They have it all...except the one thing that matters most.
Recently laid off from a top tech firm, Alyssa Kennedy is staying with her childhood best friend, Emily, and helping out at her coffee shop. When Emily's brother, Jeremy, returns home from an extended business trip, Alyssa has to confront her long-buried feelings. Jeremy was her first crush but to him, she'd always been his little sister's best friend. She's never gotten over her hurt that he stood her up for her senior prom.
Jeremy Owens barely recognizes the beautiful woman standing in front of him. He'd always thought of her as his sister's best friend, although he'd long suspected she had a crush on him. She's grown into a woman since the last time he saw her, and suddenly his world has been turned upside down.
Alyssa doesn't have time to deal with her unresolved feelings toward Jeremy. She's starting her own marketing firm, which means lining up new clients and promoting her best friend's cafe, which is struggling. As co-owner of that cafe, though, Jeremy has a vested interest in its success. He doesn't miss any opportunity to work alongside Alyssa to try to save it.
As her feelings for Jeremy start to deepen, Alyssa knows she has to find it in her heart to forgive Jeremy for hurting her so many years ago. But will it be enough to heal the wounds?
Macie St. James is a freelance content writer by day, romance author by night. Or maybe a mix of both at all times. When she's not dreaming up her next story, she can be found indulging her Happy Planner habit and snuggling with her pet dog, a spaniel mix. She lives in Nashville with her husband. Sign up for her newsletter for exclusives and news about future books: https://maciestjames.com
Romance genre: second chance romance Part of a series: Yes (Silicon Billionaires) Length: 178 pages
Plot: Alyssa was recently fired from her marketing job, and is in the process of starting her own consulting firm. In the meantime, she's living with her best friend Emily. When they were in high school, Alyssa had a huge crush on Emily's brother Jeremy, but when he was supposed to take her to prom, he stood her up, and she's never forgiven him. Now he's back , 6 years later, never having apologized. He hasn't really thought about it (point of contention: we're led to believe he never thought about it, but then later he says he's been beating himself up about it all the years, and his sister says she thinks he's repressed the memory because of other context), but Alyssa sure has. Once Emily clues Jeremy in to why Alyssa isn't very inviting towards him, he realizes he needs to apologize and also realizes that he might really like her. There's plot lines involving the coffeeshop Emily has opened and Alyssa is helping to run, as well as some job offers Alyssa receives, Jeremy's weirdly lacking apologies (as he keeps messing up), and it all wraps up in a HEA.
Character development: Both characters were a little bland, if I'm honest. Well, maybe normal is a better word - bland compared to what I might normally read. It is a clean romance, so there's no heat (a couple of sweet kisses, if that sort of thing offends you). The biggest complaint I have centers around the entire idea of forgiveness: I want a grovel. Jeremy thought about what he could do to make it up to Alyssa (standing her up for prom), but I don't feel like he ever followed through. He helped a little with her business, but what he did to her before wasn't about business. His apology scene went something like this: I'm sorry. Can you forgive me? (she looks upset). He says Forgive me? (she nods). That's it. He never even told her in depth about the situation with his dad and how he felt, etc. He mentioned it, but there was no heart to heart talk like you might expect from almost-certain future lovers. She got that information from Emily. So I felt cheated, and I felt like Alyssa shortchanged herself by accepting so quickly. YMMV.
Alyssa is awful. Jeremy is horrible. Emily is nothing. And the plot was a subbasement under a bargain basement the stakes were so low. The take away is how to draw people to your failing business. Alyssa is a reactive character who was "traumatized" by a very minor childhood event. What a charmed life you have if the worst thing to ever happen to you was that. But there isn't anything more because the incident gets harped on ad nauseam. Then that awful interaction between her and Justin what even is that. Jeremy is just weird. I get humble rich people. But he isn't assertive enough to drive a company. He is a giant golden retriever and seems more like he should be a surfer dude that lands the type A ambitious chick. He treats life like an adventure. Emily is a blank canvas which is insane because she's the only other character in the book for most of the story. She hates getting up early, notices the obvious interest that Alyssa and Jeremy show each other, loves reality shows and can cook. She also has a coffee place that's failing in an oversaturated market. We learn these facts in the first chapter and then nothing else other than the trauma that effects both siblings. Just skip it.
I was lucky to come across this book during a free promotion and didn’t have to pay for it. There were many aspects I didn’t enjoy. Mostly it was because too many things were unrealistic. Also there were some editing issues and mistakes. For example, in one chapter it was stated that the bakery phone was disconnected and in the next pages the employees were complaining because the phone was ringing off the hook and they were too busy to keep answering. In addition the female protagonist was a very good marketing director trying to save her friends bakery. But it seems like she couldn’t come up with any ideas on her own and were taking ideas from others. She came off as very incompetent, and I think she would’ve been better off as a barista if you want to know the truth. Also, the male protagonist was a billionaire, and it would’ve only taken a small check to help save his sister’s bakery. But he acted as if he had no money and the only way to save the bakery would come be coming up with marketing ideas which was very confusing. While I didn’t hate this book, it just wasn’t for me. I don’t think I’ll be reading anymore in the series.
This is a new author and series for me and I found the book to be engaging and very entertaining and it held my attention the end. The book is well written with a sweet story line with an handsome billionaire, a feisty beautiful and independent little sisters best friend, chemistry and friendship. The characters are well developed with great personalities and it’s easy to relate to them.
Alyssa and Jeremy. Alyssa and Emily, Jeremy's sister are best friends and have been for years. Jeremy made a promise to Alyssa and then ghosted her when it came time to deliver on the promise leaving her heartbroken and destroyed. Years later Jeremy shows up to help his sisters coffee shop on the brink of bankruptcy. While Alyssa is cordial to him, she is not about to trust him or take him at his word ever again especially since he never even apologized. Jeremy sets out to make it up to Alyssa and get her new marketing company started. Will she forgive him once he apologized?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alyssa is laid off, so she's crashing on Emily's couch and helping at her coffee shop while trying to launch her own consulting company. Jeremy is Emily's older brother. He was working out of the country for a while, but came back early to surprise Emily. Alyssa has had a crush on him forever, but he stood her up on prom night - no excuse, no apology, just ghosted her. This is a nice start to a new series. Alyssa and Jeremy communicate so well in their professional lives, but they're terrible with each other, especially regarding hurt feelings, apologies, and expectations. Emily is a terrific friend, saying the hard things that Alyssa needs to hear (closer to the end of the book, so nothing specific here). I would have liked to see them find their HEA, looks like they just have happy for now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emily’s best friend Alyssa and her brother Jeremy meet again after several years to help with Emily’s struggling café. It would be much easier if Alyssa’s crush toward Jeremy were under control. But apparently, it’s easier said than done… I found the love Alyssa had towards Emily remarkable! Being able of such fierce loyalty, although slightly misplaced, is astonishing. I loved the fact that Emily and Jeremy were a family that stuck together and helped each other out no matter what it required. We see how Jeremy supports his sister out financially, concurrently Emily helps her brother on an emotional level. I liked that Alyssa and Jeremy’s relationship was founded on a strong friendship. This book is the perfect love story: agape in it’s full force ☺. I hope you will appreciate it as much as I did.
I received a free copy via booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
They had a history. Can he overcome his teenage mistakes?
Aaah what a lot of fun tropes in this story; billionaire, best friend’s brother, second chance and rising from disaster. Alyssa had been laid off when there had been a massive restructuring/ downsizing of the tech company, causing her to camp out on her friends couch and start her own company. What she hadn’t planned on was Emily’s brother Jeremy back in the picture, she had crushed on him since she was 12 or until he had crushed her fantasies for senior prom. But this was the new grownup Jeremy and she wasn’t just his little sisters best friend but a talented beautiful woman. Ive been bingeing on Macie St James books lately and having a great time. Believable storylines, great characters and clean romance- it’s great!
A little short in action. The characters in the book are likeable but the plot is a little flat. There is no real demonstration of the attraction between the protagonists, Alyssa and Jeremy. they just let their true feelings out in their soliloquies. The book, therefore, is not only sweet but it is squeaky clean. There is nothing wrong with that per se, not all novels need to have graphic sex scenes but considering but they are not bashful teenagers or early twenties anymore, their reluctance to take a risk by being honest with each other is disappointing. The language and editing are of good quality and there is a HEA at the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alyssa and Jeremy at an adorable couple. And I love Jeremy's sister Emily. She has a coffee shop that is struggling and Alyssa is her best friend and is helping her out running the shop. Alyssa has had a crush on Jeremy since middle school but he was older considers her as a little sister. When Jeremy comes back from being out of the country he begins to see her differently.
I had a hard time getting into this story. Some things just didn't click. For adults running their own business they seemed very immature. Some of the things with the coffee shop didn't seem realistic. I would have liked to see the characters be more proactive in their relationships.
Alyssa and Emily have been friends forever so when tough times happen Emily happily lets Alyssa stay on her couch as well as help in her shop while Alyssa builds up her clientele for her new Marketing business. Alyssa doesn't expect Emily's older brother Jeremy to turn up and make her life so much more complicated than it already is and oh boy is it fun to watch both of them dance around their attraction and feelings. This is a fun and sweet read that leaves you with a smile on your face and hungry for food! lol
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a charming friends to lovers romance. Alyssa had a crush on her best friend's brother Jeremy back in high school. Jeremy ended up breaking a promise he made to Alyssa and subsequently breaking her heart. Years later he is back in town and he wants to make it up to her. She would rather he keep his distance and doesn't trust him. The storyline was well-written and flowed smoothly and I liked the way the author showcased the importance of family being there for each other no matter what. It was an entertaining story with endearing characters and I really enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Forgiving the billionaire by Macie St James. Sillicon Valley Billionaire's #1. Recently laid off from a top tech firm, Alyssa Kennedy is staying with her childhood best friend, Emily, and helping out at her coffee shop. When Emily's brother, Jeremy, returns home from an extended business trip, Alyssa has to confront her long-buried feelings. Jeremy was her first crush but to him, she'd always been his little sister's best friend. She's never gotten over her hurt that he stood her up for her senior prom. I really enjoyed this book. I liked Jeremy and Alyssa and Emily. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.
Alyssa and Emily are best friends and Alyssa has had a crush on her older brother, Jeremy, for years. Jeremy was a no-show on Alyssa’s Prom Night and she’s still mad about that. Alyssa lost her job so now she’s sleeping on Emily’s couch and helping out in her coffee shop, while trying to get her marketing business started. When Jeremy returns to town, will Alyssa finally clear the air or will she hold a grudge? No spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens in this fast read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Second chance is possible between a young woman and the brother of her best friend, who she is currently staying with. They have so much to work out after he stood her up on her prom night and to what is going on with the coffee shop. Great characters and a lot of emotions to keep you on the edge of your seat. This is part one of a four part series, with each book released a month apart, according to Amazon, so there is definitely much more that is going to happen with this group. I am hooked and can not wait.
This is a simple love story of two people who knew each other from school age and then realize that they love each other. Friend to lovers romance genre are generally easy reads. This is one of them, I like the small instances where there is history involved. It causes confusions but it also makes the story's foundation strong. This novel is exactly like that. If you like small town romances with old associations then this one is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Forgiving the Billionaire: A Sweet Best Friend's Brother Romance (Silicon Billionaires Book 1)
Alyssa and Jeremy are the main characters in this book. They have a past from when Alyssa was stood up by Jeremy for the prom.She has held it inside for all these years because he never apologized. She and Jeremy have to come together because she is living with her best friend Emily who is Jeremy's sister. They work together to help Emily make her Coffee Shop a success. Alyssa has to learn how to forgive him and Jeremy has to learn how to ask for forgiveness.
Alyessa and Emily are best friends and Alyessa had a crush on Emily's older brother Jeremy back in high school until he was a no-show on prom night. Years later Alyessa has lost her job and now sleeping on Emily's couch and helping her with her coffee shop when Jeremy comes back into town and realizes that the beautiful woman is his sisters best friend all grown up and he is totally attracted. Will Alyessa let Jeremy back into her heart?
A easy cute read of a crush, A brother coming home to help his sister, het best friend helping her with marketing. It is a short billionaire story in this series, would suggest to read in order although a stand a lone series. The author gives you a free bonus book of the romance of another character in this book, Brooke which was a surprise. A clean billionaire romance, and a author to follow. Recommend
Sometimes this book is confusing. A person like me has to understand that not everyone is wired the same. That is what reading a good book like this can do for you . It shows you a different angle on things. The author does not present everything as black and white. There are gray areas and feelings that people need to understand about themselves. This book is hard to put down .
When you want a feel good story,this is it! A brother comes back to help out his sister and her business, and finds her best friend has really grown up, and he is not prepared for her to strike him in that heart of his. He didn’t plan on anything other than getting the business afloat, and working his business. That’s what happens with best laid plans. Loved this story.❤️
It was sweet, not at all spicy. It was too slow moving for me. I could only read a few chapters At a time before losing interest. There was a lot of second guessing, repetition and being completely hung up on what happened 6 years ago in high school. The ending seemed exceptionally abrupt. We had to follow her throughout her how to spoil coffee with cinnamon on it to a she finally stood up for herself so here's an epilogue showing some of that aftermath. Weird choices.
I enjoyed this story so much mostly because I liked Emily and Alyssa, working together like sisters at Emily's coffee shop. When Emily's brother Jeremy comes back into the picture he does everything he can to help Emily but he also finds clients for the marketing business Alyssa was trying to start. I thought the story was funny, emotional and pretty romantic.
An enjoyable billionaire, childhood friends, best friend’s older brother romance. I enjoyed learning about the workings of the businesses in this book and the dynamics between the main characters. It was new and interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Childhood friends, her best friend's older brother, a billionaire, all the perfect ingredients for great story. The story moves smoothly through the pages and captures your attention. The characters are relatable, fun to get to know and well developed. A good summer time read while you enjoy the sunset.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This Is a book we can definitely get lost in the characters are engaging and well developed. The easy flow made this a great read. I enjoy reading books where best friends end up getting together after years have past.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alyssa was a great friend but she was a bit needy too. So she wasn't my favorite character. Emily and her brother Jeremy were so good. While Alyssa and Jeremy have a not so good history they have been friends. I would love a story on Emily. This is a clean story with more stories to come. Not a bad book and would recommend. It's definitely a light read. Enjoy!
An average clean contemporary romance, follows the childhood friends to lovers trope and the best friend's sibling trope.
An easy and well-written read if you're in the mood for characters who overcome conflict and find love in friendship and romance. Classic coffee shop and office settings with unique dynamcis.
Where's my proposal?! Did you, Macie St. James, end FORGIVING THE BILLIONAIRE without including the perfect proposal?! Giiiiirrrrrrrrllllllll!!!! How can there possibly be a true HEA without knowing Jeremy and Alyssa will be getting married soon?! Ugh! My heart is palpitating.....Get ready, Ethel! It's the big one! I'm coming to join ya!!!
The first book in the Silicon Valley Billionaires series a well written story that held my interest until the end. I enjoyed reading Alyssa Kennedy and Jeremy Owens' story. I want to read more in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I usually love coffee shop stories. This is a bit different with a number of different 'jobs' and issues thrown in. It was a fine story, just didn't quite engage me as expected.