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The Billionaire's Secret Desire
Lily Shayne had been in Love with Maximillian King for years. However, not only was he her brother's best friend, he was also his brother's boss and currently dating a model. Now she was going to spend the summer working for him. How was she supposed to keep her feelings to herself during this time.
sequel: The Greek Tycoon's Runaway Bride
sequel: The Greek Tycoon's Runaway Bride
158 pages, ebook
First published July 6, 2011
32 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 5, 2017
Virgin heroine and hero trying to wait for her to grow up to declare his interest.
He drives away all her suitors and has an insane jealousy.
Hero does not remain celibate and has several lovers over the years.
She is insecure and does not see her own beauty because he only dates supermodels.
I enjoyed the reading.
He drives away all her suitors and has an insane jealousy.
Hero does not remain celibate and has several lovers over the years.
She is insecure and does not see her own beauty because he only dates supermodels.
I enjoyed the reading.
January 23, 2013
This was quite a bizarre book. If I didn't know better I would have thought that this was a historical novel as the behaviour of the characters reads like something from a bygone era.
The book takes place over a summer, when the heroine interns as the hero's PA.
She's a 20 year old, sheltered, naive woman and he's a billionaire tycoon 12 years her senior who decided when she was 16(!!!) that he was going to marry her.
Her older brother, the hero's best friend, 2nd in command and heroine's guardian condoned this.
The 2 men collude to keep her innocent, i.e. have her followed while she's at college, investigate & pay off any young men that are interested in her - and if paying them off doesn't work then what's a few threats amongst friends? They stop her becoming a model and other ridiculous behaviours. This all happens without the heroine knowing and she has a bit of a complex about her attractiveness as a result.
While working for the hero they trip off to Greece to save a corporate deal and as one of the opposing players fancies the heroine the hero forces her into a "fake" engagement to keep her safe. The engagement includes sharing a room and although no deflowering happens, there is some intimacy. The hero has huge angst as a result of the intimacy and he becomes cold and flippant to the heroine. This causes the heroine to freak out, and think she's put the hero off by being rubbish in bed. Cue going back to America, her leaving the internship to go back to college and not seeing the hero for a few weeks.
I was feeling a bit frustrated by the book at this point but what really tipped me over the edge was the
I've got the sequel to this one but I'm not sure if I will bother with it.
The book takes place over a summer, when the heroine interns as the hero's PA.
She's a 20 year old, sheltered, naive woman and he's a billionaire tycoon 12 years her senior who decided when she was 16(!!!) that he was going to marry her.
Her older brother, the hero's best friend, 2nd in command and heroine's guardian condoned this.
The 2 men collude to keep her innocent, i.e. have her followed while she's at college, investigate & pay off any young men that are interested in her - and if paying them off doesn't work then what's a few threats amongst friends? They stop her becoming a model and other ridiculous behaviours. This all happens without the heroine knowing and she has a bit of a complex about her attractiveness as a result.
While working for the hero they trip off to Greece to save a corporate deal and as one of the opposing players fancies the heroine the hero forces her into a "fake" engagement to keep her safe. The engagement includes sharing a room and although no deflowering happens, there is some intimacy. The hero has huge angst as a result of the intimacy and he becomes cold and flippant to the heroine. This causes the heroine to freak out, and think she's put the hero off by being rubbish in bed. Cue going back to America, her leaving the internship to go back to college and not seeing the hero for a few weeks.
I was feeling a bit frustrated by the book at this point but what really tipped me over the edge was the
I've got the sequel to this one but I'm not sure if I will bother with it.
November 25, 2024
Meh. The hero bought the h an engagement ring when she was 17 - 5 years previous - but continued to sleep around with random women to “meet his needs” while he “waited” for the h to grow up, per his agreement with her brother. 🫤😵💫
Now typically, I am not a stickler for safety. I actually enjoy the heros with pig-headed double standards. Particularly, the ones who cockblock while continuing to ho it up… it’s the arrogant cluelessness that is fun for me (and the karma coming to him 😈). But that only works if he hasn’t acknowledged his feelings for the h yet. If dude is actively planning to marry the h and is professing love for her, this doesn’t work at all. And it definitely doesn’t work if he’s f*cking other women while carrying the h’s engagement ring in his pocket. Thats just…. EEEEEWWWWWW 😵💫😵💫🤢
I gave it an extra star because I liked other aspects of this book, but I don’t recommend this one.
Now typically, I am not a stickler for safety. I actually enjoy the heros with pig-headed double standards. Particularly, the ones who cockblock while continuing to ho it up… it’s the arrogant cluelessness that is fun for me (and the karma coming to him 😈). But that only works if he hasn’t acknowledged his feelings for the h yet. If dude is actively planning to marry the h and is professing love for her, this doesn’t work at all. And it definitely doesn’t work if he’s f*cking other women while carrying the h’s engagement ring in his pocket. Thats just…. EEEEEWWWWWW 😵💫😵💫🤢
I gave it an extra star because I liked other aspects of this book, but I don’t recommend this one.
April 1, 2012
Absolutely brilliant, thoroughly enjoyed this story it was romantic, funny and alluring. It captured you in such a way it felt like you were there.
If only to meet such a catch as Max, for daydreamers like myself this book was an absolute treat.
A must buy!
If only to meet such a catch as Max, for daydreamers like myself this book was an absolute treat.
A must buy!
February 2, 2013
Great Book, She should make a sequel.
October 18, 2020
This author must get a good editor. Preferably one who is American and is well versed with American language. I mean, all the people in this book are from Chicago - and none of them remotely sound like it. And the story, while good and engaging, doesn't flow well. Ughh. It feels like no one has taken the time to proofread the book before it went to print.
June 12, 2013
Aww! So cute! I really liked this book! I needed a sweet, romantic story after some disappointing books!
I liked the three main characters a lot, especially Lily and Max. Luke was a very caring brother, although too protective and that made him do a few mistakes. But all went well in the end and he understood she wasn't a baby anymore.
I'd like a story about him finding his life mate. Must be interesting seeing Luke fall in love after being such a womanizer.
I could connect well with Lily and share her feelings most of the time. I also liked Max, how passionate, fiery and even sweet he was. At least up until he started acting like an idiot, from guilt (and fear maybe?), after the night of the party in Greece. He really acted stupid, not thinking it would hurt her deeply; more than he could imagine. He needed a good spanking.
Hmmm... yum!
I even got to like Nikos too, and same as for Luke, I'd like a book about him. In the mean time I'll have to read The Greek Tycoon's Runaway Bride to know what happened to his sister Sophie. And maybe I'll see Nikos there again.
It was a very good read, and touched me emotionally. I would have liked reading more about Lily and Max's life together though.
I liked the three main characters a lot, especially Lily and Max. Luke was a very caring brother, although too protective and that made him do a few mistakes. But all went well in the end and he understood she wasn't a baby anymore.
I'd like a story about him finding his life mate. Must be interesting seeing Luke fall in love after being such a womanizer.
I could connect well with Lily and share her feelings most of the time. I also liked Max, how passionate, fiery and even sweet he was. At least up until he started acting like an idiot, from guilt (and fear maybe?), after the night of the party in Greece. He really acted stupid, not thinking it would hurt her deeply; more than he could imagine. He needed a good spanking.
Hmmm... yum!
I even got to like Nikos too, and same as for Luke, I'd like a book about him. In the mean time I'll have to read The Greek Tycoon's Runaway Bride to know what happened to his sister Sophie. And maybe I'll see Nikos there again.
It was a very good read, and touched me emotionally. I would have liked reading more about Lily and Max's life together though.
February 1, 2014
Refreshing contemporary romance. Perfect escape from reality.
Heroine is not the usual bitchy, challenging and antagonistic towards the hero. She's sweet, shy and very nice.
The hero, so over the top in love with the heroine. Jealous and possessive.
The Billionaire's Secret Desire is a romance where the romance is the main story. No side plots. The characters are wealthy and hard working. I enjoyed escaping into the fantasy of this romance.
My only negative was the constant use of the Limosines. Don't know why but that was a distraction. There are many high worth cars that the wealthy drive that could have been mentioned.
Heroine is not the usual bitchy, challenging and antagonistic towards the hero. She's sweet, shy and very nice.
The hero, so over the top in love with the heroine. Jealous and possessive.
The Billionaire's Secret Desire is a romance where the romance is the main story. No side plots. The characters are wealthy and hard working. I enjoyed escaping into the fantasy of this romance.
My only negative was the constant use of the Limosines. Don't know why but that was a distraction. There are many high worth cars that the wealthy drive that could have been mentioned.
August 23, 2020
3.5 stars
This author is a mystery to me: her books are sometimes filled with grammar or spelling mistakes, some sentences are futile/meaningless but I cannot put down her books when I come one of them.....
Here we have a possessive/manipulative self made billionaire who falls for the h when she is just a teenager; he decides to wait for her to grow up but makes sure that no one approaches her.... she belongs to him!!!
And the truth is..... she already belongs to him as she is totally smitten but condemned (in her mind) to an unrequited love😏
Seems like the same old same old .... and is, although we have an unexpected twist that makes the plot a little original.
Enjoyable and steamy
This author is a mystery to me: her books are sometimes filled with grammar or spelling mistakes, some sentences are futile/meaningless but I cannot put down her books when I come one of them.....
Here we have a possessive/manipulative self made billionaire who falls for the h when she is just a teenager; he decides to wait for her to grow up but makes sure that no one approaches her.... she belongs to him!!!
And the truth is..... she already belongs to him as she is totally smitten but condemned (in her mind) to an unrequited love😏
Seems like the same old same old .... and is, although we have an unexpected twist that makes the plot a little original.
Enjoyable and steamy
December 25, 2012
This is the sweetest romantic novel that i have ever read. The characters had a life in them that made it impossible for me to go out emotionally to them. I felt myself reaching out to the characters. I was elated in Lily and Max's elation and was shredded in their sorrow. The fact that Max was in love with Lily for so many years was really cute and touching. Along with it, Lily's naivety was a sweet contrast. The two together made a splendid blend of emotions that was really affecting. Never knew that a novel could have such an impact on anyone. AMAZING!!!
May 20, 2013
This book had all the hallmarks of a way to piss me off when reading and, mercifully, the one biggest irritant wasn't there (I'm surprised, quite frankly, that it wasn't).
Why did I dislike this book so much? Here are several reasons. There are more, but I won't get back into my hate state. Believe me when I say this is kind. I toned down a lot of what I wrote.
1. Not a credible plot line - it's almost like it started as a historical and the "author" wanted to use modern technology and decided to use the present instead of the past.
2. Non-believable chemistry between the Hero and heroine. There was no chemistry, even though the 'author' wanted it to make it seem like there was.
3. Horrific spelling and editing. The author (and if there was an editor) needs to learn the difference between to and too. Using a comma in sentences really would've helped a lot. You're not Steinbeck. Various and godawful misspellings seem to be rife in this book. If you're going to attempt to make your writing and characters sound intelligent, learn how to spell and use grammar.
4.
This is truly written for a Disney mindset kind of person -- "When you wish a upon a star..." because everything about this story reeks of the worst kind of fiction for me.
Normally I find lines and parts of books I read to be sweet and romantic, even in my heaviest of kink novels. However, this book was just the worst mess I've ever read.
This author makes me think Christine Feehan's last 3 books were works of genius.
Why did I dislike this book so much? Here are several reasons. There are more, but I won't get back into my hate state. Believe me when I say this is kind. I toned down a lot of what I wrote.
1. Not a credible plot line - it's almost like it started as a historical and the "author" wanted to use modern technology and decided to use the present instead of the past.
2. Non-believable chemistry between the Hero and heroine. There was no chemistry, even though the 'author' wanted it to make it seem like there was.
3. Horrific spelling and editing. The author (and if there was an editor) needs to learn the difference between to and too. Using a comma in sentences really would've helped a lot. You're not Steinbeck. Various and godawful misspellings seem to be rife in this book. If you're going to attempt to make your writing and characters sound intelligent, learn how to spell and use grammar.
4.
This is truly written for a Disney mindset kind of person -- "When you wish a upon a star..." because everything about this story reeks of the worst kind of fiction for me.
Normally I find lines and parts of books I read to be sweet and romantic, even in my heaviest of kink novels. However, this book was just the worst mess I've ever read.
This author makes me think Christine Feehan's last 3 books were works of genius.
August 6, 2015
I want to give this book a 3 star rating because I didn't hate it like I would hate an average 2 star. But the problem is that the writing was so horribly unprofessional, the author spelt out every. Single. Feeling. Every. Single. Reason at least 10 times! I cannot count the number of times 'he is protective' popped up. At least 70, and no, I'm not exaggerating.
The story would have been really amazing, had the hero's POV not been shown. But because Wards showed us the hero's POV, there was no conflict in the story. It was completely bland, predictable and boring. I skimmed through most of the story, because it didn't catch my interest at all. So therefore the 2 star.
I like it when authors show us feelings, emotions and events, instead of just spoonfeeding us readers and telling us everything - it makes a reader feel dumb, that we need to be told every single thing, and we can't catch the subtle hints the writers throw at us. It makes me respect an author less.
Although I loved the tropes, I didn't like this story. It had a great deal of potential, I would have definitely read more Wards books, but I cannot bear this writing. It is too boring.
The heroine was a sweetheart, the hero and the heroine's brother were too much, way over the top. Having her followed for years, to 'protect' her? Keeping tabs on all of her friends? No. Just no. That us creepy and orthodox, okay. It is not cool. And I honestly don't think guys sit around and talk about their feelings every time they meet. Once or twice is acceptable, but again, in this department as well, the writer went over the top.
Enjoyable read if you're not as picky as I am and can overlook the amateur writing.
The story would have been really amazing, had the hero's POV not been shown. But because Wards showed us the hero's POV, there was no conflict in the story. It was completely bland, predictable and boring. I skimmed through most of the story, because it didn't catch my interest at all. So therefore the 2 star.
I like it when authors show us feelings, emotions and events, instead of just spoonfeeding us readers and telling us everything - it makes a reader feel dumb, that we need to be told every single thing, and we can't catch the subtle hints the writers throw at us. It makes me respect an author less.
Although I loved the tropes, I didn't like this story. It had a great deal of potential, I would have definitely read more Wards books, but I cannot bear this writing. It is too boring.
The heroine was a sweetheart, the hero and the heroine's brother were too much, way over the top. Having her followed for years, to 'protect' her? Keeping tabs on all of her friends? No. Just no. That us creepy and orthodox, okay. It is not cool. And I honestly don't think guys sit around and talk about their feelings every time they meet. Once or twice is acceptable, but again, in this department as well, the writer went over the top.
Enjoyable read if you're not as picky as I am and can overlook the amateur writing.
April 2, 2011
i like this novel, story about a rich, handsome man falling in love with his best friend sister who just turn 20 years old and this girl also love him but both of them dont know each other true feeling, guess what, the Man character name is MAXIMILIAN KING (sexy and hot just hear from the name) this novel is really a novel all the girl dream about, is not to heavy novel. i am really recommend this one. continue to the next one.
August 26, 2012
It was going okay until I realised that basically the billionaire in question aka Max King was in cahoots with Luke to `shelter' his sister from reality AKA living until she was ready to be his wife. I went `WHAT?' Needless to say, I didn't like Max, Luke and what's worse, I didn't like Lily who didn't seem to have a backbone in her body. Such a pity. I forgot I was steering away from poor girl meets zillionaire storyline. This is an apt reminder.
August 15, 2013
It needs some of polishing. Max's and Lily's character felt staged that they were almost mechanical. I love the development but it doesn't seem to match the chemistry. With his pent up emotions, I would have expected fireworks, but all I got was some lukewarm emotions. There's a whole lot of talk and very little actions to match. Then there's this awkward conflict at the end that sealed the disappointment.
September 28, 2013
This is a book.
For a full review, please go to:
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GoodReads's policies no longer comply with my review policy. Therefore my reviews will be posted at BookLikes going forward. Thank you for following my reviews here. I hope to continue discussing books with you on BookLikes.
For a full review, please go to:
http://mlleelizabeth.booklikes.com/
GoodReads's policies no longer comply with my review policy. Therefore my reviews will be posted at BookLikes going forward. Thank you for following my reviews here. I hope to continue discussing books with you on BookLikes.
December 7, 2015
Fofinho!
Aquele tipo: A mocinha é apaixonada pelo melhor amigo do irmão. O melhor amigo do irmão não dá bola a ela, mas sempre foi apaixonado!
Ate que ela encontra um novo cara, e o mocinho fica puto e resolve dar uma de machão! :P
Aquele tipo: A mocinha é apaixonada pelo melhor amigo do irmão. O melhor amigo do irmão não dá bola a ela, mas sempre foi apaixonado!
Ate que ela encontra um novo cara, e o mocinho fica puto e resolve dar uma de machão! :P
March 24, 2012
a sweet story!!
April 11, 2013
I loved this story. The chemistry between the characters was hot.
September 15, 2013
loved this book
September 11, 2016
Cute easy smutty read! If you're a sucker for a hot billionaire just waiting for the heroine to get older kinda theme then this book is for you! :)
February 24, 2022
yes!
Luv it. Well written andi love the flow of the stories and the character is well described. I would like to read more of her stories!
Luv it. Well written andi love the flow of the stories and the character is well described. I would like to read more of her stories!
August 8, 2022
Lovely
November 26, 2022
Great read
I loved Max and Lily's story. I enjoyed the link between this story and the story of Demetrius and Sophie. I would love a follow up story where Nikos finds love.
I loved Max and Lily's story. I enjoyed the link between this story and the story of Demetrius and Sophie. I would love a follow up story where Nikos finds love.
February 20, 2023
I was getting frustrated with how two men can be overly possessive, however, I love that Max was able to wait until she was ready. As always, one of the best romantic author I've read books.
November 30, 2016
oK it was kind of good.
Actually I really these kinds of books. Dont judge :P
Actually I really these kinds of books. Dont judge :P
March 5, 2017
Leitha Ward is one author I come back to because of her alphas. Protective, possessive, and controlling alphaholes you can't help but love.
April 4, 2012
3.5 STARS!!!
The Billionaire’s Secret Desire was a very sweet and enjoyable read. I really loved the story and the characters. And yes I am in love with Max King!!! Who wouldn’t be? The man is freakin HOT AS HELL!!!! LOL ;p
The story is about Lily Shane, a 20 year old beautiful woman who is in love with her brother, Luke’s best friend Max King. Lily has a lot of insecurities about herself especially since she is always comparing herself to all the models Max dates. What she doesn’t know is that Max has been in love with her since she was sixteen and he has been protecting her from the world and other guys *cough* all throughout her teen life. Now its summer time and Lily is going to be working for Max as his personal assistant and she has no idea how to keep her desire for him a secret.
The story was just incredible...don’t you just love the idea of a sexy, rich man falling in love with his best friend’s little sister!? I DO!!! I also loved both Lily and Max. Lily was very innocent in her ways but she also had spunk. I loved her personality and her big heart. As for Max...*sigh* He was just hot, hot , hot, hot and hot! But he was also very protective of Lily and caring and sweet. I was just so happy with the ending and how their relationship built into a strong connection.
I also fell in love with Lily’s brother Luke. He was also very protective of her and I loved his playboy personality. I hope there is a book about him in the future as well! I would so love his story!!
The only concern I had though was that it was too freakin short!!!! And yes the romance was sort of rushed but I LOVED IT!!! That minor detail doesn’t make you love the book any less!
Overall, I would say that the book is simply incredible! It was romantic, funny, very engaging, sweet and even had its sad moments. I can’t wait to read the sequel; The Greek Tycoon’s Runaway Bride. I definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of romance...AND THAT BETTER BE ALL THE WOMEN IN THE WORLD!!!! =)
January 30, 2012
The Billionaires Secret Desire by Lietha Wards
Book 1
Lily Shane lived with her brother Luke since their parents died when she was fourteen. She fell in love with Luke's best friend, Max King. Seeing the models he dated she knew she did not come close to the type of woman Max dated. Now she was going to be working for Max this summer and as his personal assistant, how would she ever hide her feelings from him? And worse yet she would have to see him with Cybil, his latest model girlfriend.
Max and Luke had always looked out for Lily even if she did not know it. And now Max fixed it so she would have to work with him, closely. Lily had no clue how beautiful she is and that humility only added to her beauty. As the men all around her would stare she never noticed but Max did, and didn't like it. Max did care for Lily but a promise kept him from letting her know his feelings.
This book goes through some ups and downs and some unexpected situations as well.
**Sexual situations.
Book 1
Lily Shane lived with her brother Luke since their parents died when she was fourteen. She fell in love with Luke's best friend, Max King. Seeing the models he dated she knew she did not come close to the type of woman Max dated. Now she was going to be working for Max this summer and as his personal assistant, how would she ever hide her feelings from him? And worse yet she would have to see him with Cybil, his latest model girlfriend.
Max and Luke had always looked out for Lily even if she did not know it. And now Max fixed it so she would have to work with him, closely. Lily had no clue how beautiful she is and that humility only added to her beauty. As the men all around her would stare she never noticed but Max did, and didn't like it. Max did care for Lily but a promise kept him from letting her know his feelings.
This book goes through some ups and downs and some unexpected situations as well.
**Sexual situations.
May 7, 2014
Love the sweetness and all those alpha-males roaming about!
Our hero has been best friends with our heroine's brother forever. He has had his eye on her since she was very young, and has made sure she has stayed sheltered and kept just for him. That was easy to do because her big brother wants him to wait until she is all grown up and through college and knows her mind.
He is held back when he tries to move in when she is 18 by her brother, and made to promise to wait until she is 24. She is 20 now and circumstances end up with them together. He fumbles it badly ans she is left hurt. A series of circumstances causes him to be with her and her bother relents that he was wrong
Despite the naivete and innocence abound, it wasn't sickly sweet but just right!
Our hero has been best friends with our heroine's brother forever. He has had his eye on her since she was very young, and has made sure she has stayed sheltered and kept just for him. That was easy to do because her big brother wants him to wait until she is all grown up and through college and knows her mind.
He is held back when he tries to move in when she is 18 by her brother, and made to promise to wait until she is 24. She is 20 now and circumstances end up with them together. He fumbles it badly ans she is left hurt. A series of circumstances causes him to be with her and her bother relents that he was wrong
Despite the naivete and innocence abound, it wasn't sickly sweet but just right!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews