Scan barcode
jigsawgirl's review
5.0
I know I have said it before. I hate cliffhangers. Try to avoid them at all costs. With this series and this duet, once again, Nana Malone has me HOOKED!
This is NOT a standalone. At minimum, you have to read book one, "Bodyguard to the Billionaire". This writer brings in a number of characters from previous books, which is great because you get to revisit the couples. After reading this duet, I think you may want to next read Sebastian and Penny's story, "Cheeky Royal".
I didn't think it was possible to like Derrick based on book 1, but I was so wrong. Theo and Zia were a good couple. They were an easy pair to like. Theo had many redeeming qualities while Derrick had none. Until this book.
I felt badly for Derrick and wanted him to find his "Zia". He had a bit of suffering to do first. Then I was hit with a new cliffhanger. No worries. Theo and Zia get their HEA. Some mysteries are resolved. New mysteries are created.
The fun thing about these books is when I think I know what is going to happen next and I am hit with a surprise from completely out of left field. This writer keeps me on my toes.
This book was funny, the dialogue was sarcastic and witty. It has that strong feeling of family, love, and loyalty. there is betrayal, some action, and danger. It is also steamy. I would definitely recommend this fast paced read. Looking forward to what happens next, and wondering who gets to be part of the next couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this.
This is NOT a standalone. At minimum, you have to read book one, "Bodyguard to the Billionaire". This writer brings in a number of characters from previous books, which is great because you get to revisit the couples. After reading this duet, I think you may want to next read Sebastian and Penny's story, "Cheeky Royal".
I didn't think it was possible to like Derrick based on book 1, but I was so wrong. Theo and Zia were a good couple. They were an easy pair to like. Theo had many redeeming qualities while Derrick had none. Until this book.
I felt badly for Derrick and wanted him to find his "Zia". He had a bit of suffering to do first. Then I was hit with a new cliffhanger. No worries. Theo and Zia get their HEA. Some mysteries are resolved. New mysteries are created.
The fun thing about these books is when I think I know what is going to happen next and I am hit with a surprise from completely out of left field. This writer keeps me on my toes.
This book was funny, the dialogue was sarcastic and witty. It has that strong feeling of family, love, and loyalty. there is betrayal, some action, and danger. It is also steamy. I would definitely recommend this fast paced read. Looking forward to what happens next, and wondering who gets to be part of the next couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this.
carlac135's review
5.0
The Billionaire’s Secret is the conclusion on Zia and Theo’s story. It picks up right where book 1 left off and jumps right into action. The interplay between Derrick and Theo is very enjoyable and you find yourself rooting for Derrick by the end. Theo and Zia do this dance around each other but eventually realize they belong together. The first reveal I guessed while reading..however the second reveal on who was behind everything was very unexpected but really added to the story. I love that we get to see all the beloved characters from the Winston Isles books. I cannot wait to keep reading!
chrissy3562's review
5.0
I've been dying for this book since I read book one! I am so happy I got to see how Zia and Theo's story ended. The plot thickened before it got resolved, but it did get resolved in this book. I wasn't expecting the person behind everything initially, but once a theory was brought up I figured it all out. We also get to see a bit more of Derrick and now I'd love to see him fall hard for a woman. This was definitely a satisfying end to this book and I definitely recommend it. You must read the first book in this duet first, this book is not a standalone.
tlea's review
4.0
Firstly, don't even think about attempting to read this book if you haven't read Book 1 yet. This is more like a 'part 2' than a 'book 2' - it is not standalone at all. That said, it's a fantastic finish! I love the characters in the Winston Isle/Royals related books & each book just builds on those. This book sees the conclusion of Theo & Zia's story & while it did get a little confusing there for me it's still an excellent read. My only negative, and it's one I've mentioned in my reviews for this author before, it that coming in to a conclusion book I would like to have a quick description of who the main players are again. Sometimes I'm reading and a character pops up in the story with the expectation that I'll know who it it. Eventually I work it out, but it would be quicker and more enjoyable if there was just something to prompt my memory of the character list. Overall though, this is a small thing in such an enjoyable read.
wilko's review
4.0
Well the secret is out there are two Derricks fortunately they also now know Theo is nice Derrick and well Derrick is still Derrick, this still causes plenty of issues and working out who's targeting both Theo and Derrick still needs to be discovered. Things between Zia and Theo are on rocky ground and Sebastian and others have their hands full with Derrick so there is still plenty of heartache, distrust and secrets to be had and twists that leave you a bit gob smacked!
profromance's review
4.0
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had been waiting for the second book from Nana Malone’s Royal Elite Billionaire Duet, The Billionaire’s Secret. Malone left us on quite the cliffhanger with the first book, and I was anxious to find out how it was resolved.
And resolve it she did.
Interestingly enough, Malone began the resolution fairly quickly in the story, although the big reveal, offering up the person responsible for trying to kill Theo and harm Derrick, doesn’t come until almost the end of the book. Getting there, however, can sometimes be tedious in this new offering. There are parts of this book that I liked, namely the characters and the romance between Zia and Theo, and there were parts of the book that I think could have done with more editing. Here are my general impressions:
*If you love romantic suspense, then you should read this book. As I stated above, the reveal of the villains comes late in the book, so you have plenty of time to bask in the developing romance of Theo and Zia. You also get little updates on characters’ lives from the other books in the Royal Elite family.
Theo is my favorite character in this book. While he fights his attraction to Zia, there is something stalwart about him that impresses upon the reader. He cares about other people in a way that Derrick doesn’t, and, given his background, you want a happy ending for him,
*Zia represents strong women, and it’s admirable here. However, she frustrated me more than Theo because her reasons for distancing herself from him, even after his “betrayal,” don’t make sense in her position. She should have had a greater understanding of Theo’s motivations. Thankfully, she doesn’t waste much of the story on keeping her distance. However, it was frustrating nonetheless.
*One of the downfalls of the book is the shifting point of view. The first book is a dual POV book moving between Theo and Zia. For this book, I think Malone wants to offer up other characters’ perspectives on the story. In doing so, it brings in too many spoons to stir the pot. I understand her thinking behind it. It read as tedious to me. I love a dual POV book, and I think we could have understood the story if we only had Zia and Theo’s perspectives. Malone might have incorporated the other POVs in the epilogue, or I am hoping that Derrick will find his own story in a separate book.
This story is definitely entertaining, and it keeps the reader engaged in the story. As I was reading it, though, it felt like it dragged at times, and I wondered if it could have been revised to be a tighter story. In the world of romance, Malone’s The Billionaire’s Secret provides us with everything we love: billionaire romances, fiery women, secrets, and suspense. If those are your favorite tropes, then you will definitely want to read this book.
I had been waiting for the second book from Nana Malone’s Royal Elite Billionaire Duet, The Billionaire’s Secret. Malone left us on quite the cliffhanger with the first book, and I was anxious to find out how it was resolved.
And resolve it she did.
Interestingly enough, Malone began the resolution fairly quickly in the story, although the big reveal, offering up the person responsible for trying to kill Theo and harm Derrick, doesn’t come until almost the end of the book. Getting there, however, can sometimes be tedious in this new offering. There are parts of this book that I liked, namely the characters and the romance between Zia and Theo, and there were parts of the book that I think could have done with more editing. Here are my general impressions:
*If you love romantic suspense, then you should read this book. As I stated above, the reveal of the villains comes late in the book, so you have plenty of time to bask in the developing romance of Theo and Zia. You also get little updates on characters’ lives from the other books in the Royal Elite family.
Theo is my favorite character in this book. While he fights his attraction to Zia, there is something stalwart about him that impresses upon the reader. He cares about other people in a way that Derrick doesn’t, and, given his background, you want a happy ending for him,
*Zia represents strong women, and it’s admirable here. However, she frustrated me more than Theo because her reasons for distancing herself from him, even after his “betrayal,” don’t make sense in her position. She should have had a greater understanding of Theo’s motivations. Thankfully, she doesn’t waste much of the story on keeping her distance. However, it was frustrating nonetheless.
*One of the downfalls of the book is the shifting point of view. The first book is a dual POV book moving between Theo and Zia. For this book, I think Malone wants to offer up other characters’ perspectives on the story. In doing so, it brings in too many spoons to stir the pot. I understand her thinking behind it. It read as tedious to me. I love a dual POV book, and I think we could have understood the story if we only had Zia and Theo’s perspectives. Malone might have incorporated the other POVs in the epilogue, or I am hoping that Derrick will find his own story in a separate book.
This story is definitely entertaining, and it keeps the reader engaged in the story. As I was reading it, though, it felt like it dragged at times, and I wondered if it could have been revised to be a tighter story. In the world of romance, Malone’s The Billionaire’s Secret provides us with everything we love: billionaire romances, fiery women, secrets, and suspense. If those are your favorite tropes, then you will definitely want to read this book.
joskypay's review
5.0
Such a great conclusion! This story has everything, surprise sibling, mystery, danger, espionage, intrigue, and a piping hot couple (Zia and Theo) on an unforgettable adventure to see it through. I love this author's style, there is a whole series of books now with the main characters prominent in other stories as well. You don't have to read about the other couples to understand this one, but you do need to read the first book of this duet. I promise you though after reading Theo and Zia's story you will want to know the rest of the royal family and the security team. A great couple and a hot fun story to get caught up in!
fsmeurinne's review
5.0
Great ending for this duet. Theo and Zia keep their story but now we get inside Derrick. I love the humor and suspense done in this books. Great twist to the story and so that makes it a great read as you will not expect it. I totally recommend this books, read book one first so you understand more about it. Nana Malone has become one of my favorite authors this year, can't wait to read more.
maureensbooks89's review
3.0
After reading the first book, which ended in a major cliffhanger, I was excited to start reading this second book as soon as possible. Just as with the first book, the cover doesn’t really work for me, but I’m all about not judging a book by its cover.
In ‘The Billionaire’s Secret’ the story of Theo and Zia continues right where the first book ended. Theo’s secret is out, and Zia is devastated to find out about Theo’s lies. And now Derrick, the one Theo pretended to be, is back with some confusing news.
I definitely enjoyed reading what happened next with Theo and Zia. I’m not a big fan of major cliffhangers, but since I was able to continue reading fast after finishing the first book.. I could definitely see the charm of the cliffhanger. And this second book is definitely more thrilling than the first one. It kept me on the edge of my seat.
What I enjoyed most about this book was reading about the other side characters. It was fun getting to know some of the other characters more. But I didn’t really get why we read through some of the other characters point of views. It was fun, but was it necessary? I don’t know.
The romance between Theo and Zia was definitely fun to read about, just as the first book. But I did think there was way to much sex in this book. I mean, I could have loved this book just as much without it.
In the end I definitely enjoyed this book. And I enjoyed finding out who was behind getting Derrick and Theo in trouble. But I do think this series would have worked even better as just one book instead of two.
In ‘The Billionaire’s Secret’ the story of Theo and Zia continues right where the first book ended. Theo’s secret is out, and Zia is devastated to find out about Theo’s lies. And now Derrick, the one Theo pretended to be, is back with some confusing news.
I definitely enjoyed reading what happened next with Theo and Zia. I’m not a big fan of major cliffhangers, but since I was able to continue reading fast after finishing the first book.. I could definitely see the charm of the cliffhanger. And this second book is definitely more thrilling than the first one. It kept me on the edge of my seat.
What I enjoyed most about this book was reading about the other side characters. It was fun getting to know some of the other characters more. But I didn’t really get why we read through some of the other characters point of views. It was fun, but was it necessary? I don’t know.
The romance between Theo and Zia was definitely fun to read about, just as the first book. But I did think there was way to much sex in this book. I mean, I could have loved this book just as much without it.
In the end I definitely enjoyed this book. And I enjoyed finding out who was behind getting Derrick and Theo in trouble. But I do think this series would have worked even better as just one book instead of two.
lowkeyreader's review
4.0
The Billionaire’s Secret is the perfect conclusion to the Billionaire’s Duet. I loved Theo and Zia in book one and this is a continuation of their story. Derrick, however, is the character in book two that we have the chance to find more about. But, no, its not a love triangle.
Just like book one, this book is also intriguing that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat and action-packed storyline where the characters are constantly trying to solve the mystery. After book one, we knew there were secrets being kept. But now as all those secrets unravel, we finally find out who was the culprit creating havoc over this family for so many years.
Totally unexpected plot twist! So if you love romance with a little bit of suspense and action, but also great banter and witty humor, you'll want to read this!
Just like book one, this book is also intriguing that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat and action-packed storyline where the characters are constantly trying to solve the mystery. After book one, we knew there were secrets being kept. But now as all those secrets unravel, we finally find out who was the culprit creating havoc over this family for so many years.
Totally unexpected plot twist! So if you love romance with a little bit of suspense and action, but also great banter and witty humor, you'll want to read this!