devoured it within two days!
*Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 10, 2023
Do you ever wonder what it's like to live the life of the rich and famous? I feel like that's the world I dive into every time I read one of Sara Madderson's books. There are always posh environments, gorgeous clothes and atmosphere, and food porn for days. This story reminded me how nice it is to escape to one of Sara's worlds.
Aidan, or Aide as he's known to his friends, is leading up the renovation of the community center that he frequented as a kid. Back then, he was just another poor kid who needed help with the basics, like a meal before school. Now, he's a billionaire tech mogul and he's able to fund a lot of the renovations to the center. He's included Venus, a real estate company, to help and one of their founders is helping with the renovations. Carlotta is wealthy in her own right, grew up privileged and made Venus what it is. She spots Aide, a hunky builder in her eyes, on day one and resolves herself to lusting over him constantly. She never knew she had a builder kink until this guy. The chemistry between them is electric but what will happen when Lotta realizes the humble blue collar guy she's crushing on is really a billionaire and she's actually already met him?
I really, really liked Aide in this book. He's got a heart of gold and really tries his best to give back. He's not flashy at all and is just a good, solid person. Lotta was strong and independent, which I love in a female lead. Together, they were giving serious fireworks.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Aidan, or Aide as he's known to his friends, is leading up the renovation of the community center that he frequented as a kid. Back then, he was just another poor kid who needed help with the basics, like a meal before school. Now, he's a billionaire tech mogul and he's able to fund a lot of the renovations to the center. He's included Venus, a real estate company, to help and one of their founders is helping with the renovations. Carlotta is wealthy in her own right, grew up privileged and made Venus what it is. She spots Aide, a hunky builder in her eyes, on day one and resolves herself to lusting over him constantly. She never knew she had a builder kink until this guy. The chemistry between them is electric but what will happen when Lotta realizes the humble blue collar guy she's crushing on is really a billionaire and she's actually already met him?
I really, really liked Aide in this book. He's got a heart of gold and really tries his best to give back. He's not flashy at all and is just a good, solid person. Lotta was strong and independent, which I love in a female lead. Together, they were giving serious fireworks.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 18, 2023
My words simply cannot do this book justice! The author knocked it out of the park again in this mistaken identity trope love story! Aide and Lotta jump off the paper and ignite the pages with their off the charts chemistry and their witty banter. Aide is the perfect book boyfriend with his grumpy heart of gold! He’s thoughtful and kind and hot hot hot in and out of the bedroom! And Lotta is a strong female lead who knows who she is and is not at all what she seems when we first meet her.
Their love story is real, romantic, steamy and add in some laughter, friendship and a great cast of side characters and this book is a winner!
Their love story is real, romantic, steamy and add in some laughter, friendship and a great cast of side characters and this book is a winner!
June 18, 2023
There is a five alarm fire burning out of control between the pages of Sara Madderson’s latest release, TRB!
Aide is THE TOTAL PACKAGE. He has a heart of gold, is totally easy on the eyes, and just so happens to be a self-made billionaire! What more could one want?
Lotta is confident, gorgeous, also successful, and loves to have fun. Together these two are unstoppable.
This alluring read is a low-angst, sugary sweet story that will leave you blushing and completely satisfied.
Aide is THE TOTAL PACKAGE. He has a heart of gold, is totally easy on the eyes, and just so happens to be a self-made billionaire! What more could one want?
Lotta is confident, gorgeous, also successful, and loves to have fun. Together these two are unstoppable.
This alluring read is a low-angst, sugary sweet story that will leave you blushing and completely satisfied.
June 18, 2023
Phew that was a ride, Aide Duffy wow what a guy. What a book 🔥
I'm a huge Sara Madderson fan and this book was up there with all of her that I have thoroughly devoured and enjoyed.
You can imagine my excitement when a past character from the Sorrel Farm books Astrid Carmichael makes an appearance. It really made me smile.
The ending of this book was perfect and was everything I was hoping for.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm a huge Sara Madderson fan and this book was up there with all of her that I have thoroughly devoured and enjoyed.
You can imagine my excitement when a past character from the Sorrel Farm books Astrid Carmichael makes an appearance. It really made me smile.
The ending of this book was perfect and was everything I was hoping for.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 12, 2023
"Roots are strong, stubborn f*****s, and it's far harder to uproot yourself, reinvent yourself, than anyone ever gives you credit for."
In all the billionaire romances I've read, I've never read a hero quite like Aide. Reluctant is right! Growing up poor and then making it big in the tech world, he carries a lot of assumptions about the wealthy and guilt for where he is in life. Figuring out how to honor his roots and appreciate what he's accomplished is easier said than done.
Enter Lotta, a socialite girl boss whose company is partnering with Aide to rebuild a community center. There's instant lust, but Aide and Lotta have some preconceived notions about each other that have to be addressed.
This is a low-angst, high spice story, and the first in Madderson's new Elgin series. You get a peek at some past characters from other series, but The Reluctant Billionare is a true standalone. It is a fun, sexy read with characters you root for and I can't wait for book 2!
In all the billionaire romances I've read, I've never read a hero quite like Aide. Reluctant is right! Growing up poor and then making it big in the tech world, he carries a lot of assumptions about the wealthy and guilt for where he is in life. Figuring out how to honor his roots and appreciate what he's accomplished is easier said than done.
Enter Lotta, a socialite girl boss whose company is partnering with Aide to rebuild a community center. There's instant lust, but Aide and Lotta have some preconceived notions about each other that have to be addressed.
This is a low-angst, high spice story, and the first in Madderson's new Elgin series. You get a peek at some past characters from other series, but The Reluctant Billionare is a true standalone. It is a fun, sexy read with characters you root for and I can't wait for book 2!
June 17, 2023
Another smashing read from Sara Madderson with the first in the Elgin series. It was lovely to see the reappearance of previous characters but the book could still be read as a stand alone story.
The sensuality, lust and steamy scenes between good-guy Aide and smart-girl Lotta are second to none! I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for more!
I received this book as an ARC and am writing this review voluntarily.
The sensuality, lust and steamy scenes between good-guy Aide and smart-girl Lotta are second to none! I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for more!
I received this book as an ARC and am writing this review voluntarily.
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