Please Note: I read this series back in 2016 and it's a dual perspective contemporary romance. Take my reviews with a grain of salt.

About the series:

Becka Jasper is a graduate student on the fast track to a successful career as a researcher. Oliver Weeks is the CEO of a major food research corporation - a powerful and handsome alpha male, that not only knows what he wants, but also gets what he wants.

And soon enough, he wants Becka.

Brought together when Becka sits in on one of Oliver’s guest teaching lectures, they connect and discover a chemistry neither is prepared for. Becka soon finds herself wanting more from Oliver than just the internship she originally envisioned, but, almost from the start, she sees signs that Oliver may not be exactly what he seems to be.

Passionate Weeks

Well I liked it. I think I was a bit surprised that there was so much packed into such a short book/novella. I'm intrigued by both Becka and Dr. Oliver Weeks. I got a lot of information but I'm left with questions, which is a good thing because that's what will keep me coming back for more. I want to know what his side business is. And if the story of his background that he told Becka is a lie, what's the truth? Now that they've consummated their 'relationship' (although Oliver keeps saying he's not looking for one), what does this mean for Becka's possible internship at his company?

Four stars.

*****

Lovely Weeks

I really like the writing of this author. She's made a sucker out of me because I'm completely sucked in the plot! Her characters, Becka and Oliver, are extremely sweet together and apart. The slow build of their relationship makes it realistic. And they are both so intelligent, which is a definite plus in my book. This is not a fast-paced series and I think the pacing is perfect. I'm really interested in reading further because I need to know what secrets Oliver is keeping. I hope they're not too bad. This couple belongs together!

Four stars.

*****

Exciting Weeks

Another 'exciting' installment to this series. I had a couple of problems with it though.

1. The fact that Becka had a full blown attraction to her student, Ethan, while involved with Oliver. So not cool!

2. The fact that Becka is sneaking around behind Oliver's back, researching animal testing, and keeping secrets. They're both keeping secrets and it's annoying me lol! I want answers!!

3. If Becka finds out that Oliver is involved with animal testing, then what?

Four stars.

*****

Crazy Weeks

Still good but I'm officially confused. Mild spoilers ahead and I'm sorry for that. OK, when Ethan is first introduced, he's a 21yo student in Becka's class. But in this book, he's much older, filthy rich, and oh yeah, he was Oliver's best friend and business partner once upon a time. WTH?! Did I miss something??? And damn Becka for betraying her relationship to Oliver in this book. There's no real cheating but she went too far. So I liked everyone but her in this one.

Four stars.

*****

Ecstatic Weeks

Wow. The author got me to hate Becka within 37 pages. Quite a feat. For the entire book, my right hand kept itching to give this girl (cuz a woman she definitely ain't) a pimp slap. What the heck is going on??? Why did you change this character so dramatically??? Now she's a slut? Willing to sleep with all hot guys she sees? Thank you for not actually letting her sleep with them, but my sympathies to Oliver. He caught himself an undercover ho-bag! I kept trying to make excuses for her, like she's very young. But no. Excuses just won't fly. She can't decide between the man she's been involved with since book one and his brother??? Then she wants to sleep with a random dude to get both men out of her system??? Then... then... then the loser decides she wants Oliver after all!!! I hope he finds someone new cuz this chick is a waffler and has no clue who she truly is or what she wants.

Because of this rant, and I could continue but I've decided to spare you, I could only give this book 2 stars. And those stars are for Oliver alone!!

Two stars.

*****

Fearful Weeks

Ya, I didn't think it was possible, but it's a new record. My hate has been escalated within 28 pages. I hate you Becka. I really do. And any girl in real life who resembles her, I hate you too. I'm just saying. This chick went from hero to zero real quick. How the heck do you suspect something happened to your man by the hands of his brother, but then somehow convince yourself that sleeping with broski is OK? On what planet is this normal? Your man is freaking missing!! Wth is wrong with this character? And shame on you Ms. Brooks for giving Ethan a POV.

One star

*****

Dangerous Weeks

The author's writing is still great and thankfully she chose to redeem Becka (slightly) in this book. There are still 3 more books in the series so who knows. Oliver disappeared then reappeared (Polkaroo) and Ethan and his lies/deceptions/secrets are still annoying. At least Oliver finally revealed the truth to Becka (and me most importantly) so hopefully this is a sign that the series will progress in a more positive fashion.

Three stars.

*****

Wild Weeks

I'm staying neutral when it comes to Becka. I have no feelings. However, I think it's pretty hilarious that her friend has to explain the reasons why she should stay true to her man. Why is that? Because Becka, for as smart as this series wants to make her out to be, is an idiot. Even Ethan stated she should use her scientific mind. Ha ha ha, where did that mind go again? Chick misplaced it. And she's too busy making paranoid assumptions and accusations, and having fantasies about other men, to look for it. I'm still Team Oliver. Becka can kick rocks.

Three stars.

*****

Thrilling Weeks

I hate that I'm not a quitter, cuz if I was, I would have left this series a few books ago. I feel like all I'm getting is filler, no substance. It's all nonsense this and nonsense that. But nothing is really happening. Oliver has a 'plan' and then takes Becka to Paris. There they share I love yous with NO fanfare!! I didn't believe it, did you? And still the story isn't really moving along, except now there are two lines on a pregnancy test. It's like things are thrown together to give us, the readers, something while giving us nothing at all.

Three stars.

*****

Dramatic Weeks

Well that's the end. Wrapped up with a shiny bow. Becka is pregnant, Oliver remains by her side, Lisa is traumatized, and crazy Ethan got his just dessert. I can't say I'm satisfied with this conclusion, but I am proud of myself for finishing it. So that's something. I will say that I will give this author another chance sometime in the near future because she writes amazingly well and can only improve with time and practice.

Three stars.

The Sugar Bowl series is a contemporary romance with a revenge theme.
The author lists it as romantic suspense, but I think differently.
It's dual perspective with explicit content. Be warned that there is an assault trigger for those who prefer to avoid those.
Hopefully my reviews of these books inspires someone to give them a try.

Sugar Daddy

Sela Halstead lost her innocence in a way that no sixteen-year-old should ever have to endure. She’s spent years trying to forget that night even while wondering about the identities of the monsters who brutalized her—until a telltale tattoo flashes across Sela’s TV screen. The incriminating ink belongs to Jonathon Townsend, the millionaire founder of The Sugar Bowl, a website that matches rich older men with impressionable young women. Obsessed with revenge, Sela infiltrates Townsend’s world, only to come face-to-face with a tantalizing complication: Beckett North, his charismatic business partner.

The tech mastermind behind The Sugar Bowl, Beck always gets what he wants, in business and in bed. And yet, for a man who’s done every dirty thing imaginable, there’s something about the naïve, fresh-faced Sela that sparks his hottest fantasies. Because with her, it’s not just about sex. Beck opens up to her in ways he never has with other girls. So why does he get the feeling that she’s hiding something? In a world of pleasure and power, the shocking truth could turn them against each other—or bind them forever.

Sugar Rush

After posing as an escort for the Sugar Bowl online dating service, Sela Halstead is looking for one thing: payback. She's closing in on the site's heartless founder, Jonathon Townsend, and she needs Beckett North, Townsend's business partner and her lover, by her side. She'd thought that their intimate nights together had forged an unbreakable bond, but after a shocking betrayal, Sela begins to doubt the brilliant bad boy. When push comes to shove, can she trust Beck to do the right thing?

Now that he understands the truth, Beck will stop at nothing to secure the reckoning Sela deserves. But between his desire for her and his disgust for JT, Beck doesn't exactly have a lot of control over his emotional state. Left with no other choice, he must summon all his discipline to maintain JT's trust and pretend that they're still friends. But how far will Beck go to prove his loyalty to Sela? He nearly lost her once. To keep her, Beck might have to kill for her.

Sugar Free

For years Sela Halstead dreamed of revenge, but the quest for payback has been anything but sweet. Now, once again, she finds herself at the mercy of Jonathon Townsend, his hands crushing the very breath from her body. And even though she escapes with her life, Sela fears she may never recover. In desperate need of shelter and comfort, she runs to the one man she can trust. Beckett North has stood by Sela since the beginning. But can he handle the brutal truth?

Beck will do anything to protect what is his—and make no mistake, Sela belongs to him, heart and soul. The passion between them runs hot, even as their world begins to unravel. With the legacy of his ruthless business partner hanging in the balance, Beck stands to lose everything: his fortune, his family, his freedom. But each touch of Sela’s mouth on his skin, her nails down his back, makes it harder to let her go—and it might not even be his choice to make.

Please Note:

I read this series back in 2016. I read and reviewed books differently back then so please take my words and recommendation with a grain of salt.

About the Book:

“The best sex is hotel sex…”

Welcome to the Rexford, the most luxurious hotel in town. My internship is a dream come true – until I walk in to my first meeting and discover my one-night stand at the head of the boardroom.

Controlling billionaire, Dominic Rexford: CEO - and the man I was secretly hired to seduce.

Now, I just want to keep my head down and stay out of trouble, but Dom has different plans.

He wants a repeat of our wild night together – and he’ll do whatever it takes to get me back between those 700-thread count sheets.

I’m in trouble now…

The Hotel Part One

FOUR STARS

YES!! I got what I was looking for. I just read a novella series that was sorely lacking in the chemistry department, but this made up for it. Thank the scribes!!

23yo Juliet kept making me think of that R. Kelly song 'Bump and Grind'. Lol. "My mind's telling me no... but my body... My body's telling me yes!" When everything else is telling her to stay away from arrogant, controlling, dominating, sexy as heck Dominic, she just can't.

Although it's a classic tale of resistance, the writing style was refreshing and therefore saved it from being stale or redundant.

The only way this would be better for me is if I got Dom's POV.

The Hotel Part Two

THREE 1/2 STARS

Geez, I kept wondering when Juliet's truth was coming out because she kept getting upset with Dominic for not telling her everything.

Frickin hypocrite.

Yes, there were certain things she deserved to know (like Dom being married), but then again these two were involved in a relationship based on manipulation.

Please remember that the only reason they're involved is because she arranged to meet him and seduce him as per the PI's order.

In my eyes, Dominic is the innocent party in all of this and this poor man is surrounded by deceit.

She feels betrayed??? Wtf?!

The Hotel Part Three

THREE STARS

This book was jam-packed with so much information and I felt a wee bit rushed to finish the story. The pacing was off for me.

There was a great suspenseful plot towards the end but it was wrapped up too quickly for my liking.

Cancer (Dominic's bro) and Juliet almost lose their lives and within a couple of pages the story is over. What? I wasn't in the car but I got whiplash from how fast this was.

And don't get me started on how Lillian (Dominic's exwife from hell) became a staunch ally.

I know this is make believe, but can it mimic real life for a moment?

I guess Dominic and Juliet got a HEA. I think it's inferred.

I just think there was great potential for this story and someone dropped the ball.

The Billionaire's Rules by Kelly Favor is a 16-book series and I stopped reading at #13. I read this back in 2015 so keep that in mind.

Twenty-one-year-old Ivy Spellman has always played by the rules – get good grades, stay out of trouble, and avoid bad boys at all costs.

But when she takes a temp assignment at a multi-billion dollar drug company, she can’t help but become intrigued with the sexy and ultra-demanding CEO, Cullen Sharpe.

Cullen Sharpe is used to getting what he wants, and his dark and damaged desires are locked on Ivy. Her good girl innocent routine is enough to drive him over the edge, and after Ivy makes a mistake at work, he senses an opening to teach the shy temp the pleasures and seductions of being bad...

…as well as the punishment that goes along with it.

Soon the two of them are locked in a game of mystery, seduction, and raging desire that knows no bounds. But as Ivy is pushed beyond her sexual limits, she begins to crave more from the dark billionaire.

However, Cullen guards his secrets and his heart for reasons that run deep. And if those reasons were to ever be revealed, it just might destroy them both.

Discipline

The Billionaire's Rules #1

Wasn't sure how to rate this.
It was over pretty quickly. I am, however, interested enough to read the next book.
Ummmm... Does Cullen have OCD? Is he a germaphobe?
I understood by the end (though I guessed from the start) that Ivy was a virgin, but that doesn't mean she has to act like a nitwit. I hope she develops a damn spine in this series.

I gave this TWO STARS.

Consequence

The Billionaire's Rules #2

Not sure what to make of this one. At least Cullen finally touched Ivy, no matter how briefly. The scene wasn't hot per se. But it was something. What I wouldn't give to read his POV. Ivy is annoying me :(

I know nothing of this man other than that he's the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, has a lot of money, is crazy hot, likes to be called sir or Mister Sharpe, and likes to dole out consequences. Ok ya but who is he?? These facts were enough to decide to give up your virginity Daisy? Seriously? You've known dude for a day.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Truth

The Billionaire's Rules #3

Still don't know who Cullen is but he seems just as obsessed as Daisy. She's just weird. I'm glad to see she's capable of independent thought but it's still not enough to win me over.

I shouldn't really categorize this as sexy because the one sex scene just wasn't. Which woman ever lost her virginity and thought "ooh that felt soooooo good?" Ummmmmm hell to the naw. That just isn't realistic. And dude knew she was a virgin. Where the hell was the prep??? Dude doesn't know about friggin foreplay??? I would not be giving up my hymen to someone who doesn't put in work. Shoot, she didn't even get a date. Well at least he gives her a paycheque.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Lies

The Billionaire's Rules #4

Ridiculous. The first clue we have as to who Cullen is comes from his rival Xavier (Dude was a neurosurgeon for 10 years?! How OLD is he???)

Do not get me started on the coffee shop scene. Ivy goes from klutzy, naive, hapless virgin one day to BJ lessons on a washroom floor? I'm not new to the sex game, but there is absolutely no way I would be servicing some guy on my knees in a random washroom. Especially for the first time!! There was no mention of this washroom being sterilized. WTH?!

That Lucas co-worker has seemed suspect from book 1. I want to see how he plays into the secrets surrounding Cullen. I wish Daisy luck in the upcoming books because she seems to be really falling for this man, albeit a little bit too quickly. How do these heroines fall in love with men they don't know?

I gave this THREE STARS.

Threat

The Billionaire's Rules #5

Ok now we're getting somewhere. I'm still on the hunt to discover the secrets about Cullen.

OMG did anyone else think Lucas was capable??? I just thought he was a lam-o. I knew he was up to something, but not that.

It seems Cullen is truly developing feelings for Ivy so I've decided to cut her some slack. I truly hope she catches a break in the next book.

That ending? Does this mean we may get Cullen's POV? Here's to wishful thinking!

I gave this THREE STARS.

Expose

The Billionaire's Rules #6

Well it seems we are finally getting to know more about Cullen.
He's finally opening up to Ivy, but holy crap she has to go through some ish to get it.
He's really rude and I just don't understand how she continues to put up with him.
I don't care how fine a man is. You disrespect and I'm out.
Fish in the sea and so on.
Maybe she's got some real strong self-esteem issues.

I guess we'll learn more about him in the next book. I wonder how his suggestion on how they can stay together is going to go over. I'm just glad she doesn't have to lie anymore.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Commit

The Billionaire's Rules #7

Wow. I didn't expect that to be Cullen's secret. Good to know he's devoted and loyal to someone. Guess he's not an android after all.

I'm just as confused as Ivy as to Cullen's motives to marry her. I was quite surprised at the arrangements he made to make her happy. It was sweet but I feel like it was all part of his manipulation.
I think there are obviously more secrets to be told.
That ending said it all lol.

As for Lucas... He's just evil.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Defy

The Billionaire's Rules #8

Wow... Looks like Ivy grew some balls in this one. She's not taking any bull from anyone. Good for her. I actually liked her in this one!

I'm trying to figure out if Xavier really likes Ivy or if he sees her as a weapon against Cullen. He's described as a good guy but something is off.

And I knew Cullen was crazy but damn! He beat up a car! I'm starting to see his possessiveness as a display of affection. I guess he truly cares for Ivy.

In a totally wrong way, but still.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Trouble

The Billionaire's Rules #9

Dammit Ivy's backbone keeps disappearing. And Cullen is just getting ruder.
Did I miss the part where it said he was crazy?
Like seriously crazy.
Mad. Sick.

And her mom did what any good mom would do. If one of my daughters called me up with Ivy's story, you better believe I'm rushing to her side and defending her the best way I know how. That's what her mom did. Maybe she didn't know all the facts, but she saw her baby girl hurting. What else was she supposed to do?

Whatever, his ass belongs in jail. He may not abuse her physically, but he does abuse her.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Risk

The Billionaire's Rules #10

Well I wonder if we'll see Cullen perform surgery ever again.
I wonder what his dad's role will be in his and Ivy's future.
I wonder if Cullen truly loves her.
Or is he still trying to manipulate and control her through her emotions.

I wonder if Ivy will be stronger in the end.
I wonder if there will be a HEA.
I wonder if they deserve one.
I wonder if there will be a semblance of closure for all parties involved.
That's why I'm still reading this series.

I gave this THREE STARS.

Fall

The Billionaire's Rules #11

I think this was the best one yet.
Finally I can feel the love (ok not really but at least Ivy says she does).

So much happened here.
So much drama.
A life hangs in the balance and only Dr. Cullen Sharpe can save it.

I wonder what Cullen's dad needed $2.6 million for.
Will Ivy forgive her mom?
And will Cullen have to face a trial and/or subsequent prison sentence?
Will it a all be revealed in the next book?
Well I'm gonna read to find out.

I gave this FOUR STARS.

Cherish

The Billionaire's Rules #12

I don't even know where to start.

This is the last book to tell Cullen and Ivy's story and it gave me NO satisfying conclusion.

Those who should be in trouble aren't.
The relationship still doesn't make any sense.
And I just read 12 books to get this?
Why?

I gave this THREE STARS.

Hunt

The Billionaire's Rules #13

I am disappointed.
I was glad to see another book, but I didn't get what I wanted from it.

I don't think enough time was spent on closing out the story of Cullen and Ivy before we were introduced to Brayden and Lanie.
I didn't care for it. At all.

I'm actually quite pissed.
I feel like I was pressured to finish the first part of the series.
It just didn't work for me.
Yes, the bathtub scene with Lanie was hilarious. But it could have been included in its own book.

I would have rather have read more about Cullen and Ivy and finished their story in a more satisfying way.
At least they got their HEA.
I guess that's what's important.

I gave this THREE STARS.

I'm back with a series of books that I read a long time ago (2016), but I remember enjoying them.
The Dark Billionaire Series is a contemporary romance with a BDSM theme.
Hopefully my reviews inspire someone to give this series a chance.

His Gift: Part One

Lacey Miller is two days away from being kicked out of her apartment when her best friend offers her a job for some quick cash. Easy as cake, right? Wrong. Billionaire playboy Jake Carville has been looking for years for the perfect submissive. On his birthday, he's looking forward to a special a girl who can satisfy his every dark craving. But when Lacey walks through the wrong door and into Jake’s arms, she’s everything he’d hoped for... and nothing he ever expected. How can he lose himself, heart and soul, to a girl he was never supposed to meet?

His Gift: Part Two

He's going to punish me, I know it.

I was just delivering a cake for a friend - I sure as hell wasn’t a birthday gift to a billionaire. But now that I was here, I didn’t dare leave.

Even if I wanted to, he wouldn’t let me.

His Gift: Part Three

I'm tied up, blindfolded... and aching for his touch.

When Lacey walks through the wrong door and into Jake’s arms, she’s everything he’d hoped for... and nothing he ever expected.

How can he lose himself, heart and soul, to a girl he was never supposed to meet?

His Ransom: Part One

Some secrets are darker than others...

I knew that there was more to billionaire Jake Carville than what he showed the world. But I didn’t know that Jake’s past was so dark... and so dangerous.

… and that’s why she’s the perfect hostage.

His Ransom: Part Two

Lacey Miller is just a curvy girl, a tomboy, a street artist. When she steps into Jake Carville’s life, his obsession with her will lead her into a world like she’s never seen. A world of wealth and power. A world of unquenchable passion and unspeakable cruelty.

Jake Carville, billionaire playboy, has never found a woman he can open up to. Not until Lacey. She’s the only woman he cares about. His gift. His love.