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Petoskey Stone #2
Best Kept Secrets
Zoey Chandler has spent the last year quaking in her boots, scared of her own shadow... and the male population in general.
So when Deputy Chase Manning, her brother's best friend, moves back to their small hometown after years in a metropolitan police department, she is both wary and intrigued when she realizes he shares traumas as deeply scarring as her own.
In an effort to return a semblance of safety and strength to Zoey's life, Chase makes a he wants to train her in self-defense techniques to better protect her... and her infant child.
But Chase has a secret; he's been offered his own proposal, one that if he chooses to accept, could very well destroy the life Zoey has fought so hard to build.
So when Deputy Chase Manning, her brother's best friend, moves back to their small hometown after years in a metropolitan police department, she is both wary and intrigued when she realizes he shares traumas as deeply scarring as her own.
In an effort to return a semblance of safety and strength to Zoey's life, Chase makes a he wants to train her in self-defense techniques to better protect her... and her infant child.
But Chase has a secret; he's been offered his own proposal, one that if he chooses to accept, could very well destroy the life Zoey has fought so hard to build.
440 pages, Paperback
Published May 16, 2023
About the author
Danielle Baker
13 books688 followersDanielle Baker was born and raised in the beautiful city of Petoskey, nestled on the crystalline shores of Lake Michigan. She is blissfully married to the love of her life, Nicholas. Danielle’s love of writing began while she was in high school. At the urging of her family, Danielle was given the boost she needed to ‘Get back in the saddle’ and keep reaching for her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. When Danielle isn’t working, writing, or spending time with her family, she can be found with a cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Did Not Finish
January 12, 2025Spoilers ahead, DNF(first for 2025)
This really pissed me off because I was enjoying the book, my fault I definitely should've waited for more reviews
Brother's best friend, returned back to their hometown after a traumatising incident in his job as a cop. He moved into the home of his best friend who's the h's brother, h also lives there with her 5 month old baby.
h was sexually assaulted and became pregnant, we don't see this but she suffers severe anxiety because of it. (Side note here, isn't a morning after pill given after a rape??? Idk I'm genuinely asking)
H/h have some sweet moments together with her baby and I loved them together.
He'd always seen her as a little sister, then the brother asked him to marry her to help her with her issues. He starts noticing how attractive she is the more time they spend together.
**** to get over the attraction he goes and has sex with ow he'd met in the gym.
Immediate DNF
Written in 3rd person
Spoilers
“Are you going to work out?” Zoey asked softly, holding Verity in her arms.
No, he wanted to say, but didn’t. He was headed out for a totally different kind of workout. But she didn’t need to know that.
“Yeah,” was what he said though, because it wasn’t a complete lie. “I’ll be back later.”
She nodded, smiling at him, and he hated Tommy for putting these thoughts into his mind in the first place. He didn’t smile in return as he walked out the door.
Shay was her name, he found out as he drove to her apartment. She wasn’t looking for anything serious, she said. Just sex.
He could do that.
It was quick and hard, just what he’d needed. No frills, no kissing, no cuddling afterward. Just a satisfyingly deep orgasm, a way to scratch that itch. She pulled on an oversized hooded sweatshirt afterward, walking with no pants on through the tiny apartment as he dressed and tossed the used condom in the trash. She merely winked at him as he’d let himself out.
He’d driven back to Zoey and Tommy’s house, sitting outside in his Jeep for a long time, guilt crushing him. He wasn’t sure why it ate at him so much, but as he finally walked in through the door and Zoey had smiled at him through the arched doorway from the living room, he knew he was in trouble, and hated himself for it.
Because it hadn’t been Shay that Chase had envisioned as he’d fucked her from behind, wrapping his hand around that blonde ponytail and pulling tight; but Zoey.
Now, sitting across the table from her as she resumed her seat and smiled at him warmly, with her brother sitting beside him still staring between bites of his soup, he knew what his answer would be.
And he hated himself all the more for it.
When Zoey looked at him then and said, “Okay,” he nearly choked on a spoonful of his soup, terrified she’d somehow read his mind.
The fact that he came back feeling guilty said that there were feelings developing there so why TF was that bs necessary man! I was enjoying this too 😔
This really pissed me off because I was enjoying the book, my fault I definitely should've waited for more reviews
Brother's best friend, returned back to their hometown after a traumatising incident in his job as a cop. He moved into the home of his best friend who's the h's brother, h also lives there with her 5 month old baby.
h was sexually assaulted and became pregnant, we don't see this but she suffers severe anxiety because of it. (Side note here, isn't a morning after pill given after a rape??? Idk I'm genuinely asking)
H/h have some sweet moments together with her baby and I loved them together.
He'd always seen her as a little sister, then the brother asked him to marry her to help her with her issues. He starts noticing how attractive she is the more time they spend together.
**** to get over the attraction he goes and has sex with ow he'd met in the gym.
Immediate DNF
Written in 3rd person
Spoilers
“Are you going to work out?” Zoey asked softly, holding Verity in her arms.
No, he wanted to say, but didn’t. He was headed out for a totally different kind of workout. But she didn’t need to know that.
“Yeah,” was what he said though, because it wasn’t a complete lie. “I’ll be back later.”
She nodded, smiling at him, and he hated Tommy for putting these thoughts into his mind in the first place. He didn’t smile in return as he walked out the door.
Shay was her name, he found out as he drove to her apartment. She wasn’t looking for anything serious, she said. Just sex.
He could do that.
It was quick and hard, just what he’d needed. No frills, no kissing, no cuddling afterward. Just a satisfyingly deep orgasm, a way to scratch that itch. She pulled on an oversized hooded sweatshirt afterward, walking with no pants on through the tiny apartment as he dressed and tossed the used condom in the trash. She merely winked at him as he’d let himself out.
He’d driven back to Zoey and Tommy’s house, sitting outside in his Jeep for a long time, guilt crushing him. He wasn’t sure why it ate at him so much, but as he finally walked in through the door and Zoey had smiled at him through the arched doorway from the living room, he knew he was in trouble, and hated himself for it.
Because it hadn’t been Shay that Chase had envisioned as he’d fucked her from behind, wrapping his hand around that blonde ponytail and pulling tight; but Zoey.
Now, sitting across the table from her as she resumed her seat and smiled at him warmly, with her brother sitting beside him still staring between bites of his soup, he knew what his answer would be.
And he hated himself all the more for it.
When Zoey looked at him then and said, “Okay,” he nearly choked on a spoonful of his soup, terrified she’d somehow read his mind.
The fact that he came back feeling guilty said that there were feelings developing there so why TF was that bs necessary man! I was enjoying this too 😔
February 11, 2025
Great story ❤
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: single mom
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
A sweet and emotional read. A little angstier than my preference, but still enjoyable. Looking forward to continuing the series.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: single mom
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
A sweet and emotional read. A little angstier than my preference, but still enjoyable. Looking forward to continuing the series.
July 30, 2023
Danielle baker is one of my favorite new authors! She writes men who are dream goals. Nothing morally grey, they treat their women amazing and are freaks in the sheets. The steamy scenes are AMAZING!!! This dealt with SA trauma beautifully and giving the power back to the FMC. The MMC was so sweet and thoughtful. Definitely relationship goals. Slow burn, single mom, hot cop, definitely a must read!!!
July 9, 2024
Another cute relatable story!
Oh I love Chase and Zoey! I loved reading about little Verity, having a 4m old myself I could relate to those moments. I had a feeling Zoey would find out about Tommy’s plan to marry her off to chase because they kept talking about it out loud and she was destined to walk in on a conversation. Chase and Zoey were thrust together when he returned to town and needed a place to crash. Chase supported and helping Zoey after her incident drawing them together and making them fall in love with each other. Another fantastic book by Danielle Baker, down to earth and relatable. I’m definitely going to recommend this series to my book groups!
Tropes: Brothers Best Fried, small town, hot cop, single mom, forced proximity & secrets
Oh I love Chase and Zoey! I loved reading about little Verity, having a 4m old myself I could relate to those moments. I had a feeling Zoey would find out about Tommy’s plan to marry her off to chase because they kept talking about it out loud and she was destined to walk in on a conversation. Chase and Zoey were thrust together when he returned to town and needed a place to crash. Chase supported and helping Zoey after her incident drawing them together and making them fall in love with each other. Another fantastic book by Danielle Baker, down to earth and relatable. I’m definitely going to recommend this series to my book groups!
Tropes: Brothers Best Fried, small town, hot cop, single mom, forced proximity & secrets
March 15, 2026
This was INCREDIBLE. Such a powerful book. Zoey was dealing with the unimaginable and my heart just kept breaking for her.
Best Kept Secrets was such an emotional ride, from the start to the end. It was a slow burn, but done absolutely perfectly.
I have enjoyed everything I have read by Danielle Baker, but this one? Turned her into an auto buy for me. I wouldn't change a damn thing about this book.
Best Kept Secrets was such an emotional ride, from the start to the end. It was a slow burn, but done absolutely perfectly.
I have enjoyed everything I have read by Danielle Baker, but this one? Turned her into an auto buy for me. I wouldn't change a damn thing about this book.
June 27, 2024
I knew what the third act break was going to be the first time something about it was mentioned in passing and turned down at the beginning of the book. This didn’t make it less sad or frustrating…I just knew it was coming.
Chase has moved home after a traumatic case that has taken his peace working for Detroit Metro. He comes home to a slower pace and small town life as a way to heal.
Zoey is trying to recover from a traumatic incident that forced her to drop out of college, can’t stand to be touched, has anxiety and also a daughter.
They live together in what is supposed to be temporary but soon turns into a permanent situation. Chase starts out seeing Zoey as another little sister. He wants to protect her and her daughter and help her heal in anyway that he can. As time goes on both Chase and Zoey grow closer snd closer and soon he realizes that he would do just about anything for Zoey.
Zoey finds herself again and start healing. All while falling for Chase and finding her home and safe space with him. Chase loves Zoey and while working through fears related to his trauma. He finds his home in Zoey. So they get married..it’s what you do when you love someone. Enter the third act issue.
He moves out of the house to give Zoey her space. To realize that he does love her and while he kept a secret he didn’t lie. When she gets into an accident and wakes up to him terrified by her bed both realize how much the other means to each other. It wasn’t a long break and for that I was grateful as it was a semi slow burn.
These two were cute and can’t wait to see where the rest of the cast goes.
Chase has moved home after a traumatic case that has taken his peace working for Detroit Metro. He comes home to a slower pace and small town life as a way to heal.
Zoey is trying to recover from a traumatic incident that forced her to drop out of college, can’t stand to be touched, has anxiety and also a daughter.
They live together in what is supposed to be temporary but soon turns into a permanent situation. Chase starts out seeing Zoey as another little sister. He wants to protect her and her daughter and help her heal in anyway that he can. As time goes on both Chase and Zoey grow closer snd closer and soon he realizes that he would do just about anything for Zoey.
Zoey finds herself again and start healing. All while falling for Chase and finding her home and safe space with him. Chase loves Zoey and while working through fears related to his trauma. He finds his home in Zoey. So they get married..it’s what you do when you love someone. Enter the third act issue.
He moves out of the house to give Zoey her space. To realize that he does love her and while he kept a secret he didn’t lie. When she gets into an accident and wakes up to him terrified by her bed both realize how much the other means to each other. It wasn’t a long break and for that I was grateful as it was a semi slow burn.
These two were cute and can’t wait to see where the rest of the cast goes.
March 16, 2026
Loved it! It was pretty emotional at points but so dang sweet. My heart ached for Zoey so much. She was truly the absolute sweetest and deserved all the best things. And chase 🥹 gahhh he was the absolute sweetest. Total golden retriever book boyfriend!
This was really such a sweet romance with some good balance of emotion, heat, flirty banter and some good old feminine rage.
⚠️This book does cover some sensitive topics so please read the TW.
🌶️🌶️
💜 Brothers Best Fried
💜 Small town
💜 Hot cop
💜 Single mom
💜 Forced proximity
💜 Secrets
This was really such a sweet romance with some good balance of emotion, heat, flirty banter and some good old feminine rage.
⚠️This book does cover some sensitive topics so please read the TW.
🌶️🌶️
💜 Brothers Best Fried
💜 Small town
💜 Hot cop
💜 Single mom
💜 Forced proximity
💜 Secrets
September 26, 2026
I’m honestly not sure how I feel about this one. There were parts I really loved, but I also finished it feeling like I needed more.
I loved Zoey’s story and everything surrounding her past. There was so much trauma, grief, and healing woven into this, and I really think the story had the potential to hit me so much harder than it did. The brother’s best friend trope, single mom aspect, and all of the history between the characters were completely my thing.
But there were a few things that just didn’t work for me. I don’t love when the MMC hooks up with someone other than the FMC. Obviously they weren’t together, and I guess that makes it a little more realistic, but… I don’t read romance for realism 😂 I’m still going to be annoyed about it.
And Tommy and Shaun??? I don’t like watching them together knowing they don’t end up together. 😭 I need to know if Tommy gets his own story because I have QUESTIONS.
Then the ending left me wanting so much more. I just wasn’t ready for the story to be over where it was. I wanted more time with these characters and more payoff after everything they went through.
Third person, dual POV, brother’s best friend, single mom, trauma, grief, and plenty of complicated history.
I did genuinely like the story. I just kept thinking about how much I could have loved it, and that’s what makes this one so hard to rate. 🤷🏻♀️
I loved Zoey’s story and everything surrounding her past. There was so much trauma, grief, and healing woven into this, and I really think the story had the potential to hit me so much harder than it did. The brother’s best friend trope, single mom aspect, and all of the history between the characters were completely my thing.
But there were a few things that just didn’t work for me. I don’t love when the MMC hooks up with someone other than the FMC. Obviously they weren’t together, and I guess that makes it a little more realistic, but… I don’t read romance for realism 😂 I’m still going to be annoyed about it.
And Tommy and Shaun??? I don’t like watching them together knowing they don’t end up together. 😭 I need to know if Tommy gets his own story because I have QUESTIONS.
Then the ending left me wanting so much more. I just wasn’t ready for the story to be over where it was. I wanted more time with these characters and more payoff after everything they went through.
Third person, dual POV, brother’s best friend, single mom, trauma, grief, and plenty of complicated history.
I did genuinely like the story. I just kept thinking about how much I could have loved it, and that’s what makes this one so hard to rate. 🤷🏻♀️
September 9, 2026
This one is going to take you on an emotional ride
Danielle doesn’t pull any punches in this one, it’s the second book in this series and it’s filled with all the angsty drama you could ask for.
Zoey has endured trauma that no woman should ever have to, now a single mom to an adorable baby, she is just trying to figure out what comes next and how to move past it all. Enter Chase, her brother’s best friend with a bit of a hero complex. But even he couldn’t predict the attraction he’s feeling towards Zoey, could he put aside his issues and just be there for her? And will she let her walls down to let him?
This is a solid story and a must read for someone with a completist brain like mine. There are two more books in this series and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Danielle doesn’t pull any punches in this one, it’s the second book in this series and it’s filled with all the angsty drama you could ask for.
Zoey has endured trauma that no woman should ever have to, now a single mom to an adorable baby, she is just trying to figure out what comes next and how to move past it all. Enter Chase, her brother’s best friend with a bit of a hero complex. But even he couldn’t predict the attraction he’s feeling towards Zoey, could he put aside his issues and just be there for her? And will she let her walls down to let him?
This is a solid story and a must read for someone with a completist brain like mine. There are two more books in this series and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
August 22, 2023
I found Danielle on tiktok and order her books sign copies so glad I did this book was so good. Omg I was in my emotions and cared so much for Zoey and chase. I love me a good brothers best friend and this was it. Make sure to read triggers as this deals with some heavy stuff. But this book is a must read. I could not put the book down until I knew what happen all the way through and the way her brother Tommy cares for her omg. I need him to have a happy love story. Chase in this book is so book boyfriend material. The things Zoey went through was so heartbreaking and will have you caring so much for her.
August 2, 2026
So I loved the first 60% of this! Then everything happened so fast! First time having sex, marriage proposal, 2 weeks later wedding.. then the whole thing with Tommy?? And that happening so quickly at the end?
I wanted more of the trial with the grandparents and stuff.
Then we also stopped seeing verity and she was always sleeping?
I was disappointed with that. But like I loved the tension and build up and how he loved her.
I just definitely think the last part happened so fast. And it didn’t even help with the whole grandparents thing, the lawyer brought it up but I wanted to see it being brought up in that and not the marriage so quickly lol
I wanted more of the trial with the grandparents and stuff.
Then we also stopped seeing verity and she was always sleeping?
I was disappointed with that. But like I loved the tension and build up and how he loved her.
I just definitely think the last part happened so fast. And it didn’t even help with the whole grandparents thing, the lawyer brought it up but I wanted to see it being brought up in that and not the marriage so quickly lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2026
This dealt with SA trauma and giving the power back to the FMC. The MMC was so sweet, respectful and attentive. For some i can see this story being cathartic, strong, raw, safe and healing. Slow burn, vulnerability, single mom, hot cop.
My issues:
- 3rd Person POV
- 3rd act issues
- too heavy on the trauma for me
- the audio was a miss for me
My issues:
- 3rd Person POV
- 3rd act issues
- too heavy on the trauma for me
- the audio was a miss for me
June 16, 2023
Very well done
I loved it. I loved the characters and the handling of the issues they had. I’m not into mafia romance but never considered law enforcement romance. Pleasantly surprised by the author. Great job Ms Baker!
I loved it. I loved the characters and the handling of the issues they had. I’m not into mafia romance but never considered law enforcement romance. Pleasantly surprised by the author. Great job Ms Baker!
August 18, 2023
Another 5 star read!
Holy smokes is my gut reaction!
Chase & Zoey’s story sure took me on an emotional roller coaster, but I loved every minute of it!
I can’t wait to read more of this series!
Holy smokes is my gut reaction!
Chase & Zoey’s story sure took me on an emotional roller coaster, but I loved every minute of it!
I can’t wait to read more of this series!
September 16, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the standalone series and I liked it even more than the first one! It deals with trauma, healing, trust, and love! And how can you not love a protective, sweet MMC who is good with kids?!
March 13, 2024
we have a lifetime of tomorrows
Oh I love chase! He is so patient with Zoey after all she’s been through!
Loved this book! Chase moved back home at the right time to help Zoey get through her hardships!
Oh I love chase! He is so patient with Zoey after all she’s been through!
Loved this book! Chase moved back home at the right time to help Zoey get through her hardships!
June 30, 2024
Both the FMC and MMC had major trauma to work through. Seeing their bond grow and develop and the way he took care of her was genuinely sweet. I love protector MMCs and he was definitely that! Slow burn that really worked with the story line.
August 16, 2023
Loved this book so much!
September 10, 2023
I loved this book! Not as much as the first one but just as good! Not as attached to Zoey and Chase as I am Jodi and Freeman! Looking forward to the third book!
October 1, 2023
An amazing story and I can't wait for the next one
May 27, 2024
best. kept. secret.
I love her writing and this was such a great installment in this series. I just couldn’t put it down. So excited to continue. Chase is everything. Oof.
I love her writing and this was such a great installment in this series. I just couldn’t put it down. So excited to continue. Chase is everything. Oof.
July 19, 2024
Danielle does an AMAZING job dealing with heavy topics in this book. I can't commend the writing in this book enough. Just wow.
May 11, 2025
3,5⭐️ It's a beautiful story, very, very slow burn, but the 3rd act conflict and ending felt a little too rushed. The way Danielle writes about grief and healing is amazing. ❤️
February 9, 2026
To put it simply: I am never EVER getting over Zoey & Chase.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews