As a mood reader, I was thankful @netgallery and @theboldbookclub answered my call when I needed a billionaire romance. Filthy Rich Temptation hit the mark. I appreciated the depth in this story - single mom, overcoming trauma, and a history between the FMC and MMC.
I really enjoyed Theo’s character traits. Unlike most billionaires romances I read, he was not morally grey, but neither was he a pushover. He just seemed real. He doesn’t always do the right thing, but the reasoning behind his actions are justifiable.
Sadie, is a strong, resilient, single mom overcoming a traumatic situation. I liked that this issue was front and center and the author took the time to weave the healing process into this story.
This second chance romance that expanded over seven years enhanced the story and made the age gap believable and tasteful.
Overall, I loved it! It has everything I love in a story: heartfelt, spice, realistic characters, and an easy, fast-pacing.
Check out Filthy Rich Temptation when it comes out 10/05/25. You will not be disappointed!

got to love these books. they hit something different in the genre and i can totally see how they have become so popular.
this was such an enjoyable read where the deeper parts are so well written , the tougher component to this book are handled really well. its not glossed over, cliched, or too heavy. its handled as if this author cares about the situation her characters are in.
Theo was such a meltingly swoon of a male character. how he takes care,stands by and stands for Sadie and her daughter was just so gorgeous to read. Sadie needed a safe place, more than that she needed a safe person. and Theo became that and then some. he didn't just protect her but he stood by her side whilst she built her own self up again. there relationship was more than lust, more than smouldering although that was fab parts to this pair too. but we get to see the emotional, friendship and then deeper meaning to these two and there growing bond.
i loved how Sadie first introduces us to her feelings towards Theo. she liked him once, a lot. then felt rejected by him and ever since blocked him from her mind. or tried to. and then she needs somewhere to go. and her daughter is her most important person so she knows she can trust Theo her siblings best friend and so that is exactly where she finds herself.
we see them both feeling things. both having to get through things and they both try to keep away from each other. its the only sensible thing to do.
but spending time together means they cant deny what is there and what is growing between them. and don't we just love to read about it.
loved this read. Theo and Sadie were brilliant characters. there was a maturity, patience and gorgeous way they handled things.
i enjoyed reading them come together and heal. come together and smile. come together and fall in love. and i was anxious waiting for that "thrid act" as i so wanted them to get their ending.

If billionaire romance novels are your thing then you will love this. I loved the easy to follow story and the great mix of characters. Plus there were some spicy scenes..I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
🧡 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

To be honest this book left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand it feels like a romance with a lot of the typical tropes: off-limits best friend‘s little sister, forced proximity, workaholic billionaire. And it kind of works. But the FMC is a woman who just came out of an abusive relationship and it seems like all she needs is a few weeks with a billionaire with a golden heart and everything in her life is right again? I realize this is a romance book but somehow that felt completely wrong for me. Also I thought it was very unbelievable that Sadie asked for help from her sister to get away from her abuser but at the same time already has a website with a huge following helping other abused women. It really didn‘t make sense to me, at least timing-wise.
If you don‘t mind those unbelievable elements (it is a romance after all) this book is an entertaining second-chance romance.

Quick read, not a lot of depth.
The FMC was in an abusive relationship, that shaped the story and her reactions.
The MMC, being a billionaire didn’t really make a big impact on the plot, outside if having a beach house.

Age gap
Second chances


Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

In this novel Sadie is a woman fleeing domestic abuse with her spirited three-year-old daughter, Lottie. Seeking refuge, she finds herself in the home of Theo; her sister’s friend and the man she’s secretly loved for years. Theo doesn’t hesitate and opens his home to Sadie and Lottie, embracing the whirlwind energy of a toddler with ease. Lottie, with her glitter, stickers, and boundless imagination, becomes the heart of the story. Her innocence and joy shine through even the darkest moments, offering bursts of light among elements of fear and uncertainty.

As Sadie tries to rebuild her life, the connection between her and Theo slowly deepens. It’s tender, a little messy, and deliciously spicy. This book blends emotional healing with just the right amount of romantic tension. Tender, somber, and quietly powerful, this book is a testament to survival and the unexpected ways love can help us rebuild.

A very emotional story that really tugs at the heartstrings. Sadie needs shelter and Theo provides it for her. Although friends for a long time they have not seen each other in a while and this story presents their past and how some of that past is affecting them today. I loved seeing Sadie's growth and Theo's acceptance.

Book 1 in the new Billionaires series by Rachael Stewart. A slow burn of mutual pining, age gap (25/37) romance. Theo has been in Sadie's life since she was just 5 yrs old, he's her sisters best friend and business partner. Sadie has been in love with Theo for years and when he rejected her 7 years ago, she was broken hearted, and a decision that Theo has regretted too. This book centers around Sadies story of domestic abuse in a previous relationship and coming back to Theo when she has no where else to turn to, having fallen out with her sister. As the story develops, it's harder to ignore the temptation and chemistry between them. When they finally give in, things get hot and heavy fast with the help of a little forced proximity! Looking forward to the next book and reading more.

FILTHY RICH TEMPTATION by RACHEL STEWART ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.2/5

Filthy Rich Temptation is the first book in a trilogy.

Escaping an unhealthy relationship and despite her unrequited feelings for her sister’s best friend, Sadie finds herself living with him.
She has nowhere else to go, nowhere to keep her daughter safe, except to run to the man who spurned her advances seven years ago. Estranged from her sister, Sadie is determined to give herself a few weeks staying with Theo, using the time to recoup, find her feet, and restart her life.

Theo cannot deny his strong attraction to single mum Sadie, but not only does he work with her sister but she’s just getting over an abusive relationship, not to mention the twelve year age gap and her three year old daughter - all reasons to keep himself away from her. Following a failed relationship of his own, Theo likes his space, his perfectly ordered life, his tidy house. There’s no room in his life for the chaos a relationship with Sadie, let alone her daughter Lottie would reign down on him.

As the pair start to spend more time together together however, so their feelings grow and their relationship changes……

—————————

*** Please be aware this book contains strong mention of (off page) emotional and physical abuse ***

This was my first book by this author and I very much enjoyed it. Both of the main characters are relatable and the slow build up of their relationship believable.
Sadie’s recovery from her abusive ex with Theo’s help is compassionate and powerfully written as she goes from downtrodden and timid to strong, assured and assertive, able to reclaim her life. Whilst any abuse is only referred to, the reader can comprehend how deeply it affected Sadie and how her previous encounter with Theo and her childhood led her down that path.
Theo’s character is so kind, caring and thoughtful. I loved his interactions with Lottie and I felt like their relationship was the perfect foil to what could be an incredibly heavy subject matter. He was so obsessed with how his actions would be viewed by others that he let that affect his decisions. Lottie’s character is just a ray of sunshine!! I did think the ‘Billionaire’ trope to be a bit superfluous and irrelevant as it didn’t really affect the story or the character’s actions.
At around 250 pages long I found this story to be an easy read with good editing. I did think that the cover may lead readers to think that this is a fluffy read and it’s really not so I hope it won’t put people off giving this book a try.


🦄 Billionaire Romance
🦄 Single Parent
🦄 Best Friend’s Sister
🦄 Escaping Abusive Relationship
🦄 Age Gap Romance
🦄 Close Proximity

I read an early copy of this book with thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.

I really enjoyed this book! Theo and Sadie’s story pulled me in right away, and getting to see their backstory unfold and where they ultimately ended up was so satisfying. I felt for Sadie and everything she went through, but watching her find her strength again was amazing. Her little girl, Lottie, completely stole my heart, and her bond with Theo was so sweet. The London setting was such a fun change from what I usually read, and I loved the touch of suspense woven into the story. Overall, this was such a good read. I found myself looking forward to picking it up every chance I got, and I’m so sad it’s over!

Although the storyline was engaging, I could not get into this book. Well-written though

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I first discovered Rachael Stewart when I read her book The Puck Stops Here, which was part of The Karma Club series. I really enjoyed that series, even though each book was written by a different author, and it made me want to check out more from the authors involved. That is why I was so excited to get the chance to read this one.

To be completely honest, age-gap romance is not usually my go-to trope, unless the female character happens to be the older one. At first, I felt a little unsure as I started reading and even had a moment of ick. But the further I got into the story, the more that feeling faded, and I ended up getting pulled in by the way the romance developed.

Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I especially liked the way it ended, and I would love to see a bonus epilogue at some point. Since this is the first book in a new series, I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest as they come out.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

This story was such an enjoyable read and though it covers some tough topics it was done in a very relateable and caring way.

I love the softy that Theo melts into. This broody bachelors life was turned upside down and though at first he was a bit grumpy he really stepped up for Sadie and Lottie. He provided them a safe place to land when their world fell apart and became a man that Sadie could trust. He stood beside her and held her up so that Sadie could become the fierce woman she was meant to be.

I loved so many things about this book but most of all I loved the friendship that we saw grow between Theo and Sadie and the friendship that Theo has with Axel and Taylor. I can’t wait for what’s next and I highly recommend this book!

Sadie and Theo were childhood friends, after fleeing an abusive relationship Sadie and her daughter move in with Theo.

Did I read this in one sitting? Yes. Yes I did.

Nothing less than 5 stars for this masterpiece. I was HOOKED.

The way Theo made me fall absolutely in love with him and his relationship not only with Sadie but Lottie too!! The daddy trope just gets me.. and yes take that either way 😏

So glad this is the first in the series and I haven’t missed any because best believe I’m ready for book two already!! 🥵

Yous don’t want to miss this book. It was outstanding.

Thank you Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book. Sadie and Theo were absolute fire.
Don’t let the sultry cover fool you, this book, while inherently sexy and bursting some of my favourite tropes (age gap, second chance, best friends sister, forced proximity) the story covers some deeply emotional and traumatic subject matter.
For those triggered by DV, this might be a hard read.

This one was harder for me to get into. I couldn’t really get invested in the characters, but the storyline was good and there were sweet moments throughout.

Friends from teenage years but now running from an abusive relationship with her young daughter, Sadie moves in temporarily with Theo.
Her teenage crush that she never forget about
Rebuffed by Theo when she was 18 due to the age difference.
Can they have a relationship this time around ? With her ex abusive partner still looking for her despite restraining orders pulling strings in the background , will Sadie find the strength to move forward and heal.

I received an ARC from MatGalley and Boldwood, in exchange for an honest review. There are lots of familiar tropes: age gap romance, second chance, cute child, billionaire but the key thread running throughout is domestic abuse and violence.

As always RS has written a really emotional and engrossing story. Sadie and Theo are a fabulous pairing. Sadie is damaged by her abusive marriage and is staying with Theo while she gets herself sorted out and is able to get on with her life with her young daughter. The book starts in almost comedic mode but as we learn about her past, the comedy disappears. The dual POV allows us to understand the background and the inner thoughts of both Theo and Sadie.

Domestic abuse is a trigger for me and although you never see it on the page, you do see the effects on Sadie in the present day. I found some of that very difficult to read but it doesn’t stop me admiring the writer’s skill!

RS has done a fabulous job with this book and even though I usually dislike books about domestic abuse, she few me in.

a good easy read. I found Sadie and Lottie really cute characters - particularly given Lottie had some real life inspiration from the author.

overall I found the storyline a teensy bit predictable and I think there could have been a bit more of a back story for Theo and Taylor as they didn't really feel fully delevoped - I wanted more 🙂.

I loved the time shifts at the start of the book and I loved the ending too. I won't spoil it but it felt like a happy but also powerful ending.