The Secrets We Keep

by Tich Brewster

Silas is the one guy who was, is, and will always be off-limits. Or is he?

I broke the cardinal rule of being a best friend. I fell for my best friend’s older brother. Silas was four grades older, but that didn’t stop me from longing for him from a distance, sneaking glances at him from the shadows and daydreaming about being seen as more than a kid. When he went away to college, I tried to put him out of my mind once and for all. I was doing fine, but now he’s back. This time is different. We’re adults, so the rules don’t apply anymore…right? Unfortunately, he’s my boss and a whole new kind of forbidden, but I can’t keep my eyes off him as the old emotions rekindle. And I can’t help wondering, what if?

I’ve been away for too long, but it is time to come home, and my first order of business is to take over the old veterinary clinic. Monika is my kid sister’s best friend. The annoying little girl who used to spend all her free time at my house. As it turns out, I’m her new boss. She seems to think I don’t remember her, but I do, and she’s all grown up and irresistible. The attraction is instant, but she’s my employee and still my sister’s best friend, so things must stay professional.

But, keeping our relationship strictly professional proves difficult when we rescue a kitten and decide to foster him together.

Genres: Romance

186 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2024

About the author

I was born and raised in Oklahoma where I met my husband of 26 years. We have 6 wonderful children ranging in ages from 16 years to 27 years of age. I listen to a wide range of music: rap, hip hop, alternative, rock, and country, just whatever happens to suit my mood at the moment. Some of my favorite artists include: Radio Company, Luke Bryan, Brantley Gilbert, Areosmith, Bon Jovi, Kane Brown, Guns N' Roses.

I'm also a bookworm, reading anything from christian fiction to paranormal and romance. Favorite books are: House of Night, Vampire Academy, Dirty Deeds. There are a ton more but it would take days to list them all.

In my teen years I had a friend who was into writing, she always had a short story in the works. Reading her work inspired me to create stories of my own. It wasn't until I started co-writing with Teresa Fuentez that I actually got serious about my writing.

Reviews

[Christy Davisson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one has a little forbidden romance, a brother’s best friend, a boss/employee, a crazy ex, and some past trauma. So you have a lot to work with in this one!!

We meet Monika, a vet tech who is now meeting her new boss, and to her surprise, it's her best friend's half brother who she had crushed on for years when she was younger, and even now it seems. Unfortunately, he's not quite like he was back when she knew him. The sweet guy she remembers seems more rude and as if he doesn't remember her at all. There is a hot and cold with Silas and poor Monika has no clue how to navigate their new working relationship. With a traumatic past from an abusive ex, Monika has trouble opening up about how abusive her ex exactly was. She kept this secret from everyone until Silas started to notice her odd responses at times. With a crazy ex making trouble for her and this secret relationship she finds herself in with not only her best friend Amy's brother but now her boss quickly escalates from good to bad when poor Monika is pulled back into the craziness her ex brings. Will she and Silas be able to find a HEA?

Silas has always had a protective side when it came to Monika and it's no different now as adults. He knows she's off limits but he can't stop his feelings he has for her even the hot and cold attitude he tries to give off. Crossing the line and sneaking around was fun until things took a turn for the worse with a crazy ex stalking about and his sister finding out in the worst way, has Silas finally ready to take the next step in his relationship with Monika unfortunately fate has other plans at the moment.

Buckle up this one has a lot of emotional moments that could be triggering for some since it alludes to physical and emotional abuse. You can expect the forbidden romance angle to heat up with spicy moments though. Overall it's a quick up-and-down emotional romance that gives you a HEA.

Overall: 4/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶

[Bre-Book Bre- Landers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional read!!!

A small-town, forbidden, best-friends brother, emotional scars, boss-employee romance that I just couldn’t put down.

Silas is back in town and Monika didn’t know he was her new boss. The obsession was there from teen years and the attraction is even worse.

Monika had some past verbal and physical trauma that she’s dealing with, and Silas ends up being her Knight in Shining Armor.

I can’t tell you how much I loved this book.
Silas was the perfect fit for Monika and the way they came together… yes! All day, yes!!

When you read a romance with TWs, sometimes they’re outrageous and not in your norm, day-to-day life. But these TWs and traumas, are very real.

Tich has done a very good job at sucking me in and not letting me go. Only reason I was not able to read it on one sitting, was because of my kids. But every chance I had, this was back in my hands.

Beautifully written, amazing portrayal of love and devotion and one I will recommend to everyone.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is only one word I can think of to describe The Secrets We Keep and that’s perfection absolute perfection!!! The type of story that will hook you from the very first page and play on all your emotions to the point you’ll end up being speechless, you’ll yell outta pure frustration, you’ll smile , you’ll laugh and you’ll cry like a baby all while cheering so freaking hard !!!! Who doesn’t love a forbidden romance, best friends older. Brother’ age gap , boss / employee, small town , a MMH who’s equal parts swoons worthy and protective . Silas and Monika could not be.more different , total opposites yet they fit so perfectly together. I absolutely adored these two more than words can say . And all that Monika went through to find her happy ending, the trauma she endured. Both physically and emotionally well it definitely pulled on all my heartstrings. Maybe just Maybe Silas is the one person who can help her heal and show her what true love means.

[Nic_key_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since a book has pulled at my heart strings and The Secrets We Keep did just that.

This is an emotional read but beautiful at the same time. I absolutely love a good small town romance and this one brought all my favorite tropes.

Small town
Best friends brother
Forbidden
Boss/Employee

Tich did not disappoint! One thing out of so many that I love about Tich’s writing is how relatable her characters are. When you read a book written by her you forget you’re reading a story that isn’t real. She keeps your attention on the story.

The Secrets We Keep is one that I didn’t want to end. I loved the story between the characters and how their connection started and ended. I love a MMC who takes charge and Silas did just that. He is the opposite of Monika but made her feel so worthy.

5 stars does not do this book justice!

[Flor Espinoza Sanchez ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be loved is to be seen and that is exactly the kind of person Silas is. He's gentle towards Monika yet pushes her when he needs to be. He's overbearing at times but Monika knows it's just him worrying and being protective of her, she fell first but he fell harder. He's been there, protecting her since the beginning even though he knew she wouldn't know the extent of it because that's what you do when you love someone. They both knew the love they had for one another could possibly hurt Amy (his sister/ her best friend) yet it was impossible to resist each other. She was his forbidden fruit and he was her savior.


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

[M19arta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had an issue finishing this book, and the main reason was the MMC, Silas. He was an aggravating character, and I just couldn't stand him. He had no redeeming qualities.
The heroine had serious issues with an eating disorder and a past abusive relationship, and I didn't quite like how it was handled here by the author.
This book should have been right up my alley because it had all the elements/tropes I love, but the way the characters were written wasn't good. Some scenes felt unnatural.
I'm sure others will enjoy it, though.

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

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monika has never been one of “those girls” - the tall skinny blonde that gets all the attention. And her ex was sure to let her know. She didn’t realize the impact his words had on every detail of her life - not until she faces a blast from her past in the form of her teenage crush. She could never imagine he would have feelings for her too, his little sister’s friend. But things change as they co-parent an injured stay they found. Her ex isn’t content to let her find happiness, and it results in an ending no one sees coming.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book! The beginning is a little slow, but once things get moving it flies! Falling for your best friends brother is never a good idea. However, if your both adults and are mutually attracted to each other, then I say go for it!! Although, when that guys your boss it may be trickier! This book has such a cute storyline that I couldn't put it down. One day read for me!!.

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

[Sharon Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book Silas is a dream he's perfect and loves animals which is a total bonus !! Reading Monika really made me sad to think of the things that poor woman endured at the hands of her ex , it made me cry and also angry as hell yet when her and Silas were together he took all that pain away , giving Monika back her self respect and leaving us with a wonderful love story
Great book and well deserved 5 stars .

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tich did not disappoint! Always love a good forbidden love book! A Best friend's brother and her new Boss. There were things in the book I was not expecting, which kept me engaged! I couldn't put the book down!

Silas is the one guy who was, is, and will always be off-limits. Or is he?
I broke the cardinal rule of being a best friend. I fell for my best friend’s older brother.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friend’s brother ✅ boss/ employee ✅ small town ✅ drama ✅ suspense ✅ spicy scenes ✅ this story is my first by this author but it won’t be my last. She ticked off so boxes to a good read that I will be back for more. I also love the fact that she didn’t use a stick thin, petite blond as the heroine.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!
Forbidden romance, best friends brother, employee/Boss, It definitely has all the things!
These characters consumed me, this book was unputdownable.
Monika, watching her heal, absolutely beautiful, and Silas helping her along the way, even more beautiful.
These two are just my everything.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had way more drama and suspense than I was expecting. It was great. The characters were well written and had great chemistry. I like when a bad guy gets what's coming to him and some of that comes in part from a little fiesty rescue kitten, LOVE lol!!.
I will look for this author again.

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

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secrets We Keep is an enjoyable book to read. Silas and Monika are great characters and the storyline hooked me from the start. It held my attention from start to finish. I don't want to give details and spoil this book for anyone. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

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

[Kasey Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this gem!
If your looking for a book to devour and gobble up before you even know what hit you then look no further! This was an amazing book on healing with suspense and finally landing your childhood crushes all wrapped up in the prettiest present you've ever seen!!

[Suzy Engelhaupt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooh! This was a sweet surprise. Not gonna lie, I had a hard time getting into it at first but that was definitely a me problem because once I got past my initial hangups, I was sucked in and couldn't put it down! I read it so fast!
Are we getting an Amy book? Because I'd love to read her story 🖤

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy read I binged in a couple of hours. I liked the storyline and the characters. Monika and Silas fit well together. I liked the way their relationship developed. There's a bit of suspense too. Overall a good read.

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

FMC who is strong and resourceful, a caring MMC who teaches her that love can come without abuse and toxicity. Some scenes of DV/abuse - well written.

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

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tich always brings her A game when she releases books! And Silas and Monika do not disappoint!! This was such a good bestfriends brother story! Definitely a 5 star read for sure !! The twists and turns keep you sucked in!

[Lynsey Astbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Silas and Monika's story. The heat and tension between them is 🔥 My heart hurt for Monika, but Silas my man knows how to look after his woman. The way he is so in tune with his girl made me swoon. So run ladies and gents and get your copy you won't regret it 😉

[Christina Szczepan-santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly can't remember when I started a book and finished it the same day! I couldn't put it down. There was spice, there was drama, there was cuteness. It was just so good!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing read. I couldn’t put it down. I was able to read this in one sitting. I can’t wait to read more from her.

[Amanda Kintner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read but I enjoyed it. Beginning was a little slow but it picks up! Best friends brother. Forbidden...employee/boss. It's got em all. The spark was undeniable between Monika and Silas. Fun!

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story and characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Good read.

[Jenny Supporting Authors Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The characters are so real and topics that are addressed add to the intense connections the characters have. The storyline fresh and hard to put down. Highly recommend this book.

[Cindy Lokken Kator · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - it's a best friend's older brother trope but so much more. It's a story of finding the one who helps put you together after you've been broken. Monika and Silas are great together and their's is a steamy, heartwarming story. Definitely give it a read!!