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Billionaire Fairy Tales #3
The Billionaire's Intern
An intensely sexy Billionaire Fairy Tales standalone novel by Jackie Ashenden that is billionaire romance meets Sleeping Beauty with a happily ever after.
Lorenzo De Santis: Ruthless. Driven. Ambitious.
Lorenzo De Santis is the boss. He's an uncompromising hardass, he doesn’t suffer fools, and he doesn’t have time to deal with witless young interns. But when an old friend asks for a favor, Lorenzo can’t refuse. Even if it means taking on the man’s daughter as a project.
Kira Constantin: Rich. Party girl...Spy.
Kira Constantin feels like she has been half-alive since that one night of partying ended in tragedy. So when her father demands that she go undercover at De Santis Corp as a spy, there’s no way she can refuse. She must redeem herself, even if that means dealing with a boss like of Lorenzo De Santis.
Except neither of them counts on the forbidden heat that flares between them. As Kira and Lorenzo draw closer, spying on him becomes harder and harder. And then Kira discovers that the real villain might be closer to her than she thinks…
Don't miss these standalone Billionaire Fairy Tales:
The Billionaire's Virgin (Cinderella)
The Billionaire Beast (Beauty and the Beast)
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
29 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Ashenden
488 books976 followersJackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 26, 2017
This cover is OK. Good use of graphics. Good composition. I am not crazy about the way the title is done, and it's pretty generic in terms of being a representative of the story, but I have certainly seen worse covers.
This one was just OK for me. I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one fell a little short. Most of the blame lands squarely at the feet of the hero who I could not stand AT ALL. I mean I like asshole heroes a lot, but you need to show me that underneath the asshole he has some softness. This guy was just a straight up douchecanoe for most of the book. On top of that, the dead ex was mentioned WAY too much. Katie this and Katie that...blah blah blah. Dude admits himself he didn't even know anything about the chick, yet goes on and on like she was the love of his life. Lastly, I found this one repetitive.
On the positive side, I liked Katie. I do wish she would have told the hero to go f@ck himself on occasion, but overall she was a likable heroine. I also thought the sex scenes were fairly hot and I shed a few tears near the end. So it wasn't ALL bad.
Side Note: WTF happened to her father? Either I missed the part where they talked about what would be happening to him, or we were left hanging with no resolution to that particular issue.
July 11, 2017
2.5*
Kira has been in love with Lorenzo De Santis since she was fourteen years old and now years later she finds herself working as his intern and his effect on her is just as great, well at least it is until he opens his mouth
"I think you’re an arrogant, entitled asshole, and just because you knew what I was like as a kid doesn’t mean you know one single thing about me as an adult.”
That just about sums him up perfectly or does it?
Like Kira, Lorenzo didn't have an easy childhood especially considering his father is the complete opposite of warm and cuddly. His mother bitterly unhappy living in New York self-medicated with pills and vodka before taking her own life.
Kira suffers from ADHD a condition her parents have chosen to ignore since it doesn't fit in with their idea of a perfect daughter, as a result Kira has struggled to cope and fit in.
Kira is pushed into working as intern to Lorenzo by her father, the idea is she spies and reports back. Okay, so this is all a little far-fetched and silly, as if Lorenzo wouldn't realise what what going on.
My problems:
There's a lot of repetition when it comes to Kira's past.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.
July 7, 2017
She was made to feel she was a failure as a daughter. She became the underachiever they expected until her party-girl antics caused the ultimate pain for more than just herself. For her entire life she just couldn’t be still, couldn’t be quiet and couldn’t resist the little voices that encouraged her to “do something, anything to create action and hold her attention and imagination.” Now Kira is a broken woman, trying desperately to re-create herself into a responsible adult who can give back to society. She also has ADHD, and a father who wants her to spy on his best friend’s son.
He has become a heartless, cold and demanding monster, someone who people keep their distance from, someone feared and obeyed and his quest to kill his emotions all started when he lost the love of his life. Now he is the COO of his ruthless father’s corporation and is out to uncover his father’s treacheries at any cost. Lorenzo doesn’t have time to babysit the little hellion he remembered from years before, but is forced to take Kira on as an intern. Kira is all grown up, and he cannot help but notice.
Together they will either destroy themselves or bring to light a history of cooked books and stolen money…
Jackie Ashenden’s THE BILLIONAIRE’S INTERN is a quick read with raw, hot, down and dirty sex between two damaged souls, one trying to completely dominate and obliterate the past and the other desperately seeking just one person’s unconditional approval in her life. Lorenzo’s character was a complete turnoff for me and he never could redeem himself in my eyes. I did adore Kira, who owns her mistakes and wants nothing more than to atone for them. The sex, while definitely heated and raw, just didn’t scream sexy to me, period. I wanted more depth, less vague past references and more meat to make me believe and leave my world to enter theirs.
I received an ARC edition from St. Martin's Press - Swerve in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Billionaire Fairy Tales - Book 3 (Stand Alone Read)
Publisher: Swerve (August 1, 2017)
Publication Date: August 1, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
He has become a heartless, cold and demanding monster, someone who people keep their distance from, someone feared and obeyed and his quest to kill his emotions all started when he lost the love of his life. Now he is the COO of his ruthless father’s corporation and is out to uncover his father’s treacheries at any cost. Lorenzo doesn’t have time to babysit the little hellion he remembered from years before, but is forced to take Kira on as an intern. Kira is all grown up, and he cannot help but notice.
Together they will either destroy themselves or bring to light a history of cooked books and stolen money…
Jackie Ashenden’s THE BILLIONAIRE’S INTERN is a quick read with raw, hot, down and dirty sex between two damaged souls, one trying to completely dominate and obliterate the past and the other desperately seeking just one person’s unconditional approval in her life. Lorenzo’s character was a complete turnoff for me and he never could redeem himself in my eyes. I did adore Kira, who owns her mistakes and wants nothing more than to atone for them. The sex, while definitely heated and raw, just didn’t scream sexy to me, period. I wanted more depth, less vague past references and more meat to make me believe and leave my world to enter theirs.
I received an ARC edition from St. Martin's Press - Swerve in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Billionaire Fairy Tales - Book 3 (Stand Alone Read)
Publisher: Swerve (August 1, 2017)
Publication Date: August 1, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 2, 2025
THE BILLIONAIRE’S INTERN provided a quick, easy, entertaining read with lots of raw emotions and down and dirty angry sex between two highly emotionally damaged individuals.
The premise was there but overall, this book wasn’t for me. I did not like Lorenzo at all and although I did slightly understand Kira, she was so desperate for approval their interaction screamed abuse/taking advantage. Lorenzo tried to deal with his anger by aggressively dominating and controlling everything around him. Lorenzo pretty much hates everything Kira was known to be. While Kira is begging for someone to happy with her as a human being. The connection between Kira and Lorenzo was superficial and unjustified and in the end it lacked DEPTH. To make this better it would of had to have a lot less internal, repetitive dialog and more subsistence creating a character connection. 2.5 stars
If you are looking for straight steam then this book is for you.
I received this ARC copy of The Billionaire's Intern from St. Martin's Press - Swerve. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The premise was there but overall, this book wasn’t for me. I did not like Lorenzo at all and although I did slightly understand Kira, she was so desperate for approval their interaction screamed abuse/taking advantage. Lorenzo tried to deal with his anger by aggressively dominating and controlling everything around him. Lorenzo pretty much hates everything Kira was known to be. While Kira is begging for someone to happy with her as a human being. The connection between Kira and Lorenzo was superficial and unjustified and in the end it lacked DEPTH. To make this better it would of had to have a lot less internal, repetitive dialog and more subsistence creating a character connection. 2.5 stars
If you are looking for straight steam then this book is for you.
I received this ARC copy of The Billionaire's Intern from St. Martin's Press - Swerve. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 12, 2019
"The Billionaire's Intern" is the story of Kira and Lorenzo.
This book.. So good!
Our hero is Lorenzo De Santis- the ruthless, controlled and cynical man, hardened by his past betrayals and experiences. He is domineering in all fields of life, and when he realizes his own father is embezzling from their company, he decides to take matters into his own hand and expose him.
His only hurdle- his new Intern, the infamous Kira Constantin, who he is pretty sure has been sent to spy on him.
Kira has always been impulsive..on the move..needing attention..until her actions lead to tragic consequences, and Kira is scarred forever. Now trying to become a new person, her limits are tested when her father forces her to take a job under Lorenzo..the man who has always fascinated her..and who will be the one to destroy her control.
Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The heroine's struggles with ADHD were heartbreaking and her strength to fight it was endearing. The hero was damaged in his own ways, but when these two opposite forces met, they combusted. I also loved the May- December aspect.
The sex was HOT HOT HOT- the angst was so good- and the ending fab.
SWE
4/5
This book.. So good!
Our hero is Lorenzo De Santis- the ruthless, controlled and cynical man, hardened by his past betrayals and experiences. He is domineering in all fields of life, and when he realizes his own father is embezzling from their company, he decides to take matters into his own hand and expose him.
His only hurdle- his new Intern, the infamous Kira Constantin, who he is pretty sure has been sent to spy on him.
Kira has always been impulsive..on the move..needing attention..until her actions lead to tragic consequences, and Kira is scarred forever. Now trying to become a new person, her limits are tested when her father forces her to take a job under Lorenzo..the man who has always fascinated her..and who will be the one to destroy her control.
Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The heroine's struggles with ADHD were heartbreaking and her strength to fight it was endearing. The hero was damaged in his own ways, but when these two opposite forces met, they combusted. I also loved the May- December aspect.
The sex was HOT HOT HOT- the angst was so good- and the ending fab.
SWE
4/5
August 1, 2017
Book Review For: The Billionaire's Intern Jackie Ashenden 'The Billionaire's Intern' by Jackie Ashenden by Jackie Ashenden is book Three in the "Billionaire Fairy Tales". This is the story of Kira and Lorenzo. I have not yet read the other books in this series so for me this was a standalone book. Kira has ADHD and her parents really never addressed it...so she was never really treated for it. In addition there are more things going on with Kira she is trying to work through. Her father is having her work as a intern in Lorenzo's company to work as a spy. Lorenzo when she was younger used to be a nice person and she always had a crush on him. But now Lorenzo is a harden man who still has a little bit of a soft spot for Kira and agrees to her father asking him to take her on as an Intern. Both Kira and Lorenzo had issues that they needed to work through but once they worked through their differences they fit each other perfect. "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68 https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... http://booklikes.com/bloghttps://roma... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
July 30, 2017
Intense and raw.
~~~~~~~~~~~
When you're looking for a book with a controlling, demanding, cranky, sexy, hot man, here's one to pick up.
This engrossing read is everything you looking for in a hot romance. Plenty of sexy situations, control, and a little bit of dominance play a big part in the story. It was intense and very raw in so many ways!
There's no question what this book is all about. When it comes to billionaire stories, the control and dominance is evident. What is not so evident, in this particular book, is the compulsion to have something that he is not supposed to have, want or crave.
The author did a great job creating a character that is complex along with plenty of burning hot passion and steam.
Not a lot of character development, but let's be honest. We read these for the heat. And she definitely delivered on that. HOT
~~~~~~~~~~~
When you're looking for a book with a controlling, demanding, cranky, sexy, hot man, here's one to pick up.
This engrossing read is everything you looking for in a hot romance. Plenty of sexy situations, control, and a little bit of dominance play a big part in the story. It was intense and very raw in so many ways!
There's no question what this book is all about. When it comes to billionaire stories, the control and dominance is evident. What is not so evident, in this particular book, is the compulsion to have something that he is not supposed to have, want or crave.
The author did a great job creating a character that is complex along with plenty of burning hot passion and steam.
Not a lot of character development, but let's be honest. We read these for the heat. And she definitely delivered on that. HOT
July 26, 2017
I will say, the one thing the author did very right was the bossy sex scenes. The way Lorenzo commanded Kira was pretty hot! Overall, this was a good, short read. Lorenzo is an angry Hero and he owned it. The only thing I didn't like about him was his constant thoughts of his dead ex. It was a bit too much in the story. I have mixed feelings on Kira. She owned her mistakes and was truly working at being a better person but the ADHD personality wasn't easy to relate too. I liked her but a few scenes were OTT. Next up is Rafael. ARC provided by NetGalley.
August 2, 2017
I expected this to be trashy but it turned out to be quite deep and emotional. I was blown away. And I was not aware of the first two books at all wth.
July 29, 2017
Overall this was just okay. I haven’t read the first two books in the series but was assured this can be read as a standalone and I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. The beginning had an interesting premise that I wasn’t expecting. I thought it was just a cliché romance with a younger intern falling in love with her boss, but Kira has a dark past, deeper issues, and is pretending to be Lorenzo’s intern so she can spy on him for her father.
Unfortunately, I didn’t like Lorenzo and that is mainly what ruined this novel for me. I thought he was a complete asshat and I wish Kira had put him in his place, instead of meekly following all of his orders. I found it quite creepy that he called her “little girl”, given that they knew each other when Kira was a child and she is so much younger than him. I really wish the author had done away with that plot line, as I didn't like that Lorenzo knew her as a child and Kira had a huge crush on him when she was a kid.
I also didn’t realize until after I finished that this was supposed to be inspired by Sleeping Beauty which is very confusing. I didn’t see any similarities but I am curious if other novellas in Jackie’s Billionaire Fairy Tales series have more connections to fairy tale stories than this did?
The sex scenes, although very spicy, didn’t actually appeal to me as they were a bit too aggressive and I couldn’t get past Lorenzo’s jerk behaviour and dominant personality. I think if the novel was longer, didn’t feature Lorenzo’s dead ex at all (there was too much time spent on this), and delved a bit deeper into Kira’s issues and past it would have captured my attention more.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
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July 20, 2022
2.75 stars
Really thought I was going to love this given the characters' backgrounds but everything felt super rushed and thin so the romance fell completely flat for me. Compared to Book 4 this fell short in both plot and intensity. Every book in this series has the same 200 page length but here I really felt the short page count. Just after 2 sexual encounters in 1 week suddenly our emotionally closed off, power hungry, jerk cynical hero Lorenzo is wanting to claim the heroine as his and all his emotional walls have crumbled like a cheap suitcase. Didn't buy it. In fact those two sex scenes are pretty much all the time they spend together and "get to know each other" on the page (sex happens off the page as well but that is pointless to me as a reader) so there wasn't much to go off of here. It made no sense and was too fast considering how hung up Lorenzo still was over his girlfriend who died and had severe trust issues. Someone that emotionally closed off doesn't just crumble cause of good sex and she looks great in a pencil skirt. 😒 Same with the heroine who was meant to be a spy for her father but she's pouring everything out and confessing after they sleep together. Everything happened way too fast that it was hard to suspend belief. It just left me wanting.
Given the office romance context and power dynamics and huge secrets this would have worked better if it was a longer book for me to believe these two fell in love so quickly. The heroine especially intrigued me, Kira has ADHD since childhood and I was excited about that but Ashenden barely did anything with it. We are just told she has emotional "tantrums" and difficult to handle......but it's never shown. When she reveals it to the hero it felt kind of underwhelming. The emotional connection was missing for me. We are told repeatedly how difficult she was as a child and a troubled teenager because her parents neglected her and didn't know about her condition. She lashed out to the point she got in a horrible car accident that ended up killing 2 of her friends 6 months ago. That's a lot to deal with. I liked how Kira and Lorenzo had a history since their families were close growing up, she remembered him being the only person who showed her kindness and patience and taught her to make paper cranes so she could calm down. I loved that backstory. I usually don't care for childhood crushes or established histories but here it was interesting. Just wish JA did more with it. Everything was super rushed.
Really thought I was going to love this given the characters' backgrounds but everything felt super rushed and thin so the romance fell completely flat for me. Compared to Book 4 this fell short in both plot and intensity. Every book in this series has the same 200 page length but here I really felt the short page count. Just after 2 sexual encounters in 1 week suddenly our emotionally closed off, power hungry, jerk cynical hero Lorenzo is wanting to claim the heroine as his and all his emotional walls have crumbled like a cheap suitcase. Didn't buy it. In fact those two sex scenes are pretty much all the time they spend together and "get to know each other" on the page (sex happens off the page as well but that is pointless to me as a reader) so there wasn't much to go off of here. It made no sense and was too fast considering how hung up Lorenzo still was over his girlfriend who died and had severe trust issues. Someone that emotionally closed off doesn't just crumble cause of good sex and she looks great in a pencil skirt. 😒 Same with the heroine who was meant to be a spy for her father but she's pouring everything out and confessing after they sleep together. Everything happened way too fast that it was hard to suspend belief. It just left me wanting.
Given the office romance context and power dynamics and huge secrets this would have worked better if it was a longer book for me to believe these two fell in love so quickly. The heroine especially intrigued me, Kira has ADHD since childhood and I was excited about that but Ashenden barely did anything with it. We are just told she has emotional "tantrums" and difficult to handle......but it's never shown. When she reveals it to the hero it felt kind of underwhelming. The emotional connection was missing for me. We are told repeatedly how difficult she was as a child and a troubled teenager because her parents neglected her and didn't know about her condition. She lashed out to the point she got in a horrible car accident that ended up killing 2 of her friends 6 months ago. That's a lot to deal with. I liked how Kira and Lorenzo had a history since their families were close growing up, she remembered him being the only person who showed her kindness and patience and taught her to make paper cranes so she could calm down. I loved that backstory. I usually don't care for childhood crushes or established histories but here it was interesting. Just wish JA did more with it. Everything was super rushed.
August 7, 2017
Billionaire alpha male romances have been taking the erotica world by storm for the past couple of years. One would think I would be jaded by now. Whilst this may be true, Ms. Ashenden happens to pull me out of my jaded funk with her Billionaire Fairy Tale series. This one caught me off guard and I really enjoyed it.
In this latest novel, it features Lorenzo De Santis, the half brother of Nero in the second book in this series. This book can be read as a standalone. Lorenzo and Nero not only share a father, they share their hatred for their father. Determined to bring down the man, the two team up to figure out how their father is stealing so much money from their own company. Their ruthless father did not get to where he is by being a fool. He has his own plans in how to find out about Lorenzo's plans. Their father's secret (or not so secret) weapon is Kira Constantin. Kira is the daughter of Lorenzo's father right hand man. She is a party girl who suddenly is offered up as an intern. Lorenzo definitely doesn't buy it.
Kira is the quintessential poor little rich girl. Some view her as a spoiled brat. Whilst she was spoiled in some ways, it is more that she was misunderstood by parents who had no desire to understand their child. Or more likely, refuse to believe a child sprung from their loins could have any "flaws". In today's world, many children are diagnosed with ADHD. Some say it is over diagnosed. Unfortunately, there are also children who are ADHD and ignored. Told to just "toughen" up or concentrate. It isn't that I'm advocating for drugs. I'm advocating that children learn differently because they are different. What Kira learned to help her focus is key. It shows that everyone has different needs and perhaps if we gave people more options on how to learn or focus, we would have more success. I felt badly for Kira because she tried and when she failed, she ended up cutting of her nose to spite her face. And her last stunt ended up with deaths on her hands. This is a reality check which woke her up and made her change her life.
Part of this maturity through death, Kira is used against Lorenzo. Lorenzo is the one person in her life that showed her a little kindness. Someone who did not realize what kind of impact he had on her. It just goes to show, random acts of kindness could mean so much to someone in need. Kira and Lorenzo's interaction is amusing. It is almost more older brother and younger sister rather than lovers. To go in a kinky manner, I think being a Daddy Dom for Lorenzo would work very well with Kira. Alas, this story does not get that kinky. It does include some lovely rough sex and taboo office sex, but that is about it. Whilst Lorenzo may financially help Kira to realize her dream, Kira is the one who breaks through Lorenzo's protective shell. This happily ever after is sweet. This erotica tale is recommended for readers who enjoy alpha males and spirited submissives.
*provided by NetGalley
In this latest novel, it features Lorenzo De Santis, the half brother of Nero in the second book in this series. This book can be read as a standalone. Lorenzo and Nero not only share a father, they share their hatred for their father. Determined to bring down the man, the two team up to figure out how their father is stealing so much money from their own company. Their ruthless father did not get to where he is by being a fool. He has his own plans in how to find out about Lorenzo's plans. Their father's secret (or not so secret) weapon is Kira Constantin. Kira is the daughter of Lorenzo's father right hand man. She is a party girl who suddenly is offered up as an intern. Lorenzo definitely doesn't buy it.
Kira is the quintessential poor little rich girl. Some view her as a spoiled brat. Whilst she was spoiled in some ways, it is more that she was misunderstood by parents who had no desire to understand their child. Or more likely, refuse to believe a child sprung from their loins could have any "flaws". In today's world, many children are diagnosed with ADHD. Some say it is over diagnosed. Unfortunately, there are also children who are ADHD and ignored. Told to just "toughen" up or concentrate. It isn't that I'm advocating for drugs. I'm advocating that children learn differently because they are different. What Kira learned to help her focus is key. It shows that everyone has different needs and perhaps if we gave people more options on how to learn or focus, we would have more success. I felt badly for Kira because she tried and when she failed, she ended up cutting of her nose to spite her face. And her last stunt ended up with deaths on her hands. This is a reality check which woke her up and made her change her life.
Part of this maturity through death, Kira is used against Lorenzo. Lorenzo is the one person in her life that showed her a little kindness. Someone who did not realize what kind of impact he had on her. It just goes to show, random acts of kindness could mean so much to someone in need. Kira and Lorenzo's interaction is amusing. It is almost more older brother and younger sister rather than lovers. To go in a kinky manner, I think being a Daddy Dom for Lorenzo would work very well with Kira. Alas, this story does not get that kinky. It does include some lovely rough sex and taboo office sex, but that is about it. Whilst Lorenzo may financially help Kira to realize her dream, Kira is the one who breaks through Lorenzo's protective shell. This happily ever after is sweet. This erotica tale is recommended for readers who enjoy alpha males and spirited submissives.
*provided by NetGalley
July 27, 2017
Kira has been a failure all of her life. Suffering from ADHD, she has struggled to be the good girl her family has always wanted but in the process found failure and then death. When she is sent to spy on the son of her father’s boss, a man who at one time made her feel calm and at peace, she has no choice to say no if she wants to make at least one of her dreams come true.
Lorenzo is out for revenge against his father. The last thing he wants or needs is an intern. Especially the girl who was so ill behaved as a child. He’s heard how reckless and irresponsible she is now that she’s grown. However, when he realizes he can use her in his plan to trap his father, he yields to her presence in his office. He didn’t realize he would soon be yearning for her presence in his bed as well.
This is a fast paced story that actually deals with some rather deep emotional needs with both of these characters. While the storyline had great potential, I struggled to feel connected to Kira. Lorenzo was definitely the alpha in this relationship and they have some hot a steamy scenes!
ARC provided by NetGalley
Dual POV
Safe
No apparent triggers
Lorenzo is out for revenge against his father. The last thing he wants or needs is an intern. Especially the girl who was so ill behaved as a child. He’s heard how reckless and irresponsible she is now that she’s grown. However, when he realizes he can use her in his plan to trap his father, he yields to her presence in his office. He didn’t realize he would soon be yearning for her presence in his bed as well.
This is a fast paced story that actually deals with some rather deep emotional needs with both of these characters. While the storyline had great potential, I struggled to feel connected to Kira. Lorenzo was definitely the alpha in this relationship and they have some hot a steamy scenes!
ARC provided by NetGalley
Dual POV
Safe
No apparent triggers
September 29, 2017
**My thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand alone book as the brothers do not really communicate or cross wires.
Lorenzo is older than Kira, but we never really can a drop on their ages, but we know that it must be at least ten years. Kira has looked up to Lorenzo since he helped her out at a do when she was around 10 and in her teens had a crush.
Now, the woman she has become has a thing for him, while he after his experiences just has preconceived ideas about her that turn out to be completely wrong.
Both have fears to get over, but it is not long before Kira warms up Lorenzo's heart towards her without him having realised how much.
Both can relate to each other and find strength and understanding where others have not given it where it was needed before.
Another great book in the series and i cannot wait for the next book.
This is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand alone book as the brothers do not really communicate or cross wires.
Lorenzo is older than Kira, but we never really can a drop on their ages, but we know that it must be at least ten years. Kira has looked up to Lorenzo since he helped her out at a do when she was around 10 and in her teens had a crush.
Now, the woman she has become has a thing for him, while he after his experiences just has preconceived ideas about her that turn out to be completely wrong.
Both have fears to get over, but it is not long before Kira warms up Lorenzo's heart towards her without him having realised how much.
Both can relate to each other and find strength and understanding where others have not given it where it was needed before.
Another great book in the series and i cannot wait for the next book.
August 20, 2017
The Billionaire's Intern' by Jackie Ashenden is book Three in the "Billionaire Fairy Tales".
This is the story of Kira and Lorenzo-- Kira has ADHD , something her parents never got addressed when she was younger. There are some other things also going on in Kira’s life which she is trying to handle on her own. Her father ends up helping get her a job with Lorenzo De Santis, the half brother of Nero as an intern. Her father sent her to spy on Lorenzo who is the son of an old friend, who made Kira feel special and like she was worth something, Kira didn’t know what to do but knew she really had no choice.
Lorenzo is out for revenge against his father. The last thing he wants is an intern, and he definitely doesn’t want Kira as his intern when he thinks back to her as a young girl and how she acted. Considering she has a reputation for being irresponsible as she grew up so he doesn’t want her involved as he is trying to go for revenge on his father. But then he thinks he can use her in this revenge plot as a spy….but what he doesn’t realize is she is being sent to spy on him. What do you get when you put Kira and Lorenzo together? Sizzling Heat and Intense Chemistry. Loved the ending of this story.
The plot was good and the main characters had good chemistry. My only concern is how they portrayed ADHD children/adults. I don’t see this being a bad thing. I have a son who has ADHD and it can be controlled with medication and therapy if it is super bad. Otherwise when you have it as a child, you can grow out of the worst of it or learn good coping techniques. That I think hindered the plot in some ways.
My Rating: 4.0 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
This is the story of Kira and Lorenzo-- Kira has ADHD , something her parents never got addressed when she was younger. There are some other things also going on in Kira’s life which she is trying to handle on her own. Her father ends up helping get her a job with Lorenzo De Santis, the half brother of Nero as an intern. Her father sent her to spy on Lorenzo who is the son of an old friend, who made Kira feel special and like she was worth something, Kira didn’t know what to do but knew she really had no choice.
Lorenzo is out for revenge against his father. The last thing he wants is an intern, and he definitely doesn’t want Kira as his intern when he thinks back to her as a young girl and how she acted. Considering she has a reputation for being irresponsible as she grew up so he doesn’t want her involved as he is trying to go for revenge on his father. But then he thinks he can use her in this revenge plot as a spy….but what he doesn’t realize is she is being sent to spy on him. What do you get when you put Kira and Lorenzo together? Sizzling Heat and Intense Chemistry. Loved the ending of this story.
The plot was good and the main characters had good chemistry. My only concern is how they portrayed ADHD children/adults. I don’t see this being a bad thing. I have a son who has ADHD and it can be controlled with medication and therapy if it is super bad. Otherwise when you have it as a child, you can grow out of the worst of it or learn good coping techniques. That I think hindered the plot in some ways.
My Rating: 4.0 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
July 2, 2017
The Billionaire's Intern is a naughty good read. I loved that it was a bit forbidden and a bit taboo but mostly I loved this take on the fairytale Sleeping Beauty. If you like your fairytales dirty then I recommend you pick this book up.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley in exchange for a honest review
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley in exchange for a honest review
August 6, 2017
This is the second book I've read by Jackie Ashenden and it did go better for me than The Dangerous Billionaire. You felt a 'but' in there, didn't you. Yeah ... there is one ... but I'll get to that later.
Contrary to what others are saying about this book ... I really liked the main characters. Lorenzo was probably in my top ten favorite male leads for this year. I thought that he was obnoxiously cocky and rude but for some reason, that does it for me. I think that I like male characters like that because there's usually another, sweeter, side to them and it's even more sweet when they are rude as all get out and you are able to see the contrast. As a character, I really liked Kira as well. I thought that she was a very strong chick that was dealt a bad hand in life and she's getting over it. (More on THAT later). And what do you get when you put Kira and Lorenzo together? A blazing inferno. The chemistry that was created between these two was hot and exciting. Absolutely perfect for a romance novel.
The story had a great pace, an awesome plot and everything played out in an exciting way. I actually really enjoyed my reading experience with this one. Nothing was super deep but it was enough to make the story feel full and complete.
BUT. Here it is. This isn't a secret ... it's in multiple reviews on every site ... (I checked) ... Kira has ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. A fairly common diagnosis these days. Both of my kiddos have ADHD and unlike how it is stated in the book ... this is not a death sentence. From here on out, everything I write is purely my opinion and I'm going to hop on my soapbox because this is something that our family deals with on a daily basis, so I'm pretty well acquainted with it. ADHD is not a "condition" it is just part of who that person is. Like I said, our boys have ADHD ... they are hyper, they have problems focusing, they talk constantly and they have massive impulse control issues. ADHD was referred to as a condition within the pages of this book MANY times and each time, I wanted to set my Kindle on fire. It made ADHD sound like it was similar to cancer. That just isn't how our family sees it. One of our kiddo's ADHD is severe and the other's is not. I've seen both sides of this diagnosis and in no way is it as dramatic as it is presented in the book. Yes, kids who have it are at a disadvantage - some more than others. Some parents couldn't care less about whether their child has a diagnosis or not, they expect a perfectly robotic child and some parents baby their child because of it. In my mind ... it just felt like a mountain was made out of a mole hill on this whole ADHD issue. It just rubbed me the wrong way and since it played a major part in the book, it did bring my rating down one star. I'll jump off that soapbox now. You've suffered enough.
Now there are people out there who couldn't care less how ADHD is portrayed and honestly, that's great. That means you won't be as judgy as me and then you'll probably rate this book a little higher than I did.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
August 5, 2017
I really enjoyed the second book in this series, The Billionaire Beast, so was excited to read this next in series. I should say, you really don't need to have read any of the earlier books to read this one- it is written as a standalone novel. Unfortunately, whilst I did enjoy many aspects of the story, I didn’t enjoy this one as much, mainly because of the hero and some of his attitudes which I really didn’t like!
Kira Constantin has ADHD which her parents have never understood or helped her with. As a result she’s used to their negative attitudes to her, her behaviour and failing to meet their expectations. What is worse is her rebelling against them had tragic results which she is struggling to come to terms with. When her father asks her to take a job as an intern working for Lorenzo De Santis so she can spy on him, she reluctantly agrees. She actually remembers Lorenzo from her teen years when he helped her control herself by talking to her and teaching her to make paper cranes. When she was fourteen she had a crush on him. He’s no longer that caring man she secretly adored but is now ruthless, determined, hard and wary. However, the attraction between the two is strong but he’s forever thinking of his dead girlfriend, Katie, and his own needs.
If you like a bossy boss demanding sexual interactions from someone who is working for him, you may well enjoy this story. Sorry, it just seemed so wrong so much of the time. It does get better as the relationship develops but how he treats Kira often feels totally inappropriate IMHO. Kira has had enough inconsiderate treatment from her parents without her new boss continuing like that!
As I said initially, I have read other books by this author and thoroughly enjoyed them. This one, however, I really didn’t - though I did read it to the end, so it wasn't abysmall. Don’t let that put you off, your opinion may well differ from mine (we are, after all, all entitled to our own opinion) and I hope you enjoy the story if you read it.
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
Kira Constantin has ADHD which her parents have never understood or helped her with. As a result she’s used to their negative attitudes to her, her behaviour and failing to meet their expectations. What is worse is her rebelling against them had tragic results which she is struggling to come to terms with. When her father asks her to take a job as an intern working for Lorenzo De Santis so she can spy on him, she reluctantly agrees. She actually remembers Lorenzo from her teen years when he helped her control herself by talking to her and teaching her to make paper cranes. When she was fourteen she had a crush on him. He’s no longer that caring man she secretly adored but is now ruthless, determined, hard and wary. However, the attraction between the two is strong but he’s forever thinking of his dead girlfriend, Katie, and his own needs.
If you like a bossy boss demanding sexual interactions from someone who is working for him, you may well enjoy this story. Sorry, it just seemed so wrong so much of the time. It does get better as the relationship develops but how he treats Kira often feels totally inappropriate IMHO. Kira has had enough inconsiderate treatment from her parents without her new boss continuing like that!
As I said initially, I have read other books by this author and thoroughly enjoyed them. This one, however, I really didn’t - though I did read it to the end, so it wasn't abysmall. Don’t let that put you off, your opinion may well differ from mine (we are, after all, all entitled to our own opinion) and I hope you enjoy the story if you read it.
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
August 2, 2017
Lorenzo de Santis is a man ruled by revenge. Holding his father at fault for his mothers suicide. He's also dealing with his own guilt and loss of the only other person he loved. Kira Constantin the daughter of his fathers longtime friend Ivan Constantin head of the families DS Corp.’s accounts department and life long bad girl. As a child Lorenzo always thought of her as in constant movement and much like his younger brother. Her parents never paid much attention to her and they were always outwardly disappointed in her. Since the accident that was her fault and killed two of her friends, Kira vows to change and become a calm and in control person.
Lorenzo is on the verge of pinning embezzling on his father he knows he's the one taking millions from the company he just needs to find the proof. Kira's father insists the Lorenzo takes her on as an intern. It's the last thing Lorenzo wants is a intern, but he's suspicious of why Ivan wants it so badly. Lorenzo decides to use her for information but little does he know that Ivan I blackmailing Kira to do the same thing. The minute he sees Kira he knows he's in trouble. She's not at all what he'd thought and he's not the same handsome man that Kira remembers and had a crush on and showed her kindness. Kira makes him feel again and he wants nothing to do with it and Lorenzo makes Kira want to loose her hard earned control.
Most of this book I had a hard time reading. It may of just been her writing style and my dyslexic mind, but I loved the end of this book.
Lorenzo is on the verge of pinning embezzling on his father he knows he's the one taking millions from the company he just needs to find the proof. Kira's father insists the Lorenzo takes her on as an intern. It's the last thing Lorenzo wants is a intern, but he's suspicious of why Ivan wants it so badly. Lorenzo decides to use her for information but little does he know that Ivan I blackmailing Kira to do the same thing. The minute he sees Kira he knows he's in trouble. She's not at all what he'd thought and he's not the same handsome man that Kira remembers and had a crush on and showed her kindness. Kira makes him feel again and he wants nothing to do with it and Lorenzo makes Kira want to loose her hard earned control.
Most of this book I had a hard time reading. It may of just been her writing style and my dyslexic mind, but I loved the end of this book.
July 14, 2020
Had to get this book out of my system. It ate me up and I’ve been neglectful of real life around me since I started it. Such a consuming book but also based on 2 very fickle people, not deserving of my time and energy, but the darned book just won’t end.
Basically a spoiled rich girl, blonde and all with fancy first world problems like ADHD. An emotional survivor of an accident she caused (driving recklessly on purpose) which caused a few human beings to die. Yet, the writer forces you to empathize with her.
Alpha cruel Lorenzo. The first half of the book, you could barely breathe. The live wires open between the MC’s could zap my screen and I slept just enough hours to grab the book back again.
Lorenzo is forced to accept Kira as his intern. Kira has had the hots for Lorenzo since she was a teen. Lorenzo had been played a few times in life already to give Kira the time of day. He orders Kira around and Kira has a problem with that. Basically she’s your basic slut, spoilt rotten and coming back up for another chance at life now that she has some blood on her hands.
The sex stuff was out of the roof. That scene with the boardroom meeting... uhhh. JA can write some of the hottest sex scenes I’ve ever read.
My overall problem with the book: it lacked a plot. Kira was shallow and I could not like her at all. Lorenzo was a dominant lover who wore the pants but their relationship didn’t really evolve in any way. All they did was get off together repeatedly until they claimed that they’d fallen in love. I guess getting off equals love for some.
Taking a break from JA for sometime. I need a breather.
Basically a spoiled rich girl, blonde and all with fancy first world problems like ADHD. An emotional survivor of an accident she caused (driving recklessly on purpose) which caused a few human beings to die. Yet, the writer forces you to empathize with her.
Alpha cruel Lorenzo. The first half of the book, you could barely breathe. The live wires open between the MC’s could zap my screen and I slept just enough hours to grab the book back again.
Lorenzo is forced to accept Kira as his intern. Kira has had the hots for Lorenzo since she was a teen. Lorenzo had been played a few times in life already to give Kira the time of day. He orders Kira around and Kira has a problem with that. Basically she’s your basic slut, spoilt rotten and coming back up for another chance at life now that she has some blood on her hands.
The sex stuff was out of the roof. That scene with the boardroom meeting... uhhh. JA can write some of the hottest sex scenes I’ve ever read.
My overall problem with the book: it lacked a plot. Kira was shallow and I could not like her at all. Lorenzo was a dominant lover who wore the pants but their relationship didn’t really evolve in any way. All they did was get off together repeatedly until they claimed that they’d fallen in love. I guess getting off equals love for some.
Taking a break from JA for sometime. I need a breather.
August 2, 2017
The Billionaire's Intern
Billionaire Fairy Tales # 3
Jackie Ashenden
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Awesome Read!! It's called a novella but it's a normal length story. This was Lorenzo and Kira's story.
This is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. I really like this authors writing style. She really gets you totally involved in the story. Can't wait to read her next one.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Billionaire Fairy Tales # 3
Jackie Ashenden
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Awesome Read!! It's called a novella but it's a normal length story. This was Lorenzo and Kira's story.
This is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. I really like this authors writing style. She really gets you totally involved in the story. Can't wait to read her next one.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
July 28, 2017
Having absolutely loved the previous title in this series, The Billionaire Beast, I couldn't wait to read the next novel in Jackie Ashenden's Billionaire Fairy Tales series, but, while it had some of the features I loved in the previous novel and in Ms. Ashenden's other novels, it fell a bit short of the mark in The Billionaire's Intern, and I can only give it a 3-star rating.
First, as part of the Billionaire Fairy Tales series, had I not read the blurb, I would have been unable to tell you on which fairy tale this novel was based, as I saw no connection to any fairy tale I've ever read, while in her previous novel, the fairy tale was easily identifiable in the title. Granted, it's a small point, but had it not been mentioned in the blurb, I'd have never guessed this novel had anything to do with Sleeping Beauty.
Lorenzo de Santis is CFO of this father's DS Corporation, America's biggest defense and protection company. He's described as driven, cold, ruthless and determined, and he's all of that. He believes that his father has been skimming off the company's profits and is determined to bring his father down and step into his father's position as CEO. As the novel opens, he's meeting, albeit unwillingly, with an old family friend who is also head of the company's accounts department, Ivan Constatin, who actually begs him to take on Ivan's daughter, Kira, as an intern. Lorenzo has known Kira since she was a child, a wild, overactive, temperamental, uncontrollable, child, yet he always had a soft spot for her, and eventually he agrees to take her on, planning to pawn her off on his secretary.
Kira Constantin, reminded me very much of Paris Hilton. the rich, underachieving wild child grew into a fast-living, no boundaries, no limits, uncontrollable adult. Her parents never did anything to rein her in as a child, or sought to understand her behavior, instead making her feel like a total failure. Her wild ways came to an end six months before the novel opens, when Kira was so eager to tell her father that she'd dropped out of college, that she was texting while driving around with some friends. That mistake caused the deaths of two of her friends, leaving a third friend in a coma she's been in since the accident occurred.
Blaming herself for the accident, Kira finally got some help and finally her lifelong problem with ADHD was identified. One of the things I love about Jackie Ashenden's novels is that she manages to shine a light on issues and problems that I've never seen another author even tackle, and in this novel that condition is ADHD. Kira has spent the past 6 months learning to focus on something small in order to tame her runaway thoughts and attain a level of stillness, but it's a constant struggle. Her father's reason for wanting her be Lorenzo's intern is so that she can spy on him. Ivan, ever loyal to Lorenzo's father, Cesare de Santis, suspects that Lorenzo is working against his own father, and wants Kira to spy on him and catch him in the act.
What Kira's father doesn't know is that she's harbored a secret crush on Lorenzo since she was a teenager, although the kind Lorenzo who had time to show young Kira kindness when she was just a child is nowhere to be found in Lorenzo the adult. He's become cold, angry, distant, dismissive, rude and demanding, and why Kira found him at all attractive was a mystery to this reader. But the meek, self-contained, adult Kira, grew into a beautiful woman, and the mystery of what happened to the vibrant little girl he once new becomes a puzzle that Lorenzo wants to solve. He also suspects her father's intentions on wanting her to be his intern are far from pure.
Another issue I had was the repetitive nature of Lorenzo and Kira's past history. Rather than informing us and adding depth to the main characters in the novel, it began to feel a lot like filler, mentioned again and again with no new insights offered.
In true Jackie Ashenden fashion, the emotions and sex in this novel are bare bones raw and hot, although in some instances I found that my dislike of the hero's personality colored my feelings enough that I didn't find their sexual relationship particularly appealing, but I was nevertheless drawn into the emotional aspects of this story--that of two broken and dysfunctional individuals burdened by guilt who form a bond to help heal one another.
Finally, yes, there is an HEA ending, but the entire motivation and the suspense behind this story was Lorenzo's attempt to take down his embezzling father, and Kira's father's attempts to take down Lorenzo, and all of that angst, anger and suspicion just went away. Yes, there was a short explanation of why it was dropped, but it left this reader feeling that this story, while well-told, was left unfinished and unsatisfying, and that's something I've never encountered in one of Ms. Ashenden's other novels, and I hope it's an anomaly.
I read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel and received no compensation for doing so. The opinions expressed are my own.
First, as part of the Billionaire Fairy Tales series, had I not read the blurb, I would have been unable to tell you on which fairy tale this novel was based, as I saw no connection to any fairy tale I've ever read, while in her previous novel, the fairy tale was easily identifiable in the title. Granted, it's a small point, but had it not been mentioned in the blurb, I'd have never guessed this novel had anything to do with Sleeping Beauty.
Lorenzo de Santis is CFO of this father's DS Corporation, America's biggest defense and protection company. He's described as driven, cold, ruthless and determined, and he's all of that. He believes that his father has been skimming off the company's profits and is determined to bring his father down and step into his father's position as CEO. As the novel opens, he's meeting, albeit unwillingly, with an old family friend who is also head of the company's accounts department, Ivan Constatin, who actually begs him to take on Ivan's daughter, Kira, as an intern. Lorenzo has known Kira since she was a child, a wild, overactive, temperamental, uncontrollable, child, yet he always had a soft spot for her, and eventually he agrees to take her on, planning to pawn her off on his secretary.
Kira Constantin, reminded me very much of Paris Hilton. the rich, underachieving wild child grew into a fast-living, no boundaries, no limits, uncontrollable adult. Her parents never did anything to rein her in as a child, or sought to understand her behavior, instead making her feel like a total failure. Her wild ways came to an end six months before the novel opens, when Kira was so eager to tell her father that she'd dropped out of college, that she was texting while driving around with some friends. That mistake caused the deaths of two of her friends, leaving a third friend in a coma she's been in since the accident occurred.
Blaming herself for the accident, Kira finally got some help and finally her lifelong problem with ADHD was identified. One of the things I love about Jackie Ashenden's novels is that she manages to shine a light on issues and problems that I've never seen another author even tackle, and in this novel that condition is ADHD. Kira has spent the past 6 months learning to focus on something small in order to tame her runaway thoughts and attain a level of stillness, but it's a constant struggle. Her father's reason for wanting her be Lorenzo's intern is so that she can spy on him. Ivan, ever loyal to Lorenzo's father, Cesare de Santis, suspects that Lorenzo is working against his own father, and wants Kira to spy on him and catch him in the act.
What Kira's father doesn't know is that she's harbored a secret crush on Lorenzo since she was a teenager, although the kind Lorenzo who had time to show young Kira kindness when she was just a child is nowhere to be found in Lorenzo the adult. He's become cold, angry, distant, dismissive, rude and demanding, and why Kira found him at all attractive was a mystery to this reader. But the meek, self-contained, adult Kira, grew into a beautiful woman, and the mystery of what happened to the vibrant little girl he once new becomes a puzzle that Lorenzo wants to solve. He also suspects her father's intentions on wanting her to be his intern are far from pure.
Another issue I had was the repetitive nature of Lorenzo and Kira's past history. Rather than informing us and adding depth to the main characters in the novel, it began to feel a lot like filler, mentioned again and again with no new insights offered.
In true Jackie Ashenden fashion, the emotions and sex in this novel are bare bones raw and hot, although in some instances I found that my dislike of the hero's personality colored my feelings enough that I didn't find their sexual relationship particularly appealing, but I was nevertheless drawn into the emotional aspects of this story--that of two broken and dysfunctional individuals burdened by guilt who form a bond to help heal one another.
Finally, yes, there is an HEA ending, but the entire motivation and the suspense behind this story was Lorenzo's attempt to take down his embezzling father, and Kira's father's attempts to take down Lorenzo, and all of that angst, anger and suspicion just went away. Yes, there was a short explanation of why it was dropped, but it left this reader feeling that this story, while well-told, was left unfinished and unsatisfying, and that's something I've never encountered in one of Ms. Ashenden's other novels, and I hope it's an anomaly.
I read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel and received no compensation for doing so. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 29, 2017
I enjoyed Jackie Ashenden's In Bed With the Billionaire and had reviewed it.
But what did I get from this one?
Well, this was a quick read - on my reading device it was 168 pages which was easily devoured in a day.
What's the breakdown though?
Lorenzo is a billionaire who works at the family company - DS Corps. where he is trying to bring his father down because allegedly he is stealing from the company - in comes a corporate spy who happens to be the daughter of one of the men who works in the company and is linked to Lorenzo's past. Kira is to be his intern - which is curious because he doesn't take them on.
Cue drama llama.
Right off the bat there seems to be some heat accumulating which seemed a little over the top for me, chemistry is one thing but it just seemed to be a little too much too soon. Kira has ADHD - which is mentioned quite frequently and it served as an annoying element which I'll get to later on.
As far as characters go I felt like Lorenzo had some potential for depth but it was skimmed over so he could take on the alpha male role. Kira was absent minded, fidgety [because of the ADHD...,] and I didn't take to her character so much, she didn't leap out or grab my attention in any fashion. Neither one of them experiences much character growth which was a little upsetting for me - because while I enjoy romance/smut I also enjoy good character development or if nothing else a good plot/story.
The ending seemed abrupt and rushed. As I said before I really did enjoy the other Ashenden book I read, but this one just felt rushed, not as tidy. Characters [for me,] weren't as likable.
For example, Lorenzo says to Kira not too far into the book, as he is forcing her to couple with him,
"Prove yourself and then I'll decide if I want you."
In regard to her internship at the company. He belittles her, controls her, strips rights away - dominating her without the perks of a submissive - safety, assurance, etc.
Along side that, the ADHD portion bugged me. It came across as Kira's ADHD could be cured by a dominant's willpower - which structure certainly does help, but saying "Still" is much like telling an Epileptic to stop seizing.
Overall, this was an "OK" read for me. It was quick, but those few issues are what made it just an okay read.
- Website - Facebook - Instagram -BookTube -
But what did I get from this one?
Well, this was a quick read - on my reading device it was 168 pages which was easily devoured in a day.
What's the breakdown though?
Lorenzo is a billionaire who works at the family company - DS Corps. where he is trying to bring his father down because allegedly he is stealing from the company - in comes a corporate spy who happens to be the daughter of one of the men who works in the company and is linked to Lorenzo's past. Kira is to be his intern - which is curious because he doesn't take them on.
Cue drama llama.
Right off the bat there seems to be some heat accumulating which seemed a little over the top for me, chemistry is one thing but it just seemed to be a little too much too soon. Kira has ADHD - which is mentioned quite frequently and it served as an annoying element which I'll get to later on.
As far as characters go I felt like Lorenzo had some potential for depth but it was skimmed over so he could take on the alpha male role. Kira was absent minded, fidgety [because of the ADHD...,] and I didn't take to her character so much, she didn't leap out or grab my attention in any fashion. Neither one of them experiences much character growth which was a little upsetting for me - because while I enjoy romance/smut I also enjoy good character development or if nothing else a good plot/story.
The ending seemed abrupt and rushed. As I said before I really did enjoy the other Ashenden book I read, but this one just felt rushed, not as tidy. Characters [for me,] weren't as likable.
For example, Lorenzo says to Kira not too far into the book, as he is forcing her to couple with him,
"Prove yourself and then I'll decide if I want you."
In regard to her internship at the company. He belittles her, controls her, strips rights away - dominating her without the perks of a submissive - safety, assurance, etc.
Along side that, the ADHD portion bugged me. It came across as Kira's ADHD could be cured by a dominant's willpower - which structure certainly does help, but saying "Still" is much like telling an Epileptic to stop seizing.
Overall, this was an "OK" read for me. It was quick, but those few issues are what made it just an okay read.
- Website - Facebook - Instagram -BookTube -
August 8, 2017
MS Ashenden knows how to write an Alpha-Hole hero so well and then she finds the best heroine to bring him down and lights that spark up between them so as the pages start to scorch and this is just such a book steamy and emotional a story that will have the reader engaged and turning those pages.
Lorenzo de Santis is tough and ambitious he works in the family security business and there is no love lost between his father and him and he is after his father in a big way, so when he is pushed to take on an intern and it happens to be the daughter of a close family friend someone that he has known since she was very young he is dubious to say the least but gives in and then finds out that it will suit him after all. But he does not expect to feel the way he does about Kira the emotions and reactions he has to her will light the city in a very erotic way.
Kira Constantin has been to hell and is not quite back yet she is an only child and has done her very best to please her parents and everyone in her lifetime but has always had problems concentrating and learning, but there was one person when she was young who helped her he taught her to keep her hands busy making paper cranes and now that man is back in her life as her boss but there is conflict when she is asked to spy for her father when she starts her internship. But it is hard to go against the feelings she has for Lorenzo they started a long time ago and boy he is hard to ignore when he sets her body on fire.
This is a story where two people have a lot to overcome to find that love that send them to heaven and back their journey helps them both get over feelings of not being good enough and opens up a whole new world of steamy sex and yes even talking to each other opening up just being together holding hands. This is another fabulous story in this series and I do look forward to the next one woohoo MS Ashenden another one for the keeper shelf.
Lorenzo de Santis is tough and ambitious he works in the family security business and there is no love lost between his father and him and he is after his father in a big way, so when he is pushed to take on an intern and it happens to be the daughter of a close family friend someone that he has known since she was very young he is dubious to say the least but gives in and then finds out that it will suit him after all. But he does not expect to feel the way he does about Kira the emotions and reactions he has to her will light the city in a very erotic way.
Kira Constantin has been to hell and is not quite back yet she is an only child and has done her very best to please her parents and everyone in her lifetime but has always had problems concentrating and learning, but there was one person when she was young who helped her he taught her to keep her hands busy making paper cranes and now that man is back in her life as her boss but there is conflict when she is asked to spy for her father when she starts her internship. But it is hard to go against the feelings she has for Lorenzo they started a long time ago and boy he is hard to ignore when he sets her body on fire.
This is a story where two people have a lot to overcome to find that love that send them to heaven and back their journey helps them both get over feelings of not being good enough and opens up a whole new world of steamy sex and yes even talking to each other opening up just being together holding hands. This is another fabulous story in this series and I do look forward to the next one woohoo MS Ashenden another one for the keeper shelf.
July 11, 2017
I think this is the first book I have ever read that featured a heroine with ADHD and have it completely define the character's personality. All of her life, Kira has felt like a failure simply because she could not sit still and focus on anything. As a result, she decided to simply give up trying to succeed until she ended up causing a fatal car accident. Now Kira is determined to make something of her life even if no one around notices. In order to get the money she needs for her project, Kira is forced by her father to spy on billionaire Lorenzo DeSantis as his intern. But then her childhood crush, Lorenzo, is planning on using her in the same fashion.
This was a fun contemporary romance featuring two damaged souls finding one another. Plenty of steamy scenes but some readers may take offense to Lorenzo's initial behavior. No fear, Kira doesn't let him totally away with it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
This was a fun contemporary romance featuring two damaged souls finding one another. Plenty of steamy scenes but some readers may take offense to Lorenzo's initial behavior. No fear, Kira doesn't let him totally away with it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
July 22, 2017
In the eyes of her father she was a disappointment. Never good enough to wear the family name. When in reality, she was a sensitive soul looking for someone who would love her despite her flaws. Will she sale her soul to the devil or find salvation in his arms? Misunderstood, misjudged and heartbreaking seem to be a running theme with the main characters. She"s broken, he's cold but behind the subterfuge are two lost ships searching for a lighthouse to guide them home. The Billionaire's Intern is a tragic story of treachery, love and absolution. Ms. Ashenden proves that despite the ugliness of life, miracles can happen if we believe.
July 22, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. We have Kira, who suffers from ADHD, and it shows, and all her life she has been made to feel like a failure. Due to a bad decision with horrific results, she is forced to spy for her father on billionaire Lorenzo DeSantis who she unfortunately had a crush on growing up, and now is supposed to work for as his intern. Hate to say, but he was a jerk, jerk, jerk, but he was also damaged, and what she doesn't know is that he planned on using her in the same way. I will give it to her, she fought back, and in the end, he got better.
August 16, 2018
Review originally posted on Ctrl, Alt, Books!
This is the second book I have read by Jackie Ashenden and I liked this one! Although I didn't get the whole "sleeping beauty" thing but it was entertaining nonetheless. Lorenzo seems to be a not so liked character and I suppose I can see why. He comes across as rude, dominating and a bit of an a-hole. But if you like guys like that then I'm sure you'll like him. I mean, I did, but I like characters like him. I've always liked the name Kira (thank you Death Note). Something I really enjoyed about her character is that she suffered from ADHD. It is more common in boys but it was a nice change of pace to see a girl struggling to deal with it. I know several people with ADHD and I feel Ashenden did a nice job addressing the real life struggles of children who have parents that don't understand or don't believe their children have it.
The romance was one sided for many years on Kira's end. There is a huge age gap of 13 years which isn't something I personally liked but it also didn't negatively effect the story. It sort of added to the background of these two characters. It took many years for Lorenzo to move on from is past and see that it is okay to love and that everyone deserves a second chance, Kira included. All in all, it was a pretty good read!
4/5
~Layna
This is the second book I have read by Jackie Ashenden and I liked this one! Although I didn't get the whole "sleeping beauty" thing but it was entertaining nonetheless. Lorenzo seems to be a not so liked character and I suppose I can see why. He comes across as rude, dominating and a bit of an a-hole. But if you like guys like that then I'm sure you'll like him. I mean, I did, but I like characters like him. I've always liked the name Kira (thank you Death Note). Something I really enjoyed about her character is that she suffered from ADHD. It is more common in boys but it was a nice change of pace to see a girl struggling to deal with it. I know several people with ADHD and I feel Ashenden did a nice job addressing the real life struggles of children who have parents that don't understand or don't believe their children have it.
The romance was one sided for many years on Kira's end. There is a huge age gap of 13 years which isn't something I personally liked but it also didn't negatively effect the story. It sort of added to the background of these two characters. It took many years for Lorenzo to move on from is past and see that it is okay to love and that everyone deserves a second chance, Kira included. All in all, it was a pretty good read!
4/5
~Layna
January 22, 2021
I think this has been my favorite of the series so far....Sleeping Beauty has awakened ;)
*I actually read this in 2019 but for whatever reason I never finished my review so here goes.....
Lorenzo & Kira's story was my favorite of the series and I can say that now that I finished the last book. I enjoy Kira immensely, she knew she had her faults and she was trying to make up for them but when her father asked her to go undercover at De Santis Corporation as a spy she knew that she had to do it to gain his favor again. I hated that she felt that way because she was a kind person and never wanted to do any harm to anyone, she also suffered from ADHD which her parent ignored and didn't get her treatment for as a child.
Whereas Lorenzo was a bit of a hard ass, since he came off bullheaded all the time he really needed Kira to soften his hard sides. Lorenzo believes his father killed his mother so he is determined to figure out what his father is doing with the company when there is a discrepancy with the accounting books. Caesar de Santis is not the tuck your kids into bed and read them a bedtime story type of father so there is a lot of hurt and anger when it comes to Lorenzo's past.
This is the third book in the Billionaire Fairy Tales Series which follows the four de Santis brothers, each of the books can be read as a standalone. Start from the beginning or jump in now it doesn't matter because each story focuses on one brother and it doesn't end on a cliffhanger.
If you enjoy Fairy Tale Retelling's, Age Gap Romances, or Steamy Contemporary Romances then this is a book for you.
Happy Reading!!!
*I actually read this in 2019 but for whatever reason I never finished my review so here goes.....
Lorenzo & Kira's story was my favorite of the series and I can say that now that I finished the last book. I enjoy Kira immensely, she knew she had her faults and she was trying to make up for them but when her father asked her to go undercover at De Santis Corporation as a spy she knew that she had to do it to gain his favor again. I hated that she felt that way because she was a kind person and never wanted to do any harm to anyone, she also suffered from ADHD which her parent ignored and didn't get her treatment for as a child.
Whereas Lorenzo was a bit of a hard ass, since he came off bullheaded all the time he really needed Kira to soften his hard sides. Lorenzo believes his father killed his mother so he is determined to figure out what his father is doing with the company when there is a discrepancy with the accounting books. Caesar de Santis is not the tuck your kids into bed and read them a bedtime story type of father so there is a lot of hurt and anger when it comes to Lorenzo's past.
This is the third book in the Billionaire Fairy Tales Series which follows the four de Santis brothers, each of the books can be read as a standalone. Start from the beginning or jump in now it doesn't matter because each story focuses on one brother and it doesn't end on a cliffhanger.
If you enjoy Fairy Tale Retelling's, Age Gap Romances, or Steamy Contemporary Romances then this is a book for you.
Happy Reading!!!
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