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The Billionaire's Secret Obsession
It’s not like he can take out a personal ad—Lonely Billionaire Wants Loving Artist To Fix His Miserable Life After completion of her contract to supply original art for the revamped Clarion headquarters in New York, young artist Sarah Tyler receives a summons to the stunning home of her enigmatic, and oh, so out of reach employer, Clayton Gallagher. When Clayton offers her a new commission to paint a portrait of his young niece, Sarah senses that the fascination she’s had with the handsome Mr. Gallagher might not be just one sided. She’d thought he was avoiding her, all those missed meetings and opportunities to meet that never quite happened… Clayton Gallagher knows that he shouldn’t spend any more time feeding his fascination with the charming, outgoing and delightfully beautiful artist - eighteen months of pining is enough! But he can’t resist her company any more than he can deny his desire for the kind of life and affection he sees portrayed in her art. Emotionally isolated in a cold and unloving family, and trapped in a dreary world of duty and responsibility, what will happen to Clayton when Sarah begins to color his world with life, kindness, warmth … love?
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2015
31 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Madden
70 books930 followersNY Times and USA Today Bestselling author J.M. Madden writes compelling romances between 'combat modified' military men and the women who love them. J.M. Madden loves any and all good love stories, most particularly her own. She has two beautiful children and a husband who always keeps her on her toes.
J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.
J.M. was a Deputy Sheriff in Ohio for nine years, until hubby moved the clan to Kentucky. When not chasing the family around, she's at the computer, reading and writing, perfecting her craft. She occasionally takes breaks to feed her animal horde and is trying to control her office-supply addiction, but both tasks are uphill battles. Happily, she is writing full-time and always has several projects in the works. She also dearly loves to hear from readers! So, drop her a line. She'll respond.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 15, 2015
When a writer changes genre you never know if they can still maintain the same level of awesomeness, well Madden does it perfectly. Normally she gives us fabulously exciting stories of wounded vets working together in a security business and overcoming their difficult injuries. In keeping the theme of gorgeous men with issues we have Clayton Gallagher, gorgeous billionaire with a family as cold as ice. He grew up with an odd childhood and the idea of children being seen rarely and never heard. Inviting Sarah Tyler into his home under the premise of painting a portrait of his niece changed his world forever. She was the warmth and love he needed in his life. You will fall hard for Clayton, Sarah and Grace (Sarah's dog steals a few scenes). The book world has been bombarded with billionaires that were far too controlling and dominant, not my fantasy. This book has a few very steamy and erotic scenes but none of the BDSM variety. Clayton is the kind of person we all want our man to be, having money is a lovely perk. Thank you Ms. Madden for my review copy.
December 15, 2015
We all, unfortunately, know someone that has a limited capacity to love. Yeah, your brain just instantly thought of someone this applies to, didn't it? Through no fault of our own, this person just can't love you as you love them. It hurts...a lot.
For Clayton, this has essentially been his experience his whole life. As a child, Clayton was presented to his biological father. His married father. Yes, Clayton was the result of an affair. Of course, this does not go over well with Jillian, Clayton's stepmother. In her defense, I can understand how painful it would be to have the proof of your husband's infidelity staring right at you. However, the child has no say in the circumstances of their conception or birth. So basically, grow up Jillian. Be an adult and don't take it out on the kid. Psst...she's not listening to me. Her son, Robert, is the only one she acknowledges and since his death, for which she blames Clayton, she makes sure to "punish" Clayton in anyway possible. She succeeds because Clayton let's her. Andrea, Clayton's widow, is essentially a mini-Jillian and follows her lead on everything, including her "parenting" skills. Clayton's niece, Victoria, is leaving for boarding school soon and he doesn't want her to go. She's the only one in the family he actually cares for. As a coping mechanism, he decides to have Victoria's portrait painted. Enter Sarah, his secret obsession.
Sarah, full of life, love, and sunshine, entered Clayton's world 18 months ago due to a professional contract regarding her art. Sarah was instantly smitten by the small glimpse she saw of Clayton and has since become a little frustrated that every chance they have to officially meet, he's not there in person. Hmmm...avoid much, Clayton?
Clayton can't seem to conquer his obsession for her and after having her inside his home as she's working on the portrait, he realizes he's done fighting it. She wants him, he wants her...easy peasy solution, right? *bow chick a wow wow*
Silly bookworm. We all know things are never that simple in our beloved books. Jillian is insistent that Clayton marry a certain type of woman *cough cough Stopforth Wife* and she is not at all subtle in regards to her dislike for Sarah. We also have Clayton who doesn't believe in HEA and knows that Sarah does. Granted, Clayton has only seen evidence to the contrary of a lasting, loving relationship, so he has reasons for his commitment issues. Yet he knows, he just knows, Sarah is perfect for him. When they're together, he's free to enjoy life, to be himself, to laugh, to live, to be free from the persona he gives others.
Can Clayton and Sarah find their way to a future? Will Victoria go away to boarding school? Will Jillian and Andrea finally get their comeuppance? (Yes, I admit, I love using that word. LOL) One-click this book right now and find out.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
For Clayton, this has essentially been his experience his whole life. As a child, Clayton was presented to his biological father. His married father. Yes, Clayton was the result of an affair. Of course, this does not go over well with Jillian, Clayton's stepmother. In her defense, I can understand how painful it would be to have the proof of your husband's infidelity staring right at you. However, the child has no say in the circumstances of their conception or birth. So basically, grow up Jillian. Be an adult and don't take it out on the kid. Psst...she's not listening to me. Her son, Robert, is the only one she acknowledges and since his death, for which she blames Clayton, she makes sure to "punish" Clayton in anyway possible. She succeeds because Clayton let's her. Andrea, Clayton's widow, is essentially a mini-Jillian and follows her lead on everything, including her "parenting" skills. Clayton's niece, Victoria, is leaving for boarding school soon and he doesn't want her to go. She's the only one in the family he actually cares for. As a coping mechanism, he decides to have Victoria's portrait painted. Enter Sarah, his secret obsession.
Sarah, full of life, love, and sunshine, entered Clayton's world 18 months ago due to a professional contract regarding her art. Sarah was instantly smitten by the small glimpse she saw of Clayton and has since become a little frustrated that every chance they have to officially meet, he's not there in person. Hmmm...avoid much, Clayton?
Clayton can't seem to conquer his obsession for her and after having her inside his home as she's working on the portrait, he realizes he's done fighting it. She wants him, he wants her...easy peasy solution, right? *bow chick a wow wow*
Silly bookworm. We all know things are never that simple in our beloved books. Jillian is insistent that Clayton marry a certain type of woman *cough cough Stopforth Wife* and she is not at all subtle in regards to her dislike for Sarah. We also have Clayton who doesn't believe in HEA and knows that Sarah does. Granted, Clayton has only seen evidence to the contrary of a lasting, loving relationship, so he has reasons for his commitment issues. Yet he knows, he just knows, Sarah is perfect for him. When they're together, he's free to enjoy life, to be himself, to laugh, to live, to be free from the persona he gives others.
Can Clayton and Sarah find their way to a future? Will Victoria go away to boarding school? Will Jillian and Andrea finally get their comeuppance? (Yes, I admit, I love using that word. LOL) One-click this book right now and find out.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
December 9, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! So different from the LNF men. But just as good as them.
Clayton had been molded into the man he is. He is business 100%. But he has become obsessed with one Sarah Tyler. A artist who he has been contracted to do some work for him.
Sarah Tyler is a budding artist who is sweet, beautiful and very strong. When she finally meets the man who writes her pay checks everything changes.
Come along and enjoy the fun ride these two take. Can Sarah and her joyous attitude take on the Gallagher clan?
As always I love the story telling JM Madden writes for us. She grabs our attention and gives us one heck of a great read, like always!
I would highly recommend this read to any romance junkie.
Clayton had been molded into the man he is. He is business 100%. But he has become obsessed with one Sarah Tyler. A artist who he has been contracted to do some work for him.
Sarah Tyler is a budding artist who is sweet, beautiful and very strong. When she finally meets the man who writes her pay checks everything changes.
Come along and enjoy the fun ride these two take. Can Sarah and her joyous attitude take on the Gallagher clan?
As always I love the story telling JM Madden writes for us. She grabs our attention and gives us one heck of a great read, like always!
I would highly recommend this read to any romance junkie.
September 8, 2016
I'm a huge fan of J.M. Madden's Lost And Found Series and was disappointed when I saw The Billionaire's Secret Obsession wasn't part of the series. I'm happy to say though, I loved this book. It has the same quality of writing and is a fantastic story. The characters are awesome, who knew J.M. Madden could write such a wicked, obnoxious, vicious stepmother. Well done Ms Madden! There is plenty of drama, humor and spice to keep the pages turning. So, my favorite is still the L&S series, but really, I'll happily read anything written by the talented J.M. Madden. The Billionaire's Secret Obsession is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I purchased a copy of this book at a book event/signing.
I purchased a copy of this book at a book event/signing.
December 23, 2015
Oh I Absolutely Loved this Book
I'm a big fan of J.M. Madden's Lost and Found Series and of course I wondered if I would like this book as much as LNF. Within the first two chapters, I knew that this was a keeper and that I would love this book also.
Clayton is the owner of Clifton's, a billion dollar tech and computer firm, with whom Sarah Tyler is an artist that has just completed a contract with. When she's contracted by Clayton to paint his soon to be teenage niece, she accepts and moves in with her Mastiff dog on two.
Tory and Sarah soon hit it off, even though she has never really had a mother figure in her life. Jillian Gallagher is a cold hearted person who treats anyone with less that a million in their bank account like dirt. But Clayton finally can't resist Sarah's charms and they begin a relationship that he soon realizes is how a family should be.
I cheered Sarah and eventually Tory and Clayton tell his stepmother and sister-in-law that they were no longer welcome in his house! I for one am glad that Ms. Madden didn't publish this book years ago, because it gave her time to push the story into one wonderful novel.
I'm a big fan of J.M. Madden's Lost and Found Series and of course I wondered if I would like this book as much as LNF. Within the first two chapters, I knew that this was a keeper and that I would love this book also.
Clayton is the owner of Clifton's, a billion dollar tech and computer firm, with whom Sarah Tyler is an artist that has just completed a contract with. When she's contracted by Clayton to paint his soon to be teenage niece, she accepts and moves in with her Mastiff dog on two.
Tory and Sarah soon hit it off, even though she has never really had a mother figure in her life. Jillian Gallagher is a cold hearted person who treats anyone with less that a million in their bank account like dirt. But Clayton finally can't resist Sarah's charms and they begin a relationship that he soon realizes is how a family should be.
I cheered Sarah and eventually Tory and Clayton tell his stepmother and sister-in-law that they were no longer welcome in his house! I for one am glad that Ms. Madden didn't publish this book years ago, because it gave her time to push the story into one wonderful novel.
December 15, 2015
While this is normally not what I expect to read from JM Madden I see why she is one of my favorite authors. She can write an excellent book one that grabs you from page one and doesn't let you go. I was so excited to see she had a new release and couldn't wait to read. Sarah was just and amazing person and I feel in love with her and her dog right at the start. How she managed to bring Clayton out of his dull existent and back to actually having and enjoying life was thrilling. Did I say I loved this story.
May 21, 2019
This is my first book that is not related to her LNF series or their spinoffs. She does mention in the foreword that it was written before LNF came out so there is no fowl language which was a bit unsettling at first because if you have read the LNF series, well you know the drill.
Clayton Gallagher inherits position as the head of his family's company when his brother passes away in a tragic accident. His father had a massive heart attack and left him the family home which he graciously allows her mother to live in along with his sister-in-law and niece. But his comes from a cold and callous family and they reminded me to the step mother and her family from Cinderella in a way.
Sarah Tyler is a young virtually unknown artist who was hired by Clayton to redo the art in his NY headquarters. He hardly saw her in the 18 months it took her to finish the protect. Unbeknownst to each other they have been secretly lusting after one another.
Sarah is light and sunshine to Clayton dark and storminess. He also gets what he wants so he hires Sarah to paint his niece's portrait before she is shipped off to a Swiss boarding school. Things don't go as planned but then money can't buy happiness. Sarah brings it to him without demanding anything in return. She singlehandedly turns his world upside and well as his niece's. She humanizes them a bit. She opens their eyes to a whole new world. She is an amazing character.
Clayton has had a hard life and because of it he has to protect himself with an cold as steel facade. I liked seeing how his defenses and layers were slowly stripped away. He is a very likable guy under all of the subterfuge. This was a fun fast read with a happy ending.
Clayton Gallagher inherits position as the head of his family's company when his brother passes away in a tragic accident. His father had a massive heart attack and left him the family home which he graciously allows her mother to live in along with his sister-in-law and niece. But his comes from a cold and callous family and they reminded me to the step mother and her family from Cinderella in a way.
Sarah Tyler is a young virtually unknown artist who was hired by Clayton to redo the art in his NY headquarters. He hardly saw her in the 18 months it took her to finish the protect. Unbeknownst to each other they have been secretly lusting after one another.
Sarah is light and sunshine to Clayton dark and storminess. He also gets what he wants so he hires Sarah to paint his niece's portrait before she is shipped off to a Swiss boarding school. Things don't go as planned but then money can't buy happiness. Sarah brings it to him without demanding anything in return. She singlehandedly turns his world upside and well as his niece's. She humanizes them a bit. She opens their eyes to a whole new world. She is an amazing character.
Clayton has had a hard life and because of it he has to protect himself with an cold as steel facade. I liked seeing how his defenses and layers were slowly stripped away. He is a very likable guy under all of the subterfuge. This was a fun fast read with a happy ending.
May 8, 2017
The author's note in the beginning states this is an early manuscript that was written before she published the Lost and Found books, and intended as a submission to Harlequin. I tried to keep that in mind for this review, because the writing is not as refined as what I am used to from her. The romance is very good, and I did love both the H and h. I'm also a fan of Harlequins, and could see the influence here.
The secondary characters were one-dimensional and a couple of times seemed to conveniently disappear. There were some minor errors an editor could have picked up, as well. Still, it was an enjoyable read and one I would recommend, particularly to those who are already fans of this author.
The secondary characters were one-dimensional and a couple of times seemed to conveniently disappear. There were some minor errors an editor could have picked up, as well. Still, it was an enjoyable read and one I would recommend, particularly to those who are already fans of this author.
May 4, 2017
Engaging Read
I absolutely could not put this book down once I started reading it. The story reminded me of that great 1950's movie Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart only more modern and steamier. I genuinely liked the two main characters and that made the story that much more enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.
I absolutely could not put this book down once I started reading it. The story reminded me of that great 1950's movie Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart only more modern and steamier. I genuinely liked the two main characters and that made the story that much more enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.
May 29, 2017
Great storyline
I loved the differences between stuffy office man and arty girl, I recommend this to people who enjoy a good love story, a strong male lead, with a whimsical yet down to earth female lead, these always make for a good story in my opinion,
I loved the differences between stuffy office man and arty girl, I recommend this to people who enjoy a good love story, a strong male lead, with a whimsical yet down to earth female lead, these always make for a good story in my opinion,
November 10, 2020
Excellent billionaire story.
There was no sex in the first chapter which is a definite turn off for me. The story line was what would be expected with these folks. Enjoyed reading the book. Thanks, I like happy endings.
There was no sex in the first chapter which is a definite turn off for me. The story line was what would be expected with these folks. Enjoyed reading the book. Thanks, I like happy endings.
June 3, 2017
A nice, emotional read.
November 14, 2021
Ok
Well written but not intriguing enough to get 5 stars
Kind of predictable. Everything turns out to be happy in the end and that’s good.
Well written but not intriguing enough to get 5 stars
Kind of predictable. Everything turns out to be happy in the end and that’s good.
March 18, 2017
5 stars! I just adored the characters in this story and couldn't get enough. Poor Clayton! His family certainly demonstrates that money cannot buy happiness...or manners. Sarah was so refreshing. She is carefree, direct, and takes pleasure from the little things in life. It was great watching the two of them together, and Tory was a great balance to it all. There was so much emotion in the characters and in the story as a whole that I just couldn't get enough.
I have always been a fan of Ms. Madden, and this story certainly shows her depth as it is so different from LFS.
I have always been a fan of Ms. Madden, and this story certainly shows her depth as it is so different from LFS.
August 13, 2016
Sarah has had a crush on Clayton for quite some time but didn't think she was his type. She's a bit curvy, definitely not a socialite, and has no problem speaking her mind when she needs to. Clayton has also had an attraction for Sarah. He just doesn't have a clue what to do about it!
What makes this story unique to me was Clayton's evolution. Clayton is the one who expresses all his doubts and fears as their pseudo relationship morphs into something substantial. He was the one constantly questioning what he was doing, if he should pursue Sarah or no. It was quite a different take for a boy meets girl storyline, but I really enjoyed the role reversal.
Madden doesn't write your typical damsel in distress and hero stories. Sarah may have doubts, but she also has a career and can stand on her own two feet-she's not just waiting for a billionaire to save her! The same goes for our hero. He isn't just the strong and silent type. He is written with the same insecurities and feelings anyone would struggle with and he admits it.
What makes Madden's story stand out is that her characters aren't necessarily saving each other from a lonely existence... they're complementing the other half of the puzzle neither realized was missing.
This is a stand alone story. I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
-Julie
Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
What makes this story unique to me was Clayton's evolution. Clayton is the one who expresses all his doubts and fears as their pseudo relationship morphs into something substantial. He was the one constantly questioning what he was doing, if he should pursue Sarah or no. It was quite a different take for a boy meets girl storyline, but I really enjoyed the role reversal.
Madden doesn't write your typical damsel in distress and hero stories. Sarah may have doubts, but she also has a career and can stand on her own two feet-she's not just waiting for a billionaire to save her! The same goes for our hero. He isn't just the strong and silent type. He is written with the same insecurities and feelings anyone would struggle with and he admits it.
What makes Madden's story stand out is that her characters aren't necessarily saving each other from a lonely existence... they're complementing the other half of the puzzle neither realized was missing.
This is a stand alone story. I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
-Julie
Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
December 15, 2015
Sarah has had a crush on Clayton for quite some time but didn't think she was his type. She's a bit curvy, definitely not a socialite, and has no problem speaking her mind when she needs to. Clayton has also had an attraction for Sarah. He just doesn't have a clue what to do about it!
What makes this story unique to me was Clayton's evolution. Clayton is the one who expresses all his doubts and fears as their pseudo relationship morphs into something substantial. He was the one constantly questioning what he was doing, if he should pursue Sarah or no. It was quite a different take for a boy meets girl storyline, but I really enjoyed the role reversal.
Madden doesn't write your typical damsel in distress and hero stories. Sarah may have doubts, but she also has a career and can stand on her own two feet-she's not just waiting for a billionaire to save her! The same goes for our hero. He isn't just the strong and silent type. He is written with the same insecurities and feelings anyone would struggle with and he admits it.
What makes Madden's story stand out is that her characters aren't necessarily saving each other from a lonely existence... they're complementing the other half of the puzzle neither realized was missing.
This is a stand alone story. I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What makes this story unique to me was Clayton's evolution. Clayton is the one who expresses all his doubts and fears as their pseudo relationship morphs into something substantial. He was the one constantly questioning what he was doing, if he should pursue Sarah or no. It was quite a different take for a boy meets girl storyline, but I really enjoyed the role reversal.
Madden doesn't write your typical damsel in distress and hero stories. Sarah may have doubts, but she also has a career and can stand on her own two feet-she's not just waiting for a billionaire to save her! The same goes for our hero. He isn't just the strong and silent type. He is written with the same insecurities and feelings anyone would struggle with and he admits it.
What makes Madden's story stand out is that her characters aren't necessarily saving each other from a lonely existence... they're complementing the other half of the puzzle neither realized was missing.
This is a stand alone story. I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2016
Love conquers all
Though this book was slow to get going for me it became hard to put down half way through. Sweet story full of heart. I really enjoyed Sarah peeling back the layers of Clayton and finding the real man at the core. His 12 yr old niece was a great addition to the storyline as well as the giant goofy dog! I completely recommend this book if you enjoy a happy ending
Though this book was slow to get going for me it became hard to put down half way through. Sweet story full of heart. I really enjoyed Sarah peeling back the layers of Clayton and finding the real man at the core. His 12 yr old niece was a great addition to the storyline as well as the giant goofy dog! I completely recommend this book if you enjoy a happy ending
December 15, 2015
This is my second book by JM and i it is not disappointing at all!. I read her A Needful Heart and this book The Billionaire's Secret Obsession is not from your typical Harlequin's story book.It is emotional, sweet and bliss.You can feel so much the character that she had created especially the leading man.I would definitely read more from JM and i cant wait what is next from her!
April 5, 2016
I am just amazed with this story! I have been a fan of J.M. Madden's for awhile now. This book was awesome. Clayton and Sarah's story was wonderfully written and had me in its grasp from the first page. I also wanted to reach through my kindle and smack his step mother and sister in law. lol. I was very impressed with this book!
December 28, 2015
I grew up on Harlequin romances, and this story read better, imho. I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the romance. I found myself emotionally connected to the main characters. I like that about this author. I never feel like I am giving up my emotions without the return from the author.
December 21, 2015
3.5 Stars
December 22, 2015
worst book in 2015
January 5, 2016
3.5 stars. Sweet romance. Just a little boring tho.
January 28, 2016
What a wonderful read.
This story is very different from LNF and while I was a bit skeptical at first. This book really sucked me in. I highly recommend this book.
This story is very different from LNF and while I was a bit skeptical at first. This book really sucked me in. I highly recommend this book.
February 17, 2016
Light and sweet...
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews