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Billionaire Secrets #2
Her Billionaire Best Friend
She needs a fake fiancé. He's secretly falling in love.
Cara Russo needs to get married. Or at least, make it look like she got married.
Toby Hunt can't let his best friend's little sister rush into anything foolish. So when she needs to hire an escort, he says he'll take care of it.
Now he's waiting for her at St. George Station.
This billionaire rom com modern fairy tale was originally published in the Love in Transit anthology. It has been expanded for single title publication.
The Billionaire Secrets series
Undercover Billionaire - Jake and Jana
Her Billionaire Best Friend - Toby and Cara
A Billionaire for Christmas - Marcus and Poppy
Cara Russo needs to get married. Or at least, make it look like she got married.
Toby Hunt can't let his best friend's little sister rush into anything foolish. So when she needs to hire an escort, he says he'll take care of it.
Now he's waiting for her at St. George Station.
This billionaire rom com modern fairy tale was originally published in the Love in Transit anthology. It has been expanded for single title publication.
The Billionaire Secrets series
Undercover Billionaire - Jake and Jana
Her Billionaire Best Friend - Toby and Cara
A Billionaire for Christmas - Marcus and Poppy
156 pages, ebook
First published October 24, 2017
135 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 12, 2018
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This novella was the perfect dose of sweet romance. Cara and Toby were super cute together and I loved their long distance "dates" that were shown throughout their friendship. The story is low on the steam but makes up for that with all of the sweetness that comes from these characters. Definitely a recommended read from me.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This novella was the perfect dose of sweet romance. Cara and Toby were super cute together and I loved their long distance "dates" that were shown throughout their friendship. The story is low on the steam but makes up for that with all of the sweetness that comes from these characters. Definitely a recommended read from me.
April 17, 2018
I didn’t like this one quite as much as the first but still a cute addition to the series. I’m really looking forward to Ben’s story.
April 15, 2018
Ahhh, this was just adorable and perfect. No OM/OW drama, and I loved that the hero was NOT a manwhore.
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October 21, 2017
"Personal Escort " is even better the second time around! I and the pleasure of reading this a few months ago in an Anthology and Now Ms Booth has added a few more chapters an continuity that only make this freinds to lovers story even better.
Cards Russo, daughter and granddaughter of a wealthy Corporate NY family, has her own dreams ones that do not include sitting on the board of directors of the family company, plans and dreams to continue her research studies inToronto Canada , far enough away from her grandmother daily influence but close enough to pop back to NY for a weekend to see her brother and Grandmother.
Cara's grandmother has other plans for her though, such as wanting her married and soon and grandma pushes her plans with threats of messing with her grant funding .
So what should a girl do; start planning fora fake fiancé , but after dinner with her big brother and his best freind Toby, well if the truth be known Toby is her best freind too.
Toby Hunt , successful tech billionaire and secret supporter of everything Cara, supported her wanting to go to college on the west coast, was her first call when detained by the police,,secret employer when she wanted to stay on the west coast and wonderful dinner companion .
Of course her brother Ben has no clue of any of these things either, but he senses enough to warn Toby off.
Toby is willing to stay away , but when Cara tells him about grandma and the. Her plans to hire an escort for a fake fiancé he can't help but step in , because the thought of Cara marrying someone fake or not gives him a deep ache in his chest.
A kiss and a night together, that should not have happened only bring these two closer together , even if they are still pretending to be freinds only, daily texts , phone calls , of course all under the disguise of arranging a fake fiancé for her.
When her fake fiancé shows up Cara is in for a few surprises and revelations!
There is absolutely no suprise that we get a wonderfull HEA and some great twist and turns along the way!
Arc copy Graciuosly provided by Ms Booth for an honest review.
Cards Russo, daughter and granddaughter of a wealthy Corporate NY family, has her own dreams ones that do not include sitting on the board of directors of the family company, plans and dreams to continue her research studies inToronto Canada , far enough away from her grandmother daily influence but close enough to pop back to NY for a weekend to see her brother and Grandmother.
Cara's grandmother has other plans for her though, such as wanting her married and soon and grandma pushes her plans with threats of messing with her grant funding .
So what should a girl do; start planning fora fake fiancé , but after dinner with her big brother and his best freind Toby, well if the truth be known Toby is her best freind too.
Toby Hunt , successful tech billionaire and secret supporter of everything Cara, supported her wanting to go to college on the west coast, was her first call when detained by the police,,secret employer when she wanted to stay on the west coast and wonderful dinner companion .
Of course her brother Ben has no clue of any of these things either, but he senses enough to warn Toby off.
Toby is willing to stay away , but when Cara tells him about grandma and the. Her plans to hire an escort for a fake fiancé he can't help but step in , because the thought of Cara marrying someone fake or not gives him a deep ache in his chest.
A kiss and a night together, that should not have happened only bring these two closer together , even if they are still pretending to be freinds only, daily texts , phone calls , of course all under the disguise of arranging a fake fiancé for her.
When her fake fiancé shows up Cara is in for a few surprises and revelations!
There is absolutely no suprise that we get a wonderfull HEA and some great twist and turns along the way!
Arc copy Graciuosly provided by Ms Booth for an honest review.
October 20, 2017
I just finished reading my first Book by Ainsley Booth. Personal Escort used to be a short story that was part of an Anthology. It has been extended to be published as a novel but still it is on the shorter side. Which also means it suffers from some of the typical Short Story symptom’s, which are mainly located in the depth of character development.
Usually this is an issue that bugs me while reading, but interesting enough the author managed to make it feel like this story is part of a series with connected characters (which maybe it is but as I only read this on book I can not judge that). So any feelings the reader might have that concern the character depth feel not as bad as they usually would.
They simply feel like you should have read a previous novel instead of feeling like the characters are missing something.
In total the story is well written and kept my interest enough to make me read it in one session.
The male leading character Toby was cute – and it was actually quite funny to watch his inner struggles on how to handle all issues concerning Cara
Cara on the other hand was a little harder for me to grasp because somehow the basic idea of her “need to get married” was not one I could wrap my brain around. I felt the story was missing something there but if you manage to ignore that thought the story was actually funny …
Obvious to the reader – but the characters where totally in the dark of how the situation actually developed.
I especially liked the opening chapter – usually those leave the reader in a strange situation of wondering but here it was great … (you cryptic much sorry – you need to read for yourself)
The story was to short for me to be a 5 star because I could not actually feel with the characters but they were good enough developed to be an enjoyable 4 star read.
My personal thoughts ? … with a little more background and better marriage reasoning this book could be an easy 5 star.
Me? Well I marked the next release of this author to make sure I will read it at one point as soon as my blogger schedule allows …
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February 23, 2021
This was a fun sweet novella.
Friends to lovers, low angst.
Friends to lovers, low angst.
November 21, 2017
The second book in the Billionaire Secrets series and part of the Love in Transit anthology, has Cara and Toby discovering they want to be more than friends. Cara has the problem of her grandmother on her case to marry, while Toby the consummate workaholic, needs to remind himself that Cara is off-limits because she is his best friend's baby sister. But when Cara hatches a plan to hire an escort to help her out with her marriage dilemma, Toby offers to help. A quick and fun read, with a slow burn that keeps you turning the pages.
October 19, 2017
I love this billionaire/best friends little sister romance! Cara needs to get married and Toby has the perfect plan to help her. They never expect to fall for each other. This story has it all, snarky humor, a smoking hot billionaire, a sassy and sexy sister of his best friend, romance and tons of steamy scenes that will compel you to keep reading until they get their HEA! I can't wait to read the rest of the Billionaire Secrets stories!
October 20, 2017
Toby and Cara's story it so good. It's hard being in love with your brothers best friend while Grandma is also pressuring you to settle down and get married.
Trying to find a fake boyfriend/husband is tough. Cara along with Toby's help hopes she finds the right one. Toby makes sure she does and makes the right choice. A sweet afternoon read with all the laughs, loves and feels. I really enjoyed reading this story. Totally recommend it.
Trying to find a fake boyfriend/husband is tough. Cara along with Toby's help hopes she finds the right one. Toby makes sure she does and makes the right choice. A sweet afternoon read with all the laughs, loves and feels. I really enjoyed reading this story. Totally recommend it.
November 20, 2017
Toby is quite surprised to find that he's jealous of the idea of his best friend's little sister dating other guys. When did Cara Russo grow up into a beautiful woman? There's 11 yrs between them, but he doesn't see her the same way now that she's 24!
•
"Excellent. Never date. No man is good enough for you."
•
Toby is also conscious that her older brother will never see him as good enough for her either, but Ben (the brother), isn't aware of the secret friendship they have forged for years whilst Cara was living away at college not far from his company headquarters. The problem is whether Cara will ever see him as anything more than the mentor he's been to her in the past.
•
Cara meanwhile, finds herself being pressured by her beloved but determined Nana to get married which is unfortunately nothing like the plans she has in mind for her future. She devises a plan to keep Nana off her back, but it's a precarious one that you can envisage going completely wrong with hilarious results!
•
"Dear Nana, I meant to elope today with dear Alex, but I lost consciousness instead. Obviously am allergic to marriage."
•
When Cara turns to Toby for advice on how to derail her Nana's ludicrous demands, he's more than happy to help her as he has done so many times before, but this time, he plans on showing her just how he feels about her.
•
"If you ever get homesick for something you'd had in one of your many temporary homes, I'd move mountains to get it for you."
•
This is a sweet and funny story of how friends eventually become lovers. Perfect for a feel good, light read.
•
This is a standalone novel, but is part of the Billionaire Secrets series.
Happy reading 😁
•
"Excellent. Never date. No man is good enough for you."
•
Toby is also conscious that her older brother will never see him as good enough for her either, but Ben (the brother), isn't aware of the secret friendship they have forged for years whilst Cara was living away at college not far from his company headquarters. The problem is whether Cara will ever see him as anything more than the mentor he's been to her in the past.
•
Cara meanwhile, finds herself being pressured by her beloved but determined Nana to get married which is unfortunately nothing like the plans she has in mind for her future. She devises a plan to keep Nana off her back, but it's a precarious one that you can envisage going completely wrong with hilarious results!
•
"Dear Nana, I meant to elope today with dear Alex, but I lost consciousness instead. Obviously am allergic to marriage."
•
When Cara turns to Toby for advice on how to derail her Nana's ludicrous demands, he's more than happy to help her as he has done so many times before, but this time, he plans on showing her just how he feels about her.
•
"If you ever get homesick for something you'd had in one of your many temporary homes, I'd move mountains to get it for you."
•
This is a sweet and funny story of how friends eventually become lovers. Perfect for a feel good, light read.
•
This is a standalone novel, but is part of the Billionaire Secrets series.
Happy reading 😁
December 7, 2017
Utang dulu review nya... ntar kalau sempet dibuat XD
October 23, 2017
Personal Escort has a few of my favorite troupes, making this book SUCH a joy for me to read!
Need convenient partner- CHECK
Friends-to-Lovers- CHECK
Older Brother’s Best Friend- CHECK
All that, combined with the way Ms. Booth writes chemistry and steam, Personal Escort was a fun story, low on angst, and had two resourceful, witty, main characters.
Cara and Toby might be connected through her older brother, but have a history of their own, as friends. They have a great rapport and I loved their banter.
Overall, Personal Escort was a fun, engaging read. It was a little bit of everything I loved in well written package. Recommended to the reader looking for a light read.
*4.5 Star Review*
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads*
![“ARC]()
Need convenient partner- CHECK
Friends-to-Lovers- CHECK
Older Brother’s Best Friend- CHECK
All that, combined with the way Ms. Booth writes chemistry and steam, Personal Escort was a fun story, low on angst, and had two resourceful, witty, main characters.
Cara and Toby might be connected through her older brother, but have a history of their own, as friends. They have a great rapport and I loved their banter.
Overall, Personal Escort was a fun, engaging read. It was a little bit of everything I loved in well written package. Recommended to the reader looking for a light read.
*4.5 Star Review*
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads*
October 24, 2017
Put an interesting story line together with hot sex and a few twists and BOOM. This is a quick sexy read.
I love a good fake groom story. It gets me every time.
Sometimes you just feel at home reading some authors' works. Ainsley Booth's books are so easy to read and absolutely thrilling. Personal Escort is no exception.
Loved it!
I highly recommend.
ARC given in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good fake groom story. It gets me every time.
Sometimes you just feel at home reading some authors' works. Ainsley Booth's books are so easy to read and absolutely thrilling. Personal Escort is no exception.
Loved it!
I highly recommend.
ARC given in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2017
I read this book when it was a part of a box set & it's fabulous!!!! I know it has added scenes etc in this copy which can only improve it ❤
It's HOT, so romantic & makes a lovely change that the Alpha is the one to recognise his love first!! A perfect couple.
Sexy, romantic, hot & funny!!
Debbie, 1970, UK
It's HOT, so romantic & makes a lovely change that the Alpha is the one to recognise his love first!! A perfect couple.
Sexy, romantic, hot & funny!!
Debbie, 1970, UK
October 22, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book.
I first read this story in Love in Transit, but there’s more to the story now. A lovely, lovely more.
If you're fans of Jana and Jake (Personal Delivery) and let's be honest we all should be, then you will love this. It's another in Booth’s Personal series, this time featuring CEO Toby Hunt, a Silicon Valley genius and Cara Russo, a woman who comes from money and has done her best to try to escape it.
Cara needs a groom. Like ASAP. Thanks, Nana. Nana has ideas about when people should marry and rather than argue with her—no-one argues with Nana—Cara decides it’s easier to find a fake groom. Toby is her brother’s best friend, she’s known him for years. Not just that, but over the years they’ve shared and kept each other’s secrets, so inevitably Cara decides to share her plan with Toby.
Perhaps Toby is just starting to feel his age?
Perhaps Toby just needs a good shove and wow, a fake marriage is a damn good one?
Perhaps it was meant to be?
This is Toby and Cara’s love story, one in which two people who’ve known each other as brother’s best friend and brother’s little sister. For a long time the didn’t cross the boundary, but then they do. As they explore this boundary, we come to learn about the characters, her hopes and doubts, his reflections on where he has been and where he wants to go. All of which happens through Booth’s wonderful writing, she draws us into those moments, she’s pitched the characters perfectly for the book, they do worry a little, but most of what we get is wonder and excitement, and it makes me (at least) want to know WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. It’s a beautifully done plot. Made me smile, made me laugh, and most of all made me want to turn the page to get to the end, even though I knew that at the end there would be no more.
I first read this story in Love in Transit, but there’s more to the story now. A lovely, lovely more.
If you're fans of Jana and Jake (Personal Delivery) and let's be honest we all should be, then you will love this. It's another in Booth’s Personal series, this time featuring CEO Toby Hunt, a Silicon Valley genius and Cara Russo, a woman who comes from money and has done her best to try to escape it.
Cara needs a groom. Like ASAP. Thanks, Nana. Nana has ideas about when people should marry and rather than argue with her—no-one argues with Nana—Cara decides it’s easier to find a fake groom. Toby is her brother’s best friend, she’s known him for years. Not just that, but over the years they’ve shared and kept each other’s secrets, so inevitably Cara decides to share her plan with Toby.
Perhaps Toby is just starting to feel his age?
Perhaps Toby just needs a good shove and wow, a fake marriage is a damn good one?
Perhaps it was meant to be?
This is Toby and Cara’s love story, one in which two people who’ve known each other as brother’s best friend and brother’s little sister. For a long time the didn’t cross the boundary, but then they do. As they explore this boundary, we come to learn about the characters, her hopes and doubts, his reflections on where he has been and where he wants to go. All of which happens through Booth’s wonderful writing, she draws us into those moments, she’s pitched the characters perfectly for the book, they do worry a little, but most of what we get is wonder and excitement, and it makes me (at least) want to know WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. It’s a beautifully done plot. Made me smile, made me laugh, and most of all made me want to turn the page to get to the end, even though I knew that at the end there would be no more.
May 10, 2018
Personal Escort
Billionaire Secrets, Book 2
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series
The Characters:
Cara Russo:
Toby Hunt:
The Story:
A best friend’s little sister and friends to lovers story wrapped up in one. These are two of my favorite tropes so I loved the story. I am coming to love Ms Booth’s writing more and more. The characters click with me and I care about their happiness and triumphs.
Cara and Toby are no exception. They have a great bond built on friendship and trust. I enjoyed their connection, their banter and their steamy hot love scenes.
The Random Thoughts:
Favorite Quote:
"I’ll be the not-quite-a-brother she’s always wanted. The one who gets her. The one who supports her, no matter what.”
The Score Card:
4 Stars
Billionaire Secrets, Book 2
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series
The Characters:
Cara Russo:
Toby Hunt:
The Story:
A best friend’s little sister and friends to lovers story wrapped up in one. These are two of my favorite tropes so I loved the story. I am coming to love Ms Booth’s writing more and more. The characters click with me and I care about their happiness and triumphs.
Cara and Toby are no exception. They have a great bond built on friendship and trust. I enjoyed their connection, their banter and their steamy hot love scenes.
The Random Thoughts:
Favorite Quote:
"I’ll be the not-quite-a-brother she’s always wanted. The one who gets her. The one who supports her, no matter what.”
The Score Card:
4 Stars
October 24, 2017
Toby and Cara <3
I love the plot of brother's best friend, but also that Toby and Cara have always had that underlying friendship themselves. It wasn't the slightly cliche version where she grew up and he suddenly saw her as an adult and bam!, they're having sex. Toby and Cara were always close, they had that friendship themselves, and it grew into way more. Plus, as a bonus, they do have her overprotective older brother who they're worried about telling.
I originally read this story in the Love in Transit anthology a few months ago. My one main complaint was the length. Between that version and this, there are a few new chapters plus a VERY sexy epilogue! I loved this book enough to read it TWICE if that tells you anything (I'm not much of a re-reader). I can't wait for the next book(s) in this series.
I love the plot of brother's best friend, but also that Toby and Cara have always had that underlying friendship themselves. It wasn't the slightly cliche version where she grew up and he suddenly saw her as an adult and bam!, they're having sex. Toby and Cara were always close, they had that friendship themselves, and it grew into way more. Plus, as a bonus, they do have her overprotective older brother who they're worried about telling.
I originally read this story in the Love in Transit anthology a few months ago. My one main complaint was the length. Between that version and this, there are a few new chapters plus a VERY sexy epilogue! I loved this book enough to read it TWICE if that tells you anything (I'm not much of a re-reader). I can't wait for the next book(s) in this series.
September 9, 2024
Another short, but entertaining and steamy book in the Billionaire Secrets.
Cara needs a husband, stat. Her grandma is great and all but she's threatening the freedom she worked so hard for if she doesn't start taking dating more seriously.
Her genius plan? Fake marriage with an escort.
Cara's brother's best friend is much closer to her too than everybody thinks. Their friendship has always been platonic, he may think she's beautiful, smart, and fun, but also much younger than him and she looks at him like a brother from another mother. But one kiss changes and everything and when it comes to her fake marrying someone, he can't let it be anybody else but him.
It was fun, I liked the first book better but I'm looking forward to more!
Cara needs a husband, stat. Her grandma is great and all but she's threatening the freedom she worked so hard for if she doesn't start taking dating more seriously.
Her genius plan? Fake marriage with an escort.
Cara's brother's best friend is much closer to her too than everybody thinks. Their friendship has always been platonic, he may think she's beautiful, smart, and fun, but also much younger than him and she looks at him like a brother from another mother. But one kiss changes and everything and when it comes to her fake marrying someone, he can't let it be anybody else but him.
It was fun, I liked the first book better but I'm looking forward to more!
November 8, 2023
Sweet
Best friends sister accidentally falls in love with brother's best friend. He was Cara's confidant, and Toby never took advantage of that. Toby was always protective, but once Ben pointed it out, he couldn't stop thinking about it. Short and sweet story.
Best friends sister accidentally falls in love with brother's best friend. He was Cara's confidant, and Toby never took advantage of that. Toby was always protective, but once Ben pointed it out, he couldn't stop thinking about it. Short and sweet story.
March 16, 2018
brother best friend + baby sister....what can go wrong especially when you marry her without anyone knowing you are together 😉
May 24, 2020
I read the Love in Transit version of this story. My review is on the page the Love in Transit Anthology.
January 18, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ Sweet, fun, easy read. Friends to lovers. Low burnish. Meh
November 5, 2017
Cara Russo’s grandmother insists that she needs to get married if she wants to keep her graduate funding. And while Cara’s not thrilled at the prospect -- and she doesn’t even know if her grandmother would make good on the threat -- she needs to find a fiance, and fast. She wouldn’t do anything quite so crazy as actually getting married, but she’s not above hiring an actor (or an escort) to play the part.
Toby Hunt has watched his best friend’s little sister grow from an annoying little girl to one of his closest friends. He’s helped her navigate a number of challenges, but he just can’t let her hire an escort to please her grandmother. (Talk about dangerous!) Instead, Toby will take care of everything for the fake engagement. He just hopes that Cara’s still on board when she finds out her fake fiance is him.
As you’ve probably noticed, I love friends-to-lovers and I love the slightly forbidden feeling of a brother’s best friend romance. I even love the fake engagement that turns into real feelings trope. But somehow, despite all of the people I follow on Goodreads, all of the book blogs I regularly read, and the twelve thousand author mailing lists I’m subscribed to, I didn’t hear about Personal Escort until Indie Sage PR emailed to ask if I’d participate in a blitz. I knew right away that this would be a book I loved, so I signed up even before reading. (Then I preordered the book. Then I read it, in its entirety, on the day it came out.)
It was so good! This isn’t my first Ainsley Booth book, but it is my favorite so far. Cara and Toby were cute, their relationship was adorable, and I loved how little angst they had. There were no purposeful miscommunications, no petty arguments, and they actually behaved like you might expect longtime friends who start feeling some attraction to behave. Their romance moved a bit quickly, but at less than 200 pages and given the plot of the book, I guess that was sort of the point.
I have a few more of Ainsley Booth’s books gathering dust on my virtual TBR shelf. I’ll have to dust them off and dive in.
Toby Hunt has watched his best friend’s little sister grow from an annoying little girl to one of his closest friends. He’s helped her navigate a number of challenges, but he just can’t let her hire an escort to please her grandmother. (Talk about dangerous!) Instead, Toby will take care of everything for the fake engagement. He just hopes that Cara’s still on board when she finds out her fake fiance is him.
As you’ve probably noticed, I love friends-to-lovers and I love the slightly forbidden feeling of a brother’s best friend romance. I even love the fake engagement that turns into real feelings trope. But somehow, despite all of the people I follow on Goodreads, all of the book blogs I regularly read, and the twelve thousand author mailing lists I’m subscribed to, I didn’t hear about Personal Escort until Indie Sage PR emailed to ask if I’d participate in a blitz. I knew right away that this would be a book I loved, so I signed up even before reading. (Then I preordered the book. Then I read it, in its entirety, on the day it came out.)
It was so good! This isn’t my first Ainsley Booth book, but it is my favorite so far. Cara and Toby were cute, their relationship was adorable, and I loved how little angst they had. There were no purposeful miscommunications, no petty arguments, and they actually behaved like you might expect longtime friends who start feeling some attraction to behave. Their romance moved a bit quickly, but at less than 200 pages and given the plot of the book, I guess that was sort of the point.
I have a few more of Ainsley Booth’s books gathering dust on my virtual TBR shelf. I’ll have to dust them off and dive in.
October 26, 2017
A quick and happy ride to happily ever after!
This story has several little tropes woven in... the sister of a friend, the older guy/younger girl, the fake spouse. But it works so well, and doesn't fall into any sort of traps along the way. It is a simple, sweet, friends to lovers tale about free-spirited Cara and Toby, her sometimes mentor, who is also buddies with her older brother. Cara is under pressure from her Grandmother to marry, but she isn't feeling it, and has life plans that don't include a spouse. Toby is happy being single; but when Cara proposes that she find a stranger, maybe even an escort, to pretend-marry her to get her Grandmother off her case, he finds himself full of all sorts of disgruntled and unaccustomed feelings that lead him to recognize he's been seeing her as more than a friend for a long time; and while he eases into her everyday life one phone call and video chat at a time, she realizes that her feelings for him are more than a youthful crush, also.
I won't spoil the story by going into detail. But they are so delicious together, well-met and well-meshed. It is a positive thing for both of them that there was little push-back from her family in regard to their relationship, and I think that's because not only is Toby charming, he is already well-liked by her family from long acquaintance (though I'm sure they're keeping an eye on him!) Part of the Billionaire Secrets series, and has been expanded from its previous incarnation in a collection of novellas.
This story has several little tropes woven in... the sister of a friend, the older guy/younger girl, the fake spouse. But it works so well, and doesn't fall into any sort of traps along the way. It is a simple, sweet, friends to lovers tale about free-spirited Cara and Toby, her sometimes mentor, who is also buddies with her older brother. Cara is under pressure from her Grandmother to marry, but she isn't feeling it, and has life plans that don't include a spouse. Toby is happy being single; but when Cara proposes that she find a stranger, maybe even an escort, to pretend-marry her to get her Grandmother off her case, he finds himself full of all sorts of disgruntled and unaccustomed feelings that lead him to recognize he's been seeing her as more than a friend for a long time; and while he eases into her everyday life one phone call and video chat at a time, she realizes that her feelings for him are more than a youthful crush, also.
I won't spoil the story by going into detail. But they are so delicious together, well-met and well-meshed. It is a positive thing for both of them that there was little push-back from her family in regard to their relationship, and I think that's because not only is Toby charming, he is already well-liked by her family from long acquaintance (though I'm sure they're keeping an eye on him!) Part of the Billionaire Secrets series, and has been expanded from its previous incarnation in a collection of novellas.
October 28, 2017
I read the earlier short story version (St. George Station) in the Love In Transit anthology, and I loved this unabridged version more. It was such fun to watch as Toby begins to recognize his true feelings for Cara, his best friend's younger sister. The story results because of a manipulative grandmother who easily pulls the puppet strings of her grandchildren, whom she has pretty much raised. Cara, the youngest, has a love/hate relationship with the grandmother, and strives to be independent and self supporting. She's educated and smart, and also quite sexually naive. Due to the imposed demand to marry, she's conniving a romance with a fake love interest - as a workaround Nana's. Cara has always had a special relationship with Toby, one where he's bailed her out of trouble in the past, where he'd do anything to help her maintain her independence. A wealthy, worldly technical genius, his concern for jeopardizing his relationship with his best friend over the interest of that friend's little sister is huge. But when Cara confides in Toby about her plans for a fake marriage, Toby decides to get involved to keep her safe. The resulting story is so cute, so special, so loving, so enjoyable, that it's easily become one of my favorites by this author.
I've read many of Ainsley Booth's stories. She is one of my favorite authors.
I've read many of Ainsley Booth's stories. She is one of my favorite authors.
March 28, 2018
Love this book! Toby and Cara are adorably confused by the unexpected feelings for each other. But when Cara's grandmother puts pressure on Cara to marry, how will Cara keep her grandmother happy and still maintain her freedom? Of course, she'll hire an escort to pretend to marry her. Logical, right? Toby, her brother's best friend and her confidant, steps in to help her with her plan. He'll even hire her fake beau/husband. Or will he? A fun and enjoyable read - both sweet and sexy!
March 9, 2018
A really good friend to lovers romance. 💗
This series is really good, you go from laughter to tears and back again. Toby and Cara have been friends who just get each other for years. Then one evening, everything changes for Toby. He began seeing Cara as a grown up and realizes his feelings have shifted and he's not sure how to deal with the changes. Cara, on the other hand, has had feelings for Toby for a long time. How each handles the changes is wonderfully romantic. 💞
This series is really good, you go from laughter to tears and back again. Toby and Cara have been friends who just get each other for years. Then one evening, everything changes for Toby. He began seeing Cara as a grown up and realizes his feelings have shifted and he's not sure how to deal with the changes. Cara, on the other hand, has had feelings for Toby for a long time. How each handles the changes is wonderfully romantic. 💞
December 3, 2017
I love Ainsley Booth!!! Toby and Cara's story was exquisite! From the moment he silently begged her, in the prologue, to turn around and notice him, I was feeling his anxiousness and the anticipation of their inevitable fall. Friends to lovers/best friend's little sister are some of my favorite tropes, and I would rate this novella up there with the best. What I loved most about this one is that Cara spent her life looking up to Toby as a mentor and friend while he quietly watched her mature and become the beautiful, intelligent, charismatic, and perfect-for-him woman. Then everything changed in one moment when Cara finally saw him for more than her friend. It was lovely to watch their relationship evolve over the months from their first kiss to that moment at the train station and later as they were finding their way as a couple. And the epilogue was perfect. Thank you Ainsley for bringing us another pair of characters to love and celebrate.
October 23, 2017
I see her before she sees me….Turn Around!
These are some of the first lines in chapter 1 of Personal Escort and the rest of the chapters lived up to that great opening…..
This is a standalone in a series with the first one being Personal Delivery. You don’t have to read the previous one but you really should it is a great read.
Personal Escort is the story about Toby and Cara. I adored Toby, he was sweet, generous, thoughtful, kind and so sexy. Also, totally smitten with Cara.
Cara was equally sweet and funny. She is Toby’s best friends sister, trying to make it on her own while also trying to please her family, in this case her Nana. Her Nana wants her married so Cara comes up with a brilliant idea and Toby is there to support her ALL THE WAY!!! The ride is fun, sexy, romantic and lovely. So enjoyed this premise ( would like to see more of the grandmother ).
These are some of the first lines in chapter 1 of Personal Escort and the rest of the chapters lived up to that great opening…..
This is a standalone in a series with the first one being Personal Delivery. You don’t have to read the previous one but you really should it is a great read.
Personal Escort is the story about Toby and Cara. I adored Toby, he was sweet, generous, thoughtful, kind and so sexy. Also, totally smitten with Cara.
Cara was equally sweet and funny. She is Toby’s best friends sister, trying to make it on her own while also trying to please her family, in this case her Nana. Her Nana wants her married so Cara comes up with a brilliant idea and Toby is there to support her ALL THE WAY!!! The ride is fun, sexy, romantic and lovely. So enjoyed this premise ( would like to see more of the grandmother ).
October 31, 2017
*eyes bugging* Best. First. Chapter. Ever!
Freakin' loved this! The smile on my face never faulted as Toby Hunt realised his best friend's little sister Cara, isn't their little tag-along anymore. The two have some shared secrets, with Toby having lived closer to her when she'd escaped cross country away from her family.
Both Cara and her brother Ben are being pressured by dear old Grandmother to marry. Cara doesn't want to marry, doubts she ever will and instead concocts a faux boyfriend with a little help from Toby.
Definitely interested in reading the other stories in this series.
#Read as St. George Station, part of the Love in Transit set.. six stories with the one blurb
Freakin' loved this! The smile on my face never faulted as Toby Hunt realised his best friend's little sister Cara, isn't their little tag-along anymore. The two have some shared secrets, with Toby having lived closer to her when she'd escaped cross country away from her family.
Both Cara and her brother Ben are being pressured by dear old Grandmother to marry. Cara doesn't want to marry, doubts she ever will and instead concocts a faux boyfriend with a little help from Toby.
Definitely interested in reading the other stories in this series.
#Read as St. George Station, part of the Love in Transit set.. six stories with the one blurb
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