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Undercover Billionaire
A forbidden Cinderella cruise ship romance
Nobody can discover the truth about this sexy, forbidden fling.
Brooding billionaire Ari Callisthenes, heir to a Greek shipping line, goes undercover as a regular Joe passenger on one of his own cruise ships to find out why it's underperforming. His standards are impossibly high and he isn't willing to leave anything to chance but unexpected chemistry with a sexy cocktail waitress has him reassessing his priorities. And his rules.
Australian Kelsey Armitage lets her guard down for the first time in a long time despite a romance with the mysterious passenger being strictly forbidden. Just this once, however, Kelsey is prepared to break all the rules....and have a lot of fun doing it.
But Ari's subterfuge puts everything that Kelsey has worked for at risk. Can she ever forgive the tycoon for his deception?
Nobody can discover the truth about this sexy, forbidden fling.
Brooding billionaire Ari Callisthenes, heir to a Greek shipping line, goes undercover as a regular Joe passenger on one of his own cruise ships to find out why it's underperforming. His standards are impossibly high and he isn't willing to leave anything to chance but unexpected chemistry with a sexy cocktail waitress has him reassessing his priorities. And his rules.
Australian Kelsey Armitage lets her guard down for the first time in a long time despite a romance with the mysterious passenger being strictly forbidden. Just this once, however, Kelsey is prepared to break all the rules....and have a lot of fun doing it.
But Ari's subterfuge puts everything that Kelsey has worked for at risk. Can she ever forgive the tycoon for his deception?
188 pages, ebook
Published March 31, 2020
444 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Amy Andrews
427 books1,420 followersAmy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written eighty-five contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets.
Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter here - http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newslett...
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Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter here - http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newslett...
Follow Amy -
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyAndrewsAu...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyandrewsb...
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-a...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
March 19, 2025
3.5⭐
Genre ~ romance
Setting ~ cruise around the Greek Islands
Publication date ~ March 17, 2025
Publisher ~ Boldwood Books
Est Page Count ~ 212 (13 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 6 hours 51 minutes
Narrator ~ Lucy Lovering
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ billionaire widow, a broke, bubbly, and stubborn FMC, some steamage
Trigger warning from the author:
A brief, non-graphic scene depicting sexual assault in a work place involving secondary characters.
This is a re-release originally published back in 2020, not sure if anything was changed.
Kelsey (27) & Ari (32) meet on the cruise ship that she works on and he owns. The thing is that he's hiding his identity and is claiming to be a regular passenger in hopes of figuring out what's going wrong with the business. How do you think it's going to go over with Kelsey when she finds out he's been lying? You can probably guess.
I have mixed feeling about Kelsey. Her relationship with her mom was great, but boy is she a stubborn one. I'm stubborn myself, so I can relate, but she was a bit too over the top, especially at the end, in my opinion. Her work ethic is commendable, but she made a huge, dumb decision back in the day that's making her need a ton of money.
“And she really needed a shower. She stank of booze and bar nuts.” 🤣🤣
Despite the sneakiness of it I liked the undercover plotline. I really liked Ari and how he handled that trigger warning. When he commits to something, he sure does commit and we see that towards the end of the book. Even though he's a billionaire he's not super flashy about it. Does he do good things with this money? He sure does, but also doesn't expect praise for it.
Overall, their chemistry was evident and I really did like them together despite my mixed feelings with Kelsey.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the above info for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Genre ~ romance
Setting ~ cruise around the Greek Islands
Publication date ~ March 17, 2025
Publisher ~ Boldwood Books
Est Page Count ~ 212 (13 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 6 hours 51 minutes
Narrator ~ Lucy Lovering
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ billionaire widow, a broke, bubbly, and stubborn FMC, some steamage
Trigger warning from the author:
A brief, non-graphic scene depicting sexual assault in a work place involving secondary characters.
This is a re-release originally published back in 2020, not sure if anything was changed.
Kelsey (27) & Ari (32) meet on the cruise ship that she works on and he owns. The thing is that he's hiding his identity and is claiming to be a regular passenger in hopes of figuring out what's going wrong with the business. How do you think it's going to go over with Kelsey when she finds out he's been lying? You can probably guess.
I have mixed feeling about Kelsey. Her relationship with her mom was great, but boy is she a stubborn one. I'm stubborn myself, so I can relate, but she was a bit too over the top, especially at the end, in my opinion. Her work ethic is commendable, but she made a huge, dumb decision back in the day that's making her need a ton of money.
“And she really needed a shower. She stank of booze and bar nuts.” 🤣🤣
Despite the sneakiness of it I liked the undercover plotline. I really liked Ari and how he handled that trigger warning. When he commits to something, he sure does commit and we see that towards the end of the book. Even though he's a billionaire he's not super flashy about it. Does he do good things with this money? He sure does, but also doesn't expect praise for it.
Overall, their chemistry was evident and I really did like them together despite my mixed feelings with Kelsey.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the above info for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
March 17, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this Cinderella story. It was fun that the backdrop was on a ship. I loved that Kelsey didn't know Ari's true identity even though it caused friction later. I'm convinced they wouldn't have given each other a chance otherwise. And most importantly, I loved how Ari woo'ed Kelsey once she did find out his identity. I would have loved to have gotten more of them once they were together for real. Fun book!
March 17, 2025
A great premise but spoiled by the heroine who I could not engage with for almost the entire book.
I love cruise so was ready to submit myself into another Mediterranean cruise. There were some cruise errors which made me wonder whether the author had actually been on a cruise recently. The whole tipping thing is not what I have experienced - cruise ships are a largely cashless environment for the duration of the cruise. Gratuities are usually added to your stateroom bill and also Gratuities are then added automatically to all bar bills and envelopes are provided for you to add any extra cash payments at the end if you prefer to give gratuities to staff that way.
I got increasingly thrown out of the story by its reliance on tipping as a plot device.
However, that’s a minor concern. My (reduced) enjoyment of the story was essentially all down to the heroine’s personality and behaviour .
I think Amy Andrews writes really well and I have enjoyed so many of her books, but this story didn’t work for me, which was disappointing because I loved the premise and I loved Ari and I was totally interested in him and hoped he would get over his grief and find happiness.
I could not take to Kelsey. In terms of the huge event which had apparently had such an impact on her 10 years earlier, I struggled with her handing over half a million pounds just like that - and I really struggled with her still being so badly affected 10 years later. Her loyalty to her Mum was commendable.
I didn’t like her ‘just hook-up’ approach to relationships and I so disliked her behaviour to the hero after Ari confessed. She ignored and rejected everything he had said and she put him in the same category as the horrible Eric. Her continued negative behaviour despite everything he did back in Australia was just so unpleasant. She wasn’t a silly adolescent any more and to pursue the ‘I’m not in the same class as you - this won’t work’ refrain seems to be totally unreal in this day and age. Sorry, I just couldn’t take to her. I am clearly in a minority judging from the number of 5 star reviews but that’s just the way it goes I guess. Loved Ari though! .
I love cruise so was ready to submit myself into another Mediterranean cruise. There were some cruise errors which made me wonder whether the author had actually been on a cruise recently. The whole tipping thing is not what I have experienced - cruise ships are a largely cashless environment for the duration of the cruise. Gratuities are usually added to your stateroom bill and also Gratuities are then added automatically to all bar bills and envelopes are provided for you to add any extra cash payments at the end if you prefer to give gratuities to staff that way.
I got increasingly thrown out of the story by its reliance on tipping as a plot device.
However, that’s a minor concern. My (reduced) enjoyment of the story was essentially all down to the heroine’s personality and behaviour .
I think Amy Andrews writes really well and I have enjoyed so many of her books, but this story didn’t work for me, which was disappointing because I loved the premise and I loved Ari and I was totally interested in him and hoped he would get over his grief and find happiness.
I could not take to Kelsey. In terms of the huge event which had apparently had such an impact on her 10 years earlier, I struggled with her handing over half a million pounds just like that - and I really struggled with her still being so badly affected 10 years later. Her loyalty to her Mum was commendable.
I didn’t like her ‘just hook-up’ approach to relationships and I so disliked her behaviour to the hero after Ari confessed. She ignored and rejected everything he had said and she put him in the same category as the horrible Eric. Her continued negative behaviour despite everything he did back in Australia was just so unpleasant. She wasn’t a silly adolescent any more and to pursue the ‘I’m not in the same class as you - this won’t work’ refrain seems to be totally unreal in this day and age. Sorry, I just couldn’t take to her. I am clearly in a minority judging from the number of 5 star reviews but that’s just the way it goes I guess. Loved Ari though! .
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February 23, 2023rtc
April 4, 2020
Amy Andrews knows how to write a sexy, steamy romance filled with emotion, her characters come to life so easily they are easy to make friends with, you feel their joy, their pain and their passion and this one was so very good, I do hope that you pick this one up and enjoy it as much as I did.
Ari Calliisthenes is part of a very wealthy family he is heir to a shipping line, he is going undercover on one of the cruise ships to investigate a few problems, falling for one of the staff was never on his list of things to do, but beautiful Australian Kelsey Armitage gets under his skin and into his emotions and leaving her behind is not going to happen.
Kelsey has been working on the cruise ships for seven years doing what she can to save enough money to purchase a place by the sea for her Mum and her, while on a beautiful Mediterranean cruise she meets a passenger who sets her heart on fire and for the first time she breaks the rules, for supposedly a one night stand.
The chemistry and electricity that sparks between Ari and Kelsey sets the pages on fire, but it was only meant to be about the sex, a one night stand neither of them counted on their feelings getting involved after what they had previously been through, but when cupid shoots his arrows no one is safe and Ari pulls out all strings to win the woman who has won his heart and Kelsey is the perfect partner for the brooding billionaire. I do love a great Cinderella tale and this is one that I highly recommend, if you like your stories with passion, steam and lots of emotions then this on one for you.
Ari Calliisthenes is part of a very wealthy family he is heir to a shipping line, he is going undercover on one of the cruise ships to investigate a few problems, falling for one of the staff was never on his list of things to do, but beautiful Australian Kelsey Armitage gets under his skin and into his emotions and leaving her behind is not going to happen.
Kelsey has been working on the cruise ships for seven years doing what she can to save enough money to purchase a place by the sea for her Mum and her, while on a beautiful Mediterranean cruise she meets a passenger who sets her heart on fire and for the first time she breaks the rules, for supposedly a one night stand.
The chemistry and electricity that sparks between Ari and Kelsey sets the pages on fire, but it was only meant to be about the sex, a one night stand neither of them counted on their feelings getting involved after what they had previously been through, but when cupid shoots his arrows no one is safe and Ari pulls out all strings to win the woman who has won his heart and Kelsey is the perfect partner for the brooding billionaire. I do love a great Cinderella tale and this is one that I highly recommend, if you like your stories with passion, steam and lots of emotions then this on one for you.
June 6, 2025
This was exactly what I hoped it would be: fun, spicy, and quick to get through. All the stars for this one!
August 19, 2020
This was a fun little "HPlandia" type read. Quick, easy and good pacing. Aristolte "Ari" Callisthenes is our undercover billionaire who is CFO of a cruise line and he goes undercover to try to figure out why this particular ship is losing money. Kelsey is working as a bartender/server on the ship and is in it for the money so she can save up and buy her mother a house on the beach (mom has health problems). Ari leaves his wallet behind on purpose to see if it gets returned and it's Kelsey, knocking on his door to return said wallet. Unfortunately, there's some serious chemistry between them and so, Kelsey risks her job when they inevitably give in to it. It's just supposed to be a fling. Kelsey already has plans and a relationship isn't among them. Ari is a widower still hung up on his wife and doesn't believe the love thing can happen again, so it's just temporary for him. Until it's not. After the cruise, there's a desire to continue, but now that Ari's done being undercover, he'll have to tell her the truth about who he is.
I appreciated the situation and set up here. Ari is there on business and has a pretty good excuse to lie...except he also doesn't. There's wishy-washy room there where Ari could have been honest with Kelsey about who he was after they'd started sleeping together but it's pretty debatable. You could definitely say that Ari shouldn't have slept with Kelsey at all...but that's the chemistry for you. But I really liked that Ari insisted on telling Kelsey the truth as soon as the cruise was over and before they slept together again. And the "reveal" scene was pretty spectacularly done really. Deliciously angsty and emotional with Kelsey really laying into Ari (who doesn't have a foot to stand on). There's some separation that follows, since they live on two different continents and Ari regrets hurting Kelsey but doesn't yet realizes he's in love. Then he does. And does he go after her and force a big reunion on her? No. Which I also appreciate. He understands that he hurt her and it might take time for forgiveness...and it takes months. He lives in Australia near her, inserts himself into her daily life and more or less wears her down. Downside to this though is that it sort of loses its steam and their reunion felt like it lacked emotional punch. They get their HEA (thanks to her Mom) but by that point I was wondering why Kelsey was still holding out.
I appreciated the situation and set up here. Ari is there on business and has a pretty good excuse to lie...except he also doesn't. There's wishy-washy room there where Ari could have been honest with Kelsey about who he was after they'd started sleeping together but it's pretty debatable. You could definitely say that Ari shouldn't have slept with Kelsey at all...but that's the chemistry for you. But I really liked that Ari insisted on telling Kelsey the truth as soon as the cruise was over and before they slept together again. And the "reveal" scene was pretty spectacularly done really. Deliciously angsty and emotional with Kelsey really laying into Ari (who doesn't have a foot to stand on). There's some separation that follows, since they live on two different continents and Ari regrets hurting Kelsey but doesn't yet realizes he's in love. Then he does. And does he go after her and force a big reunion on her? No. Which I also appreciate. He understands that he hurt her and it might take time for forgiveness...and it takes months. He lives in Australia near her, inserts himself into her daily life and more or less wears her down. Downside to this though is that it sort of loses its steam and their reunion felt like it lacked emotional punch. They get their HEA (thanks to her Mom) but by that point I was wondering why Kelsey was still holding out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2021
Entertaining, well written romance from a favourite author of mine, who also writes for Mills and Boon. Our undercover Greek billionaire ship owner falls for a bubbly Australian bartender whilst on his week long cruise to Venice. Of course, fraternizing with passengers isn't allowed, so there's lots of sneaking about and steamy sex scenes in his INSIDE cabin. Nice and Dark... LOL. I enjoyed the back story and now I want to go on another cruise. 😔 Someday this decade would be great... Anyway, reading about it was almost as good! 💝
PS - I recently read that this author had the story rejected by M & B Dare line, so she decided to publish it herself. I'd like to say fabulous job and they were crazy to turn it down, because it just won a Holt Medallion award! 🙂
PS - I recently read that this author had the story rejected by M & B Dare line, so she decided to publish it herself. I'd like to say fabulous job and they were crazy to turn it down, because it just won a Holt Medallion award! 🙂
March 16, 2020
Undercover Billionaire was a lovely, very enjoyable, quicker read! The main characters, Ari and Kelsey, had an instant attraction to one another, even though they were both fairly opposed to a relationship. Ari is still feeling heartbreak, and Kelsey is still feeling her resentment from getting burned by an ex. This forbidden romance is such a well written story! The main setting is on the cruise ship, and the heat is enough to boil the ocean! There was humor, romance, and secrets…a great blend by a wonderful author! The chemistry in this book is heartfelt, and you will feel all the feels. I really enjoyed this book and totally recommend it! 4.5 stars…rounding up to 5.
March 16, 2020
LOVED this sexy Cinderella story. Ari is an awesome guy, but he’s got to keep his secret from Kelsey. As a lover of Undercover Boss, I adored the premise of this storyline, and it came across as really well done. I loved his research, and how he couldn’t reveal himself when problems arose. Most importantly, I loved the romance and some really steamy scenes. Just a great book!
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October 18, 2020Reading 2 Amy Andrews back to back is a guaranteed treat.
This one is set on a cruise ship and I am so there!
Ari is a Greek billionaire undercover on his ship, Kelsey works as a waitress on the ship.
Sparks fly!
This is one very steamy read!!!
This one is set on a cruise ship and I am so there!
Ari is a Greek billionaire undercover on his ship, Kelsey works as a waitress on the ship.
Sparks fly!
This is one very steamy read!!!
June 7, 2025
Amy Andrews has many contemporary romances on her backlist, ranging from medical romances to small town to rugby sports romances and more. Undercover Billionaire is a few years old now (first self-published in 2020 and republished in 2025) and is set on a sun-drenched cruise ship, which is the perfect setting for this sexy beach read.
Aristotle Callisthenes isn’t keen on going undercover as a tourist on one of his family’s cruise liners but at his brother Theo’s urging, he’s doing just that. Trying to get to the bottom of the drop in passenger numbers and the higher turnover in staff on the Hellenic Spirit, he’s determined to find some answers. Widowed for a few years, a relationship is the last thing on his mind. But then he meets cheerful cocktail waitress Kelsey Armitage.
Kelsey needs her job with Callisthenes Cruise Lines. A bad turn with an ex-boyfriend who had stolen some money she’d received as an inheritance set back her plans to buy a beach cottage with her mother, but in a few months, and after several years of cruising, it will be time to get back on land permanently and settle down as she and her mother have been planning for years. On her latest week long Mediterranean cruise, the handsome stranger who visits her bar is someone she can’t forget, and when she discovers he’s forgotten his wallet, she finds his stateroom to return it. The attraction between them sizzles and a kiss is exchanged – one which Kelsey firmly states can’t happen again. She can’t be caught fraternizing with a passenger and risk losing her job. And as for Ari, he’s not exactly who he represents himself to be, and he already feels guilty about having to make up a story for his presence there. But in the close quarters of a cruise ship, meeting again is all too easy and the temptation is too great. A steamy forbidden romance with a clear end date ensues – but will it be so easy to say goodbye when the ship docks at its final destination?
For more of this review please visit All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
Aristotle Callisthenes isn’t keen on going undercover as a tourist on one of his family’s cruise liners but at his brother Theo’s urging, he’s doing just that. Trying to get to the bottom of the drop in passenger numbers and the higher turnover in staff on the Hellenic Spirit, he’s determined to find some answers. Widowed for a few years, a relationship is the last thing on his mind. But then he meets cheerful cocktail waitress Kelsey Armitage.
Kelsey needs her job with Callisthenes Cruise Lines. A bad turn with an ex-boyfriend who had stolen some money she’d received as an inheritance set back her plans to buy a beach cottage with her mother, but in a few months, and after several years of cruising, it will be time to get back on land permanently and settle down as she and her mother have been planning for years. On her latest week long Mediterranean cruise, the handsome stranger who visits her bar is someone she can’t forget, and when she discovers he’s forgotten his wallet, she finds his stateroom to return it. The attraction between them sizzles and a kiss is exchanged – one which Kelsey firmly states can’t happen again. She can’t be caught fraternizing with a passenger and risk losing her job. And as for Ari, he’s not exactly who he represents himself to be, and he already feels guilty about having to make up a story for his presence there. But in the close quarters of a cruise ship, meeting again is all too easy and the temptation is too great. A steamy forbidden romance with a clear end date ensues – but will it be so easy to say goodbye when the ship docks at its final destination?
For more of this review please visit All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
March 18, 2025
Set on a cruise ship, Undercover Billionaire tells the story of Ari and Kelsey. They have both loved and lost. In the case of Kelsey, she was cheated out of her inheritance by someone she thought loved her, leading her to stop trusting anyone. For Ari though, he lost his wife after a car accident and believes that he will never love again.
I really enjoyed the way that these two found their way to one another and love. It was a quick read, but ultimately an enjoyable and satisfying one. Kelsey might have been a little bit too prickly towards the end, but they both got there in the end.
This book sets us up for the next in the series, which I'd also be quite keen to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the way that these two found their way to one another and love. It was a quick read, but ultimately an enjoyable and satisfying one. Kelsey might have been a little bit too prickly towards the end, but they both got there in the end.
This book sets us up for the next in the series, which I'd also be quite keen to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
March 22, 2025
I don’t usually read romance novels but when I do I often enjoy them. Even though I often find them predictable and a big formulaic. This one was no different. You know how it’s going to turn out but it is still interesting to read it.
A rich cruise ship company owner posing as a passenger and an employee. They fall fast for each other.
Naturally there are misunderstandings etc but will they be worked through?
There is a lot of spice especially in the first half of the book. It gets less as the book goes on. The second half has more story and less spice.
Overall, this was a quick read that I enjoyed. If you like romances that have spice content then you will enjoy this one.
A rich cruise ship company owner posing as a passenger and an employee. They fall fast for each other.
Naturally there are misunderstandings etc but will they be worked through?
There is a lot of spice especially in the first half of the book. It gets less as the book goes on. The second half has more story and less spice.
Overall, this was a quick read that I enjoyed. If you like romances that have spice content then you will enjoy this one.
July 29, 2025
Instalove on a cruise ship between a staff member and passenger, and the MMC isn’t quite who he purports to be… it was a predictable story (I mean, what did I expect with that title?) but with a few moments of heartfelt, earnest emotion and some spicy times. Just ok.
I spotted a few errors, e.g. ‘reigns’ instead of ‘reins’, ‘her and her mother’ instead of ‘my mother and I’ and some misspelled words, which should have been caught in proofreading.
I spotted a few errors, e.g. ‘reigns’ instead of ‘reins’, ‘her and her mother’ instead of ‘my mother and I’ and some misspelled words, which should have been caught in proofreading.
August 24, 2020
Cinderella, but BETTER. ALL the Feels, plus +.
I loved the characters from the start, and wanted their HEA as much as they did. Great character growth, I was very happy to realize "It's NOT ending, yet! I'm only at 70%!!" Many REAL LoL moments. Thanks, Amy, for getting them in print, or pixel!
I loved the characters from the start, and wanted their HEA as much as they did. Great character growth, I was very happy to realize "It's NOT ending, yet! I'm only at 70%!!" Many REAL LoL moments. Thanks, Amy, for getting them in print, or pixel!
August 8, 2021
I love Amy's writing style and I love undercover stories. This one was very easy to read that much so I read it in one day and found the characters amusing and I wanted to know how the story would end. If you want a feel good romance check it out.
April 2, 2020
I feel so shameful that I gave the last book I read such a low rating compared to here, but ya know what...I am familiar with Andrews's writing [has written for Harlequin, for years] so I kind of know what I'm in for.
I also know what I am up against with this summary so it's never going to hide behind certain issues or character developments and go "BOO! Sah-prize! What a Twist!". I know what direction this story will take [which it did go] it simply matters at what point it ramps up and situates the story's climax. Or when shit will hit the fan because this premise has a built-in "shit-hit-fan" moment. I was actually stunned by Ari's ability to breakdown and be honest, except...eh, shoulda been honest earlier but semantics, ya know. Gotta let the story get juicy somehow, someway.
What allows this book to get a better rating, too, is Andrews's choices in sculpting the story. For some oddball reason, I love cruise ship books. I like it A LOT when it's two regular passengers on a cruise and their romance. I am now getting into liking the story if it is half passenger/half staff member on the cruise. I had to do research years ago when I wrote my own story about 2 staff members having a romance on a cruise ship, so, yeah...this was catnip and it FULFILLED the need.
What I didn't know -and loved learning- is Andrews is now dipping her toe into Indy publishing by way of my favorite Indy Author Clare Connelly. This warms my book reading/writing heart to no end. I like knowing that this book was dedicated to Clare and that Andrews went even further and spoke about how much Clare was not only a great mentor for this journey but also gave her the courage to even veer off the "known" [Harlequin] and into the "unknown" [everywhere else not-Harlequin]. I want more Australian voices to come out and publish. And keep on publishing because I will read and gush for days.
That said, even though the set-up was different, not much else had changed from a typical Andrew's voice in a Harlequin setting, which is not to say it was bad, but it also wasn't an instant 5-star read. I enjoyed Kelsey [yea! An Aussie female MC] and Ari...or Aristotle. He's a Greek male MC, but a CFO of his family's cruise ship business. Something has been going wrong with one of their most popular cruise lines, so Ari is "going undercover"...UNDERCOVER BOSS-style, but as a paying passenger. Not a bad premise, but also..ugh, causes a lot of tension and stress.
I liked that we got a deep backstory dive to Kelsey. A terrible Ex who did a money scheme on her and her mother...so she invested her inheritance in his scheme to only lose that money AND HIM, when he revealed the scam and left her, empty-handed, dignity included. Kelsey is a "server" but she wears all types of caps on-board the ship because she will bartend, she will waitress. Any place staff is needed for a meal or drink, she grabs the extra shifts. She has been collecting money for the last few years [7yrs on this cruise line] to save money so she can buy a small beach cottage for her and her elder mother who is slowly losing her eyesight - I wanna say something akin to macular degeneration, but it's easier to say, slowly going "blind". There is a small beach cove in Australia Kelsey has been eyeing these tiny workable cottages, so she plans to leave this cruise ship working days for relaxing small-town beach days.
All right, so Ari and Kelsey meet as a passenger to Bartender. Ari "sets-up" a testing situation where he will leave his wallet and see if anyone who works at the bar takes the 200Euros he has on the billfold side. Kelsey seems to be the only stable, non-rule breaking cruise ship staff as she desperately wants to keep from being fired or having to quit. Except once Ari exits to go find his cabin...there is a fellow bartender who spots Ari's wallet and immediately jokes "Will this dude miss this 200 Euro, if I take it?"...Kelsey takes the wallet back and she will return it to Ari. Instead of waiting a day, to find him in the morning...she sleuths some info to find his cabin number and "WHOA!" this will start a series of ridiculous door-opening-moments where Ari can't bother to answer when he's fully clothed. He always answers doors Kelsey knocks on ONLY WEARING A STUPID TOWEL.
Of course, this will often set Kelsey aflame...and then...tensions, chemistry...passions, sudden intimacy...ya know, the usual MO for a Harlequin romance. Andrews can't seem to get away from that tried and true formula. I cannot blame her because that shit works. It worked on me...see, I told you.
What doesn't work for me is Kelsey starts breaking those rules...and Ari really needs to stop taking showers...because invariably this riles Kelsey enough to break a rule "for one night" [wink, wink] and then she won't do this anymore. And, of course, this will never happen. Ari will sleep with Kelsey...Kelsey consenting...for the next several days. Ari is still investigating the ship staff members and it will unfortunately be Kelsey's vulnerable moments when Ari will get the most information. She tells him about "sexual favors" staff do for passengers...she will tell him about a slew of #MeToo movement stuff that poisons the employers to employees relationships. Ari's family has been losing not just sales...but employees have been dropping off the cruise line and never wanting to come back or wishing to be transferred elsewhere. Yeah, some pretty serious issues. Ari will even spot a traumatic sexual assault moment on a young female staff member by her Boss, so he knows the situations on this cruise ship alone are deeply concerning; he gets that "rapey" Boss immediately fired.
Ari's got a backstory as well. This is why his brother has sent him to be the one investigating undercover. 3yrs ago Ari lost a beloved wife in a car accident he was also injured in, not severely but concussed enough to get painful migraines. Ari hasn't wanted to live nor has he been attracted to another female until he bumps into Kelsey. Something about her brings him back to life and it's becoming easier to breathe around her. The problem is...he never sees what he is doing to Kelsey as a betrayal...until he has a moment of epiphany where he confesses...and it turns to shit because of ...duh... Kelsey is instantly in a shame spiral because she fell in love with another man who betrayed her and used her, all while collecting sexual favors. Ari wants to claim to be "different" because he isn't her Ex, but for this moment, I side with Kelsey.
Andrews does give us some decent time apart, so they don't immediately jump back together to rekindle their love affair. The HEA does happen, but it takes several long months for Ari to wait...and wait while Kelsey and her mom get their new life at the beach cove cottage squared away. THIS little shift change was great to see...because a Harlequin editor would've told Andrews to shove those people together as quickly as possible...eh, because of eager readers wanting their favorite couple together ASAP and possibly because of, literal word count.
Little do they know many readers don't mind a focus on reality in a relationship as long as the shifts and changes in time are reasonable and excusable. I will be reading the next book in this series because Andrews is a good meaty storyteller. There were complexities that could've been dug through and explored, but that's me as a writer being nit-picky. This is a very decent romance from a new Indy Author...so, welcome to the fold, Amy. What a great start!
I also know what I am up against with this summary so it's never going to hide behind certain issues or character developments and go "BOO! Sah-prize! What a Twist!". I know what direction this story will take [which it did go] it simply matters at what point it ramps up and situates the story's climax. Or when shit will hit the fan because this premise has a built-in "shit-hit-fan" moment. I was actually stunned by Ari's ability to breakdown and be honest, except...eh, shoulda been honest earlier but semantics, ya know. Gotta let the story get juicy somehow, someway.
What allows this book to get a better rating, too, is Andrews's choices in sculpting the story. For some oddball reason, I love cruise ship books. I like it A LOT when it's two regular passengers on a cruise and their romance. I am now getting into liking the story if it is half passenger/half staff member on the cruise. I had to do research years ago when I wrote my own story about 2 staff members having a romance on a cruise ship, so, yeah...this was catnip and it FULFILLED the need.
What I didn't know -and loved learning- is Andrews is now dipping her toe into Indy publishing by way of my favorite Indy Author Clare Connelly. This warms my book reading/writing heart to no end. I like knowing that this book was dedicated to Clare and that Andrews went even further and spoke about how much Clare was not only a great mentor for this journey but also gave her the courage to even veer off the "known" [Harlequin] and into the "unknown" [everywhere else not-Harlequin]. I want more Australian voices to come out and publish. And keep on publishing because I will read and gush for days.
That said, even though the set-up was different, not much else had changed from a typical Andrew's voice in a Harlequin setting, which is not to say it was bad, but it also wasn't an instant 5-star read. I enjoyed Kelsey [yea! An Aussie female MC] and Ari...or Aristotle. He's a Greek male MC, but a CFO of his family's cruise ship business. Something has been going wrong with one of their most popular cruise lines, so Ari is "going undercover"...UNDERCOVER BOSS-style, but as a paying passenger. Not a bad premise, but also..ugh, causes a lot of tension and stress.
I liked that we got a deep backstory dive to Kelsey. A terrible Ex who did a money scheme on her and her mother...so she invested her inheritance in his scheme to only lose that money AND HIM, when he revealed the scam and left her, empty-handed, dignity included. Kelsey is a "server" but she wears all types of caps on-board the ship because she will bartend, she will waitress. Any place staff is needed for a meal or drink, she grabs the extra shifts. She has been collecting money for the last few years [7yrs on this cruise line] to save money so she can buy a small beach cottage for her and her elder mother who is slowly losing her eyesight - I wanna say something akin to macular degeneration, but it's easier to say, slowly going "blind". There is a small beach cove in Australia Kelsey has been eyeing these tiny workable cottages, so she plans to leave this cruise ship working days for relaxing small-town beach days.
All right, so Ari and Kelsey meet as a passenger to Bartender. Ari "sets-up" a testing situation where he will leave his wallet and see if anyone who works at the bar takes the 200Euros he has on the billfold side. Kelsey seems to be the only stable, non-rule breaking cruise ship staff as she desperately wants to keep from being fired or having to quit. Except once Ari exits to go find his cabin...there is a fellow bartender who spots Ari's wallet and immediately jokes "Will this dude miss this 200 Euro, if I take it?"...Kelsey takes the wallet back and she will return it to Ari. Instead of waiting a day, to find him in the morning...she sleuths some info to find his cabin number and "WHOA!" this will start a series of ridiculous door-opening-moments where Ari can't bother to answer when he's fully clothed. He always answers doors Kelsey knocks on ONLY WEARING A STUPID TOWEL.
Of course, this will often set Kelsey aflame...and then...tensions, chemistry...passions, sudden intimacy...ya know, the usual MO for a Harlequin romance. Andrews can't seem to get away from that tried and true formula. I cannot blame her because that shit works. It worked on me...see, I told you.
What doesn't work for me is Kelsey starts breaking those rules...and Ari really needs to stop taking showers...because invariably this riles Kelsey enough to break a rule "for one night" [wink, wink] and then she won't do this anymore. And, of course, this will never happen. Ari will sleep with Kelsey...Kelsey consenting...for the next several days. Ari is still investigating the ship staff members and it will unfortunately be Kelsey's vulnerable moments when Ari will get the most information. She tells him about "sexual favors" staff do for passengers...she will tell him about a slew of #MeToo movement stuff that poisons the employers to employees relationships. Ari's family has been losing not just sales...but employees have been dropping off the cruise line and never wanting to come back or wishing to be transferred elsewhere. Yeah, some pretty serious issues. Ari will even spot a traumatic sexual assault moment on a young female staff member by her Boss, so he knows the situations on this cruise ship alone are deeply concerning; he gets that "rapey" Boss immediately fired.
Ari's got a backstory as well. This is why his brother has sent him to be the one investigating undercover. 3yrs ago Ari lost a beloved wife in a car accident he was also injured in, not severely but concussed enough to get painful migraines. Ari hasn't wanted to live nor has he been attracted to another female until he bumps into Kelsey. Something about her brings him back to life and it's becoming easier to breathe around her. The problem is...he never sees what he is doing to Kelsey as a betrayal...until he has a moment of epiphany where he confesses...and it turns to shit because of ...duh... Kelsey is instantly in a shame spiral because she fell in love with another man who betrayed her and used her, all while collecting sexual favors. Ari wants to claim to be "different" because he isn't her Ex, but for this moment, I side with Kelsey.
Andrews does give us some decent time apart, so they don't immediately jump back together to rekindle their love affair. The HEA does happen, but it takes several long months for Ari to wait...and wait while Kelsey and her mom get their new life at the beach cove cottage squared away. THIS little shift change was great to see...because a Harlequin editor would've told Andrews to shove those people together as quickly as possible...eh, because of eager readers wanting their favorite couple together ASAP and possibly because of, literal word count.
Little do they know many readers don't mind a focus on reality in a relationship as long as the shifts and changes in time are reasonable and excusable. I will be reading the next book in this series because Andrews is a good meaty storyteller. There were complexities that could've been dug through and explored, but that's me as a writer being nit-picky. This is a very decent romance from a new Indy Author...so, welcome to the fold, Amy. What a great start!
April 10, 2020
First time I've ever liked the idea of going on a cruise, after reading this. I'm hoping there's more to come in a series.
Amy sure knows how to do sexy, wrapped in a towel.
Amy sure knows how to do sexy, wrapped in a towel.
March 16, 2020
I’m not going to lie - this one started out slow for me, but by the end I was a wreck. The premise - billionaire owner of a cruise line goes undercover to spot poor practice on one of his own ships and falls in lust with a perky barmaid - ticked all my boxes, and I related to Ari off the bat. As a widower, he was clearly wrestling with some big emotions and I think the author handled it exceptionally well.
I liked the barmaid, Kelsey, and knew exactly who she was, could picture her in my head and see her in a zillion people in my own life, but it wasn’t until probably about halfway through the book that I actually felt myself connecting with her. By the end though, I was so firmly in awe of her and her strength - I loved her and strongly related to the way she handled her feelings.
As a couple they made so much sense, even coming from such vastly different backgrounds. Their values were well-aligned, and these came through loud and clear in their interactions with other characters as well as each other.
Andrews is so talented at taking regular humans and weaving their emotions together in such a complex way. During the first part of the book I was a little surprised because I wasn’t as invested in Kelsey and her goals as I often am with her heroines, but as the story developed and more was revealed I was engrossed. Much like the characters themselves, I became more invested as they revealed more of themselves. Great moral undercurrents, too.
I gave Undercover Billionaire four and a half stars, because while the beginning was a little slow for me, I think the third act is some of Andrews’ best work.
I liked the barmaid, Kelsey, and knew exactly who she was, could picture her in my head and see her in a zillion people in my own life, but it wasn’t until probably about halfway through the book that I actually felt myself connecting with her. By the end though, I was so firmly in awe of her and her strength - I loved her and strongly related to the way she handled her feelings.
As a couple they made so much sense, even coming from such vastly different backgrounds. Their values were well-aligned, and these came through loud and clear in their interactions with other characters as well as each other.
Andrews is so talented at taking regular humans and weaving their emotions together in such a complex way. During the first part of the book I was a little surprised because I wasn’t as invested in Kelsey and her goals as I often am with her heroines, but as the story developed and more was revealed I was engrossed. Much like the characters themselves, I became more invested as they revealed more of themselves. Great moral undercurrents, too.
I gave Undercover Billionaire four and a half stars, because while the beginning was a little slow for me, I think the third act is some of Andrews’ best work.
April 6, 2020
Fans of Amy Andrews know to expect a sexy, sassy read with plenty of emotional punch, hot heroes and lots of sexy times. Undercover Billioinaire lives up to all these promises.
Kelsey knows girls like her don’t get to go home with the prince. So when her fling on a Mediterranean cruise proves to be one of the shipping company’s owners, working undercover, she hightails it home to Australia where she belongs. Ari thought he’d never fall in love again, but there’s something about Kelsey and her cocktail umbrellas he just can’t live without. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her of his love, but... once betrayed, twice shy. Kelsey has to overcome her own cynicism to get her happy ending.
I loved this story. Ari is hot, good looking, rich and not a player - which makes a nice change. He also realises he is in love first. Kelsey is lovely - a practical, pretty girl-next-door who knows women like her don’t get to go to the ball as Cinderella. Or do they?
Read Undercover Billionaire for the breathtaking beach scenes in the Med and along the Queensland coast. Read it for the HOT, HOT, HOT sex scenes.And read it for the joy of discovering we do get a second chance at love; we just need the courage to grab it with both hands.
Note (sort of a spoiler): Undercover Billionaire was published in the days of Covid-19 and Amy’s insight as a former nurse is evident. No mention of the virus itself but plenty of concern about hygiene on board cruise ships.
Kelsey knows girls like her don’t get to go home with the prince. So when her fling on a Mediterranean cruise proves to be one of the shipping company’s owners, working undercover, she hightails it home to Australia where she belongs. Ari thought he’d never fall in love again, but there’s something about Kelsey and her cocktail umbrellas he just can’t live without. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her of his love, but... once betrayed, twice shy. Kelsey has to overcome her own cynicism to get her happy ending.
I loved this story. Ari is hot, good looking, rich and not a player - which makes a nice change. He also realises he is in love first. Kelsey is lovely - a practical, pretty girl-next-door who knows women like her don’t get to go to the ball as Cinderella. Or do they?
Read Undercover Billionaire for the breathtaking beach scenes in the Med and along the Queensland coast. Read it for the HOT, HOT, HOT sex scenes.And read it for the joy of discovering we do get a second chance at love; we just need the courage to grab it with both hands.
Note (sort of a spoiler): Undercover Billionaire was published in the days of Covid-19 and Amy’s insight as a former nurse is evident. No mention of the virus itself but plenty of concern about hygiene on board cruise ships.
March 16, 2020
From the very first word to the very final word, this story had heat, passion, pace, and romance and offered everything you expect from Amy Andrews and more.
In the spirit of Undercover Boss, Greek shipping magnate Ari George boards the Hellenic Spirit with the sole intention of uncovering why the cruise ship isn't operating at it's best. Bound by grief following the accidental death of his wife, it's clear from the outset that the very last thing Ali is looking for, or even remotely interested in, is love.
Enter Aussie crew-member Kelsey... and let the passionate and sexy times begin!
Kelsey is brilliantly written. Her character jumps off the page and lights up every scene she's in. Her genuine, kind, and playful side is the perfect antidote to Ali's grief and his difficulty and guilt at re-entering everyday life and love.
Amy Andrews has--as usual--exceeded expectations with Undercover Billionaire. This is a fast paced book that grabs you from the opening word and holds you tight until the very final word. The romance is beautifully written and interspersed perfectly with scorching hot passion! Undercover Billionaire is easily one of Amy Andrews finest stories!
In the spirit of Undercover Boss, Greek shipping magnate Ari George boards the Hellenic Spirit with the sole intention of uncovering why the cruise ship isn't operating at it's best. Bound by grief following the accidental death of his wife, it's clear from the outset that the very last thing Ali is looking for, or even remotely interested in, is love.
Enter Aussie crew-member Kelsey... and let the passionate and sexy times begin!
Kelsey is brilliantly written. Her character jumps off the page and lights up every scene she's in. Her genuine, kind, and playful side is the perfect antidote to Ali's grief and his difficulty and guilt at re-entering everyday life and love.
Amy Andrews has--as usual--exceeded expectations with Undercover Billionaire. This is a fast paced book that grabs you from the opening word and holds you tight until the very final word. The romance is beautifully written and interspersed perfectly with scorching hot passion! Undercover Billionaire is easily one of Amy Andrews finest stories!
March 22, 2020
Have you ever felt like something might just be too good to be true? Yep, it probably is. Ari and Kelsey experience a very interesting and very truth bending trip at sea. However when the ship docks and the waters calm what will their relationship be?
Ms. Andrews has done a great job at taking us out to see. She seems to have combined the premise of Undercover Boss with some of the great modern romances. Somehow though she gets it to work without seeming like the most boring thing in the world. If there is one negative of the work I have to say I felt there was an over use of the word f***. I'm not saying it wasn't "needed" some of the time, but sometimes it was just not warranted. Also be prepared to be transported to the some amazing places as her descriptions of pools, islands and beaches are just amazing. Ms. Andrews has definitely given her readers a good and semi hot romance here.
Ms. Andrews has done a great job at taking us out to see. She seems to have combined the premise of Undercover Boss with some of the great modern romances. Somehow though she gets it to work without seeming like the most boring thing in the world. If there is one negative of the work I have to say I felt there was an over use of the word f***. I'm not saying it wasn't "needed" some of the time, but sometimes it was just not warranted. Also be prepared to be transported to the some amazing places as her descriptions of pools, islands and beaches are just amazing. Ms. Andrews has definitely given her readers a good and semi hot romance here.
March 20, 2025
This is a very spicy and steamy read with likeable characters Kelsey and Ari. Billionaire Ari goes undercover to investigate why one of his cruise liners isn’t performing. What he doesn’t expect is to meet Australian waitress Kelsey which sparks some very intense feelings in them both. What follows is a forbidden romance between two people who have emotional baggage. I found this easy to read and that the balance between the steamy parts and the undercover story with their backstories explored just right. All in all a very enjoyable read
March 14, 2020
Really enjoyed this fast paced sexy, sweet read. Both Ari and Kelsey have things to work through before they can get to their true happy ever after. It is a well written story and the characters have depth which makes it that much better of a read. You will get some of everything, humor, heart, heat, and a little sweet. It kept my attention from the first page.
April 1, 2020
YES! YES...YES...YES! This book was everything. I love books that I am thinking about when I am not reading them. That was THIS book. Ari and Kelsey were just meant to be. They were so sweet and so HOT when together. I have been reading Amy Andrews’ books for awhile, and they seem to be getting better and better.
April 6, 2020
Total Fairy Tale
This is a great fairy tale. Kelsey is a great character and Ari is as well. This is a very passionate book, so be for warned, the intimate scenes are hot and frequent. Over all a great book.
This is a great fairy tale. Kelsey is a great character and Ari is as well. This is a very passionate book, so be for warned, the intimate scenes are hot and frequent. Over all a great book.
May 5, 2024
Ugh, when Goodreads updated itself (snort) it reset all my authors I follow and now for almost 2 years (? I think) I've been missing AA's books. Tells you how reliant I've become on tech, not good. Anywho, I like CR and she's one of the best writers of this genre. Enjoyed it and now that I updated to following her again I have a couple of enjoyable reads coming to me.
February 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read, funny, spicy, and very enjoyable. It had me hooked from the very first chapter.
Right off the bat, our author does an amazing job and shows us the chemistry between these two characters. Their spark just came so naturally!
Another plus for me was the authors way of describing our MFC. Instead of the think, blonde beautiful babe that a lot of romance novels have, this one has the beautiful curvy girl. But she doesn't end there. She makes sure to include that not only is she curvy and beautiful, but she also has the everyday girl/non supermodel traits such as cellulite and a non flat stomach. I felt more connected and related to kelsey more because of this.
I could tell the author put a lot of thought and care into this book. I was able to feel it while I read. Not only in thr descriptions of her characters, or the beautiful details in every chapter, but in the way she made the most simplest of things (a paper umbrella) feel like the most important and thoughtful thing anyone can receive.
I definitely recommend this book and will be checking out more from Amy Andrews in the future.
Thank you Amy, and net galley for allowing me to read this book. I am incredibly grateful!
Right off the bat, our author does an amazing job and shows us the chemistry between these two characters. Their spark just came so naturally!
Another plus for me was the authors way of describing our MFC. Instead of the think, blonde beautiful babe that a lot of romance novels have, this one has the beautiful curvy girl. But she doesn't end there. She makes sure to include that not only is she curvy and beautiful, but she also has the everyday girl/non supermodel traits such as cellulite and a non flat stomach. I felt more connected and related to kelsey more because of this.
I could tell the author put a lot of thought and care into this book. I was able to feel it while I read. Not only in thr descriptions of her characters, or the beautiful details in every chapter, but in the way she made the most simplest of things (a paper umbrella) feel like the most important and thoughtful thing anyone can receive.
I definitely recommend this book and will be checking out more from Amy Andrews in the future.
Thank you Amy, and net galley for allowing me to read this book. I am incredibly grateful!
May 29, 2025
very hot!
This was a spicy fast read. Plenty of steamy moments and both Kelsey and Ari were adorable. They just clicked together immediately. What starts out as deceptive (for a good cause) turned into the most wonderful love story. Really enjoyed This one.
This was a spicy fast read. Plenty of steamy moments and both Kelsey and Ari were adorable. They just clicked together immediately. What starts out as deceptive (for a good cause) turned into the most wonderful love story. Really enjoyed This one.
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