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The Lourdes Brothers of Key Largo #2
His Secretary's Little Secret
Trapped with the boss…and now she's pregnant! Only from
USA TODAY
bestselling author Catherine Mann!
Millionaire scientist Easton Lourdes has always preferred wildlife over weddings. But when the sexy bachelor is stranded by a hurricane with his prim-and-proper secretary, the raging storm isn't the only thing that's out of control. Now Portia Soto is pregnant with his child—and determined to keep things professional until she earns enough money to pay off her brother's debts. But can she keep her secret that long? Especially when it becomes clear that Easton will stop at nothing to get her back into his bed…
Millionaire scientist Easton Lourdes has always preferred wildlife over weddings. But when the sexy bachelor is stranded by a hurricane with his prim-and-proper secretary, the raging storm isn't the only thing that's out of control. Now Portia Soto is pregnant with his child—and determined to keep things professional until she earns enough money to pay off her brother's debts. But can she keep her secret that long? Especially when it becomes clear that Easton will stop at nothing to get her back into his bed…
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 8, 2016
30 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Mann
603 books1,253 followersUSA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has written women's fiction, romance, and romantic suspense for Lake Union, Harlequin, HQN, Berkley, Tule, and Sourcebooks, with titles released in more than 30 countries. Catherine’s novels have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award.
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 13, 2016
Ohh I do so love this author's work. Author Catherine Mann is one of my auto-buy authors. So when this one showed up on my Kindle I had to read it immediately. It says it's book 1 in the Lourdes Brothers of Key Largo series, andthe other brother's book, The Boss's Baby Arrangement, is listed as book .5. The Boss's Baby Arrangement is well worth the read, but honestly you don't have to read one first to follow the other, they can each stand on their own.
HIS SECRETARY'S LITTLE SECRET is the story of Easton Lourde and his assisstant, Portia Solo. My biggest compliant and the only reason for this story not getting a 5 is the title and continued wording of "secretary" to describe Portia when she is his assistant not his secretary. Yes that's a minor thing but as I work as an assistant, that wording was a bother to me and when I'd see it I would discount from the story. I hated that. Otherwise the story is well written, engaging and interesting. The setting of the Florida Keys was so well written I want to visit this wildlife center! The characters are well written and realistic. The story follows as Easton and Portia each deals with their past, the attraction they can't deny, and what they each want from the future. I did love watching these two fight the love they felt for the other. Fans of strong heroines and strong eccentric heroes will adore this one. If you like me love the Harlequin Desire line you already know this is a quick easy read. There are some strong emotions and situations that they have to deal with but it's still one of those reads that leaves you smiling. I do hope there will be more from this wildlife center as I'd like to know where things go............maybe Portia's brother? hint....hint...
Overall this is a great quick read that will leave readers eager to read Easton's brother, Xander's story. I highly recommend HIS SECRETARY'S LITTLE SECRET to all, even if the word "secretary" drove me nuts. LOL
HIS SECRETARY'S LITTLE SECRET is the story of Easton Lourde and his assisstant, Portia Solo. My biggest compliant and the only reason for this story not getting a 5 is the title and continued wording of "secretary" to describe Portia when she is his assistant not his secretary. Yes that's a minor thing but as I work as an assistant, that wording was a bother to me and when I'd see it I would discount from the story. I hated that. Otherwise the story is well written, engaging and interesting. The setting of the Florida Keys was so well written I want to visit this wildlife center! The characters are well written and realistic. The story follows as Easton and Portia each deals with their past, the attraction they can't deny, and what they each want from the future. I did love watching these two fight the love they felt for the other. Fans of strong heroines and strong eccentric heroes will adore this one. If you like me love the Harlequin Desire line you already know this is a quick easy read. There are some strong emotions and situations that they have to deal with but it's still one of those reads that leaves you smiling. I do hope there will be more from this wildlife center as I'd like to know where things go............maybe Portia's brother? hint....hint...
Overall this is a great quick read that will leave readers eager to read Easton's brother, Xander's story. I highly recommend HIS SECRETARY'S LITTLE SECRET to all, even if the word "secretary" drove me nuts. LOL
December 24, 2017
Life in the Keys
Portia is reserved and level-headed. Eaton is light-hearted and spontaneous. Together, they are a team working to make the animal sanctuary its best. Boss and assistant for two years. Will one night of wontan wildness matching a storms fury ruin everything? Will unplanned consequences rip the two apart? Portia is determined to make it alone, but Eaton has other ideas...
Portia is reserved and level-headed. Eaton is light-hearted and spontaneous. Together, they are a team working to make the animal sanctuary its best. Boss and assistant for two years. Will one night of wontan wildness matching a storms fury ruin everything? Will unplanned consequences rip the two apart? Portia is determined to make it alone, but Eaton has other ideas...
January 10, 2022
Three stars mostly because I like the setting (My home state in a romance!) and the characters jobs. Florida settings and wild like refuge/conservation is not very common in romance so I was excited to continue reading.
The romance however fell a little flat and only redeemed by the adorable hero. Heroine was prickly but I liked her more towards the end.
Despite the okay review, I enjoyed the authors voice and it was a nice diversion from the Sunday Scaries.
The romance however fell a little flat and only redeemed by the adorable hero. Heroine was prickly but I liked her more towards the end.
Despite the okay review, I enjoyed the authors voice and it was a nice diversion from the Sunday Scaries.
November 13, 2017
Found this freebee online. Unfortunately, it wasn't very good. Not horrible, but wouldn't recommend.
February 13, 2017
This could have been really great. Easton was a delightful hero, with his eccentricity, his boyish charm and awkwardness around people as opposed to animals. He has a sexual encounter with his sexy secretary and when she goes prim and proper on him, feeling the regret of their actions, he gives her the space she seems to want and lets her get away without discussing it. But she's pregnant and trying to figure out how to tell Easton.
And this would have been a great story if Portia, the pregnant secretary hadn't been so fricking annoying. At first she blows hot and cold and she tries to figure out if she even wants to be in a relationship with Easton. At first she doesn't, then she does because she'll get to know her baby's father, then she doesn't because he doesn't want kids and there's no point anyway, then she does because she loves him. Ack! Then she's all about her independence and her upbringing has reinforced it. So she doesn't want any help. None. Never. Even from the father of her baby. Advice? No. Money? No. Emotional Support? Nah, none of that either. She was so prickly and Easton tries so hard to get to know her. At some point or another there comes a time when one has to ask themselves if she's even worth all the effort - I decided no around the 60% mark. I don't know if it was pregnancy hormones or what, but my deciding point was with her little conniption over the word "Consequences." She finally decides to give Easton a chance and sleeps with him and he fails to use protection (he still doesn't know about baby). He apologizes the next morning and says that if there are "consequences" he'll be there for her. She loses her shit that he dares call the baby he doesn't know about a "consequence" and proceeds to assume that means he doesn't want the burden of their baby. I'm thinking it's perfectly acceptable to call a supposedly hypothetical child a "consequence" when one is trying to prevent it...otherwise, why apologize for not using a condom at all? She got on my last, everloving nerve and I was ready to throw the kindle after that. Easton gets my stars.
And this would have been a great story if Portia, the pregnant secretary hadn't been so fricking annoying. At first she blows hot and cold and she tries to figure out if she even wants to be in a relationship with Easton. At first she doesn't, then she does because she'll get to know her baby's father, then she doesn't because he doesn't want kids and there's no point anyway, then she does because she loves him. Ack! Then she's all about her independence and her upbringing has reinforced it. So she doesn't want any help. None. Never. Even from the father of her baby. Advice? No. Money? No. Emotional Support? Nah, none of that either. She was so prickly and Easton tries so hard to get to know her. At some point or another there comes a time when one has to ask themselves if she's even worth all the effort - I decided no around the 60% mark. I don't know if it was pregnancy hormones or what, but my deciding point was with her little conniption over the word "Consequences." She finally decides to give Easton a chance and sleeps with him and he fails to use protection (he still doesn't know about baby). He apologizes the next morning and says that if there are "consequences" he'll be there for her. She loses her shit that he dares call the baby he doesn't know about a "consequence" and proceeds to assume that means he doesn't want the burden of their baby. I'm thinking it's perfectly acceptable to call a supposedly hypothetical child a "consequence" when one is trying to prevent it...otherwise, why apologize for not using a condom at all? She got on my last, everloving nerve and I was ready to throw the kindle after that. Easton gets my stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2017
Millionaire scientist Easton Lourdes has always preferred wildlife over weddings. But when the sexy bachelor is stranded by a hurricane with his prim-and-proper secretary, the raging storm isn't the only thing that's out of control. Now Portia Soto is pregnant with his child and determined to keep things professional until she earns enough money to pay off her brother's debts. But can she keep her secret that long? Especially when it becomes clear that Easton will stop at nothing to get her back in his bed...
I liked this books because you have your ups and downs, but there is also a good ending. This book I rated 5 out of 5 stars because you see the emotions of the main character and you feel what it is like to become them. In the end, Easton's proposal to Portia is like something out of a fairytale.
I liked this books because you have your ups and downs, but there is also a good ending. This book I rated 5 out of 5 stars because you see the emotions of the main character and you feel what it is like to become them. In the end, Easton's proposal to Portia is like something out of a fairytale.
November 13, 2016
Catherine Mann returns to Key Largo to tell the second Lourdes brother’s story in His Secretary’s Little Secret. Easton and Portia have as much chemistry in this book as they did the first. Their HEA is a little bit more hard fought, as Portia doesn’t want to give up her sense of independence and checklists and Easton doesn’t immediately realize he’s already moved past his Tarzan / Peter Pan stage in life. They both have to adjust their perspective, which makes their HEA all that much sweeter. If secret babies are you cup of tea, Mann will delight you even as she brings fresh spin to the trope. This was a fast read that is perfect for a cool afternoon and a good glass of wine.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
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November 9, 2016Miniseries: The Lourdes Brothers of Key Largo
Loved the story and totally understood the struggles Portia experiences with her situation. :) Would definitely recommend this one to fans of surprise baby and work romances. It doesn't take place in the office which was nice for a change. ~Kim
Loved the story and totally understood the struggles Portia experiences with her situation. :) Would definitely recommend this one to fans of surprise baby and work romances. It doesn't take place in the office which was nice for a change. ~Kim
October 15, 2022
Cover Art: 🥕🥕
Title: 🥕
Review: 🥕
🐰 Ugh, no.
First Page Nibble:
🐰 Portia Soto's mama always said doctors didn't grow on trees. That an exotic name couldn't make up for her plain looks. And to count her blessings if she got a proposal from a podiatrist twice her age.
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Date Read: April 13, 2020🐇
Title: 🥕
Review: 🥕
🐰 Ugh, no.
First Page Nibble:
🐰 Portia Soto's mama always said doctors didn't grow on trees. That an exotic name couldn't make up for her plain looks. And to count her blessings if she got a proposal from a podiatrist twice her age.
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Date Read: April 13, 2020🐇
Read
August 21, 2017I think Harlequin Desire just isn't the line for me. I don't like the pacing, I don't like how much of the story takes place in the past or in flashback. I only ever grab these for a quarter at my thrift store as beach or train reads but I should stop.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews