Hush Money: A Billionaire Age Gap Romance

by Ava Ryan

326 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

Ava Ryan is an author of sexy contemporary romance. Her favorite things, in no special order, are animals, her family, cookies, people with great senses of humor and love stories. Currently in her writer’s cave (ostensibly working hard on her next book while also checking Netflix every few hours to make sure she hasn’t missed a new true crime documentary show), she loves hearing from readers via her website or social media. If you love billionaire alpha males, the feisty women who snag their hearts and books that end with a happily ever after, you’ve come to the right place. Please make sure to subscribe to Ava’s newsletter to stay in the loop about her latest releases and upcoming books!

Reviews

[Caitlin 🎀🕷️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hush Money is the second book in the Winter Trilogy. If you haven’t read Filthy Rich, read that first! This is not a standalone and Filthy Rich is a great read anyway. Finally getting to know the allusive Raveena in this book really made for a lot of interesting plot points and twists, including continuously testing the strength of Tamsyn and Lucien’s relationship. Tamsyn is young and naive, but I love that she’s not weak. She’s not a damsel in distress. She has her insecurities sure, but she’s not anyone’s doormat. Lucien… he has a dirty mouth. I’ll give him that lol. Super curious to uncover more about him in the next book. And that cliffy really had me yelling “What?!?!” The book is well written. There’s not a lot of spice in this, but what it does have is delicious. Highly recommend!
4.5⭐️ 3/5🌶️

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hush Money is the second book from Ryan's The Winter Trilogy. It is a billionaire, age gap romance featuring Lucien Winter and Tamsyn Scott.

I did not read the first book, however my understanding is that Tamsyn is a recent nursing graduate who was hired to accompany a wealth patient on a trip. Lucien, an affluent widower, spotted her and became instantly obsessed. He ended up following her and wooing her.

Two weeks later, they are back from their European holiday, and Lucien invited Tamsyn to spend the summer with him at Ackerly Manor, his estate in Great Neck, NY. She recognizes that he is out of her league but is enjoying their time together. After a passionate encounter, an unexpected individual shows up at the estate. It is none other than Ravenna, the not so dead wife. She has reappeared after 2 years with no memory of where she was.

Tamsyn, understandably, feels uncomfortable remaining at Ackerly however Lucien is adamant that she remains. He is completely invested in this new relationship. Ravenna however wants to pick up her long lost life and remain married to Lucien. She is prepared to play mind games to get what she wants, and she is very good at it.

I didn't really connect with this one. I kept waiting for there to be more content than the psychological churn. Tamsyn seems like a smart cookie, with a good head on her shoulders, but was too easily manipulated. Lucien seemed to want to step into that alpha male role, but straddled the line. Sometimes he seemed like a possessive, protective male while at others he seemed like a cinnamon roll.

The book ends on a cliffhanger leading to the third and final book of this trilogy. I am curious about a few things, so I might check it out. Overall I'd give this one a 3.5/5 but I'm rounding up to 4. If you do decide to check it out, I'd recommend starting with Filthy Rich, the first book in the trilogy.

[Aryana Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really tried not to include spoilers in my review. If you read my review for the first book...Remember when I said I thought the first book was predictable? Well, Ava Ryan made me eat my f*cking words! I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen in this book, but let me tell you, I didn't see any of it coming AT ALL! Except that I knew I'd hate that b*tch, Ravenna. I spent the entire book with my heart breaking for both Tamsyn and Lucien, mainly Lucien honestly. Ava Ryan did him dirty in this book! My gut sunk the entire time because I was on the edge of my seat and I get to the last chapters...AND THAT CLIFFHANGER!!!! My biggest issue with this book? I go to one-click the final book immediately because I HAVE TO KNOW, only to find out that the anticipated release date is FEBRUARY 2025. I literally screamed and nearly threw my Kindle in frustration! The spice, the intensity, the mystery, the questions that linger long after the book has closed...I NEED THE RESOLUTION! So, if you are looking for a trilogy that will make you devour the book and hunger for more, while also keeping the wheels of your brain spinning, honey The Winter Trilogy, and Ava Ryan, is for you!

[Loves2 Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hush Money" plunges us deeper into the Winter Trilogy, and let me tell you, the drama is dialed up to eleven! 🤯 If you haven't devoured "Filthy Rich," stop everything and do that first.

This sequel picks up after Lucien and Tamsyn's whirlwind European trip, bringing them to Ackerly Manor. Just when things seem idyllic, BAM! Ravenna, Lucien's "dead" wife, reappears with amnesia. 😱 The tension is palpable as Ravenna's return throws everything into chaos. Ava Ryan masterfully weaves a web of intrigue, making you question everyone's motives. Ravenna is far from the innocent victim she appears to be, and the push and pull between her and Lucien is addictive.

Tamsyn, despite her naivety, holds her own, proving she's no pushover. Lucien? Let's just say his dirty mouth is still working overtime! 😉 The cliffhanger? Pure torture! This book is a masterclass in suspense, with a small amount of spice. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a complex and thrilling romance! #HushMoney #WinterTrilogy #AvaRyan #BookReview #SuspenseRomance #Cliffhanger

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Winter Trilogy and wow you this book will grab your attention from the first chapter and pull you in. This book starts were the first one ends. Lucien finding out his wife is alive. My heart aches for Tamsyn this girl can't find a break. Ava Ryan really knows how to write a book that keeps you engaged and captivated trying to figure out what is happening. Everything is definitely not what it seems and expect the unexpected that's for sure. His wife and him did not have the Fairy tale love story we thought they had, she is manipulative, vindictive, crazy and hostile and all of that is directed at the sweet Tamsyn. While Lucien wants Tamsyn and tries to keep their relationship going you are hit with the twist at the end that has your heart breaking. I can't wait to see how this story is wrapped up its going to be a wild ride. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Natasha Deen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down!!

I absolutely devoured this book! Ava Ryan grabbed my attention from the first page and I just could not put it down ! Hush Money is another fantastic book by this author. This book picked up right where Filty Rich left off and OMG it was filled with so much suspense and mystery! It was fast paced, sizzlingly and captivating.
Lucien was every bit as hot and swoony as in the first book however Tamsyn's insecurities were highlighted much more here. In spite of those insecurities, she was still fierce and handled the surprise of Lucien's wife not being dead very gracefully.
The twists and turns in this book had me on the edge of my seat and that ending had me salivating for the final book. Ava Ryan again showcased her brilliant writing with this book and this series and I can't wait for what I am sure will be an epic conclusion.

[ljamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must remind myself never read a book in the middle of the series. This is the second in a trilogy and I did not read the first book. I felt lost and tried hard to catch up. Lucien and Tamsyn are in love. I guess the first book focused on them getting together and now they have committed to being together and someone from Lucien’s past has returned and changed things between these two immensely. Tamsyn is a young girl who feels out of her element. She’s a recent nursing student and Lucien is this very wealthy man who pursued her. Lucien is older and wealthy and his possessiveness really made Tamsyn feel wanted and loved. This book has a lot of psychological stuff going on, it’s emotional and angsty. I liked the book but felt lost. I suggest reading all books in this trilogy in order to enjoy it and this book ends in a cliffhanger.

[Mayra Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hush Money: A Billionaire Age Gap Romance (The Winter Trilogy Book 2)
by Ava Ryan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I love when a second book starts right where the first one ended. In Hush Money we see Lucien & Tamsyn are finally home, through the story we get to meet new characters that might cause some trouble for our main characters. Ava did an amazing job of captivating the reader from beginning to end. The way both Lucien and Tamsyn have managed to overcome everything thrown their way is just so good to read. The mystery and suspense throughout the story was really enjoyable to read. Again that cliffhanger, now i just want to read the conclusion of the Winter series like asap! Hus Money is a must read book and series.

🔥Age Gap Romance
💋Billionaire Romance
🔥Alpha Hero
💋Virgin Heroine
🔥Gothic Romance
💋Grumpy Sunshine Romance
🔥New Age Romance

[Reva Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book almost a week ago but when I wrote the review, I lost it and gave up. I was already put out. I did not know it was the middle of a trilogy. I didn't know I missed the first book, but I don't think that hurt my enjoyment of the story. But what hacked me was when this book ended on a crashing cliffhanger! I was hoping the third book would be released soon but no; Book 3 of The Winter Trilogy isn't due until February 2025!!! I recommend waiting until then to start with the first book.

[C Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of Lucien and Tamsyn’s love story. I’m going to be so sad when this series is done. One more book😢😢😢😢

Lucien’s first wife, presumed dead, shows up at the beginning of book 2 and all hell breaks loose. I really, really enjoyed books 1 and 2. These will be a second read in a month or two for sure. The writing is wonderful. Steamy…… romantic… spice and a dominating couple.

Overall enjoyment: 5/5⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice level: 4/5 🌶️
Angst level: 4/5 ❤️‍🩹
Plot: 5/5 🗺️
Writing: 5/5 🖊️

[Arabela Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucien Winter wasn't expecting a ghost aka his dead wife to appear at his mansion pretty much alive and wasn't either expecting Tamsyn understanding reaction, but she is different from the women of his realm.

A page turner book that you keep sliding your kindle for more cause the end really leaves you on the edge.
Great idea author.

(Just a spoiler he turned out to be a true pumpkin for her but not for us the readers who could read his mind 😉)

[Phoebe Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐💫

Hush Money is the second installment of Ava Ryans The Winter Trilogy. This book picks up right where book 1, Filthy Rich, finished. I had mixed feelings about a few parts of this book but otherwise I really enjoyed reading it. I am definitely going to read the final book in this trilogy because I really want to find out how it all ends, especially after reading the cliffhanger at the end of this book.

[lyndsey.jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t want to say that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first, but I did struggle a bit. There were just a few parts that were so predictable that it kind of took away that “whoa” factor for me. I still enjoyed it though, even if my heart hurt for Tamsyn the whole time. And Lucien, too—I knew Ravenna was going to try to make him look like the monster, and if anyone deserves a bite in the butt from karma, it’s her.

On to read book 3!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4! I feel like I struggled a little more with this second one. I think I just felt for Tamsyn so much in this--the hits just keep coming for her. Wow this book really kept me on my toes--when I thought I knew what was going to happen next, Ava throws you for a loop...but also, another cliffhanger!! ugh! Can't wait for February-I need to know what's going to happen!

[Delores · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started where filthy rich ended. Picked up but to me just dragged on. You can easily guess where it’s going but a twist is thrown in and now have to wait until the final book comes out. And by now I’m invested and want to see the end of this story. Just hope it has a better flow than this one.

[Karja26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure how I missed it, but didn’t realise there was a book 1, so that’s my bad. I thought it all began with that chaos of an arrival 😅

Definitely kept me on the edge, and that cliffhanger! I need to know what happens!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

The twists in this book had my heart breaking for the characters. Can’t wait for the next book!!!

[Karla Escutia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Hush Money, it picks up right where Filthy Rich left off. Tamsyn once asked Lucien if he believed in ghosts; he probably wants to change his answer right about now. I said the last book put me on an emotional rollercoaster.. but I was not expecting what happened in this book. My emotions were all over the place and when I thought I was figuring something out a new twist was thrown in and threw me way off. The mystery and suspense kept the pages turning and I couldn't stop reading. I can't wait for the third book so that my heart can finally rest!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely has you guessing throughout the book for sure... The steamy scenes are crazy good... It makes u question who is telling the truth.