Member Reviews
'The Billionaires' by Calista Fox is book One in the "Lover's Triangle" series. This is the story of Jewel Catalano, Rogen Angelini, and Vin D'Angelo who started off as friends when they were younger. Rogen was Jewel's first love but a family feud had broken that up. Now years later...Jewel is looking to talk to Rogen's brother Gian Angelini about a deal for a piece of land for an exchange for a rare Angelini scotch. Jewels had surprised emotions when seeing Rogen again. When she ups and leaves the party she was at after seeing Rogen she runs into Vin. Vin was unaware of Rogen and Jewels sexual relationship and thought that it had just be a friendly relationship. Rogen and Vin have shared women before but can they share Jewel? Jewel is confused about feeling attracted to both guys...how will she handle this new feeling for them?
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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4 1/2 STARS!
Steaming with erotic passion! You must be okay with menage to enjoy this book! -- I enjoyed the raw passion shared between the characters and enjoyed the family dynamic being brought into the story as well. I felt like the scenes with Bayli & Scarlet drug a bit and they almost felt like a distraction that wasn't needed. Now that I realize their stories are coming soon, I get why they were there, but I feel like they could have been incorporated a little smoother. Really enjoyed the book and will look forward to more!
Jewel Catalano, Rogan Angelini and Vin D'Angelo grew up as the best of friends in California's wine country. As they aged and grew into their own identities, Jewel and Rogan became each other's first loves, dreaming of a bright future. When a bitter family feud between their father's began over a business deal, their idyllic childhood ended. Rogan was sent away to school, forcing him and Jewel to end their relationship. Over time, Vin picked up the pieces of her broken heart and they began planning their own life together ... only to come to a screeching halt over what would later be found out to be a misunderstanding or two.
Years have passed since Jewel has seen either of them, although Rogan and Vin continued their close friendship. Now she's returning to River Cross for a business venture and crosses paths with the loves of her life once again. She can't deny her body's pull to either one of them, and upon learning they like to share their women these days, she sets out to make sure she's next on the menu! As past love flares back up and the family feud continues, will they be able to actually make a relationship work between the three of them?
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. Calista Fox gives her readers something for everyone, a fantastic second chance love story elevated to the next level because it's not about a guy and a girl, but a guy, a girl and their best friend. It's also a story of unconventional love and if all the parties consent not only can it work but it can thrive.
Jewel, Rogen and Vin have been best friends all their lives. Jewel and Rogen's families have been friends for years so naturally the children where friends and Vin losing his parents at a young age was made part of Rogen's family. Then the unspeakable happened that ripped the families apart and seperated Rogen and Jewel just as their young romance starts. Left behind Vin and Jewel's friendship grows along with their feelings but it didn't last. Now 8 years later the 3 are forced back together to fight for their future and reconnect with one another in a whole new way. Can they make it work despite their families and perception of their love for one another?
What I love about Ms Fox's stories is her character development and dialog between her characters, both are written with sophistication and honesty. The story is fast paced that takes the reader on a journey of discovery as well as an adventure that the three main characters go on is fun, sexy and truthful. The great thing is that the story seems like it could really happen between these characters.
All in all if you are looking for a romance that to me is more than just a typical menage then you will want to definitely read The Billionaires.
JEWEL, ROGEN and VIN = A Grand Tasting
Have you ever been in love with someone who is already in love with someone else? Or you in love with someone while also falling in love with someone else. This is The Billionaires – the perfect love triangle and it doesn’t get any hotter than this trio.
In this beautiful erotic series, I just discovered the genius of Calista Fox. The first installment is gorgeously written and suspenseful. She combines California wine country, a rich gorgeous heroine, two wicked and irresistible men with a generous sprinkling of hot, spicy and overheated sex.
Jewel Catalano returns to her hometown to try and purchase a plot of land that has been held as ransom and blackmail between two dueling powerful families of the local wine country: Catalano and Angelini. Romeo and Juliet with a side of kink!!
Jewel is busying working for her family’s empire by acquiring rare items for discerning clients. That’s her unicorn and she is great at it. She reunites with her first love and also with the man who taught her the joys of uninhibited sex. All three of them were childhood best friends.
When Rogen is sent away, she is left heartbroken with Vin to pick up the pieces. Along the way, they fall in love. Years later upon her return, she discovers she still loves them and they are madly in love with her. So, what’s a girl to do with two hot male specimens whose sole purpose in life is to make her moan? Can she have her cake and eat it too!
I have read many love triangles. It’s kind of my thing! All the things I like about the genre makes this one of the best! Even with its taboo subject, it embedded with such realism. The kind of realism with complications, frustrations, happiness, bitterness and jealousy. And that’s why I love this story. It’s not a perfect romance with Jewel, Rogen and Vin. It sizzles with fire and passion while uncovering family secrets with profound sacrifices. I could not part with this story as I read it on a plane and on the subway. I look forward to more spice from this series. A must-read and #KINKapproved!!
This is definitely a sexually driven story. I say this up front for those of you who might not like that in your romance books or would prefer it not to be so abundant. Because this is abundant.
This was a really delicious read for me. I like sexually driven stories. The relationship that Jewel had with Vin and Rogen was a full circle relationship. What I mean by that is that both these men put together made the perfect man LOL Where one was sweet the other was demanding. Where one was a constant the other was a surprise. They both made Jewel whole. It was a beautifully developed menage romance. So well developed and unfolded that it could easily have turned into a triad. But alas, that's not what the author wanted to tell so .....
If you like your stories sexually driven and enjoy reading menage romances, I would highly recommend this book for you.
Copy provided for blog tour review
Unfortunately, I have chosen to DNF this title. I was not able to engage with the characters, although I gave it a couple of tries. There was something about them, they never felt like actual people to me, and this made it difficult for me to believe the story.
Thanks,
Laura
3.5 stars on this one!
Jewel, Rogen and Vin grew up together. Jewel and Rogen had a quick relationship that left her heartbroken when he was forced by his parents to leave town (you have to read to find out why they had him leave town). Jewel and Vin began a relationship when she was a senior in high school and he stood her up at prom.
Jewel is a Senior Vice President of Acquisitions for Catalano Enterprises. She secures rare possessions to seal her most lucrative deals. She has best friends, Baylie and Scarlet, to help her find these deals. Her ultimate deal is about to happen and it involves land and Rogan, whom she hasn't seen in a really long time.
Rogen is COO of Angelini, Inc. and Vin is his company's attorney.
What happens when Jewel crashes a party at Rogen's parent's home and she sees Rogen and Vin? She soon finds out she has feelings for both....still. Soon the menage unfolds into a hot book!
I enjoyed most of this book because I like Calista Fox's writings. However, I felt the whole story was all over the place and unfortunately, the story was too predictable, in my opinion. It was just an ok story for me, is why I gave it a 3.5.
I love a friends to lovers to enemies to lover story! Add in the menage element and I'm hooked! The tension between the families, the old hurts that still haunt added an intriguing depth to the story. I loved how Jewel, Rowen and Vin interacted. The friendship between the three outlasting time and distance and painful hurts. I couldn't help but root for the three of them to get their acts together--to communicate their needs, wants, desires and to get the "truth" out in the open. Then of course deal with the family feud that fester for too many years. I want to go back and read and experience it all again!
100 Shades of Sin...
In The Billionaires, Calista Fox delivers a sexy and sensuous friends-to-lovers tale with a delicious love triangle twist.
Jewel Catalano, Rogen Angelini, and Vin D'Angelo had been childhood best friends, spending every possible moment with one another. Rogen became her first love, the first one to show her what pleasure could be. Until a volatile feud erupted between their powerful California wine country families and she and Rogen were torn apart from each other. What she didn't expect was to find comfort and passion like she had never known in Vin's arms and bed. But when that too ended in disaster, Jewel moved to San Francisco to work for the Catalano empire. Years later, a series of daring acquisitions brings Jewel back to River Cross, the hometown where Rogen and Vin have recently returned as well. Jewel has the curves, the smarts, and the success to bring any man to his knees—especially the two men who remained best friends and still burn to possess her.
Mixing family business with erotic pleasure ignites a smoldering love triangle. But in order to pull off the bold deal that will build the trios’ own legacy and to stay in their heady, sensual paradise, they must discover what true love really is—or lose everything their hearts' desire.
Author Bio:
Calista Fox is a former PR professional, now writing fast-paced, steamy books to set readers’ pulses racing. She has won many Reviewer’s and Reader’s Choice Awards, as well as Best Book Awards. Calista has crossed the country many times over by corporate jet and travels internationally, always with her laptop in tow to capture intriguing story elements and exotic locales! She is also a member of Romance Writers of America and a Past President/Advisor of the Phoenix chapter. Her books include the Lovers Triangle and the Burned Deep series.
Review:
After reading the Bayfront Billionaires series I was very excited to get the chance to read this full length story in the new series, Lover's Triangle. many of the people, places and happenings cross over so far between the two series.
This is the story of Rogen, Jewel and Vin. Friends and eventually lovers since they were teenagers. Family issues and misunderstandings tear them apart and cause years of hurt feelings and grudges. Jewel is now after a piece of land that is shared by hers and Rogen's family. With a mission to get the land to run a business on her own Jewel comes up with a plan, with the plan comes the unexpected help of Rogen and reluctantly Vin. As they work on getting the land, they all become closer and have to work through Jewel loving both men and how that is handled by the three of them, their families and everyone else.
This was an excellent story! I thought the Bayfront series was a perfect getting your feet wet read for this new series, I felt as though I already knew these people and had a vested interest in them. It is intensely sexy, but really has a lot of heart to the story. Though if ménage is not your thing, then this may not be the book for you. I have not idea what is up next in this series, but cannot wait to find out!!!
4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
We first meet Jewel Catalano is beautiful, smart and is trying to make a deal . She crashes a Angelini party since her family and Angelini have a friend feud
Which makes Jewel and Rogen forced apart when they were young
Jewel was Rogen first love. Jewel braces herself to face the Angelini father and Rogen.
So many things happen in the book that was amazing, and I really enjoyed this book so much
I would read anything this author writes
I knew this was going to be a spicy read from the beginning and the author did not disappoint me. 3 best friends in a love triangle, who wouldn't want that?
The author not only brought us plenty of steam and a long lasting love connection between Jewel and Rogen, but the added surprises between Jewel and Vin were a sweet treat! Too bad we didn't get any action between the guys. That would have been icing on the cake!
I enjoyed the well developed story along with a bit of mystery to keep it interesting. The only detracting part for me was the "big secret" between the families was a a bit of a let down. I was looking for something HUGE!
Overall, if you are looking for some heated reads, this one does not disappoint! Solid writing and an interesting story that is unique and captivating. A big PLUS in my book!
Watch out ladies & gentlemen! This books will melt your kindles with all the hot sexy scenes that Calista gives us with The Billionaires. This book is hot, sexy, and very complicated. You have family feuds, and lost loves. You have hurt, anger, and lust all wrapped into one. I was just in awe with this book and how the MFM Romance intertwines with their modern day business and family complications.
Jewel rocks it in the business world. She knows how to talk her clients into accepting what she has to offer and making her very successful. She has a huge past with Rogen and Vin. And now she is ready to meet up with them after years of having to be apart. We know she was in love with Rogen in the past. When he broke her heart, Vin was there to show her passion and possibly love. They all shared this bond and now they might have a chance to rediscover this undying pull that they have for each other.
Rogen is the lover that takes care of you. Vin is rough and demanding. But together they give Jewel the best between both worlds. The complications given to them with their families are hard to overcome. The feud that has been in place for years. They get lost within each other and I was happy that they were not afraid to let the world see what they have.
Calista Fox never disappoints in the MFM Romance genre. This is a great read and I definitely recommend it!
What a downright sizzling ride! I loved this ménage book!!
Jewel Catalano wants a piece of property that is jointly owned by her family and the Angelini family. There has been a feud between the families and neither will sell their half of the land to the other. Jewel crashes an Angelini party to speak with the head of the Angelini family, Gian, about procuring the land in exchange for a rare Angelini scotch. She was prepared to see Gian, but when she sees Rogan, her childhood sweetheart, she's transported back in time. Rogan was her first love, but because of the feud, he was sent away to school in order to keep them apart. Feelings hit her hard and she's flustered.
As she's leaving the party, she spots Rogan's best friend, Vin, and was unprepared for the feelings he invoked as well. All her hurt feelings with him rise up and she lashes out. Rogan helps her and she's at a loss. Rogan was unaware of the connection Jewel and Vin forged when he was away at school. He doesn't understand but he can see there's definitely something there. She feels the intense chemistry of both men and starts a dance she's not sure she will survive.
Jewel tells them of her plan for the land. Neither believes the Angelini family will part with it, but Jewel is determined to develop the land and end the feud between the families. She's arranged for a bit of bartering to have the bargaining chip needed to win the land. The men decide to travel with Jewel to get what she needs for the land. And boy does it lead them into some hot and steamy nights!! Both men realize what they had with Jewel was something rare. They don't want to give it up now that she's back and neither does Jewel. But really, what do they have?? And can they handle everything involved with having what they all clearly want?? They have some conflicting emotions but decide to see where their arrangement leads them.
Jewel caves to her cravings of these two so very different lovers. Her attraction for each was off the charts! Rogan is sweet, gentle, and caring, where Vin is demanding, rougher, and adventurous. They both bring out a different side of her character. They both hurt her in the past and she's unsure of how to deal with her emotions that have been buried for a decade. Between Rogan's need to please and Vin's need to possess, she's got the best of both worlds and I really liked how the author dealt with her conflicting emotions. I felt them. And to do that is great writing!
I definitely was entertained with the storyline. It was intriguing and I liked how everything developed. I didn't feel the story was forced nor was the sex just thrown in. Everything fit. Pretty quickly the threesome acknowledged they couldn't live without each other. But there is a lot of people who like to spread gossip just to hurt. It was overwhelming, but they also knew what they have is not an everyday thing and it was worth fighting for. Yes logistics need to be addressed, and the idea of something considered taboo, but they were willing to try to do that for each other.
The Billionaires has the right mix of intrigue and sexy scenes that make you want them to succeed. The use of secondary characters helps keep the story moving and fresh. The families and best friends both gave insight to this story and hints at future reads! I loved that the three figured out how to communicate with each other and gave the acceptance needed of the past, and a hope for a future.
I read a lot of ménage books and this is one of the standouts!
reviewed by Deb
What a downright sizzling ride! I loved this ménage book!!
Jewel Catalano wants a piece of property that is jointly owned by her family and the Angelini family. There has been a feud between the families and neither will sell their half of the land to the other. Jewel crashes an Angelini party to speak with the head of the Angelini family, Gian, about procuring the land in exchange for a rare Angelini scotch. She was prepared to see Gian, but when she sees Rogan, her childhood sweetheart, she's transported back in time. Rogan was her first love, but because of the feud, he was sent away to school in order to keep them apart. Feelings hit her hard and she's flustered.
As she's leaving the party, she spots Rogan's best friend, Vin, and was unprepared for the feelings he invoked as well. All her hurt feelings with him rise up and she lashes out. Rogan helps her and she's at a loss. Rogan was unaware of the connection Jewel and Vin forged when he was away at school. He doesn't understand but he can see there's definitely something there. She feels the intense chemistry of both men and starts a dance she's not sure she will survive.
Jewel tells them of her plan for the land. Neither believes the Angelini family will part with it, but Jewel is determined to develop the land and end the feud between the families. She's arranged for a bit of bartering to have the bargaining chip needed to win the land. The men decide to travel with Jewel to get what she needs for the land. And boy does it lead them into some hot and steamy nights!! Both men realize what they had with Jewel was something rare. They don't want to give it up now that she's back and neither does Jewel. But really, what do they have?? And can they handle everything involved with having what they all clearly want?? They have some conflicting emotions but decide to see where their arrangement leads them.
Jewel caves to her cravings of these two so very different lovers. Her attraction for each was off the charts! Rogan is sweet, gentle, and caring, where Vin is demanding, rougher, and adventurous. They both bring out a different side of her character. They both hurt her in the past and she's unsure of how to deal with her emotions that have been buried for a decade. Between Rogan's need to please and Vin's need to possess, she's got the best of both worlds and I really liked how the author dealt with her conflicting emotions. I felt them. And to do that is great writing!
I definitely was entertained with the storyline. It was intriguing and I liked how everything developed. I didn't feel the story was forced nor was the sex just thrown in. Everything fit. Pretty quickly the threesome acknowledged they couldn't live without each other. But there is a lot of people who like to spread gossip just to hurt. It was overwhelming, but they also knew what they have is not an everyday thing and it was worth fighting for. Yes logistics need to be addressed, and the idea of something considered taboo, but they were willing to try to do that for each other.
The Billionaires has the right mix of intrigue and sexy scenes that make you want them to succeed. The use of secondary characters helps keep the story moving and fresh. The families and best friends both gave insight to this story and hints at future reads! I loved that the three figured out how to communicate with each other and gave the acceptance needed of the past, and a hope for a future.
I read a lot of ménage books and this is one of the standouts!
4.5 Stars/4 Flames
This book was gifted to me for an honest review. The review and ratings are solely my opinions.
Sexy, hot, steamy, passionate sex scenes that gave deliciously hot fantasies. Ménage fantasy built on years of friendship and past intimacies.
Beautiful Jewel has come in to her own. She had lived her life and build something for herself. But during that time, she has lost a piece of herself and only two men have ever come close to opening her up for the chance to truly be happy and fulfilled. Both Vin and Rogen have that other half of Jewel that makes her world come alive and her body sing, in different ways. When they all come together things sing for her in a whole new different way. One may sweet, sexy, gentle, loving. The other man raw, dominating, consuming, and loving. Each have their own way of making her feel appreciated.
If you like details and being informed, you will get that. There was lots of information shared on things that occurred between the three from the past. Jewel was the center stone for all that took place. Her dreams and desires for one single plot of land that lay in dispute between the two families parents. This was her way of claiming something for her.
I was entertained and allured by the dynamics of it all. There was more there than just the hot passion and fiery lust between the three. Be patient and let it all take hold of you and send you on an erotic journey.
FINAL DECISION: I liked this book, but I didn't want to read more. It was enough to read it once. The story set up was good, but I didn't think that the book truly developed and dealt the complexity of the relationship. I ended the book wondering if this relationship can last.
THE STORY: Jewel Catalano, Rogen Angelini and Vin D'Angelo were childhood friends. Rogen was Jewel's first love until the two ended up in a Romeo and Juliet situation with feuding Wine country families. Jewel turned to Vin but that also went wrong. Now Jewel has returned and she still can't seem to resist either man -- and maybe she doesn't want to.
OPINION: I wanted to like this book more. I liked the interaction between the characters and the complexity of menage relationship, but I thought that the story did not truly work through the issues with these characters. Instead, there was a lot of sexual scenes that did not advance the problems these characters have with their relationship.
I liked that there was real tension between these characters including jealously and worries about being the third wheel. At times those issues were addressed in this book...my complaint is that it wasn't addressed to the extent that the problem demanded.
I really had a problem with the history of the relationship between Jewel and Vin because the two managed to lie by omission to Rogen. I just couldn't respect Vin for taking up with his best friend's girl when they were teenagers. The supposedly close friendship and relationship between the characters seems false in light of the lies in the past.
I did think that the actual plot of the book where Jewel is working toward getting a piece of property in order to build an inn was more successful. I liked how the three traveled around putting together the deal and also having sexy adventures.
WORTH MENTIONING: This is a true menage story with emotional connections between the parties.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE BILLIONAIRES is the first book in the Lover's Triangle series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
I clicked to view the details on this one before remembering that, because I was invited to view the title via email, it would automatically be added to my shelf even without me requesting it. I never was interested in reading this one, but decided I'd give it a shot since I had it. I didn't make it more than a few chapters, I just wasn't feeling the story or characters.
Jewel, Rogen and Vin have known each other most of their lives. Rogen and Vin have both been in love with Jewel for over a decade but, Jewel has stayed away because she wasn't sure whether or not she would be welcomed by either man. Jewel's and Vin and Rogen's family have been feuding for years over a piece of land that is situated between each family's land. When Jewel and Rogen and Vin get together again, the heat is off the charts for all three of them. They get together to try to acquire the land from their respective families, only to meet severe resistance. This is a roller coaster ride of emotions, family angst, learning to fight for what is most important and helping others to do the same.
Same book and same characters. You know what I mean, the wealthy, the elite, then add in the Romeo and Juliet story and add lots of fluff, there you have this book
Modern day Romeo and Juliet star-crossed lover Jewel Catalano and Rogen Angelini meet again more than a decade after they have been separated. Jewel is determined to end the feud and she thinks she has just the right incentive to ease Rogen's father into agreement. What is different about this loosely reinterpreted story is the addition of Rogen's best friend, Vin D'Angelo. Vin is Benvolio to Rogen's Romeo.
I have never been a fan of Romeo and Juliet. I realize some hold this story up as the ultimate love story. I found it to be unnecessary foolishness which irked me to no end. Fortunately this story is neither foolish nor unnecessary. I liked the characters in this story. Jewel is a woman who uses her talent to come up with creative ways to make deals. She finds out what her client wants and finds a way to secure their "unicorn" to convince them to make a deal with her. I am impressed with what she does and I think it is fabulous. It is an intense job with high risks. Rogen is a mix of rugged outdoors guy and business suit for his father's large conglomerate. He is the sweet guy with looks, money and sex appeal. Vin is the dark horse. He grew up with both Jewel and Rogen. They were sort of like the three musketeers but more. His past with Jewel is just as complicated as Rogen's.
The misunderstandings in this story really hit hard. A lot of pain could have been alleviated if each of the characters talked it out. However, if they did, then there would be no story. This feud between the families is an odd one and one that doesn't make sense to Rogen, Jewel or Vin. As the ones taking the brunt of it, they suffer the most. This angst is well done as it isn't overly dramatic. What it is, is deliciously sensual because of the forbidden fruit of being together.
Ms. Fox certainly kicks up the heat in this menage with Vin, Jewel and Rogen. The lust between the three is smoking. I liked how it started out with Jewel and Rogen reuniting and then Vin and Jewel. The different relationship Jewel has with each man is a nice distinguishing factor. Vin's sexual prowness is more my speed with his rough intensity. Rogen's sweet and just as hawt love making basically gives Jewel the ability to have her cake and eat it too. This story is a nice blend of overcoming the past hurts and growing closer together. The sex scenes are obviously off the charts hawt, but this story is more than just the great sex. It is a story of love enduring and maturing over time. It is also about families coming together. When the real reason for the feud is revealed, it is shocking and almost too hurtful to bear. It is sad and there were really no good solutions that didn't lead to heart break. Sometimes, life is just unfair and Ms. Fox does a great job of showcasing it.
This erotic romance is recommended to mfm menage lovers who enjoy lovers reunited themes that result in a happily ever after.