Big-city sophistication meets carnal hunger in this devilish contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Evans.Heir apparent to her father’s company, Lizzy Banks needs a man. The perfect man. But when the rich “fundbabies” she usually rubs shoulders with prove impossible to hire, she takes a chance on a raw beast of a man salvaged from the wreckage of a bar … salvaged from the wreckage of a bar brawl.
James Rowan earns a modest income as a YouTube daredevil, but he can’t refuse Lizzy’s million dollar deal. As she polishes his rough edges, creating a sophisticated gentleman fit for the highest circles of society, not only does she bring out the perfect man—it’s like she’s making the man of her dreams. How can she resist?
Though Lizzy loves seeing James in his clothes—and out of them—he isn’t the kind of man you bring home to Daddy. Her father’s disapproval and the pressure of the campaign have her eyeing the straight and narrow, but Lizzy’s finding it awfully hard to resist the devil on her shoulder…
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Million Dollar Devil is Cinderfella at its best! He’s clearly not from the right side of the tracks and she’s an heiress beyond his wildest dreams. They are both sexy but from different worlds. She’s up in the clouds and he’s literally fighting “in the sewers.”
Jimmy isn’t the posh polished pricks of her past. He’s rugged, good looking, and real. However her needs are sophisticated, regal, and fake. One makeover and a lot of tutelage and James Rowan is born. But at what cost?
I loved the chemistry between James and Elizabeth. I love how they both become someone else. I especially love his latest dare. Every hopeful romantic out there will love Million Dollar Devil!
Million Dollar Devil is a Slow Burn standalone romance, with an interesting premise that reminds me of the classic Hollywood movies, Pygmalion and My Fair Lady. The difference being it’s a woman making a guttersnipe into a gentleman, all in order to win her father’s approval and prove she has what it takes to take over the family business. There are a few moments that pull at the heartstrings, but overall it’s a lighthearted and fast read.
Elizabeth Banks is the only daughter of Harold Banks, the owner of Banks LTD. She’s an heiress that’s had everything handed to her by her overprotective, wealthy father after her mother abandoned them when Elizabeth was four years old. Now twenty-five, she wants to prove to Harold she can handle the new line of suits they’re going to launch. All Elizabeth needs is a spokesperson, the perfect model that represents the ideal Banks man. So far, all the men she had in mind have turned her down, and she’s a little desperate.
Jimmy Rown is a YouTube daredevil star with over two hundred thousand followers. He’ll do just about anything they want him to do, as long as the price is right. Jimmy’s raising his thirteen year old brother, Charlie, ever since their parents and sister died. The two brothers are close, Charlie’s his cameraman and he looks after him.
When Elizabeth wanders into a bar and sees Jimmy, she knows she’s found the man she was looking for. Everyone has a price, and Jimmy’s is one million dollars. Elizabeth agrees, with a long list of rules James, as he’s now known as, must follow. And as she tells him, it’s all business.
“Most women want to change their men for personal reasons. This is professional. Strictly professional. All for the job.”
But Jimmy has other ideas; he’s quite taken with Elizabeth and decides they need to see what it can lead to, even if she doesn’t agree.
“Hell, I’m not pretending to be the perfect man. I am her perfect man. And I’m bewitched. I see her heart and own her soul. She lets me have whatever I want. Gives me everything I’ll ever need.”
There’s a lot riding on Elizabeth’s transformation of James. No one can know where he’s really from; they need to think he’s to the manor born, as they say. Especially her dad, so much depends on his approval. She won’t let anything, or anyone, get in her way.
“I polished a diamond, and now it’s flawless. Perfect. But it’s not mine to keep. He is not mine to keep.”
Another great read from Katy with a bit of a twist as the heroine is the powerful rich woman and the hero is the poor struggling but gorgeous guy. It is more often the reverse in Katy’s books.
Lizzy is heiress to her Father’s fashion company, but she wants to become it’s CEO when her Father retires. Unfortunately no matter how hard she works to be the perfect daughter her Father refuses to recognise her talents and thinks that she should be occupied doing “women’s work” rather than working in his company. Finally he agrees to give her the opportunity to launch their best ever clothing line.
Lizzy meets with her list of successful businessmen who she is hoping to hire to model the clothes but finds that none of them are interested. After leaving her last meeting she needs a drink and finds herself in front of a seedy bar in a not so nice part of town. There she meets daredevil Jimmy Rowan who will do anything for a paid dare. Lizzy is totally spellbound with him and decides to make him an offer he cant refuse, to be the face of the new Banks line.
This is a fun romp that is hot and sexy as Lizzy tries to make this rough guy into a perfect and stunningly hot model. It is really hilarious as James fights with her over being shaved and being made over but still mostly does as she says while at the same time trying to get her into bed. Although James is not the kind of guy she has dated before she is having a hard time keeping her hands off him and remaining professional.
These two obviously have feeling for each other, but will Lizzie go against her Father’s wishes and fall in love with this rough diamond? and will the transformed James want her once he has had a taste of fame. You have to finish this book to find out.
As with all Katy’s books I really enjoyed reading this one and highly recommend it.
This book had the potential to be an amazing read. It had plenty of fun, flirty, sexy banter and a hero I started to fall for pretty quickly. It also had some drama that drove the angst up, unfortunately, that drama came completely out of left field, opened the door for an unnecessary situation, and had this hero dropping in my estimation.
Lizzy fights to be the daughter her father wants, and what he wants is perfection. In order to earn his acceptance, that is what she’s always given him. But in order to gain the CEO position of his company when he steps down, she has to prove herself and the perfect opportunity has presented itself. When her plans collapse she takes a step into a world she’s never been before and meets Jimmy.
When the hot as sin woman in the bar propositions him, he’s all for it. She’s talking money but he’ll do her for free. The next morning, after leaving him high and dry, he learns what the real proposition is. There’s no denying he needs the money so he takes a step into her world and then things get really interesting.
I initially loved Jimmy so much and my heart began to hurt for him pretty early on because I could sense exactly what was going to happen and how much his own heart was going to hurt. He might not have been high class, but he was honest and loyal and dedicated to his family. And when things took a turn and he had to make a difficult decision, it wasn’t his own needs he took into consideration, it was all about Lizzy. However, I struggled with liking Jimmy and the story as a situation that felt contrived popped up pretty much out of nowhere. I wanted this hero to be unaffected but, nope. And that was when Jimmy lost me. Was that really necessary?!
While I liked Lizzy well enough in the beginning, there were so many times when I wanted to chuck her out the window. She said some harsh things to Jimmy that broke my heart and I felt the author lost an opportunity to take this story to a deeper level by not delving into this avenue through his eyes as well as allowing this heroine to evolve to become someone better. That never happened. She was the same at the end as she was at the start. I have to admit, I needed her to do some groveling, which is something I’ve never felt before with a heroine, because she was cruel, even if in her own thoughts.
”Lizzy Banks…” He leans closer to whisper in my ear. “Always craving perfection. You can’t help it, can you? You think once you achieve it, you will be loved by one and all, even your father. And it makes you frustrated, shocks you to the core because you also can’t help…wanting me…even when you know I’m far, far from perfect…still. Not quite perfect enough for the likes of you.”
This did have some great banter that kept the pace moving along as well as some sizzling chemistry between these characters. I’m sure other reviewers will surely remark on this books likeness to Pygmalion/My Fair Lady, with a reversal in the male/female roles. I enjoyed that aspect of the story.
Sometimes when I’ve read a book that has somewhat disappointed me, the epilogue can still save it a star by leaving me with all the happy ever after feels, and while this couple certainly have a HEA, the epilogue did nothing to sell me on this couple or their future. Was this a poorly written book? No, absolutely not. I’m sure there are plenty of readers who are going to enjoy this book and I truly hope if you do try this one, you’ll love it. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work out for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Montlake. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Million Dollar Devil was such a great read! Once I started it, I didn’t put it down. I read it in one sitting! Oh how I love Katy Evans’ heroes. They are authentic and are real men. Jimmy did not disappoint. He was manly… rough, rugged, and sexy as hell! I adored the storyline and the connection between Jimmy and Lizzy. These two lit up the pages with their chemistry! I was sad when their story ended. I wanted more! That’s the thing with Katy Evans… she always leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait to read what she writes next!
Review by Lys
Million Dollar Jimmy! Woohoo yeah… The story was sexy… Lizzie Banks needed a man.. A perfect man like James Rowan. Well nothing came perfect between these two.. The dance of flirting.. the teasing and ways to fall in love. It was a light fun read.. funny and smitten 😉
I really enjoyed Million Dollar Devil. I am obsessed with the sexual tension in this book!! Holy cow! James and Elizabeth together was like an explosion waiting to happen. I couldn’t get enough of their banter and their blatant attraction for one another. Gah! So hot!
James “Jimmy” Rowan was so deliciously sexy. Unpolished yet charismatic. He made me weak in knees. I absolutely loved his relationship with his brother. It took me a little bit longer to come around on Lizzy. I wish she had a stronger backbone when it came to her father. I did come to like her eventually. Especially after she started building her bond with Jimmy.
I devoured this sexy and flirty read in one sitting. Million Dollar Devil is a prime example of why I keep coming back to Katy Evans’s stories.
4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
There is something about this story that just pulls you in and does not let you go until the end. Million Dollar Devil by Katy Evans is fantastic. The Big City Heiress, and the dare devil trying to makes ends meet, come together to survive in this big world. At times I felt this story was dragging but it was more of me just wanting to know what comes next faster. The need to know was strong and consistent.
Lizzy Banks is fighting to be the heir to her father’s company. Daddy just doesn’t hand out promotions or jobs to anyone. You have to work for it, the way he did.
James earns his living by taking dares and being a YOUTUBE daredevil.
When Lizzy crosses paths with James, she turns both their worlds upside down. Polishing James to be the next face of her father’s company, lines can be blurred or even crossed off. He is not the man you bring home to your father. But when Lizzy is discovers a new side to herself, things can get a little complicated.
As I mentioned above, this story is one of those slow burns that you just have to stick with until the end to appreciate the story as a whole.
BEST BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR IN A*G*E*S!!!! **4.5 stars**
Million Dollar Devil is a modern adaptation of “Pygmalion” or “My Fair Lady”, with the clever gender twist of a man playing the Eliza Doolittle part and a female version of Professor Higgins creating a perfect man. It was a pure delight! The makeover process was creative, the dialogue was snappy, and the characters charmed the pants off me in every way.
It was well-paced with a building energy to the perfect man makeover and whether they can pull it off, while still retaining the intimacy and vulnerability of a romance with satisfying chemistry and deepening connections. I had a good gut feeling about this book before it came out, and I wasn’t wrong. KE has had a number of hits and misses for me since her early days of my mad love for the REAL series. But, this book was off the charts funny and enchanting. I’m still feeling a smile wrapped all the way around my head.
The title is the perfect description of the sexy and devilish handsome James Rowan.
He is now for me my TOP book boyfriend that Katy Evans has created.
He is sexy, adventurous and full of surprises that make you understand why Elizabeth Banks picked him to be her muse.
The angst and instant connection of these two characters had me well entertained that I could not this book down till I found out if the Million Dollar Devil would be everything Elizabeth wanted and more.
Plenty of steamy and sexy times that will leave you squirming in your seat.
Such a well put together story and all I could picture was James in those suits!
Go get this Must Read book!
**ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***
5 popped!
What do you do when you need a man? You find one. But he needs a lot of work. This is where Lizzy Banks found herself. Lizzy need to approve to her father that she can handle the family business. Lizzy finds James Rowan for the new men’s lines. Problem is he is hot, but he need some working on to get him ready. James is always looking for a way to make money. So Lizzy has offered James a million dollars if he can help her pull this off. Off the bat you can feel the sparks coming off the page, but this is work. These two keep the back and forth fun and very flirty. This is a great book by Katy Evans. I always enjoy her books.
5 MILLION DOLLAR STORY!! Katy Evans has done it again with the perfect story to keep you turning pages. James is perfection in everyway possible. Lizzy is so strong, beautiful and knows what she wants. These two have so much chemistry they will heat your Kindled up. If you love great writing and perfect characters, here you go.
Katy never fails to blow me away with one of her books!! And I can never put it down once I start one,so until it is done nothing else is getting done. I’m so totally engrossed in it that I forget everything around me, I totally am living in that world. And I absolutely adored James and Lizzy!!! They not only was so funny and Outrageous it was romantic it James’ off the cuff street way. And I love getting to hear James pov and Charlie!!! Omg Charlie is the best ever and I just want to squeeze this character forever!! Katy is the master and everyone else should take notes and bow down!!! Lol – By Tina
I loved Lizzy and James! Lizzy Banks wants to be perfect for her father, so she can be the CEO of Banks LTD. They are a men’s clothing line and she is tasked with coming up with their next “face”. She can find no one and ends up on a bar on the wrong side of the tracks where she meets YouTube sensation Jimmy Rowan, who will do anything for a dare. He is raising his little 14 year old brother alone. Lizzy dares him his biggest dare to date. Become James Rowan, cover model fro Banks LTD. He does. Can these two overcome their obstacles? Will Lizzy’s father accept her new creation? Can James be the “perfect” man? Get ready for a great ride! Katy Evans has created your new book boyfriend, James Rowan, million dollar devil that he is! 5 stars (less)
Million Dollar Devil by Katy Evans is Book One in the Million Dollar Series. This is the story of James Rowan and Lizzy Banks.
Lizzy is just 25 years old but she wants to prove herself in working to take over her father’s men clothing company. When she happens to enter in to a seedy bar where she meets James. James is a daredevil who makes money doing dares. Lizzy finds him instantly hot and that he just maybe what she needs to help her issue. James knows it to hard to say no to cold hard cash but Lizzy sparks his interested too.
Enjoyed their story.
I seriously don’t know how she does it time after time, but she did it again! Katy Evan’s has written another angst filled winner! There is layer upon layer of angst filled tension culminating into a single explosion of epic proportions.
I was pulled into this mysterious story page after page and couldn’t put it down. One dirty talking daredevil and one uppity, but yet down to earth fashion mogul made for a page scorching couple, even when she kept denying it.
Jimmy the hot devil in disguise was chosen by Lizzy to be their fashion labels next “IT” man and boy did he deliver. But there are secrets, lies, and expectations at stake for both James and Elizabeth that can bring both of their worlds crashing down.
This is a definite must read with two characters that are chasing their dreams at almost all costs. Even though it seems their going different directions, their paths cross unexpectedly, but with life altering changes. Hot chemistry and an intriguing plot keep this a fast paced read worth the time.
***I received an ebook copy from the publisher at no cost***
Katy Evans has forever ruined me when it comes to book boyfriends.
I loved Million Dollar Devil. James is a different kind of character. He’s a bad boy, which Katy writes so good, but he’s a daredevil bad boy, which is new. The chemistry is off the charts between him and Lizzy, from the minute they first meet.
Lizzy needs someone to be the face of the new line of suits for her dad’s company. She’s offering up a cool million, but unfortunately that’s not enough for the well-known gents in town. Enter in James, a YouTube personality who is known for filming his daredevil stunts. This is the perfect project, right? Take this sexy and rough-around-the-edges guy, polish him up and put him in a suit, and boom, the perfect face for the new line. Lizzy’s plan is seamless … until feelings get tangled up in things. And that’s where the fun starts.
What I enjoyed the most about Million Dollar Devil were the interactions between James and Lizzy. There is funny and witty banter, flirting, and some choice words exchanged. The relationship they develop felt natural to me, like they were just meant to connect at some point in time. I liked how James would push her buttons in just the right way. Lizzy was often tongue-tied, which kinda annoyed me a little bit, but not enough to detract from the story itself. These two are polar opposites but man oh man, do they complement one another perfectly.
As with all well-crafted characters, James has a few cards hidden up his sleeve that are surprising and endearing. He’s a bad boy on the outside and a sweet, gentle soul on the inside, and I enjoyed the moments when that sweetness and vulnerability slipped through.
This plot is unique, characters are great, and there was a good balance of flirtiness, angst, drama, and romance. I was able to read this book pretty quickly and, as with every Katy Evans book, I was craving more and more the further along I got. I won’t give away too many details, cause I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but this is the perfect book to pick up if you’re looking for a fun, sexy read this summer.
Five stars to this novel!
This book is amazing. James aka Jimmy is a daredevil on a youtube channel. Lizzie aka Elizabeth is a rich woman and only wants the appreciation from her father. She meets him at a bar and she gets an idea for her big launch for her dads company. I would have loved to see him in a tuxedo. Thats when the big adventures takes place. This book just grabs you in and can’t stop reading it. I had to know what happened in the end. Highly recommend it. I love these two. Another good read by Katy Evans.
This! Gah Lizzy & James are the perfect example of what I love about Katy Evans’ work. Her beautiful words combined with these layered and complex characters in this entertaining, unique story come together so seamlessly. I am dying for more!
James is a bit rough around the edges but that’s also part of his appeal. He is real, a risk taker that does what he needs to look after his brother and make ends meet. Makes no apologies for who he is. I like that about him. When Lizzy randomly discovers him her attraction is immediate and imagination gets the best of her. She is in a tight spot stuck between trying to please her father and ward off the competition and eventually take over the family business. She may have a life of luxury – but that is all material. What Lizzy needs is sustenance in her life. Can James help her achieve a victory? Can she mold James in to the face of her launch while resisting his charm, advances and sex appeal? The sizzling attraction and constant struggle between remaining professional and giving in to the growing inferno of sexual angst is absolutely delicious. Every witty word, every innuendo, every touch just stoked their attraction. All perfectly paced and executed.
What happens if they catch a case of the feels? What happens if they give in?
“You’re not fragile, sweetheart. You’re rare, and that makes you pure gold.”
I need a manbabe!
This was a sweet thrill ride.
A rags to riches story..sorta. Jimmy aka James was always rich in life and think that’s what really matters.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Angst~ 5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Book Cover~ Sexy Manbabe
Source~ ARC provided through Netgally for honest review
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes