Secret Kisses

The Sterling Brothers, Book 3

By: Layla Hagen

Narrated by: Emma Wilder, Stephen Dexter Dexter

I don’t give a damn what people say about me. I’m successful and confident—one of San Diego’s youngest CEOs.

But when my womanizer rep costs me a major business deal, I’ve got a problem.

One of my brothers suggests a fake girlfriend. Ridiculous. Then I spot the perfect opportunity. At a bar, I overhear a stunning blonde getting utterly humiliated by her ex—who casually informs her he dumped her to marry someone else. What an idiot.

She looks like she needs rescuing. So, I sit at their table and kiss her like I’ve done it a million times. After the jerk bails, I make her a deal: be my fake date for one business dinner.

Phoebe agrees.

It should’ve been simple, but the dinner turns into a weekend at a beach house. One bedroom. Too much wine. One unforgettable night. The next morning, she tries to pretend it didn’t happen.

Phoebe is nothing like the women I usually date. She’s hardworking, has a sharp sense of humor, and she’s the most selfless person I’ve met. That’s why I want more.

I just have to prove that there’s more to me than she thinks. I’m close to my family. I spoil my nephew. I’m ready to change. Phoebe is still hurting and wants to play it safe. But I won’t give up. Because this fake relationship is starting to feel very real.

©2025 Layla Hagen (P)2025 Layla Hagen

Griffin and Phoebe

5 ⭐ 3 🌶️ 5 🎧

I love these brothers so dang much. Griffin was everything I loved about the reformed playboy trope and Phoebe was so sweet and perfect for him. The spice was amazing and the storyline was so much fun, I absolutely loved this one.

I really enjoyed the investor plot and how it ended. I feel like these usually end differently and it was nice to see how Layla handled the consequences and fallout of their actions. I also freaking loved the family aspect, both of their parents were incredible and I just adore Griffin's siblings and in laws. The ending was super cute to boot and has me so excited for what's next in the Sterling family.

The audio was fantastic. Emma Wilder and Stephen Dexter are two of my favorites and they did such a wonderful job with these characters. I loved this listen. Thank you so much to Must Love Audio for the advanced copy!

Feel good romance

This was just what I was looking for. It was a sweet romantic book without angst.

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧Charming & Heartfelt!

Layla Hagen puts her own unique spin on the fake dating trope, and I loved everything about it, from her wonderful writing style to the fabulous characters and storylines she created, to the perfectly cast narrators who brings it all to life from the pages to your ears. This third book in the series is Griffin and Phoebe’s story, and it stands on its own, though there are crossover characters from the earlier books, while knowing their backstories adds some depth, everything you need to know is in the descriptive details. You can not help but love the camaraderie among the Sterling brothers, their solid relationships and the witty dialogue and banter between them, which balances out their serious business conversations and matters. Griffin was looking for a new business venture to invest in, a dating app, but not an ordinary one, but when he speaks to the creator of the app, he does not think Griffin is a good fit. Griffin has a reputation of being a player and never wanting to settle down. After the meeting, he sits at the bar of the trendy restaurant he had his meeting, and he overhears the conversation the two women next to him were having. Phoebe was heartbroken when her long-term boyfriend, she was meeting him that night and wanted her friend, Veronica, nearby for support, Veronica did better than that, got Griffin, who volunteered to pretend to be Phoebe’s boyfriend, went over and interrupted the meeting with her ex. The plan worked like a charm, causing her ex to get frazzled and go on his not so merry way. That was not the last he would see of Phoebe, and since he saved her from having to deal with her ex, she offered to help him, to be his fake girlfriend so he could give another go at acquiring the investment he wants. Griffin knows she is a forever type of girl, but she made it clear she was not looking for any type of commitment or relationship, so he accepted her offer. It was wonderful to see their relationship morph into something so much more, and I thought they were great together and for each other. I loved all the layers of this beautifully plotted story and how everything unfolded, with the perfect balance of drama, a touch of angst, heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. Layla Hagen, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧Stephen Dexter and Emma Wilder did a fabulous job voicing and portraying the characters. They fully embodied their roles, grasping every aspect of their character’s personality, and were believable in every role, especially as the two leads, Griffin and Phoebe. These two are a fantastic pairing, with voices and talent that complement each other and an enthralling performance that keeps you glued to the story. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

Unlikely pair

I loved this book. I think Layla out did herself on this one. The narration was awesome. Griffin was truly enamored with Phoebe. As hard as he tried, he cannot get her out of his mind. Phoebe was haunted by her last relationship and brought her baggage into a new relationship. However, Griffin loved her through it all. I read this book in one sitting and I listened to it in one day. Layla is a fantastic writer and I can’t wait for the next one to come out in this series. I recommend this book. It is truly a good book. I was hooked on this book from the moment I started with chapter 1 until to the end.

This is very good!!

I absolutely love these books. Every single one of them is well written, about a small town with families that make you want to know more about every one!

Also love these narrators! They did a great job with all the characters!!