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Millionaires of Manhattan #3
His Lover's Little Secret
She's kept her baby secret for two years…
But even after a chance run-in forces her to confront the father of her son, Sabine Hayes refuses to give in to all of Gavin Brooks's demands. His power and his wealth won't turn her head this time. She'll let him get to know Jared, but she won't go back to Gavin's privileged world…or his bed.
Yet Gavin never stopped wanting the woman who challenged him at every turn. He has a right to claim what's his…and he'll do just about anything to prevent her from getting away from him again.
But even after a chance run-in forces her to confront the father of her son, Sabine Hayes refuses to give in to all of Gavin Brooks's demands. His power and his wealth won't turn her head this time. She'll let him get to know Jared, but she won't go back to Gavin's privileged world…or his bed.
Yet Gavin never stopped wanting the woman who challenged him at every turn. He has a right to claim what's his…and he'll do just about anything to prevent her from getting away from him again.
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
45 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Laurence
383 books211 followersAndrea Laurence has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she learned to read at a young age. She always dreamed of seeing her work in print and is thrilled to finally be able to share her special blend of sensuality and dry, sarcastic humor with the world. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted into the Deep South, she's working on her own "happily ever after" with her new husband and a golden retriever puppy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
dnf
August 11, 20181. Heroine hides the baby from hero because she can. I am pissed. BUT. This is MY opinion and my opinion only. She DOESN’T actually know the hero well because he doesn’t fucking communicate. Thinks he only wanted her for sex. Knows he’s a cut throat businessman and gets what he wants. So at least I understand her motivation and fear for hiding the kid. If a custody battle breaks through she won’t be able to fight, and sorry to say this, in US justice system, money talks.
2. But the hero annoyed the shit out of me. He uses heroine as a sexual outlet. Doesn’t tell her he cares. Doesn’t stop her from leaving. Yet expects her to care enough not to leave him? Was he stupid or was he stupid? I’ll come to fact that he didn’t chase the heroine or fight for her a LOT later, he didn’t even stop her when she was leaving even to just talk things out. To ask why she’s leaving. He doesn’t see the problem of using her only for her body, or at least giving her that idea.
“If I had said it the day you left...” He hated to ask, but he had to know.
“I would have stayed.”
This does NOT make him sweet whatsoever or vulnerable. This makes him monumentally stupid. And I don’t do stupid anymore. I did it once. It’s really bleh! So no! I don’t do stupid. Or weak. Stupid is NOT sexy. Smart is the new sexy. This guy is as bright as zero watt bulb. So no. I throw in the towel here and go back the controversial season 4 of Sherlock.
Brainy is the new sexy ladies, these guy is not.
He only wanted his kid.
2. But the hero annoyed the shit out of me. He uses heroine as a sexual outlet. Doesn’t tell her he cares. Doesn’t stop her from leaving. Yet expects her to care enough not to leave him? Was he stupid or was he stupid? I’ll come to fact that he didn’t chase the heroine or fight for her a LOT later, he didn’t even stop her when she was leaving even to just talk things out. To ask why she’s leaving. He doesn’t see the problem of using her only for her body, or at least giving her that idea.
“If I had said it the day you left...” He hated to ask, but he had to know.
“I would have stayed.”
This does NOT make him sweet whatsoever or vulnerable. This makes him monumentally stupid. And I don’t do stupid anymore. I did it once. It’s really bleh! So no! I don’t do stupid. Or weak. Stupid is NOT sexy. Smart is the new sexy. This guy is as bright as zero watt bulb. So no. I throw in the towel here and go back the controversial season 4 of Sherlock.
Brainy is the new sexy ladies, these guy is not.
He only wanted his kid.
November 16, 2022
***4.5 Stars***
I enjoyed this book a great deal and have read it numerous times.
Sabine and Gavin met and dated for awhile but he was a very wealthy and powerful man and she detested the lifestyle (his parents forced on him,) and life as he knew it was business and wealth first always before people. Well aware of how Gavin was treated as a child, teen and young adult she wanted none of that for her child. Gavin had already had difficulty making a place for Sabine in his life because he was the CEO of his family's business and was always torn between his job and her. When she realized she would probably never see a change in him or his lifestyle and he had yet to express any feelings for her whatsoever she felt she was just a convenience for sex. She told him she was breaking it off and he never said a word as he watched her walk out the door. She had fallen in love with him and he was becoming her everything so she needed to protect herself since he cared nothing for her. She loved him enough to make changes that would make her more acceptable to his family, friends and lifestyle but she also knew how dangerous that was...especially since she had no clue how he felt about her.
Sabine's family tried her whole life to change her into someone she was not and they ended up kicking her out of their home because she liked art. They were pretty cruel to her and thought becoming an artist was sinful, a waste of time and it was her 'DUTY' as a farmer's daughter to marry, stay and work on the farm and push out baby farmers as fast as she could!! In their eyes she was no longer good enough for them since she wouldn't give up her life's dream for the family farm.
She had always promised herself to never change for anyone but herself. And since she felt Gavin must not care anything about her, as he'd done nothing outside of bed to show her this, she felt she needed to retreat. What she wanted was for him to follow her or ask her to stay but that didn't happen. A while later she learns she's pregnant but decides not to tell Gavin. Gavin was raised by nannies and had parents who never showed any love, affection or interest for their children...never showing up for their school functions or ballgames. They basically got nothing from their parents who gladly hired and paid handsomely for others to raise their children. They were sent away to boarding school as soon as they were old enough because they didn't fit into their parents' hectic lifestyle. This was the life that Gavin knew and there was no way she wanted her son raised the same way...which is the only way he knew how and she was terrified because most people do what they know. She didn't want her child to be pampered and spoiled, given anything he asked for to appease the guilt of the parent for not being there. Because of Gavin's wealth she was terrified if he knew about their son he would sue her for custody and she had no money for an attorney, let alone a legal team.
One day as she and her son were taking the train home as was their usual mode of transportation, a friend of Gavin's happens to see her and the boy who is the mirror image of Gavin. Within an hour or two Gavin is on her doorstep. He is angry but it doesn't last ages like it does in most books where the unsuspecting father wants revenge. He wants to be a part of his son's life and they begin doing a few things together as a family. He realizes how much he still cares for Sabine and they go away for a weekend alone. He understands now that his huge mistake was not telling her how he felt about her. Instead, he just sat by and watched as she walked out the door, never asking her why or inviting her to stay because he wanted her to. She was heartbroken, so desperately heartbroken! He is a very quiet man and appears to keep everything inside. She can't live her life with unrequited love. It's too painful and just about killed her when she left Gavin. When they talk about her family, which she never mentions, she tells him how they disowned her for wanting a life of her own choosing. They thought being an artist was just child's play and her problem was she needed to grow up and quit playing with paints. They demanded she follow their very strict and far out religious ways, marry a local farmer, and raise a brood of little farmers. When she expresses her own desires they are furious and she tells them she's moving to NYC the next day. They kick her out at that moment leaving her no place to go or sleep so she sleeps on the floor at the train station. She expresses to him how it made her feel and how they all just watched her walk out the door, never asking her to stay or return. That was his light-bulb moment. He realizes now that he did the same thing to her and never told her his feelings.
There were times that I was disappointed in the Hero. He should have stood up to the ones who belittled Sabine. He should have stood up to his parents when they gave her a less than enthusiastic meeting. He should have spoken up when his parents tried to force the CEO position on him. He gave up his dreams to head the company and that made him appear weak. That is not what he wanted for his life. So that was frustrating.
I definitely recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book a great deal and have read it numerous times.
Sabine and Gavin met and dated for awhile but he was a very wealthy and powerful man and she detested the lifestyle (his parents forced on him,) and life as he knew it was business and wealth first always before people. Well aware of how Gavin was treated as a child, teen and young adult she wanted none of that for her child. Gavin had already had difficulty making a place for Sabine in his life because he was the CEO of his family's business and was always torn between his job and her. When she realized she would probably never see a change in him or his lifestyle and he had yet to express any feelings for her whatsoever she felt she was just a convenience for sex. She told him she was breaking it off and he never said a word as he watched her walk out the door. She had fallen in love with him and he was becoming her everything so she needed to protect herself since he cared nothing for her. She loved him enough to make changes that would make her more acceptable to his family, friends and lifestyle but she also knew how dangerous that was...especially since she had no clue how he felt about her.
Sabine's family tried her whole life to change her into someone she was not and they ended up kicking her out of their home because she liked art. They were pretty cruel to her and thought becoming an artist was sinful, a waste of time and it was her 'DUTY' as a farmer's daughter to marry, stay and work on the farm and push out baby farmers as fast as she could!! In their eyes she was no longer good enough for them since she wouldn't give up her life's dream for the family farm.
She had always promised herself to never change for anyone but herself. And since she felt Gavin must not care anything about her, as he'd done nothing outside of bed to show her this, she felt she needed to retreat. What she wanted was for him to follow her or ask her to stay but that didn't happen. A while later she learns she's pregnant but decides not to tell Gavin. Gavin was raised by nannies and had parents who never showed any love, affection or interest for their children...never showing up for their school functions or ballgames. They basically got nothing from their parents who gladly hired and paid handsomely for others to raise their children. They were sent away to boarding school as soon as they were old enough because they didn't fit into their parents' hectic lifestyle. This was the life that Gavin knew and there was no way she wanted her son raised the same way...which is the only way he knew how and she was terrified because most people do what they know. She didn't want her child to be pampered and spoiled, given anything he asked for to appease the guilt of the parent for not being there. Because of Gavin's wealth she was terrified if he knew about their son he would sue her for custody and she had no money for an attorney, let alone a legal team.
One day as she and her son were taking the train home as was their usual mode of transportation, a friend of Gavin's happens to see her and the boy who is the mirror image of Gavin. Within an hour or two Gavin is on her doorstep. He is angry but it doesn't last ages like it does in most books where the unsuspecting father wants revenge. He wants to be a part of his son's life and they begin doing a few things together as a family. He realizes how much he still cares for Sabine and they go away for a weekend alone. He understands now that his huge mistake was not telling her how he felt about her. Instead, he just sat by and watched as she walked out the door, never asking her why or inviting her to stay because he wanted her to. She was heartbroken, so desperately heartbroken! He is a very quiet man and appears to keep everything inside. She can't live her life with unrequited love. It's too painful and just about killed her when she left Gavin. When they talk about her family, which she never mentions, she tells him how they disowned her for wanting a life of her own choosing. They thought being an artist was just child's play and her problem was she needed to grow up and quit playing with paints. They demanded she follow their very strict and far out religious ways, marry a local farmer, and raise a brood of little farmers. When she expresses her own desires they are furious and she tells them she's moving to NYC the next day. They kick her out at that moment leaving her no place to go or sleep so she sleeps on the floor at the train station. She expresses to him how it made her feel and how they all just watched her walk out the door, never asking her to stay or return. That was his light-bulb moment. He realizes now that he did the same thing to her and never told her his feelings.
There were times that I was disappointed in the Hero. He should have stood up to the ones who belittled Sabine. He should have stood up to his parents when they gave her a less than enthusiastic meeting. He should have spoken up when his parents tried to force the CEO position on him. He gave up his dreams to head the company and that made him appear weak. That is not what he wanted for his life. So that was frustrating.
I definitely recommend this book.
March 9, 2015
“The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.”
----Antoine François Prévost, a French author and novelist
Andrea Laurence, an American author, crafted a heart-touching love-story about a single mother and her life's choices and priorities, in her latest book, His Lover's Little Secret .
Synopsis:
She's kept her baby secret for two years…
But even after a chance run-in forces her to confront the father of her son, Sabine Hayes refuses to give in to all of Gavin Brooks's demands. His power and his wealth won't turn her head this time. She'll let him get to know Jared, but she won't go back to Gavin's privileged world…or his bed.
Yet Gavin never stopped wanting the woman who challenged him at every turn. He has a right to claim what's his…and he'll do just about anything to prevent her from getting away from him again.
Sabine is a single mother to a two year old boy named, Jared. Three years ago, Sabine broke up with her hot-shot CEO boyfriend, Gavin due to his lifestyle and other insecurities related to parenthood. Sabine managed to keep her distance from Gavin for two whole years and also she kept her baby a secret. But an out-of-the-blue-run-in with one of Gavin's best friend, ruins her plan on being a single mother forever, since Gavin shows up on her door the very next day. So will they fall back into the same pattern, or will Gavin snatch away the baby that Sabine kept a secret for so long?
The plot is really nice filled with some thrilling drama, passion and parenthood. The prose is articulate with the narrative being easy to contemplate. The pace of the book is pretty fast and from the very first page, Sabine and Jared's quirky demeanor keeps you glued to the book. The characters are really striking enough to understand them. Sabine is strong, determined mother who works as a sales girl in a boutique to make her ends meet. She is the epitome of a perfect single mother by giving away her own dreams to be a well-known painter to support Jared. In fact when Gavin comes around in their lives, she gets jealous, since she never wanted to share Jared with anybody else. Moreover, she gives Jared her first priority in her life no matter what.
Whereas Gavin happens to be another selfless soul, with no prior experience on being a father, he tries hard to make his kid happy and satisfied by spending as much time and by providing as much gifts as possible. Gavin did everything to make up to Sabine. And eventually Gavin becomes the perfect billionaire daddy with zoo visits and park visits.
Sabine and Gavin's passion and attraction for each other is evident from the very beginning, and soon they fall back into each other's arms in hopes of being a family again. But Sabine and Gavin, both's feelings were hurt when they broke up. And now with their burning desire it seems more difficult to open up the window of their heart so easily, especially it was difficult for Sabine, since motherhood hardened her soul on falling in love once again.
The descriptions are intricately layered with the right emotions at the right moments, and the author portrayed the whole parenthood of both Gavin and Sabine quite compassionately and with enough depth to make us feel for Gavin's longing and Sabine's jealously for her son. Jared is the cutest thing in the whole book and it seems Jared keeps his parents moving forward and he is the one who made his parents fall in love all over again. The whole story captivated me with it's deep emotions and pain and the last line of the book surely managed to bring some tear in my eyes.
Verdict: If you are a fan of reading books about single mother, parenthood with a sniff of desire, lust and love, then do read this book.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Andrea Laurence, for giving me an opportunity to read and review her book.
----Antoine François Prévost, a French author and novelist
Andrea Laurence, an American author, crafted a heart-touching love-story about a single mother and her life's choices and priorities, in her latest book, His Lover's Little Secret .
Synopsis:
She's kept her baby secret for two years…
But even after a chance run-in forces her to confront the father of her son, Sabine Hayes refuses to give in to all of Gavin Brooks's demands. His power and his wealth won't turn her head this time. She'll let him get to know Jared, but she won't go back to Gavin's privileged world…or his bed.
Yet Gavin never stopped wanting the woman who challenged him at every turn. He has a right to claim what's his…and he'll do just about anything to prevent her from getting away from him again.
Sabine is a single mother to a two year old boy named, Jared. Three years ago, Sabine broke up with her hot-shot CEO boyfriend, Gavin due to his lifestyle and other insecurities related to parenthood. Sabine managed to keep her distance from Gavin for two whole years and also she kept her baby a secret. But an out-of-the-blue-run-in with one of Gavin's best friend, ruins her plan on being a single mother forever, since Gavin shows up on her door the very next day. So will they fall back into the same pattern, or will Gavin snatch away the baby that Sabine kept a secret for so long?
The plot is really nice filled with some thrilling drama, passion and parenthood. The prose is articulate with the narrative being easy to contemplate. The pace of the book is pretty fast and from the very first page, Sabine and Jared's quirky demeanor keeps you glued to the book. The characters are really striking enough to understand them. Sabine is strong, determined mother who works as a sales girl in a boutique to make her ends meet. She is the epitome of a perfect single mother by giving away her own dreams to be a well-known painter to support Jared. In fact when Gavin comes around in their lives, she gets jealous, since she never wanted to share Jared with anybody else. Moreover, she gives Jared her first priority in her life no matter what.
Whereas Gavin happens to be another selfless soul, with no prior experience on being a father, he tries hard to make his kid happy and satisfied by spending as much time and by providing as much gifts as possible. Gavin did everything to make up to Sabine. And eventually Gavin becomes the perfect billionaire daddy with zoo visits and park visits.
Sabine and Gavin's passion and attraction for each other is evident from the very beginning, and soon they fall back into each other's arms in hopes of being a family again. But Sabine and Gavin, both's feelings were hurt when they broke up. And now with their burning desire it seems more difficult to open up the window of their heart so easily, especially it was difficult for Sabine, since motherhood hardened her soul on falling in love once again.
The descriptions are intricately layered with the right emotions at the right moments, and the author portrayed the whole parenthood of both Gavin and Sabine quite compassionately and with enough depth to make us feel for Gavin's longing and Sabine's jealously for her son. Jared is the cutest thing in the whole book and it seems Jared keeps his parents moving forward and he is the one who made his parents fall in love all over again. The whole story captivated me with it's deep emotions and pain and the last line of the book surely managed to bring some tear in my eyes.
Verdict: If you are a fan of reading books about single mother, parenthood with a sniff of desire, lust and love, then do read this book.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Andrea Laurence, for giving me an opportunity to read and review her book.
February 12, 2016
Crap. I am only at 30% and this is so stinkin' sweet.
UPDATE:
I am on a roll, a bad one. This is the third book in recent days that has had a less than desirable heroine. Sabine, great name by the way, did not tell Gavin he has a son. He gets a little angry, but is really just so happy to have his son and Sabine back in his life.
Sabine jumps to conclusions, doesn't give him the benefit of the doubt and plays a double standard that is hard to justify. For example, she's mad at him for not telling her how he feels, but she just up and leaves him because she doesn't think things will work out as he's Richie Rich and she's the poor little match girl.
The hero makes it fours stars for his sweetness, but I have to take off one for the heroine.
Are the planets out of alignment?
UPDATE:
I am on a roll, a bad one. This is the third book in recent days that has had a less than desirable heroine. Sabine, great name by the way, did not tell Gavin he has a son. He gets a little angry, but is really just so happy to have his son and Sabine back in his life.
Sabine jumps to conclusions, doesn't give him the benefit of the doubt and plays a double standard that is hard to justify. For example, she's mad at him for not telling her how he feels, but she just up and leaves him because she doesn't think things will work out as he's Richie Rich and she's the poor little match girl.
The hero makes it fours stars for his sweetness, but I have to take off one for the heroine.
Are the planets out of alignment?
April 29, 2014
I love the "secret baby" theme so even though I usually read "Harlequin Presents" and not "Desire" I read this because I like this author and she didn't disappoint. I liked that the heroine was mature, endearing and a caring great mother. I liked that the hero was crazy about her and their son and that he embraced fatherhood so quickly. Their baby boy was super cute and I especially loved the epilogue! It warmed my heart seeing Gavin and Sabine with a new addition to their family!
April 11, 2014
Very good second chance story. Gavin and Sabine had had a brief relationship almost three years earlier. But Gavin was rich and Sabine was not, and she had never felt comfortable in his world. She broke off their relationship before she knew she was pregnant and had never told him about it. When Gavin finds out about his son she's okay with letting him get to know Jared, but she won't let herself get sucked back into his life.
Sabine has settled in to being a single mother. Jared is her life and she does everything she can to make it a good one. She has never forgotten the love she felt for Gavin, but her insecurities about fitting into his life had sent her running. She had never told him about Jared, fearing that he would take Jared away and raise him the same way he had been raised. Gavin was stunned to find out about Jared and determined to be part of his son's life. He had never forgotten Sabine and the way she had never been impressed by his wealth. Gavin had gone through his life never expecting a relationship to last because he had been raised by a succession of nannies and boarding schools, therefore he hadn't been surprised when Sabine left him a few weeks into their relationship. He understands her fears about his parenting abilities and works very hard to overcome them. I loved seeing their trip to the zoo. I also loved his reaction to taking Jared to the circus on his own.
Sabine has dealt with the problem of not fitting in her entire life. She was disowned by her parents when she left home to pursue her dreams. While she had never been overly impressed by Gavin's wealth, she never really felt like she fit into his world. Now that he's back in her life she has to overcome those fears if she has any hope of a future with him. I liked the way that she has more confidence in herself now, but those insecurities are still lurking. I really liked seeing Gavin and Sabine work on compromising in order to give Jared what he needs. Their attraction to each other is still as strong as ever and their love had never died. Each of them had to learn to trust those feelings and actually express them. Just as things start looking up for them, their feelings are put to the test. Things get pretty intense but it also helps bring their issues to the surface where they can deal with them. The epilogue was really sweet.
Sabine has settled in to being a single mother. Jared is her life and she does everything she can to make it a good one. She has never forgotten the love she felt for Gavin, but her insecurities about fitting into his life had sent her running. She had never told him about Jared, fearing that he would take Jared away and raise him the same way he had been raised. Gavin was stunned to find out about Jared and determined to be part of his son's life. He had never forgotten Sabine and the way she had never been impressed by his wealth. Gavin had gone through his life never expecting a relationship to last because he had been raised by a succession of nannies and boarding schools, therefore he hadn't been surprised when Sabine left him a few weeks into their relationship. He understands her fears about his parenting abilities and works very hard to overcome them. I loved seeing their trip to the zoo. I also loved his reaction to taking Jared to the circus on his own.
Sabine has dealt with the problem of not fitting in her entire life. She was disowned by her parents when she left home to pursue her dreams. While she had never been overly impressed by Gavin's wealth, she never really felt like she fit into his world. Now that he's back in her life she has to overcome those fears if she has any hope of a future with him. I liked the way that she has more confidence in herself now, but those insecurities are still lurking. I really liked seeing Gavin and Sabine work on compromising in order to give Jared what he needs. Their attraction to each other is still as strong as ever and their love had never died. Each of them had to learn to trust those feelings and actually express them. Just as things start looking up for them, their feelings are put to the test. Things get pretty intense but it also helps bring their issues to the surface where they can deal with them. The epilogue was really sweet.
June 27, 2017
I love a reunion story and I especially like it when it's not rammed down my throat about any other relationships they may have had over the three years. The heroine, Sabine, has been too busy surviving and caring for her son, who is the centre of her world. As far as we know, the hero had a hot date, but no other information, so I get to assume they were both pining for each other.
Sabine and Gavin dated briefly for a few weeks three years ago. Sabine comes from a poor farming community in Nebraska and feels alienated from Gavin's moneyed world. Gavin thought he was giving Sabine a good time when he took her to the classiest restaurants in New York, not realising that it only made Sabine feel awkward and stressed the differences between them. So Sabine left and Gavin, due to his upbringing with busy parents, a preponderance of nannies and a multitude of boarding schools, is used to people not staying in his life, so he let her go.
Now Sabine has run into a friend of Gavin's who immediately spots the resemblance to his friend and within hours, Gavin is back on her doorstep.
There are a lot of hurt feelings between these two, but with toddler Jared forcing a common bond, it is inevitable that they must spend time together. And propinquity is a wonderful thing.
I really enjoyed this story of two people who let the best thing in their life go because they were afraid, her of being sucked into his world, him of being abandoned. It was nice to see how each of their concerns was dealt with as they got to know each other and were willing to try and make things work, at first for the sake of Jared, but then for the potential of what could be.
A little drama in this one but the hero and heroine were essentially good, sensible people trying to do the best for their child.
Sabine and Gavin dated briefly for a few weeks three years ago. Sabine comes from a poor farming community in Nebraska and feels alienated from Gavin's moneyed world. Gavin thought he was giving Sabine a good time when he took her to the classiest restaurants in New York, not realising that it only made Sabine feel awkward and stressed the differences between them. So Sabine left and Gavin, due to his upbringing with busy parents, a preponderance of nannies and a multitude of boarding schools, is used to people not staying in his life, so he let her go.
Now Sabine has run into a friend of Gavin's who immediately spots the resemblance to his friend and within hours, Gavin is back on her doorstep.
There are a lot of hurt feelings between these two, but with toddler Jared forcing a common bond, it is inevitable that they must spend time together. And propinquity is a wonderful thing.
I really enjoyed this story of two people who let the best thing in their life go because they were afraid, her of being sucked into his world, him of being abandoned. It was nice to see how each of their concerns was dealt with as they got to know each other and were willing to try and make things work, at first for the sake of Jared, but then for the potential of what could be.
A little drama in this one but the hero and heroine were essentially good, sensible people trying to do the best for their child.
October 23, 2014
This book was such a contradiction for me. When I first started it I really wanted to quit after chapter one. I really didn't like the leading lady. This had nothing to do with the writing. In fact, I think she was written so well she was real. It just so happened she was one of those people I really don't like. I didn't like her personality, personal choices, or her parenting. However, the writing was [i]so[/i] good that I couldn't stop reading. My reading goal is 25% of my book each day if it's a romance. The first day I read more than 50% and I didn't even notice. I was that interested in the character development. The second day I was at 80%. Then I went a week without touching it again. I actually stopped in the middle of the "big event" of the second half (I don't want to spoil it). It was almost as though the event, while meant to be exciting, was just draining on the reader. The end really seemed to drag on, with several events that were so expected it was boring. And, while sweet, the epilogue was totally unnecessary and just emphasized those things in the leading lady that I didn't like from chapter one.
April 4, 2014
Posted on What I'm Reading
Today I finished His Lover's Little Secret by Andrea Laurence. I have to say that I enjoyed this book. I'm starting to come around to loving reunited lovers.
Gavin Brooks and Sabine Hayes were once an item. However, Sabine never felt comfortable in Gavin's world, so she broke up with Gavin. Once Sabine left, he didn't see the point in fighting for the relationship. A couple years later, he finds out that he has a child and Sabine has been keeping it a secret. As the story progress, he realize his mistake on letting Sabine go.
I found His Lover's Little Secret a pretty fast pace read. I did love how these two work on trying to compromise what was best for their son. I love how Gavin was willing to set aside his ego and show Sabine that he wants her in his life too. However, Gavin isn't very tactful on how he tries to convince Sabine that he wants her in his life. So, it's a little bumpy for Gavin. Plus, he's not a guy to share his feelings, which was one of the problems in the relationship. Sabine loves her child and would do anything for her son. She had to teach Gavin that their son's needs are more important than the company. Of course this is a hard concept for Gavin.
Overall, His Lover's Little Secret is quite enjoyable. The storyline moved alone nicely. Yes, there is a little drama towards the end, but nothing that will give you heart palpitation. So, if you are looking for a reunited lovers story, you can find that in His Lover's Little Secret.
On a side not if you have read What Lies Beneath you will recognize the main characters from that story. I thought it was clever to add them to the story. If you haven't read that story, you don't need worry about missing any important pieces. Both the stories are standalone.
Favorite Quote:
“Marry me, Sabine,” he said.
“No.”
He almost wished Sabine had gone back to laughing. The firm, sober rejection was worse. It reminded him of her pained, resolved expression as she broke off their relationship and walked out of his life.
“Why not?” He couldn’t keep the insulted tone from his voice. He was a great catch. She should be thrilled to get this proposal, even as spur of the moment and half-assed as it was.
Copy provided by the author
Today I finished His Lover's Little Secret by Andrea Laurence. I have to say that I enjoyed this book. I'm starting to come around to loving reunited lovers.
Gavin Brooks and Sabine Hayes were once an item. However, Sabine never felt comfortable in Gavin's world, so she broke up with Gavin. Once Sabine left, he didn't see the point in fighting for the relationship. A couple years later, he finds out that he has a child and Sabine has been keeping it a secret. As the story progress, he realize his mistake on letting Sabine go.
I found His Lover's Little Secret a pretty fast pace read. I did love how these two work on trying to compromise what was best for their son. I love how Gavin was willing to set aside his ego and show Sabine that he wants her in his life too. However, Gavin isn't very tactful on how he tries to convince Sabine that he wants her in his life. So, it's a little bumpy for Gavin. Plus, he's not a guy to share his feelings, which was one of the problems in the relationship. Sabine loves her child and would do anything for her son. She had to teach Gavin that their son's needs are more important than the company. Of course this is a hard concept for Gavin.
Overall, His Lover's Little Secret is quite enjoyable. The storyline moved alone nicely. Yes, there is a little drama towards the end, but nothing that will give you heart palpitation. So, if you are looking for a reunited lovers story, you can find that in His Lover's Little Secret.
On a side not if you have read What Lies Beneath you will recognize the main characters from that story. I thought it was clever to add them to the story. If you haven't read that story, you don't need worry about missing any important pieces. Both the stories are standalone.
Favorite Quote:
“Marry me, Sabine,” he said.
“No.”
He almost wished Sabine had gone back to laughing. The firm, sober rejection was worse. It reminded him of her pained, resolved expression as she broke off their relationship and walked out of his life.
“Why not?” He couldn’t keep the insulted tone from his voice. He was a great catch. She should be thrilled to get this proposal, even as spur of the moment and half-assed as it was.
Copy provided by the author
April 27, 2014
I won this book through a Goodreads first reads contest by the author. I must admit that I really enjoyed reading this book. It is all about having a second chance at love and making compromises. I liked that both of the lead characters admitted that they had made previous mistakes and that were willing to change for love.
April 7, 2014
Wow, loved it. The relationship between Gavin & Sabine was one that will keep you cheering. As Gavin builds a relationship with his son, he also builds one with Sabine.
September 6, 2017
Really enjoyed this story but it took me a little time to really warm to Gavin. He did manage to redeem himself though. I'm not reading this series in order, so I'm being introduced to characters who have their own books. This doesn't affect this story itself but there are spoilers as a result.
June 17, 2023
Alone only once
An absolutely beautiful story that has you chewing your cheek a bit because of mistakes made but then smiling ridiculously with delight cause a little boy deserves a daddy!
An absolutely beautiful story that has you chewing your cheek a bit because of mistakes made but then smiling ridiculously with delight cause a little boy deserves a daddy!
June 7, 2017
Feel good story
This was a sweet low impact story that leaves you with a satisfied feeling. I would recommend for the in depth characterization and believable conversations.
This was a sweet low impact story that leaves you with a satisfied feeling. I would recommend for the in depth characterization and believable conversations.
December 2, 2019
Good book with lots of love and feelings. I love secret baby books and this one did not disappoint.
December 19, 2019
Secret baby
Good fast read...secret babies and all that. I really enjoyed this book by a new ti me author Andrea Laurence
Good fast read...secret babies and all that. I really enjoyed this book by a new ti me author Andrea Laurence
October 11, 2022
FALLIMENTO
Credibilità delle vicende non pervenuta.
Trama vergognosamente banale e scontata.
Orribilmente fallito come introspezione e caratterizzazione dei personaggi.
Stucchevolmente buonista.
Credibilità delle vicende non pervenuta.
Trama vergognosamente banale e scontata.
Orribilmente fallito come introspezione e caratterizzazione dei personaggi.
Stucchevolmente buonista.
June 8, 2023
1 star
Yeah, no.
Yeah, no.
June 12, 2015
Gavin and Sabine were together three years ago, but he couldn’t fully open up to her, and she never felt comfortable in his world…so Sabine cut her losses. Discovering that she was pregnant with his child, Sabine chose to not tell the wealthy ex and continued on with her life. However, fate had other plans and Sabine’s secret was soon revealed. Reeling from a recent discovery that he has a toddler roaming around, Gavin is set on making demands. Will Sabine give in to his demands or stand her ground?
His Lover’s Little Secret is an enjoyable attention-grabbing tale. Sabine was a strong woman who made some assumptions and realized that she had a bit of reverse snobbery going on in the past and infiltrating the present. Gavin found that he could have many things if he would just work and open up in His Lover’s Little Secret. I liked watching these characters grow through His Lover’s Little Secret as they learned where they failed in the past and continued to tread into the present. Ms. Laurence developed both Gavin and Sabine, but I found that I sympathized with Gavin more than Sabine, who seemed to make some assumptions in His Lover’s Little Secret.
This book was reviewed by Vanessa for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
His Lover’s Little Secret is an enjoyable attention-grabbing tale. Sabine was a strong woman who made some assumptions and realized that she had a bit of reverse snobbery going on in the past and infiltrating the present. Gavin found that he could have many things if he would just work and open up in His Lover’s Little Secret. I liked watching these characters grow through His Lover’s Little Secret as they learned where they failed in the past and continued to tread into the present. Ms. Laurence developed both Gavin and Sabine, but I found that I sympathized with Gavin more than Sabine, who seemed to make some assumptions in His Lover’s Little Secret.
This book was reviewed by Vanessa for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
July 7, 2015
Gavin Brooks and Sabine Hayes used to be an item years ago. But Sabine could not deal with Gavin’s world and never felt comfortable in it so she left him. Gavin didn’t see the point of pursuing her if she wasn’t comfortable with him. Until a couple years later when he find out that Sabine has been keeping a secret, his child.
Now Gavin knows that he made a mistake letting her go without a fight. Yet things are still not going to be easy, for they have to find a way to work through their problems and find a way to compromise for their son’s welfare. And even though Gavin is willing to put his ego aside in order to show Sabine that he wants her back in his life, his way is not exactly the most romantic or tactful one.
But for Sabine her son comes first, and she will have to teach Gavin the same and help him put their son first, even above his company. Something that is not easy for Gavin to do for he has always put his company first.
Another great reunion and second chance romance that will keep you flipping the pages until you finish it.
Now Gavin knows that he made a mistake letting her go without a fight. Yet things are still not going to be easy, for they have to find a way to work through their problems and find a way to compromise for their son’s welfare. And even though Gavin is willing to put his ego aside in order to show Sabine that he wants her back in his life, his way is not exactly the most romantic or tactful one.
But for Sabine her son comes first, and she will have to teach Gavin the same and help him put their son first, even above his company. Something that is not easy for Gavin to do for he has always put his company first.
Another great reunion and second chance romance that will keep you flipping the pages until you finish it.
February 28, 2014
Flatware. Mwhahaha.
Jared is adorable. I want one.
I cheered at one point for Sabine. Good for her.
I liked that both of them agreed they made mistakes. It wasn't just a "I didn't think you would want a baby, so I didn't tell you" kind of story. It was more of a "I knew you were not ready to be a father then, but if you really truly are now, that's great" kind of story. No too stupid to live people here. Gavin acknowledged that he would have been too busy before to be anything more than an absentee father, which made me love him.
The painting scene...I'm jealous of....wait what I saying again? Here is where pictures would have been useful.
This seems like it's your basic romance, but there is a twist that is really nerve-wracking. No spoilers.
The epilogue...Meep.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jared is adorable. I want one.
I cheered at one point for Sabine. Good for her.
I liked that both of them agreed they made mistakes. It wasn't just a "I didn't think you would want a baby, so I didn't tell you" kind of story. It was more of a "I knew you were not ready to be a father then, but if you really truly are now, that's great" kind of story. No too stupid to live people here. Gavin acknowledged that he would have been too busy before to be anything more than an absentee father, which made me love him.
The painting scene...I'm jealous of....wait what I saying again? Here is where pictures would have been useful.
This seems like it's your basic romance, but there is a twist that is really nerve-wracking. No spoilers.
The epilogue...Meep.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2014
Ok, I've been indulging in what I would like to call "reading for fun not for depth" this weekend. Work has been more than crazy lately and I don't have the time to commit to a 600 pages book or a series. I needed an escape and this book provided it. If you're looking for a Romance bigger than life this is not the book for you. Even though Gavin and Sabine were in a relationship before there was a bit of an "insta-love" storyline here. That set aside, the book served its purpose which was keeping me entertained for the like 5 hours it took me to finish. There was cuteness, sexy-ness, a bit of Romance... I did not favored a particular plot-twist near the end (very soap-opera-ish) but it was OK overall.
If you're looking for a big romance that will make you swoon and cry... this will be meh! to you.
If you're just looking to kill a few hours like I was, this will be OK.
If you're looking for a big romance that will make you swoon and cry... this will be meh! to you.
If you're just looking to kill a few hours like I was, this will be OK.
January 12, 2016
I loved the Epilogue so it's a 4 stars rating!
but Sabin was really a bitch!! and so very selfish.. I'm still not convinced by her reasoning for keeping her son a secret .. to use her own words:
my heart went out to Gavin!
I loved him! and ached for him!
before the end the book takes an unexpected turn but I loved it!
again Sabin made assumptions about rich people .. including that they are all snobs when in fact she was the true snob in this story!
but after Gavin knew the truth the book improved and all the couple's problems seemed real and I enjoyed the rest of the book ... so 4 stars!
but Sabin was really a bitch!! and so very selfish.. I'm still not convinced by her reasoning for keeping her son a secret .. to use her own words:
She pushed away the only man she’d ever loved, deprived him of his son for two years, because she was certain they could never last.
my heart went out to Gavin!
I loved him! and ached for him!
before the end the book takes an unexpected turn but I loved it!
again Sabin made assumptions about rich people .. including that they are all snobs when in fact she was the true snob in this story!
but after Gavin knew the truth the book improved and all the couple's problems seemed real and I enjoyed the rest of the book ... so 4 stars!
April 2, 2016
4.5 stars
Attention: An adorable story shall ensue when reading this one! I loved His Lover's Little Secret, finding it to be an absolutely cute story and what I needed on a weekend afternoon.
I loved everything about this one. From the characters to the plot, Gavin and Sabine's story was a great one to follow, and I definitely kept getting more involved with the story the longer I read. I had anticipated reading a few chapters, but it soon became a one-sitting read.
The villain seemed to come out of the blue, but it definitely added some good tension for the book. Jared, Sabine, and Gavin will totally steal your heart! Another winner from Andrea Laurence.
Attention: An adorable story shall ensue when reading this one! I loved His Lover's Little Secret, finding it to be an absolutely cute story and what I needed on a weekend afternoon.
I loved everything about this one. From the characters to the plot, Gavin and Sabine's story was a great one to follow, and I definitely kept getting more involved with the story the longer I read. I had anticipated reading a few chapters, but it soon became a one-sitting read.
The villain seemed to come out of the blue, but it definitely added some good tension for the book. Jared, Sabine, and Gavin will totally steal your heart! Another winner from Andrea Laurence.
April 29, 2014
Sabine Hayes manages to hide her son from his Dad ( Gavin Brooks ) for two years. Till she ran into a friend of Gavin's while she had her son with her. So she knew it was only a matter of time before Gavin came knocking at her door. Which happened with in hours. Even after all the time that passed he still loved her. She is a very independent person and didn't want her son to grow up in boarding schools like his Dad did. But with all their problems they do end up working them all out in the end! Very good book, it was hard to put it down!!
April 9, 2014
I enjoyed reading His Lover's Little Secret. A low income Sabine has an affair with Billionaire Gavin. He has a hard time telling his feelings. His parents shifted him from one nanny to another and one school to another. Sabine doesn't think he will love her the way she wants to be loved so she leaves him not knowing she was pregnant. Three years later he fines out she is still in town and had his baby. The ups and downs of their relationship. Their dreams in life. Baby is kidnapped. All turns out fine there. A romance to enjoy.
May 20, 2015
3.5 stars for this story.
Sabine ends her relationship with Gavin fearing that if he knows about her pregnancy their child will have parents like his who were too busy for him. They were rich and he had the best nannies and schools but lacked that love and attention she wants to ensure her child gets.
So she left him and now two years later he's at her doorstep. Thus beginning the transformation of Gavin from over-worked CEO billionaire to wonderful father.
Good story with a little romance and some action.
Sabine ends her relationship with Gavin fearing that if he knows about her pregnancy their child will have parents like his who were too busy for him. They were rich and he had the best nannies and schools but lacked that love and attention she wants to ensure her child gets.
So she left him and now two years later he's at her doorstep. Thus beginning the transformation of Gavin from over-worked CEO billionaire to wonderful father.
Good story with a little romance and some action.
March 21, 2014
This is a great story about secrets, insecurities and possible second chances. The storyline is well written, moves along nicely and has very believable characters. Sabine and Gavin both have security issues that tear them apart but fate and a secret bring them back to each other with hopes of a second chance at love. Can they overcome their differences to find true happiness? This was an easy read and I enjoyed it very much.
Gifted a copy for review.
Gifted a copy for review.
June 24, 2014
Another excellent read.
So far every Andrea Laurence book I have read has been kept me glued from the beginning to the end. I really enjoyed reading this fast paced book and found it hard to put down. I love second chance stories and this one had me caught up in both Sabine's and Gavin's world. I enjoyed watching them fall in love all over again, and Gavin getting to know his son. An excellent read!
So far every Andrea Laurence book I have read has been kept me glued from the beginning to the end. I really enjoyed reading this fast paced book and found it hard to put down. I love second chance stories and this one had me caught up in both Sabine's and Gavin's world. I enjoyed watching them fall in love all over again, and Gavin getting to know his son. An excellent read!
July 23, 2014
This is a very simple, enjoyable read. The premise, that the powerful, take no prisoners CEO let her go once because he was afraid she didn't want him and the quirky, strong enough to leave her family independent woman who's afraid to stay is a shaky foundation on which to build a story. If you can overcome the inconsistencies with character though, there's lots to enjoy in this book, the writing is good and flows smoothly and it's a nice way to pass a few hours.
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