My Sweetest Secret

by Erica Jade

HADLEY
The day my mother died, my world didn't just shift—it fucking imploded. Suddenly I had a father I'd never known, a picture-perfect family over 1500 miles away from the world I know, and a future that looked nothing like my past.
But that wasn't even the scariest part. No, that came in the form of Crew Emerson. Tall, toned, and sexy as hell, with a beard I want to run my fingers through. The only problem? He's my father's best friend and boss, and he's completely off-limits.

CREW
Control. It's been the foundation of my entire fucking existence. I built an empire on it, earned my reputation with it, lived my life by it. Until the day she walked into my world and shattered everything I thought I knew.
Hadley Winters. My best friend's daughter, barely eighteen and completely forbidden. With curves that haunt my dreams and innocence in her eyes that makes me want to corrupt every inch of her. She's a tempest of temptation with a smile that could bring empires to their knees. One look from her, and my control starts to crumble.
*An age-gap, forbidden romance that will set your kindle on fire. This story contains mature themes and is intended for readers 18+.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2025

About the author

Erica Jade is the author of Never Yours, a gripping dark Mafia romance. When she’s not writing, Erica enjoys binge-watching TV shows with her husband and their French bulldog, Ellie. She cherishes quality time with her husband and their three children.
Erica has a deep love for all things horror, an insatiable appetite for tacos, and an ever-growing collection of books to fuel her reading obsession. Whether she’s diving into a spine-chilling horror flick or savoring her favorite tacos (yes, they’re worth mentioning twice), Erica’s passions always find their way into her vibrant and dynamic storytelling.

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid 4 star read! This is a new author to me and I will definitely be reading more.

So we have Hadley (18) who just lost her mom and has to move to another state to live with a dad she’s never met. She’s heard bad things about her dad (Grant) but they were all a lie and this whole time he’s been trying to see her but her mom wouldn’t let him. She moves in with him and his wife and daughter. Olivia and Sam are so amazing. I loved that she was brought into a loving house and not with a step mom and half sister that were horrible. They were honestly such great characters and her dad was sweet too.

Hadley runs into a guy at the park, Crew (35), who eventually ends up being her new boss and her dad’s best friend. Crew is immediately smitten with her but then feels some type of way when he finds out she’s only 18 and his buddy’s daughter. Crew wasn’t my favorite character. He pushed Hadley away for at least half the book. It was well past 50% and he was still pushing her away. I don’t like the whole “guy acting like a jerk to push her away” story line. Especially when that guy is way older, it just screams immature to me. Hadley did throw herself at him a little more than I would like especially since he kept pushing her away. She knew he wanted her and she did little things to mess with him. He eventually came around and then he couldn’t keep his hands to himself. I did love how possessive he was. He didn’t like anyone looking at his girl.

There was some OM drama where she goes on several dates with someone from work. It was when Crew kept pushing her away so I felt like it was valid. She only kissed him (off page) but felt nothing for him. Crew also gets so mad when a waiter flirts with her.

I did feel like this read was very surface level though. There could have been so many more things explored that would have been a nice addition. I mean Hadley starts at a new school and she’s on the track team but there’s barely any mention of her going to school or running track. It’s only mentioned once at the beginning and then not again. Also Crews mom is mentioned in the epilogue but he never talks about his family at all during the whole book. Another thing I wish would have been fleshed out was Hadleys feelings regarding her mother. And how she went about dealing with her mother’s death. She never thinks about it and she only mentions how she wanted a good family because she never had that with her mom but I wanted to dig a little deeper there.

I knew when the third act break up happened at 90% that the grovel was going to be non existent and it definitely was. There should have been a lot more time after the third act to resolve a few things. It wrapped up too quickly.

But overall I did like the read. I loved all the secondary characters. Omg Brax was my absolute favorite. I need his book ASAP. I want one for Sam too! Also I loved the lack of OW drama. There was none whatsoever.

NO CHEATING
NO OW DRAMA
OM DRAMA
THIRD ACT BREAK UP
AGE GAP (18/35)
NO VIRGINS (he’s definitely NOT a manwhore and she’s been with one guy)
DADS BEST FRIEND
BOSS/EMPLOYEE
HEA (married with kids)

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If anyone ever looked at my Goodreads, they’d see that Age Gap Romance is a favorite trope of mine. I couldn’t resist all the teasers Author Erica Jade was dishing out promoting “My Sweetest Secret.” The combination of a considerable age gap, Dad’s best friend, and the FMC works for him. I was in.

Hadley, having lost her mother, is to finish off her last year in high school and live with her father, whom she’s never met. She didn’t have an ideal childhood and learns she was also given false information about her father. But Hadley now enters a new life and family she’s never had and always wanted. She doesn’t anticipate meeting her father’s boss and best friend, Crew, under different circumstances, and they both feel drawn to each other.

This is when all the fun stuff kicks in—the steamy tension. The two meet up on the down low. There are the “we can’t” but “we are” and “we shouldn’t” but “we will” moments. I enjoyed all of them. And when they did get together, it was hot. Crew was such a sweetheart, and Hadley got the family she deserved.

[Laura Hinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was a great dad’s best friend and age gap romance. Erica Jade did it perfectly. The book had me hooked from the beginning and I did not want to put it down. The family dynamic in it was written so well, how they accepted and loved Hadley from the beginning and would do anything for her. The friendship in it was heartwarming and sweet. Hadley and Crew’s relationship from the start was amazing. Hadley is a strong and wonderful girl and all through her life she never gave up or stopped. Crew is a kind and good man who did not want to hurt anyone around him. I for sure recommend this book!

[Amy Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn into this book. After her mother's death, Hadley discovers her father's lifelong search for her and reflects on her mother's shortcomings. This resonated deeply with me because Hadley’s mother and my own felt almost identical. Upon moving in with her Dad, she finds a family that embraces her with open arms and wholeheartedly welcomes her as one of their own, which truly pulled at my heartstrings. After meeting Crew, Hadley's life becomes a whirlwind, particularly when he discovers the girl he collided with is his best friend's 18 year old daughter, sparking a perfect slow burn that had me hooked from start to finish. This book had me laughing, crying, and experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions that are difficult to put into words.

[Cheyenne J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think i need to sit on this one for a minute. i can't think of anything to say other than I absolutely loved this book. I want EVERYONE to read it! Hadley and Crew are the perfect age gap romance. The push and pull The freakin spice is epic!!!! I will definately be rereading this one again and again!!! Erica I need a spotify playlist please!

[Hallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
- age gap
- forbidden love

Blurb:

HADLEY

The day my mother died, my world didn’t just shift—it fucking imploded. Suddenly I had a father I’d never known, a picture-perfect family over 1500 miles away from the world I know, and a future that looked nothing like my past.

But that wasn’t even the scariest part. No, that came in the form of Crew Emerson. Tall, toned, and sexy as hell, with a beard I want to run my fingers through. The only problem? He’s my father’s best friend and boss, and he’s completely off-limits.



CREW

Control. It’s been the foundation of my entire fucking existence. I built an empire on it, earned my reputation with it, and lived my life by it. Until the day she walked into my world and shattered everything I thought I knew.

Hadley Winters. My best friend’s daughter, barely eighteen and completely forbidden. With curves that haunt my dreams and innocence in her eyes that makes me want to corrupt every inch of her. She’s a tempest of temptation with a smile that could bring empires to their knees. One look from her, and my control starts to crumble.

*An age-gap, forbidden romance that will set your Kindle on fire. This story contains mature themes and is intended for readers

Review:


So, I had the best opportunity to read this as a beta reader. I am thankful for this! Now, let me tell you, it's amazing. Hadley experiences a trauma in her life that forces her to go live with her father and his family. Hadley meets this man, but little does she know at first that Crew Emerson is her father's best friend and co-worker. But that does not stop Hadley and Crew from having a relationship. It is a must-read book to see what happens between Hadley and Crew.

" Be a good girl for me while I'm gone."

[Lindsey Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erica Jade delivers a hot and heartfelt read with My Sweetest Secret, a captivating age gap, dad’s best friend romance that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between Hadley and Crew is undeniable, and the story explores the complexities of forbidden attraction with intensity and emotion.

Hadley might be one of my favorite FMCs I’ve ever read. She just resonated with me, which is crazy because she’s 18 and I’m 40. But Erica Jade created Hadley in such a way that I was able to connect deeply with this character. Jade does an excellent job of crafting Hadley’s character with a mix of vulnerability and strength, making her feel both relatable and intriguing.

Crew, on the other hand, is the definition of a swoon-worthy, yet conflicted MMC. He’s charming, protective, and undeniably magnetic, but the age gap and his friendship with Hadley’s father complicate their connection. His internal battle is portrayed beautifully, as he tries to balance his loyalty to his friend with his undeniable attraction to Hadley.

The tension between the characters builds at great pace, and the author does a fantastic job of playing with the push and pull of their relationship. The pacing is just right, offering enough time for their connection to feel genuine before diving into the steamy moments that readers will not want to miss. The forbidden element adds an extra layer of excitement.

Overall, My Sweetest Secret is an addictive, page-turning romance that balances steamy moments with heartfelt emotion. The slow burn and tension between the characters make the payoff so much more satisfying, and readers will likely find themselves rooting for Hadley and Crew until the very end. If you’re a fan of age gap, dad’s best friend romances, this book is a must-read!

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Hadley (18) and Crew (35). There is a deliciously large age gap. Hadley had kind of a neglected childhood with a mother that moved around a lot and she did not know her father. Fast forward to when she is 18, she meets her father for the first time and goes to live with him and his family in New York. I was really rooting for Hadley, all of a sudden she had this found family when she had never had anyone to rely on before. When she runs into Crew in the park on a jog, literally runs into him!-sparks fly. What she doesn't know yet is Crew is her father's coworker and best friend and also her future boss. This story has all the goodies, a slow burn, mutual pining, forbidden love, sneaking around, found family. Crew really struggles with his temptation for Hadley and he tries to fight it at every return, knowing that he could hurt his best friend, her father. I really loved the internal struggle that Crew had about what he thought should be right or wrong and what his heart really wanted. I thought Hadley seemed really mature for her age and even though it was a large age gap, they just fit together. If you love reading a forbidden romance, I think you will really like this one.

[GroceReadsAfterDark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father’s best friend, office romance, age gap… 3 of the best tropes put together.

This one was everything and then some. I read it so fast. I loved buddy, the golden retriever. But that’s because I’m an animal lover.

This story follows Hadley and Crew. Crew is Grants best friend, they built a business together, and they live beside each other.

Hadley is a runner and just turned 18. But instead of celebrating she is burying her mother. But then she finds out about Grant her biological father, who wasn’t part of her life. He asked her to move in with him so she did. She then meets Crew and the emotions go wild.

This story had me laughing, crying, angry and giddy. I enjoyed reading this one so much, the angst of trying to fight feelings. But then finally giving in. Don’t forget about the spicy moments that got you rubbing your thighs together. This one was a great read that I enjoyed. I’m sad it’s over I wanted it to keep going.

[Melissa Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the amazing opportunity of being able to Beta Read this book!

Hadley dealt with a tragic loss and went to live with her father and step mother/step sister. She was able to completely fit in and loved being with her father and his family. She even runs into a guy while on a run one day and things get interesting.

Crew and his dog Buddy accidentally run into Hadley on a run one day. Sparks fly for both but not without issues. Crew ends up being not only Hadleys fathers best friend but also his boss. He also just so happens to be their next door neighbor.

Thank you to Erica Jade for allowing me to beta read! I throughly enjoyed it and cant for more books by you in the future.

[Elizabeth W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a steamy build up to an amazing story. The heat radiated off the pages and the will/ they won't they, adds to the explosive spicy scenes. Crew is that hot, sexy AF older man with a possessive side and can't keep your hands off energy. Hadley is the sweet, kind of innocent girl who makes some bold moves. They both play with fire and we all know what happens with that ... I absolutely loved Buddy and the side characters as well. The found family dynamic was heartfelt and tear jerking I loved every minute of it. The playlist for this book is phenomenal and the writing is impeccable as always. When this comes out, go read it. Crew is waiting for you to call him "sir"

[Melissa Matti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5⭐️, 5🌶️

I just finished My Sweetest Secret by Erica Jade and these are my thoughts…

This book will forever have a home in my heart. The forbidden and age gap aspects of this book were so well done, the plot the characters, and the spice all just made it an unforgettable experience.

My Sweetest Secret is a standalone forbidden, age gap contemporary romance which follows our FMC and our MMC as they battle the tension and attraction that blooms between them.

Our FMCs life changed overnight when her mum passes away and her Dad re-appears in her life. She finds herself in a new city, with a new family and a job working at her Father’s company. The MMC is her dad’s best friend and business partner, which means he’s also our FMCs boss. Then there’s my favourite character Buddy, the reason our FMCs and MMCs lives collide.

This book was everything!! A must read for anyone who enjoys a spicy age gap romance.

[Felicia's Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadley world is about to be changed. When her mother dies unexpectedly she is now forced to move in with her dad who she has never met. This book was the first book I have read by Erica and OMG I am hooked. When Hadley goes for her morning run in her new home she runs into Crew Emerson when I SAY SPARKS FLEW they flew but what she and him don’t know was Crew is her father's best friend. When I say the tension is thick it's THICK. I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. I hope to read more from Erica soon.

[Tiffany(Nightshadowitch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very i would say emotional Age gap romance . H goes through and terrible loss and at 18 finds her father and reconnects. Her life wasnt as she thought mom had some secrets. Then enters C and his chemestry with H is a beautiful slow burn. Navigating new family , new feelings and new experiences. This was a good read and I can say i wish there was more. 5 on the spice lvl and a 10/10 recommend for a good age gap reader

[Bobby L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erica, oh my gosh, you wrote this book so well! I loved it between these two characters it was perfect chemistry even though the age gap! You will have to read this book to find out what happens between all these characters cause it was moving my emotions all over. This book is definitely a five-star read cause of the spice, plot, and storyline that goes on! I don't want to give away too much! 🫶🥵🥹😊🥰💗❤️

[Bexs Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadley's crappy upbringing and strength and tenacity despite that made her easily loveable and it was heartwarming watching her life change to a life she deserved.

I loved her immediate spark upon meeting Crew and her determination to stop him denying it was entertaining.

If you're looking for a medium-slow burn between grumpy and sunshine with a dash of sass and plenty of feels, then this is the book you need!

I loved every part of this book and can't wait for more from the author.

[Evelyn Syde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story made me climb up walls! The tension between Crew and Hadley is so freaking tangeable that it left me panting! I loved how they met and the way their relationship changed throughout the book with such perfect pacing. The restaurant part almost made me throw my Kindle into the wall, and then the beach and room scene calmed my nerves perfectly. The spice is SUPER spicy, and I just wish it hadn't ended so quickly. If you love age gap and possessive MMC as much as I do, this is PERFECT!

[Amber Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadley, the FMC, had the rug yanked from beneath her after her mom died. She's barely eighteen, thrust into a new family, including a father she's never met, and moved away from the only home she knew. Crew, the MMC, is Hadley's father's best friend and he's about to lose control.

I had fun with this book; it's an age gap, office romance. Definitely recommend checking it out.

[valley_girl_36 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age gap ✅
Forbidden ✅
Fabulous read. There was heartache, love,acceptance and oh my my there is SPICE! A mothers death leads to a found family. A chance encounter meets to daddy’s best friend and boss😉.I would easily recommend this read.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read! It was hot, the spice was definitely spicing, and the chemistry was chef's kiss. Erica Jade did an incredible job writing this book! Even though it was a rather large age gap, it couldn't have been more perfect! I can't wait to read more books by this author!

[Trisha Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always expect the unexpected when it comes to books written by the amazing Erica Jade. She has done it again. It does have an age gap trope, which I usually don't like, but this book is so well written that it didn't bother me.

[Brittany Trynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dad's boss, her boss, is definitely forbidden age gap
And no matter how hard they fight the attraction, in what seem in every way eventually they give in right ... and nothing g bad can happen..?? It xan stay a secret its not like they love on another 🤫☺️🥵😍

[DAnna Seabridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥵🥵🥵🥵🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🤭🤭🤭😏😏😏 10000000/10 stars. I loved Crew and Hadley. Their banter was amazing and the steam was steamy. I love me a good age gap, especially if it's forbidden 🤭 but add daddy's best friend 🤣. Top tier, would highly recommend to anyone and everyone.

[SheReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Wish we got to read more about her school life. And if she actually graduated college.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic execution

Light and fluffy light a warm blanket fresh from the dryer with classic execution of the tropes. Perfect for a comfort read.

[Rebekah Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up this afternoon and could not put it down! This was such a great story!! The found/chosen family was so beautiful, it had me tearing up at times! Erica Jade writes love stories like no ones business!! 🥰 I'm obsessed!