Veena’s review of Matched To A Billionaire (Happily Ever After Inc., Book 1) by Kat Cantrell
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Desire 01 Jul 14
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I imagined a wizened old woman going door to door of the homes of the young and eligible, negotiating suitable marriage deals. Fortunately this is a very modern Cinderella story, minus the glass slipper but definitely with a fairy godmother disguised as a business venture that grooms young women to become professional wives to the rich and famous.
Leo is so busy making his millions and relying on his personal assistant to help him manage his life on an all-around basis that that he’s totally thrown off kilter when she tells him that she absolutely will not be his escort to a business dinner, nor does she want to continue to manage his social engagements. Panicked, he figures out the best way to solve his dilemma is to hire a wife – oops! – make that marry a wife, but since wives don’t grow on trees, he turns to a professional matchmaking agency to help solve his problem.
So who would be content to be a wife in name only? Daniella wants to be a professional wife, have a nice home to call her own, plan and execute social events, and, above all, have the security of enough money to take care of her mother. She definitely does not want to be in the 9-to-5 rat race. Leo’s proposition is exactly what she wants, so clearly this is the perfect solution.
Be careful what you wish for, because you might get it. Well, in this case both Leo and Danielle got exactly what they wished for, until they didn’t wish for it anymore. They both wanted more and neither one was going to make the first move – or I suppose Leo does by sleeping with her and she does by putting herself in his path. It seems like the marriage of convenience pretty soon becomes inconvenient. I think it is so cute and yet sad that she keeps forcing herself to wake up earlier and earlier so she could make him breakfast or at least coffee before he leaves for the office, and he leavees earlier and earlier to avoid her.
Clearly, in the modern business world we’ve all heard of venture capitalists and how they use their money to find and fund the next Google or Facebook, but, in reality, I find that Leo works very hard to attract the right entrepreneur. It is very heartening to see his modus operandi change from a stand-offish play by the book to an involved coach and partner. I also very much enjoyed his latest young entrepreneur that his smart new wife helps him close.
I’m still not convinced about this whole matchmaking business, but I did enjoy the story.
Grade:B
Summary:
Wanted: one convenient wife
Venture capitalist Leo Reynolds is married to his work, but now he needs a wife. Someone to run his home, host his parties—and accept a marriage that’s strictly business. His one rule: love will play no part in their union. At least that’s the lie he tells himself, until he meets his match….
Enter Daniella White—handpicked by the matchmaker as the perfect wife. Marriage to Leo means security, and she’s willing to give up passion for friendship. But the moment they meet, sparks fly. And now temptation—and Leo’s own heart—have the billionaire ready to change all the rules.]
Read an excerpt.
