Contemporary Erotic Romance - Suitable for mature readers only; 18+ years only - Full-length, stand-alone novel with HEA. For the past five years, Isabel Alvarez has dedicated herself to her work, determined to prove her worth to her British billionaire boss, Phillip Spears, the only man willing to hire her--a pregnant, college dropout--when no one else would. So when she receives a mysterious bouquet of long-stemmed blush pink roses at the office, she assumes it must be a mistake-until she reads her own name on the card's envelope and its enigmatic inscription: This is only the beginning... An alluring succession of seductive gifts follows, and soon, Isabel must decide whether or not to jeopardize the security of her professional career in order to submit herself to the forbidden fantasies of her persistent secret admirer. Could he simply be Phillip's competitor, wooing her as a pawn in a dangerous game of greed? Or could she really have an impassioned suitor, determined to conquer his own insatiable desires while satisfying her own?
Mysterious and guarded, British real estate tycoon, Phillip Spears, has mentored his executive assistant, Isabel Alvarez, for the past five years without daring to cross the formalities of their professional relationship. But when his direct competitor courts Isabel for his own gain, her loyalty is tested, and Phillip must decide whether or not he will reveal his most guarded secrets to maintain her allegiance. Will he risk losing his most important employee to preserve his own stubborn pride? Or will he engage in his own strategic game of charades to keep her at all costs?
Please note that all of Ms. Hawthorne's billionaire romances are stand-alone novels set in Chicago with minor subplots and secondary characters that intersect, but each book can be read and enjoyed in any order.
Bestselling author Aria Hawthorne loves writing about billionaire men who lavish their women with expensive jewelry and ravish them like queens in bed. Her new schmexy romantic comedy, HOT MESS LOVE ❤︎, is coming Oct 15, 2019. She was named by Amazon US and UK as a Top 100 "Most Read" Kindle "All-Star" author. Her CHICAGO BILLIONAIRES - Contemporary Romance Series Boxed Set includes all of her bestselling billionaire romances. Once upon a time, she lived in the grand lakefront city of Chicago; now, like a forlorn lover, she simply yearns for the day when she can return to it.
I really enjoy my Billionaire stories. What's not to like about a man who can shower you with treasures? What's even more fun is a secret admirer. Now, I did have to tell that cautious side of myself to forget what a dangerous game Isabel was playing by giving in to this unknown man. Instead I enjoyed the fantasy the author created of letting go of the stress Isobel has been under and being free to enjoy this anonymous admirer. It's no secret who that admirer was but I admit they're were a few times I wondered. I liked that.
This is my second book by this author. I previously read "Exes", which I loved. Just like Exes, Devotion is set in Chicago. It features billionaire Phillip Spears and his executive assistant (secretary?) Isabel Alvarez. Isabel has already worked for Phillip more than 4 years when the story begins. They have a close working relationship. She's his right had woman. There's a simmering (mutual) admiration. This is 3rd person POV. Isabel is a single mother and has worked for Phillip since she was pregnant with her son Aiden. Isabel's ex is not in the picture and is barely mentioned-ever. Isabel is paid well. Well enough to live in a lovely house and able to send Aiden to a highly rated pre-school. Aiden is realistically written. Not a story book angel child, but not a brat either. The first 25% or so of the story is taken up with Phillip's latest real estate dealings. High rise building flipping. Except he owns a few choice properties. Phillip tangles with his competitors. Eliot Watercross (yep, that's his name) is the bane of Phillip's existence. Eliot is also a hunky billionaire. He has his eye on Phillip's latest deal. He wants to screw it up and build his own creation-within a stone's throw from Phillip's Old Main Post Office. Eliot also has his eye on Isabel. He makes no secret and openly flirts with her every time they see each other. I had a little struggle with the dry business discussions. (I barely passed college Econ 300 for heaven's sake!) The story began to pick up around 30% and I became more invested in Phillip and Isabel's story. Isabel begins receiving gifts of expensive jewelry and large exotic flower arrangements. Isabel can only guess the identity of her secret admirer. Isabel and the mystery man meet for liaisons. Isabel is masked, and the sexy stranger is only "familiar". These encounters are very steamy. The author's writing is rather formal and unique. I don't remember this same style with "Exes". The H and h's dialogue is rather stiff/formal. No contractions when they speak. The same good for Isabel's mom, who lives with her to help care for Aiden. I almost had the feeling that the book was translated from Spanish. I've read a few books that have been translated to English. I actually enjoyed it at times. The writing flowed more as I read on. "Devotion" reminds me of a book that's been translated to English. I liked the supporting characters: Tami is a good work friend- she blurts out whatever she's thinking-shes a crack up & not OTT; Jett is Tami's wacky boss & Phillips work colleague. They're quite a team. Phillip and Isabel have great chemistry. Phillip has quite a few secrets that are very gradually revealed. There's a big one near the end of this book. I enjoyed this unique take on a familiar trope. I received this ARC from the author. 4.25 stars
Devotion! I am thrilled with the way Aria Hawthorne writes her books. I am able to loose myself in the character’s lives.
What’s better than one billionaire? Answer—TWO! Two powerful real estate moguls who have their eyes set on the same prize, or do they? Phillip Spears is Isabel’s uptight British boss, and Eliot Watercross is his sworn enemy. Dancing in Eliot Watercross’ commanding arms, makes her feel like a desired woman again. Dancing in Phillip’s arms makes her remember during the darkest moment in her life, he took a chance on her and gave her a job and helped make her life what it is today. Is that enough for Isabel? Where there is forbidden love, and a hidden passion, will they have the courage to risk it all to have the one thing in life they truly want and matters most? READ DEVOTION AND YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPOINTED! Thank you Aria Hawthorn for another great book! “Sometimes we never see what is truly in front of us, because we dare not dream of its existence.” I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review. The opinion expressed here is my own. DEVOTION will be available for FREE for three days after its release date! After that, it will be available for the limited-time sale price of $0.99. For another great read try PRICELESS, by Aria Hawthorne
I couldn't put this book down until I finish! The working relationship between Isabel and Phillip I felt connected to. Isabel, a single working mom, working extra hard to become something in life. Phillip gave Isabel the big break when she interviewed pregnant and is forever grateful for him. Not wanting to lose their working bond they open up on how they feel for one another. You can't deny true love!
For the past five years, Isabel Alvarez has dedicated herself to her work, determined to prove her worth to her British billionaire boss, Phillip Spears, the only man willing to hire her--a pregnant, college dropout--when no one else would. So when she receives a mysterious bouquet of long-stemmed blush pink roses at the office, she assumes it must be a mistake-until she reads her own name on the card's envelope and its enigmatic inscription: This is only the beginning... An alluring succession of seductive gifts follows, and soon, Isabel must decide whether or not to jeopardize the security of her professional career in order to submit herself to the forbidden fantasies of her persistent secret admirer. Could he simply be Phillip's competitor, wooing her as a pawn in a dangerous game of greed? Or could she really have an impassioned suitor, determined to conquer his own insatiable desires while satisfying her own?
Mysterious and guarded, British real estate tycoon, Phillip Spears, has mentored his executive assistant, Isabel Alvarez, for the past five years without daring to cross the formalities of their professional relationship. But when his direct competitor courts Isabel for his own gain, her loyalty is tested, and Phillip must decide whether or not he will reveal his most guarded secrets to maintain her allegiance. Will he risk losing his most important employee to preserve his own stubborn pride? Or will he engage in his own strategic game of charades to keep her at all costs?
I really enjoyed Isabel and Phillip's Story! This story has a sexy mystery going on. I loved that Isabel received mysterious gifts and she didn't know which of the many men in her association that had sent them. This is the 3rd book that I have had the pleasure of reading and I have enjoyed reading them all. I have fallen in Love with this author and her excellent writing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading an engaging and beautiful as well as written love story! Can't wait to read more!
The banter in all the books in the series were great.....the intimate scenes were weird and verbose....the plots were just too ridiculously similar to enjoy each one individually....honestly if you have read one you have read all and I would recommend reading closer because I absolutely loved the Grandma of that book lol.
Another engaging novel from a writer who was new to me before reading her first book in the series set in a city that is a significant part of my own personal history. I was completely drawn in to a story that features an enigmatic billionaire, a mystery lover, a heroine whose entire career is tied in with this man whose patronage and mentoring made it possible leah to go e her son a good life, and a story of repressed desire on the one hand, and a deep personal devotion and loyalty on the other. I will be the first to admit that any story set in Chicago catches my interest initially. Having spent early childhood in the West side and then returned during my college years as well as meeting my hubby on a blind date in the LaSalle Street train station, I'm more than taken up in this romance. But it takes a substantive plot, believable characters, energy and a story that moves the reader from page to page that keeps me glued to the end. It's a terrific read and deserves to be read and enjoyed.
This was not a great book for me. I liked the sound of the storyline which is why I downloaded it but it actually was disappointing. I didn't warm to the characters at all and I certainly didn't feel any chemistry between them. I was almost at the point where I wasn't going to continue with it but I persevered to the conclusion which was very predictable (although Philip having a child was a surprise). I didn't find it in the least erotic as it was billed and just to add insult to injury it was full of grammatical errors and mistakes which is very irritating to me. Based on this book it's not likely I'd read this author again.
Phillip will steel your heart in this mixed up romance. A gentleman he may be,but not the best when when it comes to telling his right hand employee and beautiful work companion that he loves her. Some men just need to be scolded.
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS/ OK MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD BECAUSE THE BOOK IRRITATED ME****
Well this got very pick up a stranger in the bar and shag him quickly, except you wear a blindfold when you pick the mystery man, he gives you flowers, maybe a Cartier necklace, some underwear and you are happy to go bareback with the dude.. like getting pregnant in college wasn't enough, now the possibilities of some lovely STD's come to mind. But hey he has money obvs, so he HAS to be clean.
So in at 40%, after all the dry business talk and our Leading Lady has given up to some dude she has no clue about, but hey that's cool because this man could be any of the guys she works with or her bosses rival or maybe some random stranger who has watched her enough to know a few things about her. At this point i'm in the category of suspending belief and just going with the flow, because IRL, we all know doing this stuff is not only mega unsafe but could get you killed or raped by a stranger and you won't have a chance in hell of justice because active participation girly. Even worse when he lets her know his identity, she admits she was never certain it was him her boss.. i mean girllll. so bad. then she gets upset, like really why?
Also such stiff talking, i do not know who speaks in such formal tone. i mean the rich billionaire dude is shagging her silly at night but is reserved and cold in his office after doing the deed with her and running away.
At 68%, we get to hear Philips thoughts, his reasons why he did what he did, under the cover of darkness instead of just owning his attraction to his assistant.
In the end i wasn't convinced of their passion for eac other, the mysterious child turning up was a bit out of left field as well. How could you take someone seriously who is afraid to own up that they have a disabled child, no pics in the office, not a word etc..it's almost like it's the 70's in this book.
Anyway that's my minor rant over, i can't recommend it and will certainly not be having a go at any of the others if they are this stilted and overly formal.
Okay, so I've read two books from this author, Closer and Exes, and loved both books. I was asked to read this book, and given I really enjoyed the first two, I jumped at the chance. What I found with this book in the beginning were two very loyal characters, Phillip and Isabel, Phillip the controlling billionaire, Isabel his assistant for five years. It's a story that has twists and turns in it, secret seduction which leaves you in the beginning say WTH, strong competitors working against Phillip and his projects, along with attempts to lure his staff away, and some confusing parts meant to throw you off, which is pretty brilliant writing by this author. You have your suspicions, but you aren't quite sure. That's until about half way through, when everything slowly starts to fall in place, and that's where the incredible story finally sucks you in and you're held captive until the very last page. I adored the authors writing, very descriptive to a fault. One of my favorite quotes, and I must tell you I had a few, was "How many times has she looked at him and made him feel like the man he wanted to be?" This gives nothing away, so I'm comfortable giving you that pretty powerful quote in my eyes, definitely heart melting. Loved the banter between Tami and Jett, Mario was hysterical! Aiden and Ellison, adorable, and I must say heart breaking and heart warming all rolled into one big hug for both of them. Just a great romantic book story overall, I had my doubts in the beginning, but gotta tell you, I love a story when powerful men are reduced to their knees because of a woman. This story is full of those powerful guys, heart throbbingly gorgeous, just sigh..... Well worth the read, will definitely continue on in this series.
Read EXES and absolutely loved it, so I tried Devotion. I was not disappointed. The book is about Phillip Spears and Isabel Alvarez, a single mom. He’s the handsome, uptight, billionaire Brit and she’s his calm, levelheaded, but hot senior executive of five years. From their interaction, it is clear they have feelings for each other, but neither wants to make the first move. When Phillip’s ex-partner becomes his competitor, going after Phillip’s business and ultimately Isabel, he must decide what is most important to him. This is a great story with steamy love scenes and secondary characters who add humor to the narrative. Ms. Hawthorne must have a great sense of humor because like EXES, the dialogue between Isabel, Gary (the handsome lawyer), Jett (the savvy real estate broker), and Tami (Jett’s sassy assistant), is sharp, well timed, funny and entertaining. It is especially refreshing that the female characters in Ms. Hawthorne’s books are feisty and intelligent. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. Looking forward to reading the third book in the series, CLOSER.
Awesome contemporary billionaire romance. Isabel found herself pregnant and forced to drop out of college. Phillip hired her and taught her what she needed to know to become his executive assistant. They have worked together for five years. Suddenly Isabel has a secret admirer who send her expensive gifts in her favorite colors. It unnerved her that someone knows so much about her but after being a single mother for five years it also excited her. Then problems arise at work and Philips former business partner and chief competitor is trying to lure Isabel. I enjoyed the way Ms. Hawthorne have out tiny tidbits to keep the readers desire to turn the page. This book is part of the Chicago Billionaires Boxed Set. I received a complementary copy of this book/set and chose to write a review. I very much look forward to reading future books by this author.
Isabel found herself at 24 alone and pregnant. The only person that would hire her was Phillip ... a British billionaire who made his fortune in real estate. Five years later, Isabel gets 3 dozen pink roses with a card that says "This is only the beginning" and then the gifts become more expensive and personal. But she has no idea who they are from ... Jett a co-worker; Gary her bosses lawyer; Eliot her bosses business rival or Phillip her boss. Nothing or no one is who they seem to be.
This book will keep you guessing till the end! And wow ... the sex scenes! Isabel lost herself in the pleasure of being treated like a woman. A great read.
I received a copy courtesy of French Kiss Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
Hmm.. Phillip was Isabel's boss who hired her when she was pregnant. 5 years later, he wanted to be her mystery lover in the dark. Three times they fucked in the dark under his careful plan and guess what she still did not have a clue but greatly enjoyed their affair. Duhh. Elliot, Phillip's ex-partner has taken interest in Isabel. She found out that Phillip was her mysterious lover not Elliot and wanted to resign. There was competition in gaining the main old post office. He let out the secret of his special disabled son to her and what else. HEA. Huhuhu
Hardworker Isabel wants nothing than to prove herself and when Phillip gave her a job with no experience and pregnant, she jumped at the chance! She could do this!
When certain things start appearing from a secret admirer she has no idea who it could be! The men in her life drop little hints but when she agrees to meet him and is blindfolded, the desire is there. Who could it be? Her bosses arch enemy, the lawyer or her boss?
Bit of a surprise ending with the admirers personal life but overall ok
Mysterious, intriguing, and sexy! This was an emotional rollercoaster story. Could not put it down . Love the billionaire romances. Stubborn men and women and great characters who surround them. Would love to see a story devoted to Gary. And while Eliot is somewhat ruthless he deserves his own love. I really enjoyed all of This series and would love to see more from some of the characters .
This is Devotion, book four of the Chicago Billionaires series, written by Aria Hawthorne. This book was my favorite in the whole series! Each one is different and well worth the read! I’m pretty sure you won’t get through this particular one without shedding a few tears as well. Don’t miss even one of these books!
DEVOTION is the fourth and final book in Aria's CHICAGO BILLIONAIRES and the underlying romantic interplay between Phillip and Isabel, was well written. There are definite sexual innuendos throughout the entire novel; but, beautifully written.
Isabel Alvarez feels that she owes billionaire real estate tycoon, Phillip Spears, when he gave her, then a pregnant college dropout a chance in his office. She has passed all her tests to become his executive assistant. Others certainly wouldn't have the fortitude to deal with his dry, professional facade.
Her life consists of her family and her work. There is no time for anything else, so when she receives flowers from a mysterious admirer with a promise of more things to come, she doesn't know quite what to think. She suspects perhaps it is from one of her boss's rivals. In the end, curiosity gets the best of her and she goes to a rendezvous hoping for answers. But what she ends up receiving is a night of exquisite pleasure from a man who refuses to reveal himself fully to her. He tempts her back to his arms time and again. Their game brings forth all those feelings she has kept repressed as she struggles to make life better for her son. These feelings, along with the constant pressure from a vocal competitor promising a partnership in his firm has Isabel off balance.
Phillip senses her off balance and doesn't want to loose the one constant thing he has in his life. He has come to realize he wants more in his life, he wants a solid relationship with her, but is uneasy as to how to come out from behind his brick walls to reveal his feelings and sets off on his own game in hopes to keep her where he has always wanted her, right at his side.
Talk about a dry hero for this book! It took a lot for me to find Phillip interesting in the first half of the book. Thank goodness things began to move along when they did. And yes, Isabel was a little dry herself, but the way she was written as a mom gave her better depth to her character. This was nice for a lazy Sunday "I can't quite figure out quite what I want to read" afternoon.
two billionaires after Isabel's attention? LUCKY!!!!!
Anyway, right from the start, I heard everything Philip said to Isabel as a hint that he wanted her but felt like he couldn't have her. but then everytime she looked at one of the business men she is in contact with in being Phillips executive assistant as being a possible admirer, pissed me off!! it was killing me that she didn't see it. he is freaking awesome!! not that she didn't know it, because obviously she had a crush on him but was unwilling to really acknowledge it.
Philip reminded me of Mr Darcy, from pride and prejudice. not only because he is brittish, but because he hides his true feelings. he's holding in all his real feelings for her. so they have that in common. I read thru the middle part of this book so fast because I couldn't stand them not being together. I needed them to finally be together and have everything or in the open.
the secondary characters were also pretty funny. Tammi and Jett were hysterical. and even Giselle, who of course I thought was going to be a trouble maker, turned out to be a great asset to Phillip and Isabel. I hope there is or will be a book with maybe Tammi and Jett? with maybe some continuing flashed of Philip and Isabel and their new life together going forward?
This was a freebie and I was hooked from the first page till the last . Isabel is a young mother working as assistant to Philip a billionaire investor. She was recruited five years ago and she has developed a close bond with her boss. Philip is a reserved man and trust Isabel as his right hand . He confronts reality as his business opponent want to snatch her from his employment. Isabel' life is suddenly rich in events when she starts getting flowers at her desk. The secret admirer could be any business opponents of her boss. She daringly goes at the rendez vous of her devoted admirer. During three weeks she gets back her a joie de vivre which reflects happiness and an awakened woman . However Isabel is surprised to see Philip getting more distant and she feels threatened by his business moves. Isabel faces a stark reality and decides to move on . Will Philip succeed in regaining her trust and devotion?
I love a nice long book. I've been reading this one for a couple of days as I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters in the book. I wouldn't even mind a spin off or a future reference to Tammy and Jett and possibly Gary. I liked their personalities. But most of all, I loved the relationship between Phillip and Isabel. I loved the suspense of not knowing who her secret lover was. In my heart I wanted it to be Philip!! There were so many twists and turns regarding the business and what was going to happen. I couldn't help myself but conjure a guess - and always being wrong!! I love when the obvious doesn't happen... I finished reading yesterday but found myself re-reading parts of it again today. A great addition to her books. I have read Closer and loved it as well. Can't wait to read the next one, Priceless, which I recently downloaded.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I absolutely LOVED this book!! The plot is amazing and the characters have an amazing charisma that just draws you in. This is a story that relates to the real world in many ways. The emotional aspect draws you in and hooks you all the way throughout the story! I went through the whole gamut of emotions right along with the characters. For those of you who enjoy true love stories this is definitely a must read!! Once again Aria has knocked the ball out of the park with this and I can't wait for then next one!! This story will be released on January 27th and will be free for the first 3 days and then is 99 cents for a limited time but totally worth way more than that!!!
I was hesitant with this book because this was an unknown author to me. I was very pleasantly surprised and appreciative of the authors adult, intelligent writing style. I am so utterly sick of poorly written, amateur-ish, romance/erotic books, that I have almost given up on reading this genre. It is so refreshing to read a book by someone who does not make me feel like I am reading a book written by a 15 year old. Although I prefer my book a bit more on the erotic side, the author did a fine job with her love/sex scenes and they fit well within the context of the book. I was very drawn in to both Philip and Isabel and the dynamic between the two truly excellent. The storyline was very good, original and truly loved it. I'll definitely read more by this author.