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Broken Secrets: A Small Town Romance Series
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy
Firstly, thank you so much to the publisher and to Jasper Trey for the opportunity to read Broken Secrets before its release date in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this expecting a typical small-town romance… and what I got was something far more tender and layered.
Broken Secrets is a beautifully written small town romance that leans into emotional depth rather than spice — and honestly? It didn’t need it. For once, there’s no heavy steam, but the connection between MMC Noah and MFC Cece more than makes up for that. Their relationship builds in such a natural, heartfelt way that I found myself completely invested in every glance, every conversation, every quiet moment.
Noah absolutely stole my heart. There is something so grounding about a single dad romance, and his relationship with his daughter Dalia was one of my favourite parts of the book. The way he parents her, protects her, and balances his responsibilities while slowly opening himself up again… it was soft in the best way. Watching Cece fit into that world felt organic and meaningful rather than rushed.
What really elevated this story for me was the hidden history surrounding Noah’s grandfather. Jasper weaves this mystery into the plot so thoughtfully, and it adds emotional weight to the present-day romance. The past and present intertwine in a way that gives the story depth beyond just the love story — it becomes about family, legacy, healing, and confronting long-buried truths.
Tropes you’ll find:
• Small town romance
• Single dad
• Found family vibes
• Slow-burn connection
• Family secrets
• Emotional healing
If you’re someone who enjoys romance that focuses on character growth, heartfelt moments, and meaningful connection over spice, this will absolutely be for you.
For me, Broken Secrets was warm, thoughtful, and quietly powerful — proof that you don’t need steam to feel the intensity of a love story.
Would I recommend? Yes — especially if you love emotionally driven small-town romances with strong family threads running through them.
I went into this expecting a typical small-town romance… and what I got was something far more tender and layered.
Broken Secrets is a beautifully written small town romance that leans into emotional depth rather than spice — and honestly? It didn’t need it. For once, there’s no heavy steam, but the connection between MMC Noah and MFC Cece more than makes up for that. Their relationship builds in such a natural, heartfelt way that I found myself completely invested in every glance, every conversation, every quiet moment.
Noah absolutely stole my heart. There is something so grounding about a single dad romance, and his relationship with his daughter Dalia was one of my favourite parts of the book. The way he parents her, protects her, and balances his responsibilities while slowly opening himself up again… it was soft in the best way. Watching Cece fit into that world felt organic and meaningful rather than rushed.
What really elevated this story for me was the hidden history surrounding Noah’s grandfather. Jasper weaves this mystery into the plot so thoughtfully, and it adds emotional weight to the present-day romance. The past and present intertwine in a way that gives the story depth beyond just the love story — it becomes about family, legacy, healing, and confronting long-buried truths.
Tropes you’ll find:
• Small town romance
• Single dad
• Found family vibes
• Slow-burn connection
• Family secrets
• Emotional healing
If you’re someone who enjoys romance that focuses on character growth, heartfelt moments, and meaningful connection over spice, this will absolutely be for you.
For me, Broken Secrets was warm, thoughtful, and quietly powerful — proof that you don’t need steam to feel the intensity of a love story.
Would I recommend? Yes — especially if you love emotionally driven small-town romances with strong family threads running through them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel there were some good ideas for this book, but the plot felt a bit disconnected at times and like the author wasn't sure what story she wanted to tell. I wasn't a fan of either one of our main characters, Noah and Cecilia. Both of them had times when I felt like they were being a huge jerk, but I guess as the reader, we were meant to read it as that the person was either joking or having a rough day. I just thought, "Wow, you are getting angry over something very small. Calm down!"
My least favorite romantic trope is "love at first sight," especially when it feels like they then rush into sex without really knowing the person. Unfortuantely, that happens in this book. There are readers that are going to love it. I'm not one of them, and if you aren't one of them, you might want to pass on this book.
This book was a romance mixed with a mystery. Yet, I feel like there were still some things that weren't solved at the end of the book. This was a very slow-moving book.
I feel like the best part of the book was the epilogue. It came as a bit of a surprise, but I could have read a whole book about that part of the plot.
This book does have some swearing. That includes several f-bombs. While we don't get any graphic sex scenes, there are characters that are having sex after having known each other for only a short time. Some readers won't be bothered by that. I prefer to avoid the "lust at first sight" sort of relationships. There's also some behind-the-scenes violence, but we don't get any graphic on the page violence.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, and I am leaving a voluntary review.
My least favorite romantic trope is "love at first sight," especially when it feels like they then rush into sex without really knowing the person. Unfortuantely, that happens in this book. There are readers that are going to love it. I'm not one of them, and if you aren't one of them, you might want to pass on this book.
This book was a romance mixed with a mystery. Yet, I feel like there were still some things that weren't solved at the end of the book. This was a very slow-moving book.
I feel like the best part of the book was the epilogue. It came as a bit of a surprise, but I could have read a whole book about that part of the plot.
This book does have some swearing. That includes several f-bombs. While we don't get any graphic sex scenes, there are characters that are having sex after having known each other for only a short time. Some readers won't be bothered by that. I prefer to avoid the "lust at first sight" sort of relationships. There's also some behind-the-scenes violence, but we don't get any graphic on the page violence.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, and I am leaving a voluntary review.
March 12, 2026
If you enjoy clean, slow-burn stories with a mystery at the center, you’ll likely enjoy this one.
It starts a bit slow, but the ending really surprised me (!) and pushed my rating up by a full star. It’s a very easy read and perfect for those who enjoy a little mystery or solving puzzles. It is also completely no spice, so it's suitable for younger readers.
I loved that Noah is a devoted single father. He chose HER. He chose to raise his daughter alone from the time she was a baby, and his entire life is clearly devoted to her. However, I felt the story lacked a bit of deep emotional connection between all the characters, and MMC and FMC first meeting felt a little unrealistic. I also would have liked more clarity earlier in the story on regarding Noah's past with his grandparents and why he felt so much "hate" toward his grandparent.
For me the timeline was occasionally confusing, but the mystery of the coded journal kept me interested until the very end.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Spice: 0/5 🌶️ (Clean/Closed Door)
It starts a bit slow, but the ending really surprised me (!) and pushed my rating up by a full star. It’s a very easy read and perfect for those who enjoy a little mystery or solving puzzles. It is also completely no spice, so it's suitable for younger readers.
I loved that Noah is a devoted single father. He chose HER. He chose to raise his daughter alone from the time she was a baby, and his entire life is clearly devoted to her. However, I felt the story lacked a bit of deep emotional connection between all the characters, and MMC and FMC first meeting felt a little unrealistic. I also would have liked more clarity earlier in the story on regarding Noah's past with his grandparents and why he felt so much "hate" toward his grandparent.
For me the timeline was occasionally confusing, but the mystery of the coded journal kept me interested until the very end.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Spice: 0/5 🌶️ (Clean/Closed Door)
Read
March 24, 2026Single dad Noah has to move to his grandfather’s farm with his daughter to fulfill an inheritance clause. He meets Cecelia, and the two quickly become inseparable.
Noah and Cecelia have not just an instant attraction, but an insta- relationship that was really intense. As someone who got married two months after meeting my husband, I know a thing about that. Something about seeing it happen to Noah and Cecelia made my skin crawl a tiny bit though. I think in part because Noah had so many things on his plate. It made me wonder if he was avoiding something on purpose or if he really was falling fast and hard.
Learning about Noah’s grandfather and his notebook was wild. The best part of the book may actually be the epilogue. I’m pretty sure I didn’t blink once and my eyes became saucers as I read it!
There were a few things that were left unanswered. In the end, they don’t take away real value from the story, but I did wonder why they were included. Overall, I was invested through the whole book.
This closed door romantic mystery is for anyone who likes insta- love stories, single dad, small town, cozy mysteries.
I received this as an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Noah and Cecelia have not just an instant attraction, but an insta- relationship that was really intense. As someone who got married two months after meeting my husband, I know a thing about that. Something about seeing it happen to Noah and Cecelia made my skin crawl a tiny bit though. I think in part because Noah had so many things on his plate. It made me wonder if he was avoiding something on purpose or if he really was falling fast and hard.
Learning about Noah’s grandfather and his notebook was wild. The best part of the book may actually be the epilogue. I’m pretty sure I didn’t blink once and my eyes became saucers as I read it!
There were a few things that were left unanswered. In the end, they don’t take away real value from the story, but I did wonder why they were included. Overall, I was invested through the whole book.
This closed door romantic mystery is for anyone who likes insta- love stories, single dad, small town, cozy mysteries.
I received this as an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow!
I think I've just found a new favorite author.
This was a beautiful story.
Noah and Cecilia, are made for each other, and Noah's daughter Dalia just rounds them off perfectly.
Noah a single dad, and Dalia have recently moved back "home" to where Noah grew up, after the passing of his estranged grandfather. The plan is to stay a year, get his inheritance, and leave. But grandfather Jacob has different plans, even from the other side.
Jacob's journal is the first thing they find in the house, and when Noah finally reads it, he needs help from both Dalia and Cecilia , the blue haired beauty he met in the grocery store, on their first visit for groceries.
Noah and Cecilia click straight away, and the author gives us a beautiful story, with a little bit of mystery, with Jacob's will and journal being a bit cryptic.
This is a lovely story, with a super twist right at the end!
I loved this book.
I think I've just found a new favorite author.
This was a beautiful story.
Noah and Cecilia, are made for each other, and Noah's daughter Dalia just rounds them off perfectly.
Noah a single dad, and Dalia have recently moved back "home" to where Noah grew up, after the passing of his estranged grandfather. The plan is to stay a year, get his inheritance, and leave. But grandfather Jacob has different plans, even from the other side.
Jacob's journal is the first thing they find in the house, and when Noah finally reads it, he needs help from both Dalia and Cecilia , the blue haired beauty he met in the grocery store, on their first visit for groceries.
Noah and Cecilia click straight away, and the author gives us a beautiful story, with a little bit of mystery, with Jacob's will and journal being a bit cryptic.
This is a lovely story, with a super twist right at the end!
I loved this book.
March 14, 2026
Noah inherits his grandfather's property and the home built for his grandmother, already deceased. The dig is, he has to live on the property or lose his inheritance and the trust fund for his 12 year old daughter, Dalia - and the property is worth a lot. He meets Cecilia, a city girl, and isn't interested in relationships, just meeting the conditions of the will. Only Cecilia introduces Dalia to Haley and helps with Dalia's adjustment. Noah finds his grandfather's diary and shoves it in a drawer. Cecilia finds and starts reading it, discovering codes. Eventually she convinces Noah to read it and along with Danielle, the attorney, they decipher the code and unravel the secrets hidden within - at the very end. A slow start, but a satisfying ending. Romance plus mystery. A clean read (no spice/heat on the page).
I received an ARC through Book Sirens. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
I received an ARC through Book Sirens. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a thoughtful, character-driven story with a lot of emotional depth, and I really appreciated the care put into the relationships and family dynamics. The quieter moments and everyday interactions felt genuine, and there’s a strong sense of warmth running through the book.
For me, the pacing was a bit uneven, especially in the middle, where the story slowed down more than I prefer and some emotional beats felt repetitive. I never felt like the writing was weak—just that the balance between reflection and forward momentum didn’t always work for my reading style.
Overall, this is a solid, heartfelt read that will likely resonate more with readers who enjoy slower, introspective stories. While it didn’t fully hit for me, I can see why others would really connect with it.
This is a thoughtful, character-driven story with a lot of emotional depth, and I really appreciated the care put into the relationships and family dynamics. The quieter moments and everyday interactions felt genuine, and there’s a strong sense of warmth running through the book.
For me, the pacing was a bit uneven, especially in the middle, where the story slowed down more than I prefer and some emotional beats felt repetitive. I never felt like the writing was weak—just that the balance between reflection and forward momentum didn’t always work for my reading style.
Overall, this is a solid, heartfelt read that will likely resonate more with readers who enjoy slower, introspective stories. While it didn’t fully hit for me, I can see why others would really connect with it.
Read
February 23, 2026Noah's grandfather had died and had to return to the town he grew up in, to sort out legalities. When he and Dahlia arrived in town and went to the grocery store to stock up, her ran into Cecelia and something just clicked.
It was the reading of Jacob's journal that triggered the telling of his families history. Yet there are so many side paths along this journey that makes one's focus shift for a light respite from all the seriousness. Cecelia's blue hair is also a topic, yet we don't get to find out why she chose that colour.
This is the first book I have read by this author and found it gripping and holding my attention for long stretches of time. Very entertaining with a jaw-dropper at the end.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
It was the reading of Jacob's journal that triggered the telling of his families history. Yet there are so many side paths along this journey that makes one's focus shift for a light respite from all the seriousness. Cecelia's blue hair is also a topic, yet we don't get to find out why she chose that colour.
This is the first book I have read by this author and found it gripping and holding my attention for long stretches of time. Very entertaining with a jaw-dropper at the end.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy
It was a really cute , small town romance with an adorable dad and daughter relationship and a cute romance. I enjoyed it a lot, it has some really good vibes and i liked the couples dynamic and chemistry. I also really really loved the relationship between her and his daughter. It was really cute and wholesome.
I liked that we got introduced to the couple that is coming in the next book.
Honestly tho I think it was a good plot the treasure hunt but i wanted more i felt it was just there to exist. I needed more.
Also usually I don’t like people falling in love that easy and saying things too soon so this was an aspect of the book that didn’t left me satisfied, but i am saying this is just my opinion some people like the straightforward way they interacted.
Also i would really loved to see a conversation about what they were going to do about moving back. They didn’t talk about it a lot and the story leaves the impression that they will not move back but they never actually had a conversation about it.
I enjoyed it a lot i am so glad i got to read it and i am looking forward for the next one❤️
The plot twist in the epilogue was so epic. I adored it😍🤯p
I liked that we got introduced to the couple that is coming in the next book.
Honestly tho I think it was a good plot the treasure hunt but i wanted more i felt it was just there to exist. I needed more.
Also usually I don’t like people falling in love that easy and saying things too soon so this was an aspect of the book that didn’t left me satisfied, but i am saying this is just my opinion some people like the straightforward way they interacted.
Also i would really loved to see a conversation about what they were going to do about moving back. They didn’t talk about it a lot and the story leaves the impression that they will not move back but they never actually had a conversation about it.
I enjoyed it a lot i am so glad i got to read it and i am looking forward for the next one❤️
The plot twist in the epilogue was so epic. I adored it😍🤯p
Review of advance copy
Decent story, and good characters. Noah has moved back to his hometown in order to inherit from his grandpa, with a stipulation that he must stay a year. He meets Cecilia, a relationship ensues, and then the secrets his grandfather kept start to surface. There could have been some more details to some hanging plot lines. Like the vandalism. Like why his grandfather built the huge house, why the scavenger hunt for clues. But overall it was a decent story. The editing was terrible though. Many paragraphs repeated, things like that. I assume since its an arc, that will not be an issue when it's released.
I received an advanced reader copy courtesy of booksirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced reader copy courtesy of booksirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Noah and his twelve year old daughter, Dalia, have to live on his Grandfather's ranch in order to inherit, if he refuses, his daughter looses out on her inheritance. He very reluctantly decides to move along with his hatred of the town with its memories and grudges. When they went to the grocery store he met Cecilia, another shopper. As he gets to know Cecilia, she introduces them to other people making to move more bearable.
They met up severalties and tings begin to develop but will Dalia and Cecilia get on, will their meetings develop win to something else. It is a readable small town romance which makes relationships appear easy but will it last.
A good book for the beach and escapism.
Noah and his twelve year old daughter, Dalia, have to live on his Grandfather's ranch in order to inherit, if he refuses, his daughter looses out on her inheritance. He very reluctantly decides to move along with his hatred of the town with its memories and grudges. When they went to the grocery store he met Cecilia, another shopper. As he gets to know Cecilia, she introduces them to other people making to move more bearable.
They met up severalties and tings begin to develop but will Dalia and Cecilia get on, will their meetings develop win to something else. It is a readable small town romance which makes relationships appear easy but will it last.
A good book for the beach and escapism.
April 19, 2026
Noah and Cecilia's story was a good read. There's grief, anger, mystery, revelations, romance, family, and so much more. Noah is forced to return to his family home after his grandfather's death. There was so much about his past that he never knew. The plot really took me on an emotional rollercoaster. He meets Cecilia during a grocery store run, and it proves to be the beginning of the next, and probably best chapter of his life. I love that she and his daughter, Dalia, encourage him to find the truth about his past and are there to support him along the way. I wish his grandfather had made amends before he died though. I liked the gradual build of Noah and Cecilia's relationship. Individually, their personalities are great, but together, they really brought out the best in each other. Overall, it's a great book that warms the heart. I'd highly recommend it.
March 12, 2026
Enjoyed this intriguing and mysterious love story of Noah and Cecilia. Noah, a single dad to 12 year old Dalia, fell for Cecilia at first glance. She was attracted to him as well and Cecilia introduced Dalia to her new bff, Haley. In order to get anything of value from his uncle, Jacob, Noah has to live in town and run the farm for at least a year. Danielle, Jacob’s lawyer and new friend to Noah and Cecilia, was great in helping decode messages. Found there to be plenty to keep me interested in story til the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2026
This book was an interesting read. Noah and Dalia - his daughter- are back in his home town to meet the clauses in his grandfather's will before securing the property to their names. This is not what he wanted, but this could secure his daughter's future. HE meets Cecelia, a city girl with a magnetic personally, and he is instantly taken by her, and the feelings are mutual that leads to them create a relationship.
When they find a diary that is coded, the mystery of what it means starts, and it slowly shapes into a dream. Be ready to learn more in the epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When they find a diary that is coded, the mystery of what it means starts, and it slowly shapes into a dream. Be ready to learn more in the epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Single dad Noah and his daughter Dalia are in town for his estranged grand fathers funeral. But the reading of the will means they need to around. But should be stay or should he go?
When they meet Cecilia, he had more reason to stay. But these are secrets to be uncovered.
I like this story with a nice amount of suspense bubbling under the surface. The story had secrets from the past and the were revealed at a good pace. There was a great me maturity to the characters which made it even better.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When they meet Cecilia, he had more reason to stay. But these are secrets to be uncovered.
I like this story with a nice amount of suspense bubbling under the surface. The story had secrets from the past and the were revealed at a good pace. There was a great me maturity to the characters which made it even better.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2026
Book one of "Broken Codes". Noah Hodges inherits his grandfather's ranch, but there are strings attached - so many strings that lead to secrets. He is required to live on the ranch for the next year which means leaving the life he'd built for himself and his daughter and starting over. Cecilia Buriss is an accountant with an analytical mind that sees patterns and tries to solve them. When an encounter with Noah at the grocery store leads to a date and obvious sparks, both have to decide who and what are important in their lives. And then there's the secrets - so many secrets.
April 13, 2026
This is Book 1 of the Broken Codes series. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'Perfect for readers who love small-town romance, guarded heroes, and slow-burn love stories rooted in family and secrets.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Perfect for readers who love small-town romance, guarded heroes, and slow-burn love stories rooted in family and secrets.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to BookSirens and Jasper Trey for this ARC, that I received for free in exchange for an honest review.
This is a single dad, small town, closed door romance that I really enjoyed!
It has layers of romance, drama, and mystery that made for a really well balanced story. It is a quick read at under 300 pages, and is a great palete cleanser book. I will definitely continue this series!
This is a single dad, small town, closed door romance that I really enjoyed!
It has layers of romance, drama, and mystery that made for a really well balanced story. It is a quick read at under 300 pages, and is a great palete cleanser book. I will definitely continue this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An enjoyable read. Great characters with interesting backgrounds that shaped their lives. Noah and his daughter Dalia are on their way to Oklahoma for his grandfather's funeral and reading of the will. He doesn't plan on staying after the funeral as he loves his life in Colorado. After the reading of the will he learns they'll have to stay for a year. Life gets interesting as Noah gets reacquainted with the town. Surprises and happy endings.
February 25, 2026
Noah and Cecilia have a connection. Meeting in a not so typical place.
Noah’s daughter, Dalia is his world.
The unexpected romance, in the forced relocation for Noah is sweet.
If you want a good looking cowboy romance, this is a great book to read.
*I received this ARC Kindle Book from BookSirens. Thank You!
Noah’s daughter, Dalia is his world.
The unexpected romance, in the forced relocation for Noah is sweet.
If you want a good looking cowboy romance, this is a great book to read.
*I received this ARC Kindle Book from BookSirens. Thank You!
April 18, 2026
Broken Secrets is a clean small-town romance with a little mystery. Noah is a single dad who inherited his grandfather’s property but has to live there for a year. Noah meets Cecilia in a grocery store and they both were attracted to each other. Cecilia helps his daughter, Dalia meet her new best friend. I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it if you’re looking for a clean, easy read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a wonderful read that kept me invested until the end. Once I started I couldn’t put it down. I loved this spicy-sweet small town romance with a great HEA. I will definitely be looking for more Jasper Trey at the bookstore!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I actually really liked this book! Its got great character growth, and green flags! It was a heartwarming story (well mostly, but no spoils here) and you really fall in love with the characters!
Definitely would recommend, can't wait to read the next one!!!
Definitely would recommend, can't wait to read the next one!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A sweet story. All the secrets were not revealed until the Epilogue! And man…that epilogue! Did NOT see that coming! Very good. It makes me want to read the rest of the series, especially Johnny’s story. #ARC
March 30, 2026
ARC reader here. This is a contemporary small town romance story with a HINT of mystery. It's clean (minus some swearing). I do think it was as advertised, contemporary romance in small town, family secrets to be uncovered.
Review of advance copy
Rtc
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Read - Very slow read, confused about which way the author was trying to go
Review of advance copy
this was a good book. loved how the romance blossomed and how Daliah was a giant part of the whole story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews