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Billionaires of Palm Beach #1
Lusting for Luke: A Billionaires of Palm Beach Story
We come from two different worlds...
He spends his time collecting expensive cars and cultivating his reputation as the top playboy of Palm Beach. I worry every day about my bills and student loans. He's the heir of a wealthy American family, a dynasty that expects him to marry a blueblood--and soon. I grew up on the wrong side of Kissimmee, Florida.
When Luke Rothschild races into my life, however, everything changes. He's a breath of fresh, coastal air, a gusty breeze that infuses a brand-new, tempting scent into my world. I lust for Luke, I fall fast, and I fall hard, so much so that I almost forget how little we have in common.
But then comes the inevitable...the stark reminder that I don't fit into Luke's rich, sparkling life. No matter how hard I try to play the part outside the bedroom, or how much I lust for him in his boudoir, there is no way I can erase my past and become the woman his family will accept with open arms.
Or...is there?
LUSTING FOR LUKE first in a series of romance novels and novellas set in Palm Beach, Florida. All titles in the "Billionaires of Palm Beach" series can be read individually and independently.
More details to be announced at a later date.
****BOOK COVER NOT FINAL*****
He spends his time collecting expensive cars and cultivating his reputation as the top playboy of Palm Beach. I worry every day about my bills and student loans. He's the heir of a wealthy American family, a dynasty that expects him to marry a blueblood--and soon. I grew up on the wrong side of Kissimmee, Florida.
When Luke Rothschild races into my life, however, everything changes. He's a breath of fresh, coastal air, a gusty breeze that infuses a brand-new, tempting scent into my world. I lust for Luke, I fall fast, and I fall hard, so much so that I almost forget how little we have in common.
But then comes the inevitable...the stark reminder that I don't fit into Luke's rich, sparkling life. No matter how hard I try to play the part outside the bedroom, or how much I lust for him in his boudoir, there is no way I can erase my past and become the woman his family will accept with open arms.
Or...is there?
LUSTING FOR LUKE first in a series of romance novels and novellas set in Palm Beach, Florida. All titles in the "Billionaires of Palm Beach" series can be read individually and independently.
More details to be announced at a later date.
****BOOK COVER NOT FINAL*****
202 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2017
378 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Sara Celi
35 books224 followersNew Orleans born Sara Celi has lived all over the United States. She calls the Greater Cincinnati area and the Queen City home.
She has spent more than a decade working in journalism and broadcasting, with jobs both on-air and off-air at TV stations in Louisiana, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Her work has appeared in numerous online publications, magazines and newspapers, and she is a contributing author to Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Power of Positive.
Sara graduated cum laude from Western Kentucky University in 2004.
In her spare time, she likes to read, shop, write, travel, run long distances, volunteer with the Junior League, and fund raise for Cooperative for Education, a non-profit providing educational opportunities for Guatemalan kids.
She has spent more than a decade working in journalism and broadcasting, with jobs both on-air and off-air at TV stations in Louisiana, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Her work has appeared in numerous online publications, magazines and newspapers, and she is a contributing author to Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Power of Positive.
Sara graduated cum laude from Western Kentucky University in 2004.
In her spare time, she likes to read, shop, write, travel, run long distances, volunteer with the Junior League, and fund raise for Cooperative for Education, a non-profit providing educational opportunities for Guatemalan kids.
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November 27, 2017
Lusting for Luke is the first book in Sara Celi's new series Billionaires of Palm Beach.
They come from two different worlds. Luke Rothschild spends his time collecting expensive cars and keeping up his reputation as the top playboy of Palm Beach. Natalie Johnson worries everyday about paying her bills and student loans. He's the heir of a wealthy American family, with a father who expects him to marry a blueblood-and soon. She grew up on the wrong side of Kissimmee, Florida.
When Luke races into Natalie's life, everything changes. He is a breath of fresh air. She lusts for Luke. She falls fast and she falls hard. So much so that she almost forgets how little in common they have. But then comes the inevitable. The stark reminder that she doesn't fit into Luke's world. No matter how hard she tries to play the party outside the bedroom, there is no way she can erase her past and become the woman his family will accept with open arms. Or, is there?
I really enjoyed this book. I liked both the characters and loved the beach setting. Luke is a Rothschild and with that comes certain expectations from his father. His father wants him to be the heir instead of his half brother but he also has made the stipulation that Luke must be engaged to be married or married by the time he turns thirty five. Natalie is from Kissimmee and has moved to Palm Beach to work in her aunts yoga studio. She is a worrier about he stability of the studio and about how she is going to pay her bills. When she and Luke meet the attraction is immediate. I loved that these two both taught each other some things. Luke it seems took everything for granted and had been living his life in a haze. Natalie as I said is a worrier and Luke just wants to take care of her. However his father has other plans and those you will have to read the book to find out about.
Lusting For Luke was a great first book in the Billionaire's of Palm Beach Series. This too was my first time reading a book that Sara Celi has written. It will not be my last as I really enjoyed her writing style and the way the story sucked me in and kept my invested in these characters the entire time. I can not wait to read the next book in this series.
They come from two different worlds. Luke Rothschild spends his time collecting expensive cars and keeping up his reputation as the top playboy of Palm Beach. Natalie Johnson worries everyday about paying her bills and student loans. He's the heir of a wealthy American family, with a father who expects him to marry a blueblood-and soon. She grew up on the wrong side of Kissimmee, Florida.
When Luke races into Natalie's life, everything changes. He is a breath of fresh air. She lusts for Luke. She falls fast and she falls hard. So much so that she almost forgets how little in common they have. But then comes the inevitable. The stark reminder that she doesn't fit into Luke's world. No matter how hard she tries to play the party outside the bedroom, there is no way she can erase her past and become the woman his family will accept with open arms. Or, is there?
I really enjoyed this book. I liked both the characters and loved the beach setting. Luke is a Rothschild and with that comes certain expectations from his father. His father wants him to be the heir instead of his half brother but he also has made the stipulation that Luke must be engaged to be married or married by the time he turns thirty five. Natalie is from Kissimmee and has moved to Palm Beach to work in her aunts yoga studio. She is a worrier about he stability of the studio and about how she is going to pay her bills. When she and Luke meet the attraction is immediate. I loved that these two both taught each other some things. Luke it seems took everything for granted and had been living his life in a haze. Natalie as I said is a worrier and Luke just wants to take care of her. However his father has other plans and those you will have to read the book to find out about.
Lusting For Luke was a great first book in the Billionaire's of Palm Beach Series. This too was my first time reading a book that Sara Celi has written. It will not be my last as I really enjoyed her writing style and the way the story sucked me in and kept my invested in these characters the entire time. I can not wait to read the next book in this series.
November 29, 2017
Luke Rothschild is living the life of luxury, doing what he can to avoid his father's demand to settle down and accept the destiny preplanned for him. One fateful day, Luke runs into -almost literally- a woman who could potentially change his life forever.
Natalie is living a life that is just average. No fancy cars or houses, struggling to pay the bills, and just waiting for something to happen. Something good to happen.
As Luke and Natalie explore the attraction blooming between them, reality of how different their backgrounds are. Soon, however, they realize that different backgrounds do not have to mean different futures.
Lusting for Luke was a quick read. Something to throw in the bag to read by the pool or to heat up a cold winter night. While it can maybe be considered the typical rich guy/poor gal type story, the ending is more realistic in the romance department.
Natalie is living a life that is just average. No fancy cars or houses, struggling to pay the bills, and just waiting for something to happen. Something good to happen.
As Luke and Natalie explore the attraction blooming between them, reality of how different their backgrounds are. Soon, however, they realize that different backgrounds do not have to mean different futures.
Lusting for Luke was a quick read. Something to throw in the bag to read by the pool or to heat up a cold winter night. While it can maybe be considered the typical rich guy/poor gal type story, the ending is more realistic in the romance department.
December 21, 2017
Luke Rothschild is the billionaire boy that can get any girl he wants, but can never seem to keep one around long enough to find out if she is anything more than a nightly hook up. Natalie is a struggling yoga instructor that works for her aunt and can barely survive pay check to pay check. When the two meet, there is instantly something more between them than either of them were expecting. While Natalie might think that the two could never be together, he is all she can think about (and lust over!).
I enjoyed the first book in this series! Sara did an excellent job of putting together a story that was fun and easy to read. I love how conversational the book was because it went right in to the characters minds and there wasn't a lot of narrative background. It made the book way more enjoyable in my opinion. I love how on both sides of the relationship there was one common denominator getting in their way- family.
I give this book three stars because it was a fun, enjoyable, and easy read and I liked the story. I am interested to see what is next in the Billionaire series and would recommend you putting it on your TBR list.
I enjoyed the first book in this series! Sara did an excellent job of putting together a story that was fun and easy to read. I love how conversational the book was because it went right in to the characters minds and there wasn't a lot of narrative background. It made the book way more enjoyable in my opinion. I love how on both sides of the relationship there was one common denominator getting in their way- family.
I give this book three stars because it was a fun, enjoyable, and easy read and I liked the story. I am interested to see what is next in the Billionaire series and would recommend you putting it on your TBR list.
April 5, 2021
Just okay
I started this with good intentions. I wanted to like it, as it came recommended.
I couldn't connect with the characters. They seemed basic and a bit cliche for me.
It was well written and seemed to flow, it's just not for me.
I started this with good intentions. I wanted to like it, as it came recommended.
I couldn't connect with the characters. They seemed basic and a bit cliche for me.
It was well written and seemed to flow, it's just not for me.
December 18, 2022
This was another rich guy/poor girl story, but it had a little twist to it to make it different from all the rest. It was okay, but I like more plot in my reads.
April 15, 2022
We are from different worlds
We are from different worlds - that seemed to be Nathalie's mantra for more than the first half of the book. It was a running theme for every chapter right up to 60% or so. Those chapters started with either her whining about it, or lamenting that fact in the midst of it or as a chapter ending. It got old and tired and darn irritating.
I am NOT a fan of whining. I'll probably give you two chances to complain, then you better do something to change things or get out of the situation. Otherwise live with it with your mouths zipped. This Nathalie kept going on and on about their different lives but didnt do much to either avoid or ignore the whole situation or just live with it. Come on already! She is obviously not one of my favourite person.. hahaha.
And really, if Luke was a Rothschild.. like the real world, non-fictional Rothschild, and at the age of 34, how was it possible to only have less than half a million to your name that was not linked to the company?
Good edits though. Not the best, but good enough.
We are from different worlds - that seemed to be Nathalie's mantra for more than the first half of the book. It was a running theme for every chapter right up to 60% or so. Those chapters started with either her whining about it, or lamenting that fact in the midst of it or as a chapter ending. It got old and tired and darn irritating.
I am NOT a fan of whining. I'll probably give you two chances to complain, then you better do something to change things or get out of the situation. Otherwise live with it with your mouths zipped. This Nathalie kept going on and on about their different lives but didnt do much to either avoid or ignore the whole situation or just live with it. Come on already! She is obviously not one of my favourite person.. hahaha.
And really, if Luke was a Rothschild.. like the real world, non-fictional Rothschild, and at the age of 34, how was it possible to only have less than half a million to your name that was not linked to the company?
Good edits though. Not the best, but good enough.
October 19, 2018
Wonderful read
This is one of those books you just don’t want to put down. It’s fast-paced, has a strong, upfront heroine, and aided by the super sexy heir to billions of dollars, has just the right amount of sizzle to need to fan your face. It’s a story about appreciating what really matters in life, and how sometimes, when least expected, fate throws you curveballs that will make your life better. It’s about taking chances.
On paper, Luke and Natalie are too different, shouldn’t mesh at all. Luke’s incredibly wealthy, according to his bank accounts, but actually poor in his soul. Natalie has negative dollars to her name, but courage and resilience Luke can not resist. For their hearts to join, Luke needs to decide whether it’s dollars or sense he wants most in his privileged life, and with Natalie’s help, he might just do that.
This is a quick, engaging read I’d thoroughly recommend.
This is one of those books you just don’t want to put down. It’s fast-paced, has a strong, upfront heroine, and aided by the super sexy heir to billions of dollars, has just the right amount of sizzle to need to fan your face. It’s a story about appreciating what really matters in life, and how sometimes, when least expected, fate throws you curveballs that will make your life better. It’s about taking chances.
On paper, Luke and Natalie are too different, shouldn’t mesh at all. Luke’s incredibly wealthy, according to his bank accounts, but actually poor in his soul. Natalie has negative dollars to her name, but courage and resilience Luke can not resist. For their hearts to join, Luke needs to decide whether it’s dollars or sense he wants most in his privileged life, and with Natalie’s help, he might just do that.
This is a quick, engaging read I’d thoroughly recommend.
October 3, 2023
“I knew I had to have you when I first saw you that afternoon, when I almost hit you with my car.” “I’m glad you didn’t hit me. That would have sucked.”
“Then you know that I don’t do commitment. It’s just not my thing.” “Someday, it will be.” She eyed me. “Because you can’t keep living this way. No one can. Don’t you think that Faye—”
I liked Luke and Natalie’s Story. The author has created such a deep backstories and the book was gripping. There was also about their families. Spice was spot on. Their chemistry was good but in the beginning Luke felt like a rude man but later his character encapsulated and the book felt warm. The chemistry was great. The setting was also good. This book is for spicy romance readers.
“Then you know that I don’t do commitment. It’s just not my thing.” “Someday, it will be.” She eyed me. “Because you can’t keep living this way. No one can. Don’t you think that Faye—”
I liked Luke and Natalie’s Story. The author has created such a deep backstories and the book was gripping. There was also about their families. Spice was spot on. Their chemistry was good but in the beginning Luke felt like a rude man but later his character encapsulated and the book felt warm. The chemistry was great. The setting was also good. This book is for spicy romance readers.
December 4, 2017
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Luke is a billionaire with the world at his feet but still wanting more so when he almost hits a distracted Natalie in the streets of Palm Beach he knows he may have found what is missing in his life. Natalie can't believe that Luke is interested in her. Luke sucks her into his world but it isn't a world Natalie feels she fits or can ever fit in. I loved this story and it was so different that any other book I have read before. I want more from this author, she is very good at weaving a story that leaves her readers breathless. Definitely a must read!!!
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Luke is a billionaire with the world at his feet but still wanting more so when he almost hits a distracted Natalie in the streets of Palm Beach he knows he may have found what is missing in his life. Natalie can't believe that Luke is interested in her. Luke sucks her into his world but it isn't a world Natalie feels she fits or can ever fit in. I loved this story and it was so different that any other book I have read before. I want more from this author, she is very good at weaving a story that leaves her readers breathless. Definitely a must read!!!
April 18, 2018
This book of rags to riches, cinderella~ish variety. As most millionaire/billionaire stories are.
I like this pretty well, it didn't have any angst. Just a straight forward, insta-love romance.
What I liked the most, was how honest Luke was. That is usually rare in these types of books.
What I liked least was how many times he felt the need to say that she was different from the other women he knew. Also, how we are supposed to believe she is different (not caring about his money), but most of their interaction had to do with the fact that he had money and took it for granted and that she didn't and was struggling.
Still, overall it's worth the time to read.
I like this pretty well, it didn't have any angst. Just a straight forward, insta-love romance.
What I liked the most, was how honest Luke was. That is usually rare in these types of books.
What I liked least was how many times he felt the need to say that she was different from the other women he knew. Also, how we are supposed to believe she is different (not caring about his money), but most of their interaction had to do with the fact that he had money and took it for granted and that she didn't and was struggling.
Still, overall it's worth the time to read.
November 25, 2020
Good Book
This story is of a rich playboy finding love after losing his Fiancée 3 years earlier.
His tyrant father wanting him to marry a blue blood and threatening to take away his billions if he didn’t.
I always find I’m disappointed in the epilogues when it doesn’t say they married and had kids and it’s something like 3 or 5 years later.
Maybe the author is going to have a second book on this one with what happened with his father and if they reconcile with maybe grandkids on the way.
This story is of a rich playboy finding love after losing his Fiancée 3 years earlier.
His tyrant father wanting him to marry a blue blood and threatening to take away his billions if he didn’t.
I always find I’m disappointed in the epilogues when it doesn’t say they married and had kids and it’s something like 3 or 5 years later.
Maybe the author is going to have a second book on this one with what happened with his father and if they reconcile with maybe grandkids on the way.
September 19, 2023
Lusting for Luke (Billionaires of Palm Beach #1) was a great read by Sara Celi. Luke Rothschild and Natalie Johnson come from two completely different worlds. He collects expensive cars and is the top playboy of Palm Beach. Natalie spends her days worrying about bills and student loans. He races into her life and everything changes for both of them. Although she falls for him, she quickly comes to terms of the inevitable, she doesn't fit into his life. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
July 20, 2022
I think this must be an early work because I've read better books by this author. The problem here is that there are no problems that feel real. Each misunderstanding is cleared up in a matter of minutes, dissolved by their mutual lust, or something, so that even thought there are ostensible conflicts, this feels sort of like a book about two pretty people hooking up, nothing more. I liked the set-up and I liked the characters--there are the bones of a better book in there and I think that the author she is today could have written a better book with this material.
April 16, 2020
Great romantic read
This is a romantic loving romance, Luke has Enough money to buy whatever he wants. Then he meets someone that doesn't care how much money he has. Read to find out what happens to these two.
This is a romantic loving romance, Luke has Enough money to buy whatever he wants. Then he meets someone that doesn't care how much money he has. Read to find out what happens to these two.
December 1, 2017
This is a very enjoyable well-written story with likable characters. The reader will be drawn into the story and entertained. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review
December 5, 2017
Wow. Two people from different worlds connect to make an amazing story. Romance is always a wonderful thing. Loved it.
January 14, 2018
3.5
Nice realistic flow of people from two different words but although I liked it, I felt it didn't lift of the page,just floated but overall good afternoon read.
Nice realistic flow of people from two different words but although I liked it, I felt it didn't lift of the page,just floated but overall good afternoon read.
April 11, 2022
A quick read where she falls for the billionaire, but is he though? This was definitely a quick read and it was insta love with a dose of drama. I liked it ok.
June 30, 2022
DNF @ 47% - just wasn’t doing it for me
July 4, 2022
It starts out well
It starts out well and the middle is good but kind of peters out at the end. But still tries hard. Not my cup of tea, though.
It starts out well and the middle is good but kind of peters out at the end. But still tries hard. Not my cup of tea, though.
October 28, 2023
Sweet read!
Luke and Natalie are a opposite attacks story. He's rich and she's trying to find her way. They have outside influences trying to draw them apart.
Luke and Natalie are a opposite attacks story. He's rich and she's trying to find her way. They have outside influences trying to draw them apart.
October 7, 2023
Third act conflict was dumb but Natalie and Luke were really really sweet together
January 29, 2023
dnf @ 36%
lol
lol
November 27, 2017
You have 2 people who come from different sides of the track.
Luke who grew up with money, Natalie who grew up needing money to get by. Their chance encounter was like no other. Lucky for Natalie that Luke really didn't hit her with his car, or she would've ended up in the hospital. That little meeting opened the door though for Natalie, and opened Luke's eyes.
It was a great book, kind of refreshing. You have a billionaire who is well known because of his family business. He runs into an ordinary person such as Natalie. She helps her aunt run her gym I guess you could call it. Any how Natalie doesn't have a clue who he is. This for Luke is a plus in his book. You know how it is with woman and money. They get their claws in they guy, then their money. They seem to hit it off right away. However there are a few things stopping them from getting together at first. What could that be?? Well take a wild guess!! Family! It's always family.
I loved how Luke managed to pull away, and went to do his own thing. All in all this was a good read.
Luke who grew up with money, Natalie who grew up needing money to get by. Their chance encounter was like no other. Lucky for Natalie that Luke really didn't hit her with his car, or she would've ended up in the hospital. That little meeting opened the door though for Natalie, and opened Luke's eyes.
It was a great book, kind of refreshing. You have a billionaire who is well known because of his family business. He runs into an ordinary person such as Natalie. She helps her aunt run her gym I guess you could call it. Any how Natalie doesn't have a clue who he is. This for Luke is a plus in his book. You know how it is with woman and money. They get their claws in they guy, then their money. They seem to hit it off right away. However there are a few things stopping them from getting together at first. What could that be?? Well take a wild guess!! Family! It's always family.
I loved how Luke managed to pull away, and went to do his own thing. All in all this was a good read.
November 29, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Luke has been lost since the death of his fiance three years ago. He left New York City and his family responsibilities for sunny Palm Beach, FL. Natalie is a assistant manager and yoga instructor at her aunt's buisness in West Palm Beach. She was unable to find a job in marketing after graduating college and is struggling under student loans and credit card debt. Luke and Natalie are from two different worlds but their attraction for one another is instantaneous. This is such a wonderful love story about hard choices and sacrifice.
June 6, 2018
Luke Rothschild is the billionaire boy that can get any girl he wants, but can never seem to keep one around long enough to find out if she is anything more than a nightly hook up. Natalie is a struggling yoga instructor that works for her aunt and can barely survive pay check to pay check. When the two meet, there is instantly something more between them than either of them were expecting. While Natalie might think that the two could never be together, he is all she can think about (and lust over!).
I enjoyed the first book in this series! Sara did an excellent job of putting together a story that was fun and easy to read. I love how conversational the book was because it went right in to the characters minds and there wasn't a lot of narrative background. It made the book way more enjoyable in my opinion. I love how on both sides of the relationship there was one common denominator getting in their way- family.
I give this book three stars because it was a fun, enjoyable, and easy read and I liked the story. I am interested to see what is next in the Billionaire series and would recommend you putting it on your TBR list.
I enjoyed the first book in this series! Sara did an excellent job of putting together a story that was fun and easy to read. I love how conversational the book was because it went right in to the characters minds and there wasn't a lot of narrative background. It made the book way more enjoyable in my opinion. I love how on both sides of the relationship there was one common denominator getting in their way- family.
I give this book three stars because it was a fun, enjoyable, and easy read and I liked the story. I am interested to see what is next in the Billionaire series and would recommend you putting it on your TBR list.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews