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Billionaire Fairy Tales #4
The Big, Bad Billionaire
An intensely sexy Billionaire Fairy Tales standalone novel by Jackie Ashenden that is billionaire romance meets Little Red Riding Hood with a happily ever after.
Wicked. Ruthless. Obsessed.
Sent away from his family as a boy because he couldn’t be controlled, Rafe DeSantis’s new guardian turned him into a monster. One who wants only two things out of life: To get revenge on the father who destroyed his life. And to possess the woman who was kept from him. Ella Hart has been his obsession for years, and now that he’s her guardian he’s finally in position to black mail her into his bed. And once he has her there? He’s going to eat her up.
Innocent. Alone. Hunted.
Ella has been living with her grandmother since the death of her parents when she was a child. She’s learned to pour her grief and pain into dance, and it’s become her escape. Her passion. Now she’s set her sights on a prestigious dance school in Paris. But there’s one problem. Ella was so young when her parents died, her money was left in the hands of the DeSantis family…and it’s now controlled by Rafe. A man she’s always found compelling and terrifying at the same time. Rafe offers her an ultimatum: Give herself to him, body and soul, and she’ll get the money she needs.
Ella isn’t in a position to refuse, though she tries to resist the sexy billionaire. It feels good, until her heart becomes involved. Does the big bad billionaire want to capture her heart? Or does he only want to own her body?
Don't miss these standalone Billionaire Fairy Tales:
The Billionaire's Virgin (Cinderella)
The Billionaire Beast (Beauty and the Beast)
The Billionaire's Intern (Sleeping Beauty)
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2017
22 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Ashenden
488 books976 followersJackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
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November 13, 2017
The Big, Bad Billionaire is book four in the Billionaire Fairy Tales series by Jackie Ashenden. This is a re-telling of the Red Riding Hood Fairy Tale. In this re-telling, Little Red Riding Hood is a sweet, innocent ballerina and the big bad wolf, Rafael de Santis, is most definitely to be feared.
Rafael or Rafe as he prefers to be called, is thirty-two years old. As a young child, he had trouble controlling his emotions and easily fell into temper tantrums or rages. His parents could not be troubled with a “broken” child, so they sent him off to his grandfather. His grandfather told him he would “fix” him. And he did. But his methods were barbaric and horrible. And Rafe bears the scars as proof. He knows that he is still broken, can never really be fixed. But he has learned through pain to control his emotions. To only let others see what he wants them to see.
“He was a chameleon, who showed people only what they wanted to see or what he wanted them to see, all the while keeping his real self hidden. Who was the real Rafael de Santis? Did he himself even know?”
When Rafe was returned to his parents, he vowed he would get his revenge on his father. Over the years he slowly planed the takeover of his father’s corporation, DS Corp, the biggest weapons and security company in the States. He has succeeded in this endeavor and now he wants the woman he has yearned for, obsessed over since he was a boy and she a toddler. The only person that seemed to accept him, like him even, as he was, until she was turned against him. He would have her no matter what, his Ella Hart.
Ella was the daughter of one of Rafe’s father’s oldest friends. She was twenty years old and a ballerina with a minor New York dance company. Rafe had known her since she was two years old. But since his return to his parents, had only occasionally seen her. Ella lost both her parents years ago and Rafe’s father was guardian of her inheritance. Now Rafe has assumed guardianship. Ella desperately wants to attend a summer dance program in Paris and needs the funds approved and Rafe is the only one that can approve it. Rafe has very specific terms for what he wants in exchange for this approval.
Ever since the first time Rafe saw Ella dance, it calmed the beast within him. He couldn’t explain it but it was the only time he was completely quiet, calm. Ella suffers from anxiety. Her parents were so quickly taken from her. All she has left is her grandmother. The only time her fears are quiet is when she dances. But somehow, when she is near to Rafe, she forgets her fears. She feels so many other things instead. Things that are equally terrifying and thrilling at the same time.
Rafe and Ella do butt heads from the beginning. But Rafe likes it when he sees her straighten her spine in anger, sees the fire in her eyes. It takes away that wary look, the fear he saw there before.
“Run, little Red,” Rafe murmured, watching her walk fast up the steps to her front door. “Run while you can. But one day I’ll catch you, make no mistake. And you’re going to love it when I do.”
This is a pretty dark story. Rafe is a man who is powered by revenge for the wrongs he has suffered. Ella is frightened and lonely. Together these two fill in the missing pieces each of them need. But can they truly accept each other, open themselves the way they need to in order to make the relationship work? Can they truly love each other?
This is my second Jackie Ashenden book. I was a little surprised at my reaction to it. I knew Rafe would be a bit dark but the way he manipulated everyone still bothered me a bit. He was completely dedicated to Elle. But only on his terms. Or so he thought. I wanted to love him anyway but did have a little trouble finding enough redeeming qualities to make my heart warm to him. I think the true question here was, who held the true power? Was it Rafe as he thought, or was it little Ella, Little Red? You will have to decide for yourself if you read this.
“You’re mine. You always have been. And now I have you, I’m not giving you up.”
Rafael or Rafe as he prefers to be called, is thirty-two years old. As a young child, he had trouble controlling his emotions and easily fell into temper tantrums or rages. His parents could not be troubled with a “broken” child, so they sent him off to his grandfather. His grandfather told him he would “fix” him. And he did. But his methods were barbaric and horrible. And Rafe bears the scars as proof. He knows that he is still broken, can never really be fixed. But he has learned through pain to control his emotions. To only let others see what he wants them to see.
“He was a chameleon, who showed people only what they wanted to see or what he wanted them to see, all the while keeping his real self hidden. Who was the real Rafael de Santis? Did he himself even know?”
When Rafe was returned to his parents, he vowed he would get his revenge on his father. Over the years he slowly planed the takeover of his father’s corporation, DS Corp, the biggest weapons and security company in the States. He has succeeded in this endeavor and now he wants the woman he has yearned for, obsessed over since he was a boy and she a toddler. The only person that seemed to accept him, like him even, as he was, until she was turned against him. He would have her no matter what, his Ella Hart.
Ella was the daughter of one of Rafe’s father’s oldest friends. She was twenty years old and a ballerina with a minor New York dance company. Rafe had known her since she was two years old. But since his return to his parents, had only occasionally seen her. Ella lost both her parents years ago and Rafe’s father was guardian of her inheritance. Now Rafe has assumed guardianship. Ella desperately wants to attend a summer dance program in Paris and needs the funds approved and Rafe is the only one that can approve it. Rafe has very specific terms for what he wants in exchange for this approval.
Ever since the first time Rafe saw Ella dance, it calmed the beast within him. He couldn’t explain it but it was the only time he was completely quiet, calm. Ella suffers from anxiety. Her parents were so quickly taken from her. All she has left is her grandmother. The only time her fears are quiet is when she dances. But somehow, when she is near to Rafe, she forgets her fears. She feels so many other things instead. Things that are equally terrifying and thrilling at the same time.
Rafe and Ella do butt heads from the beginning. But Rafe likes it when he sees her straighten her spine in anger, sees the fire in her eyes. It takes away that wary look, the fear he saw there before.
“Run, little Red,” Rafe murmured, watching her walk fast up the steps to her front door. “Run while you can. But one day I’ll catch you, make no mistake. And you’re going to love it when I do.”
This is a pretty dark story. Rafe is a man who is powered by revenge for the wrongs he has suffered. Ella is frightened and lonely. Together these two fill in the missing pieces each of them need. But can they truly accept each other, open themselves the way they need to in order to make the relationship work? Can they truly love each other?
This is my second Jackie Ashenden book. I was a little surprised at my reaction to it. I knew Rafe would be a bit dark but the way he manipulated everyone still bothered me a bit. He was completely dedicated to Elle. But only on his terms. Or so he thought. I wanted to love him anyway but did have a little trouble finding enough redeeming qualities to make my heart warm to him. I think the true question here was, who held the true power? Was it Rafe as he thought, or was it little Ella, Little Red? You will have to decide for yourself if you read this.
“You’re mine. You always have been. And now I have you, I’m not giving you up.”
November 19, 2017
After reading this one I had to let it kind of roll around in my head for a few days because my feelings were all over the place and I wasn't sure where I really stood. Even after really thinking about it, I'm still not sure I know.
This is Rafe and Ella's story. Rafe has fought hard for everything he has. Being sent away when he was fourteen to control his volatile temper, by parents too disinterested to bother with him, Rafe grew up away from his brothers and sister. Living with his grandfather, Rafe learned the hard way how to control his anger but also to bury all his other emotions too. Not only that but he learned to crave revenge, to never lose sight of one fact. He wasn't broken and there would come a time when he would get what was his due from his father.
After years of playing the part and moving all the pieces on the board, Rafe finally forced his father's retirement, took control of his billion dollar corporation and only one thing is left to claim. Ella.
Ella has always found Rafe intimidating and although he fooled everyone else, she could see behind his fake smile and hollow charm. When Rafe drops the bombshell that he's taken over guardianship of her and as such, control of her trust, Ella's dream of studying ballet in Paris is threatened.
Ella and Rafe try to play a game of dominance and control with each other. Each trying to get one over on the other. What starts as a battle of wills quickly turns into a complicated love story between young innocent Ella and Rafe, a man who isn't as impenetrable as he seems.
My thoughts:
The second half of the book was emotionally gripping and Ella and Rafe really came through as strong leads. They both shared some heavy things (Rafe, especially) and showed a lot of emotional growth. They deal with some really difficult stuff, stuff that is not easily solved and not magically cured by love. Its gritty and real and I like that it didn't gloss over the facts or sugar coat it.
What left me so confused with this read is the first half of their story. Rafe's behavior is off the charts arrogant and at times damn right messed up. I'm talking not redeemable messed up. The way he blackmails Ella, the way he constantly pushes her buttons, manipulates and provokes her, it was all so calculating that there wasn't a lot of room for the softer emotions. Ella was also an heroine that sent a lot of mixed signals. She starts by fearing and then hating Rafe. She literally has zero interest in him until he pushes and corners her and that didn't come off as romantic to me. The story went from zero to 60 with no in between.
The vulnerable side of Rafe and Ella's feelings form him was slow to emerge but it does eventually get rolling and it becomes a pretty unstoppable force. The problem is the story is written kind of like a novella. It's not very long and I felt like Rafe and Ella's story deserved a bit more closure. I got attached to them and it would have been nice to follow them a little bit longer. After everything they go through, an epilogue a year, or even a few months later, would have gone a long way to smoothing over the abrupt ending.
Favorite Line:
Recommended? It's a solid read for those into dark and twisty, damaged Hs and those that don't mind the slow burn.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
SAFETY INFO:
This is Rafe and Ella's story. Rafe has fought hard for everything he has. Being sent away when he was fourteen to control his volatile temper, by parents too disinterested to bother with him, Rafe grew up away from his brothers and sister. Living with his grandfather, Rafe learned the hard way how to control his anger but also to bury all his other emotions too. Not only that but he learned to crave revenge, to never lose sight of one fact. He wasn't broken and there would come a time when he would get what was his due from his father.
After years of playing the part and moving all the pieces on the board, Rafe finally forced his father's retirement, took control of his billion dollar corporation and only one thing is left to claim. Ella.
Ella has always found Rafe intimidating and although he fooled everyone else, she could see behind his fake smile and hollow charm. When Rafe drops the bombshell that he's taken over guardianship of her and as such, control of her trust, Ella's dream of studying ballet in Paris is threatened.
Ella and Rafe try to play a game of dominance and control with each other. Each trying to get one over on the other. What starts as a battle of wills quickly turns into a complicated love story between young innocent Ella and Rafe, a man who isn't as impenetrable as he seems.
My thoughts:
The second half of the book was emotionally gripping and Ella and Rafe really came through as strong leads. They both shared some heavy things (Rafe, especially) and showed a lot of emotional growth. They deal with some really difficult stuff, stuff that is not easily solved and not magically cured by love. Its gritty and real and I like that it didn't gloss over the facts or sugar coat it.
What left me so confused with this read is the first half of their story. Rafe's behavior is off the charts arrogant and at times damn right messed up. I'm talking not redeemable messed up. The way he blackmails Ella, the way he constantly pushes her buttons, manipulates and provokes her, it was all so calculating that there wasn't a lot of room for the softer emotions. Ella was also an heroine that sent a lot of mixed signals. She starts by fearing and then hating Rafe. She literally has zero interest in him until he pushes and corners her and that didn't come off as romantic to me. The story went from zero to 60 with no in between.
The vulnerable side of Rafe and Ella's feelings form him was slow to emerge but it does eventually get rolling and it becomes a pretty unstoppable force. The problem is the story is written kind of like a novella. It's not very long and I felt like Rafe and Ella's story deserved a bit more closure. I got attached to them and it would have been nice to follow them a little bit longer. After everything they go through, an epilogue a year, or even a few months later, would have gone a long way to smoothing over the abrupt ending.
Favorite Line:
...hope wasn't a light inside him. Hope was the woman in his arms. Hope was his Little Red.
Recommended? It's a solid read for those into dark and twisty, damaged Hs and those that don't mind the slow burn.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
SAFETY INFO:
December 8, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Rating 3.75.
Fairy tale theme of big bad wolf and little red riding hood. Seemed to be forced into the story somehow, choppy, not really smooth or woven into the romance well (in my humble opinion).
But definitely lot's of sexual tension, over the top chemistry and alpha hero (maybe a tad too much at times...).
Ella Hart has only her grandmother and her dancing. But she loves both and passionately. Ella would like to go to Paris to attend a special dance school, but she needs to ask her guardian for the monies. Ella is on the quite and shy side but very sweet and strong. She doesn't believe she'll have any problem getting a "yes" form her guardian, Rafe.
Rafe is a successful in running his company. He's had an issue with controlling his temper and was sent away at a fairly young age. Rafe's life as a child/teenager wasn't what you would call happy. Rafe was always felt something special for Ella. So when he became her guardian he watched over her and became more intrigued by her as she grew into a beautiful young woman. The woman Ella, was what Rafe wanted and waited for. So when she comes to him as an adult asking for monies for her schooling Rafe decided the time was right address his attraction to her.
This was a hot, cute and sexy read. Pacing was good and writing good too.
Rating 3.75.
Fairy tale theme of big bad wolf and little red riding hood. Seemed to be forced into the story somehow, choppy, not really smooth or woven into the romance well (in my humble opinion).
But definitely lot's of sexual tension, over the top chemistry and alpha hero (maybe a tad too much at times...).
Ella Hart has only her grandmother and her dancing. But she loves both and passionately. Ella would like to go to Paris to attend a special dance school, but she needs to ask her guardian for the monies. Ella is on the quite and shy side but very sweet and strong. She doesn't believe she'll have any problem getting a "yes" form her guardian, Rafe.
Rafe is a successful in running his company. He's had an issue with controlling his temper and was sent away at a fairly young age. Rafe's life as a child/teenager wasn't what you would call happy. Rafe was always felt something special for Ella. So when he became her guardian he watched over her and became more intrigued by her as she grew into a beautiful young woman. The woman Ella, was what Rafe wanted and waited for. So when she comes to him as an adult asking for monies for her schooling Rafe decided the time was right address his attraction to her.
This was a hot, cute and sexy read. Pacing was good and writing good too.
November 20, 2017
Intense with a fab ending.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is completely different from the first in the series. Featuring the dark and hard emotions of Rafe, this book is a standalone.
I had a hard time coming to terms with Rafe. He was mean, he was abrupt but he was completely captivated with Ella. So you know he had to have some redeeming qualities. We just had to go through a lot to find them.
He likes to use fear and intimidation but that tended to backfire with the strong backbone in Elma. Even with the dark undertones, you knew he had a passion when it came to this woman. And soon she knew it too.
While the story was never about hurting her it was only ever about the fact he did not know how to show love and emotion. It was about power and revenge, passion and care. It was a struggle to understand him and read between the lines sometimes. But the further you get into the book, the more you understand him and get the story.
This is an intense read. There’s not a lot of happiness and sweetness. But there is an intense emotion and feeling as well as passion and heat. The ending was awesome!
The author did a great job creating this difficult character and showing all of his different sides. Definitely a change from what we normally see from her but a great addition to the overall series. I can’t wait for the next one.
*copy received for review and I read it voluntarily
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is completely different from the first in the series. Featuring the dark and hard emotions of Rafe, this book is a standalone.
I had a hard time coming to terms with Rafe. He was mean, he was abrupt but he was completely captivated with Ella. So you know he had to have some redeeming qualities. We just had to go through a lot to find them.
He likes to use fear and intimidation but that tended to backfire with the strong backbone in Elma. Even with the dark undertones, you knew he had a passion when it came to this woman. And soon she knew it too.
While the story was never about hurting her it was only ever about the fact he did not know how to show love and emotion. It was about power and revenge, passion and care. It was a struggle to understand him and read between the lines sometimes. But the further you get into the book, the more you understand him and get the story.
This is an intense read. There’s not a lot of happiness and sweetness. But there is an intense emotion and feeling as well as passion and heat. The ending was awesome!
The author did a great job creating this difficult character and showing all of his different sides. Definitely a change from what we normally see from her but a great addition to the overall series. I can’t wait for the next one.
*copy received for review and I read it voluntarily
April 26, 2022
4.5 stars
Really enjoyed this and it would have been a 5 star (I had the glowing review written in my head) if it wasn't for that abrupt underwhelming ending. Mind you I don't normally deduct stars just for an ending especially when I'm enjoying a book a lot--actually yes I do, I take that back lol-- but the ending here fell short. I really thought the hero should have been the one to make the final *grand gesture* and apology, not the heroine. Or at least both apologizing not just her. Let me be clear since my rambling is gonna make it seem like he did something catastrophic that needed epic groveling, no. It's a fight with heated words but it's a very vulnerable emotional moment where the hero Rafe's deep trauma and how he copes with it is revealed. He doesn't handle it well when she catches him and shows his claws so to speak to push her away. But the fact that he didn't even utter an "I'm sorry" after the fact when they reconcile was kind of lame and OOC for him. There are very few times where I would say this and at the risk of sounding presumptuous to even imply I know better than the author (I don't) but I feel like JA played that last beat wrong with who needed to do the groveling. Through the whole story we see Ella opening up to Rafe and making headway in facing her fears and deep anxiety issues while Rafe bottles up his trauma and not wanting to open up to her. So yes, Rafe needed to pull up his big boy pants and realize it was his turn to face his fears and let Ella in. Having your heroine who has done most of the emotional leg work in the relationship apologize made no sense to me. I did not see Ella "running scared" during their fight, at least that's not how it translated in that scene for me. She stood her ground and tried to get him let her in and wanted to help him until Rafe bulldozed right over her to get her to leave. That to me is not running scared or giving up at all. Rafe was the one who gave up by pushing her away. Like...how else was that break up scene supposed to be interpreted? And I was especially annoyed that we had another character have to tell the heroine how she messed up and reacted wrong (in case the readers were not picking up on it 😒). I felt like I was not on the same page with the author's narrative here and I felt it was a forced and sloppy way to create a quick resolution.
But anyways, really liked this overall. I thought this was a fun clever take on the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. Loved that the heroine was a professional ballet dancer going head to head with a ruthless hero who has pined for her for so long. This felt like a Harlequin romance with the super possessive alpha hero who is obsessed with the sheltered younger heroine. I loved seeing the heroine's growth from scared and timid to speaking her mind and facing her fears. The fact that Rafe loved to provoke her and make her angry so she could get over her timidness and anxieties and stand up to him was a great dynamic. Their date nights were probably my favorite moments seeing them geeking out over their shared love for Sci fi films and seeing Rafe so open, playful and flirtatious. Really adorable. He really is the big bad "wolf" and I enjoyed it. Loved all the little nods to the fable and how layered and flawed both hero and heroine were. Jackie Ashenden is a talented writer for sure and so far this is my favorite installment from her. I would recommend this if you are looking for a nice quick passionate read.
Trigger warnings:
Really enjoyed this and it would have been a 5 star (I had the glowing review written in my head) if it wasn't for that abrupt underwhelming ending. Mind you I don't normally deduct stars just for an ending especially when I'm enjoying a book a lot--actually yes I do, I take that back lol-- but the ending here fell short. I really thought the hero should have been the one to make the final *grand gesture* and apology, not the heroine. Or at least both apologizing not just her. Let me be clear since my rambling is gonna make it seem like he did something catastrophic that needed epic groveling, no. It's a fight with heated words but it's a very vulnerable emotional moment where the hero Rafe's deep trauma and how he copes with it is revealed. He doesn't handle it well when she catches him and shows his claws so to speak to push her away. But the fact that he didn't even utter an "I'm sorry" after the fact when they reconcile was kind of lame and OOC for him. There are very few times where I would say this and at the risk of sounding presumptuous to even imply I know better than the author (I don't) but I feel like JA played that last beat wrong with who needed to do the groveling. Through the whole story we see Ella opening up to Rafe and making headway in facing her fears and deep anxiety issues while Rafe bottles up his trauma and not wanting to open up to her. So yes, Rafe needed to pull up his big boy pants and realize it was his turn to face his fears and let Ella in. Having your heroine who has done most of the emotional leg work in the relationship apologize made no sense to me. I did not see Ella "running scared" during their fight, at least that's not how it translated in that scene for me. She stood her ground and tried to get him let her in and wanted to help him until Rafe bulldozed right over her to get her to leave. That to me is not running scared or giving up at all. Rafe was the one who gave up by pushing her away. Like...how else was that break up scene supposed to be interpreted? And I was especially annoyed that we had another character have to tell the heroine how she messed up and reacted wrong (in case the readers were not picking up on it 😒). I felt like I was not on the same page with the author's narrative here and I felt it was a forced and sloppy way to create a quick resolution.
But anyways, really liked this overall. I thought this was a fun clever take on the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. Loved that the heroine was a professional ballet dancer going head to head with a ruthless hero who has pined for her for so long. This felt like a Harlequin romance with the super possessive alpha hero who is obsessed with the sheltered younger heroine. I loved seeing the heroine's growth from scared and timid to speaking her mind and facing her fears. The fact that Rafe loved to provoke her and make her angry so she could get over her timidness and anxieties and stand up to him was a great dynamic. Their date nights were probably my favorite moments seeing them geeking out over their shared love for Sci fi films and seeing Rafe so open, playful and flirtatious. Really adorable. He really is the big bad "wolf" and I enjoyed it. Loved all the little nods to the fable and how layered and flawed both hero and heroine were. Jackie Ashenden is a talented writer for sure and so far this is my favorite installment from her. I would recommend this if you are looking for a nice quick passionate read.
Trigger warnings:
September 12, 2019
“The question isn’t whether I can get rid of you,” he murmured, putting his hands down on the couch cushions on either side of her head. “It’s whether you can get away from me. And if you don’t know the answer to that, here’s a hint.” He lowered his head so his face was bare inches from hers and whispered, “Never.”
"The Big, Bad Billionaire" is the story of Ella and Rafe.
So good!
In this book, we have a broken, scarred hero who is utterly obsessed with our naive, determined heroine. Having stalked her for years from afar, he has finally manipulated his way into becoming her guardian..and making her his. She initially fights him, but his ruthless determination is no match for her virginal fright, and she ultimately surrenders. But when his dark past and truth unveils itself, will the heroine continue to fight to be with him?
Wonderful book with a crazy, possessive hero, a sweet innocent heroine, loads of psycho-obsessive love, a non-glorifying portrayal of self harm, hot hot sex, resolution of problems and ultimate HEA. Oh, and it was May-December goodness.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Safe?SWE?
4/5
"The Big, Bad Billionaire" is the story of Ella and Rafe.
So good!
In this book, we have a broken, scarred hero who is utterly obsessed with our naive, determined heroine. Having stalked her for years from afar, he has finally manipulated his way into becoming her guardian..and making her his. She initially fights him, but his ruthless determination is no match for her virginal fright, and she ultimately surrenders. But when his dark past and truth unveils itself, will the heroine continue to fight to be with him?
Wonderful book with a crazy, possessive hero, a sweet innocent heroine, loads of psycho-obsessive love, a non-glorifying portrayal of self harm, hot hot sex, resolution of problems and ultimate HEA. Oh, and it was May-December goodness.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Safe?SWE?
4/5
December 3, 2017
Ella's passion has led her to ask for help from the one person she was told to stay away from, Rafe, her guardian. At first I wanted to smack Rafe because he was a bit ruthless but the more I read and realized was that Rafe's past was not a pretty one. Despite it all he still had a soft side deep inside him and Bella was the one that brought that out.
Rafe has been patiently waiting and biding his time until it was right to have Ella within his reach. The time has come now and there is nothing or no one that will stop him from receiving his reward-Ella.
Ella's feistiness and determination to not be intimidated and bullied by Rafe had me rooting for her. And Big Bad Rafe, well he was deliciously sexy and right down ruthless when it came to anything that was Ella related.
Despite Ella's determination to put and keep Rafe in his place, well his alpha helped her change her mind especially when he made her see that she was just another person in his life. She was his everything!
Totally swooning and getting myself all hot and bothered because Rafe was just down right sexy and dirty. ~ Kara, 4 Stars
Rafe has been patiently waiting and biding his time until it was right to have Ella within his reach. The time has come now and there is nothing or no one that will stop him from receiving his reward-Ella.
Ella's feistiness and determination to not be intimidated and bullied by Rafe had me rooting for her. And Big Bad Rafe, well he was deliciously sexy and right down ruthless when it came to anything that was Ella related.
Despite Ella's determination to put and keep Rafe in his place, well his alpha helped her change her mind especially when he made her see that she was just another person in his life. She was his everything!
Totally swooning and getting myself all hot and bothered because Rafe was just down right sexy and dirty. ~ Kara, 4 Stars
November 21, 2017
The Big, Bad Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden is Book Four in the "Billionaire Fairy Tales" series. This is the story of Rafe DeSantis and Ella Hart. I have read (and loved) the other books in this series but feel this can be a standalone book. This has a feel of the Big Bad Wolf storyline.
Rafe due to his vital temperament Rafe when he was a teenager was sent to away. Rafe childhood has made him the hard and distant person that he is today. Rafe looks to take what he lost and what he wants back. On that list is Ella who he plans to have.
Ella has dreams of going to a famous dance school in Paris. Dancing has been her dream and escape after loosing her parents. But now her money and guardianship is tied up now with Rafe. But Rafe has plans to help her but at a high price.
I have really enjoyed this series! Although Rafe started off pretty harsh we soon saw his softer side toward Ella.
Rafe due to his vital temperament Rafe when he was a teenager was sent to away. Rafe childhood has made him the hard and distant person that he is today. Rafe looks to take what he lost and what he wants back. On that list is Ella who he plans to have.
Ella has dreams of going to a famous dance school in Paris. Dancing has been her dream and escape after loosing her parents. But now her money and guardianship is tied up now with Rafe. But Rafe has plans to help her but at a high price.
I have really enjoyed this series! Although Rafe started off pretty harsh we soon saw his softer side toward Ella.
November 21, 2017
“Red Riding Hood? It was time to meet the Big Bad Wolf.”
“She understood that there would be nothing “fine” about a kiss. It had ravaged her, destroyed her. Made her realize how unprepared she was for a man like him.”
The Big, Bad Billionaire was a lot of fun. I really enjoy modern re-tellings of classic novels & fairy-tales and this one really took me by surprise. I love that this author decided to go a different route and gave us a re-telling that we don’t see too often; Little Red Riding Hood. I was totally intrigued from the moment I read the synopsis and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book.
The Big, Bad Billionaire is seductive and intriguing. This story sucks you in from page one and keeps you begging for more. I loved the plot and the modern take on this story. I couldn’t have asked for a better wolf in Rafe. He was sexy, broken and determined. He let nothing stay in the way of what he wanted. At the same time, he was complex and complicated. He didn’t let many in and didn’t know how to handle his emotions. Ella was a great partner for him. She was his total opposite and brought out a new side to Rafe. Rafe took Ella’s inhibitions away and in turn, Ella opened Rafe’s heart…
Overall, I thought this book was a really enjoyable read. I found this story to be well written and entertaining. This book had just the right amount of sexiness and drama; a total guilty pleasure read. It is easily the kind of book that you can spend the day getting lost in. I look forward to checking out more books in this series in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
“She understood that there would be nothing “fine” about a kiss. It had ravaged her, destroyed her. Made her realize how unprepared she was for a man like him.”
The Big, Bad Billionaire was a lot of fun. I really enjoy modern re-tellings of classic novels & fairy-tales and this one really took me by surprise. I love that this author decided to go a different route and gave us a re-telling that we don’t see too often; Little Red Riding Hood. I was totally intrigued from the moment I read the synopsis and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book.
The Big, Bad Billionaire is seductive and intriguing. This story sucks you in from page one and keeps you begging for more. I loved the plot and the modern take on this story. I couldn’t have asked for a better wolf in Rafe. He was sexy, broken and determined. He let nothing stay in the way of what he wanted. At the same time, he was complex and complicated. He didn’t let many in and didn’t know how to handle his emotions. Ella was a great partner for him. She was his total opposite and brought out a new side to Rafe. Rafe took Ella’s inhibitions away and in turn, Ella opened Rafe’s heart…
Overall, I thought this book was a really enjoyable read. I found this story to be well written and entertaining. This book had just the right amount of sexiness and drama; a total guilty pleasure read. It is easily the kind of book that you can spend the day getting lost in. I look forward to checking out more books in this series in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
November 22, 2017
The Big Bad Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden is the 4th story in her sexy and seductive Billionaire Fairy Tales series. They are all standalone romances centered on the DeSantis family, a group of four brothers who run DS Corp, a weapons and security company. The title gives away the Red Riding Hood theme of this story. Rafael DeSantis is the big bad wolf here, and he’s got his sights set on the woman he calls ‘Little Red’.
Rafe’s coup against his rich and powerful father means he’s now in charge of DS Corp. It also means that he’s become the new guardian to Ella Hart, the daughter of one of his father’s oldest friends. Though several years older than 21 year old Ella, she’d been unafraid of him as a toddler when their families would get together until one day his emotional outburst had scared her and he’d been sent away to live with his abusive grandfather. Ella has no memory of Rafe from those early days, just ones later on as a teenager when her parents had died and Rafe’s father had been given guardianship. The brooding and silent Rafe had made her nervous and she’d avoided him when she could.
On one occasion Rafe had accompanied his father to see Ella in a ballet recital, and he’d been captivated by the young woman and her talent. Then when she’d been 18, he’d started to see her as a woman, and not just a pretty child. He’d wanted to court her, but his father had refused. Now though, as her guardian, he has a say in her future. Ella wants to go to Paris for a summer intensive, and she needs the permission of her guardian to go. To her shock, Ella finds out that Rafe is now in charge of her future, the one man who both fascinates and scares her. The things he wants from her seem simple – dinner, a night out – but Ella doesn’t trust him, or the intense attraction she feels for him either. Rafe has plans for her future that include him. But will Ella let herself see the real, wounded man behind the wolf’s mask? And can it lead to a happy ever after for them both?
The author likes to skirt the edge of dangerous desire in her stories and this one certainly balances on a razor thin margin for a time. Rafe blackmails Ella into doing his bidding with the thing she wants most, the trip to Paris. She can only get it by acquiescing to his demands, which, while not sexual in nature at first, are definitely heading in that direction. Still, even though Rafe is arrogant and sometimes overbearing, he doesn’t push Ella into anything without her full consent, despite his desire to have her in his bed. The result is some exquisite sexual tension that eventually leads to some very steamy scenes.
Rafe forces Ella to face some of her fears, and to realize that he can be the antidote to them. He also makes her realize that she has a lot of inner strength and the ability to bring Rafe to his knees if she so desires. A lot of their relationship is give and take as Rafe opens up to Ella and reveals some of his vulnerabilities in return. Rafe has his own deep dark secrets, ways he uses to maintain control for all the times that it was taken away from him as a teenager. The dark side of his personality is something he has to own up to in order to envision a real future with Ella.
I really enjoyed how the story unfolded, the revelations that come up one by one, and the searing intensity of the sex scenes. Rafe’s relationship with his three brothers (who all have earlier stories in the series) is complex and there are several scenes that delve into their complicated family dynamics too. The conflict that comes up is one that drives them apart, but they fight their way back to each other to get their well deserved happy ending. I recommend the whole series for those who enjoy romances with blazing sexual tension and dramatic intensity.
This review has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews : https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Rafe’s coup against his rich and powerful father means he’s now in charge of DS Corp. It also means that he’s become the new guardian to Ella Hart, the daughter of one of his father’s oldest friends. Though several years older than 21 year old Ella, she’d been unafraid of him as a toddler when their families would get together until one day his emotional outburst had scared her and he’d been sent away to live with his abusive grandfather. Ella has no memory of Rafe from those early days, just ones later on as a teenager when her parents had died and Rafe’s father had been given guardianship. The brooding and silent Rafe had made her nervous and she’d avoided him when she could.
On one occasion Rafe had accompanied his father to see Ella in a ballet recital, and he’d been captivated by the young woman and her talent. Then when she’d been 18, he’d started to see her as a woman, and not just a pretty child. He’d wanted to court her, but his father had refused. Now though, as her guardian, he has a say in her future. Ella wants to go to Paris for a summer intensive, and she needs the permission of her guardian to go. To her shock, Ella finds out that Rafe is now in charge of her future, the one man who both fascinates and scares her. The things he wants from her seem simple – dinner, a night out – but Ella doesn’t trust him, or the intense attraction she feels for him either. Rafe has plans for her future that include him. But will Ella let herself see the real, wounded man behind the wolf’s mask? And can it lead to a happy ever after for them both?
The author likes to skirt the edge of dangerous desire in her stories and this one certainly balances on a razor thin margin for a time. Rafe blackmails Ella into doing his bidding with the thing she wants most, the trip to Paris. She can only get it by acquiescing to his demands, which, while not sexual in nature at first, are definitely heading in that direction. Still, even though Rafe is arrogant and sometimes overbearing, he doesn’t push Ella into anything without her full consent, despite his desire to have her in his bed. The result is some exquisite sexual tension that eventually leads to some very steamy scenes.
Rafe forces Ella to face some of her fears, and to realize that he can be the antidote to them. He also makes her realize that she has a lot of inner strength and the ability to bring Rafe to his knees if she so desires. A lot of their relationship is give and take as Rafe opens up to Ella and reveals some of his vulnerabilities in return. Rafe has his own deep dark secrets, ways he uses to maintain control for all the times that it was taken away from him as a teenager. The dark side of his personality is something he has to own up to in order to envision a real future with Ella.
I really enjoyed how the story unfolded, the revelations that come up one by one, and the searing intensity of the sex scenes. Rafe’s relationship with his three brothers (who all have earlier stories in the series) is complex and there are several scenes that delve into their complicated family dynamics too. The conflict that comes up is one that drives them apart, but they fight their way back to each other to get their well deserved happy ending. I recommend the whole series for those who enjoy romances with blazing sexual tension and dramatic intensity.
This review has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews : https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
December 11, 2017
Big Bad Billionaire
Jackie Ashenden
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another excellent story in this series. This series are based on well known fairy tales. As you have prob guessed by the title this story is Little Red Riding Hood.
Rafe has watched Ella from afar for the majority of her life. He wanted to claim her as his and he waited for just the right time.
Such a great fairy tale with lots of emotions and a terrific happy ever after.
Can’t wait to find out if there will be more to this series. I really love this author and she never fails to entertain me.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Jackie Ashenden
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another excellent story in this series. This series are based on well known fairy tales. As you have prob guessed by the title this story is Little Red Riding Hood.
Rafe has watched Ella from afar for the majority of her life. He wanted to claim her as his and he waited for just the right time.
Such a great fairy tale with lots of emotions and a terrific happy ever after.
Can’t wait to find out if there will be more to this series. I really love this author and she never fails to entertain me.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Read
November 29, 2017I should have read the blurb better - I have a hard time with guardian/ward tropes and this definitely is not working for me.
Full disclosure: I only made it to 10%. The fact that the hero is obsessed with the heroine, becomes her legal guardian and withholds $$ from her unless she dates him is completely grossing me out. Maybe it's the current harassment climate in the country - but I can't.
Full disclosure: I only made it to 10%. The fact that the hero is obsessed with the heroine, becomes her legal guardian and withholds $$ from her unless she dates him is completely grossing me out. Maybe it's the current harassment climate in the country - but I can't.
November 15, 2017
As a boy Rafe DeSantis was a hero to Ella Hart, but it didn't last long and Ella quickly learned to hate Rafe after he was sent away to live with his grandfather. Rafe never understood what changed with Ella, as a young girl she chased him around but given his families disdain for him he was not surprised especially after Ella's parents died and his father became her guardian.
Rafe waited patiently though to get his revenge and he got in all ways that matter. He took his fathers company and now has become Ella's guardian. Rafe wants Ella, Ella fears Rafe but when they begin to spend time together it confuses Ella. Can Rafe keep his hard exterior where Ella is concerned but have her too or will she get under his skin and give him a life he never imagined?
I liked this. Fun retelling of a classic and Rafe oozes charisma. Fast paced and entertaining
Rafe waited patiently though to get his revenge and he got in all ways that matter. He took his fathers company and now has become Ella's guardian. Rafe wants Ella, Ella fears Rafe but when they begin to spend time together it confuses Ella. Can Rafe keep his hard exterior where Ella is concerned but have her too or will she get under his skin and give him a life he never imagined?
I liked this. Fun retelling of a classic and Rafe oozes charisma. Fast paced and entertaining
December 25, 2017
Rating : ★ ★ ★
Lead Male Character : Rafe ★ ★ ★
Lead Female Character : Ella ★ ★ ★
Plotline : ★ ★ ★ ★
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Will I reread this book? : Maybe
Verdict : Not bad
It was a little boring at times but I still found the story interesting.
About the Hero :I didn't like him much at the start. But I did started liking him by the end. But I didn't understand that why did he stalk and woo her and then say that she deserved better than him???
The overall read of this book was alright for me.
Lead Male Character : Rafe ★ ★ ★
Lead Female Character : Ella ★ ★ ★
Plotline : ★ ★ ★ ★
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Will I reread this book? : Maybe
Verdict : Not bad
It was a little boring at times but I still found the story interesting.
About the Hero :I didn't like him much at the start. But I did started liking him by the end. But I didn't understand that why did he stalk and woo her and then say that she deserved better than him???
The overall read of this book was alright for me.
November 7, 2017
The Big, Bad Billionaire is a Little Red Riding Hood retelling that follows two characters, Rafe and Ella who are each broken in their own way. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I loved the banter between these two characters as well as the sexual tension. I think the author did a good job creating it, it kept you wanting more but not to the point where it became frustrating. It was done just right.
I definitely recommend it to fans of fairytale retellings that are hot dirty.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley
I definitely recommend it to fans of fairytale retellings that are hot dirty.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley
November 18, 2017
This book started well and I thought this might be the book that elevates this author above the 3* rating for me but unfortunately it wasn’t.
Rafe is the billionaire CEO of DS Corp and people love him, he smiles and people believe he’s nice but the smiles are false and he’s far from nice. Rafe has a dark and tormented past, he was a problem child who suffered from temper tantrums and as a result of that he was sent to live with his grandfather. Life with his grandfather was hard and brutal but it gave him the ability to control his rage and it made him strong and powerful, powerful enough to orchestrate his father’s downfall.
Ella lost both her parents when she was just thirteen and it left her feeling vulnerable and alone clinging to her only remaining relative her grandmother Aurora.
So Rafe has a thing for Ella, back when she was two years old she’d run to him open and totally without fear, a rarity for him and he’s never forgotten her. As she’s grown he’s become obsessed and has decided to make his play.
Now I liked Rafe I mean who doesn’t like a tortured bad boy, Ella unfortunately annoyed me a lot of the time. I understand she’s suffered and afraid but seriously?
Aurora, now I loved Aurora if only she’d been younger she would have been a worthy match for Rafe.
While I understand this is one of the Fairytale series for me the wolf/red riding hood thing went on for far too long and was mentioned far too much.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.
October 22, 2017
3.5
Fairy tale remade into a romance. Red Riding Hood vs the big bad billionaire.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fairy tale remade into a romance. Red Riding Hood vs the big bad billionaire.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 27, 2017
I quit the previous book in this series by the second chapter because I wasn't getting into the story and almost did the same with this one, and I had mixed feelings after finishing it. One of the things I enjoy about Ms. Ashenden's writing is the risks she takes with her characters, but this was almost a little too much for me and I was uneasy about where this story would take me. After thinking over this book for a few days, I have to say again that my opinion of the author's writing only gets better.
Yes, I'm still a bit conflicted by the subject matter, but I'm amazed at how her characters made me rethink every initial impression of them and look beyond to see how they were shaped by their pasts. I'm certainly not going to be raving about this story, but about the author's writing skills.
Rafe was cold, mean, calculating, ruthless and very unlikable from the very first page but as the story progresses and more of his past is revealed, it's impossible not to feel sympathy for the little boy who was such a handful that he was ignored by his parents and instead of getting him the help he clearly needed, was banished to stay with his grandfather who was even worse. The damage that was done to him is so obvious and it's quite creepy the way he rationalizes all of it.
His fixation on Ella was disquieting considering their age difference and the lengths he went to become her guardian, but also understandable as she was the only good thing he could remember in his life and the only thing that seems to have kept him grounded. Ella, for all of her nervous habits and anxiety, had some steel in her and just needed the right person to push her to find it. Even though she recognized the predator in him, he also excited and energized her.
Having made it to the end, I can sum it up as an emotional and dramatic romance, with characters who are heartbreakingly damaged and fighting for their happiness and their own normal. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series now that I know what to expect. If you are a fan of dark and twisty romances, this book is one you'll enjoy.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
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Yes, I'm still a bit conflicted by the subject matter, but I'm amazed at how her characters made me rethink every initial impression of them and look beyond to see how they were shaped by their pasts. I'm certainly not going to be raving about this story, but about the author's writing skills.
Rafe was cold, mean, calculating, ruthless and very unlikable from the very first page but as the story progresses and more of his past is revealed, it's impossible not to feel sympathy for the little boy who was such a handful that he was ignored by his parents and instead of getting him the help he clearly needed, was banished to stay with his grandfather who was even worse. The damage that was done to him is so obvious and it's quite creepy the way he rationalizes all of it.
His fixation on Ella was disquieting considering their age difference and the lengths he went to become her guardian, but also understandable as she was the only good thing he could remember in his life and the only thing that seems to have kept him grounded. Ella, for all of her nervous habits and anxiety, had some steel in her and just needed the right person to push her to find it. Even though she recognized the predator in him, he also excited and energized her.
Having made it to the end, I can sum it up as an emotional and dramatic romance, with characters who are heartbreakingly damaged and fighting for their happiness and their own normal. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series now that I know what to expect. If you are a fan of dark and twisty romances, this book is one you'll enjoy.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
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November 22, 2017
Whenever I start a Jackie Ashenden book I get caught up in the compelling story and passion in her couples. I absolutely love her novels because the men are always alpha and growly and the women are just as snappy and sassy. They bring the men to their knees and give no effs about the consequences. I absolutely loved Rafe and Ella as the play on the little red riding hood fairytale was fantastic but their chemistry and attraction was amazing. I could not get enough of them.
While this is the fourth novel in the Billionaite Fairy tales series with the De Santis brothers, The Big Bad Billionaire is a complete standalone. I really enjoyed this story of the big and bad billionaire CEO (Rafe De Santis) and the innocent ward (Ella Hart) who outwit and outsmarts him of his plans. I was hooked from the start and did not want it to end. I loved their emotional connection and how Rafe became vulnerable to Ella. While I would have liked to see a resolution with Rafe's past and not a quick solution towards the end, this was a great story!
4 stars! ~Ratula
I would like to thank SMP Romance and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
While this is the fourth novel in the Billionaite Fairy tales series with the De Santis brothers, The Big Bad Billionaire is a complete standalone. I really enjoyed this story of the big and bad billionaire CEO (Rafe De Santis) and the innocent ward (Ella Hart) who outwit and outsmarts him of his plans. I was hooked from the start and did not want it to end. I loved their emotional connection and how Rafe became vulnerable to Ella. While I would have liked to see a resolution with Rafe's past and not a quick solution towards the end, this was a great story!
4 stars! ~Ratula
I would like to thank SMP Romance and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
November 26, 2017
Well I really can not say to much about this book because did not hold my attention. I usually can not wait to read a book and just get into it. This book was so hard to get into. So the H was abused as a child he father sent him to go live with his grandfather who punished him for having emotions. Then it kinda went down hill from there. I just could not get into the flow of the book. The H met the h when she was 2 years old. And loved how she made him feel???? Not sure how I felt about that. I am going to be honest. I started skipping pages cause it was just not my cuppa but I had to find out the ending. The ending was predictable, of course the h blames herself and was apologizing to the H for not sticking by him ,even when he was cut with blood running down his arm and a knife in another hand and he was screaming at her and told her the truth about how he came about being the CEO of his dad's company and how he came about being the guardian of the h. But yes she apologized to him. Personally this was not a favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2017
The big bad wolf in this novel is Rafe! Little Red is Ella. Shattered childhoods of Rafe and Ella lead to insecurity, mistrust and fear. Both characters are dark and their joining only amplifies their trigger to run. Revealing the past is the only answer to healing. "A copy of this book was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley with no requirement for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
August 9, 2018
This was my first Jackie Ashenden book, and I enjoyed it.
The characters had depth, the romance was rife with tension, the emotional push-pull was beautifully done. The only reason I didn't give this book a 5 was because there just wasn't enough chase. I like my alpha billionaires to chase--and this book had a Little Red Riding Hood theme! It would have been a perfect opportunity to put some delicious chases in this book.
Anyway...well written story. Will be reading more from this author.
The characters had depth, the romance was rife with tension, the emotional push-pull was beautifully done. The only reason I didn't give this book a 5 was because there just wasn't enough chase. I like my alpha billionaires to chase--and this book had a Little Red Riding Hood theme! It would have been a perfect opportunity to put some delicious chases in this book.
Anyway...well written story. Will be reading more from this author.
November 24, 2017
this was slow!
liked the second half of the book more than the first half .
the heroine was acting like a 15 year old girl! (she is 20)
and what the hell with the red riding and the bad wolf!!!
liked the second half of the book more than the first half .
the heroine was acting like a 15 year old girl! (she is 20)
and what the hell with the red riding and the bad wolf!!!
October 26, 2017
Ella sometimes gets more than what she bargained for when she pokes Rafael's bear, “I was.” A hint of pure mischief gleamed in her eyes. “But now you’re just an Ewok to me. Cute and fuzzy, making little noises— hey!” He pushed her onto the couch, growling, kissing her..." I liked this book, Rapael had some real problems, but it took a strong woman to reign him in and luckily for him that was Elle.
November 3, 2017
The Big Bad Billionaire (Billionaire Fairy Tales) by Jackie Ashenden
Love in all it's tragic glory turns into an empowering tale of happily ever after. Ms. Ashenden breaks down barriers and tunnels deep into the soul of her readers. The Big Bad Billionaire is a haunting story of obsession, romance and so much pain. Ella and Rafe share a bond that has remained embedded in their souls. It borders on manic, but it seems almost ethereal. The misunderstood little boy has now become an embittered adult with a multitude of agendas and an obsession to gain back all he's lost. Including the angel that has flitted through his mind and held a claim on his heart for years. Can the broken man find redemption in the scared young woman that has yet to discover her own strength? There were so many moments that I could barely breath from all the emotions. Part Phantom of the Opera, part Little Red Riding Hood, Ella and Rafe dance to the beat of their own drum and the melody is one not easily ignored.
Love in all it's tragic glory turns into an empowering tale of happily ever after. Ms. Ashenden breaks down barriers and tunnels deep into the soul of her readers. The Big Bad Billionaire is a haunting story of obsession, romance and so much pain. Ella and Rafe share a bond that has remained embedded in their souls. It borders on manic, but it seems almost ethereal. The misunderstood little boy has now become an embittered adult with a multitude of agendas and an obsession to gain back all he's lost. Including the angel that has flitted through his mind and held a claim on his heart for years. Can the broken man find redemption in the scared young woman that has yet to discover her own strength? There were so many moments that I could barely breath from all the emotions. Part Phantom of the Opera, part Little Red Riding Hood, Ella and Rafe dance to the beat of their own drum and the melody is one not easily ignored.
October 27, 2017
First i have to thank the folks at Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC - i'm a huge fan of Jackie Ashenden and they've gifted me with the pre-read.
We've gotten stories from all the other brothers so it's about time that we get to see what the story was for Rafe. In the last book we watched him take down his father's role as CEO and now it's come to fruition. He seems to have everything that he could ever want - with the exception of one thing. one person. Ella.
Ella - our leading lady is a bit of a girl - twenty years old and really just trying to live her life as best as she can. Dancing is the only thing that she has to look towards - her mother was a ballerina and she's only ever wanted to follow in her footsteps. Which would take her to a summer intensive program in paris. That of course is where Ella sees her path crossing with Rafe.
As Ella's newly appointed guardian, Rafe has control over the money that Ella needs to go to Paris and of course he's able to manipulate the situation so that it works to his benefit. He makes it so that Ella is at his control, and in order to get what she wants, she has to give him a bit of what he wants. her. So this is a story of seeing that power struggle unfold while also watching what was once a sweet relationship when she was a baby turn into something that's heated and intense.
There's also the underlying story of how damaged both of them are. Rafe has an uncontrollable temper and that was something that was a fear for her family when she was a baby and something that he struggles to control and contain now. Ella on the other hand has her own anxiety issues stemming from the loss of her parents. She's afraid to experience life at all in the fear of losing everyone and everything that's important to her .
It's a tough journey that they go on, and one that's written in the exacting style of Ms Ashenden as we've become accustomed to over the last few books in this series. there's heat and passion that jumps off the pages, interspersed with intense anger and fear. all the right components to making a story a good one. So...on that note, i think that we've wrapped things up with all the brothers and i hope that you've enjoyed the series and get a chance to get this next installment when it's out in November.
We've gotten stories from all the other brothers so it's about time that we get to see what the story was for Rafe. In the last book we watched him take down his father's role as CEO and now it's come to fruition. He seems to have everything that he could ever want - with the exception of one thing. one person. Ella.
Ella - our leading lady is a bit of a girl - twenty years old and really just trying to live her life as best as she can. Dancing is the only thing that she has to look towards - her mother was a ballerina and she's only ever wanted to follow in her footsteps. Which would take her to a summer intensive program in paris. That of course is where Ella sees her path crossing with Rafe.
As Ella's newly appointed guardian, Rafe has control over the money that Ella needs to go to Paris and of course he's able to manipulate the situation so that it works to his benefit. He makes it so that Ella is at his control, and in order to get what she wants, she has to give him a bit of what he wants. her. So this is a story of seeing that power struggle unfold while also watching what was once a sweet relationship when she was a baby turn into something that's heated and intense.
There's also the underlying story of how damaged both of them are. Rafe has an uncontrollable temper and that was something that was a fear for her family when she was a baby and something that he struggles to control and contain now. Ella on the other hand has her own anxiety issues stemming from the loss of her parents. She's afraid to experience life at all in the fear of losing everyone and everything that's important to her .
It's a tough journey that they go on, and one that's written in the exacting style of Ms Ashenden as we've become accustomed to over the last few books in this series. there's heat and passion that jumps off the pages, interspersed with intense anger and fear. all the right components to making a story a good one. So...on that note, i think that we've wrapped things up with all the brothers and i hope that you've enjoyed the series and get a chance to get this next installment when it's out in November.
November 24, 2017
I have loved this series and was always looking forward to Rafe’s story and what a story it is, he is big and bad very bad but I think he met his match in Ella she is a tiny ballerina but with the strength to stand up to the wolf and heal him, they have a rough trip to a HEA.
Ella Hart is alone just her grandmother and her she puts everything she has into her dancing she is so passionate with it, she is vulnerable and quiet so when she needs to ask her guardian for money to go to Paris for dance school instead of the normal yes she is met by Rafe DeSantis who now controls her and her money and what he demands in return for the money will bring out a different Ella one who has demands of her own.
Rafe DeSantis is now the CEO of DS Corp and nothing is going to stand in his way to get the girl he wants, oh there is a lot in Rafe’s past that would make a normal person cringe he was sent from his family when young so as he could be controlled. Know he is controlling and the little girl who was never afraid of him is going to be his.
What a story this one is, Ella doesn’t have anyone to look after her that is until Rafe arrives on the scene and he is a wolf demanding and calm but she sees more in him he pushes her and she has the strength to stand up to him, and in such a way that he finally opens up to someone like he never has before you see she opens his heart to true love and together they will soar. Thank you MS Ashenden I loved this one.
Ella Hart is alone just her grandmother and her she puts everything she has into her dancing she is so passionate with it, she is vulnerable and quiet so when she needs to ask her guardian for money to go to Paris for dance school instead of the normal yes she is met by Rafe DeSantis who now controls her and her money and what he demands in return for the money will bring out a different Ella one who has demands of her own.
Rafe DeSantis is now the CEO of DS Corp and nothing is going to stand in his way to get the girl he wants, oh there is a lot in Rafe’s past that would make a normal person cringe he was sent from his family when young so as he could be controlled. Know he is controlling and the little girl who was never afraid of him is going to be his.
What a story this one is, Ella doesn’t have anyone to look after her that is until Rafe arrives on the scene and he is a wolf demanding and calm but she sees more in him he pushes her and she has the strength to stand up to him, and in such a way that he finally opens up to someone like he never has before you see she opens his heart to true love and together they will soar. Thank you MS Ashenden I loved this one.
January 22, 2021
Rafe was what his father considered a troubled child so he sent him away to live with his grandfather until he could control himself. Well, if that doesn't instill some resentment towards your family what will?
Ella was merely a little girl when Rafe was sent away but she was always told to stay away from him that he was no good. But when Ella lost both of her parents years earlier Rafe's father is the one that was given guardianship of her trust. Only now things are about to change...and she finds out when she requests money from her trust so she can attend a summer class at a dance school in Paris.
I will admit that this story took a while for me to get into and I cannot pinpoint why. I thought the story was well written and I enjoyed the characters but there was something just not clicking for me. This was a steamy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and I have to say I love when Rafe called Ella Little Red.
This is the final book in the Billionaire Fairy Tales Series which follows the four de Santis brothers, each of the books can be read as a standalone. Start from the beginning or jump in now it doesn't matter because each story focuses on one brother and it doesn't end on a cliffhanger.
If you enjoy Fairy Tale Retelling's, Age Gap Romances, or Steamy slightly dark Romances then this is a book for you.
Happy Reading!!!
Ella was merely a little girl when Rafe was sent away but she was always told to stay away from him that he was no good. But when Ella lost both of her parents years earlier Rafe's father is the one that was given guardianship of her trust. Only now things are about to change...and she finds out when she requests money from her trust so she can attend a summer class at a dance school in Paris.
I will admit that this story took a while for me to get into and I cannot pinpoint why. I thought the story was well written and I enjoyed the characters but there was something just not clicking for me. This was a steamy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and I have to say I love when Rafe called Ella Little Red.
This is the final book in the Billionaire Fairy Tales Series which follows the four de Santis brothers, each of the books can be read as a standalone. Start from the beginning or jump in now it doesn't matter because each story focuses on one brother and it doesn't end on a cliffhanger.
If you enjoy Fairy Tale Retelling's, Age Gap Romances, or Steamy slightly dark Romances then this is a book for you.
Happy Reading!!!
October 21, 2017
*ARC from NetGalley for honest Review*
Thank you Author and Publisher
I Give this Book 3 Stars
Having Read Several Books from This Author, my rating is usually a consistent 3 Stars. For some reason when I read this authors books it seems like there is a ‘disconnect’ from the characters to author, there for you cannot connect with the storyline.
I truly see extreme potential from this author and eagerly await for a true 5 star.
I did enjoy this book, but is was like it was cut and pasted together and backspaced detail and forgot to rewrite it in in others.
There wasn’t really a good connection for the main characters it seemed forced, only because it just wasn’t detailed enough to prove a really bonding relationship between the two. There for when I said a disconnection was present from author to characters I wasn’t kidding.
I wanted to get to know Rafe a hell of a lot more then what I got, it was like I was just chipping the hard exterior. Ella for me wasn’t likable she was spoiled, yet not spoiled, a coward, yet not. You felt sorry for her, then you had a moment of just eye rolling.
I did like this book, synopsis/ plot were good it just needed more emotion and detail.
I do plan to read more from author :)
Thank you Author and Publisher
I Give this Book 3 Stars
Having Read Several Books from This Author, my rating is usually a consistent 3 Stars. For some reason when I read this authors books it seems like there is a ‘disconnect’ from the characters to author, there for you cannot connect with the storyline.
I truly see extreme potential from this author and eagerly await for a true 5 star.
I did enjoy this book, but is was like it was cut and pasted together and backspaced detail and forgot to rewrite it in in others.
There wasn’t really a good connection for the main characters it seemed forced, only because it just wasn’t detailed enough to prove a really bonding relationship between the two. There for when I said a disconnection was present from author to characters I wasn’t kidding.
I wanted to get to know Rafe a hell of a lot more then what I got, it was like I was just chipping the hard exterior. Ella for me wasn’t likable she was spoiled, yet not spoiled, a coward, yet not. You felt sorry for her, then you had a moment of just eye rolling.
I did like this book, synopsis/ plot were good it just needed more emotion and detail.
I do plan to read more from author :)
October 18, 2022
WaoW was this book dark!! I'd head head first into it expecting something completely different but was surprised by it. Which is completely on me as I didn't even pay too much attention to the description and the first book in this series was very pleasant and not dark whatsoever.
Which is not to say this book wasn't pleasant. Oh I couldn't put it down!! Kept me on the edge. This was a different kind of dark from many other 'dark' books I've read. This was a play on my emotions, which is always a good thing.
I held back a star because I wish more attention was paid to Rafe's healing. Just telling in the epilogue that he's seeking medical help wasn't enough for me when the whole book built up and up on top of his messed up mind set. I wanted to see him healing. At least some scenes where they show us he has healed from the horrible, horrible things he'd been through as a kid. A single sentence didn't convey anything in my opinion.
But again, this is just how I felt. Otherwise I loved this book.
Which is not to say this book wasn't pleasant. Oh I couldn't put it down!! Kept me on the edge. This was a different kind of dark from many other 'dark' books I've read. This was a play on my emotions, which is always a good thing.
I held back a star because I wish more attention was paid to Rafe's healing. Just telling in the epilogue that he's seeking medical help wasn't enough for me when the whole book built up and up on top of his messed up mind set. I wanted to see him healing. At least some scenes where they show us he has healed from the horrible, horrible things he'd been through as a kid. A single sentence didn't convey anything in my opinion.
But again, this is just how I felt. Otherwise I loved this book.
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