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Blackout Billionaires #3
Blame It on the Billionaire
Their relationship is a total deception—
Only their passion is real.
It was a night filled with lies, secrets… and soul-stealing passion. And now the blackout that turned lowly executive assistant Nadia Jordan and start-up billionaire Grayson Chandler into insatiable lovers culminates in a proposal Nadia can’t refuse! But can it last…?
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2020
69 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Naima Simone
164 books2,051 followersPublished since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 1, 2020
Quick(ish) Review
Loved, loved, loved it. Good chemistry, great dialogue and I adore Ms. Simone’s prose. This has one of my favorite things, a genuine BBW heroine who doesn’t spend the entire book hating her body. I was giddy from that alone but then it got even better.
It also has the delicious tropes of workplace romance, fake engagement and one night stand becomes more. I was rolling in so much smutnip I didn’t know what to do with myself. The Firsts were glorious and all in all, I was very happy to read this. I just went to Amazon to pick up the earlier two books because YES PLEASE.
If you love these things like I do, I think you should check this out.
Loved, loved, loved it. Good chemistry, great dialogue and I adore Ms. Simone’s prose. This has one of my favorite things, a genuine BBW heroine who doesn’t spend the entire book hating her body. I was giddy from that alone but then it got even better.
It also has the delicious tropes of workplace romance, fake engagement and one night stand becomes more. I was rolling in so much smutnip I didn’t know what to do with myself. The Firsts were glorious and all in all, I was very happy to read this. I just went to Amazon to pick up the earlier two books because YES PLEASE.
If you love these things like I do, I think you should check this out.
May 21, 2020
4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
Greyson is the reluctant heir to the family business, and during a blackout, he spends one night with Nadia. Nadia is on her day off but gets called by her supervisor to bring him a clean shirt. Nadia gets caught in the blackout with Greyson, the head of her company, and the boss she's lusting. When Greyson finds out that he is more connected to Nadia than just the one night they shared, he offers her a deal that she cannot pass up. I loved that Nadia and Greyson had mutual secrets and responsibilities. I liked the strength that Nadia portrayed throughout the story, as well as her vulnerability.
I look forward to reading the previous books in this series of standalone novels.
Video review available in Week 21: May 17 – 23 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Greyson is the reluctant heir to the family business, and during a blackout, he spends one night with Nadia. Nadia is on her day off but gets called by her supervisor to bring him a clean shirt. Nadia gets caught in the blackout with Greyson, the head of her company, and the boss she's lusting. When Greyson finds out that he is more connected to Nadia than just the one night they shared, he offers her a deal that she cannot pass up. I loved that Nadia and Greyson had mutual secrets and responsibilities. I liked the strength that Nadia portrayed throughout the story, as well as her vulnerability.
I look forward to reading the previous books in this series of standalone novels.
Video review available in Week 21: May 17 – 23 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
January 24, 2020
Blame It on the Billionaire by Naima Simone is a steamy romance for a couple caught out in a blackout whose one night together turns into something more.
Grayson Chandler still feels the grief of the loss of his older brother, a man who was supposed to take over the family dynasty. He’s the ‘spare’ and his mother wants to see him take over the company reins and get settled, choosing a woman totally unsuited for him – his ex-fiancee. When a blackout at a society function has him sharing a night of scorching passion with a woman who turns out to be a company employee, he devises the perfect scheme to thwart his mother’s plans.
When executive assistant Nadia Jordan encounters her crush Grayson, global tech company Kaycee Corps president, at the society party where she’s been tasked to deliver something to her immediate boss, she never expects it to lead to anything. But in the dark, it’s easy to let passion take over. When Grayson finds out who she really is he’s furious, having never compromised his work ethics before by getting involved with an employee. But now he needs her help – pretend to be engaged to him to get his mother and ex to back off. He’s willing to pay handsomely for a few months of Nadia’s time and at first she refuses. But when her younger brother whom she’s cared for and took out of a neglectful home environment gets a chance to go to Yale she comes back with a deal. All she wants is enough money to help send him through school for the 4 years of his degree and she’ll agree to play at being Grayson’s girlfriend. But for how long can they keep up the charade before it start to feel all too real?
I’ve enjoyed all of the author’s Blackout Billionaire’s series and this one is another intense and passionate read! Grayson’s been struggling with grief over his brother’s untimely death and the expectations of his parents to take over the family company. Since he’s been quite successful branching out on his own with his partner Gideon Knight, he doesn’t need any handouts – he just wants his parents to recognize his own independent business success. And knowing his ex-girlfriend is only interested in him for his money has soured him on relationships.
His arrangement with Nadia is just what he needs. They are both on the same page about keeping their hearts safely uninvolved, despite their easy and compelling attraction to each other. But as they share details of their lives with each other it gets harder and harder to keep that emotional distance. Nadia has worked hard to provide for her brother since they left their neglectful mother, a woman who relied on rich men for handouts, and she’s only letting Grayson pay for what she needs, a refreshing change for Grayson to find a woman not after his money. The drama with Grayson’s ex comes to a head and makes things a bit rocky for them, during which time Nadia stands up for herself and doesn’t let Grayson back in without some real effort. I enjoyed all the secondary characters in this novel too (minus the ex!). Once again the author delivers a thoroughly enjoyable and sexy romance.
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-bl...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Grayson Chandler still feels the grief of the loss of his older brother, a man who was supposed to take over the family dynasty. He’s the ‘spare’ and his mother wants to see him take over the company reins and get settled, choosing a woman totally unsuited for him – his ex-fiancee. When a blackout at a society function has him sharing a night of scorching passion with a woman who turns out to be a company employee, he devises the perfect scheme to thwart his mother’s plans.
When executive assistant Nadia Jordan encounters her crush Grayson, global tech company Kaycee Corps president, at the society party where she’s been tasked to deliver something to her immediate boss, she never expects it to lead to anything. But in the dark, it’s easy to let passion take over. When Grayson finds out who she really is he’s furious, having never compromised his work ethics before by getting involved with an employee. But now he needs her help – pretend to be engaged to him to get his mother and ex to back off. He’s willing to pay handsomely for a few months of Nadia’s time and at first she refuses. But when her younger brother whom she’s cared for and took out of a neglectful home environment gets a chance to go to Yale she comes back with a deal. All she wants is enough money to help send him through school for the 4 years of his degree and she’ll agree to play at being Grayson’s girlfriend. But for how long can they keep up the charade before it start to feel all too real?
I’ve enjoyed all of the author’s Blackout Billionaire’s series and this one is another intense and passionate read! Grayson’s been struggling with grief over his brother’s untimely death and the expectations of his parents to take over the family company. Since he’s been quite successful branching out on his own with his partner Gideon Knight, he doesn’t need any handouts – he just wants his parents to recognize his own independent business success. And knowing his ex-girlfriend is only interested in him for his money has soured him on relationships.
His arrangement with Nadia is just what he needs. They are both on the same page about keeping their hearts safely uninvolved, despite their easy and compelling attraction to each other. But as they share details of their lives with each other it gets harder and harder to keep that emotional distance. Nadia has worked hard to provide for her brother since they left their neglectful mother, a woman who relied on rich men for handouts, and she’s only letting Grayson pay for what she needs, a refreshing change for Grayson to find a woman not after his money. The drama with Grayson’s ex comes to a head and makes things a bit rocky for them, during which time Nadia stands up for herself and doesn’t let Grayson back in without some real effort. I enjoyed all the secondary characters in this novel too (minus the ex!). Once again the author delivers a thoroughly enjoyable and sexy romance.
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-bl...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
January 6, 2020
I was not one of those romance readers who cut their teeth on mom’s secreted Harlequins. In fact they’re a pretty recent discovery for me, but man, do I see why people love them. All the tropes and tricks of romance packed into a delightfully consumable package. In this case, billionaires, instalust, fake engagement, and a “you can’t fall in love with me/I won’t fall in love with you” pact. Oh, sweet innocents!
This book has some wonderfully developed characters, which is hard to do in a slightly shorter format. I really felt for Nadia and the sacrifices she had to make. This is a woman who lives her whole life for other people and she finally decided to give in to some pants feelings and enjoy herself. Of course, there’s no such thing as an anonymous one night stand in a romance so that’s just the MCs’ first encounter. Grayson is a quintessential alpha romance hero—hot, gruff, decisive but with a little core of vulnerable mushiness. The man buys JD Robb books for his employee’s sick husband, for God’s sake. I did get irritated with his inability to stand up to his family, but I chocked it up to Romance Reasons. After all, if he wasn’t trying to shove it to his parents there wouldn’t be a reason for a fake engagement.
I loved Simone’s handling of the fake engagement trope. She uses it to show how aware the MCs are of each other—sexually, yes, but also emotionally. It doesn’t take long for them to get a pretty good grasp on each other’s vulnerabilities and desires even while they’re “faking” a relationship for the world. It’s almost like the layer of performance gives them the chance to sort out what’s real and what’s not with each other. It pays off by the end.
I’ve enjoyed every book in this series. Naima Simone has tackled the Harlequin gig perfectly. They’re fun, sexy, emotionally satisfying reads. I think anyone who is a fan of the genre, the author, and this imprint will enjoy Blame It On The Billionaire.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book has some wonderfully developed characters, which is hard to do in a slightly shorter format. I really felt for Nadia and the sacrifices she had to make. This is a woman who lives her whole life for other people and she finally decided to give in to some pants feelings and enjoy herself. Of course, there’s no such thing as an anonymous one night stand in a romance so that’s just the MCs’ first encounter. Grayson is a quintessential alpha romance hero—hot, gruff, decisive but with a little core of vulnerable mushiness. The man buys JD Robb books for his employee’s sick husband, for God’s sake. I did get irritated with his inability to stand up to his family, but I chocked it up to Romance Reasons. After all, if he wasn’t trying to shove it to his parents there wouldn’t be a reason for a fake engagement.
I loved Simone’s handling of the fake engagement trope. She uses it to show how aware the MCs are of each other—sexually, yes, but also emotionally. It doesn’t take long for them to get a pretty good grasp on each other’s vulnerabilities and desires even while they’re “faking” a relationship for the world. It’s almost like the layer of performance gives them the chance to sort out what’s real and what’s not with each other. It pays off by the end.
I’ve enjoyed every book in this series. Naima Simone has tackled the Harlequin gig perfectly. They’re fun, sexy, emotionally satisfying reads. I think anyone who is a fan of the genre, the author, and this imprint will enjoy Blame It On The Billionaire.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 1, 2020
Intense, super sexy, and skillfully-written, this Cinderella/Pretty Woman fake relationship workplace romance is a fantastic read. Beautiful and sympathetic main characters in American Prince Grayson and financially-strapped Nadia. A heart-rending storyline of family pressure and knocks to self-belief. Molten hot sexytimes. Ultra satisfying ending.
It needed an infusion of humor to cut through all the intensity and a bit more dimension to the villainess. Also missing for most of the book is the element of friendship. Nadia had no one apart from her younger brother and that made me really sad.
It needed an infusion of humor to cut through all the intensity and a bit more dimension to the villainess. Also missing for most of the book is the element of friendship. Nadia had no one apart from her younger brother and that made me really sad.
January 16, 2020
4.5 stars
Nadia was strong, resilient, honest, feisty...I loved her! She’s the girl you’d want in your corner, knowing she’ll be the first one on your doorstep if you need a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. And I loved that she embraced her curves and didn’t knock herself about her looks! I don’t know why that particular bit stuck with me, but it did and I was all the happier for it!
Grayson was loyal, honorable, and straight forward with everyone except his parents. I felt for the guy. To be in his position equaled being between a rock and a hard place. What I appreciated most about Grayson was his ‘realness’ with Nadia. He didn’t pretend and was genuinely open and interested in her.
Nadia and Grayson had the perfect mix of sizzling attraction, intelligent conversations....just thinking about their really heady chemistry-yay! Simone had me cheering for these two very well-developed characters to overcome a tough, judgmental road and achieve a much deserved HEA.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
Nadia was strong, resilient, honest, feisty...I loved her! She’s the girl you’d want in your corner, knowing she’ll be the first one on your doorstep if you need a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. And I loved that she embraced her curves and didn’t knock herself about her looks! I don’t know why that particular bit stuck with me, but it did and I was all the happier for it!
Grayson was loyal, honorable, and straight forward with everyone except his parents. I felt for the guy. To be in his position equaled being between a rock and a hard place. What I appreciated most about Grayson was his ‘realness’ with Nadia. He didn’t pretend and was genuinely open and interested in her.
Nadia and Grayson had the perfect mix of sizzling attraction, intelligent conversations....just thinking about their really heady chemistry-yay! Simone had me cheering for these two very well-developed characters to overcome a tough, judgmental road and achieve a much deserved HEA.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
December 5, 2020
Blame It on the Billionaire was a fantastic read featuring one of my favorite tropes, fake dating.
When executive assistant Nadia Jordan shows up at a fancy black-tie affair to deliver an item to her boss the last thing she expected was to run into her company's CEO, billionaire Grayson Chandler, or that she'd end up in his arms during a city-wide blackout. After a night of passion, Gray proposes an arrangement where Nadia will pretend to be his fiancée to get his mother and ex off his back. But as time goes on, Nadia finds she wants to turn their fake romance into the real thing.
Nadia and Gray's relationship starts off a bit unbalanced as Nadia knows who Gray is but he doesn't recognize her. The pair's encounter during the blackout is incredibly steamy and is overall a fantastic scene. The chemistry between Nadia and Gray is truly fantastic and the sexual tension is apparent in every scene they share. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, so I loved that aspect of their relationship and thought it was done very well. The situation with Gray's family is terrible and I liked how well Nadia was able to adapt and respond exactly how Gray needed her to. When the inevitable third act breakup occurs, I thought it was handled well and done for the right reasons. Gray's gesture to win Nadia back was perfect for her and I liked that Gray had paid enough attention to know what Nadia needed.
The premise of this series is that Chicago experiences a city-wide blackout leading to some sexy encounters for three of the city's billionaires. After learning the premise I knew this was a series I wanted to check out and if this installment is anything to go by, the author delivered on the premise. I'm definitely interested in reading the other books in the series, particularly Black Tie Billionaire which follows Gray's business partner.
Overall I really enjoyed Blame It on the Billionaire and I hope to pick up the other two books in the series soon. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, sexy contemporary.
When executive assistant Nadia Jordan shows up at a fancy black-tie affair to deliver an item to her boss the last thing she expected was to run into her company's CEO, billionaire Grayson Chandler, or that she'd end up in his arms during a city-wide blackout. After a night of passion, Gray proposes an arrangement where Nadia will pretend to be his fiancée to get his mother and ex off his back. But as time goes on, Nadia finds she wants to turn their fake romance into the real thing.
Nadia and Gray's relationship starts off a bit unbalanced as Nadia knows who Gray is but he doesn't recognize her. The pair's encounter during the blackout is incredibly steamy and is overall a fantastic scene. The chemistry between Nadia and Gray is truly fantastic and the sexual tension is apparent in every scene they share. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, so I loved that aspect of their relationship and thought it was done very well. The situation with Gray's family is terrible and I liked how well Nadia was able to adapt and respond exactly how Gray needed her to. When the inevitable third act breakup occurs, I thought it was handled well and done for the right reasons. Gray's gesture to win Nadia back was perfect for her and I liked that Gray had paid enough attention to know what Nadia needed.
The premise of this series is that Chicago experiences a city-wide blackout leading to some sexy encounters for three of the city's billionaires. After learning the premise I knew this was a series I wanted to check out and if this installment is anything to go by, the author delivered on the premise. I'm definitely interested in reading the other books in the series, particularly Black Tie Billionaire which follows Gray's business partner.
Overall I really enjoyed Blame It on the Billionaire and I hope to pick up the other two books in the series soon. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, sexy contemporary.
March 20, 2020
I am a huge Naima Simone fan. With her stories, she has the ability to transport you to places you can only dream of, with characters who have a realness to them. Blame it on the Billionaire is the third and final book in the Blackout Billionaire series. The premise of the series is that three billionaires unexpectantly find the love of their lives during a citywide blackout while being locked in a heavily secured mansion. Having read all three books, I can say that all three heroes are completely different. However, they all have their immense wealth, family loyalty, and battered souls in common. The heroines are all sassy and determined. None of the six are expecting to meet anyone and fall in love.
While I haven't read all of Naima’s books, I find that Grayson Chandler is the most beast-like hero I've read from her. Grayson is the 30-year-old president of KayCee Corp. A company he and Gideon Knight (Black Tie Billionaire) founded together. Grayson is a man who has had to build a protective shield around himself, but inside he's a little boy who's hurting. Grayson is the third child of one of Chicago's wealthiest families. He's a “spare” so to speak. Having heterochromia (multi-colored eyes) he wasn't viewed as handsome or worthy by his parents or those around him. The Chandlers chose to lavish all of their praise and attention on their firstborn child, Jason, whom they planned to one day run Chandler International. When Jason suddenly dies, Grayson's parents look to him to take over the company, not caring that he is building his own legacy with KayCee Corp. They even feel that it is a foregone conclusion that Grayson will marry his ex-fiancee and merge two mega conglomerates together. After all, going back generations, a Chandler has always been CEO of the family company. And marriage isn’t about love, but about an understanding and what can be gained from each other.
Nadia Jordan is a strong heroine. I love that she knows who she is and isn't ashamed of where she's from or what she’s done to survive. She has a lot of pride and determination. As Grayson says, she's a true survivor. In her quest to give her younger brother Ezra a better life, she packed up and moved them from their small rural hometown in Georgia to Chicago. For a year, she has worked as an executive assistant to the VP of operations at KayCee Corp. On the night of the blackout, she finds herself using her personal time to bring her boss an extra dress shirt. Before the lights go out, Nadia bumps into Grayson. While she knows who he is, Grayson has no idea who Nadia is or that she works for his company. When the lights go out, the two find comfort in each other. Nadia knows it's wrong, but she wants to do something just for herself. She's thinking that come Monday morning she will continue to avoid the man she has secretly been crushing on for a year. Too bad that's not what happens. Grayson finds himself in his mother's crosshairs and tells her that Nadia is his girlfriend. Now he has to convince Nadia to go along with him. To his surprise, she refuses the quarter of a million dollars he offers her to pretend to be his fiancee. However, when Ezra is accepted into an Ivy League school that they can't afford, she changes her mind.
What starts out as a business arrangement turns into more when Grayson and Nadia realize they can't keep their hands off each other. Their physical attraction isn't the only thing that grows between them. The two start to really care about each other, sharing their hopes and dreams. Nadia has a titanium backbone and the strength of a lioness, but she gets pushed to her limits when dealing with Grayson's parents and his ex. Speaking of which, Naima is so freaking good at writing characters you HATE and wish would get swallowed up by the Earth's core.
When the chips are down and Grayson realizes he can’t live without Nadia, he finally makes the tough decisions we as readers wish he would have made earlier on. Grayson and Nadia truly had to fight themselves, their pasts, and other people to be able to be free to love themselves and each other. Their love affair was deep, passionate, and affirming. They truly are what each other needed in a partner.
It should be noted that while Blame it on the Billionaire is the third book in the Blackout Billionaire series, the previous characters don’t have significant page time. You do get a little update on what’s happened with their lives. Thus, making Blame it on the Billionaire a truly standalone read.
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it.**
While I haven't read all of Naima’s books, I find that Grayson Chandler is the most beast-like hero I've read from her. Grayson is the 30-year-old president of KayCee Corp. A company he and Gideon Knight (Black Tie Billionaire) founded together. Grayson is a man who has had to build a protective shield around himself, but inside he's a little boy who's hurting. Grayson is the third child of one of Chicago's wealthiest families. He's a “spare” so to speak. Having heterochromia (multi-colored eyes) he wasn't viewed as handsome or worthy by his parents or those around him. The Chandlers chose to lavish all of their praise and attention on their firstborn child, Jason, whom they planned to one day run Chandler International. When Jason suddenly dies, Grayson's parents look to him to take over the company, not caring that he is building his own legacy with KayCee Corp. They even feel that it is a foregone conclusion that Grayson will marry his ex-fiancee and merge two mega conglomerates together. After all, going back generations, a Chandler has always been CEO of the family company. And marriage isn’t about love, but about an understanding and what can be gained from each other.
Nadia Jordan is a strong heroine. I love that she knows who she is and isn't ashamed of where she's from or what she’s done to survive. She has a lot of pride and determination. As Grayson says, she's a true survivor. In her quest to give her younger brother Ezra a better life, she packed up and moved them from their small rural hometown in Georgia to Chicago. For a year, she has worked as an executive assistant to the VP of operations at KayCee Corp. On the night of the blackout, she finds herself using her personal time to bring her boss an extra dress shirt. Before the lights go out, Nadia bumps into Grayson. While she knows who he is, Grayson has no idea who Nadia is or that she works for his company. When the lights go out, the two find comfort in each other. Nadia knows it's wrong, but she wants to do something just for herself. She's thinking that come Monday morning she will continue to avoid the man she has secretly been crushing on for a year. Too bad that's not what happens. Grayson finds himself in his mother's crosshairs and tells her that Nadia is his girlfriend. Now he has to convince Nadia to go along with him. To his surprise, she refuses the quarter of a million dollars he offers her to pretend to be his fiancee. However, when Ezra is accepted into an Ivy League school that they can't afford, she changes her mind.
What starts out as a business arrangement turns into more when Grayson and Nadia realize they can't keep their hands off each other. Their physical attraction isn't the only thing that grows between them. The two start to really care about each other, sharing their hopes and dreams. Nadia has a titanium backbone and the strength of a lioness, but she gets pushed to her limits when dealing with Grayson's parents and his ex. Speaking of which, Naima is so freaking good at writing characters you HATE and wish would get swallowed up by the Earth's core.
When the chips are down and Grayson realizes he can’t live without Nadia, he finally makes the tough decisions we as readers wish he would have made earlier on. Grayson and Nadia truly had to fight themselves, their pasts, and other people to be able to be free to love themselves and each other. Their love affair was deep, passionate, and affirming. They truly are what each other needed in a partner.
It should be noted that while Blame it on the Billionaire is the third book in the Blackout Billionaire series, the previous characters don’t have significant page time. You do get a little update on what’s happened with their lives. Thus, making Blame it on the Billionaire a truly standalone read.
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it.**
January 25, 2020
I loved Blame it on the Billionaire. It's wonderful, the perfect blend of hot, sexy and sweet. Gray and Nadia's journey was enjoyable, they complemented each other well. I truly loved this book and series and very highly recommend them to those who love steamy contemporary romances that can be devoured in one sitting.
Copy provided by author
Copy provided by author
February 18, 2020
Lots of classic tropes in this Harlequin romance!
In this blackout series, our mains act on their lust when the lights suddenly go out. Everything is easier in the dark and that's no different for Nadia and Grayson. There is a one-night-stand (product of instalust) that turns into a fake engagement. Oh, and Nadia works for Grayson's company!
I love that Nadia wasn't intimidated by Grayson's very alpha personality. And of course the relationship between Nadia and her little brother (who she is raising) is beautiful! I did want to shake Grayson for not standing up to his loathsome family. There's lots of "family dynasty", "our kind", and "marry this perfect she-devil because she fits our image" stuff which drives me bonkers. I'm all for cutting that toxicity out of your life even if the person is family.
Everything between Nadia and Grayson is super intense and I wish that we had some more quiet moments between the two.
In this blackout series, our mains act on their lust when the lights suddenly go out. Everything is easier in the dark and that's no different for Nadia and Grayson. There is a one-night-stand (product of instalust) that turns into a fake engagement. Oh, and Nadia works for Grayson's company!
I love that Nadia wasn't intimidated by Grayson's very alpha personality. And of course the relationship between Nadia and her little brother (who she is raising) is beautiful! I did want to shake Grayson for not standing up to his loathsome family. There's lots of "family dynasty", "our kind", and "marry this perfect she-devil because she fits our image" stuff which drives me bonkers. I'm all for cutting that toxicity out of your life even if the person is family.
Everything between Nadia and Grayson is super intense and I wish that we had some more quiet moments between the two.
September 18, 2023
Nadia works for KayCee Corp as one of the secretaries. She sacrificed a lot to take care of her younger brother (dropped out of high school to work, gave up her dream of going to college for nursing). So, when she runs into Grayson and they are trapped together in a blackout, she does something for herself and gives in to the crush she has had on him. They agree to have a one night stand.
Grayson is the (part) co-founder of KayCee Corp and he comes from old money. His parents are pressuring him to quit the current job and step up in their company (Chandler International). See, CI is the family legacy and he is just dabbling. What he wants doesn't really matter to them. At the end of the day, it is about CI.
Under pressure because his parents also want him to get married (and they have the person picked out), he tells them Nadia is his fiance. She only agrees because she needs to take care of her brother. He got accepted into Yale and while he got a scholarship, it was only a partial one.
As things go, they get to know and open up to each other. Feelings happen. I adored Nadia. Gray finally stood up to the parents too.
And in these "old money" and "family business" scenarios, it's always the son that matters. Never the daughter is expected to take up the reins. So this was a nice change; but only because of Gray.
Grayson is the (part) co-founder of KayCee Corp and he comes from old money. His parents are pressuring him to quit the current job and step up in their company (Chandler International). See, CI is the family legacy and he is just dabbling. What he wants doesn't really matter to them. At the end of the day, it is about CI.
Under pressure because his parents also want him to get married (and they have the person picked out), he tells them Nadia is his fiance. She only agrees because she needs to take care of her brother. He got accepted into Yale and while he got a scholarship, it was only a partial one.
As things go, they get to know and open up to each other. Feelings happen. I adored Nadia. Gray finally stood up to the parents too.
And in these "old money" and "family business" scenarios, it's always the son that matters. Never the daughter is expected to take up the reins. So this was a nice change; but only because of Gray.
August 20, 2020
Category romance doesn’t always work for me because of the conventions of that subgenre but when they work for me, they really work. Naima Simone’s books can be steamy reads so I figured it was worth a go. It was easy to read about Grayson and Nadia, starting with their hookup during a blackout and everything leading to Grayson requiring she pose as his fake fiancee. However, I struggled with Grayson’s inability to shut down his toxic parents. I didn’t understand why he spent any time around them, much less why he’d endure their meddling or power moves. Grayson and Nadia’s relationship was too instalove for my liking, especially because of the power imbalance of Grayson being her employer and paying her to be his fake fiancee. I didn’t feel the story dealt with that imbalance explicitly enough. Yes, they had a financial arrangement but they never addressed how it would affect her employment or what would happen if anyone found out. And when things fall apart, she gives her notice, even though she needs a job in order to keep supporting herself and her younger brother. Naturally, she's not going to want to continue working somewhere when she's broken up with her boss but they never discussed the ramifications and this really bothered me.
In the epilogue, it says it’s been one year later and they’ve been married 9 months, which means they basically went straight from fake relationship to married and I don’t think that bodes well for their staying power. This is a convention of category romance so I understand why it’s there but I wish they’d had more time to be in a normal relationship before they married. If you enjoy category romance and instalove, this one could be perfect for you!
Character notes: Grayson is 30 and white and has heterochromia. Nadia is early to mid-20s and possibly biracial (white mother, mother unsure who the father is but based on Nadia’s light caramel skin, he was of possible Spanish or biracial heritage.) This is set in Chicago.
CW: hero’s brother died of an aneurysm 6 months prior, grief, slut-shaming, toxic parents, past infidelity, heroine is her 17 year old brother’s guardian, heroine is estranged from alcoholic mother, unstable childhood, references to past sexual harassment, bigotry, classism, ableist language, pregnant side character in epilogue, pregnancy epilogue
In the epilogue, it says it’s been one year later and they’ve been married 9 months, which means they basically went straight from fake relationship to married and I don’t think that bodes well for their staying power. This is a convention of category romance so I understand why it’s there but I wish they’d had more time to be in a normal relationship before they married. If you enjoy category romance and instalove, this one could be perfect for you!
Character notes: Grayson is 30 and white and has heterochromia. Nadia is early to mid-20s and possibly biracial (white mother, mother unsure who the father is but based on Nadia’s light caramel skin, he was of possible Spanish or biracial heritage.) This is set in Chicago.
CW: hero’s brother died of an aneurysm 6 months prior, grief, slut-shaming, toxic parents, past infidelity, heroine is her 17 year old brother’s guardian, heroine is estranged from alcoholic mother, unstable childhood, references to past sexual harassment, bigotry, classism, ableist language, pregnant side character in epilogue, pregnancy epilogue
February 6, 2020
A well written, fast-paced Cinderella re-telling that I mostly enjoyed. I have a love-hate relationship with category romance, as I mostly find myself dissatisfied with the character and relationship development. In this case, the characters were developed nicely but the relationship felt rushed. Way too Insta lusty-lovey for me.
January 17, 2020
Blame It on the Billionaire is the third in Naima Simone's Blackout Billionaires trilogy, but stands well alone. Grayson Chandler and Nadia Jordan literally run into one another in a side hallway of a stunning mansion right before the lights go out, and Nadia's gives in to the temptation to steal this moment with her long-time crush. Grayson doesn't recognize her, so she can enjoy his attention with the security of anonymity.
Grayson is one of the co-founders of the company she works for. He's used to being the target of people's demands and expectations. What he finds with the stunningly appealing Nadia is acceptance, incredible passion, and the freedom to be himself.
When circumstances conspire, encouraging Grayson to propose a temporary engagement, Nadia reluctantly accepts. Because of course, she knows that guarding her heart will be the greatest challenge of all.
Naima Simone's characters are well-written and leave a lasting impression. While Grayson is definitely the suave and masterful prince of one's dreams, Nadia is everything! She's smart, fierce, tender-hearted, and quick thinking. Protective without being cruel, she steals not just Grayson's heart but mine!
Blame It on the Billionaire is an absolutely fantastic read to bring this terrific series to a close. I eagerly look forward to Ms Simone's next books--they're sure to satisfy as well!
Grayson is one of the co-founders of the company she works for. He's used to being the target of people's demands and expectations. What he finds with the stunningly appealing Nadia is acceptance, incredible passion, and the freedom to be himself.
When circumstances conspire, encouraging Grayson to propose a temporary engagement, Nadia reluctantly accepts. Because of course, she knows that guarding her heart will be the greatest challenge of all.
Naima Simone's characters are well-written and leave a lasting impression. While Grayson is definitely the suave and masterful prince of one's dreams, Nadia is everything! She's smart, fierce, tender-hearted, and quick thinking. Protective without being cruel, she steals not just Grayson's heart but mine!
Blame It on the Billionaire is an absolutely fantastic read to bring this terrific series to a close. I eagerly look forward to Ms Simone's next books--they're sure to satisfy as well!
June 24, 2020
A little Pretty Woman + a little Cinderella + a whole lot of sexy = Blame it on the Billionaire.
Nadia is just trying to do her job and take care of her Yale bound younger brother. Grayson wants his family to respect his path and choices. When he asks Nadia to be his fake fiancé it’s an offer to good to pass up, they just have to keep from falling in love with each other.
I’m a sucker for a fake relationship so I was sold right away but I should’ve known that Naima Simone was going to take this trope and make it even better. Not only do we get all the emotion and steamy sexiness of a fake relationship that is very real but we also get some body positivity and real talk about race and class stereotypes.
This was only my second Naima Simone but I’m correcting that ASAP!
Nadia is just trying to do her job and take care of her Yale bound younger brother. Grayson wants his family to respect his path and choices. When he asks Nadia to be his fake fiancé it’s an offer to good to pass up, they just have to keep from falling in love with each other.
I’m a sucker for a fake relationship so I was sold right away but I should’ve known that Naima Simone was going to take this trope and make it even better. Not only do we get all the emotion and steamy sexiness of a fake relationship that is very real but we also get some body positivity and real talk about race and class stereotypes.
This was only my second Naima Simone but I’m correcting that ASAP!
May 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this one! This was my first Naima Simone and I liked her writing a lot. I don’t usually go for billionaire tropes, but this one totally worked for me. I do wish the actual “blackout” part had been longer since I love forced proximity! But I really liked the fake fiancés aspect and that the heroine was guardian of her younger brother. This is from a series and reading it made me want to go read the first two books. 3.5 stars!
February 10, 2020
3.75 stars--BLAME IT ON THE BILLIONAIRE is the third instalment in Naima Simone’s contemporary, adult BLACKOUT BILLIONAIRES erotic, romance series. This is billionaire businessman Grayson Chandler, and executive assistant Nadia Jordan’s story line. BLAME IT ON THE BILLIONAIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Grayson and Nadia) BLAME IT ON THE BILLIONAIRE follows the fake fiancé relationship between billionaire businessman Grayson Chandler, and executive assistant Nadia Jordan. A recent black-tie affair found Nadia Jordan called into duty when her boss at KayCee Corporation demanded she bring him a change of clothes but Nadia never expected to run into the man who has starred in all of her fantasies, the man with whom Nadia would fall in love. A city-wide blackout found Nadia in the arms of Grayson Chandler, but a quick exit meant Grayson had no idea about the woman with whom he spent a one-night stand. Discovering Nadia worked for his company, KayCee Corporation, Grayson struggles with Nadia’s true intent the evening before. What ensues is the quick building but fake relationship between Nadia and Grayson, and the potential fall-out as the reality of their opposing worlds is about to bite them in the a$$.
Grayson Chandler is tired of his mother’s match making plans, and of his father’s desperate attempts to get him to join the family business. With the death of his older brother Jason, Grayson found himself avoiding the family’s guilt-ridden stranglehold as their only, remaining son. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and Grayson made Nadia an offer, she couldn’t refuse. Nadia has been a single parent to her younger brother most of his life, and Grayson’s offer of a fake relationship came with the financial promise that would help Nadia’s brother in his post-secondary education but all does not go according to plan when the Chandler family tries desperately to destroy the growing love between our leading couple.
The relationship between Nadia and Grayson begins as an accidental meeting but Grayson has no idea Nadia works for KayCee Corporation. Desperate to keep the wolves away, Grayson offers Nadia money in exchange to play the role of his loving fiancé. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters including Nadia’s brother Ezra; Grayson’s sister Melanie, and their parents Cherise and Daryl; as well as the cameo appearance of Gideon Knight, and Darius King.
BLAME IT ON THE BILLIONAIRE is a story of family, friendships, secrets and lies. The fast paced premise is entertaining; the characters are energetic; the romance is seductive and captivating.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives (Grayson and Nadia) BLAME IT ON THE BILLIONAIRE follows the fake fiancé relationship between billionaire businessman Grayson Chandler, and executive assistant Nadia Jordan. A recent black-tie affair found Nadia Jordan called into duty when her boss at KayCee Corporation demanded she bring him a change of clothes but Nadia never expected to run into the man who has starred in all of her fantasies, the man with whom Nadia would fall in love. A city-wide blackout found Nadia in the arms of Grayson Chandler, but a quick exit meant Grayson had no idea about the woman with whom he spent a one-night stand. Discovering Nadia worked for his company, KayCee Corporation, Grayson struggles with Nadia’s true intent the evening before. What ensues is the quick building but fake relationship between Nadia and Grayson, and the potential fall-out as the reality of their opposing worlds is about to bite them in the a$$.
Grayson Chandler is tired of his mother’s match making plans, and of his father’s desperate attempts to get him to join the family business. With the death of his older brother Jason, Grayson found himself avoiding the family’s guilt-ridden stranglehold as their only, remaining son. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and Grayson made Nadia an offer, she couldn’t refuse. Nadia has been a single parent to her younger brother most of his life, and Grayson’s offer of a fake relationship came with the financial promise that would help Nadia’s brother in his post-secondary education but all does not go according to plan when the Chandler family tries desperately to destroy the growing love between our leading couple.
The relationship between Nadia and Grayson begins as an accidental meeting but Grayson has no idea Nadia works for KayCee Corporation. Desperate to keep the wolves away, Grayson offers Nadia money in exchange to play the role of his loving fiancé. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters including Nadia’s brother Ezra; Grayson’s sister Melanie, and their parents Cherise and Daryl; as well as the cameo appearance of Gideon Knight, and Darius King.
BLAME IT ON THE BILLIONAIRE is a story of family, friendships, secrets and lies. The fast paced premise is entertaining; the characters are energetic; the romance is seductive and captivating.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 26, 2021
Good book
January 13, 2020
This story was so enjoyable, and I loved watching two damaged people open up to finding love again. A great way to cap off this awesome series.
Nadia Jordan has had it pretty rough. Growing up in small-town Georgia, the daughter of the town floozy, and an unknown father, everyone looked down on her. Her mother was derelict at best, and constantly forgot Nadia when it suited her. When Nadia's baby brother, Ezra, came along, she gave up her own dreams and ambitions to facilitate his, since she knew her mother wasn't capable of taking care of them. 2 years ago, she and her brother moved to Chicago for her to take a secretarial job at a large corporation. Ever since, she's been on auto-pilot, caring for Ezra, and working, and not really getting close to anyone. Until one night, a blackout at a fancy party changes everything.
Grayson Chandler is the son of Chicago royalty. His family has a thriving corporation and are part of the upper echelon in their society. Grayson broke off to form his own company with his best friend, and it is doing even better than he could've dreamed. But, after the unexpected death of his older brother a few months before, his parents have starting hounding him about leaving his company to come back and helm the family business when his father retires. His mother also has plans to reunite him with his ex-fiancee, which he has ZERO interest in. While attending a gala, he needs a break from all his family's crazy, and hides out in a hallway. He runs into a beautiful woman right before the blackout, and they spend the night together. To say he's shocked to see her at work on Monday is an understatement.
Gray and Nadia later agree to have a fake relationship for 4 months. This would get his mother off his back about his ex, and help Nadia pay for her brother to go to Yale. They had amazing chemistry, but there were so many half-truths and things left unspoken between them. They really didn't want to want each other, so it was hard for them to accept when they started to catch feelings. They each had things in their past that caused them to be cautious with their hearts, and they didn't think they could really trust each other. They were constantly putting on a show for everyone else, not realizing how deep they were falling into each other.
Nadia's brother was a sweetheart, and I enjoyed her relationship with him, and his talks with Gray. Gray's sister was sweet, but his parents were a NIGHTMARE, and his ex was a nasty piece of work. I hated every scene she was in, but I loved how Nadia handled each of their interactions. She was a total boss, and left each time with her head held high. Nadia handled pretty much everything that was thrown her way regarding Gray, except her feelings for him. And in the end, she handled that the best way she could as well. Nadia was an awesome heroine, and I really liked her. Gray, once he got out of his own way, and out from under the unnecessary guilt from his brother's death, was pretty great too.
This story completely worked for me, and I loved watching this couple fall for each other, and then fight for each other. I highly recommend this entire series, and this author in general. I'm never disappointed!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Nadia Jordan has had it pretty rough. Growing up in small-town Georgia, the daughter of the town floozy, and an unknown father, everyone looked down on her. Her mother was derelict at best, and constantly forgot Nadia when it suited her. When Nadia's baby brother, Ezra, came along, she gave up her own dreams and ambitions to facilitate his, since she knew her mother wasn't capable of taking care of them. 2 years ago, she and her brother moved to Chicago for her to take a secretarial job at a large corporation. Ever since, she's been on auto-pilot, caring for Ezra, and working, and not really getting close to anyone. Until one night, a blackout at a fancy party changes everything.
Grayson Chandler is the son of Chicago royalty. His family has a thriving corporation and are part of the upper echelon in their society. Grayson broke off to form his own company with his best friend, and it is doing even better than he could've dreamed. But, after the unexpected death of his older brother a few months before, his parents have starting hounding him about leaving his company to come back and helm the family business when his father retires. His mother also has plans to reunite him with his ex-fiancee, which he has ZERO interest in. While attending a gala, he needs a break from all his family's crazy, and hides out in a hallway. He runs into a beautiful woman right before the blackout, and they spend the night together. To say he's shocked to see her at work on Monday is an understatement.
Gray and Nadia later agree to have a fake relationship for 4 months. This would get his mother off his back about his ex, and help Nadia pay for her brother to go to Yale. They had amazing chemistry, but there were so many half-truths and things left unspoken between them. They really didn't want to want each other, so it was hard for them to accept when they started to catch feelings. They each had things in their past that caused them to be cautious with their hearts, and they didn't think they could really trust each other. They were constantly putting on a show for everyone else, not realizing how deep they were falling into each other.
Nadia's brother was a sweetheart, and I enjoyed her relationship with him, and his talks with Gray. Gray's sister was sweet, but his parents were a NIGHTMARE, and his ex was a nasty piece of work. I hated every scene she was in, but I loved how Nadia handled each of their interactions. She was a total boss, and left each time with her head held high. Nadia handled pretty much everything that was thrown her way regarding Gray, except her feelings for him. And in the end, she handled that the best way she could as well. Nadia was an awesome heroine, and I really liked her. Gray, once he got out of his own way, and out from under the unnecessary guilt from his brother's death, was pretty great too.
This story completely worked for me, and I loved watching this couple fall for each other, and then fight for each other. I highly recommend this entire series, and this author in general. I'm never disappointed!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
January 23, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is a book in the Harlequin Desire line by Harlequin Books.
Nadia and Grayson “call me Gray” met by happenstance during a power outage. He was attending a gala of sorts and she was bringing her boss’s dress shirt to him since he had soiled it during the gala in some way. During the blackout the couple have one night of guilt-free pleasure until Gray learns that Nadia works for his company.
Days later Gray can’t get Nadia out of his head and he comes up with a crazy plan to make her his fake fiancee to get his previous fiancee and his parents off his back. Nadia is not made of the same “stock” as the Chandlers and has an iffy past with a mother who used to prostitute herself to men and pretty much left Nadia and her brother to grow up on their own. This backstory doesn’t sit well with Gray’s parents.
I am not sure why Gray’s parents didn’t see through his former fiancee’s shenanigans. The author really knows how to push all our buttons and get a rise from us. Since this is a shorter format book she has packed a lot of detail and backstory into this short read. I totally loved watching it all unfold. It was sort of like watching a train wreck in the midst of it happening. She has such a good handle on how to write these extra sexy books and still make it readable and on point.
I wonder if this might be part of a series since I think there are a couple of other characters in here worthy of their own Desire-line story.
If you love a good sexy romantic suspense book, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is a book in the Harlequin Desire line by Harlequin Books.
Nadia and Grayson “call me Gray” met by happenstance during a power outage. He was attending a gala of sorts and she was bringing her boss’s dress shirt to him since he had soiled it during the gala in some way. During the blackout the couple have one night of guilt-free pleasure until Gray learns that Nadia works for his company.
Days later Gray can’t get Nadia out of his head and he comes up with a crazy plan to make her his fake fiancee to get his previous fiancee and his parents off his back. Nadia is not made of the same “stock” as the Chandlers and has an iffy past with a mother who used to prostitute herself to men and pretty much left Nadia and her brother to grow up on their own. This backstory doesn’t sit well with Gray’s parents.
I am not sure why Gray’s parents didn’t see through his former fiancee’s shenanigans. The author really knows how to push all our buttons and get a rise from us. Since this is a shorter format book she has packed a lot of detail and backstory into this short read. I totally loved watching it all unfold. It was sort of like watching a train wreck in the midst of it happening. She has such a good handle on how to write these extra sexy books and still make it readable and on point.
I wonder if this might be part of a series since I think there are a couple of other characters in here worthy of their own Desire-line story.
If you love a good sexy romantic suspense book, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
January 25, 2020
I’m a bit late in the game with my discovery of Naima Simone, but super thrilled to have found such a great new author and so many wonderful books to binge-read! There’s quite some angst in this romance, intense and powerfully written, which I loved! The emotional, well-developed background stories for both Grayson and Nadia are so integral to who these characters are and have such impact on how they live their lives and connect to each other. Very moving and impressive. The writing is fluent, expressive and absolutely mesmerizing.
The antagonism and hurt feelings between Nadia and Grayson brought a wonderful edge to the story and really drew me in. Blame it on the Billionaire is a wonderful modern take on Cinderella, with a strong, loving heroine and a wounded prince who needs a little help to see clearly when love is staring him right in the face. A special mention for Ezra, Nadia’s younger brother, who is so sweet and sticks up for his sister in the best way. Love him!
The antagonism and hurt feelings between Nadia and Grayson brought a wonderful edge to the story and really drew me in. Blame it on the Billionaire is a wonderful modern take on Cinderella, with a strong, loving heroine and a wounded prince who needs a little help to see clearly when love is staring him right in the face. A special mention for Ezra, Nadia’s younger brother, who is so sweet and sticks up for his sister in the best way. Love him!
February 1, 2020
I really love Naima Simone’s writing style. She creates characters and draws the reader into their world so effortlessly that I end up feeling as if the characters are real and I actually know them.
This book was a wonderful surprise, a Cinderella story but one in which the heroine, Nadia, become the Drew Barrymore version of the poor, hardworking, downtrodden, princess-to-be, and in staying true to her heart and her principles, saves herself along with the hero. There’s a lot to unpack in this story about class distinctions and being judged by the sins of your parents and trying to make your family proud even while forging your own path. All of it is woven seamlessly into the story, making the love story between Nadia and Gray all the more richer for it.
Simply put, I really loved this story and adored this pairing.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a wonderful surprise, a Cinderella story but one in which the heroine, Nadia, become the Drew Barrymore version of the poor, hardworking, downtrodden, princess-to-be, and in staying true to her heart and her principles, saves herself along with the hero. There’s a lot to unpack in this story about class distinctions and being judged by the sins of your parents and trying to make your family proud even while forging your own path. All of it is woven seamlessly into the story, making the love story between Nadia and Gray all the more richer for it.
Simply put, I really loved this story and adored this pairing.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2019
I loved this book! It had a perfect blend of steaminess and emotion. Not only emotion from our heroine, but also our hero. Grayson wasn’t just a take-charge billionaire, he cared about his family. He cared about people, and he had vulnerabilities. He buried them, but they were there, and Nadia made it safe for him to share. Not only share, but for her to show him how she saw him. Nadia also opened up to him, and he saw how beautiful she truly was inside and out. Combine all those emotions, and all the chemistry these two share, along with a boss/employee AND a fake relationship, and I was in romance heaven!
February 1, 2020
Nadia and Grayson are just amazing. I've loved Harlequin Desire books for as long as can remember. Naima has quickly become one of favorite authors in the past two years and I'm glad to have found her books. I'm excited to read more from her.
January 27, 2020
3.5
This was a surprisingly good time. I wasn’t sure I’d love the workplace romance elements, but it was handled better than most. Nadia doesn’t work directly for Grayson and instead just works at the same office.
The blackout plot was really amusing and unique. It’s well paced as it seems most harlequins are. I had a fun time reading it and really Naima can write some amazing sex scenes so for that along it’s almost a 4 star read.
Arc provided by publisher on netgalley
This was a surprisingly good time. I wasn’t sure I’d love the workplace romance elements, but it was handled better than most. Nadia doesn’t work directly for Grayson and instead just works at the same office.
The blackout plot was really amusing and unique. It’s well paced as it seems most harlequins are. I had a fun time reading it and really Naima can write some amazing sex scenes so for that along it’s almost a 4 star read.
Arc provided by publisher on netgalley
December 29, 2019
Nadia and Grayson...just perfection! I loved this strong and independent woman who didn't want anything just handed to her, but put her brother above everything else! And Grayson is swoon-worthy, with his loyalty and wanting to do what's right, even when those around him don't seem to care. I can't recommend this book and series enough!
July 4, 2020
5 enormous stars!!
This was so good!! I love office romance/fake dating tropes and this one did not disappoint! Gray and Nadia were wonderful and I enjoyed their relationship so much. I loved how they stood up for each other. I especially loved how Gray made Nadia feel like a princess and also be that person she could lean and rely on for a change.
This was so good!! I love office romance/fake dating tropes and this one did not disappoint! Gray and Nadia were wonderful and I enjoyed their relationship so much. I loved how they stood up for each other. I especially loved how Gray made Nadia feel like a princess and also be that person she could lean and rely on for a change.
April 28, 2020
Not enough radical wealth distribution
March 25, 2020
Originally Reviewed on Bewitching Bibliophile
I was super excited to get this one. It's the final installment in the series and I wanted to know how Grayson's story would shake out. I was so hooked to this story that I was almost late to an appointment and when I left the appointment I sat in the parking lot and read until I finished the book. I was just so invested it was awesome.
We meet Grayson Chandler, the second son of the great Chandler family in Chicago, who with his best friend Gideon created a company that is making strides in the Tech world is at the same ball with Gideon and is currently trying to outrun his mother's matchmaking and his ex's machinations when he runs into Nadia Jordan, small-town transplant who happens to work for his company; she's at the ball on her day off because her boss an executive in Grayson's company needed a shirt to replace the one he spilled on. While trying to run the errand she runs in the CEO of the company and just when she didn't things could go more awry the lights go down and they are stuck together. When the lights are out it gives them a chance to drop their masks and not hide. They share details they wouldn't share with others and spend a night of passion they normally wouldn't indulge in.
The characters are well done and even the side characters are as well. I loved that even though the story really focuses on the growing relationship between Nadia and Grayson that their friends and family are seen a bit. I loved the sibling relationships that were shared and that they were loving and even when strained still filled with love. Both Grayson and Nadia where characters you could root for because they felt so real. When they faced issues they dealt with them realistically, even when it would hurt. I loved that. I loved the chemistry between them, and how even in the moments of passion neither took the other's consent for granted, but in fact enthusiastically sought and given. Even though both of them bore the scars of betrayal they still without really meaning to seek it in the other, even after they warned each other that this wasn't real. Ugh, that is my jam!! I loved the way the POV went back and forth between them allowing us to see the motivations that they each had and of course progressed the story as some scenes only included one of the characters.
I absolutely love how Naima writes her stories, her characters are well thought out, charismatic and they just flow so well. The chemistry, the realness of the conversations they should be having?!!! Just *chefs kiss* beautiful. I love how strong and yet vulnerable they both are. When Grayson finds himself in a tough spot he backs them into a bit of a corner and even though Nadia knows she's not from the same social stratosphere as the people in her new social circle she refuses to be cowed by it. She doesn't need to be rescued, she's got her own escape plan, but a partner in crime would be nice.
This is a modern romance, with a strong but vulnerable alpha who knows his privilege and power and doesn't abuse it. He, in fact, makes sure those within his employ never take advantage they shouldn't. A strong, vulnerable woman who knows her worth and isn't willing to settle for anything less than what she fully deserves. I loved how the story circled back to sacrifice and how no matter the social status some families require it. And what should sacrifice and happiness look like?? I cracked up because when I was reading I kept saying the "effing patriarchy" because the solution was RIGHT THERE and then, of course, our good guy figured it out!!
★★★★☆
Series In Order
The Billionaire's Bargain
Blacktie Billionaire
Blame It On The Billionaire
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Happy Reading my loves,
I was super excited to get this one. It's the final installment in the series and I wanted to know how Grayson's story would shake out. I was so hooked to this story that I was almost late to an appointment and when I left the appointment I sat in the parking lot and read until I finished the book. I was just so invested it was awesome.
We meet Grayson Chandler, the second son of the great Chandler family in Chicago, who with his best friend Gideon created a company that is making strides in the Tech world is at the same ball with Gideon and is currently trying to outrun his mother's matchmaking and his ex's machinations when he runs into Nadia Jordan, small-town transplant who happens to work for his company; she's at the ball on her day off because her boss an executive in Grayson's company needed a shirt to replace the one he spilled on. While trying to run the errand she runs in the CEO of the company and just when she didn't things could go more awry the lights go down and they are stuck together. When the lights are out it gives them a chance to drop their masks and not hide. They share details they wouldn't share with others and spend a night of passion they normally wouldn't indulge in.
The characters are well done and even the side characters are as well. I loved that even though the story really focuses on the growing relationship between Nadia and Grayson that their friends and family are seen a bit. I loved the sibling relationships that were shared and that they were loving and even when strained still filled with love. Both Grayson and Nadia where characters you could root for because they felt so real. When they faced issues they dealt with them realistically, even when it would hurt. I loved that. I loved the chemistry between them, and how even in the moments of passion neither took the other's consent for granted, but in fact enthusiastically sought and given. Even though both of them bore the scars of betrayal they still without really meaning to seek it in the other, even after they warned each other that this wasn't real. Ugh, that is my jam!! I loved the way the POV went back and forth between them allowing us to see the motivations that they each had and of course progressed the story as some scenes only included one of the characters.
I absolutely love how Naima writes her stories, her characters are well thought out, charismatic and they just flow so well. The chemistry, the realness of the conversations they should be having?!!! Just *chefs kiss* beautiful. I love how strong and yet vulnerable they both are. When Grayson finds himself in a tough spot he backs them into a bit of a corner and even though Nadia knows she's not from the same social stratosphere as the people in her new social circle she refuses to be cowed by it. She doesn't need to be rescued, she's got her own escape plan, but a partner in crime would be nice.
This is a modern romance, with a strong but vulnerable alpha who knows his privilege and power and doesn't abuse it. He, in fact, makes sure those within his employ never take advantage they shouldn't. A strong, vulnerable woman who knows her worth and isn't willing to settle for anything less than what she fully deserves. I loved how the story circled back to sacrifice and how no matter the social status some families require it. And what should sacrifice and happiness look like?? I cracked up because when I was reading I kept saying the "effing patriarchy" because the solution was RIGHT THERE and then, of course, our good guy figured it out!!
★★★★☆
Series In Order
The Billionaire's Bargain
Blacktie Billionaire
Blame It On The Billionaire
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Happy Reading my loves,
August 17, 2021
Sometimes when I need a reading refresh, all it takes is a good Harlequin Desire book to cure me! I have been down a rabbit hole of not so steamy paranormal romance, so I broke the glass on this Naima Simone I have been saving. Blame It on the Billionaire is the last in her Blackout Billionaires series. Nadia and Grayson have a one night stand during a blackout. When Grayson discovers she actually works at his company, he is upset, but then he proposes Nadia pretend to be his fake fiance to keep his family’s matchmaking in check.
I really loved this book! It is spicy, the pacing is exactly what I needed, and the characters are fantastic! Nadia is a woman who has had to make sacrifices to raise her younger brother. Her one night stand with Grayson is the one indulgence she has allowed herself and of course, there are consequences! I really loved the contrast between Nadia and Grayson’s upbringing. Nadia had an absent mother and Grayson had everything money can buy. As adults, Nadia is the one who knows exactly what she is deserving of and Grayson is the one who believes himself unworthy. Their arc was so fun to read! I would recommend this to anyone who needs a mental refresh. It’s a standalone, but I honestly rec the entire series!
I really loved this book! It is spicy, the pacing is exactly what I needed, and the characters are fantastic! Nadia is a woman who has had to make sacrifices to raise her younger brother. Her one night stand with Grayson is the one indulgence she has allowed herself and of course, there are consequences! I really loved the contrast between Nadia and Grayson’s upbringing. Nadia had an absent mother and Grayson had everything money can buy. As adults, Nadia is the one who knows exactly what she is deserving of and Grayson is the one who believes himself unworthy. Their arc was so fun to read! I would recommend this to anyone who needs a mental refresh. It’s a standalone, but I honestly rec the entire series!
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