The Chauffeur Wore An Evening Gown

by Roni Adams

When Erin O'Malley agrees to pinch hit for her brother’s limo service and drive millionaire JR Stone to the Governor's Ball, she has no clue how crazy her night will get.

Dumped by his fiancée on the night he’s to accept the biggest award of his career, Josh Stone convinces his chauffeur to slip into an evening gown and onto his arm. They fool everyone into thinking they are an item, but once they kiss, there's nothing fake about the chemistry between them.

Can a blue-collar girl really appeal to this multimillionaire, or is Josh only playing for the crowd?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

155 pages, Nook

First published June 14, 2011

About the author

Roni lives in Upstate, New York in a tiny hamlet nestled along the Erie Canal with her husband of 26 years and two of her three sons. In addition to writing, she loves spending time at their summer place on Lake Ontario where she can watch her sons and their friends tube, and waterski and have fires on the beach. Its also the place where she finds the most inspiration for her writing. While winters in New York tend to be long, Roni enjoys cooking large family dinners and baking and there's usually a remodeling project going on in the house to keep the time going by.

At least once a year you'll find Roni hanging out in San Antonio at the "home of her heart" in Bandera - the Silver Spur guest ranch. Riding horses in the Hill Country is a dream come true to this wannabe cowgirl

Roni is a contemporay romance author published with The Wild Rose Press. You can find information on my books and short stories on this web site or check out www.thewildrosepress.com where you can find all of her titles.

To write to Roni - email her at roni@roniadams.com or catch up on the latest news at her blog at www..roniadams.blogspot.com

Thanks for visiting!

Reviews

[Iris Windmeijer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wat als je chauffeur bent in een limousine, en je klant heeft voor één avond een nep-date nodig? Dat overkomt Erin in The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown. Ze helpt de klant – Josh Stone – en gaat mee naar het evenement. Maar het nep-daten gaat wel heel makkelijk en overtuigend… ‘What would it be like to be with someone like that for real?’, vraagt Erin zich af.

Fan van The Spanish Love Deception en De liefdeshypothese omdat je dol bent op de fake dating trope? Dan is The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown vast ook wat voor jou. Maar Erin en Josh gaan op een nep-date, waarin zij doet alsof ze zijn verloofde is. De avond voelt als een sprookje voor haar – in een prachtige (geleende) jurk gaan ze naar een diner en dansen ze de hele avond. Het eindigt zelfs met een kus… Het is bijna een soort Cinderella story – ook omdat ze beide uit zulke andere milieus komen.
Maar wanneer hij achteraf een cheque stuurt voor haar diensten, voelt ze zich goedkoop en is ze not amused. Kan ik me goed voorstellen – er zijn handigere manieren om een vrouw proberen te versieren 😉 Maar als het werkt voor Richard Gere in Pretty Woman… Na deze ene date gaan ze niet meer op fake dates, dus al snel gaat het vooral om de chemie tussen de karakters.

Omdat je meteen in het verhaal valt, ken je Erin en Josh nog amper op het moment dat ze elkaar ontmoeten. Maar het is al snel duidelijk dat het liefde op het eerste gezicht is – vanaf het eerste moment voel je de chemie van de pagina’s spatten:

‘Chemistry zinged between them in a way she hadn’t felt in years.’

Tijdens het lezen krijg je wel wat meer achtergrond, bijvoorbeeld over de familie(bedrijven) van beide karakters. Wel had ik het nog leuker gevonden om ze nog beter te leren kennen – hun verhalen bleven nogal op de achtergrond.

Het tempo zit er flink in – je valt eerst midden in het verhaal, en er zijn regelmatig grote tijdssprongen. De hoofdstukken zijn kort en bevatten veel dialogen, waardoor het makkelijk wegleest. Hierdoor is The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown zo’n boek waar je doorheen vliegt. Met slechts 150+ pagina’s is het dan ook een heerlijk tussendoortje voor een zondag op de bank.

De Pretty Woman-achtige vibe en chemie van de karakters zorgen ervoor dat deze roman heel snel wegleest. Van mij had de romance in The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown iets uitgebreider mogen zijn – nu is het boek een fijn tussendoortje, maar het heeft zeker potentie om als hoofdgerecht te werken.

Deze recensie is eerst verschenen op https://www.readalicious.nl/recensies...

[Klynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I randomly selected The Chauffeur Wore An Evening Gown based on the book blurb and I'm so glad I did. This was a fun, witty quick read with likable main characters and just enough angst to keep things interesting. This definitely won't be the last Roni Adams book I read. Thanks #NetGally
#TheChauffeurWoreAnEveningGown #NetGalley

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chauffeur Wore An Evening Gown is a short and sweet romance with little drama, except the Irish family and temper kind, and a lot of steam.

When Erin O'Malley agrees sub for her brother’s limo service and drive a VIP big wig to the Governor's Ball, she has no clue what a wild ride she was really agreeing to. Josh Stone was having a great night. On his way to the Governor's Ball to receive a major award, he gets dumped by his fiance. In an effort to not show up empty-armed to the event he had personally told the governor he'd bring his fiance to, he strong-arms his chauffeur into pretending to be his fiance.

I love discovering new authors and books that may have few readers and getting in on the ground floor. The cover could honestly use some work, but... *shrug*. I loved the O'Malley family with their multiple successful businesses and everyone filling in for everyone else across them all. It's great.

Erin was a bit of a typical Irish princess with a fiery demeanor and over-protective brothers. Josh was supposed to be an alpha, hot, millionaire but he just came across as a decent, typical business owner to me. These two had a bunch of steam and decent chemistry between them. I wish we had a bit more build of the relationship but for a quickie, short story, we got about what's typical.

I will be excited to read more from the author in the future.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.* 

[Fedythereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and the publisher, The Wild Rose Press, for sharing this book with me through Bookstagrammers.com!!

“I’m not asking you to sleep with me; I’m simply asking you to try on a dress.”

This book was real fun!!
A short story with all the best tropes !!!
There was fake dating, there was forced proximity and boss romance as well as a millionaire romance !!!
And there was also a bit of a secret relationship that’s better be kept secret from people because … they would never understand how a man as rich as him would chose a girl has her !!!
She is a spitfire and he is a bit self-centred but very hot and their spicy times are good to read about !!!
If you’re looking for a short, entertaining, fun and spicy love story then you should definitely check this one out !!!!!

“Because all I’ve been able to think about this morning is whether or not there’s anything on under this uniform.”

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! I knew this would be unique when I read the summary and it was a joy to read. Erin O’Malley drives a limo for her brother’s company and fills in for her client when his date stands him up. JR Stone was to receive an award at the governor’s mansion when his fiancée refused to attend, so he asked his limo driver to fill in. Erin is jeans and t-shirts and JR is business suits and meetings. Can these two find a way to make a relationship work? Great writing with hot romance and two strong characters who fall hard and fast. I had not read anything by this author but plan on checking out her other books. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and Wild Rose Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. This was a quick, fun read. The characters were likeable, the premise was a little out there but fun. Communication is important for relationships. Erin and Josh made a cute couple. 3.5 stars

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book; it brought me so many smiles and laughs. It was a quick read and the characters are well developed. JR is a straight forward hero, and knows exactly what he wants, Erin. She lets the what ifs stand in her way but when she finally lets her hair down then magic happens. This was a very enjoyable book and I can't wait to read more by Roni Adams.

[Tripip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story. It had relateable characters, an interesting storyline, some heat and some drama. I wished however that the intimate scenes were more involved. While reading them, it felt a little furtive and rushed as if the author didn’t want to delve any further than the basics.

I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

[Cariadne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a quick fun story and it could’ve been written so poorly. Thankfully the characters were likable, the premise easy to understand and an overall enjoyable read. First time I’ve ever encountered this author and she did a great job. 3.5 stars.

[JAX R.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review is going up on my Instagram tomorrow or Friday

Thank you to Bookstagrammers.com and the publisher for the free book!

[Dahlia (yadkny) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desperation drove him to ask her, but he wasn’t going to stop until he got what he wanted.

Erin is used to getting dirty and working with her hands, but evening gown's and heels are bit foreign to her. When a night of covering for her brother as a chauffeur turns into a night of playacting, Erin steps up to the plate to show this slightly rough around the edges Irishwoman is more than what her appearance or profession suggests. After all it is just for one night, what could it hurt? Unfortunately, the night went so amazingly well that Josh propositions Erin in a way she can't refuse – nor does she want to, but business and pleasure can never mix without complications.

Josh's jilted moment not only changed the course of the evening, but also the rest of his life. Before he knew it, his every thought fixated on Erin and the anticipation of when next they'd be together. However, her initial reluctance only increased as doubts set-in when the relationship turns out to be more than just physical. Erin effortlessly stepped into the role of his “fiancee” just as easily as she stepped into the gown, but Josh never anticipated how easily she'd slip into his heart.

This story turned out to be more than what I expected and it starts out quick enough with the evening that changed everything as the opening setting. The storyline goes beyond that though and into deeper territory with true-to-life issues and doubts that I could easily imagine being my own. Both characters are proud of what they do and their accomplishments, so naturally both are a bit stubborn, but I really enjoyed the feelings the characters elicited along with their frustrating and hungry desire for one another. To want someone that much makes them both feel more vulnerable than they've every felt, which is a weakness neither can afford if things don't end well.

Honestly, my least favorite parts in the story involved Erin's brothers. Instead of the redeeming quality of them being overprotective of Erin, they came off a bit more like jerks and only served to complicate and frustrate. At the same time there could have been more added to the story surrounding the ex-fiance, public scrutiny, and more of the differences as well as similarities of Josh and Erin's worlds.

All that aside, the story is down-to-earth and very, very enjoyable. Absolutely recommended for readers looking for their next contemporary romance fix.

Review soon-to-be posted @ Happily Ever After Reviews

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

I fell in love with The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown. It's a sexy hot read that kept me captivated and had me hooked from the very first page.

There is something about an average woman finding her well-to-do prince charming. It is an ageless tale that never gets old for me. This story literally had the prince putting the gown on the woman, grabbing her hand and saying, “let’s go”.

Erin O’Malley is a woman of many talents. She can do finish work on construction sites, design landscapes and drive a limousine. Her family ties are strong and she is always there to help any of them in their time of need. Forcing her brother to take a night off when he has the flu leads her to becoming the faux fiancée of JR (Josh) Stone. She never dreamed that she would be donning an evening gown and diamonds just to keep the customer happy and by doing so getting her brother an exclusive chauffeuring contract with his firm.

Josh just got unceremoniously dumped by his fiancée. Now on the biggest night of his life he is without a date. To top things off, he may have just done the stupidest thing ever in his life. He coerced his chauffeur into playing the part of his loving date. He is still not sure if it was stupid because of the situation or because he is so utterly attracted to her.

The circumstances of the story, the progression and the ending were all so realistic that it makes me want to go get my chauffeurs license and start driving around rich men. At no time did I not believe their attraction and ultimately their love, even Josh’s position of falling for Erin right after breaking it off with his fiancée. It was clear from the beginning it was not a love match between him and Veronica. Erin and Josh resisted giving into their passions the whole way, making their inevitable relationship smoking hot and extremely passionate.

The only frustrating thing that I found was that apparently the novel is part of a series called Millionaire’s Club, but I can’t find it anywhere. So if you happen to know more about it, please show this reviewer some love and share the information.

The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown is a very lovely read. It had a great pace and flowed well, never seeming rushed or forced. Ms. Adams did an exceptional job with the telling of this story and I plan to look into her other titles. She writes romances with heart and with passion that burns you down to your toes. All great attributes in my book!

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Robin: I didn’t know what to expect when I picked this book to review. And I was pleasantly delighted from the beginning all the way to the end.

Roni Adams had a way of twisting the familiar story of Cinderella and making it her own.

We find Blue Collar and Millionaire coming together in a battle of will it or won’t it work. The chemistry is there and the sexual tension, which gets satisfied, but can they overcome everything else to come together as a couple.

I found myself on Millionaire construction owner Josh Stones side. He isn’t your typical millionaire. He actually cares. From the start when he gets dumped by his fiancée just before and important dinner at the Governor’s house, he has no choice but to ask his fiery chauffeur Erin O’Malley to fill in.

Erin O’Malley is just what Josh seems to need in his life. From the moment she puts the evening gown on and steps in for his ex-fiancée, the sparks start to fly. The gown makes her feel a little like Cinderella. And just like Cinderella the evening has to come to an end or does it?

They end up fooling everyone at the Governor’s house but they can’t seem to fool themselves. From that first kiss the chemistry starts and never stops.

As the sparks fly so do the tempers or at least Erin’s which creates an interesting twist to the story.

Josh talks her brother into letting her become his exclusive chauffeur, which works for her as she is putting all her money into a memorial children’s garden at the hospital in remembrance of her late mother.

Hot and steamy sex, just right and not so over the top, just the right amount left to the imagination.

As in all stories there are issues that arise and cause problems. Erin thinks Josh pulled a fast one on her brothers and outbid them. Josh was only trying to help. Erin’s Irish temper flairs, still Josh never gives up his pursuit of Erin.

I found the chemistry between Josh and Erin sexy and I was rooting for Josh from the beginning.

Roni Adams spins a Cinderella tale that gives the romantic soul in all of us that much needed happily ever after. I would definitely recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from Roni Adams.

[Got Romance! Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Chauffeur Wore An Evening Gown (Millionaire's Club)
Author: Roni Adams
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 6-15-2011
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 153 pages
Rating: 4 Diamonds
Heat Level: Erotic
Other: oral
Reviewer: TJ
Date: September 9, 2011

When Erin O'Malley agrees to pinch hit for her brother's limo service and drive millionaire JR Stone to the Governor's Ball, she has no clue how crazy her night will get.

Dumped by his fiancée on the night he's to accept the biggest award of his career, Josh Stone convinces his chauffeur to slip into an evening gown and onto his arm. They fool everyone into thinking they are an item, but once they kiss, there's nothing fake about the chemistry between them.

Can a blue-collar girl really appeal to this multimillionaire, or is Josh only playing for the crowd?

The Chauffeur Wore An Evening Gown is a fun fairy tale that left me with a huge smile on my face. I swear I never stopped grinning from beginning to end. I love a feisty red-headed heroine, make her pure Irish and surround her with a brood of brothers and I am a happy reader. Erin has the kind of gumption I always wish I’d had and even when it gets her in trouble she never really backs down. Josh is used to getting his own way both in the boardroom and in the bedroom but his vibrant driver has him twisted in knots. I enjoyed watching them dealing with the obstacles to their relationship, the fact their encounters were steamy hot and yet sweetly romantic made them a couple I was really rooting for. I cannot wait to see what else this author has to offer because I enjoyed her tone and style, I certainly hope a few of the O’Malley boys get their very own happily-ever-afters.

[SirenBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has non-stop action that grabs your attention on the first page and won’t let you go! The Chauffeur Wore An Evening Gown is a Cinderella story with practicality and reality woven into the tale.

Ryan and Erin have chemistry together that sparks during a charade. Now they have to figure out if it was just part of the act they were playing or if there is something genuine to pursue. Too bad Erin is really not cooperating with Ryan’s plans!

This is a super page turner that I definitely lost some sleep over. I loved the relationship progression and banter between the main characters and Erin with her brothers. Roni Adams did a great job of setting up Erin’s family dynamics. The characters are so well written and easy to connect with that it makes the story just that much better.

The Chauffeur Wore An Evening Gown is a really fun story. I would recommend this tale of romance. It leaves you feeling hopeful and happy.

[Jess the Romanceaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snagged this one off of Fictionwise, and am glad I did.

Heroine's temper led to some unnecessary angst, but the romance was satisfying and the love scenes delicious.

Cute and easy read, with just enough steam.

4/5 Stars