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Sterling Canyon #2

Secretly Hers

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On her thirty-first birthday, hopeless romantic Kelsey Callihan has all but given up on happily ever afters, which is why she agrees to a risqué proposition from Sterling Canyon’s notorious playboy, backcountry skier Trip Lexington. After all, every girl needs a little fun, and with Trip, there are no mixed signals or risks of a broken heart. And if his tips can help her land a husband in the process, all the better.

Trip couldn’t be happier with his secret, no-strings fling with sweet and sexy Kelsey until she calls it quits after meeting a man she believes could share her dream of marriage and family. His jealousy turns to outrage when he discovers that the man is his estranged half brother and lifelong rival.

Now Trip must decide whether the fire in his gut is due to sibling rivalry or something much more dangerous…like love.

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2016

1885 people are currently reading
1349 people want to read

About the author

Jamie Beck

22 books2,619 followers
Jamie Beck is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of 18 novels, which have been translated into multiple languages and have sold more than three million copies worldwide. She is a two-time Booksellers' Best Award finalist, a Women’s Fiction Writers Association STAR award finalist, a National Readers' Choice Award winner, and critics at Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist have respectively called her work "smart," "uplifting," and "entertaining." In addition to writing novels, she enjoys dancing around the kitchen while cooking and hitting the slopes in Vermont and Utah. Above all, she is a grateful wife and mother to a very patient, supportive family.

Fans can learn more about her on the web (www.jamiebeck.com). She also loves interacting with everyone on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JamieBeckBooks) and Instagram (@writerjamiebeck).

My newsletter subscribers get monthly fun tips, a chance to win a reader gift box, and other exclusive content. Sign up now! https://bit.ly/JBeckNewsletter. For updates on discounts and new releases, follow me on BookBub at http://bit.ly/2GBcLM3. NO SPAM--EVER.

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5 stars
3,408 (49%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession.
1,223 reviews3,692 followers
May 25, 2017
5 Prince Charming Stars

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*Spoilers*

OMG this book was an emotional ride. I cried, I laughed, and I swooned. Damn this book worked me over. I have been waiting for Trip's book since I read the first book in this series Accidentally Hers, back in Oct 2015. I knew there was more to Trip then his playboy act and I wanted to see him shine. This book was everything I wanted and more! Better than the first book and that is saying something since I can still remember how much I love that book a year after reading it.

"Happy birthday, princess." He grinned, leaned closer to Kelsey, and practically purred in her ear. "Does the birthday girl want a kiss?" Yes. Her insides sprang to life like Mexican jumping beans, but she remained outwardly calm. "No, thanks. No telling where those lips have been in the past twenty-four hours."-Trip and Kelsey

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Trip was so much more than what I expected. He was sexy of course he played the manwhore since book 1, but he was also sweet, caring, and protective. He had this vulnerable side that made me want to hold him and make everything better for him. Most of the time when I read the manwhore trope I don't really feel their reasoning behind their commitment phobia, but with Trip I could totally understand where he was coming from. I felt such empathy for him and the way he was raised. I loved Trip. I loved Kelsey too. She knew what she wanted and she went for it. She was sweet and sassy. She wore her heart on her sleeve but she was real and honest. I loved that she didn't settle for anything less than what her heart wanted.

"Beneath this whole playboy persona is a bit of a gentleman. Just a bit, of course. But it's in there. Once upon a time, your mom must've taught you how to treat a lady."-Kelsey

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Their relationship was sweet, hot and heartbreaking at times. It felt real. I really cried at some of the things they went through. Then the next minute I was swooning at one of the sweetest scenes I have ever read. Trip really pulled out the Prince Charming and in the end he wowed me. Trip's dad I liked but I was surprised I liked Trip's half-brother Mason even though he was a jerk I could again empathize with the way he felt too. Although I wish he was less of a jerk to Trip. I wouldn't mind seeing Mason getting his own HEA. Kelsey's niece was adorable and added major cute points to this book. I loved seeing Avery and Grey again and getting caught up on their relationship. I also liked getting to see Em again. I really liked her from book 1 too and I hope Em's book is next. My only wish was that I would have got a deeper epilogue but that didn't take away from my love of this book. I'm so glad I got this book and I can't wait til the next one comes out.

"You take my breath away," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "I can only hope to be worthy of your kind heart."-Trip

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Profile Image for Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️.
820 reviews845 followers
July 22, 2016
5 Make Me Smile Stars

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I can't tell you how much I love a friends to lovers book, especially when it has the right amount of fun, sweet, sex, and angst. Secretly hers fit the bill completely. This is a book that made me smile......giggle......sigh......swoon......and even get teary. It was a perfect read that hit all my emotions.

I read Accidentally hers which is the first book in this series. So going into this book I knew the cast of characters and it felt like it was home. There were also new ones introduced and it all read very smoothly. This story involves Gunner "Trip" Lexington. He is a gorgeous, sweet, cocky man who and has no desire of ever settling down. Kelsey Callihan is beautiful, smart and wants to get married. They are friends and you guessed it, they decide to try a friends with benefits relationship.

There is a lot to Trip. He doesn't talk about his family or about his past. But with Kelsey, he finds himself opening up. They have a connection but due to Trip's past it's complicated. As they embark on their FWB journey, feelings begin to develop. I must say that I loved the development of Trip and Kelsey's relationship. Kelsey's family plays a big role in her life and Trip's family has issues. Kelsey and Trip's friends help to round out the story and Kelsey's niece Fiona is a scene stealer.

Romance- Sassy Heroine- Cocky Hero- Amazing Secondary Characters- Steam- Angst- Friends to Lovers- and a HEA........This Book Has It All.

Secretly hers is beautifully written and Jamie Beck has a forever fan in me!!! I recommend this book to readers who love romance and who believe that fairy tales can and do come true.

Advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,711 reviews1,038 followers
January 13, 2022
Secretly Hers is not what I expected. I was bit disappointed with this book. I was hoping for more fun romance because this is Trip's story. He is a bad boy that met his match.

I want to feel more of that hate turned into love chemistry between Trip and Kelsey. Instead Miss Beck just gave us a glimpse of that chemistry and their relationship quickly turned into love.

In general, I want more. More story, more chemistry.

3 stars
Profile Image for BookLover.
387 reviews77 followers
May 28, 2017
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.

I admit to going into this story with a little trepidation. I loved the first book in this series as well as other books by Jamie Beck. But I wasn’t quite sure I had another “let me help you find a partner while we have a no strings fling” story in me. But, as I mentioned, Jamie Beck’s stories are always so much more than just a typical romance so I dove in with an open mind. I was not disappointed.

Was it the most original story I’ve ever read? No. Did I find the story captivating? Absolutely! Did I get emotionally invested in the characters? Most definitely!

On the surface, Kelsey seemed like she would be a one-dimensional character. In the first book in this series, she earned the hurtful nickname “boomerang” from her less than subtle man-chasing ways. I loved her, though. Beautiful and confident on the outside, Kelsey really struggled with reaching an age where she had to re-evaluate what she wanted out of life. So far in her life, things hadn’t gone as planned. I really identified with her and her struggles. I remember all too well envisioning a certain future for myself when I was in my twenties only to go through a sort of mourning in my thirties when life didn't quite work out the way I thought it would. It's heartbreaking.

Trip was so much more than the “man-whore” he pretended to be. That image was a way of hiding a very emotionally scarred heart. It was so clear to me how loving he was, even when he dept denying his feelings and his ability to have a happy and fulfilled life. His chemistry with Kelsey was fantastic. I loved them together. More than that, I loved how kind and gentle he was with Kelsey. Despite trying to deny any sort of love or attachment towards her, all of his actions proved he was lying to himself.

Loved this book by one of my go-to authors!
Profile Image for Vintage.
2,714 reviews719 followers
January 12, 2020
Misleading blurb as it says the heroine is a hopeless romantic when in actuality she was, apparently, an amateur stalker in the last book that gave her the nickname Boomerang. She wants to be married with kids and comes across as kind of desperate to snare a man.

The hero, of course, is an unrepentant manwhore. In one scene, the heroine sees him sneaking out of the local inn from a hookup. They then engage in banter. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think flirting with a guy who just had sex is cute, endearing, or whatever.

The writing was well done, but the characters did not do it for me.
Profile Image for A_Ryan.
688 reviews195 followers
Read
June 28, 2016
DNF @ 20%

Kelsey wants marriage and a family. It's all she ever wanted. To settle down. To be loved by one man as much as she loved him.
Trip wants adventure and adrenaline. He loves women. All women. Marriage seems boring and if his father is anything to go by, the idea of comitting to one woman just isn't part of his DNA. So rather than hurt one woman he prefers to sample many, have a good time, and call it a night.

Sparks fly between these two characters, especially when Trip decides to help Kelsey 'not seem so desperate' around men.

But perhaps a little desperation is enough to save him from himself?

What a great premise!
But...
I can't really rate this because I didn't finish it.

The writing seemed rushed, and though the dialogue was funny and full of spark, the narration that followed was clunky and ill-paced. On top of that, many scenarios were a little too transparent: The first scene, where the heroine, dressed in princess costume at the local shops, literally trips and falls into the arms of "Prince Charming" was just a little too much ... all that was missing were the forest animals giggling and clapping in the background.


A cute story, with a great premise, but just not for me.

Profile Image for Irene.
1,908 reviews129 followers
July 4, 2016
4.5 stars

Secretly Hers was such a beautiful and heartwarming read, loved it.

My attention was held from start to finish, the storyline was interesting and entertaining.
The characters were likable, relatable and you couldn't help falling in love with Kelsey & Trip and the journey they took to get their HEA.
Overall great read and hard to put down.

I'm loving the Sterling Canyon series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them all.

Thank you to Montlake Romance via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
June 21, 2016
Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Jamie Beck really grabbed me with Secretly Hers. Her writing was fun, refreshing and caught me totally off-guard. Interesting, fun characters mixed with a little bit of sass and desperation made for a great read that had me turning page after page.

Trip is just that … a trip. He was sarcastic, the innuendos were funny and outrageous. He was sexy and knew it and pulled off the hot cowboy scenario without blinking an eye. He didn’t have a care in the world, bedded any girl that caught his eye and wasn’t embarrassed or shy about any of it. Until he was told to stay away from the sexiest, most appealing woman he ever ran across … “Boomerang” Kelsey. His Princess. Getting her into his bed became a huge priority in his life and she made it extremely easy with one drunken night and an outrageous bet. Now, he has to keep his end of the bargain or lose the one thing that he treasures most in the world … his Granddaddy’s cowboy hat.

Kelsey was an unforgiving, hopeless romantic. She had visions of her Prince Charming coming into her life, sweeping her off her feet, loving her like no other and living happily-ever-after in her white-picketed fence little home with 2.5 children. Yes, she was obnoxious about it to the point where I started rolling my eyes. But it fit perfectly into this story. So, Trip could very easily have filled the bill for her there. There is only one thing that keeps him off that list … he’s a man-whore who enjoys his devil-may-care lifestyle. There is no place for love or commitment in his life. She’ll take him up on his proposition but will guard her heart and his cowboy hat, with all that she has. Until the unexpected happens and she has to face all of her feelings.

As Trip’s past comes out and Kelsey sees a side of him that she never expected, it’s becoming harder and harder for her to guard her heart. And, Trip, well, he just may find that loving and trusting one woman may be exactly what was missing from his life. It may take a little push and a big shove, put Trip finally opens his eyes and heart and realizes just what he has. Finally, Prince Charming steps up and fulfills all the fairy tales that Kelsey ever had.

There is so much more to this book than Trip and Kelsey. All the characters in the story were integral to the plot. From Fee to Maura to Grey to Avery and Emma, they all combined together to bring us a fun story that was filled with everything from love to hate, jealousy to empathy, and fun to serious. They were a unit that stood by each other in the good and bad and supported whatever decisions were made by the other, no matter what they thought. I even enjoyed the sibling rivalry between Trip and Mason. Trip’s father was loving and caring, even if Trip didn’t want to think so. But, one thing I was thrilled with … Deb only made a small appearance in the story. If she had more of a part, I would have had to find her and slap her upside the head. She was the main reason why Trip and Mason had the relationship that they did. She had no sympathy or love in her heart for the boy that was born to the “other” woman and no tolerance for the man that he became.

Jamie Beck really has a way with words. She showed us so many sides to Trip and will probably have every woman who reads this swooning over him. I haven’t read a male character that was so complex, that was funny, serious, caring and sarcastic all in one paragraph in a long time. She really brought Trip to life and made us fall in love with him. As for Kelsey, she did the same thing. Except she went in the opposite direction with her. Kelsey was an obnoxious romantic, a laughing friend and sister, a serious business woman. She could also be sarcastic and gave as good as she got with Trip. I loved their interactions and their bet was never a win-win for either of them. But, it was fun watching each of them try to win it. In the end … everyone won and I found an author that I can’t wait to read again.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,559 reviews235 followers
June 30, 2016
What I really loved about this book was the heroine, Kelsey. Kelsey is the type of woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. She knows what she deserves and doesn't want to settle for less. With all the success she's had in life, the one thing she wants more than anything is a husband and children. Since the 8 months that Trip has lived in town, he's been with a lot of woman and he's a notorious manho. Kelsey has always turned down his advances but she can't deny the chemistry between them. When Trip agrees to help her in exchange for a little fun. I loved both of these characters and the way they were together. Anyone who reads my reviews knows I am not a big fan of the whole manho thing but I loved Trip. He has reasons for the way he is but when he falls, he falls hard and I loved how he fell for Kelsey. There were a few emotional moments, some great banter and a prince charming. For my friends that worry about safety, especially with Trip being a manho -- I really enjoyed this book and I'm really hoping that there's going to be more in this series. I'd love to see a certain brother get his own story. I' can't wait to read more by this author!
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,131 reviews30 followers
March 31, 2017
Book two of the Sterling Canyon series by Jamie Bell.
Trip is Greys bff and a very complicated guy. He's a massive flirt but it his way of keeping people at arms length. When he meets Kelsey a beautiful successful estate agent that is desperately wanting to settle down and start a family but struggling to find the right guy and also has a massive crush on Trip.
Love the relationship between Trip and Kelsey especially that the both want each other and both a playing it very safe.
New to this writer but so far living this series.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,587 reviews113 followers
June 19, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***

I didn't love this book, and I ended up skimming a lot of it. The characters seemed a little forced to me, and I was not able to relate to either Trip or Kelsey.

There was a lot of potential in this story, but it was not realized for me. I thought the pacing was off, the characters spent 95% of the book not thinking there was anything permanent with them, and the resolution felt not only rushed but forced by events...which really didn't work for me.

The writing was uneven and some of the character and scene descriptions struck me as odd and actually had me questioning the word choice/way the description was written. I think it was the word choice and writing style that left me feeling that I was not able to relate to either character, and by 45% in, the characters still felt flat to me.

All in all, I can't really recommend this.
Profile Image for Gail.
1,544 reviews
July 6, 2016
What a great book! I loved every minute of it and hated to see it end. It will hold your interest from the very beginning to the very end of the book. It will make you laugh and cry. I really enjoyed how the book started out. This was my first book by this author but it won't be my last.
I won this book in a good reads giveaway! So happy I did! Love to find new authors that I enjoy reading.
Profile Image for Vikki Vaught.
Author 12 books160 followers
June 3, 2017
My Musings

I M very impressed with Ms. Jack's ability to turn Trip into a stand-up guy when he was such a man-whore in the first book. I grew to really care for him and wanted him to have his HEA. Well done. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Cassandra.
510 reviews10 followers
June 11, 2016
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I was a little conflicted with this book. I was disinterested and bored when I first started reading. I couldn't really connect with the characters. Then it picked up for me up until the showdown between brothers and I got bored again. Then I got sad and then satisfied.

The next bit is a little spoilery:

I have to say the obsession with marriage was slightly annoying. Also the obsession with how families are made. If a baby comes first, so what? And I'm not a fan of the "make it work for the kids" school of thought. Strained relationships between parents who choose to stay together are not better than amicable relationships between people who choose to coparent apart. Lastly, the tumultuous nature of Trip and Kelsey's relationship was both grating and refreshing. It's probably the realest relationship I've ever read. But it's also the kind of relationship that doesn't really work out.

Regardless, this book had its ups and downs for me, but overall I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Anima.
2,747 reviews52 followers
February 18, 2017
Trip is the town playboy and ultimate adrenaline junkie. Kelsey is a hopeless romantic wanting the white picket fence, loving husband and a gaggle of kids. Trip's role models concerning love and marriage aren't the greatest since his dad cheated with his mom and produced him. Kelsey has a sister with the perfect marriage and beautiful kids along with her own parents married forever. Coming from opposite sides of the love spectrum they came together for the deal of a lifetime. Denying they have any sort of relationship besides a friends with benefits deal they unknowingly may have found something special. While the story is sweet with a backwards fairy tale sort of vibe I don't agree with how Kelsey was portrayed as a desperate woman clinging to Trip, at first. This is the second book of the series with subtle references to the first, Accidentally Hers, as her best friend was the main character. Completely unnecessary to read the first but it helps to understand the history of Kelsey and her friends. My copy was given through Netgalley for my honest review.
Profile Image for Katherine Ong.
23 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and honestly, I LOVED this book. Yes...all capitals LOVED this book! The sexy banter between Trip and Kelsey make this book the perfect beach read this summer. Jamie Beck hits another home run developing her characters and drawing the reader in. I could not put this book down and actually read it a second time because I was so in love with the story and the book's playboy, Trip.
While I have enjoyed every single book that Jamie Beck has written, this one is my favorite. The secret between Kelsey and Trip is such a fun storyline that you find yourself laughing and smiling while reading the book and hoping that these two characters wind up together.
It is a must read this summer!

Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
June 16, 2016
Loved this story! Trip was such a great character and while his commitment phobic ways are nothing new, his story and the reasons he is the way he is were quite a twist on the familiar. You could feel the sparks between Trip and Kelsey and as their "fling" went on you could feel the tides turning and knew that true strong feelings were developing. I really couldn't stand Trip's father. I felt like he was responsible for much of the animosity between Trip and his half brother Mason. And Mason - what a jerk he was. I understand that Trip had a huge impact on Mason's life and hopefully Mason will find his own happiness.

This one is very well written and it's a story that will stay with you for a long time. It's definitely one I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,917 reviews17 followers
June 29, 2016
3.5

Trip is a lovely man because his family history, he didn't aware he is a nice man, until he met K.

K just a simple small town lady, always looking for a family, husband n kids. However, she didn't get it because she was too eager to present what she is looking for, men feel annoying, afraid to be trap. When Trip to.e her n she starts to change, things are different.

They became in friends with benefit n the unexpected pregnancy then miscarriage tell them they were in love, n willing to sacrifice something to built their future together.

Love Fee, she is lovely, smart kid. Maybe we can see her more in the book of Emma.
Profile Image for Tami .
1,123 reviews32 followers
June 16, 2016
This review is based on an ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

3.5

This copy was badly in need of an edit, but the shell story behind it was solid. I didn't like how easily forgiven a cruel nickname was. CRUEL. The author didn't leave it with a cliffhanger which I appreciate. And it was a sweet, sweet HEA. Sticky cotton candy sweet, but all in all it was a nice story.
Profile Image for Christine.
37 reviews5 followers
October 17, 2017
This is the 3rd Jamie Beck book that I have read so far. Thanks to Trip, this has been my favorite! I enjoyed this book much more than Accidentally Hers, probably because Trip and Kelsey's story wasn't as dramatic as Avery and Grey's. The nature of their agreement also made this book steamy almost from the beginning. As a 31 year old looking for my own prince charming, I could very much identify with Kelsey's longing for a husband and a family. I am also glad that both characters stayed true to themselves, making their HEA more believable. On to book 3 in the series...
Profile Image for Natalia.
128 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2021
This book was really good. This couple's growth was amazing. I had so many feelings about how Kelsey had been portrayed as a overbearing woman, because she was nothing farther from the truth. I even felt admiration for her, cause as hot as Trip was, I wouldn't have been able to deal with him for longer than a one night stand.
I do wish though that we'd had a bit more in terms of seeing what finally made Trip want a "forever". What made him get over his fear? And what was the thought process that got him to buy a ring?
387 reviews
February 16, 2018
I couldn’t get into this book and ended up skimming until I gave up on it halfway through. The heroine Kelsey’s preoccupation with marriage makes her come off as needy and desperate. She flirts with pretty much any man she comes across. It is so bad that the hero, Trip, and his business partner call her Boomerang. That really bugged me. It came off as rude and disrespectful.
Profile Image for Thamy.
607 reviews30 followers
June 16, 2016
Kelsey has always given her best when in love, borderline-stalking her love interests. But she wouldn't let Trip become one after the fiasco with Grey, his best friend who has now become her friend's boyfriend. That until he offered to become her secret affair while teaching how to become more attractive to guys. Having always dreamed of having a guy who would also love her back, Kelsey accepts the offer.

I was disappointed at the beginning, for the story had all the usual elements of a romance so promptly there we could see everything happening with no need to read. Boring. However, as it progressed, the characters and their conflicts had me entranced, so the book grew on me.

Overall, it is still your average romance. The type the main characters keep quarreling for who knows what reason, while half their friends are sure to be sexual tension, and suddenly they have forced intimacy to make them notice how strongly they love each other. So the girl waits for the guy to fall for her, and change his playboy behavior for the one only.

On the other hand, the characters weren't shallow. And I have to mention, Fiona, Kelsey's niece, is just so cute! Her fantasizing about her aunt's wedding were my favorite scenes.

The reader can also enjoy a good inner conflict, especially on Trip's side. He has a very difficult family situation, the reason why he refuses to ever get married. Kelsey's issue is also relatable, how she'll give all her heart the moment a guy interests her, and the author knew not to overdo, which made me ache even more for her.

Even though the main plot is nothing new, you can also find realistic details I wouldn't have expected. I especially liked the way Kelsey and Trip diverged on a sale—one of the side plots—, as well as the part it played in the plot twist later on.

I should also note I haven't read the first in the series. I wasn't even aware there was one until I started the book. The only minus in this is that now I actually want to get the first book, but I don't think I missed anything for this second story. Well, I did get spoilers on how the previous one ended. If you don't mind them, you can just go ahead to this one. You won't have any issues understanding the characters.

While I can't say the story is deep and meaningful, it brings up some discussion beyond its entertainment purpose other books of the same genre wouldn't. I don't think it deserves a tenth above 3 stars, but a fan of romances is sure to have a good time. Well-written, charismatic characters, reasonable ending; I guess that's what we usually look for. I also liked the character-building here so I'm curious to get more from this author.

Note: Review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. I think this was the first time Montlake Romance has approved me, and I was very excited for the chance.
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 69 books739 followers
June 23, 2016
My Review:

Jamie Beck is still a fairly new to me author, so for some reason I go into these books with low expectations...which she defies every time. I loved this book.

This is book #2 in this series, although you can easily read both books as stand-alones. This book features two very unlikely main characters. In the first book, Kelsey became known as Boomerang, because even though the hero kept telling her no, she never understood he was just not that into her...and she kept coming right back. Trip is the hero in this book and he's Grey (hero from book #1) friend and business partner. Trip is the town man-whore. In town for a weekend trip? Trip's your man and will make your vacation all you'd hoped it'd be without any awkward expectations. Whereas Kelsey has ALL the expectations. She wants the picket fence, 2.5 kids, and the family dog...as soon as possible. Her biological clock isn't getting any younger.

That's the setup and it worked so, so well. I loved these two together. Trip is unapologetic about never wanting more, but he guarantees that what you get right now will be more than enough. He wants Kelsey, but knows that he's nowhere near what she wants...besides sexually. But he's also watching her Boomerang routine and cringing. So he offers her a deal...he'll deal with her sexual needs and in exchange, he'll teach her how not to act so desperate so maybe she won't scare the next guy away.

The thing is...Trip isn't the jerk that he sounds like he is. There are very good reasons why he doesn't want a commitment and I challenge you not to be moved by his story. This is a man with deep scars, but an amazing heart. He just doesn't expose it very often. And even though Kelsey has all these romantic dreams, she's also this really driven career-woman with definite goals for her life...more than having babies and taking care of the house.

I loved the story and the emotions behind it all. It was a fabulous read, set in the backdrop of the Colorado mountains. I loved the skiing and the adventure company that Grey and Trip own. I also really loved the backstory for Trip with his father and family. It all set up to make for a great book that I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Aleen.
454 reviews43 followers
May 31, 2016
Originally posted on my blog: Review: Secretly Hers (Sterling Canyon, Book 2) by Jamie Beck.

review

This story or should I say the character of Trip Lexington, made me blush. What a quintessential playboy and alpha man! Now, I don’t think I agreed with his mentality and I questioned his ability to be Kelsey’s hero, but he seemed like a character that needed to be redeemed. I did not get the chance to read the first book in this series, so I wasn’t properly introduced to Trip early on, but it did not deter from the reading.

Trip has his demons, which come in the form of his family situation. His dad being the main concern.



“He was a lot like his dad, which meant he couldn’t be counted on to commit to one woman for life.”




Stubborn to the max, but still a very sexy lead character. When he sets his eyes on his “Princess” or Kelsey, he finally gets the jolt he needs to become a better man and not a “man whore” as he was referred to in this story. That part made me laugh.

Trip was the most interesting character to me. I just love that he was flawed and he knew that he didn’t have high expectations in relationships.



“That was what happened when you let people in your heart. Things got messy, and then they usually fell apart.”




On the opposite spectrum, Kelsey did have high expectations and the constant back and forth between her and Trip’s differences was the focal point of the plot. He wants a no strings attached relationship, she wants love, marriage, and children.

It was a steamy love story to be sure and a few heartbreaking moments that made me tear up. It certainly was fueled with emotions and doubts. It made the ending all the more sweeter and it made me go “aw”.

This can be read as a standalone, but I need to go back and read the first one, just to get an idea of the other characters. Look forward to more in this series.

*I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews225 followers
June 24, 2016
4.5 stars

Ever since reading book one in the series, Accidentally Hers, I've been curious to know more about the elusive manwhore, Trip Lexington. I knew their must be more to the story about why he was such a player and I was right. In this book, we learn that Trip has a vulnerable sweet side and Jamie Beck did an amazing job with Trip's backstory and the reasons why he has such a careless demeanor. I loved Trip in the first book but I loved him even more after his sweet vulnerable side is revealed. He tries to hide this secret side of him, but Kelsey sees the real him. There are many different facets of this book - family drama, great friendships, and most importantly, romance.

For reasons in his past, Trip is known as the ultimate manwhore and doesn't believe in marriage and settling down. Kelsey is the complete opposite. She is ready for the whole package: marriage, the 2.5 kids and the white picket fence. At times she comes off as completely desperate so when Trip strikes up a deal with her she jumps on it. They start up a friends with benefits relationship and in exchange Trip will give her the perfect tips to land herself a husband. But when Kelsey calls it quits after meeting a man she thinks could share her dreams of marriage and kids and the man happens to be Trip's estranged half brother he has to figure out if the feelings he has are due to sibling rivalry or jealousy and love.

I loved this book and the only reason why it isn't receiving 5 stars is because it took me a little bit to actually get myself into it but once I did I could not put it down! I loved this series and I hope the author does a few more books for some of the side characters, like Kelsey's best friend Emma. I look forward to reading more from the author.
Profile Image for ❤SanaReads❤.
1,221 reviews67 followers
May 9, 2017
4 heartwarming stars!

This is book #2 in the series (Sterling Canyon). It's the story of Kelsey and Gunner aka Trip.
At thirty-one, Kelsey was obsessed with marriage and babies. all she wanted was to have a husband and a bunch of children.

" she was hunting husband material-a man who wanted wife and children."



When Trip suggested a secret arrangement with a no strings attached fling in exchange of tips to how to find a husband, she emidatly accepted.

After all that's Trip Lexington and....

"When Trip Lexington passed any woman between the age of eighteen and eighty, her ovaries sang with more worship than the Mormon Tabernacle Choir."

But she had nothing to worry about.

She and her heart were safe with him because he was Not husband material and not the guy to fall for.

She was willing to have some fun, good sex and to learn how to get a man on his good knee.

But things aren't that easy when it come to Trip.

description

Their fling was so full of surprises. Trip never thought that the sexy woman he was fantasizing about has that big heart. Nor she thought that the notorous womanizer was a caring, passionate and good lover.

There were times where I felt bored, angry and emotional but the story is really so good that you will miss it when you finish the book.

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
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