One night in a blackout leads to a fake engagement between an assistant and her boss in this Blackout Billionaires novel by USA TODAY bestselling author Naima Simone. Executive assistant Nadia Jordan has long had a secret crush on CEO Grayson Chandler, but the start-up billionaire doesn’t even know she exists. When she falls into his arms at the Du Sable Gala, and the lights go out in a citywide … a citywide blackout, one kiss leads to a night of soul-stealing passion. And what happens in the dark never stays in the dark…
Because Grayson sees his chance to evade his matchmaking mother by making a proposal Nadia can’t refuse–she’ll be his fake fiancée! As she steps into Grayson’s privileged Chicago world, will his mother and vengeful ex destroy her dreams? Or will her fake fiancé make those dreams a reality?
From Harlequin Desire: Luxury, scandal, desire–welcome to the lives of the American elite.
Don’t miss a single Blackout Billionaires novel!
Book 1 — The Billionaire’s Bargain
Book 2 — Black Tie Billionaire
Book 3 — Blame It on the Billionaire
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This was a very enjoyable read. Gray and Nadia’s story was easy to get into and become invested in. The book is a fun combination of opposites attract/fake fiancée/Cinderella fantasy with a sprinkling of instalust. I thought both characters were very likable. Nadia was incredibly realistic. Fierce and feisty, kind, independent and a loving sister, she was the type of character it was impossible not to fall for and wish you could be friends with. Gray was I thought a really good guy but he did have some hard issues that needed to be dealt with. It was great to see the growth he made along the way. Together these two made a wonderful couple that had you laughing one minute and swooning the next. Quite simply this is a really, really good read.
This is a wonderful story. I fell for Nadia Jordan right alongside start-up billionaire Grayson Chandler. Nadia is smart, strong and principled. I love that she fell for the man and could have done without the old money culture he came from. I really loved the way she dealt with those who would belittle her. A terrific Cinderella tale.
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.
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!
The latest installment of the Blackout Billionaire series has Nadia Jordan literally running into Grayson Chandler minutes before the lights go out. Secrets are exchanged in the dark along with stolen kisses – a one time only thing…until Grayson sees her days later and he realizes she’s his employee. A run in with his overbearing mother and money hungry ex force him into convincing Nadia into a fake engagement. Nadia’s past doesn’t measure up to Grayson’s family standards. Pick this book up to find out what it takes for Grayson to stand up to his family.
Another great read from Naima Simone.
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.
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!
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!