Bad Business

Billionaire's Club #17

by Elise Faber

I was a single dad.
I didn’t have time for love.

When I found out I had a son, my life changed for the better.
My kid was great.
My heart, though, was not. It had been trampled, kicked around, and shredded just for good measure. Obviously, after all that, I wasn’t looking for love.
But then…came Maddie.
She was an integral part of my brother’s company—it would be bad business to start something with her.
Only, she was smart and funny and capable and…my heart didn’t feel like it was in pieces when I was with her.
It felt whole.
It felt like it had always been hers.
It felt like…I needed to keep her forever.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elise@elisefaber.com.

Reviews

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ro and Jack are a father and son who will have falling hard for their relationship. Maddie I feel that her character’s relationship was great. She has that easy going experience that makes book a good read. I was impressed with the story points. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rome and Maddie’s story is great. While Maddie is helping everyone solving there problems small or big she keeps dismissing her feelings and needs. Rome starts seeing through her walls and fights for her. And thankfully wins in the end but it’s not easy.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've loved all of her other books in this series, you will love this one. It just wasn't one of my favorite books. I liked most of it, but there were a lot of Roman calling Maddie baby and it hit wrong for me. I loved the twist in the story and wanted more info after they got together how it ended up playing out with the other person.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Universal

Maddie's a fixer. It's what she does for her job, and it's what she does for the people she cares about. She's fixed Rome's life, helped him get custody of his previously unknown son, and now is going to help him fix his relationship with that son. But what of her own needs? Who fixes her life? Who cares for her and what she wants and deserves? It could be Rome and his son, if she lets them past her walls and into her bruised heart.



The Billionaire's Club series just got better with the addition of Maddie, Rome, and his son Jack. Maddie is such a beautiful person, with such a damaged heart. I wanted to give her so many hugs, it was so obvious that she needed someone to shower her with the love and care she showered on others but not on herself. Luckily for her, Rome ends up being just the man for the job. He's not just a swoony single dad, he's a man who completely changed his life to be the dad his son deserved. He had a lot of love to give, and Maddie is the one his heart chooses. The two of them, plus a boy who was just looking for some stability and security, made me shed more than a few tears, made me cheer when they figured themselves out, and made me swoon when it became obvious how happy they were going to be together.



ARC provided by 1852 Media for an honest review.

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[KatyaRath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie is well-known for her “Maddie Magic”, her organizational skills and ability to fix everything for everyone in her life, especially for the Hutchins’ who have all but adopted her into their fold over the years. Close friends with Mel, and longtime right hand to Ash, Maddie would never risk either relationship, let alone her relationship with the rest of the clan, by going after Rome. No matter that she’s pined after him for years, and gone above and beyond to reunite him with the son he didn’t know he had until his ex died. Rome is struggling. Between his company taking off and demanding more and more attention, and the son who has warmed to every Hutchins except him, Rome is at his wit’s end when Maddie returns from Europe. His newfound attraction to her puts a new kink in things, especially when she makes it clear that they’re not on the same page when it comes to acting on what they’re feeling, and takes it upon herself to work her Maddie magic as best she can to mend things between him and Jack. But just as they’re making progress on both fronts, a most unexpected visitor shows up on their door and throws a wrench in everything. Will Maddie learn again that no one ever stays with her, really wants her, that running and starting over is her only recourse? Or will she trust in what she’s started building with Rome and Jack and fight for everything she’s ever wanted?
Find out in Bad Business, the 17th installment of the Billionaire’s Club series, and the 3rd of the Bad Brothers—featuring the Hutchins brothers—as well as a tie in to a new crop of billionaire bad boys in the upcoming Ruthless Billionaire! Maddie and Rome are so sweet and well-suited, and watching them help and heal each other throughout the book is heart-warming, and there are still several ugly-cry moments due to miscommunication and other growing pains. I loved seeing more of the Hutchins clan, especially Ash and Mel, and am looking forward to seeing more of their big family from Elise in the future! Elise Faber is a master at interconnected stand-alone and dropping connections to her other series’ as well! Highly recommend for those readers who love her hockey universe (or Helena Hunting’s or Natasha Madison’s or Teagan Hunter’s), her other work, or anyone who’s a fan of Claudia Burgoa’s billionaire romance series’.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

BAD BUSINESS is the seventeenth and final book in the Billionaire's Club series, featuring Ro (Rome) and Maddie, both of whom we have met before.

Maddie is a fixer, always happy to solve everyone else's problems whilst ignoring her own. And Ro certainly has problems - he's still fighting a custody battle for his son and getting nowhere fast. It doesn't help that Jack is acting out due to all the changes. Top that with a cherry on the top in the shape of his ex coming back from the dead (I kid you not!) and it's all going on. He's dealing with it all as best he can and still has time for his family. I thought he was a brilliant, no-nonsense character.

I liked Maddie and her get-go attitude. There was nothing that could faze her until she looked in the mirror and, I'm afraid, this is where it got to me a little. I was SO glad when Ro gave her the harsh truth, I really was!!! Life isn't a bed of roses for anyone all the time but it felt as though Maddie was wallowing in it, holding a 'Poor Me Pity Party' for one. I do understand her reaction though. It's easy to fall back on old habits because they're comfortable.

All in all, this was a great read that I enjoyed, and I am looking forward to Brooks' story.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 26, 2023

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

' Because if I didn't solve everyone's problems, didn't make everything perfect, didn't fix it all, then they would look at me and find me making and - then they would tell me to go.

I was mesmerised from the first page until the last, a heartrendering touching story with the right amount of chemistry, that will make you fall in love with Maddie, Rome and young Jack from the start.

I just adored Maddie from the start, the problem solver, or as everyone around her calls her 'Maddie Magic', but behind the strong exterior she shows her friends and her boss is a young woman dealing with the belief that if she isn't helping and fixing problems she will be cast aside as she was as a child, back home from her last work assigned in Europe she is about to make some tough decisions.

However, when she sees that Rome is struggling with his 7-year-old son Jack, who he only found out about years later, and after a lengthy court battle is now living with him, Jack is also struggling and taking it out on his dad, enter Maddie Magic to weave her spell, but she doesn't only weave her magic on Jack, but Rome falls under fast, but insecurities, a surprise visitor and Maddie's fragile heart is going to take all of Romes love to show Maddie that she belongs with him and Jack, and yes he will muck up a time or two but that doesn't mean that she isn't meant for him.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Business is the seventeenth book set within the Billionaire’s Club series, but reads well as a stand alone. Rome is busy with his business and trying so hard to connect with his son, then along came Maddie. Used to being on the peripheral of friend groups, Maddie can’t help but try to fix everything, except her own heart. When Rome begs Maddie to take a chance on him, will she be able to be vulnerable and open up to love, or will he end up pushing her away, just like everyone else in her life?

Oh my goodness, this book was so good and I absolutely devoured it! Maddie and Rome were so cute together, not without their angst, and not without some heartbreak, but man oh man, I loved them! Maddie is so determined and selfless and a problem-solver, except when it comes to herself. She places herself on the outside of friend groups, in order to protect her heart, but Rome sees her and needs her. He is an amazing dad, protective, and I loved how he fought for Maddie and for their love. They brought out some really great sides in each other, passionately and as the biggest cheerleader for the other person, and I truly loved them together. Jack adds a fun dynamic to their situation, one that brought so much hope and glue, and other times brought some pain and struggles. The ending was intense in the best of ways, and I may have cried, but I really enjoyed this book! I love all of Ms. Faber’s writing and can’t wait to read what comes next!

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book is the fourth book about the Hutching family.
Cora Hutchins’ in Bad Best Friend with Rafe
Jeremy Hutchins’ story in Bad Rebound with Teresa
Ash Hutchins story is Bad Romance with Melody
Now this is Rome Hutchins story Bad Business with Maddie

I have read none of the previous books and I still understood the story and characters. I found this story can easily stand alone. It's a story about a dad falling in love with his son and a woman that feels she is unlovable. She is a runner, and he has a tough job of getting her to stay.

Maddie is his brother's assistant (Ash and Mel from Bad Romance) and someone who helped him with custody of Jack after his mother died in Australia.

When the book begins, they had never met before until she shows up at his home where his son Jack is not in the greatest mood. There is a bit of insta love and lust from both sides. But Rome has a hard job convincing Maddie to stay and not run from her feelings.

This story has a lot of sex scenes so make sure you enjoy really hot scenes. It also has an adorable kid whose life has had many twists and turns, characters that have lost people they love and have to learn to embrace love and not run from it. I really loved this story and the characters.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers and single dads are just two tropes that I absolutely love and Bad Business gives us both. From the first chapter, I fell in love with the storyline and characters. This book was a quick read but it was impossible to put down because it was gripping and the characters were ones that you could relate to.
Ms. Faber gives us Maddie, an intelligent woman known as the fixer but feels that she is not worth the love that people want to give her and Rome, a single dad, a business billionaire and someone struggling in life. Maddie's life has not been what you would say all roses and Rome's life has had its hard times but together they can find happiness. Maddie was the person who got Jack, Rome's son whom he knew nothing about, to live with Rome when tragedy strikes. Their lives were intertwined in so many ways. There was a connection between Jack and Maddie that was strong but the connection and attraction between Maddie and Rome was like a magnet, too strong to fight. When a person from Rome's past shows up, will what they have disappear or can Rome show her what they have will never break?
I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR list.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie was a true miracle worker, using her connections to get Rome's son to the US after he learned of his existence. She's anxious and excited to meet Jack in person for the first time, and immediately finds herself completely smitten with Ro's son. She's less excited to discover that she's still smitten with Rome too.

After a series of Maddie coming through to help Rome and Jack build their relationship, she's very quickly completely integral to their small family.

While the sparks fly every time Rome and Maddie are in the same room together, Ro can't get her to stop running scared. But he's there to convince her that they're the real deal, and nothing she can say or do will ever change that.

I really loved Rome and Maddie's story - how much she loves and adores his son, and how much Jack loves and depends on her right back. There are definitely some bumps and misteps along the way, but I wouldn't have changed a single thing. This was the perfect conclusion to the Billionaire's Club, and I can't wait for the new spin off series.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the last book of this series you have Maddie the constant fixer she helps everyone but dosen't allow anyone close she believes she's unlovable do to her past you also have Rome Hutchins who suffered his fiance leaving he threw himself into one night stands and no commitment but when he finds out he has a son it rocks his world but Maddie is there to help. Four years after getting custody of his 7 year old son Jake, Rome is struggling his son is grieving and wants nothing to do with him but help is on the way Maddie is back and can't wait to help her biggest problem she still wants Rome he dosen't know but this time Rome is paying attention and once he realizes she's the one he will fight to keep her in his and his sons life. Loved this book hate that it's the last Maddie and Jake are really sweet together there is some drama and surprises in this last book Rome was the best not all the time but I really liked how he and Maddie finally got together.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rome Hutchins has found out he has a son, who is now 7 years old, who also happens to hate him! Maddie is the woman he has loved and lusted after for a very long time and when she comes in to help Rome and his son, Jack, bond, the constant close proximity is almost unbearable. Maddie is a fixer, and she is so adamant about helping others, she tends to neglect her own needs. But Rome sees the chinks in her armor and as the walls around her heart start to fall away, he is there to fight for her heart. Rome is determined that people will see Maddie as the wonderful person she is and convince her to stop running. Maddie and Rome are very sweet and well-matched, and watching them help and heal each other warms your heart.

I loved this series, all 17 books and it was nice to see the characters from previous books pop up, it also has tie ins to Ms. Faber's new series that will be coming up next. I love Ms. Faber's style of writing and her character development draws you in and makes you fall in love with her characters. Another winner.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review of Bad Business (Billionaire’s Club #17) by Elise Faber
Over the last few years, I have been gravitating to single parent stories. When I read the blub for Bad Business, and found out that Rome is a single dad, I couldn’t wait to read. Having read and enjoyed numerous books by Elise Faber I knew that I was in for an entertaining and well written story.
I fell hard and fast for Rome. When he learnt that he had a son, Jack, he completely changed his life, totally swoon worthy. Maddie, is a woman that you want as a friend, always ready to help, she is kind, caring and compassionate; I just loved her.
Maddie has built walls to protect her heart, but as Rome see beneath what she shows the world, he slowly starts to break them down.
Their journey was at times emotional, but the passion and love they found was worth fighting for. Bad Business is a story that will draw you in and hold your attention from the first word to the last.

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, so when I had the opportunity to read the latest, I jumped at it.

Maddie and Rome have an instant chemistry as seen in the previous book in the series, Bad Romance. You have to feel for Maddie after all she's been through in her life. The fact she doesn't trust people or get close to them is painfully obvious. But it's the way Rome pulls her close to him, letting her know he is there for her and he will never let her down like so many people before was really touching.

And her relationship with Rome's son Jack is sweet and pulls at your heartstrings. You will love the way he reacts to her and how their friendship helps to create a better bond between Rome and Jack. The reveal of what happened to Jack's mother is so sad to read.

But you will love this story about how to fight for love. How to fight for what you want in life. And how to build a true family. (You will LOVE the epilogue)

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navigating the life of a single parent wasn’t something that Rome thought he would ever have to deal with. Finding out that he had a son he never knew about was another. Now he is navigating the ups and downs of parenthood, finding that it is harder than he thought but the most fulfilling role of his life. Maddie is the fixer. She fixes problems for her friends and their family, it’s he love language and she is good at it. Ensuring that the man she has crushed on has everything he needs to raise his son? No problem. Ensuring that said child loves and accepts the changes in his life for the better? Yup a done deal. Letting herself be seen and loved for the woman she is? Nope that is where it all falls apart.
We have two people that have so much to share, yet get in their own way to achieve the true happiness they both crave. For Rome, it’s the family he dreamed of and for Maddie, it is being loved enough to be chosen.
An inspirational romance that captured my heart!

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love single dad romances you need to read Maddie and Rome’s captivating and emotional journey. Bad Business has characters that are easy to love and it’s a great addition to the Billionaires Club Series.
When Rome found out he had a son his life did a complete turnaround and from that moment he had no room for a relationship except with his son…..until Maddie the woman who works for his brother walked into his life. What follows is an entertaining and emotional journey that has the perfect mix of heartbreak, love, passion and humour. Bad Business will tear you apart and put you back together again, I fell hard and fast for Rome and I adored Maddie and their story touched me on so many levels. From the moment I picked this book up I knew I wasn’t going to be able to put this book down until the final word had been read.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After realizing that Rome was a father to Jack, a son he never had, he was determined to gain custody but that wouldn’t have been possible without Maddie. Now that he has custody he is still struggling as his son tries to adjust to all the changes and once again it is Maddie who is there for him but this time, he isn’t about to let her go without a fight.

Due to her past Maddie has insecurities that doesn’t allow her to let other people close. She keeps herself on the fringe of the Hutchins family scared to want more but keeping her distance from Rome and Jack is getting more difficult with each passing day.

Maddie is the one who everyone leans on and believes that is all she deserves until Rome shows her she is worthy of love and a family is she will open her heart and trust him.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billionaire's Club Book 17

Rome Hutchins is a single dad to a seven year old boy. The mom disappeared and he found out about his son, Jack four years ago after she died and his son's custody came into question.
Jack is having a tough time acting out at school and with his dad and wanting to go back where he had been.

Maddie works for Rome's brother Ash and has been overseas for four years and is now back. She is a fixer! She helped when the issue of Jack and custody came up. She is always ready to help, kind and caring and has stepped in to help Rome being a friend to Jack. But she has insecurities and doesn't think anyone would really like the "real her". Her walls are up.

Rome is slowly breaking down her walls. He likes her a lot but she always leaves. Can he get her to stay?

And a twist you don't see coming.

4 stars

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Rome and Maddie’s story, another wonderful story in the Billionaire’s Club series.

Both Rome and Maddie have had plenty of heartache, for very different reasons.

Rome’s heart was kicked to the curb by his ex…and then had to fight hard for his son, once he discovered he had a son.

On the outside, Maddie is the ultimate fix-it person, both at her work (she’s a key part of Rome’s brother’s (Ash) business), and with her friends, or her extended “family” - Ash and Rome’s family. But on the inside, Maddie has her own sorrow.

From the very first page to the end, this story captures so many emotions! The love story is sweet, as is Maddie’s friendship with Rome’s son, Jack. She shares with Jack old hurts from her past to help him during HIS struggles - which is so touching! And Rome’s story is equally touching.

A great story with a lovely epilogue!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 17th book in this phenomenal series, and this is Rome and Maddie’s journey. Maddie works for Rome’s brother Ash, and she is a fixer who helps solve everyone else’s problems, and she feels she is unworthy of being loved due to her upbringing. Rome is a single dad to his 7-year-old son, and he has turned his life around after finding out he has a son, whom he only found out about when it was a few years after he was born, and then he had to engage in a custody battle, which Maddie helped him with.
This is a beautifully written story which is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, twists, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title is misleading because if there is one thing Maddie doesn't do is bad business. Her childhood was a disaster and has built up her walls so tall it seems no one can penetrate them. She's built her life around helping others succeed and bit expecting anything in return.

Rome has his hands full, with his company and his son. But having Maddie near, he starts to see that she is his missing peace. He's determined to make her see just how good they could be together. But her past is not and easy thing to erase and when push comes to shove, she will have to decide if she willing to take him up on his offer of HEA.

This story didn't make me cry like the rest of them did in this series, but it still left a huge impact in me. I could relate to Maddie on so many levels and it brings me such joy to see her having HEA.

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Business is a fabulous read. I really loved this one. This is filled with so many emotions and family that will just take your heart for a ride. This is Rome and Maddie's book. You are in for a treat as Rome navigates being a single father to son who has been through a lot. Maddie has her past she's running from and does not see herself the ways others do. She does so much for Rome and his family. I love the connections that form between Rome, Maddie and his son. There is a little twist along the way as Maddie and Rome work to figure out their relationship. I really loved this one and could not put it down. You need to meet them today.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie works for Ash, Rome's brother, but helps out all over the place. She helped Rome get his seven year old son, Jack, from his mother's relatives, after she died. Rome didn't know she was pregnant when she up and left him.
Maddie had a problematic childhood, which has impacted on how she sees herself. She's had a crush on Rome and his family for years, and has tried to make herself invisible and indispensable.
Rome is still bothered by how Jack's mother just up and left, but recently has started to notice Maddie, seeing her and through her efforts to hide things.

A great, emotional read from Elise

[Valerie Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Book 17 in the Billionaire's Club series (and the final book) was very good. I've read some books in the series, but not all, and I have a horrible time remembering previous books and the characters. That being said, I had no issue keeping track of who's who so this can definitely be read as a standalone. Rome was a great guy, trying his best to be a single Dad. I loved how he became the wakeup call Maddie needed to let go of her past. Maddie was amazing in her willingness to do anything for anyone, but not for herself. There were some surprising twists that grabbed my attention. I really enjoyed this book.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Business, book seventeen in the Billionaire Club series follows Rome Hutchins and Maddie. When Rome’s ex dies, he learns about a mysterious seven year old son named Jack, Maddie uses her connections to help him get custody of Jack and has him flown to the US from Australia. She’s excited to meet Jack, and falls in love with the boy immediately, but she is a little less excited to discover her new feelings for Rome. As Maddie helps Rome bond with his son, she becomes more a part of their little family, even though Maddie is scared. Can Rome convince her that he wants her in his and Jack’s life?

[DesN2004 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, I love single parent books!!!
This was a good read, I read in one sitting, it holds your attention and touches your heart. Elise Faber just knows how to write, I have read so many of her books, and I will never stop. The way Jack is portrayed makes you feel for that confused child. Maddie pulls your heart strings as well. I loved the way things came together, the steam and chemistry was great too. Very enjoyable read, keep them coming!!!

I received an ARC of this book, all of the opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we get another fantastic Billionaire’s Club book! I loved Rome and Maddie’s story! Maddie is a fixer. When Rome needed help getting custody of his son she does everything she can to help him. Rome falls for Maddie. She tries to fight him, but he wears her down. They make the perfect match! They form into a great family. When trouble comes along will their relationship survive? I loved this story! It was beautifully written, emotional roller coaster of a ride that kept me turning pages until the end! I loved it and l’m sure you will too!

[Emily Utsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long time crush, single father, surprise from past, running away from issues, and hot hot spice.

The only bad thing to say is I wish it was longer!!! Maybe fleshed out a bit. It was so good!

This is not the first book in the series but it can be a complete stand-alone. You will recognize the heroine from past books, but everything you need to know about her will be told to you. It does end on a HEA. We also get a glimpse of the male MC in the next series (as this is the last of this series I believe)!!! Once you read this book, you will want to read the entire series!

[Stephanie Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing better than a sexy single father story, if this is your genre, Bad Business is a must read!

This was such an emotional journey for Rome, he didn’t know how to be someone’s dad, all he knew was his son Jack needed to come first, until Maddie crashed into his life. She works for his brother, which should mean she is off limits, how does he tell his heart what his head is saying.

A great addition to the Hutching family saga, can’t wait for the next one.