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The Warner Family #1

Tender Secrets

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Investigative reporter Viveca Jackson vowed she'd destroy the wealthy Warner family. After all, the powerful clan was responsible for her father's unfortunate accident and her family's ruin. But when the feisty journalist embarked on her quest for payback, she didn't count on arrogant Andrew Warner's devastating charm, or the passion that flared between them.

Andrew was determined to make her go away. He was also determined to get her into his bed. And after the would-be enemies share a night of fiery passion, each is left wanting more. Although in the light of day, Viveca and Andrew are both left wondering if her undercover deception and his dark family secret will make a not-so-happy ending to their love story.…

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 28, 2013

715 people are currently reading
569 people want to read

About the author

Ann Christopher

59 books248 followers
A recovering lawyer, Ann Christopher has been published since 2006 and writes steamy contemporary romance.

When she’s not writing, Ann likes to do the following, in no particular order: read; cook; eat; hang out at Target looking for new stuff she doesn’t need; play with her 2 rescue dogs
and 2 rescue cats; and travel the world with her family. She lives in Ohio.
If you’d like to recommend a great new TV show or share a recipe for homemade cake of any kind, Ann would love to hear from you!

Stay in touch with Ann!
AnnChristopher.com
ann@annchristopher.co

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5 stars
325 (50%)
4 stars
213 (32%)
3 stars
73 (11%)
2 stars
26 (4%)
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12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
March 18, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/18/2018)!💝
Profile Image for Dee.
2,012 reviews107 followers
May 17, 2019
In the grand scheme of things, this is a great story. Engaging and well written. I was invested enough to need keep reading, to find out Andrew's secret.

However, this story also reminded me why I rarely read mainstream books anymore. Nothing kills a book faster for me than a so-called strong heroine turning into a bumbling idiot because she can't resist the charms of a man.
Even knowing he had an agenda and she had a mission and had just betrayed her father, she still wanted him with the kind of desperation that drove people to commit violent acts.
How stupid did that make her?
Yeah, how stupid indeed.
Profile Image for K.J. Charles.
Author 65 books12.2k followers
Read
April 16, 2018
I am not generally a fan of alpha males, especially billionaires, and tend to want to set fire to the examples I come across (in romance obv) but this is written with such pizzazz and fun that it's impossible not to enjoy. Andrew is a jerk alpha dominating billionaire, but he has enough vulnerability to make him enjoyable for those of us who don't like alphas and, more to the point, he makes concessions without being forced/told to, including one massive 'reveal a life-ruining secret' simply to give the heroine more power in their relationship. Good work Andrew. Vivi is strong-willed, holds up her end, a bit prone to being overcome by the sexytimes (this is high heat), but digs her heels in valiantly all the same. In the end this manages to be a billionaire alpha romance which is warm, human and funny, and the writing whips along with great pace and aplomb.
Profile Image for Radd Reader.
1,007 reviews604 followers
June 9, 2022
“You’re mine,” he continued. “Whether you know it or not or accept it or not or admit it or not. You just are.”

- Who is the Hero? Andrew Warner. Age: 35, Occupation: CEO of WarnerBrands International
~ Andrew is heir to the Warner family fortune and one of the city’s most eligible bachelors. He mentors an eight year old boy in foster care

- Who is the Heroine? Viveca Jackson, Age: 30, Occupation: New York Times Reporter
~ Viveca’s dream is coming true….she has been offered a book deal. And not just any book. She plans to write an exposé on the billionaire Warner family in order to avenge her father.
~ “Viveca had worked and waited her whole life for this opportunity. Become a reporter in the hopes of one day exposing the Warners.”

Plot overview:
~ Viveca believes the Warner’s destroyed her family and she’s determined to bring them down with a book that reveals all their tightly guarded secrets.

Andrew doesn’t know Viveca’s real intentions, but there is no way he wants her to write a book. He knows there are secrets that need to stay hidden and he doesn’t want her poking around.

~ “There’s something you should know about me, Andrew.” She squared her shoulders and enunciated each syllable with military precision. “I don’t take bribes. Here’s something else you should know. I don’t back down from challenges. Oh, and here’s one more thing. You’re really pissing me off.”

** The following are my thoughts about this book: **

* * the first kiss happened within a half hour of meeting. Really fast and not enough time to really build any chemistry first.

* * sometimes it took me a minute to figure whose POV I was reading. So, something was a little off in the writing if it wasn’t always obvious

* * I wouldn’t call this enemies to lovers. The H/h didn’t even know each other prior to meeting. Sure, the h didn’t like the family because of how their actions (or lack thereof) impacted her family. So a revenge plot? Yes. An enemies to lovers vibe? IMO, no.

* * huh?? Such a random comparison
~ “He, as surefooted and strong as a Tibetan goat, steadied her.”

* * I struggled to stay engaged.

**Overview:**
- Content Warning: death of parents (mentioned, off page)
- Setting: Columbus, Ohio
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: revenge
- Hero likeable? yes, I liked Andrew. He seemed like a manwhore in the beginning, but I thought he had a good heart and was clear on what he wanted once Viveca came into his orbit.
- heroine likeable? Meh. She frustrated me a bit because she kept pushing Andrew away. It made her seem wishy washy and indecisive
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 12%
- First time they sleep together: 47%
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used
- First time they say I Love You 67%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? so-so. Can’t put my finger on it, but I didn’t really buy into their spark. Maybe because (as I mentioned above) the first kiss came too quick, so the chemistry didn’t really get established
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Yes. Reader finds out Andrew’s secret at 9%. Heroine finds out at 71%. Also, heroine’s true motive was a secret to hero. He finds out around 61%. Reader finds out another big secret around 88%
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Yes
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? 11 months later
- Recommend? it was ok.

Quotes:
“I don’t trust you,” she said. “Part of me wants to but…I don’t.”
“Yeah,” he said with real sorrow. “I don’t trust you, either.”

“A man like him attracted women the way ice cream trucks attracted children.”

“If he showed up in tattered coveralls and a straw hat he could still be the centerfold for a farmer’s pinup calendar.”

“They had as much business being in a relationship together as a dolphin and a naked mole rat.”
Profile Image for Shonnie.
443 reviews17 followers
April 13, 2011
It was ok. I wasn't sure about the revenge aspect bc it seemed far fetched.
Profile Image for Celeste .
582 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2018
Family secrets revealed

Vivica seeking to avenge her father's death uncovers a family secret with the Warners. Andrew a man who is self confident, and the Warner heir understands that the vengeance Vivica seeks will not bring her the peace and closure she desires.

The story reads as one of evenings dramas. Full of sex lies and betrayal. Lurking for love to conquer it all.
Profile Image for Byron Washington.
732 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2018
I have NO idea where to begin. I couldn't put this book down. A fresh and entertaining take on an old trope with a truly delicious twist at the end.

BRAVO Ann Christopher!!!🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Profile Image for Shental.
96 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2018
Tender Secrets is an interesting and entertaining read. This story is really well-written. The author pulls you in right from page one into the storyline and the issues that the characters have.
The storyline is engaging and the sexual tension between the main characters keeps you pinned to the page.
This story is about an African American family that are super wealthy. And of course, they have issues too!!! Andrew Warner is the CEO and heir to the family fortune. But he's got a huge secret!! So when Viveca Jackson comes to write a biography about the family, he will do whatever he needs to get her to not write the book. What they didn't count on is the explosive attraction to each other.

The author calls this book an "enemies to lovers" romance. Apt description!! Viveca is determined to write this book. She wants to, not because she wants to help the Warner family, but because she wants to expose them for who she thinks they are. What she doesn't realize was that Andrew is nothing like his grandfather. The one that destroyed her family.

So as she gets to know Andrew, she battles within herself what she should do. Love the man or expose the family and lose the one man that could be her perfect match??!!

It really is an interesting story. It is really well-written, captivating and entertaining.
Want to know even more about this book, go here: http://bit.ly/2H9qwFP
Plus you can watch a short video with more #bookdetails: https://youtu.be/LvLOqzNMm6k
Profile Image for RedEnigma94.
772 reviews17 followers
January 16, 2020
****3.5 Stars****
Wow! This was a very intense story that was definitely filled with some "soap opera" style secrets. CEO billionaire, Andrew Warner was truly an alpha male, sometimes way over the top. Viveca's dislike for the whole family sort of put this story in the enemies-to-lovers category. But then again, it was hard to remember that Viveca was supposed to hate the Warners and exact vengeance upon this family when she practically melted into a puddle on the floor whenever Andrew was anywhere near her! He didn't really give her much choice either. Albeit, he was very sexy, but straightforward, and overpowering. Andrew saw Viveca, was so captivated by her that he fell instantly in lust and a little in love with her, and had to have her. She didn't put up much of a fight, even though she was hellbent on revenge. And speaking of revenge, I didn't see the purpose for it when the person she was seeking vengeance against was already dead. I mean, who was she going to hold accountable for what happened to her family?! She admitted who was at fault, they're no longer alive, so what's the point? And Andrew's grandmother was living in serious denial! She actually granted approval for a book to be written about the Warner family--her family--with all those skeletons in the closet?!😳

One thing I really enjoyed was how Andrew refused to bend to his grandmother, Arnetta's will. There was definitely a power struggle going on with those two, and with all due respect, Grandmother Warner needed to be taken down a peg or two. Geez!🤦🏾‍♀️
Profile Image for Birgit.
1,336 reviews17 followers
August 25, 2018
I must have been one of the few persons not liking the Carringtons or the Ewings back in the 70ies. According to the author, she loved both series and tried to do something like them in this book.
Apart from the fact that I absolutely hate when women melt away at the first glance of a good looking may, losing every single one of their brain cells and any coherent thought (we're talking about a reporter from a big newspaper here trying to write a book!), the protagonists were not well developed in my opinion, too weak and headless considering their "normal" behaviour. The second half got a bit better, when all the secrets were revealed (around all the bed and where-ever scenes that just had to be in there right?), but on the whole, it is not something that I would call fast-paced, sensational, romantic, or even intriguing.
Sorry, no interest in following this series.
Profile Image for Rise.
1,497 reviews
January 27, 2019
Great read

Wow... a secret revealed that devastated Andrew after so many years came to light. To go through life knowing you weren't loved by your mother and father caused his life so much hurt. How had so many people know about a secret and hid the truth from him? I thought this story was well written very well. I enjoyed the characters, however I loved the alpha in Andrew and how he never really asked of anything he only made demand as to what he wanted and was going to get. He never held his feelings back from Vivi, but she didn't tell him how she felt about him either. I loved how Andrew was very caring about others compared to his grandfather who didn't have those feelings. What a way to write a story which I loved and this story I could read again.
447 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2018
Good story

Enjoyed the beginning of the Warner Family and although it is a stand alone book has piqued my interest sufficiently to read the next one. Well written with strong characters that Ms. Christopher has fleshed out well. Andrew is a typical alpha male but under all that bluster,arrogance and success beats a sound heart. Viveca is his Achilles heel and their path is well defined and good to travel down filled with spice. The supporting characters are well thought out and I am sure will have their own books down the road. Recommend you read it and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. 4 Stars from me.
Profile Image for Therese Beharrie.
Author 109 books360 followers
June 26, 2018
THE PASSION AND DRAMA IN THIS BOOK!

Okay, now that I have that out of the way, I just want to say that this book is fire. Our journalist heroine is determined to write a tell-all about the family who ruined her life. Except that one of the family members, our hero, is just as determined to make her see that their chemistry and passion is more important than revenge...

This book was hot and well-written, and its similarity to a soap opera was extremely enjoyable. I would recommend it unreservedly if not for the consent issues. Sex is often used as manipulation by the hero, and though there are no non-consensual acts, it did affect my enjoyment of the book.
Profile Image for She So Dramatic.
11 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2018
Fan for life!

I am definitely a fan for life now! I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy this series because I never got into anything that remotely resembled Dallas/Dynasty rich people shenanigans. But I’m so pleasantly surprised. Ann Christopher’s writing is so smart and wickedly clever and soooo FUNNY! I laughed out loud so much. And how much more sexy could she get?!! Loved everything about this book, and cannot wait to start the next one in the series!
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,954 reviews13 followers
April 17, 2018
Secrets lead to trouble and love!

Viveca and Andrew had a rocky untrustworthy start built upon a lot of speculation and last hurts but destiny drew them to a happy ending! To learn some hard truths only strengthened their love. Grandmother Arnetta had A huge burden to bear, wow so many years of infidelity! So much hurt even for Beaulah! A great read! I wb reading Izzy and Eric's story next.
527 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2018
Tender Secrets a Tender Romance

I am not particularly a fan of billionaire romance, and I don't much care for African-American romance writers, but Ann Christopher has made me a fan. This was a great love story on so many levels! I loved the characters, I loved the eroticism. I had already guessed Andrew's secret. I'm eager to read Eric and Izzy's story and the other Warner family tales.
605 reviews
July 4, 2018
Secrets!!

I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked how the author started out telling the storyline and not drawing it out for several chapters. The characters were great and it was a good love story I couldn’t put down. It was a great break away from all the negativity in the world. The author did not play fair adding two chapters from another story which caused me to download.
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,216 reviews6 followers
June 16, 2021
Wow explosions🌋 and fire🔥

I was entertained by this book and recommend to everyone. The twists and subsequent stories of paternity had me not wanting to close my Kindle. I enjoy the strong fiesty character, Viveca. Her family love made her rich and strong.
This is another author that won me over very quickly. My introduction came from a series that included, "The Surgeon's Secret Baby". I am engaged.
Profile Image for Lorice DeBlanc-Brim.
1,468 reviews11 followers
August 16, 2018
Very good 🏆🔥🔥🔥

Wow! Andrew finally got some much deserved answers for his questions concerning his biological father. Vivi just wanted to help him get there. At first I didn't know what she would do with that information since she was writing a book about the Warner's. I underestimated her. Love the epilogue.
Profile Image for Authoress Nikqua.
486 reviews7 followers
March 25, 2018
Great book

I enjoyed reading this book! Andrew and Vivi were the perfect match for each other! The secrets in this book had me shocked! But I enjoyed reading the book! Great job to the author
Profile Image for Michelle Morrison.
13 reviews
April 23, 2018
Awesome

Never have I read a book with an alpha make portrayed in this way. Loved the character portrayal. Just loved how this was written and his his paternity was revealed. I loved that he got a better family with the revelation. A very well written book.
40 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2018
Wow!

This story was hot, hot, hot! The chemistry between Viveca and Andrew felt so real I thought I was in the room with them! Their love, their strength, and their baggage was well developed and written. Loved this book!
Profile Image for Monique.
1,815 reviews
May 16, 2018
I didn't see the ending hqppening

This romance will have you experience every emotion. The girl don't be stupid...to slap his ass...to no she didn't and I ain't scared to whip grandma's ass. Loved every word. Now to get my hands on the next story about the Warner family.
Profile Image for Pratna Imrith.
188 reviews
July 11, 2018
This book lacked depth in the story and its characters and I also felt that there was no romance just stubborn personalities and sex. I also did not agree with the whole revenge plot because it just seemed ridiculous and far fetched.
Profile Image for Slipperyvowels.
867 reviews
October 17, 2018
Beautiful as expected

As expected. No disappointment here. This was all just lovely. I loved every minute of this one. From start to finish. This is definitely a series worth reading.
3 reviews
April 11, 2019
I Loved It!

I read Izzy's and Eric's story first, and had always wondered about Andrew and Viveca. I'm so happy that I finally got a chance to read how Andrew and Viveca came to be. I absolutely LOVE this book! I'll definitely read it over and over again!
Profile Image for Nicole.
865 reviews
April 25, 2019
Thoroughly Enjoyed

What a great read!! Andrew and Viveca had such awesome chemistry, it practically leaped off the pages. I LOVED their back and forth banter and their passion. The storyline was great and I truly enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Dorothy Lewis-Jones.
174 reviews
July 11, 2019
Tender Secrets

This book definitely deserves a rating of 5 stars. The story of true and unwavering love between Andrew and Vivo was quite powerful especially with the surprise Debra at the end. A great romantic read.
Profile Image for Deatrice Farrior.
265 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2018
Andrew...

Loved the story. Andrew was not a man you could say "no" to. He knew what he wanted and went for it.

A must read...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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