Built of Secrets

Small Town Heroes #1

by Jemi Fraser

She’s got a secret…
Okay, she’s got several…
But only one could get her killed.

Humiliated after being duped by her ex, Tansy chooses flight over fight. An inherited fishing lodge she can pull off the grid while working on her tech is the perfect hideout.

Burned-out FBI agent, Sam is worried about his best friend’s little sister. After a devastating case, he heads to Vermont to check on her. And if he happens to get her to fall in love with him? Even better.

When the ex refuses to stay in the past, Sam knows he’ll do anything to keep her safe. Will it be enough?
______________________

Built of Secrets is the 1st book in the Small Town Heroes Romance series. Each book can be read as a standalone. The book contains some strong language and sexy times.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary Romance, Google

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2022

About the author

Jemi Fraser writes small-town romance filled with hope, heart, humour, and a touch of danger. Her stories combine her love of mystery with the satisfaction of a Happy Ever After. Love is always worth the risk!

Find Jemi's books:

Amazon https://amzn.to/3Bs4t4h
Apple https://apple.co/2XYH6lg
B&N Nook https://bit.ly/3pLR0lC
Google Play https://bit.ly/3mmVxJ6
Kobo https://bit.ly/3GxTeLd

Reviews

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling Story

If you love intrigue and suspense with your romance, give this book a try. It is a series starter, well-paced, and unique.

Sam and Tansy get mixed up in some drama; there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. If you are looking for more details, you will need to pick up this book.

Thank you to the Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, what a fantastic find of a new author for me to add to my library. What truly made this story shine for my liking was the wonderful character of Tansy, she is strong, resilient, smart, oh so smart and someone with a true heart of gold.
In today's world she would most likely be labelled as someone on the spectrum, but personally I found her character truly inspiring, lovable and down-to-earth.

For Tansy and her older brother Joe growing up in a truly supportive foster care setting with two adopted brothers, Sam and Nico and their successes becoming top FBI agents in their own fields, and Tansy's exceptional scientific mind and adventures you could see this type of character development was going to produce a wonderfully entertaining storyline. It was nicely balanced out with romance, action including elements of mystery, espionage, betrayal, greed, kidnapping and the whole idea of teamwork and complete commitment and protection. Throw in all these elements into a incredibly creative environmental setting with a huge take on the '"saving the earth" spin from Tansy and it is just one of the stories I found hard to put down. More than anything as I read it I could visualise so many other opportunities for this series to travel down with its wonderfully created characters and their hidden strengths.

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

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, so I didn't know what to expect. The synopsis really caught my attention especially with the tease of being a romantic suspense. Finding the book was written in third person took me a while to adjust to and I didn't find any suspense in the story. Things were way too predictable, except for one part that had a slight surprise on how something happened. I really felt like the author was using this book to push about protecting the environment as there was a lot of discussion about it and just the layout of everything at the fishing lodge was difficult to follow. Also some of the things seemed unrealistic. Yes Sam and Tansy met in a foster home and had a special bond that neither wanted to admit was more. Then there were her inventions that were somewhat confusing and difficult to fully visualize how they did things around the house. I did continue reading to see how all was going to play out and there were a few good moments with the supporting characters which give us a slight introduction to the next book in the series. Overall, it felt like there were several potential things that were going to happen but fell flat. My time at Midnight Lake was a one time visit.

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

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything one could want in a good book. Fascinating characters, a wonderful romance, some steam, danger and suspense as well as some thrilling action. It is impossible not to love Tansy and Sam. Both are dedicated to their jobs, but are feeling a bit disillusioned. She is terrifyingly smart, absolutely adorkable and more sensitive than most geniuses. Getting lost in her head and being easily distracted are common for Tansy. She has been trained to take care of herself, but finds herself to be more centred and complete when Sam is near. Protective, growly Sam is something wonderful and irresistible, though he obviously needs more lessons about how to relate to women. He has sought out Tansy because she has always been his sounding board, his voice of reason and calm. They have circling each other for years, but this time both want to take their relationship to a level beyond friends. After a few missteps and hurt feelings they finally seem to be on the right track, but someone dangerous is making moves to claim both Tansy and the classified project she is developing. Will they even get a chance to build a future together?.

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

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read both in formatting and content. Tansy is this super smart scientist who mainly builds Tinysaurs to help kids. Tansy's brain is always going but there is one person who can help quiet it, her foster brother, Sam. Sam is an FBI agent who helps find missing and kidnapped kids. Tansy has taken refuge on the land that she and her brother inherited. She is working on fixing up some of the buildings and finishing some projects while recovering from her ex. Sam comes to check on Tansy and recover from his last case and decide on his future. Things start getting a little dicey when Tansy gets offered a contract with DOD and her ex puts in an appearance. Just who is after her and what exactly do they want? Will Tansy and Sam be able to keep denying their attraction or will they find a future together? This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.

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

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous start to an intriguing new series:
This book was great. It was tender, sweet and emotional whilst also having depth and intrigue. I thought it was unique and enjoyed the mix of scientific inventions with the danger and suspense aspects. The plot was interesting and the pacing was good.
Sam hadn't acted on his attraction to Tansy as she was his best friends little sister, yet when they reconnected neither could deny their feelings anymore. I loved them as a couple and was so happy that they found each other. I also enjoyed the strong family and friendship bonds and it was a delight meeting this tight knit group. I am intrigued and look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about all the things Tansy was working on to help others. I’ve always thought robotics were cool, but like Sam I’m not so great at science. All the nerdy creative names she came up for them made me laugh. She was naive to think her self centered greedy ex wasn’t a serious threat. She was angry for Sam intervening to protect her but it was clear she was brilliant but not as strong on common sense. He bumbles along at times as they explore their previously hidden romantic feelings for each other. Sam, her brother, and their friends try to protect her the best they can, but they are dealing with some ruthless people who will stop at nothing to get what they want. There were some nail biting moments where Tansy’s focus was the only thing keep her alive.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Small Town Heroes Romance series and I loved reading it. It’s the story of Sam and Tansy. I loved reading their story there’s plenty of action drama suspense emotions danger twists and turns with romance and love. Tansy is strong and smart independent woman and Sam is upset that her ex is stalking her and he protects her. They were meant for each other. It’s a great story with a wonderful storyline and characters with awesome chemistry. I can’t wait to read more.

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

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series, and I cannot wait to read more from it and this author. Tansy is hiding out and renovating the lodge that was gifted to her and her brother. When Sam needs a break from work, he heads up there to see what she is up to and recharge. What he did not expect was that his feelings for her where stronger than before.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tansy and Sam were fostered in the same house growing up. He tought her how to protect herself mentally and physically. She is very tech smart and he is FBI. When they get together on her and her brother's property they finally let the sparks fly. This book is full of romance and suspense as they try to figure out who and why someone is after one of them.

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

[Michele Pederson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful start to a new series! Lots of romance along with some action and suspense! I love a good best friend's sister romance! It is clear that Tansy and Sam are meant to be, and it was so fun to see them work their way towards that. Tansy is a smart, strong, and independent woman, but it's nice to see her let Sam in to help protect her! I am excited for more of this series!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. It was great from start to finish. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the next one!!!!.

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

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Built of Secrets is the first book in this series and can be read as a standalone. This story has mystery, intrigue, great characters, romance and a good ending. This is Tansy and Sam's story.

Tansy is an intelligent woman who is working on a top-secret project that has drawn the interest of the Department of Defense. After she was duped by her ex, she moves across the country to the lodge she and her brother inherited in Vermont. She is enjoying rebuilding the lodge, working on her projects and the quiet of it all.

Sam is an FBI agent who is burnt out and needs a break. The perfect place for that to happen is the quiet of the lodge his best friend and sister inherited. Plus, she needs looking after and since her brother can't get away, he is the perfect one to take on the job.

This story has secrets and intrigue all throughout. The story is seamless, and the characters are great. Sam and Tansy have been dancing around their attraction their whole lives, now he has a chance to make her see how great they can be together. A slimy ex, tough topics, a little violence, romance and overall good characters and storyline, I really enjoyed this story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel received free as a promotion this is my honest review.

A great romantic novel with good worldbuilding and likeable, believable characters. I really enjoyed the setting and the play between the protagonists. As a software developer I quite often find any IT content teeth-grindingly agonising to read but this was reasonable, focussed and felt grounded in potential technology. Not so sure about the holograms but happy to handwave it.

Tansy and Sam work really well as a romantic couple, emotional and physically and it was a pleasure to read their story. The only negative part was the break-up moment, which (as a man who did ask his gf's father if it was okay to be with her) seemed over the top and I completely sympathised with Sam on his difficult choice trying to carefully balance his relationships.

Overall very happy with this story and interested in seeing more from the author.

[Rose Boniello · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2*

Not a bad book, but some awkward writing. The biggest put off for me was the over the top gushing over environmental non-issues. Tansy was so “conscientious” she had electric car charging stations on her premises and was going to add more and then put up windmills— both those things use up way more fossil fuels than regular cars when it comes to parts and batteries. *eyeroll. But the worst offense is making someone feel guilty for loving coffee because it was not sourced properly. *eyeroll. And of course she’s vegan.

Two friends who fall in love and take down some bad guys made for a good story. But the part when she was held prisoner and stabbed, but was able to work on a computer then decide she did not want to go to the hospital was a bit ridiculous.

One and done for me with this series.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! If I could rate this book higher than 5 stars I would! Everything in this book is so graphically brilliant, you picture yourself right there at Midnight Lodge. The characters are so well developed and interesting, you keep turning pages all night long. Trust me on this, I did!! It gives you a picture of friends, family, and lots of love. I'm glad Tansy's ex-boyfriend gets his due. You want to laugh at his arrogance, and self-righteousness. You can't help but love Tansy and Sam, both orphans taken in by Nico's mom and dad along with Joe, Tansy's brother, and may other foster children. Tansy and Sam have loved each other since they first met. With each of the boys joining the FBI, Tansy has some heavy back-up when needed. Twists and turns, and a lot of love.

[Stephanie Bolen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The logic was lacking

The thing that saves her wouldn't work. There are a ton of easier ways than some James Bond stuff. And how does a regular someone meet someone like Raymond Reddington. Honestly, that last part is the most feasible. I liked the tech and have not researched holographic technology but, I'm assuming it needs powerful processing and heavy duty power. I could immediately see the real world application both for government and criminal underworld. I don't think it would work in a world with thermal imagining. So it was an interesting thought exercise but, as a story it had flaws.

[Sherry Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tansy is a scientist who loves creating and inventing new things. After a former lover tries to claim her work and sell it to arms dealers, she isolates herself in a cabin on a remote property to work in peace. Her long-time friend, Sam is concerned and pays her a visit to check on her. A steamy romance heats up as the two work together to find the people still trying to take Tansy's intellectual property.

Built of Secrets is an enjoyable read. Although catching the bad guys seems too easy, the chemistry between Sam and Tansy makes it a page-turner. (Note that there are graphic sex scenes in this book.) Recommended for those who enjoy romance and mystery.

[Mags · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 stars

I'm really thorn when it comes to this book. On paper it should be a great one for me, since the premise sounds like something I'd definitely like. And the premise I do like. However, I just could really get sucked into the book. It starts without much introduction, straight to the point and with quite a lot of details and mysteries. It's sad to admit but I sort of struggled with finishing the book, even though it wasn't that long. But since it wasn't also immersive, I found myself checking the progress mark way too often for a romantic suspense novel.

[Toi Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance is not my preferred genre but it would be hard not to like this book.

It's written with sophistication and skill and creates a world where good people come out on top- it's almost a fantasy but with no magic. All the characters are likable, if not a bit cliché from time-to-time. Even the bad guys are the kinds of bad guys you'd want to defeat- no gray lines here. I've said it before, but I enjoy the way this author writes strong female characters who are still vulnerable without being helpless damsels. I even appreciate that all the hunky male characters seem to at least have a softer side. It will be difficult for me to speak to the story without giving too many spoilers, but I love the idea of the woman being the smartest character without making everyone else seem dumb. Can't figure out why other writers haven't figured out how to balance this.

I'm not rushing off to read the next book, but because I enjoy this one so much, I did at least pick it up for a rainy day.

Highly recommended to fans of steamy romantic suspense with complex characters, a satisfying plot, and strong female characters that are also realistic.

[Jessica Subject · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wild ride! From the burgeoning heat between Tansy and Sam to the arma dealer after Tansy's top secret project, there was never a dull moment in Built of Secrets. Like the average person, the MCs did have their share of secrets and communication issues, but nothing they couldn't work out. And Sam was determined to keep their communication open in order to keep Tansy safe. I loved the characters, the setting, the story, and how Jemi Fraser set up the entire series in the first book. I'm definitely excited to read more!

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a steamy, FBI law enforcement, best friend’s little sister, romantic suspense. The first of a series it sets the stage with strong heroes for the coming books in a picturesque, off the grid, lake location. I enjoyed the history these characters share and the connections between them all. I liked the multiple government angles and all of the inventions. It was a read that kept me flipping the pages.

[Cathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great fast paced suspense romance that I just could not put down. I love a competent female lead and Tansy covers all the bases; she is very intelligent, self sufficient and knows how to kick ass. Sam is the perfect book boyfriend; tough, protective and sweet but also actually listens and amends behaviour. The plot kept me engaged throughout so I read the whole text in one sitting. I will definitly be keeping an eye out for more from Jemi Fraser.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Sam and Tansy

Romance trope: brother's best friend
Series: Small Town Heroes
Length: 222 pages

Plot: Tansy has loved Sam for as long as she's known him, and Tansy has always been Sam's home. Now he's come to her after a bad incident in his work at the FBI and has found her in a quandry of her own. She's retreated to her wilderness home after someone she trusted betrayed her, but now she might be in danger. She's capable, but Sam isn't about to leave her on her own to face her enemies.

Commentary: I love that there wasn't too much drama about Sam and Tansy getting together from the brother; from them, that's a different story. They're both stubborn. She had trouble being flexible enough to understand decisions made in the moment and he sometimes forgot that his biggest concern should be her, not her brother. However, I felt like there was fairly low angst and I enjoyed how easily they meshed.

Next book in the series: Built of Strength

[Peeta Saz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una buena lectura y personajes! Me gusto mucho para pasar el tiempo; sin embargo siento que el problema se resolvió muy rápido ( espero que sea porque es la primera parte de la sería ) también la química entre los protagonistas no me alcanzó a convencer a pesar que su relación comenzó muy temprano en el libro aunque tengo que decir que por separado, la personalidad de cada uno si me gustó.

[Danielle Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ok read. I liked it but I cannot honestly say that I enjoyed it a whole lot. I found parts of it a bit boring and had a hard time getting into it. But there were parts of it that I did enjoy and the suspense part of it was pretty good. But it just fell a bit flat for me and I honestly don’t know if I would bother reading the rest of this series.

[Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Built Of Secrets: A Midnight Security Romantic Suspense Novel (Small Town Heroes Romance Book 1)I

The love story of Tansy and Sam. Tansy is a brilliant scientist who's inventions could change the world. Sam is an FBI agent. His job is to protect Tansy. Can he do it when her ex partner is trying to kill her? Ok story.

[Alyssa's BookShelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book!!!!!
And I am ready to read the rest of this book series!!!!
I loved the romance between Tansy and Sam!!!
And I also enjoyed the suspense in the book too.
Loved the Family in this book and I am excited to her more of the other family members and their stories.
but I do which the book was longer thought since and really loved Tansy and Sam's Romance.

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. I love that she is the super intelligent scientist. I'll be needing her cleanasaurasus. One for each room. Maybe she can create a chefasarus!

Sam is her brother's best friend. They spent time in foster care together. He's forbidden fruit...or is he...

Recommended reading for sure.

[Jeri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Built of Secrets

I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense novels. She is an amazing writer and new to me.