Harmless Secrets: A Harmless World Novel

by Melissa Schroeder

Originally released as A Little Harmless Secret and has had minimal changes.

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A man without a past

Devon Stryker has kept himself safe from enemies. Only one person has gotten past his defenses. Five years ago, he let his guard down and Ali slipped past his defenses. That one night of passion rocked his world and he’s never been able to get her out of his mind. So, when he sees her in Seattle, he become obsessed with finding her.

A woman on the run.

The moment Devon catches up with Ali, she doesn’t know what to do. She’s been keeping secrets, including the daughter they made together. There is no denying Devon is the father since they share the same distinctive eyes. But she can’t trust anyone, especially Devon since she’s convinced he killed her father and has been stalking her.

Danger surrounds them.

Once she realizes Devon isn’t a threat, she agrees to let him protect her and our child. Their tentative alliance puts them in close quarters, and the same spark they had five years ago flares to life. But trusting each other isn’t easy, even as he finds myself falling in love with her.

But as the danger closes in on them, both of them must let go of their trust issues to protect the one thing they both their daughter.

» This title includes secrets, guns, a sexy know-it-all hero, spies, a heroine who doesn’t trust the hero, meddling in laws, even more spies, double crosses, cool computer things, and two people who can’t seem to keep their hands off each other even though they know it isn’t the right thing to do. Remember, it’s a Harmless book, so have ice water and towels nearby.

Genres: Amazon

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2024

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder has had almost 90 short stories, novellas, and novels published in the last 15 years.

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Reviews

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this book certainly gives you plenty of bang for your buck, but sadly all that naughty BDSM stuff is missing, despite the appearance of some of the characters from the previous Harmless series. There are still some sexy times, but although they’re pretty steamy, they don’t have that added spark. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the story, there was plenty to keep me entertained. After a one-night stand with Devon in Vegas, Alicia/Ali’s world imploded with the death of her father and an unexpected pregnancy. On the run for almost five years, Ali has been hiding to protect herself and her daughter Bridget. However, a random encounter reunites her with the father of her child. Suddenly Ali was surrounded by people who all wanted to help. It was all a bit overwhelming for Ali, but for the first time in years, she wasn’t alone. Though angry with Ali for keeping him from his child at first, Devon understands her reasons, though he’s still stunned to learn he has a daughter. Bridget is an adorable little girl, who’s parentage almost guaranteed a child with wisdom beyond her years. I have to admit I found Devon’s sister, Dee, somewhat annoying as she kept sticking her nose in where it didn’t belong, but then I remembered that she and Devon were twins, so I guess that was just par for the course. Between Devon, Micah, Connor, Maura and a few others, including newcomer (at least to me), Sean Kaheaku, Ali had so much fire power at her disposal that it was inevitable they would get to the bottom of the threat. Yet, when it came to the final showdown, Ali was willing to go it alone to protect the two people who meant more to her than life itself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devon is rich and single. He leads a very quiet existence. He met a woman four years ago that he thought might be his one true love but she disappeared the next day. While he is on a trip to Seattle, Devon sees the woman from his past. Ali has been on the run and in hiding for four years. She doesn’t know who is trying to destroy her but she knows that she has to stay hidden to stay alive. When she sees Devon in Seattle she runs because she believes he is one of the bad guys. When the bad guys come for her again, she has to fight to stay alive and to keep ahold of the love she has found with Devon.
Devon lives most of the time in Las Vegas but he has homes in a few different places. Since his sister, Dee, has gotten married and now lives in Hawaii, Devon spends a lot of time there. The story ends up taking them back to Hawaii where Devon believes he can keep Ali and their daughter safe. Their relationship and declarations of love occur very quickly. I thought the reveal of the bad guy was a good twist.
I thought Ali trusted Devon way too fast for her to have ever really believed he was the bad guy. Given that this is a short story, I will give the author that one since Ali has to trust Devon and his family in order for the rest of the story to happen.
This is a classic second chance/the one that got away story. There is an adorable young girl that is central to the story. Characters from prior books appear in this story. I feel like you could read this book as a stand alone but you’ll like enjoy it more if you have read the prior books. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

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

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the spin off Harmless series is gets better with each new edition. Whilst the associations with the Rough and Ready club form part of the integral side of the storytelling, it is more focused on the main individuals and their personal issues, rather than the sexual nature of involving the BDSM practices, adding more depth.
There is a lot crammed into this storyline as danger creeps in and around this couple.
Devon and Ali have met before and their chance sighting brings a lot of drama into their lives. MI6 and CIA involvement, training and observations play a vital part in survival for Ali and her daughter, Bridget. Devon's involvement with spying was brief andvdiscovering his has a daughter releases a well of feelings he didn't realise he had inside.
Betrayal, trusting and untruths are in the nature of Ali's circle, whereas Devon has support of friends and family, but lives on the sides of everything.
Trust needs to be earned on both sides and at times, I did not like Ali's independant behaviour at times, because she can be abrasive and challenging even when she recognizes that she might be wrong. Devon also has his faults, but they are clothed in protection and good intentions.

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

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Harmless Trouble series and it is Devon and Ali’s story and what a great start to a new series. Devon and Ali have history because five years ago they had a explosive one night together but over the years they never really forgot about each other but trust is a big issue for both of them and also Ali has a secret that Devon doesn’t know about and if it is revealed it would cause complications. When they find each other again the attraction and chemistry between them is as strong as ever and also they find that they are unable to deny how they feel but with all the situations that is surrounding them will they be able to communicate and sort things out and put the past behind them and manage to move forward or had to much time passed by for them to ever get a second chance at happiness and the future that they deserve. There are twists and turns along the way including betrayal, secrets, drama, danger, action, hope, love and scenes that are so hot that you will need to have a cold drink handy. I was unable to put this book down because it was so addictive and pulled you in and kept your attention throughout while reading it and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devon is reserved, never one to be around crowds, after finding his sister and stopping their father, he concentrates his time on developing his games and his neice. But when he hears a laugh that he hasn't heard in 5 years, he is on a mission to find the woman who eluded him years ago because he never forgot her and never found anyone like her.

Ali has been on the run and she doesn't know who is after her, but when she sees Devon in a crowded market her life is thrown upside down, but it's not just herself she needs to protect but the one thing she took with her that night when Devon disappeared.

Suspenseful, full of uncharted chemistry, intense, and a strong Ohana ties, Melissa's writing makes you an addict, craving more of the Harmless world and all the characters that now do feel like family. Reading the series again is exciting as well as the extra epilogues that round out the stories.

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

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving how many of Melissa’s book intertwine with other stories!
I loved Devon from his sister’s story, and fell head over heals with his complicated past with Ali who he sees by chance while out shopping with his sister and her husband while on vacation. Determined to find her, he pulls a lot of strings to access the cameras to get a lead on her whereabouts. I feel for Ali as she believes Devon was the cause for her father’s death because of his notes mentioning his name, and has been on the run since. Yet when the two meet, the electricity in the air around them is through the roof and with their daughter, Bridget being her precocious self, Devon is determined to be in their lives! When danger finds Ali, Devon goes all protective-mode to keep them safe much to Ali’s doubts to trust Devon after being on her own. Yet the two resurrect their one night and it might not be enough for either of them. Will they figure out the clues to who is after Ali? You have to read to find out!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Schroeder's Harmless Trouble, originally released as A Little Harmless Secret which was further into the original series. Regardless, this book is part of Schroeder's Harmless world and delivers all the heat - both in suspense and in romance. I love Schroeder's writing in that she time after time delivers such well-balanced romance storylines and amazing characters you either want to be or be involved with. I find myself transported into this world and thinking yeah, I'd totally do that too! This is Devon and Ali's journey and what a journey it is! Captivating from page 1 with the best of characters I am always on board for a Schroeder romance, knowing I'm going to get so much more!

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

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alicia has spent the last four years on the run and in hiding to keep herself and her daughter, Bridget safe. One outing to the local market and all her precautions are ruined when Bridget's father finds them. The only man she has ever had feelings for.

Devon has never gotten over the woman he had a one night stand with four years ago. Despite searching he has been unable to find her until he hears her laughter at the local market. Now he knows where to look and nothing will keep him from finding her.

A fantastic heartwarming, action packed, page turner. Both Alicia and Devon have secrets and insecurities that make connecting and working together problematical but the passion between them is unstoppable. Thoroughly enjoyable.

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

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devon and Alicia met five years ago in Las Vegas and had a one nighter and then Devon left her a note and disappeared. A little later she found her father dead back in London and thought it was connected. Now they see each other in Seattle and things go deadly shortly after but there is now a little girl involved.
The characters have detailed backstories, great personalities and a history of being spies and a computer genius. The storyline has so many twists, threats, spook history, research puzzles, steamy moments, a daughter, a rekindling of their love plus a real and acquired group of family to sustain them. You will not be able to put this book down.

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

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back when Devon Stryker was training for the CIA, he met Ali Hughes, a MI6 agent in Las Vegas, and fell instantly in love, not knowing that at the time she blamed him for the death of her father...so when he had a family emergency, left her after their night together with just a note...and a little something extra, a daughter named Bridget...now years later, after his twin sister Dee convinced him to go to Seattle on family vacation, sees Ali in the crowd...never having forgotten their night together, but who is the young girl with her??? Will Devon be able to track her down, or will she flee this time??? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chance sighting of the one that got away brings Ali and Devon together again but Devon and Ali have a complicated past. A past that stands in the way of what could be their future. As the two try to figure out where they stand danger comes for Ali but Devon is not ready to give her up. I enjoyed seeing the two find their way and fight for what they could have. Both are strong individuals and together they can deal with anything. I loved seeing other characters from this world and how they come together to help. Their story moves at a good pace and has a good mix of action and emotions. I was quickly immersed in this story and engaged to the very end.

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

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harmless Secrets is the 1st book in the Harmless Trouble spin-off trilogy, re-released in an anniversary edition. It could be read as a standalone, but is much more fun to read after the original Harmless novels as this is the story of Dee's brother, Devon. Fast-paced, action-filled and with scenes that tugged at my heartstrings, this is a second chance romance with lots of mystery and suspense. Despite the HEA for Devon, Ali and Bridget, there are a few questions left unanswered and I hope we'll get to revisit them in the next book!.

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

[Sue MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first story I've come across in a while where she's more dangerous than he is, but it seems to be part of the mutual attraction.
It's definitely something that can keep her safe when her past catches up with her but not really necessary.
Both of them have to learn how to trust each other.
They have too much in common and too much to live for not not.
But talk about a big work in progress.
It takes friends stepping in, to make them see what they could end up being without, to finally realise what they have.

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

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devon and Ali 5 stars. - It’s Devon’s turn to fall in love and it comes as a package deal. Ali is a woman from his past who has a daughter. There’s no denying that it is his and they are both in danger. The story has a good romance plot. It has the right amount of steam and there’s a bit of danger and drama. It was good to encounter characters from the other books in this series. They feel like family when they interact with each other. It doesn’t feel like this book is as long as the other Harmless books but it could be that the events in Devon and Ali’s story make you want to read faster. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harmless Secrets was a thrilling edge of your seat romance by Melissa Schroeder. Five years ago, Alicia and Devon both let down their guard and spent an amazing night together. That night created their daughter Bridget. Devon never has forgotten Alicia and despite her belief that Devon killed her father she never has fully gotten over him either. It's impossible when her daughter has his same blue eyes. When Devon sees her while with his sister and her family he is determined to find her. And when he learns she is in danger he will stop at nothing to protect them. Definite recommend!

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not all secrets are harmless

Harmless Secrets is the first book in the Harmless Trouble series. This book was originally released twenty years ago as A Little Harmless Secret. But if you never read the original book then this version, with apparently small changes and updates, will get under your skin and make you read early into the morning. I loved the story of Devon, Ali and their daughter in this second chance romance mixed with danger, suspense, intrigue, lots of secrets and a whole lot of smexy hotness.

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading Harmless Secrets, I didn't want to put it down. The characters are great and the storyline hooked me from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't go into details. Please read the book blurb for some information. I recommend reading this book. It is a good book.

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

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali and Devon had a one night stand over 4 years ago when Devon left with only a note due to an emergency. Ali is on the run from unknown forces along with her 4 yr old daughter. When Devon finds her again, he helps keep them safe while trying to discover who’s after her. Great continuation of this series but can be read independently.

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

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, suspenseful, and intriguing. Ali was skilled and independent. Devon was perpetually grumpy. Bridget was sweet.

I liked revisiting some of the old Rough and Ready gang. I only wish that after all of the buildup that the conclusion was not wrapped up as quickly as it seemed.

This was a good read that could be read as a stand-alone with no problem.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

With These Secrets, Danger is Right Around the Corner

Devon has never forgotten Ali and the one night they spent together. When he sees her in the crowd at Pile Place Market, it sets off a chain of reactions neither could have predicted. Fast-paced, this book grabbed me and held my attention like the spy triller it was, but what make it great was the whole Harmless gang making appearances, particularly Micah and Dee. This series just keeps getting better - what an amazing story.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Glad to see Devon get his story and a HEA with Ali. Just the right amount of suspense. Was great that Ali was a spy and hiding a big secret, but when Devon finds her, he didn’t stop until he knew the truth. Glad to see some of the other Rough ‘N Ready crew again as well.

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

[Lyne Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book from miss Melissa!

It's riveting from start to finish, so well written and has all the right doses of emotions, drama, secrecy, steam and suspense.
Looooved the strong female character !!

I read the prequel before hand and it helped me understand a few things.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devin is the one who avoids crowds. He has found his sister and cares for his niece. He hears a laugh from someone he hasn't seen in years. Ali is on the run and has something special to care for. When she sees Devon, everything changes. You will find suspense, drama, and romance.

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

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book that is a page turner from the beginning to the end. The characters are well written and have many layers to their personalities as we get to know them. The element of spies adds mystery and intrigue to the storyline. There is spicy chemistry, as well. The full package…I recommend this book.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devon and Ali. They have history. He left after that night and she was left with a broken heart an a piece of him. When he hears her laughter he knows he cant let her go again but what he finds is secrets and her on the run. Loved this book.

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

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because it probably the very best beginning of the new series.
There is mystery suspense, love, betrayal, bad and good in the same person. The storyline is face paced and exciting.Awesome characters.

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

[Lizzy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how you know an action movie is good by the opening scene starting with a good action sequence, well this is that "good action movie". It started with excitement and ended with excitement. There was no dull moment at all. I would definitely like to watch it as a movie.
Ms Schroeder is a wonderful writer, and it shows everytime.

You don't want to miss out on this book, get it.

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Devon, and Alicia reconnect after 5 years. The mystery of the past unfolds beautifully.

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

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alicia is a brilliant, deadly and protective woman. Devon is a brilliant man with a IQ and hacker skills that not many can rival. Their story kept me on the edge of my seat with heat, heart and excitement.

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

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devon and Ali are the start to a new series A Harmless Trouble. These two have a complex storyline. It is filled with passion, danger and secrets. It was a thrilling read that unfolded in a way that kept me hooked.