Review: Stranded with a Billionaire by Jessica Clare

Stranded with a Billionaire
Author: Jessica Clare
Reviewer: VampBard
Rating: A

What I’m Talking About:

I think I’m a in a groove with the contemporary romance titles! I was excited when I was offered the opportunity to read a title by Jessica Clare (the alter-ego of Jill Myles). She’s been on my ‘author’s to read’ list for a while, and finally the stars aligned! All the awesome stuff I’ve heard about Ms. Myles is true. FABULOUS stuff! In doing my research for this review, I believe that we’re seeing a re-release of this series – or quite possibly the launch of mass-market paperback. Either way, I highly recommend!

When I first started reading Stranded with a Billionaire, I was a little puzzled. Um. Hurricane?!?! What good can come out of such a destructive natural disaster? But when all the pieces fell together for me, BOOM! I fell in love with Logan and Bronte. Together. Individually. I just love those two. Ms. Myles’s storytelling was splendid, engaging, and completely enchanting.

I didn’t want to like Logan. Really, I tried not to. I’m not into deceit of any form in a relationship. ‘Oooh! If I can get him/her to like like me, none of the lies will matter. However, Logan completely redeemed himself for me. By bringing her in to a clandestine part of his world – and giving her the power to topple several empires – he proved his love and his trust for her. This was especially important as Logan had his head messed with in his previous relationship. Ms. Myles even gave her readers a glimpse into his infamous ex. Quite well done.

I had a soft spot for Bronte from the beginning. What a unique name, right?!? Well, this philosophy-spouting, independent woman definitely wasn’t looking for a sugar daddy. As matter of fact, one of the things I loved most about Bronte is that she had a marked distaste for the ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’. I also identified with Bronte in many ways. Living paycheck-to-paycheck, never able to take a vacation, and markedly responsible and ethical. Probably her philosophy-roots showing. However, I didn’t always agree with Bronte’s reactions to plot points. That is, until the end when everything had a shiny red bow tied around it.

The supporting characters were well-introduced. I was able to identify people from my own life that paralleled these characters, which made the reading all that more fun. Sharon, Bronte’s vacation sharer, is that fair-weather friend that is in it all for her. Doesn’t really care whether you live or die, as long as the tab is paid at the end of the night. I also liked Gretchen. A. Lot…and I saw a fabulous set-up for the next book – involving her – at the end. We were introduced to all of the Billionaire Boys Club during this title. And I must say, I’m extremely interested in reading the rest of the books in the series.

Unlike many contemporary romances involving billionaires, Stranded with a Billionaire riveted me with the pacing. I felt like everything moved along at break-neck speed throughout the novel. This isn’t a bad thing – I just couldn’t find decent places to put the book down. Which, in retrospect, is a good thing! 🙂 I managed to have images in my head of the major characters pretty quickly, and there was excellent description of locations without getting into every teeny detail. I almost see this as a LIFETIME Network movie. And, you know the book is good when you hit-up Amazon at the conclusion to see if there’s more books in the series you might have missed. Picked up the prequel. FTW!

(P.S. – if you really REALLY want to read through this series, books 1-4 are available via Amazon. Book 5 is set to release digitally on November 4, 2014…and Book 6 is to be determined.)

My Rating: A, Loved It

About the Book:

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?

Release Date: March 13, 2014 (e-book), July 17, 2014 (mass-market paperback)
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Billionaire Boys Club #1
ISBN: 978-0425269077
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Format(s): paperback (304 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley

Purchase Info:
Stranded with a Billionaire (Billionaire Boys Club #1)