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Blackout Billionaires #2
Black Tie Billionaire
Has she just made a deal with the devil? Being in bed with the enemy has never felt so right in this Blackout Billionaires novel by USA TODAY bestselling author Naima Simone.
During a blackout at a black-tie gala, heiress Shay Neal, attending in disguise, says yes to one night with billionaire Gideon Knight…not knowing he’s her brother’s enemy with plans for payback! When the lights come back on, they go their separate ways, but their paths are about to cross again with fateful consequences.
That’s because Gideon can’t forgive what Shay’s brother did to his family and is determined to exact revenge on the Neals through none other than Shay. What Gideon doesn’t realize is that Shay and the mystery woman from the blackout are one and the same. Even when he goes to Shay and blackmails her into a fake relationship, he’s still in the dark about her identity.
Now, to save her brother, Shay must pretend to be in love with Gideon. But the masks are about to come off, and soon playing his game means resisting the very real desire that could destroy them both…
During a blackout at a black-tie gala, heiress Shay Neal, attending in disguise, says yes to one night with billionaire Gideon Knight…not knowing he’s her brother’s enemy with plans for payback! When the lights come back on, they go their separate ways, but their paths are about to cross again with fateful consequences.
That’s because Gideon can’t forgive what Shay’s brother did to his family and is determined to exact revenge on the Neals through none other than Shay. What Gideon doesn’t realize is that Shay and the mystery woman from the blackout are one and the same. Even when he goes to Shay and blackmails her into a fake relationship, he’s still in the dark about her identity.
Now, to save her brother, Shay must pretend to be in love with Gideon. But the masks are about to come off, and soon playing his game means resisting the very real desire that could destroy them both…
218 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 8, 2019
80 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Naima Simone
168 books2,143 followersPublished since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 7, 2019
I finished Black Tie Billionaire by Naima Simone during breakfast in bed this morning and it was pretty much the perfect way to start my weekend!
A quick sexy read wrapped in secrets, lies and deception. A one night stand, mistaken identity, insta-lust, family revenge... Need I say more?
The drama was completely over the top but I wouldn't have expected any less from the premise, it totally fit the theme.
I love my Naima Simone reads!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
A quick sexy read wrapped in secrets, lies and deception. A one night stand, mistaken identity, insta-lust, family revenge... Need I say more?
The drama was completely over the top but I wouldn't have expected any less from the premise, it totally fit the theme.
I love my Naima Simone reads!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
September 5, 2019
Black Tie Billionaire by Naima Simone is a sexy, passionate, and drama filled ‘revenge’ romance. It’s the second story in the author’s Blackout Billionaire series, where thing that happen in the dark change futures forever.
Heiress Shay Neal is doing a favour for her friend Bridgette, helping out with her catering business (in disguise) when handsome, sexy, billionaire and tech entrepreneur Gideon Knight approaches her at a gala event. He’s interested in getting to know her better if she gives him the word. Of course, he thinks she’s the hired help and she doesn’t correct him as people tend to treat her differently when they know who she really is. When a power outage plunges them into the dark, they take more than just solace from each other, resulting in a steamy few hours together before the lights return and Gideon finds that his mystery woman has disappeared.
Gideon has a plan to enact revenge on his nemesis, Trevor Neal, a man who stole his fiancee and broke the heart of his sister Olivia. He’s got enough dirt on Trevor’s shady dealings to cause severe trouble for Remington Neal, the Neal family company. And he plans to blackmail Trevor’s sister Shay to pretend to be in a relationship with him to send a message to Trevor. But little does he know that Shay is none other than the woman from the party though there’s something about her that seems familiar. Shay has no choice but to protect her brother from the possible fallout and agrees to Gideon’s demands. She can’t forget their night together and despite the circumstances, her attraction to him is just as strong. It’s not long before Gideon realizes the truth of Shay’s identity, forcing him to make the ultimate decision – will it be revenge or something even sweeter?
Oh, I do love an enemies to lovers romance and Naima Simone is a master storyteller when it comes to writing those angsty ‘I hate you but I can’t resist you!’ stories. Her romances are definitely on the steamier side too, so be prepared for some heat! The feud between Trevor and Gideon is multifaceted, with Shay caught in the middle. Loyalty to her family is strong, though seeing the proof of what Trevor has been up to, and realizing how he’s successfully sidelined her in the family business by not taking her education or her skills seriously make her realize she needs to start looking out for herself. And it’s Gideon who is willing to stand beside her and support her in her career aspirations, not Trevor.
Conflicted though their feelings are, Gideon and Shay are connected by strong chemistry, shared ambitions and an ability to share their intimate thoughts with each other. Their fake relationship soon progresses to a real one. Though they go through some ups and downs their happy ending is worth the wait. If you enjoy strong characters, heat, drama, and emotional conflicts, you’ll want to add this one to your to-read list!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-bl...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Heiress Shay Neal is doing a favour for her friend Bridgette, helping out with her catering business (in disguise) when handsome, sexy, billionaire and tech entrepreneur Gideon Knight approaches her at a gala event. He’s interested in getting to know her better if she gives him the word. Of course, he thinks she’s the hired help and she doesn’t correct him as people tend to treat her differently when they know who she really is. When a power outage plunges them into the dark, they take more than just solace from each other, resulting in a steamy few hours together before the lights return and Gideon finds that his mystery woman has disappeared.
Gideon has a plan to enact revenge on his nemesis, Trevor Neal, a man who stole his fiancee and broke the heart of his sister Olivia. He’s got enough dirt on Trevor’s shady dealings to cause severe trouble for Remington Neal, the Neal family company. And he plans to blackmail Trevor’s sister Shay to pretend to be in a relationship with him to send a message to Trevor. But little does he know that Shay is none other than the woman from the party though there’s something about her that seems familiar. Shay has no choice but to protect her brother from the possible fallout and agrees to Gideon’s demands. She can’t forget their night together and despite the circumstances, her attraction to him is just as strong. It’s not long before Gideon realizes the truth of Shay’s identity, forcing him to make the ultimate decision – will it be revenge or something even sweeter?
Oh, I do love an enemies to lovers romance and Naima Simone is a master storyteller when it comes to writing those angsty ‘I hate you but I can’t resist you!’ stories. Her romances are definitely on the steamier side too, so be prepared for some heat! The feud between Trevor and Gideon is multifaceted, with Shay caught in the middle. Loyalty to her family is strong, though seeing the proof of what Trevor has been up to, and realizing how he’s successfully sidelined her in the family business by not taking her education or her skills seriously make her realize she needs to start looking out for herself. And it’s Gideon who is willing to stand beside her and support her in her career aspirations, not Trevor.
Conflicted though their feelings are, Gideon and Shay are connected by strong chemistry, shared ambitions and an ability to share their intimate thoughts with each other. Their fake relationship soon progresses to a real one. Though they go through some ups and downs their happy ending is worth the wait. If you enjoy strong characters, heat, drama, and emotional conflicts, you’ll want to add this one to your to-read list!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-bl...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
September 22, 2019
yo ... wtf? honestly .. this isn't my thing. I recorded my reaction to this book, so I'll come back and link that.
January 13, 2020
4 stars
Naima Simone is an auto-buy author for me. I know I'm in for a nice read whenever her name is attached to a book. With that said, I didn't read the blurb for Black Tie Billionaire. All I knew about the story was that it was the second book in her Blackout Billionaire Series, where the couple meet during a citywide Chicago blackout.
Black Tie Billionaire was full of surprises. I loved that this was a multicultural romance. I loved that the hero and heroine weren’t portrayed using cultural stereotypes. I loved the tangled web created giving the characters this Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon vibe.
Gideon Jian Knight is the Chinese-American self-made billionaire CEO of KayCee Corp. I can honestly say I wasn't prepared for Gideon. He is a ruthless, take-no-prisoners businessman. Gideon goes after what he wants. He's straightforward and blunt. He's the quintessential dirty talker. He's like the beast from Beauty and the Beast. No. Maybe he's more like a lion, with a splinter in his paw. He's just waiting for someone to remove it and kiss the pain away.
Camille Shay Neal is an African-American socialite from one of Chicago's oldest, wealthiest, and most influential families. She's highly intelligent but is underutilized by her family who owns RemingtonNeal Inc. Her whole life she's been expected to sit back, look pretty, and accept her place in the family. Meaning, she’s expected to always smile, look pretty, host parties, chair events, but not have an opinion or mind of her own. Shay has big plans that have nothing to do with her family's company.
Gideon and Shay first meet the night of the Du Sable City Gala. Shay is in disguise and tells Gideon her name is Camille. With the lights out, the two end up sharing a passion-filled night together. Outside of their intense physical attraction to each other, these two seemingly have nothing in common, except for Trevor Neal. Trevor is Shay’s older brother and Gideon’s business rival.
To Gideon, family means everything. When Trevor crosses the line it will become “An eye for an eye. A sister for a sister.” Gideon plans on using Shay to get back at Trevor. He just doesn’t expect to fall for her in the process. “Don't let me break you, Shay. Protect yourself for me.” As Shay is about to find out, the cost of loving Gideon is high, with new revelations and serious consequences.
Gideon and Shay are great. I will admit, it took me a while to really embrace Gideon. He wasn’t what I was expecting and I couldn’t believe he didn’t realize that Camille and Shay were one and the same. But these two bring out the best in each other. Shay is so genuine and caring. She seemingly becomes a friend to everyone she meets. Gideon is a protector and he makes it his mission to protect Shay when she needs it.
I mentioned earlier the things I loved about Black Tie Billionaire. Add to that, the surprises that kept popping up. All of it combined to make this book a truly enjoyable page turner. It should be noted that Black Tie Billionaire is a true standalone read. No one from the previous book, The Billionaire’s Bargain is mentioned.
**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed. Also purchased a paperback copy personally.**
Naima Simone is an auto-buy author for me. I know I'm in for a nice read whenever her name is attached to a book. With that said, I didn't read the blurb for Black Tie Billionaire. All I knew about the story was that it was the second book in her Blackout Billionaire Series, where the couple meet during a citywide Chicago blackout.
Black Tie Billionaire was full of surprises. I loved that this was a multicultural romance. I loved that the hero and heroine weren’t portrayed using cultural stereotypes. I loved the tangled web created giving the characters this Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon vibe.
Gideon Jian Knight is the Chinese-American self-made billionaire CEO of KayCee Corp. I can honestly say I wasn't prepared for Gideon. He is a ruthless, take-no-prisoners businessman. Gideon goes after what he wants. He's straightforward and blunt. He's the quintessential dirty talker. He's like the beast from Beauty and the Beast. No. Maybe he's more like a lion, with a splinter in his paw. He's just waiting for someone to remove it and kiss the pain away.
Camille Shay Neal is an African-American socialite from one of Chicago's oldest, wealthiest, and most influential families. She's highly intelligent but is underutilized by her family who owns RemingtonNeal Inc. Her whole life she's been expected to sit back, look pretty, and accept her place in the family. Meaning, she’s expected to always smile, look pretty, host parties, chair events, but not have an opinion or mind of her own. Shay has big plans that have nothing to do with her family's company.
Gideon and Shay first meet the night of the Du Sable City Gala. Shay is in disguise and tells Gideon her name is Camille. With the lights out, the two end up sharing a passion-filled night together. Outside of their intense physical attraction to each other, these two seemingly have nothing in common, except for Trevor Neal. Trevor is Shay’s older brother and Gideon’s business rival.
To Gideon, family means everything. When Trevor crosses the line it will become “An eye for an eye. A sister for a sister.” Gideon plans on using Shay to get back at Trevor. He just doesn’t expect to fall for her in the process. “Don't let me break you, Shay. Protect yourself for me.” As Shay is about to find out, the cost of loving Gideon is high, with new revelations and serious consequences.
Gideon and Shay are great. I will admit, it took me a while to really embrace Gideon. He wasn’t what I was expecting and I couldn’t believe he didn’t realize that Camille and Shay were one and the same. But these two bring out the best in each other. Shay is so genuine and caring. She seemingly becomes a friend to everyone she meets. Gideon is a protector and he makes it his mission to protect Shay when she needs it.
I mentioned earlier the things I loved about Black Tie Billionaire. Add to that, the surprises that kept popping up. All of it combined to make this book a truly enjoyable page turner. It should be noted that Black Tie Billionaire is a true standalone read. No one from the previous book, The Billionaire’s Bargain is mentioned.
**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed. Also purchased a paperback copy personally.**
April 30, 2020
I feel like this was actually a HP book, not a Desire book, but I guess I haven't actually read enough Desires to know how over the top soapy they're supposed to be. There were a few layers of deception too many for me in this and I wish there weren't an evil female character, but overall really solid.
August 4, 2019
Rated 4.5 Stars
Black Tie Billionaire is amazing. There's revenge, an enemies to lovers vibe, betrayal, sisterhood and some hot and sensual sexy times. I thoroughly enjoyed Shay and Gideon's journey. There love was just so swoony. I highly recommend this book and series.
Copy provided by author
Black Tie Billionaire is amazing. There's revenge, an enemies to lovers vibe, betrayal, sisterhood and some hot and sensual sexy times. I thoroughly enjoyed Shay and Gideon's journey. There love was just so swoony. I highly recommend this book and series.
Copy provided by author
September 1, 2019
I LOVE Naima's books and Black Tie Billionaire was no exception. Insanely sexy, fabulous characters, and a story that kept me up late because there was no way I was putting this book down until I reached the end. And good lord Gideon is HOT. The ultimate sexy alpha hero! *sigh* I loved it!
February 24, 2021
TW: Miscarriage
Waywardathon Prompt: Dean (Bad Boy)
Black Author Readathon Prompt: Fake Dating, Interracial Romance
Waywardathon Prompt: Dean (Bad Boy)
Black Author Readathon Prompt: Fake Dating, Interracial Romance
June 19, 2020
SO GOOD!
September 18, 2019
That cover alone should get five stars. Gorgeous.
And another bunch of stars should go to the author for not fetishizing or dumbing down Gideon's ethnicity. Kudos for describing him without having to rely on cliched terms like "exotic" or "almond eyes":
And another bunch of stars should go to the author for not fetishizing or dumbing down Gideon's ethnicity. Kudos for describing him without having to rely on cliched terms like "exotic" or "almond eyes":
With the beautiful eyes, the sharp slant of cheekbones, the arrogant nose, the wide, sensual, almost cruel curve of his mouth and the rock-hard jut of his jaw, he reminded her of a long-ago king from a mysterious Asian country. standing on a wall, an unseen wind teasing his long black hair as he surveyed the land he ruled.Now that is how you do it.
March 3, 2020
Quick(ish) Review 4.5 Stars
I binged this entire series over the past weekend and I have no regrets. Three books, all variations on the same theme (passionate ONS turns into fake relationships and eventually an HEA) and highly readable. They all have a familiar rhythm to their plot, but I’ll say they’re so enjoyable I didn’t mind it. If this trope is your jam, you won’t be disappointed.
I binged this entire series over the past weekend and I have no regrets. Three books, all variations on the same theme (passionate ONS turns into fake relationships and eventually an HEA) and highly readable. They all have a familiar rhythm to their plot, but I’ll say they’re so enjoyable I didn’t mind it. If this trope is your jam, you won’t be disappointed.
September 3, 2019
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this for what it is: a Harlequin Desires title, by necessity cut down and slightly unbelievable. But who cares? In the hands of one of today's best authors it's a fun, quick, sexy romp filled with all the tropes.
I enjoyed this for what it is: a Harlequin Desires title, by necessity cut down and slightly unbelievable. But who cares? In the hands of one of today's best authors it's a fun, quick, sexy romp filled with all the tropes.
August 8, 2019
Arc generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Revenge, secrets, lies, family loyalty tested, these are the themes of this book. Gideon Knight, self-made billionaire, is out to destroy Trevor Neal for devastating his little sister. In an effort to exact his revenge, he manipulates Trevor’s sister, Shay to help him and what begins as a game of revenge soon turns to passion and then love. I liked the two characters, I thought they were true to themselves, I did have a problem with Gideon just handing the file over towards the end, I think it would have worked better if he’d just given his copy to Shay as well. But regardless, this was a fun, fast-paced, thrilling read.
Revenge, secrets, lies, family loyalty tested, these are the themes of this book. Gideon Knight, self-made billionaire, is out to destroy Trevor Neal for devastating his little sister. In an effort to exact his revenge, he manipulates Trevor’s sister, Shay to help him and what begins as a game of revenge soon turns to passion and then love. I liked the two characters, I thought they were true to themselves, I did have a problem with Gideon just handing the file over towards the end, I think it would have worked better if he’d just given his copy to Shay as well. But regardless, this was a fun, fast-paced, thrilling read.
August 10, 2019
I loved this story. I cannot tell you how much I loved Shay/"Camille"..... she's a strong, intelligent, and yet gentle and quiet Black woman. She has presence and elegance, even in a servers uniform. And that is exactly what drives Billionaire and tech giant, Gideon Knight across the room to engage with her...... her presence. He calls her his "Moonbeam".
The deception by omission is innocent enough, the desire, lust, and chemistry between these two characters is ALL THAT........ Yet misunderstandings, revenge driven hatred and beliefs about relatives make Shay and Gideon star-crossed enemies (and lovers). Shay is a lady of class and elegance, so she fights her battles without the usual drama, and I loved that about her, she was hurting (deeply hurting), but she chose to walk away instead of suffer thru it for anyone. Gideon was also hurting, but he was too driven by his need for revenge to see how his desire turned to love for Shay........
They do get their HEA, but I could have easily read another 5-10 chapters of their saga. And thank you, Naima for giving me a look one year into their future. I always like those epilogues.
I honestly read this book in one day.... I could not put it down. I was in the Drs office reading on my phone, then I went home and read on my iPad while cooking dinner and finished it in bed that same night before snuggling up to my very own handsome hero (mine is just not a millionaire, that's all).
The deception by omission is innocent enough, the desire, lust, and chemistry between these two characters is ALL THAT........ Yet misunderstandings, revenge driven hatred and beliefs about relatives make Shay and Gideon star-crossed enemies (and lovers). Shay is a lady of class and elegance, so she fights her battles without the usual drama, and I loved that about her, she was hurting (deeply hurting), but she chose to walk away instead of suffer thru it for anyone. Gideon was also hurting, but he was too driven by his need for revenge to see how his desire turned to love for Shay........
They do get their HEA, but I could have easily read another 5-10 chapters of their saga. And thank you, Naima for giving me a look one year into their future. I always like those epilogues.
I honestly read this book in one day.... I could not put it down. I was in the Drs office reading on my phone, then I went home and read on my iPad while cooking dinner and finished it in bed that same night before snuggling up to my very own handsome hero (mine is just not a millionaire, that's all).
September 1, 2019
Harlequin is really changing its romance format and I'm so glad author, Naima Simone is leading the charge !
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5 gripping stars
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5 gripping stars
August 16, 2019
I’m starting to love enemies to lovers books more every time I read one. This book had all of that and more.
February 14, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Black Tie Billionaire is the second installment in Naima Simone's Blackout Billionaires series and it can definitely be read as a standalone. There are a lot of interesting tropes in this book: insta-lust, enemies to lovers, mistaken identity, and fake relationship.
During a blackout at a gala, heiress Shay Neal hooks up with self-made billionaire Gideon Knight, but she has no idea that he is out to ruin her brother. Things happen and Shay finds herself in a fake relationship with Gideon — a fake relationship that starts feeling a bit too real for both of them. If you're looking for a soap opera-ish drama filled with mistaken identities, revenge, and steamy romance, then Blackout Billionaire is your book. I enjoyed this book for the most part — the insta-lust was the only thing I wasn't a total fan of.
Like the previous book in this series, it's the heroine that steals the spotlight. Shay is a fantastic heroine — Naima Simone has a knack for writing strong and bold heroines that you can't help but root for. Gideon was a decent hero, but Shay definitely outshines him.
P.S. Thank you, Naima Simone, for writing an interracial romance without a white character. We need more interracial romances with POC, please and thank you.
Black Tie Billionaire is the second installment in Naima Simone's Blackout Billionaires series and it can definitely be read as a standalone. There are a lot of interesting tropes in this book: insta-lust, enemies to lovers, mistaken identity, and fake relationship.
During a blackout at a gala, heiress Shay Neal hooks up with self-made billionaire Gideon Knight, but she has no idea that he is out to ruin her brother. Things happen and Shay finds herself in a fake relationship with Gideon — a fake relationship that starts feeling a bit too real for both of them. If you're looking for a soap opera-ish drama filled with mistaken identities, revenge, and steamy romance, then Blackout Billionaire is your book. I enjoyed this book for the most part — the insta-lust was the only thing I wasn't a total fan of.
Like the previous book in this series, it's the heroine that steals the spotlight. Shay is a fantastic heroine — Naima Simone has a knack for writing strong and bold heroines that you can't help but root for. Gideon was a decent hero, but Shay definitely outshines him.
P.S. Thank you, Naima Simone, for writing an interracial romance without a white character. We need more interracial romances with POC, please and thank you.
August 11, 2019
This author consistently impresses me, and I loved this book even more than book 1. 4.5 Stars.
Shay Neal is from a prominent Chicago family and she's felt the weight of her family's expectations her whole life. All she wants is to run her own business, without interference, and not have to continue to hold what's basically a ceremonial position at the family company. Now that her parents are both gone, it's just her and her brother, Trevor. Sadly, he's taken after their father in the way he acts, and how he views women, especially Shay, and it only got worse after their father's death. Shay hardly recognizes him anymore. When she's filling in for her best friend as a cater waiter at one of Chicago's most fabulous galas, she's in disguise so no one will recognize her, as she's been an attendee at the gala before. When an irresistible man notices her, and a blackout results in them spending the night together, she counts it as a fluke. He'll never know who she really is.
Gideon Knight is the founder of a wildly successful start-up that's made him a billionaire. But, his family hasn't always had money, and his parents worked hard to make ends meet his whole life. Now that he's invited to ridiculous parties on the regular, which he hates, he's learned to use them as networking opportunities, and move on. He's never happy to be there, until the night he spies a waitress at the gala, passing out champagne, and he's enthralled. His ex cured him of the idea of true love and happily ever afters by cheating on him, and becoming engaged to his one enemy in the world, Trevor Neal. He and Trevor were academic and athletic rivals, all through high school and college, but that was nothing compared to what Trevor did to Gideon's sister Olivia a year ago. So now, all he wants, and all he can offer, is one night, and the blackout affords him the chance to make his move. He has no idea how that night will change his life.
Gideon and Shay have mega chemistry from the first second, but neither of them understand how that spark is going to change them. After their night together, Shay is determined to move on, but when Gideon approaches Shay as herself, and has no idea she's also Camille, the waitress he spent a night with, she's not sure what to do. He blackmails her into a deal to save her brother, and though she should hate him, she's having trouble managing it. I loved this couple's push and pull dynamic, and their connection was hot and exciting.
Shay's brother and his fiancee were a NIGHTMARE. The fiancee's father was a piece of work too. I was so sad for Shay that Trevor was all she had left of her family, because he was the worst. But Shay was a strong and resilient woman, and I adored the way she worked through things like an adult, with as little drama as possible. Gideon screws up pretty badly here, but luckily he gives good grovel. I LOVE a good hero grovel, and this book got a half star extra for the epic groveling. There was also a super satisfying epilogue, which we all know is my favorite. This author's characters always have complex motivations, and are strong, and interesting, and lovable.
I really enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to the final story in the blackout series, about Gideon's business partner, Gray Chandler. I love the idea of this series, a city-wide blackout causing 3 couples to get together, and having the books take place concurrently. Can't wait for more!
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Shay Neal is from a prominent Chicago family and she's felt the weight of her family's expectations her whole life. All she wants is to run her own business, without interference, and not have to continue to hold what's basically a ceremonial position at the family company. Now that her parents are both gone, it's just her and her brother, Trevor. Sadly, he's taken after their father in the way he acts, and how he views women, especially Shay, and it only got worse after their father's death. Shay hardly recognizes him anymore. When she's filling in for her best friend as a cater waiter at one of Chicago's most fabulous galas, she's in disguise so no one will recognize her, as she's been an attendee at the gala before. When an irresistible man notices her, and a blackout results in them spending the night together, she counts it as a fluke. He'll never know who she really is.
Gideon Knight is the founder of a wildly successful start-up that's made him a billionaire. But, his family hasn't always had money, and his parents worked hard to make ends meet his whole life. Now that he's invited to ridiculous parties on the regular, which he hates, he's learned to use them as networking opportunities, and move on. He's never happy to be there, until the night he spies a waitress at the gala, passing out champagne, and he's enthralled. His ex cured him of the idea of true love and happily ever afters by cheating on him, and becoming engaged to his one enemy in the world, Trevor Neal. He and Trevor were academic and athletic rivals, all through high school and college, but that was nothing compared to what Trevor did to Gideon's sister Olivia a year ago. So now, all he wants, and all he can offer, is one night, and the blackout affords him the chance to make his move. He has no idea how that night will change his life.
Gideon and Shay have mega chemistry from the first second, but neither of them understand how that spark is going to change them. After their night together, Shay is determined to move on, but when Gideon approaches Shay as herself, and has no idea she's also Camille, the waitress he spent a night with, she's not sure what to do. He blackmails her into a deal to save her brother, and though she should hate him, she's having trouble managing it. I loved this couple's push and pull dynamic, and their connection was hot and exciting.
Shay's brother and his fiancee were a NIGHTMARE. The fiancee's father was a piece of work too. I was so sad for Shay that Trevor was all she had left of her family, because he was the worst. But Shay was a strong and resilient woman, and I adored the way she worked through things like an adult, with as little drama as possible. Gideon screws up pretty badly here, but luckily he gives good grovel. I LOVE a good hero grovel, and this book got a half star extra for the epic groveling. There was also a super satisfying epilogue, which we all know is my favorite. This author's characters always have complex motivations, and are strong, and interesting, and lovable.
I really enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to the final story in the blackout series, about Gideon's business partner, Gray Chandler. I love the idea of this series, a city-wide blackout causing 3 couples to get together, and having the books take place concurrently. Can't wait for more!
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
September 9, 2019
**I was given a complimentary ARC of the book by the author but all opinions provided are my own.
Black Tie Billionaire by Naima Simone was a fast read for me, a dramatic, over-the-top piece of romance that’s sweet and hot.
Billionaire Gideon Knight is intense, determined, and sexy, and he meets Shay “Camille” Neal the night she’s filling in for her sick friend as a catering server—and in a physical disguise. Shay is actually rich herself and the sister of Gideon’s arch-enemy Trevor, who has tried to make Gideon and his family miserable for years. But in the heat of the moment, and the dark of the blackout that hits, Shay/"Camille" doesn’t want to reveal the truth.
Instead, they sleep together and “Camille” vanishes the next day.
Fast forward to Gideon’s interactions with Shay Neal, whom he doesn’t recognize as “Camille.” In a not remotely romantic moment, he propositions her: she can pretend to be in a fake relationship with him, or he’ll reveal her brother Trevor’s dirty secrets to the world.
The revelations keep coming in this book, and it amps up the stakes between Gideon and Shay and helps explains the characters’ various motivations for participating in the ruse. The way that Gideon traps Shay into a relationship is pretty bad, and it frustrated me at times that Shay wasn't more upset by what he was doing. But Gideon’s a good person underneath, who loves his family, and that, coupled with the fact that he finally has a breakthrough, makes him a likable character/intensely sexy character (take your pick).
And Shay finally has her breakthrough as well, and when the overdue moment comes, it’s pretty freaking great. I love how she comes into her own.
My biggest issue with this dishy, decadent story is the disguise plot point itself. I found it difficult to buy that it took Gideon so long to recognize “Camille” as Shay—even though she had adopted some aspects of a physical disguise the night of the blackout. What about her voice? Wouldn’t he have recognized that? Or all the other things that attracted him besides her face? And then it was strange to me that he replicated some of the things he told “Camille” to Shay, without examining those apparently subconscious comparisons in greater detail.
Simone can’t help but write sexy characters, and the chemistry between Gideon and Shay, and in particular, their moment during the blackout, is hot. Also appreciated? How she incorporates mental/emotional health sensitivity into her story.
Black Tie Billionaire is enjoyable and fun and sexy, sometimes unbelievable but always intriguing.
Black Tie Billionaire by Naima Simone was a fast read for me, a dramatic, over-the-top piece of romance that’s sweet and hot.
Billionaire Gideon Knight is intense, determined, and sexy, and he meets Shay “Camille” Neal the night she’s filling in for her sick friend as a catering server—and in a physical disguise. Shay is actually rich herself and the sister of Gideon’s arch-enemy Trevor, who has tried to make Gideon and his family miserable for years. But in the heat of the moment, and the dark of the blackout that hits, Shay/"Camille" doesn’t want to reveal the truth.
Instead, they sleep together and “Camille” vanishes the next day.
Fast forward to Gideon’s interactions with Shay Neal, whom he doesn’t recognize as “Camille.” In a not remotely romantic moment, he propositions her: she can pretend to be in a fake relationship with him, or he’ll reveal her brother Trevor’s dirty secrets to the world.
The revelations keep coming in this book, and it amps up the stakes between Gideon and Shay and helps explains the characters’ various motivations for participating in the ruse. The way that Gideon traps Shay into a relationship is pretty bad, and it frustrated me at times that Shay wasn't more upset by what he was doing. But Gideon’s a good person underneath, who loves his family, and that, coupled with the fact that he finally has a breakthrough, makes him a likable character/intensely sexy character (take your pick).
And Shay finally has her breakthrough as well, and when the overdue moment comes, it’s pretty freaking great. I love how she comes into her own.
My biggest issue with this dishy, decadent story is the disguise plot point itself. I found it difficult to buy that it took Gideon so long to recognize “Camille” as Shay—even though she had adopted some aspects of a physical disguise the night of the blackout. What about her voice? Wouldn’t he have recognized that? Or all the other things that attracted him besides her face? And then it was strange to me that he replicated some of the things he told “Camille” to Shay, without examining those apparently subconscious comparisons in greater detail.
Simone can’t help but write sexy characters, and the chemistry between Gideon and Shay, and in particular, their moment during the blackout, is hot. Also appreciated? How she incorporates mental/emotional health sensitivity into her story.
Black Tie Billionaire is enjoyable and fun and sexy, sometimes unbelievable but always intriguing.
July 6, 2025
This book was sitting on my desk waiting for me for ages. I got it from the library and put it aside for later. Knowing the first book was a one-sitting type of story, I assumed this one would be, too. So I kept waiting and waiting for the perfect time. Of course, the warmer it gets, the busier I seem to be, so the perfect time never came, so I just finally picked the darn thing up. I was right, it would have been a one-sitting read if I had the time for that. Regardless, it was still a quick read. I hated having to put it down.
Just as Darius was hoodwinked by family in the first book, Shay is hoodwinked by her brother in this book. He is not a nice person. I appreciated the author including Shay’s thoughts on the brother he used to be, so it was more understandable why she put such faith in the jerk. Gideon had every reason to hate Shay’s brother, but he went about his revenge in the wrong way. Sure, he was up front with Shay and wasn’t truly going to hurt her in the same way her brother hurts people, but the warnings from his mom ring true. Gideon doesn’t want to hear those warnings; he has the perfect revenge in his sights and he’s going for it.
While it was wonderful to see Shay gain confidence and even more independence, it was equally as wonderful to watch Shay and Gideon understand one another. They are a certain thing, a certain persona, to those in their sphere. No matter how much they wanted to hide behind those personas, it just didn’t work with their connection.
So far, the books in this short series have been quick yet intense. The author packs so much emotion into so few pages. Not just when it comes to the romance and romantic love, but also with family and friends.
Just as Darius was hoodwinked by family in the first book, Shay is hoodwinked by her brother in this book. He is not a nice person. I appreciated the author including Shay’s thoughts on the brother he used to be, so it was more understandable why she put such faith in the jerk. Gideon had every reason to hate Shay’s brother, but he went about his revenge in the wrong way. Sure, he was up front with Shay and wasn’t truly going to hurt her in the same way her brother hurts people, but the warnings from his mom ring true. Gideon doesn’t want to hear those warnings; he has the perfect revenge in his sights and he’s going for it.
While it was wonderful to see Shay gain confidence and even more independence, it was equally as wonderful to watch Shay and Gideon understand one another. They are a certain thing, a certain persona, to those in their sphere. No matter how much they wanted to hide behind those personas, it just didn’t work with their connection.
So far, the books in this short series have been quick yet intense. The author packs so much emotion into so few pages. Not just when it comes to the romance and romantic love, but also with family and friends.
September 2, 2019
Black Tie Billionaire was a great follow up to the first Blackout book. Shay and Gideon meet under odd circumstances, have a hot night and then meet again....when she is not pretending to be someone else. Gideon has a vendetta going on with her brother and Shay is used as an willing and unwilling pawn. Eventually they realize their connection, acknowledge their previous meeting and have some steamy sex scenes in between. Although I know the books are limited, I really wish they would have fleshed out her relationship with her brother more and him as a character and not just the "bad" guy. I also wish Gideon had known the entire backstory on her brother's motivations, and that we could have had more of a peep into his family. Sometimes I felt like the writer was going for shock value...but overall the story was entertaining. I was also hoping for a small bit about the best friend...like maybe she would have her own story soon? I also liked the cultural touches with the bracelet and a few other things...
My biggest complaint is a general one...for some time now Desire, Presents, etc. have covers that do not reflect the description of the characters. It is really starting to annoy me...and I personally feel like the cover men have gotten less attractive over the years. I don't need them to be model attractive, I like a character face, but lately they are not handsome or a face with character...it is distracting to me when the cover doesn't match the book!
My biggest complaint is a general one...for some time now Desire, Presents, etc. have covers that do not reflect the description of the characters. It is really starting to annoy me...and I personally feel like the cover men have gotten less attractive over the years. I don't need them to be model attractive, I like a character face, but lately they are not handsome or a face with character...it is distracting to me when the cover doesn't match the book!
November 23, 2019
1.50 Stars. (BW/WM). This is a kindle edition e-book and despite it having only 225 pages, I “DNF’d” about half way through...I would take no more. The storyline is ridiculous, absurd and totally unbelievable. The heroine, Shay Neal, lives an upper class lifestyle and is the owner and CEO of a fledgling business; yet, she dons a wig and contacts and masquerades as a waitress busing tables at a black tie gala, the hero, Gideon Knight, a multi-billion dollar businessman, is in attendance. Gideon is instantly drawn to Shay and prepositions her to have a one nightstand. Shortly after his proper, the lights go out; but this high end venue has no generator or back up lighting. Anyway, he finds her and they have mind blowing sex. Fast forward a couple of days and Shay and Gideon are attending a business meeting; but because she has ‘de-wigged’ and removed her contacts, the reader is to believe that he doesn’t recognize her...they were face to face for 10 or 15 minutes before the lights when out then sent half the night having sex and exploring each other’s bodies. The beat goes on, and the world of this story narrows, it seems that Shay’s brother’s lady love is the reason Gideon is a love sick broken hearted revenge seeking man. Enter fake relationship between Shay and Gideon.
January 19, 2023
Soap opera level drama awaits you in these pages. While I'll save the debate of whether this novel included a few too many twists and turns for others. I will say this one kept me in a chokehold. I ended up staying up late to finish it. I took off a point for the superman level improbability on the mistaken identity plot. Especially for a man that waxes so poetically from page one about every curve and shape of the heroines lip. You don't recognize her sir, really. This also led to a slightly disappointing sex scene where I had wished the couple had come together on more equal footing the second time around. And certainly the tug of war between her man and her brother rubbed me the wrong way, when she was feeling used by both men. It wasn't always easy for me to see it differently and I do wish certain portions played out differently. But by the end I was rooting for this pair and I could totally see them in HEA bliss long after the pages of the book closed. One of my favorite quotes: I'm empty. I want to be full. I want to be found, was uttered by the hero. It completely won me over. He never considered himself broken, but point of fact he was. He was jaded sure, but the actions against his sister is what truly did him in and the strong will of this beautiful sister brought him back to himself. Loved it.
August 9, 2019
Naima Simone's Black Tie Billionaire is a standout stand-alone story in the loosely connected Blackout Billionaires series. This story features billionaire Gideon Knight and Shay Neal, the sister of his greatest enemy. It's a revenge/blackmail story and will leave you deeply satisfied and eager for more by Ms Simone.
Gideon Knight and Shay Neal spend one incendiary evening during an unexpected blackout at a Chicago black-tie gala. While Shay is aware who Gideon is--he and her brother have been fierce rivals for years, since their days in prep school--she's ignorant of the depths of their animosity and of the fact that Gideon plans to use her as a tool in his carefully plotted revenge against Trevor Neal.
Ms Simone's characters are definitely among the beautiful people. But they are also beautifully written, three-dimensional people with families and hearts and cares. Ms Simone uses these tensions to great effect--it's easy to relate to their love for their siblings, to the duty they feel to honor their families, to their desire to protect and care for those important to them. And easy too to see how falling in love can throw those priorities on their heads!
Black Tie Billionaire is a terrific read, and I can't wait for more from Ms Simone!
Gideon Knight and Shay Neal spend one incendiary evening during an unexpected blackout at a Chicago black-tie gala. While Shay is aware who Gideon is--he and her brother have been fierce rivals for years, since their days in prep school--she's ignorant of the depths of their animosity and of the fact that Gideon plans to use her as a tool in his carefully plotted revenge against Trevor Neal.
Ms Simone's characters are definitely among the beautiful people. But they are also beautifully written, three-dimensional people with families and hearts and cares. Ms Simone uses these tensions to great effect--it's easy to relate to their love for their siblings, to the duty they feel to honor their families, to their desire to protect and care for those important to them. And easy too to see how falling in love can throw those priorities on their heads!
Black Tie Billionaire is a terrific read, and I can't wait for more from Ms Simone!
September 1, 2019
Naima aces forbidden attraction and hot consent
Shay is smart, loyal, sexy, confident, loving. She needs someone who appreciates and worships everything she has to give, and sees her for what she truly is - not the assumed dumb, wealthy socialite pushover.
She finds the right man for her only to end up being blackmailed by him. And this is how this enemies to lovers romance with beautiful diverse characters is set up, that ends with a massive groveling scene for the hero as he tries to make his errors right and fight for love.
I got so mad at the men in Shay’s life: all the toxic masculinity, disrespect for women as human beings with feelings and intelligent minds, who are basically using her and others as pawns made me boil!
Naima Simone got the heroine spot on, wrote super hot on the page consent scenes, and keeps pushing the boundaries of what’s still a redeemable action on the hero’s part.
This book is a stand-alone book but part of the Blackout Billionaires series.
Thank you to Naima for granting me an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review. The review is based on my own opinion with an overall a 4.5 rating for me.
Shay is smart, loyal, sexy, confident, loving. She needs someone who appreciates and worships everything she has to give, and sees her for what she truly is - not the assumed dumb, wealthy socialite pushover.
She finds the right man for her only to end up being blackmailed by him. And this is how this enemies to lovers romance with beautiful diverse characters is set up, that ends with a massive groveling scene for the hero as he tries to make his errors right and fight for love.
I got so mad at the men in Shay’s life: all the toxic masculinity, disrespect for women as human beings with feelings and intelligent minds, who are basically using her and others as pawns made me boil!
Naima Simone got the heroine spot on, wrote super hot on the page consent scenes, and keeps pushing the boundaries of what’s still a redeemable action on the hero’s part.
This book is a stand-alone book but part of the Blackout Billionaires series.
Thank you to Naima for granting me an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review. The review is based on my own opinion with an overall a 4.5 rating for me.
September 9, 2020
Shay Neal is disguised at a gala to fill in for her friend who works as a server for a catering company. Gideon Knight, hot billionaire, propositions her without knowing she is actually his enemies sister. Shay is unaware of the animosity between her brother and Gideon, so when the power goes out, she gives in to Gideon and one night of passion. Gideon later approaches her with another proposition – pretend to be his girlfriend, or he will expose her brother’s illegal business deals. Gideon does this completely unaware that Shay is the woman he spent the blackout with!
Whenever I am in a reading funk, I turn to some of my favorite authors. Naima Simone continues to deliver steamy reads that check all of the boxes for me! This plot could easily have not worked for me, BUT Shay’s brother is horrible, so I am here for all of the revenge! Shay and Gideon have insane chemistry, which means, this book is hot! What is even better is that Gideon is a really good person, so the whole revenge process is something that doesn’t sit well with him morally. He tries not to care about Shay as collateral, but he ends up recognizing her emotional needs more than anyone else in her life. I have one more book left in Simone’s Blackout Billionaire’s series and I’m saving it for when I need another pick-me-up!
Whenever I am in a reading funk, I turn to some of my favorite authors. Naima Simone continues to deliver steamy reads that check all of the boxes for me! This plot could easily have not worked for me, BUT Shay’s brother is horrible, so I am here for all of the revenge! Shay and Gideon have insane chemistry, which means, this book is hot! What is even better is that Gideon is a really good person, so the whole revenge process is something that doesn’t sit well with him morally. He tries not to care about Shay as collateral, but he ends up recognizing her emotional needs more than anyone else in her life. I have one more book left in Simone’s Blackout Billionaire’s series and I’m saving it for when I need another pick-me-up!
January 16, 2020
Rated: 4.5 Pink Hearts Reviewed by: Ali
They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but whoever said that had clearly never seen the cover of Naima Simone's Black Tie Billionaire. I will admit I am delighted to see the effort Harlequin have been putting into their former Kimani authors' covers recently, and this one is no different.
The book itself is deliciously tropey. Enemies to lovers. Mistaken identity. Fake relationship. But each of these is cultivated and drawn deftly and cleverly. It's a romance of high stakes, of longed for revenge and a bid for personal freedom in Shay's attempts to get out from under her brother's thumb.
The passion between Shay and Gideon is fiery. It scorches the reader through the page, and I loved the unique twist of Gideon not realizing the woman he had a passionate one night stand with, is the woman he's asking to be his fake fiancé.
It's a romance which is so much fun, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I shall be making sure I buy the rest of Simone's backlist.
Originally reviewed September 2019
They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but whoever said that had clearly never seen the cover of Naima Simone's Black Tie Billionaire. I will admit I am delighted to see the effort Harlequin have been putting into their former Kimani authors' covers recently, and this one is no different.
The book itself is deliciously tropey. Enemies to lovers. Mistaken identity. Fake relationship. But each of these is cultivated and drawn deftly and cleverly. It's a romance of high stakes, of longed for revenge and a bid for personal freedom in Shay's attempts to get out from under her brother's thumb.
The passion between Shay and Gideon is fiery. It scorches the reader through the page, and I loved the unique twist of Gideon not realizing the woman he had a passionate one night stand with, is the woman he's asking to be his fake fiancé.
It's a romance which is so much fun, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I shall be making sure I buy the rest of Simone's backlist.
Originally reviewed September 2019
September 3, 2019
BLACK TIE BILLIONAIRE is book two in Naima Simone's Blackout Billionaires series and centers around a billionaire and a socialite in a twist on an enemies to lovers story.
Shay is a complex character. She wants to keep peace and harmony, but she wants to be her own person as well. She's in disguise when she meets a sexy man in the middle of a city-wide blackout that she can't resist. The light of day and the return to the real world brings about the revelation that he's willing to do anything to bring his mortal enemy down once and for all .. her brother.
Gideon comes across as a hard-nosed bully at first ... until we get the reasoning behind his quest for revenge.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced, revenge driven plot with a strong hero and heroine who are quick to steal a reader's heart. The entire series has been great so far, and I'm looking forward to more to come!
Shay is a complex character. She wants to keep peace and harmony, but she wants to be her own person as well. She's in disguise when she meets a sexy man in the middle of a city-wide blackout that she can't resist. The light of day and the return to the real world brings about the revelation that he's willing to do anything to bring his mortal enemy down once and for all .. her brother.
Gideon comes across as a hard-nosed bully at first ... until we get the reasoning behind his quest for revenge.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced, revenge driven plot with a strong hero and heroine who are quick to steal a reader's heart. The entire series has been great so far, and I'm looking forward to more to come!
April 11, 2020
Revenge is best served cold.
Gideon and Shay meet at a party and Shay is helping out her friend Bridgett who has a food truck and she is sick and asks Shay to fill in for her at a party as a waitress and she is in disguise. Shay is a heiress to a financial company that her brother Trevor is managing after the death of their parents.
Two males going after each others sister. It all started back in high school for Trevor. He seemed to never measure up to his father's standards he was a mama's boy according to his father who seem to measure him up constantly against which brought up the revenge on Trevor's part. Gideon's sister Olivia was a pawn that Trevor used to get revenge on Gideon. Trevor nearly destroyed Olivia in the process. Gideon in turned used Trevor's sister Shay for revenge but his revenged turned into love for he and Shay.
This is must read. Read about what happens when there is a blackout in Chicago and what's done in the dark finally sees the light.
Gideon and Shay meet at a party and Shay is helping out her friend Bridgett who has a food truck and she is sick and asks Shay to fill in for her at a party as a waitress and she is in disguise. Shay is a heiress to a financial company that her brother Trevor is managing after the death of their parents.
Two males going after each others sister. It all started back in high school for Trevor. He seemed to never measure up to his father's standards he was a mama's boy according to his father who seem to measure him up constantly against which brought up the revenge on Trevor's part. Gideon's sister Olivia was a pawn that Trevor used to get revenge on Gideon. Trevor nearly destroyed Olivia in the process. Gideon in turned used Trevor's sister Shay for revenge but his revenged turned into love for he and Shay.
This is must read. Read about what happens when there is a blackout in Chicago and what's done in the dark finally sees the light.
July 28, 2020
I have never watched any movies of the Twilight saga or read any of the books, so maybe I am biased. But if any guy I know knew enough about those movies, I would definitely not consider him as anyone I would want to be with! The reference to this in Chapter 3, not just threw me off but actually made me lose interest completely in the H. So, if you are a reader like me who is picky, then this one isn't for you. Also, considering the flashlight on iPhones definitely last a couple of hours, I can't believe no one in a super fancy gala didn't turn on their flashlights during a blackout or didn't create enough of a ruckus with their complaining that no one would have had a chance to escape into private spaces and have peace and quiet for the kind of conversations we are reading in this book.
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