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Ranger’s Secret: A Best Friend’s Older Brother Romance

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One never touch your best friend’s brother.

DELANEY

There’s one person I swore I’d never be alone with Jagger Maddox.

My best friend’s older brother. The man I kissed at a party last summer… and ghosted the next day like it never happened.

Now I’m stuck in the forest with him. And all it took was one smoldering glare from him for everything to come rushing back.

JAGGER

She ran from me like that kiss meant nothing.

She was wrong.

Delaney Holt is forbidden. Off-limits. My sister’s best friend.

But now fate’s delivered her straight to my door. And I’m done pretending I don’t want her.

I’m just waiting for the right moment to take what should’ve been mine all along.

Because I’m not just her best friend’s brother anymore.

I’m the man who plans to ruin her for anyone else.

+++

Ranger’s Secret is a scorching, forbidden, best friend’s brother romance featuring a grumpy, possessive park ranger and the woman who broke his restraint.

If you OTT instalove, love second-chance heat, off-limits tension, and dirty-talking heroes who never forget a taste, this standalone delivers in under 2 hours.

No cliffhangers. No cheating. Just one rugged HEA to make you sweat.

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2025

49 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Bridget Adrienne

23 books42 followers

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5 stars
32 (37%)
4 stars
32 (37%)
3 stars
16 (18%)
2 stars
4 (4%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for maddie.
148 reviews20 followers
July 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨Huge thank you to Bridget Adrienne and her team for sending me an ARC of Ranger’s Secret!✨

Ranger’s Secret is the literary equivalent of a shot of espresso and a slap to the face. Fast, intense, and borderline chaotic, it’s a novella that doesn’t waste time on foreplay—literally or figuratively. Like the rest of the books in the Untamed Rangers series, it delivers exactly what it promises: a dominant, growly ranger, a forbidden connection, and enough heat to fog up your glasses.

If you’ve read any of the others in this series, you’ll know the drill: intense instalove, wild chemistry, possessive behavior that skates the line, and spicy scenes that escalate faster than a forest fire. This one sticks to the formula, and if that’s your thing, you’ll probably eat it up.

Delaney is ambitious and snarky, and her internal monologue brings some sharp humor to the otherwise very, very serious tone of Jagger Maddox, who is basically rage and lust wrapped in a ranger uniform. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the dynamic between them definitely treads into some morally gray territory. There's a lot of dominance, power plays, and roleplay that leans into dubious consent—and while it’s clearly intentional and part of the fantasy, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

The writing is addictive in a “just one more page” kind of way, and the forest setting gives it that classic rough-and-wild backdrop. But I knocked down the stars for the same reason I’ve felt lukewarm about others in the series—it’s all heat and adrenaline, but not much emotional grounding. There are flickers of depth between the characters, but they're often steamrolled by the sheer intensity of the dynamic.

So, if you’re coming into this looking for emotional growth or a character-driven arc…this ain’t that. But if you’re here for a no-holds-barred, hot-and-heavy ranger romance with serious bite (and a few slaps), this will absolutely scratch the itch. Just know it follows the same spicy trail as the rest of the series—no surprises, just a very steamy, very familiar ride.
Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,380 reviews135 followers
July 18, 2025
A very spicy 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ insta love for the ranger…insta love from years ago that he has suppressed. She feels the same way but he’s her best friend’s brother. You see where this is going????
Meeting up unexpectedly has them feeling all sorts of feels….
Obstacles keep building up…but nothing can stop the ranger🥰
Profile Image for Katelynn Seaman.
110 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2025
Delaney and Jagger was a whirlwind of a forbidden romance. I loved Jagger he was so gone for Delaney that it broke my heart at times when she would be in denial. This book is for those who are fans of best friend’s brother, instalove and some spicy scenes.
Profile Image for Alexis B. .
73 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2025
The push and pull that this book gives is hair pull worthy!!

I love that Delaney is fighting her love for her best friend’s brother. Delaney is the one who is torn between loyalty and her love. I feel like a lot of books have the male character that has to decide, so it’s “refreshing”.

Jagger 🥵🥵, how can you deny this man?! I think Jagger has the most character development in this Novella and becomes my favorite character in the end.

The spice, without a doubt, 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Good Booking Girl.
427 reviews16 followers
August 13, 2025
This spicy short novella delivers big heat in a bite-sized package! Delaney finds herself in a two week forest program with her best friend’s brother—now a rugged, bossy forest ranger—their once-forgotten kiss reignites into something far more dangerous: two weeks of wild, emotional, no-holds-barred passion. He’s determined to claim her in every way, and she’s not sure if she’ll survive it—or want to.

The most emotional story in the series so far, this installment still keeps things light and fun, blending soft vulnerability with off-the-charts chemistry. A perfect quick read for fans of forced proximity, dub/con, second chances, and forest-floor steam.

I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion
Profile Image for Tropes_and_Taboo.
353 reviews6 followers
July 12, 2025
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
📖 ARC | Releases July 17th

Once again, Bridget Adrienne delivers with another ranger who is dirty-mouthed, possessive, and absolutely unhinged in the best way possible. This series never misses when it comes to messy, filthy, addictively quick reads.

In just 98 pages, we get:
✨ Best friend’s brother
✨ Years-long insta-love finally combusting
✨ Enemies to lovers vibes
✨ A taste of CNC
🥵 Pierced MMC (you know where) 😏
✨ And dual POV so we feel everything

And I have to say… While Ryker has been my fave up until now, Jagger might’ve just toppled him. Just a bit. The angst? Starts in chapter one. The tension? So thick you could slice it with a knife—until it explodes like a popped balloon. (And if you know, you know. 😂)

The spice scenes are feral, but so well written they never feel out of place. Bridget always nails the pacing—these aren’t just erotica with filler, they’re short romances with sharp emotion and serious heat.

✨Don’t skip the bonus epilogue—free at the end and loaded with primal play. Trust me. You’ll want that last hit.
Profile Image for Kate.
34 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2025
🌶️ Spice: 2/5

💀 Tropes:
• Best Friend’s Brother
• Obsessive MMC
• Dubcon / CNC
• He Remembers Her Fav Candy 🍬
• Instalove 💘
• Years of Pining 🥵

Bridget Adrienne does it again with the Untamed Rangers series!! 😍 Jagger is now a very close second to my fav ranger Ryker (but it’s a tight race 👀). Since these are instalove/instalust novellas, I loved that Delaney and Jagger already had a history — it made the chemistry sizzle and the obsession feel so real 🔥

Each book in this series brings a fresh plot in a stunning national park setting, and this one might be my favourite concept yet 🏕️. Delaney’s mission to prove herself in the marketing world gave it just the right amount of plot and purpose to hook me in 🧠💼

You know I’m weak for an obsessive man, and Jagger delivers 😮‍💨 That nickname Kitten? Yeah. Hot face emoji times ten 😈

This novella is tension-filled, fast-paced, and gives you everything you want from a rugged, possessive park ranger. Add it to your TBR ASAP! 🐾🌲
Profile Image for Kelita.
16 reviews
July 16, 2025
Got my ARC of this book and once I started I didn’t want to stop! This one is probably my favourite so far!

Jagger is the forbidden best friend’s older brother who is rough, fit, tall and strong! He’s got a dominant personality and he’s tired of taking a no for an answer. He knows Delaney wants him just as much but is afraid to be the one to make that decision.

Jagger is madly in love with Delaney and is every bit the dominate ranger as all the rest in these series. He’s been holding a candle for Delaney for years and finally lets his control snap. He’s takes her choice away from her and makes his move. The dubious non-con con is so hot! This has all the spice! Mask play, knife play, primal kink play, pray and hunter. It’s so good! I really want a second book with these two in it! I must know what happens next! How does Delaney get another job and give me more of their love and spicy sex! I would love to have more of these two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for OooLaLa Reads.
516 reviews38 followers
July 18, 2025
Jagger Can Hunt Me Anytime 👀🔥

Book Besties, listen up!! "Ranger’s Secret" by Bridget Adrienne is giving all the insta-love, obsession, and primal heat your little dark romance heart needs in one quick, steamy AF read. Delaney and Jagger? Whew. That man was OBSESSED and I was absolutely here for it—lowkey jealous of Delaney the entire time. The chemistry? OFF. THE. CHARTS. The spice? Oh honey, it’s dark, dirty, and delicious. And YES, there’s a primal hunt scene that had me blushing and rereading. 🫣 The banter between them had me giggling and kicking my feet, but then BAM—plot twist I did not see coming?! For a novella, this one packs a punch with suspense and edge that keeps you hooked.

If you’re in the mood for something fast, filthy, and full of possessive vibes with a touch of danger, Ranger’s Secret is a must read. Go grab it, like, NOW. 💥🔥

My Ratings:
⭐ 4/5
🥵 3.5/5
Profile Image for Katherine.
129 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2025
this short novella was so good . great story!
he is her best friends older brother and he is completely forbidden. she made a promise to her best friend that she would not ever feel about him in any way .
Jagger is obsessed from the moment he sees Delaney . he pulls her into the room and kisses her. she runs after that and completely ignores him.
that is until they run into each other for the program she's running for.
he remembers her survival treat ... sour patch kids!
he really wants her and stops at nothing to get what he wants . Delaney fights it at every turn!
"told you kitten. This isn't over"
will they end up together or will her promise to her best friend kick all those feelings out the window?

thank you for letting me arc read this! I really enjoyed this! and that extra scene 🫠🥵
Profile Image for Melina.
631 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2025
Jagger has wanted his sister’s best friend since he first saw her four years ago. And he’s craved her since their kiss a year ago.
Delaney made a promise to Maya that she would never think of her brother as anything other than a friend. Now, in the forest together, will she risk her friend and her job for a chance at love?
-
I relish these stories from Bridget Adrienne. They’re short but they pack a punch. Ranger’s Secret is intense, primal, and at times maddening. There were times when I just wanted to grabbed Delaney by the shoulders and tell her to snap out of it. Then other times when I wanted to know what the hell Jagger was thinking. The only little thing that irked me in this book was that the word ‘kitten’ is used 53 times. My brain just started skipping it and the story worked itself out.

The bonus chapter from BookFunnel was a great HEA scene.
Profile Image for Brittany.
57 reviews
September 3, 2025
Ranger's Secret is another great addition to the Untamed Rangers Series! I enjoyed reading Jagger and Delaney's story just as much as all the others! This one got a little darker with the sex games...but I was there for it! Wonderful short read, great for a palate cleanser!

If you love insta-love, read this book!
If you love dangerous sex games like consensual non-consent, read this book!
If you love best-friends-brother/taboo/forbidden romance, read this book!
If you love smart and capable FMCs, read this book!
If you love growly, possessive, bully-ish MMCs with hearts of gold, read this book!
If you love quick romantic reads, read this book!

It was delicious fun, I suggest you go and find out for yourself!
Profile Image for Sarah Furlow.
248 reviews
July 18, 2025
Jagger is now a very close second to my fav ranger Ryker. Since these are instalove/instalust novellas, I loved that Delaney and Jagger already had a history — it made the chemistry sizzle and the obsession feel so real Each book in this series brings a fresh plot in a stunning national park setting, and this one might be my favourite concept yet . Delaney's mission to prove herself in the marketing world gave it just the right amount of plot and purpose to hook me in You know I'm weak for an obsessive man, and Jagger delivers
That nickname Kitten? Yeah…





This novella is tension-filled, fast-paced, and gives you everything you want from a rugged, possessive park ranger.
Profile Image for Michelle Davis.
42 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2025
So glad I was able to receive an ARC copy to review!

A great little spicy Ranger novella! I read it in just under an hour.
It has a great plot to it considering it’s a little book, and you really feel for most of the characters quickly.
My only complaint would be I didn’t really get a good grasp for Delaney. Her character kind of fell flat for me, and I can’t handle the nickname that Jagger has for her, and most of them I can brush of, but this one for some reason just rubbed me the wrong way.
Other than those two small things, it was another really great read by Bridget!
47 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2025
⭐️ 3/5
🌶️ 5/5

Best Friend’s Brother
Park Ranger
Fast Burn / Instalove
Primal Play

Delaney broke the one rule her best friend gave her, don’t mess with her brother. A year ago Delaney and Jagger kissed at a party, and while Jagger wanted more, Delaney ran.

Life was moving forward until Delaney wanted to win a client that required a two week outdoor experience, and it landed her smack dab in Jagger’s forest, under his rule.

Delaney tries to balance pushing Jagger away, while securing this client, but business gets mixed with pleasure and their worlds explode.

Honest Review
Profile Image for Aylisa Mathews.
73 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2025
First off, thank you for the ARC opp! 🥹 ✨6th ARC✨ I love reading these!

Unfortunately, this one was not a favorite for me. The biggest reason? jagger said “kitten” way too many times it was just bothering me after the first few.

The scenes? Spicy of course! They got caught role playing and well….. oops! 😬 😅

I’m going to have to give another ranger book a try because I was very much looking forward to getting back into these! 😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stephanie Routhier.
317 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2025
*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*

Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


These always get a 5 star rating. They’re spicy, quick reads with dirty talking park rangers, who fall in love fast and protect their girl no matter what.

Jagger might be the best of all so far. And that bonus chapter? Yes please…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nicci.
24 reviews
July 22, 2025
This one was a HUGE jump from her previous novellas. I LOVED how there was more history. I just strongly disliked how she lost her job, but she somehow finds this all ok because he has a job and he loves her and her best friend is still around. Like girl, you lost your JOB because of getting some 8====D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Samantha.
185 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2025
2.5⭐️
.5🌶️

I struggled with this one.

It wasn't my fave - Jagger seemed to have just fallen in love with nothing but a look, which like sure but there was just such little foundation and the revenge vibe just didn't suit them.

Will I continue to read everything by this author, yes. Did I enjoy this one, kind of.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
894 reviews10 followers
July 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. Its a little insta-love, he falls first and hard but then followed by enemies to lovers vibes as she runs from him because he is her best friends brother. And yall, its SPICY with a little primal play?! LOVED
Profile Image for Heather Newsome.
112 reviews22 followers
July 14, 2025
Best friend’s brother is off limits. You promised. This book had me hooked right away. I fell in love with jagger right away. The fire he had for Delaney was so easy to feel with each page. Such a good instalove story. I felt every emotion especially in the woods with a spanking.
Profile Image for Kelsey.
219 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2025
Check the trigger warnings before you read this book. Once again I'm blown away by the Ranger books. They are short, sweet, spicy, and full of action. If you like best friend's brother books then you will love this story between Jagger, MMC, and Delaney FMC. This book was amazing.
Profile Image for Raquel Garces.
105 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2025
This was probably my favorite of the Untamed Rangers so far.

It was a little more structured and resolved everything nicely.

Definitely loved the bonus primal play.
Profile Image for Nifer  Waters.
408 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2025
3 ⭐ 3 🌶️
A quick and dirty story with a ranger who's been on love with the FMC since her met her as his sister's roommate. He's dirty talking, possessive, and pierced.
Profile Image for Alicia.
112 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2025
Bridget Adrienne's "Ranger's Secret" has me hooked! This fast-paced, steamy novella is a must-read. I love Bridget's steamy scenes - they're everything 🥵! The combo of primal play, best friend's brother, and a possessive MMC with a feisty FMC is absolute perfection.
48 reviews
July 17, 2025
Ohh I love a good best friend's brother romance ! And each book is better than the last one 😍
132 reviews
July 20, 2025
this was another good fastburn!! gosh I love her books
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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