He promised to stay away…but some promises are made to be broken
Plain-Jane computer programmer Khloe Richardson needs a date—one to make the prince of her dreams jealous. Maybe then he'll finally see her as a desirable swan and not the ugly duckling in the second office from the left.
But when she bids on a bachelor at a charity auction, the man she wins is millionaire Niall Hunter—who once made intense, passionate love to her and then left without a word. She's determined not to let her guard down again—among other things—around the infamous Irish lothario.
Niall never imagined his penance for one hot-as-hell night with his best friend’s little sister would be transforming her from a shy wallflower to a sultry siren. Helping her attract another man is torture...especially when he promised his friend he’d stay away. Plus, she wants forever, and he's not a forever kind of guy. But Niall can't stop wanting her. Can't stop touching her. Can't stop, period. And damn if he can remember why he has to...
Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
5 - "I'd rather have a Brazilian than go on a date with him!" Stars!
I only discovered Naima Simone’s writing last year, and I have to say she has delivered absolutely stellar books on both occasions. The Millionaire Makeover is the second book in The Bachelor Auction series, but I haven’t read the first and it had absolutely no impact on my enjoyment of this one.
Older Brothers best friend, is a winning trope for me, and Naima took the story between Niall and Khloe a little bit further in that her big brother Michael had died three years previously, and both of them were struggling with their grief over his loss, as well as their feelings for each other. I loved the prologue to this one as it highlighted just how deep their feelings go, even though Niall did cut all contact between them after one hot night together. Three years later, and one unexpected meeting and this couple are back on each others radar.
"We were close once… Friends. I want that back. I want you back."
Throw in the 'Cinderella' aspect, and that Niall was sexy as sexy can be with his Irish brogue, dirty talking and sweet but Alpha tendencies and the reconnection between this couple, even if it was to aid Khloe in her mission to snag a different guy was a really enjoyable read.
"If we’re supposed to be convincing Mr. Perfect that we’re lovers, then burning a hole in my head is counterproductive."
Neither of them were afraid to speak their minds and the sparks flew on more than one occasion, and with sometimes funny, oftentimes sexy consequences.
"Don’t even think about arguing with me. Fair warning, baby. I’m in the mood for a fight, and I wouldn’t play fair or nice."
I really enjoyed this story, I pretty much read the book in one sitting, and if you are looking for a couple of hours entertaining escapism, then you cannot go far wrong with The Millionaire Makeover. I hope we get more books from this author and series in the future.
Fun, flirty, and fabulous.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Virgin/Manwhore. H took her virginity, then proceeded to ditch her. In the three years since, he even had the time to get married and divorced. I don't know if the h hooked up with anyone else, but it's looking like a no because not only does the synopsis describe her as being a "shy wallflower," but she also needs help getting a date.
(I had originally marked this one as to-read, but after the dithering of the h in the first book, I have a feeling this is going to be more of the same. Pass.)
This book is from Entangled’s Indulgence label and that’s exactly what it was, a sweet guilty pleasure to indulge in. The tropes of falling for your best friend’s little sister, falling for the callous millionaire and the ugly duckling turning into a swan are all captured in this story and I must admit, I really enjoyed it.
Khloe has done a spectacular job of blending into the background her entire life but when her crush on a co-worker drives her to wanting to become more than furniture, her best friend comes up with the brilliant scheme of bidding on a man at a bachelor’s auction to make the man of her dreams jealous. Only, in an epic twist of fate, her mystery bachelor turns out to be none other than Niall Hunter. Niall and Khloe used to be friends. Good friends. Until her brother died in a car accident three years earlier and in their grief they spent one hot night together. It didn’t end well.
But it is what it is and together they will be making Khloe’s dream boy jealous. First though, Khloe needs a total image overhaul courtesy of Niall. And even though he always knew Khloe was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, he’s only just coming to terms with how much he’d missed her and the worrisome feelings she’s stirring in him now.
Niall was a great character. He was jaded and callous but that made the tenderness we see from his POV all the more endearing. I loved the fact that he told Khloe over and over again that she was beautiful just as she was. His inner conflict about falling for his best friend’s sister and knowing he could never give her what she deserved made for some delicious angst. Khloe was great in her own right; she put Niall in his place when he needed it but she also brought something sweet and soft to his coldness. The back and forth banter between them was hilarious but when that fire turned into chemistry the sexy times were hot!
From prologue to epilogue I adored this little treat. It was steamy, sweet, fun and in the end I even bit back a few tears.
With all the dark romance, tear jerkers, melodramas, scarred bad-boys and broken females we often read about, sometimes, we just need something a little sweet, fun and tender to perk us up again and this book did that perfectly. So if you’re looking for something low on drama and high on fun, I’d recommend The Millionaire Makeover.
(ARC received from publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
My favorite thing about this book was the chemistry between Khloe and Niall. Niall was best friends with Khloe's older brother. After Khloe's brother passes away, Niall and Khloe find comfort in each other for a night. The next morning, Niall pushes Khloe away because he promised he would never hurt her. 3 years later and they end up back in each others lives. The chemistry between them was amazing. I had only one small complaint about this book but overall, this was a really sweet romance and I really enjoyed it! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Lots of smutnip for me: Tall, dark and handsome but broody hero. Nerdy, curvy heroine. A makeover and lots of sexual tension. While the broody was a bit overwhelming, there was alot that I did enjoy.
The Setup: The story begins with Niall waking up from the latest one night stand, still a big foggy from drinking and mourning. That clears in a heartbeat when he realizes that his latest is Khloe, his best friend’s little sister. The best friend who just died. The guilt is huge, and then said BFF Michael sprinkles the cherry on top by writing a letter that essentially tells his friend he should look over Khloe. Cue the overwhelming guilt, and Niall basically shuts Khloe off. Three years pass and alot of longing ensues, but eventually romance happens.
Oh the longing: While Niall keeps himself busy wanting Khloe and making huge mistakes (more on that later), I love that Niall sees exactly how special Khloe is behind her nerdy shell. Khloe is a curvy gal (though to me, she’s normal - about a size 8-10, so this wouldn’t be a BBW tale) and since Niall ditched her with nary a word, she’s lived as a wallflower, not wanting to be hurt, simply longing for a nice, safe, stable (i.e. boring) relationship with her boss.
The makeover: Her friend Morgan pushes Khloe to make her boss see her as a woman, not just a co-worker, and buys a millionaire at an auction to take Khloe on a date to the company gala. Of course, the hunky millionaire she buys is Niall. Niall plays the part of fairy godmother/broody prince, helping Khloe transform from nerdy gal to hottie. The plan works, but Niall realizes that he can’t quite let her go the way he thinks he should.
Oh the angst: The longing would be plenty of angst between these two and there are moments when the star crossed nature of their love does hook me in. I think their chemistry is very good, and I adore the way that they are completely into each other. Niall may be tortured and broody, but he’s possessive and protective as well, and again, the fact that he loves Khloe just as she is which is brownie points in his favor. It’s a fine line to ride, and I’m not sure Niall stays on the right of it for most of the book. Khloe steps up towards the end and refuses to just be the simpering heroine, which brought a bit of balance. However...
The frustration: There is a key part of Michael’s letter that states Khloe deserves someone better than Niall or Michael. Of course, that’s the only part he pays attention to and then proceeds to step all over Khloe’s feelings in his bid to stay loyal to his dead BFF. Which, alrighty, but when he hurts the one he specifically tasked with protecting, and then he compounds the problem by running hot and cold is a special kind of frustrating. If this was Khloe, she would be vilified for being a spaz, and I hold Niall to the same standard.
I liked it, issues aside. As long as you like ugly duckling to swan stories with a broody millionaire and a little bit of jealousy, you may enjoy this.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. My first read by Naima Simone, The Millionaire Makeover told the story of Niall and Khloe. Niall was carrying a lot of guilt over the death of his best friend, Michael. Khloe was Michael’s off-limits sister who also had a major crush on Niall.
This story had all of the things I love in a good millionaire love story. Niall was an alpha tough guy. He came off as an asshole when Khloe was looking, making me love to hate him. He stupidly pushed his feelings for Khloe away, but his actions showed his soft side and deep caring.
Khloe, never having gotten over Niall, hid her beauty and self confidence in dowdy clothes. While I understood her inability to stay away from Niall, I also kind of wanted to give her a shake for making it so easy for him. But Niall won me over in the end, as sexy millionaires often do.
I really liked these two together and found the story sweet and sexy. Great read!
There are some types of stories that offer a tried and true storyline I just love to read and review. Easy flowing, a delight to read, entertaining with characters you enjoy getting to know. This one is exactly that.
The Millionaire Makeover was a fun book to read. I love the whole concept of a best friend's little sister, fall in love, steamy hot storyline. This one also included of fun bachelor auction. How can you go wrong with a story like that?
The author did a great job creating Niall and his mixed up feelings about his plain- Jane computer programmer Khloe - his best friend's sister. I love the fun storyline that the author created along with her wonderful writing talent. Her descriptions and feelings came across between these two are heated and addicting!
A guess I'm a sucker for a millionaire, billionaire type stories because I just love them and this one is one not to be missed. It is sooo good!
I really enjoyed The Millionaire Makeover. The storyline was engaging from the first page and my interest as held until the end. Loved the interaction between the main characters and the drama was well written.
Overall a heartwarming read and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Entangled Indulgence for the advance copy.
If Cinderella and Ugly Duckling had a baby, this book would be it. It has a bit of that hallmark-ish vibes, but it's not that pg-13 so we get some good ol' steamy goodness. (thank god!) ;).
Honestly, this book was cute as hell and I really enjoyed it. Maybe not as much as book 4 in the series but if you look for a nice, easy read with a brooding hero and a sweet but a bit naive heroine, go for it. These two have some really nice chemistry going on and the pace is really good. Same as the writing style. The only minus for me was Khloe's spineless behaviour. She kept sleeping with him, then crying when she thought he didn't want her and promising she would never do it again. Then she would go back for more, and then cry some more when the same happened. And so on and on. That was driving me nuts. She had no self respect that I crave so much in a heroine and was too doormaty for the feisty little moi. She kept making the same mistake over and over again and every time she she seemed equally surprised when the outcome was also the same. And I just couldn't wrap my head around it.
Also, she was all too desperados for getting a husband, like getting one would solve the world crisis or something. But we are in a romancelandia so I get that. I really loved Nial's character, especially how swoony he was about Khloe and how torn he was between what he thought was the right thing to do and what he really craved. All in all, a great read.
What I was expecting was a funny, sexy romp with our hot millionaire and our adorable, "geeky" heroine. Well, I got that, but SO much more. Simone takes us on a fun ride with clever and witty banter and inner monologue that had me literally laughing out loud. But she also twisted my heart into mush on several occasions. Especially the ending. *sigh* Brilliant, fun, and swoony romcom you don't want to miss.
Recommended for lovers of hilarious romcom and smoking hot, dark and broody Irishmen! ;)
PS: I was given a complementary copy of this book. But I do solemnly swear that I am up to...good. *wink* This is a fair, honest review and/or rating(s) of this book, pinky promise.
I have had read some decent books from this author, so I will continue to check out more works from this author in the future. However, for this book, it is simply not my cup of tea.
The plot is not original, boy loves girl, girl loves boy, they slept together, but boy can't get together with the girl, because the girl is his dead best friend's sister, and she deserve better than him. (Gag!) So boy treats girl badly after sleeping with her and disappeared from her life. Years later, boy meet girl, girl hates boy, but they lust after each other, and .......that's where I gave up.
Reasons why i gave up:
1. I found hero and heroine annoying 2. I can't understand hero's logic. I was shrieking in my head, "What! Why! It does not make sense", and my little head can not take all that shrieking 3. I frown and roll eyes through out the book 4. I found heroine hard to like. 5. Hero repeats and repeats himself over and over and over again on why he loves her but he is not good enough for her....but but but he just can't stop himself from touching her, kissing her and oops, slept with her again and oh! No! I am not good enough for her, she deserve better... and the cycle goes on.......urgh! I just cant take it anymore.
Sorry, I really wanted to like this book, but it is not for me.
I really enjoyed reading this story where we have a case of falling for a best friend sister that grew up into a beautiful girl. Khloe and Niall are wonderfully built and I felt them like I read about real persons. In the past, their one night ended badly and they haven't talked after. After some time, they are face to face again and we have a chance to read about their hilarious back and forth banter and enjoy their sexy chemistry. I loved this steamy, sweet, fun and in the end a bit teary story and can't wait to read something else from this new to me author
This second story in the Bachelor Auction series (easily read as a standalone ) is a sexy 'best friend's little sister' trope romance. Niall blames himself for his best friend Michael's death, and though in a grief filled haze he turned to Michael's younger sister Khloe to forget, he's never forgiven himself for their one night of passion in which she gave him her trust (and her virginity). Wracked with guilt, he cut off all contact, leaving Khloe alone and grieving not only her brother but the loss of her friendship with Niall too. Three years later, he's one of the bachelors at a charity auction and unwittingly is 'purchased' by Khloe's friend Morgan, his mask concealing his identity until the deed is done and Khloe finds herself face to face with the man who broke her heart. Determined to fix her mistake, Morgan insists that Niall step up to the bargain and be Khloe's plus one for a work function, one at which she's hoping to catch the eye of Bennett, the sexy and handsome CEO of her company. But Niall discovers that pretending to be Khloe's partner only inspires his own jealousy as he must come to grips with the realization that he wants Khloe now more than ever. And when she undergoes a makeover to boost her self confidence, he knows that any man worthy of her should have been able to see her beauty and spirit no matter the outward trappings. Will Niall let this opportunity of a second chance with Khloe go to waste?
This story had a fair bit of angst in it, as Niall has the emotional baggage of a poor relationship with his father, combined with the death of his best friend and alienation of their family. He's stayed clear of Khloe for three years, and would have continued staying away if not for the bachelor auction that sees him back in her life once again. He felt that staying away was the best way to honor his friend whose wish was to have Khloe meet and marry a man worthy of her (and he definitely doesn't see himself in that role). But now she's trying to get the attention of Bennett at work, and helping her show off her beauty in a more physical manner (by outfitting her with new clothes to show off her curvy figure instead of letting her hide her delectable attributes in baggy clothing) only serves to remind him of their one passionate night together, a night he should regret but can't forget. As a result of their spending time together, he sends her mixed signals, expressing his desire for her that leads to some steamy scenes between them, then pulling back and trying to distance himself from her. But he soon comes to realize that he's making a big mistake and has to prove to Khloe that he's worthy of her trust and her love.
I really liked Khloe's character, as she may have moments of weakness where Niall is concerned due to her intense desire for him, but at the same time realizes that it's not up to her to convince him to give them a chance. He needs to get over his issues if they are to end up happily together. Khloe is a smart and intelligent woman, with some self esteem problems due to her figure, but when she changes her hair and makeup and dresses in clothing that suits her, she comes to realize how physically attractive she really is, mirroring her inner beauty. I loved seeing that transformation that brought with it her new sense of self confidence. With a combination of emotional moments and super sexy scenes, this was an entertaining and enjoyable romance. 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
If you're looking for a sexy read with a great couple that has humour and will leave you with a serious case of the warm and fuzzies, then The Millionaire Makeover ticks all the boxes. Pretty much everything worked for me; the writing style, the story and the characters were a treat and this is coming from someone who isn't easily pleased when it comes to romances containing makeovers. But when you're presented with a heroine who, on the whole, does it for herself and her reasons, then that makes all the difference.
Bachelor auctions have become a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine over the past 12 months and when combined with the older brother's best-friend trope you'll certainly get no complaints. What made this different was that Niall's best friend and Khloe's brother passed away three years earlier and this brought much of the heartfelt to their story. I loved how present Michael's memory was present throughout and both Khloe and Niall are balancing their ongoing grief with their feelings for one another.
"Abandoning her is one of my greatest regrets."
Peel back Niall's layers and underneath the wealthy, brooding and, at first a little overbearing, businessman you find a thoughtful Irish gent who is a sweetheart. Intelligent and slightly awkward, Khloe is no wallflower and won't take crap from Niall and this leads to some rather heated and sexy moments between them.
This is the first book I've read from Naima Simone, and I can comfortably say it won't be my last and whilst the second book in her Bachelor Auction series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
“Millionaire Makeover” is my first book by Naima Simone, and it will definitely not be my last. Right up front: this is not a typical millionaire book. And for me, that’s a good thing. For some reason, the trope of some prick rich guy falling for his secretary doesn’t really speak to me (Pride and Prejudice notwithstanding). The fact that the guy has money is not really integral to the plot; in fact, this is really more of a second chance romance.
The Story- When Niall’s best friend and practically brother died, he had a one-night stand with BFF’s younger sister. It was everything, but when he woke in the morning, he found a letter from dead BFF asking him to take care of her and help her find a guy “worthy” of her. Since he feels that he is definitely NOT that worthy guy, he backs off and leaves her. Fast-forward a few years, and Khloe has a good job and a crush on her boss. When her best friend suggests making her appear more desirable by taking a hot date from a bachelor auction to an upcoming function, Khloe reluctantly agrees. Of course, the bachelors are masked, so she doesn’t realize that she is, in fact, bidding on Niall.
My Thoughts- My favorite thing about this book is how much Niall appreciates Khloe for who she is. He has no desire to change her; he worships her curves. He daydreams about all the naughty things that he wants to do to her. He showers her with gifts. I also love how normal Khloe is. She doesn’t normally dress up for work, preferring comfy, loose clothing (hello Lularoe!) and is generally laid-back. Khloe’s “makeover” is not about changing who she is because Niall is all about who she is. It’s more about pampering her and making her feel special. Who doesn’t want that? The romance was perfectly built with so many hot moments before they even got it on. And OMG, this book made me cry. Sentimental sigh. I did not expect to have so many feels from a “millionaire” book.
The Bottom Line- This is a wonderful contemporary. I will be reading more from Ms. Simone very soon. She has hooked me into her millionaire books, at least, and who knows? Maybe I judged the genre too quickly. Either way, this receives a sentimental 5 stars from me and a great big smile/sigh.
This had all the hallmarks of a great romance: Niall Hunter is a sexy billionaire who takes the virginity of best friend's little sister Khloe Richardson whilst drunk and mourning his best friend's death. He then finds a letter from his best friend, Michael, asking him to stay away from Khloe, because she deserved someone better, someone who could give her the white picket fence, children and dogs that she wanted. Sick with remorse at what he had done Niall kicks Khloe out and she doesn't see or hear from him again for three years.
Three years later Khloe is a curvaceous computer programming nerd with no dress sense. She has been in love with her boss Bennett Charles for six months but is too shy to say (or do) anything about it. Her best friend Morgan Lett takes her to the Rhodonite Society's annual Masquerade Bachelor Auction - her cunning plan is to buy a bachelor for Khloe to take to the company's annual gala and get Bennett to notice her. Putting aside that there must be easier ways to get a guy to notice you, most of the bachelors have created elaborate dates for the lucky winners so how Khloe was going to get her date to take her to the gala is anyone's guess.
For the most part this book delivered exactly what was expected, Khloe's friend bids on bachelor number 10 and when he removes his mask it turns out to be none other than Niall. After a rocky start Niall agrees to help Khloe get Bennett's attention - which apparently only takes a hair cut and some sexy clothing. Khloe and Niall are drawn to each other but Niall can't ignore his best friend's wishes and Khloe is conflicted.
Where I had minor gripes was with the lack of commitment. Khloe was supposed to be a badly-dressed, possibly plus-sized nerd but we saw little evidence of it. Niall owns a music label in Ireland, again we see/ hear little to suggest he does this rather than be a lawyer or work in a bank. Michael and Khloe's parents hate Niall, but TBH I have no idea why. Surely, most parents would be happy that their children were friends with a multi-millionaire? The Bennett story lingered like a bad smell, it wasn't developed enough to be a plot but it continued too long for an opening device.
After enjoying the first book in this series I found this didn't deliver on the early promise. I will probably read other books by this author but I won't auto-buy.
Oh my gosh!!! I am officially on the Naima Simone bandwagon. Why I haven’t hopped on board before, I have no idea..
The Millionaire Makeover is more than your usual best friend/sibling trope. The story has a bit of sadness and loss to it. However, it’s the loss that makes this story all the more sweeter in the end.
Off the bat, Niall Hunter and Khloe Richardson are two characters you can’t help but like. Niall is an Irish record company CEO and owner. He’s a millionaire playboy who changes women as often as he changes socks. His past has lead him to believe he isn’t the forever kind of guy. Khloe is a pleaser. She’s a computer programmer for a Boston company. For whatever reason, she likes to hide herself. She views herself as a plain-Jane. The two have been friends for years, having met when Niall became friends with Khloe’s brother Michael.
Khloe has forever written all over her. She desperately wants to attract the attention and affection of the COO of the company she works for. Her best friend, Morgan, convinces her the way to get the COO’s attention is through another man. Together the two attend a bachelor auction where as fate would have it, they bid on and win a date with Niall. In order to keep a promise to his best friend, Niall agrees to help Khloe attract the man of her dreams. The type of man she deserves.
Naima has brought humor and heat to an emotional story. What transpires is a tale of love, loss, redemption, forgiveness, and above all else learning yourself worth.
The Millionaire Makeover is the second book in the Bachelor Auction series. It is completely a standalone read. While I’m definitely going to go back and read the first book, Beauty and the Bachelor, I’m hoping Khloe’s friend Morgan gets her own story. Morgan is a force of nature and the friend every woman should have. Plus, I would love to see the man who can manage to tame her.
I just love when you have a tortured soul who thinks they're unworthy of any kind of happily-ever-after. That's why I truly enjoyed Niall and Khloe's story. This story had all the makings of a great love story for me. The handsome, rich, tortured millionaire b.k.a Niall Hunter, who doesn't think he deserves anything more than meaningless relationships with many unmemorable women. Then we have the good-girl self-proclaimed nerd, Khloe Richardson, who knows she's not your run-of-the-mill natural beauty, but if she could just find the right man, she knows they can be happy together. These two have a past history that didn't end on good terms. Now that they've come face to face after several years apart can the two mend fences and become friends, or are they meant for so much more? There were many reason I enjoyed this book, but what I loved most about them is how they were each others biggest cheerleader. I felt the deep love and admiration they had for each other and refused to let the other think anything less of themselves. I could feel the deep love they had for each other, and nothing, not even distance or time, could stop them from eventually ending up together. And yes, the passion between these two was smokin hot! This story had me rooting for this couple to finally get it together and see that what they both wanted and need most was each other. I give this one a solid 4 stars!
Ok, so what Niall did - slept with Khloe, then maintained radio silence for 3 years while he got married in the meantime - was utterly abhorrent, I can't deny just how well Naima Simone writes. She keeps the tension and the ache up the whole entire time, and despite the pat ending, leaves me very satisfied.
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PHWOAR!
That was one, scorching hot read! Naima Simone seriously doesn't hold back on the sex and the plain talking! This book, sizzled!
Some of the scenarios might've been contrived, especially with Michael interfering from beyond the grave, but it was such a lovely, honest story. Niall, a man unaccustomed to love, finds himself missing his best friend, and deeming himself unworthy of the love of the most amazing woman he had ever known... who also happened to be his dead best friend's little sister.
Khloe was a fun read too, putting herself into a box both of her parents' and her own making. She (at least!) broke out of her parents' expectations, and excelled at being a programmer (in the same company as Morgan's!), but doesn't see herself as beautiful, let alone desirable. It was fun being treated to a Cinderella-like makeover, but equally fun that we were treated to Niall's view of her, right from the outset.
Another sure fire winner by Ms Simone!!! I love her books. They are great little nuggets of awesomeness. Great characters, fabulously well written characters and a story you can really sink your teeth into! The characters make you feel genuine concern for them and you're rooting for their HEA!!!
Millionaire Makeover was a sumptuous read, I easily got lost in the world of Niall and Khloe. I'm a sucker for the old best friends sister/brother trope so this was right up my alley. I loved to hate Niall to start with after he was pretty awful in the way he treated Khloe. But sure as fate he slowly grew on me! He is one very mixed up, tied in knots Alpha hottie! I loved the way Khloe unravelled his knots and he became such a better person once he let himself really love her.
I'm not usually a fan of millionaire/billionaire characters as they are getting a bit done to death but I couldn't help myself loving this very well crafted story. I read this in one sitting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What are you waiting for - go buy it now!!!
Wow what a wonderful read! I loved the story and it has some strong as well as well developed characters. And the ending was just epic, brought tears to my eyes. All Khloe wants is a date for a gala. She thinks she is love with her boss but he has never paid any attention to her. Now this is her last desperate attempt to make him notice her. But somehow she ends up with Niall being her date. She hates him and can't stand his presence so now she cannot even go the gala.. What Niall didn't expect was to see Khloe after three years and still have the same feelings for her. One woman he can never have is the one woman he wants most. He doesn't know what to do in this situation. On one hand he wants to help her but on the other hand he knows this isn't a good idea. he cannot betray his deceased friend by breaking his little sister's heart. Or maybe he has already done that. In any case he has to stay away but will he?? A very touching and romantic story, I enjoyed reading it a lot.
I found that second chance love could be undoubtedly the best. The heat, the fire, the chemistry along with the hurt, the lost, the confusion. Naima Simone brings me into the world of Khloe and Niall. A 4star Makeover. Their one night of passion has been cast in to the role of being just for comfort from the loss of someone close to them both. Now life has dealt them a second chance with a few bumps in the way.
Niall was this hot as sin, sexy as all get out foreign speaking (hot Irish brogue), best friend to her brother, and a millionaire to boot up for auction. What could he possibly see in a shy wallflower, plain Jane, computer programmer like Khloe?
Niall can be quite the jealous man, “because another man’s hands were on you. Because another man sat at your side like you were his. Because I wanted to beat the ***t out of him for daring to touch you, but I didn’t have the right.” I liked this book Niall was one strong alpha.
Khloe has hatched the perfect plan: go to a bachelor auction (as you do), take her bachelor as her date to the office Christmas party, and when her longtime crush sees her with another man, he’ll suddenly realize she’s everything he’s ever wanted and fall for her on the spot. Shockingly, this plan falls apart almost immediately, as the bachelor she wins turns out to be Niall, the gorgeous Irish hunk who broke her heart years ago. Niall does the whole “I’m not good enough for you” self-flagellation routine that drives me nuts, but I could overlook my annoyance at his stupidity because his chemistry with Khloe is flaming hot. This one is definitely on the High Angst end of the spectrum, so judge for yourself if that fits your holiday reading needs.
It’s not often you get a Cinderella tale where the hero is both the fairy godmother and Prince Charming. Niall Hunter plays both roles in The Millionaire Makeover, and the results are fantastic. Naima Simone’s second Bachelor Auction novel is fast, fun, sexy, and tugs on the heartstrings in the best way.
Khloe Richardson had a huge crush on her brother’s best friend, but after tragedy brings her and Niall together for one hot night, Niall cuts her out of her life. Khloe wants to hate him, but when she accidentally wins him at a bachelor auction and can’t get out of spending time with him, she decides to have Niall help transform her into a desirable woman. What Khloe doesn’t know is that – to Niall – she is already the most desirable woman on the planet. But Niall made a vow to her late brother to stay away from Khloe and he intends to keep it, even though helping her attract the attention of another man is slowly killing him.
What makes The Millionaire Makeover shine are its characters. Khloe is sweet and has a generous heart, but she has no qualms about standing up for herself and telling Niall straight out what she needs. Niall, in turn, is a tortured hero who lost the closest thing he had to family when Khloe’s brother, Michael, died. There is nothing Niall wouldn’t do for Michael, but it’s clear to see that – though he thinks he’s not the kind of man Michael would want falling for his sister – Niall is exactly the man for Khloe. I absolutely loved that Niall thought Khloe was the most beautiful woman ever long before he helped her with her makeover. Her Cinderella moment is to help her see herself for the beauty she is, to give her the confidence she longs for. The attraction between them is sizzling and watching the sparks fly between them is truly fun. What grabbed me the most, however, was their emotional connection. Niall and Khloe bring out the best in each other, and the way they fit both as friends and lovers makes it easy to be swept away by their romance. Of course, Ms. Simone doesn’t make things easy on either of them. Khloe will have to decide if she can take a risk on Niall again and he will have to fight his inner turmoil, become the man she needs, and go for what he wants. Every bump in the road is worth it, because these two deserve a true happily ever after.
The Millionaire Makeover is a captivating modern-day fairytale and I absolutely adored it. Though it’s the second book in the Bachelor Auction series, it reads like a standalone tale. That being said, I enjoyed Khloe and Niall’s romance so much that I absolutely have to go back and read the first book in the series, Beauty and the Bachelor. The Millionaire Makeover is the first book of Ms. Simone’s I’ve read and I can’t wait to read more of her work!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Millionaire Makeover is about two individuals whose grief brought them together for one night, and after not seeing each other for a while fate has brought them together again, this time for good.
Having read the previous book in the series, Beauty and the Bachelor, I have to say that Simone has done a great job at bringing a fresh and interesting book yet again. I loved reading the first book, but The Millionaire Makeover had me reading non-stop. In this particular book we get to meet Khloe Richardson, a computer programmer whose job and personality has always kept her from standing out. After the dead of her brother, Khloe has been trying to move on with her life, but the events that transpired afterward has kept her from being in a relationship. It was the very friendship that she had with her brother's best friend that made them crossed the line and they ended up sleeping together. Needless to say, the next morning she wakes up completely alone without knowing where Niall had gone. Fast-forwarding a couple years later, Khloe finds herself in the middle of a unique auction where her friend promised to find her a date. Yet fate had other plans, and she ended up bidding on non other than Niall Hunter. Shocked and without knowing what to do, Khloe decides to ignore Niall, but after knowing each other for so long he knows how to convince her to say yes to him, and they go on a “date,” and soon he decides to help her in the makeover department.
Soon they both start to realize that they might just be perfect for each other, but there are too many secrets that Niall has been hiding from Khloe, and they could potentially end up hurting what they already have. With both point-of-views, we are able to understand why the characters make the decisions that they made, and things slowly start to clear up towards the end of the book. There is something about Niall that had me reading non-stop, he is sweet and kind. He knows that Khloe's brother would have wanted a better man for his sister, but Niall's attraction towards Khloe starts to grow and it makes things between them that much more difficult to hide. On the other hand, Khloe has a very insecure personality, she doesn't know what to do to get the attention of the guy that she likes, and she is willing to change to make him see her. As the two start to spend more time together, they slowly start to heal and it all comes to an end when they have to decide of whether or not they are willing to be with each other or not. Overall, the writing was great and it wasn't fast paced as much, which had me really enjoying the ending. If you are looking for a quick romantic read about second chances, lots of steamy scenes and sweet moments between the characters then I would highly recommend reading this book and the first in the series as well. : )
***ARC provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.***