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How to Train Your Billionaire
New York Times
and
USA Today
bestselling author Kendall Ryan whips up a frothy fish-out-of-water romance, where witty banter meets jet-setting adventure—and sparks fly in first-class style.
Accountant Frankie Anderson seems down for the count. Laid off, single, and desperate for a fresh start, she takes an unlikely job as travel companion to billionaire Charles Winthrop—a grandfatherly eccentric with a private jet and a soft spot for strays. The perks? Staying in luxury estates, sun-soaked days in Hawaii, and glamorous nights on the French Riviera. The catch? His nephew.
Hayes Winters is grumpy, guarded, and annoyingly good-looking. Their first encounter—a spat erupting from her all-out battle with a broken vending machine—convinces him he doesn’t want Frankie anywhere near him or his family. He doesn’t trust her motives, and she doesn’t care what he thinks. But somewhere between late-night omelets and lavender fields, their banter turns into something neither of them expected.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly what old Charles had in mind. Because sometimes the best journeys aren’t the ones you plan—they’re the ones that lead you home.
Accountant Frankie Anderson seems down for the count. Laid off, single, and desperate for a fresh start, she takes an unlikely job as travel companion to billionaire Charles Winthrop—a grandfatherly eccentric with a private jet and a soft spot for strays. The perks? Staying in luxury estates, sun-soaked days in Hawaii, and glamorous nights on the French Riviera. The catch? His nephew.
Hayes Winters is grumpy, guarded, and annoyingly good-looking. Their first encounter—a spat erupting from her all-out battle with a broken vending machine—convinces him he doesn’t want Frankie anywhere near him or his family. He doesn’t trust her motives, and she doesn’t care what he thinks. But somewhere between late-night omelets and lavender fields, their banter turns into something neither of them expected.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly what old Charles had in mind. Because sometimes the best journeys aren’t the ones you plan—they’re the ones that lead you home.
271 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2026
About the author
Kendall Ryan
130 books18.5k followersKendall Ryan is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of flirty, feel-good romance filled with heart, heat, and plenty of banter. An American author who has lived all over the world, her books have sold millions of copies and been translated into multiple languages. She writes swoony heroes, bold heroines, and stories that make you laugh, blush, and fall in love. When she’s not dreaming up new plotlines, she is a proud mom to two amazing sons and the wife of her real-life hero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
March 10, 2026
2.5 stars rounded up.
*Sigh* I struggled with this one. I love Kendall Ryan, but this book didn’t sound like her. I actually had to double check to make sure there wasn’t another author named Kendall Ryan and I was reading her book instead.
I found the characters to be flat and the story unbelievable. I couldn’t grasp how this stranger was hired to be a companion for an old man while he traveled around the world. It would have worked if they were visiting offices for the company around the world. I’d buy that, but all this girl did was relax on beaches and yachts and complain about her bosses hot nephew. Eh.
Some of the book flew by and didn’t make sense. They both flirt with other people, and our MMC brings another girl on the yacht and to his room. We never find out for sure if they slept together. Then they are all over each other, but it is closed door.
When Frankie gets a new job out of the blue it took be aback. I had to go back to make sure I didn’t miss something.
When Frankie forgives Hayes and sleeps with him again, I was mad. Like, girl, remember the first time when you didn’t just wake up alone but he left for a whole different country? That’s not commitment issues, that is a red flag!
I don’t know. I didn’t fully enjoy this one but I think it has potential. I love this author and think this one simply wasn’t for me.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
*Sigh* I struggled with this one. I love Kendall Ryan, but this book didn’t sound like her. I actually had to double check to make sure there wasn’t another author named Kendall Ryan and I was reading her book instead.
I found the characters to be flat and the story unbelievable. I couldn’t grasp how this stranger was hired to be a companion for an old man while he traveled around the world. It would have worked if they were visiting offices for the company around the world. I’d buy that, but all this girl did was relax on beaches and yachts and complain about her bosses hot nephew. Eh.
Some of the book flew by and didn’t make sense. They both flirt with other people, and our MMC brings another girl on the yacht and to his room. We never find out for sure if they slept together. Then they are all over each other, but it is closed door.
When Frankie gets a new job out of the blue it took be aback. I had to go back to make sure I didn’t miss something.
When Frankie forgives Hayes and sleeps with him again, I was mad. Like, girl, remember the first time when you didn’t just wake up alone but he left for a whole different country? That’s not commitment issues, that is a red flag!
I don’t know. I didn’t fully enjoy this one but I think it has potential. I love this author and think this one simply wasn’t for me.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2026
This was a nice read and i have a soft spot for the elder generation (Charles who is Hayes’ uncle.) , Frankie is just an “ordinary” girl who’s recently lost her job and meets Hayes who is a grumpy billionaire. Hayes isn’t a fan of Frankie at the start but the more time he spends around her, the more he realises he may be wrong. I really throughly enjoyed this ARC, it had some witty banter (im also changing my wifi to one of these in the book cause i thought it was brilliant), I think Hayes character development is great and the way they both deal with the circumstances/problems at hand, If you like witty banter and a fast paced book this is for you.
The tropes for this is:
Billionaire romance
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Thank you Netgalley and Kendall Ryan for this ARC
The tropes for this is:
Billionaire romance
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Thank you Netgalley and Kendall Ryan for this ARC
May 29, 2026
Did not finish
She's 30 years old, presumably educated, but the best language/insults she can come up with sound straight out of middle school/high school? Nope. Waste of money and time.
She's 30 years old, presumably educated, but the best language/insults she can come up with sound straight out of middle school/high school? Nope. Waste of money and time.
May 26, 2026
such a sweet opposites attract romance <3
March 12, 2026
This was my first Kendall Ryan book and it started off extremely promising, but it felt like Frankie’s character wasn’t fully developed. In the beginning she’s talking in hashtags and emojis and then it just abruptly stops. Then when she decides to create a dating profile, and asks ChatGPT to write everything for her? That was a big no for me. Their relationship had so much potential but it felt so surface level and abrupt, especially with all the other women he was also seeing at the same time. Based off the cover, I was expecting something definitely more spicy but it was entirely closed door. Not a problem for me, because I’ve been more in the mood for less spice lately.
Thank you netgalley and Kendall for the ARC
Thank you netgalley and Kendall for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Setup
How To Train Your Billionaire tells the story of Frankie, a recently laid-off accountant who isn't sure what her next move is—except that she knows she loves what she does and is determined to find her next opportunity. Enter Hayes, a wealthy billionaire she encounters first as the target of her frustration over a broken vending machine on the day she was fired. When she later interviews with him for a job and can't help but call him an asshole, she's written off as unstable.
But Hayes's uncle Charles, an 82-year-old with a sharp wit and sharper judgment of character, overhears the exchange and decides he likes Frankie's spunk. He hires her to be his traveling companion, which puts her in Hayes's orbit whether he likes it or not.
What Worked
The Chemistry Through Action, Not Words
The brilliance of this romance is how much of the connection builds through Frankie's actions—her genuine care for Charles, her integrity, her ability to see beyond Hayes's billionaire armor. Hayes doesn't trust her at first (he thinks she's unstable), but watching him show up at each destination, stay a few days, then leave, creates this perfect rhythm of push and pull. You feel his walls coming down even when the internal dialogue is sparse.
Charles as the Secret Weapon
Hayes's uncle steals every scene he's in. Hiring Frankie specifically because she had the nerve to stand up to his nephew is the kind of knowing move that makes a character unforgettable. He's the catalyst that forces Hayes to see Frankie, and his presence adds layers of warmth and humor to what could have been a heavy dynamic.
A Billionaire with Depth
Hayes isn't a cardboard cutout. His wealth and success are real, but his damage—rooted in his parents' terrible marriage—makes him wary of connection and trust. The book acknowledges that he has real emotional barriers, and watching him begin to dismantle them is satisfying.
The Romance Payoff
Once the romance finally ignites (at the French Riviera, conveniently after Hayes shows up "because he was already in Nice"), it's earned. The foundation of trust and understanding is there, and when they finally start opening up to each other and their walls come down, it feels genuine.
What Didn't Quite Land
The Title-to-Plot Disconnect
The title How To Train Your Billionaire suggests a lighthearted premise of Frankie deliberately molding or changing Hayes. In reality, she's never trying to train him—she's just being herself, and that's what changes his perspective. The title feels like it promises a different book than the one delivered.
The Glacial Pacing
At nearly 60% through before a single kiss, the slow burn becomes glacial. While slow burns can create tension, this one occasionally feels like it's spinning its wheels rather than building momentum. Some chapters feel repetitive in their Hayes-shows-up-and-questions-Frankie dynamic.
Wishing for More Internal Access
This is where I wanted more. The narrative teases at their growing feelings—we catch glimpses of Hayes's shifting perspective and Frankie's emotional journey—but there's a frustrating distance. More internal monologue about what they're realizing about each other, their fears, their hopes as the walls come down would have deepened the emotional impact. We feel the shift, but we could have experienced it more fully.
Closed Door Romance Limitation
For readers seeking heat and physical connection, this closed-door approach will feel restrictive. The romance works because of emotional intimacy, but some readers may find the lack of physical intensity limiting.
Final Thoughts
How To Train Your Billionaire is a character-driven romance that values emotional connection over external fireworks. Frankie is likable and spirited, Hayes's journey from distrustful to vulnerable is believable, and Charles is a delight. The slow burn annoyed me while reading it, but in retrospect, it served the story—when they finally come together, you believe in them.
Is it a perfect read? No. The pacing could tighten, the title could better reflect the plot, and I would have loved more internal access to their evolving feelings. But if you enjoy closed-door romance with genuine character development and a billionaire who's actually worth his emotional baggage, this is worth your time.
Best for: Readers who love character-driven slow burns, closed-door romance, and wealthy heroes with real vulnerabilities. If you need heat and fast-paced romance, this isn't the book for you.
How To Train Your Billionaire tells the story of Frankie, a recently laid-off accountant who isn't sure what her next move is—except that she knows she loves what she does and is determined to find her next opportunity. Enter Hayes, a wealthy billionaire she encounters first as the target of her frustration over a broken vending machine on the day she was fired. When she later interviews with him for a job and can't help but call him an asshole, she's written off as unstable.
But Hayes's uncle Charles, an 82-year-old with a sharp wit and sharper judgment of character, overhears the exchange and decides he likes Frankie's spunk. He hires her to be his traveling companion, which puts her in Hayes's orbit whether he likes it or not.
What Worked
The Chemistry Through Action, Not Words
The brilliance of this romance is how much of the connection builds through Frankie's actions—her genuine care for Charles, her integrity, her ability to see beyond Hayes's billionaire armor. Hayes doesn't trust her at first (he thinks she's unstable), but watching him show up at each destination, stay a few days, then leave, creates this perfect rhythm of push and pull. You feel his walls coming down even when the internal dialogue is sparse.
Charles as the Secret Weapon
Hayes's uncle steals every scene he's in. Hiring Frankie specifically because she had the nerve to stand up to his nephew is the kind of knowing move that makes a character unforgettable. He's the catalyst that forces Hayes to see Frankie, and his presence adds layers of warmth and humor to what could have been a heavy dynamic.
A Billionaire with Depth
Hayes isn't a cardboard cutout. His wealth and success are real, but his damage—rooted in his parents' terrible marriage—makes him wary of connection and trust. The book acknowledges that he has real emotional barriers, and watching him begin to dismantle them is satisfying.
The Romance Payoff
Once the romance finally ignites (at the French Riviera, conveniently after Hayes shows up "because he was already in Nice"), it's earned. The foundation of trust and understanding is there, and when they finally start opening up to each other and their walls come down, it feels genuine.
What Didn't Quite Land
The Title-to-Plot Disconnect
The title How To Train Your Billionaire suggests a lighthearted premise of Frankie deliberately molding or changing Hayes. In reality, she's never trying to train him—she's just being herself, and that's what changes his perspective. The title feels like it promises a different book than the one delivered.
The Glacial Pacing
At nearly 60% through before a single kiss, the slow burn becomes glacial. While slow burns can create tension, this one occasionally feels like it's spinning its wheels rather than building momentum. Some chapters feel repetitive in their Hayes-shows-up-and-questions-Frankie dynamic.
Wishing for More Internal Access
This is where I wanted more. The narrative teases at their growing feelings—we catch glimpses of Hayes's shifting perspective and Frankie's emotional journey—but there's a frustrating distance. More internal monologue about what they're realizing about each other, their fears, their hopes as the walls come down would have deepened the emotional impact. We feel the shift, but we could have experienced it more fully.
Closed Door Romance Limitation
For readers seeking heat and physical connection, this closed-door approach will feel restrictive. The romance works because of emotional intimacy, but some readers may find the lack of physical intensity limiting.
Final Thoughts
How To Train Your Billionaire is a character-driven romance that values emotional connection over external fireworks. Frankie is likable and spirited, Hayes's journey from distrustful to vulnerable is believable, and Charles is a delight. The slow burn annoyed me while reading it, but in retrospect, it served the story—when they finally come together, you believe in them.
Is it a perfect read? No. The pacing could tighten, the title could better reflect the plot, and I would have loved more internal access to their evolving feelings. But if you enjoy closed-door romance with genuine character development and a billionaire who's actually worth his emotional baggage, this is worth your time.
Best for: Readers who love character-driven slow burns, closed-door romance, and wealthy heroes with real vulnerabilities. If you need heat and fast-paced romance, this isn't the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Welcome back to my reading radar, Kendall Ryan. It’s been a long time since I’ve read something new from you that I truly loved, and How to Train Your Billionaire reminded me exactly why I keep coming back.
This writing style is classic Kendall Ryan. Light, polished, and easy to move through, with pacing that keeps things flowing. The dialogue shines. The banter feels natural, quick, and just sharp enough to keep you engaged. It’s the kind of book you pick up for “one chapter” and suddenly you’re halfway through.
I read an ARC of How to Train Your Billionaire courtesy of NetGalley, and from the first chapter, it delivered exactly what I crave in a billionaire romance book. Think witty banter romance, grumpy sunshine vibes, and luxury travel romance all wrapped into one indulgent escape.
Let’s start with the highlights, because there are plenty. The witty banter is sharp and playful, the kind that feels effortless but lands every time. The jet-setting romance element? Exactly how I want my billionaire stories to feel. Private jets, dreamy destinations, sun-soaked indulgence. It’s pure escapist romance fiction with first-class energy.
Frankie starts off at rock bottom. Laid off, single, and searching for direction. What I appreciated most is that her journey is about stepping into a completely unfamiliar world and learning how to hold her own in it. She doesn’t transform into someone else. She evolves, and that growth feels earned.
But here’s the twist I didn’t expect. While the premise hints at a certain dynamic, we actually spend more time with Charles Winthrop, the grandfather, than the nephew. And honestly? I wasn’t mad at it. Frankie and Charles were pure magic together. Their connection added warmth and heart, giving this contemporary romance novel a little extra soul beneath all the glamour.
Now, Hayes. The grumpy one. The broody billionaire hero we expect in a grumpy sunshine romance. Guarded, skeptical, emotionally locked down. But as the story unfolds, you start to see the layers behind that attitude. And that meet cute? A full-on vending machine battle that instantly sets the tone. It’s chaotic, funny, and completely hooks you into their chemistry. Watching that tension slowly evolve into something deeper is exactly why this works as a slow burn romance.
And yes, we need to talk about the WiFi codes. “PrettyFlyForWifi”? I laughed out loud. That one is absolutely being borrowed. My apartment building is about to get very creative. If you love those quirky little details that make a story memorable, this book delivers.
That said, I do have one standing pet peeve when it comes to billionaire romances. If we’re calling someone a billionaire, I need consistency. We get yachts, the French Riviera, helicopter moments… and then commercial flights to Hawaii? It pulled me out a bit. I don’t mind it if there’s a reason. Give me a line about sustainability or privacy. When it’s not addressed, it feels like a missed opportunity in character development, especially for readers who love fully immersive luxury lifestyle romance.
Still, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the ride. This is a fun, flirty romance read with strong escapism, lovable characters, and just enough depth to keep it grounded.
Who is this book for? If you love witty banter, grumpy sunshine dynamics, and romance that leans heavily into travel and lifestyle escapism, this is absolutely your lane. It’s perfect for readers who want something light but still emotionally satisfying.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
If you’re searching for your next billionaire romance read, love jet-set love stories, and crave banter-filled romantic comedies, this one is absolutely worth packing in your carry-on.
This writing style is classic Kendall Ryan. Light, polished, and easy to move through, with pacing that keeps things flowing. The dialogue shines. The banter feels natural, quick, and just sharp enough to keep you engaged. It’s the kind of book you pick up for “one chapter” and suddenly you’re halfway through.
I read an ARC of How to Train Your Billionaire courtesy of NetGalley, and from the first chapter, it delivered exactly what I crave in a billionaire romance book. Think witty banter romance, grumpy sunshine vibes, and luxury travel romance all wrapped into one indulgent escape.
Let’s start with the highlights, because there are plenty. The witty banter is sharp and playful, the kind that feels effortless but lands every time. The jet-setting romance element? Exactly how I want my billionaire stories to feel. Private jets, dreamy destinations, sun-soaked indulgence. It’s pure escapist romance fiction with first-class energy.
Frankie starts off at rock bottom. Laid off, single, and searching for direction. What I appreciated most is that her journey is about stepping into a completely unfamiliar world and learning how to hold her own in it. She doesn’t transform into someone else. She evolves, and that growth feels earned.
But here’s the twist I didn’t expect. While the premise hints at a certain dynamic, we actually spend more time with Charles Winthrop, the grandfather, than the nephew. And honestly? I wasn’t mad at it. Frankie and Charles were pure magic together. Their connection added warmth and heart, giving this contemporary romance novel a little extra soul beneath all the glamour.
Now, Hayes. The grumpy one. The broody billionaire hero we expect in a grumpy sunshine romance. Guarded, skeptical, emotionally locked down. But as the story unfolds, you start to see the layers behind that attitude. And that meet cute? A full-on vending machine battle that instantly sets the tone. It’s chaotic, funny, and completely hooks you into their chemistry. Watching that tension slowly evolve into something deeper is exactly why this works as a slow burn romance.
And yes, we need to talk about the WiFi codes. “PrettyFlyForWifi”? I laughed out loud. That one is absolutely being borrowed. My apartment building is about to get very creative. If you love those quirky little details that make a story memorable, this book delivers.
That said, I do have one standing pet peeve when it comes to billionaire romances. If we’re calling someone a billionaire, I need consistency. We get yachts, the French Riviera, helicopter moments… and then commercial flights to Hawaii? It pulled me out a bit. I don’t mind it if there’s a reason. Give me a line about sustainability or privacy. When it’s not addressed, it feels like a missed opportunity in character development, especially for readers who love fully immersive luxury lifestyle romance.
Still, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the ride. This is a fun, flirty romance read with strong escapism, lovable characters, and just enough depth to keep it grounded.
Who is this book for? If you love witty banter, grumpy sunshine dynamics, and romance that leans heavily into travel and lifestyle escapism, this is absolutely your lane. It’s perfect for readers who want something light but still emotionally satisfying.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
If you’re searching for your next billionaire romance read, love jet-set love stories, and crave banter-filled romantic comedies, this one is absolutely worth packing in your carry-on.
May 31, 2026
I normally enjoy books by this author but this one didn’t quite do it for me like I thought. The concept and storyline was cute but there was also a sad moment. It didn’t have the effect I thought it would. I felt like most of the book didn’t really focus on Hayes and Frankie. It was more about Frankie and Charles or just Frankie. I think it would have been more effective if say, Frankie worked for Hayes instead of Charles. You would have a workplace romance that I’m used to and more temptation. I feel like Frankie and Hayes didn’t really see each other so they couldn’t really play with the idea of desiring one another or in close proximity with each other. I felt like they could come and go as they please and bring in different options for dates which did happen. How can you entertain the idea of a relationship between Hayes and Frankie if they barely see each other? The attraction didn’t even come into play until the halfway point which is usually when both the hero and heroine have sex the first time. When they finally do, it wasn’t even clear if they did or not. One minute he pushed her against the wall and they are kissing, the next they both are in the same bed and Frankie is waking up by herself. Even when they have sex again but at the end of the book it felt like the same thing from earlier. It was missing passion and an intense need to be intimate and close to each other. This was also missing, going back to my belief that the chemistry needs to be so seamless that you feel like the hero and heroine are undressing each other with their gaze and eyes. I didn’t feel this between Frankie and Hayes, not at all. The only connection I gathered from them was mental. They clicked mentally and had things in common that you wouldn’t normally place between a billionaire and someone who doesn’t have as much. Overall, there wasn’t much that happened in this book, which was a shame. It just has Frankie traveling with Charles and seeing all the different countries, keeping him company with the occasional phone call from her best friend Tessa. Hayes pops in randomly on the trips but nothing really comes from that until maybe the 55% mark and that’s even reaching too. The times Hayes does make an appearance in the story, it’s just him talking and experiencing work or his thoughts about Frankie that don’t really add up to anything except finding her interesting and something to figure out. The same goes for Frankie if she isn’t watching Charles or talking to Tessa. There isn’t really anything mentioned with either of them about looks, and if there is then it’s few and far between. So when Hayes finally decides he wants to settle down, stop running and try for Frankie, it kind of comes as a surprise and off, especially since he was actively avoiding his feelings for her and how she makes him feel. His declaration of love to her just felt sudden and like it was too quick, but you felt like he meant it I guess. Meanwhile, before his declaration, Frankie kind of accepted that he’s emotionally unavailable and in a way, moves on though she does think about him from time to time. Overall, the book gets an ok for me. There was more that could have gone down in this book and I wanted more romance. I wanted more passion, desire and commitment from Hayes. This was missing, as well as that instant attraction feeling. I would have wanted way more of this, it could have made this story so much better.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How to Train Your Billionaire was such a fun, charming, and surprisingly heartfelt billionaire romance that balanced witty banter, emotional growth, and escapist travel vibes really well. This felt like the kind of book you pick up planning to read a few chapters and suddenly realize you’re halfway finished because it flows so effortlessly.
Frankie was instantly easy to root for. I loved that she wasn’t chasing wealth or trying to reinvent herself into someone glamorous. She was an accountant who genuinely loved what she did, and after losing her job, she found herself trying to figure out what came next. Her journey felt grounded and relatable, especially as she was thrown into this wildly luxurious world she never expected to be part of.
Hayes gave exactly the grumpy billionaire energy the premise promises, but underneath all the sharp edges and skepticism was someone carrying a lot more emotional baggage than he let people see. Watching him slowly lower his walls around Frankie was honestly the best part of the romance. Their banter was quick, funny, and natural from the start, and I loved how their relationship developed through small moments rather than huge dramatic declarations.
But honestly? Charles completely stole this book for me.
His relationship with Frankie added so much warmth and heart to the story. The dynamic between the three of them made the emotional core of the book feel stronger than a typical billionaire romance, and some of the quieter moments between Frankie and Charles genuinely ended up being my favorites. He brought such humor, wisdom, and emotional depth to the story that the entire book felt richer because of him.
The travel and luxury elements were also a lot of fun. Between the glamorous locations, private jets, and lavish settings, the book delivered exactly the kind of escapist romance energy I wanted. It felt light and easy to read while still having enough emotional substance to stay engaging.
The romance itself is definitely more slow burn and emotionally focused than overly spicy, which personally worked for me. The pacing occasionally dragged a little in the middle, and I do think the title gives a slightly different impression of the story than what it actually is, but overall I really enjoyed the direction the book took.
This was a sweet, banter-filled romance with lovable characters, emotional vulnerability, luxury travel escapism, and a grumpy billionaire who slowly learns how to let someone truly see him.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Frankie was instantly easy to root for. I loved that she wasn’t chasing wealth or trying to reinvent herself into someone glamorous. She was an accountant who genuinely loved what she did, and after losing her job, she found herself trying to figure out what came next. Her journey felt grounded and relatable, especially as she was thrown into this wildly luxurious world she never expected to be part of.
Hayes gave exactly the grumpy billionaire energy the premise promises, but underneath all the sharp edges and skepticism was someone carrying a lot more emotional baggage than he let people see. Watching him slowly lower his walls around Frankie was honestly the best part of the romance. Their banter was quick, funny, and natural from the start, and I loved how their relationship developed through small moments rather than huge dramatic declarations.
But honestly? Charles completely stole this book for me.
His relationship with Frankie added so much warmth and heart to the story. The dynamic between the three of them made the emotional core of the book feel stronger than a typical billionaire romance, and some of the quieter moments between Frankie and Charles genuinely ended up being my favorites. He brought such humor, wisdom, and emotional depth to the story that the entire book felt richer because of him.
The travel and luxury elements were also a lot of fun. Between the glamorous locations, private jets, and lavish settings, the book delivered exactly the kind of escapist romance energy I wanted. It felt light and easy to read while still having enough emotional substance to stay engaging.
The romance itself is definitely more slow burn and emotionally focused than overly spicy, which personally worked for me. The pacing occasionally dragged a little in the middle, and I do think the title gives a slightly different impression of the story than what it actually is, but overall I really enjoyed the direction the book took.
This was a sweet, banter-filled romance with lovable characters, emotional vulnerability, luxury travel escapism, and a grumpy billionaire who slowly learns how to let someone truly see him.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This book has a deceiving title. I don't know what I was expecting, coming into reading this book but it was definitely not THAT. Walk with me.
The story follows Francesca (Frankie for everyboy), an accountant who is happy being an accountant (I love that about her personality) who gets laid off from her job. And in that desperation, not knowing what she's gonna do with the rest of her life, especially because she loves her job and knows she's good, she ends up applying for a lot of jobs until one time one of those applications actually turns into an interview. In that interview, the person she will talk to is none other than the guy who tried to help her the day she was fired and who she screamed at. It's safe to say the interview doesn't go well but she ends up also meeting the guy's uncle, who offers her a job: he is in his 80's and needs a travel companion. It takes her a while to accept, mostly because of the life identity crisis she's going through but she ends up wanting to push her boundaries and accepts Charlie's (the uncle) proposal. The thing with this is that the guy she fought with, Hayes, doesn't trust her. And there goes a string of situations where it's obvious they don't trust nor like each other but try to get along for the sake of his uncle Charlie.
Now, the reason why this book got 4 stars is because the feelings between Frankie, Charlie and Hayes are just too pure. You can genuinely see how they all care for each other and the real connection the three of them have. Frankie has no family so she finding that on both Charlie and Hayes is just so wonderful to see, some quotes were just devastating. Hayes and his little sister are just adorable and you can tell a lot about what kind of person Hayes is just because of the way he is with Maddie. The relationship between Frankie and Hayes isn't rushed but it's also not completely out of the blue, you can actually walk with them when they go from hating to loving each other.
Now, the reason behind my 4 star review goes back to the beginning: the title has nothing to do with the story. The cover even less, this is a book that has spice but it's closed door. Hayes is not your typical billionaire who doesn't care about anyone. So that kinda throws me off a little bit. That said, it's a solid book, exactly what I know Kendall can deliver.
This book has a deceiving title. I don't know what I was expecting, coming into reading this book but it was definitely not THAT. Walk with me.
The story follows Francesca (Frankie for everyboy), an accountant who is happy being an accountant (I love that about her personality) who gets laid off from her job. And in that desperation, not knowing what she's gonna do with the rest of her life, especially because she loves her job and knows she's good, she ends up applying for a lot of jobs until one time one of those applications actually turns into an interview. In that interview, the person she will talk to is none other than the guy who tried to help her the day she was fired and who she screamed at. It's safe to say the interview doesn't go well but she ends up also meeting the guy's uncle, who offers her a job: he is in his 80's and needs a travel companion. It takes her a while to accept, mostly because of the life identity crisis she's going through but she ends up wanting to push her boundaries and accepts Charlie's (the uncle) proposal. The thing with this is that the guy she fought with, Hayes, doesn't trust her. And there goes a string of situations where it's obvious they don't trust nor like each other but try to get along for the sake of his uncle Charlie.
Now, the reason why this book got 4 stars is because the feelings between Frankie, Charlie and Hayes are just too pure. You can genuinely see how they all care for each other and the real connection the three of them have. Frankie has no family so she finding that on both Charlie and Hayes is just so wonderful to see, some quotes were just devastating. Hayes and his little sister are just adorable and you can tell a lot about what kind of person Hayes is just because of the way he is with Maddie. The relationship between Frankie and Hayes isn't rushed but it's also not completely out of the blue, you can actually walk with them when they go from hating to loving each other.
Now, the reason behind my 4 star review goes back to the beginning: the title has nothing to do with the story. The cover even less, this is a book that has spice but it's closed door. Hayes is not your typical billionaire who doesn't care about anyone. So that kinda throws me off a little bit. That said, it's a solid book, exactly what I know Kendall can deliver.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Wonderfully Entertaining Story & Listen🎧
How to Train Your Billionaire
By: Kendall Ryan
Narrator by: Erin Mallon, Troy Duran
There is a lot to love in this fabulous grumpy/sunshine billionaire romance, including the wonderful characters, the witty banter, and original storylines that captivate your attention the entire time. Accountant Frankie Anderson’s company is downsizing, so they let her go. On her way out, feeling hangry she stops at a vending machine only to have a hilarious confrontation with it, and there was a witness. That witness turned out to be the same person she had a job interview with, Hayes Winters, who judged her immediately by her behavior on her worst day, so she gave him a piece of her mind. Well, that job opportunity did not work out, but Hayes’ grandfather, Charles Winthrop, appreciated her spunk and how she stood up to Hayes, so he offered her a job being his travel companion, checking on different property holdings. She accepted his offer, and the two got along brilliantly, but Hayes had not trusted her with his grandfather and went to check on her on their travels. I adored Charles and loved how he and Frankie hit it off, making them perfect travel companions, and the man could see what neither Frankie nor Hayes could: that there was something between them and Hayes met his match in her. This wonderfully written and plotted story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions, and a slow-burn romance. Kendall Ryan, thank you for this fabulously entertaining story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Erin Mallon and Troy Duran are the perfect cast to bring the characters to life, and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying. Embodying their characters completely, Mallon is a natural in Frankie’s role, having the right amount of sass and handling her witty dialogue effortlessly, and Duran was just as amazing in Hayes’ role, perfectly grumpy. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, too, young and old. Their expressive performance conveyed all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling each one. It is a pleasure listening to these two entertaining storytellers, and their captivating performance rivets you to the story.
How to Train Your Billionaire
By: Kendall Ryan
Narrator by: Erin Mallon, Troy Duran
There is a lot to love in this fabulous grumpy/sunshine billionaire romance, including the wonderful characters, the witty banter, and original storylines that captivate your attention the entire time. Accountant Frankie Anderson’s company is downsizing, so they let her go. On her way out, feeling hangry she stops at a vending machine only to have a hilarious confrontation with it, and there was a witness. That witness turned out to be the same person she had a job interview with, Hayes Winters, who judged her immediately by her behavior on her worst day, so she gave him a piece of her mind. Well, that job opportunity did not work out, but Hayes’ grandfather, Charles Winthrop, appreciated her spunk and how she stood up to Hayes, so he offered her a job being his travel companion, checking on different property holdings. She accepted his offer, and the two got along brilliantly, but Hayes had not trusted her with his grandfather and went to check on her on their travels. I adored Charles and loved how he and Frankie hit it off, making them perfect travel companions, and the man could see what neither Frankie nor Hayes could: that there was something between them and Hayes met his match in her. This wonderfully written and plotted story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions, and a slow-burn romance. Kendall Ryan, thank you for this fabulously entertaining story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Erin Mallon and Troy Duran are the perfect cast to bring the characters to life, and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying. Embodying their characters completely, Mallon is a natural in Frankie’s role, having the right amount of sass and handling her witty dialogue effortlessly, and Duran was just as amazing in Hayes’ role, perfectly grumpy. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, too, young and old. Their expressive performance conveyed all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling each one. It is a pleasure listening to these two entertaining storytellers, and their captivating performance rivets you to the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a cute, easy, jet-setting romance that knows exactly what lane it is driving in: rich people nonsense, forced proximity, grumpy man energy, and a heroine trying to rebuild her life while accidentally stumbling into luxury travel and emotional complications. Frankie is down on her luck, Hayes is suspicious and broody, and Charles is basically the meddling billionaire fairy godfather with a private jet. The setup is fun, fluffy, and very “I came here for escapism, not emotional cardio.” The book is marketed as a fish-out-of-water romance with witty banter, glamorous travel, and sparks in first-class style, which is pretty much the vibe.
For me, this was a solid four-star read as cheeky romance reads go: enjoyable, breezy, and cute, but not one that fully swept me away.
What I liked:
- The travel element gave the story a fun, escapist feel.
- Frankie was easy to root for, especially as someone trying to start over.
- Charles was a delightful little chaos goblin in billionaire grandpa packaging.
- The banter had some cute, snappy moments.
- Hayes had that grumpy, guarded energy that makes romance readers immediately go, “Well, unfortunately, I need to know what your problem is.”
What I didn’t love:
- The romance felt a little too easy in places, and I wanted more emotional build.
- Hayes’ suspicion of Frankie was understandable, but occasionally I needed him to unclench.
- Some of the luxury/travel moments were fun but felt more aesthetic than fully developed.
- The stakes stayed pretty low, which made it cute but not super memorable.
- I wanted more spark, more ache, more “oh no, I’m emotionally invested” energy.
Tropes: Billionaire romance, Grumpy/sunshine, Forced proximity, Fish out of water, Opposites attract
Overall, this is fun and perfectly readable if you want something light with banter, luxury travel, and a grumpy man who needs to be emotionally house-trained. It did not rearrange my brain chemistry, but it did give me a fun little romance snack, and sometimes that is exactly the assignment.
For me, this was a solid four-star read as cheeky romance reads go: enjoyable, breezy, and cute, but not one that fully swept me away.
What I liked:
- The travel element gave the story a fun, escapist feel.
- Frankie was easy to root for, especially as someone trying to start over.
- Charles was a delightful little chaos goblin in billionaire grandpa packaging.
- The banter had some cute, snappy moments.
- Hayes had that grumpy, guarded energy that makes romance readers immediately go, “Well, unfortunately, I need to know what your problem is.”
What I didn’t love:
- The romance felt a little too easy in places, and I wanted more emotional build.
- Hayes’ suspicion of Frankie was understandable, but occasionally I needed him to unclench.
- Some of the luxury/travel moments were fun but felt more aesthetic than fully developed.
- The stakes stayed pretty low, which made it cute but not super memorable.
- I wanted more spark, more ache, more “oh no, I’m emotionally invested” energy.
Tropes: Billionaire romance, Grumpy/sunshine, Forced proximity, Fish out of water, Opposites attract
Overall, this is fun and perfectly readable if you want something light with banter, luxury travel, and a grumpy man who needs to be emotionally house-trained. It did not rearrange my brain chemistry, but it did give me a fun little romance snack, and sometimes that is exactly the assignment.
June 2, 2026
How to Train Your Billionaire by Kendall Ryan is the kind of romance that feels equal parts jet-setting fantasy and cozy emotional comfort. Between billionaire luxury, sparkling banter, and a reluctant connection that slowly sneaks up on both characters, this book delivers a fun, swoony escape with heart.
Frankie Anderson is easy to root for from page one. Recently laid off and trying to rebuild her life, she’s relatable in the way many romance heroines aren’t always allowed to be—messy, uncertain, and trying to hold it together even when life keeps throwing curveballs. Her job as travel companion to the delightfully eccentric Charles Winthrop sounds too good to be true, and honestly? Watching her stumble into private jets, lavish villas, and European charm made for pure escapist reading.
But the real spark comes from Hayes Winters. He’s grumpy, skeptical, emotionally guarded, and exactly the type of hero who insists he doesn’t need anyone—until someone slips past every carefully built wall. His chemistry with Frankie crackles almost immediately, though what worked best for me was how their dynamic unfolded through banter, tension, and reluctant moments of care instead of instant perfection.
The travel setting adds a dreamy backdrop, moving from tropical Hawaii to the romance of the French Riviera and lavender-filled landscapes that practically beg to be bookmarked. Yet beneath the luxury, the story also leans into healing, second chances at happiness, and learning to trust again.
Charles nearly steals the whole book. His meddling, warm-hearted matchmaking energy brings humor and charm to every scene, and it becomes impossible not to root for his not-so-subtle plans.
If you love billionaire romances with grumpy/sunshine vibes, forced proximity, found-family warmth, and plenty of romantic tension wrapped in glamorous settings, How to Train Your Billionaire is an addictive, feel-good escape.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy; all opinions are my own.
Frankie Anderson is easy to root for from page one. Recently laid off and trying to rebuild her life, she’s relatable in the way many romance heroines aren’t always allowed to be—messy, uncertain, and trying to hold it together even when life keeps throwing curveballs. Her job as travel companion to the delightfully eccentric Charles Winthrop sounds too good to be true, and honestly? Watching her stumble into private jets, lavish villas, and European charm made for pure escapist reading.
But the real spark comes from Hayes Winters. He’s grumpy, skeptical, emotionally guarded, and exactly the type of hero who insists he doesn’t need anyone—until someone slips past every carefully built wall. His chemistry with Frankie crackles almost immediately, though what worked best for me was how their dynamic unfolded through banter, tension, and reluctant moments of care instead of instant perfection.
The travel setting adds a dreamy backdrop, moving from tropical Hawaii to the romance of the French Riviera and lavender-filled landscapes that practically beg to be bookmarked. Yet beneath the luxury, the story also leans into healing, second chances at happiness, and learning to trust again.
Charles nearly steals the whole book. His meddling, warm-hearted matchmaking energy brings humor and charm to every scene, and it becomes impossible not to root for his not-so-subtle plans.
If you love billionaire romances with grumpy/sunshine vibes, forced proximity, found-family warmth, and plenty of romantic tension wrapped in glamorous settings, How to Train Your Billionaire is an addictive, feel-good escape.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Was this really a 4 star read, I don't know. The title doesn't make any sense since no one was training anyone. Also I'm sure people will want to pin a grumpy/sunshine trope on this but that doesn't really fit either as Frankie wasn't very sunny as much as she was just basically kind, and Hayes was more rigid, conforming and deeply unhappy than actually grumpy.
Talented accountant Francesca loses her job and ends up accepting an unexpected job as a travel companion to an 80 something year old billionaire named Charles. And while not the billionaire of the title, this was THE relationship that kept me reading this book. Frankie and Charlies adventures first on the west coast, then Hawaii, Paris and then aboard his mega yacht in the south of France were so much fun. His pleasure at her enjoying the luxurious life he leads, her tenderness with him, taking things at his pace, finding his favorite foods, getting him to try spa treatments, Wordle battles etc. I could have continued around the world with them - Frankie getting him to use chopsticks, Charles convincing her silk pjs are nicer than old tee shirts etc.
Of course, Hayes keeps popping in at first to check up on this unusual set up his favorite uncle has chosen but coming back because Frankie fun and while it takes him forever to give in and enjoy himself he eventually finds a warm place his heart for her.
I was pleased that despite the obvious attraction (and it's a romance novel so you know they'll end up together) that the author took time and let a realistic pace occur. They become friends with a love for Charles that connects them, before their own personal issues are overcome to let them become lovers. I also enjoyed the return to 'normal' life because yacht life isn't reality. Frankie's new career was perfect.
Honestly the title and cover art of this book lead me to expect something far cheesier and trashier than the actual story contained within its pages.
Talented accountant Francesca loses her job and ends up accepting an unexpected job as a travel companion to an 80 something year old billionaire named Charles. And while not the billionaire of the title, this was THE relationship that kept me reading this book. Frankie and Charlies adventures first on the west coast, then Hawaii, Paris and then aboard his mega yacht in the south of France were so much fun. His pleasure at her enjoying the luxurious life he leads, her tenderness with him, taking things at his pace, finding his favorite foods, getting him to try spa treatments, Wordle battles etc. I could have continued around the world with them - Frankie getting him to use chopsticks, Charles convincing her silk pjs are nicer than old tee shirts etc.
Of course, Hayes keeps popping in at first to check up on this unusual set up his favorite uncle has chosen but coming back because Frankie fun and while it takes him forever to give in and enjoy himself he eventually finds a warm place his heart for her.
I was pleased that despite the obvious attraction (and it's a romance novel so you know they'll end up together) that the author took time and let a realistic pace occur. They become friends with a love for Charles that connects them, before their own personal issues are overcome to let them become lovers. I also enjoyed the return to 'normal' life because yacht life isn't reality. Frankie's new career was perfect.
Honestly the title and cover art of this book lead me to expect something far cheesier and trashier than the actual story contained within its pages.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Life's messy, unpredictable, and yeah, sometimes painful. But those detours - no matter how rough - can also show you just how resilient you are."
How to Train Your Billionaire by Kendall Ryan is a witty, low angst romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between our MCs. Hayes was born into wealth. He's had the best education, could buy anything he wanted, but didn't have support at home. His uncle, Charles, was the only family he had in his corner. Hayes' absent parents colored how he sees the world. He doesn't trust easy and sees himself as broken.
Other than her best friend, Frankie is alone in the world. She never knew her dad and her mom passed away. Frankie is an accountant and likes the order and control numbers provide. Unfortunately, she loses her job, but lands another opportunity. She and Hayes did not meet under good circumstances, but Charles sees something in their interaction that makes him meddle. He invites Frankie to be his traveling companion and that was a relstionship they both needed. He also gives such good advice. I want an Uncle Charles in my life.
The relationship between the MCs builds slowly. They have a lot of bumps in the road, including the Hayes running away, but he at least takes time to work on himself because he wants to be better for Frankie. Frankie moves on with her life, to a point. She sets up her own business, but still misses Hayes. I'm glad to see she didn't just wait and that Hayes finally got himself together. Frankie is quirky and unapologetically herself. Hayes takes time to grow into who he wants to be, not who he is expected to be.
This is a good novel by Kendall Ryan. She is able to weave a beautiful story between so many characters. Each relationship was given good page time and I felt a variety of emotions through this book. Thanks for the opportunity to read it and meet these characters!
Thank you Montlake for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
How to Train Your Billionaire by Kendall Ryan is a witty, low angst romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between our MCs. Hayes was born into wealth. He's had the best education, could buy anything he wanted, but didn't have support at home. His uncle, Charles, was the only family he had in his corner. Hayes' absent parents colored how he sees the world. He doesn't trust easy and sees himself as broken.
Other than her best friend, Frankie is alone in the world. She never knew her dad and her mom passed away. Frankie is an accountant and likes the order and control numbers provide. Unfortunately, she loses her job, but lands another opportunity. She and Hayes did not meet under good circumstances, but Charles sees something in their interaction that makes him meddle. He invites Frankie to be his traveling companion and that was a relstionship they both needed. He also gives such good advice. I want an Uncle Charles in my life.
The relationship between the MCs builds slowly. They have a lot of bumps in the road, including the Hayes running away, but he at least takes time to work on himself because he wants to be better for Frankie. Frankie moves on with her life, to a point. She sets up her own business, but still misses Hayes. I'm glad to see she didn't just wait and that Hayes finally got himself together. Frankie is quirky and unapologetically herself. Hayes takes time to grow into who he wants to be, not who he is expected to be.
This is a good novel by Kendall Ryan. She is able to weave a beautiful story between so many characters. Each relationship was given good page time and I felt a variety of emotions through this book. Thanks for the opportunity to read it and meet these characters!
Thank you Montlake for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 stars
This was my first Kendall Ryan book and it was fine, I guess. Starting off, it seemed like it was going to be a really comfortable contemporary romance - Frankie's laid off and has a public meltdown that a handsome stranger witnesses. Soon she has an interview and who's it with? Said handsome stranger who thinks she's absolutely out of her gourd and lets her know. She, spunkily, tells him off.
Plot twist: Handsome stranger's uncle (grandfather figure) witness and makes Frankie an offer she can't refuse: Be his travel companion. So she does.
I really enjoyed Frankie's companion relationship with Charles (the grandfather figure) and her sniping with Hayes (the handsome stranger), particularly in the first half of the book. But the second half of the book didn't work for me.
1. This book fades to black after kisses and fades back in during the afterglow. These characters are falling in love, but the physical connection didn't feel strong. I think it could be accomplished during a fade to black, but it didn't happen here.
2. This is my first Kendall Ryan, so maybe she's always a fade to black author, but I felt betrayed by the cover. I expected some hotness, and I did not get it.
3. Timeline/pacing. Things get weird in the second half of the book, and it's not always easy to follow. With the timeline gaps, there was space for top tier yearning, and I didn't feel that. In fact, I didn't feel a lot of anything.
4. A Tesla on page? In this administration? Our billionaire hero (I know, that was my first warning sign) is driving a Tesla and our heroine is impressed. Suddenly I realized that the author and I may not have the same values.
This book is alright. I didn't DNF, but I did read pretty fast as it became clear that it wasn't working for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was my first Kendall Ryan book and it was fine, I guess. Starting off, it seemed like it was going to be a really comfortable contemporary romance - Frankie's laid off and has a public meltdown that a handsome stranger witnesses. Soon she has an interview and who's it with? Said handsome stranger who thinks she's absolutely out of her gourd and lets her know. She, spunkily, tells him off.
Plot twist: Handsome stranger's uncle (grandfather figure) witness and makes Frankie an offer she can't refuse: Be his travel companion. So she does.
I really enjoyed Frankie's companion relationship with Charles (the grandfather figure) and her sniping with Hayes (the handsome stranger), particularly in the first half of the book. But the second half of the book didn't work for me.
1. This book fades to black after kisses and fades back in during the afterglow. These characters are falling in love, but the physical connection didn't feel strong. I think it could be accomplished during a fade to black, but it didn't happen here.
2. This is my first Kendall Ryan, so maybe she's always a fade to black author, but I felt betrayed by the cover. I expected some hotness, and I did not get it.
3. Timeline/pacing. Things get weird in the second half of the book, and it's not always easy to follow. With the timeline gaps, there was space for top tier yearning, and I didn't feel that. In fact, I didn't feel a lot of anything.
4. A Tesla on page? In this administration? Our billionaire hero (I know, that was my first warning sign) is driving a Tesla and our heroine is impressed. Suddenly I realized that the author and I may not have the same values.
This book is alright. I didn't DNF, but I did read pretty fast as it became clear that it wasn't working for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 26, 2026
How To Train Your Billionaire felt softer, sadder, and far more emotionally layered than the title lets on. Beneath the luxury travel, wealth, and banter is a deeply character-driven romance about two people learning how to be truly seen by someone else.
Frankie was such a refreshing FMC. She isn’t the typical sunshine heroine people will probably try to label her as; she’s simply kind, grounded, and emotionally open in a way Hayes has never really experienced before. And Hayes? He isn’t really “grumpy” either. He’s rigid, guarded, lonely, and so deeply stuck inside the life he built for himself that watching him slowly unravel emotionally was one of the best parts of the book.
The romance is an intentional slow burn and while I’ll admit the pacing dragged for me at times in the middle, looking back… the slower pace actually made their connection believable. They build a friendship first. They bond through Charles, through quiet moments, through vulnerability rather than instant passion. So when the walls finally came down between them, it felt earned.
This isn’t a flashy billionaire romance packed with spice and drama. It’s softer than that. More intimate. More emotionally focused. A closed-door romance that leans heavily into healing, companionship, and two people learning how to let themselves be loved.
I also really liked the return to reality after the yacht life. Frankie’s ending and new career path felt fitting and grounded in a way that made the story feel complete instead of purely fantasy-driven.
Is it perfect? No. I would’ve loved a little more emotional depth from both perspectives. But if you love emotionally driven slow burns, meaningful character growth, lovable side characters, and wealthy heroes who carry real emotional weight beneath the polished exterior, this one is absolutely worth your time.
Frankie was such a refreshing FMC. She isn’t the typical sunshine heroine people will probably try to label her as; she’s simply kind, grounded, and emotionally open in a way Hayes has never really experienced before. And Hayes? He isn’t really “grumpy” either. He’s rigid, guarded, lonely, and so deeply stuck inside the life he built for himself that watching him slowly unravel emotionally was one of the best parts of the book.
The romance is an intentional slow burn and while I’ll admit the pacing dragged for me at times in the middle, looking back… the slower pace actually made their connection believable. They build a friendship first. They bond through Charles, through quiet moments, through vulnerability rather than instant passion. So when the walls finally came down between them, it felt earned.
This isn’t a flashy billionaire romance packed with spice and drama. It’s softer than that. More intimate. More emotionally focused. A closed-door romance that leans heavily into healing, companionship, and two people learning how to let themselves be loved.
I also really liked the return to reality after the yacht life. Frankie’s ending and new career path felt fitting and grounded in a way that made the story feel complete instead of purely fantasy-driven.
Is it perfect? No. I would’ve loved a little more emotional depth from both perspectives. But if you love emotionally driven slow burns, meaningful character growth, lovable side characters, and wealthy heroes who carry real emotional weight beneath the polished exterior, this one is absolutely worth your time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had a tricky time with this book. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters. But my favourite relationship was between our fmc and our mmc’s uncle who hires her on after witnessing a 90 second conversation between fmc Frankie and his stubborn nephew Hayes. Charles was the coolest character and I loved getting to see the relationship between him and Frankie grow. I found the book well written, but took issue with a few things not being accurate.
On a 40’ yacht with a heli-pad there is zero chance of them having access to the laundry machines. The stewardess wouldn’t even allow them in the laundry room, let alone to come and go doing their own laundry.
Also at the end it said six months later and then the character said “six months ago you walked into my uncles life and changed everything” but that timeline is off because she worked for him for about 2 months, and then she started her company and had been doing that for about 2 months… so would it not be closer to 10 months?
And there is section where we see Hayes in the outdoor shower and Frankie is distracted by the water streaming over his face and chest and sliding down his obliques and onto his pale muscled ass… but if we are seeing his face and chest, how are we seeing his ass? And if we are because he’s all contorted in the shower like a wet bendable Gumby then we certainly are not going to be thinking of how sexy he is as he’s corkscrewed around. So with those three things really weighing on me as I read this, it lessened my enjoyment of it.
Also it is to be noted, the cover does not match the vibe of the book at all. A cover like this usually implies it will be quite spicy, but all love scenes were closed door.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc. 💜
On a 40’ yacht with a heli-pad there is zero chance of them having access to the laundry machines. The stewardess wouldn’t even allow them in the laundry room, let alone to come and go doing their own laundry.
Also at the end it said six months later and then the character said “six months ago you walked into my uncles life and changed everything” but that timeline is off because she worked for him for about 2 months, and then she started her company and had been doing that for about 2 months… so would it not be closer to 10 months?
And there is section where we see Hayes in the outdoor shower and Frankie is distracted by the water streaming over his face and chest and sliding down his obliques and onto his pale muscled ass… but if we are seeing his face and chest, how are we seeing his ass? And if we are because he’s all contorted in the shower like a wet bendable Gumby then we certainly are not going to be thinking of how sexy he is as he’s corkscrewed around. So with those three things really weighing on me as I read this, it lessened my enjoyment of it.
Also it is to be noted, the cover does not match the vibe of the book at all. A cover like this usually implies it will be quite spicy, but all love scenes were closed door.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc. 💜
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Netgalley and Montlake, for an ARC of Kendall Ryan’s upcoming book, How to Train Your Billionaire.
In the past, I have read many books by Kendall Ryan and have loved them all. I loved this one too. This story follows 3 main characters: Frankie, a woman desperate for a job, who interviews for the assistant position with Hayes. Hayes instantly dismisses her due to an unfortunate misunderstanding at a vending machine. As she is leaving the office, she meets Hayes’s elderly Uncle Charles, who offers her a job as his travel companion, and she accepts. They go on their adventures, and Hayes keeps showing up along the way. Their mean comments to each other become adorable banter as they become friends. What happens next?
I absolutely LOVED Uncle Charles. He was absolutely my favorite character in the book. I loved his relationship with Frankie and also how he handled Hayes. I love that he was able to orchestrate the relationship between Hayes and Frankie behind their backs. I loved the banter between Frankie and Hayes, and it was fun to see their relationship evolve from enemies to friends to lovers. The reason why the book is getting 4 stars instead of 5 is that it seemed like their relationship changed so quickly to me; from enemies to friends to lovers, and then the book was over. She was worried about how she would fit into his world. I would have loved more info about that.
#KendallRyan #HowToTrainYourBillionaire #NetGalley #Montlake #Romance #ContemporaryRomance #ContemporaryFiction #Fiction #ChickLit #Relationships #EnemiesToFriendsToLovers #RichVsPoor #ForcedProximity #GrumpySunshine
In the past, I have read many books by Kendall Ryan and have loved them all. I loved this one too. This story follows 3 main characters: Frankie, a woman desperate for a job, who interviews for the assistant position with Hayes. Hayes instantly dismisses her due to an unfortunate misunderstanding at a vending machine. As she is leaving the office, she meets Hayes’s elderly Uncle Charles, who offers her a job as his travel companion, and she accepts. They go on their adventures, and Hayes keeps showing up along the way. Their mean comments to each other become adorable banter as they become friends. What happens next?
I absolutely LOVED Uncle Charles. He was absolutely my favorite character in the book. I loved his relationship with Frankie and also how he handled Hayes. I love that he was able to orchestrate the relationship between Hayes and Frankie behind their backs. I loved the banter between Frankie and Hayes, and it was fun to see their relationship evolve from enemies to friends to lovers. The reason why the book is getting 4 stars instead of 5 is that it seemed like their relationship changed so quickly to me; from enemies to friends to lovers, and then the book was over. She was worried about how she would fit into his world. I would have loved more info about that.
#KendallRyan #HowToTrainYourBillionaire #NetGalley #Montlake #Romance #ContemporaryRomance #ContemporaryFiction #Fiction #ChickLit #Relationships #EnemiesToFriendsToLovers #RichVsPoor #ForcedProximity #GrumpySunshine
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How to Train Your Billionaire by Kendall Ryan was an entertaining read.
Francesca "Frankie" Anderson finds herself without a job and is applying for new ones. She's not sure what her next move will be, but she knows she'll figure it out even though she's very frustrated with how she was let go.
Hayes Winters is a grumpy workaholic billionaire who is too good looking for his own good. It turns out that Frankie shows up to interview with him, but come to find out they had met before when he witnessed her taking her frustrations out on a vending machine. From seeing that, he writes her off and tells her she won't be getting a job there.
Charles Winthrop, who is Hayes' 82-year-old uncle likes the spunk he sees in Frankie when he witnesses her interaction with his nephew. Charles decides to ask Frankie to be his "companion" instead of continuing her accountant career. While she's not initially sure it's the right move, it ends up being exactly what she needed. Frankie and Charles travel the world and she learns many things as they jet-set around the world all while keeping Charles company.
Frankie and Hayes continue to cross paths and while they annoy one another, it is clear there is an attraction there too. Will anything come of it?
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. I appreciated how both Frankie and Hayes grew throughout the course of the book. The banter was great and there were a few laugh out loud moments. I will say the title of the book didn't quite work for me given the way the story went, but I enjoyed the read overall.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Francesca "Frankie" Anderson finds herself without a job and is applying for new ones. She's not sure what her next move will be, but she knows she'll figure it out even though she's very frustrated with how she was let go.
Hayes Winters is a grumpy workaholic billionaire who is too good looking for his own good. It turns out that Frankie shows up to interview with him, but come to find out they had met before when he witnessed her taking her frustrations out on a vending machine. From seeing that, he writes her off and tells her she won't be getting a job there.
Charles Winthrop, who is Hayes' 82-year-old uncle likes the spunk he sees in Frankie when he witnesses her interaction with his nephew. Charles decides to ask Frankie to be his "companion" instead of continuing her accountant career. While she's not initially sure it's the right move, it ends up being exactly what she needed. Frankie and Charles travel the world and she learns many things as they jet-set around the world all while keeping Charles company.
Frankie and Hayes continue to cross paths and while they annoy one another, it is clear there is an attraction there too. Will anything come of it?
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. I appreciated how both Frankie and Hayes grew throughout the course of the book. The banter was great and there were a few laugh out loud moments. I will say the title of the book didn't quite work for me given the way the story went, but I enjoyed the read overall.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
June 2, 2026
This was such a fun read and I loved these two from the first chapter. Frankie is having the worst day after getting laid off and ends up having a full meltdown over a broken vending machine. Hayes happens to witness the whole thing, and their first interaction is chaotic, blunt, and honestly kind of hilarious. The next day she shows up for an interview and realizes he is the one she is interviewing with, which does not go well at all. He immediately writes her off, but his uncle Charles sees something completely different in her and hires her as his travel companion, putting her right back into Hayes’s world whether he likes it or not.
From there it turns into this push and pull where Hayes keeps showing up while trying to figure her out, and Frankie is just being unapologetically herself. I loved watching how their connection built through actions more than words, especially with how she treated Charles and how that slowly broke down Hayes’s walls. Their banter was so good and felt really natural, and the chemistry was definitely there even with the slower pace. I also loved the travel aspect and how each new place added to their dynamic. And Charles completely stole every scene he was in, he added so much heart and humor to the story.
The narration was absolutely amazing and made it so easy to stay in the story. Erin Mallon brought so much personality to Frankie and Troy Duran gave Hayes that perfect guarded but soft underneath vibe. I did not want to stop listening.
If you love grumpy sunshine, billionaire romance, and a story that leans more into emotional connection with fun banter and a little bit of chaos, you are going to enjoy this one.
From there it turns into this push and pull where Hayes keeps showing up while trying to figure her out, and Frankie is just being unapologetically herself. I loved watching how their connection built through actions more than words, especially with how she treated Charles and how that slowly broke down Hayes’s walls. Their banter was so good and felt really natural, and the chemistry was definitely there even with the slower pace. I also loved the travel aspect and how each new place added to their dynamic. And Charles completely stole every scene he was in, he added so much heart and humor to the story.
The narration was absolutely amazing and made it so easy to stay in the story. Erin Mallon brought so much personality to Frankie and Troy Duran gave Hayes that perfect guarded but soft underneath vibe. I did not want to stop listening.
If you love grumpy sunshine, billionaire romance, and a story that leans more into emotional connection with fun banter and a little bit of chaos, you are going to enjoy this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How to Train Your Billionaire by Kendall Ryan is a quick billionaire romance with travel, banter, and a grumpy-meets-sunshine dynamic. 💞
After losing her accounting job, Frankie interviews for a position with Hayes Winters. The interview doesn’t go very well - he’s ready to end it early and clearly doesn’t want to hire her. But his uncle overhears the conversation and unexpectedly offers Frankie a completely different job: traveling as his companion. ✈️
Soon Frankie is visiting luxurious destinations while occasionally running into Hayes, and their rocky first impressions slowly turn into friendship and eventually something more. The travel settings and family dynamic were fun, and it’s definitely a fast, easy read (I finished it in a day). ✨
However, a few things didn’t fully work for me. It felt a little strange how quickly Frankie was hired and how vague the job seemed, since she didn’t actually have much to do while traveling. It was also pretty obvious that the uncle was trying to set them up from the start, which made the situation feel a bit odd. I also struggled a bit with the chemistry between Frankie and Hayes. Their tension fades quickly, and I missed that stronger spark or longing that usually makes a romance really stand out. The relationship also moves pretty fast, including a very quick engagement, which personally isn’t my favorite trope.🫣
Still, it’s a light, breezy billionaire romance with travel vibes if you’re looking for something quick and easy to read. 💕
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 📚
After losing her accounting job, Frankie interviews for a position with Hayes Winters. The interview doesn’t go very well - he’s ready to end it early and clearly doesn’t want to hire her. But his uncle overhears the conversation and unexpectedly offers Frankie a completely different job: traveling as his companion. ✈️
Soon Frankie is visiting luxurious destinations while occasionally running into Hayes, and their rocky first impressions slowly turn into friendship and eventually something more. The travel settings and family dynamic were fun, and it’s definitely a fast, easy read (I finished it in a day). ✨
However, a few things didn’t fully work for me. It felt a little strange how quickly Frankie was hired and how vague the job seemed, since she didn’t actually have much to do while traveling. It was also pretty obvious that the uncle was trying to set them up from the start, which made the situation feel a bit odd. I also struggled a bit with the chemistry between Frankie and Hayes. Their tension fades quickly, and I missed that stronger spark or longing that usually makes a romance really stand out. The relationship also moves pretty fast, including a very quick engagement, which personally isn’t my favorite trope.🫣
Still, it’s a light, breezy billionaire romance with travel vibes if you’re looking for something quick and easy to read. 💕
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was adorable!
Francesca, Frankie to her friends, just lost her job and made a terrible impression on someone while trying to get a snack. Turns out it was Hayes, who was interviewing her for a new job. Only, he ends the interview early based on her anger at a vending machine, and his uncle overhears the end of the interview and hires her instead. Being a travel companion to an octogenarian wasn’t something Frankie thought she would enjoy, but Uncle Charles proved to be an amazing adventure. If only Hayes wouldn’t pop up at every location and show that he actually has a personality and heart under his grumpy exterior. Lines blur, then get crossed, only for Hayes to run off scared. So what happens when Uncle Charles passes, and it puts Hayes and Frankie back in each other’s paths?
Frankie and Hayes get their happy ending in this standalone book.
These two seemed so different at first, but once they started talking, it was clear how much they had in common. I wasn’t expecting how low the spice was going to be, but the slow burn between the two of them was amazing and felt extremely well. I do wonder how much Hayes continued to do what his parents wanted him to do, or if, with his therapy, he was learning to live more for himself, like his uncle Charles. And teaching that to his younger sister.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Francesca, Frankie to her friends, just lost her job and made a terrible impression on someone while trying to get a snack. Turns out it was Hayes, who was interviewing her for a new job. Only, he ends the interview early based on her anger at a vending machine, and his uncle overhears the end of the interview and hires her instead. Being a travel companion to an octogenarian wasn’t something Frankie thought she would enjoy, but Uncle Charles proved to be an amazing adventure. If only Hayes wouldn’t pop up at every location and show that he actually has a personality and heart under his grumpy exterior. Lines blur, then get crossed, only for Hayes to run off scared. So what happens when Uncle Charles passes, and it puts Hayes and Frankie back in each other’s paths?
Frankie and Hayes get their happy ending in this standalone book.
These two seemed so different at first, but once they started talking, it was clear how much they had in common. I wasn’t expecting how low the spice was going to be, but the slow burn between the two of them was amazing and felt extremely well. I do wonder how much Hayes continued to do what his parents wanted him to do, or if, with his therapy, he was learning to live more for himself, like his uncle Charles. And teaching that to his younger sister.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2026
This book is about Frankie who we meet as she’s having not the best day. She gets laid off from what she considers to be the perfect job. As she’s trying to get some snacks to help her feel better, the vending machine takes her money but doesn’t give up the goods. A finance bro attempts to help but isn’t really helpful at all resulting in a mini, justified breakdown from Frankie. A few days later Frankie is at a job interview and guess who she is interviewing with. Hayes has not forgotten their initial interaction and is in the process of ending the interview when his Uncle Charles walks in. Charles hires Frankie to be his travel companion. He’s an 82 year old man basically going on a last hoorah trip. I absolutely loved Charles and he was my favorite part of this book. I loved his relationship with Frankie. They were exactly what the other needed. I didn’t really feel the connection between Frankie and Hayes. It’s like they hated each other one chapter and the next they didn’t. I have read and really enjoyed other Kendall Ryan books before but this one did not seem like it was wrote by the same person as those other books. This book fades to black which is a surprise based on previous books. That not a bad thing but I feel like these scenes could have been set up a little better with more tension. If you are looking for a quick read, this might be the book for you.
Thank you NetGalley, Kendall Ryan, and Montlake for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, Kendall Ryan, and Montlake for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I always love a good billionaire trope in romance fiction!
Protagonist Frankie is a happy go lucky kind of person. After getting laid off from her job in accounting, she is offered an unsual job: travel companion to an old-money pensioner. The only issue with this arrangement is Hayes Winters, the nephew.
I thoroghly enjoyed reading this romance novel. The characters are well developed and have a lot more depth than the cover led me to believe. The only thing I am sad about is that I didn't read this book on holiday somewhere on a beach. Frankie and Hayes have fantastic banter and a hate/love relationship but the star of the book for me is certainly the pensioner: Charles Winthrop. Frankie and Charles travel across the world looking for fun things to do, but Hayes keeps showing up and injecting himself into the travels (he may tell himself that it is to protect his uncle Charles, but we all know, he's there for the girl!)
There are funny scenes, romantic excursions, exploration all around the globe and also some deep hitting sad scenes. I could not have asked for anything better. While I expected the book to be good from the blurb, I could not have foreseen how much I would enjoy it.
Definitely a 5-star read you will want to pack for your summer holiday!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advance Reader Copy.
Protagonist Frankie is a happy go lucky kind of person. After getting laid off from her job in accounting, she is offered an unsual job: travel companion to an old-money pensioner. The only issue with this arrangement is Hayes Winters, the nephew.
I thoroghly enjoyed reading this romance novel. The characters are well developed and have a lot more depth than the cover led me to believe. The only thing I am sad about is that I didn't read this book on holiday somewhere on a beach. Frankie and Hayes have fantastic banter and a hate/love relationship but the star of the book for me is certainly the pensioner: Charles Winthrop. Frankie and Charles travel across the world looking for fun things to do, but Hayes keeps showing up and injecting himself into the travels (he may tell himself that it is to protect his uncle Charles, but we all know, he's there for the girl!)
There are funny scenes, romantic excursions, exploration all around the globe and also some deep hitting sad scenes. I could not have asked for anything better. While I expected the book to be good from the blurb, I could not have foreseen how much I would enjoy it.
Definitely a 5-star read you will want to pack for your summer holiday!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advance Reader Copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun, fast-paced billionaire romance that delivered exactly what I was in the mood for—banter, tension, and a whole lot of jet-setting escapism.
Frankie was an absolute sunshine heroine—warm, genuine, and just chaotic enough to shake up the very controlled world of Hayes. When his eighty-year-old uncle hires her as a travel companion, Hayes immediately assumes the worst, and honestly? His suspicion made for excellent tension. Watching him side-eye her every move while she just kept being her delightful self was both frustrating and entertaining in the best way.
The annoyances-to-lovers dynamic really shines here. Hayes is peak grumpy billionaire—guarded, a little arrogant, but with just enough cracks in his armor to keep you hooked. And Frankie? She meets him beat for beat with wit and charm, and their banter is easily one of the highlights of the book.
I also loved the jet-setting aspect—it added a glamorous, escapist layer that kept the story feeling fresh and dynamic. The pacing was quick, the chemistry was solid, and the emotional payoff was satisfying, even if it didn’t go super deep.
If you love grumpy x sunshine, witty banter, and a suspicious billionaire who falls hard, this one is definitely worth picking up.
⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 1/5
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy! All opinions are honest and my own.
Frankie was an absolute sunshine heroine—warm, genuine, and just chaotic enough to shake up the very controlled world of Hayes. When his eighty-year-old uncle hires her as a travel companion, Hayes immediately assumes the worst, and honestly? His suspicion made for excellent tension. Watching him side-eye her every move while she just kept being her delightful self was both frustrating and entertaining in the best way.
The annoyances-to-lovers dynamic really shines here. Hayes is peak grumpy billionaire—guarded, a little arrogant, but with just enough cracks in his armor to keep you hooked. And Frankie? She meets him beat for beat with wit and charm, and their banter is easily one of the highlights of the book.
I also loved the jet-setting aspect—it added a glamorous, escapist layer that kept the story feeling fresh and dynamic. The pacing was quick, the chemistry was solid, and the emotional payoff was satisfying, even if it didn’t go super deep.
If you love grumpy x sunshine, witty banter, and a suspicious billionaire who falls hard, this one is definitely worth picking up.
⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 1/5
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy! All opinions are honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this one! This was such a fun, cute, quick listen! It's been a while since I have read a Kendall Ryan book, and when I saw this audio available on NetGalley I knew I needed to grab it!
This one was dual narration by Erin Mallon and Troy Duran and of course they both did an amazing job bringing the characters and story to life.
Frankie? I just loved her! She is a disaster but also so genuine and amazing. When she got laid off from her accounting job and ends up with a job offer from a billionaire in his 80s, Charles aka Charlie, as a travel companion, she wasn't sure what to do but decide to embrace the change and see what happens. Hayes, Charles's nephew, already isn't too fond of Frankie, and is immediately suspicious about her intentions so of course he feels the need to check up on her during travel.
This was a short and quick one, so I don't really want to give anything away, but the journey with all three of these characters was just overall enjoyable, genuine, and you could see how much they call cared for one another. I really enjoyed the relationship with Frankie and Charlie. This one is a slow-burn and closed door, but Frankie and Hayes definitely go from hating each other to loving each other.
Huge thank you to Brilliance Audio, NetGalley, and Kendall Ryan for the early copy to listen to!
This one was dual narration by Erin Mallon and Troy Duran and of course they both did an amazing job bringing the characters and story to life.
Frankie? I just loved her! She is a disaster but also so genuine and amazing. When she got laid off from her accounting job and ends up with a job offer from a billionaire in his 80s, Charles aka Charlie, as a travel companion, she wasn't sure what to do but decide to embrace the change and see what happens. Hayes, Charles's nephew, already isn't too fond of Frankie, and is immediately suspicious about her intentions so of course he feels the need to check up on her during travel.
This was a short and quick one, so I don't really want to give anything away, but the journey with all three of these characters was just overall enjoyable, genuine, and you could see how much they call cared for one another. I really enjoyed the relationship with Frankie and Charlie. This one is a slow-burn and closed door, but Frankie and Hayes definitely go from hating each other to loving each other.
Huge thank you to Brilliance Audio, NetGalley, and Kendall Ryan for the early copy to listen to!
May 12, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
Thank you NetGalley for this book!!!!
Saying I love this book feel like an understatement, I really absolutely totally enjoyed every moment of this. I went into this book totally blind, and it surprised me, I read 40% of it in one sitting and I had to force myself to slow down so I didn’t finish it too quickly.
Frankie is amazing, she’s real, smart, kind, funny, so real. She’s so in touch with who she is, not in a cocky way, but in this honest way that makes you fall in love with her right away!
Then Hayes is a guy who is doing his best to survive tbh, who is terrified of being vulnerable (for good reason) but is desperately in need of it. Together they are pretty magical.
We all know how much we’re shaped by our childhoods, by watching our parents, by our experiences with them, and Frankie and Hayes are two really good examples of this.
Then there is Charles Winthrop, oh Charlie, what are marvel you are! He’s the dad/grandfather/uncle we all need, so loving, so full of wisdom, I fell in love with his character as soon as he showed up.
This is a book that explores what it means to love, life, ourselves, our partners, people who see us as we are. What it means to be vulnerable, to face the things that scare us, to live.
This was such a wonderful read, I’m so glad I received an ARC of it!
Thank you NetGalley for this book!!!!
Saying I love this book feel like an understatement, I really absolutely totally enjoyed every moment of this. I went into this book totally blind, and it surprised me, I read 40% of it in one sitting and I had to force myself to slow down so I didn’t finish it too quickly.
Frankie is amazing, she’s real, smart, kind, funny, so real. She’s so in touch with who she is, not in a cocky way, but in this honest way that makes you fall in love with her right away!
Then Hayes is a guy who is doing his best to survive tbh, who is terrified of being vulnerable (for good reason) but is desperately in need of it. Together they are pretty magical.
We all know how much we’re shaped by our childhoods, by watching our parents, by our experiences with them, and Frankie and Hayes are two really good examples of this.
Then there is Charles Winthrop, oh Charlie, what are marvel you are! He’s the dad/grandfather/uncle we all need, so loving, so full of wisdom, I fell in love with his character as soon as he showed up.
This is a book that explores what it means to love, life, ourselves, our partners, people who see us as we are. What it means to be vulnerable, to face the things that scare us, to live.
This was such a wonderful read, I’m so glad I received an ARC of it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When you hate the FMC enough to feel sorry for the MMC...
Ooof...I had high hopes that this would turn out to be what it looked like, a lively, sweet rom-com. But after trudging through the first ten chapters, I just couldn't go on.
Why does every rom-com leading lady have to be "quirky?" And why didn't this author stop at just "quirky?"
I got as far as the leading man asking to himself, "Why can’t she just be normal?"
Same, dude. Same.
And the plot problems... What certified accountant is going to take a job as a travel companion to an elderly man because she can't find another job? Especially when that gentleman is the uncle to our leading man, to whom she is repeatedly rude, for no apparent reason except that he didn't hire her when she applied at his company - but he didn't hire her because she was so rude!
Of course the gallant uncle hires her as his "travel companion" so that he can constantly put her in his nephew's way, hoping for the best. I've read enough romances to see that yes, nephew will eventually give in and "fall in love," but it is really love if he's just worn down like water dripping on a rock? Makes an impression, sure, but is that a solid basis for a relationship? I couldn't stick around to find out.
Maybe if you're a fan of this author and you like this sorta thing, but it's definitely not for me.
Ooof...I had high hopes that this would turn out to be what it looked like, a lively, sweet rom-com. But after trudging through the first ten chapters, I just couldn't go on.
Why does every rom-com leading lady have to be "quirky?" And why didn't this author stop at just "quirky?"
I got as far as the leading man asking to himself, "Why can’t she just be normal?"
Same, dude. Same.
And the plot problems... What certified accountant is going to take a job as a travel companion to an elderly man because she can't find another job? Especially when that gentleman is the uncle to our leading man, to whom she is repeatedly rude, for no apparent reason except that he didn't hire her when she applied at his company - but he didn't hire her because she was so rude!
Of course the gallant uncle hires her as his "travel companion" so that he can constantly put her in his nephew's way, hoping for the best. I've read enough romances to see that yes, nephew will eventually give in and "fall in love," but it is really love if he's just worn down like water dripping on a rock? Makes an impression, sure, but is that a solid basis for a relationship? I couldn't stick around to find out.
Maybe if you're a fan of this author and you like this sorta thing, but it's definitely not for me.
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