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The Spencer Brooks Diaries
Our Little Secret
Spencer Brooks was the most attractive man I'd ever laid eyes on.
He was also my father's best friend.
That alone should have said he was off limits, but what could one night really hurt?
He was also my father's best friend.
That alone should have said he was off limits, but what could one night really hurt?
- GenresContemporaryNovella
83 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2022
About the author
S.L. Sterling
39 books3,508 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs.
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
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An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.
When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
Amazon: https://geni.us/SterlingAmazon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hearomance
Instagram: https://geni.us/SLSterlingInstagram
Twitter: https://geni.us/SLSterlingTwitter
Bookbub: https://geni.us/SLSterlingBookbub
Sterlings Silver Sapphires: https://geni.us/SapphiresReaderGroup
Newsletter Signup: https://geni.us/GRNewsletterSignUp
Goodreads: https://geni.us/SterlingGoodreads
Tiktok: https://geni.us/slsterlingtiktok
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 7, 2022
The couple: Spencer and Ainsley
Romance trope: age gap
Series: The Spencer Brooks Diaries
Length: 390 locations
Plot: Ainsley has a crush on her dad's best friend, who is also the dad of the little girl she babysits for. He owns a dating app and she finds out his profile name and starts messaging him. He eventually figures out it's her and they start a secret affair.
Commentary: This was a super short story that had potential, but I'm not a big fan of serials. If a story is this short (and the ones after it too ), I prefer one volume. I don't mind novellas or even short stories, but serials bother me. It seems a waste to have the story stop and start so many times.
I did like the dating app aspect of the story - it was fun watching them figure out who each other was.
Next book in the series: Our Little Surprise
Romance trope: age gap
Series: The Spencer Brooks Diaries
Length: 390 locations
Plot: Ainsley has a crush on her dad's best friend, who is also the dad of the little girl she babysits for. He owns a dating app and she finds out his profile name and starts messaging him. He eventually figures out it's her and they start a secret affair.
Commentary: This was a super short story that had potential, but I'm not a big fan of serials. If a story is this short (and the ones after it too ), I prefer one volume. I don't mind novellas or even short stories, but serials bother me. It seems a waste to have the story stop and start so many times.
I did like the dating app aspect of the story - it was fun watching them figure out who each other was.
Next book in the series: Our Little Surprise
June 28, 2022
Loved this one, the characters were fantastic, they had great chemistry. Loved that Ainsley and Spencer felt the same way about one another, and we really enjoyed them getting to know one another with playful banter, fun and flirty texts without really knowing for sure who was on the receiving end of the text messages it made things exciting and forbidden kind of way.
From the moment we met Ainsley we felt she had an old soul and perhaps that is why she did not feel comfortable around people her own age when it came to dating. Looking forward to seeing how their secret affair pans out but, one thing for sure, we will be rooting for them as sometimes age doesn't matter if you have found your soul mate.
One thing I know for sure is, not matter how things end up for this couple, I have a feeling that Ainsley's dad is going to regret the advice he ever gave Spencer when it comes to moving on. Grins.
From the moment we met Ainsley we felt she had an old soul and perhaps that is why she did not feel comfortable around people her own age when it came to dating. Looking forward to seeing how their secret affair pans out but, one thing for sure, we will be rooting for them as sometimes age doesn't matter if you have found your soul mate.
One thing I know for sure is, not matter how things end up for this couple, I have a feeling that Ainsley's dad is going to regret the advice he ever gave Spencer when it comes to moving on. Grins.
July 4, 2022
Our little secret is a deliciously sexy short read.
Ainsley has had a crush on her next door neighbour for a long time. Tue thing is that he is 20 years older than her and her dad’s best friend. When they start chatting to one another via a dating app, a lot of lying and sneaking around ensues.
I really enjoyed this book and found it a fun and steamy read. It’s written well and I look forward to the next book in the series. A+
Ainsley has had a crush on her next door neighbour for a long time. Tue thing is that he is 20 years older than her and her dad’s best friend. When they start chatting to one another via a dating app, a lot of lying and sneaking around ensues.
I really enjoyed this book and found it a fun and steamy read. It’s written well and I look forward to the next book in the series. A+
June 18, 2022
OMG - there are seriously no words to express all the reasons I absolutely adored this amazing story so much . Our Little Secret is truly a emotional rollercoaster in every sense of the word . It’s the type of love story you really need to read for yourself to fully appreciate how awesome it is . . Steamy taboo , fathers best friend, forbidden, captivating, angsty , heartbreaking, heartfelt, twist and turns , unforgettable and Unputdownable. Prepare yourself for all the feels and a very late night of reading because once you start both Ainsley and Spencer’s emotional journey I can promise you are going to find it extremely difficult to stop . I can already tell this Is going to be a phenomenal new series
3
3
June 20, 2022
Single dad and a little forbidden? Yes please. Ainsley and Spencer are fire together and I love how the author balances the forbidden with their attraction for each other.
June 21, 2022
I wasn’t sure about the age gap and if I would like it or not. Ainsley starts out at being Spencer’s next door neighbor and baby sitter for his daughter. And he’s friends with Ainsley’s dad. Spencer can’t help the attraction he feels for Ainsley. Such a wonderful hot book
June 19, 2022
I couldn’t put it down and I definitely need more. I can’t wait to see what happens next
June 6, 2022
I wasn’t sure I would like a book about a girl and her dads best friend but WOW! I was definitely wrong! S.L. Sterling definitely changed my mind! Can’t wait to get More of Ainsley and Spencer.
June 4, 2022
ARC read
If you read the first publication this one has more but I caution you it also stops before the other book leaving room for the series to grow. I love the characters so I am good with it. If you have not I recommend reading the series as it’s going to give you so much more.
If you read the first publication this one has more but I caution you it also stops before the other book leaving room for the series to grow. I love the characters so I am good with it. If you have not I recommend reading the series as it’s going to give you so much more.
June 5, 2022
This one was steamy taboo and oh so yummy I can't wait for more of Ainsley and Spencer !
Definitely a yummy must read 📚
Definitely a yummy must read 📚
June 19, 2022
This is the first in a new series, and this is Spencer and Ainsley’s journey. Spencer is Ainsley’s dads’ best friend, neighbor, and the dad of a little girl that she babysits for. This is a well written story which is a quick read, emotional roller coaster, and an age gap forbidden romance, with angst, heartbreak, twists, and love, which leads to a heartfelt and compelling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Enticing Journey Book Promotions and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Enticing Journey Book Promotions and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2022
I love to read books by S L Sterling. Our Little Secret is the first book in this series. It's about Ainsley and her dad's best friend Spencer. Ainsley is a next-door neighbor to Spencer and is his baby sitter for his daughter. Who doesn't have a huge crush on the older hottie next door. Well, that is definitely Ainsley for sure. Sometimes age doesn't matter if you have found your soul mate. I can't wait to read the next one in the series. This book left me wanting MORE!!! Keep up the great work!
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
July 16, 2022
Quick read! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. I love to read books by S L Sterling. Our Little Secret is the first book in this series. It's about Ainsley and her dad's best friend Spencer. Ainsley is a next-door neighbor to Spencer and is his baby sitter for his daughter. Who doesn't have a huge crush on the older hottie next door. Well, that is definitely Ainsley for sure. Sometimes age doesn't matter if you have found your soul mate. I can't wait to read the next one in the series. This book left me wanting MORE!!! Keep up the great work!
July 12, 2022
Review by: Jennifer
(4 Stars)
Ainsley has a huge crush on her neighbor, Spencer. Spencer is not only her neighbor, but he happens to be friends with her dad, she babysits his daughter, and he has just hired her to be his secretary. Despite all that, she ends up secretly chatting with him on an app and things get super spicy. What will happen when Spencer finds out just who Babygirl is?
This was a super quick lunch time read. There could have been so much more to this story but as it was intended for an anthology the author didn't really dig deep to give us more. What we did get kept me glued to the pages, super steamy naughty bits, the whole taboo factor; I loved it. I do give this 4 stars as I did expect more.
(4 Stars)
Ainsley has a huge crush on her neighbor, Spencer. Spencer is not only her neighbor, but he happens to be friends with her dad, she babysits his daughter, and he has just hired her to be his secretary. Despite all that, she ends up secretly chatting with him on an app and things get super spicy. What will happen when Spencer finds out just who Babygirl is?
This was a super quick lunch time read. There could have been so much more to this story but as it was intended for an anthology the author didn't really dig deep to give us more. What we did get kept me glued to the pages, super steamy naughty bits, the whole taboo factor; I loved it. I do give this 4 stars as I did expect more.
June 27, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Spencer Brooks was the most attractive man I'd ever laid eyes on. He was not only our neighbor and the father to the little girl I babysat for, but he was also my father's best friend. All of those reasons combined should have said he was totally off-limits, but my desire for him was too strong. After all, what could one night really hurt?
This story was published in the Take Me To Bed Anthology. It does have added content and is a great little story.
I am all for a forbidden romance and father's best friend is just to yummy not to read. This is the story of Ainsley who is the next door neighbor and baby sitter for Spencer's daughter. He is her father's best friend. However that doesn't stop the attraction that he feels for Ainsley. This book is taboo and has an age gap. It is an emotional rollercoaster that is so worth reading. I loved every single second of it.
Spencer Brooks was the most attractive man I'd ever laid eyes on. He was not only our neighbor and the father to the little girl I babysat for, but he was also my father's best friend. All of those reasons combined should have said he was totally off-limits, but my desire for him was too strong. After all, what could one night really hurt?
This story was published in the Take Me To Bed Anthology. It does have added content and is a great little story.
I am all for a forbidden romance and father's best friend is just to yummy not to read. This is the story of Ainsley who is the next door neighbor and baby sitter for Spencer's daughter. He is her father's best friend. However that doesn't stop the attraction that he feels for Ainsley. This book is taboo and has an age gap. It is an emotional rollercoaster that is so worth reading. I loved every single second of it.
July 3, 2022
This was a fantastic story with a great forbidden element to it. It was a relatively quick story to read but it was also a very addictive one. I read this start to finish in one go. It had everything you want in a fantastic story.
June 23, 2022
Our Little Secret is a happy for now age gap romance. Now, I’m pretty sure I’ve read this story before and that tracks, because at the end of the book the author states it was previously published as part of a collection. As I was reading this version of the story, I could remember the initial version and I really like them both.
I am definitely a fan of an age gap romance. I think Spencer and Ainsley are good together as a couple. I love that Ainsley already has a relationship with Spencer’s daughter. I’m waiting though for the next part, Our Little Surprise, as I think S. L. Sterling gave us a few hints at what happens next. 🤩
I am definitely a fan of an age gap romance. I think Spencer and Ainsley are good together as a couple. I love that Ainsley already has a relationship with Spencer’s daughter. I’m waiting though for the next part, Our Little Surprise, as I think S. L. Sterling gave us a few hints at what happens next. 🤩
June 25, 2022
The neighbor next door. Everybody has one. But not like this one!
This story is all about the neighbor next door. Or maybe it’s about the girl next door. I guess it depends on your point of view, like which window you are looking out of.
OUR LITTLE SECRET has steam, a few laughs, a couple of suspenseful moments, heat, some tenderness, and then there is the sizzle. In the end, I think it’s safe to say that love—or something like it--wins. But it was a tough battle.
This story is all about the neighbor next door. Or maybe it’s about the girl next door. I guess it depends on your point of view, like which window you are looking out of.
OUR LITTLE SECRET has steam, a few laughs, a couple of suspenseful moments, heat, some tenderness, and then there is the sizzle. In the end, I think it’s safe to say that love—or something like it--wins. But it was a tough battle.
June 27, 2022
What's not to like with older sexy single dad Spencer and younger sweet Ainsley. This is a sweet romance that had its ups and downs until later in the story and Ainsley loved Spencer's little daughter which makes this such a great story. Can not wait for the next one.
June 20, 2022
Our Little Secret was a short but great taboo romance.
Age gap, fathers best friend story.
Ainsley is twenty and has a crush on her fathers best friend Spencer. When she discovers her feelings are reciprocated they embark on a secret romance.
A book that I really enjoyed except it has quite an abrupt ending so I'm looking forward to book 2.
Age gap, fathers best friend story.
Ainsley is twenty and has a crush on her fathers best friend Spencer. When she discovers her feelings are reciprocated they embark on a secret romance.
A book that I really enjoyed except it has quite an abrupt ending so I'm looking forward to book 2.
June 21, 2022
Our Little Secret is a forbidden, age gap. Age gaps usually aren't a go to for me, but I loved Spencer and Ainsley. There was lots of forbidden heat and they both had genuine feelings for each other. There is still so much I want to know about their relationship and all the external factors that stand in their way. I can't wait for Our Little Surprise!!
June 20, 2022
what starts out as lusting after an older guy quickly turns into a secret relationship. This book really has a bit of everything, an age gap forbidden romance, father's best friend, single dad...it really has it all, and doesn't feel rushed for as quick of a read as it is.
June 21, 2022
I loved this book. I thought these characters were made for eachother and I love stories with children. This book pulled at my heartstrings and made me fall in love.
June 17, 2022
(ARC REVIEW)
This is my first time reading Ms. Sterling and it won't be my last.
Our little secret is just that. Ainsley has the hots for the next-door neighbor, Spencer, who just happens to be her dad's best friend. While she secretly admires him from afar he does the same. It is a cute little story with wonderful detail that keeps you guessing. Im now hooked and I need to know what happens next.
This is my first time reading Ms. Sterling and it won't be my last.
Our little secret is just that. Ainsley has the hots for the next-door neighbor, Spencer, who just happens to be her dad's best friend. While she secretly admires him from afar he does the same. It is a cute little story with wonderful detail that keeps you guessing. Im now hooked and I need to know what happens next.
June 19, 2022
Our little Secret is a novella prequel to Our Little Surprise. It was a fast read with just enough to peak your interest to see what comes next for Spenser and Ainsley. An age gap, father’s best friend that has you wanting to see where the story goes!
June 17, 2022
Our Little Secret by S.L. Sterling is the first book in The Spencer Brooks Diaries. It's a quick read and tells the start of Ainsley and Spencer's story.
A babygirl and romanticalpha story, entertaining, well written, a short story.
A babygirl and romanticalpha story, entertaining, well written, a short story.
August 16, 2022
Tloved reading this book. I can't wait to read more.
August 24, 2022
I enjoyed this story. It’s written well, and the characters are interesting and complex individuals. I liked the dynamic relationships between the father and his friend and daughter. I had fun reading this story, and I am looking forward to reading more stories by S. L. Sterling.
5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.
4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.
3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.
2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.
1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.
4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.
3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.
2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.
1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2022
This is book one in The Spencer Brooks Diaries series and it is Spencer and Ainsley's story. Winslet is due to intern at Spencer's company for the summer but she also wants him with a passion despite there are difference, being next door neighbours and her dad's best friend. Spencer has wanted Ainsley for a long time but can't do anything about it as he has a vicious ex wife, best friend's with Ainsley's dad, they have a big age difference and Ainsley also babysit for his daughter and that could cause big problems but it is getting more difficult to keep his distance. When they realise that they have been messaging each other on a dating app things start to get more complicated when they start to see each other in secret but what will happens if they are discovered and there secret revealed. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen next and I can't wait to read the next book. The connection and chemistry between Spencer and Ainsley was so hot, strong and intense that you could feel it sizzling off the pages of this book and it was so well written and totally addictive and what a cliff hanger ending. I definitely recommend you read this book but remember that it is not a standalone book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
July 25, 2022
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 💣💣 Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Cliffhanger? Not really. More a HFN.
Do I recommend? ✅️
Tropes: age-gap, taboo, single dad, father's best friend
Spencer Brooks was Ainsley's incredibly hot neighbor and she babysat for his daughter. He's also her dad's best friend. There are many reasons she should steer clear but the desire between them was entirely too strong to ignore and neither could or even wanted to resist.
This was such a fun and really hot read. I love any forbidden romance. Despite the huge age difference, it was still clear that they belonged together. It ended pretty abrupt. I really hope that we get more in the future. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💣💣 Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Cliffhanger? Not really. More a HFN.
Do I recommend? ✅️
Tropes: age-gap, taboo, single dad, father's best friend
Spencer Brooks was Ainsley's incredibly hot neighbor and she babysat for his daughter. He's also her dad's best friend. There are many reasons she should steer clear but the desire between them was entirely too strong to ignore and neither could or even wanted to resist.
This was such a fun and really hot read. I love any forbidden romance. Despite the huge age difference, it was still clear that they belonged together. It ended pretty abrupt. I really hope that we get more in the future. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews