Secret Words, Sharp Feelings

by Cameron Tate

Some things are easier to write than to say.

Three years of tension.
Four weeks of anonymous notes.
One secret that changes everything.

Taylor and Emery have never gotten along—she's sharp edges and gray areas, Emery is bold colors and open enthusiasm. But when a workplace penpal program pairs them anonymously, Taylor discovers that the person who finally gets her is the same woman she's been keeping at a distance.

Now she just has to figure out how to say it out loud.


Secret Words, Sharp Feelings is a sapphic rivals-to-lovers office romance with grumpy/sunshine dynamics, perfect for fans of slow burns with forced proximity and emotional growth that hurts a little before it heals.

Genres: Lesbian

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Words, Sharp Feelings is my first read by Cameron Tate, and I was pleasantly surprised. Despite its novella length, it was a complete and engaging Valentine's-themed romance.
It appears to be a standalone in an interconnected series.
I was chuckling at the snarky banter at the outset, particularly with the main characters, but all of the interactions felt intentional, important, and highly entertaining. There weren't a lot of wasted words.
I think my favorite secondary character is Nadia. I love her wit.
The career at a greeting card company is one I hadn't encountered before, and I appreciate that the office romance revolved around the company event organized by the two rival coworkers. Emery and Taylor were both likable and easy to root for as a couple. They had a fun dynamic and nice chemistry. This sweet, no-spice romance was a great, satisfying holiday book.
This trope-filled story was cozy and low-angst. It was a relaxing, easy read, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
#Slowburn #ForcedProximity #Rivalstolovers #Valentines #holiday #coworkers #Officeromance #GrumpySunshine #nospice #IceQueen #oppositesattract #thirdactbreakup #HEA #greetingcardcompany
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Sandi D · Rating 5 out of 5]

when snark hides feelings..

Emery chaos, little disorganized in the best way a ray of sunshine. Taylor contained, organized, private, shutoff. In meetings these two always clash then they’re assigned to work together on the Valentin’s gala. As you would expect the first few meetings are difficult but then they start to compromise. As time passes they’re actually getting along. Turns out the snark was actually hiding love.

Of course it can’t be smooth sailing for these two. The characters are well written, funny, deep just a very good read. Think you’ll enjoy this book. I’ve read a lot of Cameron’s books all good.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was interested from the start. I started on this book in the hope it would prove my struggling through my previous book, was the book, not me. It was not me because this book had me gripped. The anonymous angle was fresh, the characters were well drawn and I was invested in the whole thing. 4.5 rounded up because a shortish book that didn’t leave me short changed and gave me an emotional connection.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Sapphic novella didn't disappoint, it's the perfect little Valentine's read. Who doesn't love a rivals-to-lovers office romance? This is the third book I've read by this author now and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who loves Sapphic slow-burn romance. It's definitely a quick read and the plot kept me engaged. I really enjoyed the witty banter between the main characters. I like how it tied in with other characters from books the author had previously written, but this can still be read as a standalone.

You will be in your feels for this one. 😅

Slow-burn 🔥
Forced Proximity
Rivals to lovers 💋
Valentine's read 💘
Office romance 👩🏻‍❤️‍👩🏻
Grumpy/Sunshine ☀️
Zero spice 🚫

[Amy Ehret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute storyline, progressed nicely. I think the characters were well thought out & developed nicely with some decent supporting characters. Love a good enemy-to-lovers sapphic story that where the characters feel like people I know.

[Misha · Rating 5 out of 5]

(rounded up from 4.5)

I had a really good time. Secret penpals, enemies to lovers at work, getting to know one another and falling in love: it's all very sweet and cute. Also, this is a novella, so good work setting up a credible dynamic in under 200 pages.

[Theresa R Hurn · Rating 4 out of 5]

good repartee

Fun to see the characters interaction through a back and forward dialogue that was funny and sharp. It was fun to read.

[jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Chus Lerma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron Tate did it again! The first time I read a Cameron Tate book was because I loved the cover. I din’t know anything about the author, but the cover was powerful and beautiful. 6 books later, here I am reading anything Cameron writes.

WARNING- zero smut in their books! They are sweet and fluffy and warm. Absolutely my comfort reading after finishing angst books!

This one is funny, creative and easy to read. The only thing I miss is the illustrated cover we’re used in their books!