Book 63, 2023

The Secret by May Archer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Over the course of 24 hours, I powered through The Secret by May Archer. This is the third part of her "Love in O'Leary" series of male/male romance. Main characters in this one are Micah Bloom, new to O'Leary and trying to establish a floral business, and Constantine Ross, whose family is established in O'Leary, along with their business, Ross Landscape and Flowers.

Con is struggling. His old car just died, and money is tight. He works for the family business without pay, still trying to make amends for something rash and stupid he did in his teens that nearly lost his family everything. Con has no way to pay for a new car...until Micah Bloom, his family's biggest competition, offers him a job. Constantine would like to say no just on principle, but he really does need a paying gig, and Micah is easy on the eyes.

Micah isn't as interested in local business as he is in getting established in the area, which is a wedding destination. That's where the real money lies. Nevertheless, he gamely sets up a booth each Saturday at the farmer's market, where he has to put up with Constantine Ross' antics across the aisle. Con is charming, irritating, and too damned gorgeous for Micah's peace of mind. When he learns his nemesis needs a job, Micah offers to hire him. He could use the help, and he knows Con needs the money. Now, if only he can keep his mind on his business and not on Constantine.

This was a sweet, funny story. I love how Con and Micah bickered. Con can't not wind Micah up any chance he gets, and the two of them dancing around their attraction to one another was epic. It was heartwarming to see them learning more about each other and thus understanding each other better. As always, other characters add a lot to the story, from Con's family (whom we're familiar with from The Gift) to Micah's impudent twin sisters and his unicorn-loving niece. Of course, there are some misunderstandings and hurt feelings, but O'Leary has a way of smoothing the path to true love. Amazing!

( Favorite lines )

Lovely story, start to finish. Five stars!