Our Little Secret

by Weston Parker

Dating university staff is against the rules. Dating being the key word.

We met at a staff mixer, and it was all I could do to keep my hands off of her.

She’s everything I want in my life and my bed, but I’m on track to achieve my career goals.

A beautiful smile and great hips aren’t messing up that plan.

Until I figure out that she’s carrying a secret around campus.

Our little secret.

No way in hell I was looking to be a family man before this, but knowing what I know and falling for this woman are changing me fast.

Crazily enough, this woman turns out to be the Dean’s daughter.

You can’t make this stuff up.

The tighter the situation gets, the more I realize rules were made to be broken.Every good girl deserves a bad boy. ~ Weston

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, College

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2021

About the author

Hey there. I'm Weston.

Have we met? No? Well it's time to end that tragedy.

I'm a former firefighter/EMS guy who's picked up the proverbial pen and started writing bad boy romance stories. I co-write with my sister, Ali Parker, but live in Texas with my wife, my two little boys, my daughter, two dogs, three cats, and a turtle.

Yep. A turtle. You read that right. Don't be jealous.

You're going to find Billionaires, Bad Boys, Military Guys and loads of sexiness.

Something for everyone, hopefully. I'd love to connect with you. Check out the links below and come find me.

Reviews

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good forbidden romance between River and Lucas. Thanks to the university they work at and the fact that her dad is dean of the university. They spend a few very steamy nights together but they know it can’t get out. The issue is that she is now carrying a secret that can destroy both their careers. Loved this read. Steamy and kept me wanting to know what was next. Recommend this as well as his other stories. You won’t be disappointed.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/21/2022)! 🎁

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It won't take you long to fall in love with Lukas and River. They're opposites in many ways but are so adorable in many ways. He's focused on his career and is a little nerdy in a cute way. He's a math professor at a top university and he has his career track all mapped out. That is until a chance meeting with a fellow professor begins to threaten his focus. The big problem is the school has a no frat policy among staff. What happens when she turns out to be the Dean's daughter? What happens when they find out a little one is on the way? Is his career track still the most important thing in Lukas mind? So many questions and there's an answer to each but you'll need to read the book first. As usual Weston's brought us another winner. The characters are likable and well developed. The story line with grab your attention at the beginning and keep you glued until the end A great book with no cliffhanger and a HEA. I read an advance reader copy via the author and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are adorable together. Frustrating but adorable. There’s a hint of opposites between them in Lukas’ desire to control all the variables he possibly can and River’s need to escape the control she’s felt like she’s always been under. When the main obstacle for them to overcome was presented I was very curious to see how they would work around it. Their solution wasn’t anything like I was expecting, and that made it exciting for me to see how it played out. There’re lots of big emotions and angst in this book, which kept my reality-TV-loving heart completely hooked on the story. Now that I’ve seen Lukas and River’s success, there’s a couple of the secondary characters that I’d love to see get to star in stories of their own.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. 🤷‍♀️

I’m not a huge fan of books where the entire conflict can be wrapped up with one uncomfortable, but necessary, conversation and this book is the epitome of this.

Chapter after chapter, boring conversation with their respective best friends after boring conversation could all have been avoided if our two main characters had just talked to each other.

It all feels so pointless and drawn out unnecessarily because you know inevitably they will work it out. So just get to it already.

It was a good enough book but not something I’d need to re-read any time soon.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another well written romance by Weston Parker. The characters, storyline, suspense, drama, sizzling chemistry, and discovering all the dirty secrets suck you in.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.

[Peggy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting strong willed characters, some twist and turns, good writing that makes you feel as if you were living this life. The capacity of read between the lines are what made it a really good book. to read. Love the connection between Lukas and River, loved how they were so good for each other.

[Catherine Marie Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lukas

River and Lukas were professors of very different subjects. She was an artist who taught art, he was a financial guru who taught financial planning and money management. They had nothing in common until they did. Weston Parker I love your stories because they are filled with sex and romance.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lukas & River Find Love In This Romance About Two College Professors Whose Relationship Is Forbidden Thanks To A No Fraternization Rule At Their University.


River Owens, thirty-one, is younger than most of her fellow professors. The idea that some might look at her age and suspect she didn’t earn her position makes her a little defensive. She put years of hard work into her education and earned her job at the university the same as everyone else. Her passion is art, and she enjoys teaching others and helping them to discover the joy and peace that art can help bring to their lives. Painting is her specialty, but she also teaches a drawing course. Outside of the grounds of the university, she takes on side jobs as an illustrator. She works hard, which doesn’t leave much time for a social life. She hasn’t dated in ages, but she is content despite the biological clock that might have other women beginning to worry about settling down. She and her father are very close, and he is proud of the track she is on. As much as she loves him, though, he is stubbornly set in his ways. Unfortunately, pleasing him sometimes means a personal sacrifice on her part.

Lukas Constantino, in his mid-thirties, is working hard to reach his goal of becoming a tenured professor. The first in his family to graduate from college, he knows what poverty feels like. At the same time, his family never suffered because of it. Although his parents never earned much, he and his three younger siblings were raised in a loving family. He earned a swimming scholarship and worked sleeplessly through college to ensure he succeeded. He quickly gave up on the idea of having a relationship since he was too busy to give a woman the time and attention she deserved. Although he would like to settle down one day, he decided to put that off until he has reached his career goals, and he is close. Although he is on the young side to get tenure, he bound and determined to get it. Lukas wants to make something of himself. Naturally very competitive, he dresses for success. He projects the image of a CEO, although being a CEO isn’t his aim. He wants to teach others how to achieve financial success. After receiving his doctorate in finance, he moved to the Richmond, Virginia area to teach at the university. Eventually, this entire family left Texas to follow him, settling down nearby. He may not have a social life, but he enjoys getting together with family. They tease him about his bachelor status, but he continues to hold fast to his plans.

When Lukas first meets River, she throws off a lot of mixed signals. Though confusing, Lukas gets the message. So when they both end up at a university mixer, it comes as a surprise to both that they actually get along. Neither are terribly social, yet they find an easy comfort together. Alcohol may have a little to do with it, though. And once sober, River reverts to her rude and abrasive ways despite the chemistry they share. River might not be part of Lukas’s plans, but he finds himself drawn to her in spite of her prickly attitude. He could lick his wounds and walk away, or he could choose to push his luck and brave seeking her out again. The couple eventually finds a happy ending.

Lukas and River’s story is about family and careers. It is about two education and career-oriented professors who have put their personal lives on the sideline to focus on their professional pursuits. Their priorities eventually come to be questioned, though. As they begin a dysfunctional sort of relationship, their lack of experience in the dating world becomes rather obvious as they make rookie mistakes. They both have a lot of growing to do if their relationship has any chance of surviving. And River must decide whether to face her controlling father or to submit to his wishes despite the personal cost.

Lukas and River find love in this romance about two college professors whose relationship is forbidden thanks to a no fraternization rule at their university. With their careers on the line, they stand to lose everything if found out. The story begins a little slow. The characters are on the dry side; it was difficulty to relate to them and get immersed into their story. The no fraternization rule was problematic for me. I am no expert in the area, but I do know of married couples that work at the same university. I even did a quick google search and only found no fraternization policies relating to professors and undergraduate students, none relating strictly to professors. They might be out there, but it makes no sense to me because professors work relatively independently, unlike employees in an office environment. In particular, professors that work in different departments would conceivably never have the need for a no fraternization policy. The idea that a mixer – with an open bar and karaoke – was sponsored by the university for the purpose of socializing amongst the staff, yet they are forbidden from relationships, seemed almost cruel. I just couldn’t wrap my head around the idea. As for the writing, the use of pronouns was occasionally confusing. The formatting of paragraphs sometimes led to confusing passages, particularly with relation to dialogue. The plot is very simple. The characters are a little flat. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Lukas and River. I rate this book 3.5 stars.

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

[lorelei224 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This all went downhill after that great setup, the conflict just deflated. And the whole argument of moving in together is also artificial conflict.

There's so much potential here that's busted

[Debra Johnson]

Purch Amz Jan 21, 2022

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weston Parker has a talent for creating stories with well-defined lead characters that he really brings to life. “Our Little Secret” is an excellent example of that skill. It’s an ‘opposites attract’ and ‘secret baby’ in a ‘workplace romance’ love story that earns a solid ‘A’ in my gradebook.

Lukas is a man with a plan. As a highly respected teacher in the mathematics department at a prestigious university, he's completely focused on his career and obtaining tenured status. River, a beautiful art professor, is a dangerous distraction because the university forbids fraternization between its employees. River is torn between what she wants to do in her life, and what she believe she has to do to please her father. Neither she nor Lukas is looking for a relationship but when they meet at a faculty party, fate seems to have other plans. I’m not revealing anything that isn’t ualready in the book blurb when I say that the chance of a relationship between Lukas and River is further complicated by the fact that she’s the daughter of the University Dean. Forget tenure … Lukas will be lucky to have a job at all if the Dean finds out about the connection that’s taken place between them. They both understand that - when they can think logically. However, the blazing hot chemistry between them keeps their hearts and other parts thoroughly preoccupied, and turns logic into a foreign language neither of them understands.

Because this is a romance novel, as the reader you do expect it all to work out somehow. Weston Parker displays considerable talent in keeping a reader glued to the page and increasingly involved in the story as it all unfolds. Both lead characters are extremely likable, and they each develop in wonderful ways by the time we reach the very satisfying end of the book. The various secondary characters add humorous moments, interesting background and emotional depth to the story. Plus, there’s karaoke, so what more could you really want?

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the love story between the numbers 'nerd' and the artist. River is one of the youngest professors at the uni where she lectures in art whilst Lukas is a professor in financial analysis - very different. She obeys all the rules [her Dad is the Dean but no one knows but her best friend who is a perpetual student there] and Lukas is pretty much the same as he is determined to get tenure which is one of his life's goals. They both reluctantly go to a staff meet and greet where, after a few drinks, they encourage each other to get up and do karaoke. They are a hit with the crowd and each other. As the sparks are practically catching alight between them they head for her apartment. When she wakes the next morning, he's gone and hasn't even left a note! They avoid each other for a couple of days but can't get each other out of their minds so he is dared by his brother [he's one of four siblings] to ask her to do more karaoke with his brother and wife. Another fantastic night and they leave together again with the same passionate ending to the night. But they are both know that it is against the rules for members of staff to date one another, so they avoid each other for a couple of months and are both very miserable. Is this the end of their love affair before it's been given a real chance? This was a really fun book to read and certainly kept me swiping the pages of my kindle. River and Lukas are different to each other but in good ways but the core of their values is the same as well as their love of life. I was really rooting for these two as they were both so likable and fun when together. What will happen is the Dean finds out about them? Are they over before they began? You're going to have to read this for yourself to find out and I'm sure that you won't be disappointed by Weston Parker's latest story. I received a reader's copy of this book and voluntarily leave my honest opinion of it here. Most definitely recommended!!

[Bea Childminding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lukas is a man with a plan. As a highly respected teacher in the mathematics department at a prestigious university, he's completely focused on his career and obtaining tenured status. River, a beautiful art professor, is a dangerous distraction because the university forbids fraternization between its employees. River is torn between what she wants to do in her life, and what she believe she has to do to please her father. Neither she nor Lukas is looking for a relationship but when they meet at a faculty party, fate seems to have other plans. I’m not revealing anything that isn’t ualready in the book blurb when I say that the chance of a relationship between Lukas and River is further complicated by the fact that she’s the daughter of the University Dean. Forget tenure … Lukas will be lucky to have a job at all if the Dean finds out about the connection that’s taken place between them. They both understand that - when they can think logically. However, the blazing hot chemistry between them keeps their hearts and other parts thoroughly preoccupied, and turns logic into a foreign language neither of them understands.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of River and Lucas. River is an artist and teaches at the university. When Lucas has to change his office because of construction, he sees River and wonders who she is. Lucas is a financial teacher and has a plan on how his life should go. Lucas follows all the rules and is known to be stuffy and no fun. When they first meet, River doesn't act very friendly toward Lucas and he wonders why. Later they meet up at a staff mixer and they have a few drinks. Soon River drags Lucas to sing and they have an amazing night. After drinking and flirting, River goes home with Lucas, but when she sobers, she realizes she can never be with him because it is against the rules for staff to date. Lucas can't forget River and even though he knows they can't be together, they can't stay away from each other. River also has personal reasons why she can't break the rules, but she also has feelings for Lucas. I really enjoyed this forbidden romance. I liked Lucas, even if he was no fun and blunt. River was a strong woman who knew what she wanted, but she also couldn't stand up to her father. Another great one.

[Kay Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and touching love story of two people who you will feel are destined to meet and fall in love.
Lukas is a rigid, focused professor, determined to obtain tenure at the university. He’s so focused, he’s never had a girlfriend or a meaningful relationship.
River is an Art professor at the same University, and has also not been in a relationship.
They meet, the fireworks ignite, however, the University frowns on staff fraternizing and this complicates things, especially since neither of them are well versed in handling relationships. Also, to make things worse, her father is the Dean and he’s a stickler for playing by the books and is not shy about voicing how he feels .
I loved this book. It was a pleasure to read. Characters were well done, plot was different and well developed and most important, I was sad when the book ended. Another great read by Wes
I am reviewing this ARC I received voluntarily.

[bobamami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well all was fine until around 75%.

Aka the moving in together conflict.

I mean I understand and agree with both of their points of view, pretty legit, but idk, it just felt so off and out of character to me that tbh, killed my mood a little bit.

After that, things were steady, which wasn’t bad since I, in fact, really like it when the couple settles down a bit before jumping onto the epilogue; but wasn’t 80% a bit too soon for that? We still had about 20% left to go and nothing really happened, all they did was just playing house.

That got me question myself whether the fight was the climax, because I kept expecting more, after it, but nothing came and ngl, I was a bit bored towards the end sorry not sorry.

Still, I like the build up, just disappointed that it didn’t end the way I wanted, or at least ended with a different ending, still cute tho, just not what I expected.

Such a shame because I think this had potential but unfortunately, it wasn’t IT.

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract.

Lukas & River are so different, you would never think they could be together. There are two things they do have in common; they both like solitude and concentrating on their careers. This makes for an interesting story. Lukas teaches business and finance. River teaches art classes and is an artist herself. They meet at a staff mixer held by the university so all the staff can get to know each other. Their attraction is immediate, but no, they can’t fraternize. It’s a university rule. Lukas lives by logic and is a nerd. River lives by pleasing her father. That’s another big secret of who he is. This storyline is mostly unique to me. It held my attention from the first page through to the last. It is very well written. You won’t be disappointed at all. Looking forward to another book from Weston Parker.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Little Secret
4 Stars
I received a free copy of the steamy Richmond, Virginia set novel Our Little Secret: A Taboo Secret Baby romance in the Secret Baby Boxset by Weston Parker, and this review was given freely.
I enjoyed the close friendships, the memorably imperfect moments, and the heartwarming closeness of Lukas’ large family.
Drama and misunderstandings are mixed with steamy scenes and some humor in this heartwarming and realistic instant attraction of opposites romance where two one-nightstands between the introverted and career-conscious financial stability-seeking university business and finance professor Lukas Constantino and the often-reticent and introverted painting professor River Owens leads to surprised and life-changing meetings with the college Dean, who Lucas discovers is also River’s controlling father.
18+ for extended intimate scenes.

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sizzling level of chemistry

River, an art professor, and Lukas, a business and finance professor, have offices next to each other and don’t meet until invitations come for a staff mixer. As the story progresses a chance meeting turns into two, just because things can’t be personal doesn’t mean they’re not, and just as everything settles down one little secret could ruin all they worked hard for. Weston Parker brought the romance in Our Little Secret to a sizzling level of chemistry I thought was only found in the lab. The sparks fly from their first meeting and continue throughout the book so as not to disappoint the reader.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A taboo love that you will love. Lukas and River both work at the same university and there is a no fraternization policy. But what happens, happens and when you fall in love you just can’t stop. They have lots of obstacles to overcome and have to admit to each other how they feel instead of just carrying on as if it was nothing. River is all about the arts and Lukas is all about the finances and logic. Lukas plans everything and River just flies by the seat of her pants, accepting each day as it comes. River has to teach him that everything is more than a “transaction”. I guess opposites do attract, because they are the perfect couple. A great book of people stumbling over each other all the time and finally revealing their true feelings. Really awesome.

[Ariahlynn S’Rhea · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. They meet at a mixture sing karaoke, go home sleep with each other and then a couple days later go out to a bar Seymour karaoke go home sleep with each other and then don’t speak for two months and then when they do finally speak somehow they’re in love, the book overall is pretty fast pace and it kind of got to the point where I was like. Well I already really have seen what I need to see if you know what I mean so I don’t really want to finish this, I did, and I can say that it really wasn’t worth it like that sounds shitty but like after the baby shower, and after I finally move in together, I should’ve just stopped because they rest of it wasn’t really necessary. I feel like that’s where it should’ve ended and then could’ve been the graduation like it was.

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one about Lukas and River, two interesting but opposite characters who at first you wouldn’t think of as the partners but two people who are actually perfect for each other. The chemistry between them is palpable, hot and intense. I loved that their journey wasn't easy, they have their ups and downs, but their love wins in the end.

The characters are well-drawn, even River's dad who is so controlling, River has issues because of her dad trying to control every aspect of her life whilst Lukas is somewhat nerdy. The plotline drew me in its well developed and intriguing as well as being very entertaining.

[Kathryn Adair · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this but it was unrealistic they talked what 4 times 2 of those they hooked up but fell pretty hard for each other. There was little communication between them to build up chemistry. Then boom shes pregnant. The description of the story gave me more hope. It had a promising story line but I was left unsatisfied.
I really didn't like how much Lukas freaked out on her when he found out who her dad was and then once he realized she wasn't employed there anymore everything was great. She let go the fact he was a complete jerk and said some nasty things. Sorry I love this Author but this one was a miss for me.

[Edna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Little Secret

Lukas and River are Professors at a college where they get together at a Faculty Mixer. He has not had any interest in women for quite sometime because he is working hard to get Tenure. River is an art teacher at the college but she has a secret that the Dean is her father and she doesn't want anyone to think she got her position because of nepotism. They karaoke together at the mixer and after having quite a few drinks they can't resist each other and go to Lukas house. River leaves in the middle of the night and tells Lukas that it can't happen again.

[Donita Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUR LITTLE SECRET by Weston Parker
Weston has given us another story that is well written, solid and kept me turning pages til the end. There is crazy, hot, passionate chemistry between Lukas and River. She is a strong independent woman who knows her own mind. He is a man that is focused on climbing the ladder that gets tenure at his university position and financial success. Unfortunately there is a no fraternizing policy at the university. This is a 5 star read.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Lukas and River’s love story. The chemistry is hot and intense. They have their ups and downs, but love wins in the end. River has issues with her dad trying to control her life and Lukas is such an endearing nerd. The plot was very well developed and intriguing. It drew me in right away. This is a very entertaining read. *this review is based on a complimentary copy from the author*

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn in by the chemistry between the characters. I was glued to the book until the end. He likes to control everything to make sure there are no diversions from his path of goals. She doesn't want to be under the control of anyone again. This is a problem for these two. They have a bigger issue and could be a lot of trouble for the two of them. Will they learn to trust each other and work together to solve the problem that they face?

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Luka and River. The author does a great job developing the story and pulled me in with all the drama ,intrigue and suspense as well as the sizzling romance. He does a fantastic job painting his scenes as he moves the story fluidly and delivers another terrific read. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Stephanie Dazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lukas and River were the perfect match. Was he overly logical and clueless in the love department sure. Was she overly stubborn for her own good to see the sexy as f**k professor loved her yea pretty much. Once they both got out of their own way they became a force to be reckoned with. This book was too good to put down. This is an absolute must read! Go grab your copy you don’t want to miss it promise you won’t be disappointed