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Harper & Lyttle #2

The Secret Dreams of Sarah-Jane Quinn

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Sarah-Jane Quinn has many secret dreams: to own the bed-and-breakfast inn where she stayed as a child; to finally capture the elusive Coleridge “Collie” Tate, on whom she has an enormous crush; and most importantly, to be someone’s top priority for once in her life.

But Collie is a single father with a potential custody battle on his hands, and Sarah ranks roughly Number 917 on his list of concerns. So when Gus Haldemann, the sophisticated director of Human Resources, shows a marked interest in her, she finds it not only flattering (and mystifying), but decidedly tempting and irresistible.

And then Sarah is brutally attacked by a violent stalker. In the aftermath, she must re-evaluate her priorities and decide which man reaches deepest into her heart – and let the other go forever.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2011

49 people are currently reading
687 people want to read

About the author

Sharon Gerlach

11 books70 followers
I am a writer. Enough said. ;-)

I love to hear from my readers what worked for them and what didn't in my writing. I don't issue disclaimers or trigger warnings.

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5 stars
296 (38%)
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274 (35%)
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133 (17%)
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47 (6%)
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16 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile".
1,902 reviews297 followers
February 11, 2018
4 stars

Definitely will be reading Office Politics. I hope we see more of the Harper & Lyttle office crew. Note: may contain triggers for some.
Profile Image for MsRomanticReads.
788 reviews188 followers
February 19, 2012

Fantastic plot and writing and a healthy dose of L.O.L. humor. Bet you a dime you'll love it.

Wow! I can't believe this was free because it was amazing! I got this free on Amazon and realized later that this the second book in the Harper & Lyttle series. However I had no problem following this story without the benefit of reading the first book Office Politics.

Sarah-Jane Quinn is the newest addition (or the “Prized Cow” as she likes to call it) to Harper & Lyttle, a software development company. She's been crushing on her coworker, Coleridge “Collie” Tate since she started working there, but aside from joking, betting a dime on everything, and the occasional outings, he doesn't seem interested in her “in that way”. At least not until the director of HR and recently single Gus Haldemann seems to show an interest in her. She soon finds herself caught between two men who couldn't be more different, but she's equally attracted to both. When her life takes a drastic turn, which man will be there for her – completely?

I was hooked from the first page. The story takes place mostly in the office, around the cramped cubicles, the water-cooler and the storage room in the basement which is the perfect place for office trysts, eavesdropping on conversations and letting of steam by destroying junk. All the characters stand out in their own unique way, and the clashing of so many personalities made you feel like you were a part of the group, eavesdropping on the juicy office gossip and drama.

Jane is emotionally stunted, doesn't really know what love is, and her low self-esteem and insecurities make her a little naïve and blind to the attentions thrown her way, and she suffers from asthma attacks when she's under duress. She's a people-pleaser and runs from confrontation. Her family treat her like garbage, though I didn't fully understand why. Jane may come across as a pushover, but I found her anything but.

Collie was a cute counterpart for Jane, matching her humor and wit tit for tat. But there was always something a little aloof and detached about him. I chalked it up to his bad experience with his daughter's mother.

Gus, on the other hand, was everything Collie wasn't – sexy, intense, powerful, devoted. He never pushed his way into Jane's relationship, but he subtly let her know that he was always there, and that she was always in the forefront of his mind.
When the mother of Collie's daughter shows up in his life wanting to get to know her daughter again, the stress and insecurities threaten to tear Jane and Collie apart. The final nail in the coffin seems to be when Collie has to go away for a few months to be with his daughter and his ex. Then Jane is brutally attacked in the office and barely manages to escape. Gus swoops in and makes her recover in his home where he can protect her. As soon as Collie finds out, things turn sour and Jane finally comes to a decision about who truly cherishes her.

The ending has a few twists I never saw coming, but it was so wonderfully romantic – I cried hard and I swooned.

Favorite moments:



I sigh mentally. How does Cupid stand his job? No wonder he shoots arrows at us; it's not to make us fall in love, but because we make him want to vomit.

”A couple of things. They'll speak a lot of German—both Mom and Dad are Mannheim transplants. We grew up with a mixture of English and German that made it damn difficult when we started school.” He flashes a grin. […] though beware of the words die Schlampe coming from Maggie, Dee's wife. And if she calls me der Schwanz, just pretend you didn't hear.

I laughed uproariously because I speak German :)

”Uncle Gus, will you say grace over my hot chocolate?”
Perplexed, Gus shrugs. “Sure, buddy. Didn't you already say it, though? You're halfway done.”
“But Dad said you're a really holy man and that's why you kept saying 'sweet Jesus' last night in your room. He said you were praying.”
Gus chokes on his coffee and snorts it out his nose.




This story has cemented its position in my top favorites list. Thank you, Ms Gerlach for this wonderful story and unforgettable characters.
Profile Image for The Project.
137 reviews23 followers
February 24, 2012
Love triangles. I find them frustrating. Not necessarily in an awful way. They just stress me out. Make me hedge on who I want the heroine with. Bite some nails. That kind of thing. Well, usually.

I started reading this story, and from the get-go, I LOVED Sarah-Jane Quinn. She struck me as rather Bridget Jones-ish, without being a Bridget Jones clone. (Just try to sort out THAT logic, readers.)

Sarah's crush, Collie is introduced. And I'm in lust. Want Collie. Dear God, give me a Collie of my own. Then Gus is introduced. And I'm in adoration. A warmer, fuzzier kind of lust. I kinda want Gus, too.

I can't give away plot. I want to, believe me. This is the part in which I desperately want to rave about this section and that event. But I'm trying to be a good reviewer, and not spoil. So, let me say this: The true star of this story is the voice. Just stellar. I admit, in the past, I have found it difficult to get into narratives in the first-person, present tense. Not even the faintest issue, here. Sarah-Jane is our guide through her murky love life (and lord, how she reminds me what it was like to be twenty-something and looking for Mr. Right), and her voice is strong, true, and amusing. You can't help but want her to find happiness. I instantly connected to the characters in this novel, and that connection didn't waver. And I was a little bummed when I read the last sentence. (Bonus: I didn't see the little twist at the end coming, though I knew something was up. Always a plus when I get a little surprise.) Run and give this story a read!

--Joey, The One Hundred Romances Project
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for John Zunski.
Author 3 books96 followers
January 2, 2013
When I first stumbled upon The Secret Dreams of Sarah-Jane Quinn on my kindle I wondered how did that title get there? Then I thought, hmmmm, this sounds like it may be a little saucy. Once I started reading, I discovered it was, please extract your minds from the gutter, it wasn't saucy like that. It was like BBQ sauce with a little bite, one that lasts long after the meal is complete. Only instead of hours, the taste has hung on for days, teasing me to occasionally lick my chops to recapture any lingering tastes of the characters and the twisting storyline.

In the midst of the book the thought occurred that Ms. Gerlach is the love child of Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich. Her prose was so free-flowing that the characters and plot seemed to be swinging on monkey bars. It takes talent to create a captivating piece set in a cube farm of Any Office USA. At least the others mentioned use exotic locales like Florida and Trenton.

Bravo Sharon Gerlach!

Dear Readers, I'll bet ya a dime that you won't be disappointed if you discover The Secret Dreams of Sarah-Jean Quinn.


Profile Image for Lori.
18 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2012


I love this book so much I've read it 4 times
Profile Image for Thuly Tran.
101 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2012
I can't believe this book is free! I would pay for this in a hardcover copy if I can. It is THAT good! O_O;
I thought that the author is very clever with the connection between Gus and Sarah when they were little is so cute. My heart skipped a beat when Sarah said "Finally, I was first in someone's heart". I want to cry for Sarah at that point.
Also, the poor girl was always treated by like a slave by her family. As Sarah mentioned, I finally understand the different between boys and men (Collie and Gus) because Collie is too egocentric. According to Collie, his stress is so monumental that no one CAN possibly understand.
ALso, can I talk about how much I love Gus. Gus just made me sighed like a fan girl. Beside being selfless and charming, he can ushers sweet German words to Sarah. That is too sweet for my poor heart. Please tell me Gus have a brother somewhere that's available.... XD
An absolute gem from a new writer. I am looking forward to her other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Biba.
129 reviews12 followers
November 2, 2013
OMG! This Book! I can't even. I was not expecting it to be THIS good or THIS perfect. At least I loved it, but then I fell in love with Sarah and her story with her family was heartbreaking. 10% into the book I knew I was going to love it, but I had no idea how freaking good it was going to be. I can't say anything without giving too much away, but just take my word for it, and read this book, you won't regret it. Especially towards the end, with the twist and you just can't believe that is happening and how perfect it is. I wanted to get to the end of the book cause I was so curious and I wanted to read the end, but now I'm regretting it, I wish there was more to this story. Read it, you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Peach.
789 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2012
Sarah Quinn was sort of like Cinderella. She was treated very poorly by her parents and sister who took advantage of her and did not care for her welfare. Though beautiful, she was insecure and timid because of her upbringing. There were two guys in her office who were interested in her. Who would be her Prince Charming - someone who treasured and fulfilled her?
It was a very enjoyable read. Sarah's inner thoughts and her blogs were funny and endearing. My favorite quote from the book:
"We all look for something that's personally fulfilling, and when we're lucky, we fulfill the person who is fulfilling us."
Profile Image for Lucinda.
Author 22 books1,303 followers
February 27, 2013
I read this one yesterday and I absolutely loved it! It is very well written, and Sarah is an amazing protagonist. I loved her voice as well. She's imperfect, and undecided, and she's really only looking for someone to love, someone who will make her the top priority.
I started out liking one of the male characters more, but soon saw that the other one was actually 'the' one. And he's SO attractive, loved him!
There are funny moments, really dark moments, twists you don't see coming, and a secret! And what a secret it is! Loved the ending too! This is one that I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Valerie Waters.
1,213 reviews
March 16, 2012
Wow. What a good book! I really loved the story line. I only give it 4 stars because I'm not a fan of the swearing and there were a few things that happened that I didn't like. But overall it was amazing! I wanted to throw it at the end though....just glad I didn't :) I LOVE Gus! I can't believe all that happened. Oh I really did love this book!
Profile Image for Devon Herrera.
Author 3 books73 followers
February 26, 2013
This book is HILARIOUS!! I loved it because aside from being super funny, it had a great romance story and some tear jerking, nail biting moments. It's not smut read so don't get if for the steam factor but if you just want a great laugh and a good read, it's perfect. And its Free on Amazon!!
360 reviews23 followers
August 7, 2013
The Secret Dreams of Sarah Jane Quinn is a beautiful love story. It reaches far beyond romantic stirrings and shouts to those who will listen: "our story begins at home." This book was a catharsis for me. With my usual fare of romance novels, I did not expect to hear Wisdom shouting that personalities, behaviors and idiosyncrasies are developed as a by product of childhood relationships and traumas. Sarah presented the perfect case scenario. She was so use to choking back anger and pain experienced at the hands of her parents and only sister that she endured additional pain and sufferings as an adult for not speaking up for herself. Avoidance became her coping mechanism. Yet, she held to Her hopes and dreams that she would one day become someone's number one priority. Here enters Gus Halderman. Unfortunately it took a life threatening incident to awaken Sarah to the notion that her heart's desire was within her grasp. This tragic incident was not just Sarah's experience but ours as well. Here, our hearts beat as one with Sarah. After all understanding dwells with Wisdom.
The telling of Sarah and Gus' story manifests love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness and the humor that comes with the security of knowing one is as worthy as another of acceptance and love. These are the ingredients that gives us strength and courage to accept and stand up for who we are. This is an endearing book that test all the emotions and I highly recommend it. After all, the greater pleasures are rooted in the heart.
Profile Image for Stief.
254 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2013
This story is about Sarah-Jane Quinn, a girl in her twenties looking for love... The guy she's been after for a while succumbs and they get together although she realises he isn't what she thought he was however on the sidelines is Mr.Eligible Bachelor himself- loving her from afar yet she doesn't realise.
There's a bit of drama that goes on which I won't reveal.

All in all a good book and worth the read. I guessed the link between Sarah and one of the other characters fairly early on so the ending wasn't a surprise.

It was an easy, comfy read with some swoon moments.

Enjoy !
Profile Image for Lauralynn Elliott.
Author 23 books32 followers
August 10, 2011
Wow, I'm not sure where to start. Office Politics was awesome, but this book was even better. There's humor sprinkled all through this book, but there are some VERY serious issues involved in the story. One thing I like about Sharon Gerlach's writing is that she always pulls you into the story. You feel for the characters and go through everything with them. I didn't want the book to end. And, I have to admit, reading this book made me late for work a few mornings!
Profile Image for Helen Manning.
297 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2013
One of the best books I have read in such a long, long time. Laugh out loud funny, tender and romantic and so very authentic. I love Sarah and Gus and we catch up with Frannie and Sam from an earlier book. There is angst and suspense but the emotions are real and I hoped in my heart that Sarah and Gus would have their HEA. Gerlach conveys emotion and longing and tenderness without graphic descriptions of sex. A deeply fulfilling read.
Profile Image for Angela.
119 reviews9 followers
February 2, 2012
I was very impressed with this book! It was great. It doesnt belong on the free books section in ibooks. It was heads and tails above the caliber of books Ive gotten for free on ibooks. I loved how it wasnt a smooth ride throughout...it had depth and I really enjoyed Sarah and Gus's characters.
Profile Image for Jatana Fleming.
362 reviews17 followers
March 8, 2013
I bet you a dime that you'll love this one. The office politics, love triangles, friendships and the cube farm really comes to life in this wonderful written book. You will laugh out loud, cry, your heart will break, and you'll even get tips for your computer. The twist and turns will have you holding your breathe, but the end will have you exhaling with a big smile on your face.
6 reviews
January 11, 2012

Another book that was pleasantly surprising after i received it free for my Kindle from Smashwords. I found i was hanging out to get home from work of a night so that i could find out what happens next!
1 review
July 7, 2020
One of the best books I’ve read...

Good storyline and the pace is great. The cast of characters are deep and not stereotypical ones. Even the bad guy has a believable backstory. These characters are like people we know and we either love, love to hate, or hate them. There were also a couple with the love-hate thing going on.

A great read with characters I still think about.


1,182 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2020
It was ok, I am glad she ended up with the right guy.
Profile Image for Julie Jefferies.
371 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2017
Sarah Jane has had a secret crush on Collie since she met him, they spend heaps of time together, and she loves his daughter Munchkin. Just as she seems to win Collie's heart, Gus throws a spammer in the works by showing he also has feelings for her. Everyone is keeping secrets. Sarah has a life changing event that makes her reevaluate all her relationships, and sees who steps up in her time of need. The question is will she ever have time to tell the person she truly loves that she does love him.

Now I must admit I struggled with this book, Sarah was very wishy washy with her affections, but as you read along and get to know her and the other characters, discover their secrets, you get to understand the characters, their stories that have made them who they are and how fragile and easily love can be taken from you.
Profile Image for Kim.
176 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2013
Sarah Jane Quinn works at Harper and Lyttle in an office full of work cubes. She has lots of dreams and longs, one day, to own the bed and breakfast inn she stayed in as a child. She also yearns to catch the attention of her work-mate, Collie Tate, who she has an enormous crush on. Collie, however, has other priorities. As a single dad his life is dominated by a custody battle for his child which consumes his thoughts and attention. Sarah finds herself way down on his list of concerns. She has a fraught relationship with her family and her sister is always number one in her mother’s eyes. Sarah realises she is only useful at family gatherings to help with the food preparation and the washing up.

It seems, that all her life she has been well down everybody’s list of priorities and one of her biggest dreams is to one day be someone’s number one concern. So, when Gus Haldermann shows a great interest in Sarah, she is flattered and bemused at his attention. She cannot help but find the handsome and charismatic director of Human Resources rather irresistible.

Then one day, Sarah is brutally assaulted at work by a violent stalker. She barely survives the attack and it takes her a long time to recover. During this time she realises she must choose between the two men in her life and re-evaluate her priorities, especially if she is to one day be top of anyone’s list.

All I can say is; I loved, loved, loved, this book! Not only was the story interesting but the characters were so well drawn, by the end of the story I felt as if I worked at Harper & Lyttle with them all myself. The dialogue was spot on, too. If Sharon Gerlach has not had some experience working in an office with cubes, I would be really surprised. She captured the humour, wit and politics of office life so succinctly that it was like listening in over the wall. At times the repartee was laugh out loud funny and I was completely enthralled. I also loved the ending of the story and it did not disappoint.

I found this book on Amazon for free. It is the best free download I have ever had from Amazon and I will definitely look out, and pay for, other books in the Harper & Lyttle series and by Sharon Gerlach

The Secret Dreams of Sarah-Jane Quinn
Profile Image for Wennie.
117 reviews12 followers
March 20, 2013
At first I couldn't believe the office politics that went on in this place! The director of HR showing romantic feelings towards a new employe!?!? Can someone say ... Harassment? After I got over that little hump, suspended reality a little bit and embraced the culture of Harper and Lyttle as part of creative license, I stopped being skeptical and started enjoying the book.

The writing is fast paced, with little fluff. All the scenes and events that happen are written in for a purpose. The story is told in a consistent speed, with appropriate build up and resolutions presented. This is one book where I can't get to the end of the story fast enough, but yet, a big part of me did not want it to end at all.

I loved the snarky voice of the narrator and protagonist, her self-deprecating humor and her ability to I immerse and thrive in that company culture. I think it would be fun to work in that office where office romance is tolerated, even encouraged sometimes. And loved loved loved that little twist in the end.

The heroine has flaws, thanks to her family, and her view of herself is so skewed. I am so glad that she found a man who is willing to be there for her without reservations, without a hidden agenda. One who always will put her first - who would not want a man like that? I know I would!

This is the second book in a series. And I was so enthralled that right after I finished it, I bought the first book to read.
Profile Image for Terri.
55 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2014
Needed a Language disclaimer. Slow Story

I detest the "F-bomb". When someone in person uses the word, I assume they are either uneducated, really mad, or hang around with the wrong friends. When an author CHOOSES to use this word, I question their vocabulary skills. Really? The author couldn't have chosen a different word? I also thought the main character's blog was totally unneeded. sure, it proves she is in an office setting, but talk about derailing the story, and making it boring! GEEZ! I hate to be so brutal, but I would have preferred a shorter read, than all the fluff that was added, clearly just to pad the story to make it longer. There were good elements to this story, but not enough for recommend it to others.
Profile Image for Crystal Yawn.
602 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2013
I don't know if i can review this without spoiling some of it. So my main message is stick with the book. The ending is fantastic.
That said, this is not a typical romance book. Sarah-Jane finds herself torn between Collie and Gus. The winner of her heart is not established until almost the end. The book does not have a concrete focus and has some out of place blog post that don't make sense. One man is a rock and one is a waif. You don't know which she chooses until she out of the blue marries one.
Very interesting book, ending made me cry. Will look for other titles from this author (even if she doesn't write about ninjas )
Profile Image for JP.
415 reviews
February 3, 2016
This was actually a rather "normal" story, compared to what I normally read. The characters were interesting, though some of the built-up could have been a little shorter. I was surprised when she became a couple with the other guy. That was really a sweet surprise.
The theme about the sexual harrassment at work as well as the violence of attempted rape was well researched and executed. It didn't seem clich_d or cheesy, but was shocking and violent. I liked the story, even with the daunting theme.
Profile Image for Confessions of a Book Whore.
129 reviews44 followers
February 20, 2013
I download this book for free on amazon a couple days ago. Initially I didn't think much of it but I decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed. This is the kind of book that draws you in from start to finish. I felt everything these characters felt. It's extraordinary to me how well Sharon Gerlach writes. This was the first book I've ever read by her and I'm eager to read more. The story was warm and heartfelt. There was romance and drama and some very scary moments but overall the story kept my interest. I really liked this book and I think you will too.
Profile Image for moxieBK.
1,763 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2015
I did not realize until after I read this book that this was a second in a series book. Having said that, it read quite nicely solo and I felt no need during or after to go and read more in this series.

This was a nice, tightly written story. The characters were very relatable and they felt true to form. The scene and plot was finely constructed and I felt fairly immersed into the story.

At times, I really didn't know how it would turn out, but when everything landed at the end, I was happy with the outcome.

Four stars
Profile Image for Chris.
1,394 reviews38 followers
June 1, 2012
A love triangle. Office politics. A stalker. What more can you ask for in a romance? I have to say that I like this one better than the first. It's still in the Harlequin realm of romance, but that's not a bad thing. There were some laugh out loud moments and some tears shed. I wish there that we had gotten more time with the couple as a couple than we did. It was an enjoyable book and I definitely recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews

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