The Billionaire's Secret Love

Scandals of the Bad Boy Billionaires #2

by Ivy Layne

Emily
I tried to say no. I did more than try, I flat out turned him down. Repeatedly. But Tate Winters doesn't take no for an answer. He's smart, hot, and he knows how to get to me. Before I can stop myself, I'm falling for him. But Tate doesn't know my secrets. He doesn't understand that we can't be together, no matter how much we both want it.

Tate
I like things easy, at least when it comes to women. I'm Tate Winters - I've never had to work for a female in my life. Emily is worth the effort, I know she is. She's beautiful, brilliant, and real. The only woman I've ever known who can match me. She keeps running from me, but I won't let her get away. Emily Winslow is mine. I just have to prove it to her.

The Billionaire’s Secret Love is a standalone romance with a happy ending. It’s the second book in the Scandals of the Bad Boy Billionaires series, and reveals more about the notorious men of the Winters family. You can read it on its own, everything you need to know from the first book is explained, but you might want to read the others once you get a taste of the Winters men.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Novella, Billionaires, Smut

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2016

About the author

Ivy Layne has had her nose stuck in a book since she first learned to decipher the English language. Sometime in her early teens, she stumbled across her first Romance, and the die was cast. Though she pretended to pay attention to her creative writing professors, she dreamed of writing steamy romance instead of literary fiction. These days, she’s neck deep in alpha heroes and the smart, sexy women who love them.

Married to her very own alpha hero (who rubs her back after a long day of typing, but also leaves his socks on the floor). Ivy lives in the mountains of North Carolina where she and her other half are having a blast raising two energetic little boys. Aside from her family, Ivy’s greatest loves are coffee and chocolate, preferably together.

Sign up for Ivy's Reader's Group for free books, exclusive content, giveaways, and more @ ivylayne.com/readers-group

Reviews

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a novella. Short. And because of shortness, the story/ plot does not really sums up well.

Emily has a traumatic past and as result she have to endure PTSD. She can not leave her house and do normal dating. When she met Tate, both have insta lust connection. And suddenly Emily able to walk by herself to Tate's building to have sex.

Aised from the above, overall this book is OK read. Nothing heart warming romance. It seems this book was written in great hurry.

3 stars

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Billionaire's Secret Love is Tate Winters and Emily's story. Tate never has more then a one night stand with a women. Emily after a murderous traumatic event she witness in her childhood cause her to have severe panic attacks. She is Shy and has a hard time being around people.

When her and Tate first met in bk.1 The Billionaire's Screct Heart they have an immediated attraction. Emily has never been able to be with a man before she is a virgin but she is willing to face her fears to be with Tate.

This is a very erotic but well written Novella. I really enjoyed reading it.

[Mya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really hate how he wasn't so sexual with her as much as I expected him to be. Other than that, everything else was fine.

[Lexy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was good

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, a bit better than the first one surprisingly.

The Billionaire's Secret Love was good. However, I felt like the romance wasn't really romance-y. Is that even a thing? Like, I get that they were into each other but at the beginning.. wasn't really feeling the love.

In this book, you will meet Tate and Emily. They were cute with one another but, again, they had to grow on me. I wasn't fully invested until about half way through this book - and this thing was kind of short in my opinion. I did, however, end up enjoying everything that happened. Just kind of wished the romance had more of it and less of what I actually got.

[Kelsey H · Rating 3 out of 5]

FMC - Emily: 4 🌟
MMC - Tate: 4 🌟
SPICE: 🌶🌶

LIKES: Overall, I liked Tate and Emily's story! Right off the bat, I knew I'd like Emily's character when she turned down Tate's offer for a date. But he manages to charm his way into her life anyhow :p Tate is a reformed playboy who turns out to be quite thoughtful and patient with Emily, both with her inexperience in the romance department but also with her anxiety struggles. He definitely had a few swoon-worthy moments

DISLIKES: It's sometimes difficult to find a 5 🌟 novella, since plot and character development all have to be compressed into a short story. This was one of those novellas where I enjoyed reading it, but there was too much crammed in. Either the plot should've focused just on Emily and Tate's building relationship, or it should've been made into a full-sized book instead, being that additional characters and events in the series were included

[Joann Herley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll give this 2.5 stars. I liked the story, but it was very hard to believe. I don't want to give anything away so I'll leave it that.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋

Excellent book, great reading that’s so addictive and satisfying.
Steamy romance with Tate Winters and Emily the shy new lady , can they make it work ?

Loved every page.

[Sherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BILLIONAIRE’S SECRET LOVE-CAPTIVATING & PASSIONATE ROMANCE

What you’ll find in this story; a cast of engaging and impressive characters, intriguing plot, pent-up rage, gut-wrenching moments, camaraderie, witty dialogue, powerful vivid scene descriptions, toe-curling sensual romance, and a heart-warming conclusion leaving you wanting more.

Both Emily and Tate have memories from the past that still haunt them, but Emily’s trauma runs deeper leaving her with insecurities and panic attacks. The first time Tate meets Emily her soft gray eyes hold him hostage. Tate and Emily have much in common, both intelligent, both video game designers, excellent at playing them; but Emily doesn’t date. Tate must find a way to catch his gamer woman and keep her too.

WOW/SPECTACULAR fast paced well written read by a truly gifted author. The fusion of reality and fantasy make this an outstanding story. This story touched my heart and I felt strong empathy for Emily and applauded when she faced her fears. I love when an author can make you feel. Tate's devotion for Emily shines. This is definitely a loving story; a most gratifying read. If you treasure fantasy romance this is a fabulous book for your library. {I was gifted this book and this is my honest review}. In the world of fantasy romance, the possibilities are endless, but always fascinating. Without reservations, I recommend this book.

[ME · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Winslow has been living with agoraphobia since she was 9 years old and she's been learning to deal with it though therapy and facing her fears head on. She's a gamer as well as doing coding for games. Things don't start off so well between her and Tate Winters. She knows he's a player and changes women as often as his clothes. She never dates and turns him down when he asks her to dinner. Tate can't believe Emily actually said no to him. He is part of WGC, Winters Gaming Corp, and had made two amazing games. They were even developing a new type of physics engine and had made advances in emerging gaming that was going to set the gaming world on fire. Can he find a way to get through to her to tell her she's not like any other woman he's met? Can he convince her that what he is feeling is real and not a "one and done?" Will she be able to get past her anxiety? This story is a sweet tale of every girl's dream!

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do not base this series on this novella. I think Author loyalty is why others gave this a higher rating. Not enough character development. Although much better than the first novella in the series.

The full blown novels are addicting and really engaging...keep reading.

[Lien ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another short read of this series, but enjoyed it! I read it in 1 day, it got me hooked. Tate(mmc) is the cousin of Holden(mmc) in the 1st book of the series(The Billionaires Secret Heart) Its very close. Emily(fmc) in this storyline is the roommate/bestie of Josephine(fmc) in the 1st book as well. I like that about series when all of them have popped in and out of the book to continue the series. I loved this book more than the 1st book bc Emily was more realistic of her condition and what they both had to go through in the past. I thought this book was cute but the smexxxxx was veryyyyy sexy in my opinion. It does happen faster than expected but it kept me addickkkktedd literally. lol Maybe I am just a sucker for the men who could sleep with too many woman then just melts for that one person.

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story line and plot. It is about the main characters Emily and Tate. Tate is obsessed with Emily but she keeps turning him down.
Emily has some issues and past to struggle with and that gives the story some unsuspected twists. The characters are well described and develops through the story. I like it is written in dual POV and gives the reader a lot more about the characters. There are hot scenes and lots of chemistry.

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

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Tate and Emily's story. Emily is everything Tate didn't realise he wanted in a girl. Emily has no desire to get involved with Tate, he is a notorious playboy and she hates the spotlight. However Tate is not going to take no for an answer and he pursues Emily. Will their relationship survive or will it fail before they really get to know each other.

[Erin **Coffee and Book Addict** · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice quick read. A lot of content in a small amount of time. It was a good book that kept my attention. A real life problem talked about in a fictional setting.

[Emma 😈 Clancy-Slack- Da silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a story that i just want more of. As the series goes on its getting better and I'm hoping certain stories are carried on later on.

[Deanie Nelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anxious to the point of agoraphobia, the last person Emily wants to get involved with is Tate Winters. But when her best friend starts dating his brother, the complications throw them together, and despite her reservations Emily finds herself falling for Tate.

This is a cute book. Emily's anxiety was dealt with in a fairly reasonable manner (for a romance novel). She and Tate have serious chemistry and are adorable together. The only problems with the book come from what I want to call "Novella Syndrome," where parts of the story are left shallow and hurried because of the length of the book. Still, I enjoyed reading it.

[Jennifer McGurk Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Scandals of the Bad Boy Billionaires series by Ivy Layne aka Alexa Wilder. The first book was about Holden Winters and Josephine and this one is about Holden's best friend/cousin/business partner, Tate Winters and Jo's bestie/roommate, Emily. Tate knows better than most about tragedy, being in the public eye and how ruthless reporters can be to get a story. Emily has also been through something horrible when she was just a young child and the reporters were relentless even though she was so young. This caused her to become agoraphobic and have awful panic attacks to the point where she couldn't even leave her house and she was home schooled. After intense therapy she was able to attend Georgia Tech and pursue her love of computer game programming and was now getting her master's degree. She lived with her best friend, Jo but she didn't really socialize with anyone else and she never went on dates she was 23 and she was a virgin. When Tate went to Jo's apartment to set things right with her and Holden he never expected to be completely taken with her roommate. Emily was shocked when Tate asked her out on a date and she politely said 'No thank you' and then it was his turn to be surprised. He had women chasing him all the time always having his pick but he had never been shot down and he didn't like it. Emily thought Tate was gorgeous and she was fascinated by his company and the ideas she heard he was coming up with but a mutual love of computers was not enough for her to risk her heart or her agoraphobia which she now had under control. After all Tate and Holden and actually all the Winters children were constantly being hounded by the press and she knew she could not go through that again. Tate knew Emily was shy but he couldn't understand her flat out refusal to even consider dating him but he knew she was different for him and he was going to be patient and get her to trust him. I am really liking this series and I'm glad I happened upon it by accident and I'm anxious to read Jacob's story next. One thing I really loved about this book was that even though Emily was hesitant at first she didn't take the whole damn book to finally give in to him because that drives me crazy.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about Tate and Emily, a couple we met in The Billionaire's Secret Heart book, the first of the series. Tate invited Emily out, but she rejected him, so obviously he has to have her. She keeps rejecting him, but it becomes a challenge to him, and little by little he starts to gain her trust. At first is just a case of lust, but the more time they spend together, the more he likes her and realizes that she is more than just a pretty face. It's not an easy journey, because Emily has issues, but Tate is determined to gain her trust, and then her heart. It's a sweet story, and I liked both of them, and like the previous book, it's a case of love at first sight.

Tate liked Emily since he met her, he liked how she fought him when she thought that his cousin had broken her friend's heart, but when she rejected him, he was determined to win her. At first it was just the challenge, but then, he realized that she was fragile and that he couldn't play games with her, especially because she was his cousin's girlfriend's best friend. He decided to take a gentle approach and convinced her to go out with him, taking her to the perfect date. Everything was going perfect, until she almost had a panic attack and ran away from him.

She thought he was going to give up on her after that, but he called her and asked her what had happened, she explained that she had survived a shooting and that the press had been all over her, and because of that she developed anxiety and agoraphobia. She told him that new or unexpected situations were triggers for her. He told her he would do anything to help her get over it, and they decided to have sex, to take that new situation out of the way. After a night of sex they were ready to start a relationship, until they got out of the building and were surrounded by reporters. Emily had a panic attack and decided to cut all ties with Tate, since it was because of him that the reporters went after them. After some time to cool off, they talked again, and decided to give their relationship another chance.

[Tina Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm maybe need a break from saccharine sweet books.

So I loved the first book, this one felt dull and boring, in comparison. Emily is Josephine’s roommate. She’s very shy and after a traumatic incident when she was a child, she has panic attacks and struggles to have a normal life. In the previous book Emily meets Tate and is instantly attracted to him. Tate for the first time in his life wants a relationship, but doesn’t know how to help Emily with her fears.

Maybe it hit to close to home, with her anxiety issues, but I didn’t enjoy it. The whole book is basically Tate trying to woo Emily and they’re both constantly think about her feelings. He worries about her, and she worries about herself. It felt like it was all about her and her issues, never mind the fact that Tate went through something traumatic as a child too.

I find it bizarre that this is the only book in the series that isn’t on kindle unlimited.

[Jane Stopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is just as hot as Josephine and Holden. what with the cousins Tate and Holden Winters being hot billionaires this book is about Emily and Tate. A self confessed player who would rather make excuses than have a woman hang about after sex has his sights set on Emily. With Tate having to go and find Jo because Holden is falling to bits he meets Emily the gorgeous curvy Emily who just happens to be Jo's flat mate. He struck almost immediately a hot connection on seeing Emily, he has no idea why. Was it her shyness? Was it her hot body? Was it her protection over her best friend? Tate hadn't a clue but he was going to find out..... Love this book it's hot and we get a peek at another cousin Jacob ...I can't wait for the next book

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

This is Tate and Emily’s story.

Tate is a wealthy businessman and playboy. He sees no sense in relationships, until Emily. He lives his life very publicly.

Emily is an extremely shy, nerdy, computer geek. She has a past that lead her to isolating herself and panic attacks. Emily forces herself to face her fears. I loved watching her conquer her fears. I found myself cheering her on.

Both share a love of computer games. I loved that Tate was patient and encouraging with her, determined to do whatever it took to get her to trust him.

We get to see Holden and Josephine again as well as a quick glimpse at their cousin Jacob. I hope we get to see these four continuing on in Jacob’s story!

[Kimkbries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. We saw a little about Tate and Emily in The Billionaire's Secret a Heart as they are in the lives of Holdon and Josephine. I enjoyed Tate and Emily's story as we saw them realize what they had in each other. Tate is usually not looking for a girlfriend and Emily has no desire for a boyfriend so watching their story transpire was both romantic and soul searching. Are they enough together to make it work! Enjoy finding out. Look forward to more in this series as I want to see how they fair in the future.

[Heidi Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC copy for a honest opinion
Emily is a very shy girl who suffers from severe anxiety issues which after years of help, she has them under control..... That is until she meets Tate Winters.

Tate can't get Emily out of his head, she said "No". This would normally become a challenge to Tate but Emily is different.

What happens when Tate pursues??? Is it a disaster waiting to happen or a match made in heaven...... I'm not saying!!!!!!
I enjoyed this book, the interplay between all the character's was believable.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fine if what you're looking for is escapism not even remotely rooted in the real world. I do wish the author hadn't chosen to exploit both mental illness (anxiety attacks, agoraphobia) and massive childhood trauma to create a situation for her characters to have sex in though. It didn't make it more believable--it made it less believable by far--and I didn't care about the characters more because they were never influenced by their traumas unless it was convenient for the author. And as soon as it wasn't, she ignored it.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to know more on these two, Emily and Tate since the first time I saw them in "The Billionaire's Secret Heart". Emily tried to resist this hot, sexy man. She went so far as to say no to his face. But that was not working. Tate was very persistent and no was not a word he wanted to her when it was something he wanted. The desire was there for them both. But reality was a big pill to swallow.

Tate and Emily made the work and chase look so fun.

[Ash · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like there are some missing pages…

Look I like junk reads as much as the next person, but this was awful. Where is the story? Where is the relationship? Why is the guy such a douche? Whats with the instant love that is rooted in absolutely nothing. Like nothing, not one single action, display, or physical quality lead to this insta-love they have going.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review for honest review. Emily is Josephine roommate and has very bad anxiety attacks when Tate comes to help get Josephine back with Holden his cousin he sees Emily and love at first sight .very cute story .

[madison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like I get it’s a novella, but falling in love after knowing each other a week? 😭

[S.A. Crow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scandals of the Bad Boy Billionaires Series
by Ivy Layne

The Billionaire’s Secret Heart
The Billionaire’s Secret Love
The Billionaire’s Pet
The Billionaire’s Promise
The Rebel Billionaire
The Billionaire’s Secret Kiss
The Billionaire’s Angel
Engaging the Billionaire
Compromising the Billionaire
The Counterfeit Billionaire

Again as par for the course for me, I didn’t read these in order I started with The Billionaire’s Promise which is the only one of these novels that I have in paperback. Let’s get you reading these in the right order, shall we?

The Billionaire’s Secret Heart is the first in the series and introduces you to the Winter’s family, with a tragic background full of scandal. Holden Winters is one of the younger set of siblings and cousins. The Winters family starts with two brothers who have their own family homes within steps away from each other on the Winter’s estate in Georgia. One couple dies when the children are young in a “murder-suicide” but the case isn’t truly closed. The children blend together under their remaining family when a “murder-suicide” happens to the remaining parents in the exact same manner as the previous crime. Coming from money doesn’t stop you from the pain of loss and that is something the whole family has in common. Holden Winters is a successful businessman and night club owner with his cousin Tate when he meets Josephine and falls her. A little problem with blocked communication almost keeps them apart. When Winter’s men find their one they fall and fall hard.

The Billionaire’s Secret Love picks up in the final parts of the first novel when Tate Winters meets Joesphine’s roommate and friend Emily. Emily doesn’t date she is happy just to get through the day without a panic attack. Why in the world would she want to date a man who lives in the limelight whether he wants to or not. Tate won’t let her hide, she’s brilliant and he not only wants to date her but he wants her skills as a game developer for his and Holden’s Gaming company. A mishap with the Winters that owns the building they live and work in has a bit of a problem with the press causing Emily to put a freeze on their relationship.

The Billionaire’s Pet Jacob Winters is too busy to date what with owning the building that he and two of his family members live in and houses their Gaming company. He is also a land developer in high demand. Little does he expect the woman he has lusted after from afar to come in widowed and asking for his help. Abigail is desperate she is newly widowed and her mother is in an expensive nursing home due to her dementia. Her father-in-law just so happens to run drugs and guns for very bad people and he wants her to pay her upkeep on her back. She goes to the one man she can think of that will help her pay for her mother’s care and keep her safe. She in her wildest dreams never thought that he would promise to help her if she became his. The hardest parts are when Jacob changes the rules because he wants more from the relationship but he hasn’t communicated that change to Abigail.

The Billionaire’s Promise *like I said this is the book that I have in paperback. Vance Winters is the playboy of the group, an artist and angel investor known for his excessive drinking and partying. He hires Magnolia to be his assistant on her coffee-making skills alone. Vance is in lust with Magnolia from the moment he sets eyes on her but she is off-limits, dating a man that will never deserve her. When Magnolia’s engagement falls apart Vance believes that this is his chance with her, he’s given up his drinking and partying days he is making himself into the man he wants Magnolia to have when a little surprise named Rosalie comes into their lives and complicates everything.

The Rebel Billionaire finds one of the two girls and the baby of the family Charlie Winters at loose ends. Her older brother has fired her from the family company for her own good. Her last engagement has fallen apart, and she just bought a fixer-upper house next door to the hottest man alive. After stealing her brother’s expensive scotch and setting up a place to sleep in the run-down house she finally gets a chance to talk to her new neighbor Lucas. Lucas expected something completely different from a Winters but he is so surprised when Charlie takes to renovating her home like a duck to water. To bad someone is out there taking shots at Winters and sending disturbing photos. Thank goodness Lucas works with the security team the Winters always employees.


You can’t go wrong with this series or the spin-offs it generated.