I love when books have young love that meets again later in life. Jake met Harper when they were both volunteering as kids and reunite in the cafe that she's keeping afloat 12 years later. She ends up relying on him to help with saving the community she is a part of from being turned into a new development by his father. This was steamy and their love was believable. I would have read a longer book about this couple. Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for a review.

A lovely, feel good novella!

He wants something money can’t buy. He has billions at his disposal, yet he wants respect and love, two things he’s only been able to find once in his life. The former after making a mends through hard work when he was a teenager and the later when he met Harper Haley while volunteering at a soup kitchen. She’s the only woman he’s ever loved but he lied about his identity and then had to get back to his real life and leave her behind.

When Jake unexpectedly bumps into Harper in her mother’s café twelve years later, it feels as though they hadn’t been separated by time, but figuring out a way for them to work out after he tells her who he really is will not be an easy feet, especially since his father is behind the development firm who’s buying out everyone in her neighborhood in order to flatten it and make way for new buildings. Can she trust Jake? Can Jake convince Harper he’s the man for her?

As this is a second chance story, the instant rekindling attraction between Jake and Harper felt natural and that the time between them helped to take them to a point in time where their relationship could actually have a shot at working.

Even though the main story in this novella is the romance between Jake and Harper, an underlying one is Jake’s transformation from entitled, thoughtless billionaire to responsible CEO and all around good and caring man.

This is a well-executed novella, as Lovelace combines great elements such as community, family and friends, forgiveness, growth and of course love giving it heart, which translates into a very enjoyable read.

Hero in Disguise is a novella by Sharla Lovelace. It is a heart-warming standalone, contemporary romance, told from both point of view with a happy ending. This novella first appeared as part of the Heartbreakers and Heroes boxed set.

Billionaire’s second chance at love.
Jake Jericho fell in love when he was in his teens. He met Harper when he was volunteer at the soup kitchen. But that love didn’t last long enough for Harper. He only gave Harper a heartache when he left without saying good bye.
Now he is back in her life again by an accident by his driver. His driver owns billiard when it was bought by Jericho and it will be under construction soon enough. Harper happens to be neighbor to his driver’s billiard that’s when Harper and Jake meets again.
Harper can’t believe he is back again and it is racking a havoc in her life. She never forgotten him and he is back and she doesn’t know what to do. She doesn’t know he is the one who bought the building.
They are trying to get back but Jake has to reveal his identity and he wants to keep Harper and the building.
Will he succeed in both?? Or loose them both.

It was pleasant read and short. I wished there were more backstory for Harper and Jake. It seemed ending sounds rushed.

3.5 stars!

Short sweet read about two people who loved briefly, were separated and now a decade later are reunited. Jake and Harper's story is bittersweet. Second chances and redemption are the theme. I really wish it was a little longer, I would have like a little more depth to the story.

a good fast read

An enjoyable read with one of my favorite tropes, the old lovers reunion. I’m not a fan of billionaire stories, but I was curious about this author, so I decided to try this novella and it didn’t disappoint with its web of intersecting personal and social/neighborhood plotlines.
I liked the perspective on the billionaire hero – tormented enough to make it credible and likable – the rift between father and son (very well done) and the well-rounded secondary characters (Frankie is an example).
The historical background of the neighborhood was very convincing and moving (it is made up, but, well, this is fiction).

My one big complaint with Hero in Disguise is that it was too short!! Omgoodness, Sharla Lovelace can tell a tale of second chance romance like nobody's business. This delightfully poignant story between Harper and Jake was just wonderful. You could feel the pain radiate from both of them as they see each other again and the longing that never died.

Secrets are revealed, friendships forged and overall getting to watch as the find their way back to each other despite their mutual broken hearts was well worth it. There is humor situated perfectly along with the tenderness. And smart characters that were a joy to read.

A great respite from too much heavy or dark, Hero in Disguise is perfect for a lazy afternoon at the beach or by the fire. I just hope we might get a glimpse of Jake and Harper again in the future.

A solid 4 stars!

I enjoyed Hero in Disguise it is a heart-warming well written short story. The characters were believable and you clung on in hope that they would have their HEA. I look forward to reading more by this author

This was such a sweet little story about finding your strength and second chances. Jake is one of those entitled rich kids who thinks he can get away with anything. Until he’s sent to work a ranch after getting caught breaking the law. The man who ran it managed to teach him how to be worthy, but old habits are hard to break and it doesn’t take long for him to slip back into his old life again. It’s been over a decade but he’s about to have a reason to find his way again.

At 18 Harper fell in love with Jake (without knowing who he was) but then he left her just when she gave him her heart. It’s been years and he’s just stepped back into her life. Even worse, he won’t go away. After everything, she still finds him hard to resist.

Even though Jake lost himself in his shallow lifestyle again, when his eyes get opened he does a great job of stepping up. I enjoyed his journey as he discovered how to be a good man again, stand tall and be strong for something important even if it means going against his own father. But he’s hiding who he is from Harper and although he thinks he has his reasons you know it isn’t going to end well.

Lovelace does a great job of showing Jake’s progress and making the business thing with his company (which could easily have been boring) work with the love story. The story is short but she packs in a great deal of heart, growth, and forgiveness.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

A fabulous feel good story!

With history between them, there was always going to be some angst and misgivings; but previous life lessons and the morals instilled by the one person he respected most, ensured that Jake would make the most of his second chance with the woman he never knew he needed to complete his soul.

Hero in Disguise is an easy read and keeps you turning the pages hoping for that elusive HEA. I’m sure readers will thoroughly enjoy this engaging tale.