Until he finds an anonymous letter sent by a woman from his past. She’s eccentric, chronically late, often literally covered in dirt–and so unbelievably beautiful, he can’t focus on anything else. But having Hallie gardening right outside his window is the ultimate distraction.

On sabbatical from his ivy league job, Julian plans to write a novel. One wine-fueled girls’ night later, Hallie can’t shake the sense that she did something reckless–and then she remembers the drunken secret admirer letter she left for Julian. But the grumpy professor isn’t the teenager she remembers and their polar opposite personalities clash spectacularly. When Hallie is hired to revamp the gardens on the Vos estate, she wonders if she’ll finally get that smooch. Now the prodigal hottie has returned to their small town. Hallie Welch fell hard for Julian Vos at fourteen, after they almost kissed in the dark vineyards of his family’s winery.

Rating: 4.A steamy new rom-com about a starchy professor and the bubbly neighbor he clashes with at every turn….

The novel also explores themes of trust and vulnerability, as Emmy and Roarke must learn to trust each other with their hearts and navigate the vulnerabilities that come with being in a relationship. The novel delves into the blurred lines between friendship and romance, and the challenges that can arise when feelings are not clearly defined. One of the strengths of 'Secretly Yours' is its exploration of the complexities of romantic relationships. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with realistic struggles and flaws that make them all the more endearing. Tessa Bailey's writing is electric and emotional, with vivid descriptions that draw readers in and make them feel a part of the story. The tension between them is palpable, and their chemistry sizzles off the page. As Emmy and Roarke explore their newfound connection, they must navigate the complexities of their feelings and the impact their relationship could have on their friendship.

When Roarke comes back to town, Emmy decides to take a chance and confess her feelings, leading to a series of steamy encounters that blur the lines between friendship and romance.

This steamy contemporary romance novel follows the story of Emmy, a woman who has been secretly in love with her best friend, Roarke, for years.

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey