I’m not sure why there is a whole sub-genre of romance novels about Greek billionaires. I guess you get attractive guys in a lovely location, but I keep thinking about the mess that is the Greek economy and wondering how these guys keep their billions while the country is such sorry straits. But that’s just my hangup.

As far as the genre goes, the hero, Nico, is an attractive rags-to-riches billionaire, but the heroine, Marianna is a bit of a mess. She has seven older brothers so they’ve been so overprotective, she hasn’t found anyone to whom she would like to lose her virginity. She decides to find a guy in Greece when she accompanies her brother on a business trip. She allows herself to get picked up on the beach and to go back to the guy’s house and sleep with him. Not the safest set of choices, but hey, it’s a romance so let’s just roll with it.

Then she gets pregnant and she decides to abandon all her friends and family in Australia to live near Nico, even though he has made it clear that he didn’t like that she hadn’t told him she was a virgin.


It all works out too quickly and easily. She was such a timid creature who let her family dominate her before and now she’s broken away, except for giving up her job and interests to go have a marriage of convenience with a guy in a foreign country so her child can have a father. That’s nice, I guess, but it was one too many unlikely premises for me.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

I loved Beauty and the Greek Billionaire! I’m a fan of broody heroes and the women who manage to slip past all the barriers they throw up in the name of self-protection. Marianna was a refreshing heroine. She may have been innocent but she was no shrinking violet. She stood up for what she wanted and demanded the trust and respect she deserved. For all his gruff exterior, the reader caught glimpses of the man Nico truly was.

I read this in one sitting because I had to know what would happen next. As always with this author, the dialogue and banter was spot on.

4.5 enthusiastic stars! I received an ARC through Net Galley for an honest review.

3.5 stars

A quick but fun read that has a little bit of Beauty and the Beast mixed in. This is not a strict retelling of that story, though.

Marianna and Nico could have easily been shallow, one-dimensional characters. Instead she was smart, quirky, and kind. There was so much more to Nico than meets the eye, too, especially as you learn more of his back story.

The descriptions of the Greek island of Corfu were beautiful, and I definitely added it to my list of places I would love to travel.

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

Rating 4/5

"Romance novels should come with a warning: read in a cool place or risk spontaneous combustion." - Mari

Guys..... GUYS!!!! Holy smokes this quote is EVERYTHING about this book... seriously!! I found myself blushing sooo much that I kept hiding the screen from people around me! That is definitely a telltale sign that this book is soooooooo freaking good!

"You're playing with fire, little Koala," - Nico.
"Good," she whispered. "I'm ready to get burned."

- Characters -

I absolutely loved that Mari's character, while exotic, was not the picturesque female representation of the *perfect physical body* - she had curves!!! And what's even better about it is that Mari didn't waver in fear of Nico not appreciating them - she was aware of her body, loved herself, and had no desire to change that especially after she entered his rich world where body image is often held high. In fact, this novel had no inclination at all of her even WANTING to change her image - the only time I felt her insecurity was when it came to being inexperienced in sex and losing her V-card. I also adored how she wanted to include Nico in her life and wouldn't stay quiet, even using cute childlike methods to capture his heart. This shows how strong of a person she is to fight for what she wants and not letting that mean *settling* for just a part of it.

Nico was a piece of work for sure! His broodiness definitely matched his nickname of "The Beast" and I for sure wanted to deck him at times! But once he let his guard down and opened up, he became such the cutest, sweetest, most romantic teddy bear! Of course he couldn't fight temptation when it came to Mari (truly what man can??) and it was so worth seeing him learn to love again. His good humor with Mari's tricks and with each of their spats (especially their introduction!) made it real for me and that's what I like in romances - that they are relatable and realistic.

"Making a mistake wasn't what defined a person. It was the action they took after it."

- Setting -

Gorgeous! It's Greece - Corfu to be exact! Set in modern day with not just one foreign MC but two! I don't know much about Corfu but this book taught me that it still has traditional views when it comes to marriage and children. So while I understood why the plot started off the way it did, I didn't really FEEL like it had to happen that way BECAUSE of tradition. Nico mentions to Dion that they of all people should know how Corfu's community treats people like them, but I couldn't connect with that. I don't think there was enough backstory or communication with the townspeople for me to generate that opinion. Because it's in Greece, I wanted more of that traveler's excitement - I read to get transported to the beauty of new cultures and new worlds, however, it kind of fell flat for me. Yes they went snorkeling but living in Hawaii I can do that in my back yard; there was also a business party they went to but lacked the drama. Mari wanted Nico to show her Corfu so she can become independent, but I wanted him to SHOW her Corfu and what it meant to him. I get why adventurous activities were absent, but if he was supposed to be opening up, showing her certain things or places in Corfu that meant something to him would have definitely helped his character. (This resulted in a 0.5 point deduction of rating).

"A person's character is most revealed when they think nobody is watching."

- Writing -

The prose was very smooth with easy transition from one country to another, although Mari didn't have much of an Australian accent so I kept imagining her as someone just from America. The banter between them had me smirking and laughing out loud to a point where I even wanted to take the cat and begin hiding him! I could see how passionate their lust could be, but I think from the moment Mari moves there to that night they finally sleep together (again) could have used more moments where the touch became too much to not do and the looks were too full of want and desire to avoid not looking. That way when they finally did submit to it, that moment became so much more meaningful. (This resulted in a 0.5 point deduction of rating).

"She was a little flame that one might dismiss as inconsequential, but when he'd turned a blind eye she'd consumed him, spreading and building until smoke clogged his lungs and flames licked at his skin. Until he was already burned beyond repair."

I picked this book despite the cheesy title because I have read one before by this author which I liked and the blurb intrigued me.

However, the storyline seemed a throwback to some 80s romance with the young virgin and the arrogant rich man with a sad story in his history so he can’t trust her. I was a bit surprised at the simple and overdone story as I had expected more. Written well and quite sweet in the end.

An enchanting take on Beauty and the Beast, with an incredible backdrop of the Greek isles. The author has, in her trademark ease of bringing three dimensional life to two dimensional words, given her own unique twist to an age old fairy tale.

With a dialog cleverly instrumental into creating the jumping off point for the story’s momentum, and characters who quickly garner an emotional investment, the magic is woven to draw you into the lives of Nico and Marianna as she slowly breaks down his walls of self preservation so that they are able to form a much desired and sought after family. The moments of vulnerability between the couple are breath catching, and as conflicts are peeled away to leave only a clear path towards a HEA, there’ll be moments when you’ll find yourself wishing that the story wouldn’t come to an end...some characters live on long after the last page has been read.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Marianna lives in the shadow of 7 older brothers who I can say without a doubt have a wicked overprotective streak. Mari is 24 and has little social contact outside her friend Jules. She's smart, savvy and a need to break free from the constraints she lives with. She gets the opportunity when she travels to Greece with her brother on a business trip. The trip is a bust for him but not for her. There she meet the handsome Nico, their chemistry is steamy and Nico, while he has some doubts about her after she gave him a made up name, and he knows her real name they have a great day and evening together. Marianna is determined to lose her virginity and she does just that with Nico. Nico is livid that she didn't tell him. Too bad she didn't include the Greek word for angry/nasty/ vile in the book. He tells her to leave right after they have sex and off she goes. She returns to her native Australia and 8 weeks later, gets the double pink lines on her pregancy test. She returns to Greece to tel Nico who is not happy. Let me just say that Nico is never happy. Throughout the book he has a couple of moments where he acts half human, the rest of the time he's a bas^&*! Not likable and regardless of his history, he's a hateful, whiny, cloying prick who trusts no one and treats the mother of his child like dirt. Oh the things he says and does....
She went along with it, until she didn't. And you know what goes around comes around.
To say I had mixed feelings about this book is an understatement. I really like Stefanie's books and this one threw me. It's really sad to be honest. It's well written, will evoke those emotions where you want to punch him right threw your kindle and give her a hug. Despite everything she's been through, she's not like him. I wanted to drop a star because of my extreme dislike for Nico and the stomach ache this book gave me (not kidding), but it's well written and the brief epilogue made it worthwhile. I love a good epilogue.

*arc from NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review*

I wanted to like this book so badly.... just didn't happen for me. I read the first 6 chapters and then skipped around. The concept of this book was awesome... I just could not stay focused. I can't even pinpoint why.
Others might like this book, but it was not the book for me.
Marianna acted to juvenile for me and I didn't find her likable. I felt Nico was a pain in the you know what.

Marianna Halsey has the most boring life in the world. With seven overprotective older brothers, she’s even ended up a virgin at twenty-four. But when a dark and sexy male prevents her from getting her wallet stolen on a Greek vacation, she decides it’s time for some adventure. When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Stefanie London is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

MariAnna Halsey is a sweet, sheltered 24 year old virgin. She lives with her seven overprotective brothers in Australia, which puts a crimp in her potential love life. While accompanying her brother on a business trip to Greece, she decides she is going to lose her virginity. She meets Nico Galinas, who is tall, dark and brooding, and implements her plan. Of course, she gets knocked up and this is the beginning of a marriage of convenience romance. I really liked Marianna, she was sweet and a bit quirky. Nico was harder to like. He had a difficult life, but was so bitter and angry it was hard to understand how he had any friends. I also had a problem with the pacing of the plot. It felt like the author suddenly realized that the couple needed to start caring for each other and Nico’s personality did an 180. That lasted for about 15 seconds then the inevitable problem arose to keep the lovers apart, Nico reverted to his beastly behavior. I did like the end, nice HEA. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

This story really reminded me of the Harlequinn Presents book. It takes place mostly in Greece and the heroine, Marianna is from Australia. She is a 24 year old virgin who is very honest, kind and sweet but also very naive. She has a bunch of over protective brothers and a best friend, Julian who has protected her always.

She finally gets some alone time on a Greece vacation and thats how she meets Nico. Nico is a businessman. This story is fashioned after beauty and the beast. Nico has had a lot of crap happen to him and he is grumpy and knows Mariana is in town with her brother and she gives him a different name when they meet. He enjoys her company so he plays along but knows she is playing a part.

The two end up having a wonderful day with some big repurcussions. And then Mariana has to break thru and find Nico's heart. It really is a beauty and Beast story told very well. But Nico is mean and very distant at times and I did not like that in this story. Which is why it really reminded me of a Harlequinn Presents story as he is a mean billionaire who is in lust with his innocent/ex virgin.

It is well written and I liked Mariana alot, not so much Nico but I felt the author explained Nico very well.

To be perfectly honest, I had a really hard time with this book. When I read the blurb of the story I was intrigued, a sheltered young woman, with 7 over protective brothers, reaching out for an adventure. And a brooding “beast” with a horrible childhood finally learning to trust and finding his happiness. Unfortunately it was not as easy as that.

There was part of me that really liked Marianna, she had guts to go for what she wants. I loved that she was a romance reader and it was cute and funny how she was getting lessons on how to seduce a man through her reading. When her circumstances changed, her strength really showed, she knew what she wanted and she went after it. Unfortunately it was too one-sided for too long and she really let Nico get away with way too much. So basically it was Nico where I had a bit of a problem, my heart really broke for him for all he had lost and went through with Alethea and Kosta but how he treated Marianna was so uncool. I understand about having a hard time trusting after what he went through, but it was to the extreme. His words and actions were too much for me.

I would have gone below 3 stars, but at least there was a nice HEA, it was almost too easy for Nico but it just showed the strength of Marianna.

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

Loved it. New author for me and was quite surprised. Not your typical billionaire takes control after knocking up girl. Quite surprised at the strength of the heroine and could wait for the story to see where it went. Knew it would be an HEA but cannot tell you enough of the non typical storyline and standard play normally these stories go. Cannot wait to check out something else form this author to see it this was a fluke or the the original thinking continues on. Highly recommend especially if you want to see a different type of storyline.

You know, if you're a frequent reader of my reviews, especially my romance read reviews, you know that there are some things I don't like in my romance books. I don't like women who let themselves be pushed around. I like alphas, but i don't like bullies. I don't like when books end in marriages and babies.

So, let's say I was pleasantly surprised that I even WANTED to read this book because the synopsis itself tells you that there's going to be a baby in this equation. There were two things that made me want to read it though. One, there appeared to be a type of re-telling in the mix of one of my favorite tales, Beauty and the Beast, and two, this book was written by Stefanie London. I LOVE Stefanie London's books. I couldn't really pass up the opportunity to read one. Even if there would be a baby.

I was not disappointed. Beauty and the Greek Billionaire introduced me to Marianna, an Australian woman with a knack for languages and *trope alert* a virgin. Usually the whole virgin trope annoys me, but I could buy into the fact that Marianna lost her parents a long time ago, leaving her older brothers to take care of her. Brothers that do not let her out of her sight.

We also meet Nico, the billionaire who had his heart broken a long time ago. These two find in each other what they've been missing, heat and tenderness, curiosity and excitement. But of course, it wouldn't be a love story without some bumps in the road. And with a baby involved? You better believe these are some huge bumps in the road. But it worked. There was pain and miscommunication. It was messy, like real life.

Now, I'm not saying any of us will be meeting and having the baby of a Greek billionaire, but London got the messiness of life and love and heartbreak correct. The only difference is, with romance novels, we are almost always guaranteed a HEA (happily ever after) - and I surely can't complain about that.

I was excited for this book. Not because of the title or cover (those felt like a million other romance books) but because the blurb. I thought it was going to be hilarious to read of a young woman using the worst pick up lines imaginable. It was. Marianna is very socially awkward and somewhat weird I get the feeling that she spends way to much time with her brother or with her head in a book. Not that reading alot is bad. (There is no such thing as reading too much). But she is naive and needs some real world experience.

Moving on. There are some things about this book that I love and some things I really disliked.

For example, I loved how quirky the heroine came across. She has a thing for languages and at the beginning of the book she ends up telling the hero alot of random facts about different languages. I ended up giggling a little.

Another example is I disliked that the heroine gave a false name when she met the hero. I remember being Marianna's age a few years ago and hoping for a relationship. I don't agree to all she planned in order to loose her virginity but it's ultimately up to her. However, I really disliked that she used a false name. It feels morally wrong like she's lying to get sex. I don't usually like one-night stands in books but feel it can sometimes lead to something more. She didn't even allow that to happen. However, I find it funny that Nico realized it was a fake name in under a minute.

Overall, I liked the book. Its a fairly quick and funny read. The book has a lot of typical tropes found in romance but the writer does a great job of making these tropes funny to read.

I found this to be a sweet romance that incorporated entertaining moments, misunderstandings between the couple, and plenty of chemistry and heat. Well done, Ms. London...on your A-game as always!

An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

I actually found myself hurting for the male lead role this time. Very uncommon for me. Nico's childhood and what he had to overcome to become the man he is today was very touching.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the chemistry between the H/h as they fell in love. The story was unique and fast moving. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it.

This is a sweet and sexy romance that I just loved. Marianna is a young woman cloistered by her brothers in their efforts to protect her. Nico is a man damaged by his past and feels unlovable. When Marianna travels with her brothers to Greece, she decides its her opportunity to break out of her protective cocoon and experience things for the first time.

When Marianna and Nico's paths cross, Marianna has no idea who Nico is, but quickly learns who he is after their afternoon's dalliance leads to unexpected consequences. Nico is determined to do the right thing, but does not trust Marianna. Marianna is determined to create a real thing, despite all of Nico's efforts to the contrary.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and fans of the genre will love it. While this is a somewhat familiar trope, the author has added enough twists to make it feel interesting and new. I loved the characters and felt invested in their story...I found myself wishing for them to get their HEA ending.

The author is on my must read authors' list, and, if you enjoy the genre, should probably be on yours as well.