I said I could do casual… and swore I’d never fall in love.
I lied.
I know all about her type. Dirt poor. Check. Gold digger. Check. Check.
Marcella’s hot as hell and just as intriguing. I live in a swanky Vegas penthouse on top of my equally posh boutique casino. She’s lived in a dilapidated seventies trailer far too long to have patience for billionaire playboys like me that can just snap their fingers and have women fall at their feet, begging to be dominated. She stands for everything I despise. Which is why my obsession with her makes zero sense.
She’s innocence incarnate… I’m the guy who steals it. I can have anything I want, whenever I want it.
And I want her.
Except there’s intelligence and kindness lingering underneath her Goodwill clad outer shell. There’s a mystery there that I yearn to explore. So when I offer to help Marcella and her gamble-a-holic brother rise from the ashes of their meager existence, she grasps the brass ring with both hands. Surprising me. And no one ever surprises me. It doesn’t take her long to realize I’m only doing it so I can control her. I want to possess every part of her. Is it my fault that this glittery town consumes a person’s soul right along with their cash?
Marcella Castillo needs to be taught a lesson. She thinks she’s not the kind of girl I can buy and sell. She’s wrong. But somewhere along the line, the boundaries blur. In my heart, I feel a newfound tenderness and vulnerability that I’ve never known. This woman pulls at my heart strings until my solid walls come tumbling down and I let her in. And I’m happy.
The happiest I’ve ever been since my dad took himself six feet under leaving me with four younger brothers to raise.
Until a vicious sociopath and a haunting secret from Marcella’s past threatens to destroy every single thing I’ve just sold my soul to possess.
After 26 years in Corporate leadership at a Fortune 500, I discovered people within the organization lacked integrity. I’d always known deep in my soul that I was trying to fit a square peg in to a round hole since I’m the typical creative type. I miss my staff but I don’t miss the corporate world. It’s been said that the Universe will let you know if something isn’t right for you. The first time, it will hit you with a pebble. Then a brick. Then a boulder. Let’s just say that I got flattened. When my fifteen pound toy dog, Nigel, was threatened, I knew it was time to say goodbye. It’s true. Here’s what I found within the first thirty days of being free. Writing stories from my heart that readers love means more to me than working myself in to an early grave for people who only care about their bottom line. My heart has never been more full and my soul has never been more satisfied. I’ve never worked so hard in my life but it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s worth it. All of it. Because it’s about the joy that’s found within the journey. The highs and the lows because I get to write stories for all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, enjoying and recommending the stories that I write. When you share my work with others, nothing is more rewarding. Your word of mouth is my very best friend … that, and your reviews. There is nothing more important to me than all of you. I love to hear from my readers and answer all communications personally. You can find me at:
This is definitely a modern Cinderella story with a whole lot of sexiness added!!!! This is my first read by this author and sure won't be my last. I really loved this story!
I loved both Nixon and Marcella a lot and hope to get glimpses of their future in the next couple of books in this series. If you love an OTT Alpha male, Nixon is IT for you! I adored him and loved his fierce love for Marcella. Marcella, I truly loved BUT there were a few times or rather incidents I really didn't like how she acted, very immature. Although the storyline and the writing, for me, were terrific, there were some "cheesy" and some "immature" parts that I thought brought it down in moments. and although very very few of those times, that was what hindered me from a 5 Star rating.
This was super sweet, super sexy, totally insta all the way done just right and a way OTT "fairytale" storyline but for me, it was just right!
I can't wait for the other brothers and their stories and I will be reading them for sure!
This was an alright read. The story follows the romance of Marcella Castillo and Nixon Caldwell. I thought the story was alright. It was boring at some parts, and cute in others. I thought Marcella was a great character. I liked the fact that she wanted to go to college to be an occupational therapist. I thought she was sweet and smart. She knows what she wants to do, but keeps helping her older brother out when it should be the other way around. Nixon was another character I liked. I thought he was charming yet stubborn. His younger brother, Lincoln was my favourite character. Lincoln has cerebral palsy, but does not give up on anything he does. I find him the most relatable character. I can’t wait to read his story. The romance was sweet. The ending was okay, I wish there was more of a reunion between Marcella and Nixon. I might continue the series. Overall, an okay read.
"Buyer Beware brings you two characters from very different walks of life. Poor Marcella is a bright woman with her whole life ahead of her but after losing her parents she is stuck with her gambling addict older brother. He takes whatever hard earned money she saves up and blows it leaving them barely surviving. Then comes Nixon. He's the oldest of 5 brothers and owns and runs the Armonico casino where Marcella's brother works. Nixon has closed his heart off to anyone after losing his mother at a young age then his father later on in life. His only goal is revenge and running his casino, until he spots Marcella. Their relationship is full of ups and downs, an emotional roller coaster at its best, hot steamy moments that make you want your very own Caldwell brother. Marcella and Nixon get the HEA they both deserve.
I was looking for fun and sexy with side of dominance, but what this book delivered was lots of darkness and drama with a side of annoying time/location jumps that I couldn't get over. I will say that there are some interesting moments and that Dante, the big bad in the background, adds enough intrigue to keep things moving forward. I was more interested in the things Nixon was doing against Dante and the interactions he had when dealing with him and his machinations than in any of the romantic elements. It's possible that most of my dislike comes from the way it's written, but there was just too much fighting against it. It contains pretty much every trope that I dislike, from super sexual virgin to too-proud-woman-turns-doormat, and the good never manages to outweigh the bad. I don't think I would have actually finished it if it weren't something I got thru GoodReads' First Reads.
Nixon Caldwell’s hot as hell and just as entitled. He lives in a swank Vegas penthouse on top of his equally posh boutique casino. I’ve lived in a dilapidated seventies trailer far too long to have patience for billionaire playboys that think they can have everything they want, whenever they want it. He stands for everything I’m against. Which is why my obsession with him makes zero sense. Nothing about him is attractive to me.
Nothing.
Except the kindness lurking underneath the Armani clad outer shell. There’s a mystery there that I yearn to explore. So when he offers to help me and my gamble-a-holic brother rise from the ashes of our meager existence, I grasp the brass ring with both hands. It doesn’t take long to realize he’s only doing it so he can control me. He wants to own me, just like every other rich bastard inside this glittery town that consumes a person’s soul right along with their cash.
Nixon Caldwell needs to be taught a lesson. I’m not the kind of girl he can buy and sell. But his newfound tenderness and vulnerability pull at my heart strings until my solid walls come tumbling down and I let him in. My Cinderella story unfolds right before my eyes. And I’m happy.
The happiest I’ve ever been since my parents died in a horrific car accident.
Until a vicious sociopath and a haunting secret from the past threaten to destroy every single thing I’ve just sold my soul to possess.
HOLY HELL! HAVE I BEEN LIVING UNDER A ROCK?! Buyer Beware was the first book that I've read by Colleen Charles, and after seeing the list of her books, I'm ready to kick myself for coming so stinking late to her fantastic party! I'll try to basically break it down before starting the serious fan girl gushing. Nixon Caldwell's extremely sexy, rich, and has some serious control issues. He owns The Armonico Casino, and living in darkness waiting to get revenge on the man that destroyed his father, so has no time for relationships. Marcella just tries to make it day to day, and with an older brother who has a gambling problem, she barely survives. And although she worked hard through High School to get a lot of scholarships, she still couldn't go off to college, so she has been going to a community college, which she had to drop out of a few months before getting a degree, because said brother can't seem to kick his bad habit. Nixon & Marcella come face to face with each other when she goes to give her brother what for, and since Nixon wants her, he makes an offer to her older brother to get her. When Marcella learns of basically being sold, will she forgive any of them? This was another description that was super hard, as there was so much going on. Marcella is a stubborn heroine, who is determined to take care of herself. However, sometimes that kinda blew up in her face, although I totally respected her. Nixon is yummy, but his control issues made me want to choke him out a time or two, but Marcella definitely put him through the paces. And the entertaining cast of characters definitely added more depth & humor to story, while the twists & turns around every corner had me dropping many f-bombs. Colleen Charles is such a talented author, that I'm putting her on my addiction list for the future after this first book that I've read. I CANNOT WAIT to read more by her, especially in this series, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
No me gustó para nada y tarde una eternidad en acabarlo (no. puedo. abandonar. un. libro. por más malo que me parezca 😪). . Esta todo mal, el libro quiere tratarse del lado criminal de las Vegas pero nunca se ve, al mafioso mayor no lo comprendí, a lo final ¿quedo en la nada? (el libro que sigue habla de otro hermano... de todas maneras, no voy a continuar la serie.) El personaje masculino (multimillo(?) es patético, una mezcla rara entre 'querer' hacerse el tipo rudo y un enamorado empedernido no, no y no. La protagonista es una chica pobre que perdió a sus padres y esta a cargo de su hermano mayor adicto al juego (otra cosa que quedo en la nada), no le va que la mantengan pero es muy impulsiva cosa que le súper resta. . El romance, where are you? No sentí la química en. ningún. momento. . Me salté párrafos lo admito, pero no creo haberme perdido nada bueno. . (Puedo que los hermanos del protagonista sean más interesantes pero acá me planto con esta serie. Sorry not sorry.) . Hasta la vista baby.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I've had this book on my TBR shelf for a while. Recently, I just seemed driven to finally crack open its pages. The story was okay. There were a few things that I questioned as plausible. I wanted more info with Dante's dealings with Marcella and others who were unfortunate enough to cross his path in any capacity. I expected more diabolical dealings and manipulations, I guess. I enjoyed every scene with Lincoln and was surprised (in a good way) to see a character with special needs. I'm hoping he gets his own story too. I enjoyed his innocence and I liked the passion Nixon had surrounding his youngest brother. I think the "showdown" was most disappointing to me because I had built up this expectation of a blowout and maybe a war between casino owners. This read wasn't bad, and I will try book 2. I think my mental approach to the book will be different. 2.5-3 stars
Buyer Beware (Caldwell Brothers Book 1) is the very first book I have red of Collen Charles. I wish I found her sooner! I was pulled in from the start and couldn't stop. I love that the book is Full of romance, twists and turns and suspense. My favorite part in the book was From the first time Nixon saw Marcella, he had to have her and just knew that she would be his one day. He just didn't know how it all would happen. It hits him when his brother Lincoln, who has cerebral palsy, needs a physical therapist. With Marcella's background in that area, he hires her to help his little brother. And that is how it begins I just finished book one and can't wait to Read the next in the series!
This was not for me. I am frustrated beyond reason with these two, but mainly Nixon. He is not the type of guy I’m into. I can see he means well, but his thought process where Marcella is concerned makes me want to facepalm repeatedly.
Also, some of the transitions were jarring and there were times were the character narrating had one thought, then did a complete 180 within the same page.
4 stars I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Buyer Beware aka Hard Gamble: The Caldwell Brothers Book 1: Nixon and Marcella by Colleen Charles and this review was given freely. Action packed and suspenseful, this steamy billionaire-virgin-mafia romance contains raw language, corruption, vivid descriptions and a sister trying to rescue her brother from the grips of a gambling addiction as well as a good introduction to the 5 Caldwell brothers. Billionaire Nixon Caldwell falls in love at first sight with struggling Occupational Therapy student Marcella but must save the one he loves from the Mafia lord Dante who is trying to control all of Las Vegas through branding, bribery and murder.
4 stars I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Tightwad: The Caldwell Brothers Book 2:Reagan and Taryn By Colleen Charles and this review was given freely. A college fantasy becomes an adult reality in this latest battle between the Caldwell brothers and gangster Dante Giovanetti when Dante tries to extort fees from Nixon Caldwell's tenant, Strict Necessaire's owner Taryn and a visiting socially awkward Reagan lawyer/closet comedian gets involved both emotionally and legally. Drama packed with lots of plotting and sabotage, this steamy novel contains the return of the other Caldwell brothers to Las Vegas and ends in a cliffhanger.
5 stars I purchased a copy of the steamy novel Kickback: The Caldwell Brothers Book 3:Ford and Haylee By Colleen Charles and this review was given freely. An ironic second chance at love story ending in a cliffhanger. Tech billionaire Ford returns to Las Vegas to help his brothers continue the fight against Dante but receives more than he anticipated when he finds out that Haylee, the girlfriend he left behind,has been struggling financially and hiding a daughter from him. The vivid descriptions and diverse and at times quirky characters make this story of a wealthy down to earth family with at times clueless alpha males an emotion packed and heartwarming romance.
Nixon is the oldest of 5 brothers, and as such he feels responsible for them all with both of his parents now gone. They lost their mom when their youngest brother Lincoln was born. Their Dad went down a dark path after losing his beloved wife, one which ended up costing him his life. Because of these things, Nixon has closed himself off to love and emotions. He doesn't want anything to do with either.
Marcella wanted nothing more than to get out of Las Vegas, to go to college and start a new life for herself. Then her parents were killed in a tragic accident. Now she feels that she must stay to take care of her brother Manny, even though she is younger. Manny is an alcoholic with a gambling problem, and now he has gone and gambled away the rent money again.
Nixon catches a glimpse of Marcella when she goes to his casino, the Armonico, to confront her brother about the money. He works as a dealer there. Intrigued, even though he doesn't want to be, he asks his right hand man, Troy, to find out everything he can about her. He is less than pleased with what he learns. Determined to help her out, he devises a plan to offer her a job that will give her more money, and keep her where he can see his fill of her without having to be near her, thus keeping himself protected from feeling anything for her.
Two decidedly different individuals from two very different walks of life that are drawn to each other, against their better judgement. Their relationship is a rollercoaster of emotions that will take you on a journey of ups and downs while they work out their issues to finally get the HEA they both deserve.
I would definitely recommend this book, and I cannot wait to read more of this series!
While this book was released as part of a boxed set that I did purchase, I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this story. This is my honest opinion.
Great start to another book series from this author. She has a way of getting you hooked with the carators and story.
Nixon owns The Armonico Casino. He took over its running after his fathers death. He also became the head of the family, he has 4 younger brothers.
Nixon has no time or place in his life for love. All he wants is to make casino owner Dante pay for his fathers death. Dante likes to own everyone and everything in Vegas and has no problem how he gets his way.
Marcalla lost both her parents in an accident. She had to drop out of collage 4 months before getting her Assoates Degree. Her brother Manny has a gambleing problem and steals every penny Marcella earns. Marcella has curves in all the right places she trys to hide them from male attation.
Nixon spots Marcella in his casino, he wants to know her. But will Marcella want to know him ?
They come from totally different worlds. Can being together be good for both of them.
Can't wait to read about all the other brothers. Will Dante get what's coming to him
Where should I begin...holy Molly..this book was absolutely awesome to read. I devoured it in two days and it truly held my attention from the very beginning until the very end. So much tension, so many twists. You won't be able to tell what's coming next. Such a great read.
The chemistry between both characters is almost touchable. It's like you feel it sizzling through the air.
Nixon is hot arrogant millionaire taking care of his family's legacy with soft spot for his youngest disabled brother Lincoln Other than that ruthless businessman. Anything he wants, he gets. And he wants ....HER....Marcella. He makes a deal with her brother and hires her as a para for Lincoln. What he doesn't know....she slowly lurks inside his high built walls. And Marcella is already falling for the man she shouldn't want. There is a huge gap between their worlds.
Anyway peeps you have to read this book... It's brilliantly written and such a great story.
Buyer Beware brings you two characters from very different walks of life. Poor Marcella is a bright woman with her whole life ahead of her but after losing her parents she is stuck with her gambling addict older brother. He takes whatever hard earned money she saves up and blows it leaving them barely surviving. Then comes Nixon. He's the oldest of 5 brothers and owns and runs the Armonico casino where Marcella's brother works. Nixon has closed his heart off to anyone after losing his mother at a young age then his father later on in life. His only goal is revenge and running his casino, until he spots Marcella. Their relationship is full of ups and downs, an emotional roller coaster at its best, hot steamy moments that make you want your very own Caldwell brother. Marcella and Nixon get the HEA they both deserve.
Couldn't put it down!! This story really surprised me!
I literally couldn't put my e-reader down once I started reading "Buyer Beware". I know some like to almost tell the whole story in their review, but Spoiler Alert" it spoils the story for some of us!!
The very first page grabbed me from the get go!! WOW!! I truly like that Colleen Charles isn't afraid to step outside the box to write her stories. I fell in love with the young and spunky Marcella. And for once I truly liked Nixon even if he was a billionaire type person!!
Will Marcella and Nixon overcome their broken past?? Find the courage to face their Demons?? Will Love destroy or mend their broken and fragmented lives. Or will Dante Giovanetti destroy their lives and families??
I can't wait to read the next story and hmmmm the other Caldwell Brothers!!!!!!!
Nixon and Marcella are both struggling with there demons but when they meet the connection and chemistry between them is so strong and just gets stronger with time. Nixon has lost both his parents and looks after his disabled brother, Marcella has lost both her parents as well and has a dead beat brother that has a gambling problem that means money is so tight. Nixon offers her a job to look after his brother Lincoln and she agrees because the money is good and this start the story of Nixon and Marcella. There are twists and turns along with heartache, sadness, loss ,pain along with so much emotion and I absolutely love this story so much. I definitely recommend you read this book as it is so well written and it takes you on a journey of life and how it can change so quickly.
This is the first book in this series about five brothers & this revolves around the oldest Caldwell Brother Nixon. Buyer Beware brings together two very different characters from different walks of life together. Will the hot arrogant billionaire Nixon with a softer side, with his lies & deception keep him from getting the future he wants with Marcella? You will have to read to find out yourself. Marcella is a self-reliant, wity female who is down on her luck. Nixon & Marcella's romance begins when these cross paths in Nixon's casino. There love is intertwined with suspense & plot twists to keep you intrigued. A good start to the series. Looking forward to reading the next novel in this series.
Nixon Caldwell is the oldest of 5 boys. He own one of Vegas casino. But he been getting bored of the same things. He set out on revenge, to the man that destroy his family. But on the brighter side he have a younger brother that he love deeply for. He don't have room for nothing else til he saw her.
Marcella, is the youngest of the 2 sibling. He have an older brother. She was on her way out of Vegas, have scholarship for college. Til everything change, both of parents had an accidents and both die. Then her brother have an gambling problem and steal money from her.
These both characters, have completely different life but are drawn to eachother. The only thing i didnt like was how immature Marcella was during the book.
Nixon, the owner of the Armonico casino, is a self-made millionaire who will not stop until he gets revenge on his nemesis, Dante ~ the owner of rival casino, the Mona Lisa. Marcella, a hardworking housekeeper at a rundown hotel on the less desirable side of the Vegas strip, puts her dream of going to college and becoming an occupational therapist on hold so she can take care of her loser older brother Manny. The second Nixon notices Marcella at his casino, he is determined that she will be his…but will she surrender to him despite the lies and deception? Loved reading Nixon and Marcella’s story and looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I really enjoyed this book. Colleen sure does know how to tell a story. I know when her books come out they are must haves. You will not be disappointed that's for sure. This is Nixon and Macella's story. Nixon Caldwell is the oldest of the Caldwell brothers. Don't worry they all will get a story you won't want to miss.. Anyway Nixon falls hard for Cella. Cella works hard to make ends meat and her brother always seems to put her finances out of wack due to a gambling problem. Don't want to give to much away but this story has all kinds of emotional twists and turns. Differently a story you want to get and will not be able to put down till the end. Go grab this one!!!!
This book was Great! It was well written and the characters were fantastic! It had me hooked from the beginning! I couldn't put it down! This is Nixon and Marcella's story. Nixon owns Armonico, a Las Vegas casino. Marcella's brother,Manuel, works at Armonico. When Nixon sees Marcella, he's instantly attracted to her. He offers her a job helping her little brother. There's a man trying to take Marcella away from Nixon, Dante Giovanetti. He owns a casino and is Nixon's enemy. Buyer Beware was a great start for the Caldwell Brothers series. I Loved it! I would it to everyone!
I received a Kindle version of this book thru a Goodreads Giveaway - it is the first book I've read by this author. I give it a 3.5 Star rating. Several times I got distracted by trying to reconcile the timing described in the book of past events - they just didn't reconcile - that annoys me. Also, I'm not very interested in reading about the mafia style bad guy or the skeevy part of Las Vegas. My favorite part of the book was the inclusion of the little brother Linc who has cerebral palsy and how much Marcella wants to pursue a college degree in occupational therapy. I probably won't pursue trying to read the rest of this series.
Disappointing! Although I admire Marcella's determination to improve her life, she continues to make one bad decision after another. If you know your brother steals and gambles away your hard earned money to the point that you have no food to eat or gas in your car, walk away from him! He's a grown a$$ man. Stop bailing him out. You are encouraging him to continue the destructive behavior. Nick has been extremely helpful to Marcella. Did she really have to embarrass him in front of his arch-enemy? And more importantly, do I really have to read book #2 in order to discover if Dante ever gets the punishment he deserves?
I really enjoyed Buyer Beware. Both Nixon and Marcella are likable characters from different walks of life. One rich and one dirt poor, but the moment they first lay eyes on each other, status doesn't matter and what Nixon wants, Nixon gets.
It was a toss-up between 3 and 4 stars for me because it did feels *slightly* rushed at times but overall enjoyable. This book is written from a dual pov and although probably can be read as a standalone, the epilogue does end in a cliffhanger of sorts - the author doesn't reveal whether it is from Nixon or Dante's pov, or maybe someone entirely different. There is also the fact that Dante had not being dealt with by the end of the book.
Estas series hablan de los hermanos Caldwell (cada libro de un hermano). Este primero lo abandoné a 40 páginas de terminar ... no pude con la protagonista. Está bien que tiene 21 años pero sus actitudes me parecieron de lo más infantiles, sobre todo porque no había explicación para que ella actuara de esa forma. Maxwell siempre fue un caballero con ella pero además de eso la historia no me atrapó, siento que iba demasiado rápido para mi gusto y al final no pude conectar con los personajes ni con la historia... tal vez cuando salga el segundo sí lo lea porque ese si tiene muy buenas reseñas
If this is just the first book in this series, this is going to be AMAZING! This story had me hooked from the first word to the last. The bad guy is completely abhorrent and I wanted to crawl into the story and smack him silly. Marcella, the heroine, was so sweet while still being tough and completely relatable. And Nixon, the main man, was just adorable. Even though he had an agenda of his own, he treated Marcella like a woman should be treated. Marcella's brother needs to grow up and fly right so he can get his own HEA in a future book!