Review: The Undercover Billionaire

The Undercover Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Is this the conclusion to this series? As an ending to a trilogy, it is probably the most depressing one. This can be read as standalone. Reading the first two books will give a bit of insight into Tate's father as well as his brothers.

Wolf, is more than meets the eye. He's been hone to be a weapon for his father. The way Wolf was trained to be this weapon is an abomination. As more is revealed with how Wolf has been undermined, manipulated and crushed, I'm horrified. Of all the brothers, I feel the worst for Wolf. What has been done to him is criminal. If his father was not dead, I'd have taken a hit out on him. What father does this to their child? Everything Wolf has sacrificed for that man for what? Nothing. Who is this bastard that adopted three sons and committed so many crimes and dirty deals? How on earth did he raise three amazing sons? Frankly, I'm baffled.

On top of Wolf's suffering, enter in Olivia. Olivia's past and how she's been manhandled by her father is just as abhorrent. Who are these men who would do such horrific acts of cruelty to their offspring? So far, the books I've read of Ms. Ashenden deals with terrible fathers and neglectful or absent mothers. It makes a reader wonder what kind of issues she has that this pattern is repetitive.

Wolf and Olivia's relationship is mix bag as their childhood past interferes with their future together. They are an odd couple yet sweetly just right for each other. Their shared traumas make it easy for them to relate and want something different. The fact that they are not too messed up by their parents and refuse to be victims is admirable. I would have liked to see more interaction with them sans the bedroom.

I am a jaded erotica reader. As in, I have easily read over 2000 books with graphic sex in it. For me, fading to black is now more my preference because most sex scenes are either corny or feel forced. This one is not steamy for me. I could have done without the sex scenes or let it fade to black. Then again, the sex scenes in this book are too tame for me so they don't pull me in. For others, it may be just the right romantic alpha male sexy scene.

This romantic suspense is well written with its character development. The plot is a bit disturbing and I am still left wondering if there is something more. Because to leave it with the Wolf's father and his unethical actions without his side of the story just seems bizarre. As a final chapter for the Tate brothers, this romance is recommended to readers who enjoy a bit of suspense with a star crossed lover theme.
*provided by Netgalley