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The Huntresses #3

The Best-Kept Secrets

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With her ever-ready smile, Eve O’Doyle faces life’s challenges with boundless optimism. However, even she finds it difficult to see the silver lining in her parents’ disaster has struck, leaving their genteel family in dire financial straits. But all is not lost. In the name of economizing, Eve will skip the London Season—even if it means dooming herself to spinsterhood. Determined that her sister, Nia, should enjoy their Christmas gathering with the Huntresses and the Pack, Eve will keep the truth quiet and soak in her last fleeting moments of lighthearted revelry with her friends. But from the moment she departs from her family’s Dublin estate, nothing goes as planned.

Exhausted by his relentless role as family peacemaker, Duke Seymour anticipates the brief respite of a festive holiday with friends. Escorting two of the Huntresses to the party is no hardship—the O’Doyle sisters are always a delight. But when an unforeseen winter storm waylays the group at a country inn, Duke and Eve form a surprising attachment that runs far deeper than friendship. And though they are eager to explore these new feelings, upon their arrival at the party, the couple is immediately met with unexpected opposition—they soon realize that no matter their feelings, the weight of responsibility they both feel toward their families may crush their dream of a happy ending for themselves.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2025

59 people are currently reading
725 people want to read

About the author

Sarah M. Eden

103 books4,943 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,901 reviews208 followers
September 16, 2025
I love listening to these audio books from the multiple interconnected series of books that include, The Gents, The Huntresses, The Jonquil Brothers, and The Lancaster Family. And although you can jump into this story without having read any others, there are so many characters that have been introduced over the years, that I found that it becomes much more entertaining to enjoy all of the books as they build upon each other.

Duke Seymour's parents and grandmother were absolutely horrendous, which made his connections and friendships with the women who were the Huntresses and the men who were the Pack that much more important to him. I always love the found family vibes that are in these stories. I also loved the addition and inclusion of some of the members of the Gents' generation in the party.

I could deeply feel the hurt that Eve was subjected to at times in this novel. It was hard to see her heart break as she dealt with so much, yet it ended up making the happiness for these two characters even sweeter when things finally worked out.

(4.5 stars)
Profile Image for Jami Pruitt (My.lovely_readingcorner).
301 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2025
Favorite parts: 
- At the Inn's private dining room
- Tending to her finger
- Guessing game
- Their banter!
- Holding her hand
- Doing dishes
- Eating experimental bread
- Their kiss!
- Niles and Penelope
- Horse riding outing
- Talking with Niles at Penfield
- How Eve and Nia met Artemis
- Mater!
- Talking with Niles in the library
- Baking
- Defending of Duke
- Gathering Christmss greenery
- Christmas day
- In London

Oh, what another beautiful story from Sarah M. Eden! I absolutely adored this group of friends, the Huntresses and the Pack. Sarah does so well at weaving friendship, romance, and struggles into a story that will not only capture your attention but will have you laughing and crying throughout.

I love the time they spent in the kitchen, the tension between them was fantastic!

I could so fully feel the pain of the stuggles that Eve was going through. Both Eve and Duke are going through hardships and pain that it broken my heart just to read about it. So much heartbreak and pain - wanting to be seen yet feeling completely left behind.

Duke's family is entirely at odds with each other, and he does so well trying to keep them from starting an all out war, but that is becoming entirely to heavy of a thing for him to continue. Duke's parents and grandmother are the worst! How they act and behave is so aweful, and I feel so bad for Duke having to live with that.

I love the antics and banter of the pack! They are so much fun to spend time with.

I absolutely adored being with Niles and Penelope again! I also love seeing characters from The Gents series pop up in this series!

This is the third book in The Huntresses series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but then you would be missing out on all of the wonderful friendships and connections made in the previous books of this series. And in all honesty, you probably want to read The Gents, The Lancaster Family, and the Jonquil Brothers series as well!

Thanks so much to the author and publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for ella.
37 reviews10 followers
January 8, 2026
whenever I get towards the end of a book I feel like i take longer to finish it. it was a good read like all her books that I've read are i just am too indecisive to choose a rating.


"the best kept secrets" thoughts:

-"What kind of daughter would be horrified at the idea of her mother visiting?" (14) Oh you have no idea.

-"he didn't particularly want to have to explain something he didn't fully understand himself,..." (47) Me.

-"or as a man unable to escape the difficulties of his parents' house." (75).

his parents and grandmother are pretty terrible.
332 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2025
This is a continuation of the Huntresses series, a wonderful spin off of the Jonquil/Gents/Lancaster series. These books are sooo good, the characters so well written, the stories intertwined.

This story belongs to Eve and Duke, who belongs to Charlie's group, The Pack. Eve and her sister Nia are from Ireland. They are not wealthy, and even less well to do at the beginning of this story. The group has made plans to meet for Christmas, the only time they could all be together, And since this friend group is so wonderful, they have tasked Duke to get the girls from Ireland.

The trip has some difficulties, but as Duke tries to keep things in an even keep, friendships move past friendship just a bit.

Duke is an only child, and is the moderator with his family. He tries to keep everyone on an even keel, placating his family with words and deeds. But he is worn through and ready to make a new life now that he is done at Cambridge. Family is making the party difficult. But with some help, maybe change can happen.

I loved these characters. They just want to be seen, to be understood, and to feel respected. They feel it with their friends, but how to make others see it too. I love how characters from the Gents have come to play in this too. I can't wait for the next book, whose story will be next?
Profile Image for Cheri.
2,149 reviews71 followers
January 11, 2025
TheHuntresses #NetGalley

I loved the depth of this story where the two main characters, Eve and Duke, have felt on the outside looking in in their family relationships. One comes from a family that is struggling and almost in the poor house. The other is in the middle of a family feud that started before he was born. Each has secrets of their own. This is part of a series and became a favorite.
Profile Image for Jane.
742 reviews28 followers
December 5, 2025
It was lovely to be back in the world of the Huntresses and the Pack. Seeing all these friends together is always good for the soul.

I loved getting to know Eve and Duke better in this book. They’ve been on the edges of previous stories in the series so it was great to have them at the center of this one. They both have difficulties to overcome. I loved how they face those challenges together.

Dukes family is truly nasty. Their snide remarks and cutting comments are sometimes shocking. I couldn’t believe how mean they are to each other especially Aunt Penelope. Seeing duke navigate that was sobering. Seeing Eve put them in their place in his defense was fantastic!

Eve is carrying heavy secrets with her family’s precarious financial situation and her sister’s illness weighing on her. I loved seeing her rely on Duke and was relieved when he finally put her first despite his family. They are such a beautiful match and build each other up to fight their battles. Loved their moments of tender affection together.

I loved all the cameos of favorite characters in Sarah’s Jonquil world. I loved seeing Aunt Penelope and Uncle Niles again (love their story in Snapdragons!!) as well as the Fortiers (there’s more to their story. Can’t wait to hear more in future books), Mater (she’s just the best!), and Artemis and Charlie ( I adore them!). And of course all the other huntresses and pack members. I loved getting these interconnected worlds!
Profile Image for Tiffany (Work Kids N Books).
301 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2025
“And she stood rooted to the spot, frozen in place by the impact of that smile long after he’d left the kitchen. Beautiful eyes. A warm voice. An earth-shattering smile. A wonderfully dry and underestimated sense of humor. Kindness. Intelligence. Thoughtfulness.

If she weren’t very, very careful, Duke Seymour would have full claim on her heart before long.”

Oh man, oh man, oh man! This installment of The Huntresses was absolutely delicious! The wit. The swoon. The proverbial dances. So. Good.

Eve is unabashedly herself and I love it! From her love and protection of her sister to her ability to laugh, she is an absolute catch! I wish I had her knack for her favorite hobby! I also adore how she sees Duke in a way that everyone should, but no one does. Well done, Aiofe!

Oh Duke! He is the ultimate peacemaker and uses his powers for good. (Negating his tendency toward noble stupidity.) His tendre for Eve was both my favorite and least favorite part! IYKYK

“Some of the very best love stories begin as tales of friendship.”

Read this book if you like:
🥖 The Huntresses
🥖 The Pack
🥖 Humor
🥖 Rough Linens
🥖 Mysteries
🥖 Traveling in Carriages
🥖 Abandoned Inns
🥖 Peacemakers
🥖 Surprises
🥖 Irish Names
🥖 Mater
🥖 Plans for the Future

Content: Caustic family members, serious illness, romance- kisses only.

Thank you to Sarah M Eden and Covenant Communications for the #gifted copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club).
623 reviews
August 10, 2025
‘Eve O’Doyle was far too acquainted with chaos to be the least bothered by it.’

And that’s exactly why she’s one of my new favorite characters!!

Eve is strong, determined, and relentlessly positive—no matter how many curveballs life throws her way. I found her so inspiring. And Duke? He’s swoony, steady, and so burdened by responsibility that he’s nearly given up on happiness for himself… until Eve.

This is a friends-to-more romance done so well. It’s heartwarming, layered, and filled with those little moments that make you hold your breath and hope.

I loved this book. Truly. I don’t want to spoil a thing, but TRUST ME—you need it on your shelf.

✨ The Best-Kept Secrets by Sarah M. Eden releases TOMORROW!

And if you preorder right now (especially you lucky west coast readers), you could be reading once it bids midnight on the east coast. Just sayin’.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content/Trigger: familial drama, romance-kisses only.

Happy Reading 📚
Profile Image for Mara.
1,480 reviews113 followers
June 27, 2025
Best-Kept Secrets is another heartfelt addition to Sarah M. Eden’s Huntresses series, and it delivers all the charm, slow-burn romance, and emotional depth I love in her books. It's such fun getting to know each of these young women in Artemis' group!

Eve O’Doyle is cheerful, selfless, and always trying to make the best of a bad situation—even when her family’s financial future is falling apart. Instead of wallowing, she chooses to protect her younger sister’s holiday and happiness, putting on a brave face and heading off to their Christmas gathering with their friends, the Huntresses and the Pack. Of course, nothing goes quite as planned.

Enter Duke Seymour, who’s just hoping for a peaceful holiday after years of acting as the glue in his own complicated family. He’s not expecting anything more than some lighthearted fun with friends—but getting stranded at an inn with Eve changes everything. Their connection is sweet, natural, and full of quiet moments that build into something deeper. Their budding relationship feels authentic.

I loved this story so much!! I felt so bad for Eve having to hide her talent for baking/cooking because of what Society would think! Don't get me started on Duke's family, especially his grandmother!! They were truly awful. I love how the Huntresses support each other and I'm thrilled that we get to see characters from The Gents series in the Huntresses books! It's such a treat!

What really makes this story stand out is how much heart it has. Eve and Duke aren’t just two people falling in love—they’re both dealing with heavy family responsibilities, guilt, and the pressure of doing what’s expected. Eve and Duke struggle not only with their feelings for one another, but with what they are willing—or able—to give up for love.

Add in the familiar charm of the Huntresses and the Pack, some delightful banter, and a cozy winter setting, and you’ve got a story that’s both romantic and meaningful. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile, maybe tear up a little, and definitely believe in a love that’s worth fighting for.
Profile Image for Shauna.
1,431 reviews13 followers
May 21, 2025
Eve has financial difficulties, but the best of friends, and they gather for a Christmas house party. Duke comes to escort them and their journey sparks something in both of their hearts.

This is a beloved regency author who introduced me to this genre. This story continues to prove her wit and banter is on pointe, but the way she weaves the bonds of friendship shines through as my once again favorite thing. I adored Duke and amazed he survived his family who were big ole meanies. So unkind. Such a great story in true Eden fashion with characters who work through problems and are surrounded by great friends. Just charming.

dual POV
the Pack
the Huntresses
baking
that first kiss
Eve’s total set down
all the banter
Mater
seeing past characters

Eve’s family is in financial distress and she is unsure what to do. Can she find love with Duke and bring hope anew?
394 reviews21 followers
July 8, 2025
Sarah does it again! I love the Huntresses’ books and the latest in the series is no exception! I can’t wait for the next one! I hope it’s Lisette’s, as I am very curious to have answers to some of the things that came up in this book. This book also makes me want to revisit Niles’ story, as he and his wife play a part in Duke’s story.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,660 reviews
September 16, 2025
Another fabulous read in my favorite bookish universe! I love every story set in the Lancaster/Jounqil world and this one was no exception. The characters I know and love, a great romance and lots of humor along the way. Reading perfection!
Profile Image for Sarah's Reading Nook.
509 reviews55 followers
January 31, 2026
Excellent as always!

The characters in each of Sarah's books are so rich, deep, and varied. Watching this particular story unfold been Duke and Eve felt like cheering on and supporting friends. Having the other characters from the series and previous related series in the books is also a delight. I have a suspicion about which of the huntresses will have a book about them next.
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 48 books591 followers
June 24, 2025
This was a cute story featuring Eve and Duke with appearances of couples from past books.
Profile Image for Amanda Morrill.
459 reviews21 followers
May 16, 2025
This slow burn, friends to more regency romance was delightful. A group of friends have planned a Christmas gathering and among the friends are Irish sisters who are struggling financially. Duke is tasked with bringing them to the party but they are delayed on the way and Eve starts to grow closer to Duke trusting him with her secrets. I love how all the friends come together and help each other in their different situations. A perfectly sweet addition to The Huntresses series. This can be read as a standalone but you will get more out of it reading the whole series.
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,532 reviews333 followers
May 26, 2025
“If I had to choose someone to be trapped at an abandoned inn in the midst of a torrential downpour with, I’d put you at the very top of my list, Dubhan Seymour.”

The Huntresses are some of my favorite ladies and I loved learning more about Eve and her sister Nia. As their family is recently in some financial trouble, only one of them can enjoy a London season and it’s a secret that must be kept. Eve also harbors a secret love and talent that could taint her reputation. When Duke is asked to accompany the sisters to a Christmas house party, he finds himself once again forging the peace with his family in the most undesirable ways.

Honestly, I would be exhausted going to the lengths he goes for such childish family members. I feel beyond lucky to have the grandmothers I did because I would want to cross the vast ocean on a toothpick to escape Duke’s unfortunate relative if I could claim her as family.

I love Eve’s rosy view on life and her capability to ease those around her just as much as I adore Duke’s strength and commitment in swaying strong emotions and behavior. Full of secrets, unprecedented connections and attraction, the strong bonds of friendship, baking, forced proximity on an uncomfortable journey, and that first kiss, this story is sweet, tender, and full of all the sentimental happenings that a holiday spent with friends typically delivers. This whole cast of beloved characters is charming and feels like coming home.

Sarah M Eden is a favorite Regency writer because of her ability to engage my interest and entertain every fiber of my being. I’ll never quit wishing for another Huntresses or Pack tale.

⚠️toxic family members; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
Profile Image for Susan.
818 reviews17 followers
April 29, 2025
Oh, joy, another book by Sarah Eden! She is one of my very favorite authors! I'm grateful to have been able to receive this ARC from the publisher and be able to read and review it.

This book is a testament to the author's skill in weaving together narratives from multiple series, bringing back a diverse cast of characters whose journeys have been meticulously crafted over the years. For readers who have followed the interconnected stories by Sarah M. Eden, the reappearance of familiar faces adds layers of depth and resonance. The suspense surrounding even the side characters is enriched by an understanding of their past trials and tribulations, making their arcs all the more compelling. It is a rewarding read for longtime fans.

What truly sets this installment apart is its profound exploration of character empathy. The narrative's portrayal of individuals succumbing to nitpicking and self-imposed victimhood, though exaggerated, serves as a compelling cautionary tale about the impact such behaviors can have on one's surroundings. This aligns with the author's ability to evoke strong emotional responses, ranging from frustration to deep understanding, showcasing her mastery in character development.

While this book can technically be read as a standalone, newcomers may find themselves missing the rich, multi-layered context that longtime readers enjoy. The reintroduction of characters from various series adds depth and emotional resonance that is best appreciated with prior knowledge of their backstories. For instance, the suspense surrounding even side characters gains significance when one is familiar with their previous trials and growth.

This story lifted me to a new level of amazing character empathy. The sad state that a person can lower themselves to when they succumb to nitpicking and feeling put-upon, and how they can spoil the existence of everyone around them, was stunningly maddening!

In summary, this book offers a rich, emotionally charged experience that especially rewards readers familiar with the author's broader universe. Its insightful examination of personal flaws and interpersonal dynamics makes it a standout addition to the series.

I always appreciate a happy ending. In this book, the blend of a satisfying conclusion with lingering uncertainties about certain characters' paths adds depth to the narrative. It mirrors the complexities of real-life relationships and personal growth, where resolutions are often accompanied by new challenges and questions.

I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.
#TheHuntresses #NetGalley #TheBestKeptSecrets
Profile Image for Reagan Taylor.
298 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2025
I’ve been waiting for the newest huntress book since the last one came out and y’all 🤭 Sarah M Eden did it again, Eve and Duke have my whole heart ❤️

Eve. Talk about the definition of good 🥹 So many times throughout the story she handled hard situations with such grace and understanding 🫶🏼 I loved how she supported and stood up for those she loves 💕 And she is hilarious 😂 I loved learning more about her ☘️

Duke. MAN NEEDS A HUG 😭 After spending his whole life playing peacemaker ❤️‍🩹 Duke is finally able to get a respite 😌 Until his family, and problems, follow him to his Christmas house party 🤦🏼‍♀️ Duke is the definition of selfless ♥️ I loved his relationship with Uncle Niles 🥊 (iykyk) and him with the pack had me SOBBING 😭

This book was SO GOOD 🤩 The romance was very unique due to the conflict and I really enjoyed it 💘 I loved all the cameos from characters we love (Mater I’m looking at you ❤️) and I was RED with cameos from other characters (Liam and grandma 🙂)

I have to give a shoutout for the FOUND FAMILY 😭 the huntresses and the pack are THE found family for me. Ugh I love them so much


⚠️ CW: emotional manipulation (borderline ab*se), reference to loss of children/family, sickness⚠️
Profile Image for McKenzie Rollins.
55 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2025
Read this in a day and really enjoyed it. I was a little sad it ended the way it did, it was a little bit of a cliff hanger and some loose ends not tied up. I'm hoping that means they will appear in another book!
Profile Image for Menolly Ruth.
552 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2025
Lord save me from men ghosting me to ‘save me’ when there could just be a conversation.
Profile Image for Shayla Riley.
635 reviews22 followers
May 20, 2025
The Best Kept Secrets
(The Huntresses #3)
by: Sarah M. Eden
@sarah_m_eden

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~With her ever-ready smile, Eve O’Doyle faces life’s challenges with boundless optimism. However, even she finds it difficult to see the silver lining in her parents’ disaster has struck, leaving their genteel family in dire financial straits. But all is not lost. In the name of economizing, Eve will skip the London Season-even if it means dooming herself to spinsterhood…

“You give so much of yourself to helping others, to securing their happiness. You
deserve happiness as well.”

-The Best Kept Secrets, is absolutely a beautiful dear story! It is weaved with vivid details and with such heart, The Regency era, dual pov friends to more, toxic family relationships, the Pack and Huntresses, an Irish heroine, A Christmas House party, dear character cameos, forced proximity, a swoony first kiss, and so much more! This is also the third book in the series and can be enjoyed as a standalone but, as with most of dear Sarah’s series, I recommend you read the books in order (and even more if you read them along with the Gents series!). The stories build on each other and you come to love the characters like they are extended and dear family members. I can’t help but love each character. This dear story is not exception! The main characters are endearing. I was inspired by their consistent steadiness, deep loyalty, dear compassion, witty banter, and sparks of chemistry between them. Oh how I was cheering for them with every twist and turn. Seeing them work so hard together for their own happily there after was thrilling and tender. This is a dear story worth reading!🩷🙌🏻📚💯

“A future with you is my dream. Always.”

-Content: toxic family, financial worries, health-sickness of family member, kisses only.

“You deserve to be happy and to feel loved without being made to think you have to
continually prove that you deserve it.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

#thebestkeptsecret
#sarahmeden
#allaboutthebestreads
1,006 reviews5 followers
June 1, 2025
There were a lot of things I really liked about this book. Eve’s character was amazing. The Huntresses are also awesome. I love the friendship of that group. The Pack can be a little ridiculous but I generally liked them as well. What I don’t like are any situations of emotional abuse and/or manipulation. That was a little too pervasive in this story and a main part of the plot. The generational impact of those situations is hard to read about , even if the story is fiction. That distracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Profile Image for Katie Killingsworth.
682 reviews
October 1, 2025
Boy howdy~ I don’t know that I’ve ever gotten so annoyed with a character’s family!! No spoilers, but I liked that this one ended a bit differently than I expected. I’ve now read all the books that have currently been published in this world and I’m chomping at the bit for more!! I need to know the rest of the Gents and Huntresses stories!!
Profile Image for Kartika Heikkila Aposhian.
124 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2025
A solid four stars

I’m having a hard time believing the moments at the beginning that lead to the romance but if you see through the gray of “was that really enough to by a catalyst in this” then the love story was really sweet.
Profile Image for Diane Shearer.
1,208 reviews11 followers
January 15, 2026
So good! How I adore these books! All these series are connected, from The Lancasters to the Jonquils to The Gents to The Huntresses. You don’t have to read the other series but you’ll miss a lot if you don’t. This series deals with the second generation. It happened that I listened to Love In a Mist (first generation) and The Best-kept Secrets back to back which was a little confusing, to be honest, but I love this world and these characters so much. I reread the other series at least once a year so I’ll get my head around the timeline eventually.
Profile Image for Melynda.
129 reviews
June 14, 2025
I love this book series. It is fun, hopeful, and uplifting. After she completes the series, I'll need to reread them all to pick a favorite. If I can. 😄
Profile Image for Elise Hancock.
7 reviews
July 18, 2025
This has been my absolute most favorite book of Sarah M Eden's Huntresses series! I love Duke and Eve's relationship which is full of laughter. They are so cute together! My emotions went from excitement to extreme frustration to sadness and lastly to happiness. A full 5/5 stars for me and would definitely read again!
Profile Image for Lisa.
762 reviews13 followers
July 18, 2025
Loved this book! I really enjoyed getting to know Duke and Eve's story! They were beautiful together with a small hiccough in the middle, but I was here for it! I was so worried about her and her adorable sister! I hope we get to know her story soon!

I listened on Bookshelf!
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