3.5 Stars

I've read many books by Jackie Ashenden and enjoyed them but none in this series so when I saw this available on NetGalley I thought - great! When I read the story description (as above) again, I thought - this is going to be great! I've enjoyed this author in the past and the description sounds intriguing enough to make me want to read it...

Ok, so you can't always hit the ball out of the ballpark every time. That's how I feel about this book. This just wasn't quite what I expected. Without giving anything away, there were times when I became frustrated/distracted with the number of times we (the readers) were told not only that Lucas is a SEAL trained sniper, but also what it takes for him to be successful at it, how success he is, etc. Please, please...I got it the first time it was mentioned. Mentioning it again so many times made me feel like the author was insulting the reader's intelligence. Ditto Grace's upbringing - got it the first time, no reason to tell me multiple times.

Having said that, there were some extremely insightful and touching moments where both main characters had to come to grips with their pasts as it affects their current lives and futures. When the MC's supported one another with insightful commentary, it was very touching and heartfelt. There were also extremely heartbreaking moments, along with some angst.

Was I disappointed? Maybe only because I believe the description did not quite fit the story as well as it could have. Had I not read the description would I have felt differently about this story? Probably.

Will I read Jackie Ashenden's books in the future? Absolutely!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Wicked Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden
A Billionaire SEAL Romance
The Tate Brothers #2

Three brothers are sent on missions via letters each one is left by their recently deceased father. In book one Van deals with an issue his foster sister, Chloe, faces. In this book we hear the story of Lucas and Grace and in the book yet to come we will hear Wolf’s story and the mission he was given.

Lucas Tate is in control at all times and this, he believes, is necessary to keep his life in balance and also allow him to be the best Navy SEAL sniper he can be. He does not do emotion because it can lead to fiery trouble he never wants to experience again. He knows where his temper can lead and avoiding that temper is paramount.

Grace Riley, widow of Griffin (SEAL friend to Lucas) has no idea she is in a heap of trouble with potential pain and suffering ahead. Nope, she is an artist who escaped her father’s verbal abuse and belittling of her artistic talent, a widow and ready to have her first big art show IF she can come up with the one painting that will tie a year’s work together.

When Grace spots Lucas she denies the situation at first. Realizing that Lucas is only there to help her she allows him to protect her. Neither realize that close proximity might lead to emotions and emotions to more. The more time they are together the more they end up sharing and ultimately end up caring. Their truths are painful but need to be exposed rather than left to fester.

This has action, suspense, a tie-in to the first book and a lead-in to the third. It is a roller coaster ride for the H/h and also for the reader. I was rooting for Lucas and Grace while also enjoying their journey…even when it was painful. The two have so much to give and do it so well with one another – they become more together than apart – and that is just as it should be.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

This was pretty good! I loved the storyline and the characters were good if somewhat difficult. Lucas is all icy and cold but I love when his ice starts to break. Grace is fiery and argumentative, which sometimes gets annoying. These two burn up together! There is lots of action and I don't just mean the steamy kind! I definitely enjoyed it, especially the further I got into it. Definitely worth a reread.

The wild and crazy mind of Jackie Ashenden is back at it with this second book in the Tate Brothers series. The way this author can craft a story and create characters that are flawed but real always intrigues me and this one is no different. It has the perfect mix of passion and suspense which kept me turning page after page.

Lucas Tate is a stone cold killer. Being a sniper for an elite SEAL team has taught him to do what needs to be done and move on. He plans on protecting Grace Riley in exactly the same way. Easier said than done. His attraction to Grace is unwanted. She is the widow of a former teammate and should be off limits. Staying away from her while keeping her safe proves to be the hardest thing he's ever tried to do.

A great read that I highly recommend to everyone.

3.5☆
The Wicked Billionaire was an enjoyable story overall. Although it was quite slow to develop and at times I did feel like the story kind of plodded along. Plus I did find it hard to stay engaged throughout, especially in the beginning. But the final third really picked up and the characters were great. Especially Lucas, who does come across as very cold, remote and unfeeling. But as the story develops. More is revealed and so are the reasons why Lucas feels the need to keep his feelings in check and I did like the connection that was created between him and Grace. Yet I never really felt any chemistry between them and their actual relationship left me feeling a little flat. That being said though, this was a good and easy read. That I would recommend to others. Especially if you enjoyed the first book in the series

This second book in the series runs parallel to the first, so you get Lucas' perspective on the happenings with Van and Chloe. Lucas' doesn't believe he deserves to be happy, and is stone cold because of it. Grace doesn't know anything about the danger she's in, so is shocked when Lucas tells her the story. Grace has issues of her own, but is at least willing to work on them. Good story. My interest was definitely peeked at the end with the glimpse of Wolf's story...

There’s something about an author that can write about the personality and actions of a person in such a way that it sucks you right into the story.

This story is about Lucas, whom we met in the first book. He’s cold and calculating, a master at his craft. But yet he burns very hot for those that can penetrate and deal with his icy exterior. A person like Grace.

The author is extremely talented at highly detailed descriptions of people, places, and things. Quirkiness and details many people wouldn’t notice in a day to day life, but yet add so much to the story.

She writes about the push and pull of a connection between two people that seems like hate on the exterior but is actually a deep, fiery attraction. The steam between these two may actually raise your own temperature a few degrees.

The story and plot is intriguing and interesting with never a dull moment. We even get a sneak peek into what’s happening in the next book. Yay! Written with a little bit of edge and suspense, a little bit of grit and crime, you get a taste of real life with the heat and passion of a relationship we could only dream about.

Jackie Ashenden is a writer who can balance a wonderful plot, deep description, sexy heat, and plenty of anticipation of more to come into a book that begs to be read. This series is definitely one to put on your list. You will want to start with book One in this series so you can get a feel for the entire story overall.

The Wicked Billionaire is book two in the Tate Brothers series by Jackie Ashenden. I’ve been noticing this author and was tempted by the first book in this series but for some reason, never picked it up. Something about this one called to me so I decided to go for it. Oh my gosh! This book! It was just amazing. Passionate is one word that keeps coming to mind. I don’t know that I’ve ever read love scenes with more passion. And the two main characters had so much passion. This book was just full. Full of so much everything. I could not stop reading.

Lucas Tate was adopted along with his two adoptive brothers, Wolf and Van, by a rich oil tycoon, Noah Tate. Noah has passed and left the three men as directors of Tate Oil and Gas. Lucas is a sniper with the Navy Seals. He is one of the or maybe is the very best at what he does. The reason is because Lucas keeps everything locked away. He has ice in his eyes. He has complete control. He can lower his own heart beat to thirty beats per minute.

When Noah died, he left his three sons each a letter. Lucas’s letter informed him that the widow of a fellow Navy Seal needs protection against some very bad men. That Lucas must protect her or she will surely be killed.

Grace Riley is the widow of Lucas’s now dead Seal team member, Griffin Riley. Griffin was probably the only friend Lucas had. They weren’t close but the few times Lucas had met Grace, there was something there that made him uncomfortable. An electric current when they accidentally touched. He didn’t know if she was aware of it but he kept his distance because of it. Now he was forced to protect her, to follow her.

“He’d been on missions that had broken lesser men, and this woman, the widow of his best friend, wasn’t going to make him lose it no matter how warm and elegant, no matter how smart or fascinating or downright desirable she’d become to him. He’d never been a weak man and he wasn’t about to start now.”

Grace had been a widow for six months. She was adjusting to her life, although her husband was away more than he was home. Grace was an artist, a painter. She had finally landed her first showing. She had eleven paintings done but needed one more and she was stumped. She couldn’t put brush to canvas. Nothing was coming to her. The last couple of days she had felt something, a prickling on her neck. Then, she finally saw him, her husband’s friend Lucas, watching her. He had always made her feel funny when he was around, and he always seemed so cold, so aloof. Why was he watching her now?

The tale Lucas has for Grace is impossible to believe. That her husband had been a traitor. That he was an arms dealer. And now that he was dead, that he owed the bad guys money and they were after her for revenge. Could she have been so wrapped up in her art, kept herself so distanced even when her husband was home, that she never really knew him?

As Grace and Lucas are stuck with each other until he can figure out who is after her, it becomes impossible to contain the electric chemistry between them. As boundaries are lowered, secrets are revealed. Secrets they both have kept to themselves since their own childhoods. For both of them, they are secrets that have held them back. In Lucas’s case, they are what made him into what he is now. But he is tired of denying what he wants, tired of not giving in to what he feels.

“She was heat and wildfire and sunlight. She was golden and glorious and he wanted her so badly.”

“He was like a bonfire. She wanted to get close enough to warm herself against the flames, but she was also terrified of getting burned. He will consume you if you let him.”

I just can’t say enough how much I loved this book. I definitely want to go back to the first book and read Van’s story. And can’t wait for the third book to get Wolf’s story. Jackie Ashenden now has a new fan in me

I've read so many billionaire stories lately and I love that each one is so different! It truly shows how many talented authors there are out there!

Lucas is rich, adopted, military, and cold hearted and with good reason, so we find out. I definitely hated him at first, but felt sorry for him as the book went on.

Grace is a widow, in danger and apparently being guarded by one hot Navy SEAL named Lucas. Lucas was friends with her late husband. He's very intimidating but, oh so hot! She finds herself being attracted to him! Is he just as attracted to her?

The sparks that fly between these two! Holy smokes!! Great addition to this series!!

Fascinating characters, compelling storyline…

This is the second book in the Tate Brothers series that can be read as a stand-alone.

Just like his two brothers, Lucas Tate received a letter from his adoptive father after his death. The letter elaborated on the illicit activities of a brother-in-arms he’d called a friend, he was tasked with a mission, protect the widow of that Navy SEAL who’d died in action from the enemy of his family. Lucas is a man who imposes serious control on himself for a reason, he harbors a secret his father knew and passed on to him in the form of guilt, a burden laid on him when he was thirteen years old, one he can never find forgiveness from and that is what drives his self-imposed exile from emotions. He’s a hard, intense, cold man with an assignment to protect a woman he doesn’t like yet has no reason to dislike, he won’t look at what the reason could be. His chilling persona and that he’s a highly self-contained individual made Lucas an excellent sniper in the Navy SEALs and he’d like nothing more than to complete the job and return to base. Can his target, the woman who was able to spot him thaw the ice in his veins?

Besides being a Navy SEAL’s widow, Grace Riley is an artist trying to make a mark in the profession, the daughter of an artist who failed and was emotionally abusive, always denigrating her worth. Inside she knows her talent is real but the mind does play tricks on her and so the deep need to prove herself to the art world. She finally has a showing with only one painting left to produce in a series, the one that ties it all together and that eludes her when she’s taken into protective custody by the gorgeous man she’d instantly disliked from the first time her husband had introduced them yet she’d never really known why she felt that way. Grace is a powerhouse creative force wrapped up in her art to the exclusion of all else until Lucas took over her life as she did his. Is he her missing inspiration?

There’s something about characters that need to emotionally heal that always draws this reader in. The protagonists are two flawed individuals with an alluring spark between them that they both vehemently deny for different reasons. Two who’d had a hard start in life yet through sheer determination managed to make something of themselves but still have pains they live with that drive them, until forced by the contents of a letter to spend time together resulting in the unravelling of their basic cores. They cannot hide from each other for they can see behind the others façade and when confronted by certain truth they must make a choice, acceptance or denial, acknowledge what they must to heal and become whole, or as whole as they can ever be. Can they take that leap of faith and reach for more?

I loved this book as much as I did the first one. The author provided fascinating characters of opposing personalities that complemented beautifully, two deeply faceted complex individuals who were strong-willed yet resilient. The protagonists showed much inner turmoil and emotional growth, the dual points of view allowed transparency into the maelstrom that was their thoughts. The storyline was compelling, laced with intriguing action and suspense, events here occurred concurrently with those in the first book blending in seamlessly at the appropriate times. The ending gives us a preview into the third brother’s coming story, a devious twist that thoroughly captured my attention, I’m already dying to read it.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

Absolutely loved this book, second in the Tate Brother's series (standalone). Lucas and Grace's story is just so emotional. The author (oh how I enjoy Jackie's books) has excelled here. Both leads are suffering from their individual father's verbal abuse.
Their story WILL bring tears, big sobbing tears, as well as making you swoon.
Mystery, pain, strength, emotional, highly sexy are just some of the feels. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Jackie Ashenden does it again with The Wicked Billionaire!!!! I love Lucas and his alpha commanding ways. Grace has been through so much drama and sadness in her life that I don't feel that she really felt the impact of danger when Lucas came to help protect her. She seemed numb for a very long time. When Lucas comes in and stays, feelings began to store and all hotness starts to erupt. Was this book hot and steamy! The storyline was great. The romance was there with a wicked twist. Grace finds her own sensuality. Lucas could not stay away from the pull he had towards her. This is book two in the Tate Brothers book. I am forever a fan of Jackie's writing! I was captured with this book from chapter one.

The Wicked Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden, is the second book in the Tate Brother's series. The first book really set the stage on what is to come in the future for this series. It is a very heart-wrenching story about finding love where you least expect it! 

Lucas Tate is a man of very few words. His past has shaped him into the man he is today. Was raised to show little to no emotion, and is the best sniper on his team. Being a Navy Seal is in his blood, until he gets an assignment of protecting a widow of one of friends. 

Grace is a struggling artist, and is planning to go and showcase her work. But the loss of her husband, and possible dangers that threaten her life, Lucas Tate walks in. 

Her savior. Her Protector. Her new beginning. 

Lucas and Grace both have scars from the past, but together they can overcome any obstacle. It was beautiful to read, finding love where you least expect it.

Jackie Ashenden can be hit or miss for me; her brutally alpha guys can be either darkly romantic or practically psychopathic stalkers. Unfortunately, Lucas was just a cold, unfeeling bastard. Maybe he was a billionaire, but there was nothing particularly wicked about this guy. "Cold-hearted Jerk Billionaire" might have been a more apt title.

It took several chapters to reveal why Lucas was so "ice cold", but by then, I was so put off by his unfeeling persona, that I couldn't bring myself to care. By then, Lucas has thoroughly catalogued every part of Grace as unattractive, told her that he was only protecting her out of duty to his dead father, and, oh, tells Grace that they as a couple will never happen. This is why the title is not "The Wildly Romantic or Feeling Billionaire".

Several of the author's heroes have made the transition from super vengeful, growly alphaholes to super devoted. Unfortunately, Lucas spent so much time trying to show he had no feelings to Grace, his brothers, and the world thwart the reader believes it, too. His revelation came too little, too late.

2.5 stars

Lucas did not want to protect his old friend's widow. He couldn't stand her and her fiery behavior was something he wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole but he was asked by his father to protect her. He owed everything to the man who saved him from his broken childhood. Grace was captivated by his cold calculating eyes and knew without a doubt he would protect her at all costs. Would she ever find out about her husband's ultimate betrayal? Will she finally be able to move forward when so many changes have her hesitant to take a step forward? Edge of your seat excitement! Hold onto your tablet.

The Wicked Billionaire
Tate Brothers #2
Jackie Ashenden
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow! That was a great story. This book had everything you could ask for. It had the sexy romance between Lucas and Grace. Lucas has a lot of emotional issues that come from a bad childhood experience. He lets nobody close to him and keeps his heart surrounded in ice. At least until he meets Grace. It has the suspense of somebody trying to kill Grace which requires Lucas to become her protector.
The first book in this series was about the eldest brother, Van. Lucas is the middle brother. The 3rd book is Wolf's tale and I can't wait to read it. Jackie leaves you wanting more by giving you a piece of what the next book is about at the end of this story.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book of Jackie Ashenden that I've read. She writes some very hot and sexy scenes and some nail biting suspense and gut wrenching emotional dialogue.
Lucas Tate was a foster child and adopted by a very wealthy but cold man. Lucas learned at a young age to put up walls and never let anyone past them. He became a navy seal sharpshooter and that was all that mattered. He never felt he needed or deserved love so he's never let anyone close. He protected his family and his country he needed nothing else.
Grace Riley's husband a navy seal recently passed away, a casualty of war. She's finally going to get her dream of a Art Gallery showing her paintings. Then Lucas shows up with shocking news that he's there to protect her from illegal arms dealers looking for her. Grace's dead husband had been up to no good and owes money and they want it back. Nothing is as it seems and now he wants her to give up everything and hideout with him until he can work all this out. Close quarters and sexual tension shows them both what's been missing from their lives.
The last 1/4 of this book was awesome I just with the rest of it was as good.

I enjoyed this story, and Jackie Ashenden is a good writer. The Wicked Billionaire is the epitome of fun, sexy, and well-written. I think it's a solid beach read - or meant for an afternoon by the pool.

If you are looking for a sweet romance , this one is not for you. But if you are looking for a book filled with extremely complex characters, not your every day romance , a hot SEAL, a strong woman , weapon traffickers and suspense, this one is for you.
This is Lucas’s story. Lucas is one of the three adoptive sons of Noah Tate, a billionaire that has recently died and has left each son a letter. Noah was not a great father and the invisible scars he left on each son are deep.
His letter has sent Lucas to protect Grace Riley. Grace is the widow of his best friend in the SEALs. She is an artist about to have her first show.
While protecting her , a relationship blossoms. But one that is doomed from the start. Lucas is “ice” and Grace is “fire”.
Never a dull moment during the entire story. But what I have come to love of Ms Ashenden is the complexity of her characters. She reminds us that what happens in our childhood stays with us forever. That what adults say and do to children, can make them flourish ,but in this case , can cause them to believe they are not worthy of love, or happiness and are marked forever. Can love help overcome these feelings?
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride with this book.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. and St Martin’s Press. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Lucas has been tasked with protecting Grace, his best friend and fellow SEAL's widow. From the moment they had first met, they did not really like each other. Grace is warmth and light to Lucas's cold and icy nature. Their dislike of each other is actually a front for emotions that they don't want to acknowledge. Lucas prides himself on his control but will he be able to control the inexplicable chemistry that sizzles between them ?
The wicked billionaire was a lovely surprise, definitely not what I was expecting. It was a very different read from the first book. The multitude of emotions in the book had me enthralled. Can't wait to read what the author has in store of Wolf Tate.