Book Review: Secret Crush Seduction (Heirs of Hansol #2)

Secret Crush Seduction was my introduction to the Harlequin Desire line of romance novels. This is the second novel in the Heirs of Hansol series, focusing on Adelaide Song, an aspiring fashion designer who wants to prove to her grandmother (and the world) that she's more than just a pretty, pampered heiress and that she's ready to take her place within the family corporation. She'll need a little help, and Michael Reynolds, her brother's best friend and her childhood crush, will be the perfect partner... and maybe not just for this latest project. 

If you're familiar with my favorite romance tropes, you'll know that my interest is immediately piqued when a summary hints at a romance between our heroine and her brother's best friend. It was definitely the initial draw for me with Secret Crush Seduction! True to form, I did enjoy the romance, especially because I found Adelaide and Michael likable. I was particularly fond of Adelaide, who is smart, passionate and cares so deeply for her loved ones. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the portion of the plot focusing on Adelaide's project, which felt like a great twist on a familiar concept. And I also appreciated the Song family dynamics, including how Michael fits into their family and always has since he was younger.

However, I did find the relationship drama frustrating at times. It relies heavily on lack of communication, which isn't always my favorite trope, and the conflict resolution felt like it happened too quickly after the build-up to it. I also would have liked to see more of Michael with his best friend/Adelaide's brother (though I'm unsure if it actually happens in the first book, which is about said brother). I do think that both these things could have been remedied if the book happened to be a little longer!

Secret Crush Seduction, while not a new personal favorite, delivers on the promise of the Harlequin Desire stories being "a window into the world of the American elite, where the yearning of powerful men and dynamic women heightens as the drama unfolds" (source). The reading experience felt like watching a new romance film on Netflix - fun and dramatic and romantic. I had a lot of fun reading this story, and I'm definitely planning to read the other two books in the series at some point!

Pub Info: September 1, 2020 by Harlequin Desire | Add it on Goodreads | Buy the book!