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King Family #1
The Tycoon
The cruel and beautiful man who ruined my life has everything wants—everything except me.
Five years ago, Clayton Rorick loved me. Or so I thought. Turned out he only wanted to get his hands on my daddy’s company. Heartbroken, I ran away with nothing but the clothes on my back. Like a twisted Cinderella. When my father dies, leaving my sisters in a desperate situation, it’s up to me to help them.
I’ll have to beg the man who broke my heart to save us.
But Clayton hasn’t forgotten me and what he wants in exchange for his help is…my body, my heart and my soul.
Five years ago, Clayton Rorick loved me. Or so I thought. Turned out he only wanted to get his hands on my daddy’s company. Heartbroken, I ran away with nothing but the clothes on my back. Like a twisted Cinderella. When my father dies, leaving my sisters in a desperate situation, it’s up to me to help them.
I’ll have to beg the man who broke my heart to save us.
But Clayton hasn’t forgotten me and what he wants in exchange for his help is…my body, my heart and my soul.
246 pages, ebook
First published July 12, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 415 reviews
September 1, 2024
5 I Wanted Everything Stars ⭐
~Second Read. This author is always on form.~
"He brought me orgasms. I brought him smiles."
Veronica King thought she knew what love was. Yet, it took one business transaction for all her dreams to disintegrate. Landing Clayton Rorick was all her hopes realised, especially for a girl who had always been plain compared to her sisters. Unfortunately it all went to shit the night of her engagement. It was then she learned that Clayton had made a deal with her very wealthy father. An exchange for their marriage. So she left...
"No one had touched me in five years. That’s how badly he broke me. That’s the damage he caused."
Years later, with the death of her father, Veronica is forced to return to the King Estate and him. And this time around Clayton is not pulling any punches. He wants back what was promised, Veronica as his wife. And the fact that Veronica and her siblings have been left penniless, he can offer what she needs in return.
"How much are you willing to give up for your sisters, Veronica?"
"Everything," I spat. "So just tell me what you want."
"Would you sleep with me?"
A new arrangement to be negotiated. However, to start over, the past must be rehashed and old scars need to be revealed no matter how uncomfortable or humiliating. Except, is their hearts worth the price?
"There’s always a choice to make," he said. "I should have chosen you. I regret that I didn’t."
I read this entire book with my heart in my throat. Firstly I bled for Veronica, a young woman with broken dreams, and then I held my breath until Clayton would make things right. Because although he messed up, his affection for this girl was evident from the first page. I swear it's the magic this author weaves, that has me enraptured! The Tycoon is the first book in The King Family series and I can't wait to read the stories of the remaining siblings!
~Second Read. This author is always on form.~
"He brought me orgasms. I brought him smiles."
Veronica King thought she knew what love was. Yet, it took one business transaction for all her dreams to disintegrate. Landing Clayton Rorick was all her hopes realised, especially for a girl who had always been plain compared to her sisters. Unfortunately it all went to shit the night of her engagement. It was then she learned that Clayton had made a deal with her very wealthy father. An exchange for their marriage. So she left...
"No one had touched me in five years. That’s how badly he broke me. That’s the damage he caused."
Years later, with the death of her father, Veronica is forced to return to the King Estate and him. And this time around Clayton is not pulling any punches. He wants back what was promised, Veronica as his wife. And the fact that Veronica and her siblings have been left penniless, he can offer what she needs in return.
"How much are you willing to give up for your sisters, Veronica?"
"Everything," I spat. "So just tell me what you want."
"Would you sleep with me?"
A new arrangement to be negotiated. However, to start over, the past must be rehashed and old scars need to be revealed no matter how uncomfortable or humiliating. Except, is their hearts worth the price?
"There’s always a choice to make," he said. "I should have chosen you. I regret that I didn’t."
I read this entire book with my heart in my throat. Firstly I bled for Veronica, a young woman with broken dreams, and then I held my breath until Clayton would make things right. Because although he messed up, his affection for this girl was evident from the first page. I swear it's the magic this author weaves, that has me enraptured! The Tycoon is the first book in The King Family series and I can't wait to read the stories of the remaining siblings!
July 19, 2018
A steamy second chance romance that introduces the readers to the King family. I'm definitely intrigued enough to read the rest of the series; particularly The Bastard.
I love a second chance romance with a good grovel, and though it wasn't an epic grovel, it certainly hit the spot.
No long review because I'm lazy, but I liked this one!
I love a second chance romance with a good grovel, and though it wasn't an epic grovel, it certainly hit the spot.
No long review because I'm lazy, but I liked this one!
October 1, 2020
I liked it a lot.
In a good O'Keefe fashion, we got a great antihero and a strong heroine, who started out as a slightly spoiled child. The hero, Clayton, was this total arsehole at first, as we barely knew anything about him. The heroine, Ronnie, took something bad that happened to her five years ago and built herself a life using her brain, determination and will. When her piece of shit of a father died, she faced Clayton again, who broke her heart those five years ago.
And guess what, the story is maybe nothing spectacular and not very original, but O'Keefe gave us a believable redemption and I really enjoyed the process.
The second one in the series, written by a different author, was quite bad and I will write a review to that too at some point, but I'm looking forward to the third book, written by Julie Kriss and see how that goes.
In a good O'Keefe fashion, we got a great antihero and a strong heroine, who started out as a slightly spoiled child. The hero, Clayton, was this total arsehole at first, as we barely knew anything about him. The heroine, Ronnie, took something bad that happened to her five years ago and built herself a life using her brain, determination and will. When her piece of shit of a father died, she faced Clayton again, who broke her heart those five years ago.
And guess what, the story is maybe nothing spectacular and not very original, but O'Keefe gave us a believable redemption and I really enjoyed the process.
The second one in the series, written by a different author, was quite bad and I will write a review to that too at some point, but I'm looking forward to the third book, written by Julie Kriss and see how that goes.
July 16, 2018
3.75 'i only ever wanted you' stars
Oh boy...
Well, more thoughts on this on Monday.
It was angsty, it had a fuck up deal, then it had groveling and I had issues with them both...lol
But let's just say, the angst and the need for a closure kept me going and that s always a good thing, considering...lol
so, the storyline here consists of a "business deal" between Clayton and the heroine's father, that included a transfer of all goods, the estate and the company, that would be all sealed with the marriage to the mentioned heroine.
BUT unfortunately for Clayton, she hears the argument about the said 'deal' between the two men at her engagement party above all things and she breaks it all off and runs away, cutting the ties with everything concerning her father and the estate.
5 years after, her father dies, and there's a will...and there's also Clayton.
and he seeks another "deal" and this one will show her that he's been waiting for 5 years to make things right, to make her see that everything he ever did was cause of her...
All he EVER wanted was her...
uf, first of all, I always have issues with male characters who fuck up big time, and then they need to redeem themselves LOL but in fact, I ravel in the fact they have to grovel...grovel the hell out of themselves...bahahhaha
I usually find the time of groveling underdeveloped, cause there isn't enough of the redeeming action that would satisfy me...BUT here, the Clayton dude, was a bit murky for me, I didn't quite figure him out and his motives were just assholery but then this sentence changed my mind and his actions towards the end too...
hmm, so there...apparently, I also gave him a second chance... *wink*
Oh boy...
Well, more thoughts on this on Monday.
It was angsty, it had a fuck up deal, then it had groveling and I had issues with them both...lol
But let's just say, the angst and the need for a closure kept me going and that s always a good thing, considering...lol
so, the storyline here consists of a "business deal" between Clayton and the heroine's father, that included a transfer of all goods, the estate and the company, that would be all sealed with the marriage to the mentioned heroine.
Yes, I wanted the land. Yes, I wanted more control of the company. Yes, I was a greedy son of a bitch. But I wanted you too. My mistake was i wanted everything.
I was the man who shattered her into a million pieces because I thought I could have everything. The girl and the business.
BUT unfortunately for Clayton, she hears the argument about the said 'deal' between the two men at her engagement party above all things and she breaks it all off and runs away, cutting the ties with everything concerning her father and the estate.
5 years after, her father dies, and there's a will...and there's also Clayton.
and he seeks another "deal" and this one will show her that he's been waiting for 5 years to make things right, to make her see that everything he ever did was cause of her...
All he EVER wanted was her...
I only ever wanted you. It was only ever about having you in my life, any way I could get you. I never thought you'd choose me on your own.
uf, first of all, I always have issues with male characters who fuck up big time, and then they need to redeem themselves LOL but in fact, I ravel in the fact they have to grovel...grovel the hell out of themselves...bahahhaha
I usually find the time of groveling underdeveloped, cause there isn't enough of the redeeming action that would satisfy me...BUT here, the Clayton dude, was a bit murky for me, I didn't quite figure him out and his motives were just assholery but then this sentence changed my mind and his actions towards the end too...
Clayton isn't a bad guy. He's just bad at being good. I don't think anyone ever showed him how.
hmm, so there...apparently, I also gave him a second chance... *wink*
November 26, 2018
Don't really get it
This was a five star book until he said he dated another NICE woman for six months with no sex and she dumped him. So what did they do for those six months? Hold hands? Kiss? Do other sexual things? I don't think it ever said and the heroine didn't ask because he said he never had sex. I loved the book until then. How are you so in love with the heroine since you worked in the mail room when you were sixteen and still 'date' a nice woman for six months while waiting for her to come home? And you didn't break up with her, she broke up with you? What if she hadn't? What would he have done? Why was that even put in the book? An occasional platonic date I understand but six months? And where did they go on these dates and why????? It really bugged me because I was digging this book until then. That just flat out bothered me. I know I am a freak so please don't judge the book because I took it down two stars for that. I need therapy. p.s. I just read the synopsis's of the other books in this series and I don't think I want to read them. They don't even sound good. So disappointing.
This was a five star book until he said he dated another NICE woman for six months with no sex and she dumped him. So what did they do for those six months? Hold hands? Kiss? Do other sexual things? I don't think it ever said and the heroine didn't ask because he said he never had sex. I loved the book until then. How are you so in love with the heroine since you worked in the mail room when you were sixteen and still 'date' a nice woman for six months while waiting for her to come home? And you didn't break up with her, she broke up with you? What if she hadn't? What would he have done? Why was that even put in the book? An occasional platonic date I understand but six months? And where did they go on these dates and why????? It really bugged me because I was digging this book until then. That just flat out bothered me. I know I am a freak so please don't judge the book because I took it down two stars for that. I need therapy. p.s. I just read the synopsis's of the other books in this series and I don't think I want to read them. They don't even sound good. So disappointing.
January 30, 2020
Oh God! I really enjoy this book. So much. The story, the characters, the plot/ twist. Everything is so good. Like a warm chocolate on a winter days. I m savoring it all. I love Clayton. He is not just alpha male but a vulnerable alpha male. And i always have soft spot for vulnerable alpha male.
Veronica is also not damsel in distress. She got back bone. She is strong heroine. She is fiesty. She is the perfect match for Clayton. I only wish I can get more flashback of Veronica and Clayton. The first time they met, how they fall in love etc.
The ending also cna be improved. Overall i really do enjoy this book very much.
4 stars
Veronica is also not damsel in distress. She got back bone. She is strong heroine. She is fiesty. She is the perfect match for Clayton. I only wish I can get more flashback of Veronica and Clayton. The first time they met, how they fall in love etc.
The ending also cna be improved. Overall i really do enjoy this book very much.
4 stars
January 6, 2022
It’s a lovely story!
It’s worth the reading.
It’s worth the reading.
December 12, 2021
⭐️ 3.5 Stars! ⭐️
“I am not the girl you knew. I am a woman who will fight you when you need to be fought.”
✩ ✩ Initial Thoughts! ✩ ✩
What a fun read!! This is one of those books where I read an intriguing review *cough* Lana's *cough*, saw that it was on Kindle Unlimited, and then just went for it! Do I have a ton of books on my ever expanding TBR? YES. Yes I do. However, The Tycoon had a couple of my favorite tropes which caused me to get completely sucked in! What can I say, I am such a sucker for the " i-seemingly-married-you-for-ulterior-motives-but-actually-have-always-been-in-love-with-you " trope. You know that common trope! Honestly this book gave me such Marriage For One vibes that I couldn't help but finish it!
✩ ✩ Plot! ✩ ✩
The Tycoon is a good 'ole fashioned "second-chance-romance". Veronica King and Clayton Rorick were all set to be married. Ronnie was head over heels in love with Clayton and ready to start her life with him. However, during her engagement party she overhears Clayton and her father discussing the agreement they made behind her back. Furious and heartbroken she leaves home, breaks off her engagement, and starts a new life. Five years later she's forced back home and back into Clayton's orbit. He wants a second chance. She might still love him. Will Ronnie listen to her heart or her head?
✩ ✩ The Highlights! ✩ ✩
✦ Clayton Rorick! ✦ What can I say other than I really liked reading about this emotionally constipated man who had trouble expressing his emotions. I love my angsty babies who make their love lives 10x more difficult for themselves because they choose to go the most angsty route possible. I don't know what it is but I love heroes who desperately want a hug/snuggle but just don't know how to ask.
“Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?” I asked. “It might be like trying to cuddle a cactus, but I’m willing to try it if you are,” he said.
I'm going to be honest I was super surprised I liked Clayton as much as I did because boy oh boy this guy just continually kept shooting himself in the foot. His actions at the beginning of the book could've been completely avoided if he just ✨COMMUNICATED✨ with Ronnie. However, despite all that I still really liked his character. On the surface he seemed like a bit of a stuck up prick, but underneath all that he was a guy who really needed a hug and some snuggles. He was a true ✨🌵cactus✨🌵and I love heroes like that! Plus when I found out he'd always held a torch for Ronnie?? I just about died of the swoons!
He only knew because I told him I’d been in love with Veronica since I was sixteen, working the mail room at King Industries.
✦ Veronica King! ✦ I admired Ronnie so much! After suffering a truly devastating heartbreak at her engagement party she really took charge of her life. In the five years since she started her own business, became financially independent, and demonstrated some real character growth. While she did retain semblances of who she was before Clayton's betrayal she also matured into a cautious, level headed, and still loving woman.
“I am not the girl you knew. I am a woman who will fight you when you need to be fought.”
While she was a bit more cautious towards Clayton I admired how willing she was to forgive him. While she was rightfully cautious about Claytons intentions I envied the way she was able to cautiously trust in him.
“This is crazy,” I breathed. “Maybe,” he said. “But I’ve been waiting five long years to get you back, Ronnie. I won’t let you go again.”
Also can we just give a giant slow clap to how Ronnie didn't jump to conclusions! That was just plain old beautiful and brought a single glistening tear to my eye.
“No. No. I’m not going to do this. We don’t…know who she is. Or who the kid is. I’m not going to jump to these conclusions.” I put it away. All that irrational jealousy. The fear. I set it aside.
✦ The Romance! Awwhhh what a sweet romance! I was actually expecting something a lot more angsty but it was actually mature, and comforting? Crazy right?!?! I loved how this time around they both were so open to each other and willing to lay all their cards on the table. As they began to re-learn each other they found that they had a lot more in common than they first thought. They both didn't have the best fathers and that allowed them to truly understand the other. Clayton realized that Ronnie needed him to be more open while Ronnie realized that openness wasn't Clayton's default. They were very sweet together and I was rooting for them to reconcile the whole book.
We are terrible at understanding what we are worth and you, my beautiful Veronica, are worth everything.
✦ The Tropes! ✦ The main reason I enjoyed this book so much was the tropes. Like I said Clayton was my kind of hero. I don't know what it says about me that I love heroes that can be compared to a cactus, but you know what, it's my life mom . Not only that but I am a sucker for the "i marrying you but at the same time i made a deal with your father". And then learning that Clayton actually did love Ronnie but bro bro was trying to have it all?!?! BRILLIANT ! I just ate that shit up. Or how Ronnie AND CLAYTON both avoided having sex for 5 years because they were still pining after each other?? MAGNIFICENT ! At first I was annoyed that Ronnie hadn't gotten any but then when I realized Clayton hadn't either? I knew I was reading a true ❤fairy tale❤ Either way this book was a fun time and served me all the tropes that I loved.
✩ ✩ Why 3.5 Stars? ✩ ✩
✦ The Full Lack of Groveling ✦ I want to preface this point with this - I didn't really mind the lack of groveling. HOWEVER, I think the book could've been a bit more hard hitting if the groveling had been a bit more intense. Honestly when a hero pulls the type of shit Clayton did I just automatically expect some top tier groveling. That. . .didn't really happen here. He apologized but more in an explanation sort of way? I'm probably explaining it weird, but I was expecting a continual apology more along the lines of Sandro from The Unwanted Wife . Instead we got a fine apology that could've been much better.
✦ The Length of the Story ✦ I don't know what it was but this story felt really short. And due to that it felt like the book went by really quick. I wanted Clayton to grovel for longer, I wanted Ronnie to approach him more cautiously, I wanted a deeper look into the beginnings of their relationship, and more interaction between the sisters. If there had been more page time for all of these things I think this could've been a five star read for me. However, I'm just a humble reader/reviewer so what do I know about how long a book should be!
✩ ✩ In Conclusion ✩ ✩
If you're looking for a quick, fun, slightly angsty, romantic, and trope filled read check out The Tycoon ! I had a huge crush on Clayton, I was rooting for Ronnie, and I thought this was such a great example of a second-chance-romance. Watching these two take that leap of faith and embrace the love they had for each other was so great to read. So, if you're looking for a quick read I highly recommend this book!
I choose you, I thought. Even though Dale can’t and your father never did. I. Choose. You
“I am not the girl you knew. I am a woman who will fight you when you need to be fought.”
✩ ✩ Initial Thoughts! ✩ ✩
What a fun read!! This is one of those books where I read an intriguing review *cough* Lana's *cough*, saw that it was on Kindle Unlimited, and then just went for it! Do I have a ton of books on my ever expanding TBR? YES. Yes I do. However, The Tycoon had a couple of my favorite tropes which caused me to get completely sucked in! What can I say, I am such a sucker for the " i-seemingly-married-you-for-ulterior-motives-but-actually-have-always-been-in-love-with-you " trope. You know that common trope! Honestly this book gave me such Marriage For One vibes that I couldn't help but finish it!
✩ ✩ Plot! ✩ ✩
The Tycoon is a good 'ole fashioned "second-chance-romance". Veronica King and Clayton Rorick were all set to be married. Ronnie was head over heels in love with Clayton and ready to start her life with him. However, during her engagement party she overhears Clayton and her father discussing the agreement they made behind her back. Furious and heartbroken she leaves home, breaks off her engagement, and starts a new life. Five years later she's forced back home and back into Clayton's orbit. He wants a second chance. She might still love him. Will Ronnie listen to her heart or her head?
✩ ✩ The Highlights! ✩ ✩
✦ Clayton Rorick! ✦ What can I say other than I really liked reading about this emotionally constipated man who had trouble expressing his emotions. I love my angsty babies who make their love lives 10x more difficult for themselves because they choose to go the most angsty route possible. I don't know what it is but I love heroes who desperately want a hug/snuggle but just don't know how to ask.
“Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?” I asked. “It might be like trying to cuddle a cactus, but I’m willing to try it if you are,” he said.
I'm going to be honest I was super surprised I liked Clayton as much as I did because boy oh boy this guy just continually kept shooting himself in the foot. His actions at the beginning of the book could've been completely avoided if he just ✨COMMUNICATED✨ with Ronnie. However, despite all that I still really liked his character. On the surface he seemed like a bit of a stuck up prick, but underneath all that he was a guy who really needed a hug and some snuggles. He was a true ✨🌵cactus✨🌵and I love heroes like that! Plus when I found out he'd always held a torch for Ronnie?? I just about died of the swoons!
He only knew because I told him I’d been in love with Veronica since I was sixteen, working the mail room at King Industries.
✦ Veronica King! ✦ I admired Ronnie so much! After suffering a truly devastating heartbreak at her engagement party she really took charge of her life. In the five years since she started her own business, became financially independent, and demonstrated some real character growth. While she did retain semblances of who she was before Clayton's betrayal she also matured into a cautious, level headed, and still loving woman.
“I am not the girl you knew. I am a woman who will fight you when you need to be fought.”
While she was a bit more cautious towards Clayton I admired how willing she was to forgive him. While she was rightfully cautious about Claytons intentions I envied the way she was able to cautiously trust in him.
“This is crazy,” I breathed. “Maybe,” he said. “But I’ve been waiting five long years to get you back, Ronnie. I won’t let you go again.”
Also can we just give a giant slow clap to how Ronnie didn't jump to conclusions! That was just plain old beautiful and brought a single glistening tear to my eye.
“No. No. I’m not going to do this. We don’t…know who she is. Or who the kid is. I’m not going to jump to these conclusions.” I put it away. All that irrational jealousy. The fear. I set it aside.
✦ The Romance! Awwhhh what a sweet romance! I was actually expecting something a lot more angsty but it was actually mature, and comforting? Crazy right?!?! I loved how this time around they both were so open to each other and willing to lay all their cards on the table. As they began to re-learn each other they found that they had a lot more in common than they first thought. They both didn't have the best fathers and that allowed them to truly understand the other. Clayton realized that Ronnie needed him to be more open while Ronnie realized that openness wasn't Clayton's default. They were very sweet together and I was rooting for them to reconcile the whole book.
We are terrible at understanding what we are worth and you, my beautiful Veronica, are worth everything.
✦ The Tropes! ✦ The main reason I enjoyed this book so much was the tropes. Like I said Clayton was my kind of hero. I don't know what it says about me that I love heroes that can be compared to a cactus, but you know what, it's my life mom . Not only that but I am a sucker for the "i marrying you but at the same time i made a deal with your father". And then learning that Clayton actually did love Ronnie but bro bro was trying to have it all?!?! BRILLIANT ! I just ate that shit up. Or how Ronnie AND CLAYTON both avoided having sex for 5 years because they were still pining after each other?? MAGNIFICENT ! At first I was annoyed that Ronnie hadn't gotten any but then when I realized Clayton hadn't either? I knew I was reading a true ❤fairy tale❤ Either way this book was a fun time and served me all the tropes that I loved.
✩ ✩ Why 3.5 Stars? ✩ ✩
✦ The Full Lack of Groveling ✦ I want to preface this point with this - I didn't really mind the lack of groveling. HOWEVER, I think the book could've been a bit more hard hitting if the groveling had been a bit more intense. Honestly when a hero pulls the type of shit Clayton did I just automatically expect some top tier groveling. That. . .didn't really happen here. He apologized but more in an explanation sort of way? I'm probably explaining it weird, but I was expecting a continual apology more along the lines of Sandro from The Unwanted Wife . Instead we got a fine apology that could've been much better.
✦ The Length of the Story ✦ I don't know what it was but this story felt really short. And due to that it felt like the book went by really quick. I wanted Clayton to grovel for longer, I wanted Ronnie to approach him more cautiously, I wanted a deeper look into the beginnings of their relationship, and more interaction between the sisters. If there had been more page time for all of these things I think this could've been a five star read for me. However, I'm just a humble reader/reviewer so what do I know about how long a book should be!
✩ ✩ In Conclusion ✩ ✩
If you're looking for a quick, fun, slightly angsty, romantic, and trope filled read check out The Tycoon ! I had a huge crush on Clayton, I was rooting for Ronnie, and I thought this was such a great example of a second-chance-romance. Watching these two take that leap of faith and embrace the love they had for each other was so great to read. So, if you're looking for a quick read I highly recommend this book!
I choose you, I thought. Even though Dale can’t and your father never did. I. Choose. You
February 16, 2021
I'm not really sure what I feel for this book.
Things were so repeatative that in the end I was actually mentally kicking Veronica for being such a prude or dramatic!
The starting was amazing. I loved the air of suspense... that was the best part.
Characters too were okay-ish as Clayton, half of the time wasn't sure what to do and what not , which was annoying.
Whereas Veronica was always hurt by one thing or another 🙄. I understood that the first part where she knew her marriage was a part of the 'deal' was kinda bad and she should be hurt because of it....but dude that girl got hurt atleast 4-5 times in the whole book of 200 pages😒😤 , which WAS ANNOYING.
Plotting/storyline was good enough, it just wasn't supported by the good characters.
Also I really liked the author's way of storytelling + writing style.
Things were so repeatative that in the end I was actually mentally kicking Veronica for being such a prude or dramatic!
The starting was amazing. I loved the air of suspense... that was the best part.
Characters too were okay-ish as Clayton, half of the time wasn't sure what to do and what not , which was annoying.
Whereas Veronica was always hurt by one thing or another 🙄. I understood that the first part where she knew her marriage was a part of the 'deal' was kinda bad and she should be hurt because of it....but dude that girl got hurt atleast 4-5 times in the whole book of 200 pages😒😤 , which WAS ANNOYING.
Plotting/storyline was good enough, it just wasn't supported by the good characters.
Also I really liked the author's way of storytelling + writing style.
July 26, 2018
Good golly, Miss Molly, you've done it again! Veronica and Clayton's story is one riveting angst-fest from start to finish. Veronica is devastated to overhear her father and her fiance Clayton talking about their upcoming marriage as a business deal, their relationship not the loving equal one she'd assumed it was. Broken-hearted, she leaves her ranch home, making a name and career for herself. When her father dies, she comes home unwillingly but needing money from the will to help out her sisters- a will that leaves everything to Clayton if Veronica's estranged half brother doesn't come back in time to claim it. Veronica must face Clayton again, a man she now despises. Clayton's solution is simple - marry him, and she'll get what she needs. But why would he want her in his life when he can everything that he ever wanted (or so she believes) without her?
Ah, lots of plot twists and turns as we find out that ruthless tycoon Clayton, while not exactly having a heart of gold, does indeed have valid (somewhat selfish, but understandable) reasons for making the original deal to marry Veronica. Having a chance to make it up to her and seduce her back into his life (as sex was never their problem), he's going to have to do some serious convincing to regain her trust. As the story progresses we get some explanation and redemption of Clayton's actions. Veronica's sisters have their own problems that Veronica is used to dealing with on her own - having Clayton's support makes a big difference for her, and helps her realize they have a real chance to start over. This time she insists that their relationship be one without lies, no matter how painful the truth might be. It's a sexy standalone romance with some secondary characters that will make up other stories in the King family series. I love this author's work, and she did not disappoint!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Ah, lots of plot twists and turns as we find out that ruthless tycoon Clayton, while not exactly having a heart of gold, does indeed have valid (somewhat selfish, but understandable) reasons for making the original deal to marry Veronica. Having a chance to make it up to her and seduce her back into his life (as sex was never their problem), he's going to have to do some serious convincing to regain her trust. As the story progresses we get some explanation and redemption of Clayton's actions. Veronica's sisters have their own problems that Veronica is used to dealing with on her own - having Clayton's support makes a big difference for her, and helps her realize they have a real chance to start over. This time she insists that their relationship be one without lies, no matter how painful the truth might be. It's a sexy standalone romance with some secondary characters that will make up other stories in the King family series. I love this author's work, and she did not disappoint!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
December 2, 2019
The bold writing style- leaping off the page type emotions and strong, sexy, intelligent and realistic characters. Wow!
I loved the hero so much. You could say from the first page itself that he was special. He had hidden depth. I loved the feisty, bold heroine too.
So happy that they got their happy ending.
Recommended.
P.s hero stayed celibate during 5 years of separation. Like I said, I love him.
I loved the hero so much. You could say from the first page itself that he was special. He had hidden depth. I loved the feisty, bold heroine too.
So happy that they got their happy ending.
Recommended.
P.s hero stayed celibate during 5 years of separation. Like I said, I love him.
August 3, 2022
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
This was such a beautiful and heart wrenching read! All the best things: a good grovel, grand gestures, and a hero that has never gotten over the one he screwed up, lol. Left me with all the warm fuzzies ❤
Trope: second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
This was such a beautiful and heart wrenching read! All the best things: a good grovel, grand gestures, and a hero that has never gotten over the one he screwed up, lol. Left me with all the warm fuzzies ❤
November 28, 2022
3,5 ⭐️
November 18, 2018
4 Solid Stars
OK, so I was very excited getting this book deal, courtesy of my GR friend Coco.V, and I have to say it was my first read by this author and I can't wait for more.
I really liked the writing style, the execution of the storyline was ok and I mean I would have liked to see a few things different. I would have liked a bit more angst, nothing OTT but enough to get my heart rate up, I also felt that there was just too much doom and gloom surrounding this family dynamic. Yes, I get it on one hand but on the other hand, they were all so "depressing", lol. The one thing I hated was the way Ronnie/Veronica was described! I mean she sounded on one hand so chunky and drab and plain and then on the other hand she sounded sexy too but for me, I had a hard time "seeing" her and what was described was sort of a turn off:( LOL
Clayton of course sounded yummy, lol!!!! But I wished we had more of him too. The second half of the book, we did get more inside of his head but felt like the beginning and second half of book was rushed and failed to connect fully for this couple. It was like whiplash and also I woukd have made him GROVEL way more than Ronnie did.
I am excited to read about everyone else, Dylan especially:) . Sabrina's storyline has got me excited and Bea, well, she is a bit "odd" I can't quite grasp her character just yet so I do look forward to getting a glimpse of who she is and why she does what she does, lol
Anyhoo, a really good story with some very minor flaws in my own opinion but good nonetheless!!!!!
OK, so I was very excited getting this book deal, courtesy of my GR friend Coco.V, and I have to say it was my first read by this author and I can't wait for more.
I really liked the writing style, the execution of the storyline was ok and I mean I would have liked to see a few things different. I would have liked a bit more angst, nothing OTT but enough to get my heart rate up, I also felt that there was just too much doom and gloom surrounding this family dynamic. Yes, I get it on one hand but on the other hand, they were all so "depressing", lol. The one thing I hated was the way Ronnie/Veronica was described! I mean she sounded on one hand so chunky and drab and plain and then on the other hand she sounded sexy too but for me, I had a hard time "seeing" her and what was described was sort of a turn off:( LOL
Clayton of course sounded yummy, lol!!!! But I wished we had more of him too. The second half of the book, we did get more inside of his head but felt like the beginning and second half of book was rushed and failed to connect fully for this couple. It was like whiplash and also I woukd have made him GROVEL way more than Ronnie did.
I am excited to read about everyone else, Dylan especially:) . Sabrina's storyline has got me excited and Bea, well, she is a bit "odd" I can't quite grasp her character just yet so I do look forward to getting a glimpse of who she is and why she does what she does, lol
Anyhoo, a really good story with some very minor flaws in my own opinion but good nonetheless!!!!!
December 28, 2024
Reread 2024 - enjoyed it, but could see more discrepancies in the plot. I don't lower my past rating, but this time would give it just 3 stars.
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This book was a pleasant surprise, so it makes me wonder about such a low rating. 🧐
Yes, it has a bit Harlequin-y vibe; it's not very long, and not thoroughly developed, but it is a beautiful story.
Second chance romance after a 5 year separation, where the time did them both good. From a fairly naive girl to a confident woman, who knows her value, Ronnie makes a likeable heroine. Btw I love wine & cheese, she loves wine & cheese, it's a given🍷 Clayton on the other hand realized there are things worth fighting for in a life. Their celibacy during this time apart is one of the biggest highlights of this book.
The ending drama and her reaction was a little too extreme - I would be pissed too don't get me wrong, but maybe would give him chance to explain himself.
Last but not least - what was with the name mistakes?
One line there's a nurse called Maggie, and suddenly she's Cindy, or was there another nurse present??
Or Bea addressing herself in a sentence, while talking to and about the heroine?
All in all I enjoyed it! Literally short and sweet 😊
March 18, 2020
Totally fine, sometimes funny and sexy. Quick read. 2.5. nearly a MOC.
July 30, 2024
I liked the writing. I'm not totally sure if I liked the getting back together as I think there wasn't enough grovel.
Want to read
November 13, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/13/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
The cruel and beautiful man who ruined my life has everything he wants—everything except me.
Five years ago, Clayton Rorick loved me. Or so I thought. Turned out he only wanted to get his hands on my daddy’s company. Heartbroken, I ran away with nothing but the clothes on my back. Like a twisted Cinderella. When my father dies, leaving my sisters in a desperate situation, it’s up to me to help them.
I’ll have to beg the man who broke my heart to save us.
But Clayton hasn’t forgotten me and what he wants in exchange for his help is…my body, my heart and my soul.
Blurb:
The cruel and beautiful man who ruined my life has everything he wants—everything except me.
Five years ago, Clayton Rorick loved me. Or so I thought. Turned out he only wanted to get his hands on my daddy’s company. Heartbroken, I ran away with nothing but the clothes on my back. Like a twisted Cinderella. When my father dies, leaving my sisters in a desperate situation, it’s up to me to help them.
I’ll have to beg the man who broke my heart to save us.
But Clayton hasn’t forgotten me and what he wants in exchange for his help is…my body, my heart and my soul.
March 25, 2022
2.5⭐
This just fell flat for me..
The good:
* H celibate whilst separated;
* h actually seemed to stand-up for herself in the beginning
*kinda liked the premise of it with expected hero grovel/redemption
The bad:
* H was too bland for my liking;
* Didn't get why he waited 5 years to reconnect - like made no sense? Would he have reconnected if h's dad didn't die?
*his actions kinda didn't make sense 🤷♀️
Basically, didn't connect with it at all..😶
This just fell flat for me..
The good:
* H celibate whilst separated;
* h actually seemed to stand-up for herself in the beginning
*kinda liked the premise of it with expected hero grovel/redemption
The bad:
* H was too bland for my liking;
* Didn't get why he waited 5 years to reconnect - like made no sense? Would he have reconnected if h's dad didn't die?
*his actions kinda didn't make sense 🤷♀️
Basically, didn't connect with it at all..😶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2021
3.5 stars.
Not really there but could be easily.
I had a lot of expectations for this book or maybe I’m in the minority here but something major was missing!
The starting ended up good but it was so so predictable and at 75% I clearly lost interest and just wanted to leave it as it is.
It could easily get 4 stars from me if it had a good plot and well-driven characters.
Not to mention, the ending was too rushed!
Not really there but could be easily.
I had a lot of expectations for this book or maybe I’m in the minority here but something major was missing!
The starting ended up good but it was so so predictable and at 75% I clearly lost interest and just wanted to leave it as it is.
It could easily get 4 stars from me if it had a good plot and well-driven characters.
Not to mention, the ending was too rushed!
December 20, 2024
This was so good! Loved every bit of it!
July 15, 2018
4 stars(minus one star for not having an epilogue)
I loved this book, and I m so sad that the author did not give us a proper epilogue if it has an epilogue I will give it five stars. After so many DNF this week, The Tycoon captured my attention from the very first page, I just simply couldn't stop reading until the last page. Clayton and Veronica's story is powerful, emotional, angsty, full of secrets and lies story.
The characters are so well written, and the story is flawless. Both Clayton's and Veronica are damaged by their past, and that played a huge part in their relationship. I must say I loved Clayton, I know he made mistakes but everything he did is to have Veronica as his wife, he loved her from 16 years old. Veronica is such a strong heroine, I admire her independence and her loyalty to her sisters. I m so glad that she does not make things easy for Clayton when they come face to face after five years.
All in all amazing book, i devoured in one sitting, it's a shame that it doesn't have an epilogue it will be five stars read for me
I loved this book, and I m so sad that the author did not give us a proper epilogue if it has an epilogue I will give it five stars. After so many DNF this week, The Tycoon captured my attention from the very first page, I just simply couldn't stop reading until the last page. Clayton and Veronica's story is powerful, emotional, angsty, full of secrets and lies story.
The characters are so well written, and the story is flawless. Both Clayton's and Veronica are damaged by their past, and that played a huge part in their relationship. I must say I loved Clayton, I know he made mistakes but everything he did is to have Veronica as his wife, he loved her from 16 years old. Veronica is such a strong heroine, I admire her independence and her loyalty to her sisters. I m so glad that she does not make things easy for Clayton when they come face to face after five years.
All in all amazing book, i devoured in one sitting, it's a shame that it doesn't have an epilogue it will be five stars read for me
July 13, 2018
Clayton Rorick and Veronica King.
I absolutely loved this story.
I can't say I am very familiar with this author before but my goodness she packs a punch.
I found some scenes very emotional. Lots of depth to her characters.
Dual POV, though it is predominantly Veronica with the odd chapter to Clayton. This really works as Clayton is a bit brooding and although we get some of his feelings it takes time to see his history and motives.
There is no O/W drama. No cheating.
There is a separation and during that time both the Hero and heroine are celibate.
The heroine is no push over, though she is battling with herself to be strong.
The Hero is amazing, there is a lot going on under his cool façade. I don't want to explain too much not to spoil it but there are some suprises.
There are lots of hints dropped to other secondary characters and their stories.
HEA.
It is rare I give 5 stars but I was in a really book funk and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I devoured it.
💔💋💗💖💕💓💞
🐕🐶
💍💎💰💲
I absolutely loved this story.
I can't say I am very familiar with this author before but my goodness she packs a punch.
I found some scenes very emotional. Lots of depth to her characters.
Dual POV, though it is predominantly Veronica with the odd chapter to Clayton. This really works as Clayton is a bit brooding and although we get some of his feelings it takes time to see his history and motives.
There is no O/W drama. No cheating.
There is a separation and during that time both the Hero and heroine are celibate.
The heroine is no push over, though she is battling with herself to be strong.
The Hero is amazing, there is a lot going on under his cool façade. I don't want to explain too much not to spoil it but there are some suprises.
There are lots of hints dropped to other secondary characters and their stories.
HEA.
It is rare I give 5 stars but I was in a really book funk and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I devoured it.
💔💋💗💖💕💓💞
🐕🐶
💍💎💰💲
Read
August 17, 2022Family with issues
May 28, 2022
3-1/2 *'s
September 2, 2018
This is a series, three books so far, written by three different authors. The author of the third book is an autobuy author so I decided to pick up the first two as it’s a family series. The premise is three sisters and one brother, in some cases half siblings, raised by a misogynistic, neglectful tycoon of a father. He dies shortly after the beginning of the first book so the series is the fallout of his death on his progeny.
The first book deals with his oldest child, daughter Veronica or Ronnie. Since her mother died when she was young and her step-mother was the typical fairy-tale step mother, in other words the bitch from hell and her father had no use for her, Ronnie grew up with a very low level of self-esteem. She does believe though that thinks have turned around when she becomes engaged to the man of her dreams, Clayton Rorick who is an executive in her father’s company. She can’t believe someone like him would love someone like her. Then the worst thing happens and she overhears a conversation between Clayton and her father in which a deal is confirmed that since Clayton has agreed to marry Ronnie, her father will transfer a piece of land to Clayton. Ronnie is devastated and runs.
This is the prologue and the book starts five years later. Ronnie’s nasty father has died and Clayton is trying to get hold of Ronnie. She ignores him at every turn as she is still heartbroken. But when she hears the terms of the will it turns out she can’t ignore him any longer. Her father has left the entire estate to her brother who is currently m.i.a. and hasn’t had anything to do with the King family for years, if he returns by a certain date to claim it. If her brother doesn’t shown up by then, the entire estate goes to Clayton. Nothing, not a dime has been left to Ronnie nor her two younger sisters. While she isn’t entirely surprised that she’s not getting anything, she is very angry that she is now forced to confront Clayton and has to deal with him for help for her sisters as well as a foundation that is very close to her heart.
The book is told in first person in alternating points of view between Ronnie and Clayton. We don’t hear Clayton’s ‘side’ until well into the book so it’s very, very easy to hate him for the wrong done to Ronnie. While she’s a bit too enabling to her sisters, especially her middle sister, she feels a strong sense of obligation to them considering she is the oldest and they all got robbed in the parent department.
It isn’t until we start seeing things from Clayton’s POV that we begin to realize he’s not nearly the villain the reader has assumed he is up until this point. While he keeps way too much of his own roots and feelings to himself, he does realize the really bad mistakes he has made and truly wants to make things right. I know I’m being very mysterious but I don’t want to give anything away. I will say though that as things start to come out, my feelings towards Clayton changed 100% and I found him a very good and worthwhile hero.
As I said at the start, the main reason I read this one was as kind of a filler until I got to the third book, I’ve so very glad I did that as I enjoyed this one immensely and quite happily recommend it.
The first book deals with his oldest child, daughter Veronica or Ronnie. Since her mother died when she was young and her step-mother was the typical fairy-tale step mother, in other words the bitch from hell and her father had no use for her, Ronnie grew up with a very low level of self-esteem. She does believe though that thinks have turned around when she becomes engaged to the man of her dreams, Clayton Rorick who is an executive in her father’s company. She can’t believe someone like him would love someone like her. Then the worst thing happens and she overhears a conversation between Clayton and her father in which a deal is confirmed that since Clayton has agreed to marry Ronnie, her father will transfer a piece of land to Clayton. Ronnie is devastated and runs.
This is the prologue and the book starts five years later. Ronnie’s nasty father has died and Clayton is trying to get hold of Ronnie. She ignores him at every turn as she is still heartbroken. But when she hears the terms of the will it turns out she can’t ignore him any longer. Her father has left the entire estate to her brother who is currently m.i.a. and hasn’t had anything to do with the King family for years, if he returns by a certain date to claim it. If her brother doesn’t shown up by then, the entire estate goes to Clayton. Nothing, not a dime has been left to Ronnie nor her two younger sisters. While she isn’t entirely surprised that she’s not getting anything, she is very angry that she is now forced to confront Clayton and has to deal with him for help for her sisters as well as a foundation that is very close to her heart.
The book is told in first person in alternating points of view between Ronnie and Clayton. We don’t hear Clayton’s ‘side’ until well into the book so it’s very, very easy to hate him for the wrong done to Ronnie. While she’s a bit too enabling to her sisters, especially her middle sister, she feels a strong sense of obligation to them considering she is the oldest and they all got robbed in the parent department.
It isn’t until we start seeing things from Clayton’s POV that we begin to realize he’s not nearly the villain the reader has assumed he is up until this point. While he keeps way too much of his own roots and feelings to himself, he does realize the really bad mistakes he has made and truly wants to make things right. I know I’m being very mysterious but I don’t want to give anything away. I will say though that as things start to come out, my feelings towards Clayton changed 100% and I found him a very good and worthwhile hero.
As I said at the start, the main reason I read this one was as kind of a filler until I got to the third book, I’ve so very glad I did that as I enjoyed this one immensely and quite happily recommend it.
December 12, 2018
‘The Tycoon’ took me an extraordinarily long time to finish, despite the novella-length of the whole story. Admittedly, I was distracted with everything else that left reading the last priority on my list.
But still, I got through it, albeit on first or second gear throughout, and at a snail’s pace and there just wasn’t enough rev for me to keep my eyes glued to it. The long story short is: woman finds out that she’s been played by her father and fiancé all along; 5 years later, they’re reunited unwittingly and in a twist of events, she gets manoeuvred into a marriage to help save her sisters who are all in some trouble of their own.
Molly O’Keefe tackles a tricky second-chance romance trope; I think most readers, after reading the injustice done to Veronica would expect some sort of grovelling or some grand gestures that would place Clayton on a playing field where he could ‘earn’ back Veronica’s affections. What we got however, were Veronica’s own musings and doubts about Clayton’s supposed change and how much he was willing to compromise for her this time, though her wariness didn’t always seem backed up by his actions.
But an imbalance in the POVs here meant that we mostly had Veronica’s side of the story—her struggles, her feelings, her emotions—while Clayton’s few scenes in his POV simply made him as remote, aloof and cold-hearted as ever. Acknowledging his mistake with Veronica 5 years ago and apologising in so few lines, then expecting Veronica to cave to his manipulative marriage demands made him seem an unsympathetic, unremorseful character, especially since he’d admitted to using sex as a way to get her defences down.
Seriously?!
It levelled out eventually: less lies, more truth, less obscuring, more sharing and the easing into forgiveness, though by that time, I was bored and skimming. ‘The Tycoon’ would have been a better read for me if there’d been more peaks and valleys—more spikes of the emotional fallout, I guess, but since that didn’t happen, it ended up more exasperating than exciting.
But still, I got through it, albeit on first or second gear throughout, and at a snail’s pace and there just wasn’t enough rev for me to keep my eyes glued to it. The long story short is: woman finds out that she’s been played by her father and fiancé all along; 5 years later, they’re reunited unwittingly and in a twist of events, she gets manoeuvred into a marriage to help save her sisters who are all in some trouble of their own.
Molly O’Keefe tackles a tricky second-chance romance trope; I think most readers, after reading the injustice done to Veronica would expect some sort of grovelling or some grand gestures that would place Clayton on a playing field where he could ‘earn’ back Veronica’s affections. What we got however, were Veronica’s own musings and doubts about Clayton’s supposed change and how much he was willing to compromise for her this time, though her wariness didn’t always seem backed up by his actions.
But an imbalance in the POVs here meant that we mostly had Veronica’s side of the story—her struggles, her feelings, her emotions—while Clayton’s few scenes in his POV simply made him as remote, aloof and cold-hearted as ever. Acknowledging his mistake with Veronica 5 years ago and apologising in so few lines, then expecting Veronica to cave to his manipulative marriage demands made him seem an unsympathetic, unremorseful character, especially since he’d admitted to using sex as a way to get her defences down.
Seriously?!
It levelled out eventually: less lies, more truth, less obscuring, more sharing and the easing into forgiveness, though by that time, I was bored and skimming. ‘The Tycoon’ would have been a better read for me if there’d been more peaks and valleys—more spikes of the emotional fallout, I guess, but since that didn’t happen, it ended up more exasperating than exciting.
March 25, 2022
This started off pretty good. I really enjoyed a lot of those beginning scenes: her taking back the watch, feeding the food he brings her to the dogs, their confrontations, etc. Then it all went downhill fast. Really fast. The last half ends up being really rushed and the romance is majorly underdeveloped. The whole thing was flat and depressing. The “I love you” scenes were super theatrical and cringey too. It’s never a good sign when you want to DNF in the last 20%, I did finish it though so, yay?
July 6, 2018
The Tycoon is the beginning of what I suspect will be a great series. It has family drama, betrayal, love, hot sex and so much more. It focuses mainly on Ronnie and Clayton but it also gives glimpses of the other characters and what issues they face. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
April 5, 2022
3.75 stars
This was quick, page-turning read and enjoyable, but not stellar. It was neither among O'Keefe's best books (which can be stellar), nor among her weakest. The Tycoon probably deserves 4 stars for its sweetness and emotion, but because I didn't connect with the heroine and saw through to the hero's motives from the beginning, I'm giving it 3.75 stars.
I may or may not post a longer review.
This was quick, page-turning read and enjoyable, but not stellar. It was neither among O'Keefe's best books (which can be stellar), nor among her weakest. The Tycoon probably deserves 4 stars for its sweetness and emotion, but because I didn't connect with the heroine and saw through to the hero's motives from the beginning, I'm giving it 3.75 stars.
I may or may not post a longer review.
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