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Wager of Hearts #1
The CEO Buys In
Self-made billionaire Nathan Trainor feels restless and disillusioned. His company may be thriving, but he can’t find a woman who sees him for more than his wealth. With his love life in the red, he meets two other billionaire bachelors at the ultra-exclusive Bellwether Club. The three of them make a wager of the heart: they must find women who love them for who they are, not their money.
Savvy office temp Chloe Russell is trying to scrape together the money she needs to support her grandmother. So when a flu epidemic strikes Trainor Electronics and she’s promoted to Nathan Trainor’s assistant, she jumps at the lucrative opportunity. But then Nathan himself falls ill, and he and Chloe must work from his penthouse while he recuperates. Before long, it’s clear there’s genuine heat between them, and it’s more than just a fever spike. Will Nathan win Chloe’s heart—and the bet? Or will their differences destroy any chance for love?
Savvy office temp Chloe Russell is trying to scrape together the money she needs to support her grandmother. So when a flu epidemic strikes Trainor Electronics and she’s promoted to Nathan Trainor’s assistant, she jumps at the lucrative opportunity. But then Nathan himself falls ill, and he and Chloe must work from his penthouse while he recuperates. Before long, it’s clear there’s genuine heat between them, and it’s more than just a fever spike. Will Nathan win Chloe’s heart—and the bet? Or will their differences destroy any chance for love?
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2015
1702 people are currently reading
2818 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Herkness
23 books895 followersNancy Herkness is the award-winning, best-selling author of contemporary romance for readers who love richly developed characters and an immersive reading experience. Meet the wealthy, powerful alpha heroes who need down-to-earth women to show them how to find soul-deep love and pulse-racing passion. Nancy’s vivid writing brings to life settings both elegant and homey, while making her flawed but fascinating characters leap off the page and into your heart. Savor the thrill of falling in love by diving into one of Nancy’s books.
Author of the Royal Caleva, Consultants, Wager of Hearts, and Whisper Horse series, as well as several other contemporary romance novels, Nancy has sold over a million books. She is also a two-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award.
Nancy has received many honors for her work, including the Book Buyers Best Top Pick, the New England Readers’ Choice award, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English literature and creative writing.
A native of West Virginia, Nancy now lives twelve miles west of the Lincoln Tunnel in suburban New Jersey with two tabby cats.
For more information about Nancy and her books, visit www.NancyHerkness.com. Sign up for her monthly newsletter—and get a free novella—at: http://www.nancyherkness.com/newsletter/
Social media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyherkness
BookBub author: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nancy...
Amazon author: https://amazon.com/stores/author/B001...
Author of the Royal Caleva, Consultants, Wager of Hearts, and Whisper Horse series, as well as several other contemporary romance novels, Nancy has sold over a million books. She is also a two-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award.
Nancy has received many honors for her work, including the Book Buyers Best Top Pick, the New England Readers’ Choice award, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English literature and creative writing.
A native of West Virginia, Nancy now lives twelve miles west of the Lincoln Tunnel in suburban New Jersey with two tabby cats.
For more information about Nancy and her books, visit www.NancyHerkness.com. Sign up for her monthly newsletter—and get a free novella—at: http://www.nancyherkness.com/newsletter/
Social media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyherkness
BookBub author: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nancy...
Amazon author: https://amazon.com/stores/author/B001...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 567 reviews
July 24, 2015
We've all seen the scenario where the owner of the company falls for his temp secretary. However, I thought this had a different spin, one that I very much liked.
To me I felt like she was Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman, and he was a semi combo of Christian Grey and Gideon Cross- however, his only hang up was his strict military father and luckily he wasn't a nutjob in the bedroom.
I know- it's a weird mix but it's what I thought as she was the under paid temp rising to the top secretary job, trying to care for her grandma and makes ends meet- and how he was very assertive in what he wanted, a bit demanding, bought her things, flew her places and was extremely sexy in the: bedroom, on the jet, in the Rolls, in his office, in the dressing room- get the picture? ;)
what I liked:
1. Sexy sexy sexy times
2. Ben, Grandmillie, and Ed
3. The wager
4. How even though this is a story that takes place in a 2 weeks time, I swear it felt longer than that.
5. How Nathan wine and dines Chloe.
6. No foul language.
7. How Chloe has a backbone and was never afraid to push Nathan and stand up to him.
8. How Chloe ultimately saves Nathan in many ways he didn't realize he needed. He can give her the world, but she gives him so much more that is worth more than money.
9. No cheating.
My only regret is: the ending seemed to wrap up too fast and the conclusion came about too easily.
To me I felt like she was Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman, and he was a semi combo of Christian Grey and Gideon Cross- however, his only hang up was his strict military father and luckily he wasn't a nutjob in the bedroom.
I know- it's a weird mix but it's what I thought as she was the under paid temp rising to the top secretary job, trying to care for her grandma and makes ends meet- and how he was very assertive in what he wanted, a bit demanding, bought her things, flew her places and was extremely sexy in the: bedroom, on the jet, in the Rolls, in his office, in the dressing room- get the picture? ;)
what I liked:
1. Sexy sexy sexy times
2. Ben, Grandmillie, and Ed
3. The wager
4. How even though this is a story that takes place in a 2 weeks time, I swear it felt longer than that.
5. How Nathan wine and dines Chloe.
6. No foul language.
7. How Chloe has a backbone and was never afraid to push Nathan and stand up to him.
8. How Chloe ultimately saves Nathan in many ways he didn't realize he needed. He can give her the world, but she gives him so much more that is worth more than money.
9. No cheating.
My only regret is: the ending seemed to wrap up too fast and the conclusion came about too easily.
September 26, 2019
DNF
I am very conflicting about this book. The blurp about office romance is what pulls me in. When I start listening to the book, the first 40% is interesting with a lot of steamy foreplay. But then its dwindle down from there.
The plot is all over the place. The chase between Nathan and Chloe is dragging. So dragging and adding way too much layers on the story. I got very confuse and then I lost interest. I try to finish the story due to steamy foreplay. But I just have to call it quit and shelved it under DNF
2 stars
I am very conflicting about this book. The blurp about office romance is what pulls me in. When I start listening to the book, the first 40% is interesting with a lot of steamy foreplay. But then its dwindle down from there.
The plot is all over the place. The chase between Nathan and Chloe is dragging. So dragging and adding way too much layers on the story. I got very confuse and then I lost interest. I try to finish the story due to steamy foreplay. But I just have to call it quit and shelved it under DNF
2 stars
April 18, 2023
O lectură incitantă, plină de umor și emoții răvășitoare. O poveste de dragoste absolut delicioasă!
Nathan este un bărbat puternic, bogat, cu un trecut care i-a marcat tinerețea, care este dezamăgit de femeile care trec prin viața sa: constată că acestea sunt interesate de ceea ce le poate oferi, nicidecum de persoana lui.
Chloe este o tânără angajată temporar în compania acestuia, care datorită unei epidemii de gripă, ajunge să lucreze ca secretară a directorului executiv.
Avem parte atât de momente tensionate, cât și de momente ce stârnesc râsul.
Impresiile mele aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
Nathan este un bărbat puternic, bogat, cu un trecut care i-a marcat tinerețea, care este dezamăgit de femeile care trec prin viața sa: constată că acestea sunt interesate de ceea ce le poate oferi, nicidecum de persoana lui.
Chloe este o tânără angajată temporar în compania acestuia, care datorită unei epidemii de gripă, ajunge să lucreze ca secretară a directorului executiv.
Avem parte atât de momente tensionate, cât și de momente ce stârnesc râsul.
Impresiile mele aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
January 22, 2016
Thank you Netgalley for sending me this book in exchange of an honest review.
DNF!!
I didn't like it! I can't even get through this book because I find it quite unoriginal and unrealistic.
I feel that I have read a lot of books with the same story line and the same events, and I didn't like that.
Maybe a lot of people enjoyed this book, but personally I didn't and I can't finish it.
DNF!!
I didn't like it! I can't even get through this book because I find it quite unoriginal and unrealistic.
I feel that I have read a lot of books with the same story line and the same events, and I didn't like that.
Maybe a lot of people enjoyed this book, but personally I didn't and I can't finish it.
October 12, 2018
A pretty good book, it dragged at times, a bit predictable, of course. I still liked it very much, the romance and banter was cute. I’m not sure if I’m interested enough to finish the series.
August 14, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2az0ojb
I'm not usually fond of betting themes but a group of men betting on finding true love and romance? I. Am. In. I had a good time with The CEO Buys In. A sexy, commanding hero and a strong willed and caring heroine with scorching chemistry? Yep. Yep. Definitely in.
The quick of it is that Nathan has found himself drowning his woes of the female variety at his club one night. And it's wound up with a unique bet as his two new acquaintances--who are feeling pretty damn meh over things in their lives as well--make a drunken bet. They're going wife hunting. They need things to change in their lives and they're gonna find true love to fix it. They've got one year to find that woman and win her heart. For Nathan it hit him a little quicker than expected in the form of his temp assistant. A spunky woman who's not at all impressed with his wealth or company and that intrigues him something fierce.
I really liked these two. They have a fantastic play between them. They can drive each other a little crazy but they intrigue each other. There's just something about the other that pulls their curiosity and desire and man it was fun to watch them give a little resistance and finally give in. Both are hard workers, quick on their feet, and dealing with some slight issues. The heat between these two was through the roof and oh so yummy. They do manage to have sex in dang near every form of transportation and against quite a few walls. lol
My only issue that popped up was the heroine and her disdain for those who have money. As the book went on and that continued to pop up here and there it started to grate especially since he'd not given her any real reason to have her back up. She came in with a chip on her shoulder and I really would have liked to see her figure that out a spot quicker. Actually a couple of the support women in her life rubbed me a little wrong too. They were all very down on him and his position and everyone was all well the relationship was doomed from the start...best to end it now instead of getting involved with him. Basically she wasn't good enough for him because of their class differences and he'd dump her when he got bored. That bugged me.
One of the things I really loved was the writing. There was nothing fancy about it, really. It wasn't overly wordy or descriptive but I felt like I was there. Like I was actually watching the scenes play out instead of just reading them on the page. It was a neat feeling.
All in all, while I had a small heroine quibble now and again, this was a fun read that has me eager for the next couple and their romance. It's light, fun, sexy and just a good time. Hard to resist for sure.
July 27, 2015
Found this one by coincidence and I enjoyed it very much.
March 24, 2016
What a nice surprise! I think the most enjoyable books are the ones you didn't expect to like.
To tell you the truth, I wasn't too excited about this one. I was sure I'll roll my eyes the whole time and maybe not even finish reading the whole thing. It was free thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, so I said "what the hell, let's try it."
I was so wrong. I'M SORRY!
It's hard not to judge a book by itscover blurb: temp executive assistant falls in love with a super handsome super rich CEO, throw in a bet made by that CEO and his friends over a bottle of expensive scotch, add a sick grandmother the temp cares for and for whom she works her ass off, Tiffany jewelry, SAKS Fifth Avenue shopping, private jets, awesome sex and some daddy issues and there you have it.
But there's more than that. First of all, since it's not a short story, the author takes her time building the plot and developing complex characters.
I loved the fact that she, the heroine, Chloe, was whip smart. She's more than a temp. She has a voice, arguments, valid points. Plus, she does this great thing,
The bet is something you'll expect to blow in their faces at some point. That's predictable. I'm not even hiding it under a spoiler warning, because neither of us was born yesterday. If I were Chloe, I So in the end, it's all good.
One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much is because it's perfect pink fairy tale material. Prince Charming, Cinderella, a night at the ball, dancing, fancy shoes and they lived happily ever after
Overall, even if you heard this story before, I still think it deserves to be read again. I'm rating with it 4★ because it's not too original, but it made me feel really good. :)
Follow me, if you want :)
It would be an absolute honor to have you as my guest on my blog too. Stop by anytime you want :)
To tell you the truth, I wasn't too excited about this one. I was sure I'll roll my eyes the whole time and maybe not even finish reading the whole thing. It was free thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, so I said "what the hell, let's try it."
I was so wrong. I'M SORRY!
It's hard not to judge a book by its
But there's more than that. First of all, since it's not a short story, the author takes her time building the plot and developing complex characters.
I loved the fact that she, the heroine, Chloe, was whip smart. She's more than a temp. She has a voice, arguments, valid points. Plus, she does this great thing,
The bet is something you'll expect to blow in their faces at some point. That's predictable. I'm not even hiding it under a spoiler warning, because neither of us was born yesterday. If I were Chloe, I So in the end, it's all good.
One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much is because it's perfect pink fairy tale material. Prince Charming, Cinderella, a night at the ball, dancing, fancy shoes and they lived happily ever after
Overall, even if you heard this story before, I still think it deserves to be read again. I'm rating with it 4★ because it's not too original, but it made me feel really good. :)
Follow me, if you want :)
It would be an absolute honor to have you as my guest on my blog too. Stop by anytime you want :)
August 1, 2016
Shallow!
Writing: Decent. Not many mistakes. However, there was a strange quality to it. Some of the sentence structures were odd. It made me think the author's first language may not be English.
Storyline:
There was nothing but sex, sex, sex and more sex. The opening was okay and set the book up to be pretty interesting, but I don't see how the prologue was fulfilled because the main characters never really got to know each other. All They did was have sex. EVERYWHERE. Every conversation they had with each other included sex. Every time they were around each other, they had sex. When they were alone thinking to themselves, they were thinking about sex with the other person. When they were asleep, their dreams were about having sex with each other. Are you catching my drift? This book is about s.e.x.! That is the storyline.
Characters: Shallow characters. The hero's backstory had the potential to be very interesting. The heroine's backstory was just blah. She also contradicted herself about his money as well. Her actions in the hospital were stupid too. The hero's two betting friends appeared more interesting than the main characters. I was interested in the football player, however, if there is going to be a book about him I probably won't read it for fear all that it will entail is sex. The heroine's grandmother and friend (Judith) were very negative about her relationship. Judith told her that she wasn't good enough for the billionaire and her grandmother although made it seem no one is good enough for her granddaughter also came across as if she wouldn't be able to hold the billionaire. The author did not do a good job wrapping Judith and the grandmother up in the end after it eventually turned in the heroines favor.
Erotic Scenes:
OMGosh!!! I was so sick of the sex scenes. There was just too many. Why? What was the purpose? If you remove all of the writing that contains sex, this book would probably only be about fifty pages. It was ridiculous. I was so frustrated with this book. Sex, Sex, Sex. Why not just watch a porno. This book had no substance because it was filled with sex. What's up Nancy Herkness? Why so much sex?
Overall, this book was about sex. How did I feel about the book? Sex.
Writing: Decent. Not many mistakes. However, there was a strange quality to it. Some of the sentence structures were odd. It made me think the author's first language may not be English.
Storyline:
There was nothing but sex, sex, sex and more sex. The opening was okay and set the book up to be pretty interesting, but I don't see how the prologue was fulfilled because the main characters never really got to know each other. All They did was have sex. EVERYWHERE. Every conversation they had with each other included sex. Every time they were around each other, they had sex. When they were alone thinking to themselves, they were thinking about sex with the other person. When they were asleep, their dreams were about having sex with each other. Are you catching my drift? This book is about s.e.x.! That is the storyline.
Characters: Shallow characters. The hero's backstory had the potential to be very interesting. The heroine's backstory was just blah. She also contradicted herself about his money as well. Her actions in the hospital were stupid too. The hero's two betting friends appeared more interesting than the main characters. I was interested in the football player, however, if there is going to be a book about him I probably won't read it for fear all that it will entail is sex. The heroine's grandmother and friend (Judith) were very negative about her relationship. Judith told her that she wasn't good enough for the billionaire and her grandmother although made it seem no one is good enough for her granddaughter also came across as if she wouldn't be able to hold the billionaire. The author did not do a good job wrapping Judith and the grandmother up in the end after it eventually turned in the heroines favor.
Erotic Scenes:
OMGosh!!! I was so sick of the sex scenes. There was just too many. Why? What was the purpose? If you remove all of the writing that contains sex, this book would probably only be about fifty pages. It was ridiculous. I was so frustrated with this book. Sex, Sex, Sex. Why not just watch a porno. This book had no substance because it was filled with sex. What's up Nancy Herkness? Why so much sex?
Overall, this book was about sex. How did I feel about the book? Sex.
May 12, 2015
Nathan is quite the charmer, "don’t mess with a highly aroused but unsatisfied man,” he warned. “Or you may find yourself in an awkward position." He's not a shy man, "of course. I’m an inconsiderate idiot.” He threw back the duvet and rose from the bed in all his beautiful, uncovered glory. “You’ll find plenty of clean towels. Use whatever soap and shampoo you like." He has no problem asking those embarrassing questions, "he bent his head to whisper in her ear the question that had been distracting him off and on all day. “Are you wearing panties?" He knows how to get his girl's panties wet, "that’s what I thought.” And then both of his hands were cupping her bottom, rubbing the silk against her. “I want to tear this dress off you and have you right here on the Oriental rug." I really liked this book.
February 8, 2017
"It's the beginning of a bad joke. A writer, a quarterback, and a CEO walk into a bar."
This is my first book by this author. I'm a bit stumped to be honest. I expected more and different. Just once I want to meet a down to earth, modest millionaire, as that too much to ask?
3 slightly disappointed stars.
Nathan Trainor is rich but what he really wants is to find someone special. To be loved for him and not for his wallet. After finding out that his current now Ex did know who he was makes him loose all hope. That is until he makes a bet with Archer and Miller to find true love in a years time. A wager of the heart.
Chloe Russell looks after her Grandmillie. She works as a temp and just happens to jump in for the assistant of the CEO (Nathan) she needs the money for health care.
My problem is that I can't connect with the trope of millionaires but I try I should just personally give it up.
I liked Chloe and I liked Nathan together but I didn't like them apart I don't know why exactly.
The book is well written a bit unrealstic in parts just not for me.
Please note that this is my personal opinion and is to be taken at face value no more/no less.
Book received in exchange for an honest review
This is my first book by this author. I'm a bit stumped to be honest. I expected more and different. Just once I want to meet a down to earth, modest millionaire, as that too much to ask?
3 slightly disappointed stars.
Nathan Trainor is rich but what he really wants is to find someone special. To be loved for him and not for his wallet. After finding out that his current now Ex did know who he was makes him loose all hope. That is until he makes a bet with Archer and Miller to find true love in a years time. A wager of the heart.
Chloe Russell looks after her Grandmillie. She works as a temp and just happens to jump in for the assistant of the CEO (Nathan) she needs the money for health care.
My problem is that I can't connect with the trope of millionaires but I try I should just personally give it up.
I liked Chloe and I liked Nathan together but I didn't like them apart I don't know why exactly.
The book is well written a bit unrealstic in parts just not for me.
Please note that this is my personal opinion and is to be taken at face value no more/no less.
Book received in exchange for an honest review
July 25, 2015
The CEO Buys In
The trope if this story will not be unfamiliar to romance readers. A sexy billionaire who is jaded by love but secretly wants it finds it with an unlikely and understated beauty. Throw in the elements of a secret wager and a well intentioned (and sweetly meddling) grandmother and you have this story.
I enjoyed Nathan and Chloe together as a couple and their journey to finding love was rather sweet, although it felt a bit contrived. The powerful CEO in a haze of sickness becomes fixated on his one-day old temp. Chloe somehow equalled 'coolness' to Nathan's fevered mind and he wanted her near him. Chloe's temporary assignment of executive assistant morphs into nursemaid, and we all know what happens within close quarters in a romance right? Sparks begin to fly and passion heats up. Nathan and Chloe's working relationship quickly grows into more and soon enough they give in to the attraction between them. But as in any good tale, the road to a happily ever after is wrought with obstacles. There is a little wager that Chloe knows nothing about, Nathan's relationship with his father that is an albatross to him, and Chloe's reluctance to giving such a powerful and influential man her heart. Oh, there are other elements at play too but I recommend reading the story for yourself to discover all the other dynamics.
All in all, the story was sweet and a good read overall, but for me it was missing that 'something' that would make it special.
The trope if this story will not be unfamiliar to romance readers. A sexy billionaire who is jaded by love but secretly wants it finds it with an unlikely and understated beauty. Throw in the elements of a secret wager and a well intentioned (and sweetly meddling) grandmother and you have this story.
I enjoyed Nathan and Chloe together as a couple and their journey to finding love was rather sweet, although it felt a bit contrived. The powerful CEO in a haze of sickness becomes fixated on his one-day old temp. Chloe somehow equalled 'coolness' to Nathan's fevered mind and he wanted her near him. Chloe's temporary assignment of executive assistant morphs into nursemaid, and we all know what happens within close quarters in a romance right? Sparks begin to fly and passion heats up. Nathan and Chloe's working relationship quickly grows into more and soon enough they give in to the attraction between them. But as in any good tale, the road to a happily ever after is wrought with obstacles. There is a little wager that Chloe knows nothing about, Nathan's relationship with his father that is an albatross to him, and Chloe's reluctance to giving such a powerful and influential man her heart. Oh, there are other elements at play too but I recommend reading the story for yourself to discover all the other dynamics.
All in all, the story was sweet and a good read overall, but for me it was missing that 'something' that would make it special.
June 13, 2016
Three billionaires make a wager about finding a woman who loves them for something other than their money. Now, any fool can see you are asking for trouble if you don't come clean when you do actually meet someone you start to care about.
Nathan is a tech genius who is a self made billionaire. After finding out a woman he cares about deceived him in the way they met, he is at the end of his rope with women. Hence the reason for making the bet. Chloe is an office temp who gets moved up the ranks rather quickly from receptionist to executive assistant due to a flu epidemic in the office. She becomes Nathan's assistant. When the flu strikes him, he takes days to recover, requiring Chloe to work from his home. This was a sweet romance about a man who felt used for what he could offer and a woman who didn't feel she had enough to offer him. I thought there was a lot of parts that dragged. It also wasn't as steamy as I would have hoped. I did enjoy it, just wasn't a favorite. no cheating, no ow/om drama (Nathan breaks up with a woman prior to meeting Chloe, she comes to office once and then she is never heard from again) I felt it was a HFN, with an epilogue that was only a couple months out. Would have liked a better epilogue but since it's the first book in the series I assume we may hear more about this couple.
Nathan is a tech genius who is a self made billionaire. After finding out a woman he cares about deceived him in the way they met, he is at the end of his rope with women. Hence the reason for making the bet. Chloe is an office temp who gets moved up the ranks rather quickly from receptionist to executive assistant due to a flu epidemic in the office. She becomes Nathan's assistant. When the flu strikes him, he takes days to recover, requiring Chloe to work from his home. This was a sweet romance about a man who felt used for what he could offer and a woman who didn't feel she had enough to offer him. I thought there was a lot of parts that dragged. It also wasn't as steamy as I would have hoped. I did enjoy it, just wasn't a favorite. no cheating, no ow/om drama (Nathan breaks up with a woman prior to meeting Chloe, she comes to office once and then she is never heard from again) I felt it was a HFN, with an epilogue that was only a couple months out. Would have liked a better epilogue but since it's the first book in the series I assume we may hear more about this couple.
November 14, 2015
★★★½☆ Enjoyed this one by a new-to-me author. Bought another of her books because of this one. Looking forward to the next in the series. Fast read.
September 10, 2015
The CEO Buys In (Wager of Hearts #1) by Nancy Herkness takes the familiar trope of the semi-emotional scarred billionaire hero who hooks up with the, dedicated and sweet "living paycheck to paycheck" heroine, and give it a unique premise. This premise that kept me interested is because of the first chapter. The hero Nathan is at his rich man's club (reminds me of a scene from a regency historical romance novel where the titled hero ends up at White's) drinking away his sorrows. The woman he was involved with, and whom he was thinking of marrying (not because he was head over heels in love with her, but she suited his needs as the right type of woman), is a con. She targeted him because of his fortune and role as a CEO of his company. While he's there, two other man chat him up. One is a best selling author, who currently has a major case of writer's block, and the other a famous NFL football star. They lament on their lacking love lives. Nathan doesn't believe in love. So they make a bet. They have a year to fall in love. Whoever is the last man standing without the love of their life, loses something big they own. This has a feel of a historical romance novel all the way with the whole, you must find your bride in a year or you'll lose everything you ever wanted. Nathan goes along with it because he's bored, or maybe it's because he's drunk?
There's Chloe, the office temp, who lives with her beloved grandmother, Grandmillie. She owes so much to her grandmother, who is getting on in her years. As a temp, Chloe makes very little, refusing to get a full time job at any big time corporations where she could have stability and more money because of her father who was wronged by the company he worked for. On the first day of her new temp job at Nathan's company, she given a raise of sorts. Nathan needs a temporary secretary/assistant for a few days. Chloe is wary working for the big man of the company, but still accepts the job. In the beginning both Nathan and Chloe don't have a real opinion about one another. But then Nathan falls ill- he has the flu, and Chloe is forced to work with him at his apartment because she soothes him while he's really sick. Eventually he recovers, and he begins to see Chloe in a new light, which means sparks flying, attraction building, and a passionate romance that may or may not have an end date.
The CEO Buys In should appeal to fans of contemporary romance with rich heroes like Nathan. He's not too douchey, and for the most part very sweet to Chloe as soon as he realizes she's something special. He does wine and dine her abd gives her nice things, but Chloe is there to give him a reality check. Like most romance heroines, she's not wowed by his money and the things he can do for her. She knows her place as an administrative assistant who is barely straddling the middle class with a grandmother who needs special medical attention that Chloe can't afford. She's the voice of reason, while Nathan is more of a, let's go with the flow, type of guy. Chloe surrenders to a point when it comes to the physical end of their relationship (Nathan gives new mean to the mile high club for Chloe in his private plane). These two are more analytical than spur of the moment type of people, unless it comes to sex.
There is the typical misunderstanding that arises near the end to create drama for Nathan and Chloe. The way it's fixed is pretty typical in a romance like this. But at least we get to see what Nathan was willing to sacrifice for his shot at falling in love.
The CEO Buys In is a solid romance with an overall nice couple, and some enjoyable love scenes.
There's Chloe, the office temp, who lives with her beloved grandmother, Grandmillie. She owes so much to her grandmother, who is getting on in her years. As a temp, Chloe makes very little, refusing to get a full time job at any big time corporations where she could have stability and more money because of her father who was wronged by the company he worked for. On the first day of her new temp job at Nathan's company, she given a raise of sorts. Nathan needs a temporary secretary/assistant for a few days. Chloe is wary working for the big man of the company, but still accepts the job. In the beginning both Nathan and Chloe don't have a real opinion about one another. But then Nathan falls ill- he has the flu, and Chloe is forced to work with him at his apartment because she soothes him while he's really sick. Eventually he recovers, and he begins to see Chloe in a new light, which means sparks flying, attraction building, and a passionate romance that may or may not have an end date.
The CEO Buys In should appeal to fans of contemporary romance with rich heroes like Nathan. He's not too douchey, and for the most part very sweet to Chloe as soon as he realizes she's something special. He does wine and dine her abd gives her nice things, but Chloe is there to give him a reality check. Like most romance heroines, she's not wowed by his money and the things he can do for her. She knows her place as an administrative assistant who is barely straddling the middle class with a grandmother who needs special medical attention that Chloe can't afford. She's the voice of reason, while Nathan is more of a, let's go with the flow, type of guy. Chloe surrenders to a point when it comes to the physical end of their relationship (Nathan gives new mean to the mile high club for Chloe in his private plane). These two are more analytical than spur of the moment type of people, unless it comes to sex.
There is the typical misunderstanding that arises near the end to create drama for Nathan and Chloe. The way it's fixed is pretty typical in a romance like this. But at least we get to see what Nathan was willing to sacrifice for his shot at falling in love.
The CEO Buys In is a solid romance with an overall nice couple, and some enjoyable love scenes.
June 1, 2016
I’m going to do this a little differently. I’m going to tell you about BOTH of the books in the Wager of Hearts series, because I read them basically back-to-back, and I’m finding it utterly impossible to separate my feelings about them.
Let me start with a story…
I have this friend. This friend that I both love AND hate at the moment. Mostly love, but, well…
Here’s how it went. I was lamenting with another friend about how long it’d been since I’d read a classic, solid billionaire story. You know what I mean, right? One that’s just so charming you can’t put it down—a suave, sexy and swoony man of money, falling for a woman that’s ONLY interested in him, not in his stock portfolio or bank balance.
And then, out of the blue, my friend (friend #1—you still with me?!) tells me about this book. The CEO Buys In, it’s called. She remembered loving it when it came out mid-last year, and GUESS WHAT?! Book two is due out in days!!
So, placing my trust in my friend, I grabbed book one, and cracked it open.
And read. And read. And read. And read. Until the end. Then sat on my grabby hands for two (looooooooong) days while I waited for book two, The All-Star Antes Up, to go live.
Which brings me to now.
I’M ALL CAUGHT UP and I don’t want to be. I want the third book. I want to re-read these first two. I want to love on them, be charmed by them, and get turned on by them. I want to fall for Nathan, the CEO, and Luke, the All-Star, again. I want to see them find unassuming, but lovely, women to love them for THEM.
I want.
I want.
I want.
I’m not ashamed of it either. These books were FANTASTIC. Not only that, they were the exact books I had in mind when I said I wanted a classic billionaire book. High on love, high on life, high on tension—sexual and otherwise. They were smart. Exceptionally well-written. Funny. Sweet. Sexy. H.O.T.
Basically, The CEO Buys In and The All-Star Antes Up were ALL. THE. THINGS.
So, you see, I love my friend. I do. Because without her, I might not have found these books—or this author, whose back-list I am now desperate to get familiar with. But then again, I also wouldn’t have this sad, little twinge in my heart, knowing that Gavin’s still looking for love—and I’m still waiting to read about him finding it… ~ Beth, 5 stars
Let me start with a story…
I have this friend. This friend that I both love AND hate at the moment. Mostly love, but, well…
Here’s how it went. I was lamenting with another friend about how long it’d been since I’d read a classic, solid billionaire story. You know what I mean, right? One that’s just so charming you can’t put it down—a suave, sexy and swoony man of money, falling for a woman that’s ONLY interested in him, not in his stock portfolio or bank balance.
And then, out of the blue, my friend (friend #1—you still with me?!) tells me about this book. The CEO Buys In, it’s called. She remembered loving it when it came out mid-last year, and GUESS WHAT?! Book two is due out in days!!
So, placing my trust in my friend, I grabbed book one, and cracked it open.
And read. And read. And read. And read. Until the end. Then sat on my grabby hands for two (looooooooong) days while I waited for book two, The All-Star Antes Up, to go live.
Which brings me to now.
I’M ALL CAUGHT UP and I don’t want to be. I want the third book. I want to re-read these first two. I want to love on them, be charmed by them, and get turned on by them. I want to fall for Nathan, the CEO, and Luke, the All-Star, again. I want to see them find unassuming, but lovely, women to love them for THEM.
I want.
I want.
I want.
I’m not ashamed of it either. These books were FANTASTIC. Not only that, they were the exact books I had in mind when I said I wanted a classic billionaire book. High on love, high on life, high on tension—sexual and otherwise. They were smart. Exceptionally well-written. Funny. Sweet. Sexy. H.O.T.
Basically, The CEO Buys In and The All-Star Antes Up were ALL. THE. THINGS.
So, you see, I love my friend. I do. Because without her, I might not have found these books—or this author, whose back-list I am now desperate to get familiar with. But then again, I also wouldn’t have this sad, little twinge in my heart, knowing that Gavin’s still looking for love—and I’m still waiting to read about him finding it… ~ Beth, 5 stars
July 17, 2015
As much as I want to like every NetGalley ARC e-book I am issued, it is not always possible. Unfortunately, The CEO Buys In is one of those cases. The cover and book synopsis were both well done. Thank you, Ms. Herkness, for providing a very classy cover with our handsome hero actually wearing a shirt. This reviewer prefers class over skin on her romantic reads. Unfortunately, in this instance, it was the writing style that missed the mark. Starting off very subtle, the first red flag was when Nathan Trainor, the CEO, came down with a high fever shortly after meeting the heroine, Chloe Russell, and in his delirium kept asking her to “make it better.” Basically, ignoring his associates/friends/acquaintances in the same room, but calling out for her. Though some might view it as romantic, it seemed juvenile to me. Since he barely knew her name, it also seemed unrealistic. I also did not know what he meant by referring to her as “his ringer.” Much later, I did figure it out but again pretty premature to think he would think of her in that fashion so quickly.
As a very forgiving reviewer, I easily shrugged that off until 57% into the book the unlikely, non-character fitting, too numerous, not particularly well-written, steamy situations began to highjack the story. In fact, I started to notice the same phrases being repeated with each encounter. It is never a good sign when you feel awkward and embarrassed for the main couple and fast-forward to try to find the storyline again. Even the writing itself started not to flow, as well.
The next in the series will undoubtedly be about the other two billionaires, Archer (pro football player) and Gavin Miller (famous author). Hopefully they will have more of an emotional, romantic connection between the leading couple, therefore, more engaging storyline.
Title: The CEO Buys In, Series: Wager of Hearts (Book 1), Author: Nancy Herkness, Release date: 7/21/15, stand-alone, HEA, no cheating.
(This review is based on ARC e-book generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)
As a very forgiving reviewer, I easily shrugged that off until 57% into the book the unlikely, non-character fitting, too numerous, not particularly well-written, steamy situations began to highjack the story. In fact, I started to notice the same phrases being repeated with each encounter. It is never a good sign when you feel awkward and embarrassed for the main couple and fast-forward to try to find the storyline again. Even the writing itself started not to flow, as well.
The next in the series will undoubtedly be about the other two billionaires, Archer (pro football player) and Gavin Miller (famous author). Hopefully they will have more of an emotional, romantic connection between the leading couple, therefore, more engaging storyline.
Title: The CEO Buys In, Series: Wager of Hearts (Book 1), Author: Nancy Herkness, Release date: 7/21/15, stand-alone, HEA, no cheating.
(This review is based on ARC e-book generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)
July 20, 2015
Nathan Trainor is drowning his sorrows at the exclusive Bellwether Club, due to his breakup with girlfriend Theresa, with two of his fellow members. He is convinced that no woman sees him for the man he is, but see only his billions and what he can do for them. As all three men commiserate their women problems, they decide to wage a bet that whoever finds true love within one year will win the bet. Chloe Russell has the savviness and know how to get any job she chooses, however, she works for a temp agency filling in for startup companies. When a nasty flu epidemic hits Trainor Electronics, Chloe is assigned to temp answering the phones, however by the end of the day, she's moved up to the office of the CEO, Nathan Trainor. A day later, he comes down with the same flu, as Chloe finds him slumped over his desk. In his delirium with high fever, Nathan requests that she stay by his side. When she finds herself stuck in his penthouse, as he is convalescing, Chloe finds she is feeling an attraction to her boss. Knowing that this job is paying her really good money, she realizes that it's exactly what she needs to hire good nursing care for her aging grandmother. As they get to know each other, the attraction between them grows stronger. Chloe knows that these feelings can't go on for long, so she decides to give in to her desires to have a scorching relationship with Nathan. Can they come to terms with their different backgrounds to truly embrace the feelings that are so strong. I received this as an ARC for an honest review and I loved this book. It is my first by this author and I know I will read more.
June 1, 2015
Nathan is fed up with not being able to trust women with them wanting him for himself, and if he ever sees another golddigger - he´ll flip.
Drowning his sorrows at the members club, he finds two men in the same position, and soon a wager is made - to find love within a year, and love that doesn´t care about fame or fortune.
Chloe´s latest temp position changes from a normal assistant to being the CEO´s personal one when the flue strikes, and the windfall is welcome since she´s taking care of her grandmother. When feelings grow through the close work relationship they both need to decide if this is something to act on, and if they can make it despite all their differences.
Contemporary romance, smutty fluff and emotions in a great combo.
Can´t wait to see the next books in this series!
4,5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Drowning his sorrows at the members club, he finds two men in the same position, and soon a wager is made - to find love within a year, and love that doesn´t care about fame or fortune.
Chloe´s latest temp position changes from a normal assistant to being the CEO´s personal one when the flue strikes, and the windfall is welcome since she´s taking care of her grandmother. When feelings grow through the close work relationship they both need to decide if this is something to act on, and if they can make it despite all their differences.
Contemporary romance, smutty fluff and emotions in a great combo.
Can´t wait to see the next books in this series!
4,5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 7, 2015
This was an easy read and I finished it in one sitting. Nathan and Chloe are both easy to like and the writing is pretty good. The story is kind of an overused scenario where a less than wealthy woman and a ridiculously wealthy and successful man fall in love. There's a wager and a fun spin on an overused plot structure and a really awesome character chemistry. I just liked the book so it gets a bought in 4 stars from me.
Nathan, as is usual for me, was my favorite part of the story. He's a good man and that is a pleasant thing. He doesn't feel the need to roll everyone around like pawns and has a past. He has feelings and admits when he's wrong and apologizes when he needs to. I just liked him and his sexy self.
Nathan, as is usual for me, was my favorite part of the story. He's a good man and that is a pleasant thing. He doesn't feel the need to roll everyone around like pawns and has a past. He has feelings and admits when he's wrong and apologizes when he needs to. I just liked him and his sexy self.
March 11, 2016
3.5 BETTING ON THE STARS!
This was free to read and listen with kindle unlimited.
The above was the main reason I chose this book, I needed an audiobook to see me through a busy day and to be honest I was pleasantly surprised. Not a bad little story and if you like billionaire boss falls for his temp secretary romance.
A light and easy going read/listen.
This was free to read and listen with kindle unlimited.
The above was the main reason I chose this book, I needed an audiobook to see me through a busy day and to be honest I was pleasantly surprised. Not a bad little story and if you like billionaire boss falls for his temp secretary romance.
A light and easy going read/listen.
March 14, 2021
2 stars
The synopsis sounded good and I was super excited. However, the execution wasn't my cuppa.
Firs off, the story drags mercilessly.
I think the whole concept of a full-length novel is the time frame that is supposed to make the romance believable. Well, at least to me.
Here, on the other hand, we two weeks of 'action' stretched to the maximum within almost 400 pages.
I quite liked the first 40% of the story (which covered around 3-4 days) but when they jumped into bed so quickly, I honestly lost my interest.
Second of all, the more I got into the story, the more the characters annoyed the heck outta me, especially Chloe.
She was just a drama queen, creating problems in her head and then transferring them into the real world. She was also quite materialistic despite the fact she kept convincing herself that money didn't matter. Yet, she put Nathan on the pedestal because he was so rich and successful. She kept mumbling about Jimmi Choos and Manolos and how much she dreamed of being able to afford them. And last but not least, she used him as a trampoline to boost her career and financial status. And for that reason, I just couldn't stand her.
Nathan didn't help here either. That bet he made with his friends was ridiculous, that job offer he made for Chloe was dumb as well. They both seemed as mature as a bunch of kindergarten kiddos, and both made equally mature and wise decisions. They wanted to have the cake and eat it and seemed equally surprised when told that it was not an option. * eye roll
Seemed like common sense went out of the window right in the very prologue.
What is more, I honestly disliked her grandmother and her friend Judith, who both told Chloe she wasn't good enough to date Nathan. Who the fuck says something like that to your face and has the audacity to call it 'protectiveness'. Fuck that! I don't need that kind of negativity around me so sod off!
Honestly, I wanted to like this book but the style of writing wasn't for me. The sex scenes weren't my cuppa, either. Something was seriously lacking. Maybe the chemistry, maybe the connection, maybe the anticipation or maybe all the above. There was no build-up, no interesting plot line. The characters didn't know anything about each other when they professed their undying love for one another. They did have some spark between them but the communication was non existent.
But like I said before, the time frame is ridiculous. Two weeks is the time I need to unpack my suitcase after my holidays.
In the world of dating?
Two-three weeks is when you test the waters and decide if the person is a total whackjob or not.
I'm just not buying this whole hasty love that is mostly based on lust and not much else.
Hence the rating.
The synopsis sounded good and I was super excited. However, the execution wasn't my cuppa.
Firs off, the story drags mercilessly.
I think the whole concept of a full-length novel is the time frame that is supposed to make the romance believable. Well, at least to me.
Here, on the other hand, we two weeks of 'action' stretched to the maximum within almost 400 pages.
I quite liked the first 40% of the story (which covered around 3-4 days) but when they jumped into bed so quickly, I honestly lost my interest.
Second of all, the more I got into the story, the more the characters annoyed the heck outta me, especially Chloe.
She was just a drama queen, creating problems in her head and then transferring them into the real world. She was also quite materialistic despite the fact she kept convincing herself that money didn't matter. Yet, she put Nathan on the pedestal because he was so rich and successful. She kept mumbling about Jimmi Choos and Manolos and how much she dreamed of being able to afford them. And last but not least, she used him as a trampoline to boost her career and financial status. And for that reason, I just couldn't stand her.
Nathan didn't help here either. That bet he made with his friends was ridiculous, that job offer he made for Chloe was dumb as well. They both seemed as mature as a bunch of kindergarten kiddos, and both made equally mature and wise decisions. They wanted to have the cake and eat it and seemed equally surprised when told that it was not an option. * eye roll
Seemed like common sense went out of the window right in the very prologue.
What is more, I honestly disliked her grandmother and her friend Judith, who both told Chloe she wasn't good enough to date Nathan. Who the fuck says something like that to your face and has the audacity to call it 'protectiveness'. Fuck that! I don't need that kind of negativity around me so sod off!
Honestly, I wanted to like this book but the style of writing wasn't for me. The sex scenes weren't my cuppa, either. Something was seriously lacking. Maybe the chemistry, maybe the connection, maybe the anticipation or maybe all the above. There was no build-up, no interesting plot line. The characters didn't know anything about each other when they professed their undying love for one another. They did have some spark between them but the communication was non existent.
But like I said before, the time frame is ridiculous. Two weeks is the time I need to unpack my suitcase after my holidays.
In the world of dating?
Two-three weeks is when you test the waters and decide if the person is a total whackjob or not.
I'm just not buying this whole hasty love that is mostly based on lust and not much else.
Hence the rating.
October 29, 2018
C'est gentil, un azur grand format un peu plus développé avec un tycoon pas mufle.
C'est l'auteur qui l'avait bien vendu au dernier Festival du roman Féminin qui m'avait donné envie de le lire
C'est l'auteur qui l'avait bien vendu au dernier Festival du roman Féminin qui m'avait donné envie de le lire
January 5, 2019
Despite the mixed reviews, I’m glad I took a chance on this one. Smart, well-rounded characters; lovely, descriptive writing; great storyline. This author has a well-developed writing style and it’s a nice change of pace from other contemporary romances that seem to focus only on dialogue and action sentences, without descriptive words to create a good setting.
December 23, 2021
Easily forgettable.
The first 40% I was interested and then it just dwindled from there. I honestly skimmed the rest.
The first 40% I was interested and then it just dwindled from there. I honestly skimmed the rest.
October 12, 2024
I don't know if it was my mood or the writing but I struggled to finish it. It started promising and intriguing but somewhere in the middle I lost all interest.
November 6, 2018
Une romance contemporaine sympathique et mignonne. Je ne suis pas particulièrement fan des héros milliardaires, donc cette histoire ne m'a pas vraiment transportée.
May 19, 2016
This was an ok read.
What I liked:
1) The alternating povs, written in the third person. Nathan, the H, actually sounded like a guy, and not some sap, which was really refreshing.
2) Chloe, the h. While I wasn't really impressed by her falling into bed so quickly with her boss, she also wasn't afraid to speak her mind around him. She was smart, a hard worker, and not after materialistic things.
3) The telling of Nathan's story with his dad felt very real to me. It didn't seem manufactured or forced, but genuine. The way it tied into the story in the end and helped Nathan get the stick out of his butt was a little too convenient, but was still written in a poignant way.
4) No ow-om drama.
What I didn't like:
1) Why didn't Chloe just talk to Nathan about her reservations? If she'd just talked to him about it, he wouldn't have overreacted the way he did.
2) Nathan. I guess he was not so bad as far as alpha male billionaires go, but the things he said to Chloe in the hospital were awful, and he never full apologized. Saying that they both "could have done better" is not an apology for saying awful things to someone. And I don't agree with his assessment of Chloe
3) The bet seemed like an unnecessary element in this story.
4) There was also too much sex in this story for me.
What I liked:
1) The alternating povs, written in the third person. Nathan, the H, actually sounded like a guy, and not some sap, which was really refreshing.
2) Chloe, the h. While I wasn't really impressed by her falling into bed so quickly with her boss, she also wasn't afraid to speak her mind around him. She was smart, a hard worker, and not after materialistic things.
3) The telling of Nathan's story with his dad felt very real to me. It didn't seem manufactured or forced, but genuine. The way it tied into the story in the end and helped Nathan get the stick out of his butt was a little too convenient, but was still written in a poignant way.
4) No ow-om drama.
What I didn't like:
1) Why didn't Chloe just talk to Nathan about her reservations? If she'd just talked to him about it, he wouldn't have overreacted the way he did.
2) Nathan. I guess he was not so bad as far as alpha male billionaires go, but the things he said to Chloe in the hospital were awful, and he never full apologized. Saying that they both "could have done better" is not an apology for saying awful things to someone. And I don't agree with his assessment of Chloe
3) The bet seemed like an unnecessary element in this story.
4) There was also too much sex in this story for me.
June 8, 2017
Nathan is a billionaire that invented a battery that made him very rich.
Nathan needed an assistant and Chloe steps in to help.
Chloe is a great assistant but is looking for a financial security to look after her elderly grandmother.
Chloe and Nathan are attracted to each other but because they don't discuss anything they have different expectations.
I did enjoy this story but did develop very slowly fo took ages to finish. Was looking for listening to others in series but only first book is on free audio download with unlimited kindle.
Nathan needed an assistant and Chloe steps in to help.
Chloe is a great assistant but is looking for a financial security to look after her elderly grandmother.
Chloe and Nathan are attracted to each other but because they don't discuss anything they have different expectations.
I did enjoy this story but did develop very slowly fo took ages to finish. Was looking for listening to others in series but only first book is on free audio download with unlimited kindle.
August 4, 2015
Loved this story and the heroes. They were great, determined and they know what they want. I love that in a story. The story was great, the style fluent. There was a lot of humor, also some emotion. And I loved the relationship between the heroes and its evolution. I loved the relation between the heroine and her grandmother. The relation between the hero and his father was very moving. The story was also very hot LOL
I can't wait for the second installment.
I can't wait for the second installment.
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