Betrayal of a Billionaire

Hearts and Holdings #5

by Nellie H. Steele

Billionaire Grant Harrington has paid off 4 wives.His biggest challenge yet? Getting the fifth one to stay.Julia and Grant Harrington’s fake marriage has lasted longer than most real Hollywood ones. But how much more can Julia take before they ‘consciously uncouple’? The mysterious DG Industries are still lurking in the shadows waiting to strike. And even for mild-mannered Julia, Grant’s extended family is … a lot. Sierra, Grant’s troubled daughter, is as desperate for Julia to stay at Harrington House as he is. And she’ll do anything to make it happen. But when Sierra books a surprise family vacay to Julia’s hometown, she unwittingly reunites her step-mommy with an old—but very hot—flame. Now back in her hometown, Julia is in her element. Sierra, not so much. And when Sierra marches off into the hills with a storm brewing, Julia’s local knowledge might be her only chance for survival. With Luke so close and her sister Alicia’s hatred of Grant so obvious, Julia is conflicted.Will Julia stay to help Grant with his billion-dollar mess?Or sail off with Luke into a safe Harbor Cove sunset? Betrayal of a Billionaire is the fifth book in Nellie Steele’s Hearts and Holdings series. If you love fake marriage, billionaire, grumpy sunshine, sweet Romance then you can join the host of fans who already know and love the twists and turns of Julia and Grant’s relationship. Buy now to continue the saga today!

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2024

About the author

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!

Reviews

[Gail Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author.

This series, Hearts and Holdings, gets better with each book. I would give it way more than five stars if I could.

A family holiday. What could possibly be more relaxing after the year that they have just had? With the Harringtons even a holiday is not that simple.

This story is well written with believable characters.

People often second guess what others are thinking and this is the case with Julia and Grant. There would not be much of a story if they discussed their feelings with each other.

I am looking forward to the next story.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself giving Nellie another 5-star review. But how can I not.

As a writer I find that Nellie is superb at building up suspense and a great intricate and twisty plot. And this episode of the Hearts and Holding series is not any different.

Nellie has me smiling and laughing at Julia and Grant at one stage, then falling down with disbelief at the moment’s things start to twist and missed signals and badly timed communication hits the story, then wanting to knock their heads together to want them to talk, listen and be honest with one another.

Then there are Grants siblings.... Sierra means so well, but she explodes at the drop of a hat, has a size 9 mouth and her background gives her no concept of the real world and how to cope with situations. She goes from 0 to 120 in nano seconds. But hell, she means so well and has Julia and Grants best interest at heart. I could cry for her. Then there is jealous and impossible to talk to Kyle. What does he want? Certainly not Grant and Julia being an item, and certainly not to listen to his dad and make things work, but then again, Grant cannot communicate with him either...two peas in a pod as it were.

Then before we move on there is Sierras mum, the acid queen herself - Lydia. Apart from wanting to break everything up and more than anything, separate Julia, and Grant, what is her endgame and where does she fit in? The hateful Mrs Harrington #1who all we want is to trip up over her subplots and leave painfully into the sunlight, never to return. Do not hold your breath.

And if this is not enough for one book, I have not even started on this one’s main plots.

Introducing the holiday from hell where anything that could go wrong does - and some.

We meet up with Julias past, her sister and husband, Luke and a whole town who just hate out of towners and particularly city folk like Grant and Kyle. The same goes for Siera, but she is so gorgeously over the top....

This story becomes a battle between Julia's friends and family hating Grant and trying non too suttle match making, Julia's big Ex and Grant with all his clan, especially the big stirring Lydia, doing and saying all the wrong things at all the right times.

So, is the end for Julia and Grant or will their complicated love story fight and win out?

It another clean and faultless journey that you will be so happy to read. Join me and all the other readers with horse voices and worn-out emotions as it all opens out before you.

Then be prepared for the next episode if you have the stamina.

Well done Nellie, another of your classic stories. Thank you.

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

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler Alert: You might want to have the Kleenex available as we might have a few "turbulences" ahead. So have them handy just in case you are a crier, like me and do not want to flood your computer or tablet (whatever you are reading this book on)! As usual Nellie has given another fantastic book in this series. Thank you!

We are all headed out on a family vacation. Sierra has planned the entire trip and none of us will know where we are going until we get there. So, fasten your seat belts and come along for the ride we have a lot of things happening ahead of us. The family jet is making good time so we should be there soon. They have landed at their destination and Sierra has arranged for a police escort. Worthington opened the door and allowed a blonde policewoman to enter. The policewoman was Julia's sister Alicia. Surprise the family vacation was to Harbor Cove where Julia used to live, and she has a lot of memories of the area. Remember her sister and brother-in-law do not know that Julia got married 16 months ago so they are in for a shock. I guess the family reunion just got bigger by the whole town as everyone here in Harbor Cove knows Julia.

Everywhere they went in the town it was like a reunion and Julia knew everyone and introduced her family. They kind of gave Grant, Sierra and Kyle a cold shoulder as they were outsiders unlike Julia. They went out on a boat tour and the captain was Luke, Jullia's ex-fiancé. Luke proceeded to embarrass Julia and tell the whole family of their past and acted like Julia had come back to him and was not married to Grant at all. After the boat tour they went to have dinner at a neighborhood bar. Luke showed up there as well as Alicia and Ethan. Her sister seemed to be pushing Julia and Luke together as she had them dance and did everything, she could to keep Julia away from Grant.

Where do we go from here? Is Julia regretting her marriage to Grant? Will she get back with Luke? Will Julia even want to return to New Orleans with the family? Will Grand and Luke get into a fight? I guess you will have to read this great book to get your answers. I highly recommend that you do.

I am proud to say that I am part of the ARC team for Nellie Steele and will be very happy to leave a review.

[Roger Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Book Review 📚
Betrayal of a Billionaire
By
Nellie H. Steele
⭐⭐⭐⭐


Betrayal of a Billionaire is the fifth book in the Hearts and Holdings, Clean Billionaire Romance Series. In this installment, at the beginning, things have calmed down a bit. Sierra decides to take this opportunity to plan a family, bonding vacation and decides to keep the destination a secret. Well, of course, everyone is thinking somewhere exotic, plush, and expensive and is surprised when their jet lands in Harbor Cove, Maine, Julia’s hometown. Sierra had no idea! Julia has a lot of explaining to do to her hometown family when they learn she is married and doesn’t tell any of them. When the truth comes out about the marriage being contractual, things get fired up. Alicia, Julia’s ex-FBI now town cop sister becomes overly protective and recruits the whole town against the Harringtons. The action continues to expand when Julia’s ex-boyfriend Luke enters the picture and old feelings bubble to the surface. The local population is pitted against the Harringtons and tension fills the air. To everyone's surprise, Lydia shows up and begins to wreak havoc and even threatens Julia again. Julia’s treasured compass necklace is finally explained and her relationship with Luke seems to be rekindled with a midnight sailboat excursion. Things start falling apart when his daughter Sierra goes missing, Julia has to save her, and ends up in the hospital, with the Harrington family not permitted to see her. Buckle up for this story.
This book hits all the human emotions, from hatred to love and everything in between. The world-building was fantastic and the character interactions, although complicated, were absorbing. The plot was well-developed but often left you feeling both fulfilled and incomplete at the same time. There was suspense, tension, anger, intrigue, and a splatter of romance to make this book an enjoyable read. If you like a fast-paced, page-turner, read-in-one-sitting book, this book may be for you. I would highly recommend Betrayal of a Billionaire and the series for a great reading experience. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sierra’s plan for a family bonding vacation was a great idea. That is until the destination was revealed. Harbor Cove, Maine might be the new IT spot but it’s also Julia’s hometown, and there’s a reason she’s stayed away. Everything the Harrington’s have faced in the last 16 months have made them a stronger team. But now Julia must come clean with her family about her marriage and confront feelings for the man she left behind. If Ally has anything to say about it, her sister won’t be leaving Harbor Cove. When a missing person and dangerous rescue lands Julia in the hospital again, Ally seizes the chance to separate Julia and Grant for good. Is this finally a fight that Grant can’t win?

Book 5 in the Hearts & Holdings series moves the action from big city New Orleans to small town Harbor Cove. While Lydia and D&G Industries remain a threat, the main conflict this time is with Julia’s past, especially her relationship with Luke. Julia’s friends and family are understandably shocked by her marriage, but don’t seem willing to respect her decisions, instead blatantly pushing her and Luke together and denigrating Grant. Julia’s internal conflict between her feelings for each man is complicated by her not knowing Grant’s real feelings. The reader knows those depths which does allow us to root for Grant and Julia’s happy ending. I also particularly enjoy the relationship between Julia and Sierra. The scene between them where Julia gives her support is incredibly heartwarming.

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

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s time for a vacation – albeit an awkward and unplanned blasts from the past. Sierra has planned a vacation for her father (Grant), Step-Mother (Julia), and Step-brother (Kye). No-one knows where they are going or what they are doing. Unluckily for Julia, they land in Harbor Cove and run into her sister (Alicia), brother-in-law (Ethan), and ex-fiancé (Luke).

Grant is hoping to really propose to Julia, he does not want the contract to end in 6 months and wants Julia by his side. But the perfect moment never comes up because Julia’s family and ex-fiancé are trying to persuade Julie to void the contract and stay in Harbor Cove.

Will Julia’s family ruin everything? They are manipulative, sneaky and liars. Luke keeps showing up when Julia is spending time with her sister and making it very hard for Julia to think straight – does she still have feelings for Luke? Is this the end of the relationship for Julia and Grant? What will happen with the ex-wife, Lydia and the company?

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

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is truly unique and utterly captivating. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down! The book expertly navigates the full spectrum of human emotions, from hatred to love and everything in between. The world-building is exceptional, drawing readers into a richly imagined universe, and the character interactions, though complex, are thoroughly engaging.

The plot is well-developed, skillfully weaving suspense, tension, anger, intrigue, and a touch of romance into a compelling narrative. It often leaves you feeling both fulfilled and yearning for more, a testament to the author's ability to balance resolution with anticipation.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, page-turner that you can devour in one sitting, this book is a must-read. It's an enthralling journey that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

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

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think Grant and Julia’s lives couldn’t get more complicated, Steele manages to throw a new twist in, and once again you’re drawn back in, like your favorite drama show. Between Grant’s children and first wife, Julia’s past and hometown, there are twists and turns around every corner. You can tell Sierra is trying, but her naïveté continues to get under my skin, I must admit. That disconnect from what normal, everyday people go through and deal with isn’t cute or endearing, and she just isn’t a likable character for me, no matter how hard I try. But I do appreciate that she wants to keep Julia around. Overall, this was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish, and I loved every minute of it. I cannot wait to see what the next book has in store, it’s like waiting for the next episode of my favorite show!

[Dina Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific, dramatic, thrilling! What seemed like a great idea: a nice, relaxing family vacation turned into a disaster of epic proportions as Julia’s past and present collided. From the moment the plane touched down, the twists and turns of this story had me captivated like watching a train wreck you can’t take your eyes off of! Poor Grant! His part in this story kept my heart squeezing and sighing often. Julia continued to be an amazing heroine, and I loved seeing her bond with Sierra become even stronger! I loved how the Harringtons banded together. I continued to love to loathe Lydia and was introduced to several new, colorful characters that made this book so interesting. This series is unique and so enthralling. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put this book down!!

[MyFairLady Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite book 📖 of this series! Could NOT put it down! Stayed up way too late to finish it!!! Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

These excerpts capture it perfectly . . .
In the past year, they’d faced murder charges, kidnappings, explosions, scandals, and even a near-fatal car accident that threatened to rip them apart.

This was no longer about protecting a contract; it was about the woman he loved. At that moment, he faced a disturbing fact–Luke was the biggest threat he’d ever faced.

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

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entertaining series keeps me guessing and causes so many different emotions. It is frustrating, exciting, adventurous and so much family drama. This book has Julia back in her hometown having to tell her sister the truth and face her emotional pass decisions. Plus Grant has to confront why he knows nothing about Julia's past. I just scream at the pages telling the characters to just talk honestly to each other. You must read the series from the beginning to understand what is happening.

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

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayal of a Billionaire is the fifth book in this series which finds Sierra planning what should be a fun family vacation back to Julia's hometown but which turns into a disaster especially for Grant who planned to propose to Julia. Her family and ex-fiancee learn of their fake marriage contract and work to manipulate Julia to stay with her family and marry her ex, Luke. This book has intrigue, suspense, manipulation, plot twist, heart break, and an emotional storyline.

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

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading Betrayal of a Billionaire I didn't want to put it down. The characters are great and the storyline grabbed my attention from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't give details. Please read the book blurb for details. I recommend reading this book.

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

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schitz Creek vibes

Now I realise that this series is very telenovella in nature and I’ve enjoyed rolling with it but this one caused me some extreme anxiety. I was on edge this entire book from the high levels of stress and awkwardness. While I loved Luke, I truly hated Ally. The small down mindset was awful and the abuse of authority!!! Rage! The Harrison’s were very much Schitz Creek crossed with Grace and Frankie. Such dilemmas it was killing me!

[Lisa Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. Wow! I could not put this latest addition to this series down. So full of nail biting, breath holding suspense. The twists and turns of unexpected events will capture and hold your attention as you read the unfolding drama between the Harrington family and Julia’s family when a vacation trip becomes an emotional nightmare for Grant. I can’t wait to read more!.

[BrendaC · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 This is an engaging family vacation story that focuses on returning to Julia's hometown. This town is where Julia left 2 years earlier for a new beginning. She is totally surprised by this mystery trip that her step-daughter planned. It's both humorous and hellish because Julia's sister, the sheriff, didn't realize that she had entered into a contractual marriage. Plus, the old fiance wants to reconnect. Lots of emotions and adventures are woven into this clean (no sex or cursing) story

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find yourself a cozy corner in your house and sit back and enjoy reading this romance book by Nellie. This book piqued my interest the entire time I was reading the book all because of Grant and Julia's characters as well as the storyline. This series just keeps getting better and better as the series unfolds.

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the captivating and engaging fifth book in the series. When Sierra plans a family vacation, Julia is shocked to learn that the police escort is her sister, the boat ride captain is her ex- fiancé, and Julia hadn't shared with anyone in her hometown that she was married to the billionaire, Grant. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story.

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 and the best book in the series so far. Sierra decides they need a family vacation but it turns out to be a vacation from hell when they end up in Julia's home town.
Definitely a page turner.

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It is full of twists and turns that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It was well written and I recommend this book.

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

[Carol Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an extremely spelled bounding.The twist to turn the plots, the things U don’t expect make this a great read.AsUsual,Nellie You didA great job.I’m looking forward to the next one. I want to see what they come up with to rid themselves of the evil ex-wife.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Harringtons are at it again! Still trying to determine who is out to destroy Grant. Julia again is involved in a life threatening experience. All after she reconnects with the reason she left Harbor Cove.
So, where will it lead and will Grant and Julia ever face their love for each other??

[Julie Carithers Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! What a page-turner!! This will have you on the edge of your seat!! This series is a must read!!! You will not be disappointed!!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one frustrated me a bit more than the others in the series. I felt like Julia really needed to get a backbone and quit letting everyone else decide what she should do.

[Mary Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story is so annoying. Her family is ridiculous. Now they are illegally keeping her from her husband. Liars!

[BookwormHG · Rating 2 out of 5]

I HATED her “real family.”

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

🎧

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battle of a Billionaire is book 5 in the Hearts and Holdings by Nellie H Steele. I love this series and each book is fantastic. Julia and Grant can't catch a break.
D C Industries is lurking and causing major problems. Just when Julia recognizes one of the people from D C Industries, a wreak wipes her memories. Nellie Steele knows how to write a book that kept me on the edge if my seat. Book 5was surprising and unexpected. I can't wait to see what happens while Julia has no memory. Betrayal of a Billionaire can't come fast enough! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.