Only a Secret

Kasper Ridge #3

by Delancey Stewart

My life is over. At least my life as a child actress. Because guess what? I haven't been a child for years, but no one seems able to forget the curly haired little girl I was on that insipid sitcom.

So when my best friend from high school invites me to the tiny mountain town where she's settled to attend the opening of some fancy new ski resort? I go, hoping maybe in nowheresville, Colorado, no one will remember who I used to be.

And when I meet the handsome and broody Harrison Ketcher, I think I've gotten my wish.

They call him "Brainiac" so it's no surprise he never watched the show. He was too busy memorizing physics books, I guess. He's a former fighter pilot slash engineering professor on sabbatical in Kasper Ridge, and despite being a few years older than the guys I usually date, there's something irresistible about him.

Maybe it's that he has no idea who I am. Maybe it's those steely blue eyes. Maybe it's the feeling that I'm the only person in the world who makes him laugh in that low, sexy way.

But the closer I get to Harrison, the more certain I am that I'm not the only one keeping secrets. He doesn't know who I am... but do I really know who he is?

Genres: Romance

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2022

About the author

I'm USA Today Bestselling author Delancey Stewart. My contemporary romances run the gamut of settings and setups, but they always deliver humor, heart and heat. It's a guarantee.

I write from my home in Denver, CO, where I manage a household full of boys and men. Okay, only one man. The hubs. But two boys. I mean, three if you count the hubs. (You see why I do words and not numbers. I was told there'd be no math in this bio. Someone lied.)

I grew up in California and have had more jobs than anyone on earth (personal trainer, pharmaceutical rep, copywriter, tech writer, marketing director, wine seller, elementary school teacher... I'm not kidding. The list. It goes on.) But the one I love the most is writing, in part because I get to meet people who love books and stories as much as I do! Please don't hesitate to get in touch to say hello, and don't forget to join my newsletter!

Get a free story from me by joining my weekly email here: https://www.subscribepage.com/delance...

Find me at www.delanceystewart.com
Facebook: www.facebook/DelanceyWrites.com

Reviews

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Kasper Ridge characters have had my heart since the beginning. It may be the fact that they’re former military, or the small-town mountain setting, or the way they all come together to help their found family. The ongoing mystery of the missing treasure sure doesn’t hurt, either.

Harrison “Brianiac" Ketcher is the stoic one of the group. On sabbatical from teaching engineering, he's come to Kasper Ridge to help his military brother reopen the family’s ski resort left to him and his sister. Harrison is focused on the ski school end of things while he tries to decide where to go with his future. That doesn’t stop him from noticing the lovely Penny Davis when she shows up at the resort.

Penny's child star status is something she desperately wants to put behind her, if only she can convince those close to her that she’s done with Hollywood. On a whim, she jets off to visit her BFF and ends up with a job behind the scenes at the Kasper Ridge Resort. And the most appealing thing about the handsome scholar on sabbatical? He has no idea who she really is.

Harriso and Penny are my new favorite couple in this series. While their story seems formulaic at first glance, we get to see layer after layer slowly reveal the heart of these two characters. Brainiac thinks he lacks people skills, and Penny let’s what others think have too much influence on her decisions, so watching them learn and grow is amazing. Funny and heartfelt, with a surprise or two thrown in, this one is the perfect reading escape to make your romantic heart blissfully happy, so make sure you don’t miss it!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sweet and funny, but angsty and oh so spicy. I’ve wanted to know more about Harrison from the moment we were first introduced to him. I kind of hated that I had to wait this long to get the rest of his story, but I’m not at all disappointed by what came from the wait. Penny was nothing like anything I had imagined his ‘perfect partner’ to be, but after getting to know the two of them and seeing them interacting, I think they’re exactly right for one another. I loved getting to see the rest of the Kasper Ridge crew again, and I can’t wait for my next opportunity to come back and learn even more about Uncle Marvin’s treasure hunt.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny and Harrison - finding love while also embracing their true selves

Every book in this series has portrayed main characters in all their vulnerable, scarred and swoony perfection but this one is my favorite. I related so much to Penny and Harrison. They are both wounded souls who are uncomfortable in their lives and their skin, wounded souls that need healing. They are real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really trying to just do their best. And truth - these two gave me all the feels - I just wanted to scoop them up and show them all the love and acceptance for exactly who they are. Penny is a child star who has been the victim of a recent scandal. She escapes to small town Kasper Ridge to stay with a childhood friend and try to have a normal life. Harrison is a former Navy pilot who had most recently been teaching mechanical engineering in college. He has now joined his military buddies at Kasper Ridge Resort to help renovate. Penny and Harrison feel an instant connection but they’re both only planning on being in the area for a short period of time. So a short term seasonal fling seems to be all they can offer each other. Of course love does not always follow the script. As they follow the inevitable path to being together, it is such a sweet and beautiful emotional dance of perfection. The book has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, steamy scenes, strong friendships, laughs, painful pasts, a bit of mystery, secrets, and all the sweet love. This book was well written with witty dialogue, characters with depth who grow, and an engaging storyline. I am looking forward to reading the next story and to learning more clues in the treasure hunt. I willingly reviewed an early copy of this book.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 - Only a Secret is the third book in the Kasper Ridge series. This is a set of companion novels that don't require you to have read the previous for understanding. There is a bit of a mystery that carries throughout the books though. This story follows Harrison (Brainiac) and newcomer Penny.

Penny and Harrison seem to have an instant connection when she shows up in Kasper Ridge and don't even attempt to fight it. Their steamy scenes are steamy and you can tell that although they don't trust themselves, they really like each other. I loved the stolen moments they have throughout the resort.

I will be honest that Harrison and Penny are my new favourite couple in Kasper Ridge. Both escape to Kasper Ridge wanting to try out something new. Penny trying to escape her terrible mother, and stardom and Harrison the belief that he cannot empathize or understand people. I loved watching both of them learn and grow throughout this book, both together and apart. They both came to understand themselves and each other better.

The description of the book says that it is an age-gap romance, but I never really got age gap in this romance. I think that Harrison was older, but it never really came up and it definitely wasn't that big of an age gap.

This book had some witty dialogue and the mystery/treasure hunt is still not solved! I look forward to checking out future books in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

[Beth (what.beth.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Wildfire Marketing and author Delancey Stewart for the early reading copy of Only a Secret, receipt of which does not impact my review.

Only a Secret is book three in the Kasper Ridge series, featuring a group of friends and family working to get an old ski resort back open again. Plus, there’s a big mystery weaved throughout the series (which is always fun!)

Harrison and Penny are the main characters in this book, but you get updates on the previous couples, too. Harrison (Brainiac) is a former professor on sabbatical to help out at the resort, and Penny is needing an escape after the former child star is caught up in a scandal. Reading this one as a standalone may get confusing with all of the names (and call signs), but I think it could be doable! There’s a bit of an age gap, grumpy x sunshine, and both of them are hiding secrets. It’s open door, and I felt that their chemistry was very believable and oh-so-good.

Delancey Stewart has become a go-to author for me for her great characters and easy going writing style. Her books are so fun to read for me! I definitely recommend checking out this series if you love a small town, grumpy x sunshine story featuring the power of found family - and the fun of a mystery, too.

[Edie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only a Secret by Delaney Stewart 
This is Penny and Harrison’s story and it was a fun one to read. I loved that the author made this book so relatable. Oh and the friendship and connection between all of the guys was so awesome to read. This is about two souls running away from their lives they want to start new in one way or the other and both end up in Kasper Ridge. Which good for Penny she really needs to get away from certain grabby gold digging people super close to her. If you have read the book you know who I’m talking about and if you don’t trust me you need to grab it and read it to find out who this despicable person I’m talking about is. Anyway it’s a great highly entertaining book with great banter that I’m sure you will enjoy. Let not forget we get Harrison's grumpiness which is sexy oh and we get the curiosity over their secrets which will keep you reading. It’s a book I definitely would recommend.

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even coming late in the series, I totally enjoyed the camaraderie among the characters and the obvious resolution of the relationships of other couples. Reuniting to help some of their friends to renovate and reopen a family ski resort, these ex-fighter pilots bring a lot of ingenuity and technical expertise. Close to the grand opening, a high school friend comes to get away from L.A. An ex-child star of a tremendously popular sit-com has been victimized again and needs to hide out. There she meets one of the ex-pilots who has absolutely no idea of her history as he grew up outside of the United States. The story of their attraction and relationship always threated by the back story is well done and engaging. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seemed to me that Penny didn't know who to trust with even her own family taking advantage of and humiliating her for their gain. So, when Harrison didn't know who she was why wouldn't she want to keep it a secret? He is a bit socially awkward, but many intelligent people are. His friends are hilarious, and he finds many reasons to relax and smile around Penny until the truth about her is revealed. I did find it interesting that truth was their word between them considering she was keeping things from him. He does act more mature than his friends, but I wouldn't say he was that much older than Penny. I loved catching up with the characters in this series and can't wait to read about more of them. This was a steamy, romantic comedy, with plenty of ups and downs.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only a Secret is the third book in the Kasper Ridge series featuring Harrison and Penny. Harrison aka Brainiac is a stoic and sometimes grumpy former fighter pilot and not a people person but he finds himself completely at ease around Penny. Penny is a former child star trying to put her past behind her and find a new normal and Harrison was the first person Penny felt like she could be just Penny with. Penny and Harrison both felt the draw towards each other and their connection was unlike anything they ever experienced but do they have an expiration date or can they go the distance?

Each book is a stand-alone but they are best read in order because of the mysterious treasure they are searching for. The group is no closer to finding the mystery treasure even though they thought they were close this time around. Im excited to see where the series goes next and who gets their happily ever after.

Thank you @netgalley and @delanceystewart for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s get this out of the way…. I was super lucky to be sent an advanced copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion on the binder-worthy Kasper Ridge Series.

Team Harrison

If your reading this review because the summary caught your eye, know that you don’t have to read the series in order. This book does a good job of giving backstories for the supporting characters. I do highly recommend you read the entire series. It’s a fun cast of strong characters with a common thread of a storyline woven through each book.

I’m Team Harrison. While I don’t want to share some spoilers, just know when it all goes down I think she was in the wrong. Harrison might not be perfect, but he has every right to be hurt (in my opinion). What do you think? Who should be groveling? Read the book to find out!

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series and I think this has been the best book so far. Harrison/Brainiac is gorgeous with his bumbling and Penny is his perfect partner. I'm still intrigued by the mystery!!

[Bookwormtvaddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, 3.5 steamy kisses
ARC COPY REVIEW
Book #3 in the Kasper Ridge series

grumpy/sunshine, fame, age gap, surprise pregnancy, secrets, family found, friendships, tragic pasts

Both hiding a secret or two they meet when Penny comes to town to hide out from her latest scandal and they click though they appear to be opposites they are quite similar and it doesn't take long for their passion for one another want to come out to play. So what happens when you're hiding something usually? You get caught. #teamharpy

[Nate Brightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only a Secret is the third book in Perry’s Kasper Ridge series. This is Brainiac or Harrison’s and former child star Penny Davis’s story. Harrison’s secret is, unlike what he has told his fellow ex-Navy fighter jet pilot friends who are helping former squad member Archie “Ghost” Kasper and his sister Aubrey reopen Kasper Resort, he’s not on sabbatical from his job as an engineering professor at a No. Cal private college. He’s lost his job when he was refused tenure because his department head didn’t feel he was empathetic enough with his students. Brainiac or Harrison is the first to admit that being warm and fuzzy isn’t his forte. Partly because of his own nature and partly because of being raised by his stern, diplomat father, he is a bit on the socially awkward side. Small talk and a tolerance for it do not come easily to him. While searching for a new job he finds himself joining the members of his old flight squadron who served with and under him in helping Ghost who was devastated when his Naval Flying career was ended when he was involved in an accident that cost the lives of two civilians even though he was found blameless for their deaths. Harrison lends his engineering talents in helping set up new computer systems and rebuilding the resorts ancient ski chair lifts.
Penny Davis was a childhood star of a popular television show, That’s Our Chrissy. She was also the financial victim of her parasitic parents who spent most of the money she earned starring on the show even faster than she made it. As with most childhood stars the demand for her acting services waned as she entered adulthood. But also as with so many former child stars public interest in her private lives didn’t end with her acting career and the celebrity gossip rags and websites were more than willing to satisfy that public hunger. Like most young adults Penny has had her share of growing pains in her romantic relationships. But unlike most young adults she had her romantic life displayed all over the internet by unscrupulous celebrity news outlets willing to pay for dirt on former childhood stars unwittingly filmed by the persons they trusted to be sexually intimate with. Penny’s betrayal was worse than most. In order to sell mags and mouse clicks these celebrity gossip sites were more than happy to portray Penny as an out of control young woman. After a new sex tape of Penny having sex with a man she recently dated and thought she could trust goes viral Penny needs to get away from the L.A. paparazzi and her mother. Seriously when she discovers her mother is again behind the release of the nw sex tape its unbelievable that she’d have anything to do with her.She reaches out to Bennie a childhood friend from middle school whom she’s maintained contact with over the years. She and Bennie went to middle school in L.A. together before Bennie’s parents relocated the family to Kasper Ridge. Bennie now a first grade teacher in Kasper Ridge whom we met as one of Just a Fling’s female protagonist Lucy Dale’s two BFFs offers Penny a place to stay while she hides from the media feeding frenzy. In the small Colorado mountain town of Kasper Ridge Penny does her best to lay low and hope that she isn’t recognized as a former child star with an undeserved bad reputation bringing the media down on her there.
Through Bennie Penny is introduced to Lucy now engaged to Will or “Fake Tom” the resorts project manager. Lucy’s and Will’s construction companies are helping refurbish the resort to its former glory. She’s also introduced to Annalee the blonde bombshell female protagonist from Just a Crush, who earned the call name Monroe as a former Navy fighter jet pilot for her resemblance to the late movie star and sex symbol Annalee is now the events coordinator at the resort and is now the fiancée of Mateo who is Lucy’s foreman. They invite Penny and Bennie and their friend CeeCee to join them for a celebration of the lodge being ready to accept paying customers. There she meets the rest of the crew including Aubrey and Ghost the resort’s owners and especially Harrison or “Brainiac as was his call name in the Navy. Even though Harrison at thirty-five is a bit older than Penny (whose age we’re not told) the attraction between them is immediate and powerful. Harrison invites Penny out on a date where the good night kiss nearly melts her panties off. Bennie suggests that if Penny is going to stick around Kasper Ridge for awhile, she apply for a job at the resort which is looking for help to support their grand opening to help fill her days. When Penny tells Aubrey of her experience managing her own finances from a young age after she discovered how her parents were blowing her earnings and the fact that she has a degree in accounting, Aubrey is more than happy to hire Penny as the resort’s bookkeeper on the spot. Working in a back office job where she won’t have to interact with the public who might recognize her suits Penny perfectly. Then as an added bonus there’s the fact that the job will put her in almost daily contact with Harrison. The problem is Harrison having grown up in Europe and having had limited exposure to television has no idea that Penny is a former child star, nor has he seen the tawdry exposes the celebrity gossip media have put out on Penny over the years. Which Penny loves because finally she’s found someone that likes her for who she is, not what she did for a living or what she can do for them. But Penny knows its only a matter of time before her secret is revealed to Harrison. She just can’t seem to find the right time to tell him about her past even though he’s exposed his embarrassing secret to her that he was fired at his previous job.
Penny and Harrison are falling in love even though as with most contemporary romance protagonists they refuse to admit that fact, even to themselves. To further complicate things Harrison has accepted a lucrative job offer from an old Navy acquaintance that perfectly aligns with his talents and professional interests. He plans to leave the resort after skiing season is over. Even with his growing feelings for Penny, Harrison has this idea ingrained in him by his father that he must do something the world or at least his father will judge as important with his life to justify his legacy. Harrison’s father calling him and setting him free of the idea doing something important is more important than being happy was a nice unexpected touch to the story. So as much as either may want it to be more, and Penny even says she wishes it was a forever thing, they see their relationship as a fling with an expiration date. And of course this wouldn’t be a contemporary romance without a lot of failures to communicate between the two protagonists. The other story line in this series has been the search for the supposed hidden treasure that Archie and Aubrey’s Great Uncle Marvin left them clues to find along with the rundown resort.
I enjoyed this story. Harrison and Penny were great leads and the rest of the gang as supporting cast were also great. What made this book even better was some of the unexpected plot twists the couple goes through once Penny’s secret is revealed to Harrison.

[Enya Miche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through a grumpy vs sunshine themed whirlwind romance, we are whisked away yet again to the enchanting mountain town that is Kasper Ridge. In a continuation of a captivating series, we FINALLY get a peek inside of Braniac’s head, i.e. the man behind the scowl.

Penny and Harrison are both products of their environment. Having a Diplomat as a father with high expectations, Harrison spent most of his time in books and overseas. Focused on his career and achievements, Harrison expertise was in a classroom or in the cockpit. Unfortunately, those didn’t translate into people skills, putting a damper on plans for his future. Penny, on the other hand, was raised to be America’s sweetheart. A childhood actress, Penny parents saw her as a means of living the high life with very little effort. Trying and failing to have control over her life, Penny is delivered unwanted expectations and scandal like consequences. Wanting to simply be herself and not a headline, Penny retreats to a small town in Colorado to ride out her latest blow-up. Their two worlds quickly collide when a mutual friend of Lucy’s brings Penny to the resort to meet the rest of the gang. Infatuation at first site, Harrison is immediately drawn to a Penny and their growing attraction quickly launches this sweet, yet steamy tale straight out the gate. The question, how long is the past willing to be silenced before it gets its claws into the present.

What I liked about this book: I absolutely love learning more and more about these guys! I do not believe in any way that these books are standalone as the over arching treasure hunt story is weeded throughout each one. In the quick read, the hunt is concluded only for Harrison to give a gleamer of hope that it has only yet begun, paving the way for the next story (we have three more eligible bachelors on the ridge so we can only guess who will be next). My favorite was Sasquatch’s dog Roscoe! Those two were definitely the comedy relief. Penny and Harrison’s story was heartwarming and so sincerely sweet. Each person just trying to find a happy ending, they were the ying yang of the group. In previous stories, Delancey wrote her female characters to be strong, independent, and thriving in a male dominated world. In this book, Penny looked at Lucy and Monroe as role models, the ideal woman she wanted to be, giving her the strength and courage to take ownership of her life. Having tried and failed in the past, Harrison becomes the missing piece of safety and security that she needed to make that happen. On the other side, Penny is able to penetrate Harrison’s stoic personality, shining a light of possibility on his severe lack of people skills. They don’t play games and their blunt and revealing honesty with each other puts the story into hyperdrive. As always, Delancey knows how to make the pages sweat and the intimate scenes between Harrison and Penny do not disappoint.

What I didn’t like about this book: Unlike the others books in the series, this one felt a little rushed and I had a little harder of a time getting into it. Part of the reason was the completely different approach with the female character. The other part was, again unlike the other books, we were taken out of the secluded town when Brainiac had to fly to Sacramento and Penny had to return to Los Angeles, bringing in more elements and players into the story – her mother, her agent, his new boss, etc. While it was pertinent to their story, it took some of the focus off the main characters.

A wonderful short read with insanely hot scenes, tender moments, and a swoon worthy couple, Only a Secret continues a story of a simple band of brothers (and sisters) finding happiness, love, and adventure.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Penny and Harrison’s story in Only a Secret by Delancey Stewart, book three in the Kasper Ridge series, an emotional, heartwarming, charming, and entertaining tale where they not only find love, but finally accept who they really are. Penny is a child star and after another embarrassing scandal arises, she escapes to Colorado to visit her high school best friend. While visiting the resort, she meets former fighter pilot Harrison, Brainiac, who is there helping out his Navy buddies. Aside from their instant attraction, in Penny’s mind the best thing about Harrison is that he has no idea who she is. She enjoys being able to date someone who likes her for herself, not because of her fame. However, these two are proof of the romance rule that if you are keeping a secret, it will be revealed at the worst possible moment. Harrison is a former Navy pilot who had recently been teaching mechanical engineering at a nearby college. After being turned down for tenure, he joins his military buddies at Kasper Ridge Resort to help renovate a resort. Penny and Harrison feel an instant connection although they both only plan to be in the area for a short period of time; having a seasonal fling might be all they can offer each other. Harrison believed he was broken, that his spirit had been crushed by one too many mentors, making him believe he was unfixable. Penny saw through his hidden layers, never believing he was broken. She was able to see past his gruff façade to the sweet, cinnamon roll he truly was. These two might be hiding some information about themselves, but their feelings, connection and chemistry are off the charts. Secrets have a way of causing problems and when Harrison learns Penny has not been honest with him, he is crushed, devastated, and decides to leave the resort for another job. Remorse over their lack of communication and longing for their lost love, their soul mate, weren’t the only consequences that happen after Harrison and Penny leave the resort. Finding a way back together, Harrison figured out he needed a grand gesture, and it was amazing, showing Penny the future they could have together; one they both deserved.

Ms. Stewart wrote an emotional, wonderful, heartwarming romance that kept me turning the pages as I followed the twist and turns of Penny and Harrison’s relationship. She provided a tale rich with a little bit of everything: magnetic attraction, sizzling chemistry, clever banter, the magic of friends, and a colorful cast of secondary characters; giving Penny and Harrison a chance at love, happiness, and a future both deserved. I highly recommend Only A Secret to other readers and I look forward to the next story in this series, hoping for more clues regarding the treasure hunt.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Najpilniejszym zadaniem przed listopadowym udostępnieniem Kasper Ridge Resort jest zapewnienie gościom dostępu do tras narciarskich, co wiąże się z instalacją nowych kolejek liniowych. Jest to kosztowna inwestycja, ale reaktywacja wyciągów i wind, opartych na przestarzałych mechanizmach sprzed kilkudziesięciu lat mija się z celem - przekonał Archiego Kaspra Brainiac, czyli Harrison Ketcher. Jego kolejnym zadaniem ma być rekrutacja i szkolenie młodych instruktorów narciarstwa, czym specjalnie zachwycony nie jest.

Jest bowiem Harrison nie tylko najstarszym spośród byłych pilotów Navy zaangażowanych w przywracanie ośrodka do życia, ale jedynym ze statusem akademickim, chociaż bez uniwersyteckiej nominacji na profesora inżynierii. Czy stąd biorą się jego złe humory? Gdy ubiegał się o stanowisko na uczelni, usłyszał, że przy swoim braku empatii nie nadaje się na nauczyciela akademickiego.

Penny Davis, znana w przeszłości jako aktorskie wcielenie niewinnego dziewczątka, Chrissy, a ostatnio jako bohaterka seksskandali, jest zdołowana i zagubiona, nie ma pojęcia, co ze swoim życiem począć. Wie jedynie, że musi opuścić L.A. i Kalifornię, uwolnić się spod dominacji matki, która całe życie żerowała na jej dziecięcej sławie i pieniądzach oraz nadal, nie przebierając w środkach, podgrzewa hollywoodzką legendę córki. Leci więc Penny do swej byłej szkolnej przyjaciółki, Bennie, w Kasper Ridge.

Obopólna erotyczna fascynacja między dwojgiem sfrustrowanych osób, Harrisonem i Penny, wydaje się być idealną szansą dla obojga, ale ich życiowe obciążenia są jednocześnie powodem nieporozumień i komplikacji w ich romansie. Jednak, podobnie jak w poprzednich tomach serii, to opis wstępnej sytuacji bohaterów, niezła charakterystyka ich osobowości, okoliczności, w jakich do romansu dochodzi oraz przede wszystkim kolejne etapy rewitalizacji Kasper Ridge Resort są dla mnie głównymi atrakcjami powieści, a nie fakt, że następna historia miłosna w Górach Skalistych musi przecież zostać doprowadzona przez Delancey Stewart do happily ever after.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In need of a place to hide after scandal erupts, former child star Penny Davis hops on a plane to Colorado to take refuge with an old school friend in the small town of Kasper Ridge. Her friend connects her with Aubrey Kasper, co-owner of the Kasper Ridge Resort, who's happy to offer Penny a position as bookkeeper when she learns that she has a degree in accounting. Penny hopes it will be a chance to start fresh without the baggage of her past; she's tired of everyone thinking they know her because of what they read online. It seems like her wish might be granted when she meets former fighter pilot and engineering professor Harrison "Brainiac" Ketcher, an old friend of Aubrey's brother Archie who's helping the Kaspers get the resort up and running again. He's drawn to Penny almost as soon as he meets her but has no idea of her past as a child star, which she finds refreshing. However, when he finds out about her true identity - and the scandals of her past - will Harrison still see Penny the same way?

Penny and Harrison were incredibly likeable, sympathetic characters and it was easy for me to root for them both individually and as a couple. Penny's parents took advantage of her from the time she was young, and she hadn't had good luck with romantic relationships either. I completely understood why she wanted to build a new life for herself away from Hollywood, though I wish she had been honest with Harrison about her past a little sooner. As for Harrison, after being criticized several times for not being "empathetic," he had taken the words to heart and started to doubt himself and his abilities. I believe Harrison was empathetic, though he wasn't always very good at showing it. He cared deeply about his friends, particularly Archie, and did anything he could to help them.

Overall, I very much enjoyed "Only a Secret" and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait for the next book in the series - hopefully starring Archie/Ghost!

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only a Secret by Delancey Stewart brought me back to Kasper Ridge and this time there are a few mysteries floating around. With the ongoing search for the "treasure" Uncle Marvin left- this series works best if you read it in order, as the search has been an ongoing build up over the course of the series.

Harrison, aka Brainiac, and Penny's story was entertaining, steamy and had just the right amount of humor and drama to make this a perfect escape type of story. Harrison Ketcher doesn't people well- he's been told that he's not empathetic enough and comes off too intimidating. But there is one person outside of his old squadron friends that seems to see through the rough exterior to his sweet and squishy heart- newcomer, Penny. Penny is a ray of sunshine even if she is trying to shield her glow to protect her secrets and finally get the fresh start she always wanted.

I really enjoyed the easy friendship these two cultivated and the road to it growing to be more. Brainiac might not people well in most social settings but one-on-one, especially in the bedroom, he seemed to do just fine 😉

The way these two shared their truths with each other made my heart sigh happy sighs knowing their connection was going to be unbreakable despite the writing on the walls looming over their relationship. And while they may have stumbled a little with some twists and turns- they still perfectly complemented and balanced each other out.

I'm still hooked on the ongoing treasure saga and need to know more about what exactly happened to Archie (aka Ghost) that ended his career before coming to Kasper Ridge!

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐
4/5 🌶️

I've fallen head over heels for the Kasper Ridge crew. These stories are sweet, funny, séxÿ and everything I want in a rom-com. Brainiac and Penny were adorable and I really loved their story.

Brainiac was interesting, because he was a broken boy that was only broken because he thought he was broken... His spirit had been crushed by one too many mentors, which made him feel unfixable. Enter Penny, a former child star with a scandalous past and all around sunshine to Brainiac's grump. They immediately had a connection and she never once saw him as broken. I loved how she was able to look past his gruff exterior to see his sweet side.

The plot was a lot of fun. I normally hate the miscommunication/lies trope, but Delancey did it in a way that felt relatable. I understood why Penny hid her past and rarely did I want to shout JUST TELL HIM ALREADY. Brainiac was just so smitten with her, I knew even if he got upset they'd make it through.

The ending was perfect, I really loved Brainiacs grovel. He did such a great job at showing Penny the future they could have and that they both deserved. I am sad we didn't get a glimpse into who's next... I'm really hoping we get more and soon!

[books.tea.happy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for providing a review copy via Netgalley. I happily give my honest opinion. Penny runs to her friend in Kasper Ridge to get away from a scandal. She can’t seem to get away from the fame that’s followed her since she was the star of a tv show when she was younger. Harrison (Brainiac) is also running away but he hasn’t told anyone what’s really going on when he joins his friends trying to get Kasper Ridge resort up and running again. Their attraction to each other is instant and they decide to spend time together knowing that there is an end date to their relationship and their is plenty of heat between them. Penny has not had an easy time with her parents, being the family bread winner from a young age. Harrison puts himself under immense pressure trying to live up to what he thinks others want from him. Both are scared to admit they want more and they almost lose out on their HEA but things work out exactly the way I wanted in the end. I loved that Penny found out what true friendship was being in Kasper Ridge and loved the dynamic Harrison had with his old teammates. The treasure hunt continues in this book which added a nice element to the story.

[Tara Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The little mountain town of Kasper Ridge has kept me intrigued and wanting to visit since the first book. I love the fact that family isn’t just related by blood but who you choose. Each book focuses on at least one member of a military family that is helping restore the lodge. This story follows Harrison “Brainiac” and Penny.
Harrison is on sabbatical from his mechanical engineering professor job and Penny is a child actress who is embroiled in a scandal. They are both a little broken and don’t plan on being in Kasper Ridge for long, but can’t deny the attraction they have for each other. They decide to have a fling while there, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
This book has a little of everything, which is why I like this series so much. The characters have depth to begin with, but they grow as the story progresses. There is witty banter, friendship, steamy moments and mystery (who doesn’t love a treasure hunt?). This couple had me from the beginning and I can’t wait to see what happens next to this group of friends/family.
I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment of the Kasper Ridge series and features a grumpy/ sunshine age gap romance. It was a fun story to read and the characters were realistic and relatable. Both Penny and Harrison are trying to get away from something in their lives and want to make a fresh start and they end up in Kasper Ridge. Penny basically wanted to get away from the identity most people associated her with and wanted to go somewhere where no one knew of her past. When she meets Harrison, he has no idea who she is, and she wants to hold on to her secret as long as she can. Harrison is reserved and a bit socially awkward, but Penny is able to make him smile and laugh and they get along well and really like each other. He relaxes more around her, but when her past catches up with her, will their relationship change?
This was a well-written, entertaining story and a great addition to the series. Although I would recommend reading the whole series only because it's so great, no worries if you haven't, you can still read this as a standalone.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary a d honest review.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this sweet story of two broken people who just may have found their person in the other. Former Navy pilot Harrison (aka Brainiac) is taking some time off from his current job of teaching mechanical engineering at a local college to help out a Navy buddy renovate Kasper Ridge Resort. Penny is a child star who just wants to be normal (especially since she's no longer a child) so when her bestie invites her to the tiny mountain town, she goes for some peace away from everything. Neither Penny nor Harrison saw each other coming, but the chemistry is flying so they embark on a fling since they're only there temporarily. He thinks he's too broken for anything, while she's happy that he doesn't seem to know who she really is, however, you already know secrets have a way of coming out which could be a problem. There's a lot of goodness in this story with the heat, heart, angst, sweetness factor, a surprise or two, and a great supporting cast so yeah, I think everyone needs this story in their lives! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Tina Hobbs Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I've been thinking about kissing you again.", he said, his voice low and serious.
God, I wanted that too. I hadn't stopped thinking about the way he'd kissed me in the car. I stopped walking and turned to face him.
"Yes?"
"Can't think about anything else," he said.

Penny was living a whole new life. After a life of child stardom, then adult scandals, it felt so good to have a normal job. To be around normal people - not celebrities. Then she meets Harrison. And he has no idea who she was before she came to Kasper Ridge. She is loving being with someone who knows Penny - not her celebrity persona.

Harrison is helping at Kasper Ridge for a friend - he'd do anything for his buddy Ghost. He never expected to meet Penny. Now that he has, it's very hard to choose to leave for another job. He had plans - but now he's rethinking all of those ideas. Penny has him changing his mind about a lot of things.

This is a great addition to the Kasper Ridge series. Love seeing Harrison (Brainiac) getting his happily ever after!

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again I find myself cross with myself for not having read previous books and it’s not because I felt lost it’s because I feel like I’ve done myself an injustice to withhold such magic from myself ❣️📕

Penny was a childhood Hollywood star but that life is now over and with the scandal her parents aided in she just wants to get away and be Penny the person which I have understanding for so she heads to Colorado to join her friends at Kasper Ridge to renovate ,live a quiet life and decide where to go now with her life ….


Harrison aka Brainiac former pilot and engineering professor is on a sabbatical and heads out to Kasper Ridge to help an old friend renovate a resort and bring it to life again ….


Watching the friends bond and laugh over past antics is one thing but Penny and Harrison was on a whole other level and they’re easy to live , they made me laugh ,swoon,cry and cheer them on from my kindle in the corner 📕❣️


I’d love to go for a visit to Kasper Ridge to hang with the people there and perhaps learn to ski 🙈😂

[Urvashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny is a child star and even though she is not a child anymore, she is still pretty famous. And this makes her a target for people who want to encash on her fame. To escape she goes to Colorado to visit her high school best friend, there she meets Harrison (Brainiac), and the attraction between them in pretty much instant.
Harrison is a professor and currently in Kasper Ridge helping his Navy buddies. He has never watched tv growing up and doesn’t know anything about how famous Penny is. And that’s something Penny find’s refreshing and doesn’t tell him about her past. But truth has a way of coming out, and when it does will Harrison forgive her ?
This is a fun rom com, with some really likable characters and funny situations. Harrison and Penny are just adorable together. They started off as temporary but soon are wanting more but don’t know how to express. The hunt for the treasure is a common mystery thread throughout the series, and I can’t wait to find out what it is.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the third book in the series and Harrison who they also call brainiac also a former fighter pilot and also a professor has taken time off. Now working at the lodge preparing for the opening he meets a woman who actually likes him.
Penny leaves Hollywood because another video has appeared on the internet and she needs to get away. Colorado with her friend is the place and she also helps with getting the lodge ready. When she meets Harrison they have an instant connection and it appears everything will work out between them. That is until her mother shows up and puts a kibosh with Harrison and then it all unravels when he figures everyone knew who she was but him. From there each needs to work on themselves and they both realize they want to be together they now must find a way It is A very good story and you find more out about the map and the treasure, overall a really good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let insecurities make you push away the person you care about...

I was so excited to learn we were getting Harrison's story. The man is gruff, but oh so attractive. He recently got let go from his position as a professor for not being compassionate enough with his students. With nothing on the horizon work wise, he joins his military buddies to help with the opening of Kasper Ridge.

Penny also finds herself at Kasper Ridge staying with her best friend. She needed to escape her current life of constantly being in the limelight. When she arrives at Kasper Ridge, she finds herself drawn to Harrison even though she thinks he is aloof and reserved.

As they get to know each other, they discover they have more in common than they thought. Their story is genuine, passionate and emotional. I am hoping we see more of Kasper Ridge and maybe find out the secret that it holds.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only a Secret is book 3 in the Kasper Ridge Series. This book was easily read as a standalone but would be even better if you know the back story of some of the other characters you will meet. Because of this I really recommend reading them in order to get the most out of what is going on.

I enjoyed Penny and Harrison's story. They were both relatable characters and both insecure about the way people feel about them. Penny only thinks people see her old TV character and Harrison thinks they see him as an unrelatable, unempathetic grump. However, when they meet, neither one is able to keep their walls up from the other one and slowly they begin to trust each other.

I enjoyed the story line, the writing and the chemistry felt between Penny and Harrison. There was some suspenseful moments that had me wondering what was going to happen next.

A must read for sure!
Alisa

[Gin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe my review would be different if I had read the previous books in the series. As it stands, Penny and Harrison were likeable characters, but they each got on my nerves at time. The story started off well, but for me it faltered in the third act. I didn't think the introduction of another trope towards the end of the book was necessary, couldn't they have reunited without it? I also had an issue with the thread that used Sasquatch and his service dog as a point of humour (this also led me on a side trip to learn about American laws pertaining to service dogs). I'm still not sure if Sasquatch actually needed a service dog or was just abusing the system to rile up his friend; or if he needed one, people weren't taking him seriously and thus being resistant to accommodate his needs.

I received and ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.