A Soldier's Secret Romance

by Bella Lane

Jaded hearts….Dating Site…..Can love be obtained?

Ryan Finnegan is a soldier who was betrayed by those he loved the most. Three years later, his mom intervenes, signing him up on a dating site. Against his better judgment, he goes along with it.

Elouise (Ellie) Matthews is a publicist to bestselling authors. She has tried the dating scene with no luck, so she’s buried herself in her work. Her mom tells her about a new dating site, sending her the link. Ellie signs up, knowing it’s the only way to appease her mother.

When Ryan and Ellie are matched, Ryan sets boundaries of being pen pals and Ellie agrees. Things seemed to be going well, until Ryan asks Ellie to meet him on Valentine's Day in person.

Can these two allow their hearts to find love or will Ryan’s career be the catalyst that breaks hearts?

Genres: Novella, Military Fiction

Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2023

About the author

I'm write steamy romance suspense novellas and novels. I have always loved the idea of happy endings, but with real life drama.

I'm live in North Carolina and have always loved the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Hiking is one of my favorite hobbies as it helps to clear my mind and allow my imagination to roam freely. I'm an avid reader of all genres. I love traveling, especially to small communities, as the people are always so nice and welcoming, with hidden gems in their sweet little towns.

Reviews

[Thisbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

*spoilers* The beginning of the story brought tears to my eyes. Ryan, a member of the special ops forces, is engaged with Megan, whom he knows since childhood. She can not take the life a military spouse anymore, but the worst is she fell for and chose his own brother Jeremy. Betrayed by his family he turns to his military family and decides to never let someone close to his heart. Three years later Jeremy and Megan are getting married. His mother wants to show them Ryan moved on and signed him up for a dating side, guilting him to find a girl to bring to the wedding in about a year. Ellie’s mum also wants her to find a man and signed her up for the new dating side date set ‚n match, where no pictures are shown and with a good reputation. She works as a publisher and had not so good experiences with dates in the past. Ellie and Ryan are matched. In the first exchange Ryan is upfront about what it involves him being a solider and that he is only looking for a frienship. When they meet in person, there is this special energy and nothing platonic. Can Ryan open up his heart again and can they make a relationship work with the difficult circumstances?
I enjoyed the storyline and chemistry between the characters. How Ryan’s family treated him, was really hurtful for me, but luckily it came to a happy end for him. Two independent and strong characters find their special match. I could sense some other stories from Ryan’s team mates.

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

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meddling mothers!

Ryan Finnegan is a member of a Special Ops team. Three years ago he returned home on leave to help his fiancée plan their wedding to be held in 6 months. They had dated since their sophomore year in HS and he thought they were solemates. Only she broke the engagement telling him she can't stand him being in the military and she's fallen in love with someone else. His brother...

Now his brother and ex-fiancèe are getting married and he's expected to attend. To help ease their guilt his mother lied and said Ryan is dating someone. To cover her lie, she's signed him up on a dating site. He does agree to look at the site and does fill out the questionnaire.

Ellie Matthews is a publist to best selling authors. She was raised by a mother who's mantra was "never depend on a man to take care of you, make sure you can always take care of yourself". Only now her mom worries that maybe she was wrong and she signs her daughter up on the same dating site as Ryan's mother used. Ellie also agrees to her mother's plan.

The site doesn't allow them to exchange photos and the questionnaire is lengthy. The 2 of them are matched.

Ryan agrees to become pen pals with Ellie. They decide to have daily emails at a specific time. If there's no response within a certain time frame, they will try again the next day. Finally Ryan asks to meet in person on Valentine’s Day.

And the love story of Ryan and Ellie truly begins. (Ryan's family is shocked to realize that Ellie actually is real! They thought his mother had lied, as if she'd do such a thing...)

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Kelly Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan is a soldier and when he comes back on leave his Fiance tells him she has fallen in love with someone else and that person is his brother, so when he goes back to base he says he will not open his heart up again.

3 years letter Ryans mum phones him to say her brother is getting married and that she told them Ryan had met someone and had signed him up for a dating site, Ryan does the questionnaire for the site.

Ellie as been on a lot of dating sites but they did not work out and then her mum signs her up for a dating site so ellie fills in the questionnaire, after a week she gets a email to say she as a match, she decides to email Ryan, when Ryan email her back he is honest with her and says he only look for friendship.

After a few months Ryan asks her on a date and she says yes, they are both very nervous. When they both turn up there is an instant connection between them and they end up spreading the rest of the week together. Ryan asks her to go to his brother's wedding and he will try to be there too.

Ellie has not heard from Ryan in months as he is on a mission and it's the day of the wedding.

Will Ryan get back from the mission and be able to tell Ellie he is in love with her.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super hot blind date novella

A Soldier’s Secret Romance by Bella Lane is a steamy blind date novella released as part of the AB Shared World Valentine’s Date Series. Ryan is a deployed Special Ops soldier who experienced the ultimate betrayal by the people he loved most, leaving a rift between him and his family. After 3 years, his meddling mom sets him up on a dating app in an attempt to help him move on and return him to the family fold. He matched with Ellie, who also has a meddling mom and a poor track record in dating. Will their connection via email hold up in person? Will the rigors of his career doom another relationship before it can really be established?

I loved the way they fell for each other through emails without even seeing each other, then when they met, the passion went off like a bomb!! I always get so worried when characters in military romance books go on missions. This book was no different. The storylines were so good, with so much authentic emotion. I just wish it was a full length book, rather than a novella! I want more of them!!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I really enjoyed this story a great deal, so I only have one complaint, I wish it had been longer! Ryan is a military man who was betrayed by the person he loved, and I mean BETRAYED in ways that were just hateful in my eyes. Adding insult to injury, he's expected to attend the wedding of that woman who betrayed him because of the family element, and his mother tried to help him out by meddling which could be the best thing to ever happen to him. She signs up for an online dating site, and he actually goes through with it, and now enters Ellie. She works for authors as a publicist, and she was raised to never rely on a man so now she's set in her single ways which is how her mother signed her up for the same dating site which matched her with Ryan. And that's all that I'll say about that. This story was amazing with a kicker of originality, and maybe just maybe a happily ever after but you'll have to read it to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast read with a jaw dropping moment that stops you in your tracks, but fate has her way, and some pain makes what is meant to be that much better.

On leave to help plan his wedding, Ryan finds out that his fiancée is calling off the wedding to him and is dating his brother. - WOW. Ellie works hard and does not have time or desire to be in a relationship, but not even can let her be, especially her mom as she signed her up on for a date.

After several years, the pain of betrayal still hurts, add on the fact his mother wants him to come to the wedding with a date leaves Ryan at the mercy of his mom signing him up on dating site.

This is a good story as Ryan and Ellie get to know each other over the time as he is still serving. This fast read quickly pulls you in and leaves you heart racing.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved A Soldier's Secret Romance by Bella Lane A Valentine's Date Series. Ryan was burned by his ex-fiancé and swore off women. Then his mom signed him up for a dating site. Ellie is to busy to date but her mom things she needs to so she signed her up for a dating site. Ryan and Ellie start off as friends but their relationship grows into more. When they finally meet in person their connection is electric. But Ryan has a military career that he has to go back to, will Ellie be able to handle that? Is what they have going to last or will Ellie run away when she realizes how hard his career is? This was such a sweet story and I loved the characters. I wanted more story, I wanted an epilogue. I didn’t want it to end. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan has given up on love, his high school sweetheart left him for his brother while they were planning the wedding. His whole family knew it was going on and said nothing. Now, three years later, his brother and her about to get married and the want him at the wedding. His mother told them he was seeing someone and convinces him to sign up for a dating site.

He gets paired with Ellie, who also signed up to appease her mother. Ryan wants to just be pen pals and she agrees. The communicate back and forth until Ryan wants to meet her on Valentines Day.

Will these two have start of something or will they go back to friends? These two were a perfect match, Ryan deserved someone that was not needy like his ex, Ellie had her own stuff to keep her busy.

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

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan is betrayed by his long term girlfriend when she tells him she is in love with his brother. He closes his heart and goes back to his job in the military. 3 years on his brother and his ex are getting married and he is expected at the wedding. His mum decides to sign him up on a dating site as she has told his brother he’s moved on and has a girlfriend! Ellie’s mum is worried she works a lot and never has time for a personal life so she signs her up for on a dating site. Ryan and Ellie are matched and begin a wonderful friendship by email. When they finally meet in person sparks fly! Sweet, loving romance with a kind, caring hero, a beautiful love story and amazing chemistry. It ended on a HFN but I so wanted more!!.

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

[Dia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short military romance without any romantic suspense element.
Ryan and Ellie both took a chance on a dating site, after being forced by their respective mothers, and then got matched. The start of the story looked at both characters almost equally but the second half of the book focused more on Ryan and his family side. The story also didn't really focus much on Ryan and Ellie's career, but on the development of their relationship — email exchanges, skype etc.
I like the chemistry between the main characters. Their relationship progression felt very natural and their attraction for each other was hot, though I'm not a fan of the steamy bedroom scene.

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

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsa this book was absolutely fantastic and will have you enthralled from the beginning until the end and the storyline flowed throughout the book. Ryan is in the military and home on leave and gets his heart ripped out by the people he loves and vows not to get into a relationship again but when his mom tells a lie and sets him to find someone on dating site will he go through with it? Ellie has had her fare share of dating losers but when her mother pushes her to get on this dating site will she do it? This book will have a you definitely feel the chemistry and emotions between them and have you wanting more from them.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Ryan and Ellie's story. Ryan Finnegan is a soldier who was betrayed by those he loved the most. Three years later, his mom intervenes, signing him up on a dating site. Against his better judgment, he goes along with it.
Ellie Matthews is a publicist to bestselling authors. She's had no luck with the dating scene, so she’s buried herself in her work. Her mom tells her about a new dating site, sending her the link. Ellie signs up, knowing it’s the only way to appease her mother.
When Ryan and Ellie are matched, Ryan sets boundaries of being pen pals and Ellie agrees. Things seemed to be going well, until Ryan asks Ellie to meet him on Valentine's Day in person. This was a sweet read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Christina Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella Lane’s A Soldier’s Secret Romance is part of the Valentine’s Series. This is an insta-love, steamy short story. It features soldier, Ryan Finnegan and publisher Ellie Matthews. The two are paired together after their mothers sign them up for an online dating series. They begin their friendship as penpals but things quickly change when they meet in person. The connection and chemistry between the characters was fiery and intense, but can they make a future when distance separates them? Read it and find out.

It was a very enjoyable quick read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives readers a rather charming romance between two people who have given up on love. Both of their mothers signed Ellie and Ryan up fo a dating app and neither really expect it to go anywhere. When they are matched, they agree to be pen pals as they both make it clear their lives are busy and they rally don’t have time fo romance. Thankfully, time and persistent emails lead to wanting to meet in person. Both Ellie and Ryan are later forced to admit maybe their moms know what’s best. Either we’re looking for love, but love found them anyway.

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

[ljamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this novella we have Ryan and Ellie. Ryan is in the military he was engaged to a childhood friend and while he was away on a mission his brother and his fiancé fell in love. Ryan left determined not to get involved with anyone else. His mother signs him up with an online dating site and he agrees to go on. Ellie is a publicist who has bad luck with dating sites. Her mother also wanted her to try this new dating site. Ellie and Ryan agree to be pen pals and slowly get to know each other. This was a really good story very entertaining. I liked how they took their time getting to know one another. This was also very steamy.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa Mom told a little white lie. Now she either has to tell the truth or have her son help her out. Hmmm. Being betrayed by someone you thought you loved is hard. But by family and your best friend is worse. Honesty is the best policy. Ryan is asked to complete a profile on a dating site. Ellie is too. Both have meddling moms who mean well. Great story. in their best interest and they have to work it out on their own. He is a solider who is not willing to give up what he believes and protect his country. Ellie is a pen pal and as they say the rest is history. Great read.

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

[Aliama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So many emotions. Ryan has been dumped by his fiancée because she can’t handle him being away most of the time as part of a Spec. Ops team. Ellie has had a string of bad dates and her mom signs her up on a new dating app. Ellie gets matched up with Ryan and the two message each other for several months before meeting. Ryan is honest about show he cam to be on the app and the two realize they both have meddling moms. This was a heartwarming story that will have you laughing, crying and everything in between. I was hooked from the start and was rooting for these two to get their HEA. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[mydailyreads Rs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where do i start? i think the charachters could have used some more time in getting to know each other do some more activity togheter like buy a house a vacation anything of the sort’ for me this book was a bit sweet love story but at the end its all about Boom boom boom witch was a bit of a turn of for me and i am glad made it back from the mission and she show how to be a supportive and trusting partner but thats all i can say so i give it a 2 stars.

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

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This love story has a lot of highs and lows. Pressure from their mothers gets both Ellie and Ryan on a dating site, where they match. Ryan has known betrayal and doesn't expect to have love in his future. He's devoted to a military career. Ellie doesn't think she can devote her time to a relationship when dating hasn't worked out before. Their story begins with that match and has plenty of emotions, duty, honesty, friendship, passion and love

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this novella. Ryan is such a total sweetheart and honestly feel for him and can’t blame him for being upset with those who betrayed him. I really liked Ellie as well, and loved how understanding she was. These two are absolutely adorable together and liked how they got to know each other. I thought this book was sweet, and entertaining,.

I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan and Ellie meet via a dating each of their mothers suggested rather strongly that they join.

Ryan is a soldier, while Ellie is a publicist. They chat via email and finally meet months later. Upon seeing each other, they're both smitten. They spend a week together and discover feelings neither expected.

I truly enjoyed this read 📚!

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

[Cherie Alvaro]

Ryan's mum steps in and signs him up for a dating app, Elouise (Ellie) finds herself signing up for the same dating gap after her mum sends her the link to the site. When the pair are matched, Ryan suggests being pen pals. When Valentine's day is creeping up Ryan asks to meet her in person. This sweet romance will have you hooked from the first line.

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

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie and Ryan start a pen pal relationship after their moms set the up on a dating site. I like the way they approach their slow burn. I like their friendship and their chemistry. Their happily for now is sweet and deeply moving.

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

[Caroline Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow... what an absolute thrilling page turner! Ellie and Ryan have both been hurt in the past and are unwilling to get involved in another relationship. But will their friendship blossom into more? There's plenty of passion, suspense, friendship, family, love and more throughout. Enjoy this slow burn romance!.

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

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can dating disillusionment turn into forever?

If you're looking for a short & steamy romance look no further then Ellie & Ryan's story. Their story has a strong military vibe & includes some pushy mums. Could Ellie & Ryan be just what the other needs?.

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

[Vanessa Lawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan and Ellie have meddling mother's who sign them up for a dating website. They have an instant friendship through emails and I love how perfect they are for each other.

This was a really good story that I couldn't put down and didn't want to end.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan & Ellie are just two beautiful souls that you want to see happy. Love sweet stories that melt your heart. This is definitely one that leaves you smiling.

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

[Mg Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan and Ellie's story is a charming friend's to lovers get over your past and see what your future holds story with a high heat level.

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

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Elouise/Ellie and Ryan. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, unavoidable absences and steam.

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

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella Lane does it again!

Bella Lane doe not disappoint with another amazing, spicy, short read to help you get through a hectic day!

I love how she brings her characters alive within the pages of her book.

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