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Billionaire Bad Boys #2
Going Down Fast
Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.
Lucas Monroe dropped out of college only to become a multi-billionaire and tech world God. He can have any woman he desires in his bed, but the only woman he's ever wanted is off limits and always has been.
When Maxie Sullivan finds herself in dire straights, the only man she can turn to is the one she’s always secretly loved: her childhood best friend.
Can they trust their hearts and make a future, or will their complicated pasts stand in the way?
This bad boy is going down fast …
And going down fast has never felt so right.
The second stand-alone novel in the Billionaire Bad Boys series by New York Times Bestseller Carly Phillips.
Lucas Monroe dropped out of college only to become a multi-billionaire and tech world God. He can have any woman he desires in his bed, but the only woman he's ever wanted is off limits and always has been.
When Maxie Sullivan finds herself in dire straights, the only man she can turn to is the one she’s always secretly loved: her childhood best friend.
Can they trust their hearts and make a future, or will their complicated pasts stand in the way?
This bad boy is going down fast …
And going down fast has never felt so right.
The second stand-alone novel in the Billionaire Bad Boys series by New York Times Bestseller Carly Phillips.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2016
1041 people are currently reading
2745 people want to read
About the author
Carly Phillips
398 books9,780 followersNY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
October 1, 2016
Ohhhhh Lucas...siggghhhhh!!!!!!!! I heart a strong, attentive, SEXY man. Lucas has it all when it comes to his business, but the one thing that has always eluded him has been Maxie. Maxie used to have it figured it out, but then she got stuck in a loveless marriage with the wrong brother. Maxie just wants her independence's back, she wants to prove that she can stand on her own two feet. Maxie and Lucas have always been their for each other. I love how sensitive he is to her needs. I love how he allows her to be herself. I love how he treated her. I love everything about Lucas. LOL.
Also this story had some DRAMA...so if you like a good sexy, dirty love story with a tad bit of drama then this is your story. Read it and find out what happens and I think at the end it will have you wanting to know more about Derek.
Ps...Dear Carly...I am not very curious about Kendall and Julian and I DEMAND a book...LOL
Thanks,
Love Lauren :)
Also this story had some DRAMA...so if you like a good sexy, dirty love story with a tad bit of drama then this is your story. Read it and find out what happens and I think at the end it will have you wanting to know more about Derek.
Ps...Dear Carly...I am not very curious about Kendall and Julian and I DEMAND a book...LOL
Thanks,
Love Lauren :)
October 6, 2016
Lucas oh my god he stole my heart, a man that has everything he wants but the one person he's always wanted Maxie . This friends to lovers story captivated me from the first page and I devoured it one sitting .
I can't tell you how much I loved watching Maxie grow into a stronger woman and Lucas giving her , her space but never giving up .. Did I mention how HOT it was Lucas? Hot hot hot !!!
I must admit that this was my first book by Carly and I was blown away . I can't wait to read the book before and the next book in this series !!
I can't tell you how much I loved watching Maxie grow into a stronger woman and Lucas giving her , her space but never giving up .. Did I mention how HOT it was Lucas? Hot hot hot !!!
I must admit that this was my first book by Carly and I was blown away . I can't wait to read the book before and the next book in this series !!
October 11, 2016
Lucas Monroe has always wanted one woman, he can't remember a time he didn't want his best friend. Too bad she's married, to his brother and pregnant. Life and loss happen to Maxie Sullivan and her life is flipped upside down when she loses her husband. Now she needs help and there's only one person she can turn to and that's Lucas. What happens when Maxie and Lucas find themselves as roomies? A whole lot of sexual tension. Going Down Fast has all sorts of sweetness and sexiness as well as a little bit of a suspense. I knew I loved Lucas ever since meeting him in Going Down Easy, Kane and Lexie's book. I thought he was more of a player but we get to know him better now and know just what an incredible man he is with a heart of gold. He's had a rough past which we learn more of, his brother was an asshole and bullied Lucas all his life while also trying to take everything away Lucas ever wanted. Going Down Fast is a story to show nice guys sometimes get the happily ever afters.
"I’ll play by your rules, but fuck, Maxie, I crave you. Your touch, your taste, your body.”
"I’ll play by your rules, but fuck, Maxie, I crave you. Your touch, your taste, your body.”
October 6, 2016
I always feel like the last Carly Phillips book is the best she has done and then she goes and ups the stakes and has another fantastic must read like Going Down Fast!!! Maxie and Lucas is my new favorite second chance romance!! Best friends growing up that secretly loved each other but never says a word, they end up moving away in college and Lucas's brother spins stories to get the girl instead of his brother. Maxie married the wrong brother and has gone through a lot since but now as a young widow she hates she has to lean on Lucas and can't stand on her own two feet. Lucas doesn't quite understand the importance of her demanding that it's only a fun relationship and not serious until she can be sure she can be independent. Lucas and Maxie go through all kinds of emotions to find each other. This is a fantastic must read book!!!!
October 9, 2016
Going Down Fast is the second book in the Billionaire Bad Boys series from Carly Phillips. I loved the first book in the series, but have to say that Going Down Fast was even better than Going Down Easy. I feel like I'm about to wax poetically about this book, when what I really want to say is just, buy this book, trust me you will thank me later.
I'll be honest; Going Down Fast does not start out with sunshine and rainbows. Maxie is actually married to Keith, who is Lucas's older brother, and pregnant when the book opens. Keith is everything his brother isn't and Maxie as usual has to depend on Lucas when she needs help as she miscarries her baby late in the pregnancy. Ms. Phillips has shown she isn't afraid to deal with tough subjects, and she handled Maxie losing the baby with respect and showed how the loss can affect the person longterm.
I won't say I was sad to find out Keith had died. As I said before he was the exact opposite of his brother Lucas and it only became more apparent the more time passed. I will say for everything he did wrong to Maxie and Lucas, at least his mistakes pushed Maxie and Lucas together following his death. I absolutely love the friends to lovers trope, so when I found out Maxie and Lucas had been friends since they were kids, I knew this book would be a favorite.
I have to say that Maxie is one of the strongest heroines ever. She has been put through hell and is even stronger now. I loved that while she had to depend on Lucas for a home after Keith died, she still plans to stand on her own two feet and support herself as quickly as possible. She is still suffering from losing her baby, and while it broke my heart, I was so glad it was part of the story as it was so true to life.
Lucas was your typical high school computer nerd in high school. He was always in his more athletic brother's shadow in school at even at home. He now had a successful company with his best friends and has bulked up since he left high school. Lucas is everything his brother never was, a man of moral integrity who struggles with the fact that he has always been in love with his best friend.
The attraction between Lucas and Maxie was obvious from the very first time we saw them on the page together. I loved they both had been attracted to each other since they were teenagers. I loved the chemistry between them. They were comfortable enough as friends to still have the sweetness to their chemistry, but also had some pretty smoking hot sex and couldn't keep their hands off each other.
The fact that Keith's death and his actions before his death continued to cause Lucas and Maxie problems made me angry, especially as more and more about Keith was revealed. I did love working together to figure out everything only brought Lucas and Maxie closer, but hated they had that shadow over their new relationship. However, I really do feel they only grew closer because of all they went through.
Going Down Fast pulled me in from the first page and I literally couldn't put this book down until I finished reading it. I highly recommend Going Down Fast to all contemporary romance readers and can't wait to read more books in the Billionaire Bad Boys series.
Rating: 5 Stars (A+)
Review copy provided by publisher
I'll be honest; Going Down Fast does not start out with sunshine and rainbows. Maxie is actually married to Keith, who is Lucas's older brother, and pregnant when the book opens. Keith is everything his brother isn't and Maxie as usual has to depend on Lucas when she needs help as she miscarries her baby late in the pregnancy. Ms. Phillips has shown she isn't afraid to deal with tough subjects, and she handled Maxie losing the baby with respect and showed how the loss can affect the person longterm.
I won't say I was sad to find out Keith had died. As I said before he was the exact opposite of his brother Lucas and it only became more apparent the more time passed. I will say for everything he did wrong to Maxie and Lucas, at least his mistakes pushed Maxie and Lucas together following his death. I absolutely love the friends to lovers trope, so when I found out Maxie and Lucas had been friends since they were kids, I knew this book would be a favorite.
I have to say that Maxie is one of the strongest heroines ever. She has been put through hell and is even stronger now. I loved that while she had to depend on Lucas for a home after Keith died, she still plans to stand on her own two feet and support herself as quickly as possible. She is still suffering from losing her baby, and while it broke my heart, I was so glad it was part of the story as it was so true to life.
Lucas was your typical high school computer nerd in high school. He was always in his more athletic brother's shadow in school at even at home. He now had a successful company with his best friends and has bulked up since he left high school. Lucas is everything his brother never was, a man of moral integrity who struggles with the fact that he has always been in love with his best friend.
The attraction between Lucas and Maxie was obvious from the very first time we saw them on the page together. I loved they both had been attracted to each other since they were teenagers. I loved the chemistry between them. They were comfortable enough as friends to still have the sweetness to their chemistry, but also had some pretty smoking hot sex and couldn't keep their hands off each other.
The fact that Keith's death and his actions before his death continued to cause Lucas and Maxie problems made me angry, especially as more and more about Keith was revealed. I did love working together to figure out everything only brought Lucas and Maxie closer, but hated they had that shadow over their new relationship. However, I really do feel they only grew closer because of all they went through.
Going Down Fast pulled me in from the first page and I literally couldn't put this book down until I finished reading it. I highly recommend Going Down Fast to all contemporary romance readers and can't wait to read more books in the Billionaire Bad Boys series.
Rating: 5 Stars (A+)
Review copy provided by publisher
October 11, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
The Billionaire Bad Boys are BAAAAAACK and this time it’s Going Down Fast as Carly Phillips didn’t waste anytime setting hearts on fire as Lucas Monroe made it clear that Maxie Sullivan was always meant to be his. Lucas has always been in love with his childhood best friend, Maxie but never acted on it especially when she got married to his brother, Keith. But when Maxie’s husband dies, there is only person that she can count on...Lucas.
“I’ll play by your rules, but fuck, Maxie, I crave you. Your touch, your taste, your body.”
Maxie has always loved Lucas and their timing was never right. And so when she is in financial trouble, she turns to the one person who was always there for her. Right away, sexual tension was in the air. Maxie and Lucas knew once that they crossed that line there was no turning back. And guess what? They crossed the line because there was no use in denying their feelings for one another anymore. As things heat up between them, what happens when secrets of Maxie’s husband are revealed that could put her life in danger? Will Lucas be able to save and rescue his girl?
Going Down Fast was a fast well-paced love story that immediately grabbed your attention right from the prologue. It was sexy, emotional, touching, uplifting, and hot as sin. Carly Phillips allowed readers to see that time, distance, and circumstance couldn’t stop the inevitable of Lucas and Maxie’s relationship because their love was pure and meant to be. And so if you are looking for a sexy second chance billionaire romance that was utterly addictive then this book is definitely for you.
Carly Phillips
The Billionaire Bad Boys are BAAAAAACK and this time it’s Going Down Fast as Carly Phillips didn’t waste anytime setting hearts on fire as Lucas Monroe made it clear that Maxie Sullivan was always meant to be his. Lucas has always been in love with his childhood best friend, Maxie but never acted on it especially when she got married to his brother, Keith. But when Maxie’s husband dies, there is only person that she can count on...Lucas.
“I’ll play by your rules, but fuck, Maxie, I crave you. Your touch, your taste, your body.”Maxie has always loved Lucas and their timing was never right. And so when she is in financial trouble, she turns to the one person who was always there for her. Right away, sexual tension was in the air. Maxie and Lucas knew once that they crossed that line there was no turning back. And guess what? They crossed the line because there was no use in denying their feelings for one another anymore. As things heat up between them, what happens when secrets of Maxie’s husband are revealed that could put her life in danger? Will Lucas be able to save and rescue his girl?
Going Down Fast was a fast well-paced love story that immediately grabbed your attention right from the prologue. It was sexy, emotional, touching, uplifting, and hot as sin. Carly Phillips allowed readers to see that time, distance, and circumstance couldn’t stop the inevitable of Lucas and Maxie’s relationship because their love was pure and meant to be. And so if you are looking for a sexy second chance billionaire romance that was utterly addictive then this book is definitely for you.
Carly Phillips
September 30, 2016
5 Candi Kisses and a Zip Drive
What a way to go Down!!!
I have come to the conclusion that Carly Phillips truly writes for US. She embodies the true emotions we all have and feel when reading a story that we connect to. The subject matter is just as important as the Characters in a story and Ms. Phillips knows how to write a compelling story that the Characters shine like bright stars in the dark night.
True, this book deals with subject matter that some may find it hard to take, I for one can relate to Maxie, as I have been in her shoes. On more than one account. When I read stories with these complex issues, I am always a little curious how the author will portrait the situation and emotions within the characters. Ms. Phillips knows how to communicate the feelings of her characters. I found Maxie to be true to the stages of grief associated with her tragedy.
Lucas is the ultimate Hero. He is loving and kind. Supportive and anger for her. He tries to do the right thing and sometimes falls short but you always know it is done with love and compassion. This Geeky Nerd grew up to be a stand up Man in all sense of the word.
As long as Ms. Phillips continues to write, she will always be a Pre-Order One Click for me. Thank you for another compelling and truly lovely story. Oh and the Hero is smexy too…hehe
What a way to go Down!!!
I have come to the conclusion that Carly Phillips truly writes for US. She embodies the true emotions we all have and feel when reading a story that we connect to. The subject matter is just as important as the Characters in a story and Ms. Phillips knows how to write a compelling story that the Characters shine like bright stars in the dark night.
True, this book deals with subject matter that some may find it hard to take, I for one can relate to Maxie, as I have been in her shoes. On more than one account. When I read stories with these complex issues, I am always a little curious how the author will portrait the situation and emotions within the characters. Ms. Phillips knows how to communicate the feelings of her characters. I found Maxie to be true to the stages of grief associated with her tragedy.
Lucas is the ultimate Hero. He is loving and kind. Supportive and anger for her. He tries to do the right thing and sometimes falls short but you always know it is done with love and compassion. This Geeky Nerd grew up to be a stand up Man in all sense of the word.
As long as Ms. Phillips continues to write, she will always be a Pre-Order One Click for me. Thank you for another compelling and truly lovely story. Oh and the Hero is smexy too…hehe
February 6, 2017
I finished this book in two hours that's how good it was. Keith is a big time jerk and I'm happy Lucas got the girl in the end.
February 10, 2017
We're back with our 3 hot guys in NYC!
Kade, Lucas and Derek invented a dating app and now they're billionaires looking for their forever-ever-after-girls. Kade already found his in the first book.
And now it's Lucas who's fighting for his HEA.
He's been in love with Maxie since she moved in next door when he was ten years old. And they were best friends. But when the time came to become more grown-up friends, he chickened out. He was a horribly awkward and shy nerd.
And Maxie ended up getting married to someone else.
But now that she needs his help, Lucas will do everything in his power to make her fall for him too.
Added to all that falling in love and having-been-in-love-forever and all that romancing and sexing and loving and arguing....we have some verrrry suspensy and exciting moments happening too.
This was a - pretty short - but very amazing romance. It has everything a great story needs.
We love Lucas and we want him to finally get his girl!!!
And we also love Kade and Derek - can't wait to see what kind of girl will give him a run for his money. ☺
GOING DOWN FAST was a very sexy & adorable & exciting romance about two friends who will finally get the chance to be with the person they were always supposed to be with!!! Run to your nearest amazon to find out how Maxie & Lucas will find their HEA!
September 30, 2016
I LLLLOOOOOVVVVEEEEEDDD this book. Lucas and Maxie were amazing from the beginning. It started off sad but it set the story. Lucas is always there for Maxie. I admit to being a review who does not give details of the book but I want anyone reading this to know that from the beginning this book connects with you and it doesn't let you go. I could not put it down. They've known each other since they were young and you could feel their connection. Love that even the Dare name appeared for a brief moment. If you love friendship, love, a great story, hot sex and an author who gives it all to you then you have to read Going Down Fast AND other books by Carly!
July 2, 2024
3.75 it’s-always-been-you stars
Talk about marrying the wrong brother 😬.
The prologue opens up with Maxie (26) suffering a miscarriage, and the person she thinks to call for help is Lucas (27). Lucas isn’t her husband though; he’s her brother-in-law 😬, but both of them have always had feelings for each other.
Nine months later, Maxie’s struggling because of her now-dead husband. Not only was she fired because of him, but she’s also being foreclosed on and needs help.
Enter Lucas who’s sweetly offers her to live with him ❤️. Lucas has always wanted Maxie, but she became off-limits because of his brother.
But now he’s gone 😅 and he’s gonna shoot his shot 👀.
Let the forced proximity begin 😉.
What I liked/loved: POSSIBLE SPOILERS
—the forced proximity tension 👀. I wish we had a loooooot more, but I liked what we had 👀
—the 🔥. I love that we don’t wait too long 🤣. First kiss happens at 19% and full 🔥 by 41% 😉. They could’ve been diiiiirtier, but hey… I’ll take it 👏🏻(we get at least 4 full 🔥 scenes. So I was loving that 😈)
— how protective Lucas is 🫶. Lucas will do anything to make her happy, especially when it comes to her safety ❤️
— the fact that he wants something serious 👏🏻. He’s waiting to commit 💁🏻♀️
—surprise pregnancy 👀. Love it in my books 😉
—the side characters ❤️. I can’t wait to read their books. There’s one couple I’m side eyeing (because he broke her heart… I hope she hasn’t been pining away 😑)
—the sweet moments ❤️
What I didn’t like/wanted more of: POTENTIAL SPOILERS
—Maxie wearing lingerie when Lucas gets home from a work event he was at- with another woman 😐. Girl. Even though it’s obvious to us nothing happened and Lucas’s all about Maxie, I was still annoyed
—no epilogue 😒
—I wouldn’t have minded some angst in the past to really see how Lucas and Maxie were
—I wish we would’ve gotten more in terms of why they weren’t together in the past 😒 cause he sure as h wasn’t exactly pining away 🙄. I mean, I get it, she was married to his brother, brother, but still 😐
Overall, this was good
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/omd or real owd*
-mental abuse/gaslighting remembered
-sibling and other bullying recounted
-violence/violence against the h (the bad guy grabs her/smacks her)
-miscarriage on page
-widow/husband (H’s brother) died in a car accident
-mild perceived owd*. The H goes to a work event with ow and the h feels jealous. The H doesn’t see the ow as anything but a colleague
-condoms/she has had sex in over a year/he’s been celibate for 9 months
-HEA/no epilogue 😒
Talk about marrying the wrong brother 😬.
The prologue opens up with Maxie (26) suffering a miscarriage, and the person she thinks to call for help is Lucas (27). Lucas isn’t her husband though; he’s her brother-in-law 😬, but both of them have always had feelings for each other.
Nine months later, Maxie’s struggling because of her now-dead husband. Not only was she fired because of him, but she’s also being foreclosed on and needs help.
Enter Lucas who’s sweetly offers her to live with him ❤️. Lucas has always wanted Maxie, but she became off-limits because of his brother.
But now he’s gone 😅 and he’s gonna shoot his shot 👀.
Let the forced proximity begin 😉.
What I liked/loved: POSSIBLE SPOILERS
—the forced proximity tension 👀. I wish we had a loooooot more, but I liked what we had 👀
—the 🔥. I love that we don’t wait too long 🤣. First kiss happens at 19% and full 🔥 by 41% 😉. They could’ve been diiiiirtier, but hey… I’ll take it 👏🏻(we get at least 4 full 🔥 scenes. So I was loving that 😈)
— how protective Lucas is 🫶. Lucas will do anything to make her happy, especially when it comes to her safety ❤️
— the fact that he wants something serious 👏🏻. He’s waiting to commit 💁🏻♀️
—surprise pregnancy 👀. Love it in my books 😉
—the side characters ❤️. I can’t wait to read their books. There’s one couple I’m side eyeing (because he broke her heart… I hope she hasn’t been pining away 😑)
—the sweet moments ❤️
What I didn’t like/wanted more of: POTENTIAL SPOILERS
—Maxie wearing lingerie when Lucas gets home from a work event he was at- with another woman 😐. Girl. Even though it’s obvious to us nothing happened and Lucas’s all about Maxie, I was still annoyed
—no epilogue 😒
—I wouldn’t have minded some angst in the past to really see how Lucas and Maxie were
—I wish we would’ve gotten more in terms of why they weren’t together in the past 😒 cause he sure as h wasn’t exactly pining away 🙄. I mean, I get it, she was married to his brother, brother, but still 😐
Overall, this was good
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/omd or real owd*
-mental abuse/gaslighting remembered
-sibling and other bullying recounted
-violence/violence against the h (the bad guy grabs her/smacks her)
-miscarriage on page
-widow/husband (H’s brother) died in a car accident
-mild perceived owd*. The H goes to a work event with ow and the h feels jealous. The H doesn’t see the ow as anything but a colleague
-condoms/she has had sex in over a year/he’s been celibate for 9 months
-HEA/no epilogue 😒
October 11, 2016
I want a job at Blink. To be able to look at three super hot guys who have brains is a dream come true.
Now, I didn't connect with Lucas and Maxie as well as I did with Lexie and Kade, but this was a solid story. In a way it was a second chance romance. From the beginning, we get a glimpse at the devotion Lucas feels for Maxie. Best friends since they were kids, college separated them causing their lives to take separate paths.
But Maxie's life isn't rainbows and unicorns though she did her best to portray that it was, and after a devastating loss, she gives up that facade. Left with no option, she turns to Lucas for help and he's all too willing to be the one person she can rely on.
Lucas is ripped, tattooed, rich and practically a genius. But he's also kind, humbled and gentle. He never forgot his roots nor what he went through growing up and uses his status and money to pay it forward. Maxie was his one regret. Never telling her how he felt about her was what kept her from his life over the years. But he has a second chance and he's not going to squander it. He's going to show her how he feels, give her the space and time she needs and prove he will always be there for her.
This was a sweet story with a tad of suspense. Looking forward to Derek's story. I have a feeling he's going to be a bit reluctant when love comes his way.
Now, I didn't connect with Lucas and Maxie as well as I did with Lexie and Kade, but this was a solid story. In a way it was a second chance romance. From the beginning, we get a glimpse at the devotion Lucas feels for Maxie. Best friends since they were kids, college separated them causing their lives to take separate paths.
But Maxie's life isn't rainbows and unicorns though she did her best to portray that it was, and after a devastating loss, she gives up that facade. Left with no option, she turns to Lucas for help and he's all too willing to be the one person she can rely on.
Lucas is ripped, tattooed, rich and practically a genius. But he's also kind, humbled and gentle. He never forgot his roots nor what he went through growing up and uses his status and money to pay it forward. Maxie was his one regret. Never telling her how he felt about her was what kept her from his life over the years. But he has a second chance and he's not going to squander it. He's going to show her how he feels, give her the space and time she needs and prove he will always be there for her.
This was a sweet story with a tad of suspense. Looking forward to Derek's story. I have a feeling he's going to be a bit reluctant when love comes his way.
February 2, 2023
Going Down Fast was the second book in the Billionaire Bad Boys series by Carly Phillips.
I’ve taken a break from formal reviews for a while, but a couple quick thoughts: I enjoyed both Maxie and Lucas. I hated the antagonist and their family - so kudos to Phillips because I totally hated everything about them. This was a modified friends to lovers theme with a twist, but I didn’t quite see the connection as best friends - they seemed to not know a lot about each other as I think best friends normally would. I also wanted to understand a little bit more about the backstory with the antagonist. No spoilers, so no elaboration, but I needed more details filled in. All in all, it was a quick, entertaining and steamy read.
I’ve taken a break from formal reviews for a while, but a couple quick thoughts: I enjoyed both Maxie and Lucas. I hated the antagonist and their family - so kudos to Phillips because I totally hated everything about them. This was a modified friends to lovers theme with a twist, but I didn’t quite see the connection as best friends - they seemed to not know a lot about each other as I think best friends normally would. I also wanted to understand a little bit more about the backstory with the antagonist. No spoilers, so no elaboration, but I needed more details filled in. All in all, it was a quick, entertaining and steamy read.
October 9, 2016
3 stars!
The second book in the Billionaire Bad Boys series, and another sexy and romantic read with a nice touch of drama and, this time, a friends-to-lovers romance.
Lucas and Maxie were childhood best friends. There were always feelings there, but twisted circumstances kept them apart and Maxie married somebody else. But even though she was out of reach, Lucas’ feelings for Maxie never changed. The death of Maxie’s husband sees her free from a bad situation, and when the depths of his deceit is uncovered, Maxie finds herself in trouble, and it’s Lucas that she turns to for help.
Lucas and his best friends hit the jackpot in business, but he’s never been able to move on from the one woman he has always loved but never been able to have. Now she is in living in his house, and there’s no way he’s letting her go this time.
You can feel the chemistry between Lucas and Maxie, and though they initially try to keep their distance from each other, with both of them wanting what has been denied of them for so long, the sexual tension sizzles!
It’s hot and intense as Lucas and Maxi finally cave into their insane lust for each other. Their connection is clearly more than just sexual, and I really enjoyed seeing them finally be able to take that step, open up to each other and fully embrace their feelings.
But the ghost of Maxie’s husband still lingers, and his shady dealings are about to threaten all that she and Lucas have found together. How far will Lucas be willing to go to save his girl? And can these two ever get the happy ending that they so desperately deserve?
I really enjoyed this book. It was a short, steamy read that moved quickly with a nice amount of emotion, and a romance I was invested in. Maxie and Lucas are great characters, and I loved how their relationship worked – they had issues they need to deal with, and they did, they moved past it, and they are honest and functional together, and combined with their crazy passion for each other, they are a wonderful couple. The sexy time was hot, the romance was gorgeous, and the drama was tied in nicely to create a nice intensity.
I didn’t love it, but still a great read – 3 stars.
An Advanced Reader copy was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The second book in the Billionaire Bad Boys series, and another sexy and romantic read with a nice touch of drama and, this time, a friends-to-lovers romance.
Lucas and Maxie were childhood best friends. There were always feelings there, but twisted circumstances kept them apart and Maxie married somebody else. But even though she was out of reach, Lucas’ feelings for Maxie never changed. The death of Maxie’s husband sees her free from a bad situation, and when the depths of his deceit is uncovered, Maxie finds herself in trouble, and it’s Lucas that she turns to for help.
Lucas and his best friends hit the jackpot in business, but he’s never been able to move on from the one woman he has always loved but never been able to have. Now she is in living in his house, and there’s no way he’s letting her go this time.
“I’ll play by your rules, but fuck, Maxie, I crave you.”
You can feel the chemistry between Lucas and Maxie, and though they initially try to keep their distance from each other, with both of them wanting what has been denied of them for so long, the sexual tension sizzles!
“Maxie.”
“Lucas.”
“Walk away.”
“I can't.”
“Then run before we do something you'll regret.”
“Or?”
“Or I'm going to pull you against me and kiss you. I'm going to taste that sexy mouth of yours, and while I'm doing it, you're going to feel exactly how much I want you. Will you run again then?”
“Oh God...Do it.”
It’s hot and intense as Lucas and Maxi finally cave into their insane lust for each other. Their connection is clearly more than just sexual, and I really enjoyed seeing them finally be able to take that step, open up to each other and fully embrace their feelings.
“I'm going to be right here. By your side. I'm not going to let our time pass us by. No way. No how.”
But the ghost of Maxie’s husband still lingers, and his shady dealings are about to threaten all that she and Lucas have found together. How far will Lucas be willing to go to save his girl? And can these two ever get the happy ending that they so desperately deserve?
I really enjoyed this book. It was a short, steamy read that moved quickly with a nice amount of emotion, and a romance I was invested in. Maxie and Lucas are great characters, and I loved how their relationship worked – they had issues they need to deal with, and they did, they moved past it, and they are honest and functional together, and combined with their crazy passion for each other, they are a wonderful couple. The sexy time was hot, the romance was gorgeous, and the drama was tied in nicely to create a nice intensity.
I didn’t love it, but still a great read – 3 stars.
An Advanced Reader copy was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2016
Not my favorite of the series, but still a good and sexy read! Lucas and Maxie's chemistry fit the bill, but I felt like I was missing a big chunk of the story. I think to completely get swept away in their romance, I would have needed more snippets of the past. At times it felt like I was coming in the middle of something and there were puzzle pieces not coming together all the way. Don't get me wrong, I love these Billionaire Bad Boys, but Lucas was a bit tame for me. Carly Phillips still gives us red-hot romance with an emotional and suspenseful edge, but in the end, the connection between myself in the characters were not as strong as I would have liked it to be.
I am definitely looking forward to Derek's story. The heroine is a mystery and I can't wait to find out who it is!
I am definitely looking forward to Derek's story. The heroine is a mystery and I can't wait to find out who it is!
October 10, 2016
Ahhhh, another hot billionaire from Carly Phillips. This time, Lucas Monroe is the one who's front and center.
Lucas has been in love with his best friend his whole life. When he and Maxie were growing up he was a geeky guy who was unsure of himself. He was also kind of bullied by not just the kids at school but by his older brother. Let me just stop right here and say SHAME ON LUCAS'S PARENTS. I have 5 kids, and yes, I overlook some of the teasing that goes on, but I would never stand by and watch one of my girls intentionally hurt one of her sisters. And that is what Lucas's parents did. Keith was a jerk of epic proportions to Lucas and they only saw the good in Keith. Keith was such a jerk that he lied to Maxie and told her Lucas was engaged so that she would start dating him after college, even though she liked Lucas as much as he liked her. Well, Maxie and Keith married and he was an even bigger jerk to Maxie. Lucas distanced himself as much as he could cause it hurt him to see Maxie and Keith together, but after Keith passed away, he finds out that what Maxie and Keith had wasn't as perfect as he thought it was.
Maxie and Lucas are great together. He's so supportive and sweet, yet gives her the space to be independent, while being dominate in the bedroom. He was kind of perfect LOL I loved that while Maxie had stuff going on she didn't try to keep Lucas out of it because she was trying to assert her independence. The tension came from other places rather than from them. It was refreshing to read that.
So, Derek's book will be next and I'm curious as to who will win his heart. And we keep seeing Julian, and maybe he's changed. Will he get a book and end up with Kendall? I'd like to see that. I'll definitely be reading the next book out :)
*thanks to Rock Star PR for sharing a copy of this with me*
Lucas has been in love with his best friend his whole life. When he and Maxie were growing up he was a geeky guy who was unsure of himself. He was also kind of bullied by not just the kids at school but by his older brother. Let me just stop right here and say SHAME ON LUCAS'S PARENTS. I have 5 kids, and yes, I overlook some of the teasing that goes on, but I would never stand by and watch one of my girls intentionally hurt one of her sisters. And that is what Lucas's parents did. Keith was a jerk of epic proportions to Lucas and they only saw the good in Keith. Keith was such a jerk that he lied to Maxie and told her Lucas was engaged so that she would start dating him after college, even though she liked Lucas as much as he liked her. Well, Maxie and Keith married and he was an even bigger jerk to Maxie. Lucas distanced himself as much as he could cause it hurt him to see Maxie and Keith together, but after Keith passed away, he finds out that what Maxie and Keith had wasn't as perfect as he thought it was.
Maxie and Lucas are great together. He's so supportive and sweet, yet gives her the space to be independent, while being dominate in the bedroom. He was kind of perfect LOL I loved that while Maxie had stuff going on she didn't try to keep Lucas out of it because she was trying to assert her independence. The tension came from other places rather than from them. It was refreshing to read that.
So, Derek's book will be next and I'm curious as to who will win his heart. And we keep seeing Julian, and maybe he's changed. Will he get a book and end up with Kendall? I'd like to see that. I'll definitely be reading the next book out :)
*thanks to Rock Star PR for sharing a copy of this with me*
June 12, 2024
Audio and triggers below.... Fluff isn't my thing, but I did enjoy this series when I originally listened to it.
Lucas has always been bullied by his brother because he was nerdy and shy. His brother went so far as to marry the girl Lucas loved because he was too shy about telling her how he really felt. Maxie was shy too and never told Lucas how she felt about him, and for some reason married his jackass brother. Now, she's pregnant with the loser brother's baby. Conveniently for the couple, things happen and they're now living together with the brother and baby no longer in the picture. Maxie feels like she doesn't want to jump into another relationship, but Lucas is tired of them denying their feelings. An enemy tries to come after Maxie, Lucas and Maxie give in to lust then love, HEA.
One of my big peeves in books is when either of the MCs have a previous relationship or kids. This author took care of both of those things in the first five minutes. Spoiler and trigger.
This one def had more sex in it than the last one. For fluff fics, I enjoy this Billionaire Bad Boys series; however, the boys are NOT bad at all. Not sure how they got this title.
AUDIO: Sophie Eastlake does an excellent male voice. She totally sounds like a different person to me. Her male voice is kind of sexy!
Lucas has always been bullied by his brother because he was nerdy and shy. His brother went so far as to marry the girl Lucas loved because he was too shy about telling her how he really felt. Maxie was shy too and never told Lucas how she felt about him, and for some reason married his jackass brother. Now, she's pregnant with the loser brother's baby. Conveniently for the couple, things happen and they're now living together with the brother and baby no longer in the picture. Maxie feels like she doesn't want to jump into another relationship, but Lucas is tired of them denying their feelings. An enemy tries to come after Maxie, Lucas and Maxie give in to lust then love, HEA.
One of my big peeves in books is when either of the MCs have a previous relationship or kids. This author took care of both of those things in the first five minutes. Spoiler and trigger.
This one def had more sex in it than the last one. For fluff fics, I enjoy this Billionaire Bad Boys series; however, the boys are NOT bad at all. Not sure how they got this title.
AUDIO: Sophie Eastlake does an excellent male voice. She totally sounds like a different person to me. Her male voice is kind of sexy!
Want to read
March 24, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBook today (3/24/2021)!🎁
October 12, 2016
About the book : Release Date October 11, 2016
Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.
Lucas Monroe dropped out of college only to become a multi-billionaire and tech world God. He can have any woman he desires in his bed, but the only woman he's ever wanted is off limits and always has been.
When Maxie Sullivan finds herself in dire straights, the only man she can turn to is the one she’s always secretly loved: her childhood best friend.
Can they trust their hearts and make a future, or will their complicated pasts stand in the way?
This bad boy is going down fast …
And going down fast has never felt so right.
•••••••
REVIEW: GOING DOWN FAST is the second installment in Carly Phillips’s contemporary, adult BILLIONAIRE BAD BOYS erotic, romance series-a spin off from her DARE TO LOVE SERIES. This is billionaire businessman Lucas Monroe, and paralegal Maxie Sullivan’s story line. GOING DOWN FAST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Maxie and Lucas) GOING DOWN FAST follows the friends to lovers/forbidden relationship between billionaire Lucas Monroe, and Maxie Sullivan. For most of their life Lucas Monroe and Maxie Sullivan have been in love with another. They grew up together as next door neighbors but when Lucas moved away to attend college, then establishing himself as one of the giants in the world of IT, he came home to find his best friend- the woman he loved- married and moving on with her life. Years later, Maxie finds herself a widow, near bankrupt, and in desperate need of some help. Enter Lucas Monroe, the man who would be Maxie’s savior when the past comes looking for revenge.
The relationship between Maxie and Lucas is one of friends to lovers; something of a ‘forbidden romance’ between two people who have loved one another for years but life, jealousy and heartbreaking betrayal destroyed any chance for the couple’s happily ever after. As Maxie’s life spirals out of control Lucas sees an opportunity to get a second chance with the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and seductive.
Lucas’s business partners and friends Derek West and Kaden Barnes play secondary and supporting roles, as well as the love of Kaden’s life Lexie Parker (Going Down Easy #1). Former friend and business partner Julian Dane returns hoping to hear some positive news about Lexie’s sister Kendall Parker- a woman he destryed to get back at Lucas, Derek and Kaden. Lucas’s parents have a difficult time accepting his relationship with Maxie Sullivan; and the requisite evil comes in many forms insisting that Maxie has something he wants.
The world building continues to follow the friendship and business relationship between friends Lucas, Derek and Kaden, and the lengths each will go to protect one another and their future together. There is a slight cross over with Phillips’ DARE TO LOVE SERIES when Lucas calls Ian Dare- a college friend and investor in Lucas’s company-in the hopes of hiring Tyler Dare’s security and investigation.
GOING DOWN FAST is a sexy, romantic suspense story line; a journey of rediscovery for two people torn about by another’s jealousy and betrayal. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and inspiring; the characters are colorful, passionate and energetic; the romance is hot and intense. Carly Phillips’s GOING DOWN FAST is a provocative look at a second chance romance for two people who deserve a happily ever after.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.
Lucas Monroe dropped out of college only to become a multi-billionaire and tech world God. He can have any woman he desires in his bed, but the only woman he's ever wanted is off limits and always has been.
When Maxie Sullivan finds herself in dire straights, the only man she can turn to is the one she’s always secretly loved: her childhood best friend.
Can they trust their hearts and make a future, or will their complicated pasts stand in the way?
This bad boy is going down fast …
And going down fast has never felt so right.
•••••••
REVIEW: GOING DOWN FAST is the second installment in Carly Phillips’s contemporary, adult BILLIONAIRE BAD BOYS erotic, romance series-a spin off from her DARE TO LOVE SERIES. This is billionaire businessman Lucas Monroe, and paralegal Maxie Sullivan’s story line. GOING DOWN FAST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Maxie and Lucas) GOING DOWN FAST follows the friends to lovers/forbidden relationship between billionaire Lucas Monroe, and Maxie Sullivan. For most of their life Lucas Monroe and Maxie Sullivan have been in love with another. They grew up together as next door neighbors but when Lucas moved away to attend college, then establishing himself as one of the giants in the world of IT, he came home to find his best friend- the woman he loved- married and moving on with her life. Years later, Maxie finds herself a widow, near bankrupt, and in desperate need of some help. Enter Lucas Monroe, the man who would be Maxie’s savior when the past comes looking for revenge.
The relationship between Maxie and Lucas is one of friends to lovers; something of a ‘forbidden romance’ between two people who have loved one another for years but life, jealousy and heartbreaking betrayal destroyed any chance for the couple’s happily ever after. As Maxie’s life spirals out of control Lucas sees an opportunity to get a second chance with the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and seductive.
Lucas’s business partners and friends Derek West and Kaden Barnes play secondary and supporting roles, as well as the love of Kaden’s life Lexie Parker (Going Down Easy #1). Former friend and business partner Julian Dane returns hoping to hear some positive news about Lexie’s sister Kendall Parker- a woman he destryed to get back at Lucas, Derek and Kaden. Lucas’s parents have a difficult time accepting his relationship with Maxie Sullivan; and the requisite evil comes in many forms insisting that Maxie has something he wants.
The world building continues to follow the friendship and business relationship between friends Lucas, Derek and Kaden, and the lengths each will go to protect one another and their future together. There is a slight cross over with Phillips’ DARE TO LOVE SERIES when Lucas calls Ian Dare- a college friend and investor in Lucas’s company-in the hopes of hiring Tyler Dare’s security and investigation.
GOING DOWN FAST is a sexy, romantic suspense story line; a journey of rediscovery for two people torn about by another’s jealousy and betrayal. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and inspiring; the characters are colorful, passionate and energetic; the romance is hot and intense. Carly Phillips’s GOING DOWN FAST is a provocative look at a second chance romance for two people who deserve a happily ever after.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
October 7, 2016
ARC Review: Going Down Fast (Billionaire Bad Boys) by Carly Phillips
Lucas may have been a shrewd businessman, but he was a little slow on the uptake when it came to his feelings. He lost his heart a long time ago and has suffered in silence ever since. When the woman of his dreams walks back into his life, he will move heaven and earth to make her his. Maxie is her own worse enemy. Her heart's desire is to find love and happiness. Not easy when choices keep making her life more of a mess. When danger and her past collide, will she face up to all the emotions she's tried to hide? Lucas is deeper than I realized. Who would have thought he battled insecurity and a broken heart behind that aloof exterior? He allowed his brain to out vote his heart. Going Down Fast is an emotional roller-coaster. Maxie and Lucas made me dizzy with the will they or won't they, but it was a ride I would gladly take again.
Lucas may have been a shrewd businessman, but he was a little slow on the uptake when it came to his feelings. He lost his heart a long time ago and has suffered in silence ever since. When the woman of his dreams walks back into his life, he will move heaven and earth to make her his. Maxie is her own worse enemy. Her heart's desire is to find love and happiness. Not easy when choices keep making her life more of a mess. When danger and her past collide, will she face up to all the emotions she's tried to hide? Lucas is deeper than I realized. Who would have thought he battled insecurity and a broken heart behind that aloof exterior? He allowed his brain to out vote his heart. Going Down Fast is an emotional roller-coaster. Maxie and Lucas made me dizzy with the will they or won't they, but it was a ride I would gladly take again.
October 11, 2016
Second chance done right!!
Oh man I loved this one.
Lucas has basically been in love with Maxie since they were younger. Too bad he has a snake of a brother that moved in on his girl through lies.
Now he's a proclaimed bachelor watching his girl being torn down in a marriage that is chipping away at her.
When circumstances find Maxie without a husband, it was time for Lucas to get his girl. Boy did her ever!! I LOVED them together. You knew they were soulmates that life had fucked over. Seeing them bloom was so hot and sweet!
5 huge stars for this one.
Oh man I loved this one.
Lucas has basically been in love with Maxie since they were younger. Too bad he has a snake of a brother that moved in on his girl through lies.
Now he's a proclaimed bachelor watching his girl being torn down in a marriage that is chipping away at her.
When circumstances find Maxie without a husband, it was time for Lucas to get his girl. Boy did her ever!! I LOVED them together. You knew they were soulmates that life had fucked over. Seeing them bloom was so hot and sweet!
5 huge stars for this one.
July 19, 2019
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
3.5 stars
This books started off like it was going to be a really big heart wrenching read but it really wasn't. Maybe my expectations were too high but It ended up being good just not great. The writing of course was great, it was the storyline that was average to me. Great characters, i love the good guys and he really is the good guy who knows what he wants! She is a little broken but healing and I loved that too.
Narration was good.
3.5 stars
This books started off like it was going to be a really big heart wrenching read but it really wasn't. Maybe my expectations were too high but It ended up being good just not great. The writing of course was great, it was the storyline that was average to me. Great characters, i love the good guys and he really is the good guy who knows what he wants! She is a little broken but healing and I loved that too.
Narration was good.
November 10, 2017
4/5 stars
February 16, 2017
3.5 I LOVE LUCAS Stars!
Carly Phillips delivers once again in the highly anticipated second installment in her smoldering BILLIONAIRE BAD BOYS series about “geeky” college chums turned Alpha heartthrobs who have collaboratively built a techno empire after the successful launch of their trend setting Blink social media app that has taken the world by storm.
This story features Lucas and Maxie, childhood best friends who have always secretly carried a torch for one another but the timing has never been right. Their lives took different paths when she ended up married to his slickster older brother, Keith, who used lies and manipulation to claim her as his own, primarily as a way of “besting” Lucas. But our gallant brainiac has always been there for Maxie when the going got rough, and fate and tragedy brings them together years later when Maxie finds herself widowed, alone and destitute. Thanks to her good for nothin' late husband’s embezzlement and gambling debts her apartment has been foreclosed on and she is without a home or a job. Lucas isn’t about to leave the woman he adores out in the cold and offers her a safe place to stay until she gets back on her feet. Reluctantly, she takes him up on his offer but being in such close proximity to the hot alpha man she's always loved sparks a forbidden temptation that threatens to consume them both. Are the stars finally aligned for these two soulmates to finally forge a future together or will ghosts of the past come back to bite them yet again?
Carly Phillips did a lovely job with this tantalizing second chance romance! She is among my favorite romance scribes in the industry because she consistently pens engaging, fast paced, highly sensual romances that are chock full of sizzle, poignant emotion and swoony ALPHA billionaire book boyfriends. One unique thing that sets this particular series apart from zillions of other billionaire romances saturating the market today is that it celebrates each character’s unique quirks. These are not cardboard cutout, larger than life heroes—but real flesh and blood protagonists with flaws and insecurities and endearing idiosyncrasies, and these tales truly champion the underdog.
I like how the Blink empire is comprised of three close-knit friends who were once geeks, misfits, the painfully awkward social outcasts who never fit in with the popular crowd, and I give props to the author for once again tackling socially relevant subjects and sending the message of acceptance, compassion and tolerance even when it goes against the grain. In book one, GOING DOWN EASY, she explored the emotional tolls of mental illness, and this time she deftly delves into the ramifications of bullying, and the less talked about issue of sibling bullying when it occurs in in the sanctuary of one’s own home and the heartache caused when parents play favorites and turn a blind eye to what’s truly going on.
Lucas Monroe is a prime example, a former geek who always lived in the shadow of his older brother Keith, the golden boy sports star, who used to bully him mercilessly for being an introvert who felt more comfortable in his room playing video games or solving mathematical equations. An all grown up Lucas has risen above his old insecurities and channeled his talents and unique gifts into a trailblazing career and has emerged as a bona fide techno god. Now this former skinny nerd has metamorphosed into a big, hard-muscled, gorgeously tatted man who is quite the catch!
But he has only ever had eyes for one girl. Maxie Sullivan. His ex-sister in law, who married the wrong brother. But now he finally has a shot at winning the woman who has always tied him up in knots. However, he must formulate a strategic plan to entice the fiercely stubborn, emotionally fragile young widow to welcome him into her bed—and her heart--because she has been terribly hurt before and her trust has been shattered. She’d once put her faith in a sociopathic liar until she’d lost herself completely and did not want to be beholden to another man ever again. Maxie couldn’t allow her fiery attraction to Lucas to override common sense and drag her back into relying on a man too much. But her mouthwateringly sexy roomie proves harder and harder to resist, breaking down her walls and slowly mending her heart piece by piece....
Overall I truly enjoyed GOING DOWN FAST!! My attention was riveted throughout, I invested in the outcome of this touching romance, found the steamy interludes to be quite titillating, and though the plot was rife with plenty of drama, angst, tenderhearted affection, wit and charm. The camaraderie and bond of brotherhood between the billionaires was especially infectious and infused this book with a hefty dose of delicious male testosterone, and I thought the ending was quite satisfying.
That said, the reason I am awarding this book 3.5 stars instead of the typical five that I usually rate Carly Phillips’ novels is that I just was not as swept up in Maxie and Lucas’s romance as I was with Kade and Lexi. Unlike the first book, which was high-octane from the start, this is more of a gently simmering romance that slowly gains steam but never quite reaches full raging boil because of all the stops and starts along the way. Perhaps I didn’t feel the same sort of emotional connection because Lucas was less DOMINANT and much tamer than Ms. Phillips' trademark Alpha heroes, which I think is attributed to the fact that the dead brother casts a specter over their lives and Lucas felt the need to tread carefully and treat Maxie with kid gloves because of the tragedies she dealt with in the past.
And part of the problem may also have been that the suspense plot revolving around her late husband’s debts to baddie Vincent and the mystery of the missing flash drive dominated too much of the plot toward the last third of the book and overshadowed the romance at times. I can’t quite put my finger on exactly WHAT it was but something just felt a bit off.…it simply did not pack the same sort of all-consuming emotional punch that I have come to expect form Ms. Phillips' prior billionaire romances.
Nevertheless, GOING DOWN FAST is a very hot, sexy, fast-paced read that tugs at the heartstrings and I did truly enjoy Lucas and Maxie’s journey to HEA. Now I can't wait for Derek’s story in GOING DOWN HARD and fingers crossed that turncoat Julian gets a shot at redemption with a bad boy billionaire book of of his own!!
Carly Phillips delivers once again in the highly anticipated second installment in her smoldering BILLIONAIRE BAD BOYS series about “geeky” college chums turned Alpha heartthrobs who have collaboratively built a techno empire after the successful launch of their trend setting Blink social media app that has taken the world by storm.
This story features Lucas and Maxie, childhood best friends who have always secretly carried a torch for one another but the timing has never been right. Their lives took different paths when she ended up married to his slickster older brother, Keith, who used lies and manipulation to claim her as his own, primarily as a way of “besting” Lucas. But our gallant brainiac has always been there for Maxie when the going got rough, and fate and tragedy brings them together years later when Maxie finds herself widowed, alone and destitute. Thanks to her good for nothin' late husband’s embezzlement and gambling debts her apartment has been foreclosed on and she is without a home or a job. Lucas isn’t about to leave the woman he adores out in the cold and offers her a safe place to stay until she gets back on her feet. Reluctantly, she takes him up on his offer but being in such close proximity to the hot alpha man she's always loved sparks a forbidden temptation that threatens to consume them both. Are the stars finally aligned for these two soulmates to finally forge a future together or will ghosts of the past come back to bite them yet again?
Carly Phillips did a lovely job with this tantalizing second chance romance! She is among my favorite romance scribes in the industry because she consistently pens engaging, fast paced, highly sensual romances that are chock full of sizzle, poignant emotion and swoony ALPHA billionaire book boyfriends. One unique thing that sets this particular series apart from zillions of other billionaire romances saturating the market today is that it celebrates each character’s unique quirks. These are not cardboard cutout, larger than life heroes—but real flesh and blood protagonists with flaws and insecurities and endearing idiosyncrasies, and these tales truly champion the underdog.
I like how the Blink empire is comprised of three close-knit friends who were once geeks, misfits, the painfully awkward social outcasts who never fit in with the popular crowd, and I give props to the author for once again tackling socially relevant subjects and sending the message of acceptance, compassion and tolerance even when it goes against the grain. In book one, GOING DOWN EASY, she explored the emotional tolls of mental illness, and this time she deftly delves into the ramifications of bullying, and the less talked about issue of sibling bullying when it occurs in in the sanctuary of one’s own home and the heartache caused when parents play favorites and turn a blind eye to what’s truly going on.
Lucas Monroe is a prime example, a former geek who always lived in the shadow of his older brother Keith, the golden boy sports star, who used to bully him mercilessly for being an introvert who felt more comfortable in his room playing video games or solving mathematical equations. An all grown up Lucas has risen above his old insecurities and channeled his talents and unique gifts into a trailblazing career and has emerged as a bona fide techno god. Now this former skinny nerd has metamorphosed into a big, hard-muscled, gorgeously tatted man who is quite the catch!
But he has only ever had eyes for one girl. Maxie Sullivan. His ex-sister in law, who married the wrong brother. But now he finally has a shot at winning the woman who has always tied him up in knots. However, he must formulate a strategic plan to entice the fiercely stubborn, emotionally fragile young widow to welcome him into her bed—and her heart--because she has been terribly hurt before and her trust has been shattered. She’d once put her faith in a sociopathic liar until she’d lost herself completely and did not want to be beholden to another man ever again. Maxie couldn’t allow her fiery attraction to Lucas to override common sense and drag her back into relying on a man too much. But her mouthwateringly sexy roomie proves harder and harder to resist, breaking down her walls and slowly mending her heart piece by piece....
Overall I truly enjoyed GOING DOWN FAST!! My attention was riveted throughout, I invested in the outcome of this touching romance, found the steamy interludes to be quite titillating, and though the plot was rife with plenty of drama, angst, tenderhearted affection, wit and charm. The camaraderie and bond of brotherhood between the billionaires was especially infectious and infused this book with a hefty dose of delicious male testosterone, and I thought the ending was quite satisfying.
That said, the reason I am awarding this book 3.5 stars instead of the typical five that I usually rate Carly Phillips’ novels is that I just was not as swept up in Maxie and Lucas’s romance as I was with Kade and Lexi. Unlike the first book, which was high-octane from the start, this is more of a gently simmering romance that slowly gains steam but never quite reaches full raging boil because of all the stops and starts along the way. Perhaps I didn’t feel the same sort of emotional connection because Lucas was less DOMINANT and much tamer than Ms. Phillips' trademark Alpha heroes, which I think is attributed to the fact that the dead brother casts a specter over their lives and Lucas felt the need to tread carefully and treat Maxie with kid gloves because of the tragedies she dealt with in the past.
And part of the problem may also have been that the suspense plot revolving around her late husband’s debts to baddie Vincent and the mystery of the missing flash drive dominated too much of the plot toward the last third of the book and overshadowed the romance at times. I can’t quite put my finger on exactly WHAT it was but something just felt a bit off.…it simply did not pack the same sort of all-consuming emotional punch that I have come to expect form Ms. Phillips' prior billionaire romances.
Nevertheless, GOING DOWN FAST is a very hot, sexy, fast-paced read that tugs at the heartstrings and I did truly enjoy Lucas and Maxie’s journey to HEA. Now I can't wait for Derek’s story in GOING DOWN HARD and fingers crossed that turncoat Julian gets a shot at redemption with a bad boy billionaire book of of his own!!
May 9, 2017
Wonderful second chance romance!
Hot, sexy, sweet, emotional, friends from childhood second chance romance with a hint of danger. Including a competitive sibling that is beyond redemption.
Lucas Monroe is charming, wicked smart and off the charts hot. The kind of man who can have any woman he wants except the only one he has ever loved. Maxie is sweet and giving but trapped in a horrible marriage to his brother. The emotional twists and turns in this journey are captivating and keep you reading hopeful for a happy ending. Love this series!
Hot, sexy, sweet, emotional, friends from childhood second chance romance with a hint of danger. Including a competitive sibling that is beyond redemption.
Lucas Monroe is charming, wicked smart and off the charts hot. The kind of man who can have any woman he wants except the only one he has ever loved. Maxie is sweet and giving but trapped in a horrible marriage to his brother. The emotional twists and turns in this journey are captivating and keep you reading hopeful for a happy ending. Love this series!
November 2, 2021
Another winner by Carly Phillips! This was a beautiful, complex, but quick story! It was very heartfelt and impactful!
October 1, 2016
"He hoped she was ready. Because Lucas intended to get his girl."
All I can say is... Gahhhhhhh!!!
I'm so in love with Lucas and Maxie!!!
I love friends-to-lovers stories, but this goes beyond that. This is a story about two people that have always been meant to be, but they stayed apart for so many years due to lies and deceit. After tragedy and heartbreak, truths and secrets are revealed and it only brings these two closer together.
"Maxie."
"Lucas."
"Walk away."
"I can't."
"Then run before we do something you'll regret."
"Or?"
"Or I'm going to pull you against me and kiss you. I'm going to taste that sexy mouth of yours, and while I'm doing it, you're going to feel exactly how much I want you. Will you run again then?"
"Oh God...Do it."
This book surprised me in so many ways. I didn't expect to get emotionally attached to these two in many ways. And that was a very good thing!!
Lucas and Maxie each have been hurt and have lived many years trapped behind the line they have never been allowed to cross.
The twists and turns within this book takes you on a journey-their journey. The love these two have always had for one another shines through all the pain of their pasts. This book is emotional and sexy, but also captivating in its own way.
"Why the change of heart?"
"I want you, Lucas. I always have. I decided it's our time."
All I can say is... Gahhhhhhh!!!
I'm so in love with Lucas and Maxie!!!
I love friends-to-lovers stories, but this goes beyond that. This is a story about two people that have always been meant to be, but they stayed apart for so many years due to lies and deceit. After tragedy and heartbreak, truths and secrets are revealed and it only brings these two closer together.
"Maxie."
"Lucas."
"Walk away."
"I can't."
"Then run before we do something you'll regret."
"Or?"
"Or I'm going to pull you against me and kiss you. I'm going to taste that sexy mouth of yours, and while I'm doing it, you're going to feel exactly how much I want you. Will you run again then?"
"Oh God...Do it."
This book surprised me in so many ways. I didn't expect to get emotionally attached to these two in many ways. And that was a very good thing!!
Lucas and Maxie each have been hurt and have lived many years trapped behind the line they have never been allowed to cross.
The twists and turns within this book takes you on a journey-their journey. The love these two have always had for one another shines through all the pain of their pasts. This book is emotional and sexy, but also captivating in its own way.
"Why the change of heart?"
"I want you, Lucas. I always have. I decided it's our time."
September 28, 2016
ARC received for an honest review
They're baaaa-aaaack!
The billionaire bad boys of NYC are back bigger and badder than ever in this second book in this series.
And now it is time for Lucas to fall hard and fast... though is it really fast if he has been in love with her since forever?
I loved him and Maxie fighting for the relationship they should have always had. Lies, deceit, betrayal have all kept them apart for so long but now it is time for them to shine.
And do they shine. Through everything that is happening to them (and believe me, there is quite a bit!) they get closer and fall more in love every day.
Sigh
Although this is a short, quick read it packs a whole lotta punch. It is a sweet, sexy adorable read, and it left me wanting more of these bad boys.
Now come on Derek, don't let the team down when your book arrives!
September 28, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Author and Social Butterfly PR***
Some books grab you from the beginning and don't let go. You meet the characters and you feel like you know them, right away. You get a glimpse into their heads and it is so powerful it stays with you. This book is like that.
Lucas is the perfect man, yes really. Sensitive yet strong. Capable, protective and willing to allow the person he is with, in this case Maxie, to be as independent as she needs to be...willing to allow her to be the person she needs to be, even when he wants to protect her. Even when he is angry at what has happened to her in the past, even when he feels he should be doing more to solve her problems and keep her safe.
Maxie had a rough time in a previous relationship...which you find out in the prologue. And, Lucas has always been there. Both are attracted to the other, but for so many reasons, feel they are not able to pursue the attraction.
Their romance is forbidden, but at the same time mature and adult. There are elements about it that do make it forbidden. But instead of hiding this, they face it head on. Lucas a little more quickly than Maxie.
This was amazing, and perfect for who they each were in their lives. This just worked...he needed people to finally know how he felt about Maxie. She needed someone who wanted her. Not the trophy of her, but her. In Lucas, she found someone who really, at the end of the day, just wants her. I loved this, the idea that they were adults, that they were willing to go after what they wanted, even if maybe others would have issues.
Their chemistry was so hot, I am not sure how they managed to stay away from one another as long as they did. I am amazed my Kindle survived this one without bursting into flames. On more than one occasion.
Carly Phillips is just good. That's just all there is to it. I have been reading her for years, I have loved her for years. Her writing is always strong, her characters compelling. The pacing is spot on, the dialog well-written and authentic.
I was so excited to get a chance to read this early. I highly recommend it.
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
Some books grab you from the beginning and don't let go. You meet the characters and you feel like you know them, right away. You get a glimpse into their heads and it is so powerful it stays with you. This book is like that.
Lucas is the perfect man, yes really. Sensitive yet strong. Capable, protective and willing to allow the person he is with, in this case Maxie, to be as independent as she needs to be...willing to allow her to be the person she needs to be, even when he wants to protect her. Even when he is angry at what has happened to her in the past, even when he feels he should be doing more to solve her problems and keep her safe.
Maxie had a rough time in a previous relationship...which you find out in the prologue. And, Lucas has always been there. Both are attracted to the other, but for so many reasons, feel they are not able to pursue the attraction.
Their romance is forbidden, but at the same time mature and adult. There are elements about it that do make it forbidden. But instead of hiding this, they face it head on. Lucas a little more quickly than Maxie.
This was amazing, and perfect for who they each were in their lives. This just worked...he needed people to finally know how he felt about Maxie. She needed someone who wanted her. Not the trophy of her, but her. In Lucas, she found someone who really, at the end of the day, just wants her. I loved this, the idea that they were adults, that they were willing to go after what they wanted, even if maybe others would have issues.
Their chemistry was so hot, I am not sure how they managed to stay away from one another as long as they did. I am amazed my Kindle survived this one without bursting into flames. On more than one occasion.
Carly Phillips is just good. That's just all there is to it. I have been reading her for years, I have loved her for years. Her writing is always strong, her characters compelling. The pacing is spot on, the dialog well-written and authentic.
I was so excited to get a chance to read this early. I highly recommend it.
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
October 13, 2016
"I have loved you my entire life and plan to love you for eternity."
Oh geezzzz! I just finished another sweet romance with a most beautiful hero and heroine. In the very first chapter I was teary eyed and the story continued to suck me in until the end. Maxie has always been in love with her childhood best friend Lucas. However, she was innocent and young and was manipulated into marrying the wrong brother. Speaking of the devil I don’t think I hate any character more than I hate Lucas’s brother Keith. What a manipulative, douche bag, drunk. UGH!!!
Anyways, moving on to the good part. When Keith left Maxie destitute she reached out to Lucas for help and Lucas was immediately at her side. The truth is Lucas has been in love with Maxie forever but he was too shy, too nerdy back then. I really adore Lucas. He is strong and successful but what I find most sexy is his caring heart. The way he takes care of Maxie is totally SWOONY. I find it a little frustrating when Maxie pushes him away but I do understand her reasons. Maxie has been through a lot of heartache so at times Lucas overwhelms her. She wants to be able to make her own decisions and is determined to take care of herself -- I do understand her reluctance to receive his help. Lucas respects Maxie’s decision and gives her space, but at the same time he is persistent with proving his love to her. I totally love him for that. It also does not hurt that he is super bad-boy in the bedroom. The angst and the chemistry between Lucas and Maxie is undeniable. You will be treated with some sizzling, scorching hot scenes.
"You are most definitely in charge of your own life. It's just that I'm in charge in the bedroom."
Going Down Fast was a sweet, sexy friends to lovers romance. It does have a little bit of suspense and drama thanks to the mess Keith left behind. If you are looking for an easy, passionate, sexy romance with a touch of suspense that will keep you on the edge, this is the book for you. Enjoy!
4.5 STARS
Oh geezzzz! I just finished another sweet romance with a most beautiful hero and heroine. In the very first chapter I was teary eyed and the story continued to suck me in until the end. Maxie has always been in love with her childhood best friend Lucas. However, she was innocent and young and was manipulated into marrying the wrong brother. Speaking of the devil I don’t think I hate any character more than I hate Lucas’s brother Keith. What a manipulative, douche bag, drunk. UGH!!!
Anyways, moving on to the good part. When Keith left Maxie destitute she reached out to Lucas for help and Lucas was immediately at her side. The truth is Lucas has been in love with Maxie forever but he was too shy, too nerdy back then. I really adore Lucas. He is strong and successful but what I find most sexy is his caring heart. The way he takes care of Maxie is totally SWOONY. I find it a little frustrating when Maxie pushes him away but I do understand her reasons. Maxie has been through a lot of heartache so at times Lucas overwhelms her. She wants to be able to make her own decisions and is determined to take care of herself -- I do understand her reluctance to receive his help. Lucas respects Maxie’s decision and gives her space, but at the same time he is persistent with proving his love to her. I totally love him for that. It also does not hurt that he is super bad-boy in the bedroom. The angst and the chemistry between Lucas and Maxie is undeniable. You will be treated with some sizzling, scorching hot scenes.
"You are most definitely in charge of your own life. It's just that I'm in charge in the bedroom."
Going Down Fast was a sweet, sexy friends to lovers romance. It does have a little bit of suspense and drama thanks to the mess Keith left behind. If you are looking for an easy, passionate, sexy romance with a touch of suspense that will keep you on the edge, this is the book for you. Enjoy!
4.5 STARS
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