Shopping for a CEO

Shopping for a Billionaire #7

by Julia Kent

I’m thrilled to be the maid of honor in my friend’s wedding, but the best man, Andrew McCormick, is a chauvinistic pig with a God complex.

And I can’t stop kissing him in closets.

(Don’t ask.)

He’s the brother of the groom and the CEO of my biggest mystery shopping account, but suddenly he’s refusing to be in the wedding. He won’t talk about it. Won’t see reason.

He’s such a man.

And he still won’t stop kissing me in random closets.

(Thank goodness.)

I’m a fixer. That’s what I do. I can fix anything if given the chance. But when the game is fixed there’s only so much I can do.

The ball’s in his court now.

Game on.

* * *
Shopping for a CEO is the 7th book in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Shopping series. When CEO Andrew McCormick and mystery shopper Amanda Harrington find themselves in the unlikely position as maid of honor and best man in the Boston society wedding of the year, an undeniable attraction and dual stubborn streaks add fuel to the fire in this romantic comedy from Julia Kent.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Audiobook, Ebooks, Rom Com

ebook

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 5 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.

From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire in a rom com).

She also writes romantic suspense as Meli Raine, sexy shifter romances as DJ Jennings, billionaire shifters as half of the author team Diana Seere, and co-authors with Elisa Reed.

She lives in New England with her husband and three children in a household where she is the only person with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.

She loves to hear from her readers by:

Email at jkentauthor@gmail.com

Twitter @jkentauthor

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jkentauthor

Instagram @jkentauthor

Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com

FORTHCOMING:


Love You Again (Love You, Maine, #2), July 19, 2022

Ten First Kisses (anthology with my story, Shopping for a Booty Call), August 12, 2022

Love You More (Love You, Maine, #3), October 11, 2022

Love You Now (Love You, Maine, #4), January 3, 2023


Author photo credit: Felix Rust http://www.felixrust.com

Reviews

[Krystel Theodore-Branker · Rating 3 out of 5]

My patience with this book wavered a lot throughout my reading. I was excited for this book because I really liked the previous books I wanted more of Shannon and Declan of course but I was really interested in Andrew and Amanda's story.
This book had all the elements that you'd expect from this series in terms of the humour, wit, WTF moments and Marie. However while reading it felt to clustered. There were too many things going on in this story that it didn't feel like Amanda and Andrew's story got a chance to take the spotlight. Instead what we got is the most obnoxious and overbearing mother of the bride that went from being your regular "overbearing mom" to the most annoyingly frustrating character you'll meet which became a true turn off for me the reader. As an avid reader I can never bring my self to not complete a book but I was so tempted to with this book because this story just seemed all over the place. Am happy that Andrew and Amanda got themselves together at the end though.
Am now left wondering if I want to read the next book in this series....not sure.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of the series our heroine stepped in to help her BFF find true love. She also shared a kiss with the hero in a closet. Then later in another book the two ended up in another closet. Now two years have past and the hero never even texted. He just went on with his life and left her hanging.
Now the two are brought together again as the maid of honor and best man. Can he finally accept that she is perfect for him and move their relationship into the light? And can she forgive his thoughtlessness?
Great beginning to a wonderful romance, again.

[Stable · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I'm not the target audience for this series. I can see how this book in particular has a high rating here but it did nothing for me, honestly. Actually, it irritated the fuck out of me. I guess I don't like when the situations get too absurd.

I'm seriously thinking if I want to know the rest of the story because I can't stand Marie. She's just over the top now. And no one ever puts her in her place. That wedding was tacky as fuck and people just went with it. The McCormicks are supposed to be sophisticated, wealthy people with good taste. Not even the Kardashians would get married in that circus. Even Kimye were more classy.

I thought Amanda and Andrew would be an exciting couple but their chemistry and their whole relationship was just meh. Incidentally, the absurdity of the dog hating incidents got on my nerves. No one would really think Amanda was trying to hurt the canine in any of those situations. I wonder if people really thought the italian florist was funny. He was certainly retarded or whatever the politically correct term for retarded is.

I almost DNF this story but it's book 7 and I might as well just finish it. I only hope this series comes to an end soon. It's starting to feel like those awful movie sequels that go straight to DVD because people don't know when to stop. I won't be surprised if it gets to the point where Shannon and Chuckles change bodies or something even more nonsensical.

[Jannelies (living between hope and fear) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice fluffy read filled with fun and quirky characters, but too much romance to my taste. Falling in love is ok, but the dialogue between Amanda and Andrew is just not for real.

[belle ☆ﾐ (thisbellereadstoo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Andrew and Amanda so much in this book. As compared to Shannon and Declan's relationship, theirs was sort of "slow burn". Their attraction towards each other started 2 years ago but neither of them did anything. Until, well, now. Both of their backstory was really sad. Despite knowing about Declan and Andrew's mother, it's so painful to read from Andrew's point-of-view. Especially because of the choice their mother made and the action Declan did.

Shannon and Amanda's friendship was more like a sisterly one. Their back-and-forth were awesome. They have some of the funniest lines in the book. Oh, and major throwback to Turdmobile. I snorted when I remembered about the car. 

Shannon gives me a deadly stare. “You made out with Andrew while I was in the emergency room choking to death?” Busted.

One character who irked me the most was Marie, Shannon's mother. Her wedding plans were so over the top and unnecessary. Not only was she unknowingly piling up stress onto her daughter, she's putting it on herself. So when Shannon did what she ended up doing, I don't blame her. it was slight predictable that shannon would just elope and honestly i think it's the most appropriate choice at that point of time. Marie do have her funny moments too, especially when they went to the sex shop and she was drooling while looking at the barely-covered males

[Jenny - Book Sojourner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Amanda and Andrew. I knew their story would have relationship ups and downs. Considering Andrew's family's traumatic past and what we learn about Amanda's past, you know there are going to be bumps in the road. But I was okay with that. I didn't want their complicated problems easily solved. I liked seeing them work for their love. But it's not all difficulty. Not even close. Amanda and Andrew are a wonderful couple, with humor and consideration and sweetness and loads of sexiness all over the place.

But Marie, oh Marie, truly drove me nuts after a while. The crazy wedding planning fiasco was so over-the-top that, though there were fun moments, I just felt so incredibly frustrated on Shannon's behalf, that it detracted from my complete enjoyment of this story. Good thing I still love Declan and Shannon.

I did love the ending with Amanda and Andrew together. The build-up of their relationship, the obstacles they had to overcome, all to get to their brilliant final moments, really touched me. I'm looking forward to more of them in this series.

[Kath Dee at CLiK Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Kent has hit another home run with this story in the Shopping series.

[Nida Kazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always wanted to read Amanda and Andrew's story (Mandy and Andy as Marie calls them). This author writes so beautifully. She already proved that in the previous book by displaying Declans emotions about his mother artistically. (I myself am wondering is it possible to reincarnate Elena back? I just want her alive). That was the height of the writing she delivered.I am blown away. It seems she has a lot of things in store for us!

I am so so so glad of that ending. Marie sometimes (Okay! Okay! All the bloody time) overdo things. It can get slightly irritating even if she's your mother! A crazy one in fact.I don't want this series to end ever! This has become so internal now as if they really exist.

P.S. I should really stop procrastinating and start studying. :/

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ebook/Audiobook Review: Shopping for a CEO (Shopping for a Billionaire, #7) by Julia Kent (Author), Amy McFadden (Narrator)

Breaking the rules has never been so much fun. Kent and her brand of chaos puts the heart on full alert. If laughter is truly the best medicine, the creative team of Kent and McFadden provide the perfect antidote to relax. Shopping for a CEO makes life's idiosyncracies fun. Amanda and Andrew are a mismatch made in comedic heaven. Have never laughed so hard and loved so much.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story! I'm glad I waited to listen to this in the order recommended.

This is Amy and Andrew's story so it was a little weird shifting POV's. Andrew has some major issues but I don't blame him since he has such a traumatic past. Amy on the other hand has some issues too but they don't effect her day to day.

That being said, the book was also really funny! I'd highly recommend reading it!

[Books 2 Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time i read a book in this series i know im going to spend the next few hours laughing. Just when i think Ms Kent cant possibly have anymore hilarious storylines up her sleeve out comes another book to prove me wrong.

Andrew and Amanda finally get their HEA but not without Alot of bumps and omg moments along the way. This series is one i know ill always enjoy no matter how many times i re read it or how many books there are.

I cant wait for the next installment and to re visit Declan and Shannon.

B2B Danni

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, apparently, despite my better judgment, I gave Andrew's story a try after slogging through 5 books about his brother. And instead of a cute alternative to Declan's angst, I got Andrew's avoidance. I think I really am done with this series now. Not going to go after Amy's side series. Nope. No....

[Zara]

DNF.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t expect much, was pleasantly suprised. Quite funny, Wild.

When a wedding goes wrong.

[Rozemarijn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geen zin meer om een uitgebreide review te schrijven. Beter dan de vorige boeken in de serie. Alsnog geen aanrader. Dit boek is complete chaos en het is echt heel raar. Marie is echt niet normaal vervelend en irritant. Ik ben het volledig eens met alle negatieve reviews over dit boek en vond ook precies dezelfde dingen vervelend als andere mensen die dit boek hebben gelezen.

[Rosie]

Horrible! Don’t waste your time

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another recommended addition in a phenomenal series

**** "Shopping for a CEO" by Julia Kent. (#7 in the series)

Unlike all the others in this series this novel was told purely from Amanda's perspective.

It is a reflection of her journey with Andrew McCormick and their ups and downs and ups...

It is her reflection of Marie and how she is planning Shannon's wedding.


Her reflection of her current and past relationship with her mother who suffers from severe OCD, fibromyalgia, and was and still is a helicopter parent. And her memory of her father and the day he left and the revelations that came after her initial memory.

It is a reflection of how Shannon and Declan are handling their upcoming nuptials and the many issues of Marie.

Unlike the other novels in this series, the fun and laughter really didn't start until about 40% into the book. During the first section there was a lot in regard to her mystery shopping assignments and what led to them, as they do play a role and affect her relationship with Andrew. Yes there are some funny and memorable scenes during this section of the book. But it was a lot talk within the office and lead in to her assignments.

The actual fun parts with Shannon and her mother and Amy begin about half way through the book and then it really picks up and is a true reflection of Julia Kent.

Shannon and her mother have numerous issues and she keeps threatening to elope when her mother truly goes over the top (like having Chuckles as the flower girl) or having elephants lead she and Declan in to the ceremony (which had been nixed before Shannon had to threaten again). Marie and Amanda's mother crash the bachelorette party...that is a very memorable scene. Go Shannon!!

More and more Marie is trying to add whatever she can to what they are wearing to how the wedding will run and her obsession with the Scottish theme until this is not only the biggest wedding in Boston, but she has gone way overboard. The names Jessica Coffin and her ex Steve and his mother Monica should be a hint. Then out of control dogs chasing Chuckles and that all end up in the pool saved by Amanda but not until she has a major wardrobe malfunction. By the time the wedding is to start the question is will the bride and groom go through with Marie's wedding or will they do what Shannon has been threatening Marie with for weeks on end: elope.

And where will things between Amanda and Andrew go from here??

While this is still a great addition to the series, the next book sounds more like a true Julia Kent "Shopping" series book and like all the others that have you laughing so hard you want to cry. I am not sure if the difference was that this came from Amanda's perspective and her relationship with Andrew (who is becoming the new CEO of Anterdec) or that there was limited Marie scenes stbthe beginning or the needed set up and long office scenes for the mystery shops. But this book was different in several ways. Some very good and some that added a new perspective with Amanda narrating, but something was missing in this novel.

As for Marie: karma exists. What goes around comes around. Hmmm...

[Natward1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. I love romantic comedy. There are so few good ones out there. I do think this author is very funny. But she is also kinda long winded. The dialogue and monologuing for that matter are all really funny and original but at the same time I kinda want to skip ahead during some parts. That's what I mean about being long winded. Even though it's funny and not dull or boring at all, it's just too much so I lose a little interest you know. I like Amanda. I like that she isn't rude or bitchy or uptight. She's fun and brings interest to conversations. She actually has a personality and her responses to him are actually witty or unexpected rather than just the dull boring pleasantries and responses that come out of many other female romance novel characters. But at the same time I wasn't as engaged as I wanted to be. I also didn't like that I was walking into the middle of their "relationship". Even though it is technically starting when the book starts, these two have a history of brief encounters over the last two years that I felt took away a little from them starting the whole dating thing. It felt disconnected especially because all of the sudden after he hasn't really talked to her much in two years he then just does a complete 180 and decides he wants to be all in with her. I mean why? Where did that come from? That part was missing. He wasn't talking to her one day and the next day he was all about her. So yeah I wish the author would have spent some time building that part, where the two spend some time together for some other reason and then they start really wanting to be together after they get to know each other better or just whatever. Just something where I say, oh yeah okay I see why he wants a relationship now where before he didn't. I mean, he kinda just says he was scared of their connection or whatever but nope I don't buy that lame tired line. If that's true then why isn't he scared now? What's making him realize he can't be without her now? These were just some of the inconsistencies I didn't care for. Overall though I really appreciate his authors wit, clever writing, and awesome female characters.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Shopping for a CEO

Ok, Ok if you’re thinking you won’t read this book because it’s not Shannon and Declan I am here to tell you…. READ IT!

Declan’s brother Andrew is this book and boy howdy if you were at all intrigued by him in other books you’re going to want to read about him and his life and falling in love and oh so, so many things. <3

I will admit Amanda was not my favorite character in any other books but this book she made me a believer. She wasn’t looking for love and isn’t that when it smacks you upside the head.

Andrew and Amanda are perfect for each other but it takes them a while to see it.
I loved that we get a Momzilla.. Yes, this book is about Amanda and Andrew but it’s also about Shannon and Declan’s wedding and Momzilla… I don’t want to give too much away hahaa let’s just say Shannon can bring her mother to her knees by uttering one tiny little word.. “Elope!” Haha

I took off half a star because I found the book to be just a little too long, don’t get me wrong I loved it but just a little too much. But other than that loved it soo soo glad I read it. And the narration, Amy McFadden she did a great job. Love it so very much!

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received this ARC from the author for an honest review *

Oh my...Julia has done it again!Shannon & Declans wedding is in the final planning stages in this book and is told from her best friend and Maid of Honor Amanda.She is the perfect best friend who is always there for you and wants to fix everything for everyone. She and Andrew will have to work together since he is Declan's Best Man. Oh, then there's Marie....she is one over the top mom, but I sure do love her.I was laughing out loud so many times and snorted once or twice!I would really like to see more of Terry, I just think he is adorable!Thank you Julia for making me smile, I work in a used bookstore and recommend your books to people all of the time!

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shockingly, I did not enjoy this book. The humour didn't do it this time, and I don't really have any interest towards Amanda and Andrew's story.
Very dramatic and dwelling in sadness, rather than good hearted fun like the previous books in this series.
Also, I'm getting an ulcer because of Marie, Shannon's overpowering godawful mother. I just want to slap her silly - it's like she's taking over the whole story more and more. If the Marie-show is continuing like this in the next couple of books, I think I'll just give up and go read something else. It makes all the rest of the characters look weak and, even when they are supposedly strong and independent, unable to stand up to her.
Did not enjoy this one at all.
2.5 stars but can't make myself round it up to 3.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with each book, and book 1 was GREAT, so book #7 is like words can't describe it's GREATNESS!!!! Will Declan and Shannon's wedding happen? or will MOMZILLA cause them to use the one word that cause her have a breakdown,"ELOPE"!!!!!!! Will 2 years post kiss in the closet lead to Amanda(Shannon's best friend) and Andrew(Declan's brother) finally admitting their feelings for each other and them having their story told? ( SPOILER- Yes this is their book). Their journey is full of emotional stories that will have you laughing and crying from doggy dates to Andrew crashing Amanda's child birthing class. Well written and fast paced read!!!!! Rec'd ARC for honest review.

[Aschlie Brake - The Piggy has Flown Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking awesome. Completely hilarious!

I love this series! Lots of great plot lines. A hot romance. Everyone loves Declan and Shannon, but man, wait til you read Andrew (Declan's little brother) and Amanda (Shannon's bestie). The romance is hot. And the humor is freaky awesome. It's a side splitting, tears inducing, laughter! There are sweet spots, and emotional spots. A great love that teaches you to endure the rough spots in life, and laugh while you're at it.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not enough Amanda and Andrew

The wit and the love are still there but the focus was too much on Marie and her special kind of crazy. I didn't get to see Amanda and Andrew evolve as a couple, or develop the tension I felt between Declan and Shannon. Editing down the crazy over the top momzilla would make this a stronger story. Or change the title to reflect this is about Marie.

[Hildy Peterson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too too much

Grade: C

I did laugh out loud while reading this book, which is rare for me, but it was not enough for me to give it a better than two star rating. Add to that the rambling and the too cute cleverness (which got old) and I won’t be really any more books from this series.

[Kimberley · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF— Done with the series. It’s just not enough to keep my interest and the narrators are inconsistent. I might have kept up with it on ebook but it’s not available through overdrive and not what I’m willing to pay for Kindle ($8/each).

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very funny, had me laughing out loud. Andrew & Amanda are a match made in closets (you will gave to read it to find out).

[Josephine Scasino · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh!

Don’t know why I kept hoping this would go somewhere with a shred of depth but it was not to be. Seems like the author was trying to fill pages.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge hit by Julia Kent! I absolutely love this entire series! The frivolity continues as Declan and Shannon try to maintain some control of their wedding plans, the mother/daughter issues that never end thanks to Marie, and the budding romance of Shannon's best friend Amanda and Declan's brother Andrew.

Amanda is thrilled to be the maid of honor at ber best friend's wedding, if it weren't for the best man that kept kissing ber, in closets! And he's the grooms brother and CEO of one of her biggest mystery shopping accounts. But when Andrew suddenly refuses to be in the wedding, and Marie highjacks the wedding plans as if it were her own, Amanda is stumped at how to fix things, and fixing things is what she's always done best. It's how she has always defined her selfworth. But Amanda has some deep seeded issues she must come to terms with, and Andrew has been keeping a secret he must also finally come to terms with before the two can consider a relationship with anyone.

I loved the emotional and personal journey both Amanda and Andrew go on in this book, and how they work through their demons to get to a point where they can consider a future with someone else.

[Alex (Gadget Girl 71) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to start on the next one. I’m only disappointed that when I bought this book that it wasn’t book 1. So I will now got back to the very beginning.

This book had me laughing out loud and also made me a bit tearful.

This book is based around Amanda who is a secret shopper, which means she gets herself in to some funny and amusing situations, and the one man (Andrew) that she likes always happens to find out what goes spectacularly wrong for her or he witnesses it first hand.

Andrew is the CEO of one of the biggest companies that the secret shopper service works for, who is also the younger brother of her best friends (Shannon), husband to be. While all of this is going on Shannon’s mother has turned in to momzilla in organising the 1000 guest wedding, with lots of ridicules ideas like putting a cat in a kilt.

Will Andrew and Amanda finally end up together well you’ll just have to read the book to find out as I don’t like to give out spoilers.