This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it! It was sweet, and sexy, with some fun romantic suspense in there too!

Alice Thurber is a small town New Jersey bookkeeper. She had dreams of being a high-powered CPA, but her family's financial situation always hinged on the "insider tips" and whims of her step-father's next scheme. One of those schemes involved him losing her college fund, so she ultimately turned to the local community college's bookkeeper program. Numbers always add up, so they've always been a comfort to Alice. Until, all of a sudden, they don't. When she finds very small discrepancies in several of her client's accounts, that are all using the same software, she can't figure out what's happened. She contacts a big financial consulting firm in NYC to help her solve her problem, but she never expects how the entire situation will change her life.

Derek Killion is a rock star of the financial world. He and his two best friends from business school founded KRG and, with a few bumps in the road along the way, have made it a roaring success. They're so successful they don't want to forget their humble beginnings, so they launch a pro bono small business initiative on their website, where smaller financial companies can ask for their assistance with issues. When they receive their first request for help, Derek is thrilled. But he has no idea how dangerous the situation actually is, or how attracted he'll be to Alice. When their lives end up in jeopardy, will he be able to protect them both?

Derek and Alice had mega chemistry, and I loved watching them dance around it at the beginning. Alice thought she was imagining things about Derek's attraction to her, as she has a skewed self-image, from growing up with a former model for a mother. She doesn't think herself attractive enough to snag a man as gorgeous as Derek. Derek has his own issues about his good looks. Everyone assumes he's a playboy, and they don't take him seriously in relationships because of it. They both have lingering issues from their childhoods, and what their parents' expectations did to them. They both had to be willing to lay their cards on the table, as each of them are numbers people, and neither did well with subtle signals. I liked that they tried their best to be honest with each other about their feelings.

The side characters here were really great and engaging, and I'm excited to see that one of Derek's partners, computer wiz Leland, and one of Alice's friends, gym trainer Dawn, will be the couple in book 2! They all left me wanting more info about them and their backgrounds, so I can't wait to dig into their stories! Hopefully that means Tully and Natalie will be book 3!

Some of the things I wished we'd seen a bit more of included Alice's relationship with her mother. When Alice thinks about their interactions in her past, her mother seems kind of like THE WORST, but when we actually see her on page, she just seems like she's struggling to know how to handle the relationship with a daughter so different from herself. I was curious to know more about her, and her relationship with Alice's step-father. I would've also liked to see Alice have a real talk with her about how her past decisions impacted Alice. I felt that aspect of the story was still pretty unfinished. Also, I was curious to know more about Derek's family, and if he still talked to anyone else, though he and his father were clearly estranged. Additionally, Derek and Alice both had random internal thoughts about his ex-fiancee during the book, but they never actually had a conversation about her, which I thought was a bit strange. I would certainly have had questions about that relationship if I were Alice!!

The suspense story line was good, and added to my enjoyment of the story. I liked the setup and how everything rolled out. I really enjoyed how well Alice and Derek worked together to solve the mystery, and how his partners were all in with him on it as well.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed this new-to-me author, and I'm excited to read more in this series!

4.5 Stars

This is the first book in The Consultants series by Nancy Herkness.

I have become a big fan of Herkness’s writing over the last year or so. I just stumbled upon her one day and was so glad I did.

Basic premise: This book features the men of KRG Consulting. Alice Thurber is an accountant at a small self-owned firm where she does the books of about seven or so companies. She purchased some software from what seemed like a USA based company that was on the up and up. But little discrepancies start showing up in her client’s accounts. Just small amounts that they don’t want her to worry about. But she is still concerned. So she contacts KRG through their small business initiative. What they uncover is a bigger kettle of fish than any of them realized.

I enjoyed the play between Derek Killion and Alice Thurber. At first it was all business between them and it took Alice awhile to realize that this movie star looking man could have any interest in her. She was small town and he was big city.

I though the author played well between the suspense of the mystery part of the book and the budding romance between Derek and Alice. It all flowed rather nicely just like I have come to expect from Herkness’s writing.

This is a series I will definitely want to continue with. Herkness does series well. She has a few in her pocked and I highly recommend them to all the romance lovers out there. If you love a good romantic suspense book, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

This is another fab read from this author. This is a well written story with just enough mystery to keep you hooked. This story follows Alice and Derek, these characters were really well developed and very likeable. This book has love, giggles, espionage, mystery, twists and turns, danger and plenty of heat. This book has a fantastic ending, can't wait for more in this series from the other characters.



i voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

I received an advanced readers copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This was my first book by Nancy Herkness. It did not disappoint! I must say the cover did draw me in!
I went into this thinking it was about a small business accountant (Alice) that would eventually fall in love with the extremely wealthy man, who also happened to be an accountant(Derek).

Boy was I wrong! This was full of happy moments of the MCs getting to know each other, some spy work by them and lots of action!

What starts the story is when Alice finds a small discrepancy in several of her clients month end books, this has only happened since she and the companies she does bookkeeping for have begun using a newer software.
By chance she sees an ad that Derek had placed to help out small business like his and his two partners once had before it became a globally known firm.

What starts out as something small that a small business bookkeeper stumbles upon, turns into something the FBI need to be involved in!
While both investigating to see what is going on with this companies software, Alice and Derek begin to fall for each other.
Who knew a bookish cat lady would fall for an attractive rich accountant?
Definitely a good read! Would suggest to any romance lovers.

Sweet, sexy, romantic.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was such a great story. What I thought might be a little dry due to the job descriptions - shame on me - actually was a sexy and heated story with a bit of intrigue too! Who knew what was behind that numbers guy's suit and running through that brain...yum.

The author treated us to a unique and interesting twist on a numbers game and I love the connection that she built between the two main characters. Flirty and spicy,, with a touch of thrills and suspense, made this a delight to read and highly engaging too!

This was my first book by this author, but i will definitely be looking for more from her!

I've been going back and forth on my rating for this one, because it took a WHILE before it drew me in. Had I not committed to reading an ARC, I'm not sure that I would've stuck with it - but it improves significantly once you settle into the characters and the writing style. I can honestly say that I've never read a romantic suspense novel that features two workaholic accountants (one of which is kind of an introverted cat lady), but that's exactly what this is. It's half serious, half sexy, with characters who are reserved during the day but heat up the bedroom at night. An interesting combination, right?

The story follows Alice, a bookkeeper who works on smaller accounts. She didn't grow up with the best family, so she has some self-esteem issues and keeps mostly to herself. When she notices some discrepancies in her clients' records, she looks into it and finds herself meeting Derek, an accountant from a prestigious firm. While things start out all business between them, it's not long before they're spending time together for personal reasons. They soon find themselves stirring up trouble that neither one anticipated, which is made even more complicated by the personal connection they've developed.

Something about the writing style took a long time to grow on me - I'm not sure if it's the characters themselves (who are reserved and slightly boring individuals), or if it was the formal feel. Either way, it took some time for me to get into this, but I ended up enjoying it. There are still things I would change - Alice's self-esteem issues grated after awhile, her assumptions about Derek were never fully addressed, and their connection was too business-focused for me to believe they're in love at the end - but there was a lot that I liked. Enough that I would probably check out the next book in the series to see if that one works better for me. Herkness writes intimacy well (and I'm not just talking about the numerous steamy scenes), and I grew to like both Alice and Derek by the end. It's got hints of suspense that don't overwhelm the story, adding in a little action to keep things moving forward. Ultimately, this lands firmly between 3 and 4 stars for me - it didn't blow me away but I liked it. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this serious, steamy romance.

What a wild ride. This is a contemporary romance with regency thrown in. Fun characters really drive this story. I didn't put this down from the time I opened it until I was done. Even then I was wanting more.

An overall nice romantic read, a little slow at times, but likeable characters and a nice enough story, I did find the accountancy figures got a bit boring at times, but pleasant enough read.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Thanks goes to the author, publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of The Money Man by Nancy Herkness, and the chance to read and review, prior to release. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The Money Man is the first book in Ms. Herkness’s nest series, The Consultants. As with Ms. Herkness’s novels, The Money Man is well written with characters that pull you into the story, and a plot that will tug on your heartstrings.

Alice Thurber is the heroine, and while she has a definite quirky side, I adored her from the first page until the last. Alice has mommy issues since her mother was a model and gorgeous while Alice doesn’t believe she is. I thoroughly enjoy how that sub-plot resolves. Her lack of self-esteem makes it difficult for her to accept that the hero wants her.

Derek Killion is an amazing hero, one that will appeal to women young and old. He is dedicated to his work and feels no woman will put up with his workaholic tendencies. Then he meets Alice, the precise, numbers addicted individual he is. She’s everything he wants in a woman. I loved his pursuit, and his determination to convince Alice to take him seriously.

The romance between Alice and Derek pulled me in. Their sexual banter is humorous, the chemistry is off the charts. I enjoyed their romance a great deal and was rooting for them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy contemporary romances with drop-dead good-looking filthy rich heroes and an endearing heroine, then you will love The Money Man as much as I. I can’t wait to read the next book in this awesome series. Congratulations to Ms. Herkness for giving her readers another winner. Happy reading!

This story is reminiscent of a Julie Garwood book in the way the characters are developed. They are perfect, with only minor flaws. Super Smart. Beautiful. No apparent vices. It works, though, just as it always works in a Garwood book.

Our heroine is a nice, quiet woman who discovers a discrepancy in her bookkeeping, so she contacts an organization who helps small businesses. Enter our hero, a dashing man who heavily favors a character from the heroine’s favorite Georgette Heyer novel.

Of course, sparks follow as well as danger and intrigue. All in all, I spent an enjoyable morning reading an enjoyable book.

Think a romance between two accountants is destined to be a snooze fest? Think again! Nancy Herkness has created a story filled with mystery, danger, intriguing characters, and sizzling romance that reeled me in and refused to let go.

Derek and Alice are adorable together. I enjoyed their set-the-sheets-on-fire chemistry and the surprisingly sexy math humor only the two of them "get." Derek is such a good guy. I love how protective he is of Alice but also how much he likes, respects, admires, and desires her. His grand gesture at the end of the book will win the heart of every regency romance fan who picks up this book. And buttoned-up Alice, when she finally steps out of her tightly controlled comfort zone, has all the makings of a truly awesome, kick-ass heroine...with an analytical brain and a cat-loving, marshmallow heart.

The secondary characters add another layer of richness - and danger - to the story. Natalie and Dawn are the kind of friends every woman should have in her corner. We see enough of Leland and Tully, Derek's partners at KRG, to have me salivating for their stories. And, let me just say, Nancy Herkness knows how to create a truly chilling, and realistic, villain. Don't turn your back on these guys.

If you're looking for fast-paced action, likable characters, twists and turns, sizzling chemistry, a touch of danger, and a swoon-worthy happy ending, I enthusiastically recommend The Money Man by Nancy Herkness.

4.5 Stars
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley.
*All opinions are unbiased and my own.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read it in one sitting. The characters were believable though the story like was predictable. I enjoyed the bookkeeping/accounting side of the story, it was just enough that it was intriguing without being over the top or boring. The small numbers did seem to be a little pedantic but in the grand scheme it would add up.
The romance between the two main characters was built up nicely, they seemed to have a solid connection. I like that whilst the leading man was a rich, and slightly arrogant guy he had that guy next door feeling that made himloveable.
Over all a great book for romance readers who love a sweet but predictable plot.

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake romance for making an ARC available to me to read voluntarily.

First things first: I am SO excited that this is the start of a new series from Nancy Herkness. I’ve read (and loved) many of her books, but her Wager of Hearts seriesis my ultimate fave. And there are enough echoes of that series filled with brilliant billionaires in The Money Man to make me very, very happy.

Other things that make me happy and feature in this book include, but are not limited to, a strong, smart heroine (Alice is *chef’s kiss* perfect), nobly named cats, a fast-paced plot, a healthy appreciation for buckskin breeches, an absolutely swoonworthy epilogue, and several secondary characters who I hope to see return in future books.

Well-written, well-crafted, and well-plotted, The Money Man is a surefire read; one to get the blood pumping, the heart racing, and the one-click finger working. Highly recommend!

Another winner, and everything I’ve come to expect from Nancy Herkness. The leads are gorgeous, naturally, but I love that it’s the hero who points out that just because he’s a hottie doesn’t mean he’s a slut. Don’t judge a book, etc. And the heroine’s a nerdy cat lady, but she still likes going to the gym and drinking with her friends. Don’t make assumptions! And also, the sex is really hot, naturally. A great start to a new series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Money Man was an interesting story, that on the surface didn't really excite me, but once I got into it, it became an intriguing and engaging read that went in a direction it's fair to say, I wasn't expecting, but it soon pulled me in.

Plus, the two main characters Alice and Derek were likable, but not typical, for instance, Derek although wealthy, successful, and hot wasn't the least bit arrogant or play-boyish. Yet Alice, I couldn't get a read on and although I liked her I honestly couldn't connect with her and I found all her references to Regency Novels and Derek looking like some duke or other very distracting.

Yet, saying that it was an enjoyable, descriptive, and well-written story that had a few hot moments, and a touch of mystery. And as a new author to me, I would certainly check out more books by Ms Herkness in the future, I would also recommend The Money Man to others.

**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

This was an enjoyable romance between two well-matched people and a good start to a new series. Derek and Alice were both smart, competent and financially oriented in their work life. They bonded over their mutual love of math and of liking everything to be neatly tied up and explainable. They were attracted to each other as soon as they met and they didn't waste much time in getting together. As an accountant myself, I appreciated that although their passion for numbers was obvious, neither of them was depicted as boring or otherwise lacking in their personal lives. In fact, they had so much in common that I could totally see their relationship working out long-term. This was an easy, low-key, low-conflict romance with some suspense thrown in regarding potential malfeasance in the accounting software that Alice installed on behalf of some of her clients.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alice just wants the accounts to balance!

Bookkeeper Alice Thurber knew that numbers never lied but when seven clients used a new program and four had problems. Alice doubted the program was the problem so she figured that she was the problem so she contacted KRG Consulting Group because they offered to help small businesses free of charge to help her find the issue. Derek Killion’s area of expertise was accounting so when the small business help site got a question he decided to help but when he was stumped he decided to meet Alice in person.

Alice’s never giving up and raising questions lead to much bigger questions that lead Alice and Derek into something dangerous for them! Alice would have never met Derek except for her wanting to make everything balance.

Not many romance books have a couple where numbers are what bring the couple together but it does make a really good story and the start of a series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The money man is the first volume in Nancy Herkness’ new series titled The consultants. I think there will be three books. Indeed, Derek Killion, the hero, cofounded a firm with two friends, Tully Gibson and Leland Rockwell. The two other books should be their stories.

Nancy only writes contemporary romance and I like her books a lot. Her heroes are very kind and there is a very good evolution regarding the love story. I wasn’t disappointed by The money man.

Alice Thurber is our heroine. She believes in one thing : numbers. For her, numbers never lie. That’s why she became a freelance bookkeeper. Her clients are small businesses (hairstyling salon…). She’s very thorough so when she notices a mistake in her calculation with some of her clients, she goes into a panic even though the sum is not important. She asks the help of a big firm which offers free assistance for small businesses in difficulty.
That’s when our hero comes. He founded KRG Consulting Group with his friends. KRG is a consultant firm in bookkeeping. Each one has a specialty : Derek is the accountant, Tully is the head of security and former FBI agent, and Lelan is tech expert.
Even if the company is now flourishing and the three friends are billionaire, they had a lot of problems at the beginning and without the help of their mentors, they could have given up. Derek created a branch, the Small Business Initiative, in the spirit of keeping his feet firmly on the ground. Indeed, Alice’s situation knocks him off his pedestal. At first, he thinks that he can help her with his eyes closed but nothing happens as he expected.

Alice and Derek first speak to each other on the phone. But the hero is haughty and expeditious what Alice doesn’t like at all. So their first encounter is very cold and Alice puts quickly Derek in his place. However the attraction between them is immediate. Yet each one has some reservations. Alice is a very clever woman. She’s not breathtaking but she has a lot of charm. Sadly, she doesn’t believe in her power of seduction. Derek has been left at the alter by his fiancee some time ago. Plus he has to go to Asia soon for an undefined time. So he’s not ready for a new relationship.
The evolution of the love story is well led. We see the encounter, the hesitations, the acceptation of their feelings and of course their HEA with a very good decision.
As usual with Nancy Herkness, there are numerous well described and sensual hot scenes. That’s the modern romance side in her books some readers don’t like a lot.

The suspense and the fact that it’s solved at the end of the book are what surprised me in it. Besides the love story, our heroes join forces in order to resolve the investigation. That’s when Derek shows his alpha side – possessive and protective. On one hand, while he’s very busy, he doesn’t want his associates to deal with the situation. What’s more, he wants to protect the heroine at any price. The latter is very naive and that can make readers grind their teeth but she believes in humanity so we forgive her this little « flaw ».

To conclude, I loved this book. I liked everything in it. I don’t know who the next heroines will be and I can’t wait to know more about that.

Alice is a small time book keeper who prides herself on keeping everything in balance. So when small discrepancies start popping up in her clients books, Alice is unable to push it aside and contacts a consultant firm,KRG for help.
Derek, one of the cofounders of KRG started Small business initiative in an attempt to support the small businesses. And when he gets Alice’s email he is intrigued and sure it will not take long to solve. But this problem turns out more complicated than he thought and Alice more captivating than he expected.
This book was a pleasant surprise. The mystery keep me hooked, and turning the pages. It is a very well written book with some wonderful characters, who share some undeniably hot chemistry. Overall a very entertaining and charming read.

Derek is a CEO who volunteers time to help small businesses with their issues if they contact the company he owns. He is an enigmatic character who made me snort at times and swoon over him. For being a person with a lot of responsibility, he is always quite laid back.

Alice is a perfectionist when it come to her business but for this story it hides an interior of a person who knows what she wants but sometimes is too afraid to get it. I can understand her reluctance at times to get involved with Derek but at the same time she is determined to get answers and that determination gets her in trouble.

These two work together well because they are opposites, the calm to the storm, the crazy duo at times work together in sync too. I am so glad I got the chance to read this book, it is my first by Nancy but it will not be my last, that is for sure!

Definitely recommended.