Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Love Always Wins

Rate this book
Billionaire and international business tycoon Gabrielle Deville is a single dad that loves to control his daughter and close deals. What Gabe wants, Gabe gets, period.

On vacation, he sets his eyes on Stella.
Instantly he knows that this is the only woman for him.
Plus, a perfect mother for his teenage daughter…

He didn’t know he had been missing her ...until she showed up and rocked his world.

He moves fast making her offers she can't refuse.
He is shocked when he finds out that there are some things money charm and power can't buy.

Their attraction is intense and oh so addictive.
The more he treats Stella like a deal, the more she refuses to give up her independence.

When his past shows up unexpectedly things get complicated...FAST
Stella can't take the pressure and flees back to New York.
This trip was to find herself, deal with her own secrets, not find a man.

When the truth explodes, can he save her and get a second chance?
Is it crazy that he wants to protect her and have his own happily ever after?

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2019

32 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

L.A. Pepper

36 books117 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
29 (34%)
4 stars
27 (32%)
3 stars
23 (27%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
3 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,733 reviews209 followers
February 25, 2020
AUDIOBOOK review: So, I'm gonna rip off the band-aid first. I am NOT a fan of the narrator. This is the second book that she's narrated that I've listened to. I don't want to be rude so I will leave my more negative thoughts alone.

The story, on the other hand, was enjoyable. It's a little over-the-top but still amusing and a bit steamy. No surprise babies or marriages but there are definitely some surprises to go with the insta-lust/love.
1,088 reviews31 followers
May 15, 2020
Gabriel And Stella's Story Is A Quick Read With The Full Experience. There Is Romance, Adventure, Danger, And A Happy Ending.

Stella Marino is turning thirty when she suddenly has an identity crisis. She is a singer and songwriter who nearly had a recording contract, but it fell apart when she was told her style is too sincere. She now teaches guitar and waitresses at her best friend Shaun's brewery. She has just received the results of her DNA test shortly following her mother's death and gets the surprise of her life. It turns out she is not a full-blooded Italian, but has some Pakistani blood as well. In support, Shaun insists they go on vacation to Pakistan so that she can connect with her heritage. 

Gabriel Seville, an importer, is a widower and single dad of twelve year old Lizza. His trade is primarily in luxury items, and his work takes him across the globe. His wife Jessica had died in an accident a decade ago, but the loss still hurts. He is now a devoted father but is in over his head with his preteen daughter. Marcus, his employee whom he considers like a brother, suggests she needs some female influence, which leads Gabriel to conclude he needs a wife. 

When Gabriel and Stella meet in Pakistan, they both feel the instant chemistry. But Stella has a history of bad choices and doesn't trust herself. Gabriel's manners and assumptions don't help matters, and she soon finds herself overwhelmed. Gabriel knows he wants to make Stella his. He wants to marry her. He just isn't used to having to work for what he wants, and Stella tests him with her demands. But he also has some secrets that could scare her away if he isn't careful. 

Gabriel and Stella's story is a quick read with the full experience. There is romance, adventure, danger, and a happy ending. It is well-written. The plot is complex given the length. The characters are interesting. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Gabriel and Stella. I rate this book four stars. 
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,298 reviews70 followers
May 11, 2022
Stella finds out when she does a DNA test that her ancestry isn't what she thought it was. She goes to her best friend Shawn to tell him, and he gets an idea that for their birthdays they go explore the side of her ancestry she didn't know about. While on their trip Stella meets Lizza and then her father Gabriel. In that one moment everything changes for Gabriel. He is drawn to Stella and his daughter wants her to teach her how to play a guitar, so he invites them to go touring with him and his daughter. Soon he uses her best friend to continue their journey together. Stella knows that it is happening fast, but she can't get Gabriel to put on the breaks with their romance. What will she do when she learns what his family really is like? Can Gabriel convince her to take a chance with him?

This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,466 reviews42 followers
September 10, 2022
Stella found out that one of her grandparents was Pakistani and not Italian as she had always assumed, and she went to Pakistan to find her roots. I thought that Stella would find out more about her Pakistani grandmother's history in the course of this story. However, this plot thread was dropped and she finds a man instead. Or, a man finds her. Gabriel sees her interacting with his child and decides that he wants to marry her as he gets struck by insta-feelings and thinks she'd make a good mother figure for his daughter. Gabe is the sort of man who is not good at taking no for an answer because he gets so little practice hearing anyone tell him no. Stella wants to resist his overtures and tells him that she can't be bought but she is attracted to him too and can't really keep away from him.

At some point things take a melodramatic turn that was a little over-the-top and I might have preferred to tone it down a little but overall this was an entertaining story.
Steam level: some sexual content.

Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,068 reviews31 followers
April 30, 2022
A Love Written In The Stars -
This is a love story that can only thought of in fantasies. The story allows you to know Gabriel the Billionaire Single Dad and business man, who will do anything to get what he wants and Stella the single, disillusioned and broken-hearted musician, who want to find out who she really is. The chemistry between them at their first meeting, is as hot as volcanic ash. However, they journey through fun and hardships, to learn about each other and themselves, with the help of wonderful, loving characters, so they can have a happily ever after. This book deserves to be on your guilty pleasures list.

I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
113 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2022
This was a heartwarming story about two people who find each other halfway around the world and then have to really believe in their feelings. A woman who has been told half truths by her family and a man who is hiding his true family history can't possibly belong to together. Or can they?

She teaches him to evaluate how he wants to live away from his family and their history. He shows her that there really his someone out there who can cherish her for who she is no matter what her family tried to hide.

This a a very touching and romantic story about finding love, no matter what your background or how your family tries to manipulate you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
961 reviews7 followers
May 7, 2022
This is a little over-the-top love story of Gabriel the Billionaire Single Dad and business man, who will do anything to get what he wants and Stella the single, disillusioned and broken hearted musician, who wants to find out who she really is. Their chemistry is explosive and there are some surprises to go with the insta-lust/love. They get their happily ever after and I recommend this book as your next guilty pleasure. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.3k reviews155 followers
July 9, 2022
He's a single father with a teenage daughter who has his eyes set on Stella. He is a closer when it comes to business deals with Stella not so much. He finds out that some things money just can't by throw in an ex from the past and the true nature of his family and you have a story that heats up. Will Gabriel be able to seal the deal with Stella or will his ex-ruin what could possibly be the best thing that could happen to him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Petra.
1,494 reviews
July 1, 2020
I really liked this story about Gabrielle, his daughter Liza and Stella.
They meet abroad, Stella is there do discover her roots and Gabrielle for business. Liza overhears Stella playing her guitar and wants her to become her teacher.
The story is fast paced and kept my interest from the beginning. A lot is happening, it’s sweet yet suspenseful. At first I disliked Gabrielle, but it the end it all works out.
This review is based on the audiobook. The narration was quite good.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
July 16, 2020
There’s simply too much going on in Love Always Wins to describe in a short review. Yes, this is the promised “Billionaire Single Dad Alpha Male Romance”, but it’s so much more. Gabe is such a wonderfully complex alpha. Mafia royalty refuge mourning his wife who he knows was murdered when he meets Stella, singer/songwriter and herself so much more than his eventual savior. Bit wow is this perfectly told, perfectly hot, perfectly romantic and perfectly wonderful.

Profile Image for Laura Carter-Alexander.
562 reviews9 followers
October 22, 2022
Gabe is smitten the moment he meets Stella, but he soon learns that there are some things charm and money can't buy. He sets out to woo her and soon they are in a passion filled relationship. But when a blast from his past rocks their relationship, Stella runs back to New York. Will Gabe chase after her and fight for the woman he loves? Will Stella have the courage to grab onto her second chance with the man she loves?
Profile Image for Evy.
748 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2022
This story sounded promising but I was a bit disappointed in Gabriel, he’s very present and very “money can buy anything”. Luckily after a couple of chapters he changed into a caring guy which made a lot good. This is a sweet story with some excitement, swoony love scenes and some suspense. I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kandiemarie.
2,195 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2022
What a wonderfully beautiful story!!! It was way better than I thought it would be. The love, the suspense and twists and turns will keep you hooked from the beginning. I couldn’t stop reading until I was finished. Loved it!!! Definitely worth recommending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,910 reviews18 followers
April 15, 2022
Fun!

This is so “ over the top “ that it is delightful! Stella, poor songwriter, and Gabriel, billionaire tycoon, meet through his 12 year old daughter. Instant attraction leads to exciting, bizarre, funny, unbelievable events. Have fun reading; it is quick, fast, and fun!
Profile Image for Mandy Sawyer.
5,030 reviews41 followers
May 2, 2020
Love always wins
The characters in this book are very sweet. Even the ex mob member! Oh and the daughter is such a great character. Very enjoyable. Great narration.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
866 reviews10 followers
November 10, 2019
The Redemptive Powers of Love

Milton’s Paradise Lost claims that before Lucifer was the master of Hell and Pandemonium, he was an archangel, the Light Bearer, a close associate of God, who sought to wrench power from the Creator in a coup. But Lucifer was defeated, and his punishment was to be forever separated from the divine presence. LA Pepper captures the mythology of evil vs good and the ultimate redemption through love in her beautiful and suspenseful novel, Love Always Wins.

Gabriel DeVille is cast as the expelled devil, but it is self-expulsion. He has grown up as a member of a powerful mafia family, and he has reached the point of rebellion following the death of his wife in a car accident—an accident he knows was orchestrated, not accidental—he was on the phone with her as she described a car forcing her off the road. Her death leaves a grieving husband and father who declares that he will no longer participate in the life of his family’s dark dealings. With his father’s blessing but his mother’s displeasure, he and his toddler Lizza begin a life outside of the powerful machinations of the mob. He becomes a wealthy and legal owner of an exclusive import/export business of fine objects, relying on the watchful protection of Marcus his personal bodyguard, assistant and nanny for Lizza as they travel the world seeking rare and unusual objects to market.

Stella Morino is a singer/songwriter who has lost her way and her personal identity; her boyfriend has dumped her; her recording contract has been cancelled, her mother has recently died and now she discovers that she is not who she thought she was. Growing up on Long Island with her best friend Shawn Garcia, she thought she knew who she was—a girl of 100% Italian ancestry. Now, she discovers that her maternal side is of 100% Pakistani ancestry. She is “ethnically ambiguous” which matches how she feels about herself, and she is left floundering. Approaching their 30th birthdays, Shawn, who has been working for the last 2 years on his startup brewery, Star Girl, tempts her to join him on his planned travels of celebration and possible hook ups, to Pakistan—where Stella can discover her ethnic identity, and Shawn can turn his attention to finding a lover with Stella as his wingman.

And so, the journey begins, and fate goes into action to bring Gabriel and Stella into contact as both seek to explore how their pasts can possibly provide a future of hope and love. LA Pepper weaves an exotic and sensuous tale of love, betrayal, and discovery that is filled with unexpected twists, turns and tunnels. This is a reading adventure well worth the readers’ attention.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review ARCS, but I enjoyed the reading experience so much that I bought a copy for my "read-again" titles.
11.6k reviews49 followers
July 23, 2020
He is going to have to work to close the deal with her

Love Always Wins is a fast-paced, OTT, insta-attraction novella about Stella Marino and Gabriel Seville, along with his twelve year old daughter Lizza. Stella is having a bit of an issue knowing who she really is after getting a DNA test back which reveals that one of her grandmothers was actually from Pakistan. Gabriel is a widower (10 years ago his wife died) who attempts to raise Lizza, who he loves dearly., while at the same time being a very successful importer of fine goods from around the world. This means that he has to travel all over the world and a lot of the time.
Stella and Gabriel cross paths in Pakistan when she has traveled there with her best friend Shaun to try and connect with her roots and he is there on business. They have an instant attraction and a lot of chemistry between them. Then add in the fact that the usual sullen Lizza bonds with Stella, who seems to really like the young girl. Now Gabriel wants to import Stella into his life as his wife. But she is not up for sale as her history of making bad relationship decisions is holding her back.
This story is fun, has some drama, danger, romance and some sizzle. I found it to be nicely written and the characters were interesting. There was a lot going on and some things were predictable but that is to be expected with a novella. Overall I enjoyed this book.
2,037 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2019

This is a 2nd chance love story about Gabriel, his teenage daughter, Lizza and Stella a stranger they meet in Pakistan while on a business trip. Stella and her best friend, Shawn take this trip to help Stella find out about her background she discovers after her mom passes away. One afternoon Stella is relaxing, playing her guitar meets Lizza and they hit it off and Stella ends up getting Lizza to open up and then gets roped into teaching her the guitar by her sexy alpha father for an extremely large amount of money each week. Gabriel is a man who gets what he wants when he wants it and is never told no so when Stella gives him the cold shoulder Gabriel is at a loss for how to turn this around. This trip goes from Pakistan to Italy and Europe with their relationship quickly becoming something special. When Stella discovers some things about Gabriel does she run away in the middle of the night back to NY! What Gabriel does to get Stella back backfires and he is forced to make decisions based on what’s best for Stella and to learn his wants do not come first. I enjoyed how they work through their relationship and how to make it work! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,539 reviews
January 2, 2020
From the very beginning, Gabrielle tries his best to keep those around him happy. He hasn't figured out yet that money doesn't automatically make anyone happy. He plans things for his daughter, Lizza, to do when all she wants is his love and attention. Whatever he wants, he gets, until he meets Stella. She recently found out that she isn't entirely Italian as she thought, but Pakistani as well. To find out more about her roots, she and her best friend Shawn decide to visit Pakistan and discover more about who she is. While she's playing her guitar, Lizza comes over and falls in love with it. Close behind is her father, Gabrielle, and Lizza begs for Stella to teach her how to play. Once he realizes how important it is to his daughter, he puts pressure on Stella to do it. She's not one to be ordered around and decides that she's not interested. But interested she is, once she realizes she has feelings for Gabrielle and he reciprocates them. There are some misunderstandings and some secrets that might keep them from their happy ending but, in the end, they know just what their future holds for the three of them. Very sweet with a definite alpha male who softens as he discovers what it is to love. Love does win!
Profile Image for Clara Atkinson.
1,180 reviews56 followers
October 17, 2019
Stella and her BFF Shawn are in Pakistan after she discovers that she's half Pakistani. She is on a mission to find out where she comes from while her BFF wants to find a fine man.
Gabriel is a very rich powerful man who is used to getting his way no matter what even if that's a mother for his twelve year old daughter Lizza. That is until he butts heads with independent feisty driven Stella.

Will he be able to close the deal or will he have to change his ways?

*************
I loved the part when Lizza first meet Stella when she heard her playing the guitar and told her she felt it all the way down to her toes. Then Stella asked her what did it feel like? And Lizza replied:

“It feels like home, but not a home I’ve ever had . Like belonging. Like being accepted for myself. Like who I want to be.”
It was such a beautiful pure moment in the story.

I must say I enjoyed Lizza bodyguard Marcus with all his wisdom. Oh and it was a hoot how she called him a "nanny" to get to him like a sulking preteen would do.
Profile Image for Debra Floyd.
417 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2019
I love L. A. Pepper books. The story is absolutely amazing. The story of Stella needing to find herself after she discovers her blood lines is beautiful. Shawn her best friends has her be his wingman on an adventure of a lifetime.

Stella meets a young girl while she is playing her guitar. This young girl, named Lizza, wants her to teach her. Lizza’s dad is a billionaire and decides he wants Stella. At first this is to give his daughter a mother. Can he fall for her? Or will his family connections be his downfall?

Stella gets hurt and he vows to take care of her. She learns of his family connections and how he is trying to control her and miserably walks away.


Gabriel’s family connections get Stella into a bad situation. Can Gabriel and his body guard save Stella and her friends Shawn? Will they love each other or hate each other? You will have to read to find out!
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,569 reviews53 followers
October 21, 2019
Gabriel doesn't know what to do with his daughter, Lizza. Raising her alone was definitely harder than it looks. So, he thinks she needs a maternal figure to help him and being a billionaire, he thought he could just buy her one. What he didn't think was he would fall for Stella. Not only was she good for Lizza, but she's also good for him.

Growing up as he did, he turned into a controlling and possessive man and Stella was not having it with him. She cared for her independence and doesn't like that he thought she could be bought. But they fell for each other real fast and hard. One secret is enough to crash it though

This book was a short and fast-paced book, insta-love. One thing I don't prefer is how they go back and forth on how he dealt with things and how she couldn't just compromise with things involving his wealth. But other than that it was a fine read.
Profile Image for Kathleen De Raes Rammeloo.
211 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2019
The story takes you from te beginning. Stella wants to know her roots but finds her one true love.

They have ton conquer a lot of problems but in the end love always wins.

For me the story was to short (because i loved it so much 😍) i finished it in one day, i just couldn’t put the book away. I loved how the characters worked out and their stories. I would love to know more of them and their future. Maybe a sequel 💞. I love how the writer builds up the story and characters.

If you havent read it yet, a advice..... READ IT!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
748 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2019
You never know what you’ll find when you go on an adventure

When she finds out that her heritage isn’t what she was told growing up, musician Stella has a bit of an identity crisis. Her best friend convinces her to let him take her to Pakistan, where her grandmother was really from. What she doesn’t expect to find is love.

Billionaire Gabriel is instantly intrigued when he sees his pre-teen daughter interacting with Stella. She’s usually so sullen and closed off. He decides right then and there that Stella is the perfect mother material for her, and wife for him. Now to convince Stella.
647 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2019
Stella finds out that her DNA is not what she always thought it was, so she takes a trip with her best friend, Shawn to find out more about her heritage. While there, she meets Gabriel who sets his sights on negotiating a relationship with her. There is lust, anger, conflict, love and even more conflict, this time from outside sources. Never fear, though, as is the norm for Ms. Pepper, the conflict gets resolved and our couple gets their HEA. Another success for L.A. Pepper.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Hollyanne.
904 reviews
January 21, 2020
I wasn't a huge fan of this book. Gabrielle sets eyes on Stella and basically plans to keep her weather she wants to be with him or not. Stella wants to be independent, but Gabrielle wants her. He changes his way to be what she wants, but I feel like he could have done more. It was an ok read. But I feel there could have been more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
5,468 reviews23 followers
October 19, 2019
Love Always Wins A Billionaire Single Dad Alpha Male Romance by L.A. Pepper is a wonderful read.sweet,intense,enjoyable a bit emotional with a bit of action to keeps you entertained,love the characters sweet and lovely,Gabriel,Stella,Lizza and the rest of the gang,a whirlwind romance/holiday fling turned more,loved it! well done!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12.1k reviews75 followers
October 15, 2019
The author has brought us characters that we can care about and hope for their happiness. Stella is an independent woman. Gabriel is a man who always gets what he wants, when he wants it, and now he wants Stella. Too bad he doesn't realize that Stella may have something to say about that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.