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By the Bay #5
The Secrets We Keep
Passions ignite when a small-town cop falls for the one woman he shouldn’t in this fake dating romance.
Living in Ocracoke was a dream come true—until my husband died.
I haven't set foot on that island since.
It's been five years, and I thought I had moved on.
But when my boyfriend suddenly drops to one knee, it’s the only place I want to be.
I thought I was there to say goodbye, but I found him instead.
Macon Green is an arrogant small-town cop with quite a reputation.
When I find his ex-wife publicly humiliating him, I can’t help but intervene.
I slide my hand into his, and just like that, we’re dating.
It wasn’t supposed to be real.
And I definitely wasn’t supposed to stay.
Yet, the more we pretend, the more it starts to feel undeniably... right.
Perhaps this is where I was supposed to be all along.
Living in Ocracoke was a dream come true—until my husband died.
I haven't set foot on that island since.
It's been five years, and I thought I had moved on.
But when my boyfriend suddenly drops to one knee, it’s the only place I want to be.
I thought I was there to say goodbye, but I found him instead.
Macon Green is an arrogant small-town cop with quite a reputation.
When I find his ex-wife publicly humiliating him, I can’t help but intervene.
I slide my hand into his, and just like that, we’re dating.
It wasn’t supposed to be real.
And I definitely wasn’t supposed to stay.
Yet, the more we pretend, the more it starts to feel undeniably... right.
Perhaps this is where I was supposed to be all along.
- GenresRomance
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
About the author
J.L. Berg
34 books2,269 followersJ.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready series, the Walls duet and the Lost & Found series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her cuddled up, watching a movie with her family, obsessing over minions or devouring anything chocolate! J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 20, 2024
5 stars!
An emotional, small-town, fake-relationship romance with the most beautiful love story for two damaged souls. Though it has some drama, this is an angst-free read with all the feels, and I absolutely loved it!
This is book #5 in the By the Bay series. It's been a while since I read the earlier books of the series, and had no recollection of the hero, Macon, going into this book. While reading, I learned that he has been a bad guy in the series, and this is a redemption story for him as we get to know and understand him better as he finally gets his very own HEA. Which goes to show that you can read this book as a standalone, and enjoy it just as much as if you’d read (and actually remember) the earlier books.
Marin and her husband moved to Ocracoke to fulfill her dream of living by the ocean. She was just getting settled when her husband was killed in a tragic ferry accident and she left the island and never returned. It’s now five years later and she’s been trying to move on with her life, but a proposal from her lacklustre boyfriend sends her running back to the island for some alone time to think, and to deal with her grief and figure out what she really wants.
Macon is the local Captain of Police, and he’s a quiet and broody grump with a secret heart of gold. He’s been so hurt by events in his life, and carries a huge burden of guilt on his shoulders for his past actions, and he’s also dealing with his ex-wife now being married to his boss, and them rubbing their happiness in his face every chance they get. It’s not a happy life.
When Marin jumps to Macon’s defence against his ex, they suddenly find themselves in a fake relationship. Marin agrees to keep up the charade, and in exchange Macon will do some much-needed work on her neglected home. It’s a situation that suits them both, and that puts them all up in each other’s lives, and sparks are flying from the very beginning. And though Marin is going through a hard time, she’s a ray of sunshine, and she comes bursting into Macon’s life. He has no idea what’s about to hit him.
Every interaction between Macon and Marin is brimming with chemistry, every touch ramps up the anticipation, and I was madly flipping pages, desperate to see more of them together. And as they get to know each other, they find an easy friendship and they open up in a way they haven’t with anybody else, and their attraction effortlessly becomes more. They are falling hard, and I loved every moment of it!
I loved the romance between these two. They’ve both been through so much, and they find something special together, bringing each other back to life, and it’s so beautiful watching them give in to it all. Marin finds her peace and rediscovers herself, and Macon becomes this cheeky, flirty, smitten sweetheart and it’s so gorgeous to see! And when the true Macon is unleashed, holy hot damn, the man is so damn sexy!
They have issues external to the relationship that they need to deal with, and it’s handled functionally, every step bringing them closer to together. There is no OW/OM drama, very little angst, just lots of feels, and a beautiful happy ending which left me smiling.
We get to see characters from the previous books (those ones, I remembered), and it was lovely to see Macon and Marin bought into the fold.
This is such a sweet read, I loved it.
5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
An emotional, small-town, fake-relationship romance with the most beautiful love story for two damaged souls. Though it has some drama, this is an angst-free read with all the feels, and I absolutely loved it!
This is book #5 in the By the Bay series. It's been a while since I read the earlier books of the series, and had no recollection of the hero, Macon, going into this book. While reading, I learned that he has been a bad guy in the series, and this is a redemption story for him as we get to know and understand him better as he finally gets his very own HEA. Which goes to show that you can read this book as a standalone, and enjoy it just as much as if you’d read (and actually remember) the earlier books.
Marin and her husband moved to Ocracoke to fulfill her dream of living by the ocean. She was just getting settled when her husband was killed in a tragic ferry accident and she left the island and never returned. It’s now five years later and she’s been trying to move on with her life, but a proposal from her lacklustre boyfriend sends her running back to the island for some alone time to think, and to deal with her grief and figure out what she really wants.
Macon is the local Captain of Police, and he’s a quiet and broody grump with a secret heart of gold. He’s been so hurt by events in his life, and carries a huge burden of guilt on his shoulders for his past actions, and he’s also dealing with his ex-wife now being married to his boss, and them rubbing their happiness in his face every chance they get. It’s not a happy life.
When Marin jumps to Macon’s defence against his ex, they suddenly find themselves in a fake relationship. Marin agrees to keep up the charade, and in exchange Macon will do some much-needed work on her neglected home. It’s a situation that suits them both, and that puts them all up in each other’s lives, and sparks are flying from the very beginning. And though Marin is going through a hard time, she’s a ray of sunshine, and she comes bursting into Macon’s life. He has no idea what’s about to hit him.
Every time I tried walking away from this woman, I found myself right back at her damn door.
Every interaction between Macon and Marin is brimming with chemistry, every touch ramps up the anticipation, and I was madly flipping pages, desperate to see more of them together. And as they get to know each other, they find an easy friendship and they open up in a way they haven’t with anybody else, and their attraction effortlessly becomes more. They are falling hard, and I loved every moment of it!
“I can’t pretend with you, Marin … I don’t know how.”
I loved the romance between these two. They’ve both been through so much, and they find something special together, bringing each other back to life, and it’s so beautiful watching them give in to it all. Marin finds her peace and rediscovers herself, and Macon becomes this cheeky, flirty, smitten sweetheart and it’s so gorgeous to see! And when the true Macon is unleashed, holy hot damn, the man is so damn sexy!
They have issues external to the relationship that they need to deal with, and it’s handled functionally, every step bringing them closer to together. There is no OW/OM drama, very little angst, just lots of feels, and a beautiful happy ending which left me smiling.
“It was never fake … Not for me. Not for a second.”
We get to see characters from the previous books (those ones, I remembered), and it was lovely to see Macon and Marin bought into the fold.
This is such a sweet read, I loved it.
5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
February 23, 2024
Once again, I’ve taken a chance on a chance on a new-to-me author and it's paid off brilliantly! I loved this one so much I immediately dove into the other books in this series. I wanted to spend more time in Ocracoke with these amazing characters.
Marin Mendez thought island living was her happy place, and her husband did everything to make that dream possible. Then came a terrible tragedy, thirteen souls post, and years of grieving. Marin tried to move on, but when her boyfriend proposed, she knew she needed something different. So she returned to her house on Ocracoke Island. To say goodbye, to lay the past to rest, to move on. What she didn’t expect was Macon Green.
Macon hasn’t had an easy life. He had a lousy childhood, he blames himself for a tragedy his community suffered, and his boss basically stole his wife and gives him grief at every opportunity. Yet Macon gives his all every day to protect and serve the people of Ocracoke. When Marin returns to the island, he feels an old, familiar pull, but he knows he needs to keep his distance because his secrets could destroy her as well as anything building between them.
This one has so many things I love in an exceptional small-town romance. I loved the setting and the colorful locals characters, and felt the loss the community had suffered. I loved the inexplicable draw between Marin and Macon and the push and pull between them. And the best part, for me, is the healing and grace they both find as they work through their past and fight for their forever. Humorous and charming, but profound and heart-wrenching, this phenomenal read goes to the top of my list of small-town romances, so you definitely won’t want to pass it by.
Marin Mendez thought island living was her happy place, and her husband did everything to make that dream possible. Then came a terrible tragedy, thirteen souls post, and years of grieving. Marin tried to move on, but when her boyfriend proposed, she knew she needed something different. So she returned to her house on Ocracoke Island. To say goodbye, to lay the past to rest, to move on. What she didn’t expect was Macon Green.
Macon hasn’t had an easy life. He had a lousy childhood, he blames himself for a tragedy his community suffered, and his boss basically stole his wife and gives him grief at every opportunity. Yet Macon gives his all every day to protect and serve the people of Ocracoke. When Marin returns to the island, he feels an old, familiar pull, but he knows he needs to keep his distance because his secrets could destroy her as well as anything building between them.
This one has so many things I love in an exceptional small-town romance. I loved the setting and the colorful locals characters, and felt the loss the community had suffered. I loved the inexplicable draw between Marin and Macon and the push and pull between them. And the best part, for me, is the healing and grace they both find as they work through their past and fight for their forever. Humorous and charming, but profound and heart-wrenching, this phenomenal read goes to the top of my list of small-town romances, so you definitely won’t want to pass it by.
February 16, 2024
The secrets we keep 🌊🔐
🐚ARC review🐚
Tropes : Small beach town, second chance, love after loss, fake dating, she’s an artist he’s a cop.
The 5th and final book in the ‘By The Bay’ series is almost here 🌊🤍
(Can be read as interconnected stand alones)
If you’re in the mood for a fast paced, fake dating in a small town kinda romance, this book is for you 🚔🎨
Five years ago Marin lived with her husband in the friendly small beach town of Ocracoke in the Outerbanks and it was her dream come true until she lost her husband in a town wide tragedy and moved away. She hadn’t set foot on the island since but now she’s back for closure and to say goodbye. The night she arrives she accidentally on purpose tackles the Towns cop, Macon Green to the floor, and the next day when she finds his Ex-wife publicly humiliating him she slides her hand into his, and just like that they’re “dating”, it wasn’t supposed to be real and she definitely wasn’t supposed to stay but the more they pretend the more it starts to feel absolutely right…
“I’ve been in Ocracoke for a week so far, I’d nearly been chased out of my house by a swarm of angry bees, applied for half a dozen freelance jobs that I hadn’t even been selected for, oh and here’s the best part- I’ve landed myself a fake boyfriend…
“Five years huh?” He gently pressed me into the bed, his large body looming over me. “ that’s a lot of time to make up for. Guess we’d better get started”
By the Bay was one of the first series I read when I got into reading a few years ago and I had an absolute blast being back in Ocracoke and seeing all my favourite characters again but from a different POV 🤍
The Secrets We Keep will be released on the 20th February for two days and then it will switch to kindle unlimited only, all non kindle unlimited readers Make sure to pre order now on your preferred platforms 🌊🤍🐚
Thankyou to JL Berg for the opportunity to read this amazing book pre release in exchange for an honest review 🩵🌊🐚
🐚ARC review🐚
Tropes : Small beach town, second chance, love after loss, fake dating, she’s an artist he’s a cop.
The 5th and final book in the ‘By The Bay’ series is almost here 🌊🤍
(Can be read as interconnected stand alones)
If you’re in the mood for a fast paced, fake dating in a small town kinda romance, this book is for you 🚔🎨
Five years ago Marin lived with her husband in the friendly small beach town of Ocracoke in the Outerbanks and it was her dream come true until she lost her husband in a town wide tragedy and moved away. She hadn’t set foot on the island since but now she’s back for closure and to say goodbye. The night she arrives she accidentally on purpose tackles the Towns cop, Macon Green to the floor, and the next day when she finds his Ex-wife publicly humiliating him she slides her hand into his, and just like that they’re “dating”, it wasn’t supposed to be real and she definitely wasn’t supposed to stay but the more they pretend the more it starts to feel absolutely right…
“I’ve been in Ocracoke for a week so far, I’d nearly been chased out of my house by a swarm of angry bees, applied for half a dozen freelance jobs that I hadn’t even been selected for, oh and here’s the best part- I’ve landed myself a fake boyfriend…
“Five years huh?” He gently pressed me into the bed, his large body looming over me. “ that’s a lot of time to make up for. Guess we’d better get started”
By the Bay was one of the first series I read when I got into reading a few years ago and I had an absolute blast being back in Ocracoke and seeing all my favourite characters again but from a different POV 🤍
The Secrets We Keep will be released on the 20th February for two days and then it will switch to kindle unlimited only, all non kindle unlimited readers Make sure to pre order now on your preferred platforms 🌊🤍🐚
Thankyou to JL Berg for the opportunity to read this amazing book pre release in exchange for an honest review 🩵🌊🐚
February 21, 2024
Captivating and bittersweet, I really enjoyed this enthralling story from beginning to end.
Small town, fake relationship is just part of this story. This was a heartfelt, slow burn and emotional story of second chances in life healing, and atonement!
This is book 5 in the Bay series and it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a complete standalone. There are interconnecting characters from prior books which took me a minute to remember their story to understand the dynamics between Macon and said characters. In fact, for me personally, reading the prior books helped understand why the characters did what they did and reacted to Macon the way they did.
You see Macon is not a very nice person. In fact, he has a long history of being mean, nasty and overall a true asshole. This story sheds light on his devastatingly painful past, betrayals and demons he’s been hiding. The author laid out his story story flawlessly and thoughtfully. I understood Macon and I was so glad to discover how his character evolved and developed.
A surprise encounter when he thinks there’s a burglar in an empty house leads to a funny and awkward meeting with our heroine Marin who he never expected to see again. This meeting sets in motion a series of mishaps and funny encounters including entering a fake relationship to piss of a jealous ex. Except there’s an undeniable chemistry between them which of course leads to something else. They seemed to likable and perfect for each other although they’re not aware…yet!
Marin has returned to her previous home to come to terms with unresolved issues regarding a tragic loss. Meeting Macon aka Hot Cop was never in her plans. Remembering and understanding past events added to the charm of this story.
Nonetheless they are both holding pretty deep dark secrets. They both have so much baggage between them that revealing said secrets may shatter any possibility of an hea.
Small town, fake relationship is just part of this story. This was a heartfelt, slow burn and emotional story of second chances in life healing, and atonement!
This is book 5 in the Bay series and it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a complete standalone. There are interconnecting characters from prior books which took me a minute to remember their story to understand the dynamics between Macon and said characters. In fact, for me personally, reading the prior books helped understand why the characters did what they did and reacted to Macon the way they did.
You see Macon is not a very nice person. In fact, he has a long history of being mean, nasty and overall a true asshole. This story sheds light on his devastatingly painful past, betrayals and demons he’s been hiding. The author laid out his story story flawlessly and thoughtfully. I understood Macon and I was so glad to discover how his character evolved and developed.
A surprise encounter when he thinks there’s a burglar in an empty house leads to a funny and awkward meeting with our heroine Marin who he never expected to see again. This meeting sets in motion a series of mishaps and funny encounters including entering a fake relationship to piss of a jealous ex. Except there’s an undeniable chemistry between them which of course leads to something else. They seemed to likable and perfect for each other although they’re not aware…yet!
Marin has returned to her previous home to come to terms with unresolved issues regarding a tragic loss. Meeting Macon aka Hot Cop was never in her plans. Remembering and understanding past events added to the charm of this story.
Nonetheless they are both holding pretty deep dark secrets. They both have so much baggage between them that revealing said secrets may shatter any possibility of an hea.
March 3, 2024
The Secrets We Keep (By the Bay #5) by J.L. Berg (2024/02/23)
Rating 4/5 Stars
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to J.L. Berg for providing me with an e-arc copy to review. Check this one out if you like . . .
☆ Small Town
☆ Second Chance At Love
☆ Fake Dating
This book 5 in the By the Bay series and can be read as standalone. However, it is recommended that if you want maximum enjoyment then you should read the series in order.
The Secrets We Keep" by J.L. Berg is a delightful addition to the By the Bay series, offering readers a heartwarming small-town romance filled with second chances and fake dating antics. Marin Mendez returns to Ocracoke Island seeking closure after a tragedy, only to find herself drawn to the enigmatic Macon Green, a local cop with a troubled past.
As they navigate the complexities of their burgeoning relationship, both Marin and Macon find healing and grace amidst the charming backdrop of a close-knit community. Berg expertly weaves together humor, charm, and profound emotion, making this book a standout in the realm of small-town romances.
Despite starting the series years ago and initially worrying about feeling lost in the story without remembering the details of previous installments, I found that "The Secrets We Keep" can be enjoyed as a standalone. Berg skillfully introduces readers to the setting and characters without overwhelming them with unnecessary details, allowing newcomers to dive into the story with ease.
I found great enjoyment in this small-town romance, particularly appreciating the intricacies of the fake dating trope and its integral role in shaping the narrative. The engaging banter between characters added depth to their relationships, and witnessing the gradual development of the central romance was thoroughly satisfying. Additionally, I found the redemption arc for the hero to be a compelling aspect of the story, especially considering my familiarity with his character from the first book in the series. However, while I acknowledge the hero's inherent goodness and the complexity of his situation, I couldn't help but wish for further elaboration on his motivations and decision-making processes, as they felt somewhat underdeveloped.
Overall this was a delightful read that will leave readers with all the feels. Whether you're a fan of small-town romances or simply looking for a charming escape, this book comes highly recommended. Once again thanks to J.L. Berg for providing me with an e-arc copy, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of her backlist in the future.
TW: loss of loved one (off page)
Rating 4/5 Stars
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to J.L. Berg for providing me with an e-arc copy to review. Check this one out if you like . . .
☆ Small Town
☆ Second Chance At Love
☆ Fake Dating
This book 5 in the By the Bay series and can be read as standalone. However, it is recommended that if you want maximum enjoyment then you should read the series in order.
The Secrets We Keep" by J.L. Berg is a delightful addition to the By the Bay series, offering readers a heartwarming small-town romance filled with second chances and fake dating antics. Marin Mendez returns to Ocracoke Island seeking closure after a tragedy, only to find herself drawn to the enigmatic Macon Green, a local cop with a troubled past.
As they navigate the complexities of their burgeoning relationship, both Marin and Macon find healing and grace amidst the charming backdrop of a close-knit community. Berg expertly weaves together humor, charm, and profound emotion, making this book a standout in the realm of small-town romances.
Despite starting the series years ago and initially worrying about feeling lost in the story without remembering the details of previous installments, I found that "The Secrets We Keep" can be enjoyed as a standalone. Berg skillfully introduces readers to the setting and characters without overwhelming them with unnecessary details, allowing newcomers to dive into the story with ease.
I found great enjoyment in this small-town romance, particularly appreciating the intricacies of the fake dating trope and its integral role in shaping the narrative. The engaging banter between characters added depth to their relationships, and witnessing the gradual development of the central romance was thoroughly satisfying. Additionally, I found the redemption arc for the hero to be a compelling aspect of the story, especially considering my familiarity with his character from the first book in the series. However, while I acknowledge the hero's inherent goodness and the complexity of his situation, I couldn't help but wish for further elaboration on his motivations and decision-making processes, as they felt somewhat underdeveloped.
Overall this was a delightful read that will leave readers with all the feels. Whether you're a fan of small-town romances or simply looking for a charming escape, this book comes highly recommended. Once again thanks to J.L. Berg for providing me with an e-arc copy, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of her backlist in the future.
TW: loss of loved one (off page)
February 19, 2024
Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog
The Secrets We Keep is book 5 in the By the Bay series and can be read as a stand alone. This book is the story of a small town police officer looking to atone for deaths he thinks he was responsible for and that of a young widow, looking to move on with her life and trying to figure out where she should go from her current life of a job she hates, a potential engagement, and the unsettled feelings in her life. When Marin returns to the island of Ocracoke, she doesn't know what she is looking for. She remembers the town's "Hot Cop" when he bought her a cup of coffee many years ago and comes to his rescue when he runs into his boss and ex-wife. What begins as a plan to make Macon's ex jealous turns into more the more time Marin and Macon spend with each other. They soon find themselves in a real relationship. Marin begins healing and feels herself come alive in Macon's presence. Macon feels that Marin just makes him a better man.
The Secrets We Keep was chock full of feels both sad and happy. Marin's and Macon's story was an enjoyable romance that I couldn't put down. It was sweet, dirty, and heartful. I loved it and plan on going back and reading the previous books in the series.
The Secrets We Keep is book 5 in the By the Bay series and can be read as a stand alone. This book is the story of a small town police officer looking to atone for deaths he thinks he was responsible for and that of a young widow, looking to move on with her life and trying to figure out where she should go from her current life of a job she hates, a potential engagement, and the unsettled feelings in her life. When Marin returns to the island of Ocracoke, she doesn't know what she is looking for. She remembers the town's "Hot Cop" when he bought her a cup of coffee many years ago and comes to his rescue when he runs into his boss and ex-wife. What begins as a plan to make Macon's ex jealous turns into more the more time Marin and Macon spend with each other. They soon find themselves in a real relationship. Marin begins healing and feels herself come alive in Macon's presence. Macon feels that Marin just makes him a better man.
The Secrets We Keep was chock full of feels both sad and happy. Marin's and Macon's story was an enjoyable romance that I couldn't put down. It was sweet, dirty, and heartful. I loved it and plan on going back and reading the previous books in the series.
February 21, 2024
The By the Bay series from J.L. Berg was one I read when I first started reading romance, and I was excited when she announced a new book. The Secrets We Keep is an emotional and engaging fake dating story between two people with pain in their pasts.
Marin left the island when her husband died, but after a proposal from her boyfriend ends badly she comes back. Macon is a captain on the police force and his ex-wife is now married to his boss. When Marin finds his ex being terrible in public she pretends to be dating Macon. Despite the odd beginning to their relationship the two of them truly connect and before long real feelings begin to develop.
I loved J.L.'s writing and storytelling. The relationship development was so well done and I really liked Marin and Macon together. They are my favorite couple in the series, and I can't wait to do a reread of the series with their book included.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Marin left the island when her husband died, but after a proposal from her boyfriend ends badly she comes back. Macon is a captain on the police force and his ex-wife is now married to his boss. When Marin finds his ex being terrible in public she pretends to be dating Macon. Despite the odd beginning to their relationship the two of them truly connect and before long real feelings begin to develop.
I loved J.L.'s writing and storytelling. The relationship development was so well done and I really liked Marin and Macon together. They are my favorite couple in the series, and I can't wait to do a reread of the series with their book included.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
March 19, 2024
“I don’t know if I’ll ever stop being grateful for you..."
JL Berg has always been a favorite author of mine. When You're Ready is one of my all-time favorite books to gift and recommend.
Macon is an army veteran who works as a captain in the Ocracoke Police Department. Marin is an artsy widow who set up residence in Ocracoke five years ago and then came back to heal herself.
Both found comfort and healing in their brokenness.
Their love affair started as a sham but ended up being real.
This was an exciting, thrilling and swoony read. I've read this overnight and just couldn't put the book down.
Sure, their relationship was fast paced but when you know, you know.
It deals with grief, guilt, abandonment and @lc0h0l @bü$€.
Love this book! It's something you'd want to get in all format—ebook, audiobook and paperback!
5 stars for Jennifer!
JL Berg has always been a favorite author of mine. When You're Ready is one of my all-time favorite books to gift and recommend.
Macon is an army veteran who works as a captain in the Ocracoke Police Department. Marin is an artsy widow who set up residence in Ocracoke five years ago and then came back to heal herself.
Both found comfort and healing in their brokenness.
Their love affair started as a sham but ended up being real.
This was an exciting, thrilling and swoony read. I've read this overnight and just couldn't put the book down.
Sure, their relationship was fast paced but when you know, you know.
It deals with grief, guilt, abandonment and @lc0h0l @bü$€.
Love this book! It's something you'd want to get in all format—ebook, audiobook and paperback!
5 stars for Jennifer!
February 19, 2024
These two ...
It was a bit like a tennis match
One minute I was laughing at one or the other's antics/reaction
The next I wanted to introduce someone to some sense
They were so flawless together it just took them a bit of misstepping to see it
Macon and Marin both are trying to unpack some pretty heavy emotional baggage.
Add in Macon's sense of guilt about Marin, and his ex who is just ewwww Along with Marin's realization that memories aren't always true to the event. Oh and that boyfriend back home on the mainland who wants to become her husband
And you have the perfect recipe for an entertaining, at times a bit angsty, almost constantly humorous, fake dating second chance romance
It was a bit like a tennis match
One minute I was laughing at one or the other's antics/reaction
The next I wanted to introduce someone to some sense
They were so flawless together it just took them a bit of misstepping to see it
Macon and Marin both are trying to unpack some pretty heavy emotional baggage.
Add in Macon's sense of guilt about Marin, and his ex who is just ewwww Along with Marin's realization that memories aren't always true to the event. Oh and that boyfriend back home on the mainland who wants to become her husband
And you have the perfect recipe for an entertaining, at times a bit angsty, almost constantly humorous, fake dating second chance romance
February 24, 2024
It’s been a while that I have read J.L.Berg’s amazing stories. This 6 star was consumed in a matter of a few hours.
Macon is a grumpy man but he has every reason to be. He has lot of things going on in his life. Comes along Marin who’s going through some things of her own. Together they will conquer their demons.
I absolutely loved everything about this amazing, addictive story that sucked me in a small island drama. The storyline had me hooked from the first page to the last one read. Beautifully written with a seamless plot. Bottomline this is a must read.
Although it’s part of a series, it can safely be read as a standalone. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
February 20, 2024
This is the fifth book in this incredible series, and this is Macon and Marin’s story.
Macon is a small town police officer, and Marin is a widow, who wants to move on with her life. Both of these characters have baggage weighing them down, but they complement each other.
This is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with dark secrets, fake relationships, loss, grief, humor, witty banter, healing, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, haunting, unpredictable, and steamy small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Macon is a small town police officer, and Marin is a widow, who wants to move on with her life. Both of these characters have baggage weighing them down, but they complement each other.
This is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with dark secrets, fake relationships, loss, grief, humor, witty banter, healing, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, haunting, unpredictable, and steamy small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
February 18, 2024
The Secrets We Keep by J.L. Berg is book five in the By the Bay Series. The books can easily be read as stand alones. And yes, there are cross overs and I recommend to read in order.
Marin and Macon's story is a heartwrenching, emotional one.
Both are through a lot and have the scars to prove it.
Now Marin, an artist, is back in her small town and runs into Macon who became a cop.
A beautiful story of second chances, falling in love again and starting over.
I read the book, cover to cover, in one sitting, hanging on the edge of my seat - the book giving me all the feels and I loved it.
Marin and Macon's story is a heartwrenching, emotional one.
Both are through a lot and have the scars to prove it.
Now Marin, an artist, is back in her small town and runs into Macon who became a cop.
A beautiful story of second chances, falling in love again and starting over.
I read the book, cover to cover, in one sitting, hanging on the edge of my seat - the book giving me all the feels and I loved it.
February 25, 2024
Seppy's 4 Star Review:
This is the fifth book in the series, but I read it as a standalone. This is an emotional story that involves Marin whose husband died five years ago and when her boyfriend asks to marry her, she flees to the place she and her husband once lived. She has to go back to move forward. Macon is a cop who Marin keeps running into. These two connect as friends and they have an emotional rollercoaster to get to the end. It is a great read about healing and second chances.
January 13, 2026
Wow! J.L. Berg did it again! This book had me in my feels because everyone has a past but you can’t let it define who er are. We’ve all had rough things happen in our childhood that affect us as an adult and throughout this book it truly shows that you can overcome so much. I truly cried towards the end of the book because when you are willing to open up to others and be vulnerable you’d be surprised how many people are willing to support you. Don’t ever let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. When you are honest with yourself it allows so much healing to take place.
February 20, 2024
Welcome back to Ocracoke! I love the setting, and I loved Marin and Macon aka “Hot Cop”. Marin is moving back to face her past. She lost her husband, Daniel, five years ago on that fateful last ferry. Macon is the small town cop, and the local grump since losing his wife to the sheriff. Can these two make peace with their past and find their happily ever after? I loved coming back to the island and spending time with old friends! 5 amazing stars
February 18, 2024
Marin moves back to Ocracoke to heal, and figure out why she cannot move forward in her life. While there, she meets Macon again. Macon has his own demons he needs to come to terms with. But will they be able to conquer their pasts together and have a future as a couple?
Small town ✅
Fake dating ✅
Love after loss ✅
Very highly recommend!!!
Small town ✅
Fake dating ✅
Love after loss ✅
Very highly recommend!!!
February 20, 2024
A feel good second chance romance that wil make you smile. Macon and Marin are both trying to recover from disappointments in their past but it is only when they come together does the healing begin. Between his ex-wife, her new husband who just happens to be his boss and the husband she lost and the boyfriend she just cannot seem to say yes to, the story will tug on your heart while at the same time keep you on the edge of your seat. A great read.
February 22, 2024
Read it, read it right now! This book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions, and it gave me all the feels that I needed. From small town romance, to fake dating, to second chance, to finding love all while feeling guilty over loss, it gives you everything that you need, and then some. If you’re looking for a quick and easy read, this is the book for you!
February 28, 2024
Such an emotional and beautiful story. A second chance for both Macon and Marin. Their pasts seems to be more entwined than she knows and Macon feels all the guilt. Until one night everything blows up and he realises what people really think of him. I love that they both found their second chance and I love it even more that Macon was vindicated on two other instances. Great story!
February 26, 2024
Well worth the wait!
Read
March 2, 2024Dnf
February 25, 2026
JL always has a way to pull at your heart strings. This was an emotional but clarifying read. I loved the Macon chapters.
March 4, 2024
This is my first read from this author and I loved this story. It was filled with heart and emotion. About someone finding happiness for a second time after a loss.
Marin is wanting to move on five years after the loss of her husband so she heads back to the small island they used to live in. She was expecting to put the ghosts to rest and move on but she ends up finding her future and happiness with the small town police office Macon.
With some secrets and twists coming to light, its an emotional rollar coaster of grief, healing, second chances, friendships and love. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author and this is my honest opinion
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
Marin is wanting to move on five years after the loss of her husband so she heads back to the small island they used to live in. She was expecting to put the ghosts to rest and move on but she ends up finding her future and happiness with the small town police office Macon.
With some secrets and twists coming to light, its an emotional rollar coaster of grief, healing, second chances, friendships and love. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author and this is my honest opinion
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
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