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Monica and Sean clash at a parent-teacher conference when Monica accuses Sean of being too occupied with making money and chasing women to take a real interest in his son's life. But Sean is no pushover. He knows how to hold his own and deal with Monica, but after the incident at school, he's also come to realize that he can use Monica's devotion to his advantage. He propositions her to move into his home to babysit five-year old Roman for the three months of summer break, offering her a substantial amount of money, hoping that she'll accept. But is babysitting the only reason he's so anxious to get her into his mansion?
Monica accepts his offer against her better judgment, knowing the rumors of Sean and his womanizing ways. She tells herself that she's doing this for Roman - that she can avoid her new, sexy, summer boss - his chiseled chest, pretty green eyes and charm that just won't quit. But after only a few weeks, Monica finds it a struggle to keep her eyes off of Sean. Can she handle staying focused on her babysitting gig for three months without being swept off of her feet by Milwaukee's finest? Or is Sean's game too much for the young, conservative teacher to handle?
Having been heartbroken in the past, Monica is reluctant to play this dangerous game with a confirmed heartbreaker. But it's what she doesn't know about Sean that she should be concerned about. Sean knows her well - too well, and it's those secrets that have the potential to make her love him or hate him.
Secrets On Lake Drive is an emotional story about a woman looking to correct wrongs in her life that could easily be solved by the secrets Sean quietly carries with him. The question is, will he ever care enough to tell her?
Joyce-Oscar
Posted September 26, 2011
HUMOR, ROMANCE,SUSPENSE....Do I really want to keep this book a secret; definitely not. Tina Martin has given us a great read in her novel Secrets on Lake Drive. This humorous and romantic journey of love between Monica Smith and Sean Beauvais had me turning page after page. I've had this book for a while but had not had a chance to sit down and read it thoroughly. Once I picked it up, there was no stopping. I loved the emotion of the characters. I couldn't get enough of the quirkiness of Keisha, the seriousness of Sean and especially the 'take no crap' attitude of Monica. Tina did a wonderful job with this book from beginning 'til end. I won't go through each scene of the novel because I want you to pick this book up and have the same experience I had. Make sure you check out the secrets that are revealed on Lake Drive. You won't be disappointed. Go ahead...I dare you. Joyce Oscar Agaphe Publishing Group
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Posted August 28, 2011
Secrets on Lake Drive by Tina Martin tells the story of Monica Smith, a school teacher, who is still feeling the effects of heartbreak from her first love, Cornelius. It is because of this relationship that she hasn't fully allowed herself to love again. In her class, there is a boy named Roman who Monica has developed a special relationship with. His father is Sean Beauvais, a wealthy and handsome man (with memorable green eyes) who Monica meets for the first time at a parent-teacher conference. Instead of them having a "love at first sight" moment, Monica and Sean are involved in a slightly heated argument regarding Sean's parenting skills with Roman.
After several run-ins with each other, Sean offers Monica a summer babysitting job. The gig comes with a nice paycheck and gives Monica the chance to spend quality time with her favorite student. Throughout the summer, Sean and Monica's attraction for each other grows. There are several suspenseful incidents in the book, in which you will expect the unleashing of some very powerful secrets, which will leave you on the edge of your seat. Believe me; Monica and Sean both have a countless number of secrets that they're hiding from each other.
Aside from the suspense, what I loved most about the book is that the writer gives you an in-depth look into Monica's thoughts and emotions. Also, the book did not focus majorly on sex, but more on Monica and Sean's transition from frienemies to soulmates. It was the perfect combination of romance and comedy. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a great read.
Once again, another book that, while I did enjoy the story and it's plot, it is not one that I would have purchases from a store shelf, just for the simple fact that I don't normally choice this type of story line to read. That being said though, Tina Martin has mad author skills when it comes to creating an entertaining novel. She instantly grabs the reader's attention with wit and well created characters that bring the story to life.
Tina's heroine, Monica, is a finely created woman with typical flaws and self doubts, and she's suffering heartache and secrets. Sean, well, let's just say that he's not your average millionare.....especially when he employs Monica as a live-in babysitter for his son. That's when the fun and suspense really begin in the story, capturing me even more.
A great novel full of betrayal, heartache and redemption, Tina Martin's Secrets on Lake Drive has it all: humor, romance, thrilling suspense and a movie quality plot line. Yep, I said it. Movie quality. This would make a good movie for Lifetime. This novel captures the reader and keeps them turning the pages til the end. A debut novel worthy of 4 stars and kudos to the author!
*This book was provided for review by PUYB Promotions*
Sometimes a character is left in the dark throughout an entire novel. In Tina Martin's "Secrets on Lake Drive," Monica Smith is clueless. She may be a college graduate, but her intuition is sorely lacking. She is more aware of the brand name fragrances people are wearing than their ulterior motives. When pitted against a master manipulator, this kindergarten teacher doesn't stand a chance. Little does she know that she is on a collision course with one such smooth operator. Sean Beauvais is the disinterested father of Monica's favorite student, Roman. Sean is known around town as a notorious ladies man. He owns a real estate firm and lives on Milwaukee's exclusive Lake Drive. Using Roman's well-being as a bargaining chip, he virtually forces Monica into the role of live-in babysitter. But living in an opulent mansion is anything but paradise. The two bicker constantly. Sean insists on knowing where Monica is and what she is doing at all times. To say he is cramping her style is putting it lightly.
This controlling behavior sends Monica over the edge. Not having family as a support system, she vents to her lifelong friend, Keisha. The two go way back. Keisha was there for Monica when she had a baby while in high school. Monica's son was given up for adoption, and Cornelius, the baby's father, infuriated by the decision walked out of her life. Like scenes out of the CW's "The Game" or "Girlfriends," Martin nails the authenticity of the dialogue between African American women talking about men. Keisha realizes that beneath the verbal sparring Monica is falling for Sean.
"Mmm hmm. I knew something was going on up in that house." Keisha started singing R. Kelly, wiggling her neck and snapping her fingers. "I don't see nothing wrong with a little bump n' grind."
Due to Monica's positive influence, Sean begins to pay more attention to his adopted son. Yet he begins to make a series of odd requests. Roman is to call Monica, "mommy." She must tell Sean she loves him at least once a day since they are officially married (?) for the duration of her contract. But Sean also begins to open up sharing how his native Haiti influences his taste for home decor to the music of Wyclef Jean. She learns that Sean is a triplet and gets to know his brothers over impromptu breakfasts. She is encouraged to mingle with his mother and sister at a backyard barbecue. Everyone begins to feel that she has become a permanent part of their lives.
But Monica resists their gravitational pull. When the summer ends, so does her commitment to Sean and his son. However, Sean doesn't agree. He uses every trick in the book to get Monica to stay. Frustrated at not getting his way, he explodes and the two go their separate ways on the worst of terms. Yet Monica is intimately connected to Sean and Roman in ways she cannot even imagine. The flaw is that she is so unbelievably blind she is unable to see what is right in front of her face. It is a classic case of Lois Lane not perceiving Superman in Clark Kent. Yet be forewarned, the ending is worthy of the Lifetime movies Monica is so fond of.
Overall, fighting leads to passion leads to WHAT?!?!
When devoted teacher Monica Smith takes Sean Beauvais to task for failing to show a genuine interest in his son's life, little does she know that her tongue lashing will prompt him to offer her a high-paying job as the boy's live-in babysitter. All too familiar with the debonair player's lascivious reputation, Monica knows she should heed her gut instinct to avoid Sean at all costs - especially given her devastating history of heartbreak; however, she ultimately accepts the millionaire's tempting offer, unaware of just how unprepared she is to ride the emotional roller coaster that awaits...
Secrets On Lake Drive is a heartrending read. In it, author Tina Martin relates an encouraging story of overcoming pain and heartbreak on the road to ultimate redemption. Over the course of our lives, none of us will be spared the emotional fallout from deception, lies, and/or betrayal, but our past does not dictate our future, and the best remedy for a broken heart is often a refreshing new start. In Secrets On Lake Drive, Martin highlights this invaluable life lesson through the trials and tribulations of her protagonist, Monica, who endures her fair share of difficulties but remains dedicated to finding true peace and lasting happiness - and refuses to accept less than what she knows she deserves. As such, Martin's compelling tale serves as an encouraging reminder to press ever forward, in the full realization that the greatest rewards always follow the most arduous tests. A recommended read.
Renee Washburn
Apex Reviews
Secrets on Lake Drive is an absolute must read! It had me wanting more and anxious to see what's going to happen next. I couldn't put the book down. I read it in two days!! It will have you questioning and guessing till the very end with twist and turns that you will never see coming. WOW!
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Overview
Monica and Sean clash at a parent-teacher conference when Monica accuses Sean of being too occupied with making money and chasing women to take a real interest in his son's life. But Sean is no pushover. He knows how to hold his own and deal with Monica, but after the incident at school, he's also come to realize that he can use Monica's devotion to his advantage. He propositions her to move into his home to babysit five-year old Roman for the three months of summer break, offering her a substantial amount of ...