What do you think?
Rate this book
Private #1
Private
Mogul or Monster?
Billionaire Weston Wilcox hasn't been seen by the outside world in almost a decade. No face to face meetings. No interviews. No social media accounts. Despite his ghost demeanor he continues to financially flourish and make his fellow investors richer with every decision. Throughout the years many have sought to discover the man inside the mogul while others have spread legends painting him as a heartless monster consumed by greed. None of it matters to him. Weston's true identity is secured away in his estate of solitude, which consists of the only people in the entire world he believes he can trust. That is until he's asked to allow a guest access to the property under extreme circumstances. One he knows he shouldn't. It doesn't take long before his world is turned upside down, unexpected threats arise, and Weston's forced to ask himself what really should be kept private?
Billionaire Weston Wilcox hasn't been seen by the outside world in almost a decade. No face to face meetings. No interviews. No social media accounts. Despite his ghost demeanor he continues to financially flourish and make his fellow investors richer with every decision. Throughout the years many have sought to discover the man inside the mogul while others have spread legends painting him as a heartless monster consumed by greed. None of it matters to him. Weston's true identity is secured away in his estate of solitude, which consists of the only people in the entire world he believes he can trust. That is until he's asked to allow a guest access to the property under extreme circumstances. One he knows he shouldn't. It doesn't take long before his world is turned upside down, unexpected threats arise, and Weston's forced to ask himself what really should be kept private?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
461 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Xavier Neal
132 books2,257 followersI'm USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author who has published over ninety works to date.
The Stud (Dalvegan Dragons #3) is NOW LIVE!
https://mybook.to/2g5Rt
Join me on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/AuthorXavierNeal
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KAOA4z
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2K2UfBe
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2L3ePAz
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2KA7tEW
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3fkYPss
Spotify : http://bit.ly/XNSpotifyProfile
Merch : https://bit.ly/3C3bdqV
Store https://bit.ly/3ijVlZ3
Wanna stay up to date on my work?
Sign Up for ALERTS and get a FREE READ!
http://bit.ly/XNNLSL21
LIST OF BOOKS!
Standalones
Cinderfella (YA Contemporary) - https://amzn.to/2pBHZff
The Gamble (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2uf4ZFw
Part of The List (Contemporary Romance) - https://amzn.to/2udYwuz
Walking Away (Contemporary Ménage Romance) - https://amzn.to/2pAOEGf
Can’t Match This (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2XapsVw
Hike, Hike Baby (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/32QqyJJ
Baewatch (Romantic Comedy) -https://amzn.to/2IHjMAl
Sleigh Bride (Holiday Romantic Comedy)- https://amzn.to/3nOfJ4L
Aleatory (Contemporary Age-Gap Romance) - https://amzn.to/2Pqt07F
Picnic Perfect (Romantic Comedy) -
https://amzn.to/3DKKrE2
Eden (Dark, Taboo Romance)-
https://amzn.to/3gfgQsj
Baby Got Pack (Romantic Comedy) -
https://amzn.to/3KZt0U0
Waiting (Contemporary Age- Gap Romance)
https://amzn.to/3BnItLc
SERIES
(COMPLETED)
Senses Series
https://amzn.to/31fG013
Duched Series
https://amzn.to/2EXUF7B
The Bro Series
https://amzn.to/2IsPDRo
Private Series
https://amzn.to/2MzZURd
The Bennett Duet
https://amzn.to/36tEi0h
The Love Duet
https://amzn.to/3wLOFJp
The Compassion Series:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL3WL1Y4
The Free:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5S4SR5W
(OPEN)
Dalvegan Dragons-
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS48MFW9
The Hockey Gods Series- https://amzn.to/31KBuXo
Adrenaline Series - https://amzn.to/2MAo669
Prince of Tease Series- https://amzn.to/2Iu3ZkA
The Just Series - https://amzn.to/2MBGDPi
Must Love Series- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HX1VK2
Hollywood Exchange Series- https://amzn.to/2WqmfFo
The Culture Blind Series- https://amzn.to/2K5hDOv
Camelot Misfits Series - https://amzn.to/2XfW5pn
Synful Syndicate Series- https://amzn.to/2K311Xw
Haworth Enterprises Series-
https://amzn.to/3foSuwl
Draak Legacy Series -
https://amzn.to/3xm9Wta
(My links listed here, my website, and on my social media are Amazon affiliate links.)
The Stud (Dalvegan Dragons #3) is NOW LIVE!
https://mybook.to/2g5Rt
Join me on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/AuthorXavierNeal
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KAOA4z
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2K2UfBe
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2L3ePAz
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2KA7tEW
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3fkYPss
Spotify : http://bit.ly/XNSpotifyProfile
Merch : https://bit.ly/3C3bdqV
Store https://bit.ly/3ijVlZ3
Wanna stay up to date on my work?
Sign Up for ALERTS and get a FREE READ!
http://bit.ly/XNNLSL21
LIST OF BOOKS!
Standalones
Cinderfella (YA Contemporary) - https://amzn.to/2pBHZff
The Gamble (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2uf4ZFw
Part of The List (Contemporary Romance) - https://amzn.to/2udYwuz
Walking Away (Contemporary Ménage Romance) - https://amzn.to/2pAOEGf
Can’t Match This (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2XapsVw
Hike, Hike Baby (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/32QqyJJ
Baewatch (Romantic Comedy) -https://amzn.to/2IHjMAl
Sleigh Bride (Holiday Romantic Comedy)- https://amzn.to/3nOfJ4L
Aleatory (Contemporary Age-Gap Romance) - https://amzn.to/2Pqt07F
Picnic Perfect (Romantic Comedy) -
https://amzn.to/3DKKrE2
Eden (Dark, Taboo Romance)-
https://amzn.to/3gfgQsj
Baby Got Pack (Romantic Comedy) -
https://amzn.to/3KZt0U0
Waiting (Contemporary Age- Gap Romance)
https://amzn.to/3BnItLc
SERIES
(COMPLETED)
Senses Series
https://amzn.to/31fG013
Duched Series
https://amzn.to/2EXUF7B
The Bro Series
https://amzn.to/2IsPDRo
Private Series
https://amzn.to/2MzZURd
The Bennett Duet
https://amzn.to/36tEi0h
The Love Duet
https://amzn.to/3wLOFJp
The Compassion Series:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL3WL1Y4
The Free:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5S4SR5W
(OPEN)
Dalvegan Dragons-
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS48MFW9
The Hockey Gods Series- https://amzn.to/31KBuXo
Adrenaline Series - https://amzn.to/2MAo669
Prince of Tease Series- https://amzn.to/2Iu3ZkA
The Just Series - https://amzn.to/2MBGDPi
Must Love Series- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HX1VK2
Hollywood Exchange Series- https://amzn.to/2WqmfFo
The Culture Blind Series- https://amzn.to/2K5hDOv
Camelot Misfits Series - https://amzn.to/2XfW5pn
Synful Syndicate Series- https://amzn.to/2K311Xw
Haworth Enterprises Series-
https://amzn.to/3foSuwl
Draak Legacy Series -
https://amzn.to/3xm9Wta
(My links listed here, my website, and on my social media are Amazon affiliate links.)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
December 4, 2016
3.5 stars
Weston/Wes Wilcox is a private person. Being a multi-billionaire only helps the fact that he's been hiding his persona from public in over a decade, having his best friend conducting all the PR business and living secluded in his big masion surrounded by his faithful staff.
My rules are here to keep my anonymity intact. To prevent praise and recognition for my achievements directly as much as persecution for the penenace I choose to wear.
He lives by strict rules that keep him safe from prying eyes, keep him safe from facing the „talks“, „mockings“ and „humilations“ that would be brought upon him if he ever faced the outer world. Cause he's a haunted man, wearing the burned scars, a man hurt by demons of the past , mainly the guilt he feels cause of his parent's death. Now, a close member of his staff is severely ill and he reluctantly allows her daughter to visit.
And Brynley Elizabeth Winters, a bold, out spoken, straight forward in„I take no one's bullshit“ kinda way, and „in your face“ direct person will stir Wes's surrondings, she'll shake him to the core, breaking every single one of his rules...
...I'm not going to follow all your rules. In fact...I'm going to break most of them. That's kinda my style.
making him consider the real issues and boundaries of what should be revealed and what should stay private.
Stop hiding behind your hoods and in the skin of some coward you aren't. start eing the man in public that you are in private.
But when the things heat up, and Wes comes too close and falls deep for Brynley, their relationship is highly tested when Wes's privacy is exposed and the betrayal is exposed, things go the wrong way, in heated outbursts and over reactions out of fear and anger...when in fact the real person to „blame“ for the betrayal is even closer than Wes ever thought possible.
And the only thing for him to do is to „man up“ and face the world, in public, and do his damn best to make things right...
...I never realized how it's not really about needing someone to save you, so much as knowing someone would go to extreme lengths to try. I hope neither of us ever stops trying. I don't think real love ever truly gives up.
yeah, true to that, love does conquer all! *wink*
My first encounter with Ms. Neal's work was with „Senses“ series, which I truly enjoyed in. Private is a story with a „beauty and the beast“ premise and it deals with conquering more than one fear, coping with inner guilt, blame and self-deprication hightened with the physical deformation as a reminder of the huge emotional hurt. It also delivers hope in revival and hope in healing when the right emotion sets the right triggers of action.
And the only thing that matters is the right reason - LOVE.
While, this story has every segment I usually go for and it works for me...I have to say that the slower pacing and sometimes the „unclear“ jumps from one sequence into another with any clear transition to smooth it out kind of set me back a step or two and therefore, took out the full pleasure in enjoying the storyline. It lacks angst and anticipation in the mystery development and that very segment was predictable, therefore diminishing the suspense factor that would have bring out more hype to the whole deal.
BUT the very important part of this story is the heroine, in my humble opinion, she's the force that carries the whole plot and steals the spotlight. And she's the very same reason I give it 3.5 stars when, in fact, I thought of giving less.
for more info and reviews visit
December 1, 2016
When her mother falls ill, Brynley Winters is brought to the estate where she works and where she’s being treated. Brynley is immediately intrigued with her phantom host who hides in the shadows but sees all. Wes Wilcox has concealed his face from the public for a decade, languishing over events from ten years ago while still maintaining the legacy of his family’s whiskey company.
Told via Bryn and Wes’s alternating first person POV, both characters are immensely intriguing. Wes exudes an air of mystery, a hint of ruthlessness, but also a wealth of kindness to those in his inner circle. He’s a breath of fresh air to readers inundated with drop dead gorgeous hunks—okay so reading about them might not be a hardship, but it’s nice to find a hero every once in a while that breaks the mold. ;-) Especially because like Bryn, the reader falls in love with Wes for who he is, not how he looks. While the story might play on a few Beauty and the Beast themes, Bryn is not your ordinary weak and helpless heroine. She’s independent, funny, sassy, and smart mouthed.
“She dances to the beat of her own pop song and believes in going after what she wants, when she wants, how she wants.”
As a result, Bryn has some great banter not only with Wes, but just about everyone she interacts with. She keeps the story engaging while putting forth a depiction of women that we don’t see nearly often enough in the romance market. She’s not a heroine who needs saving, and I appreciated the way Bryn acts as a muse while at the same time learning and growing herself through the relationship.
Wes and Bryn have good chemistry, and I could certainly feel their passion simmering.
“His determination defeats mine and I become a slave to every stroke his tongue delivers. Inevitability I melt into his firm grasp.”
I craved more of these types of scenes. The premise of this romantic suspense is intriguing and the story has great bones, but there are places that could have stood to be fleshed out and scenes that felt jumped over, alongside instances of ‘tell’ rather than ‘show.’ I mean the man has denied himself certain things for a decade, show us how they all played out! ;-) It was instances where the time line skipped ahead a few days and what transpired was summed up that left me feeling disconnected from, or like I missed out on, some of the budding romance and progression of their relationship. Rather than advancing to a part two for Wes and Bryn, I sincerely wish more time would have been spent polishing this story which has a ton of potential.
Though not a cliffhanger per say, there’s apparently to be more to the story in the next book, Public. I’ll freely admit I prefer this type of information to be clearer. Though I think you can still read this as a standalone, curiosity will likely get the better of you as it has for me over where this pair who complements each other so well is headed. I can only hope the next journey for them is necessary, includes more adventure and mystery solving rather than angst, and is safe just like this one.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review/blog tour
Romance Safety Gang notes:
Told via Bryn and Wes’s alternating first person POV, both characters are immensely intriguing. Wes exudes an air of mystery, a hint of ruthlessness, but also a wealth of kindness to those in his inner circle. He’s a breath of fresh air to readers inundated with drop dead gorgeous hunks—okay so reading about them might not be a hardship, but it’s nice to find a hero every once in a while that breaks the mold. ;-) Especially because like Bryn, the reader falls in love with Wes for who he is, not how he looks. While the story might play on a few Beauty and the Beast themes, Bryn is not your ordinary weak and helpless heroine. She’s independent, funny, sassy, and smart mouthed.
“She dances to the beat of her own pop song and believes in going after what she wants, when she wants, how she wants.”
As a result, Bryn has some great banter not only with Wes, but just about everyone she interacts with. She keeps the story engaging while putting forth a depiction of women that we don’t see nearly often enough in the romance market. She’s not a heroine who needs saving, and I appreciated the way Bryn acts as a muse while at the same time learning and growing herself through the relationship.
Wes and Bryn have good chemistry, and I could certainly feel their passion simmering.
“His determination defeats mine and I become a slave to every stroke his tongue delivers. Inevitability I melt into his firm grasp.”
I craved more of these types of scenes. The premise of this romantic suspense is intriguing and the story has great bones, but there are places that could have stood to be fleshed out and scenes that felt jumped over, alongside instances of ‘tell’ rather than ‘show.’ I mean the man has denied himself certain things for a decade, show us how they all played out! ;-) It was instances where the time line skipped ahead a few days and what transpired was summed up that left me feeling disconnected from, or like I missed out on, some of the budding romance and progression of their relationship. Rather than advancing to a part two for Wes and Bryn, I sincerely wish more time would have been spent polishing this story which has a ton of potential.
Though not a cliffhanger per say, there’s apparently to be more to the story in the next book, Public. I’ll freely admit I prefer this type of information to be clearer. Though I think you can still read this as a standalone, curiosity will likely get the better of you as it has for me over where this pair who complements each other so well is headed. I can only hope the next journey for them is necessary, includes more adventure and mystery solving rather than angst, and is safe just like this one.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review/blog tour
Romance Safety Gang notes:
December 3, 2016
What happens when a reclusive billionaire meets an unfiltered say-it-like-you-mean woman with a bodacious bod and a penchant for blue eyeliner? His world is turned topsy-turvy and he is forced to hold on for the ride.
Remember Bruce Wayne aka Batman and his faithful sidekick, Robin well in this story their better known as Weston William Wilcox and his best friend, J. T. Reese.
J.T. is the face of The Wilcox Company and Wesley is the voice of the company. The voice (think Charlie's Angels) because he refuses to be seen in public because of his scarred face. So, he lives in isolation except for his long-time and trusted household staff. Wes is forced to allow a stranger in his midst when his valued employee, Lauren Winters who runs the household is sidelined by a mysterious and undetermined illness.
The decision is made to allow her daughter Brynley to live in The Manor while the cause of her mother's illness is determined and eradicated. Brynley finds out that there are cameras everywhere and that she will not be allowed to ever see Wes' face. Brynley hates rules because she is more a fly by the seat of her pants, tank top wearing girl and she slowly breaks them ... one by one.
There is never a dull moment with Brynley. Her personality and witticisms helps to brighten the brooding household. Most importantly, she helps the reclusive billionaire to face his demons and Wes helps her to see that every leg-up--isn't a handout. Isn't that how it's supposed to be? Wes is the Batman to Brynley's Catwoman!
I loved it! It's a fun, enjoyable read.
Note: This book doesn't technically end on a cliffhanger. Want more Wes and Brynley? You will! See the sneak peek of Book 2: Public ... coming soon.
Remember Bruce Wayne aka Batman and his faithful sidekick, Robin well in this story their better known as Weston William Wilcox and his best friend, J. T. Reese.
J.T. is the face of The Wilcox Company and Wesley is the voice of the company. The voice (think Charlie's Angels) because he refuses to be seen in public because of his scarred face. So, he lives in isolation except for his long-time and trusted household staff. Wes is forced to allow a stranger in his midst when his valued employee, Lauren Winters who runs the household is sidelined by a mysterious and undetermined illness.
The decision is made to allow her daughter Brynley to live in The Manor while the cause of her mother's illness is determined and eradicated. Brynley finds out that there are cameras everywhere and that she will not be allowed to ever see Wes' face. Brynley hates rules because she is more a fly by the seat of her pants, tank top wearing girl and she slowly breaks them ... one by one.
There is never a dull moment with Brynley. Her personality and witticisms helps to brighten the brooding household. Most importantly, she helps the reclusive billionaire to face his demons and Wes helps her to see that every leg-up--isn't a handout. Isn't that how it's supposed to be? Wes is the Batman to Brynley's Catwoman!
I loved it! It's a fun, enjoyable read.
Note: This book doesn't technically end on a cliffhanger. Want more Wes and Brynley? You will! See the sneak peek of Book 2: Public ... coming soon.
February 6, 2017
Brynly and Wes are adorable, and this was a really fun Beauty and the Beast twist. I liked the sub-plot about the mom being sick. I was really proud of Wes for all the progress he made throughout his journey with Bryn.
Want to read
October 23, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/23/2020)! 🎁
July 12, 2024
Oh my goodness! I love Brynley, her strength, her smarts and how strong headed she is. Wes is mysterious, with his own strength and determination. The story grabbed me, pulled me in and I couldn't read quick enough. A definite must!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 10, 2016
I've read a few of this authors books but after reading this one which I believe is her best yet I really need to take time out from blogging to read more as this book was epic.
Let me just say I've been in a book funk. I've picked up a few books, read a few pages and put it down. Nothing wrong with the books. It was just me. Now I know I was waiting for Wes.... the billionaire Weston Wilcox is exactly what I needed. In 24 hours I inhaled this story and devoured Wes.
Wes is a very private person. He has hidden himself away for over ten years. His best friend helps him run his business. Everything changes when Brynley Winters enters his life like a tornado and nothing will ever be the same again. She pushes his boundaries and gets more than she bargained for.
These two characters are brilliant. They are strong willed and independent. I love how she stood her ground. She had an answer for everything and I loved how she pushed him. Wes is definitely my new book boyfriend. I've got to admit although I read loads and like lots of the male characters I don't regularly claim them as mine. However Wes is Wes and I'm so looking forward to reading more about these two.
Let me just say I've been in a book funk. I've picked up a few books, read a few pages and put it down. Nothing wrong with the books. It was just me. Now I know I was waiting for Wes.... the billionaire Weston Wilcox is exactly what I needed. In 24 hours I inhaled this story and devoured Wes.
Wes is a very private person. He has hidden himself away for over ten years. His best friend helps him run his business. Everything changes when Brynley Winters enters his life like a tornado and nothing will ever be the same again. She pushes his boundaries and gets more than she bargained for.
These two characters are brilliant. They are strong willed and independent. I love how she stood her ground. She had an answer for everything and I loved how she pushed him. Wes is definitely my new book boyfriend. I've got to admit although I read loads and like lots of the male characters I don't regularly claim them as mine. However Wes is Wes and I'm so looking forward to reading more about these two.
February 17, 2018
yEnjoyed!
First read from this Author, and I really enjoyed the read.I love Brynley attitude she is the type of person I can hang out with.
First read from this Author, and I really enjoyed the read.I love Brynley attitude she is the type of person I can hang out with.
December 18, 2017
3.5 stars GOOD READ!
December 12, 2016
Hmmm, this was barely a two star for me. I'm wondering if I read the same book as everyone else????
Loved the premise of the story but the poisoning, the reveal of why Wes was so reclusive seemed to be so downplayed. I felt like The h just accepted Wes so quickly and fell in love with hi. Regardless of his scars, he also all of a sudden started going out and was straight back into the land of the living so to speak. All great but so little explanation of how he felt other than wanting to sh**g the a**e off our foul mouthed heroine!!!
Not really for me.... I won't be bothering with the next one.
Loved the premise of the story but the poisoning, the reveal of why Wes was so reclusive seemed to be so downplayed. I felt like The h just accepted Wes so quickly and fell in love with hi. Regardless of his scars, he also all of a sudden started going out and was straight back into the land of the living so to speak. All great but so little explanation of how he felt other than wanting to sh**g the a**e off our foul mouthed heroine!!!
Not really for me.... I won't be bothering with the next one.
November 11, 2016
I have to say my favorite parts of the book were when Wes completely lost it and went nuts, “since I finger effed you at my goddamn dining room table!”Hearing his relinquished control threatens to make me smirk, which is when he adds, “You're leaving. Now. I don't give a **** if I have to shove twenty grand at your boss for the inconvenience, throw you over my shoulder and march you the hell out of here kicking and screaming. This work night is over.” I really loved this book, I loved seeing Wes lose control.
January 30, 2017
Bored now
I found this story utterly boring. I'm a fast reader and wage the story is good I can finish it one to two days. It took me a week to finish this. There were quite a few times I thought about DNF this book. Apparently there's a sequel I won't be reading. I found the MCs hard to connect with. The situation that brought the together in the first place was implausible. While this book didn't cost me a dime since its on KU it cost me precious time.
I found this story utterly boring. I'm a fast reader and wage the story is good I can finish it one to two days. It took me a week to finish this. There were quite a few times I thought about DNF this book. Apparently there's a sequel I won't be reading. I found the MCs hard to connect with. The situation that brought the together in the first place was implausible. While this book didn't cost me a dime since its on KU it cost me precious time.
December 3, 2016
A modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast done so well that you can't help but fall into the story. Great characters, soulful and inspiring, and you can't help but want to see more of their story. Definitely grab this one today!!
August 29, 2021
3.5 stars
I was hoping for so much more. It started out promising, but for me didn’t hold up to more stars. When you want to skim to get finished, the story isn’t holding your interest. Had the culprit picked out too early, wasn’t a surprise. It was ok and will most likely see if the next book is any better. If not, that’s it for this author.
I was hoping for so much more. It started out promising, but for me didn’t hold up to more stars. When you want to skim to get finished, the story isn’t holding your interest. Had the culprit picked out too early, wasn’t a surprise. It was ok and will most likely see if the next book is any better. If not, that’s it for this author.
June 14, 2021
An enjoyable read, the heroine is an interesting character and I loved the hero in spite of his self blame. I loved loved JT, I do hope he gets his own story. Over all I enjoyed book one for this Private Series by Xavier Neal
October 29, 2017
this book is amazing suspenseful action packed sweet emotional and loving.Wes and Bryn story is hot.mie plz
November 7, 2021
X - Author
August 2, 2023
2.25⭐️
March 18, 2022
4.3⭐️brief RTF
December 5, 2016
"Private" is by author Xavier Neal.
Published: December 1, 2016
My Review: 4 Stars...
Modern day beauty meets beast. At least that's how I looked at it. This book features the rocky road to romance of Billionaire recluse Weston Wilcox and Brynly Winters. Bryn is the daughter of Weston's household manager.
Wes....A decade ago, a life changing tragedy took hold of him and because of it, Wes forced his own seclusion. A complete solitary existence. When you learn what happened you will understand why he is the way he is. However, I did not agree with all his decisions. Wes's estate manager has been very ill and under the personal care of Wes's doctor. She is also being treated at the estate and not in the hospital. Wes will not have any outside influences enter his private world. That is until he is forced to.
Brynly has been summoned to her mother's home. The place she works is one in the same. Bryn does not understand nor agree that her sick mother is not being treated at a hospital. She is angry and not a little worried. However, her mother's employer has informed her that her mother is receiving the best care money can buy. The whole situation does not feel right to Bryn. Not only is she dissatisfied with her mother's care but the man who is paying for that care has yet to show his face.
Yes, Wes has his reasons for his preferred life of shadows, but he underestimates Bryn if he thinks she will quietly do what she is told. Bryn by nature is a rule breaker. These two are complete opposite but in a good way. Wes needs someone like Bryn to come into his life and disrupt his carefully structured existence. At first Wes resists Bryn's beauty and sass. But she is brass and bold and doesn't let him get away with anything. I liked Bryn. As a character she was written with spirit and courage. She has a filthy mouth and doesn't care about what people think of her. And this is the lesson she must try and teach Wes. He shouldn't care about what people think of him either. I want to say that although I was rooting for their HEA, I found Bryn a little too alpha. Was Wes a bit of a pushover at times? Yes. But it needed to be that way in order for Bryn to teach him to break from his shell of privacy and seclusion. He needed her bravado to rub off onto him. He just needed her.
Wes and Bryn did not fall in love quickly. Their relationship was a slow burn. I didn't mind the wait for their first intimacy, however I didn't like that some of the foreplay between them was talked about days after it happened rather then us experience all of their together time on the pages. There was some skipping of days. In addition, the end was a bit abrupt. Yes there was a happy ending; there is no cliffhanger. BUT their romance continues in the next book, "Public." I personally would have rather their book ended with a grand gesture and the next book be about Wes's best friend J.T. instead. But that is only my opinion.
This was the first book I read by this author. Although I did have some connection issues to the H/h, I enjoyed the book. There was some suspense which added to the drama and that did get resolved before the book's end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this novel.
Published: December 1, 2016
My Review: 4 Stars...
Modern day beauty meets beast. At least that's how I looked at it. This book features the rocky road to romance of Billionaire recluse Weston Wilcox and Brynly Winters. Bryn is the daughter of Weston's household manager.
Wes....A decade ago, a life changing tragedy took hold of him and because of it, Wes forced his own seclusion. A complete solitary existence. When you learn what happened you will understand why he is the way he is. However, I did not agree with all his decisions. Wes's estate manager has been very ill and under the personal care of Wes's doctor. She is also being treated at the estate and not in the hospital. Wes will not have any outside influences enter his private world. That is until he is forced to.
Brynly has been summoned to her mother's home. The place she works is one in the same. Bryn does not understand nor agree that her sick mother is not being treated at a hospital. She is angry and not a little worried. However, her mother's employer has informed her that her mother is receiving the best care money can buy. The whole situation does not feel right to Bryn. Not only is she dissatisfied with her mother's care but the man who is paying for that care has yet to show his face.
Yes, Wes has his reasons for his preferred life of shadows, but he underestimates Bryn if he thinks she will quietly do what she is told. Bryn by nature is a rule breaker. These two are complete opposite but in a good way. Wes needs someone like Bryn to come into his life and disrupt his carefully structured existence. At first Wes resists Bryn's beauty and sass. But she is brass and bold and doesn't let him get away with anything. I liked Bryn. As a character she was written with spirit and courage. She has a filthy mouth and doesn't care about what people think of her. And this is the lesson she must try and teach Wes. He shouldn't care about what people think of him either. I want to say that although I was rooting for their HEA, I found Bryn a little too alpha. Was Wes a bit of a pushover at times? Yes. But it needed to be that way in order for Bryn to teach him to break from his shell of privacy and seclusion. He needed her bravado to rub off onto him. He just needed her.
Wes and Bryn did not fall in love quickly. Their relationship was a slow burn. I didn't mind the wait for their first intimacy, however I didn't like that some of the foreplay between them was talked about days after it happened rather then us experience all of their together time on the pages. There was some skipping of days. In addition, the end was a bit abrupt. Yes there was a happy ending; there is no cliffhanger. BUT their romance continues in the next book, "Public." I personally would have rather their book ended with a grand gesture and the next book be about Wes's best friend J.T. instead. But that is only my opinion.
This was the first book I read by this author. Although I did have some connection issues to the H/h, I enjoyed the book. There was some suspense which added to the drama and that did get resolved before the book's end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this novel.
October 3, 2017
I'm rating this really at a 2.5. It wasn't a terrible book but it did fall into the usual cliched pitfalls, and I figured out whodunit within the first few chapters of the novel.
To give a brief synopsis, Wes Wilcox is disfigured from a plane crash that took the lives of his parents and the father of his future girlfriend. He blamed himself, and as penance, locked himself away in his home where he proceeded to run his family's business in total seclusion for the next ten years.
Enter Brynley who is the daughter of the, she wasn't a maid but her mom was I guess the manager of his household. Brynley has boobs out to here, a forked tongue (not literally), and is extremely stubborn. Her mother is ill but its a mystery as to what has made and is keeping her sick. So Brynley comes to Wes' mansion as her mother convalesces.
I give this story points for Wes not being the total usual billionaire with the overbearingly sexy good looks, being hung like a horse, the typical fanfare, etc. He had moments of shyness and pigheadedness, but he wasn't abusive in any vein. He was too hard, unnecessarily hard on himself for thinking the world would only see him as a monster because of his scars. Therefore he wasn't really living just existing.
Brynley was okay for the most part. She didn't annoy me like other heroines in this genre typically do. She at least had a witty brain in her head. However, her first time seeing Wes without his hoodie security blanket, it was kind of glossed over what her initial reaction was. It was mentioned later where she referenced his scars to being tattoos of a sort and she was ultimately fine with it. But I expected more. Not her to freak out, but just...more.
Her relationship with Wes hit all the usual notes. Banter, sexual innuendo, sex, breaking up over a simple misunderstanding, and reconciling. But I did hate how she manipulated Wes to move back into the public eye before he was actually ready for it. I understand why she pushed him, but at the same time she didn't show much compassion for his anxiety over the matter.
The B plot of the novel, figuring out what was making Brynley's mom sick, as I said I saw that train coming from a mile away. So essentially this book was the typical billionaire falling for a less well off, flighty woman. The end.
To give a brief synopsis, Wes Wilcox is disfigured from a plane crash that took the lives of his parents and the father of his future girlfriend. He blamed himself, and as penance, locked himself away in his home where he proceeded to run his family's business in total seclusion for the next ten years.
Enter Brynley who is the daughter of the, she wasn't a maid but her mom was I guess the manager of his household. Brynley has boobs out to here, a forked tongue (not literally), and is extremely stubborn. Her mother is ill but its a mystery as to what has made and is keeping her sick. So Brynley comes to Wes' mansion as her mother convalesces.
I give this story points for Wes not being the total usual billionaire with the overbearingly sexy good looks, being hung like a horse, the typical fanfare, etc. He had moments of shyness and pigheadedness, but he wasn't abusive in any vein. He was too hard, unnecessarily hard on himself for thinking the world would only see him as a monster because of his scars. Therefore he wasn't really living just existing.
Brynley was okay for the most part. She didn't annoy me like other heroines in this genre typically do. She at least had a witty brain in her head. However, her first time seeing Wes without his hoodie security blanket, it was kind of glossed over what her initial reaction was. It was mentioned later where she referenced his scars to being tattoos of a sort and she was ultimately fine with it. But I expected more. Not her to freak out, but just...more.
Her relationship with Wes hit all the usual notes. Banter, sexual innuendo, sex, breaking up over a simple misunderstanding, and reconciling. But I did hate how she manipulated Wes to move back into the public eye before he was actually ready for it. I understand why she pushed him, but at the same time she didn't show much compassion for his anxiety over the matter.
The B plot of the novel, figuring out what was making Brynley's mom sick, as I said I saw that train coming from a mile away. So essentially this book was the typical billionaire falling for a less well off, flighty woman. The end.
November 30, 2016
I am a big fan of Xavier Neal and her books. I didn’t not think I could possible enjoy her books any more then I already do. However, I have been proven wrong because Private would have to be one of my favourite books by the author. Xavier Neal knows how to write a story that completely rules my life. Once I started the story I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I dreamt about it when I was a sleep and I though about it when I was awake. Even after reading Private, it was still in my thoughts and I think that shows how much of an amazing book this was and the amazing writing of the author.
Wes was such a unique character that I absolutely loved. Wes was such a private character and a mystery at the start of the book; however, when I read more of the book I started to understand Wes even more. Wes had experienced so much pain that he carried around with him everyday for the past ten years. This pain saw him closing himself from people and just being in private. Wes was such a caring and loving character that I absolutely adored.
Brynley was such a fun character that had me laughing so many times throughout the story. I don’t think I have read a character like Brynley before and absolutely adored her character. From the first moment that readers were introduced to Brynley I was laughing so much and her feisty attitude. The banter that she shared with everyone made me laugh so much. Brynley has to be one of my favourite heroines in a book that I have read.
Private is about the mysterious billionaire Weston Wilcox who hasn’t been in the public eye in over ten years. He spends most of his time in private until he meets the daughter of ones of his employees Brynley.
Overall, I found this book to be very intriguing and I hope to see more of the couple in another book. I absolutely love this author’s work and found that this story was one that I have not read before. Xavier Neal has incredible writing skill that has me captivated from the start to finish in her stories. Private I absolutely love and I loved all the characters within the story. There was the perfect amount of romance, suspense and humour. Private is a book that I definitely recommend for anyone looking for their next five star read.
December 11, 2016
*** 3.5 Cranky Stars ***
Wes is a very private person. No one outside of his household staff has seen his face in 10 years. One moment changed his life forever and now he is the billionaire recluse personified.
Brynley is outgoing and outspoken. She says what's on her mind regardless of who she offends. She's strong, funny and quirky.
This is a modern day adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. While the story was good, I think the thesaurus was overused in the first half of the book. I can understand and appreciate using different words, but not at the expense of the reader. There were several words that I had to actually look up because I've never heard them before.
We've marked this 3.5, but it's more a 4 than a three. If some issues were fixed or tightened in this book, it would be a solid 4, which detracted from the overall quality of the book. There are some minor errors that are easily curable, but the book was a little verbose in parts.
October 31, 2024
It's like pulling hen's teeth to get Wes to change.
His parents had been gone for the heads and he felt that he was the cause of that. His world crashed that night ten years ago and he felt as though he did not deserve any personal happiness and to punish himself, he became a recluse devoid of human contact except for a few trusted employees. So when one became gravely ill, the woman who became like a mother to him, he was forced to allow her daughter Brynley Winters on his palatial compound. Her quick tongue and twisted sense of humor was what Weston Wilcox needed to have the incentive to come out to just the real world. She gave him the spark he needed to want the life he could have been living all along.
Xavier wrote an interesting story about two very complicated people trying to deal with the reality of their lives and trying to deal with their attraction to one another. Between Brynley, her mother Lauren and Wes' best friend J.T. Reese, they all helped him come to the understanding that the deaths of his parents and Brynley's father was an accident clear and simple. He got to the point that his living without Brynley in his life was worst that living his reclusive lifestyle. She pulled him out of his hiding kicking and screaming at first but he finally gave in. It was time he rejoined society, no matter how he looked, for Brynley's sake.
This was an interesting story with some mysterious under plots going on in the storyline.
His parents had been gone for the heads and he felt that he was the cause of that. His world crashed that night ten years ago and he felt as though he did not deserve any personal happiness and to punish himself, he became a recluse devoid of human contact except for a few trusted employees. So when one became gravely ill, the woman who became like a mother to him, he was forced to allow her daughter Brynley Winters on his palatial compound. Her quick tongue and twisted sense of humor was what Weston Wilcox needed to have the incentive to come out to just the real world. She gave him the spark he needed to want the life he could have been living all along.
Xavier wrote an interesting story about two very complicated people trying to deal with the reality of their lives and trying to deal with their attraction to one another. Between Brynley, her mother Lauren and Wes' best friend J.T. Reese, they all helped him come to the understanding that the deaths of his parents and Brynley's father was an accident clear and simple. He got to the point that his living without Brynley in his life was worst that living his reclusive lifestyle. She pulled him out of his hiding kicking and screaming at first but he finally gave in. It was time he rejoined society, no matter how he looked, for Brynley's sake.
This was an interesting story with some mysterious under plots going on in the storyline.
October 29, 2025
*** Get ready to get sucked into Wes's World ***
This is by far my favorite book I have read by Xavier. This book is going to teach you that beauty comes within the soul, and how to feel alive.
We have Wes who has secluded himself from the world, and has for a decade. His staff is his family, and makes sure that they have everything they need. His need to keep his life Private is everything to him. But you feel for this man. Always wondering how he could live this lonely life. I fell in love with him very quickly. Even when he's being bastard.
Brynley on the other hand... this girl is a sassy little thing. She will tell it like she sees it, and I love her spirit. She gets an invite to stay at Casa La Creepy, and little does she know what she's getting into. She's always on her A-Game is a loved that about her. That girl could hold a man by the balls.
These two have the best little game in the house, and seeing who gets checkmate is quit fun. I don't want to say much about the story, but I will say that it has compassion, love, pain, and how somebody has self hatred for themselves. I honesty can wait for Public, I NEED to know what happens next like pronto!
This is by far my favorite book I have read by Xavier. This book is going to teach you that beauty comes within the soul, and how to feel alive.
We have Wes who has secluded himself from the world, and has for a decade. His staff is his family, and makes sure that they have everything they need. His need to keep his life Private is everything to him. But you feel for this man. Always wondering how he could live this lonely life. I fell in love with him very quickly. Even when he's being bastard.
Brynley on the other hand... this girl is a sassy little thing. She will tell it like she sees it, and I love her spirit. She gets an invite to stay at Casa La Creepy, and little does she know what she's getting into. She's always on her A-Game is a loved that about her. That girl could hold a man by the balls.
These two have the best little game in the house, and seeing who gets checkmate is quit fun. I don't want to say much about the story, but I will say that it has compassion, love, pain, and how somebody has self hatred for themselves. I honesty can wait for Public, I NEED to know what happens next like pronto!
December 3, 2016
Adored this story! Well developed characters, entertaining story line with a sassy, smart mouthed Brynley who charms everyone (male that is) that she encounters, including the mysterious, elusive Wes. While this story is mainly about these two and his need for control and her need to go against the grain and break all of his rules, there is also a sideline mystery that involves Bryn's mother. A real whodunit, or more correctly a who is doing it. There is also the best friend of Wes, J.T who helps Bryn in raising Wes's shackles with their joking about Star Trek and Star Wars. But there is also the issue with Wes and his need for control of all things and this guilt he carries around with him for something that happened in the past that changed not only his life, but those he cares about, and has left him quite aloof for reasons of his own.
It is a fun story that will have you falling in love with Wes and Bryn and rooting for them to work out.
Great read, highly recommend.
It is a fun story that will have you falling in love with Wes and Bryn and rooting for them to work out.
Great read, highly recommend.
December 10, 2019
Xavier has come up with another of her famous alpha male, dirty talking, heroes! Wes is hot, hot, hot!! And of course, we have a heroine with a backbone of steel - Brynley! It scares me to think about how many of these characters live inside Xavier's mind.
Wes has had so much tragedy in his past that he had withdrawn from the real world. Only his most trusted employees/friends are allowed into his safe space. Then he has a visitor who shakes up his world.
Brynley hasn't had the greatest history but one person she can depend on and loves more than herself is her mom. And when she thinks her mom is not being taken care of, watch out. She invades Wes's world and takes over.
I can't wait to see how their story plays out. I'm waiting, Xavier!
Wes has had so much tragedy in his past that he had withdrawn from the real world. Only his most trusted employees/friends are allowed into his safe space. Then he has a visitor who shakes up his world.
Brynley hasn't had the greatest history but one person she can depend on and loves more than herself is her mom. And when she thinks her mom is not being taken care of, watch out. She invades Wes's world and takes over.
I can't wait to see how their story plays out. I'm waiting, Xavier!
December 5, 2016
I always enjoy when authors step out of their norm and create something different for their readers. This book was a departure from Ms. Neal's typical books. Usually her male characters are hyper sexual, arrogant and described as being extremely good looking while the women are typically shy and insecure. This book flips her typical formula and even adds a mystery element in the background. I'm glad this author stepped out of her comfort zone and wrote about a strong confident black woman who knew how to build her man up and didn't care what people thought about her or their relationship. Kudos to the author for creating a great new series I look forward to reading more about this couple.
December 1, 2016
Review to follow on release day X
Private
Xavier Neal
Gahhhhh this book. Shit be ready for the feels. Wes what a lost soul.a deep rooted self hate for himself has him Hiding away from the world. But the self hatred it's deeply misplaced, will Wes be able to see the error of his ways or will he continue to self destruct? Brynley this chick kicks arse... independent, sassy and boy does she know how to rock people's world ;) gahhhhh you need to meet this pair and join them on their journey. I wasn't ready to see "the end"
Private
Xavier Neal
Gahhhhh this book. Shit be ready for the feels. Wes what a lost soul.a deep rooted self hate for himself has him Hiding away from the world. But the self hatred it's deeply misplaced, will Wes be able to see the error of his ways or will he continue to self destruct? Brynley this chick kicks arse... independent, sassy and boy does she know how to rock people's world ;) gahhhhh you need to meet this pair and join them on their journey. I wasn't ready to see "the end"
December 2, 2017
A great story. It’s fun , sweet, heartwarming with some mystery and suspense. It captured my heart as I was consumed from the beginning. I loved the characters. Byrn with her sassy and unfiltered mouth. Wes with his alpha big heart. I loved the banter and the chemistry between them was sizzling hot. It’s an entertaining and enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading more. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews