Valentine's Heart

The Billionaire's Betasitter #2.5

by Merri Bright

I was looking for a one-night stand. I ended up with my soulmate.

Every painfully shy billionaire heiress needs an overprotective bodyguard, right?

Unfortunately, my doctor just prescribed a one-night-stand to help with some serious health concerns, and my sisters have taken me shopping at a nightclub for a “cocktail sausage cutie” to help gently punch my V card.

But my much older, muscle-bound, totally off-limits alpha bodyguard won’t let me pick a stranger for a medically necessary hookup. He thinks what I need…is him.

If I take him up on his offer, there's a strong chance he may break my heart. And also my hoohah.

What’s a love-hungry omega to do?

Valentine’s Heart is a standalone omegaverse novella in The Billionaire's Betasitter series with heart, heat, humor, and a happy ever after. Intended for adult readers only. Please check the content advisories at the front of the book before reading.

Genres: Omegaverse, Novella, Romance, Contemporary, M F Romance, Holiday, Grumpy Sunshine

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2024

About the author

Once upon a time, Merri Bright tucked romance novels behind all her textbooks and read love stories instead of the lessons. Now she writes the same kind of books she’s always loved, dreaming up stories about naughty angels, misunderstood demons, sexy shifters, growly Alpha males, and all sorts of dragons.

She drinks cinnamon tea while she writes, and believes in the power of naps, kitten cuddles, and long walks with her dog.
Come watch Merri be socially awkward at Merri’s FB page or Instagram @merribright, or email her at merri@merribright.com.

Reviews

[Merri Bright]

Thank you so much for reading Valentine’s Heart, part of the Billionaire’s Betasitter series.
The books in this series are all M/F human Omegaverse romances, with varying levels of age gap, grumpy-sunshine, and knottiness. Valentine’s Heart was dreamed up on a road trip with my sister, where we made a wish list of spicy stuff that we loved. If you don’t read the content advisory* you may be taken by surprise by a few things tucked inside this novella…so don’t skip that part.

The next book in the series, Rainbow’s Storm, comes out in early 2024. If you’d love more Billionaire’s Betasitter books, please rate, review, recommend, and reach out to let me know! Email Merri@merribright.com, or join my reader FB group, Merri’s Mischief Makers. www.facebook.com/groups/merribrightau...

You can also sign up for my newsletter at www.merribright.com for the latest updates, excerpts, and random giveaways, or sign up on my Ream to get exclusive content - including stories not yet available in KU - and access to ARCs. www.reamstories.com/merribright

I love to hear from readers, and I take kindly worded criticism/advice into account when plotting and planning my next books. I’m heading back to my RH/Why Choose roots soon. I’d love to have you along for the ride!

Knotty reading,
Merri


*This “one-sausage special” has a lot of spicy ingredients, including, but not limited to: unique identifying scents, heat cycles for the omegas, unusual peen, breeding, knotting, dirty talk/praise, claiming, backdoor action, fun with toys, and the use of the terms Daddy and baby girl. (No age play, though.)

Tropes/Content:
Grumpy Sunshine
Age gap
Sweet MF omegaverse
Soulmates
Bodyguard
He falls first
Call me Daddy (no age play)
Touch her and die
Beauty and the Beast
Healing from Trauma: FMC and MMC
Touch-starved MMC
Virgin FMC
Knotting and Nesting
Good Girl
Backdoor Action
Fun with Toys
TW: Mental health issues and panic disorder, past sexual trauma of both MCs as teens, and a mention of past child abduction (FMC).

[Dooniereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want a short, spicy, Valentines story then look no further than Valentine herself and Mr Broody himself, Donovan aka ‘Daddy’ 😉

I usually devour Merri’s books and I absolutely gobbled this 1 up so fast I couldn’t stop to do anything else. It had me gripped from the first words.

I really enjoy the billionaire betasitter world and with this short story being apart of it I knew it would soooooo good!

We meet Valentine who has been prescribed ‘sex’ so when her sisters take her out on the town and things take a turn her Alpha bodyguard steps in and that’s when things start to heat up 😍

After an unexpected change they are rerouted to somewhere just the 2 of them and that’s when things start to happen 😉

I love the dynamic between these 2. I’m sometimes funny with Daddy books or the of Daddy but this 1 had me panting wanting to call him Daddy 😉🥵 also…. Who would think sucking a thumb would get you all hot and bothered?! 😝

If you love the OV world with some Daddy type kinks thrown in then this book is definitely for you. It’s sweet, beautifully written and so very delicious 🤤

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You really are being a brat, aren’t you? And here I always thought you were such a good girl.”

Valentine’s Heart is a complete standalone in Merri Bright’s The Billionaire’s Beta Sitter series.

This little novella gave me the taco tingles and heart eyes! It was such an easy read, with lots of spice, a growly and possessive MMC, and a sweet but feisty FMC.

I loved the characters’ emotional vulnerability. They are both a little broken but find peace with each other.

Fast burn and spicy. There are several heat spikes, some true heat, multiple toys, and a very dirty-talking alpha.

The novella ends with a HEA.

I love Merri Bright’s singe-sausage OVs and hope she writes more! Highly recommended for when you are looking for a sweet palate cleanser.

Genre: Contemporary Omegaverse Romance
Tropes/Features: Fated/soul mates, age gap, hurt/comfort, bodyguard/client, cinnamon roll alpha, virgin FMC, sex toys, touch her and die, size difference, traumatic pasts, heat, knots, knotting, "Daddy"
Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MF, fast burn, very spicy
Book Type/Ending: Standalone novella with HEA
TW/CW: Available on author’s website

[Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy

Valentine and Donovan were the perfect combination of sexy and sweet. We have been briefly introduced to Valentine before with other books in The Billionaire's Betasitter series and I was eager to learn more.

When Valentine is medically prescribed to get under someone (or over ;-)) to take the ease away of her impending heat, her sisters take it upon themselves to guide her the way to one-night stand heaven. Only, when things start to go crazy and her scent blocking prescription wears off, the unthinkable happens.

Donovan has had feelings for the young Omega almost immediately. Her safety is his number one priority, but when he realizes what tonight is all about, he finds himself struggling to reign everything in. With an outlandish shopping trip to an adult only store, trying to please yourself when you don't know how and a crazy Daddy k!nk that just won't go away, these characters find themselves immersed and taken over with lust and lost to their fate of attraction for each other.

These two were everything and more. This author always writes the best novellas that I want more of. I found myself getting lost in the story. Valentine was a different character than the author normally writes about. Shy and reserved and content with just living in the normal, quiet life - I loved how Donovan was everything she craved and then some. This book is definitely a great one to read and can totally be read as a standalone if you are looking for something short and sweet.

*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 4/5
*Med burn
*Dual first person POV
*Ends on HEA
*4 years later epilogue

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this cute little novella we meet Valentine and her bodyguard Donovan. Val is the sister of a large wealthy family with the only omega. She is the quiet, shy sister who is content being a homebody. When her doctor prescribes her a one night stand due to her suppressants, her sisters take her out on the town. However, when her bodyguard finds out he finds himself struggling to stay professional.

[Zen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75. Stars

I'm not a huge fan of insecure heroines and this one straddles that line for me a lot of times. In the end, everything worked out as it should and overall, I enjoyed this novella.

[Froggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like this author a lot, but this one was not for me. The excessive emphasis on how tiny and innocent and virginal she is paired with the dd/lg stuff skeeved me out.

[Chalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple: Donovan and Valentine

Romance trope: omegaverse
Series: The Billionaire's Betasitter
Length: 140 pages

Plot: Valentine is one of a set of triplets but couldn't be more different from her sisters. She is a shy homebody, prone to anxiety and stuttering. But her sisters have convinced her to go out one night and lose her virginity. Her bodyguard Donovan, however, isn't okay with that idea; the little omega is his scent-matched mate. He has to decide if he can ethically claim her though, considering their ages, his position as her bodyguard, and his past.

Commentary: I think the age-gap was addressed perfectly, with the Daddy kink, especially given Valentine was minus a dad for most of her childhood. Donovan gave her exactly what she needed even if he hadn't done it with anyone before (which I liked). And I also liked that his issues weren't immediately cured just because he was with her - it showed how much he was willing to work to be the man she needed.

Previous book in the series: Grumpy's Holiday Sweater
Next book in the series: Rainbow's Storm

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This was a wonderful MF Omegaverse novella.

Valentine is a young Omega about to embark on her first heat. The prescribed remedy: losing her 'v card' to a suitable beta. Luckily, she has two triplet sisters who are more than willing to help with this plan. Unluckily, she also has a bodyguard who is about to spit nails at the thought.

Donovan doesn't feel he's suitable for the young billionaire heiress. He's older, not of her 'financial means', and doesn't want to hurt her. He's been through some trauma in his life and it's had a profound impact on how he conducts himself.

Fate steps in because Valentine and Donovan are a scent matched pair. Soul mates cannot be denied no matter the obstacles.

This book has a touching love story with all the humor, heat, and heart I've come to know and love from Merri Bright. She never disappoints. It also adds the spicy elements of Good Girl, Praise K!nk, Daddy Vibes, Fun With Toys, Kn0tting, Scents, and Heats. It's simply a must read.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a merri bright book is a delicious, delicate unravelling of deep characters backed by a wonderful story. There’s no info dump or “by the numbers” here. Instead, pieces of the characters and their unique personalities and backgrounds are gently scattered around, allowing the reader to collate them into a very real picture.

After just one chapter, I was thoroughly invested. I’d already laughed out loud but also, in the way a Merri Bright book often will, had my deeper emotions tweaked and tangled irredeemably into the characters I was discovering.
By the second chapter, I was getting a bigger concept of how awesome the story was going to become. After that, there was no stopping me and I binged it all as quickly as I could devour it!!
I then headed back for a re-read!

With two main characters both “damaged” in different ways, this story was my catnip. Hot, of course, but more importantly so bloody warm, and genuine. A beautiful love story.

But watch out….. I’m totally calling dibs on Donovan 🤩😍

[Vallene Boddington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omegaverse funny but hot romance

Valentine's Heart timeline is after Knotty New Year. However, it's a standalone and can be read by itself, but has some spoilers to Knotty New Year (which I totally recommend)
Valentine, one of the triplet sisters to Nick Paxson, finds herself on a mission to lose her 'v' card and prepare for her first heat. Things don't go as planned, and her ever trusting bodyguard steps in to help. Donovan carries as much trauma as Valentine and I love the vulnerability of MCs. They match perfectly.
A sweet, funny, yet very emotionally raw read. Such a short story has a deep impact.

Tropes
Bodyguard. MF. Daddy/baby girl kink. Knotting trauma. Triggers. Fated. Forced Proximity. Virgin. Age gap.

Quote
“Until Donovan. He’s got all the fizz I could ever want. I’d drink him down like a cream soda…

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest one-sausage-special has so much kinky cuteness your teeth get overwhelmed by all the sugary sweetness, and your blankets start feeling too hot on top of you because your body gets overheated while reading. I really adored Valentine and Donovan's story; both of them are quite original main characters and it was so heartwarming to watch the two of them get together. Their interactions are cute and romantic, and I adored watching them learn the mastering of s.. toys together. I love a vulnerable man in a relationship, and I was a little worried about the path the author would take regarding his trauma with this book being as short as it is, but all of that worry was completely unnecessary.

"Valentine's Heart" is a pretty short standalone, and I believe it ends up being 50% spice and 50% story, and while the spice is hot, the story is wholesome. My heart grew a little bigger every time Valentine communicated with her sisters and it made me love the entire family even more. If you're ever looking for a short pallet cleanser, or just a short story you want to devour all at once, this could definitely be the book for you.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine’s Heart - A Delicious Little Snack

Normally I avoid reading novellas… too often they fall short of just about everything I look for in my book escapes. NOT THIS ONE! It had a bit of everything I want, including the sense of connection between the two main characters normally lacking in a shorter novel. She’s sweet, an introvert, and likeable. He’s gruff and grumpy, a big Viking protector and soft for her. Best of all, he comes across as average, not the typical beautiful man that every female lu$ts after, and that’s a big positive because he is relatable!

Omegaverse setting, with the genre comfort of fated mates, when these two connect it doesn’t feel rushed, it just feels right.

I always trust Merri’s books to entertain, soothe and take me out of this world and this one did just that. Highly recommend!!

Tropes
Heat level 🌶🌶🌶+ (out of five)
Omegaverse, M/F
Heat/knotting
Fated mates/scent matches
Age gap
Dirty talk, praise
Daddy/baby girl
Grumpy sunshine

[bookish.nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

• ARC Review •

Valentine’s Heart by Merri Bright

• Overall Ratings •
⭐️: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5

• About the Book •
✿ POV: Dual
✿ Couple: MF - Donovan & Valentine
✿ Romance speed: fast butn
✿ Tropes: age gap, omegaverse, insta love/lust, forced proximity, bodyguard romance
✿ Trigger warnings: not really

• Thoughts •
As always, Merri wrote such a fun, enticing story here. It was easy to see that Valentine and Donovan were meant for each other. Both loved the quiet home life, and both just wanted to be loved. They provided such a sweet story, and I loved all of their bedroom experiments. A quick, fun read that I recommend for all of my omegaverse lovers.

[Brandi Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an human omegaverse M/F novella and is written in dual POV, with an age gap and wuth a grumpy cinnamonroll. It is such a sweet story. Valentine, the FMC, is one of a set of triplets. She is an omega while her sisters are betas. She has had some trauma in her life which makes her skittish around others. She's also a billionaire. Her sisters are also trying to get her to come out of her shell.

Here comes Donovan who is her bodygyard because her regular bodyguard got a vacation. He's attracted to her even though he shouldn't be.

I really enjoyed reading about Valentine, she is so sweet and Donovan is the perfect person because he is so supportive and protective. Some really steamy intimate scenes. Loved this book and canmot wait for more of these books. Would love to read more about her sisters too.

I received this as an ARC from this fabulous author and I am voluntarily giving my review. Read this story.

[Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but super spicy book that gave me the pick me up I needed.

Valentine and Donovan are the perfect match. Started off as her bodyguard, but that didn’t stay that way and I was glad. Chemistry off the charts

Though the funny, spicy book you may want, there is a touch of seriousness in the form of shared trauma.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great omegaverse from Merri Bright! I don’t think I will ever get enough of Bright’s omegaverse stories. Valentine’s Heart was the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.

I loved Val and Donovan. She was reserved and scared of everything so of course the perfect alpha for her would be an older protector. I loved the dynamics between them especially how deeply they cared for one another.

This was a quick read but it was so good. I can’t wait for more books in this world!

[Megan Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret to anyone who follows me that Merri Bright has my omegaverse-loving heart in the palm of her hands, but I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! It was a short read, but had so much depth and character development. We are slightly introduced to Valentine in Knotty New Year, but I loved getting to see her find her someone. I legitimately need to know every single sibling's story now. Thanks for this sweet Valentine's surprise!

[Jenlovestoread7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I was looking for a one night stand. I ended up with my soulmate.”

Valentine is a triplet and an Omega while her sisters are betas. Prescribed by her doctor to have a ONS due to health concerns, her evening doesn’t go quite as she planned. Donovan is Valentine’s bodyguard and if she’s going to have a one night stand then it’s going to be with him. Both Donovan and Valentine have tragic back stories but when they get together they make each other whole.

A great quick read novella with loveable characters and lots of spice.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and Super Spicy
Merri always manages to bring a smile to my face with each book she writes. This one was no different.
From the start it will grab your attention and you'll knot want to put it down.
We got age gap, body guard, dirty talking daddy and more!!
Filled with lots emotions, lots of steam, humor and love.
I loved Valentine and Donovan.
They both had their own insecurities and were just what the other needed.
The chemistry between them was fire.
I absolutely loved it and the ending was perfect!!!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet!

This short story follows one of Nick’s sisters from Knotty New Year, but you don’t need to have read it first. Short and super sweet- I loved it! Donovan is just the sweetest!

[TARA MACO-GUILLEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine is an Omega who prefers being alone but decides she needs to get out more after her doctor advises it. Donovan was recently brought on as her bodyguard has been entranced with her since meeting. Add in true mates and Daddy kink and this was a nice spicy story that gave me everything I was looking for in a read.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Val was such a sweet innocent character, unlike her twins. I loved how Donovan was such a caring bodyguard. When they got together sparks flew, I was never so happy that Val lost her Vcard to him and not some small dick beta lol.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC** So I am typically not a shifter or omega kind of gal but I couldn’t help but get addicted to how this was written! I loved the age gap and how it didn’t matter in the face of love and acceptance!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfectly sweet and spicy nugget of happiness. This was a quick read but definitely hit the spot. Valentine and Donovan’s story was so lovely to see unfold. All of the characters in the book were thoroughly entertaining!! Definitely recommend picking this one up!!

[Krys DeCantillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great from start to finish. I absolutely loved it. I’m not spoiling anything just read it and make your own opinions on it. I can’t wait for more from this universe.

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was nothing to not like in this short story. I enjoyed and loved every line of the book and am glad Merri keeps writing these stories with so many emotions and depth for the characters. Irrespective of Donovan's strong persona and his being a bodyguard, he is really a softy for her and only for her. The story is fast-paced with spice and has a base where you will keep anticipating the next move. The story beautifully describes how vulnerable the characters are and for what. I will not say more otherwise it will be spoiled but it’s a must-read for all the Omegaverse lovers.

[Angela Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short sweet Omegaverse novella. Our FMC Valentine has such a kind heart but following past trauma is fearful and lacking in self confidence. We never get to find out what this was which is a shame.
I love that she has the support of her fellow triplets Victoria and Vanessa as she’s a real homebody, I can empathise with her, for her money can’t but happiness, causing only obstacles in her life. The way Merri writes about Val really makes my heart bleed for her.
I would have liked to see more from her sisters too in the story.
Donovan is a real cinnamon roll, the way he’s always been there silently protecting her is so sweet, he’s just perfect for her.
If you want a feel good read this is highly recommended, it makes such a wonderful change for me to read this as I love a HEA

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment to the beta babysitters aka Betasitter. Valentine has had a lot of terrible things happen to her from an early age and it’s very much affected her life. Donovan is sex on a stick of protective bodyguard. He’s had his own terrible things happen. This was cute and quick and steamy. Not one of my favorite kinks, but man do they steam up the pages. Well written all around.

[Kathryn Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the Betasitters! This novella is no different. It was fabulous to read about one of Nicky’s younger siblings. And Valentine is so, so special. The Omega sibling with a stutter and a tragic backstory. Her Alpha? Her bodyguard who’s about to lose his job with his own tragic backstory. Watching them come together and find each other was absolute perfection. 💜