The Secret Note

by Lauren Rowe

He’s a hot Aussie. I’m a girl who isn’t shy about getting what she wants. The problem? Ben is my little brother’s best friend. An exchange student who’s heading back Down Under any day now. But I can’t help myself. He’s too hot to resist.

During a camping trip with my brother and his friends, I slip Ben a secret note, inviting him to my tent after everyone else has gone to sleep. Ben might be heading back to The Land Down Under in a couple days, but I’m betting I can tempt his hunky ass to show me everything he knows about “going down under” before then.

I’m not going to fall in love with Ben. There’s no time for that. But I’m sure as hell planning to have a damned good time with him tonight.

Note: The Secret Note is a complete, standalone short story (15k words), with a HEA, no cliffhanger, and no prior reading required.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Audiobook, Short Stories

74 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2020

About the author

USA Today and internationally bestselling author Lauren Rowe lives in San Diego, California, where, in addition to writing books, she performs with her dance/party band at events all over Southern California, writes songs, walks her dogs, and spends time with her family and friends.
Much to Lauren’s thrill, her books have been translated all over the world in multiple languages and hit multiple domestic and international bestseller lists. To find out about Lauren’s upcoming releases and giveaways, and to check out loads of bonus material, sign up for Lauren’s emails at www.LaurenRoweBooks.com.
Lauren loves to hear from readers! Send Lauren an email from her website, say hi on Instagram @laurenrowebooks, and/or come by her Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Lauren Rowe Author.”

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Started off the new year with a Lauren Rowe novella and I have no regrets! I love her writing and her books always make me smile. This was on the short side and I could have used so much more with this couple, but it was enjoyable!

Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Vanessa Vasquez
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 1h 38m

[Lana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was lovely! Fast paced, well written, funny.
One may say it was an insta-love story, yet it wasn't quite that. I adored Ben for his sweetness and devotion; I loved Kaylee for her unapologetic attitude and wit. Their dialogues? Perfect!

“Bloody hell, you’re a tough nut to crack, Kaylee Rae.” He smiles. “But you know what, sweetheart? You’ve met your match.”
“Is that so?”
“It is.” He winks. “I happen to be a highly motivated nutcracker.”

Short, hot, funny and sweet. What's not to like?! Will be definitely reading more by the author.

[Simran . · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ”Kaylee and her hot Aussie” stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one was a really unique and refreshing story. It was funny, different, sweet and so so steamy. The plot was really interesting. I enjoy this author’s writing a lot. It is witty, engaging and completely erotic and this one was no less. Even though short, it still felt complete.

We meet Kaylee who slips a dirty note to Ben, who is her younger brother’s roommate and a foreign exchange student, and inviting him to spend the night with her. What they have is then a hot and sweaty night together and turns out it was Ben’s first time. Knowing he’s about to leave soon, they part ways with a memorable experience.

But fate has other plans. Few years later, Ben gets an acting job in LA and moves there. He texts Kaylee asking to get together and turns out their chemistry is just as strong and Ben has turned into quite a fine specimen, no longer the shy boy she remembers from their night. Things move fast from there.

”I want to take you someplace where I can kiss you. For a very long time. And in private. And not just on your mouth.”
My clit pulses. “I live three blocks from here. And lucky you, I just so happen to be free all night long.”
Ben stands and puts out his hand. “Off we go. I’ve been thinking about the student becoming the teacher for a bloody long time.”

I loved the banter between the two. Ben was sweet and patient with her. Kaylee was really independent and bold. I loved her attitude. I thought she might end up being annoying but luckily I adored her. You could see that they belonged with each other. I enjoyed that it was drama free and simply romantic and quite adorable. The sex scenes were hot especially when they meet again.

I highly recommend this one. You can easily read it in one sitting.

[Serena Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Súper corto y con un insta-todo a la velocidad de la luz pero muy flojo.




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers

•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen





The secret note de Lauren Rowe


Argumento:

Él es un australiano caliente. Yo soy una chica que no se avergüenza de conseguir lo que quiere. ¿El problema?

Ben es el mejor amigo de mi hermano pequeño. Un estudiante de intercambio que regresará a Down Under en cualquier momento, pero no puedo evitarlo. Tiene demasiado calor para resistirme.

Durante un viaje de campamento con mi hermano y sus amigos, le envió una nota secreta a Ben, invitándolo a mi tienda después que todos los demás se hayan ido a dormir. Ben podría estar regresando a The Land Down Under en un par de días, pero apuesto a que puedo tentar a su hermoso trasero para que me muestre todo lo que sabe sobre ―hundirse― antes de esa fecha.

No me voy a enamorar de Ben. No hay tiempo para eso pero estoy segura de que estoy planeando pasar un maldito buen rato con él esta noche.







Mí humilde opinión:

Esta lectura fue pura lujuria desde el comienzo. Kylee y Ben tienen una noche sin ataduras y se reencuentran 7 años después porque no han podido olvidar el increíble sexo que tuvieron.

A mí me faltó la conexión por parte e los protagonistas, es una pena que la autora no haya puesto más sentimientos y romance aquí. Tampoco sabía mucho de los protagonistas y la mayor parte me resultó todo muy superficial.

Este fue un libro corto con un HEA y el primero que leo de la autora. Súper corto y con un insta-todo a la velocidad de la luz pero no me emocionó.

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good novella but I'm not that excited about it. I’m sorry Mia.Mi.Jou, I know you like this one a lot! It definitely wasn't a miss, it was just an okay short read for me. 😬

There’s not much I can say about it other than I’d like to see more of them when they first meet, it just felt a bit rushed. Overall, it was an okay read and I laughed at some parts (like when the heroine is on the phone with a girl from the local beauty salon, that was sooo funny). If you’re in the mood for a short read with steamy scenes, then this would be a good choice, in my opinion. Oh, and it’s currently free on Amazon Kindle so that’s a plus!

[Rozberry🍓 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

Super duper short novella, so obviously everything was in hyper speed, a little clumsy & super idealized.
I was pretty much side-eying this one from the beginning…

yet unlike the gif, I couldn’t look away/stop reading until I finished. So take that as you wish, cause...

[Misha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lauren Rowe novella!

Lmaooo my ex boyfriend literally tricked me into exclusivity the same way Ben did. I love this because it’s so relatable to me. This one is for all of us Avoidant Attachment Style With Control And Commitment Issues Who Need To Be Manhandled And Subdued Into A Relationship By A Golden Retriever Of A Man’ bitches.

[Just Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Completely uncomplicated, sexy, sweet and a little dose of cheesiness.

Sexy, confident Kaylee invites a hot Aussie to spend the night with her in a tent out on a camping trip.
Turns out she didn’t know where that one magical night would bring her.

Read: 11/04/2020
1st rating: 3 stars
Genre/sub-genres: Contemporary romance/short story
Cover: 3 solid stars- loving the pink.
POV’s: Single -1st person (Kaylee)
Will I recommend: YES
BONUS INFO: FREE ON APRILL 11 - 2020 on Zon!

[Mia.Mi.Jou (on hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Jessica Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read anything that's written by Lauren Rowe. She is one of my favorite authors. This is a really short book for her. I'm actually hurt that this book has low ratings. Yes it's short and quick but that's what novellas are. The rating should be based on the writing.

Started with seven years ago she hits on her brothers friend for one night. She didn't know he was holding a secret about himself till after. She was found speechless. Their night changed Ben's life so he never was able to forget her.

Present day he moves near her and contacts her. Oh boy Ben knows what he wants and he won't stop till he gets it. I'm happy he did sometimes some women don't feel worthy go Ben.

I do wish we knew more about the brother and her mom. I feel like maybe he should get a book but that's because I love the characters.

[SELINA · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secret Note by Lauren Rowe (2021/01/26)
Rating 3/5 Stars

This story follows Kaylee who ends up on a camping trip with her brother and then has a one-night-stand with his best friend. A few years later he moves near her, and he contacts her asking to hang out and a relationship stems from there.

I really enjoyed this novella. It was super-fast paced and a great introduction to this author's writing style. I liked that the heroine was older than the hero. I feel like with this trope it's usually the hero that is older, so this was a great spin on things.

My only complaint was that they constantly talked about how they met 7 years ago. I felt like that reputation could have been taken out of the story.

Overall, if you are looking for a short novella then definitely check this one out

[Lea Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, quick read!

Some great sexy scenes mixed with just enough story and a perfect happy ending! Definitely recommend! Perfect to get you out of a reading slump :)

[B. C. Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Rowe has written a delightfully fun, warm and deliciously witty, inuendo filled novella that you don't want to miss! It's a quick 6 chapter novella and epilogue with enough steam and smiles to spice up your day and night and that is nooooo lie! Who doesn't love a hot, irresistible Aussie???

You are gonna get a kick out of the premise of this amazing but short little winner from the genius romance writer's mind that Lauren Rowe is known for. This lady will capture your heart in no time at all and it seems that she's has put her powers into high gear in this time of 'stay at home' and 'social distancing'! Thanks for this juicy, sweet with a side of dirty slice of heaven, Lauren Rowe! What a treat! 🥳

[Cynema · Rating 2 out of 5]

IT ALL STARTS WITH A NOTE … AND ENDS WITH A THUD **2 annoyed stars**

Sorry. This one had me dry blinking at my Kindle … A sex note is a running thread that plays out three times in this lust-driven shortie about a one-night stand that still resonates 7 years later. No romance or story, just innuendoes and sex. Pure lust drives the knockin' boots encounter between Aussie exchange student Ben (18) and a buddy’s sexy and uninhibited sis Kaylee (20) on his last night in America. A bold girl who owns her sexuality by making the first move and a virgin boy who’s a quick study. If you like insta-lust and insta-love at warp speed (and nothing else), then this is it. Half the story is their one-night hook-up that rocks both their worlds, but left me flat; and the other half is an unbelievable reunion with a big dish of side-eye.

It’s just a "no strings" one-nighter from the get-go, without any buildup of feelings other than a history of eye fucking each other. The sex was passionless, unexciting, and lacked chemistry. They just went at it. No getting to know the characters beforehand, which killed my emotional involvement. They did this, and then they did that, and the night was over. Like a sex manual or just a bunch of magic tricks “down under”. It was almost laughable when chance reunites them once again, and Ben hits up Kaylee to show off all the bedroom skills he’s learned. Really? 7 years waiting for this? The same thing all over again, minus the virgin, and the boy now takes charge. Once he crosses her eyes, she starts to actually see “forever” in his eyes. Huh? I wasn’t buying the (shallow) depth of their attraction and feelings for each other based on a single night of sex so long ago, or how it plays out. 7 years is a long ass time to want something that never happened …

It’s short, not-so-sweet, between-the-sheets sweaty, a third note, and then an HEA. I liked Ben best. He had charisma and a seductive charm that stiff Kaylee lacked. She was a tough nut to crack. Again, what was her appeal? Her out-of-the-blue reason for not trusting men was so cliché. A quick sex romp is fine, but only if I’m invested in it. The author collaborates sometimes with Jeannine Colette, but this superficial novella isn’t the best way to judge her talents.

[Meegz Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3 Stars*

This was a really fast little novella. A little bit insta love and a lot of sexy times. The hero is Aussie, and, as an Aussie, I found the use of one particular phrase to feel off/wrong and used too often. Possibly trying to put across the point the character was Aussie, but it was a little frustrating to me.

The main characters had great chemistry and I didn't mind them. The writing style of the novella was good. No crazy angst or silly moments. Overall a nice and fast little read.

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[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is only a couple of hours long but was a fun story! He’s her Brother’s hot college exchange student roommate. She’s slightly older and more experienced in the bedroom and they have one incredible night together and then part ways for seven years and then reconnect.

I really enjoyed their story. It was different and unique which is always refreshing.

This book was narrated solely by Vanessa Vasquez. I really enjoyed the female parts where she spoke in her normal accent. The male character in this book is Australian and while her Ozzy accent wasn’t the greatest it wasn’t the worst either.

I will definitely look for more projects performed by her

[Gerda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lauren Rowe is one of my favorite authors, this novella was not comparable with her novels.

The story is repeted three times: camping ground, girl meets boy, invites him to her tent, they spend a hot night, ten years later they meet again, go camping, he invites her to his tent, seven years later she invites him again.

No funny dialogues, no funny side characters.

[Kristiej · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short and very steamy novella about a young woman hooking up with an Australian friend of her younger brother. It was only one night and he was headed home. A number of years later he’s back. Neither has been able to forget the other. Can they get back the magic?

I’ve read and loved a number of Lauren Rowe books now and though short, I loved this one too.

[CherryRed’s Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Quick, Sexy, Fun Read that you will devour in one sitting!

I loved Ben & Kaylee's story.
Their chemistry is sexy, funny and straight up steamy. I want to find my own Aussie hunk to send secret notes to.

Grab it & get lost in finding love.

5 🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒popped!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself wishing it was longer...
But I loved it all the same.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was cute. Very steamy, but very cute. And I loved the ending.

[Aaren Dow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for an online book club. Lauren Rowe is a great writer and this quick read was in line with her other books. I generally do not like short books because I crave more from a storyline. This story is good if you're in a slump and looking for all the good feels in a romance. There's no plot twist or heartbreak just a good old love story.

[Sherry Smythia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great little story which really was not surprising since Lauren Rowe writes THE BEST characters!! Kaylee is unapologetic about her sexuality and is so funny and confident. BEN!!!! GAHHH!!! Love him!! Great novella and a nice bedtime read last night!

[ViJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little novella with a sweet hawt little romance.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORED this novella! Sweet as sugar and sexy as sin. Some things never compare to the fantasy of what was but Ben and Kaylee’s white hot attraction does not seem to burn out! I love a heroine that knows what she wants and a hero who doesn’t hold back.

The Secret Note is the perfect quick read to make you smile and light you on fire.

[RachelReadsandSings · Rating 4 out of 5]

So even though this is a 60ish page novella, it still somehow felt like a full length romance novel in that we get the full scope of Ben and Kaylee’s relationship. I loved the premise of this one and it was just so HOT 🔥🔥🔥 yet really sweet at the same time. Plus we love hot Aussie heroes 🥵

[Crystal Stafford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely a sexy little read! No build up needed with chemistry like Kaylee and Ben have. Lots of sexy scenes and a happy ending! The only thing I would say was that I didn't really appreciate how much Kaylee portrayed Ben as basically a piece of meat. A hot piece of meat but still kind of demeaning.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a rather simple story that managed to be repetitive and just overall meh. The saving grace or maybe downfall was the story being show short so I didn't really feel connected to any of the characters.

Meh.

[julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

por deus que ruim kkkkk ai mto cringe tipo além do aceitável pra um livro desses kk.. enfim, os três últimos capítulos (exceto o epílogo) foram decentes mas não o suficiente pra me fazer esquecer todos os outros que foram horríveis kkkk bjs

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/18/2020)! 🎁