Secrets in Love

The West Village #2

by Bindi Kennedy

Sweet, spicy and more than a little bit naughty, Secrets in Love is a brothers best friend- friends to lovers romcom set in the heart of New York City, and the crystal clear waters of Australia’s Byron Bay. Book two of the West Village series, rides the wave of playboy farmer Nate Myers, and his clueless, grumpy childhood sweetheart, Evie Austen. Can Nate finally reveal what’s in his heart? Can Evie accept it without a physical causing physical injury?

Blurb Why is the one thing you can't have the one thing you want most?

For years, my life, my very existence, has orbited that of my family.
I have lived and breathed only for them.
Become indifferent to my dreams- lost myself.

But one night. One ridiculous conversation and one seemingly innocent encounter have opened the metaphorical floodgates. Washing away the walls I built around my heart, revealing hidden secrets and exposing the one thing that could bring me back to me.
Cruelly, that thing, that person, has been right before my eyes for years but now sits on the other side of the world...

My brother's best friend.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romantic Comedy, Love

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2023

About the author

Bindi Kennedy lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband, two eternally embarrassed daughters, and the true loves of her life, her fur babies. She loves potatoes, hates balloons, and has an unhealthy obsession with Scottish Highlanders in kilts.

When she’s not adding a heartfelt twist to her fun, flirty and spicy romcoms, Bindi can be found reading, or listening to Taylor Swift...probably while crying.

Reviews

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

** I would like to say thankyou to the author for providing me with the ARC of this book!

"Call me a good boy again, Evie, and I'll do whatever the fuck you like."

Another great read by Bindi Kennedy!

Secrets in Love follows Evie and Nate who are childhood friends always too scared to change their relationship, with the fear that it would have negative consequences if it didn't work out between them. They both share a niece, complicated pasts, and Nate is Evie's brothers bestfriend.

The book has:
• Virgin FMC
• Reformed bad boy
• Friends to lovers
• Brother's best friend
• Lots of amazing spice
• Slow burn

My reasoning for a 4 instead of a 5 was that I struggled a bit with the FMC. I found her to be very all over the place and a little childish. I say this because it's very difficult for her to be honest with her feelings, especially when put on the spot. I found the MMC to be so open with his communication, so I found myself gravitating towards his character a lot more!

I absolutely loved the mental health representation, though, that comes into play with the FMC and makes a lot of sense with her character growth development!

I can't wait to continue on with Teddy and Asher's story ... and as I have recently heard, Polly's!

(I also think you should do Jocelyn's. She's the best character 😎)

"There is always that little scowl and crease in her nose like she's worried she left something behind at home, like something was missing. When I saw her with you, I understood what it was. She left you behind, Nate. You're what she's missing."

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers trope = HECK YESSSS
Love that brother’s best friend storyline for Evie! Also, a long distance New York and Australia friendship?? When they are already MAJOR goals for a relationship?? Bindi does it again and wins my heart with these two!!🤩💕

I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own!

[Nicole D'cruz (kiwinikilovesreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**
"I have never been anyone's favourite anything, but I was his everything, and it terrified me so much...."

Secrets in Love is book #2 in the West Village series by Bindi Kennedy!! This was such a great continuation on from book #1 Rules in Love. I would highly recommend reading book #1 before this but they are interconnected standalone books.

My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥

If you like these tropes, you will love this book :)
✨Brother's Best Friend
✨Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Reformed Playboy
✨Virgin Heroine
✨NYC Romance

Evie Austen , aka Aoife, is a ballet teacher at her niece Iris's dance studio. She moved from Byron Bay, Australia to NYC with her brother, her niece and her aunt Jocie, soon after her parents passed away. She was happy with the move but it felt like her family always depended on her and she wasn't doing anything for herself. She also missed her best friend and the part of herself that was left behind in Byron Bay - Mr Nathaniel Myers - Finn's best friend

Nathaniel Myers, aka Nate, is a farmer in Byron Bay and is currently working on his family farm, helping out his parents after his father suffered a stroke. He is the biggest playboy!!! Despite this, he has always been in love with Evie but hasn't pursued anything with her because Evie is Finn's sister.

One phone call over a date gone wrong and Nate is on a plane to NYC. Is this their chance to finally be together or will Nate go back to Australia alone?

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Bindi knows how to write a romantic comedy book!! I have never laughed so much in my life!!!
I am just obsessed with Evie and Nate. I love love love the nickname he gave her of Lil Gidget!!
I loved the funny banter between them!!
Nate was so sweet to Evie!! Wait till you read the cutest notes he writes her on the plane to NYC.
I love how he accepted her grumpiness haha
There were moments in this book that had me shedding a few tears.
Wait till you find out why Nate is the playboy he is

Some of my favourite quotes:
"I couldn't look away from his hunger. From his heat. We were thousands of miles apart. But I could feel flames licking every inch of my quivering flesh..."

"Damn it, Evie. Why do you have to be so bloody stubborn? Don't you get it by now? ..... I want to be your everything....."

Overall, I was just obsessed with this book!!

It's available now on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited so be sure to read it!!

I am so looking forward to Teddy's story coming in 2024!!

Thanks so much to Bindi and Wordsmith Publicity for kindly sending me this arc to read and review. This review is my own honest opinion on the book :)

[paris · Rating 4 out of 5]

tropes

- brothers best friend
- friends to lovers
- reformed playboy
- kinda second chance romance


This is my first book from this author and i enjoyed it so much, secrets in love follows evie and nate who met through evie’s brother, they had been friends since they were kids and had harbored a crush on one another for as long as either of them could remember. but they never acted on their crushed because nate and finn made an agreement to stay away from one another’s sisters, an agreement nate took to heart and finn (didn’t)

But when finn falls for nate’s sister and then becomes a single father to their daughter after a tragic accident he and his family move to new york leaving their small town and nate. Years later nate is in new york and both he and evie realize those feelings they had never left.


I loved the way nate and evie loved one another, like they were truly IN LOVE and it seeped off the pages. Nate was so swoon worthy he was clearly the golden retriever to evies black cat and it made me love him. This book was a good read it was easy to fall in tune with the characters. There’s some spice i’ll give it a 2/5 on the spice meter but nate’s dirty talk really surprised me considering how much of a sweetheart he actually is.

This book was a fun little surprise, i gave it a 3.5 originally but just rounded it up to 4. It took me a minute to get into the writing style and there were some moments toward the middle-end where it felt like character development from previous chapters was going out the window but overall i had fun reading and enjoyed the love the characters had for one another 🩷 definitely recommend for my brothers bestfriend girlies

[Apoorva Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will give my detailed review after the book is released....

[Avie Lou Calabano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the author outdone herself with this one ..what a masterpiece omg ! There were lots of times wherein I need to stop myself from reading cause I didn't want it to end. As usual this book is easy to get into.It was so good I could cry and I think this book is gonna be one of my top 5 this year xoxo


Fun fact : while I was reading one of the smutt scenes suddenly a gospel song played😅

[Jeanthale Taste of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my honest view after reading this book as a ARC reader. I would like to thank Bindi Kennedy for this lovely book and the opportunity to be a arc reader. Also like to thank wordsmith publicity for the amazing opportunity

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️

Trope
📚friends to lovers
📚Brother best friend
📚playboy
📚she’s the grumpy


Secret in love is book 2 of in the west village serie. Book 1 is rules in love, this book is a interconnected standalone but I highly recommended reading book 1 Rules in love., is also amazing read.

This book tells the story of evie and nate.
Evie live in NYC with her brother, niece and aunt after moving from Australia for her brother’s work.
In Australia her Brother best friend Nathaniel (Nate) live on a farm helping his parents out. It only took one phone 📞 call to have Nate take a plane to NYC.

This story was BEAUTIFUL and so well written. It had me shedding a couple of tears feeling al the emotions page by page.
Nate even when we was a playboy was so so sweet. Omg the thing this man can say, had me all red and flustered wishing my name was Evie 🫣😬
Evie is a bit grumpy still trying to find her way in NYC feeling that everything she did was for her family and not for herself. This let them to have some so funny grumpy moment. LOVE IT. You will laugh with this book, you will cry, you will feel al their insecurities but above all their love.
This book was AMAZING beautiful with a bit of spice that you just can’t get enough. Can’t wait to read book 3.
Highly recommended this book

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Aaahhhhh!!!!

Oh my what a book!
Bindi, I bow down to you!

This book had me laughing, squealing and kicking my feet!

And then you hit me with the “Good Boy”? 🔥

Secrets in love is the second book in the West Villlage series, and tells the story of Evie and Nate, in a heated brothers best friend romance!

I loved that the book shares the same timeline as the first book, and that means that we get to relive a lot of Scar and Finns story from another pov! And it did so in a way that even if I already knew a few key happenings from reading the first book, I was still surprised by the twist and turns of this one!

I LOVE Nate! He has earned himself a spot on my Book Boyfriend list! 💚

His dirty mouth, his confidence, and his willingness to please (😉) is perfect!

Evie was very relatable to me! Her constant need to take care of everyone and control her situation by the way she presents herself and arguing with her inner monologue! ❤️ A true picture of the “good girl syndrome” that result in people pleasers like us!

Bindi’s writing is easy and flows well, it feels natural and true to the conversations her characters have! Her use of more informal language and modern phrases hit the time 💚

Favourite quote:
“Call me a Good Boy again, Evie, and I’ll do whatever the fuck you like”

[Jessica (Read book. Repeat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find this review and all my others over at Read Book. Repeat

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Evie's life since her parents' untimely deaths has revolved around her surviving family. That of her brother, her niece and her aunt. Living in New York, she's trying to find her feet, and hopefully, love. When a conversation opens up possibilities that Evie didn't know existed, she finds herself walking a path that she swore she never would, no matter how much she wanted it. Finding out that maybe, just maybe, what she's been looking for her whole life, has been there the whole time, has her reeling. There's only one problem, he's her brother's best friend, and a relationship between the two of them has always been a no go. Will Evie throw caution to the wind and take a chance on either the greatest love story she's ever known, or will she play it safe, like she always does, and spend the rest of her life wondering 'What if?".

When I read the blurb for this one, I thought it sounded super cute and even though I had been studiously avoiding any romance reads for the past twelve odd months, I decided to bite the bullet, and give it a go. I was not disappointed. If anything, I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story and how enamoured I was with the characters that I have been trying to shout it from the rooftops to anyone who will listen.

I've never been much of a fan of friends to lovers, I prefer my romance a fair bit darker...okay...a hell of a lot darker, generally with multiple love interests because, you know, why choose? And I'm a sucker for an enemies to lovers. So, I honestly surprised myself with how much I really wanted to read this story. Especially due to the state of my personal life for the last 2 odd years. I'll admit, there were times where I could feel the burn of tears, and the bittersweet taste that was brought on by some scenes had me wondering whether or not I should continue as my healing is at the forefront for me right now. Not once did I ever actually seriously deliberate putting this book down, and not once did I let my own trauma and pain ruin such a wonderful story. It has brought up a lot of emotions for me, but I feel like they needed to be brought up, and I am so thankful for that. This story was too bloody engaging and honestly a page turner for me, that even if I was short circuiting my phone from the torrent of tears running down my face, I would not have stopped reading it. I would have let my phone fry, then gone and found some other device to read it on. If that's not a testament and a book recommendation, I don't know what is.

The story is sweet, but don't let that fool you. This story deals with pain, loss, hurt and trauma but it does it in a gentle way, if that's at all possible. The characters and what they've been through and are still going through and dealing with were so wonderful. Evie is such a strong character, afraid to allow anyone to get too close for fear of losing them. Nate is a f*ckboy in the true sense of the word, filling the void inside of him with any woman willing to part her thighs for him, and let's be honest, they all do. Getting to watch these two characters push through their fears and their pain in order to go after what they truly want was beautiful. Watching Evie become the fierce woman that slept under the surface of her people pleasing nature was so empowering. I saw a lot of myself in Evie, and I think that's why I was so drawn into the story. To watch her grow in all ways, in and out of the bedroom, was so awe inspiring, and it's so hard to believe that it all happened in one book. I feel like I walked 10000 miles beside these characters, they were that real and raw and flawed, and I love them. I also absolutely ADORED the character of Evie's aunt, she was such a bloody breath of fresh air, so delightful and an absolute crack up. I kinda want a book that follows her and her adventures. I will say, Evie did bug me on a few different occasions, but I know that certain choices she made, and certain things that she said, were done so from a place of fear. So, while she annoyed me a couple of times, I'm not mad, if anything, that is a real testament to Kennedy's ability to write a character with such depth and dimension. A character that I can both love yet want to throttle at the same time. Also, can we take a moment to talk about Polly? I want to punch her in the throat.

The story itself was well written and though it was simple enough, it was never predictable or boring. I was surprised on a couple of instances where I said to myself "Oh yeah, I can see what's going to happen here." And it didn't!!!! IT DIDN'T HAPPEN! Yes, there was some predictability in parts, but there were bits in this book that I was super surprised at the path different parts of the story took. When a book can actually make me go "huh, wasn't expecting that." it's a winner for me. I read a lot of books, and I have read a lot of books, so being able to surprise me is no easy feat. I actually loved the way that this story played out, even though I knew where the story would end, it didn't play out like I expected, and I thoroughly enjoyed that. It kept me guessing in bits and I needed to know what was going to happen next. I also want to point out, I do not laugh in books. I have never laughed out loud at a book before. This book, this glorious breath of fresh air, had me laughing out loud, looking like a complete Muppet, in the first 3%. 3%!!!!!!!!!!!!! There's a comment about Jared Leto that just came out of left field, and I lost it, then a comment about the CWA, oh my, I cracked up. Then! THEN! While eating dinner one night, quietly minding my business, reading my book, I read a line, one that is written in the middle of a spicy scene, that references the Swedish Chef out of the Muppets. I about choked while trying to hold my laughter in, tears beading in the corners of my eyes. That was not a conversation I felt like having with my father, who was in the same room. "What are you laughing at?" "Oh...you know...nothing. Never mind. Go back to watching American Pickers." I finally found a book that actually made me laugh. Kennedy's writing is so full of wit and charm, and it just flows so well that I breezed through this book.

I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give too much away. So, I'll leave my review here. This is book two in the series, but you can definitely read it as a standalone. I have not read book one yet, but I plan to, I just have to wait until I know it won't emotionally destroy me. I will get my chance though because I have ordered myself the Author of the Month book box from The First Chapter which is none other than Bindi Kennedy! You can choose either one or both books, and the preorder is open until Monday the 11th of September. So, if you're in the mood for a sweet yet deep, friends/brothers' best friend to lovers romance, about two people who are just trying to find themselves and not be afraid to go after what they want, honestly, give these books a go. I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this one, and I'm still thinking about it 5 days after finishing it. I loved it that much that I have bought a physical copy, because I just want to have it on my shelf!

In short, read the damn book. It's awesome!

[Maryger Chacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets in Love by Bindi Kennedy, this is the second book in the West Village Series, now it's the turn of Aoife Mary Austen, who to avoid confusion when pronouncing her name adopted the name Evie, like her brother Finn used to called her when he was little, we met her in the previous book, she is Finn's older sister, her dream was to become a dancer, but nothing in her life has turned out the way she wanted, she has always put the lives of others and the well-being of others the others before her own, that is why she is currently living in New York and is dedicated to helping her brother raise his niece Iris, although now she may be starting to do something for herself when she is trying to enter an academy. dance to teach classes, one day on the way to the academy her brother makes a comment which leads her to realize that her brother's best friend may have feelings for her, everyone seems to know it but she had not idea, they always talk and although they are miles apart, she in New York and he in Byron in Australia, he always writes to her, she is now beginning to see him with different eyes, of course she had always seen him, she knows he is handsome, and she has had a kind of secret fixation with him, but he is a womanizer and she knows that not much more can be expected from him, only that after this she begins to dream about what would happen, but being practical his life is in New York and his in Byron, and when she finds out that he started dating her former best friend she decides to move on but nothing turns out as she expected. Nathaniel “Nate” Myers, is this charismatic and handsome man who has always found it easy to sweeten women, but he has never been able to stop thinking about his number one girl, who is his best friend's sister, but with the distance and seeing that Evie seems to have no idea about his feelings, he decides to move on, only that he will do it with the wrong person, when Evie's date ends very badly and its to him that she reach, he travels to help her and once and for all accept to be honest whit what is in his heart, but nothing ever turns out as expected. Evie must decide if it's worth risking her heart and abandoning those she loves to seek her own happiness or simply forget about it and continue being there for her family.
This story had me with mixed feelings, I loved Evie and her strength, the moment she was treated abusively she didn't cower and I loved that, I hated Nate during Polly's stage, ugh! I understand his way of seeing things, but I don't share what he do, but les face it mans are pigs, honestly this was a part of the story that I struggled with, but in the end everything ends where it should, and I would have liked Evie to have had a better vindication after the compromising situation where her find them, but well, it ends happily and I really enjoyed this story and its characters, I already want more of this series and this author. Highly recommended!
*Thanks to Bindi Kennedy and Wordsmith Publicity for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*

Secrets in Love de Bindi Kennedy, este es el segundo libro en la Serie West Village, ahora le toca el turno a Aoife Mary Austen, quien para evitar los enredos a la hora de pronunciar su nombre adopto el nombre Evie, como su hermano Finn le llamaba de pequeño, a ella la conocimos en el libro anterior , es la hermana mayo de Finn, su sueño era convertirse en bailarina, pero nada en su vida ha resultado como quería, ella siempre ha puesto la vida de los demás y el bienestar de los demás antes del propio es por eso que se encuentra viviendo en New York y se dedica a ayudar a su hermano a criar a su sobrina Iris, aunque ahora puede que este comenzando a hacer algo por ella misma cuando esta tratando de entrar a una academia de baile para dar clases, un día de camino a la academia su hermano hace un comentario lo que la lleva a darse cuenta que el mejor amigo de su hermano puede que tenga sentimientos por ella, todos parecen saberlo pero ella no se había dado cuenta de eso, ellos siempre hablan y aunque están a kilómetros de distancia, ella en New York y él en Byron en Australia, él siempre le escribe, ella ahora comienza a verlo con otros ojos, claro que siempre lo había visto, sabe que es guapo, y ha tenido como una especie de fijación con él, pero él es un mujeriego y sabe que de él no se puede esperar mucho más, solo que luego de esto comienza a soñar con el que pasaría si, pero siendo prácticos su vida esta en New York y la de él en Byron, y cuando se entera que él comenzó a salir con ex mejor amiga decide seguir adelante pero nada sale como ella esperaba. Nathaniel “Nate” Myers, es este carismático y guapo hombre que siempre se le ha hecho fácil endulzar a las mujeres, pero nunca ha podido dejar de pensar en su chica número uno, quien es la hermana de su mejor amigo, pero con la distancia y al ver que Evie parece no tener idea de sus sentimientos por lo que él decide seguir adelante, solo que lo hará con la persona incorrecta, cuando la cita de Evie termine muy mal y es a él al que recurre él viaja para ayudarle y de una vez aceptar lo que hay en su corazón, pero nada sale nunca como se espera. Evie debe decidir si vale la pena arriesgar su corazón y abandonar a los que ama por buscar su propia felicidad o simplemente olvidar el asunto y seguir estando para su familia.
Esta historia me tuvo con los sentimientos encontrados, ame a Evie y su fuerza, en el momento en que fue tratada abusivamente no se acobardo y eso me encantó, ¡a Nate durante la etapa de Polly, lo odie ugh! Entiendo su manera de ver las cosas, pero no comparto su manera, en verdad que fue una parte de la historia con la que luche, pero al final todo termina donde debe, y hubiera querido que Evie hubiera tenido una mejor reivindicación luego de en la comprometedora situación donde les encuentra, pero bien, termine feliz y en verdad que disfrute esta historia y sus personajes, ya quiero más de esta serie y de esta autora. ¡Altamente Recomendado!
*Gracias a Bindi Kennedy y a Wordsmith Publicity por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*

[Amanda (aka romcombookreader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC REVIEW***

Tropes:
-childhood friends
-friends to lovers
-he falls first
-flirting & banter
-golden retriever mmc
-virgin fmc
-reformed playboy
-long distance
-brother’s best friend
-reverse grumpy/sunshine

Blurb:
Nate & Evie have known each other since they were kids, & Nate has had a crush on Evie almost as long as they’ve known each other. But Nate is Evie’s brother’s best friend, so Evie has always been off-limits to Nate. Years go by, & Evie ends up moving to the US with her brother, niece, & aunt after her parents’ untimely deaths, but ever since Evie moved, she & Nate have kept in contact a lot more than her family realizes, especially her brother. However, their messages become flirty in nature after Nate reveals he likes Evie. The more flirting that happens, the more they want to finally see each other again. When Nate travels to the US, he emails Evie, proclaiming his love for her… while on the plane. When Nate arrives & they are together again in-person, neither can resist the other despite a relationship between them being forbidden.

Nate:
Nate is a is a playboy, immature, hilarious, flirty, charming, & spontaneous. He is also a farmer & a surfer in Australia. For so long, Nate has wanted Evie, but has had to stuff his feelings & shut off that part of his brain & heart. In order to do so, he became a playboy & screwed every woman that gave him attention. Unfortunately, Nate could never get rid of his deep, harbored feelings for Evie. Plus, she now lived in NYC, thousands of miles away.

Evie:
Evie has given her whole life to her family, which only intensifies after her parents’ untimely deaths. After their deaths, she, her brother, niece, & aunt move to NYC. There, she is basically a live-in nanny for her niece while her brother gets settled & established at his new job. She also loves dancing, takes her niece to dance classes, & dreams of having her own dance studio & teaching full-time. But for now, Evie has to push aside her dreams.

The Spice:
Once Nate & Evie collided, their chemistry was scorching hot & electrifying. Their witty banter, flirting, & bickering fueled their chemistry, & I loved them together so much. Bindi was definitely right when she told me I would love Nate & Evie, & Nate’s dirty, dirty mouth. 😈 Nate was also like a little puppy dog around Evie, ready to give her anything she wanted in order to please her…Evie was truly the one in control despite what Nate believed.

Final Thoughts:
First off, I would like to thank Bindi for asking me to Beta read “Secrets in Love.” I knew this book would be good because, in book 1, Evie seemed like such a sweet character & Nate seemed hilarious & immature. Evie & Nate are a force to be reckoned with & their banter, teasing, & flirting is so hilarious throughout. They come off to some as though they can’t stand each other, but that is DEFINITELY not the case. Everyone was tricked haha.

[Lark _thebookchamber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets in Love in book 2 in the West Village series and follows Evie and Nate. Perfect if you enjoy brother’s best friend, friends to lovers, reverse grumpy/sunshine, virgin FMC, reformed playboy, with a good amount of spice!

Evie has moved from Australia to the NY with her brother, Finn, and niece, Iris. While she doesn’t have a job, she takes great pride in being a caregiver for her niece by taking her to and from school and dance. She’s soon offered a position as a dance instructor where Iris practices and comes to find she loves it, along with her HotBoss Christian. Around the same time that Christian voices his interest and asks Evie on a date, Finn let’s it slip that their life long friend Nate has always had feelings for Evie. This leaves Evie wondering whether she should pursue Christian or Nate. Knowing Nate is halfway across the country, she takes Christian up on his offer.

Nate is a total playboy- having slept with most of the women from his home town in Australia. However, unbeknownst to everyone, he’s been using the company of these women to avoid his feelings for Evie. That is until he gets a call from Evie saying that Christian had been aggressive towards her. This news has him booking the next flight to the States in order to convince Evie to give him a chance.

This was a cute story! I enjoyed it but found some of the characters a tad bit childish *cough cough Evie and Polly* (I reaaaaaallly didn’t like Polly 😑) I loved the golden retriever stance Nate took on while trying to prove himself and his feelings to Evie. I also loved their aunt Jocelyn so much! She was hilarious. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of spice that was included (this is my first book of Bindi’s so I wasn’t sure what level of spice to expect). Overall, it was a good, cute story with a HEA and I’m glad I was able to read it! 💗☺️

[Book Nerdy 2020 · Rating 3 out of 5]

SECRETS IN LOVE By Bindi Kennedy

For years, my life—my very existence—has orbited that of my family.
I have lived and breathed only for them.
Become indifferent to my dreams. Lost myself.
But one seemingly innocent and ridiculous conversation has opened the metaphorical floodgates. The walls I’d painstakingly erected around my heart have been washed away, revealing tightly held secrets and exposing the one thing that could bring me back to me…
My brother’s best friend.

😊What i liked -

✔ Brother's Best Friend/Grumpy-Sunshine/Friends To Lovers/He Falls First/Romantic Comedy.
✔ I like reverse Grumpy sunshine.
✔ I like Nate as a character.
✔ My Favourite was the aunt. (was sad she wasn't there much)
✔ I like the complex relationships there were.
✔Loved the banter, the slow burn chemistry, the mails and texts.

🤔What could have been better -

✔ I am in two minds with Evie's character. I loved her in Finn's book (i prefered Nate there too), but I just couldn't warm up to her in this.
✔ Oh my, I did not like Polly at all. I understand jealousy but but but I did not get why she stooped that low.(are there people like that in this world?)

📚Who Should read :

👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
🌞Grumpy-Sunshine Romance
💕Brother's Best Friend Romance

📈My Rating : 3.5/5

P.s - I liked the first book but somehow did not warm up to this one. My current mood may be a factor, so please read this book because I like Bindi's style of storytelling and her stories deserve to be heard.

Thank you, Bindi Kennedy and Wordsmith Publicity, for a copy.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie and Nate have been friends forever. He’s best friends with her younger brother. When she left with her brother to live in New York, he was heartbroken. He’d loved her secretly throughout their childhood. So when he arrives in New York, will they finally admit their feelings to one another?

#brothersbestfriend
#friendstolovers
#reversegrupmysunshine
#virginFMC
#refomedmanwhoreMMC
#dualPOV

Nate, oh my, his love for Evie, his Gidge is swoon worthy indeed. His declarations of his feelings are supreme boyfriend material. Evie, is stronger than she believes, and he helps being that out in her. Their banter and comebacks make for great reading and help build the lust and tension within the story.

I’ve never highlighted so many quotes within a book til now. When Nate shares his thoughts and feelings, you really know how is heart and soul have always been hers.

Theres some spice to brighten the story, and it’s funny when she helps him unleash a new kink and lets her take control. He gives himself to her completely in every way.

These two are soulmates, in every sense of the word, and you’ll fall in love with them as they fall for each other.

Thank you to @bindikennedyauthor and her team for allowing me an ARC. It was truly a pleasure and delight. These characters have my heart.

4.5 stars

[Erica Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so ADORABLE & bloody hilarious!!! 😂 this is my second read from @bindi so I knew what I was up against, but didn’t think she could be any funnier! Or bring on more of the HEAT!!! 🥵🔥 Evie & Nate had years of friendship & chemistry brewing. But, Nate being her brother’s best friend there were always the “Don’t date my sister” rules. Plus, Evie & her family had moved opposite side of the equator. Not that brothers or distance would make a difference to Nate. He always had it so bad for Lil Gidget aka Evie. Nate kept his feelings buried deep inside and decides to become the biggest playboy in Australia! Hoping distraction after distraction would help, does it ever? Because all it takes is one phone call from Evie and everything changes! Of course there is one character I would’ve very much like to BODY SLAM! But I’ll leave you with just that. 🤣 with that said…I loved the way this story played out! Everything fell into place like it should. I was so super proud of Evie in the end 🥹 This is book 2 of the West Village Series. I highly recommend you read book 1 Rules in Love - there are interconnected characters who you will be happy to read about again! Grab. Read. Happy Reading!!!

[Waseema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. I finished it in one sitting and wanted more. It is the story of Aoife (Evie), sister of Finn from Rules in Love. Finn, Scarlett and all the gang make appearances in the book, but you don't need to read the first to understand it. Although it is really good so you should!
The main trope is young brothers best friend love. It was such a fast paced story, which I love, as there was so much going on. Evie has seen so much in her lifetime that she is reluctant to fall in love, and happy to care for Iris and fit into their lives. She is so clueless about her appeal, due to childhood bullying she never notices guys. Due to her love of dancing, she takes Iris to dance class where she catches the eye of one of the owners!
Meanwhile Finn lets it slip Nate loves here, and this is where the fast pace starts and so many adventures ensue. The books other tropes are family obligations, inappropriate behaviour (yay for the restaurant staff), love self esteem, love, avoiding love, friendship, family and HEAs!
There is so much to cram into 6 hours of reading, and you need to know what happens I could not put it down. I am so glad Teddy is next!

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪: 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗱𝘆
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Player! Man WhØré! Füçl< Boy! Uhuh. I’m talking about “Nate the Great.” No, not the child detective book kids read in elementary school, but Nate in Bindi Kennedy’s “Secrets in Love.”

I can’t tell you how often I almost stopped reading “Secrets in Love” because of Nate telling this character, “What ARE you doing—grrrr?”. Yes, I growled. But that shows how Author Bindi Kennedy’s writing invested me in the story and Nate and Evie’s character. I loved the subtle nuances of each character that she captured closely.

Evie has been in love with her brother’s best friend, Nate, forever. Her life takes her to New York, and Nate continues his life at home, which entails dating around quite a bit. Until the moment when Evie needs Nate due to unfortunate circumstances, he realizes that he needs to be with her. However, nothing is ever easy, especially for two friends who don’t know each other as lovers. All the awkwardness is there. I loved that they had this opportunity to learn about each other’s needs and themselves. The spice was on point. And I was surprised about their roles in bed, which was hot.

Author Bindi Kennedy’s “Secrets in Love” almost had me going through the five stages of grief, but I made it through with lots of laughter along the way.

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

#nowlive #NewRelease #romancebooks #spicybookstagram #Romanticcomedy #Friendstolovers #Brothersbestfriend #ReverseGrumpySunshine #Reformedplayboy #NYCRomance #Contemporary #romancebookstagram #Secretsinlove #WestVillageSeries #spicyreads #spicybooks #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookreview #booktok #booktoker #kindleunlimitedromance #KU #KindleUnlimited #BindiKennedy #wordsmithpublicity

[Ann-Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets in Love is book # 2 in the West Village series! As much as I loved Rules in Love, I think Secrets in Love is my favorite of the series so far!

This story follows Evie and Nate. They grew up as best friends, but Nate had feelings for Evie very early on! He loved his “Gidge” aka Evie since he was a kid 🥹 Nate is a total swoon worthy book boyfriend! The way he unapologetically expresses his love for Evie had me in a puddle for most of the book 💜

My girl Evie… her character growth throughout this book was so beautiful. I loved how she went from feeling like she needed to be needed to have a purpose, to creating her own purpose in life 🥹

The banter between Evie and Nate had me laughing out loud!! If you love a spicy romcom with tropes like brothers best friend, friends to lovers, reverse grumpy sunshine, virgin fmc, and reformed playboy and in dual POV then you will LOVE this book 🥰 it’s available NOW on Kindle Unlimited!!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is Nate and Evie’s story. Nate is Evie’s brothers’ best friend and he has loved her since childhood. When Evie moves to the US with her brother, niece, and aunt after her parents’ untimely deaths, she and Nate keep in contact. Evie put all her own dreams on hold to bring up her niece, while Nate is a flirt, playboy, funny, and is a farmer and surfer in Australia. Can these two work through a long-distance relationship?
This is a well written story which is a reverse grumpy / sunshine, friends / lovers romance, with family, friendships, humor, witty and flirty banter, bickering, challenges, emotions, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[J’aime.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

This book had a lot going on. A lot of outside of the couple drama with other love interests. It also parallels book one, so you get more insight into the brothers love life.

Evie is a pathological people pleaser, caretaker. Watching out for everyone but herself. Completely clueless to the feelings of her brothers best friend.

Nate is an eternal bachelor. Has always had feelings for Evie and decides if he gets a girlfriend he can finally get over her. Only that backfires and he ends up leaving Australia and visiting her in NY way sooner than planned once he finds out she’s starting to see someone else.

Lots and lots of young love drama. Jealousy. Pettiness. Fmc is shy and inexperienced. Their relationship is very flirty and young. But one thing doesn’t change, Nate wants Evie and Evie only.

Brothers best friend. Virgin heroine. Spice. HEAs always.

[Word_ishh · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*
ARC - Secrets in Love by @bindikennedyauthor


Thank you for the ARC 💚

LOVED IT? Why can't I just swallow this whole book? I mean bro wth? You kidding me? How can someone even write this good book? The character development- OH MY GOSH! Nate is such a babygirl Istg, I love this guy. The way he always keeps a smiley face but how broken he was from inside! Ngl, in the starting of this story I felt like wow- he is such a cool person- but as you get into the story you realise, he was deeply hurt too. He literally can't see his love Evie in pain and that what makes him a true lover.
The whole book was such a sweet, spicy, babygurl type banter and I'm living for it 👄.
Help me, I'm fainting from Natey's hotness. BYE.
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#romancelover #smut #smuttybooks #romamcereader #bookrecs #bookishcontent #bookcover

[Karen Manaog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I went into it blindly, not having read book one.

Nate and Evie are childhood friends who have loved each other for years and once they finally open up to each other and act towards those feelings you could definitely feel the love they have for each other flowing through the pages.

There were so many lines spoken between the characters where I could just feel how heartfelt and honest they were. And there were also moments where I found myself laughing.

“I am the Nate you know me to be in your heart. And I am yours. Forever.”

If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, brothers best friend, long distance romance book this story is for you!

Thank you for sharing this arc with me!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book because I'm a big fan of brother's best friend romance. The blurb sounded like my jam so I gave it a go. It did take me a bit to get into, but soon I was drawn in the story. Nate and Evie have a ton of history. They have been in each other's lives for a long time. Loss has hit this small clan big time. It's heartbreaking. I was delighted to see the characters are Australian. I'm not gonna lie I read dialogue with an Australian accent in my head. I love me an Australian accent, yum! This book had a good sense of humor. The banter between Evie and Nate was great and one of my favorite parts. This book did have me laughing quite often. Evie learns some shocking information about Nate that changes everything. Buckle up for this ride!

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets in Love was a sweet friends to lovers/ brothers best friend to lovers romance. Nate has spent his entire life in love with Evie and his way of coping with this is to seek solace in the arms of other women. This has left him with a playboy reputation and also means that Evie has never taken him seriously. After Evie moves to New York, Nate realizes that the feelings he’s been burying have never gone away and he takes steps to show her his feelings!

Told in dual POV this is a very angsty reverse grumpy/sunshine and I really enjoyed their banter. It has strong will they/won’t they vibes. There were a few characters that I found extremely off putting (ahem Polly). But there were also characters that Ioved like Aunt Jocelyn! It also all works out in the end!

[Reemah · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Reviewed for A Book Nerd, a Bookseller and a Bibliophile*

Evie and Nate's story was delightful. There is a great history between Evie and Nate because of that it made the story development great. It was also great that they both secretly had crushes on each other. I did not always care for the writing style in the book but I absolutely loved that I could feel the love between Evie and Nate. It was apparent that they truly loved each other. Nate had a great swoon factor to him with a great ability to talk dirty. Overall a good read. Well if you are looking for a friend-to-lover or brother-best friend romance you have found both.

[Jaymee Lisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows the lives of Nate and Evie who have known each other since they were kids,however Nate has had a crush on Evie for the longest time, but Nate is Evie’s brother’s best friend. And they have made a pact not to fall for each other’s sisters but it didn’t stay that way, after Finn had a baby with Nate’s sister, Evie moved with her brother to New York City and years pass and ever since Evie and Nate have kept in contact with the texts slowly turning flirtatious after Nate confesses his attraction to Evie. And when he visits NYC, both him and Evie realizes their attraction and the bond between them.

[readsbykish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was soooooooo entertaining that I just had to find out what happened next. Although it took me awhile to get into it but I’m so glad that I loved it!

At the start of the book I found it cute that they both have a thing for each other but just could not act upon them because it was complicated. Nate and Evie were meant to be together although there were alot that was keeping them apart but I love that they still got the happy ending they deserved. And the way Nate calls her gidge was so cute! I loved it so much 💗✨

This is the first ever book I read from this author and I’m so excited to read more of her books in the future 🫧🤍

[Claire (Tropey Trinkets) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, funny, sexy read.

I was so grateful to receive an arc of Secrets in Love. This is the first time I have read a book from this author and I am so excited to see what she comes up with next.

The story revolves around a friends to lovers / brothers best friend trope. Evie and Nate’s relationship was heartfelt and hot, and the connection they shared felt raw and true - perfect soulmates.

Nate’s antics had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion, as a fellow Aussie - I really resonated with the language throughout this book which was a lovely change.

I don’t think you could wish for a more enjoyable easy read. I devoured this book in two days.

[Andrea Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, is this book awesome! I absolutely love the bantering between Evie and Nate! I me could it be any better! I love witty bantering and sarcastic comebacks! And that we got to see Finn and Jocie from Evie's point of view! I loved how they developed the relationship and had the raw emotions and the mistakes they made and how they overcame it! The ending was brilliant, and I lived every single second! I can't wait to read Teddy and Ashers' story! The was the dialog was all Australian ways of speaking was also fantastic! It's just so awesome. I totally recommend this book and series!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

🗽Book Review🗽

This book felt like home, and I loved it. The colloquialisms and Australian-isms were fabulous and heartwarming to read. If you even need to know how Australians think, speak or act this book has it down pat! The plot was fun and compelling. I loved the way the plot of this book was intricately interwoven within the plot of the first book. How Bindi kept track of it all, I will never know! I read the first in the series and this book was a wonderful follow-up. I look forward to reading Teddy's story!

Big thanks to Bindi Kennedy for an early release copy and I am so very sorry it has taken me so long to read this.