Straw and Diamonds

Getaway Bay #4

by Elana Johnson

The owner of a beach-side drink stand is on the opposite end of the spectrum from a global diamond mine owner, but opposites attract...right?

Sasha Redding works eighteen hours a day and is always running just a bit behind on everything from time, to money, to patience. So when she starts cleaning billionaire Jasper Rosequist's mansion and doesn't have time to shower before heading over to her drink stand, she takes the liberty of bathing in his bathroom.

Jasper is struck by the spunky, beautiful woman he finds in his house and his sister's words about his life being empty haunt him. He thinks Sasha is just what he needs to fill his time, but they work on opposite schedules and can't seem to find time to spend on each other.

As he learns about her financial issues with money and her emotional walls with rich men, he'll have to decide if she's worth risking the loss of his heart or if he should walk away before he gets in too deep.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2018

About the author

3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.

Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com

Reviews

[Bess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute and fun read.
I really enjoyed Sasha & Jasper's story. She's got trust issues and he's fallen head over heels for her.
I love how Jasper throws caution to the wind and just goes all in with his relationship with Sasha. He says what he wants when he wants and it's his whole heart that is given. Sasha comes across a little whiney and has a serious case of self-doubt as we all do sometimes. She's not secure enough in her own self-worth to think that Jasper wouldn't cheat on her like her ex. I've personally been there. It is not easy to get over trust issues. Especially when that person has any common traits with the cheater. I loved that she finally trusted Jasper enough with her heart to jump!
This was a quick read and there weren't any buttons flying off. Clean, cute, fast read.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having met both Sasha and Jasper in previous episodes of this series, I enjoyed reading their story. Both Sasha and Jasper have trust issues, based on previous mistakes, however their attraction for one another flares into life the moment they set eyes on one another. Sasha is fiercely independent, and although her finances are in a mess, Jasper respects her decision not to discuss them with him, although he has the means to fix everything for her. Unfortunately, wherever wealth comes into play, there is always someone who wants a slice of the pie, and when Jasper’s parents’ set him up with a woman they consider suitable, he has a hard time shaking her loose, and almost loses Sasha in the process. This is a well written story with romance in a dreamy location, about real people who have everyday problems. Although we met characters from this book in previous stories in this series, this is a nevertheless a stand-alone and comes to a happy ending. I received a copy of this book for free as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha is struggling to pay her bills and keep her business going so she takes a job cleaning at Jasper's house. Jasper is a billionaire who works nights as most of his business is conducted overseas. He sleeps most of the time during the day so he doesn't spend much time around people except with the Nine-O Club meetings. Sasha is trying to pay off bills that her ex convinced her to accumulate because he thought his ideas were better and she didn't follow her gut or her head. She doesn't want to be involved with another rich man again or someone who is going to give her unwanted business advice. How can two people so different be so together and make it work? Can they make it work?

[Marie McKenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper and Sasha's story is so cute

Sasha and Jasper are so so wonderful together. She starts working for him to pay off some bills. He works nights and she comes in early morning. They meet one time during this point and it is funny. They are so cute even though they have opposite schedules. His family is involved in diamond and are based in Switzerland. He hates to fly but ends up going back several times. Love them group of friends that are always so supportive. Love the way the book ends.

[Heather Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was probably one of my favorites of the series. I always end up liking the male MC, but the female MC's aren't my favorite. Sasha and Tawny (from book 3) have been my favorite female MC's of the series. Each female MC is very strong willed and hates advice. Most of them wear the pants in the relationship. My major complaint is the stories all start to sound the same after a while, so I would suggest not reading them one right after the other. Read some other books inbetween each one. There were some typos that caused some confusion. It was clean. No language. No sex. A quick beach read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series and that the billionaires are so down to earth. I can't even comprehend that much money, but all of them have acted like normal people, just with a little extra cash lying around. That was a sore spot for Sasha, but she doesn't let that hold her back. I enjoy Jasper and Sasha's relationship and how well they supported each other. This was another great addition to the series.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha has run into financial trouble thanks to her former boyfriend. So, she has to take a second job. She is hired by a billionaire to clean his house. When Jasper investigates the slightly opened bathroom door and discovers Sasha brushing her teeth, he questions that fact that she had showered at his place One thing leads to another and Jasper sees to it that Sasha is no longer in financial trouble.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two very different people in money, culture and personality. She wants to make it on her own, and he wants to make it easier for her. Trust is an issue for both of them because of bad experiences in the past. But attraction is a strong pull. Which wins out? Read this and see. Lots of fun with a bit of angst. And it is available now on Kindle Unlimited!

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha is still reeling, emotionally and financially, from her cheating ex. She takes on a second job cleaning for Jasper, who she does not expect to encounter. Their attraction is mutual, but Sasha believes they are too different and a dark-haired beauty is claiming him. I do wish Jasper would have done something more about that situation. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brazen Billionaire

I’m loving this series so much and I really enjoyed Jasper’s and Sasha’s story. I loved that she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and was such a great realistic character. I’ve read all the books in this series to this point and can’t wait to read the rest of them.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elana Johnson has a well-written clean romance in The Brazen Billionaire. I like the characters, the camaraderie among friends, the fact that the story focuses on relationship and not wealth, and a fun HEA. I plan to read more of Elana Johnson’s work.
I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion.

[Tamera Westhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Romance

Sasha and Jasper are so cute! She's working her tail off to pay bills and he is fantastic about letting her work and not trying to pay for everything. He visits his family and a woman leech tries to attach herself to him, which causes a big problem. I love how she helps him and he helps her! So sweet!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha runs her drink stand, still trying to keep ends meeting she takes a job as cleaner to Billionaire, Jasper mansion. She is running late she showers in his bathroom and when Jasper comes in they are snarky. His life is empty except for his diamond mines, her life is full of challenges - will they ever be friends let alone lovers.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! The books focus on the main characters, but catch you up with what is happening with the first characters as well. I've always wanted to visit Hawaii and these books make you feel like you're there. Couldn't put it down until I'd finished it!

I received an arc of this book. My opinions are my own.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha calls Jasper brazen but she is pretty out spoken herself. Love these two and there initial meeting is rather comical especially Jasper's response to it. They both say what they think but are tactful about it IMO and usually talk things out. The angst added tension to the story and I loved the grand gesture. The ending was so romantic.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good CInderella romance, it is interesting the circumstances surrounding it. I really do like these characters and their journey together. When I began it I thought the story would be one thing but turned out completely different. I’m really liking this beachy series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your not Looking

Betrayal and Love can both sneak up on you. When you give your heart, trust follows. When both are ripped from you, you are completely lost, both mentally and emotionally. Elana certainly captures all of these emotions in this story its difficult to put it down.

[Lisa Swinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always know I'm getting a satisfying read when I open one of Ms. Johnson's books.


A bit of a Beauty and the Beast retelling but in all the best ways. Sasha is sassy, and Jasper is a little lost. It was fun to watch them navigate their inner turmoil and schedules to come together, especially with the bets running in the background by Sasha's friends.

Would you ask out a beast?

[Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flirty And Fun Romance

This is a refreshing and heartwarming romance about two people finding love at difficult time in both of their lives but it just might be be the perfect time for love and support too.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cute Beach Romance

I loved this romance,the storyline and the quirky set of characters with the beach as a backdrop.
This book is recommended for those that love clean beach romances.

[vicki zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice romance

A very nice, clean, but not sickeningly sweet, romance. A little angst, but nothing rising to what I call 'headache inducing level'.
It dragged along in a few places, but overall, definitely 4 stars.

[Suzanne Borcherds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing.

I have enjoyed most of the other books in this series and found this one to be disjointed with very shallow characters. The story line is not closing and I never knew who was who. Very disappointing.

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drinks and Diamonds

Business owner Sasha needs a part time job to keep her drink stand afloat. She picks up cleaning for diamond billionaire Jasper and they end up on the ride of a lifetime ~

[Cynthia Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cinderella

This is a another good book by Diana that I have enjoyed. The characters are interesting and engaging. Sasha was hurt by her last rich boyfriend and isn't sure if she wants to date another rich guy.

[Liberty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series keeps getting better

Each time I read a new book in this series, I think it's my new favorite. Sasha and Jasper's story is sweet and fun. I love how they complement each other even though they come from very different worlds.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Sasha and Jasper's story. They have to overcome real problems, like financial problems, ageing parents, and dishonest people. I liked how they grew and overcome their difficulties to find their happily after, I am really loving this series.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great clean romance. I really enjoyed reading this book. Jasper is a great guy and Sasha is a typical young lady.

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet. This was a really cute story with some fun and familiar characters. This was a really sweet, clean romance and I look forward to more in the series.

[Sue Stinnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Them Billionaires

These guys don't need money to find love. They are so adorable with the women they love. The book is another must read like all the rest in this series.

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great billionaire installment. I'm just reading through the series. They are fun, enjoyable, and fast. This is a sweet story of trusting in love. Even across the ocean.