What do you think?
Rate this book
Northern California Cowboys #6
His Secret Wish
A marriage in trouble. A complicated favor.
A weekend together, pretending to still be in love…
Owen Callahan has always loved Isabella, but life and circumstances destroyed their marriage. But he’s always held out hope she’d come back to him. Maybe just not like this.
Isabella needs a huge favor from her soon to be ex-husband. Come with her to her great grandmother’s birthday celebration weekend. And pretend they’re not separated, and she hasn’t filed for divorce. Her bisabuela is old-fashioned and would be heartbroken if she knew Owen and Isabella were no longer together.
When Owen agrees, Isabella is shocked. And, in a moment of wisdom, they agree their weekend away should be free of any past drama. It’s only for a few days, and they shouldn’t be worried about what they should and shouldn’t be doing when it comes to their pretend relationship. They’re both level-headed adults, so what could go wrong?
*** This book touches on issues and themes that may be difficult for some readers. Please see the Content page on my website for more details.
A weekend together, pretending to still be in love…
Owen Callahan has always loved Isabella, but life and circumstances destroyed their marriage. But he’s always held out hope she’d come back to him. Maybe just not like this.
Isabella needs a huge favor from her soon to be ex-husband. Come with her to her great grandmother’s birthday celebration weekend. And pretend they’re not separated, and she hasn’t filed for divorce. Her bisabuela is old-fashioned and would be heartbroken if she knew Owen and Isabella were no longer together.
When Owen agrees, Isabella is shocked. And, in a moment of wisdom, they agree their weekend away should be free of any past drama. It’s only for a few days, and they shouldn’t be worried about what they should and shouldn’t be doing when it comes to their pretend relationship. They’re both level-headed adults, so what could go wrong?
*** This book touches on issues and themes that may be difficult for some readers. Please see the Content page on my website for more details.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2023
5 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 16, 2023
His Secret Wish by Erin Parisien was a really good marriage-in-crisis romance. I am slightly biased as marriage-in-crisis is my favorite trope, but I thought this story was really well done and I was really rooting for the characters.
The story follows Owen and Izzy, childhood friends to lovers who were married, but have been separated for the past few years. Their relationship, despite being slightly estranged due to their previous issues, is so sweet and they obviously care about each other. Izzy was a really strong protagonist and I thought her relationships with her family and with Owen came across really genuine. The main trigger warning for this book was pregnancy loss and I felt like it was handled really well by the author. Owen was such a sweet husband throughout the whole book, despite them being separated. I really enjoyed their relationship and found myself rooting for them. They did have some major communication issues that could have been fixed way earlier with one conversation. This is resolved by the end of the book.
There was also a pair of girls that were being fostered by members of Izzy’s family. The relationship between Izzy, Owen, and these girls was one of the sweetest things I’ve read in a while. I sometimes find little kids written into books to be annoying and inaccurate, but that was absolutely not the case here.
This book would definitely be enjoyed by anyone who loves the marriage-in-crisis trope. It’s a really good romance and although I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, I am interested in them now.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story follows Owen and Izzy, childhood friends to lovers who were married, but have been separated for the past few years. Their relationship, despite being slightly estranged due to their previous issues, is so sweet and they obviously care about each other. Izzy was a really strong protagonist and I thought her relationships with her family and with Owen came across really genuine. The main trigger warning for this book was pregnancy loss and I felt like it was handled really well by the author. Owen was such a sweet husband throughout the whole book, despite them being separated. I really enjoyed their relationship and found myself rooting for them. They did have some major communication issues that could have been fixed way earlier with one conversation. This is resolved by the end of the book.
There was also a pair of girls that were being fostered by members of Izzy’s family. The relationship between Izzy, Owen, and these girls was one of the sweetest things I’ve read in a while. I sometimes find little kids written into books to be annoying and inaccurate, but that was absolutely not the case here.
This book would definitely be enjoyed by anyone who loves the marriage-in-crisis trope. It’s a really good romance and although I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, I am interested in them now.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 6, 2023
Sweet and sexy second-chance marriage romance
Owen and Isabella have been separated for a few years, but Owen refuses sign the divorce papers. When Izzy needs him to accompany her to a family reunion, Owen sees his chance to prove to her they can fix what's broken.
I loved getting to know Izzy's family, the good and the not-so-good, and I loved the way the chemistry sizzled between Owen and Izzy. I'm not a huge fan of stories where the only conflict is a lack of communication, but there are big issues behind the scenes here and the author handles it all very compassionately without falling into the trap of easy answers to tough problems.
I adored the way the HEA was so inclusive, and the teaser for Declan's book has me sending all the cyber fairy dust to the author so this next book comes out very soon. I love seeing all the Callahans working together, and I heartily recommend this series for anyone who loves contemporary cowboy romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Owen and Isabella have been separated for a few years, but Owen refuses sign the divorce papers. When Izzy needs him to accompany her to a family reunion, Owen sees his chance to prove to her they can fix what's broken.
I loved getting to know Izzy's family, the good and the not-so-good, and I loved the way the chemistry sizzled between Owen and Izzy. I'm not a huge fan of stories where the only conflict is a lack of communication, but there are big issues behind the scenes here and the author handles it all very compassionately without falling into the trap of easy answers to tough problems.
I adored the way the HEA was so inclusive, and the teaser for Declan's book has me sending all the cyber fairy dust to the author so this next book comes out very soon. I love seeing all the Callahans working together, and I heartily recommend this series for anyone who loves contemporary cowboy romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 5, 2024
Owen and Isabella were high school sweethearts. They married and lived on Owen’s family ranch. As time went by they had devastating miscarriages, and they lost their way. Isabella filed for divorce. Owen won’t sign the papers. Isabella decided to ask Owen a favor. Will he agree? Her grandmother is having a party for her ninetieth birthday and this could be her last. Grandmother is old fashion and doesn’t believe in divorce. She just needs to make her grandmother happy one more time. Owen finally agrees. What can happen? Being in close quarters, being with her family, and meeting two little girls being fostered. As they spend time with each other and the little girls who loss so much, will they find their way back to each other? The characters are loving, caring and kind. They deserve a future with love, laughter and happiness. Will they get it? Will they let each other go? What will happen to the little girls? What an amazing and emotional story. Erin Parisien wrote a wonderful story. Thank you. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily
February 26, 2024
It's time for Owen and Isabella to tell us their story and why there is such bad blood between them. although I think a lot of it is to hide the truth behind the actions. Izzy needs Owen to pretend to still be together for a family gathering and of course, this puts them in close proximity and having to pretend to still be in love.
Erin Parisien had me so in a scene involving the treatment of two precious little girls, that I fired off a letter late at night stating she knew of someone who could help and to get hold of Noelle immediately. Fortunately the email failed to send and I could calm down. Is this realistic, absolutely. I still feel my anger days later.
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Erin Parisien had me so in a scene involving the treatment of two precious little girls, that I fired off a letter late at night stating she knew of someone who could help and to get hold of Noelle immediately. Fortunately the email failed to send and I could calm down. Is this realistic, absolutely. I still feel my anger days later.
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
July 31, 2024
His Secret Wish is dynamic, engaging, well-written, and takes you through all the feels! I was absolutely hooked on this series after book 1, and I have been patiently waiting for Owen and Isabella’s story. It did not disappoint! I loved watching their various interactions and learning about each of them individually and together on a deeper level. The author has crafted a very realistic world with a couple facing real life problems—including the ability to have open and direct dialogue with one another. These people are relatable and so much fun to engage with; I highly recommend not just this book, entire series!
December 5, 2023
Owen and Isabella have been in love for almost their entire lives, so why are they so bad at communicating with one another? They have been married for a long time, but after Isabella has served him with divorce papers, she needs him to do her a favor. Could this be their chance to rekindle their love? Can they each put their fears behind and move on or would it be better just to end things? Have a box of tissues ready as you will need them to make it through to their happily ever after. I read an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2023
Isabella and Owen are made for each other. They have been separated for a long time because they stopped communicating after life handed them some bad cards. A family birthday weekend brings them together and you will find this book emotional and heart warming. I loved watching them work things through, although I did want to bang their heads together at times! A beautiful read !
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily
December 23, 2023
Isabella and Owen are married, but in the process of getting a divorce, he won't sign the divorce papers. Then she comes to ask him a favour, would he come to her great grandmother's ninetieth birthday celebration, as the family didn't know that she wanted to divorce him.
They go but things don't turn out as expected.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An emotional read from Erin.
They go but things don't turn out as expected.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An emotional read from Erin.
April 18, 2024
Isabella needs for Owen to pretend that they're not nearly divorced. Just one weekend for her grandmother's birthday. Love this book… These two are not anywhere near done with each other. But they do take the long, hard way back. The two sweet little girls being fostered by her cousin deserve so much better than they're getting, and they play a big part of the HEA. It's a heartwarming book. I received a review copy, and this is my honest review.
February 6, 2024
Wow! This storyline had all the feels! Not only did the characters go through a wide range of emotion… but I did, too! I kept pleading with them to talk it out. I was so relieved when each of them had mini-breakthroughs but it was a nail biter all the way to the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2024
MF, Childhood Sweethearts, Small Town, Cowboy, Contemporary, Romance. Can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series, a great read with a fast paced plot, angst, steam, lots of emotion..happy and sad. With twists and turns and unresolved heartbreak from their shared past things are about to change. Guaranteed HEA.
June 13, 2024
"Besides, she’d made it perfectly clear she wasn’t interested in continuing a relationship with him. Nothing cooled off his libido faster than the threat of divorce."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
This is such a cute little second chance small-town romance between Owen and Isabella.
Having been separated for a few years and in that time trying to get divorced Owen refuses. But what Isabella needs is for him to accompany her to a family reunion, so no questions are asked. Owen makes himself his plan in trying to rekindle what they had.
Their chemistry from the beginning even when they had not been around each other in a few years was still so crazy to simply almost pick up right where they last started.
I cannot stand Isabella's family, but the conflict and feelings slowly ease up further in the book.
I normally go from dark romance, but this is a great and cute cowboy romance, I loved every second of it and have found myself wanting more recs like this.
Loved the writing, the plot, how it was not fast paced, and the HEA.
I received this book as an arc in return for my honest opinion in here I am doing so.
Having been separated for a few years and in that time trying to get divorced Owen refuses. But what Isabella needs is for him to accompany her to a family reunion, so no questions are asked. Owen makes himself his plan in trying to rekindle what they had.
Their chemistry from the beginning even when they had not been around each other in a few years was still so crazy to simply almost pick up right where they last started.
I cannot stand Isabella's family, but the conflict and feelings slowly ease up further in the book.
I normally go from dark romance, but this is a great and cute cowboy romance, I loved every second of it and have found myself wanting more recs like this.
Loved the writing, the plot, how it was not fast paced, and the HEA.
I received this book as an arc in return for my honest opinion in here I am doing so.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews