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Billionaire Bad Boys #1
The Billionaire Bachelor
Indecent Proposal
Manwhore. That's what the board of directors-and the tabloids-thinks of billionaire bachelor Reese Crane. Ordinarily he couldn't care less, but his playboy past is preventing the board from naming him CEO of Crane Hotels. Nothing-and no one-will keep him from his life's legacy. They want a settled man to lead the company? Then that's exactly what he'll give them.
Merina Van Heusen will do anything to get her parents' funky boutique hotel back-even marry cold-as-ice-but-sexy-as-hell Reese Crane. It's a simple business contract-six months of marriage, absolute secrecy, and the Van Heusen is all hers again. But when sparks fly between them, their passion quickly moves from the boardroom to the bedroom. And soon Merina is living her worst nightmare: falling in love with her husband . . .
Manwhore. That's what the board of directors-and the tabloids-thinks of billionaire bachelor Reese Crane. Ordinarily he couldn't care less, but his playboy past is preventing the board from naming him CEO of Crane Hotels. Nothing-and no one-will keep him from his life's legacy. They want a settled man to lead the company? Then that's exactly what he'll give them.
Merina Van Heusen will do anything to get her parents' funky boutique hotel back-even marry cold-as-ice-but-sexy-as-hell Reese Crane. It's a simple business contract-six months of marriage, absolute secrecy, and the Van Heusen is all hers again. But when sparks fly between them, their passion quickly moves from the boardroom to the bedroom. And soon Merina is living her worst nightmare: falling in love with her husband . . .
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 28, 2016
522 people are currently reading
5704 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Lemmon
200 books1,914 followersJessica Lemmon is a former job-hopper who resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dogs. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing emotionally-charged stories, she spends her time drawing, drinking coffee, and laughing with friends. Her motto is Read for fun, and she believes we should all do more of what makes us happy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 582 reviews
February 14, 2017
The billionaire needs a sham marriage to get something he wants. This trope has been done many times in the Contemporary world. Which means it takes a special author to come in and take a cliche storyline and turn it into something you don't want to put down. Well move over authors because Jessica Lemmon came into this trope and kicked some billionaire ass. I can't even pinpoint where exactly this went from being the normal billionaire story to an extraordinary one because her writing was that flawless.
In The Billionaire Bachelor we meet Merina whose whole life has been spent at the hotel her family owns and runs, The Van Heusen. When she finds out that her parents were hiding money troubles from her, that resulted in them selling the hotel to Alex Crane, she's devastated, Her sadness quickly turns to anger, though, when she realizes that Alex is retiring and now his son Reese will be the one in charge of the hotel, and all he wants to do is change every part of it. In a rage she marches over to Reese's office, in the pouring rain, to give him a piece of her mind.
Reese is focused on one thing at the moment, becoming CEO of Crane Hotels. His playboy past is keeping the board of the Hotel from voting him in as CEO and he needs a solution fast. So when Merina barges into his office looking like a drowned rat, he really doesn't have time to deal with her. But it does make him think up a plan. Marry in order to show the board that he's not the same care free man he once was, and who better to take as a wife than the woman that needs something from him.
This wasn't a book that had a whole lot of shockers and unknowns, but that was the best part about it. I will admit I love when I can be blindsided by a book and have the unexpected happen. But sometimes it's just nice to enjoy a book that doesn't make you go crazy while reading it. With this book, I can't say it wasn't predictable, because it was, but it wasn't so predictable that it was boring. Yes, I knew how it would end and certain things that would happen, but I had no idea what spin the author would put on those situations. That's what kept me up until four in the morning reading, the little things that happened that made the book different than most other billionaire books.
I really liked Merina and Reese, and thought they were very well developed characters. It was interesting how we knew most of their past early on, but we didn't get the full story of it until they told the other person. The chemistry between them was great, it slowly built up as the spent more and more time together and then it exploded when they finally gave in to their feelings.
Overall, this was a fantastic contemporary read. I highly recommend it and think anyone that likes a sweet story about a sexy billionaire and his blackmailed wife will enjoy it just as much as I did. Next up in the series is Reese's brother Tag, and I can already tell his story is going to be amazing.
ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In The Billionaire Bachelor we meet Merina whose whole life has been spent at the hotel her family owns and runs, The Van Heusen. When she finds out that her parents were hiding money troubles from her, that resulted in them selling the hotel to Alex Crane, she's devastated, Her sadness quickly turns to anger, though, when she realizes that Alex is retiring and now his son Reese will be the one in charge of the hotel, and all he wants to do is change every part of it. In a rage she marches over to Reese's office, in the pouring rain, to give him a piece of her mind.
Reese is focused on one thing at the moment, becoming CEO of Crane Hotels. His playboy past is keeping the board of the Hotel from voting him in as CEO and he needs a solution fast. So when Merina barges into his office looking like a drowned rat, he really doesn't have time to deal with her. But it does make him think up a plan. Marry in order to show the board that he's not the same care free man he once was, and who better to take as a wife than the woman that needs something from him.
This wasn't a book that had a whole lot of shockers and unknowns, but that was the best part about it. I will admit I love when I can be blindsided by a book and have the unexpected happen. But sometimes it's just nice to enjoy a book that doesn't make you go crazy while reading it. With this book, I can't say it wasn't predictable, because it was, but it wasn't so predictable that it was boring. Yes, I knew how it would end and certain things that would happen, but I had no idea what spin the author would put on those situations. That's what kept me up until four in the morning reading, the little things that happened that made the book different than most other billionaire books.
I really liked Merina and Reese, and thought they were very well developed characters. It was interesting how we knew most of their past early on, but we didn't get the full story of it until they told the other person. The chemistry between them was great, it slowly built up as the spent more and more time together and then it exploded when they finally gave in to their feelings.
Overall, this was a fantastic contemporary read. I highly recommend it and think anyone that likes a sweet story about a sexy billionaire and his blackmailed wife will enjoy it just as much as I did. Next up in the series is Reese's brother Tag, and I can already tell his story is going to be amazing.
ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2016
This is exactly the kind of book I wanted to read, sweet yet sexy, fun, smooth flowing and easy to read, and with lots of heart. I found it really hard to put it down.
He has something she’s wanted all her life. She’s the key for him to fulfill his legacy. The solution, a business proposal of the “I thee wed” kind.
Reese Crane has worked tirelessly for years to prove himself and be appointed CEO of Crane Hotels once his father retires, something the board of directors is overlooking because they’re focusing on his bed hopping, playboy reputation. After getting his heart broken several years ago, settling down is not something Reese wants, but he’ll do just about anything to achieve his goal, including faking matrimony and signing over the Van Heusen Hotel.
Merina Van Heusen loathes Reese Crane as much as she hates the fact that her parents sold their hotel, her dream, a Chicago landmark and piece of its history to the soulless man. Fortunately Reese has a six month term business proposal in which they both get what they want. What happens, though when lines get blurred, pretending feels more like real than anything has in their lives and the undeniable chemistry between them ignites? Can Merina convince Reese he’s capable of love and give them a real chance?
This is only my second Jessica Lemmon read but I’m already a fan. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and want to read her other work. Even though the billionaire romance genre is widely popular and fairly predictable in the sense that we know the main characters will fall in love and have a happy ever after, Lemmon’s writing style feels fresh and engaging, her characters are alluring and the journey towards that happiness is fun, sexy and delightful.
I’m not sure what it says about me that I like a-hole heroes. OK, that’s a bit extreme. I just like heroes AND heroines to be flawed, otherwise it would be difficult to connect with them. A-holism just happens to be one of those character faults I like because when walls crumble we usually get a swoon worthy core. Needless to say I really liked Reese and his coldhearted, a-hole façade and when Merina gets to know him she discovers he’s more than just a hardworking man, he’s a loving son and a good brother who is just afraid to expose himself to heartbreak.
Merina was an interesting heroine, because when we first meet her she’s absolutely incensed, completely unreasonable and unhinged and I honestly thought I wouldn’t have enough patience for it. But I loved how Reese sees beyond this and accurately pegs her as not only a feisty woman who leads with her heart, but also a strong and smart one, and my initial irritation completely evaporated because that same heart and sharpness is what helps breach the distance between them.
Reese and Merina are perfect for each other, not only do sparks fly between them – something which probably deserves a separate paragraph – but while keeping up the marriage charade they banter, they open up to one another, they slowly become close and familiar and find that they have a lot in common. Mostly they realize that they can trust each other.
Besides the very appealing main characters, Jessica Lemmon includes wonderful supporting characters like Merina’s best friend and parents as well as Reese’s dad and his incorrigible younger brother Tag whose book is up next.
Billionaire Bachelor is the first book in the Billionaire Bad Boys series by Jessica Lemmon. It is a standalone, full-length, contemporary romance with lots of sexiness, witty banter and sweet loving moments. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.
4.5 stars
Author’s pinterest board -> https://pinterest.com/lemmony/the-bil...
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
“Without you, I have nothing. Without you, I am nothing.”
He has something she’s wanted all her life. She’s the key for him to fulfill his legacy. The solution, a business proposal of the “I thee wed” kind.
Reese Crane has worked tirelessly for years to prove himself and be appointed CEO of Crane Hotels once his father retires, something the board of directors is overlooking because they’re focusing on his bed hopping, playboy reputation. After getting his heart broken several years ago, settling down is not something Reese wants, but he’ll do just about anything to achieve his goal, including faking matrimony and signing over the Van Heusen Hotel.
“He needed someone who was his opposite yet equal. He needed someone who could handle pressure elegantly, even while using the word horseshit. He needed Merina Van Heusen.”
Merina Van Heusen loathes Reese Crane as much as she hates the fact that her parents sold their hotel, her dream, a Chicago landmark and piece of its history to the soulless man. Fortunately Reese has a six month term business proposal in which they both get what they want. What happens, though when lines get blurred, pretending feels more like real than anything has in their lives and the undeniable chemistry between them ignites? Can Merina convince Reese he’s capable of love and give them a real chance?
“Merina pushed to her knees and tugged the length of striped silk, bringing his face to hers. I like when you come undone, Crane.”
This is only my second Jessica Lemmon read but I’m already a fan. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and want to read her other work. Even though the billionaire romance genre is widely popular and fairly predictable in the sense that we know the main characters will fall in love and have a happy ever after, Lemmon’s writing style feels fresh and engaging, her characters are alluring and the journey towards that happiness is fun, sexy and delightful.
I’m not sure what it says about me that I like a-hole heroes. OK, that’s a bit extreme. I just like heroes AND heroines to be flawed, otherwise it would be difficult to connect with them. A-holism just happens to be one of those character faults I like because when walls crumble we usually get a swoon worthy core. Needless to say I really liked Reese and his coldhearted, a-hole façade and when Merina gets to know him she discovers he’s more than just a hardworking man, he’s a loving son and a good brother who is just afraid to expose himself to heartbreak.
“Merina is tough, but also soft. She dresses like a lady, handles herself like a woman, and doesn’t allow anyone to boss her around.”
Merina was an interesting heroine, because when we first meet her she’s absolutely incensed, completely unreasonable and unhinged and I honestly thought I wouldn’t have enough patience for it. But I loved how Reese sees beyond this and accurately pegs her as not only a feisty woman who leads with her heart, but also a strong and smart one, and my initial irritation completely evaporated because that same heart and sharpness is what helps breach the distance between them.
“They ran hot and cold with each other, but no matter the temperature between them, the attraction endured.”
Reese and Merina are perfect for each other, not only do sparks fly between them – something which probably deserves a separate paragraph – but while keeping up the marriage charade they banter, they open up to one another, they slowly become close and familiar and find that they have a lot in common. Mostly they realize that they can trust each other.
“She offered her friendship and support and nothing about her was faking it. She was here for him.”
Besides the very appealing main characters, Jessica Lemmon includes wonderful supporting characters like Merina’s best friend and parents as well as Reese’s dad and his incorrigible younger brother Tag whose book is up next.
Billionaire Bachelor is the first book in the Billionaire Bad Boys series by Jessica Lemmon. It is a standalone, full-length, contemporary romance with lots of sexiness, witty banter and sweet loving moments. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.
4.5 stars
Author’s pinterest board -> https://pinterest.com/lemmony/the-bil...
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
July 17, 2022
3.5 First Fake... But Then Not Stars
NOT FAKE, ON SALE 99 CENTS!!!
* * *1/2 Spoiler Free
Oh, these Billionaires and their problems...a cranky board of directors being so judgemental. This is the problem our deliciously handsome man has...His family has been running Crane Hotels and his father has decided it is time to step down. He wants his son to be the next CEO but the board has a stick up their collective asses... as they feel him being a bit of a playboy with a different woman on his arm at any given time is not what they want running the company. Forget that Reese has worked and dedicated his whole adult career learning the business and now runs it. Nope, they have a specific image in their mind as the head... and a man who has disposable women will not do.
Merina Van Heusen has a problem. She has just learned her parents have sold her home, the Van Huesen, a Chicago staple when talking about the history of the city, to the Crane Hotels organization. How her parents could have kept this from her is beyond her understanding. As she marches over to the enemy's main location vowing to tell Reese Crane a thing or two... it starts to rain. Not letting a little water stop her, she approaches the executive assistant guarding Crane's office with a determined look in her eyes...She barges into his office and flings an antique doorknob onto his posh desk...
Crane looks at her and sees a woman brimming with spirit and a see-through silk blouse. As Merina demands to know what the hell is he doing to her home, her hotel by changing Everything... Reese is stunned... for he hasn't been this intrigued by a woman in a very long time. She is fiery and beautiful...stubborn and strong. He coldly explains how her family came to him and his father to purchase the hotel as profits were not happening and because of the relationship his father had with them all these years... a deal was struck. Her parents would have a very nice pension and transition during the renovations. He even would find a place in one of the Crane's hotels for her. Sputtering over my dead body... Merina leaves.
Merina loves her hotel. It survived and resurrected itself after the Great Chicago Fire... and she feels a kinship with that concept... She had to do the same after falling for a man she thought she loved... only to learn he was a user. She has devoted her life to this hotel... it being warm, welcoming, and everything the Crane hotels aren't.
Reese cannot think of anything else except that vision who came stomping into his office... fire in her eyes and passion he would love to taste. It comes to him...he has something she desperately wants...and she is something he desperately needs...He will have her marry him for 6 months to convince the board he has settled down and they will give him his destiny, CEO. In return, he will give her full ownership of her beloved hotel once he becomes CEO.
Should work... they are both business people- a simple contractual matter...
Reese had his personal issues...abandonment/ loss from the death of his mom, a crappy ex... and his dad who was a workaholic after his wife's death. Merina had been hurt by not seeing that her ex was not loving her... just taking advantage. She needed to take care of her family and wanted only to keep everything the same at her hotel... loving it so much. These two had so much in common... and yet they sometimes were like oil and water...
Until they weren't...because those flashes of fire between them ignited and the fake started to change...when the chemistry wasn't just for the cameras and public... but for each other...when no one was looking.
This had all the makings of an enjoyable read. It had some strong moments and overall it read pretty quick. We are introduced to the Cranes; Reese's brother Tag, all freewheeling and long-haired, and told of the youngest brother who is in the Military... possible a brooding sort.
I see this series as one to enjoy for all the Billionaire fun one wants.
The Billionaire Bachelor (Billionaire Bad Boys, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Billionaire Next Door (Billionaire Bad Boys, #2)
The Bastard Billionaire (Billionaire Bad Boys, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Crane Family Christmas (Billionaire Bad Boys, #4)
A gifted copy was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
NOT FAKE, ON SALE 99 CENTS!!!
* * *1/2 Spoiler Free
Oh, these Billionaires and their problems...a cranky board of directors being so judgemental. This is the problem our deliciously handsome man has...His family has been running Crane Hotels and his father has decided it is time to step down. He wants his son to be the next CEO but the board has a stick up their collective asses... as they feel him being a bit of a playboy with a different woman on his arm at any given time is not what they want running the company. Forget that Reese has worked and dedicated his whole adult career learning the business and now runs it. Nope, they have a specific image in their mind as the head... and a man who has disposable women will not do.
Merina Van Heusen has a problem. She has just learned her parents have sold her home, the Van Huesen, a Chicago staple when talking about the history of the city, to the Crane Hotels organization. How her parents could have kept this from her is beyond her understanding. As she marches over to the enemy's main location vowing to tell Reese Crane a thing or two... it starts to rain. Not letting a little water stop her, she approaches the executive assistant guarding Crane's office with a determined look in her eyes...She barges into his office and flings an antique doorknob onto his posh desk...
Crane looks at her and sees a woman brimming with spirit and a see-through silk blouse. As Merina demands to know what the hell is he doing to her home, her hotel by changing Everything... Reese is stunned... for he hasn't been this intrigued by a woman in a very long time. She is fiery and beautiful...stubborn and strong. He coldly explains how her family came to him and his father to purchase the hotel as profits were not happening and because of the relationship his father had with them all these years... a deal was struck. Her parents would have a very nice pension and transition during the renovations. He even would find a place in one of the Crane's hotels for her. Sputtering over my dead body... Merina leaves.
Merina loves her hotel. It survived and resurrected itself after the Great Chicago Fire... and she feels a kinship with that concept... She had to do the same after falling for a man she thought she loved... only to learn he was a user. She has devoted her life to this hotel... it being warm, welcoming, and everything the Crane hotels aren't.
Reese cannot think of anything else except that vision who came stomping into his office... fire in her eyes and passion he would love to taste. It comes to him...he has something she desperately wants...and she is something he desperately needs...He will have her marry him for 6 months to convince the board he has settled down and they will give him his destiny, CEO. In return, he will give her full ownership of her beloved hotel once he becomes CEO.
Should work... they are both business people- a simple contractual matter...
Reese had his personal issues...abandonment/ loss from the death of his mom, a crappy ex... and his dad who was a workaholic after his wife's death. Merina had been hurt by not seeing that her ex was not loving her... just taking advantage. She needed to take care of her family and wanted only to keep everything the same at her hotel... loving it so much. These two had so much in common... and yet they sometimes were like oil and water...
Until they weren't...because those flashes of fire between them ignited and the fake started to change...when the chemistry wasn't just for the cameras and public... but for each other...when no one was looking.
This had all the makings of an enjoyable read. It had some strong moments and overall it read pretty quick. We are introduced to the Cranes; Reese's brother Tag, all freewheeling and long-haired, and told of the youngest brother who is in the Military... possible a brooding sort.
I see this series as one to enjoy for all the Billionaire fun one wants.
The Billionaire Bachelor (Billionaire Bad Boys, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Billionaire Next Door (Billionaire Bad Boys, #2) The Bastard Billionaire (Billionaire Bad Boys, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Crane Family Christmas (Billionaire Bad Boys, #4)A gifted copy was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 21, 2020
3.5/5 stars.
July 1, 2016
Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Billionaire romance combined with arrange marriages are guilty pleasure reads. I am settled to give this 3.5 stars but the last 5 chapters plus the epilogue changed my mind. The problem I had in this book was the pacing --It's too slow that it almost bored me. Despite of that, the story is promising and it's not an insta-love. Reese Crane and Merina Van Heusen pretend to be husband and wife. For Reese: to convince the board members that he's the righful CEO of Crane Hotels as his father retires by making Merina as his wife (to erase that playboy reputation). In exchange, he will give back the Van Heusen hotel, which Merina's parents sold to him.
As the story progresses, the romance between them slowly developed and enjoy each others company. Falling for each other is something they didn't expect since what they have is only a one time deal. These two have a wonderful character development and chemistry. The sexy scenes are well done and I enjoyed the drama even if it's predictable.
I am going to continue the series because I'm so curious about Tag (Reese's brother). I recommend this book if you're looking for a guilty pleasure, slow burn read (with a sexy billionaire.)
Billionaire romance combined with arrange marriages are guilty pleasure reads. I am settled to give this 3.5 stars but the last 5 chapters plus the epilogue changed my mind. The problem I had in this book was the pacing --It's too slow that it almost bored me. Despite of that, the story is promising and it's not an insta-love. Reese Crane and Merina Van Heusen pretend to be husband and wife. For Reese: to convince the board members that he's the righful CEO of Crane Hotels as his father retires by making Merina as his wife (to erase that playboy reputation). In exchange, he will give back the Van Heusen hotel, which Merina's parents sold to him.
As the story progresses, the romance between them slowly developed and enjoy each others company. Falling for each other is something they didn't expect since what they have is only a one time deal. These two have a wonderful character development and chemistry. The sexy scenes are well done and I enjoyed the drama even if it's predictable.
I am going to continue the series because I'm so curious about Tag (Reese's brother). I recommend this book if you're looking for a guilty pleasure, slow burn read (with a sexy billionaire.)
my-books
July 5, 2016*UPDATE!*
Dear Reader,
A modern-day arranged marriage between a man looking to clean up his playboy reputation and a woman who will do anything to keep her family's boutique hotel agree to marry on paper, but find there are more fringe benefits than they expected.
My first married couple! I was so excited to tackle these two--and it was fun to watch them tackle each other. In the midst of making an all-business arrangement, Reese and Merina can't deny the palpable attraction they have for each other... and that's when the fun for us, the readers, starts.
Enjoy the first book in the Billionaire Bad Boys series, and hang onto your hats, because Reese has two brothers who are about to meet their matches. For more behind-the-scenes fun and previews of future books, be sure to sign up for my newsletter the Lemmon 15, which comes to your inbox on the 15th of each month. Click here.
xoxo,
Jess
Book #2
Dear Reader,
A modern-day arranged marriage between a man looking to clean up his playboy reputation and a woman who will do anything to keep her family's boutique hotel agree to marry on paper, but find there are more fringe benefits than they expected.
My first married couple! I was so excited to tackle these two--and it was fun to watch them tackle each other. In the midst of making an all-business arrangement, Reese and Merina can't deny the palpable attraction they have for each other... and that's when the fun for us, the readers, starts.
Enjoy the first book in the Billionaire Bad Boys series, and hang onto your hats, because Reese has two brothers who are about to meet their matches. For more behind-the-scenes fun and previews of future books, be sure to sign up for my newsletter the Lemmon 15, which comes to your inbox on the 15th of each month. Click here.
xoxo,
Jess
Book #2
November 26, 2017
An almost worn out 'fake marriage/then fall hard for each other' theme brought in with a fresh layer of paint...
And I liked it...
March 30, 2018
Review available at Under the Pages.
September 4, 2016
Okay so this came to me in my Fresh Fiction Not To Miss subscription box. Normally, I see "billionaire" in the title and I roll my eyes and move on to the next. BUT because this came to me in the box, I gave it a shot. And, well, I'm really glad I did actually.
Convenience marriage stories are faves of mine and I was drawn into this one right away. Plotwise, not a whole hell of a lot happens here. But I never felt bored. I was rooting for them through and through. There was a small amount of drama/angst that resulted in BUT I love that kinda thing so I ate it up.
Thoroughly enjoyed and will be reading the next two in the series.
Convenience marriage stories are faves of mine and I was drawn into this one right away. Plotwise, not a whole hell of a lot happens here. But I never felt bored. I was rooting for them through and through. There was a small amount of drama/angst that resulted in BUT I love that kinda thing so I ate it up.
Thoroughly enjoyed and will be reading the next two in the series.
June 29, 2016
5 "Doorknob" Stars!
Jessica Lemmon has an impressive way of developing her characters, until you feel you are reading about people you know. Her characters are vibrant, and they definitely are the strength of this story.
Merina Van Heusen’s life is dedicated to her family's hotel, the “Van Heusen”. The building is a landmark and is part of Chicago history. But the hotel has been sold to the wealthy family Crane, to avoid bankruptcy. Reese Crane is the COO of his family’s hotel company. His vision of the future of the “Van Heusen” is diametrically opposed to Merina’s point of view, resulting in a clash between two strong personalities.
"Cut the horseshit, Crane."
Merina is a wonderful heroine. Smart, polished and confident, she is also feisty and a tough cookie who refuses to let anyone boss her around.
Reese is driven and used to be in control. He is desperate, though. The board members of Crane Hotels refuse to appoint him CEO if he doesn’t clean up his playboy reputation and become a devoted family man. Reese considers the company as his legacy and has worked hard to prove his abilities. He is convinced Merina is the best person to help him fool the board members. In exchange for accepting to marry him for a period of six months, he will sign the “Van Heusen” over to her, as a divorce settlement.
Reese and Merina intend to make a PR success of their fake engagement, but their first date is rather a public display of boredom! Their collective efforts to improve the image of their couple were laugh-out-loud funny!
As it happens, Merina and Reese were a perfect match. I loved their casual banter, their warm and cozy interactions and Merina’s loyalty. The marriage for show might become a reality. But Reese is complex and broken, he was betrayed in a past relationship and has great difficulty letting his guard down. He is vulnerable and capable of feeling deeply, even if he tries to hide it. As a result, he tends to push Merina away, until he can’t anymore. There was so much sexual tension between them, but also so much tenderness.
"Without you, I have nothing. Without you, I am nothing."
Reese and Merina’s journey was as emotional as it was fun and sexy. The Billionaire Bachelor was a fantastic read from start to finish, with genuine and engaging characters. I loved every minute of it! This book is the first installment in Jessica Lemmon’s new series “Billionaire Bad Boys”. I can’t wait for the next book featuring Reese’s brother Tag, and, I hope, some cameo appearances of Reese and Merina. I highly recommend this book and this talented author!
Excerpt, Giveaway
An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Jessica Lemmon has an impressive way of developing her characters, until you feel you are reading about people you know. Her characters are vibrant, and they definitely are the strength of this story.
Merina Van Heusen’s life is dedicated to her family's hotel, the “Van Heusen”. The building is a landmark and is part of Chicago history. But the hotel has been sold to the wealthy family Crane, to avoid bankruptcy. Reese Crane is the COO of his family’s hotel company. His vision of the future of the “Van Heusen” is diametrically opposed to Merina’s point of view, resulting in a clash between two strong personalities.
"Cut the horseshit, Crane."
Merina is a wonderful heroine. Smart, polished and confident, she is also feisty and a tough cookie who refuses to let anyone boss her around.
Reese is driven and used to be in control. He is desperate, though. The board members of Crane Hotels refuse to appoint him CEO if he doesn’t clean up his playboy reputation and become a devoted family man. Reese considers the company as his legacy and has worked hard to prove his abilities. He is convinced Merina is the best person to help him fool the board members. In exchange for accepting to marry him for a period of six months, he will sign the “Van Heusen” over to her, as a divorce settlement.
Reese and Merina intend to make a PR success of their fake engagement, but their first date is rather a public display of boredom! Their collective efforts to improve the image of their couple were laugh-out-loud funny!
As it happens, Merina and Reese were a perfect match. I loved their casual banter, their warm and cozy interactions and Merina’s loyalty. The marriage for show might become a reality. But Reese is complex and broken, he was betrayed in a past relationship and has great difficulty letting his guard down. He is vulnerable and capable of feeling deeply, even if he tries to hide it. As a result, he tends to push Merina away, until he can’t anymore. There was so much sexual tension between them, but also so much tenderness.
"Without you, I have nothing. Without you, I am nothing."
Reese and Merina’s journey was as emotional as it was fun and sexy. The Billionaire Bachelor was a fantastic read from start to finish, with genuine and engaging characters. I loved every minute of it! This book is the first installment in Jessica Lemmon’s new series “Billionaire Bad Boys”. I can’t wait for the next book featuring Reese’s brother Tag, and, I hope, some cameo appearances of Reese and Merina. I highly recommend this book and this talented author!
Excerpt, Giveaway
An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2016
3.5 stars
The Billionaire Bachelor was a good read.
Jessica Lemmon has done a great job bringing freshness to a storyline that's been told before with great writing, characters that you want to love one min and slap the next.
My attention was drawn in from the first chapter and even though Reese frustrated me at times I couldn't put it down.
Watching Reese and Merina together was very entertaining.
Here was this workaholic, emotionally closed off man enjoying the time he spent with this smart, savvy, beautiful woman who didn't take any of his crap. She was not shy to put Reese in his place and to tell it as it is. This man had met his match and wasn't that a turnon? lol
Merina's honesty, openness and heart made Reese feel things he had shut out from past hurts. They had a strong connection/attraction from the start and the chemistry between them was HOT!
Overall The Billionaire Bachelor is a great start to the Billionaire Bad Boys series and I highly recommend it.
Looking forward to Tag's book next in The Billionaire Next Door.
**Purchase Links**
Amazon ~ https://www.amazon.com/Billionaire-Ba...
B&N ~ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-b...
Google Play ~ https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
*Thank you to Tasty Book Tours for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
The Billionaire Bachelor was a good read.
Jessica Lemmon has done a great job bringing freshness to a storyline that's been told before with great writing, characters that you want to love one min and slap the next.
My attention was drawn in from the first chapter and even though Reese frustrated me at times I couldn't put it down.
Watching Reese and Merina together was very entertaining.
Here was this workaholic, emotionally closed off man enjoying the time he spent with this smart, savvy, beautiful woman who didn't take any of his crap. She was not shy to put Reese in his place and to tell it as it is. This man had met his match and wasn't that a turnon? lol
Merina's honesty, openness and heart made Reese feel things he had shut out from past hurts. They had a strong connection/attraction from the start and the chemistry between them was HOT!
Overall The Billionaire Bachelor is a great start to the Billionaire Bad Boys series and I highly recommend it.
Looking forward to Tag's book next in The Billionaire Next Door.
**Purchase Links**
Amazon ~ https://www.amazon.com/Billionaire-Ba...
B&N ~ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-b...
Google Play ~ https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
*Thank you to Tasty Book Tours for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
November 21, 2016
The Billionaire Bachelor is my first book by Jessica Lemmon and I will certainly be reading more from her especially this series The Billionaire Bad Boys I need to get to know the younger Crane brothers.
This story is backwards they get married, they get to know each other, they get passionate and then their hearts get involved.
Reese Crane lives to work and the board won't make him CEO of Cranes Hotels because of his reputation with women he is a manwhore when Merina Van Heusen barges into his office laying down the law he hatches a plan.
Merina Van Heusen loves her family run boutique hotel but when she discovers that her parents have sold the hotel to Crane Hotels she is furious and storms into Reese's office.
Reese gives Merina a contract she can't refuse they get married for six months Reese gets CEO and Merina gets her hotel signed over to her then they divorce.
After the quick wedding Merina moves into Reese's mansion but she is lonely missing someone to talk to, one night they argue and to shut her up Reese kisses her and they end up having sex after this they have lots of sex.
Soon their hearts get involved but both of them have been burned in the past by their exes especially Reese he is scared to let a woman into his heart and turns cold towads Merina letting her walk away for good.
Will Reese come to his senses and stop the divorce before it's too late?
I really enjoyed this hate to love story with plenty of steam looking forward to getting to know Tag better.
This story is backwards they get married, they get to know each other, they get passionate and then their hearts get involved.
Reese Crane lives to work and the board won't make him CEO of Cranes Hotels because of his reputation with women he is a manwhore when Merina Van Heusen barges into his office laying down the law he hatches a plan.
Merina Van Heusen loves her family run boutique hotel but when she discovers that her parents have sold the hotel to Crane Hotels she is furious and storms into Reese's office.
Reese gives Merina a contract she can't refuse they get married for six months Reese gets CEO and Merina gets her hotel signed over to her then they divorce.
After the quick wedding Merina moves into Reese's mansion but she is lonely missing someone to talk to, one night they argue and to shut her up Reese kisses her and they end up having sex after this they have lots of sex.
Soon their hearts get involved but both of them have been burned in the past by their exes especially Reese he is scared to let a woman into his heart and turns cold towads Merina letting her walk away for good.
Will Reese come to his senses and stop the divorce before it's too late?
I really enjoyed this hate to love story with plenty of steam looking forward to getting to know Tag better.
October 17, 2018
Have you ever read a recipe book and you want to cook this delicious chocolate cake? The you go to buy all the ingredients. You bake it as per recipe. But then the cake comes out burn.
So this is what this book feels to me. A chocolate cake gone wrong. I have big problem with the characters. Reese is manwhore. But he is acting like a needy and virgin hero. Who does not how to worship woman body. He is very very confusing. Meanhwile the heroine is needy, immature and just spoil. She is annoying and I want to bitch slap her.
And I do not feel the chemistry between these 2. I just dont. And the wording needs editing. It feels flat where it suppose to be steamy and seducing.
I do give credit on the whole idea of the story.
2 Stars
So this is what this book feels to me. A chocolate cake gone wrong. I have big problem with the characters. Reese is manwhore. But he is acting like a needy and virgin hero. Who does not how to worship woman body. He is very very confusing. Meanhwile the heroine is needy, immature and just spoil. She is annoying and I want to bitch slap her.
And I do not feel the chemistry between these 2. I just dont. And the wording needs editing. It feels flat where it suppose to be steamy and seducing.
I do give credit on the whole idea of the story.
2 Stars
September 4, 2016
Sweet little love story, that made me happy. Reese and Merina were fun to experience going from annoyed at each other, to unable to keep themselves apart. The slow anticipation of these two finally having sex was perfection. And this story had just the right amount of angst to make me a very happy gal. I thoroughly enjoyed this story!! Looking forward to Reese's brother's stories when they come out.
June 24, 2016
Hot, alpha billionaire – Check
Feisty, sassy, heroine – Check
Forced marriage – Check
Pretend turning to real – Check
“I’m not going to let you bribe me into marrying you. I don’t even like you.”
This is one of the first things Merina Van Huesen says to billionaire and fellow hotel owner, Reese Crane. But Reese made her an offer that she couldn’t refuse, especially if she wanted to keep her family’s hotel.
“The marriage may be for show, but her reaction to him was very real. How could he taste this good, feel this good if this was supposed to be pretend?”
Ahh, the pretend-marriage-where-the-feelings-turn-real is always one of my favorite stories to read. Throw in a sexy, broken billionaire and some volatile attraction and watch the sparks fly. #ReesesRocket!
I absolutely loved this story from Ms. Lemmon. It was hot and sexy. It was funny. It was fun. And it made me feel! I seriously adored Merina—such a strong, passionate woman, and the perfect woman for Reese.
And oh, Reese… Swoon!! A broken man for so many reasons, he just needed to find the right one to get inside. I couldn’t get enough of this story and pretty much stopped everything else in my life until I was finished reading. I am so looking forward to Tag’s story next! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
Feisty, sassy, heroine – Check
Forced marriage – Check
Pretend turning to real – Check
“I’m not going to let you bribe me into marrying you. I don’t even like you.”
This is one of the first things Merina Van Huesen says to billionaire and fellow hotel owner, Reese Crane. But Reese made her an offer that she couldn’t refuse, especially if she wanted to keep her family’s hotel.
“The marriage may be for show, but her reaction to him was very real. How could he taste this good, feel this good if this was supposed to be pretend?”
Ahh, the pretend-marriage-where-the-feelings-turn-real is always one of my favorite stories to read. Throw in a sexy, broken billionaire and some volatile attraction and watch the sparks fly. #ReesesRocket!
I absolutely loved this story from Ms. Lemmon. It was hot and sexy. It was funny. It was fun. And it made me feel! I seriously adored Merina—such a strong, passionate woman, and the perfect woman for Reese.
And oh, Reese… Swoon!! A broken man for so many reasons, he just needed to find the right one to get inside. I couldn’t get enough of this story and pretty much stopped everything else in my life until I was finished reading. I am so looking forward to Tag’s story next! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
March 13, 2017
I'm going to say from the onset that it's Jessica Lemmon's writing that brought me here, even though this particular trope isn't exactly what I typically go after. That much does good writing matter to me and my decidedly lackluster review in no way any reflection on the quality of it.
But while I do like the marriage of convenience that Lemmon writes about here, I took issue with the Reese Crane, whom I thought was simply an unredeemable arse through and through. Cold, closed-off and unfeeling, it was hard to accept that an intelligent man like him became a womaniser because he concluded women on the whole, couldn't be trusted to stay after a nasty experience with a cheating ex and a mother who had died in an accident when he was a teenager.
I couldn't really see a change in his detestable behaviour, not even at the end when it seemed as though a switch suddenly flipped and he decided in his own time, that he wanted everything that he'd lost with Merina back. Perhaps what frustrated me more was that Merina - who had actually invested time, and emotional energy in him and played by his blackmail rules made it all too easy with a rushed and abrupt HEA that left me unsatisfied. In short, Reese's misdeeds more than outweighed the measly kind of damage control that I'd expected him to do (but didn't) and I finished the epilogue not having the kind of closure that I needed.
But while I do like the marriage of convenience that Lemmon writes about here, I took issue with the Reese Crane, whom I thought was simply an unredeemable arse through and through. Cold, closed-off and unfeeling, it was hard to accept that an intelligent man like him became a womaniser because he concluded women on the whole, couldn't be trusted to stay after a nasty experience with a cheating ex and a mother who had died in an accident when he was a teenager.
I couldn't really see a change in his detestable behaviour, not even at the end when it seemed as though a switch suddenly flipped and he decided in his own time, that he wanted everything that he'd lost with Merina back. Perhaps what frustrated me more was that Merina - who had actually invested time, and emotional energy in him and played by his blackmail rules made it all too easy with a rushed and abrupt HEA that left me unsatisfied. In short, Reese's misdeeds more than outweighed the measly kind of damage control that I'd expected him to do (but didn't) and I finished the epilogue not having the kind of closure that I needed.
February 10, 2017
I was looking for something different to read when I came across The Billionaire Bachelor and figured I could give it a shot.
Boy was I rewarded with a fun story, great characters and a romance that sizzles long after the pages are done.
The Plot
Two hotel owners collide when Merina Van Heusen discovers that her precious hotel has been sold off to Crane Hotels.
Reese Crane is on track of making CEO, there is just one problem, the board of directors do not seem him fit to take over his father's position. Reese has lived and breathed Crane hotels ever since he threw himself fully into his family's legacy, and now a bunch of old man, who don't approve of his lifestyle, are standing in the way of him losing everything.
Now, Reese much ditch his playboy lifestyle and settle down, and who do better with than a woman who hates his guts. But, Reese has something that Merina wants, and knows she is perfect to not screw things up.
Oh I loved the plot. It was an enemy to lovers story with a fake marriage that over time succumbs to passion and morphed into something more.
It was fun, it was exciting and it was something totally different from my recent reads so I was glad to have discovered this. I was totally engrossed with the plot, hooked, line and sinker. I was unable to put this book down and was cranky from the lack of sleep, but it seemed totally worth it.
The plot was totally character driven and I loved both equally with their prickly personalities. I loved that there was a build up and the way things played up, with even a bit (a little bit) of angst thrown in at the end. The story was everything I wanted and more.
The Characters
Merina and Reese were definitely the stars of the show. Thought I love the fact that this is book one in a trilogy of Crane brothers - because I totally adored Tag and cannot wait to read his story.
Reese was passionate, calculating, and a bit detached. He has a story and it consists of heartbreak that left him running for the hills when it comes to relationships. So marrying was equivalent of having a lobotomy, I'm sure.
He likes his women, he doesn't like emotions or exposing his weak side. Reese does not want to get hurt ever again after that devastating heartbreak, which made him a little frustrating in the end when the possibility of love came pounding on his doorsteps. He get's closed up, but he opens up with Merina without even trying to show that he actually does care and in turn exposes his heart.
Merina was prickly and I really liked her and her spunk. She really knew how to get under Reese's skin and the two worked and clicked so well together. There was heat, there was steam, and a romance that absolutely sizzled. The chemistry was explosive, it didn't feel forced, and kept things completely engrossing and interesting.
I adored these two so much that I am going to miss them.
Overall
Overall, this entire book was a win. I did have one issue and that was at the end where everything Reese has been trying to avoid, catches up to him and he closes down. I did realize that it's a part of him that kept him protected from heartbreak, so it did make sense that he had responded the way he did, but at the same time Merina was different. I wanted to throttle him for being so stupid.
When the fog cleared, he did redeem himself and the story ended on a touching note. I loved seeing the vulnerable side of him.
The writing was good, the characters were well rounded, raw, real, emotional, sprinkled with humor. It kept me turning the pages, and will keep me coming back to find out what the author has in store for me next!
Boy was I rewarded with a fun story, great characters and a romance that sizzles long after the pages are done.
The Plot
Two hotel owners collide when Merina Van Heusen discovers that her precious hotel has been sold off to Crane Hotels.
Reese Crane is on track of making CEO, there is just one problem, the board of directors do not seem him fit to take over his father's position. Reese has lived and breathed Crane hotels ever since he threw himself fully into his family's legacy, and now a bunch of old man, who don't approve of his lifestyle, are standing in the way of him losing everything.
Now, Reese much ditch his playboy lifestyle and settle down, and who do better with than a woman who hates his guts. But, Reese has something that Merina wants, and knows she is perfect to not screw things up.
Oh I loved the plot. It was an enemy to lovers story with a fake marriage that over time succumbs to passion and morphed into something more.
Like a miracle had occurred. Had he grown a conscience? Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What's the catch?"
He smiled, then said two words that made her go temporarily blind in one eye.
"Marry me."
It was fun, it was exciting and it was something totally different from my recent reads so I was glad to have discovered this. I was totally engrossed with the plot, hooked, line and sinker. I was unable to put this book down and was cranky from the lack of sleep, but it seemed totally worth it.
The plot was totally character driven and I loved both equally with their prickly personalities. I loved that there was a build up and the way things played up, with even a bit (a little bit) of angst thrown in at the end. The story was everything I wanted and more.
The Characters
Merina and Reese were definitely the stars of the show. Thought I love the fact that this is book one in a trilogy of Crane brothers - because I totally adored Tag and cannot wait to read his story.
Reese was passionate, calculating, and a bit detached. He has a story and it consists of heartbreak that left him running for the hills when it comes to relationships. So marrying was equivalent of having a lobotomy, I'm sure.
He likes his women, he doesn't like emotions or exposing his weak side. Reese does not want to get hurt ever again after that devastating heartbreak, which made him a little frustrating in the end when the possibility of love came pounding on his doorsteps. He get's closed up, but he opens up with Merina without even trying to show that he actually does care and in turn exposes his heart.
Merina was prickly and I really liked her and her spunk. She really knew how to get under Reese's skin and the two worked and clicked so well together. There was heat, there was steam, and a romance that absolutely sizzled. The chemistry was explosive, it didn't feel forced, and kept things completely engrossing and interesting.
I adored these two so much that I am going to miss them.
Overall
Overall, this entire book was a win. I did have one issue and that was at the end where everything Reese has been trying to avoid, catches up to him and he closes down. I did realize that it's a part of him that kept him protected from heartbreak, so it did make sense that he had responded the way he did, but at the same time Merina was different. I wanted to throttle him for being so stupid.
When the fog cleared, he did redeem himself and the story ended on a touching note. I loved seeing the vulnerable side of him.
The writing was good, the characters were well rounded, raw, real, emotional, sprinkled with humor. It kept me turning the pages, and will keep me coming back to find out what the author has in store for me next!
"Are you capable of being monogamous?" It was easier to needle him than address the gauntlet resting between them like a huge pink elephant.
"I don't prefer it."
Which was no answer at all.
"So this is a bribe."
"It's a proposal." One eyebrow lifted slightly. "In this case, literally."
"When a woman says 'fine'...," he started.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
"Run." Tag's smug expression fell as he sat ramrod straight. "Like you have zombies on your tail. 'Fine' is not a term of endearment from a woman."
"Yeah, that's what I thought."
Tag's eyes went to Reese's phone. "Who gave you the F-word?"
"Merina. In answer to my marriage proposal." He leaned on his desk, hands folded. "I'm assuming that's a yes."
"You should assume the position, man. That does not sound like a good sign."
August 28, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***
I did not want this one to end. Jessica Lemmon wrote a story that was a pleasure to read from page one. It was immediately engaging, well written, and plotted in a way that kept your interest as the story progressed. The characters and the dialog were authentic and they didn’t fell like “characters” but rather actual people. They stayed consistent, there were no moments where I felt that one of them acted in a way that was out of who they had been portrayed to be, and their decisions made sense.
Finishing a book that you love as much as I did this one is always bittersweet. On the one hand, you are glad to have enjoyed it as much as you did, thrilled that the characters you have come to love got their HEA, and glad, especially in this case, that the characters are in a better place than they were in the beginning. But I am sad it is over, sad that I don’t have any more new words to read about Reese and Merina.
Reese Crane has an image problem, complete with a flattering/not-flattering hashtag. His board of directors is holding this image issue over his head and refusing to appoint him to the Crane Hotels CEO position being vacated when Alex Crane retires. This is Reese’s dream position, one he has literally spent years working to attain, and refuses to let it be taken from him for a reason that he feels has no bearing on his ability to do the job.
Reese also has an issue that he doesn’t want to admit to himself. He has convinced himself he is hard, cold, uncaring, and incapable of commitment. Hence the string of single-night affairs that allow him to protect himself emotionally, but which may also cost him the CEO position as the board of directors is less than enthused by his reputation. This could be off-putting in a romantic hero, but it isn’t, as the reader quickly understands, it is not really what Reese wants, he is just afraid to open himself up to more. He hasn’t quite yet figured out that he is capable of being as passionate about another person as he is about the hotel chain.
Merina has a problem with doorknobs, her family’s hotel, and the new owner of that hotel. Of course, as we find out very quickly, this new owner is Crane Hotels. She is loyal, and while she does not see it at first, the commitment she and Reese share to being willing to do what it takes for things they care about is a tie that draws them together. She also wants to help the people around her, to care for them, to let them into her heart when they are hurting and to help them heal, so she is drawn to the part of Reese that he feels is broken, she wants him to see that he is capable of love and commitment.
Reese is convinced if he and Merina get married, the important problems, the problems he is willing to acknowledge, will be solved. So, Reese propositions Merina, thinking that this will solve his image problem and that as the marriage will be fake from the beginning, he will be able to stay closed off and guarded. He offers Merina the Van Heusen hotel as her divorce settlement and proposes a 6-month marriage of convenience that is in name only, except while in public, solving her issue with having someone else own her hotel.
You connect with both characters, and even though Reese is seen in a less than flattering light by Merina at the beginning, she quickly sees that his cold exterior is to hide a man who is not incapable of feeling, but rather scared to feel, because when he does he cares deeply, with his entire being.
The story itself is, in some parts predictable…but in a way that all romance novels are. The characters will meet, they will fall in love, one will be more reluctant than the other to acknowledge what is going on, and there will be a HEA, eventually. The pleasure in this story is how it is written and how much you care about Reese and Merina. You want them to get their HEA, your heart breaks for Reese and how hard he works to convince himself that he doesn’t feel. You feel for Merina, for how much she wants to help Reese become the man she has fallen in love with, the man he refuses to acknowledge still exists. He’s been hurt, and in a lot of ways he has never dealt with those hurts, so he is trapped in the past, behind the emotions that he has not resolved.
There were parts I loved, that detailing would be spoilers, but suffice to say that the author could have gone a certain direction with a couple of plot points, but chose to go in the less obvious direction, which I thought gave the story a fresh feel. One in particular I was expecting the entire book, but it never appeared, which pleased me.
I have read all of Jessica Lemmon’s books, and this is her best yet. I can’t wait for the rest of this series, Tag was a wonderful presence in the story and Eli mentioned enough you are accustomed to him as well.
I did not want this one to end. Jessica Lemmon wrote a story that was a pleasure to read from page one. It was immediately engaging, well written, and plotted in a way that kept your interest as the story progressed. The characters and the dialog were authentic and they didn’t fell like “characters” but rather actual people. They stayed consistent, there were no moments where I felt that one of them acted in a way that was out of who they had been portrayed to be, and their decisions made sense.
Finishing a book that you love as much as I did this one is always bittersweet. On the one hand, you are glad to have enjoyed it as much as you did, thrilled that the characters you have come to love got their HEA, and glad, especially in this case, that the characters are in a better place than they were in the beginning. But I am sad it is over, sad that I don’t have any more new words to read about Reese and Merina.
Reese Crane has an image problem, complete with a flattering/not-flattering hashtag. His board of directors is holding this image issue over his head and refusing to appoint him to the Crane Hotels CEO position being vacated when Alex Crane retires. This is Reese’s dream position, one he has literally spent years working to attain, and refuses to let it be taken from him for a reason that he feels has no bearing on his ability to do the job.
Reese also has an issue that he doesn’t want to admit to himself. He has convinced himself he is hard, cold, uncaring, and incapable of commitment. Hence the string of single-night affairs that allow him to protect himself emotionally, but which may also cost him the CEO position as the board of directors is less than enthused by his reputation. This could be off-putting in a romantic hero, but it isn’t, as the reader quickly understands, it is not really what Reese wants, he is just afraid to open himself up to more. He hasn’t quite yet figured out that he is capable of being as passionate about another person as he is about the hotel chain.
Merina has a problem with doorknobs, her family’s hotel, and the new owner of that hotel. Of course, as we find out very quickly, this new owner is Crane Hotels. She is loyal, and while she does not see it at first, the commitment she and Reese share to being willing to do what it takes for things they care about is a tie that draws them together. She also wants to help the people around her, to care for them, to let them into her heart when they are hurting and to help them heal, so she is drawn to the part of Reese that he feels is broken, she wants him to see that he is capable of love and commitment.
Reese is convinced if he and Merina get married, the important problems, the problems he is willing to acknowledge, will be solved. So, Reese propositions Merina, thinking that this will solve his image problem and that as the marriage will be fake from the beginning, he will be able to stay closed off and guarded. He offers Merina the Van Heusen hotel as her divorce settlement and proposes a 6-month marriage of convenience that is in name only, except while in public, solving her issue with having someone else own her hotel.
You connect with both characters, and even though Reese is seen in a less than flattering light by Merina at the beginning, she quickly sees that his cold exterior is to hide a man who is not incapable of feeling, but rather scared to feel, because when he does he cares deeply, with his entire being.
The story itself is, in some parts predictable…but in a way that all romance novels are. The characters will meet, they will fall in love, one will be more reluctant than the other to acknowledge what is going on, and there will be a HEA, eventually. The pleasure in this story is how it is written and how much you care about Reese and Merina. You want them to get their HEA, your heart breaks for Reese and how hard he works to convince himself that he doesn’t feel. You feel for Merina, for how much she wants to help Reese become the man she has fallen in love with, the man he refuses to acknowledge still exists. He’s been hurt, and in a lot of ways he has never dealt with those hurts, so he is trapped in the past, behind the emotions that he has not resolved.
There were parts I loved, that detailing would be spoilers, but suffice to say that the author could have gone a certain direction with a couple of plot points, but chose to go in the less obvious direction, which I thought gave the story a fresh feel. One in particular I was expecting the entire book, but it never appeared, which pleased me.
I have read all of Jessica Lemmon’s books, and this is her best yet. I can’t wait for the rest of this series, Tag was a wonderful presence in the story and Eli mentioned enough you are accustomed to him as well.
June 30, 2016
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Jessica Lemmon is quickly rising as an author that I need to keep an eye out for. The Billionaire Bachelor is the second book that I have read from this author and in two hours of reading this book, I'm hooked.
In all honesty, I enjoy reading billionaire's romance trope as they always seem to have the possessive dominated alpha heroes. And in this book, Ms. Lemmon does something a little unique than your standard billionaire romance story line. Yes, there is the aspect of hot rich billionaire hero but Ms. Lemmon tastefully incorporates a sexy story line where readers will see behind the money and power, lies a billionaire hero who has more to offer in the business world and in love. Merina Van Heusen loves her family and her family’s boutique hotel. And so when she discovers that her parent’s sold the hotel due to financial reasons, she was shocked, hurt, and angry. So when Merina marches off to Reese Crane to demand her hotel back, she was surprised to hear the billionaire offer her the hotel back in exchange for six months of marriage.
Reese Crane is unlike any typical billionaire. Yes, he has the money and domineering presence but he has a very serious work ethic. And so when he learns that board of Crane Hotels are having doubts about Reese taking over the business, Reese comes up with a plan to change their minds that he is a playboy and so he asked Merina Van Heusen, her hands in marriage. But what happens when Merina begins to fall for her husband? Will Reese begin to see behind the tenacious woman lies a woman who found her way to steal his heart?
Ms. Lemmon did an amazing job writing a story that beautifully weaved a fake marriage that turned real. With her vivid prose, Lemmon allows her readers to be engrossed with Reese and Merina as they evolved into something more. I adored these characters as Ms. Lemmon slowly unpeeled layers of sexual tension and chemistry. So if you are looking for a billionaire romance that was fun, sweet, sexy, and romantic then this book is for you.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Jessica Lemmon
Jessica Lemmon is quickly rising as an author that I need to keep an eye out for. The Billionaire Bachelor is the second book that I have read from this author and in two hours of reading this book, I'm hooked.
In all honesty, I enjoy reading billionaire's romance trope as they always seem to have the possessive dominated alpha heroes. And in this book, Ms. Lemmon does something a little unique than your standard billionaire romance story line. Yes, there is the aspect of hot rich billionaire hero but Ms. Lemmon tastefully incorporates a sexy story line where readers will see behind the money and power, lies a billionaire hero who has more to offer in the business world and in love. Merina Van Heusen loves her family and her family’s boutique hotel. And so when she discovers that her parent’s sold the hotel due to financial reasons, she was shocked, hurt, and angry. So when Merina marches off to Reese Crane to demand her hotel back, she was surprised to hear the billionaire offer her the hotel back in exchange for six months of marriage.
Reese Crane is unlike any typical billionaire. Yes, he has the money and domineering presence but he has a very serious work ethic. And so when he learns that board of Crane Hotels are having doubts about Reese taking over the business, Reese comes up with a plan to change their minds that he is a playboy and so he asked Merina Van Heusen, her hands in marriage. But what happens when Merina begins to fall for her husband? Will Reese begin to see behind the tenacious woman lies a woman who found her way to steal his heart?
Ms. Lemmon did an amazing job writing a story that beautifully weaved a fake marriage that turned real. With her vivid prose, Lemmon allows her readers to be engrossed with Reese and Merina as they evolved into something more. I adored these characters as Ms. Lemmon slowly unpeeled layers of sexual tension and chemistry. So if you are looking for a billionaire romance that was fun, sweet, sexy, and romantic then this book is for you.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Jessica Lemmon
August 17, 2016
Um....Can I just say how much I LOVED LOVED LOVED The Billionaire Bachelor. It might just be my favorite from Lemmon. It was all my favorite things about reading a marriage of convenience but add in some humor (ok...a lot of humor), and two lead characters that are EXPLOSIVE....Well....I can't express how much fun I had listening and reading TBB! I literally didn't want to work at all yesterday because I wanted to finish this book.
Reese was stubborn and a bit of a big head in the beginning, but Merina got through to him and I LOVED the Reese he was with her. Charming, and Funny and well....the O's can't hurt! Merina was KICK ASS!! I usually am not a big "heroine cheerleader", I usually love the hero so much and if I like the heroine, it makes the book all the much better, but I LOVED MERINA...she rocked and kicked some serious ass without having to even lift a finger. Eating the block of cheese off Gwenyth's plate was FRIGGIN PRICELESS! She didn't fear loving Reese, she was open to it and owned up to it, and she wasn't afraid to call him out when he was being an ass "Chickens%#$" was my favorite!
If you have never read Jessica Lemmon, you can start with THE BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR because it's the first in a new series, and will give you an entertaining and SUPER sexy romance from page one to the end! *Top Tasty Read 2016 *5 Stars
Reese was stubborn and a bit of a big head in the beginning, but Merina got through to him and I LOVED the Reese he was with her. Charming, and Funny and well....the O's can't hurt! Merina was KICK ASS!! I usually am not a big "heroine cheerleader", I usually love the hero so much and if I like the heroine, it makes the book all the much better, but I LOVED MERINA...she rocked and kicked some serious ass without having to even lift a finger. Eating the block of cheese off Gwenyth's plate was FRIGGIN PRICELESS! She didn't fear loving Reese, she was open to it and owned up to it, and she wasn't afraid to call him out when he was being an ass "Chickens%#$" was my favorite!
If you have never read Jessica Lemmon, you can start with THE BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR because it's the first in a new series, and will give you an entertaining and SUPER sexy romance from page one to the end! *Top Tasty Read 2016 *5 Stars
July 6, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/28YoCD8
Lemmon just writes the best billionaires! Whew! The Billionaire Bachelor was all kinds of sexy fun as Merina and Reese come to a little agreement--she'll marry him to help him improve his reputation so the hotel board of directors will name him CEO and in return he'll sign over her family's boutique hotel--which his company had just purchased-- to her free and clear. Six months. They just have to survive six months as husband and wife and convince everyone of it and they'll both have everything they ever wanted. A challenge for sure. An even bigger one? Not falling for the ruse themselves.
I loved Merina and Reese. They're so different but so the same. They're both absolutely passionate and dedicated to the hotels they run and a bit broken from past relationships. Willing to do anything for family and to protect their legacy. But where Reese is buttoned up and somewhat cold and reserved Merina is warm and inviting and a little unexpected. They so fit their hotels as well. His is sleek and trendy...her's comforting and full of history.
They were a lot of fun together too. They clashed something fierce at first and whew boy the barbs and zingers! It was amazing! But as they settled into their fake marriage and got to know each other it was just...noms! The chemistry and heat and the softness that built between them was lovely. I had a great time watching them truly becoming a team and conquering everything they set out to...and maybe a little more.
My only complaint is that the heroine slapped the hero when she was pissed and yall know how I feel about that. Oh and not capitalizing Marines (always capitalized!) but hopefully that was just an editing mistake.
All in all, The Billionaire Bachelor was another hit from Lemmon. She never fails to pull you in completely and delivers heartwarming stories full of humor, passion, and swoony romance.
July 24, 2018
This was so, so awesome! Loved every single second. It was everything I want in a story. I couldn't get enough! And Reese? Oh my! He melts my heart.
This was so incredibly good and I am thrilled with how it all played out. Reese and Merina had that animosity and fight that I love in a couple. It's one of my favorite things when characters bicker and feelings develop but they're totally in denial and I thought this was done perfectly. I was really pulled in with the character development, rich details, and the overall build.
Together Reese and Merina could be so playful. Loved the verbal sparing, so entertaining. There was so much sexual tension happening, it was off the charts. And that heat when it explodes? WOW! Loved the emotion that was happening as well. I found myself getting choked up several time because I was so caught up on all these little moments as they fight the demons from their past. Merina was wonderful. I might have a bit of a girl crush on her, strong and feisty and doing what she thinks best for her family. Reese was rather fantastic too. I loved watching his barriers break down and things progress. At one point I felt like my heart was breaking but it all worked itself out, that man is swoon worthy. There’s a nice amount of drama, heat, and a whole lot of love. For a bit I was worried and holding my breath and stressing out but I was so thrilled by the end, smiling ear to ear.
There as so many great characters introduced. I am so excited to read the rest of this series. Loved Reese's Dad and his brother Tag and can't wait to get to meet Eli. I like how there were some bits of foreshadowing making me want more. There were just so many wonderful things and fantastic moments, I couldn't get enough and hated for it to end.
Seriously awesome read. I am so happy. The perfect blend of entertaining and sexy with just the right amount of emotion mixed in, a definite must read!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
This was so incredibly good and I am thrilled with how it all played out. Reese and Merina had that animosity and fight that I love in a couple. It's one of my favorite things when characters bicker and feelings develop but they're totally in denial and I thought this was done perfectly. I was really pulled in with the character development, rich details, and the overall build.
Together Reese and Merina could be so playful. Loved the verbal sparing, so entertaining. There was so much sexual tension happening, it was off the charts. And that heat when it explodes? WOW! Loved the emotion that was happening as well. I found myself getting choked up several time because I was so caught up on all these little moments as they fight the demons from their past. Merina was wonderful. I might have a bit of a girl crush on her, strong and feisty and doing what she thinks best for her family. Reese was rather fantastic too. I loved watching his barriers break down and things progress. At one point I felt like my heart was breaking but it all worked itself out, that man is swoon worthy. There’s a nice amount of drama, heat, and a whole lot of love. For a bit I was worried and holding my breath and stressing out but I was so thrilled by the end, smiling ear to ear.
There as so many great characters introduced. I am so excited to read the rest of this series. Loved Reese's Dad and his brother Tag and can't wait to get to meet Eli. I like how there were some bits of foreshadowing making me want more. There were just so many wonderful things and fantastic moments, I couldn't get enough and hated for it to end.
Seriously awesome read. I am so happy. The perfect blend of entertaining and sexy with just the right amount of emotion mixed in, a definite must read!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
September 3, 2021
If there's anything that wattpad has taught me, it's to never read anything with the word "billionaire" or "bad boy" in the title. I've caved because I love this fake marriage/fiance trope and this book has a lot of great reviews. Well, my bad.
There are so many things I didn't like here...
First of all, Merina. The first scene when she barged into Reese's office and started yelling at him for buying the hotel, I automatically disliked her. She's just stupid and greedy. Needy and clingy come later with her actions throughout the book . She's also extremely shallow, whiney and simply annoying.
Maybe I would have liked her if her main motive to go along with this whole deal wasn't strictly about money. Because that makes you believe she's just another greedy, materialistic bimbo (as she turns out to be later).
Reese's character isn't any better, although I gotta admit I liked him way better than her.
These two have no chemistry. I didn't root for them at all. The book is hard to read as well. Maybe it's the third person but I couldn't connect with any of these characters.
It's my first book of this author but I won't be coming back for more simply because this way of writing isn't my cup of tea.
It hardly ever happens for me to stop reading a book before I finish it, but that's what happened here. And it put me in a really lousy mood as well because what I expected to be a great, heart-tugging story turned out to be ..well, the complete opposite. I understand my opinion isn't very popular and that's okay. It's just not for me and I don't recommend it to those who like their characters realistic, one of a kind and easy to fall for.
There are so many things I didn't like here...
First of all, Merina. The first scene when she barged into Reese's office and started yelling at him for buying the hotel, I automatically disliked her. She's just stupid and greedy. Needy and clingy come later with her actions throughout the book . She's also extremely shallow, whiney and simply annoying.
Maybe I would have liked her if her main motive to go along with this whole deal wasn't strictly about money. Because that makes you believe she's just another greedy, materialistic bimbo (as she turns out to be later).
Reese's character isn't any better, although I gotta admit I liked him way better than her.
These two have no chemistry. I didn't root for them at all. The book is hard to read as well. Maybe it's the third person but I couldn't connect with any of these characters.
It's my first book of this author but I won't be coming back for more simply because this way of writing isn't my cup of tea.
It hardly ever happens for me to stop reading a book before I finish it, but that's what happened here. And it put me in a really lousy mood as well because what I expected to be a great, heart-tugging story turned out to be ..well, the complete opposite. I understand my opinion isn't very popular and that's okay. It's just not for me and I don't recommend it to those who like their characters realistic, one of a kind and easy to fall for.
June 22, 2016
-Billionaires and arranged marriages, what could be wrong with that? Tropes can be fun and there are several here to serve your smutnip needs. Merina Van Heusen is upset. Her parents chose to sell their boutique hotel in Chicago to the Crane hotel empire. That empire that Reese Harrington Crane is trying desperately to be CEO of. When she decides to storm over to his offices to, I don’t know, yell at him for buying a hotel that needed saving, Reese gets a wild hair and says he wants Merina to marry him in exchange for her hotel back. And just like a Lifetime movie, romance happens.
-Merina starts off a bit strident, which felt overdone, in her objection to Reese and in general the beginning was a bit slow to capture my interest. Merina’s desire to villify Reese was over the top and I would have loved to have seen him obsessed with her more. Something to balance her exaggerated reaction to his offer. That’s what gave me the Lifetime movie vibe. Not that there’s anything (really) wrong with that.
-Anyway, about a quarter of the way in, though, the focus shifts more to Reese and Merina and there’s decent heat in the scenes where they get to know each other. There’s a good mix of conversations versus straight up sexual heat and it was easy to picture this as a romance to watch (read) on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
-Then Reese turns into a bit of a drama llama. He is definitely more sensitive than he’d like to admit regarding his feelings, and this could just be me, but his “I’ll never give my heart away because PAIN” was, at times, annoying. I liked the moments where he shares why he’s so defensive, I just wished there was more of it.
-Setup for the Crane men to carry on. Reese has the prerequisite brothers and hot older dad to build on this series and I'm not gonna lie, I'm intrigued at the thought of Reese's dad, Alex and his PA. Yet another trope that sucks me in every time.
I enjoyed it. While it felt fairly standard and a bit slow going in the beginning, there were sparks of genuine emotion between Merina and Reese. I’d be willing to read the next book, when I’m in the mood for a bit of billionaire romance.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
For more reviews, visit
November 18, 2017
I know what you're thinking. Another "Billionaire" book...*ugh*
At least that's what I thought.
Well, it's definitely another "Billionaire" book. But a very very good one and I loved it!
#HAPPYDANCE
July 7, 2016
3.5 stars
THE BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR is the first book in the new Billionaire Bad Boys series by Jessica Lemmon. I’ve read Lemmon before and enjoyed her books in the past so I wanted to see how I would fare with her billionaires.
Reese Crane doesn’t steer far from your typical billionaire hero. He’s a rich playboy who has a little bit of a cocky side, but nothing to the point where he comes across as a douche. He has, however, pissed off the heroine, Merina Van Heusen when she finds out that her family is near bankruptcy and her family’s boutique hotel is now in the hands of Reese Crane. Despite how Merina acts, he treats her very well and I think that’s what stopped me from completely quitting on this series before it could really get off the ground. So many other books have billionaire heroes that have cocky heroes. Lemmon has that but doesn’t let it simply fall into the typical trope that has become old and used up.
Not only do you have complex characters in this series, but the family dynamic has me more intrigued about the series. The book does fall into the fake marriage trope but I think Reese’s charm makes it enjoyable for me. I’m not usually one to fall for those kind of things but it’s clear that Lemmon is putting a slight twist on things, which I think, makes the books better. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the especially since all the covers just look so delicious!
THE BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR is the first book in the new Billionaire Bad Boys series by Jessica Lemmon. I’ve read Lemmon before and enjoyed her books in the past so I wanted to see how I would fare with her billionaires.
Reese Crane doesn’t steer far from your typical billionaire hero. He’s a rich playboy who has a little bit of a cocky side, but nothing to the point where he comes across as a douche. He has, however, pissed off the heroine, Merina Van Heusen when she finds out that her family is near bankruptcy and her family’s boutique hotel is now in the hands of Reese Crane. Despite how Merina acts, he treats her very well and I think that’s what stopped me from completely quitting on this series before it could really get off the ground. So many other books have billionaire heroes that have cocky heroes. Lemmon has that but doesn’t let it simply fall into the typical trope that has become old and used up.
Not only do you have complex characters in this series, but the family dynamic has me more intrigued about the series. The book does fall into the fake marriage trope but I think Reese’s charm makes it enjoyable for me. I’m not usually one to fall for those kind of things but it’s clear that Lemmon is putting a slight twist on things, which I think, makes the books better. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the especially since all the covers just look so delicious!
dnf
March 26, 2017DNF @ the end of chapter 1.
I feel like I just stumbled out of the 1980's after reading the first 20 pages of this book. So what kind of hotel manager doesn't know that its charge is struggling financially? I guess one who's not even respected enough to be told that it was sold six months ago - by her parents - to an evil corporation. And, gasp!, this evil corporation is planning to destroy the hotel's character by modernizing it. So what does our unwitting hotel 'manager' heroine do? She marches right over to confront the hot-and-sexy evil CEO where she can barely fight her attraction to him. But she manages to give him a piece of her mind. He then informs her she can't keep her job, but wait, don't worry! Our hero informs her, "I'm not going to put you out on your fantastic ass, Merina." I swear I threw up in my mouth a little. Why would anyone want to read about a heroine who's obviously stupid, not respected by even her parents, and lets sexually harassing comments slide - not me. I even checked to make sure that this wasn't originally published in 1982.
I feel like I just stumbled out of the 1980's after reading the first 20 pages of this book. So what kind of hotel manager doesn't know that its charge is struggling financially? I guess one who's not even respected enough to be told that it was sold six months ago - by her parents - to an evil corporation. And, gasp!, this evil corporation is planning to destroy the hotel's character by modernizing it. So what does our unwitting hotel 'manager' heroine do? She marches right over to confront the hot-and-sexy evil CEO where she can barely fight her attraction to him. But she manages to give him a piece of her mind. He then informs her she can't keep her job, but wait, don't worry! Our hero informs her, "I'm not going to put you out on your fantastic ass, Merina." I swear I threw up in my mouth a little. Why would anyone want to read about a heroine who's obviously stupid, not respected by even her parents, and lets sexually harassing comments slide - not me. I even checked to make sure that this wasn't originally published in 1982.
July 25, 2016
4.5 Stars
Hmm, it seems I'm starting to enjoy stories like this again. Billionaire playboy? The woman who 'tames' him? This is the kind of book, I believe, you would either love or hate, depending on your current mood or disposition. It could also be really the meh-been-there-done-that type for those who've been reading the same old things over and over again.
But I happen to actually love this one a lot! It gave me the "tug at your heartstrings" moments I've been missing. I guess it helps that the female MC is not a doormat. Yey!
So, could I finally be over my weird string of hit or miss reads? Maybe. I hope.
Hmm, it seems I'm starting to enjoy stories like this again. Billionaire playboy? The woman who 'tames' him? This is the kind of book, I believe, you would either love or hate, depending on your current mood or disposition. It could also be really the meh-been-there-done-that type for those who've been reading the same old things over and over again.
But I happen to actually love this one a lot! It gave me the "tug at your heartstrings" moments I've been missing. I guess it helps that the female MC is not a doormat. Yey!
So, could I finally be over my weird string of hit or miss reads? Maybe. I hope.
February 6, 2017
Alright, except a really odd non-sequitur into messed up submission theology (tho none of the rest of the book is in any way religious), this was a pretty good addition to the billionaire bad boy genre.
February 25, 2020
I thought that this book was amazing
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