The Forbidden Billionaire

by Serenity Woods

Someone is watching me. And my bodyguard refuses to let me out of his sight.

I never wanted a bodyguard. Especially not Luke Grayson.

He’s six-foot-four of muscle, military discipline, and bossy instructions. A former military sniper and one of my brother’s oldest friends, he’s been hired to follow me everywhere I go.

Apparently, I’m supposed to be grateful. Instead, I spend my time trying to lose him. Unfortunately, Luke is very good at his job.

The more time we spend together, the more I realize there’s more to him than the grumpy, overprotective bodyguard who refuses to leave me alone. Beneath the scars and the stern expression is a man haunted by his past. A man who makes me feel safer than anyone ever has.

Then I discover the truth.

Someone has been watching me.
Someone who knows where I live.
Someone who isn’t going to stop.

When Luke whisks me away to an exclusive luxury island resort surrounded by turquoise water and far from the stalker's reach, I tell myself it’s only temporary. A chance to disappear until the danger passes. A chance to enjoy one forbidden fling with the one man I can never have.

But as the threats grow darker and our feelings become impossible to ignore, one thing becomes terrifyingly clear.

The greatest danger isn’t the man watching me.
It’s falling for the one man who’s forbidden to love me back.

The Forbidden Billionaire is a steamy standalone billionaire bodyguard romance featuring a grumpy hero, sunshine heroine, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, romantic suspense, a luxury island escape, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: Romance

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Lilpep]

The final chapter in the Ashford Legacy is Aurelia's story. More than a little miffed at being saddled with a body guard by her family, she's perfected the art of ditching them. That is until Luke Grayson, ex-military and her brother's best friend, takes the job. Her frustration grows as she has as much chance at losing her own shadow as losing Luke! What Aurelia doesn't know is that she has a stalker. Information her family is keeping from her “for her own good”. When the truth comes out she's understandably livid. The situation puts her and Luke in even closer proximity and the heat simmering between reaches full boil. But both have emotional baggage that could derail their nascent relationship.

This is the last Legacy story but stands beautiful on its own. The series is a bit novel in that all 3 books run on a concurrent timeline which makes them even more interesting. As usual we get characters with depth and see them explore their strengths and weaknesses to a satisfying conclusion. I loved the series but can hardly wait for the next treasure from Ms. Woods’ pen! I did receive an advance copy from the author and it is my pleasure to provide my independent opinions.

[Mary Lawrey]

I love Serenity Woods’ writing & any new book from her is one I look forward to. The latest in the Ashford Legacy series, this is Aurelia’s story. It takes place at the same time as the earlier books so it’s interesting to see events from a different point of view. Like most of her books, this story is set in the beautiful country of New Zealand.

Aurelia is the youngest of the Ashford siblings; her family introduce her to Luke, who they’ve hired as her protection officer, at their Christmas charity ball. She has a stalker, but her family want to keep this from her so refuse to explain Luke’s presence. This infuriates her. She’s determined not to co-operate, but Luke is equally determined not to lose her. Both are stubborn & the sparks soon fly! A retired army officer, Luke has recently returned from service in Afghanistan & suffers with PTSD.

There’s so much to love in this book. There’s great banter between Luke & Aurelia. It’s well paced, a great story which sustains the tension in both the hunt for Aurelia’s stalker, & in the simmering relationship between Aurelia & Luke. Control is an issue for Aurelia, people close to her don’t let her make decisions about her life; her family are over-protective, & she recently broke up with her boyfriend over issues of control in their relationship. No wonder she rebels against the protection & gives Luke such a hard time. But, being a pro, & beginning to fall for her, he sucks it up, determined to protect her whatever it takes. There’s an underlying tension, & an obvious attraction between them from the start, which both try to resist. Luke is aware of his responsibilities & that he shouldn’t get involved. But sometimes rules are made to be broken!

Serenity writes sensitively about issues of control in relationships & how these affect women. I liked how Luke’s awareness of this showed in the way he treated her. Aurelia is a strong woman & I loved how she finally found her confidence & stood up to her family over the control issue. I loved the story; Serenity Woods is a wonderful storyteller, and yet again has brought her magic to creating a community of family & friends & weaving their stories together. I love the New Zealand setting, & I love how her descriptions enable me to picture the settings.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an arc of this book, which I have reviewed voluntarily.

[Cathy Geha]

The Forbidden Billionaire by Serenity Woods
The Ashford Legacy #3

~ Protecting someone that doesn’t want or feel she needs a body guard isn’t easy for Luke but he knows something Aurelia doesn’t and sticks to her like glue ~ Great conclusion to the series ~

What I liked:
* Luke Grayson: ex-military, security and protection training, excellent shot, lethal, Marcus’s best friend, recently broke up with his ex, dedicated, diligent, professional, and attracted to Aurelia
* Aurelia Ashford: public face of the family company, bright, outgoing, warm, caring, good friend, recently broke up with a long-term boyfriend, has protective brothers & parents, attracted to Luke
* The slow burn due to the need to keep a professional distance and the opportunity it gave the couple to communicate maturely, openly, and honestly with respect and love the outcome
* The mystery of who is stalking Aurelia and how the person is finally revealed
* Finding out the backstories of Luke & Aurelia and how their previous partners really did a number on them
* That I liked the characters and became invested in their story
* The strong family bond of the Ashford family
* Learning about Evermore Island – had to look it up and the photos I saw were beautiful
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* The cause of Luke’s nightmares
* Thinking about dominating domineering controlling partners and the damage they can do
* The guilt trip that religion and religious families can lay on their family and friends
* Having to say goodbye to the characters in this series

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars

[TrishAM]

What a great end to a fantastic series.
When Aurelia Ashford was introduced to Luke Grayson at a masked ball she was spitting feathers, he had been hired by her wealthy, protective brothers as her close protection officer. Feisty Aurelia was the youngest of the Ashford siblings and she was the face of their very successful agricultural company.
Ruggedly handsome, Luke was an ex military sniper having served time in Afghanistan which left him with PTSD.
Aurelia prepares for battle, she had been given other protection officers and had been able to give them all the slip but she hadn't come up against Luke Grayson's determination and expertise.
Luke had been informed that Aurelia had a stalker, a stalker who was persistent, a stalker who was dangerous, a stalker who was clever, Luke had been told to keep this information from Aurelia, her mail and phone calls were being intercepted, it was an order that Luke didn't agree with, he thought that Aurelia should be aware.
Both Luke and Aurelia had escaped from toxic relationships, Aurelia's ex had been controlling but her parents approved of him.......was he still out of the picture ?
The cat and mouse game by Aurelia and Luke and their banter is so witty, Aurelia doing her utmost to loose Luke and Luke outsmarting her.
This is a great story with wonderful characters, bodyguard and his charge falling in love is not a new concept but Serenity Woods has put her own page turning, spin on it, this is a standalone story in a series that I have really enjoyed, I now look forward to the new series.
I received an ARC of this book and my review is totally voluntary.

[Susan]

Romance doesn’t look promising when Luke introduces himself to Aurelia Ashford at a masked ball and tells her he is her new “personal protection officer”. She is not only not amused, she is furious, that behind her back her brother has hired an old high school friend and former soldier to stay within 6 feet of her for the foreseeable future. She thinks he is overly concerned about earning his money and he thinks she is a spoiled brat. Fairly quicky, they discover they are both mistaken. However, she hits the fury button again when she is finally told the reason for Luke being hired—she has a stalker who is escalating in his attempts to get close to her and is now making creditable threats. So as they fight to ignore growing feelings (and to avoid becoming a cliché “bodyguard/client” couple), the threats become more volatile.

I really enjoyed that this went out of “just” a regular romance into a suspenseful story that kept me up all night reading to the end! I had a suspicion who the stalker was—but nope,I was wrong. Close, but no cigar! And again, I am truly in awe of Serenity Woods’ research capabilities and how I can never catch any missteps when she ventures into areas I actually know a lot about! Trust me, you will grow to love Luke and Aurelia and cheer when Luke catches the bad guy and Aurelia and her whole family convince him he is not only not broken, but a man worthy of being loved by the Forbidden Billionaire!
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Karen Wood]

Romance seems unlikely when Luke introduces himself to Aurelia Ashford at a masked ball as her new "personal protection officer." Aurelia is not only unamused but furious that her brother has hired an old high school friend and former soldier to remain within six feet of her for the foreseeable future, without explanation. She initially believes he is overly concerned with earning his money, and he sees her as a spoiled brat. She tries to evade him at every opportunity she can, but it doesn't work. However, they quickly discover their initial impressions are mistaken; she has definitely met her match with Luke.

Aurelia's fury reignites when she learns the true reason for Luke's presence: she has a stalker whose attempts to get close to her are escalating, now involving credible threats. Both Luke and Aurelia carry personal demons: Luke from his time in Afghanistan and his complicated past with his family and ex-girlfriend, Penny; Aurelia from her relationship with her ex, Dom.

As they navigate this new arrangement, fighting to ignore their growing feelings and avoid becoming a cliché bodyguard-client couple, the threats against Aurelia intensify. Their professional relationship evolves into friendship, sparking a mutual attraction. This is not a fast-paced romance but a beautiful story of conquering past demons, fostering individual growth, building mutual respect, and finding healing in each other, all woven with great banter as they get to know each other.

I loved every book in this series but think this was my favourite.

[Susan Page]

A good story. Aurelia is the baby of the family, and has always been protected and spoiled by her two elder brothers, Caesar and Marcus, and her parents. They are a very wealthy family, and all work very hard, so when their security team pick up a sinister email in her account they decide not to tell her, but monitor the situation. Presents with strange messages arrive anonymously but most of the presents and mail gets caught by security. What is more difficult is her reaction to getting a close protection officer, she runs rings round them and escapes their attention embarrassingly often. In desperation Marcus persuades his friend Luke to take over. There is an immediate spark between them, but Marcus is totally professional, and it doesn’t take too many escapes for her to realise it is pointless, he always jcatches up with her very quickly.
The security team think the stalker could well be her arrogant ex-boyfriend Dominic,but Luke isn’t too sure. The story gets very intense, with the stalker always one step ahead of them. Luke has his work cut out, but at last the stalker makes a mistake, then another that Luke had set up to catch him out. Aurelia, when she finds the truth is blazing angry, not at all ready to forgive her family for keeping her in the dark. However her emotional attachment with Luke is growing, there are emotional similarities in their lives, they need each other to heal them both.
A good story, worth reading.

[Kim]

Whoa! Aurelia has met her match in Luke. Luke is an old friend of Marcus’ and is hired to be Aurelia’s Close Protection Officer (CPO) after there is a very credible threat against her. Unaware of the threat she continues her carefree ways even trying to give Luke the slip as she has done to other CPOs. Luke has demons from being in Afghanistan and his past relationship with his family and his Ex-Penny. Aurelia has demons from the relationship she had with her Ex -Dom and how people do not see her as a grown woman. As the two navigate this new arrangement they become friends and beyond the professional relationship they are attracted to each other. This isn’t a fast relationship story. It is a wonderful story of conquering one’s past and demons, growth as individuals, respect for each other and the healing they find with each other. Nothing can become of them as a couple unless the threat against Aurelia is neutralized. The mystery was really good. I loved the vulnerability of Luke a strong, intelligent man and the vulnerability of Aurelia, an accomplished woman. The story shows that what we see on the outside doesn’t always tell the whole story of the person and what they are dealing with on the inside. I LOVED this book and its slow-burn romance…PERFECTION!
I received an ARC for my honest review of this book.

[Elmaret Fourie]

Luke Grayson, an army veteran, takes the job as a Close Protection Officer to Aurelia Ashford, sister of his best friend Marcus. Aurelia has given all previous CPO’s the slip, making their job difficult. But what she doesn’t know is that her life might be in danger. The biggest secret her family is keeping from her.

The sparks between these two fly from the moment Luke introduces himself to her. He doesn’t fall for her shenanigans and is always two steps ahead of her. Aurelia proves nothing to be like the princess or spoiled brat he imagined. To Aurelia’s frustration, Luke is no pushover. He is tough, he is hard, he is strong-willed, but he is also looking out for her, a gentleman, making her realize how a woman should be treated.

She finally accepts that she now has a CPO and likes their banter and the self-defense classes he is teaching her. When an incident occurs that forces them to be in close proximity at a safe location, they truly come to know each other. Luke is dealing with stuff from his time in the service while both have issues from past relationships. When flowers get delivered at their safe location, Luke connects the last dot about Aurelia’s stalker, and they head back to catch him. But of course there needs to be a bit of drama.

This is another amazing romance with a little bit of suspense and a HEA from Serenity Woods.

[Avid Reader]

This is another engaging romance from Serenity Woods, the third book in the Ashford series.

Luke is engaged to be Aurelia’s close protection officer, but her parents decide not to tell her she has a stalker and, although her brothers disagree, they go along with it. This makes the job more challenging for Luke and he struggles with the dilemma he finds himself in, especially as he starts to realise there’s more to Aurelia than meets the eye.

This is just one example of control being exerted over this young woman even though, when it comes to her job with the family business, she’s deemed to be more than capable. What follows is an exploration of issues around control although they are secondary to the main story.

From the start sparks fly between Aurelia and Luke, there’s humour and innuendo, giving us some laugh out loud moments. They clash, they flirt, he struggles to keep his distance and eventually they snap. Alongside this is the plot of the unknown stalker and the low life ex, so there’s action too.

It’s a successful follow up to the first two books, but can be read as a standalone, though why not read them all, you won’t be disappointed.

I received an ARC from the author

[Cheryl Carpenter]

The third book in the Ashford Legacy series begins on the same night as the prior books in the series and Serenity Woods has outdone herself with this one.

Aurelia (the billionaire), is extremely annoyed that her brothers Ceasar and Marcus have arranged a personal bodyguard for her without giving her a credible reason why.

"“I’m not a baby,” I yell. “I’m a grown woman. A director at the company. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about this.""

Ex soldier and Marcus's friend Luke is a wartime hero who is estranged from his parents. He is definitely up for the challenge of not letting Aurelia slip away from him and keeping her safe, and tells her at the Ashford Foundation’s Midsummer Night’s Dream Charity Ball.

"“I’m Luke Grayson.” He has a soft, low voice, a little husky. “I’m your new close protection officer.”"

As always Serenity takes on difficult issues in a very natural, informative and sensitive manner.

Even though I am not from New Zealand, every time I read a Serenity Woods book I feel like I'm coming home. Her characters are regular people despite their extraordinary circumstances. There is a quiet humour and an engaging story between the pages. I cannot recommend this series enough.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and am leaving a completely honest review.

[Suzanne]

What can I say, this was the best book in the entire series. The Forbidden Billionaire follows the characters Aurelia and Luke. Aurelia Asford is being stalked, only she doesn't know it. Enter Luke her new bodyguard (because all of the others, she kept giving the slip to). Aurelia can't understand why in the world she needs a bodyguard and why her brothers have insisted on her having one "every waking moment". She is feeling frustrated beyond belief because 1) she can't give Luke the slip, 2) She knows everyone is hiding something from her and 3) Luke is very good looking, and they have "chemistry" which neither one will act on.
Put all of this together and you have a story with great push-pull, a bit of heat, some danger, and of course a HEA.
If you are going to read these stories, I would suggest starting with the first book, but this book (#3) can be easily followed as a standalone. The other thing that I will point out is that all three books start on the same date: December 21st, at the Midsummer Night's Charity Ball. Each of the Ashford siblings than have their own story from that point on.

I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of this book.

[Sheryn Sauve]

Aurelia is the youngest child of billionaire Edward. Although a competent executive for the family company, she is protected by her parents and older siblings. She is known for her sparkling personality and presumed spoiled attitude. She has had security in the past but is known for figuring out ways to lose them as she hates being treated as a fragile woman.

It’s been discovered she may have a stalker and her family hires her brother Marcus' friend, Luke, as a full time Close Protection Officer, but they don’t tell her why. Aurelia tries to treat him like her past security.

Luke, a former military sniper with his own issues, takes his new job seriously. He wishes he could tell Aurelia about the stalker, but he respects Marcus wishes, as he hired him. He believes Aurelia to be the spoiled princess that he met years ago. Instead he discovers a beautiful, smart, strong woman, whom he wishes he could get to know better and wants to protect her all the more.

Starting from fiery interactions at the beginning, Aurelia and Luke gradually discover each other. But can Marcus accept a relationship between them?

Totally enjoyed this final book of the series. Read as a ARC book.

[Ginny]

I have been eager to learn more about Aurelia since Marcus's story, and this book was absolutely worth the wait. From the moment Luke appeared on the page, I was completely sold. He's protective, loyal, and impossible not to fall for, but what I loved most was seeing his walls come down as his relationship with Aurelia developed.
Aurelia was a fantastic heroine—strong, determined, and unafraid to stand up for herself. I especially loved how she finally found her voice with her family and said the things that needed to be said. Her growth throughout the story was inspiring and emotional.
Serenity has a real talent for weaving her books together, and this story showcases that perfectly. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, readers of the previous books will appreciate the deeper connections and familiar faces that make the experience even richer.
This was a wonderful and satisfying conclusion to the series, filled with heart, romance, and unforgettable characters. I loved every moment and can't wait to see what Serenity has planned next. Highly recommended!

[Tina]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. Aurelia Ashford, one of the Ashford AgriTech heirs, has unfortunately attracted a stalker. Her family, especially her brother Marcus, wants her protected at all costs, but don’t explain their reasoning. Consequently she blows off every bodyguard that is assigned to her. Until Luke Grayson gets the position, that is. He is relentless in his professionalism and his dedication to her safety. Sparks inevitably fly between them as they get to know one another. As in all Ms. Woods’ books, the hero is honorable and puts the needs of the woman he has come to love above his own needs. While the heroine is brilliant and a force to be reckoned with as well. This is a lovely story of two very different people who, thrown together under difficult circumstances, find in each other their better half. Beautifully written with a delightful HEA. I highly recommend this latest addition to “The Ashford Legacy” series, which are all standalones, but will be enjoyed even more when read together.

[Jackie Wright]

The Forbidden Billionaire is Aurelia Ashford and retired army officer Luke’s entertaining and captivating story. It was a bittersweet read because it’s the final book in the Ashford Legacy Series and this one revolves around youngest sibling Aurelia.
Aurelia’s family are keeping secrets and she has no idea why she has been introduced to Luke at the family Christmas Charity Ball. Desperate to keep the fact she has a stalker leads to a lot of miscommunication and Luke has a tough job as she tries to give him the slip. But what happens when danger gets close can Luke protect her and more importantly how will her over protective family react when they find out lines have been crossed…….
This is a well written, entertaining read that kept on the edge of my seat. I fell hard and fast for Luke and I adored the strong and sassy Aurelia but what took this book to another level was watching this couple dance around their feelings. The characters have depth, the strong is strong and the banter is witty.

[Janet]

I devoured this book and enjoyed every bit. Luke and Aurelia were so well written and the flow of the book kept me interested. The fact that Aurelia was being stalked added a very interesting storyline.

Luke was appointed Aurelia's body guard much against her will by her brother, Marcus. She threw every curve to Luke to distract him from his job. She didn't understand what was going on and why he was so serious.

I loved all the intrigue and Luke's cool handling of his protective job. He was a gorgeous hunk.

The settings were rich with lush description. The author writes such that l always feel a part of the characters and family and always feel let down when I end her books because I miss the characters.

The slow burn between Luke and Aurelia was exciting and very erotic. I love that about the author's writing. She can pull you in and make you sigh with the heroine.

I hate to see this series end but am so looking forward to the next books coming. Thank you Serenity Woods for another fascinating read.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book.

[Katie Grace]

I said it with The Mysterious Billionaire (Book 2) and I say it again now with The Forbidden Billionaire because this series is the gift that keeps on giving and what a gift it is!

I’m such a sucker for a bodyguard romance as it is but Serenity’s trademark mix of chemistry, angst and emotion was heightened by the banter in The Forbidden Billionaire. Aurelia and Luke had me laughing from the beginning and I just became more and more hooked as the story and their relationship developed.

I’ve been desperately waiting for Aurelia’s story since The Wrong Billionaire (Book 1) and Serenity absolutely proved this book was worth the wait. It’s definitely one of my new favourites of hers. So if you like:

🌴 a grumpy hero x sunshine heroine
🌼 brother’s best friend
🌴 forced proximity
🌼 romantic suspense
🌴 a luxury island escape..

and a guaranteed happily ever after then this is definitely one to read 💛

Whilst it is Book 3 in The Ashford Legacy series, it can be read as a standalone but highly recommend reading this series.

[Deb Hanson]

Forbidden Billionaire
Ashford Legacy #3
Serenity Woods
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such beautiful words creating a story to match! This is the story of Aurelia Ashford, the sister and daughter who constantly slips her security. While she seems like a brat, secrets held from her make the reasons she does what she does more acceptable. With older brother like Marcus and Caesar, she is mollycoddled enough, but when a stalker makes himself known, Aurelia finds herself protected by Luke Grayson, he’s ex military, stern and not interested in her bad behaviour.
Luke is haunted by his military past, and the new job and personal protective officer gives him new meaning in life. Aurelia is everything he didn’t know he wanted or needed. Its not long before their business relationship turns into friendship, but when her life becomes even more in danger, the don’t mess with me attitude kicks in and everyone is fair game. He intends to discover who messing with his woman and take them down. Feelings or not, her life is his job, feelings come after!
These 2 are so cute in a haunting sort of way.

[Donna]

Serenity Woods has written another wonderful romance. I read it in one sitting. This one has suspense mixed in with the romance, which I always enjoy. Aurelia needs a bodyguard. Luke is her brother's friend and fresh out of the military, making him perfect for the job. They are both stubborn and clash from the beginning. Both of them have emotional baggage that needs to be addressed before they can find their HEA. They slowly grow and face their pasts throughout the book. I loved their banter and the heat that existed between them. I liked the way Aurelia put her family in their place for keeping secrets from her about the stalker. I have loved this series and am sad to see it end, but I know Serenity has more great stories to come in new series. If you haven't read this fabulous author before, I urge you to buy any book of hers and read it. You will be hooked from the beginning of every one of her books.

[Lou Li Reads]

It's time for baby Ashford Aurelia to get her story. I love that all three of the Ashford books started at the Masquerade ball, so they all play out around the same timeline. This one is full of suspense when we discover that Aurelia has a stalker and her brothers assign her a Close Protection Officer to keep her safe. Luke, the CPO is ex-military and also one of Marcus's friends, and has known Aurelia since she was 16. It's a slow burn as they fight their attractions for each other. Luke doing everything he possibly can not to compromise her safety and cross that inevitable line, all the while Aurelia is flirting up a storm with him.
Suspense and drama filled in this forbidden forced proximity romance. Luke is a dish and Aurelia is absolutely gorgeous and ever so patient! Book 3 is a standalone and the last in the series following the Ashford siblings.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[BM]

I really like this series and Aurelia is the youngest sibling. She holds a responsible position high up in the family company. Despite this, for the first half of the book I didn't like her. She was petulant, irresponsible, childish and indiscreet when she had had a drink, despite claimimg shortly after she could keep a secret. Her brother hires Luke as her close protection officer. Unbeknown to her, she has a stalker but is insistent she does not need a bodyguard and has done her utmost to dismiss others..but Luke is undeterred, despite being frustrated with her antics. As they come to a silent agreement, the danger she is in comes home and hits hard. This is when she changes and fear rises. Their real personalities come to the fore and their relationship develops in to something worthwhile. Luke's behaviour at the resort reveals his true endeaeing character and Aurelia's adjusts to match his. Despite their differences they are a well matched couple.

[Joyce]

Having a bodyguard or “personal protection officer” assigned to Aurelia, made her so angry and she was determined to make Luke so agitated with her that he would quit. Why did she need a bodyguard anyway, she wonders. She hasn’t been told there is a stalker after her and is escalating but all the gifts, texts, photos, and emails have been intercepted by the security team. Luke wants to tell her why but he was hired by her brothers and father and it was made clear that he cannot tell her under any circumstances. When she learns about the stalker, she falls apart as he had been in her apartment. As things grow more tense, you can feel their love for each other grow and more protective. Another really good story that the drama and tension keep you wondering who the stalker is.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Elaine]

I am an absolute sucker for a story with a strong, stoic and sexy bodyguard protecting a woman from harm. Serenity really nailed it and I loved this book! Luke is not only a perfectly delicious bodyguard but he is also a wounded warrior with PTSD. The pace never let up with the threats to the heroine Aurelia and the search for the stalker she is unaware of. Luke and Aurelia's budding attraction and sexual chemistry really heat things up even if a relationship seems forbidden. I enjoyed the banter and flirty dialog between Luke and Aurelia and loved that she did not want a bodyguard and tried many times to ditch him. This book is set at the same time that the first 2 books about Aurelia's brothers happen and you get to see events from different perspectives. There are several other important themes here too, including a good portrayal of how controlling some men can be towards women and how vulnerable and frustrated that can make women feel about men who try to control them. Sexual compatibility is important here too. I have read over 100 of Serenities novels and I think this is my favorite one yet!

[Tanja Glavnik]

I was very kindly sent an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

As always, Ms Woods does not disappoint.

Aurelia and Luke are lovely characters whose story isn't drawn out, but does take some work to get to the HEA, and the backdrop of the stalker definitely gives it Bodyguard vibes. Seeing as that's a really good movie I'm not complaining LOL.

Then again, I liked Luke from the second his car was revealed to be a Skoda Kodiaq, so I can't even talk.

The mystery is actually well done, and the personal relationships really shine in this one.

The writing remains as engaging as ever and I love travelling to different corners of New Zealand through these books!

The Ashford Legacy has been a wonderful series to read and I can't wait for the next adventure.

1000/10 recommend!

[Silke]

The Forbidden Billionaire is the 3rd and final book in the Ashford Legacy series but can easily be read and enjoyed on its own. Aurelia and Luke are both very interesting characters with two very distinctive sides to their personality - strong, in control, assertive and no-nonsense in business; very tender, slightly insecure and sensitive in private - which makes them very likeable. They're very much alike without realizing that at first and so they clash spectacularly while quietly falling in love with each other at the same time. Their romance is coupled with a suspense plot that makes this a real page-turner and kept me guessing right until the end. An awesome finale with a worthy HEA. I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Cheryl]

An easy read with just enough mystery and spice to keep me from putting it down!

Aurelia's frustration at having to deal with a bodyguard for no apparent reason really makes Luke's job difficult but they reach an uneasy truce while trying to keep a lid on their increasing attraction to each other.

Not much financial disparity on display but so much angst about lack of control in past situations and relationships make trust between Aurelia and Luke slow to develop.

Of course it all blows up in the most delightful way when she finds out what is going on and they go into hiding together!

I was sent an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kate]

Serenity Woods’ Forbidden Billionaire, which wraps up this trilogy of the Ashford siblings, was an enjoyable read set in Auckland and the Northland of New Zealand.
It was a lovely story that maintained a slow-burn romantic plot alongside the tension of an unknown danger. It was especially delightful to me because the wealthy protagonist was female, which is, sadly, rather unusual. The two (male and female) protagonists had an appealing dynamic with flirty banter as well as sensitive sharing and a wonderfully balanced power dynamic. I read an ARC of this wonderful story and am happy to offer this honest review!

[donna stewart]

Sweet love story

Slightly disappointed by this book. I have loved all of Serenity's books so far but this one is definitely not as good as the rest. Don't get the wrong idea it is still a good book hence the four stars but it's not as spicy as the rest and the story just didn't enthrall me as much as the others, not as many oohs and aahs. That being said the story overlapped the other two Ashford Legacy books and tells Aurelia and Luke's journey. There is an obvious heat coming from both characters but the resistance to each other is easily controlled. A sweet ending to the Ashford series and a short introduction to Evermore Island. Waiting impatiently for the next book.

[Lesley]

Aurelia feels stifled by having a close protection officer and does everything to shake him, without success. Her family have kept from her that she has a stalker and Luke is therefore kept on his toes keeping her safe. Surprisingly, or maybe not as they are daily in close proximity, they develop feelings for each other. But Luke knows giving way to them could jeopardise his focus and situational awareness. I loved how they opened up to each other about their Ex’s and Luke’s nightmares, and how sweet Luke is when they finally get together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.