I've got enough on my plate between running a busy ranch with my brothers and wrangling two young kids after my wife’s death. But now I’ve gone and made a hell of a mess of my already messy life by having a reckless one-night stand with someone I really shouldn’t have.
In my defense, I had no idea who she was when we heated up the sheets…until she shows up at my mom’s wedding the next day. Turns out, Paige Stanton isn’t just a stranger passing through—she’s the niece of the man my mom is about to marry. And to make matters worse, she’s staying at Moonlight Ranch for the week.
Paige is everything I don’t need. She’s a world-traveling photographer, the kind who runs toward danger when most people would run away. War zones, natural disasters—if it’s risky, she’s there. She’s not the kind of woman who stays in one place for long, and she’s definitely not the kind of woman I need in my life…or in my bed.
I’ve already lost one person I loved. I can’t fall for someone who lives with one foot out the door, constantly putting herself in harm’s way. Her presence on the ranch is a challenge I didn’t see coming, and every second she’s here is a temptation I know I should resist.
But every time I see her, the pull between us gets stronger. Every time she’s around my kids, I can picture her fitting into our lives—if only she’d stop running.
I need stability. She craves adventure.
Falling for Paige might be the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. But letting her walk away might just break me.
Moonlight Secret is a single-dad, opposites attract, one-night stand cowboy romance perfect for fans of Elsie Silver, Kat Singleton, and Kristen Proby.
June Connor is the author of small-town and western contemporary romance, including the Boone Brothers series. June loves a good friends-to-lovers story, second chances, and men in uniform. She writes sassy funny heroines and strong quick-to-fall-in-love heroes. June grew up in the southwest United States where she fell in love with men in cowboy hats very young and never really grew out of it. Now she lives in Texas with her husband, son, and two lovable but crazy dogs .
Moonlight Secret is the first book in June Connor’s Boone Brothers Series. This series will follow three brothers and their search for finding their happily ever after. Moonlight Secret is Travis Boone’s single father based romance! Let me tell you, I couldn’t get enough of this sexy cowboy and his sweetheart ways. So let’s dive into what Travis and Paige’s story is all about!
Travis had everything a man could ever want in the palm of his hand. He had the perfect wife, two beautiful kids, and a ranch legacy. That is, until one day, his world came to a screeching halt. Now, he’s a single father of two kids and a widower who does what he can to bring a sense of new normalcy to his children’s lives.
Paige hasn’t had the easiest life, having lost her parents to a car accident when she was a little girl. She finds solace living out of a suitcase mastering her craft as a photographer. But when her uncle, the man who helped raise her, is getting married, she makes a special trip and schedules some much needed time off. Never would she imagine finding her happily ever after the night before her Uncle’s wedding. And never in a million years did she expect to see her very own one night stand at her Uncle’s wedding as the bride’s son. OHHHHHH! Yes! I was here for it!!
My Thoughts:
Let me start this portion of my review by stating that the cover for Moonlight Secret is captivating. My attention was captured the very moment I saw this book! I knew I needed it in my hands immediately, and I'm glad I listened to the intuition within that was screaming for me to read this book! Not only did I love the main characters, but I also loved the secondary characters and the relationships they portrayed in this novel. I have a strong feeling this series is going to make it in my top 10 of 2025.
Now, let’s dive into the characters, starting with Travis. Mr. Travis Boone is a single daddy to an adorable daughter and son. I could tell from the very beginning that this man lives and breathes for his children. He’s devoted to his children and to the ranch, which leaves little room for himself. One random night out on the town is all it takes to meet your hearts perfect match, and Travis learned just that. I loved seeing Travis as a dad, but there was nothing like seeing Travis as a man who was interested in a woman. This man is a sweetheart. I loved his whole vibe!!
And then we have Paige. I loved how independent Paige’s character is. I also loved the vulnerability she showed throughout this novel. She never felt the need to settle because in her mind, once life gets comfortable, tragedy occurs. She’s lived a living out of a suitcase and one night only kind of woman. That is until she meets Travis, and her one night with him turns into an awkward reunion at her uncle and his mother’s wedding! I’m going to say this now, I literally loved this premise! I loved the one night turn forever concept. And watching Travis break through Paige’s walls was the icing on the cake!
Travis and Paige both had heartbreaking pasts, but I think the most insightful moment in this novel lived within a conversation between Paige and Travis’s daughter, Bella. These two have so much in common, I felt that moment down to my bones! It was the moment when I think Paige started to let herself truly heal from her past. I may have even shed a tear….or two.
I gave Moonlight Secret by June Connor a five-star rating due to the fact that this novel had me feeling every single emotion the characters felt. I haven’t felt this connected to a novel and to characters in a long time. I loved every moment! And I can’t wait to see what’s coming next!
⭐ 4 🌶️ 1 🥵 Spicy chapters: 5, 22, 26 📚 Tropes/Themes: single dad, widower, photojournalist fmc, forced Proximity, forbidden relationship, step cousins, one night stand, found family, cowboy/tancher 👀 Dual POV 1st person 💔 Triggers: mentions of parental death 🛍️ Available: Now
💬 Oh man, this book is just so 🥹 adorable and sweet. It has all the things that I love- sexy ranchers/cowboys, sexy single dads, sexy middle sons, one night stands the turn into the person you can't live without, swoony kisses, heartfelt confessions, mountains, overly emotional ooey gooey feelings 🤣 I just eat that shit up hahaha.
I'm being silly but like I said I genuinely love these things, so I definitely enjoyed those parts of the book.
My only frustration was it seemed a little repetitive. Like I don't know how many times they talked about how she would be leaving soon which, yes, I get is the point of the book but I already know...do we need to keep mentioning it?
That part aside I really enjoyed reading this. It's a little shorter than my usual reads but I feel like this was a nice palate cleanser from all of the regency romances I've been reading lately. And cowboy romances just have a special place in my heart, deep inside, to the hilt... If you will 😏
Page enjoys her job, enjoys the travelling even being in dangerous places. Her job as a photographer in war torn countries or environmental disasters is what has kept her busy. Now being here for her uncles wedding she feels out of place. Family get togethers or even being in one place to long is just not her. Bumping into the handsome cowboy in the local and then ending up back in her hotel room, one night stands, no commitment and definitely no feelings. Now that is how she prefers things. Travis knows nothing other than running the farm. Losing his wife two years ago and now raising his two young children. That's what his life is about now. Until he she's her on the bar stool, too gorgeous to ignore. He doesn't do things like this but it's one time, they'll never see each other again. Leaving her hotel room he has regrets, but his children come first. Seeing her at his mom's wedding throws him, why is she here. Page can't believe it her uncle is marrying his mom. How will this all end. Can Paige ever be happy in one place. Will Travis be able to protect his children from more hurt. This is a brilliant story and the two main characters are both wary of attachments. Will they be able to heal each other. Or will a new assignment be too much for them both.
There are so many feels in this book. I loved the couple and the brothers and the kids. However, it was quite repetitive, which slowed the story down and got in the way of my enjoyment. The same concepts/descriptions/inner thoughts over and over. Even occasionally a couple paragraphs followed by almost the exact same paragraphs. This was especially difficult to read in the pivotal scenes where the characters were making their big realizations. A wonderful HEA… a thorough edit would have made it an outstanding story. 3.5 stars.
Paige Stanton is a photographer who travels the world from war torn countries. She needs a break and decides to head to Moonlight Ranch where he uncle is getting married. He took her in when she lost her parents to an accident. He did the best he could since he was a bachelor. She was thankful for him. She arrives in town the night before the wedding, so she heads to a bar where she meets a very handsome, sexy cowboy. She’s only looking for a one night stand. That’s all she does because she travels so much. She also doesn’t want to have feelings for anyone when she’s going to leave again. Travis Boone is a widower with two small children. He runs his family’s ranch while his brothers work on business ends and extending their ranch. He sees Paige and is very attracted to her. They both decide to have a one night fling. It was an incredible night for both of them. They will never see each other again. Or so they thought. Travis can’t believe Paige is at his mother’s wedding. Not only that, it’s her uncle whose Travis mother is marrying? They were shocked to see each other. How is Paige going to stay at the ranch with Travis so close. They can’t repeat it again or will they? He has to think of his children who’s had enough loss in their young lives. Paige and Travis walk on eggshells for the wee. Can the move forward or will they continue their fling? She’s only there for the wee. She will be heading out to somewhere dangerous soon. Paige is finally relaxing and feeling the peace on the ranch. It makes her wonder if she can live in one place especially with Travis and his children. Can she? Their feelings are so strong for one another. Will they go their separate ways? The characters are wonderful. Both deserve love. Will Travis accept that he can have a second chance? Will Paige realize that she was always running away from her feelings? I was rooting for Paige, Travis and his children. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
In "Moonlight Secret" by June Connor, Travis Boone is a rugged, hardworking single father who pours his heart into running Moonlight Ranch alongside his two brothers while raising his two children, having been solely focused on family and work since the untimely passing of his beloved wife.
On the eve of his mother's wedding, Travis and his brothers venture into town for a rare night of revelry at the local bar, where fate intervenes in the form of Paige Stanton, a free-spirited, thrill-seeking photographer who has built emotional walls to protect herself from the pain of loss after her parents died when she was young, with her nomadic career allowing her to keep others at a safe distance. The two strangers share an electrifying connection and throw caution to the wind for one passionate, no-strings-attached night together, expecting to then go their separate ways with no messy complications - that is, until Paige unexpectedly shows up at Travis' mother's wedding and is revealed to be the niece of his new stepfather.
What unfolds is a tender, heartwarming tale of two wounded souls who slowly learn to open their heavily guarded hearts, put their faith in love again, and embrace the beautiful possibility of second chances.
I loved Paige and Travis’s story. I quickly found myself absorbed into the book. Travis, a single father, and Paige who travels the world as a photographer. Both have had loss in their lives. They meet at a hotel bar, and spend a spectacular night together.
As nothing more than first names are shared, both are in for a surprise as they meet again at his mother's and her uncle's wedding. Paige is in town for the wedding and a short break from work. Her visit has a time limit, and he is tied to the ranch. He will not leave, but she can fall in love with the location.
The story, the characters, make up for a great small town romance. Paige is independent and talented, loves her uncle. He is the one who raised her. She lives out of a suitcase, never knows where she will be next, and has no time or interest in a relationship.
Travis is devoted to his kids and his land. But a night in town with a beautiful woman has knocked him off his axis. I love the grief he takes from his brother over how forbidden Paige is. I recommend this series, and I am off to read book two.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Thank you for letting me read your book! This story was so beautiful until the last 20% of the book and the epilogue. It was well written, beautifully paced, and didn’t ever bore me.
You will LOVE FMC. She’s bold, goal oriented, a loner and a complete baddy. Until the end. I’d forgotten the taboo after the first few chapters.
For those who have read this, I can give you my hot take because it’s in code. SIBLINGS. None of this other niece thing. Raised by the person getting married for the majority of your life? That’s a dad. Then you been to the math with the rest. I’d forgotten until the epilogue and now I have less like for the book.
This is a HEA but I was certain she’d take her suitcase as soon as the dreadful family week was up (as intended!) I wanted her not to change her life after 7 days with a man. She’s the woman who attained a personal interview in Gaza with a man who refuses everyone! But then she just… fell off the wagon and bumped her head.
It REALLY was a great book until the last few chapters and epilogue.
Travis is a single father and widower who meets Paige while out with his brothers at a local bar. They have one scorching night together and are surprised when they see each other the next day at his mom’s wedding to her uncle. They know it’s a bad idea for them to hook up again but their connection was just so profound. They hang out with his kids and fall in love. Issues arise because Paige is a photo journalist who has always traveled and she just doesn’t know about having roots. She has to decide if she will let Travis give her a home to come back to.
I really loved this book. It was emotional, touching and heartfelt. I loved how Paige and Travis found comfort together. Each had experienced loss but they found a soul connection with each other. They just fit. This was a beautiful single dad, found family love story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was completely swept away. From the very first page, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down. I’ve always loved cowboy romances, but this one just hit different. The chemistry, the setting, the yearning, it had everything I crave in a love story.
Travis is an absolute dreamboat, sexy, strong, and yet so incredibly gentle. He’s a single dad who’s loved and lost, doing his best to raise two kids on his family’s ranch, and never thought he could love again… until Paige enters the picture. Paige, a photographer used to life on the road, never expected to fall for a cowboy or be torn between her career and something as deep as true love.
What was supposed to be a one-night stand gets flipped upside down when unexpected family connections force them together for a week at Travis’s ranch. Every moment they spend together deepens their bond, and I found myself rooting for them harder and harder with each page.
This book is romantic, heartwarming, and full of those slow-burn moments that make your heart ache in the best way.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves small-town romance, single dads, and cowboys. 🤠
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June Connor is a new author to me, I can say that I shall be reading more of her books in the future.
Moonlight Secret has been written well, with wonderful characters, Travis, a widowed father of two young children, out the night before his mother's wedding with his brothers.
Paige is in town for her uncle's wedding. Unbeknownst to them both, they met in the local bar and had a one-night stand.
No spoilers, as my words will not do the justice this book deserves. I do recommend this book to all, and I look forward to reading book 2.
Travis is the epitome of a sexy MMC. He’s hurting and then a little siren known as Paige walks into his life and turns it all upside down. What she doesn’t know is he’s about to turn her life upside down. Throw in a couple of surprises and life changes!
This is my first time reading anything from this author. While there were a couple of typos that my eyes caught, overall I loved her style of writing and the storyline. Can’t wait to read Jackson’s story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the 1st book in the Boone Brothers series by June Conner and this is Travis Boone (single dad/running his family ranch) and Paige Stanton (Photographer, wanderer/loner) Story. They meet and have a one-night stand, no strings, imagine their surprise when they meet again the next day! Their story really begins here. now, sit back and watch how their story unfolds. You won't be disappointed! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is a stranger to lover, small town Romance with second chance at love. And the characters are just amazing. The connection between the characters, the kids, the whole situation, the banter was all amazing. I liked the writing style. And don't we all love those handsome single dads. This steamy one is just wonderful. Definitely Recommend.
Moonlight Secret is stunning. From unpredictable to irresistible is a wild ride that tugs at the heartstrings. Connor throws caution to the wind and dives right in to the tempestuousness of life, love and heartache. From the fear of falling to the hope of finding (LOVE), Travis and Paige are addictive.
This was an adorable book and so heartfelt. The ranch/cowboy theme I absolutely love. Looking for a book with a single dad with absolutely adorable kids? This is your book! Family drama and unmistaken love here I come! There are quite a few sex scenes which was too much for me but other that it was really good!
This book hit me right in the feelings. And honestly, I wasn’t ready.
Travis Boone is a hardworking single dad just trying to keep it together for his kids and his family ranch. I really loved how real he felt - like one of those guys who never thinks about himself but quietly hopes for more.
Then there’s Paige Stanton - photographer, wanderer, and expert at keeping people at arm’s length. She’s the type who never stays in one place too long, afraid that getting comfortable means setting herself up for another heartbreak. Her fear felt very real to me -like those moments when life feels almost too good, and you start looking over your shoulder, waiting for it to fall apart.
What I loved most about this story wasn’t just the chemistry (which burned), but the slow, clumsy way Travis and Paige chip away at each other’s walls. Especially touching were the scenes between Paige and Travis’s daughter, Bella - those conversations reminded me of how kids sometimes manage to say exactly what adults are too scared to. Those scenes hit harder than I expected.
Moonlight Secret is messy, emotional, a little chaotic - just like real life. If you love second-chance romances that make you feel everything, you’ll love this one.