Derby King: A Billionaire Cinderella Romance

Book 5 of Bourbon & Roses

'And falling for a man like Ian Calloway might cost Brittany far more than her heart.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Derby King by Opal Nicks is book five of the author's Bourbon & Roses series and it was cosy, enjoyable read.
As a steamy, billionaire, opposites attract, protector, slow burn romance the plot and storyline was engaging especially with the main characters of Ian and Brittany.
Ian Calloway is rich and used to getting what he wants when he wants it. Whilst Brittany, strong and independent, comes from modest means and is used to working and planning to get where she want to go.
Meeting briefly at an event for Derby week Ian is intrigued by Brittany who is working as catering staff. The attraction is mutual but nothing comes of the meeting until Ian starts pursuing and persuades Brittany to have dinner with him. It quickly becomes apparent that Ian's usual method for pursuing women is not going to work with Brittany. During the course of the story we see Brittany's rejection of a transactional relationship slowly change Ian as he realises Brittany is not like the women in the social circles he usually comes in contact with but in order get closer to the woman he is falling for he needs to approach her in a manner he is not used to.
This is a lovely story of two people getting over negative impressions of each other and giving and getting a second chance as they see something more behind the public masks they wear. They slowly learn and grow together whilst supporting the other as they navigate the different worlds they come from.
As a slow burn romance it was well written and with their developing emotional connection and evident physical chemistry, the steam and spiciness was well deserved. It all made for an entertaining read that kept me turning the pages right through to the very end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Ian meets Brittany when she works serving guest at the fireworks party for the Derby season. One look and he knows he wants her. She is an independent woman but has the love and support of her family. She lives her life on her own terms and will not let anyone treat her otherwise. But as he slowly pulls her into his world, she won’t play this game of his and, if he wants her, he will need respect her and her world. As the countdown to the Kentucky Derby begins, they figure out that the attraction they have for one another can’t be controlled. Can he adapt to her world and win her heart? This was a wonderful story of how two different worlds could converge to lead to a HEA. Brittany’s feelings and her decisions can be felt throughout the story. Great character growth as the story progressed. Highly recommend.

I enjoyed Ian & Brittany's story... I don't know that I see the whole "Cinderella" story so much... other than she's poorish & he sees her one night & wants her to be his.... but she has such an amazing family in this book & so it's a bit harder to relate it to Cinderella..... Brittany is in such a better place. Just my 2 cents. 😀

That said... I really did like the story... Ian is a billionaire... and doesn't even give her his name when they meet... but he tracks her down & pursues her.

I didn't get Brittany's immediately being off put by his offering to pay her, since he was truly trying to help her... but I'm glad that she gives him another chance.

Ian & Brittany have top shelf banter... I loved their interactions... there are also a lot of LOL moments... I laughed so hard!! Really added a lot to the book!

I love how Ian has no issue coming into her house & spending time with her family... he knew how important they were to her.

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (one open door scene)

*Kentucky Derby romance
*he's a billionaire
*she's poor-ish
*horse racing
*he falls first
*opposites attract
*sports romance

This is Book 5 in the Bourbon & Roses series as interconnected standalones.

Thank you to the author (Opal Nicks), publisher & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.