Billionaire, Boss...Bridegroom?

by Kate Hardy

The boss's proposal Gorgeous, rich CEO Hugh Moncrieff might be his office's reluctant heartthrob, but he does not date employees! Until he needs a fake date for an upcoming engagement and decides his quirky new graphic designer Bella Faraday is the perfect candidate… Except Bella is anything but the unsuitable girlfriend she's supposed to be playing! Charming Bella's life might have been shattered by her ex, but with Hugh she feels all the pieces starting to fit back together…

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Fiction

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

About the author

Kate Hardy is the award-winning author of more than 100 books for Harlequin Mills & Boon and the Georgina Drake cozy crime series for Storm. Her novel 'Breakfast at Giovanni's' won the RNA Romance Prize in 2008, 'Bound by a Baby' won the RNA RoNA Rose in 2014 and ‘A Will, A Wish, A Wedding’ won the RNA Liberta Books Shorter Fiction award in 2021. She's been shortlisted six more times for the award, as well as for two Romantic Times awards.

She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two grown-up children, springer spaniels Archie and Dexter, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, live music, the theatre, ballet, history and cooking, and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking. Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!

Kate also writes bestselling local history books under the name of Pamela Brooks.

Reviews

[Edwina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read another Mills and Boon romance novel because come on I can never get away without reading a sappy romance novel! The plotline with these books are rather unique but are quite fast paced that almost to the point where there isn't really character development at all! Especially for the two main characters who are pining for each other! Other than that, they are reads that will comfort you during a rainy day or when you're feeling completely under the weather like me!

[AG Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Per my personal preferences, this was more like a 2 star read for me. But, being fair to the storyline and the writing, I'm giving it 3 stars. Readers who like a lot of push-pull in the relationship and an a-hole H who finally realizes he's in love after he's pushed her away will like this better. The book still had its problems but it wasn't necessarily bad.

[Nas Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

BILLIONAIRE, BOSS…BRIDEGROOM by author Kate Hardy is a March 2016 release by Harlequin Romance series.

Huge Montcrieff had sworn off long-term commitment or dating his employees, yet here he was—attracted to his newest employee, Bella Faraday.

He manages to cajole her into being his fake girlfriend for a family do weekend. Bella plays the role of a ditzy girlfriend with hilarious consequences and they end up in bed together. Will this relationship last? Will Huge change his thinking and open up his heart for love?

And would Bella manage to forge a way to Hugh’s heart?

BILLIONAIRE, BOSS…BRIDEGROOM is a sweet romance. It also had it’s funny as well as emotional moments. Author Kate Hardy once again brought this emotional story which would keep a reader engrossed.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

[SuperWendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fake relationship book with tissue paper thin conflict. You know what makes fake relationship books work? When the characters actually try to "fake it." The heroine is terrible at subterfuge, but kudos for her on calling the hero out ("hey, why not just oh I don't know - TALK to your family instead of concocting this charade?"). The hero, of course, doesn't listen to her and while it's suggested he's a nice guy - he throws the ultimatum gauntlet down at the end that made me kinda hate him.

But the heroine is breezy and charming, the secondary characters lovely, and it has the requisite charm and comfort that I turn to when I pick up a book in the Harlequin Romance line.

[Pauline Destinugrainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ceritanya so sweet. Bella, gadis yang bisa berbaur dengan mudah pada lingkungan baru. Sementara Hugh pria yang kaku. Suka dengan inisiatif2 yang dilakukan Bella secara impulsif.

[Titi Sanaria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terlalu banyak percakapan yang nggak penting.

[Natha · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Almost) two years~!

[Tanya Vought · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was funny and sweet!
I loved that it kept me smiling throughout the entire story!

[Wendy Keel · Rating 5 out of 5]

BILLIONAIRE, BOSS...BRIDEGROOM is one of those fun easy reads that leaves you well happy. The author, Kate Hardy, has written a book that would in fact make a great romantic comedy movie. Bella and Hugh are great well written characters. The story is fast paced, fun, quick and easy to read. You will quickly turn pages as you laugh out loud and sigh. The story is just such a fun read. I can't say that enough. Bella tries hard to be the unsuitable girlfriend but just can't help being herself. I love that about that character, through it all she shines through. I loved the fact that Hugh who should find that frustrating and at times does, overall he finds it endearing and wonderful that she just can't be who she isn't. I loved watching these two fall in love and figure out just what they wanted. Fans of the Harlequin Romance line will find BILLIONAIRE, BOSS...Bridegroom a hit. If you are new to the line or looking a FUN read, I highly recommend this one. Can't wait to read more from Kate Hardy!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge owns a company and has a rule against dating employees. Thing is the new graphic designer Bella has caught his eye. He needs a date for his families upcoming festivities and needs a date, here's where the idea of a unsuitable fake date comes in starring Bella. Both of them seem to be skimming the fine line between business and pleasure can they really keep things seperate or will there be trouble?

I really enjoyed this book it was short, sweet and clean. I loved the connection between the two. I liked that Bella stood up for herself when given ultimatums and pretty much stayed true to herself. This was a simple easy read that I was able to get through in a matter of about 2 hours. So if you are looking for something not so complex, with a bit of romance and a good story then this book would be for you.

[Megan]

There was still an uneasy silence.

Had she gone too far? Or did she need to go further still? "Well, then," Bella said, and began to sing "Do Re Mi" very softly.

Super fluffy, though with just enough character development and emotional depth to be satisfying. Bella knew from the start, and eventually called Hugh out on, how awful his "please be my unsuitable fake girlfriend for a weekend" plan was. I love the fake dating trope, but only when authors can salvage something real and trustworthy from the ridiculousness--and I will read ALL the fake dating / fake engagement books Kate Hardy ever wants to write, because she makes it work. While this isn't my favorite book by Hardy, I loved the artsy, vivacious, bold, knows-her-worth Bella so much that she merited bumping this book from three stars to four.

[Maggie Hesseling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't laughed this hard in a while. I love novels with madcap schemes and how they seem to go wrong at every turn. Bella is one strong woman to put up with everything and still manage to keep a smile on her face for most of it. Anyone lesser would have crumbled under stress and strain. Funny, charming, and an exciting read, I really liked how I was instantly engaged and knew I was in for a wild ride.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be careful what you wish for.... might get more than you bargained on. Billionaire, Boss...Bridegroom puts the charm in charming. Bella is a sweetheart . She sees things with an optimistic eye and a sweet cheery disposition. But she is no pushover. Something Hugh has yet to learn. Hugh is a hand full. He's handsome, arrogant and her boss. Kate Hardy does a wonderful job of creating a story that is classic Harlequin. Reading this felt like home.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella was a really likable character, she was just adorable, ‘I have good taste in a lot of things.’ And then, when she saw the momentary flicker in those amazing blue eyes, she wished the words unsaid. ‘I wasn’t flirting with you,’ she added quickly." I enjoyed this book so much, Hugh could be a pain but Bella was perfect for him.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received, this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

I have to say I am not good with words, but this book was so good, it hooked you from the first page till the last. It is a must read. Get it today, you will be happy you did.

IF you love a good book, then this is for you.....

[Anna Swedenmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story. It is sweet and touching and funny. It held my attention and made me laugh as well as smile. The plot with all of its quirks fit the characters. The author did a great job of writing realistic characters the fit within the plot line. I will look for more from this author!

I was given this book in return for an honest review.
Swedenmom

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reminds me of the typical old fashioned Harlequin romance where boss meets girl and they fall in love. The story line is familiar but this one is so well written and updated that you breeze through it with smiles and appreciation. Hugh and Bella are perfect for each other and one can hope that her sister will meet a handsome man of her own.

[Harlequin Books]

"Hardy’s romance is entertaining, and readers will love Hugh and Bella’s banter" (RT Book Reviews)

Miniseries: Billionaires of London

[Linda Verhage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biljonair als bruidegom.

[Monika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Labai meh, nuspėjama, neintriguojanti, lengva knyga, kurią greitai perskaičiau ir pamiršau