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Secret Seth
Tyler Faulkner lived for his work, constructing Hollywood sets. His designs were perfect, and he expected equal perfection from his crew and himself. But, talented as he was, he felt trapped. A creative clash with a producer left him out of more than just a job, and Tyler decided that maybe a new beginning was exactly what he needed.
Seth Goodwin was reliable. So rock-steady that his father made him a partner in the family construction business over his older brothers. Seth’s job was simple—he took a highly skilled crew out on the road to build ridiculously expensive projects for rich clients. Their success prompted Seth and his dad to hire a new designer.
Seth wasn’t so steady around Tyler. Tyler didn’t simply draw art; he forced it into reality, elbowing his way into Seth’s work crew and life, whether he wanted him there or not. But Seth had a secret he’s been keeping for a long while, and Tyler, flamboyant and verbose, wasn’t someone who fit in a closet, unless he was looking for the perfect shoes to go with his outfit. Would Seth and Tyler be able to make it work? Or would everyone’s secrets catch up with them?
Seth Goodwin was reliable. So rock-steady that his father made him a partner in the family construction business over his older brothers. Seth’s job was simple—he took a highly skilled crew out on the road to build ridiculously expensive projects for rich clients. Their success prompted Seth and his dad to hire a new designer.
Seth wasn’t so steady around Tyler. Tyler didn’t simply draw art; he forced it into reality, elbowing his way into Seth’s work crew and life, whether he wanted him there or not. But Seth had a secret he’s been keeping for a long while, and Tyler, flamboyant and verbose, wasn’t someone who fit in a closet, unless he was looking for the perfect shoes to go with his outfit. Would Seth and Tyler be able to make it work? Or would everyone’s secrets catch up with them?
ebook
First published February 14, 2018
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About the author
Ki Brightly
92 books729 followersI spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 11, 2018
This was a sweet, unassuming, and rather quiet romance novel.
We are first introduced to Seth from the title at a family gathering. He is the son of a construction business owner and a partner in the business, leading a construction crew. He comes across as someone reliable, steadfast, and very calm. He's also the only single and childless one in his family, which mean he's the one who's able to travel. The jobs he lands take him out of town more often than not, and while he's not too fond of the nomadic life, he enjoys the fruits of his labor, even if he's dealing with some high-maintenance clients - they sure pay well for his services. There are hints that Seth has never shown much interest in having a love life.
Tyler, a Hollywood set designer, who after clashing with the producer over a specific set design finds himself in need of a new job. Somewhat flamboyant, Tyler makes zero excuses for wearing make-up and dressing colorfully, and whoever doesn't like it can bite him. He expects perfection of himself and those he works with, and he's not afraid to speak his mind, which sometimes gets him in trouble.
Seth needs a new designer, and Tyler needs a new design job - obviously, that's how they meet.
Without giving away the plot, let me say that this book takes slow burn to a new level. I got the feeling that Seth is demi - he needed to form an emotional connection to Tyler before being able and willing to take things further. Tyler on the other hand is immediately intrigued by Seth and feels a strong attraction, but as his boss, Seth is obviously off-limits.
While this is on the surface an opposites-attract kind of theme, there's a whole lot more to it. Tyler yearns for a place to belong, for someone who'll take him as he is, someone who'll love him just the way he is. And Seth, having never really felt any kind of sexual attraction, is adorably confused when he starts reacting to Tyler, once he gets to know the other man.
What really struck me while reading this book is how real the characters felt, not only the MCs, but the supporting cast as well. Seth's family are a loud and somewhat overbearing bunch, but they were all kind and supportive. The construction crew was diverse but worked well together also. The friendly banter between Tyler and Seth was fun, and I could clearly see them both falling in love with each other.
This is a slow burn romance, so don't expect any hot smexy times right away. There's plenty of UST though, and plenty of longing and yearning, which I definitely enjoyed. The book is told from the 1st person POV, switching between Tyler and Seth. Since their voices were distinct, I had no trouble discerning who was talking at any given time.
Well-written dialogue in an engaging story - I enjoyed reading this very much, and I think you will too.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review. **
We are first introduced to Seth from the title at a family gathering. He is the son of a construction business owner and a partner in the business, leading a construction crew. He comes across as someone reliable, steadfast, and very calm. He's also the only single and childless one in his family, which mean he's the one who's able to travel. The jobs he lands take him out of town more often than not, and while he's not too fond of the nomadic life, he enjoys the fruits of his labor, even if he's dealing with some high-maintenance clients - they sure pay well for his services. There are hints that Seth has never shown much interest in having a love life.
Tyler, a Hollywood set designer, who after clashing with the producer over a specific set design finds himself in need of a new job. Somewhat flamboyant, Tyler makes zero excuses for wearing make-up and dressing colorfully, and whoever doesn't like it can bite him. He expects perfection of himself and those he works with, and he's not afraid to speak his mind, which sometimes gets him in trouble.
Seth needs a new designer, and Tyler needs a new design job - obviously, that's how they meet.
Without giving away the plot, let me say that this book takes slow burn to a new level. I got the feeling that Seth is demi - he needed to form an emotional connection to Tyler before being able and willing to take things further. Tyler on the other hand is immediately intrigued by Seth and feels a strong attraction, but as his boss, Seth is obviously off-limits.
While this is on the surface an opposites-attract kind of theme, there's a whole lot more to it. Tyler yearns for a place to belong, for someone who'll take him as he is, someone who'll love him just the way he is. And Seth, having never really felt any kind of sexual attraction, is adorably confused when he starts reacting to Tyler, once he gets to know the other man.
What really struck me while reading this book is how real the characters felt, not only the MCs, but the supporting cast as well. Seth's family are a loud and somewhat overbearing bunch, but they were all kind and supportive. The construction crew was diverse but worked well together also. The friendly banter between Tyler and Seth was fun, and I could clearly see them both falling in love with each other.
This is a slow burn romance, so don't expect any hot smexy times right away. There's plenty of UST though, and plenty of longing and yearning, which I definitely enjoyed. The book is told from the 1st person POV, switching between Tyler and Seth. Since their voices were distinct, I had no trouble discerning who was talking at any given time.
Well-written dialogue in an engaging story - I enjoyed reading this very much, and I think you will too.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review. **
April 3, 2019
3.5 Stars.
There is so much I loved about this romance. However there are too many frayed edges with some of the side character relationships.
I adored Seth. His point of view as he grows closer and closer to Tyler. Tyler is ... passionate and brave but also lonely and hurt. He is flamboyant and brash and with Seth's steady friendship he evens out a bit.
I just am all over their romance and all the time Brightly spend building their connection. They are on the road and the work is grueling. They are honest with each other in work and as they begin to become each other's person. And that is the so special and really not seen as often as I would like in love stories.
There are elements that need more time and just outright conversation. The main one is Seth's sexuality. The exploration of it is wonderful though.
Family relations with Seth's family are complex and left a little too tangled.
I would love to see more contemporary romances from this author.
There is so much I loved about this romance. However there are too many frayed edges with some of the side character relationships.
I adored Seth. His point of view as he grows closer and closer to Tyler. Tyler is ... passionate and brave but also lonely and hurt. He is flamboyant and brash and with Seth's steady friendship he evens out a bit.
I just am all over their romance and all the time Brightly spend building their connection. They are on the road and the work is grueling. They are honest with each other in work and as they begin to become each other's person. And that is the so special and really not seen as often as I would like in love stories.
There are elements that need more time and just outright conversation. The main one is Seth's sexuality. The exploration of it is wonderful though.
Family relations with Seth's family are complex and left a little too tangled.
I would love to see more contemporary romances from this author.
February 24, 2018
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC for an honest review of Secret Seth.
Now this is the first Ki Brightly book that I have read and she had me growling at my kindle in frustration a time or two. But what I came to understand was the Ki was creating a real life love story, the kind of love story that you would experience out in "real world" - you know the one that's not filled with books :)
It was a romantic, frustrating, hot as hell (insert flame emoji here) and so undeniably sweet that I am going out to read the rest of Ki's books.
Ki thank you for gifting me with this ARC it was an honor to read this story and I better be seeing more of Seth and Tyler....very soon,
Now this is the first Ki Brightly book that I have read and she had me growling at my kindle in frustration a time or two. But what I came to understand was the Ki was creating a real life love story, the kind of love story that you would experience out in "real world" - you know the one that's not filled with books :)
It was a romantic, frustrating, hot as hell (insert flame emoji here) and so undeniably sweet that I am going out to read the rest of Ki's books.
Ki thank you for gifting me with this ARC it was an honor to read this story and I better be seeing more of Seth and Tyler....very soon,
March 22, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
It’s been a long time since I been *able* to read a book nonstop, much less had the *time* to do that. However, that is exactly what happened one Saturday. I thought I’d just get a start on this book—see what the characters were like. Five hours later, I knew I had to make an executive decision: homework and prep for a brunch party or keep reading. I kept reading.
First, I like how both Seth and Tyler get their own independent introductions. We meet Seth at a family gathering and get the lay of the land so to speak—how he’s the only single one in a big family that keeps growing because his siblings keep having more kids and that makes him the best suited to a life on the road with the family’s contracting building service. The only thing is that they’ll need another designer because having one person design for two full-time teams is a nonstarter. In the next chapter, we are introduced to Tyler in his own element, Hollywood, California, and about as opposite from the Goodwins from the heartland as you could hope for.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
It’s been a long time since I been *able* to read a book nonstop, much less had the *time* to do that. However, that is exactly what happened one Saturday. I thought I’d just get a start on this book—see what the characters were like. Five hours later, I knew I had to make an executive decision: homework and prep for a brunch party or keep reading. I kept reading.
First, I like how both Seth and Tyler get their own independent introductions. We meet Seth at a family gathering and get the lay of the land so to speak—how he’s the only single one in a big family that keeps growing because his siblings keep having more kids and that makes him the best suited to a life on the road with the family’s contracting building service. The only thing is that they’ll need another designer because having one person design for two full-time teams is a nonstarter. In the next chapter, we are introduced to Tyler in his own element, Hollywood, California, and about as opposite from the Goodwins from the heartland as you could hope for.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
July 16, 2020
Audio review:
A very slow burn with relatable demisexual representation (although I'm not entirely sure that the author characterized the character as demi.
I liked Tyler's fabulousness and confidence in spite of his family abandoning him and the prejudice around that.
There seemed to be a lot of hints here and there to various things. Tyler's family "kicked him out" but when it's not known. I'm also not sure how old Tyler is. it's hinted he's older than Seth but I'm not really sure how old Seth is either. There are also weird comments here and there from Seth's family about the possibility of him being with a man. comments like "it's not ideal" and things like that were weird and I felt this added an unaccepting undercurrent to the story. At times it seemed like Seth didn't understand his attraction to Tyler (as a man) and then other moments he mentioned dating a guy in college.
overall I liked the (very) slow burn connection present between Tyler and Seth. They worked well together and built a friendship first which was nice to see.
A very slow burn with relatable demisexual representation (although I'm not entirely sure that the author characterized the character as demi.
I liked Tyler's fabulousness and confidence in spite of his family abandoning him and the prejudice around that.
There seemed to be a lot of hints here and there to various things. Tyler's family "kicked him out" but when it's not known. I'm also not sure how old Tyler is. it's hinted he's older than Seth but I'm not really sure how old Seth is either. There are also weird comments here and there from Seth's family about the possibility of him being with a man. comments like "it's not ideal" and things like that were weird and I felt this added an unaccepting undercurrent to the story. At times it seemed like Seth didn't understand his attraction to Tyler (as a man) and then other moments he mentioned dating a guy in college.
overall I liked the (very) slow burn connection present between Tyler and Seth. They worked well together and built a friendship first which was nice to see.
June 28, 2018
This is just overall a sweet and low-angst book. It was slow, and I mean slow, but it worked for me. It was very real. There was nothing crazy happening, no over the top miscommunication or tension.
The book felt authentic to me. I liked both MCs. Seth was incredibly sweet and a little bit clueless at times but in a good way. Tyler was charming and sassy.
There were a couple MC name mixups, but only a few times. I did not get bored with the internal dialogue at all and while this was a slow book, I did enjoy it.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
The book felt authentic to me. I liked both MCs. Seth was incredibly sweet and a little bit clueless at times but in a good way. Tyler was charming and sassy.
There were a couple MC name mixups, but only a few times. I did not get bored with the internal dialogue at all and while this was a slow book, I did enjoy it.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
July 7, 2020
Nice book
This was a very nice story.
I quite liked Seth and Tyler. They both have hang ups but they are so sweet. I loved the trust and love that develops between them.
It was a very sweet read
This was a very nice story.
I quite liked Seth and Tyler. They both have hang ups but they are so sweet. I loved the trust and love that develops between them.
It was a very sweet read
February 18, 2018
I loved these characters from their first moments on the page. I'm not usually into the whole 'opposites attract' concept but Tyler's unapologetic ownership of everything he is and wants worked so well with Seth's slow, confusing journey to attraction. Their friendship happened slowly and organically enough for me to believe in it whole-heartedly and while I did yell at Seth a bit for being dense, it was for his own good. I like to imagine that eventually they worked on their own home together, Seth reigning in Tyler's diva-flair a little and Tyler bringing a bit more sparkle into Seth's life. Five well-deserved stars <3
March 14, 2018
Book – Secret Seth
Author – Ki Brightly
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 275
Cover – Cute!
POV – 1st person, dual character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Romance
Triggers – Homophobia, disowning family, loss
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
This is only my second book by this author, but I loved it! It was fun, snarky, sweet and adorable in all the right ways, but it also had a strong message and a deeper layer, at heart, that really tore me up inside.
Let's start from the outside in. The cover is super cute. The formatting is really great. Overall, the look of the book is high end.
Then we move to the inside, where I have to admit, 1st person isn't usually my cup of tea. Here, it didn't bother me at all. Each POV was marked with a chapter header, but it was also clear from the writing who the POV was about. There were only two places in the entire book where the wrong person was named – once naming Tyler when it should have been Seth, and once naming Seth when it should have been Tyler – but they were so minimal that they were barely noticable. One other issue I noticed could just be an alternate spelling or an American way of doing things – ijit. Now, as a Scot, this bothered me. It could have been a spelling mistake for some word I can't imagine, or it could be a mis-spelled / alternative spelling for eejit, aka 'idiot'. It's so hard to tell and, honestly, it confused me. Neither of the main characters have the background to suggest this would be a word they would use, and its use was a little unnatural, in reading. But, because these were both little niggles that didn't impact the overall story, I didn't let them weigh in on my rating. But, I do have to admit they bugged me.
The writing was completely on point, with great levels of detail and description, brilliant characterisation, and a nice easy flow between chapters.
I loved both main characters. Tyler was femme, flambuoyant, but a hard grafter and one of the guys, when they let him be. The only thing that made him stood out was his attitude and his use of make-up, which all suited him fine and was accept in LA, but made him a fish out of water in Seth's small town living. Seth was one of the guys who, as the title suggests, could never really be himself. He didn't really know who he was, to begin with.
I loved how they bounced off each other, in an opposites-attract kind of way, but how they also became friends first and really got to know each other. They worked so well together that the chemistry was natural. I didn't even mind that their first kiss – on the neck – came at 75%, because it felt natural to the characters, especially Seth, and the way they felt about each other. Both a little uncertain about making a move, because of the boss-employee thing, but also not sure how to ask if the other was even interested. Seth is a bit oblivious, so didn't realise that the make-up and femme attitude meant Tyler was gay, while Tyler assumed Seth was straight because he was a big bear of a builder, and a manly-man. It made their circling each other all the better.
I'll admit that I found Seth's immediate attraction to Tyler strange to understand, at first – he didn't flip out and panic, he didn't really consider himself 'gay' or flip out about what it might mean to be attraction to a man, despite saying early on that he'd never found a woman he could settle down with. But, then at 53% we find out that he did have a brief relationship with a man in college, which led to the theory that he was bisexual, something we were only told in plain words at 71%.
I was really touched by Tyler's family story, about how he'd been disowned by his family because of his being gay and wearing make-up, yet totally insecure around anyone else's family, for fear that they would react the same. The way he feared and then came to love Seth's family was touching, and the incident with the truck accident made me so sad. I was thrilled that Seth had sense enough to fight Tyler's insecurities and know that the fight would be appreciated, because Tyler was just too emotionally broken to fight his own battle. I loved that he found his strength in and with Seth and that his story got a real ending, without being glossed over as just 'back story'.
The moment the bisexual plain words were spoken at 71% became something magical. It's that moment where, as a reader, you finally understand the title of a book that had eluded you until that point. For me, this was exactly what happened here. Once I could see how awkward and uncomfortable Seth was with his own sexuality and orientation – not sure how to label himself, not sure of what he wanted or with whom, and always being let down – I began to realise the true meaning of the title. And, once you realise that, everything else falls into place as natural and necessary plotting.
Overall, it was a fantastic story. Sweet, lovely, fun, snarky in places, but full of heart and romance. Sure, there were a few small editing issues, but they were minimal and few to count. In the end, it was a really sweet contemporary romance, with just a little bit of drama, a lot of family love and heart, and a sudden but satisfying ending followed by an adorable Epilogue.
Just about everything I could ask for in a romance novel.
~
Favourite Quotes
There were so many moments that I marked as being important, having great quotes, one liners, and parts that made me cry, so bear with me as I try to choose the best.
““Did you like the movie?”
I didn't remember much of it; I had been too busy focusing on him, his presence in the room. Gulping, I nodded. Please don't ask me for my favourite part. It was... I scrambled internally the way I did when I fucked up something huge. It was you being here.”
“Bye, Barnaby.”
“A star was exploding in my chest and I was dying at the same time.”
“I cried for things that never were. I cried for the little boy in me who just wanted to go home, but couldn't.”
““I always thought I would die here,” I croaked, my voice completely wrecked.
“Better to live somewhere else, no matter how pretty a place is, if all it does is kill you. That fog turned to gold, but it burns off and leaves eventually. You got too pretty to stay too.””
Author – Ki Brightly
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 275
Cover – Cute!
POV – 1st person, dual character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Romance
Triggers – Homophobia, disowning family, loss
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
This is only my second book by this author, but I loved it! It was fun, snarky, sweet and adorable in all the right ways, but it also had a strong message and a deeper layer, at heart, that really tore me up inside.
Let's start from the outside in. The cover is super cute. The formatting is really great. Overall, the look of the book is high end.
Then we move to the inside, where I have to admit, 1st person isn't usually my cup of tea. Here, it didn't bother me at all. Each POV was marked with a chapter header, but it was also clear from the writing who the POV was about. There were only two places in the entire book where the wrong person was named – once naming Tyler when it should have been Seth, and once naming Seth when it should have been Tyler – but they were so minimal that they were barely noticable. One other issue I noticed could just be an alternate spelling or an American way of doing things – ijit. Now, as a Scot, this bothered me. It could have been a spelling mistake for some word I can't imagine, or it could be a mis-spelled / alternative spelling for eejit, aka 'idiot'. It's so hard to tell and, honestly, it confused me. Neither of the main characters have the background to suggest this would be a word they would use, and its use was a little unnatural, in reading. But, because these were both little niggles that didn't impact the overall story, I didn't let them weigh in on my rating. But, I do have to admit they bugged me.
The writing was completely on point, with great levels of detail and description, brilliant characterisation, and a nice easy flow between chapters.
I loved both main characters. Tyler was femme, flambuoyant, but a hard grafter and one of the guys, when they let him be. The only thing that made him stood out was his attitude and his use of make-up, which all suited him fine and was accept in LA, but made him a fish out of water in Seth's small town living. Seth was one of the guys who, as the title suggests, could never really be himself. He didn't really know who he was, to begin with.
I loved how they bounced off each other, in an opposites-attract kind of way, but how they also became friends first and really got to know each other. They worked so well together that the chemistry was natural. I didn't even mind that their first kiss – on the neck – came at 75%, because it felt natural to the characters, especially Seth, and the way they felt about each other. Both a little uncertain about making a move, because of the boss-employee thing, but also not sure how to ask if the other was even interested. Seth is a bit oblivious, so didn't realise that the make-up and femme attitude meant Tyler was gay, while Tyler assumed Seth was straight because he was a big bear of a builder, and a manly-man. It made their circling each other all the better.
I'll admit that I found Seth's immediate attraction to Tyler strange to understand, at first – he didn't flip out and panic, he didn't really consider himself 'gay' or flip out about what it might mean to be attraction to a man, despite saying early on that he'd never found a woman he could settle down with. But, then at 53% we find out that he did have a brief relationship with a man in college, which led to the theory that he was bisexual, something we were only told in plain words at 71%.
I was really touched by Tyler's family story, about how he'd been disowned by his family because of his being gay and wearing make-up, yet totally insecure around anyone else's family, for fear that they would react the same. The way he feared and then came to love Seth's family was touching, and the incident with the truck accident made me so sad. I was thrilled that Seth had sense enough to fight Tyler's insecurities and know that the fight would be appreciated, because Tyler was just too emotionally broken to fight his own battle. I loved that he found his strength in and with Seth and that his story got a real ending, without being glossed over as just 'back story'.
The moment the bisexual plain words were spoken at 71% became something magical. It's that moment where, as a reader, you finally understand the title of a book that had eluded you until that point. For me, this was exactly what happened here. Once I could see how awkward and uncomfortable Seth was with his own sexuality and orientation – not sure how to label himself, not sure of what he wanted or with whom, and always being let down – I began to realise the true meaning of the title. And, once you realise that, everything else falls into place as natural and necessary plotting.
Overall, it was a fantastic story. Sweet, lovely, fun, snarky in places, but full of heart and romance. Sure, there were a few small editing issues, but they were minimal and few to count. In the end, it was a really sweet contemporary romance, with just a little bit of drama, a lot of family love and heart, and a sudden but satisfying ending followed by an adorable Epilogue.
Just about everything I could ask for in a romance novel.
~
Favourite Quotes
There were so many moments that I marked as being important, having great quotes, one liners, and parts that made me cry, so bear with me as I try to choose the best.
““Did you like the movie?”
I didn't remember much of it; I had been too busy focusing on him, his presence in the room. Gulping, I nodded. Please don't ask me for my favourite part. It was... I scrambled internally the way I did when I fucked up something huge. It was you being here.”
“Bye, Barnaby.”
“A star was exploding in my chest and I was dying at the same time.”
“I cried for things that never were. I cried for the little boy in me who just wanted to go home, but couldn't.”
““I always thought I would die here,” I croaked, my voice completely wrecked.
“Better to live somewhere else, no matter how pretty a place is, if all it does is kill you. That fog turned to gold, but it burns off and leaves eventually. You got too pretty to stay too.””
July 3, 2020
This was an adorable romance that I found extremely charming. Seth Goodwin works for the family business, a construction company that travels around building expensive projects for rich and eccentric clients. The business is expanding and now Seth finds himself in charge of one of the road crews and in need of a designer. Tyler Faulkner is a designer who throws himself body and soul into his projects. His skill with drawing pencils is only rivaled with his construction skills out in the field. Unfortunately, Tyler’s passion for his work leads to some explosive conflicts when his vision clashes with a client’s requests, and soon Tyler finds himself out of job. Scrambling to find a new job, Tyler applies, and is soon hired by Seth’s father. Tyler is wonderful and beautiful, and Seth is instantly smitten with the new designer. Seth is handsome and kind, and Tyler is instantly besotted with his new boss. Tyler tries to fight his attraction to Seth while Seth tries to come to terms what his feelings mean, and each day, they become closer and closer. The romance between Seth and Tyler is beautiful and tender, and absolutely enchanting.
The plot had a gentle flow that focused on the developing relationship between Seth and Tyler as well as their own personal developments and realizations. There was some angst, but it wasn’t overwhelming and only enhanced the relationship between Seth and Tyler with some great opportunities for some hurt/comfort moments. Most of the book was the buildup and growth of the relationship between Seth and Tyler, so there wasn’t a sex scene until the end of the book, but that scene was steamy and hot. However, even though there wasn’t a lot of sex in the book, there was a lot of intimacy and tenderness between the two men that I really enjoyed.
The audiobook was narrated by Kaeomakana Tiwanak and this was the first time I’ve listened to an audiobook he’s produced. Tiwanak has a unique voice that I was not use to, but it was still pleasant to listen to. Tiwanak did a good job of making each voice distinct, but I think this book would have been better as a duel narration. The book is told for the first-person perspective and alternates between Seth’s perspective and Tyler’s perspective. While Tiwanak did a great job of voicing Seth with a deep timber, when Tiwanak narrated Seth’s inner monologues, Tiwanak did not use the deeper timber voice that I had associated to Seth but instead used a more neutral narrative tone that too closely resembled Tyler’s voice. This led to me sometimes getting confused because I would automatically think Tyler was talking instead of Seth narrating events. This was a minor confusion because every chapter clearly states which character POV it will be narrated from, so I just had to make sure I was paying attention. Tiwanak puts a lot of energy into all the characters, and all the character voices are kept distinct and consistent. The audio production was well done with no outside noises or glitches.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it, especially if you want a sweet romance with a lot of tenderness.
The plot had a gentle flow that focused on the developing relationship between Seth and Tyler as well as their own personal developments and realizations. There was some angst, but it wasn’t overwhelming and only enhanced the relationship between Seth and Tyler with some great opportunities for some hurt/comfort moments. Most of the book was the buildup and growth of the relationship between Seth and Tyler, so there wasn’t a sex scene until the end of the book, but that scene was steamy and hot. However, even though there wasn’t a lot of sex in the book, there was a lot of intimacy and tenderness between the two men that I really enjoyed.
The audiobook was narrated by Kaeomakana Tiwanak and this was the first time I’ve listened to an audiobook he’s produced. Tiwanak has a unique voice that I was not use to, but it was still pleasant to listen to. Tiwanak did a good job of making each voice distinct, but I think this book would have been better as a duel narration. The book is told for the first-person perspective and alternates between Seth’s perspective and Tyler’s perspective. While Tiwanak did a great job of voicing Seth with a deep timber, when Tiwanak narrated Seth’s inner monologues, Tiwanak did not use the deeper timber voice that I had associated to Seth but instead used a more neutral narrative tone that too closely resembled Tyler’s voice. This led to me sometimes getting confused because I would automatically think Tyler was talking instead of Seth narrating events. This was a minor confusion because every chapter clearly states which character POV it will be narrated from, so I just had to make sure I was paying attention. Tiwanak puts a lot of energy into all the characters, and all the character voices are kept distinct and consistent. The audio production was well done with no outside noises or glitches.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it, especially if you want a sweet romance with a lot of tenderness.
March 7, 2018
Reviewed by Louisa
Ki Brightly has done something wonderful in writing Secret Seth. This story grows beautifully from the first page right to the end. Tyler is unapologetically himself, with makeup, art and some serious building skills. Seth is very good at leading his crew, but is generally and quiet and unassuming. His family’s construction business means that Seth is constantly on the road.
What I loved reading was Seth’s feelings growing. He wants to know someone first, understanding them and their feelings before having a deeper relationship. And Ki Brightly did that so well. I felt like I got to know Seth and Tyler. It felt really natural. The opposites attract storyline was so well done and enjoyable.
All the characters are very real and interesting. Seth and Tyler interacting is great. Tyler with the building crew was really enjoyable, maybe not overly realistic, but very enjoyable. I loved the way that Seth’s family interact. They are loud and busy, but they love each other. Seth’s father is a favourite of mine. He isn’t perfect, but I enjoyed his character.
I would have liked to have seen more of Seth and Tyler after they become a couple. Though I completely loved the Epilogue. Overall Secret Seth was a wonderful read, which I can see re-reading many times over again.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Ki Brightly has done something wonderful in writing Secret Seth. This story grows beautifully from the first page right to the end. Tyler is unapologetically himself, with makeup, art and some serious building skills. Seth is very good at leading his crew, but is generally and quiet and unassuming. His family’s construction business means that Seth is constantly on the road.
What I loved reading was Seth’s feelings growing. He wants to know someone first, understanding them and their feelings before having a deeper relationship. And Ki Brightly did that so well. I felt like I got to know Seth and Tyler. It felt really natural. The opposites attract storyline was so well done and enjoyable.
All the characters are very real and interesting. Seth and Tyler interacting is great. Tyler with the building crew was really enjoyable, maybe not overly realistic, but very enjoyable. I loved the way that Seth’s family interact. They are loud and busy, but they love each other. Seth’s father is a favourite of mine. He isn’t perfect, but I enjoyed his character.
I would have liked to have seen more of Seth and Tyler after they become a couple. Though I completely loved the Epilogue. Overall Secret Seth was a wonderful read, which I can see re-reading many times over again.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
June 20, 2020
The first thing I noticed and loved about this book is the attention to detail. In the first first scenes you have Seth perfectly describing the Christmas party he’s attending and it’s so well done you can imagine it perfectly.
Seth and Tyler have a coworkers-to-friends-to-lovers in a slow burn that last the entire book and builds so high. It makes when they do become more so much better, the wait is well worth it.
Tyler is very open and Seth still has to work through his feelings on being with a man. Tyler doesn’t really know it, but he’s the one helping Seth through all those emotions.
Worth the listen. Really enjoyed it.
Personal listening opinion as I did listen to the audiobook of this book: Initially, I thought I was going to have some issues with the narrator, but then I quickly realized it was just too slow. I upped the read speed to 1.3x and it was prefect (for me). I know this is a personal opinion and that’s why I put that as a note first.
Seth and Tyler have a coworkers-to-friends-to-lovers in a slow burn that last the entire book and builds so high. It makes when they do become more so much better, the wait is well worth it.
Tyler is very open and Seth still has to work through his feelings on being with a man. Tyler doesn’t really know it, but he’s the one helping Seth through all those emotions.
Worth the listen. Really enjoyed it.
Personal listening opinion as I did listen to the audiobook of this book: Initially, I thought I was going to have some issues with the narrator, but then I quickly realized it was just too slow. I upped the read speed to 1.3x and it was prefect (for me). I know this is a personal opinion and that’s why I put that as a note first.
January 30, 2020
4.5/5
Slow burn and very sweet.
Tyler built temporary sets for TV shows and temporary relationships, Seth remodels and rebuilds homes and he has his work cut out for him in rebuilding Tyler.
Tags: GFY (not my favorite tag name but I haven't come up with a short enough tag name that encompasses this trope): Seth is demi bordering on ace. Not just a gay virgin, but a virgin virgin. Setting: mainly the Akron, Ohio area with jobs all over the Ohio River Valley and Western PA. And stops in LA. Never got as far north in Ohio as I am (east of Cleveland), but I'm familiar with the area.
Slow burn and very sweet.
Tyler built temporary sets for TV shows and temporary relationships, Seth remodels and rebuilds homes and he has his work cut out for him in rebuilding Tyler.
Tags: GFY (not my favorite tag name but I haven't come up with a short enough tag name that encompasses this trope): Seth is demi bordering on ace. Not just a gay virgin, but a virgin virgin. Setting: mainly the Akron, Ohio area with jobs all over the Ohio River Valley and Western PA. And stops in LA. Never got as far north in Ohio as I am (east of Cleveland), but I'm familiar with the area.
September 19, 2018
4.5 Stars I loved Seth and Tyler in this.
Oh Seth is adorable and so clueless as to whats happening between them. Drama scenes happen and this starts a wake up call for Seth, but yah totally clueless is an understatement in this book. A slow friends to lovers romance that finally gets there in the end.
Seth wasn't happy when his father appointed him chief No 2 in there busy construction company. They would be needing a designer for his team.
Tyler started a new year with blue nail polish and lip stick to be fired on the job, he wasn't happy.
Oh Seth is adorable and so clueless as to whats happening between them. Drama scenes happen and this starts a wake up call for Seth, but yah totally clueless is an understatement in this book. A slow friends to lovers romance that finally gets there in the end.
Seth wasn't happy when his father appointed him chief No 2 in there busy construction company. They would be needing a designer for his team.
Tyler started a new year with blue nail polish and lip stick to be fired on the job, he wasn't happy.
November 10, 2020
audio review
Secret Seth is slow burn love story about Seth and Tyler. Tyler is a designer and goes to work for Seth's family's construction business. This is an enjoyable story and Seth and Tyler got their happy ending. Narrator Kaeomakana Tiwanak does a fabulous job. I really enjoy the emotion he puts into bringing characters to life.
Secret Seth is slow burn love story about Seth and Tyler. Tyler is a designer and goes to work for Seth's family's construction business. This is an enjoyable story and Seth and Tyler got their happy ending. Narrator Kaeomakana Tiwanak does a fabulous job. I really enjoy the emotion he puts into bringing characters to life.
March 11, 2018
Very cute. Tyler and Seth are so good together. Low angst, no sex until the end which made the romance so much sweeter. I'm definitely checking out more from this author
February 5, 2020
I found this a bit of a too long slow burn romance, quite got me frustrated here and there. But I did like the two mc's, and kind of enjoyed the story.
November 16, 2020
I enjoyed the slow burn of this story. The characters seemed well rounded and the story had depth and emotion.
March 19, 2018
I loved this family of characters. Whole the story focuses on the main characters I think the true strength in this story comes from the work and the characters Ki builds around them. From the first chapter your drawn into a world that is diverse and real.
My only criticism was at the beginning I found it difficult at time to remember which hero's head I was in as their voices were similar. This became easier as you continued though as the characters developed their own unique voice more as the story developed.
My only criticism was at the beginning I found it difficult at time to remember which hero's head I was in as their voices were similar. This became easier as you continued though as the characters developed their own unique voice more as the story developed.
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