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Blackwood Billions #1
Hostile Takeover
For Nalani Stark, legacy matters… maybe more than most things.
Important enough that when that legacy — inextricably tied to her mother’s memory - is challenged, she’s forced to consider even the most undesirable options…
Such as a match made in hell with Orion Sterling.
The heir to the competitor she grew up being warned about.
Orion is a man well-accustomed to getting exactly what he wants. Other than opportunities to grow the family business, he’s moved by very few things.
One of which happens to be Nalani Stark.
They each have something the other needs, and only one way to get it : a contract that delineates exactly what each person takes from the arrangement.
Simple enough…
Unless feelings get brought into the exchange.
Important enough that when that legacy — inextricably tied to her mother’s memory - is challenged, she’s forced to consider even the most undesirable options…
Such as a match made in hell with Orion Sterling.
The heir to the competitor she grew up being warned about.
Orion is a man well-accustomed to getting exactly what he wants. Other than opportunities to grow the family business, he’s moved by very few things.
One of which happens to be Nalani Stark.
They each have something the other needs, and only one way to get it : a contract that delineates exactly what each person takes from the arrangement.
Simple enough…
Unless feelings get brought into the exchange.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2023
602 people are currently reading
2479 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 575 reviews
April 19, 2025
I don’t have the words to truly convey how f*cking phenomenal this book was. I’ve been anxiously waiting on the release of Hostile Takeover since CCJ first posted about it and, honey, it was more than worth the wait. Nalani took an instant dislike to Orion Sterling from the moment she met him. When she finds out her trash azz daddy sold off part of her mama’s legacy and the only way to get it back in her family's possession is to marry Orion, he immediately became public enemy number one. Nalani’s feelings are the least of his concerns. Grandma Calli is not in the best of health so, Orion is on a mission to lock down a wife and bare an heir before the Lord calls her home. And, if he has to blackmail the woman he’s been secretly crushin’ on since he saw her on the cover of Sugar & Spice then, so be it. Even with all of the constant bickering and sniping, I was absolutely smitten with this couple. I loved the natural progression of Nalani and Orion’s relationship and how organically they fell in love. These two fought tooth and nail to ignore and deny their feelings for each other but, the heart wants what the heart wants and the billionaire wanted his corporate bae. This marriage of convenience was filled will tons of drama and secret tea. Corporate sabotage, secrets from the past rearing its ugly head in the present, a Maury Povich “you are the daddy” moment, trash azz parents doing what trash azz parents do, deceit, betrayal, and so much more. Y’all know there’s never a dull moment when we pull up to Blackwood. The cameos were my absolute favorite part of this story. We got to see Des and Demetria Byers, Eva James, Luke Freeman, Leon James, and Hailey Freeman. Then, we had honorable mentions of Sugar & Spice, The Drake Hotel, Sugar Valley, Honey Branch Winery, 81st & Clarke, Freeman’s Bridal, and The Black Gallery. I love the way CCJ weaved these characters into the storyline so that there was this six degrees of separation with everyone. To say I loved this book would be an understatement. If I could give it 10 stars I would. Hostile Takeover was a literary masterpiece. Yeah, I’m being a bit dramatic calling it a masterpiece but, I said what I said. CCJ wrote the hell out of this book and sis owes me absolutely nothing.
April 27, 2023
What do you get when the HNIC enters a marriage of convenience with the HBIC!? A masterpiece that’s what!! This was an arranged marriage done right!! This book is EASILY a TOP contender for favorite book of 2023!! I’ve heard the buzz around Orion Sterling and Nalani Stark but I was not even remotely prepared to love this book the way I did! The way I greedily consumed every single page like a 400lbs woman at an endless buffet was pure gluttony! These two were ev👏🏽ery👏🏽thing!!!! A Hostile Takeover indeed!!
Nalani is doing her part to keep her mothers legacy alive running the family business Nectar. This isn’t your average grocery store. This is a pillar in the community where WE have a safe space to shop and support each other through their small businesses. Everyone loves Nalani and rightfully so! She’s a baaaaaddddd bîtch! Confidence ✅ beautiful✅ smart✅ calculated✅ sis checks every single box! Once she catches wind of her fathers dishonest dealings and that he has sold off the land and the store, that has been in her mothers family since the ancestors all in the name of alleged debt, she is forced into an arrangement that she is not feeling AT ALL in order to save her birthright.
That arrangement came in the form of marrying billionaire boos Orion. Let me tell you….. ORION, 🗣️THAT NÏGGA!!! I meannnnnnnn he was a bad mother shut yo mouth and he needed someone equally as bad on his arm to do this thing called life with. For him Nalani was an obvious choice, a no brainer, and he had no problem “my wife my wife my wife’ing” us to death 🤣🤣 I LOVED IT!
These two were a match made in heaven and while their relationship didn’t start with love, their chemistry both in and out of the bedroom couldn’t be denied!! You get a FULL dose of drama, laughs and literal dragging in this book!Listen Nalani was not the one or the two!!! She said play with me if you want to!!! I LOVED HER!!!! Callie was also everything in this book! Shiloh EVERYTHING!! I mean the book was just so damn good! Do not miss out on all of this goodness!!! 🗣️Get👏🏽in👏🏽to👏🏽it!!!
Nalani is doing her part to keep her mothers legacy alive running the family business Nectar. This isn’t your average grocery store. This is a pillar in the community where WE have a safe space to shop and support each other through their small businesses. Everyone loves Nalani and rightfully so! She’s a baaaaaddddd bîtch! Confidence ✅ beautiful✅ smart✅ calculated✅ sis checks every single box! Once she catches wind of her fathers dishonest dealings and that he has sold off the land and the store, that has been in her mothers family since the ancestors all in the name of alleged debt, she is forced into an arrangement that she is not feeling AT ALL in order to save her birthright.
That arrangement came in the form of marrying billionaire boos Orion. Let me tell you….. ORION, 🗣️THAT NÏGGA!!! I meannnnnnnn he was a bad mother shut yo mouth and he needed someone equally as bad on his arm to do this thing called life with. For him Nalani was an obvious choice, a no brainer, and he had no problem “my wife my wife my wife’ing” us to death 🤣🤣 I LOVED IT!
These two were a match made in heaven and while their relationship didn’t start with love, their chemistry both in and out of the bedroom couldn’t be denied!! You get a FULL dose of drama, laughs and literal dragging in this book!Listen Nalani was not the one or the two!!! She said play with me if you want to!!! I LOVED HER!!!! Callie was also everything in this book! Shiloh EVERYTHING!! I mean the book was just so damn good! Do not miss out on all of this goodness!!! 🗣️Get👏🏽in👏🏽to👏🏽it!!!
May 22, 2023
This was FANTASTIC. 6/5 ⭐️. My first Christina C Jones and definitely won't be my last. I picked this up because of a quote I heard involving an arranged marriage and "don't touch my wife!"
Listen... that's my catnip. I adore it. And this man was a top-tier protective hero.
Billionaire
Arranged marriage
Enemies to lovers
Protective, obsessive hero
Strong, take no BS, heroine
Great family unit
Fabulous characterization
Drama and swoon and secrets
Lots of heat
Ugh. I loved it.
If there's one thing I love in romance books, it's a powerful, protective hero who is out of his mind for his woman, and that woman being fierce and strong and making him work for it.
I loved the way they both were open to working on the remationship but also were ready to call the other out when needed.
There is a scene involving another woman where Orion tries to make Nalani jealous, and it was THE BEST SCENE EVER. I was literally shouting YES GIRL.
And just. . . The way he loved her *sigh* perfection.
Listen... that's my catnip. I adore it. And this man was a top-tier protective hero.
Billionaire
Arranged marriage
Enemies to lovers
Protective, obsessive hero
Strong, take no BS, heroine
Great family unit
Fabulous characterization
Drama and swoon and secrets
Lots of heat
Ugh. I loved it.
If there's one thing I love in romance books, it's a powerful, protective hero who is out of his mind for his woman, and that woman being fierce and strong and making him work for it.
I loved the way they both were open to working on the remationship but also were ready to call the other out when needed.
There is a scene involving another woman where Orion tries to make Nalani jealous, and it was THE BEST SCENE EVER. I was literally shouting YES GIRL.
And just. . . The way he loved her *sigh* perfection.
April 23, 2023
I LOVE, LOVE, LOOOVED this book. Hostile Takeover is the most fitting title for this book. Nalani and Orion were like oil and water. They just don't mix. Orion with all his BDE waltzed in, making absurd demands, not giving one śĥiť how Nala felt about it. After all, these crazy demands were for her benefits. All thanks to her sorry aşs daddy for putting her in that situation. Orion did a super job getting under skin…and dammit, he got under mine too. He was fine, arrogant, fine, a dick, oh and so fine. He had money, money, like lots of it and he moved like it. Whatever he wants, he gets. But Orion deep down was so lovable. He loved his grandmother to pieces and would do anything for her.
Nalani was such a badass herself. I love women like her. She was smart, confident, a boss, and independent. She gets things done. With her and Orion's bickering, it was inevitable for them not to fall for one another. Orion was all about his wife. He didn't say two words without mentioning "my wife." It was my wife, this, my wife that, my wife, my wife, my wife. He was extremely protective of her. Even from her family.
This story had everything. From blackmail marriage, betrayal, secrets, girl fights, feisty grandmother, love, and sex. Morgan and Ares have something brewing, and I hope we get it soon.
So, I could be biased when it comes to CCJ, but this was an absolutely amazing read. If you haven't read this yet, move it up and start ASAP.
Nalani was such a badass herself. I love women like her. She was smart, confident, a boss, and independent. She gets things done. With her and Orion's bickering, it was inevitable for them not to fall for one another. Orion was all about his wife. He didn't say two words without mentioning "my wife." It was my wife, this, my wife that, my wife, my wife, my wife. He was extremely protective of her. Even from her family.
This story had everything. From blackmail marriage, betrayal, secrets, girl fights, feisty grandmother, love, and sex. Morgan and Ares have something brewing, and I hope we get it soon.
So, I could be biased when it comes to CCJ, but this was an absolutely amazing read. If you haven't read this yet, move it up and start ASAP.
April 2, 2023
I loved it … but it’s CCJ how can you not.
Merged review:
I loved it … but it’s CCJ how can you not.
Merged review:
I loved it … but it’s CCJ how can you not.
November 26, 2023
The second read was the Audiobook Which Made This a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Story. Wesleigh and Winston!
December 4, 2023
2.5/5 stars...
I have thoughts on this one 😭 . I did NOTTTTT ship them together whatsoever. Orion pissed me off to no end, and Nalani gave into this whole forced relationship way to easily in my opinion. Like girl stand up and fight or something. Like in my opinion this is not how you do enemies to lovers AT ALL, and this gave very much toxic and just didn't make any sense.
Like if they were just rival stores and then fell in love that would've ATE DOWN. Instead it was just Orion overriding everything, being a terrible person, being manipulative, and forcing Nalani to do things. TRASH.
The whole book was super flat as well, and had a very intriguing premise only to not live up to the story or expectations at all. Nalani's store was never really described fully, we never learn about Orions store or story, and it just felt...almost like there needed to be a book before this?? Something was just missing the entire time. This did not give what needed to be gave.
Everyone in the reviews is like "He knew what was best for her 🥹" "He has such BDE energy" ????????????????????? did we read the same book? 😭 . Nah Nalani should've fought 10000x harder instead of putting on her circus clown makeup. THEN THEN???? The whole birth control thing??? Yall can't be serious im sorry. I would've got my tubes tied out of spite and then we would've had to throw jabs after that 🤷♀️ . Boooooo corny booooooo trash. Orion was fragile and annoying. (this part alone took this book down from a 3.5 to a 2.5, sorry. I don't play about women having autonomy over their own bodies. 👎 ) Then he blamed her??? He was so dumb. Like how about you take a sex ed class and learn how birth control works? Talking about some HNIC.....boy if you don't-
However, I'm giving it 2.5 stars because i liked the plot overall. I've never really seen it done before and it was interesting to read with the whole store thing or how intertwined the families and secrets were. It just fell flat though.
I have thoughts on this one 😭 . I did NOTTTTT ship them together whatsoever. Orion pissed me off to no end, and Nalani gave into this whole forced relationship way to easily in my opinion. Like girl stand up and fight or something. Like in my opinion this is not how you do enemies to lovers AT ALL, and this gave very much toxic and just didn't make any sense.
Like if they were just rival stores and then fell in love that would've ATE DOWN. Instead it was just Orion overriding everything, being a terrible person, being manipulative, and forcing Nalani to do things. TRASH.
The whole book was super flat as well, and had a very intriguing premise only to not live up to the story or expectations at all. Nalani's store was never really described fully, we never learn about Orions store or story, and it just felt...almost like there needed to be a book before this?? Something was just missing the entire time. This did not give what needed to be gave.
Everyone in the reviews is like "He knew what was best for her 🥹" "He has such BDE energy" ????????????????????? did we read the same book? 😭 . Nah Nalani should've fought 10000x harder instead of putting on her circus clown makeup. THEN THEN???? The whole birth control thing??? Yall can't be serious im sorry. I would've got my tubes tied out of spite and then we would've had to throw jabs after that 🤷♀️ . Boooooo corny booooooo trash. Orion was fragile and annoying. (this part alone took this book down from a 3.5 to a 2.5, sorry. I don't play about women having autonomy over their own bodies. 👎 ) Then he blamed her??? He was so dumb. Like how about you take a sex ed class and learn how birth control works? Talking about some HNIC.....boy if you don't-
However, I'm giving it 2.5 stars because i liked the plot overall. I've never really seen it done before and it was interesting to read with the whole store thing or how intertwined the families and secrets were. It just fell flat though.
November 29, 2023
Nalani and Orion were fake enemies to lovers but every bit of marriage of convenience! Orion barged his way into Nalani’s life due to betrayal by her father. Within the first 2 chapters, we are hit with a marriage proposal and secrets that only are the tip of the iceberg. And boy are there more secrets revealed, drama, thirsty hoes with no remaining edges, and so much more! Nalani is in the top 5 of CCJ female characters for me and that’s a tough top 5 to be in! She didn’t back down from what was right (including checking her husband), checking the hoes, and her trifling father! Orion was a bigger asshole than Kingston and I have no idea how CCJ did that lol. I’m glad he got over his insecurities because whew he was ruining his blessing lol. I want to say this was a slow burn but not really because the pace was moving and stuff was happening and that wedding night?!? Whew! Absolutely! So many scenes I fully understood why Nalani accepted her marriage lol.
This is book one of a new potential series and explored a lot of old and new characters and places! Orion's brothers, Ares and Titan, will more than likely be books in the series, and possibly Nalani’s brother Soren. Soren has a story to tell! Hopefully, Aunt Lucy keeps it cute! Smh the Blacks are back and more sinister than Curiosity! I can’t wait to see what comes of them in the future! I even have some predictions there! Lol, I also have predictions for the future books in the Blackwood Billions series as well! Overall I’m glad CCJ is in her contemporary bag and blessed us with another 5-star read!
Merged review:
Update!!! Audio takes this book this to the next level!!
Nalani and Orion were fake enemies to lovers but every bit of marriage of convenience! Orion barged his way into Nalani’s life due to betrayal by her father. Within the first 2 chapters, we are hit with a marriage proposal and secrets that only are the tip of the iceberg. And boy are there more secrets revealed, drama, thirsty hoes with no remaining edges, and so much more! Nalani is in the top 5 of CCJ female characters for me and that’s a tough top 5 to be in! She didn’t back down from what was right (including checking her husband), checking the hoes, and her trifling father! Orion was a bigger asshole than Kingston and I have no idea how CCJ did that lol. I’m glad he got over his insecurities because whew he was ruining his blessing lol. I want to say this was a slow burn but not really because the pace was moving and stuff was happening and that wedding night?!? Whew! Absolutely! So many scenes I fully understood why Nalani accepted her marriage lol.
This is book one of a new potential series and explored a lot of old and new characters and places! Orion's brothers, Ares and Titan, will more than likely be books in the series, and possibly Nalani’s brother Soren. Soren has a story to tell! Hopefully, Aunt Lucy keeps it cute! Smh the Blacks are back and more sinister than Curiosity! I can’t wait to see what comes of them in the future! I even have some predictions there! Lol, I also have predictions for the future books in the Blackwood Billions series as well! Overall I’m glad CCJ is in her contemporary bag and blessed us with another 5-star read!
This is book one of a new potential series and explored a lot of old and new characters and places! Orion's brothers, Ares and Titan, will more than likely be books in the series, and possibly Nalani’s brother Soren. Soren has a story to tell! Hopefully, Aunt Lucy keeps it cute! Smh the Blacks are back and more sinister than Curiosity! I can’t wait to see what comes of them in the future! I even have some predictions there! Lol, I also have predictions for the future books in the Blackwood Billions series as well! Overall I’m glad CCJ is in her contemporary bag and blessed us with another 5-star read!
Merged review:
Update!!! Audio takes this book this to the next level!!
Nalani and Orion were fake enemies to lovers but every bit of marriage of convenience! Orion barged his way into Nalani’s life due to betrayal by her father. Within the first 2 chapters, we are hit with a marriage proposal and secrets that only are the tip of the iceberg. And boy are there more secrets revealed, drama, thirsty hoes with no remaining edges, and so much more! Nalani is in the top 5 of CCJ female characters for me and that’s a tough top 5 to be in! She didn’t back down from what was right (including checking her husband), checking the hoes, and her trifling father! Orion was a bigger asshole than Kingston and I have no idea how CCJ did that lol. I’m glad he got over his insecurities because whew he was ruining his blessing lol. I want to say this was a slow burn but not really because the pace was moving and stuff was happening and that wedding night?!? Whew! Absolutely! So many scenes I fully understood why Nalani accepted her marriage lol.
This is book one of a new potential series and explored a lot of old and new characters and places! Orion's brothers, Ares and Titan, will more than likely be books in the series, and possibly Nalani’s brother Soren. Soren has a story to tell! Hopefully, Aunt Lucy keeps it cute! Smh the Blacks are back and more sinister than Curiosity! I can’t wait to see what comes of them in the future! I even have some predictions there! Lol, I also have predictions for the future books in the Blackwood Billions series as well! Overall I’m glad CCJ is in her contemporary bag and blessed us with another 5-star read!
February 14, 2024
I’m a sucker for marriage of convenience stories and this was an amazing one. I loved both MCs. The arrogance and audacity of that Orion n!gga….astonishing 🤣 Nalani was an all round badass.
Wesleigh and Winston did a fantastic job with the narration
All in all, this was highly entertaining….never a dull moment with a CCJ book.
Wesleigh and Winston did a fantastic job with the narration
All in all, this was highly entertaining….never a dull moment with a CCJ book.
November 29, 2023
I can admit that I can be biased when it comes to a few authors (sue me LOL) and CCJ is one of them. That aside, I really enjoyed this book. It’s basically a one sided enemies to lover marriage of convenience. You get romance and a few twists. Calli was my favorite!!! I can't wait for the rest of the series. I'm guessing (and hoping) their siblings will get books.
11/2023 Audiobook review- this book could be 10 ⭐️ if possible. It will definitely be in my rotation of frequent re-listens. Excellent narration by Wesleigh and Winston!!!
11/2023 Audiobook review- this book could be 10 ⭐️ if possible. It will definitely be in my rotation of frequent re-listens. Excellent narration by Wesleigh and Winston!!!
May 27, 2025
I honestly should have waited to read this book until the series was finished!!!
This thing was TOOOOOOOO 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!! I LOVEEEEDDDDDDDDDD Orion & Nalani, like real BAD!!! Calli, & Shi were AMAZING characters as well!!!
Wheewwww, just read the book!! Truly fire from beginning to end! The audiobook, TOP TIER!!!
Now what books do I read to figure out who the Blacks that own the gallery are? 🤔
This thing was TOOOOOOOO 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!! I LOVEEEEDDDDDDDDDD Orion & Nalani, like real BAD!!! Calli, & Shi were AMAZING characters as well!!!
Wheewwww, just read the book!! Truly fire from beginning to end! The audiobook, TOP TIER!!!
Now what books do I read to figure out who the Blacks that own the gallery are? 🤔
September 18, 2024
I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book since CCJ’s “Lady of the House (A Thanksgiving Vignette)” where we were first introduced to Orion and Nalani.
Nalani is summoned to her father’s office one day to find out that the family ran business and her mother’s legacy is in trouble. She soon learns that the trouble stems from her incompetent father, his mishandling of the business, and his gambling habits. Through her father’s actions the landlord and their family’s competitor, Orion is ready to send them packing. That is unless Nalani agrees to a marriage of convenience. Orion has made promises to his grandmother that he plans to keep. He promised her that before she left the earth that he would have the prettiest wife and babies. This marriage of convenience will help him fulfill his promise in the least amount of time and time is running out. As they navigate this new marriage Nalani pretends to hate Orion but is secretly crushing on him the whole time. She finds it easier and easier to give in and give it up to Orion, she doesn’t go down without a fight though. Orion didn’t randomly choose Nalani, he’s had his eyes on her for a while and he purposely acts like an alpha-hole to mask his true feelings. He courts her, protects her, and buys her all the nice things. Not to mention the Seggs is A1. As the story progresses Nalani uncovers family lies, deceit, betrayal and Orion gets closer to his end goal. We get a cameo from the infamous Black family, humor from the hilarious grandma Calli, and introductions to siblings from both sides who will hopefully get their own book.
Nalani is summoned to her father’s office one day to find out that the family ran business and her mother’s legacy is in trouble. She soon learns that the trouble stems from her incompetent father, his mishandling of the business, and his gambling habits. Through her father’s actions the landlord and their family’s competitor, Orion is ready to send them packing. That is unless Nalani agrees to a marriage of convenience. Orion has made promises to his grandmother that he plans to keep. He promised her that before she left the earth that he would have the prettiest wife and babies. This marriage of convenience will help him fulfill his promise in the least amount of time and time is running out. As they navigate this new marriage Nalani pretends to hate Orion but is secretly crushing on him the whole time. She finds it easier and easier to give in and give it up to Orion, she doesn’t go down without a fight though. Orion didn’t randomly choose Nalani, he’s had his eyes on her for a while and he purposely acts like an alpha-hole to mask his true feelings. He courts her, protects her, and buys her all the nice things. Not to mention the Seggs is A1. As the story progresses Nalani uncovers family lies, deceit, betrayal and Orion gets closer to his end goal. We get a cameo from the infamous Black family, humor from the hilarious grandma Calli, and introductions to siblings from both sides who will hopefully get their own book.
April 26, 2023
Hostile Takeover Indeed
When I tell you CCJ came out swinging with this one. I mean engaging from start to finish!
Orion came across as the most arrogant as$hole with all of the audacity in the world. I mean he was really a piece of work. He had watched Nala from afar and appreciated the woman she was beyond her stunning beauty. When he came across an unexpected deal that involved her family's legacy he decided to avoid the traditional relationship route and instead make her a proposition that he KNEW a woman like her wouldn't refuse.
Nala loved contributing to the family business. Unfortunately she was blissfully unaware of how her trash as$ father was dismantling the hard work of her mother's ancestors. When the proposal from Orion was made to preserve her family's legacy, it was a foregone conclusion. As blindly hostile the situation was, she was also grateful. She would do her time in this sham of a marriage, save her legacy, and then gracefully exit.
Orion had different plans. He genuinely cared for Nala and he knew they had the potential for sharing something great. He set out to make her comfortable enough to consider doing life with him. He was in denial, but it was clear he was head over heels in love with her. The way he doted on her, protected her, supported her was everything. Beyond that Jess situation, because he tried it!!!! They both got all the smoke they were looking for 😤 And their chemistry....off the chain 🥵. This was extremely well written, we got to experience Nala's walls slowly come down as she started to accept and appreciate who Orion had become to her. As much as she wanted to fight it, he was her person.
Whew there was so much drama from the past that infiltrated their lives in the present. I enjoyed all the subcharacters especially Grandma Calli. As many good books as I have read from CCJ, I can't say that I have any male mcs that were strongly memorable....until now. Orion is that guy and he definitely lives on the bookbae list.This story is a must read!
There is so much potential for spinoff stories with Orion's brother's and of course Nala's brother Soren. I look forward to it all.
When I tell you CCJ came out swinging with this one. I mean engaging from start to finish!
Orion came across as the most arrogant as$hole with all of the audacity in the world. I mean he was really a piece of work. He had watched Nala from afar and appreciated the woman she was beyond her stunning beauty. When he came across an unexpected deal that involved her family's legacy he decided to avoid the traditional relationship route and instead make her a proposition that he KNEW a woman like her wouldn't refuse.
Nala loved contributing to the family business. Unfortunately she was blissfully unaware of how her trash as$ father was dismantling the hard work of her mother's ancestors. When the proposal from Orion was made to preserve her family's legacy, it was a foregone conclusion. As blindly hostile the situation was, she was also grateful. She would do her time in this sham of a marriage, save her legacy, and then gracefully exit.
Orion had different plans. He genuinely cared for Nala and he knew they had the potential for sharing something great. He set out to make her comfortable enough to consider doing life with him. He was in denial, but it was clear he was head over heels in love with her. The way he doted on her, protected her, supported her was everything. Beyond that Jess situation, because he tried it!!!! They both got all the smoke they were looking for 😤 And their chemistry....off the chain 🥵. This was extremely well written, we got to experience Nala's walls slowly come down as she started to accept and appreciate who Orion had become to her. As much as she wanted to fight it, he was her person.
Whew there was so much drama from the past that infiltrated their lives in the present. I enjoyed all the subcharacters especially Grandma Calli. As many good books as I have read from CCJ, I can't say that I have any male mcs that were strongly memorable....until now. Orion is that guy and he definitely lives on the bookbae list.This story is a must read!
There is so much potential for spinoff stories with Orion's brother's and of course Nala's brother Soren. I look forward to it all.
December 30, 2023
The take over was hostile, but which one of us would not let Orion take over the way he did?!?! This man exuded power and sexiness and I loved him from the moment he hit the page. He met his match with the non wilting flower Nalani! I mean she really came out SWINGING!! This was a perfect marriage of connivence with all the ingredients of a great story to keep you on your toes!!!
May 29, 2024
4.75 stars. Minus .25 for the other woman drama.
I LOVE a strong heroine and enemies with benefits to lovers. I don’t prefer asshole heroes, but if you’re going to write an asshole hero, he better be paired with someone who won’t let him walk all over her. And that’s the case in this story.
Nalani is a badass. She is strong and full of righteous rage. I LOVED watching her bring men to account, starting with her dad in the beginning. She does not put up with crap or bad behavior. She demands to be treated well. At the same time, she’s extremely fair and doesn’t stand her ground in a way that is to her detriment. Which means, she’s willing to work with Orion to make their marriage work.
This results in a really fun and dynamic story.
Orion is an asshole. Toxic masculinity is strong in this story. He, along with several main men in this story, don’t know how to express their feelings in a healthy way. However, he loves deeply and fights for his people. He definitely needs therapy, but I have hope for him.
This is a romance for folks that enjoy a good tussle. Their romance does not run smooth. Orion sets up a pretty adversarial situation, but Nalani pushes back strong. I love their negotiations and discussions. He is determined to have Nalani and to be a good husband and, for the most part, succeeds. He is giving and caretaking and protective. However, there is a bad event where he doesn’t believe her and lashes out in a REALLY unhealthy way. They work it through and I’m okay to forgive him, but some folks might be really bothered (I’ll include in safety deets).
I am DEFINITELY looking forward to reading more in this series.
Safety deets
- Other woman drama. When the hero gets ready to marry, he decides he won’t sleep with any woman who isn’t his wife (including Nalani before they marry). That was AWESOME. However, the author likes to set up multiple situations where it almost feels like some OW drama is about to start. And, when he gets his feelings hurt, he sets out to make Nalini think he is sleeping with his ex-fiancée. She does NOT take that well and goes physical on the other woman. I’m not big on physical violence (and neither is Nala), but I felt so satisfied when she lashed out. The other woman was being so inappropriate. Orion was also an absolute douche bag; however, I felt like this was resolved and he won’t do this crap again. This is where I feel like he could use some therapy cause he doesn’t have healthy responses to feelings.
- Other man drama. Nalani has an ex who tries to start things with her, but it’s not a huge deal, other than him being a horrible human being.
- Violence. There is a LOT of violence (though thankfully not graphic) and it's used as a tool to resolve some issues with folks. We don’t see the villains brought to the law, so if that would bother you, you should know.
- Consent is pretty good.
- I could use more of a HEA at the end. We get the sense they are in it and in love… but there isn’t a huge resolution and time with them as a couple.
- Some pretty crazy family dynamics, especially in her family. Her dad is TRASH.
I LOVE a strong heroine and enemies with benefits to lovers. I don’t prefer asshole heroes, but if you’re going to write an asshole hero, he better be paired with someone who won’t let him walk all over her. And that’s the case in this story.
Nalani is a badass. She is strong and full of righteous rage. I LOVED watching her bring men to account, starting with her dad in the beginning. She does not put up with crap or bad behavior. She demands to be treated well. At the same time, she’s extremely fair and doesn’t stand her ground in a way that is to her detriment. Which means, she’s willing to work with Orion to make their marriage work.
This results in a really fun and dynamic story.
Orion is an asshole. Toxic masculinity is strong in this story. He, along with several main men in this story, don’t know how to express their feelings in a healthy way. However, he loves deeply and fights for his people. He definitely needs therapy, but I have hope for him.
This is a romance for folks that enjoy a good tussle. Their romance does not run smooth. Orion sets up a pretty adversarial situation, but Nalani pushes back strong. I love their negotiations and discussions. He is determined to have Nalani and to be a good husband and, for the most part, succeeds. He is giving and caretaking and protective. However, there is a bad event where he doesn’t believe her and lashes out in a REALLY unhealthy way. They work it through and I’m okay to forgive him, but some folks might be really bothered (I’ll include in safety deets).
I am DEFINITELY looking forward to reading more in this series.
Safety deets
- Other woman drama. When the hero gets ready to marry, he decides he won’t sleep with any woman who isn’t his wife (including Nalani before they marry). That was AWESOME. However, the author likes to set up multiple situations where it almost feels like some OW drama is about to start. And, when he gets his feelings hurt, he sets out to make Nalini think he is sleeping with his ex-fiancée. She does NOT take that well and goes physical on the other woman. I’m not big on physical violence (and neither is Nala), but I felt so satisfied when she lashed out. The other woman was being so inappropriate. Orion was also an absolute douche bag; however, I felt like this was resolved and he won’t do this crap again. This is where I feel like he could use some therapy cause he doesn’t have healthy responses to feelings.
- Other man drama. Nalani has an ex who tries to start things with her, but it’s not a huge deal, other than him being a horrible human being.
- Violence. There is a LOT of violence (though thankfully not graphic) and it's used as a tool to resolve some issues with folks. We don’t see the villains brought to the law, so if that would bother you, you should know.
- Consent is pretty good.
- I could use more of a HEA at the end. We get the sense they are in it and in love… but there isn’t a huge resolution and time with them as a couple.
- Some pretty crazy family dynamics, especially in her family. Her dad is TRASH.
August 29, 2024
4.5 stars
Enemies to lovers & marriage of convenience? Yesssss pls. I love a delusional mannnnn with money !!!
Nalani & Orion stressed me out with all that foolishness fr. I couldn’t stand Orion at first but he definitely had reasons. This was steamy but I wanted to see them really fall in love & to me that’s what was missing in this.
When the other books coming out ? I neeeeed that asap C. Jones be eating !!!
Enemies to lovers & marriage of convenience? Yesssss pls. I love a delusional mannnnn with money !!!
Nalani & Orion stressed me out with all that foolishness fr. I couldn’t stand Orion at first but he definitely had reasons. This was steamy but I wanted to see them really fall in love & to me that’s what was missing in this.
When the other books coming out ? I neeeeed that asap C. Jones be eating !!!
October 13, 2023
Wow! What a laugh out loud amazing story!!!!
Although they began their business relationship as enemies, this roller coaster ride took Orion and Nalani straight into "GIVE ME SOME OF THAT"! Lol!!!!!!!
Once again, the betrayal by family members cuts so much deeper when it is finally revealed. Nalani's father is the worse. He only cared about himself. But he soon learned you reap what you sow!
Next, is Orion. When he claims you, be prepared to be taken over by a man, who is willing to go to the wall to protect you. Unfortunately, Miss Independent Nalani doesn't want or need Orion's protection. Yeah well she is in for a shock!
Nevertheless, Nalani is no joke when it comes to Orion's ex-loves. When Orion lost his mind and invited Jessica to dinner to rile up Nalani, it didn't go exactly the way he thought it would!
Jessica shot off her mouth and found herself snatched across the dining room table minus her wig.
Still laughing about that.
Except for that really raw sex scene, this story was absolutely amazing!!!!
Although they began their business relationship as enemies, this roller coaster ride took Orion and Nalani straight into "GIVE ME SOME OF THAT"! Lol!!!!!!!
Once again, the betrayal by family members cuts so much deeper when it is finally revealed. Nalani's father is the worse. He only cared about himself. But he soon learned you reap what you sow!
Next, is Orion. When he claims you, be prepared to be taken over by a man, who is willing to go to the wall to protect you. Unfortunately, Miss Independent Nalani doesn't want or need Orion's protection. Yeah well she is in for a shock!
Nevertheless, Nalani is no joke when it comes to Orion's ex-loves. When Orion lost his mind and invited Jessica to dinner to rile up Nalani, it didn't go exactly the way he thought it would!
Jessica shot off her mouth and found herself snatched across the dining room table minus her wig.
Still laughing about that.
Except for that really raw sex scene, this story was absolutely amazing!!!!
April 17, 2023
3.5 stars
Hostile Takeover was truly an enemies to lovers romance. Orion's family owns a rival grocery chain corporation that somehow manages to purchase Nalani's chain from her family (thanks to her trifling, gambling CEO daddy who basically sold the company for nothing). Nalani is obviously not pleased. Orion promises to sign the business back over to Nalani...but only if she agrees to marry him and give him a kid. She's not with it at first, but she'll do anything to preserve her mother's legacy, plus Orion ain't bad looking.
Now, the book was great until about the 80% mark. I loved watching Orion try to win Nalani over, seeing him with his brothers, and finding out the main reason why he wanted to get married. But as usual, CCJ's flaw is that she struggles with her endings. They are almost always too rushed or leave questions open. She mentioned that ends books the way she does for a reason, but with as many books as this author has written, I don't think that's an excuse for building up a great story then essentially rushing the reader through the conclusion. The epilogue didn't help much either because it also was very rushed. This book needed at least 100-150 more pages to wrap things up.
Other than that, I'd still recommend this book, because I really liked Nalani and Orion's chemistry, but the ending left me wanting more.
TROPES: black romance/BIPOC/OWN voices; enemies to lovers; marriage of convenience; forced proximity/roommates; rich H/h; he falls first
TRIGGER WARNINGS: mentions of death of a loved one; loved one with terminal illness
Hostile Takeover was truly an enemies to lovers romance. Orion's family owns a rival grocery chain corporation that somehow manages to purchase Nalani's chain from her family (thanks to her trifling, gambling CEO daddy who basically sold the company for nothing). Nalani is obviously not pleased. Orion promises to sign the business back over to Nalani...but only if she agrees to marry him and give him a kid. She's not with it at first, but she'll do anything to preserve her mother's legacy, plus Orion ain't bad looking.
Now, the book was great until about the 80% mark. I loved watching Orion try to win Nalani over, seeing him with his brothers, and finding out the main reason why he wanted to get married. But as usual, CCJ's flaw is that she struggles with her endings. They are almost always too rushed or leave questions open. She mentioned that ends books the way she does for a reason, but with as many books as this author has written, I don't think that's an excuse for building up a great story then essentially rushing the reader through the conclusion. The epilogue didn't help much either because it also was very rushed. This book needed at least 100-150 more pages to wrap things up.
Other than that, I'd still recommend this book, because I really liked Nalani and Orion's chemistry, but the ending left me wanting more.
TROPES: black romance/BIPOC/OWN voices; enemies to lovers; marriage of convenience; forced proximity/roommates; rich H/h; he falls first
TRIGGER WARNINGS: mentions of death of a loved one; loved one with terminal illness
January 26, 2024
I hated their first time together. Zero affection. He was so freaking whiny. The situation with ex pissed me off. Why the fuck is an ex making you hard? He brought the hoe to their dinner table, like wtf 😳 Just because he says he doesn’t cheat it’s supposed to excuse his behavior? I couldn’t do it. I just didn’t get romance from the couple. They never even fall in love 🤦🏾♀️
September 19, 2023
”Her hair,” I said, gesturing at Nalani, who had her back turned now, looking at the two-story window view from the balcony. “I want it natural for the wedding.”
The truth was though, in that magazine spread where I first laid eyes on her, her hair had been in its natural, curly state, and that shit was sexy.
NOW THIS, THIS! This is how you execute the marriage of convenience trope. Let’s go!
Although Orion and Nalani’s love story didn’t start out ideally, watching them fall in love with one another had me blushing and kicking my damn feet in public while reading this on my kindle. This deserves a re-read, and I’m super jealous of anyone who’s going to read this for the first time. I loved how much Orion adored Nalani in her natural state, and his reasoning for doing all of this, made my heart warm. As always, with Christina’s books, you don’t just love the two main characters, you get attached to everyone. I loved how Calli was the only one who could put Orion in his place. Orion is just ALLLL man. I hope Soren and Orion’s brothers gets a book!
The truth was though, in that magazine spread where I first laid eyes on her, her hair had been in its natural, curly state, and that shit was sexy.
NOW THIS, THIS! This is how you execute the marriage of convenience trope. Let’s go!
Although Orion and Nalani’s love story didn’t start out ideally, watching them fall in love with one another had me blushing and kicking my damn feet in public while reading this on my kindle. This deserves a re-read, and I’m super jealous of anyone who’s going to read this for the first time. I loved how much Orion adored Nalani in her natural state, and his reasoning for doing all of this, made my heart warm. As always, with Christina’s books, you don’t just love the two main characters, you get attached to everyone. I loved how Calli was the only one who could put Orion in his place. Orion is just ALLLL man. I hope Soren and Orion’s brothers gets a book!
October 17, 2023
Why was I blushing reading this book?! 😊😊Orion was in love from the beginning, but Nalani was so mean to Orion 🤣This book took me out of my reading slump 🙌🏾 Very good story and I love most of the characters.
August 9, 2025
4.5 stars
This marriage of convenience and dislike to lovers was so good. Orion and Nala had amazing chemistry. No doubt about their physical chemistry. It was there from the get go.
Their story was so captivating. Nala was a strong, passionate and opinionated woman. A certain scene was so badass. Yo go Nala!
Orion was a gentleman. Yes, the way this marriage came about was not the best but he’s a man who fiercely cares, observes and listens.
The only thing I needed more of was their emotional connection. Besides that, it was fabulous romance.
Wow, these two took my breath away.
This marriage of convenience and dislike to lovers was so good. Orion and Nala had amazing chemistry. No doubt about their physical chemistry. It was there from the get go.
Their story was so captivating. Nala was a strong, passionate and opinionated woman. A certain scene was so badass. Yo go Nala!
Orion was a gentleman. Yes, the way this marriage came about was not the best but he’s a man who fiercely cares, observes and listens.
The only thing I needed more of was their emotional connection. Besides that, it was fabulous romance.
Wow, these two took my breath away.
January 13, 2024
First Five Star Read of 24!
There book gave me everything that I wanted in a 5 star read, I can’t even front! You did your thing Mrs. CCJ! Nalani and Orion started out as a “contractual agreement” for the purpose of keeping the family grocery store “Nectar” in which Nalani’s father had secretly sold the land unknowingly to Nalani and her brother Soren. First the marriage starts out at business but it quickly develops as secrets are revealed and emotions are thrown in the mix. This story kept me invested from the beginning to the end ( I don’t just hand out 5 star reads, I need to be engaged from beginning to end )! Thank you Mrs. Jones for blessing us with such talent!
There book gave me everything that I wanted in a 5 star read, I can’t even front! You did your thing Mrs. CCJ! Nalani and Orion started out as a “contractual agreement” for the purpose of keeping the family grocery store “Nectar” in which Nalani’s father had secretly sold the land unknowingly to Nalani and her brother Soren. First the marriage starts out at business but it quickly develops as secrets are revealed and emotions are thrown in the mix. This story kept me invested from the beginning to the end ( I don’t just hand out 5 star reads, I need to be engaged from beginning to end )! Thank you Mrs. Jones for blessing us with such talent!
April 16, 2023
My My My
Two things that I don’t like: the enemies to lovers trope and grumpy leading men. This book had both. I decided to push past that because I know if there’s anyone that can flip it into something likable, it would be CCJ. Once again, she pulled it off. I slowly fell in love with this couple. I was completely enamored by Orion once it was all said and done. He turned out to be so lovable. Nalani was such a boss babe. Her spunk and tenacity is what I love in a leading lady. That’s also why I loved Calli. We all need a Calli in our lives. The drama with Nalani’s father was so juicy. I was fully invested. This was a well written drama intertwined with an unconventional love story. It turned out to be so good.
Two things that I don’t like: the enemies to lovers trope and grumpy leading men. This book had both. I decided to push past that because I know if there’s anyone that can flip it into something likable, it would be CCJ. Once again, she pulled it off. I slowly fell in love with this couple. I was completely enamored by Orion once it was all said and done. He turned out to be so lovable. Nalani was such a boss babe. Her spunk and tenacity is what I love in a leading lady. That’s also why I loved Calli. We all need a Calli in our lives. The drama with Nalani’s father was so juicy. I was fully invested. This was a well written drama intertwined with an unconventional love story. It turned out to be so good.
May 15, 2025
This was a cute marriage of convenience. Orion met his match in Nalani (Nala). She was NOT putting up with Orion’s shenanigans & I loved that. The banter was 🤌🏽 & the sexual chemistry between them was 🔥. I do wish there was more romance. They never even told each other “I love you” 😩
There was drama & family secrets that kept me engaged. Orion’s brothers seemed like they were getting set up to get their own books in the series. Also Soren, Nala brother needs a book!
AND the Black family was in here. I read Curiosity already. I need to finish the other 2 books in that series.
Fav part:
Nala whooping Jessica ass! Lmaooo she deserved it!
4.75 ⭐️ for audiobook via Libby. The authors did a great job in bringing this book to life. FYI, the epilogue was not on the audiobook for some reason 🤷🏽♀️
There was drama & family secrets that kept me engaged. Orion’s brothers seemed like they were getting set up to get their own books in the series. Also Soren, Nala brother needs a book!
AND the Black family was in here. I read Curiosity already. I need to finish the other 2 books in that series.
Fav part:
Nala whooping Jessica ass! Lmaooo she deserved it!
4.75 ⭐️ for audiobook via Libby. The authors did a great job in bringing this book to life. FYI, the epilogue was not on the audiobook for some reason 🤷🏽♀️
April 3, 2023
After being in a slump all March I'm finally reading again. This is the first book I've read in April. Normally I'm not a billionaire romance girl. I think that sub genre is overrated. However, this book is about black billionaires. I can tolerate it a little for that. This book is a black billionaire/arranged marriage/ enemies to lovers story.
The pros:
●I really enjoyed the banter between Nalani and Orion. They butted heads a lot in this book and it was entertaining.
●I loved how Nalani is very confident and headstrong. She doesn’t take shit from anybody, especially Orion and I was here for it. She was definitely a boss.
●I loved how even though Orion was definitely a morally grey MMC and the way he roped Nala into marriage wasn't the best start to their relationship, he was very protective of her and did not play when it came to her safety.
●I loved his grandmother Calli, she was a real one who had no problem giving her grandson and everybody else some tough love. I also loved Nalani's friend group. A trio of women who were successful and really loved each other. No BS involved.
Cons:
●There were several times in this book I thought both Nalani and Orion were acting very childish at their big ass age. Most prevalent with the BC issue. Imo, Orion was doing the most and overreacting. I also believe that Nalani was being sneaky. She didn't offer up that info, he found out and confronted her about it. They both were immature with the way they handled that convo and again, imo should've both apologized instead of just him.🤷🏾♀️
●By the end of the book I didn't believe they were in love. Yes they had chemistry and yes they got along sometimes but love? Nah. At the most I would say they were on the road to love. They spent the majority of the book at each other's throats. We never really got a proper build up to seeing them fall. I feel like CCJ could've done that better. Cut back on the banter and show more of them building a bond with each other and falling in love. Now, to be fair, neither of them said the words "I love you" in the end so i'm assuming that was on purpose and their story was supposed to end on a HFNish note. Which, if so is fine but it still would've been nice to see them in love at the end. This book was more enemies to physical lovers instead of lovers in its full definition. That was a downer for me. I was looking forward to watching them fall but didn't get that.
●This book had countless errors. Enough for me to notice. The editor definitely missed a lot of issues.
All in all this was an enjoyable book. It helped me get out of my slump so points for that. However, I didn't love it. Liked it yes, loved it. No.
The pros:
●I really enjoyed the banter between Nalani and Orion. They butted heads a lot in this book and it was entertaining.
●I loved how Nalani is very confident and headstrong. She doesn’t take shit from anybody, especially Orion and I was here for it. She was definitely a boss.
●I loved how even though Orion was definitely a morally grey MMC and the way he roped Nala into marriage wasn't the best start to their relationship, he was very protective of her and did not play when it came to her safety.
●I loved his grandmother Calli, she was a real one who had no problem giving her grandson and everybody else some tough love. I also loved Nalani's friend group. A trio of women who were successful and really loved each other. No BS involved.
Cons:
●There were several times in this book I thought both Nalani and Orion were acting very childish at their big ass age. Most prevalent with the BC issue. Imo, Orion was doing the most and overreacting. I also believe that Nalani was being sneaky. She didn't offer up that info, he found out and confronted her about it. They both were immature with the way they handled that convo and again, imo should've both apologized instead of just him.🤷🏾♀️
●By the end of the book I didn't believe they were in love. Yes they had chemistry and yes they got along sometimes but love? Nah. At the most I would say they were on the road to love. They spent the majority of the book at each other's throats. We never really got a proper build up to seeing them fall. I feel like CCJ could've done that better. Cut back on the banter and show more of them building a bond with each other and falling in love. Now, to be fair, neither of them said the words "I love you" in the end so i'm assuming that was on purpose and their story was supposed to end on a HFNish note. Which, if so is fine but it still would've been nice to see them in love at the end. This book was more enemies to physical lovers instead of lovers in its full definition. That was a downer for me. I was looking forward to watching them fall but didn't get that.
●This book had countless errors. Enough for me to notice. The editor definitely missed a lot of issues.
All in all this was an enjoyable book. It helped me get out of my slump so points for that. However, I didn't love it. Liked it yes, loved it. No.
April 17, 2023
4 "It started as a hostile takeover." Stars!
Even though Orion was an ass for a big part of the book, I loved this story. Nalani was manipulated into a situation, but she was playing no games with him. She was a little bit dickmatized, but that's okay. She still held her own. Plus when it came down to it, Orion did have a heart after all. Happy reading!
PS- Bonus, The Blacks make an appearance... 😏
Even though Orion was an ass for a big part of the book, I loved this story. Nalani was manipulated into a situation, but she was playing no games with him. She was a little bit dickmatized, but that's okay. She still held her own. Plus when it came down to it, Orion did have a heart after all. Happy reading!
PS- Bonus, The Blacks make an appearance... 😏
August 3, 2024
this is taking it honey !!! mwah
October 7, 2024
I am not a romance girly so take this review with a grain of salt but this book was not it for me. Maybe I’m just not the target audience but the situation was too unrealistic to me and didn’t have enough background as to why Orion wanted to marry Nala in the first place.
The sexual tension between them was so nonexistent that it didn’t make sense to me why they would’ve starting having sex in the first place. Yes Orion thought nala was attractive but that’s really it. And nala being “sassy” to Orion didn’t really mean anything
Bc my girl never stood on business
And I get enemies to lovers. Actually I love a good enemies to lovers storyline but this one didn’t satisfy me the way I would’ve liked. I needed more tension and build up. More internal dialogue with nala after excepting the proposal versus giving in so quickly and easily. And as I said before every situation was so unrealistic that I couldn’t get really invested in the story.
Nala always gave in and that wasn’t very interesting to me. I guess I just needed some kind of fighting from either party.
Even though it didn’t start off great for me it eventually got better and could see the interest with the 2 characters.
AND don’t even get me started on the “contractually obligated heir”
2.5 ⭐️s
Also I didn’t like Orion. Like AT ALL
The sexual tension between them was so nonexistent that it didn’t make sense to me why they would’ve starting having sex in the first place. Yes Orion thought nala was attractive but that’s really it. And nala being “sassy” to Orion didn’t really mean anything
Bc my girl never stood on business
And I get enemies to lovers. Actually I love a good enemies to lovers storyline but this one didn’t satisfy me the way I would’ve liked. I needed more tension and build up. More internal dialogue with nala after excepting the proposal versus giving in so quickly and easily. And as I said before every situation was so unrealistic that I couldn’t get really invested in the story.
Nala always gave in and that wasn’t very interesting to me. I guess I just needed some kind of fighting from either party.
Even though it didn’t start off great for me it eventually got better and could see the interest with the 2 characters.
AND don’t even get me started on the “contractually obligated heir”
2.5 ⭐️s
Also I didn’t like Orion. Like AT ALL
September 3, 2023
Perfectly acceptable fake marriage
The author is CLEARLY using this book to set up a long-running series. Every person had a very full backstory that made the overall story feel very cluttered and unfocused. It was absolutely pleasant enough to spend time in this well-drawn world. I just wish we got more of the two main characters and less of everyone else.
The author is CLEARLY using this book to set up a long-running series. Every person had a very full backstory that made the overall story feel very cluttered and unfocused. It was absolutely pleasant enough to spend time in this well-drawn world. I just wish we got more of the two main characters and less of everyone else.
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