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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I really enjoyed this story! Lizzy Banks always feels like she has to work twice as hard to prove herself at her father’s company. When she has to find a new man to represent their suit line, she finds “bad boy” daredevil James Rowan. I loved the feisty relationship these two develop with Lizzy trying to remake Jimmy’s image and James reluctantly going along with her suggestions. There’s so much steamy potential and the two toe that professional line. I couldn’t wait for them to stomp all over it! I really adored James and how he much he cared for his brother and wanted Lizzy to succeed. He definitely was a swoonworthy hero. Lizzy had so many issues which mostly stemmed from needing her father’s approval. It drove me a teensy bit crazy at times. Overall, this was a fun and sexy page turner that I liked quite a bit!
Million Dollar Devil is like, taking a boy from the wrong side of town from rags to riches and cleaning him up. While she’s also falling for him. Lizzy and Jimmy are from two different worlds, but he totally wears her down and wakes her up in all the right ways. I love Jimmy- he’s got such a good heart for like 80% of the book. There is a bit of time where he’s kind of ick- I don’t know, snobby all a sudden? And forgets what’s important. Lizzy is the one getting the most out of everything, and the push and pull was very entertaining.
This would have been a solid five if it weren’t for the off-putting comments about him being a sewer rat, etc, not just from others but from Lizzy herself and more than once. That snooty attitude is hard to look past. Also there were a couple times it felt like I walked into the middle of a conversation, like I had missed something. Otherwise, I really liked this story.
This had equal amounts of good and not so good for me. In the beginning, I enjoyed their banter and how easy they were with each other. I loved how James was in hot pursuit of Lizzy from the moment he locked eyes with her. His constant flirting was fun.
I didn’t like how tongue tied Lizzy kept getting. I just don’t think smart women get stupid because of a mans looks. I did like that she didn’t hide her returned attraction to him…too much. She resists due to the situation they were in but since she couldn’t hide how much she wanted him in return, it just didn’t feel like it was too much resistance.
This was very easy to read and for the most part flowed nicely, however I was not a fan of the conflict towards the end. I just didn’t like how the whole situation was handled and it dimmed my enjoyments some. There is one very small scene with another woman that while James didn’t encourage, he also didn’t discourage.
This was an easy 5 stars for me until the conflict. This is just my opinion and others may love it. I will mention that if you are reading this because of how much you love the authors Real series, it is not the same type of story.
ARC received for an honest review
I liked the premise of this book, and I really really wanted to love it.
However, I did like it, but didn’t love it.
I think for me, the main thing I didn’t like about he story was Lizzy. I just didn’t feel any kind of connection with her, just didn’t really like her at all. And acting like a 3 year old chucking a tantrum when you get the sh!ts is not going to endear you to me – at all.
James. Oh, how I loved the idea of James. And for the most I adored the guy, I adored how he is with family and friends. But man, FFS, the forever coming on the the woman just got to be too much, and I just wanted to yell at him through the pages – but this could just be me.
Yes, there was plenty of steam and attraction between the pair, but seriously, for me, they just didn’t fit and no matter what, I could not see them together.
This is going to be one of those stories that Katy Evans readers are going to either love or hate.
This was an anomaly for me, as I have enjoyed all the other Katy Evans books I have read in the past.
Million Dollar Evil by Katy Evans a four-star read that will dare you to do better. This was my first read by this author and it won’t be the last, as it took a while to get into this story, but I’m not kidding I don’t think I drew a deep breath for the last 40% of the story. It went from sort of okay and went to boom, bombshell sublime words that you eat in their complete entirety. Jimmy, or James I honestly don’t know which I prefer, rough and ready or smooth and charming, they both have their benefits and I know I am not the only would who would pay a million dollars for some of those benefits. I want to give Lizzy a big shake at times, but mostly I wanted to do shots of cheap tequila and just have a girly night. I can’t wait to read the next words that this author writes as if they are like the second half of this story then they will be amazing.
Million Dollar Devil – Katy Evans
A fabulously fun read by Katy Evans. In the style of a reverse ‘Pygmalion’, Katy Evans brings to life her own version with a super real guy, YouTube sensation, Jimmy Rowan, being shaped into the perfect man to represent Banks LTD exclusive menswear line by the Banks Heiress, Elizabeth.
Jimmy and Lizzy are a perfect foil for one another, Jimmy with his rough edges and crass lines and Elizabeth with her trust fund and high society connections but through it all, each learns about their own needs and their true feelings and worth.
A wonderful story with witty banter and great characters make this a very enjoyable story. One I’ll be rereading in the future.
I’ve read this author before so I was excited to read this new story. While I enjoyed this story, it wants my favorite from this author. It took some working up to get me invested, but it turned out to be a fun read.
This is the story of Lizzy and James. Lizzy believes with all her heart that James is the MAN for her and her current needs. She is bound and determined to make him hers; and James… well James loves the chase. Lizzy is a strong and determined woman, who knows what she needs and finds that in James (in more ways than one). James is a little rougher around the edges, but that is what makes him such a fun read (the contrast between these two characters).
It did take a few chapters to really connect with these characters but their connection is undeniable. I loved the chemistry and the heat. Face paced and full of steamy scenes this story is a great escape for any reader. While it is not the most realistic story (there are quite a few unbelievable instances) this story is pure fantasy fiction. Enjoyable, I received an ARC via NetGallery and am leaving an honest review. #NetGallery #MillionDollorDevil
It’s been too long since I’ve read a new Katy Evans novel. I just adore her characters and storytelling. I’ll admit that it did take a bit of time for me to connect with James and ELizabeth, but once I did – it all just clicked into place. Once that happened, I couldn’t get enough.
ELizabeth is an heiress with more money than she could do with. Her wants are all at her fingertips. Except the one thing that every little girl wants. Love, affection and pride from her father. In the high society that is her world everything is business. Even her personal life reflects on the family’s company, so she’s spent her entire life striving to be as perfect as possible.
James or Jimmy is nowhere near the level of society ELizabeth comes from. He struggles to put food on the table and keep a roof over his head, but he’s an honorable and good man with all kinds of rugged bad boy vibes that just revs ELizabeth’s motor. Hell, he can rev my motor anytime he’d want. *Le sigh* If only I could pluck him from the pages and mold him to be MY perfect man. I don’t think I’d change a thing.
But that’s what ELizabeth comes to realize. The hoity toity life she’s been around all her life, doesn’t necessarily mean perfect. And for a woman who looks as perfect and put together as she does, her insecurities are few and run quite deep.
The characters shared an immense connection from the start and their story only outlined and demonstrated that no matter what side of town you live on or how much money we have in the bank, mo one is perfect. We can only strive to find the person that is perfect for us.
I just adored this book!
Million Dollar Devil is Katy Evans newest contemporary Montlake Romance. Million Dollar Devil does check off all the boxes as you are romanced and swooned. Handsome, rugged daredevil man – check. Driven, uptight, professional female needing daddy approval– check.
I loved so many thinks about Million Dollar Devil but I wish it had a bit more. There is banter and funny moments. There are lessons to be learned. And of course there are misunderstandings.
Jimmy Rowan is a YouTube “Daredevil” trying to survive and take care of his younger brother. Elizabeth Banks (Lizzy) is heir to Banks LTD and hopeful future CEO. But, it is a man’s world and even though she is the only heir…it is a man’s world. At least according to her dad. She tries to get her daddy’s approval while having roadblocks thrown at her.
Lizzy herself is snobby and assuming in the beginning. She discovers Jimmy in a rundown bar and the chemistry is there from the beginning. There is push and pull as they fight the attraction they have toward one another.
“He’s just a dirty, sweet-talking guy from the street.”
Lizzy attempts to make Jimmy the face of Banks LTD new line of designer suits. So she sets out to create the ideal, rugged, successful man- or image of a man. As they work together to create his image they create other things as well. Hot hot chemistry that basically explodes.
I love Katy Evans and love her writing. I am a huge fan! Million Dollar Devil was a few dollars short for me but may be enjoyable for others. The story is slightly different than Katy’s Indie books. It seems as though her Indie books are an outlet of creativity without limit. I will not let this discourage me! I look forward to reading more of Katy Evans in the future!
3.5 stars
#AuthorKatyEvans #MillionDollarDevil #AlphaMale #StrongFemale #ContemporaryRomance #JimmyAndLizzy #MontlakeRomance
5 ++++ STAR REVIEW FOR MILLION DOLLAR DEVIL
Author Katy Evans
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been a huge Katy Evans fan since the release of her Manwhore series – so I was so thrilled that NG & Montlake Romance gave me the opportunity to review this outstanding read.
Let’s start with the cover which for me is always a big draw. As a reader it’s one of the first things that really grabs your attention as well as the brief synopsis. I will say this cover model is Jimmy / James Rowan. The simplicity of the black & white photo & book title “ in Devil red “ no less is perfection !
This is the story of Elizabeth ( Lizzy ) Banks heiress to the Banks LTD fortune. Dutiful daughter always searching for her strict father’s approval & she desperately wants this when she is put in charge to launch their brands new men’s ware division. Ultimately her goal is to become CEO of the company when her father retires. So being put in charge of this major endeavor will have a HUGE impact on her career.
Lizzy is striking out big time trying to find a new fresh face for their clothing line when she literally stumbles into Tim’s Bar where she finds “the one” in Jimmy Rowan YouTube sensation ( he’ll pretty much do anything for a dare ) Crazy as it sounds she gets the idea that he could be her diamond in the rough – someone to polish to perfection to become the Banks Menswear line new model & spokesperson.
Jimmy will do anything for a dare & he is instantly attracted to Lizzy ! After she ups her offer to 1 Million dollars he can’t say no & so begins this incredible story ! As with most of this authors work you absolutely fall in LOVE with her characters.
JImmy / James Rowan may be far from perfect – but he is perfect for Lizzy!
Amazing read could not put this book down !
HEA guaranteed
I had a hard time believing this story. My first issue was that James and Lizzy were such dissimilar characters, I didn’t believe they would have anything in common to sustain a relationship. I did not like how James’s diction made him seem like an unintelligent jerk. I also did not believe the plot line. I immediately thought that a good way to go for the suit line was make an ordinary man extraordinary. Why would Lizzy even consider millionaires as models? Lame. Then Lizzy’s father did a complete 180 at the end. All of a sudden he was understanding, loving and so proud of her? No thanks…this author is not for me.
4.5 Dare Devil Stars
Enjoyable, predictable, slow burn. I just loved rough around the edges James ‘Jimmy’ Rowan, I had no idea how Elizabeth Banks could show so much restraint around him, he was sex personified, both before and after she ‘tweaked’ him. When Lizzy decides to create a supermodel from scratch she had no idea how successful she would be. The question is, is it all going to blow up in her face? Wonderful writing (dual POV), sexy, yet vulnerable main characters, off the charts chemistry between Said characters. Just do ‘it’ already! Additional characters added to the mix are a rather annoying and uptight father, and a too cute for words little brother, along with a whole host of others I could ramble on about. All these things kept me hooked from the first chapter. Highly enjoyable, entertaining read.