My billionaire boss is a type A control freak. And the thing he wants to control most is me. Cocky and infuriating all wrapped up in one gorgeous package. If only I could forget our one-night fling... Then one day my title changed. From secretary to Henry Clyburne's fiancée. "Just fake it for me", he said. I played the part. And got caught up in the moment.
Now there's a surprise gift neither of us expected – our baby. Let me send my resignation in before things get worse...
As a man who is a hopeless romantic, your support is my inspiration. I'm excited to have you read my books so we can go on the hottest romance adventure together! ;)
Instead of the six month time skip, there probably should've been more (or any) scenes of him apologising to her. It just felt like he was the one completely in the wrong, did nothing to fix it, and the only reason they got back together was because she chose to. Other than that, I loved the other ~80% of the book beforehand and even the epilogue. The whole 'no words needed' idea was great but there was no indication that they sorted anything out before or after that. I'll definitely be giving her other books a read however.
The baby that is hinted at doesn’t happen until the very end of book (epilogue end of book) the baby that is talked about in the description and the fake fiancé they have it described at is nothing like the description but otherwise it’s an ok book. Also, almost half the book she doesn’t work for him so the description of the book isn’t really accurate. If you’re bored and want a quick read it does the trick. No cheating. HEA. & steamy scenes for 18 & over readers. Better Description?
After Naomi’s sister is murdered by her abusive husband, Naomi finds herself looking after a young nephew while struggling to keep her head above water. After getting taken advantage of by his ex and used for his money, Henry has closed himself off to everyone; so he’s shocked & guarded by this woman who is interviewing with his company. She has piqued his interest: much to his best friend’s disapproval. When Naomi’s sister’s killer comes for her and her Nephew Toby, Henry needs to decide if he can trust that Naomi is like his ex, playing a con on him, or if she really needs help.
Eight years ago, Naomi Reddick's world changed forever when her sister, Maisey, was murdered by her abusive husband, Darren Armonte. They left a 3 year old son, Toby, who is the only family Naomi has left. She's a college student who has a horrible job and just doesn't know if she can take care of him. She was a little too weak for me and I hoped she could redeem herself. Henry Clyburn is the wealthy CEO of Clyburn Financial, the company his father build from nothing. Henry is taking it to even higher success with innovative ideas and knows that rewarding upper management and employees with incentives is the way to a well-run corporation. The same understanding of employee commitment does not include his PAs. If they so much as mess up once, they are fired. Naomi is desperate for another job because she has to get away from her despicable boss and earn better money for Toby and herself. Her interview with Henry goes well, really well! There's something about her that intrigues him and he's going to make sure she sticks around. Henry isn't entirely available to anyone because of the heartbreak caused by his former fiancé, Lindsay, and it has colored his world ever since. He finds it difficult to trust the motives of any woman who works for him or who he dates. For some reason, Naomi gives him a sense of security that she's not like that. They grow so close, so fast and it feels entirely natural to them both. Their happiness is threatened from within and without friends, colleagues and relatives. A danger lurks in the background waiting for the right moment to tear them apart. When they are faced with a life or death situation, Henry reacts so poorly that it appears it's the end for them. Their happy ending doesn't come about without the help of the people who had threatened their earlier happiness. It was a perfect twist for a perfect ending. The epilogue brought the family full circle. Sensational!
Henry and Naomi’s story is well written, and filled with drama, intrigue, suspense, twists, surprises, romance and love. I was hooked throughout this gripping tale, and look forward to reading more from this talented author, whose work I recommend for all.
Read is slow getting to the good parts, really rocks when you get to chapter 17 so wait for it, you won't be disappointed. Its a knock your socks off romance with some twists and turns and a must read.
I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book for review.
This was an enjoyable read. Naomi is left to raise her nephew. Things of course are hard. After she loses her job she ends working for Henry. They fall in love but they ho through some things. Luckily in the end it all works out for them.
This book had a decent storyline with lots of action. It also had likable characters. Quite a fairytale vibe with the happily ever after theme but I’m more than okay with that.
As I said in my last book review of an R. R. Banks book, even though that book didn’t work for me, I would read more from Banks-and this one delivered.
I received this as an ARC and without seeing a blurb. So I had no idea of what I was getting myself into but I gotta say it took my breath away in the first chapter. Naomi is a current college student and is about to have her life changed forever in the time of a short conversation.
Fast forward 8 years and she is a struggling single mother/aunt waitress, barely making ends meet, with a car that breaks down way too many times. You also have a billionaire and partial owner of Clyburne Financial who is a take no shit, play no games, tell you like it is asshole who is now in need of yet another PA, Henry.
Edgar, Henry’s best friend and co-worker, decides that Henry needs to do his own interviewing for his new PA. After the fourth candidate, Henry is no closer to having a new PA. Edgar tells him there was still one more. Half way through the interview, Edgar receives a phone call and has to step out. They continue on with the interview until it changes from an interview to them chatting.
In time between her interview and her starting of her new job, Naomi is threatened and Henry is giving the third degree over his choice in new PA’s. When she starts her new job, she picks it up fast and even starts to take some of the stress off Henry’s shoulder as she finds new ways to declutter his schedule. As they get closer, both personal and business, things start to heat up-and not necessarily in a good way, with a stalker who has decided to stalk both Naomi and Henry.
Edgar has always had it out for Naomi. While Henry is on a business trip, he backs Naomi into a corner, resulting in him firing her for insurboration. After that he contacts Henry and puts words and negative thoughts about Naomi in his head. When Henry gets home from his business trip, he tells them that they better fix what is broken between them because he was not going to be forced to choose between them. He forces them to meet up before anyone else at the office to work out their difference, but they only manage to make things worse until he shows up and lays out the truth of the matter and why they to need get over it.
After things get fixed, everything starts to get better between everyone, but not without some bumps in the road. Another great read from Banks. Can’t wait for the next one.
Five stars isn’t enough, I want to give it 10. I absolutely loved this book. I have to admit to being a HUGE fan of R. R. Banks and I think that this book might just be her BEST. “Surprise Gift” is about Naomi and Henry, but the author checks in with some of the characters from her previous books. Don’t worry, it’s definitely a stand-alone story, but I’m sure you’ll want to check out “Surprise Delivery” and the books about the Anderson Brothers, if you haven’t already read them. Anywho, back to Naomi and Henry. Naomi has had a really tough life. At twenty, she had to give up her dreams of writing and teaching when her sister is beaten to death, by her abusive husband, and Naomi becomes the legal guardian of her nephew. Eight years later, life has dealt her blow after blow, her sister’s ex is released from prison and turns up at her door demanding that she hand over his son. Yeah, not going to happen. Henry, on the other had, has lead a reasonably charmed life. He’s a financial wizard who has no interest in any form of commitment, due to a painful relationship in his past. I hear you saying, “stop ruining the story”, but don’t worry all of this happens in the first few chapters of the book. The next 35 odd chapters are absolutely amazing. The book begins with a punch to your gut and continues throughout with twists, turns, ups and downs. I was hooked from beginning to end. I was so involved with the wonderful characters (even the really evil ones were wonderfully evil), I actually felt like I was a fly on the wall for the whole book. Really, do yourself a favour, read this book now. I guarantee that you won’t just love it as much as I have, but you’ll also become a fan of Banks and want to read many of her other books as well.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved reading this book. I had so many emotions going through me when reading it. There was sadness, fear, confusion and hopelessness. When I thing about what the heroine Naomi had to go through was heart breaking. It was tragic on so many different levels. Her life was uprooted and tossed upside down. The story jumps eight years later and finds Naomi living on a shoestring while raising her nephew Toby. Toby is about eleven years old now and is stuck in a sullen quiet mood. Naomi cannot afford counseling service for him. So, she tries her best to engage him and let him know he is loved and that he can talk to her anytime. Naomi cannot catch a break. A dangerous man from the past come back into Naomi's life and causes her to lose her job. Her best friend Daisy helps her fluff up her resume and submits it. She gets called for an interview. She definitely does not have the highest qualifications the other applicants do but she is honest with the employer who is interviewing her and gives it her all. The owner Henry Clyburne takes a chance on her despite his closest adviser's advice. Naomi proves herself and excels in her job. But the man from her past is threatening her and Henry's closest associate Edgar does not like her. The trouble is just beginning. Strap your seat belt on because you will be going for a dangerous ride. I could not put the book down. Page after page had me enthralled with the story. This is a must read and I highly recommend it. It really is a testament to women like Naomi, single with child trying to survive and tested on how far one is willing to go for their loved ones. Their sacrifices and the danger they will put themselves through just to protect those they love. An excellent read.
To me, Mr. R.R. Banks is one of my top go to Authors for creative and addictive romance. Surprise Gift is his latest release and I couldn't put it down. This was a publication for romance with drama thrown in to make it even more appealing.
While I try extremely hard never to give away any part of the storyline, so that I do not ruin it for reader's... here it goes...
This release centers around Henry Clyburn and Naomi Reddick. Both have known pain in their lives and I found them perfectly paired as characters. Naomi is currently a single Mother, caring for her her only Family, her Nephew, Toby. Henry is a the CEO of a financial company and is seeking a PA. Guess who comes for the interview? Yep. However, even though there is definitely interest on both sides, nothing seems to go as planned. There is so much more then a sexy romance to Surprise Gift. There are those that drive a wedge between these two and the ending was riveting. I truly did not see it coming. Can they heal from past hurts together and get their happily ever after? There is only one way to find out and it is by reading this brilliant Authors work. Trust that you will never be disappointed.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from The Bad Boy Update in exchange for my honest opinion and I enjoyed everything about this book and recommend reading anything written by Mr. Banks.
Slow start but ultimately an engaging, 🔥steamy romance across class lines😍 May 21, 2019 Format: Kindle Edition 😰😟😜 4-4.5 🌟stars Ultimately, a strong story about resilience and crossing the great divide of fortune and privilege, but I was frustrated that the two romantic leads don't even meet until a third of the story has gone by. There are some really depressing moments for heroine Naomi (early on they almost made me want to stop reading!) with her life rollercoastering between extreme lows and highs. The romance has a lot of heat, some extended scenes, and more than one villain holding back the happiness. The pace picks up as it goes; I was totally okay with that because I felt that after a stunning start, the beginning had too much unnecessary detail that slowed it down.
This novel connects with Surprise Delivery which focused on Duncan, the brother of this story's hero. As to hero Henry, he's the epitome of the ambitious, self-centered, privileged alpha male. He needs tempering and softening; his connection with Naomi's nephew Toby showed his sweeter side.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
What can I say about this book by R. R. Banks. It moved rather slowly but surely in the first quarter of the book providing a rich background for Naomi and her sad life. She suffered so much loss and yet still gives all she can to provide for her nephew, Toby. They live in such pitiful surroundings and barely have enough to survive on. When she learns that Toby’s evil, beast of a father has been released from prison she knows she needs to step up and do better in protecting Toby and herself. When her friend Daisy helps her beef up her resume to obtain a PA job at Henry’s business, she manages to snag the job because something moves him, maybe her honesty or maybe her rocking body, despite the forewarnings of his employee and best friend, Edgar. Over a short period of time, Henry and Naomi are drawn together emotionally and sexually. The brilliant writing of Banks has me sitting on the edge of my chair, so totally immersed in the storyline that I could not put the book down. As always, I cannot wait to read the next R. R. Banks book from beginning to the epilogue where the HEA will leave you with a smile for days!
Loved the book...the title not so much. The book blurb is way misleading too. Things don't happen in the story in the manner it suggests. It amazes me how some book blurbs can be so spot on and others are so far off the mark. Anyway, I must admit that the first 30% of the book drags a bit until Naomi and Henry meet. Yes! It actually took that long for them to even meet! Once they did however, I really got caught up in their story. It turned out to be a pretty engrossing read and I hated to put it down. The plot is good and the characters have some depth. Henry and Naomi have a lot of chemistry. Henry is not the most likable guy in that first 30% either but once he meets Naomi we don't really hear a lot of uncomplimentary things about him any more and I ended up liking him quite a lot. Naomi is great although her relationship with her young nephew seemed inexplicably strained. There are some dramatic, high tension moments in this romance and some pretty steamy scenes as well. I enjoyed this book very much and am looking forward to reading more by this author. 4.5 stars.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
Naomi was a college student until her sister was killed and she had to step up to raise her nephew. Now she struggles constantly to keep the bills paid and a roof over their head. She thinks that her only worries will be the bills and rent however the man that killed her sister is out on parole and wants his son so her troubles are just beginning. When she loses her job a friend helps her get a job working for an investment firm for a rich man name Henry. Sparks fly between them during the interview. She was brutally honest during the interview so figures that she didn't get the job so imagine her surprise when she gets a call about being hired. Will Henry be what she is looking for in her life? Will her sister killer succeed in destroying her life?
This is a great story that will have you on the edge of your seat. the chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this story to any book lover.
Naomi was in college when her sister was killed. Out of fear for sister's life and nephew's, Naomi signs the guardian paperwork should anything happen to her. So when it does and Naomi is forced to drop out of college and live day by day for her and her nephew, she tries her best. But when a position opens up, she lands the gig with her personality and honesty. But can she handle Henry as her boss? What happens when it is too much?
Henry needs a personal assistant, but when he keeps firing those HR hires, he conducts the interviews himself. Sparks fly for him when he sees Naomi and the more they talk the more he wants to know about her inside and outside of work. But can Henry get over his past to allow Naomi into his heart? What happens when the Naomi's sister's killer becomes more than a nuisance?
This is a great story that had me hooked. The chemistry between Naomi and Henry is very hot! But the more emotional connection Naomi's nephew makes with Henry is unreal and will melt your heart!! I recommend this book!! I received an ARC of this book from the author.
Naomi is in school but has to drop out to raise her nephew because her brother in law murdered her sister. Henry is a billionaire with his own company and very cynical about love and relationships. He cannot keep a PA with his attitude. Fast forward eight years and Naomi interviews for the position, he hires her. Only, after a short time they become involved. It is a merry go round of ups and downs. On again, off again. But, her ex brother in law gets released from prison and now he wants his son and will stop at nothing to ensure it happens! What happens next is horrible but will he get away with it? Naomi’s life is on the line…who will rescue her? This is a romance with a HEA and how two people can help one another grow and overcome difficulties that life sends. It is a great book that will keep you reading to the end. The characters will endear themselves to your heart. There is plenty of snark and steamy scenes. I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ONE FABULOUS ADVENTURE!!! OMG! Man, talk about bad decisions. A whirlwind of unexpected circumstances and mishaps that keep you flipping page after page catapulting all of your emotions bursting into play. One sensational storyline and gripping plot propel this bad boy bursting to life beautifully. Sparks fly as the chemistry sizzles, while drama and suspense ensues in epic proportions. One pulse racing, heart pounding adventure that brings all the pieces together for one wild experience. The characters are authentic, relatable and realistic with personalities and depth that keep you captivated from start to finish. The scenes are so detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you're right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Banks, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
I read the description of this book and the description doesn't really follow what happens in the book. Naomi is a single parent raising her nephew after her sister Maisy's husband murdered her. Naomi has struggled for eight years when Darren, fresh out of prison, shows up threatening her and wanting his son. Naomi's hell is just beginning. She loses her job as a waitress and is hired at an investment firm by Henry. Henry has a lot of baggage. The story has a bit of drama, some scary parts, a bit of steam, parts that made me laugh and parts that were heartbreaking. I wanted to hug her nephew, Toby, and do whatever I could to break through his shell. Henry's interactions with Toby were heartwarming and the epilogue tied the story up beautifully. Although I received an advance copy of this book, I also purchased it.
3.5 stars for Surprise Gift by R.R. Banks. I am a big fan of this author and have enjoyed every book I have read so far. In this book we have Henry who is a billionaire , control freak who does not trust anyone. He doesn’t trust anyone because of what his ex fiancé did to him. He is also the boss to Naomi. Naomi has had a rough life , and is now taking care of her young nephew after her sister was murdered. Naomi pretends to be Henry’s fiancé and it all changes after that. They have a budding romance but then someone from Naomi’s past is about to make everything more interesting. I enjoyed the story line and the writing. There were a few things I was not fond of. I felt after everything Henry puts Naomi thru there should have been a lot more apologizing. Also the blurb does not depict the book very well . Other than that I would recommend this book .
This book is pretty amazing. Naomi and Henry are a great duo. When I figured that the book is about Henry - Duncan's brother - I didn't know what to make of it. Because in Surprise Delivery he was arrogant and selfish. At the end he made it better though. But in this book we get to know his side of the story and really get to know him. So we get to know why he is the way he is. He is a successful businessman and he lives for his inherited company. That is until he meets Naomi. The sparks start flying and their chemistry is off the charts. Naomi is a strong woman and selfless. She takes care of her nephew like he is her own. That really is admirable for a twenty year old. I received an earc from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I enjoyed this story of Naomi and Henry and their sweet but difficult quest for happiness. Naomi's sister is murdered by her abusive husband while Naomi is in college. She is forced to forgo her education and all her plans for the a future when she is left to take care of her 3 year old nephew, Toby. If course, without an education and nothing but determination to do the best job possible raising her nephew, they do not have an easy life. Then, to make a bad situation worse, she loses her measly waitressing job & then her sister's killer (Toby's father) gets out on parole. Through sheer determination and a lot of moxie, she lands a better job which leads to other complications - though not all bad. Read the book!
She is a single mother to a nephew and struggles to make ends meet so when she interviews for a job as the PA for Henry Clyburne, a grumpy taciturn CEO it is heaven sent for her. Before he knows it she is streamlining his office and taking a load of his shoulders Not everyone is happy with the influence that Naomi is having on Henry and will do what they can to cause them to separate but when push comes to shove Henry will fight for what he wants. Once again R R Banks has written a book where the depth of the characters is what makes the story always a pleasure to read
I just love this book. So well written and there seems to be the perfect amout of drama, danger, excitement, and sexy times. RR Banks has made this book very enjoyable. So drawn in to the charaters, not just the main characters but all the characters. They all seem to have a place of importance in the story and the developement of Naomi and Henry's relationship. There are pleny of struggles there from they way they were brought up to where they are now. Not to mention a few people that are in their way. They manage to evercome all of this to a great HEA
We first met Henry in Surprise Delivery as the meddling brother of Duncan whose arrogant face you just wanted to slap!! Henry has been taken for a fool once and there wont be a second time that he will lose his heart to a woman who will take advantage of him again......ever! But the moment Naomi steps into his office he finds himself softening towards the woman that had her whole life shaken 8 years ago after the murder of her sister. What does he need to do and say to show her that his playboy one night take them and leave them days are over?
Surprise Gift by R.R. Banks What a story, there are so many twists and turns in this book. I really enjoyed reading this story, it starts out with Naomi's sister being murdered by her own husband leaving her nephew in the care of Naomi. Her life is changed forever, left to raise Toby a three-year-olds. This is one book that is so hard to put down with everything going on in this story. It is a page-turner and I highly recommend this book. I received an advanced reader copy and have voluntarily chosen to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.
Enjoyable relatable romance with a tough woman, raising her nephew bleeding turnips and rubbing nickels together to make ends meat, get involved with a stubborn arrogant man who drive is making his company more money and bragging rights. So yes, sparks fly. These two are good together but he has trust issues and she has ex-con ex-brother-law issues. So plenty to read. Great story, flows well and characters are likable, realistic and a pleasure to read.
The writing was impeccable and there were no grammatical errors but i swear I’ve read this book before, with some minor changes.
Spoilers: Besides the sisters murder and the aquiarium part of the story, this story is the cliche “woman works for billionaire boss and falls in love”- theres always someone in and out of the office causing issues and she even decides to be petty and show him she doesnt care so that he will.
All in all i was hoping for a different story line but.... (shrug)
I had a hard time getting into this book. The way I it is written made Henry seem like a geek Mommys baby and talking to Edgar with way TMI. I stopped reading the book when he started with the choking her during sex. That has no place in any book as a Normal during sex and telling others it is all right to do. I just couldn't read any more of it. The way Toby and her interactions are were sad. After 8 years, and nothing. She could have left him out of the book entirely and he word t ha e been missed