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The Runaway Bride's Off-Limits Billionaire
Running away from my wedding was reckless.
Falling into bed with a stranger the same night? Even worse.
Max Reed—Grumpy billionaire. Brilliant tech mogul. Single dad. Playboy.
My brother gets me an interior design job at his best friend Max’s mansion, and I say yes—desperate to forget the wedding I ran from.
I’ve heard about Max for years, but I’ve never met him.
So I’m shocked when I meet my new boss and realize—it’s him. The stranger.
Now I’m stuck working for him. And he’s definitely off-limits.
His stormy blue eyes, chiseled body, and the way he commands a room are impossible to ignore.
But I try to keep my distance, and the tension between us only builds.
Until he touches me in a way that sets my body on fire, his mouth and hands taking me to places I’ve never been before.
And when he protects me… or I see him with his daughter… my heart starts to open.
Then everything changes with two pink lines.
The connection between us is magnetic and real.
But Max isn't ready to be a father again.
And being with him could destroy my brother's trust—and break my heart.
Or will I be the one who finally breaks through Max’s walls?
The Runaway Bride’s Off-Limits Billionaire is part of the Small Town Billionaire Protectors series—three standalone romances packed with forbidden chemistry, emotional twists, and swoon-worthy happily-ever-afters. Each book can be read on its own, in any order.
Falling into bed with a stranger the same night? Even worse.
Max Reed—Grumpy billionaire. Brilliant tech mogul. Single dad. Playboy.
My brother gets me an interior design job at his best friend Max’s mansion, and I say yes—desperate to forget the wedding I ran from.
I’ve heard about Max for years, but I’ve never met him.
So I’m shocked when I meet my new boss and realize—it’s him. The stranger.
Now I’m stuck working for him. And he’s definitely off-limits.
His stormy blue eyes, chiseled body, and the way he commands a room are impossible to ignore.
But I try to keep my distance, and the tension between us only builds.
Until he touches me in a way that sets my body on fire, his mouth and hands taking me to places I’ve never been before.
And when he protects me… or I see him with his daughter… my heart starts to open.
Then everything changes with two pink lines.
The connection between us is magnetic and real.
But Max isn't ready to be a father again.
And being with him could destroy my brother's trust—and break my heart.
Or will I be the one who finally breaks through Max’s walls?
The Runaway Bride’s Off-Limits Billionaire is part of the Small Town Billionaire Protectors series—three standalone romances packed with forbidden chemistry, emotional twists, and swoon-worthy happily-ever-afters. Each book can be read on its own, in any order.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
About the author
Ava Nichols
18 books69 followersAva Nichols is a #1 Amazon Best Selling Author who writes relatable, sexy, and heartfelt contemporary romance. Her stories have a balance of fun, edginess, steam, light-heartedness and depth. You’ll get to watch her characters grow, open up their hearts and eventually find a happily ever after.
Her favorite themes are Billionaire Bad Boys, Enemies to Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend, Boss, Second Chance, and Age Gap.
When she’s not reading or writing, she’s enjoying nature, dance, pilates and spending time with her family. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two young children and two small dogs.
Her favorite themes are Billionaire Bad Boys, Enemies to Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend, Boss, Second Chance, and Age Gap.
When she’s not reading or writing, she’s enjoying nature, dance, pilates and spending time with her family. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two young children and two small dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 17, 2025
Ms Nichols has hit the nail on the head again in the romance department with this charming novel. It combines a bit of everything - romance, angst, a darling daughter, forbidden fruit and the jilted lover who just won't stay away...
I fell for Max on the page just as quickly as Grace did in the resort after her flight from her wedding, I think. What a guy! We'd all secretly hanker for a Max now and again... he's a character well worth reading about and getting to know - someone who richly deserves his girl and all that comes with her.
Grace is aptly named and a wonderfully written character, a gorgeous match for her man. I'm glad that, in the end, she stands up to her stuck up family and the one she nearly married into and goes with her heart... thank heavens, too, for a brother like hers. I want to hear more of her bro Jake... he deserves his partner, too.
A recommended read - well written as usual, with a carefully and well-crafted storyline to appeal to many, whether they are after a tender-hearted romance, something a bit more racy, or a bit of family argy-bargy. I enjoyed reading it very much!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I fell for Max on the page just as quickly as Grace did in the resort after her flight from her wedding, I think. What a guy! We'd all secretly hanker for a Max now and again... he's a character well worth reading about and getting to know - someone who richly deserves his girl and all that comes with her.
Grace is aptly named and a wonderfully written character, a gorgeous match for her man. I'm glad that, in the end, she stands up to her stuck up family and the one she nearly married into and goes with her heart... thank heavens, too, for a brother like hers. I want to hear more of her bro Jake... he deserves his partner, too.
A recommended read - well written as usual, with a carefully and well-crafted storyline to appeal to many, whether they are after a tender-hearted romance, something a bit more racy, or a bit of family argy-bargy. I enjoyed reading it very much!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2025
Grace and Max's story
When the book begins, Grace Lawson is running from her wedding because she doesn't love her fiance and knows that he will stifle her dreams. She takes a bus to a 5 star resort and meets gorgeous Max.
Max Reed is a self made billionaire who has designed several popular computer applications, selling one for millions and turning a second app into a hugely successful company.
Max is a 35 year old single dad with a 5 year old daughter after his ex-wife decided motherhood was not for her.
Max and Grace have a wild sex filled weekend but then she runs from him because she is emotionally unprepared to connect with another guy.
Her brother gets her a lucrative interior design job with his best friend. After she agrees to take the job, she discovers the best friend is Max.
They spend the rest of the book trying to resist their mutual attraction. Grace feels guilty running from her wedding and hiding their relationship from her brother.
This is a fun book with a sweet true love ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When the book begins, Grace Lawson is running from her wedding because she doesn't love her fiance and knows that he will stifle her dreams. She takes a bus to a 5 star resort and meets gorgeous Max.
Max Reed is a self made billionaire who has designed several popular computer applications, selling one for millions and turning a second app into a hugely successful company.
Max is a 35 year old single dad with a 5 year old daughter after his ex-wife decided motherhood was not for her.
Max and Grace have a wild sex filled weekend but then she runs from him because she is emotionally unprepared to connect with another guy.
Her brother gets her a lucrative interior design job with his best friend. After she agrees to take the job, she discovers the best friend is Max.
They spend the rest of the book trying to resist their mutual attraction. Grace feels guilty running from her wedding and hiding their relationship from her brother.
This is a fun book with a sweet true love ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2025
When Grace was going to marry Eric she backed out and ran away , because she doesn’t want to sacrifice her dreams to make her parents happy.
She took the bus and stopped into a resort she worked as an interior designer.
She went shopping for clothes, she decided to go out to enjoy the evening when she was looking around a man bumped into her, when she looked up at him he was handsome.
He offered her a drink but she refused and went to the bar to have a drink.
Max was at a Business event before he bumped into a woman and he couldn’t get her out of his mind. After the event he wanted to have a drink he met her at the bar, this time she accepted the drink , he asked her to go with him at his room but she said she can’t.
He give her his room number and they said goodnight.
When he went out from the shower he heard a knock at the door, he opened and he didn’t expect to see her.
They passed two days together , her brother phoned her to see how she was, he tells her if you’re not ready to come back I have work for you ,design my friend’s house.
The Last day they were supposed to eat dinner together before they went to their separate lives , he went and waited her but she didn’t showed.
she phoned her brother to ask if the job is still available for her, he said that the job is open for her, she went to MJ house where she was going to design and when the door opened she stayed open mouthed, she never met with him , she heard from her brother that he’s a business man and also a player, but couldn’t believe who’s in front of her.
An amazing story that I loved to read,
Highly recommended.
She took the bus and stopped into a resort she worked as an interior designer.
She went shopping for clothes, she decided to go out to enjoy the evening when she was looking around a man bumped into her, when she looked up at him he was handsome.
He offered her a drink but she refused and went to the bar to have a drink.
Max was at a Business event before he bumped into a woman and he couldn’t get her out of his mind. After the event he wanted to have a drink he met her at the bar, this time she accepted the drink , he asked her to go with him at his room but she said she can’t.
He give her his room number and they said goodnight.
When he went out from the shower he heard a knock at the door, he opened and he didn’t expect to see her.
They passed two days together , her brother phoned her to see how she was, he tells her if you’re not ready to come back I have work for you ,design my friend’s house.
The Last day they were supposed to eat dinner together before they went to their separate lives , he went and waited her but she didn’t showed.
she phoned her brother to ask if the job is still available for her, he said that the job is open for her, she went to MJ house where she was going to design and when the door opened she stayed open mouthed, she never met with him , she heard from her brother that he’s a business man and also a player, but couldn’t believe who’s in front of her.
An amazing story that I loved to read,
Highly recommended.
July 17, 2025
Max and Grace . . .
Grace Lawson turned and ran from her wedding to Eric Tanner, having realized on the walk down the aisle that he was not the right one for her, not the love of her life. She ended up at a familiar high-end resort and heads for the bar, but walks into an attractive stranger, Max Reed, who steadies her from falling. They had a fun night together and thought that would be the end of it. She didn’t realize he was her brother Jake's best friend since she had never met him before.
So when her brother arranges an interior design job for her at his best friend Max’s mansion, she has no idea who she will be working for since she never met his friend (until her adventurous escape from her wedding). When she meets her one-night-stand who is now her new boss, she immediately knows he is off-limits for certain! She does try to remain professional, but their attraction pulls them together for another round or two. This time, she finds out she is pregnant. But will Max not want to have another child (as if that choice now matters, buster!)? Will she even tell him she is pregnant or walk away instead? Would the pregnancy upset her brother Jake (and again, why should he even get a vote on that)? Or will she set the guys straight on reality and make the right decisions this time? Because this is one situation she cannot “run away” from.
Grace Lawson turned and ran from her wedding to Eric Tanner, having realized on the walk down the aisle that he was not the right one for her, not the love of her life. She ended up at a familiar high-end resort and heads for the bar, but walks into an attractive stranger, Max Reed, who steadies her from falling. They had a fun night together and thought that would be the end of it. She didn’t realize he was her brother Jake's best friend since she had never met him before.
So when her brother arranges an interior design job for her at his best friend Max’s mansion, she has no idea who she will be working for since she never met his friend (until her adventurous escape from her wedding). When she meets her one-night-stand who is now her new boss, she immediately knows he is off-limits for certain! She does try to remain professional, but their attraction pulls them together for another round or two. This time, she finds out she is pregnant. But will Max not want to have another child (as if that choice now matters, buster!)? Will she even tell him she is pregnant or walk away instead? Would the pregnancy upset her brother Jake (and again, why should he even get a vote on that)? Or will she set the guys straight on reality and make the right decisions this time? Because this is one situation she cannot “run away” from.
July 12, 2025
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Pretty straightforward plot- runaway bride falls for a 'stranger,' who turns out to be her brother's best friend who's a billionaire and a single dad, and the usual complication ensues. I liked the plot which was easy to read and had a nice balance of story and bedroom scenes. I liked Max, he was clear about what he wanted and ready to pursue a relationship with Grace but doesn't get a chance until much later in the story. However, I wasn't at all impressed with Grace who has the bad habit of running from her problems rather than facing them and communicating like an adult. I was hoping she grows/matures as the story progresses but unfortunately she remains unchanged right up to the end. The only matured and correct thing she did was her opening up to her brother about her feelings for Max. Overall the story was okay for me but my preference is having a strong FMC so I couldn't connect with Grace and that left me disappointed that she didn't show any growth or gumption. That said, it's a personal preference and I would still recommend reading the book.
August 7, 2025
Runaway Bride
Another wonderful slow-build romance from Ava Nichols; with instant attraction, chemistry and spice between the main characters, tension, humor, a jilted lover, brother's best friend, love and romance.
When Grace realises she doesn't love the man she's about to marry she runs and ends up having a weekend escape at a hotel where she runs into a handsome man and he helps her to forget her worries. Her brother then gets her a job doing what she loves most, interior design, at his best friend's new home but when she gets there she's shocked to see Max from the hotel.
Max had gone for a conference but had spent most of his time with a beautiful woman. But after she'd ghosted him he thought he'd never see her again, though he can't stop thinking about her. He knows he needs to lock down his feelings though when she turns up at his door and he realises his best friend's sister is the one he'd recently fallen for.
I really enjoyed this read and would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another wonderful slow-build romance from Ava Nichols; with instant attraction, chemistry and spice between the main characters, tension, humor, a jilted lover, brother's best friend, love and romance.
When Grace realises she doesn't love the man she's about to marry she runs and ends up having a weekend escape at a hotel where she runs into a handsome man and he helps her to forget her worries. Her brother then gets her a job doing what she loves most, interior design, at his best friend's new home but when she gets there she's shocked to see Max from the hotel.
Max had gone for a conference but had spent most of his time with a beautiful woman. But after she'd ghosted him he thought he'd never see her again, though he can't stop thinking about her. He knows he needs to lock down his feelings though when she turns up at his door and he realises his best friend's sister is the one he'd recently fallen for.
I really enjoyed this read and would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2025
OMG this was a steamy page turner and the suspense was so intense. I was on the verge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. The book cover had caught my attention. Max and Grace couldn't fight the temptation that had drawn them towards each other. But Grace was a runaway bride who was post to be married to Eric. The chemistry between Max and Grace was unbelieveable and sexual tension but she was off limits and forbidden romance but he was so intrigued with her beauty. Will she run back home to married Eric or started a romance with Max . One night with him will change her life forever in this moment. Was she falling in love with Max right now or will Eric come looking for her after all this time and minutes.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
July 10, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down. Such an easy read. I love reading books by Ava Nichols. The characters are relatable and the story is easy to follow. One of my favorite tropes is brother’s best friend. We got small town, found family, he falls first, hot single daddy, and surprise pregnancy. This book ticked off my boxes. I hope the brother gets a book. Poor dude needs a woman. Anyway, Max is hot. Love a man who works hard and takes care of his child. Once you get past the playboy exterior, you see who he really is. Grace is trying to get back to her passion after a horrible near wedding ordeal. Finding each other was by accident and what followed afterwards was by choice. Definitely sad I read it so fast. Great book.
July 19, 2025
Grace is waiting for the music to signal time for her wedding to start but it doesn't feel right. So instead of going thru the doors to walk down the aisle, she turns and runs out the back door right to her best friends car and then to the airport.
Max is at a dinner at the resort when he sees the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. But when she knocks on the door of his suite he gives in. But they only give first names and despite a great weekend she sneaks away.
But when she shows up to his house as his best friends sister and the interior designer things get very complicated.
Great characters and quite a few scenarios that make it a great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Max is at a dinner at the resort when he sees the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. But when she knocks on the door of his suite he gives in. But they only give first names and despite a great weekend she sneaks away.
But when she shows up to his house as his best friends sister and the interior designer things get very complicated.
Great characters and quite a few scenarios that make it a great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2025
This is Book 1 in the Small Town Billionaire Protectors Series by this author. It is an off limits romance between Grace and her brother's best friend, Max. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an enjoyable read. What starts out as a one night stand turns into something more. It is a love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, family dynamic, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. An emotional page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2025
Max is a billionaire who is intrigued by a woman in a bar, who unbeknownst to him is his best friends sister who just bolted from her own wedding. They immediately connect and hook up something vey out of character for Grace, but she thought it’s only one night. Until it’s not and she end up finding out it’s her brothers best friend, they tried to stay away for, one another but fate had other plans and they end up hurting their family and each other. They are both miserable and Max has a plan.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2025
This is the first book I've read from this author and I was not disappointed. You are pulled in on a journey with the Heroine right from the start. You feel her struggles. The steamy scenes are very much wanted and well written. The male character is strong and adores his little girl, which just pulls at your heartstrings and makes you wish he was yours.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2025
“The Runaway Bride’s Off-Limits Billionaire” by Ava Nichols
-A steamy, emotional romance with heart, heat, and a forbidden edge. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Grace flees her wedding and crashes into Max—her brother’s best friend and single dad. Their chemistry is instant, but secrets and timing make things complicated.
Max is irresistible, Grace is bold, and their love story is addictive. Love the cover!
-A steamy, emotional romance with heart, heat, and a forbidden edge. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Grace flees her wedding and crashes into Max—her brother’s best friend and single dad. Their chemistry is instant, but secrets and timing make things complicated.
Max is irresistible, Grace is bold, and their love story is addictive. Love the cover!
July 18, 2025
The Runaway Bride's Off-Limits Billionaire by Ava Nichols is part of the Small Town Billionaire Protectors series. Wow this was such a great romance! Grace and Max have chemistry and passion in their story. Grace keeps telling Max she won't run, but Max isn't so sure. I loved reading their story and was rooting for them from the beginning.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2025
I'm not normally a billionaire romance person, but I may actually be sold. The characters are likeable, and the story definitely ticks the romance boxes. For anyone who likes an off limits romance then I would definitely recommend this book. If you're a fan of Ava Nichols then you won't be disappointed, if this is your first book then you'll want to read her others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2025
Charged Full of Tension
When Grace meets Max she has just ran from her wedding and their passionate time together memorable. Their reunion is although unexpected was sexually charged, full of tension and mixed emotions. This was an entirely captivating read with a little banter to lighten things up. I could not put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Grace meets Max she has just ran from her wedding and their passionate time together memorable. Their reunion is although unexpected was sexually charged, full of tension and mixed emotions. This was an entirely captivating read with a little banter to lighten things up. I could not put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2025
4.25⭐️ This book is so good, I read it in a day! The characters are interesting and their storylines keep you reading. Max and Grace meet when she is a runaway bride and their attraction is instantaneous. They meet again when her brother Jake gets her an interior designer job with his best friend, MJ … aka Max. There are so many complications but the heart wants what the heart wants.
July 14, 2025
OMG this romance book right here about Grace and Max is going to be the highlight of your ENTIRE day when you read it. I hated how fast the day went by because I had to stop reading and go to bed, but I was up early finishing this book and it’s on freaking amazing romance book. HOT, HOT cover and Max sounds like a yummy treat as well. Ava deserves a standing ovation with this 10/10 star read.
July 17, 2025
Max and Grace draws you into this story and keep you all caught up in their journey. It is filled with their dramatic-twists and turns that had me connecting with them in spite of the baggage. It is a well written story that is descriptive along with dynamic characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2025
Grace is running from a wedding and her old life. Max is a grumpy sexy single dad. Grace and Max don’t know each other but have a one night stand. Small world because Grace’s brother is best friends with Max. They shouldn’t like each other but can’t stay away. This book was amazing from beginning to end.
July 19, 2025
Have a tissue handy on the day you allow for this steamy, laugh-out-loud, contemporary, commitment-phobic, enemies-to-lovers, small-town, forbidden, age-gap, brother’s best friend, billionaire protector, second-chance single dad, runaway bride, surprise pregnancy romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2025
Grace runs from getting married right before walking down the aisle. Little does she know that she's going from one situation right into another one. Max, whom she's never met, is her brother's best friend, and she has just hooked up with him for a weekend . This is so good . She finds her real HEA .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2025
I loved reading this book! I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from start to finish. The relationship between Max and Grace is a beautiful one. I could feel their attraction right away. I also love the bond that Grace has with Max's daughter Cora. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2025
Yet another page turner from Ava. Hot, steamy and spicy in all the right places, the runaway bride finds her match. Absolutely loved it and couldn’t put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written. I love a good brother's best friend story and this was no exception. Max and Grace just could not stay away from each other after they found out the truth. It makes for amazing tension between the 2 main characters. Ava Nichols knows how to write a great story. I definitely recommend.
July 23, 2025
I enjoyed this story. Has it all.
Grumpy billionaire, single dad, runaway bride
and brothers best friend. Once you start you
won't want to put it down.
I was given a copy from booksprout and I voluntarily leave this review.
Grumpy billionaire, single dad, runaway bride
and brothers best friend. Once you start you
won't want to put it down.
I was given a copy from booksprout and I voluntarily leave this review.
July 25, 2025
This is an engaging romance with drama, chemistry, attraction, growing emotions, and a HEA. The MCs are defined, likable, engaging, and perfect for one another.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2025
classic runaway bride with twists
Classic runaway bride with multiple twists. Can you imagine buying a bus ticket in a wedding dress?! This book was a fun read with some steamy scenes.
Classic runaway bride with multiple twists. Can you imagine buying a bus ticket in a wedding dress?! This book was a fun read with some steamy scenes.
August 14, 2025
I enjoyed the runaway bride’s off limits billionaire which was Max and Grace’s story. I thought it was an engaging and a bit emotional for me. I received an early copy of the book. And voluntarily leaving this review.
July 10, 2025
Wonderful story, interesting likable characters with good background. Both have baggage, hers newer than his. Great push pull between the two them. Lots of spice and love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews