Lauren’s marriage broke down from her then husband’s fixed focus on career and lack of such dedication to herself and the girls.  The divorce made her a single parent and she went to work for her ex’s buddy, Noah Reeves.  Two years of working with this sexy man has placed her boss firmly into the starring role of her fantasies.  Unfortunately, his tastes run towards top heavy and well-toned twentysomethings.  Even then his relationships are short and many. 

A decade of yearning for the only woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with drives Noah to desperate measures.  Lauren Southall was beyond his reach  until she and Tim split up.  Surely suitable time has gone by so that she can move past that bad relationship and into his arms. 

So begins a meticulously planned seduction by her secret admirer Mr. Mysterious at night and her wooing from her friend and boss by day.   

This is one secret that is too good to keep.  Ms Bradley gives us a simple plot and then layers it with the complexities, anxieties and thrills of a romance that has been straining to burst forth for years.   

Initial reactions to Noah’s Machiavellian plan may be discomfort for being high-handed and manipulative, but have a bit of faith.  His motivations, genuine concern, and pained remorse make him very difficult not to fall in love with alongside the heroine. 

Once burned, twice shy is a terribly true state of mind for many who have been through divorce.  Readers will find a great character to cheer for in the loving but confidence shaken Lauren who must confront her concerns in order to again reach for happily ever after.    

The fiery erotic scenes were all the more effective for the skillful building and holding of sexual tension throughout the story.   It resulted in an incredible bonfire of heat, hope and definitely heart.

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