by Maya Rodale
Series: Bad Boys & Wallflowers #3.5
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
The third installment of a sexy, whirlwind romance about a modern-day heroine writing historical novels based on her romantic misadventures with the Bad Boy Billionaire. Jane Sparks had it all … almost. Everyone knew that Jane Sparks had been dumped by her high school sweetheart and fired from her job, which is why she was really looking forward to attending her high school reunion as a successful romance novelist—with her hot billionaire boyfriend as a date. But a violent encounter with her ex-boyfriend changed everything. Duke Austen was the luckiest guy in town … almost. Duke Austen is a blue-eyed charmer with a bad-boy reputation and ambitious plans for his future—after two failed startups, this tech entrepreneur is about to celebrate the 20-billion-dollar IPO of his company—but it no longer matters when the woman he loves has been hurt. Stranded in his apartment during a hurricane, without power, they must rebuild their trust … and fall in love all over again. Just when they have it all figured out, Jane and Duke are forced to decide what matters more: facing her past or celebrating his successful future.
What a Girl Wants is the third and final novella in the Bad Boy Billionaire tale. This is a modern day companion series to Maya Rodale’s Wicked Wallflower historical romance series. Together they make up her Bad Boys & Wallflower series. I am reading and enjoying both of them. What a Girl Wants was a sweet conclusion to the modern love story, and I enjoyed being caught in the rain with Jane and Duke.
Jane and Duke are in the midst of their new romance, and a hurricane is heading to the city. Jane’s reunion is almost here, and she is determined to show her former classmates she is a success. Duke is gearing up for a party to celebrate the launch of his billion-dollar company but none of that matters if Jane is not by his side. The tale that unfolds was short, touching and sexy.
What A Girl Wants is stronger than its predecessors as Rodale added depth with a painful subject matter. A confrontation with Sam’s ex leaves Jane feeling lost, vulnerable and afraid, but Duke is right there with her. The turbulence in Jane’s life has her starting Prudence’s story in the Wicked Wallflowers. Jane’s heroines often face the same predicament she has, and I am anxious to see how Prudence handles it. Rodale handled the situation with Jane well from supportive friends to sound advice. Through Jane, she shared the emotions one would feel, and Duke helped validate them. I enjoyed the banter between this couple, and the author adds both humor and touching moments as they work out their relationship. Despite it’s short length the tale is fully developed with twists and turns allowing the reader to enjoy the full ride in a small amount of time. These make perfect bedtime reads. Once again we get sneak peaks into the Wallflower series as Jane writes under the pen name Maya Rodale.
What a Girl Wants was a delightful conclusion to this modern day romance, and I enjoyed Duke and Jane’s story. This was a clever companion series to the Wallflower series. It is fun seeing how Jane’s life and romance with the Duke influenced the Wallflowers and their stories.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Naomi
This series sounds like a fab series! Jane and Duke sound like characters that I would like. It is great to see a spinoff series that is stronger than the original. Great review Kimberly!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Jennifer
This looks delicious and totally like my kind of romance. Great review! Going to add to my goodreads.
Cyn
Yay, glad you enjoyed this! I love the historical version, can’t wait to read the contemporary twist! Thanks for the review (:
Franny
Sorry I missed a few posts, I’ve been busy with Dark World Books!
Anyway, this seems like a worthy read, and I’m glad to see that you enjoyed it so much! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Awe no worries Franny I have been very ill, and until Weds I hadn’t been visiting anyone. I am still trying to get well and haven’t been replying. I am hoping this will all be distant memory soon.
Dani
Hmmmm….. Looks like I really need to add this series to my list. Thanks for the review!
Silvia
You gotta love a good Trilogy and this sounds just like one of those I should add to my TBR pile… Fantastic review, Kimberly!
P.S. Hope you’re feeling much better! *hugs*
Melliane
it’s nice to have a good trilogy like that. Well the fact it’s a trilogy it’s already really interesting if I start it. I really liked the sound of it and to know the conclusion is also good and even with more elements that the others is perfect! thanks for the review!
Christy
Rawr … sounds good. 😉
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I usually pass up novellas but this series sounds great!
I hope you are feeling a bit better Kimba x
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
I need to try this series! 🙂 I really like the idea of interconnected historical and contemporary (I remember you talking about it last time you reviewed the book from this series). Thanks for a great review Kim! Hope you are feeling better too!
Diana Leigh
Sounds like a lot of emotion packed into this story!
lily
oh I like the idea of a novella series and i’m glad the author added in some more depth in this one that really contributed to the difficult subject matter so it was easier for you to both believe in it and connect with it! Sounds enjoyable 🙂
Angela Adams
Another good tip for my TBR list. Thanks for the post.
Tanja
I know you love this series and well it’s hard not to be intrigued by this. I’m so glad you enjoyed this sequel and both Duke and Jane seem like a great characters. Great review, Kim 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
I usually pass these by, but I’ve read so many good reviews… now you do this to me. Hm… I just might have to pick it up.
Hope you are feeling better!
Heidi
It is nice when the last book is stronger than the rest and it ties up everything like you hoped, you couldn’t ask for anything more with a series.
blodeuedd
>I’d read it 😀
Candace
I think it’s interesting how there’s a connection with the historical books and the modern day. I remember hearing good things about the others in this series.
Rashika
After reading your review, I kind of want to go and read the Wallflower series and then give the novella a shot!
I am glad you enjoyed this! 🙂
Lovely review, Kim! 🙂
Michelle
I actually bought The Wicked Wallflower after I read your review the other time but haven’t got myself to read it yet. I’m surprised to hear that there’s a modern day companion series. It’s good to hear that this one is stronger than its predecessors and I know I’ll be getting this after I read The Wicked Wallflower. Great review!
Debbie Haupt
Kimba what a GREAT premise and wonderful review. This one is going on my pile.
Thanks for sharing
Nick
I saw this on Edelweiss and wanted to grab a copy and then I saw that it was only a novella and well, I tend to not enjoy those as much because I’m always left wanting more.
It sounds like I’m missing out though. I need to start the whole series someday. The banter between the couple is really making me want to read this. Lovely review, Kim!
kindlemom1
I love that this is a novella series, perfect for when you don’t have a ton of time to read but still want something yummy!
I need to get this series!
Mary
I enjoyed this whole serial (even though I was frustrated when I finished the first part and realized it was a serial). The characters were fun, there was real conflict and emotion and I liked how it tied into Rodale’s historicals.
Jenea
I think this sounds like a great read for sure. Glad that you enjoyed it. 🙂
Livia
Awesome concept, and it sounds like a really cool read!
michelle A - Novels On The Run
This sounds great. And a novella series too. I am keen to read some shorter reads at the moment. When I read the title to this book, I kind of keep singing the song. Silly me. I haven’t read anything from this author. With a billionaire in the book , I immediately assume I will be in for a good read 😀 I enjoy reading banter between characters, it helps me feel more connected to them sometimes.
Great review!
mich