Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

In The Secret Life of Sonia Davey by N.S. Scholl, Michelle Brock is an accountant who has always put her family’s needs before her own and believed that was her role in life. When her husband announces he is leaving and wants a divorce, her perfectly manufactured world begins to crumble around her. A prolific reader of “trashy” romance novels, she is always dissatisfied with their formulaic writing. Her best friend Julie suggests that if she doesn’t like the way the books are written, perhaps she should write her own. Basing the lead male character around her gorgeous boss at work, whom she fantasizes about, she sets out to do just that. Never intending to publish the book that exposes her innermost desires and fantasies, she is horrified to discover Julie has published her book as an independent author, under the pen name of Sonia Davey. To make matters worse, it is a bestseller, and everyone wants to know who this marvelous, new unknown author is. A movie studio is interested in turning it into a film. Her carefully crafted world is about to come apart, and she must explain things to her family and friends.

The Secret Life of Sonia Davey is a wonderfully enjoyable and relaxing multi-layered romance. N.S. Scholl has created a marvelous character in Michelle, who many readers will be able to identify with. The lack of understanding of her needs from both her husband and her children is something that will doubtless ring true with many readers. The husband’s comment as to who pays the mortgage in their house is perhaps a concise summary of how little her contribution, not just financial, to the family unit was valued. I loved the smoldering relationship with her boss Andrew that boiled just below the surface of the storyline. As the archetypal playboy, Andrew was blissfully unaware of the effect he had on Michelle, despite being unwilling or unable to admit to anyone the effect Michelle had on him. I loved that despite all the trauma, angst, and pain she was going through, she showed up and pushed through. The writing is very character-driven, although there is even something in the story for those who love a bit of action in their romances. I felt the lovemaking scenes were delicately and beautifully described, being full of emotion and excitement but never straying into crassness. Overall, this is a fun, enjoyable romance that is different enough to lift it above others in the genre. I thoroughly enjoyed this satisfying read and highly recommend it.