This is the first book in the series. This is the first book by this author that I've read and it definitely won't be the last. I couldn't put this book down till I'd finished it, I was left wanting more. Even though this book reminds me of fifty shades it's still a fantastic story. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed and advance reader copy of this book

Things almost fell apart for Arden St. Ives and his not-quite-boyfriend, billionaire Caspian Hart. But Caspian agreed to try harder to open himself up to Arden and involve him more in his life. And Arden agreed that he will try to be more patient and understanding as Caspian works through his need to keep so much of himself hidden away. The reunion in Scotland, followed by some kinky plane sex, leads into the men moving forward with their relationship. Caspian is much more open with Arden and things are no longer all on his terms. Arden can see Caspian letting go more often, letting Arden in, even spending the night and going out on dates. Add in the explosive sex between them and in many ways it is everything Arden could want.

But Caspian still has his secrets, still has parts of himself he refuses to share. And while sometimes Arden is ok with that, there are other times he struggles. It is not just that he wants to know more about Caspian, but he can’t be there for him when he doesn’t understand what Caspian is going through. And it is clear that Caspian has a lot of things that he struggles with emotionally. Caspian worries that opening up to Arden, letting Arden see parts of him Caspian is afraid to bring to the light, will just send Arden away. But keeping Arden at a distance may drive a wedge between them as well. If Caspian really opens up to Arden, will it bring the men closer together? Or will it destroy the tentative relationship they have built?

How to Blow it with a Billionaire is the second story in Alexis Hall’s fabulous Arden St. Ives series and follows directly from the wonderful How to Bang a Billionaire. I really loved the first story and was super excited for the follow up and Hall really delivers with this second installment.

I think Hall advances things between the men just the right amount here. As readers, we can really see how hard Caspian is trying and how much he clearly cares about Arden. And we can tell Arden sees it too. Caspian is more open, there is more tenderness between them and more ease. We can see their connection growing from more than just a sexual encounter where Caspian keeps himself at a distance, to something much closer to a real relationship. Now I say closer, because Caspian doesn’t change completely here, nor would I expect him to at this point in the series. But we can really see the growth here in their relationship, which I think is important in this middle book in the trilogy, especially given where things end in the previous story.

What works here incredibly well is the way Hall strikes that perfect balance between the humor and fun of Arden as our narrator and the more poignant and intense moments in the story. That is something that I think is critical to making a series like this work, and Hall pulls it off so well. Yes, Arden is still a fabulous POV character. His self deprecation, his sense of humor, and his quirkiness make him such endearing and such a fun person to navigate the story. Here is an example from a scene that I just loved. It totally shows off Arden’s personality and humor, but it also perfectly captures Caspian’s vulnerability as well:

“Good God. What’s all this?”

“Just your standard, everyday, perfectly average collection of sexy toys.”

“I wouldn’t call this average, Arden. I would call it expansive. I mean–”

…

He covered his eyes with a hand. “I don’t know what to say.”

“How about: I respect your commitment to self-pleasure.”

“This is quite the commitment.”

…

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Just do you..are we…am I not satisfying you?”

“Where did that come from? I love sexy times with you.”

“Well.” His frown intensified. “I can’t help but notice you have gathered masturbatory aids with the determination of a squirrel preparing for a long winter.”

I couldn’t help giggling at the image. Arden St. Ives: wanksquirrel."

But what really makes this story work is that alongside this humor and lightness, there is a real depth and intensity to the story. We hit a lot of deeper notes here, from Arden finding the direction for his life, to his friendship with Ellory, to an accident that befalls a friend. And mostly importantly, as we just begin to unlock some of Caspian’s secrets. Hall builds this element in quite deliciously right from the start. First off, we have the title. There is no hiding that something is going to happen here. And second, the book starts with a prologue from an unknown POV. I don’t want to go into it too much, but this person is sharing thoughts on Caspian and it’s dark and insidious. So we know there is this malevolence out there, but we don’t really understand what it means or who it is until the story develops. So these two things played so perfectly in the back of my mind as the light and fun stuff is happening, just waiting to see how it would all come together. And let me say the ending here is so perfectly done. Yes, you might hate Hall a little bit because we have to wait for the next book to see how it plays out. But the way he so masterfully puts all these pieces in play over the course of the two books to let it all come together at the end here is just fabulous. I am anxious for the next book, but happily so, because I just loved how this was all done so well.

So yes, I am dying for the third book (which looks to be out in a couple of months). And this one definitely leaves a cliffhanger. But it is so worth it. I just love this series and think this is another fabulous installment. If you haven’t started it yet, go grab the first book and get yourself ready for a great ride.

I totally fell for these characters in book 1. And getting more of them is just a bonus.
Alexis Hall is a favourite, I just want to read all his words, all the time.

I need, NEED to find out what happens to Ardy and Caspian because that ending!!!

in true middle of a trilogy style, this book is pain and angst and darkness. how to blow it with a billionaire picks up right where book 1 left off. and then the hits start coming.

it's not that caspian doesn't love ardy. he does. he just doesn't know how to have a healthy relationship. he doesn't know how to accept that what he gives ardy is exactly everything ardy wants. and the more he tries to deny that dominant part of him, the more he actually damages the core of their relationship.

this book doesn't end with a cliffhanger per se. but ardy and caspian are not in a good place, so if you are going to binge-read the series, wait until book 3 comes out next week.

**how to blow it with a billionaire published on december 12, 2017. i received a digital copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever) in exchange for my honest review.

This book really should have been titled "How A Billionaire Blows It" because seriously Caspian?!? Just when I was warming up to you, dare I say even liking you?!? You had to go and pull that crap?? What were you thinking Mr. Billionaire man? Ugh.

I really did love this book much more than the first. I liked that we got to know more about Caspian, although he was still keeping himself pretty closed off. Arden is just so precious, I don't know how anyone could deny him anything. I felt like their relationship was growing in the right direction, even if there was still a definite power imbalance between them.
Ardy was coming into his own, while I wish Caspian would recognize that some things were beyond his control-he really needs to face what happened in the past, acknowledge and work on it. But he's so stubborn, much to his detriment, and Arden's heartbreak!

I am glad I was pretty late to this series, so I was able to jump right into book 3. I can't imagine having to wait over a year, after that ending! Caspian really needs to get himself together!

Oh. Mm. Gee. The ending of this book is definitely why I waited for the series to be complete before reading. It hurt so good. But before that there were quite a few lovely moments of course. I thought I might have guessed what was going to cause the dark moment but my thought was completely pedestrian compared to how it actually played out.

On a lighter note, Arden is such a fun character. Even when it’s sad he still made me smile.

Thank you NetGalley for the free copy! I snagged this the weekend it was free. :)

This is my review of the complete series:

I got an ARC of the final book in the series, so I binge read all three books in a week. What an emotional journey this has been. As usual I find myself lost for words when it comes to reviewing Alexis Hall’s books, so this won't be a very eloquent or coherent review, I'm afraid. I tend to have a very emotional reaction to his stories which makes my reviews more personal than usual.

On the surface and judging by the titles ans covers this is a billionaire m/m romance but the more I read the more I saw it as a story about two people with troubled pasts find their ways to each other. A bildungsromans of sorts for Ardy in particular, but very much for Caspian too.

The story is told exclusively from Ardy's POV and I loved the easy flow and multitude of things going on that made me eager to keep reading in order to find out how it will end.

Something, Alexis Hall does really, really well in my opinion is the creation of characters who feel real, human, with flaws and strengths. And this was very much the case here. It's not just Ardy and Caspian but almost every minor character was interesting and I got engaged in their stories.

I found Ardy so easy to relate to - we see him navigating University, graduation, first serious job, making new friendships and keeping close the old ones, first attempt at a serious relationship. And the pressure there was not because Caspian was a billionaire, it was because of who Caspian is- a trauma survivour riddled with guilt and shame, refusing to accept his past, desperately trying to be someone different than who he is.

It's a very emotional story both for Ardy and Caspian. Lots of mistakes get made and it's one of the things I particularly liked int he story. The way none of the characters are perfect and they don't always know the right thing to do/say but Ardy is very keen to listen and to learn, Caspian is more reluctant but still ready to make sincere apologies and amends for his mistakes. Even Nathaniel whom I got hate at some point despite understanding the terrible position he found himself to be, so even he is not malicious and only had the best intentions and is ready to admit he has been wrong/misguided in his approach to everything.

I want to say a few words how trauma is handled in this series. It's not there for shock value or for tragedy p0rn, it's presented a complex issue that needs professional handling, one that affects the deepest corners of one's soul. There is no easy way to deal with it and no magic peen can cure it.

On that note, I am very happy to say that despite the heavy emoptional content of the books none of it due to queerphobia. The issues the characters deal with have nothing to do with them being gay. And the books are so effortlessly queer, it's a joy to read. No token marginalisation, no fetishising, lots of queer characters interacting in multitude of ways - as friends, lovers, in professional capacity.

I also want to mention how much I loved Ardy's family and how important I found the episode with his biological father. It was disturbing but also very much needed to show a different aspect of Ardy's personality. We get a first-hand look at how powerful manipulation can be, how dangerous people like Ardy's father can be and how Ardy is noting like that.

Caspian and Ardy spent most of book 3 apart, they are both involved with other people, they cheat on them. It was a wild ride, I cried and laughed and wanted to hug them and make it all better for everyone. But I also see how they needed that time apart, how it was important for them to work through their issues on their own before trying to be together. Because we know they can be good together, we saw that already in the previous book.

All in all, I love how Alexis Hall takes apart the conventions of the romance genre and re-arranges them to come up with an unforgettable romance. It's nothing like I have read before, yet it's very much a tropey, swoon-worthy romance.

Just a couple of words on the supporting characters, Ellery, Bellerose, Nik, Nathaniel, George - they are all colourful and unique and give this richness and depth to the world of the books. The romance between Caspian and Ardy doesn't happen in isolation, like real people they are busy doing other things while falling in love.

One of the most loving episodes in the series for me involves Ardy taking care of Bellerose. It encapsulates everything good in this world (together with so much of the bad in it). It's about love and care in its purest form.

The trilogy ends with the sweetest epilogue, full of tenderness and promise. It's the beginning of a long process for Ardy and Caspian of learning how to be together and be happy. And it's why I read romance, for this ultimate moment of hope - love is possible, happiness is possible, the darkness can be defeated.

CW: Assault, sexual abuse (in the past). attempted rape, death of a parent (in the past), stalking and manipulation, drug use, car accident (secondary character), cheating, panic attacks, unprocessed trauma

I'm having a good time reading this series, even if I have a hard time grasping the main relationship.

Content warnings include: sex on-page, light BDSM (D/s, impact play, bondage), class difference; mentions of sexual child abuse, grooming.

While I ultimately enjoyed reading this, there is one big thing that bothers me, and that is how Arden keeps pushing at Caspian's boundaries. Several times Caspian directly says he doesn't want (to do) something, and a short time later Arden pushes him to do exactly that.
Caspian also at several times breaks his own boundaries, which of course doesn't make Arden breaking them okay, but just adds more to my confusion of how exactly their relationship works.
There were definitely some unhealthy dynamics going on, with mistakes and understandable frustration from both sides.
There are even more unhealthy and outright abusive dynamics from the outside that made Arden and Caspian seem like the happiest healthiest couple ever, which complicates things even further.

The book is very much focused on Arden and Caspian's relationship, and I wish there had been more about the side characters.

All that said, what makes this series for me is definitely Arden. He is a joy to read about, despite all his flaws, and I love him as a protagonist.

Okay, so this book kinda left me hanging and I am VERY excited about getting the next one. I really love these two characters and hope we get some insight into Caspian as the mystery needs a bit of "clearing up" for the story to be fulfilling. I wasn't really a fan of the cliffhanger ending, but I already have book 3 on autobuy, so clearly it didn't turn me off of this writer's books, which are, quite frankly, amazing. I'd give the writing 10 stars and the ending 3.

This ARC was courtesy of netgalley - all thoughts and opinions are mine and unbiased
I also post on Amazon, Goodreads, B&N and Kobo

This is the second part of the series and the story moves along just as you would expect

As before, in my review for part 1 this is derivative of Fifty Shades and if you are into that kind of thing this is fine.

I found this just to be ok really, and a bit predictable and still with the Pretty Woman references, which I find annoying

I like the character development of Arden and the introduction of the sister and other characters increased my interest but I'm afraid I found it too formulaic

I'd really like to pretend that this is the end of the Arden St. Ives series. Caspian has broken up with Arden, and yes he's devastated. But he has a new job he is excited about and a new home with Caspian's sister Ellery. And, as he reminds himself, he is loved. That's it. In my mind, he recovers from his heartbreak, meets a new person who isn't a selfish jerk, and THEN he gets his HEA. Not with Caspian.

Ah, who am I kidding? Arden is ruined for anyone but Caspian, and thankfully I am reading this book 3 days before How to Belong with a Billionaire is being released so I don't have to wait too long for what I pray is an epic grovel. I still hate Caspian and think Arden can do much better, but I absolutely adore Arden forever and if Caspian is who he wants, that's who he should get.

I will say that I actually liked this book more than the series opener, How to Bang a Billionaire. The stakes feel much higher as Arden falls more deeply in love with Caspian, and he's both funnier, sweeter, and well, Ardy-ish. Considering his childhood, it's amazing that Arden is as well adjusted as he is, and I appreciate the message that Hall is trying to convey through Arden that kink isn't necessarily wrong, it's just kink. In this way he is re-writing 50 Shades of Gray in a way that doesn't pass judgement on the D/s relationship. Caspian does need to change, but it's emotionally not sexually.

I'm not sure why I'm reviewing this book; it isn't going to change any perspective reader's behavior. If you haven't read Bang yet, you need to read that first, and if you have there's no way you won't read How to Blow It with a Billionaire. You may like Christian a whole lot more than I do, or you may find him even less redeemable, but you can't deny that Alexis Hall is on top of his game.

This review covers the first two books in the Arden St Ives series.
I love Alexis Hall’s writing but I’m always a little wary when romances involve billionaires and BDSM. Of course, I should’ve trusted Hall without question. He’s created believable characters and it’s easy suspend disbelief belief about the world these characters live in. I love Arden and his witty remarks. I love the glimpses we get of the real Caspian underneath the cold billionaire façade.

These books do not work as standalones. The first book just ends in the middle of a scene and the second book has some sort of cliff hanger. So I’m glad I didn’t start these series when the first two books came out, because I would have hated waiting for the final instalment so long. Now it’s only a few days and even that feels too long. I want to know how everything gets resolved. I want to see the HEA (or HFN) for these characters.

E-galley provided by Netgalley and Forever Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and quotations are based off an uncorrected proof. This book came out a while ago, but was provided due to the upcoming conclusion to the trilogy, How to Belong to a Billionaire.

---------
"The world was still kind of distant - out of focus even, a little bit photo-shopped-but Caspian was everything real."

This book starts on Arden and Caspian's happily ever-after and them trying to work out the (pun intended) kinks. I think I liked this book more than the first, because it just really delves into their relationship and what does and doesn't work. Chemistry- works, Schedules - don't work, etc.

The story continues, albeit, rather slowly which wasn't my favorite thing. This is a series that feels that if it cut down on excess plot points it could be two books as opposed to the three. I didn't mind because I was able to get through them quickly, but if I hadn't I imagine that I would have gotten frustrated. The book does have its slow moments, but they're bolstered by good humor and when that angst comes around it really comes around. More so in this book than the last in my opinion. However, a lot of this book is Arden waiting for the attentions of Caspian. A very gay pining, which while entertaining was much the same as the last book and felt dull at times. I didn't love the characterization of Arden needing attention from Caspian all the time, but that's love I guess.

This book allowed me to get closer to some cool characters, which I really enjoyed. I wasn't Ellery's biggest fan in the last book, but I really came around to her in this book! I don't know exactly what it was, but she just became more of a sweetie in my eyes. I didn't love Bellerose in the last book either, just because he seemed like this throw away character, but he is actually interesting? Like, wow! This book also introduced us to George, who I liked immediately even though I wasn't entirely sure that I was supposed to.

I guess my only really issue with the book is really the big conflict in the book. Caspian continues to have the same aversions in this book as the last. Thus, the issues were carried over from the last book as well. I hated that it made it seem like no progress had been made at all and it made the ending of the first book feel kind of hollowed for me.

Basically, Caspian thinks he is a monster and doesn't deserve to be with Arden as a result. Despite Arden's best efforts, this persists. The logic has never matched up for me and I still don't quite understand why this is the particular conclusion Caspian reaches as a result of his past. Arden's healthy sexual practices and ideas always seem to come into conflict with Caspian. It's just a weird thing that I wish didn't happen. In all other respects, Caspian is a very logical and sensible man, even though he's not the best with emotions. It's put me off Caspian in a way I wish it didn't since I love the book in most other things.

TL;DR This book is an excellent follow-up to the last and is funny, very sexy, and super angst. Believe me, you'll want the next book right away after this one.

As opposed to the first book, which definitely ended on a HFN note, this one feels like an ode to Caspian’s beloved Star Wars, specifically Empire Strikes Back. Caspian’s frozen in the carbonite of his repressed emotions/lack of self worth, while the mostly unseen emperor cackles in the wings, and Arden (and sidekick) have retreated to a place of safety… actually, this analogy is working a lot better than I thought.

“You could still miss me though.”
“I certainly awoke and was aware of your absence.”
“If you ever get sick of being a billionaire, you could work for Hallmark.” I mimed titles flying through the air. “I Am Aware of Your Absence. I May Have Mildly Inconvenienced You. My Concern on This Non-Ideal Occasion.”


So, with all that said, there’s a lot that’s really enjoyable about this book. At the end of the first book, one of my main criticisms was that we hadn’t really seen Caspian not be a dick for like, longer than a hot minute. In this book, though, Arden cracks his shell a bit more and we get a lot of the backstory of why Caspian is the way he is. Is he still pretty much a giant dick? Yeah, and frankly if I were Arden’s friend I’d be telling him to nope the f— out, but there are definite moments that made me think he’s worthy of Arden (touching Le Guin nerdery included). Their relationship starts to feel more like an actual relationship and less like… whatever it was prior to the renegotiation at the end of the last book.

As much as the ending initially made me want to incinerate things with the heat of a thousand suns, I think it’s necessary for the relationship to progress. While Arden does come off a generally adorable and clumsy at times, he’s also very young and inexperienced, and basically went from living in a dorm room to living in Caspian’s crazy rich penthouse apartment. He’s a mix of crazy booksmarts (had to pause to look up “callipygian” and then cackle maniacally) and “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up,” but even with his seeming innocence I admired how willing he was to speak up for himself when Caspian was giving him – or himself – short shrift. Considering that the BDSM kicks up a bit in this book, I was very glad that Arden has the almost unbelievable maturity to speak clearly about his needs (everything Caspian) and limits (pretty much none when it comes to Caspian). I can’t say I’m particularly in to BDSM, which is particularly funny considering the amount of almost sadistic enjoyment I got out of watching Arden stick his foot in his mouth and be generally a wreck in social situations.

Overall, very much enjoyable, but honestly I’m glad I only have to wait a few weeks for the next book!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

i liked this a lot more than the first book.

it had more substance in regards of plot, characterization, emotion, etc.

i still don't like caspian. we get some of his backstory, which made me feel bad for him, but the way he reacts to arden is so awful.

i wish they would break up for good, but i know that's not the plan for this series. :-(

arden deserves better.

Same opinions as the first one: loved the writing, unsure if I like the remimagining of 50 shades, still heavily dislike Caspian. He's growing on me, though. I may change my mind by book 3.

This series is addicitng and the sequel certainly did not disappoint. Arden St. Ives continues to be both charming and hilarious. While Caspian Hart maintains that perfect balance between infuriating and swoon-worthy. We got to know Ellery a lot more, which I enjoyed. My only substantial complaint is how that cliffhanger has left me absolutely desperate for the conclusion.

I ADORED this book as I do everything Alexis Hall writes. This book is hilarious and surprisingly touching. I can't wait for more in this series.

I gave this a B+ at http://www.allaboutromance.com

By now, if you’ve read How to Bang a Billionaire, you’ve recognized that the Arden St. Ives trilogy is Alexis Hall’s riff on the super popular bildom romantic trope, and specifically, on Fifty Shades.

Reader, How to Blow it With a Billionaire is so much better than any of those other stories, I almost feel silly comparing it to them. Sexy, funny, clever, smart… everything about this series elevates the familiar trope, making it feel fresh and new. In How to Blow it With a Billionaire, the author quickly delivers what readers were hoping for at the end of book one – a happy reunion between Arden and Caspian. But this begs the question – what happens next? HTBIWAB is darker and more difficult than the first novel, and the ending broke my heart.

When last we left Arden St. Ives, he was holed up in Kinlochbervie, Scotland, nursing a broken heart. Shortly after graduating from Oxford, Arden embarked on an affair with billionaire businessman Caspian Hart, the attraction and intense connection he felt towards Caspian like nothing Arden had ever experienced. The brief hints Arden got of the man behind Caspian’s icy façade was enough to leave Arden eager to pursue something with Caspian, and he convinced himself a relationship predicated on Caspian’s pre-defined terms was better than none at all. In return, Caspian installed Arden in a luxury apartment, and provided him with a credit card to use as he wished, but Arden didn’t care about the stuff Caspian could give him. He wanted the man he sometimes glimpsed – who liked to hurt and love him in equal measure, not the remote and withdrawn version Caspian was willing to share. But Caspian proved unable and unwilling to commit himself physically and emotionally to Arden, so Arden ended the relationship and fled home to Scotland.

HTBIWAB picks up shortly after Caspian follows Arden to Kinlochbervie, determined to win him back. Much like the bildom trope upon which the series is based, Caspian – our dark hero – is badly damaged by his past and he’s decided that repressing his kinky desires is the only way he can move forward in a new relationship. But Arden isn’t willing to settle for a lesser version of Caspian and isn’t afraid of his darkest desires, his passion for his damaged lover – or his past. Caspian reluctantly agrees to try – if Arden can be patient with him. The pair enjoy a blissful couple of days and Arden again sees glimmers of the Caspian he wants in his life – unfettered by work, relaxed and willing to try and find a way forward together. Their too short sojourn ends abruptly, but the return trip to London (aboard Caspian’s private jet) leaves Arden hopeful they can make things work.

Much of HtBiWaB details how Caspian tries to be the lover Arden hoped for before fleeing to Kinlochbervie – and how their relationship evolves after they return home to London. It’s a treat to see Caspian finally accept the love and kindness that Arden wants to share with him, and witness Arden slowly but surely getting Caspian to open up and reveal himself. Unfortunately, even as Arden demands more from the relationship, Caspian keeps his secrets – unwilling to reveal why he thinks he’ll only hurt Arden if he gives in to his desire to dominate him. Arden longs for a D/s relationship with Caspian, urging Caspian to hurt and pleasure him and to trust that Arden will stop him if he goes too far, but Caspian doesn’t trust himself. The sex between them is still passionate and fulfilling, but Arden wants more – and knows something in Caspian’s past is holding him back. This push/pull dynamic – Caspian relents, Arden feels fulfilled and then Caspian retreats again – characterizes the majority of their relationship in HTBIWAB; and it’s frustrating and ultimately unsatisfying for both of them and for readers. When Arden, impatient to know the truth about Caspian’s past, presses him for answers, Caspian’s response is heartbreaking and devastating in equal parts.

Part of what sets HTBIWAB apart from other bildom novels is the principal character of Arden St. Ives. Smart, funny and charming, Arden knows what he wants and who he wants – he just isn’t sure how to get any of it. In HTBIWAB, he begins to map out his professional future with a strong push from Caspian. His inner dialogue is delightful and he’s a relentlessly honest and sarcastic narrator, even in awkward situations. He doesn’t make any apologies for who he is or what he wants from his relationship with Caspian – now or in the past – and he’s quick to come to his own defense whenever the situation warrants it. His belief in himself – and the power of his love to help Caspian overcome his own demons – is particularly lovely. Caspian is similarly well-drawn. Though everything we know about him is seen through the filter of Arden’s affection and love, it’s clear that professional success hasn’t made Caspian’s personal life any easier. It’s a treat to see Caspian respond to Arden and allow himself to enjoy all the wonderful things that make Arden so Arden – especially the snuggling. Though the trauma in Caspian’s past will come as no surprise to anyone familiar with Fifty Shades, it’s quietly devastating to Arden. Caspian’s response to his reaction is brutal and ice cold. I can’t wait to see how Mr. Hall will find a way forward for these two.

I’ve been deliberately vague about the sequence of events in this novel because I don’t want to spoil it for you, but suffice it to say, the relationship – and the principals – are very different from the first novel in the series. HtBiWaB is also significantly hotter than the first novel in the series, and though this reader usually likes (loves!) that in her romance novels, it sometimes distracted from the evolving emotional relationship between Caspian and Arden. Almost every interaction between them ends in orgasms – and after a bit, it started to feel like overkill. I wish the author had squeezed in one more shared day or date, because it’s such a delight to see these two happy out of bed together, falling in love. But that’s really my only major quibble with the novel, which – much like everything else the author writes – is simply great.

As I mentioned earlier in this review, HTBIWAB is dark and deals with a lot of difficult subject matter – though I like how Mr. Hall concludes the novel on a somewhat hopeful note. We’ve finally discovered Caspian’s secret, but it’s unclear whether or not he will allow Arden help him deal with it. I hope we get to know more about the Harts (Ellery and Eleanor) – and the men who shaped Caspian into the man he’s become, because Mr. Hall has left us lots of intriguing clues but not a lot of answers. And of course – I want more Arden. He’s the best.

If you’re looking for an intriguing, complex and romantic billionaire romance, look no further – the Arden St. Ives series is all that and more.