💰 “The Billionaire’s Secret” (Sweet Boston Billionaires) (2021) 💰 – Book Review
He’s a billionaire hiding a devastating diagnosis. She’ll do whatever it takes to help her sick, matchmaking mom. A freak accident throws them together, but will his big secret tear them apart?
When Ryan Lawson’s business partners force him to go on a wilderness retreat to come to terms with a shocking diagnosis, the last thing on Ryan’s mind is romance. But when he’s stranded in the woods with a sweet young event planner, all thoughts of business take a back seat to her girl-next-door appeal.
Fresh off a bad breakup, Zara Georgopoulos comes to Vermont to help her terminally ill mom work through her bucket list—not fall in love with a man who’s the exact opposite of her usual type. But when Ryan starts working his way into her heart with his kindness and generosity, she needs to make a decision: Trust the biotech billionaire not to walk all over her, or go back to guarding her heart.
Stuck in the wilds of Vermont, they forge a tenuous connection. When Ryan finally shares the truth about his illness, will it bring them closer together . . . or shatter Zara’s trust in him for good?
Inspired by 2 Corinthians 12:9, The Billionaire’s Secret is a sweet inspirational romance with a swoony hero, LOTS of entertaining banter, and a strong Christian message. Download your copy today!
Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won’t make your grandmother blush.
Her debut novel, Falling for the Innkeeper, was a #1 bestseller in the Clean & Wholesome Romance category on Amazon.ca. It was also named one of “Six Sensational 2020 Debut Series Romances” by the American Library Association’s Booklist Reader, and is currently a finalist for the 2021 Book Buyers Best award.
Before settling down with her rocket scientist husband and raising three rambunctious boys, Meghann earned a B.A. in English from Amherst College and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College.
She is grateful to be living her dream of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace.
A "My Weekend Is All Booked" adult coloring book
A "My Weekend Is All Booked" mug
A signed copy of Meghann’s debut novel, Falling for the Innkeeper
(US Only)
Ends October 20, 2021
Thank you in advance to author, Meghann Whistler, for providing an advanced review copy of the book through her launch team. A positive review was definitely not required or requested in any way; all words are my own.
I was lucky enough to read her debut Love Inspired book, Falling for the Innkeeper, and immediately loved it. I’m still waiting for another book in that line.
When I was asked to review this book – I definitely agreed. Again, nothing less than a completely honest review. And, while the guy on the cover is cute – he’s not my type. It has nothing to do with being a nice guy, he is FAR too young for me.
There are some issues that potential readers might have a problem with – there is a reference to cheating (though not between a married couple) and cocaine use (not by the major characters).
Whistler puts an interesting perspective on money, relationships, and faith. As Ryan wonders – what good is having money if you can’t do what matters with it?
The characters are wonderful and delightful. Zara’s mom, Nancy, reminds me of my own when she is trying to find a “nice guy” for her daughter. Unlike Zara, I wouldn’t mind a nice guy.
Ryan is just that – a nice guy. He happens to be smart, wealthy, and on the verge of a major deal when his two friends (and partners in the company) send him off to a retreat.
Anyone else would likely see this a coup to takeover – no, they’re concerned for him. And, with good reason. I had to laugh at their “grumpy old man” comment.
Meanwhile, Zara is at the same re-treat to be with her mother whose cancer has returned.
And, as luck would have it, the two end up meeting the first day. And, Nancy likes what she is seeing between the two. Of course, Ryan decides to keep his wealth a secret, as well as his health problem.
There’s just one problem – Ryan isn’t exactly Zara’s type. He’s “nice”. And, she usually doesn’t date “nice” guys. They don’t do it for her – that is until Ryan and his Tesla happens along. It’s the same kind of car Zara’s brother drives.
Ryan is the kind of guy that Zara’s mom would approve of. But, due to his condition, he isn’t looking for a romance – that is until he meets Zara who he thinks is a bit dorky.
He offers Zara the chance to drive his Tesla in an effort to impress her and is thankful to her mom for pushing the two together on the outing. Even more so after he tells Zara his intentions.
Zara, fresh off of a break-up, feels some kind of attraction for the MIT grad though.
After learning of her mother’s health, Ryan offers to get Nancy into a better medical facility which Zara balks at. And, although he agrees to pretend date (even though he wants to really date), Zara is cautious.
An accident on their outing has Zara re-thinking Ryan. Though, she is very conflicted. After learning about Cooper, Zara’z ex, Ryan believes she deserves better. Of course, Zara is defensive and asks how he knows. Ryan has a good point – we all deserve family and a significant other that cares about us, will take care of us, and not put obstacles in the way.
Despite how sweet and genuine Ryan is, and Zara wishing he were her type, she is wondering where she and Cooper went wrong – even though he cheated on her. She also learns her mother was seeing someone but broke it off because of her health.
Just as Zara warms up to the idea of really dating Ryan, Nancy has an accident. Ryan’s offers to help are met with resistance by Zara who learns one of the truths about Ryan – he’s wealthy. And, even though his offers to help are genuine, Zara sees it as if he is buying her. She doesn’t want to be indebted to him.
Despite her feelings, Ryan is still there even bringing Panera Bread goodies to the hospital while her mother recovers (love Panera!).
Ryan’s event planner is arrested (DWI – Cocaine), he offers Zara the chance to help with the fundraiser. He realizes she can do this, but she’ll need help. He reaches out to her brother Robert who is prickly.
Of course, there is going to be some drama when there is an issue with the deal mentioned in the beginning of the book, and Zara’s ex shows back up.
Ryan is working up the courage to move forward while it looks like Zara is going back.
I have to admit, that Whistler played the romance out right to the last page. I loved the idea of bringing back the ex-boyfriend. I also liked that the readers got a resolution with the business deal that starts off the story.
It is a very sweet, clean read and relies heavily on the bible passage 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” – a lesson that Ryan needs to come to terms with when it comes to his medical diagnosis. As a result, this relies on Christian themes and will have references to God. It wasn’t preachy by any means or in anyway.
I loved how the author used what the characters were going through to demonstrate God’s plans for us and his love for us.
There were a few things that were “familiar” for me:
When it came to Zara’s boss being upset with her taking what is commonly referred to as FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) time off whether paid or unpaid. My mom had one for her Asthma and her bosses were none too sympathetic. Whistler realistically, without going into detail, portrayed Zara’s boss. The comment of “gaming” the system to take time off is almost identical to what I heard one of my mother’s own bosses saying.
I’m also like Zara in that I like to do things on my own and won’t ask for help. If it is offered, I’m leery. Sometimes those who’ve offered never showed up.
This is definitely a short “weekend” or “beach read”, and while it is the first book of a series, it does well as a standalone. There were a few questions I had and a few things I wanted a resolution to, but it didn’t affect the overall enjoyment of the story. It made me more curious to see what’s in store for the second book.
I was able to read it in a day off and on (had to run some errands over the days I read it), but I really had a hard time putting it down. The author’s use of short chapters and engaging story-telling really moved the story along. It wasn’t too speedy, but it didn’t slug along either.
Those who’ve read Falling for the Innkeeper, and especially those who enjoy a sweet and clean Christian read; are sure to enjoy this read.
And, that bonus epilogue? So good!
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – BookBub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
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