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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
ARC Review: Going Down Hard (Billionaire Bad Boys) by Carly Phillips
Cassie is the good girl who has never met a rule she didn't follow. Derek is the outsider with a grudge to settle. Going Down Hard is a story of betrayal, honor and forgiveness. Derek has come a long way from being the son of a gardener and maid. Now, the bitter boy has become a wealthy man with revenge in his heart and lust on his mind. Cassie is a ghost he can't ignore. Her family has caused his nothing but pain, yet he still craves her. Can he let go of the pain of the past to make a life with his enemy's daughter? Or will shocking revelations shatter their second chance? Ms. Phillips doesn't shy away from complications. She uses them toward her advantage and excels. As seductive as it is revealing.
Cassie is the good girl who has never met a rule she didn't follow. Derek is the outsider with a grudge to settle. Going Down Hard is a story of betrayal, honor and forgiveness. Derek has come a long way from being the son of a gardener and maid. Now, the bitter boy has become a wealthy man with revenge in his heart and lust on his mind. Cassie is a ghost he can't ignore. Her family has caused his nothing but pain, yet he still craves her. Can he let go of the pain of the past to make a life with his enemy's daughter? Or will shocking revelations shatter their second chance? Ms. Phillips doesn't shy away from complications. She uses them toward her advantage and excels. As seductive as it is revealing.
Going Down Hard is the third book in Carly Phillips newest series, the Billionaire Bad Boys. Derek West was the gardener and maid’s son growing up. His family lived in a cottage on the estate of the Storms family where his parents work. Cassie Storms was intrigued by Derek but allowed peer pressure to make her a rich snob toward him. Years later the two meet again when Cassie decides to interview Derek for the tech magazine she is in charge of for her family’s media empire. Cassie has once again suffered from her father’s patriarchy view, being passed over for director of the company, after years of working there, when her undeserving brother receives the position. As Cassie and Derek spend time together they discover the changes each other made, their attraction for each other, and the chemistry they share.
I enjoyed the camaraderie Derek shares with his business partners and how well they included and accepted Cassie when Derek brought her into their inner circle. Ms. Phillips did an excellent job describing the sexual tension and love scenes between these two. Reading about Derek’s rise from poverty to become the billionaire he now is was enjoyable, especially knowing he was still the kind, loving son and brother he was beforehand.
This book is definitely hot and sexy with loveable characters that you want to support and cheer on hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written, authentic and complex. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I enjoyed the camaraderie Derek shares with his business partners and how well they included and accepted Cassie when Derek brought her into their inner circle. Ms. Phillips did an excellent job describing the sexual tension and love scenes between these two. Reading about Derek’s rise from poverty to become the billionaire he now is was enjoyable, especially knowing he was still the kind, loving son and brother he was beforehand.
This book is definitely hot and sexy with loveable characters that you want to support and cheer on hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written, authentic and complex. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I liked this third book in the Billionaire Bad Boys series. Derek and Cassie have a history. Derek doesn't look back on it with happy thoughts just the opposite. When fate brings these two back together sparks fly once again. Can Derek put the past behind him to truly see who Cassie really is? Cassie learns some unfavorable things about her family. How will it change her? This book had the humor, the heat, and depth as the others in the series. I liked the characters and that the previous characters in the series making cameos. You can't go wrong with a bad boy billionaire with a nerd side.
This book isn't going to get a terribly long review from me. The reason for that? I was simply okay. Going Down Hard is a second chance romance (yes! I know I have been reading a TON of second chance romances lately. No I don't know why!) anyway...Derek West was the son of the maid and gardner, had a crush on the rich girl who lived in the mansion, Cassie Storms. Years later he becomes some tech mogul, and she is trying to save her families company. Okay, so I feel like this book contained all the stepping stones of your typical billionaire romance. The writing was done well, and don't get me wrong there were parts that were HOT AS F*** but there was nothing special. It didn't grab me or reel me in. I enjoyed both characters, especially Cassie, as she was a strong independent career driven woman. And of course I can't forget to mention that Derek is swoon worthy. However, that was about it for me. Again, there wasn't anything bad about this book by any means, it just fell in the middle ground for me.
Overall rating: 3/5 Stars
Overall rating: 3/5 Stars
“How do you engage my entire body with a simple kiss?”
“It’s us. This chemistry. It’s unique to us.”
Going Down Hard grabbed me right from the very beginning. From the moment we meet Cassie and Derek, we can’t help but be pulled into their story. Derek came from a less than desirable background, but felt an undeniable connection with Cassie. Cassie was the rich girl who had the world at her feet. Derek knew they were total opposites, but you know the saying, the heart wants what the heart wants. So, when Derek finally makes his move, all it takes is a simple misunderstanding and destroy everything they both wanted. Now, years later, Derek and Cassie will be reunited. Cassie never forgot the man who captured her heart at such a young age. And Derek isn’t sure he can forget and forgive the past. Will these two be able to clear the air and find their happily ever after? There is only one way to find out….
Overall, I thought this was a really great read. I am a sucker for a great second chance romance and was pleased that Going Down Hard does not disappoint. It was fast paced and entertaining. For me, I found the story-line to be a lot of fun and I thought that it was well written. The characters were easy to connect with and they kept you wanting to come back for more. I loved the chemistry between Derek and Cassie. It was very palpable and hard to deny. I loved seeing these two together and really enjoyed seeing them try to navigate their way through their pasts and find their happy ending.
Going Down Hard is a fantastic addition to the Billionaire Bad Boys Series. This is the perfect read to just spend the day getting lost in. Overall a very enjoyable read and I’m excited to see where this series is going to go next.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
“It’s us. This chemistry. It’s unique to us.”
Going Down Hard grabbed me right from the very beginning. From the moment we meet Cassie and Derek, we can’t help but be pulled into their story. Derek came from a less than desirable background, but felt an undeniable connection with Cassie. Cassie was the rich girl who had the world at her feet. Derek knew they were total opposites, but you know the saying, the heart wants what the heart wants. So, when Derek finally makes his move, all it takes is a simple misunderstanding and destroy everything they both wanted. Now, years later, Derek and Cassie will be reunited. Cassie never forgot the man who captured her heart at such a young age. And Derek isn’t sure he can forget and forgive the past. Will these two be able to clear the air and find their happily ever after? There is only one way to find out….
Overall, I thought this was a really great read. I am a sucker for a great second chance romance and was pleased that Going Down Hard does not disappoint. It was fast paced and entertaining. For me, I found the story-line to be a lot of fun and I thought that it was well written. The characters were easy to connect with and they kept you wanting to come back for more. I loved the chemistry between Derek and Cassie. It was very palpable and hard to deny. I loved seeing these two together and really enjoyed seeing them try to navigate their way through their pasts and find their happy ending.
Going Down Hard is a fantastic addition to the Billionaire Bad Boys Series. This is the perfect read to just spend the day getting lost in. Overall a very enjoyable read and I’m excited to see where this series is going to go next.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Three books into this series, and I’m still not sure why it’s called “Bad Boy Billionaires” when none of the MMCs are actually ‘bad’. All are really decent guys and actually … all are exactly the same as all the others. I was super impressed with the first book and the author’s ability to accurately depict mental illness. But so far, the rest of the series doesn’t have anything spectacular going on. Aside from that bit I respected in book 1, this series uses popular, overused/recycled plots. Pick up any billionaire romance book and you’ll find these exact plots. More frustrating is no time at all was spent on character development outside of the first book in the series. This is a clear instance of an author changing names & faces and a few other minor details within the plot, but basically cranking out the same book repeatedly.
The series name obviously is called such for marketing reasons. I could respect that, if it at least was a little bit fitting, but it isn’t. There are no bad boys in this series, so far. Had planned to read the complete series today but honestly, it would seem if you’ve read one, you’ve read them all, so I’ll move onto another author. Not sure I’ll read anything else from this author. I’m still impressed with what she did in book 1, but disappointed in what followed.
2.5 bored stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note:
I listened to the audiobook; the narrator has a pleasant enough voice. 4-star performance.
The series name obviously is called such for marketing reasons. I could respect that, if it at least was a little bit fitting, but it isn’t. There are no bad boys in this series, so far. Had planned to read the complete series today but honestly, it would seem if you’ve read one, you’ve read them all, so I’ll move onto another author. Not sure I’ll read anything else from this author. I’m still impressed with what she did in book 1, but disappointed in what followed.
2.5 bored stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note:
I listened to the audiobook; the narrator has a pleasant enough voice. 4-star performance.
Great story. I loved hearing about Derek's life and story in full. Spice scenes were
Truly the worst yet. Sad poor boy who is now rich but still holds a grudge is instantly in love with hot rich girl from his past who actually has a heart?! Ridiculous and silly, I need to read the next one immediately