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Rochester Trilogy #3

Best Kept Secret

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The secrets haunting Beau Rochester come alive. He doesn’t deserve happiness, but he holds it in his hands. A woman he loves. A child. The past threatens to rip them away. He risks losing them forever. Jane Mendoza is determined to protect the people she loves from every threat--the mysterious arsonist, the corrupt police force. The darkest danger comes from a place she never expects. She risks more than her newfound family. She risks her life.

250 pages, Paperback

First published November 16, 2021

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Skye Warren

165 books8,461 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,301 reviews46 followers
November 15, 2021
Best Kept Secret
(Rochester Trilogy #3)
Written by: Skye Warren

Classic Skye Warren, you are never sure exactly what is going to happen but when it does it’s never what you expected.

I could not put this down! Author Skye Warren has given readers an explosive book three to end this trilogy. We get so much packed into this book you need to take notes; I’m serious! From the Hello, Jane to the epilogue Best Kept Secret gives and gives to readers!

The pressure that Jane and Beau are under puts a strain on their relationship and there are times it seems the whole thing might explode. This book moves quickly and there are lots of twists and turns we never saw coming.

This series kept me on the edge from the beginning to the end, from a “ghost” we thought was dead, to self-doubt that both Jane and Beau need to work through to Paige who gets the best ending. Warren gives us a story full of suspense, intrigue and love, which is exactly what readers had hoped for.
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,661 reviews965 followers
November 16, 2021
And so we have the epic conclusion to the Rochester trilogy, this fantastic modern day re-imagining of the story of Jane Eyre. Best Kept Secret may be full of secrets and suspense, but Skye Warren delivers a satisfying and thoughtful answer in this conclusion to the saga of Jane and her Mr. Rochester. From start to finish, this is a page turner, entertaining and consuming.

From the beginning, Skye has woven a story that is atmospherically consuming- evoking the gothic tone and tenor of Bronte’s original in a way both nostalgically referential but clever and fresh. The unsettling and complicated and long buried family secrets, dark secrets, a imposing manor-type house precariously isolated on a misty cliff, the subtle moments of terror embused in the suspense, and cast of brooding and perplexing characters has given the Rochester Trilogy the same gothic flair that made Bronte’s work so maddeningly transfixing. And as I’ve said before, Skye Warren’s take on romantic suspense is perfectly poised to deliver on a story that embodies that tone, she’s an author who has excelled at atmospheric, romantic and suspenseful story telling.

The dark sensuality, the gothic suspense, the foreboding melancholy- they are only heightened in this finale. A finale that begins with a ghost coming back to life, a dejected and rejected Jane trapped in the middle of corrupt elite machinations, and the broody Rochester trying to find reconcile his altruistic need to protect those he cares for with secrecy and distance, while his heart screams from its cage to lean into the a once in a lifetime love that is just at his fingertips. The plot moves quickly, the romance is consuming and heart wrenching, the twists are plenty, and the angst is thicker than the fog on the cliffs. But the story is also deliciously straightforward- we have suspense and surprises, but the narrative stays focused, the tension is high while the emotions are substantive- a plot both simple and rich. And wildly entertaining- it’s a story you read in one sitting.

Where this story shines the most, though, is in the subtle ways Skye harkens back to the evocative and poignant themes of the classic- a story that was about the coming of age of the titular character- Jane herself. Bronte’s Jane Eyre was subversively, and subtly- rebellious, an exploration of themes of her time. Poverty, class struggle, the construct of family, the power of love, elitist privilege are all thematically woven throughout Bronte’s journey, and what a beautiful parallel Sky weaves. All of these themes somehow shine in this story- yet they don’t feel derivative or emulative. They feel like Skye- and they play out in the character evolution of our characters so subtly but transformatively, and authentically. And that nexus of thematic relevance and character journey is just what makes this trilogy so layered. Bronte’s version, while moody and gothic is tone, is resplendent in the evolution of the young governess- the destitute, societally restricted orphan who finds her voice, who discovers herself. And that character journey is brilliantly captured here, in this, Best Kept Secret soars. Because at the core of this compelling and entertaining story of a girl becoming the woman she wants to be- of our Jane finding her independence. Skye so clearly gives us parallels- oh, we have secrets galore, this story is brimming with them. Twists, unexpected surprises, even some blossoming romance I didn’t anticipate. But the Best Kept Secret of all is that of Jane herself- and of the POWER she’s found in love and family. Because after all the drama, the secrets, her adversity and her push-pull with the elusive Mr. Rochester, Jane has found HERSELF. And what a beautiful sight it is to behold-- to see the once lost and reluctant nanny become the empowered author of her own fate. To see her find her independence, while she also finds her long searched for home and family. THAT is the essence of the Jane of old- and Skye paints it beautifully, in her own way, for our Jane.

Of course, our other characters have a moment to shine. Beau, the once capricious newly devoted lover just had me swooning left and right. He’s devoted and protective, thoughtful- and so wildly in love with our Jane. His moody and tortured sacrifice becomes the catalyst for his own growth, he’s a man newly alive with his own aspirations. The chemistry in this third book is the swooniest- an epic love and devotion that has to weather their complicated situation, and that has to grow and evolve as they both figure themselves out as individuals. And our secondary characters challenge and engage as well- most notably our darling little ward, Paige, who also finds herself a bit more in this finale. All are tested by their unexpected adversity- by a reality they never anticipated they’d find themselves in. It’s a plot that keeps the pages turning, but also feels fulfilling in its character depth, sincere and sentimental even.

This trilogy has hands down been my favorite work from Skye Warren to date- not only is it action packed and full of the sensual passion I love her for, but I’ve loved watching her explore these characters and themselves with such effortless finesse. I’m glad Jane and Rochester finally have all the proverbial secrets out of the attic- what a thrill to finally see a bit of light breaking through the misty horizon, and for there to be a bit of peace up on the cliff.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,801 reviews400 followers
November 14, 2021
I didn't expect Beau and Jane's epic ending to hit me with so much angst! Best Kept Secret by Skye Warren was intense, heartaching and heart stopping. A hint of darkness. An edge of suspense. The all consuming soul deep love with electrifying chemistry. This trilogy is perfection!
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Recluse billionaire Beau Rochester didn't expect to fall so hard for Jane Mendoza, his niece's new nanny. Their lives are in so much trouble. A corrupt cop. Paige's dead mother being spotted. Beau sent Jane away to keep her safe and broke her heart. But Jane has to come back. For Paige. For Beau. Even if it's dangerous for her.
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This whole story is a mood. The atmosphere created by Skye Warren is so moody and mysterious. The sea. The cliff. The forest. And one story full of suspense, passion and love. I loved Beau and Jane both even more in this story. There is nothing not to love in a tortured alpha billionaire who thinks the worst of himself yet probably owns the biggest heart around. He wants to save Jane from the pain and ruin that comes being with him. Because he feels he can only give her destruction. The anguish was brought to life so beautifully. So was his blind devotion and craving and desperation. Jane came out as a stronger and more fierce character in this book. She can love with everything and unconditionally. That means she sees beyond Beau's wall and is determined to stay with him. She is sometimes insecure and unsure of her place in Beau's life because she comes from a much less privileged life. Beau wants to give her everything but she refuse to take it because of her self respect. They both had a lot of emotions to work out specially under the dangerous circumstances. I felt it tested the strength of their connection and they came out victorious after a long battle.My heart was breaking for Paige. This little girl's life has been turned upside down so many times but I am so happy with how it all worked out beautifully. The plot is stunning with so many ups and downs and I was glued to the pages!
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Best Kept Secret by Skye Warren is the definition of unputdownable romance!
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I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
2,968 reviews2,684 followers
December 3, 2021
Rochester & Jane’s ending!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📒
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓

The heroine: Jane Mendoza - Beau sends her back to Boston “for her own safety” after a message was found on the doorstep of the Inn they are staying at due to the fact that Beau’s house burned down. The message was a dead rat with a note that contained Jane’s name.

The Hero(s): Beau Rochester - He is falling for Jane and regrets sending her away for himself and for his niece Paige.

The Story: Jane gets to her apartment in Houston to find the woman in white sitting there. The woman has a story to tell and threatens Jane. Jane returns to Rochester and is more self assured than she was before he sent her away.



Jane is more capable than she was in the past, she is still unsure of her place in Beau’s life. Though he definitely wants her in his bed. The mystery behind the murder of Beau’s brother is a good storyline and the cast of characters in this story was terrific. I really liked Beau’s best friend Mateo, Jane’s friend Noah, Emily and Paige. This was a great ending to the trilogy and I loved the Jane/Rochester romance.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

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Profile Image for Melluvsbooks.
1,570 reviews
January 11, 2022
Meh. Should have been 1 book. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Trilogies, man. 🙄

Forever doing me wrong and wasting my time. 🤬🤣🤣

I was so over these two by the end of this one. And I really liked them in book 1.

This one has all the typical boring nonsense.

The h comes rushing back without the H, who was a verbally abusive asshat the last time she saw him, ever lifting a finger.

Rochester: 👀 oh. You’re back. 👀
Jane: I will be an EQUAL now! EVERYTHING has changed and now I have power too.
Rochester: 👀 Cool. 👀


And Rochester is just a sappy sad-sack who has lost all authority and backbone. And he spends a lot of time licking the h. A lot.




Remember in the first book where Jane kept spouting off facts from a Pamplet Concerning Foster Kids? Remember how she didn't want to be a teen pregnancy statistic so she insists on condoms... and remember how in book 2 condoms aren't ever mentioned at all? Well that comes to its predictable conclusion. Why make such a big deal about condoms if you aren't going to give us a discussion between the MCs about forgoing condoms? Or use it in another way for drama and relationship development? Also, wasn't dude a major manwhore with other major whores prior to becoming Paige's guardian? And didn't he also have that Zoey person hanging in his bedroom in book 1, convincing Jane that he slept with her (even if he didnt, she assumed he did)? Why wasn't there a discussion as to his sexual health prior to ditching the condoms? Ugh.

And Emily? I guess we're supposed to like her now. 👀😑🙄 I mean, she slutted it up with 2 brothers, playing them against each other and cheated, then abandoned her daughter. No biggie. She was a battered wife, so all is forgiven. 👍🏻 👀 I have a longer, saltier memory than that, so I wasn't feeling it. And then when she's finally back with her (thoroughly traumatized) daughter, she seriously contemplates leaving her again. WTF 😵‍💫

Then this is all wrapped up in a super convenient shiny bow. All the angsty loose ends pleasantly resolved in a few pages. 😐


Bottom Line? This was way too drawn out. I stopped caring for these people midway through book 2. But I finished, so it gets 3 Begrudging stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️



⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️

- no cheating or sharing
- OW drama - the H's lost love is back and this causes the h some angst
- OM drama - the H is still jealous of the h's bff
- no dubcon
- the h and H are only with each other
- no condoms
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,405 reviews624 followers
November 24, 2021
In the last 10 days I have finished seven outstanding stories, and Best Kept Secret began my streak that did not let up! I have been a reading Ninja people and I am giddy about it! Of course, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t just throw myself into reading back-to-back-to-back books and then go back to review LOL

So, what can I tell you about Jane and Beau that you haven’t probably already read in some other review? Probably not much as far as storyline goes, so I’m going to stick to how this trilogy made me feel while reading it and Skye’s infinite power with a pen! Reading their journey, even with the gaps in between books, was exciting, shocking, eye-twitching, worthy of every second of my reading time and so enthralling that I read the previous book every time one dropped to be sure I remembered every single detail of this journey.

Skye Warren is an absolute wizard with a pen. There are very few authors, that I have read, that continuously take me surprise or vest me in their storylines and Skye is probably one of the best. It is so ridiculously thrilling to get lost in one of her stories. One minute you think you know what’s happening and the next … not even a little and everything has turned upside down and sideways and somehow, she brilliantly brings it all together in a HEA to beat all HEAs. I mean the woman outdoes her own work every single time!

That’s all I have to give you on this magnificent trilogy except that maybe all three of these books were so climactic and well thought-out, that they are all part of my top reads for this year. Do with that information what you will :)

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LjvFxZ
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Profile Image for 25 Readings Or More.
794 reviews164 followers
November 16, 2021
4.5

Best Kept Secret took a different path from the one i thought it would have taken...

Skye Warren surprised me, but she gave me the ending Beau, Jane and the little Paige deserved 😍

While all the secrets are revealed, Beau and Jane gonna be strong enough to accept they belong together, that they are enough for each other?

Gosh, these two drove me crazy with their doubts about their feelings, but I loved them anyway  🖤

The story is quite short and run fast...
maybe it's a little rushed  through the end but it didn’t bother me.

We finally have a clear vision of what happened years ago and who is the real villain of this story.

The chemestry between Beau and Jane is amazing as usual 🔥
And the suspense keep you glued to the book till the end.

One thing I really loved was Emily's pov.
Giving us her pov, the author gave us also completeness and understanding.

In the end I can tell you this trilogy is a wonderful retelling of Jane Eyre,
ONE YOU REALLY HAVE TO READ!!
Profile Image for Lolina ⋆ .
1,141 reviews245 followers
May 7, 2023
Absolutely not 🙃.

Well, this was definitely an experience- all of that unnecessary buildup for THAT climax 🤡🤡 ?

You don't understand how badly I wanted to DNF this one- but a part of me was actually pretty curious about how the series would end- and the disappointment I feel is genuinely worrying 💀.

This story would've been decent if it just stuck to the first book, and didn't include all of the unneeded drama- this genuinely was 248 pages of sex and insecurities, which after the previous book, was not something that was interesting to read about again.

And I don't think I will ever stop complaining about that child🙃🔪- The number of meltdowns and crying actually gave me a headache.

Apart from the repetitive monologues, and random drama (that really was not explained/ fleshed out properly), one of the main things I didn't like about this book was the actual plot itself/ reveal to the series as a whole.


Anyways this series is something I'm not proud to say I've spent my time reading? I actually liked the first book, and thought that the second was relatively ok, but this one really had no right to violate the series like this 💀.
Profile Image for David.
122 reviews26 followers
May 23, 2022
The Rochester Trilogy...

Private Property (1)
Strict Confidence (2)
Best Kept Secret (3)

I enjoyed Beau Rochester and Jane Mendoza. I wondered what their futures held... You'll have to read to find out...

What better setting than the Coast of Maine.
Profile Image for Literary Temptations .
591 reviews54 followers
November 17, 2021
FOR-A-FULL-REVIEW-VISIT

MY RATING: 2.5*
RELEASE DATE: 16 November 2021
CLIFFHANGER: No

ARC was kindly provided for an honest review

description

Once again, I’m in the minority. I’ve been sitting on this review for a few days now going through a catalogue of emotions over it. You ask if I liked it? sorta, kinda. Did I hate it? no, not exactly.
I don’t know what happened. It had so much potential. Or maybe I had unrealistically high expectations? That must be it because everybody else seems to have loved it. to put it simply, it was boring. Boring in a way that kept you reading anyway because you kept thinking, it’s going to get better, but it never did. I’m still not sure what exactly Beau was brooding over. What the hell his secret was that made him the antichrist.

The authenticity of their relationship just fell short. I mean from book one I was never really sold on their chemistry but honestly, I just wanted more drama. I feel like everything that would have made this book great was off the pages. And OMG, the repetition in here. If I never have to read a man say how they’re not good enough for a woman and they should send them away again, it would be too soon. At one point I thought

description

There was so much that could have done, with a good fleshing out, the drama written out properly, so it takes the reader along. Instead, if felt more narrative. I didn’t feel part of the story at all. I hated how Jane didn’t change either.

She came into Beau’s house as insecure, meek, sort of a push over and remained that way throughout all three books. I would have loved to see a bit of push and pull between the two considering it was a forbidden relationship. They talked about how forbidden it was but never acted like they knew. I wanted the build-up, the suspense. Everything.

Anyway, as I said, apparently the other readers got a 5* copy. I just didn’t. So take my review with a pinch of salt. Because maybe I’m a

description

Profile Image for mira.
926 reviews1,378 followers
January 14, 2022
4⭐️

“I O N L Y W A N T Y O U. I write it again and again and again. I O N L Y W A N T Y O U. O N L Y Y O U. O N L Y Y O U. O N L Y Y O U."


its more of a 3 star book BUT i had to upgrade it for jane and beau 😩.

im so fucking obsessed with them its actually fucking crazy. i mean im actually so fucking jealous that if they were real people i probs would have given them an evil eye because i want to be THEM🤠🧍🏼‍♀️. im not sorry 😋😙.

anyway i didn't give a SINGLE fuck about the plot i just fucking needed jane to stop being so fucking insecure. i mean baby... what is wrong with having a sugar daddy?🤠 im actually fucking jealous bitch... he wants you to go to college and do all your girlbossing without paying a cent and you saying no? baby are you fucking okay? 🥴 crazy fuCkinG bitch 🙄.

anyways, who wanna be my beau to my jane? pls DM me asap... i'm a material gurl prr 👅💅🏻. (i cannot believe i said that)

ratings

private property - 4 stars
strict confidence - 3.5 stars
best kept secret - 4 stars
Profile Image for Bookish Lauren.
Author 1 book179 followers
November 14, 2021
Overall: 4/5
Spice level: 3/5
Tropes: age gap, nanny/single dad, Jane Eyre retelling

This conclusion to the Rochester Trilogy brought out even more secrets, but also all the answers.

It was a quick and easy read with a few sexy moments between Beau and Jane, and Jane questioning if she belongs in his world.

There was also more brief dynamics between Jane and her best friend Noah, which I wish we would've gotten more of.

The formed family dynamic between Beau, Jane, and Paige continued but also changed.

There some very charged and exciting moments where all the secrets came out and kept me on the edge.

I enjoyed the twists and turns and the age gap factor.
Profile Image for Mean Kitty.
560 reviews11 followers
November 25, 2021
It’s just another book where the characters use sex as a weapon (Chapter 7, Chapter 18). They treat sex like having a work out as punishment after having a meal. It’s good for your body but not good for your soul. Having sex, like eating, and working out should be enjoyed. People with BDSM lifestyle enjoy punishment and pain in their sex because they communicate what they want. These people barely talk. Should we, as readers, believe what Jane and Beau are thinking about each other based on their assumption during sex, a moment where people usually lose their minds? This is why sometimes I hate dual POV. It’s a too convenient way, I even dare say, lazy way, for authors to tell their stories.

And then in Chapter Ten, I got frustrated with Jane because she let Beau to use sex as a weapon on her but still can’t voice her doubt, her insecurities, and her jealousy to Beau out loud? And it’s still continuing throughout the book (until Chapter 22). She has great internal monologue and questions to Beau, but she didn’t voice them out. They even has this embarrassing moment in front of Lauren and Shane (chapter 16) and she still manages to take a hundreds step backward. Really, it’s disappointing. Please, author, don’t make women be this stupid and oblivious. After all they’ve done, all they’ve gone through, all the intense sex, you’d think she knew that he had feeling for her. Please, Jane can’t be that stupid. It’s not consistent with her observant personality. Yes, Jane is observant because she noticed something suspicious in the house before it got burned down, about Emily, about Paige’s allergy, about Noah’s feeling.

And the drama is so repetitive. They get insecure, then they have sex, they say something dramatic during sex, then they get insecure again, then they have sex again. It’s further proof that something you say during sex is not reliable. Oh my God, in chapter 7, they didn’t even say anything, they only assume what each other are thinking.

Throughout the book, Beau is like, “I’m not good for her, but I can’t live without her, but I had to send her away, but I hurt her, but she still has to go,” and Jane is like, “he and Emily and Paige make a great family together. I have to go. I don’t want to but I have to.” It’s repetitive, and tiring, and boring. They’re all horrible narrators and I can’t trust any inner monologue these characters are saying. I can even say that the author fails to make a distinctive voice between all characters. They all almost sound the same. They all have this pity party on their heads, and rage, jealousy, insecurity.

This could be a novella if the author didn’t write the same conflicts and the same inner monologue over and over again and focuses more on their main story, which is not suspense enough. It’s very predictable. Well, one-star.
Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,568 reviews408 followers
November 18, 2021
This trilogy has been such a joy to read. As a huge Jane Eyre fan, I was so ecstatic about this book and the author doesn't disappoint.
The third book is a rollercoaster. Absolutely amazing and so emotional. Jane became such an amazing heroine. And Beau... I loved him. With Emily back everything is turned upside down!
I highly recommend this series. Top favorite books!!!
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,219 reviews72 followers
November 14, 2021
This book concludes the Rochester Trilogy. Wow what a ending it was! We pick up with a big surprise and it just gets better from there. We learn the truth about what happened all those years ago and what has been happening since. I enjoyed the fast pace of this book and the detailed backstory. Beau finally tells Jane how he really feels and tries his best to keep the family he really wants together. Jane gets a visit from an old friend and realizes what she truly wants out of life. I truly loved this book, all my questions were answered and more. Jane and Beau found each other when they needed each other the most. They both grew and learned to love each other and themselves. This trilogy was an amazing emotional journey that I’m so happy I took. I enjoyed All three books and loved getting to know this authors writing style. I can’t wait to see what Skye Warren comes out with next, I’m now a huge fan!
Profile Image for Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews).
915 reviews1,206 followers
December 12, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Safety warnings:
- H 36 / h 19
- No cheating (between MCs)
- Mention of spousal abuse
- Slight OW drama (barely)
- HEA

We finally get the reveals and the answers we have been looking for since book 1!

I had some correct theories, but I was a bit shocked to find out how much of a certain someone played a role in the end.

I do think book 2 and 3 could have been just one book but I also know that the ending of book 2 had to be a cliffhanger so I can't fault the author for making this a trilogy.

A certain connection turns out to be false and I don't know why but it made me happy and sad.

I'm glad the OW drama wasn't actually drama but more of Jane making assumptions and I'm even more glad Beau kept reassuring her.

I do wish we had gotten a clearer view of Jane’s childhood friends future? I wanted to see what he was up to in the epilogue.

Overall, this was an entertaining trilogy.
Profile Image for Rachel Rowell.
196 reviews74 followers
September 21, 2023
This final book in the main Rochester Trilogy wraps up Beau and Jane’s story arc nicely - and leaves the door open for a spin-off or two - but it also left me feeling a little annoyed by certain plot choices. Portions of this review can apply to the entire trilogy, and I’m looking at it through the lens of a Jane Eyre retelling as well as judging it on its own merits as a contemporary romance.

First, flashback time: In my opinion, the core theme of Brontë’s original novel is the shifting power dynamic between Rochester and Jane. In the beginning, Rochester has all of the money, power, and options. When he pressures Jane to openly live as his mistress, he’s abusing his power over her - choosing this path, regardless of their love, would have ruined her future in society and made her wholly dependent on him. But when Jane finally comes back, now the roles are reversed. She is an independently wealthy heiress, the world is her oyster…and Rochester’s power has been stripped. He’s still wealthy, but his manor is gone, and he’s now blind and disabled to the point he can’t even live on his own. Jane ultimately allows herself to choose a life with Rochester, because their power imbalance is gone, yet their love still remains. She can be with him without sacrificing her sense of self, and now they can build a relationship on an equal footing.

So that being said - I feel like the Rochester Trilogy misses this concept completely, and instead tries to create the classic separation period between Jane and Rochester by means of a tired miscommunication trope. Jane really doesn’t have any more power in the relationship at the end of the story than she does at the beginning. She now has her nanny wages (which came from Rochester), and the option to strike back out on her own, but not much else has changed. But on the flip side, Beau never really asks her at any point to do anything that’s not ultimately advantageous to her. Is there a stigma around being the former nanny who screwed the boss? Yes - but otherwise being Beau’s girlfriend doesn’t really come with major social negatives, besides Jane’s loss of left-wing cred with Noah 😆 She’ll be able to put herself through college and achieve her dreams, even if they don’t stay together forever.

Both Beau and Jane struggle with annoyingly low self-esteem (“I’m not good enough for them, they deserve so much better than me! Not being with me is what’s best for them”) and never seem to be listening when they point blank tell the other I WANT YOU AND ONLY YOU (this happens repeatedly. Ad nauseam.) This is my personal preferences showing here, but I hate this trope. Sorry not sorry lol.

So when Jane tries to leave Beau, it’s not a profound choice between love or independence - rather, she’s somehow deluded herself (contrary to everything he’s told her) that Beau would be happier getting back together with his erstwhile ex. Unlike the original Jane Eyre, she doesn’t completely realize her own worth.

But overall, this was a fun billionaire romance series - if you don’t read too much into the Jane Eyre parallels…
Profile Image for Lanie ༊*·˚.
175 reviews9 followers
June 18, 2024
♫: Too Late- The Weeknd

⋆。゚☁︎。⋆。 ゚☾ ゚。⋆

I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF WRITING MY REVIEW AND ACCIDENTALLY ERASED THE WHOLE THING WTF-

⋆。゚☁︎。⋆。 ゚☾ ゚。⋆

This was an emotional roller coaster-

Jane Mendoza (fc: Weronika Zalazinska)

This girl is better than me honestly-
She’s carried her trauma through out her life and I hoped she went to therapy after what happened in the book.

Beau Rochester (fc: Mariano Di Vaio)

WE GET IT YOUR NOT A GOOD MAN AND YOU THINK PPL WONT BE SAFE WITH YOU!!! HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU HAVE TO SAY IT?!?! He is a great guardian to Paige I will admit it.

⋆。゚☁︎。⋆。 ゚☾ ゚。⋆

This book was honestly repetitive I honestly think there shouldn’t have been a third book. A second book would’ve been okay.

This relationship was honestly toxic like all they did was have sex, Beau keeps hurting Jane finding way for her to leave, and the cycle repeats.
↳ Did I still eat it up? Sadly I still did-

This whole book needed communication and for Beau to put on his big boy pants and tell Jane how he feels and this all could’ve been solved.

⋆。゚☁︎。⋆。 ゚☾ ゚。⋆

Overall 3.75/ 5 stars ★

Is it bad that the epilogue gets to me and makes my rating go up?

Like I said this should’ve been a duet instead of a trilogy.

I did like the story even though it was toxic.

I’m sleepy but I do enjoy reading Skye Warren’s book and I’ll read more of their books!

⋆。゚☁︎。⋆。 ゚☾ ゚。⋆

Edit:

Paige has been through so much and to add on what happened-

Therapy should be recommended to all the characters in this book!
Profile Image for Nuchchy.
216 reviews20 followers
Read
November 9, 2021
**UP-Freaking-DATE!! Ms. Warren just posted on her IG that Best Kept Secret will drop on November 16th!! HELL YESSS**


To be honest, I am sad a vee bit disappointed that Ms. Warren has pushed the release date to 11 Jan 22. NEXT YEAR.


But today, I saw her post on IG, about her struggling both mentally and physically and I completely understand why she had to do this. So please be patient you guys 💪 (also note to myself too) Can not wait for this final book!


Profile Image for 💜VGreedyReader🖤.
652 reviews127 followers
November 23, 2021


⭐️4 this is where it ends stars ⭐️

~𝑺𝒉𝒆'𝒔 𝒂𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆~

We’re here! This is where it ends right where it all began, with Jane and Beau. This journey was long, filled with grief and pain but a glimmer of light finally came up on the horizon, hope wasn’t lost and family love eventually won.

I know Skye, I have read a lot by her, I’m confident in her story telling abilities, I trust her to guide me into dubious situations where dark and light cohabit. So I didn’t esitate to embark on this adventure, besides Jane Eyre has always been one of my favourite classics, what more could I ask for? Yet, this felt like it dragged, after all has been said and done I’m inclined to assert a trilogy wasn’t really needed.

Albeit enjoying more of Jane and Beau, this last instalment felt a bit forced. I will concede it ties up all loose ends, all those buried secrets are revealed (ᴇᴠᴇɴ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀs ᴀʟʟ sᴍᴏᴋᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴏ ᴍᴇᴀᴛ) but there is little flesh on the bones. Most of the book was a set of repetitions, I appreciated reading Emily’s POV, otherwise Jane and Beau’s reflections were redundant thus unnecessary. Rather than a third book this felt like a long epilogue.

That said I enjoyed this retelling and even if I think it could have been a duet I don’t regret reading such an enticing story.
16 reviews3 followers
Read
August 15, 2021
Isn’t this supposed to be published like in 2 days??
Profile Image for Diana~ (Kiss Me Books).
453 reviews166 followers
November 18, 2021
Best Kept Secret by Skye Warren is the emotional conclusion to the Rochester trilogy and it was heartbreaking, angsty, and shocking. I've really enjoyed my time with this series and how the author took inspiration from Jane Eyre and made it her own. A lot of the mysteries and secrets were finally revealed and I was shocked albeit also comforted to know the truth, to say the least. Beau and Jane's relationship is seemingly broken but the love, pining, and tension between them is always present throughout the story. The book immediately picks up right after the events of Strict Confidence, which was a cliffhanger ending that left many readers floored. Someone we thought dead was alive all this time. In his haste to protect her, Beau pushed Jane away and into the hands of a potentially dangerous individual. However, not all are what they seem.

"Maybe all of us are broken in our on ways. Maybe we're all running from the demons in our past."


As always, Skye Warren excels at capturing the mood and atmosphere of the book as well as the tension between her characters. The unsaid words, longing, and frustration between Jane and Beau was palpable and made for some excellent angst. I wanted to shake these two because they clearly loved each other but refuse to acknowledge it. Jane is self-deprecating and believes herself unworthy of love and care because of her past as an orphan whereas Beau is traumatized by love and the past betrayal from Rhys and Emily Rochester. Both felt undeserving of love and happiness, which broke my heart. On the flip side, we also got to witness another potential romance between two unexpected characters. They have a past but it's far too early to tell if they will be good for each other or not.

"My love was dangerous for so long. To me. To everyone else. I never thought I'd feel this kind of obsessive love again, but it's here."


In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this billionaire and nanny romance with a hint/inspiration of Jane Eyre. Beau and Jane had incredible chemistry with each other and the love scenes were highly charged and erotic. I only wish their story was longer because I will miss these two and Paige dearly. As a whole, this series was another very solid read by Skye Warren even though I wouldn't exactly categorize this as a "dark romance." Beau and Jane had some kinks but it wasn't the main focus of their romance. I loved how Beau was gruff and inexperienced when it came to expressing his emotions and feelings. However, once he realizes his love for Jane, he is the type of person who will never let her go. Fans of Skye Warren will absolutely love this series and those who have been reading the Rochester trilogy will be satisfied with the final chapter of Beau and Jane's story.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,281 reviews1,770 followers
November 19, 2021



ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

line

Star Rating : 4.5/5 stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : None

Hero : Beau

Heroine : Jane

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 5/10

Heat Rating : 6/10

Triggers Involved : Traumatic Past

Review :
The Finale for Beau and Jane's story is here! I have been waiting so long for this book, especially after that crazy ending of book 2. That was a cruel cliffhanger 😂🥺

With the most shocking plot twist of their lives, nothing is the same for Beau and Jane. They thought they had it all only for then to realize that everything they knew was a lie. And now nothing will be the same. Their enemies are back and it will all be ruined. The worst thing is that now they don't even have each other anymore and that might be the one thing which ends them all.

I absolutely loved the ending so much! The story was perfect and it left me wanting more of these characters. Definitely recommending this book to all the dark romance loving people out there!

My-Post-3 Website | Bookstagram | Facebook Page | Newsletter
Profile Image for MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog.
1,415 reviews264 followers
November 14, 2021
The conclusion to this Jane Eyre Retelling is here! Will Beau, Jane and little Paige finally get their HEA or will the secrets of the past be their undoing? Twist and turn your way through this romantic mystery that will have you flipping the pages to see what happens next. I love this updated twist on a classic tale. Beau and Jane are wonderful together with push and pull relationship. She is such a strong heroine! I couldn’t put this one down! Are you ready to have all the answers to their story? Told in multiple POV
Profile Image for Buffyanna.
989 reviews43 followers
December 12, 2021
After the heart-stopping cliffhanger of Strict Confidence, the lid comes off of all the mysteries surrounding the past and present occupants of the now incinerated Coach House. Well, most of them at least. I’m still uncertain what motivated the actual burning down of the mansion. Is it just me?

I loved the fast pace, the suspense, and the romance of the finale. I found the third instalment to be the most angsty. Beau sent Jane away for her own good, then misses her, then tries to drive her away again when she returns, then silently prays that she stays, which she promises aloud to do so, except at one point she’s sneaking off to pack her bags again with nary a word or whisper. Aiy-yi-yi! Just make a plan and stick with it, you two!

Luckily, everyone eventually does do that. Best Kept Secret is a necessary and rewarding end to this Jane Eyre-tribute trilogy.
Profile Image for Shatarupa  Dhar.
620 reviews85 followers
November 27, 2021
Best Kept Secret is the intense finale of the Rochester trilogy, which concludes Jane and Beau’s story.

Warning: This is Book Three of the Rochester trilogy and continues the story from Book Two, there may be spoilers from the previous books.

Synopsis:
Beau is feeling very bad, both for himself and the little girl who has come to mean more to him than only a responsibility, about ordering Jane to leave, but he still believes that he did what had to be done. Then comes some unsettling news, and his unravelling past places him in a difficult position. Will he get his happily ever after with Jane?

Review:
After the cliffhanger that the previous book ended in, I started reading this with literally my breath held in. It was silly maybe, but I felt so scared for Jane, especially after all she went through in life already. Why does Skye Warren make her protagonists suffer so much? But I do love all the wonderful things that happen after, so it’s okay, I guess…

After that initially terrifying moment though, Best Kept Secret started off with a bang, with the supposed villain having been revealed. But in true Warren style, there is always this lingering suspense about who the real villain is, and that is what makes the author’s writing so intense and unputdownable.

Well, my synopsis above does make it feel like it is only Beau Rochester’s story when it is clearly not. Narrated from both Jane and Beau’s POV in the first-person, the story beautifully concluded the Rochester trilogy.

The best thing was the chemistry between Jane and Beau though, as the level of hotness between them was off the charts. And of course, when it is accompanied with a declaration of love (finally!) and what a “sir, yes sir!” kinda declaration it was. I was laughing out loud the entire time. Okay, not the correct emotion, maybe…

The story did feel a bit anticlimactic but the sweet epilogue made up for it. Especially considering how serious and brooding Rochester still is regarding everything, especially Jane. It felt special, their kind of love.

Thank you to Valentine PR for an e-ARC of the book.

Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
Profile Image for Caroline F.
2,404 reviews52 followers
November 24, 2021
Fabulous, emotional conclusion to this trilogy.

"I don't know where I got the idea that I wouldn't be enough for him. He's more than enough for both of us, even at his most broken."

Picking up from the last instalment, Jane Mendoza has returned home to Houston, only to find a surprising intruder in her home. Someone who compels her to return to Eben Cape and the home of Beau Rochester. The mysteries surrounding the Rochester family are slowing unravelling and Jane is determined to help resolve them.

"It hurts to be this hard. Hurts more than I can explain. The hurt rises through my abs to my chest. I'm one long chain of need for Jane Mendoza."

I loved this final book in Beau and Jane's story. They were as explosive as ever together. Beau's angst was a palpable entity - he was desperate and needy for her, yet intense fear made him send Jane away. When she returned, I felt the sharp keenness of his feelings for her and his desire to keep her close and never let her go. Jane was courageous, loving and patient. I pitied her self-doubt, which made her blind to Beau's feelings and motivations when it came to her. My heart thumped resoundly at the level of Beau's devotion and desire for Jane. He was the epitome of tortured, alpha hero. The whole trilogy was a compelling read, with echoes of the original Jane Eyre adding to the gothic feel of the story. This story had drama, raw sexuality, suspense, and stunning tenderness. A wonderful, absorbing read!

Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3G501D...
Profile Image for Dar.
4,542 reviews93 followers
November 14, 2021
This was not the conclusion I expected, it was better! This entire series, and especially this book, is a stage where you are watching the players. The atmosphere, the reactions, the suspense, all the emotions, they aren’t prose, it is a play and you are watching it happen. You are experiencing it with the characters. Jane, Beau, little Paige, and all the side characters convene, moving across the stage, playing their parts, telling their story. There is love, there is danger, there is self-sacrifice, and there is bravery. Jane and Beau have to sort through all of these to do what is best for them, the family they have created, for everyone involved. That they get the happy ending they have is miraculous, as all the cards are stacked against them. But it happens, and the dreams they held dear, too scared to share with anyone else, come true with each other <3
Profile Image for shereads.pang.
875 reviews139 followers
December 30, 2021
If you haven't, you should pick it up. Boss and nanny. Single father. Romantic suspense. Age Gap. Everything I LOVE in a book. ⁣I promise you, the twist in this book had me shock, and I was not expecting it. It continues right where Strict Confidence ended. It was definitely the perfect conclusion to Beau and Jane's love story. I'm not going to say anything besides that because I don't want to spoil anything.

I'm definitely going to miss Beau and Jane. They have become my favorite couple by Skye. ⁣
Profile Image for Sharon.
546 reviews21 followers
September 7, 2022
This trilogy should have been a duet - this last installment felt like a lot of filler - repetitive thoughts of unworthiness from Rochester. There were also some typos 😱 and it was pretty short.

There were some scenes where i questioned what the author was thinking - a romantic scene between the woman on the run in terrible danger, and the best friend decides to make a move on her? Weird and kind of random. Then when Jane comes back to help a woman in desperate danger and tells Rochester she’s not leaving again, there is a puzzling scene where he is VERY rough with her sexually, to like test her resolve or something.

The other thing that struck me about the conclusion is that Jane in this book and the original are both very young and there is a significant age difference, but in 1849 Jane would have been ready for marriage and a family, and that is not the case in 2022. Although Rochester encourages her to follow her dream and attend college, I can’t help but feel like she’s too young to be launched into domesticity.

In the original, what makes their final happiness so deeply touching is that Rochester has redeemed himself without Janes help - he was so sure she would be his redemption because he was “rescuing” her, but when she left he had to save himself instead - it’s what makes him truly worthy for Jane to return to him. I don’t really see a parallel redemption in Beau Rochester.

Still, the ending was sweet and satisfying - I was glad they came to a happy arrangement about Paige.

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