All they wanted was a happily-never-after.

When Richard Danforth inherits the family estate on Merriweather Island, he doesn’t have time to deal with it – especially not from halfway across the globe. He’s too busy working to become the world’s newest billionaire and avoiding the women who would detract him from his goals.

Enter Lyla Santana. Fresh out of Oxford University with a degree in antiques and a relationship that nearly killed her to leave, she’s eager for the isolation and treasure trove that is Danforth Hall. Lyla also is determined to avoid men at all costs. Forever.

It was supposed to be a match made on paper. With him halfway across the globe, they’d never have to see each other again.

So, what’s Richard doing on Merriweather just weeks after the wedding? And how will his arrival test Lyla’s faith, not to mention stretch their so-called relationship?

In a twist on billionaire romance and marriage of convenience, this Merriweather book kicks off a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Island Series: Beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

My thoughts: This story is so much fun! I love that it is a billionaire story that meets marriage of convenience! I don't generally care for billionaire romances, but I loved this one, because it was so unique! Chautona does a wonderful job of kicking this series off with her wonderful character and faith filled story. This is an excellent story to pick up and enjoy. Christa does a great job bringing the story to life with her voice as she reads!

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

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About the Author & Narrator

media-headshot-sm Chautona Havig

Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

DGroup-39 Christa DelSorbo

“The voice of a friend.”

Christa has a great sense of humor and extensive experience with accents, particularly those of the Southern United States and Great Britain. Her most recent credits include: local live musical theatre actress and choreographer, regional radio commercial voice actress, and speaker for national business