Member Reviews
***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***
I struggled with this title.
I liked Lizzy and I liked James. What I didn't like was them together.
I didn't believe the attraction between them and the whole Pygmalion idea, well, it didn't work well for me in this (and, well, I am not sure it is one that still works when the made over person is a woman in today's world) but, regardless of that...I didn't ever believe in their attraction.
“You’re not fragile, sweetheart. You’re rare, and that makes you pure gold.”
I need a manbabe!
This was a sweet thrill ride.
A rags to riches story..sorta. Jimmy aka James was always rich in life and think that’s what really matters.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Angst~ 5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Book Cover~ Sexy Manbabe
Source~ ARC provided through Netgally for honest review
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Whenever I’m reading a book by Katy Evans, I get into this frantic mode, where I’m desperate to know what happens next, and I skim forwards to find out, then I go back to re-read the section where I was. I stay in this back and forth mode because her books make me crazy to know what happens next, but then I don’t want to miss any single word of the story.
This book was a little different from her others, because the male character wasn’t a suave, rich and sophisticated male. This man was all male all right, but he was also uncouth, daredevil, sex-driven, and also a little vulgar. However, he packed a sex punch that left Lizzie in a fog whenever she was near him. His name is Jimmy Rowan and he works a YouTube channel where he takes bets for crazy stunts. He and his little brother Charlie lost their parents ten years ago and they are making do as best they can, living a poor life in a poor part of town. When Elizabeth Banks appears out of nowhere and offers Jimmy a million dollars to become the face of Banks LTD in their new men’s clothes campaign, all he said is: where do I sign?
It takes Lizzie three months but she makes it, she polished Jimmy into James Rowan, GQ model, sex symbol, the charismatic face of Banks LTD. Doing this, she made her dream come true: recognition from her father, the CEO of Banks LTD, a man who only wants excellence and perfection from everyone, including his daughter.
During this period, Lizzie realized that she had fallen for her rough diamond, later polished into a brilliant diamond, but then lost him to fame, work, his fans, her father who claimed him as his own project, his many appointments. His little brother Charlie also felt that he lost his big brother in this scheme, Jimmy sort of lost himself too, and then he suddenly realized he was losing Lizzie. They had such a great chemistry and easy going relation, but all of a sudden there was distance and an overprotective father.
This was such a wonderful story of recognition, achievement, arrival at your self-truth and what is really important. Lizzie had to confront what was really important to her: her father’s pride and love or her happiness. This book was enthralling and kept me riveted beginning to finish with all the skimming and backing up involved. In the end, I think I read every paragraph about 50 times but it was all wonderfully enjoyable. A new type of character and a man who grew into his destiny, bravo Katy Evans.
It was an enjoyable read, but I expected more to be honest… I don’t know if the previous books from Katy have set the bar so high, or if I just have too big expectations... I can’t really appreciate this story, because it didn’t keep my interest from beginning to end. Don’t get me wrong, the plot was pretty good, but it was definitely missing something. Besides, I couldn’t connect with the heroine at all. Lizzy was a spoiled brat, who looked down her nose at everyone and I didn’t like her behavior. You want a perfect guy - go buy yourself a Ken. Just because someone wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth doesn’t mean that he’s beneath you, missy! That’s why I didn’t want a happy ending for her at all. As for the James’s character - he was ok. But unfortunately Remington Tate, Malcolm Saint, or Callan Carmichael set the bar so high that Jimmy unfortunately didn’t make it. It's a pity, because I had really high hopes for this devil...
Heartfelt opposites attracting story!
Devilishly dirty and sinfully delicious this fast paced read is a perfect addition to summertime reading!
The sexual tension and push and pull was fun to read but there were elements of the characters that felt unbelievable and the ending felt rushed!
3.5 stars!
***2 Stars***
The premise sounded interesting and the author is one that I’ve always wanted to read, so I decided to take the plunge and unfortunately this one didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to.
The story in and of itself isn’t horribly written, and had it’s enjoyable moments, but I just couldn’t connect with Lizzy or James. They were likeable, though I did want to Gibbs smack them both on many occasions - and I found that some of their bantering was fun, but they just didn’t have that “it” factor for me.
As I said at the start, I really wanted to like this book, and I know there will be those who will love it. But the mean girl comments and judgements coming from both sides just turned me off rather than on. And, to be honest, the whole situation leading up to the business pitch to Jimmy just didn’t work for me. The one good thing, well person, in all of this was Michael. Him I loved. But, unfortunately he couldn’t save this book for me.
want to thank Katy Evans, SocialButterflyPR, and Netgalley for the advance review copy of Million Dollar Devil.
Check out the Goodreads synopsis below…
“Big-city sophistication meets carnal hunger in this devilish contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Evans.
Heir apparent to her father’s company, Lizzy Banks needs a man. The perfect man. But when the rich “fundbabies” she usually rubs shoulders with prove impossible to hire, she takes a chance on a raw beast of a man salvaged from the wreckage of a bar brawl.
James Rowan earns a modest income as a YouTube daredevil, but he can’t refuse Lizzy’s million dollar deal. As she polishes his rough edges, creating a sophisticated gentleman fit for the highest circles of society, not only does she bring out the perfect man—it’s like she’s making the man of her dreams. How can she resist?
Though Lizzy loves seeing James in his clothes—and out of them—he isn’t the kind of man you bring home to Daddy. Her father’s disapproval and the pressure of the campaign have her eyeing the straight and narrow, but Lizzy’s finding it awfully hard to resist the devil on her shoulder…”
Here are my more detailed thoughts…
Characters: Elizabeth “Lizzy” Banks and James “Jimmy” Rowan are the main characters of Katy’s latest release. Lizzy’s character is defined by the success she desires. She is a strong-willed, goes for what she wants, fighter type character who wants to win out in the fight for the title of future CEO of her father’s company. Jimmy is very multidimensional. He begins as this smooth talking, bruised knuckles solve problems type of guy. To what the story yields part way through, a man consumed by wealth and power. But really he has an emotional, sensitive side that comes through when dealing with his little brother.
Setting: Atlanta. A surprising one as most books about a cutthroat business world tends to take place in Los Angeles or New York City. It was refreshing to have the book take place in a different city.
Romance: This romance was ripe with sexual tension from the very beginning. It was an absolute joy to watch Lizzy crumble to her desires and ignore the voice in her head saying that James would not meet the approval of her father.
If I haven’t convinced you yet, check out this excerpt…
“He has a face that—until now—only existed in my dreams. Hard jaw, chiseled to perfection. Firm, plush, kissable lips. Sharp, pristine blue eyes that feel like lasers zeroing in on me. He catches my gaze, and the devil’s smile suddenly playing on his lips is worth a million bucks.
That’s exactly how much it cost me. What this guy cost me. I would’ve paid so much more.
It’s like he’s the only man in the room. Like he belongs here. Confidence oozes out of his every pore. Masculinity envelops him as perfectly as his custom black suit. He walks like he owns the place. My heart beats harder and harder for him.
I can’t believe I got him to agree to this.
Women are vying for his attention. His moves are smooth. Sophisticated. Elegant.
“An autograph?” a young woman asks shyly.
He takes the notepad and pen she extends and scribbles his name, his voice low and rough. “There you go.” Beneath all that polish is his raw masculine energy. The determination that brought him here.
“James . . .” I halt him before we go any farther. “Whatever happens . . .”
He looks at me. A thousand words lingering in his look. “I know.”
But does he? I’ve fallen in love with my own creation. I polished a diamond, and now it’s flawless. Perfect. But it’s not mine to keep.
He is not mine to keep.
This elite world he’s about to join isn’t one he was born into. These fans only know him because of me. His place at the top? That’s not where I found him.”
Million Dollar Devil receives four out of five stars.
Pick up your own copy here…
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WFkkby
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MillionDollarDevilKE
You can follow Katy, below….
Email: katyevansauthor@gmail.com
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Thank you again to Katy Evans, SocialButterflyPR, and Netgalley. Thank you for reading my review.
Katy Evans has always been on the list of authors I would drop everything and read their books. Her books always make me smile. Her books always bring so much happiness and light to my heart. Her books always has a story that pulls you in and make you fall in love with love. Makes you fall in love with the characters. Her writing always give me warm fuzzy feelings and sweet notes that give me a sweet ache. Just why she is one of my favourite authors because she gives all her heart in her pages. As a reader, you FEEL it.
Million Dollar Devil is the first fiery standalone book in the Million Dollar series. Written by the brilliant Katy Evans, Million Dollar Devil is a devilishly and sophisticated tale full of sweet and passion with a decadent storyline. Heart Raising. Engaging. Sexy. Million Dollar Devil is a fun and light romance that will tug your heart and make you laugh and smile. Million Dollar Devil is a totally enjoyable read with entrancing couple, wit, banter and a sexy romance you can’t help fall in love with. Katy Evans always excels in writing romances that make you happy. She always brings a level of charm in her stories. Million Dollar Devil is the perfect summer read to indulge in
Million Dollar Devil will introduce you to Lizzy an heiress and Jimmy, a YouTube daredevil who give you sizzling chemistry and fun and witty banter that makes it quite a lovely and easy read. Lizzy and Jimmy will entrance you heart. My only problem, it took a while to get into their chemistry. But once I got into their chemistry, I swept away in their sweet and sultry romance.
I feel a certain decline in Katy Evans writing. Maybe, it is because I read a lot of her books and I expect so much from her. I don’t know but I feel that I am losing a connection with her characters. No doubt, she is one of the gifted writers ever. For her next book, I want to see her giving me the connection I crave.
I am such a massive fan of Katy Evans and I was so excited to receive this book but having read it, I'm not sure what to make of it.
I really did enjoy the book but then there is a part of me that isn't so thrilled about it either.
So my opinion on Million Dollar Devil is smack dab in the middle...50/50.
I enjoyed the pace, I love the banter, I love the sexual chemistry but I felt like there was something missing in the storyline.
Overall, A solid 3.5 stars.
Oh my gosh! I loved this book so much! I have been in the WORST book slump ever and Million Dollar Devil just broke it! Katy Evans is one of my favorite romance writers and she just seriously hit this book out of the park. Million Dollar Devil is also available for FREE on Kindle Unlimited so grab for free while you can!
This book focuses on Lizzy and James, two different individuals and a man and woman who are completely different zones. Lizzy is the only child and daughter to Mr. Banks, the owner to one of the biggest men's fashion companies in the world. Lizzy is smart, beautiful, hard working and has tried everything impossible to please her Father, but since she's female and working in a men's fashion company, the odds are significantly stacked against her. When an opportunity comes for Lizzy to make her Father proud and take the reins of the company she jumps to do so, until she can't find the perfect man for the new campaign she needs.
Enter James: the gorgeous and cocky Youtuber who doesn't turn down any dare and will literally do anything for money. He's a bit rough around the edges and lacks manners but Lizzy immediately gets the idea to turn James into the perfect model for her Father's upcoming campaign. She doesn't think about how attracted they are to one another or the fact that their different social standing could put everything she's built with her Father and career at risk. Million Dollar Devil is a great story about a great couple falling for one another despite their social standings which I love this trope when it comes to romance books. What I also loved about Million Dollar Devil is the fact that Lizzy is such an amazing character and person; she basically has dedicated her entire life to her Father and his business (even going to freaking Stanford!) yet she STILL feels like she's not enough for him. The things she goes through and how meeting and falling for James plays out, it really warmed my heart and is such a great message for anyone out there who gives it their all and still doesn't feel like they are enough. Katy Evans has such great messages in all of her books but Million Dollar Devil's message will definitely stay with me for a long time. Million Dollar Devil is a MUST READ for any contemporary romance lover!
I was totally excited to get my hands on this book. I really enjoyed the story and thought it was written really well. The characters were very likeable. Jimmy is a sexy YouTube daredevil and Lizzy is an heiress. The banter between the two was witty and sexy. The chemistry was undeniable. Lizzy tried to fight their connection until she couldn’t any more.
Great story, would definitely recommend.
This is my first book written by Ms. Evans and for sure it won't be the last one.
I had read some of the other reviews and I was afraid that I would hate or don't like Lizzie. Well, there was no reason to be afraid of that. As I understood her completely.
Lizzie is a girl that wants to impress her own dad. That's her purpose of going. Talk about a bad environment where you are never good enough. Sucks right? She reminds me of myself in a few years back. Still hiding myself thinking that pleasing others is more important than fighting for me. No, it's not. And in this position, Lizzie was doing what she could to be the best of herself. Yet will it be enough for her father, Jimmie and herself? Read it to find out.
Jimmy/James, oh... How I liked him to the core. He was a devil that for sure. I was anticipating the final change with my breath hold. It was an instant attraction but... Lizzie was fighting that for a very long time which is greatly appreciated as this kind of things belong to paranormal of fantasy stuff.
Million dollar devil is a story about finding love in an unexpected place, finding yourself even when your parent can have everything and following yourself.
Ms. Evans rocked me with this book.
3 reviews - avg of three is 4 stars
Million Dollar Devil by Katie Evans was a good story that flowed for the most part. The story starts off strong with great chemistry and interaction between the two main characters, but they didn't grow much. It was a bit repetitive with their actions and reactions, like the way Lizzy acted around James. I think the premise of the story is great and there were parts that I thoroughly enjoyed, but it fell a little short of the mark for me. I don't want you to think I didn't enjoy this story. There are plenty of scenes that I loved when I read them, but as a whole, it didn't blow me away. 3.5 stars and I still think you should give it a read.
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I haven't read a book by this author in quite some time and was super excited to dive back into one of her stories! And she didn't disappoint. Katy Evans has the best Alpha Males around and she definitely hit the nail on the head with Jimmy. I would give this book a 4 stars and highly recommend to others.
Jimmy AKA James is a stunt man of sorts, he doesn't answer to anyone. He is trying to make a good life for him and his brother. So when he is propositioned for a job that is way out of his zone of expertise... what will he do? Can he actually turn down that kind of money? And its not so bad that the woman Lizzy AKA Elizabeth seems to be apart of the package....
Lizzy/Elizabeth is trying to prove her worth to her father, and to do that she has to bring in the next big thing for a project she is working on... and when she stumbles upon the perfect man for the position she doesn't realize what is in store for her next....
Get to one clicking to see what happens you don't want to miss this one!
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Elizabeth "Lizzy" works for her father's company and she is determined to make him realize that she can do this job and eventually take over his business. Her father gives her free reign to launch a new collection of men's suits. Her only problem is finding a male model to do the job.
Enter Jimmy: a dare devil who completes insane dares on youtube for cash. He is the opposite of everything Lizzy grew up around and she is determined to have Jimmy be the new face for her launch.... hiding him in plain sight as James Rowan.
Their attraction is palpable, from his flirty smooth talking ways to Lizzy trying to remain proper. As the launch grows closer the anxiety and tension increases....
Can they pull off this campaign without anyone knowing who James really is? And can they remain professional under their growing attraction to each other?
Definitely one-click this one. You won't be able to put it down.
Katy Evans is one of my favorite authors for a reason and this book is everything I love in her books. Elizabeth (Lizzy) wants her father to see her as a future CEO for Banks, Ltd. She finds herself facing Jimmy Rowan, the Daredevil, but perfect guy for the face of the new campaign. This story reminded me of Pygmalion in a reverse way. I absolutely loved it. The untamed, risk taker, YouTube sensation Jimmy will find himself more than a million dollar deal and Lizzy will see that not everything that she thought she wanted is what she needs. A 5 star read. The audiobook I must say is amazing, the narrators did an outstanding job and I totally recommend it as well.
Katy has always written fantastic heros, and it always makes me want more of her books. But, this one was just an ok read for me. I don't think it was the writing, it was the main character, Lizzy. I could not for anything connect with her, and she seemed like such an annoying rich girl. James on the other hand, I loved him. He was a breath of fresh air. I think he deserved a better gal, but he was great.
I liked the story but, it just was missing something. I can't put my finger on it. No worries, I'm still a Katy fan through and through, I've been in a slump with heroines of books I've been reading, they've been giving me the same vibe where I'm not connecting with them. Its a travesty, I know.
I really enjoyed Million Dollar Devil with its hilarious, flirty and sexy storyline. It’s a well written opposites attract romance and I couldn’t get enough of Jimmy and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a prim, proper and classy woman who exudes grace and tact. And then you have Jimmy who is a crass, rough around the edges, swears like a sailor kinda guy and at the same time, he is one sexy devil!!!
Elizabeth needs to prove herself to her father by finding the perfect, debonair male model for the launch of his new men’s suit line. She stumbles upon Jimmy by accident and realizes he may be the solution to her problem. She offers him the job and boy does she have her work cut out for her. Their witty and amusing banter throughout the “makeover” process was quite entertaining. The sparks and undeniable chemistry between them was on fire!! This adorable and sweet book is a must read!!
I am not sure where I should start. This was one of those books I was really hoping to be a hit for me. I have seen it all over the place, and my book club voted it for our monthly read.
The overall story itself is a good one. The idea of a normal guy hitting it big and falling for the woman who discovered him may not be entirely original, but it's usually a good premise for a promising story. I was all for it.
I just can't with Lizzy's character. She was written so terribly, she ruined the entire book. She has no depth. Her ignorance towards people in social classes "below" her is not only cliche' but so overly exaggerated. She is vapid and comes across as uncaring to anyone but herself. Her character completely disgusted me. I had to force myself to finish the book.
I loved Jimmy. His character was mostly written pretty well. He was mostly real and completely relatable. I actually didn't want him to end up with Lizzy. His character deserved more, better.
Because of the differences in how the characters are written, there is no real chemistry between these characters. Lizzy's skewed view of people she saw as beneath her completely ruin any chances of me rooting for this couple to get an HEA.
I don't really have many positive things to say about this book. So I am going to keep this review to what I have already said. This isn't a book I can see myself recommending to anyone.
“ Being with Devil makes me feel all those things”
I am a big fan of Katy Evans and I would read anything with her name on it. Million Dollar Devil was exactly what I needed- a sexy story with a male character that you can help but falling head over heels with!
The story of Lizzy and James captivated me, infuriated me and I even found myself swearing at times! Their attraction is obvious and the chase was frustrating as I was desperate to see them get together but no no Katy Evans made her readers wait and it was well worth it.
I have to say that I did not like very much Lizzy as I found her a bit annoying and childish at times. However, JAMES!!!!! I love everything about him – his charisma, his swag, his banter … to be honest when he winked at Lizzy , I found myself melting on the spot LOL
“Damn this guy. He makes me want to dance. TO unbutton the top buttons of my top. Take it all off. Strip to my undies”
If you are looking for a book that is easy to read and will make you swoon and more, this one is for you.
*Arc kindly provided by the author
A Pygmalion gender flip, “Million Dollar Devil” is where fantasy becomes reality.
Daredevil Jimmy Rowan has one weakness, he cannot say no to a dare. Meanwhile, Lizzy Banks’ weak link in her perfect world is her obsession to be praised and loved by her emotionally unavailable father.
In a twist of fate, they met in a seedy bar in the not so rich side of Atlanta. Lizzy needed a man to be the face of the new line of men’s clothing being launched by Banks Ltd., her family’s fashion brand. Jimmy needed money to support his brother and send him to a school where he is not going to be bullied.
In an unusual negotiation, Lizzy was able to convince Jimmy that for $1 million, he will leave his daredevil ways behind and become James Rowan – upper crust gentleman worthy of the Ivy League.
So, in the grand tradition of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, better known in Broadway as “My Fair Lady,” Jimmy Rowan became James Rowan under Lizzy’s tutelage. And just like Eliza Doolittle, the rough diamond that was Jimmy is polished to be the debonair James Rowan.
Everything would have been great. In fact, there was the addition of Lizzy and Jimmy falling in love with each other. But Jimmy and Lizzy became the victims of their own success.
Turning into a celebrity overnight, Jimmy became the darling of fashion world. His persona became every woman’s fantasy while men want to emulate his style. And that was when everything fell apart.
So, the question becomes, will their love be enough to stand the onslaught of fame?
“Million Dollar Devil” is Rated T for Teens. Parental guidance strongly advised for the stunts.
I'm sad to say that this book didn't do much for me, kills me to say this cause I'm a huge Katy Evans fan, absolutely love her work! The blurb sounded so promising too.
Story starts out a bit slow, then with the characters, I really tried to like Lizzie, but no matter what, she just seemed to really bug me and I couldn't connect with her at all, which was a frustrating.
There was definitely some heat between Lizzie and James which I enjoyed. I think James had to be my favourite thing about this story.
The book does have some good moments. Overall I liked it, but didn't love it.