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Cress Brothers #3
An Offer from Mr. Wrong
A chef turned secret heir cooks up a fake—and deliciously tempting—relationship in bestselling author Niobia Bryant’s delectable Cress Brothers novel.
Will a fake relationship
help a reluctant heir claim his birthright?
As the recently discovered secret heir to the Cress Dynasty, chef Lincoln Cress isn’t exactly fitting in with his new family. A girlfriend for hire would help, and private investigator Bobbie Barnett, who discovered his Cress connection, fits the bill. It’s a simple deal that has nothing to do with her wavy hair, full lips or how she incites his wickedest appetites. Now Lincoln’s risking everything—including the Cress family’s reputation—on a proposal that has nothing to do with business…and everything to do with pleasure.
From Harlequin A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.
You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance, part of the Cress Brothers
Book 1: One Night with Cinderella
Book 2: The Rebel Heir
Book 3: An Offer from Mr. Wrong
Will a fake relationship
help a reluctant heir claim his birthright?
As the recently discovered secret heir to the Cress Dynasty, chef Lincoln Cress isn’t exactly fitting in with his new family. A girlfriend for hire would help, and private investigator Bobbie Barnett, who discovered his Cress connection, fits the bill. It’s a simple deal that has nothing to do with her wavy hair, full lips or how she incites his wickedest appetites. Now Lincoln’s risking everything—including the Cress family’s reputation—on a proposal that has nothing to do with business…and everything to do with pleasure.
From Harlequin A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.
You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance, part of the Cress Brothers
Book 1: One Night with Cinderella
Book 2: The Rebel Heir
Book 3: An Offer from Mr. Wrong
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2022
43 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Niobia Bryant
110 books503 followersNiobia Bryant is the award-winning and national bestselling author of more than fifty works of romance and commercial mainstream fiction. Twice she has won RT Magazine's Best African-American/Multicultural Romance Award, "Kiss the Ring"--written under the pseudonym Meesha Mink--was listed as one of the Library Journal's Best Books, and her books have appeared in Ebony, Essence, The New York Post, The Star-Ledger, The Dallas Morning News and many other national publications. One of her bestselling books has been adapted to film.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 11, 2022
Other than a trope that I absolutely hate, this book was a really fun time and I really enjoyed Bryant's writing. I look forward to reading more from her in the future as this was the first book by her that I've read.
Essentially, this book is about Bobbie, a private investigator, and Lincoln Cress, a chef and also the man that Bobbie was investigation a few months ago. For reasons that I don't understand, Bobbie and Lincoln reconnect over a very highly contentious dinner while Bobbie is taking photos of a cheating husband having dinner with someone who is not his wife. Then ultimately, Lincoln realizes he could benefit from having Bobbie fake date him so that he can feel more comfortable at these family gatherings he's trying to get used to. I should mention, Lincoln has recently found out (thanks to Bobbie), that he's actually a Cress Brother and now they're all trying to get to know one another.
There is a connection between Bobbie and Lincoln right away, but for their own reasons, they're determined to resist. Given that this is a book in the Desire line, you may be able to guess that they don't really manage to resist one another. And I really did enjoy their connection. Where this book lost me was the third act breakup. I just didn't like anything about it and then I didn't like the way it was resolved either. So that's how I landed on a 2.5/3. star rating.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC, though I read a finalized ebook I purchased myself.
Essentially, this book is about Bobbie, a private investigator, and Lincoln Cress, a chef and also the man that Bobbie was investigation a few months ago. For reasons that I don't understand, Bobbie and Lincoln reconnect over a very highly contentious dinner while Bobbie is taking photos of a cheating husband having dinner with someone who is not his wife. Then ultimately, Lincoln realizes he could benefit from having Bobbie fake date him so that he can feel more comfortable at these family gatherings he's trying to get used to. I should mention, Lincoln has recently found out (thanks to Bobbie), that he's actually a Cress Brother and now they're all trying to get to know one another.
There is a connection between Bobbie and Lincoln right away, but for their own reasons, they're determined to resist. Given that this is a book in the Desire line, you may be able to guess that they don't really manage to resist one another. And I really did enjoy their connection. Where this book lost me was the third act breakup. I just didn't like anything about it and then I didn't like the way it was resolved either. So that's how I landed on a 2.5/3. star rating.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC, though I read a finalized ebook I purchased myself.
June 28, 2022
An Offer from Mr. Wrong was my first read by Niobia Bryant, but it won't be my last. it was slow to get started, but I'm glad I stuck with it because it was so good! There were real issues addressed in this book that happens to women and men all the time.
Bobbie is a busy woman. She's running her PI agency and from the pain of her failed marriage when her husband of 20 years cheated on her. She vowed off dating for a year to heal from his deceit. She just wasn't planning on meeting Chef Lincoln Cress before that year was up.
Lincoln Cress had a bone to pick with Bobbie Barnett. She had stuck her nose in where it didn't belong and upended his life. When he met her for the first time, she was not what he was expecting. Now in New York trying to get to know his long-lost father, he has too many events to attend and no one to attend them with. In his opinion, Bobbie should have to do that job, since she was the one to put him in the situation. Convincing her of that might be a different thing altogether.
This book was steamy, but it wasn't all about the sex. It was about loss, grief, pain, deception, forgiveness, and trust. It was about how men hurt women and how women hurt men but always when you're with the wrong person. This lesson is learned the hard way by Bobbie and Lincoln. They worked for their HEA, but when it came, it was sweet with a side of steam. I will be following the rest of the Cress brothers on their journeys!
Bobbie is a busy woman. She's running her PI agency and from the pain of her failed marriage when her husband of 20 years cheated on her. She vowed off dating for a year to heal from his deceit. She just wasn't planning on meeting Chef Lincoln Cress before that year was up.
Lincoln Cress had a bone to pick with Bobbie Barnett. She had stuck her nose in where it didn't belong and upended his life. When he met her for the first time, she was not what he was expecting. Now in New York trying to get to know his long-lost father, he has too many events to attend and no one to attend them with. In his opinion, Bobbie should have to do that job, since she was the one to put him in the situation. Convincing her of that might be a different thing altogether.
This book was steamy, but it wasn't all about the sex. It was about loss, grief, pain, deception, forgiveness, and trust. It was about how men hurt women and how women hurt men but always when you're with the wrong person. This lesson is learned the hard way by Bobbie and Lincoln. They worked for their HEA, but when it came, it was sweet with a side of steam. I will be following the rest of the Cress brothers on their journeys!
July 9, 2022
Great read
July 6, 2022
This was my first book by Niobia Bryant, and I enjoyed it! A fake relationship and a lot of heat in the kitchen. I enjoy reading about men who cook. Bobbie and Lincoln were very relatable. Bobbie is running her business and Lincoln is getting used to his new family. The chemistry is undeniable. An offer from Mr. Wrong turns out to be oh, so right! I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
June 25, 2022
Chef Lincoln is having a hard time fitting in with his recently discovered family. To help smooth the transition, he invites private investigator Bobbie to be his fake girlfriend. The attraction between them is off the charts, but Bobbie is getting over a painful divorce. Can she avoid a romantic entanglement?
This book is super steamy with relatable characters. The author's style is unique—chapter openings often drop you into a scene in progress, then go back and explain how the characters got there. It was jarring at first but I quickly got used to it.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book is super steamy with relatable characters. The author's style is unique—chapter openings often drop you into a scene in progress, then go back and explain how the characters got there. It was jarring at first but I quickly got used to it.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 30, 2022
Always bet on Niobia!
I haven’t read a book by Niobia that I didn’t love and this one is no different. Great read! My favorite of the series!!
I haven’t read a book by Niobia that I didn’t love and this one is no different. Great read! My favorite of the series!!
July 1, 2025
Lincoln and Bobbi💕🤗❤
An Offer from Mr. Wrong is Cress Brothers Book 3 . I loved their banter and bickering because underneath there was pure fire!!! From enemies to friends then lovers and friends and finally soulmates!! 😍 I loved it. I'm the books out of order. I had to read Lincoln's book 1st.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
An Offer from Mr. Wrong is Cress Brothers Book 3 . I loved their banter and bickering because underneath there was pure fire!!! From enemies to friends then lovers and friends and finally soulmates!! 😍 I loved it. I'm the books out of order. I had to read Lincoln's book 1st.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
October 26, 2022
FULL REVIEW HERE:
https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-an...
This is a book that will take you to an emotional rollercoaster ride. Literally. Believer in new age ideas, Bobbie had a perfect life until her husband cheated on her. She’s been separated for only five months (divorced two months ago) and she still has deep wounds, trying to have a spiritual healing before she opens her heart again. Ever grim Lincoln had a difficult breakup with a former lover who doesn’t accepts everything between her and Lincoln is over. Both Lincoln and Bobbie have baggage they carry to their relationship, making their romance face some obstacles. On paper, theyre opposites, but they work really well. That said, while they’re HOT together, there were too many clichés in their story that makes you feel as frustrated as they are—I mean Lincoln, actually—sometimes. Seriously, I REALLY wanted to hit Bobbie!
I liked this book, but I feel like the chapters are TOO long. Maybe if their structure were a bit flexible (I mean shorter), the reading would be more easier. Since this book has too many drama (did I mentioned the word cliche in this review?), it needed to take a break between POVs without missing the rhythm of the plot. That said, the story is attractive enough to follow the series and Ms. Bryant’s work because she’s a good storyteller with lots of skills in her writing.
https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-an...
This is a book that will take you to an emotional rollercoaster ride. Literally. Believer in new age ideas, Bobbie had a perfect life until her husband cheated on her. She’s been separated for only five months (divorced two months ago) and she still has deep wounds, trying to have a spiritual healing before she opens her heart again. Ever grim Lincoln had a difficult breakup with a former lover who doesn’t accepts everything between her and Lincoln is over. Both Lincoln and Bobbie have baggage they carry to their relationship, making their romance face some obstacles. On paper, theyre opposites, but they work really well. That said, while they’re HOT together, there were too many clichés in their story that makes you feel as frustrated as they are—I mean Lincoln, actually—sometimes. Seriously, I REALLY wanted to hit Bobbie!
I liked this book, but I feel like the chapters are TOO long. Maybe if their structure were a bit flexible (I mean shorter), the reading would be more easier. Since this book has too many drama (did I mentioned the word cliche in this review?), it needed to take a break between POVs without missing the rhythm of the plot. That said, the story is attractive enough to follow the series and Ms. Bryant’s work because she’s a good storyteller with lots of skills in her writing.
October 11, 2022
The Cress family hired a private investigator named Bobbie Barnett. She found there was a brother named Lincoln Cress who lived in England. Lincoln Cress always wondered why he never heard from his father. He was happy to learn he had four brothers. He traveled to the USA to meet his newly found family. After meeting them he realized he needed a pretend girlfriend. He hired Bobbie to be his girlfriend. Their interactions were so funny. He was very stoic and never smiled. Bobbie was the perfect person for him. She was very direct and very funny. She helped him loosen up and enjoy life more. Their story was very entertaining.
August 26, 2022
An Offer from Mr. Wrong turned into love for Bobbie and Lincoln Crest. These two and the banter kept this story a very entertaining one. I loved it these two were just right and made for each other. I'm glad Bobbie got over past hurt and let Lincoln love her the way she should be loved. There is quite a bit of steamy moments in this story, but you want be disappointed. Thanks, Niobia for a steamy and entertaining read can't wait for Sean's story go get this book trust me you want put it down until the end.
July 3, 2023
I enjoyed the chemistry between Lincoln and Bobbie but I truly feel the author tried to squeeze in too many tropes in a short amount of space and not all were well executed. Among the tropes were fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, long-lost relative, your days are numbered, surprisingly sudden death and that's just some of them. It also felt like so many things would happen off page and then we'd find out about it as Lincoln and Bobbie were dealing with it. That's not even getting into the way we'd time jump constantly. I also wanted to see Lincoln connect a little more with his family.
January 27, 2023
Trust Me
Another book with the Cress Family and it don’t disappoint. I laughed, cried and you felt the love even the bonding some of the characters had to do. Lincoln and Bobbie are two intelligent, head strong beautiful people! When you read this book 📖 it will “Open your eyes” and you will “Enjoy the view….Trust Me!
Another book with the Cress Family and it don’t disappoint. I laughed, cried and you felt the love even the bonding some of the characters had to do. Lincoln and Bobbie are two intelligent, head strong beautiful people! When you read this book 📖 it will “Open your eyes” and you will “Enjoy the view….Trust Me!
May 16, 2023
Great read
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. The introduction of a new Cress brother Lincoln. Lincoln and PI Bobbie had an unpleasant beginning. Their interactions was antagonistic. But their attraction was undeniable. This is Lincoln and Bobbie’s journey to love with all its ups and downs.
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. The introduction of a new Cress brother Lincoln. Lincoln and PI Bobbie had an unpleasant beginning. Their interactions was antagonistic. But their attraction was undeniable. This is Lincoln and Bobbie’s journey to love with all its ups and downs.
August 25, 2024
A good story on the power of fate...
This was a good story and I enjoyed their meeting. I thought it was very interesting how their relationship developed over time. Also the surprise and really enjoyed how Bobbie handled herself with their mother. So glad she was not a push over.
I did enjoy the story, I enjoyed reading their relationship develop.
This was a good story and I enjoyed their meeting. I thought it was very interesting how their relationship developed over time. Also the surprise and really enjoyed how Bobbie handled herself with their mother. So glad she was not a push over.
I did enjoy the story, I enjoyed reading their relationship develop.
September 3, 2025
Good reading
And as I have learned from reading her books and series, the author's writing is flawless. I am inspired with the rollercoaster being the means that their baggage and minds were clear. Anticipating reading the next book in this series.
I cannot reconcile the author's character comparison to actors, those actors are not similar in facial characteristics.
And as I have learned from reading her books and series, the author's writing is flawless. I am inspired with the rollercoaster being the means that their baggage and minds were clear. Anticipating reading the next book in this series.
I cannot reconcile the author's character comparison to actors, those actors are not similar in facial characteristics.
February 27, 2023
This was an awesome and amazing story. The dramatic of
Each character was heartfelt and sensual. I loved the way the story line was resolved, especially about the betrayal and pregnancies. Keep up the good work. I will read this author whole series.
Each character was heartfelt and sensual. I loved the way the story line was resolved, especially about the betrayal and pregnancies. Keep up the good work. I will read this author whole series.
July 14, 2024
This is the 3rd book I read by Niobia Bryant. I liked this book's storyline. Some parts of this story were sad 😔. I liked the updates on the other Cress. I liked the hot 🔥 & steamy scenes. I liked Lincoln's character. I liked Bobbie's character. I liked the ending.
October 9, 2024
She got me in my feels. Lol
I have to say this book was an emotional roller coaster. I did not expect to get a little teary-eyed. It was cute, though, even though the female main character got in my nerves towards the end.
I have to say this book was an emotional roller coaster. I did not expect to get a little teary-eyed. It was cute, though, even though the female main character got in my nerves towards the end.
November 25, 2024
Bobbie if you didn’t let that man love you, I would have been highly upset! Bobbie was the only one to soften Lincoln’s heart and I’m glad she did. Out of all the brothers Lincoln is top tier. Definitely the favorite, besides Coleman. He worked hard for his and didn’t have a silver spoon thrusted in his mouth. He worked hard for Bobbie too. They were meant for each other.
October 22, 2022
Steamy
This series is EVERYTHING! The experiences of the Cress family never fails. Great read. You will not be disappointed. Now onto the next installment
This series is EVERYTHING! The experiences of the Cress family never fails. Great read. You will not be disappointed. Now onto the next installment
April 28, 2023
Lincoln and Bobbie were perfection! And, I loved the reactions to their coming together! A great book!
August 11, 2023
So far, this is my fav of the series. I like NB's style, but I prefer her independently published works. These "Harlequin" imprinted books are too "sanitized" for my tastes.
June 13, 2024
Love always conquers fear
Bobbie was heartbroken, not looking for love. Lincoln came to meet the family he didn't know and together they found love. Lived it.
Bobbie was heartbroken, not looking for love. Lincoln came to meet the family he didn't know and together they found love. Lived it.
July 22, 2024
Bastard Brother
I knew this book was probably going to be about the estranged son. I'm so happy we got to know more about him.
I knew this book was probably going to be about the estranged son. I'm so happy we got to know more about him.
May 29, 2022
This was provided to me as an ARC for an honest opinion
Bobbie Barnett appeared in previous books in the Cress brother series as the private investigator who located the eldest brother, Lincoln, from their father's previous liaison. Bobbie had recently divorced her husband due to his infidelity. Lincoln did not like how Bobbie found him and had him investigated. Bobbie did not appreciate Lincoln's grouchiness. Due to Lincoln needing Bobbie's help, their relation became less antagonistic. It was interesting to see how an older couple navigate the waterfs of romance. This was anteresting read but I think that their communication issues were better suited for a younger couple. I actually gave this story 3.5 stars and rounded it up to 4 stars.
Bobbie Barnett appeared in previous books in the Cress brother series as the private investigator who located the eldest brother, Lincoln, from their father's previous liaison. Bobbie had recently divorced her husband due to his infidelity. Lincoln did not like how Bobbie found him and had him investigated. Bobbie did not appreciate Lincoln's grouchiness. Due to Lincoln needing Bobbie's help, their relation became less antagonistic. It was interesting to see how an older couple navigate the waterfs of romance. This was anteresting read but I think that their communication issues were better suited for a younger couple. I actually gave this story 3.5 stars and rounded it up to 4 stars.
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June 1, 2022Categories
African American & Black Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Cress Brothers (Book #3)
African American & Black Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Cress Brothers (Book #3)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews