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Untamed Billionaires #2

Chased By The Billionaire

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She is young and innocent. He is anything but.

Vanessa Goodwin is trying to build a better life for herself. After a traumatizing childhood and one big mistake, she only wants a simple, normal life.

Instead, she meets a powerful billionaire with the worst reputation .
A man who always gets what he wants.
A man who has a target on his back.
Gorgeous. Irresistible. Dangerous. Rocco Da Bonno.

She knows she should run in the opposite direction, but his one look has her frozen.
---
After he gives up the inheritance of his father’s criminal empire, Rocco has dangerous enemies and a lot of challenges to overcome.

Instead of focusing on staying safe, he obsesses over a beautiful dancer.

The first woman who’s ever refused him.
The first woman who’s ever given him sass.
The only woman who makes him feel alive.

Their worlds are miles apart. Their love is doomed from the beginning. Yet somehow they make it work and now the target is on Vanessa’s back, too. Can Rocco protect her or will their love fall a victim to his choices?

One click to enjoy this age gap, innocent heroine romance. It's a standalone novel in the Untamed Billionaires series.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2022

240 people are currently reading
177 people want to read

About the author

Maxine Henri

25 books126 followers
Maxine Henri is a contemporary romance author who infuses her stories with steamy passion and complex characters. When she's not crafting stories that will have you swooning, she can usually be found sipping on a cup of black tea while reading a good book or traveling to new destinations.

Maxine believes that stories matter. They facilitate emotional journeys, inspire and entertain. And when it comes to books and fiction, stories are a great escape and probably the most beneficial addiction on this planet.

Her billionaire romances are the perfect escape, offering a taste of luxury and adventure. Maxine introduces heroes who may have a dark past, but are always balanced by a lighter side. And her leading ladies? They're strong, independent women who may be a little broken, but always find their way to love.

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5 stars
119 (51%)
4 stars
72 (31%)
3 stars
33 (14%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Deb Richmond.
700 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2022
Rocco Da Bonno and Vanessa Goodwin were both born to less than ideal parents. While Rocco was born at the top of the food chain with all the privileges that mob life had to offer, Vanessa was born at the bottom, daughter of a prostitute. What the two had in common, though, was the desire to have a new life. The first time Rocco sees Vanessa, she is performing a flamenco dance. He is captivated. When he finally meets her, she wants nothing to do with him, but he’s persistent and wears her down till she agrees to a date. The spark is immediate, and love is instant. Rocco’s father is dying, and he’s set to inherit the mantle of power, but that makes him a target. Vanessa loves Rocco which makes her a target. Rocco has a plan to get them to safety, but if it doesn’t work, they could lose each other and their lives.

This is such an enjoyable book. The characters are stand-outs, strongly written and well-defined. I love that Rocco is a mobster but has such a soft side. Vanessa has been burned by life so many times that she’s a bit skittish about becoming part of Rocco’s world, but she maintains an inner strength. The supporting characters are great. I especially enjoy bodyguards James and Jason aka Bond and Bourne. The story is well-plotted and fast-paced. If you like a mafia story with a bit of spice, then this one’s for you!

Vanilla Flame is part of the Sweet Temptations series, but can be read as a standalone. Please read and be let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
October 27, 2022
Rocco is a man who tends to get what he wants whenever he wants, so when a girl named Vanessa turns him down, well, he becomes obsessed with her. I have to say that I really love when the things are turned around since most of the time it's the heroine who is put in the position of fighting for the hero. Vanessa doesn't want anything to do with Rocco because she knows where he comes from, and this girl is just trying to survive on her own without any other chaos piling on top of her problems. However, they do have an undeniable connection, and it's intense enough that she won't be able to stay away either at the end of the day. Then there's the part where having anything to do with him puts a target on her back, so the story really takes off there since I do love some suspense & danger with my romance. To see if Rocco can keep her safe so they can walk off into the sunset together, you'll have to hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,136 reviews
November 12, 2023
A Bit Dark And Edgy But Still A Delight:
This book was a bit darker than I usually enjoy but I did like how Rocco was trying to redeem his life and I enjoyed seeing him turn things around. It was unpredictable and captured my attention right from the start. The storyline flowed well with a good mixture of suspense, tenderness and romance.
I enjoyed the push and pull between Rocco and Vanessa. You could really feel the chemistry between them and their relationship felt authentic and deep.
All in all, there was an emotional intensity to this book that took my breath away and now I can't wait to see what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Mary Fazzi.
1,257 reviews10 followers
March 27, 2024
wow love at first sight almost

Vanessa or sass as Rocco called her. They met on a chance and that chance meeting made it happen over and over for weeks then he disappeared. Due to his ill father. He needed to set things in motion to protect his family and take care of those he needs but once he found Sass he couldn’t turn away. She is everything he ever wanted and never knew he needed. She is opening him up to feelings and caring that he never knew he wanted. They are caring for each other but he doesn’t fully trust her and it shows when he has plans for things and he has to send her away and take care of things without her knowing. She is hurt and can’t believe he doesn’t trust her as much as she does her.
Profile Image for Marcy Barth.
297 reviews13 followers
December 16, 2025
was not expecting that!

Loved this book! Ness was such a lovable character. You just wanted to scoop her up and bring her into your life. Rocco was an incredible character as well! I wasn’t expecting that ending though. This book broke my heart and filled at the same time.

Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Betty.
445 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2023
Great story

Rocco DaBonno is a in a big mob. Vanessa Goohein is a dancer is catches his eyes. Rocco father is the head of the mob. The story has you staying up at night for what's next. Great read😊😀😁
Profile Image for Ashley Waskey.
14 reviews
May 12, 2024
chased by billionaire

Good book. Lots of ups and downs. Almost no editing errors. Good storyline with believable characters. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Vilma .
909 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2022
Rocco da Bonno is the only son and heir apparent to his fathers illegal business empire, while Vanessa Goodwin is a young homeless woman who enthralls Rocco unknowingly when he stumbles upon her performing flamenco in a park.

When he next runs into Vanessa she is working in his cousin’s wife’s cafe and she rebukes all his advances… until she doesn’t anymore and they embark on a slow dance romance. Which Rocco runs from once she admits her virginity, until he can’t stay away.

There is a lot of unfriendly banter, then friendly banter, but clearly they couple has chemistry. I like Ness and Rocco as a couple, but I do feel some of the drama could have been left out, yet it was an engaging read
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,136 reviews
November 12, 2023
A bit dark and edgy but still a delight:
This book was a bit darker than I usually enjoy but I did like how Rocco was trying to redeem his life and I enjoyed seeing him turn things around. It was unpredictable and captured my attention right from the start. The storyline flowed well with a good mixture of suspense, tenderness and romance.
I enjoyed the push and pull between Rocco and Vanessa. You could really feel the chemistry between them and their relationship felt authentic and deep.
All in all, there was an emotional intensity to this book that took my breath away and now I can't wait to see what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,136 reviews
November 12, 2023
A Bit Dark And Edgy But Still A Delight:
This book was a bit darker than I usually enjoy but I did like how Rocco was trying to redeem his life and I enjoyed seeing him turn things around. It was unpredictable and captured my attention right from the start. The storyline flowed well with a good mixture of suspense, tenderness and romance.
I enjoyed the push and pull between Rocco and Vanessa. You could really feel the chemistry between them and their relationship felt authentic and deep.
All in all, there was an emotional intensity to this book that took my breath away and now I can't wait to see what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Amanda Krause-Maurer .
55 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2023
This is the first book by Maxine Henri that I have read and I was not disappointed. I look forward to checking out more books from this author!

Rocco and Vanessa are from two VERY different backgrounds - the epitome of opposites attract, although they were INTENSELY drawn to each other. Each character had their own story and were well-defined. The plot kept through the entire book - I don't feel like the author drew away from it too much.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review - thank you to Hidden Gems Books, the author, and the publisher!
1,627 reviews21 followers
October 28, 2022
Vanessa and Rocco

Vanessa had had a rough life and had trust issues. Rocco is a wealthy man that isn't used to being told no. When they meet and she tells him no, he becomes obsessed with being with her. She tries to resist, but he wins her over eventually with his sweet gestures.
Profile Image for Dawn Foster.
1,321 reviews19 followers
November 22, 2022
Vanilla Flame is the first book by this author that I have read as well as being the second book in the Sweet Temptation series. I loved following Vanessa and Rocco's story of two people from opposite worlds. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,927 reviews100 followers
November 28, 2022
Vanilla Flame is the first book by this author that I have read as well as being the second book in the Sweet Temptation series. I loved following Vanessa and Rocco's story of two people from opposite worlds. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
380 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2023
Older Rocco meets young Nee

Rocco and Nee takes us on a rollercoaster ride filled with Mafia violence and it’s dangerous themes. He is a player and she is innocent with a touch of street smarts. Rocco watches her impassioned dancing which is her escape and is…
Profile Image for Alice.
2,911 reviews
June 7, 2023
Does not explore/explain age gap. Mafia
Profile Image for Nate.
24.1k reviews19 followers
June 14, 2023
I liked Rocco and Vanessa’s book. It was an interesting read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Dewey.
2,083 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2024
The characters and story are good. I feel so sorry for Vanessa. Predictable ending but not nearly enough groveling by Rocco.
Profile Image for Emma.
180 reviews
February 29, 2024
Not bad, not amazing, but I am pretty stingy with my stars. Epilogue was disappointing.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.1k reviews19 followers
March 11, 2024
I liked Rocco and Vanessa’s story. It was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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