The Billionaire Bet

by Sylvia Hart

I didn’t leave any glass slippers behind after our one-night stand, so why is the masquerade ball billionaire back in my life pretending to be Prince Charming?

A fancy Halloween ball with New York City’s elite wasn’t in my planner, but somehow that’s where I find myself, surrounded by deal-seeking billionaires and drowning in expensive perfumes. Yeah. I know.

But the real surprise is the masked stranger I meet. He’s tall and well-built with a voice as deep and rich as the coffee I sell, and he only has one The masks stay on.

The night we spend together is incredible. Mad and passionate, and worlds apart from my normal, boring life. Before I leave, he breaks his own rule… and the masks slip.

I never expected him to show up at my failing coffee shop three weeks later.

Eli Harris, my beautiful masked stranger, just happens to be a billionaire businessman who spends his days turning loss into profit. A coincidence?

It can’t be. An offer this perfect is literally too good to be true, and I’m not naive enough to believe billionaires have hearts of gold.

But I’m out of options.

Protecting my business and my heart is impossible with Eli this close to me. He keeps reminding me of the passion we shared that night and making me daydream about how it would feel to repeat it.

Just when I think my one-night-stand could be Mr. Right, I find out about a bet that only a billionaire would make. I guess he was wearing an extra mask all along.

The Billionaire Bet is an 88,000 word, standalone romance with an HEA and all the feels.

Genres: Contemporary, Billionaires

342 pages, Paperback

Published December 18, 2021

About the author

Sylvia Hart fell in love with romance books at a young age (along with Richard Gere). She is decidedly against the daily wearing of corsets (bedroom wear is a totally different story), so she’s decided to settle for a billionaire instead of a prince.


But not just any billionaire will do. This girl needs one that looks good in a suit and in the sheets.


Since she hasn’t found said billionaire, she’s decided to write about them. Cold and brooding or fiery and fierce, she’s willing to explore the possibilities. But, behind every silk tie, there will always be a heart of gold. Even if he doesn’t realize it from the beginning.

Reviews

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free via Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is my first read by this author. I enjoyed it. I wish there was a bit more character development on Eli's part, but over all the two were compatible. The over all story is to the point and didn't really beat around any bushes.

When Sam and Eli first met, they both were under the assumption it was a one night stand, but the story really develops from there. Sam has a struggling business and Eli takes an interest, not in the best terms, to help her revive her failing coffee shop. They noticed that feeling are still there and the romance takes off.

Eli does the typical wooing every book rich hot guy does and Sam reacts like every "poor" female character does.

Over all the story was good and it was a breeze to finish.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha and Eli will grab your attention right at the beginning and it won't take you long to get drawn into their story. They meet at a Halloween party when they each have a mask on. Their chemistry is explosive and they have a one night stand that is memorable for each other. A bet follows which adds to the angst. No shortage of drama or angst as the story plays out. I read an advance copy via Book Sirens and voluntarily chose to write a review

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

was okay.....

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah and Samantha's Story . . .

Elijah and Samantha met at a masquerade ball in New York City and had a passionate one-night-stand. Elijah Harris can’t forget her and is used to getting what he wants. So after making a bet with friends, he tracks Samantha down at her struggling coffee shop 3 weeks later. With his business expertise, he can help her turn the struggling business around.

But when she finds out about the bet he made with his friends, and figuring she was not as important to him as she had assumed, will she walk out of his life? Will she let him explain? Can they start over, or is it too late?

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me reading long in to the night. The characters are so well written I was invested in their story. I can't say enough times that you should read this book! I now can't wait for the next book!!!


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

[Kassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a few love stories that revolved around a bet. This book started out with a bet between friends, but it wasn’t a major plot point or even led to the conflict that had to be resolved.

Let me start out by saying that I did like the book overall. I really liked the “meet cute” but really, “meet sexy,” at the beginning. I enjoyed the rock climbing bits and the stargazing. I enjoyed the unexpected I Love You declaration. The artist retreat was a good addition and the sexy scenes were written really well too. I liked Samantha’s dedication to her business and her support she receives from her best friend. The epilogue was cute and I enjoyed reading it.

However, there were some things I didn’t enjoy.

The “argument” when she finds out about the bet can barely be called that. She overreacts, her feelings about rich people surface more, and the bet is forgotten.

The real catalyst is how she feels that every rich person is a bad person. Not a fan of stereotyping whole groups of people. This is the the main conflict in the book and the way it’s resolved felt rushed and totally unbelievable to me. I felt like Eli gave up everything for Samantha and she gave up nothing. Yes, Eli made a new business decision that also left Samantha happy, but he did give up control of what was originally his whole life.

Then, the last thing that really bugged me was the boat scene at the end. They were still broken up and hadn’t even had a conversation resolving the why of the breakup yet. I would have been happier if they simply got back together on the boat. I think the author took it too far, too quickly. Personally, I think that scene would have been better suited to the epilogue when they were at the top of the mountain.

Overall, it’s a good book if you like reading about the rich guy that gets the girl he never thought he wanted.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eli and Samantha meet at a Halloween ball and spend one sexy night together. They figure they will never see each other again but they do. Eli and 2 of his friends make a bet that he could turn a small business around and they picked a girl at the Chamber of Commerce Meet and Greet which turned out to be Samantha. All the time he is working with her to turn her business into a profit making enterprise she fight him all the way. No matter what he does she fights him. She whines throughout the book that she hates rich people (without any explanation, until the very end), which still made no sense. It came across like she wanted him to give up his way of life and live her life with her. She seemed kind of spoiled with a major chip on her shoulder. When they were alone in their sexy times or climbing mountains they were cute and loving. However, when things didn't go quite the way she wanted she became rather annoying and selfish. I liked the book but the main female character seemed almost one sided and not an attractive quality to her personality. I thought the proposal should have been later when they had been back together for a while, it seemed kind of rushed.

I received this book free as an advanced reader copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Jinx · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of two star crossed lovers looking to reach the highest peaks together.
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Main Characters:
Samantha Moore - Small business owner, daughter, best friend, and rabbit.
Elijah Harris (Eli) - CEO of Peak Creative, son, best friend & rock climber.

Story Overview:
They met at a party, no real names given just a night of 'madness', after which they returned to their lives... but fate stepped in and their paths crossed again this time in the real world.

Samantha's business is struggling, she needs help, and attends a meet and greet of other businesses in the area where she meets Elijah Harris.

Eli's business is very successful; and what begins as a bet with his friends to help turn around a destitute company ends up being life changing.

Samantha and Eli have big plans, and their own lives, is it possible for the two to have their cake and eat it? Or will it be their breaking point?
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Concluding Thoughts: Enjoyable characters, good story line, I just wanted a HEA for them.

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Elijah meet and a great one night stand. They both lead busy lives and were happy to walk away and remember it as it was. Only they meet again at the yearly meet and greet where you network and bring in customers to your business. Thats where Elijah and his friend Rich make a bet, they are both successful, only Elijah helps business and Rich tears them apart. This is where they make the bet and sadly involves Sam. Where Elijah has to help Sam build up her business by 500%. Sam does not like rich people really, she thinks they are all about me me me and don't think of others. Its a full interesting story that's for sure. Only Sam moans far too much, she wants Elijah but fights it all because of his money. It's good to see each other become better people and it becomes a nice romance in the end. You need to read it. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read
Elijah and Sam were from completely different worlds and they had to work hard to create a way for them to be together. They had secrets and plus the terrible bet between them and whilst their journey certainly wasn't easy, I still enjoyed them as a couple. I liked that it wasn't the typical rags-to-riches story and I enjoyed witnessing Sam's internal struggle as she contemplated joining Elijah's world.
I thought the ending seemed a bit rushed and I would have liked to see more discussion and not have things jump straight to a proposal. I did find the heroine rather annoying and wished I had of seen more character development for her. Nevertheless it was still a good start to the series. I liked that these three billionaire bachelors each have diverse and varied backgrounds and I look forward to discovering more about them in upcoming books.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent romance, full of thought while remaining steamy and moving.
The story starts off pretty scorching before it gets simpler again, or so it seems. The characters are excellent, whether it's Eli in his harshness in business, or Sam in perseverance to keep her soul to herself in her coffee shop, even if she has to make concessions. The meeting of their two worlds is full of sparks and also raises interesting questions about what one accepts to change about oneself in a relationship and what are the limits to this change?
I also liked one of Sam's dad's thoughts on his misunderstanding the rule women use in their outfits to please men. What is the use and what woman does it present?
It's a very good romance and I look forward to the sequel to their friends relationship, Rich and Bri, as these two characters are crazy.I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Billionaire Bet had everything I've come to love about romance books. Instalove, and HEA and plenty of steamy scenes in-between. It felt a little more realistic than some others I've read in the past.

I was rooting for Sam and Elijah as soon as I finished the first chapter. Their first meeting was explosive and was just a taste of what was to come. They were drawn to each other after one night and when they were together, it was magic. Sam's determination to stay true to herself was admirable and Elijah's pride and need for control was attractive but worked against him sometimes.

I really enjoyed reading The Billionaire Bet. I even wiped a tear or two towards the end. Sylvia Hart knocked it out of the park and I can't wait for what she has planned in the future.

**I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samantha Moore runs her coffee shop, The Cozy Mug. She is pushed out of her comfort zone by her best friend, Bri, to go on a Halloween cruise. She meets a man wearing a devil mask. They hit off and have one night together while wearing their masks. Elijah Harris runs his own company, Peak Creative. Sam, thinking they won’t see each other again, goes on with her life. Sam goes to a meet and greet for local businesses, where she runs into Eli again. Eli and one of his best friends had made a bet about saving a business. Sam is the person Rich picks for Eli to save without financial help. Sam and Eli get to know each other. They have incredible chemistry. You have to read the book to see if they can fit with each other’s worlds and if Sam finds out about the bet. If she does, will they stay together? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of The Billionaire Games Series. It is a stand-alone But introduces you to people that will be in future books in the series.

Wow @ the chemistry between Elijah and Samantha.

From the Halloween masquerade till the end of the book their chemistry is palatable and full of promise of the steaminess to come.

I adored the fact that this book dealt with the hard thing of blending two worlds together and the problems that come with that.

The storyline was so well done and the characters just frame it perfectly.

This is going to be an awesome series and this first book kicked it off perfectly.

I received a advanced readers copy for free and am leaving a honest voluntary review.

[Jill Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you hooked from the start Sam and Eli meet at a halloween ball and their attraction is instant. They come from totally different worlds and after one night together they part. But fate has other ideas, and a few months later they meet again and the connection is still there.
Sam is not comfortable with Eli’s world and she believes that all rich people are selfish and just out for themselves. She knows Eli is different but just can’t get past these beliefs . The book follows their journey to try and make their relationship work.
It is so well written and is from both characters point of view.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.

[Claire Turvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favourite in the series, but a fun read nevertheless

Whilst I did enjoy this book, I didn’t feel that the resolution rang true to the characters - it felt a bit forced. I am also not super fond of breath play in spicy scenes, and there is a bit of that in this book.

I am very glad that I read the third in this series (The Billionaire Gamble) first, as it is excellent and I will happily re-read it at some point in time - so if you are not sure if this book is for you, try out that one!

Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.

[Ruth Kabeche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Eli and Sam’s story and would recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining, well written, sexy story. The characters are complex even if you think of a billionaire and a normal person falling in love a bit cliche.

It was very easy to put myself in Sam’s shoes with her complicated feelings towards the mega-rich and how uncomfortable she is in social settings. I immediately loved Eli. His cocky bad boy smile and attitude was very captivating.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Evy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Sylvia and I enjoyed it. We get to meet Elijah (Eli) the billionaire and his bet with friends but also Samantha (Sam) who’s the best thing that ever happened to him. You get to enjoy their love ride with ups and downs. The thing that bothered me was his grand gesture at the end, I found it unbelievable and she didn’t change/do a thing, and it was also a bit rush rush.

But nevertheless I’m curious to read the next book in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. From the very beginning I was hooked and the twists and turns of Eli and Sam’s relationship kept me up all night reading. Unlike other books with similar premises, this book is not predictable and everything I expected was flipped upside down. The main characters come to life throughout the book as they both grow realistically, causing the reader to become irreparably attached to them. I can’t wait to read more of Hart’s work.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sizzling meet cute for Eli and Sam. When these two met again, it was almost like fate. These two had quite the chemistry though the differences in their thinking and lifestyle threw roadblocks on their developing relationship. These two had quite a few things to work out but I was really rooting for them. Sam is quite strong-willed and Eli was a romantic at heart. I found this romance fun to read and very entertaining.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Robin Perrtree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a strong female lead who is not swayed by his money.

Sam and Eli first meet at a masquerade with a hot connection but leave without exchanging anything beyond first names. After searching for her without luck Eli is doubly surprised when he and a pal make a bet that he can improve a random company at the Chamber of Commerce meeting and his friend's random choice turns out to be Sam. Can he win her back or will he scare her off with the bet and his business dealings? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam is an independent young woman struggling to make her coffee shop a success. Along comes Eli, a charismatic, capable person, promising to help turn it all around. Both from very different backgrounds and very different growing up experiences.

Reading about their endeavour to meld the two worlds and build a workable relationship was wonderful. This is the first book that I've read by Sylvia but it won't be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

So romantic

Eli and Samantha’s story starts with mystery. The two had a night together and agreed to move on, but never forgot it.

Do they met again and the work of trusting each other gets tested. They each try to fit in each others’ world.

It’s a good book without a dull moment. The secondary characters were memorable enough that I’d like to know their stories, too.

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Billionaire Games Series and Samantha (Sam) and Eli’s story. Sam meets Eli at a masquerade party and the chemistry between them is undeniable. They spend one sizzling night together, both assuming it was for just one night. Then they meet each other again, but there are challenges along the way. This was a really good romance and I recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Billionaire Bet' was an entertaining read. The page-turning plot was focused on two business owners with adversity in their pasts and how they tried to find happiness in their lives. Also, the characters were wonderfully written. However, the plot got a little sappy at the end, especially the way Eli (a protagonist) went about achieving his happiness. Otherwise, the narrative was entertaining, and I liked it.
I received a copy for free. I am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Susan Ronsonette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Love Story

Yes, there was a bet made by 2 billionaires that included Sam and Elijah. The bet was just part of the amazing love story between Samantha and Elijah. This story kept me up reading until I finished it. If you get time, please spend it reading The Billionaire Bet.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Billionaire Bet is a complete stand alone story. My favorite aspect of the story is that it showed a relationship as work. I liked the characters, and would give the story 4.5 stars. This was the first book I've read by Sylvia Hart, and I'm interested in reading more of the series.

I received a copy of this book at my request, and the opinions here are my own.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved this book.

I loved this story so much that I stayed up until 3am to finish the book. What a great Author. I can't wait to read more books by this Author. I recommend this Author to everyone. If you want to really enjoy a good book then read anything from this Author, you will not be disappointed.

[Jenni Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a bit longer than expected, but it was very cute. i loved the ending and the how their story played out! it was a bit more realistic with the challenges they came across between their relationship and i enjoyed the journey.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathy Brewster-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the series. I read the 3 book in this series first and I just had to go back and read the stories that came before it. You get such a clear picture of the charterers and the description of where the story is taking place.