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Shopping for a Billionaire #1-5
Shopping for a Billionaire Box Set One
Ever meet a hot billionaire while your hand's in a toilet in the men's room of one of his stores?
No? So it really is just me. Hmm.
When you're a mystery shopper, you get paid to humiliate yourself, all in the name of improving customer service. Romance isn't in my job description. But the day I met Declan McCormick it was love at first flush.
Until I nearly castrated him with my EpiPen.
How Hot Guy and Toilet Girl became an item involves my over-the-top mom, a trip to the ER, my homicidal cat, my fake wife, and true love.
Don't look at me like that. I'm just doing my job.
I'm shopping for a billionaire.
---
Shopping for a Billionaire, from New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent, is a 500+ page, hilarious romantic comedy with heart, heat, and laughs. A top-10 New York Times bestselling book.
No? So it really is just me. Hmm.
When you're a mystery shopper, you get paid to humiliate yourself, all in the name of improving customer service. Romance isn't in my job description. But the day I met Declan McCormick it was love at first flush.
Until I nearly castrated him with my EpiPen.
How Hot Guy and Toilet Girl became an item involves my over-the-top mom, a trip to the ER, my homicidal cat, my fake wife, and true love.
Don't look at me like that. I'm just doing my job.
I'm shopping for a billionaire.
---
Shopping for a Billionaire, from New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent, is a 500+ page, hilarious romantic comedy with heart, heat, and laughs. A top-10 New York Times bestselling book.
498 pages, ebook
First published January 9, 2015
861 people are currently reading
2822 people want to read
About the author
Julia Kent
122 books7,973 followersSign up for my newsletter at: https://jkentauthor.com/newsletter/
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 5 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.
From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire in a rom com).
She also writes romantic suspense as Meli Raine, sexy shifter romances as DJ Jennings, billionaire shifters as half of the author team Diana Seere, and co-authors with Elisa Reed.
She lives in New England with her husband and three children in a household where she is the only person with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.
She loves to hear from her readers by:
Email at jkentauthor@gmail.com
Twitter @jkentauthor
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jkentauthor
Instagram @jkentauthor
Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com
FORTHCOMING:
Love You Again (Love You, Maine, #2), July 19, 2022
Ten First Kisses (anthology with my story, Shopping for a Booty Call), August 12, 2022
Love You More (Love You, Maine, #3), October 11, 2022
Love You Now (Love You, Maine, #4), January 3, 2023
Author photo credit: Felix Rust http://www.felixrust.com
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 5 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.
From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire in a rom com).
She also writes romantic suspense as Meli Raine, sexy shifter romances as DJ Jennings, billionaire shifters as half of the author team Diana Seere, and co-authors with Elisa Reed.
She lives in New England with her husband and three children in a household where she is the only person with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.
She loves to hear from her readers by:
Email at jkentauthor@gmail.com
Twitter @jkentauthor
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jkentauthor
Instagram @jkentauthor
Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com
FORTHCOMING:
Love You Again (Love You, Maine, #2), July 19, 2022
Ten First Kisses (anthology with my story, Shopping for a Booty Call), August 12, 2022
Love You More (Love You, Maine, #3), October 11, 2022
Love You Now (Love You, Maine, #4), January 3, 2023
Author photo credit: Felix Rust http://www.felixrust.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews
April 25, 2018
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
Shopping for a Billionaire is a laugh out loud romance series with OTT antics, Turdmobiles, jealous exes, mothers with boundary issues, and friends who are always there to help.
Would you consider meeting the love of your life in the men's room—your hand in a toilet—as a meet-cute? Because that's exactly how mystery shopper Shannon Jacoby met almost billionaire Declan McCormack. The second meeting isn't exactly the best either, but despite the weird encounters, Declan seems to be incredibly into Shannon. And the feeling is mutual.
The road to happily-ever-after isn't as smooth as they think, what with exes, busybodies, work conflicts and personal issues getting in the way. But when you've found your person, you're not just going to give up everything, are you?
I'm not usually a fan of the insta-love/lust trope, which I think this book kind of is (the events that occur in the first novella span two days, I think), but I think it was dealt with nicely. I think Shannon and Declan's romance progressed nicely. The sexual attraction is there from the start, and it only grows day by day. There's enough tension and emotional connection to aid their relationship turn into something more than just physical attraction and chemistry.
Since this is told in Shannon's POV all throughout the five books, we get to know her very well. She's a hilarious and hardworking woman who has a penchant for getting herself into sticky situations that may or may not involve toilets. I have to admit though that Shannon made some decisions regarding her ex and people with nothing but bad intentions that frustrated and irritated me. Sometimes, she has a tendency to do and say things without regard to the possible consequences, so her being 'quirky' gets admittedly grating at times.
Declan is an intriguing man with layers I'd love to peel off. And that's not even an innuendo—I mean it kind of is, but like, I want to get to know the man. He's sweet, funny, charming, but has secrets that make him even more irresistible. I only wish we saw more of him, or had more of the story told in his perspective.
While others think Shannon's mom is endearingly hilarious, I wasn't that much of a fan of Marie Jacoby when she's doing things without worrying about the consequences and feelings of others—something Shannon does from time to time. I know she means well and she cares for her family a lot, but I hated how overbearing and with no care for personal boundary she was. I don't process secondhand embarrassment well, and this woman did a lot of things to embarrass not just her family, but every bone in my body, too.
But I adored Shannon's friends and workmates, Amanda, Josh, and Greg. They had a great rapport and support system, even 'til the end. I also enjoyed the relationship between Declan and his brothers Terry and Andrew even though we didn't see much of it. There's that affection disguised as ribbing going on that's natural between siblings, boys especially.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the first five books in the series, and I'm hooked. I want to read more about Declan and Shannon, and even the other characters in this quirky bunch.
POV: First Person, Female POV
Standalone: No
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October 2, 2021
I got the first two novellas in this series for free a few years back and after relatively enjoying them, kept telling myself I would buy the rest of the series "one of these days."
Except I never did. Which is probably for the best. My library eventually bought them and I don't foresee myself ever giving these a re-read.
Or if I do, someone come check on me. Bring chicken noodle soup.
It isn't that the series is bad. These are fun little novellas full of crazy hijinks and potty humor. It just...underwhelms as it goes on. The romance is boring and centers on the heroine's total lack of self-esteem. When she does get some character growth, it is mostly because she finally gets fed up with being yanked around by the self-absorbed assholes she dates. But then one of those assholes is the romantic lead so...
He doesn't really go anywhere?
And his backstory for why he became less emotional than Batman is quite the coinkydink.
What kept me reading (and these novellas entertaining) is the extended family surrounding the heroine and romantic lead. I actually perked up and started feeling interest when we met the romantic lead's brothers. If they had side series, I'd go read those books instead. (But looks like the one brother's stories are kind of interspersed with the rest of this series? I'm not committed enough to wade through more Declan angst to find out.)
These are light. Fun. Fluffy. But in the end, dependent on either chaotic plot twists or terrible communication. So not something I'd want to re-read.
Except I never did. Which is probably for the best. My library eventually bought them and I don't foresee myself ever giving these a re-read.
Or if I do, someone come check on me. Bring chicken noodle soup.
It isn't that the series is bad. These are fun little novellas full of crazy hijinks and potty humor. It just...underwhelms as it goes on. The romance is boring and centers on the heroine's total lack of self-esteem. When she does get some character growth, it is mostly because she finally gets fed up with being yanked around by the self-absorbed assholes she dates. But then one of those assholes is the romantic lead so...
He doesn't really go anywhere?
And his backstory for why he became less emotional than Batman is quite the coinkydink.
What kept me reading (and these novellas entertaining) is the extended family surrounding the heroine and romantic lead. I actually perked up and started feeling interest when we met the romantic lead's brothers. If they had side series, I'd go read those books instead. (But looks like the one brother's stories are kind of interspersed with the rest of this series? I'm not committed enough to wade through more Declan angst to find out.)
These are light. Fun. Fluffy. But in the end, dependent on either chaotic plot twists or terrible communication. So not something I'd want to re-read.
March 24, 2015
I was really hoping to like this box set, but Shannon's inner dialogue was way too much for me... Too descriptive if you can even imagine that, and just couldn't really connect with the characters... Declan for the most part was a good boyfriend and I liked the way he made Shannon feel confident and sexy but his reasons for staying away was BS!!! Wasn't feeling that reason and felt like it was a cop out... Shannon took him back way too quickly without making him work for it... I enjoyed her family and friends, but at times they were a bit too much..
April 3, 2015
The author just tried TOO hard...
The female protagonist, Shannon, is one of the most hapless characters I've ever read and that haplessness plays out in a wasteland of frenetic slapstick that was only occasionally funny. The sheer volume of falls, social blunders, embarrassing objects that fall out of her purse or pocket is ridiculous and conversations about her personal hygiene and parents' sex lives is frenetic and overwhelming. The author does have a good sense of the female psyche especially as it relates to how we see ourselves reflected in the eyes of the men in our lives, but the few insightful nuggets related to that is lost amidst frequently unfunny nonsense.
What dialog there was was subsumed in a sea of the heroine's internal dialogue. I realize that dialogue is much harder to write than just straight prose, but it certainly makes for a much better pacing and a much better read.
The repeated use of 'overwhelm' as a noun rather than a verb or adjective, to whit: 'I’m shaking with overwhelm, adrenaline, embarrassment, and excitement.' It can be used that bit is is awkward and distracting.
Bottom line: This author's simply tried too hard to make Shannon's misadventures funny which is unfortunate because the author does seem to have a handle on some aspects of the female psyche that are at once funny and sad, painful and uplifting. I wish she'd tapped more into that.
The female protagonist, Shannon, is one of the most hapless characters I've ever read and that haplessness plays out in a wasteland of frenetic slapstick that was only occasionally funny. The sheer volume of falls, social blunders, embarrassing objects that fall out of her purse or pocket is ridiculous and conversations about her personal hygiene and parents' sex lives is frenetic and overwhelming. The author does have a good sense of the female psyche especially as it relates to how we see ourselves reflected in the eyes of the men in our lives, but the few insightful nuggets related to that is lost amidst frequently unfunny nonsense.
What dialog there was was subsumed in a sea of the heroine's internal dialogue. I realize that dialogue is much harder to write than just straight prose, but it certainly makes for a much better pacing and a much better read.
The repeated use of 'overwhelm' as a noun rather than a verb or adjective, to whit: 'I’m shaking with overwhelm, adrenaline, embarrassment, and excitement.' It can be used that bit is is awkward and distracting.
Bottom line: This author's simply tried too hard to make Shannon's misadventures funny which is unfortunate because the author does seem to have a handle on some aspects of the female psyche that are at once funny and sad, painful and uplifting. I wish she'd tapped more into that.
January 27, 2015
I have not laughed so hard at a sexy hot book in a long time. Or at least until I read the last Julia Kent books. OMG. Shannon and Declan are amazing together. I love them. I love that Shannon has a crazy freaking family, and her mother is over the top and the secret that comes out about her past is effing fabulous. Like too much to gather. But I love it. Steve is an ass. Just like Todd. I so see how Marie went the other way with her husband and it is so sweet and caring. But these books are enough to make you pee in your pants. I have so many highlights in these books, you don't see any white in them any more. I can't wait for the next one, which I pre-ordered!!!
And the sexy elf and Santa,ho ho...LMAO. And yes, I didn't miss a ho there.
And the sexy elf and Santa,ho ho...LMAO. And yes, I didn't miss a ho there.
August 7, 2022
There were things I liked about this book, in particular, the main character Shannon. The descriptions of the undercover world of mystery shoppers were funny and interesting. However, the over the top zaniness and really intrusive family and friends were kind of a turn off. I ended up skimming through most of the antics. I think this five books set could have been a real winner if edited down into one book because the writing was well done and the main storyline was engaging. However, the mom character with her lack of boundaries and ten jokes per pages really inflated the page count and took the shine off the main story.
September 29, 2016
I am so glad that Julia Kent combined these five novellas into this one 'Shopping for a Billionaire' collection. Once I finished one part, I immediately jumped into the next. I stayed up until 3am at one point because I needed a certain situation to resolve and I didn't want to go to sleep until it did. So needless to say, this series hooked me.
If you don't like a lot of humor - and when I say humor, I mean slapstick, awkward, over-the-top comedy - then this might not be for you. But I loved it! The opening scene, where Shannon gets her hand stuck in a men's room toilet sets the series up perfectly. And it just gets crazier from there. Between Shannon's propensity for ending up in crazy situations, to her job as a mystery shopper setting her up for public humiliation, and her family - often times her mother - having limited personal boundaries, Shannon's romantic journey never stood a chance at being "normal." But it was definitely funny!
Then you throw in a sexy "billionaire" who is instantly intrigued by the quirky, "real", beautiful, size 16 Shannon, and this story hit the spot. I loved Shannon and Declan together. He's gorgeous and rich. She's funny and curvy. They have obstacles to overcome, and people blocking their path, but I loved their journey. I especially loved their banter and how great they got along. I loved the way they were in some ridiculous situations and handled it in awkwardly hilarious stride. And I loved their chemistry. It didn't feel forced. I felt their heat coming off the pages as well as their mutual respect and adoration. Declan and Shannon are fantastic. I'm so glad there are more books in this series. Can't wait to read them all!
If you don't like a lot of humor - and when I say humor, I mean slapstick, awkward, over-the-top comedy - then this might not be for you. But I loved it! The opening scene, where Shannon gets her hand stuck in a men's room toilet sets the series up perfectly. And it just gets crazier from there. Between Shannon's propensity for ending up in crazy situations, to her job as a mystery shopper setting her up for public humiliation, and her family - often times her mother - having limited personal boundaries, Shannon's romantic journey never stood a chance at being "normal." But it was definitely funny!
Then you throw in a sexy "billionaire" who is instantly intrigued by the quirky, "real", beautiful, size 16 Shannon, and this story hit the spot. I loved Shannon and Declan together. He's gorgeous and rich. She's funny and curvy. They have obstacles to overcome, and people blocking their path, but I loved their journey. I especially loved their banter and how great they got along. I loved the way they were in some ridiculous situations and handled it in awkwardly hilarious stride. And I loved their chemistry. It didn't feel forced. I felt their heat coming off the pages as well as their mutual respect and adoration. Declan and Shannon are fantastic. I'm so glad there are more books in this series. Can't wait to read them all!
April 27, 2015
This was a lot of fun! I found myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions and highlighting memorable passages!
Better than your typical fluff, but comes with all the trappings of a classic billionaire romance. I am a new fan of Julia Kent's!
A nice light and fun read to keep me out of my book slump!
Better than your typical fluff, but comes with all the trappings of a classic billionaire romance. I am a new fan of Julia Kent's!
A nice light and fun read to keep me out of my book slump!
April 4, 2015
I love a comedic romance and this collection (nominally 5 novellas, but truly one story) is perfect. I laughed. Out loud. At 11pm. In bed. Husband now knows I'm nuts. Great read if you love romantic comedy. This "meet cute" is one to remember.
October 30, 2015
Awful
I can't believe I read as much of this as I did. It is full of stereotypes of unpleasant people with absolutely no boundaries. I got sucked in with a couple of funny lines but the story goes nowhere - VERY slowly! A total waste of time and money.
I can't believe I read as much of this as I did. It is full of stereotypes of unpleasant people with absolutely no boundaries. I got sucked in with a couple of funny lines but the story goes nowhere - VERY slowly! A total waste of time and money.
April 3, 2015
This is truly I Love Lucy in print, the things that go on could only happen in fiction (Film or written), enjoyed it with the same guilty pleasure as I did with Lucy. Great fun.
February 18, 2024
This was a quick, fun read that left me wanting more. I enjoyed this book for what it is, but I wish that it had fleshed out things a bit more rather than ending on the note that it did. It was romantic, and had heavy insta-love, which I both enjoyed, but it would have been nice to have some development within the relationship.
November 19, 2023
I read the Christmas section (part 5) first and laughed hysterically through the whole thing. Going back and reading the original book, though, I didn't enjoy as much. Some parts were just as hilarious, but other aspects didn't work for me.
For instance, I just didn't like Declan. He wasn't an alpha with layers; he was a cinnamon roll with confusing mood swings.
Shannon had a great voice and entertaining perspective, but sometimes her rumination got a bit long and circular. While realistic, it wasn't the most fun to read.
Lastly, part 4 just frustrated me. Problems flew in out of nowhere and often out of proportion. We spent so many chapters waiting on answers with Shannon, which, again, was probably realistic but not interesting.
For instance, I just didn't like Declan. He wasn't an alpha with layers; he was a cinnamon roll with confusing mood swings.
Shannon had a great voice and entertaining perspective, but sometimes her rumination got a bit long and circular. While realistic, it wasn't the most fun to read.
Lastly, part 4 just frustrated me. Problems flew in out of nowhere and often out of proportion. We spent so many chapters waiting on answers with Shannon, which, again, was probably realistic but not interesting.
February 22, 2015
I was gifted a complimentary copy of this boxed set in exchange for an honest review. I read and reviewed these as each individual book came out so please bear this in mind as your reading this review.
Book #1 Shopping for a Billionaire
This one had me laughing from start to finish. When Shannon Jacoby is forced to do 9 jobs as a Mystery Shopper at the last minute she doesn't really think about what she looks like as she literally runs out the door. Hair a mess.. check. Mismatched shoes ... check. Torn shirt and yoga pants... check.
What she didn't expect was to find handsome billionaire Declan McCormick in the last store she shops in much less running into him as she scopes out the men's bathroom for her survey. Talk about an unusual pick up place. Although it is apparent from the beginning that they are both interested, Shannon runs out as soon as possible without giving him her name.
Imagine her surprise when they meet later on that day at a business meeting where Shannon is the closer for her company who are vying for a contract with Declan's business. Sparks fly and soon a business dinner ends up being a lot more than what they intended.
Book #2
Just like the first part installment of this series, part 2 had me laughing throughout its entirety. Julia Kent has a way of taking every day things and circumstances that could happen to anyone and put them together to make an entertaining story that not only engages the reader but connects you to the characters as well.
In this one we have Shannon dealing with her seemingly out of control attraction to Declan. Throw in an ex-boyfriend that doesn't understand what the word no means, a well intentioned over-bearing mother who dreams of a Farmington wedding, and a cat with PTSD and you can see how any situation would get out of hand.
I really admired Declan for his calm and steadfast attitude. No matter what mess was thrown at him he seems to be a rock.
Book #3
Julia Kent has got me wrapped up in this series. Every time I sit down to read one of these I find myself laughing out loud at the adventures of the main characters. Shannon and Declan have decided to try the dating route... and what an interesting second date it is. The words epi-pen and bees will forever bring a laugh to my lips.
I find myself falling more and more in love with Declan and his take charge alpha attitude. In this book you get to see a little of his vulnerable side as well. I love Shannon and her job and all it entails cracks me up. Forever to be known as the toilet girl in my eyes. My only complaint is...Steve. Ugh. Just don't understand the original attraction there. Octopus? Really. Oh well to each their own. I'm looking forward to see what kind of mischief happens in the next book.
Book #4
At last... the 4th and last book in the series! Declan and Shannon are at an en pass. They are now broken up (from the last installment)and Shannon is beside herself trying to figure out why. Unbeknownst to her Declan has a few secrets of his own that play a part in their crumbling relationship.
Is Shannon strong enough to persevere? Or is she going to just sit back and take?
I wanted to smack Declan a few times in this one. Even with a smile worthy ending I wanted just a little bit more. That final piece that would just make me melt into a puddle. Almost got me.
I was proud of Shannon and how she handled most of the situations that enveloped her. And of course I got a few giggle worthy moments as I was reading.
This series is definitely a keeper for me :)
Book #5 Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire
When Shannon is bullied by her previous boss to work as a sexy elf at the mall chaos ensues. When the "Santa" is caught trying to swindle money from customers Shannon ropes Declan into being playing Santa. The mall better start adding more security considering how the mall mommies start tweeting pictures about the sexy Santa in their midst. Soon the whole family is up in the North Pole with Shannon's mom in the lead determined to get an amazing Christmas picture of the family.
Book #1 Shopping for a Billionaire
This one had me laughing from start to finish. When Shannon Jacoby is forced to do 9 jobs as a Mystery Shopper at the last minute she doesn't really think about what she looks like as she literally runs out the door. Hair a mess.. check. Mismatched shoes ... check. Torn shirt and yoga pants... check.
What she didn't expect was to find handsome billionaire Declan McCormick in the last store she shops in much less running into him as she scopes out the men's bathroom for her survey. Talk about an unusual pick up place. Although it is apparent from the beginning that they are both interested, Shannon runs out as soon as possible without giving him her name.
Imagine her surprise when they meet later on that day at a business meeting where Shannon is the closer for her company who are vying for a contract with Declan's business. Sparks fly and soon a business dinner ends up being a lot more than what they intended.
Book #2
Just like the first part installment of this series, part 2 had me laughing throughout its entirety. Julia Kent has a way of taking every day things and circumstances that could happen to anyone and put them together to make an entertaining story that not only engages the reader but connects you to the characters as well.
In this one we have Shannon dealing with her seemingly out of control attraction to Declan. Throw in an ex-boyfriend that doesn't understand what the word no means, a well intentioned over-bearing mother who dreams of a Farmington wedding, and a cat with PTSD and you can see how any situation would get out of hand.
I really admired Declan for his calm and steadfast attitude. No matter what mess was thrown at him he seems to be a rock.
Book #3
Julia Kent has got me wrapped up in this series. Every time I sit down to read one of these I find myself laughing out loud at the adventures of the main characters. Shannon and Declan have decided to try the dating route... and what an interesting second date it is. The words epi-pen and bees will forever bring a laugh to my lips.
I find myself falling more and more in love with Declan and his take charge alpha attitude. In this book you get to see a little of his vulnerable side as well. I love Shannon and her job and all it entails cracks me up. Forever to be known as the toilet girl in my eyes. My only complaint is...Steve. Ugh. Just don't understand the original attraction there. Octopus? Really. Oh well to each their own. I'm looking forward to see what kind of mischief happens in the next book.
Book #4
At last... the 4th and last book in the series! Declan and Shannon are at an en pass. They are now broken up (from the last installment)and Shannon is beside herself trying to figure out why. Unbeknownst to her Declan has a few secrets of his own that play a part in their crumbling relationship.
Is Shannon strong enough to persevere? Or is she going to just sit back and take?
I wanted to smack Declan a few times in this one. Even with a smile worthy ending I wanted just a little bit more. That final piece that would just make me melt into a puddle. Almost got me.
I was proud of Shannon and how she handled most of the situations that enveloped her. And of course I got a few giggle worthy moments as I was reading.
This series is definitely a keeper for me :)
Book #5 Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire
When Shannon is bullied by her previous boss to work as a sexy elf at the mall chaos ensues. When the "Santa" is caught trying to swindle money from customers Shannon ropes Declan into being playing Santa. The mall better start adding more security considering how the mall mommies start tweeting pictures about the sexy Santa in their midst. Soon the whole family is up in the North Pole with Shannon's mom in the lead determined to get an amazing Christmas picture of the family.
January 20, 2016
My first impression was, “Whoa, she has a way with making the oddest analogies.” I like it. I found myself laughing quite a bit. I generally am not a big fan of comedy but I think my mind has changed recently. This is a romantic comedy and since it’s a boxed set it was pretty long at about 671 pages give or take for kindle conversion. This book was witty and filled with sarcastic dialogue. I love dialogue! You have no idea. It’s like my kryptonite. Other people love action scenes or romance or internal struggle. I love dialogue. It seemed to address self-esteem/confidence issues while bringing with it an appropriate amount of levity. I almost felt like I had whiplash from laughing so hard then reading the next sentence that went deep into her internal psyche. It was an unusual feeling. The main part that stuck out for me was the initial break-up. It seemed too simple a reason. But I have no allergies so I guess I don’t see the issue there. How they resolved there issue was just so stinking cute.
Characters
Shannon: She is a bit of a klutz but it’s quite endearing. I love her mystery shopping job which opens her life up to ridiculous situations but she just rolls with it and deals. She is down to earth and doesn’t cave in the face of an over-bearing male-dominated field. She has high expectations when it comes to her career. I fell ya girl! Her family is very close to her and they share everything with each other. What really caught my attention was the fact that even though she is a plus sized woman they didn’t focus on it too much and she didn’t lose any weight to make herself feel better about herself. I think it may have been mentioned a hand full of times throughout. Since it’s a box set, that’s a big deal to me.
Declan: He seemed stand-offish to me. He had to be the one in control. He had a touch of Type A personality which he would need to be a billionaire but he gave up before it even had a chance IMO. The focus seemed to be on his appearance a bit more than Shannon’s. Almost as if the gender roles had been reversed. Almost. He was a bit emotionally immature for me, especially since he was older than Shannon. But he does grow up a bit as the series progresses. His family is all business and they are not as close as Shannon’s.
Favorite Quotes
People who think animals have expressionless faces are like people who can ignore an open package of Oreo’s. Not quite human.
Characters
Shannon: She is a bit of a klutz but it’s quite endearing. I love her mystery shopping job which opens her life up to ridiculous situations but she just rolls with it and deals. She is down to earth and doesn’t cave in the face of an over-bearing male-dominated field. She has high expectations when it comes to her career. I fell ya girl! Her family is very close to her and they share everything with each other. What really caught my attention was the fact that even though she is a plus sized woman they didn’t focus on it too much and she didn’t lose any weight to make herself feel better about herself. I think it may have been mentioned a hand full of times throughout. Since it’s a box set, that’s a big deal to me.
Declan: He seemed stand-offish to me. He had to be the one in control. He had a touch of Type A personality which he would need to be a billionaire but he gave up before it even had a chance IMO. The focus seemed to be on his appearance a bit more than Shannon’s. Almost as if the gender roles had been reversed. Almost. He was a bit emotionally immature for me, especially since he was older than Shannon. But he does grow up a bit as the series progresses. His family is all business and they are not as close as Shannon’s.
Favorite Quotes
People who think animals have expressionless faces are like people who can ignore an open package of Oreo’s. Not quite human.
November 27, 2018
***** 4.5 Stars *****
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
November 10, 2015
I've had this book set on my Kindle for a really long time and never read it before now because I thought it was about a girl who was shopping for a billionaire in that she was someone who was shallow, looking for a man with a big pocketbook. BOY WAS I WRONG.
First of all, the female protagonist is a Mystery Shopper. Her company gets hired by another company (whose owners are billionaires) and that's where the name comes from and when the romance starts. But this book is so funny. Everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. The female protagonist has no filter and is refreshingly honest. She's also a size 16 and unapologetic about it. While the male protagonist is fit, he is very fond of big curves.
This box set 1-5 is actually 5 continuing novellas that together is one book about this couple. I truly enjoyed reading this book set and had so many laugh out loud moments.
First of all, the female protagonist is a Mystery Shopper. Her company gets hired by another company (whose owners are billionaires) and that's where the name comes from and when the romance starts. But this book is so funny. Everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. The female protagonist has no filter and is refreshingly honest. She's also a size 16 and unapologetic about it. While the male protagonist is fit, he is very fond of big curves.
This box set 1-5 is actually 5 continuing novellas that together is one book about this couple. I truly enjoyed reading this book set and had so many laugh out loud moments.
April 4, 2017
This is a series of five novellas packed into one book. It’s pure brain candy, pure entertainment, pure hilarity. Think “I Love Lucy” in a modern day setting. Shannon Jacoby is the perfect Lucy, her sidekick is her entire family. Declan is a billionaire Desi with alpha tendencies and a family that is as different from Shannon’s as night is from day. The novellas keep getting better as you read. The first one had funny moments and dialog, but it didn’t have me laughing out loud. By the time I was into the third and fourth novella I was laughing so hard that my husband would have to pause the TV. Watching me react to the book was way more fun than whatever it was he was watching! I think I’ve found a new favorite rom-com author.
January 10, 2019
So worth it. These books are so addicting and (I feel like I am about to say this for the 100th time but there is just no other way to describe it) hilarious!
The amount of absurd situations our Shannon and Declan (but especially Shannon) manage to fond themselves in are astounding and so so much entertaining!
Once you start reading these I am sure you will not be able to stop.
I read the first two separately so here is the individual ratings for books 3-5:
- Shopping for a Billionaire #3 - 5/5 stars
- Shopping for a Billionaire #4 - 5/5 stars
- Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire - 4/5 stars
The amount of absurd situations our Shannon and Declan (but especially Shannon) manage to fond themselves in are astounding and so so much entertaining!
Once you start reading these I am sure you will not be able to stop.
I read the first two separately so here is the individual ratings for books 3-5:
- Shopping for a Billionaire #3 - 5/5 stars
- Shopping for a Billionaire #4 - 5/5 stars
- Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire - 4/5 stars
March 31, 2021
I enjoyed this one. It was a sweet romantic read with just a little heat. There was quite a bit of fuffy stuff, that wasn't really my bag but I just skipped through that. Definitely a read for a feel good read with no dark stuff.
December 15, 2025
I'm glad this was a box set since the books were short and ended at odd times. The stories were fun and I can't wait to read the next set.
October 30, 2017
Shopping for a Billionaire
If you are looking for a lough out loud fun romantic time, look no further. I was hooked from chapter one of this read and could not stop reading for anything (much to my husbands frustration) was so much fun reading about Shannon Jacoby meets billionaire Declan McCormick I am so looking forward to the next story.
Shopping for a Billionaire 2
Shannon and Declan's continuing story is so fun to read and I just love all the little things that get tossed at them along their journey. Such a fun read had me dancing in my shoes. So want to be a mystery shopper now.... LOL
Shopping for a Billionaire 3
Medical emergency, ex-boyfriend Steve, and a little misunderstanding. Let the good time roll, you have to wonder with everything that happens to these two in the few days they have known each other why they are still together. The only thing I can say is safe is way to boring. .... LOL
Shopping for a Billionaire 4
The exciting and fun loving end to Shannon and Declan story... I so love this couple they are bright, fun, and so enjoyable to read about that forget you are reading and just fall into the story. Love every moment of this series. Looking forward to more from this author.
Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire (Shopping for a Billionaire, #5)
I Loved this fun holiday visit with Shannon and Declan they are such a loving and fun couple. Sexy santa ... gotta love it. So excited for the wedding I just can't wait.
If you are looking for a lough out loud fun romantic time, look no further. I was hooked from chapter one of this read and could not stop reading for anything (much to my husbands frustration) was so much fun reading about Shannon Jacoby meets billionaire Declan McCormick I am so looking forward to the next story.
Shopping for a Billionaire 2
Shannon and Declan's continuing story is so fun to read and I just love all the little things that get tossed at them along their journey. Such a fun read had me dancing in my shoes. So want to be a mystery shopper now.... LOL
Shopping for a Billionaire 3
Medical emergency, ex-boyfriend Steve, and a little misunderstanding. Let the good time roll, you have to wonder with everything that happens to these two in the few days they have known each other why they are still together. The only thing I can say is safe is way to boring. .... LOL
Shopping for a Billionaire 4
The exciting and fun loving end to Shannon and Declan story... I so love this couple they are bright, fun, and so enjoyable to read about that forget you are reading and just fall into the story. Love every moment of this series. Looking forward to more from this author.
Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire (Shopping for a Billionaire, #5)
I Loved this fun holiday visit with Shannon and Declan they are such a loving and fun couple. Sexy santa ... gotta love it. So excited for the wedding I just can't wait.
March 31, 2017
Shopping for a Billionaire Boxed Set is just what I needed. I find myself trapped in the dark and this set gave me a lot of laugh out loud moments. A good romance, a little angst, and a good story.
Needless to say, Declan McCorrmick receives some virtual slaps a few times and his father receives a lot of virtual screams but Shannon only received one "dumb mistake" comment as I was reading.
The reason I rated this as 4 stars is the box set seems to slow a little when I reached book three. That probably isn't the case if I read the books individually or take a break in between books in the box set.
I do love these characters. I love the laughs. Shannon's mother is a hoot. At first I thought I might hate her character but that isn't the case. She is a loving mom who wants the best for her girls. Shannon's dad is a sweetheart described as a beta-alpha; he appears calm and a pushover until you hurt someone he loves.
I want to know more about the other McCormick brothers; can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Needless to say, Declan McCorrmick receives some virtual slaps a few times and his father receives a lot of virtual screams but Shannon only received one "dumb mistake" comment as I was reading.
The reason I rated this as 4 stars is the box set seems to slow a little when I reached book three. That probably isn't the case if I read the books individually or take a break in between books in the box set.
I do love these characters. I love the laughs. Shannon's mother is a hoot. At first I thought I might hate her character but that isn't the case. She is a loving mom who wants the best for her girls. Shannon's dad is a sweetheart described as a beta-alpha; he appears calm and a pushover until you hurt someone he loves.
I want to know more about the other McCormick brothers; can't wait to read the rest of the series.
January 1, 2020
Yes, it took me quite a while to finish this boxed set, but just because I refused to finish the last book in it! Shopping for a Billionaire by Julia Kent includes five books and is about Shannon who is a mystery shopper. During one of her mystery shops she meets Declan, while her hand was stuck in a men's toilet. Shannon is super clumsy and often awkward, but both of them fall deeply for each other. And their journey goes on with many ups and downs.
I read the first four books within a few days as the writing style of the author is very light and easy to understand. The words just fly by. The story is funny and I had to laugh often. Some moments made me cringe a lot as both Shannon and Declan often don't see the obvious things or are just awkward. A lot of scenes are predictable but this is not bad. Some are a bit unrealistic, but this comes with every book.
I enjoyed the book. It is not a heavy read and perfect to read it to get your head free. I am now intrigued to read the other books as well, especially about Declan's brother!
I read the first four books within a few days as the writing style of the author is very light and easy to understand. The words just fly by. The story is funny and I had to laugh often. Some moments made me cringe a lot as both Shannon and Declan often don't see the obvious things or are just awkward. A lot of scenes are predictable but this is not bad. Some are a bit unrealistic, but this comes with every book.
I enjoyed the book. It is not a heavy read and perfect to read it to get your head free. I am now intrigued to read the other books as well, especially about Declan's brother!
February 1, 2015
This book had me cracking up laughing. It's a great story. The humor it brings, had me laughing throughout the book. I'm glad I bought the box set. I didn't care that each book was short and went to the next book, but at the end it was everything I expected.
Marketing girl aka Mystery Shopper finds billionaire, and falls in love, but what this book brings is the humor, most stories tend to leave out.
Instead of making families seem well put together, this story, makes a typical family, outrageously crazy. From the crazy mother, to the turdmobile she has to drive for work.
The billionaires family is one she actually stands up to, and calls them all out on things.
Her crazy family will have you laughing, plus her witty comebacks are to die for.. "Twerking" was my favorite..
Seriously, pick up this box set, and enjoy.. It's a great read!!!
Marketing girl aka Mystery Shopper finds billionaire, and falls in love, but what this book brings is the humor, most stories tend to leave out.
Instead of making families seem well put together, this story, makes a typical family, outrageously crazy. From the crazy mother, to the turdmobile she has to drive for work.
The billionaires family is one she actually stands up to, and calls them all out on things.
Her crazy family will have you laughing, plus her witty comebacks are to die for.. "Twerking" was my favorite..
Seriously, pick up this box set, and enjoy.. It's a great read!!!
March 28, 2015
I love this author I always try tonight her books, I enjoy them so much there's always humor, love and great times. Declan he's a sexy man, "he leans down, hot breath tickling my ear, blowing lightly on the strands of hair that escape my up-do. “I’ve been thinking about you all morning,” he rasps." I loved him so much that I wanted to jump his bones, "he nuzzles my neck. “A woman who knows her Russian literature,” he murmurs. “That’s hot." He likes to prove things to his woman, "I’m all man, Shannon. Let’s make sure you know it by the time the night is over." The hospital scene with Shannon's family and Declan had my cracking up, "I am five feet away and can hear every word,” he growls. The curtain whips back in one smooth movement and there’s Declan, alone, buttoning his jeans." I can't wait for more from this author
May 30, 2016
These are hysterical! Julia Kent has a fabulous way with making conversations real. The characters have conversations that happen just as I have them with my friends and family. How's that you ask? The deep convos about silliness, sarcastic, how they end up going off on a tangent from one minor comment, two or three convos at same time that some find hard to keep up and that one comment that is always badly timed as one person walks in, hears it and a) can't believe what he just heard, b) why are these people talking about this c) wants the whole convo again in playback. Reading those convo make me laugh out loud, think of my friends and family and my husband wonder what I'm reading that's so funny. These characters could easily be my friends and make me love her writing even more.
December 29, 2020
Audiobook Review: Shopping for a Billionaire Collection 1-5 by: Julia Kent (Author), Tanya Eby (Narrator)
Kent brings her sense of humor and heart to the Shopping for the Billionaire Series. Shannon are Declan are far from perfect when it comes to falling in love. When instant attraction spirals out of control this mismatched pair have to decide if they're the right fit. The magic of this series is that we get to see the characters flaws and experience the insecurities that dogged them. Through the laughter and antics, we get to acquaint ourselves with the human side of these two characters. Behind the wealth and irritating family members lie heartache, grief and self-doubt. Feelings we all can relate to. Kent speaks not only to the heart, but she tickles the funny bone while doing so.
Kent brings her sense of humor and heart to the Shopping for the Billionaire Series. Shannon are Declan are far from perfect when it comes to falling in love. When instant attraction spirals out of control this mismatched pair have to decide if they're the right fit. The magic of this series is that we get to see the characters flaws and experience the insecurities that dogged them. Through the laughter and antics, we get to acquaint ourselves with the human side of these two characters. Behind the wealth and irritating family members lie heartache, grief and self-doubt. Feelings we all can relate to. Kent speaks not only to the heart, but she tickles the funny bone while doing so.
July 12, 2017
This boxset gets a solid 3.5-4 stars.
The story is old school chick lit, sweet, funny and at time sexy it was a easy light escape from the darker reads that are saturating the romance genre at the minute.
At times I laughed out loud at the hilarious one liners and bizarre situations. But the funny was sometimes overshadowed by the cringeworthy slapstick mishaps. The first few were funny but by the end of the boxset the idea of Shannon flashing her bits, tits or being assaulting by a sex toy had been so overdone I was rolling my eyes.
All in all I enjoyed this boxset, it's an easy quick read. But for me it could have been toned down slightly.
The story is old school chick lit, sweet, funny and at time sexy it was a easy light escape from the darker reads that are saturating the romance genre at the minute.
At times I laughed out loud at the hilarious one liners and bizarre situations. But the funny was sometimes overshadowed by the cringeworthy slapstick mishaps. The first few were funny but by the end of the boxset the idea of Shannon flashing her bits, tits or being assaulting by a sex toy had been so overdone I was rolling my eyes.
All in all I enjoyed this boxset, it's an easy quick read. But for me it could have been toned down slightly.
August 22, 2019
In Shopping for a billionaire Shannon works as a mystery shopper and therefore has to observe and test customer service. Shannon is really clumsy so it's only natural that she meets Declan in the mans bathroom while her hand is stuck in the toilet.
The beginning of this book was really hard to read, as everything was described in so much detail. I almost stoped reading because it took so long. But I read on and after some time I really got into the story. There were still some things that didn't quite add up and I'm not sure why it was seperated into 5 books, as I read it as one, but it's an okay book for in-between.
The beginning of this book was really hard to read, as everything was described in so much detail. I almost stoped reading because it took so long. But I read on and after some time I really got into the story. There were still some things that didn't quite add up and I'm not sure why it was seperated into 5 books, as I read it as one, but it's an okay book for in-between.
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