Secretly Yours

Celebrity Love in New Orleans #4

by Katie Talbot

Seven years ago, Paul Easton broke my heart. We were inseparable—until one humiliating yearbook photo and one terrible night blew everything up.
Now he’s a superstar, and his gorgeous face is everywhere. On movie posters. On talk shows. On my nerves.

And how am I, Scarlett Emerson, doing? As a big New York City journalist, I’m thriving, in case anyone’s keeping score.
So when I land the assignment to write an exposé on him, I say yes. Not to reconnect. To show him how much better off I am without him.

At first, everything goes to plan. I’m detached and professional. Until he smiles. Until his dog decides to adopt me. Until we stumble into a long-buried Civil War-era mystery . . . and start solving it together. Now I’m trying to write the story that could make my career—while pretending I’m not still hopelessly in love with the boy who taught me what heartbreak feels like.

This was supposed to be revenge.
Instead, it might just be my second chance.

Genres: Romance

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 10, 2026

About the author

Katie Talbot writes sweet, witty romantic comedies featuring smart, sassy heroines and the larger-than-life men who fall for them. Her debut five-book series, Celebrity Love in New Orleans, is set in the quirky, romantic city she now calls home.

Her books are sweet and clean, never spicy, because New Orleans is hot enough.

Originally from the Midwest, Katie fell in love with the Big Easy’s music, food, and charm. She lives there with her husband and their three children, where she balances family life with dreaming up banter-filled love stories.

Reviews

[Tiffany Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secretly Yours was super cute and easy to fall into. I was rooting for Scarlette...most of the time.There was a time or two I thought "girl, seriously, what are you doing?!😏" She was relatable and likeable though and, like everyone, made mistakes and had to learn some hard lessons. Paul though...LOVE me some Paul💜. Even though he wasn't completely blameless, I fell in love with his character from the beginning. Once he opened back up, he totally had a golden retriever personality! Of course, like all rom coms, there were times of predictability, but that's ok because duh... it's a rom com. I smiled, giggled, and even teared up some. The banter was chefs kiss and kept the pace moving along. It wasn’t perfect, but it was fun and exactly the kind of book you reach for when you want swoony moments. Solid 4 stars, would happily recommend for a sweet, feel good read. I will be reading more books from Katie Talbot!

Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Vista Press, and Katie Talbot for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Nouf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

I really enjoyed this book it was quick read. But sometimes Paul and Scarlett kept doing things that got on my nerves !! Like when they were kissing and a few minutes later he said oh no she's like a sister to me BUT when she did the same thing nah he gets angry !

I loved her roommate Winnie and B2 also the uncle and Jolie!!

The story was cute and I LOVED WHEN HE WAS JEALOUS. but i felt like the background story and why their friendship ended was meh it was not that deep for me.
I felt bad for him when he found out about the truth and what she was actually doing in town. At the end I felt like the story was all over the place but at the same time I enjoyed the story .

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Rebecca Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Secretly Yours follows Anna, a New York City journalist, who accidentally messes up one assignment, and is left with no options but to revisit her hometown and write about Paul Easton, the boy who broke her heart 7 years prior - did I mention he’s now a full-blown movie star? 🌟 What she intends to be revenge, ends up being something more… An easy, comforting read that flowed effortlessly, so much so I finished in less than 24 hours. While the storyline was predictable, it still delivered the type of romance I was looking for. Sometimes a familiar love story that is light-hearted is exactly what hits the spot. 💕 I’m off to download the previous 3 books in the Celebrity Love in New Orleans Series 📖 👋

The vibes - Sweet, rom-com, light humor, and predictability that makes it an easy ready. 🥰

Thanks Katie Talbot, NetGalley and Lake Vista Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Seersh · Rating 2 out of 5]

no
just no

Other woman drama… ugh. instant hate for me. The FMC is just pathetic.., like just sitting there like a mug being an idiot for this man and then after 7 years instantly went back to doing the same shit. 5 months for him then to sort his shit out. Grow up

[Know My Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Vista press for providing me with an early review copy for my honest opinion.

I rate it 3.75 stars but rounded up to 4 for Goodreads.

‘Secretly Yours’ tells us the story of the friendship between Scarlett and Paul, and where they are seven years after the friendship ended abruptly. Scarlett is living as an investigative report in New York and is not having the greatest luck. When her lastest case goes south, her editor gives her one last chance: write a breaking gossip piece on an hotshot Hollywood star. Who just so happens to be her childhood best friend and crush Paul. Things didn’t end so well for them seven years ago in high school and Scarlett’s not seen him since. Will Scarlett be able to keep her emotions in check and get the scoop, or will the past get in the way?

I really enjoyed that the book was focused on exploring the emotional connection between Scarlett and Paul. Seeing them communicate and understand where their thoughts and feelings were was deeply interesting. I feel that, sometimes, you can only feel the surface of what a character feels as you read. However, this was different. I could feel Scarlett’s emotions as if they were my own; her anxiety, her despair.

Paul was adorable. Like, don’t get me wrong everyone loves a dark, forbidden book boyfriend. so when we get a squishy man in touch with his feelings and gives golden retriever energy? Refreshing. The little ‘something-something’ on between Winnie and the guy in apartment 2B was funny. Poor Winnie and her unfortunate series of dates. And uncle Ignatius? What a man. Equal parts comedy, caring and a little bit silly.

It was cute and a very quick read. I finished it in my 2-hour planning period between teaching classes. I do like my books a bit chunkier, but for the story it was telling us, this seems like a good length. I enjoyed Katie Talbot’s writing style, to the point where I’m going to add the other three books in the ‘Celebrity Love in New Orleans’ to my TBR list.

Would I buy a physical copy? Yes.

Will I read again? Yes. Definitely. 100%

[Robyn Goldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett Emerson and Paul Easton were the best of friends... until they weren't. When she realized she'd never be to him what she wanted to be, and that she couldn't trust him, their friendship imploded. Paul became a famous heartthrob movie star and Scarlett became a hotshot New York City journalist. With her career on the line, Scarlett's tasked with writing an exposé on Paul, and she wants revenge! When they reunite, it's like sliding on your favorite jeans... with a couple of rips. There's still hurt there, but it's just so natural and comfortable. Will Scarlett and Paul fall head over heels or will they end up hating each other?

Secretly Yours was a bit of a roller-coaster ride. Friends to enemies to friends to lovers is quite the journey for a book with just under 300 pages, but the ride was worth it! This book was so adorable! A bit more "rom" than "com" but there were plenty of funny moments. My biggest issue was that I liked the side characters more than I liked Scarlett and Paul. My favorite characters were Ignatius and Winnie. Jolie wins the "goodest girl award" for continuously bringing Paul and Scarlett together. I would be remiss if I didn't bring up my favorite minor character, Robert. He was truly the perfect guy (I don't want to spoil it so I'll stop there). Scarlett and Paul were just so frustrating! They're adults and so many problems could have been fixed by having a few adult conversations!

The plot was predictable, but every rom-com is. There were absolutely still surprises along the way, but rom-coms are built on characters, dialogue, and feelings more than plot and plot twists. Secretly Yours was the perfect palate cleanser to follow my last read. It was a light-hearted, no spice, fast and easy read. While part of a series I haven't read, it is a standalone. If you're looking for a cutesy read to disappear into for a few hours, Read It!

Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Mona M · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

This was a cute quick read, however the conflict just wasn’t hitting a mark that I liked. overall it felt a little fast paced, the conflict as it went on started to feel like filler. And it felt like the main character did a 180 in personality with not enough time to get to know him through one point of view- a 180 into liking her one minute he says “she’s like my sister” (which I hate this sentence okay 😭) and when she dished it back to him he hated it (how do you think Scarlett felt all those years Paul) also speaking of - while they were in high school it would’ve been nice to touch on the party a little more and for Paul to grovel a little more for Scarlett after saying “no I don’t think of her that way. I never would” come on Paul put your “pride” aside and grovel a little.

I think it also was a little harder for me to like Paul / understand him because we don’t see how he feels, but that’s the style of the book sometimes it works but it would’ve been nice to see it because it’s like he just flipped a switch and fell for her and we missed the context - to me it felt like it happened after he saw her ready for their double date and I didn’t like that it was basically “he wants her because he can’t have her” sort of plot in a way. And he was overly touchy and clingy just because they were together (at this point mind you maybe an hour at most) he said “I’m going to touch you whenever I want now” and it just did not land how I think she intended it to, at least to me. Felt like insta love by him and I don’t love when books have that kind of character

I also didn’t like that her published book that he bought SEVERAL copies of was just brushed over as a plot

I need a book just for Tony and Winnie

Thank you to BookSirens for the arc!

Happy reading! - Mona

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute, fast read but my goodness the red flags were waving so hard.
Scarlett and Paul have been best friends since childhood. And as most teenagers do, they have that ‘are they together or not?’ type of relationship. Until Paul makes it very clear at a graduation party that they don’t.
Seven years later, Scarlett is sent to New Orleans to get an exclusive on Paul who is now a famous actor, so she can impress her boss and get the promotion she’s been working towards as a reporter. So of course, commence all the rom-com drama. Like the last seven years have happened, Scarlett and Paul fall into their old routines, including his penchant for reminding everyone that they are just friends. But when Scarlett has to choose between her story/career and Paul, it all goes awry.

Here’s where it lost me. Paul is a walking red flag. After all this time and the explanations of why Scarlett walked away after high school, he still treats her the exact same way AND SHE LETS HIM. What?!? Then, when she hesitates in her decision about her job he loses his mind and stops speaking to her again.
But seriously Scarlett needed to let that mess go too when he left her hanging for over five months.

The side characters were incredible and I’d love a whole book about Winnie and 2B. I’d even take one about Ignatius as well. They provided some pretty great comic relief. And the story Scarlett did end up writing was a nice touch.

So it was worth reading if you can get past the ridiculous choices the main characters kept making.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a book lover for as long as I can remember, and romance has always been the genre I reach for first. Lately, I have found myself especially drawn to second chance romances. There is just something so satisfying about watching two people reconnect, work through what went wrong the first time, and slowly find their way back to each other. Because I adored “Suddenly Yours,” I was beyond excited to pick up this book, and I am happy to say it fully lived up to my expectations.

This story struck such a great balance between humor and heart. The FMC was the kind of character who was impossible not to root for, even during those moments when you wanted to gently nudge her and tell her to just be honest already. The emotional tension felt real, but it never overshadowed the warmth of the story. I really appreciated that both characters eventually had to step outside their comfort zones and get out of their own way in order to reach their happy ending.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was funny, sweet, and filled with moments that made me smile from start to finish. I would absolutely love to see a bonus epilogue for these two someday, because I am not quite ready to say goodbye yet. I also plan on going back to read the other books in the series, since this one reminded me exactly why I enjoy this author’s work so much.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Irma G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secretly Yours is a cozy, warm, feel‑good rom‑com set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans. The story follows Scarlett Emerson, a New York journalist who’s assigned to write a fluff profile piece on her former best friend and mega celebrity — Paul Ellison- all in an attempt to redeem herself after a botched investigative assignment.

Scarlett once fell hard for Paul, but a graduation‑night misunderstanding shattered their friendship and sent them in opposite directions for seven years. Now, fate (and her jerk of an editor) throw them back together. What starts as a revenge‑tinged assignment quickly shifts into a second chance neither of them saw coming.

This story is a bit predictable at times, but in the best “comfort read” kind of way. Katie Talbot shines in her character development — I genuinely felt connected to Scarlett and Paul. The storytelling hits several of my favorite rom‑com elements: animal chaos, a strong heroine, a hilarious best friend, and a few unexpectedly emotional moments that even got a tear or two out of me.

While it didn’t quite land in 5‑star territory for me, it’s a solid 3.5‑star read — sweet, cozy, charming, and absolutely worth picking up when you’re craving something light and heartwarming.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice, second chance romance that is easy to read. Paul was an absolute sweetie. He and Scarlett had been best friends for ages when she totally ghosts him after hearing him say something that upset her, because she’s had a crush on him. She even takes an airplane to flee. But sweet Paul chases after her and tried ninety-nine times (!!) to talk to her, but she never gives him even the chance to explain himself. Then, seven years later, her horrible boss forces her to write an expose on him. But instead of coming clean to Paul right away, she’s trying to gather private information for her article. Of course this was the plot of the story but I couldn’t believe her for keeping mum for so long. Her wanting revenge was quite petty. Luckily, she falls in love with him all over again and love conquers all in the end.
There were some scenes that felt unrealistic to me (blowing up a major story because you needed to beat toddlers at a race?) but overall it is a light, clean feel good story with a happily ever after.
Thank you Dragonblade Publishing, Netgalley and Katie Talbot for providing an advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed it; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
..

[Ayesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Thank you Netgalley and Lake Vista Press for this ARC

'Secretly Yours' by Katie Talbot is a sweet Rom Com set in New Orleans, Louisiana. It revolves around the leads 'Scarlett' and 'Paul'. Their journey from Friendship to Lovers is the central plot of this story. The way Scarlett (the journalist) and Paul (a movie star) who are childhood friends, reunite as adults and fall in love is portrayed beautifully. They both had an amazing chemistry and I did enjoy the banter between them. I was satisfied with the character development by the end of this story. The setting of New Orleans in the story was described beautifully. I did enjoy reading about the work culture of both the Professions mentioned.

The Friendship between Winnie and Scarlett was heartwarming and the conversations between them were humourous in certain scenes. Ignatius was an amazing character and I really did enjoy his scenes in the book. The best part of this book was ' Jolie', the golden retriever,and she has all my heart. At the end, this book made me laugh, and I had this huge smile on my face and it was little bit emotional also.

[☆Laura☆]

Scarlett Emerson regresa a Nueva Orleans convencida de que su visita será breve y estrictamente profesional, pero la ciudad no olvida con facilidad y tampoco lo hace Paul Easton, su ex mejor amigo de la infancia que ahora es una estrella de cine. Obligada a entrevistarlo para salvar su carrera periodística, Scarlett se enfrenta a un pasado lleno de silencios, sentimientos no resueltos y decisiones que cambiaron el rumbo de ambos. Mientras intenta mantener la distancia y el control, la cercanía reaviva recuerdos y emociones que creía superadas. Lo que comienza como un encargo incómodo se transforma en una convivencia cargada de tensión, nostalgia y segundas oportunidades que pondrán a prueba sus límites y su capacidad de perdonar.

__

No me gusto. Siento que Scarlett nunca siguió adelante, mientras que a él si le dolió por un tiempo, pero no le afecto.

Era necesario que Paul tuviera povs porque incluso al final no me creo que se enamorara en 5 minutos.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, Quick Rom-Com with Estranged Childhood BFFs Reconnecting to Become More in NOLA

This is a standalone in the the NOLA series with all new characters and I have to admit I did not enjoy it as much as the previous books in the series. Although the story was good, and some of the background characters were amazing, I found that parts of the main character's feelings /motivations were not as well developed and felt "rushed". Their disconnect was mostly based on miscommunications and misunderstandings and while the initial estrangement was explained away with a few sentences by Paul to Scarlett, he was much less forgiving 7 years later, but then suddenly everything seems okay? Other than that, I enjoyed the banter, settings, background characters, and even the secondary mystery fueling Scarlett's journalism career. I look forward to more in the series - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secretly Yours, the 4th book in the Celebrity Love in New Orleans series by Katie Talbot is the 2nd book I’ve read in this series and I loved it just as much, if not more, than the first one, Suddenly Yours, the 3rd book. I’ll definitely be purchasing the first 2 books because I really enjoy Ms. Talbot’s style of writing. This is a clean, fresh approach to contemporary romance with more of a story line than just steam and sex. Scarlett and Paul’s story is a second chance romance with lots of misunderstandings but it’s just as heartfelt and charming as Suddenly Yours. And I loved Jolie! Who doesn’t love a furbaby thrown into the romance mix. And Paul’s uncle is a real hoot and just adds to this standalone romance story. Katie Talbot has quickly become a one-click author for this reader. I’m grateful to NetGalley for having been given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

[Tanmeet Samra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! This was a quick and easy read, clean and no spice. Some of the background characters seemed lovable (the uncle, the friend) but it felt like they were just thrown in randomly here and there and I wish they were more consistent. I also loved the dog, Jolie - probably my favorite character!

The main characters were simple and a bit boring and also annoying. The dialogue was good but their personalities lacked at times and their actions seemed annoying and immature. I read a review that compared this book to a Hallmark movie and I agree - but it’s like a Hallmark sister movie, not quite Hallmark level.

I feel like I experienced no feelings reading this book which is unfortunate. I would not reccomend this book unless you’re just looking for mindless reading and trying to meet a goal - sorry.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

Review on advanced readers copy received from Book Sirens.

Super cute and easy to get engrossed in for hours. I was rooting for Scarlett to get her happy ending and when events happened that made it look like they wouldn't I teared up. Scarlett had her moments where I was like wtf are you doing, but I could look past it because what FMC doesn't make your eyes roll at one point. Paul....the secret golden retriever with a golden retriever <3 I loved how their banter carried the story along perfectly, and how Scarlett handled the hurdles she was thrown in the last half of the book.

It wasn't perfect, but it definitely disappoint me either. Definitely the kinda book to pick up when your in the mood for a feel good romance.

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

[greenapplemojito · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and nice read. While the fallout was silly - and miscommunication seemed to be the whole theme of the book, I was a bit bummed, the book overall was a decent, light read. I felt the book lacked quite a bit of emotional connection with the characters - at least POV from the MMC would have added additional emotional depth. I also felt that there were a lot of things that were resolved too easily - like how the MMC easily forgave, and his behaviour was completely 180 degrees opposite to how it was before - and I felt that issues or things that could have been easily resolved were dragged alotttt. But overall, a fun and quick read!

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

[Ashley Renee Blizzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secretly Yours is a wonderfully written novel about two best friends who are fated for love. So many emotions are entangled in these pages for me: I was crying, laughing, swooning, and my heart was breaking. Also, who doesn’t love a featured, lovable canine companion! That’s always added bonus points for me. I loved how the romance flowed through the pages while still holding a dignified closed door romance concept. I flew through the last couple of chapters, especially the last one with the elevator scene, it just captured the romantic in me.

I want to sincerely thank NetGalley for sending me my first ARC through them and a special thanks to Katie Talbot for writing this beautiful story.

[The Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

​I’m giving this book a full 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
​A huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I am a total sucker for stories of "forever love"—whether the characters know it from the very beginning or finally realize it later on in life. This book delivered that in spades.
​I absolutely loved the vibes of this story; it played with friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, and everything in between. The chemistry between the FMC and MMC is absolutely fantastic! They are both so relatable and believable that I found myself sitting down to read just a couple of chapters and ended up finishing the entire book in one sitting. I totally recommend it!
​Follow me @TheLitWhisperer for more Sweet Rom-Com reviews!

[Reda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secretly Yours was such a fun journey through relationships, history, and the rich culture of NOLA. I love the story-within-a-story that happened in this book, and that it highlighted the complex relationship ancient places like New Orleans have with their history. Paul and Scarlett's story was such a sweet story, and a poignant reminder about the importance of timing when it comes to love. I haven't read the three previous books in this series, but I certainly will now.

Thanks to BookSirens for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.

[Brooke Heston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great witty rom-com and an easy read!

Scarlett and Paul have a major lack of communication issue, and the miscommunication tropes are not for me, unfortunately.

Scarlett’s editor gives major Paris Geller vibes and I am here for it. He had some of the best one-liners!

This has a PG style rating, so if you are looking for spice- this is not it. It is also clear that the author does not like cursing, which isn’t a problem, but it can take you out of the story when someone says what the heck in a definite what the fuck moment. 😅

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining read. Paul and Scarlett are captivating from the very beginning. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. These two are fun to spend time with. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment – there are moments where they steal the show and then give it back to the main characters. The story is easy to read and get into.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Emily West · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not really sure how I feel about this book as there was nothing wrong with it but I just could put get into it. I suppose I would liken it to a cheesy hallmark movie where there is the Hollywood heartthrob, romance and a bit of a random treasure hunt where you watch it constantly thinking that it will get better but it never does. I feel I probably wasn’t in the right mood for this book, but if hallmark movies with random subplots are your thing, then you will really like this.

[Andrea Culp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secretly Yours is the book for you if miscommunication is a favorite trope for you. Scarlett is forced to write a story about her ex best friend, who she secretly adored but miscommunication destroyed their relationship. Paul is obliviously unaware of his feelings.
I wanted to love Secretly Yours but it fell flat for me. I couldn’t get invested in Scarlett, she felt immature. Paul is loveable but oblivious in an irritating way.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of an Advance Copy from NetGalley for my honest review:
When Paul and Scarlet meet up again after 7 years, time has changed their relationship. With one miscommunication after another can they be friends again? Maybe more?
I absolutely loved this story. The relationship between Paul and Scarlet definitely had some push and pull. I was rooting for them the whole way! The characters were all well written and the storyline kept me hooked from the first page. Highly recommend!!

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super easy to read and enjoy on the weekend curled up under a nice warm blanket. Scarlette was a great FMC. The plot moved along smoothly enough to keep me engaged and the characters worked well together. There were only a few times I was distracted by something in the plot or thought it began to drag a bit - but over all this is one of those fun, feel-good, interesting contemporary romances that are perfectly perfect for a weekend or beach reach. Short, easy to read, and enjoyable as a whole.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
A sweet and adorable romantic comedy novel.
Zero spice allows you to fall in love with the characters and relate to them and a softer level.
There were a few time when I was in tears for sweet Scarlette. The banter between characters was on point.
Highly recommended for those who love a sweet read or for a younger audience looking to try a romcom book.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got me with the vibes and i was here for it.
Best friends to lovers, a doggy side character and loveable friends and family.

A quick read, that you don't have to think too much about.
if you want an easy read this book is for you.

[C.L.S. Willman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was perfect amounts of fluffy feel good romance without being cheesy. Their childhood friends to lovers was human and flawed and had me hooked. The authors voice shines thru in Scarlet with such a witty personality and internal voice and I absolutely LOVED THAT!!