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A protective CEO with dark secrets. A brilliant scientist who shouldn't be tempted. When a bet ignites their chemistry, more than their careers are at risk.Dr. Aleria James has worked too hard to let her past with Liam Valeur derail her career. But when he becomes the CEO overseeing her groundbreaking research project, their carefully maintained professional distance combusts into an inferno of forbidden attraction. What starts as a playful dating bet evolves into something far more dangerous—and addictive.

Liam Valeur always gets what he wants, and he wants Aleria. But as their secret affair intensifies, so do the threats against his family. With a deadly enemy closing in and devastating secrets coming to light, Liam must choose between protecting the woman he loves and exposing the truth that could destroy everything.

Perfect for fans of Lucy Score and Tessa Bailey, this steamy office romance delivers all the delicious tension of The Hating Game with the high stakes of a romantic suspense.

One-click now to discover if love can survive in the shadows of danger and desire.

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2025

128 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

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Karin Winter

25 books114 followers

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5 stars
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86 (35%)
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44 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
730 reviews10 followers
February 22, 2025
Liam is the fourth book in Winter's series, The Valeur Billionaires. This contemporary, enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance features Dr. Aleria James and Liam Valeur.

While not required, I highly recommend reading this series in order to fully appreciate the dynamics of the Valeur family. This book also solves the mystery which has been running through this series so go back to the beginning and start with Logan, then Lucas, then Cora, and finally Liam.

Liam and Aleria knew one another in college. They spent a lot of time together, and enjoyed each other's company, but before things could get serious, Liam took a runner. While his intent was to save himself from heartache, that's exactly what he ended up doing to Aleria. He hurt her, badly, a pain that continued to live with her for years.

Aleria has dedicated her life to science. She is brilliant albeit socially awkward. She is accustomed to spending time in the lab, and not with people. She and Liam are unexpectedly brought back together through her research. LumiVera needs funding and the Valeurs can provide it. It is a win/win situation as it allows them to continue move their ASTRA project forward while providing Valeur Tech with exactly what is needed to revolutionize their medical diagnostics. But can Aleria and Liam forget the past and work together?

Both passionate, incredibly stubborn and competitive, the two end up attending Red Door Speed Dating's event which leads to a little wager. But the game takes a turn as the chemistry between them is undeniable. These two fiercely intelligent, headstrong individuals will not only have to acknowledge their feelings for one another, but release the pain of their respective pasts.

For those who have read the previous books in this series, this release finally reveals the truth of what happened to the Valeur matriarch, and the mystery of who has been behind the ever-looming threat. There's definitely some action associated with that story line.

There have been many twists and turns along the way, but this book, like the other installments of the Valeur Billionaires series, was highly enjoyable and delivered not only a HEA, but wrapped the overarching storyline up nicely.

While I'm sad to say goodbye to the Valeurs, I'm keen to see what Winter has next for her fans!
Profile Image for Inge Mosch.
473 reviews10 followers
January 14, 2025
This is the fourth book of the Valeur series. I was so impatiently waiting for Liam after finishing Cora, when it came available, I had to read it right away! I just had to know who was behind the attacks and threats. The plot twist was completely surprising, I never expected this!

This book was pure perfection! I absolutely loved Aleria, she was so smart, strong and sweet! Liam was really the best; determined, dominant and their chemistry was off the charts! The spice was so hot! Loved every word of this book!

Karin Winter really is the best at portraying strong intelligent women who don't let themselves be told what to do. Her writing style is so nice, once you start reading you can’t put the book down. She really is one of my favorite writers! Would give this book 10 stars if I could!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Gina Salamon.
Author 8 books56 followers
February 27, 2025
What a way to end a series!

And that is the only disappointment here - that the series has come to an end.

Nevertheless, I know Karin Winter has so many more steamy and heartfelt stories coming our way.
Profile Image for Killing It Write.
163 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2025
The Valeur men and their women are in no way defined by their wealth. Nor is their wealth what makes them so desirable.

Karin Winter gives us characters we can relate to in so many ways, as well as characters we want for our own.

So yummy!
Profile Image for Vedece Barnes.
657 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2025
Trigger Warning! Kidnapping, violence, open door scenes between the MC's.
The secrets of the past have finally to light! Secrets that want to destroy everything the Valeur family have built.
Past relationships as well as the passionate fire that fueled it arise between Liam and Aleria as soon as they meet again. Her company needs his investments for her ground breaking research. With all of the sparks going on between them, it becomes very hard to separate anger from passion.
The next thing they know, they have a not so friendly wager going on. The loser fulfills one request of the winner.
It's just a game. Or is it?
As they end up working together, they can't seem to put their feelings on hold and he can't stop sabotaging her dates. Can Aleria get over the doubts or was it too much pain and hurt to forget.
At the same time, the danger of the past has been revealed and it's coming for all of them!
How can he keep her safe if she won't trust him?
The ending to this series is intense with a hard fought for and deserved HEA.
Aleria is snarky but SMART and a strong character that has a tendency to ramble on when she gets nervous, she's even a little accident prone but you'll end up liking her. Liam is smart as well as smexy, (I'd like to say that I caught that hint at the end but I didn't).
She reminded me of Sheldon and he was Leonard, two total mega brains that totally get one another. They had me laughing out loud multiple times!
I not only recommend this one but also that you don't cheat yourself, go from the beginning of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
215 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2025
This is book four in the Valeur Billionaires series which is best read in order for the story arc which concludes in this final instalment. Liam Valeur has all the confidence in the world, riding high on his success as the CEO of Valeur Tech. That’s until he comes face to face unexpectedly with Aleria James, whom he grew close to in college, and who is now a scientist doing pioneering research which Valeur Tech is interested in. Their relationship had ended abruptly and Aleria still bears the scars. Their walls immediately fly up and they trade scathing insults and banter, leading them to make a bet about who can date more successfully, but this only makes them have to face their feelings for each other. With the threat facing the Valeur family growing, Liam has to decide whether he could bear the guilt of putting Aleria at risk, or the agony of having to let her go to keep her safe.

As with the previous stories in the series, the author has created two complicated characters, both of whom are insanely intelligent but burdened with self-doubt, past hurts and secrets, and who can’t handle being back in each other’s orbit and trying to remain professional. The heat and tension between them crackles, and their verbal sparring is brutal, making for a passionate and fiery relationship. I recommend this whole series for readers who love brilliant dialogue, strong, fully developed characters, twists and turns, unrestrained emotion and tension and very steamy scenes – I’m looking forward to reading it again from the beginning 😊.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carole.
2,057 reviews16 followers
February 24, 2025
Liam is book four in the Valeur Billionaires series and finds CEO Liam facing a business meeting with Lumi Vera labs for a proposed collaboration on their ground breaking research project.
This after having spent the previous evening with his siblings hearing disturbing revelations about their deceased mother.
When he is introduced to the lead on the project Dr. Aleria James he is floored by a face from his past, one that ended with him walking away.
Aleria hasn’t forgotten though and their interactions are angsty to the max.
By the end of their disaster of a meeting they have made a bet on who can get the most dates through a speed dating event.
So the game is on, and who will win?
I enjoyed their story which reignites the attraction they still have for each other as Liam is dealing with the secrets and danger surrounding his family.
Good writing with nicely crafted characters, suspense, personal vulnerabilities, spice, and family dynamics kept the pace fast and tense as the storyline closed in on some past Valeur history that has come back to haunt them, and putting Liam into protector mode with Aleria.
Excellent reading that ends with an HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marie.
833 reviews16 followers
January 28, 2025
This is the fourth book in the series and I would definitely say read the others before reading this. Aleria is a brilliant scientist and is maybe a little obsessive about it. Her life is work or sleep no time for romantic encounters, especially since being burnt in college. Now finding out her study her been sponsored by the Valeur family namely Liam Valeur she knows her life is going to be turned upside down. Liam has never really forgotten Dr. Aleria James, how could he. Walking away from her in college had been the hardest but necessary thing he's ever done. Now he CEO and can he stay away from her when everything is saying she's it for him. But with his families dark secrets and sinister person constantly threatening to destroy his family is it safe to pursue anything. This is the book that brings everything together and uncovers the deathly truth. But will his family survive in tact. Can he finally find his own happiness and at what cost. I love how this series is built on family strength and commitment to each other. I can't recommend this book and series enough. I look forward to reading more by Karin in the future.
1,605 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2025
Liam is the fourth story in The Valeur Billionaires series. This novel follows the story of Aleria and Liam. I thought this to be amazingly written, well balanced and perfectly executed by Karin Winter. Karin Winter continues to show what an incredible author she is with each phenomenal romance I have read by her thus far. This novel is completely captivating from beginning to end and I didn’t want to set it down until I read the last page of this incredible book. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. The chemistry between Aleria and Liam is breathtakingly beautiful and undeniably irresistible. I was rooting for both Aleria and Liam to have a happy ending to their fantastic story, which in a way they got just that. I would gladly give this book as a recommendation for anyone to checkout and give it a read. I’m looking forward to reading more amazing romances from Karin Winter in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
320 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2026
4 stars for Liam and Aleria's story. This story has humor, mystery, and some spice.

Aleria and Liam met in college. They were into each other then but Liam ran from her. They meet up again when he's at a meeting to become an investor in her lab. Things are tense, and slow for them to get going. Once they do, sparks fly. But, the big mystery still lingers. Someone is still out there making threats, though it doesn't happen as much in this story as the others it seems.

For all the good build up in the mystery and to Liam's story, I expected a bit more. I KNEW I was right in guessing who it was which was great! But I expected more for Liam's story. I think there was too much angst in it and not a lot of inner dialog on their feelings towards each other as the other books had and I don't think Liam really worked through his issues like his brothers did. It was still a good read for me.
Profile Image for J.
4,091 reviews21 followers
February 22, 2025
This is book 4 and the final in Winter's The Valeur Billionaires and I think it could be read as a standalone but so much better when part of the series. Up until now, all the book in this series have left us with a cliffhanger ending and each book focus' on one of the Valeur siblings. This book is obviously Liam's journey to a HEA with the quirky scientist Dr James. An enemies to lovers but so much more, this dual point of view romance is captivating and the whole series was addictive. Smooth flowing storyline with a great characters and all the sweet, steam, suspense and more balanced to perfection. I adored the family dynamic and how the loves of the siblings fit perfectly in that dynamic. A wonderfully well written and captivating romance I would highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
50 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2025
This was a good finish to the Valeur series. The secondary plot was wrapped up nicely and I'm proud to say that I guessed correctly...LOL

Liam and Aleria are both highly intelligent individuals and they compliment each other well. Due to their past history with each other, the FMC seems to have a huge chip on her shoulder that goes beyond her past history with Liam and she takes some getting used to in the beginning. The MMC definitely falls first, but she falls soon after. With the help of his friends and the Valuer clan, and a couple of close calls, they're able to come to terms with their feelings and express themselves to each other.

With the secondary plot reaching its peak, it was nice to see all of the Valeur siblings and their significant others come together, with their father, to save the day.

I wish there was one more sibling to read about.
Profile Image for Lianne Jenkins.
74 reviews
February 27, 2025
I may be repeating myself from the other books in the series but I loved it! Yet again Karin has managed to draw me into the Valeur's world so deeply I was hooked and ended up staying up far too late to read it all in 1 sitting. Was I super tired at work the next day- yes. Was it worth it- definitely!
The while series is fantastic and I enjoyed seeing my favourite siblings back together to finally get answers about the family secret. I do like all the sibling but wasn't sure Liam's book was going to be quite as good as his character hasn't stood out to me as much as one of my favourites. How wrong I was. The character development is so good, I understood his personality and past decisions more as we went along and I was rooting for him within about 2 chapters. Aleria was so great! Funny, smart and super clumsy which I relate to so much so I loved her.
308 reviews
February 23, 2025
This is Liam Valeur's story. We've met him before in the previous books of this series. Who we haven't met is Dr Aleria James, someone he knew, and was close to, from Stanford University. The only problem was that when they got too close, he ran away leaving Aleria feeling hurt, used and very confused.
They meet again when Valeur Tech plans to collaborate with Lumivera, who she works for.
Will they be able to get past their past and work together? There's no denying there's still an (unwanted) attraction.

A great read which also concludes the ongoing storyline of who has been threatening the family throughout the series. I was nearly right!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for CelticMoonGoddess.
450 reviews7 followers
March 14, 2025
Mixed blessings on this the fourth book in The Valeur Billionaires series as enjoyed the first part of the romance with Liam and Aleria but for me was a little disappointed on the final reveal and outcome to the secret family mystery and stalker. It felt too rushed and convenient and little let down for the final confrontation after all the build up and slow reveal in each of the other three books in the series.
After getting through two thirds of the book it was living up to the expectation and enjoyment of previous books but the last part was a distraction that I felt let down the first part of the banter and sexual tension between Liam and Aleria.
However, that said it has been a good series to read and enjoyed it, for most part.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
463 reviews
February 21, 2025
A good investment. A dual POV format that focuses on the last of the Valeur siblings. The counterpart to the tale is a woman from his past. There are secrets between them. There are secrets within his family. There are consequences for them all. Both characters are fairly well developed. One rather clumsy and awkward, the other more dramatic but with perhaps higher walls. Sharing seems to be their least favorite pastime which makes it a little harder to get through. Not everyone can recognize the effect of a simple touch. Driven individuals aren’t always the most clued in. Wish this was a bigger family!
Profile Image for love,care and self - ashlea.
475 reviews16 followers
February 19, 2025
The fourth and final book in the Valeur billionaires series. In this book we finally find the answers we have been craving, who was behind the attacks and threats, plus some surprising twists too. The chemistry between Aleria and Liam is hot and they had me laughing a few times, plus the spice was *hot* too. The conclusion to this fab series is intense with a well deserved and earned HEA.

If you haven’t started this series yet, please do, starting with book one - Logan.

Another great read form this amazing author.
Profile Image for Mary Mutisya-Astin.
500 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2025
What and ending!

This is the final book in the series and I recommend reading them in order as there is crossover from the other books!

Liam Valeur is the youngest son and has just been made CEO of his division. Finally trusted with this position of power the last person he expects to run into is the one that got away, Aleria.
Only problem is the closer they get the sooner the dark secrets that have been hidden will come to light.

Loved this ending to the series and would happily read more from this author.

I read this book voluntarily for an honest review.
1,319 reviews10 followers
Read
January 22, 2025
What a shame, the last Valeur sibling has found love in this fantastic series. Liam has known Aleria since college where they fell in love but he wasn't ready so left her heartbroken. Years later these brilliant minds come together again amidst cut throat banter, old hurts, danger and re-found love. This is deefinitely a must-read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jackie.
526 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2025
Each book keeps getting better and better. It's so hard to choose which sibling I like best. Liam and Aleria have the best banter. The tension and competiveness lead to an explosion when they finally gave in. Great suspense and finally finding out who was behind all the threats on the Valeur family. I loved the series and am looking forward to see what's next from Karin Winters!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Evy.
749 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2025
This is so sad to know this was the last Valeur book, but what a book.
A great love story that unfolded, a family secret got revealed, some funny banter and laugh out lous moments, this book has it all!
I loved how sweet, caring and funny Liam became, the surprises he arranged for Aleria were fantastic. And don’t get me started on the family/sibblings dynamics or the funny banter with his best friends.
I really recommend this series.

I received a copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.4k reviews155 followers
February 24, 2025
They were college sweethearts until he broke her heart and now, they find themselves working together. Liam has a lot of secrets surrounding him, but he wants Aleria badly, but will Aleria trust him with her heart again. This intriguing story is filled with drama and had me all caught up in the characters from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bailey Laine.
263 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2025
The banter! The banter! The banter! It is hilarious at moments and so downright tense at others that I had to remind myself to breathe. I’ve been a fan of this series since Logan found his perfect match. I fell in love with Liam then, and wanted to see him meet his. It was well worth the wait. Aleria is his equal in every way, and the way they spar is everything!! ❤️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
873 reviews
March 26, 2025
Finale

Lium is a CEO of Valeur Tech and youngest Son trying to live with the horrific family secret and get the women he never got over from College. Aleria is a scientist and Lium is her new benefactor and lost love from college. Through twist and turns they come together. Great finale for this series and wonderful characters! But I knew who the bad guy was from Cora's story!! I highly recommend this series!!!
Profile Image for Sue  Porter .
261 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2025
I guessed it!

Well I'd love to say I'd worked out who the silent witness was, and I was correct, but that would be a huge spoiler and I don't give them.
But the love story between Liam and Alaria was fabulous, full of sexy moments and double entendres. It was hilarious at times and I loved to witness their relationship building up.
Well worth the read and a worthy conclusion to this four part series
Profile Image for Melanie Purcell.
712 reviews6 followers
February 27, 2025
The science puns and banter are off the charts! Aleria and Liam are magical together, even when they bicker. The Valeur family draw you in and keeps you invested throughout the series, although each romance stands alone. I love the edge of mystery and adventure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 reviews
August 26, 2025
Least favorite in the series

I loved this series and flew threw it until this book. It took me forever to finish this one because I just couldn’t get into it. The history of the FMC and MMC seemed like a stretch. It lacked a plot, it jumped around. No build up at all to the climax. Wasn’t my favorite. Felt pretty thrown together.
78 reviews
December 23, 2025
Boring

Boy I thought Corals book was boring and stupid but this one topped it. The only reason I read it was to learn the mystery.

There were lose ends and inconsistentcies and loose ends and the book was choppy. The characters were immature and childish.

Do not recommend. Just say no to wasting your time and money!
Profile Image for Shannon.
296 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2025
As always enjoyed the family. Probably my least favorite of all the siblings. Found it a bit slow at the start. Enjoyed the conclusion to the storyline and the happy ending. Look forward to the author's next book!
4 reviews
March 1, 2025
final touchdown

Great closure for the entire family.
The heroine’s clumsiness is hilarious but fits right in.
The connection is rebuilding nicely between them
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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