Title: Secret Crush Seduction
Author: Jayci Lee
Tropes/genre: Contemporary romance, friends to lovers, billionaire, dynasty, office romance, reunion
Imprint: Harlequin Desire
On-sale date: September 1, 2020
Price: $5.25
Format: mmp/ebook
ISBN: 9781335209214
Book description: She’s done waiting for what she really wants. 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.
Excerpt
Temporary Wife Temptation by Jayci Lee
“Michael, What are you doing here?” she asked, her expression schooled into a bored, sardonic smirk.
Michael ran his hand through his hair and tugged a fistful at the top of his head. His scalp felt stretched too tight.
“So her majesty, Grace Song, summoned you to check on me.” Angry splashes of color stained her cheeks. “Since when have you been her errand boy?”
“Addy…”
“Don’t. Call. Me. That.” She pivoted and marched away from him.
“Damn it.” He went after her and stopped her trajectory by taking a firm grip of her hand. “She’s worried about you. Worried enough to call me to find you. What happened between you two?”
“We argued because I’m sick of being treated like a child. Ironically, I ran out of the house sobbing like one.” The rage vibrating through Adelaide seeped out of her, and her shoulders drooped in fatigue. “I could understand why she’s worried. She hasn’t seen me cry since I was seven. But enough is enough. I can’t go on like this.”
Now he understood why Mrs. Song had called him. Adelaide’s older brother, Garrett, was in New York with his wife and daughter, and Colin was probably unreachable. She had wanted this kept close to the family. Michael wasn’t family, but growing up, he’d spent more time at the Songs’ than at home. Plus, he was their publicist. She knew he’d be discreet about whatever state he found Adelaide in.
“I’m ready take my place at Hansol, but Hal-muh-nee shut me down with another ‘maybe next year.’ Hansol is my family’s legacy, and I want to be a part of its future.” Adelaide’s voice trailed off into a sad, forlorn sigh, and Michael wrapped his arms around her. He wanted to chase her sadness away, but the best he could do was listen. “She’s been saying that for the last two years. And next time when I ask her again, it’ll be the same answer. She doesn’t believe I have anything to contribute. I’m nothing but a clueless child to her.”
“That can’t be true. You’re one of the smartest people I know,” he said, running his hand through the silky strands of her long hair. Her arms tightened around him. “You’re far from being a clueless child, and your grandmother knows that better than anyone.”
“Then why is she keeping me out of Hansol?” She leaned back to meet his eyes. “She’s afraid I’ll tarnish Hansol’s reputation. She hasn’t forgiven me for my college days. Most of the crap in the tabloids didn’t even have a grain of truth in them. Yes, I partied hard and dated more than my fair share of guys, but I’m not an eighteen-year-old anymore.”
“I can’t imagine your grandmother being that small-minded. There has to be another reason, but you know her better than me. Besides, if that’s what you think, there’s an easy fix.” His arms still encircled her waist, and he was drawing slow circles on her lower back. When his brain registered what his hand was doing, he coughed and dropped his arms.
Adelaide arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms. He didn’t know if it was because she was waiting to hear his suggestion or because of his hurried step away from her. “Tell me more about this easy fix.”
His mind went blank. Her crossed arms had the effect of a bustier, pulling her breasts close and lifting them high. The sexy-as-hell scene at the club must have short-circuited his brain. He beat away his heightened awareness and focused on the shadowy outlines of the plan that had formed in his head.
Praise for author Jayci Lee:
“This book literally ticks all the boxes…BAM! Fireworks! The attraction is INSTANT and palpable. And to make it even better, the two have unwittingly been presented with the solution to their individual conundrums: each other.” -Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
“38 romance novels that are set to be the best of 2020” – OprahMag.com
“If the fake relationship trope leaves you swooning, you won’t want to miss this first book in the Heirs of Hansol series. Garrett Song and Natalie Sobol strike a deal to pose as a married couple, and end up growing closer than they ever could’ve imagined.” -Bookish.com
“Jammed with popular romance tropes such as familial duty, fake engagement, and corporate espionage… a quick, enjoyable read. A competent debut from an up-and-coming author.” - Kirkus
“This formulaic story is well-executed but contains little surprise. Readers looking for a fluffy take on a favorite trope will be pleased.” -Publishers Weekly
“If you like Harlequin billionaire books, if the familiar rhythms of those plots suit you or are a comfort read for you, this will be exactly what you like.” - All About Romance
“I was hooked from the start….Garrett’s and Natalie’s internal monologues are funny…I really enjoyed the Korean culture that was excellently included and hope for (much!) more in the next story about Garrett’s younger sister who, I feel, is going to surprise the family when she’s let loose.” - Dear Author
“Jayci Lee artfully combines the marriage of convenience trope with Korean culture in Temporary Wife Temptation, a sizzling romantic debut that takes place within Hansol Incorporated, a successful LA-based fashion empire.” -PaperbackParis.com
“Ms. Lee wrote a wonderful, emotional and sexy story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, family devotion, and endearing characters giving Natalie and Garrett a chance at forever love. I highly recommend Temporary Wife Temptation to other readers.” -Lorlelie’s Lit Lair
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