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Oakland Hills #5
Going for Broke
After inheriting a broken-down house, Billie finds more than she bargained for when she enlists the help of a millionaire with a tool belt.
* * *
Millionaire investor Ian Cooper may be the perfect man, but Billie Garcia only wants him for his tool belt. She’s just inherited a broken-down house she can't afford to fix up, and Ian has all the skills she needs.
And a few she wants...
The handsome hunk is an old family friend, and definitely off limits. Even though Billie’s last boyfriend treated her like a sexy ATM without a daily limit, and she really, really deserves better. Even though--
No, no, no. Off limits.
Ian has always loved getting dirty.
Getting his hands dirty....
Owning a hot investment firm is great for his net worth, but he financial reports aren’t nearly as attractive to stare at as Billie. Her house is just the diversion he needs. He’ll have to resist Billie’s charms, but he’s managed that for years. How hard could it be?
Within a week, he can’t resist her—and he doesn’t want to. But Billie’s afraid to risk the heart she’s guarded so carefully all these years. Can one impulsive night really be the foundation for a lifetime?
* * *
Don't miss the other Friends with Benefits standalone romances:
The Billionaire's Ballet by Deanna Roy
The Billionaire Escape Plan by Ember Casey
Yours and Mine by Lacey Silks
Always You by Rachel Schurig
The Rock Star's Secret Baby by Blair Babylon
Next to You by Daisy Prescott
* * *
Millionaire investor Ian Cooper may be the perfect man, but Billie Garcia only wants him for his tool belt. She’s just inherited a broken-down house she can't afford to fix up, and Ian has all the skills she needs.
And a few she wants...
The handsome hunk is an old family friend, and definitely off limits. Even though Billie’s last boyfriend treated her like a sexy ATM without a daily limit, and she really, really deserves better. Even though--
No, no, no. Off limits.
Ian has always loved getting dirty.
Getting his hands dirty....
Owning a hot investment firm is great for his net worth, but he financial reports aren’t nearly as attractive to stare at as Billie. Her house is just the diversion he needs. He’ll have to resist Billie’s charms, but he’s managed that for years. How hard could it be?
Within a week, he can’t resist her—and he doesn’t want to. But Billie’s afraid to risk the heart she’s guarded so carefully all these years. Can one impulsive night really be the foundation for a lifetime?
* * *
Don't miss the other Friends with Benefits standalone romances:
The Billionaire's Ballet by Deanna Roy
The Billionaire Escape Plan by Ember Casey
Yours and Mine by Lacey Silks
Always You by Rachel Schurig
The Rock Star's Secret Baby by Blair Babylon
Next to You by Daisy Prescott
293 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2016
341 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Gretchen Galway
27 books368 followersGRETCHEN GALWAY is a USA Today bestselling author who writes mystery, fantasy, and romance. She lives in Sonoma County, California.
To be the first to know about sales and new releases, and get a free short story, sign up for an email alert at www.gretchengalway.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 16, 2016
Too Superficial
I'm at that time of the month right now so my mind is all jumbled up but the only thing I got after I got past the epilogue was "Well. That was superficial."
Seriously. This book could have been so great but all these characters want to do is... each other. Literally. There's no relationship build up whatsoever. I see zero chemisty and quite frankly, I didn't get it at all.
It's been implied that Ian and Billie had been in love with each other for years but that's about it. I think if the author were to give us a little flashback on the dynamic of their friendship back in the day it would have solidified this duo for me.
But all we get is two people can't keep their hands off each other and all of a sudden they're in love. It's so fucking annoying.
I'm at that time of the month right now so my mind is all jumbled up but the only thing I got after I got past the epilogue was "Well. That was superficial."
Seriously. This book could have been so great but all these characters want to do is... each other. Literally. There's no relationship build up whatsoever. I see zero chemisty and quite frankly, I didn't get it at all.
It's been implied that Ian and Billie had been in love with each other for years but that's about it. I think if the author were to give us a little flashback on the dynamic of their friendship back in the day it would have solidified this duo for me.
But all we get is two people can't keep their hands off each other and all of a sudden they're in love. It's so fucking annoying.
September 22, 2020
Cute, sexy & fun! Great getaway book!
November 19, 2022
The hook had potential, but I ended up skimming the end.
December 20, 2022
Light and sweet
Perfect for those times when you know a happy ending is coming and You just want to enjoy the journey.
Perfect for those times when you know a happy ending is coming and You just want to enjoy the journey.
July 28, 2016
No one, and I mean no one, does the “friends to lovers” story better than Gretchen Galway! Sure, her stories are filled with witty dialogue, quirky characters to love and the beautiful sights of the San Fran Bay area. But when she has her hero and heroine “friends” suddenly look at each other in a different way, writing magic happens!
Sweet, kind Belinda “Billie” Garcia is grieving the death of her beloved grandmother when she learns that she and her sister Jane inherited her home. Jane has some funds to contribute towards repairs and updating, but government employee Billie is lacking the funds to fully repair the home since her parasitic ex-boyfriend sucked her savings dry. But Billie comes up with a plan: she may not have the funds, but she can move into gran’s house and start to clean it out the mess the hoarding octogenarian left behind. Bille then takes it a step further and brings in a “secret weapon,” childhood friend Ian Cooper, investment genius and skilled handyman.
Ian dated Jane in high school, but after what seemed to be a bitter breakup (no one knew the story there) Billie and Ian kept their friendship light. But now thrown together rehabbing gran’s home, the friends start to realize in their hearts that the feelings they have for one another are anything but platonic!
This is another wonderful contemporary romance from an author you should have on your TBR list. Ms. Galway has a wonderful way with a plot line, keeping you invested in her stories. Although there is rarely a suspense plot going on, somehow you still wind up on the edge of your seat to read what happens next. And did I mention her quirky characters? Trixie and Hugo make an appearance - loved seeing them! - and Zeus needs to make an appearance in every book. I highly recommend this book, and all the others, by this author!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sweet, kind Belinda “Billie” Garcia is grieving the death of her beloved grandmother when she learns that she and her sister Jane inherited her home. Jane has some funds to contribute towards repairs and updating, but government employee Billie is lacking the funds to fully repair the home since her parasitic ex-boyfriend sucked her savings dry. But Billie comes up with a plan: she may not have the funds, but she can move into gran’s house and start to clean it out the mess the hoarding octogenarian left behind. Bille then takes it a step further and brings in a “secret weapon,” childhood friend Ian Cooper, investment genius and skilled handyman.
Ian dated Jane in high school, but after what seemed to be a bitter breakup (no one knew the story there) Billie and Ian kept their friendship light. But now thrown together rehabbing gran’s home, the friends start to realize in their hearts that the feelings they have for one another are anything but platonic!
This is another wonderful contemporary romance from an author you should have on your TBR list. Ms. Galway has a wonderful way with a plot line, keeping you invested in her stories. Although there is rarely a suspense plot going on, somehow you still wind up on the edge of your seat to read what happens next. And did I mention her quirky characters? Trixie and Hugo make an appearance - loved seeing them! - and Zeus needs to make an appearance in every book. I highly recommend this book, and all the others, by this author!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2023
Billie and her sister Jane have inherited their grandmother’s house, but she was a hoarder, so Billie decides to live in and work on it, while Jane provides some money to fix it up.
Billie enlists Ian’s help, as he loves fixing things. They’ve been friends a long time, and both are attracted to each other, but Ian dated Jane many moons ago in high school.
Once Jane clears the air, they start seeing each other, but when Ian is thoughtless about Billie getting in trouble at work, they argue.
After some space, he realizes he loves Billie, and he tracks her down. They go on a special date, where he surprises her by asking her to marry him, and all her doubts about how she’s not enough for him disappear.
Really good book, with lots of clean up chores and interesting discussions between family members about what’s happening. I like Billie’s positivity and Ian’s attention to her and making her happy.
Billie enlists Ian’s help, as he loves fixing things. They’ve been friends a long time, and both are attracted to each other, but Ian dated Jane many moons ago in high school.
Once Jane clears the air, they start seeing each other, but when Ian is thoughtless about Billie getting in trouble at work, they argue.
After some space, he realizes he loves Billie, and he tracks her down. They go on a special date, where he surprises her by asking her to marry him, and all her doubts about how she’s not enough for him disappear.
Really good book, with lots of clean up chores and interesting discussions between family members about what’s happening. I like Billie’s positivity and Ian’s attention to her and making her happy.
January 24, 2019
WONDERFUL STORY!!!!
I really enjoyed reading this book! It was very good! The entire story was endearing and cute right from the first page all the way through to the epilogue. Billie and Ian were so likeable.... Right from the beginning I was rooting for them like they were real people! It was truly a super romantic, super sexy, interesting story. It was really nice also to read about Trixie again... I enjoyed very much getting reacquainted with her again she is such a loveable character from the other books in the series. I like how Gretchen weaves the different families together. Most of all I was delighted that Gretchen gave us such a wonderful and satisfying epilogue!!!! It was great!!! ❤
I really enjoyed reading this book! It was very good! The entire story was endearing and cute right from the first page all the way through to the epilogue. Billie and Ian were so likeable.... Right from the beginning I was rooting for them like they were real people! It was truly a super romantic, super sexy, interesting story. It was really nice also to read about Trixie again... I enjoyed very much getting reacquainted with her again she is such a loveable character from the other books in the series. I like how Gretchen weaves the different families together. Most of all I was delighted that Gretchen gave us such a wonderful and satisfying epilogue!!!! It was great!!! ❤
June 26, 2019
this was a another reliable Gretchen Galway story. It was a bit odd for me as I had read the next in the series first but it didn't seem to entirely matter. I do think this reduced the tension in the story as I knew the end point so I don't think I got the same compulsive need to to keep reading to find out what happens.
I liked Billie but I struggled a bit more with Ian and his personality which felt a little artificial. This may have more to do with not being an american and finding some of the inconsistencies in his behaviours etc.
I liked the wider character set and particularly (as always) Trixie. If you are looking for a short and sweet easy read this might be for you.
I liked Billie but I struggled a bit more with Ian and his personality which felt a little artificial. This may have more to do with not being an american and finding some of the inconsistencies in his behaviours etc.
I liked the wider character set and particularly (as always) Trixie. If you are looking for a short and sweet easy read this might be for you.
December 30, 2023
Friends to lovers
Billie and Ian have been friends for years. When Billie and her sister Jane inherit their grandmother's rundown house, lan offers to help renovate it and their relationship changes. Of course, there are hurdles to overcome, such as Jane and Ian's failed relationship back in High School and the long term fall out. As a result, Billie is unsure of how to proceed as she doesn't want to hurt her sister. Thankfully, problems can be overcome. Definitely an enjoyable read and l look forward to reading Jane's story.
Billie and Ian have been friends for years. When Billie and her sister Jane inherit their grandmother's rundown house, lan offers to help renovate it and their relationship changes. Of course, there are hurdles to overcome, such as Jane and Ian's failed relationship back in High School and the long term fall out. As a result, Billie is unsure of how to proceed as she doesn't want to hurt her sister. Thankfully, problems can be overcome. Definitely an enjoyable read and l look forward to reading Jane's story.
November 6, 2017
Good story!
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are fun and it's well written. The subject matter is great as well. Falling in love with a long time family friend can be difficult. When the family friend is your sisters ex, that has the potential to be a nightmare! I was disappointed that it wasn't a funnier than it is. It seems a little too serious to be "romantic comedy" it's a bit more "contemporary romance" .
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are fun and it's well written. The subject matter is great as well. Falling in love with a long time family friend can be difficult. When the family friend is your sisters ex, that has the potential to be a nightmare! I was disappointed that it wasn't a funnier than it is. It seems a little too serious to be "romantic comedy" it's a bit more "contemporary romance" .
March 19, 2020
Good read
This book was cute and funny with a little angst. Billie inherits her grandmother 's house that needs tons of work. Ian is a selfmade millionaire who loves home improvements. They've been friends for years, but an underlying attraction gets stronger and stronger. Highly recommend.
This book was cute and funny with a little angst. Billie inherits her grandmother 's house that needs tons of work. Ian is a selfmade millionaire who loves home improvements. They've been friends for years, but an underlying attraction gets stronger and stronger. Highly recommend.
August 20, 2020
I love the true hero of all the Oakland Hills books, Trixie. Every time she pops up I smile.
Overall, this book was cute. They all follow a similar pattern. They're entertaining, fun and I catch myself doing that same goofy smile I do when I watch rom-coms.
Overall, this book was cute. They all follow a similar pattern. They're entertaining, fun and I catch myself doing that same goofy smile I do when I watch rom-coms.
August 2, 2022
Friends to lovers story where the guy was the MC's sister's boyfriend in High School. I was a little perturbed that Ian, whom allegedly knows Billie so well, stopped really listening to her because he was on a mission. A little too alpha behavior for me.
September 19, 2022
When your best friend is your sister's ex high school boyfriend, your sister is obnoxious about it, and you inherit a house that needs significant work, which said ex can also do as a hobby even though he's a multi-millionaire. And your boss is a d-bag.
November 16, 2022
A nice love story
A long time friends to lovers storyline with a HEA.
An easy read, especially for a rainy afternoon or even by a sun baked swimming pool on holiday.
What's not to love?
A long time friends to lovers storyline with a HEA.
An easy read, especially for a rainy afternoon or even by a sun baked swimming pool on holiday.
What's not to love?
December 29, 2023
Characters
The characters are the best part of this book. Too much of the plot is about intercourse. I am glad that the characters finally figure out that life and love is more than lust.
The characters are the best part of this book. Too much of the plot is about intercourse. I am glad that the characters finally figure out that life and love is more than lust.
July 25, 2017
Adoring these Oakland Hills book series! I enjoy how Galway writes, the dialog seems real, the characters are well rounded, and just overall fun to read.
March 29, 2020
Cute rom com.
April 3, 2020
Totally loved it!!
I'm hooked too bad I didnt start at book 1 but at 5 now I gotta purchase 1 to 4 to begin series. I really enjoy it read it in 1 day!! Funny and cute!! Thank you
I'm hooked too bad I didnt start at book 1 but at 5 now I gotta purchase 1 to 4 to begin series. I really enjoy it read it in 1 day!! Funny and cute!! Thank you
May 4, 2020
Not as good as the other. Still a good read though!!!!
November 27, 2022
Good read
Light romantic comedy. Pretty obvious but then most rom-coms are. If you are feeling bad, this is the book for you
Light romantic comedy. Pretty obvious but then most rom-coms are. If you are feeling bad, this is the book for you
February 19, 2023
Good read
Too wrapped up in the past histor.y between her sister and sister's ex, Billie took a long time to figure out Ian really wanted her.
Too wrapped up in the past histor.y between her sister and sister's ex, Billie took a long time to figure out Ian really wanted her.
October 23, 2023
Some spice-hea- good read
October 28, 2023
Lots of open door sex. Ian was a bit over protective for my tastes.
January 6, 2024
Entertaining, but a lot more problems that could have been solved by communication, or actual apologies. Kept my attention throughout, so 3 stars.
March 20, 2024
Sweet with a little spice
This story had it all, a great, sweet and honest and hilarious FMC a handsome and capable MC and funny moments. Highly recommended.
This story had it all, a great, sweet and honest and hilarious FMC a handsome and capable MC and funny moments. Highly recommended.
June 9, 2024
1.5 ⭐️ this was just not for me
February 9, 2017
Sweet friends-to-lovers story with a few hot spots thrown in.
July 1, 2016
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Note also, four stars (from me) is a really good review. (5 stars is for literary masterworks that change my life.)
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Gretchen Galway's writing style. She's always had such a gift for showing rather than telling the reader how her characters are feeling -- through dialogue and action and mannerisms -- that I find really engaging and endearing. "Going for Broke" has all the things going for it that made me a fan of Galway's writing: realistic (or at least, not outlandish) contemporary romantic comedy peppered with gentle wry sarcasm and funny but not slapsticky-stupid situations.
In "Going for Broke," we meet Billie, who has just co-inherited (with her sister, Jane) a house in terrible shape that had been owned by her hoarder grandmother; and Ian, a friend of Billie's and Jane's family whom Billie asks to help her organize the repair of the house. Ian takes over the repair project and sparks fly between him and Billie, but Billie feels Ian is off-limits because he used to date -- and had a bad breakup -- with Jane.
The story unfolds at an enjoyable, even pace -- both the development of the present relationship as well as the uncovering of what happened in the past between Ian and Jane. Even though Billie is not much like me, personality-wise, she is written so well that I can understand and sympathize with her (and blessedly not want to punch her in the throat for making bad life choices, which is a problem I often have with romance novel characters).
This book belongs to the Oakland Hills series (and our beloved Trixie does make a perfectly Trixie-like appearance -- she's such a great character!) but it is completely enjoyable as a standalone; you won't be even a little bit lost if you haven't read the others. (However, you should read the others. They're so good!)
Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a sweet contemporary romance with a bit of moderate sexytimes. (It's not raunchy, but if you're a prude, there's a little part you might want to skip.)
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Gretchen Galway's writing style. She's always had such a gift for showing rather than telling the reader how her characters are feeling -- through dialogue and action and mannerisms -- that I find really engaging and endearing. "Going for Broke" has all the things going for it that made me a fan of Galway's writing: realistic (or at least, not outlandish) contemporary romantic comedy peppered with gentle wry sarcasm and funny but not slapsticky-stupid situations.
In "Going for Broke," we meet Billie, who has just co-inherited (with her sister, Jane) a house in terrible shape that had been owned by her hoarder grandmother; and Ian, a friend of Billie's and Jane's family whom Billie asks to help her organize the repair of the house. Ian takes over the repair project and sparks fly between him and Billie, but Billie feels Ian is off-limits because he used to date -- and had a bad breakup -- with Jane.
The story unfolds at an enjoyable, even pace -- both the development of the present relationship as well as the uncovering of what happened in the past between Ian and Jane. Even though Billie is not much like me, personality-wise, she is written so well that I can understand and sympathize with her (and blessedly not want to punch her in the throat for making bad life choices, which is a problem I often have with romance novel characters).
This book belongs to the Oakland Hills series (and our beloved Trixie does make a perfectly Trixie-like appearance -- she's such a great character!) but it is completely enjoyable as a standalone; you won't be even a little bit lost if you haven't read the others. (However, you should read the others. They're so good!)
Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a sweet contemporary romance with a bit of moderate sexytimes. (It's not raunchy, but if you're a prude, there's a little part you might want to skip.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews