This was such a good read and I enjoyed it so much.
Lottie’s Little Secret by Debbie Viggiano
Genres: Romantic Comedy

If crime writer Lottie Lucas hadn’t landed a three-book-deal, she’d never have met Ryan. Older, suave, confident, refined Ryan. Or Relic Ryan as bestie Jen calls him.

However, there’s something Lottie hasn’t told Jen. Ryan has an ex-wife – well, Lottie thinks Heather is an ex-wife, and Ryan wouldn’t lie, would he? It’s galling that Heather is still on the scene, and Lottie knows Jen wouldn’t approve.

But Lottie is hugging a bigger secret. This one is something else and, like a nasty spot, it’s threatening to come to a head and cause a mess entirely of Lottie’s own making.

If Jen found out she’d bash Lottie over the head with one of her size sevens, and if Ryan caught wind – well, that would be an entirely different scenario.

So, when an opportunity arises to escape to Cornwall, Lottie grabs it like a drowning person clutching a lifebuoy. A change of location seems like the perfect solution to both issues. But Lottie is about to discover that secrets have a habit of catching up with you – and this one is tracking her like a supersonic missile…

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review

My first foray into the literary world crafted by Debbie Viggiano left me utterly captivated, and I find myself now firmly hooked on her storytelling prowess. “Lottie’s Little Secret” is far more than your run-of-the-mill romantic comedy; it’s a tapestry of emotions that had me alternating between uproarious laughter and heart-rending frustration.

While the novel boasts all the quintessential elements of a romcom—love in the air, the classic tale of the wrong boy and the right one, and, of course, the requisite happily-ever-after—there’s a profound undercurrent that gripped me from the very beginning. This additional layer, one that stoked both my empathy and indignation, elevates the narrative to extraordinary heights.

Lottie’s journey, marred by financial abuse inflicted upon her by her first husband, left me seething with anger. Viggiano’s ability to provoke such a visceral reaction through her writing is a testament to her skill as an author. It creates a depth to Lottie’s character that had me passionately rooting for her throughout the book. I couldn’t help but wonder how I would have reacted if I were in Lottie’s shoes, subjected to the asset-draining ordeal she endured.

To complement this tumultuous journey, Lottie’s newfound love interest presents an enigmatic blend of affection and uncertainty, leaving readers with a tantalizing mystery to unravel.

The novel’s setting, a picturesque village where Lottie finds refuge after her tumultuous marriage, is a character in itself. It exudes charm and intrigue, complete with a cantankerous feline resident and the obligatory village gossip. Lottie’s friend, Jen, who resides nearby, plays a pivotal role in the narrative, guiding Lottie at a critical juncture, albeit with the candid bluntness that only true friends can muster.

Lottie’s transformation is a revelation, especially considering her age of 48. The book chronicles her inspiring journey toward self-assertion and empowerment. Celebrating the presence of a mature female protagonist, I found myself fervently applauding Lottie’s resilience.

The story climaxes during their romantic sojourn—a love escape that unfolds against the backdrop of a captivating castle. It’s a setting that serves as the stage for dramatic peaks and valleys, a testament to Viggiano’s talent for crafting emotionally charged narratives.

And what of Lottie’s little secret, you ask? To be honest, when the revelation unfolded, it didn’t strike me as earth-shattering. However, it injected yet another layer of entertainment into the story, serving as the final brushstroke on a masterfully painted canvas.

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