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Rich & Shameless #1
Cruel Billionaire
Unbeknownst to her, Isla Flores returned to town with more than just her suitcases in hand. She dragged a shitload of baggage from the past into my present.
Her reappearance spurs my father’s twisted mind into overdrive. He devises a plan for me to marry the woman I love to hate. I want to tell him to go to hell, but he knows my secrets. Our secrets.
The Classholes.
We never speak of what happened on our prom night, but Isla Flores’ arrival threatens to bring that night to the surface and reopen the cold case file.
Doing my father’s bidding will not only make me more like him, it will destroy Isla in the process.
Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
Her reappearance spurs my father’s twisted mind into overdrive. He devises a plan for me to marry the woman I love to hate. I want to tell him to go to hell, but he knows my secrets. Our secrets.
The Classholes.
We never speak of what happened on our prom night, but Isla Flores’ arrival threatens to bring that night to the surface and reopen the cold case file.
Doing my father’s bidding will not only make me more like him, it will destroy Isla in the process.
Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
389 pages, ebook
Published April 30, 2020
1 person is currently reading
269 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 28, 2020
Evil parents, a murder mystery, rich entitled jerks and unanswered questions!
I liked this book because it made me think. Sometimes even though there are things about a book or about the characters in a book that I don’t like, I can still enjoy the book overall because I can see how the characters might behave that way, given their upbringing, their age, their circumstances or whatever. Granted it doesn’t excuse bad behavior but it puts it in context.
For instance a teenaged boy doing something stupid out of jealousy and a sense of betrayal when the girl he has been crushing on and flirting with all year suddenly goes to prom with one of his best friends instead of waiting for him to ask her and loses her virginity to to that same friend. That same teenaged boy instantly regretting his decision as soon as he does it but unable to take it back.
Here are some things I liked about this book:
The heroine or main female character Isla, was very believable and sympathetic despite having been hurt more than once by the Hero, Garrin. I think a lot of women might have a soft spot for their first big high school crush if they came back to their home town and found him to be unmarried, super hot and a billionaire. If you were still attracted to him like you were in high school and that old crush came back, it would be hard to see past that to your grown up sense of self preservation. Especially if you were going through a difficult time in your life like a parent potentially dying.
I like the fact that Garrin had a huge crush on Isla during high school and that he has used paid escorts ever since because he was hurt so much by what he saw as her betrayal so soon after his mother’s death. Garrin uses prostitutes so they will leave right after he is finished with their dates and they don’t expect him to get feelings for them. He holds himself away until Isla come back into his life and then he opens himself up to her and to love.
At first I thought his using prostitutes was just a sign of his disrespect of women and the fact that he was an entitled arrogant jerk, but I see now that he was trying to protect himself. He just couldn’t protect himself with Isla because it was more important to protect her. So he opened himself up to love.
What I didn’t like about this book:
The “Classholes” as they are called. Six ultra rich and hot male best friends who made a game out of being jerks in high school and betting each other they could do different things for points. These things usually were at someone else’s expense. I would say that this is a sign of their wealth and entitlement, but I have heard of many high school boys from all aspects of life playing similar types of games, girls as well (ever heard of truth or dare). Though not always as mean spirited.
These kids learned at the hands of their even meaner and crueler parents. It seems something terrible happened the night of Prom and it was worse than what happened to Isla. The Classholes were involved and it is shrouded in mystery from the beginning of the book. The problem I have is that not much of the mystery has been cleared up by the end of the book. All we know is that Garrin’s father is holding something over his head and using it against him and the rest of his friends and forcing him to do what he wants.
There is the allusion to the fact that the other guy’s parents might be doing something similar to them, However I am not quite sure because they all talk about Garrin’s father as being the worst and cruelest father out there. The Classholes made a pact to never talk about what happened on Prom night so I think that maybe they all are unsure about what really happened and could get out from under all the blackmail if they just talked about it, but that is just my opinion and I could be wrong.
What I am afraid of is that we will find out a bit more with each book about these guys but won’t find out the full truth until the last book. By the way, one of the six Classholes, Garrin’s best friend Carter committed suicide back in college. So there will probably only be five books.
I did really like this this story. I liked the mystery, the steamy romance, the friendship and the camaraderie, and there was resolution within the story, just some of the major questions weren’t answered, but that happens in series. It’s funny that it seems like it is often a theme in books like this with the ultra wealthy bad boys that their bad behavior is ultimately learned from their parents who are almost always more mean and cruel than they are and it is usually the love of good man or woman that can turn them around.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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I liked this book because it made me think. Sometimes even though there are things about a book or about the characters in a book that I don’t like, I can still enjoy the book overall because I can see how the characters might behave that way, given their upbringing, their age, their circumstances or whatever. Granted it doesn’t excuse bad behavior but it puts it in context.
For instance a teenaged boy doing something stupid out of jealousy and a sense of betrayal when the girl he has been crushing on and flirting with all year suddenly goes to prom with one of his best friends instead of waiting for him to ask her and loses her virginity to to that same friend. That same teenaged boy instantly regretting his decision as soon as he does it but unable to take it back.
Here are some things I liked about this book:
The heroine or main female character Isla, was very believable and sympathetic despite having been hurt more than once by the Hero, Garrin. I think a lot of women might have a soft spot for their first big high school crush if they came back to their home town and found him to be unmarried, super hot and a billionaire. If you were still attracted to him like you were in high school and that old crush came back, it would be hard to see past that to your grown up sense of self preservation. Especially if you were going through a difficult time in your life like a parent potentially dying.
I like the fact that Garrin had a huge crush on Isla during high school and that he has used paid escorts ever since because he was hurt so much by what he saw as her betrayal so soon after his mother’s death. Garrin uses prostitutes so they will leave right after he is finished with their dates and they don’t expect him to get feelings for them. He holds himself away until Isla come back into his life and then he opens himself up to her and to love.
At first I thought his using prostitutes was just a sign of his disrespect of women and the fact that he was an entitled arrogant jerk, but I see now that he was trying to protect himself. He just couldn’t protect himself with Isla because it was more important to protect her. So he opened himself up to love.
What I didn’t like about this book:
The “Classholes” as they are called. Six ultra rich and hot male best friends who made a game out of being jerks in high school and betting each other they could do different things for points. These things usually were at someone else’s expense. I would say that this is a sign of their wealth and entitlement, but I have heard of many high school boys from all aspects of life playing similar types of games, girls as well (ever heard of truth or dare). Though not always as mean spirited.
These kids learned at the hands of their even meaner and crueler parents. It seems something terrible happened the night of Prom and it was worse than what happened to Isla. The Classholes were involved and it is shrouded in mystery from the beginning of the book. The problem I have is that not much of the mystery has been cleared up by the end of the book. All we know is that Garrin’s father is holding something over his head and using it against him and the rest of his friends and forcing him to do what he wants.
There is the allusion to the fact that the other guy’s parents might be doing something similar to them, However I am not quite sure because they all talk about Garrin’s father as being the worst and cruelest father out there. The Classholes made a pact to never talk about what happened on Prom night so I think that maybe they all are unsure about what really happened and could get out from under all the blackmail if they just talked about it, but that is just my opinion and I could be wrong.
What I am afraid of is that we will find out a bit more with each book about these guys but won’t find out the full truth until the last book. By the way, one of the six Classholes, Garrin’s best friend Carter committed suicide back in college. So there will probably only be five books.
I did really like this this story. I liked the mystery, the steamy romance, the friendship and the camaraderie, and there was resolution within the story, just some of the major questions weren’t answered, but that happens in series. It’s funny that it seems like it is often a theme in books like this with the ultra wealthy bad boys that their bad behavior is ultimately learned from their parents who are almost always more mean and cruel than they are and it is usually the love of good man or woman that can turn them around.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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April 29, 2020
5 CLASSHOLE STARS!! Love, Love, love this book!! Garrin was perfection....I loved everything about him. Garrin and Isla will take you through their high school days to the current days. They have a few issues to get through and I loved every minute. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book, so go ahead and 1-Click.
April 30, 2020
3.75 Stars
A debut novel and the beginning of a growing series. Ms. Rose has done a good job of introducing the key characters, the "Classholes". These overprivileged guys have been friends since high school and have a bond that nobody, not even their father's can break apart. The secrets and lies that have been dormant since high school threaten to come to the surface. Will the be able to keep those secrets buried in the past where they belong?
Isla is reluctantly returning to her home town after a long time after running to school after being publicly humiliated. Her father is sick and she needs to be near him. While home she decides to take a job as Campaign Secretary for the mayor candidate, Ford who was her neighbour growing up. The only one of the Classholes who treated her normal. Now a confident woman who is studying for the bar exam, this last hurdle of confronting her past as she moves forward.
Garrin has turned into a cold unattached man. Working for his father as Stone Energy and doing everything he can to avoid his father. He is loving and caring to his little sister, who he has felt the need to look after since loosing their mother to cancer all those years ago. Seeing Isla has returned, he finds himself going through a range of emotions he has tried very hard to lock down. She was the one girl that caught his eye before everything went down and he was hurt.
When Garrin's father Mr. Stone sees an opportunity and brings out the big guns. Garrin will have to decide between right and wrong, between the girl and his pact with his friends.
Ms. Rose did a good job with the story line, keeping you interested in the book with the twists and turns that the secrets of the past hold over everyone. Watching these men open up a little about the past with still many questions unanswered. Though the chemistry between the main characters was strong, the characters were likeable, I did struggle a bit with connection while reading. I look forward to seeing what comes next for the Classholes and watching Ms. Rose's writing style grow in each book.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
A debut novel and the beginning of a growing series. Ms. Rose has done a good job of introducing the key characters, the "Classholes". These overprivileged guys have been friends since high school and have a bond that nobody, not even their father's can break apart. The secrets and lies that have been dormant since high school threaten to come to the surface. Will the be able to keep those secrets buried in the past where they belong?
Isla is reluctantly returning to her home town after a long time after running to school after being publicly humiliated. Her father is sick and she needs to be near him. While home she decides to take a job as Campaign Secretary for the mayor candidate, Ford who was her neighbour growing up. The only one of the Classholes who treated her normal. Now a confident woman who is studying for the bar exam, this last hurdle of confronting her past as she moves forward.
Garrin has turned into a cold unattached man. Working for his father as Stone Energy and doing everything he can to avoid his father. He is loving and caring to his little sister, who he has felt the need to look after since loosing their mother to cancer all those years ago. Seeing Isla has returned, he finds himself going through a range of emotions he has tried very hard to lock down. She was the one girl that caught his eye before everything went down and he was hurt.
When Garrin's father Mr. Stone sees an opportunity and brings out the big guns. Garrin will have to decide between right and wrong, between the girl and his pact with his friends.
Ms. Rose did a good job with the story line, keeping you interested in the book with the twists and turns that the secrets of the past hold over everyone. Watching these men open up a little about the past with still many questions unanswered. Though the chemistry between the main characters was strong, the characters were likeable, I did struggle a bit with connection while reading. I look forward to seeing what comes next for the Classholes and watching Ms. Rose's writing style grow in each book.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
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April 29, 2020New series with hot, entitled, rich guys that started off being jerks in H.S. and continued on with their wicked ways as adults. They all have a secret that they can't have leaked out or they could end up in really big trouble....or can they?? These guys come from money, lots and lots of money and usually money buys everything regardless of the circumstances.
Isla also comes from a privileged family but her family had to work hard to earn their money, unlike the classholes who all come from money. Isla had a crush on Garrin in H.S. and she thought he felt the same for her, only to find out that he asked someone else to prom and not her. Her feelings got hurt and her friend encouraged her to go to prom with one of his close friends, Asher. She ended up losing her virginity that night and that pissed of Garrin to no end. He hated her after that.
The last thing Garrin wanted EVER was to get attached to anyone so he used an escort service to hire women and accompany him to events and to just pass the time. He didn't want anyone invading his private space so a wham, bam, thank you ma'am was all he wanted ..... until Isla came back.
Isla left to study in Washington and didn't step foot back into her hometown until an unforeseen circumstance has lead her back home. The last thing she wants is to run in to these "holes" but it's inevitable. She starts working with Ford on his campaign for mayor as his press secretary. Little did she know that she would end up having to see all these jerks again, but the unthinkable happens and even though Garrin acts like a real jerk to her at first, he softens up to her and little by little his walls start breaking down that he so carefully built up after what happened in high school.
The secrets they all hold will either break or make Isla and Garrin. He finds himself entrapped by her beauty, her kind heart and soul and now he can't find himself being without her. The only thing in-between them is the secret the classholes hold.
This book totally had me enraptured, I could NOT stop reading. I was so hooked and found myself sitting in the same chair until I finished it.
This was a great start to a series and I can't wait to continue reading every single one of these classholes stories. How they will bend for the woman who will capture their hearts.
4 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Isla also comes from a privileged family but her family had to work hard to earn their money, unlike the classholes who all come from money. Isla had a crush on Garrin in H.S. and she thought he felt the same for her, only to find out that he asked someone else to prom and not her. Her feelings got hurt and her friend encouraged her to go to prom with one of his close friends, Asher. She ended up losing her virginity that night and that pissed of Garrin to no end. He hated her after that.
The last thing Garrin wanted EVER was to get attached to anyone so he used an escort service to hire women and accompany him to events and to just pass the time. He didn't want anyone invading his private space so a wham, bam, thank you ma'am was all he wanted ..... until Isla came back.
Isla left to study in Washington and didn't step foot back into her hometown until an unforeseen circumstance has lead her back home. The last thing she wants is to run in to these "holes" but it's inevitable. She starts working with Ford on his campaign for mayor as his press secretary. Little did she know that she would end up having to see all these jerks again, but the unthinkable happens and even though Garrin acts like a real jerk to her at first, he softens up to her and little by little his walls start breaking down that he so carefully built up after what happened in high school.
The secrets they all hold will either break or make Isla and Garrin. He finds himself entrapped by her beauty, her kind heart and soul and now he can't find himself being without her. The only thing in-between them is the secret the classholes hold.
This book totally had me enraptured, I could NOT stop reading. I was so hooked and found myself sitting in the same chair until I finished it.
This was a great start to a series and I can't wait to continue reading every single one of these classholes stories. How they will bend for the woman who will capture their hearts.
4 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
April 23, 2020
Isla Flores has finally returned home after leaving in shame after a being thoroughly humiliated.
Garrin Stone is like his name, cold, hard and unforgiving. When he sees Isla back, he's furious. He treats her like the garbage he thinks she is ... until his father needs him to help get something that Isla is capable of giving him.
While I liked the storyline, I found it hard to connect with at times. The plot is there, the characters have their own personalities, it had the plot twist, the heartache, etc., but there was just something missing that makes me connect with a story.
There is also a mystery that connects these Classholes in a larger scale - the piece that i think will play out little by little over each book. I wish the author would have delved more into this part and teased all the characters a little more from the past - maybe from Garrin or Isla's POV. Maybe if the author would have given us more insight on that night, I would have been hooked a little more. Maybe she will with the next character.
I also wish there would have been angst between these two. I am a sucker for tension. With Isla having her insecurities and Garrin being a cold person, I felt they both gave in very quickly. On the other hand, the sexual chemistry between these two was hot AF!
As you can see, I'm somewhat torn on this one. I want to see how the series plays out because the potential is there and the different tropes it will bring, it's just that the delivery needs to be tweaked.
Garrin Stone is like his name, cold, hard and unforgiving. When he sees Isla back, he's furious. He treats her like the garbage he thinks she is ... until his father needs him to help get something that Isla is capable of giving him.
While I liked the storyline, I found it hard to connect with at times. The plot is there, the characters have their own personalities, it had the plot twist, the heartache, etc., but there was just something missing that makes me connect with a story.
There is also a mystery that connects these Classholes in a larger scale - the piece that i think will play out little by little over each book. I wish the author would have delved more into this part and teased all the characters a little more from the past - maybe from Garrin or Isla's POV. Maybe if the author would have given us more insight on that night, I would have been hooked a little more. Maybe she will with the next character.
I also wish there would have been angst between these two. I am a sucker for tension. With Isla having her insecurities and Garrin being a cold person, I felt they both gave in very quickly. On the other hand, the sexual chemistry between these two was hot AF!
As you can see, I'm somewhat torn on this one. I want to see how the series plays out because the potential is there and the different tropes it will bring, it's just that the delivery needs to be tweaked.
April 27, 2020
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This is the debut novel from Luma Rose and Oh Em Gee, it was everything! This book had suspense, romance, steam, and just everything you love.
Cruel Billionaire is the first in a series that has an underlying storyline connecting all the books, but is considered a standalone when it comes to the couple it's focusing on.
Garrin and Isla will steal your heart, shatter it to pieces and then put you back together in a way that you can't even describe. Luma put them together beautifully, bringing just enough of a cruel twist that you can't help but want to hate them. You are torn in two, one side of you wanting everything to work out and the other wanting to throw your kindle across the room.
Five stars for this angsty romance that has all that you want when it comes to a cruel alpha and a sweet, kind heroine. All in all, this was a beautiful book that takes you on a ride that you don't want to get off of.
This is the debut novel from Luma Rose and Oh Em Gee, it was everything! This book had suspense, romance, steam, and just everything you love.
Cruel Billionaire is the first in a series that has an underlying storyline connecting all the books, but is considered a standalone when it comes to the couple it's focusing on.
Garrin and Isla will steal your heart, shatter it to pieces and then put you back together in a way that you can't even describe. Luma put them together beautifully, bringing just enough of a cruel twist that you can't help but want to hate them. You are torn in two, one side of you wanting everything to work out and the other wanting to throw your kindle across the room.
Five stars for this angsty romance that has all that you want when it comes to a cruel alpha and a sweet, kind heroine. All in all, this was a beautiful book that takes you on a ride that you don't want to get off of.
April 28, 2020
i definitely loved this book!
when Isla returns to her hometown things get crazy and she doesn't even think that she would cross paths with the men who ruined her life before.
there are so many secrets that everyone is hiding and that is definitely interesting when it comes to this book.
the overall idea of this book was good but the only thing i wished we could have seen some insight into was what happened during their high school time.
with that minor issue everything else was good and i'd definitely recommend this!
when Isla returns to her hometown things get crazy and she doesn't even think that she would cross paths with the men who ruined her life before.
there are so many secrets that everyone is hiding and that is definitely interesting when it comes to this book.
the overall idea of this book was good but the only thing i wished we could have seen some insight into was what happened during their high school time.
with that minor issue everything else was good and i'd definitely recommend this!
April 30, 2020
I thought Cruel Billionaire was a good read it would be the first book that I've read by Luma Rose and it wont be my last . The blurb really intrigued me to were I wanted to know this story and the characters that made it . It did take me some time to connect to the characters at first I didn't instantly fall for them like I normally do but by then end they become great characters. There was manly conflicting feelings through out this it just made my emotions go all over the place and some times there was some frustration . I am looking forward to reading more by this author and of the series .
May 1, 2020
A great book by a debut author and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. After a scandal results in Isla leaving town and never looking back she has no choice but to return to be with her dad but her tormentors aren’t happy to see her, enter Garrin who isn’t happy whatsoever his crush is back in town. Garrin is damaged and cold but as much as he tries he can’t get Isla out of head even after all this time he really only sees her
April 30, 2020
I was very intrigued with this story and it did not disappoint! I had to read it in one sitting!
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June 17, 2020
Um wow. This is a great debut for Luma Rose! I absolutely adored the story and how raw it was. It was relatable, funny, sexy, witty, emotional, and fun! These romance series that are all companion novels are my favorite! I’m personally most excited for Lincoln and Everly’s story🙊 I can’t wait to read Dangerous Billionaire when it comes out this month!😍
April 28, 2020
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Cruel Billionaire is first book of the Rich & Shameless series, which will feature a story about each of the Classholes, a group of five friends who are wealthy but they don't want to be in a serious relationship. This is the story of Garrin Stone, who works for his father's company. He loves to be in control and he only enlists escorts to please him, this way he is sure that they will leave once they have offered their services. Garrin lives in a big building with his friends from his school: Ford, Asher, Ryker and Lincoln, and we also get to know them a bit in the process.
The main female character is Isla Flores, who used to be in the same high school of the Classholes and used to carry a torch for Garrin. We know firsthand that something happened during senior year, and Isla was forced to leave town because of the scandal that followed. This is why she's a bit unsure on whether to accept Ford's offer to help him with his campaign to become mayor. She knows that Ford is still friends with Garrin and the other Classholes, but she may be able to dodge his best friends... right?
Once Garrin meets Isla again, old feelings resurface. And I'm talking about good and bad feelings. He treats her like she's gum under his shoe and she does her best to avoid him, but she's puzzled because she doesn't understand why he is so enraged with her since they used to be friends in high school. This puzzled me too, but I liked how Garrin's hatred gave friction to his conversations/encounters with Ilsa, and I didn't care that the reason for his dislike was a bit silly... but that's male characters for you, they often have a silly reason to hate on the main female character.
Cruel Billionaire is the debut novel of author Luma Rose. When I decided to read this book, there were no reviews and I didn't know if it would be bad or good, but I liked the blurb so I didn't care. While the book ended up being a story I usually like and with the tropes I am into, there were some things I didn't dig, hence the 4 stars. Had those small perks gone differently, this would have surely been a 5 stars read. This doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book. On the other hand, I enjoyed it a lot, especially the first half. What didn't convince me where some situations and behaviors of the characters and their personal development/personality. There were some things that felt too blah to do or say for the both of them... I'd call them noble idiot actions. Still, I think the story and the author have a great potential to do better in the future, so I'll look out for her next work, Dangerous Billionaire, that will be about Ford, because besides these small issues I was intrigued by the other Classholes. Plus, some storylines are still open, and I guess we'll discover more details in the following books.
April 28, 2020
Been excited to try this debut authors book as there has been some mind blowing new talent emerging in the last year. From the blurb alone I can tell this is probably another one which makes me so happy.
The billionaire trope has been done a lot over the past few years so I was slightly hesitant as normally avoid but I'm glad I trusted my gut. For a new author I'm impressed at how quickly she drew me in and turning the pages at a fast rate.
All of the characters are hiding so many secrets and are part of a game none of them are aware of or at least know the end game of. I agree with the comment in a review I read, I would of maybe liked a tiny tiny prequel of them in school/ the classhole era as a lot of it seems to have stemmed from that.
I won't say much more as don't want to ruin the story for anyone but this story surprised me in a good way. Definitely a must read that will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
The billionaire trope has been done a lot over the past few years so I was slightly hesitant as normally avoid but I'm glad I trusted my gut. For a new author I'm impressed at how quickly she drew me in and turning the pages at a fast rate.
All of the characters are hiding so many secrets and are part of a game none of them are aware of or at least know the end game of. I agree with the comment in a review I read, I would of maybe liked a tiny tiny prequel of them in school/ the classhole era as a lot of it seems to have stemmed from that.
I won't say much more as don't want to ruin the story for anyone but this story surprised me in a good way. Definitely a must read that will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
April 30, 2020
My Rating: ****
Type: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic suspense
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Isla & Garrin
Secondary Characters: Ford, Asher, Lincoln, Ryker, Everly, Harper
Source: Courtesy of Author/ Publisher – ARC
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review.
This is the 1st book in Luma Rose’s “Rich and Shameless” series. I think all the book in this series tell a story about different couple with interconnected plot. This is Garrin and Isla’s story, they knew each other in high school and after her prom night scandal she runs out of town and now she is back in town with her own set of problems. Garrin and Isla had a background and Garrin is not at all ready to face her, but it’s just not that, as blurb says his father devises a plan for him on her return and he is forced to play.
All classholes are now rich billionaire and Isla agreeing to work with Ford, she is bound to face all classholes at one point. Isla is still scared of consequences but she is ready to prove she has moved on from the incident. She is strong and intelligent. Even though title says cruel, we don’t see much of Garrin’s cruel side instead I saw a more of closed off side. It did take me some time to connect to the characters at first but we get connected with them well by the end of the story.
This story gave me mixed feelings. I did feel that, book was dragged a bit at several places. The idea of the story is good with lots of twists and turns. However, the main mystery is still not solved. We don’t know who did that or what happened, we get Garrin’s side of the story. This made me think plots are interconnected. All secondary characters were good. It’s just an introduction we don’t get to see them much, just intriguing enough, hopefully in other books.
Overall, nicely written great start to series with the mystery surrounding classholes not being solved.
Check out complete review here:http://meander23.com/2020/04/30/cruel...
For other reviews check here: https://meander23.com
Type: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic suspense
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Isla & Garrin
Secondary Characters: Ford, Asher, Lincoln, Ryker, Everly, Harper
Source: Courtesy of Author/ Publisher – ARC
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review.
This is the 1st book in Luma Rose’s “Rich and Shameless” series. I think all the book in this series tell a story about different couple with interconnected plot. This is Garrin and Isla’s story, they knew each other in high school and after her prom night scandal she runs out of town and now she is back in town with her own set of problems. Garrin and Isla had a background and Garrin is not at all ready to face her, but it’s just not that, as blurb says his father devises a plan for him on her return and he is forced to play.
All classholes are now rich billionaire and Isla agreeing to work with Ford, she is bound to face all classholes at one point. Isla is still scared of consequences but she is ready to prove she has moved on from the incident. She is strong and intelligent. Even though title says cruel, we don’t see much of Garrin’s cruel side instead I saw a more of closed off side. It did take me some time to connect to the characters at first but we get connected with them well by the end of the story.
This story gave me mixed feelings. I did feel that, book was dragged a bit at several places. The idea of the story is good with lots of twists and turns. However, the main mystery is still not solved. We don’t know who did that or what happened, we get Garrin’s side of the story. This made me think plots are interconnected. All secondary characters were good. It’s just an introduction we don’t get to see them much, just intriguing enough, hopefully in other books.
Overall, nicely written great start to series with the mystery surrounding classholes not being solved.
Check out complete review here:http://meander23.com/2020/04/30/cruel...
For other reviews check here: https://meander23.com
May 10, 2020
https://wickedcoolflight.net/2020/05/...
Garrin and Isla’s story doesn’t really start on a happy note and their reunion only goes to show how much baggage each of them bring to the proverbial table. Isla is a wounded soul who finds healing in Garrin’s touch but learns some hard truths, that not everyone is good down deep. She also learns you can love bad and find a way to get around the evil they do. She continually takes risks with Garrin, while I feel Garrin truly holds back the hole time until she’s facing her father’s death in the eye. He steps up in that storm, but Luma doesn’t give us enough details during that segment of the story. I need to feel him aching for her and inwardly crying with her. I never felt that. Also, the author expects us to love him after one blurted out sentence. I wasn’t able to get there.
The emotion she has Isla show is genuine and, having lost a parent, I felt it just as if it were happening to me. Again, Garrin didn’t do it for me. I’m also not sure of how the rage works into his personality. In the beginning there is a scene where he just starts pummeling a best friend. I never felt that level of anger on the page…this is an issue for me with his personality and lack of emotional description in the book.
This one made me realize how important it is that the characters, even if a**holes, need to be redeemable. In this case, I’m not buying that any of the five guys in the group, including Garrin, are or should be redeemable. I wish he were and I believed in the plot, but a lass I didn’t get there. The plot was very good, and had me up reading very late. But redeemability is really the reason I’m giving it only a 3.5 of 5 propellers. Interesting to note, I will probably read the whole series because I have to know who killed on Prom Night. So go into this one knowing you might still hate him in the end.
Garrin and Isla’s story doesn’t really start on a happy note and their reunion only goes to show how much baggage each of them bring to the proverbial table. Isla is a wounded soul who finds healing in Garrin’s touch but learns some hard truths, that not everyone is good down deep. She also learns you can love bad and find a way to get around the evil they do. She continually takes risks with Garrin, while I feel Garrin truly holds back the hole time until she’s facing her father’s death in the eye. He steps up in that storm, but Luma doesn’t give us enough details during that segment of the story. I need to feel him aching for her and inwardly crying with her. I never felt that. Also, the author expects us to love him after one blurted out sentence. I wasn’t able to get there.
The emotion she has Isla show is genuine and, having lost a parent, I felt it just as if it were happening to me. Again, Garrin didn’t do it for me. I’m also not sure of how the rage works into his personality. In the beginning there is a scene where he just starts pummeling a best friend. I never felt that level of anger on the page…this is an issue for me with his personality and lack of emotional description in the book.
This one made me realize how important it is that the characters, even if a**holes, need to be redeemable. In this case, I’m not buying that any of the five guys in the group, including Garrin, are or should be redeemable. I wish he were and I believed in the plot, but a lass I didn’t get there. The plot was very good, and had me up reading very late. But redeemability is really the reason I’m giving it only a 3.5 of 5 propellers. Interesting to note, I will probably read the whole series because I have to know who killed on Prom Night. So go into this one knowing you might still hate him in the end.
April 22, 2020
Love a good antihero? Cruel Billionaire is sexy, mysterious, and delicious.
Garrin Stone is not your typical hero. An entitled a-hole who is known to be cold and cruel, preferring to be alone, even among his friends who are known as the Classholes; made up of Garrin, Ford, Asher, Lincoln, Ryker, and Carter (who is now deceased).
Back in high school the Classholes were tight. Friends who pulled, not only stupid pranks on each other, but pulled them on other students to earn points. One prank in particular entailed sleeping with an unattainable girl which happened to be Isla Flores, earning more points also entailed capturing the act on video. Unfortunately, poor Isla didn't know she was part of their prank, nor how her life would drastically change once that video was released. They too are bound by secrets and lies forever held in their fathers' debt waiting for it to be called in, Garrin just never thought it would be called in when Isla returned to town.
A decade has passed and Isla has returned. She didn't take into account running into the men who ruined her life, nor how they would receive her, especially Garrin Stone. She believed they were friends back in school, but his reception isn't exactly warm and inviting. However, weeks go by and suddenly Garrin changes his tune and wants to date her. His cold and hot routine seems odd, but considering they were friends years ago she lets it go...afterall she did have a crush on him years ago. What's the harm?
There are secrets abound in this first book of the Rich and Famous series. The relationship between Garrin and Isla is intense, but there is also mystery and suspense with a backstory that began back in highschool. This was only the tip of the iceberg and more of the mystery will be revealed in the coming stories with Ford, Lincoln, Asher, and Ryker.
Garrin Stone is not your typical hero. An entitled a-hole who is known to be cold and cruel, preferring to be alone, even among his friends who are known as the Classholes; made up of Garrin, Ford, Asher, Lincoln, Ryker, and Carter (who is now deceased).
Back in high school the Classholes were tight. Friends who pulled, not only stupid pranks on each other, but pulled them on other students to earn points. One prank in particular entailed sleeping with an unattainable girl which happened to be Isla Flores, earning more points also entailed capturing the act on video. Unfortunately, poor Isla didn't know she was part of their prank, nor how her life would drastically change once that video was released. They too are bound by secrets and lies forever held in their fathers' debt waiting for it to be called in, Garrin just never thought it would be called in when Isla returned to town.
A decade has passed and Isla has returned. She didn't take into account running into the men who ruined her life, nor how they would receive her, especially Garrin Stone. She believed they were friends back in school, but his reception isn't exactly warm and inviting. However, weeks go by and suddenly Garrin changes his tune and wants to date her. His cold and hot routine seems odd, but considering they were friends years ago she lets it go...afterall she did have a crush on him years ago. What's the harm?
There are secrets abound in this first book of the Rich and Famous series. The relationship between Garrin and Isla is intense, but there is also mystery and suspense with a backstory that began back in highschool. This was only the tip of the iceberg and more of the mystery will be revealed in the coming stories with Ford, Lincoln, Asher, and Ryker.
April 30, 2020
This Girl Needs a Backbone!
With Curel Billionaire, Luma Rose introduces us to the Classholes (great name by the way) ten years after high school. They were and still are, boys with too much time and money on thier hands. Anybody was and is fair game to them.
Unfortunately, Isla was too familiar with the Classholes all those years ago and now that she is back in town, they are still front and center in her life. Granted, taking a job with one kind of sealed the deal that the others wouldn't be far behind. Isla left town right after school for a reason and she is facing that reason once again.
I wasn't a fan of Isla at all. The girl went through hell and didn't stand up for herself to my liking. She knew all of the Classholes were involved, yet one by one, let them back into her life. Especially the cruelest one of the bunch, Garrin Stone. Wasn't a fan of him either.
Garrin was this uber-rich, supposedly cruel man, however he seemed like a guy that was scared to get hurt when it came right down to it. He wasn't necessarily cruel, just closed off if you will. Either way, these two were made for each other. With the background they had, there was plenty of opportunity for angst, but she just kept forgiving and forgetting. Big turn off for me.
The book was well written and even though I wasn't too hip on our main characters, had quite a bit of other stuff going on in the background. There is some mystery surrounding these Classholes that we kind of skimmed over this time around and I am interested to see what it is.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
With Curel Billionaire, Luma Rose introduces us to the Classholes (great name by the way) ten years after high school. They were and still are, boys with too much time and money on thier hands. Anybody was and is fair game to them.
Unfortunately, Isla was too familiar with the Classholes all those years ago and now that she is back in town, they are still front and center in her life. Granted, taking a job with one kind of sealed the deal that the others wouldn't be far behind. Isla left town right after school for a reason and she is facing that reason once again.
I wasn't a fan of Isla at all. The girl went through hell and didn't stand up for herself to my liking. She knew all of the Classholes were involved, yet one by one, let them back into her life. Especially the cruelest one of the bunch, Garrin Stone. Wasn't a fan of him either.
Garrin was this uber-rich, supposedly cruel man, however he seemed like a guy that was scared to get hurt when it came right down to it. He wasn't necessarily cruel, just closed off if you will. Either way, these two were made for each other. With the background they had, there was plenty of opportunity for angst, but she just kept forgiving and forgetting. Big turn off for me.
The book was well written and even though I wasn't too hip on our main characters, had quite a bit of other stuff going on in the background. There is some mystery surrounding these Classholes that we kind of skimmed over this time around and I am interested to see what it is.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
April 28, 2020
Wow!!!!!
This is the first book I have read by Luma Rose and I’m left wondering why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now. This story blew me away.....
Isla Flores is back home after moving away when she was humiliated by The Classholes but that was a few years ago and she needs to prove she has moved on and grown up a lot since those days, she needs to be strong for her family.
Garrin Stone has always had a thing for Isla but when she returns he is angry and refuses to treat her with respect, that is until his father tells him he needs to marry her..... his father would only be asking him to do this if there was something in it for him so this intrigues Garrin enough for him to court Isla and find out why she really came back to town.....
This book is full of mystery, intrigue, love and passion, it’s about friendships and loyalty but most of all it’s about love and overcoming obstacles and bumps put in our way. When this couple let their guards down we see a couple that are perfect for each other. Sizzling chemistry and a swoon worthy hero make this a great read and I highly recommend you one click this gem of a story.
This is the first book I have read by Luma Rose and I’m left wondering why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now. This story blew me away.....
Isla Flores is back home after moving away when she was humiliated by The Classholes but that was a few years ago and she needs to prove she has moved on and grown up a lot since those days, she needs to be strong for her family.
Garrin Stone has always had a thing for Isla but when she returns he is angry and refuses to treat her with respect, that is until his father tells him he needs to marry her..... his father would only be asking him to do this if there was something in it for him so this intrigues Garrin enough for him to court Isla and find out why she really came back to town.....
This book is full of mystery, intrigue, love and passion, it’s about friendships and loyalty but most of all it’s about love and overcoming obstacles and bumps put in our way. When this couple let their guards down we see a couple that are perfect for each other. Sizzling chemistry and a swoon worthy hero make this a great read and I highly recommend you one click this gem of a story.
April 30, 2020
Isla left her hometown after graduation and just didn't look back. After a scandal of epic proportions. But now that her dad is sick shhhheeeessss back.
Garrin like Isla from a far, he was the popular one but for whatever reason when it came to her he was shy. He's upset with her because of the scandal but whatever he will get over it.
Garrin and his friends were what the kids called The Classholes, very well off kids who were just not very nice (we are talking like crazy rich Asian level rich) . Isla also comes from money but not on the level of classhole money. Honestly, she seemed like a peasant sometimes. Like I know why I would be shocked to see things but like honey, this is how you grew up.
I guess this is an enemies to lovers romance. I can tell you super angsty and steamy. I was pretty impressed by Garrins character. And how well those to actually communicated and work through their issues because there were some BIG issues.
I'm super excited for the next book I cannot wait to read Ford's (another classhole) story. But also im super curious about the other guys.
Garrin like Isla from a far, he was the popular one but for whatever reason when it came to her he was shy. He's upset with her because of the scandal but whatever he will get over it.
Garrin and his friends were what the kids called The Classholes, very well off kids who were just not very nice (we are talking like crazy rich Asian level rich) . Isla also comes from money but not on the level of classhole money. Honestly, she seemed like a peasant sometimes. Like I know why I would be shocked to see things but like honey, this is how you grew up.
I guess this is an enemies to lovers romance. I can tell you super angsty and steamy. I was pretty impressed by Garrins character. And how well those to actually communicated and work through their issues because there were some BIG issues.
I'm super excited for the next book I cannot wait to read Ford's (another classhole) story. But also im super curious about the other guys.
April 30, 2020
Cruel Billionaire was a stunning debut from a talented author by the name of Luma Rose. It also kicks off what appears is going to be a fantastic series right up my alley. Isla & Garrin went to school together until something happened to chase her out of town destroyed & humiliated, but now she's back home. And Garrin isn't quite so happy about that, nope, he's completely enraged making him a bit deranged in my eyes to be honest. He's so many colorful metaphors towards Isla, and nothing about that past night was her fault, but yeah, he & his Classholes are all up in arms about it. Despite all my looking down at Garrin (he enraged me so many times), he definitely was HOT with Isla, as she appears to be the one who can thaw his (insert more colorful metaphors here) behind out. After all the f-bomb worthy twists that I've already experienced, I still have so many questions about a lot of things, so I'm going to need more immediately! And you will too once you hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
May 1, 2020
4 Sunshine Stars! ☀️♥️
I’ve been looking forward to this book ever since I first read the synopsis! Just within the first few chapters I wanted so much more of this story. I didn’t want to put it down and ended up needing to finish reading it in one sitting. I really enjoyed Cruel Billionaire!
Isla and Garrin’s journey wasn’t an easy one. I really liked uncovering more about these characters and how I connected with them more through doing so. Whether it be the frustrating moments or all the way to the ones that got deep into my chest, I so loved that I felt every bit with these characters!
I wasn’t sure which direction their story was going to go at times and that got me into it even more!
With Cruel Billionaire, Ms.Rose created such an utterly addictive debut! She brought the emotion and the heat! I need so much more of the Rich & Shameless Series and it’s characters! I am so excited for Ford’s book Dangerous Billionaire to be released! ♥️
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
I’ve been looking forward to this book ever since I first read the synopsis! Just within the first few chapters I wanted so much more of this story. I didn’t want to put it down and ended up needing to finish reading it in one sitting. I really enjoyed Cruel Billionaire!
Isla and Garrin’s journey wasn’t an easy one. I really liked uncovering more about these characters and how I connected with them more through doing so. Whether it be the frustrating moments or all the way to the ones that got deep into my chest, I so loved that I felt every bit with these characters!
I wasn’t sure which direction their story was going to go at times and that got me into it even more!
With Cruel Billionaire, Ms.Rose created such an utterly addictive debut! She brought the emotion and the heat! I need so much more of the Rich & Shameless Series and it’s characters! I am so excited for Ford’s book Dangerous Billionaire to be released! ♥️
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
April 30, 2020
Firstly what an incredible storyline Cruel Billionaire is! I'm a huge fan of enemy to lovers books and this one was perfectly executed Garrin is a strong and brooding character but he also still has to do the dirty work for his father when the occasion arises so when Isla Flores returns to her home town due to her Fathers ill health and after an unfortunate incident in high school it isn't long before she starts running into the Classholes, the rich and entitled billionaire's and its not long before Garrin is forced to make a move even if its not by choice but admitting that the past was a mistake is a start and they hit it off pretty well, both still attracted to each other but it isn't long before secrets and deception take hold and it has Isla second guessing everything again.
Luma Rose wrote an exceptional book! I can't wait for more stories from the other Classholes, I'm glad I took an opportunity with the start of this series and I can't wait for more.
Luma Rose wrote an exceptional book! I can't wait for more stories from the other Classholes, I'm glad I took an opportunity with the start of this series and I can't wait for more.
April 30, 2020
What an interesting story! When Isla finally comes back home, she hopes that she can stay under the radar, but it is the complete opposite and she hopes directly back on Gavin Stone's, one of the Classholes that she knew from High School. These people are the definition of their names and I want to know more!
One of the things I liked best about this book was just how interesting the story line was. I was not sure what was going to happen next and it has a lot of steam, mystery, and unique interactions. Needless to say I am definitely intrigued and cannot wait to see what happens next. I give it 4 outta 5 stars and will be on the lookout for book 2!
PS: Thank you to Luma Rose and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.
One of the things I liked best about this book was just how interesting the story line was. I was not sure what was going to happen next and it has a lot of steam, mystery, and unique interactions. Needless to say I am definitely intrigued and cannot wait to see what happens next. I give it 4 outta 5 stars and will be on the lookout for book 2!
PS: Thank you to Luma Rose and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.
April 30, 2020
Cruel Billionaire is an interesting read. At first I had a little trouble getting into it. The guys (who were called The Classholes is high school) are rich, entitled, and very cocky. They have a good friendship but we don't get the back story right away so in the very beginning I felt like I was coming into something I has no clue what was going on. Isla comes back to town. She doesn't want to be back. Isla is a good character. I liked her. Her path cross with The Classholes again. They have pass that has some mystery to it. Garrin was not a very likeable character at first. He's jerky and doesn't real like that Ilsa is back. As the book the goes on he gets better and is a little more likeable. This story has mystery, suspense and romance wrapped up nicely.
April 29, 2020
This is the 1st in a new series’, and this is the perfect beginning. Garrin has had a crush in Isla since high school, but due to a betrayal he is now cold, unforgiving and a billionaire. Now Isla has returned to her hometown he is not a happy chappy. These two have many issues to overcome but will they get a 2nd chance at love? This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster journey throughout, as well as having secrets, angst, twists, heartbreak, mystery and love. I was hooked throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
May 4, 2020
Cruel Billionaire is Enemyes to lovers romance. Isla and Garrin have been secretly in love in High school, but never get the chance to be together. Unfortunately the combination of circumstances complicates their lives. that's when Isla leaves her hometown and tries to forget. Isla and Garrin get another chance, but life is still testing them. Garrin and his Classholes friends stand by each other , but his love for Isla is so much more. Luma is new to me, but I will definitely be her reader. Can't wait for the rest Classholes and their stories. Love it! 5 stars
April 30, 2020
The Classholes are a group of 5 friends - given the nickname in Highschool.
Cruel Billionaire is bringing us Garrin‘s story, and we find out why he’s the cruel billionaire. His attitude towards Isla is cruel at the beginning, a trait he totally got from his father, but softens relatively fast toward her.
Isla came back home after years of absence to be there for her parents. She starts working for one of the Classholes, Ford.
The chemistry between these two is melting the kindle hot, and I really like the secrets apparently everyone has. I can totally sense more good books in this series! The suspense is really good, and I wanted to get to the point with all the mysteries things in the book. Can’t wait for book 2!
I kindly received an arc and voluntarily left a review
Cruel Billionaire is bringing us Garrin‘s story, and we find out why he’s the cruel billionaire. His attitude towards Isla is cruel at the beginning, a trait he totally got from his father, but softens relatively fast toward her.
Isla came back home after years of absence to be there for her parents. She starts working for one of the Classholes, Ford.
The chemistry between these two is melting the kindle hot, and I really like the secrets apparently everyone has. I can totally sense more good books in this series! The suspense is really good, and I wanted to get to the point with all the mysteries things in the book. Can’t wait for book 2!
I kindly received an arc and voluntarily left a review
May 1, 2020
Pasta and presents collide in this amazing page-turner. They all went to high school together and after one bad event she left town for college and never returned. A decade later she returns for a secret reason and is pushed back in with the “classholes” once again. Everything may not be what they seem, Only time will tell how it will all play out. I loved this entertaining read full of twists, turns and surprises.
April 30, 2020
There were so many lovely things about this book!
I adored Isla and Garrin’s story. The meeting and falling in love in high school and not being able to let go of that connection no matter what tends to be one of my favorite storylines. That combined with the enemies-to-lovers makes this a near perfect read.
The side stories of all the other “classholes” and where they fit in makes me super excited to read the rest in the series when she releases them.
I adored Isla and Garrin’s story. The meeting and falling in love in high school and not being able to let go of that connection no matter what tends to be one of my favorite storylines. That combined with the enemies-to-lovers makes this a near perfect read.
The side stories of all the other “classholes” and where they fit in makes me super excited to read the rest in the series when she releases them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2020
This is Garrin and Isla's story, they knew each other in high school and now she comes back after years. There are secrets from the past and wished the author would've given us a bit more of their history in high school to fully understand the characters, the mystery and suspense had me intrigued. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
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