This is not an easy review for me to write because do not normally read this genre BUT I was in a bit of a reading rut and nothing was catching my attention so I decided to deviate from the norm and read MILLION DOLLAR DEVIL by Katy Evans. I hoped this book would get me out of my rut and be just fun. I thought perhaps my problem was too much heavy reading. I began reading with a bit of trepidation which I quickly forgot as I was having fun reading again.

Elizabeth is an uptight rich girl with daddy issues. James is the bad boy we all want in our lives. Though Elizabeth is uptight she is hiding a wild side and though James is the proverbial bad-boy he is hiding a heart of gold. Elizabeth and James bring out the best in each other BUT they do not fit in each other's hemisphere's.

I was captivated by the chemistry between James and Elizabeth, I enjoyed the secondary characters. It was a quick fun read and I know that between every few books I read I will be looking for a Katy Evans read to help me out of a book rut.

3 1/2 stars. I liked this story and Jimmy & Lizzy’s chemistry and banter was great. The story itself slowed a bit too much for me at times but all in all a good and entertaining read.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Just finished this novel and it was okay. I have been a true, true fan of Katy's and I am so disappointed that this ended up being not what I was expecting. I am still looking forward to reading her future books, so hopefully this was just a one time thing.

Million Dollar Devil is like, taking a boy from the wrong side of town from rags to riches and cleaning him up. While she's also falling for him. Lizzy and Jimmy are from two different worlds, but he totally wears her down and wakes her up in all the right ways. I love Jimmy- he's got such a good heart for like 80% of the book. There is a bit of time where he's kind of ick- I don't know, snobby all a sudden? And forgets what's important. Lizzy is the one getting the most out of everything, and the push and pull was very entertaining.

This would have been a solid five if it weren't for the off-putting comments about him being a sewer rat, etc, not just from others but from Lizzy herself and more than once. That snooty attitude is hard to look past. Also there were a couple times it felt like I walked into the middle of a conversation, like I had missed something. Otherwise, I really liked this story.

I don’t think this is news, but KE’s books have become sexier with each year.

And Million Dollar Devil is no exception. The couple might not jump into bed until later in the book, but all the talk of sex, and constant thinking of sex makes this book sinfully SEXY!!! Truly, the simmer is INSANE!! There is no letup. The constant level of sizzle should satisfy any romance reader who likes their books to be HOT.

Surprisingly daredevil James, was much sweeter, honorable, and way more devoted than I expected. No bad boy alert this time. Just a guy that loves dares, adrenaline and a good time. But on the inside he was loyal, and a guy you could trust and depend on. And apparently he looked HOT in a suit. Would have loved to see the ad campaign pictures for sure.

The story on its own wasn’t 100% believable. Yearlong habits are hard to break in only a couple weeks. Speech, mannerism, and personality can’t just be swiped clean and reinvented. But I took it for what it was – a romance novel with a HOT lead who had the hots for the heroine.

Because that was clear from the very first moment they laid eyes on. No surprise there.

The heroine wasn’t exactly my type of heroine. Her father was one of the reasons why she wasn’t as strong as I like them. She was missing a bit of spine – and I like my heroines feisty and ball kicking awesome.

But all in all it was a decent story. Entertaining, and the simmer definitely worked for me, even if the constant sex talk got a little on my nerves at the end. Because if you boil it down to the heart of it, the story started to feel two dimensional – it was being reduced to a couple that wanted to have sex, until they finally got to it. Since that’s pretty much all they did – thinking and talking about sex until they finally had sex – lol.

I adored this book. The connection between “James” and Lizzy was so explosive. James could sweet talk a nuns panties clean off. He was so smooth and sexy but what really made you fall in love with him was how good hearted he truly was. Lizzy was so sweet and driven that you can’t help love but at the same time want to just scream at her to let her dang hair down and enjoy life. This story was some what predictable but I just loved it. I don’t think it’s possible for Katy Evans to write a book that I don’t fall in love with!

*ARC kindly given for my honest opinion.

Another good story for Katy Evans. I enjoyed the characters of James and Elizabeth. Like most contemporary romances, kind of predictable but still enjoyable.

This had equal amounts of good and not so good for me. In the beginning, I enjoyed their banter and how easy they were with each other. I loved how James was in hot pursuit of Lizzy from the moment he locked eyes with her. His constant flirting was fun.

I didn't like how tongue tied Lizzy kept getting. I just don't think smart women get stupid because of a mans looks. I did like that she didn't hide her returned attraction to him...too much. She resists due to the situation they were in but since she couldn't hide how much she wanted him in return, it just didn't feel like it was too much resistance.

This was very easy to read and for the most part flowed nicely, however I was not a fan of the conflict towards the end. I just didn't like how the whole situation was handled and it dimmed my enjoyments some. There is one very small scene with another woman that while James didn't encourage, he also didn't discourage.

This was an easy 5 stars for me until the conflict. This is just my opinion and others may love it. I will mention that if you are reading this because of how much you love the authors Real series, it is not the same type of story.

Book Info
Paperback, 319 pages
Expected publication: May 28th 2019 by Montlake Romance
ISBN 1542043808 (ISBN13: 9781542043809)
Edition Language English
Other Editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC
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BOOK BLURB

Big-city sophistication meets carnal hunger in this devilish contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Todaybestselling 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…
My Thoughts

On one hand this story has the best of both worlds with a man whose life could not be further from that of the woman who transforms an up and coming You Tube sensation into the face of a high end men's fashion line.
On the other hand the fact this same man and woman refuse to be true to themselves for almost the entirety of the book is a strike against it for me.
I found the read quite easy to like other than that hiccup and James/Jimmy relatable as either persona.
Elizabeth/Lizzy Banks was also an easy character to empathize with as who has not wanted unqualified approval given to them from the most important person in their life.
What started out as a deal orchestrated by Lizzy that would give Jimmy the money to make life much easier turns into an unexpected chance for both to step outside their bounds and experiences.
While it is true that for her entire life Lizzy Banks has had the best of everything life has to offer the one thing she finds with Jimmy is total acceptance with no strings attached. An acceptance she has longed for without even knowing she was doing so.
Jimmy Rowan however in stepping outside his comfort zone of beers with the boys to the world of social climbers and high fashion finds that maybe money is not everything after all.
Two people from different worlds who come to realize that deep down inside where it counts they are more alike then not, it just takes most of the book for that truth to be acknowledged and acted upon.
[EArc from Netgalley]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Million Dollar Devil is yet another solid read by Katy Evan, though I would't call it her best work. I fell in love with Izzy and James' story, and really enjoyed seeing how their story progressed. There were many sweet moments, but I did find Izzy a bit irritating at times, and an embodiment of everything she complained about with her father.

All in all, it was a quick, steamy read that was perfect for a rainy spring day.

BIANCA
Well, that was adorable. And funny and sparky and sexy.

I loved reading it!

Izzy and James are just too cute.

So not from the same world, but still perfect for each other.

I loved how James needs and wants to be there for his little brother and how he wants something better for the future. But he doesn't want pity and charity ...

Izzy could give them so much material things, but they just want to be loved. To belong to a family again. Ugh, it was so sweet.

I also loved the whole My Fair Lady / Pretty Woman / Cinderella thing of trying to turn a bearded hottie into a suave gentleman.

All very adorable - I wouldn't mind watching this on tv one day!

Hashtag Eyecandy Deluxe! ☺

I just saw all these not very flattering reviews on goodreads!? No idea why people don't like this story. Weird. Sure, it's not the next Great American Novel - and we've read stories like this one many times before - but it was really cute and fun and sweet ... no idea why all the hate.

MILLION DOLLAR DEVIL was an adorable & sexy & fun love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own James! This one is mine! MINE!!! ☺

Now I'm ready for Luke's book! ☺ 4.5 STARS


JANEANE - 3 STARS

ARC received for an honest review

I liked the premise of this book, and I really really wanted to love it.

However, I did like it, but didn't love it.

I think for me, the main thing I didn't like about he story was Lizzy. I just didn't feel any kind of connection with her, just didn't really like her at all. And acting like a 3 year old chucking a tantrum when you get the sh!ts is not going to endear you to me - at all.

James. Oh, how I loved the idea of James. And for the most I adored the guy, I adored how he is with family and friends. But man, FFS, the forever coming on the the woman just got to be too much, and I just wanted to yell at him through the pages - but this could just be me.

Yes, there was plenty of steam and attraction between the pair, but seriously, for me, they just didn't fit and no matter what, I could not see them together.

This is going to be one of those stories that Katy Evans readers are going to either love or hate.

This was an anomaly for me, as I have enjoyed all the other Katy Evans books I have read in the past.

Million Dollar Devil is a sexy contemporary romance. The story takes place in Atlanta.

The narrators are Elizabeth/Lizzie and James/Jimmy (1st person POVs).

Lizzie (25) works for her dad. They are very rich (her nickname is the heiress). She is in charge of the launch of their new line of men's designer suits. She needs to find a model/spokesperson.

James is a daredevil who will do any dare for money. He has a youtube channel with lots of videos.

I liked the idea of Elizabeth having to find someone for the line of men's designer suits. I was very intrigued by everything to do with that part of the story.

James was a good male lead. His world was the complete opposite of the world Lizzie was from. I like the cover model (for the book), but I sort of wish that the cover had been James in one of the designer suits.

I liked Jimmy's brother. That was a strong part of the story as well.

The ending is everything for me. I am not sure that I was completely satisfied with how the book ended. Also I did not really like the epilogue. I enjoy epilogues. But am not a fan of them being that sexy.

There were definitely things that I enjoyed about this book. It was a quick fun read. The story was interesting. It was sexy. But it just was not overly emotional or substantial. I know that there are many readers who love this type of book. So just know that is what you will get.

I’m a big fan of Katy’s book and was excited to this one. Finishing it, I’m a little disappointed. The first 25% of the book is nothing but reiterating how hot and sexy this guy is, how well built and muscular his body is, how good he smells... if you take out all the repeats and variations of this, you will probably get rid of over 50% of the book. At one point I stopped reading and went to something else, but then came back to try to finish. I enjoyed the characters, and I liked the writing. It was a quick read, perfect for someone who is just laying out on the beach or by the pool and wanting something that you can get right back into if you are desctracted.

Million Dollar Evil by Katy Evans a four-star read that will dare you to do better. This was my first read by this author and it won’t be the last, as it took a while to get into this story, but I’m not kidding I don’t think I drew a deep breath for the last 40% of the story. It went from sort of okay and went to boom, bombshell sublime words that you eat in their complete entirety. Jimmy, or James I honestly don’t know which I prefer, rough and ready or smooth and charming, they both have their benefits and I know I am not the only would who would pay a million dollars for some of those benefits. I want to give Lizzy a big shake at times, but mostly I wanted to do shots of cheap tequila and just have a girly night. I can’t wait to read the next words that this author writes as if they are like the second half of this story then they will be amazing.

The first series I read by this author was the Real Series and although I liked it, I felt the flow, the plot and writing was much improved since that series. I loved Elizabeth/Lizzie and James/Jimmy's characters and the whole premise of this book -- funny, sexy, heartwarming -- enjoyable contemporary romance with an unusual twist! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Million Dollar Devil is an intriguing concept. Elizabeth needs to find the perfect man to represent her father's company (men's clothing). She can't get who she wants but then finds Jimmy while drinking in a dive bar. According to her, he needs a lot of work if he is going to pull this off...which she hopes will impress her cold hearted father...definite daddy issues in this one. The two must work together closely to make this happen which leads to sparks igniting.

I loved Jimmy but felt Elizabeth had taken after her father just a bit too much. She came across as uncaring and set in her ways. I was fine with that as I expected her character to grow. And she did change a bit throughout the book. I thought Jimmy's banter and sex appeal really made this book.

Overall, a good read. Nice stand alone novel.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
In the beginning there were certain scenes which could have flowed better; the bar fight and when she took the random stranger home. The next chapter the characters had fallen asleep without discussing why he was there, which didn't seem plausible.
After that, the story seemed to progress more naturally, the plot becoming more unpredictable as they got closer to the launch. There were sweet moments with lots of chemistry and understanding and their personalities grew on me. It also had a nice ending which, let's face it, is why we read these books.
3.5 stars

4.9 Stars

Lizzy is 25 years old. She's been groomed to be her father's heir at their man's clothing company all her life - even though she's 'only' a girl. She has to prove to her dad that she's really got what it takes. She needs to make this upcoming new line a mega success. She needs the perfect male model for these new suits. It pays one million dollars and all the rich suit-wearing idiots she asked didn't want the job.

Enter James. Jimmy. She meets him in a dive bar she accidentally stumbles into one night. He's a professional youtube daredevil. He's super hot. In a non-suit-wearing-non-gentleman kind of way. It would be a lot of work to get him to look like a million dollars ... but he's her last chance.

Let the fun times begin ...

WHAT WiLL HAPPEN TO LiZZY & JAMES????
WiLL WE GET A HEA??
READ THE BOOK TO FiND OUT ☺☺☺

══════════════════

Well, that was adorable. And funny and sparky and sexy.

I loved reading it!

Izzy and James are just too cute.
So not from the same world, but still perfect for each other.

I loved how James needs and wants to be there for his little brother and how he wants something better for the future. But he doesn't want pity and charity ...

Izzy could give them so much material things, but they just want to be loved. To belong to a family again. Ugh, it was so sweet.

I also loved the whole My Fair Lady / Pretty Woman / Cinderella thing of trying to turn a bearded hottie into a suave gentleman.

All very adorable - I wouldn't mind watching this on tv one day!

Hashtag Eyecandy Deluxe! ☺

I just saw all these not very flattering reviews on goodreads!? No idea why people don't like this story. Weird. Sure, it's not the next Great American Novel - and we've read stories like this one many times before - but it was really cute and fun and sweet ... no idea why all the hate.

MILLION DOLLAR DEVIL was an adorable & sexy & fun love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own James! This one is mine! MINE!!! ☺

4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

There is something about this story that just pulls you in and does not let you go until the end. Million Dollar Devil by Katy Evans is fantastic. The Big City Heiress, and the dare devil trying to makes ends meet, come together to survive in this big world. At times I felt this story was dragging but it was more of me just wanting to know what comes next faster. The need to know was strong and consistent.

Lizzy Banks is fighting to be the heir to her father's company. Daddy just doesn't hand out promotions or jobs to anyone. You have to work for it, the way he did.

James earns his living by taking dares and being a YOUTUBE daredevil.

When Lizzy crosses paths with James, she turns both their worlds upside down. Polishing James to be the next face of her father's company, lines can be blurred or even crossed off. He is not the man you bring home to your father. But when Lizzy is discovers a new side to herself, things can get a little complicated.

As I mentioned above, this story is one of those slow burns that you just have to stick with until the end to appreciate the story as a whole.

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy.
I loved so many things about this book. If you want a flipped version of Pretty woman then this will be for you. H
James as Jimmy was rough, uncouth, and totally full on male. Lizzie (Elizabeth) just wanted to please her dad. Finding Jimmy and turning him into James was the first step into showing these two the real people they are inside. There's so many levels of unfinished story here. Charlie is Jimmy's brother and this could have really been written more deeply.
I could have happily rated this 4 stars until 80% and the author threw in something disgusting and it basically ruined so much of the connection between James and Lizzie. It definitely didn't show anything but how physically weak the hero was. To say a man has no body control is like making excuses for men. It was gross and did not add to the love story. Since the heroine didn't know there wasn't any purpose to it.

The ending was rushed. So many lacking pieces.

Sigh 2.5 stars rounded to 3

There's just not gonna be heroes anymore that are loyal even physically like Remy unfortunately. He's proof that it's possible but here that was not the case. That scene could have proven the hero truly felt only loyal to Lizzie but it showed instead that he'll rise to any woman. Lizzie isn't special at all.