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Her Secret Fling
Jake Stevens—star reporter and celebrated literary genius—is a snake. How else to explain the way he turns Poppy Birmingham's hero worship into loathing with a single conversation? So what if she's got a lot to learn about journalism? Aren't they coworkers now? On the same team? Jake can take his attitude and…
Then during a job-related road trip, their relationship goes from antagonistic to hedonistic in no time flat. And suddenly Poppy can't think of anything more delicious than having a secret fling with Jake. But with all this intensity, can she really keep it no-strings-attached?
Then during a job-related road trip, their relationship goes from antagonistic to hedonistic in no time flat. And suddenly Poppy can't think of anything more delicious than having a secret fling with Jake. But with all this intensity, can she really keep it no-strings-attached?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 15, 2009
9 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mayberry
159 books1,150 followersSarah Mayberry was born in Melbourne, Australia, and is the middle of three children. From the time that she first “stole” paper from kindergarten and stapled it together to make “books,” Sarah has always wanted to be a writer. In line with this ambition, on graduation from high school she completed a bachelor of arts degree majoring in professional writing, then sat down to write a book. When inspiration didn’t strike, she began to wonder if, perhaps, she needed to live some life first before writing about it.
This still left the burning question of how to pay the rent. She found her way into trade journalism, working off the principle that it was better to write anything for a living than nothing at all. Her time there lead to the opportunity to launch a new decorator magazine for one of Australia’s major retailers, an invaluable and grueling experience that she found very rewarding.
But the opportunity to write fiction for a living soon lured Sarah away. She took up a post as storyliner on Australia’s longest running soap, Neighbours. Over two years she helped plot more than 240 hours of television, as well as writing freelance scripts. She remembers her time with the show very fondly — especially the dirty jokes and laughter around the story table — and still writes scripts on a freelance basis.
In 2003 she relocated to New Zealand for her partner’s work. There Sarah served as storyliner and story editor on the country’s top-rating drama, Shortland Street, before quitting to pursue writing full time.
Sarah picked up a love of romance novels from both her grandmothers, and has submitted manuscripts to Harlequin many times over the years. She credits the invaluable story structuring experience she learned on Neighbours as the key to her eventual success — along with the patience of her fantastic editor, Wanda.
Sarah is revoltingly happy with her partner of twelve years, Chris, who is a talented scriptwriter. Not only does he offer fantastic advice and solutions to writing problems, but he’s also handsome, funny and sexy. When she’s not gushing over him, she loves to read romance and fantasy novels, go to the movies, sew and cook for her friends. She has also become a recent convert to Pilates, which she knows she should do more often.
This still left the burning question of how to pay the rent. She found her way into trade journalism, working off the principle that it was better to write anything for a living than nothing at all. Her time there lead to the opportunity to launch a new decorator magazine for one of Australia’s major retailers, an invaluable and grueling experience that she found very rewarding.
But the opportunity to write fiction for a living soon lured Sarah away. She took up a post as storyliner on Australia’s longest running soap, Neighbours. Over two years she helped plot more than 240 hours of television, as well as writing freelance scripts. She remembers her time with the show very fondly — especially the dirty jokes and laughter around the story table — and still writes scripts on a freelance basis.
In 2003 she relocated to New Zealand for her partner’s work. There Sarah served as storyliner and story editor on the country’s top-rating drama, Shortland Street, before quitting to pursue writing full time.
Sarah picked up a love of romance novels from both her grandmothers, and has submitted manuscripts to Harlequin many times over the years. She credits the invaluable story structuring experience she learned on Neighbours as the key to her eventual success — along with the patience of her fantastic editor, Wanda.
Sarah is revoltingly happy with her partner of twelve years, Chris, who is a talented scriptwriter. Not only does he offer fantastic advice and solutions to writing problems, but he’s also handsome, funny and sexy. When she’s not gushing over him, she loves to read romance and fantasy novels, go to the movies, sew and cook for her friends. She has also become a recent convert to Pilates, which she knows she should do more often.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 18, 2009
Former Aussie swimming champion, Poppy Birmingham, gets a chance at becoming a sport columnist. Unfortunately, her new coworker, her idol, and author of one of her favorite books, Jake Stevens, isn’t overly enthused about working with a jock and lets her (and everybody in hearing distance) know about it.
Their mutual dislike turns into a forced truce on a long car ride across the country, and the forced truce turns into something more after a few drinks and a veiled challenge thrown into the mix…But Jake’s painful past and deep-ingrained defense mechanisms just might keep them at a one-night-stand basis.
This is the first Sarah Mayberry book I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last. I was surprised by the amount of angst and actual darkness suffusing this book, but instead of giving me pause, it just drew me in more.
I loved both Poppy and Jake, even though I wanted to smack the guy on the head for being such a jerk at the beginning. They were great characters individually, and even greater together, though the aforementioned jerk needed a little more time to see that.
They had great chemistry together, producing quite a truckload of steam and fireworks.
The story flowed effortlessly, I loved the narrative and writing style, and though everything revolved around the romance between the two leads (there wasn’t any trace of suspense or intrigue, which I thought I would miss), I loved this little story.
Their mutual dislike turns into a forced truce on a long car ride across the country, and the forced truce turns into something more after a few drinks and a veiled challenge thrown into the mix…But Jake’s painful past and deep-ingrained defense mechanisms just might keep them at a one-night-stand basis.
This is the first Sarah Mayberry book I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last. I was surprised by the amount of angst and actual darkness suffusing this book, but instead of giving me pause, it just drew me in more.
I loved both Poppy and Jake, even though I wanted to smack the guy on the head for being such a jerk at the beginning. They were great characters individually, and even greater together, though the aforementioned jerk needed a little more time to see that.
They had great chemistry together, producing quite a truckload of steam and fireworks.
The story flowed effortlessly, I loved the narrative and writing style, and though everything revolved around the romance between the two leads (there wasn’t any trace of suspense or intrigue, which I thought I would miss), I loved this little story.
March 18, 2010
I know a lot of people are big fans of Ms. Mayberry, but I just wasn't feeling it. I couldn't really connect to either character, and that just made the book fall flat for me. This really comes down to personal taste, but Poppy was too bubbly and optimistic. It might have been the Olympic athlete in her that had her always keep going, never give up, and keep her chin up high. While Jake was a bit of a prick, I could relate to him more.
I felt that Jake was justified in being annoyed with Poppy for getting the job at the newspaper. There were tons of people who worked really hard in journalism and deserved that job. Poppy worked really hard in her field and did deserve recognition, but didn't necessarily deserve rewards that she wasn't qualified for. She didn't have a college education, and a full time job at the paper didn't seem to fit. It seemed more like a midlife crisis. I don't know. I think I sound I bit mean, but it's mostly because Poppy spent most the book being stressed out rather than achieving something meaningful. Other than being a big fan of Jake's works, there didn't seem to be anything pulling Poppy to a career at the newspaper, and I don't think writing was her passion.
All in all, while Her Secret Fling didn't click with me, I'd be willing to give Sarah Mayberry another try in the future because the writing was ok and the sex was steamy.
I felt that Jake was justified in being annoyed with Poppy for getting the job at the newspaper. There were tons of people who worked really hard in journalism and deserved that job. Poppy worked really hard in her field and did deserve recognition, but didn't necessarily deserve rewards that she wasn't qualified for. She didn't have a college education, and a full time job at the paper didn't seem to fit. It seemed more like a midlife crisis. I don't know. I think I sound I bit mean, but it's mostly because Poppy spent most the book being stressed out rather than achieving something meaningful. Other than being a big fan of Jake's works, there didn't seem to be anything pulling Poppy to a career at the newspaper, and I don't think writing was her passion.
All in all, while Her Secret Fling didn't click with me, I'd be willing to give Sarah Mayberry another try in the future because the writing was ok and the sex was steamy.
December 14, 2013
3 ½ stars. I enjoyed it. It’s nicely done contemporary romance. It’s what you expect from Harlequin.
It’s 2/3 the length of a regular novel. I wanted more at the end. It stopped too soon. Harlequin has page limits and won’t let authors go beyond it. Those limits hurt the stories and make me reluctant to read Harlequin.
As part of the formula there is a separation. I was impressed with the reason for it. It did not feel contrived.
The sex scenes were good. And the relationship development was good.
STORY BRIEF:
Poppy is a former Olympic gold medal winner in swimming. She is starting a new career as a journalist after a shoulder injury. Jake is a sports columnist, doesn’t like Poppy, and doesn’t want her working in the same office with him. He insults her.
NARRATOR:
The narrator was ok except for her timing. She did not pause between scenes and point of view changes. I was startled and confused several times because she read the first sentence of the next scene too quickly after the former scene - as if they were in the same paragraph or the same character talking.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 6 hrs and 40 mins. Swearing language: sh** about 3 times. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 8. Setting: current day Australia. Book copyright: 2010. Genre: contemporary romance.
It’s 2/3 the length of a regular novel. I wanted more at the end. It stopped too soon. Harlequin has page limits and won’t let authors go beyond it. Those limits hurt the stories and make me reluctant to read Harlequin.
As part of the formula there is a separation. I was impressed with the reason for it. It did not feel contrived.
The sex scenes were good. And the relationship development was good.
STORY BRIEF:
Poppy is a former Olympic gold medal winner in swimming. She is starting a new career as a journalist after a shoulder injury. Jake is a sports columnist, doesn’t like Poppy, and doesn’t want her working in the same office with him. He insults her.
NARRATOR:
The narrator was ok except for her timing. She did not pause between scenes and point of view changes. I was startled and confused several times because she read the first sentence of the next scene too quickly after the former scene - as if they were in the same paragraph or the same character talking.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 6 hrs and 40 mins. Swearing language: sh** about 3 times. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 8. Setting: current day Australia. Book copyright: 2010. Genre: contemporary romance.
March 5, 2010
I loved the writing, as usual for Sarah Mayberry, but wasn't extremely attached to the characters. I liked them in the oh-they-aren't-too-bad-but-not-my-friend type of way, if that makes any sense.
Poppy is a 31 year old woman who used to swim for Australia until she got injured and decides to make a transition into Journalism. Jake is a 35 year old divorcee Journalist/author, who hasn't written a second novel after his debut 7 years ago. While it isn't obvious at first, Jake needs to fix his life more than Poppy does, and she's the one with the career change. Their start is rocky, since Jake harbors some animosity toward Poppy, feeling that she got an easy ride to get her job (somehow, I agree) and probably because he still can't write a 2nd novel. They go through the motions of 'hating' each other, until some type of Airport strike forces them ride together in the same car. Then everything gets easy, they gain some mutual like and respect toward each other, they have good chemistry, they have sex, they comfort each other, and then they fall in love, somewhat in that order too, so it follows the general pattern. Honestly, I have nothing against this.
The trouble is Jake was slow for the longest time, while Poppy was already invested from day one. This just doesn't sit well for me, especially when Jake doesn't do enough to redeem himself. He only did what he was supposed to do in the first place, no extra groveling. Maybe this isn't all Jake's fault. Poppy let him off easy. It's the same thing I didn't like in Anything For You.
I liked the story, how they grew to like then love each other. It's not my favorite or anything, because there was something missing, I can't tell what, exactly. Something about the comedic aspect maybe, since most of it was getting out of a tragic event and learning to live again. The funny parts were wonderful, true to SM standards. Worth a read, especially to feed your blaze addiction.
Poppy is a 31 year old woman who used to swim for Australia until she got injured and decides to make a transition into Journalism. Jake is a 35 year old divorcee Journalist/author, who hasn't written a second novel after his debut 7 years ago. While it isn't obvious at first, Jake needs to fix his life more than Poppy does, and she's the one with the career change. Their start is rocky, since Jake harbors some animosity toward Poppy, feeling that she got an easy ride to get her job (somehow, I agree) and probably because he still can't write a 2nd novel. They go through the motions of 'hating' each other, until some type of Airport strike forces them ride together in the same car. Then everything gets easy, they gain some mutual like and respect toward each other, they have good chemistry, they have sex, they comfort each other, and then they fall in love, somewhat in that order too, so it follows the general pattern. Honestly, I have nothing against this.
The trouble is Jake was slow for the longest time, while Poppy was already invested from day one. This just doesn't sit well for me, especially when Jake doesn't do enough to redeem himself. He only did what he was supposed to do in the first place, no extra groveling. Maybe this isn't all Jake's fault. Poppy let him off easy. It's the same thing I didn't like in Anything For You.
I liked the story, how they grew to like then love each other. It's not my favorite or anything, because there was something missing, I can't tell what, exactly. Something about the comedic aspect maybe, since most of it was getting out of a tragic event and learning to live again. The funny parts were wonderful, true to SM standards. Worth a read, especially to feed your blaze addiction.
March 10, 2017
**3.5 stars**
I became a fan of Sarah Mayberry's writing ever since I read Her Best Worst Mistake. She writes real contemporary romances with tons of sexual chemistry, where you can sympathize with the characters and understand their issues. Even with the silly title, Her Secret Fling has lots of good things to offer, as I come to expect from anything by this author.
Poppy's swimming career is over due to an injury. She accepts an offer in a newspaper as a sports columnist, but she's very nervous because she's a fish out of water, so to speak. Enters Jake, her favorite author and co-worker, who's not too keen on Poppy getting that kind of job with no experience whatsoever. Sparks fly and Jake quickly becomes a thorn in her side.
Then during a business trip they end up in bed. This couple had incredible chemistry and their banter was so funny and flirty. But all it's not fun and games. Poppy suffers a great loss and having to work at something that doesn't come easy for her (writing) while Jake has to confront the fallout of his marriage, which hurt him so much that he hasn't been able to write a second book.
If the ending hadn't been so abrupt, I would have rounded up instead of down. Regardless, it's definitely worth the read.
I became a fan of Sarah Mayberry's writing ever since I read Her Best Worst Mistake. She writes real contemporary romances with tons of sexual chemistry, where you can sympathize with the characters and understand their issues. Even with the silly title, Her Secret Fling has lots of good things to offer, as I come to expect from anything by this author.
Poppy's swimming career is over due to an injury. She accepts an offer in a newspaper as a sports columnist, but she's very nervous because she's a fish out of water, so to speak. Enters Jake, her favorite author and co-worker, who's not too keen on Poppy getting that kind of job with no experience whatsoever. Sparks fly and Jake quickly becomes a thorn in her side.
Then during a business trip they end up in bed. This couple had incredible chemistry and their banter was so funny and flirty. But all it's not fun and games. Poppy suffers a great loss and having to work at something that doesn't come easy for her (writing) while Jake has to confront the fallout of his marriage, which hurt him so much that he hasn't been able to write a second book.
If the ending hadn't been so abrupt, I would have rounded up instead of down. Regardless, it's definitely worth the read.
November 30, 2018
Again, the transition from a casual thing to a serious relationship felt too rushed, too soon. There wasn’t much character development once they slept together, and it became rather dull. Would have liked to have had more secedes with the family, and Jake and a poppy trying to make it at work.
July 12, 2018
Wow, aku suka Poppy Birmingham. Dan aku suka tulisannya Sarah Mayberry ❤
March 15, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up because I always like the way Sarah Mayberry writes. Bonus points for making me interested in their story and their jobs even though I couldn’t care less about sports.
December 28, 2010
4 star Harlequin Blaze. Reason why I LOVE Sarah Mayberry
Aaah! Finally a book that has left me satisfied on all aspects after a long time. Sarah Mayberry is one of my favorite Harlequin Blaze line authors and it does help that her book titles do not make me cringe, and the fact that they contain believable stories of men and women who fall in love with each other.
Poppy Birmingham an ex-star swimmer who has gold medals to her name, takes up a job offer on writing for the sports column of one of the most prestigious newspapers in Australia. There she comes face to face with Jake Stevens, someone whose style of writing Poppy has admired from the very start.
However, Poppy is left with the impression that Jake is hardly what she has pictured him to be. Callous to the point of being rude, Jake lays it out that Poppy doesn’t deserve to just walk in and attain a job that takes journalists years of studying and experience to claim.
However, Jake is proven wrong when Poppy proves to be persistent in what she does, and a quirk twist of fate ends both of them together alone on a road trip back from Melbourne. Pitted together with nowhere else to go, Poppy and Jake reluctantly come to realize that rather than the initial dislike that they thought they felt for each other, both of them were coming to find qualities that they liked in each other immensely. Not to mention the scorching hot passion that flares between them when Jake offers to teach Poppy the wonders of sex.
Quirky dialogues between the two characters kept the pages turning and when Poppy finds herself inevitably in love with Jake, with no sign whatsoever from Jake to show that he might feel the same way, and Jake but all pushing away Poppy without really trusting her and letting her in makes Poppy realize that their no-named relationship had been doomed from the start.
Jake has his own reasons, with a failed marriage on his conscience, which has made him into someone who absolutely has nothing left to give. However, unknowingly, the time spent with Poppy slowly works its magic on Jake and ultimately Jake and Poppy get the happy ending which they both deserve.
I loved this book. Sarah Mayberry sure knows how to pen a fantastic story. Highly recommended to those who love Blaze line stories.
January 9, 2010
*sigh* Don't you just love the way Sarah Mayberry writes? If you're looking for a quick Harlequin fix, this is definitely the book to read!
November 19, 2023
All I can say is Poppy deserved a whole lot better than Jake. He was completely out of line for his behavior at work when they first met. His hostility toward Poppy working there makes me think he doesn’t know or respect the athletes he covers for the paper. Acting like all athletes are “dumb jocks”?? Come on! I can understand, to a degree, being annoyed that Poppy was hired without any journalism experience but surely everyone there could recognize what her star power could bring, especially since newspapers were already falling in the early oughts. Anyway, I don’t care how hot Jake was. There was no excuse for his behavior and even the way their relationship turned sexual toed the line of appropriateness for coworkers. He sent too many mixed signals after that and did not treat her with the the minimum amount of respect a person deserves.
This was published in 2010, which wasn’t that long ago and yet there’s so much that aged poorly. The descriptions of Jake’s agent were imbued with casual homophobia and the story itself was gender essentialist and pushed compulsory sexuality and heteronormativity. It also contains anti-fat bias. Most egregious, however, was the casual transphobia in the first couple of chapters when Jake makes a comparison/“joke” to a “transvestite”. I almost DNFed after that and given that this didn’t ultimately work for me, I probably should have.
Characters: Jake is a 35 year old white sports journalist and litfic author. Poppy is a 31 year old white sports columnist and retired swimmer. This is set in Melbourne, Australia.
Content notes: death of FMC’s uncle (heart attack), past miscarriage (MMC’s ex-wife; led to the end of their marriage), ex-wife announces pregnancy, sexism, recent career-ending shoulder injury, body changes and weight gain as a result of no longer competing, past divorce, discussion of athlete drug scandal, unsafe sex practices (use of “pull out method” and lack of condom for penetrative sex without discussion of STI or pregnancy prevention), on page sex, car sex, alcohol, inebriation, hangover, compulsory sexuality and heteronormativity, casual transphobia and homophobia, STD “joke”, diet culture, anti-fat bias, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language
This was published in 2010, which wasn’t that long ago and yet there’s so much that aged poorly. The descriptions of Jake’s agent were imbued with casual homophobia and the story itself was gender essentialist and pushed compulsory sexuality and heteronormativity. It also contains anti-fat bias. Most egregious, however, was the casual transphobia in the first couple of chapters when Jake makes a comparison/“joke” to a “transvestite”. I almost DNFed after that and given that this didn’t ultimately work for me, I probably should have.
Characters: Jake is a 35 year old white sports journalist and litfic author. Poppy is a 31 year old white sports columnist and retired swimmer. This is set in Melbourne, Australia.
Content notes: death of FMC’s uncle (heart attack), past miscarriage (MMC’s ex-wife; led to the end of their marriage), ex-wife announces pregnancy, sexism, recent career-ending shoulder injury, body changes and weight gain as a result of no longer competing, past divorce, discussion of athlete drug scandal, unsafe sex practices (use of “pull out method” and lack of condom for penetrative sex without discussion of STI or pregnancy prevention), on page sex, car sex, alcohol, inebriation, hangover, compulsory sexuality and heteronormativity, casual transphobia and homophobia, STD “joke”, diet culture, anti-fat bias, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language
August 26, 2017
Hwaaa...senangnya akhirnya bisa mendapatkan waktu dan semangat untuk membaca lagi.
Poppy seorang mantan atlit renang yang beralih profesi akibat cedera yang dialaminya. Dia menjadi wartawan olahraga di sebuah media massa olahraga terkenal di Australia. Meski menulis terasa sulit baginya, Poppy tidak menyerah. Terutama ketika dia dipandang sebelah mata oleh Jake Stevens, wartawan olahraga terkenal sekaligus penulis buku best seller.
Dari tidak suka menjadi suka. Tema klasik, tapi selalu bikin deg-degan membacanya. Karakter Poppy yang tangguh dan realistis menjadi poin plus untuk novel ini. Dia menyukai tantangan, dan tidak ragu membuat dirinya bahagia. Sementara Jake, playboy yang agak brengsek tapi loveable. Beberapa kali dia harus menjilat kata-katanya sendiri karena tidak bisa lepas dr pesona Poppy.
Poppy seorang mantan atlit renang yang beralih profesi akibat cedera yang dialaminya. Dia menjadi wartawan olahraga di sebuah media massa olahraga terkenal di Australia. Meski menulis terasa sulit baginya, Poppy tidak menyerah. Terutama ketika dia dipandang sebelah mata oleh Jake Stevens, wartawan olahraga terkenal sekaligus penulis buku best seller.
Dari tidak suka menjadi suka. Tema klasik, tapi selalu bikin deg-degan membacanya. Karakter Poppy yang tangguh dan realistis menjadi poin plus untuk novel ini. Dia menyukai tantangan, dan tidak ragu membuat dirinya bahagia. Sementara Jake, playboy yang agak brengsek tapi loveable. Beberapa kali dia harus menjilat kata-katanya sendiri karena tidak bisa lepas dr pesona Poppy.
March 12, 2019
Dear Sarah, You drive me bonkers sometimes! Can You believe I was actually going to give You less than 5 stars for this story because it wasn't enough for me? I need epilogues! Books shouldn't end with 'Yes!' since there was so much more to tell. I had to remind myself that it was a H romance and it should not be compared to full novels. I love your writing and the fact that you menage to give depth to your characters even in this kind of publications is amazing... I wish I could read Jake's 'record' too or even longer fragments... I hope You'll treat it as a complement when I say I wish it was a fuller story. The potential was there.
May 23, 2017
Excellent story. The couple start out as antagonists, but a long car journey forces them to spend time with each other and acknowledge an uncontrollable physical attraction. They start having sex, keeping things casual (and secret from their work colleagues) but then the caring starts, and the friendship develops into an unexpected relationship. The romance was gradual, but I like how they became friends and truly cared for each other.
August 29, 2017
Always love Susan Mayberry's work
November 27, 2019
Not as good as some others she has written, but still enjoyable!
November 27, 2022
My disdain and disbelief in the Harlequin brand is anything but conspicuous so, I'm sure people can only wonder why I pour any more time or TBR slots into the enterprise. The answer is simple in this case: this book was kicking around in my basement, a relic from way back when I used to splurge on cheap reads at thrift stores. Harlequins were (and still are) substantially cheaper than all other used books; and at three for a dollar, I couldn't get any better of a steal. I actually had to buy more books than I needed (or wanted) to get the deal too. It was either three for a dollar or one for 50¢ or 69¢, so I figured I may as well pick up whatever. That's why I ended up with so many that I never even got around to reading.
But then, I actually got to reading some of the books themselves - and realized the low cost was no coincidence. Contrary to the original price tags, their titles had gotten justice amongst the thriftier stacks because one really does get what they pay for. Their lack of cost reflected a lack of quality, almost next to no insight or innovation for readers whom indulged an idyll that involved intimacy as well as imagination. Like many romance publishers, this one notoriously capitalizes upon comic clichés and markets them under some pretext of carnality or libidinous liberation - and I honestly do have to wonder how culpable such crass commercialism is given its sustenance by quirked, clammy clientele.
The tropes tantalize people like the old me, the kid roaming romance aisles because reads gave her a whimsical fix which were entirely believable or partially plausible given my inexperienced grasp of the world. Banking upon uncertain seas and trying to anchor my ambition, my moral compass was less nuanced than simply nautical. Harlequins gave me an outlet to oblige a somewhat optimistic, overrated ideal of what romance and sex entailed.
But then, I grew up. I started reading other books. My library expanded into all sorts of esteems, which included non-fiction. I started to see life unfold for what and whom it was. Gradually, Harlequins (and other "romance reads") became less of a haven or "hot"; and their characters rubbed as prospects that pandered more than they imparted impressions. Which is why it still baffles me how these books have still maintained an empire, mostly on the backs and various other buoyant breadths of generally middle-aged to older women; women whom I would think had more insight, more experience, at least more of a library than I did.
This is why Her Secret Fling stuck with me. Through Jake Stevens, Mayberry acknowledges and briefly answers my question. I found myself relating to him more than the lackluster leading lady, Poppy Birmingham - and I have to wonder if that was anticipated by the author who arduously articulates (both subtly and explicitly, even in Jake's consciousness) he is an unjust cynic more than a force to be reckoned with. He's valid, vindicated, and entitled to his realistic opinions - and this book would've stuck with me quite deeply if the author had embraced that. But alas, who needs that when we've got sexscapades and quickies to supplant for catharsis?
I hate how these women are portrayed as pouty protagonists, dejected and otherwise depressive until they drown in desire as opposed to diving through the personal depth of their issues. I hate how Poppy is hypersensitive, almost histrionic in what strikes me as a vapid victim complex further coddled by her family and peers. I hate how Jake becomes a wasted observer who simply slicks into her sheets as opposed to offering her something substantial, especially because we know he's got industrious and interminable insight given he doesn't shy away from being frank. I didn't just relate to Jake; I was rooting for him. For once, I thought I'd stumbled onto the ever so rare, slowly going extinct Harlequin that made me take a hard look at the individual and interpersonal - and from jump, Jake effects that prospect.
Only for it to be shot to shambles.
Only for Poppy to prove that going along to get along trumps truth or tact.
Only for Poppy to be peddled as some People's Princess as she pours camaraderie into her coffee runs, then knocks boots with Jake when she doles out some drunken dribble about dissatisfaction.
I can't help but think Mayberry's catalog of titles that start with "Her..." likely prove to be just as banal or reductive.
Still, I have to hand it to Mayberry for throwing the barest bone in this story - if only to dryly drop the ball.
But then, I actually got to reading some of the books themselves - and realized the low cost was no coincidence. Contrary to the original price tags, their titles had gotten justice amongst the thriftier stacks because one really does get what they pay for. Their lack of cost reflected a lack of quality, almost next to no insight or innovation for readers whom indulged an idyll that involved intimacy as well as imagination. Like many romance publishers, this one notoriously capitalizes upon comic clichés and markets them under some pretext of carnality or libidinous liberation - and I honestly do have to wonder how culpable such crass commercialism is given its sustenance by quirked, clammy clientele.
The tropes tantalize people like the old me, the kid roaming romance aisles because reads gave her a whimsical fix which were entirely believable or partially plausible given my inexperienced grasp of the world. Banking upon uncertain seas and trying to anchor my ambition, my moral compass was less nuanced than simply nautical. Harlequins gave me an outlet to oblige a somewhat optimistic, overrated ideal of what romance and sex entailed.
But then, I grew up. I started reading other books. My library expanded into all sorts of esteems, which included non-fiction. I started to see life unfold for what and whom it was. Gradually, Harlequins (and other "romance reads") became less of a haven or "hot"; and their characters rubbed as prospects that pandered more than they imparted impressions. Which is why it still baffles me how these books have still maintained an empire, mostly on the backs and various other buoyant breadths of generally middle-aged to older women; women whom I would think had more insight, more experience, at least more of a library than I did.
This is why Her Secret Fling stuck with me. Through Jake Stevens, Mayberry acknowledges and briefly answers my question. I found myself relating to him more than the lackluster leading lady, Poppy Birmingham - and I have to wonder if that was anticipated by the author who arduously articulates (both subtly and explicitly, even in Jake's consciousness) he is an unjust cynic more than a force to be reckoned with. He's valid, vindicated, and entitled to his realistic opinions - and this book would've stuck with me quite deeply if the author had embraced that. But alas, who needs that when we've got sexscapades and quickies to supplant for catharsis?
I hate how these women are portrayed as pouty protagonists, dejected and otherwise depressive until they drown in desire as opposed to diving through the personal depth of their issues. I hate how Poppy is hypersensitive, almost histrionic in what strikes me as a vapid victim complex further coddled by her family and peers. I hate how Jake becomes a wasted observer who simply slicks into her sheets as opposed to offering her something substantial, especially because we know he's got industrious and interminable insight given he doesn't shy away from being frank. I didn't just relate to Jake; I was rooting for him. For once, I thought I'd stumbled onto the ever so rare, slowly going extinct Harlequin that made me take a hard look at the individual and interpersonal - and from jump, Jake effects that prospect.
Only for it to be shot to shambles.
Only for Poppy to prove that going along to get along trumps truth or tact.
Only for Poppy to be peddled as some People's Princess as she pours camaraderie into her coffee runs, then knocks boots with Jake when she doles out some drunken dribble about dissatisfaction.
I can't help but think Mayberry's catalog of titles that start with "Her..." likely prove to be just as banal or reductive.
Still, I have to hand it to Mayberry for throwing the barest bone in this story - if only to dryly drop the ball.
March 23, 2010
Another Sarah Mayberry and another win! The setting is a newspaper, the Melbourne Herald. Our heroine is a former professional swimmer who is the the paper's newest writer. Our sexy hero makes it clear that he isn't happy with the newest staff member. Our heroine is determined to succeed at her new career and refuses to let the hero's rude attitude stop her.
Hmmm... let's start with Jake the jerk. LOL Okay, I totally get why our handsome, award winning writer is not happy when someone with no writing experience is given the job of columnist. He's worked hard to get to where he is and to have someone come in without paying their dues really ticks him off. Mayberry had her work cut out for her when she wrote Jake. He really was a jerk to Poppy when they first meet. Beyond his good looks, I didn't like Jake at first. I liked Poppy and Jake was mean to her. Bastard. So for me to come around to not only liking Jake but liking him with Poppy, Mayberry had to work her magic, and she did.
Poppy Birmingham gives up her swimming career when an injury forces her into early retirement. When offered a job as a columnist she takes it, looking for a career away from the pool. Her first day on the job doesn't go as well as she'd hoped. She does get to meet her hero, columnist and author Jake Stevens. She also gets a rude awakening when he's less than friendly, making it clear that he thinks she's just a dumb jock. This attitude doesn't help Poppy's insecurities. She knows the only reason she got the job is because of her experience in the sports world. She barely finished high school and with that in mind she has enrolled in an evening writing class.
I totally enjoyed Poppy's persistence. The way she refused to let Jake get to her while still finding him attractive. You go girl! Show him what you're made of! She was great when it came to standing up to Jake. There were times when she was barely able to hold it together but she did and I couldn't help but cheer her on. It turns out she's a natural when it comes to getting the story. Her insight into the athletes world gives her writing a unique perspective.
Jake was funny with his irritation and dislike for Poppy while grudgingly admitting, if only to himself, that he finds her attractive.
He couldn't help noting the firm bounce of her ass as she walked. Probably she could crack walnuts with that, too. He wondered idly what she looked like naked. Most swimmers didn't have a lot happening up top, but she clearly had a great ass and great legs. page 20
He's caught and he doesn't even know it. LOL This is early on and Jake is still acting like an ass towards Poppy. Still wallowing in his own problems and willing to take out his frustrations on her. Jake is suffering major writers block. His one and only novel was a huge success but that was years ago. His personal life took a downward spiral and the only writing he has done are his columns for the paper. His second novel is still rattling around in his head and he can't seem to get it out. Maybe he's in need of a muse... or a kick in the ass. :)
After the sexual tension hits it's peak, Poppy and Jake give in to their attraction with a one night stand that continues beyond the one night. Neither wants anyone to know that they have become more than coworkers so they meet in secret. Soon it becomes more than just sex, and something or someone had to change. Mayberry does a wonderful job in developing not only Poppy and Jake's relationship but developing Poppy as a reporter and writer. As she writes, her confidence increases and she blooms. She develops friendships with her coworkers and begins to enjoy her new career. Jake, on the other hand, is closed off with a big "Do Not Enter" sign when it comes to relationships. And he is determined to not let anyone get close. He really needed to be hit with a 2 X 4 before he would acknowledge his feelings. Out of the two, Poppy was the stronger character, causing change in both her own life and Jake's. The way they played off each other and the way they ultimately encouraged each other made for an appealing couple.
Mayberry, for me, has developed into an author that I can count on to give me unique characters, uncommon situations and an interesting story. Fortunately I still have some of her back list to read through while waiting for her next release.
Hmmm... let's start with Jake the jerk. LOL Okay, I totally get why our handsome, award winning writer is not happy when someone with no writing experience is given the job of columnist. He's worked hard to get to where he is and to have someone come in without paying their dues really ticks him off. Mayberry had her work cut out for her when she wrote Jake. He really was a jerk to Poppy when they first meet. Beyond his good looks, I didn't like Jake at first. I liked Poppy and Jake was mean to her. Bastard. So for me to come around to not only liking Jake but liking him with Poppy, Mayberry had to work her magic, and she did.
Poppy Birmingham gives up her swimming career when an injury forces her into early retirement. When offered a job as a columnist she takes it, looking for a career away from the pool. Her first day on the job doesn't go as well as she'd hoped. She does get to meet her hero, columnist and author Jake Stevens. She also gets a rude awakening when he's less than friendly, making it clear that he thinks she's just a dumb jock. This attitude doesn't help Poppy's insecurities. She knows the only reason she got the job is because of her experience in the sports world. She barely finished high school and with that in mind she has enrolled in an evening writing class.
I totally enjoyed Poppy's persistence. The way she refused to let Jake get to her while still finding him attractive. You go girl! Show him what you're made of! She was great when it came to standing up to Jake. There were times when she was barely able to hold it together but she did and I couldn't help but cheer her on. It turns out she's a natural when it comes to getting the story. Her insight into the athletes world gives her writing a unique perspective.
Jake was funny with his irritation and dislike for Poppy while grudgingly admitting, if only to himself, that he finds her attractive.
He couldn't help noting the firm bounce of her ass as she walked. Probably she could crack walnuts with that, too. He wondered idly what she looked like naked. Most swimmers didn't have a lot happening up top, but she clearly had a great ass and great legs. page 20
He's caught and he doesn't even know it. LOL This is early on and Jake is still acting like an ass towards Poppy. Still wallowing in his own problems and willing to take out his frustrations on her. Jake is suffering major writers block. His one and only novel was a huge success but that was years ago. His personal life took a downward spiral and the only writing he has done are his columns for the paper. His second novel is still rattling around in his head and he can't seem to get it out. Maybe he's in need of a muse... or a kick in the ass. :)
After the sexual tension hits it's peak, Poppy and Jake give in to their attraction with a one night stand that continues beyond the one night. Neither wants anyone to know that they have become more than coworkers so they meet in secret. Soon it becomes more than just sex, and something or someone had to change. Mayberry does a wonderful job in developing not only Poppy and Jake's relationship but developing Poppy as a reporter and writer. As she writes, her confidence increases and she blooms. She develops friendships with her coworkers and begins to enjoy her new career. Jake, on the other hand, is closed off with a big "Do Not Enter" sign when it comes to relationships. And he is determined to not let anyone get close. He really needed to be hit with a 2 X 4 before he would acknowledge his feelings. Out of the two, Poppy was the stronger character, causing change in both her own life and Jake's. The way they played off each other and the way they ultimately encouraged each other made for an appealing couple.
Mayberry, for me, has developed into an author that I can count on to give me unique characters, uncommon situations and an interesting story. Fortunately I still have some of her back list to read through while waiting for her next release.
December 5, 2010
Her Secret Fling by Sarah Mayberry - C+. I had a bit more trouble than usual getting into this one. Perhaps it's is because I am Australian and I'm familiar with various ex-Olympic swimming stars who have taken up a role in the media after their retirement and I kept trying to work out which one Poppy was based on. I had to take 2 goes at it which is unusual for me but after finishing Home for the Holidays I thought I'd pick it up again. The book nearly became a wallbanger for me when Poppy and hero Jake are in BRISBANE (Queensland) for the AFL GRAND FINAL where 40,000 people attend. Um, sorry but not just no, HELL NO! Sure, the Gabba (which is where the Brisbane Lions play their home games has a maximum capacity of 40,000 so, as far as that went, that was accurate) but any self-respecting Australian (or any non-self respecting Australian with, you know, GOOGLE) KNOWS that the AFL Grand Final is ALWAYS and HAS ONLY EVER BEEN at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground - yeah, I know, but they play footy there too). The AFL Grand Final is a massive big deal (in fact, this year, such a big deal they played it twice) and attracts a capacity crowd to the MCG well in excess of 100,000 - and that's only because they can't fit any more people in. I understand that the author needed to get the characters interstate to further the plot, but could they not have been attending a preliminary final instead? For any other author, I would have thrown the book at the wall (except that would have ruined my Reader, so not really) but I decided to give her a pass this time - but I still marked the book down a bit. Grand Final in Brisbane? As. If.
As for the rest of the story, it was a pleasant but fairly standard story of a committment phobic hero and a young ingenue - I thought the conflict was resolved too quickly at the end and Jake started to lose some of his alpha mystique in the doing of it. Not my favourite Mayberry.
ETA: I commented on DA recently about this and Ms. Mayberry replied. She told me that she had meant to put an explanation in the reader letter at the front of the book. She wanted the characters in Brisbane and particularly wanted to use the AFL Grand Final - I think the preliminary final or the NRL Grand Final (rugby league) would have worked better - they could both have legitimately been in Brisbane. I appreciated her taking the time to comment though.
As for the rest of the story, it was a pleasant but fairly standard story of a committment phobic hero and a young ingenue - I thought the conflict was resolved too quickly at the end and Jake started to lose some of his alpha mystique in the doing of it. Not my favourite Mayberry.
ETA: I commented on DA recently about this and Ms. Mayberry replied. She told me that she had meant to put an explanation in the reader letter at the front of the book. She wanted the characters in Brisbane and particularly wanted to use the AFL Grand Final - I think the preliminary final or the NRL Grand Final (rugby league) would have worked better - they could both have legitimately been in Brisbane. I appreciated her taking the time to comment though.
August 16, 2013
4.5 stars, honestly - ugh, what the fuck, how have I read ten Mayberry books in the last five days, how am I still so into them. what a pain.
if this were a longer book it would be one of the books I'd rec to a lot of people who have similar taste to mine, because it has a whole bunch of tropes I love - people who can talk, who like similar things and like talking about them and just. like each other. it's so nice to see the easiness of that, even when they're briefly written. and god, so many little things I loved - them spending an hour editing an article together. their silly senses of humour. the squabbling from a place that makes sense.
Jake has writer's block and you know, of course, that at one point He Will Write Again - but . adored it. and Poppy doesn't get along with her family very well, but it's never underlined as up something to be solved, a horrible problem, and neither is it tied neatly away - that relationship is what it is, and that's not going to be the focus of the book. but you can imagine in the future that he will write a book that will be published and it will be beautiful, and that she will go to a family dinner and sit with him and find someone to giggle with. it won't happen in this book, but it's really nice to be super assured of that direction.
That said, way too short. but that's a thing I'm used to from Mayberry at this point. what's weird, though, is that for all I've read of her stuff this week, I've never found it repetitive, or weak on characterisation, or bland in tone - they're all such a pleasure to read, and despite some similarities I find them all so great and charming and honest. I really enjoy reading them. so much.
Finally: thank you to Her Secret Fling and also Crusie's Manhunting for creating slightly grumpy (but in a cute way) dudes who are smitten with her lady loves, and then having these dudes names Jake; and thank you to Jake Johnson for being on New Girl and playing exactly that role, because it's really cute imagining him with those exact smitten cues falling in love with the lady you're imagining. yay!
if this were a longer book it would be one of the books I'd rec to a lot of people who have similar taste to mine, because it has a whole bunch of tropes I love - people who can talk, who like similar things and like talking about them and just. like each other. it's so nice to see the easiness of that, even when they're briefly written. and god, so many little things I loved - them spending an hour editing an article together. their silly senses of humour. the squabbling from a place that makes sense.
Jake has writer's block and you know, of course, that at one point He Will Write Again - but . adored it. and Poppy doesn't get along with her family very well, but it's never underlined as up something to be solved, a horrible problem, and neither is it tied neatly away - that relationship is what it is, and that's not going to be the focus of the book. but you can imagine in the future that he will write a book that will be published and it will be beautiful, and that she will go to a family dinner and sit with him and find someone to giggle with. it won't happen in this book, but it's really nice to be super assured of that direction.
That said, way too short. but that's a thing I'm used to from Mayberry at this point. what's weird, though, is that for all I've read of her stuff this week, I've never found it repetitive, or weak on characterisation, or bland in tone - they're all such a pleasure to read, and despite some similarities I find them all so great and charming and honest. I really enjoy reading them. so much.
Finally: thank you to Her Secret Fling and also Crusie's Manhunting for creating slightly grumpy (but in a cute way) dudes who are smitten with her lady loves, and then having these dudes names Jake; and thank you to Jake Johnson for being on New Girl and playing exactly that role, because it's really cute imagining him with those exact smitten cues falling in love with the lady you're imagining. yay!
January 28, 2012
Poppy Birmingham was once a world renowned swimming champion but because of a shoulder injury that she suffered, she was forced to bid the world of swimming goodbye and retire--but then came an offer to write in the sports section in a newspaper and she grabbed it. She might not have a journalism degree let alone her education status as a high school graduate but this made her determined and do the job with effort (she's attending a night class for journalism) and majority of her new colleagues was supportive and very helpful with her settling in the business but not with one person--there will always be someone who will belittle you and is not happy with having a colleague who never have made an article once in her life--and that will be on the likes of Jack Steven, Poppy's favorite author who also works in the sports section.
The heroine in the story is actually one of my favorite characters that Sarah Mayberry made. She works hard and stands for herself with Jack's snide and unfair remarks with smart-alec comebacks that I will never think of if I was in her position, sure, maybe moments later when I'm staring at the ceiling at night, thinking of things that I should've said. HAHAHAHAHA. I actually don't like Jack Steven first because he's such a douchebag, good thing Poppy knows how to handle him (though at their first encounter, she can't and my heart feels for her) and I was actually cheering her on, You go Poppy girl! Show that twat who he's dealing with! but then, sexual tension is between them. So. Yeah. You might know exactly what happened to them and BAM.
The HEA realization is what I'm not satisfied with. Call me a drama queen, but I so like to have heavy drama before they kiss and make up. HAHAHA. It's a 3.7 stars for me. :)
The heroine in the story is actually one of my favorite characters that Sarah Mayberry made. She works hard and stands for herself with Jack's snide and unfair remarks with smart-alec comebacks that I will never think of if I was in her position, sure, maybe moments later when I'm staring at the ceiling at night, thinking of things that I should've said. HAHAHAHAHA. I actually don't like Jack Steven first because he's such a douchebag, good thing Poppy knows how to handle him (though at their first encounter, she can't and my heart feels for her) and I was actually cheering her on, You go Poppy girl! Show that twat who he's dealing with! but then, sexual tension is between them. So. Yeah. You might know exactly what happened to them and BAM.
The HEA realization is what I'm not satisfied with. Call me a drama queen, but I so like to have heavy drama before they kiss and make up. HAHAHA. It's a 3.7 stars for me. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2010
I bought this book because I've enjoyed Mayberry novels in the past, but I was kind of put off when I realized the hero and heroine are both journalists. As it turned out, there was no reason to worry. The characters were stellar and their careers played a minor role in the overall story.
I liked both Jake and Poppy. Our first impression of Jake isn't a favorable one. He resents Poppy being hired with so little journalist experience and sets out to let her know right away. He isn't one of the wounded-heart types who's only an ass to hide his true feelings. He's just isn't afraid to say what's on his mind.
Although Poppy is out of her depth and intimidated by Jake, she doesn't let him walk all over her. She stands up for herself and gives as good as she gets. Although writing is a new career for her and doesn't come naturally, she's determined to make it work.
Overall this was a very sweet love story with solid characters. I every much enjoyed it.
January 30, 2013
Its's funny that the first book I was able to finish in the past week was this one but I think I was in the mood for something short but well written and this one was both. I dont read much Harlequin but slap Sarah Mayberry's name on the cover and I will. She makes her characters so real and flawed that you understand why they do the things they do even you don't agree with it. WHY CAN'T ALL HARLEQUINS BE LIKE THAT. Also, I had forgot how used I am to engagements in novels b/c I kept waiting for that to occur at the end but it didnt and thank god. Finally a author who gets that not every "I love you" has to end in a diamond ring. I repeat, Why can't all contemporaries be like this?!?!? Seriously. Loved this.
October 1, 2012
I remember not being sure how I was going to like this one...as it seems to always be with a new Sarah Mayberry book. The dynamic between Jake and Poppy does not start out all rainbows and sunshine to say the least... But you really get a look into who each of them are...and then so much happens to just sort of twist them around together and make them see each other in a different light...and you root for them. There's always something about the characters that just makes them shine...you don't like everything about them, but you understand them anyways...they seem real. I keep saying that for all her books, but I just don't know how else to describe it.
October 7, 2012
ahh seriously, another good book from my favourite author Sarah Mayberry. Seriously, her stories are not just about hot, sexy, steamy scenes (though she really nails these scenes), there's more to it and I like it. I like how she develops her characters' feelings from something casual at first to feeling it real later on. It always isn't rushed for her characters to develop the "love". They work on it and they discover it gradually. I always enjoy Sarah Mayberry's writing and her plot.
January 8, 2010
Very moving and incredibly sexy. I loved that the heroine gave as good as she got, in the office and in the bedroom. The hero started out being a jerk but made up for it very nicely. I thought Jake & Poppy were wonderful together.
I see what all the fuss is about with this author. Intend to look for her backlist.
I see what all the fuss is about with this author. Intend to look for her backlist.
November 24, 2010
An injured former medal-winning swimmer takes a job writing a sports column at a magazine where one of her favorite writers also works. But why does he seem to hate her so much? Stranded after a business trip culminates in an airline strike, they must drive back home together **cue porno music**. But he wants no strings. Can she deal with this?
December 30, 2012
This was an enjoyable enemies-to-lovers. I actually really enjoyed the back story of the heroine being a former Olympic swimmer who takes a job as a sports journalist. It provided some realism for their original antagonism. I would've preferred longer on the "enemies" section--but I suppose that's a very delicate balance, since you don't want the hero to seem like a total jerkwad.
April 3, 2013
This story has an unusual setting: both protagonists are reporters for a sports magazine: while the hero is a top-notch reporter and writer, the heroine is a former athlete and a newbie in the team. She admires him immensely; he hates her guts because he thinks she's got an undeserved chance.
"Her Secret Fling" is another wonderful from-adversaries-to-lovers story from Sarah Mayberry.
"Her Secret Fling" is another wonderful from-adversaries-to-lovers story from Sarah Mayberry.
October 11, 2011
Good steamy romance about a couple that must overcome sad situations & his chauvinism. After shoulder injury, famous swimmer Poppy takes a job as sports writer but experienced star reporter & author Jake doesn't think she deserves the job.
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