Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars
M/F Romance and some mystery

Lucas and Grace have a difficult relationship. It is mainly that way because Lucas is such a lonely character. Throughout the story I found myself feeling sorry for him over and over – he always seemed to push people away and feel that he deserved to be alone.

Grace is kind and sees through the tough exterior that Lucas presents. However, she also knows when she is deserving of more – for the most part. She has had to overcome a life of being told she wasn't enough. Grace must decide whether or not she can take the leap and put herself out there. I thought that Grace was a character that I could really identify with – the strength that it took to take a chance and open herself up.

Grace and Lucas together were full of chemistry and lust. I did find that Lucas' constant need to push Grace away was somewhat hard to read about – especially since you knew how much Lucas needed Grace.

Lucas' brother will make for an interesting story – I think he has a ton of potential.

Grace Riley, widow of Griffin, is in need of protection. She just doesn't know it yet. She senses that someone is following her, but doesn't know whom. As she tries to get an extension on an art show, she slowly turns to find someone in leathers watching her. She stalks across the street to find Lucas Tate. Lucas, a sniper and her dead husband's friend, informs her that she's in danger. Deciding she doesn't have time for him and his nonsense, she starts to walk away. Lucas stops her and convinces her to talk....

Lucas, a deadly sniper, can't believe he's been spotted. He doesn't make himself known, unless he wants to be known. Yet, Grace spots him following her. He doesn't like her, thinks she's ugly, has frizzy hair, and can't dress pleasingly. Yet, he feels drawn to her. He convinces Grace she's in danger because her dead husband made illegal arms deals, but she's reluctant to have Lucas be her bodyguard. When he senses danger, she's finally convinced to hide out with him until the threat passes as she doesn't like Lucas anymore than he likes her. Until...

This is the first Jackie Ashenden novel I've read and I wondered why??? It was AWESOME!!! It was riveting, suspenseful, sad and yet happy at the same time. Grace was a strong heroine, which was exactly what Lucas needed. He needed someone to show him he was deserving of a good life and love. He needed someone who could see through those ice-grey eyes to see emotions, love. Sure he made mistakes when he was young, but we all do. Lucas was also EXACTLY what/who Grace needed to realize she was worthy. Grace's father had berated her talent as an artist and when Griffin didn't take interest in her work either, she believed she was a failure. The exhibit was supposed to prove to her herself that her dad was wrong about her, that she was talented. Lucas offered her the encouragement she needed. This is a must read! I can't wait to find out what happens with Lucas' brothers!!! The ending had quite an unexpected twist. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

The Tate Brothers were once orphans and they have been raised to do one thing only: protect what is theirs.

As a trained sniper and Navy SEAL, Lucas Tate found the courage to distance himself from the wealthy, wicked patriarch who adopted him. Instead, he’s devoted his life to the elite band of brothers from his unit. So when the widow of one of his former comrades finds herself in apparent danger, Lucas makes it his job to protect her against all enemies. . .and not let her out of his sights.

Grace Riley feels overwhelmed by Lucas's presence, but the cold-eyed marksman will do anything to keep her safe. Soon the special attention he pays her becomes a wild romantic distraction―one that troubles Grace, since Lucas was so close to her deceased husband. Still, how can she resist Lucas’s intense, ice-blue stare? All she knows is that a life without strong, passionate Lucas is one not worth living. Can Lucas can find a way to honor his former brother-in-arms by saving Grace. . .and loving her, too?

Review:

The intrigue started immediately with Lucas keeping a promise to his dead father to keep Grace safe from arms dealer who her dead husband betrayed. There is no love lost between Grace and Lucas, but I really think they just used hate to cover their true feelings. Lucas has had a rough life and hides his feelings from getting hurt or hurting others, which makes him come off cold and hard. I really liked Grace, she is a little misunderstood and was in a marriage that probably would have not lasted if he husband had not died. The Author did a good job of taking a not very endearing character (Lucas) and showing his depth and in turn him into a more likable hero. Once Grace and Lucas give into the chemistry between them, the story gets smoking hot. This is the second book in the series and I would assume that the side story about Lucas's brother and sister is what was in the first book. You do not need to read these in order and you will not be confused by reading these out of order.

4Stars

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

This book was great very mysterious but the past of both showed them that they were both running and never letting things come as apossitive thing. In the end they had to learn to let the ice fall from the past and admit what was in their hearts.

Could the old man have meddled anymore? Lucas needs to find Grace Riley and to protect her. Grace isn't having any of Lucas's talk, she isn't in danger and her husband is dead and buried and she certainly doesn't need his help and protection. She can sort things out herself or so she thinks but they will come for her and only Lucas can keep her safe. What starts off as an easy assignment turns deadly for them both and Lucas isn't about to play fair as he is looking for a fight. And Grace is important to him even if he can't give her a tomorrow he can give her a now. But Grace is scared as she is falling for this enigma of a man and she knows that he is going to break her heart but she has no way to protect it from breaking. But can Lucas still keep her safe from de Santis or will the family feud destroy her as well? Will Lucas fight for Grace or will he walk away from her for good this time? A great story full of action, love and just maybe a new beginning.

This is the second book in the Tate Brother’s series. Again Jackie Ashenden kills it. The story is great; it has mystery and a lot of excitement. Lucas and Grace are great characters. Can’t wait for the next book!

I was given an ARC in exchange for a honest review by St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley.
This is the second book in this series and it doesn't disappoint .
Lucas Tate is a trained sniper and Navy SEAL and won't stop until the job is done.
Grace Riley is an artist and also the widow of Lucas friend who is in trouble .
Lucas must protect her even if she hates the way he does it .
Jackie Ashenden pulls the reader in and keeps you on the edge of the seat from beginning to end!!!!

I received an ARC of this book. There is just something about a strong man who is a loner and a woman who can open him up to love. I enjoyed the story and the interlude between Grace and Lucas. I enjoy a good story with a kind hearted woman turning a heart of stone to love. The change in Lucas was really evident when it was told he was painting her toenails. Enjoyed the intense storyline and romance.

MS Ashenden has done it again written a story that will engage the reader and have them turning the pages with her powerful emotional words that bring out the inner feelings of the hero and heroine, and both of these two Lucas Tate and Grace Riley have vulnerabilities but show strength their passions ignite as they journey a dangerous path to a HEA that will have you sighing.

Grace is a creative artist who has been put down throughout her life by someone who should have shown encouragement and love and this leaves her vulnerable, she has lost her SEAL husband, killed in the line of duty and is concentrating on her painting. So when Lucas Tate her husband’s friend walks into her life and tells her that her life is in danger, well it upends her life completely and she can no longer deny the spark that shoots between them.

Lucas never shows emotion that was pushed out of him as a young boy he is controlled and in control always so when he is given the task by his deceased father to protect Grace Riley he gets on with the job never realizing what this will do to his inner self his feeling are upended totally as he does what he can to keep Grace safe and tries to keep his feelings intact.

WOW the vulnerable quiet artist Grace is about to melt the ice and snow that is Lucas Tate and in a very sensual steamy and thoroughly enjoyable way. I loved these two what a couple they make they are just so good for each other, I loved seeing them open up to each other and fall in love. Thank you MS Ashenden for another fabulous story bring on Wolf’s story now woohoo. I do highly recommend this one it will have your heart pumping.

“The Wicked Billionaire” is the story of the second Tate brother, Lucas. With his two brothers, he was adopted by oil billionaire Noah Tate. After their adoptive father’s death, Lucas wants to honor his last wishes and has accepted to protect Grace Riley, the widow of one of his fellow SEAL team members. Her husband was in business with international arm dealers and owed them money. They are set on revenge and Grace is in danger.

Lucas is a protector, he is determined that no harm will come to her on his watch. As a SEAL, he knows all about rescuing people and keeping them out of harm’s way. His job is his life. He doesn’t want to be involved with anyone. He is a loner, always in control, detached, cold and emotionless. Until Grace came into his life and got to him. And yet, he can’t be distracted. Grace and Lucas are opposite in every way. Grace is a complex character, she has been hurt in her past, to a point that it scarred her. She is insecure but Lucas is incredibly supportive of her. Against all odds, they forge a bond that is a great foundation for the romance that blossoms.

This is a fast-paced, suspenseful story of two people who are fighting their own demons. It grabs you from the first page, with its gripping and intense storyline and intriguing characters.

4 stars

The Wicked Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden was a very good read.
The storyline was well written, it captured my interest and held it all throughout the book, the drama was well done and the characters Lucas and Grace touched my heart with their story.
This was one of those reads once you started you didn't want to put down.

The Wicked Billionaire is a great addition to the Tate Brothers Series, looking forward to the next book The Undercover Billionaire which is due for release March 2018.

*Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*

This is a story of military hero and billionaire. Super Sexy, super steamy. Romance readers will dive in.

In the second instalment of the series you meet Lucas Tate. The second brother of three to have a letter from his deceased father with instructions to follow.
Lucas has to protect Grace,her dead husband owes some bad guys money and these are the enemies of the Tates. So Lucas and his navy seal training steps in to protect Grace. Easy enough. No,Grace and Lucas know each other.Her husband was his friend and they had a love hate relationship.
What draws you latterly in to this book is the way that Lucas changes from an iced class send off person to something entirely different.
Grace is a woman with numerous hang ups that I had a bit of an on/off liking of her throughout the book.
There is steam and heat as you would expect and although I found it quite slow to get going I enjoyed the book and liked that it opened in to the third instalment before the end.
One for the pool or cuddled up warm in bed.
Thanks for the opportunity to review.

This was a good read for me. This is a good addition to the series; the story is fast paced and I found the characters interesting. The story has plenty of drama and suspense, the steam is off the charts hot and the story did hold my interest throughout. I admit in certain areas it was a bit repetitive at times. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Wicked Billionaire is the second novel in the Tate Brothers trilogy, and, since it was almost impossible to put this book down, quite simply, Jackie Ashenden has just hit another one out of the park, and it gets 4.75 stars from this reader.

What ties this trilogy together is the death of billionaire Noah Tate, foster father to Van, Lucas, and Wolf, and the letters he left for each of them, which were to be opened only after his death. Noah's company, Tate Oil and Gas, has been left to his foster sons, who are to take over as co-directors of the company, but in those letters, he's also tasked each son with a mission, and in the case of Lucas, one of the best and most successful snipers the Navy SEALs have, that mission is all about coming to the aid of Grace Riley, the recently widowed wife of his fellow Navy SEAL team member and friend, Griffin Riley. Lucas was shocked to see the evidence of Griffin's criminal activity in Noah's letter. Griffin was secretly selling military weapons to international arms dealers. His most recent deal was one that Griffin was paid a large sum for, a sale he didn't live long enough to deliver to the buyers, and now, they want their money back and they don't care how they get repaid or who they have to hurt to get it. Grace is a struggling artist, working part-time, and also struggling to survive on Griffin's meager pension. She knows nothing about what her late husband was doing, and she certainly doesn't have the money to return to them. Noah has tasked Lucas with fixing the problem and protecting Grace at all costs. One of the rather minor things that kept this from being a 5-star review was that we really don't know why or how Noah Tate ever got wind of this deal, only that he did.

Lucas has met Grace before at other social gatherings of his SEAL team and he's never liked her. She's always been fiery, opinionated, and open about her feelings. She's constantly in motion, and Lucas has always found her rather plain and unattractive, and he never understood what Griffin saw in her. She's everything Lucas, whose nickname should be "Iceman", isn't. He's as cold, controlled and distant an alpha male character as has ever been created, but he's a SEAL, and he's been given a mission to fulfill, and he's never turned down a mission yet. What Lucas does know was that all was not right with the Riley marriage, and he and the reader soon learn that Grace hides her wounded soul even better than Lucas hides his own.

When Lucas notices that Grace is being shadowed and followed, he whisks her away, albeit unwillingly on her part, to one of his secret apartments, keeping her under lock and key, also not always willingly, to protect her until he can convince the men after her that she hasn't a clue about her late husband's traitorous deals and she certainly doesn't have their money. Meanwhile, Grace is on the cusp of her first New York art exhibition, with one painting left to do, two weeks to get it done, and no inspiration about what to paint, but that will soon change, and in that time-frame we finally get their backstories, as these two wounded souls begin to act on their sizzling hot chemistry in what Lucas makes clear is merely sex. He's certainly not an easy character to like, and most of the time he acts like a jerk toward Grace, but, as we get both points of view in this novel, we begin to understand what drives him, something that Ms. Ashenden does so masterfully that you almost don't realize that his odd behavior, coldness and rudeness hide a man who is so broken inside that you can't help but begin to care and hurt for him. In the case of Lucas and Grace, familiarity doesn't breed contempt, it breeds the exact opposite, and Lucas isn't at all happy about that, and he coldly ends their relationship, leaving Grace devastated and brokenhearted.

So, can these two broken characters repair their damaged relationship? Will they even want to? Can they somehow heal each other? Can Lucas really keep Grace safe and put an end to the threats against her? Will Grace find her inspiration and finish her painting? Will it be safe enough for her to attend her own art exhibition? Will Lucas keep his distance and return to his SEAL team? There are plenty of plot twists and angst along the way, so keep your tissues handy.

While this novel works just fine as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, The Dangerous Billionaire, first, as it will help you understand the Tate family dynamic, which does play a part in this novel, which also ends with quite a teaser for what will be the next novel in the series.

Finally, since I don't believe in spoilers, you'll just have to read this deeply moving, exciting, steamy and addictive novel for yourself--it's well worth the price of admission.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Not a fan of the heroine, but the authors writing style is a bit addictive and made me want to keep reading. overall it was an enjoyable way to pass a few hours :)

the wicked billionaire picks up with lucas tate's story. we met lucas in book 1 of the series, the dangerous billionaire. and even then he was intense and mysterious and oh-so-intriguing. so now that the focus is on him, the danger is always that he might be less interesting as a lead than he was as a secondary character.

i'm here to report that this isn't the case. lucas is as intense, as mysterious and as super-duper sexy as he appeared to be in book 1. lucky grace. she's the widow of his former army buddy/possible traitor. all lucas knows is 1) that he has been charged to keep her safe and 2) that something happens to him every time they are in a room together. for a man so in control of his emotions and body, the way he reacts to her is disconcerting.

and oh my, does it result in something steamy. the mystery surrounding griffin and his relationship with both lucas and grace add some added depth to this romance. there's just enough danger and just enough sex to make this an all-around enjoyable read.

When I read the blurb to The Wicked Billionaire I knew I needed to read it. I am absolutely addicted to Jackie Ashenden's books so I knew this would deliver a hot alpha male and a sassy heroine that gives as good as she gets. That is exactly what we a have in The Wicked Billionaire. Lucas and Grace were hot and sexy and their fiery banter was amazing. I could not get enough of them!

When Lucas Tate, an elite SEAL, is forced to protect the widow, Grace Riley, of one of his fellow SEAL team members he is drawn into a web of deceit and dangerous games with arms dealers. His key mission though: protect Grace Riley at all times (even if their combustible chemistry is the only thing on his mind!) I really liked Grace. She was a firecracker who spoke her mind and was opinionated to the max. They were opposites on paper but they were drawn to each other which I loved. He seemed cold and emotionless compared to her artist's soul and it was so fantastic watching then clash like oil and water. But then when all their passion exploded...it was pure fireworks, folks! And I loved every second!

All in all this was a great read. It was sexy, very emotional at times and an extraordinary book overall. I look forward to more from this author in the future!

I would like to thank Netgalley and SMP for an advanced copy if this book for an honest review. Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula

I am not going to lie, I did pause before requesting this book, as I did have my issues with the first book in the series (nothing to do with the relationship, more to do with the man!).

However I am glad that I did request, as I really did enjoy this second book.

In the first book, our leading alpha was more secretary than SEAL, and that was where my disappointment came from.

Happy to say that our sniper in a suit is much more SEAL (and who doesn't love a SEAL??)

Lucas Tate,as much as he frustrated me with his mercurial behaviour, I couldn't help but want to hug him.

And when he is with Grace, his friend' widow, well then things get all kinds of confuzzled!

I adore them together, they are both that little bit broken, and they could be just what each other needs to heal. If heads get removed from rectums!

The Wicked Billionaire is frustrating, it is mysterious, it is sexy, it is funny. Much better than the first book, and now I am intrigued for the 3rd Tate brother's story -the epilogue has me impatient for it!

Grace’s husband died six months ago while serving his country. At least that’s what she thought. Lucas, her husband’s friend, has been sent to protect her from some extremely dangerous people.
I loved how this couple start out not liking each other and as the story progresses, so does their mutual respect and ultimately, love. It’s a book that is in constant motion emotionally as they work out their own personal issues.

The fact that Lucas was so icy cold and yet Grace was able to thaw him so completely was the greatest selling point in this story. With a background like his I would be surprised if he wasn’t iced over. Grace is struggling just to prove to herself that she’s talented and worthy. She’s a strong heroine but not afraid to accept the help that is being offered to her. Well, after he talks her into it anyway.

I’ve struggled with the last couple of books by this author but this one reminded me why I keep reading her. This hit the bullseye, dead center!

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.

Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
Possible Triggers – heroine is attacked but not in a sexual manner
Epilogue – not for this couple but sets up next book