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Uncovering Love
To escape an abusive ex, Scarlet Black takes on a new identity and accepts a role masquerading as an admin assistant. She moves to a secluded mansion in a small English coastal village working for the reclusive billionaire, Daniel Love, whose wife has disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Scarlet soon forms a connection with her troubled but handsome younger boss, and together they descend into a torrid relationship.
The deeper they delve into each other the more insatiable they become.
The problem is if she breaks from her undercover role her ex, a rogue policeman, will find her. But if she stays, after winning the trust of this guarded and damaged man, the deep bond they’ve formed will be shattered.
Scarlet soon forms a connection with her troubled but handsome younger boss, and together they descend into a torrid relationship.
The deeper they delve into each other the more insatiable they become.
The problem is if she breaks from her undercover role her ex, a rogue policeman, will find her. But if she stays, after winning the trust of this guarded and damaged man, the deep bond they’ve formed will be shattered.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2021
24 people are currently reading
6875 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Sorel
29 books597 followersBook Excellence Finalist Award Recipient in the Romance Category for her title: Dark Descent into Desire
J. J. Sorel whiles away her day writing Steamy Romance novels. She loves conjuring up slightly damaged, seductive men who fall madly in love with smart quirky women. Before becoming a writer ten years ago, she danced and choreographed for her supper. jjsorel.com
J. J. Sorel whiles away her day writing Steamy Romance novels. She loves conjuring up slightly damaged, seductive men who fall madly in love with smart quirky women. Before becoming a writer ten years ago, she danced and choreographed for her supper. jjsorel.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 5, 2021
I could not put this book down!
I fell in love with the female protagonist, Ainsley, aka Scarlett who accepts a secretive job with Daniel, a recluse billionaire with a missing wife to get away from her abusive ex-husband. I feel for Daniel who struggles to put his past behind him and avoid being compared to his father. Scarlett and Daniel find they share similarities and an unyielding desire to share a passion for art that goes a bit beyond the artist and his muse. Add in a plot twist that will have you reeling and a hope for the two to find their happily ever after!
I fell in love with the female protagonist, Ainsley, aka Scarlett who accepts a secretive job with Daniel, a recluse billionaire with a missing wife to get away from her abusive ex-husband. I feel for Daniel who struggles to put his past behind him and avoid being compared to his father. Scarlett and Daniel find they share similarities and an unyielding desire to share a passion for art that goes a bit beyond the artist and his muse. Add in a plot twist that will have you reeling and a hope for the two to find their happily ever after!
November 24, 2021
Ainsley is a 40-year-old actress trying to have a life after divorce but her ex-husband will not leave her alone and she is offered an unusual job and she is separate enough to take it more to get away but worry for her mother holds her back but Detective Somers offers her a solution and she accepts and is instructed in what is required of her. She is to work for the billionaire recluse Daniel Love and check out the suspicious information they received about what is going on on the estate. But Ainsley/Scarlet gets in over her head. A very intriguing storyline and characters. Drama, mystery, suspense, danger, romance, and love. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2021
‘He’s a recluse, and his record’s clean. But he is also filthy rich’ – Undercover steam!
Australian author J.J. Sorel earned a certificate in Writing Romance with the Australian College of Journalism and began to follow her passion – writing steamy contemporary romance novels of the sort that entice those who love the Chick Lit genre. Her novels to date – THORNHILL TRILOGY, BEAUTIFUL BUT STRANGE TRILOGY, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING BELLA, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING WILD, TAKE MY HEART, MALIBU TRILOGY, and now UNCOVERING LOVE. Most of her books are available in Spanish as well as English!
One of the reasons JJ’s novel UNCOVERING LOVE is so successful is her fine tuned sense of character development. She creates characters that are wholly credible as the opening page suggests - ’A dark shape made me jump. Creeping along the hallway, I turned sharply and saw it was only my own outline on the wall. I released a trapped breath. Frightened by my own shadow, I was losing my mind. I had to keep looking over my shoulder even inside my childhood home, where I now lived. After twenty years, I was back with my mother. Not by choice. I would have preferred my flat in Notting Hill. But I lost everything when I walked away –or, should I say, ran away from my marriage. Now I had to start again.’ And it is that change that blossoms into a steamy and fascinating romance.
The synopsis is seductive – ‘At forty, Scarlet Black had made more mistakes than she could count. Her bad boy had turned into a madman who would stop at nothing to find her. Her acting agent offers her the escape she needs, a job unlike any acting role she’d ever had that involves a secluded mansion in an English coastal village. All she has to do is go undercover. Her mission? Uncovering Love. That is, to expose Daniel Love, a reclusive billionaire who looks good enough to…well, not to spy on. But she’s left with very little choice. Daniel Love is hiding more than just a dark past and a sinister family secret, and it seems he has a thing for older women. And…he’s hard to resist. She succumbs to his considerable masculine allure. Beneath that mask, she is a red-blooded woman after all. The only question is whose secrets will tumble out first. If you show me yours, I’ll show you mine. Despite their secrets, they can’t take their hands off each other. But will they ever trust again when all is revealed?’
This is one finely scribed novel that is rich in steamy erotica and yet goes beyond the usual Chick Lit realm because of the fine character flaws that tie it together. JJ Sorel continues to prove her major status as a romance author. Recommended.
Australian author J.J. Sorel earned a certificate in Writing Romance with the Australian College of Journalism and began to follow her passion – writing steamy contemporary romance novels of the sort that entice those who love the Chick Lit genre. Her novels to date – THORNHILL TRILOGY, BEAUTIFUL BUT STRANGE TRILOGY, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING BELLA, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING WILD, TAKE MY HEART, MALIBU TRILOGY, and now UNCOVERING LOVE. Most of her books are available in Spanish as well as English!
One of the reasons JJ’s novel UNCOVERING LOVE is so successful is her fine tuned sense of character development. She creates characters that are wholly credible as the opening page suggests - ’A dark shape made me jump. Creeping along the hallway, I turned sharply and saw it was only my own outline on the wall. I released a trapped breath. Frightened by my own shadow, I was losing my mind. I had to keep looking over my shoulder even inside my childhood home, where I now lived. After twenty years, I was back with my mother. Not by choice. I would have preferred my flat in Notting Hill. But I lost everything when I walked away –or, should I say, ran away from my marriage. Now I had to start again.’ And it is that change that blossoms into a steamy and fascinating romance.
The synopsis is seductive – ‘At forty, Scarlet Black had made more mistakes than she could count. Her bad boy had turned into a madman who would stop at nothing to find her. Her acting agent offers her the escape she needs, a job unlike any acting role she’d ever had that involves a secluded mansion in an English coastal village. All she has to do is go undercover. Her mission? Uncovering Love. That is, to expose Daniel Love, a reclusive billionaire who looks good enough to…well, not to spy on. But she’s left with very little choice. Daniel Love is hiding more than just a dark past and a sinister family secret, and it seems he has a thing for older women. And…he’s hard to resist. She succumbs to his considerable masculine allure. Beneath that mask, she is a red-blooded woman after all. The only question is whose secrets will tumble out first. If you show me yours, I’ll show you mine. Despite their secrets, they can’t take their hands off each other. But will they ever trust again when all is revealed?’
This is one finely scribed novel that is rich in steamy erotica and yet goes beyond the usual Chick Lit realm because of the fine character flaws that tie it together. JJ Sorel continues to prove her major status as a romance author. Recommended.
November 14, 2021
Daniel and Scarlett's story is a angsty, sexy, reverse age gap, older woman/younger man Gothic romance story that held my interest until the end. This is a new Author to me. I received a of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2021
This book was unexpected but I enjoyed the story. It starts out a little slow with a lot of setup for the real drama. Aiinsley (later becomes Scarlet) is an unemployed actress living with her mom because she left her abusive husband and waiting on him to sign the divorce papers. She gets a call from a detective about a job. She wants Scarlet to spy on a billionaire regarding some strange activity at his mansion and also to find out if he had anything to do with his wife's death. Scarlett accepts the job but gets more than she bargained for. There is suspense, mystery, and drama beyond the walls of Starlington. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's.
December 6, 2021
‘Uncovering Love’ by J.J. Sorel is a thrilling erotic mystery novel. The story follows Ainsley who is on the run from an abusive ex when she finds a job going undercover as an administrative assistant for a mysterious billionaire named Daniel Love who is being investigated for the mysterious disappearance of his wife. Ainsley becomes Scarlet Black and enters the grand household where she discovers that her mark, Daniel, is much more than she anticipated. The two can’t help but feel drawn to each other but their secrets haunt the future they could have. This is a story with a lot of moving parts at all times that will keep you on the edge of your seats. The book has lots of dark secrets woven into the tale that were surprising and intense. My favorite elements of the book were the suspense that permeates every aspect of the reading experience and the romantic tension that exists between Daniel and Scarlet/Ainsley. If you enjoy steamy romance books with dark mysteries, then I would highly recommend this book.
January 5, 2022
J.J Sorel is a romance writer that knows how to create steamy scenes and healing touches. In her latest book, “Uncovering Love,” Sorel has joined together two troubled souls in a fantastical place. What happens is even more amazing.
Ainsley Alcott is a 40-year-old woman with a turbulent past. She is living with her mother and trying to protect them both from her abusive ex, who happens to be a cop. Looking for a way to regain her life, she heads to a curtain call. She had not acted in years, but thought it was time to step out again. Ainsley gets an acting job. She is tasked with acting like an administrative assistant to Daniel Love, all while spying on his family. She changes her name and heads to the Starlington Estate. Daniel is a strange character. His wife has gone missing, he paints to loud music, and has an infatuation with a green dress. When Daniel meets Ainsley, who is now Scarlet Black, his interest is piqued. Daniel and Scarlet begin a friendship which leads to both finding love again. There are bumps in the but in the end, an older woman and a younger man learn a lot about each other.
I will admit that there are many things happening in this book, but Sorel has tied them all together quite well. The plot was interesting and left me at a cliffhanger whenever I had to put it down for a moment.
What I truly loved about this story is that Scarlet is an older woman who attracts the desires of a younger man. She has real emotions that come with age. Scarlet does not act like a cougar on the hunt. She is a real woman, dealing with real feelings.
I also enjoyed the way Sorel places the erotic scenes in her story. She does not let the sexual content take center stage. The reader can enjoy a story filled with plot twists, unexpected turns, and a budding romance. There is extreme passion, but not filth.
As a whole, “Uncovering Love,” is a work that can be enjoyed leisurely. Readers are drawn into a story that we could only wish would happen in real life. Sorel writes in a way that is easy to follow and keeps you wanting to know what will happen next. I would only recommend this book to readers over 18 due to the content and language. Five stars!
Ainsley Alcott is a 40-year-old woman with a turbulent past. She is living with her mother and trying to protect them both from her abusive ex, who happens to be a cop. Looking for a way to regain her life, she heads to a curtain call. She had not acted in years, but thought it was time to step out again. Ainsley gets an acting job. She is tasked with acting like an administrative assistant to Daniel Love, all while spying on his family. She changes her name and heads to the Starlington Estate. Daniel is a strange character. His wife has gone missing, he paints to loud music, and has an infatuation with a green dress. When Daniel meets Ainsley, who is now Scarlet Black, his interest is piqued. Daniel and Scarlet begin a friendship which leads to both finding love again. There are bumps in the but in the end, an older woman and a younger man learn a lot about each other.
I will admit that there are many things happening in this book, but Sorel has tied them all together quite well. The plot was interesting and left me at a cliffhanger whenever I had to put it down for a moment.
What I truly loved about this story is that Scarlet is an older woman who attracts the desires of a younger man. She has real emotions that come with age. Scarlet does not act like a cougar on the hunt. She is a real woman, dealing with real feelings.
I also enjoyed the way Sorel places the erotic scenes in her story. She does not let the sexual content take center stage. The reader can enjoy a story filled with plot twists, unexpected turns, and a budding romance. There is extreme passion, but not filth.
As a whole, “Uncovering Love,” is a work that can be enjoyed leisurely. Readers are drawn into a story that we could only wish would happen in real life. Sorel writes in a way that is easy to follow and keeps you wanting to know what will happen next. I would only recommend this book to readers over 18 due to the content and language. Five stars!
November 29, 2021
This was an enjoyable read.
Billionaire boss/ employee relationship
Older woman with younger guy
Tall, dark, handsome
Secret identity
Body positivity
What more could we ask for?!
I would probably rate this a 3.5 star because certain parts of the book were just too slow. I still did not want to put the book down with all of the secrecy and plot twists!
I really appreciated this book for its body inclusivity (not sure that is a word but I don't care). Far too often, authors default to skinny or societally acceptable bodies for main characters. So I loved that Scarlet was a full figured woman entering her 40s.
I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
Billionaire boss/ employee relationship
Older woman with younger guy
Tall, dark, handsome
Secret identity
Body positivity
What more could we ask for?!
I would probably rate this a 3.5 star because certain parts of the book were just too slow. I still did not want to put the book down with all of the secrecy and plot twists!
I really appreciated this book for its body inclusivity (not sure that is a word but I don't care). Far too often, authors default to skinny or societally acceptable bodies for main characters. So I loved that Scarlet was a full figured woman entering her 40s.
I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
December 2, 2021
Ainsley Alcott just left her controlling and abusive husband; she now gets to start over in life at forty. Going back to her acting agency, Ainsley is offered an unusual job as an undercover admin assistant. She is to find the dirt on Daniel Love, a wealthy recluse who is the prime suspect of his wife's disappearance. Her acting is put to the test when Ainsley struggles with the attraction between them. Is there dirt to be found on Daniel, or will she become his next victim to disappear?
Uncovering Love by J.J. Sorel has the perfect amount of suspense, romance, and drama. This novel becomes heated as the characters' attraction from each cannot be denied. There is an undercurrent of past murders and relationships that keeps them on edge. Unraveling it made for an enticing and passionate read.
Uncovering Love by J.J. Sorel has the perfect amount of suspense, romance, and drama. This novel becomes heated as the characters' attraction from each cannot be denied. There is an undercurrent of past murders and relationships that keeps them on edge. Unraveling it made for an enticing and passionate read.
December 30, 2021
Okay, this was such a good read. I absolutely love that it's a standalone and how many events took place in the book.
This was quite a quick read but there was so much happening it felt longer. When I thought the main event ended, something else happened. I was kept surprised and entertained the whole time reading this. I initially thought this book would focus on Scarlet and her being discovered as a spy, but it is so much more than that!
I loved reading from both the male and female perspectives since I felt the love between them blossom. I felt myself cheering for them when they finally got together.
This was quite a quick read but there was so much happening it felt longer. When I thought the main event ended, something else happened. I was kept surprised and entertained the whole time reading this. I initially thought this book would focus on Scarlet and her being discovered as a spy, but it is so much more than that!
I loved reading from both the male and female perspectives since I felt the love between them blossom. I felt myself cheering for them when they finally got together.
December 7, 2021
I liked Daniel & Scarlett’s book. It was an intriguing read. And was a new author for me. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 29, 2024
Nahhh I'm never looking at a green dress the same again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2022
I totally recommend this book.
October 28, 2021
J. J. Sorel, ‘Uncovering Love’.
As an Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review. Here it is.
Rating: 4 (of 5 stars).
In general: Love between two damaged souls..
Main characters:
- Ainsley Alcott(40)
She’s living with her mom again after divorcing Kevin, her abusive ex-husband and she’s now an actress looking for a new job after the divorce.
At the same time Scotland Yard needed an actress for an undercover assignment in which the agent had to act as a personal assistant for a reclusive wealthy man, Daniel Love, living on an estate at the coast in Kent. Under the name Scarlet Black and a fake identity fabricated by SY, Ainsley got the job.
- Daniel Love (32).
His wealth comes from old money and a clever accountant who’s a financial wizard. He studied art and is a very talented painter but because of his wealth he doesn’t need to sell his paintings. Moreover he hates being judged. So he never shows his art to people, he thinks that galeries and expositions are a threat for his precious privacy.
Scotland Yard wants to investigate him because his wife Charlotte ‘Charlie’ mysteriously disappeared during a cruise with his yacht in the Mediterranean. But the police also wants to know if he’s involved with a Russian drug cartel.
The author, J.J. Sorel, created an interesting plot about Ainsley’s/Scarlet’s investigation with unexpected twists, a lot of mystical suspense, intriguing characters and - after many ups and downs - a predictable HEA. Only the paranormal elements in the second part of the story weren’t my cup of tea.
But - all in all - a well written, compelling page turner.
R. Huiszoon.
As an Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review. Here it is.
Rating: 4 (of 5 stars).
In general: Love between two damaged souls..
Main characters:
- Ainsley Alcott(40)
She’s living with her mom again after divorcing Kevin, her abusive ex-husband and she’s now an actress looking for a new job after the divorce.
At the same time Scotland Yard needed an actress for an undercover assignment in which the agent had to act as a personal assistant for a reclusive wealthy man, Daniel Love, living on an estate at the coast in Kent. Under the name Scarlet Black and a fake identity fabricated by SY, Ainsley got the job.
- Daniel Love (32).
His wealth comes from old money and a clever accountant who’s a financial wizard. He studied art and is a very talented painter but because of his wealth he doesn’t need to sell his paintings. Moreover he hates being judged. So he never shows his art to people, he thinks that galeries and expositions are a threat for his precious privacy.
Scotland Yard wants to investigate him because his wife Charlotte ‘Charlie’ mysteriously disappeared during a cruise with his yacht in the Mediterranean. But the police also wants to know if he’s involved with a Russian drug cartel.
The author, J.J. Sorel, created an interesting plot about Ainsley’s/Scarlet’s investigation with unexpected twists, a lot of mystical suspense, intriguing characters and - after many ups and downs - a predictable HEA. Only the paranormal elements in the second part of the story weren’t my cup of tea.
But - all in all - a well written, compelling page turner.
R. Huiszoon.
November 1, 2021
After leaving her abusive husband, a cop, Ainsley decided to go back to acting. She was offered a job that paid extremely well but there was one hitch. She would be working for Scotland Yard undercover to help unravel the mystery of a missing wife at sea presumably murdered and possible ties to a Russian drug cartel. With a new identity as a PA Scarlet would put on her best performance ever.
Daniel was a billionaire and loved to paint but he never showed his work. He didn't like judgment. He live a very, very secluded life.
There was an instant chemistry but Scarlet knew she couldn't act upon it. At times she could see the vulnerability of this quirky man.
A ghost from Daniel's past appeared causing chaos once again.
Two lost and tortured souls helping each other heal from their pasts.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Daniel was a billionaire and loved to paint but he never showed his work. He didn't like judgment. He live a very, very secluded life.
There was an instant chemistry but Scarlet knew she couldn't act upon it. At times she could see the vulnerability of this quirky man.
A ghost from Daniel's past appeared causing chaos once again.
Two lost and tortured souls helping each other heal from their pasts.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 9, 2021
I really wanted to like this story. I just couldn’t relate to the characters. Daniel’s on again/off again personality was frustrating. There were too many plots going on at one time. It was just confusing and some really didn’t add to the story. I’m glad they got their happily ever after in the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
January 24, 2022
Uncovering Love: Daniel and Scarlet is hot and delicious and with characters that sizzle! You’ll have to read this story for your enjoyment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2022
Hmmm. This was...something.
March 29, 2023
When I started reading this book I had no idea how good it can be. I was thoroughly immersed in it and had to call for a break after finishing it.
This book actually pulls out the eerie vibes in it. Scarlett aka Ainsley, a 40 year old woman who mastered her acting runs away from her ex-abusive husband and falls in hand with a detective who offers her a new place and a name that leads her to our main character, Daniel, a 32 year old man whose being a suspect of killing his wife. The journey leads to an insecure man who finds composure and reliability in form of Scarlett who works harder to be the most mature woman I ever read. She knows when to punch and draw back that makes me immediately fall for her more than the MMC here. I just find the only thing to be a little disturbing is the green gown. I despise it. The way it proclaims to be Daniel's one time crush who wore to be a model for his art and to wear the same thing by his lover who somehow reflects similarity between his past and present.
If you want to give it a try do go ahead cause I did enjoy reading it.
This book actually pulls out the eerie vibes in it. Scarlett aka Ainsley, a 40 year old woman who mastered her acting runs away from her ex-abusive husband and falls in hand with a detective who offers her a new place and a name that leads her to our main character, Daniel, a 32 year old man whose being a suspect of killing his wife. The journey leads to an insecure man who finds composure and reliability in form of Scarlett who works harder to be the most mature woman I ever read. She knows when to punch and draw back that makes me immediately fall for her more than the MMC here. I just find the only thing to be a little disturbing is the green gown. I despise it. The way it proclaims to be Daniel's one time crush who wore to be a model for his art and to wear the same thing by his lover who somehow reflects similarity between his past and present.
If you want to give it a try do go ahead cause I did enjoy reading it.
April 7, 2022
“I leaned in and kissed her soft, beautiful lips. “I love you.” “And I love you.” Our love was eternal. I was as certain of that as I was of love.”
i wouldve talked about the mystery things of the book, but i think i got carried away by the romance at the end that i can’t remember what had happened at the start
though this book was genuinely amazing and made me so very happy. i loved the whole genius plot and it had me hooked from the beginning, though the beginning wasn’t too amazing, i had gotten quite a bit bored
i also didn’t like the whole spiritual thing but other than all of that, this book was really interesting and i loved it
September 16, 2022
This captivating story had everything - betrayal, domestic abuse, crazy ex-lovers, scary suspense and way too many down and dirty sex scenes.
Daniel seemed to have split personalities - he didn't let curvy Ainsley/Scarlet get away with much, but he let skinny, deceitful Charlotte walk all over him.
Daniel seemed to have split personalities - he didn't let curvy Ainsley/Scarlet get away with much, but he let skinny, deceitful Charlotte walk all over him.
December 25, 2022
It was good. Lost a star because it had an excess amount of detail that I just had to constantly skim over.
September 11, 2023
Why do I keep doing this to myself.
Should've know something isn't right when all of the good ratings are obviously sponsored.
Should've know something isn't right when all of the good ratings are obviously sponsored.
September 27, 2023
Oh
What a great story she made him question he's thoughts about love, yes it does existand it is for everyone
What a great story she made him question he's thoughts about love, yes it does existand it is for everyone
July 1, 2024
Crusty
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2022
Felt a little boring to me. Liked Scarlet but a little too much dramatization of dialogues in here for me to swallow it.
Read
February 1, 2022meh…..got super bored
April 25, 2022
ARC provided by NetGalley. I could not really get in to this book. The plot had some pretty unbelievable aspects that turned me off to the book. It was not something that I would suggest to others.
November 17, 2023
Honestly rlly good romance book that’s not that cringey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews