One Small Secret: A Gift Wrapped Romance by Esther Hatch-Rom Com Book Review

 Book Summary

Ruben Palmer is on every woman’s Christmas wish list. Except mine.

I grew up with him and bested him in practically everything we did together–debate, grades, mini-golf, you name it. So I’ve built an immunity to his boy-next-door charm. Sure, sometimes I might accidentally type his name into my search engine, but his dimples, hotel empire and thirst-trap photos don’t tempt me. I’ve got my sights set on earning my way to the top of the Palmer Hotel empire, and nothing is going to get in my way.

Until my step-sister leaves her secret toddler with me before skipping town for three months. Now suddenly everyone thinks he’s mine, and instead of powering my way to the top, I’m struggling to not get fired. And instead of Ruben staying on the executive floor where he belongs, he’s invading my apartment, breaking dates with starlets, and looking disappointed that I decided to settle down with anyone except him.

But I know Ruben, and Ruben doesn’t settle down. So there's no way I’m giving him my heart. Not even for Christmas.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bowker (November 2, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 216 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1736747843

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

One Small Secret was such a cute Christmas book. It's very rare for me to like both main characters from the start. Ruben and Cadence grow on you even more as the story progresses. I loved the concept of them being friends almost all their lives. There is something extra special about two people who have known each other all of their lives and falling in love. 

This novel is all about misunderstandings, celebrity crush, fake dating, a cute baby named Axley, and second-chance romance. Many moments keep you smiling because of the witty dialogue. There are also moments of kissing that light up the room. The end of the book had one of my favorite scenes that included a little black dress, a handsome man in a tuxedo, and a New Year's Eve dance that makes your heart melt.

I have to say, I was very impressed with Author Esther Hatch's first foray into contemporary romance. This clean swoony romance is the perfect thing to read on a cold winter's night. 

****Meet Author Esther Hatch****

Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. Visit her at estherhatch.com.

~*~*~*~*Purchase One Small Secret~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://amzn.to/3uJ6VG0

Kindle-https://amzn.to/4a1kbpo

**One Small Secret is inspired by the classic films, Bachelor Mother and Bundle of Joy, and is part of the Gift-Wrapped Romance series. All five cozy Christmas novels can be read in any order.

Cabin Crush by Kasey Stockton

Merry Kismet by Anneka R. Walker

Solo for the Season by Martha Keyes

One Small Secret by Esther Hatch

Jingle Bell Jilt by Mindy Burbidge Strunk