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Cavallo Brothers #2
A Billionaire for Christmas
USA TODAY bestselling author Janice Maynard takes readers to a holiday hideaway in her new Billionaires and Babies book.
All business, all the time, is billionaire Leo Cavallo's motto. So two months of forced relaxation is certainly not the CEO's idea of a Christmas bonus. Then he meets his neighbor, the irresistible Phoebe Kemper, and a storm forces them to become roommates. Suddenly, the holidays are looking a whole lot brighter.
But beautiful Phoebe isn't living alone. She's babysitting her infant nephew. Somehow, playing temporary family is surprisingly appealing. But what will Leo choose when it's time to go home?
All business, all the time, is billionaire Leo Cavallo's motto. So two months of forced relaxation is certainly not the CEO's idea of a Christmas bonus. Then he meets his neighbor, the irresistible Phoebe Kemper, and a storm forces them to become roommates. Suddenly, the holidays are looking a whole lot brighter.
But beautiful Phoebe isn't living alone. She's babysitting her infant nephew. Somehow, playing temporary family is surprisingly appealing. But what will Leo choose when it's time to go home?
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2013
34 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Janice Maynard
541 books431 followersJanice Maynard came to the writing life early! When her third grade short story, “The Princess and the Robbers”, won a red ribbon in a school arts fair, Janice was hooked. She followed up that early success with a more commercial piece in the sixth grade… “Why My Mom Loves To Drink Coke”. No advance for that one, but she won a six-pack of Coke… remember those great little bottles?
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 8, 2014
3 1/2 Stars ~ Leo's CFO of Cavello's Textiles and he thrives on the daily challenges that being at the top of their industry brings. He admits he's a workaholic and that he's never been in love and never really sees himself as a family man; the business is what he lives for. But when his body gives him a wake up call of a mild heart attack at the age of 36, his brother and doctor force him to seek out more of a balance for his life. Sent out to the mountains of Tennessee for two months with the strictest of instructions not to check in even to email, is not something Leo is comfortable with. He's already looking forward to getting back to his desk.
Phoebe has come to cherish her quiet life in Tennessee, away from the rat race of her previous life as a high roller broker in the financial world. When her fiance had shown his true colours and she'd lost their baby to a miscarriage, she'd felt guilty that maybe it was her stressful job that was the cause, even though her doctor said not. To help support her quiet life, she rents out the guest cabin on her mountain estate, and on the night before her latest guest is to arrive, there's a horrendous wind storm that sends an ancient tree toppling through the roof. So when Leo arrives, she has no choice but to invite him to share her cabin.
Something about the beautiful woman taking care of her sister's baby, touches at Leo. Their instant attraction makes sharing her cabin challenging. And with Christmas approaching, the intimacy of mountain life and the joy of a baby to care for, they find that attraction impossible to resist. But as Phoebe confides in her personal loss, Leo finds it hard to admit that he's no longer perfect.
I enjoyed reading Ms. Maynard's love at first sight story. Leo and Phoebe have so much to offer each other and I loved that both could recognize that. Baby Teddy is a charming diversion that keeps Leo and Phoebe in constant anticipation for baby's bed time. Leo struggles with the immediate change to his lifestyle, a struggle Phoebe understands having experienced it herself. This is the first book of Ms. Maynard's that I've read and I'm looking forward to finding Leo's brother's story that was written earlier.
Phoebe has come to cherish her quiet life in Tennessee, away from the rat race of her previous life as a high roller broker in the financial world. When her fiance had shown his true colours and she'd lost their baby to a miscarriage, she'd felt guilty that maybe it was her stressful job that was the cause, even though her doctor said not. To help support her quiet life, she rents out the guest cabin on her mountain estate, and on the night before her latest guest is to arrive, there's a horrendous wind storm that sends an ancient tree toppling through the roof. So when Leo arrives, she has no choice but to invite him to share her cabin.
Something about the beautiful woman taking care of her sister's baby, touches at Leo. Their instant attraction makes sharing her cabin challenging. And with Christmas approaching, the intimacy of mountain life and the joy of a baby to care for, they find that attraction impossible to resist. But as Phoebe confides in her personal loss, Leo finds it hard to admit that he's no longer perfect.
I enjoyed reading Ms. Maynard's love at first sight story. Leo and Phoebe have so much to offer each other and I loved that both could recognize that. Baby Teddy is a charming diversion that keeps Leo and Phoebe in constant anticipation for baby's bed time. Leo struggles with the immediate change to his lifestyle, a struggle Phoebe understands having experienced it herself. This is the first book of Ms. Maynard's that I've read and I'm looking forward to finding Leo's brother's story that was written earlier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2020
No beuno.
That was not a good time.
Did not enjoy.
I didnt feel like any of these characters were realistic, and the way that Leo was described as ubermasculine...what does that even mean?? I guess he looks more manly than other men?
I mean...the book was pretty cringey. Between the masculinity and buschel of condoms I dont know what to think. At least they used condoms so points there, I guess.
Just a whole lotta nope for me.
That was not a good time.
Did not enjoy.
I didnt feel like any of these characters were realistic, and the way that Leo was described as ubermasculine...what does that even mean?? I guess he looks more manly than other men?
I mean...the book was pretty cringey. Between the masculinity and buschel of condoms I dont know what to think. At least they used condoms so points there, I guess.
Just a whole lotta nope for me.
December 7, 2013
Very good book with some important changes for both Leo and Phoebe. Two months of forced time off is not what workaholic Leo wants. When a storm damages his cabin he talks Phoebe into letting him stay with her. Phoebe is watching her nephew and suddenly Leo's time off isn't such a hardship.
I liked both Leo and Phoebe. Leo had a heart attack at the ripe old age of thirty-six. His brother and his doctor have told him he's not allowed to go back to work for two months, until his body has had time to recover and hopefully he has found a way to put some balance in his life. Leo is so used to being busy all the time he has no idea what he's going to do with himself. When he arrives at his destination he discovers that his cabin has been damaged by a storm and is unusable. After meeting Phoebe he doesn't really want to go back to Atlanta right away but maybe explore the chemistry he's feeling with her. He talks her into letting him stay with her and help supervise the repairs to the cabin. He senses that she feels the same attraction. He is surprised by the presence of her nephew but not put off by him at all, but admits that he doesn't see himself ever having a family. I enjoyed seeing Leo run scared from doing anything with the baby at first. He was definitely a bit panicked when Phoebe left him in charge for a little bit. He coped pretty well and started to relax a bit around the baby. I liked seeing the way that being with Phoebe distracted him from his work worries. I loved how he got so involved helping her decorate for Christmas. His care for her when she had her meltdown was wonderful to see. It was obvious that Leo was coming to care for Phoebe quite a lot, but he still hadn't told her why he was there. Keeping that kind of secret from her just because of his pride was not a smart thing to do. When she found out she was hurt and angry. Leo had to face up to his fears and come clean with her if he had any hope of rescuing their relationship.
Phoebe had been a very successful stockbroker and a workaholic. She was engaged to a fellow stockbroker when she found herself unexpectedly pregnant. When she ended up losing the baby she also broke things off with her fiance who was a jerk. She was devastated and walked away from her job and lifestyle and moved to Tennessee where she tried to put her life back together. She was taking care of her nephew and living quietly when Leo arrived. Her attraction to him scared her a bit because it was so strong. It also made her start feeling things again and she wasn't sure she liked that. She recognized Leo's workaholic tendencies and wanted to help him avoid what she had gone through. I liked seeing her get Leo involved in baby care and doing things with her. She knew she was falling for him and that he would be going back to his life when his vacation was over. She can't help fantasizing about a life with him even though he had said he wouldn't ever have a family of his own. She was amazed by his gentleness and care for her when she told him about her past. It also made her feelings for him even stronger. She had no trouble going after what she wanted from him. Everything was going well for them she thought, until she discovered that he had hidden the truth about his illness from her. She was devastated by what she considered his lack of trust in her. She had finally started feeling like she could start living a part of her old life again and his actions made her wonder if she could trust herself yet.
I liked the way that each of them had to admit to the changes that they needed to make to have a happy and well balanced life. Leo seemed to have the biggest self realization as he admitted that Phoebe had opened his eyes to the life that he could have.
I liked both Leo and Phoebe. Leo had a heart attack at the ripe old age of thirty-six. His brother and his doctor have told him he's not allowed to go back to work for two months, until his body has had time to recover and hopefully he has found a way to put some balance in his life. Leo is so used to being busy all the time he has no idea what he's going to do with himself. When he arrives at his destination he discovers that his cabin has been damaged by a storm and is unusable. After meeting Phoebe he doesn't really want to go back to Atlanta right away but maybe explore the chemistry he's feeling with her. He talks her into letting him stay with her and help supervise the repairs to the cabin. He senses that she feels the same attraction. He is surprised by the presence of her nephew but not put off by him at all, but admits that he doesn't see himself ever having a family. I enjoyed seeing Leo run scared from doing anything with the baby at first. He was definitely a bit panicked when Phoebe left him in charge for a little bit. He coped pretty well and started to relax a bit around the baby. I liked seeing the way that being with Phoebe distracted him from his work worries. I loved how he got so involved helping her decorate for Christmas. His care for her when she had her meltdown was wonderful to see. It was obvious that Leo was coming to care for Phoebe quite a lot, but he still hadn't told her why he was there. Keeping that kind of secret from her just because of his pride was not a smart thing to do. When she found out she was hurt and angry. Leo had to face up to his fears and come clean with her if he had any hope of rescuing their relationship.
Phoebe had been a very successful stockbroker and a workaholic. She was engaged to a fellow stockbroker when she found herself unexpectedly pregnant. When she ended up losing the baby she also broke things off with her fiance who was a jerk. She was devastated and walked away from her job and lifestyle and moved to Tennessee where she tried to put her life back together. She was taking care of her nephew and living quietly when Leo arrived. Her attraction to him scared her a bit because it was so strong. It also made her start feeling things again and she wasn't sure she liked that. She recognized Leo's workaholic tendencies and wanted to help him avoid what she had gone through. I liked seeing her get Leo involved in baby care and doing things with her. She knew she was falling for him and that he would be going back to his life when his vacation was over. She can't help fantasizing about a life with him even though he had said he wouldn't ever have a family of his own. She was amazed by his gentleness and care for her when she told him about her past. It also made her feelings for him even stronger. She had no trouble going after what she wanted from him. Everything was going well for them she thought, until she discovered that he had hidden the truth about his illness from her. She was devastated by what she considered his lack of trust in her. She had finally started feeling like she could start living a part of her old life again and his actions made her wonder if she could trust herself yet.
I liked the way that each of them had to admit to the changes that they needed to make to have a happy and well balanced life. Leo seemed to have the biggest self realization as he admitted that Phoebe had opened his eyes to the life that he could have.
October 10, 2013
It is always very nice to take a break from a romance genre and come back to it after a long break. That is what happened to me and contemporary romance. With the New Adult genre reaching its peak and the S & M cult becoming a bit trite, I found my love of reading becoming second best to anything and eventually giving it up all together to live in the real world. Well, I found that to be boring after some time working day and day out so I decided to go back to the genre I started with, the genre I am hoping to write one day. And I cannot be happier that I did. I just love books, and I was so disappointed that my lack of reading was actually making me depressed. A Billionaire for Christmas really has brought me back into my game and on the right track.
Leo Cavillo has just had a heart attack at the ripe old age of 36, so his family has decided to treat him to a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of a multimillion dollar business. He has been exiled to a cabin in the woods owned by Phoebe Kemper, a woman who is hiding out herself from the corporate world and nursing her wounds while taking care of her sister’s child.
Leo is forced to stay in Phoebe’s own place because a nasty storm the night before he arrived felled a tree right in the middle of his rental cabin. Sparks instantly fly between the two, and the chemistry is hard to resist; thank God they don’t have to since it’s just the two of them. Oh, and the baby. The connection is instantaneous and soulful, and the sex is very good between Leo and Phoebe, and when they go back to the city for Christmas it seems like everything works out smoothly. The problems that Leo and Phoebe faced are smoothed over by their sizzling sexual attraction to each other which within a span of a week turns to love.
The trouble I had with this book was that when they were living in the cabin, Phoebe seemed to be old fashioned in terms of how she went about her life-except for the sex-but when they arrive in the city Phoebe turns into this modern sex kitten in the blink of an eye, which was kind of annoying because I was getting used to this new kind (old fashioned) of heroine type that is rare to read. The other trouble spot for me was the conflict level between Leo and Phoebe.
There wasn’t any!!
I think because Leo and Phoebe were the only adult characters in this book which has both good and bad points. Ok, so in conclusion I really enjoyed reading A Billionaire for Christmas even though there were only two characters in this story.
Leo Cavillo has just had a heart attack at the ripe old age of 36, so his family has decided to treat him to a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of a multimillion dollar business. He has been exiled to a cabin in the woods owned by Phoebe Kemper, a woman who is hiding out herself from the corporate world and nursing her wounds while taking care of her sister’s child.
Leo is forced to stay in Phoebe’s own place because a nasty storm the night before he arrived felled a tree right in the middle of his rental cabin. Sparks instantly fly between the two, and the chemistry is hard to resist; thank God they don’t have to since it’s just the two of them. Oh, and the baby. The connection is instantaneous and soulful, and the sex is very good between Leo and Phoebe, and when they go back to the city for Christmas it seems like everything works out smoothly. The problems that Leo and Phoebe faced are smoothed over by their sizzling sexual attraction to each other which within a span of a week turns to love.
The trouble I had with this book was that when they were living in the cabin, Phoebe seemed to be old fashioned in terms of how she went about her life-except for the sex-but when they arrive in the city Phoebe turns into this modern sex kitten in the blink of an eye, which was kind of annoying because I was getting used to this new kind (old fashioned) of heroine type that is rare to read. The other trouble spot for me was the conflict level between Leo and Phoebe.
There wasn’t any!!
I think because Leo and Phoebe were the only adult characters in this book which has both good and bad points. Ok, so in conclusion I really enjoyed reading A Billionaire for Christmas even though there were only two characters in this story.
November 28, 2013
My very first of Janice Maynard.
I started this book with enthusiast because I kinda like the idea renting a cabin to a stranger. :P
I liked the beginning and hoped I liked the rest. I must say I enjoy reading this one, but there's something off. I liked both characters, the chemistry between them were built good enough, but then again, there's something lack in this book.
Maybe the present of another character, maybe the real conflict between them because I don't think that the fact Leo didn't tell her the reason he's staying at Phoebe's should be a real problem. True, she (and he) risked him in doing hard stuff, but, well... I just don't think it should be the climax to make them finally realized they need each other, or one that made Leo feel the need to propose because he realized he can't live without her.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this one. I wonder if there was a story about Luc and his wife. :)
*eARC provided by Harlequin via Net Galley for an honest review.
I started this book with enthusiast because I kinda like the idea renting a cabin to a stranger. :P
I liked the beginning and hoped I liked the rest. I must say I enjoy reading this one, but there's something off. I liked both characters, the chemistry between them were built good enough, but then again, there's something lack in this book.
Maybe the present of another character, maybe the real conflict between them because I don't think that the fact Leo didn't tell her the reason he's staying at Phoebe's should be a real problem. True, she (and he) risked him in doing hard stuff, but, well... I just don't think it should be the climax to make them finally realized they need each other, or one that made Leo feel the need to propose because he realized he can't live without her.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this one. I wonder if there was a story about Luc and his wife. :)
*eARC provided by Harlequin via Net Galley for an honest review.
December 15, 2018
Cover: 5/5 on my cheese-o-meter
Story: 4/5 (Cheese-o-meter); 3/5 actual story
Oh my... this book was... not good. I will start off by saying that it fulfilled what I wanted when I purchased it. A cheesy Christmas romance book. You know... like those bad holiday movies that are so cheesy, you just cringe. It is definitely that. What brought it down for me though was the choppiness of the writing and the weird things that happened that seemed pointless.
So while this book has the cheese and all the cliche tropes, I'm not sure if I'll ever want to read it again. I'll hold on to it just in case.
Challenges:
2018 Goodreads Challenge
Story: 4/5 (Cheese-o-meter); 3/5 actual story
Oh my... this book was... not good. I will start off by saying that it fulfilled what I wanted when I purchased it. A cheesy Christmas romance book. You know... like those bad holiday movies that are so cheesy, you just cringe. It is definitely that. What brought it down for me though was the choppiness of the writing and the weird things that happened that seemed pointless.
So while this book has the cheese and all the cliche tropes, I'm not sure if I'll ever want to read it again. I'll hold on to it just in case.
Challenges:
2018 Goodreads Challenge
February 8, 2018
I don't usually write reviews but giving a low star rating, I feel I must to justify it.
There aren't really spoilers, per se
Here's the blurb:
All business, all the time, is billionaire Leo Cavallo's motto. So two months of forced relaxation is certainly not the CEO's idea of a Christmas bonus. Then he meets his neighbor, the irresistible Phoebe Kemper, and a storm forces them to become roommates. Suddenly, the holidays are looking a whole lot brighter.
But beautiful Phoebe isn't living alone. She's babysitting her infant nephew. Somehow, playing temporary family is surprisingly appealing. But what will Leo choose when it's time to go home?
A few things:
1. A secluded mountain cabin in the woods. You're the only woman on the property and in screamable distance. The other available cabin is destroyed by "mother nature". The guy, hot or not, suggests he stay in your house. Ummm No. That's how you get murdered and he wears your skin for fun.
2. You make a horrible mistake and agree to the above proposition. Then you ask the guy, who you've known for about 12 seconds, to watch your baby for you while you take a shower. Yeah, again no. Amber Alerts are a thing for a reason.
3. Turns out the kid isn't yours but you're the aunt of a six month old. You're watching him while his parents are settling an estate aboard. Okay, what first time mother would leave her kid behind for weeks on end - over the holidays no less - for any reason. Even if it is going to be a hassle. Isn't that what having kids is like??? I mean, I have a 3 year old. I know it's a hassle but I wouldn't leave my kid behind. Just...not gonna happen.
the big reveals weren't so big and honestly, (I'm about to be super judgy here) if either of you can't get over the minuscule trauma in your life then being a workaholic isn't your only problem.
There aren't really spoilers, per se
Here's the blurb:
All business, all the time, is billionaire Leo Cavallo's motto. So two months of forced relaxation is certainly not the CEO's idea of a Christmas bonus. Then he meets his neighbor, the irresistible Phoebe Kemper, and a storm forces them to become roommates. Suddenly, the holidays are looking a whole lot brighter.
But beautiful Phoebe isn't living alone. She's babysitting her infant nephew. Somehow, playing temporary family is surprisingly appealing. But what will Leo choose when it's time to go home?
A few things:
1. A secluded mountain cabin in the woods. You're the only woman on the property and in screamable distance. The other available cabin is destroyed by "mother nature". The guy, hot or not, suggests he stay in your house. Ummm No. That's how you get murdered and he wears your skin for fun.
2. You make a horrible mistake and agree to the above proposition. Then you ask the guy, who you've known for about 12 seconds, to watch your baby for you while you take a shower. Yeah, again no. Amber Alerts are a thing for a reason.
3. Turns out the kid isn't yours but you're the aunt of a six month old. You're watching him while his parents are settling an estate aboard. Okay, what first time mother would leave her kid behind for weeks on end - over the holidays no less - for any reason. Even if it is going to be a hassle. Isn't that what having kids is like??? I mean, I have a 3 year old. I know it's a hassle but I wouldn't leave my kid behind. Just...not gonna happen.
the big reveals weren't so big and honestly, (I'm about to be super judgy here) if either of you can't get over the minuscule trauma in your life then being a workaholic isn't your only problem.
July 14, 2017
It was a good story to have a nice time reading.
January 28, 2014
Stress is something that has serious consequences. When a healthy and young person has a heart attack due to this cause something needs to change. It doesn’t make that individual weak or less of a person they need to learn how to relax. Work will always be there but your life will not.
I love romance books especially when they have to do with something this serious. It brings oneself to realize that once in awhile it’s nice just to relax and rest. Enjoy the weather outside and have a little bit of fun. That is something that Leo has not done but now with his family knowing his health situation they take it upon themselves to book a cottage for him in the middle of nowhere. I love how they purposely logged him out of his company email and changed his password. This was supposed to be a vacation for him but he still finds himself working. Now that’s a big no, no.
Phoebe Kemper used to work as a stockbroker but something happened in her life that made her move to the mountains. She has been trying to find herself again. Now here is this man that has no idea that his cottage is destroyed and he is going to have to leave. Only he proposes something to her and she can’t refuse. Phoebe is taking care of her nephew and she could use the help. She knows that there is something wrong with him but she thinks that he maybe had a mental breakdown and that’s why he is staying with her for two months. She couldn’t be more wrong.
As time passes Leo can’t believe how beautiful it is out in the middle of nowhere and how different things feel. There was a point where is actually forgot about his electrical devices something that had never happened to him. His attraction to Phoebe is getting stronger. Phoebe has been able to tell him her story but he has not been able to share his. They have become closer and have actually made love. Only time will tell when she learns his condition if she will forgive him for not trusting her. Will he be able to convince her that he was wrong and be able to win her heart?
This was actually a very nice read that captivated my attention. I love Christmas stories and especially when they have a wonderful HEA. The characters were beautifully written and so was the story. I love how Phoebe wanted to help Leo even though he had been a jerk with not disclosing his reason for being in her home. I like that they had instant chemistry and that they didn’t bump heads too much.
This is a fun and delightful read that I recommend to any reader.
Thanks to NetGalley who provided me a copy of this ARC for an honest review.
I love romance books especially when they have to do with something this serious. It brings oneself to realize that once in awhile it’s nice just to relax and rest. Enjoy the weather outside and have a little bit of fun. That is something that Leo has not done but now with his family knowing his health situation they take it upon themselves to book a cottage for him in the middle of nowhere. I love how they purposely logged him out of his company email and changed his password. This was supposed to be a vacation for him but he still finds himself working. Now that’s a big no, no.
Phoebe Kemper used to work as a stockbroker but something happened in her life that made her move to the mountains. She has been trying to find herself again. Now here is this man that has no idea that his cottage is destroyed and he is going to have to leave. Only he proposes something to her and she can’t refuse. Phoebe is taking care of her nephew and she could use the help. She knows that there is something wrong with him but she thinks that he maybe had a mental breakdown and that’s why he is staying with her for two months. She couldn’t be more wrong.
As time passes Leo can’t believe how beautiful it is out in the middle of nowhere and how different things feel. There was a point where is actually forgot about his electrical devices something that had never happened to him. His attraction to Phoebe is getting stronger. Phoebe has been able to tell him her story but he has not been able to share his. They have become closer and have actually made love. Only time will tell when she learns his condition if she will forgive him for not trusting her. Will he be able to convince her that he was wrong and be able to win her heart?
This was actually a very nice read that captivated my attention. I love Christmas stories and especially when they have a wonderful HEA. The characters were beautifully written and so was the story. I love how Phoebe wanted to help Leo even though he had been a jerk with not disclosing his reason for being in her home. I like that they had instant chemistry and that they didn’t bump heads too much.
This is a fun and delightful read that I recommend to any reader.
Thanks to NetGalley who provided me a copy of this ARC for an honest review.
December 15, 2013
*Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World* :)
I really enjoyed reading A Billionaire for Christmas, it was compelling and the relationship between Phoebe and Leo made the whole book interesting to read. When it comes to putting things before others, Leo Cavallo does exactly that. He puts business before himself and it's because of that, that his brother and sister-in-law sent him away to get him away from his multi-billion dollar business. But he wasn't expecting to find himself in the middle of a storm without any place to stay. Now he suddenly finds himself staying with his neighbor, Phoebe and her baby nephew. After suffering from a heart attack before he was sent away, he started to question the things that he has and wants. But seeing Phoebe now with her nephew brings a whole new set of feelings that he can't explain, all he knows is that he is attracted to her.
All Phoebe wanted was a quiet time with her nephew, but instead she got a storm and a handsome guest staying in her cabin. Struggling to keep her past in the past, Phoebe is committed to give her nephew a great Christmas day with the help of Leo. His stay has brought her back memories of her past, but as the two start getting to know each other, she discovers that Leo has secrets and that she is madly attracted to him. Now the two will have to help each other overcome their past experiences if they want to keep moving forward.
There were a lot of things that I liked about this book, for starters, Leo and Phoebe are the only characters in the whole book. There really wasn't much interaction with other characters, it was great to see them grow and start to overcome their pasts. Yet would have been nice to hear from other characters, not just them. The overall story was really well thought out and the writing flow beautifully. I liked their moments with Phoebe's nephew. It brought more to the story that made it enjoyable to read. Overall I would recommend everyone to give this book a try, it's fairly short and the romance between the characters is great.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed reading A Billionaire for Christmas, it was compelling and the relationship between Phoebe and Leo made the whole book interesting to read. When it comes to putting things before others, Leo Cavallo does exactly that. He puts business before himself and it's because of that, that his brother and sister-in-law sent him away to get him away from his multi-billion dollar business. But he wasn't expecting to find himself in the middle of a storm without any place to stay. Now he suddenly finds himself staying with his neighbor, Phoebe and her baby nephew. After suffering from a heart attack before he was sent away, he started to question the things that he has and wants. But seeing Phoebe now with her nephew brings a whole new set of feelings that he can't explain, all he knows is that he is attracted to her.
All Phoebe wanted was a quiet time with her nephew, but instead she got a storm and a handsome guest staying in her cabin. Struggling to keep her past in the past, Phoebe is committed to give her nephew a great Christmas day with the help of Leo. His stay has brought her back memories of her past, but as the two start getting to know each other, she discovers that Leo has secrets and that she is madly attracted to him. Now the two will have to help each other overcome their past experiences if they want to keep moving forward.
There were a lot of things that I liked about this book, for starters, Leo and Phoebe are the only characters in the whole book. There really wasn't much interaction with other characters, it was great to see them grow and start to overcome their pasts. Yet would have been nice to hear from other characters, not just them. The overall story was really well thought out and the writing flow beautifully. I liked their moments with Phoebe's nephew. It brought more to the story that made it enjoyable to read. Overall I would recommend everyone to give this book a try, it's fairly short and the romance between the characters is great.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
November 12, 2013
Leo Cavallo seorang yang sangat gila kerja sampai pada suatu hari dia terkena serangan jantung. Luc saudaranya tidak ingin melihatnya mati muda seperti ayah mereka, maka Luc pun menirim Leo untuk liburan selama 2 bulan, meninggalkan Atlanta dan segala pekerjaannya ke pondok di pegunungan Tennessee. Sesampainya di sana, ternyata pondok yang sudah dia sewa hancur tertimpa pohon besar dan tidak bisa dia tempati. Leo pun akhirnya tinggal bersama Phoebe Kemper, wanita yang menyewakan pondoknya. Phoebe wanita yang cantik akan tetapi rupanya wanita itu tidak tinggal sendiri di rumahnya, tapi bersama seorang bayi laki-laki, Teddy. Mereka pun sepakat, Phoebe akan mengijinkan Leo tinggal di rumahnya jika Leo mau membantunya mengurus Teddy.
Liburan 2 bulan tanpa internet dan segala akses untuk bekerja membuat Leo sangat tidak nyaman karena dia terbiasa dengan semua aktivitasnya bekerja. Tapi menikmati sarapan dan bermain bersama bayi Teddy membuatnya begitu nyaman, bahkan dia tahu bahwa Teddy bukanlah anak Phoebe, melainkan keponakan wanita itu. Leo mulai tertarik pada Phoebe begitupula sebaliknya. Akan tetapi mereka berdua masih menyimpan rahasia mereka masing-masing, dan belum saatnya untuk mengungkapkannya.
--
Keajaiban di malam Natal, terasa banget sewaktu Phoebe bilang pada Teddy, bahwa Leo adalah hadiah yang dikirim Santa untuknya. Ceritanya hangat dan manis. Sempat jengkel waktu Leo menolak Phoebe karena pemikirannya yang egois, tapi nggak jadi sebel sama Leo sewaktu Leo melamar Phoebe di Atlanta. ups, spoiler deh.. hehehehehe.. Overall, kisahnya cucok banget buat dibaca di Christmas season.
Liburan 2 bulan tanpa internet dan segala akses untuk bekerja membuat Leo sangat tidak nyaman karena dia terbiasa dengan semua aktivitasnya bekerja. Tapi menikmati sarapan dan bermain bersama bayi Teddy membuatnya begitu nyaman, bahkan dia tahu bahwa Teddy bukanlah anak Phoebe, melainkan keponakan wanita itu. Leo mulai tertarik pada Phoebe begitupula sebaliknya. Akan tetapi mereka berdua masih menyimpan rahasia mereka masing-masing, dan belum saatnya untuk mengungkapkannya.
--
Keajaiban di malam Natal, terasa banget sewaktu Phoebe bilang pada Teddy, bahwa Leo adalah hadiah yang dikirim Santa untuknya. Ceritanya hangat dan manis. Sempat jengkel waktu Leo menolak Phoebe karena pemikirannya yang egois, tapi nggak jadi sebel sama Leo sewaktu Leo melamar Phoebe di Atlanta. ups, spoiler deh.. hehehehehe.. Overall, kisahnya cucok banget buat dibaca di Christmas season.
November 5, 2013
*3.5 Stars*
After having a heart attack, Leo's older brother insists that he take a much needed two month vacation from work and stress. When he arrives at his rented cabin, he finds out that it has been damaged. He then finds himself sharing a cabin with his neighbor, Phoebe.
Phoebe has secluded herself in the Great Smoky Mountains for reasons she wants to keep to herself. With her sister and brother-in-law in a Portugal, she is babysitting her infant nephew while his parents are away. When Leo and Phoebe meet, the sparks are instantaneous and being in close proximity soon has them falling for one another. Yet, Leo doesn't want to tell Phoebe the truth of why he's really on vacation. The truth eventually comes out and when Phoebe finds out will she be able to forgive Leo?
A Billionaire for Christmas is one of those feel-good stories that are easy to read and leave you with warm fuzzy feelings. It's low on the drama which makes this a light read rather than a heavy read. Although I will have to say that this was a bit of a slow read for me. The pacing was slow and for that the story dragged a bit. Also, another thing is that there was little conflict in the story. I wanted and expected at least some sort of conflict, but there wasn't really any.
A decent read & I liked it even though it had some flaws.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
After having a heart attack, Leo's older brother insists that he take a much needed two month vacation from work and stress. When he arrives at his rented cabin, he finds out that it has been damaged. He then finds himself sharing a cabin with his neighbor, Phoebe.
Phoebe has secluded herself in the Great Smoky Mountains for reasons she wants to keep to herself. With her sister and brother-in-law in a Portugal, she is babysitting her infant nephew while his parents are away. When Leo and Phoebe meet, the sparks are instantaneous and being in close proximity soon has them falling for one another. Yet, Leo doesn't want to tell Phoebe the truth of why he's really on vacation. The truth eventually comes out and when Phoebe finds out will she be able to forgive Leo?
A Billionaire for Christmas is one of those feel-good stories that are easy to read and leave you with warm fuzzy feelings. It's low on the drama which makes this a light read rather than a heavy read. Although I will have to say that this was a bit of a slow read for me. The pacing was slow and for that the story dragged a bit. Also, another thing is that there was little conflict in the story. I wanted and expected at least some sort of conflict, but there wasn't really any.
A decent read & I liked it even though it had some flaws.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
November 10, 2013
After suffering a heart attack and being forced on sabbatical by his brother and sister-in-law, Leo is starting to wonder if they don't have a point. That maybe he really does need to slow down and smell the roses and take time to enjoy life. Maybe even settle down, maybe with a woman like Phoebe.
Phoebe is struggling to put her life back together after having lost her baby and fiancee who was a prick in one day. She was also a high flying career woman but really wants family and kids too. After her tragedy, she's not sure though if she can open herself up to someone. She volunteers to look after her nephew to try to help her healing process but comes to realize that hiding away in the back country woods isn't a solution either.
The angst (what little of it there was) is very internal to the characters. They both are fighting themselves and trying to figure out what they want from life while being drawn together with their sexual chemistry and forge a relationship. I kind of felt Phoebe's reaction to finding out Leo keeping the fact that he had a heart attack from her over the top (I get that she was scared/ worried about his health and annoyed that he wasn't being serious about his recovery but honestly). Also the reason for Leo not telling her was dumb. Swallow your pride buddy. It was an ok read over all. Most of the book is spent with them almost but not quite giving into until they finally do.
Phoebe is struggling to put her life back together after having lost her baby and fiancee who was a prick in one day. She was also a high flying career woman but really wants family and kids too. After her tragedy, she's not sure though if she can open herself up to someone. She volunteers to look after her nephew to try to help her healing process but comes to realize that hiding away in the back country woods isn't a solution either.
The angst (what little of it there was) is very internal to the characters. They both are fighting themselves and trying to figure out what they want from life while being drawn together with their sexual chemistry and forge a relationship. I kind of felt Phoebe's reaction to finding out Leo keeping the fact that he had a heart attack from her over the top (I get that she was scared/ worried about his health and annoyed that he wasn't being serious about his recovery but honestly). Also the reason for Leo not telling her was dumb. Swallow your pride buddy. It was an ok read over all. Most of the book is spent with them almost but not quite giving into until they finally do.
November 13, 2013
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in place of an honest review.
CEO Leo Cavallo is made to take a two month leave from his job. He is only 36 and he just suffered a heart attack. He doesn't want to take a break but knows his family won't leave him alone until he does. So he goes to Tennessee for a vacation. He has plans to stay in a cabin. When he gets there Phoebe tells him that a tree fell on the house.
Phoebe is spending the holidays with her baby nephew while her sister is with her husband overseas to take care of some things. When Leo tells Phoebe that he wants to stay at her cabin and help with the construction of the cabin she takes him on.
Both of these two people are living a lie. They both have secrets that they don't want to tell. You can tell that Phoebe has a secret that has really hurt her and she has shut herself off for three years. The author did a great job with her story and showing the feelings and emotions of each character.
I love to read books like this and they always make me want to read more.
CEO Leo Cavallo is made to take a two month leave from his job. He is only 36 and he just suffered a heart attack. He doesn't want to take a break but knows his family won't leave him alone until he does. So he goes to Tennessee for a vacation. He has plans to stay in a cabin. When he gets there Phoebe tells him that a tree fell on the house.
Phoebe is spending the holidays with her baby nephew while her sister is with her husband overseas to take care of some things. When Leo tells Phoebe that he wants to stay at her cabin and help with the construction of the cabin she takes him on.
Both of these two people are living a lie. They both have secrets that they don't want to tell. You can tell that Phoebe has a secret that has really hurt her and she has shut herself off for three years. The author did a great job with her story and showing the feelings and emotions of each character.
I love to read books like this and they always make me want to read more.
May 1, 2014
Leo booked a cabin for his forced vacation after his heart attack only to discover that it was badly damaged after a thunderstorm. He convinced his neighbour cum landlord, Phoebe to let her stay with her. Phoebe has reluctantly agreed to the request as she needed help to take care of her nephew. Leo is a workaholic and for him not to work is really a torture to him. Having Phoebe around help him to fill up his time especially when his brother changed his office email password to prevent him from working during his two weeks leave. Phoebe has a past that makes her move to the mountain and running cabin rental business. She is trying hard to look for herself again. But having Leo in her home proved to be too much of an attraction for her.
This book captivated my attention and I like reading the way the relationship between Leo and Phoebe developed and the characters are very well developed. Overall, it is a sweet read for me with a well thought story plot ;)
This book captivated my attention and I like reading the way the relationship between Leo and Phoebe developed and the characters are very well developed. Overall, it is a sweet read for me with a well thought story plot ;)
July 21, 2016
Goed boek. Dit keer niet alleen maar soft erotiek maar er zat ook een leuk lopend verhaal in. Leo Cavello is een rijke zakenman met een goed lopend familiebedrijf. Als hij een lichte hartinfarct krijgt stuurt zijn broer hem naar een afgelegen plaatsje in Maine om daar volledig tot rust te komen. Eenmaal aangekomen meldt hij zich bij een huisje waar Phoebe de deur opent. Phoebe verteld hem dat het gehuurde huisje door stormschade en sneeuw volledig is verwoest en dat hij noodgedwongen bij haar in huis moet overnachten.
Het lijkt dan allemaal voorspellend, maar er zit verhaal in dit boekje. Phoebe zorgt zolang voor haar neefje Teddy en voorheen was ze een succesvolle effectenmakelaar. Leo heeft een goedlopend familiebedrijf. Langzaam maar zeker groeien ze naar elkaar toe en leer je Leo en Phoebe ook goed kennen. De erotiek is gedoseerd en er zit ook wat spanning en humor in het boek. Leuk boekje om te lezen.
Het lijkt dan allemaal voorspellend, maar er zit verhaal in dit boekje. Phoebe zorgt zolang voor haar neefje Teddy en voorheen was ze een succesvolle effectenmakelaar. Leo heeft een goedlopend familiebedrijf. Langzaam maar zeker groeien ze naar elkaar toe en leer je Leo en Phoebe ook goed kennen. De erotiek is gedoseerd en er zit ook wat spanning en humor in het boek. Leuk boekje om te lezen.
December 23, 2013
I loved this book, Phoebe needed a change and Leo was perfect to reintroduce her into the new and improved world. She was trying to change that’s for sure and the baby helped a lot, but I think she needed a man to realise not everyone is like her ex-fiance and Leo was perfect for the job, because he needed a little change too. He suffered a heart attack and discovered that life was more than just work.
Leo family was great, they were worried about him and forced to change, his brother managed the company and his family, so the only thing Leo needed to learn was to slow things and stop being such a workaholic. This time in Tennessee really helped him. The baby made him see things differently and even consider a family of his own in the future. This was a cute romance and my favorite kind.
Leo family was great, they were worried about him and forced to change, his brother managed the company and his family, so the only thing Leo needed to learn was to slow things and stop being such a workaholic. This time in Tennessee really helped him. The baby made him see things differently and even consider a family of his own in the future. This was a cute romance and my favorite kind.
July 20, 2014
I have to say that this is the perfect Holiday read. It's short and very sweet, and just makes me want eggnog and a Christmas tree to be able to read this with. Phoebe is the owner of a few cabins in the mountain, and the day after a serious snowstorm causes serious damage, Leo (her next guest) shows up ready to spend 2 months in the very cabin that has been destroyed. I think the way they so easily begin to relate to each other was very sweet. I loved that both of these two were able to help each other so much, and fall in love so easily. I really liked that there was so little fight in there, cause at Christmas time, you don't want unnecessary drama. Super sweet book definitely a great holiday read.
December 5, 2013
At first it took me a minute to get into the book. But as I continued to read it I started to really enjoy the story and the interaction between the couple Leo and Phoebe. The similarities in their situation was good because it give each of them the opportunity to help the other. I like that the Leo and Phoebe tried to wait but the sexual tension was strong before moving forward in their relationship. The Penthouse Kitchen scene too omg that was too funny. By far one of my favorite part in the book. I like how the author grow their relationship into a strong partnership and gave me the ending I expected.
January 16, 2014
A feel good story is great anytime, not just at the Holidays. Ms. Maynard has offered readers just that - a good old fashioned feel good romance. The premise isn't new, but the author managed to make her characters interesting enough to carry the story through. It was interesting to me that Janice Maynard chose to concentrate the majority of the story on the lead couple - solely them - but it works. I found this book to be a modern take on an old theme, but very well done.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2014
Review Posted on HarlequinJunkie.com
Phoebe Kemper awaits her new renter with trepidation. She knows that Leo Cavallo is the CFO of Cavallo Textiles, and knows he’s a rich and powerful man. When his sister made the arrangements for Leo to rent out Phoebe’s cabin, she was also told that he’d just been ill. Sketchy info at best, and it would’ve been okay – except there’s been a huge accident on her property. Read More
Phoebe Kemper awaits her new renter with trepidation. She knows that Leo Cavallo is the CFO of Cavallo Textiles, and knows he’s a rich and powerful man. When his sister made the arrangements for Leo to rent out Phoebe’s cabin, she was also told that he’d just been ill. Sketchy info at best, and it would’ve been okay – except there’s been a huge accident on her property. Read More
January 1, 2015
D2271 Dec2013 A cabin in the country is the 2-month prescription for CEO Leo Cavallo, after his heart attack. His arrival at Phoebe Kemper's log cabin finds the rental cabin with a huge tree crashed through it's roof. She is taking care of her nephew while her sister and her husband are in Ittaly. They have his family estate to settle and clear the family home before they return for their son. Enjoyed the give and take between Phoebe and Leo. He kept more in and struggled with his attraction for her. The baby's actions in the story made me smile!
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December 29, 2014"Maynard has a talent for writing steamy and passionate stories and her latest is definitely both. The setting is unique, the characters are likable, the storyline is solid and the romance is hot." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars
Miniseries: Billionaires and Babies
Miniseries: Billionaires and Babies
June 2, 2014
"A Billionaire for Christmas" was absolutely phenomenal and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Janice Maynard is an exceptional author and I love her books. The storylines and characters she creates are just fantastic and I was especially impressed with this novel. Don't miss out!
January 4, 2014
Super cute
lovely and heart felt.
phone and Leo are the perfect pair. they saved each other with love and strength. a must read.
lovely and heart felt.
phone and Leo are the perfect pair. they saved each other with love and strength. a must read.
January 26, 2014
A very sweet romance.
March 13, 2014
A fantastic book, I truly enjoyed this book. The relationship between Phoebe and Leo made the whole book interesting to read. It had a great flow to it and the characters developed extremely well.
December 21, 2014
Great book.
September 28, 2015
2.5 stars...
July 5, 2016
I like the Cavallo brothers. After tragedy and being workaholics they finally found a balance.
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