The Billionaire Bachelor (Billionaire Bad Boys, #1)

by Jessica Lemmon

Reese Crane has a problem. His father has been grooming Reese to take over as the CEO of the infamous Crane Hotel brand when he's ready to retire and that day has finally come. Too bad the Board of Directors isn't on-board. Reese's past as a manwhore has been splashed all over the tabloids and gossip columns and the last thing the Board wants is a pleasure-seeking playboy to sully the company name. But Reese isn't giving up so easily. They want a settled man to lead the company? Then that's exactly what he'll give them. Merina Van Heusen will do anything to keep her parents' funky and historic boutique hotel in business-even marry cold-as-ice but sexy-as-hell billionaire bachelor Reese Crane to do it. It's a simple business contract-six months of "marriage", absolute secrecy, and the Van Heusen is all hers again. But nothing is ever that simple. Now married and appearing together publicly, Merina has no problem putting on a show for the cameras but what she doesn't expect is to be as wildly attracted to Reese behind closed doors as he is for her.
With sparks flying and tempers flaring, they give into the volatile attraction more than once and Merina finds herself faced with her worst nightmare: falling in love with her husband.

• ISBN10: 1455566543
• ISBN13: 9781455566549
• Publish Date: 28 June 2016
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 6 August 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Forever
• Format: Paperback (A-Format (178x111 mm))
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lynn]

This is my second Jessica Lemmon novel and my expectations are more than met in this fun and frivolous billionaire style marriage of convenience romance.

Reece Crane wants to take over as CEO of his father's company, only his man-whore, playboy lifestyle means he's not taken seriously in the business world. After a soaking wet, angry woman confronts him about one of his hotels, He decides to hatch a plan to clean up his tarnished image, only the outcome is far greater than the original plan.

Merina Van Heusen's devastated when she finds out her parents sold her beloved Van Heusen boutique hotel to Crane Hotels. Horrified, that the new owners will spoil the ambience and charm of this Chicago landmark with changes, she heads off to challenge the person who instructed the renovations. The drop-dead gorgeous specimen of a man she meets is the epitome of what she despises in the opposite sex:
"You listen to me, you suited sewer rat."
Yet unbeknown to Merina, she's made a lasting impression and he's going to make an outrageous proposition worth considering.

I loved Reece and Merina together. The pretence of their arrangement ensues it becomes more than an agreement to marry, it's a full-blown PR campaign to turn Reece into a respectable business man rather than fodder for the gutter press. Whilst he can charm the birds from the trees, he's hiding a crippling personal secret, reducing his chance of ever achieving a happy and stable relationship. The more he spends time with Merina, the more he falls in love, yet simultaneously pushes her away. Merina, hurt from a previous relationship is wary of Reece, but as time wears on she falls for him and dumbfound as he pushes her away, knowing that he's hiding from his true feelings. Yet, her feisty nature kicks in when most needed and challenges him to reveal the truth.

I love Jessica's writing style, how she brings her protagonists to life in a believable way. The Billionaire Bachelor is a fabulous start to what promises to be an amazing series.

4 Stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Forever via NetGalley***

[kimbacaffeinate]

The Billionaire Bachelor quickly drew me in as Reese Crane is thrown off guard when Merina Van Heusen storms his office when she discovers he owns her hotel.. Reese is determined to be named CEO of Crane Hotels, but the board cannot see beyond his playboy lifestyle. After Merina leaves his office, he devises a plan to give them both what they want. If she agrees to a six month marriage he will turn the Van Heusen over to her. Reese draws up a simple business contract between two professionals. What could possibly go wrong? Bwahaha!

I absolutely loved the feisty, heated chemistry between Reese and Merina. These two have it all worked out but soon find themselves tumbling between the sheets. I laughed at their banter and cried over their pasts. Lemmon really brought them to life. I cannot say that Reese Crane is really a bad boy. Yes, at times he came off as cold and methodical but Lemmon pulled backs his layers and seriously..... I completely swooned! Merina is all class. If you piss her off, she will cut you down to size with grace. She was brilliant and more than once, she had me cheering aloud.

As I said, the chemistry was off the charts and the tale delivered plenty of fiery heat, mixed with smoldering kisses, playful banter and warm-hearted conversations.

Angst in the form of fear, feelings and growth racked up the tension for the last three-fourths of their story. Lemmon managed to provide all the FEELS without making me completely pull out my hair. Both of their back-stories felt genuine and I felt for Reese on so many levels. His ex-girlfriend and best friend added interest, as did the media.

We meet Tag, one of Reese’s brothers who will star in the next book. Oh boy! Did I mention how much I adore books with BROTHERS? I cannot wait to see him fall. The Crane family is proving to be interesting. Lemmon has hooked me again!

Filled with heart, humor and characters you will both admire and adore The Billionaire Bachelor delivered the perfect escape.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer