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Smokejumper #3
The Best Kept Secret
Nurse Nyla Franklin knows three things to be true. Taking care of others brings more joy than a basket full of kittens. A triple-fudge sundae can cure just about anything. And no good ever comes from keeping a secret… So when her best friend spills his biggest one ever, Nyla knows she’s not just holding a secret. She’s holding a ticking time bomb.
Mr. Always Does the Right Thing Leo Sayre knows three things to be true. Piloting smokejumpers over burning forests is the best job in the world. His best friend Nyla is the smartest, funniest, and okay, sexiest woman ever. And pain meds are apparently his truth serum. Now his post-surgery confession has everything flipped upside down and turned inside out… including his relationship with Nyla.
Secrets have a way of piling up, and it’s just a matter of time before someone lights a match. Because while the truth can set you free, it can also burn completely out of control…
Each book in the Where There’s Smoke series is STANDALONE:
* The Two-Date Rule
* Just a Little Bet
* The Best Kept Secret
Mr. Always Does the Right Thing Leo Sayre knows three things to be true. Piloting smokejumpers over burning forests is the best job in the world. His best friend Nyla is the smartest, funniest, and okay, sexiest woman ever. And pain meds are apparently his truth serum. Now his post-surgery confession has everything flipped upside down and turned inside out… including his relationship with Nyla.
Secrets have a way of piling up, and it’s just a matter of time before someone lights a match. Because while the truth can set you free, it can also burn completely out of control…
Each book in the Where There’s Smoke series is STANDALONE:
* The Two-Date Rule
* Just a Little Bet
* The Best Kept Secret
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
75 people are currently reading
4833 people want to read
About the author
Tawna Fenske
73 books1,616 followersWhen Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA Award finalist, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
March 20, 2022
This is a Romance, and this is the third book in the Where There’s Smoke series. I enjoyed the romance between the main characters, but there was a lot of family drama in this book. I have to say some of the family drama was not my favorite. I found this book easy to read, and it was fun to read. I laughed many times while I was reading this book. The characters where really good, and they came to live while I was reading this book. I cannot go into the part of this book that I did not love because it would spoil so of the book. I will say I did not love that the two main characters had a connection to each before they started their romance that bother me. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Entangled: Amara) or author (Tawna Fenske) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
February 19, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
You know how he is. Thinks he’s Mr. Fix-It, but he’s really more like Mr. Bean.
“Did I really say ‘hiding the hot dog’ to my parents?” “Yep.” He grinned, no longer able to fight it. “You did. Want us all to pretend you didn’t?”
Are we going to end up on one of those weird talk shows, throwing furniture?
My Review:
I smirked, cringed, and laughed aloud as I perused this missive. I am a devoted Tawna Fenske fan and this series is her best work yet. While reading, I have reveled in and continually admired the agile plotting and well-textured tales of all three highly amusing Smokejumper installments, although this one featured an unusually thorny issue and did so with humanizing and thoughtful sensitivity, perceptive insights, and clever humor. I adored these recognizable, witty, and endearing characters and wanted the best for them. The storylines were enjoyably entertaining and easy to follow with a cast of players all lovably flawed, generally well-meaning, and bumping along as best they can within a complicated family dynamic.
You know how he is. Thinks he’s Mr. Fix-It, but he’s really more like Mr. Bean.
“Did I really say ‘hiding the hot dog’ to my parents?” “Yep.” He grinned, no longer able to fight it. “You did. Want us all to pretend you didn’t?”
Are we going to end up on one of those weird talk shows, throwing furniture?
My Review:
I smirked, cringed, and laughed aloud as I perused this missive. I am a devoted Tawna Fenske fan and this series is her best work yet. While reading, I have reveled in and continually admired the agile plotting and well-textured tales of all three highly amusing Smokejumper installments, although this one featured an unusually thorny issue and did so with humanizing and thoughtful sensitivity, perceptive insights, and clever humor. I adored these recognizable, witty, and endearing characters and wanted the best for them. The storylines were enjoyably entertaining and easy to follow with a cast of players all lovably flawed, generally well-meaning, and bumping along as best they can within a complicated family dynamic.
July 10, 2022
I’ll start this off with this…This won’t be everybody’s cup of tea (or shot of Henny) but I loved it! Here’s why:
My first ever favorite romance trope was Siblings Best Friend. I didn’t know I needed the conflict and tension that comes with SIBLINGS EX PARTNER….until I read this book. I could see this getting lumped into “taboo” which…I love me some taboo…but this wasn’t that.
If anything, Tawna Fenske boldly explored this type of romance in a way that was believable, had me rooting for everyone in involved—and If anything—read it simply to see How to write a story with this trope and make it work. I feel like she gives you a blueprint on making a trope like this happen.
It was fun. The audio narration was fantastic. I was so hooked on this story! The entire trilogy is fantastic and each story has a piece of my heart and left me with something to think about, but this third book is hands down my favorite!
My first ever favorite romance trope was Siblings Best Friend. I didn’t know I needed the conflict and tension that comes with SIBLINGS EX PARTNER….until I read this book. I could see this getting lumped into “taboo” which…I love me some taboo…but this wasn’t that.
If anything, Tawna Fenske boldly explored this type of romance in a way that was believable, had me rooting for everyone in involved—and If anything—read it simply to see How to write a story with this trope and make it work. I feel like she gives you a blueprint on making a trope like this happen.
It was fun. The audio narration was fantastic. I was so hooked on this story! The entire trilogy is fantastic and each story has a piece of my heart and left me with something to think about, but this third book is hands down my favorite!
February 19, 2022
The Best Kept Secret is the third book in the Where There’s Smoke series, and, like the others, is a standalone. I found this book hard to review. I thought it was well-written, and the characters are dynamically developed and layered. I also like a lot of the themes. However, there are a couple of things that just weren’t for me.
Leo and Nyla are layered and interesting main characters. Leo is a wonderful man. Kind, generous, and caring, he is also really brave and a great dad. He has a lot of admirable qualities and is everything I love in a romantic hero. Nyla is great too. Fun, giving, loving, and a bit awkward, she can’t keep a secret to save her life. Both go through a lot over the course of the story, most especially dealing with the secrets they both carry.
I like Leo and Nyla’s chemistry and that they have a strong friendship as a foundation for their budding romance. Even before they admit their feelings, they show each other in so many ways how much they care for each other. And I like them together. They make a great couple. However, I struggled to get past the fact that Leo is Nyla’s sister’s ex-husband. This is one of my least favorite tropes, and I probably wouldn’t have read the book if I had known those were the dynamics. It makes for such complicated situations, especially with kids involved. How do you fall in love with your sister’s ex? It feels like such a betrayal, especially considering how close Nyla and her sister seem to be.
There is another part of the story that involves a secret Leo has been keeping. This further complicates an already complicated situation and adds so much more to the family drama. It’s interesting to see how each character deals with and faces the truth. It threatens to change everything, and there is a lot on the line for all of the characters.
Overall, The Best Kept Secret is an engaging story with likable characters, and I think this book will appeal to readers of contemporary romance even though it wasn’t the best fit for me. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Leo and Nyla are layered and interesting main characters. Leo is a wonderful man. Kind, generous, and caring, he is also really brave and a great dad. He has a lot of admirable qualities and is everything I love in a romantic hero. Nyla is great too. Fun, giving, loving, and a bit awkward, she can’t keep a secret to save her life. Both go through a lot over the course of the story, most especially dealing with the secrets they both carry.
I like Leo and Nyla’s chemistry and that they have a strong friendship as a foundation for their budding romance. Even before they admit their feelings, they show each other in so many ways how much they care for each other. And I like them together. They make a great couple. However, I struggled to get past the fact that Leo is Nyla’s sister’s ex-husband. This is one of my least favorite tropes, and I probably wouldn’t have read the book if I had known those were the dynamics. It makes for such complicated situations, especially with kids involved. How do you fall in love with your sister’s ex? It feels like such a betrayal, especially considering how close Nyla and her sister seem to be.
There is another part of the story that involves a secret Leo has been keeping. This further complicates an already complicated situation and adds so much more to the family drama. It’s interesting to see how each character deals with and faces the truth. It threatens to change everything, and there is a lot on the line for all of the characters.
Overall, The Best Kept Secret is an engaging story with likable characters, and I think this book will appeal to readers of contemporary romance even though it wasn’t the best fit for me. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2022
It's a known fact that Nyla can not keep a secret. That's why when Leo drops his secret while high on painkillers, she doesn't know how she is ever going to be able to keep this from the most important people in her life. Especially the ones who are affected by this secret. To prevent Nyla from spilling this secret, they spend more and more time together. But Leo is Nyla's
ex
brother-in-law. So as these two get closer and closer to each other, the web is getting more and more tangled. Can Nyla keep her lips sealed or will she spill the beans and ruin everything?
Okay, first of all. There was so much drama in this book. I mean not even the fact that Nyla is sleeping with Leo, who used to be married to her SISTER, but besides that. Between the families, the sisters, even with the kid! I also couldn't seem to wrap my head around the fact that everyone was totally okay with the fact that Leo is essentially sister hoping. Yes, they had been divorced before this for like 7 years, but still, is it not weird? I don't have a sister, but if I did, especially a sister who is as close as these two claim to be.. it would be weird.
Yes, I liked Nyla and Leo as characters, however their relationship seemed to move really fast. Sure, they were friends previously, but unless they were harbouring feelings for each other the whole time, it seems odd. Seth as a side character was adorable, however I did not care for Mandi. She seemed very flippant and at times condescending.
Regardless of the above, the book was fine. Well written, easy to read. But it felt very long and drawn out while the two were flirting with each other, but as soon as they were actually together, it felt was so rushed. Overall, the book was just that - fine, okay, meh, take it or leave it. 2/5 stars
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Publishers for a free copy of this book for my honest review.
Okay, first of all. There was so much drama in this book. I mean not even the fact that Nyla is sleeping with Leo, who used to be married to her SISTER, but besides that. Between the families, the sisters, even with the kid! I also couldn't seem to wrap my head around the fact that everyone was totally okay with the fact that Leo is essentially sister hoping. Yes, they had been divorced before this for like 7 years, but still, is it not weird? I don't have a sister, but if I did, especially a sister who is as close as these two claim to be.. it would be weird.
Yes, I liked Nyla and Leo as characters, however their relationship seemed to move really fast. Sure, they were friends previously, but unless they were harbouring feelings for each other the whole time, it seems odd. Seth as a side character was adorable, however I did not care for Mandi. She seemed very flippant and at times condescending.
Regardless of the above, the book was fine. Well written, easy to read. But it felt very long and drawn out while the two were flirting with each other, but as soon as they were actually together, it felt was so rushed. Overall, the book was just that - fine, okay, meh, take it or leave it. 2/5 stars
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Publishers for a free copy of this book for my honest review.
March 8, 2022
Tawna Fenske is a new author for me despite the fact that she's a very prolific romance author. I decided to give one of her books a chance and I enjoyed it so much that I had to buy the first two books in this new series. Not only do her pages give us some great romance but there's also a lot of humor in her stories. It may be time to check out another one of her series.
Nyla is a nurse who loves to take care of other people - not just patients in the hospital but also her family and friends and even her sister's ex-husband. After checking on Leo after his dental surgery, the drugs that they gave him made him very talkative and he blurted out a secret that floored Nyla. She is known in her family as the person who can't keep a secret and it's a real struggle for her to keep quiet. As she and Leo spend time talking about the big secret, there is a spark between them. Can she fall in love with her sister's ex and will her sister and her family understand or be angry?
The romance between Nyla and Leo is great and their humor in rough situations is cute. There was a lot of family drama in this book and that took away from the romance. Plus, I had a problem believing that a sister would be happy about her sister falling in love with her ex husband. But the good far outweighed the bad in this book and it was a fun book to read.
Nyla is a nurse who loves to take care of other people - not just patients in the hospital but also her family and friends and even her sister's ex-husband. After checking on Leo after his dental surgery, the drugs that they gave him made him very talkative and he blurted out a secret that floored Nyla. She is known in her family as the person who can't keep a secret and it's a real struggle for her to keep quiet. As she and Leo spend time talking about the big secret, there is a spark between them. Can she fall in love with her sister's ex and will her sister and her family understand or be angry?
The romance between Nyla and Leo is great and their humor in rough situations is cute. There was a lot of family drama in this book and that took away from the romance. Plus, I had a problem believing that a sister would be happy about her sister falling in love with her ex husband. But the good far outweighed the bad in this book and it was a fun book to read.
March 15, 2022
This is such a fun read. I was laughing so much. I love when I can really have an enjoyable time with a book as it makes it an easy read. Everyone was so engaging but the star is Nyla. She and her "big mouth" had me loving her. I never knew what would come out of her mouth next. Nyla really is horrible at keeping secrets. Yet, I am glad she can't keep a secret otherwise these gems of sayings would not have been spoken..."dunking the donut, hiding the hotdog, and baking the potato".
Even though Leo is so nice and he and Nyla did share good chemistry, I was not feeling it in the beginning. This is because they both were a bit awkward with one another in taking their relationship from friends to lovers. Yet, when they moved past that stage it was steamy. Romance readers looking for their next friends to lovers read will want to pick up a copy of The Best Kept Secret by Tawna Fenske.
Even though Leo is so nice and he and Nyla did share good chemistry, I was not feeling it in the beginning. This is because they both were a bit awkward with one another in taking their relationship from friends to lovers. Yet, when they moved past that stage it was steamy. Romance readers looking for their next friends to lovers read will want to pick up a copy of The Best Kept Secret by Tawna Fenske.
March 3, 2022
Leo and Nyla's story was so much more than *just* a rom-com. Did I laugh out loud while reading it? Yes--so many times. I couldn't help but feel that Ms Fenske took at least a little inspiration from I Love Lucy reruns, because many of the situations that (mostly) Nyla found herself in were just bordering on the slapstick side of humor. Funny? Absolutely! 100% believable? Maybe not...but still had me LOLing :)
But there was a deeper side to the story and to the characters too. First, there's the titular secret--and whoa, is it a doozy. It definitely helped to balance out the sometimes-silliness. Then there's the secondary secrets that pop up along the way--some big ones, some smaller ones; goodness, so. Many. Secrets. The secret that Leo and Nyla start a relationship (not a spoiler, since hello, they're the hero and heroine of a romance novel) is complicated by the fact that they're not just friends, he's also her sister's ex-husband. I'll admit I had some initial reservations about this but honestly feel it was handled well. It's obvious that Leo and Nyla are a much better fit than Leo and Mandi, and I liked that (eventually, once *most* of the secrets are out of the way) everyone handled it like grownps. Even Leo and Mandi's young teen, Seth ;)
The epilogue was sweetly satisfying and provided a nice resolution to a relationship hiccup that had occured earlier (it's not as intense as a true black moment, but it did make you wonder a bit). It's been a while since I've read a Tawna Fenske book, but this one made sure that I won't go so long again!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
But there was a deeper side to the story and to the characters too. First, there's the titular secret--and whoa, is it a doozy. It definitely helped to balance out the sometimes-silliness. Then there's the secondary secrets that pop up along the way--some big ones, some smaller ones; goodness, so. Many. Secrets. The secret that Leo and Nyla start a relationship (not a spoiler, since hello, they're the hero and heroine of a romance novel) is complicated by the fact that they're not just friends, he's also her sister's ex-husband. I'll admit I had some initial reservations about this but honestly feel it was handled well. It's obvious that Leo and Nyla are a much better fit than Leo and Mandi, and I liked that (eventually, once *most* of the secrets are out of the way) everyone handled it like grownps. Even Leo and Mandi's young teen, Seth ;)
The epilogue was sweetly satisfying and provided a nice resolution to a relationship hiccup that had occured earlier (it's not as intense as a true black moment, but it did make you wonder a bit). It's been a while since I've read a Tawna Fenske book, but this one made sure that I won't go so long again!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 26, 2021
I first heard about Tawna Fenske in August of 2015 when her book "About That Fling" was featured as a "Kindle First." I have fallen in love with the way that she tells a story. Her characters are fun, and even ones you may not like at first tend to grow on you. Since then, I have read anything that I have found by Tawna.
I really liked Leo in "Just A Little Bet," so I was excited to get a chance to know more about his story. Like that book, while there are comedic aspects, it has serious aspects as well. I ended up being just as torn as the characters were in this story.
Not to give too much away, but I truly understood the struggle that Leo went through in regards to Seth due to my own complex family relationship. Although my older brothers have a different biological father than my sister and I, I know that my Dad never made them feel like he loved us more than them. It takes someone special to commit to raising a child that is not biologically theirs.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I am really glad I got to get a front row seat to Leo and Nyla’s story. It was very complex, and so worth the wait!
**A received an advanced reader copy for my honest review**
I really liked Leo in "Just A Little Bet," so I was excited to get a chance to know more about his story. Like that book, while there are comedic aspects, it has serious aspects as well. I ended up being just as torn as the characters were in this story.
Not to give too much away, but I truly understood the struggle that Leo went through in regards to Seth due to my own complex family relationship. Although my older brothers have a different biological father than my sister and I, I know that my Dad never made them feel like he loved us more than them. It takes someone special to commit to raising a child that is not biologically theirs.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I am really glad I got to get a front row seat to Leo and Nyla’s story. It was very complex, and so worth the wait!
**A received an advanced reader copy for my honest review**
December 22, 2021
Secrets can be a good thing. Or they can damage relationships and tear situations apart. The Franklin family has many secrets that come to light during this book. Only, some are, in fact, not so secret. The two funniest scenes are when Leo is loopy from pain meds and when Nyla is drunk and spills the beans. Add in some awkward family situations and hot intimate scenes, and this book is a winner. Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled-Amara for the early read.
December 17, 2021
Total turn-off. The H is her older sister's ex-husband. And then there's drama llama. Turns out her nephew, the kid of the H and her older sister, isn't really the H's kid. Because beloved older sister (and the ex of the H) had an affair!!!! Angst. Hiding. But it all ends happily ever after anyway.
Not my cuppa. Sorry to the fans.
Not my cuppa. Sorry to the fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2022
Trigger warning: infidelity (past)
Trope: second chances, never-too-late, best friends
The main characters are:-
Nyla Franklin: single, a nurse
Leo Josiah Sayre: fireman/smokejumper, brother-in-law of Nyla, previously married to Nyla's sister - Mandi, owns his own business - Sayre Air Tankers
Location: Northern Washington, Pacific Northwest
The writing is easy to relate to and can be read in one sitting.
Unfortunately, it took me longer than expected to get through this. Why is that?
I appreciate the author wants to relay the beauty of second chances in the book. The connection and history between best friends is always a great relationship builder to more extraordinary things, BUT I had trouble with how the mix came around. The story is a relative connecting with another. Note: Leo's divorce from Nyla's sister was in the past, and Nyla did not cause it. I had a more challenging time accepting the relationship beyond the in-law's level. I have not chosen books that would bring me to this relationship mix, and I was not prepared for such a thing based on the premise.
I enjoyed the book's healing aspects of what happens after a divorce and the impact of infidelity. It also hindered me from reading the book in one go since anytime a child is involved in the "said secrets," I had to take breaks to reset my heart and mindset to push on with the book. I like how the author resolved this part of the book and how mature and genuine these characters' reactions are.
Overall, even if The Best Kept Secret was an excellent read and did achieve my thirst for second chances, I did not connect well with the characters. Maybe because the concept was beyond my norms and the odd situation presented. Nonetheless, it is a good book for tropes who like the brother-in-law/sister-in-law and healing families tropes from past secrets and shocking revelations. The author explored the ever-changing family dynamics and relationships, and the ending was well written.
**Thank you to Entangled Publishing/Amara Publishing for supplying me with a copy of the book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author and/or publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. A positive review is not required.**
Trope: second chances, never-too-late, best friends
The main characters are:-
Nyla Franklin: single, a nurse
Leo Josiah Sayre: fireman/smokejumper, brother-in-law of Nyla, previously married to Nyla's sister - Mandi, owns his own business - Sayre Air Tankers
Location: Northern Washington, Pacific Northwest
The writing is easy to relate to and can be read in one sitting.
Unfortunately, it took me longer than expected to get through this. Why is that?
I appreciate the author wants to relay the beauty of second chances in the book. The connection and history between best friends is always a great relationship builder to more extraordinary things, BUT I had trouble with how the mix came around. The story is a relative connecting with another. Note: Leo's divorce from Nyla's sister was in the past, and Nyla did not cause it. I had a more challenging time accepting the relationship beyond the in-law's level. I have not chosen books that would bring me to this relationship mix, and I was not prepared for such a thing based on the premise.
I enjoyed the book's healing aspects of what happens after a divorce and the impact of infidelity. It also hindered me from reading the book in one go since anytime a child is involved in the "said secrets," I had to take breaks to reset my heart and mindset to push on with the book. I like how the author resolved this part of the book and how mature and genuine these characters' reactions are.
Overall, even if The Best Kept Secret was an excellent read and did achieve my thirst for second chances, I did not connect well with the characters. Maybe because the concept was beyond my norms and the odd situation presented. Nonetheless, it is a good book for tropes who like the brother-in-law/sister-in-law and healing families tropes from past secrets and shocking revelations. The author explored the ever-changing family dynamics and relationships, and the ending was well written.
**Thank you to Entangled Publishing/Amara Publishing for supplying me with a copy of the book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author and/or publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. A positive review is not required.**
February 23, 2022
Oh my - The best Kept Secret - book 3 in Fenske's Smokejumper series was packed with a tangle of family secrets and lies. It's a known fact in the family that Nyla can't keep a secret to save her life. This puts her in a very sticky situation when she goes to check on her ex brother in law after a minor surgery - because pain meds make Leo ultra loopy. So, when he spills his guts, Nyla goes into a tailspin.
Strategizing how to to move forward, knowing Nyla can't keep this secret log term. But what really blows them of their minds is the attraction that's brewing between them. This is Nyla's sister's ex husband. Neither of them have ever considered the possibility of a relationship. They've known each other most of their lives, and Leo has always been, well, her sisters, despite the divorce.
But eventually, the two realize fighting the attraction their feeling is virtually pointless. Which adds one more layer to the web, and Leo just know's that Nyla can't keep it in.
I loved this story, watching the relationship build between Nyla and Leo, unwinding the past and build between them, and dealing with the repercussions their actions will result in. The Best Kept Secret is both full of the drama around them dating on top of unwinding years of secrets, including determining the best way to let their families in on the most recent developments along with the convoluted past.
Leo and Nyla were built for each other, supportive of each other's dreams and insuring plotting the best way to share the history between Leo and Nyla's sister. And of of course, the comedy was so funny, Nyla managed to get herself into some crazy situations that had me just cracking up. I definitely recomend you grab this book today!
Strategizing how to to move forward, knowing Nyla can't keep this secret log term. But what really blows them of their minds is the attraction that's brewing between them. This is Nyla's sister's ex husband. Neither of them have ever considered the possibility of a relationship. They've known each other most of their lives, and Leo has always been, well, her sisters, despite the divorce.
But eventually, the two realize fighting the attraction their feeling is virtually pointless. Which adds one more layer to the web, and Leo just know's that Nyla can't keep it in.
I loved this story, watching the relationship build between Nyla and Leo, unwinding the past and build between them, and dealing with the repercussions their actions will result in. The Best Kept Secret is both full of the drama around them dating on top of unwinding years of secrets, including determining the best way to let their families in on the most recent developments along with the convoluted past.
Leo and Nyla were built for each other, supportive of each other's dreams and insuring plotting the best way to share the history between Leo and Nyla's sister. And of of course, the comedy was so funny, Nyla managed to get herself into some crazy situations that had me just cracking up. I definitely recomend you grab this book today!
March 21, 2022
The Best Kept Secret was a well written book, and it's definitely the book for someone out there, but that someone was not me. I liked it just fine, but the tropes were some of my least favorite and, had I known going into it who Nyla was to Leo, I probably would have skipped it. Honestly, it ended up feeling a bit like an episode of Summer House by the end, but there were some redeeming moments and, while I really hated the overall storyline and it felt way more like a family drama than a romance, I didn't hate the book as a whole.
I really can't say too much without spoiling the storyline, so I won't, but all in all, I prefer the first two books in the series so far. I'm not giving up on this author, though, and I'm still hopeful for another Smokejumper book so I can't wait to see if I can get back on track with these stories.
If you do want to know what tropes really caused me to lose my mind, I'll hide them behind a spoiler line --
[I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]
I really can't say too much without spoiling the storyline, so I won't, but all in all, I prefer the first two books in the series so far. I'm not giving up on this author, though, and I'm still hopeful for another Smokejumper book so I can't wait to see if I can get back on track with these stories.
If you do want to know what tropes really caused me to lose my mind, I'll hide them behind a spoiler line --
[I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]
February 16, 2022
All the beans are spilled!
At its heart, this book is a delightful friends-to-lovers romance. Of course it's complicated by the fact that Leo and Nyla are only friends because of his earlier marriage to her sister, Mandi. The fun starts when Nyla, a nurse, checks on Leo after a minor surgery, and in his painkiller fog he blurts out a family secret that Nyla, who is known for not being able to keep any secret, knows will devastate her family if it is ever revealed.
There'd be enough tension and angst if there was only the one secret, but as their friendship grows closer Leo and Nyla unearth more buried secrets while creating a few new ones of their own. I love all the humor sprinkled throughout, and Leo and Nyla have enough chemistry to light the entire West Coast on fire. Even more, though, I appreciated the emotional depth that the author gave to the very serious storyline. These are characters that you'll fall in love with, and I respected the author for not making any of the secondary cast into lesser characters just for the drama.
The delicacy in handling the three-way relationships between Nyla, Leo, and Mandi was brilliantly balanced while still feeling as real as a gut-punch. All the expected emotions are expressed and addressed without being over the top. I also gained a new respect for mimosas, and have to commend the author for Nyla's hilariously realistic drunken inner monologue.
The only thing I wish had been different is that we don't really get to interact with any of the other smokejumpers that Leo works with. Aside from one brief scene, the story takes place entirely within Nyla and Leo's families, making this standalone romance feel almost like it's not even connected to the series.
This book was thoroughly captivating, one that I read slowly and reread passages as I went along, eager to savor the experience and not willing to rush to the finish. I have already marked the books in this series for a binge reread once they're all out. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
At its heart, this book is a delightful friends-to-lovers romance. Of course it's complicated by the fact that Leo and Nyla are only friends because of his earlier marriage to her sister, Mandi. The fun starts when Nyla, a nurse, checks on Leo after a minor surgery, and in his painkiller fog he blurts out a family secret that Nyla, who is known for not being able to keep any secret, knows will devastate her family if it is ever revealed.
There'd be enough tension and angst if there was only the one secret, but as their friendship grows closer Leo and Nyla unearth more buried secrets while creating a few new ones of their own. I love all the humor sprinkled throughout, and Leo and Nyla have enough chemistry to light the entire West Coast on fire. Even more, though, I appreciated the emotional depth that the author gave to the very serious storyline. These are characters that you'll fall in love with, and I respected the author for not making any of the secondary cast into lesser characters just for the drama.
The delicacy in handling the three-way relationships between Nyla, Leo, and Mandi was brilliantly balanced while still feeling as real as a gut-punch. All the expected emotions are expressed and addressed without being over the top. I also gained a new respect for mimosas, and have to commend the author for Nyla's hilariously realistic drunken inner monologue.
The only thing I wish had been different is that we don't really get to interact with any of the other smokejumpers that Leo works with. Aside from one brief scene, the story takes place entirely within Nyla and Leo's families, making this standalone romance feel almost like it's not even connected to the series.
This book was thoroughly captivating, one that I read slowly and reread passages as I went along, eager to savor the experience and not willing to rush to the finish. I have already marked the books in this series for a binge reread once they're all out. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 7, 2022
***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***
I wasn't sure about this one at the beginning, it seemed like there was a lot going on around Nyla and Leo and that it was going to be one of those titles where the hero and heroine get lost amongst all of the other people in the book.
However, once the others who were in their lives were introduced, it stopped being about the other people and focused well on Nyla and Leo.
I am a sucker for a good forbidden romance, and there is definitely a balance between writing one well, and making it so forbidden that the reader is never really willing to believe the romance would be worth it, no matter the attraction. This one was well balanced, and I believed the attraction, the reason that the attraction would work, and also that the hurdles were not so great that they wouldn't be willing to pursue something with one another.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
I wasn't sure about this one at the beginning, it seemed like there was a lot going on around Nyla and Leo and that it was going to be one of those titles where the hero and heroine get lost amongst all of the other people in the book.
However, once the others who were in their lives were introduced, it stopped being about the other people and focused well on Nyla and Leo.
I am a sucker for a good forbidden romance, and there is definitely a balance between writing one well, and making it so forbidden that the reader is never really willing to believe the romance would be worth it, no matter the attraction. This one was well balanced, and I believed the attraction, the reason that the attraction would work, and also that the hurdles were not so great that they wouldn't be willing to pursue something with one another.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
December 1, 2021
Thanks for the publisher for this ARC, which I read in exchange for my honest review.
Content warning: parental death from cancer (past), divorce, infidelity, unplanned pregnancy
Nyla is nurse, an aunt, a devoted sister and daughter; she’s always doing for others, including dropping in to check on her ex-brother-in-law after surgery. Leo is an ex-smokejumper, a pilot, a devoted father and son, and he always puts others first, including delaying the big cross-country motorcycle trip that was his late father’s dream. When Leo lets slip a big secret to Nyla—the worst secret keeper ever—it sets off a chain of difficult conversations, but also brings Leo and Nyla together in a new not-sibling-y way.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Leo is generous and sweet, but not a martyr; Nyla is awkward and bumbling, though she always means well. I could have done with a bit less self-flagellation and guilt from Nyla over the secrets she’s holding on to—that part seemed to drag out a lot.
Content warning: parental death from cancer (past), divorce, infidelity, unplanned pregnancy
Nyla is nurse, an aunt, a devoted sister and daughter; she’s always doing for others, including dropping in to check on her ex-brother-in-law after surgery. Leo is an ex-smokejumper, a pilot, a devoted father and son, and he always puts others first, including delaying the big cross-country motorcycle trip that was his late father’s dream. When Leo lets slip a big secret to Nyla—the worst secret keeper ever—it sets off a chain of difficult conversations, but also brings Leo and Nyla together in a new not-sibling-y way.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Leo is generous and sweet, but not a martyr; Nyla is awkward and bumbling, though she always means well. I could have done with a bit less self-flagellation and guilt from Nyla over the secrets she’s holding on to—that part seemed to drag out a lot.
March 30, 2022
After his surgery, Nyla comes to check in on Leo (her best friend & ex-brother-in-law) and to pick up something for her nephew. Leo is a little loopy from his post-op meds, and for some reason, they have made him decide to tell Nyla his biggest secret.
Now Nyla needs to decide what to do with the information Leo has just handed her. And then, how do Nyla and Leo keep this secret, or should I say secrets, that are burning between them?
This is super fun and a sexy friends-to-lovers romance. It has some sticky family drama, as everyone has secrets. But there are some heartfelt and even funny moments. Leo and Nyla are great characters. And don’t be put off by this being book 3; it does stand alone within the series.
Thank you to @entangled_publishing @tawnafenskebooks, and @tlcbooktours for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
Now Nyla needs to decide what to do with the information Leo has just handed her. And then, how do Nyla and Leo keep this secret, or should I say secrets, that are burning between them?
This is super fun and a sexy friends-to-lovers romance. It has some sticky family drama, as everyone has secrets. But there are some heartfelt and even funny moments. Leo and Nyla are great characters. And don’t be put off by this being book 3; it does stand alone within the series.
Thank you to @entangled_publishing @tawnafenskebooks, and @tlcbooktours for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
February 17, 2022
I have to say I really enjoyed reading The Best Kept Secret. It is a funny, sweet story full of family drama. Throw in some steamy romance and you get a great story.
Main character, Nyla, cannot keep a secret…..something happened when she was a young child that just makes it impossible for her to keep a secret from others. Enter Leo her sisters ex husband….who has a big secret that Nyla discovers. Can she keep this secret?
All the characters are just fun to get to know.
I found The Best Kept Secret to be a fast, humorous, easy read which is something I need in my life to keep me sane.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Main character, Nyla, cannot keep a secret…..something happened when she was a young child that just makes it impossible for her to keep a secret from others. Enter Leo her sisters ex husband….who has a big secret that Nyla discovers. Can she keep this secret?
All the characters are just fun to get to know.
I found The Best Kept Secret to be a fast, humorous, easy read which is something I need in my life to keep me sane.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 31, 2022
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for an e-arc of this book! I really enjoyed the characters and their family dynamics. Nyla and Mandi are both incredibly strong and empowered women and I really liked the focus on sisterhood. This book also shows that families are messy and you don't need to be blood relatives to love someone or create a relationship with them. I also thought Nyla was so relatable in her lack of ability to keep secrets or have all her emotions written on her face. This was a sweet read with a tiny bit of spice and I just felt so cozy and comforted. The Best Kept Secret was super fun and enjoyable and I'm definitely excited to read more of Tawna Fenske's books!
February 19, 2022
How hard could it be to keep a secret??? Well, if you are Nyla…Leo’s friend and ex-sister-in-law…it is pretty dang hard! But when Leo spills the beans on a HUGE secret while under prescription pain meds…holding this secret in might just do her in! Add in another huge secret…and yeah.
I enjoyed this book, but talk about a lot of family drama! This third book in the Smokejumper series will make you laugh and say “UGH”, and be like “ooohhh….this is getting more complicated”….and plus, there is some heat!
The characters were great and the storyline was really good. Author Tawna Fenske is one of my rom-com go-to authors. She definitely knows how to make a reader laugh. This one, not as much, but still funny! I will give this a solid 4 stars!
I enjoyed this book, but talk about a lot of family drama! This third book in the Smokejumper series will make you laugh and say “UGH”, and be like “ooohhh….this is getting more complicated”….and plus, there is some heat!
The characters were great and the storyline was really good. Author Tawna Fenske is one of my rom-com go-to authors. She definitely knows how to make a reader laugh. This one, not as much, but still funny! I will give this a solid 4 stars!
December 20, 2021
Poor Nyla couldn’t keep a secret to save her life! It was funny that everyone knew it too and tried not to tell her any secrets. I loved how close Nyla and her sister Mandi were, but it also caused problems. Nyla had always been close to Leo, Mandi’s now ex husband. When Nyla went over to Leo’s house to help him after a dental procedure, Leo let out a big secret. I think this helped the two to grow closer together. Leo and Mandi’s son Seth was a preteen and a character. I loved him. As Nyla and Leo became closer, I kept wondering how that was going to affect the hole dynamics of the families, especially with Mandi and Mandi and Leo’s son Seth. There were some funny things happening throughout the book that had me laughing out loud! This was such a refreshing book because of the laughter. I encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
February 22, 2022
This author has a gift for taking lesser used (and sometimes uncomfortable) themes and turning them into an entertaining, feel-good read. The Best Kept Secret is no different and while the main female character hooking up with her sister's ex-husband is definitely not a trope I'd normally seek out, it was done well here, without too much drama and with plenty of laughs along the way. Nyla is notorious for not being able to keep a secret to save herself, often putting and others in awkward situations as she actively plays out her policy of it being better to be open and honest, firmly believing secrets only lead to hurt in the long run. When her sister's ex, Leo, who's also the book's male lead, unintentionally blurts out a bombshell that has the potential to rock her family's world as they know it, Nyla struggles to keep it under wraps and keep all parties oblivious. As the pressure on her builds to the extent that a geyser would be impressed of, Nyla is unsure if she'll be able to pretend everything is okay and stop those she loves from being hurt. And because life is never that simple, the attraction level between her and Leo heats up, going from close, but platonic, friends to can't get you off my mind and want to tear your clothes off intensity.
I wasn't sure how I'd go with Nyla and Leo's blossoming chemistry, but the author handled their developing relationship tastefully and realistically (quick note - Leo has been divorced from her sister for years). While you can kind of guess there's going to be a reveal/altercation of some shape or form, it wasn't dragged out (thank goodness!) which made for much more entertaining reading, especially since this trope has the possibility to making the relationships in the book turn a bit icky, over the top and end in an dissatisfying way. I didn't find this was a case here and once I got my head around the first third or so of the book, I really enjoyed the ride and all of the characters, including Nyla's sister (and Leo's ex), Mandi. Children as main characters in books also tend to fall into the 'love them' or 'set it all on fire' category for me, but I loved their son, Seth. Considering he was a key element to the story, his character supported the plot, rather that pushed it off the rails.
I found there was a little bit of repetition in the first part of the book, particularly surrounding the fact that Nyla couldn't keep a secret due to an event in her past. While I figured it came up often because it's a key component of the entire book, I felt it came up pretty frequently and almost made Nyla annoyingly fixated on her issues with secrets. After the first few chapters of the book, however, having established the fact that she's atrocious and almost obsessively idealistic about not keeping secrets, I really enjoyed Nyla's character. She was compassionate and came across as a bit lonely due to a bitter split between her and her tool of an ex who ended it after nine or so years. I especially enjoyed reading about the relationship between her and Mandi and thought this was done well, particularly due to the unique circumstances between her and Leo. I loved that the author didn't take any cheap shots and turn the sister into a shrew or mess up the mostly amicable relationship all the main characters had with each other, keeping the bond between the sisters tight and relatable. It would be remiss not to mention Leo, either. I loved his character. He was just the right balance of sweet and steamy with a great 'nice guy next door' vibe going on in the best of ways. His character and how he reacted to certain situations was realistic and just made him all that much more likeable.
While the book is called The Best Kept Secret, there are a few doozies thrown Nyla's way throughout the book. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything, but they kept the book moving at a decent pace and made for a great read. Tawna Fenske always does a terrific job showing human frailty in unusual circumstances that don't always show all characters in the best light - this is actually one of the reasons I love her work as it takes me out of my comfort zone and makes me reflect on what I'm reading (sometimes, there's no easy solution and not everyone can stay squeaky clean, making for a much more realistic read). This book is no different and I'm happy to say I still loved all of the characters at the end of the story and I finished the book with a happy heart.
Overall, I ended up going from being a bit unsure about the main themes to really enjoying this book. It had several laugh out loud moments and, as always with this author, had a hard-earned happy ending that made my heart smile. It was well written, funny, had some awkward moments thrown in as well a bit of steam here and there. Oh, and as an aside - there's a really amusing part in the book that involves holding anatomy instead of one's breath (think of something that sounds similar) during a medical procedure. I've actually done this myself when I got my first fake tan so if you're thinking it's over the top and would never happen, I'm happy to report that you're reading a review written by someone stupid enough to do this themselves lol. Happy days.
I wasn't sure how I'd go with Nyla and Leo's blossoming chemistry, but the author handled their developing relationship tastefully and realistically (quick note - Leo has been divorced from her sister for years). While you can kind of guess there's going to be a reveal/altercation of some shape or form, it wasn't dragged out (thank goodness!) which made for much more entertaining reading, especially since this trope has the possibility to making the relationships in the book turn a bit icky, over the top and end in an dissatisfying way. I didn't find this was a case here and once I got my head around the first third or so of the book, I really enjoyed the ride and all of the characters, including Nyla's sister (and Leo's ex), Mandi. Children as main characters in books also tend to fall into the 'love them' or 'set it all on fire' category for me, but I loved their son, Seth. Considering he was a key element to the story, his character supported the plot, rather that pushed it off the rails.
I found there was a little bit of repetition in the first part of the book, particularly surrounding the fact that Nyla couldn't keep a secret due to an event in her past. While I figured it came up often because it's a key component of the entire book, I felt it came up pretty frequently and almost made Nyla annoyingly fixated on her issues with secrets. After the first few chapters of the book, however, having established the fact that she's atrocious and almost obsessively idealistic about not keeping secrets, I really enjoyed Nyla's character. She was compassionate and came across as a bit lonely due to a bitter split between her and her tool of an ex who ended it after nine or so years. I especially enjoyed reading about the relationship between her and Mandi and thought this was done well, particularly due to the unique circumstances between her and Leo. I loved that the author didn't take any cheap shots and turn the sister into a shrew or mess up the mostly amicable relationship all the main characters had with each other, keeping the bond between the sisters tight and relatable. It would be remiss not to mention Leo, either. I loved his character. He was just the right balance of sweet and steamy with a great 'nice guy next door' vibe going on in the best of ways. His character and how he reacted to certain situations was realistic and just made him all that much more likeable.
While the book is called The Best Kept Secret, there are a few doozies thrown Nyla's way throughout the book. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything, but they kept the book moving at a decent pace and made for a great read. Tawna Fenske always does a terrific job showing human frailty in unusual circumstances that don't always show all characters in the best light - this is actually one of the reasons I love her work as it takes me out of my comfort zone and makes me reflect on what I'm reading (sometimes, there's no easy solution and not everyone can stay squeaky clean, making for a much more realistic read). This book is no different and I'm happy to say I still loved all of the characters at the end of the story and I finished the book with a happy heart.
Overall, I ended up going from being a bit unsure about the main themes to really enjoying this book. It had several laugh out loud moments and, as always with this author, had a hard-earned happy ending that made my heart smile. It was well written, funny, had some awkward moments thrown in as well a bit of steam here and there. Oh, and as an aside - there's a really amusing part in the book that involves holding anatomy instead of one's breath (think of something that sounds similar) during a medical procedure. I've actually done this myself when I got my first fake tan so if you're thinking it's over the top and would never happen, I'm happy to report that you're reading a review written by someone stupid enough to do this themselves lol. Happy days.
February 13, 2022
4.5/5 stars
Thank you Entangled Publishing (Entangled: Amara) and Netgallery for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Nyla Franklin, is a nurse and she can not keep a secret to save her life. It both endearing and troubling at the same time. So when her best friend, Leo Sayre is doped up on medicine from his surgery and spills a secret that will change everything they know - she panics. And rightfully so.
Reading about Nyla and Leo was such a pleasure. You feel every bit of their chemistry, even when they are put in some of the most awkward and uncomfortable situations. I loved watching their relationship unfold on page and might have pulled a couple all-nighters for it. I also loved how each character had their own wants and dreams outside of their relationship. They felt real and I cried and laughed alongside them.
This is was my first book by Tawna Fenske, but it definitely will not be my last. I look forward to her next release.
Thank you Entangled Publishing (Entangled: Amara) and Netgallery for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Nyla Franklin, is a nurse and she can not keep a secret to save her life. It both endearing and troubling at the same time. So when her best friend, Leo Sayre is doped up on medicine from his surgery and spills a secret that will change everything they know - she panics. And rightfully so.
Reading about Nyla and Leo was such a pleasure. You feel every bit of their chemistry, even when they are put in some of the most awkward and uncomfortable situations. I loved watching their relationship unfold on page and might have pulled a couple all-nighters for it. I also loved how each character had their own wants and dreams outside of their relationship. They felt real and I cried and laughed alongside them.
This is was my first book by Tawna Fenske, but it definitely will not be my last. I look forward to her next release.
April 29, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
When I started this book I was a bit worried...Nyla's relationship with Leo is WAY more complicated than the blurb makes out! But, her ability (or not) to lie is hilarious! Wasn't a huge fan of Nyla's sister but she does improve.
When I started this book I was a bit worried...Nyla's relationship with Leo is WAY more complicated than the blurb makes out! But, her ability (or not) to lie is hilarious! Wasn't a huge fan of Nyla's sister but she does improve.
December 13, 2022
You remember that whole pivot thing on friends with the couch? Well picture that but with two women and the couch falling down and hitting a dude right in the nuts lol. I probably shouldn’t have laughed that hard but oh I did. This book kept me chuckling.
February 26, 2022
A little joy. A little laughter. And perhaps a happily ever after. Treat your heart to the lighter side of life with a bit of angst sprinkled along the way. Fenske turns romance into a delightful brand of swoon that tempts you to taste and leaves your emotions craving more.
May 16, 2022
What a family fiasco...secrets galore. Enjoyed this one and made my life feeling a bit boring.
January 18, 2022
This is the first time that I’ve read any novels from author, Tawna Fenske. Where to start with “The Best Kept Secret”? What I thought sounded like a fun and light-hearted read from the description was not quite what it read out to be on the pages. I believe this is part of a series, however having not read the other two, I think it holds its own as a standalone.
The story begins with Nyla finding out that her ex-brother-in-law, Leo did not father her nephew. This information spilled from Leo’s mouth after being heavily medicated from a dental procedure. Nyla is one who literally can’t keep any secrets, so this issue bothers her so much that she insists that she and Leo confront her sister, Mandi and get to the bottom of the betrayal. Thus, the crux and start of family drama at its best.
After the secret is revealed between the three, there still is this underlying budding attraction that builds between Leo and Nyla. This story is filled with quite a bit of family drama that was too much for my taste. Although Nyla and Leo remained friends despite her sister’s divorce, I could not get over the fact that she becomes attracted to her sister’s ex, sleeps with him and basically the family thinks this is okay. Yes, they may be good friends however for me, divorce is divorce and there is fine line you don’t cross when it comes to sisters and the men they date or marry. This I found very weird although it might happen in this day and age.
Did I like the main characters? Very much so because I thought they were genuine people who had loving hearts, but harboring feelings more that friendship created more fuel to the secrets kept. On the other hand, her sister Mandi appeared dismissive and condescending, considering she was the source of the infidelity in her and Leo’s marriage. Not telling him the truth because the real father was deceased was totally heartless.
I thought this was an interesting trope and could not categorize it as a friends-to-lovers because of the dynamics involved. I think the author did a good job with the plot and getting the main characters to their HEA without touching to much on taboo of getting involved with your sister’s ex. Despite this fact, it was an entertaining story that had its funny moments that made me laugh out loud. Although it did not appeal to me as much overall, it was an engaging contemporary romance.
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
This is the first time that I’ve read any novels from author, Tawna Fenske. Where to start with “The Best Kept Secret”? What I thought sounded like a fun and light-hearted read from the description was not quite what it read out to be on the pages. I believe this is part of a series, however having not read the other two, I think it holds its own as a standalone.
The story begins with Nyla finding out that her ex-brother-in-law, Leo did not father her nephew. This information spilled from Leo’s mouth after being heavily medicated from a dental procedure. Nyla is one who literally can’t keep any secrets, so this issue bothers her so much that she insists that she and Leo confront her sister, Mandi and get to the bottom of the betrayal. Thus, the crux and start of family drama at its best.
After the secret is revealed between the three, there still is this underlying budding attraction that builds between Leo and Nyla. This story is filled with quite a bit of family drama that was too much for my taste. Although Nyla and Leo remained friends despite her sister’s divorce, I could not get over the fact that she becomes attracted to her sister’s ex, sleeps with him and basically the family thinks this is okay. Yes, they may be good friends however for me, divorce is divorce and there is fine line you don’t cross when it comes to sisters and the men they date or marry. This I found very weird although it might happen in this day and age.
Did I like the main characters? Very much so because I thought they were genuine people who had loving hearts, but harboring feelings more that friendship created more fuel to the secrets kept. On the other hand, her sister Mandi appeared dismissive and condescending, considering she was the source of the infidelity in her and Leo’s marriage. Not telling him the truth because the real father was deceased was totally heartless.
I thought this was an interesting trope and could not categorize it as a friends-to-lovers because of the dynamics involved. I think the author did a good job with the plot and getting the main characters to their HEA without touching to much on taboo of getting involved with your sister’s ex. Despite this fact, it was an entertaining story that had its funny moments that made me laugh out loud. Although it did not appeal to me as much overall, it was an engaging contemporary romance.
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
The story begins with Nyla finding out that her ex-brother-in-law, Leo did not father her nephew. This information spilled from Leo’s mouth after being heavily medicated from a dental procedure. Nyla is one who literally can’t keep any secrets, so this issue bothers her so much that she insists that she and Leo confront her sister, Mandi and get to the bottom of the betrayal. Thus, the crux and start of family drama at its best.
After the secret is revealed between the three, there still is this underlying budding attraction that builds between Leo and Nyla. This story is filled with quite a bit of family drama that was too much for my taste. Although Nyla and Leo remained friends despite her sister’s divorce, I could not get over the fact that she becomes attracted to her sister’s ex, sleeps with him and basically the family thinks this is okay. Yes, they may be good friends however for me, divorce is divorce and there is fine line you don’t cross when it comes to sisters and the men they date or marry. This I found very weird although it might happen in this day and age.
Did I like the main characters? Very much so because I thought they were genuine people who had loving hearts, but harboring feelings more that friendship created more fuel to the secrets kept. On the other hand, her sister Mandi appeared dismissive and condescending, considering she was the source of the infidelity in her and Leo’s marriage. Not telling him the truth because the real father was deceased was totally heartless.
I thought this was an interesting trope and could not categorize it as a friends-to-lovers because of the dynamics involved. I think the author did a good job with the plot and getting the main characters to their HEA without touching to much on taboo of getting involved with your sister’s ex. Despite this fact, it was an entertaining story that had its funny moments that made me laugh out loud. Although it did not appeal to me as much overall, it was an engaging contemporary romance.
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
This is the first time that I’ve read any novels from author, Tawna Fenske. Where to start with “The Best Kept Secret”? What I thought sounded like a fun and light-hearted read from the description was not quite what it read out to be on the pages. I believe this is part of a series, however having not read the other two, I think it holds its own as a standalone.
The story begins with Nyla finding out that her ex-brother-in-law, Leo did not father her nephew. This information spilled from Leo’s mouth after being heavily medicated from a dental procedure. Nyla is one who literally can’t keep any secrets, so this issue bothers her so much that she insists that she and Leo confront her sister, Mandi and get to the bottom of the betrayal. Thus, the crux and start of family drama at its best.
After the secret is revealed between the three, there still is this underlying budding attraction that builds between Leo and Nyla. This story is filled with quite a bit of family drama that was too much for my taste. Although Nyla and Leo remained friends despite her sister’s divorce, I could not get over the fact that she becomes attracted to her sister’s ex, sleeps with him and basically the family thinks this is okay. Yes, they may be good friends however for me, divorce is divorce and there is fine line you don’t cross when it comes to sisters and the men they date or marry. This I found very weird although it might happen in this day and age.
Did I like the main characters? Very much so because I thought they were genuine people who had loving hearts, but harboring feelings more that friendship created more fuel to the secrets kept. On the other hand, her sister Mandi appeared dismissive and condescending, considering she was the source of the infidelity in her and Leo’s marriage. Not telling him the truth because the real father was deceased was totally heartless.
I thought this was an interesting trope and could not categorize it as a friends-to-lovers because of the dynamics involved. I think the author did a good job with the plot and getting the main characters to their HEA without touching to much on taboo of getting involved with your sister’s ex. Despite this fact, it was an entertaining story that had its funny moments that made me laugh out loud. Although it did not appeal to me as much overall, it was an engaging contemporary romance.
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
March 1, 2022
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I've long loved Fenske's books, and this one did not disappoint. Nyla and Leo have been friends forever, but since Leo is Nyla's sister's ex, she never thought he'd be anything more than that. This isn't just any friends to lovers story though, the twists and turns on family dynamics, and one massive secret will keep the pages turning. I finished this one in one night.
This book has all of Fenske's trademark humor, witty banter, and perfect chemistry. The raw, real emotions play out beautifully across the page and you can't help but to root for these two. The family dynamics are interesting, to say the least, but I found them to be written in a completely believable way. Nyla is funny, strong, smart, and honest to her core. Leo is the best dad a kid could ask for, and I ached for him as he revealed his heart breaking secret.
This one is a stand alone novel, but the characters were briefly introduced in the two previous smoke jumper books, and I would whole heartedly recommend all three!
I've long loved Fenske's books, and this one did not disappoint. Nyla and Leo have been friends forever, but since Leo is Nyla's sister's ex, she never thought he'd be anything more than that. This isn't just any friends to lovers story though, the twists and turns on family dynamics, and one massive secret will keep the pages turning. I finished this one in one night.
This book has all of Fenske's trademark humor, witty banter, and perfect chemistry. The raw, real emotions play out beautifully across the page and you can't help but to root for these two. The family dynamics are interesting, to say the least, but I found them to be written in a completely believable way. Nyla is funny, strong, smart, and honest to her core. Leo is the best dad a kid could ask for, and I ached for him as he revealed his heart breaking secret.
This one is a stand alone novel, but the characters were briefly introduced in the two previous smoke jumper books, and I would whole heartedly recommend all three!
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