DIRTY SCOUNDREL is the second book in Jessica Clare's Roughneck Billionaires series. An unfortunate turn of events and miscommunication led to the breakup of high school sweethearts Natalie Weston and Clay Price. Now, seven years later, a wealthier Clay is determined to hunt down his old flame. Although Clay initially plans on being ruthless in his seduction, Natalie is quick to remind him that he's not Christian Grey and he needs to get over himself. This story is about two characters getting a second chance at true love, and re-learning each other. The humor, and complex history the main characters have with each other, keep this story from getting too dark.

Because Clay and Natalie were both manipulated years ago by her father, they both have a different recollection of how and why they split up, with each feeling like the wronged party. Aging superstar Chap Weston is now an ailing man whose memory comes and goes, but the damage he did to his daughter's love life is profound. At the opening of DIRTY SCOUNDREL, Natalie is in a tough spot financially and emotionally. She's in the perfect position to either be rescued or be taken advantage, by her old love Clay Price. A major source of conflict in their new relationship is caused by miscommunication. Although it doesn't take long for these two twenty-somethings virgins to figure out how to communicate sexually, their inexperience when it comes to emotional intimacy in a romantic relationship becomes glaringly apparent and almost sinks them.

DIRTY SCOUNDREL is a fun confection with a mix of naughty and nice. Natalie's quirky friend Lexi and Clay's brother Knox provide emotional support to this hero and heroine as they try to understand themselves and each other. Jessica Clare always does a great job writing about female friendships and this book is no exception. The texts between Natalie and Lexi are a hoot and provide much needed comic relief when the romance gets super intense. I look forward to seeing what's in store for Clay's brothers in the next Roughneck Billionaires book by Jessica Clare.

Book Summary

Clay Price has everything he’s ever wanted, except the one thing money can’t buy—Natalie Weston. Years ago, Clay and Natalie were in love…until she turned down his marriage proposal. Now Clay and his brothers are oil-rich billionaires, and they can have whatever they want. And what Clay wants is Natalie in his bed, no matter what it takes. If it means being ruthless, he’ll do it.

Natalie gave up on true love years ago when the realities of the world destroyed her fairy-tale hopes. Giving up Clay is her biggest regret in life, and she’s excited to see him return…until she finds out why. Clay’s got one hell of a proposal for her: he’ll save her father’s business and bail Natalie out of debt if she’ll agree to become his very personal assistant. It’s clear that he wants more from her than just typing.

It’s also clear that Natalie has no choice. This scoundrel’s bet could destroy any hope they had of reconciliation—or it could bring them together once and for all…