REVIEW: The Baby the Billionaire Demands by Jennie Lucas

In The Baby the Billionaire Demands (Secret Heirs of Billionaires #18) by Jennie Lucas, Lola Price and Rodrigo Cabrera were once a couple until he discovered things about her past that made him see her as nothing but a woman determined to use any means necessary to land herself a rich man. However, when they meet again and Rodrigo learns that Lola has a child and he’s the father, he doesn’t give her much of a choice but to marry him. Will Rodrigo realize he’s in love with Lola before it’s too late or will the past repeat itself with Lola walking away from the man she loves?

”Tell me, Lola,” he demanded mercilessly.
Heart pounding, she whispered, “Yes. You’re the father.”

Previous books in which Ms. Lucas has penned as part of the Secret Heirs of Billionaires series feature Lola’s two best friends and I’ve been looking forward to this heroine’s story from the moment she was introduced, as it’s palpable she’s been through a rough time with her baby’s father and I wanted to know more about what happened between them. The way this story started had me sympathizing with the heroine and I could understand why money means a lot to her because she lost a lot growing up, broke promises that she thought she could keep and did questionable things that could put a stain on her reputation if she isn’t careful. Will her secrets stay buried? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time in this story where things really come alive, as it’s understandable why the heroine is wary of the hero because he could bring the life she’s built after leaving him in the past crashing down and things may never be the same.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and everything these two go through on their journey to happy ever after because the heroine is determined to challenge the hero and will not let him treat her the way he treats her. Really, she’s resilient and courageous with everything she’s been through in her past and what she goes through with Rodrigo. How could he treat her the way he does? How could he not be suspicious of things that have happened in his past when it comes to his exes? I also liked the close friendships Lola shared with her two best friends because she needs them for advice and when things get tough. While the hero, he’s arrogant, uncompromising, driven to succeed and a little too trusting when it comes to certain people in his life. Will putting his trust in the wrong person cost him the woman he loves? I also liked how Lola brings out the best in the hero throughout this story, even if he does make some poor decisions. Still, she makes him realize what’s important – love, family and happiness.

“You can’t fool us,” chided Tess, still snickering.
“Yeah, Lola. The jig is up.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You never wanted money, you old softie.”
Hallie grinned. “You wanted family and home and love, like the rest of us.”
“Don’t worry,” Tess said, patting her hand. “Your secret’s safe with us.”

Overall, Ms. Lucas has delivered a delightful and charming read in this book where emotions run high because of how Rodrigo treated Lola in the past and it isn’t easy for her to forgive him; the chemistry between this couple is intense due to the pair being enemies that become lovers again; the romance was heart-warming and had me loving that these two couldn’t stay away from each other; and the ending had me loving the hero’s determination to make things right with the heroine, especially after the way he treats her and causes their relationship to go awry. Really, his words are sweet and full of love and had happy tears surfacing for me because these two are meant to be. I would recommend The Baby the Billionaire Demands by Jennie Lucas, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, second chance romances or books by authors Carol Marinelli, Rachael Thomas, Annie West and Caitlin Crews.
 

Book Info:

Publication: October 22nd, 2018 | Harlequin Presents | Secret Heirs of Billionaires #18

Pregnant, she fled…But she’ll be the Spaniard’s bride!

Lola Price didn’t dare tell Rodrigo Cabrera she was pregnant, after he spurned her. But now that he’s discovered her secret, he’s determined his child will take his name! While their mutual desire in the marriage bed is undeniable, Rodrigo keeps himself at a distance. Yet fiery Lola won’t be pushed away again. She’ll show Rodrigo that their son and their relationship are worth fighting for!