Being butler to a widower and single father is a dream job in more ways than one for Charlotte “Charlie” Emerson. She helps keep businessman Ethan Archer’s household running without a hitch and enjoys every minute she has with his six-year-old son, Wells. But as time passes, the situation feels alarmingly intimate and when her heart starts beating faster each time Ethan steps through the door, … Charlie must exert rigid control over her feelings.
With her secret, falling in love would be all kinds of bad…
Ethan Archer values the woman who keeps his life in order and cares so much for his motherless boy. He and Charlie act in harmony with each other and it’s not hard to picture them as a little family…in fact, it’s so easy, one reckless night he proposes a marriage of convenience.
What will he do if Charlie says yes? And worse, what if she tells him no?
Also available in the series:
Take Me Tender (Billionaire’s Beach Book 1)
Take Me Forever (Billionaire’s Beach Book 2)
Take Me Home (Billionaire’s Beach Book 3)
The Scandal (Billionaire’s Beach Book 4)
The Seduction (Billionaire’s Beach Book 5)
About the Author
Christie Ridgway is the author of over 50 novels of contemporary romance. All her books are both sexy and emotional and tell about heroes and heroines who learn to believe in the power of love. A USA Today bestseller, Christie is a six-time RITA finalist and has won best contemporary romance of the year and career achievement awards from Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A native of California, Christie now resides in the southern part of the state with her family. Inspired by the beaches, mountains, and cities that surround her, she writes tales of sunny days and steamy nights.
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Christie Ridgeway has done it again. She has taken a traditionally male career, a butler & turned it around. Charlotte “Charlie” Emerson keeps widower Ethan Archer’s household running like clockwork. She’s even taken on the extra duties of nanny to Ethan’s son, Wells. She has become an integral part of their little family. That would all change if her secret comes out.
Ethan enjoys the order & peace that Charlie & her organizing skills bring to his life. He’s had a hole in his life since his wife died & Charlie is slowly beginning to fill it. He didn’t consciously change the way he looked at her & her role in their life but it grew on him. Could this be love? Could he open his heart again?
I really enjoyed these characters, especially Wells! He adds a depth & dimension to the story that enhances its effect on your emotions. Several of the characters from previous books make an appearance so the reader gets a glimpse into how their lives are progressing. While this is a part of a series, it can be easily read as a standalone since the stage is set in the first chapter. Ms. Ridgeway does an excellent job of describing Charlie’s emotions & actions so that you feel like you are there with them. The chemistry is hot, almost out of control & definitely not behind closed doors. The emotional intensity during those scenes was perfectly expressed. I would recommend this to anyone who loves single father romances, hot sex & some dirty talk.
I cried, I loved, and I couldn’t put down The Secret by Christie Ridgway, book 6 in the Billionaire’s Beach series. In this story we meet Charlotte, “Charlie”, Emerson who worked as butler and nanny for widower Ethan Archer and his son Wells. Ethan has taken over his dad’s real estate business where he kept busy in order to forget about the lost of his wife, his one love. Charlie loves working near her butler friends and taking caring of the men in the Archer family. Ethan starts to worry about who would take care of Wells if anything should happen to him and realizes that he needs Charlie as a practical partner, not love, in marriage. There is a definite attraction between the two but a huge secret from Charlie’s past could destroy what these two have forged. Two things I loved about this story was the inclusion of the other two butlers and their men from the last two books in this series. I also loved having Skye Alexander from Beach House No. 9 be a part of this wonderful story.
Ms. Ridgway is a wonderful story teller and wove a wonderful tale in this book. Her characters are relatable, her writing is descriptive and this story was downright sexy. Every time I pick up her newest book thinking she can’t improve on the last one, yet she does, again and again. Christie’s books tend to grab me, not let go until I turn the last page, and then wanting more. I really enjoyed reading this book, had trouble putting this book down and highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
The Secret is a sweet tale of heated moments and undying love. Charlie and Ethan’s romance is the type that sneaks up and steals away with the heart. With all the pain endured by each, I wanted them to find some happiness. Ms. Ridgway can get inside the head and capture hold of the heart easily and The Secret is evidence of that talent. Another winning story.