coming summer 2025
one summer, one secret
After a brutal breakup and a serious case of “what am I doing with my life?”, Clairy Reynolds escapes to her family’s lake house for the summer, hoping some fresh air and quiet mornings will heal her broken heart. She’s not looking for romance—she’s looking for peace, a few good books, and maybe a margarita or three.
Enter Nate Donovan, the local handyman with a smile that could melt an iceberg and eyes that say he’s been through a thing or two. Clairy feels an instant connection with him, despite the fact that he’s clearly hiding something. He’s charming, sure, but there’s an air of mystery around him that leaves her both intrigued… and a little hesitant.
As their summer fling starts turning into something more, Clairy has to ask herself if she’s ready to face not only Nate’s secrets but her own lingering fears about love and trust. Because when the truth finally comes out, she’ll have to decide if their connection is strong enough to weather the storm—or if it’s time to walk away for good.
With equal parts heart and humor, One Summer, One Secret is a swoon-worthy tale about love, healing, and finding the courage to dive in, even when the water’s a little murky.
setting:
lakeside small town
trope:
fake relationship
heat level:
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
fun facts & romance tidbits
The idea for One Summer, One Secret came from my fascination with summer getaways and the sense of escape they bring. I wanted to capture that magical feeling of a seaside town where anything seems possible, mixed with the intrigue of two people hiding pieces of their past. There’s something captivating about finding love while uncovering secrets, especially when the setting is as dreamy as a beach house in the height of summer.
Nate Donovan is charismatic, ruggedly handsome, with a quiet intensity. Nate is kind and generous, but there’s a guardedness about him, especially when it comes to talking about his past. He feels undeserving of happiness and keeps people at arm’s length to protect himself from getting hurt—or hurting others
Second Chance Romance
Fake relationship– Clairy and Nate hide up a fake relationship to keep nosy locals off their backs. But as they spend more time together, the line between pretending and real feelings starts to blur. What begins as a harmless ruse to dodge prying eyes quickly becomes a whirlwind of genuine connection and undeniable attraction.
A quaint, town called Echo Lake, known for its quiet charm, small local businesses, and stunning shoreline. The town’s residents are close-knit, giving the heroine an escape from the bustling city life she left behind. The lake house, a beautiful cottage nestled among the trees, becomes the heroine’s retreat—and the place where she starts to uncover her feelings and the hero’s secrets.
With a three-pepper heat level, One Summer, One Secret turns up the romance, blending tender moments with sizzling chemistry that will leave you lightly fanning yourself—and wanting more.
The lakeside setting in One Summer, One Secret is inspired by my favorite summer escapes—picture cozy cabins, the sparkle of water at dusk, and fireflies lighting up warm evenings.
want a free love story?
Ready for a cozy love story that’ll make your heart skip a beat? Grab your free copy of Meet-Cute Café, where sparks fly over lattes and unexpected romance brews between a small-town baker and her new (and very charming) neighbor. Sign up now and escape into a sweet, feel-good romance that’s sure to warm you up!
