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Preston Brothers #1
The Billionaire’s Pretend Wife
Penelope Fox thought she was applying to be an assistant to billionaire Drew Preston. With her business savvy, she’s hoping she can help Drew’s successful shipping company reach new heights. Too bad the position she applied for isn’t as his assistant: it’s as his young son’s nanny. With her bank account nearly dry, Penny’s desperate enough to take the job. But when Drew is meeting with the owner of his next potential acquisition, the other man mistakes Penelope for Drew’s wife—and to her surprise, she agrees to play along. Even more shocking? The way she’s beginning to feel about this maddening, passionate man.
Drew learned the hard way to never mix business with pleasure. His ex-wife is proof. But it’s difficult to ignore his attraction to his son’s nanny. There’s more to Penny than meets the eye. She’s as brilliant with business as she is with his son. And with him—in bed. All his orderly lines get all tangled up. Playing along with a fake marriage is one thing. Wishing it was real shakes him to his core.
As the business deal Drew wanted so badly goes south, so does his fledgling relationship with Penny, leaving him wondering if there can be any pleasure in business without Penny by his side.
Drew learned the hard way to never mix business with pleasure. His ex-wife is proof. But it’s difficult to ignore his attraction to his son’s nanny. There’s more to Penny than meets the eye. She’s as brilliant with business as she is with his son. And with him—in bed. All his orderly lines get all tangled up. Playing along with a fake marriage is one thing. Wishing it was real shakes him to his core.
As the business deal Drew wanted so badly goes south, so does his fledgling relationship with Penny, leaving him wondering if there can be any pleasure in business without Penny by his side.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2020
242 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Leslie North
631 books1,528 followersNew to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’
Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!
In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!
Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!
I'm Social Too:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leslienorthbooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
Instagram:www.instagram.com/leslienorth_books
Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!
In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!
Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!
I'm Social Too:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leslienorthbooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
Instagram:www.instagram.com/leslienorth_books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
April 2, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
My first by Leslie and I really enjoyed it.
It was great to loose myself in, tense at times , smooth and emotional at others.
The two main characters connected right away , with each other and me.
The plot was interesting and intense with just the right amount of romance and heat.
A great introduction to this authors work.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
My first by Leslie and I really enjoyed it.
It was great to loose myself in, tense at times , smooth and emotional at others.
The two main characters connected right away , with each other and me.
The plot was interesting and intense with just the right amount of romance and heat.
A great introduction to this authors work.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
March 26, 2020
This is a new series by Leslie North and this is the first ARC story in the series. It's two main characters are DREW Preston and PENELOPE Fox.
Drew, owner of Preston Logistics, is in need of a nanny for his three year old son, Logan. In walks Penelope (Penny), who answer a advertisements for a personal assistant and ended up as Logans nanny, to Penny it's just a stepping stone to the job she really wants. Drew is hosting a small dinner for a potential business deal to purchase a company and when Penny came in with Logan to say good night to his father, the couple, a family oriented couple, thinks Penny is Drew wife and likes what he sees in Drew and Penny. Drew ask Penny to continue to prevent she is his wife, she even helps him with his presentation. Durning a gala they attend, Drew and Penny had a argument and was over heard that they were not married, causing Drew to be very angry and to do a deep security check and found out who Penny really is. Will they ever settle their problem and realize they love each other.
I am volunteering to leave a review for a ARC of this book.
Drew, owner of Preston Logistics, is in need of a nanny for his three year old son, Logan. In walks Penelope (Penny), who answer a advertisements for a personal assistant and ended up as Logans nanny, to Penny it's just a stepping stone to the job she really wants. Drew is hosting a small dinner for a potential business deal to purchase a company and when Penny came in with Logan to say good night to his father, the couple, a family oriented couple, thinks Penny is Drew wife and likes what he sees in Drew and Penny. Drew ask Penny to continue to prevent she is his wife, she even helps him with his presentation. Durning a gala they attend, Drew and Penny had a argument and was over heard that they were not married, causing Drew to be very angry and to do a deep security check and found out who Penny really is. Will they ever settle their problem and realize they love each other.
I am volunteering to leave a review for a ARC of this book.
March 26, 2020
Tell the truth; it's easier than living a lie
Drew Preston needed a nanny; his last one had quit. Penelope "Penny" Fox was applying for a logistic position in Preston Logistics; however, when Drew offers her the nanny position, she takes it. It's a live-in position, starting immediately. She and his young son, Logan, hit it off right away.
Preston Logistics is trying to buy a company or two to strengthen the company's standing and services. He has invited Jack and Lisa Halloway to his home for a meal to try to convince them that he is the right fit to purchase their company's legacy.
Penny brings Logan to say goodnight to his dad, the Halloways mistake Penny for Drew's wife. His eyes beg her to play along. (Later, Penny agrees to continue the charade.) Everything is going well until it isn't!
Living a lie isn't easy. What happens when it all falls apart?
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Drew Preston needed a nanny; his last one had quit. Penelope "Penny" Fox was applying for a logistic position in Preston Logistics; however, when Drew offers her the nanny position, she takes it. It's a live-in position, starting immediately. She and his young son, Logan, hit it off right away.
Preston Logistics is trying to buy a company or two to strengthen the company's standing and services. He has invited Jack and Lisa Halloway to his home for a meal to try to convince them that he is the right fit to purchase their company's legacy.
Penny brings Logan to say goodnight to his dad, the Halloways mistake Penny for Drew's wife. His eyes beg her to play along. (Later, Penny agrees to continue the charade.) Everything is going well until it isn't!
Living a lie isn't easy. What happens when it all falls apart?
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Want to read
April 15, 2020💝
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
💝
March 26, 2020
Leslie North has written a 5-star book that will have you reading till the end. Drew Preston was the owner of Preston Logistics and he was wanting to buy Mr. Holloways company to help his company, He was also in need of a nanny for his 3-year-old son Logan. Penelope Fox had seen an ad for an assistant to Drew and she applied. Somehow her resume got mixed up with the ones for the nanny position. Drew had Logan at his office since his Uncle Sam was taking him to the playground. When Drew came out of his office looking for Sam but he was not there. His secretary was not at her desk and Logan was sitting beside a woman reading a book. Drew stood there watching for a few minutes and then said "Sorry to interrupt... Penelope said "Hi, I'm Penelope Fox. Drew's uncle Sam came in about that time and said he had a call and that Logan was in good hands with Britta "where did she go?" Britta came around the corner with papers in her hands saying the copies were done. Sam asked, "Logan if he was ready to go to the playground?" Logan runs to his father and Drew picks him up and gives him a hug, and telling him he loved him. When he put him back down, Logan ran to Penny and wraps his arms around her knees and hugged them. He then ran to his uncle and they left the office. Drew then turned to Penny and led her to the meeting room. Once there Drew starts asking her questions and he saw on her resume that she was more qualified for the corporate world than being a nanny. He hired her since Logan took to her so quick, Things were like they were supposed to be until Mr. Holloway and his wife came to Drew's dinner. Drew and the Holloway's were outside talking when Logan came out with Penny behind him. Logan had his book and got up in Drew's lap and started to read. Mr. Holloway was impressed with them as a family and he said so. Mr. Holloway said he was glad that Drew was a family man and this gave Drew an idea.
After the Holloway's left and Logan was put to bed, Drew asked to talk to Penny. He tells her that he needed Mr. Holloway's company and asked her to pretend to be his wife. Things were going fine until they went to a fundraiser and they had their stories mixed up and Penny told him that she didn't like lying. They had a talk and Mr. Holloway heard that they were not married and he left. Drew had another company he was going to buy if the one with Mr. Holloway did not go through and Penny heard the owner of this company talking to someone else about the money and she went to talk to Drew about this and some things were said and Drew said things back to Penny and she told him that she was moving out. It comes out that what Penny had told Drew about the other company was true and one of his brothers told him to call Mr. Holloway to see if he could meet up with him again. Mr. Holloway agreed to meet with Drew again. Drew had a different offer for Mr. Holloway about his company. Penny was looking for another job and she gets a call from Mr. Holloway asking if she could meet with him. They set up a time for the meeting. Penny was upset as she took Logan to school because this was the last day she would be with him. When Penny gets to Mr. Holloways she is told some things that she just doesn't understand. She is told to think things over and as she is pacing around the room, she thinks she hears Drew's voice and she turns and there he is with Mr. Holloway.
Can Penny and Drew get their second chance at being together?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After the Holloway's left and Logan was put to bed, Drew asked to talk to Penny. He tells her that he needed Mr. Holloway's company and asked her to pretend to be his wife. Things were going fine until they went to a fundraiser and they had their stories mixed up and Penny told him that she didn't like lying. They had a talk and Mr. Holloway heard that they were not married and he left. Drew had another company he was going to buy if the one with Mr. Holloway did not go through and Penny heard the owner of this company talking to someone else about the money and she went to talk to Drew about this and some things were said and Drew said things back to Penny and she told him that she was moving out. It comes out that what Penny had told Drew about the other company was true and one of his brothers told him to call Mr. Holloway to see if he could meet up with him again. Mr. Holloway agreed to meet with Drew again. Drew had a different offer for Mr. Holloway about his company. Penny was looking for another job and she gets a call from Mr. Holloway asking if she could meet with him. They set up a time for the meeting. Penny was upset as she took Logan to school because this was the last day she would be with him. When Penny gets to Mr. Holloways she is told some things that she just doesn't understand. She is told to think things over and as she is pacing around the room, she thinks she hears Drew's voice and she turns and there he is with Mr. Holloway.
Can Penny and Drew get their second chance at being together?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2020
I love this story especially Logan. This is the first book of Preston Billionaires – the three-billionaire brother. This story is about Drew, Logan and Penny. Logan is Drew’s adorable toddler and what keeps them happy. Drew made a mistake years ago of mixing business with pleasure and married the woman that he then divorced. They have a son name Logan and when Drew is out to interview the next candidate for the Nanny position, he has open, he notices a beautiful scene of Logan and Penny together reading a book. Penny on the other hand was hoping to interview for a business position in Drew’s company, but when she realizes that this is for a nanny position, she has no choice but to take it as she is running very low on funds. The story takes off on her first day as a couple that Drew is having dinner with assumes that she is his wife. Neither of them corrects them, and instead play along, but the question is will Drew allow for the past to control his future or not?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
"Penelope Fox thought she was applying to be an assistant to billionaire Drew Preston, not his son's nanny. Drew learned the hard way to never mix business with pleasure." Absolutely loved this story. Great plot. Story got better and better as it went on. So emotional. Made me cry. Logan is awesome. Can't wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
This is an intriguing fake marriage story with strong characters and an interesting story line. The author pulls you in right from the start and keeps you glued to the pages with all the drama,anxiety and romance. Her sexual scenes will have your kindle smoking.It's another. It's another well written book by Leslie North,moves fluidly and I would highly recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 26, 2020
Loved Penny and Drew and especially little Logan. Penny is brilliant in business, but her father didn’t take her advice and he lost his business and Penny lost her job. So she moved to the West Coast and sent in a resume to work for Preston Logistics. But Preston Logistics was looking for two employees, and one was a nanny for Drew Preston’s little son. Because Penny’s application showed she worked as a nanny while in college, Drew thought that was the position she was applying for and hires her. She needs a job, takes it, and falls in love with little Logan. But along the way she ends up helping Drew with his presentations, and pretending to be his wife to seal a deal. But when it counts, he doesn’t listen to her advice, and not only is their developing relationship in jeopardy but he could lose his business. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2020
The story was entertaining and cute. There were a few different swings in the storyline that I wasn’t expecting so I did enjoys that. Overall good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2020
Wonderful start to the series! Penny needs a job and thought she was going to be an assistant but she’s in for a surprise. How about a nanny instead!? Well you got to do what you can to make some money. You will enjoy this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
Leslies book never disappoint me. I obviously like the storyline of some more than others but the writing and everything else s always exactly what I need. Can't wait for the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
A fantastic romantic comedy
April 9, 2020
Provided free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That might have been a mistake on their part, in retrospect.
I expected this to be Not Great, just based on the title. I expected cheesy and light, but I was hoping for fun and charming, too. That was not the case. It was so dumb it hurt me to read it. These are just preliminary thoughts because I'm honestly tired of cataloging the issues. There are SO MANY MORE, but I'm hopeful someone else will have the energy to go through them all.
Plot Issues
If this company has made Drew -- and his two brothers, given the follow-ons -- into billionaires, there's no way this is lower than annual revenue in the Fortune 500/multi-billion dollar territory. Multi-billion-dollar companies aren't run by one person. They have boards of directors and CFOs and Executive Vice Presidents, among whose responsibilities it is to keep CEOs from making dumbass decisions like, say, putting his wife in charge of decisions that run the company into the ground.
Totally relies on stupid people doing stupid/dishonest things and literally no one having any common sense. FOR INSTANCE:
- That Drew is "just really private" and that's why NO ONE WHO WORKS FOR HIM knew he was "married."
- That Jack wouldn't do even PRELIMINARY research on the man who's buying his company, his legacy, his baby, even things that are IN THE PUBLIC RECORD like, is he married and to whom.
- Too, that Jack is considering trusting his legacy to a man who screwed up his own SO BADLY that it required years of work to fix it -- and Jack is somehow completely oblivious of this? What? NO.
- Drew would spend (apparently his own personal) money (because there's no way he would be ALLOWED to jeopardize the business') to buy a company and ... gift it to a woman who fixed his PowerPoint that one time.
Character Issues
PENNY:
She wants "any job" a huge company, but puts her NANNY experience on her cover letter? What kind of self-sabotaging maroon does that? "Oh it lends to organizational--" *SLAP* Only if you're in college with literally no actual work experience.
ALSO what idiot thinks that you interview with the CEO for a low-level Logistics Clerk job?
ALSO who wouldn't clarify his mistake immediately?
ALSO what kind of dummy thinks, "Oh, I can totally parlay this COMPLETELY NON BUSINESS POSITION into a high-level/high-paying job at this company?"
ALSO had completely vapid thoughts like, "Oh, Ryan (Derek? Jake? I finished this morning and I've already forgotten his name) isn't like that." You've known him for literally less than a day in total. How DO you know that? {DREW! His name is Drew. Right.}
DREW:
There's no way Ryan is a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, because he's a moron. A good looking moron, maybe, but a moron nonetheless.
ALSO what person who "totally separates" his personal and professional lives interviews a PERSONAL employee at his PROFESSIONAL location? Why wouldn't a preliminary interview have been done by, say, his uncle or his house manager or whoever Phil/Mike is?
ALSO he's also so completely one-dimensional. The attempts to make him feel "real" are so annoyingly shallow that I started thinking of him as a paper doll being mimed by the author.
FOR INSTANCE: (1) Drew is crazy about this band we've never heard of and never get any clarification on. It helped him through "some rough times" like that time when... oh. No, that's all the explanation we get of his obsession with them: "some rough times."
(2) He allowed his ex-wife to run his company into the ground, because -- SHOCKINGLY -- it turns out it's not a good idea to allow a non-C-Suite executive to make business decisions for you with literally no oversight. We never get any story about this, either, just "This is why I don't trust people: I'm a complete idiot who makes bad business decisions. That was obviously Susan's fault."
(3) Also with vapid thoughts: "Oh, Penny is the best" and I should totally let her into my multi-billion-dollar company's higher echelon of decision-making. The board of directors won't have any problem with that at all!"
I expected this to be Not Great, just based on the title. I expected cheesy and light, but I was hoping for fun and charming, too. That was not the case. It was so dumb it hurt me to read it. These are just preliminary thoughts because I'm honestly tired of cataloging the issues. There are SO MANY MORE, but I'm hopeful someone else will have the energy to go through them all.
Plot Issues
If this company has made Drew -- and his two brothers, given the follow-ons -- into billionaires, there's no way this is lower than annual revenue in the Fortune 500/multi-billion dollar territory. Multi-billion-dollar companies aren't run by one person. They have boards of directors and CFOs and Executive Vice Presidents, among whose responsibilities it is to keep CEOs from making dumbass decisions like, say, putting his wife in charge of decisions that run the company into the ground.
Totally relies on stupid people doing stupid/dishonest things and literally no one having any common sense. FOR INSTANCE:
- That Drew is "just really private" and that's why NO ONE WHO WORKS FOR HIM knew he was "married."
- That Jack wouldn't do even PRELIMINARY research on the man who's buying his company, his legacy, his baby, even things that are IN THE PUBLIC RECORD like, is he married and to whom.
- Too, that Jack is considering trusting his legacy to a man who screwed up his own SO BADLY that it required years of work to fix it -- and Jack is somehow completely oblivious of this? What? NO.
- Drew would spend (apparently his own personal) money (because there's no way he would be ALLOWED to jeopardize the business') to buy a company and ... gift it to a woman who fixed his PowerPoint that one time.
Character Issues
PENNY:
She wants "any job" a huge company, but puts her NANNY experience on her cover letter? What kind of self-sabotaging maroon does that? "Oh it lends to organizational--" *SLAP* Only if you're in college with literally no actual work experience.
ALSO what idiot thinks that you interview with the CEO for a low-level Logistics Clerk job?
ALSO who wouldn't clarify his mistake immediately?
ALSO what kind of dummy thinks, "Oh, I can totally parlay this COMPLETELY NON BUSINESS POSITION into a high-level/high-paying job at this company?"
ALSO had completely vapid thoughts like, "Oh, Ryan (Derek? Jake? I finished this morning and I've already forgotten his name) isn't like that." You've known him for literally less than a day in total. How DO you know that? {DREW! His name is Drew. Right.}
DREW:
There's no way Ryan is a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, because he's a moron. A good looking moron, maybe, but a moron nonetheless.
ALSO what person who "totally separates" his personal and professional lives interviews a PERSONAL employee at his PROFESSIONAL location? Why wouldn't a preliminary interview have been done by, say, his uncle or his house manager or whoever Phil/Mike is?
ALSO he's also so completely one-dimensional. The attempts to make him feel "real" are so annoyingly shallow that I started thinking of him as a paper doll being mimed by the author.
FOR INSTANCE: (1) Drew is crazy about this band we've never heard of and never get any clarification on. It helped him through "some rough times" like that time when... oh. No, that's all the explanation we get of his obsession with them: "some rough times."
(2) He allowed his ex-wife to run his company into the ground, because -- SHOCKINGLY -- it turns out it's not a good idea to allow a non-C-Suite executive to make business decisions for you with literally no oversight. We never get any story about this, either, just "This is why I don't trust people: I'm a complete idiot who makes bad business decisions. That was obviously Susan's fault."
(3) Also with vapid thoughts: "Oh, Penny is the best" and I should totally let her into my multi-billion-dollar company's higher echelon of decision-making. The board of directors won't have any problem with that at all!"
October 25, 2020
**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
What a great story. I sat down and read this book in one sitting.
Penelope Fox is waiting to be interviewed for a job at Preston Logistics. But when Drew Preston has his 3 year old son, Logan, at the office again because his Nanny quit without notice, Penny sits down with Logan and reads him a book while waiting for Mr. Preston to see her. After Drew sees how attentive she is with Logan, he assumes Penny's there for the Nanny position; he glances at her resume noticing that she has corporate America experience along with some Nanny experience from her years in college. He immediately hires her on the spot. Now Penny is employed but will have to get him to see that she has the experience he wants for his company.
Drew is courting Jack, a married man ready to sell his company and retire. When they have dinner at Drew's home, they see Penny and Logan and assume they are a happily married family. With a desperate look from Drew to Penny, she decides to help the man with a fib. Now she has an engagement ring and wedding band on her finger along with a beautiful diamond necklace. Soon they are sharing the same bed at night and she's helping Drew with business presentations.
But when Penny can't figure out if what they have is real or not, she gets sick of the lies. She's in love with both Drew and Logan. But he won't talk about how he really feels about her.
When Jack overhears an argument between them at a gala they are all attending, he finds out the truth about their fake marriage and calls off their deal.
Penny moves out and Drew and his brothers scout another company to buy. When Penny shows up at his office to finally talk, she overhears the CEO and his assistant talking about covering up the figures the company is losing. She warns Drew, but he refuses to believe her. When the truth comes out about how badly the company is in debt; Drew is ashamed for not believing her.
He finally realizes how much he truly loves her, but he's too stubborn to call her. So he makes sure she is taken care of financially, even if it means he loses Jack's business. But Jack seems to enjoy playing Cupid for the couple.
A must read!
What a great story. I sat down and read this book in one sitting.
Penelope Fox is waiting to be interviewed for a job at Preston Logistics. But when Drew Preston has his 3 year old son, Logan, at the office again because his Nanny quit without notice, Penny sits down with Logan and reads him a book while waiting for Mr. Preston to see her. After Drew sees how attentive she is with Logan, he assumes Penny's there for the Nanny position; he glances at her resume noticing that she has corporate America experience along with some Nanny experience from her years in college. He immediately hires her on the spot. Now Penny is employed but will have to get him to see that she has the experience he wants for his company.
Drew is courting Jack, a married man ready to sell his company and retire. When they have dinner at Drew's home, they see Penny and Logan and assume they are a happily married family. With a desperate look from Drew to Penny, she decides to help the man with a fib. Now she has an engagement ring and wedding band on her finger along with a beautiful diamond necklace. Soon they are sharing the same bed at night and she's helping Drew with business presentations.
But when Penny can't figure out if what they have is real or not, she gets sick of the lies. She's in love with both Drew and Logan. But he won't talk about how he really feels about her.
When Jack overhears an argument between them at a gala they are all attending, he finds out the truth about their fake marriage and calls off their deal.
Penny moves out and Drew and his brothers scout another company to buy. When Penny shows up at his office to finally talk, she overhears the CEO and his assistant talking about covering up the figures the company is losing. She warns Drew, but he refuses to believe her. When the truth comes out about how badly the company is in debt; Drew is ashamed for not believing her.
He finally realizes how much he truly loves her, but he's too stubborn to call her. So he makes sure she is taken care of financially, even if it means he loses Jack's business. But Jack seems to enjoy playing Cupid for the couple.
A must read!
March 29, 2020
Leslie North, ‘The Billionaire’s Pretend Wife’.
Preston Brothers #1.
As a Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy and promised an honest review. Here it is.
Rating: 4 stars (of 5).
In general: Faking is difficult when feelings are real.
Main characters:
- Penelope Fox.
Penny hoped to become Drew Preston’s business assistant but he’s looking for a nanny. She needs money after a business relation swindled her father out of his company. Now she desperately wants a job.
- Drew Preston.
He owns a successful shipping company and is a billionaire. Divorced from a greedy wife, Susan. The divorce caused for his company a serious financial setback.
Now he’s looking for a nanny for his young son, Logan.
When Drew meets a business relation with his wife at his home, the visitors assume that nanny Penny is his wife and inform him that Drew, being a family man, will making a deal much more easy. So Drew asks Penny to act as his pretend wife. Penny, already having a crush on him, accepts. Moreover she loves Drew’s son, Logan.
Then the author, Leslie North, describes how Drew’s and Penny’s relationship develops. It’s a bit problematic, for Drew wants to keep business and personal relations severely separated. And Penny hates to lie about their relationship. And she doesn’t like the idea that a ‘fake marriage’ is needed to close a business deal, while she has a lot of feelings for Drew and his son. But both overcome these problems and so the novel has a happy end. And - for me - it was a pleasure to read about all those complications.
R. Huiszoon.
Preston Brothers #1.
As a Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy and promised an honest review. Here it is.
Rating: 4 stars (of 5).
In general: Faking is difficult when feelings are real.
Main characters:
- Penelope Fox.
Penny hoped to become Drew Preston’s business assistant but he’s looking for a nanny. She needs money after a business relation swindled her father out of his company. Now she desperately wants a job.
- Drew Preston.
He owns a successful shipping company and is a billionaire. Divorced from a greedy wife, Susan. The divorce caused for his company a serious financial setback.
Now he’s looking for a nanny for his young son, Logan.
When Drew meets a business relation with his wife at his home, the visitors assume that nanny Penny is his wife and inform him that Drew, being a family man, will making a deal much more easy. So Drew asks Penny to act as his pretend wife. Penny, already having a crush on him, accepts. Moreover she loves Drew’s son, Logan.
Then the author, Leslie North, describes how Drew’s and Penny’s relationship develops. It’s a bit problematic, for Drew wants to keep business and personal relations severely separated. And Penny hates to lie about their relationship. And she doesn’t like the idea that a ‘fake marriage’ is needed to close a business deal, while she has a lot of feelings for Drew and his son. But both overcome these problems and so the novel has a happy end. And - for me - it was a pleasure to read about all those complications.
R. Huiszoon.
April 2, 2020
I am a great fan of ' fake relationship' as a romance trope. Have read quite a few of them over the years. That's precisely the reason why I picked this book.
This is the first time I am reading a book by Leslie North. I quite enjoyed it. The story is about Penny Fox who happens to go for a job interview with Preston logistics. Unbenownst to her and due to her easy going nature with 3 year Logan , Drew Preston, the head of Preston logistics hires her to be his son's nanny. As Penny is in need of a job she accepts and then begin avseries of events that make this book a good read.
The story is simple, the characterisation is done okayish because I expected a more completeness. I had an issue with narration as in places the story just picks up from one point and goes to another. I would have enjoyed a more gradual depth in their relationship. It just seemed as if the characters were very familiar with each other and I couldn't see the relationship blossoming. Apart from this point, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
If you love to read romances just for the enjoyment then you can read this book as it's an easy breezy read to keep company on a boring afternoon
I thank the author, the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an eARC of the book in exchange of an honest opinion.
This is the first time I am reading a book by Leslie North. I quite enjoyed it. The story is about Penny Fox who happens to go for a job interview with Preston logistics. Unbenownst to her and due to her easy going nature with 3 year Logan , Drew Preston, the head of Preston logistics hires her to be his son's nanny. As Penny is in need of a job she accepts and then begin avseries of events that make this book a good read.
The story is simple, the characterisation is done okayish because I expected a more completeness. I had an issue with narration as in places the story just picks up from one point and goes to another. I would have enjoyed a more gradual depth in their relationship. It just seemed as if the characters were very familiar with each other and I couldn't see the relationship blossoming. Apart from this point, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
If you love to read romances just for the enjoyment then you can read this book as it's an easy breezy read to keep company on a boring afternoon
I thank the author, the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an eARC of the book in exchange of an honest opinion.
April 14, 2020
Fortunately, Leslie North usually brings out two or three books of a series, in a short period of time. So, I can read them all in one go. This month, I had my fix of Leslie with the Preston Brothers. All three, rich selfmade billionaires, of the Preston Shipping company.
First one is Drew, who is in desperate need of a nanny, after his ex has left him high and dry. She took part of his company and he will never forgive her for nearly bankrupting his company.
Penelope Fox is applying for a job in the Preston Shipping company. But Drew mistakes her for an applicant of the nanny job. Happy to have a job, Penelope agrees and she sees it as a way to get a next job within Drew's company. When she is mistaken for his wife during a business deal, Drew begs her to keep up appearances. So, she agrees. But lying isn't what Penelope wants, although it nearly doesn't feel like lying: when acting like his wife, it really feels real. Or is it only her, feeling this connection?
At the risk of losing the deal, Drew tries to maintain distance from Penelope. Because he can't mix business with pleasure, as his ex has shown him. But will he succeed? And what is Penelope hiding? Find out for yourself in this cosy read. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
First one is Drew, who is in desperate need of a nanny, after his ex has left him high and dry. She took part of his company and he will never forgive her for nearly bankrupting his company.
Penelope Fox is applying for a job in the Preston Shipping company. But Drew mistakes her for an applicant of the nanny job. Happy to have a job, Penelope agrees and she sees it as a way to get a next job within Drew's company. When she is mistaken for his wife during a business deal, Drew begs her to keep up appearances. So, she agrees. But lying isn't what Penelope wants, although it nearly doesn't feel like lying: when acting like his wife, it really feels real. Or is it only her, feeling this connection?
At the risk of losing the deal, Drew tries to maintain distance from Penelope. Because he can't mix business with pleasure, as his ex has shown him. But will he succeed? And what is Penelope hiding? Find out for yourself in this cosy read. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
March 31, 2020
Drew Preston is the owner of Preston Logistics and needs a new nanny for his son, Logan. Penelope Fox applies for the position of Drew's assistant but somehow ends up being interviewed for the nanny position. Penny is hired as Logan's nanny after Drew sees how taken his son is with her. While Drew is having dinner with a couple whose company he wants to acquire, the couple mistake Penny as Drew's wife. Drew convinces Penny to play along. Drew and Penny are attracted to each other, but Drew has learned the lesson of not mixing business with pleasure the hard way. Will Drew and Penny give into their attraction to each other? What happens when an argument between Penny and Drew is overheard? Will Drew push Penny away when she offers advice on a business deal? Will Drew and Penny admit they love each other? Will Penny, Drew, and Logan find their happily ever after. I really enjoyed The Billionaire's Pretend Wife by Leslie North. Leslie North has become a must read author for this reader. The Billionaire's Pretend Wife is a great story with well written characters. I would recommend getting The Billionaire's Pretend Wife by Leslie North.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
A nice easy read. This is a very easy-to-read romance between two strong personalities, Drew and Penny. Both have very painful past experiences and are guarded, perhaps Drew more so. The problem is that Penny is beautiful, sassy, loyal, sexy, intelligent and simply adores Drew's 3-year-old little boy, Logan. So Drew's resolve is melting away in the face of such strong forces conspiring against him. Although Penny is Logan's Nanny, her background is a strong business savvy in Logistics which was her family's business before they were swindled. Drew is the head of his own Logistics company and when the chips are down, he thinks that Penny is after the business, so not surprisingly, they break up. Without further details, I'll skip to the end. There is a HEA, as you know throughout the book that those two belong together. It perhaps would have been good to have a little more detail of their personal backgrounds to understand their behaviour better. However, it is a well-edited work from a prolific author that I can happily recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2020
Beautiful love story with lots of drama.
This is a great book with wonderful characters that I didn't want to put down. When Penny went for her interview the job that she got was as nanny to Logan the boss Mr Preston's son which also unintentionally pretending to be his wife to seal the sale to his company. However, things got into dangerous terrotary when her feelings for him changed & she started falling in love with him but he made it obvious he didn't feel the same he also didn't like her trying to involve herself into his business. After an argument he told her that she was trying to ruin his business saying other hurtful things aswell so although she loved Logan she couldn't work for Drew anymore & left. It took his brothers making the same comments as Penny about a business deal being iffy for him to realise how wrong he was & how much it hurt being away from her as he loved her. After the way he treated her I didn't want her to take him back until he did some grovelling which he did & he was also helped by the owner of another company he was trying to buy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great book with wonderful characters that I didn't want to put down. When Penny went for her interview the job that she got was as nanny to Logan the boss Mr Preston's son which also unintentionally pretending to be his wife to seal the sale to his company. However, things got into dangerous terrotary when her feelings for him changed & she started falling in love with him but he made it obvious he didn't feel the same he also didn't like her trying to involve herself into his business. After an argument he told her that she was trying to ruin his business saying other hurtful things aswell so although she loved Logan she couldn't work for Drew anymore & left. It took his brothers making the same comments as Penny about a business deal being iffy for him to realise how wrong he was & how much it hurt being away from her as he loved her. After the way he treated her I didn't want her to take him back until he did some grovelling which he did & he was also helped by the owner of another company he was trying to buy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2020
Penelope applied to be Drew's assistant however when she goes in for the interview its for a nanny position. She is in a bad way financially so she takes the job. Drew knows that Penelope is over qualified to be his son's nanny but Logan took to her so quickly he knew he needed her. Penelope and Logan got along famously and she even enjoyed her job. One evening Drew was having a business dinner at the house and Logan ran out to him before Penelope could do anything. The man he was trying to get a deal with saw Penelope and Logan and assumed they were a family. This has Drew asking her if she will play along to being his wife until the deal goes through. Even though its crazy she agrees. How long will it be before pretending takes on a very real feel? Can they have a future together or will Drew end things once he gets what he wants?
This is a great story that will hook you in the first chapter and leave you wanting more at the last. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that will hook you in the first chapter and leave you wanting more at the last. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
Probably my favorite couple from this author and I've read everything she's written thus far Drew and Penny are such a heartwarming, realistic, and compatible couple and to throw in an adorable little kid just made this story a true pleasure to read I did however feel that some parts were a bit rushed or forced especially the gala "fight" It didn't really make much sense but it wasn't that big of issue and easily dismissed in favor of the drama that unfolded after I also was disapointed in the whole self indulging part, seriously enough of those already, I may be many things but a prude most certainly isn't one of them but this author seems to love writing those scenes in detail while glossing over the actual bedroom moments when the couple's finally cave into their chemistry it's a trend with practically all of this author's books that I was so hoping was over regardless if all of that Drew and Penny's story is one worth picking up
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2020
This was another great book by Leslie North. It’s the first book in the Preston Billionaires Series. This book is the eldest Preston siblings’ story. Drew Preston had just come out of a difficult divorce and needed to find a permanent nanny for his three-year-old son, Logan. Penelope Fox thought she was applying for an executive position at Preston Logistics, but when she instead got offered the position as nanny, she took it. She desperately needed the job and thought she could still find her way back into the business world. Preston Logistics was in the process of trying to buy a new business and when it was assumed Penny was Drew’s wife, Drew went with the assumption because he wanted to satisfy the other company’s owner by presenting a picture of himself as a family man. Penny went along with Drew but hadn’t the lie. When the truth comes out, can Drew still achieve his goal of acquiring another company?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2020
Penelope Fox is looking for a job which she needs badly. She is very smart on logistics as her father had a large company in Ontario before he was swindled and went bankrupt. She is applying at Preston Logistics for an office job and Drew Preston who runs the company with his brothers mistakes her for an applicant for nanny to his son Logan. She figures if that is what she is offered that she will take it. She really needs a job. Drew is certainly not hard on the eyes either and she has already made a connection with his son while waiting to be interviewed.
She is mistaken by a client to be his wife and family is important to the client. Neither she nor Drew correct the mistake and the Pretend is on. He fights his growing feelings for her and she helps in with some of his work issues while growing more attached to him and his son everyday.
Of course it all comes to light and goes south. After some help from friends who know this is a couple who should be together they manage to work their way back to each other.
A good sexy read and two people you root for.
She is mistaken by a client to be his wife and family is important to the client. Neither she nor Drew correct the mistake and the Pretend is on. He fights his growing feelings for her and she helps in with some of his work issues while growing more attached to him and his son everyday.
Of course it all comes to light and goes south. After some help from friends who know this is a couple who should be together they manage to work their way back to each other.
A good sexy read and two people you root for.
March 26, 2020
Penny applied for a position at the logistics company but when she arrived for the interview, Drew the oldest Preston son got her application mixed up and hired Penny for his sons nanny. When Drew’s potential client Mr Holloway got Penny confused as his wife, the couple pretended to make the business deal. What happens when business turns to pleasure? Drew was not going down that route again, his first marriage did not work out and now they share custody of their 3 year old son whom happened to take a liking to Penny. Can Drew think outside of business when he invites Penny into his bed? She is familiar with logistics as her father had a company and she can spot a bad decision in acquisition because it did not go well for her fathers company either but can Drew see beyond the acting to give in to temptation again when he falls in love with her?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
Penelope Fox submitted her application as an assistant to billionaire CEO Drew Preston, but when he mixes up the applications, she ends up hired as the nanny for his son, Logan! Since she needs the income, she accepted the job.
Further complicating Penny’s life, the owner of a company Drew is trying to buy assumes Penny his Drew’s wife and is pleased with their family unity. Drew goes along with the mistaken assumption, but the fake situation begins to feel real. Despite his dislike of mixing business with pleasure due to his disastrous first marriage, this one feels right. Will he be able to convince his pretend wife that he wants her permanently in his life?
This author writes amazing stories that pull the reader right into the lives of her characters. Once again, the story line is intriguing, the characters likable, and the pacing perfect. Grab your copy and see if a HEA is waiting for Drew and Penny despite their roller coaster ride in getting things sorted out.
Further complicating Penny’s life, the owner of a company Drew is trying to buy assumes Penny his Drew’s wife and is pleased with their family unity. Drew goes along with the mistaken assumption, but the fake situation begins to feel real. Despite his dislike of mixing business with pleasure due to his disastrous first marriage, this one feels right. Will he be able to convince his pretend wife that he wants her permanently in his life?
This author writes amazing stories that pull the reader right into the lives of her characters. Once again, the story line is intriguing, the characters likable, and the pacing perfect. Grab your copy and see if a HEA is waiting for Drew and Penny despite their roller coaster ride in getting things sorted out.
March 27, 2020
The Billionaire's Pretend Wife is the first book in Leslie North’s Preston Brothers series and provides readers with an entertaining, flowing story of two people who for all appearances, are strong and decisive in their everyday life. But underneath their confident façade, they are two emotionally guarded individuals who have suffered through painful pasts which have left them both wary of entanglements. Penny is a wonderful female character; she is intelligent and sassy, with a beautiful side helping of care and compassion, especially when it comes to Drew’s toddler son, Logan. Drew is a powerful businessman, who has trust issues and can’t initially see that this delightful woman has no ulterior motives and is genuinely all she appears to be. Their relationship evolves as they begin to allow their barriers to fall and discover that a life alone is one of loneliness. I would have liked a little more insight into their backgrounds, but overall a good start to a brand-new series.
March 27, 2020
i received this as an arc. overall it's a cute story - very short & quick. i finished this in about 2 hours & i felt the characters should be fleshed out more. my tastes run towards the alpha dominant male & i was expecting that from the cover. instead we get sweet drew ... too sweet i think. he gets along w/his ex-wife despite the fact she screwed him over. they never fought & they remained friends. now here comes penny who mistakenly gets hired as a nanny even though she applied for a corporate job. for me she was boring - no personality at all. suddenly sparks fly - there was never a buildup & what's put me off. i wanted them to go through the usual fights, anger then love, but none of that happened. i think the problem is that it's just too short. i wasn't invested in the characters. of course there's an HEA which is expected. overall, cute story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2020
Actual rating: 3.5 ⭐
I chose this one on netgalley because of the single parent trope. This is the second book I have read from this author and I finally know why it wasn't that much of a great read for me.
I have no problem with the writing nor the plot. My main problem is that it is short. I realized that I don't usually read romance books that are short in length. Tendency for short stories are everything is too fast and the fleshing out of characters is insufficient.
For this one, the romance developed abruptly with attraction at first sight. The conflict was quick too and they lived happily ever after.
A few one dimensional characters. Also for plots with single parents, usually the kid is a central part of the story, on this not that much. Just like my previous comment, I wish there were more cutesy moments with the kid (Logan).
A better read than the first book I've read from her. It was an okay read. 👍
I chose this one on netgalley because of the single parent trope. This is the second book I have read from this author and I finally know why it wasn't that much of a great read for me.
I have no problem with the writing nor the plot. My main problem is that it is short. I realized that I don't usually read romance books that are short in length. Tendency for short stories are everything is too fast and the fleshing out of characters is insufficient.
For this one, the romance developed abruptly with attraction at first sight. The conflict was quick too and they lived happily ever after.
A few one dimensional characters. Also for plots with single parents, usually the kid is a central part of the story, on this not that much. Just like my previous comment, I wish there were more cutesy moments with the kid (Logan).
A better read than the first book I've read from her. It was an okay read. 👍
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