What do you think?
Rate this book
Bay of Island Brides #3
Bride in Secret
Their Vegas wedding is a secret that refuses to stay hidden…
Roberta Goldsmith and Angus McGregor wake after a night of celebration with friends in Vegas to discover themselves handcuffed together with a certificate on the bedside table that states they’ve tied the knot.
Neither of them is ready for marriage, and anyway they’re not even in love! Roberta’s busy at the Bay of Islands Brides shop, and Angus’s job as a GP at the local surgery leaves little time for romance.
They both swear to keep their wedding a secret. But vowing to love each other for the rest of their lives turns out to have a strange effect on their relationship…
Roberta Goldsmith and Angus McGregor wake after a night of celebration with friends in Vegas to discover themselves handcuffed together with a certificate on the bedside table that states they’ve tied the knot.
Neither of them is ready for marriage, and anyway they’re not even in love! Roberta’s busy at the Bay of Islands Brides shop, and Angus’s job as a GP at the local surgery leaves little time for romance.
They both swear to keep their wedding a secret. But vowing to love each other for the rest of their lives turns out to have a strange effect on their relationship…
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2018
250 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Serenity Woods
172 books918 followersUSA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods writes small-town romances about strong, capable men who work hard and love harder. Most of her stories are set in Aotearoa New Zealand, where she lives.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 8, 2018
Bride in Secret by Serenity Woods
Bay of Islands Brides #3
Waking in a Las Vegas hotel the way Roberta and Angus did was funny but unfunny at the same time. The two have been interestedly eyeing while avoiding one another for nearly two years. Neither has acted on the attraction and Angus’s reason why is one that he has been keeping secret from not only Roberta but the community. I kind of wish Angus had been more open but also understand why he would be unwilling to trust others until a certain date in time. So, two people totally attracted to one another but without a way to move forward get on a plane back to NZ when a tragedy occurs that puts things into perspective…well…at least puts their feelings for one another in perspective BUT there is still a bit of drama and romance and angst and a couple of other people and issues that need to be dealt with before the book ends.
I loved Roberta’s ability to state what she wants. I loved Angus’s personality and his calm care for others. I loved them together and know they were meant to be together. I thoroughly enjoyed Roberta’s advantages and disadvantages list…perhaps as much as Angus enjoyed it when he took a look. I am eager to see what happens in book four and though I thought it would be the story of Elliot leaving Karen for Libby it seems it will be Bianca having a second chance at love with Freddie. I have enjoyed each of these love stories and cannot wait for the next one to be published.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Bay of Islands Brides #3
Waking in a Las Vegas hotel the way Roberta and Angus did was funny but unfunny at the same time. The two have been interestedly eyeing while avoiding one another for nearly two years. Neither has acted on the attraction and Angus’s reason why is one that he has been keeping secret from not only Roberta but the community. I kind of wish Angus had been more open but also understand why he would be unwilling to trust others until a certain date in time. So, two people totally attracted to one another but without a way to move forward get on a plane back to NZ when a tragedy occurs that puts things into perspective…well…at least puts their feelings for one another in perspective BUT there is still a bit of drama and romance and angst and a couple of other people and issues that need to be dealt with before the book ends.
I loved Roberta’s ability to state what she wants. I loved Angus’s personality and his calm care for others. I loved them together and know they were meant to be together. I thoroughly enjoyed Roberta’s advantages and disadvantages list…perhaps as much as Angus enjoyed it when he took a look. I am eager to see what happens in book four and though I thought it would be the story of Elliot leaving Karen for Libby it seems it will be Bianca having a second chance at love with Freddie. I have enjoyed each of these love stories and cannot wait for the next one to be published.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
June 17, 2018
Welcome back to the wonderful Bay of Brides series! This is Roberta’s and Angus’ story which we have been teased with in the first two books in the series.
Roberta and Angus have been friends for awhile and it seems they both like each other but neither will admit to it. Roberta and Angus are in Las Vegas for a family holiday and find themselves waking up in bed together on their last morning right before they need to leave for the airport with a marriage certificate.
Neither of them remember anything about getting married. Angus is very much against the idea of them being married since he has some deeply hidden secrets. And Roberta isn’t sure she is willing to acknowledge her attraction to Angus.
Roberta decides that they need to “date” each and enjoy some benefits of being married while they puzzle their way through what happened in Las Vegas and they're growing attraction. Angus is at least agreeable to Roberta’s suggestions about they're “dating” while not wanting to reveal why he is against them being married and telling anyone.
This is another well written novel by Ms. Woods’ set in the wonderful North Island of New Zealand. I have already read it twice while I am impatiently waiting for the next book in this entertaining series. It has made being sick for the last few weeks of school bearable and taken my mind off being tired all the time. I really want to go to New Zealand just based on the descriptions in the books written by Ms. Woods. And I somehow have a feeling that the Kiwi spirit shown by characters is a reflection of the character of the people of New Zealand.
Roberta and Angus have been friends for awhile and it seems they both like each other but neither will admit to it. Roberta and Angus are in Las Vegas for a family holiday and find themselves waking up in bed together on their last morning right before they need to leave for the airport with a marriage certificate.
Neither of them remember anything about getting married. Angus is very much against the idea of them being married since he has some deeply hidden secrets. And Roberta isn’t sure she is willing to acknowledge her attraction to Angus.
Roberta decides that they need to “date” each and enjoy some benefits of being married while they puzzle their way through what happened in Las Vegas and they're growing attraction. Angus is at least agreeable to Roberta’s suggestions about they're “dating” while not wanting to reveal why he is against them being married and telling anyone.
This is another well written novel by Ms. Woods’ set in the wonderful North Island of New Zealand. I have already read it twice while I am impatiently waiting for the next book in this entertaining series. It has made being sick for the last few weeks of school bearable and taken my mind off being tired all the time. I really want to go to New Zealand just based on the descriptions in the books written by Ms. Woods. And I somehow have a feeling that the Kiwi spirit shown by characters is a reflection of the character of the people of New Zealand.
June 12, 2018
Not your usual drunk wedding in Vegas story!
Wow! I loved the surprising turns of events during Roberta and Angus's secretive courtship. A few plot developments really blew me away! It really had all of the feels.
We met Roberta as Phoebe’s friend in the magnificent Book #2, “Bride by Mistake”. I liked Roberta immediately, and I continued to love her more. I am so glad that she got together with Angus. He is so nice, talented, and super sexy! The love scenes sizzled while being intimate and respectful all at once.
FYI, several years before the events of this book, Roberta had knowingly been in a relationship with a married man, but at least she acknowledged later that it was a terrible mistake to help a man cheat on his wife and to disregard the sanctity of marriage vows. In other words, one of the main characters cheated in the past but not in the present. In my opinion, Roberta's past actions tarnished her in my mind, but I was able to forgive her.
I love the supportive group of friends and family in this series. There are some really stellar examples of best friend and sisterly relationships.
As always, the author exhibits her gift of sensory description. I feel like I could personally feel the rain pouring down. I felt like I was physically present in the scenes. This high quality novel swept me away from my real life, and I loved every minute of it! I recommend this book to all fans of steamy contemporary romance.
I received a free advanced reading copy, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
Wow! I loved the surprising turns of events during Roberta and Angus's secretive courtship. A few plot developments really blew me away! It really had all of the feels.
We met Roberta as Phoebe’s friend in the magnificent Book #2, “Bride by Mistake”. I liked Roberta immediately, and I continued to love her more. I am so glad that she got together with Angus. He is so nice, talented, and super sexy! The love scenes sizzled while being intimate and respectful all at once.
FYI, several years before the events of this book, Roberta had knowingly been in a relationship with a married man, but at least she acknowledged later that it was a terrible mistake to help a man cheat on his wife and to disregard the sanctity of marriage vows. In other words, one of the main characters cheated in the past but not in the present. In my opinion, Roberta's past actions tarnished her in my mind, but I was able to forgive her.
I love the supportive group of friends and family in this series. There are some really stellar examples of best friend and sisterly relationships.
As always, the author exhibits her gift of sensory description. I feel like I could personally feel the rain pouring down. I felt like I was physically present in the scenes. This high quality novel swept me away from my real life, and I loved every minute of it! I recommend this book to all fans of steamy contemporary romance.
I received a free advanced reading copy, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
May 30, 2018
Wow, what a beginning with this book! Absolutely nothing I expected, but heart wrenching, scary, anxiety building, and sadness all are definitely at the top of the list. There’s one thing you know when you read a Serenity Woods book, it’s gonna keep you on your toes, hot in your seat and tissues in your hand, your emotions are usually all over the place, and this book was definitely not an exception to that rule!
Angus and Roberta go to Vegas with her family and friends for Dominic and Fliss’s wedding and celebration. After a night of one heck of a party, Angus and Roberta wake in the same bed, and some big surprises to go with it. I’m not going to get into the events that happen, but they are life changing. When everyone gets back to New Zealand, it’s a time of reflection and healing, including Angus who has fallen in love with Roberta, but has a huge secret that he can’t tell anyone, especially her. I figured out part of it about mid way through the story, but in true Serenity Woods fashion, she throws a wrench in there that you don’t see coming. I loved this book, Angus and Roberta are a great couple with a lot of chemistry and passion between them. My heart broke for Libby, loved the girls night slumber party, and even though this story had some pretty intense scenes in it, I laughed my way through a lot of pages. Great addition to the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
Angus and Roberta go to Vegas with her family and friends for Dominic and Fliss’s wedding and celebration. After a night of one heck of a party, Angus and Roberta wake in the same bed, and some big surprises to go with it. I’m not going to get into the events that happen, but they are life changing. When everyone gets back to New Zealand, it’s a time of reflection and healing, including Angus who has fallen in love with Roberta, but has a huge secret that he can’t tell anyone, especially her. I figured out part of it about mid way through the story, but in true Serenity Woods fashion, she throws a wrench in there that you don’t see coming. I loved this book, Angus and Roberta are a great couple with a lot of chemistry and passion between them. My heart broke for Libby, loved the girls night slumber party, and even though this story had some pretty intense scenes in it, I laughed my way through a lot of pages. Great addition to the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
June 7, 2018
Book 3 in the Bay of Islands Brides Series and this is Roberta Goldsmith and Angus McGregor’s story and what a story they have to tell once again this author keeps us on our toes by giving us a love story that’s not just about romance there are a few twists and turns for this couple to negotiate along the way. As the saying goes “What’s happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas “ well that is unless you wake up with the man of your dreams remembering nothing about the night before and stumbling across a marriage certificate then you need to speak to your friends and get help but it can’t be that simple because this author likes to keep us on the edge of our seats she likes us to believe we know just where this story is going until she throws a spanner in the works. Roberta and Angus have some seriously hot chemistry and they start to fall for each other but Angus is keeping secrets and Roberta is just getting over one man who lied to her will she trust again and will he be honest with her....
I love Serenity Woods writing she makes me feel like I’m home visiting old friends, her characters are easy to love and her plots have enough going on to keep you turning the pages. I may have read a fair few of her books but I can honestly say each book is very different to any of her other stories, you may get visits from previous characters but they never take over they only add to the enjoyment. Another 5 Star read from a very talented author.
I love Serenity Woods writing she makes me feel like I’m home visiting old friends, her characters are easy to love and her plots have enough going on to keep you turning the pages. I may have read a fair few of her books but I can honestly say each book is very different to any of her other stories, you may get visits from previous characters but they never take over they only add to the enjoyment. Another 5 Star read from a very talented author.
June 5, 2018
Bride in Secret opens with the widely used storyline of the drunk Vegas wedding. The plot, however, quickly evolves into an original and animated narration. All the characters of the previous books in the series are once again together, and faithful readers will be happy to meet them again. The focus, this time, is on Roberta, the eldest of the Goldsmith sisters. She is a vivid character, with unusual traits. Smart, sassy and independent, with a very personal approach to life. She is further characterised with traits such as being a professional baking, loving drawing, raising chickens and having a vegetable garden. She has a warm and generous heart, but she is definitely not a romantic person.
Angus, the male protagonist, has a lot of positive traits. He is intelligent and generous, affectionate and friendly. He is also a competent and dedicated medical doctor. Same as Roberta, he is not at all a romantic person.
Their story is different, emotionally charged, and tormented at times. Most of their reactions and behaviours are unconventional.
Overall Secret Bride stands out for a fast paced, original plot, full of twists and turns, with plenty of lively characters and for the two captivating and interesting protagonists, that give life to a uniquely unromantic love story
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own.
Angus, the male protagonist, has a lot of positive traits. He is intelligent and generous, affectionate and friendly. He is also a competent and dedicated medical doctor. Same as Roberta, he is not at all a romantic person.
Their story is different, emotionally charged, and tormented at times. Most of their reactions and behaviours are unconventional.
Overall Secret Bride stands out for a fast paced, original plot, full of twists and turns, with plenty of lively characters and for the two captivating and interesting protagonists, that give life to a uniquely unromantic love story
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own.
May 29, 2018
This is a quick read, but there is a lot packed in this story. This is the third in Woods’ series about a group of friends in New Zealand who one-by-one find romance . In this story, Roberta and Angus are attracted to each other, but Angus doesn’t seem willing to ever act on that attraction until one night in Las Vegas they wake up in bed together with a marriage certificate and no memories of getting married. They return to New Zealand planning to keep the marriage a secret until they can get it annulled. Well, as you might guess, that plan doesn’t last long.
Angus seems like the perfect guy - a kind doctor who is also funny and dedicated as well as extremely sexy. But he clearly is hiding something that is preventing him from agreeing to take their mutual attraction public. Roberta has had a painful experience being a guy’s dirty secret and doesn’t want that to happen to her again. Given what a great guy Angus is, you know he isn’t deliberately leading her on and you’ll want to keep reading to find out what the obstacle is.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
Angus seems like the perfect guy - a kind doctor who is also funny and dedicated as well as extremely sexy. But he clearly is hiding something that is preventing him from agreeing to take their mutual attraction public. Roberta has had a painful experience being a guy’s dirty secret and doesn’t want that to happen to her again. Given what a great guy Angus is, you know he isn’t deliberately leading her on and you’ll want to keep reading to find out what the obstacle is.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
March 2, 2022
There were a lot of things I enjoyed about this book. The story is very action-packed, and I mean that both literally (there's a plane crash), but also in terms of the pacing. The plot is always moving forward, and the MCs interact in almost every scene, which definitely kept my interest.
I was loving the accidental-marriage-gets-complicated trope, and was preparing to rate this 4+ stars, but then we learn something about Roberta which made made me think she wasn't a good person, and from that point I wasn't as invested in her and Angus's story.
I was also not crazy about the conflict near the end. I was enjoying the angst caused by Angus's secrecy and refusal to either commit or let her go. I wish that had been the base of the conflict, rather than the ex drama. I don't always dislike ex drama in romance, but this was an example of where it didn't work for me. Instead of it affirming her feelings for Angus, Roberta came across as wavering between them, and it made me think her feelings for Angus weren't that strong.
I was loving the accidental-marriage-gets-complicated trope, and was preparing to rate this 4+ stars, but then we learn something about Roberta which made made me think she wasn't a good person, and from that point I wasn't as invested in her and Angus's story.
I was also not crazy about the conflict near the end. I was enjoying the angst caused by Angus's secrecy and refusal to either commit or let her go. I wish that had been the base of the conflict, rather than the ex drama. I don't always dislike ex drama in romance, but this was an example of where it didn't work for me. Instead of it affirming her feelings for Angus, Roberta came across as wavering between them, and it made me think her feelings for Angus weren't that strong.
June 3, 2018
I enjoyed this story very much. It starts with a crash, bang and wallop, and there is a little twist in there that I noticed, but didn't think about at the time. Roberta has been attracted to Angus, a doctor, ever since he joined her circle of friends, but didn't think he had feelings for her, so did not even think about acting on her attraction. That all changes when they go to Las Vegas with all of their friends, and spend a lovely evening together, just the two of them, rather spoiled because they both drink a bit too much.
Both Roberta and Angus have secrets, that neither of them wish to tell the other, but they are very close after the catastrophe of the journey home. Roberta tells Angus why she has shut herself away from another relationship, and Angus ... keeps his secret. Of course, it all comes out eventually, and they are able to move forward with a life together. But things were said in the heat of the moment - and another couple will have to examine their relationship!
A lovely story about a delightful group of friends sorting their lives out. Serenity is very good at writing emotions, and they are all in here! Worth reading. 4.5 stars
Both Roberta and Angus have secrets, that neither of them wish to tell the other, but they are very close after the catastrophe of the journey home. Roberta tells Angus why she has shut herself away from another relationship, and Angus ... keeps his secret. Of course, it all comes out eventually, and they are able to move forward with a life together. But things were said in the heat of the moment - and another couple will have to examine their relationship!
A lovely story about a delightful group of friends sorting their lives out. Serenity is very good at writing emotions, and they are all in here! Worth reading. 4.5 stars
June 6, 2018
Bride in Secret is a terrific addition to the Bay of Islands Brides series. I am loving the Goldsmith family. They are portrayed very realistically: close-knit but still squabble and always have each others' back. Roberta and Angus make a wonderful couple with definite chemistry. It was nice to see them quit ignoring the spark and give in to their feelings for one another.
There were a couple of reasons I didn't give the story 5 stars. One reason is Angus' secret. I think it was no big deal, a non-issue, and he should have simply told Roberta. Instead, he hurt her. IMO, it added contrived, unnecessary drama. My second reason is the traumatic event that affected all of them. I felt it was glossed over after it happened. I wish the effects had been covered in more depth. I know the event led Roberta to some introspection but... I just wish it had been discussed more thoroughly.
If you enjoy well-written romance stories with developed, likable characters and a plot with twists and turns to keep you turning the pages, then I urge you to read Bride in Secret. I urge you to read any book written by the talented Serenity Woods.
There were a couple of reasons I didn't give the story 5 stars. One reason is Angus' secret. I think it was no big deal, a non-issue, and he should have simply told Roberta. Instead, he hurt her. IMO, it added contrived, unnecessary drama. My second reason is the traumatic event that affected all of them. I felt it was glossed over after it happened. I wish the effects had been covered in more depth. I know the event led Roberta to some introspection but... I just wish it had been discussed more thoroughly.
If you enjoy well-written romance stories with developed, likable characters and a plot with twists and turns to keep you turning the pages, then I urge you to read Bride in Secret. I urge you to read any book written by the talented Serenity Woods.
June 7, 2018
Bride in Secret (Bay of Islands Brides Book 3) by Serenity Woods is a wonderfully written marriage by mistake story. Each book in the series is very different but each is a great read. Member of a group of friends finds lasting love as the series progresses with Roberta and Angus getting their story this time. Their story includes a trip off the island to Las Vegas. The saying “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” doesn’t hold true for these two.
While this story does have plenty of smiling moments, there are some secrets and sober moments with events that are heartbreaking too. Roberta and Angus are charming characters, but both have some baggage that come with them to this surprise the secret marriage. What neither counted on was the way that their hearts bound together in spite of their insisting that it wouldn’t happen.
Real life and likeable people that find themselves in a crazy situation makes this a delightful read. I recommend to all contemporary fans especially those who loved watching Friends.
4.5 Stars
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While this story does have plenty of smiling moments, there are some secrets and sober moments with events that are heartbreaking too. Roberta and Angus are charming characters, but both have some baggage that come with them to this surprise the secret marriage. What neither counted on was the way that their hearts bound together in spite of their insisting that it wouldn’t happen.
Real life and likeable people that find themselves in a crazy situation makes this a delightful read. I recommend to all contemporary fans especially those who loved watching Friends.
4.5 Stars
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 8, 2018
Bride in Secret has the best first chapter I have ever read. It was hilarious. As they say, "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Whew. What a rollercoaster of emotions. The book is at times hilarious, heart-rending and oh so romantic. I don't want to spoil the surprises but there is a serious plot that explores grief, mortality, PSTD and responsibility, brought on by a life-changing event. And of course, hot, life-affirming sex! Angus has lots of secrets that he cannot seem to divulge and they are creating barriers to his growing attraction (like electro-magnets kind of attraction) to Roberta. Can good friends become lovers? I love it that my old friends from the Brides series complete the cast in the book, but you do not need to read the other books to follow the story. You will want to however. I could not put the book down because it kept pulling at my heart and I needed to find out how it all came out in the end. You won't be disappointed! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
June 4, 2018
While the last two books took place completely in the local community, Bride in Secret takes off in Las Vegas with a twist I never saw coming.
Waking up in bed together after a rough night, Roberta and Angus find a marriage certificate with no memory of the wedding. They decide to keep it a secret until they get home where they can sort everything out, but a major twist happens soon after. I never saw it coming and it altered the entire trajectory of what I thought Bride in Secret would be about.
Angus and Roberta were very relatable. They've had a big shake-up, on top of all the other things already going on the their lives. They are both coming to terms with what they really want in the future, and not the life they thought they could be OK leading. I did wish Angus had given Roberta a little more info to go on about his personal situation, rather than leaving her hanging. I felt even with his good intentions, it was a little cold, especially given Roberta confiding in him about her last serious relationship. I don't think this made him less likeable, but it just felt like I wanted to yank more out of him.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
Waking up in bed together after a rough night, Roberta and Angus find a marriage certificate with no memory of the wedding. They decide to keep it a secret until they get home where they can sort everything out, but a major twist happens soon after. I never saw it coming and it altered the entire trajectory of what I thought Bride in Secret would be about.
Angus and Roberta were very relatable. They've had a big shake-up, on top of all the other things already going on the their lives. They are both coming to terms with what they really want in the future, and not the life they thought they could be OK leading. I did wish Angus had given Roberta a little more info to go on about his personal situation, rather than leaving her hanging. I felt even with his good intentions, it was a little cold, especially given Roberta confiding in him about her last serious relationship. I don't think this made him less likeable, but it just felt like I wanted to yank more out of him.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 14, 2018
Serenity Woods has hit another home run with this latest book in her Bay of Islands Brides series. Roberta and Angus wake up in Vegas together, not knowing what happened the night before. But, what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. Through a traumatic experience, they both realize they have feelings for each other, but both of them have unresolved issues, keeping them from a relationship.
Roberta and Angus are wonderful, lovable characters who I couldn’t help but root for on their way to their HEA. Serenity Woods writing kept me riveted from page one, especially during the traumatic event that was so unexpected, but a catalyst in the story.
This book can definitely be read as a standalone novel, but I highly recommend reading the others in the series, you won’t be disappointed!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Roberta and Angus are wonderful, lovable characters who I couldn’t help but root for on their way to their HEA. Serenity Woods writing kept me riveted from page one, especially during the traumatic event that was so unexpected, but a catalyst in the story.
This book can definitely be read as a standalone novel, but I highly recommend reading the others in the series, you won’t be disappointed!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
July 16, 2025
"Bride in Secret" opens with a brilliant first chapter that is hilarious. As the saying goes, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"—and what a rollercoaster of emotions ensues! This book is at times both funny and heart-wrenching, and incredibly romantic. Without giving away too much, it also explores serious themes such as grief, mortality, PTSD, and responsibility, all triggered by a life-changing event. And, of course, there's plenty of hot, life-affirming sex!
Angus harbours many secrets that create barriers to his intense attraction to Roberta. Can good friends become lovers? I love that the rest of the family makes an appearance in this book, but you don’t need to read the previous instalments to follow the story—you'll want to, though! I couldn't put the book down; it tugged at my heartstrings and kept me eager to know how it all ends. You won’t be disappointed!
Angus harbours many secrets that create barriers to his intense attraction to Roberta. Can good friends become lovers? I love that the rest of the family makes an appearance in this book, but you don’t need to read the previous instalments to follow the story—you'll want to, though! I couldn't put the book down; it tugged at my heartstrings and kept me eager to know how it all ends. You won’t be disappointed!
June 8, 2018
Bride in Secret will have you on the edge of your seat, will have you drooling and fanning yourself, will have you smiling, and most of all will have you happy you bought this book. Roberta and Angus each have reasons why a relationship between them should not be, but fate seems to have more reasons why one should. I think this is one of the author’s best efforts and if you are a Serenity fan you already know she writes really well and her stories always have a serious thread entwined. No spoilers will be given...just my recommendation that you enjoy. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.
June 8, 2018
Once again I felt like I was back with old friends. This book is so different from the stories Serenity has written before and I was drawn in from the first page. There is something for everyone. Mostly there are secrets and really big, life changing ones. A wedding in Las Vegas, a horrible tragedy, and two people who are drawn together by circumstances beyond their control.
I loved the characters and their struggles with a love neither was ready for or able to admit, and yet somehow life has a way of twisting you up, dangling you for a while, and then sitting you up in the most delicious and surprising places.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I loved the characters and their struggles with a love neither was ready for or able to admit, and yet somehow life has a way of twisting you up, dangling you for a while, and then sitting you up in the most delicious and surprising places.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 3, 2018
After reading the beginning of this book, I KNEW the direction it was taking. Boy, was I ever WRONG!
I was on the edge of my seat. I didn't want to put the book down because the surprises were still coming.
Roberta and Angus were so compatible that you couldn't help but cheer them on. They were friends with this incredible chemistry not envisioning the obstacles they would have to overcome.
A quick read that takes you through a range of emotions and ultimately leads you to Angus and Roberta's HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I was on the edge of my seat. I didn't want to put the book down because the surprises were still coming.
Roberta and Angus were so compatible that you couldn't help but cheer them on. They were friends with this incredible chemistry not envisioning the obstacles they would have to overcome.
A quick read that takes you through a range of emotions and ultimately leads you to Angus and Roberta's HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 8, 2018
Roberta finally gets her happy ever after! But it's not going to be straightforward!
After a drunken 'whoopsie' marriage in Vegas, and an eventful trip home the next days - Roberta and Angus are in a tricky situation - not helped by the secret Angus is keeping...
This is a wonderful read, the pace moves quickly and we get pop up visits from other characters in the series.
* I voluntarily reviewed this and received an ARC.
After a drunken 'whoopsie' marriage in Vegas, and an eventful trip home the next days - Roberta and Angus are in a tricky situation - not helped by the secret Angus is keeping...
This is a wonderful read, the pace moves quickly and we get pop up visits from other characters in the series.
* I voluntarily reviewed this and received an ARC.
June 9, 2018
Wow! This is the third book in the bay of island brides and my absolute favourite. Roberta was a favourite anyway after reading about her in the previous two books and Angus is the perfect man for her. This book had me enthralled from the first page. I laughed so much about their Vegas trip and then when they were on the way home I was on the edge of my seat. There was laughter and excitement and tears shed over this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one.
June 24, 2018
While the story was good and the plot had one twist after another which made for a richer story, there were a few things (at least one issue) that had happened towards the end that screamed to me "wait!what? why wasn't anyone making an issue of this?!!" However, it was justifiably explained at the end and resulted in the proper happy ending. Without giving too much away, the issue didnt sit right with me. So I just give it 2.5-3 stars.
September 19, 2018
Once again, Serenity Woods does not disappoint. Adding to her cast of characters for her Bay of Islands Brides series, Roberta and Angus continue the stories of the group of friends in the Bay of Islands. This is a book of the heart. From heart beating to heart thrilling to heart pounding to heart wrenching to heart throbbing to heart rending to heart melting to heart warming. A fantastic ride.
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book."
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book."
May 30, 2018
Interesting storyline 4.5*
Vegas wedding, tragedy and secrets! There is a lot going on right from the very beginning. Roberta is the third of the Goldsmith siblings to find her HEA but you don’t need to have read the previous stories to enjoy this romance. Recommended read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Vegas wedding, tragedy and secrets! There is a lot going on right from the very beginning. Roberta is the third of the Goldsmith siblings to find her HEA but you don’t need to have read the previous stories to enjoy this romance. Recommended read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 1, 2018
Love love loved this book. I loved the characters, and even wanted to kick them sometimes. There were some great twists and turns. The sexy scenes were steamy. And oh! That declaration of love! Spectacular!! The only complaint that I have, is that I wish the cats were seen in the book more.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.*
June 9, 2018
Bride In Secret was jammed packed with action, and yes, it is a romance novel!! There were crazy secrets, people popping up, so much intrigue and lots of steam. You will fall in love with Roberta and Angus, and you won’t want to put down the book until the end, then, you’ll want to hang out with the gang even when the book ends. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 20, 2018
The great thing about a series is that there's parts of the interactions you get before their book...and I'm really glad for it. So much of this read with the 'secret' just felt unnecessarily contrived drama, while there was no real need for it. All-in-all I did enjoy the read, but it just wasn't as good as the others in the series.
December 14, 2018
Another great story by Serenity. Angus and Roberta have been friends for awhile each secretly craving the other. A trip to Vegas leaves them with more than they bargained for and a slow burn starts although secrets could destroy everything. Hot, intense, with a dash of sadness mixed in. A great story and addition to the series.
January 25, 2019
Serenity Woods is an author that more people need to read. She never fails to bring original, decent, human characters to life as they develop unique, warm romances. I loved both characters in this romance, and this series is top notch every time. I highly recommend you getting to know this authors work.
September 8, 2025
More awesomeness!!
Serenity Woods can only write perfect love stories from my perspective! She knows exactly the right combination to making a beautiful love story come alive. The story of Angus and Roberta was incredibly wonderful and I couldn’t help but see the love liftoff the pages!! Well done, Miss Woods!
Serenity Woods can only write perfect love stories from my perspective! She knows exactly the right combination to making a beautiful love story come alive. The story of Angus and Roberta was incredibly wonderful and I couldn’t help but see the love liftoff the pages!! Well done, Miss Woods!
June 8, 2018
Oh, Serenity Woods, I just love your romance stories! I read them non-stop until I finish them and then reread. I love your romantic twists and turns, especially in Bride in Secret. Please don’t stop writing!! I will be rereading this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews