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Covington Billionaires #3

The Secret Billionaire

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He whispered in my ear. Three simple words halted all rational thought...

Patrick

Women naturally circle the flame of wealth and power, and mine is brighter than most. Does she love me, does she not? There’s no way to know. They’re all faking something.

When I stopped to help her, Liz mistook me for a carpenter. Maybe this time I’ll know.

She resisted me, but it was pointless. I was determined to make her mine.

Everything was perfect­.

Until the day she left.

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2018

1362 people are currently reading
203 people want to read

About the author

Erin Swann

39 books162 followers
Why romance? Because we all need a chance to escape doing the next load of laundry.

We deserve a chance to enjoy love, laughs, and intrigue, and yes, fear, heartbreak, and tears, all without having to leave the house.

If you can read my books without feeling all of these then I haven’t done my job right.

Sign up for Erin's Newsletter at http://erinswann.com/subscribe

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5 stars
823 (60%)
4 stars
369 (27%)
3 stars
124 (9%)
2 stars
34 (2%)
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10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
April 3, 2018
A fun well written story with nice storyline and plot. Great characters that are likeable and has an amazing chemistry.
Two people meets and the heroin thinks Pat is a carpenter and not what he really is a billionaire. Secrets, consequences and twists makes this story a fun and captivating read. A story about honesty, love, trust and emotions.
Worth the read.
Profile Image for Debbie.
303 reviews8 followers
February 14, 2019
I wish I was as excited as everyone else's point of view on this book. I couldn't stand Liz and her materialist views of only dating professional men. I didn't think or feel she was worthy of Patrick. He was so patient, understanding and forgiving to her selfishness. We all get burned in relationships so what, we pick ourselves up and move on. This not dating construction guys is plain stupid as Liz was. This was a 3 star for Patrick only. If it wasn't for his character I would have DNF it. I dreaded reading Liz's POV every time. He deserved a much classier women than Liz in my opinion.
Profile Image for Joanne Carr.
754 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2018
Pat is a billionaire manwhore who litters his draws with bras and panties from the latest conquest. Phil and Pat decided to trade cars as Pat's vette was a pick up magnet for women. Pat is going down the street where is almost hit a women. She was chasing a dog that had been limping on the other side of the street. He said he would take car of the dog at he vet and would call her after. She put her number into his phone so he could call her when he found out. Pat makes a play for Liz and tells him she just dates professional men. Liz was working and Pat came in had dinner and told her how the dog was doing. He asked her for coffee after her shift but she had declined. Getting a call from her sister that she couldn't pick her up until later. Just so happens that Pat had stuck around she goes over and asks him to take her home before her boss came out. Pat was thrilled to be able to help her out. Liz and Pat go to dinner and she explained why she would only date professionals. Liz also said that she had a son but when he got to her house her sister waved them in and Pat found out she was lying to him. Pat finally got to take Liz out even though she told him it was not a date. Liz goes to work at a catered event and finds out Pat was working there as a security guard. Meanwhile Blaine a guy starts talking her and she gives him her number hey he is a lawyer. Pat is still seeing Liz and he is really falling for her. But he still hasn't told her the truth about himself. Things seem to be getting better for Liz getting more shifts from the new owner of the restaurant. Liz has been staying at Pat's house now more often. A kidnapping of Pat's sister made Liz more a target. His friend goes over to get Liz and bring her to Pat's condo. Liz spilled something on her blouse so she went into Pat's room and noticed the draw being open. Inside were many panties and bras especially the ripped panties. Plus a letter that says that Pat was going to live in Boston. That was the last straw she gets her things and leaves to go up to Davis. Pat is beside himself for being so stupid to lie to Liz now he has to find her. Will Pat find Liz and redeem himself. Will Liz finally get over Pat and continue her dream of owning a ranch?
1,228 reviews14 followers
February 7, 2025
At times it was enjoyable, but not very well written, and didn’t like the mfc again.

I know I’m sounding like a broken record but the women in these books are awful. Yet again Liz has real issues about men having money. She says she wants a man with a proper job all the way through the book, yet when she finds out who Pat really is she freaks out as he’s rich. The writing isn’t great in this one either. At one point Liz tells Pat/Patrick the story about her giving up on vet school to help her sister through nursing school, then a few chapters on the whole story is repeated again. Almost like it was reprinted. The author tried to convince us that Pat who is pretending to be a carpenter is seen at a Covington charity fundraiser, and nobody recognises him for who he really is. REALLY? NOT ONE PERSON BLOWS HIS COVER? 😂😂😂😂😂

Liz lives with her sister and her sisters son, and she has a HUGE chip on her shoulder about men. Liz was an idiot and she co-signed for a car for one of her boyfriends and ended up having to pay the debt. The first boyfriend stole all her money, and they were both builders. So when she meets Patrick and mistakenly thinks he’s a carpenter she refuses to date him, as he hasn’t got any money. Pat plays along with it as he’s fed up of women only wanting his money. So he moves into a poor neighbourhood and pretends to be a carpenter. So he’s lying to her all the way through their relationship. Yeah he’s a great catch too. At one point while Liz is working as a waitress at his brother charity fundraiser, Pat is pretending to be a security guard. 😂😂😂

I don’t think I can read anymore of these books. The women all run off when the men are hiding something from them, yet NONE OF THEM talk to the men about it. They all run off with no talking whatsoever! It’s beyond ridiculous. The men aren’t much better. In the beginning of this one, Pat’s poor cleaner has to pick up his latest conquests underwear off the floor and wash it, so he can keep it! 🤮 That’s just gross.

One last thing and I’ll shut up. In every book the men use food items like cream, chocolate ice cream on the women, yet they never get showered after. That must be nice and sticky for the women.





223 reviews4 followers
April 7, 2018
Patrick Covington is my new favourite Covington brother! Wow! He is entertaining, romantic and persistent! What is not to love!

Continuing on from the previous two books, this book is Patrick and Liz's story. Patrick is a complete playboy, but he is getting tired of women wanting him only for his name and the prestige that brings them. The story begins with Patrick swapping cars with his best friend, in order to be normal. This is when he meets Liz, and Patrick Patterson is born along with the twists and turns in this story, that keeps you turning each page. Liz and Patricks relationship is fun to watch develop, especially as you know Pat is not all he says he is, although totally adorable. Liz is also a strong female character whose life has thrown her a number of curve balls, but she is not letting it get her down. She is willing to stand up for what she believes in. Erin Swann has created two very realistic characters and included everyones favourites from the previous books. A continuing thread of storyline from the previous books is also present which successfully pulls you very quickly back into the Covington family.

Yet another great story, cannot wait to read Katie's book next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
615 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2018
Patrick wants someone to love him for more than just his money and his name. Liz only wants to date a professional man, because the last two construction workers she dated took everything from her. Patrick almost runs over Liz as she darts in traffic to rescue a dog that just got hit by a car. Patrick stops to help her and they exchange phone numbers. Patrick meets his friends for lunch and lo and behold Liz is their waitress. Patrick trades his Corvette for Phils 20-year-old Ford pick up truck to see if he can still pick up girls without his Corvette or his black American Express card. Patrick continues to ask Liz on a date, but she is determined to not date another construction worker. Patrick finally wears her down after several “non-dates” as Liz calls them. Patrick is really a great, down to earth guy and Liz starts to fall for him. Not only will you love Patrick and his family but also Tina, Liz’s coworker who has tons of great one-liners about carpenters. Get this book. You will love it. It’s a feel-good, down to earth billionaire/normal girl just looking for love happily ever after kind of story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debra Richardson.
996 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2018
I so enjoy this series and the Covington family – the books are full of excitement and intrigue. This book is enjoyable, funny, interesting and an on the edge of your seat read. Once I started reading I could not stop - I had to know what came next, so I read it in one sitting. The book is well written, flows smoothly and moves at a brisk pace with a consistent, realistic pot. The characters Liz and Patrick are well developed, lovable and so great together. There is some overlapping of characters and an issue that continues from previous books, however, each book can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading all the books in the series to get the full enjoyment of the Covington family. This is a must read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
834 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2018
Patrick is fed up with woman only after him for his money, what he wants is a woman that doesn’t know he’s rich! So when he meets Liz and she mistakes him for a carpenter, he tries to persuade her to go out with him.
Liz is fed up with being taken for a ride and having to pay for the mistake of going out with builders or carpenters. So when she meets Pat, even though she is attracted to him, she turns him down repeatedly.
Pat eventually blackmails her to go on a date and they get along really well, well enough that Liz starts to doubt herself. That is until she learns the truth and runs.
Can he get her back? Will she forgive him?
Loved this book and would highly recommend it. Pat’s friend is a hoot and there are some laugh out loud and some OMG really! Moments.
“I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book"
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2018
The Secret Billionaire by Erin Swann is book Three in the Covington Billionaires series. This is the story of Patrick and Liz. I have read the previous book but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Pat makes a deal with his buddy to switch cars and live in the 'real' world. Pat fells that women only want him because of his wealth and job title so giving this a go can't hurt anything.
Pat meets Liz while she is trying to save a dog and he almost hits her. Patrick ends up taking the dog to a Vet but follow up with Liz later.
Liz is working hard to take care of her family and has set rules that she will no longer date working men who jump between jobs. Liz will only date white color workers and so she learns that Pat is a blue collar one. But they end up meeting again and things go further but will Liz give up her golden rule or will Pat admit who or what he really is?
Profile Image for BP34.
6,280 reviews46 followers
April 3, 2018
Patrick was a billionaire and women always wanted him for his money. When he met Liz she mistook him for the carpenter. This was book three in the Covington Billionaire Series. Patrick is an alpha male playboy who discards women like paper plates. He and Liz meet when he almost hits her when she is chasing a hurt dog. He's in his friends old pickup so she thinks he's a worker and she tells him she only dates professionals. They eventually date but the secrets they each keep from each other have consequences. Shows the value of being honest in a relationship. I loved Patrick but was not too fond of Liz. I thought she was shallow like the other gold diggers he was running from. I read a reader copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,663 reviews
April 5, 2018
I really like the Covington family, their banter, love and loyalty. This is a well written book that flows seamlessly and has interesting characters.

Pat was a bit of a player but deep down he just wanted to be liked for himself and not his money, so he decided he'd not disclose certain things and see how things went. When he met Liz there was instant attraction and interest. Liz has dating rules and she is determined to stick to them no matter how persistent Pat is.

There is a lot going on in this book; money issues, family issues, psychos, hidden identities, revenge, hopes, hurts, dreams, love and friendships - plenty to keep this reader interested and eager to read the next Covington book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
159 reviews
April 3, 2018
This is a well written beautiful story of love and trust. Patrick and Liz have both been burned by love. The motto “Family Comes First” is the recurring theme in both of their lives. I love how this story builds up and unfolds gradually. It is a great read that makes you fall in love with Patrick and his chivalrous gentlemanly behavior for his family and Liz and Liz, who puts her life on hold to take care of her sister and nephew and any and all animals in need. I loved this story that is a sweet sexy read and throughly enjoyable!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
758 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2018
Big fan of the Covingtons series, each book just gets better and better, despite the huge volume I just wish I can read them in one seating.

FCF motto is just perfect and the world would be a better place if we took that to heart after all charity begins at home.

Cant rave enough about the book as it has all the hallmarks of a best seller as it captivates you from the start as Pat embarks on a crusade to find his true love, he takes a very wild gamble and it takes his all to come out the other side with a big fat smile.

Highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,527 reviews27 followers
April 5, 2018
Walk a mile in my shoes that is what Phil says to his friend Patrick now Patrick is driving an old truck and working construction even though he is a billionaire at least if he finds a woman he will know it's him she likes not his millions. Elizabeth Turner gave up everything to support her sister an d nephew she didn't finish her vet training and is working numerous jobs to put her sister through nursing school, she has a policy of dating only white collar guys. What happens when she meets a super hot construction worker will her rules o out the window You will need to read to see

I was given an ARC copy of this book but this is a true and honest review
4,143 reviews25 followers
April 5, 2018
3,5
To be sure he meets a woman who’s interested in him and not his money, Patrick tries to seduces Liz with a fake name and a fake job as a carpenter. She’s poor and have had bad experiences with exes, so she’s searching for someone who will financially help her family and her. She isn’t a gold digger, but she just doesn’t want to have to pay again for men.
I find the story sweet and there nice characters, some twists, but I found that the lie about Patrick’s name was too long.
I really like the way he seduces her all along the story with his tricks.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Amber - TBR Book Blog.
1,239 reviews46 followers
April 7, 2018
I LOVED Pat or Patrick - and not just because he had the same name as my first crush... He was cocky but sweet but definitely was not lacking on confidence. Even when he found out that he was the perfect guy for Liz, at least by her standards.

Pat and Liz both had some strong 'biases' (for lack of a better term) for their ideal mate. I can understand how both came about their preferences because they both had very good reasons.

Plus add in the suspense and intrigue into this story and I just kept turning the pages! Err, tapping the right side of the kindle... I need more of the Covingtons!!
241 reviews
April 9, 2018
This book was every bit as good as the first two books; fantastic character storyline and development. Pat and Liz were made for each other. I love how this book has one of the main characters as a budding veterinarian. And Pat makes a believable non-rich guy with the house, the truck, and the farm animals. Both characters are portrayed as down to earth, which in return, makes the story enjoyable to read. I love all the books in this series and hope that they will eventually be made into movies. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,589 reviews28 followers
April 13, 2018
This is the third book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone.Patrick and Liz are great characters, he's loaded and used to women falling at his feet and being okay with being just a weekend of fun.She was training to be a vet but dropped out to look after her sister and nephew, she is sick of men letting her down and is insistent that she will only date professional men now.These two meet when he takes a bet with his friend and switches places with him will she give him a chance thinking he works in construction and if she does will he want more than a weekend.A really good read I really enjoyed it
45 reviews
May 8, 2018
Third books a charm

I've enjoyed this series, but this book, the third in the series, I think is the best yet. Maybe the author is more seasoned. Or it's all the developed characters from the first two books. I like that the storyline is continuing from books 1 & 2 while adding Liz and Pat's story. I look forward to reading Katie's story and hope the series continues on. Maybe with the Benson family, Uncle Harry's children (does he have kids?) or Liz's sister or restaurant coworkers (hint hint Ms Swann). It's a must read but start at the beginning with William and Lauren's story.
Profile Image for Trina.
344 reviews
Read
January 5, 2023
Another great read

I wasn't too sure if I was going to like this one at first, I felt that Liz was very snotty when she constantly goes on about finding a professional man to date. It got boring after a while. However, Pat made me keep reading! Although he has a draw of collectibles (women's underware), the read allowed us to see the soft, happy, and protective side of him that kept me reading. He was determined Liz was his girl and pulled out all the stops to try to get her. He's my favourite Covington so far 😍 although I'm not a fan of Liz this was still a fantastic read.
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews38 followers
April 6, 2018
I loved reading this book and when the end came I wished it was longer. The romance between Liz and Pat was amazing and passionate. Pat undercover as a working Joe not a billionaire won Liz's heart. But when she found out about the real Pat she was upset and broke it off. He went after her and won her back. I appreciated the writing of the book it was warm and full of emotion. The characters had personality and had a depth to them. An excellent read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,596 reviews13 followers
April 7, 2018
This is a wonderful fresh take on a contemporary billionaire romance with memorable characters and a beautifully written story that kept me entertained and intrigued from beginning to end.

I loved the instant attraction, sizzling chemistry and repartee between Pat and Liz. I didn't want their story to end as I got to the last page. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed the book so much, I purchased a copy for my keeper library.
Profile Image for Heather Vandine.
429 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2018
This is the 3rd book in the series and the 2nd one I've read. Pat is always wondering if women only want him for his money when he sees a car broke down on the side of the road. When he stops to the lady she thinks he's a carpenter by the way he's dressed, so he uses it to his advantage and will help her if she goes on a date with him. I enjoyed this book. It's a captivating book that I couldn't put down. It can be read as a stand alone but better if read in order, This series is one that should be read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
901 reviews4 followers
April 9, 2018
A great entertaining novel to read! Pat gets what he wants & Liz is searching for a different type of husband material. Throughout the book, there are lots of laughs, steamy parts, suspense/mystery, interactions with Timmy (showing both Pat & Liz would make great parents), Liz's determination to get her dreams fulfilled. The story pulls you in, flows well & one gets the "sigh" when you're finished. It is that good of a read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen Kearns.
346 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2018
DOGS, AND CATS, AND HORSES, OH MY!!

When Patrick Covington stops to help the young woman he almost hit capture a yellow lab that was maliciously and intentionally hit by a hit and run driver, he has no clue that his life as he knows it is about to drastically change. Liz Turner doesn’t believe in Happily Ever After, or in lasting relationships.
This is a solid, well-written stand-alone book in a series of books, with just enough interaction with the characters of the other books to make it feel like a part of the family, and family always comes first.
Profile Image for Chronic Chihuahua.
796 reviews17 followers
July 4, 2023
Billionaires Cause Poverty and Animal Neglect

Interesting.

Was she more scared he would leave her than the fact he was lying to her and controlling her life from behind the veil?

This is not a demonstration of love but attachment.

Besides, his consumption habits cause most poverty and most animal neglect.

Interesting how this "healer" doesn't demand better than being i gantilised as an "independent" woman.

Still lying to her most of the way through this book.

Which means she has no reason to trust him.

Doesn't matter how much money or grooming is involved.
1,054 reviews10 followers
November 15, 2025
Liz has sworn off blue-collared men due to bad experiences so when Pat shows an interest in her, she automatically says no despite being intrigued. Pat accepts a friend's challenge that he won't be able to land a girl as a "working"; man instead of the billionaire that he is. He realizes that girls flock to him for the wrong reasons and doesn't want to tell Liz he's rich. I have to say that I prefer book 2 over this book. This one read slower, had a few corny lines in there, and I felt that Liz just seems to flip flop all the time.
Profile Image for Kelly Vidito.
274 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2018
This is book 3 in the Covington Billionaire series. Can be read as a standalone. Pat is a billionaire playboy and women only want him for his money. When he meets Liz she mistakes him for a carpenter. She is only interested in dating professionals. It's a good read with a good storyline. I liked it and would recommend it

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