Corporate Secrets

by Ava Bailey

They say opposites attract.
But how far can passion take you when two different worlds collide?

I thought losing my job was the blow of the century. Until I got rehired by my super-hot new boss… my best friend’s billionaire brother.

Cole Reagan came in to take over the company I worked for after I got sacked and my prior boss went missing. I should have been grateful to get my job back until I started receiving mysterious emails.

My best friend made it clear when we were kids that her big brother, Cole, was strictly off-limits. Besides, I never thought he’d be interested in someone as Plain Jane and clumsy as me.

But the time he and I spent working together side by side made the forbidden attraction between us unbearable.

Still, there was something not quite right and the way Cole was so hot and cold made me suspicious.

I had my own secrets about my past, not to mention the biggest one I held from my best friend.

I don’t know who I can fully trust, and that could cause me to lose everything.

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2023

Reviews

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing story and it was a page turner and the suspense was intense but realistic. I was at the edge of my seat and I could not even put it down for a minute. Cole and Anne chemistry was just like fireworks and the attraction was smoking hot. They were hot and heavy and gave into their temptation of lust. Cole was going through things in his life. But he felt like he can overcome his actions. But when he meet Anne things has change for the better. Could Cole find love again with Anne. Anne was going through things in her as well. Could she do the same as well. Was she falling in love with Cole as we know it. Would happiness be the only thing that matters to them. Would there be special moments happens for these two’s characters. I highly recommend this book for you and will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Trina Jones

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and The Charlton Group have taken over Manning, Inc. releasing everyone from their positions. Anne had been Mr. Manning's secretary for years but when she's released from her position she's not sure what to do. But when Cole and his team decide to hire her back to see what she knows, he finds her irresistible and wanting her more than he should. She has secrets and one is her best friend who has always warned her friends away from her brother, Cole. Will Cole and Anne find a way to a happily ever after with the secrets or turmoil?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute story. I was expecting more drama with everything going on in the office but it was still a sweet little romance. This story is about Anne who works as a personal assistant for a sleeze bag of a boss who is now on the run for illegal activities which forces her to work for her best friends forbidden brother. The chemistry between these two leads to a steamy office romance. There's drama and secrets and a beautiful ending to this sweet story!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written office romance with a difference, Cole is Ann’s best friends brother whom she had a crush on years ago but Celine warned all her friends to stay away from him. Although Cole seems hot and cold with Ann they just can’t stay away, they are good for each other but there’s still the business of where the work thief is hiding and whether Ann knows anything about it. Really enjoyed getting to know these two characters. Ann really had a low opinion of herself, always feeling second best in her childhood and trying to hide from the world so it was lovely to see how Cole really saw her and brought her out of her shell. Great steamy read.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Great title as there’s a whole loads steam and some hidden secrets lurking between two lots of covers…. Her crush from years ago becomes her forbidden hot lover when she is fired from her job and he makes her his, the boardroom and the bedroom ( hence the covers) But when the past becomes present does this present their salvation ….Love this very well written romance
I read an arc of this from booksprout and my review is voluntary and my own words

[Katya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The plot: The company is in trouble and only Cole Reagan can fix it. Anne is the former boss's secretary, who Cole thinks might help him in the investigation. Something changes when she comes into his office and he hears her voice - now he is torn between his growing feelings and the inability to fully trust her.

What I didn't like:

1. the writing. It Is simple, to the point that sometimes even when something sad or serious is discussed - not many feelings are brought about, maybe the descriptions should have more details, or the characters' back stories should be more comprehensive. Also, some parts of the story/characters felt unnecessary to me (like one character's health problem) - to me, it did not add much to the story and did not aid the plot development. Since I finished the story I still wondered why these "twists" were there.

2. the love story. Frankly, to me, it was sort of instant love, and I don't enjoy that. He didn't even like how she looked, but felt that attraction - sounds a bit odd to me. And their love story started off really fast, so that was a bit disappointing for me.

What I liked:

1. the characters. Anne is quite a relatable character: shy, unsure of herself, and guilt-driven in her decisions. Her character growth was well-written, I could really see how she changed throughout the book. Cole is tough, disciplined, and career-oriented, he is good at what he does and knows it. There are several supporting characters, and for the most part, they are just there for the plot, except for, probably, Cole's sister - Celine. I liked her and their friendship with Anne.

2. the story. The story itself is cute and easy to follow. There is an investigation going on, and I would have liked more details on that because, in the very beginning, I did not quite understand why everyone was looking for Anne's former boss and what he did. Even in the end, his explanation of what went down was kind of vague. However, it was interesting to follow this subplot. The love story between Anne and Cole was still sweet and adorable, I liked that he stood up for her in a certain situation.

Overall opinion: Despite minor bumps on the reading journey, I still enjoyed the story. It is easy to read, cute, and full of different events. If you enjoy short romantic stories with a little bit of suspense, then definitely give this book a try!

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I went in with high hopes, but was disappointed.

So much about this book drove me crazy:

-Lots of typos - thinks like: “expresso” instead of “espresso,” “bye laws” instead of bylaws,” “scrapes” instead of “scraps.” There were also quite a few grammatical errors.

-It is weird that the relationship between Cole and Celine isn’t clarified until about a third of the way into the book. If Anne and Celine are really that close, wouldn’t it come up? I thought Celine and Cole might have been dating prior to this. How confusing.

-It is unrealistic that Cole would be attracted to Anne. According to the description, she dresses in what amounts to a potato sack. Once she starts looking a little better, maybe, but he is attracted to her before that. He wants to “freak kiss” her just to get her to speak to him. The fact that she can’t even walk without tripping over herself is weird - and unattractive. He clearly sets himself above her, which makes his attraction uncharacteristic and difficult to root for.

-What is with Anne’s mom and the way she speaks to her daughter? Anne goes without food, but pays her mother? Then her mom just shows up at her job? Wow. Then Anne just cuts ties? Why isn’t this developed? This is something she has struggled with for years and it is just resolved?

-The first kiss between Cole and Anne is ridiculous. First of all, he is laying hands on her in such an unprofessional manner. Then to just kiss her? For someone who is supposedly so professional and well thought of, Cole seems to be a real jerk.

-And then, suddenly, Anne is the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with? Come on. They barely know each other. Ugh.

-Why doesn’t Anne panic when he package is stolen? Unrealistic. She doesn’t know what is in it, but she knows it is important and then doesn’t even tell Cole.

-In the end, the reader gets the HEA, but it is so undeserved. There is no reason these two people should love each other; there is no basis for a relationship like this throughout the story.

Overall, there is a lot one must assume throughout this story and not much character or plot development. What could be a really interesting and compelling story is difficult to get through. There are many interesting subplots, but they are hard to focus on or get involved in when one isn’t especially interested in or connected to the characters.

This book definitely has potential, but it is bare bones right now.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corporate Secrets is a new billionaire romance from author Ava Bailey. Cole Reagan is in Chicago to clean up business gone wrong. At the recommendation of his personal assistants, he rehires the previous boss's secretary, Anne Reese. Anne seems meek and forgettable at first but she soon gets under Cole's skin, blurring the lines between professional and personal life.

This was a fun, easy read from Bailey. I found the characters to be likable and realistic. The complicated family dynamics was an interesting addition but I would have liked some more attention to be paid there. The connection between Cole and Celine was understated at first and I wanted more interaction between them as siblings. Unfortunately, the current length of the book doesn't seem sufficient to adequately delve satisfactorily into the family connections/past traumas that we see here. I want to know more about them!

Overall, Corporate Secrets is a mild-moderately spicy story with a HEA without a ton of heavy subject material to get there. It's an easy escape and I'm looking forward to reading more from Bailey.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne has been working for a company as the executive assistant to the person who was supposed to be running the office. However, it appears that he was using the office and his position to steal and have his way with any number of female employees (there was a bed in his office!). When Cole comes to see what is going on the office, Mr. Manning (the sleazy guy) is gone, but they still need to see how deep the corruption goes. They think his assistant, Anne (who was fired) might know something so they rehire her to work for Cole. He takes her to an event and she helps him navigate with the movers and shakers there after he basically gives her a makeover. He is taken with her and later kisses her in his office. But all of this is still under the umbrella of suspicion. Will Cole realize that he can trust Anne and maybe even use her to find out what is going on? Or will their kisses blow up in their faces?.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll love Anne and Cole's story. It'll grab your attention right at the beginning, and you'll find it hard to put down. If you like forbidden best friend's brother and age-gap romances, you'll love this book. Throw in a little corporate espionage, missing money, an ex-boss MIA and secrets galore. What happens when Cole's sister, Celine, finds out about them? What happens when Anne starts receiving anonymous emails and a mysterious package. Who can she trust? What happens when Cole thinks Anne betrayed him? What happens when they find her missing boss and the evidence? An easy read that can be read in one sitting. Love, forgiveness and a happily ever after. I read a free advance copy via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it'.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good workplace romance. This book had all the elements I enjoy.

Cole is the representative of the Charlton Group and the company is taking over the operations of one of their buildings in Chicago. The former manager, Manning, left a mess. They are hoping Manning's assistant Anne can help them locate him. She insists she didn't know all of the things Manning was doing, but Cole isn't sure he believes her.

Cole is attracted to Anne and has a difficult time keeping his distance. He slowly begins to trust her, but then he learns of a secret she's been keeping...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne has taken a few days off and now she is fired. A few days later she is rehired, but something is off. Her new boss is her best friends brother, a fact he doesn't seem to be aware of, people have been fired on mass and there are lots of secret meetings that she is not privy to.

Also Cole (her best friends brother and new boss) is smoking hot, and he keeps giving her kisses and being vunerable. When everything comes out can these two have a happy ever after?

This is a quick, fun, sweet and steamy read with a little suspense, drama and intrigue.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly Dimitrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story, it had a workplace romance, spice, some drama, and even a bit of mystery.

We have Cole and Anne who wow they had so much chemistry and had such a story.

Cole is Anne's Best friend's brother who she had/has a crush on and he doesn't seem to remember her, but he is attracted to her now.

Are they gonna keep their relationship a secret, is it a one-time thing or is it real and has hope????

You gotta read the book to find out

It's an easy fast read.

I am glad that I was able to read this ARC thanks to the publisher and Booksirens. The review/opinions above are my own, honest and voluntary.

[Linda J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cole Reagan has been sent to Chicago to clean up a mess at the company he works for. Anne was the secretary for the former boss, who is now on the run, presumably for embezzling from the company. Most of the former employees are fired, including Anne. However, she is re-hired when they think she may know more about misdeeds performed by her former boss.

It was an enjoyable quick read, and I enjoyed both Anne and Cole, but I thought the love story happened a little too quickly. Especially because Anne was quite the wallflower. Overall though, a fun read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Sara McClaflin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my full review here: \https://onreviewbysara.com/2023/08/28...

I was given this ARC as a gift from the author on BookSirens. My opinions and thoughts of the book are mine alone.

My Rating: I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. It was good, overall. Even though the story lacked some depth at times, I still enjoyed reading it. I was surprised with how quickly I read the book. I wish there was some detail and less instantaneous love. I wanted some realism where I felt the possibility that the characters could exist in our world, but there were times where it was almost too much love and not enough pushback.

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embezzlement and Romance

Embezzlement causes changes in the company that Anne works at. A new boss that is someone familiar. But who can be trusted? Cole has always been the one Anne had feelings for. Now that they are working together her emotions are intensified and the chemistry between them is heated. This was an intriguing story, but I felt like something was missing in the closure of the embezzlement plot and that the ending was abrupt. But it was enjoyable to read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MrsL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cole has been sent in to sort out the company's embezzlement. What he finds is a mess with no obvious solution. Enter Anne, who has been off on sick leave and along with other staff members, fired, when the embezzlement came to light. When she is rehired it is because of her connections and what she might know. What Cole doesn't expect is the attraction he feels towards her.

Lots of misunderstandings, secrets and family dramas combine to make this an easy read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carin Boersma - Diepstraten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read as my introduction to the books by Ava Bailey.
An office romance that had gone sour but the leading man finally knows that his lady did not do the things he accused her of. Throw in some "bad history" that has happened to the leading lady to explain her current situation so you will always choose her side... The secondary characters are a good team and it feels to me like their story was already written. Remember this is my first book by Ava. Would I choose to read her other books? Yes.
I got an ARC through Booksirens and I choose to leave this review

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Corporate Secrets' was touching. The captivating plot was filled with family dynamics in the form of mental abuse, intrigue, harboring secrets, reconciliation, and love. Anne and Cole, the protagonists, were opposites as Anne was clumsy and dressed in dowdy outfits while Cole, who suffered from massive migraines, was a billionaire who oozed class and dignity. Somehow, they strove to reach their HEA and helped each other. Overall, I liked the mesmerizing narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[abbiealwaysreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed a lot of things about this book. The boss/assistant dynamic was really fun. I enjoyed the angst about if they would be together or not.

But, I wasn’t a fan of how Anne felt like she was plain and not enough, then slept with Cole and magically felt like she was enough then. It felt like a lot of personal growth from both characters was rushed. Overall a fun read, but lacking some of the depth in the characters’ growth.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corporate Secrets is the forbidden romance between Anne, who is rehired after a company takeover, and Cole, her new boss and best friend’s older brother who she had been warned off having a relationship. Anne and Cole are strongly attracted to each other when they meet again. This well written book has secrets, suspense, mystery, embezzlement, intrigue, strong emotions, and steamy passion.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, relaxing read from a new to me author. I enjoyed the easy lead into the relationship between Cole and Anne, and while it seemed a bit clichéd, there were some differences in that it was not picture perfect with no flaws.
The only disappointment was not finding out the culprit behind the corruption and for justice to be served.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole is sent to clean up the office where his predecessor made a mess. He finds Anne, his sisters best friend. The chemistry is immediate between the two but both know they are off limits, due to work and family. What will happen when they give in to temptation.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire Ingledew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Anne story was a delight to read, the chemistry these two had was off the chart, my heart broke for Anne and her relationship with her family and the way they’re treated her.
Cole he was the hot billionaire who you look and go weak at the knees at.
like all romance it’s never a true romance with a little bump in the road for a HEA.
Give this a read for me 4 1/2 ⭐️

[Raquel Rolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. Cole + Anne. A steamy relationship that left you on the edge constantly wanting more and the author definitely delivered. Couldn’t put this book down. Very easy smooth read. Both characters kept you reading and lusting for their corporate relationship that was forbidden. Highly recommend this book.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story full of misleading behaviors, people who avoid love for all the wrong reasons, and one of the biggest errors is only resolved in passing to be discovered by the cagiest of readers

Nice beach read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alex Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic novella from Ava Bailey. Delightfully hot and steamy. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to this series Secrets and Stream. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to reading more from them. The characters are likeable and fit well together. The story flows well and is easy to read.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robert Foland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply stated, Corporate Secrets is a very good book and enjoyable in so many ways. Romance, some mystery, well-crafted characters, and wonderful storytelling. Ava Bailey nails them all.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read with some drama, missing ex-boss, corporate espionage, romance, and missing money. The MCs are relatable, likable, and defined. I liked this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.