Filthy Rich: A Novel

Virna DePaul

Oct 2015 · Bantam

About this ebook

High finance and a sizzling office affair raise desire and passion to the boiling point in Virna DePaul’s seductive new contemporary romance—perfect for fans of Carly Phillips, Lori Foster, and Molly O’Keefe.
 
Cara Michal has had to fight every step of the way to earn her place in the glittering seven-figure world of Wall Street. Years ago her hardworking father, a small-time investment adviser, was wrongfully accused of fraud. Now Cara is at the top of her game, supporting not only herself but her mother and brother. The occasional night out dancing soothes Cara’s soul, even as a bitter need for revenge against the man who destroyed her father makes inner peace elusive.
 
Then, in a moment of heat, Cara kisses a sexy stranger at a party—only later to discover that the man is Branden Duke, her new boss, an infamous operator with a wicked reputation in bed and on the Street. Branden is a man who seemingly has it all—except a woman who connects with him on a physical and emotional level. Now that he’s found Cara, he’s not sure he can let her go, even if he should.
 
In spite of herself, Cara is drawn to this charismatic guy. He is a challenge like none she has ever faced in her life. Their passion for each other is unquenchable, surprising them both with its ferocity. Even as Cara wonders if she can trust this man with her heart and soul, the ecstasy of their love cannot be denied. But when the past threatens the present, the two are faced with a truth from which they may never recover.

Praise for Filthy Rich
 
“With a wonderfully seductive story—not to mention an absolutely delicious hero—Filthy Rich by Virna DePaul is an absolute must read!”—New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner

“DePaul spins a familiar romantic setup into a web of seductive intrigue and sizzling romance in her latest contemporary love story, set against the skyscrapers of Manhattan. . . . The twists and turns of the fast-paced plot are delightful, and the book is filled with page-scorching heat. The dominant, rich hero and strong, capable heroine break away from stereotypes in a subtle yet definite manner, making their story entirely believable.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
 
“Filthy Rich boasts a detailed mystery plot and hot love scenes that scorch the page. The smart, honorable hero and heroine are supported by a strong secondary cast of characters who add depth and warmth to an already solid story.”—BookPage

“The story starts off strong with great flirtation and sexual tension.”—RT Book Reviews
 
“Filthy Rich is definitely a good choice. It will keep you entertained and get your lady bits tingling. It will leave you feeling satisfied. So don’t miss out on Cara and Brendan—their adventure was fun and I absolutely suggest you read their book.”—Maine Book Mama
 
“I liked the story. You don’t see many romance storylines that deal with Wall Street, so I was all over this one.”—Cocktails and Books
 
“Filthy Rich combines intense passion with intrigue and danger in a fast-paced and enjoyable story with surprising twists and turns. Ms. DePaul does a great job of building up the tension.”—The Sassy Bookster

 “I love it when I think I have guessed who did what and then, boom, plot twist! LOL! This story will suck you in and leave you begging for more.”—Wicked Women Book Blog

Ratings and reviews

What do you do when you go to a party and you get bored and your date ditches you? Cara just wanted to get some private, quite time. She goes upstairs and finds a quiet room where she falls asleep. She slowly comes awake after she feels a soft touch to her cheek. Upon waking she sees this hot, sexy stranger, who she ends up sharing passionate kiss. The next day she finds out the company she works at has been sold. Yep, you got it. It was sold to Branden, the sexy stranger she meet at the party. Cara knows they should not get involved, but they continue to be drawn to each other. Therefore, when a picture/video surfaces, implying Brandon and Cara are already in a relationship, they figure why not take their relationship further. This was a well write story. It flowed easily and did not give you a lot of monologue from the characters mind. Characters were well-developed. Brandon was actually a good guy. He wasn’t this Alpha male, wanting things only for himself. He protected Cara. Cara was a strong, independent woman. Although the ending was a surprise and did not seem to fit, overall it was still a good story.

This story is about two people, so very different, but yet so very similar. Cara Michal has been working hard her entire adult life ever since her father died when she was 15. Cara works as a Wall Street Analyst for Dubois & Mellan, making good money so she can financially support her mother and her older brother who has schizophrenia and lives in a treatment center. Branden Duke is equally as determined in the bedroom as he is in the boardroom, and is known as being a man who gets what he wants. He owns a few companies and is very rich...filthy rich! He also takes care of his five sisters since his mom and stepdads are idiots. Cara reluctantly decided goes to a company event with Greg from work at some rich guy's house. Bored and tired, Cara decides to wander around the house and ends up in a room on the second floor, laying down on the couch and falls asleep! Later she is woken up by Branden Duke, the sexiest man she has ever laid her eyes on. Loved this introduction of these two. Obviously neither of them likes to back down from a challenge! ;) The next day at work it is announced that D&M has been sold. Guess who the new owner is? Yep! Branden Duke! LOL! Cara and Branden both know that an office romance is wrong, but these two find that they can't stay away from each other. As Branden and Cara are exploring their relationship, events from both of their pasts come crashing down causing some crazy events! This part of the story was so interesting I didn't want to put the book down. I really enjoyed how everything played out and was a little shocked by one of the characters. Over all this book was wonderful! Both of these characters were great, strong people whose chemistry was just off the charts! I love how they naturally just fit together.

Cara works on Wall Street. Her father died years ago, accused of losing their towns money in stock. Now she is responsible for her depressed mother and schizophrenia brother. Branden buys the company she works for and is helping the SEC investigate it. Branden knows under those conservative clothes is a gorgeous woman. They start an affair but someone is stalking them and they must catch him before someone is killed. I absolutely loved this story. Romance, suspense, a little funny and a whole lot of sexy. *RECEIVED A COPY FROM NETGALLEY*

About the author

A former prosecutor, Virna DePaul is the bestselling author of steamy, suspenseful fiction. Whether featuring vampires, a Para-Ops team, hot cops, or swoon-worthy identical twin brothers, her stories center on complex individuals willing to overcome incredible odds for love. She loves to hear from readers.