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The Billionaire Club #3

A Deception of Massive Proportion

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She's a reporter. He's a rockstar who must keep his identity hidden.
When tabloid reporter, Riley Campbell, lands the job to be Shadow Walker’s personal assistant for one week, she thinks the stars have finally aligned for her. She can spend an entire week digging around to figure out the masked pop singer’s true identity and get that promotion she desperately needs to save her father. But when things start to get personal with Shadow Walker, Riley has to decide if deceiving him really is the best plan.

Jalen Carter had never had a break in his life. That is, until he put on a mask that hid his burned skin and entered American Superstar, the popular singing competition that jumpstarted his career. Now his concerts are sold out nation-wide. The only problem? He must keep his identity a secret or all his fame could come crashing down around him. When the lovely Riley Campbell enters his life and makes him weak in the knees, he’s not sure what to do. Will revealing his true identity scare her away?

If you enjoy sweet romance with swoony lead characters and kisses that will make you sigh, this is the book for you

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2021

135 people are currently reading
130 people want to read

About the author

Victorine E. Lieske

66 books572 followers

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5 stars
163 (43%)
4 stars
112 (29%)
3 stars
80 (21%)
2 stars
16 (4%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,903 reviews238 followers
March 8, 2021
Love, love, LOVED this one! I'm enjoying this billionaire club series but this one is definitely my fav so far! Great characters, fun plot, characters with a conscious, humorous moments (I mean, it is Victorine E. Lieske y'all, she's got a great sense of humor that I can always count on shining through in her books), sweet sparking romance (again, it's Victorine E. Lieske y'all ;-) enough said).

Riley and Jalen were very likable characters from the beginning of the book, all the way to the final page. They have their reasons behind what they are doing. And I loved the internal struggle that they had with their deceptions. It really made me enjoy watching them build their friendship and relationship. There is of course the big reveal of who each other is and mixups as to the why's behind it all. But I loved the goodness of these two. I loved the chemistry between them and their ability to see past the deception into each other's hearts. *Happy sigh*

This book is why I love sweet and clean romance. I enjoy seeing characters who are good, yet they have struggles. But they don't let those struggles define them. They have to make choices. And their love of family and of the hero/heroine shape those choices. Sometimes they mess up. Sometimes they fail big time. But they don't give up. They fix. They forgive. They love.

Grab a copy and read it! It's one I highly recommend. And the teaser at the end of this book for the next book in the series has me anxiously awaiting its release now. And if you haven't read any of the previous books, no worries, they're all stand alone novels.

Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses and nothing more.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
2,393 reviews17 followers
February 28, 2021
Jalen and Riley were great and had great chemistry. This is a really fun story about forgiving. This is a really sweet, clean romance.
Profile Image for ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ .
1,537 reviews102 followers
March 14, 2021
**Spoilers here and there**

Hmm. What can I say about this book. 🤔.. I will say this I figured that Riley wasn’t going to tell who Shadow Walker was because she was catching feelings. But I was like now she know if she tell the world who he is she is dead wrong for that but the thing is.

Jalen.. was the one who told the world 💀 because he got mad about who Riley actually was a “tabloid reporter” that he wasn’t thinking clearly when he went into her room and tried to delete the story she written on him lol!! Like he literally shared his own story to the world by saving it lol.

But at least he came around and understood the reason behind why she didn’t do it and also that she actually cared and loved him. & vise versa for her with him. When she knew that it would’ve hurt him if she told knowing that she figured out who he was. & what his scares meant when he told her his story.
Profile Image for D Call.
666 reviews29 followers
February 28, 2021
Cute, clean story

MY RATING SYSTEM
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful

Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no

SUMMARY
Riley has to figure out who pop star Shadow Walker is. She's had to take a tabloid reporter job, and if she can get this exposé, she gets a bonus and a promotion. She needs that to pay rent and her dad's mounting medical bills; he's on the heart transplant list.

Jalen has severe scars from a childhood fire. He entered a national televised contest as a singing ninja, and won. He's a star when in costume, and the star's manager when he's not. He hires a temp while he's on the island. Riley shows up.

EVALUATION
This is a cute story without any depth. Both Jalen and Riley have trauma in their past (fire and gambler), but we don't get any specific stories about how that influenced them. They both struggle with their affection for and keeping their secret from the other.

The romance develops very quickly amid the lies. That doesn't work for me. Sir Barks A Lot is a sweetie.

RECOMMENDATION
Anyone in need of a light read.

FAVORITE QUOTES
Being with Riley was like a drug. The more time he spent with her, the more he needed her.

POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: kisses only
Language: 0 F words, 0 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: report of house fire, man who won't take no for an answer, stalking fans and reporters
Profile Image for Nari.
1,255 reviews11 followers
February 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I liked both main characters from the beginning. Riley was doing a job she didn’t enjoy because she desperately needed money. Her and her father who was gravely ill were about to be evicted. Jalen was always hiding behind a mask and it made for a lonely existence. I loved how kind and down to earth Jalen was. I read this book in one setting because I was so engrossed in the story I could not put it down.
665 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2021
What a great story- I loved the characters. Each story in The Billionaire Club series has been so different with each being a stand alone. This third book involves lots of conflict for the characters as they are dealing with their own personal situations. Both of them are hiding who they really are but despite their deception- they have a quick connection and a growing affection for each other.

Riley Campbell, is a tabloid reporter, sent to discover the real identity of the masked singer Shadow Walker. Hoping to get close enough to him to root out any clues, she is surprised when he thinks she is the personal assistant he hired for one week. She has a lot of conflict as her feelings for the humble pop singer grows because she needs to do the story to get a promotion. to help save her ill father.

Jalen Carter wears a mask to sing as the popular pop star Shadow Walker. No one knows his true identity and he has to keep it that way to do what he loves, sing. His life has been difficult starting with losing his parents in a house fire at a young age that left him scarred and in the foster care system. Trying to get into a singing career with a scarred face was impossible until he decided to wear a mask. Part of being masked, is also being very lonely as he cannot reveal his secret identity. Spending lots of time with his new temporary assistant Riley is getting hard as he begins to have feelings for her.

Watching their affection grow, I was hoping for them to find a solution to both of their problems that would not tear them apart.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,484 reviews87 followers
February 25, 2021
I've been anticipating this book since the preview chapter in Victorine Lieske's previous book in this series. A pop-star incognito, a tabloid reporter set to expose him. You know that this is going to end badly! I was not disappointed. This story was adorable!

Riley plans to get close to Shadow Walker's manager, Jalen Carter, but when she knocks on his door he mistakes her for the assistant he asked a temp agency to send over. She now has a legitimate way to get closer to Jalen and Shadow Walker, and boy does she. The relationship between her and Shadow developed quickly (less than a week), but I felt like there was emotional development, not just physical. The romance was adorable and fraught with tension. I loved the resolution. While there was some drama and hurt, you could see that coming, right? This wasn't a story where it took them months or weeks to finally talk to each other. Thank you! The problem didn't go away, but I loved the clear communication.

The only thing I didn't like/understand was an aspect of Riley's character. She's very empathetic, and great at seeing other people's needs. It was hard to reconcile that with someone who goes the extra mile to expose celebrities. She needed a career change.

Content: clean (no language, no violence, some kissing)
Profile Image for Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review.
2,373 reviews31 followers
February 26, 2021
Two desperate people: one desperate to save her father’s life and keep up with the finances that she is being swallowed up by, the other desperate to keep his identity hidden and to save his heart and his job. Hidden identity and deception are sure to keep them apart. But when everything blows up, will they learn to trust and to forgive?
This sweet, clean story was a fun read.
Profile Image for Jill.
837 reviews39 followers
February 26, 2021
Normally I am not someone that likes paparazzi in a story, let alone to root for them. However you couldn’t help but love the main character in this book. She was a bit crazy with what she did to meet stars but in an endearing sort of way. Very interesting ninja alter ego here. I can see why everyone wanted to know who he was. It was a fun story. I would read it again.
Rating: G, clean, fun
2,265 reviews12 followers
March 15, 2021
A Deception of Massive Proportion

Riley and Jalen both have secrets. They have met under false pretenses. Riley is an undercover tabloid reporter trying to find the true identity of Shadow Walker. Jalen is the singer Shadow Walker, a fact that is known by no other person. Both are trying to hide their identities from each other and have a relationship. Can they succeed? What happens when the truth comes out?
Profile Image for Chicken.
446 reviews5 followers
March 11, 2021
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐

I didn’t expect to like this book so much. This is my first time trying this author’s writing style out but it didn’t disappoint. There are lies and deceit but it doesn’t affect the overall romance aspect of the story. The characters were a whole lot of fun. I liked how Jalen and Riley’s story went on. There was a lot happening and this was a quick read but all the loose ends were tied up at the end. I didn’t like how Riley was a reporter but she had her reasons for going on this job. Even Sir Barks-a-Lot added something to the story. This is a great beach read, perfect for an afternoon with some ice tea.

I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews23 followers
March 24, 2023
Hmmmm

The writing was very juvenile. Reading was boring and read like a elementary school reader. My opinion. Not able to read the whole book.
Profile Image for Jesica.
1,711 reviews15 followers
September 24, 2024
CLASIFICATION: 3.0 ESTRELLAS

Me gusto como se empieza a formar la relacion entre los protagonustas aunque los dos guardan algunos secretos que pueden determinar la continuacion de lo que tienen,

Ps: SIento que algunos libros de esta autora son muy interesantes y otros como que definitivamente no son para mi.
Profile Image for Cas H..
417 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2021
I found this book very well written.
Riley is broke. She may lose her home. Her dad is sick and has extensive medical bills. When Riley is offered a chance of a lifetime from her boss. She jumps on it.
All she has to do is find out Shadow Walker's identity.
She flies to an exclusive resort and becomes a guest. However, when she finds the opportunity to become Shadow's assistant she jumps at the chance.
Jalen is a very talented singer but no one wanted him as Jalen. So, he became the mysterious Shadow Walker. He hides from the world so that he can do what he loves.
When Riley starts to like Shadow as a friend and possibly more, she has to make a decision. Should she continue with her story? or should she allow her father and herself to be evicted from their home?
There are many hard choices in this book. Victorine does a wonderful job with this book. She is able to portray the love, the heart ache, the choices, the stresses with such clarity that you can't help but empathize or cheer the characters on. This is my favorite book of the series, so far! I hope you enjoy it too.
Profile Image for Karen.
735 reviews7 followers
March 8, 2021
Cute book. I’ve always enjoyed Victorine’s books. She always writes entertaining reads. I’m already looking forward to the next book out. I struggled a bit to like Riley because I knew she was purposely deceiving Jalen but I reluctantly liked her anyway. I think Jalen let’s her off a bit too easily in the end. And I would have liked a little more details of life between the ending and the epilogue. Jalen was a loveable character. I wanted to see more of how he dealt with being outed to his fans.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,477 reviews113 followers
March 18, 2021
A tabloid reporter looking for the story that will help solve her money issues, and a scarred pop star hiding behind a mask. What could go wrong?

Both Riley and Jalen (aka Shadow) have secrets. She's working a job she doesn't like to help pay her father's medical bills while he waits for a transplant. Jalen is Shadow, the masked pop star that the tabloids want to unmask. I liked that neither of them enjoyed deceiving the other, and felt bad and/or guilty for doing it.

Of course, Jalen (Shadow) finds out about Riley before she decides to tell him, which leads to words being said in the heat of the moment. I liked that Jalen admitted to his part in his unmasking. He could've continued to let Riley think she'd done it, but he was honest and went to talk to her about it. Oh, and Sir Barks a Lot is a little cutie.

This is a clean romance with the swoony kisses we've come to expect from Victorine Lieske.
Profile Image for Kori Watson.
127 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2023
As usual I massage enjoyed this Victorine E. Lieske book. She’s my favourite feel good romance writer. I prefer the cover that doesn’t actually have the ninja costume on it.

Of all her books I’ve read so far this is the one I want a sequel to the most but I know that’s unlikely and will be happy I’ve got this much of a good thing already.
Profile Image for Tiffany  (Bluestocking).
448 reviews18 followers
April 26, 2021
I really liked Riley and Jalen. They were both cute and I thought they had great chemistry and an adorable story. They had funny little banters and many, many close calls, where either of them almost blew their covers.

I wished Riley had gotten to know Jalen as “Jalen” and not as Shadow. I thought it was a bit weird reading about her going on a date and walking around with a guy in a ninja costume (kinda weird in my opinion). However I guess it was the author’s way of showing that they were both hiding behind a disguise. Shadow’s was a literal one whereas Riley just kinda pretended to be someone else...sort of. But I completely understand.

Another thing that was completely unrealistic was that Riley would choose to stay and “complete her job” than go home to her father who just had a death scare...that just didn’t make sense to me.

All in all, their story was cute and very entertaining. I enjoyed the plot and I must admit I got a little emotional during their confrontation. Such a sweet story.


Content: Super clean, kissing only.
Profile Image for Chris.
596 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2022
She's a reporter. He's a rockstar who must keep his identity hidden.

When tabloid reporter, Riley Campbell, lands the job to be Shadow Walker’s personal assistant for one week, she thinks the stars have finally aligned for her. She can spend an entire week digging around to figure out the masked pop singer’s true identity and get that promotion she desperately needs to save her father. But when things start to get personal with Shadow Walker, Riley has to decide if deceiving him really is the best plan.

Jalen Carter had never had a break in his life. That is until he put on a mask that hid his burned skin and entered American Superstar, the popular singing competition that jump started his career. Now his concerts are sold out nationwide. The only problem? He must keep his identity a secret or all his fame could come crashing down around him. When the lovely Riley Campbell enters his life and makes him weak in the knees, he’s not sure what to do. Will revealing his true identity scare her away?
Profile Image for Whit.
3,670 reviews52 followers
July 4, 2021
Wow!
First, as a young woman, Riley has a huge heart, a keen sense of justice and always, always puts others first. And that is what gets her into trouble.
Her father has a terminal heart condition; they are about to be evicted; and Riley's super selfish mother stops by to get the last $200.00 in the house to feed her gambling habit. Unbelievable!
Riley travels across the world to interview singer/entertainer, Shadow Walker, in order to ultimately reveal his secret identity to the world. Her magazine editor will pay her a $3000.00 bonus. This money will take the pressure off Riley and she will then be able to pay her dad's medical bills and their rent.
But once Riley gets to know Shadow Walker, and his secrets, will she be able to go through with this career ending betrayal?
1,446 reviews12 followers
June 1, 2022
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Tabloid reporter Riley Campbell lands a job as personal assistant to masked singer, Shadow Walker. Her assignment was to find out who the masked performer really is. Jalen Carter never had a break in his life until he put on the mask. Badly burned and disfigured from a house fire when he was young and in which his parents died he has struggled with self-concept and acceptance by others. The twists in this story add to the plot and keep your interest. A very interesting book which both entertains and makes you think.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,436 reviews
May 25, 2024
I enjoyed the story and the writing was good though some of the things that Shadow as a celebrity singer had contracted to do at the resort where they meet seemed really odd.
Playing tourist guide, teaching an art class (he is NO painter!)? Can't imagine a singer doing something like that for money when he's already an established singer.

I was a little worried of the deception trope - that the revelation moment was be terribly angsty but the author handled it really well I thought.

Recommended.
Profile Image for Rose Grabowski.
1,806 reviews17 followers
September 23, 2024
Riley and Jalen haven't been honest with each other.. They have met under false pretenses. Riley is an undercover tabloid reporter trying to find the true identity of Shadow Walker in order to get the bonus that will save her fathers life. Jalen is the masked singer Shadow Walker, and because of his secret fears his career will be destroyed if he is unmasked. They have developed strong feelings for each other, but will their dishonesty destroy everything? This was a good story with likeable characters. Although part of a series, it is an easy standalone.
Profile Image for Joan Wells.
429 reviews10 followers
November 14, 2021
A really good read...loved the twist which enabled the Happy Ever After ending for Riley and even more so for Jalen, a heartbreaking story of a little life thrust into the depths of grief way to soon ... Jalen did a remarkable turnaround in his life thanks to Riley's unveiling of his face to the world. All's well that ends well I say ..... thank you Miss Lieske for a wonderful story well written ..Cheers !!
Profile Image for Ashley.
475 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2023
LOVED this sweet romance

This was my favorite in the series so far! I loved the characters Jalen, Shadow, and Riley. Riley is a tabloid reporter and trying to expose the true identity of Shadow (a famous pop star who always performs masked) so she doesn’t get evicted and can pay her dad’s medical bills. The characters felt real and I really got into the story. Highly recommend this sweet (and clean) romance!
Profile Image for Charissa James.
445 reviews
May 6, 2024
I loved this book. It was just what I needed to fulfill my secret-identity-trope desires.
Riley is a tabloid reporter, trying to find out the identity of famous singer Shadow Walker when she accidentally gets hired to be his assistant for the week. As they spend time together, Jalen & Riley begin to fall in love. All of a sudden, Jalen wants to reveal his secret, but Riley no longer wants to find out because she'll have to tell the world if she does. This was such a sweet romance!
994 reviews
February 28, 2021
A good clean romance: both Jalen and Riley are keeping secrets from each other. Riley's assignment is finding the identify of "Shadow Walker”. Jalen is the only one who knows "Shadow Walker's" identity. But it gets complicated, feeling start to grow.
I really enjoyed this book; you learn not to judge a book by its cover.
I would highly recommend it.
350 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2021
Masked and reporting mix

Jalen and Riley have a romance of crazy proportions. One is a masked singer and the other a gossip reporter. These don’t usually mix well. One is usually out to destroy the others privacy in a major way. This is a wonderful love story with a few lies to iron out.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 59 reviews

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