Stranded With The Billionaire (Book 1 in the The Billionaire Boys Club)
Author: Jessica Clare
Publisher: PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW
Publication Date: April 16, 2013
Description:
The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six men who have vowed success – at any cost. Not all of them are old money, but all of them are incredibly wealthy. They’re just not always as successful when it comes to love…
Billionaire Logan Hawkings needs a vacation.
He’s had a rough time after the death of his father and the betrayal of his fiancée. But with a visit to a recent business acquisition—a private island resort in the Bahamas—he has a chance to mend his broken heart.
When a hurricane blows in, a misplaced passport and a stalled elevator bring Logan together with an unusual woman named Bronte. She’s unlike anyone he’s ever met—down to earth, incredibly sensual, and even quotes Plato.
She also has no clue that he’s rich…
Bronte Dawson, a waitress from the Midwest, is stranded with the hotel’s domineering yet sexy manager Logan. What’s the harm in a little fling when it’s just the two of them, alone in paradise? But after several steamy island nights in Logan’s arms, Bronte’s ready to give her heart—and her body—to the man in charge.
But she soon discovers there’s more to Logan than he’s told her…a billion times more. Now, Bronte’s caught in a whirlwind affair with one of the world’s most powerful men. But can their love endure their differences or will it all just blow over?
My Thoughts:
Despite the cover which is part of the whole 50 Shades trend, I was surprisingly pleased with this book. However, that doesn’t mean it’s without its flaws.
The Bad:
Oh, lord. Now, keep in mind I live in Florida, but I understand people who don’t don’t necessarily understand how hurricanes work. But still … In the first chapter, Seaturtle Cay (apparently the resort is literally the only thing on the is;and and no one lives anywhere on the island) receives evacuation orders because a Cat 3 (with potential to become a Cat 4 or 5 storm) hurricane is bearing down on them. Bronte, along with everyone else, is freaked, and she’s wondering “How long until the hurricane hits. 10, 20 minutes?” Now, c’mon people. A hurricane is a big, freakin’ storm. They’re generally slow moving (Hurricane Charley was a speed demon, moving at 24 miles an hour in 2004). The winds pick up loooong before the main storm hits and the meteorologists will known at least a day or two ahead that it’s veering in a particular direction. And there’s no real reference to winds as the evacuation begins, just a lobby cram-packed with panicking tourists. A cruise ship is used to remove everyone from the island. Everyone. No one remains behind. Well, except for Bronte and Logan of course. This scenario totally didn’t work for me.
Once the hurricane itself passes (the aftermath was rather nicely done, I will say) and they get off the island, Logan’s alphahole attitude also dimmed some of my enjoyment. He’s dismissive of Bronte’s work as a waitress, assuming she’ll be delighted to pick up and go be his girlfriend/mistress because she doesn’t have a real job, just a “nothing job” as a waitress. Bronte has her own moments, bemoaning the fact that a waitress has nothing in common with a billionaire. ::insert major eye rolling here::
And then the whole shebang secrecy thing of the Billionaire Boys club. ::minor eye roll:: Apparently they’re uber-secretive because if anyone knows they’re friends and have discussions about their business, they’d be subject to all sorts of collusion accusations and whatnot. When Logan lets Bronte in on the secret, the other five members all insist she sign a non-disclosure agreement. C’mon, who doesn’t know that all the big boys in the wealthy category have some friendships and/or work together? I found the who secrecy thing quite overdone.
The Good:
There were some mighty good sex scenes in this book. Very hot. Not quite like I would have imagined from the “domineering” Logan and especially given the 50 Shadesesque cover, but still steamy.
I liked some of the secondary characters in this book. Audrey, Logan’s personal assistant (and bonus points for the fact that there was no “oh, he must be boinking her” moments from Bronte) was a delight, and Gretchen, Audrey’s sister was a nice surprise. Gretchen is apparently the heroine of book 2 in the series, Beauty and the Billionaire, which will utilize Hunter (one of the Billionaire Boys).
Bronte was a great character as she was introduced, waitress who acknowledged the stupidity of getting a philosophy BA (really, what are you supposed to do with that?).
Logan – I liked him overall, but I like asshat heroes.
Both had really great grovel scenes (and yes, Bronte needed to grovel too when she realized that in her own way, she was a snobbish as Logan, just in reverse).
And did I mention the great sex? Heh. Yeah, I liked it.
So, despite the fact that my “bad” stuff seems heavier than my “good”, I really have to say I genuinely liked this book and will look forward to the next in the series. I’d give it a 3.5/5 leaning toward a 4.
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
– Review by Victoria
Lady Vivian Worth knows perfectly well how to behave like a lady. But observing proper manners when no one is around to impress is just plain silly. When Luke Forest, the newly named Duke of Foxhaven, arrives early to visit his bride-to-be, he catches Vivian acting most unladylike—in her chemise. Though amused by her unconventional ways, Luke hadn’t planned on marrying such a sprightly and opinionated lady. He’ll just have to find her another husband. But can he stand to see the vivacious woman in the arms of someone else?
