I asked the right brother for a baby. The wrong brother said yes.
One marriage of convenience. One baby clause. One mistake: falling for the husband I was never meant to keep.
After one disastrous relationship too many, thirty-three-year-old primary school teacher Wren Carter is done with love. But she still wants a child. Her plan is simple: ask someone she trusts. No romance. No complications. Successful, dependable, and an old friend, Caesar Ashford is the perfect choice. Until his younger brother finds out.
Marcus Ashford, charming, infuriating, and far too dangerous for Wren’s peace of mind, makes an outrageous counteroffer. Marriage. Wren should say no. But Marcus offers security. A family. A future. And there’s something she doesn’t know. He’s wanted her for years.
Marcus has no intention of being a convenient solution. If Wren is having his baby, she’s becoming his wife—for real. Wren tells herself it’s temporary. A marriage of convenience. A baby. Then they walk away. But the wrong brother has always been the one who sees her best. And living with him might be the biggest mistake, or the best decision, she’s ever made.
USA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods writes emotionally warm billionaire romance with luxury, escapism, and breathtaking New Zealand settings. Her books combine warmth, wit, and wanderlust with unforgettable happily-ever-afters.
I love starting a new series, especially when it’s by one of my favourite writers! Serenity Woods latest series, The Ashford Legacy, returns to one of my favourite fictional worlds, the New Zealand billionaires. With occasional references to characters we’ve met in earlier books, I love the way her books fit together.
Set in Auckland, The Wrong Billionaire is about Marcus and Wren. They first met when Wren & her group of university friends, which included Marcus’s older brother Caesar, used to hang out regularly at the Ashford family home. Marcus asked Wren out when she was 23 & he was 18; although she turned him down because of the age gap he hasn’t stopped thinking about her since. When they meet again ten years later a lot has changed; Marcus’s father is planning for retirement & handing over his highly successful business to his children; however, the board has demanded evidence that Marcus & his siblings are mature & settled, ready to take on the responsibilities of leadership. Marcus seizes his chance; he knows that Wren wants a baby, he still loves Wren, so if they get married & have a baby it will satisfy both their needs. So he proposes to her & they get married a few weeks later. Marcus is very happy - he has at last married his soulmate, but Wren is still unsure. She thinks it’s an arrangement. He thinks it’s a love match. So he has work to do to convince her otherwise!!
As always, I love the descriptions of places which help me visualise many of the scenes. I loved Wren & Marcus, they’re lovely main characters, and the dialogue between them is great with some hilarious moments. Wren has had some difficult experiences in past relationships which are written with sympathy & understanding. I loved how Marcus, despite a reputation as something of a playboy, underneath is a big softie. I loved the little cameo of Marcus building Lego with Wren’s 5 year old nephew Ben - & the effect it had on Wren!! There is great chemistry between Marcus & Wren. I loved how gentle & patient he was with her, taking things slowly, knowing she needs to build up confidence & trust in their relationship. It’s a lovely story, well written & I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you’ve enjoyed any of Serenity’s other books I think you’ll love this one!
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an arc of this book, which I have reviewed voluntarily.
"I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book." Wren has been emotionally damaged by her past relationships. She does not want to et involved with anyone. Her plan is to ask her friend Caeser for a baby with no strings attached. But she finds herself in the company of the wrong brother Marcus at a party. Marcus has had a thing for Wren for years. He is younger than Wren. Back in the day Marcus aked Wren out she turned him down. Marcus and his siblings find out that the family company is like primed for a hostile takeover unless one of the siblings gets married and has an heir in order to continue the family business. Marcus has been talking to Wren and finds out that she has asked Caeser to give her a baby no strings attached. So since Marcus has loved her for years he proposes a marriage of convenience that provides both what they are looking for. Wren enventually agrees to marrying Marcus but has emotional misgivings, she thinks that Marcus will leave her after a child comes into the picture. Marcus knows that Wren is fragile emotionally and works to every interaction with Wren his complete attention and does not overwhelm her. Wren is afraid to voice her concerns to Marcus but overtime she begins to open up. A scandal is identified concerning their relationship, Caeser, and the family business. Wren feels like evertyhing is falling apart with the marriage situation while on their honeymoon. Marcus is required to leave and go to the family business to address the scandal allegations. There are demands made by the board and potential buyer. Marcus lays his job on the line for Wren and walks leaving the board with their jaws on the floor. He needs to get back to Wren so that she does not feel this is her doing. I think most woman would love who Marcus is, he is kind, considerate smart and humble. Wren is fragile like the bird but she starts to come out of her shell as the story unfolds. As a reader I was rooting for this relationship! It was a very worthwhile read!
I received an arc copy from the author for an honest review. This is a sweet romance about a, supposed marriage of convenience. Marcus has had feelings for Wren for ten years. When Wren asks his brother, a good friend, to be her sperm donor, Marcus jumps in and asks her to marry him and make a baby “the old fashioned way“! Wren, although not a virgin, hasn’t had a good experience with men or with sex and is reluctant to open herself up to be hurt. Anyone would be lucky to have someone care for them the way Marcus cares for Wren!
I was lucky enough to be granted an ARC of this Ebook, and I am so grateful that I was. I really enjoyed this book, with Serenity Woods' easy reading writing style, and a believable cast of characters who drag you in and ensnare your emotions yet let you feel their heat for each other as well. I do not skim read, but I did take my time even more as was an ARC. This one took me 5 bedtime reading nights! (Usually 4, as I find it difficult to put down a Serenity Woods book! ) Very strongly recommended from my point of view as a Fella, as usual, a lesson in just how to show the love of your life that it is Them that you love, not circumstances.
Wonderful family. Very salt of the Earth. Love the way they all stick up for one another. Nice to find a book where the guy seems to be the one who is more in love and pushing for marriage and babies. Marcus is so adorable. Can’t wait to read the next one. Well done! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book. I strongly recommend. The FMC shows a lot of strength, taking her life into her own hands and making decisions to reach her goals and dreams. The MMC has loved her forever and takes his time to show her this. It’s a slow, slightly spicy read. He was patient and made every effort to overcome her fears. Overall I loved this he falls first, non toxic romance!
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are well written and the narrative flows well. Marcus (Mars to his family and friends) is a very rich man. The family weren’t rich when he was growing up, they owned a small farm, the children went to the local school. Then Mr. Ashford invented farming equipment that gave farmers the ability to make the best use of their grazing land, and the family became very rich, with a multi billion dollar company. Mars, brother Caesar and sister Aurelia all worked in the company, running different departments, having worked very hard at university, and they enjoyed the benefits that money provided.
The Company is holding a charity gala, and Caesar is the patron of the charity, but he isn’t there and a woman is waiting to speak to him, Mars goes to keep her company until his brother arrives, and discovers it is Wren Carter (known as Birdy to her friends). They have been friends since university but he hasn’t seen her for a long time. She seems very nervous, Mars wonders why she would be nervous of Caesar. When he turns up Mars has to leave them, and he is dismayed that he has to leave Wren with his brother. He had been madly in love with her when ha was eighteen, and has thought about her most days since.
It is a serious conversation, Wren tells Caesar that every man that has been in her life has cheated on her, starting with her father. She no longer wants a relationship, but she does want a child, and at thirty she is classified as a geriatric mother.the clinic she went to told her there was a two year waiting list, and she might be better asking a friend to be a donor. Caesar doesn’t completely dismiss the idea, but tells her he needs to think about it - there might be implications if he were to decide to marry.
Shortly afterwards their father holds a board meeting, throwing a huge spanner in the works. He has been thinking of retiring and a rival has offered a huge amount to buy their business. He does not want to sell, but the children have shown no signs of wanting to settle down and have families. He wants the continuity of a family line to run his business. If he were to sell their family name would disappear within a year. He gives them a year, and if none of them are settled by then he will sell. When their father and board members leave the family discuss it, and Caesar tells them about his conversation with Wren, Mars feels sick at the thought of his brother announcing that Wren is having his child, he tells them he plans to get married.
And so it begins. He remains very business like and produces a contract for Wren, stating his terms. After a great deal of angst she agrees to marry him. Mars tries very hard to keep emotions out of the equation, but that becomes increasingly difficult. They have a lot of twists and turns before they can both see how strong their relationship is.
No one writes billionaire books like Serenity Woods and this is the stat of a great new series. Caesar Ashford is non plussed, had his old friend Wren Carter really just asked him to be her sperm donor? Primary school teacher, Wren Carter, was desperate for a child, her body clock was ticking and after a few disastrous relationships she decided to ask her old school friend to be a sperm donor, no strings attached, she didn't want his money and she would sign anything relieving him of any responsibility. When Caesar's younger brother, Marcus, heard about the request, he was both furious and hurt, he had been in love with Wren since he was eighteen years old but she had turned him down because she was five years older than him. Caesar and Marcus, along with their younger sister Auralia, had grown up surrounded by wealth, their grandfather had handed down the family farm to their father Edward, Edward had used his technical knowledge to build a successful farming company, a company that he wanted to hand down to his sons, but there was a problem, he wanted to retire but customers wanted to see a stable background and neither of his sons showed any signs of settling down and producing heirs, they worked hard and they played hard, was selling the company his only option ? Marcus takes the bull by the horns, he takes things into his own hands, incensed that Wren had chosen Marcus over him to be her sperm donor he decided to offer her a deal, he would marry her, give her the child that she yearns for and thus, ensuring the future of the company. This is a sweet, romantic story of two people who have always had strong feelings for one another facing an uncertain future together. Could Marcus convince Wren that this is not just a marriage of convenience, Can Wren ever let her barriers down, the barriers that protect her heart. I look forward to meeting up with all these wonderful characters in Cease's story. I received a free copy of this book and my review is totally voluntary.
Should this book actually be called the Wrong Brother? Maybe. And even though the men involved are billionaires, you can imagine the situations actually happening to ordinary people. The money could actually be a hindrance instead of boon in this story. But in spite of a number of misunderstandings, twists and turns that draw you in, this story of Marcus and Wren will make you believe in fated love!
The main female character, Wren, is an old university friend of Caesar Ashford. Caesar’s brother Marcus met Wren when he was 18 and she was 23. He was immediately smitten and asked her out. She let him down gently, but still, at that age, he was just too young for her. Fast forward to 10 years later, and they meet again. And Marcus realizes he is still entranced by her. She has had disastrous relationships in the intervening 10 years, and doesn’t want a man, just a baby. She asks Caesar to become a sperm donor, but, by emphasizing all the wonderful things he can do for their child, Marcus finally convinces Wren to actually marry him and make a baby the “real” way.
I really enjoyed Wren, even though she spent a LOT of time feeling unlovable. Having all three serious boyfriends cheat on you could probably warrant that self doubt. But Marcus is committed from the very beginning to having a real marriage, with no end date, while she convinces herself it is a marriage of convenience. And even though Wren has a hard time accepting it, Marcus is faithful, kind, and loving and spends every chance he can to convince her he not only wants her now, he will ALWAYS want her! And of course who could not cheer for gorgeous Marcus, not only going after the girl, but basically saving his family’s legacy at the same time?
The whole Ashford family seems wonderful, people you would like to know, who don’t let their billions affect their relationships with friends and family. I can hardly wait to find out what is in store for Caesar, and their sister Aurelia!
I volunteered to read an ARC of this book and provide my honest opinion.
The Wrong Billionaire by Serenity Woods The Ashford Legacy #1
~ Wren wants a baby ~ Marcus wants Wren ~ One wants true commitment & the other wants no emotions involved at all ~ Will a marriage of convenience meet both of their expectations or…not ~
What I liked: * Marcus “Mars” Ashford: wealthy, involved in family agriculture business, middle child, a bit of a playboy, wanted Wren ten years ago & still wants her, offers true marriage and hopes she will fall in love with him * Wren “Birdy: Carter: difficult childhood, trust issues, primary school teacher, caring, kind, fed up with dating and cheating men, wants a baby and goes after what she wants * That the five-year age gap that seemed great when they were 18 and 23 isn’t quite so noticeable ten years later * That Marcus takes after his father in knowing quickly who his soul mate is * The strong relationship between Wren and her mother, sister, and nephew * The prenup that Wren requests * The way Marcus’s family accepts Wren and the support they provide * Marcus’s maturity, wisdom, communication skills, and his patience in wooing Wren * That Wren’s misconception about herself was lovingly destroyed by Marcus * The personal growth Wren makes as she learns new information and spends quality time with Marcus in and out of the bedroom * That I liked Marcus and Wren, thought they were a good match, and could see them married and happy together * Knowing that there are at least two more books to look forward to in this series * The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
What I didn’t like: * Wren’s father who abandoned her and the men who cheated on her making her feel “less than” as a result
Did I like this book? Yes Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – this is my honest review. 5 Stars
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and really enjoyed it. Serenity has such a talent for writing from the heart. Her descriptions of the characters, the location and the storyline are all woven together seamlessly. I find the length of the books to be just right. And unlike some other authors there is no unnecessary angst or protracted partings. Yet the books have all the emotions and the ups and down that you get drawn right in. I don’t know how Serenity manages to weave such beautiful stories that bring the characters and settings to life. And I can’t imagine how a good ending is going to come about, but they do and always in the best way. The Wrong Billionaire is the first book in a new series titled The Ashford Legacy. It is centred on The Ashford Foundation who specialise in pasture management technology. It is a family run business. This book concentrates on one of the sons, Marcus Ashford, his Dad heads the business along with Marcus’s brother Caesar and sister Aurelia. Marcus has known Wren for years and has always secretly liked her, but Wren is slightly older and went to college with Caesar. Marcus always felt he was 2nd best in her friendship with the brothers. I am not going to give the plot away, I thoroughly recommend you read the book, you won’t be disappointed. Marcus and Wrens story is beautiful and heartfelt and of course has the very best HEA. I am so looking forward to Caesar’s story. I love the way we get a sneak peak into the characters coming up in the next books. Well done Serenity on another great book ❤️
I have been waiting for the start of the Ashford Legacy, and The Wrong Billionaire exceeded every expectation. There is something so incredibly compelling about a hero who has been quietly in love with the heroine for years, only for a "marriage of convenience" to finally give him his shot.
Why I loved it: • The Emotional Stakes: This isn't just a fluffy billionaire romance. It’s deeply emotional. The "baby clause" adds a layer of vulnerability to Wren and her husband’s dynamic that kept me completely hooked.
• The "Slow Burn" Tension: Serenity Woods is a master of the slow burn. The physical chemistry is sizzling, but it’s the emotional intimacy—the way he protects her and the way they navigate their new "fake" life—that really stole my heart.
• The Setting: The Ashford empire feels grand and high-stakes, providing the perfect contrast to the very personal, domestic world Wren and her husband are building together.
• The Dialogue: The banter is smart and reveals so much about their history. It never felt forced; it felt like two people who have known each other forever finally finding their footing.
Final Thoughts: A solid 4.5-star read for me. It’s warm, it’s spicy, and it’s a perfect start to what I’m sure will be a must-read series. If you like "he falls first" and "marriage of convenience" tropes, you need this on your shelf today. Objection overruled—this brother was definitely the right one!
I will start out by saying that I was given an ARC copy to read and am giving my own opinion. I really enjoyed this book and had fun reading it! I loved watching the characters slowly reveal who they are, especially since everyone in their world has to keep up with certain impressions and expectations. The Ashford children receive bad news: someone has to marry and have an heir within a certain amount of time or else the family company will be sold off. In order to prevent this from happening, Marcus (the MMC) makes a deal with his longstanding crush and his brother’s best friend, Wren (the FMC). Marcus needs to marry someone and Wren wants someone to father her child, so it’s a win-win situation. That is, until their feelings start rising to the surface and they start to realize that they are starting to fall for each other. The story is a little Cinderella coded, what with Wren being a primary school teacher and not having much money compared to Wren, the savior and prince of the story. However, Wren is a far cry from being a damsel in distress. I also loved watching Marcus’ reactions, particularly his jealousy, towards Wren and men who interacted with her. I thought it was incredibly cute, and it’s one of my favorite tropes in romance stories! I really enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it! Thank you so much to Serenity Woods and her team for letting me read the book! I really enjoyed it and appreciate the opportunity!
Great depiction of a man being patient trying to get down to the bottom of something with his wife’s feelings. Wife is embarrassed about it but he doesn’t give up trying to figure out what’s wrong. Perfect depiction that love is about not giving up. Yes, the person isn’t giving it to you clean. There is a reason. Embarrassment, sadness, something. But still. He, despite her great hesitance to say it out loud, he keeps on asking questions without losing patience for her and screaming “JUST SPIT IT OUT” he stays and continues trying to figure out what’s wrong. I was very impressed.
By the way, I have never read a book that focused so much on the baseline logistics of the marital act. Really and truly. It is beyond refreshing to learn not just the fancy literature not awkward COMPLETELY UNREALISTIC part of it. This book showed me the realistic part. And it didn’t make it dark romanticy or kinky. It’s ok to be very unsure about what you are doing and if it feels good or if it will be hot. All that matter is that you are both there for your partner and you love them. It shows the raw, real, mostly awkward and unfamiliar truth of the mental act and it doesn’t just mention it. It EXPLAINS it. It doesn’t just do the little inexperienced trope. Serenity goes THE EXTRA MILE and breaks it all down for her readers and I greatly acknowledge and appreciate that.
Also I really like the ending confession. Such real concrete reasons for love. I have never seen anything like this book. One of my top ten most definitely.
Marcus is absolutely adorable. Modest, clever and devoted to Wren. He's loved her for ten years. Wren is a primary school teacher who knows what she wants and goes after it, but doesn't trust that she could have much more.
"Wren is sipping from a champagne flute while she reads from a real book, not her phone. It takes me back to the days on the beach during vacations, her in a bikini, lying on a towel beneath an umbrella, nose buried in her latest novel. Me playing cricket with the boys, occasionally glancing over at her, wishing she’d look at me. Long summer days filled with yearning."
"He was gorgeous at eighteen. Tall, slim, dark, and brooding. He shocked me when he asked me out. I didn’t expect it at all. I was five years older, and he didn’t give a damn."
When Wren was 23, Marcus wanted a relationship but she thought that the age-gap was too large. She went to university at the same time as his brother and they were friends, so she asked Ceasar to become a donor 10 years later, as she wants a baby without a relationship.
As always, Serenity discusses a difficult subject through her characters in a very sensitive way. This is a great kickoff to a new series. I'm looking forward to reading about Marcus's brother Ceasar next.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and am leaving a completely honest review.
The Wrong Billionaire The Ashford Legacy #1 Serenity Woods ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh I’m so excited for this new series from Ms Woods, Marcus and Wren were beautiful in a tangled family story of drama, and want.
Wren has wanted a baby forever, but her less then stellar dating pool and she finds herself face to face with Caesar Ashford asking him to be her baby daddy, no strings attached.
Discovering his childhood crush has asked his brother to help her have a baby, his father making demands about him and his siblings lack of love and the fear of losing the family business, Marcus Ashford sees the perfect opportunity to help everyone. He offers Wren the parts needed for her baby if she marries him, he’ll create an heir for the business, she’ll get the baby she desperately wants and he’ll finally get the opportunity to be with Wren as he’s wanted since he was 18.
It seems like the perfect plan…. But blurring lines of friendship and Marcus being younger then her, let alone the actual deal of said child. It’s a lot, but for Wren it’s the perfect plan in theory. Giving herself to Marcus is scary, he’s gods gift to women, he could have anyone but he chooses her.
With a constant thought of did she choose the wrong Billionaire, absolutely not. Marcus Ashford would wake any woman’s ovaries… the man is hot, sexy, bossy and perfection
This is a wonderful start to a new series by Serenity Woods. This is a series that involves three siblings, two brothers and a sister, and a statement made by their father intending to save the family company.
Wren grew up knowing the Ashford siblings. And she was closest in age to Caesar. She always knew Marcus but thought of him as the younger brother to her friend. Wren has decided she wants a child but to have one without a partner and to use a sperm donor. But there is a wait for this to happen plus a monetary cost, she can't afford. She has had a run of bad luck with partners and has came back across the Big Ditch to New Zealand and is currently working as a primary school teacher. So she comes up with an audacious idea of asking her childhood friend, Caesar, to be the sperm donor. But nothing about her plan goes to plan.
Marcus steps in when his older brother is running late to meet with Wren. And once he sets eyes on her and learns about her plan, he decides to act on his long held attraction to Wren. And he offers to be her baby daddy. And this is where things go slightly off plan again. (Read to find out what happens next...)
Plan to schedule yourself time to read this intriguing novel. This is one I read almost in one sitting.
I did receive a copy of this book in advance from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Marcus and Wren. They have known each other for years and she, being 5 years older, is friends mainly with his older brother Caesar. Marcus is the middle child and his sister Aurelia is three years his younger. She wants a child, he wants her..has done for 10 years after she turned down a request for a date, saying she was too old for him, being twenty three. This part of her attitude and behaviour towards him constantly..being five years older is not a determining, considerable age difference; her constant doubts about her past relationships and Marcus were annoying and unfair at times. Marcus was kind, gentle, patient and considerate. A marriage of convenience, is not so convenient to him. He is dedicated to her and because of her insecurities she is uncertain, but life doesn't come with guarantees. Wren is a pitiful character at times, being in a constant state of anxiety is exhausting. She waivers between the positives and negatives until she can find her medium level to begin to enjoy being with him. It is a detailed storyline about love and fear. Well drafted and reasonably paced. He loves, she fears. He is grounded, she hover. He is rich, she is a primary school teacher. He is experienced, she has disappointment. Despite it all Marcus manages to slowly demonstrate his commitment and she simply needs to believe in them. A great start to the series.
When Marcus, Caesar and Aurelia’s father, the CEO of their family business, announces that if at least one of his children doesn’t settle down and produce an heir, he will sell the company to a rival firm and retire. Meanwhile, Caesar’s college platonic friend, Wren, makes her own unusual request of him. She wants him to be a sperm donor so she can have a baby through IVF. Marcus once asked Wren out on a date and was summarily rejected as she felt the age difference between them was too extreme. He never forgot her and still had feelings for her. So he puts forth a counteroffer to solve both their problems—marriage. Given Wren’s past experiences she is wary of giving her heart to this man, no matter how much he tries to convince her. Can Marcus persuade Wren that he’s in it for the long haul? I absolutely loved the interaction between these two protagonists. Marcus is unapologetic about the fact that he’s loaded, and yet he’s so patient and gentle with Wren, understanding that her life experience hasn’t been as easy as his has been. The banter between them is also so natural, realistic, and often funny. This is a great start to “The Ashford Legacy” series that I highly recommend. I can’t wait to read Caesar’s story next! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The Wrong Billionaire is Marcus Ashford and Wren’s story and it’s book one in The Ashford Legacy Series. I loved everything about this book from the characters to the description of the places this journey is set in and everything in between. This is a great start and introduction to the Ashford family. Wren met Marcus’s older brother Caesar in University and they fast became friends so that included mixing with Marcus. Marcus knew he had found the one but when he asked her out she turned him down because of the age difference, he was 18 and she was 21. Fast forward 10 years and Wren needs a favour, she desperately wants a baby and she turns to Caesar for help but it’s Marcus who steps up………. Marcus also needs a favour because his father wants to retire but he needs his children to settle down and have children or the board will vote to sell the company. Could this be the perfect opportunity for Marcus to turn fake to real and Wren to get the baby she wants. I loved this book and it didn’t take me long to become invested in Marcus and Wren and their story. I fell hard and fast as I cheered this couple on. This is a well written, entertaining and descriptive story.
And Serenity Woods will definitely have you saying yes to The Wrong Billionaire.
Move over Damon (Beauty & the Billionaire), there’s a new favourite leading man… Marcus Ashford is the Kiwi billionaire book boyfriend you don’t just want, oh no, book besties, you need Marcus.
After 10 years, he finally gets the girl… The chemistry between Marcus and Wren was undeniable, but honestly, the emotional depth of their story was what completely pulled me in.
Protective, patient, and just completely gone for one woman, Marcus was everything when it came to Wren; the girl he’d loved since he was 18. And when a man loves that deeply for that long? Yeah, nope, I don’t stand a chance and why I found myself having binged the whole book in one sitting.
One of the things that always draws me to Serenity’s books is the real, raw vulnerability she brings to both main characters. They’re never perfect or overly polished. Her characters always feel human, layered, and deeply authentic and I couldn’t have asked for more.
If he falls first and hard, second chance, billionaire romance with a marriage of convenience are your vibes, The Wrong Billionaire is definitely for you!
So, when I first heard that Serenity was putting a pause on the Sunrise Bay series to start this new series, I was a bit upset because I really liked those stories. However, I knew there had to be a good reason...and there was. I read, or should I say, devoured this book in 2 days! 2days!! The basis of the story is this: Caesar and Wren are friends and Wren wants a baby. Caeser's brother Marcus has had a crush on Wren for 10 years. Both Marcus and Caesar have been told in not so many words to: "grow up and be responsible" or their father will sell the business. Wren asks Caesar to be a donor which upsets Marcus because why wouldn't she ask him? So, Marcus "slides in" with this proposal: marry me and we can "make a baby". It's a win-win in his mind. He gets married, looks responsible and will get the girl to fall for him. I liked this story because we see the human side in these characters, and the "billionaire" angle isn't in your face. Of course, we get great detail of the area of New Zealand the story takes place in (you can see it in your mind), and a HEA. I am looking forward to the next book in the series! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I so very kindly received an ARC of this book, my opinions are my own.
Ms Woods knows how to create an interesting family right from the start, and the Ashfords are no different. Marcus and Wren are one of those couples, I think, who you'll either love or hate however.
I loved them. While I do believe Wren's reticence held on a touch too long, I can also see a lot of myself in her. I, too, am never chosen. Usually, men will ask me if my "pretty" friend is single, or if I can give the friend their number (has happened more times than I can count ...). So I honestly probably wouldn't believe it if someone handsome, rich and powerful like Marcus proposed out of the blue, then declared he's loved me for a decade.
So I get it. I love how patient he was with her, willing to give her the world and stand by her side. I love how Wren eventually embraced it all with gusto and started trusting.
Ms Woods writes characters really well, the setting is always beautiful, and the writing itself immensely engaging.
10/10 recommend, and I can't wait for Caesar's and Aurelia's stories!
What a wonderful story. I was really looking forward to this book and I wasn't disappointed.
Wren wants a baby. She decides she will ask an old friend to be the donor. What she doesn't realize is there is another brother, Marcus, who finds out about the request and sets out to change Wren's mind.
Wren and Marcus grew up together and Marcus has always been in love with her but could never get Wren to date him since there was a fice year difference. That is why Wren went to Marcus' brother first.
Marcus is the sweetest guy and I fell in love with him from the beginning. There are lots of family dynamics involving the family business and this presents many problems for everyone.
Wren becomes torn between the two brothers when Marcus finds out about her request of his brother and decides to step in.
Lots of this transpire and Wren finds herself married to Marcus but doesn't believe he loves her.
The Wrong Billionaire was a beautiful story and I loved all the characters. The author writes such endearing stories and this is another great one. I'm really looking forward to Ceaser, the older brother.
Wren Carter and Ceasar Asher go way back but have never been more than friends. At age 18, Ceasar's younger brother Marcus fell head over heels for Wren, 5 years his senior. That love was unrequited, especially in light of the age gap, and she broke his heart. Fast forward ten years, Wren wants a baby without a relationship and circumstances led her to prevail upon her good friend to be her donor. Taken aback by the request, Ceasar asks for time to consider and shares his deliberation with his brother. Seeing this as an opportunity to finally have the woman he's never gotten over, Marcus gives Wren an alternative …. marriage to him. Wren must decide if five years is the same at 33 as it was at 23 or will she let herself open her heart to Marcus.
Ms. Woods is a delight to read. She always gives us a bit of social commentary (age gap) along with delightful characters and a fully fleshed out story line. Add the gorgeous NZ settings and a generous peek into the bedroom and what more could you ask for? Can't wait to see what the rest of the family is up to! I did receive an advance copy from the author, but it is totally my pleasure to submit this review.
After several failed relationships Wren has decided to have a baby through IVF, but the wait list is two years. She decides to ask her friend Caesar Ashford if he would donate. Ten years ago, Caesar’s brother, Marcus had asked Wren out, but she had thought a five-year gap was too big. Marcus still loves Wren, but she no longer trusts relationships. Then Marcus’s father decides he want to retire from the business that has made the family’s fortunes. Unless one of his children has married and had a baby, he is going to sell the company. Marcus sees this as a chance to persuade Wren to marry him. But can he overcome her belief that everyone leaves her.
I loved this book. Wren’s insecurities were dealt with sensitively by Marcus. I laughed at some of the line. “I’ll strip off your wedding dress, and you’ll faint like a Victorian governess” and “You want to stick your flagpole in me.” “You mean I want to plant my flag.
As always with Serenity, the story flows well and is hard to put down.
I am not a big billionaire romance fan. Serenity Woods writes about billionaires who are loving, kind, generous, thoughtful, with a touch of vulnerability. That's Marcus.
I thought it was pretty brave of Wren to seek out a friend and ask for what she wanted. It should have felt like desperation on her part, but I never really got that sense. More that it was something she really wanted, but if it didn't happen, she would go with her original plan.
Both Marcus and Wren were complex characters, each having personal issues to work through. I loved the patience Marcus showed Wren. I felt almost as relieved as him when Wren finally fully opened up to him.
A sweet romance with heat and sensuality. I enjoyed the local descriptions of NZ. They are written so that I could almost feel what it was like to be there. I wish there had been an epilogue so we could have enjoyed more of Wren and Marcus. I am looking forward to Caesar's story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Young Love Do you believe in Soul Mates? Well I do but I know that it’s not a common belief and yet this story makes me believe even more! The Ashford Family seems to have it all. Money, looks and amazing lives and yet they’ve had sickness, scandal and unfulfilled wishes. Reality seems to be strongly present in the lives of Marcus, Caesar, and Aurelia, the three Ashford children despite the status that the family currently has. When an ultimatum is given to the three kids everyone expects them to give in but Marcus sees it as a chance to live the dream that he’s had of Wren for 10 long years. Wren has been friends of Caesar for quite a while and thus she knows the entire family but she has No Clue what Marcus is truly up to. Can she overcome her past and all of the insecurities that those traumas bring into the present? Well the crap hits the fan and reality slams into everyone involved with the family but will it make a difference to Wren and Marcus? I truly can’t wait to see if the next book is about Caesar or Aurelia!
Such a lovely book. Marcus Ashford aka Mars has had it bad for Wren Carter since he was 18 and she was 23. After being rejected as too young when he was 18, he put his energy into school and later into the family business. Jump ahead a decade, Wren is back in NZ and wants a favor from Mars’ brother, Caesar… to be a sperm donor. Well, that spurs Marcus to convince Wren he’d be a wonderful donor, and… husband and she’d do him a favor to keep the family company from a takeover if he marries. Between the simmering attraction of Mars and Wren, honesty, family dynamics etc... this proposition keeps Wren and Marcus on their toes.
As always, I was drawn into the story on page one and couldn’t put it down. I kept reading to see if this relationship would end in a “trainwreck” or HEA. You know the answer because Serenity wouldn’t end a book on a bad note! I look forward to seeing if other family and friends receive their HEA in future books.
This book sucked me in from page one! Although early in, I hold my breath as to how the story will play out and what I hope it will play out like. Marcus is the perfect hero. Good looking, successful, down to earth, good manners, knows what he wants, and of course, money is no object. Wren is a friend of his older brother, burned and heartbroken too many times, and although she knows what she wants in her life, she needs some persuasion from Marcus. Wren dismissed Marcus’ feelings, and that he had asked her out ten years ago, but somehow they find themselves in a marriage of convenience, with her estranged father suddenly showing up, trying to extort some money from her, and Marcus going all Alpha, in a good way…nobody touches his wife! Of course, it contains drama and requires some trust from both of them, but love, trust, communication, and honesty prevail. All while showing that age is just a number.