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The Billionaires Club #2
Billionaire's Marriage Bargain
Beware of Billionaires
Marry Alex Megalos? Though tempted by the Greek billionaire, Mallory James knew his exploits were legendary. Involving herself with a man like Megalos could only lead to heartbreak. But she hadn't counted on Alex's determination to bed--and wed--the one woman he couldn't have.
Forced to the altar by scandal, Mallory found herself almost believing that her new husband was committed to their vows. Until she discovered their marriage was the result of a bargain...with her as the ultimate prize.
Marry Alex Megalos? Though tempted by the Greek billionaire, Mallory James knew his exploits were legendary. Involving herself with a man like Megalos could only lead to heartbreak. But she hadn't counted on Alex's determination to bed--and wed--the one woman he couldn't have.
Forced to the altar by scandal, Mallory found herself almost believing that her new husband was committed to their vows. Until she discovered their marriage was the result of a bargain...with her as the ultimate prize.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2008
About the author
Leanne Banks
523 books290 followersLeanne Banks was born on 14 May 1959 in Roanoke, Virginia, USA. She holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology, which she claims she can only use on fictional characters. When her first book was published in 1991, she used the money from her advance to take her family to Disney World.
Leanne is known for telling a story with strong emotion, characters with whom everyone can relate, a kick of hot sensuality, and a feel-good ending that lingers. She believes in creating stories for her readers that will allow them to escape into a place filled fun, emotion and sensuality. She believes that she has the best readers in the world because they understand that love is the greatest miracle of all.
Leanne is the recipient of Romantic Times Magazine's career-achievement awards in Series Sensuality and Love and Laughter, and her books have been recognized by the Award of Excellence Contest, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award contest and the National Readers' Choice Awards. She is grateful for awards and reviews and was particularly moved by a letter from a reader remarking that Leanne's book got her through a chemotherapy session. The reader's letter inspired a favorite turn of phrase: Never underestimate the power of a romance novel.
Leanne lives in her native Virginia with her husband, two teenage children and a Pomeranian. She also has a little condo in South Carolina where she writes in the off-season. She loves music, chocolate, quotes, and new adventures.
Leanne is known for telling a story with strong emotion, characters with whom everyone can relate, a kick of hot sensuality, and a feel-good ending that lingers. She believes in creating stories for her readers that will allow them to escape into a place filled fun, emotion and sensuality. She believes that she has the best readers in the world because they understand that love is the greatest miracle of all.
Leanne is the recipient of Romantic Times Magazine's career-achievement awards in Series Sensuality and Love and Laughter, and her books have been recognized by the Award of Excellence Contest, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award contest and the National Readers' Choice Awards. She is grateful for awards and reviews and was particularly moved by a letter from a reader remarking that Leanne's book got her through a chemotherapy session. The reader's letter inspired a favorite turn of phrase: Never underestimate the power of a romance novel.
Leanne lives in her native Virginia with her husband, two teenage children and a Pomeranian. She also has a little condo in South Carolina where she writes in the off-season. She loves music, chocolate, quotes, and new adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 22, 2010
This was a pleasant, lighter read. Although I wished for a little more depth from the characters, I did like Mallory and Alex. I prepared myself to dislike Alex, actually. I find I don't tend to care for the rich playboy type in contemporary romances. They can be a little too perfect for me: lots of money and power, lots of charm, lots of sexual skill, but where's the heart? Alex did have heart, even if it was buried. He really didn't intend to fall for Mallory. He got to know Mallory as a favor to her father, who he was courting to get investors for his latest resort venture. However, he found himself being drawn to the sweet, luscious young woman, who seemed so proper but had a wild streak. He was on the arrogant side, but it wasn't excessive or a turn-off for me.
I did enjoy the courtship between Alex and Mallory. I like when the hero does have to do some courting and convincing, instead of the heroine falling instantly into his bed (and in love that is not returned). It's more of an interesting read for me this way.
Mallory was a bit overly insecure. I wasn't sure exactly why. I suppose it was because of the loss her family had suffered. Her mother had withdrawn after the death of her brother, but her father was very doting, so she did get attention. She was treated more like an only child, so I would expected her to be a little more confident. She couldn't believe that Alex would be interested in her, especially long-term. That might be an issue for some readers who don't like insecure heroines. I like that Alex was attentive and affirming to her, even though he believed that his career would always be the most important thing to him, even his wife. His actions showed differently.
Leanne Banks wrote a charming book here. There weren't any major issues that got in the way of enjoying it, although I would have liked to see more character/emotional depth and development, and a bit of a pacing issue towards the end. It's silly to complain about that with a less than 200 page novel, so I won't quibble. Although I wouldn't reach for this if I wanted an intense, dramatic, meaty romance, this was not too fluffy; and the romantic and steamy moments were well done. This book fit in very well between my horror/dark fantasy picks for the month of October.
I did enjoy the courtship between Alex and Mallory. I like when the hero does have to do some courting and convincing, instead of the heroine falling instantly into his bed (and in love that is not returned). It's more of an interesting read for me this way.
Mallory was a bit overly insecure. I wasn't sure exactly why. I suppose it was because of the loss her family had suffered. Her mother had withdrawn after the death of her brother, but her father was very doting, so she did get attention. She was treated more like an only child, so I would expected her to be a little more confident. She couldn't believe that Alex would be interested in her, especially long-term. That might be an issue for some readers who don't like insecure heroines. I like that Alex was attentive and affirming to her, even though he believed that his career would always be the most important thing to him, even his wife. His actions showed differently.
Leanne Banks wrote a charming book here. There weren't any major issues that got in the way of enjoying it, although I would have liked to see more character/emotional depth and development, and a bit of a pacing issue towards the end. It's silly to complain about that with a less than 200 page novel, so I won't quibble. Although I wouldn't reach for this if I wanted an intense, dramatic, meaty romance, this was not too fluffy; and the romantic and steamy moments were well done. This book fit in very well between my horror/dark fantasy picks for the month of October.
January 22, 2019
Aburrido, plano, soso: no vuelvo a leer otro libro de esta autora.
November 5, 2012
Okay, let me clear myself out. Something really stupid and hilarious just happened. I misunderstood and thought Banks' Billionaire's Marriage Bargain is Probst's The Marriage Bargain! And when I said that I mean I realized I read the wrong book after finishing this book and was about to rate it on Goodreads and realized I downloaded the wrong book in the first place! That's why all the reviews of Probst's The Marriage Bargain are so confusing and make no sense at all!
Anyway, I actually really liked this book! It was a very short read, I finished it in an hour and a half! I do wish that the book was somehow longer, and that more things could happen and we as readers can see the development of the characters and their relationships. Everything in this book was so fast, I thought it was a joke. One minute, the two main characters - Alex and Mallory - meet. Another minute, they fall in love. About eight pages (I swear!), they got married! I've always liked authors that keep their stories fun and concise, but this is way too short it's ridiculous! I really do think if it was somehow longer, I will have liked both Mallory and Alex much more. They are such lovable characters, too bad there wasn't enough room for any character development or stories that might make readers know more and grow accustomed to the characters! However, I did cry. Believe it or not! As I said, ridiculous. I did cry when Alex fortunately agrees to divorce Mallory (after a month or two, seriously), I don't know why it was so emotional but when Mallory finally admits she loves him, her monologue is full of absolute sincerity. I feel as if her words touched me in a way that I truly and honestly believe what she says. She is also a very relatable character, the fact that she feels trapped for always being overprotected by her father, how completely heartbroken she is to know that Alex may not have married her for love but instead her money. Not to mention, how truly brave of her to stand up for herself and admit with dignity that she is in love with a man who just agreed to divorce her and that she wouldn't marry him in the first place if she doesn't want to. I just think it was really honest on her part to lower her guard and show her true feelings even if there was a possibility of rejection. It was certainly risky but she doesn't care. There was no annoying stupidity and unnecessary drama (maybe because there wasn't enough space!)which make this book that stress-free.
It's just sad how the book wasn't longer to see how both Alex and Mallory the climax of the story much more convincing and believable. Despite the ridiculous shortness, the author is able to make readers like me grow fond of the characters, and I have to credit Banks on this.
Overall, I give it a three-star for a fun quick read but an extra of one star that it did make me cry a few tear drops in the end.
Anyway, I actually really liked this book! It was a very short read, I finished it in an hour and a half! I do wish that the book was somehow longer, and that more things could happen and we as readers can see the development of the characters and their relationships. Everything in this book was so fast, I thought it was a joke. One minute, the two main characters - Alex and Mallory - meet. Another minute, they fall in love. About eight pages (I swear!), they got married! I've always liked authors that keep their stories fun and concise, but this is way too short it's ridiculous! I really do think if it was somehow longer, I will have liked both Mallory and Alex much more. They are such lovable characters, too bad there wasn't enough room for any character development or stories that might make readers know more and grow accustomed to the characters! However, I did cry. Believe it or not! As I said, ridiculous. I did cry when Alex fortunately agrees to divorce Mallory (after a month or two, seriously), I don't know why it was so emotional but when Mallory finally admits she loves him, her monologue is full of absolute sincerity. I feel as if her words touched me in a way that I truly and honestly believe what she says. She is also a very relatable character, the fact that she feels trapped for always being overprotected by her father, how completely heartbroken she is to know that Alex may not have married her for love but instead her money. Not to mention, how truly brave of her to stand up for herself and admit with dignity that she is in love with a man who just agreed to divorce her and that she wouldn't marry him in the first place if she doesn't want to. I just think it was really honest on her part to lower her guard and show her true feelings even if there was a possibility of rejection. It was certainly risky but she doesn't care. There was no annoying stupidity and unnecessary drama (maybe because there wasn't enough space!)which make this book that stress-free.
It's just sad how the book wasn't longer to see how both Alex and Mallory the climax of the story much more convincing and believable. Despite the ridiculous shortness, the author is able to make readers like me grow fond of the characters, and I have to credit Banks on this.
Overall, I give it a three-star for a fun quick read but an extra of one star that it did make me cry a few tear drops in the end.
November 26, 2014
I liked this story. Very fun and lovely. But it need more hot scenes between the couple. Anyway, I recommend this novel because I have too fun. Very nice!
January 16, 2022
It wasn't horrible, but I just didn't like heroes ex popping up so much and the end when she claimed she was pregnant brought home to me that he had slept with the other woman so soon before he started dating heroine, that's so gross to me. I liked the heroine and her trying to be independent. Hero was kind of bland to me nothing all that unique or memorable. Np.
August 1, 2017
3.5 Stars!
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June 29, 2019I reviewed this book for my YouTube channel, Op Shop Romance :)
https://youtu.be/GDCpC_y4w-M
https://youtu.be/GDCpC_y4w-M
January 20, 2020
Me encantó la historia, si siento que le faltaban más escenas hot, pero es una lectura rápida y entretenida.
October 3, 2020
Read my review on http://booksliteraryreviews.blogspot....
May 22, 2024
de mi colección de protagonistas que se hacen LAS SÚPER INDEPENDIENTES, está es la peor. Un potus más, insulsa y arrastrada
February 26, 2012
4 Stars! ~ From the moment that Mallory James had met Alex Megalos she’d known that he was a man so far out of her league. And yet she still tried to seduce him, but in her clumsiness Alex never really clicked in on her intentions, so she stirred clear of him. When Mallory’s extremely wealthy father asks Alex to come up with a list of possible suitors for Mallory, Alex is intrigued and decides he needs to get better acquainted with her. Only when he begins his pursuit he’s astounded that Mallory doesn’t want anything to do with him. That’s a totally new reaction for Alex; women are usually drawn to him like a magnate. But Alex is relentless and he’s loving the chase. Mallory finally gives in and lets herself become involved with Alex, but she’s determined to keep it simple and no strings. But when some compromising photos hit the internet Alex proposes marriage as a way to protect Mallory’s reputation.
Alex is a charmer and a player and very much a workaholic. In his mind, his work had always come first, and relationships a very far second. Mallory has led an over protected life, and wants to push out of her father’s influence and be her own person. Unfortunately, marriage to Alex is just as over protected as life under her father’s roof. When Mallory learns some truths, she develops the backbone to stand up for herself and make some demands of her own. This lovestory is hot with passion and angst, and balanced nicely with lighter fun moments. Though again, I found the ending rather rushed, this one has a marvelous HEA. I’m looking forward to Ms. Banks’ next installment in the Billionaires Club, and wonder if the bachelor will be the mysterious Damien.
Alex is a charmer and a player and very much a workaholic. In his mind, his work had always come first, and relationships a very far second. Mallory has led an over protected life, and wants to push out of her father’s influence and be her own person. Unfortunately, marriage to Alex is just as over protected as life under her father’s roof. When Mallory learns some truths, she develops the backbone to stand up for herself and make some demands of her own. This lovestory is hot with passion and angst, and balanced nicely with lighter fun moments. Though again, I found the ending rather rushed, this one has a marvelous HEA. I’m looking forward to Ms. Banks’ next installment in the Billionaires Club, and wonder if the bachelor will be the mysterious Damien.
December 12, 2015
Questo romanzo è un miscuglio di cliché del genere romance, il che non lo rende necesseriamente brutto per i miei gusti. Anzi, nonostante la copertina (che si commenta da sola xD), è stata proprio la trama ad attrarmi, perché avevo bisogno di cose leggere e a lieto fine e questa sapeva proprio troppo di telenovela venezuelana perché me la sciassassi sfuggire <3
Peccato però che la storia sia scritta malissimo, con una fretta eccessiva che non mi ha permesso né di immergermi per davvero nella trama né di conoscere a fondo i protagonisti, che restano due aloni sbiaditi aka incognite incredibili.
Ho capito in via teorica che, a un certo punto del loro matrimonio forzato, si sono innamorati per davvero, ma sono ancora in dubbio sul come sia successo.
Perché poi Mallory cambia idea così velocemente sul divorzio e sceglie di restare con Alex? Cioè, comprendo che voglia stargli vicino in un momento difficile, ma a distanza di un giorno soltanto sembra proprio un'altra persona, comportandsi con lui tutta carina e innamorata mentre prima era furibonda e ferita (per quanto comunque innamorata). E Alex che non sa spicciare due parole per difendere la propria posizione quando Mellory scopre del motivo per cui l'ha avvicinata è, possibilmente, anche più assurdo di lei.
Capisco e apprezzo il lieto fine canonico dei romance, ma almeno argomentarlo un pochino non sarebbe male e, magari, allungare il romanzo di 50 pagine per spiegare i personaggi sarebbe ancora più gradito.
Peccato però che la storia sia scritta malissimo, con una fretta eccessiva che non mi ha permesso né di immergermi per davvero nella trama né di conoscere a fondo i protagonisti, che restano due aloni sbiaditi aka incognite incredibili.
Ho capito in via teorica che, a un certo punto del loro matrimonio forzato, si sono innamorati per davvero, ma sono ancora in dubbio sul come sia successo.
Perché poi Mallory cambia idea così velocemente sul divorzio e sceglie di restare con Alex? Cioè, comprendo che voglia stargli vicino in un momento difficile, ma a distanza di un giorno soltanto sembra proprio un'altra persona, comportandsi con lui tutta carina e innamorata mentre prima era furibonda e ferita (per quanto comunque innamorata). E Alex che non sa spicciare due parole per difendere la propria posizione quando Mellory scopre del motivo per cui l'ha avvicinata è, possibilmente, anche più assurdo di lei.
Capisco e apprezzo il lieto fine canonico dei romance, ma almeno argomentarlo un pochino non sarebbe male e, magari, allungare il romanzo di 50 pagine per spiegare i personaggi sarebbe ancora più gradito.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2012
Mallory James's father wanted Mallory to marry Alex Megalos. He was concerned for his daughter and wanted her under someones control and out of his hair. So Mallory was forced to the altar but when she found she was just part of a bargain...
It was an okay book, once again nothing special about it. I found it kind of annoying due to Mallory's father butting in on the worst moments. Mallory should be allowed to choose whom she wants to be with and whom she loves and yes, in this book it worked out but in the real world, I'd be very doubtful to that happening!
It was an okay book, once again nothing special about it. I found it kind of annoying due to Mallory's father butting in on the worst moments. Mallory should be allowed to choose whom she wants to be with and whom she loves and yes, in this book it worked out but in the real world, I'd be very doubtful to that happening!
June 12, 2009
Book #2 in The Billionaires Club series.
March 20, 2012
3.5 Stars!
Enjoyable, fun read. Loved the characters....no stupidity.
Enjoyable, fun read. Loved the characters....no stupidity.
May 31, 2012
Cute story
March 16, 2013
OMG I loved it every single second well except for the part where she thought.....
March 24, 2013
Interesting
October 9, 2014
It was an ok story. nothing extraordinary
March 5, 2015
Para mi ésta es de esas historias que te lees en un día es apasionada y dulce ♥♥♥
November 10, 2012
Great read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews