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My Worst Mistake
Not yet published
Expected 23 Feb 26Reina Huffman has been in love with her boss for years.
Not that she’s ever told him. Derek Messina—brilliant, exacting, infuriating—barely notices anything outside of work. Or so she thought. Then she learns two things in one ’s just become a single dad.He’s proposing to another woman.That’s it. She’s done being the loyal assistant who quietly keeps his world spinning while her own heart breaks.
Derek doesn’t do feelings.
But the thought of Reina walking away hits him like a wrecking ball. He needs her—her sharp mind, her steady presence, the way she makes everything make sense. So he strikes a stay long enough to teach him how to be a father, and he’ll make it worth her while.
But late nights with a baby, stolen glances across conference tables, and one too many almost-kisses blur the line between professional and something else entirely.
Derek’s finally realizing what’s been in front of him all along.
And Reina? She’s about to find out what happens when the boss who never loved anyone decides he’s not letting her go.
Slow burn. Forced proximity. One cranky CEO, one loyal assistant, and a baby that changes everything.
Not that she’s ever told him. Derek Messina—brilliant, exacting, infuriating—barely notices anything outside of work. Or so she thought. Then she learns two things in one ’s just become a single dad.He’s proposing to another woman.That’s it. She’s done being the loyal assistant who quietly keeps his world spinning while her own heart breaks.
Derek doesn’t do feelings.
But the thought of Reina walking away hits him like a wrecking ball. He needs her—her sharp mind, her steady presence, the way she makes everything make sense. So he strikes a stay long enough to teach him how to be a father, and he’ll make it worth her while.
But late nights with a baby, stolen glances across conference tables, and one too many almost-kisses blur the line between professional and something else entirely.
Derek’s finally realizing what’s been in front of him all along.
And Reina? She’s about to find out what happens when the boss who never loved anyone decides he’s not letting her go.
Slow burn. Forced proximity. One cranky CEO, one loyal assistant, and a baby that changes everything.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 23, 2026
16 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 17, 2026
Reina has worked as Derek Messina’s administrative assistant for nine years at Messina Diamonds. For just as long, she’s been hopelessly in love with him. After giving up her dream of culinary school to help her family following her father’s death and her mother’s injury, Reina has poured everything into her job — even if it meant guarding her heart.
Derek, the CEO of his family company, is blindsided when Reina gives her two weeks’ notice. She can’t continue working for him while trying to suppress her feelings any longer. As if that shock isn’t enough, Derek also discovers he’s the father of a little girl named Rory after a past relationship with a former employee.
Reina is understandably shaken. She’s always been careful to avoid crossing professional boundaries and risking workplace complications. But despite her heartbreak — and Derek’s recent engagement — she agrees to help him navigate fatherhood and adjust to his new reality.
Can she protect her heart during these final two weeks, or will working so closely with him make walking away impossible?
This was such a cute and enjoyable story! It was my first time reading Emma Lee Jayne, and it definitely won’t be my last. I was completely emotionally invested in Derek and Reina’s journey and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how everything would unfold.
I’m excited to go back and read Dex’s story in My Only Mistake, and I can’t wait to see more of Evie and Quinn as well!
Thank you to Emma Lee Jayne and The Author Agency for the ARC of My Worst Mistake — I loved every minute of it!
Derek, the CEO of his family company, is blindsided when Reina gives her two weeks’ notice. She can’t continue working for him while trying to suppress her feelings any longer. As if that shock isn’t enough, Derek also discovers he’s the father of a little girl named Rory after a past relationship with a former employee.
Reina is understandably shaken. She’s always been careful to avoid crossing professional boundaries and risking workplace complications. But despite her heartbreak — and Derek’s recent engagement — she agrees to help him navigate fatherhood and adjust to his new reality.
Can she protect her heart during these final two weeks, or will working so closely with him make walking away impossible?
This was such a cute and enjoyable story! It was my first time reading Emma Lee Jayne, and it definitely won’t be my last. I was completely emotionally invested in Derek and Reina’s journey and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how everything would unfold.
I’m excited to go back and read Dex’s story in My Only Mistake, and I can’t wait to see more of Evie and Quinn as well!
Thank you to Emma Lee Jayne and The Author Agency for the ARC of My Worst Mistake — I loved every minute of it!
Review of advance copy
[ARC REVIEW]
- 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I want her under me. I want her in my bed. I want her in my life. I want her. Just her. In as many ways as I can have her for as long as she’ll let me.”
I have so many conflicting feelings about this book. When I first dove into it I was absolutely hooked, the tension between the two main characters and that plot? Unreal and it sucked me right in. But unfortunately by the end, it really let me down.
The first fifty percent of the book had me gagged, I was so invested and couldn’t wait for Reina and Derek to get together. Their quiet intimate moments caring for Rory were the most wholesome parts of the book, the chemistry between these two was through the roof. The slow-burn made the tension so much thicker and heavier, you could feel their desire for each other and the restraint they were both showing to not make a move. I loved the way they started to open up to each other, let the other see the soft underbelly they both keep protected. Even I was falling in love with Derek so I really couldn’t blame Reina.
Things started to drift a little bit after that, between Derek still refusing to call off his engagement even though there was no need for it to still be part of the storyline. Reina waking up one morning and randomly deciding to try and seduce him? This completely contradicts her entire character and her decisions early on in the book, to leave the company and Derek because she’s accepted she can’t be with him. Don’t get me started on those two sharing a kiss while he’s still engaged and them both being very much aware of it, I’m really not a fan of the cheating trope at all. Do I like his fiancée? No. Does he? Pretty sure he doesn’t, but this doesn’t negate the fact that he’s still very much engaged and it is still cheating. By the time we’ve hit the eighty percent mark things are pretty much still the same, he’s lowkey called the engagement off but there’s also not a lot of clarity there? I found myself extremely frustrated with Derek about this, he spends most of his time convincing himself to not act on his feelings for Reina, while he ultimately ends up acting on them. To then backtracking and trying to push her away ‘for her own good’. It’s all pretty annoying by this point and I feel like a lot of these issues could’ve been avoided if these two had an actual grown up conversation at the beginning, or even halfway through would’ve worked.
I don’t like bashing books but I’m just so disappointed at how quickly this one fell off for me, I had high hopes in the beginning it was going to be a five star and it just didn’t meet that mark by the end of it. There was too many conflicts with not enough communication, an engagement storyline that the book could’ve survived without. Especially dropping the bomb that she’s a virgin AFTER she sleeps with the mmc and then acts confused and defensive when he freaks out, like girl that is information you should be disclosing beforehand and that man is allowed to freak!! Everything in the end just felt rushed and resolved very quickly, after all the drama the story gets wrapped up into a cute little bow on the last pages and they’re married in the epilogue. It was just a bit bizarre for me personally, the only saving grace was the chemistry between these two in the beginning and sweet baby Rory.
I really wanted to love this one but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me, it had a really strong start but the character development was lacking and there was too many issues between the fmc and mmc for their last page happy ending to be realistic or believable.
Thank you to the Author Agency for this eARC!
- 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I want her under me. I want her in my bed. I want her in my life. I want her. Just her. In as many ways as I can have her for as long as she’ll let me.”
I have so many conflicting feelings about this book. When I first dove into it I was absolutely hooked, the tension between the two main characters and that plot? Unreal and it sucked me right in. But unfortunately by the end, it really let me down.
The first fifty percent of the book had me gagged, I was so invested and couldn’t wait for Reina and Derek to get together. Their quiet intimate moments caring for Rory were the most wholesome parts of the book, the chemistry between these two was through the roof. The slow-burn made the tension so much thicker and heavier, you could feel their desire for each other and the restraint they were both showing to not make a move. I loved the way they started to open up to each other, let the other see the soft underbelly they both keep protected. Even I was falling in love with Derek so I really couldn’t blame Reina.
Things started to drift a little bit after that, between Derek still refusing to call off his engagement even though there was no need for it to still be part of the storyline. Reina waking up one morning and randomly deciding to try and seduce him? This completely contradicts her entire character and her decisions early on in the book, to leave the company and Derek because she’s accepted she can’t be with him. Don’t get me started on those two sharing a kiss while he’s still engaged and them both being very much aware of it, I’m really not a fan of the cheating trope at all. Do I like his fiancée? No. Does he? Pretty sure he doesn’t, but this doesn’t negate the fact that he’s still very much engaged and it is still cheating. By the time we’ve hit the eighty percent mark things are pretty much still the same, he’s lowkey called the engagement off but there’s also not a lot of clarity there? I found myself extremely frustrated with Derek about this, he spends most of his time convincing himself to not act on his feelings for Reina, while he ultimately ends up acting on them. To then backtracking and trying to push her away ‘for her own good’. It’s all pretty annoying by this point and I feel like a lot of these issues could’ve been avoided if these two had an actual grown up conversation at the beginning, or even halfway through would’ve worked.
I don’t like bashing books but I’m just so disappointed at how quickly this one fell off for me, I had high hopes in the beginning it was going to be a five star and it just didn’t meet that mark by the end of it. There was too many conflicts with not enough communication, an engagement storyline that the book could’ve survived without. Especially dropping the bomb that she’s a virgin AFTER she sleeps with the mmc and then acts confused and defensive when he freaks out, like girl that is information you should be disclosing beforehand and that man is allowed to freak!! Everything in the end just felt rushed and resolved very quickly, after all the drama the story gets wrapped up into a cute little bow on the last pages and they’re married in the epilogue. It was just a bit bizarre for me personally, the only saving grace was the chemistry between these two in the beginning and sweet baby Rory.
I really wanted to love this one but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me, it had a really strong start but the character development was lacking and there was too many issues between the fmc and mmc for their last page happy ending to be realistic or believable.
Thank you to the Author Agency for this eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: please note this review reflects an early, uncorrected version of the book.
I really love the premise of this story. Reina being secretly in love with her boss, Derek, who is recently engaged, and realizing she can’t keep working for him is already emotionally compelling. The twist of Derek suddenly learning he’s a father to a five month old baby and convincing Reina to stay on for two weeks to help with the baby adds a fun, high-stakes dynamic. It definitely gives Two Weeks Notice vibes, and I was here for that energy.
The main plot is strong, and I genuinely enjoyed the interactions between Reina and Derek. Their chemistry and banter were the highlight for me, and the foundation of their story made me want to keep reading and rooting for them.
That said, because this was an ARC, there were some structural and timeline issues that made the reading experience a bit difficult at times. There were inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story and affected the overall flow. These felt like things that could absolutely be addressed with revisions, which is why I’m very much in a trust the process mindset with this book. I cannot wait for the final version to be released!
Overall, this is a solid concept with a lot of potential. With some polishing to the timeline and structure, I think this story could really shine. I’m looking forward to seeing how the final version comes together.
I really love the premise of this story. Reina being secretly in love with her boss, Derek, who is recently engaged, and realizing she can’t keep working for him is already emotionally compelling. The twist of Derek suddenly learning he’s a father to a five month old baby and convincing Reina to stay on for two weeks to help with the baby adds a fun, high-stakes dynamic. It definitely gives Two Weeks Notice vibes, and I was here for that energy.
The main plot is strong, and I genuinely enjoyed the interactions between Reina and Derek. Their chemistry and banter were the highlight for me, and the foundation of their story made me want to keep reading and rooting for them.
That said, because this was an ARC, there were some structural and timeline issues that made the reading experience a bit difficult at times. There were inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story and affected the overall flow. These felt like things that could absolutely be addressed with revisions, which is why I’m very much in a trust the process mindset with this book. I cannot wait for the final version to be released!
Overall, this is a solid concept with a lot of potential. With some polishing to the timeline and structure, I think this story could really shine. I’m looking forward to seeing how the final version comes together.
February 18, 2026
4⭐️
Oh my, this was a roller coaster of emotions, and I enjoyed it so much!
The blurb got me completely and I was surprised and excited the moment I started reading. I loved Reina, and I can relate to her because like her, I’m a fixer and I’m a caregiver, and also the eldest daughter with almost the same struggles she had, so I completely understood her, and I just wanted to hug her and tell her how strong she is and that she deserved to want things and being cared for too ❤️🩹
I loved Derek too, even when I wanted to slap his head to make him come to his senses 😂 the thing I enjoyed him the most, was that, the moment he knew Rory was his, he was completely focused and determined to be the best dad for her, an the influence thing he wanted the most, was to bond with her and to make her feel safe and happy and I really enjoyed reading their journey 🥹❤️🩹
Oh and the moment he realized he could have it all, Reina, Rory, his business, happiness and love, was the best moment ever 💖
This was my first book by the author but certainly won’t be the last ✨
Oh my, this was a roller coaster of emotions, and I enjoyed it so much!
The blurb got me completely and I was surprised and excited the moment I started reading. I loved Reina, and I can relate to her because like her, I’m a fixer and I’m a caregiver, and also the eldest daughter with almost the same struggles she had, so I completely understood her, and I just wanted to hug her and tell her how strong she is and that she deserved to want things and being cared for too ❤️🩹
I loved Derek too, even when I wanted to slap his head to make him come to his senses 😂 the thing I enjoyed him the most, was that, the moment he knew Rory was his, he was completely focused and determined to be the best dad for her, an the influence thing he wanted the most, was to bond with her and to make her feel safe and happy and I really enjoyed reading their journey 🥹❤️🩹
Oh and the moment he realized he could have it all, Reina, Rory, his business, happiness and love, was the best moment ever 💖
This was my first book by the author but certainly won’t be the last ✨
Review of advance copy
My Worst Mistake was my first read from Emma Lee Jayne, and it won’t be my last. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Derek and Reina’s emotional, slow-burn workplace romance!
Reina was such a relatable FMC. Her determination to take care of everyone around her, even at the expense of her own heart, was both admirable and heartbreaking. Watching her finally reach her breaking point felt earned. And Derek? When he discovers he’s Rory’s father, I absolutely melted. The way he wanted to step up and care for his daughter had me swooning HARD, even if there were a couple of moments where I wanted to slap him.
One scene that really stayed with me was a heartfelt conversation between Reina and her mom, it had me tearing up.
Overall, this was a fantastic read, it was fast-paced, engaging, and easy to fly through, with writing that kept me hooked from start to finish!
Read if you love...
slow burn
forced proximity
workplace romance
age gap
Thank you to the TAA for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Reina was such a relatable FMC. Her determination to take care of everyone around her, even at the expense of her own heart, was both admirable and heartbreaking. Watching her finally reach her breaking point felt earned. And Derek? When he discovers he’s Rory’s father, I absolutely melted. The way he wanted to step up and care for his daughter had me swooning HARD, even if there were a couple of moments where I wanted to slap him.
One scene that really stayed with me was a heartfelt conversation between Reina and her mom, it had me tearing up.
Overall, this was a fantastic read, it was fast-paced, engaging, and easy to fly through, with writing that kept me hooked from start to finish!
Read if you love...
slow burn
forced proximity
workplace romance
age gap
Thank you to the TAA for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
February 18, 2026
This was such a lovely billionaire workplace romance, and I truly enjoyed every moment of it. One of the things I appreciated most was Derek’s determination to become the best father he could be after discovering he had a child. His journey felt sincere, and it was beautiful to see how hard he tried to do the right thing. Reina was such a caring and lovable character, and I really adored her. Her kindness and strength made her easy to connect with, and it hurt to see some of the questionable decisions Derek made and how they affected her. And Rory… the baby was honestly the cutest addition to the story.
This was my first time reading a book by Emma Lee Jayne, and I didn’t realize it was the third book in the series. Even so, it was easy to follow and enjoyable as a standalone. I will definitely be going back to read the other books, because this one made me very curious about the rest of the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
This was my first time reading a book by Emma Lee Jayne, and I didn’t realize it was the third book in the series. Even so, it was easy to follow and enjoyable as a standalone. I will definitely be going back to read the other books, because this one made me very curious about the rest of the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
February 19, 2026
🖊️ARC review🖊️
My worst mistake by @emmaleejaynewrites
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Was it really a mistake or did life just hand you the one thing you have always wanted. Nine years is a long time to be in love with someone, unless that person feels the same way and is just too scared to ruin things. These emotions were real and raw. Things like this happen all the time. The more you spend time with someone, that more you start to see the real them. This was sooooooo good. And they finally became a family. I loved this and cannot wait to get into the rest of the series 💥
My worst mistake by @emmaleejaynewrites
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Was it really a mistake or did life just hand you the one thing you have always wanted. Nine years is a long time to be in love with someone, unless that person feels the same way and is just too scared to ruin things. These emotions were real and raw. Things like this happen all the time. The more you spend time with someone, that more you start to see the real them. This was sooooooo good. And they finally became a family. I loved this and cannot wait to get into the rest of the series 💥
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Workplace romance just does it for me! The fact that these to have worked closely together for 9 years and Derek has never really noticed Reina. Reina’s been nothing but professional as she needs this job to care for her mother and siblings. And you guessed it, she’s been in love with Dereck for years! When she finds he’s had a child and is engaged to someone else, she just can’t be that composed employee anymore. She turns in her notice and starts showing her true colors. And Derek notices her fiesty ways and her gentle caring soul…as well as other things. These two were too adorable as was Rory, Derecks daughter!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Super cute boss and admin book.
Minimal Spice
Heartwarming and a really great read. I really enjoyed Reina and Derek and how well they seemed to complement each other. Reina really brought out the best in Derek. For my first Emma Lee Jayne book, I was pleasantly surprised! It was a really easy and enjoyable read. I thought they both had such development and growth and I really enjoyed it. I also loved the ending with the CWM, IYKYK.
Minimal Spice
Heartwarming and a really great read. I really enjoyed Reina and Derek and how well they seemed to complement each other. Reina really brought out the best in Derek. For my first Emma Lee Jayne book, I was pleasantly surprised! It was a really easy and enjoyable read. I thought they both had such development and growth and I really enjoyed it. I also loved the ending with the CWM, IYKYK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
A little bit of Two Weeks notice a dash of 27 Dresses and throw in a surprise baby. It’s angsty without being melodramatic, tender without being saccharine, and the payoff is worth every second of tension. a compelling blend of workplace romance and emotional awakening. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 17, 2026
⭐️4🌶️1💧0
Awwww this was an adorable read. I finished it in one sitting! I would have liked to have read more about their office interactions personally but overall it was an enjoyable quick quirky read!
I didn’t realise this was book 3 in the series so will absolutely go back to read about the previous characters.
#workplaceromance #singledad #ceoVassistant #agegap #forcedproximity
Awwww this was an adorable read. I finished it in one sitting! I would have liked to have read more about their office interactions personally but overall it was an enjoyable quick quirky read!
I didn’t realise this was book 3 in the series so will absolutely go back to read about the previous characters.
#workplaceromance #singledad #ceoVassistant #agegap #forcedproximity
February 18, 2026
I received an ARC of this story. It was so good! The secretary/boss story line. Through the story I felt myself screaming at Derek for his choices but was so glad for how they ended up. I felt that I released Reina in the idea of she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life if she left her job. Forced proximity while taking care of Rory.
February 19, 2026
From funny to frustrating to fabulous. Emma Lee Jayne brings sassy and sexy together with tempestuously, endearing results. My Worst Mistake is a reminder of what makes romance great. Addictive stories, irresistible characters and unforgettable personality. Well done.
Review of advance copy
This was an enjoyable read. I liked the back and forth between the main characters. I also liked the narrative. It's an engaging read that held my interest from start to finish. So if you like slow burn, forced proximity, workplace romance and age gap, then grab yourself a copy of this.
Review of advance copy
Review to follow
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