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Haven Hart #8
Secret Simon
Simon
Being the nephew of one of the most infamous mob bosses in the world isn’t easy. Our family has enemies everywhere, and no one is safe without protection. Here I am at college with a fresh start, a new last name, and secrets hidden from those around me—life is going according to plan. Then one day on campus, I see him…and I want him to strip me bare…in more ways than one.
Rush
Abernathy is more than just the university I attend. It’s my destiny, my namesake. Singing and entertaining are who I am, but my father wants me to major in something more appropriate for the name I carry. I’ve resigned myself to being who my father wants, doing what he wants. Then Simon comes into my life…and turns everything upside down. Now I have a reason to fight for what I want.
Who knew our love story would lead to secrets revealed, murderous plots, and finding our forever buried under so many lies? Hopefully we’ll live long enough to see it.
(While Secret Simon is a Haven Hart Novel it is not linked to the 7 book story arc)
*Warning*
Violence and mention of suicide
Being the nephew of one of the most infamous mob bosses in the world isn’t easy. Our family has enemies everywhere, and no one is safe without protection. Here I am at college with a fresh start, a new last name, and secrets hidden from those around me—life is going according to plan. Then one day on campus, I see him…and I want him to strip me bare…in more ways than one.
Rush
Abernathy is more than just the university I attend. It’s my destiny, my namesake. Singing and entertaining are who I am, but my father wants me to major in something more appropriate for the name I carry. I’ve resigned myself to being who my father wants, doing what he wants. Then Simon comes into my life…and turns everything upside down. Now I have a reason to fight for what I want.
Who knew our love story would lead to secrets revealed, murderous plots, and finding our forever buried under so many lies? Hopefully we’ll live long enough to see it.
(While Secret Simon is a Haven Hart Novel it is not linked to the 7 book story arc)
*Warning*
Violence and mention of suicide
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2021
91 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Davidson King
58 books732 followersDavidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.
She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.
If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.
She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.
If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
March 28, 2025
5 perfect stars!
(Re-read: March '25)
Okay, at this point, I've run outta words for how much I love this series. I've loved Simon/"Eight" since Book #1, Chapter 1 when he was, yep, eight years old. He's now a 20 year old college student and I love him more than ever! I need me a Simon! 🥴 Rush could not be a more perfect mate. No need for me to say much more. If you've made it this far in the series, then you already love it, too! Now ... let's move on to their next adventure! ❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️
“Rush?”
“Yes, Simon?”
“Can I ask where we’re going now?”
He laughed. “Home. Your home. We can complete school near Haven Hart, and you can be with your family.”
“You’re my family.”
“I love hearing that, and I’m totally in the market for a new one. But with them is where you belong.”
I reached out, glad when he took my hand. “You belong with us too.” He didn’t argue but he didn’t agree. “Let me prove it to you.”
“Oh, I intend to let you do that because I have nowhere else to go.”
“With me you’ll always have a place. Now climb up here and lie with me.”
(Re-read: March '25)
Okay, at this point, I've run outta words for how much I love this series. I've loved Simon/"Eight" since Book #1, Chapter 1 when he was, yep, eight years old. He's now a 20 year old college student and I love him more than ever! I need me a Simon! 🥴 Rush could not be a more perfect mate. No need for me to say much more. If you've made it this far in the series, then you already love it, too! Now ... let's move on to their next adventure! ❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️
“Rush?”
“Yes, Simon?”
“Can I ask where we’re going now?”
He laughed. “Home. Your home. We can complete school near Haven Hart, and you can be with your family.”
“You’re my family.”
“I love hearing that, and I’m totally in the market for a new one. But with them is where you belong.”
I reached out, glad when he took my hand. “You belong with us too.” He didn’t argue but he didn’t agree. “Let me prove it to you.”
“Oh, I intend to let you do that because I have nowhere else to go.”
“With me you’ll always have a place. Now climb up here and lie with me.”
May 26, 2021
Eight grew up and fell in love - awwww!
But this is so much more than that. It's Haven Hart after all, so it wouldn't be a romance without a side order of dangerous people trying to kill our heroes!
In this instance, Simon manages to get himself caught up in a college relationship with Rush, a guy who seems, on the face of it, to have a pretty simple life apart from his close connection as a member of the family who founded Abernathy University.
However, it becomes clear pretty quickly there's more going on with Rush's father than first meets the eye and what we then get is a caper of the highest order as first Simon, and then Snow and the rest of the Manos family, get embroiled with an Irish mobster.
The humour you'd expect from a story from this author is all there. Snow is his usual fabulous self, but what I loved most about this story was seeing just how much Simon is a Manos.
He is studying business because he wants to become involved in his family's less than pristine clean dealings and he has no hesitation about facing danger to protect those he loves.
At times it was difficult to think of these two as college age (Simon is just 20 and Rush a year older) because of what they were dealing with. But that's not to say there weren't very sweet falling in love, first time with you moments too, because there were.
I was very happy with this book, kidnap threats, dodgy dealings, drive by attempted car assassinations and all the rest!
High drama, high emotion and a happy ending, what's not to like?!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
But this is so much more than that. It's Haven Hart after all, so it wouldn't be a romance without a side order of dangerous people trying to kill our heroes!
In this instance, Simon manages to get himself caught up in a college relationship with Rush, a guy who seems, on the face of it, to have a pretty simple life apart from his close connection as a member of the family who founded Abernathy University.
However, it becomes clear pretty quickly there's more going on with Rush's father than first meets the eye and what we then get is a caper of the highest order as first Simon, and then Snow and the rest of the Manos family, get embroiled with an Irish mobster.
The humour you'd expect from a story from this author is all there. Snow is his usual fabulous self, but what I loved most about this story was seeing just how much Simon is a Manos.
He is studying business because he wants to become involved in his family's less than pristine clean dealings and he has no hesitation about facing danger to protect those he loves.
At times it was difficult to think of these two as college age (Simon is just 20 and Rush a year older) because of what they were dealing with. But that's not to say there weren't very sweet falling in love, first time with you moments too, because there were.
I was very happy with this book, kidnap threats, dodgy dealings, drive by attempted car assassinations and all the rest!
High drama, high emotion and a happy ending, what's not to like?!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
January 7, 2022
So I'm going about this all the wrong way, starting with the last book in the series because it worked for a challenge of mine, but it worked out pretty well as a stand alone. I loved Simon and Rush.
November 29, 2024
Not gonna lie. Adult Simon is HOT. The presence, the take-charge attitude, the protectiveness over Rush, and the 'will die for you' loyalty, those are Manos traits right there! Definitely Chris and Snow's heir. And when he fell, he fell wholeheartedly and hard, just like his uncle. 🥰
He might have wanted to live a normal college life but he grew up knowing and owning his place as the heir and everything he did was a step closer to fulfilling that future.
Rush is a charmer whose wings were clipped his whole life and with Simon, he had the courage to slowly stand up on his own. Though he was hesitant to accept Simon and what it entails to be with a Manos, he eventually became willing to take the risk of loving Simon.
He might have wanted to live a normal college life but he grew up knowing and owning his place as the heir and everything he did was a step closer to fulfilling that future.
Rush is a charmer whose wings were clipped his whole life and with Simon, he had the courage to slowly stand up on his own. Though he was hesitant to accept Simon and what it entails to be with a Manos, he eventually became willing to take the risk of loving Simon.
August 19, 2021
A marvelous story in the Haven Hart thread. I loved it ! Our guys meet over a spilled drink.
We met Simon, now 20, dark hair, glasses as a
young boy, Eight, in the Haven Hart series, when Snow rescued him and escorted him to his uncle, Christopher Manos, mob boss. I loved that whole series.
Rush Abernathy III, 21, brown/blonde hair, sings
and plays piano at a café, but takes the classes his controlling father insists he take.
This is well written, well paced, fun, and an exciting story. The characters are dynamic and the descriptions are full bodied, plus we are gripped by the plot.
Christopher...
Snow...
Our college students get frisky with sexy times, but move cautiously for a meaningful relationship.
A secret is discovered and background checks sets up a big mess, with threats, a crash, guns fired in an attempted hit, plus much more.
Rush's Dad isn't who we thought he was, the Irish mob gets in the mix, and Snow has come to help, but Christopher must diffuse the intrigue, and steps up.
I liked seeing the previous characters who are so colorful, and after the dust settles we see sadness for some, plus the fates get their justice.
A wonderful tale that keeps us engaged, riveted and thrilled to be in a front row seat for all of the action.
Loved it ! ENJOY !
=====
We met Simon, now 20, dark hair, glasses as a
young boy, Eight, in the Haven Hart series, when Snow rescued him and escorted him to his uncle, Christopher Manos, mob boss. I loved that whole series.
Rush Abernathy III, 21, brown/blonde hair, sings
and plays piano at a café, but takes the classes his controlling father insists he take.
This is well written, well paced, fun, and an exciting story. The characters are dynamic and the descriptions are full bodied, plus we are gripped by the plot.
Christopher...
Snow...
Our college students get frisky with sexy times, but move cautiously for a meaningful relationship.
A secret is discovered and background checks sets up a big mess, with threats, a crash, guns fired in an attempted hit, plus much more.
Rush's Dad isn't who we thought he was, the Irish mob gets in the mix, and Snow has come to help, but Christopher must diffuse the intrigue, and steps up.
I liked seeing the previous characters who are so colorful, and after the dust settles we see sadness for some, plus the fates get their justice.
A wonderful tale that keeps us engaged, riveted and thrilled to be in a front row seat for all of the action.
Loved it ! ENJOY !
=====
May 29, 2025
Original 10/2021 review- 2.8 stars?? I don’t know, I’m extremely extremely disappointed. I had this book on a countdown on my phone for over 3 1/2 months & now 😔. It is a bit too Insta feeling for me, short, I don’t like Rush too much and I didn’t feel a connection really between them, and I most definitely did not sign up to witness/hear a kink I am not fond of & displayed by one of the MC’s fathers 😡🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️. Like what even?! I did enjoy getting to see Snow and everybody. I really enjoy one of the narrators , but the other narrator nearly ruined it for me. I can tolerate his books (unlike one other narrator who does a ton of MM books, who I absolutely can’t stand and I’ve only ever been able to finish one of his books, but I digress). Anyways, so basically that second narrator contributed to the lower rating. However, considering how much I typically love this universe (barring books 2, 6, and this one), I likely will read #9 if it ever exists.
March 20, 2022
3.5 stars - It felt good to be back with the Haven Hart gang (or should I say “mob” 😉🙃). I don’t know how I missed this when it came out. 🤦🏻♀️ Maybe I didn’t put two and two together to realize it was Christopher’s nephew because I didn’t read the blurb. Who knows. I’m glad I read it now.
As I said, it was good to see these characters again and be introduced to some new ones. Simon is now grown up and attending college under a different surname in order to keep his anonymity. I’m glad we still got Snow, Christopher, Bill, Mace, and a little bit of Frank. Snow Falling, book one of the Haven Hart series, is still one of my favorite books and I love Snow. ❄️❄️❄️
This story moves quickly and there’s plenty of action. My complaint is that it moved too quickly. From the relationship between Simon and Rush, to the skimmed over sex scenes, to the resolution of what was going on with the threats, it all happened too fast. I wanted more detail of everything. This book was way too short and I was disappointed about that. It didn’t give me enough time to sink into the fact that Simon is no longer the boy he used to be in the previous books.
This could probably be read as a stand alone, but I definitely recommend reading at least Snow Falling, A Dangerous Dance, and Snow Storm from the Haven Hart series to fully enjoy this book. It will make some of the little quips funnier if you understand the stories behind them. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Head Rush. I wouldn’t complain if Ms. King wrote a lot more books about the Manos family.
As I said, it was good to see these characters again and be introduced to some new ones. Simon is now grown up and attending college under a different surname in order to keep his anonymity. I’m glad we still got Snow, Christopher, Bill, Mace, and a little bit of Frank. Snow Falling, book one of the Haven Hart series, is still one of my favorite books and I love Snow. ❄️❄️❄️
This story moves quickly and there’s plenty of action. My complaint is that it moved too quickly. From the relationship between Simon and Rush, to the skimmed over sex scenes, to the resolution of what was going on with the threats, it all happened too fast. I wanted more detail of everything. This book was way too short and I was disappointed about that. It didn’t give me enough time to sink into the fact that Simon is no longer the boy he used to be in the previous books.
This could probably be read as a stand alone, but I definitely recommend reading at least Snow Falling, A Dangerous Dance, and Snow Storm from the Haven Hart series to fully enjoy this book. It will make some of the little quips funnier if you understand the stories behind them. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Head Rush. I wouldn’t complain if Ms. King wrote a lot more books about the Manos family.
May 20, 2021
We've finally got Eight's story and it doesn't disappoint. I love that we get to see Simon as a young adult. We spent so long thinking of him as the little kid that Snow rescued, so seeing him all grown up and making grown up decisions was great.
So we are following Simon around his second year in college, I for one am glad we skipped the Freshman year, nothing exciting ever happens then. Simon is drawn to Rush on day 1 of move in day and it was so sweet. One look was all it took for our baby to be hooked. Seeing him stumble and bumble his first meeting with Rush was hilarious. It was realistic.
Rush for his part, was equally attracted to Simon the first time he saw him. After this meeting we get to learn more about Rush and why he is the big man on campus so to speak.
The set up for the drama so really unexpected but great. I was wondering what the conflict would be, and when I found out what it was, I wasn't disappointed. I was happy it wasn't what I thought it would be, and I was happy with how Simon reacted.
I totally recommend this story. While it is part of the Haven Hart series you don't necessarily need to read the other books to enjoy this one.
So we are following Simon around his second year in college, I for one am glad we skipped the Freshman year, nothing exciting ever happens then. Simon is drawn to Rush on day 1 of move in day and it was so sweet. One look was all it took for our baby to be hooked. Seeing him stumble and bumble his first meeting with Rush was hilarious. It was realistic.
Rush for his part, was equally attracted to Simon the first time he saw him. After this meeting we get to learn more about Rush and why he is the big man on campus so to speak.
The set up for the drama so really unexpected but great. I was wondering what the conflict would be, and when I found out what it was, I wasn't disappointed. I was happy it wasn't what I thought it would be, and I was happy with how Simon reacted.
I totally recommend this story. While it is part of the Haven Hart series you don't necessarily need to read the other books to enjoy this one.
October 21, 2021
2.5-3 stars
It was aight, I think Joel Leslie and Philip Alec’s narrations would add another star for me.
To me this was too insta lovey and didn’t gel with me how I like.
It was aight, I think Joel Leslie and Philip Alec’s narrations would add another star for me.
To me this was too insta lovey and didn’t gel with me how I like.
May 24, 2021
Gahhhh. We saw Simon grow up before our eyes from an Eight year old boy I fell in love with him.
Simon is now in college and finding his own way. Man I just love him. When eyes land in Rush he knows who he has to meet.
Rush is a student, and artist, but also not living his own life. He’s doing what he is being ordered to do.
While secrets are kept, they start to learn who the other is. Until everything explodes.
This is a fast paced story with an awesome HEA. Can I just saw I love Snow and Simons relationship. I was swooning. I fell head over heals for both Simon and Rush and their connection. I’d love to see more of them in the future. Like years down the road time frame ❤️❤️
Simon is now in college and finding his own way. Man I just love him. When eyes land in Rush he knows who he has to meet.
Rush is a student, and artist, but also not living his own life. He’s doing what he is being ordered to do.
While secrets are kept, they start to learn who the other is. Until everything explodes.
This is a fast paced story with an awesome HEA. Can I just saw I love Snow and Simons relationship. I was swooning. I fell head over heals for both Simon and Rush and their connection. I’d love to see more of them in the future. Like years down the road time frame ❤️❤️
May 24, 2021
Yes!! Great addition
5 lovely stars
I am so glad we got to see Simon grow to the wonderful young man that will one day run the Mano family business. I was also so happy (gushes) that we had Papa bear Snow in the mix. I love him. Now I want to re-read "Show's Falling" again.
Will Mrs. King be able to dazzle us with another Haven Hart story??? I do hope do!!!!
5 lovely stars
I am so glad we got to see Simon grow to the wonderful young man that will one day run the Mano family business. I was also so happy (gushes) that we had Papa bear Snow in the mix. I love him. Now I want to re-read "Show's Falling" again.
Will Mrs. King be able to dazzle us with another Haven Hart story??? I do hope do!!!!
May 25, 2021
Loved it so much. Simon is amazing and sweet and hard and interesting. His mate is perfect for him and fits him so we'll and I love seeing Chris and snow again. It was wonderful and I can't wait for more.
June 9, 2021
Oh, this was so good. Baby eight is all grown up and falling in love! This was more the conclusion the series needed. Almost going full circle. I'm not sure how to gush on it without spoilers, so I'd rather end here than gush on, but know this book it worth it!
July 4, 2021
This was a little too young for me. I'm old so I really don't enjoy reading college aged books anymore. I love Simon though!
December 15, 2023
Quick thoughts:
Chris, Snow, & Simon Manos are still the sh!t.
Mase and Bill are hilarious and BA as ever.
Getting an adult Simon’s own story was awesome.
Dual narration audiobook was superb. Even better than the previous OG Havenhart books.
FRTC
Chris, Snow, & Simon Manos are still the sh!t.
Mase and Bill are hilarious and BA as ever.
Getting an adult Simon’s own story was awesome.
Dual narration audiobook was superb. Even better than the previous OG Havenhart books.
FRTC
May 25, 2021
4.5 stars! I just finished Davidson King aka Meredith Davidson-King's Secret Simon (A Haven Hart Novel/KU) and I absolutely LOVED it..Hats off to Meredith for being able to bring sweet 8, aka Simon, into adulthood in the most perfect way. Simon, the nephew of an infamous mafia boss is hiding his identity at college where he meets and crushes hard on Rush, another student with his own family secrets. What starts off as a sweet, sexy romance, turns in more than anyone could have anticipated…except maybe Snow? LOL I FREAKING LOVE SNOW!! What ensues is one hell of a fast paced, wild ride that had me at the edge of my seat (not giving anything away) and some of the most wonderful Manos found family scenes we have all come to crave. As always Meredith brings her wonderful humor to the page along with all the feels!!! I must add she did a phenomenal job with Simon and the way in which you see him subtly evolve from college boy to the future head of the Manos family. Excellent character development in my oh so humble opinion!! I highly recommend reading this book for something a little different and fun!!
"Per Meredith: This is a Haven Hart Novel and does not follow the larger story arc in the first 7 books. For a more enjoyable reading experience, you should read the Haven Hart Series in order.” I agree with this..Secret Simon can be read as standalone but at the very least you should and will definitely want to read books 1 & 3 in the Haven Hart series so see where it all began...
I did take a 1/2 star off because I thought at one point as the mystery aspect unfolded there was more there than necessary and it was a little much...but I still loved it!
"Per Meredith: This is a Haven Hart Novel and does not follow the larger story arc in the first 7 books. For a more enjoyable reading experience, you should read the Haven Hart Series in order.” I agree with this..Secret Simon can be read as standalone but at the very least you should and will definitely want to read books 1 & 3 in the Haven Hart series so see where it all began...
I did take a 1/2 star off because I thought at one point as the mystery aspect unfolded there was more there than necessary and it was a little much...but I still loved it!
May 24, 2021
Wow!!!! Davidson King does it again with another 5 star read.
I was not so patiently waiting for Eights (Simon) story . I have loved him ever since we were first introduced to him in Snow Falling (Haven Hart Book 1)
Being the much loved and adored Nephew of mob boss Christopher Manos I hoped and prayed we would get his story as a grown up and Meredith certainly did not disappoint.
Simon is a beautiful man trying to live his life away from enemies that plague his family by going to college with a new last name and hopefully a fresh start.
Meeting Rush has both their lives turning upside down . What a gorgeous couple, what a exciting and thrilling journey. I won’t give any of the story away because you MUST read this for yourselves. I will say this book is up there with my fav Davidson King books , I absolutely LOVED IT!!!
You can read this as a stand-alone but I would strongly recommend reading the whole Haven Hart series because why wouldn’t you? They are all 5 star reads and an amazing series .
I was not so patiently waiting for Eights (Simon) story . I have loved him ever since we were first introduced to him in Snow Falling (Haven Hart Book 1)
Being the much loved and adored Nephew of mob boss Christopher Manos I hoped and prayed we would get his story as a grown up and Meredith certainly did not disappoint.
Simon is a beautiful man trying to live his life away from enemies that plague his family by going to college with a new last name and hopefully a fresh start.
Meeting Rush has both their lives turning upside down . What a gorgeous couple, what a exciting and thrilling journey. I won’t give any of the story away because you MUST read this for yourselves. I will say this book is up there with my fav Davidson King books , I absolutely LOVED IT!!!
You can read this as a stand-alone but I would strongly recommend reading the whole Haven Hart series because why wouldn’t you? They are all 5 star reads and an amazing series .
May 18, 2021
4.5 stars.
Simon, the nephew of a mob boss, hides his identity whilst at college. For a 20 year old he is beyond mature and so very likeable.
Rush is a descendant of the founding family of the University, loves music but has to major in something else to appease his appalling father.
When these two wonderful men meet there is an instant attraction so they decide to take things slow, date and get to know each other.
So begins their bumpy road to an HEA. It includes secrets being revealed, the involvement of mob bosses, attempted murder and more. Drama, a dash of angst, plot twists, what a truly loving family is like are all found in this thoroughly engaging read. A great cast of main and secondary characters keep the plot moving along at a perfect pace and I read this in one session.
Some characters from the Haven Hart universe appear but this can be read as a standalone.
Simon, the nephew of a mob boss, hides his identity whilst at college. For a 20 year old he is beyond mature and so very likeable.
Rush is a descendant of the founding family of the University, loves music but has to major in something else to appease his appalling father.
When these two wonderful men meet there is an instant attraction so they decide to take things slow, date and get to know each other.
So begins their bumpy road to an HEA. It includes secrets being revealed, the involvement of mob bosses, attempted murder and more. Drama, a dash of angst, plot twists, what a truly loving family is like are all found in this thoroughly engaging read. A great cast of main and secondary characters keep the plot moving along at a perfect pace and I read this in one session.
Some characters from the Haven Hart universe appear but this can be read as a standalone.
May 24, 2021
What an exceptional story! Simon aka Eight is grown and in his second year of college where he spots a gorgeous man in Rush. Rushmore is a institutional investment for his family and cannot do what he wants. Together they find they can be happy but things get hairy when a probe gets a mobster coming into the scene.
If you love reading Davidson than hurry up and get it.
I received an Arc for a review.
If you love reading Davidson than hurry up and get it.
I received an Arc for a review.
May 27, 2021
Now Simon's book has been one i have been waiting for and OMG it doesn't disappoint. I love seeing Eight grown up and I couldn't be happier. Simon and Rush are so perfect for each other. This had my emotions all over the places. Davidson King just made an amazing fast pace story that I just couldn't stop reading. Getting to see Simon all grown-up and seeing more familiar characters just made me so happy.
March 22, 2022
4.5 Stars
Secret Simon is book 8 of the Haven Hart series and it follows Simon, who we met when he was 8 years old in the first book, Snow Falling, as Christopher Manos's (Haven Hart's crime lord) nephew. Now, he's all grown up and enjoying his second year of college, living 5 hours away from Haven Hart and his uncle and his uncle's husband, Snow, under a new identity so he can have some semblance of a normal life. There he meets Rushmore Abernathy III, Rush, the son of the family who founded the college they're at, and they fall hard for each other, but danger looms on the horizon as the crime lord from the Irish mafia sets his sights on them.
I really suggest you read Secret Simon and Head Rush after reading at least a few of the first books in the series, but I think they stand well on their own, although you might want to meet several of the players afterward.
I really liked the man Simon has become, he wants to take over from his Pops and is willing to do whatever is needed to protect those he loves. I liked Rush, too, although he seemed out of his depth in some instances, which made it more realistic all things considered. They had great chemistry and I just adored them together.
It was great catching up with Christopher and Snow and some of the other Haven Hart men, and I really enjoyed how things played out in this installment, although not everything was resolved. Thankfully, I had the Head Rush arc waiting for me after I finished Secret Simon, so I could read them back to back and I didn't have to wait.
I think both John Solo and Alexander Cendese did a good job with their performance, although I felt like Simon's voice was too soft sometimes and I found it difficult to follow what he was saying. But other than that, I found it enjoyable.
Very recommendable!
Secret Simon is book 8 of the Haven Hart series and it follows Simon, who we met when he was 8 years old in the first book, Snow Falling, as Christopher Manos's (Haven Hart's crime lord) nephew. Now, he's all grown up and enjoying his second year of college, living 5 hours away from Haven Hart and his uncle and his uncle's husband, Snow, under a new identity so he can have some semblance of a normal life. There he meets Rushmore Abernathy III, Rush, the son of the family who founded the college they're at, and they fall hard for each other, but danger looms on the horizon as the crime lord from the Irish mafia sets his sights on them.
I really suggest you read Secret Simon and Head Rush after reading at least a few of the first books in the series, but I think they stand well on their own, although you might want to meet several of the players afterward.
I really liked the man Simon has become, he wants to take over from his Pops and is willing to do whatever is needed to protect those he loves. I liked Rush, too, although he seemed out of his depth in some instances, which made it more realistic all things considered. They had great chemistry and I just adored them together.
It was great catching up with Christopher and Snow and some of the other Haven Hart men, and I really enjoyed how things played out in this installment, although not everything was resolved. Thankfully, I had the Head Rush arc waiting for me after I finished Secret Simon, so I could read them back to back and I didn't have to wait.
I think both John Solo and Alexander Cendese did a good job with their performance, although I felt like Simon's voice was too soft sometimes and I found it difficult to follow what he was saying. But other than that, I found it enjoyable.
Very recommendable!
May 20, 2021
OMG... I read this in one go, could NOT put it down. Whilst I felt it was a bit slow to get to the nitty gritty, when it did holy cow Batman. Simon is Christoper Manos’s nephew, who he now calls Pops. We saw eight (aka Simon) first in Snow falling, where he was found by Snow (who has so much sass) and given the moniker of Eight. He grew up with us over the series and now finally has gotten his HEA. Rush, the other MC, meets Simon when they are at college and falls for him whilst everything that could go wrong does.
To cut a long story short....I’m not giving away the ending 😉... the bad guys go up against more bad guys, there is singing, karaoke, drag disguises and an epic car chase, but in the end true love prevails. Secret Simon is a truely fantastic read. I cannot recommend enough. I will say start at the beginning and read the whole Haven Hart Series, so you can truely meet Simon.
To cut a long story short....I’m not giving away the ending 😉... the bad guys go up against more bad guys, there is singing, karaoke, drag disguises and an epic car chase, but in the end true love prevails. Secret Simon is a truely fantastic read. I cannot recommend enough. I will say start at the beginning and read the whole Haven Hart Series, so you can truely meet Simon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2022
A very good end to this series, as the author said, after reading the epilogue from the last book, it was like the story about Simon was necessary. Of course, it wasn't a simple love story from college.
The story we have is a good one, I would have liked there to be more about the two of them, as the actual time they spent together is not that much for the big steps they take in the end.
Simon is definitely Chris and Snow's son. We see him doing what he has to save Rush, and I loved how he actually accepted that he will be the next crime boss, after Chris.
I can't say much about Rush, as I don't have particular likes or dislikes about him. His father, well he was not worthy to be his father or anyone's father. I liked how there were similarities between him and Snow, and how Snow helped them without actually making choices for them: he's an amazing parent.
The story we have is a good one, I would have liked there to be more about the two of them, as the actual time they spent together is not that much for the big steps they take in the end.
Simon is definitely Chris and Snow's son. We see him doing what he has to save Rush, and I loved how he actually accepted that he will be the next crime boss, after Chris.
I can't say much about Rush, as I don't have particular likes or dislikes about him. His father, well he was not worthy to be his father or anyone's father. I liked how there were similarities between him and Snow, and how Snow helped them without actually making choices for them: he's an amazing parent.
May 31, 2021
Simon’s all grown up and in love! These boys were sweet and so meant to be!
I absolutely love that Simon has found Rush, just like his Pops found Snow. So happy to see all of them again.
I absolutely love that Simon has found Rush, just like his Pops found Snow. So happy to see all of them again.
October 9, 2021
3.5 stars
May 25, 2021
Forge your path
“Trust the man who would die for you.” I will forever and ever love Haven Hart and the families that are its backbone, but I’ll admit I have a soft spot for the Manoses, who started it all, and of course, Simon. It’s hard to believe Eight is all grown up but what an incredible, amazing man he’s become. He and his actions blew me away. And so did his love, Rush, who is stunning inside and out. These two made me swoon so many times and are perfect together. I love everything about this book, from the intense action and the villainous suspense to the steamy sweetness and the diehard love, it is everything I wanted for Simon and for a return to Haven Hart.
“Trust the man who would die for you.” I will forever and ever love Haven Hart and the families that are its backbone, but I’ll admit I have a soft spot for the Manoses, who started it all, and of course, Simon. It’s hard to believe Eight is all grown up but what an incredible, amazing man he’s become. He and his actions blew me away. And so did his love, Rush, who is stunning inside and out. These two made me swoon so many times and are perfect together. I love everything about this book, from the intense action and the villainous suspense to the steamy sweetness and the diehard love, it is everything I wanted for Simon and for a return to Haven Hart.
July 23, 2025
Original Audiobook Review April 2022:
How in the world has it taken me so long to listen to Secret Simon?!?!?!?! The audiobook was released last October and here it is nearly May, again HOW? Oh well, no matter how long it took for me to listen, I've listened and once again I fell even further for Haven Hart. Having recently read book 2, Head Rush, everything was fresh in my mind but that didn't lessen the depths I fell again for Simon and Rush. Truth is, there's not much more I can say to the story itself or the storytelling genius that also goes by the name of Davidson King.
What I will say is this: I never listened to a dual narration before King's audios and was leery going in but loved it instantly. I'm not sure why I had any hesitancy because I love the old radio shows of the 30s and 40s and a good audio portrayal always reminded me of the classic radio platform. Truth is John Solo and Alexander Cendese bring so much passion and strength to the characters that I can almost hear Harlow Wilcox breaking in with the ad for spark plugs he pitched on Suspense all those years ago. Not only do they bring Simon, Rush, and all the characters to life, I can hear the sound effects, I can hear the studio audience gasping with "oohs" and "ahhs" with each new revelation.
Another winning combination of author's words and narrators' voices to heighten the enjoyment of Secret Simon, the new Haven Hart-connected journey.
Original Review June Book of the Month 2021:
HOLY HANNAH BATMAN! OMG! The Force is with us all! We have a new Haven Hart book by Davidson King!!!!!!
Okay, I got that out of my system, lets continue.
I should start by pointing out as the author mentions at the end of the blurb, Secret Simon is not linked to the original 7 book arc, story-wise at least. We see a few of the characters and of course "Simon" is Eight all grown up(he's still Eight to Snow but I have a feeling Snow will still be calling him Eight when he's 60). So if you haven't read Davidson King's Haven Hart universe you can start here although I don't know that I would want to, you won't be lost in any way, shape, or form. To be honest, I am a series-read-in-order kinda gal and Haven Hart is one of my all time favorite series of all genres.
Secret Simon. Flat out brilliant! This story has it all(okay there's no sci-fi or apocalyptic end of the world stuff although going after Christopher Manos' family probably won't end well for anyone) romance, mystery, heat, action, friendship, danger, love, family, and it wouldn't be Haven Hart without mayhem and plenty of well . . . heart(see what I did there
How in the world has it taken me so long to listen to Secret Simon?!?!?!?! The audiobook was released last October and here it is nearly May, again HOW? Oh well, no matter how long it took for me to listen, I've listened and once again I fell even further for Haven Hart. Having recently read book 2, Head Rush, everything was fresh in my mind but that didn't lessen the depths I fell again for Simon and Rush. Truth is, there's not much more I can say to the story itself or the storytelling genius that also goes by the name of Davidson King.
What I will say is this: I never listened to a dual narration before King's audios and was leery going in but loved it instantly. I'm not sure why I had any hesitancy because I love the old radio shows of the 30s and 40s and a good audio portrayal always reminded me of the classic radio platform. Truth is John Solo and Alexander Cendese bring so much passion and strength to the characters that I can almost hear Harlow Wilcox breaking in with the ad for spark plugs he pitched on Suspense all those years ago. Not only do they bring Simon, Rush, and all the characters to life, I can hear the sound effects, I can hear the studio audience gasping with "oohs" and "ahhs" with each new revelation.
Another winning combination of author's words and narrators' voices to heighten the enjoyment of Secret Simon, the new Haven Hart-connected journey.
Original Review June Book of the Month 2021:
HOLY HANNAH BATMAN! OMG! The Force is with us all! We have a new Haven Hart book by Davidson King!!!!!!
Okay, I got that out of my system, lets continue.
I should start by pointing out as the author mentions at the end of the blurb, Secret Simon is not linked to the original 7 book arc, story-wise at least. We see a few of the characters and of course "Simon" is Eight all grown up(he's still Eight to Snow but I have a feeling Snow will still be calling him Eight when he's 60). So if you haven't read Davidson King's Haven Hart universe you can start here although I don't know that I would want to, you won't be lost in any way, shape, or form. To be honest, I am a series-read-in-order kinda gal and Haven Hart is one of my all time favorite series of all genres.
Secret Simon. Flat out brilliant! This story has it all(okay there's no sci-fi or apocalyptic end of the world stuff although going after Christopher Manos' family probably won't end well for anyone) romance, mystery, heat, action, friendship, danger, love, family, and it wouldn't be Haven Hart without mayhem and plenty of well . . . heart(see what I did there
January 17, 2022
Honestly, I just loved this world so much!
Every couple is everything and more!
I was super excited to see what Simon would become and the author did not disappoint.
Simon turn out to be a really great guy who doesn’t shy away from his responsibilities or does points fingers when something happens, if it’s his fault he the one to say I’m sorry that’s what great person he is.
Rush is a super great guy with a passion fir the arts which reminded me of Simons childhood. He’s suppressed by his father in so many ways, he can’t follow his dream because dear old dad wants him to follow in his footsteps while Simon is totally the opposite.
Chris doesn’t want him to take over the family but ultimately it’s Simons decision and Simon wants nothing more then to take over.
When Rush sees how Simons family is, he realizes that what he thought was love from his father was only a means to an end to his father.
Now because I’m so attached to this characters when someone almost died my heart almost stopped and my tears began to fall. I mean, how dare they hurt my baby ? Also I felt Snow and Christopher’s pain and rage, I wanted to kill someone too.
Anyways, They had such a great love story and seeing everyone together again filled me with so much joy that just thinks about it makes me happy.
I only wished I had more of them, like a lot more but I’m satisfied with the end.
Now I’ll leave with this quote from the book that make me emotional :
“This is shattering right now, and you have to let the pieces fall where they may. It’s only after the shards have landed that someone will pick them up and put them together again. And the cracks and fissures will always show. They will tell the tale of all you’ve endured. But that person who made your heart while again will be it’s protector and their love will never let it shatter again.”
Every couple is everything and more!
I was super excited to see what Simon would become and the author did not disappoint.
Simon turn out to be a really great guy who doesn’t shy away from his responsibilities or does points fingers when something happens, if it’s his fault he the one to say I’m sorry that’s what great person he is.
Rush is a super great guy with a passion fir the arts which reminded me of Simons childhood. He’s suppressed by his father in so many ways, he can’t follow his dream because dear old dad wants him to follow in his footsteps while Simon is totally the opposite.
Chris doesn’t want him to take over the family but ultimately it’s Simons decision and Simon wants nothing more then to take over.
When Rush sees how Simons family is, he realizes that what he thought was love from his father was only a means to an end to his father.
Now because I’m so attached to this characters when someone almost died my heart almost stopped and my tears began to fall. I mean, how dare they hurt my baby ? Also I felt Snow and Christopher’s pain and rage, I wanted to kill someone too.
Anyways, They had such a great love story and seeing everyone together again filled me with so much joy that just thinks about it makes me happy.
I only wished I had more of them, like a lot more but I’m satisfied with the end.
Now I’ll leave with this quote from the book that make me emotional :
“This is shattering right now, and you have to let the pieces fall where they may. It’s only after the shards have landed that someone will pick them up and put them together again. And the cracks and fissures will always show. They will tell the tale of all you’ve endured. But that person who made your heart while again will be it’s protector and their love will never let it shatter again.”
May 21, 2021
Secret Simon gives us Eight all grown up and now in college living under an alias, hours away from family.
Can secrets stay secret? When Simon meets and is immediately drawn to Rush he begins to question that. What happens when he is not the only one with secrets?
I loved this fast paced, delicious story from beginning to end. The rush (pun intended) of emotions that these two feel for each other is breathtaking. The length that Simon will go to for the person who captures his heart is not surprising, look at the example he has grown up with!
As secrets are unraveled danger is brought into the mix and with that comes reinforcements from home.
With the help of family Simon and Rush achieve their HEA and it is perfection! I'm not ready to say goodbye to these guys and hopefully we will get a glimpse into their future sometime down the road!
Can secrets stay secret? When Simon meets and is immediately drawn to Rush he begins to question that. What happens when he is not the only one with secrets?
I loved this fast paced, delicious story from beginning to end. The rush (pun intended) of emotions that these two feel for each other is breathtaking. The length that Simon will go to for the person who captures his heart is not surprising, look at the example he has grown up with!
As secrets are unraveled danger is brought into the mix and with that comes reinforcements from home.
With the help of family Simon and Rush achieve their HEA and it is perfection! I'm not ready to say goodbye to these guys and hopefully we will get a glimpse into their future sometime down the road!
May 25, 2021
This book definitely didn't disappoint! Happy to see Eight grow but also how everyone else was doing years later. Glad to see Simon was still the lovely boy we'd come to love, but now he was finding his own love. And was Rush the perfect match for him. While secrets are kept, they start to learn who the other is. Until everything explodes. This is a fast paced story with an awesome HEA. Can I just say, I love Snow and Simon's relationship. It definitely shows how much their relationship has grown over the years. As for both Simon and Rush and their connection it started a little rocky but grew to be so much more, I’d love to see more of them in the future. Like years down the road with Simon the new head or as another novella.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
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