Cover Image: Secretly Yours

Secretly Yours

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Member Reviews

Hallie has been in love with Julian since they were teens and when he finally returns home she has hopes that she'll finally get her chance with him. But he's returned a grump and doesn't remember Hallie from all those years ago. During a girls night (where alcohol was factor), she leaves an anonymous love letter for Julian. As he attempts to figure out who the mystery woman is, he gets closer to Hallie and finds that he is falling for her.

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Honestly, I had a really hard time getting into this one. I love Tessa, but the writing style for this book just felt a bit… off what I was expecting? (Maybe that’s just me, though…) I thought Julian and Hallie were ok characters, however they weren’t the strongest characters she’s written. The spicy scenes were good as well. The plot was fine but nothing groundbreaking in my opinion. This would be a good read for someone new to Tessa who is looking for a spicy, easy read!

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A delightful little romance by Tessa Bailey. I thoroughly enjoyed the romantic vineyard setting and, conversely, learning about the devastation that fires can wreak on these farms. Hallie and Julian were strong main characters, each with their own flaws and room to grow. This opposites attract romance was not as raunchy as some of Bailey's other books and I definitely appreciated that.
A cute, romantic, escapist read.

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It's sexy, entertaining, and super charming, and there are so many sweet and humorous moments, but there are also some more serious themes which made it quite emotional and consequently one unputdownable read for me!

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I always enjoy Tessa Bailey's romances! This was a fun, easy read that would be a great rec for readers looking for light, summery reads.

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I loved Tessa Bailey's first and second book in the series, but by the time I got to Secretly Yours, I got a little fatigued, especially by the descriptions of women leads who are always the sexiest and the hottest. It would not be fair to give her a bad review because of this, but her writing style doesn't match with my taste.

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This book was adorable. Tessa Bailey always comes through with a good time. I appreciate her attempt at writing a plus size character as well, but I will say that part fell flat for me. You can tell she herself is not plus size and she probably hasn't had many conversations with other plus size women about dating and sex. That being said, it wasn't offensive per say, just not accurate or relatable. The spice in this book was great, the love interest was likeable, and overall the book was very readable (as most of her books are). I will continue to read everything Bailey puts out.

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I just love Tessa Bailey! Her books are always fun to read, lots of spice and just a full on good time.

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This was such a disappointment. I just couldn't stomach the poor writing. I usually enjoy Tessa Bailey books for being light and steamy, but the characters were annoying. This was painful to finish.

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I just love Tessa Bailey! Her books are always fun and spicy good time! This series is just fun, fun, fun.

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Julian was just bleh and his words didn’t match his history & characteristics while certain things he said were so obviously cliche.

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Tessa Bailey writes such a fun grumpy/sunshine, second chance romance with Secretly Yours. Julian Vos's routine-driven professor life is knocked on its side when he returns to his hometown and meets gardener Hallie. These two characters have instant chemistry, but neither is quick to jump at admitting their feelings for each other. A free-spirited Hallie comes up with a plan to try to capture her former high school crush's heart by writing a secret admirer letter and hoping he finds it (and maybe remembers her).

You might like this one if you:
* Enjoy some steam with your romance. Bailey's tale is open-door.
* Like your story set in a small town. I loved reading about the vineyard and winery businesses in this book.
* Side characters and plots thrill you. Hallie's grandmother's business and the fate of the winery added some extra characters to root for.

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I just couldn't get into this one! I didn't connect with the characters, and I wanted more from them. The spicy scenes were great, per usual Tessa, but I just didn't feel the relationship overall. I really wanted to like this book, but it wasn't for me. I love Tessa Bailey's writing in general so I already bought the next book in the series, because I'mm sure I will enjoy it.

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This was a cute romance novel to cleanse my thriller palate! With that being said, this book kept my focus and made me laugh and cry! I love a book that can bring out some emotions! Great book and well written!

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I can definitely see the appeal of this book as a beach read or something, but it fell flat for me. I think both characters really clearly needed therapy before they entered a relationship with anyone, let alone each other. The secret admirer thing added nothing to the plot and the ending was rushed. Ultimately not for me.

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I love Tessa Bailey, but Secretly Yours just wasn't for me. The smut was great though! And I'll definitely keep reading Tessa's books.

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This book was a great addition to our stores Summer Dreaming display. The setting of Napa had many readers such as myself thinking I was there instead of the many rainy days we have had. While not as intense as Bailey's other novels Secretly Yours and Julian as a character had us reading all the way.

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Tessa Bailey is a hit-or-miss author for me, and unfortunately, this title was a miss.

Starting with what I loved: the setting. I feel that Bailey really brought Napa to life for me. I loved the dichotomy of the locals and the new-to-town wine people. It felt like a fun and romantic smallish town setting for a romance.

The main thing that didn't work for me in this book was the characters. They felt very one-dimensional; Hallie was only her quirks and chaos, Julian was only his discipline and regiment. While they did change slightly by the end to make a path for their romance (and for themselves), this didn't feel like enough to base an entire romance on. This led to a lack of chemistry, which was especially apparent during the (in my opinion) cringey sex scenes. Overall, Hallie and Julian's romance felt superficial. I never believed they were actually in love.

I also didn't love the secret admirer plotline. It felt shoehorned in, and the letters didn't feel like they came from the characters we were reading about. The time spent thinking and talking about those letters would have been better spent developing the characters in a meaningful way.

That being said, I don't think this was a total slog. I could see myself recommending this to regular romance readers looking for a quick, breezy read. However, this would not be the first book I reach for, nor do I think it's Bailey's best work to recommend.

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I love Tessa Bailey and her romances are always so fun and hot! Secretly Yours was no exception. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the next one in the series!

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Tessa Bailey always does a great job of making the books feel real. This story of love for convenience turned true love is well done and truly brings you into the life of the characters.

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