She needs to save her company. He’s running from a public breakup. To get what they both want, they’ll have to make a deal.
Sophia Hansen’s work is her life, putting her dreams of having a family on the back burner. But when her father declares his plans to step down as CEO of the family company, she must find a way to beat her scheming brother for the top spot, but it’ll come at a cost in the form of an alliance with a charming billionaire.
Cole Bradford is the most eligible billionaire bachelor in the Pacific Northwest. After a public breakup with an A-list actress, he’s tired of hiding from the media. When his business partner, Sophia, expresses her concerns about the future of her company, he comes up with a plan to save both of their jobs… a proposal.
When their marriage of convenience turns into something more, will their love prevail, or will the ones who conspire against them succeed?
Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
But I did finish it. I needed to know how it turned out. There are no sex scenes but that doesn't bother me at all. I can live with that. It's very religious too and I like that. I didn't understand his relationship with Vanessa though? Were they intimate? It was never clarified. I know I am a freak but I wanted to know if they were virgins because of their religion. Lol. I know that is weird but growing up reading Harlequins and,I still like the virgin tropes They are full of love though and it was so nice. Two kisses maybe and that is it. But i still felt their romance. More so than the crude sex scenes I've been reading lately. Those make me cringe. And are decidedly un-romantic for me. this one is sweet like a Love Inspired. Darn Harlequins have ruined me. 😘
Before I get to the story, there's a problem early on in the book that needs to be mentioned:
Cole says of his ex, "She refused to become a Christian". Huh? No, you become a Christian because you believe that it's true, not because someone says you have to be Christian or I'm leaving you. So, if the ex refused to listen or talk about it - that would have made sense & seemed to fit the general context of that discussion. I'm hoping that was just a really unfortunate word choice rather than the author's actual thinking, but unfortunately, whatever it is, it's still there begging to confuse &/or outrage someone.
As to the story itself, it was good, but more like a fantasy than believable. The problem is that Cole & Sophia are too mary sue perfect - they're practically saints.
I did like how they started out talking about a marriage of convenience for business, but then decided to let things develop naturally instead. And there were several other romance stereotypes that developed, but the protagonists responded to them like real people instead of being stupid.
It was just hard to connect with the characters as they felt too artificial. For example, Sophia's dad telling her how he recognized that she was just wanting to spend time with him was an echo of what she had told Cole earlier. In real life, even if the dad had come to realize that on his own, he wouldn't have suddenly become a feelings kind of guy that talked like that.
Then there was the repetition of things, like Cole calling Sophia "Miss Hansen" because he enjoyed reminding her it was temporary - we got it the first few times, yet it was still explained. Every. Single. Time. that Cole said it. 🙄
I don't know if it was intentional or not, but the story has that implicit message of "Good Christians will prosper over evil sinners" that's false advertising. We know that good wins in the end, but we are not greater than the Master - so we should expect to suffer unjustly, too.
Like most, I read for a temporary escape from the difficulties & challenges of real life, so I don't mind a little romantic fantasy. But authors have to be really careful when they incorporate Christianity into fiction. And the story needs to be believable enough to keep my inner critic from being louder than the narrative.
Mandi Blake's "Beautiful Storm" was a creditable example; this one, though a sweet story, was not so much.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic *Religion: overtly Christian, mostly generic, a bit stilted
This book is amazing, beautiful and outstanding. 🙂 I love it so I give a 5+ stars. Will be reading over again. HAVE A READ, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. Miss. Mandi Blake thank you very much for your amazing story 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖🍸🍷💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Enjoyed this sweet clean romance with Sophie and Cole. Sophie works tirelessly for her family’s company hoping to take over when her father retires so she has no personal life. Billionaire Cole has been in a very public relationship until the breakup and now he just wants to get out of the public eye. When they join forces with a marriage of convenience they never expected it to turn into a real love. It’s a lovely well written story with exceptional characters.
This was a sweet love story and unlike most romances in that most of the tension / angst was from family relationships rather than the romance. It was a welcome change.
The only thing I didn't like was the mentions of yoga in a Christian fiction book. I know some Christians are not against yoga, but it's origins and sun worshiping positions keep me from participating in it and I'd prefer not to read about it. I only mention this because many of my readers who've filled out my surveys mention yoga as something that doesn't belong in a Christian book, so I mention it to make my readers aware that while I do recommend the book, I acknowledge that they might find that part offensive.
Another great book by Mandi Blake. This was a sweet love story of two people who were selflessly willing to do the right thing for the good of others. They were even surprised to learn that true love is there if you open your heart and believe.
Readers are in for a heartwarming treat when they pick up The Billionaire's Destined Bride by Mandi Blake. I had the pleasure of reading Mandi's Unfailing Love series in 2019, and they ended up being some of my favorite reads from the entire year. I was really looking forward to seeing how she was going to tackle such a completely different story line, and I was definitely not disappointed. This story was everything I could have possibly hoped for, and has easily become a new favorite.
Sophia and Cole are a couple that are easy to root for. Sophia's given her all to her family's company, and yet she feels she's about to be passed over for promotion when she's definitely the most deserving. Cole Bradford has been one of her family's top business partners for years, and he proposes an idea to help both of their companies futures-a marriage between the two of them to secure a stable alliance between their companies. What starts as a marriage of convenience however, soon blossoms into much more, and readers will adore getting to follow along during every step of their courtship.
I've personally always enjoyed stories about marriages of convenience, especially when they're used to highlight how God always has a perfect plan for His children if they're willing to follow His direction. In The Billionaire's Destined Bride, this trope is used perfectly to showcase that love can come softly, and feelings can grow into something more permanent and beautiful when His direction is trusted and followed. I always appreciate that Mandi Blake keeps the faith element in all her stories at the forefront, and it's never swept or hidden away into the background. Cole and Sophia's faith is one of the best parts of the story, and it's refreshing to see two people in such prominent positions that value following Jesus above status or financial position.
I adored this one from start to finish, and I honestly had a hard time putting it down. Cole and Sophia are selfless and compassionate, and their love story is one of my favorites I've read in quite awhile. If you're looking for a sweet, heartwarming read to dive into, than definitely go ahead and pick this one up as I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. In this case, the beautiful cover definitely matches the amazing story within.
Final Rating: 5/5
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to advance read this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
Sofia's Dad was going to step down from being the CEO of the successful company which he began years ago. One of his two children would get the new title. Sofia's life revolved around the company. Even her best friends were part of the company. She lived in a condo only a short walk away from work. Her Father's upcoming retirement put her in a state of unease. She could barely take it in. But she had an business dinner engagement that evening with a business associate who was a fine man and a particularly great business partner. His company is one of their largest buyers. Almost as soon as they met at the familiar restaurant, Cole Bradford realized that something else was troubling Sofia. That concerned him a great deal. Although only business associates, they ran in the same social circles and frequently saw one another at Charity events. Both had high standards. After a few minutes of small talk, Cole dared to ask Sofia if she would feel comfortable enough to share whatever was bothering her. She knew that whatever she shared with him would be kept in the strictest confidence. She explained the bombshell her Dad had dropped just a few short hours ago. Since Cole was such a major buyer, it definitely concerned him as well. He was also shocked like Sofia and her brother Aiden had been only awhile ago.
Cole talked some about his bad breakup with Vanessa, an actress, he had dated for quite sometime. Of course, they really didn't want the same things in life. She was all about show and the limelight while he despised it. They never were a good match. He wondered why he didn't break things off with her before he did. But he sat with this beautiful woman and began thinking about, "what if they could have a future?" Will he just wonder about it? Or what should he do? A delightful story!
Cole and Sophia start off with what they think will be a business arrangement marriage. But as they get to know each other more they realise the business relationship they had cultivated over the years, very quickly turns into a growing love. One that grows stronger day by day, no matter the obstacles.
But will their original idea come to light? Will it destroy everything they have tried so hard to protect?........
A clean, sweet Christian romance. That with love and faith you can achieve great things.
I received this as a complimentary copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
Loved this book!!! I especially loved the way both Sophia and Cole both prayed about their relationship, were both concerned about the other's standing with Christ, and that they were prepared to listen to each other and not others who they knew didn't care about either of them. I love the way that Cole wanted to be with Sophia when she decided she had to tell her father about the way she and Cole fell in love. Both of them put the other first, and both respected each other enough to listen, and not to jump to conclusions. Can't wait for more books from Mandi!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I stayed up late reading this book. It grabbed my attention and I had to know what happened. The romance and relationship between the main characters developed quickly, but I loved every second of it. I was rooting for them and didn't want anything to stand in the way of their happily ever after. I recommend this book for anyone who wants a sweet, clean romance that leaves you happy and satisfied. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, I absolutely loved this book! It was amazing to watch the relationship between Sophia and Cole develop. They are both strong, wonderfully written characters. Their faith in God and his plans is great to read. I couldn’t put this one down. I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I love seeing billionaires being portrayed as having the same feelings, concerns and faith as non-billionaires just with more assets to enjoy and/or share. Sophia and Cole manage to turn what starts as a smart business proposal into a true love match. They manage to do what I seem to find myself yelling at other characters to do, communicate. This was an enjoyable story.
One of the best books I’ve read lately. Loved the characters and the storyline was great. It was well written and I would recommend it. I really enjoyed the spiritual concept. This is a voluntary review
What a great, lighthearted story to relax with! Sophia and Cole are both lovable characters who were a great fit for each other. If you’re looking for a sweet romance to unwind with, this book is a wonderful choice.
This is a sweet warm fuzzy read. It is Christian based and the characters talk about their faith. Sophia works hard for the family company but also desires a husband and family. Cole is tired of running from the press and would like to settle down. It proposes a crazy scheme to Sophia and the story goes from there.
Just finished reading it and I definitely enjoyed it... I really recommend it... once you start reading - you don’t want to put it down - especially if you like romance novels😊
Sophia and Cole have been connected through his company and her company. Sophia's father decides to retire as the CEO. Sophia wants to be chosen to replace him. So the story is about love and trust. A very well written character study. Well worth your time to read it.
The Destined Bride is a sweet and light read for a lazy afternoon. This romance is clean and wholesome. I recommend for teens on up. 3.5 stars *I was given a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
A truly lovely Christian romance. It is not overdone or trite. It does the whole deal really well, makes you a part of the story. Leaves you feeling awww.
I loved this story. I loved how Cole and Sophia's relationship progressed. This is my first story by this author and I really enjoyed it. A sweet, clean romance.
I was looking for a cute read to distract me from my language class and decided to try a sweet romantic novel. It was sweet. It was clean. It was set in the Pacific Northwest. It was fun.
I enjoyed this story, but in some ways it was all to perfect and nice. The conflicts all seemed fairly minor and easily swept under the rug. I expected more and sooner than it happened. However, Sophie and Cole had a beautiful whirlwind romance and it was sweet and almost too perfect.