Member Reviews
Great romantic read with low drama. Fast paced novel with a great build world. Perfect read for an afternoon. Arc provided by Netgalley
The romance novel "Beauty and the Greek billionaire" by Stephanie London has all the expected cliches of the genre, but unfortunately falls short in terms of character development. The main male protagonist, Nico, is a highly insecure and accusatory character who lacks any romantic charm or appeal. On the other hand, the female lead, Marianna, while having the potential to be a likable heroine, comes across as somewhat passive and allows Nico to push her around.
The plot revolves around a fake family plan for the sake of a baby, but this storyline feels forced and contrived. The lack of natural progression in the characters' relationships makes the story feel unrealistic and detracts from the overall reading experience.
Overall, while the novel has some angst and cliche elements that may appeal to some readers, the underdeveloped characters prevent it from being a standout in the genre. With that said, it's an easy read that might be enjoyable for those seeking a light and straightforward romantic escape.
Romance between Greek Billionaire and Aussie virgin.
Marianna Halsey has 7 older brothers who over protected her all her life ever since she lost her parents at early age. So she never experienced all the fun stuff thanks to her brothers. So opportunity to travel to Greece with her brothers, she was determined to enjoy her time and maybe a fling.
Nico Galinas, a Greek billionaire saw Marianna and when he found she was getting mugged, he wanted to help but ended up getting a punch. At least she felt bad and offered him a drink. She introduced herself as "Bianca" even though he knew who she was. She was different from all the other women and intrigued him. He wanted to spend more time with her.
Marianna felt right spending time with Nico and she was ready to have a hot fling with handsome Greek. Everything seems to go right until he finds her a virgin. He was mad and he thought she had other motives. It was great and everything she expected except his reaction wasn't what she expected. Now she is back at home for awhile and finds she is pregnant.
Nico was an orphan and Marianna lost her parents at young age, both crave family but Nico has trust issues from previous relationships and it won't be easy for him to open up.
Marianna is determined to give her baby a family and only way to have a family is to marry Nico. What will they have to do to keep the family?
It was easy read. Nico had lots of trust issues but Marianna's determination will win but not without some drama.
Thanks to netgalley and Entangled: Indulgence for ARC for honest review.
I thought this was an okay book, I wasn't that big of a fan of Nico; he came across as a d-bag and never really did anything to improve my opinion of him throughout the remainder of the book.
A story taking place in Greece; yes please!!
Marianna is visiting Corfu with her brother for his business. She’s determined to discover a different side of herself in this trip and reinvent herself. What she didn’t see coming is Nico, a sexy Greek billionaire. Nico us not one for relationships but Marianna captured his attention instantly!! He’s skeptical about her because of her brother and he thinks she approaching him is a plan of her brother’s.
Marianna is socially awkward. She doesn’t know how to flirt and interact with men. She’s been sheltered all her life, but she wants to change that. Her awkwardness doesn’t scare Nico off, in the contrary he’s enticed by it!! He has some serious trust issues. He’s closed off and believes that everyone wants something from him.
I like how Marianna spoke her mind and fought for what she wanted. Only a woman with her determination can infiltrate Nico’s walls and crash them down! I was really frustrated with Nico at times and his refusal to open up. I really liked the book and hope to see more of these characters!!
Sadly, I didn’t love this book, and the only reason I gave it three stars is because I don’t like to give less than that.
First off, the title is misleading. It should have kept the former name of Beauty and the Greek Billionaire or it really should be called How to Win a Husband. Because Marianna isn’t going to be satisfied with a fiancé, she wants that wedding band. She’s obsessed with this idea of her ideal family unit...mom, dad, baby...but she has a family! Yes, just her brothers, plus at least one sisters-in-law and their kiddos, but she’s no orphan Annie with no one.
And okay, so Nico is hot, and he actually is an orphan...but he doesn’t want that family unit. And frankly, he’s a jerk. Not the brooding but sweet underneath guy we like in romance, but a snarly loner who I found no redeeming qualities in.
I finished the book, but even their HEA didn’t satisfy me, because by then, I just didn’t care.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, honestly reviewed voluntarily.
I did not really enjoy thus book. Nico came off as a huge jerk and he never really redeemed himself in my eyes. The story was well-written but it was just not for me.
I thought overalll I liked the book, it just didn't blow my mind and I didn't mind putting it down to do other things.
Marianna and Nico’s unexpected love story in How to Win a Fiance’ by Stefanie London, was a wonderful, and enjoyable read. Deciding to have some fun while on a Greek vacation and away from her overprotective brothers, sheltered Marianna hooks up with a sexy man who helped her keep from being pick-pocketed. Greek billionaire and stock market whiz Nico came from nothing, being orphaned as a baby and trusts no one; especially awkward and socially inept Marianna. Nico takes her to his house to swim at his private beach. Let’s just say that six weeks later Marianna flies from Australia to see Nico and let him know of the consequence of their afternoon together. Despite marrying, Nico keeps to himself, afraid to open up and let Marianna into his life. This was a fun take on the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, with the beauty, Marianna, taming the beast, Nico, showering him with love and attention.
Ms. London wrote a wonderful, sexy and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters giving Marianna and Nico a chance at love, happiness, and a future neither expected to make them happy. I especially loved the scenes where Marianna moved the cat statute and left Nico notes from the cat. I highly recommend How to Win a Fiance’ to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Accidental pregnancy leads to a marriage of convenience that’s also a beauty and the beast story?! Umm...yes please!
Stefanie London’s The Beauty and the Greek Billionaire checks all these boxes plus has a quirky heroine who is naive but fierce and a sexy Greek who is scarred but vulnerable. London’s writing style is smooth that the emotion, humor, and chemistry ebb and flow at the right moments and keep you turning the page.
I’ve only read a few of her books but I’m definitely hooked now, I feel a binge coming on!
The book’s synopsis sounded like Marianna would be full of bumbling pickup lines and awkwardness. Nothing to that degree other than showing a sweet, playful and open personality. Nico was charming then brooding then downright hostile. I loved the cat and it would remind me of his charm and humanity.
This isn’t a play on the Beauty and the Beast story except he was more of a recluse and loner who didn’t want to risk the vulnerability of getting close to people.
A few things I thought were odd... she immediately decided she’d ask him to marry her after she found out she was pregnant. Also, I wasn’t a fan of Julian and would have asked him to leave or get a clue. His part felt forced.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I actually thought I had sent my review months ago! Oops!! I got a kick out of this book. Nick is a bit of a jerk, and while I liked Marianna-I did not understand why she lied about her name. It got them off on the wrong foot. I think a lot of romance readers will enjoy this book. I rate it a 3. While I liked it, I didn't love it!
Marianna’s seven brothers have kept her sheltered from every man who might be interested in her, and she’s had it. She is ready to take care of her irritating virginity and the man she picks is Nico, a Greek billionaire. Nico doesn’t trust anyone and this story hits every feel good when both characters have to grow and change especially when they have a surprise on the way. I hope some of the secondary characters receive their own book!
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Unfortunately, this was one I chose not to finish. My apologies for the late notice. As I don't want my low rating to appear on the site and potentially impact the choices of other readers, I wait until after a title has been published/no longer able to be downloaded.
Inadvertently, I waited much longer than intended to give feedback for this title.
I look forward to the next title through your company!
Thanks,
Laura
This was just okay. The writing flowed well, but I wasn't a fan of either of the main characters. Marianna starts out this whole thing lying about who she is, even though Nico knows. They have a one night stand that results in an unplanned pregnancy. The only thing that I liked was that at least she didn't try to hide it from him, and wait until the kid was older before telling him. Marianna is way too much of a doormat for my tastes. First her family, and then Nico. Nico is a complete jerk pretty much the whole book. I understand that life is hard, but that doesn't give you the right to treat people like crap. It's not until the last bit of the book that Nico admits his feelings. It was just WAY too long to go with treating someone you supposedly care for that way. Although I didn't like these characters, I would definitely give this author another read.
I voluntarliy reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading other books by this great author.
I read this within 24 hours is a testament to how the story drew in and kept me there. Stefanie London fans, you are in for a treat. Definitely recommend
As you can see from the blurb, the book is going to be at least a little cliche. I was prepared for that and so should you if you plan to read it. One thing you should also be prepared for is how much of a douche Nico is. I couldn't like him if my life depended on it. He was so full of insecurities and accusations and he didn't have a single romantic bone in his life. He wasn't redeemed if you ask me. Marianna was on the verge of being a good and likable heroine, but she was a little to dormant-ish for me and she let Nico push her around. She should have never tried to force her plan of a fake family for the sake of the baby. I would have liked it if things came on naturally or if the Nico had found a way to blackmail her into the marriage (yes I know that this would make the Nico even more of a villain). I wasn't very fond of the main characters and that's why I am giving 3 stars to the book. It does have angst and some of the cliche parts I like, but the main characters are preventing me from giving it 5 stars.
Cute, funny, and heartwarming. A delightful read if you’re in a slump and are looking for something that will help you back on track. I enjoyed the growth of both characters as well as the wonderful setting. And I’m curious to see more about the rest of the families.
Yes, an interesting book, with something different – this time our billionaire is a Greek guy, with his own issues to deal with. It was nice and warm, a good book that gave me a relaxing feeling. So yes, I liked it.
Nico and Marianna meet under fortunate circumstances – he is at the right place at the right time. Since she is on a vacation, what better way to pass the time than enjoy a good fling ,especially if the guy is so good looking. Little did they expect for things to get out of control. Their story has some twists, which I have enjoyed and there are many interesting aspects in the characters’ personalities.
Where Marianna is genuine and nice, Nico is hard and not much for fighting for her. He has his heart to guard and will never put it in the hands of a stranger. She, on the other hand, is as strong as she is nice and accepts her fate with head up, willing to deal with the consequences of her decisions.
While I liked the couple, I liked their relationship, I wanted to take more advantage of the scenery and the beautiful places. Also, there was something missing in Nico, as a character. There are moments where he was too much of a stubborn guy and just…too much.
Still, I have enjoyed it and was a great book for the chilly afternoons we have here. 3.5 stars for now.