When one unforgettable night…
Leads to a whole new life…
When Jared Sotheby arrives in Peak, Virginia, to search for his identity—and his Filipino roots—he doesn’t anticipate an instant connection with a stunning woman he meets on his first night in town. And he certainly doesn’t expect her to be managing the B & B owned by the biological family he’s searching for!
One passionate night aside, Matilda Matthews needs a cook, and Jared, a chef, needs a way in. She’ll give him the job if he keeps his identity a secret—for now. Their subterfuge quickly grows complicated as Jared yearns for a connection—not only with his family, but also with the once-bitten Matilda. But first he’ll have to convince her to let a younger man into her heart…
About The Author
My Review
In “It Started With a Secret,” Tif Marcelo introduces Jared, a character whose journey begins with a revelation: he’s the product of a one-night stand, and his father has recently passed away. As we follow Jared from Louisville to the town where his late father’s widow and daughters live, we see him join their family business—a bed-and-breakfast that has just lost its chef. Jared, being a chef himself, steps into the role, but he keeps his true identity hidden from the family. During his early days in town, he meets Matilda, and they quickly hit it off. Despite Matilda’s hesitation due to their age difference—Jared is ten years older—their chemistry is undeniable, and they end up hooking up after a night at the bar.
Tif Marcelo takes on a heavy premise with a light touch, avoiding the potential heaviness that could have overshadowed the developing romance between Jared and Matilda. Instead of focusing solely on the weight of Jared’s secret, the story remains centered on the evolving relationship between the characters. It’s a beautifully told tale of two people finding love, meeting halfway, and dealing with the challenge of revealing a life-changing secret.
My Rating
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