The Thing About My Secret Billionaire

by Nicky Redford

I hate myself for lying to her…but this deal means more than dollars.

Spending my days incognito at a donkey sanctuary to win the trust of its owner seemed like a good idea at the time.

My company needs to snap up this property before my archrival—the man who ruined my family—swoops in.

First the stubborn-as-a-mule owner isn’t selling to anyone.

Second I can’t take my eyes off her sassy mouth, or resist pushing her wayward hair off her face.

But if Frankie knew I’m just another evil property developer vying for her land, she’d chase me off it with the mucking-out spade.

I can’t let my nemesis beat me again. Trouble is, for the first time, I’ve met someone who’s more important than winning...

Part of The Boston Commoners series, The Thing About My Secret Billionaire is a small-town, hidden identity, spicy romcom with an independent career woman who’s returned to the countryside, a grumpy cat who falls first, and donkeys sweet enough to melt even a cold billionaire’s heart.

Genres: Romance

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2025

About the author

Nicky Redford writes bladder-threateningly funny rom-coms with all the steam and all the feels.

She loves heroes who think they know what they want (they’re wrong, obviously), the feisty, independent, heroines who don’t take their crap, and the sparky banter that inevitably ensues.

Her idol is Nora Ephron, and if anyone tries to say When Harry Met Sally is not the greatest film ever made they’ll be treated to a very detailed explanation as to why they are wrong.

Nicky aims to bring you page-turning raunchy rom-coms that brighten your day, put a smile on your face, and make you need to sit on an ice pack.

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Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE THING ABOUT MY SECRET BILLIONAIRE is part of the Boston Commoners series. Once again, Nicky delivers a hilarious and steamy romance full of laughs and swooning. Frankie is home to help with her grandpa's donkey sanctuary that is financially struggling. Miller is a billionaire who wants to buy the land. He ends up working undercover in the sanctuary to try and influence Frankie to sell to him instead of his nemesis. But he falls for Frankie and the animals in the process. OMG, as usual, the animals steal the show. Expect great chemistry, lots of snort laughs, and a happy ending. This novel just further solidifies Nicky as one of my favorite rom-com authors. I loved everything about it. Frankie and Miller have a special place in my heart already.

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

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars

Once again, Nicky Redford has created an funny, sweet, spicy story that had me hooked from the first page. She blows life into her characters, bringing them to life in the readers' minds. I loved the antics of the cat and the donkeys, making me fall in love with them too.

Don't miss this fabulous story!.

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

[The Cajun Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Nicky Redford for an eARC copy of this book! Here is my honest review!

Nicky did an amazing job bringing the laughter and swoony times together in The Thing About My Secret Billionaire!

Miller Malone is known as the Condo King and one of the owners of the Boston Commoners. He has a huge vendetta against the man who almost made his family homeless and will do anything to thwart the man getting land deals. Even if that means he has to assume an alias and work as a volunteer on a donkey sanctuary so that the owner will sell to him first.

Frankie is taking a break from her marketing job to take over the donkey sanctuary temporarily. She wants to keep it running for her grandfather who just had knee replacement surgery, but the sanctuary isn’t doing so well and she needs to do something drastic or take one of the two offers from developers. However, her new, mysterious volunteer is so intriguing….

Frankie and her grandfather have such a great connection and Miller wormed his way into my heart pretty quickly! I love how he showed Frankie in acts of service ways how much he cared. 🥹

[Bianca Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yessss! Miller is my new favorite billionaire! I loved reading about Warm Springs once again. Of course I recommend all of this series and I love that Nicky brings characters back in each of her books. Miller isn't what he seems to be from start to finish. Will he win Frankies heart?

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

Es que volver al pequeño pueblo de Warm Springs siempre me alegra el corazón, necesito una serie enfocada en este lugar por favor Nicky!!!

La historia de Frankie y Miller me encanto, me saco muchas risas, me dio amor, me dio comprensión, me DIO TODO, es que esta autora tiene una forma muy buena de escribir romcoms y que para mi funciona muy bien. Frankie está en el pueblo para ayudar a su abuelo en el santuario de burros que tienen, pero sucede que tienen problemas económicos y los desarrolladores están atrás de su tierra, aquí entra Miller que por venganza a cierta persona hace todo lo posible para que Frankie le venda a el, y para eso se hace pasar por otra persona, a ver, que ya el drama se ve venir desde el capítulo uno pero mientras llegamos allí estos dos (puedo decir más Miller que Frankie) tiene una evolución muy buena, se dan cuenta que es lo que importa de verdad mientras van cayendo enamorados.

Puedo decir que todo este libro fue hermoso, pero los animales del santuario son los que se roban el espectáculo y como Miller simplemente los empezó a querer como suyos, toda la historia me la pase riendo y teniendo ojos de corazón por esta pareja.

---

It's just that going back to the small town of Warm Springs always makes my heart happy, I need a series focused on this place please Nicky!!!!!

I loved Frankie and Miller's story. It gave me love, it gave me understanding, it gave me EVERYTHING. This author has such a great way of writing romcoms, and it works so well for me. Frankie is in town to help her grandfather with the donkey sanctuary, but they're having economic problems, and developers want their land. Enter Miller, who, seeking revenge against someone, does everything he can to make Frankie sell to him. To do so, he pretends to be someone else. The drama is obvious from chapter one, but along the way, these two (more Miller than Frankie) have a great evolution, they realize that's what matters most as they fall in love.

I can say that this whole book was beautiful, but the animals in the sanctuary are the ones that steal the show and as Miller just started to love them as his own, I had a great time laughing through the whole story and having heart eyes for this couple.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Nicky Redford for sending me this ARC!

The Thing About My Secret Billionaire is a Romantic Comedy book and the second standalone in The Boston Commoners series and I loved it just as I did the first book, I already can’t wait for the next one.

Wanting to save her grandfather’s donkey farm, Frankie leaves her work and tries to make the farm great again to prevent selling it. When Miller realises his enemy made an offer to buy the farm, he also makes an offer to get his revenge, but after meeting Frankie and volunteering to work on the farm under a fake name, he is shocked to find out how much he enjoys taking care of the animals and restoring the buildings, but his growing feelings for Frankie and his hidden identity make everything even more complicated.

I had so much fun while reading this book, the donkeys, the grumpy cat, the cute small town, amazing characters and beautiful romance had me loving this story from the first page and I didn’t want it to end. Frankie and Miller were amazing as the main characters, it was great to see how, despite their very much office jobs, they fell in love with the farm and helping the donkeys and how Miller’s lie about his identity helped with his character development, he grew a lot in this book and his lie also kept me in suspense about how Frankie would find out and react. But despite his lie, I could feel the attraction between them from their first meeting and I loved seeing them slowly grow closer to each other and realise their feelings, Frankie and Miller made a beautiful couple and I loved seeing them together and liked their banter. I also loved the donkeys and Thelma the cat, they were such a fun part of this story and their antics made me laugh out loud many times.

The Thing About My Secret Billionaire is a really great rom-com that I loved and had fun reading, it’s a perfect summer read and I definitely recommend it to everyone. I can’t wait for Nicky’s next book!

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

5⭐|2🌶|7%🌶frequency

I know, the worst thing you can be as a reviewer is to be speechless 🙈 But that's what I'm always be after I finished a new book by Nicky. And yes, I also know, I always end up writing a super long review, because I can't stop swooning about the book 🤣

I also know a few other things...
First, this book is something Nicky dreamed about writing for a while. A story of a donkey sanctuary. And she did a perfect job here 👍 Some people watch cat videos, but Nicky watches donkey videos 😁 and she loves to share them. And there is so much from these funny videos in this book. Because yes, donkeys are so funny 🤣

Another thing is, she was afraid people would hate Miller because he lied to Frankie. Sure, lying is 💩, but Miller is no bad guy. He is one of the nicest billionaires Nicky has created 🩷
Honestly, Max (That Conflicted Feeling) is more of a bad guy than Miller. I honestly missed him and Polly a bit because hey, they are in the same town. That was when Warm Springs was created. But there are other townsfolk that appeared 😉 So there are still a lot of Easter eggs 🤩

See, as I said, I always end up with a long review, and at the end, I haven't even said anything about the book 😱 But that's me 🤣

I can definitely say, it's a super funny rom-com, with lots of funny animals and older relatives, ok ONE. No match maker this time 🙈

There are 3 more owners of the Boston Commoners "left". I don't know who will be next, and even if I knew I wouldn't say it, but I have an idea and I hope it will he him 🤞


Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷


Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...

[Cdoc's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another laugh till you pee yourself, wholesome, small town romance from the lovely Nicky Redford! This time featuring donkeys, and a man who loves a good 🍑🫏

🫏 Small Town
💸 Secret Identity
🫏 Billionare
💸 Quirky Animals

In an act of revenge against a longtime business rival, Miller attempts to buy land that a donkey sanctuary resides on simply because his rival wants it. When he realizes that it is co-owned by a cute and feisty woman who is hell bent on not selling (Frankie), Miller does everything he can to change her mind... including going undercover, lying about his identity, and volunteering on the farm to get in Frankie's good graces.

Now I won't lie to you all, I was very anxious and sceptical through this worried about how everything was going to play out with Miller's secret billionare identity, and how he lied to Frankie. But what Nicky Redford does so well in her books, is a good old fashioned grovel scene 🙌🏼. And OH BOY did all that groveling make up for all the anxiety I went through waiting for Miller's secret identity to be revealed. It truly made it all worth it in the end.

Also I gotta be honest... I may have fell just as hard with the animals (if not harder 😅) than I fell for the people. They each had such distinct personalities and quirks that I loved so much! (Here's look at you Dave and Petuia 😭). They truly brought the fun, and cuteness to an already vibrant story.

Overall another cute, quirky, and fun story to add to the Nicky Redford universe! I can't wait to see what's in store for the other owners of the team in the next book. I have a feeling were getting a royal romance next, but if you just want to skip over that for now Nicky and go straight to Leo... I WON'T BE MAD 😅

Thank you Nicky for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼

[Tiffany Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always go into interconnected reads wondering just HOW connected the books are going to be, and since I was reading book 2 first, I was worried that I would miss a chunk of context because I didn't read The Boston Commoners Book 1 first.
Im happy to report that this was not the case! I was pleasantly surprised that it was part contemporary romance, part farm romance, with barely any sports in it at all (not that I don't love a good sports romance LOL)
I was immediately in love with the FMC and MMC, and I was hooked from the start. It's a dual POV, and I loved the character development and it was honestly such an easy, but detailed read. I couldn't put this one down, and while I thought I could guess the ending, it was different to the way I predicted.
You can totally read this as a stand alone, or as part of the Boston Commoners Series - but there is very little overlap, and next to no soccer/football content LOL.
It's totally an 8.5/10 for me, and now I'm off to read book 1!.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie loves her grandfather, and now he's recovering surgery she needs to take over care of the donkey farm. Leaving her job in the city on a sabbatical she's hoping to help build up volunteers to help with the day to day running. That is until she realises how bad things are, plus now she has two developers wanting to buy them out. Miller just needs to secure this deal at any cost, he needs to get one past his business enemy. A chance encounter in the local cafe he over hears the owners granddaughter explaining how they have no intention of selling. Deciding to help out undercover he turns up at the farm to help with the day to day work. What he doesn't expect is to actually enjoy the hands on work feeding animals and repairing barns. Can his secret stay that way, or will the truth finally come out. Between the farm animals and the grumpy cat plus the locals and the chemistry between the pair. This is a quick easy to read book that just keeps you entertained

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boston Commoners owner and billionaire Miller is out for revenge for his family and will stop at nothing to get it. Frankie is the granddaughter and part owner of a donkey sanctuary is standing in his way. This rom com told in dual points of view is at times laugh out loud funny as well as being sweet and steamy. I so enjoyed both our main characters and their growth. I loved Miller's support group with the eclectic group of men that make up the owners of the Boston Commoners - a soccer club. I did think that while we got glances of them through the book they really shined towards the end, and I loved each of them. I felt at times things were repeated unnecessarily but overall, the storyline flowed well, and this romance was well written and balanced. Definitely looking forward to which Boston Commoners owner is going to find a HEA next!

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

[Kasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miller comes to Warm Springs to convince the owner of the local donkey sanctuary to sell the land to him instead of his mortal enemy who scammed his family out of their home. The problem is, the owner is firmly against selling her grandfather’s beloved sanctuary. A bigger problem—the owner is a gorgeous, smart and kind woman who captures Miller’s attention with her no-nonsense attitude and charm. So, like the business genius he is, Miller pretends to be a volunteer in hopes to get into her good graces and plant the idea of selling into her head.

Such an enjoyable trip back to Warm Springs. It was a delight to see Miller fall in love with Frankie and her donkeys! His motivation worked for me, I never saw him as a villain, just a lost soul in need of perspective. And Frankie’s search of her own life purpose was believable and satisfying. I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the last 10% of the book.

I can’t wait to read Leo and Amelia’s story because of all the teasing I had to endure from the epilogue, but I can be patient, especially if Prince Oliver’s book comes next!

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Nicky brings all the laughs, banter and amazing characters to the page. Her books always make me laugh out loud, swoon and fall in love with her fabulous stories.

Let’s a just start with the setting…a donkey sanctuary. You can guess there are many jokes/saying that are said related to donkeys. So freaking hilarious.

Absolutely loved Miller! What a guy…putting himself into a totally awkward, out of character situation to try to get the girl. This city boy/billionaire gets put to the test with the animals, the townspeople and Frankie.

Frankie is amazing! I adore her…she’s tough, committed and will not let her family down. She works hard and is such a good human.

I just love Nicky’s books because I know I’m gong to laugh my face off, fall in love with the setting and find new amazing characters to adore.

[Taylor Fearn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yayyyy I loved being back in Warm Springs, one of my fave fictional places!

This book had me hooked in the first couple of chapters and I didn’t want to put it down! I love a small town romance and Miller and Frankie were made for eachother🫶🏻 the character development from Miller was 🤌🏻

The donkeys (yes donkeys) made this story so much funnier, I love a rom com and all of Nicky’s books just give off rom com vibes.

I cannot wait for the next book in this series, and I hope it’s about, who I think it’s about 🤩

Read this if you love:

- Small town
- Secret identity
- Rom com vibes
- Billionaire MMC

I received this book as an ARC, but I am voluntarily leaving a review! 🤩

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can always count on a Nicky Redford book to make you laugh and swoon. I loved Miller and Frankie so much. Miller is so sweet and kind. He may have been there for the wrong reasons at the beginning but you could easily tell how much he cared for Frankie as the book progressed 🥰

I absolutely loved being back in Warm Springs again. There is something about this small town that just makes me so happy 🥹

I have to say, Thelma the cat was the star of the show for me 😂🐈‍⬛

*I received an arc in exchange of an honest review*

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome:
This was a fun rom-com but it still had depth and a wonderful plot. I liked that I felt like I really got to know the main characters. It was cute and adorable, with the donkeys definitely stealing the show!
Miller and Frankie were perfect together, so I was glad that they learned to be honest and trust their hearts. The side characters were presented well and now I can't wait for the next book which will feature Prince Oliver!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Boston Commoners Lead Coach, we move to one of their new quirky billionaire owners. But Miller may break the traditional billionaire mould... And then you add Frankie to the mix, as well as all her fuzzy, grey donkey friends, and you end up with a brilliant romcom that'll have your stomach muscles aching with laughter, and your thighs clenching, and your heart warming greatly...

Nicky Redford does a FABULOUS job with this installment of the Boston Commoners series... TOTALLY worth it!

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

[Melanie Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the question of who would we be if we put aside expectations and just lived. The donkeys are the darlings of this story with such vibrant personalities and crowning moments. The chemistry and connection between Frankie and MIller is off the charts!.

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

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the feisty characters both two and four legged . Lies do not help any time but this time they may have caused a disaster ...... Only this book can make a thunderstorm sound like fun and donkey belly rubs ?????? a laugh on every page.

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

[Narelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankie and Miller have a fun romcom style story with an animal probably not covered in many romance reads - donkeys. With fun side characters (like the various animals) this is a run read.

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

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donkey sanctuary, secret identity, romantic comedy