An arranged marriage neither wants, but both soon crave… from USA TODAY bestselling author Naima Simone! Manipulated into a marriage of inconvenience, until one sizzling kiss changes everything… Devon Cole must marry Cain Farrell or lose everything. But she can never let her billionaire husband-to-be know why she agreed to her father’s dangerous machinations. Just as she’ll never know … machinations. Just as she’ll never know her father is blackmailing Cain to tie the knot, too. What kind of marriage can Devon even expect from a man with such cold eyes…and such hot kisses? She’s about to find out.
From Harlequin Desire: Luxury, scandal, desire–welcome to the lives of the American elite.
Billionaires of Boston
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Naima Simone has not only crafted a wonderful arranged marriage/enemies-to-lovers story, but she has also set the stage for an intriguing family drama!
Cain and Devon did not have an easy go of things. After a serendipitous encounter in Cain’s gardens – which seemed like the perfect beginning to a fairy-tale love story, reality hits them both with an arranged marriage that is supported by not just a contract, but blackmail on both sides. There was no lack of chemistry and heat between these two, but knowing that they were “enemies” all that chemistry and heat did was fan the flames of their desire and make it harder for them to stay away from each other. These two had so much pain and hurt in their lives, so it was no wonder that it was hard for them to trust in each other and not believe in the lies and deceit that were being thrown at them. Devon really impressed me with her ability to stand up to Cain and not cower when he lashed out, but mostly for her ability to see the good in Cain and recognize that there was more to him.
In addition to Cain and Devon’s story, we are introduced to Cain’s two half-siblings – another surprise that he was made aware of upon his father’s death. I loved how Achilles’ and Kenan’s characters were weaved into this story to give just a hint at what might be coming for both of them, as well as showing how the bonds of brotherhood start to develop between the three of them. For a main like Cain, an only-child who has suffered abuse, trusting others isn’t something that comes easy, and it was perfect watching these three interact and start to lay the groundwork for a real family relationship.
This was a short, quick read that still brought an emotional punch. The characters were well developed so it was easy to understand their actions and reactions – which made Cain bearable even though he could be such a jerk to Devon, and even more lovable when he finally lets himself see Devon for who she really is.
Naima Simone always delivers a story that has great characters, lots of heat and desire, and emotion that you can read off the page. Another great read that belongs on anyone’s shelf!
Devon and Cain are worth rooting for and this was a wonderful read. There was so much in this story, blackmail, manipulation, lies, chemistry and love. The family dynamics was great. Naima Simone never disappoints with her perfect stories. I could not put this book down and can’t wait for anymore books in this series.
I was enthralled with this story from the first chapter! Devon was such a sweetie and I was excited to read about such a lovely leading lady! Ms. Simone writes some hot, sexy scenes that bring their attraction to the forefront.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rated 4.5 Stars
Vows In Name Only was great. It’s steamy. There’s betrayal, secrets, lies, conniving and so much more. I loved the main characters Cole and Devon and their journey as well as the glimpses of secondary characters that have me so intrigued. This is a solid start to what I believe will be a great series. I loved it and highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a riveting romance! I loved the family drama and all the intense emotion in this story. The writing is engaging and mesmerizing, and the main characters are beautifully drawn and so lovable. I very much enjoyed the almost magnetic pull between Devon and Cain, the way they click so effortlessly. The angst and disappointment that followed their first meeting because of Devon’s father’s heartless blackmail scheme made for an incredibly cold shower, but it can’t stop the raging fire between these two. Cain is both strong and vulnerable, the perfect romantic hero, and even though his animosity towards Devon is fierce and understandable, he doesn’t treat her cruelly, quite the opposite. I loved all the little and big things he does for her, showing her more consideration than her father does, even when he still believes her to be complicit in her father’s wrongdoing. Devon is an equally captivating heroine, warm and kindhearted, as well as resilient and strong. I loved her! And I loved Cain and Devon together! Recommend!
This was such an emotional read. I really can’t say which of these characters made my heart hurt worst. Either way I liked and felt for them both. I thought the attraction and chemistry between Cain and Devon was tangible and steamy. What starts out with such promising sweetness quickly takes an drastic turn and becomes a rocky road and emotional minefield. Devon and Cain were truly meant to be and I was rooting for them all the way. Some very intriguing secondary characters create intriguing possibilities for books to come. A really great read and a solid start to this new series. I’m choosing to post an independent and impartial review.
4.5 Stars
What a fantastic story. It was the perfect enemies to lovers, arranged marriage romance, exactly what I wanted. This is the first in the Billionaires Of Boston series and if the series is anything like this one, then I can’t WAIT for the next one. Every book by this author makes me more and more convinced that they are an author I can rely on to give me everything I need in a romance, the right tropes, the right characters and done WELL. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Simone has to be one of the most hauntingly, prolific authors I have ever read. Devon and Cain are proof of that. Vows in Name is a love song searching for it’s melody. Will it be a duet or a solo? These characters embed themselves so deep within the heart they are bound to leave scars. A tattoo of a broken heart that yearns to find it’s voice. My emotions may never recover from the bruises of beautiful heartache left behind.
What a fantastic story! It was the perfect enemies to lovers, arranged marriage romance, exactly what I needed. The attraction between Cain and Devon was instant even though they didn’t think they would ever see each other after their chance meeting. Little did they know that they would soon be blackmailed into a marriage to one another. Even with the blackmail held over their heads they couldn’t fight the attraction to each other and wow was it HOT! These two were explosive once they gave in to the attraction.
This book was fabulous and once you start reading you will not be able to set it down. I can’t wait for Achilles and Kenan’s books!
This book is about Cain and Devon. Cain’s father has recently passed away. His father was not a good person. In his will he has left specific instructions for Cain to follow in order to maintain his inheritance. Devon’s father is a self made millionaire always looking for a way to break into the society of the people born into wealth. He blackmails Cain into marrying his daughter. Her father also blackmails Devon into agreeing with his scheme. This is their story and I found myself routing for them to tell each other the truth so that they could be together. It’s a typical romance, with out much mystery, but I found it enjoyable and really like the characters. Hoping to read the future stories with more characters from this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Where do I even start with this one. Such a great beginning to a new series.
Blackmail, lies and manipulation. This book has it all.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Naima Simone book without the chemistry and steam between the main characters.
This is book one in The New Billionaires of Boston and it is Devon and Cain’s story. Devon and Cain must marry or loose everything but it is not want they both want but what will they have to do to make it work. Devon and Cain had really strong chemistry between them but will it be enough for them to have a chance of being together. I couldn’t put this book down and I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next. I really loved Cain’s half brothers and look forward to reading there stories. Jaime Simone is amazing author and writer and I love her books so much and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Note, the sexual chemistry is palpable with this couple, there are buried pains and hurts for both the hero and heroine which forges part of the path to their story.
Cain Farrell and Devon Cole meet in the gardens of Cain’s ancestral home immediately after the reading of his fathers will. Cain is overwhelmed with frustration and anger, not only does he have two unbeknownst to him before half-brothers, but he has to live in his fathers mansion and run the family company with said brothers for a year. As Cain stumbles upon Devon, he is clearly captivated with her, but not in a good head space.
Fast forward a week to Devon’s unscrupulous father, Gregory Cole, who is blackmailing both Cain and Devon into a marriage of convenience which neither wants.
Tempers, deception, and rebellion run high, but so does the sexual chemistry between Cain and Devon.
I loved the chemistry between Cain and Devon, I loved when Devon finally took a stand against her dad, and when Cain accepted his half-brothers in his life. This was clearly a turning point for Cain and showed his vulnerable side, it was also his push to pursue his happy ending with Devon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cain and Devon gave me a good ole blackmailed into marriage story, and I loved it! They didn’t blackmail each other, no, that was someone else forcing that hand. The problem was, despite the intention to not like the other, they had wicked chemistry, and that wouldn’t be contained. Plus, the more they spent time together, their true nature seeped into their interactions, and the feeling grew. This of course could only lead to a great big blow up and the requisite grovel, san marching band, but there is always next time!
WOW! I could not put it down – finished in one sitting. The sexual tension was hot, the background story intriguing and leaves you wanting more (hello Kenan and Achilles!). Devon Cole is a tender, compassionate woman placed in an extremely difficult position by her power hungry father, who also happens to trap Cole Farrell, billionaire CEO. Cole learned the hard way to never trust anyone and believes the worst of Devon. I love the way the author was able to weave this emotional story of multiple levels of betrayal into a beautiful lesson of looking below the surface for the truth. Am anxiously looking forward to the future installments in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
WooHoo! What a great read! Vows in Name Only is full of drama, passion and all of the feels! Cain and Devon have great chemistry. I loved it!
This beauty felt like an old school romance, in all the best ways! 4.5 Stars!
Devon Cole doesn’t understand how her life ended up like this. When she was growing up, her dad owned a couple of electronics stores. They didn’t have much, but they were happy. They lived in New Jersey, and were constantly surrounded by their large, loving family. But then, her mom died, her dad sold his stores for a profit, and invested in another tech firm that went big. They got rich, moved to Boston, and slowly lost touch with the rest of her family. Now, she can hardly recognize this power and money obsessed man that used to be her father, and she feels very alone. She works at a community center, though her dad thinks it’s “beneath her,” and she’s mostly happy. But, when her father blackmails her into marrying the man of his choosing, she doesn’t know how to get out of it, without other people having to suffer for it.
Cain Farrell is a billionaire. His family has always been wealthy, and their family company keeps them that way. But, when his abusive jerk of a father dies, he leaves Cain in a bind. He had 2 illegitimate sons that Cain knew nothing about, and now all 3 of them must stay in Boston for one year and work together to run the family enterprise. If they don’t, it’ll be dismantled and sold off. Cain is amazed that his father is still screwing him over, even after he’s dead, and he’s furious. Then, an old associate of his father’s blackmails Cain into marrying the man’s daughter. Cain agrees, but vows to make them both miserable. They’ll get his name, but nothing else. Too bad he has this pesky attraction to Devon he’s never felt for anyone else. He thinks she’s helping to screw him over, so how could he ever trust her?!
Cain and Devon’s chemistry was smoking hot from the start, and they definitely had a whole vibe of a thin line between love and hate! I loved their bickering and angst. The lies and misunderstandings between them made it feel like an old school romance saga and I loved it. Devon’s dad was a straight up monster, and I hated seeing him getting his way, even for a short time. But I could really feel Devon’s pain in loving a man from her memory, that really no longer existed. It was so sad.
Cain’s half brothers, Achilles Farrell and Kenan Rhodes were awesome characters, and I can’t wait to learn more about them in their own stories! Their family histories are fascinating, and I’m looking forward to them becoming closer as brothers, as time goes on. They really provided advice and backup for Cain, when he really needed someone, and I enjoyed seeing their interactions.
Cain and Devon really had to get to know each other, and figure out how to be honest with one another, before they had any hope of making their connection real. I adored watching it all play out! This story was so much fun, and the push and pull between Cain and Devon was top notch. I will be anxiously awaiting the next story in this series!
VOWS IN NAME ONLY by Naima Simone is the first in her new Billionaires of Boston trilogy, about the (of course!) handsome, brilliant, ridiculously wealthy, annnnndd…. complicated Farrell brothers. Who only find out they are brothers when their horrible father? Drops dead.
So. First, Naima Simone is AMAZING. She has completely hit her stride as a Desire author–her stories overflow with passion and emotion and some capital D dramallama! Her storytelling keeps the core of the characters real and so believable even when sometimes the circumstances are making me go, “Naw…really?!” And always, “Tell me more!”
Cain Farrell and Devon Cole are no exception. Cain’s poured his heart into Farrell International, intent on making a success of it and himself, despite his father’s careless neglect and intentional cruelty. When his father’s will stipulates that he AND his brothers must work together for the next year in order for him to retain any part of the company, it is just one more insult to the grievous injuries he’s already endured at his father’s direction.
Devon Cole is no stranger to wounds. She’s had her heart broken by someone who had her believe he loved her when she was merely means to an end, and she has promised herself not to be party to that again. She is a woman who loves deeply and generously, but also knows enough to say,
“I’d rather be alone, giving one hundred percent to myself, than receiving fifty from someone else. I’m worth one hundred. I deserve it.”
Devon and Cain’s story had me eagerly turning the pages, caught up in their magic and anxious to see how they would meet the obstacles and challenges thrown their way. Ms Simone had me rooting for them all the way, and I am impatiently awaiting Cain’s brothers’ stories as well!
This is a fast-paced and well-written book with a romantic storyline and entertaining characters. I enjoyed the chemistry between Cain and Devon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.