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Hidden Gem
To Lilah, Zane was a childhood bully, her brother's best friend, her new boss, a sex God?Lilah Hart, after getting through the toughest year of her life, faces another blow when she’s made redundant. The company she works for is acquired by her childhood nemesis, who she’s avoided for nearly a a gorgeous Colombian billionaire and her older brother’s best friend.
Zane Moreno has it all - charm, wealth, and a burning desire for success but when he reluctantly hires Lilah to be his personal assistant, they are forced back into each other's day to day lives bringing chaos to his perfectly curated schedule. Between Lilah's defiant, sarcastic attitude and Zane’s domineering, resolute character, they clash over every decision but find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other in a whirlwind of fiery banter, steamy encounters and hidden moments.
With work deadlines and the pressure of concealing their relationship, will Zane be able to prove that he is no longer the same boy from her childhood or will Lilah’s negative memory of him be proven right?
Zane Moreno has it all - charm, wealth, and a burning desire for success but when he reluctantly hires Lilah to be his personal assistant, they are forced back into each other's day to day lives bringing chaos to his perfectly curated schedule. Between Lilah's defiant, sarcastic attitude and Zane’s domineering, resolute character, they clash over every decision but find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other in a whirlwind of fiery banter, steamy encounters and hidden moments.
With work deadlines and the pressure of concealing their relationship, will Zane be able to prove that he is no longer the same boy from her childhood or will Lilah’s negative memory of him be proven right?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 15, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I can’t believe Hidden Gem by Ria Alice and Jessica May is their debut novel! It was such an incredible read easily one of my favorite romances of the year so far. The story includes so many tropes I love!!
💚workplace romance
💚brother’s best friend
💚billionaire romance
💚childhood grudges-to-lovers.
And they absolutely smashed every single one of them!
Lilah was such a feisty and iconic fmc (also she is a redhead).And I adored the way her friendships with Jacob, Amelia, and Verity were written. Those friendships felt so real and genuine, they added so much depth to the story. And Zane? Oh, the tension between him and Lilah was CHEFS KISS💋 ! From the banter to the emotional moments, I was hooked.
Oh and the spice was spicing for sure, it was HOT! 🥵
This book gave me all the feels. I shed tears, I giggled, and I definitely found myself kicking my feet in excitement more than once. The only reason I reduced half a star is that I would’ve loved to see Zane grovel a bit more at the end, but I just like for the MMC to go the end of the world on his bare feet for the FMC (so maybe my expectations of groveling are too high lol) Also, there was a bit of an overuse of exclamation marks for my liking, but that’s such a minor nitpick in the grand scheme of things.
So if you want to read more books by indie authors, this is definitely one to add to your tbr!! 💚
I can’t believe Hidden Gem by Ria Alice and Jessica May is their debut novel! It was such an incredible read easily one of my favorite romances of the year so far. The story includes so many tropes I love!!
💚workplace romance
💚brother’s best friend
💚billionaire romance
💚childhood grudges-to-lovers.
And they absolutely smashed every single one of them!
Lilah was such a feisty and iconic fmc (also she is a redhead).And I adored the way her friendships with Jacob, Amelia, and Verity were written. Those friendships felt so real and genuine, they added so much depth to the story. And Zane? Oh, the tension between him and Lilah was CHEFS KISS💋 ! From the banter to the emotional moments, I was hooked.
Oh and the spice was spicing for sure, it was HOT! 🥵
This book gave me all the feels. I shed tears, I giggled, and I definitely found myself kicking my feet in excitement more than once. The only reason I reduced half a star is that I would’ve loved to see Zane grovel a bit more at the end, but I just like for the MMC to go the end of the world on his bare feet for the FMC (so maybe my expectations of groveling are too high lol) Also, there was a bit of an overuse of exclamation marks for my liking, but that’s such a minor nitpick in the grand scheme of things.
So if you want to read more books by indie authors, this is definitely one to add to your tbr!! 💚
October 16, 2025
This book takes a familiar trope childhood enemies forced to work together and elevates it through witty dialogue and layered character growth. The author’s pacing keeps the story moving without losing emotional depth. What stands out most is how both characters evolve: Lilah’s resilience feels authentic, while Zane’s redemption arc gives the story weight. The blend of workplace tension, humor, and emotional intimacy makes this romance more than just a steamy read; it’s a smart, engaging exploration of how people can outgrow their pasts.
February 20, 2026
This book was such a beautiful read I flew through it and honestly I want more. Childhood enemies, to boss and employee to lovers say no more I’m there. This book is perfect for a feel good, comfort romance.
March 27, 2026
I do not enjoy this. The writing was cringy in parts and reminded me of Wattpad, but not in a fun nostalgic way.
I haven’t read another book about a jewellery business so I did appreciate that difference. But this writing style is just not for me!
I haven’t read another book about a jewellery business so I did appreciate that difference. But this writing style is just not for me!
May 23, 2026
3.5 stars 🌟
I really liked it, it was a light cleanser palette. I loved the side characters Theo and Amelia. There were slight errors with a guy called Jacob/Jake. I was left confused as to what his actual name was.
I really liked it, it was a light cleanser palette. I loved the side characters Theo and Amelia. There were slight errors with a guy called Jacob/Jake. I was left confused as to what his actual name was.
January 31, 2026
It is such a fun book! For both a debut novel and a self published novel it’s incredibly impressive and Ria and Jess should be proud of themselves.
The book may be advertised as a “smut” novel but the story itself is also gripping with the characters facing real life problems outside of their romances and some big reveals and betrayals in their career life. Obviously the sex scenes are hot and steamy! But so is the anticipation and build up.
The characters feel fully realised! I’m so excited to read the other 3 books in the series!! ☺️
The book may be advertised as a “smut” novel but the story itself is also gripping with the characters facing real life problems outside of their romances and some big reveals and betrayals in their career life. Obviously the sex scenes are hot and steamy! But so is the anticipation and build up.
The characters feel fully realised! I’m so excited to read the other 3 books in the series!! ☺️
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews