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House of Morgan #3
Secret Bet
Heir to a billion-dollar fortune, Peter Morgan yields a power few can deny, but behind the strong, confidant façade lies a broken man. For years he’s grappled with feelings of abandonment and pain. He’s always believed his dead father was to blame for his mother’s abandonment and now struggles to trust women. But, despite his mistrust, his ego is still large enough to bet against them. When he hatches a bet with his brother, the last thing he expects is for that bet to change his life and his heart.
Jilted at the altar, Belle Jordan wants to move past the hurt and forgive the man she lost. She believes attending his wedding will be the first step in healing, but unbeknownst to her, a handsome heir to a billion-dollar fortune has targeted her in order to win a secret bet.
Will what was supposed to be a friendly wager turn into something more? Can broken hearts be mended or will this bet lead to more long-lasting trust issues for Peter and Belle?
Jilted at the altar, Belle Jordan wants to move past the hurt and forgive the man she lost. She believes attending his wedding will be the first step in healing, but unbeknownst to her, a handsome heir to a billion-dollar fortune has targeted her in order to win a secret bet.
Will what was supposed to be a friendly wager turn into something more? Can broken hearts be mended or will this bet lead to more long-lasting trust issues for Peter and Belle?
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2017
63 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Pinder
207 books543 followersVictoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, after passing many tests proving how easy Math came to her. Then hating her life at the age of twenty four, she decided to go to law school. Four years later, after passing the bar and practicing very little, she realized that she hates the practice of law. She refused to one day turn 50 and realize she had nothing but her career and hours at a desk. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.
During all this time, she always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she turned thirty.
Besides her full time job of teaching, in 2013 and 2014, she sold on her own sold books to three different publishers. The Zoastra Affair, Chaperoning Paris, Borrowing the Doctor, and Electing Love will be published from Soul mate Publishing. Mything the Throne will be published with Double Dragon Ebooks. Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush will be published with Jupiter Press.
Now she is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency and she hopes to continue selling her novels that she writes. Moving up to the next level from hard work and determination is rewarding, and partnerships bring new opportunities.
Also she’s the Vice President of Progams for the Florida Romance Writers. She’s gone to multiple conferences and intends to continue. She learns and meets so many people at conferences. Her website is here, www.victoriapinder.com, and she’ll continue to grow my web presence. She is working hard on other projects and found the time to plan her wedding this year.
Before writing, her father had taken her to many star trek conventions and on her own she grew up as the only girl in the 90s at the comic book store. Science Fiction was her first love, but contemporary romance was her second. She’s sticking with contemporaries for the near future.
Member of Florida Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA, Celtic Hearts and Savvy Authors.
During all this time, she always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she turned thirty.
Besides her full time job of teaching, in 2013 and 2014, she sold on her own sold books to three different publishers. The Zoastra Affair, Chaperoning Paris, Borrowing the Doctor, and Electing Love will be published from Soul mate Publishing. Mything the Throne will be published with Double Dragon Ebooks. Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush will be published with Jupiter Press.
Now she is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency and she hopes to continue selling her novels that she writes. Moving up to the next level from hard work and determination is rewarding, and partnerships bring new opportunities.
Also she’s the Vice President of Progams for the Florida Romance Writers. She’s gone to multiple conferences and intends to continue. She learns and meets so many people at conferences. Her website is here, www.victoriapinder.com, and she’ll continue to grow my web presence. She is working hard on other projects and found the time to plan her wedding this year.
Before writing, her father had taken her to many star trek conventions and on her own she grew up as the only girl in the 90s at the comic book store. Science Fiction was her first love, but contemporary romance was her second. She’s sticking with contemporaries for the near future.
Member of Florida Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA, Celtic Hearts and Savvy Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 20, 2018
2.5 Stars
July 16, 2017
I like the characters, but feel they could use a little more depth to them. It almost seems as though we are only scratching the surface to get to the essence of who they truly are. I've read the first three books in "The House of Morgan" series and will read the next two, just because I want to see where their stories lead. But, the typographical and grammatical errors in these first three book are hard to get past. I have had to reread pages just so I can attempt to glean where the author is going and what she's trying to tell us. I'll finish out this series (because that's just how I am), but if the next two books don't show any improvement, I won't read anything else from this author.
November 14, 2016
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
At the urging of her fellow marines, Belle Jordan attends the wedding of her ex-fiancé, who is marrying the love of his life, whom he had thought dead thereby jilting Belle. Belle’s heart has turned to stone and in an emotionless state she arrives at the wedding, where a Secret Bet has just been placed with the bride’s oldest brother, billionaire Peter Morgan, who is convinced every woman is a gold-digger. Peter’s heart is every bit as stony as Belle’s, however as introductions are made, there are immediate sparks of attraction. Peter’s immediate concern is that Belle does not disrupt the wedding, but as he spends time with the retired marine, he finds that she is not attracted to his money. The question is however, what is her price? After all, everyone wants something from him!
The main story of Secret Bet takes place over only a few days, but so much action is packed in that time with so many surprises, that it is a wonder that Peter doesn’t implode. The story line in general is well thought out with numerous surprises. There were unfortunately a number of typos, which forced the reader to stop a moment to discern what the author was actually trying to say.
This was an enjoyable romance that left you with a smile on your face and anticipation of future books in the Morgan series.
At the urging of her fellow marines, Belle Jordan attends the wedding of her ex-fiancé, who is marrying the love of his life, whom he had thought dead thereby jilting Belle. Belle’s heart has turned to stone and in an emotionless state she arrives at the wedding, where a Secret Bet has just been placed with the bride’s oldest brother, billionaire Peter Morgan, who is convinced every woman is a gold-digger. Peter’s heart is every bit as stony as Belle’s, however as introductions are made, there are immediate sparks of attraction. Peter’s immediate concern is that Belle does not disrupt the wedding, but as he spends time with the retired marine, he finds that she is not attracted to his money. The question is however, what is her price? After all, everyone wants something from him!
The main story of Secret Bet takes place over only a few days, but so much action is packed in that time with so many surprises, that it is a wonder that Peter doesn’t implode. The story line in general is well thought out with numerous surprises. There were unfortunately a number of typos, which forced the reader to stop a moment to discern what the author was actually trying to say.
This was an enjoyable romance that left you with a smile on your face and anticipation of future books in the Morgan series.
May 18, 2018
Victoria Pinder delivers another top-notch read.
Secret Bet is the third book in the House of Morgan series by Victoria Pinder. This story is about Peter, the oldest and most jaded of the adult children, and his continuing quests to oversee the Morgan empire and ensure his siblings' happiness. The plot picks up at the pre-wedding celebration of Colt and Victoria. Belle, Colt's ex-fiancee, is invited to their wedding and goes for the sole purpose of finding closure to her broken engagement. A secret bet among Peter, John, Colt and Victoria is made and accepted. The story then takes off like a runaway thief, through many twists and turns that will surprise the reader. As previous House of Morgan books, the author lays out a well-written plot that will keep you guessing. As a series, it doesn't get more entertaining. Each book is a stand-alone story, but reading them in order will assist you in keeping the characters and timeline clear. There is romance and family drama but is a clean read. My only complaint is a pet peeve of mine --- editing errors. As a plot this book deserves 5 stars, but the lack of precise editing bumps it back to 4 stars, IMHO.
Secret Bet is the third book in the House of Morgan series by Victoria Pinder. This story is about Peter, the oldest and most jaded of the adult children, and his continuing quests to oversee the Morgan empire and ensure his siblings' happiness. The plot picks up at the pre-wedding celebration of Colt and Victoria. Belle, Colt's ex-fiancee, is invited to their wedding and goes for the sole purpose of finding closure to her broken engagement. A secret bet among Peter, John, Colt and Victoria is made and accepted. The story then takes off like a runaway thief, through many twists and turns that will surprise the reader. As previous House of Morgan books, the author lays out a well-written plot that will keep you guessing. As a series, it doesn't get more entertaining. Each book is a stand-alone story, but reading them in order will assist you in keeping the characters and timeline clear. There is romance and family drama but is a clean read. My only complaint is a pet peeve of mine --- editing errors. As a plot this book deserves 5 stars, but the lack of precise editing bumps it back to 4 stars, IMHO.
August 12, 2019
The story of two, Belle and Peter, who have closed themselves off from love. This is the Belle that I fell in love with in a later story. She is smart and sassy yet unsure of herself. For me, she is quite a delight. Plenty of tension both internal for the characters and external between them.
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
Part of "The House of Morgan: Books 1 - 3"
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
Part of "The House of Morgan: Books 1 - 3"
November 19, 2019
This is the third book in the House of Morgan series and each book reveals more secrets, lies and misdeeds perpetrated by Mitch Morgan. This book sees Peter, the eldest son, find his heart and fall in love with Belle. There are lots of emotions in these books which all have happy endings but still leave you wanting to read more to see what else will be revealed.
August 20, 2017
Great read
This is the first time I have read this author and I really e joyed this book. Her characters are real and believable. Their feelings and personality shine through. I can't wAit to read her next book
This is the first time I have read this author and I really e joyed this book. Her characters are real and believable. Their feelings and personality shine through. I can't wAit to read her next book
November 15, 2021
Smith
I really enjoyed this series so far I just hate that they are so short but I will continue to the next book. I'm glad Belle got her Mr right and Peter was finally able to trust that not everyone has a price.
I really enjoyed this series so far I just hate that they are so short but I will continue to the next book. I'm glad Belle got her Mr right and Peter was finally able to trust that not everyone has a price.
September 20, 2017
best one so far
November 25, 2018
2.5 stars
March 3, 2020
Another great story in the House of Morgan. Lots of twists and turns before two people find true love and happiness.
April 19, 2020
What started off as a bet turned into Peter and Belle helping each other discover unknown facets about themselves.
March 9, 2023
Peter and Belle. What happens when Peter's family bets him that he can't date Belle for a month.? Can Belle survive being that close to Colt and the Morgan's?
November 20, 2016
I was given a gifted copy on instaFreebie
Belle, a former Marine, is a tough woman but inside she is hurting. As a last minute decision, she flies to Miami to attend a wedding, not any wedding but her ex’ one.
Peter Morgan, heir to the Morgan’s fortune, is a tough man but inside he is hurting also. He can’t forget his mother’s abandonment when he was only five years old. That is the reason why he can trust any women and because of that, his brother John, his sister Victoria and his brother-in-law to be Colt make a bet that he will be unable to date a woman for a month plus they have to choose the woman and of course they choose Belle.
He meets Belle at his sister’s wedding. From the very beginning, Belle is able to see the sadness, the loneliness and the good inside him. People think he is just like his father but Belle knows better.
I did like the book. I loved Peter’s integrity and honesty and the way he helps people in need and also Belle’s ability to see the good in people, even though other people are unable to see it. The story is well-developed with some twists at the end I didn’t see coming.
The only but I have is the editing. I found quite a few mistakes. Apart from that, it was a great reading.
Belle, a former Marine, is a tough woman but inside she is hurting. As a last minute decision, she flies to Miami to attend a wedding, not any wedding but her ex’ one.
Peter Morgan, heir to the Morgan’s fortune, is a tough man but inside he is hurting also. He can’t forget his mother’s abandonment when he was only five years old. That is the reason why he can trust any women and because of that, his brother John, his sister Victoria and his brother-in-law to be Colt make a bet that he will be unable to date a woman for a month plus they have to choose the woman and of course they choose Belle.
He meets Belle at his sister’s wedding. From the very beginning, Belle is able to see the sadness, the loneliness and the good inside him. People think he is just like his father but Belle knows better.
I did like the book. I loved Peter’s integrity and honesty and the way he helps people in need and also Belle’s ability to see the good in people, even though other people are unable to see it. The story is well-developed with some twists at the end I didn’t see coming.
The only but I have is the editing. I found quite a few mistakes. Apart from that, it was a great reading.
November 6, 2016
Peter and Belle are totally different. Peter has been raised by his father to never trust anyone, especially women. He was always expected to take over Morgan Enterprises and to be as ruthless as his father. Peter's struggle to not be as heartless as his father was admirable. Belle was raised working-class and is not impressed by money. She knows how to take care of herself and believes in total honesty.
I wasn't that crazy about Belle. She was rude and hateful to Peter too many times. She wasn't even truly nice to her friend, Em. Strangely, IMO, Peter thinks of her rudeness as refreshing and honest. For a smart woman, she was way too gullible when it came to Jennifer. When she got mad and left Peter was ridiculous.
To me, the drama in this story was extremely contrived. I don't write spoilers so it is hard to explain. Suffice it to say, I had to suspend belief to read the last few chapters of the book.
The book needs major editing. I know ARCs contain some errors. However, this book was chock-full of errors. It definitely distracted from the story.
2.5 Stars
I wasn't that crazy about Belle. She was rude and hateful to Peter too many times. She wasn't even truly nice to her friend, Em. Strangely, IMO, Peter thinks of her rudeness as refreshing and honest. For a smart woman, she was way too gullible when it came to Jennifer. When she got mad and left Peter was ridiculous.
To me, the drama in this story was extremely contrived. I don't write spoilers so it is hard to explain. Suffice it to say, I had to suspend belief to read the last few chapters of the book.
The book needs major editing. I know ARCs contain some errors. However, this book was chock-full of errors. It definitely distracted from the story.
2.5 Stars
November 14, 2016
Book three of the House of Morgan series and I have been really enjoying these books. Peter Morgan is heir to a billion dollars he has a cynical view on women since his own Mother abandoned him as a child to the care of his controlling and manipulative father.Women want him but only for his money! But what happens when his brother bets him he can not be with a woman for thirty days, and the brother picks the woman? Former Marine Belle Jordan was jilted at the alter by Colt and the woman who was the cause of Colt jilting her is Peter’s sister Vicki,she is going to attend the Christmas Eve wedding to help her get over Colt. Peter and Belle are introduced at the wedding imagine her surprise when he asks her out! But what happens when she finds out about the bet? Will Peter lose the woman he is coming to love?
October 31, 2016
5 stars This was an awesome contemporary billionaire (+) romance. It is the 3rd book in the Morgan family series. I enjoyed all three of the books and look forward to future books by this author. I was given a chance to read a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to write a review. The dynamics of of how the characters interacted keeps the readers on their toes. Belle has every reason to stay far from the Morgan's. She served as a Marine and is honest about her thoughts and feelings. Peter has been wealthy his entire life but his father tried to stomp out his humanity and feelings. He has never met anyone like Belle. There are twists and turns that I never saw coming which made the book that much more addictive. Once I started this story I didn't want to put it down.
November 23, 2016
This is the first book by Victoria Pinder that I read and I simply loved it!
Peter is an interesting character, and very rich! He tries to protect his heart so he doesn't suffer disappointment, but when his brother challenges him in a bet, here comes the beautiful Belle, who also protects her heart at any cost. But when those two meet, things get really interesting.
I loved the story and the characters.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
Peter is an interesting character, and very rich! He tries to protect his heart so he doesn't suffer disappointment, but when his brother challenges him in a bet, here comes the beautiful Belle, who also protects her heart at any cost. But when those two meet, things get really interesting.
I loved the story and the characters.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 23, 2016
Peter is a very rich man, but extremely lonely and not very confident. He's had a difficult background, where his Mother abandoned him and he blames his father for this. His friends and himself set up a bet and Belle is the target of it. She wants nothing more than to have a happy life. A beautiful romance, showing how people in different lives can get together. Enjoyable reading. Appreciate the chance to have read this book
January 3, 2017
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.*
This book grabbed my attention starting with 'the bet' and didn't let go. I loved how something as simple as a family bet could bring together two people. Peter just didn't quite fit the mold of a man who grew up in luxury. I loved that he was rich but still had a heart. I also loved that Belle wasn't just a pretty face. This is just the type of romance novel I was in the mood for today.
This book grabbed my attention starting with 'the bet' and didn't let go. I loved how something as simple as a family bet could bring together two people. Peter just didn't quite fit the mold of a man who grew up in luxury. I loved that he was rich but still had a heart. I also loved that Belle wasn't just a pretty face. This is just the type of romance novel I was in the mood for today.
November 15, 2016
Amazing! Victoria Pinder did it again. Probably my favorite installment of the House of Morgan! I couldn't stop reading it and finished it in one sitting. I love Peter and Belle. Fast paced action packed romance that hits all the hallmarks of a great! Can't wait to read more by this author!
November 26, 2016
Review coming soon! Loved this story!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews