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In Love with a Tycoon #1
The Tycoon's Socialite Bride
To avenge his mother's mistreatment at the hands of her upper-crust employer, self-made real estate tycoon Marcus Pearson needs entree into their exclusive world. When D.C. socialite Pamela Harrington comes to him for help, Marcus realizes the golden admission ticket he's been seeking has suddenly fallen into his lap.
Pamela will do anything to save her favorite cause, even agree to a marriage of convenience. The altruistic "it-girl" isn't worried about the pretend passion with Marcus turning real; she's sworn off powerful, driven men who use her for her family's connections.
So she'll deny the way her pulse races with one look from his crystalline blue eyes. And he'll ignore the way his body throbs with each kiss from her full lips. Because there's no way he'll lose his blue-collar heart to the blue-blooded beauty.
Pamela will do anything to save her favorite cause, even agree to a marriage of convenience. The altruistic "it-girl" isn't worried about the pretend passion with Marcus turning real; she's sworn off powerful, driven men who use her for her family's connections.
So she'll deny the way her pulse races with one look from his crystalline blue eyes. And he'll ignore the way his body throbs with each kiss from her full lips. Because there's no way he'll lose his blue-collar heart to the blue-blooded beauty.
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First published February 10, 2014
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About the author
Tracey Livesay
16 books957 followersTracey Livesay writes smart, sexy and emotional contemporary romances where strong, successful heroines find love with powerful, passionate heroes. Her latest release, THE DUCHESS EFFECT, is the sequel to last summer’s American Royalty, which evokes the real-life romance between Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle, if Meghan was Megan Thee Stallion. She is the 2021 Emma Award winner for Best Interracial Romance for Like Lovers Do, which was also named one of the 100 Best Fiction Books of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews. A former criminal defense attorney, she lives in Virginia with her husband—who she met on the very first day of law school—and is counting down the days until they have an empty nest. (Don’t worry, their three kids are well aware.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
January 22, 2019
3.5 stars.
So the name of the book made me giggle, but I still found it preferable to the various Kidnapped and Impregnated by the Ruthless Bearded Greek Shipping Magnate titles out there...
The fake relationship trope doesn't always work for me. I don't usually enjoy when a couple denies their feelings for the majority of the book. So I was relieved that the leads - Marcus, the self-made real estate mogul, and Pamela, the daughter of a former United States Senator and member of the upper echleons of DC society - acknowledge their attraction and tentatively share their affections throughout the story. Yes, it is a marriage of convenience; Marcus wants the access that the Harrington name will give him and Pamela wants to protect a domestic violence shelter. Yes, there are complications; both are hesitant to make themselves vulnerable, and both have to balance their growing feelings with lifelong ambitions and existing ties. Marcus, in particular, makes some infuriating moves. But that's men for you 😉 Ultimately, their passion turns into a true partnership.
I think that the story would have benefited from additional length - not only to better develop their relationship, but to tie up loose ends. Did they ever truly discuss the overheard phone call? What happened to Devin? Was there something between the Senator and Alice? Had it been longer, I would have rounded up. But as it stood, I found The Tycoon's Socialite Bride a well-written, entertaining, mildly angsty, and sweet read.
Read for SBTB January - March 2019 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a couple who are or were married.
So the name of the book made me giggle, but I still found it preferable to the various Kidnapped and Impregnated by the Ruthless Bearded Greek Shipping Magnate titles out there...
The fake relationship trope doesn't always work for me. I don't usually enjoy when a couple denies their feelings for the majority of the book. So I was relieved that the leads - Marcus, the self-made real estate mogul, and Pamela, the daughter of a former United States Senator and member of the upper echleons of DC society - acknowledge their attraction and tentatively share their affections throughout the story. Yes, it is a marriage of convenience; Marcus wants the access that the Harrington name will give him and Pamela wants to protect a domestic violence shelter. Yes, there are complications; both are hesitant to make themselves vulnerable, and both have to balance their growing feelings with lifelong ambitions and existing ties. Marcus, in particular, makes some infuriating moves. But that's men for you 😉 Ultimately, their passion turns into a true partnership.
I think that the story would have benefited from additional length - not only to better develop their relationship, but to tie up loose ends. Did they ever truly discuss the overheard phone call? What happened to Devin? Was there something between the Senator and Alice? Had it been longer, I would have rounded up. But as it stood, I found The Tycoon's Socialite Bride a well-written, entertaining, mildly angsty, and sweet read.
Read for SBTB January - March 2019 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a couple who are or were married.
January 13, 2015
The Tycoon's Socialite Bride is a contemporary romance that's about - the tycoon and his socialite bride. That said, it isn't anything like what the title implies. Say what? One might assume, based on that title, that this is the book of an arrogant playboy tycoon who has married some brainless, self-important, princess of a socialite. Wrong. Our tycoon, a man named Marcus Pearson, is a self-made man whose mother worked at hotel when he was a child. An incident occurred that resulted in the firing of his victimized mother. At the time Marcus was too young to do anything about it, but he made a vow to his mother that he would get revenge one day. He's worked hard with this goal in mind and becomes incredibly rich, but he soon finds that being filthy rich and on the cover of every magazine means nothing to the old money in D.C. He just doesn't have the pedigree to pull off his revenge. Enter the socialite with a heart of gold. Pamela Harrington works closely with a woman's shelter that is near and dear to her heart. She confronts Marcus because his company has not only purchased the building, but it has also given an eviction notice. She needs him to change his plans or the abused women and their children who depend on the shelter will have no place to go. When Marcus finds out that Pamela is the daughter of a Senator with family roots that run deep in D.C., a plan hatches...
I really liked that everyone in this book acted like mature adults and there was very little pretense. Everyone was upfront with their motives - Marcus didn't try to lie or trick Pamela into marriage, instead he made his proposition and Pamela accepted it. When Marcus does something in the book that could have ruined his budding relationship with Pamela he doesn't try to cover it up with a lie. This was a refreshing change of pace as many books rely on trickery or half truths to create conflict. Pamela is a great character to me. Some could say that she's a bit of a "poor little rich girl," but I don't see her that way. She's a product of her upbringing in D.C.'s elite society. Her father has expectations of her and, wanting his approval, she hasn't wanted to disappoint him. Working with the shelter, however, is the one thing that she's worked on that hasn't had her father's stamp of approval. I feel bad for Pamela, but I love her conviction. It isn't too difficult to imagine the relationship that she has with her father "The Senator." At the beginning her behavior is so controlled by this man and his expectations that I could feel her anxiousness, disappointment and sadness whenever he is mentioned or she has to interact with him. Despite his ever-present disapproval, Pamela is a woman of her word and she doesn't waiver from here agreement with Marcus.
There wasn't anything necessarily "bad" about this book or how the story unfolded. Unfortunately, it just seemed kind of stuck in neutral to me. While it definitely wasn't anywhere near a bad book, it wasn't exactly memorable either. Is that a problem? Not necessarily. For me it just seemed to miss that something that could have made it stand out as more than a "good" book. All in all I do believe that it is worth reading and it is a book that I do recommend. I'm giving The Tycoon's Socialite Bride a rating of 3.5 out of 5
*I received a review copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review*
Read more of my reviews at Romance Between the Covers
I really liked that everyone in this book acted like mature adults and there was very little pretense. Everyone was upfront with their motives - Marcus didn't try to lie or trick Pamela into marriage, instead he made his proposition and Pamela accepted it. When Marcus does something in the book that could have ruined his budding relationship with Pamela he doesn't try to cover it up with a lie. This was a refreshing change of pace as many books rely on trickery or half truths to create conflict. Pamela is a great character to me. Some could say that she's a bit of a "poor little rich girl," but I don't see her that way. She's a product of her upbringing in D.C.'s elite society. Her father has expectations of her and, wanting his approval, she hasn't wanted to disappoint him. Working with the shelter, however, is the one thing that she's worked on that hasn't had her father's stamp of approval. I feel bad for Pamela, but I love her conviction. It isn't too difficult to imagine the relationship that she has with her father "The Senator." At the beginning her behavior is so controlled by this man and his expectations that I could feel her anxiousness, disappointment and sadness whenever he is mentioned or she has to interact with him. Despite his ever-present disapproval, Pamela is a woman of her word and she doesn't waiver from here agreement with Marcus.
There wasn't anything necessarily "bad" about this book or how the story unfolded. Unfortunately, it just seemed kind of stuck in neutral to me. While it definitely wasn't anywhere near a bad book, it wasn't exactly memorable either. Is that a problem? Not necessarily. For me it just seemed to miss that something that could have made it stand out as more than a "good" book. All in all I do believe that it is worth reading and it is a book that I do recommend. I'm giving The Tycoon's Socialite Bride a rating of 3.5 out of 5
*I received a review copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review*
Read more of my reviews at Romance Between the Covers
July 26, 2018
There is a bit of magic in a well done category romance and Livesay hits all the right emotional beats in this Washington D.C. set romance with good world-building and no politician protagonists (thank the good Lord above!). Socialite heroine from political dynasty family wants to save a women's shelter whose building was just bought by the hero, a hot-shot real estate mogul. He wants to buy an upscale boutique hotel to exact revenge on the villain, but having no pedigree or "name," cannot even get the man to acknowledge his proposal. What should they do? Why, enter into a marriage of convenience of course! I loved the forthright, smart heroine and her complicated relationship with her stony father. I loved the hero's baggage and the deliciously angsty Black Moment that drives the couple to their final happy-ever-after. A well-done story. Highly recommended.
October 25, 2022
4.25 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
CW: Classism, Revenge, Survivor Shelter
Video review available in Week 21: May 22 – May 28, 2022, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon or coming soon for free.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
CW: Classism, Revenge, Survivor Shelter
Video review available in Week 21: May 22 – May 28, 2022, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon or coming soon for free.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
December 2, 2018
I liked this, minus the hero's TERRIBLE choice at the end. I know he changed his mind, but honestly, I don't know how the heroine could ever trust him to not do that again. It was awful. I probably would have given it four stars up until that point, but it's getting three instead.
January 31, 2014
The Tycoon's Socialite Wife
Tracey Livesay
I was gifted this story in exchange for an honest review.
Marcus Peterson is enjoying a game of golf with his buddy Carter Richardson when he is approached by a woman wanting to talk to him about saving a building and he is annoyed to have his day interrupted.He thinks she is just another girl looking for a donation, trying to cash in on his wealth. How wrong was he. He has worked hard for many years to achieve the financial security that he now possesses.
Pamela Harrington is that woman. She is the daughter of the Senator and is crusading to save the G Street Women's Shelter, a building that houses battered women with nowhere else to go. This is the newest acquisition of real estate for Marcus and he plans to tear it down and build some high price condos.
It does not take Marcus long to figure out that Pamela is the IN that he is looking for. Seems that even though he is one of the richest and most powerful men in the State, Mr Holcombe will not look at his offer to buy his hotel because he is not "old money." Marcus desperately wants to possess this hotel to right a wrong done to his mother. Pamela is the answer because she comes from "old money." Marcus believes that an arranged marriage between the two of them will alllow him access to the hotel he craves and in turn he will let the battered women stay at the shelter.
Of course this marriage of convienence does not go off without a hitch as reality sinks in.These are two strangers that are planning a future together. They have completely different personalities. There are problems after problems that occur because of the secrets they are playing. Her father plays a pivotal role in the story as he opposes this marriage from the beginning.
Marcus and Pamela started out on the wrong foot with each other but throughout the story they start to learn more about the other. It is good to see them begin to tolerate each other and then watch as it actually grows to mutual affection. Of course there are more bumps for this couple and some scenes that totally caught me off guard. Some really good bumps. I even shed a few tears. It was really well written. It was a great story as their personalities were explored and developed. Marcus really has some endearing qualities and when push comes to shove he is a good guy. Pamela has some violence in her personal background and it was great to see how someone with her background could turn her life around and embrace the idea of giving back and helping others. Truly made her a great person.
I found the story line very believable and the struggles that they faced and how they dealt with them were very well written about. I would rate this story a 5/5.
February 17, 2014
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
Tracey Livesay is a new romance author and The tycoon’s socialite bride is her first published novel.
I loved that book, the story, the characters, the author’s flowing style, her dynamic tone. It was an excellent discovery and if the next is as good, it’s sure I’ll go on reading her.
This novel is a multicultural contemporary romance with a white hero and a black heroine. The hero, Marcus Pearson, is a self-made man whose ultimate aim is to avenge an injustice his mother was subjected to several years before. The heroine, Pamela Harrington, is a senator’s daughter, a privileged young woman neglected by her father. Yet she stays a very simple person, kind and in tune with others.
It’s because the heroine wants to save a shelter for abused women that those two meet and they will end up contracting an arranged marriage. I found their reasoning very plausible, their goals very clear.
In this novel, it’s our hero who needs to evolve the most. Because he’s the one with an obsession and the question is to know how far he’s ready to go to destroy his enemy. He has trouble dealing with his revenge and the feelings the heroine inspires in him. Yet I really liked him a lot because I really felt his doubts and his evolution is magnificent.
The secondary characters are really good, even the heroine’s father whose love for his daughter we feel, but so dampened by what he expects from her that he never demonstrates this feeling. Carter, the hero’s lawyer, is a lover-boy; however I think he has potential for his own story. And why not with Shelly, the shelter’s manager? She’s a young woman very likable, however, if she has a story with another unknown person, for me it won’t be a problem. In any case she too has great potential.
One of the reasons I loved that story is that the author, like Brenda Jackson, doesn’t focus on racism problems. The reader knows immediately the heroes don’t have the same skin color, but it’s really not the important element of the story. It’s a fact which is only mentioned once, understandably, but never talked about again thereafter. It’s also the reason I’ll follow the author closely.
The sex scenes were very well described and we feel from the start the physical attraction they feel toward each other because of the sensuality permeating the novel.
In short, The tycoon’s socialite bride is a very good romance I recommend to everyone.
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
Tracey Livesay is a new romance author and The tycoon’s socialite bride is her first published novel.
I loved that book, the story, the characters, the author’s flowing style, her dynamic tone. It was an excellent discovery and if the next is as good, it’s sure I’ll go on reading her.
This novel is a multicultural contemporary romance with a white hero and a black heroine. The hero, Marcus Pearson, is a self-made man whose ultimate aim is to avenge an injustice his mother was subjected to several years before. The heroine, Pamela Harrington, is a senator’s daughter, a privileged young woman neglected by her father. Yet she stays a very simple person, kind and in tune with others.
It’s because the heroine wants to save a shelter for abused women that those two meet and they will end up contracting an arranged marriage. I found their reasoning very plausible, their goals very clear.
In this novel, it’s our hero who needs to evolve the most. Because he’s the one with an obsession and the question is to know how far he’s ready to go to destroy his enemy. He has trouble dealing with his revenge and the feelings the heroine inspires in him. Yet I really liked him a lot because I really felt his doubts and his evolution is magnificent.
The secondary characters are really good, even the heroine’s father whose love for his daughter we feel, but so dampened by what he expects from her that he never demonstrates this feeling. Carter, the hero’s lawyer, is a lover-boy; however I think he has potential for his own story. And why not with Shelly, the shelter’s manager? She’s a young woman very likable, however, if she has a story with another unknown person, for me it won’t be a problem. In any case she too has great potential.
One of the reasons I loved that story is that the author, like Brenda Jackson, doesn’t focus on racism problems. The reader knows immediately the heroes don’t have the same skin color, but it’s really not the important element of the story. It’s a fact which is only mentioned once, understandably, but never talked about again thereafter. It’s also the reason I’ll follow the author closely.
The sex scenes were very well described and we feel from the start the physical attraction they feel toward each other because of the sensuality permeating the novel.
In short, The tycoon’s socialite bride is a very good romance I recommend to everyone.
July 22, 2014
4 stars - That perfect Indulgence, like letting dark chocolate melt on your tongue.
First Impression...
I love the idea of a mixed race couple and that cover is so beautiful. This is Tracey Livesay debut so I didn't know what to expect there I but I have read Entangled Indulgence before and that was enough to have me picking this one to read next.
The Characters...
I really liked both Marcus and Pamela right away. Both have been treated unfairly by those in power in the past. Both have drawn strength from those experiences. Both refuse to allow the attraction they feel for each other to stop them from getting what they want. Hehe...good luck with that last one. Once the kisses start, they can't really resist each other.
The Story...
Love the stories where their relationship is pretend and they struggle to resist the chemistry. Fighting the way their bodies reacts to another is always great fun. Marcus wants to buy a hotel but the owner won't even look at his bid because he's new money. The snobbery is over the top. But if Marcus has a bride from old money, he might be able to get the bid seen and accepted. Pamela wants to save the women's shelter that helped her a year ago. Marcus owns the building the women's shelter occupies. He proposes. And the fun begins.
The Writing...
The writing style was third person but it rotated from who's perspective it was from. I think I like this kind of third person. I still feel the connection with the main characters but I also get more. The little hints of what was behind the strong feeling of these two where perfect. I understood them without needing all the details and when they were ready to tell us they did. Very enjoyable.
In the end...
This is a quick read that I read in an evening. The heat was perfect for me. Enough to get me swooning and fanning but not so much that I want to hide what I'm reading and just blush. It's that perfect Indulgence, like letting dark chocolate melt on your tongue. If that's your thing, then check this one out.
First Impression...
I love the idea of a mixed race couple and that cover is so beautiful. This is Tracey Livesay debut so I didn't know what to expect there I but I have read Entangled Indulgence before and that was enough to have me picking this one to read next.
The Characters...
I really liked both Marcus and Pamela right away. Both have been treated unfairly by those in power in the past. Both have drawn strength from those experiences. Both refuse to allow the attraction they feel for each other to stop them from getting what they want. Hehe...good luck with that last one. Once the kisses start, they can't really resist each other.
The Story...
Love the stories where their relationship is pretend and they struggle to resist the chemistry. Fighting the way their bodies reacts to another is always great fun. Marcus wants to buy a hotel but the owner won't even look at his bid because he's new money. The snobbery is over the top. But if Marcus has a bride from old money, he might be able to get the bid seen and accepted. Pamela wants to save the women's shelter that helped her a year ago. Marcus owns the building the women's shelter occupies. He proposes. And the fun begins.
The Writing...
The writing style was third person but it rotated from who's perspective it was from. I think I like this kind of third person. I still feel the connection with the main characters but I also get more. The little hints of what was behind the strong feeling of these two where perfect. I understood them without needing all the details and when they were ready to tell us they did. Very enjoyable.
In the end...
This is a quick read that I read in an evening. The heat was perfect for me. Enough to get me swooning and fanning but not so much that I want to hide what I'm reading and just blush. It's that perfect Indulgence, like letting dark chocolate melt on your tongue. If that's your thing, then check this one out.
January 22, 2019
I found the storyline interesting, but what interested me the most was the clever manner in which Tracey Livesay brought in the "Blue Collar vs Blue Blood Family" angle. In addition, coming from Africa I am quite familiar with the existence of interracial marriages so that was also a nice change to the storyline.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 18, 2014
A wonderful romance fantastically written! Tracey Livesay is an author to watch and The Tycoon's Socialite Bride is a guilty pleasure you should enjoy like chocolate!
Detailed review to be posted soon.
4.5 stars
Detailed review to be posted soon.
4.5 stars
January 29, 2014
One of the best debut books I have read.
This is a story of complicated hero redeem himself in a simple yet meaningful backstory yet. In other words, he was willing to let his past for the right woman.
Marcus is a man with a past, his mother was wrongfully terminated and disgraced by her employer. His life is dedicated to have revenge by owning said employer's hotel. Now, he is one of the richest well made man, on set to fulfilled his revenge. However in DC old money runs strong, for a former kid on the block, money is not the only ticket for power and prestige.
Pamela comes from old money family. Her father is former senator and she is a well known society princess. Under the princess exterior lurks a dark spots in her life. That is why she determined to protect the women's shelter, located in Marcus's building.
Marriage of convienence is barter for a building and old money prestige btw the couple, however their passionate chemistry are something cannot be denied. Will they have a happy ending? or will Marcus past continue to form a barrier btw their hearts? I love a simple story but with complex characters and this book has it. The main couple budding romance slowly progress as the story reach it climax, is what I love the best. Double thumb up to the author. I am the fan of Entangled Indulgance, Brazen and Covet line, so I am excited for this author, recommended.
ARC received from netgalley for an honest review.
This is a story of complicated hero redeem himself in a simple yet meaningful backstory yet. In other words, he was willing to let his past for the right woman.
Marcus is a man with a past, his mother was wrongfully terminated and disgraced by her employer. His life is dedicated to have revenge by owning said employer's hotel. Now, he is one of the richest well made man, on set to fulfilled his revenge. However in DC old money runs strong, for a former kid on the block, money is not the only ticket for power and prestige.
Pamela comes from old money family. Her father is former senator and she is a well known society princess. Under the princess exterior lurks a dark spots in her life. That is why she determined to protect the women's shelter, located in Marcus's building.
Marriage of convienence is barter for a building and old money prestige btw the couple, however their passionate chemistry are something cannot be denied. Will they have a happy ending? or will Marcus past continue to form a barrier btw their hearts? I love a simple story but with complex characters and this book has it. The main couple budding romance slowly progress as the story reach it climax, is what I love the best. Double thumb up to the author. I am the fan of Entangled Indulgance, Brazen and Covet line, so I am excited for this author, recommended.
ARC received from netgalley for an honest review.
February 19, 2014
***ARC received from Netgalley.com, in exchange for an honest review****
As a Sociology major, I was thoroughly impressed with the author's fictional take on the inner workings of the Elite/Upper class, and how their actions can and often do affect everyone around them.
Although I found this IRR to be somewhat captivating, it did have a few issues (awkward sex scenes, insufficient epilogue, and a fair amount of lag towards the last 25% of the book).
Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of class warfare/New vs. Old money...
Giving this one: 3 solid stars...
As a Sociology major, I was thoroughly impressed with the author's fictional take on the inner workings of the Elite/Upper class, and how their actions can and often do affect everyone around them.
Although I found this IRR to be somewhat captivating, it did have a few issues (awkward sex scenes, insufficient epilogue, and a fair amount of lag towards the last 25% of the book).
Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of class warfare/New vs. Old money...
Giving this one: 3 solid stars...
August 4, 2018
I loved this book. It was presented to me as an enemies-to-lovers which threw me for a bit because they meet in this book and they have no prior connection and by chapter 2 they are really into each other. So I decided to stick to the marriage-of-convenience trope and instalove feel instead and if I approach it from that angle I have to put it on my 2018 favorite reads list because it was an amazing read. I loved Marcus and Pamela as characters so much. I loved their romance. I loved the steamy sexy times and I loved Livesay’s voice (but we already knew that!). I loved this book so much that I’m diving straight in the connected book in which Carter, Marcus’s BFF, is the hero. Just so I can bask in the awesomeness that is Tracey Livesay a little bit longer.
March 17, 2022
For most of the book, they had chemistry and lust but I didn’t feel the passion or love. Marcus and Pamela seem like good people in bad situations that happen to be in a position to benefit each other. The ending was sweet and and the main characters got their HEA.
February 16, 2019
4 stars
February 10, 2014
D.C. can be a difficult city to maneuver politically and socially. And Marcus is realizing it's even more difficult if you don't have the old money - the blue blood family. His lack of history is causing problems with his most recent business deal, and when he discovers that the daughter of a senator needs something from him, he has the perfect solution.
This was a very new take on the marriage of convenience for me - I had only run into in historicals up to this point. Both parties enter the agreement knowing all the facts, so there was no hiding or fibbing involved and I found I really enjoyed the concept. Pamela was a little too much of a good girl through out the story though. While Marcus made his fair share of mistakes - she seemed to be too far above it all to be real.
The background of the business deal is quite interesting, but outside of that there really wasn't a lot of action or suspenseful moments. There were a couple, but they were wrapped up and moved on from rather quickly for my taste. However, this has shown me that I won't be turning books away just because they don't marry for love anymore.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/0...
This was a very new take on the marriage of convenience for me - I had only run into in historicals up to this point. Both parties enter the agreement knowing all the facts, so there was no hiding or fibbing involved and I found I really enjoyed the concept. Pamela was a little too much of a good girl through out the story though. While Marcus made his fair share of mistakes - she seemed to be too far above it all to be real.
The background of the business deal is quite interesting, but outside of that there really wasn't a lot of action or suspenseful moments. There were a couple, but they were wrapped up and moved on from rather quickly for my taste. However, this has shown me that I won't be turning books away just because they don't marry for love anymore.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/0...
February 11, 2014
This story is like one of those Russian Nesting Dolls. Every time you open one story, there’s another inside. And each story evokes a different range of emotions. There are parental issues, issues about purpose, issues about previous significant others, touches on various forms of abuse and control. Plus, amongst all of this is an amazing romance. The heroine has so much chutzpah, she is just a sheer joy to read. And while the hero initially comes off as an arrogant prick, the reasons behind his behaviors make them understandable, if not acceptable. Even if you don’t like his methods, you understand his purpose. The fact that this is an interracial relationship was very smoothly merged into this story. The other big divide, old money versus new money, was much more at the forefront. It is the first, and by far the largest hurdle, the couple has to overcome. And at the end of it all, this couple deserves their happily ever after. This may not seem like it or start out like it, but this was a really heartwarming story. The bad people get bad at the end. The good people get good at the end. All is right with the world. Just one caveat: this is not a story to read before bed. There is no good place to put it down and go to bed. I tried. But the story was worth it.
I received this book via NetGalley from Entangled Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book via NetGalley from Entangled Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 18, 2014
Tracey Livesay is an author to watch for, this is the first story that I've read by the author and I was very impressed. If you're die hard IR fan like me, you know how frustrating it can be when it comes to the genre, because you never know quite what you're going to get when and some stories are hit or miss. I've come across some stories that are horribly bad and I regret wasting my time, some that are enjoyable to read but lack a good editor, and others that are pretty good but not great. But, every now and again I run across a gem that helps me remember why I love the genre so much. This is definitely one of those gems.
I loved this story, it was such a departure from the usual billionaire falls in love with a stripper, single mom, or struggling secretary. Our heroine was a hard working woman, who just happened to come from a wealthy yet dysfunctional family. Our hero is a self-made man, struggling with insecurities that stem from his past. Despite their differences and the circumstances that lead to their relationship, their chemistry is off the charts and the build-up of their relationship is truly believable. Well done Ms. Livesay I look forward to reading more of your stories in the future.
I loved this story, it was such a departure from the usual billionaire falls in love with a stripper, single mom, or struggling secretary. Our heroine was a hard working woman, who just happened to come from a wealthy yet dysfunctional family. Our hero is a self-made man, struggling with insecurities that stem from his past. Despite their differences and the circumstances that lead to their relationship, their chemistry is off the charts and the build-up of their relationship is truly believable. Well done Ms. Livesay I look forward to reading more of your stories in the future.
February 12, 2014
Marcus Pearson is a powerful and successful businessman, but he is not happy. He is on a mission to avenge his mother's mistreatment. He moves back to Washington DC to achieve that goal. There he meets Pamela Harrington, a prominent member of elite society. They clash over property that he owns and that she needs to save the G Street Women's Shelter. That doesn't stop their attraction. Can they both obtain their goals? Yes. They agree to a marriage of convenience. I loved the fresh twist that the author gives this plot. Our nation's capital makes a perfect backdrop. The social and political maneuverings give their story a realistic feel. Marcus and Pamela are both strong and determined characters. Their attraction is very powerful and very sensual. I loved watching their desire turn to love. The secondary characters add so much to the storyline. I hope that we get to read more about Carter Richardson . Tracey Livesay gives us a riveting story of love, forgiveness and healing. I loved The Tycoon's Socialite Bride.
January 8, 2015
3.5 STARS
This is a book with a modern day marriage of convenience where they both marry to get something they want from the other. For Marcus its the name and old blood that Pamela has, whereas for Pamela she wants one of the buildings he owns.
Both characters evolve in their own way, Marcus has to understand that his mothers past and vindication does not have to be his focus and Pamela has father issues.
Although you can see Markus's faults he is upfront and honest with Pamela, however, Pamela is a little too squeaky clean for my liking, I know she has had her issues, but something to show that she was like the rest of us would have been nice.
Both characters warm up to each other very quickly and the lust overtakes them into becoming something more than what they had originally bargained for, and it helps that they both liked what they saw from the first moment.
Its a feel good read from the Entangled team where we get another HEA.
This is a book with a modern day marriage of convenience where they both marry to get something they want from the other. For Marcus its the name and old blood that Pamela has, whereas for Pamela she wants one of the buildings he owns.
Both characters evolve in their own way, Marcus has to understand that his mothers past and vindication does not have to be his focus and Pamela has father issues.
Although you can see Markus's faults he is upfront and honest with Pamela, however, Pamela is a little too squeaky clean for my liking, I know she has had her issues, but something to show that she was like the rest of us would have been nice.
Both characters warm up to each other very quickly and the lust overtakes them into becoming something more than what they had originally bargained for, and it helps that they both liked what they saw from the first moment.
Its a feel good read from the Entangled team where we get another HEA.
February 3, 2014
Pamela Harrington, a Senator's daughter, is old money, her family is African-American royalty in DC. Marcus Pearson, on the other hand, built his empire from nothing. He's ruthless, driven and worst of all, stinks of new money. The two enter a marriage of convenience for mutual benefit - he wants to fulfill a promise he made to his mother by buying a hotel, but his last name precludes entry to the right circles. She wants to save a women's shelter that Marcus owns. The pretense is a bit flimsy, but workable. It's pretty standard stuff, nothing groundbreaking here, but it's nicely done. I liked that the interracial aspect of the relationship passed with the barest of mentions. Livesay shows a true understanding for class differences in the upper echelons of society.
Some of the characterizations fell a bit flat, nobody really leaped off the page, though the hero and heroine were likable. I found the story quite solid and sweet and plan to check out the rest of the series.
Some of the characterizations fell a bit flat, nobody really leaped off the page, though the hero and heroine were likable. I found the story quite solid and sweet and plan to check out the rest of the series.
August 9, 2016
When I first received the ARC from Entangled, I was a little thrown by the title of the book. It sounded like an old Harlequin that my mom would have read when I was a kid. Rest assured. It is definitely not that kind of book. There were definitely things I liked about this book. I liked that they were complete opposites. She's always had money, and hasn't ever really been that interested in it. He on the other hand, grew up with a single struggling mom who absolutely cared about money due to an incident that happened to his mother when he was young. Both go into the relationship with preconceived notions about the other, only looking to get something specific out of the marriage. You truly get to see them slowly open up to one another, and a real relationship happens. I loved the fact that it was an interracial relationship, in which their races weren't made into a big issue. I would definitely check out this author again.
February 14, 2014
Marcus Pearson wanted to purchase the Holcombe Hotel for personal reasons but the owner only wanted to sell to someone with old money. Inherited money was "old money" and Marcus didn't inherit his money. He worked hard and earned every penny. Pamela Harrington wanted something from Marcus. He was the new owner of the G Street building that she wanted to buy. It housed the women's shelter that she volunteered for. They both wanted something from each other. She wanted his building and he wanted her name that was attached to her "old money". A perfect match...or is it?
This story unfolded at the perfect pace and the characters were well thought out. Marcus and Pamela were steaming up the pages of this book. I NOW HAVE A NEW APPRECIATION FOR BASEBALL! Read this fabulous book and you'll find out exactly what I'm talking about.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story unfolded at the perfect pace and the characters were well thought out. Marcus and Pamela were steaming up the pages of this book. I NOW HAVE A NEW APPRECIATION FOR BASEBALL! Read this fabulous book and you'll find out exactly what I'm talking about.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2016
I thought this was a fun, fast-paced romance from a debut author to watch. Marcus and Pamela have an electric relationship - the sparks can be felt from the very beginning, and it's impossible not to root for a happy ending. Each has baggage from the past that could derail their happiness, and the author allows her reader to understand the motives behind their sometimes seemingly poor decisions. The author is clearly a fan and student of contemporary romance, and this fits well in the genre. I thought the big "reveal" about the relationship between Pamela and her ex was a bit anticlimactic, and would love to see a more polished title, but overall was very entertained by the novel.
(I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley for review in exchange for my honest opinion.)
(I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley for review in exchange for my honest opinion.)
February 16, 2014
This book was about revenge. Marcus Pearson has wanted for years to revenge his mother's mistreatment by her former employer. Marcus meets up with Pamela Harrington a social lite who belives in helping the community and giving back.
Pamela is Marcus way into that world to get revenge for his mother and with Pamela's help he suceeds. Pamela and Marcus agree to marriage of convenience to help Marcus's cause, what both Pamela and Marcus didn't expect was the romantic tyes that they would start to feel with each other while they both try to deny their feelings towards each other.
I received a copy of the ARC for the author throug NetGalley.
Pamela is Marcus way into that world to get revenge for his mother and with Pamela's help he suceeds. Pamela and Marcus agree to marriage of convenience to help Marcus's cause, what both Pamela and Marcus didn't expect was the romantic tyes that they would start to feel with each other while they both try to deny their feelings towards each other.
I received a copy of the ARC for the author throug NetGalley.
February 12, 2014
I really enjoyed The Tycoon's Socialite Bride! There was a unique twist to a common storyline and I really liked that! I don't usually like Marriage of Convienence stories but this one definitely caught and kept my interest! I also enjoyed the fact that their romance built slower than expected. All in all a great read!!!
ARC received from Netgalley
ARC received from Netgalley
June 26, 2016
Review Posted on HarlequinJunkie.com
4.5 Stars
The Tycoon’s Socialite Bride by Tracey Livesay is a marriage of convenience story with a refreshing twist. Old money versus new money is just one of the prominent themes woven throughout the book.
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4.5 Stars
The Tycoon’s Socialite Bride by Tracey Livesay is a marriage of convenience story with a refreshing twist. Old money versus new money is just one of the prominent themes woven throughout the book.
Read More
February 16, 2014
This book was great!! Marcus and Pamela each had something the other wanted but neither knew that they need each other to love. This book was fun, each time you turned the page you did not what was going to pop up next. If you want a fun quick read give this book a try. I look forward to reading more stories from this author.
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
February 11, 2014
Attraction at first sight and a wish for more. This is how I think of this couple Marcus and Pamela. What starts as a lusty attraction works from embers to a roaring fire. Interesting take on a woman seeking her independence and her place in her community. Self empowering and entertaining!
February 17, 2014
This book and this hero pulled me back and forth. I didn't know if I liked him, loved him or hated him, so I guess the author did her job and drew me in emotionally. I really liked the story line and the twists thrown in there!
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