Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 4
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

I love that throughout this series, Shannon just seems to make one dopey mistake after another. None are really her fault, but they are still not necessarily great decisions… and mostly just have some not-so-great and very entertaining consequences. I get a little bit of a second-hand embarrassment from this, but mostly I just get pure and unadulterated joy and entertainment.

Although it’s the first five books in this series that are really that first major story arc, this fourth instalment kind of acted as a finale. The next book is more of a Christmas epilogue if I’m being honest. I love that Kent is able to not only resolve all of the issues throughout this, but also find a way to want you to keep diving into Shannon and Declan’s relationship.

There are a lot more epiphanies and truth-sharing than awkward moments throughout this story. At least in comparison to the first three. I like that some of those secrets are actually about Shannon’s mum and Declan’s dad. They give a little more context to the struggles that Declan and Shannon face. And also just remind us all that parents have a past that happened before they did – one that can still impact the future.

It’s nice to have the majority of the questions you’re left with at the end of Shopping for a Billionaire 3 tied up in a nice, neat bow at the end of this. Particularly, finding out just why Declan does such a full 180 on Shannon in a completely unexpected way. This story definitely gave me the feels and comfort to not just dive straight into the next book in this series (although I still want to).

Image source: Amazon

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 3
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

I love that this moment in the courtship of Shannon and Declan starts with a date that almost ends in death. It’s a hell of a way to experience a first date and to find out about Shannon’s allergies. There are also a lot of bits of Declan’s past unravelling as they’re racing to salvage literally the worst date ever.

Declan and Shannon are working really well throughout this story (death-adjacent dates not withstanding). I mean, they manage to find a way to be close to one another and embrace their new love. That, and the fact that they are both falling in love with one another. It’s kind of sweet and cute. I definitely enjoyed the ride, and spent the whole time trying to figure out just what was about to go haywire – since there is one more Shopping for a Billionaire story before the titles and blurbs begin to change tone.

Steve is honestly still a knob throughout this. I mean, wow, what an annoying and horrible ex. Seriously, he manages to constantly be horrible and undermining towards Shannon, whilst still hinting that he wants to get back with her. Chaotic and horrible behaviour to begin with. Then, there’s the whole idea that he starts to act connivingly with Jessica and his horrible mother. I mean, how can you say you want to be with someone, but constantly work at undermining them? Bleugh, truly horrible.

Of course, with things that were working so damn well, it was inevitable that things were going to come crashing down. The fact that instead of having a huge, spectacular crash. But, instead one that is so damn ambiguous. I mean, it’s a misunderstanding and a lack of response to a text message. I can’t wait to find out just how bad the fall out is going to actually be from all of this.

Image source: Kobo

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 2
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Following on from the first part of this story, this is really all about Shannon getting ready for her big date with Declan. And trying not to let that nagging voice in her head (which sounds much like her ex) from derailing the enjoyment she’s going to experience. It’s fun to get to experience the nerves along with her and how she deals with the anxiety that she’s experiencing.

Shannon’s family is legitimately insane. I really didn’t like her mother in Shopping for a Billionaire 1, but as the story unfolds and you get to know her better, she’s kind of growing on me. Maybe because she is just so damn comedic and, although kind of harmful in her actions, is also kind of well-meaning. She might not be the best or most supportive of mums, but she’s definitely one that I enjoyed reading about and getting to know better.

One thing I didn’t love about this (and is driving me to read the next instalment and quickly) is Steve. I mean, he’s a horrifying ex that is constantly, and actively trying to undermine Shannon. And now she’s agreed to go for dinner with him at some point? I mean, that just has disaster written all over it! Disaster that I’m incredibly excited for, but disaster nonetheless.

I love that there is heaps of anxiety and angst on the lead up to this story, but it actually doesn’t give you the peace of mind that you’re craving. Because this damn story finishes right as the couple are going on their first date. I mean, seriously?!?!?! Kent is just way too damn brilliant at leaving you wanting more with these stories…

Image source: Amazon

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 1
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

This is a very cute and quick novel. Also a very interesting way to start a series. Rather than having one long novel that features a couple in this contemporary romance, there are a series of four novellas that slowly show you how they get together. Almost like parts to a full-length novel. And I kind of dig it. It’s totally different, very unique and oh so much fun.

This is only the very beginning of the romance between Shannon and Declan – mostly it focuses on their Meet Cute moment and the insanity that follows this couple in their instant attraction. I mean there’s also their first, unofficial date and the complications of an ex thrown in. But, mostly I can’t move on from the damn hand in the toilet beginning to this relationship. Absolutely hilarious and kind of brilliant.

On finishing this story, two things really struck me. First, I really want to know just what is going to happen with Steve. I mean, he might just seem like a bit of an egotistical dumb-ass of an ex, but he’s going to be a pretty big problem I think – the kind of idiot that doesn’t like to lose and takes everyone down with him. Then, and this was the bit that I mostly focused on after finishing this, I thought about how absolutely delicious Declan and Shannon’s make out session is. I mean, seriously, deliriously yummy. And steamy… what a high note to end this story on.

Not only is this a wonderful and fun story, but it’s probably got the funniest and best Meet Cute that I have ever read. I mean, Shannon literally has her hand down a toilet, how can you not be hooked by that single moment? Now I can’t wait to read more about this unfolding relationship and the insanity that follows.

Image source: Amazon