Exciting, suspenseful and hot! Jackie is amazing storyteller. Lucas and Grace make a dynamic and colorful couple that have explosive chemistry.

'The Wicked Billionaire' by Jackie Ashenden is book Two in The "Tate Brother" series. This story is about Lucas, whom we met in book 1. Lucas along with the other Tate brother have been summed back after their adopted father past away. Lucas tries so hard to be cold after his hard childhood yet certain things can get him all fired up and get under his icy exterior—like Grace who is a Navy Seal widow that he is knows .
Grace has suffered at the hands of her parents and then her husband died six months ago. The she finds out he wasn’t what he led her to believe and has left her unprotected and in danger after his death because of who he was dealing with are now after her.
Lucas has been tasked with protecting Grace even though he doesn’t want to and Grace doesn't want to be protected by Lucas. She can't stand him either. Yet there's also this connection and huge attraction going on between Lucas and Grace even though they both fight it. It is intriguing to see how this couple goes from enemies to lovers in the span of this book. There is angst, anger, danger, intrigue, passion and of course, love. I love how Grace had to prove she had worth and she finally was able to realize in this book she did have it…by the end of the story she definitely made headway with seeing her worth and Lucas being able to express that to her, even with his coldness. There is more to Lucas going on and his story is quite heartbreaking, which leads to his past being explained. There isn’t a true wrap up for this couple’s story so it doesn’t say how they are doing but maybe book 3 will explain how they are doing-- The 3rd book is Wolf's tale and wow I cant wait to read his story.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

**My thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Gosh, i just love this author. She manages to draw me into pretty much every single book i have read of hers and this book is no exception.

Lucas Tate is an ice cold sniper who never really lets anyone get close to him other than his brothers and he hold them pretty much at arms length.

Grace has lost her husband and now, pretty much lives in a box and find that she is now a target thanks to her deceased husbands illegal activity.

The sparks fly from the moment that Grace spots Lucas watching her and continue to get brighter until Lucas cannot contain himself any more and they both go up in flames. Lucas is steadfast and there for Grace, but she brings out a side of him that he though that he would never see again. Grace brings him back to life.

Grace thinks that perhaps she is selfish, but Lucas shows her that she is very talented and gives her another point of view to see from.

Its a brilliant book and i cannot wait to read Wolf's book too see how his role plays in all of this and how her gets his HEA.

This was a good, solid story. Characters were believable, tension was gradual and natural.

I have read several Jackie Ashenden novels and most have a great story but are always a story of some female of various qualities hooked up with an over-the-top alpha male type in a tale which is so drenched in sex that the story gets left behind many times.

This one is a bit different, we have the damsel in distress who is not a pushover, we have the usual alpha male type in spades but the sex for once is played down in comparison (still pretty steamy in places) and this allows a really good story to come through.

Seems Grace was married to a guy (kinda passionless marriage closer to friends with benefits) who was selling illegal weapons on the side and it got him killed, sadly he forgot to leave the money and the bad guys want Grace to find it ... or make a really strong final statement on why you don't cheat them.

We have Lucas, Navy SEAL sniper, cold as ice, but through a series of events ends up with the job of keeping her safe and the sparks eventually fly and the story does give you a couple of red herrings and the end was great I thought until the last page which was a horrible teaser for the next book that left me grinding my teeth, can't call it a cliffhanger but since all these stories are tied together you want to read it NOW not next year :)

Bottom Line: Great story, decent passion without turning into erotica for once, loved the ending even with the hook for book 3.

4 Stars

Park Avenue meets Navy SEAL - that's the info on the blurb that attracted my attention. I also like a series with interconnected characters. The Tate Brothers fit the bill. All in all, The Wicked Billionaire hits all the important notes, Alpha Male, Independent female, family, loyalty, sex and romance, plus a bit of suspense. I am enjoying the series.
I will warn you that Wicked ends on a bit of a cliffhanger....waiting for the next book!

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.

I'm definitely a Jackie Ashenden fan. I've read several of her books including the first book in this series. While this could possibly work as a standalone, it works much better if you've read book one. Like the first book, this one was also primarily emotional suspense and relationship issues with some pretty nice action at the end. I tend to prefer a lot of action throughout, but these Tate brothers are like puzzles I just need to figure out. I have to know why they are the way they are and exactly what it takes to break them down and free them from the ice they've encased themselves in. Like his brother Van in the first book, Lucas is not nice, not warm and fuzzy, not really even kind. Grace represents everything he hates, and if he wasn't obligated, he wouldn't be anywhere around her. Being stuck sharing the same space with her is torture and not the good kind. He just wants to fulfill the job he was asked to do and get back to what he knows best, being a sniper.

Grace really isn't sure she needs the protection Lucas is forcing on her. She just wants him to let het leave and get back to her life, her art. She can't help but be attracted to him because he is literally the most gorgeous man she had ever seen. She knows he will never return the lust since her plain appearance has been drilled into her most of her life.

What happens between them is unexpected and even unwelcome at first, but somewhere in all their hiding, they find each other.

I received an ARC from Net Galley.

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.