Hello hello! I'm back with a series that didn't really work for me, but might be a winner for you. It is called The Billionaire's Bet by Clarissa Wild.

I've read other books by this author and LOVED them, but these books were a miss for me. It's an erotic romance story with elements of BDSM and definitely not my cup of tea.

Let me know if you've read this one or plan to. I'd love to know your thoughts :)

About the series:

~A Seductive Deal

Julie Valentine's soul searching turned out to be a bad case of the author blues. Having just broken up with her boyfriend, she goes to a casino in the hopes of relaxing and getting her mind straight, while rekindling her passion for books, but not even a nice glass of wine seems to work. Writing steamy romances requires more than just leisure time.

When she meets the billionaire Dominic Fury, a handsome blue-eyed kind ladies' man, his charms win her over. Maybe spending a night with him will give her plenty of inspiration. It turns out Dominic has a seductive request for her, one she cannot refuse.

~A Hot Call

After a steamy night with hot billionaire Dominic Fury, author Julie Valentine wants more from him. The sexy experience has left a mark on her she cannot ignore. She can finally write some heavy romance again and agrees to a contract with Dominic.

What she doesn't know, is that Dominic has some dark secrets of his own and he's not eager to spill. Soon she discovers his dominant side might be more than just a playful show and she has to decide whether she wants to stay with him or not. Both of them have a past that controls their growing relationship, forcing them to choose. Is their will to be loved stronger than their will to survive?

~A Risky Raise

Julie Valentine has chosen to stay with hot billionaire Dominic Fury, despite the fact that he has unresolved issues from his past. She's falling for him and can't resist his charms any longer. Passion and love are plentiful in their relationship and it gives her inspiration for her books.

But their future together is shrouded by a past filled with dark secrets. Dominic's choice to hide important facts put a strain on their relationship, but when Julie uncovers them she's thrown into a dangerous plot; one that could lead to her death.

~A Final Game

Julie Valentine has barely escaped from the hands of death, and billionaire Dominic Fury confessed his dark secrets to her. She finally understands the magnitude of his problems and doesn't know what to do. She takes some time off to be on her own, but she can't get Dominic off her mind. Trying to make things work with him is harder than she could've imagined, but their connection is too strong to ignore.

But the past haunting Dominic isn't going to let him go easily. This time, it's his life that's on the line. Determined to save Dominic, Julie sets out to destroy what's hurting him, risking her own life in the process. Pain is around every corner, but she'll fight until the very end. The game has only just begun ...

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.

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.


Allison Mahoney is the hardest working employee at Tolbert & Tolbert. She gets in early and stays late, all to impress her boss, who doesn't even know she exists.

Joshua Tolbert dates supermodels, drives fast cars and runs the planet's most success dating site. Lucky in love and life, Joshua has it all, including a jealous brother and partner that barely gets any recognition at all.

After being dismissed and ignored by her secret love, Allison turns to the one place she never thought she would in order to find love.

Edge of Attraction

I'm not sure what to write about this. I gave it 3 stars because the writing wasn't bad even though I couldn't connect with the characters. Allison seems really 'sweet' but her personality doesn't quite match that of a typical 32 yo. She reminded me of a character I'd find in a young adult story. Cue the juvenile crush. It's just unrealistic for a grown up. And Joshua annoyed me as soon as he called her 'Abby'.

I predict I'll get frustrated with this series. We'll see.

* * * * *

Edge of Lust

I can't even call this book a romance! The main characters go on a blind date and there's no chemistry. Like absolutely none. Use of a magnifying glass or microscope won't help me find any!! Dude doesn't even recognize her in real life. Why on why was this Allison person made out to be so pathetic? I couldn't even feel sorry for hger because she was in a bed she made herself. I hope she grows a spine in the books to come. And can I get a little romance while we're at it?

Two stars.

* * * * *

Edge of Desire

Still not a romance. Still no real chemistry. But at least Allison and Joshua had sex. Kinda. It's loosely described let's say. I still think she's a dunce and he's a superficial douche. At least he finally knows she's the same Allison from work.

Idiot.

Three stars. Kinda.

* * * * *

Edge of Passion

I swear. These dang titles are so misleading. Where the heck was the passion in this book? The way these characters passionately talk to themselves? Or maybe it's the way they passionately avoid even a smidgen of real intimacy? The only real excitement in this story didn't even come from the MCs. It came from Joshua's brother Jamie. And the drama wasn't even all that great.

I will say that I do like how this author frames her work. I have no complaints there. Call me greedy, but I just want more. Being intense is not a bad thing. I want my attention snagged to the point that I forget my responsibilities. I don't think that's too much to ask.

Three stars.

* * * * *

Edge of Ecstasy

Okay so the MCs weren't so bad in this one. The parts on the yacht made me finally see the viability of their relationship. It's looking good now and I hope it gets better and more real. I've got to say that Jamie is still the best character in the series so far. He may be a sneaky, lazy, manipulative dickwad, but his character has depth. Which is a lot more than I can say for the MCs.

Three stars.

* * * * *

Edge of Love

I can say that I was more impressed with Allison in Joshua in this book than any other book in the series. I could sense their connection finally. I'm not sure if its enough for them to be throwing the 'love' word around like they have, but they've definitely come a long way in convincing me of their relationship.

Three stars.

* * * * *

Edge of Bliss

Best book by far in this series. I'm a sucker for a HEA and this book offered that to me in spades. The connection between Allison and Joshua was much stronger here than in previous books and I'm glad my patience paid off. Everything was practically wrapped up in a neat bow. I'm just curious about the futures of Christopher and Jamie. I hope they each get to meet their HEA one day too!

Four stars.


Overall, I gave this series THREE STARS. Are you thinking of reading it? And if you've already read it, what did you rate it?

YOLO by Lani Lynn Vale

Rating -
Book 7 of Carter Brothers
Release - November 1, 2024
Genre - Contemporary Romance / instalove
POV - dual 1st person
Heat - explicit
Source - ARC provided by the author (Thanks GiveMeBooks PR)
Length - 268 pages




I loved this book so much!
There was a serendipitous nature to their relationship and it came off as so endearing.
The author gives us more than a glimpse of how their bond evolved from friendship to romance and it seemed so organic that I couldn't help falling in love with both of them as they fell in love with each other.

Garrett had a healthy fear of bringing danger to Bindi's life and she feared making his life even more complicated. But they complemented each other so well that their move from friendship to even more seemed so easy. The drama was there, as expected, but they were solid in what they had together that I had no worries about how they would handle anything that came their way.

Again, I loved this book. I loved ALL of the characters (aside from the obvious bad ones) and I'm looking forward to whatever comes next from this author.




Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today bestsellers.