He’s a billionaire hiding a devastating diagnosis. She’ll do whatever it takes to help her sick, matchmaking mom. A freak accident throws them together, but will his big secret tear them apart?
When Ryan Lawson’s business partners force him to go on a wilderness retreat to come to terms with a shocking diagnosis, the last thing on Ryan’s mind is romance. But when he’s stranded in the woods with a sweet young event planner, all thoughts of business take a back seat to her girl-next-door appeal.
Fresh off a bad breakup, Zara Georgopoulos comes to Vermont to help her terminally ill mom work through her bucket list—not fall in love with a man who’s the exact opposite of her usual type. But when Ryan starts working his way into her heart with his kindness and generosity, she needs to make a decision: Trust the biotech billionaire not to walk all over her, or go back to guarding her heart.
Stuck in the wilds of Vermont, they forge a tenuous connection. When Ryan finally shares the truth about his illness, will it bring them closer together . . . or shatter Zara’s trust in him for good?
Inspired by 2 Corinthians 12:9, The Billionaire’s Secret is a sweet inspirational romance with a swoony hero, LOTS of entertaining banter, and a strong Christian message. Download your copy today!
Excerpt
Ryan cleared his throat and changed the subject. “You and your mom are pretty close, aren’t you?”
Zara laughed and rolled her eyes. “Too close, if tonight’s any indication.”
“Kind of unusual for a twenty-six- or twenty-seven-year-old to live with her mom, isn’t it?”
“Um, clearly you’re not up on your statistics, Mr. Venture Capitalist. Practically half the young adults in the U.S. live with their parents. Cost of living’s expensive these days, especially in the city.”
“But eHealthEMR’s a great company, and you’ve been there for a while, right?”
“As a trade show coordinator,” she replied. “I’m not an MIT-educated biomedical engineer.”
“How much do you make? It can’t be that bad.”
She choked out a laugh. “I’m not telling you my salary! That’s like asking a woman to tell you how much she weighs.”
“So . . .” Ryan grinned. “How much do you weigh?”
“Oh, my gosh, stop it!” she squealed, slowing the car so she could smack him on the arm.
“I’m a hundred and eighty or eighty-five pounds, depending on how often I get to the gym.”
“I’m not telling you how much I weigh, or how much money I make, mister,” she said, narrowing her eyes in mock irritation.
He held up his hands. “Settle down. I’m just teasing you.”
She shook her head, her eyes brimming with amusement. “You’re distracting the driver, which isn’t a good idea in the rain.”
He looked out the window. “Was that lightning?”
“Yeah, I’ve seen a few flashes so far.”
“You still okay to drive?”
She gave him a look that screamed oh, please. “I’m a New England girl. We can drive in all kinds of weather.” They hit the intersection with US-4, and Zara turned onto it, then gave him a sidelong glance. “And I’m twenty-eight, by the way.”
His lips curved up, and he nodded. Twenty-eight was respectable. No one would be able to accuse him of robbing the cradle if he continued spending time with her. As friends, though. Just as friends.
Excerpted from The Billionaire’s Secret by Meghann Whistler, Copyright © 2021 by Meghann Whistler. Published by Meghann Whistler.
About the Author
Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won’t make your grandmother blush.
Her debut novel, Falling for the Innkeeper, was a #1 bestseller in the Clean & Wholesome Romance category on Amazon.ca. It was also named one of “Six Sensational 2020 Debut Series Romances” by the American Library Association’s Booklist Reader, and is currently a finalist for the 2021 Book Buyers Best award.
Before settling down with her rocket scientist husband and raising three rambunctious boys, Meghann earned a B.A. in English from Amherst College and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College.
She is grateful to be living her dream of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace.
A 1000-piece Vermont jigsaw puzzle
A “My Weekend Is All Booked” adult coloring book
A “My Weekend Is All Booked” mug
A signed copy of Meghann’s debut novel, Falling for the Innkeeper
(US Only)
Ends October 20, 2021
Sherry
I really like the excerpt and the cover.
Meghann Whistler
Thanks, Sherry!
Peggy Clayton
I like the excerpt that was posted. I don’t like to be stranded in the woods I remember one time in my foster home my foster mother thought it was a good idea if we walked down in the woods and head towards the ocean. Well it was more than 25 miles away and she had no idea how to get there. Well we got lost and ended up being stranded in the woods after walking around for hours and now it is almost dark we found a road and a farmer happened to be going to town,. Well we called my foster father and he was so mad but he came and got all of us kids and her in his old truck. I was never so hungry and wanted water so bad. That night getting into bed was the best place and I was so thankful even though i was only 7 at the time.
Meghann Whistler
That’s so scary, Peggy! Glad you made it back home before bedtime!
Colleen C.
I would hope I had someone handy with me if I was lost in the woods…
Meghann Whistler
LOL – me, too!
jodi marinich
i would be no good stranded in woods. I am not a camper at all
Tina R
It’s been a long time but I’d have to bring my camping skills back to mind.
I enjoyed the excerpt and am looking forward to reading this.
Lori R
I would not be that great stranded in the woods but I don’t think I would panic as long as I had water.
Linda Herold
I would not do well if I got stranded! I am not an outdoor person!
Lori Byrd
I would probably die.
Bonnie
Since I have no survival skills, I would be completely lost. Hopefully there would be someone else around to help.
Congrats on the new release! Great excerpt. I’d love to read more.