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The Billionaires' Reunion #3

A Necessary Compromise

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Her dingy food truck is bad for business. His new restaurant threatens her mother's legacy. Can these two enemies find a compromise so they won't miss out on true love?
Vanessa Douglas has put her teaching career on hold to run her late mother's food truck, a legacy she can't bear to see die. Soon, she'll have enough money to open a full-fledged restaurant soon—something her mother always dreamed of. But when a suave billionaire buys the building and threatens to evict her truck from his curb, she soon learns that the food industry is no picnic.

Nate Stone's career as a top-performing race car driver is winding down, so he's turned his attention to expanding his portfolio of five-star restaurants. With a family reunion he's in charge of looming,he's on a tight deadline and not anticipating a feisty teacher-turned-chef interrupting his plans.

As Nate and Vanessa battle over her right to keep the food truck in front of his building, the sparks of their attraction are fanned into a full-blown flame.Then Nate offers Vanessa the chance to keep her truck parked a bit longer in exchange for helping him plan the family reunion, and she reluctantly agrees. But when things don't go as planned, they must decide whether their fragile relationship is worth fighting for.

A Necessary Compromise is Book 3 in the standalone series. Fall in love with The Billionaires’ Reunion Christian Romance series while catching up with the big Stone Family as they reunite in their scenic small-town.There’s several seasons of love and adventure in this spin off series following Eric Stone’s siblings from The CEO’s companion in the caregiver series. With each family member taking a turn to coordinate a family gathering, there’s plenty of laughter, tears and Happily Ever Afters. (You don’t need to have read The Caregiver series first to enjoy this series.)

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

66 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

Rose Fresquez

48 books375 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Donise.
1,293 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2023
This can be read as a standalone, but parts of it will make more sense if you read the first two books in the series. This story is about a racecar driver and a food truck operator/teacher. Quite the combination because what could they possibly have in common. It turns out that there is quite a lot that they share. Both of them will have to take leaps of faith and face some hard truths if they want to find their way to a happy ending. I like reading books that are part of a series because I like catching up with former characters. It also makes me look forward to reading future books. This book was very entertaining, and I enjoyed reading it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
9,377 reviews140 followers
August 7, 2023
This is a well written enemies to lovers romance with strong characters in Vanessa and Nate. The author does a great job developing their story and painting her scenes perfectly. She brings all the feels and the faith of God as she brings them together. I loved reading their story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Barbara Campbell.
1,910 reviews44 followers
July 16, 2025
Another great story by Rose Fresquez. I know this one is billed as enemies to Moore, but I’m not sure. I really think of them as enemies as much as competitors. They both have plans… Big dreams… And those dreams clash. They’re also very opposite in some ways and that makes having a relationship difficult.
905 reviews9 followers
April 24, 2023
Into each life a little rain must fall … and this is book doesn’t hold back. It’s full of real life struggles, frailties and weaknesses. Venessa has faced unimaginable loss. She’s determined to honor her deceased mother’s legacy. As a result she can be hard-headed, belligerent and uncompromising. Her food truck business is her life. For her, it’s an end to a means to make her mom’s dream of owning a restaurant come to life.

Nate Stone knows loss too, however, his circumstances are very different from Vanessa’s. He was adopted from foster care when he was six years old. His adoptive parents love God and teach His love to Nate and his other adopted siblings. It’s one big happy family where Nate is taught independence . He’s a dare-devil and loves adventure and excitement. He’s also very competitive. So, it’s not surprising that he has chosen to be a professional race car driver.

Nate knows the danger involved in his profession, and has experienced crashes. Thus he uses a portion of his winnings to establish successful restaurants around the country for that ‘just in case’ scenario. He knows how life can change suddenly. And this is where he and Vanessa butt heads. He’s building a new restaurant and her food truck is on his parking lot. Yep, that’s a problem… an elegant new restaurant alongside a gaudy looking food truck… something has got to give.

This book is inspirational. It’s not ‘preachy’ at all, but I love seeing how God’s hand is at work in healing fears, insecurities and anxieties. We see how pride and control can be messy defense mechanisms. Last but certainly not least, it shows how it’s easy to lose out on the things that really matter, and it can take a rude awakening to open our eyes.

🤔 OBSERVATIONS

✒︎ This is a low stress, sweet read but has LOTS of problems to solve with head butting alongside two stubborn, ‘love reluctant’ people.

✒︎ I did get a little confused in the beginning. I needed a transition from Chapter One to Chapter Two. I was lost, had no idea what happened. It switched from Venessa to Nate and at that point I had no idea what this race car driver had to do with Vanessa’s problem. However, as I kept reading it became apparent what was happening and how it all tied in together.

✒︎ Next book sounds great too…. Nate’s brother, Theo, is going undercover. Hmmm, seems like drama and giggles all rolled into one. Thinking we’ll get to ‘see’ some of the other siblings too like we got to in this book.

I was given an advance copy of this book and freely leave my review
680 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2023
Another great story in The Billionaires' Reunion series where each book can be read as a stand alone story. The stories are about the Stone siblings as each one takes a turn planning the annual family reunion. This story is about Nate Stone who is a top-performing race car driver and he also owns many restaurants. His latest restaurant is in the process of being built and set to open in the Fall.

Vanessa Douglas owns a food truck selling her mother's delicious BBQ. Her mother died and Vanessa is trying to earn enough with the food truck to fulfill her mother's dream of opening a BBQ restaurant.
She is so close to her goal but she needs to find a good place to park her truck where there are alot of customers. Parking near the construction site of a new restaurant has been great but the manager of the restaurant wants her to vacate the area. She wants to meet with the owner to discuss her situation. When the owner shows up, she had no idea it was Nate Stone. He has been her crush since she met him at her good friend's wedding to Nate's brother. Nate doesn't remember who she is and they have a terrible first meeting when she is so flustered she dumps food on his dress shirt.

When Nate finally remembers who she is, he decides to help her out financially but she takes it the wrong way and gets very angry with him. After some unexpected situations that could give her setbacks in fulfilling her mother's dream, she meets with Nate again and asks for his help. Not wanting a handout she asks what she can do for him. Helping him out with the family reunion has them spending lots of time together. Where neither one was looking for a relationship- their feelings for one another began to grow.

Will their differences in how they approach life cause them to break up or can they come to a compromise they will keep them together?

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
769 reviews
May 27, 2023
Vanessa's most profitable location for her scruffy and graffitied food truck was in the carpark of upmarket steakhouse...which had just changed hands and the new owner wanted her gone. When Vanessa didn't leave but insisted on speaking to the owner, she did not expect that to be Nate Stone, the brother-in-law of her best friend and a guy she had had a crush on for some time. Pity when they did meet she was so discombobulated that she dropped the food she was offering him down his front - very messy BBQ. Not a great start especially when he didn't remember her from the wedding or previous reunion. Let's just say there was a reason Nate nicknamed her 'Spitfire'!
What I really liked about this book was the characters, and how they interacted with each other and the value they put on family. I also liked how the tension that is inevitable when your current life and your dreams don't align was dealt with, the importance given to prayer and the need to realise that with big dreams, you can't do it alone, you need others to work with you to do what you can't, whether that be winning big car races or running a food business. I can't wait til the next book in the series - the next brother Theo in his role as undercover boss! I received an ARC but this review is my own.
754 reviews12 followers
May 3, 2023
This is the perfect opposites attract romance.
Vanessa is focused, doesn’t take risks, and has a plan. She’s going to open a restaurant to fulfill her mother’s dream. When things aren’t going the way she expects and her secret crush ends up interfering in her plan, rethinking where her life is going and getting it in line with God might be what she needs.
Nate is impulsive, a risk taker, and though he’s planned for his future he lives for racing. When Vanessa parks her food truck in front of his soon to be opened restaurant and won’t leave, he must find a way to diplomatically give her the push she needs. Soon he’s wondering if racing is what he really wants or could it be something else? Maybe it’s time for a little prayer.
The characters in this book are well written and fleshed out in a way that shows their growth throughout the story. Of course nothing says romance better than some hand holding, hugs, and kisses so you won’t be disappointed, but there is so much more.
1,217 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2023
Loved Vanessa and Nate's story!! Nate doesn't remember meeting Vanessa, but she sure remembers him!! Then, he finds out his brothers' all remember meeting her, and they find it very funny that he doesn't! Nate is also a "fixer" and "helper" in that when he hears of things and/or people needing help or fixing things, he's right there with some kind of solution. Only, that doesn't work so well with Vanessa. Nate and Vanessa learn things about themselves, especially Vanessa, as she learns she's been doing things with the wrong motives and for the wrong reasons. It's Nate that helps her to figure out what she truly wants, just as Vanessa helps Nate see what's truly important to him, too. Such a great book!! I really think this is my favorite in this series, but that could change with the next book!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, wasn't required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
2,728 reviews20 followers
May 2, 2023
I like this series so it was fun to return to The Billionaires' Reunion to learn more about another Stone family member. I liked that the Stone family had one biological child and ten adopted children. I also enjoyed how faith played an important part in the characters' lives.
This book focused on Nate, a NASCAR race driver and owner of several restaurants. It was also his turn to plan the next Stone family reunion and he wanted Vanessa to help plan that with him.
I liked how Nate and Vanessa first met in his parking lot when she demanded to talk with him about her food truck. I enjoyed the chemistry between impulsive Nate and feisty, goal oriented, Vanessa. The conflict between them over her food truck was quite interesting. I am sure the only race Nate really wanted to win was the race for Vanessa's heart. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for April Wilson.
431 reviews21 followers
April 24, 2023
Letting go of that dream can be the biggest blessing of your life.

Nate is a racer with a big heart that is afraid to start a relationship because of the dangers of his career. Vanessa is stuck in life trying to fulfill a dream that is not hers. They connect and find they can get along despite being the opposite personalities.

They face many struggles and fears but learn to trust God and each other as they navigate their future.

A sweet, clean romance that will have you cheering for them to just let go and let God work things out. It is part of the series and some knowledge of the other two books is helpful. But I have not read the beginning books and could follow this story line with easy after the first couple of chapters. Well worth your time spent reading.

I received an ARC from the author for my voluntary opinion.
27 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2023
Vanessa & Nate are like oil & water. Vanessa has no family but her best friend and Nate has lots of brothers and sisters plus extended family. Vanessa tries to do stuff on her own without anybody's help and Nate has a whole staff and he includes God in everything. One day Nate offers to help Vanessa and it blows up in his face but later Vanessa has a trial and her best friend who happens to be Nate's sister-in-law tells her to talk to Nate. They become close until Nate wrecks his racecar. Will God bring healing to them both or will they let stubbornness get in the way of their happy ever after. Until I read this book I had never read one of Miss Rose's books. I bought several more afterwards. She made me a fan for life. I received this book to read as an ARC book and my review is freely given.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melissa Main.
53 reviews5 followers
May 8, 2023
Christian romance and NASCAR

Rose Fresquez is an excellent author, and this latest book, A Necessary Compromise, is a wonderful addition to her Billionaires’ Reunion series. It’s the same Stone family that was in the Caregiver series, so it reunites readers with familiar characters they love.
This book has lots of action, adventure, and romance. Plus, it also has real spiritual depth, with an emphasis on prayer and relying on God.
Nate and Vanessa’s romance is definitely one where opposites attract. Many of Fresquez’s heroines are very kind and nurturing, but Vanessa is a little different. She is also nurturing, but she is a spitfire with lots of spunk. If you love a spunky heroine who has a huge heart, read this book.
609 reviews
May 8, 2023
Nate and Vanessa really are a perfect match since they balance each other out. Vanessa is stuck trying to do two or three different things at once. Trying to get her license as a teacher and to fulfill her late mother's dreams of owning and running a BBQ restraint. For now she is stuck with breakdowns on the truck and vandalism of phloresant paint sprayed on it because some other crazy woman wanted her spot to sell food from the truck. As she finds the perfect place it's owned by none other than Nate the race car driver, that she gas crushed on for years. It funny and touching how their romance progresses and is a great read. The story reminds me of an old Carey Grant and Katherine Hepburn movie.
224 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2023
A continuation about the Stone family. Nate Stone is a NASCAR driver who is winding down his career. I enjoyed reading about his racing. I live near the heart of NASCAR and am familiar with the tracks and some aspects of the sport. Rose did a good job of representing the sport. Nate is branching out and opening up a restuarant and Vanessa has been parking her junkie food truck near his fancy restuarant. That doesn't go over well for everyone. In this story two people from different worlds have to learn to compromise to make their relationship work. Nate is so good to Vanessa. Such a gentleman. An extremely sweet story.
Profile Image for Debbie Chatley.
579 reviews26 followers
June 4, 2023
Another great story by Rose Fresquez about chasing our dreams and sharing our lives with those who love and support us. I loved following Nate and Vanessa’s life as they face challenges and decision points in pursuing their passions and determining Gods plan for their lives. And as the title eludes too sometimes we face compromises in life but to walk through them we need to consider Gods plans for us, our true calling and those who want wants best for us while not allowing fear to restrain us. I could relate more to Vanessa as she tried to find the balance between honoring a legacy and finding her way in life. In sprinting and heartwarming are the 2 words that come to mind.
Profile Image for Michaela | Reading in the Heartland.
3,778 reviews95 followers
May 2, 2023
I enjoyed this celebrity romance. I like how all of these Billionaire sibling romances are unique. The family reunion repetitive aspect is deeply cherished. I liked the danger aspect of Nate’s job, Vanessa’s deep connection to her lost mother, and the sparks that fly between the two. The side lane of autism awareness and life as a single mom was also really well done. It was a lovely and well written read. I’m anxious to begin the next book in this series.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Lucia Valenzuela.
2,083 reviews13 followers
May 3, 2023
Another great story in this series. Nate and Vanessa are really quite opposite in most things. I love how they learn to fit into each other’s lives until it seems there is one thing beyond Vanessa’s ability to compromise. I really enjoyed reading about the Stone family. Despite all but one of the Stone siblings being adopted, they are extremely close and supportive of each other. I love how the author portrays reliance upon and faith in God.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Profile Image for Marlene.
456 reviews10 followers
May 10, 2023
Another enjoyable romance. The story is about 2 seemingly different types of people becoming friends and possibly falling in love. Sometimes people who seem different are actually more alike as Nate an Vanessa explore their friendship. They are both believers, both committed to what they do, want to pursue dreams they are passionate about. The story also explores the idea of living one's personal dream that they are passionate about as apposed to living out someone else's dream because they believe they have to. Also explores the idea of how God's plans work into our plans.
Profile Image for LaDonna Childress.
37 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2024
Faith over fear

Race car driver, Nate and food truck owner, Vanessa, butt heads as they try to find a compromise when she parks in front of his new restaurant under construction. As they grow closer, Vanessa‘s fears related to Nate’s racing, almost permanently break them apart. She allowed her fears to overcome her faith in God. Nate encourages Vanessa to have more faith in God and live out her dreams. This is a good Christian read for anyone needing a lesson in faith over fear.
Profile Image for MacKenzie Emery.
582 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2023
Love this book! I would love to follow more of Nate’s siblings and their journeys to find love.

Nate and Vanessa are the perfect compliments to each other and show how working together can truly make the best relationship. I love how they each root their beliefs in God and rely on him. The writing is wonderful and flows so you won’t want to put it down.

I received this book for my honest opinion.
1,508 reviews13 followers
January 27, 2024
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Vanessa Douglas is determined to keep her Mon’s memory alive by starting a restaurant using her recipes. She meets race car driver Nate Stone when her food truck is parked in his new under construction restaurant. As they get to know one another, they both have changes of minds and attitudes. A heartwarming story about love, loss, and commitment.
213 reviews
March 12, 2025
Trust God First

Vanessa is unwavering in her focus to open a restaurant to honor her mother. When Nate questions if being so focused on something she doesn't enjoy is what her mother would want, she is furious. After time to ponder and pray, she realizes there is a better way to honor her mother's memory. Compromise is beneficial to any relationship. Will Vanessa and Nate compromise in time to save their's?
Profile Image for Tamar.
59 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2025
New favorite

This is a new favorite of Rose's work. I loved the opposites attract and enemies to lovers tropes. Although I don't know any NASCAR drivers or billionaires, all of the characters' personalities, struggles, and conflicts were realistic. The romance was swoon-worthy, of course! The faith elements were important without being cheesy. I look forward to rereading this one day.
320 reviews8 followers
April 30, 2023
Another great example of how two different types can learn to love unconditionally!

Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Original Happily Ever After Unpredictable Page-turner Entertaining Tear-jerker Wonderful characters Inspirational Witty Romantic Easy-to-read Informative Realistic Whimsical
Profile Image for Teresa.
494 reviews12 followers
May 5, 2023
I loved this!! Vanessa and Nate make the cutest couple. I love how fierce Vanessa was when dealing with her crush. Nate's nickname for her was perfect as well. Great story line and great characters. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,601 reviews17 followers
May 6, 2023
This story has interesting characters. Nate comes from an adoptive family with lots of children, all of whom are billionaires. This is my first book by this author and it quickly became apparent that I was missing key elements from the back story. This continued throughout. I liked how the characters lives became better after they turned to God in prayer.
1,856 reviews26 followers
May 12, 2023
This book really made me think. Sometimes we think we need to fulfil a loved one's dream that has passed on, but maybe that is not what God would want us to do. It's when we stop and take a good look at our lives and maybe listen to the advice of someone we love that we can compromise and follow the dream that God has given us. Very good!
1,284 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2024
Very interesting book!

This is a very interesting and heartwarming story. Vanessa is trying to fulfil her Mom's dream. But is Vanessa's heart completely in it. Then Nate shows up to get her to move her food truck from in front of his new restaurant. This is where the excitement begins.
1,410 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2023
In this book you will read about a wonderful big family, adoption, running a food truck and racing cars. Vanessa and Nate’s story will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review.
531 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2024
Another excellent story about the Stone family. Nate loves taking risks and Vanessa wants order as she works to fulfill her mother’s dream. I enjoyed reading how they helped each other realize their true dreams. As always, Ms. Fresquez made God the center of their lives. Thanks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews