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Hearts and Holdings #3

Bargain with a Billionaire

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Grant and Julia's faux marriage reaches a crossroads. As their contract nears its end, Grant, plagued by unresolved feelings, faces the biggest challenge potentially losing Julia. Despite their deepened bond, neither dares confess their true emotions. Meanwhile, unexpected challenges arise, including Grant's run for public office and his ex-wife's return, stirring turmoil. Will Grant and Julia renegotiate their relationship, or will unspoken love slip away? Can a bargain of the heart withstand life's unpredictability?

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2024

120 people are currently reading
67 people want to read

About the author

Nellie H. Steele

126 books508 followers
Nellie H. Steele lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with her family and her many fur-babies. When she isn't writing, she enjoys teaching Statistics at a local university or watching her dogs and cats play in the yard.

Nellie is the author of the Cate Kensie Mystery Series, a cozy mystery series following the adventures of Dr. Catherine Kensie, a history professor turned Scottish Countess, and her beloved dog, Riley, as they navigate their new lives in their quirky Scottish highlands castle, solving mysteries along the way! She is the creator of the Shadow Slayers series, a suspenseful series with a supernatural twist! Follow the Shadow Slayers through time as they fight to banish darkness from the world. Nellie also writes an adventure series, Maggie Edwards Adventures. Follow Maggie Edwards as she travels the world solving mysteries and finding unique treasures!

Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news about book releases or like us on facebook (facebook.com/anovelideapublishing) to keep up with us!

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5 stars
91 (47%)
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67 (35%)
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25 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
March 22, 2024
This series continues to impress with each installment, and book three is no exception. From start to finish, I found myself completely absorbed in the storyline, unable to put it down.

While I eagerly devour each new book in the series, I also experience a sense of bittersweetness as I near the end, knowing that I'll soon have to bid farewell to the characters I've grown to love. Nevertheless, the anticipation for what's to come keeps me eagerly turning the pages.

The clean romance aspect of the story adds an extra layer of enjoyment, and I appreciate the author's ability to keep the romance engaging without relying on explicit content.

What impresses me most about this series is the author's boundless imagination and her ability to continually introduce fresh story lines and captivating ideas. With each book, new revelations and twists keep the reader on their toes, ensuring that the journey remains exciting and fulfilling.

Overall, Nellie's storytelling prowess shines through once again in this latest installment. I can't wait to see where the series goes next, and I have full confidence that the author will continue to deliver captivating tales that keep readers hooked until the very end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
425 reviews22 followers
April 17, 2024
This is the 3rd book in the series and this book is another page turner.With Grant and Julia near the end of their marriage contract and both to afraid to reveal their feelings and then there is an explosion and Grant's first wife shows up at the hospital and wants to be Grant's wife and Sierras Mother again so Grant and Julia and Lydia who is Grant's first wife and Dr Kyle all move back into Harrington House.Will Grant be able to get Julia to stay with him ?
296 reviews7 followers
March 21, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the author.

This series just keeps getting better. It is book three and I couldn’t put it down.

I both love and hate series like these as I want to read and find out what happens quickly but then I am lost when it ends.

If you are looking for a slushy romance then this is not for you but if you are looking for a little reality in the dynamics between people’s relationships then definitely read this series.

Romance stories never, to my mind, reflect any part of reality but this, although money is not problem for the characters, has a good dose of reality to it.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,737 reviews50 followers
February 5, 2024
Bargain with a Billionaire is Book 3 in Hearts and Holdinga Series by Nellie Steele. I believe that this series is a fabulous romantic suspense. Julia and Grant are terrific characters with solid supporting characters. I enjoy the family dynamics and the surprising new monkey wrench that was thrown into the mix. The contract is almost over...will Julia and Grant resolve the problem or will Julia leave? Nellie Steele has written the compelling story that leaves me wanting so much more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout voluntarily leaving a review.
7 reviews
April 5, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed book 3 in this clean billionaire romance series! This is a suspenseful, engaging, and addictive series! The fake marriage contract is nearing the end, what decision will be made as the contract ending is reached? I love the characters and look forward to each installment of this page turning, can't put the books down, romance series. Twists and turns and cliffhangers make me very eager to want more and more of Julia and Grant's story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
2,004 reviews22 followers
February 9, 2024
Loved reading the awesome and amazing romance story. Even though Grant and Julia's year contract is coming to an end, Grant doesn't want to let Julia go. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting romance story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series!
114 reviews
March 4, 2024
And so, this story gets to the third book of the series, and there is no sign of letting up, there is no lack of ideas and fresh story lines to keep the reader engaged.

On this occasion the net of the main Grant attack widens to a direct attack on the property and profitability of the company, and this time there is the loss of life within the pages, which is handled by Nellie so very well.

This time the contract between Grant and Juliet is coming towards the end, and the frustration and tension as we can see the love and emotions that they both feel for each other is there, and all they need is just one line to open the floodgates.

But the interaction of Kyle, who is acting on how he sees their relationship, without understanding it hurts. If only he knew!!

There is so much 'outing'in this book, including a situation with Sierra that Grant walks into. And with how Nellie deals with it leaves us thinking, Grant, Julia, look in the mirror, listen to your words and act on them.

In this book Julia learns that the grass is not always greener on the other side and a few home truths come out...

Ad for Grant and Sierra there is a blast from the past that is handled so badly. You will have a big thick stick out itching to shake it at some people and firmly prod others.

And every time, just as the MC's are about to say the words we all want to hear, Nellie throws a slapstick spanner in the works.

Will they ever open up and admit how they feel?

Will they???

And still DG are there, playing the game, as invisible and destructive as ever. Do we meet some of the players in this book? Are the main players hiding in full site?

All will be revealed, but not in this outing...

The cliffhangers are multiplying...

No matter how exciting and fulfilling each stage of the journey is, and believe me, this is true in the case of each of the first three books so far, there is so much material to be revealed and told in the next book or books.

Nellies imagination is wonderful, and she never lets us down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
277 reviews7 followers
January 17, 2024
📚 Book Review 📚
Bargain with a Billionaire
By
Nellie H. Steele

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Bargain with a Billionaire is the third book in the Hearts and Holdings clean romance series. This installment picks up with the pending termination of Grant and Julia’s year-long marriage contract, and neither is ready to profess their true feelings for each other with time running out. The story is brimming with unexpected twists and dangerous turns, from an unexpected encounter at the family’s wilderness cabin to the deadly explosion of a building, the action keeps coming. Adding to the turmoil, Grant has to make some substantial decisions, both on a personal and business level, that will change all their lives, and the unexpected return of Grant’s first wife, Lydia (Sierra’s mother), and her intrusive injection in the family circle. Julia has her hands full in coping with numerous and often dangerous incursions, but she proves capable of dealing with each situation.
Nellie Steele has done a marvelous job of character development, coming a long way even since her first book in the series. The relationships between the characters are evolving, which becomes abundantly clear in the subsequent interactions. As I previously mentioned, there is ample excitement, action, and suspense in each chapter to ensure the reader’s engrossment and satisfaction. The author’s ability to intensify the various character’s moods as the story progresses is very fulfilling, adding both fun and unpredictable elements into the mix. This book was a page-turner for me, and I enjoyed the exploits of Grant and Julia as the story advances. A well-written, clean romance that delivers on every aspect of a great series, one that will keep you entertained and enthralled throughout. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, clean, engaging story meant to satisfy for hours. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy
Profile Image for Gwen Chester.
595 reviews9 followers
March 20, 2024
Grant and Julia have been together for almost a year. Their contract was almost done, and he hated to lose Julia. Everyone loved Julia, and she meant more to him then all four of his previous wives. Grant decided to take Julia away to his cabin for the weekend. When they got there the lights were on and two cars were there. Grant barged into the cabin with Julia following him and he caught his chauffer James and his daughter Sierra in an embrace. Oops and that is how he found out about their affair.
About that time Grant's phone rang and there was a problem at the office. I guess there was a leak at one of the job sites with a storage tank that could be a real problem if not taken care of right away. They got the leak fixed and the inspector would be there in the morning to check to see if everything was repaired properly and safe again. The next morning Grant went to meet with the inspector at the job site. While he was there, they had an explosion which trapped him in the building. Julia was called and she rushed to the site, Kyle was with her. The workers were working to try to get everyone out when a second explosion went off. Julia was frantic and praying that Grant along with the others was okay. They got word that 3 people had been rescued from the rumble one was dead and the other two were airlifted to the hospital.
Julia and Kyle raced to the hospital. On NO is Grant the one that is dead? If not, is he going to be, okay? Julia has finally realized that she really cares for Grant will she have a chance to tell him?
Wow Nellie has written us another great book, I cannot wait to see where this series goes. Check out Bargain with a Billionaire to get some of your questions answered. This book is great, and I know you will like it too.
I am proud to be a part of Nellie Steele's ARC team and happy to leave a review.
Profile Image for Tess  Fleur.
33 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2024
I found this third book very frustrating. Because the main character does not advance, even if we discover small details about her, it's not real personally about her past. we know everything about ML and we all know about the daughter, also to the characters around her, but she remains a mystery. But I think that the point of the book. It is more fast paced than the first two books. And even a little marginal as got importance in the plot. Yes we have the suspence with the ML injured and some new discovers by the FL, but I feel that this third book could have been better. As for plot twist I say. But maybe it's just my frustration to see how the story would move forward.
Julia is one particular FL. Even if she frustrates me to no end (the ML same) I find fascinating her character. How she is so calm but at the same time extremely nervous and insecure, or how human she is. It's really easy so feel connected with her. In all the romance I've read she is one of the most beautifully earthly, like people person. I don't know how to explain... But I love it.
Grant, well, he just need two hard slaps in the face. Like seriously man grow some balls and tell her you're feeling!! Don't give her another contract and another 5 billions!! Arghhh the MEN are always so confused and give so many mixed signs...
Anyway can't wait for the fourth book.
Sorry for the essay above but I tend to blab to much when I just finished a book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kathy.
793 reviews30 followers
March 21, 2024
The year is almost up for Grant & Julia’s contracted fake marriage. Despite all the obstacles thrown at them, the ruse worked to make Harrington Global’s board back off. As the ending looms, neither one really wants to let go, although they won’t admit it to each other. Grant thinks perhaps a weekend away at his cabin might be the time to express his feelings. That is until he finds Sierra there and learns her secret. To say he takes it badly is an understatement. Before he gets a chance to regroup, he’s called into the office for a potential environmental disaster. Little does he realize that fixing it may cost him his life. Meanwhile, his surprise son, Kyle, still seems obsessed with Julia. Just how will he react when he learns their marriage is a fake? And to complicate things further, the first Mrs. Harrington returns and is determined to resume her place in Grant & Sierra’s lives. In order to keep Julia from running for the hills, Grant comes up with a new plan to keep her around, at least for another year.

Book 3 in the Hearts & Holdings series is filled with literal and figurative bombshells. Sabotage at the plant, secrets exposed, and family coming out of the woodwork. While the reader is privy to Grant & Julia’s true feelings, they just can’t seem to get on the same page. It’s enough to make you throw a tantrum like Sierra and tell Ms. Steele to fix this. However, there’s still five more books to go, and I’m along for the ride, trusting in an amazing payoff. This is a series that is best read in order to keep up with all the twists and turns.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for MyFairLady  Burns.
93 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2024
Grant —“He hadn’t expected to develop these feelings, but he had. And they ran deep.”

Grant has realized that his marriage in name only to Julia has far more meaning and connection than any of his four previous marriages.

Julia —“As the final days of their arrangement loomed, the truth hit her with a dull ache–she’d grown deeply attached, not just to the place but its people, its rhythm, and most unexpectedly, to Grant. The thought of leaving sent a sharp pang through her heart.”

Grant has decided to ask her to truly marry him forever. But every time he works up the courage to open up to her, something happens to foil his plans.

“He’d likely not get a second chance at convincing her to stay. The fear of her walking away and the grim future that would give him unsettled him. He wouldn’t risk it all only to watch her disappear. And this opportunity may make her do that. Their fledgling relationship may not survive. Unless…An idea, bold and potentially game-changing, began to crystallize in his mind”.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
456 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2024
After reading books 1 & 2, and thoroughly enjoying them, I have to say I am disappointed in this one. I thought for sure that Grant & Julia would have revealed how they felt about each other. It has been a year after all!
I am also wondering how Kyle, who is an ER doctor, manages to have so much time off? And why does Julia feel that Sierra would make a better CEO than her? Sierra is too immature and flies of the handle too much to be the head of any company! And she spends more time at home or with James than at her publishing company. Also all the issues that Grant has had with his company are never explained or resolved and now he decides to run for Senate?
I'm not sure if I want to continue with this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,386 reviews118 followers
May 23, 2025
Y'all, I swear Grant and Julia are going to kill me with their reluctance to tell each other how they really feel. Grant's first wife, Lydia, showing up, has only complicated things further, and I have to admit, Steele had me so worried when she showed up wanting to be in Grant's life again that things would end with the contract between Grant and Julia. I am impressed by how real the characters feel, even though I'll never understand the amount of money at play, the emotions in play feel true to them, and don't feel fake or forced to fit the storyline. The story keeps you engaged cover to cover, and although there's no spice really, there's plenty of tension. I can't wait to see what book four has in store!
18 reviews
June 2, 2025
Unrealistic and unsatisfying.

The lead male is the owner CEO of a multi billion dollar company. The writer portrays him as wishy washy and can't make up his mind and is to weak to tell anyone no. The lead female is brilliant and a writer and everyone rules her, but her.
The Story line could be good but 3 books in there is nothing on the pages but chaos, corruption, danger and a bunch of spineless characters. I hate these characters, it's like the author knows nothing of compassion or love, just dominance and stupidity. How very disappointing...it could have been a great series.
876 reviews
January 22, 2024
I had been really enjoying this series and looking forward to book 3 but was disappointed. I was hoping Grant and Julia would resolve their main problem by communicating effectively. The story started out suspenseful but several twists occurred later which I thought were highly unlikely. I still like the story and am hoping the main characters will start acting more like adults than adolescents when talking with each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara .
6,534 reviews25 followers
March 11, 2024
This book has some excitement, suspense and great chemistry with the characters Grant and Julia that includes a wonderful storyline that is getting better and better as each book is released in this really romantic billionaire series. So read book number 1 and by the time you get to this book #3 you will have found an author you won't let pass you by.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Phoebe.
48 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2025
This book completes my reading goal for the year! 🥳 25/25 books!

Do I not like slow burns or is it just being dragged out? There’s no romantic tension to justify this delay in imo. But I digress. It was nice to see a little more depth from the characters but I also got more frustrated that everyone kept stalling instead of getting to the point. I have my suspicions of who’s behind it all, hopefully it all makes sense in the end.
1,210 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading it, I had a hard time putting it down. This is a great series and I am looking forward to reading more. Start with book one and work your way to this book (3). I would recommend reading this series!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,906 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2024
A pageturner

Not 100% my normal genre, but I have loved everything I ever read by this author, so I decided to start this series, and I’m loving it! It’s SO good, and SUCH a pageturner! This installment brings more excitement and suspense. More love and more romance. More of everything and I loved it all!
85 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2024
Good storyline but…..

Enjoying the basic storyline but it’s too dragged out, too much repeating in each chapter, and I m waiting for Grant to man up, get some balls and stop spoiling is daughter, put Julia out of her misery and as for his ex wife…..really? Not happening in my world, get rid of her.
201 reviews21 followers
March 10, 2024
Loved reading the next chapter in Grant & Julia’s story.

Looking forward to the next one.
33 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2024
Another great part of this series
Exited to read the rest
Profile Image for Dina Peters.
182 reviews5 followers
April 22, 2024
This whole series is intriguing and unexpected. Lots of twists and turns and many side characters popping up and causing drama for Grant and Julia. In this one, Lydia, the ex-wife doesn't just show up, she moves in. Though Grant and Julia are married contractually, their relationship is fragile due to so many undeclared feelings. With the contract soon to run out, Grant needs to find a way to tell Julia how he really feels. Unfortunately, the turn of events that happens during the book makes that hard to do. This book series is so unique, and I'm still left wondering what will happen with Grant and Julia after concluding book #3. As much as I want them to spit their feeling for each other out, I'm enjoying seeing what will happen and how they will finally get to that point! Slow burn on steroids!
6 reviews
March 20, 2024
This third book in the series had more excitement in the story to add some intrigue. Some of the overarching plot points in Julia and Grant's story remain unresolved, which can only mean there is a book #4 coming sometime soon! Anxious to see what these two get up to next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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