SECRET CRUSH SEDUCTION (HEIRS OF HANSOL #2)

 Title: Secret Crush Seduction

Author: Jayci Lee

Tropes/genre: Contemporary romance, friends to lovers, billionaire, dynasty, office romance, reunion

Imprint: Harlequin Desire

On-sale date: September 1, 2020

Price: $5.25

Format: mmp/ebook

ISBN: 9781335209214

Book description: She’s done waiting for what she really wants. Aspiring fashion designer Adelaide Song wants to prove she’s more than just a pampered heiress. All she needs is a little courage—and the help of deliciously sexy Michael Reynolds, her childhood crush and her brother’s best friend. But when her secret crush turns into an illicit liaison, Adelaide realizes mixing business with pleasure spells trouble for all her plans.

Liza’s Review:

Secret Crush Seduction is the second book in the Heirs of Hansol from Jayci Lee. We get Adelaide Song and Michael Reynolds story in this book which is a friends-to-lovers romance.

Adelaide Song wants to take her place in her family's business, but because of her wild child college years, she feels as if her grandmother doesn't take her seriously. She has an amazing idea to add to their fashion empire and knows she can be successful. Michael Reynolds is her older brother's best friend and trusted family friend...and also the man Adelaide has loved her entire life. Adelaide knows her grandmother will support her latest project for the company if she can get Michael to help her out, and she can show Michael she has grown up as well.

I really adored the chemistry between Adelaide and Michael. Yes, there was major sexual attraction there from the beginning, but their working chemistry was just as strong. Michael is insanely attracted to Adelaide, but because he is her older brother's best friend and a family friend, he fights his attraction to her in the beginning. Adelaide is such a strong woman, but I saw her absolutely blossom and really come into her own as she worked on her fashion show project with all the designers, she handpicked. I felt like she was more willing to go after what she really wanted not only with her work life, but her love life, and Michael is who she always wanted. I really did love them as a couple, even when they were keeping it a secret from Adelaide's grandmother. I didn't love that Michael wasn't being entirely truthful about his reason for not being long term, and honestly that was really the only thing I didn't love about this story. Adelaide deserved better and for all the talk about her not being mature, I felt like Michael not sharing his secret was a disservice to her. 

Secret Crush Seduction was a sexy and emotional read. I really enjoyed this own voice story and can't wait to read the rest of the stories in this series. I somehow skipped book one, but it is awaiting me on my kindle right now. I really enjoy Ms. Lee's voice and look forward to more books from her in the future.

Rating: 4 Stars (B)

Review copy provided by publisher

 

Praise for author Jayci Lee:

“This book literally ticks all the boxes…BAM! Fireworks! The attraction is INSTANT and palpable.

And to make it even better, the two have unwittingly been presented with the solution to their individual conundrums: each other.” -Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

“38 romance novels that are set to be the best of 2020” – OprahMag.com

“If the fake relationship trope leaves you swooning, you won’t want to miss this first book in the Heirs of Hansol series. Garrett Song and Natalie Sobol strike a deal to pose as a married couple, and end up growing closer than they ever could’ve imagined.” -Bookish.com

“Jammed with popular romance tropes such as familial duty, fake engagement, and corporate espionage… a quick, enjoyable read. A competent debut from an up-and-coming author.” - Kirkus 

 “This formulaic story is well-executed but contains little surprise. Readers looking for a fluffy take on a favorite trope will be pleased.” -Publishers Weekly

“If you like Harlequin billionaire books, if the familiar rhythms of those plots suit you or are a comfort read for you, this will be exactly what you like.” - All About Romance

“I was hooked from the start….Garrett’s and Natalie’s internal monologues are funny…I really enjoyed the Korean culture that was excellently included and hope for (much!) more in the next story about Garrett’s younger sister who, I feel, is going to surprise the family when she’s let loose.” - Dear Author

“Jayci Lee artfully combines the marriage of convenience trope with Korean culture in Temporary Wife Temptation, a sizzling romantic debut that takes place within Hansol Incorporated, a successful LA-based fashion empire.” -PaperbackParis.com

“Ms. Lee wrote a wonderful, emotional and sexy story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, family devotion, and endearing characters giving Natalie and Garrett a chance at forever love. I highly recommend Temporary Wife Temptation to other readers.” -Lorlelie’s Lit Lair

TEMPORARY WIFE TEMPTATION

TEMPORARY WIFE TEMPTATION by Jayci Lee

Book description 

Much more than he bargained for…
“You want me to find you a wife?”
“No. I want you to be my wife.”
Garrett Song is this close to taking the reins of his family’s LA fashion empire…until the Song matriarch insists he marry her handpicked bride first. To block her matchmaking, he recruits Natalie Sobol to pose as his wife. She needs a fake spouse as badly as he does. But when passion burns down their chaste agreement, the flames could destroy them all…

About the author JAYCI LEE: Jayci Lee writes poignant, funny, and sexy romance. She lives in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys with boundless energy, and a fluffy rescue whose cuteness is a major distraction. She is semi-retired from her 15-year career as a defense litigator, and writes full-time now. She loves food, wine, and travelling, just like her characters. Books have always helped her grow, dream, and heal. She hopes her books will do the same for you.

EXCERPT:

Garrett resisted the urge to glance over his shoul­der to check on her. Natalie was a grown woman and he didn’t need to protect her from being swarmed by admirers. Besides, she was the one who had proposed they refrain from other relationships, so she wouldn’t do anything to hurt his reputation or hers.

Earlier, at her apartment, he’d caught fire at the sight of her in her little black dress. It was demure compared to the one she’d worn at Le Rêve, but it hugged her hour­glass figure and highlighted the curves underneath just enough to tease his imagination.

He walked to the bar for his Scotch and grabbed a flute of champagne from a server on his way back. As he’d anticipated, Natalie was now surrounded by a group of men and he lengthened his strides to reach her.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, sweetheart.” He pressed a light kiss on her lips and handed her the champagne.

“Thank you.” She leaned her head against his shoul­der when he pulled her to his side, playing her part like a pro.

“Natalie was just taking us to task about USC’s new head coach. It seems neither he nor I truly understand college football,” said one of Mike’s college friends.

“Is that so?” Garrett raised an eyebrow at her and she shrugged.

“Taking you to task is a bit harsh.” She hid her grin against the rim of her champagne flute as she took a long sip. “It’s just that I have a better understanding than you guys.”

The audience winced and guffawed at her cheeki­ness. As Natalie continued with her lecture, all the men listened intently, as did Garrett. She was funny and down-to-earth, and her mind was quicker than light­ning. Lost in her words, Garrett belatedly noticed the crowd had grown. Her champagne glass was depleted and her smile was becoming strained.

He leaned down close to her ear. “Tired?”

“And hungry.”

“All right, gentlemen. I’m whisking away my date now. I’m tired of sharing her.”

When the crowd finally dispersed, Natalie slumped against him with a groan. “I need food, champagne and somewhere to sit.”

A server walked over with a tray of bacon-wrapped shrimp and Natalie snatched a couple of them. She popped one in her mouth and mumbled around her food, “Not necessarily in that order.”

Garrett laughed and guided her toward the French doors leading out to the garden. Natalie ate every sin­gle hors d’oeuvre she met along the way and finished another glass of champagne.

“Holy cow. Is everything really, really delicious, or am I just famished? I would totally go back for that crab cake if my feet weren’t screaming at me to get my butt on a chair.”

He glanced down at her zebra-print high heels. They did amazing things for her legs but didn’t look remotely comfortable. “There’s a bench around the corner.”

“Oh, thank God.” She kicked off her shoes as soon as she plopped onto the seat.

Garrett shrugged out of his jacket and draped it around her shoulders before sitting next to her.

“Thank you,” she murmured, gazing at the garden. “It’s so beautiful out here.”

“Is it?” He and Mike had grown up tearing apart that very garden, but Garrett had never sat still and taken it all in, like they were doing now. “I guess you’re right.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

He studied her profile, her high, regal cheekbone and the graceful curve of her neck. Half of her hair had escaped the loose knot behind her head and fell down her back and shoulders. He wanted to sweep aside her hair and feel the softness of her skin, which he abso­lutely should not do.

“So how do you know so much about college foot­ball?” He tore his gaze away from her and stared at an old maple tree ahead of him, hard enough to make his eyes water.

“Long story.”

“We’ve got time.” He made a show of checking his watch. “I’ll give you ten minutes.”

Her laughter filled the garden, then ended on a wist­ful sigh. “My dad and I, we weren’t very close. The only time he didn’t mind my company was when we watched college football together. He was a huge fan. I don’t think he even noticed I was sitting there half the time.”

Garrett understood what that felt like. As soon as he finished graduate school, he’d thrown himself into his work. It was satisfying in its predictability and it created a common ground for him and his father. His dad had stepped down from the CEO position when his mom died, but returned to Hansol a few years later as an executive VP.

“I thought if I learned enough about the sport, he’d like me a little better.” Her shrug told him it hadn’t worked, but Natalie told her story without an ounce of self-pity—like she owned her past, hurt and all. His respect for her deepened. “But soon I noticed I wasn’t faking my enthusiasm anymore. I’d grown to love the sport. Who knew it’d come in handy at an intimate birthday party for a hundred people?”

“You certainly won over quite a few of them.”

“I did?” Her eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise.

He huffed out a laugh. “Why did you think that crowd was hanging on to your every word?”

“Watch yourself, Garrett Song.” Natalie narrowed her eyes and pointed a finger at him. “I know where you live.”

He snatched her hand and tugged her to her feet. “Yes, and you’ll be living there with me starting Sun­day.”

“Ugh.” She hooked an index finger in each of her shoes, not bothering to put them back on. “Do you ever stop thinking about work?”

“Yes.” He cocked his head and pretended to con­sider her question. “But only when I’m thoroughly dis­tracted.”

Her lashes fluttered and color saturated her cheeks, and his gut clenched with heat. She could definitely become his most dangerous distraction.

A CHRISTMAS PROPOSITION (DALLAS BILLIONAIRES CLUB #2)

“I need to get married…

And the only one who can help me is you .” 

Trading one scandal for another, Stefanie Ferguson must marry to save her brother’s political career. Luckily, her brother’s best friend wants to help. But until this moment, Emmett Keaton has been off-limits. Now their convenient vows on Christmas Day unleash a passion too long denied. Will this marriage for scandal become a marriage for real?

Digital Release Date: December 1, 2018

Print Release Date: December 4, 2018

Harlequin Desire

Contemporary Romance

Dallas Billionaires Club #2

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

This was such a fun series. Jessica Lemmon never disappoints. The characters and spot on writing, made reading this book in one sitting a blast!

Stefanie Ferguson is a hoot. I love a sassy heroine, and she has sass in spades. She’s strong and feisty, but still soft and caring. She’s everything I love in a well-rounded character. 

Emmett is my favourite kind of hero. He’s alpha and broody; the strong silent type. You really feel his vulnerability coming off of the pages. He’s so unsure of his own appeal and worthiness of love. 

The marriage of convenience trope is loads of fun. I loved seeing these characters fall head over heels for each other when it’s absolutely not what they had planned. Emmett’s stubbornness just slowed down his ability to admit it.

Like all of Jessica Lemmon’s novels, you get all the feels in this one. I found myself giggling (the part with Zach’s naked backside...hilarious!), sniffling during the “dark moment”, and feeling joy when Stef and Emmett found their way back together again. 

I truly enjoyed this series about the Ferguson family. I’m sad that it’s over. I’d love to see a short story with some updates on the couples. Hint hint Jessica! 😉

Rating: 4 Stars (A)

A SNOWBOUND SCANDAL

As the snow falls, her touch sets him aflame... "I don't want you to leave." Texas billionaire Chase Ferguson has one regret: leaving Miriam Andrix to protect her from his public life. When a snowstorm strands her in his mountain mansion, their passion reignites, and it's too hot to resist! But reality--and scandal--arrives with the thaw. Chase turned his back on happiness once. Will he fight for what he truly wants this time?

Release Date: August 1, 2018

Harlequin Desire

Dallas Billionaires Club #2

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s review:

I've been anxiously waiting to get my greedy hands on Chase Ferguson's book! I absolutely loved him in the first book, and I couldn't wait to see him shaken up by a woman, and see what's under his serious exterior.

I have to be honest, I struggled a bit with Chase at the beginning of the book. Like I mentioned above, I really liked him in the previous book, but he was more aloof and a wee bit colder then I imagined. I knew there was a reason for this. I mean, Jessica Lemmon isn't capable of writing a crappy hero. I knew by the end of the book that Chase would be my new book boyfriend. 

I love a good second chance at love story. And that's exactly what this book was. Miriam and Chase are stranded in a gorgeous house during a weekend long blizzard. They dance around the elephant in the room...their break up 10 years ago. But the chemistry is still simmering hot! How ever will they occupy themselves? They kept themselves busy...against a wall, on a chair, the floor in front of the fireplace, and I think they entertained themselves in a bed at some point! They certainly kept warm in the blustery weather!

As I suspected, Chase warmed up. Once I could "see" inside his head and heart, I knew why he held back a bit. And just like that, Chase and I were boyfriend and girlfriend ;)

As always, I walk away from a Jessica Lemmon book feeling wrung out and oh so happy! After only a few pages in I was excited about the next book... which doesn't come out until December! That's what Jessica does; Her writing keeps you totally intrigued and invested. I absolutely loved the "Knotting Hill" kinda scene at the end. I had a ridiculous smile on my face while reading it. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this series does not feel like the "typical" bodice ripper, old style Harlequin. It's steamy and decadent. Have I mentioned that Chase is my boyfriend now? 

Rating: 4 Stars (A)

LONE STAR LOVERS

This sexy Texan was only a one-night stand. Until he became her client--then her fake fiance! Penelope Brand's hookup with billionaire Zach Ferguson was casual. Until he announces her as his fake fiancee to avoid scandal--and she discovers she's pregnant. Now Zach demands they say, "I do," for their child. But Pen won't settle for a sham marriage. If Zach wants to keep his Lone Star lover, it's his whole heart or nothing... 

Release Date: March 1, 2018

Harlequin Desire

Contemporary Romance

Dallas Billionaires Club book #1

Review copy provided by the publisher 

Nikki’s Review:

Wowza! This book did not feel like a Harlequin Desire imprint! I expect more of a "closed door" when it comes to the sexy times in these novels. That wasn't the case with Jessica Lemmon's book, Lone Star Lovers. It was simply delicious.

Zach Ferguson comes from old Texas oil money. Like, billions of it! He's the fun guy of the family; always looking for a good time. But under that gorgeous smile, and yummy dimple, is a guy who is still licking the wounds of his broken heart from years ago.

Penelope Brand has a plan. She left behind her tattered reputation and drama for a fresh start in Dallas. She's a savvy businesswoman who doesn't have time for anything more than a sizzling one-night stand. Too bad her heart has other plans.

This book is full of some of my favourite tropes in romance; a fake engagement, a surprise pregnancy, and Billionaires. It's like Christmas all wrapped up in a book!

I loved these two characters together. They were so much fun. Zach brought out Pen's fun side, which she desperately needed. While there is some crazy chemistry between them, there is also an amazing friendship. I love when the hero and heroine form a solid relationship that isn't just about the physical stuff. There was plenty of banter that I have come to expect from a Jessica Lemmon book. This author writes some of my favourite dialogue.

The journey to their happily ever after didn't come easy. Both of these characters had to learn to let go and grab hold of what they wanted. It was amazing watching Zach and Pen grow, in both personality and emotionally. I really cared about these two. I was completely invested in their story. 

I absolutely can not wait for the next book! Zach's brother, Chase has me intrigued. He was so in control in this book. There was a second where he looked liked he wanted to unravel, but he didn't. That's the moment that I knew his book was going to be fantastic! 

Rating: 4.5 Stars (A)

The Cowgirl's Little Secret

She's back at his ranch…with baby in tow 

When nurse Jolie Davis comes home, she knows it's only a matter of time before she runs into Cord Barron—the Barrons own this town. In fact, it was their oil business rivalry with her father that caused her break up with Cord in the first place. But no amount of family meddling can deny the fact that she had his secret son. Now, four years later, as her ex is wheeled into the ER—while she's on duty!—it's time to come clean. Because it quickly becomes clear that Cord is determined to reclaim her…

Harlequin Desire

Red Dirt Royalty #2

Release Date April 1, 2015

I was lucky enough to be given a review copy from the author. I've been a fan of Silver James for years and am super excited for her new contemporary stories.

I really loved The Cowgirl's Little Secret. I'm normally not a huge fan of the secret baby troupe, but I found it really well done and completely understood why Jolie kept her secret. I also loved that both Cord and Jolie still loved each other after so many years away even though they didn't really trust each other again.

Jolie and Cord's son CJ was such a cutie and added a good bit of comic relief to what could be a really ugly situation. I loved that Cord totally fell in love with his son as soon as he saw him. Even though CJ was only 4 years old, I felt his reaction to finding out about his dad was perfect. I also totally got Jolie's concern about Cord suddenly being in their lives. 

I've said it when I read the first book in this series and I'll say it again now. Cyrus Barron is the character everyone will hate. I honestly don't think being struck by lightning is a harsh enough punishment for him. I really can't think of another character in a series I've hated as much as I do Cyrus Barron. The description Silver James gives of Cyrus is he can out JR Ewing his clan, and it is spot-on.

I really enjoyed the first 2 books in the Red Dirt Royalty series and am very hopeful to read the rest of the books in the series.