A loner by choice and chance, Naughton Butler has no social skills. That works for him, because the secret he holds means he can’t let anyone close enough to need them. But when he and his brother are left four-hundred acres of prime vineyard land, he has to muster up enough civility to interview an assistant winery manager for the new facility.
His brother and business partner recommends Bradley St. John for the job. Naughton agrees to interview him, but when Bradley arrives for the interview in high heels and a short skirt, Naughton thinks his brother’s playing a joke. The pretty, young woman had the right degrees, and might be good for working in a tasting room, but did she have the experience to run a winery?
In shock, Naughton insults Bradley in the worst way, and she walks out, saving him the trouble of kicking her out. But he can’t get her off of his mind, and feels guilty for being rude, which was a first. He goes to find her to apologize, but when he gets to her uncle’s ranch, he realizes the joke is on him.
Not only was Bradley St. John born into winemaking like he was, it was obvious as he followed her through the vineyard, she knew what she was doing.
Hiring her would solve an immediate problem for both him and his brother, but Naughton had a feeling having her around would create an even bigger problem. He found himself fiercely attracted to her, which was something else that hadn’t happened in a long time.
He didn’t need a distraction, and would make it clear to his brother it was up to him to keep her away from him. The question was, how far away would be far enough?
I volunteered to read and leave an honest review of an advanced readers copy. I highly recommend reading this story and the whole series. Emotional storyline, full of intrigue, suspense, action , love .A must read.A favorite of 2017
DNF - I just couldn't get into this story. There was no detail building up to the first time Naughton got 'friendly' with Bradley. Came without any build at all. Naughton's character is really gruff and I'm just not feeling it. I'm sure his character will have a major turn around, but I feel there's some drama coming and I'm not feeling that either.
I may come back to this story, or I may read Ainsley's story. I do have some unanswered questions. I don't get why Kade has two books #6 & #0 after all his death stories? Seems like we should have had Kade stories before the rest of the sibling's. I would really really like to see if there's an explanation for Kade. SPOILER ALERT!... If a Goodreads mbr would like to help me out I'm listening...LOL
I just finished reading the third book in this series. Holy Hell! This story keeps getting more interesting and harder to put down! This is not only a romance, but also has suspense, drama and really great characters! Plus, I am learning about wine making! Haha. Do you believe in love at first sight? You might after reading Bradley and Naughton’s story. There are so many questions that this book opened up though. I feel like we have so much more to learn about Kade and Da knows a lot more than he is letting on. Now the wait begins for the next book in the series!
The Secret (Butler Ranch Book 3) by Heather Slade is an excellent book and a great addition to this series. This is a powerful book. Full of romance, secrets, intrigue, drama, humor and suspense. This book is about Naughton, loner and part owner of Butler Ranch Winery and Bradley, the newly hired winemaker that he mistakenly thinks is a male. Highly entertaining and extremely engaging The Secret is not to be missed. I am posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
This is superb! 3rd book of the Butler Series and while it has its own HEA, the journey is far from over. Naughton keeps to himself mostly and does a fantastic job of harvesting the best grapes. Along comes Bradley hired by his brother to help make the best wines from those grapes. Naught was not happy at all, not one bit. I think his inner self knew his life was about to change with this sexy, intelligent, strong and loving new hire. A lot is happening to the growers in the area and none of it good. Then there's secrets and so much mystery that I dont have a clue how it's all going to play out, but I sure want to find out. Kade, the oldest Butler Brother AND deceased, seems to have a presence still very much alive to make it even better. Very well written with just enough detail to make it believable. Intrigue, angst, heat, and a wee bit of humor to leave you wanting more. A fast paced read you won't want to put down. 💞💞 A recommend from me on this whole series.
3.75 stars. Similar to the the books, strange things occur and secrets continue to be revealed while more questions are asked. You sure learn lots about the wine making- pretty complicated business. And in this book deadly.
The Secret is the 3rd book in the Butler Ranch series and oh my…what a way to keep this “secret” going. Heather Slade has written another fabulous book and cannot wait for the next in this series! !
Naughton Butler is part owner of the Butler Ranch Winery and was given more acreage from his deceased older brother, Kade to make different wines. Naughton is known as the grape whisperer and his brother decides to hire Bradley St. John to work as the winery manager and works with Naughton to make another superior wine … but when she shows up Naughton does not believe she is really the Bradley his brother has hired. So the sparks start flying but not the lust kind…at least not until later….
There are so many twists, turns, mysteries, problems, angst, humor and heat that it will keep you reading until the wee hours of the night…now…what is Da hiding, are they really Kade sightings?? So many unanswered questions…..
Naughton is waiting to interview his possible new winemaker and he doesn’t have time for the young lady in front of him no matter how attractive she is….except “Bradley” is the young lady AND she is a stellar winemaker. Naughton must “eat crow” to get her to return and accept the job offer.
Bradley has a pompous boyfriend who is coming to visit – he calls her “Brad” even though she has asked him not to, and he makes many of her decision for her (or tries to). When fire breaks out and Bradley jumps in to help save the vineyard; Guy Deveux III questions her every move. Naughton, having seen how skilled Bradley is, puts Bradley back in charge and sends Guy away.
Increasing danger, family secrets and building relationships swirl in this third episode of the Butler Ranch. I have already read Part 4 (along with parts 1 and 2) and highly recommend this entire series!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
A well written story. It has lots of hot scenes and chemistry in it. A bit of drama and action that gives it a bit more that just hotness. It is the third book of the Butler Ranch Series but it can be read as a standalone. It is as the books just keep getting better in this series. I like that the other couples from previous books are mentioned like a sort of update on them. I like the well described characters and their development through the story. Í like their banter and they way they are together. I like the plot of this book. It suits the couple as they are together. I like the story line and plot but I would have like a bit less information about making wine and growing grapes. But still the story is well balanced and it is worth the read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
The Secret is my first book by Heather Slade, but won't be my last. Ms. Slade has delivered a well-written book. The characters are absolutely phenomenal, I totally love them. Naughten and his brothers own a vineyard, his job is growing the grapes. Bradley has just graduated from college and has worked with her uncle at a neighboring vineyard since she was a child. Naughton and Bradley's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. This book has it all. I enjoyed reading The Secret and look forward to reading more from Heather Slade soon. The Secret is book 3 of The Butler Ranch Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Instafreebie. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
He was a man of few words, until he had too much to drink then he was hysterical especially with Bradley. She made him feel and act different than they were all used to. So many lies and secrets and little coming to light. There's a threat against the vineyards and theirs isn't the only one. Is Cade behind it all too? What about Da? So many questions so many lies. Bradley brought out a side of him that no one knew existed and he never expected. She got more words out of him than all of the others combined. Loyalties will be tested, suspicions peaked, reason tried. Nothing is what it seems and everyone is suspect. It's the quiet ones you need to watch and these two are most definitely worth an eye. Okay and I will admit they might have stolen my heart just a little. . . it kinda makes my supposed dislike of insta love kinda mute, just a little.
I am really loving this series, there is so much suspense and intrigue. For a dead man Kade seems to be everywhere and in everyone's business.
Now that Naughton and Maddox have two vineyards, they are hiring a wine maker, even though the one at Demetria won't be yielding fruit for a while yet. Of course Naughton does manage to mess things up in a most amusing way, at least for the reader.
Now there is an immediate attraction between these two, but Bradley has a boyfriend. Guy Deveux III aka Trey also has a family in the business and is quite full of himself. He also seems to know Rory Calder, not a good recommendation in my opinion.
Lots of action in this one starting with a fire and progressing into other problems with wineries in area of the Butler Ranch. More on Kade's many secrets, and plenty of sizzle with Naughton and Bradley. I can't seem to read these books fast enough.
Every book has been promoted as a stand alone, yet they all have a cliff hanger ending. False advertising. First book found out Peyton's ex husband filed for custody of their kids, yet don't find out what the conclusion is until the second book. The second book who took Naughton's truck? This book what will happen with all the wineries? Will that be figured out in book four or do readers have to wait until book five? So no they are not stand alones. Naughton the first time he meets Bradley he insults her. Next thing it's instant lust, then all of a sudden they are in love. Yes there is a lot about grape growing and how to make wine, but they work in the wine industry, should they not talk about their jobs. It's like any other book where there is plenty of description that entails what the characters do.
Heather Slade turns up the intensity, intrigue, suspense and in Naughton's Secret. There's arson, sabotage, kidnapping and subterfuge. The shroud of mystery surrounding Kade gets deeper yet there are secrets being revealed at almist every turn. In addition, I got a great education in many aspects of wine making which I found utterly fascinating.
Naughton Butler is a man who keeps himself closed off. He's a man of few words and those he does speak often come across as angry or grouchy. Bradley St. John is an up and coming winemaker who's been hired to assist at Butler Ranch. She's knowledgeable, intuitive and talented. Meeting her for the first time, Naught doesn't exactly put his best foot forward. Their attraction is palpable and apparent to all. Threats to the wine community and dangerous situations become personal and draw them closer to each other.
This is a beautifully-written love story set in a community of winemakers along California's Central Coast. Naughton resists his attraction to Bradley for as long as he can - he started by insulting her and did everything he could to stay away - but he quickly figures out she's an invaluable asset as a winemaker and even more so as an ally and friend. There's a lot of drama, mystery, and suspense surrounding the local vineyards, which made this book even more than a simple romance. Bradley is one of my favorite book heroines - she's tough and feisty when she needs to be, but sweet on her family and strong enough to make the hard decisions. It's a wonderful book, one I couldn't put down. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I love this series and the Butler family. The secret is revealed and Ms Slade kept me guessing till the bitter end. I wasn't even close in my theories, but now I just want to know what is going to happen next.
This is what I love so much about these stories, they drag you in kicking and screaming because you know you will not be able to put the book down. No housework will get done and the husband may have to make his own lunch (bonus if he makes yours too). Then they leave you knowing you just have to get that next book because the story is so good, they can be read as a standalone, but you know you REALLY want to know what's going on with that secret the was just revealed.
Like a fine wine, Heather Slade's Butler Ranch series gets better with time! In her new masterpiece, The Secret, we fall in love with two of the most perfect-for-each-other people: sultry, often quiet, and strong willed Naughton Butler, and sweet, genuine, and intelligent Bradley St. John. It's love at first "fight" for these two but can their strong emotional connection weather any storm? Even one that threatens both their families wineries, and their lives? Secrets are uncovered but one still remains: what is the truth about Kade Butler?
I urge you to read and fall in love with these characters and their stories...you won't be disappointed
Naughton is an outstanding contemporary romance with a touch of suspense by Heather Slade. Ms. Slade once again delivers a well-written book filled with phenomenal characters. Naughton starts off on the wrong foot with Bradley because he was expecting a man. Naughton and Bradley's story is packed with drama, spice, humor, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to my next book by Heather Slade. Naughton is book 3 of The Butler Ranch Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger...but as in the first 2 books of the series, this book does leave some questions unanswered.
My favorite Butler brother is and will always be Naughton. When I think of a brooding cowboy who can sweep me up off my feet, Naughton definitely comes to mind. He’s masculine in all the right ways and intense and protective. In His book we are introduced to Bradley and man is she a strong and independent woman! She is a good feminine balance to Naughton. She knows her wines and vines too. As she’s exploring the vineyards or tasting the wines, you feel like you’re there with her. Part of that is all Heather Slade and her writing style because let’s face it, she’s fabulous! This is my favorite of the Butler series and one I reread often even if I don’t take a reread of the entire series
Bradley and Naughton. I wondered how Quinn met the family and now I know! I do wonder about why she wanted to meet Naught and of course when everyone will figure the Kade confusion out. I really thought the barn scene at the end was going to be it. The drama and troubles at the vineyards was fascinating and I loved seeing the community come together for the land and the people. Bradley is a rock star and of course mama butler or Sorcha was still my favorite. Alex was a great support to everyone in this story and I loved seeing Maddox and Naughts sibling relationship throughout the whole story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting read that honestly left me curious about the intricacies of wine making. Bradley was a likable character and it was easy to what what was best for her. The suspense of the troubles befalling local wineries added to the narrative, however I would have liked for there to have been a bit more development in the main relationship. To be fair, that might not have meshed with the intended relationship dynamic- but it would have suited my preference.
The Secret is the third book in Heather Slade's Butler Ranch series which just keeps getting better and better! I love the way all the characters from the previous books are fully involved and the suspense level is ratcheting up! Naughton and Bradley are a match made in heaven once they move on from their disaster of a first meeting and as a wine lover myself I appreciated the explanations of the technicalities of wine making. In each book the mystery that is big brother Kade gets deeper and deeper, and I'm really looking forward to the next one.
This story was not my favorite. There was way too much technical details about growing grapes and making wine. I appreciate the research the author did on the topic, but it overwhelmed the story between Naughton and Bradley. Not crazy about the name Naughton, but loved the use of Bradley for a girl. With all the technical details in the book, it did not leave much room for a romance story. It made it seem like "lust at first sight" and not a true love story.
The Secret. Heather Slade This is the first book I’ve read in this series but it won’t be the last. What great characters, Bradley and Naughton. There is everything you could ask of a book...intrigue, romance, action packed, and family drama. I am looking forward to the next book but am going to buy the two previous books in the meantime. I was gifted this book. I voluntarily give my review. This is my honest review.
I enjoyed reading this story! Starts with Naught seeing a strange women and he goes up to her and ask her her name she tells him Bradley St. john he does not believe he and ask her where he boyfriend is. This had me laughing a little at the way he does not believe that is her name . I was drawn in to see what is happening and how everyone deals with what is going on and there is a twist near the end I did not see coming. Look forward to reading the next book Mercer Vow.
Wow what a Well written story although I’m kind of sorry I didn’t get to confirm my theory that Kade is still alive. I also wanted to experience Bradley and naugton’s wedding. But I loved what I read. Every page made me Want to read more. Thank you for it. Looking forward to more butler adventures.
I love the Butler family. I'm not a wine drinker but have become fascinated about the wine industry because of this series. Had no idea how complicated it is to produce wine. On top of all that, I get a great mystery, sexy characters and an overall amazing storyline. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
Another great book in the Butler Ranch series. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Naughton and Bradley developer,heavy on the heat factor as with the other books in the series. The subplot once again well woven into the book. I’ve already read Mercer, but honestly I think I’m going to read it again. A must read from Heather Slade.
I loved this! Part of a series, but stands alone well enough and ends with an HEA, so no romantic cliffhangers. That said... You will want to keep reading/read the previous two books in the series if you haven't - this series is addictive! Some great writing, terrific characters, and lots of fun.
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Full of romance, suspense, drama and real characters you can relate to. The humor has you laughing, a book not to be missed you just cannot put it down.