Decoded

by Meribeth Richards

Keaton Fisher, CEO of Phisherman's Cybersecurity, was just headed to Vegas to meet with his newest clients and get their contract signed. He didn't expect the curvy blonde he couldn't take his eyes off of in the airport to end up being moved on the plane and seated directly beside him. He also didn't expect to invite her to stay the night with him. But then, the next day, she was gone. It's been a month since he's felt the softness of her curves and the taste of her lips, but today his new assistant walks into his office, and it's a face and body he remembers all too well...



Anna Keith has had it with men. Her creepy boss has been harassing her ever since she started working for him. Then she meets the most incredible man who gave her the most amazing night in Vegas. But where is he when she wakes up the next morning? Gone. She's ready for a fresh start in a new place. But when she meets her new boss at Phisherman's Cybersecurity, the last person she expected it to be was the man she can't seem to forget.

Genres: Workplace Romance, Small Town Romance

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing debut by Meribeth Richard’s! I was so excited to read this and it did not disappoint. I absolutely fell in love with Anna and Keaton.

Anna hasn’t had the best luck with men, including her previous boss. She has been criticized by some of those in her life due to her weight. Anna is a plus size queen❤️. She’s on her way to Vegas to meet the girls for a girls trip. When some not so nice passengers on the plane ask for her to be moved she just so happens to be seated with a very handsome older man. Whom thinks she is a knockout. One thing leads to another and she has the best night of her life but wakes up the next morning and Keaton is nowhere to be found. She chalks it up to him being like the rest.
When she returns home she accepts a job a few hours away from home. Little does she know, Mr. One night stand is her new boss.

The entire storyline is great. I love some good groveling and Keaton does not disappoint. The spicy scenes will knock your socks off. The way he worships Anna’s body 🥵. I also loved the side characters, Anna’s friends and Keaton’s family. I can’t wait for the other books in the series to be released.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

•small town
•age gap(30/40)
•plus size FMC
•cinnamon roll MMC
•forced proximity

Thank you Meribeth for allowing me to ARC read for you ❤️

[Sharilyn Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super spicy workplace romance with a curvy fmc! Anna and Keaton meet on a plane to Vegas and whew, Sparks Fly!! Of course, she finds out she’s his new personal assistant once they get back to Kentucky! The tension, the spice…. So, so good! Great job for a debut novel! ❤️

[Trista Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! It was so heartfelt and real. Both main characters had struggles to overcome, and watching their growth made the story that much more meaningful. As touching and sweet as it was, it also had me laughing out loud more than once. And the spice… gurl 🥵 it was perfection! I can’t wait to read more from Meribeth Richards.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This looked like a sweet book but let me tell you check your trigger warnings. On her way to a girls trip in vegas, Anna is belittled by staff and customers for just existing in a fat body on a plane. She is told to switch seats and ends up with the lovely Keaton. The chemistry is instant but of course its not going to be that easy. It's a very insta love, meet cute, type a book. For me there was a few things that just didn't make sense and sometimes i just felt thrown fto s situation to an other but its an insta love so I just went with it. The thing that grabbed me the most was the sexyal harassment in the workplace. ( light spoilers ahead) The way that situation started and evolved was perfectly written. The way women just put the small things aside to not create drama. The way the situation escalates to a place you can't control. The way she felt shame, discuss and like no one believes her. And the fact thats its a trusted family friend... seriously chefs kiss because most predators are known by the victims.

Cute insta love but great sexual assault representation, very important and very needed.

And if you are like in a situation like Anna, this is not your fault, I believe you. 💜

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decoded was an emotional rollercoaster I wasn't expecting. You think it's just a cute rom com about insta-love and fun banter between the MCs and their family and friends then the triggers but with Anna revealing what her father's best friend and her boss have done to her.
Anna's character grew so much and became stronger with the love and support from her friends and husband.

[Cakes by Ara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decoded by Meribeth Richards is a delightful story that blends workplace romance, plus-size representation, small-town charm, and a one-night stand that turns into so much more.

Keaton and Anna’s instant connection on the plane was the perfect start, and I love how the author took us on a heartfelt journey of love. The character development was spot on, and their story felt both cute and deeply meaningful.

This is such a fun, sweet, and beautifully written romance—I truly enjoyed every page! I’m so glad I had access to the ARC. Thank you, Meribeth Richards

[Jami Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW for Decoded by @authormeribethrichards!! I received an ARC from the author and absolutely lovedddddd this small town romance! Anna & Keaton were both extremely lovable characters who stumbled upon each other on a plane and the rest is history! Loved the office, tech, slightly nerdy aspect to this story. There is trauma and healing and found confidence for both main characters with strong family ties. Anna learns a lot about herself and what she deserves with several cutesy best friends for support along the way! I love getting to know Keaton’s brothers and hope their stories continue! This is a great quick read with a plus side FMC and cutie golden retriever MMC. Check it out, releasing 10/10!!

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

you know sometimes you stumble on a book that just lets the reader relax and read. a good simple read without the unnecessary words that are fillers in a book that just makes it way too long. this book is not that. it magnificently tells a story that you fall into and can't put down. it has some of my favorite tropes. rich boss with employee. shush don't let hr hear me say that. but it has surprise marriage in Vegas and I don't care what Anna says Keaton is a daddy. it's an underplayed trope.
the book is filled with lots of dips and turns along the way. and I can say the drama really made you not want to put the book down or better yet not want to stop reading to go to bed!
please keep in mind this is a baby author and she's learning along the way. she has strong bones in her writing and I know each book will be better than the last! you should really take a chance on this it's a very enjoyable read.

[Danielle Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sexual and emotional tension between Keaton and Anna (the “mystery woman” turned assistant) is compelling. Their attraction feels genuine, and the author does a good job letting the tension build gradually—keeping the reader invested in how they’ll resolve their misunderstandings and secrets.

I was so excited to receive an ARC digital copy for this one and devoured it. I can't wait to see what unfolds in the series books to come for the other characters they are sure to be awesome 😍

[Elizabeth Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute workplace romance! Absolutely loved the plus size representation and the MMC who is to die for! Highly rec this book

[Samantha Fenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book as an ARC, thank  you Meribeth.
This novel is beautifully written, had me hooked from the beginning and it made me feel all the emotions. At times it had me so upset and close to tears( check the trigger warnings). I felt so much anger and rage towards certain characters. It had me swooning and giggling like a little girl, it also got me hot under the collar 🌶 Meribeth can write a spicy scene 🥵

From starting this story , I was HOOKED.
If I didn't have to work, I honestly wouldn't of put it down.

As a fellow plus size girlie, I have never felt so seen in a book. I lucky haven't gone through the Trauma that Anna has but I have felt the feelings she had and had to overcome some of the same demons.
It was written so perfectly and I cant recommend it enough! I cant wait for the next book in the series!!

[Gazelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keaton Fisher and Anna Keith met on a plane headed out of town. They end up having insta connection that leads into so much more. I don't love miscommunication in most books, but it works for this one. Keaton is a protector at heart and Anna is in need of a champion if she can trust herself to let him in. Check your trigger warnings as Anna goes through some situations with her dad's best friend. This book still has things living rent free in my head days after I finished it. I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next because I have a feeling the side characters are going to quite entertaining!

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. I loved the honesty, struggle, grovel, advocacy and HEA. I have never read a book like Decoded. The plot was detailed and moved quickly and I loved all of the side characters and am HOPING they get a spin off!

Anna and Keaton are so caring to not only one another but all the people in their lives. They both struggle with their insecurities but second chances are earned! Anna shows so much strength through others judgements and harassment and shows how important a solid support system is and the strength of the truth. They have a beautiful love story!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get the arc of this book. It was great. Anna is plus size and her internal dialogue is so relatable. I am all here for the insta love, the best friends’ vibe and the adorable niece that has zero filter! Super excited to read this series! Oh and the spice is spicing!

[Ali Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ugh I die for this cutie and spicy love story!! I love a plus size FMC and am living for a man who loves a good romance novel😏😏 i’m so excited for the next book to come out.
also, go cats baby!!!❤️❤️❤️

[Barb Niles · Rating 4 out of 5]

i recieved a free cooy of Decoded and im excited to review!
i enjoyed this quick, spicy romcom
I loved Anna and Keaton's story
miscommunication and all 😝

[Amber L Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute honor of being a part of the ARC team for Decoded. I absolutely fell in love with this book! It has such an amazing and well thought out storyline! This book is a fun, spicy workplace romance book. Anna and Keaton met, and it felt like destiny for them. Though they started with a quick romance over the course of the book, you really see their relationship develop. This is the first book I've gotten to read that the FMC was very relatable to me with her curvy figure and feeling like no one could love you.

I can not wait to read future books from Meribeth!

[Megan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great debut novel for Maribeth Richards. Was happy to see a curvy FMC, but it definitely was a big part of her personality and insecurities. I liked the spice and I liked Kenton, but had mixed feelings on Anna. Well, I’m glad it did have a Happy ever after. I would have been more satisfied if the villain got what he deserved and not off as lightly as he did.

[Zoe Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this book was so good I read it in one day. The tropes, the characters, the spice, I couldn’t put it down. I love the story line, there’s just something about a little bit of miscommunication to keep things interesting. Our FMC is so relatable with some of the issues she has to deal with, while our MMC is a dream and exactly what our leading lady needs (what we all need really). I loved all of the side characters as well and cannot wait to read their stories too!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Samantha Rasmussen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first ARC read and it didn’t disappoint! The characters are so relatable, the friendship representation was strong and the humor was on point! I loved Anna and Keaton’s love story. There were several micro tropes in this one, slight age gap, eventually workplace romance, insta lust, touch her and see what happens…you get it. The author hit several winning bells while writing this one! I think my favorite part was little Charlie who has a million questions and no filter!

[Stephanie Voice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️- cute premise, loved the inclusiveness of the characters and of course the HEA 💕

[Yessiloca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. It was such a cute read! Great debut novel, and I look forward to reading about the other Fisher brothers and their bombshells! I love the real woman with curves stories and throw travel and office romance into the mix and I had the warm fuzzies. Kudos to Meribeth!!

[Emilie Fullick-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was absolutely amazing! Keaton and Anna have chemistry like no other! It is a spicy book and the spice is great! This was one of my favorite reads this year! I can’t wait for more books to come out. Definitely give this book a try you won’t regret it!

[Laura Moncrief · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so excited to be an ARC reader for this book!! I love the way she has characters that you love, some you love to hate, and some you hate that are redeemed in the end. I can’t wait to read the other 2 books from this series next year!! Spicy and I like it!! @authormeribethrichards

[Morgan Kittrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to be an ARC reader for this book, and I can’t tell you how much I loved this book! I really felt the realness of the characters and how they seem to just fit together.

[Rebecca Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! I was really excited about reading this, and Anna and Keaton's story didn't disappoint. The two characters Anna and Keaton meet on the airplane on their way to Las Vegas.
Anna hasn't had the best luck with guys in the past, including her former boss. But when Keaton comes in and treats her like a man should really treat a woman, one thing leads to another. I won't go into detail and spoil anything. But the next morning, she wakes up alone and thinks Keaton is just another bad guy. After they return back home, Anna accepts a new position at a new job in a new town. Little does she know, that Keaton will be her boss.
Loved reading this. And those spicy scenes were perfect for Anna and Keaton's story! Not only did I fall in love with these two characters, I fell in love with Anna's friends and Keaton's brothers and niece.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series!!
You will love Anna and Keaton's story if you love:
Age Gap (30/40)
Small Town
Plus Size FMC
He's her Boss

Thank you for the opportunity to read the arc copy of Decoded! Can't wait to have this on my bookshelf!

[Kay Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book? Are you kidding me?? This book was so well written. It’s funny, cute and swoon worthy. Anna felt so relatable and real. I really loved this book. ♾️⭐️

[Alisa Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I didn’t know I needed!! Relatable FMC and a dreamy MMC. I couldn’t put this book down!! I cannot wait for the rest of the series!!

[Jo M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. This was a fun quick read, a bit of drama but that’s always fun in a read, if done right. Can’t wait for the next one!

Thanks for the early access!!

[Holly Towe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! It was fast-paced and kept me hooked from start to finish. For a debut novel, it was impressively well-written. The character development was strong, and the storyline flowed beautifully, I can’t wait to read more from this author!