Sincerely, Mr. Braden by Melissa Foster
Love in Bloom #85
The Bradens at Ridgeport #2
Contemporary Romance
January 28, 2026
Come along for the fun, sexy ride as this business-savvy, pleasure-oriented billionaire gets the shock of his lifetime and finds out his ever-efficient virtual assistant is not the man he thinks he is but a beautiful businesswoman who knows many of his secrets and has some of her own in Sincerely, Mr. Braden.
You know what they say about best-laid plans…
When the chance to finally meet my virtual assistant arises, I jump on it. Imagine my surprise when I find his beautiful sister Eleanor in his place.
The moment I meet Ellie Mitchell, my world shifts.
What was supposed to be a brief hello with my assistant turns into an unforgettable weekend with an incredible woman.
I’ve spent a lifetime keeping people at arm’s length and walking away unscathed, but Ellie obliterates every wall I’ve ever built.
What I learn next shatters my world.
I don’t know which betrayal cuts deeper: The lie she told me or the truth that I still want her.
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CHAPTER ONE
Seth
Icicles cling to street signs and winter-bare branches, glistening in the moonlight as I run along the sidewalks of Manhattan, my footfalls keeping time with my thoughts. I’m on the cusp of expanding my company internationally, and I’m looking at Australia. It’s a big risk, but there’s potential for an even bigger payoff. I’m all about analytics and bottom lines and stand at the helm of BRI Enterprises, a multibillion-dollar retail conglomerate with a dozen companies under its wing and more circling. I pull strings most CEOs can only dream of. Winning has become second nature. Chasing more is in my blood. My parents are wildlife biologists, and my mother is also a renowned wildlife photographer. They raised me and my four siblings primarily off-grid with few material possessions, while climbing to the top of their careers. But I don’t see myself as a chaser. I’m just a challenge-seeking guy cruising through life and enjoying the ride.
My phone vibrates in my armband, and Siri speaks through my earbuds. Call from Victory. Answer it?
“Yes.” When the call clicks through, I say, “Hey, sis. Tell me you’re not still working at this hour.”
Her laugh is light and short. “Says the man who, given your heavy breathing, is either out running or having sex. Please tell me you’re running.”
“Do you really think I’d answer the phone if I were with a woman?”
“Yes. You never ignore my calls. Why are you running at ten thirty on a Monday night when it’s freezing out?”
“It keeps stress at bay,” I say, and slow to jog in place, waiting for a light to change.
“You’re going to run yourself into the ground.”
The light changes, and I run across the street. “You say that like you’re not a recently reformed workaholic,” I tease.
Victory lost her first husband several years ago, and she buried her grief in work until last year, when restaurateur Wells Silver finally got her to give him the time of day. Now they’re engaged, and Wells has partnered with me and my other partner in the restaurant business, Jared Stone. We’re opening a new restaurant together in the spring. After a few complications, we’ve had to push the grand opening off until April, but it’s going to be phenomenal.
“You can thank me later,” she shoots back. “Wells and I set a wedding date. July twenty-fifth. So don’t you dare make plans for that weekend.” Her voice carries the mix of command and softness that has defined our entire sibling relationship.
I dodge a crack in the pavement, my lungs burning. “Do you really think I’d miss your wedding? Even if I’m halfway around the world, I’ll be there.”
“You’d better be.” She pauses, then adds, “Without your phone glued to your hand.”
“Now you’re asking for a miracle.”
She sighs. “You’re impossible. Do you need me to email Taylor and have him put it on your calendar?”
“No. I’ll reach out to my man T after we hang up.” Taylor has been my virtual assistant for years, though I’ve never met him in person or spoken with him on the phone. He keeps all communication to email and texts for clarity and recordkeeping, which suits me fine. He’s efficient, detail-oriented, and sharp enough to cut through the clutter with a single email, and I trust him more than most people I’ve met in person. He’s never let me down, and I’ve been throwing a lot of extra work his way the last few months. Which is why I’ve given him an all-expense-paid, work-free vacation to my home on Saint Aurelle Island in the Caribbean. He leaves on Friday.
“You’re calling him tonight?” Victory says with annoyance. “Leave the poor guy alone.”
“He doesn’t mind.”
“It’s too bad you’re not gay. If you two can carry on this bromance long distance for all these years, I bet you’d be good together.”
I hear the tease in her voice. “I think I hear Wells calling you.”
“Whatever. Love you. Don’t catch pneumonia.”
“Love you, too, and you know I don’t do sick.”
The second the call ends, my brain flips back to work.
“Hey, Siri, text Taylor.”
Me: Hey T, let’s move forward with Winston Arlo, the broker in Sydney. Please confirm the meeting for a week from Monday in his office. Tell him I want to see properties in Sydney and in Melbourne. He can hook us up with an associate in his Melbourne office. I can fly out next Saturday and spend a week there. Just rearrange whatever else I’ve got on my calendar. Also, Vic set a wedding date. July twenty-fifth. Better block off that week for me. Thanks.
Taylor’s response rolls in as promptly as ever, and Siri reads it to me.
Taylor: You do realize normal people stop working after dark, right?
I smirk and dictate, “Normal isn’t in my vocabulary. I’m out for a run.”
Taylor: I’d pay good money to see you typing a text while running.
Me: Siri allows me to multitask. He doesn’t care what time it is.
Taylor: News flash. Siri isn’t real.
Me: Don’t dis my bud Siri. We click.
Taylor: I think I’ve just figured out why you’re still single. Have fun with your fake buddy. I’m only doing real-life things until morning.
Chalking up another successful sparring match with my stubborn assistant, who is quite possibly the only person who can keep up with me, I push myself harder, running faster as it starts to rain, and the city blurs around me.
Sincerely, Mr. Braden: Seth Braden by Melissa Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Seth and Taylor aka Ellie were simply perfect. They’ve been in each other lives for a few years now but haven’t met, work being their only connection. But when fate has decided that these two need to meet and sparks fly from the get go. But Ellie makes a snap decision that was not the right one and almost costs them the new beautiful relationship that started to blossom.
But Seth is going to need to decided if her mistake is worth overlooking, because what they found in each other is worth the trouble. Them together felt just right. He was someone constantly on the move and she was his perfect counter part, creating a safe space for him to release his energy.
I know we’re in (only) book 2 in the series but i kinda feel like there’s no topping Seth. Especially his proposal – like come on!Swoon with a capital S!!!
But i can’t wait to see anyone try.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Meet Melissa Foster:
NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Download FREE first in series! www.MelissaFoster.com/LIBFree
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Melissa writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summers, Bayside Summers, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, Tru Blue and the Whiskeys, the Wickeds, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are always family oriented. Perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy and blue-collar heroes and smart, sassy, and empowered heroines with complex and relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet romance with no harsh language or explicit scenes under the pen name Addison Cole.
Melissa’s interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and enjoying beach life on Cape Cod.
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website.
“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” -NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely
“With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!” -NYT Bestseller Julie Kenner
“What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about… desperately. I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked.” NYT bestseller, M.J. Rose
“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!” New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
“Melissa Foster is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Fated For Love was amazing. It kind of reminds me of Jill Shalvis’ books and they are my benchmark for contemporary romance awesomeness.” –Books Like Breathing
Comments from Melissa:
I grew up in Maryland with my mother, a slew of wonderful brothers, and never a shortage of friends or pets. I am passionate about writing, reading, living healthy, and helping others do the same, and I enjoy just about anything outdoors (and anything chocolate!). I love to chat with readers and book clubs, and welcome your comments and suggestions. Feel free to email me. You can also catch me on Facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor.
Thanks for reading!
Connect with Melissa Foster: https://melissafoster.com
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