Romance novel 90s (I think) where the hero, who possibly owns a construction company with his best friend, is hiding a secret. Spoiler.

[Lara]

Hero in this book maybe owns a construction company or something like that. He is in business with his best friend and that is the only person who knows he can't read. The hero can do enough to sign contracts but pretty much nothing else. He hides it from the heroine. No idea how they meet. I do know that the woman was getting ready for some big party. She was dressed up in a gown. He finally tells her ( I think maybe he was proposing). And she is furious because she feels like he lied to her. She storms off and the hero's best friend confronts her. He says something about how she was leaving him. He's mad because she is leaving the hero because he can't read. Possibly it's just the same thing that happened the last time the hero told a woman. She says how she is leaving because the hero lied, not because he can't read. The best friend says that it isn't how the hero will see it. She goes back. HEA>

[Kris]

Lara, what's the location of this contemporary? romance - U.S./country, big city/small town/region?

Do you learn early on that the hero is illiterate - or is it revealed at the end?

Can you tell us more about the heroine - her job, hobbies, family/friends, etc.?

[Lara]

I think it's in a city and I think he might own a construction company. It is in US but I'm not sure if it's a major city or just a regular city.
The reveal is pretty close to the end. She is going to leave him but the best friend changes her mind.
I've got nothing on the heroine. It's a long shot but I was hoping someone maybe recognized it. Sorry that I don't have more.

[Kris]

Thanks Lara. I edited the topic header to hide what appears to be a spoiler. (view spoiler)[The hero cannot read. (hide spoiler)]

[Lara]

Oh, good call! I didn't even think of that! Thank yoU!

[Juels]

(view spoiler)[ Perfection by R.L. Mathewson (hide spoiler)] is similar since the hero is dyslexic and works for his uncle's construction company. However, it is too recent. I'll keep looking for a better match.

[Lara]

I dont think that's the one I'm looking for, but i am definitely reading that! Thanks!!!

[Brittany]

I'm almost positive I've read this it sounds so familiar. Is it possible the hero co-owned a shipping company? Think ocean freighter shipping. I believe they had a warehouse by docks and the employees didn't know he couldn't read, either, just his business partner/best friend. I want to say the heroine started working for them and that's how they meet, but I'm not positive. I remember it was a soft cover book less than 300 pgs long by a female author. Does any of that sound familiar? I hope I'm not mixing anyone up.

[Lara]

That could definitely be possible! And I read a ton of Harlequin type books, so the less than 300 pages female author sounds right. I couldn't remember how the lady met him, so maybe that's right that she started working for them. Thanks!

[Brittany]

I hope gets solved soon...I'd like to find it myself now that I'm reminded of it! :)

[Aerulan]

Maybe take a look at Dreams of Her Own?

[Lara]

That book sounds good but too recent. My book is definitely older. I'm guessing 90s but could be 80s or 00s.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Lara, are you still looking for this or did you find it?

[Lara]

Never did find it.

[Amber (Daisymau)]

This book?

Moonlight and Shadows by Glenna McReynolds

[Lara]

NO idea but I'm going to check it out. Thanks!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Still looking now?