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Morally Grey Billionaires #1
The Proposal
Wedding Planner meets Fifty Shades of Grey
I never should have agreed to become his...
Liam Kincaid. Super grumpy. Super grouchy. Super tall, dark ...hottie.
Who’s engagement I was responsible for breaking up.
It was all a big mistake... honest.
Only he doesn’t see it that way.
He now has twenty-four hours to get married and claim his inheritance.
And he insists I pay for my error,
...by posing as his fake wife for thirty days.
It’s not like I have a choice.
If I don’t agree he’ll destroy my wedding-planning business.
Besides it’s only until he convinces his mother that he’s settled down, he says.
We only have to pretend to like each other.
Reassure his family and friends that we are in love.
Only catch?
We can’t stand the sight of each other.
Every time we are in the same space we almost come to blows.
But what happens when the chemistry between us detonates?
Note: This is an Enemies to Lovers, Fake Marriage, Billionaire Romance standalone featuring a hot possessive billionaire and the high spirited wedding planner who dares to clash with him. 1-Click NOW
Tropes: Fake Marriage, Enemies to Lovers, Grumpy Sunshine, feisty strong willed heroine who gives as good as she gets.
I never should have agreed to become his...
Liam Kincaid. Super grumpy. Super grouchy. Super tall, dark ...hottie.
Who’s engagement I was responsible for breaking up.
It was all a big mistake... honest.
Only he doesn’t see it that way.
He now has twenty-four hours to get married and claim his inheritance.
And he insists I pay for my error,
...by posing as his fake wife for thirty days.
It’s not like I have a choice.
If I don’t agree he’ll destroy my wedding-planning business.
Besides it’s only until he convinces his mother that he’s settled down, he says.
We only have to pretend to like each other.
Reassure his family and friends that we are in love.
Only catch?
We can’t stand the sight of each other.
Every time we are in the same space we almost come to blows.
But what happens when the chemistry between us detonates?
Note: This is an Enemies to Lovers, Fake Marriage, Billionaire Romance standalone featuring a hot possessive billionaire and the high spirited wedding planner who dares to clash with him. 1-Click NOW
Tropes: Fake Marriage, Enemies to Lovers, Grumpy Sunshine, feisty strong willed heroine who gives as good as she gets.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2022
4289 people are currently reading
7676 people want to read
About the author
L. Steele
51 books2,527 followersL. Steele loves to write romance novels featuring powerful men and strong women who bring them to their knees. When she's not writing she enjoys trading trivia with her filmmaker husband, watching lots and lots of movies, and walking nature trails.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 488 reviews
November 18, 2022
What the fuck did I just read?! You know, before this book I was having a really good reading month. I think the last 3 books I've read were 5 star books. I knew it was too good to be true. I am a sucker for Fake Dating or Marriage of Convenience trope so I was really excited to read this book. I really wanted to like it. In the beginning I kind of liked it. As I kept reading I tried lying to myself and telling myself that I was enjoying the book. I ignored the signs that told me to stop reading. When I got to the MMC pov I wanted to do anything but continue reading. I went on tiktok. I even posted updates on here. I NEVER POST UPDATES ON HERE WHILE I'M READING A BOOK. I usually love the guys pov in books but I could care less for his. I'm not usually a quitter. I hate to dnf books, so like the masochist that I am, I tortured myself by forcing to read out this book. I definitely skimmed this shit though. This book felt so fucking try hard. It was like the author was trying so hard to make the MMC this super hot alpha and it had me not liking him. It was as if this book was written for tiktok. You know, it had those scenes where you could take and make a tiktok and trick someone into thinking it's going to be a good book. Y'all, I disliked this book so much, I SKIMMED THE SEX SCENES. It could have been the most toe curling smut, I'll never know because I skimmed it as fast as possible...like read a word a page kind of skim. Anyhow, here's for the spoilers. This is your official warning.
So they both had secrets from eachother. His secret was that he got kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and killed the man. (I'm just going to copy and paste from the book)
"So, I let him do it. I didn’t want to touch him, so I let him stimulate me with electricity. To my absolute horror, I found it turned me on. Bastard started me off on small doses, then higher ones, training me to get an erection and come on command. And all along, he watched me and jerked off."
Okay so there's that. That's his secret. He told her. No one else knows. His secret is out and now it's just her secret. SHE WAITS TO TELL HIM CHARTERS LATER so ofcourse, I'd think her secret is so much bigger than his. I mean come on, he told you he killed a man, so your secret has to be way worse than his if it takes you so long to tell him. Then now, she breaks up with him because according to her, (I'm pasting this straight from the book)
"He’s too perfect."
"So are you."
"I’m not." I hunch my shoulders. "You know I’m not."
Well shit, so now I'm thinking, she's a Serial Killer or eats babies or some shit. I mean come on. He told you he got turned on by something his assaulter did and killed him. You think he is too perfect and you're not perfect enough. Her secret has to be mindblowing right? I mean she broke up with him because of her secret! It has to be the worst thing ever if it has so much impact right?! WRONG. SO FUCKING WRONG. The big secret that she broke up with the love of her life for is the face that she has alopecia and is bald!! What in the fucking Jada Pinkett Smith is that shit. That's what she broke up with him for?! Look, I'm a girl who has every insecurity in the book, so I know how it makes us do some dumb shit but BFFR. BE FUCKING FOR REAL. You think this man is so perfect, and you love him and he love you, but you leave him because you are bald?! Come on now. Okay let's try to see it from her pov. She's bald. It's her biggest insecurity. She's sacred to tell him. She leaves him because of it. Maybe it's because she's scared he would stop loving her if she's bald. BUT ONCE AGAIN. BFFR. If the man you love and who you claim I'd perfect, leaves you because you're bald, HE DOESN'T DESERVE YOU. HE WAS A PIECE OF SHIT IF HE DID THAT.
But, like we already established, the MMC is "perfect". So here's the kicker, HE ALREADY KNEW SHE WAS BALD. He had her investigated since the beginning of the book. He just thought it was something she would tell him when she was ready. So she really broke her heart, and his heart because of something he already knew! I'm not usually this mean in my reviews but once again BFFR. what kind of fucking plot twist was that?! I want back the time in my life I wasted reading this book. I also want a freaking apology to the people on tiktok who told me this book was the best book ever written.
So they both had secrets from eachother. His secret was that he got kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and killed the man. (I'm just going to copy and paste from the book)
"So, I let him do it. I didn’t want to touch him, so I let him stimulate me with electricity. To my absolute horror, I found it turned me on. Bastard started me off on small doses, then higher ones, training me to get an erection and come on command. And all along, he watched me and jerked off."
Okay so there's that. That's his secret. He told her. No one else knows. His secret is out and now it's just her secret. SHE WAITS TO TELL HIM CHARTERS LATER so ofcourse, I'd think her secret is so much bigger than his. I mean come on, he told you he killed a man, so your secret has to be way worse than his if it takes you so long to tell him. Then now, she breaks up with him because according to her, (I'm pasting this straight from the book)
"He’s too perfect."
"So are you."
"I’m not." I hunch my shoulders. "You know I’m not."
Well shit, so now I'm thinking, she's a Serial Killer or eats babies or some shit. I mean come on. He told you he got turned on by something his assaulter did and killed him. You think he is too perfect and you're not perfect enough. Her secret has to be mindblowing right? I mean she broke up with him because of her secret! It has to be the worst thing ever if it has so much impact right?! WRONG. SO FUCKING WRONG. The big secret that she broke up with the love of her life for is the face that she has alopecia and is bald!! What in the fucking Jada Pinkett Smith is that shit. That's what she broke up with him for?! Look, I'm a girl who has every insecurity in the book, so I know how it makes us do some dumb shit but BFFR. BE FUCKING FOR REAL. You think this man is so perfect, and you love him and he love you, but you leave him because you are bald?! Come on now. Okay let's try to see it from her pov. She's bald. It's her biggest insecurity. She's sacred to tell him. She leaves him because of it. Maybe it's because she's scared he would stop loving her if she's bald. BUT ONCE AGAIN. BFFR. If the man you love and who you claim I'd perfect, leaves you because you're bald, HE DOESN'T DESERVE YOU. HE WAS A PIECE OF SHIT IF HE DID THAT.
But, like we already established, the MMC is "perfect". So here's the kicker, HE ALREADY KNEW SHE WAS BALD. He had her investigated since the beginning of the book. He just thought it was something she would tell him when she was ready. So she really broke her heart, and his heart because of something he already knew! I'm not usually this mean in my reviews but once again BFFR. what kind of fucking plot twist was that?! I want back the time in my life I wasted reading this book. I also want a freaking apology to the people on tiktok who told me this book was the best book ever written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2022
I truly hate leaving negative reviews for books because I respect these authors putting themselves out there to the world. With that said, I regret even reading as far as I did. I should have stopped at the first sign of knowing how terrible it would only end up. The first thing that truly angered me was the h slapping the H across the face. I’m sorry but just no. I don’t care how cliche it is in films and books it is NEVER okay for anyone to put their hands on another person that way. EVER. If that had been the H hitting her this book would be getting different reviews however some of you still seem to think it’s acceptable for a woman to hit a man with no consequences. I have dnf books at that alone but unfortunately I chose not to because I was curious about her secret. I knew that going forward I would never be able to give this book a 5 star but hoped it could redeem itself from that issue. Man was I wrong. I truly could not stand Isla. I’m not a huge fan of alphahole H’s but I felt like Liam wasn’t as bad as he tried to make himself seem. But Isla was awful. Not only did she fight him at every chance she could she was just such a B for no reason at all. Liam was working so hard at giving her space but still trying to take care of her and surprise her and she acted like C U Next Tuesday every single time. The way she behaved the day after their wedding was absolutely ridiculous. Again causing him physical harm on top of acting like a child. I’m not sure how old she even is but she acts like a 12 year old and I don’t see what Liam even saw in her. She not only disregards his feelings toward her she calls him sensitive when he talks about them not being reciprocated. She agrees to see where the relationship goes all while still playing games and trying her hardest to push him away. She’s immature, annoying and flat out doesn’t deserve Liam. I’m not sure if all the other characters in previous books were this way considering this is the first book I’ve read and didn’t even know there were so many before this one but I definitely won’t be reading another book by this author.
Okay I finally had to stop at 75%. This isn’t far the worst female MC I have ever read about. If I was writing a suspense or horror novel she would be the first and only person I would kill off. The entire book up to this point is her constant whiny, woe is me bs and her being truly horrible to Liam. All because of her own insecurities. No matter what he did to prove to her how he felt about her or how far he proved himself she still was a B to him over and over again. I couldn’t do it anymore. He deserved so much better than her and there was nothing redeemable or lovable about her at all. She was just bitter and hateful and mean. Always. For anyone wanting to know her secret, skip to about 70% if you get tired of her crap. That secret was absolutely ridiculous and not at all worth having to read that much about Isla. I have never hated a character as much as I hate her.
Okay I finally had to stop at 75%. This isn’t far the worst female MC I have ever read about. If I was writing a suspense or horror novel she would be the first and only person I would kill off. The entire book up to this point is her constant whiny, woe is me bs and her being truly horrible to Liam. All because of her own insecurities. No matter what he did to prove to her how he felt about her or how far he proved himself she still was a B to him over and over again. I couldn’t do it anymore. He deserved so much better than her and there was nothing redeemable or lovable about her at all. She was just bitter and hateful and mean. Always. For anyone wanting to know her secret, skip to about 70% if you get tired of her crap. That secret was absolutely ridiculous and not at all worth having to read that much about Isla. I have never hated a character as much as I hate her.
June 16, 2023
This book was horrible the fmc had this huge secret she’s been keeping from him and doesn’t want to tell him was scared for his reaction and didn’t tell him until 75% in it was that she bald!!! Like I thought this was the dumbest reason for her actions! His biggest secret was that he was kidnapped and killed someone and he told her much earlier in the book like girl that was beyond dumb and annoying to have to wait until the 75% of the book to find out so I DNF’d it!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2023
I tried so hard to finish this book - I truly did - even when the writing was less than cohesive; it’s marketed as a stand alone, but you clearly need to read the other books in the series because every single character from previous books make an appearance (I assume, I didn’t read those books); the premise was not what was delivered; the FMC is probably the most annoying h I ever had the displeasure of reading and the MMC isn’t far behind; all of the characters were beyond annoying.
The FMC’s “big secret” was alluded to the entire book and, when finally revealed, it was the most asinine secret. Okay, maybe not asinine, but it was definitely made out to be some huge, awful secret in which the MMC, despite being desperately in love with her, would leave her and look at her differently.
The writing was just all over the place. I felt like I kept skipping entire chapters with how all over the place it was. For example, h goes down on H on a boat but doesn’t notice that he has a PA until they next time they get all shmexy times? And then it’s never mentioned again? Unless you’re blackout drunk, I feel like that is definitely something that you would remember. The inconsistencies, the typos, and incorrect word tense were just too much.
The FMC’s “big secret” was alluded to the entire book and, when finally revealed, it was the most asinine secret. Okay, maybe not asinine, but it was definitely made out to be some huge, awful secret in which the MMC, despite being desperately in love with her, would leave her and look at her differently.
The writing was just all over the place. I felt like I kept skipping entire chapters with how all over the place it was. For example, h goes down on H on a boat but doesn’t notice that he has a PA until they next time they get all shmexy times? And then it’s never mentioned again? Unless you’re blackout drunk, I feel like that is definitely something that you would remember. The inconsistencies, the typos, and incorrect word tense were just too much.
January 2, 2023
DNF 76 %
I should’ve DNF earlier on but I clearly hate myself
Reasons I should’ve DNF :
1. The mention of influencers - good lord , why ?
2.the h’s idol being JLO . I mean come on
3. The sex scenes were boring . Beyond boring and cringe
4. The mention of Christian Grey’s grey room . This was so 10 years ago . Build a bridge and get over it.
5. The random nightmares he had about his kidnapping . Not sure what was more random- the nightmares or the kidnapping
6. The big reveal and the reason she thought they shouldn’t be together ? She’s bald . - I have no words
I should’ve DNF earlier on but I clearly hate myself
Reasons I should’ve DNF :
1. The mention of influencers - good lord , why ?
2.the h’s idol being JLO . I mean come on
3. The sex scenes were boring . Beyond boring and cringe
4. The mention of Christian Grey’s grey room . This was so 10 years ago . Build a bridge and get over it.
5. The random nightmares he had about his kidnapping . Not sure what was more random- the nightmares or the kidnapping
6. The big reveal and the reason she thought they shouldn’t be together ? She’s bald . - I have no words
July 27, 2023
Isla, a wedding planner, helps a bride to back out of her wedding because she doesn’t think that the groom loves her.
Liam, a family business billionaire, finds out what Isla did to his bride to be and threatens to destroy her business and reputation. He makes her an offer, a deal and a contract she has no choice but to accept. Read to find out about his reasons for a fake marriage.
Will she marry him in 1 week? Has he lost his mind? Has she?
This beautiful story has MAJOR trigger warnings about kidnapping, sexual abuse to the extremes, that part is not for the weak and can be hard to get past.
I’m glad that I continued on because this story is the most swoon-worthy dreamy billionaire romance I’ve read. As hard as it is to get past some devastating pasts that are shared I continued on heartbroken and angry having a hate hate hate and love love love relationship with this story!!
This is truly an incredible love story you will not regret reading, the best I’ve read in a very long time.
Liam, a family business billionaire, finds out what Isla did to his bride to be and threatens to destroy her business and reputation. He makes her an offer, a deal and a contract she has no choice but to accept. Read to find out about his reasons for a fake marriage.
Will she marry him in 1 week? Has he lost his mind? Has she?
This beautiful story has MAJOR trigger warnings about kidnapping, sexual abuse to the extremes, that part is not for the weak and can be hard to get past.
I’m glad that I continued on because this story is the most swoon-worthy dreamy billionaire romance I’ve read. As hard as it is to get past some devastating pasts that are shared I continued on heartbroken and angry having a hate hate hate and love love love relationship with this story!!
This is truly an incredible love story you will not regret reading, the best I’ve read in a very long time.
Want to read
November 10, 2022" ★★★★★A tale of so much unbridled passion and chemistry, I swear I felt my kindle begin to heat up." - Liz Mackie
"★★★★★ A riveting read." - Sue B
"★★★★★ Couldn't put it down." - Joy Lynch
"S-o-o-o, I can do anything I want for my wedding ceremony?" I pluck at the rubber band around my wrist.
"Yes."
"The budget?"
"Unlimited. I’ll need to sign off on the bills, but nothing is too good for my bride. Whatever you want, you can have it."
I squeeze my fingers together. Surely, I’m not considering this. I’m not actually thinking of going through with this insane proposal of his. On the other hand, if I do, I’ll have everything I want. The wedding of my dreams, the chance to prove a point to all the naysayers who thought I’d never make it, and a resounding ‘fuck you’ to all my competition. Hell, there won’t be competition. I’ll wipe them off the map with this showpiece of a wedding. No one will ever question my competency again. And I’ll have enough clients to keep me going for years. Even after I divorce him, it won’t make a dent in my reputation.
"Well?" He scowls. "What’s it gonna be?"
Read The Proposal Free in KU=>
https://readerlinks.com/l/2613521
Get the paperback => https://readerlinks.com/l/2612702
"★★★★★ A riveting read." - Sue B
"★★★★★ Couldn't put it down." - Joy Lynch
"S-o-o-o, I can do anything I want for my wedding ceremony?" I pluck at the rubber band around my wrist.
"Yes."
"The budget?"
"Unlimited. I’ll need to sign off on the bills, but nothing is too good for my bride. Whatever you want, you can have it."
I squeeze my fingers together. Surely, I’m not considering this. I’m not actually thinking of going through with this insane proposal of his. On the other hand, if I do, I’ll have everything I want. The wedding of my dreams, the chance to prove a point to all the naysayers who thought I’d never make it, and a resounding ‘fuck you’ to all my competition. Hell, there won’t be competition. I’ll wipe them off the map with this showpiece of a wedding. No one will ever question my competency again. And I’ll have enough clients to keep me going for years. Even after I divorce him, it won’t make a dent in my reputation.
"Well?" He scowls. "What’s it gonna be?"
Read The Proposal Free in KU=>
https://readerlinks.com/l/2613521
Get the paperback => https://readerlinks.com/l/2612702
Read
January 8, 2024Had to DNF this, I just didn’t like the characters, or the story line, it was so unbelievable and icky
February 19, 2023
“I fold her in my arms, the beating of her heart as frantic as mine, in tandem with mine. My woman. My LadyBird. My wife. Mine.”🥹🤍✨
the push & pull between ISLA & LIAM, hell yeh i’m here 4 it. they can try deny all they like but the chemistry between them is insane. i was so excited whn i finally started seeing them bond w each other & whn they acc allowed each other to express how they truly feel❤️🔥
MOTORBOAT SCENE😮💨>>>>
THE SCENE W THE KINDLE😮💨>>>>
isla is sassy, she’s independent & she determined. her honesty is the best even tho it gets her in sum shit. now i’ll be honest i rly like isla & her character but i found tht at times i was getting annoyed bcos she just kept denying the connection tht she had w liam instead of accepting it whn u could see how much they liked each other & how much liam was rly trying. she played the whole sympathy card multiple times ‘you deserve sum1 better than me’ & my gosh did i wanna punch her 4 tht🙄
ok, so i get why she was so insecure but tht was only at the end of the book. so thru out i had every reason to be annoyed👁️
LIAM, SIR🫡
liam is the literal definition of alphahole. the cockiness. the wittiness. the banter. his sexiness. wht a beautiful man his🤌🏽
the way tht liam describes isla from the start says it all. despite her only initially being his wedding planner u can tell how attracted he is to her. damn tht wedding speech got me in tears😭i loved tht he catered to her every need. he’s compassionate, understanding & caring & the list could go on😭
this book is filled w banter, tension, emotions, angst & drama. i cannot wait to read ab zara & hunterrrr🙌🏽
rating: 4.5🌟
spice: 2.5🌶️
the push & pull between ISLA & LIAM, hell yeh i’m here 4 it. they can try deny all they like but the chemistry between them is insane. i was so excited whn i finally started seeing them bond w each other & whn they acc allowed each other to express how they truly feel❤️🔥
MOTORBOAT SCENE😮💨>>>>
THE SCENE W THE KINDLE😮💨>>>>
isla is sassy, she’s independent & she determined. her honesty is the best even tho it gets her in sum shit. now i’ll be honest i rly like isla & her character but i found tht at times i was getting annoyed bcos she just kept denying the connection tht she had w liam instead of accepting it whn u could see how much they liked each other & how much liam was rly trying. she played the whole sympathy card multiple times ‘you deserve sum1 better than me’ & my gosh did i wanna punch her 4 tht🙄
ok, so i get why she was so insecure but tht was only at the end of the book. so thru out i had every reason to be annoyed👁️
LIAM, SIR🫡
liam is the literal definition of alphahole. the cockiness. the wittiness. the banter. his sexiness. wht a beautiful man his🤌🏽
the way tht liam describes isla from the start says it all. despite her only initially being his wedding planner u can tell how attracted he is to her. damn tht wedding speech got me in tears😭i loved tht he catered to her every need. he’s compassionate, understanding & caring & the list could go on😭
this book is filled w banter, tension, emotions, angst & drama. i cannot wait to read ab zara & hunterrrr🙌🏽
rating: 4.5🌟
spice: 2.5🌶️
December 10, 2022
The first 1/3 was ok at most. the rest was dogshit, this was written as if it were a middle age woman, and a 2012 prepubescent horny Wattpad writer combined forces and made this horrible thing. Spoiler! she's bald... that's the big secret... literally, no one cares.
Now I get that this is a big insecurity, she keeps backing out of the relationship, and by the relationship I mean MARRIAGE. Also, he explicitly mentions that he did a background check, he knew her fucken dog and she thinks he won't know a medical condition, especially since he was also looking to have a child... do you people understand how that doesn't make any sense at all.
Then the entire best friend with his BSF felt so fucken annoying like OK WE GET IT ANOTHER BOOK. The other 2/3 of this book felt so trashy, rushed yet dragged out I hate it. By the time I got to the 'big reveal' I had already forgotten about the beginning and the characters I actually liked. Also, the book suffered from 'Main character syndrome which is where everything, and I mean everything revolves around her, her friends bend over backward for HER and she's the most dislikable one here.
This has honestly discouraged me from reading any of L. Steele's books and makes me understand why they don't use their full name, I wouldn't want this thing anywhere near mine either.
Now I get that this is a big insecurity, she keeps backing out of the relationship, and by the relationship I mean MARRIAGE. Also, he explicitly mentions that he did a background check, he knew her fucken dog and she thinks he won't know a medical condition, especially since he was also looking to have a child... do you people understand how that doesn't make any sense at all.
Then the entire best friend with his BSF felt so fucken annoying like OK WE GET IT ANOTHER BOOK. The other 2/3 of this book felt so trashy, rushed yet dragged out I hate it. By the time I got to the 'big reveal' I had already forgotten about the beginning and the characters I actually liked. Also, the book suffered from 'Main character syndrome which is where everything, and I mean everything revolves around her, her friends bend over backward for HER and she's the most dislikable one here.
This has honestly discouraged me from reading any of L. Steele's books and makes me understand why they don't use their full name, I wouldn't want this thing anywhere near mine either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
The first 1/3 was so so good. But then it just went downhill from there ☹️.
December 20, 2022
I wonder how ppl read this and came to the conclusion that this deserves 5 stars 💀
November 11, 2022
The Proposal by L. Steele really took me by surprise!!
Liam Kincaid is the most eligible bachelor in London and is in need of a wife in order to claim his inheritance. Isla Bailey is the meddling Wedding Planner who turns all his plans upside down. When his intended bride realizes she needs to marry for love and calls off the wedding only days before the ceremony Liam blackmails Isla into agreeing to be his bride instead.
Liam is an arrogant alpha-hole who doesn't believe in romantic notions of true love. They both take an instant dislike to each other only to realize they have been fighting an indisputable attraction. Their chemistry is combustable and Liam is quickly brought to his knees by the feisty and independent Isla.
This novel is full of internal conflict with each keeping secrets but gradually they learn to trust each other and find love.
"I'm still only a man - holding the woman of his dreams in his arms. I fu3king adore your soul. I worship your spirit. And when you combine that with your body, baby, that... is my downfall." - Liam
I highly recommend this seductive and heartfelt romance!!
Dual POV
Spicy and descriptive - no virgins
No cheating or true ow drama, no om drama
Past trauma - kidnapping, SA
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the author's ARC team; I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Liam Kincaid is the most eligible bachelor in London and is in need of a wife in order to claim his inheritance. Isla Bailey is the meddling Wedding Planner who turns all his plans upside down. When his intended bride realizes she needs to marry for love and calls off the wedding only days before the ceremony Liam blackmails Isla into agreeing to be his bride instead.
Liam is an arrogant alpha-hole who doesn't believe in romantic notions of true love. They both take an instant dislike to each other only to realize they have been fighting an indisputable attraction. Their chemistry is combustable and Liam is quickly brought to his knees by the feisty and independent Isla.
This novel is full of internal conflict with each keeping secrets but gradually they learn to trust each other and find love.
"I'm still only a man - holding the woman of his dreams in his arms. I fu3king adore your soul. I worship your spirit. And when you combine that with your body, baby, that... is my downfall." - Liam
I highly recommend this seductive and heartfelt romance!!
Dual POV
Spicy and descriptive - no virgins
No cheating or true ow drama, no om drama
Past trauma - kidnapping, SA
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the author's ARC team; I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
November 9, 2022
This was such a great read!! I absolutely loved this book!! Laxmi does it again .. I really love your writing style.. It just always seems to flow so nicely & everything so well written.. & the steam in this book🥵🥵🔥love love love it!!
I loved Liam’s character so much he was a true alphahole but also aaahhhh so much more!! Love him!!💕
Isla is strong, independent, & isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in.. she doesn’t back down for no one not even the alphahole lol.. She’s so amazing I love her character so much as well.. she’s also very very stubborn lol.. which sometimes drove me mad but you also admire her for it..💕
I can’t wait to read Zara & Hunter’s Book!!! Aahhhh so excited!!!💕🖤
I loved Liam’s character so much he was a true alphahole but also aaahhhh so much more!! Love him!!💕
Isla is strong, independent, & isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in.. she doesn’t back down for no one not even the alphahole lol.. She’s so amazing I love her character so much as well.. she’s also very very stubborn lol.. which sometimes drove me mad but you also admire her for it..💕
I can’t wait to read Zara & Hunter’s Book!!! Aahhhh so excited!!!💕🖤
December 10, 2023
Lots of cray-cray people, as well as shocking secrets in this story!
Liam is a domineering billionaire used to getting his way. When wedding planner, Isla, convinces Liam's bride-to-be, to walk away from him, Liam is not happy and "persuades" her to take his fiancee's place.
The story's conflict is really original, but there were just too many people involved, to keep up with!
Liam is a domineering billionaire used to getting his way. When wedding planner, Isla, convinces Liam's bride-to-be, to walk away from him, Liam is not happy and "persuades" her to take his fiancee's place.
The story's conflict is really original, but there were just too many people involved, to keep up with!
November 26, 2022
L. STEELE DID AN AMAZING JOB AND I TOTALLY HAVE A CRUSH ON LIAM KINCAID NOW. LIKE?? EVEN HIS NAME IS HOT
April 16, 2024
4.5 ⭐️!!
honestly very surprised by this one!! it was deep and the characters had secrets that I never would have guessed!! the chemistry was unmatched and I adored it!!
honestly very surprised by this one!! it was deep and the characters had secrets that I never would have guessed!! the chemistry was unmatched and I adored it!!
October 2, 2023
Honestly I really, really enjoyed this book. It’s no secret that fake relationship, enemies to lovers books are holy grail books so I can safely say this one hit the mark for me.
The banter between these two was *chef’s kiss*. These two had a deep loathing for each other which made their chemistry equal as explosive. I loved these two and they were the perfect match. Liam’s alphaholeness against Isla’s feisty, fiery nature was a winning combo.
I loved hearing Liam and Isla being brought to life by Shane East and Roxy Isles. They brought these characters and their personalities to life flawlessly!
The Proposal was entertaining, spicy, and an overall really great read!
What to expect:
💗 Enemies to Lovers
💗 Fake Relationship
💗 Grumpy/Sunshine
💗 Forced Proximity
The banter between these two was *chef’s kiss*. These two had a deep loathing for each other which made their chemistry equal as explosive. I loved these two and they were the perfect match. Liam’s alphaholeness against Isla’s feisty, fiery nature was a winning combo.
I loved hearing Liam and Isla being brought to life by Shane East and Roxy Isles. They brought these characters and their personalities to life flawlessly!
The Proposal was entertaining, spicy, and an overall really great read!
What to expect:
💗 Enemies to Lovers
💗 Fake Relationship
💗 Grumpy/Sunshine
💗 Forced Proximity
November 26, 2022
dnf at 60%
it’s literally crazy how someone can mess up marriage of convenience.
nothing about this book made any sense, the characters were all over the place, there was no link with the emotions they were feeling, everything kept on changing within seconds and that made zero sense.
pretty disappointing tbh
it’s literally crazy how someone can mess up marriage of convenience.
nothing about this book made any sense, the characters were all over the place, there was no link with the emotions they were feeling, everything kept on changing within seconds and that made zero sense.
pretty disappointing tbh
November 9, 2022
Isla…ugh where do I begin
Let me start by saying I have read every book in this series and know all the characters that we continue to get little peaks into as it continues. I adore anything L.Steele writes. I was highly anticipating this book and devoured it the second it dropped. I decided to sleep on it after I finished before writing the review because I was so frustrated and emotional about it, so here goes. I have never struggled writing a review so much nor have I felt this many emotions about it.
Isla has got to be the most frustrating, selfish, and cruel FMC I have ever read. In my eyes she was nearly not reademable. Yes, I said it. It’s hard to give a review without spoiling the story so I’ll try my best because I want you all to suffer through it on your own to fully get the impact the author wanted. But there is a secret ok, and when I tell you I spent the first 70% of this book racking my brain of every single awful, terrible thing it could be…I was thinking of all the scenarios. And given the history of the rest of the books and characters we know in the verse I had some really crazy ones going through my mind. The other characters including the MMC have all been through really awful things so my imagination was full blast.
However, none of them including the characters who were kidnapped an SA and tortured acted as cruel and awful as Isla. Yes, I can understand and empathize with her secret and how it affects her as a woman, however she treated Liam so cruelly time and time again it was inexcusable. He started as a jerk yeah, she wasn’t much better. They had undeniable chemistry so it was like explosive. But he immediately changed his tune and was all in. I mean ALL in. He fell first and he fell hard.
The level of love and utter devotion he had for her, even after she hurt him time and time again, was mind blowing. He never once lashed out or held it against her. He was steadfast in his commitment and love to her. And she broke him up until the very end. All because she couldn’t get out of her head. It was not ok. And she did absolutely nothing to atone for her awful treatment of him. That really made me angry. She needed to grovel and grovel long and hard. I hate when characters are allowed to get a free pass for being cruel because they themselves have an issue. And that not normally how L. Steele writes them.
This book also only took place in the span of a very few weeks so for him to spend really less than 2weeks with her and already be so entrenched with love was a lil unbelievable. They met when she was the planner for his wedding to another woman and she only saw him a few times. Then she told the bride not to marry him because it wasn’t a love match so he insisted she now become his bride so he can get his inheritance and company. But we all knew he really had it bad for her even then. And immediately he knew it wasn’t a contract marriage he wanted from her.
Her bestie seemed to have just as much face time in the story as she did. Which we normally get lil bit from the next characters we will be reading about but really this book seemed half about her friend. Then…omg…then the ending. Ugh! This ending made me seethe. It was so sudden, so abrupt and unfinished. I still had over 10% and 40 Minutes left and it was just done. I threw my iPad. I was so pissed. Then you get a peak into the next book….ok cool, but then it takes peaks into many other books we’ve already read. Totally frustrating the level of adverts. The bonus link for the I think 4 page epilogue was so short and unfulfilled. I was disappointed AF.
So why did I struggle with what rating to give this? Why did I give 4 stars? I contemplated this all night ok. It got 4 stars because of Liam. He was that great. He was more than I anticipated really. And I have committed so many hours to this series I am fully invested. So yes, I feel that you need to read this book. Will you be frustrated, hell yes. Will you want to throw your device or book more times than not, absolutely. But Liam…oh sweet Liam makes it worth the read. I just wanted better for him. His strength was mind boggling. Also, I’m disappointed he never shared his secret with the 7. I feel like that was a huge super important part of the entire storyline for the series. I am mad he only shared it with Isla and the other 2. We deserve to see that play out and have them take him in , not that they aren’t all close and friendly…it would be a different level I believe. They need to know. I was flabbergasted that we didn’t see that play out.
Anyways, I have said my piece. I need to let Isla go cause I really didn’t connect with or care for her and if her actions had been the MMC we would have ate him alive for his cruel antics.
Let me start by saying I have read every book in this series and know all the characters that we continue to get little peaks into as it continues. I adore anything L.Steele writes. I was highly anticipating this book and devoured it the second it dropped. I decided to sleep on it after I finished before writing the review because I was so frustrated and emotional about it, so here goes. I have never struggled writing a review so much nor have I felt this many emotions about it.
Isla has got to be the most frustrating, selfish, and cruel FMC I have ever read. In my eyes she was nearly not reademable. Yes, I said it. It’s hard to give a review without spoiling the story so I’ll try my best because I want you all to suffer through it on your own to fully get the impact the author wanted. But there is a secret ok, and when I tell you I spent the first 70% of this book racking my brain of every single awful, terrible thing it could be…I was thinking of all the scenarios. And given the history of the rest of the books and characters we know in the verse I had some really crazy ones going through my mind. The other characters including the MMC have all been through really awful things so my imagination was full blast.
However, none of them including the characters who were kidnapped an SA and tortured acted as cruel and awful as Isla. Yes, I can understand and empathize with her secret and how it affects her as a woman, however she treated Liam so cruelly time and time again it was inexcusable. He started as a jerk yeah, she wasn’t much better. They had undeniable chemistry so it was like explosive. But he immediately changed his tune and was all in. I mean ALL in. He fell first and he fell hard.
The level of love and utter devotion he had for her, even after she hurt him time and time again, was mind blowing. He never once lashed out or held it against her. He was steadfast in his commitment and love to her. And she broke him up until the very end. All because she couldn’t get out of her head. It was not ok. And she did absolutely nothing to atone for her awful treatment of him. That really made me angry. She needed to grovel and grovel long and hard. I hate when characters are allowed to get a free pass for being cruel because they themselves have an issue. And that not normally how L. Steele writes them.
This book also only took place in the span of a very few weeks so for him to spend really less than 2weeks with her and already be so entrenched with love was a lil unbelievable. They met when she was the planner for his wedding to another woman and she only saw him a few times. Then she told the bride not to marry him because it wasn’t a love match so he insisted she now become his bride so he can get his inheritance and company. But we all knew he really had it bad for her even then. And immediately he knew it wasn’t a contract marriage he wanted from her.
Her bestie seemed to have just as much face time in the story as she did. Which we normally get lil bit from the next characters we will be reading about but really this book seemed half about her friend. Then…omg…then the ending. Ugh! This ending made me seethe. It was so sudden, so abrupt and unfinished. I still had over 10% and 40 Minutes left and it was just done. I threw my iPad. I was so pissed. Then you get a peak into the next book….ok cool, but then it takes peaks into many other books we’ve already read. Totally frustrating the level of adverts. The bonus link for the I think 4 page epilogue was so short and unfulfilled. I was disappointed AF.
So why did I struggle with what rating to give this? Why did I give 4 stars? I contemplated this all night ok. It got 4 stars because of Liam. He was that great. He was more than I anticipated really. And I have committed so many hours to this series I am fully invested. So yes, I feel that you need to read this book. Will you be frustrated, hell yes. Will you want to throw your device or book more times than not, absolutely. But Liam…oh sweet Liam makes it worth the read. I just wanted better for him. His strength was mind boggling. Also, I’m disappointed he never shared his secret with the 7. I feel like that was a huge super important part of the entire storyline for the series. I am mad he only shared it with Isla and the other 2. We deserve to see that play out and have them take him in , not that they aren’t all close and friendly…it would be a different level I believe. They need to know. I was flabbergasted that we didn’t see that play out.
Anyways, I have said my piece. I need to let Isla go cause I really didn’t connect with or care for her and if her actions had been the MMC we would have ate him alive for his cruel antics.
October 24, 2023
Overall Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️½
"You meet so many people in your life, and none of them touch you. And then you meet the one, and you realize you don’t deserve her."
📚 Book Review 📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My new favorite of the Morally Grey Billionaires couples - Liam and Isla's story is a sweet take on the enemies-to-lovers and fake relationship tropes. It's mild on the enemies-to-lovers side, with a MMC who falls first for a FMC who is trying, with all her might, not to be hurt by giving in to their fake relationship.
From the first introduction to Isla, I fell in love with her character. She is confident and strong, a no-nonsense FMC who can hold her own against the billionaire Liam (yes, she is coerced into a fake marriage, but she refuses to give in to all his demands). She’s holding a deep secret that forces her to keep everyone at arm's length, even the man she’s come to love.
Liam and Isle have intense sexual chemistry. Liam thinks he can fuck her out of his system, believing her only to be an obsession, just to find how perfectly matched they genuinely are.
Their HEA brought me such joy with some of the sweetest (and hottest) declarations of love.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The narrators were perfect for their roles. They make a great team in this dual-narration style performance.
Shane East is one of my top male narrators for a reason. Not only is his voice dripping with sex, but he also does a fantastic job performing female characters without making them whiny. His voice always gives me the taco tingles, especially when he says, “Good Girl.”
Roxy was a perfect Isla. She also has the talent for convincingly performing the opposite sex.
I highly recommend spending a credit on this book.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Features: billionaire, enemies to lovers (light), fake marriage, marriage of convenience, he falls first, strong and confident FMC, controlling billionaire MMC, age gap
Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV
Audiobook Narration Type: Dual-style narration
Voice Actor(s): Shane East and Roxy Isles
Relationship Type: MF, fast-burn, very spicy
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: None listed
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️½
"You meet so many people in your life, and none of them touch you. And then you meet the one, and you realize you don’t deserve her."
📚 Book Review 📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My new favorite of the Morally Grey Billionaires couples - Liam and Isla's story is a sweet take on the enemies-to-lovers and fake relationship tropes. It's mild on the enemies-to-lovers side, with a MMC who falls first for a FMC who is trying, with all her might, not to be hurt by giving in to their fake relationship.
From the first introduction to Isla, I fell in love with her character. She is confident and strong, a no-nonsense FMC who can hold her own against the billionaire Liam (yes, she is coerced into a fake marriage, but she refuses to give in to all his demands). She’s holding a deep secret that forces her to keep everyone at arm's length, even the man she’s come to love.
Liam and Isle have intense sexual chemistry. Liam thinks he can fuck her out of his system, believing her only to be an obsession, just to find how perfectly matched they genuinely are.
Their HEA brought me such joy with some of the sweetest (and hottest) declarations of love.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The narrators were perfect for their roles. They make a great team in this dual-narration style performance.
Shane East is one of my top male narrators for a reason. Not only is his voice dripping with sex, but he also does a fantastic job performing female characters without making them whiny. His voice always gives me the taco tingles, especially when he says, “Good Girl.”
Roxy was a perfect Isla. She also has the talent for convincingly performing the opposite sex.
I highly recommend spending a credit on this book.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Features: billionaire, enemies to lovers (light), fake marriage, marriage of convenience, he falls first, strong and confident FMC, controlling billionaire MMC, age gap
Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV
Audiobook Narration Type: Dual-style narration
Voice Actor(s): Shane East and Roxy Isles
Relationship Type: MF, fast-burn, very spicy
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: None listed
October 3, 2023
A great start to what promises to be another great series from L. Steele. Full of sexual tension, angst and heat.
Roxy and Liam's chemistry was off the charts. The way these two bounced off each other throughout the book was addictive to read. The author brings some serious subjects up too.. and I suggest checking trigger warnings before going into this book.
I am a sucker for a fake relationship trope and then you add in enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine and forced proximity? YES PLEASE! I am here for it! This would have to probably be my most favourite book by L. Steele.
Can't wait to see what else the author has up her sleeve for this series!
Roxy and Liam's chemistry was off the charts. The way these two bounced off each other throughout the book was addictive to read. The author brings some serious subjects up too.. and I suggest checking trigger warnings before going into this book.
I am a sucker for a fake relationship trope and then you add in enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine and forced proximity? YES PLEASE! I am here for it! This would have to probably be my most favourite book by L. Steele.
Can't wait to see what else the author has up her sleeve for this series!
November 20, 2025
A good read that kept me hooked and drove me a little batty waiting to finally uncover Isla’s secret. The suspense paid off, and I was relieved when Lilia wasn’t upset by what went down. Her understanding brought a sense of resolution, and I’m glad that thread was tied up.
Liam is the quintessential alphahole (such a great phrase!), but his arc is one of the highlights. He learns to let people in, to feel, and to stop shutting himself off from the world. With his past, you can understand why he’s guarded, but watching him grow for Isla was deeply satisfying.
Isla herself is a strong, independent woman who doesn’t want to rely on anyone. Her journey is about realizing that accepting help doesn’t make you weak it makes you human. Together, she and Liam challenge each other, clash, and ultimately prove that love can be both fiery and healing.
Liam is the quintessential alphahole (such a great phrase!), but his arc is one of the highlights. He learns to let people in, to feel, and to stop shutting himself off from the world. With his past, you can understand why he’s guarded, but watching him grow for Isla was deeply satisfying.
Isla herself is a strong, independent woman who doesn’t want to rely on anyone. Her journey is about realizing that accepting help doesn’t make you weak it makes you human. Together, she and Liam challenge each other, clash, and ultimately prove that love can be both fiery and healing.
October 19, 2023
Isla is Liam's wedding planner until his fiancee calls things off. Liam demands Isla fill in to be his bride with just two weeks until the big day and so Liam can get his inheritance and father's company. These two cannot stand the sight of each other, but that doesn't last long.
Liam fell for Isla fast. He went from being so angry with her to loving her within days. The book was good, but there were a few things that stood out and bothered me. There are various references in the book to Isla being vegan, but also a scene where she is eating eggs. It felt like the term "alphahole" was thrown around in every chapter. At one point Liam calls himself an alphahole. Guys don't call themselves that. Probably my favorite part was that Liam's mother figured them out. I've never seen that in a fake marriage book.
Shane East and Roxy Isles narrated wonderfully together. Roxy's voice was a little fast for me and took me a bit to get used to her speed, but once I did there weren't any issues.
Liam fell for Isla fast. He went from being so angry with her to loving her within days. The book was good, but there were a few things that stood out and bothered me. There are various references in the book to Isla being vegan, but also a scene where she is eating eggs. It felt like the term "alphahole" was thrown around in every chapter. At one point Liam calls himself an alphahole. Guys don't call themselves that. Probably my favorite part was that Liam's mother figured them out. I've never seen that in a fake marriage book.
Shane East and Roxy Isles narrated wonderfully together. Roxy's voice was a little fast for me and took me a bit to get used to her speed, but once I did there weren't any issues.
December 20, 2022
AUDIOBOOK edition
This story is different from the usual plot. Liam surprised me as the story unfolded, changing my opinion of him as he falls for the quirky Isla. Their chemistry is explosive, and their journey to HEA is hard, quite discouraging at times, but they do make it.
Shane East is one of my 'eargasm' voices and I am always looking forward to hear him give life to the characters. It is my second time listening to Roxy Isles. She did such an amazing job, perfect voice for Isla. I will be looking for more.
This story is different from the usual plot. Liam surprised me as the story unfolded, changing my opinion of him as he falls for the quirky Isla. Their chemistry is explosive, and their journey to HEA is hard, quite discouraging at times, but they do make it.
Shane East is one of my 'eargasm' voices and I am always looking forward to hear him give life to the characters. It is my second time listening to Roxy Isles. She did such an amazing job, perfect voice for Isla. I will be looking for more.
November 10, 2022
This was an amazingly written book about a fake marriage that ended up turning into true love. Liam and Isla’s love story was heartbreakingly beautiful and sinfully steamy, and I loved it - and them - so much. Liam is a self proclaimed alphahole, but that doesn’t take away from his charm. In fact, it adds to it!!! As for Isla, I think she’s bold, sassy, and brilliant, and I loved her character. This book was both funny and angsty, but the balance between the two worked. All in all, this was a fantastic read!
November 13, 2022
Another great book from L. Steele.
This is the first book of Big Bad Billionaires I've read but I fully intend to go back and read them all. This book can be read as a standalone as well as part of the series.
Liam talks Isla into marrying him as part of deal which will benefit them both. Both from tragic pasts. Isla adamant to keep him at arms length.
L. Steele writes about subjects with sensitivity and understanding which made the book that bit more special.
Defiantly one of my favorites of her world so far.
This is the first book of Big Bad Billionaires I've read but I fully intend to go back and read them all. This book can be read as a standalone as well as part of the series.
Liam talks Isla into marrying him as part of deal which will benefit them both. Both from tragic pasts. Isla adamant to keep him at arms length.
L. Steele writes about subjects with sensitivity and understanding which made the book that bit more special.
Defiantly one of my favorites of her world so far.
July 2, 2024
Liam & Isla 💖
They were perfect🩷 and the chemistry between them melted my heart😭😭 Their story was cute, especially since they were in each other's heads, but there must be more or less. I don't know, but there was something missing in it, But I'm not completely satisfied because this is couple needs more creativity
They were perfect🩷 and the chemistry between them melted my heart😭😭 Their story was cute, especially since they were in each other's heads, but there must be more or less. I don't know, but there was something missing in it, But I'm not completely satisfied because this is couple needs more creativity
November 9, 2022
Liam Kincaid is....I'll just leave it right there! This book definitely rates more than 5 stars. Liam and Isla's story gave me butterflies from the very first chapter. These two are dynamite!! And NOPE, he is definitely NOT like th rest of the Alphaholes. Well done L. Steele on another great read.
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