Boston socialite Morgan Lett is having a run of bad luck. Her fiancé just dumped her for her stepsister, the charity foundation she’s given her life to is in danger of folding, and now, the gorgeous man she bid on and won at a masquerade bachelor auction turns out to be a cold-hearted jerk…and her new employer.
Millionaire Alexander Bishop needs the best wife money can buy. In order to inherit his family business, he must get engaged—fast. And Morgan, with her beauty and pedigree, is the perfect candidate. Her sharp tongue may drive him crazy, but she needs money to save the foundation she loves, and he needs a fiancée. It’s a flawless arrangement—no strings, no love. But soon she has him craving more, and cursing the platonic terms of their agreement.
Still, he won’t allow need—no matter how hot it burns—to threaten everything he’s built.
Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
Naima Simone returns with the fourth book in her Bachelor Auction Series; A Millionaire at Midnight, and if there was a couple that got off on the wrong foot, it is Morgan and Alexander.
I really like this series, the author isn’t shy about giving her heroines balls as big as her heroes in the attitude and confidence department, and it makes for some great verbal sparring and sexy-times.
The woman was a walking, snark-wielding danger sign.
Both of them are nursing their own hurts and carrying baggage from their pasts, something neither of them are particularly interested in talking about when they first come together, but as they look past their initial assumptions of the other, they start to realize that maybe they have more in common than they originally thought.
"We’re a pair aren’t we? Two people left disillusioned by those who were supposed to love us."
Nothing new or particularly different about the plot, but it’s the authors characterizations and story-telling that always keep me entertained and reading, and A Millionaire at Midnight certainly fits that bill with ease. Morgan and Alex together were spicy hot and I liked that the author took a little time to give them a chance to get to know each other before taking the turn to sexy-times.
"I wanted what I haven’t seen you give anyone else."
Still plenty of scope for more books from this series, in fact my one gripe is the fact that we didn’t actually get to read of the weekend that Alexander was supposed to take Morgan on as part of the prize from being the highest bidder for him at the auction. Hopefully Merri, sister of Morgan will get a book herself at some point in the future too.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I really loved this. It has all the earmarks of current romances good and bad. Bad is where both characters body parts talk too much. Reading how much the H talks to his own penis about the heroine and vice versa is getting a little old authors. b\But both H and h have fun, fresh voices in a very familiar plotline, and I wanted more.
Heroine loses fiance to stepsister, but stepsis feels bad. Hero is going to lose his position as CEO unless he gets engaged. Hero’s dad is a meanie. Heroine is underestimated and sex on wheels. Hero is a monosyllabic grump…see
I would love a sequel as the H’s mixed race, illegitimate half-sister needs a story.
I really enjoyed A Millionaire at Midnight by Naima Simone. The storyline was well written, the characters Morgan & Alexander were, likable, endearing and had amazing chemistry. Overall, A Millionaire at Midnight was a fun, sexy and entertaining read.
The Bachelor Auction has been a great series, each book has been a page turner and I highly recommend them.
Thank you to Entangled Indulgence for the advance copy.
loved loved loved! I really enjoyed Alex and Morgan together. Ms. Simone's story are always emotional, lush, sensual, and A Millionaire at Midnight did not disappoint me at all. Morgan was so well drawn, I connected with her the instant she graced the pages. She made me laugh out loud several times, I felt her pain when her trust was broken, and I ached right along with her as she delved into the passion Alex inspired her to feel. Loved her. Alex was just as yummy, a very appealing and charming hero who captured my heart. The writing was fast pace, sexy, and filled with such wonderful humor. I recommend.
Brilliant and original! What I love most about Simone's "millionaire" books is that they aren't the typical boss-chases-heroine-around-the-office stories. Even though we start once again at the bachelor auction, it's an entirely new set-up with vivid and entertaining characters who light up the pages from page 1 till the end.
Morgan is beautiful and snarky but also wounded and compassionate. And, Alex Bishop? Well, holy hell. Just hang on to your panties, ladies. He is the kind of hero I love the most--dark, broody, big (in every way) and unyielding. Unyielding until one particular woman starts to bend him to her will. Lovely, delicious storytelling!
Recommended to readers with a pulse. Seriously. Simone is brilliant.
The mmc is reading Harry Potter and Divergent😂 He is also a billionaire and a CEO 😂 I can’t, that is too far fetched, even for me. I am not saying it can’t happen, I am saying it’s not what I am looking for in my books😃
I dnf’ed this one because there is a very distinct YA feel to it, and the plot didn’t feel cohesive. She bought him at an auction for charity, but the date didn’t happen yet. She also works as his assistant and is his fake fiancée. How many tropes are too many? 😳
My short attention span, was put to the test with the writing style, and I gave up.
Example paraphrased:
The doorbell rings. He walks up to get the door While he is thinking about EVERYTHING. Who could it be? What my decor looks like? What page am I on in my Divergent book? Where do I put my corona? Ten minutes later: Hello Morgan what are you doing here?
Filler filler filler. I want to get to the action, the romance, the drama, I don care about if his decor is yellow or green. This was a new author to me and I think she is more YA than I usually go for.
I love this series so much. Naima Simone has put such a unique spin on each of these stories that really stem from the same trope almost. Its fantastic. I honestly thought I'd get bored with them but they are getting better and better!
Morgan Lett is an absolute high to read. She is strong and independent and really gives our hero a run for his money in the confidence department. She is anything but shy and it makes for fantastic sparks, in and out of the bedroom :) She was by far my favorite character. Not that I didn't like Alexander because he brought the fire out in Morgan so how could you not like that :) lol
While there wasn't anything particularly new to this fake fiance trope, the story still was fresh and unique and very enjoyable. Morgan and Alex made sure of that. And so did Naima's voice and style. Really entertaining book!
-Second book I’ve read by Ms. Simone and I really enjoyed the characters. This is tied very loosely with the first book I read, The Millionaire Makeover, but it is absolutely not necessary to read the earlier books to enjoy this one, as there is little reference to those characters. -The setup. Morgan just got dumped by her fiance, who was in love with her stepsister (ouch). Alex has been left by everyone he’s loved (double ouch). Alex has to prove his emotional stability by getting engaged. Morgan needs Alex to help her save the charity that she loves. Two souls who need to fake an engagement, determined not to fall in love and you guessed it, romance happens anyway. -Good chemistry between Morgan and Alex. This relies heavily on the bad first impressions leads to hot/angry sexual tension, and I’m a fan of that. -But there’s some good emotional development. Alex is a bit of a nerd, Morgan is the misunderstood pretty woman and each gets to know the other well and through those interactions we get to know them too. I thought their connection was genuine and I liked them together. -The premise is a tad flimsy but whatevs. It’s a category romance that works because the focus is on the emotional relationship between the two. Could have delved further into the business or addressed the emotional baggage, but it works just fine as is. -That final misunderstanding/obstacle/climax. Call it what you will, it was telegraphed a mile away, you knew it was going to blow up, and I guess the predictability didn’t help with my belief in it. The reunion that followed was sweet and made it work in the end though, even if it wrapped up a bit quickly.
I enjoyed myself. It’s a category contemporary romance that does exactly what I expected, gave me some good feels, some tingly sex and an eventual HEA. I’d recommend it if you’re in the mood for a category and you’re a fan of the fake engagement trope.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
Naima is quickly starting to become my new favorite author. If you love tales of two damaged people healing each other whether they want to or not, then you've found the right book. Hot, sweet, sexy, full of emotion, and funny. God, she makes me laugh so much. LOVED IT! Perfect afternoon read.
Two socialites with very different histories but who can help each other achieve their personal goal . . . Sounds too good to be true? Well life will certainly throw a few spanners in the works for both of them! Morgan Lett has recently been dumped by her fiancé who is now planning on marrying her stepsister. Her stepfather has died and the charity foundation she passionately supports is in danger of losing its crucial base. On top of all that she's bid on a bachelor at a charity auction and won. That doesn't sound like bad news until you realise the bachelor in question is her new boss and he's overheard her saying some things she really didn't mean but was goaded into by gossipy peers putting her under pressure.
He's Alexander Bishop, a millionaire businessman who has helped turn round the family company but whose father really doesn't appreciate his efforts, so much so that he's threatening to prevent Alex from inheriting it - unless he is at least engaged to be married. She needs money, he needs a fiancée and she is more than suitable. A match made in heaven? Well not quite as she's feisty, determined and stubborn, so the sparks will definitely fly but maybe so will cupid's arrows!
There are many laugh out loud incidents, especially as Morgan tends to speak her mind before thinking of the consequences! She's honest, opinionated and just what Alexander needs to rock his world to the very foundations. This is a fun, sweet and sexy romance that is brilliant to escape into, so I have no hesitation in highly recommending!
Many thanks to the publishers for providing me with a copy of this novel via NetGalley. I have chosen to read and review it and this is my honest opinion.
“The prince slid the glass slipper on Cinderella’s foot, and of course it was a perfect fit. So then he carried Cinderella to his waiting carriage and his castle where they wed. But the prince ended up being a cheating asshat, and Cinderella, who really wasn’t all that sweet in the first place, moved out, taking the prince for half his kingdom and his entire fleet of carriages. Which served him right because he should’ve kept his dick in his damn pants in the first place. The End.”
ARC received from: Netgalley
Rating: 4*
Trope: Fake Relationship
Chemistry: Simmering
One-Sentence Summary: Bachelor auction prize -> Boss -> Fake fiance
Review: This was my first introduction to Naima Simone and what an introduction it was!
I loved Morgan, the sassy heroine who always seemed to have a quick-witted reply on the top of her tongue and Alexander the hero with a love of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings was broodingly delicious.
Mentions of fandoms like Criminal Minds and Gilmore Girls made me smile. The only thing that I didn't really like was the overly sugary sweet ending - scrap gooey baby stuff I say!
If like me you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading the previous books in the series then do not fear as I am pleased to say that you don't need to in order to enjoy this one.
“So you’re trying to convince us you don’t care about Cynthia and Troy?” Angela scoffed. Morgan shrugged. “Sorry to disappoint you. Sure, I was upset for a minute. I mean, I’d just sent in the check to have the Backstreet Boys perform at our reception.” Again, she lifted a shoulder. “But what’re you going to do? Besides, this city is full of CEOs and millionaires. Where there’s one, there’s another, and most are ready and willing to get laid… and agree to have Nick Carter sing “As Long as You Love Me” for our first dance. As a matter of fact, there are ten of those ready and willing men here tonight. What can I say? We can’t all marry for love like you did, Angela.” Cocking her head to the side, she pointedly glanced in the direction of Angela’s husband, who resembled Hugh Hefner’s older brother. “Can we?”
I absolutely adored this book. It was light, funny and had me emotionally invested from the very beginning. I thought the characters were very well drawn.
The hero, Alex is grumpy (swoons) closed off, a bit of an ass but is also so very sweet, add in the tattoos and there is no way I could help but fall in love with him. There is just something so sexy about a man who has such respect and love for the written word.
I loved Morgan, the heroine, she was funny, sarcastic, fierce and strong. She was just the perfect match for Alex. I adored Alex's sister Kim and hope she gets her own book.
I am kicking myself for taking so long to read a Naima Simone book. I love her voice. She has been on my radar for quite sometime but I kept putting off reading her work I'm annoyed with myself for waiting this long to indulge but rest assured this will not be the last book I read from this author.
If you were like me putting off reading this author's work take the plunge you won't regret it. I definitely recommend this book to all lovers of romance, it's a wonderful tale of finding love when you least expect it in the most unlikely of places.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
A Millionaire at Midnight is the fourth book in the Bachelor Auctions series by Naima Simone. Combining some familiar tropes (such as enemies to lovers, best friend’s sibling, etc.) with super sexy and engaging romances, they’ve all been great reads. But I have to admit that this one is my favourite.
Morgan Lett and Alexander Bishop’s first encounter sets up a clash of strong personalities when Alex overhears Morgan saying that she’s on the hunt for a rich man who can put out in the sack. Thinking she’s just another gold digger when Morgan bids and wins a date with him that night at a bachelor auction he’s.. well.. not pleased. Then to top off his bad karma, she turns out to be the executive assistant at a company he’s just acquired – meaning she’s now his new employee.
Morgan can’t believe that the man who overheard her blowing off a couple of gossips and refused to accept an explanation is the same man who is now her bachelor auction date – and her new boss! She’s determined to keep her job, though, despite their mutual antagonism. When she overhears that Alex needs a fiancee to cement a position with his family company, she suggests a deal – she needs money to help save a charity close to her heart and for that, she’ll happily pretend to be his loving fiancee. With no other options in sight, Alex reluctantly agrees. But the sparks that fly between them on the surface are just a prelude to the fiery passion that gets unleashed as their pretense heats up. Both Alex and Morgan have been hurt in relationships in the past – can they trust that what they are discovering between them is the real thing?
I loved this story, from its firecracker start to the sweet epilogue. Morgan’s protective shell over her heart still has some cracks in it after her fiance left her for her stepsister (ouch!) but she covers with a sassy personality and a strong and confident demeanor. She and Alex have some terrific banter as they jockey for the upper hand in their relationship. Morgan’s got some soft spots, though, and while Alex could use those to his advantage, he quickly realizes that he is more interested in protecting Morgan than hurting her.
Alex comes across as a man with a lot of responsibility on his plate, a hard working executive who tries to turn companies around with the least amount of employee loss as possible. He’s a wealthy man but he’s got a conscience and a heart. He has a half-sister, Kim, whom his father doesn’t acknowledge but whom he takes his brotherly duties towards seriously. Divorced from an unfaithful wife, he’s not interested in commitment so a pretend relationship with Morgan might come with some perks, but he’s not going to let it go too far.
Morgan and Alex together sizzle. There are lots of laugh out loud moments and their love scenes are super steamy. As they open up to each other, their heart to heart conversations reveal two people who have more in common than they expected. Both Morgan and Alex’s families play key roles in the story, and as in life, not everything is as black and white as it seems at the start. There are some bumps in the road along the way, but the happy ending they get will leave you with a smile on your face. With an interesting and engaging plot and a fiery well-matched couple, this one is definitely going on the keeper shelf!
What a fun read that really pulls you in from the characters to the plot it was a very emotional read that I enjoyed. One man needs fiancée and a woman needs money for her foundation this should be easy to make happen right. They find each other and agree to help the other the only problem is they drive each other crazy from their actions to their passion which is off limits. This was supposes to easy but they are having a hard time keeping their hands off each other. Alexander may need a wife well for now a fiancée which he now has but lord the mouth on this women is something else let’s not even talk about the body that drives him wild. Morgan sure doesn’t want a man much less a lover but the man she just won at a masquerade bachelor auction does seem to fit the bill but he is her boss who is really a jerk and drivers her crazy. Can these two hold it together long enough to fulfill their promises or will they throw their hands in the airs before the job is done. Hey going a little nuts isn’t bad that is as long as you can get your hands, body etc of the other which is off limits.
Alex might be a jerk but what a jerk but how can you over look the sweetness he brings so much to the story. He is very confidence but Morgan is about to tear it down giving him a run for his money. There is no doubt he is a sexy hunk who know it. He has been hurt by those that made promises they were unable to keep. He promised his self that would be the last time he would get burned.
Now Morgan I loved from her sassy attitude to her funny, sarcastic with lots of sparks there is no doubt she shines. I just love a strong woman who can stand up for herself. Sarcastic adds so much to the read giving it almost sex appeal.
What a sweet, sexy, romantic fun read. I just loved the plot and the characters. Alex seem to be able to bring the fire out in Morgan adding just enough fuel to set her world on fire, where she is able to light the spark in him which just about burns him to the ground. When a spark meant the fuel there is going to be a flame. What these two do is combust into a roaring fire that won’t burn out any time soon. This is really well written giving the reader a delightful fun read that really pulls you in. I loved the humor, the energy and the passion these two create. The supporting characters add so much. All it takes is a misunderstanding, over hearing something you should not giving two people a reason to come together as they set their worlds on fire. This is really a fresh and unique story that really grabs you and pulls you in. **********************
Morgan's just lost her fiance to her stepsister. Forced to encounter the cheating couple at countless society events Morgan makes every effort to get past the pain of betrayal by focusing on her charity foundation. A foundation that is now being threatened with eviction because the owner wants to sell the building.
Morgan has a dilemma because she doesn't have access to the kind of money needed to make the purchase. Her prayers are soon to be answered by Alex Bishop, the bachelor she bid on and won at the Annual Bachelor Auction. Once his mask is removed she finds out he's the man that overheard her private conversation and who now pegs her as a gold digger. Neither one is happy at the discovery of the other.
They quickly learn that they'll be seeing each other everyday since Alex has acquired the business that employs Morgan. All Alex wants to do is to get rid of her and Morgan is equally determined to stay. Morgan makes herself indispensable and one day overhears Alex's conversation with his sister Kim. Alex needs a fiancee pronto because of a contract stipulation set by his father in order to run the family business.
They agree to help one another and discover that neither is really who the other believed them to be. Soon two people opposed to love feel a spark that turns into flames and discover an unexpected love that neither was looking for and sometimes that's the best kind.
This book was so much fun. You have your a typical alpha millionaire, Alexander Bishop. He is grumpy most days, a supper hot book reader, but also has a heart of gold. He has been burned by a few people that should never have hurt him. And you have your hilarious debutante, Morgan Lett . She comes from money, but has a true heart. She was engaged, but her fiancée decides to go for her stepsister. So why not create a false engagement. These two are so funny. Morgan will push every button Alexander has. Alexander will try to control his desire so he won't get hurt.
I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but I plan on it now. This was a great book! ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Kinky Kittens Book Blog
My Review: First response: A fast read! It only took a couple of hours! But now it's 1 a.m., so I'll write the review in the morning after some sleep!
The reason this was such a fast read was the sense of fun and humor about it even when Morgan and Alexander were fighting and the chips were down. You just knew this couple was going to make it. And there were things that were so funny between them. He thought of her as a "walking, snark-wielding danger sign". He knew up front if he got too close, he would fall for her. But they had to work together because they needed each other to get what they each wanted. He started issuing her a copy of "the schedule" for each day's activities. A lame attempt to keep her at arm's length.
But don't start thinking that Alexander is nothing but a walking wallet with a corporate mind. Oh no, he's a real geek. He loves to snipe at Morgan with Harry Potter and LOTR references. He's a true fan. Reading is his favorite way to unwind after work. Literature truly means a lot to him. Morgan finds out just how much it means to him when they finally have hot, steamy sex! I'm not giving anything more away here. You will have to read the book to find out about this part! But eventually, they start to help each other heal and fall in love, of course. It is a romance, right? One that I highly recommend to those of you who have gotten hooked on the rich man romances lately, like I have.
This was provided in ebook format by Entangled Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own. Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
For a list of other books by this author click here.
For a GoodReads Give-Away of this book click here. Only until 2/13/2017.
After walking in on her fiancee declaring his undying love to her cousin Morgan Lett is feeling hurt and the subject of much spiteful gossip. Determined to show people she is not beaten, she decides to bid on a major hottie at the charity bachelor auction. Unfortunately the bachelor in question overhears her trying to dismiss her feelings about the recent betrayal to a couple of the worst gossips and decides that she is a brazen fortune hunter. The next day, Morgan is horrified to discover that the hottie from the bachelor auction is now her new boss, Alexander Bishop.
Alex is determined to get rid of the scheming gold-digger from his office, although he has to admit she does a good job, his focus is on finding a fiancee so that he can take over his family's failing business before his wastrel father dissipates it any further. When Morgan's beloved women's refuge is being sold off by her family she needs to raise money fast - and what better way than entering into a fake relationship with her uptight boss and getting him to front the money to save the refuge.
I really liked this book. Morgan was full of snark and quick witted. We see Alex slowly unwind and begin to relax in Morgan's company. My only negative was Alex's secret inner geek, I thought that was a bit odd (even though I too am an adult fan).
Recommended for anyone who likes millionaire bachelor auctions, fake engagements, making things up on the spur of the moment and family dramas.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I knew from the very first page that I would enjoy this book. It was sweet, fun, sexy, romantic and I really enjoyed this book overall. I could really root for the characters because they have both been through some heartbreaking events and are incredibly vulnerable. They didn't plan to fall in love and they were both pretty shocked when they did. They both really grew and overcame the things that were holding them back. Once they learned more and more about each other they realized how much they need each other. It was a wonderful read and I hope to make my over to the other books in this series one day.
I received this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved it! A cute af, quick read with great characters and an interesting plotline. What else do I need? Oh, and the chemistry these two had? Oh my effing god! Off the charts! I inhaled it in one smooth go and I was a happy chewbacca. The writing style was really good, true. However, the third person narrative in this type of stories isn't exactly my cup of tea but I still inhaled it nonetheless. I'll deffo read the other books from the series.
Awesome. Just like all the others of this series so far. I really really liked Morgan. She was such an amazing protagonist. Alex was a pretty good lead as well. I loved the wit of Morgan a lot. She made things so refreshing with her humour and her honesty. Who can not love that? The plot is sweet and goes with the premise. Loved it.
Boston socialite Morgan Lett is having a run of bad luck. Her fiancé just dumped her for her stepsister, the charity foundation she’s given her life to is in danger of folding, and now, the gorgeous man she bid on and won at a masquerade bachelor auction turns out to be a cold-hearted jerk…and her new employer.
Millionaire Alexander Bishop needs the best wife money can buy. In order to inherit his family business, he must get engaged—fast. And Morgan, with her beauty and pedigree, is the perfect candidate. Her sharp tongue may drive him crazy, but she needs money to save the foundation she loves, and he needs a fiancée. It’s a flawless arrangement—no strings, no love. But soon she has him craving more, and cursing the platonic terms of their agreement.
Still, he won’t allow need—no matter how hot it burns—to threaten everything he’s built.
••••••••••••
REVIEW: 4 stars--A MILLIONAIRE AT MIDNIGHT is the fourth installment in Naima Simone’s contemporary, adult BACHELOR AUCTION erotic, romance series. This is Boston socialite and PA Morgan Lett, and millionaire businessman Alexander Bishop’s story line. A MILLIONAIRE AT MIDNIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Morgan and Alexander) A MILLIONAIRE AT MIDNIGHT follows a fake fiancé trope that finds millionaire Alexander Bishop in desperate need of a wife-to-be. Alexander has only weeks to announce his engagement in order to take over as CEO of Bishop Enterprises-a business he saved from the proverbial toilet. Enter Morgan Lett, a socialite and former PA who also is desperate for a helping hand. But Morgan and Alexander’s first meeting is met with preconceived notions and a quick call to judgment by the man desperate enough to push aside all of his rules to keep control of the company. What ensues is the building relationship between two people whose relationship experience has been less than stellar. Morgan recently discovered her fiancée was in love with her step-sister; and Alexander’s marriage ended because he wife was unable to honor her vows. With Morgan’s return to work she will soon discover that Alexander Bishop is now the man in charge but a man who wants nothing to do with a gold-digging attitude.
The relationship between Alexander and Morgan begins acrimoniously after Alex overhears Morgan spouting about finding a rich man to support the life in which she has grown accustomed but unbeknownst to Alex, Morgan’s proclamations came at a time when her emotions and feelings were destroyed following several accusations by women she cares not to have known. When Morgan offers up a plan that will satisfy them both, Alex will lose his heart to a woman whose own earlier years were fraught with rejection and hurt. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and seductive.
We are introduced to Alexander’s half- sister Kim, as well as his father Malcolm Bishop ; Morgan’s former fiancée Troy, and her half-sister Cynthia, as well as Morgan’s sister Merri. I am hoping for a happily ever after for Kim as she struggles to regain control of her life.
The world building reveals a little bit of the past; of the pain Alexander and Morgan experience throughout their lives; of Alex’s need to get lost in the books of his childhood fantasies.
A MILLIONAIRE AT MIDNIGHT is a story of romance; a fake fiancée tale that finds two people opposed to another happily ever after but find themselves falling in love against the odds. The premise is energetic; the characters are heartbreaking and passionate; the romance is sensual and sexy. A MILLIONAIRE AT MIDNIGHT will captivate your imagination.
I'm loving Naima Simone's Bachelor Auction series. The standalone fourth book, A Millionaire at Midnight features millionaire Alexander Bishop and socialite Morgan Lett.
Alex has six weeks to find a fiancée or he can kiss running his family company goodbye. It doesn't matter that he saved the company from going under four years ago. To add insult to injury, his younger sister Kim has signed him up to be a part of the Rhodonite’s Society Annual Masquerade Bachelor Auction. That's right, Alex has the pleasure of spending a long weekend with someone who spends thousands of dollars on him. Talk about being pimped out.
Morgan is having a heck of a year. First her stepfather dies and leaves her nothing. Well, his will does stipulate that she gets the building her beloved charitable organization is currently housed in. She just has to hold down a job for a year. No problem. Things get bad when Morgan finds her fiancé and her step-sister in a compromising situation. Okay, there's just so much a girl can take. Sometimes, a girl just has to let her inner snork out.
After a brief moment of appreciating the view of each other, Morgan and Alex get off to a bad start. Alexander overhears Morgan having a conversation with a duo of mean girls and thinks she only wants a guy for the size of his bank account. Too bad Morgan is the woman who wins him.
Circumstances arise and the two end up making a business transaction. It should be simple. No strings, no expectations, no vertical or horizontal action. Just plain, old-fashioned kissing, to prove in public they are madly in love and can't wait to spend their lives together. What could possibly go wrong? The power of attraction and love that's what.
Alex and Morgan are so much more than they show people. But amazingly, they see the vulnerability in each other. They’re good together. Morgan forces Alex to relax and loosen up. They have some serious chemistry.
Naima has written a story with a heroine who will have you girl crushing in minutes. Morgan is gutsy, full of spark, funny, independent, thoughtful, caring, and passionate. She definitely has what it takes to bring Alex to his knees. Alex is driven, passionate, protective, and caring. He carries around a huge burden. But man oh man, he knows how to turn on the romance to make a woman’s knees buckle. If you’re looking for a laugh out loud romance, with fabulous characters that pack some heat, look no further than A Millionaire at Midnight.
**Received a copy from Entangled Publishing and voluntarily reviewed.**
This book surprised me by how much I enjoyed it. I picked it up expecting something easy and enjoyable, with an alpha boss billionaire and a feisty woman confounding his expectations – and I got that – but I also found it surprisingly funny.
Morgan is brilliant – I loved her snarky sense of humour. On the surface she might be a shallow socialite, but she’s smart, competent and knows how to work hard. Her stepfather might have dismissed her involvement with her favourite charity as nothing important, but I loved how hard Morgan is willing to work to save the shelter. She’s caring and clever, but feels the need to hide it because of certain people in her life. There’s also the issue of her broken engagement, which doesn’t help anything. However, I loved the way she forged on regardless, with snark as her shield. She was great fun to read about and I loved how she turned Alex’s world upside down.
Poor Alex, he has no idea what he’s getting himself into when he sneers at Morgan at their first meeting. Everything else then conspires to keep her in his life until he finally gives in. He’s a decent guy, if a bit aloof and restrained. He has his reasons, but even with his starchy demeanour I liked him – how could I not when he loves and defends his sister so fiercely. He’s also a total YA book geek (as is Morgan) and I loved that.
The only thing I felt a little disappointed by was the bachelor auction. It’s a great opening and sets things up beautifully, but then it’s pretty much forgotten about. What happened to the holiday? Oh, and the conflict felt like a massive overreaction, but I guess something had to happen to stand in the way of true love everlasting.
On the whole, though, this was great, funny and sexy and easy, providing a perfect escape, peppered with some wonderfully romantic moments – like shopping for the ring. I really enjoyed it, but I’ve never read a book from this author that I haven’t, and will definitely be looking out for more.
The opening paragraph of a book always kind of sets the pace for the rest of the book. The opening paragraph for this one? Dude. I was rolling. Absolutely hilarious. I knew right away that this book and I were going to be good friends.
The main character is Morgan and she's this foul-mouthed, sassy little thing that I totally connected with. She's a kindred spirit. I like the leading ladies that have a sailor's vocabulary because I don't always talk like a lady and it's good to know that there are others like me out there. Anyway, I loved Morgan throughout the entire book. She could do no wrong. Plus, she liked Divergent so we know she has good taste and is also a wonderful person. Pretty sure that's how you know if someone is a good person.
Anyhow, our leading man, Alexander, is also perfect. You know why? He's a reader. He likes Harry Potter and Maze Runner so basically the perfect man. Honestly, I don't know the last time I read a book about a manly main character that actually likes reading. This may be a first for me. Which is pretty sad seeing as how many books I've read ... you'd think that more characters would be readers. So Alexander is this gruff dude that I would think was dead inside if it weren't for the reading habits. But you can't help but love him. I connected with him very quickly and I (like Morgan) started to enjoy his brusk manner.
Now these two characters were nothing short of spectacular when they were together. You've got this super sassy and ornery Morgan and this grumpy old goat Alexander. Morgan would just pick on Alexander and it had me giggling because I was just waiting for Alexander to come unhinged. She poked the bear ... so many times. The chemistry between these two was perfect.
So if I loved the characters so much, why did I not give the book 5 stars? Well, the book really slowed down for me about halfway in. It was moving at this great pace and then it just kind of slugged along for me. I wish that it had kept the excitement up for me and then this would have easily been a 5 star rating.
All in all, a great reading experience and I'm excited to see what else this author has in store for us because this one was gooood.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
I read book 1 in this series and really enjoyed it. I have all 4 books but for some reason I jumped to book 4 instead of reading them in order. This is Morgan and Alex's story. I really enjoy their story because Morgan was feisty and she was not afraid to seduce Alex out of his cold reserve. She brought humour and fun to the story. Definitely worth are a read. I will now have to go back and read books 2 and 3.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I hope the author takes advantage of the feedback I left on NetGalley. The bones to this story were AMAZING. Some tweaking is required before it comes close though. Still a cute story, but it fell short of GREAT.
(Source: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, LLC, Indulgence and Naima Simone.)
“Do you know why I came here tonight?” she whispered, lifting a hand and cradling his face. Slumberous blue eyes stared up at him, the same need winding through his blood reflected there. “I couldn’t stop myself, even though I know this is the last place I should be. You…” A breath shuddered out from between her lips, caressing his chin. She whisked her thumb over his cheekbone, shaking her head. “You are like a drug. I shouldn’t want you. I know you’re bad for me, will probably hurt me, but I don’t care. I…need you. Want to just look at you, touch you.” She trailed her fingertips down his temple, over his jaw. Grazed his lips. “You’re all I think about, and…and I can’t fight it anymore,” she confessed on a trembling sigh as her gaze dropped to his mouth. “I don’t want to fight it anymore.” Abruptly she dropped her hand from him and stepped back. “Aaand scene.”
This book was awesome!!!! I was waiting to read this since the moment Morgan was introduced in the second book, and could not wait to see who would end up with her. I love both characters. Man, I did found a book that made me to enjoy the pretend theme for awhile now, but the author killed it.
“Bring me in from the cold, and tell me you’ll be my wife.’”
Both characters were strong, confident, independent and had morals. I loved them together, but that is because I adored them individually. They did not need each other for happiness, they were an additional happiness to each other, that last sprinkle on the cake, and that is what I liked about them. They were good at their game, they did not get dramatic or tangled, they were an amazing actors and players of this game, and I loved it and enjoyed it immensely.
“God,” she whispered, awed. “I don’t know whether to touch you or read you.”
I loved the fact, that for once, the guy was a book worm. I loved Alex's character so much. He was down to business, he was serious but he was not dull, and he loved BOOKS!!! He actually holed up in his book-cave to read books. In other words he was PERFECT.
“I love you. Completely. Wholly. Foolishly.”
And Morgan, well my girl did not disappoint me at all. She was as snarky as I remembered her. She was a true vixen but the type that you cannot help but love. I loved how she stood up for Alex, and especially for Kim, she did not let people to push her down. I just adore female characters like this, seriously. AMAZING! However, I loved her the most when he gave him nicknames, cute, adorable, nerdy and bookwormish nicknames. THE BEST!
“Admit it,” she said, the tears barreling down on her abrading her voice. “You were waiting for this. Well, congratulations, Alex. Now you’re alone. You have what you wanted. But not what you needed. I hope you enjoy it.”
Why I did not give this book a five star rating, was that, the pattern in the series is the same, and it was kind of getting annoying. I am all for woman power, but in all this books, the author made the guys come and beg for forgiveness, because they suddenly realized that they loved her and they screwed up, and the girls always said these words first, while angry with them, and demanding them to love them back, and then exiting with a dramatic manner. Yeah, did not like this part much.
“Before you start screaming how much this is my fault, and you want to chop my boys off, let me tell you, I love you.” Her heart did that flip-flop thing that was a phenomena particular only to him. She cupped his cheek. “I love you, too, Hufflepuff. With all my heart. Now get me to the damn hospital.”
Fresh off a heartbreak and on an anti-men tirade after her fiancé leaves her for her step-sister, the bachelor auction that has snared women their millionaires in Naima Simone’s world is about to work its own magic on Morgan Lett.
And as it typically goes, it always gets worse before it gets better, just like the screwed-up version of the fairy tale that’s given at the very start of the book. Morgan wins a man at an auction, but first impressions have dictated that he merely sees her as gold digger while he’s the most aloof, distant person she’d ever met…and to make matters worse, he’s her temporary boss too. A brashly-made decision forces them into a pretend-engagement which then, predictably, goes awry when attraction enters the picture.
I’m not always a fan of millionaire-type books—they do seem mostly removed from the reality of day to day life—but it’s near impossible to give up the chance to read whatever Simone writes. I cringed at the title, the crazy family drama and sometimes contrived, over-the-top sort of descriptions aside (especially when it comes to how hot or beautiful a character can be), yet the sharp emotions do jump off the page and Simone's lead characters are multifaceted enough to get lost in for a few hours.
Generally though, “A Millionaire at Midnight” is quite a satisfying read, even with the usual, rocky road that the couple in question needs to walk before the climax, the customary grovel and the resulting HEA.
My Review: A Millionaire at Midnight by Naima Simone was wholly satisfying as a romance. It was a bold and sassy story that brought together two dynamic characters who had a lot of emotional baggage in their history.
About the Characters: Alex Bishop is a driven man who works hard and protects his heart at all costs. When he finds himself in need of a fake partner, he turns to the one person he never thought he would. Is he willing to put himself in a position to fall prey to her charms?
Morgan Lett lost everything she held dear to her heart. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she is desperate to secure the help of the one man who wrongfully judged her. He was her only hope. Could she become the one thing he needed in order to secure her future and help the people she cared about?
My Favorite Scenes: The Auction Catty Socialites Be Gone The Balcony Dinner with the In-laws The Very Necessary Groveling Back to the Future of Us
My Final Say: This story brought a smile to my face and a release to my heart. It is a keeper.