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High School Billionaires #1
Tall, Dark, and Nerdy
My best friend was a giant dork...right up until he became a billionaire.
That's right, my best friend is a billionaire. Who would have guessed that my nerdy BFF would become an overnight success? Not even Oliver expected the dating app he'd created for a high school coding class to take off the way it had, or for a mega-corporation to acquire it. And as for that whole insta-celebrity situation? Yeah, no one saw that coming. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. Oliver's sudden windfall definitely has its perks, especially for me, his oldest and closest pal. Limos and private jets? Don't mind if I do. But there are downfalls, too. Ones I definitely hadn't seen coming. Like the fact that my dork of a bestie is suddenly in demand with the ladies.
Oliver has always been cute, but never cool. And game? Well, the guy just didn't have it. Until now, it seems. Money might not buy love, but it can get you a fresh look. New clothes, new haircut, new glasses...and what do you know? My tall, nerdy BFF is now a hottie, and every girl wants him.
If he can have any girl he wants, then why is he kissing me? I swore we would only ever be friends...so I guess the better question is: why don't I want him to stop?
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2019
290 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 15, 2020
Age the characters, like, 10 years and this story works.
Heck, age the characters 3 years, put them in college, and I would even buy it.
But it is...weird as a YA romance.
The premise is that a high schooler makes a billion-dollar app and tries to woo his BFF. Except she's got major self-esteem issues and won't have him.
So...he tries to woo her some more.
Fluffy, clean, and fun enough but the ages were just...weird.
Heck, age the characters 3 years, put them in college, and I would even buy it.
But it is...weird as a YA romance.
The premise is that a high schooler makes a billion-dollar app and tries to woo his BFF. Except she's got major self-esteem issues and won't have him.
So...he tries to woo her some more.
Fluffy, clean, and fun enough but the ages were just...weird.
September 27, 2019
Language: PG (5 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G
This story felt more like a novella than a whole book. It's cute and fun to read, but there isn't a whole lot that goes on. I felt that the resolution came quicker than I expected, but it didn't feel rushed, just like it was a short glimpse into the characters' lives and not their whole story.
This story felt more like a novella than a whole book. It's cute and fun to read, but there isn't a whole lot that goes on. I felt that the resolution came quicker than I expected, but it didn't feel rushed, just like it was a short glimpse into the characters' lives and not their whole story.
June 10, 2019
I was in love with my best friend
When her brilliant best friend creates an app that earns him billions of dollars, Oliver, A.K.A. Jackson, moves away to a specialized school. Both Olivia and Oliver are socially awkward but have a deep, strong, fierce friendship and devotion to each other. Oliver knows he’s in love with his best friend but she’s a little slower to come to the realization. Desperate for his happiness, she tries to push him onto another girl whom she deems “perfect” for him. But in doing so, she risks losing her best and only friend. Will their friendship survive? And will the realization that she loves him too come too late? The chemistry and the tension between these two was so intense, I felt like shaking them into awareness.
Loved, loved, loved this book. Super well written and fun. The characters were wonderful. Absolutely recommend this book!
When her brilliant best friend creates an app that earns him billions of dollars, Oliver, A.K.A. Jackson, moves away to a specialized school. Both Olivia and Oliver are socially awkward but have a deep, strong, fierce friendship and devotion to each other. Oliver knows he’s in love with his best friend but she’s a little slower to come to the realization. Desperate for his happiness, she tries to push him onto another girl whom she deems “perfect” for him. But in doing so, she risks losing her best and only friend. Will their friendship survive? And will the realization that she loves him too come too late? The chemistry and the tension between these two was so intense, I felt like shaking them into awareness.
Loved, loved, loved this book. Super well written and fun. The characters were wonderful. Absolutely recommend this book!
December 31, 2019
Also cute.
June 24, 2019
Rarely 5 stars for a romance...
But this one soooooo deserves it!
Love! Love! Love!
(I mean, not as much as my own tall, dark & nerdy sweetie, but still oooh so good!)
Break out the chocolate, turn the lights down low and forget the world for a couple hours. This couple is totally worth it with a swoon worthy hero and a heroine that reminds us of our greatest fears...
Then there’s the bone melting kisses and pure sweetness that makes run out and order the next book during your break (naughty person who did not heed my advice and bring enough snacks to the snuggle after emptying out!)
But this one soooooo deserves it!
Love! Love! Love!
(I mean, not as much as my own tall, dark & nerdy sweetie, but still oooh so good!)
Break out the chocolate, turn the lights down low and forget the world for a couple hours. This couple is totally worth it with a swoon worthy hero and a heroine that reminds us of our greatest fears...
Then there’s the bone melting kisses and pure sweetness that makes run out and order the next book during your break (naughty person who did not heed my advice and bring enough snacks to the snuggle after emptying out!)
July 12, 2019
(3.5 stars) - sweet though not her best
Maggie Dallen is *always* reliable for a well written story, and is usually entertainingly creative with the popular romance tropes.
This is a best-friends-to-lovers story, and though it is well written, it's surprisingly clichéd for her. I liked the main characters, but the "I don't want to jeopardize our friendship" angst has been so overdone. And the low self-esteem thing is nearly there. I was hoping to see it handled in a fresher way.
As it was, if the story had been trimmed of a lot of its repetitive angst into a short story, I would have liked it better.
The ending was really sweet & the best part - not because it was the end, snarky people, but because the app's part in the story was one of those unique touches that Dallen does so well & what kept this story better than average.
The sneak peek of the next book in the series sounds promising & I'm looking forward to reading it
Clean romance level: passionate kisses
Maggie Dallen is *always* reliable for a well written story, and is usually entertainingly creative with the popular romance tropes.
This is a best-friends-to-lovers story, and though it is well written, it's surprisingly clichéd for her. I liked the main characters, but the "I don't want to jeopardize our friendship" angst has been so overdone. And the low self-esteem thing is nearly there. I was hoping to see it handled in a fresher way.
As it was, if the story had been trimmed of a lot of its repetitive angst into a short story, I would have liked it better.
The ending was really sweet & the best part - not because it was the end, snarky people, but because the app's part in the story was one of those unique touches that Dallen does so well & what kept this story better than average.
The sneak peek of the next book in the series sounds promising & I'm looking forward to reading it
Clean romance level: passionate kisses
June 21, 2019
Just Okay
While I normally adore Maggie Dallen’s stories, I regrettably admit that I struggled with this one.
It fell flat for me, because I never felt connected to Liv and found her immature.
Also, the writing in the beginning seemed to drag, which is unusual for Ms Dallen’s work. However the limo scene was so real and emotional, I thought I was going to break along with Liv and Oliver.
I will be reading the second in the series, because my experience with this author has been a positive one and one just okay story won’t deter me.
While I normally adore Maggie Dallen’s stories, I regrettably admit that I struggled with this one.
It fell flat for me, because I never felt connected to Liv and found her immature.
Also, the writing in the beginning seemed to drag, which is unusual for Ms Dallen’s work. However the limo scene was so real and emotional, I thought I was going to break along with Liv and Oliver.
I will be reading the second in the series, because my experience with this author has been a positive one and one just okay story won’t deter me.
June 25, 2019
Good but slow story
I wanted to like this story, the premise was what caught my eye but there was just something holding me back. It's an okay story and the characters had promise, I just felt at some times Liv was much too hard headed and scenes that should have been great stretched on longer than they should have.
I wanted to like this story, the premise was what caught my eye but there was just something holding me back. It's an okay story and the characters had promise, I just felt at some times Liv was much too hard headed and scenes that should have been great stretched on longer than they should have.
June 18, 2019
I have to admit two biases about Maggie Dallen’s Tall, Dark, and Nerdy: A Sweet YA Romance (High School Billionaires Book 1). First is a bias about the author. I’ve adored pretty much everything she’s written. Enough that the song “Nobody Does It Better” is playing in the back of my head as I wrote this review. The other is a bias for tall, dark and nerdy guys. I got me mine when I was a freshman in college (add in runner and, sadly, take out billionaire, though we do well enough). Gals, if you don’t got one already, it’s highly recommended. Now, as to this book? No shocker here: Liv and Oliver’s story is superb. A totally fun, finely tuned, romp with great characters and a great plot. Read the publisher’s blurb for a summary. It tells you what’s needed. Just know that you cannot go wrong with a Maggie Dallen book, and that’s certainly the case here. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this new series.
July 3, 2019
*I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author for my honest review.*
I’ve been in a contemporary mood the past month, and this one fit right in! It was a cute love story that was fun and easy to read.
As most of you know, characters make or break a book for me. Oliver was such a great character. He was charming and nerdy, and his love for Olivia was apparent from the beginning. Olivia, on the other hand, was slightly harder to like at times. She was very negative about herself, and it was a bit repetitive. However, I think the reason I had trouble with this is because she reminds me of myself and I’m very hypocritical about that kind of thing. I don’t like hearing people talk bad about themselves.
Regardless, I very much enjoyed this book. I loved seeing these two characters grow and change. It was great seeing Oliver’s confidence increase. The pacing felt natural given that they’ve been friends their whole lives. Their relationship from the beginning was fantastic–the way they’re so supportive of each other. Dallen has a great way of writing these contemporaries in a way that’s relatable and realistic, even with situations like becoming a billionaire over night.
I will definitely be continuing with her books!
I’ve been in a contemporary mood the past month, and this one fit right in! It was a cute love story that was fun and easy to read.
As most of you know, characters make or break a book for me. Oliver was such a great character. He was charming and nerdy, and his love for Olivia was apparent from the beginning. Olivia, on the other hand, was slightly harder to like at times. She was very negative about herself, and it was a bit repetitive. However, I think the reason I had trouble with this is because she reminds me of myself and I’m very hypocritical about that kind of thing. I don’t like hearing people talk bad about themselves.
Regardless, I very much enjoyed this book. I loved seeing these two characters grow and change. It was great seeing Oliver’s confidence increase. The pacing felt natural given that they’ve been friends their whole lives. Their relationship from the beginning was fantastic–the way they’re so supportive of each other. Dallen has a great way of writing these contemporaries in a way that’s relatable and realistic, even with situations like becoming a billionaire over night.
I will definitely be continuing with her books!
November 29, 2020
Honestly, I'm disappointed. I wanted to give a higher rating but the heroine pissed me off to high heavens.
I loved the concept of a guy making a dating app to show his best friend how he feels about her, even if it didn't exactly go as he planned. I basically had no issues with Oliver Jackson, not even his inability to say what he feels, because it's not exactly easy. When he finally did though, it took guts, and she, feeling the same, was so pathetically afraid, basically said I don't believe a word you're saying. he did the words, so moving and sweet, and he made the big gesture more than once and she treated it as if he was an idiot for feeling what he did and doing what he did to show her. As if it wasn't obvious he loved her. As if she didn't feel the same. Let me tell you, no friend, best or not, would go that far for someone he wasn't crazy about and in love with.
She was a coward and all the talking that he deserved more... well, definitely more than her. The fact that he had to reveal yet another big gesture for her to see it's worth to go for it made me like her even less. My whole 3-star opinion is based on my liking Oliver and the concept. Olivia Vance was goddamn lucky for knowing Oliver and underserving of his feelings, words, and gestures.
I loved the concept of a guy making a dating app to show his best friend how he feels about her, even if it didn't exactly go as he planned. I basically had no issues with Oliver Jackson, not even his inability to say what he feels, because it's not exactly easy. When he finally did though, it took guts, and she, feeling the same, was so pathetically afraid, basically said I don't believe a word you're saying. he did the words, so moving and sweet, and he made the big gesture more than once and she treated it as if he was an idiot for feeling what he did and doing what he did to show her. As if it wasn't obvious he loved her. As if she didn't feel the same. Let me tell you, no friend, best or not, would go that far for someone he wasn't crazy about and in love with.
She was a coward and all the talking that he deserved more... well, definitely more than her. The fact that he had to reveal yet another big gesture for her to see it's worth to go for it made me like her even less. My whole 3-star opinion is based on my liking Oliver and the concept. Olivia Vance was goddamn lucky for knowing Oliver and underserving of his feelings, words, and gestures.
June 11, 2019
4.5 / 5 nerdy stars
While nerdy heroes and best-friends-to-more are some of my favorite tropes, the whole billionaire thing... isn't. So I was curious to see how that combination would work out in this story.
I was downright delighted (ha!) to see that Oliver is not a spoiled trust-fund kiddo and that, despite his sudden wealth, he's mostly* the same down-to-earth guy as before.
Then, there were moments like this that made me want to shake some sense and courage into Liv:
I mean... come on! What are you waiting for, girl?!
Other than occasionaly losing my patience with Liv, I enjoyed the story, I also reallyreally liked the characters, and I'm looking forward to reading more books in this new series!
*) gratuitous helicopter rides notwithstanding
While nerdy heroes and best-friends-to-more are some of my favorite tropes, the whole billionaire thing... isn't. So I was curious to see how that combination would work out in this story.
I was downright delighted (ha!) to see that Oliver is not a spoiled trust-fund kiddo and that, despite his sudden wealth, he's mostly* the same down-to-earth guy as before.
“Honestly, Jackson, sometimes I think all this wealth is wasted on you.”
He didn’t miss a beat. His lip curving up on one side in amusement. “That’s why I’m giving it away to others.”
Then, there were moments like this that made me want to shake some sense and courage into Liv:
No one noticed me—not really—and then Oliver came along and noticed me enough for everybody.
I mean... come on! What are you waiting for, girl?!
Other than occasionaly losing my patience with Liv, I enjoyed the story, I also reallyreally liked the characters, and I'm looking forward to reading more books in this new series!
*) gratuitous helicopter rides notwithstanding
June 18, 2019
Another adorably sweet read by Maggie Dallen! Oliver is absolutely the cuteness and sweetest nerd that gets missed interpreted because he just doesn’t have certain social skill but having friends doesn’t matter to him because he has his best friend Olivia who he happens to be in love with and he’s finally ready to make a move. Olivia has always been there by his side but now things have changed because Oliver has created the biggest dating app, has money and is at a new school and could be moving on. Oliver is so brave and puts himself out there but Olivia is afraid that there friendship won’t survive the change to a relationship. I have to say I was a little annoying with Olivia’s denial but was really happy that Oliver put himself out there and then asked for space and let Olivia realize her feelings for him. Oliver took a step back for his best friend and let himself grow and in turn Olivia did the same. I absolutely loved this book I definitely recommend reading it and can’t wait for the next in the series. Five starts!
Voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book.
Voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book.
February 22, 2021
Not bad, I guess. The story felt a little too cliche? And the whole story about the fact that a boy made an app for his best friend, ended up becoming a 'billionaire, snorts*, and especially buys a helicopter to take his best friend on a ride at the age of, what? 17? O>O Ahah. Maybe if they had been older, like college and up kind of older, then this story would not have been that... lame? This book was like a short little novel which suited the story I guess, IDK how Maggie Dallen would have been able to even elongate the book because the concept is actually pretty simple.
The lesson to learn from the book? If your best friend makes a dating app of which he gets rich off of, that must mean he in love with you! Or is it don't send your children to a private school where they don't check for females in male rooms... Sidetracked*
The lesson to learn from the book? If your best friend makes a dating app of which he gets rich off of, that must mean he in love with you! Or is it don't send your children to a private school where they don't check for females in male rooms... Sidetracked*
June 17, 2019
Nerds Rule! Ok, so this one was particularly fun for me because I *am* the nerd that can't communicate well with others and often both doesn't understand others and isn't understood by them. Never developed an app that I then sold for mega money (or any money) but I've been coding almost as long as Oliver has been alive in this book, and I've developed a few tools to solve problems presented in my own life, much as Oliver does here. So yes, very relatable to me in particular. But also a genuinely good book with a lot of laughs and an appropriate amount of angst - let's face it, these are teenagers we're talking about - and it does in fact have the RWA-required Happily Ever After. Very curious to see where Dallen takes the next book in this series, and this book itself is very much recommended.
July 18, 2020
This was fairly terrible. This caught my eye as a fun flirty read and the main characters are obviously in love but it was a draining read. There wasn't really much flirting or fun either. The drama was just ridiculous. She kept pushing him away. And away. And away. And I got tired of hearing it. I finished it but it dragged. And it's only 182 pages. So not great. And the names Olivia and Oliver. Terrible.
Personal feelings, I'd probably only rate 1 star. It just didn't grab me. But the writing isn't that bad, even if the plot isn't great. 2 stars for anyone looking for a sweet clean read. And can handle soap opera drama. It just wasn't for me.
Personal feelings, I'd probably only rate 1 star. It just didn't grab me. But the writing isn't that bad, even if the plot isn't great. 2 stars for anyone looking for a sweet clean read. And can handle soap opera drama. It just wasn't for me.
February 22, 2021
I wanted to love this, but... It was just okay. There's something special about best friends falling in love and that's why I still liked this. But Liv... She was so frustrating and annoying. I couldn't understand her or her reasons to push Oliver away every time he told her he wanted more. An even bigger issue that I had with this character is that even before she realized she felt the same, she was constantly trying to set him up with someone else. She was pushing it so hard like she knew what was best for Oliver. Spoiler alert, she didn't. I appreciate friendships so much, but no one actually knows what's best for you, except you.
June 26, 2019
Tall, Dark, & Nerdy
So, this was a really good book. I thought the author did an amazing job in explaining the characters feelings and insecurities. Sometimes we push away people for all kinds of reasons. I have been there. We only accept the love we think we deserve. It had some great parts. I definitely think it’s a kid/teen romance. Definitely for a younger audience. I would have liked more back and forth and for more events in the story to take place. But I enjoyed it. I would give this a 4.2
So, this was a really good book. I thought the author did an amazing job in explaining the characters feelings and insecurities. Sometimes we push away people for all kinds of reasons. I have been there. We only accept the love we think we deserve. It had some great parts. I definitely think it’s a kid/teen romance. Definitely for a younger audience. I would have liked more back and forth and for more events in the story to take place. But I enjoyed it. I would give this a 4.2
January 11, 2023
pretty good book!
Not going to lie, Liv’s abandonment issues and self esteem issues were getting on my last nerve, but I really enjoyed the book regardless. It was sweet and entertaining, and when Oliver explained how he used his feeling for liv to check his app was working correctly whilst creating it, because it was only working correctly if he was always matched up with Liv🥺😩🥺I can’t with that guy. That’s too damn much (in a good way) it’s so sweet and I would recommend this book for sure!
Not going to lie, Liv’s abandonment issues and self esteem issues were getting on my last nerve, but I really enjoyed the book regardless. It was sweet and entertaining, and when Oliver explained how he used his feeling for liv to check his app was working correctly whilst creating it, because it was only working correctly if he was always matched up with Liv🥺😩🥺I can’t with that guy. That’s too damn much (in a good way) it’s so sweet and I would recommend this book for sure!
April 6, 2025
Maggie Dallen is the queen of YA romance and I usually really enjoy her books but I really didn’t like this one.
I hated Liv and her constant trying to push Oliver to other girls. Yes, she had low self esteem but it was tiresome.
Oliver was okay but he was absolutely besotted so all he did was think about Liv and how to tell her he loved her. Aside from he’s a billionaire who created an app, I’m not sure I know anything else about him…
A very disappointing read. I recommend skipping this and going straight to the Love Quiz books (featuring Oliver’s app) which are excellent.
I hated Liv and her constant trying to push Oliver to other girls. Yes, she had low self esteem but it was tiresome.
Oliver was okay but he was absolutely besotted so all he did was think about Liv and how to tell her he loved her. Aside from he’s a billionaire who created an app, I’m not sure I know anything else about him…
A very disappointing read. I recommend skipping this and going straight to the Love Quiz books (featuring Oliver’s app) which are excellent.
June 17, 2019
I have received a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Another cute romance from Ms Dallen. A real case of not seeing what you have right under your nose!!
Oliver and Olivia are BBFs who are destined to be together but Olivia doesn't know that yet. Circumstances change when Oliver develops an app which makes him a billionaire. Will they survive this unexpected development?
Definitely a must read!
Another cute romance from Ms Dallen. A real case of not seeing what you have right under your nose!!
Oliver and Olivia are BBFs who are destined to be together but Olivia doesn't know that yet. Circumstances change when Oliver develops an app which makes him a billionaire. Will they survive this unexpected development?
Definitely a must read!
August 14, 2019
An amazing sweet romantic comedy. An engaging romance that kept me addicted page after page. It included tension, lots of laughs, suspense, angst, low self esteem and tension. This slow burning friends to lovers romance was fantastic while the both learned love doesn't mean they couldn't over come their short comings. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC of an outstanding emotion journey with a very HEA.
August 19, 2019
I really liked it and I enjoyed the characters and plot. I would say that Oliver's character was a little more my favorite than Liv's but both characters were best seen through the other's POV. I think the point of each having their own flaws and things to work on was great as well because to often in these stories it's a happily ever after vibe but this one had some realistic tones to it. Overall it was a cute, sweet read.
May 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet, fairly innocent, but still had a good line of romance. The characters were likable, plausible, and were a good fit for each other. :)
I did get a little tired of our heroine thinking she just wasn't good enough--while it's a valid concern for a lot of girls, it just felt a little overdone.
I'd recommend the book, and would happily pick up another by Maggie Dallen based on this one. :)
I did get a little tired of our heroine thinking she just wasn't good enough--while it's a valid concern for a lot of girls, it just felt a little overdone.
I'd recommend the book, and would happily pick up another by Maggie Dallen based on this one. :)
September 23, 2021
This was a quick fun read. It was nice to read about someone so young creating a computer app that made him rich. I liked that he didn't let it go to his head. Neither did his best friend. She didn't go around asking him to buy her things.
Overall, I found this fun to read even though it was a bit unbelievable. I liked that both the main characters had basically the same first name - Oliver and Olivia. I liked that both character were quirky. It was just a lot of fun.
Overall, I found this fun to read even though it was a bit unbelievable. I liked that both the main characters had basically the same first name - Oliver and Olivia. I liked that both character were quirky. It was just a lot of fun.
June 19, 2019
Olivia and Oliver have been best friends for a long time...both are nerdy and socially awkward, except with each other! Great read to see if they can overcome their shyness and admit to the other that they more then like each other as a friend? Or will his new found status a self made billionaire effect their relationship? Great YA read!
October 7, 2019
Oh, this book was so sweet! I loved Oliver, he's the nerd who has trouble communicating with anyone other than his long time bestie Liv. When he creates an app that puts him into billionaire status, he moves to a boarding school to finish his senior year. Liv comes to visit and they both know that the way they feel about each other has changed. But can they admit it? Or accept it? Cute and fun!
December 6, 2021
Such an attractive read. I want me self a man like this.
If your best friend or even your boyfriend becomes a billionaire, what would you do?
I would have complained about the female MC but this is an Young adult so they're allowed to behave however they want. Such a teenager thing to do. Read it and you'll know what I'm talking about.
No Spoilers!😉
If your best friend or even your boyfriend becomes a billionaire, what would you do?
I would have complained about the female MC but this is an Young adult so they're allowed to behave however they want. Such a teenager thing to do. Read it and you'll know what I'm talking about.
No Spoilers!😉
March 26, 2022
They are best friends, both a little quirky, both don't fit in with their high school classmates, but neither cares because they have each other.
Then he goes and creates an app that makes him a billionaire in his senior year of high school.
Now, he wants to friendship to go further, but doesn't know how to tell her.
Yeah a very young love tale, with a twist.
Then he goes and creates an app that makes him a billionaire in his senior year of high school.
Now, he wants to friendship to go further, but doesn't know how to tell her.
Yeah a very young love tale, with a twist.
July 3, 2019
This was a short sweet read. Though Liv annoyed me aa she kept pushing Oliver away. Silly girl. And silly boy, for letting her. Still so young. Sigh.
Takes me back to the old Sweet Dreams books of high school love.
Takes me back to the old Sweet Dreams books of high school love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews