• Falling for Her Secret Admirer ebook cover — snowy mountain lodge with holly, Sweet Paradise Resort Valentine Book 1 clean romance by Hope August
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Hope August Inc

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Valentine Romance (Sweet Paradise Resort Valentine Book 1) (eBook)

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Valentine Romance (Sweet Paradise Resort Valentine Book 1) (eBook)

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Falling for Her Secret Admirer is a clean, friends-to-lovers Valentine romance about Poppy and Arden, her lifelong friend who secretly becomes her anonymous dating-app match. A resort celebration and a hidden identity put their friendship—and a chance at love—on the line in Sweet Paradise Resort Valentine Book 1.

Perfect for fans of Clara Pines and Tess Thompson.

Book 1 in the Sweet Paradise Resort Valentine Series

She's tired of waiting for love. So she's swiping right.

Poppy has spent years watching couples find their happily-ever-afters at Paradise Resort. Now she's ready for her own love story. When a new blind dating app promises to match people based on personality alone—no photos, no pressure—she signs up just in time for the resort's week-long Valentine's celebration. Her anonymous match is witty, charming, and makes her heart race. There's just one problem: she's falling for someone else too. Someone she's known her whole life.

He's loved her for years. But she only sees a friend.

Arden has watched Poppy from the sidelines since they were kids. When she signs up for a dating app, he panics—and convinces his brother to match them anonymously. If she falls for him online first, maybe she'll finally see what's been right in front of her all along.

But secrets don't stay hidden forever. When Poppy discovers the truth, their lifelong friendship shatters. With the Valentine's Day dance hours away and everything on the line, Arden has one chance to prove his love is real—and worth the risk.

📚 Get Books 1–3 in the three-ebook Sweet Paradise Resort Valentine bundle.

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Read a Sample

Chapter 1
“Alright, folks, listen up! Valentine’s Day is in ten days and we have guests arriving on Monday for the week-long celebration.”
Poppy tossed a glance in Arden’s direction and he made a face. She stifled a laugh and turned her attention back to her boss. Amy was definitely trying too hard. Okay that wasn’t a fair assessment. She was trying to be like Eva who’d had the job before her.
The holidays were supposed to be fun.
And Valentine’s Day was going to be the absolute best.
Arden elbowed her in the side and she gave him a little shove back. He leaned in close, his warm breath tickling the shell of her ear. “Do you really think any of this will make a difference?”
She whipped her head around to gape at him only to find that knowing grin teasing his lips. Arden knew all too well that she was as love-sick as they came. She elbowed him right back. “You know it does. True love exists. You just have to do the work to find it.”
“Doesn’t that just defeat the purpose?”
Poppy’s brows furrowed. “How do you mean?”
“Isn’t love supposed to be easy? You know like in the books you’re always reading? The prince saves the princess and all that?”
She snorted. “You’re not reading the same books I’m reading.” Poppy snuck a quick look at her supervisor who was still droning on about the activities they have planned for the week. The owner was at her side, but he didn’t seem to be listening. Moral support. That’s all Stephen seemed to be offering.
Leaning closer to Arden, Poppy whispered, “Love can’t be easy because then it’s not worth fighting for. When was the last time you truly appreciated what you had when you didn’t work for it?”
Arden shrugged. “I don’t know. I got this job pretty easy and I like it.”
She let out a bark of laughter and shoved him. He stumbled back a step and bumped into someone else. Several eyes darted their way and her face likely turned a lovely shade of scarlet. Poppy ducked her head for the few seconds that silence ensued. Amy would probably give her a lecture for not paying attention.
They’d gotten these jobs mostly because they were locals to the town nearby and that meant they could work these big events without missing out on family obligations. When Amy continued her speech, Poppy sidled closer to Arden. “You got this job because of me. But you know as well as I do that it’s not easy. The people you have to work with at reception don’t always have the best manners and you know it.”
He ducked his head, his eyes still glued to Amy as she spoke. His words were whispered out of the corner of his mouth. “Maybe I like my job not because of the challenge, but because of the company.”
She grinned. It was nice working with the one person who seemed to understand her above all else. Arden had been there for her most of her life. He knew when he could push her buttons and what made her tick. He was sweet and funny.
“It’s really too bad you don’t like to date. You’d make a really good boyfriend.” For a moment she didn’t realize she’d said that out loud. Then she clapped a hand on her mouth and glanced at him with mortification. “I mean, for someone else. Not me.” She released a nervous laugh. They teased about nearly everything except dating each other. That seemed to be a line they weren’t willing to cross.
Friendships like theirs were as rare as they came. There was no sense in muddying the waters by exploring something that could blow up in their faces.
Arden didn’t look her way. He didn’t grin. By the set of his jaw, she could tell he wanted to just forget that she’d said anything.
Poppy blew out an embarrassed breath. “Remind me again why you don’t date? This is he perfect time of year to find someone.”
He arched a brow at that and gave her an incredulous look. “The week before Valentine’s Day? Are you out of your mind? You don’t get a new girlfriend or boyfriend during this time of year. That’s a recipe for disaster.”
She scoffed and waved a hand. “Come on. No reasonable person is going to think that you’re their forever someone if you take them out on Valentine’s Day for their first date. That’s ridiculous.”
“You must not know the fairer sex as well as you think you do.” He chuckled, the sound soft and warm just like him. Arden was the strong quiet type—with everyone except her. He was tall, at least six foot to her five-seven frame. And while he wasn’t obsessed with working out, he did have a nice body. Arden was a catch from his bronzed skin to the medium, brown wavy hair that always looked achingly disheveled. Even his honeyed eyes had girls doing double takes. He was perfect boyfriend material and he wasted it.
She sighed. “I still think you’re missing out.”
“Nothing to miss out on around here. We live in a touristy town. Who on earth do you think I’d ever meet? I already know everyone.”
Her eyes brightened and she whirled to face him. “Did you hear about that new dating app? It just came out. Something about secret admirers.”
Arden groaned and the sound was too adorable for his own good. He dragged a hand down his face. “No, Poppy.”
“Seriously! Let me look.” She pulled out her phone and tapped on the app store. In seconds she’d found the app and she wiggled her phone at him. “You’re supposed to put your location and all that usual stuff, but you don’t get to put any pictures of yourself. It’s supposed to match you with people based on an algorithm and you get to connect without all the pressures of physical looks. It gives people the chance to fall in love without judging a book by its cover.” She grinned even wider. “You should do it.”
Arden shook his head and pushed the phone back to her. “Pass.”
She pouted. Why was he so insistent on staying out of the dating scene? Poppy stared at her phone for a moment then shrugged. “Fine. Your loss. But I’m gonna do it.”
“What? Why?” he snapped. “You could have your pick of guys. Why leave it up to chance like that?”
“Because I believe in love. And at this point, I’m perfectly happy to get to know someone blindly before agreeing to a date.”
“You realize that app is a playground for serial killers, right? You won’t even be able to get a look at their eyes to see if they’re crazy.”
She snickered. “Serial killers get a bad rap.”
“Poppy,” he muttered with exasperation.
“What?” She lifted her phone to show she’d already downloaded it and she was already into the questionnaire. “I’m ready to find love. I’m tired of being alone.”
“You’re not alone,” he muttered, raking a hand through is hair and mussing it perfectly. “You have me.”
She reached out and squeezed his arm. “I know that. And you have me. But I’m ready for something more.”
Arden eyed her then sighed. “Whatever. Good luck with that. Those apps aren’t built for love. Not like you think.”
Poppy leaned into him, reveling in the way he relaxed against her. “I’ll be fine because you’ll be there if anything goes wrong.”
He rested his cheek atop her head. “Always.”

Series Order

1. Falling for Her Secret Admirer
2. Falling for Her Best Friend
3. Falling for His Nanny

View the complete reading order and book links.

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Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 39 reviews.

Customer photo review of A Sweet Paradise Holiday Reunion (eBook)

I really enjoyed A Sweet Paradise Holiday Reunion. It was fast paced, quirky, and a fun story to read. While we all understand love rarely happens as quickly as it does in stories, I still hoped Kate would resolve her trust issues and give Liam an opening to confide the truth. I was frustrated by his need to take the blame, but appreciated his conviction to keep trying. We all carry a burden we shouldn't. If love is mature and unconditional it doesn't walk away.

Angela O. 4/5 Verified

A Sweet Paradise Holiday Reunion (eBook)

Wonderfully immersive storytelling that as with all Hope August books it’s a mighty compelling read too. Whenever I see that she has a new book out , almost shout with glee. This is what they mean to me. This book was no exception When the last Stone doesn’t roll ,a lady comes to call. She’s all about making wayward types like he ,how to be .He thinks she’s lovely . And to be together maybe? Well look and see . I’ll tell you now ,it’s a wonderful storyline and executed perfectly divine . Bookboyfriend you’ll want to say ,can he be mine .

Jane L. 5/5

The Cowboy's Redemption - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is book five of the Cornerstone Ranch series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, love on a bet, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

The Cowboy's Redemption - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

A charming, fun cowboy romance. A great story that draws you in immediately and was easy to stay engaged with. I enjoyed watching Caleb and Sarah go from "just for fun" to something so much more. Wonderful writing, realistic and entertaining. Loved it.

J C. 5/5

The Cowboy's Love Bet - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

I loved reading The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart by Hope August so much. It was a fast read that I simply couldn’t put down, the story pulled me in right from the start. Definitely a must read for anyone who loves heartfelt romance.

Gaby D. 5/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is book four of the Cornerstone Ranch series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, love on a bet, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

The Cowboy's Love Bet - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. I loved the characters. Each had a reason for their initial reluctance for a relationship and for changing their minds. Fear kept them apart more than anything else did. I also loved seeing the change in the brothers from where they started. They all seem closer and more supportive than they had been when we first met them in the first story. This story was predictable but enjoyable.

Maryellen C. 5/5

The Cowboy's Love Bet - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 03/01/2026*

This is book three of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet nannay, Valentine’s Day, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for His Nanny - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is part of an interconnected series with characters that overlap throughout this series and previous books by Hope. It can be read as a standalone but better if read in order. Warning!! Hope threw in a heart wrenching couple of scenes so have some tissues ready. Forbidden romance Opposites attract Matchmaking little girl A major misinterpretation I wish their story continued a little longer but maybe they will reappear in a future book??

Tami W. 5/5

Falling for His Nanny - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/14/2026*

Best friends to more I do adore and this book in time for Valentine’s is a cute storyline with all the allure that’s synonymous with Hope August’s storytelling and what’s more it’s always a compelling read . This being no exception to the rule . In fact he’s so darn sweet to his bestie Bridget he made me drool… not testy at all . Ms August ,I had a ball reading this it’s absolute bliss.

Jane L. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This sweet, best friends to more romance will warm your heart. Beautifully written with charming and wonderful characters. It was heartwarming and fun to watch their relationship change because neither saw a romance between them coming. An adorable story filled with heart, love and HEA Valentine magic that will leave you smiling.

Jacqueline C. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is book two of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet best friends to more, one bed, Valentine’s Day, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. While this story had some fun moments, it's not as light and goofy as the previous stories in this series. I really enjoyed it. Each main character was already attracted to the other, but this trip showed them that the feelings were returned. I love that they are each willing to sacrifice something they want for the other.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for His Nanny - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/14/2026*

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. The main characters, Bridget and Foster, were kind and supportive of each other. They obviously loved and valued each other as friends. Romantic feelings between them weren't a thing until this trip. I enjoyed watching them navigate that unsettling state between realizing they have romantic feelings for the other and deciding to risk losing their friendship because of those feelings.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/09/2026*

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. The main characters, Bridget and Foster, were kind and supportive of each other. They obviously loved and valued each other as friends. Romantic feelings between them weren't a thing until this trip. I enjoyed watching them navigate that unsettling state between realizing they have romantic feelings for the other and deciding to risk losing their friendship because of those feelings.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/09/2026*

This is the first book in a new Interconnected series that is a spin off from other books by Hope. Reading in order recommended but can be read as a standalone. Friends to more Secret crush Online relationship Multiple mixed signals

Tami W. 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is book one of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, match making app, friends to more, secret identity, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

Cute story about best friends in love with each other. Arden has loved Poppy for years. She has him firmly in the friend zone. Until……. I’m not going to spoil things for you. Arden’s plan could backfire spectacularly. Fun story to read.

Lucia 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. Arden and Poppy work together at the resort. They have been friends forever, but he's feeling more than friendly towards her. As they spend time together preparing for the Valentine's Day event, and Poppy gets to know her online match, she realizes she's already in love... with Arden. This was a really sweet story. I really liked it.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

A sweet and adorable cowboy romance. The cute characters really pull you into their story and keep the pages turning. I loved the writing! A great story and wonderful entertainment you don't want to miss!

Jacqueline C. 5/5

The Cowboy's City Girl - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

Could any couple have a more inauspicious start. Wyatt really tells Emma exactly what he thinks about her and the farm she has bought. They really annoy each other. Both have family issues that affect their relationship. Good story with well written characters that will hold your interest. I love that despite everything happening and being told she has made a huge mistake, Emma continues to build her dream. I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

Lucia V. 5/5

The Cowboy's City Girl - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. What a tough situation for the main characters. They both loved Katelynn and now feel guilty for being attracted to each other. There are other issues between them. Harper's grandma lovingly encourages her to open up to Colt, while his brothers prod him to do the same. This story was emotional and unpredictable.

Maryellen C. 5/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

From loss comes love A very sweet story that sees Robert receiving even more tragic news in his life that seems to overwhelm him. Having to be the guardian of his boys five sons leaves him with more responsibility than he can handle. In comes Paige, the nanny that the agency has sent to help him. They have much in common and the boys seem to love her straight away. Robert starts feeling again which scares him. Can he get past the fear of committing to Paige allowing them to face their problems together? Or will he throw it all away and hurt the children by doing so. A short enjoyable story with wonderful characters.

Lyn B. 4/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

Snowfall Over Sagebrush is a sweet small town, opposites attract, cowboy, Christmas romance with no cliffhanger. Some of the lines I really like are ---- Why was she so gat-dang stubborn ---- "Even if we were in another state that didn’t have mood swing weather⁠—” ---- “Construction puts food on the table. Horses bring me joy.” ---- “Chivalry will never die as long as the woman a man cares for is willing to accept it.” ---- Will the Dude Ranch be completed on time? Will they get snow that will stop everything? These and other questions will all be answered. I loved Laura and Riley's story and I'm sure you will too. This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read another one of her books.

Terry Y. 5/5

Snowfall Over Sagebrush (eBook)