Billionaire’s Promise

Big Bad Billionaires #7

by L. Steele

My Heart Belongs to Another. But My Soul Belongs to Him.

He’s my former fiancé’s best friend.
The one man I should never want...

I was supposed to marry the man who promised me forever.
But when he walked away, he left me with nothing but a broken heart… and a dangerous world closing in.

Then Baron Masters entered my life.

Ex-soldier. Unyielding. A force of nature.
He says he’s here to protect me. But who will protect me from him?

I should never look at twice.
Yet every glance lingers, every moment alone sparks something dangerous.

He’s bound by loyalty.
I’m still wearing a ring that no longer means anything.

This should be impossible.
So why does it feel inevitable?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Billionaire Romance, Spicy, Dark, Mafia Romance

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2021

About the author

Amazon top 4 bestselling author L. Steele is best known for her marriage of convenience, billionaire romance novels.

She writes about powerful men with ice in their veins who are brought to their knees by the curvy, strong women they never saw coming.

She lives for the heart-aching angst, the sharp banter, and the kind of raw, soul-deep connection that makes readers stay up until 4:00 AM because they cannot bear to leave her characters behind.

She strives to create stories that breathe. The kind of magic that imprints on your heart and stays with you long after you have read the final page.

Did she succeed? Message her and let her know. She loves hearing from her readers.

When she is not dreaming up her next OTT possessive MC, she can be found trading trivia with her husband, watching movies, or walking nature trails with a dirty chai latte in hand.

Reviews

[Shafeequah]

Book 2

This is the second book of a trilogy in the Bad Billionaires series. It cannot be read as a standalone as the story continues from Book 1, Billionaires Temptation. The ever mysterious Baron, who is mentioned throughout the series, is tasked with watching over Ava. But it's not so easy when he gets to know this sassy woman who has his head in a spin. As their chemistry burns whole through the pages, he still denies his feelings. When she becomes a target by their enemies, he turns to his friends for help. But not before they make him admit his feelings. We also finally find out who the homeless guy is that they have all encountered at some stage!! Can Baron continue to deny his feelings for Ava when her life is put in danger again? Ava is in turmoil as she realizes that she has fallen in love with Baron but also still has feelings for Edward. Will Edward return and what will she do then?? A book filled with anger from the 5 of the 7 towards Baron and a few fight scenes that will make you wish you were there to witness it first hand. An amazing series that will make you forget everything else around you.

[Fiona]

I absolutely loved reading this book. The suspense just keeps building with Edward, Baron and Ava. Oh my stars does this book keep you hanging on to the edge of your seat. Not only has Edward taken off and left Ava behind after taking her virginity, but now Baron has taken his place in Ava’s life. Ava is struggling with her attraction to Baron and Edward alike. But Edward is gone and she is finding it harder to resist Baron. Then the mafia have now taken an interest in Ava, after one failed attempt to grab her, they have her cornered in her dance studio, where Baron makes it just in time, but there is a shooting and Edward is caught in the crossfire. We are left to find out what happens in the next book.

I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and review with my honest and fair opinion

[Susanne M.]

Another cliffhanger 🧐

Grrrrr I don't like cliffhangers! But holy cow is the second of 3 for Ava's, Edward's and Baron's story hot 🔥 and a page turner!! The first of 3 left me unsure whether or not I'd like their story, because one assumes it's only Ava and Edward's story. Only a wee taste of the second at the end of the first let's you know Baron is part of the story. Another wee taste at the end of the second part let's you know Ava has a choice. Who will she choose? Or will she have to? Can't wait to find out when the 3rd part is released. Do yourself a favor and simply get all three at once so you don't have to wait and hang on the cliffhanger. It's worth it! Enjoy 🤓

[Toni]

Dum dum duuuuuummmmm! Cliffhanger ending with a life on the line.
So this book was based solely on Ava and Baron with the later stepping in to protect her when Edward did a bunk at the end of the previous book. Of course fate would have it that Ava happens to be 'that girl' from Barons past that he's thought about for years but he doesn't want to betray Edward either.

[Susan]

Oooh! I would have thought that he was the one with someone else! (Avoiding names so I don't spoil it for those who do read this.) This is the middle of the ending trilogy and still shorter than the first 5 books.

[Nicci Anne]

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 July 2021

Wow wow another amazing book in the trilogy. Ava And We finally get Barons story!!!
It blew me away big time and I could not put it down. There was so many twists and actioj I absolutely love it. Bring on book 3!!!

[Samantha DeFebo]

I'm really hoping the next book is a great conclusion bc these books are not getting better. Ava is the worst in all the books. She is so childish and self absorbed I want to smack her.

[Elizabeth Connor]

Edward has left Ava, asking Baron to look out for her in his absence. The question is, did he anticipate the attraction that would build between Baron and Ava? That’s what this book is about—the growing attraction between Baron and Ava in the absence of Edward, and their struggle to deny it. Lots of sexual tension. Oh, and things with the Mafia are heating up too. They really don’t like the Seven looking into their kidnapping.

Every other book about the Seven references Baron, but we know very little about him. He’s a mysterious, peripheral character of unknown importance. Turns out, Baron is very similar to the rest of the Seven. Of course. Even Edward is much more like the rest of them than might have been originally suspected by readers. I found that a bit disappointing because I was hoping for a hero that isn’t quite so dominating and harsh (for lack of a better word). Why did all of them react to the kidnapping by becoming so domineering, verging on abusive?

All of them are the archetype of the damaged hero with a sensitive heart buried beneath a gruff exterior. (Sinclair and Saint are probably the worst, if I’m being honest). Uncovering the compassionate and loving man behind the wall of hurt is the goal of each heroine. It’s exhausting, and when you reach a certain age, you don’t want to bother anymore. Luckily, all of the females in this series are young enough to have the idealism needed to tackle these men and their problems. Also, it’s fiction so the fact that the average real-life male who presents as a jerk really is one through and through and no amount of understanding and love is going to change them is not relevant. Might as well enjoy the fantasy.

I think the book is well-written and explores Baron’s issues sensitively, while still maintaining the mystery of why he left and what is the problem between him and Edward. Ava is no cardboard character herself. She struggles to understand why Edward left and why she feels the same level of attraction to Baron, his ex-best friend. She still has the inflexibility of a teenager, believing that it’s wrong for her to care about both of them, just as she still doesn’t understand her father’s wish to remarry after the death of her mother. She’ll come to terms with this before everything is over. Meanwhile, this ends on another cliffhanger, with another wrench thrown into their lives, forcing them to confront one another and accept the latest events. (And I edited this one too.)

[Minnie]

5⭐|5🌶|24% 🌶 frequency

WOW. In all the previous books, "The Seven" only talked about Baron. He disappeared over 10 years ago (voluntarily). And now he finally appears with a 💥 in front of Ava's house 😱 And Ava? She ran nearly into him. And that gave the second 💥
Please no judgment, we all know because of why choose books that you can love more than just one man (person). So, that Ava felt a connection to him too is just how it is. This book is a love triangle, so everything else wouldn't fit for this trope anyway 😉

One thing is for sure, Baron's return isn't a happy party for everyone 😱 The Seven are really pissed, or at least a few of them. Sometimes I really don't know if they are friends or foes 🙈

I promised you to talk more about Ava in my review for book one in this trilogy, so...
I don't think Ava is naive, but she is young. Even though she has a very old soul.
She is a HUGE Twilight fan. And now she feels even more as if she is Bella. I mean, first, she met a guy named Edward (she is team Edward), and then there is another guy. I have to say, luckily Baron is Baron and not Jacob 🤣 and no, neither of them is a vampire or a werewolf 😎 But they are both very strong alphaholes. Nothing surprising for members of The Seven 😁
And then there is the thing with her father who is going to be married again... She doesn't have it easy.
Ava is an independent woman and normally knows what she wants. Otherwise, she wouldn't have opened a belly dance studio. But deciding between two men, that's really hard.

This book ends with a huge cliffhanger and I'm very excited to read the next (and final) book. It's not just the final book in the trilogy, but also in this first series...


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

[Maria]

I had to come here (something I never do, never write any reviews) only after like reading 15%-20% of the book

Spoilers ahead!

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Ok, so let me start by saying that I have nothing against love triangles, really..
But a love triangle where 2 friends are implicated? That's a hell no for me.
She said it herself at almost the beginning of the book: she felt like a slut for feeling like that for another man so quickly after Edward left her. Edward, who was supposed to love?. And yes, I agree with her, she is being a slut. No other female main characters did this after their partners were d*cks toward them.
You can get into another man's pants for a rebound, sure, but literally feeling that way for someone minutes after the one you love, the one you said you couldn't live without leaves and you know something happened to him over the night? Lust for another man you KNOW right almost at the start that was a close friend with your ex? That's a big fat NO.


Baron's not far from being a d*ick either. I don't care if your friend asked you personally to look out for the one you broke vows for, you stay that way and go no further. Baron is a terrible friend. Horrible, horrible friend.
I hate both of main characters.

I'm in no way defending Edward's actions. He was the biggest a-hole for leaving her like that and after she gave him everything of herself. But that doesn't mean that I'd agree with both of A&B's actions. Doesn't deserve to be betrayed at that level for his friend.
Hope he doesn't forgive the 2 of them, turn his back 100%, and gets his happy ending with someone who will actually love him no matter what.


Will continue reading only because I've come this far with the saga and want to know how the mafia plotline ends. But for the main characters? Couldn't care less.

[Nicole Aufderheide]

"A Kiss for the Bodyguard" ist der zweite Teil der "Forbidden Love-Liebesroman" Reihe und der siebte Teil der "Bad Boy Milliardäre" Reihe. Normalerweise kann jeder Teil vollkommen unabhängig voneinander gelesen werden, jede Geschichte ist abgeschlossen. Aber diese Dreiecksgeschichte, die im sechsten Teil seinen Anfang genommen hat, zieht sich bis Teil 8 ( und sollte auf jeden Fall der Reihe nach gelesen werden.



Seitdem ich den ersten Teil bei einer Leserunde kennenlernen durfte, bin ich diesen Alphalöchern regelrecht verfallen. OMG, einfach jeder von ihnen macht seinem Titel ehre... Ich könnte mich auch für keinen von ihnen entscheiden...



Besonders auf diese Dreiecksgeschichte zwischen Ava, Edward und Baron habe ich mich seit dem ersten Teil gefreut und war ganz neugierig. Ich glaube, mir würde es wie Ava gehen, ich könnte mich auch schlecht entscheiden. Ich bin jetzt schon ganz gespannt und neugierig wie sie sich im nächsten Teil entscheiden wird.



Der Schreibstil ist wieder so toll wie ich ihn schon kennenlernen durfte. Er ist fesselnd, heiß und so mitreißend. Dankeschön das ich es lesen durfte.



Edward ist weg und Ava verzweifelt. Doch dann ist dort auf einmal Barron und hilft ihr. Er wurde von Edward gebeten auf sie aufzupassen. Vom ersten Moment an ist da dieses Kribbeln, das kann doch wohl nicht wahr sein...

[Reena]

If you've read the first installment of this trilogy within the "Big Bad Billionaires" trilogy, then you'd definitely been waiting for this book, as much as I was. And boy, was it worth it! After Edward takes off for places unknown, the previous book left us on a major cliffhanger, when Baron appears for the first time in the series. In this installment, things heat up between Ava and Baron. Both are torn by their attraction. Ava because she can't fathom being drawn to Baron, just after Edward took off, while Baron can't help but feel guilty for being drawn to his best friend's woman, whom he's promised to look after. But the heart wants what the heart wants... And as if this forbidden attraction wasn't enough, Ava is suddenly in danger from the Mafia, the same guys who are behind the Incident! And just as Ava and Baron finally succumb to their mutual attraction, Edward returns. What lies in store for these three person, who seem inexplicably connected?

Intense, angsty, emotional, nerve-wrecking, "Billionaire's Promise" kept me up all night and I don't regret it. This is one of those books you just can't put down, unless sleep claims you first. I can't wait for the conclusion!!!

[Sue]

A captivating read, great characters and a simply wonderful addition to the series simply fantastic reading

Edward Baron and Ava are the main characters in this story and I have to say that this has been written simply splendidly, the characters and the scenario is simply wonderful read and I guarantee once you start you will not put this down till you reach the end.

He finds himself drawn to the amazing girl with the bright red hair and Ava finds it strange that she has fallen so heavily for Baron, she has deep feelings for him and she is somewhat perplexed and wary. I do not want to spoil this read for others but I guarantee that once you begin you will not be able to put this book down till you reach the last page.

This is a wonderful addition to the series of books and I guarantee that you will be blown away by this wonderful story and I guarantee that you will be totally blown away by this wonderful book.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Whispered Secrets]

Billionaire’s Promise by L.Steele is so…everything. It’s hard to explain what this series has done to me. I just can’t get over these alphaholes. Edward and Baron are two sides to the same coin. Before the incident the two were best friends. Inseparable. But after they were released from captivity both their worlds were wrecked. They refused to speak of what happened to them and their friendship was lost but when Edward called up Baron to do him a solid…Baron didn’t hesitate to be there for his once best friend. One problem…the favor is impossible to complete without destroying his ex best friends’ whole world. While Edward is finding himself…Baron is falling for the woman he’s been sworn to protect but not to engage with…oops. Turns out it’s “the girl” he’s had in his mind since she was a child. This showed a side of Edward that no one would expect…or maybe they would. I knew this trilogy was going to kill me softly and it did. So HOT! So passionate. So…well you’ll just have to read it for yourself to get the whole gist of it. I’m off to see what happens next. I’ll be back with more compliments after reading the last book of the trilogy. See ya soon.

[Mrs R]

It lives up to its promise !

Wow, the heat really turned up in this second book of Edward,Baron and Ava's story. Edward has left following his fall from grace and asks Baron to keep an eye on her ,trouble is he finds he wants to do more than that ,he's drawn to her as she reminds him of the red head girl he's been obsessed with since seeing her in a train station . Ava is hurt and confused and soon finds herself having feelings for Baron ...things get tense when Ava is put in danger !.....,read the books for the full story ,it's well worth it ,the cliffhanger at the end means you can't wait for the next installment,a brilliant series about the Seven and the women they meet ,the relationships between the men themselves is the link between each book ,they are all alpha males and the women that capture them are all feisty intelligent and capable of handling their men ! Hot,steamy , humorous, cleverly written and easy to read .

[Debbie]

First let me say that, I have yet to read a book by Ms. Steele that doesn't leave me craving more. This series, Big, Bad Billionaires, simply delivers everything a reader could want and then some. The latest installment, Billionaire's Promise has got my mind spinning, deciding between Edward and Baron. I'm not going to delve into the storyline, I simply don't do spoilers. What I will say is...if you have not read this, then you have missed one of the most sensational series ever written. This is an emotional, heartwarming, action packed, hot, steamy and yes tragic storyline, plus so much more. But here's the deal, you simply can't begin with this book. You must start with book one to comprehend the depth of each character, as well as their past, present and impending future. These books will touch areas of your psyche that have been closed off and silent. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and this author.

[Abbella DiNoto]

A torture so sweet

I’m caught up read all the dang books except
Billionaires BRIDE “just came out” and karma’s story
Preordered 2 years ago still waiting ! Grrrrrrr!
Luckily I’ve had like 6-8 books to read … read billionaires sin, temptation & promise in less than 2 days.. grrrrrr I haven’t slept and I got an apartment inspection in 24 hours guess what I’ll be doing at 4 am tonight instead of sleeping and at 6 am when the new book is finished…hmmm that right read a 4th book billionaires BRIDE … THEN SLEEPING INSTEAD OF CLEANING. what does that leave 8 hours of cleaning opps! Oh well thanks a lot LAXMI … I DON’T ..NEED SLEEP!…I NEED ANSWERS
YOU KNOW WHO …JUST GOT SHOT! Guess I’ll get an infraction on my lease too.. my place is a mess all I’ve been doing is being reading! You owe me Laxmi
I want an early arc copy of KARMA’S BOOK! I. already preorder. So so so very long ago!

[Ridwaana]

I’ve been in love with this series since the first book, and that love deepens with each story. The Seven obtained massive success and mostly recovered from the incident, but they don’t achieve true healing and happiness until they meet their soulmates and commit to doing the work to heal and to open their hearts and love fully. Which is why the way everything is unfolding with Edward, Ava, and Baron is so out of the ordinary. How can one heart feel so deeply for two? This book has been unpredictable, unprecedented, and unexpected in every way. And I’m captivated. Incredible writing, complex, interesting characters, a wonderful story, phenomenal world building, and a mystery slowly beginning to unravel. There truly aren’t enough stars because this book deserves them all! Wonderfully done!

[Kat]

Okay dadgumit, as I’ve said before, I’m not really into the S&M relationships, but the characters and the stories themselves, I find intriguing so I keep buying them to find out what is going to happen next. The books are very well written and the characters are very well developed with distinctive personalities. Book 7 was a cliffhanger for this book, and this book, Baron and Ava, is a cliffhanger in the extreme. Ugh, so here I am, crashing into the Bride’s story immediately. (Insert eye roll) If you enjoy the S&M stuff, or you can get by it, I think you’ll really enjoy the series. They’re in KU and thus free to read to test out just in case you’re not sure, and the couple of audiobooks I listened to have two or three narrators and are very good. Not sure about this one tho since I’ve only read it. 👍🏼

[Laura Henman]

Riveting

Finally action and intrigue has begun, as we finally have some real action and involvement from the mafia!! Also the hot mess Ava's, aka Eve, life has spiralled into. After the steadfast way of her engaging with Edward in book six and the way that book ended, to now this with Baron!!! I love both guys in equal and let's face it, this is Edward versus Baron, just as it was Edward versus Jacob in Twilight!! She is literally in a position no one would envy....well other than the fact I'd have liked to share or maybe receive the one she doesn't want hehe. Seriously this book is a great read!! There are again quite a few mistakes through the book that should have been picked up on and sorted out prior to release, other than that it's a book I'd recommend to anyone over the age of 18 years 😏😏

[Carolyn Spence]

I absolutely adore this series. Totally strong and different alpha characters, each held together by "the incident" when they were young. This middle chapter of the trilogy finds Baron protecting Ava, the woman who Edward left. Loved the description of Ava by Baron, "unbroken seashell on the shore, a shining star in the night sky." Baron wants it all, her total surrender, it's a complicated love triangle with only two involved at the moment, but at the end, the third person is back with a vengeance. There is humour within the Seven and also the ladies of the Seven. More is revealed with regards to that character who keeps showing up at the most important times in each of their lives. After reading this book, I only want more.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[CherylB]

Wow!

I could hardly put this one down. This second book in this arc is mostly about Baron and Ava. Edward is there in everyone’s thoughts. Poor Ava doesn’t know what to think or do. Fortunately she gets good advice from the other wives. This book has it all: nefarious enemies, steamy Dominant romance, a love triangle, a hunky overprotective alpha and a beautiful curvy sassy belly dancer. Fortunately the third book in this arc releases in a week. I did receive an advance copy for my honest review. But also purchased it for my personal library.

[Babara-Anne]

I was in two minds reading this second book as I am not a fan of love triangles.

Edward asked Baron to look after Ava not sleep with her and Baron broke his promise and in doing so fell for her!
Ava jumped Baron the minute he let down his guard weeks after Edward left which just rubbed me the wrong way!

Nevertheless that is my opinion but I still enjoyed the second book especially the reunion of the seven minus Edward with lots of banter and fights!

The story is starting to come to fruitation regarding the incident with lots of angst and a banging cliffhanger!

[Carol ann hughes]

Oh my word Baron

The long-awaited return of Baron and what a return it was!!! This alpha hole absolutely did not disappoint.

We still don't know for sure what happened to Edward and Baron during the incident but my word these 2 guys are still hurting so badly. I need to know all the details and its all starting to bubble up to the surface.

Will Eve fix them or tear them apart forever......can't wait to find out.

These books just get better and better.

Billionaires bride is going to be explosive.

[Raina]

The series is getting so intense as it gets closer to the last book. I highly suggest reading them in order. Edward left her. Ava doesn’t know why but she feels like her heart is splitting. But then there is Baron. We’ve heard about him in all the previous books. He’s one of the Seven but has been MIA. His life and Ava’s are about to change when Edward asks him to protect her. But why is the question. This book answers several of the questions we’ve been waiting for but also creates new ones. The twists keep coming and the danger is heating up.

[Sara Sigler]

Edward left Ava and sent Baron to watch over her and they fell for each other. Then Baron makes a mess of things and the mafia is still messing with the seven. Edward comes back and helps Baron save Ava from the guys the mafia sent to take care of her. Now Ava will have a hard choice to make between being with Edward or Baron. It is terrible having to wait and see what she will do!! Couldn’t put the book down had to keep reading to see what was happening next! Another great book!

[Cheryl Graham-Petit]

Billionaire's Promise is a well written, action-packed love-triangle romance with an intriguing storyline. This book is the second in the Edward, Baron, and Ava Trilogy and is packed with suspense, danger, undeniable attraction, sexual tension, mystery, humor, off-the-charts chemistry, secrets, guilt, and plenty of steam. Billionaire's Promise does end with a cliff-hanger.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.

[Rita Leathers]

Another awesome book by L. Steele I recommend. I feel that this 2nd book (Baron's story) of the trilogy tops book 1 (Edward's story). It has lots of chemistry between Baron and Ava and it is hot and steamy. I couldn't stop reading until I had finished the book. I am looking forward to book 3 to see how everything that has happened so far between Baron, Edward and Ava play out.
I have voluntarily given my honest review for the ARC copy of the book I requested.

[Marilyn Smith]

This was a story of Ava and Edward. He leaves her and she’s heartbroken and devastated. but Edward sends Baron to watch over Ava and take care of her. But the time together they start falling for each other as he’s taking care of her.But with the danger still there Edward returns. What will Ava do now? Will she choose Edward after he hurt her or move forward with Baron? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Barbara Bear]

I am really swaying toward this series being the best of the Seven stories! The twists and turns that keep popping up along the way are exciting and intense. At the end of the first book in the series, I wanted Edward and Ava to be together wholeheartedly. Now I am pushing for Baron and Ava. I am looking forward to finding out how Baron will show Ava that he really does love her and deserves her.
But what will happen to Edward? Will he go back to his faith if he can't have Ava?