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Forever Bluegrass #5

Forever Secret

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Sophie Davies has a secret . . . in fact, she has quite a few secrets.

Sophie Davies is the head of weapon development for a private firm contracted with the Department of Defense. Because of her knowledge and high security clearances, she has kept her job a secret for fear of kidnapping and sabotage. She always knew some groups would kill to learn what she knows, and now someone is trying to do just that.

Nash Dagher trained to become an elite weapon for the Rahmi Royal Family while he served at their horse farm in Keeneston. But for the past two years, Nash has been running an operation for the King—an operation once completed would result in his promotion to the head of security for the entire royal family in Rahmi. But when Nash discovers a threat against Sophie, he must decide what is more the job of his dreams or the life of the woman he loves. But will Sophie allow him back in her life?

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2017

261 people are currently reading
363 people want to read

About the author

Kathleen Brooks

122 books2,649 followers
Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass, Bluegrass Brothers®, Forever Bluegrass®, and Shadows Landing Series feature small-town charm with quirky characters while her Women of Power Series shows that behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her! Then hang onto your seat for the wild and mysterious ride in the thrilling Web of Lies Series and a little magic in the Moonshine Hollow Series.

Kathleen is from Kentucky, where she graduated from Centre College and then later received her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Kathleen still resides in Kentucky with her family and houseful of animals.


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Book Order:
(Bluegrass Series-complete series)
Bluegrass State of Mind
Risky Shot
Dead Heat

(Bluegrass Brothers Series®-complete series)
Bluegrass Undercover
Rising Storm
Secret Santa, A Bluegrass Series Novella
Acquiring Trouble
Relentless Pursuit
Secrets Collide
Final Vow
All Hung Up, Novella
Bluegrass Dawn, Novella
The Perfect Gift, Novella
The Keeneston Roses

(Forever Bluegrass Series®-complete series)
Forever Entangled
Forever Hidden
Forever Betrayed
Forever Driven
Forever Secret
Forever Surprised, Novella
Forever Concealed
Forever Devoted
Forever Hunted
Forever Guarded
Forever Notorious
Forever Ventured
Forever Freed
Forever Saved
Forever Bold
Forever Thrown
Forever Lies
Forever Protected
Forever Paired
Forever Connected
Forever Covert
Forever Burning
Forever Lasting
Forever Country
Forever Remembered

(Bluegrass Fire Series-ongoing)
Spark

(Shadows Landing-complete series)
Saving Shadows
Sunken Shadows
Lasting Shadows
Fierce Shadows
Broken Shadows
Framed Shadows
Endless Shadows
Fading Shadows
Damaged Shadows
Escaping Shadows

(Shadows Landing: The Townsends- ongoing series)
Face-Off
Targeted
Rescued
Heated
Escaped
Fractured
Claimed

(Paige Turner Bookworm Series- complete)
Adventures of a Bookworm
Misadventures of a Bookworm
The Adventurous Bookworm

(Moonshine Hollow- complete series)
Moonshine and Murder
Moonshine and Malice
Moonshine and Mayhem
Moonshine and Mischief
Moonshine and Menace
Moonshine and Masquarades

(Web of Lies- complete)
Whispered Lies
Rogue Lies
Shattered Lies

(Women of Powe-complete)
Chosen for Power
Built for Power
Fashioned for Power
Destined for Power

Ratings & Reviews

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5 stars
1,211 (73%)
4 stars
365 (22%)
3 stars
71 (4%)
2 stars
9 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah A.
196 reviews3 followers
December 24, 2020
I really like the relationship between Nash and Sophie. How they had to find themselves before they can could find each other. Sophie develops weapons, and a crime boss wants to take Sophie for what she knows. Nash, all around badass, just got done taking down a mob boss. When he finds out that someone is after Sophie, he goes after her to save her. After not see or talking to each other in over two year, the sparks start flying.
132 reviews
January 26, 2017
Secrets a-plenty....

Not to sound biased since I am a huge fan of Ms Brooks, but she amazes me every time! Swoon-worthy alpha men, strong women, and the families of a small town, so well written.... you would wish it really existed. Guaranteed well rounded trip with humor, heart, and action. Each book is a standalone, but better enjoyed if read in succession. Trust me.... you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for B.K. Harrell.
Author 8 books42 followers
February 5, 2017
Kathleen Brooks hits another home run with her newest book. This has been one of my favorites for the new generation. Sophie and Nash's story was one for the ages. She manages to balance romance with action and suspense while keeping the readers fully engaged.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
230 reviews
January 30, 2017
I still want to live in Keeneston. I love this town and all the people. My favourite place to go in my head. Loved this book.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,399 reviews121 followers
May 6, 2025
3 - 3.5 Stars

Forever Secret is the fifth book in the Forever Bluegrass series (Bluegrass Book #19) by Kathleen Brooks. ‘Bluegrass’ combines romance and suspense, with a touch of Southern charm.
A few years ago a friend recommended this author, and her many series, to me - as she had devoured every book and absolutely loved them, singing the author’s praises from high from the hilltops. So, being an avid reader who loves discovering new authors and enticing reads, I took my friends recommendations seriously, and started amassing Ms. Brooks many books, with the plan to have a huge binge session/buddy read with my friend. But with so many books on my TBR, and new, exciting ones releasing every week, I always seemed to get pulled into other books- as these just kept piling up.
Since part of my yearly reading challenges for the past few years has been to dust off my TBR pile/s and read the books that have been languishing there the longest, I decided to finally dive in and get the series read. While I did ‘enjoy’ the books for the most part- I didn’t fall madly in love with them as my friend promised that I would. But that’s ok, I am really happy that she loves them as much as she does. But for me, they were just an ‘okay’ read.
With plenty of small-town drama, intrigue, angst, chemistry, humour, community, family, friendship, charm, mystery, tension, danger, emotion, and suspense- the stories are about finding love unexpectedly and love conquering all.
The books can all be read as standalones if you wanted, without feeling ‘lost’ or like you are missing big pieces of the picture. This is because each instalment introduces its own ‘couple’- providing plenty of romance, a dash of suspense, and some sweet development to make your heart flutter.
But I have to be honest, I found there were a few issues which detracted from my overall enjoyment of the stories/series. Such as the ‘wordiness’ which really slowed the flow of the storyline at times, as there was such an overwhelming amount of detail which didn’t really ‘add’ to or propel the story in any way, except to perhaps distract from the plot. I love details, normally- but not when there are pages of descriptions, as things tend to ‘bog’ down and the flow/pace/plot gets lost amongst the detritus- and also leads to some ‘wandering’ storylines. There were also many loose ends, for me- threads that were left hanging, or not fully woven into the storyline- which I found a bit frustrating.
I really wanted to love this series as much as my friend did…. but instead, I was left a little disappointed.
Happy reading! 📚💙
712 reviews9 followers
September 10, 2020
I love Kathleen Brooks but this was rediculous!

I have I think 14 books in the series and this one I forced myself to finish!
While I love the combined and epic personalities of this community, and I have read the preceeding novels, this litaney of people is rediculous!
I'm thrilled the town protects their own.... but this is absurd!
While I enjoy the town gossip and betting system, this townie crap was embarrasing!
Kathleen Brooks succombed to whimsey and fantasy (okay it is fiction) but some basis in reality is required!
While the plotline is fantastic and unimaginable, it is still in the realm of believability! Unfortunately the cartoon characters and unrealistic plotline are horrendous!
Because I wanted to know how the convoluted story could end, I read and finished the book!
I never, ever had anything but 5 star ratings for this series! So horribly disappointed in Forever Secret! Not worth reading, and I know it it's harsh! Kathleen needs to know when she cranked out garbage!
Such a huge and unforgivable manuscript! Where were the editors and Beta readers? Kathleen needed to hear the truth and was abandoned by all the people she acknowledges at the end! Shame on you!
Great series abandoned by the author! Your better than this! Have some pride!
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,146 reviews
July 17, 2025
I don't know how I managed to read this series out of order. I jumped from #1 to #5. I wouldn't recommend reading out of order.

Nash and Sophie's relationship/drama is contained in this book. In that regard, you can say the book can be read as a standalone. That would not be my recommendation. I think the books are better read in order. There are so many people, family, and friend connections within Keenestown, it can be and was hard to keep track of all of the relationships.

The main mystery in this book was the identity of Ares. The fun of this book was following the people of the town along with all of the highly connected undercover military, special ops, government agents, and spies attempt to keep their no so secret professions from each other.

I did enjoy Eric G. Dove's narration. He easily made me forget that there was only one narrator for the book. There was some action, suspense, danger, and a touch of violence. I also appreciated the lightheartedness of the book along with the humor, wit, and sarcasm. This author has other series that can be read out of order without too much trouble. Imho, this is not one of them.
Profile Image for Michele A..
3,136 reviews16 followers
August 3, 2017
Sophie and Nash haven't really had any interactions with each other for 2 years when Nash left without a word on a secret assignment. Sophie was bitter and pretended not to care that he left her without a word. She moved on with her life and became adept at designing and engineering weapons for the government and military regimes throughout the world. When Nash's assignment leads him to believe that Sophie is in danger, nothing will stop him from protecting her. Sophie quickly realizes she was partly to blame for Nash's leaving and acknowledges her mistakes pretty quickly. Nash was quite reticent to open his heart again right away and so Sophie realizes that she needs to put her feelings on the line and see what happens. Sophie's life is in danger for most of this book and the town really steps up to help. You know it's a full on alert when the Rose sisters don their brooms, spatulas and pots and pans to help out. Overall a good, quick read that had me wondering what was going to happen next. It was a nice addition to this series and I was glad that I read it.
722 reviews5 followers
March 22, 2018
OMG WHAT A PERFECT BOOK 😊

Loved this book! Loved all the characters! Loved the story line! Loved the humor! Loved the romance, suspense and true friendships! Love that all the older couples were featured along with the younger couples! It did not take away from the swooney and loving relationship between Nash and Sophie.... It just enhanced an already perfect story! I so enjoyed the newer people's antics also..... Especially the polar bear boxers!!! How cute was that! Kathleen's stories are as near perfect in a romantic suspense as you can get! I love that when I am reading them all of a sudden there will be a little nugget of humor tucked in a sentence that will make me laugh out loud and smile with contentment at getting to read such a delightful book!!! I never want the series to end. So far I have read every book in the Bluegrass genre to this point and have enjoyed each one immensely and think they are getting better and better. Give this series a try and you will be in reader's heaven!!!!
Profile Image for Amanda Gilmore.
354 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2020
Overall Amanda score: A
From the overprotective fathers to the mothers simply wanting grand babies any way possible... this book will have you laughing, crying, freaking out, scared for their lives in more ways than one. Once again the Rose sisters make an amazing appearance throughout the book. As well as our well hated Nikki.... But getting to FINALLY see Sophie and Nash make their way back to each other was so good. This book hit me in all the feels, laughing, crying, all of them. I am not going to lie, Nash is the one guy throughout this series that I dream about at night... Sorry Sophie... Oh and sorry to my husband.
The way Kathleen writes of love, family, friendship, heartache... It really makes you thankful to have a piece of what they do. While part of it seems a little far fetched and unrealistic... I mean this is fiction right??? But it also seems very attainable. Want what they got?? Go kiss your husband... I'm serious... Go plant one on him, and not a sissy kiss either.... I will wait....


Still waiting.....


There.... see???
4,226 reviews
May 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!

Forever Secret is a thrilling, high-stakes installment with Sophie Davies, a brilliant woman with a dangerous secret. She’s the head of weapon development for a private defense firm, and her expertise makes her a target for kidnapping and sabotage. Nash Dagher, a former royal bodyguard, finds himself drawn to Sophie, and together, they must navigate deadly secrets and their growing feelings for each other.
Brooks amps up the suspense in this book, with heart-racing moments and a plot filled with espionage, danger, and romance. The chemistry between Sophie and Nash is undeniable, and their journey is filled with twists and turns that keep readers glued to the pages. This is one of the series' most exciting entries, with the perfect blend of romance, suspense, and action.
113 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2020
From Audible Account Review:
Sophie and Nash didn't get much of a chance to act on their feelings years ago due to personal fears but two years later, Nash learns of the danger Sophie is in and rushes to help her. This is one of the more action packed books in the series with two total bad ass characters. I love how strong women are portrayed in Kathleen Brooks' novels and the utter sex appeal of the men. There doesn't appear to be anyone who is average (except maybe Deputy Dinky and his family) in Keenston and you get to see a lot of it in this book in particular.

Narration by Eric G. Dove is always on point!
Profile Image for Katie Townsend.
1,274 reviews20 followers
February 8, 2017
Loved

I loved being back in Keeneston its such a amazing place to be

I fell so in love with Nash and Sophie there connection was so intense you can feel it in every page

Forever secret was such a beautifully written story it made me laugh and made Me cry and my heart broke at time I was so into this book I didn't want to put it down

It was nice to catch up with all the residents of Keeneston and see what there up to

Nash and Sophie stole my heart

Thank you Kathleen brooks for another amazing journey in Keeneston
Profile Image for Bette Stanek.
2,140 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2017
Well, there certainly were secrets galore in this book! Just like all the rest, the characters are witty and wonderful, the town is as good as it gets, and the Davies family never ceases to amaze. The secrets in this one are both big and small, some you’ll never suspect, and others are actually pretty obvious. The matchmaking never stops and the ones who think they’re in control may or may not be. Another hit in the Forever Bluegrass series. As always, you know who to bet on for the next book because of those second generation matchmakin' mommas….
Profile Image for Angela.
245 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2020
This by far had the most danger and action of the Bluegrass series since the first three installments: Bluegrass State of Mind, Risky Shot, and Dead Heat.
When Nash left town without saying goodbye it broke her heart. Nash has done some dark things while he's been away. Now his assignment is over and he wants to go back to Keeneston, but the king has ordered him back to Rahmi. Nash disobeys the king and goes to London where Sophie is negotiating the sale of her new weapon design. When Sophie is attacked Nash saves her life, setting off another suspenseful story of love and danger.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,510 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2021
2021 Book Hoarders #21 By a Favorite Author

Sophie Davis is working on a secret missile for the DOD; Nash is finishing his duties as a soldier for the King of Rahmi. When learns his childhood friend and the girl who rejected him is in danger because of a man named Ares wants the weapon she developed for his own, he works to keep her safe and tries to reestablish a relationship with her.

Gotta love the town of Keeneston and the people who live there!
934 reviews8 followers
January 26, 2017
Another great story

Nash and Sophie were so compatible. Their love stayed true thru their 2 yr separation. I love the camaraderie between the Keeneston town folks, truly one big family. I also love the continuing stories with the children. Can't wait for the next book centering on Gabe. Hope the wait isn't too long.
Profile Image for Michele Williams.
58 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2017
Another great book in the Bluegrass series. Forever Secret tells Sophie and Nash's story. We knew there was a history but with so much secrecy involving both main characters no one knew exactly what happened between them. Now Nash is there for Sophie when her life is in danger because of the job she walked away from him for.
Profile Image for Carisa.
272 reviews6 followers
February 6, 2017
Love love love it. Seriously can't get enough of these books. Sophie and Nash have such a wonderful relationship even if they had a fight two years ago that neither have forgotten. Love the humor from everyone even the animals. I can't get enough of these books or anything Kathleen Brooks writes.
938 reviews
January 27, 2017
All I have to say is this book (and all the others from Ms. Brooks) makes you wish that the town of Keeneston, KY, really did exist and all the characters in her books really lived there so you could move and joint them. Forever Secret makes you laugh, cry and keep the pages turning. I can wait for more so I can revisit Keeneston and all its residents again!!!
Profile Image for Dawn Trepczyk.
388 reviews4 followers
January 29, 2017
Roar!!

This book was absolutely amazing! I highly recommend it. Kathleen does it again! Nash and Sophie met 2 years prior. Nash fell for Sophie, but she turned him away. 2 years later they reunite. What will happen between them? Read to find out. This book does end with a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Tracey Warren.
632 reviews
March 19, 2017
I finally let myself read this next installment #didntwantto

I caved, I had to know what happened with Sophie & Nash not only now forward but two years ago when they nearly ......nope not spoiling it.
On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being opened the book and 10 being lost for words it was so good, I'd rate this about a 12! I have saved this on my kindle since it was released, it was preordered as soon as it was available so why did it take me so long to get to it? I knew I'd have to finish it and I'd have to wait for the next in the series this is THAT good. Kathleen Brooks has woven a 2nd generation series into the characters we all love so much from the Bluegrass series, skillful, entertaining, action packed, familiar, sweet, shocking, and on and on but cutting to the Chase read it, read them all, you'll be addicted and have fallen in love, laughed, gasped in shock and cried buckets, through some of the best writing/stories/series available. I'm not a relative of Ms Brooks just an avid reader!
Profile Image for Sierra Eriksen.
107 reviews
June 19, 2017
Hot and dangerous? Yep, sounds like Nash. Sophie is still mad at Nash for leaving 2 years ago, when will she get over her anger and admit she loves him? Another on from Miss Kathleen that I loved, I finished this book in 2 days, we went hiking so I didn’t have much time to read Saturday. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did! Happy reading!!
9 reviews
June 19, 2020
Another Winner

I have been reading all of the Bluegrass books since I discovered them. The characters make the books. Knowing that there are secrets to be uncovered in each book makes them all the more worthwhile. The Rose sisters make every book memorable, even if they are only minor characters.
518 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2021
So much fun

Seeing the antics of generations of town families is wonderful and funny as scoundrels from older generations get payback for the stunts they pulled by dealing with their offspring. Top off that with suspense and intrigue in international locales and you have a formula for excellent reading.
Profile Image for Shawna.
29 reviews
November 27, 2022
Sophie is another Keeneston Beauty that was always taught how to stand for herself and those she loves. And in a time where she is figuring out where she stands in the world without her small town, she realizes that no matter what, her small town has her back. But especially Nash, if only she lets him in. :)
Profile Image for Judy.
275 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2017
Back to Keeneston

Another great addition to the Forever Bluegrass series! Sophie and Nash...together at last. Thank you, Kathleen Brooks, for bringing us this wonderful world. Looking forward to Gabe's story!
Profile Image for Shajira.
53 reviews5 followers
January 25, 2017
Another awesome read

Nash & Sophie .. I've waited long for their love story to unfold. With heartbreak and 2 years of no communication, heartbreak and anger they are finally reunited and headed for a happily ever after.

Love it and can't wait for the next lucky couple.
130 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2017
Another fantastic read

These books just keep getting better and better. So much action all the way through, and plenty of romance. There is always such a warm feeling when reading about the characters and dialogue to make you laugh.
Profile Image for Vicki Quisenberry.
27 reviews
January 29, 2017
Always Amazing

Sophie and Nash burn up the pages with intrigue and passion. Taking down evil masterminds is all in a day's work for Nash, but winning Sophie's heart, will require all Nash can give.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews

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