Series:
Bad Billionaires (Book 4)
Playing a rogue hides his work as a hero.
But one woman sees who he really is…
Dominic Mercado deliberately cultivates his reputation as
a rich womanizing bad boy as a front for secretly helping women in need. But
lauded journalist Meredith Forrester's pursuit of a story is about to blow his
cover.
And for years, Meredith, the woman, has blown the Vegas
businessman's mind. As his sister's best friend, she's off-limits. But now, as
the pressure of explosive secrets and unleashed attraction build to their
breaking point, will he reveal the truth and risk it all?
Excellent frenemies to lovers book with a bit of suspense
to complicate things. Meredith and Dominic have known each other since they
were teenagers. Meredith is Nic's little sister's best friend, but she and Nic
have rubbed each other wrong from the beginning. As they grew up, Meredith
watched Nic turn into a womanizing bad boy intent on pleasure-seeking. Meanwhile,
Meredith became a well-known investigative journalist. But whenever they meet,
the sparks fly as Meredith makes no secret of her disapproval, and Nic eggs her
on. Neither wants to admit that there are sparks of attraction simmering under
the antagonism.
When Meredith receives a tip that Nic and his club are
involved in human trafficking, she doesn't want to believe it. However, the
evidence is overwhelming, and she storms his office to confront him. I could
feel her disbelief and frustration at his blasé attitude and the anger that
rolled off her as he blew her off.
Nic's frustration is evident. She could ruin everything
if he doesn't find a way to head her off. Meredith doesn't know he uses his
reputation as a cover for helping women escape abusive situations, and her
misguided investigation could put everyone in danger. Their confrontation is
intense, and Nic knows her well enough to believe she won't give up on the
story. Telling the truth clears the air and ramps up their attraction to the
breaking point.
Nic's backstory of why he helps abused women is
heartbreaking. I ached for him and its lasting effects on his willingness to risk
a relationship. He fears the worst when word comes that one of his rescues is
missing. Meredith was with him when he found out and insisted on helping him
find her. Working together to find Tessa brings them closer together and decimates
their ability to resist their need for each other. I loved watching Nic realize
that Meredith has worked her way past his walls. But when she's attacked while
helping him, it brings back devastating memories, and he blames himself as he
pulls away from her. I loved the emotional ending and laughed out loud at
seeing Meredith confront him.
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