The Wicked Billionaire

Grace Riley, widow of Griffin, is in need of protection. She just doesn't know it yet. She senses that someone is following her, but doesn't know whom. As she tries to get an extension on an art show, she slowly turns to find someone in leathers watching her. She stalks across the street to find Lucas Tate. Lucas, a sniper and her dead husband's friend, informs her that she's in danger. Deciding she doesn't have time for him and his nonsense, she starts to walk away. Lucas stops her and convinces her to talk....

Lucas, a deadly sniper, can't believe he's been spotted. He doesn't make himself known, unless he wants to be known. Yet, Grace spots him following her. He doesn't like her, thinks she's ugly, has frizzy hair, and can't dress pleasingly. Yet, he feels drawn to her. He convinces Grace she's in danger because her dead husband made illegal arms deals, but she's reluctant to have Lucas be her bodyguard. When he senses danger, she's finally convinced to hide out with him until the threat passes as she doesn't like Lucas anymore than he likes her. Until...

This is the first Jackie Ashenden novel I've read and I wondered why??? It was AWESOME!!! It was riveting, suspenseful, sad and yet happy at the same time. Grace was a strong heroine, which was exactly what Lucas needed. He needed someone to show him he was deserving of a good life and love. He needed someone who could see through those ice-grey eyes to see emotions, love. Sure he made mistakes when he was young, but we all do. Lucas was also EXACTLY what/who Grace needed to realize she was worthy. Grace's father had berated her talent as an artist and when Griffin didn't take interest in her work either, she believed she was a failure. The exhibit was supposed to prove to her herself that her dad was wrong about her, that she was talented. Lucas offered her the encouragement she needed. This is a must read! I can't wait to find out what happens with Lucas' brothers!!! The ending had quite an unexpected twist. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

The wild and crazy mind of Jackie Ashenden is back at it with this second book in the Tate Brothers series. The way this author can craft a story and create characters that are flawed but real always intrigues me and this one is no different. It has the perfect mix of passion and suspense which kept me turning page after page.

Lucas Tate is a stone cold killer. Being a sniper for an elite SEAL team has taught him to do what needs to be done and move on. He plans on protecting Grace Riley in exactly the same way. Easier said than done. His attraction to Grace is unwanted. She is the widow of a former teammate and should be off limits. Staying away from her while keeping her safe proves to be the hardest thing he's ever tried to do.

A great read that I highly recommend to everyone.

This is the second book of Jackie Ashenden that I've read. She writes some very hot and sexy scenes and some nail biting suspense and gut wrenching emotional dialogue.
Lucas Tate was a foster child and adopted by a very wealthy but cold man. Lucas learned at a young age to put up walls and never let anyone past them. He became a navy seal sharpshooter and that was all that mattered. He never felt he needed or deserved love so he's never let anyone close. He protected his family and his country he needed nothing else.
Grace Riley's husband a navy seal recently passed away, a casualty of war. She's finally going to get her dream of a Art Gallery showing her paintings. Then Lucas shows up with shocking news that he's there to protect her from illegal arms dealers looking for her. Grace's dead husband had been up to no good and owes money and they want it back. Nothing is as it seems and now he wants her to give up everything and hideout with him until he can work all this out. Close quarters and sexual tension shows them both what's been missing from their lives.
The last 1/4 of this book was awesome I just with the rest of it was as good.