The Billionaire's Shrubbery

Thanks to Danika Bloom and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. It’s the first time I’ve read a book by this author, but it won’t be the last. I absolutely loved it. It’s lighthearted and funny, but it’s also touching and thought-provoking.

The first time Virginia Beach meets Will Power (awesome names), things do not go well. He humiliates her in front of thousands of people at one of his business coaching seminars. But Virginia is optimistic and persistent, so when she finds a “golden ticket” to personal coaching with his company, she decides to take a chance. She has a degree in botany and wants to grow (pun intended) her business caring for other peoples’ plants. She’s hopeful she won’t run into Will Powers but hopes if she does, he won’t realize she doesn’t belong there.

However, Will has been thinking about her since their meeting, regretful for what he did as he realizes he did it because she made him feel some things he didn’t want to feel. When he sees her, he seizes the opportunity to seize her and get some answers. And he strikes a deal that she will care for the plants in the entire office for a period of time to pay off the cost of the coaching he claims she fraudulently obtained. She’s happy to do this as she can instantly see his plants are in dire need of help. They become friends and the friendship builds into something else. Their interactions are wonderful as Virginia breathes new life into Will and helps him to connect with nature.

Some of the things that made me laugh include when Virginia enters the greenhouse of a new rich client and observes, “It looks more like a plant palliative care unit with a side of morgue than a greenhouse.” As Will fights his growing attraction to Virginia, she tries to explain to him how to care for his plants and he thinks, “Is she seriously using words like bone and moist while asking me to poke my finger in her container?” Meanwhile, Virginia is lusting after Will and thinks, “If eyes could have sex, I’m certain mine are dry-humping his long, thick lashes.”

As Will and Virginia become closer, they share their sad childhood stories of what made them what they are today. After she tells him about hers, he wants to tell her his but warns her she’ll want to walk away after she hears it. She responds, “Ooh, I love a game of who’s got the scariest back story.” When she meets Will’s mother, he explains that her staff live with her and “magically appear when she snaps her fingers.” Virginia seems to believe him so he laughs and says, “No. That would be rude, even for Mom. She rings a bell.”

Will and his three brothers (one of whom is his twin) share a close relationship and they love teasing their mother. This interaction made me laugh:
“Bri-an!” Mother scolds.
“Mo-ther!” We brothers respond as one, just as we have for over thirty years. We are a Borg—pick on one, answer to four.
As the discussion continues…
“Bri—” Mother only says half his name. Her eyes dart to each of us.
“Mo—” Despite the pause, our hive mind allows us to answer in perfect time and tone.

There were so many moments like this. The banter between the various characters was perfect, like when Will sees Virginia in her Georgia O’Keefe-inspired dress and calls it her vulva dress. And this exchange with his brother, Aiden was priceless. Will reaches for a box of condoms and finds this note inside: “These expired two months ago. I’ll take my chances. You’re welcome. A.” In response, Will calls Aiden: “I don’t care what time it is. If you don’t have a condom—no, a box of condoms at my door within three minutes, you won’t be able to use one for at least a month.” The soul-deep conversations between Will and Virginia were emotional and thought-provoking, demonstrating a degree of bonding not always seen in romances. All of this drew me in and made me want to spend more time with these people. I absolutely loved my time in the Powers’ world. I recommend everyone visit.

This gem of a book works really well - it's an opposites-attract, dual POV romance with a gorgeous, feisty, (maybe) plus size heroine who loves flowers and plants and has a super smart head on her shoulders. And there's a gorgeous grumpy alpha hero who is captivated by her.

It’s funny, swoony, a l'il bit steamy and so much fun. But It’s also a satirical commentary on the self-help business coaching universe - how hollow this is, and who profits from it. It reflects on the urbanisation of American life and how extreme wealth can trap even the most intelligent and organised billionaire. Its subtle too - I love that eleven espressos a day guy with a sleep disorder. Loved the homage to Edward in Pretty Woman walking on the grass. Loved the sushi restaurant scene (Will Power - billionaire toddler tantrum? Surely not?). I absolutely loved Will Power's character arc as he worked out how to re-do his life - and get the girl.

And it's all really silly too. With ostentatious mansions, middle aged twin swapping, vulva patterned frocks, over-reaching bodyguards, it's all here. The best fun I've had in ages, The Billionaire's Shrubbery is very very clever and I loved it. Thoroughly recommended!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Danika Bloom for the ARC!