Keeping Secrets

by Iona Rose

Zach
Ten years ago she betrayed me, so I walked away devastated, and vowed to build the life I wanted.
I made more wealth than any human could spend, had fun, and messed around plenty too.
My friends all thought I was single because I wasn't capable of feeling anything deep, but the truth is even after all these years, ten to be exact, I can't get her out of my mind. I've tried everything, but nothing stops me from wanting her, remembering the taste of skin, the smell of her hair...
Every other woman pales to nothing in comparison to her.
Maybe I've built her up to be something she isn't in my mind.
Maybe her eyes don't shoot fire when she is angry and sparkle like stars when I'm inside her.
Surely the sex wasn't as good as I remember it.
I have to know. Once and for all I have to know. So I can move on. I need to see her again and prove to myself she's not as special as I imagine.
I decide to find her... and put her in a position of submission to me.
Like my secretary perhaps.
It'll be the perfect revenge too...
A standalone Office Romance With HEA.

Genres: Second Chance, Revenge, Contemporary

316 pages, Paperback

Published February 18, 2022

Reviews

[Nicole]

Keeping Secrets is an office romance, hate-to-love, enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance and a standalone story with guarantee HEA. It's story of Zach and Sarah who were childhood sweethearts. Zach had big plans for the two of them where he would get wealthy and they would live a nice cushy life in lap of luxury. Sarah didn't want to hold him back and she knew that he can not accomplish his dreams in their small town so she concocted a plan to push him away one that would hurt him. She knew that Myron was his biggest enemy and she set it up that he would caught them in bed naked it worked so good it fuel his success. Zach is now a billionaire and ten years later he still hates Sarah and wants revenge. Inspite of the hatred every woman pale in comparison to her after these she's like drug and he has to have to get her out of his system.
Sarah has kept a very big secret from Zach for ten years, they made a son together name Ben. How will Zach react when he finds out that he has a son and missed out on ten years of his life? Was it right for Sarah to keep Ben a secret from, Zach? Sarah has been working at company call Millennium Inc. for in the typing pool so that she can get health insurance and earn a steady income but her passion is to make her own jewelry. Zach had been eying Millennium for a while because he knew that Sarah works there. One day she went to work and found out that the company was sold and under new owners to make matters worse Zach would be the new CEO. Zach was still mad and wanted payback so he took Sarah from the typing pool and made her his personal secretary. He further told her that they will be having sex but on his terms. This story is filled with revenge, passion, power play, steam, manipulation, loss, heartaches, forgiveness, trust, hatred, lust, struggles, strength, betrayal, love. It was beautifully written with exceptional characters and flows seamlessly off the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee Williams]

You know the moment when you open a new novel, this book is a gem! Both Zach & Sarah will capture your heart, swooping you into the romance of the century. Young lovers with big dreams, Sarah has taken the huge step to put herself in a compromising position so Zach hates her so much, he leaves for New York to achieve success & independence. Ten years later, they come face-to-face where she works. He's the new owner of the company & his mission is full-on revenge directed straight at her for what she did to destroy his love & dreams of their lives together forever.

Keeping secrets from each other & interference of a fling sets up another roadblock in keeping them apart. I liked how the author has their story flowing, sending your emotions all over the map & when the secrets are revealed, there are more surprises for Zach & Sarah. Trust & forgiveness erodes the hatred & hurtful actions between them.

This is my first novel I've read by Iona Rose & I'd give her a 5+ stars for this one. A very memorable & a forever love not easily forgotten any time soon. This is a must-read novel with all the fireworks & love hearts floating off the pages! It melts my heart, for sure!

I volunteered to read this ARC & leave an honest review.

[Rose Belle]

There were parts of this story I liked, and there were other parts I was extremely disappointed with. I liked the revenge premise. The secret, though predictable, was a some nice added drama. That part made for a fun read. So what did I not like? Zach demanding that Sarah be his personal office sex doll while holding her job over her head. Yeah. That's going to be a no for me. I almost put it down. I probably should have. It's definitely dark romance vibes, but it's not dark romance. It's an CEO/office romance.

Just an FYI that a person in a position of power over someone else (i.e. a CEO over an employee or a teacher over a student) who demands sexual favors is in many states considered sexual assault. Ponder that when considering whether you read this book or not.

I do read dark romances, but I have mentally prepared myself for stuff like that. I was completely taken aback by this.

[Kazza]

A great second chance romance, only it didn't start out that way. Zach and Sarah dated back in college and they were all in. Talking about the future and all their dreams they wanted to come true. Only a week before they were going to leave their hometown. Sarah found out she was pregnant and didn't want Zach to give up his dreams, so she made out she cheated on him and he believed what he saw.
10 years later and things come to a head and Zach wants to hurt her, like she hurt him. Only he still loves her after all this time. It's a great read, and its highly addictive, making you read well into the early hours. A great storyline, is very well written. The characters are just perfect and the chemistry between them you can just feel. when the truth comes out, it lifts the book know end. lona Rose is a great author and has written another great read. Highly recommend

[Raecharmed]

Sarah and Zach were childhood sweethearts. However, just as they were about to go off to college and start to build on their dreams Sarah found out that she's pregnant. She didn't want to hold Zach back, so she plans a way to guarantee he'll leave and not look back. Now years later Zach is back, and he is the new CEO of Sarah's company. Will they get a second chance to be together? Can Zach forgive her deception?

This is a great story that will hook you in the first chapter and leave you wanting more with the last one. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne]

Secret baby/second chance. Sarah has no idea ten years after their split, Zach has a revenge plot against her. The plot is foiled when they both realize they are still in love with the other, but she has a problem in that she has not told him of their son. There were some things that bugged me. If it has been ten years and they are twenty-seven, Ben would not be turning eleven on his next birthday that February. Also, a PI not finding the existence of a kid after a couple years of researching should not be paid. I love the heat between Zach and Sarah. I love them remembering their younger selves. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer]

Epic second chance romance! Zach and Sarah were everything to each other in high school. Zach had dreams of making it big and Sarah did what she did to make sure he followed his dreams. Ten years later Zach is more successful than he ever dreamed, but Sarah has never been far from his thoughts. Sarah's job isn't her dream job but she likes it and it suits her needs now, even if she is nervous about the new owner. She is beyond shocked to find out that Zach is her new boss! Now she has to keep her secret while trying to resist him and navigate her new sort of normal! Great twists and turns and plenty of drama and steam!! Loved it! I received this ARC from Bad Boy Updates.

[Mulan Book Princess]

I rate this book 4.5 stars.

I really enjoyed this romance. Zach walks back into Sarah’s life, determined to have his revenge on her. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Sarah has no choice but to comply with his demands. These two have so much chemistry together, but secrets, quick tempers and an ex causes obstacles to their HEA. I really liked both characters though sometimes wanted to shake them both to see reason - that being said, I thought this second chance romance was emotional, sweet and steamy hot.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.

[Jennifer Williams]

Lots of smut but not much else

If you like lots of sexy scenes, this is a good book for you. But the overall storyline kinda sucks. The two main characters just didn’t seem to have that much chemistry, in my opinion. Maybe it was the fact that they had almost no interaction before the sex started piling up, or just that the overall dialog between the two really lacked substance. Either they were arguing and stomping away from one another or going at it on his desk…and seriously, the number I’d times it was referenced that she “screamed”: no one heard her in a 30 story building? Got to the point where I just skimmed the second half of the book. Don’t recommend.

[Smiler]

3.0 out of 5 stars
A bit hit and miss unfortunately.

It was good, but not great. Some parts of the story line just weren’t believable.
Spoilers**
The fact that Bens grandfather didn’t say a word to Zach was unbelievable. It was his grandchild at the end of the day…who keeps a secret like that saying it wasn’t any of his business and the whole town kept quiet as well. So far fetched and not realistic in the slightest and it really put me off.
When Jessica was still able to access the building and still had Sarah running around for her was just wtf! As if.

Also as a side note one of the chapters was named incorrectly, it said Zach when it should’ve said Sarah.

[BP34]

A Second Chance At Love For Sarah and Zack
Sarah and Zack's story is one you don't want to miss. Their chemistry is explosive but their relationship has been heartbreaking at times. A second chance at love for the two of them after ten years. Well written with strong, likable characters and an emotional story line. I read an advance review copy via Bad Boy Update and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Corina Hochwimmer Andersen]

This book had me yelling quite some times, because I was trying to get Sarah to give Zach a second chance. There is a lot of drama, but that just makes the story that much better after my opinion.
It is definitely going to be one of my re-read books, and can be recommend to all, that likes a book with heartbreak, revenge, day yo day struggles and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[t.]

let me start at how good this book is. actually i can’t start. anyways, the story and the plot is so good what omg. and can we talk about the SEX. it’s smoking hot. it’s 12am again and i just had to finish this. (only took me 3 hrs 🙏 ) the sex was so good and the angst was there at the same time. i can’t even describe it. ANYWAYS I DEF RECOMMEND THIS BOOK IF U LIKE CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART - SECRETARY BOSS - AND PREGNANT. YES. THAT MUCH HAPPENED.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel]

This was a challenging story with complicated characters. It tests your ethics when it comes down to character of Brody and Amber. They have difficult pasts they are both trying to deal with not to mention the secrets that Brody is hiding. Brody and Amber have a one-night stand not expecting anything to come of it. They meet again when Brody comes to her rescue when her bakery was on fire.
This story had my emotions all over the place surrounding everything that was happening in the story. Iona weaves a story that draws you in and gives you a front row seat to the unfolding of the drama between the characters. It is descriptive with a plot that grabs you right from the beginning and holds you until the last page. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

Merged review:

This was a challenging story with complicated characters. It tests your ethics when it comes down to character of Brody and Amber. They have difficult pasts they are both trying to deal with not to mention the secrets that Brody is hiding. Brody and Amber have a one-night stand not expecting anything to come of it. They meet again when Brody comes to her rescue when her bakery was on fire.
This story had my emotions all over the place surrounding everything that was happening in the story. Iona weaves a story that draws you in and gives you a front row seat to the unfolding of the drama between the characters. It is descriptive with a plot that grabs you right from the beginning and holds you until the last page. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Elizabeth]

I absolutely loved the story, but I did have issues with both the h and the H. Spoiler alert.... I had an issue with her never telling Zach about Ben, and Zach's reaction kind of baffled me. Wouldn't there be some serious anger and resentment to work out over being cheated out of the first 10 years of your child's life? Oh, and someone should have put out an alert that it's a 3 hanky ending! Maybe I missed something due to the tears. :-)

[Tiffany]

Loved this book. It's full of Heartbreak, sadness, love and bitterness but with a happy ending. Sarah and Zach were together for a long time but she ripped his heart out by letting him think she cheated on him so he would follow his dreams. Now ten years later she works for him and he wants revenge for his heart. Will he get that or will love win in the end?

[TELA666]

Overall the premise is good but bits felt off to me; their ages (out by a year I think), Jessica (all of her) and an entire town keeping a secret. This was a quicker read than I was expecting and kept me entertained.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RoseyLovesBooks]

Sarah and Zach's story broke my heart, then put it back together as it had me rooting for them to be together. Keeping Secrets is an entertainment mix of humor, drama, secrets, steam and all the feels!

[_booknerd.4ever_]

I really enjoyed reading this one even though there were times I wanted to slap Zach and Sarah upside their heads. It’s a shame that the ten year old Ben is more mature than the adults. The chemistry is there and you can feel it. I loved how they told Ben the biggest secret of all.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[CJ]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Sarah and Zach and does not let go. The story keeps us turning the pages with memories, secrets and heartbreak.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy]

Second chance romance of two people who were high school sweethearts. Zach has made it big and Sarah has been keeping a secret for 10 years. When they meet again, it’s not like at first sight. Good chemistry and storyline.

[Christina Moody]

good storyline

I do like how these two know each other and the way you learn about it through the book however, the petty high school drama is a tad bit too much. I do like how it turns out. Great ending.

[Nate]

I enjoyed Zack & Sarah’s book. It was an entertaining, fun read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Debra E Bolt]

Wonderful Story!

Such a wonderful story that I cried over the ending of this book. Young love lost, than found again! You will enjoy this book so much.

[Kathy Roeder]

Excellent!!!

I loved this story. I would recommend this book to anyone who believes in true love. Iona Rose never disappear.

[Andrea]

I really tried to get through the prologue but couldn't. Zach and Sarah are deeply in love, but from the very first page, Sarah appears to be hiding something and pulling away from Zach. He has so many plans for their future and his main desire is to make a wonderful life and future so they can live comfortably and happily as man and wife. He's so sweet to her and gives in to her just to make sure she's happy. What does she do? Figures she'll do him a favor by letting him go ahead with his plans to become extraordinarily wealthy and, to give him his dream, she'll push him away. Zach knows that a boy named Myron has been in love with Sarah since elementary school and encourages her to go to his going-away party. I knew she was going to do something to make me physically sick and she did. Her plan to "get rid of Zach" involved sex with the boy who has loved her forever! She doesn't just come on to Myron, she seduces him and that was the end for me. The sick part of my brain kept reading, to see if she really could devastate Zach like that and, yes, she crushed him. Oh, a few tears fell and then she kissed Myron on the cheek and said, "thanks for helping me out." GAH! Iona Rose has never disappointed me before and this is the very first book of hers I couldn't finish. I hope it's a one-off!

[Floraljoy]

A good escape:
I enjoyed this steamy, second chances office romance. Whilst a little repetitive and wordy at times, it was nevertheless fun watching these two reunite.
Zach had been scorned and was set on executing revenge on Sarah. Despite reconnecting physically, it took time for them to open up and be honest with one another. I did get rather frustrated with Sarah and didn't understand why she perpetuated her secret even after reconnecting with Zach.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rita]

Ten years earlier Sarah hurt Zach so that he would leave her to pursue his career. However, Zach never forgot her and sought revenge by working out a plan for Sarah to work for his company. The plan backfired when the chemistry between them got in the way and Sarah kept refusing a relationship with him. Throw in Zach's jealous ex as well as Sarah's secret she refused to disclose and this was a hot and emotional story. It just went on a little too long. Read an ARC for an honest review.

[Gladys]

I thought that this was a very good read. The story kept me engaged. The chemistry between Zach and Sarah was solid and I found myself really wanting things to turn out right for these two this time. A satisfying blend of emotion, drama, heat and heart delivers some lovely feels. I did find myself getting a bit annoyed with Sarah after a while. This is my frank, freely posted review.

[Christine]

Arc review For honest Review. 10 yrs ago Sarah burns made A choice that she felt was right to let the love of her life go now he is back and Zack barron will find out her secret. Fantastic.

Merged review:

Arc review For honest Review. 10 yrs ago Sarah burns made A choice that she felt was right to let the love of her life go now he is back and Zack barron will find out her secret. Fantastic.