Secondhand Secrets

Harlow #3

by Katerina Simms

Can a software genius defeat a mafia kingpin?

Ally Egan is a starry-eyed artist with a broken heart. She would do just about anything to get away from her close-knit small-town and travel the world. But her childhood friend, Chip Overton, has returned to make her escape even more unlikely.

Chip, software genius extraordinaire, has always loved Ally. The peace of home should have given him a break from his domineering father, whilst providing space to make the breakthrough that would define his career. But with Ally back in his life, he’s determined to have her see him as more than her geeky best friend.

Pity a ruthless crime boss has set his sights on Chip’s work. Now Chip must race against time to keep everyone in Harlow safe. Most of all, Ally!

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2022

About the author

Katerina Simms is a contemporary romance author, RWA Emerald Award Finalist, and International North Street Book Prize semi-finalist. She was originally born on a sunny Mediterranean island, only to move to the weather-challenged suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.

Tea addict, nature lover, and terrible gardener, Katerina’s novels feature vivid modern settings and heart-stirring characters, punctuated with the occasional good laugh. Her romances skirt the edges of women’s fiction, and her favorite tropes are opposites attract, slow burn, and heat with heart.

Two of her author idols are the legendary Nora Roberts and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, though she doesn’t suppose they know who she is.

If you’d like to receive updates on new releases, deals, and get a FREE novella, subscribe to Katerina’s newsletter today! https://katerinasimms.com/newsletter-...

Reviews

[marilyn dickel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. Ally and Chip were already friends from the town of Harlow. Ally was insecure, feeling she wasn’t good enough for Chip. They were good friends and fell in love.
Chip was writing a project that the Syndicate wanted. That held you in suspense to see how Chip would make out.
Chip didn’t know the reason his parents were divorced. He thought his dad didn’t love him, but his dad was just trying to make him stronger.

[Stox4story · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge Can Be Sweet …especially when it backfires

The small town of Harlow isn’t that small when it comes to the syndicate. They want payback and revenge. The whole town is in their sight but their axe to grind will begin with Chip and Ally. Yep, it’s called collateral damage. Chip's sister is the one that got away…. that is, escaped her kidnapping and led to prison time for Luciano, leader of that operation. Now cousin Mark, is ready to collect. Failure is not choice, not with the syndicate. But Chip is a computer geek and the ticket to Mark’s revenge. Ahhh, but he’s much more than a geek, he happens to be very smart.

Not all intelligent people are smart, but trust me, Chip knows how to use his smarts… in turning the tables on the bad guys and reigning in the woman he loves. Ally and Chip were the closest of friends until his dad pulled 14 year old Chip out of Harlow. Ten years have passed but Chip never forgot Ally. That childhood friend happens to be the love of his life and he aims to get through her insecurities to show her that love really can conquer all … even family feuds, small town gossip and, yes, also the syndicate.

Ally may be insecure but there’s nothing dumb about her. LOL, some snooty people at a big ‘uppity’ party find that out. Yes, at times she is her worst enemy, but when push comes to shove there’s a strength that’s hard to beat.

🤔OBSERVATIONS:

✒︎ Well, I might have liked Sarah if I knew her in the past books, but early on in this book I see nothing to admire. Chapter three revealed a lot. Seems like her friendship with Ally started out fake, she only got close tom Ally because her brother, Chip, asked her to … not much to admire there! And Dean doesn’t come across in good light either. The first time I ‘really’ met him was at Maynards and he was anything but nice to Ally. He and Sarah both pulled a number on Ally and I never saw any real remorse on their part. And yes, Ally was THEIR collateral damage, in more ways than one. They need to grovel and ‘see’ their wrongs.

✒︎ A southern accent in the North? In Minnesota… ?

✒︎ Chips parents still puzzle me. What has become of his mother? Did I miss it? I read about her many ‘failures’ and mental breakdown but that was years earlier. Where is she now? As for his dad, that confession was puny and a little late coming. Loved the way Ally stood up to him, in her own way.

✒︎ Hmmmm, Sarah and Dean KNEW the bad guys were out to get them. Why didn’t she learn some defensive moves …. Just in case she were to need them?

✒︎ Why did Allly’s mother leave the backyard party in tears? Many chase after her but what made her need to get away? That was confusing to me.

I read an advance copy so star rating is based on final draft of edited corrections.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in The Harlow Series and it is Ally and Chip’s story. Ally and Chip are childhood friends and where as Ally is a artist and wants to get away from there small town but Chip who is a software genius as always found there small town of Harlow peaceful and gives him a chance to breathe and just be himself. Ally has had her heart broken and she wants to leave and travel but then Chip arrives back in town putting her plans on hold so that they can spend time together but danger has arrived in Harlow and Chip is there target because they want his work but Chip is so smart and determined to keep everyone safe especially Ally who is his everything as he has been in love with her for years. Ally has so much baggage, trust issues and insecurities due to what has happened but will Chip be able to break through her defences and show her that they are perfect for each other and she just needs to give him a chance and trust him so that they can have a future together but first Chip will have to be patient and eliminate the threat that has arrived in Harlow while keeping everyone safe. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn’t put it down as it had me turning the pages to see what would happen next and what the outcome would be for them all. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read more books in the future.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally is a sweet artist who just wants to be loved. Chip is her childhood friend and companion who moved away when his parents split up. He returns to hole up and work on his computer program, and they reunite. She tries not to be clingy, knowing he will leave. Passion comes quickly anyway, and they both fall hard. However, remember that there is a Mafia connection to this town, involving Chip's sister, Sarah, her partner Dean, Sarah's ex Blaine and his love, Emelia. Disasters ensue. You will cry at what Ally does at a critical moment, even though we know this is romance and that things will be okay in the end.
I love Katerina Simms' writing and how she makes us love the people in this Minnesota town. There are so many wise and dear "extras" whose stories add depth and reality to the world she creates.
I received a free ARC and left this review voluntarily.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally and Chip were childhood best friends but he moved away during his parents divorce. Now he is back and a computer geek working on a program that could be big, and he wants Ally. At the same time, the syndicate sets its sights on the small town for revenge and they want the program Chip is developing. Will Ally be used to put pressure on Chip or will the two together outsmart the syndicate. Others in the town are also in on the bad side and cause trouble. Loved the chemistry of the characters, the personalities, backstories and entertaining situations. This story hooks you from the beginning and does not let go, until the great ending.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
Ally Egan's character has appeared in the previous books of this series. Having lived in Harlow all her life she is young, sheltered, and in my opinion somewhat naive (read immature). She has long yearned to break free of her perceived constraints of smalltown life. When Chip Overton returns to Harlow, his objectives are set. However, the opportunity to rekindle his friendship with Ally becomes his heart's desire. Old feelings, recriminations and heartfelt emotions come together in a story fueled with intensity and encroaching danger. The book seamlessly weaves elements to the earlier books in the series, while offering up a new romantic pairing.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally is Harlow's favourite, sweet, lovelorn young woman. Her best friend, Chip, left town years ago and has now returned to visit his sister Sarah, who Ally has now fallen out with. Chip is clever and setting out in the digital and computer world. Ally is a talented artist but destined to be a permanent resident in town.
A renewed friendship, set against a backdrop of deceit, unforgiving and hurtful lies. Danger and retribution from previous event's which happened in book 2 are lurking in regards to Sarah and Dean.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Chip and Ally’s book. Ally is a starry-eyed artist with a broken heart. She would do just about anything to get away from her close-knit small town and travel the world. But her childhood friend, Chip, has returned to make her escape unlikely. Chip, software genius extraordinaire, has always loved Ally. The peace of home should've given him a break from his domineering father, and provided space to make the breakthrough that would define his career. But with Ally back in his life, he’s determined to have her see him as more than her geeky best friend. This one gave me all the feels. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third story in the "Harlow" series. It has connected characters and commonalities with the first one but I think you can read it as a stand alone. It is a small town romance set in Harlow, Minnesota. It is intriguing and emotional with a twist, a secret and the syndicate. The story is about Ally and Chip. They have been friends but then it becomes more. However, the syndicate is out for blood. There is a lot to this romantic suspense but it develops very nicely. I enjoyed the story and really like the characters.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written small town romance with strong characters and childhood sweethearts Ally and Chip. The author brings a slow burn romance with a bit of mafia, secrets, drama, tons of emotions and steam. She does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly, moving the story fluidly and delivering an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Harlow Series. Can be read as a standalone.

The characters were well written and developed and completely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this series.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I was as charmed by a story as I have been by Katerina Simms's Secondhand Secrets. A love story that had me chuckling, sniffling, and adoring the opposites attract trope on a whole new level!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allow a full day for this contemporary adult small-town second-chance romance set in Harlow, Minnesota where true love does not run smoothly.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M19arta · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice slow burn romance. Ally and Chip's story was engaging and their chemistry kept me rooting for them until the very end.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different couple, different problems in this third book .
Lovely series.
A lot of drama, angst but also a lot personal depth.
Some hot romance ,too.
All together mixed in very entertaining and easily read book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.