I loved that this book was a romance with intrigue and drama! Lucas was following his late father's request to look out for Grace (widow of his fellow SEAL, Griffin). They both didn't like each other that much so watching them as they progressed from dislike to attraction to love was a fun read.

While they both had issues with their childhood, they were kind of opposites in temperament as Lucas was so controlled, and had such an icy exterior and Grace was artistic and fiery. At times, it was hard to watch as Lucas kept pushing Grace aside and she really worked at opening herself up to him.

It was interesting to see what Grace would finally paint for her show-stopper and that her view of Lucas was so different than he saw himself. What a great showdown at the end, Lucas really lost is control and Wolf was there to help him out.

I have not read the first book about Van and Chloe which sounds good, and look forward to reading about Wolf and wonder what mission his father sent him on! The books can be read as stand alone books but I think reading them in the correct order would be even better.

'The Wicked Billionaire' by Jackie Ashenden is book Two in The "Tate Brother" series. This is the story of Lucas Tate and Grace Riley. I have read the previous book but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Lucas along with the other Tate brother have been summed back after their adopted father past away.
Lucas tries to be hard and cold after he hard childhood. Lucas was a Navy Seal and a fellow Navy Seal friend has died and his widow Grace is in trouble. Grace also had a harsh childhood. But is slow to respond to Lucas's help but soon learns she needs him.
Their story was exciting dealing with the danger and also for them learning to love each other.
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This is book 2 of the Tate brothers' stories and the tension level has significantly increased. Lucas' letter from his deceased adoptive father states he needs to protect Grace from a dangerous weapons' dealer. (As background, Grace is the wife of a former SEAL team member) The problem, Grace doesn't like Lucas, nor does she want to be protected by him. Passion, heartbreak, strength and weakness, this story will carry you on a wild ride of emotion and adventure.

Ah! what can I say. My heart absolutely broke for Lucas. The poor man has been through so much. The way he loses his icy self-control with Grace is like fresh air being let into a room that has been bolted shut for decades. The scene at her exhibition, his frustration was so tangible I was squealing wondering what was going to happen. And that masterpiece Grace makes, man I could almost see it in my mind's eye.

In spite of the fact that their father was cruel, he's actually done them a kindness with those damned letters. Because he's paired them up with exactly with the woman who can break them down and allow them to live the full lives that they truly deserve.

This is the story of Lucas Tate and Grace Riley and to be perfectly honest, this was an OK read for me, which is usually not the norm for me, when it comes to Ms. Ashenden's books. I can devour her books in a few hours but this one took me a couple of days to finish. Lucas is the middle brother in this series and they are all in the military when they have to return home after their adopted Father, rich oil tycoon Noah Tate, dies. Each one of them gets a letter from their Dad, detailing a mission to protect someone from his enemy Cesare De Santis. If you have read her other series, the Billionaire Fairy Tales, the stories correlate. Lucas is tasked with keeping his best friend's widower safe from some nasty people who are looking to hurt her because her deceased husband was involved in some shady business with De Santis and a guy named Oliveira. Lucas takes on the task but remains cold and indifferent in the beginning. He believes that he is there to do a job and needs to remain like ice and focused like he is when trying to eliminate a target. Grace is an artist and has been emotionally and physically abused by her now deceased artistic father, when his glory days as an artist fell through and felt that his daughter and wife were worthless.

For me, I just got tired of the repetitive thought of Lucas stating that he was cold and that he could be still for several hours, could get his heart rate down to 30 bpm. We know as a sniper that it takes intense focus and concentration to do what they do, but the fact that it was constantly repeated? Too much. Also the fact that Grace kept referring to him as frozen and how she felt or didn't feel for her ex-husband Griffin, the guilt over not being a good wife to him in the past, again too repetitive. I still do not like the fact that the brothers who are supposed to be close, seem to ignore each other and do not seem close to me at all. I just could not read another line, so I found myself skimming over those parts and having to put this read away several times. In the end Lucas's brother, Wolf, ends up saving Grace and Lucas finally realizes that he should be with her after all.
It is unfortunate that their seems to be a thread where the H is traumatized over something that happened in his past, cannot seem to get over it, until he meets his h, or vice-versa. There are a lot of these themes running through our contemporary reads lately. As per Ms. Ashenden's past books the sex scenes were steamy, action was great and yes Grace and Lucas get their HEA.
It was OK. 2.5-3 ish stars.

I was disappointed with the first book in this series so I wasn't sure if I would bother with the next book.
I decided to give this book a chance even though I didn't really like the first book.

The Wicked Billionaire is much better than the first one. I did like the characters much more and I found the story better .

4.5 stars


The Wicked Billionaire is book two in the Tate Brother's series, and my first read by this author. Starting with the second book in the series didn't make me feel as though I was missing something, so this can be read as a complete stand-alone. I absolutely loved this author's writing style, it kept my attention from page one. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen.

Lucas, a Navy Seal with a past he seems to want distance from, is takes with protecting his friends widow. Grace, a struggling artist, uncomfortable with her deceased husband's buddy being so close and a part of her life. Watching these two navigate a relationship that neither was sure of was entertaining and I couldn't wait to watch it unfold. There was so much passion, and so many feelings through out the book. I was completely in love. I am definitely going to have to check out Jackie's other books. Overall a fantastic read.

3.75 stars--THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE is the second installment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult THE TATE BROTHERS romantic, suspense series focusing on three foster brothers-Sullivan (Van), Wolf and Lucas Tate-as well as their foster sister Chloe Tate. This is Navy SEAL Lucas Tate, and artist/painter Grace Riley’s story line. THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory. Some of the events of THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE run parallel to, and cross over with the events of book one-The Dangerous Billionaire.

SOME BACKGROUND: In the aftermath of their father Noah Tate’s death, Van, Wolf and Lucas Tate are called home from active duty to find themselves the recipients of three letters outlining what the future has in store-letters from the grave asking each son for a final favor. There is a dark history between father and sons, marred by secrets and lies, and a father ill-equipped to look after the family he chose to raise.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Grace and Lucas) THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE focuses on the protection of artist Grace Riley. Grace’s husband Griffin Riley died with a secret, and that secret has come back looking for the payout that never came to fruition. A former Navy SEAL and a member of Lucas Tate’s team, Griffin worked the darker side of the military and his untimely demise finds his widow on the receiving end of a series of threats against her life. Enter Lucas Tate, the man with whom Grace will fall in love, but a man whose heart and soul have been destroyed by the sins of his past. What ensues is the building relationship between Lucas and Grace, and the fall out when Lucas pushes away the only woman he has ever loved.

Lucas Tate is a man surrounded by the demons of his past; memories that refuse to rest or let go of guilt that continues to destroy our story line hero. Alone and separated from the brothers of his heart, Lucas is the epitome of a broken, alpha male who is unable to forgive or forget about the past. Grace Riley believes herself to be the ugly duckling; the ‘plain Jane’ whose talent and artistry are unacceptable-a belief reinforced by a father whose own career failed before it began.

The relationship between Grace and Lucas is fraught with mutual self-doubt reinforced by childhoods fraught with disapproval, humiliation and degrading remarks. Lucas doesn’t have a very high opinion of our story line heroine-an opinion that clouds his perception of the woman he believes to be ugly and plain. Basic social interactions are difficult with a man who isn’t willing to accept Grace for the woman she has become. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE continues to focus on the Tate family dysfunctional dynamics-three brothers who struggle in the aftermath of their father’s death, and the directives each has been ordered to follow through until the end. The premise is heartbreaking and engaging; the characters are broken, colorful and charismatic; the romance struggles with one man’s belief is he incapable of love.


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This is the 2nd book in the Tate Brother series and focuses on Lucas, who has been asked to protect his deceased SEAL brothers wife from gun runners, whilst trying to stop his attraction to Grace, because he thinks he's betraying his brother in arms
It's repetitive in parts, which slows the book down, though it wasn't too bad if you can get past that

I received an ARC from Netgalley and voluntarily leave my opinion

Lucas Tate is a sniper SEAL on leave and working with his foster brothers. He is told he must watch his best friend's widow, Grace Riley because, since his best friend owed money to a kingpin and died without paying, they will go after Grace for the money or more. Lucas and Molly are immediately attracted to each other but, Molly has great difficulty getting Lucas to open up about the horrors of his childhood and, the fact that he still believes he has evil in his soul - something he will never let her see.
This is a fast-paced, action-packed, steamy read with a fascinating ending!

This kind of romantic suspense is right up my alley. Moody, brooding alpha hero reluctantly falls for the damsel in distress. I've never read anything by Jackie Ashenden, but I'm going to have to go back and read the first Tate Brothers book. What's not to love about a hot navy SEAL who happens to be a billionaire??

I loved that Grace and Lucas had this insane attraction that neither could deny, and yet they both tried to. Lucas thought he had nothing to give, considering he had one foot out the door to get back to his SEAL life. Grace had been hurt before, and the fact that Lucas is her former husband's friend makes the situation even more murky.

There's something that just gets to me about an overprotective alpha male, and obviously it gets to Grace, too. Her defenses are no match for the bossy, possessive soldier. The way Grace blossomed under his care and attention was beautiful. The more she opened up and showed Lucas the heart of her, the more fascinated he became with her. She was the flame that lit up his darkness.

The author did an excellent job of taking me along for the ride, and she made me fall in love, not only with an amazing hero, but an unusual heroine. It's not often that i read a book where the two main characters can't stand each other.... so to go from that at the beginning to an exciting, passionate romance was so much fun.

The Wicked Billionaire is the second book in the Tate Brothers series and frankly these books are a lot better than the title implies. By that I mean, there are so many “Billionaire” books out now, and so many are fun but frivolous. This book as well as the first book in this series are so much more involved. They have a depth of character that I really didn’t expect. Lucas is very very closed off, due to childhood incidents that we don’t learn until about halfway through this book. Because of the way he is portrayed in the first part of this book, I wondered if he would ever be more than a closed off “Iceman”. Part of what I really liked about this book is that the romance is a slow burn. They did not hop into bed, but there is a romance that grows over this book and that to me makes really enjoyed every bit of this book. Thanks as always to Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book for an honest review!.

So angsty and so good! What I loved about this book was how completely different Lucas and Grace were and yet they fit so well together. But when you read the beginning about and find out how the view each other, you can't possibly imagine these two characters ever coming together. They do though and it's smoking hot. Lucas and Grace were both so broken but they find healing within each other. They give each other something that was completely lacking their entire lives and it makes them whole again. That was the most enjoyable part of this read for me. I could really feel the inner turmoil of these two characters but it was beautiful how they both gradually started to see their worth. Lucas's fierce protectiveness of Grace was so alpha and extremely sexy. I loved how quirky Grace was and how even though that quality went against everything that Lucas was he comes to embrace that about her. He never tries to stifle her organized chaos. The story was suspenseful but I could have used a bit more. I loved the Wolf teaser at the end and I'm really looking forward to reading his story!

I didn’t like book one in this series but gave this one a try in hopes the series would improve. It did not.

Lucas Tate is a cold, control freak and walled off human being who refuses to let anyone get close. He prides himself on being in total control of his whole being. He is a Navy SEAL sniper on leave due to his adoptive dad’s death and settling the estate.

Grace Riley is the widow of a SEAL teammate. She is an artist who grew up in an oppressed family atmosphere. She is a free spirit. She refuses to let anyone control her or deter her from her life’s goal of having a show in an art gallery and getting her art seen.

I didn’t connect to either character or care if they ever got together or worked it out. This book starts out slow, drags and is boring. At 36%, it had already stalled out and I couldn’t force myself to continue. This is a DNF for me. I think it’s time for me to take a break from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

This was a good read. I loved how they complimented each other and filled each others flaws. He was cold as ice and she was intense flame. The only thing they could do was combust and they did in spectacular fashion. This is quite a thrilling ride.

Lucas Tate didn't like when he received a letter from his adoptive father giving him a mission.
Noah Tate, a millionaire from the oil industry, adopted 3 boys from St. Mary's Home for Boys. Now the three are adults, they were military men, and they were responsible for bringing the Tate's legacy forward.
Lucas would have to protect a woman whose husband was accused of smuggling guns, and as the bad guys wanted the money back, she would be their next target.

Grace Riley was a determined woman, difficult to deal with. She and Lucas spend more time arguing about what she wants to do - and he doesn't want it in order to protect her. She doesn't think she can be targeted, and even if it's true, she thinks she can handle them alone. Until the threats begin.

The air around the couple always stays electric, releasing sparks. There are more secrets behind the hunt for Grace.
But the worst is yet to come. The Tates may suffer with a fatal blow...

The plot is interesting. Lucas is an enigmatic man who knows how to do his job. But I didn't feel any empathy for Grace. I found her annoying, complaining all the time.
The surprise is in the final scene of the book, and this one will bring a bomb that will only explode in the next book. I want that one.
3 stars

I give THE WICKED BILLIONAIRE (TATE BROTHERS, #2) by Jackie Ashenden 4 1/2 stars. I enjoyed the book and Lucas and Grace's story. They both carry deep wounds from their past that they help each other work through....which is not an easy task. Can Grace melt the ICE MAN and can Lucas show Grace her worth. They get their HEA but the story does go on with Wolf's story to be next. I did not read Van and Chloe's story and now will go back and read it.

This is the second book in this series and just as good as the first. Lucas Tate is another of boys taken in and raised by a man who, well you have to read the books to understand him. Lucas Tate is a former sniper with the SEALs and he will do anything to protect Grace Riley who is the widow of one of his former brother in arms. What starts as just protecting her turns into so much more. It was so fun to watch them fall...

I am so looking forward to the next one in this series!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

The Wicked Billionaire is sort of a cross between a military romance and a modern ugly duckling story. It has lots of mystery and intrigue, so if you like unraveling mysteries, you will enjoy this book!

Lucas is a trained sniper and SEAL. He is cold and calculating, both in his job and in life. I found it hard to like him much of the time. He did, however, give me a sense of security when it came to Grace’s safety. Grace is a stereotypical starving artist. She was more likable, but I couldn’t really relate to her. Lucas and Grace are about as different as two people can be, and yet they are attracted to one another. (Opposites attract!)

The plot was steady and even a little slow at times. I struggled to get into the storyline. The last 25-30 percent really picked up, though. I liked how it concluded.

This is the second book in the Tate Brother’s series. While it can be read as a standalone, I wonder if I might have gotten into the book more quickly if I had read book one. I really enjoyed some of Ashenden’s previous books, and I look forward to seeing what she publishes next.

This series is a definite read in order it your going to be hopelessly lost. The brothers storylines all happen overlapping, so it's important you know what's going on or your going to have some major spoilers.
With that being said, Lucas Tate's story was every bit as hot as his brother Vans. The Tate brothers are all strong, somewhat damaged men, which makes you want to root for them to find happiness. Lucas is more closed off from others and he has his reasons. Grace is in danger and needs protection. She is vivid and talented with her own hidden scars. Together they are combustible.