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His Secretary Mistress
At the boss's bidding...
Jenna Deane is thrilled with her new dream job.
Her boss, handsome lawyer Alex Morrell, is known for his tough tactics. He's made it clear to Jenna that he expects his assistant to be available whenever he needs her. So how can she tell him that she's a single mother?
When Alex whisks Jenna away on a business trip to Paris, and takes her to bed, she realizes that she's fallen for him. But what will she do about her secret -- about being a mom?
Jenna Deane is thrilled with her new dream job.
Her boss, handsome lawyer Alex Morrell, is known for his tough tactics. He's made it clear to Jenna that he expects his assistant to be available whenever he needs her. So how can she tell him that she's a single mother?
When Alex whisks Jenna away on a business trip to Paris, and takes her to bed, she realizes that she's fallen for him. But what will she do about her secret -- about being a mom?
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
11 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Chantelle Shaw
660 books158 followersI grew up without a TV, let alone DVD’s, computer games etc that my kids spend so much time engrossed in, but I learned to read at an early age and from then on I was always entertained – so much so that my friends used to hide their books when I visited them because all I wanted to do was read!
When I was a teenager I discovered Mills & Boon romances in my local library, and so began a lifelong love affair. I still remember that feeling of anticipation when I settled down with a pile of books - all bearing the famous rose logo - knowing that I would be drawn into a world of love, passion and emotional intensity that I have never found in any other books. I enjoy reading a wide range of books, especially historical novels, and I am a big fan of Agatha Christie, mainly I think because her characters seem so real, but I love romances and unashamedly admit that I only want to read books with a guaranteed happy ending. Reading is my joy and pleasure and I don’t want to cry buckets at the end of a book or have my sleep disturbed by its gruesome content.
For me, the characters in Harlequin Mills & Boon romances are the key. I love reading and writing about strong, alpha heroes and feisty, independent heroines who find that they can’t fight the blazing attraction between them.
When I married my own tall, dark, but sadly not wealthy hero, we moved out of London to the Kent coast and started a family that grew and grew. I adore my six children, and when they were small I loved being a stay-at-home mum, but there can be days, as I’m sure many of you know, when you feel isolated and – dare I say it – bored of conversing with three-year-olds. Harlequin Mills & Boon romances were my life-line and my sanity and I read them whenever I had a spare five minutes (in the bath, pacing the floor at three am with colicky baby on one shoulder and a book in the other hand!)
My imagination soared and I decided to try and write a book myself. My first attempt was typed up on a manual type-writer with the full-stop key and the letter p missing. Luckily my hero and heroine were not called Paul and Poppy, but it still meant going over my manuscript with a pen to fill in the gaps!
That first book was duly rejected as were my next two. I suppose I was disheartened and by now I had four small children and very little spare time, so although I continued to read romances, I gave up writing. It wasn’t until my youngest son started school that I tried writing again. I was struggling to come to terms with the death of my darling mum Gabrielle and writing became my therapy. Mum had always nagged me to get on and write a book and had an unshakeable belief that I would one day be published – I’m so glad that she was proved right and my biggest regret is that she isn’t here to share my success with me.
I wrote two more books which were both rejected by HM&B, but I was given some advice on my writing from the editorial team that encouraged me to try again. Third time lucky certainly applied to me – the day I received ‘the call’ was exactly four years after Mum had died. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life - but instead of chatting to the editor about contracts I had to dash off and pick my sick daughter up from school. Reality is never far away in my house!
I have now had nine books published - At the Sheikh's Bidding was released in September 08. My next book, Argentinian Playboy, Unexpected Love-Child will be out in the UK in July 09, and The Greek Billionaire's Innocent Princess in the UK in August 09. I have just had my twelfth book accepted and am already busy on my thirteenth. Now that my children are growing up I am able to write every day between 9 am and 3 pm, but often I become so involved with my characters that I sneak off to write again in the evening!
I feel I must be one of the luckiest people in the world to be doing something that I love, but I work hard at my luck and I believe that w
When I was a teenager I discovered Mills & Boon romances in my local library, and so began a lifelong love affair. I still remember that feeling of anticipation when I settled down with a pile of books - all bearing the famous rose logo - knowing that I would be drawn into a world of love, passion and emotional intensity that I have never found in any other books. I enjoy reading a wide range of books, especially historical novels, and I am a big fan of Agatha Christie, mainly I think because her characters seem so real, but I love romances and unashamedly admit that I only want to read books with a guaranteed happy ending. Reading is my joy and pleasure and I don’t want to cry buckets at the end of a book or have my sleep disturbed by its gruesome content.
For me, the characters in Harlequin Mills & Boon romances are the key. I love reading and writing about strong, alpha heroes and feisty, independent heroines who find that they can’t fight the blazing attraction between them.
When I married my own tall, dark, but sadly not wealthy hero, we moved out of London to the Kent coast and started a family that grew and grew. I adore my six children, and when they were small I loved being a stay-at-home mum, but there can be days, as I’m sure many of you know, when you feel isolated and – dare I say it – bored of conversing with three-year-olds. Harlequin Mills & Boon romances were my life-line and my sanity and I read them whenever I had a spare five minutes (in the bath, pacing the floor at three am with colicky baby on one shoulder and a book in the other hand!)
My imagination soared and I decided to try and write a book myself. My first attempt was typed up on a manual type-writer with the full-stop key and the letter p missing. Luckily my hero and heroine were not called Paul and Poppy, but it still meant going over my manuscript with a pen to fill in the gaps!
That first book was duly rejected as were my next two. I suppose I was disheartened and by now I had four small children and very little spare time, so although I continued to read romances, I gave up writing. It wasn’t until my youngest son started school that I tried writing again. I was struggling to come to terms with the death of my darling mum Gabrielle and writing became my therapy. Mum had always nagged me to get on and write a book and had an unshakeable belief that I would one day be published – I’m so glad that she was proved right and my biggest regret is that she isn’t here to share my success with me.
I wrote two more books which were both rejected by HM&B, but I was given some advice on my writing from the editorial team that encouraged me to try again. Third time lucky certainly applied to me – the day I received ‘the call’ was exactly four years after Mum had died. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life - but instead of chatting to the editor about contracts I had to dash off and pick my sick daughter up from school. Reality is never far away in my house!
I have now had nine books published - At the Sheikh's Bidding was released in September 08. My next book, Argentinian Playboy, Unexpected Love-Child will be out in the UK in July 09, and The Greek Billionaire's Innocent Princess in the UK in August 09. I have just had my twelfth book accepted and am already busy on my thirteenth. Now that my children are growing up I am able to write every day between 9 am and 3 pm, but often I become so involved with my characters that I sneak off to write again in the evening!
I feel I must be one of the luckiest people in the world to be doing something that I love, but I work hard at my luck and I believe that w
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 24, 2020
So many good elements: banter, cute and sassy heroine, a smitten hero. Too bad the heroine lets herself fall down the rabbit hole of such inexcusably stupid behavior that I wanted to smack her, but I would have to stand in line behind her abusive ex-husband.
We have a true 4 star hero in a 3 star office romance, but a letdown by the heroine. Too bad as she was pretty cute in many ways.
We have a true 4 star hero in a 3 star office romance, but a letdown by the heroine. Too bad as she was pretty cute in many ways.
June 8, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, as I do most of Ms. Shaw's work. I just absolutely love the scrumptious hero's that she writes about.
Jenna Deane is a single mother taking sole responsibility for the care of her 3 year old daughter. She has just recently completed legal secretarial studies and has been hired as a temporary secretary to Alex, one of the most sought after barristers in London. The chemistry between the two is explosive and you know right from the beginning how smitten Alex is with Jenna.
Jenna tries to convince Alex that she is still married (even though she has been divorced for three years) and hides the existence of her daughter. So we have the secret baby, nasty OW, abusive ex husband plot all rolled into one story line, and it works beautifully.
Jenna is one confused woman, having lost confidence in herself, so there is a lot of tension built into the story based on how she reacts to Alex. Some readers maybe frustrated with this, but I found her rather endearing. Especially, the incredible love she has for her daughter.
It's a great read and fun way to spend a few hours relaxing.
Jenna Deane is a single mother taking sole responsibility for the care of her 3 year old daughter. She has just recently completed legal secretarial studies and has been hired as a temporary secretary to Alex, one of the most sought after barristers in London. The chemistry between the two is explosive and you know right from the beginning how smitten Alex is with Jenna.
Jenna tries to convince Alex that she is still married (even though she has been divorced for three years) and hides the existence of her daughter. So we have the secret baby, nasty OW, abusive ex husband plot all rolled into one story line, and it works beautifully.
Jenna is one confused woman, having lost confidence in herself, so there is a lot of tension built into the story based on how she reacts to Alex. Some readers maybe frustrated with this, but I found her rather endearing. Especially, the incredible love she has for her daughter.
It's a great read and fun way to spend a few hours relaxing.
October 31, 2019
Liked the ups and downs and twists in the story. More than heroine, hero was my favorite. Heroine was so very resilient and brave. She single handedly raised her daughter.
Hero was an alpha and a sweetheart.
Recommended.
Hero was an alpha and a sweetheart.
Recommended.
October 4, 2010
I wavered between 2-stars and 3-stars on this book then wondered if I should give it 4-stars. There was a lot going on in this book or maybe I'm just tired?
An abusive ex, a budding office affair, a secret child, etc. etc. It had it's good points-sexy, funny, dialogue. It also had it's not good points-unanswered questions, inconsistent character responses, etc. I only wish they had given this one to another person to read before publishing it. I truly believe it had the potential to be a really good read, but things were rushed and underdeveloped.
An abusive ex, a budding office affair, a secret child, etc. etc. It had it's good points-sexy, funny, dialogue. It also had it's not good points-unanswered questions, inconsistent character responses, etc. I only wish they had given this one to another person to read before publishing it. I truly believe it had the potential to be a really good read, but things were rushed and underdeveloped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2021
Messy and tumultuous business, this one. But that's the kind of story we love, so I am not complaining !
Jenna is a 24 year old divorced, single mother. Her ex is a true scum bag, who puts in a dirty appearance now and then, just to trouble her. She gives it back most of the time, but also suffers a little unnecessarily.
Alex is a 38 year old settled, thriving, hot shot lawyer. The last thing he expects in his smooth life is a turbulent relationship with a single mother! But when Jenna lands up in his office as a pesky but efficient secretary, his life and libido are totally in chaos!!
How they navigate through the various hurdles before finding true love is the story. The kiddo taking a liking for Alex, the ex threatening to fight for the kiddo's custody, the hero's OW creating mischief, many more such dramatic events. Of course, plenty of mind blowing sex from time to time helps to find the path to eternal bliss ;)))
One thing rankled in my mind. For a good part of the story, Alex doesn't know that Jenna's marriage is not the happily ever after type. But still he keeps up the flirting and seducing attempts. With sufficient encouragement from Jenna. Now that's not ethical behavior for a lawyer hero, is it ? But to give him credit, he does suspect that there is trouble in her paradise.
Good, high octane stuff. Quite riveting, fun read!
Jenna is a 24 year old divorced, single mother. Her ex is a true scum bag, who puts in a dirty appearance now and then, just to trouble her. She gives it back most of the time, but also suffers a little unnecessarily.
Alex is a 38 year old settled, thriving, hot shot lawyer. The last thing he expects in his smooth life is a turbulent relationship with a single mother! But when Jenna lands up in his office as a pesky but efficient secretary, his life and libido are totally in chaos!!
How they navigate through the various hurdles before finding true love is the story. The kiddo taking a liking for Alex, the ex threatening to fight for the kiddo's custody, the hero's OW creating mischief, many more such dramatic events. Of course, plenty of mind blowing sex from time to time helps to find the path to eternal bliss ;)))
One thing rankled in my mind. For a good part of the story, Alex doesn't know that Jenna's marriage is not the happily ever after type. But still he keeps up the flirting and seducing attempts. With sufficient encouragement from Jenna. Now that's not ethical behavior for a lawyer hero, is it ? But to give him credit, he does suspect that there is trouble in her paradise.
Good, high octane stuff. Quite riveting, fun read!
April 28, 2021
En realidad estuvo muy bueno
November 4, 2016
3 1/2 Stars! ~ Jenna can't believe her bad luck; her bus was cancelled, it's pouring rain, her stockings are ruined, and she's late on her first day of a new job. And that gorgeous man she'd been pushed against in the shop doorway out of the rain, has turned out to be her new boss, Alex Morell. Their attraction is instant and combustible. Jenna needs her job, so she lets her boss believe she is not available and she hides the fact that she's a single mother. When they travel on business things heat up beyond their control and Jenna knows that she has to tell Alex all her secrets. Alex is riddled with guilt for wanting Jenna when she's made it clear that she's not available, but he's seen battered women before and Jenna exhibits all the signs. His need to protect her surprises him.
This is Ms. Shaw's debut and I was captured by this talented woven story from the first pages. Jenna is just coming out of her shell and thanks to Alex she is finding her self esteem again. Alex is captivated by Jenna's beauty and her instant come backs when he provokes her. Their struggle to keep their attraction at bay, and the secrets Jenna is hiding, keep the tension on going. However, Jenna's secret should have been revealed before Alex had gotten so involved. I felt rather uncomfortable until those truths had come out. The reasons of needing to keep her job, were not strong enough for Jenna to cause Alex the turmoil he went through. I suppose if Jenna had revealed all earlier the conflict would have been resolved too soon. I just wish Ms. Shaw had thought of another way, as both Alex and Jenna were wonderful characters that deserved more. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this love story and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Shaw
This is Ms. Shaw's debut and I was captured by this talented woven story from the first pages. Jenna is just coming out of her shell and thanks to Alex she is finding her self esteem again. Alex is captivated by Jenna's beauty and her instant come backs when he provokes her. Their struggle to keep their attraction at bay, and the secrets Jenna is hiding, keep the tension on going. However, Jenna's secret should have been revealed before Alex had gotten so involved. I felt rather uncomfortable until those truths had come out. The reasons of needing to keep her job, were not strong enough for Jenna to cause Alex the turmoil he went through. I suppose if Jenna had revealed all earlier the conflict would have been resolved too soon. I just wish Ms. Shaw had thought of another way, as both Alex and Jenna were wonderful characters that deserved more. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this love story and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Shaw
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2018
This was an adorable read! In spite of not that much presence, loved young Maisie and although the concept is a bit outdated, I still love reading the occasional 'knight-in-shining-armour' stories, in this case, Alex was exactly that for Jenna.
February 18, 2021
The h is a hot mess.
On her first day of a new job, she hides from the rain so she will be late, she also gets injured because she prevents a robbery (really?), she goes off to the store to buy a new pantyhose.
And then after of course arriving too late at work, she tells her boss (the H) off, saying that he was too late that morning too. That happened only in one single morning.
That same day at lunch hour she manages to trip, so she falls into the H’s arms.
And if that isn’t enough for your first day of work, she lies to her boss (the H) that she is married. She lies because she was afraid that he would feel sorry for her that she has been divorced after one year. What kind of sh*tyy reason is that for telling such a lie.
And if she were an 18 year old virgin, being so childish and a hot mess, okay. But she is 24, divorced and a mother, ffs.
On her first day of a new job, she hides from the rain so she will be late, she also gets injured because she prevents a robbery (really?), she goes off to the store to buy a new pantyhose.
And then after of course arriving too late at work, she tells her boss (the H) off, saying that he was too late that morning too. That happened only in one single morning.
That same day at lunch hour she manages to trip, so she falls into the H’s arms.
And if that isn’t enough for your first day of work, she lies to her boss (the H) that she is married. She lies because she was afraid that he would feel sorry for her that she has been divorced after one year. What kind of sh*tyy reason is that for telling such a lie.
And if she were an 18 year old virgin, being so childish and a hot mess, okay. But she is 24, divorced and a mother, ffs.
April 21, 2020
Sweet and old fashioned, easy comfort reading. Perfect book to cozy up to with your cuppa joe. If you’re in a rut right now, this book will pick you up and make you smile.
I love CS and this one met up to her level. The H was bossy, arrogant, urbanely alpha and possessive and old fashioned. The h was sweet, a bit of a klutz but also cheeky. I loved her sparring with her boss and their chemistry hit me in the right places. Alex was protective of Jenna and her daughter and they have a sweet HEA. I wish the epilogue was there and extended to give them some of their own babies!
I love CS and this one met up to her level. The H was bossy, arrogant, urbanely alpha and possessive and old fashioned. The h was sweet, a bit of a klutz but also cheeky. I loved her sparring with her boss and their chemistry hit me in the right places. Alex was protective of Jenna and her daughter and they have a sweet HEA. I wish the epilogue was there and extended to give them some of their own babies!
October 7, 2017
3.95 stars
Loved it!
Loved it!
January 4, 2022
This was an interesting romance but it did not grab me and I had a hard time getting through the end.
December 12, 2023
es buena
La recomiendo la historia es buena …léala la historia es buenísima pa leee🩷🩷🩷🩷🌹🌹🌹a mi me encanto la historia la recomiendo
La recomiendo la historia es buena …léala la historia es buenísima pa leee🩷🩷🩷🩷🌹🌹🌹a mi me encanto la historia la recomiendo
November 22, 2013
Really enjoyed the story and characters, but it must be said, the title isn't even in the ballpark for what the story is. I've learned Harlequin books shouldn't be judged soley on covers (and titles) and this book is a prime example why. This story benefitted from third person storytelling, which isn't very common in these books.
March 27, 2015
el libro es lo que promete la autora y tiene mucho de su estilo ....lo cual captas de inmediato
si embargo a veces si crees y notas que el libro comienza que algo lento y depues va rapido a tal grado que te quedas con un final bastante corto y un poco faltante de detalles
si embargo a veces si crees y notas que el libro comienza que algo lento y depues va rapido a tal grado que te quedas con un final bastante corto y un poco faltante de detalles
February 6, 2022
This could have been a great book except for the way the writer dealt with the domestic abuse issue. The review by Vintage says it all. Disappointing for a M&B author to deal with such a serious issue as she did in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2012
the plot's quite fast..
June 15, 2012
This book did help pass the time but it seemed somewhat all over the place. I enjoyed the story , but it could of been better.
March 26, 2017
Alex is to die for, but she is just too insecure...insecure on the annoying side.
October 5, 2015
Ήταν συμπαθές βιβλίο και πέρασε ωραία η ώρα μου.Μου άρεσε η πλοκή και το συναισθηματικό βάθος των ηρώων.
July 9, 2016
I enjoyed this book ..
nice short story for a break from big books or big night .
nice short story for a break from big books or big night .
July 22, 2013
3.5 Stars
February 17, 2017
Mon 1er Azur !!
Lu en VF, "Un Irresistible Patron".
Lu en VF, "Un Irresistible Patron".
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews