Review ~ The Fireside Inn (The Billionaire Bachelors #1) by Lily Everett

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: January 17th 2014

Publisher: St Martin's Press

Description:
They're gorgeous, they're rich, they're single, and they're determined to stay that way for life...until they take a trip to Sanctuary Island. Don't miss this unforgettable new novella trilogy about three billionaire bachelors who are about to discover that sometimes you have to let go of the life you planned in order to embrace the life of your dreams.

In the first novella, The Fireside Inn, Lord Leo Stratham seems to have it all. But when he meets Sanctuary Island's quirky young librarian, he's intrigued. Serena is unlike anyone he's ever met before, and he's determined to get to know her a whole lot better. Yet despite the simmering attraction between them, she isn't interested in putting up with a pampered playboy...unless he can convince her to take a chance on him.

My Opinion

I've been looking for short romance novellas lately as because I've been busy with my own work I haven't had the time to read long novels. So, when I came across this series on NetGalley I requested them instantly. They looked perfect and exactly what I was after. However, this was the only one I was allowed access to so I was slightly disappointed as they all looked so good.

Anyway, The Fireside Inn was exactly what it say. It was a sweet romance that I engaged with easily and allowed me to escape my boring train journey for an hour. I was intrigued by the start instantly - with Miles making the other bachelors a bet. It was interesting and I liked how that was explained before the story moved onto Leo and Serena. I can only guess that the other books start similar and follow the other bachelors mentioned as they visit Sanctuary Island.  

I found the romance and emotions to be believable and I engaged with the characters well for the short amount of pages. I may have liked a little more backstory with Leo as there wasn't really much but the twist did surprise me. I wasn't expecting him to reveal what he did. I also liked Serena's stronger side when she showed it. Her passion for her job was evident throughout and I could relate well to her.

The only thing that irritated me slightly was that Leo, although a lord, was portrayed as the stereotypical Brit and some of the language used didn't seem natural. It seems Americans like this stereotype but as a British reader the constant referrals to his accent did annoy me slightly as that difference is always thrown in your face. A few times I can handle, but once you've stated the character is British why is there a constant need to remind the reader?

Overall though, The Fireside Inn was a quick, easy read that I thought flowed well. I liked the author's style and I think it made a nice change that the sex in this book is glossed over, and there is no description of it. It's a shame that I wasn't accepted to read the next two in the series as I would have loved to continue the series straight after finishing this novella on the train but oh well. If you're looking for a short, general romance check this novella out.