Secret Admirer Pact

February 05, 2024

Secret Admirer Pact

by Bernadette Marie

GENRE: Romance

When Will seeks to rekindle a flame with his ex-girlfriend, his best friend Monique reluctantly suggests a plan involving secret admirer notes to divert his ex’s attention. In a surprising turn, Monique finds herself infatuated with her new boss, prompting Will to reciprocate with anonymous tokens of affection. However, as the deceptive game unfolds, both Monique and Will come to realize that the heartfelt sentiments expressed in the secret admirer notes were their own true feelings. So, what happens if the plan works? What happens if it doesn’t?

Enjoy an Excerpt:

First, I need coffee. I push back from my desk and pick up my coffee cup. The coffee in it is cold, so I head out of my office to refill it. As I turn the corner to the break room, I wave at Val who catches my attention, and then I crash into a hard body. Coffee splashes up and out of my cup. It’s cold against my chest as it soaks through my blouse. But there are drops of hot coffee too, and I notice as my new boss jumps back. He’s holding his coffee mug out to the side, but wincing because his hand is covered in hot liquid.

“Oh my god!” I shout as our bodies separate.

My blouse is soaked. His tie and shirt are wet as well, and there’s coffee on his suit jacket.

“I’m so sorry,” he says as he turns back into the break room. He sets his coffee on the counter, turns on the cold water at the sink, and runs his hand under it.

“Are you hurt?” I ask, following him.

“Stings a little. I’m okay,” he says turning off the water and examining his hand.

I set down my mug and reach for the roll of paper towel at the same time he does. Our hands actually slap together, and we each jump back.
I’m not sure which one of us laughed first, because from there, it just became more funny.

About the Author:

Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie writes contemporary romances and believes in Happily Ever After. The married mother of five believes in love at first sight, quick love, and second chances. An avid martial artist, Bernadette Marie is a certified instructor and holds a third degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. She loves Tai Chi, traveling to Disney parks, and having lunch with friends. When not writing, or running her own publishing house, Bernadette is probably immersed in a Rom Com, from which she will often quote one-liners.

Q&A With the Author:

What was your inspiration for writing this book?
I live the Friends to Lovers romance trope in my daily life, having married my BFF turned sweetheart. I’m also a sucker for that trope when I read a good romance. I think that was what I was thinking when I began penning Secret Admirer Pact. Best friends always want the other to have what they want--even if that’s someone else. But usually, there is an underlying string of feelings in that friendship. And when those feelings come to the surface, you just know you’ll have a grand HEA!

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I love writing characters that know each other so well. There is an ease as an author when you don’t have to build the trust and relationship. When you have those kinds of relationships, you can create characters with lots of depth.

Do you have any other books you are working on that you can tell us about?
I actually have three books going at one time. I have two rom-coms in the works as well as a Women’s Fiction /Heavy Romantic Elements in the works as well.

Can you tell us about what you have planned for the future?
My plans for the future are to continue writing, as it is my passion. In May I will release my 58th title, and I have no plans to stop. I also plan to grow my publishing house as well. I work with some amazing authors, and it’s great to see them continue to create wonderful literature.

Anything more you would like to say to your readers and fans? I mostly want to thank my dedicated readers. There is so much joy when you write something and someone falls in love with it. I’m so appreciative of them all.