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Eastport Bay Billionaires
The Merry Billionaire: A Billionaire Bachelor House Story
One crazy Christmas Eve wish leads to one crazy-good night…
Hap Bailey:
From the outside, I probably look like I’ve got it made.
A billionaire former child star and now a director/producer, I’m always the life of the party, never in a bad mood, always happy.
What people don’t see is my inner struggle to prove to the world—and myself— that I’m more than a washed-up kid actor, that I’ve got more to offer than “where are they now” memes and a fat bank account.
Thanks to the money and fame, meeting women has always been easy. What’s hard is resisting the one woman I can’t have… the one who’s under my own roof—and under my skin. Every. Single. Day.
Rachel Hamelin:
Call me once-burned, twice-shy—and not just because I’m a personal chef.
The last rich guy I worked for not only broke my heart, he also derailed my dream of owning my own restaurant. I am d-o-n-e done with wealthy men, and I’ve thoroughly learned my lesson about mixing work and personal relationships.
So now that I’m cooking for Hap and his housemates at the “billionaire bachelor house” in Eastport Bay, I plan to ignore my sizzling attraction to my boss and keep it professional—no matter what it takes.
But when a Christmas Eve blizzard traps the two of us alone together at the mansion, that’s easier said than done.
And when Hap presents me with an unexpected—and utterly perfect—gift, my plans to avoid the mistletoe may be no match for Eastport Bay Christmas magic.
The Merry Billionaire is a hot small town rom com Christmas romance and part of the Eastport Bay Billionaires series. Like all the novels in the series, It's a standalone and can be read in any order. It includes cameos from all the characters you've met in the series so far
Hap Bailey:
From the outside, I probably look like I’ve got it made.
A billionaire former child star and now a director/producer, I’m always the life of the party, never in a bad mood, always happy.
What people don’t see is my inner struggle to prove to the world—and myself— that I’m more than a washed-up kid actor, that I’ve got more to offer than “where are they now” memes and a fat bank account.
Thanks to the money and fame, meeting women has always been easy. What’s hard is resisting the one woman I can’t have… the one who’s under my own roof—and under my skin. Every. Single. Day.
Rachel Hamelin:
Call me once-burned, twice-shy—and not just because I’m a personal chef.
The last rich guy I worked for not only broke my heart, he also derailed my dream of owning my own restaurant. I am d-o-n-e done with wealthy men, and I’ve thoroughly learned my lesson about mixing work and personal relationships.
So now that I’m cooking for Hap and his housemates at the “billionaire bachelor house” in Eastport Bay, I plan to ignore my sizzling attraction to my boss and keep it professional—no matter what it takes.
But when a Christmas Eve blizzard traps the two of us alone together at the mansion, that’s easier said than done.
And when Hap presents me with an unexpected—and utterly perfect—gift, my plans to avoid the mistletoe may be no match for Eastport Bay Christmas magic.
The Merry Billionaire is a hot small town rom com Christmas romance and part of the Eastport Bay Billionaires series. Like all the novels in the series, It's a standalone and can be read in any order. It includes cameos from all the characters you've met in the series so far
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2021
81 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Tru Taylor
33 books117 followersAward-winning author Tru Taylor writes small town romance that's hot and sunny (and a little bit funny.)
She runs on Coke Zero and dark chocolate, lives for lunches with her girlfriends, and drives to the town beach several times a week to watch the sun set over the water.
She loves LOVE and will attempt to turn any show or movie she's watching into a romance whether it is one or not. Star Wars? A romance. Lord of the Rings? Clearly a romance. The Expendables? Okay, well not even Tru can redeem that one.
When she's not writing, Tru enjoys watching movies and reading books with happy endings, spending time with Mr. Tru and her two kids, and sneaking Hershey's Kisses from the top shelf of the freezer throughout the day. (Top shelf because... two kids. Enough said.)
Tru is the author of the Eastport Bay small town rom com series and loves living in a small New England town where she's surrounded every day by the beautiful coastal setting you see brought to life in her books.
She runs on Coke Zero and dark chocolate, lives for lunches with her girlfriends, and drives to the town beach several times a week to watch the sun set over the water.
She loves LOVE and will attempt to turn any show or movie she's watching into a romance whether it is one or not. Star Wars? A romance. Lord of the Rings? Clearly a romance. The Expendables? Okay, well not even Tru can redeem that one.
When she's not writing, Tru enjoys watching movies and reading books with happy endings, spending time with Mr. Tru and her two kids, and sneaking Hershey's Kisses from the top shelf of the freezer throughout the day. (Top shelf because... two kids. Enough said.)
Tru is the author of the Eastport Bay small town rom com series and loves living in a small New England town where she's surrounded every day by the beautiful coastal setting you see brought to life in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 8, 2024
The Merry Billionaire was a short and sweet novella. My holiday readathon up until this point had been an absolute slumpfest, but I enjoyed this one.
I’d previously read Bookworm and the Beast (another in the Eastport Bay series) and am looking forward to reading more by Tru Taylor. I like her writing style and the spice in her books. And the reimagined fairytales are totally my vibe.
My only issue with this one was Rachel’s internal dialogue. It just got overly pessimistic and repetitive at times, but overall I thought her and Hap’s relationship was cute.
I’d previously read Bookworm and the Beast (another in the Eastport Bay series) and am looking forward to reading more by Tru Taylor. I like her writing style and the spice in her books. And the reimagined fairytales are totally my vibe.
My only issue with this one was Rachel’s internal dialogue. It just got overly pessimistic and repetitive at times, but overall I thought her and Hap’s relationship was cute.
January 2, 2022
"The Merry Billionaire" by Tru Taylor works as a standalone novella, but readers familiar with the ongoing Eastport Bay Billionaires series may recall protagonists Hap Bailey and Rachel Hamelin from earlier stories. Rachel is Bonnie's sister (from book #1) and Hap is Jessica's brother (from book #5). He's also one of the inhabitants of the so-called Billionaire Bachelor House (along with Hunter from book #2).
Personal chef Rachel Hamelin has been working at the Billionaire Bachelor House for almost a year, ever since moving to Rhode Island following a messy breakup with her cheating ex/former boss. She's been saving up to return to Colorado and open her own restaurant, hoping to prove to her ex that she doesn't need him to be a success. Secretly, Rachel has another reason for wanting to leave Eastport Bay; she has feelings for one of her bosses, former child star turned TV producer/director Hap Bailey. However, after everything that happened with her ex, there's no way she'd ever date someone she works with again. Unbeknownst to Rachel, Hap has feelings for her too, but he hasn't quite figured out how to tell her. When they're unexpectedly snowed in together at Christmas, will they finally admit their true feelings for one another?
Rachel and Hap had a ton of chemistry and made a really cute couple. Rachel was a bit stubborn about giving up the idea of returning to Colorado and showing up her ex, but fortunately she decided to abandon those plans pretty quickly after she and Hap admitted their true feelings for each other. I admired the fact that Rachel was so determined to succeed on her own when she probably could have gotten the money she needed for the restaurant from her sister and brother-in-law, or taken Hap's offer to invest so that she could stay in Rhode Island with him. As for Hap, I loved how sweet, caring, and protective he was of Rachel even when they were supposedly just friends. He actually walked five miles through a blizzard so that she wouldn't have to be alone in case the power went out! (The fact that he didn't end up dead in a ditch somewhere, or at least with a nasty case of frostbite, is something of a miracle, but that's not really the point.)
I recommend "The Merry Billionaire" for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy and look forward to whatever Tru Taylor writes next. (Hopefully one of those future stories will be Hap's friend Reid's story. His history with high school sweetheart Mara came up briefly in another book, but I was reminded of it again when they were playing Cards Against Humanity in this story and now I really want to know more!)
Personal chef Rachel Hamelin has been working at the Billionaire Bachelor House for almost a year, ever since moving to Rhode Island following a messy breakup with her cheating ex/former boss. She's been saving up to return to Colorado and open her own restaurant, hoping to prove to her ex that she doesn't need him to be a success. Secretly, Rachel has another reason for wanting to leave Eastport Bay; she has feelings for one of her bosses, former child star turned TV producer/director Hap Bailey. However, after everything that happened with her ex, there's no way she'd ever date someone she works with again. Unbeknownst to Rachel, Hap has feelings for her too, but he hasn't quite figured out how to tell her. When they're unexpectedly snowed in together at Christmas, will they finally admit their true feelings for one another?
Rachel and Hap had a ton of chemistry and made a really cute couple. Rachel was a bit stubborn about giving up the idea of returning to Colorado and showing up her ex, but fortunately she decided to abandon those plans pretty quickly after she and Hap admitted their true feelings for each other. I admired the fact that Rachel was so determined to succeed on her own when she probably could have gotten the money she needed for the restaurant from her sister and brother-in-law, or taken Hap's offer to invest so that she could stay in Rhode Island with him. As for Hap, I loved how sweet, caring, and protective he was of Rachel even when they were supposedly just friends. He actually walked five miles through a blizzard so that she wouldn't have to be alone in case the power went out! (The fact that he didn't end up dead in a ditch somewhere, or at least with a nasty case of frostbite, is something of a miracle, but that's not really the point.)
I recommend "The Merry Billionaire" for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy and look forward to whatever Tru Taylor writes next. (Hopefully one of those future stories will be Hap's friend Reid's story. His history with high school sweetheart Mara came up briefly in another book, but I was reminded of it again when they were playing Cards Against Humanity in this story and now I really want to know more!)
December 6, 2021
For a very short book this had a good story.
I haven’t read this author before and even though I knew these characters were in other books it didn’t take away any enjoyment. I went in completely blind and found the story perfect for the Christmas season.
This is a boss/employee story, there is low angst and a little steam. A good combination for a light Christmas novella.
I haven’t read this author before and even though I knew these characters were in other books it didn’t take away any enjoyment. I went in completely blind and found the story perfect for the Christmas season.
This is a boss/employee story, there is low angst and a little steam. A good combination for a light Christmas novella.
February 13, 2022
Hap & Rachel
Not one of my favorites in the series. I almost felt like it dragged on a bit. I took a break from the book and went back to finish it. I actually read all of the other books in the series first and ended with this one so maybe my expectations were a bit higher.
Not one of my favorites in the series. I almost felt like it dragged on a bit. I took a break from the book and went back to finish it. I actually read all of the other books in the series first and ended with this one so maybe my expectations were a bit higher.
December 19, 2021
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
Any visit to Eastport Bay is always welcome in my book, and a holiday romance in December. Heck yeah, we are in.
In this one, we get Hap and Rachel's story. Hap is a former child actor-turned-director who lives in the Billionaire Bachelor House with the "seven dwarves." He is hopelessly in love with their hired chef Rachel, but he cannot seem to figure out how to tell her. Rachel is trying to suppress her attraction toward her boss (well, one of them) after a devastating heartbreak that forced her to flee Colorado and run back to her family in Eastport Bay.
This was a great feel-good holiday short read. Two ships that keep passing each other through the night --so to speak -- finally get a chance for their happily ever after, but will their pride get in the way? Tru Taylor writes some of the best cinnamon rolls, and Hap joins that hall of fame easily. I did want to shake Rachel a few times, but once we get her history, we can understand where her frustrating behavior comes from. This had great depth and pacing for a quick read, so if you are in need of some romantic holiday cheer, this is a great pick.
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
Any visit to Eastport Bay is always welcome in my book, and a holiday romance in December. Heck yeah, we are in.
In this one, we get Hap and Rachel's story. Hap is a former child actor-turned-director who lives in the Billionaire Bachelor House with the "seven dwarves." He is hopelessly in love with their hired chef Rachel, but he cannot seem to figure out how to tell her. Rachel is trying to suppress her attraction toward her boss (well, one of them) after a devastating heartbreak that forced her to flee Colorado and run back to her family in Eastport Bay.
This was a great feel-good holiday short read. Two ships that keep passing each other through the night --so to speak -- finally get a chance for their happily ever after, but will their pride get in the way? Tru Taylor writes some of the best cinnamon rolls, and Hap joins that hall of fame easily. I did want to shake Rachel a few times, but once we get her history, we can understand where her frustrating behavior comes from. This had great depth and pacing for a quick read, so if you are in need of some romantic holiday cheer, this is a great pick.
December 5, 2021
I received this ebook ARC from the author, on the condition that I write an honest review.
Once again, Tru Taylor has given the reader another modern theme to a fairytale. Hap is one of the Billionaires living in a billionaire mansion. He is a former child star, trying to become famous by directing and producing shows. Rachel is the chef for this house of wealthy men. Hap does not see her as an employee, but rather has been attracted to her. They don’t realize their mutual feelings until they are stranded alone in the mansion, during a winter blizzard.
There is a lot of misunderstandings between them, until they decide to spend a one night stand together. Feelings get stronger, and they can’t conceal their feelings anymore. They do eventually obtain their HEA, with a beautiful epilogue to the story, in Tru Taylor fashion. I love reading her heartfelt books with all the romance and some intrigue, and highly recommend her books.
Once again, Tru Taylor has given the reader another modern theme to a fairytale. Hap is one of the Billionaires living in a billionaire mansion. He is a former child star, trying to become famous by directing and producing shows. Rachel is the chef for this house of wealthy men. Hap does not see her as an employee, but rather has been attracted to her. They don’t realize their mutual feelings until they are stranded alone in the mansion, during a winter blizzard.
There is a lot of misunderstandings between them, until they decide to spend a one night stand together. Feelings get stronger, and they can’t conceal their feelings anymore. They do eventually obtain their HEA, with a beautiful epilogue to the story, in Tru Taylor fashion. I love reading her heartfelt books with all the romance and some intrigue, and highly recommend her books.
December 3, 2021
Hap a rich producer lives in a house and had a personal chef, Rachel. Rachel is all about keeping it professional as she's been burnt by a rich guy before but Hap wants her.
Sweet, steamy and so feel good this book is. I loved the connection between the oh so professional Rachel and the happy, sweet guy Hap is. You just want Rachel to give in to Hap. I know I did. He was a really likeable guy.
Well written and I'm so glad I found Tru Taylor and her books. Her writing is a great delight to read and the characters are just amazing. Fantastic book!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
Sweet, steamy and so feel good this book is. I loved the connection between the oh so professional Rachel and the happy, sweet guy Hap is. You just want Rachel to give in to Hap. I know I did. He was a really likeable guy.
Well written and I'm so glad I found Tru Taylor and her books. Her writing is a great delight to read and the characters are just amazing. Fantastic book!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
December 6, 2021
A nice quick holiday read
Not particularly angsty but it is a Christmas story. Hap Bailey and his chef are all hearts eyes for each other but she insists on keeping things professional. She was burned by her last employer who had her "on the side" without her knowing about his long term girlfriend/fiancee. Even a blizzard and and power outage doesn't get them past her misgivings, despite some hot and heavy scenes on the home alone night of the blizzard. A nice sort of prequel to the Bombshell book even though they are standalone.
Not particularly angsty but it is a Christmas story. Hap Bailey and his chef are all hearts eyes for each other but she insists on keeping things professional. She was burned by her last employer who had her "on the side" without her knowing about his long term girlfriend/fiancee. Even a blizzard and and power outage doesn't get them past her misgivings, despite some hot and heavy scenes on the home alone night of the blizzard. A nice sort of prequel to the Bombshell book even though they are standalone.
December 19, 2021
Love the Westport Bay Billionaires!
This is Hap's book. Hap is one of the second billions that used to live together in a mansion, they also had a private Chef called Rachel, Rachel want to open her own restaurant but that means leaving the guys. Because of work commitments they are both home alone at Christmas & a blizzard hits. Rachel's job got can & Hap ends up back at home too!
This is Hap's book. Hap is one of the second billions that used to live together in a mansion, they also had a private Chef called Rachel, Rachel want to open her own restaurant but that means leaving the guys. Because of work commitments they are both home alone at Christmas & a blizzard hits. Rachel's job got can & Hap ends up back at home too!
January 23, 2022
The entire time I was reading the Bombshell and the Bodyguard I was going a little crazy trying to figure out where I had missed Hap and Rachel’s story. Turns out I hadn't missed it at all, the author hadn't given it to us yet. I adored seeing how this couple came together: overcoming all their own personal hang ups and relationship scars to learn how to trust in love and be together. I can't wait to see what happens next in Eastport Bay.
December 6, 2021
Hap's world
Hap is always so cautious and it was good to read his story! He's a great guy and deserves to truly be happy too! Taking his leap in Christmas Eve was certainly a wise choice.. You never know unless you try..
Thanks Tru for another great story! Can't wait for the next one.. This series has been awesome!
Hap is always so cautious and it was good to read his story! He's a great guy and deserves to truly be happy too! Taking his leap in Christmas Eve was certainly a wise choice.. You never know unless you try..
Thanks Tru for another great story! Can't wait for the next one.. This series has been awesome!
December 6, 2021
Hap and Rachel at last!
This was the cutest holiday romance! Hap and Rachel were a long time coming but boy did they have to work for it!
‘We fit together perfectly.’
Tru Taylor was able to fit so much heartfelt emotion into this magical little novella that you’ll be absolutely smitten!
This was the cutest holiday romance! Hap and Rachel were a long time coming but boy did they have to work for it!
‘We fit together perfectly.’
Tru Taylor was able to fit so much heartfelt emotion into this magical little novella that you’ll be absolutely smitten!
March 24, 2022
The merry billionaire
The story was okay but I have to quibble about The 1st new year's eve when she all of sudden jumps in bed with him. It felt like a stock answer to how to get them together. I think it would be a lot more fun if the tension just kept growing and growing between them and use another vehicle to get them together.
The story was okay but I have to quibble about The 1st new year's eve when she all of sudden jumps in bed with him. It felt like a stock answer to how to get them together. I think it would be a lot more fun if the tension just kept growing and growing between them and use another vehicle to get them together.
December 11, 2021
So cute.
Sweet series. Like little Hallmark movies. With billionaires. Hap is a really nice guy. Rachel, once burned, twice careful. I love that it centered around one Christmas and then the next one.
Sweet series. Like little Hallmark movies. With billionaires. Hap is a really nice guy. Rachel, once burned, twice careful. I love that it centered around one Christmas and then the next one.
November 22, 2023
Meh. It took me a bit to get into it and constantly reading "billionaire house" every other sentence wasn't exactly needed. But, overall a cute story with minimal spice. Only 12 chapters long and did have HEA.
December 4, 2023
Rachel lives in the billionaire bachelor pad and cooks for several billionaire friends living in the house. She loves cooking and this job pays well and she gets to live in a mansion. Win, win, right? Well not exactly. What do you do when you have feelings for your billionaire boss but have sworn off dating rich men?
December 3, 2023
Great Read
Rachel and Hap could be the perfect couple if she wasn't hung up on her past and proving things to her ex. Hap just has to make sure she sees him and what they could have. A good holiday read.
Rachel and Hap could be the perfect couple if she wasn't hung up on her past and proving things to her ex. Hap just has to make sure she sees him and what they could have. A good holiday read.
December 23, 2023
cute story
This was a quick cute story to get your day started. I love the fact that the two people involved had feelings for each other but wouldn’t admit it. Talk about tiptoeing a night of sex then let’s ignore each other forever. Ha we all know how that works.
This was a quick cute story to get your day started. I love the fact that the two people involved had feelings for each other but wouldn’t admit it. Talk about tiptoeing a night of sex then let’s ignore each other forever. Ha we all know how that works.
December 9, 2021
Absolutely LOVE! I've been DYING to see how Hap got his happily ever after & this was absolutely perfect! Brilliantly done, another 5 star win from Tru Taylor!
January 4, 2022
A good read
A good read... but not much suspense. Couple gaps in between chapters. Not a lot to their story but still a good read
A good read... but not much suspense. Couple gaps in between chapters. Not a lot to their story but still a good read
January 19, 2022
Really enjoyed this sweet short read.
October 13, 2023
everyone should have a happy in their lives. every man of this series should be like happy fr
November 15, 2023
Loved this book, was so sweet. Couldn't put down until finished. Highly recommend
November 29, 2023
Cute quick holiday romance with a HEA.
December 5, 2023
This was a cute romantic short story. It’s a shy millionaire and a strong willed woman learning how to make it. I recommend this book. Short enough to read before bed.
December 26, 2023
Wish this was full length.
July 19, 2022
Tru is another new author to me and I loved her writing in this book. This is a fun, Christmas, snowstorm story with interesting characters.
July 25, 2024
Hap's story might only be a novel but it's not less than the others for this! Loved seeing him and Rachel fighting their attraction and then finally getting together!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews