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Billion-Dollar Christmas Confessions #1
Unwrapping His New York Innocent
This Christmas, will the waitress find everything she’s looking for and more? Find out in this steamy holiday romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Heidi Rice!
From a Halloween ball…
…to Christmas in the tycoon’s bed!
Desperate for adventure, Ellie MacGregor takes a waitressing job at a glamorous NYC party! Though sheltered, she’ll seize life’s opportunities with both hands. Especially when life presents her with the gorgeous host, Alex Costa…
Is Ellie really as sweet and innocent as she seems? He might not trust anyone anymore, but cynical Alex is intrigued by the scorching heat between them. He’s intent on keeping Ellie at arm’s length emotionally. Yet that could prove impossible when the fling they embark on unwraps the most intimate of secrets…
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
Read all the Billion-Dollar Christmas Confessions
Book 1: Unwrapping His New York Innocent by Heidi Rice
Book 2: Carrying Her Boss's Christmas Baby by Natalie Anderson
From a Halloween ball…
…to Christmas in the tycoon’s bed!
Desperate for adventure, Ellie MacGregor takes a waitressing job at a glamorous NYC party! Though sheltered, she’ll seize life’s opportunities with both hands. Especially when life presents her with the gorgeous host, Alex Costa…
Is Ellie really as sweet and innocent as she seems? He might not trust anyone anymore, but cynical Alex is intrigued by the scorching heat between them. He’s intent on keeping Ellie at arm’s length emotionally. Yet that could prove impossible when the fling they embark on unwraps the most intimate of secrets…
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
Read all the Billion-Dollar Christmas Confessions
Book 1: Unwrapping His New York Innocent by Heidi Rice
Book 2: Carrying Her Boss's Christmas Baby by Natalie Anderson
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 25, 2022
21 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Rice
602 books412 followersMy name's Heidi Rice, I'm a USA Today Bestselling author. I'm married with two sons (which gives me rather too much of an insight into the male psyche!).
I love my job because it involves sitting down at my computer and getting swept up in a world of high emotions, sensual excitement, funny feisty women, sexy tortured men and glamourous locations where laundry doesn't exist ...
I also tutor a 14-week in-depth online Write a Romance Novel course. So, if you have ever wanted to learn how to write romance from a bestselling author, check it out here: www.profwritingacademy.com/course/wri...
Now I believe wholeheartedly that readers should give honest and open reviews on Goodreads and Amazon and elsewhere. If you didn't like a book you are entitled to say so (even if it's mine! ouch). But you may notice that none of my book reviews are less than four-stars. That's simply because as an author myself I know how pathetically sensitive I am about bad reviews and with that in mind I prefer to spread the love among other authors — and don't do public reviews of books I didn't like. Just thought I'd clarify that!
You can find out about my latest releases and all my other books at www.heidi-rice.com
I love my job because it involves sitting down at my computer and getting swept up in a world of high emotions, sensual excitement, funny feisty women, sexy tortured men and glamourous locations where laundry doesn't exist ...
I also tutor a 14-week in-depth online Write a Romance Novel course. So, if you have ever wanted to learn how to write romance from a bestselling author, check it out here: www.profwritingacademy.com/course/wri...
Now I believe wholeheartedly that readers should give honest and open reviews on Goodreads and Amazon and elsewhere. If you didn't like a book you are entitled to say so (even if it's mine! ouch). But you may notice that none of my book reviews are less than four-stars. That's simply because as an author myself I know how pathetically sensitive I am about bad reviews and with that in mind I prefer to spread the love among other authors — and don't do public reviews of books I didn't like. Just thought I'd clarify that!
You can find out about my latest releases and all my other books at www.heidi-rice.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 7, 2023
How I missed this two months ago?
October 5, 2022
5 Stars!
Another great read from Heidi, I love this authors books. Once again Alex and Ellie's characters and their story-line was extremely well developed, much more than you would normally expect from a M&B/Hqn title.
Plenty of fun and sexy times too, but I just loved to pair of them and the little bit of intrigue floating around in Ellies past that gave the perfect amount of conflict/resolution towards the end of the story.
My first Christmas read of 2022, and it was a cracker!
ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.
Another great read from Heidi, I love this authors books. Once again Alex and Ellie's characters and their story-line was extremely well developed, much more than you would normally expect from a M&B/Hqn title.
Plenty of fun and sexy times too, but I just loved to pair of them and the little bit of intrigue floating around in Ellies past that gave the perfect amount of conflict/resolution towards the end of the story.
My first Christmas read of 2022, and it was a cracker!
ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.
October 16, 2023
This is the first part in a duo and I loved it! Romantic escapism at its very best.
Ellie and Alex are a delicious couple whose story is so captivating and emotional, I ended it with a huge smile on my face. This was simply delicious!
Heidi Rice is such a fabulous writer and she always delivers the kind of story I can fall in love with and characters whom I can totally engage with.
Definitely recommended! A 5 star read!
Ellie and Alex are a delicious couple whose story is so captivating and emotional, I ended it with a huge smile on my face. This was simply delicious!
Heidi Rice is such a fabulous writer and she always delivers the kind of story I can fall in love with and characters whom I can totally engage with.
Definitely recommended! A 5 star read!
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February 19, 2023boring
November 19, 2022
So, first things first: this is a two-header alongside Natalie Anderson’s ‘Carrying Her Boss’s Christmas Baby’. Often, these mini-series are only loosely linked. This is NOT true here. This book is the first in the mini-series and should be read first. The books are held together by a long-lost sister mystery and really need to both be read and read in the correct order. If you do that the two books will give you a really lovely, more substantial than usual read.
I very much enjoyed this book partly because of the mystery element, but also because I liked the romance. Alex, our super successful tech billionaire and one of New York’s hottest bachelors, is a likeable and reassuring emotionally modern hero and Ellie our wide-eyed, new-to-New York young Scottish heroine, had great depth. Technically this book is a ‘older, sophisticated, powerful hero seduces younger, naïve, powerless virgin’ and I am not fond of those – they feel regressive and make me uncomfortable, but a great job is done of using the characters’ personalities and the story’s narrative arc to nullify this: Ellie is a strong character (somewhat super-humanly given her background) who holds her own. I generally prefer more economic and social equality, but this one got away with it.
Of course, it is a Christmas book and it does a great job of giving a mood setting holiday read, encompassing Halloween, Christmas and edging into New Year.
The emotional tension is provided by the trope of man not wanting to keep emotions at arms-length and being terrified of being in love which is kind of a standard of these things; the characters, setting and mystery element bundled with its paired book keep it fresh, modern yet emotionally satisfying and cosy (fresh and cosy … mmm, there must be a better way of expressing that but it is not coming to mind). A lovely read.
I very much enjoyed this book partly because of the mystery element, but also because I liked the romance. Alex, our super successful tech billionaire and one of New York’s hottest bachelors, is a likeable and reassuring emotionally modern hero and Ellie our wide-eyed, new-to-New York young Scottish heroine, had great depth. Technically this book is a ‘older, sophisticated, powerful hero seduces younger, naïve, powerless virgin’ and I am not fond of those – they feel regressive and make me uncomfortable, but a great job is done of using the characters’ personalities and the story’s narrative arc to nullify this: Ellie is a strong character (somewhat super-humanly given her background) who holds her own. I generally prefer more economic and social equality, but this one got away with it.
Of course, it is a Christmas book and it does a great job of giving a mood setting holiday read, encompassing Halloween, Christmas and edging into New Year.
The emotional tension is provided by the trope of man not wanting to keep emotions at arms-length and being terrified of being in love which is kind of a standard of these things; the characters, setting and mystery element bundled with its paired book keep it fresh, modern yet emotionally satisfying and cosy (fresh and cosy … mmm, there must be a better way of expressing that but it is not coming to mind). A lovely read.
March 7, 2023
Finishing my read through of the CHBCBLU (Carrying Her Boss’ Christmas Baby Literary Universe).
Idk what it is about these books that makes sex sound so unsexy. Also obsessed with the fact that these books simply aren’t proofread. I don’t recall how many typos I counted, but Harlequin feel free to hire me as an editor or something. Anyway, the plot twist didn’t hit as much since I knew by reading the second book first.
Idk what it is about these books that makes sex sound so unsexy. Also obsessed with the fact that these books simply aren’t proofread. I don’t recall how many typos I counted, but Harlequin feel free to hire me as an editor or something. Anyway, the plot twist didn’t hit as much since I knew by reading the second book first.
April 16, 2023
Good book
This book held a lot of secrets that made the characters so intriguing. It was different than others and showed true emotion. I recommend this for anybody. I wish the author had delved more into their lives after Christmas.
This book held a lot of secrets that made the characters so intriguing. It was different than others and showed true emotion. I recommend this for anybody. I wish the author had delved more into their lives after Christmas.
October 31, 2022
Love it
November 10, 2022
Wonderful Christmassy story with all the feels! Loved it.
December 10, 2022
Cute..The H left Scotland and came to NY. Brave.. lol
November 30, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
So, apparently a cross-cultural provincial virgin-meets-lord and has her world rocked before discovering that she’s an heiress is a thing that can still apply to contemporary fiction! I have notes, but this is cotton candy nonsense perfect for the holiday hangover.
Ellie is a wee Scottish lass who leaves her isolated island life in the Outer Hebrides for a big city NYC adventure. She’s an orphan. She’s a virgin. She probably doesn’t have a legal work visa. But she meets Alex Costa, one of New York’s hottest bachelors, and she’s instantly ready to get her v-card punched. But after a morning romp, Alex angrily dismisses Ellie, offering 5 grand for her to keep her scheming ways away from his bff, the OTHER hot billionaire, Roman Fraser. Because Roman has been duped by women just like Ellie, pretending to be his long-lost sister.
Offended, Ellie rejects the money and flees to…Staten Island. But Alex feels bad and chases her down in his private helicopter. With a little elbow grease, he convinces her to spend Thanksgiving with him. And then Christmas. But it’s just a holiday booty call, because if Alex knows one thing for sure, it’s that he can’t be trusted with anyone’s heart.
It’s garbage fun with a soap opera vibe. I can only imagine the number of UTIs that had to be treated off page.
However, notes for the author on writing smut: one should probably not…
…describe female lust as a “hot brick pulsing” between her legs
…include “musty” in a list of adjectives for her erotic smell
…call any part of her “sodden”
…refer to her “rack”
…literally infantilize her. The virgin thing is fine. But he isn’t sure she’s legal at first. And she carries a freaking backpack. Like a child. 🙅🏼♀️
So, apparently a cross-cultural provincial virgin-meets-lord and has her world rocked before discovering that she’s an heiress is a thing that can still apply to contemporary fiction! I have notes, but this is cotton candy nonsense perfect for the holiday hangover.
Ellie is a wee Scottish lass who leaves her isolated island life in the Outer Hebrides for a big city NYC adventure. She’s an orphan. She’s a virgin. She probably doesn’t have a legal work visa. But she meets Alex Costa, one of New York’s hottest bachelors, and she’s instantly ready to get her v-card punched. But after a morning romp, Alex angrily dismisses Ellie, offering 5 grand for her to keep her scheming ways away from his bff, the OTHER hot billionaire, Roman Fraser. Because Roman has been duped by women just like Ellie, pretending to be his long-lost sister.
Offended, Ellie rejects the money and flees to…Staten Island. But Alex feels bad and chases her down in his private helicopter. With a little elbow grease, he convinces her to spend Thanksgiving with him. And then Christmas. But it’s just a holiday booty call, because if Alex knows one thing for sure, it’s that he can’t be trusted with anyone’s heart.
It’s garbage fun with a soap opera vibe. I can only imagine the number of UTIs that had to be treated off page.
However, notes for the author on writing smut: one should probably not…
…describe female lust as a “hot brick pulsing” between her legs
…include “musty” in a list of adjectives for her erotic smell
…call any part of her “sodden”
…refer to her “rack”
…literally infantilize her. The virgin thing is fine. But he isn’t sure she’s legal at first. And she carries a freaking backpack. Like a child. 🙅🏼♀️
January 1, 2025
I’m sorry, I really did not like the fact that the h had to initiate the reconciliation after the 3rd act break up. The H gave he would have just stayed broken up torturing himself until he saw the h out with someone else or something.
I also did not like that the h basically had to force the H to confess his love to her like what an ick after I’ve just comforted you and everything even the h was like (right before the H seems to just want to skip to sexy times mind you)… ‘you need to say it [i love you] too’.
Only for the me to get to the epilogue and the H has still not proposed or made any plans to propose to the h whatsoever - this was a miss for me in terms of convincing me that they are actually serious now and not just fooling around while living together like they’ve been doing??
It’s a shame too since the start seemed kinda promising esp with how the first reconciliation after h and H’s ONS and fallout was handled by the author.
I also did not like that the h basically had to force the H to confess his love to her like what an ick after I’ve just comforted you and everything even the h was like (right before the H seems to just want to skip to sexy times mind you)… ‘you need to say it [i love you] too’.
Only for the me to get to the epilogue and the H has still not proposed or made any plans to propose to the h whatsoever - this was a miss for me in terms of convincing me that they are actually serious now and not just fooling around while living together like they’ve been doing??
It’s a shame too since the start seemed kinda promising esp with how the first reconciliation after h and H’s ONS and fallout was handled by the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2022
An awesome book
This is the 1st book in the series and it didn’t disappoint. The h met the H at his Halloween party where she was a waitress. They had immediate chemistry and slept together. Unbeknownst to either of them, the h was the missing sister to his best friend. They started an affair and the H didn’t want to love her because of his childhood, he was estranged from his family. They were able to overcome their obstacles to find love. Great epilogue. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is the 1st book in the series and it didn’t disappoint. The h met the H at his Halloween party where she was a waitress. They had immediate chemistry and slept together. Unbeknownst to either of them, the h was the missing sister to his best friend. They started an affair and the H didn’t want to love her because of his childhood, he was estranged from his family. They were able to overcome their obstacles to find love. Great epilogue. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
priority
November 30, 2022Desperate for adventure, Ellie MacGregor takes a waitressing job at a glamorous NYC party! Though sheltered, she’ll seize life’s opportunities with both hands. Especially when life presents her with the gorgeous host, Alex Costa…
Is Ellie really as sweet and innocent as she seems? He might not trust anyone anymore, but cynical Alex is intrigued by the scorching heat between them. He’s intent on keeping Ellie at arm’s length emotionally. Yet that could prove impossible when the fling they embark on unwraps the most intimate of secrets…
Is Ellie really as sweet and innocent as she seems? He might not trust anyone anymore, but cynical Alex is intrigued by the scorching heat between them. He’s intent on keeping Ellie at arm’s length emotionally. Yet that could prove impossible when the fling they embark on unwraps the most intimate of secrets…
December 9, 2024
It was ok, the characters weren't horrible. Hero was not amazing, he was just ok.
I did like that the heroine was so outgoing and took charge of her own destiny. However I wasn't a fan of her making first move in reconciliation after their 3rd act breakup. Even if it makes sense with her personality and the issues he had, I just hate heroine's making first move after the guy has already rejected her love. Np.
I did like that the heroine was so outgoing and took charge of her own destiny. However I wasn't a fan of her making first move in reconciliation after their 3rd act breakup. Even if it makes sense with her personality and the issues he had, I just hate heroine's making first move after the guy has already rejected her love. Np.
March 23, 2025
This was a good book. I loved the Scottish heroine so much. She was hilarious. So many funny scenes plus the hero was,besotted with her. He tries to ditch her but you'll have to read it. Plus the scene where she sees his abs was very very cute!
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November 4, 2022i love workplace bookclub <3
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews