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The Billionaire Is Conned
Never mix business with pleasure...
Phoenix “Fifi” Jones knows all about loss. A beautiful and brilliant entrepreneur, she’s no stranger to tragedy. But instead of letting grief consume her, she’s dedicated her life to helping others. Now, in addition to running an exclusive health resort, she has a successful career as a life coach, with a reputation for working miracles...
And it will take a miracle to get through the gruff, surly shell of her latest client. To all outward appearances, Lyle Cunningham seems to have it all. He’s rich, handsome, and runs one of the biggest consumer businesses in the world. But behind his brooding good looks, this brash billionaire still carries the rage and betrayal of a broken heart, simmering just beneath the surface.
When Lyle accepts a challenge to let Fifi streamline his fortune 500 company, the sparks begin to fly. Fifi is determined to prove that Lyle’s inability to trust is hurting his business. And Lyle is convinced that Fifi’s reputation is a sham designed to hustle unsuspecting victims like his mother. As he begins unravelling the mystery that’s Phoenix Jones, each discovery is another adrenalin-pumping twist on his rollercoaster ride. As their work takes them on a breath-taking tour of one of Europe’s most stunning cities, the guarded billionaire finds himself irresistibly drawn to Fifi’s beauty and free spirit...
And they both know the dangers of giving in to the inevitable conflagration that’s threatening to consume them.
But Fifi is keeping a rather large secret, one that can push Lyle over the edge. The question is … will he survive the fall? Or will it serve to convince him that he was right after all … never to trust?
Phoenix “Fifi” Jones knows all about loss. A beautiful and brilliant entrepreneur, she’s no stranger to tragedy. But instead of letting grief consume her, she’s dedicated her life to helping others. Now, in addition to running an exclusive health resort, she has a successful career as a life coach, with a reputation for working miracles...
And it will take a miracle to get through the gruff, surly shell of her latest client. To all outward appearances, Lyle Cunningham seems to have it all. He’s rich, handsome, and runs one of the biggest consumer businesses in the world. But behind his brooding good looks, this brash billionaire still carries the rage and betrayal of a broken heart, simmering just beneath the surface.
When Lyle accepts a challenge to let Fifi streamline his fortune 500 company, the sparks begin to fly. Fifi is determined to prove that Lyle’s inability to trust is hurting his business. And Lyle is convinced that Fifi’s reputation is a sham designed to hustle unsuspecting victims like his mother. As he begins unravelling the mystery that’s Phoenix Jones, each discovery is another adrenalin-pumping twist on his rollercoaster ride. As their work takes them on a breath-taking tour of one of Europe’s most stunning cities, the guarded billionaire finds himself irresistibly drawn to Fifi’s beauty and free spirit...
And they both know the dangers of giving in to the inevitable conflagration that’s threatening to consume them.
But Fifi is keeping a rather large secret, one that can push Lyle over the edge. The question is … will he survive the fall? Or will it serve to convince him that he was right after all … never to trust?
- GenresRomance
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2021
16 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Kyra Radcliff
9 books28 followersKyra’s love for big and energetic dogs is unrivalled although her passion for writing contemporary romance comes first! A foodie with a knack for whipping up different cuisines inspired by both her heroes and heroines. She loves to travel the world and ensures she visits her family and friends. An outgoing, fun-loving, romantic who is sociable and generous to a fault. She enjoys reading and taking long walks with her pets. She also loves a good debate, can be picky in her choices and sometimes confrontational in her approach. Kyra indulges in all things romance, humour, music and current affairs. She despises crime-action, procedurals, historical content, dishonesty and too much cleanliness. Her romantic experiences before marriage continually inspire her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
February 8, 2021
I have received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Every time I dive into one of Kyra's books, I get jealous. Like immediately. Mostly because every one of them seems to go to Italy. The place I would love to go see. I mean, I would love to see a lot of the world but sadly due to COVID - I will be seeing rooms within my own house for a while. Might spice it up by going to see my parents or something. I guess it's okay now since it's snowing and my excuse to go out to shovel or build a snowman makes sense now.
Back to being jealous, once it is completely safe to travel and everything I need to seriously plan to go somewhere. I need a break from work like so many other people do. Oh wait, did I mean back to being jealous? Definitely meant back to the book. In it, you will meet Phoenix, aka Fifi, and Lyle. These two had so much tension between them and it didn't take long for sparks to fly.
I would like to say that this had the normal amount of family drama within it but that would probably be a lie. The romance was really adorable though and I couldn't help but ship these two together. In the end, it was a cute and quick read. I'm ready for my next Italian adventure.
Every time I dive into one of Kyra's books, I get jealous. Like immediately. Mostly because every one of them seems to go to Italy. The place I would love to go see. I mean, I would love to see a lot of the world but sadly due to COVID - I will be seeing rooms within my own house for a while. Might spice it up by going to see my parents or something. I guess it's okay now since it's snowing and my excuse to go out to shovel or build a snowman makes sense now.
Back to being jealous, once it is completely safe to travel and everything I need to seriously plan to go somewhere. I need a break from work like so many other people do. Oh wait, did I mean back to being jealous? Definitely meant back to the book. In it, you will meet Phoenix, aka Fifi, and Lyle. These two had so much tension between them and it didn't take long for sparks to fly.
I would like to say that this had the normal amount of family drama within it but that would probably be a lie. The romance was really adorable though and I couldn't help but ship these two together. In the end, it was a cute and quick read. I'm ready for my next Italian adventure.
May 15, 2021
I was sent this book for free in exchange for a honest review.
I haven’t read any books by this author before and it was a pretty good book.
I liked the writing style alot, the characters and the romance.
It was a short and easy read for me and didn’t take me to long to finish it :)
A three stars.
I haven’t read any books by this author before and it was a pretty good book.
I liked the writing style alot, the characters and the romance.
It was a short and easy read for me and didn’t take me to long to finish it :)
A three stars.
February 20, 2021
4.5 stars of a whirlwind romance!
This is the story of Lyle and Fifi, a businessman who meets his match in the person of a life coach. But he doesn't know much about her, not even her profession, it all starts with a dare when he tries to protect his mother from people (aka Fifi) trying to con her. Clue in a a series of secrets, hidden agendas, a lot of bad temper and a love they cannot fight.
There were so many ups and downs, so many scenes in this book, it was more than fast paced, there was not a dull moment!
I liked how well the book was structured, as to keep you guessing the motives of the characters. I loved how, although "the billionaire is conned", the con woman herself learns some important things. I didn't like much how hurtful Lyle was, and how hot and cold he ran but knowing his issues it was understandable. Fifi's character shone with her calm and her capacity to not take all his infuriating moments to heart, while still being playful and empathic. The beginning scene when they met was pure delight, so amusing and a touch cinematic. Charming!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the story of Lyle and Fifi, a businessman who meets his match in the person of a life coach. But he doesn't know much about her, not even her profession, it all starts with a dare when he tries to protect his mother from people (aka Fifi) trying to con her. Clue in a a series of secrets, hidden agendas, a lot of bad temper and a love they cannot fight.
There were so many ups and downs, so many scenes in this book, it was more than fast paced, there was not a dull moment!
I liked how well the book was structured, as to keep you guessing the motives of the characters. I loved how, although "the billionaire is conned", the con woman herself learns some important things. I didn't like much how hurtful Lyle was, and how hot and cold he ran but knowing his issues it was understandable. Fifi's character shone with her calm and her capacity to not take all his infuriating moments to heart, while still being playful and empathic. The beginning scene when they met was pure delight, so amusing and a touch cinematic. Charming!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 9, 2021
This book was interesting. There were many twists and turns along the way with a few complete and total surprises. The main characters, Lyle and Fifi, are both strong individuals, driven, forceful, and the chemistry between them is intense. They swing between anger and passion many times and often purposefully hurt one another on an emotional level. This behavior comes from deep hurts and losses experienced in each of their pasts, miscommunication, and second guessing one another. In the end, after a startling truth is revealed, they are both finally able and ready to meet on solid ground to claim the love they’ve been denying.
August 28, 2021
recensione "a cura del blog Libri magnetici" by Meghan
Let me start this review with a special thanks to the CE, Dawn Hill Publications, who contacted us, unique in Italy, giving us the opportunity to debut with this reading and in language.
Lyle Cunningham is the classic self-made-man: he built himself an empire, and only leads his life. He has no hesitation in business, which he conducts with coldness, as in his private life, to which he devotes little time.Put this way it would seem the usual story about the lone billionaire: instead there is more. From the first pages we immediately know his mother, whom he calls by name, as if to defend himself from affections and ties, and we learn that there is a brother with whom he has broken all relations and contacts.
Dear Magnetics readers, that there could be nothing more different from him than a life coach, who not only immediately offers him time for himself but leads him to a middle ground between psychoanalysis and simple reflection, and this completely unbalances him, because he is convinced that she is a scammer, a charlatan and many others words that he uses to define Fifi.
« Keeping him off balance was fine. Driving him potty was not.»
But Phoenix Jones, called Fifi, is not just a simple life coach: she is a woman who hides behind calm and yoga practices a life of suffering and solitary in turn like that of Lyle.
His connection with Lyle is also due to this, with the difference that she has learned to live with his failures and his wounds, and this will try to make him understand too, despite the fact that at some point physical attraction prevails between them.
« .....he'd been right to realise that she was more vulnerable than she pretend. It was at complete odds with his first assessment of her - that of a charlatan.»
Two different characters who, however, decide to be together precisely because they are so different: Lyle's beliefs about Fifi will all collapse not only in front of the revealed truths but because he will understand that he can be better than the man he was until the moment he met her.
« “I've felt out of control since the day I met you”, he said as though stating a fact. “In more ways than one, I might add.” »
The type of story reminded me a lot of that of Jessica Clare's Millionaires Club series, so everything flows very smoothly and pleasantly until the end, which lacks the epilogue (too bad!).
The narrative moves for a few chapters in Italy, but the author was good at giving that general look at our country, without giving notions of geography or full of untrue descriptions or full of classic stereotypes.
I must also point out that the vocabulary is quite full of "slang" and terms from speech, so it could be a bit more complex to read if you are used to "British English", despite the alternating POV.
A book that can certainly be a pleasant company for a summer afternoon.
Four and a half stars.
IN ITALIANO
Lasciatemi iniziare questa recensione con un ringraziamento particolare alla CE, Dawn Hill Publications, che ci ha contattati, unici in Italia, dandoci la possibilità di debuttare con questa lettura ed in lingua.
Lyle Cunningham è il classico self-made-man: si è costruito un impero da solo, e solo conduce la vita. Non ha esitazione negli affari, che conduce con freddezza, né nella vita privata, a cui dedica poco tempo.Messa così sembrerebbe la solita storia sul miliardario solitario: invece c’è di più.
Dalle prime pagine conosciamo subito sua madre, che lui chiama per nome, quasi a difendersi da affetti e legami, e veniamo a sapere che c’è un fratello con cui ha rotto ogni rapporto.
Capite, cari Magnetici, che non potrebbe esserci nulla di più diverso da lui di una life coach, che non solo gli propone subito tempo per se stesso ma lo porta a una via di mezzo tra la psicoanalisi e la semplice riflessione, e questo lo squilibra completamente, perché lui è convinto che sia una truffatrice.
«Tenerlo fuori equilibrio andava bene. Farlo rimbambire no. »
Ma Phoenix Jones, detta Fifi, non è solo una semplice life coach: è una donna che nasconde dietro la calma e le pratiche yoga una vita di sofferenze e solitaria a sua volta come quella Lyle.
La sua connessione con Lyle è dovuta anche questo, con la differenza che lei ha imparato a vivere con i suoi fallimenti e le sue ferite, e questo cercherà di far capire anche a lui, nonostante ad un certo punto tra loro prevalga l’attrazione fisica.
«..... aveva fatto bene a rendersi conto che era più vulnerabile di quanto fingesse. Era in totale contrasto con la sua prima valutazione di lei - quella di una truffatrice.»
Due personaggi diversi che però decidono di stare insieme proprio perché così diversi: le convinzioni di Lyle su Fifi crolleranno tutte non solo davanti alle verità svelate ma perché lui capirà di poter essere migliore dell’uomo che è stato fino al momento in cui l’ha conosciuta.
«“Mi sentivo fuori controllo dal giorno in cui ti ho incontrato”, mi ha detto come se stesse affermando un fatto. “In più di un modo, potrei aggiungere.”»
Il tipo di storia mi ha ricordato molto quella della serie del Club dei Milionari di Jessica Clare, per cui il tutto scorre molto fluido e piacevole fino al finale, che manca però dell’epilogo (peccato!).
La narrazione si sposta per alcuni capitoli in Italia, ma l’autrice è stata brava a dare quello sguardo generale sul nostro paese, senza dare nozioni di geografia o infarcire le pagine di descrizioni poco veritiere o piene dei classici stereotipi.
Devo segnalare poi che il lessico è abbastanza pieno di “slang” e termini dal parlato, per cui potrebbe risultare un po' più complesso da leggere se si è abituati al “british english”, nonostante i POV alternati.Una lettura che può essere di sicuro una piacevole compagnia per un pomeriggio estivo.
Quattro stelle e mezzo.
Let me start this review with a special thanks to the CE, Dawn Hill Publications, who contacted us, unique in Italy, giving us the opportunity to debut with this reading and in language.
Lyle Cunningham is the classic self-made-man: he built himself an empire, and only leads his life. He has no hesitation in business, which he conducts with coldness, as in his private life, to which he devotes little time.Put this way it would seem the usual story about the lone billionaire: instead there is more. From the first pages we immediately know his mother, whom he calls by name, as if to defend himself from affections and ties, and we learn that there is a brother with whom he has broken all relations and contacts.
Dear Magnetics readers, that there could be nothing more different from him than a life coach, who not only immediately offers him time for himself but leads him to a middle ground between psychoanalysis and simple reflection, and this completely unbalances him, because he is convinced that she is a scammer, a charlatan and many others words that he uses to define Fifi.
« Keeping him off balance was fine. Driving him potty was not.»
But Phoenix Jones, called Fifi, is not just a simple life coach: she is a woman who hides behind calm and yoga practices a life of suffering and solitary in turn like that of Lyle.
His connection with Lyle is also due to this, with the difference that she has learned to live with his failures and his wounds, and this will try to make him understand too, despite the fact that at some point physical attraction prevails between them.
« .....he'd been right to realise that she was more vulnerable than she pretend. It was at complete odds with his first assessment of her - that of a charlatan.»
Two different characters who, however, decide to be together precisely because they are so different: Lyle's beliefs about Fifi will all collapse not only in front of the revealed truths but because he will understand that he can be better than the man he was until the moment he met her.
« “I've felt out of control since the day I met you”, he said as though stating a fact. “In more ways than one, I might add.” »
The type of story reminded me a lot of that of Jessica Clare's Millionaires Club series, so everything flows very smoothly and pleasantly until the end, which lacks the epilogue (too bad!).
The narrative moves for a few chapters in Italy, but the author was good at giving that general look at our country, without giving notions of geography or full of untrue descriptions or full of classic stereotypes.
I must also point out that the vocabulary is quite full of "slang" and terms from speech, so it could be a bit more complex to read if you are used to "British English", despite the alternating POV.
A book that can certainly be a pleasant company for a summer afternoon.
Four and a half stars.
IN ITALIANO
Lasciatemi iniziare questa recensione con un ringraziamento particolare alla CE, Dawn Hill Publications, che ci ha contattati, unici in Italia, dandoci la possibilità di debuttare con questa lettura ed in lingua.
Lyle Cunningham è il classico self-made-man: si è costruito un impero da solo, e solo conduce la vita. Non ha esitazione negli affari, che conduce con freddezza, né nella vita privata, a cui dedica poco tempo.Messa così sembrerebbe la solita storia sul miliardario solitario: invece c’è di più.
Dalle prime pagine conosciamo subito sua madre, che lui chiama per nome, quasi a difendersi da affetti e legami, e veniamo a sapere che c’è un fratello con cui ha rotto ogni rapporto.
Capite, cari Magnetici, che non potrebbe esserci nulla di più diverso da lui di una life coach, che non solo gli propone subito tempo per se stesso ma lo porta a una via di mezzo tra la psicoanalisi e la semplice riflessione, e questo lo squilibra completamente, perché lui è convinto che sia una truffatrice.
«Tenerlo fuori equilibrio andava bene. Farlo rimbambire no. »
Ma Phoenix Jones, detta Fifi, non è solo una semplice life coach: è una donna che nasconde dietro la calma e le pratiche yoga una vita di sofferenze e solitaria a sua volta come quella Lyle.
La sua connessione con Lyle è dovuta anche questo, con la differenza che lei ha imparato a vivere con i suoi fallimenti e le sue ferite, e questo cercherà di far capire anche a lui, nonostante ad un certo punto tra loro prevalga l’attrazione fisica.
«..... aveva fatto bene a rendersi conto che era più vulnerabile di quanto fingesse. Era in totale contrasto con la sua prima valutazione di lei - quella di una truffatrice.»
Due personaggi diversi che però decidono di stare insieme proprio perché così diversi: le convinzioni di Lyle su Fifi crolleranno tutte non solo davanti alle verità svelate ma perché lui capirà di poter essere migliore dell’uomo che è stato fino al momento in cui l’ha conosciuta.
«“Mi sentivo fuori controllo dal giorno in cui ti ho incontrato”, mi ha detto come se stesse affermando un fatto. “In più di un modo, potrei aggiungere.”»
Il tipo di storia mi ha ricordato molto quella della serie del Club dei Milionari di Jessica Clare, per cui il tutto scorre molto fluido e piacevole fino al finale, che manca però dell’epilogo (peccato!).
La narrazione si sposta per alcuni capitoli in Italia, ma l’autrice è stata brava a dare quello sguardo generale sul nostro paese, senza dare nozioni di geografia o infarcire le pagine di descrizioni poco veritiere o piene dei classici stereotipi.
Devo segnalare poi che il lessico è abbastanza pieno di “slang” e termini dal parlato, per cui potrebbe risultare un po' più complesso da leggere se si è abituati al “british english”, nonostante i POV alternati.Una lettura che può essere di sicuro una piacevole compagnia per un pomeriggio estivo.
Quattro stelle e mezzo.
February 22, 2021
Such a Sweet, Endearing Story!
My first read of this author, and I love it! A cynical alpha man and a sweet life coach out to make him a better pperson!
You'll laugh a bit, cry a bit also...and enjoy the ride!
My first read of this author, and I love it! A cynical alpha man and a sweet life coach out to make him a better pperson!
You'll laugh a bit, cry a bit also...and enjoy the ride!
February 1, 2021
** A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
From the very beginning I could tell there was a mystery unravelling, and that part of the book held me.
Lyle Cunningham often indulges his mother but her recent request is too preposterous for him to give a nod on and send her on her way. On her request, however, he agrees to look into it and meet the woman behind the "scheme". Phoenix Jones is a life-coach who challenges Lyle's expectation and makes him question his professional and personal life. Both enter a bet to prove the other wrong. Soon, though, things start getting complicated in more ways than one as the mystery starts to unravel.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued by the plot myself. Still and all, in the beginning it was a bit of a task to connect to the words on the page. Some words would throw me off while I felt some were missing.
All the same, it started to be fun when I got into the groove of it. And I definitely did enjoy the chemistry between our leads.
Lyle, though, for me was a problem. Fifi categorized him as a brat, which I agreed with, but I also felt like he suffered from multiple personality disorder. He blew hot and cold so fast, it frustrated me to no end. There were a lot of times when Lyle would say one things and then after two paragraphs do the exact opposite of it. Kyra might have written him as an evolving character, but I couldn't see him as that at all; only that he just changed his mind in the end. That was the problem with Fifi as well. She had all these feelings she hoped she could say out loud; and regretted, rather, the things she had said...but in the very next moment when the time did come for such things, she immediately became defensive.
Never the less, the story held enough heat and mystery to absorb me into it and I flushed through the chapters quick and fast. Was it perfect? No. But it was decent. I loved the little moments when Lyle realized Fifi wasn't in it for the money after all or the time he made jokes about her healthy food preferences.
If you love a tale of a broody hero matched with a vibrant heroine who is much more than she appears, then you should definitely give it a try. What would you know, maybe you will find inspiration to seek your own happiness.
January 21, 2021
Providing an honest review for the publisher.
Lyle's mother wants one hundred thousand pounds to give to her life coach but he is sceptical and agrees to meet her. Lyle doesn't easily trust after his fiancee and brother ran off to elope a couple of years ago. When he meets Phoenix "Fifi" Jones, he believes she is a con artist and when she proposes a deal to spend one week in his world and one in hers, he cannot help but accept so he can prove he is right. What Lyle never planned for was the feelings that start to grow. Will Lyle be able to forgive and forget the past to embrace a new future or is he too stubborn to change?
Upon meeting Lyle, Fifi knows he needs her help. He needs to find happiness in his life and put to rest old demons. She tries to get him to trust and open himself up. The only problem is Fifi is starting to have feelings for him but knows he will not return them. Can she continue to help him without causing herself more pain? Also there are secrets from her past that could cause Lyle to turn on Fifi in a heartbeat.
There is just something so special about Fifi. She works do hard to help others when she herself has so much hurt of her own to deal with. I loved Fifi's determinedness with helping someone when they didn't want her help. The banter between Lyle and Fifi made this book. It was also interesting to see how one person's happiness or unhappiness can spill over to so many others.
Lyle's mother wants one hundred thousand pounds to give to her life coach but he is sceptical and agrees to meet her. Lyle doesn't easily trust after his fiancee and brother ran off to elope a couple of years ago. When he meets Phoenix "Fifi" Jones, he believes she is a con artist and when she proposes a deal to spend one week in his world and one in hers, he cannot help but accept so he can prove he is right. What Lyle never planned for was the feelings that start to grow. Will Lyle be able to forgive and forget the past to embrace a new future or is he too stubborn to change?
Upon meeting Lyle, Fifi knows he needs her help. He needs to find happiness in his life and put to rest old demons. She tries to get him to trust and open himself up. The only problem is Fifi is starting to have feelings for him but knows he will not return them. Can she continue to help him without causing herself more pain? Also there are secrets from her past that could cause Lyle to turn on Fifi in a heartbeat.
There is just something so special about Fifi. She works do hard to help others when she herself has so much hurt of her own to deal with. I loved Fifi's determinedness with helping someone when they didn't want her help. The banter between Lyle and Fifi made this book. It was also interesting to see how one person's happiness or unhappiness can spill over to so many others.
April 24, 2021
** A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review **
I was very intrigued with the plot of this book and I think I didn't enjoy this book that much because I had high expectations, which this book did not deliver.
My main problem were the characters. I couldn't relate to them.
Lyle is a billionaire, he's cocky, very disrespectful towards his employees and people in general and just not a good person to be around.
His mother is, I don't even know. She doesn't work or really does anything and gets an allowance from her son to pay for her things. She seems superficial, oh and she does some manipulating towards her son to make him do what she wants, like telling him if he does not give her the money she requests, she is going to his brother (they do not get along).
Then we have Fifi, who I still can't understand what she does for a living.
She's introduced as someone, kind of life a psychologist but not really. She can tell when you're not happy and realize why that is, and ultimately help change that.
First of all, right as the book starts and they meet, she is presented as this person who can look at you and see that you are unhappy and maybe if she gave it time to get to know him, it would sound natural when she guessed the why but that’s not what happened.
Just in seconds from meeting him, she guessed a lot of things. But that’s not what bothered me.. What bothered me was some of the things she was guessing were soooo detailed, like there’s no way someone could guess those things unless they are inside that person’s head.
It was so unrealistic.
Everything that happens in this book is because Lyle's mother wants to pay Fifi some ridiculous amount of money and he's sure she's a conwoman.
They make a deal, so she can show him she's not who he thinks she is.
She’s allowed in his office and vice versa so she can convince him she’s not a fraud and she really can make happen what she promises people - a happier life.
And then they fall in love.
The thing is, as she gets there she starts speaking to everyone and changing everything in his office, like how things are managed and at this point I’m just annoyed lol
“Lyle’s lips tightened. If he was pleased with their efforts, it wasn’t showing.” of course he’s not pleased. This girl, who he doesn’t know at all, just started changing every freaking think in HIS office without his consent or even his knowledge.
Then I feel like Lyle’s character traits just changed out of nowhere, like it wasn’t something gradual, not natural at all.
All of the sudden he was ok with everything, like his employees and Fifi's ideas.
There are a lot of quotes that made me annoyed and uncomfortable and ultimately contributed to my rating of this book.
I'm going to leave here some of the quotes that I didn't really like:
“I was expecting you to have more bags. In fact, I took the limo to work today, instead of the Porsche.” What? I’m sorry, do rich people actually speak like this? Do they mention their car brands every 8 seconds?
And right after this, as they get into the LIMO lol he kisses her just like that, no built up tension, no nothing. He just “gathers her into his arms” and kisses her...
another amazing quote from the book - “Why didn’t you give me the money?’ she queried, neatly evading his question. Actually, she hadn’t known, but she needed to maintain an aura of omniscience. ‘It must be a paltry sum to you.”
Honey just because someone has money, doesn’t mean they have to give it away just because!
“You said that you wouldn’t kiss me again, remember? Or was that an empty promise?’
‘What was I supposed to do when you gave me that alluring, inviting look, Phoenix?” - ewwww putting the blame on her because he couldn't "control" himself.
“And you’ll give up? Just like that? I thought you had more spirit!’
‘If I stay, I’ll be admitting that I’m free game.’
‘Don’t talk about yourself like that,’ he growled. ‘It’s cheap and demeaning to us both.” - Now he’s worried about her 😂
The first time they have sex, he starts undressing her and she asks him to stop.
At some point he puts his hand between her legs and she closes her legs so he can’t do anything and tells him to stop. He doesn’t.
Then after they have sex and he finds out she was virgin, he proceeds to blame her and calls her a con woman who had this plan all along.
Sorry but this was just not what I was expecting and I didn’t like it.
That being said, I'm grateful to the publisher for getting in contact with me and providing me a copy of this book. Even though I didn't enjoy this book as I thought I would, I'm happy they gave me the opportunity to read and review it.
I was very intrigued with the plot of this book and I think I didn't enjoy this book that much because I had high expectations, which this book did not deliver.
My main problem were the characters. I couldn't relate to them.
Lyle is a billionaire, he's cocky, very disrespectful towards his employees and people in general and just not a good person to be around.
His mother is, I don't even know. She doesn't work or really does anything and gets an allowance from her son to pay for her things. She seems superficial, oh and she does some manipulating towards her son to make him do what she wants, like telling him if he does not give her the money she requests, she is going to his brother (they do not get along).
Then we have Fifi, who I still can't understand what she does for a living.
She's introduced as someone, kind of life a psychologist but not really. She can tell when you're not happy and realize why that is, and ultimately help change that.
First of all, right as the book starts and they meet, she is presented as this person who can look at you and see that you are unhappy and maybe if she gave it time to get to know him, it would sound natural when she guessed the why but that’s not what happened.
Just in seconds from meeting him, she guessed a lot of things. But that’s not what bothered me.. What bothered me was some of the things she was guessing were soooo detailed, like there’s no way someone could guess those things unless they are inside that person’s head.
It was so unrealistic.
Everything that happens in this book is because Lyle's mother wants to pay Fifi some ridiculous amount of money and he's sure she's a conwoman.
They make a deal, so she can show him she's not who he thinks she is.
She’s allowed in his office and vice versa so she can convince him she’s not a fraud and she really can make happen what she promises people - a happier life.
And then they fall in love.
The thing is, as she gets there she starts speaking to everyone and changing everything in his office, like how things are managed and at this point I’m just annoyed lol
“Lyle’s lips tightened. If he was pleased with their efforts, it wasn’t showing.” of course he’s not pleased. This girl, who he doesn’t know at all, just started changing every freaking think in HIS office without his consent or even his knowledge.
Then I feel like Lyle’s character traits just changed out of nowhere, like it wasn’t something gradual, not natural at all.
All of the sudden he was ok with everything, like his employees and Fifi's ideas.
There are a lot of quotes that made me annoyed and uncomfortable and ultimately contributed to my rating of this book.
I'm going to leave here some of the quotes that I didn't really like:
“I was expecting you to have more bags. In fact, I took the limo to work today, instead of the Porsche.” What? I’m sorry, do rich people actually speak like this? Do they mention their car brands every 8 seconds?
And right after this, as they get into the LIMO lol he kisses her just like that, no built up tension, no nothing. He just “gathers her into his arms” and kisses her...
another amazing quote from the book - “Why didn’t you give me the money?’ she queried, neatly evading his question. Actually, she hadn’t known, but she needed to maintain an aura of omniscience. ‘It must be a paltry sum to you.”
Honey just because someone has money, doesn’t mean they have to give it away just because!
“You said that you wouldn’t kiss me again, remember? Or was that an empty promise?’
‘What was I supposed to do when you gave me that alluring, inviting look, Phoenix?” - ewwww putting the blame on her because he couldn't "control" himself.
“And you’ll give up? Just like that? I thought you had more spirit!’
‘If I stay, I’ll be admitting that I’m free game.’
‘Don’t talk about yourself like that,’ he growled. ‘It’s cheap and demeaning to us both.” - Now he’s worried about her 😂
The first time they have sex, he starts undressing her and she asks him to stop.
At some point he puts his hand between her legs and she closes her legs so he can’t do anything and tells him to stop. He doesn’t.
Then after they have sex and he finds out she was virgin, he proceeds to blame her and calls her a con woman who had this plan all along.
Sorry but this was just not what I was expecting and I didn’t like it.
That being said, I'm grateful to the publisher for getting in contact with me and providing me a copy of this book. Even though I didn't enjoy this book as I thought I would, I'm happy they gave me the opportunity to read and review it.
August 2, 2021
A beautiful story of two individuals who find solace in each other despite their differences.
This is the first book by Kyra Radcliff that I have read. I really liked the plot and story of this book. The book gives us a message of ‘There is always more to the truth than we know.’ The simple fact that ‘Healing is difficult but an important factor in everyone’s life.’ is beautifully elaborated in this story.
Lyle Cunningham was an arrogant, ruthless businessman. Being a billionaire, he had everything anyone could ask for, except love, and that was because of his incapability to trust anyone in his life. His life as a businessman demanded him to keep his guards up all the time; he just can’t be reckless around anyone if he had to be on the top of his game. Being conned was the risk he couldn’t afford to take. But his inability to trust was starting to be a hurdle to gain more profits in his business and was also affecting his personal life impeccably. Of course, there was a strong reason behind his scepticism about everyone. He was a self-made businessman, and had his share of struggles and had been betrayed by close ones. But his life was about to change drastically when his mother comes to him with an unusual request, and his protective instincts were alerted. His believes were different and according to him, his mother was getting herself into a trap set by said life coach, which he was sure, was a con artist. He had set his mind to disclose the con artist in front of his mother. He didn’t know what or either who was waiting for him.
“Lyle Cunningham, you are not going to know what’s hit you!”
Phoenix Jones didn’t like to label what she did, but for our knowledge was a life coach. She liked to help others find the way to happiness. Other than this everything about her was a mystery.
“I’m a free spirit. No one and nothing can tie me down.”
Lyle was the most difficult and closed person Fifi came across, but she was up for a challenge. Fifi knew she had to deal tactfully with him and she was good at what she did. In this case, she was worried about their arrangements and what situation can arise due to the potent attraction between them.
“But she already knew – no man had moved her the way Lyle had done.”
The sparks were attraction were evident from the moment Lyle laid his eyes on Fifi. He was attracted to her but there was no way he would let the beauty fool him. According to him, she was, “A voodoo witch doctor with delusions of being psychic.” But right from the start, Fifi was reading him precisely, and that got to him. He couldn’t let her attack his weaknesses, so he did what he was best at.
“Attack was the best form of defence.”
Both used their tricks to defend their secrets from the other but were failing badly. Fifi was unravelling Lyle, at the same time Lyle was discovering shocking things about Fifi. Despite all these differences, they couldn’t fight the inevitable for a long time.
“She was… she was vulnerable somehow. Then again, so was he.”
Their story was full of bickering, romance, passion, surprises, hurt, pain but most importantly love and healing. There were some things that could have been better to make it an easy read, but otherwise, it was an amazing story. It was a beautiful story of two individuals who find solace in each other despite their differences.
I will recommend this book to readers who love to read romance mysteries. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author. I find her writing a little different and exploring different aspects of life.
A great thanks to the publisher for providing the free book for an honest review, it was nice to read something fresh and new.
This is the first book by Kyra Radcliff that I have read. I really liked the plot and story of this book. The book gives us a message of ‘There is always more to the truth than we know.’ The simple fact that ‘Healing is difficult but an important factor in everyone’s life.’ is beautifully elaborated in this story.
Lyle Cunningham was an arrogant, ruthless businessman. Being a billionaire, he had everything anyone could ask for, except love, and that was because of his incapability to trust anyone in his life. His life as a businessman demanded him to keep his guards up all the time; he just can’t be reckless around anyone if he had to be on the top of his game. Being conned was the risk he couldn’t afford to take. But his inability to trust was starting to be a hurdle to gain more profits in his business and was also affecting his personal life impeccably. Of course, there was a strong reason behind his scepticism about everyone. He was a self-made businessman, and had his share of struggles and had been betrayed by close ones. But his life was about to change drastically when his mother comes to him with an unusual request, and his protective instincts were alerted. His believes were different and according to him, his mother was getting herself into a trap set by said life coach, which he was sure, was a con artist. He had set his mind to disclose the con artist in front of his mother. He didn’t know what or either who was waiting for him.
“Lyle Cunningham, you are not going to know what’s hit you!”
Phoenix Jones didn’t like to label what she did, but for our knowledge was a life coach. She liked to help others find the way to happiness. Other than this everything about her was a mystery.
“I’m a free spirit. No one and nothing can tie me down.”
Lyle was the most difficult and closed person Fifi came across, but she was up for a challenge. Fifi knew she had to deal tactfully with him and she was good at what she did. In this case, she was worried about their arrangements and what situation can arise due to the potent attraction between them.
“But she already knew – no man had moved her the way Lyle had done.”
The sparks were attraction were evident from the moment Lyle laid his eyes on Fifi. He was attracted to her but there was no way he would let the beauty fool him. According to him, she was, “A voodoo witch doctor with delusions of being psychic.” But right from the start, Fifi was reading him precisely, and that got to him. He couldn’t let her attack his weaknesses, so he did what he was best at.
“Attack was the best form of defence.”
Both used their tricks to defend their secrets from the other but were failing badly. Fifi was unravelling Lyle, at the same time Lyle was discovering shocking things about Fifi. Despite all these differences, they couldn’t fight the inevitable for a long time.
“She was… she was vulnerable somehow. Then again, so was he.”
Their story was full of bickering, romance, passion, surprises, hurt, pain but most importantly love and healing. There were some things that could have been better to make it an easy read, but otherwise, it was an amazing story. It was a beautiful story of two individuals who find solace in each other despite their differences.
I will recommend this book to readers who love to read romance mysteries. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author. I find her writing a little different and exploring different aspects of life.
A great thanks to the publisher for providing the free book for an honest review, it was nice to read something fresh and new.
January 26, 2021
“Forewarned is forearmed. Usually.”
Lyle Cunningham is a cynic.
He doesn’t believe in witches, clairvoyance or happiness for that matter.
The man is a shark, ruthless even, when it comes to business and has slowly but surely detached himself from all relationships.
Throughout the years, Lyle has become more and more cold and untrusting. It’s not that he wants to be this way, it’s just that life made him this way. It’s just that life made him like this. He made the best he could with the cards he was dealt.
If you look from a far tho, you’d think Lyle’s life is pretty perfect. I mean he’s a billionaire after all, has a success company and thousands of people that depend on him (his mother included) and the fair sex his very partial to him.
When his mother asks him a pretty hefty sum of money, so she can give it to a Spa manager that, apparently, made her find happiness, Lyle sees the situation for what it is (or is it?) a con artist trying to rob his mother!
“This was nothing short of mystical. She was a witch!”
Phoenix Jones is a mystery.
When Lyle first meets her he’s positive all she wants is his mother’s money. She’s a Spa manager, free spirit and dresses and looks like a teenager! Which makes his instant desire for her even more disgusting in his head.
“Only, you’ve wasted your time. I’m not a con artist, as you will very soon discover.’
‘Famous last words,’ he scoffed. ‘You won’t last the week.”
After Phoenix wagers Lyle however, he’ll discover that there’s so much more depth to the redhead that what he thought and he can’t help be confused and intrigued all at the same.
“She was… she was vulnerable somehow. Then again, so was he.”
I loved this book!
Once again Kyra Radcliff delivered an incredible romance, full of passion, angst and a little mystery that made this book an instant page turner.
The characters are so beautiful, with so much depth and complicated feelings and background!
Arc kindly provided by DawnHill Publications
Lyle Cunningham is a cynic.
He doesn’t believe in witches, clairvoyance or happiness for that matter.
The man is a shark, ruthless even, when it comes to business and has slowly but surely detached himself from all relationships.
Throughout the years, Lyle has become more and more cold and untrusting. It’s not that he wants to be this way, it’s just that life made him this way. It’s just that life made him like this. He made the best he could with the cards he was dealt.
If you look from a far tho, you’d think Lyle’s life is pretty perfect. I mean he’s a billionaire after all, has a success company and thousands of people that depend on him (his mother included) and the fair sex his very partial to him.
When his mother asks him a pretty hefty sum of money, so she can give it to a Spa manager that, apparently, made her find happiness, Lyle sees the situation for what it is (or is it?) a con artist trying to rob his mother!
“This was nothing short of mystical. She was a witch!”
Phoenix Jones is a mystery.
When Lyle first meets her he’s positive all she wants is his mother’s money. She’s a Spa manager, free spirit and dresses and looks like a teenager! Which makes his instant desire for her even more disgusting in his head.
“Only, you’ve wasted your time. I’m not a con artist, as you will very soon discover.’
‘Famous last words,’ he scoffed. ‘You won’t last the week.”
After Phoenix wagers Lyle however, he’ll discover that there’s so much more depth to the redhead that what he thought and he can’t help be confused and intrigued all at the same.
“She was… she was vulnerable somehow. Then again, so was he.”
I loved this book!
Once again Kyra Radcliff delivered an incredible romance, full of passion, angst and a little mystery that made this book an instant page turner.
The characters are so beautiful, with so much depth and complicated feelings and background!
Arc kindly provided by DawnHill Publications
May 13, 2021
This was a very interesting reading. It’s a romance+mystery kind of story and I really liked how the plot changed its course again and again during the whole book, so that I was never sure about the characters intentions and what would happen next. Although the "romance part" didn't exactly work for me, this unpredictable tone of the story got me gripped.
To be fair, what I felt missing was some kind of deeper connection between Lyle and Fifi. Most of the time, it looked like they were only enemies who felt some physical attraction for each other. I could see why Lyle had some problem with trusting people, but I didn’t get why he kept being so mean to Fifi sometimes, if he was supposedly falling in love with her. At the same time, I felt annoyed by how much Fifi was super smart to figure out what was going on with other people and had the best advices to give them on how to change their lives in order to be happier, but she also was so unable to do the same for herself. That’s ok that she was essentially a good person trying to do good, but nobody is that good of a person to be treated so badly, repeatedly, and still stick around.
Now, talk about a great mystery! This aspect of the book is to be praised! The author did a brilliant job here. I felt in the dark, almost to the very end, regarding to what Fifi and Adele were hiding. Fifi’s secret was something I could see coming because some hints had been dropped here and there. But the family’s one was a big surprise to me.
All that said, I recommend this book and this author. She has a unique and great style.
My special thanks to the publisher, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
To be fair, what I felt missing was some kind of deeper connection between Lyle and Fifi. Most of the time, it looked like they were only enemies who felt some physical attraction for each other. I could see why Lyle had some problem with trusting people, but I didn’t get why he kept being so mean to Fifi sometimes, if he was supposedly falling in love with her. At the same time, I felt annoyed by how much Fifi was super smart to figure out what was going on with other people and had the best advices to give them on how to change their lives in order to be happier, but she also was so unable to do the same for herself. That’s ok that she was essentially a good person trying to do good, but nobody is that good of a person to be treated so badly, repeatedly, and still stick around.
Now, talk about a great mystery! This aspect of the book is to be praised! The author did a brilliant job here. I felt in the dark, almost to the very end, regarding to what Fifi and Adele were hiding. Fifi’s secret was something I could see coming because some hints had been dropped here and there. But the family’s one was a big surprise to me.
All that said, I recommend this book and this author. She has a unique and great style.
My special thanks to the publisher, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2021
A bit meh...
This was suggested to me after the publisher got in contact. As it was on KU, I decided to try it.
Firstly, it wasn't a book I would have picked up. Possibly unfairly, the cover would put me off from even reading the summary - its a bit too Mills and Boony-y for me. Whilst I read contemporary/new adult romance, M&B are just not my thing.
Even though its a short book, I struggled to finish it. I just couldn't engage with either Fifi or Lyle.
She seems to good to be true - everyone (other than Lyle) likes, trusts and listens to her without question. Also, the huge and immediate success of the business changes is ridiculous. Yes, she has had a tragedy in her life but that feels like it was just thrown in to as a reason show her life choices, but it didn't add anything.
Lyle wasn't likeable either. Yes, again the author gives reasons for this but not enough is shown as to his 'true' personality. He just comes across as vindictive and child like with his outbursts.
The story also became repetitive. They'd have an ok conversation, then an argument, then a sort of truce. Rinse and repeat I just didn't believe in the characters being together. They both seemed to be shallow and despite their jobs and life events, immature.
Some of the phrasing is a bit cring worthy too (back to M&B again). Just two are 'burgeoning manhood' and 'pearl of womanhood'......
Now for something really petty, but given I work for a haulage firm, I feel I can mention this. Brits drive lorries, not trucks!
Its very unlikely I'll read this author again but it was good to try something new.
This was suggested to me after the publisher got in contact. As it was on KU, I decided to try it.
Firstly, it wasn't a book I would have picked up. Possibly unfairly, the cover would put me off from even reading the summary - its a bit too Mills and Boony-y for me. Whilst I read contemporary/new adult romance, M&B are just not my thing.
Even though its a short book, I struggled to finish it. I just couldn't engage with either Fifi or Lyle.
She seems to good to be true - everyone (other than Lyle) likes, trusts and listens to her without question. Also, the huge and immediate success of the business changes is ridiculous. Yes, she has had a tragedy in her life but that feels like it was just thrown in to as a reason show her life choices, but it didn't add anything.
Lyle wasn't likeable either. Yes, again the author gives reasons for this but not enough is shown as to his 'true' personality. He just comes across as vindictive and child like with his outbursts.
The story also became repetitive. They'd have an ok conversation, then an argument, then a sort of truce. Rinse and repeat I just didn't believe in the characters being together. They both seemed to be shallow and despite their jobs and life events, immature.
Some of the phrasing is a bit cring worthy too (back to M&B again). Just two are 'burgeoning manhood' and 'pearl of womanhood'......
Now for something really petty, but given I work for a haulage firm, I feel I can mention this. Brits drive lorries, not trucks!
Its very unlikely I'll read this author again but it was good to try something new.
February 25, 2021
I received this book from the publisher, requesting that I read it and then review it.
This is the story of Lyle and Phoenix (Fifi)...Lyle is the billionaire and Fifi is the con - or is she? The story has quite a few twists and turns in the plot but, overall, it's an enjoyable read. Lyle is not very likeable character - he is abrupt, rude, untrustworthy and holds everyone at arm's length. As the story unfolds, you will learn more about why he is the way he is but he has many layers and they are slowly peeled away.
He is introduced to Fifi, thanks to his meddling mother - she wants to give Fifi some money and asks Lyle for it. He believes his mother (and, therefore, himself) is being conned by this "life coach" and he refuses his mother's request. As part of this request, he agrees to meet with Fifi and the adventure begins. He is instantly attracted to her the first time he sees her but also doesn't trust her - and tells her so.
She challenges him to spend some time with her - to see how she runs her business and offers to help him with his business. He's not thrilled about her idea but takes her bet/challenge and he's absolutely certain that their upcoming time together will show Fifi for what she is....a con artist.
The overall story takes some time to ramp up (in my opinion) but it's an enjoyable read. It bounces around a bit but, in the end, it all begins to make sense.
This was the first book from this author that I have read and I am interested in reading others from her...
This is the story of Lyle and Phoenix (Fifi)...Lyle is the billionaire and Fifi is the con - or is she? The story has quite a few twists and turns in the plot but, overall, it's an enjoyable read. Lyle is not very likeable character - he is abrupt, rude, untrustworthy and holds everyone at arm's length. As the story unfolds, you will learn more about why he is the way he is but he has many layers and they are slowly peeled away.
He is introduced to Fifi, thanks to his meddling mother - she wants to give Fifi some money and asks Lyle for it. He believes his mother (and, therefore, himself) is being conned by this "life coach" and he refuses his mother's request. As part of this request, he agrees to meet with Fifi and the adventure begins. He is instantly attracted to her the first time he sees her but also doesn't trust her - and tells her so.
She challenges him to spend some time with her - to see how she runs her business and offers to help him with his business. He's not thrilled about her idea but takes her bet/challenge and he's absolutely certain that their upcoming time together will show Fifi for what she is....a con artist.
The overall story takes some time to ramp up (in my opinion) but it's an enjoyable read. It bounces around a bit but, in the end, it all begins to make sense.
This was the first book from this author that I have read and I am interested in reading others from her...
February 6, 2021
This was my first jaunt with this author.
I want to say first that I'm giving 4 stars for the plot and the very polished, very literate writing style of Ms. Radcliff who, it seems, is fairly new to this genre of novels. I was impressed with the storyline, because I haven't seen this type of plot very much. Ok, so here's where I'm going to get a little more ruthless. The hero, Lyle, is the penultimate egomaniacal, self-serving, socially challenged bonehead that I've ever read about. One wonders why the author decided to vilify him all the way up to the end. No hints were given at all that this man was thinking he was in love with the heroine. He, perhaps, needed a little more fleshing out. It made the flow of the story awkward. It reminded me of the old Harlequins of my youth in which there was only ever one point of view.
Phoenix/Phoebe/Fi-fi was impressive in her business acumen and intelligence. Poor girl was totally stupid about Lyle. The character, who is the heroine, refers to an occurrence between her and Lyle as their lovemaking, and I feel a much more crude word was needed for what they were doing. It wasn't lovemaking. That being said, the passionate scenes were tastefully written, albeit in a cookie-cutter fashion. So, all the bits and pieces were brought out as a surprise at the end.
I want to say first that I'm giving 4 stars for the plot and the very polished, very literate writing style of Ms. Radcliff who, it seems, is fairly new to this genre of novels. I was impressed with the storyline, because I haven't seen this type of plot very much. Ok, so here's where I'm going to get a little more ruthless. The hero, Lyle, is the penultimate egomaniacal, self-serving, socially challenged bonehead that I've ever read about. One wonders why the author decided to vilify him all the way up to the end. No hints were given at all that this man was thinking he was in love with the heroine. He, perhaps, needed a little more fleshing out. It made the flow of the story awkward. It reminded me of the old Harlequins of my youth in which there was only ever one point of view.
Phoenix/Phoebe/Fi-fi was impressive in her business acumen and intelligence. Poor girl was totally stupid about Lyle. The character, who is the heroine, refers to an occurrence between her and Lyle as their lovemaking, and I feel a much more crude word was needed for what they were doing. It wasn't lovemaking. That being said, the passionate scenes were tastefully written, albeit in a cookie-cutter fashion. So, all the bits and pieces were brought out as a surprise at the end.
March 29, 2021
For the lovers of category romance, there is a new player in the house to check out with Dawn Hill Publications.
“The Billionaire is Conned” takes on many of the familiar tropes found in category but still has found a way to create a story that’s plot twists in new and unusual ways.
If one is a fan of the grumpy sunshine, hero/heroine dynamic, this book has it on steroids, with Lyle being the grumpiest of grumps paired against Fifi, the sunniest of sunshine heroines. I am serious, the dichotomy is the extreme of the extremes. So readers really do need to enjoy this type of on page relationship to be able to sink into this story, because Lyle’s character is literally an emotionally illiterate bull in the china shop and Fifi is so happy and forgiving, that if it isn’t your yum, you probably will feel slightly discomforted by the characters’ hate to love evolution to HEA. However, if redeeming emotionally stunted heroes and showing them love and communication can work for them, too, is your yum... then add this one to you TBR list right now.
Overall, “The Billionaire is Conned” turned the formula of category romance on its head and gives its readers an unique story that is unlike any thing they will have read before in the traditional “Billionaire” Harlequin and for me is a solid 3 star read.
“The Billionaire is Conned” takes on many of the familiar tropes found in category but still has found a way to create a story that’s plot twists in new and unusual ways.
If one is a fan of the grumpy sunshine, hero/heroine dynamic, this book has it on steroids, with Lyle being the grumpiest of grumps paired against Fifi, the sunniest of sunshine heroines. I am serious, the dichotomy is the extreme of the extremes. So readers really do need to enjoy this type of on page relationship to be able to sink into this story, because Lyle’s character is literally an emotionally illiterate bull in the china shop and Fifi is so happy and forgiving, that if it isn’t your yum, you probably will feel slightly discomforted by the characters’ hate to love evolution to HEA. However, if redeeming emotionally stunted heroes and showing them love and communication can work for them, too, is your yum... then add this one to you TBR list right now.
Overall, “The Billionaire is Conned” turned the formula of category romance on its head and gives its readers an unique story that is unlike any thing they will have read before in the traditional “Billionaire” Harlequin and for me is a solid 3 star read.
March 10, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review. so here goes.
I struggled with this book, the editing was not on point and I found myself re-reading a sentence FOUR times in most instances just to understand what I read the initial time.
The book starts off with a meeting between Lyle and his mother and enters Phoenix, the woman who looks like a teenager.
Basically Phoenix aka Fifi wants $100,000 from Lyle's mother. Lyle will not fork over the cash and an agreement is reached between Fifi and Lyle, she spends time with him at his company and home to prove she isnt a con woman.
Introducing the characters at the office, the author refers to a guy as being "blonde" and then a "black woman. I was like hold up...is there another description which could have been used as opposed to "black woman".
The story dragged for me with too many repetitions, at times. I literally skipped paragraphs.
By the middle of the book, things started picking up and I started enjoying reading the many facets of both the main characters Lye and Fifi.
The cover art was amazing, which I had to give one star.
All in all the book was an ok read for me. Will certainly read other books by the author.
I struggled with this book, the editing was not on point and I found myself re-reading a sentence FOUR times in most instances just to understand what I read the initial time.
The book starts off with a meeting between Lyle and his mother and enters Phoenix, the woman who looks like a teenager.
Basically Phoenix aka Fifi wants $100,000 from Lyle's mother. Lyle will not fork over the cash and an agreement is reached between Fifi and Lyle, she spends time with him at his company and home to prove she isnt a con woman.
Introducing the characters at the office, the author refers to a guy as being "blonde" and then a "black woman. I was like hold up...is there another description which could have been used as opposed to "black woman".
The story dragged for me with too many repetitions, at times. I literally skipped paragraphs.
By the middle of the book, things started picking up and I started enjoying reading the many facets of both the main characters Lye and Fifi.
The cover art was amazing, which I had to give one star.
All in all the book was an ok read for me. Will certainly read other books by the author.
March 12, 2021
The Billionaire is Conned, is an excellent start for a ‘new to me’ author, Kyra Radcliff.
The story focuses on Lyle, a billionaire whose jaded view of love and trust is blinded by what he thought was the height of betrayal committed by his brother and ex-fiancée, who eloped the day before his wedding.
Lyle is confronted by Fifi, a life-coach whom he believes is conning him and his mother.
Plot-wise, the story was good, if a bit long-winded, but I did enjoy the push and pull between Lyle and Fifi, especially nearing the end when Lyle was faced with the truth. Radcliff’s writing style was a breath of fresh air—her use of old fashioned words and descriptions very appropriate for the book’s setting in Europe.
I would encourage you, dear reader, to give this book, this author, a chance. Maybe, like me, you might find some gems hidden between the lines that resonate within you, like this did me:
‘We all have it within ourselves to forgive, Lyle. Even you. You just haven’t looked for it yet. You will.’
‘What makes you so certain of that?’ he asked sceptically.
‘Because you feel guilty about it,’ she said simply. ‘Anyone who’s capable of remorse can find the strength to pardon their offender.’
I will definitely be watching out for other books by Kyra Radcliff.
The story focuses on Lyle, a billionaire whose jaded view of love and trust is blinded by what he thought was the height of betrayal committed by his brother and ex-fiancée, who eloped the day before his wedding.
Lyle is confronted by Fifi, a life-coach whom he believes is conning him and his mother.
Plot-wise, the story was good, if a bit long-winded, but I did enjoy the push and pull between Lyle and Fifi, especially nearing the end when Lyle was faced with the truth. Radcliff’s writing style was a breath of fresh air—her use of old fashioned words and descriptions very appropriate for the book’s setting in Europe.
I would encourage you, dear reader, to give this book, this author, a chance. Maybe, like me, you might find some gems hidden between the lines that resonate within you, like this did me:
‘We all have it within ourselves to forgive, Lyle. Even you. You just haven’t looked for it yet. You will.’
‘What makes you so certain of that?’ he asked sceptically.
‘Because you feel guilty about it,’ she said simply. ‘Anyone who’s capable of remorse can find the strength to pardon their offender.’
I will definitely be watching out for other books by Kyra Radcliff.
February 2, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Wealthy, cold, corporate mogul Lyle Cunningham is sent by his mother to a life coach named Phoenix Jones. She is a ravishing young beauty and very tolerant of Lyle’s angry disposition and distrusting ways. But Lyle is certain that she is only after money. Can Phoenix convince him she is really going to help him? Since his brother betrayed him, Lyle trusts no one.
So Phoenix the Zen maiden convinces foul-tempered Lyle to learn from her for a short time. But she has her work cut out for her! Since they are both business owners, they find they have a lot in common. And they both seem to have jagged edges around their hearts. There are some romantic sex scenes that help break thru these jagged edges.
Kyra Radcliff is good at creating characters with many layers. Phoenix is worldly and intelligent. It’s also impressive how she can read people's emotions from their non-verbal cues.
The beginning of this book was very intriguing and intense. The middle slowed down a bit so I wanted a big event to shake up their string of Phoenix’s talks with Lyle. The end of it flew by. And there is a twist in the storyline that caught me by surprise! It was my favorite part of the book!
Wealthy, cold, corporate mogul Lyle Cunningham is sent by his mother to a life coach named Phoenix Jones. She is a ravishing young beauty and very tolerant of Lyle’s angry disposition and distrusting ways. But Lyle is certain that she is only after money. Can Phoenix convince him she is really going to help him? Since his brother betrayed him, Lyle trusts no one.
So Phoenix the Zen maiden convinces foul-tempered Lyle to learn from her for a short time. But she has her work cut out for her! Since they are both business owners, they find they have a lot in common. And they both seem to have jagged edges around their hearts. There are some romantic sex scenes that help break thru these jagged edges.
Kyra Radcliff is good at creating characters with many layers. Phoenix is worldly and intelligent. It’s also impressive how she can read people's emotions from their non-verbal cues.
The beginning of this book was very intriguing and intense. The middle slowed down a bit so I wanted a big event to shake up their string of Phoenix’s talks with Lyle. The end of it flew by. And there is a twist in the storyline that caught me by surprise! It was my favorite part of the book!
March 8, 2021
This was a great story about getting over past hurts and loss and finding a way to move on. Lyle Cunningham is a billionaire who, after being betrayed by his brother and fiancé, has walled off his heart and lives life on his own terms. His mother is concerned about him and devices a plan to help Lyle find joy and happiness again.
Fifi is a life coach who has worked with Lyle’s mother in the past and agrees to help her son find happiness in life again. When Lyle goes to meet this woman that he thinks is a con artist, he’s taken by surprise by the instant attraction that he feels. Lyle agrees to a dare by Fifi to work together for a week to prove that she really isn’t a con artist. During their week together, Lyle’s emotions towards Fifi are all over the place. Their attraction towards each other is intense, but it puts Lyle on the defensive, and they tend to lash out because of past hurts that they seem to bring out in each other.
I really enjoyed this story and was rooting for Lyle and Fifi to find a way to resolve all their past hurts and accept their feelings for each other.
Fifi is a life coach who has worked with Lyle’s mother in the past and agrees to help her son find happiness in life again. When Lyle goes to meet this woman that he thinks is a con artist, he’s taken by surprise by the instant attraction that he feels. Lyle agrees to a dare by Fifi to work together for a week to prove that she really isn’t a con artist. During their week together, Lyle’s emotions towards Fifi are all over the place. Their attraction towards each other is intense, but it puts Lyle on the defensive, and they tend to lash out because of past hurts that they seem to bring out in each other.
I really enjoyed this story and was rooting for Lyle and Fifi to find a way to resolve all their past hurts and accept their feelings for each other.
March 18, 2021
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of a very untrusting, very obnoxious billionaire Lyle, who is determined to find fault in the completely opposite, caring, considerate, compassionate and forgiving Fifi. Our heroine Fifi, a former fashion designer turned life coach, has secretly been engaged by Lyle’s mother to help him sort through his complex feelings of distrust and betrayal, in the hope that it will help heal a family rift and bring the family back together.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and whilst I enjoyed it, I did find it a bit difficult to read at times. I think the male character was over extended and the story line was a bit choppy with gaps that interrupted the story and didn’t quite make sense at times. The romantic scenes were a bit anticlimactic, or perhaps it was just that I didn’t gel with these characters like I hope to with romance novels. However, I think the Author is definitely one to watch as she develops her writing skills and I’d still be interested in reading further work in the future.
This is the story of a very untrusting, very obnoxious billionaire Lyle, who is determined to find fault in the completely opposite, caring, considerate, compassionate and forgiving Fifi. Our heroine Fifi, a former fashion designer turned life coach, has secretly been engaged by Lyle’s mother to help him sort through his complex feelings of distrust and betrayal, in the hope that it will help heal a family rift and bring the family back together.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and whilst I enjoyed it, I did find it a bit difficult to read at times. I think the male character was over extended and the story line was a bit choppy with gaps that interrupted the story and didn’t quite make sense at times. The romantic scenes were a bit anticlimactic, or perhaps it was just that I didn’t gel with these characters like I hope to with romance novels. However, I think the Author is definitely one to watch as she develops her writing skills and I’d still be interested in reading further work in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2021
First time reading something from Kyra Radcliff. From the book cover, it's not something I would pick up at the get-go, but I decided to give it a read as I was kindly recommended and given a copy by the publishers.
The book, being only 10 chapters long is really fast-paced. They met, instantly hated(?) each other - one thinking the other is a con artist, and the other was just probably treating it as a favor/job. But well, there is some attraction there, and it went straight right into the lust. LOL
Honestly, feel that there are parts that could be expanded more? Was hoping for some real angst, broken heart plot lines that would make me sob. But there wasn't. The whole storyline from the beginning, to the twist, and everything else happened quite fast.
Also, just a tiny tiny tiny bit annoyed with how Lyle is like hot & cold with Fifi. I feel that there's a lot of potential for angst in this book, and I would really be very excited to explore them!!
Overall, still quite a good & quick read -- hence the 3/5 stars!
The book, being only 10 chapters long is really fast-paced. They met, instantly hated(?) each other - one thinking the other is a con artist, and the other was just probably treating it as a favor/job. But well, there is some attraction there, and it went straight right into the lust. LOL
Honestly, feel that there are parts that could be expanded more? Was hoping for some real angst, broken heart plot lines that would make me sob. But there wasn't. The whole storyline from the beginning, to the twist, and everything else happened quite fast.
Also, just a tiny tiny tiny bit annoyed with how Lyle is like hot & cold with Fifi. I feel that there's a lot of potential for angst in this book, and I would really be very excited to explore them!!
Overall, still quite a good & quick read -- hence the 3/5 stars!
March 3, 2021
I was asked by Dawn Publishing to voluntarily review this book. Kyra is a new author to me so happy to help.
I really loved the start where the story dangles potential secrets and conflicts. However, sadly I couldn’t warm to the characters. I am all for a mercurial character of Lyle to bring some sizzle to the story. Also the calm and insightfulness of Fifi. But it didn’t incite my engagement with them. Then as the book progressed yes there was intrigue resulting from the secrets and lies. I sadly lost my way, as it seemed to jump from one thing to another, so the flow was impaired. Also it seemed at times that a thesaurus had been used to describe very simple situations and plain English would have had greater impact.
Nevertheless, I found the ending all be it predictable was appropriate for this story. For me when I get to the end even if the pathway to get there is a little bumpy. If I have the feeling of happy tears then I know it is a good read. Which on this occasion didn’t happen .Sorry.
I really loved the start where the story dangles potential secrets and conflicts. However, sadly I couldn’t warm to the characters. I am all for a mercurial character of Lyle to bring some sizzle to the story. Also the calm and insightfulness of Fifi. But it didn’t incite my engagement with them. Then as the book progressed yes there was intrigue resulting from the secrets and lies. I sadly lost my way, as it seemed to jump from one thing to another, so the flow was impaired. Also it seemed at times that a thesaurus had been used to describe very simple situations and plain English would have had greater impact.
Nevertheless, I found the ending all be it predictable was appropriate for this story. For me when I get to the end even if the pathway to get there is a little bumpy. If I have the feeling of happy tears then I know it is a good read. Which on this occasion didn’t happen .Sorry.
March 18, 2021
I was gifted this book for an honest review, it's the 1st book I have read by Kyra Radcliff, I struggled at the beginning to get into it but once I did I loved it 😍 was worth the read.
Lyle Cunningham is a business man who has been betrayed by the people close to him 😪
The story starts were his mother wants a large sum of money to give to her life coach Phoenix Jones known as Fifi, when he meets Fifi he is very cynical & believes she is a con artist. Fifi comes up with a plan to spend time in each others worlds, after meeting him she know that she needs to help him move forward and find happiness 😊
They are both strong and driven people and the arguments and passion between them is 🔥🔥🔥
Fifi is struggling to continue helping him because she has feelings for him and does not want to get hurt because he won't return the feelings,
They both end up learning stuff about themselves through there time together. Loved the twist to the book at the end never expected it.
I will definitely be reading more of Kyra's books 😍
Lyle Cunningham is a business man who has been betrayed by the people close to him 😪
The story starts were his mother wants a large sum of money to give to her life coach Phoenix Jones known as Fifi, when he meets Fifi he is very cynical & believes she is a con artist. Fifi comes up with a plan to spend time in each others worlds, after meeting him she know that she needs to help him move forward and find happiness 😊
They are both strong and driven people and the arguments and passion between them is 🔥🔥🔥
Fifi is struggling to continue helping him because she has feelings for him and does not want to get hurt because he won't return the feelings,
They both end up learning stuff about themselves through there time together. Loved the twist to the book at the end never expected it.
I will definitely be reading more of Kyra's books 😍
March 22, 2021
*A review copy was provided by the publisher which had no influence on my review*
This book just never clicked with me. I started out disliking the h when she was introduced as Fifi which I consider a ridiculous name for an almost 30 year old. Her given name, Phoenix, is much more interesting. Her character description didn’t change my opinion. Lyle, on the other hand, was barely likable at all. He came across as cold and mercurial in his moods.
The two seemingly fell in love in a ridiculously short period of time when most of that time was spent distrusting and barely liking each other. The rapid ascent of their relationship was unbelievable, especially as they were barely a couple.
The positives in this book were a nice twist toward the end which kept the theme from being predictable and the fact that the book was not poorly written. From other reviews, I see that there are readers who liked this book. I just didn’t happen to be one. It wasn’t a horrible book and is worthy of your read if you enjoy billionaire stories.
This book just never clicked with me. I started out disliking the h when she was introduced as Fifi which I consider a ridiculous name for an almost 30 year old. Her given name, Phoenix, is much more interesting. Her character description didn’t change my opinion. Lyle, on the other hand, was barely likable at all. He came across as cold and mercurial in his moods.
The two seemingly fell in love in a ridiculously short period of time when most of that time was spent distrusting and barely liking each other. The rapid ascent of their relationship was unbelievable, especially as they were barely a couple.
The positives in this book were a nice twist toward the end which kept the theme from being predictable and the fact that the book was not poorly written. From other reviews, I see that there are readers who liked this book. I just didn’t happen to be one. It wasn’t a horrible book and is worthy of your read if you enjoy billionaire stories.
March 22, 2021
A quite original storyline. This novel takes place in London and uses some British terminology. Lyle lives a solitude life. He calls his mother by her name Adele instead of mother his employees are nervous to talk to him. Lyle is this way because of past betrayal by his brother and his ex fiancee.
One day his mother comes to him asking for money to give to a somewhat self-help guru she has been seeing as a somewhat therapist. Lyle immediately felt his mother is getting taking advantage of and demands to meet this charlatan of a woman.
The way he first meets Phoenix aka Fifi is quite comical. Fifi is somewhat of a spiritual guru that helps people get to their happy. Lyle believes none of this, and thinks she is after money. As we get to know more about Phoenix we realize she is more than a spiritual guru and has many layers to her. This book was definitely quite different from any romance novels I have read. Love the creativity of the storyline. Was giving arc by the publisher for an honest review.
One day his mother comes to him asking for money to give to a somewhat self-help guru she has been seeing as a somewhat therapist. Lyle immediately felt his mother is getting taking advantage of and demands to meet this charlatan of a woman.
The way he first meets Phoenix aka Fifi is quite comical. Fifi is somewhat of a spiritual guru that helps people get to their happy. Lyle believes none of this, and thinks she is after money. As we get to know more about Phoenix we realize she is more than a spiritual guru and has many layers to her. This book was definitely quite different from any romance novels I have read. Love the creativity of the storyline. Was giving arc by the publisher for an honest review.
May 4, 2021
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
You know the saying "Never judge a book by it's cover"? Well that is something both Phoenix & Lyle learn.
Lyle is a control freak, grumpy business man. Phoenix is a free spirit who likes helping people. Is he capable of letting go of the reigns at all? Is Phoenix a con artist? That is what's going through each of their minds...Lyle is very untrusting due to a betrayal from his past so when Phoenix comes into his life thanks to his mother, he is very skeptical about who she is and what she does.
They enter an arrangement of shadowing each other for a week at each other's place of business so they get a better idea of who they are and how they work.
What could possibly go wrong doing such an arrangement?! Mutual attraction is a big no no in any business arrangement so they are already skating on thin ice! As time goes on and things happen...truths come to light and they are both thrown for a loop. Is Phoenix trustworthy? Can Lyle change his ways so he can finally be happy in life?
You know the saying "Never judge a book by it's cover"? Well that is something both Phoenix & Lyle learn.
Lyle is a control freak, grumpy business man. Phoenix is a free spirit who likes helping people. Is he capable of letting go of the reigns at all? Is Phoenix a con artist? That is what's going through each of their minds...Lyle is very untrusting due to a betrayal from his past so when Phoenix comes into his life thanks to his mother, he is very skeptical about who she is and what she does.
They enter an arrangement of shadowing each other for a week at each other's place of business so they get a better idea of who they are and how they work.
What could possibly go wrong doing such an arrangement?! Mutual attraction is a big no no in any business arrangement so they are already skating on thin ice! As time goes on and things happen...truths come to light and they are both thrown for a loop. Is Phoenix trustworthy? Can Lyle change his ways so he can finally be happy in life?
February 15, 2021
"Love just... happens, Lyle. There's no reason. I've known you when you were happier. I've seen how charming you can be when you want to... I fell in love with you... the way you could be, not just with who you are now."
A thing I love about Kyra's books is that her characters are very different from all the books we are used to reading about. We can see different dynamics because usually her hero and heroine and also the plot are very fresh.
In this one, for example, Fifi was a life coach, and she was asked by Lyle's mom to try to help her son to be happier. He's a billionaire who after a big betrayal in his past, trusts no one anymore.
The only reason why this book won three starts was Lyle. I don't like heroes like him. He was a total jackass and I couldn't see what Fifi saw in him. But I totally recommend this book for those who like angst books and bad boy romances.
February 16, 2021
He may be successful and rich, but Lyle is also grumpy and guarded. The last thing he needs or wants is a life coach. He doesn’t believe in all that nonsense, so his first impressions of Phoenix/fifi is that she’s a con artist. He’s determined he’s right, It’s up to her to prove him wrong. Lyle doesn’t know what he’s let himself in for. His whole life is about to be turned upside down, add to that an intense attraction for Fifi that can’t be denied. Giving into temptation is inevitable, letting down his guard isn’t. Whilst she makes him question everything he believes, Lyle is not ready to let go of his past. Will he continue to follow his head or have the courage to embrace life and follow his heart? At times this story is dramatic and emotional. It is also fun and enjoyable to read Lyle and Fifi pushing each others’ buttons.
February 22, 2021
Wonderful story! I was not familiar with this author, when I started reading this book, but now that I have, I would love to read more. So many romances follow a general storyline, that you see over and over, but this was a very different and creative story that keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. I really liked that. Lyle at times was cranky and not very likable, but you get the undercurrent that there is really a likable, friendly, wonderful man in there hiding. I also really liked what the author did with Phoenix. She was very strong and assertive, but we also got to see her vulnerability. This author did an outstanding job intertwining her characters into a story that was difficult to put down. I enjoyed it so much that I give it five stars and highly recommend it.
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