Our Nerdy Secret

Better Than Ever #2

by Jill Westwood

Jenna
What do you do when you’re falling for your younger brother’s best friend? Introduce him to a reality TV matchmaker, obviously. What better way to avoid my feelings than to help him fall in love with someone else?

To make matters worse, I also gave him a sexy makeover. Now my favorite nerd is looking hot as hell, and I have to pretend to cheer him on in his search for true love. What no one knows is that I secretly want him for myself, but I’m forty-four and jaded. In the words of Def Leppard, is it too late for love?

Aaron
I fell for Jenna Rossolino before I knew what the word crush meant. She was Sal’s rebellious older sister, completely out of reach, and she thought of me as a nerdy little kid. But I’m all grown up now, and it’s time for her to admit we’d be perfect together. If I can work up the courage to tell her my feelings, maybe I can get her to open her heart and believe in love again. Can a geek become the hero of his own story?

Our Nerdy Secret is book two in the seasoned romance series Better Than Ever. Love and laughter don't end at forty!

Genres: Contemporary Romance

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2022

About the author

Jill Westwood is the author of romantic comedies featuring strong women and the sexy men who fall head-over-heels in love with them. She likes her books steamy, smart, and a little bit wacky. Her goal is always to make readers laugh and swoon.

Jill swam in a cenote in Mexico, summited a mountain in Nepal, and touched one of the standing stones in Wales. She now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two children, and the sweetest rescue dog in the world. She's a fan of Tottenham Hotspurs, chai lattes, Star Wars, and Jane Austen. If you can find a connection between these things, you're smarter than she is.

Reviews

[sammi_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I told myself to take it easy on ARCs. But after seeing Jill Westwood's name on this one, I had to bite. I loved the first in the series so much! This can be read as a standalone though.

Jenna is in her mid-40s and is sick of her boss and the disrespect she gets from her family who still only see her as her 20-something party girl past. She is shocked when offered an opportunity to do hair for Ms. Match- a TV series that finds rich bachelors love. Only catch? Her little brother's best friend, Aaron, is the bachelor . Aaron's had a crush on Jenna since they were kids. As bad as the timing is, could their timing finally be right?

I loved this!!! Jenna was a distinct self-sufficient confident FMC. Aaron was awkward, occasionally awkwardly formal and nerdy in adorable ways. They felt like real people. I got so mad at how unsupported Jenna's family was. I was fuming on her behalf.

Some sweet spice, but not a ton.
Troupes: Brother's best friend, friends to lovers, workplace romance, reality TV dating romance, age gap (they're 9 years apart, she's older)

Typically I hate age gap, but I didn't mind it here. They were old enough to be mature and know exactly what they wanted in life, even if Jenna was sometimes scared to want things.

What's a book that you loved that had a troupe or genre that isn't usually your favorite?

I cannot wait for the third book, Bridget and Coach's story. The preview at the back of the book was tantalizing!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[K_IndieWoods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Nerdy Secret is the second book I've read of Jill Westwood and the second book in her Better Than Ever book series. The more I read of Westwood's writing the more I want to see what's next. My favorite thing about this series is that it evolves around a tight trio of high school girlfriends. They're now in their forties but still living their best lives while they continue to support one another each step of the way.

This second book feature's Jenna, the sassy hairstylist who is part of a big Italian family loaded with brothers. Jenna is on the verge of great success, but all her family ever sees is the reckless, spontaneous wild girl she use to be. Cussing out her boss and loosing her job isn't helping matters. Neither is convincing her youngest brother's best bud Aaron to go on a reality matchmaking show.

Having been best friends with Sal since kindergarten, Aaron is an honorary member of the Rossolino family. He's also the only member of the family who believes in Jenna and doesn't laugh at her dreams. This is partly because Aaron has been observing Jenna's greatness for years, harboring a bit of a secret crush. With a nine year age gap it was never going to happen, yet Aaron can't help but admire her still. Being an all around nice guy and a devoted friend Aaron is willing to do anything to support Jenna's dreams. That's how Aaron suddenly finds himself in the last place he'd ever imagine, in front of a camera.

As Jenna's new job has her working closely with Aaron, her admiration for him grows into something stronger. One thing these two have in common is that they'd both do anything for the ones they love. Does that include staying away from each other once the sparks start to ignite?

I love how this series involves many players that you get to see pop up in other stories. The trio of girlfriends are more than just quickly written side characters plopped in as place holders for the next book in the series. They actually support and add to each story (so far). This was another quick read by Westwood, but this time I felt a little more satisfied. A strong four stars for this romance. I can't wait for the rest of this series.

I received a free ARC of this book from BookSirens. I'm choosing to leave this review here voluntarily.

[Karina Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this book. I read the first one and was intrigued by Jenna and Aaron’s brief interactions. It’s not necessary to read the first one but you will be even more invested in the couple. It was nice to see the couple from the first book too! I really liked Jenna’s character as she is confident and strong. She is in her forties and has a dream of opening a hair salon. Even though most of her family judges her for not following the “typical life path” a woman is expected to take, she believes in herself. I liked reading about how she wanted to achieve her goal and that despite many obstacles, she is still motivated. Aaron, her love interest, is such a sweetheart. He is described as a nerd who is successful as he created his own video game company. He had a crush on Jenna since they were teens but did not admit it to her. I like that Aaron became open to change and became more confident while being true to himself. It was fun seeing him and Jenna on the matchmaking TV show. This part of the plot makes the book stand out. The author did a great job at describing the behind the scenes of the show and how it caused conflict between Jenna and Aaron. There were also other conflicts that I am glad were addressed. I loved this couple that on the surface seem like opposites but in reality have a strong connection. The ending was perfect and I hope to see them in the next book.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, later-in-life romcom with smart, loveable main characters.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with this ARC on BookSirens.

This review is abridged. See the full review here, on my Tumblr.

This is the second book by Jill Westwood that I've read, and like the first one, I thought this was a cute story. I was not mortified at all by the age gap.

I'm a sucker for characters being inexplicably drawn to each other and having undeniable chemistry, but I appreciated that Aaron and Jenna had substance both individually and as a couple. This book is definitely cheesy, but there are additional storylines that provide more depth and balance out the rainbows and butterflies.

To me, the beginning was a little slow, but it soon picked up once the main conflict was established. I thought the ending was a little open, but that's okay because this book is part of a series, and it's clear that this is not the last we'll see of Aaron and Jenna. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourteen years after the death of her life partner, Jenna is still determined to stay single, never risking her heart again. She's always been close to her little brother's friend Aaron, but when she's forced to give him a makeover, she realizes she actually has feelings for him. Unfortunate, since he's scheduled to be the bachelor on a show called Ms. Match to find his true love.
Aaron has loved Jenna for as long as he can remember, but with a nine year age gap she's always looked at him like a kid brother. He agrees to the show as a favor, but sees it as a way to finally move on... until Jenna lets it slip that she's attracted to him. How can he fake a relationship on screen when he's discovering the real thing behind the scenes?
I loved this cute romance just as much as the first book in the series. Jenna and Aaron have such great chemistry and the final knight scene was funny and romantic perfection. I'm so looking forward to Brigit and Connor 's story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to BookSirens for the e-ARC to read and review. It is my first time reading a title by the author (so I haven't read the first book in this Better Than Ever collection) but I certainly will be reading more from Jill Westwood in the future! This story surpassed all of my expectations for a fun rom-com and was just a true delight that I flew through. Somehow, I've read a lot of fiction lately that imagines stories behind-the-scenes of filming a reality TV show, and I enjoy them because it's on-page fun and on-screen drama combined. But this story really stood out as special, from the storytelling to the characters. Our leads are well-rounded and crafted well, and stand on their own as strong and solid people that you ultimately want to know more about and root for. The characters and their storylines are realistic and authentic, even though the situations they find themselves in (like the reality TV dating show and the super rich company founder etc) are out of the ordinary and exciting to read about. Definitely check this one out!

[Christine Chain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Nerdy Secret is a cute story about Jenna & her younger brother’s best friend Aaron. They have been hiding their feelings for years, for many reasons, one of which is that she’s nine years older than him.

Aaron ends up being cast on a dating show and Jenna is his stylist. After she helps with his makeover from nerdy-sloppy to nerdy-hot, Jenna realizes she could lose her chance with him.

This book is funny, cute, and has a great cast of supporting players. Their interactions all “fit their age” (like it’s not a cast of 30-40-somethings with the emotional maturity of a tween). There is a good amount of steam, but not over the top, and the chemistry between Jenna & Aaron is there throughout.

I really liked this book, so I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I was also able to put it down halfway through to go to bed, and again at the 85% mark when I had to go run errands.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barb]

Jenna has a crush on her brother’s best friend, Aaron. Aaron has been a part of Jenna’s family for years, but her family warns Aaron to stay away from her. Jenna works in a beauty salon and aspires to have her own salon. Jenna panics when she is fired from the salon where she works. She hates her unreasonable boss, so Aaron tells her maybe this is just what she needs. Needing a job, she interviews for a stylist job with the host of a reality TV show that brings millionaires together to find their soul mate. Aaron agrees to interview to be one of the bachelors when he finds out his interview is contingent on Jenna getting her job. This book is great. I love the secret get togethers when Jenna and Aaron begin their relationship. The filming on Ms. Match was fun as Aaron tried to play along but could not get interested in the women. I loved when Jenna finally stood up to her family and friends. Great book! Wonderful characters.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a cute story of two people who have been secretly in love with each other since they were kids. Aaron is shy and introverted but successful in his field ... a self-made millionaire. Jenna is outgoing and friendly but struggling in her career. Aaron is also a family friend and is at every family event.

They've known each other for years and never spoke of their attraction. The greatest impediment ... Jenna thinks their age gap is a problem as she is 9 years older than him.

Their fumbling to resist the attraction and then want to express their feelings is funny yet frustrating. The story is enjoyable, yes, but the pacing is a little slow for me. I will probably try reading this again and maybe by then I wouldn't find the pace slow.

This story is a relaxing read, for sure. Also, I love that the characters are more mature than usual. :)

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

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you are in love with your best friend's older sister? You go on a reality dating show! Aaron has been in love with Jenna since he was a teenager. Now he is a millionaire gaming software owner, that has been unlucky in love. Jenna, who quit her hair stylist job recently interviewed with a local dating show to be its stylist. She convinces Aaron to star in the show, but he can't quite make a connection with anyone that is presented to him. Things start to happen between Jenna and Aaron, but they both have a lot of baggage.

I enjoyed this story of an older woman in her forties dating a guy in his thirties. The age difference didn't bother me. I like that they had known each other practically all of their lives so a definite friends to lovers, best friends sister story. Since I didn't realize this was the second book in a series, I now want to go back and read the first. I usually don't like to read out of order, but you could follow the characters without reading the first one.

[Dahlia Duval · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review is hard to write. I know how hard it is to write a book. I know how much time, effort, and energy it takes to create characters and a world.

But I have to be honest, this book was a chore to read. It took me at least a week when I can read a book in 6 hours. I had to start and stop multiple times because I was just bored.

It took until the end of the book for the humor and fun to really come out and that was disappointing.

The characters aren’t bad. They aren’t your typical trope with the nerdy smart guy and the middle-aged single independent woman.

The plot is creative but just wasn’t interesting to me.

The spice is nearly non-existent. Multiple fade-to-black scenes. Very much a standard almost prudish romance.

At one point toward the end, an entire sentence was just unfinished. Not sure what it was supposed to say.

The end was anti-climactic.

Overall, just a lackluster read for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, I absolutely hated how Jenna’s brothers treated her in the beginning. But, it made me root for her even harder through book the book. Aaron fell a little flat for me in the beginning but once I got more into the book, I really started to enjoy his character. Jenna was definitely my favorite. I was able to find myself relating to her more and more with her giant Italian family. Not too spicy of a book but just a little bit, which I really found enjoyable. I absolutely adored the ending even if it was a bit cringy. It had me smiling like a fool. But let me tell you, that first chapter of the next book? I’m so excited to read that one. It sounds incredible! Definitely recommend this book though! It was a lot of fun and definitely worth the read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is FANTASTIC! I'm not used to seeing characters like me in books. Characters who graduated the same year as me? Had the death of their significant other just like I did? Struggling to find yourself in a career and love in your early 40s?

Now I've got to go back and get the first book and eagerly await the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I can only hope I get chosen for the ARC for Bridget's story!

Jenna was a fantastically written character. She's someone I would be friends with in real life. Her struggles in feeling like she was enough for Aaron rang true to parts of my life. I liked the little slide in at the end with starting therapy and a potential Adult ADD diagnosis.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Westwood has crafted a story in Our Nerdy Secret that is chockful of great characters, but Aron and Jenna are main character who are different from your run of the mill romance heroes but you’ll quickly grow to love them.
Aaron, sweet and dorky but pulls that off in a totally sexy way (especially after his makeover), and Jenna, strong willed and independent, who says what she thinks, often before thinking of the consequences. These two could not be more different; add in the age gap, and the younger brothers best friend wrinkle, and they seem to be an unlikely pair, but Ms. Westwood makes them work beautifully together. Using the Ms Match reality TV show as the scene setter for their romance gave the story an interesting backdrop and created some truly enjoyable moments.

[Book Nerdy 2020 · Rating 3 out of 5]

OUR NERDY SECRET By Jill Westwood

Jenna gets a job as the hairdresser in a reality tv Matchmaking show where the bachelor she has to give a makeover to is none other than her brother's best friend Aaron.

😊What i liked -

✔ Brother's Best Friend/Age-Gap/He Falls First.
✔ I liked Jenna and Aaron as individual characters.
✔ One of my favourite parts of the book were the shed scene and the Trivia.
✔ It was cute and an easy read.

🤔What could have been better -

✔ I felt the chemistry between the two was lacking.
✔ The was a bit slow paced for me.

📚Who Should read :

👶Beginners
💝Romance Lovers
💞Brothers Best Friend Romance
💕Age Gap Romance



📈My Rating : 3/5


Thank you, Jill Westwood for a copy.

[Jeanne Chepko · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun rom com!! Jenna and Aaron have secretly lusted after each other for years. The snag, Aaron is like family and worse her younger brother’s best friend. The chemistry is intense. When Aaron wins recognition for his Million dollar company, he finds himself recruited to be on Ms Match reality show. Smart mouthed Jenna loses her job at a salon and is now the stylist for the show. Tension, angst, jealousy and attraction make for a funny filming of the show. Will they admit to each other their secret appeal or will Aaron find the love of his life?

Great characters, funny interactions and real family and friend disagreements!

Quick read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.

[Tracey]

Jenna Rossolino and Aaron Goodwin have known each other for decades. Aaron is the best friend of Sal, Jenna’s baby brother. Aaron is nine years younger than Jenna and has had a crush on her nearly as long as he has known her. He is invited to all the family gatherings. Jenna is attracted to Aaron but her family still sees her as a reckless rebel. Sal’s wife, Amy, asks Jenna to convince Aaron to appear on the reality dating show she works for. Jenna is a hairstylist who helps Aaron with his image on the show. Throw in a meddling family, great friends, a horrible boss, chemistry, nerds, and a complicated storyline, and you have a great book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this author, and I will be reading more. It was easy to follow the story and connect with the characters.

Aaron and Jenny have a long 'friendship' (she's his best friend's sister) before they get together. It seems like it took soo long to act on the attraction!

There were a few parts that bugged me. Some parts brought a big smile to my face, a few chapters that I really enjoyed - and a few frustrated me.

All in all, I enjoyed the read and do recommend reading this one. I received my free ARC from Booksprout and happily leave this review.

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

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

How refreshing it is to read a book with MC's who are NOT in their twenties!! Jenna is a 40 year old strong FMC who's family doesn't seem to take her seriously. Aaron is 9 years younger than Jenna and is her brother's best friend. Honestly almost part of their family. The reverse age gap is always a hit for me!

The reality show aspect of the book was great as well as the character development for the next book in the series.

This is my first book by Jill Westwood and it will nor be my last. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!

[Cokiereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

First time reading Jill Westwood. But oh gosh I loved it. An older heroine and a younger guy who's a geek? Sign me up.

I really liked Jenna. She was seen in a certain way by everyone around her because of her past. So how do you live it down when you're put in this spot by everyone?

I loved Aaron. He was so, so sweet. Only one time did I want to smack him. That's unusual for a romance book!

I'd like to read more by this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katie Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book, I probably just wasn't the best demographic for this specific book. I feel that I can better connect with characters closer to my own age. I felt that for the heroine being in her forties, she should have been more confident within herself. I didn't connect with any characters very well, they felt a little shallow and easily swayed. However, the storyline was fun and great tropes. The resolution of the third act conflict was really cute and fun, for sure. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really a cute story, and I'm so glad I decided to check it out. Jenna and Aaron are lifelong friends. They have both been hiding their feelings for one another. Jenna is 9 years older than Aaron and doesn't think she's good enough for him. Little does she know, Aaron has the same thoughts and feelings. But when Aaron ends up on a dating reality show and she is his stylist making him look all sexy, she realizes she doesn't want another girl ending up with him. This book was too cute. Make sure you check it out today.

[Meghan Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the start. My favorite type of man is a man who is nerdy. So I instantly fell in love with Aaron. Jenna and Aaron have known each other forever as he is the best friend of her younger brother. Can this age gap, hot mess express, friends to loves last? This book had me cringing on some of Aaron's dates but alas will the Nerd win in the end? Only one way to find out. This book is a must read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a voluntary review of a free book I received from Book Sirens.
Jenna and Aaron have known each other for probably around 30 years and have had a secret crush on each other most of this time. As her brother's best friend, he's off limits... Or is he? Will he find love instead on a reality TV show?
The so called romance between the 2 characters felt very forced, and not very natural. I personally didn't feel the chemistry between them. It was just an okay book with some fun mixed in.

[Robin Perrtree · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit to get into this book and connect with the characters, but once I did I didn't want to let them go! I love a nerdy guy and Aaron fit the bill perfectly. Jenna was stuck in a tough situation leading to their need to keep secrets, which of course blew up in their faces! HEA was found though in the end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this sweet love story. Aaron has loved her from afar for years , but Jenna fears she is too old for him , at nearly a decade older. Then when she ropes him into doing a television dating show things really get messed up. Aaron is close friends with her family members and each one has their opinion of them as a couple, as well. Lots of players in this one, and they added to the enjoyment of the story.

[The Arcist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best rom-coms I've read this year. It has exactly the right amount of everything. It's the perfect length. It tells a complete and realistic story. The shed scene is *chef's kiss* 🤌🏻 and I liked all the characters.

I think this is a worthwhile series for fans of the genre.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Our Nerdy Secret' was an entertaining read. The congenial plot was filled with hilarity and lots of hemming and hawing around Aaron and Jenna, the protagonists, getting involved in a romantic relationship. Moreover, the author's use of vivid descriptions helped to create a lively tone. Overall, I liked the narrative.
I received a copy for free, and I am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Beth Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me. Even though it is a tried and true "age gap, brother's best friend" trope, it was entertaining and definitely not boring. I really enjoyed it. Aaron and Jenna were likeable with each having their quirks and fears to overcome. Believe you will be captured and amused as I was.

I received this book in advance and am choosing to write this review.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairytale to make your heart swoon. Aaron has has a crush on his best friend older sister’s Jenna all his life. Can a reality matchmaking TV show bring them together or mess everything forever? Epic love story