Beauty and the Billionaire (Billionaire Boys Club series Book 2)

My friends at Penguin were kind enough to send me a copy of Stranded With a Billionaire (Billionaire Boys Club #1) a few months ago (read my review here). I knew I would like it, but I had no idea I would LOVE these boys! I knew right away that there was no option except to buy all the remaining books in the series. Of them all, the one I was most looking forward to reading, though, was Hunter's story in Beauty and the Billionaire. It did not disappoint.Hunter Buchanan is a recluse who hides away from everyone except for his closest friends because of the scarring on his face. He thinks no one could possibly love him, so he spares himself the embarrassment. Gretchen is a creative woman with a free and open spirit. When Hunter sees her, he thinks maybe she could open herself up enough to the possibility of being friends with someone like him. He didn't bank on the fact that Gretchen couldn't care less about his appearance. It's his heart and soul she cares about. But, when she finds out he brought her to his house under false pretenses, it may be what causes her to walk away.Okay - I'll be straight with you. There were a few things in Beauty and the Billionaire that were pretty far fetched. The elaborate plan that Hunter hatched to bring Gretchen into his house was kinda nuts. The fact that she bought it and went along with the crazy plan was even nuttier.But, the craziest thing of all was that I really didn't care.It was absolutely impossible to not love Hunter. He was so sad and dejected and had pretty much given up on any chance at happiness. People outside of those who already knew and cared about him treated him badly because of the scarring on his face. When Gretchen initially reaches out to him, despite his intense yearning to know her, he lashes out at her, inadvertently pushing her away. I felt so badly for him and wanted nothing more than for he and Gretchen to find their way to each other.Gretchen is a ghost writer stuck writing books she hates just so she can pay the bills. In order to get him in her house, Hunter creates a publishing company and tells them to employ her to write a book based on a trunk of 100-year-old love letters that Hunter passes off as coming with the house, but really, he just bought them at an estate sale. It makes me sad that Hunter had to go to such extreme lengths just to get Gretchen to spend time with him - that he didn't have enough faith in her to want to hang out with him on his merits alone.Gretchen, as it turns out, is exactly what Hunter needed. She's a take charge kind of girl who isn't content to just allow Hunter to continue to hide. She draws him out slowly. He's uncomfortable at first, but Gretchen has a way of putting him at ease. The transformation of Hunter is sweet and just makes me feel all girly and touchy feely. It was just what I needed when I was looking for a feel-good read.Just because the romance was sweet doesn't mean it was sweet all the time. Beauty and the Billionaire was super hot too. The heat between Hunter and Gretchen was scorching. And there was plenty of time for angst too. Things don't always go smoothly. Old habits die hard for Hunter, and when he reverts back to his suspicious nature and doesn't trust Gretchen or her feelings for him, he has to answer for that.The title of the book is no coincidence. This really was Beauty and the Beast told with a modern non-paranormal spin. Hunter is the beast who has hidden himself away from the world in his huge mansion because of his shame. He is also an expert when it comes to roses. Gretchen is the sweet beauty who accepts him unquestionably because she sees the goodness underneath the rough exterior. She is eager to draw him out of his shell and show him all the wonderful things he is missing. And, she likes books. She is Belle through and through.I am so excited to continue with this series. The romances are wonderful. The sex is hot and the happily ever afters make my toes curl. These are books I could read any time, any where.

This is the second book in the Billionaire Boys Club series. I loved this one as much as the first one.We first met our scarred billionaire, Hunter Buchanan, in the first book of the series, Stranded with a Billionaire. Hunter is a real estate tycoon. Unlike the other five members of their club, Hunter's money is family money. His father was also into real estate, and had amassed a small fortune by the time Hunter was born. Hunter inherited most of his father's holdings. And added to them.Hunter is a man who has lived in the shadows most of his life. An incident when he was a young child, has left one side of his face and upper body badly scarred. His only friends are the members of his club, he only has one close employee, and does most of his work from home on the telephone. When he must venture out into the real world, Hunter is very aware of the lighting and shadows. He has learned to live apart from the rest of the world. Until he first sees and hears Gretchen.Gretchen Petty is a ghost writer and a coffee barrista. She hates the books she is forced to write, but they are after all a paycheck. So she trudges forth. Until an offer comes in that has her rethinking her writing career. The opportunity to work in the famous Buchanan Manor. Old letters have been discovered by the owner of the Manor, and he has approached Gretchen's agent to have her come to the manor, transcribe the letters and put them into book format. The downside, she would have to live in the Manor. The letters cannot leave the residence.Hunter thinks he's cooked up the perfect plan to bring Gretchen to him. Offer up a contract she can't refuse. It brings her to him and he can observe from afar. Hoping that what he's overheard Gretchen say could be true. She doesn't care what a man looks like, it's what's inside that counts. That's what makes a man who he really is.As Gretchen works on the letters, she discovers she really likes Hunter and wants to get to know him better. As the two grow closer, Hunter can't believe he's found someone who does not see his scars, only sees him.And as with any love story, here is where the misunderstanding comes into play. Hunter overhears Gretchen speaking with her agent, and assumes the worst. It's soon after that, that Gretchen leaves the Manor and the small fortune Hunter has thrown at her to stay and be his "companion".I liked the story and the characters were great. It was a quick read, and had the usual twists and turns of a romance book. I look forward to the next Billionaire's story.

I have loved every book Jessica Clare has written.. this second book in the Billionaire series Blew me away... This story is a new twist on beauty and the beast! This unique and heart stopping story of Hunter a man who is physically and mentally scared.. He cannot believe any woman would see him for who he is ..not look at the scars and run!!! That was until Gretchen the sexy cookie red head!!! He saw her and wanted to know more of her... he orchestrated an action that meant she had to stay in his mansion for a month...What would happen ?? I laughed out loud ...I cried like a baby.. my heart hit the floor many times... I have to say all the guys Jessica has written about Hunter has to be my favourite.. I just wanted to hug him and tell him all would be well.. Will he find the love he is so desperate for?? I am looking forward to reading third book in the series... You have to read this book it can be read as a stand alone but I would say read the whole series.. Jessica Clare you ROCKED it with this book!!! Thank you for your awesome writing

This book is a brilliant twist on the usual billionaire stories where the man in question is dazzling handsome making the woman fall for him with suave charm. Hunter was badly scarred when a boy, after escaping from his kidnappers boat. Since then he has virtually hidden from the world. Then he meets Gretchen who doesn't find him hideous but rather the opposite. But, after years of people being horrified by his looks, can he believe that she truly wants him & not just his money? Gretchen despises 'pretty rich boys' and is fascinated by Hunter but getting through his protective shell to the man she sees beneath the scars is no easy task but Gretchen was no shrinking violet, she'd just have to try harder.This is one if the best series I've read in a long time, can't wait to start book three but hate that it's going to come to an end !!! Don't hesitate to buy this series, you won't be disappointed.

3.5 stars, a very much beauty and the beast book, I love these, even though Hunter wasn't a beast at all, just incredibly shy and introverted with people. Gretchen was wonderful just enough cheek and sass to bring Hunter out of his protective shell and see the wonderful man behind the scars. Loads of angst of Hunters part but it wasn't too deep just him trying to come to terms with his insecurities. Sweet read. Onto the next!

Enjoyable read, although disappointed that the rat pack from the first book didn't appear more. I found the endings in both books rushed and as you don't get much of a continuance of story of the characters from the first book I really think an epilogue would have proved useful.

I have really enjoyed these books I was a little worried when I started reading but it hotted up and you get in to the story quickly couldn't put it down and I like how character are carried from one book to another so you get to know them one good read..buy buy buy