Book Description:
Stranded with the woman of his dreams… but will his big secret break her heart?
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.
Winner of the Contemporary Romance Category of the Selah Awards!
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading The Secret Billionaire, the first book in the Sweet Boston Billionaire’s series set in Massachusetts and Vermont. Ryan is a hard working billionaire who made his money in the biotech industry and now co-owns a venture capital company with his two closest friends. A life-changing chronic disease diagnosis has affected his ability to work. Ryan’s business partners insist he take a break from his hectic career and visit a Vermont wilderness retreat in a beautiful and relaxing mountain setting.
Zara is a trade show events manager who’d love to set up her own events management business. Her career ambitions are on hold while she cares for her mother, who has a terminal cancer. Her mother’s bucket list includes finding a husband for Zara and visiting a Vermont wilderness retreat. Zara accompanies her mother on a summer vacation at the retreat that’s paid for by Zara’s brother.
Ryan and Zara’s meet cute at the retreat is sweet. The attraction is there, and Zara’s mother approves of Ryan, but a romantic relationship isn’t an option. Zara is still recovering from being ruthlessly dumped by her cheating ex-fiancé. Ryan is wary of women who see dollar signs and only want him for his money. His health issues are an added complication.
When Ryan and Zara accidentally become stranded together in a stressful situation, they’re forced to rely on each other. They’re challenged to consider if it’s possible for them to become more than friends. I loved how they overcame various obstacles on their path to happily ever after.
I recommend The Secret Billionaire to contemporary romance readers who like short time frame billionaire romances with the stranded together trope that addresses serious health issues and includes a relevant faith element in the story.
