This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Published by Harlequin
Released on September 1, 2020
Pages: 183
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
The Delight
After enjoying Temporary Wife and adoring spunky Adelaide, younger sister to the hero, I was thrilled that the next book in the series was hers. Korean American tradition, fashion world business, and a best friend’s little sister romance made for an engaging premise.
Review
Secret Crush Seduction is the standalone second book in the Heirs of Hansol series. I enjoyed catching up with Garrett and Natalie and their growing family, but Addy and Michael’s story could standalone easily.
Adelaide is tired of being treated like the immature, carefree woman who went a bit wild through most of her college years. She cleaned up her act and got serious about her life and career goals, but six years later, she’s still kicking her heels and waiting for her chance with her grandmother, her family’s company, and for sure with her childhood crush, her brother’s best friend, Michael. What she doesn’t know is Michael has suddenly awakened to the fact that she’s a woman and one he is sorely attracted to. He sets out the help her prove her worth through a grand charity fashion show showcasing sensory-friendly garments for those on the Autism spectrum. It grows harder for them both to keep their minds on the project and they start wondering if a more private partnership should be made permanent.
Secret Crush Seduction read quickly and easily. It was light and fun with very little romance conflict. I was in like rather in love when all was said and done. Adelaide had some feisty moments which is what I was anticipating, but the story though never boring, just didn’t pull me all the way in.
This pair were both likeable and took their time, but mostly because they spent a lot of time holding back on their thoughts and feelings. I liked seeing them working on the project together and figuring out if and how they might make something work. They were fun at times.
I was actually more fascinated with the byplay between Adelaide and her formidable grandmother. Addy thinks she has to prove herself and is frustrated and thinks her grandmother is holding her back. The Korean family traditions and oh yum, the food mentions were splendid.
The charity show was an interesting focus particularly since Adelaide chose to go a different route with her designs. I love that it drew attention to inclusion for those on the spectrum, but wish it had gone one step further by having a person with autism help in the designs. Her event partner was a parent of child with autism so that was good.
I’m glad that cousin Colin gets his book next. I plan on grabbing it and continuing with the Song family and their romances. Those who want something quickly read and moderately low angst in a world of wealth and business, I can recommend this book/series.
My thanks to Harlequin for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges Met
New Release #142
About the Book
SECRET CRUSH SEDUCTION BY JAYCI LEE
“Lee crafts an electric will-they-or-won’t-they between two well-developed characters who come together as a convincing and passionate couple. Readers won’t want to put down this sexy slow burn romance.” —Publishers Weekly
She’s done waiting for what she really wants…
“If I don’t have you after that kiss, I’ll burn to dust from the inside out…”Aspiring fashion designer Adelaide Song wants to prove she’s more than just a pampered heiress. All she needs is a little courage—and the help of deliciously sexy Michael Reynolds, her childhood crush and her brother’s best friend. But when her secret crush turns into an illicit liaison, Adelaide realizes mixing business with pleasure spells trouble for all her plans…
From Harlequin Desire: Luxury, scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite.
Love triumphs in these uplifting romances as Jayci Lee transports you into the glamorous world of high fashion where passion clashes with familial duty—don’t miss the Heirs of Hansol series:
Book 1: Temporary Wife Temptation
Book 2: Secret Crush Seduction
Book 3: Off Limits Attraction
Preview
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It’s nice you’ll have the story of a character you liked.
I was very excited to get Adelaide’s story. 🙂
Sometimes I just want to read something more light and fun.
Exactly! I liked her spunky personality and was happy to pick up her story and see her get her guy and a chance with her grandmother.
Now I wish I had accepted the offer to review this one.
It was a fun one. I have felt that way so many times when I had to pick and choose between lots of good books to review. 🙂
I find it hard to write a review for a book I just in liked, but didn’t fall in love with. Nothing particularly wrong with the story but it just didn’t knock your socks off. Great job tackling this kind of read!
Oh, you said it, Rachel! I don’t want to nitpick and pull a book down when it wasn’t a bad book, but at the same time, I can’t praise it to the heavens, either. 🙂
This series is sounding so good. 🙂
Yes, it’s neat getting into the Korean American traditions, the family and the family business with different types of romance situations.
ugh, little conflict? I should have requested this one. I’ll add it to my bookish wishlist.
Great review Sophia!
Yeah, sometimes these easy ones are just what over-taxed nerves need. 🙂