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The Westbrooks: Family Ties #4
One Little Secret
Ashton Westbrook
Playing house with a secret-keeping heiress was not how I envisioned helping when my brothers called me. My expertise is the dirty work, not glorified babysitting. Now Nova Blaine is here in this tiny town. Invading my home, my thoughts, and turning my carefully controlled existence upside down.
I’m tasked with finding her assailant, an assignment that requires me to stay close. Something I’ve gotten good at avoiding at all costs. I keep even my family at arm’s length. It’s safer that way. But there’s something about her that makes me feel protective, that makes me want to get closer.
I’m her protector, but sharing my home means sharing my life with her. And this princess is starting to see what’s beyond my beastly façade. I know there’s nothing left worth finding beneath my scars and secrets, but she’s determined to open all those old wounds.
There are reasons I’ve retreated from everything I once loved. But I’ll face those demons again if it means protecting her. In the end, will I remain captive or will she be the one to finally set me free?
Nova Blaine
I’m not a princess to be locked away in a tower. Until I am. And when Ashton Westbrook turns that gravelly, deep voice my way, calling me Princess? I know I’ll scale his walls and enjoy the climb.
He’s my protector, but I see the anguish beneath his beastly façade.
He may keep me safe, but I will set him free.
Secrets whispered in the dead of night lead to truths they can’t deny. Can either of them escape their past to live in the present and have a hope for the future? Or are some secrets meant to burn out with their keeper?
Find out now in this small-town billionaire protector romance, One Little Secret.
He’s a billionaire protector hiding secrets of the past. She’s an heiress protecting secrets that will destroy her future. Forced together in small-town chaos, their truth sparks flames. Trusting in love could set them free or burn them to the ground.
Playing house with a secret-keeping heiress was not how I envisioned helping when my brothers called me. My expertise is the dirty work, not glorified babysitting. Now Nova Blaine is here in this tiny town. Invading my home, my thoughts, and turning my carefully controlled existence upside down.
I’m tasked with finding her assailant, an assignment that requires me to stay close. Something I’ve gotten good at avoiding at all costs. I keep even my family at arm’s length. It’s safer that way. But there’s something about her that makes me feel protective, that makes me want to get closer.
I’m her protector, but sharing my home means sharing my life with her. And this princess is starting to see what’s beyond my beastly façade. I know there’s nothing left worth finding beneath my scars and secrets, but she’s determined to open all those old wounds.
There are reasons I’ve retreated from everything I once loved. But I’ll face those demons again if it means protecting her. In the end, will I remain captive or will she be the one to finally set me free?
Nova Blaine
I’m not a princess to be locked away in a tower. Until I am. And when Ashton Westbrook turns that gravelly, deep voice my way, calling me Princess? I know I’ll scale his walls and enjoy the climb.
He’s my protector, but I see the anguish beneath his beastly façade.
He may keep me safe, but I will set him free.
Secrets whispered in the dead of night lead to truths they can’t deny. Can either of them escape their past to live in the present and have a hope for the future? Or are some secrets meant to burn out with their keeper?
Find out now in this small-town billionaire protector romance, One Little Secret.
He’s a billionaire protector hiding secrets of the past. She’s an heiress protecting secrets that will destroy her future. Forced together in small-town chaos, their truth sparks flames. Trusting in love could set them free or burn them to the ground.
442 pages, ebook
First published January 4, 2023
547 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Avery Maxwell
21 books1,028 followersHi, I’m Avery!
I write steamy small towns with big found families—the kind of romances that make your heart race and your soul sigh.
My books, like The Westbrooks, Single Dad Hotline, and Happiness Ever After series, are filled with swoon-worthy heroes, messy but lovable heroines, and small towns you’ll want to call home.
When I'm not writing, I live in joyful chaos with my husband and four kids. You can usually find me cheering on the sidelines at their sporting events, sneaking in writing sprints, or slipping into coffee shops for my daily caffeine fix.
I luv connecting with readers, so join me in The Luv Club (my reader group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/Avery...
Or through my weekly newsletter, The Luv Notes—because in my world, there’s always room at the table for one more luv story: https://geni.us/TheLuvNotes
You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok:
https://www.instagram.com/averymaxwel...
https://www.tiktok.com/@averymaxwell_...
I write steamy small towns with big found families—the kind of romances that make your heart race and your soul sigh.
My books, like The Westbrooks, Single Dad Hotline, and Happiness Ever After series, are filled with swoon-worthy heroes, messy but lovable heroines, and small towns you’ll want to call home.
When I'm not writing, I live in joyful chaos with my husband and four kids. You can usually find me cheering on the sidelines at their sporting events, sneaking in writing sprints, or slipping into coffee shops for my daily caffeine fix.
I luv connecting with readers, so join me in The Luv Club (my reader group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/Avery...
Or through my weekly newsletter, The Luv Notes—because in my world, there’s always room at the table for one more luv story: https://geni.us/TheLuvNotes
You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok:
https://www.instagram.com/averymaxwel...
https://www.tiktok.com/@averymaxwell_...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
December 29, 2022
The time has come for Ashton to get his happily ever happy. If you have read any of Avery Maxwell’s previous books, you know that his story is definitely the most hard fought happily ever after and emotional ending. Now let’s dive in…
Ashton has been through so much over the years. He was seriously injured and has never recovered mentally and emotionally. He has essentially been a recluse life and has avoided anyone and everyone, with the exception of Sadie (his niece). He has been harboring so much guilt over things beyond his control and we finally get a deep dive into Ashton’s mindset with what he’s been through.
Nova is Lochlan’s sister (Lochlan is the MC from Without a Hitch, who gets his HEA with Tilly, who is Colton’s friend). She has been through something traumatic recently and needs a hideaway. The Westbrook’s take it upon themselves to take on her trauma and have her live with Ashton until things get squared away.
While living together, Nova is able to chip away at Ashton’s walls and they form a hard fought friendship and for the first thing in 8 years, Ashton feels something bigger than his guilt.
”I need you, Super Nova. I need you and want you and am terrified that I’ll ruin you.”
Nova knows that she can’t solve all of Ashton’s troubles, she is there for him in a way that no one has been before. But will it be enough? Or will Ashton be stuck in his ways and not be able to be in a relationship?
There are so many things that happen and so many answers that we get (the big one - what happened/is happening with Pacen and where is she and why is Ashton harboring so much guilt over what happened with Loki years prior?). There is so much more and so many things that happen in this book, but I won’t spoil it for you.
As usual, we get so much Westbrook (family and adopted family) love. All of the characters and spouses show up in a real way for Ashton and Nova. They just prove that once you are accepted into the chaos, there is no going back.
This book was so much more than the romance between Ashton and Nova. While we see them grow closer and eventually gain their HEA, the trauma and guilt that Ashton went through and his journey with coming clean to his family and completely changing his life stole the show.
Ashton’s interactions with Sadie were my favorite. I also got choked up at his big interactions with Loki.
As expected, this was full of emotions on all fronts. I laughed; I cried: I smiled so big; and I sobbed. I went through the rollercoaster of emotions and feels, but I expected nothing less.
Avery wrapped up the Westbrook’s stories on a high note. All of the brothers and adopted brothers have their happily ever afters and are living their best lives. We even get a bonus epilogue that was ADORABLE and we get to see the future of all the families.
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” That’s exactly how I feel about this story and all of these characters. Farewell to the Westbrook crew and I hope to see you pop up in future books!
Ashton has been through so much over the years. He was seriously injured and has never recovered mentally and emotionally. He has essentially been a recluse life and has avoided anyone and everyone, with the exception of Sadie (his niece). He has been harboring so much guilt over things beyond his control and we finally get a deep dive into Ashton’s mindset with what he’s been through.
Nova is Lochlan’s sister (Lochlan is the MC from Without a Hitch, who gets his HEA with Tilly, who is Colton’s friend). She has been through something traumatic recently and needs a hideaway. The Westbrook’s take it upon themselves to take on her trauma and have her live with Ashton until things get squared away.
While living together, Nova is able to chip away at Ashton’s walls and they form a hard fought friendship and for the first thing in 8 years, Ashton feels something bigger than his guilt.
”I need you, Super Nova. I need you and want you and am terrified that I’ll ruin you.”
Nova knows that she can’t solve all of Ashton’s troubles, she is there for him in a way that no one has been before. But will it be enough? Or will Ashton be stuck in his ways and not be able to be in a relationship?
There are so many things that happen and so many answers that we get (the big one - what happened/is happening with Pacen and where is she and why is Ashton harboring so much guilt over what happened with Loki years prior?). There is so much more and so many things that happen in this book, but I won’t spoil it for you.
As usual, we get so much Westbrook (family and adopted family) love. All of the characters and spouses show up in a real way for Ashton and Nova. They just prove that once you are accepted into the chaos, there is no going back.
This book was so much more than the romance between Ashton and Nova. While we see them grow closer and eventually gain their HEA, the trauma and guilt that Ashton went through and his journey with coming clean to his family and completely changing his life stole the show.
Ashton’s interactions with Sadie were my favorite. I also got choked up at his big interactions with Loki.
As expected, this was full of emotions on all fronts. I laughed; I cried: I smiled so big; and I sobbed. I went through the rollercoaster of emotions and feels, but I expected nothing less.
Avery wrapped up the Westbrook’s stories on a high note. All of the brothers and adopted brothers have their happily ever afters and are living their best lives. We even get a bonus epilogue that was ADORABLE and we get to see the future of all the families.
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” That’s exactly how I feel about this story and all of these characters. Farewell to the Westbrook crew and I hope to see you pop up in future books!
January 4, 2023
The first time I read a romance from this gifted wordsmith, I was hooked. I immediately grabbed every Westbrook and Westbrook-adjacent romance and binged my way through them all, falling more and more in love with this family borne of both blood and bond. So I’ve been on pins and needles, waiting and waiting for Ashton's story to finally be brought into the world. And let me tell you, reader friend, it is so worth the wait!
Ashton's story is one of those rare, priceless gems in the romance world that the English language does not yet have adequate words to fully describe its greatness or its worth. Never have I ever seen such a broken hero who has been so perniciously destroyed by such altruistic endeavors. But dedicating your life to trying to do good in the most vile and evil parts of the world will chip away and insidiously destroy the best of souls until they’re an unrecognizable shadow of their former glory.
The only light to shine on Ash's monstrous shell of a soul is his sweet, sunshiny, young niece who somehow manages to see the good in the dried up husk of his heart that remains. But even her warmth is a temporary balm. That all changes when his brother's friend needs protection, and Ash is the best man for the job.
Nova Blaine comes blazing into Ash's dull, lifeless existence. The light in her eyes and the innate goodness of her heart are blinding, overwhelming, beguiling, and achingly beautiful. Ashton is inexplicably drawn to Nova and helpless to look away. The light has finally found the beast. But some walls are too thick to be penetrated. Some scars are too ragged to heal. Sometimes, however, with the right touch and the most precious of handling, the broken bits can be lovingly, carefully, and patiently pieced back together.
If you've read any of the stories in this series, it’s a no-brainer and you've probably already gotten your hands on this one. If you’re new to the Westbrook family, this can be read as a stand alone, but I’ll warn you, you'll be hooked and need more. Devastating, heartbreaking and ruinous, but full of hope, forgiveness, redemption and second chances, this tale of a beast and his beauty is easily one of my all-time favorite reads. Run to the 1-Click and start reading this exquisite, unparalleled, masterful read today. I guarantee, your soul will be touched and your romantic heart will be blissfully happy!
Ashton's story is one of those rare, priceless gems in the romance world that the English language does not yet have adequate words to fully describe its greatness or its worth. Never have I ever seen such a broken hero who has been so perniciously destroyed by such altruistic endeavors. But dedicating your life to trying to do good in the most vile and evil parts of the world will chip away and insidiously destroy the best of souls until they’re an unrecognizable shadow of their former glory.
The only light to shine on Ash's monstrous shell of a soul is his sweet, sunshiny, young niece who somehow manages to see the good in the dried up husk of his heart that remains. But even her warmth is a temporary balm. That all changes when his brother's friend needs protection, and Ash is the best man for the job.
Nova Blaine comes blazing into Ash's dull, lifeless existence. The light in her eyes and the innate goodness of her heart are blinding, overwhelming, beguiling, and achingly beautiful. Ashton is inexplicably drawn to Nova and helpless to look away. The light has finally found the beast. But some walls are too thick to be penetrated. Some scars are too ragged to heal. Sometimes, however, with the right touch and the most precious of handling, the broken bits can be lovingly, carefully, and patiently pieced back together.
If you've read any of the stories in this series, it’s a no-brainer and you've probably already gotten your hands on this one. If you’re new to the Westbrook family, this can be read as a stand alone, but I’ll warn you, you'll be hooked and need more. Devastating, heartbreaking and ruinous, but full of hope, forgiveness, redemption and second chances, this tale of a beast and his beauty is easily one of my all-time favorite reads. Run to the 1-Click and start reading this exquisite, unparalleled, masterful read today. I guarantee, your soul will be touched and your romantic heart will be blissfully happy!
December 29, 2022
Get ready. You thought you knew Ashton? Nope. You have no clue what lives in him. The torment. The shadows that are so dark he’s drowning in them. The numbness. And the surprising outlet for his anguish. Or how he wants to make Nova his everything. Except he’s 1000000% certain he doesn’t deserve her, will destroy her, and is destined to be alone. But he’s not expecting Nova. She’s brave, determined, harboring secrets of her own, and is not about to let a good man fade away.
So they both have secrets. Both hurt. Some more than others. But while Ashton thinks he only needs to save Nova, he has no clue that he needs saving in return. Once that all comes out, he’s faced with the ugly realities of living a whole life. Prioritizing is an insurmountable task. Love is everything, but it’s too often hidden behind duty, even if it shouldn’t be. So how much can Ashton push himself to try to give his all to everything before he loses the one who really is his Everything?
You’ll love Nova. She’s willing to give her all, but she’s also aware enough to see when things aren’t working. And she also doesn’t want to be a cliche with an ultimatum. So she and Ashton need to figure out which way to move forward. And her struggles REALLY hit home with me. She’s loved, but she never really belonged. She’s wanted, but is she on the list of things to put first, second, or even third? And she’s brave enough to speak up when things need to change. She brings hope back to Ashton’s world. She makes him breathe again. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll bring him back to the land of the living.
I’ve adored this series and always knew that Ashton would break me. And he sorta did. But he also patched everything up in spectacular fashion because the Westbrooks are nothing if not true to each other. Sure, they fight. They may come to blows. And petty stunts for glittery vengeance. But they know what’s important and are excellent at banding together to heal those who need it while reminding everyone of the important things in life. Get some tissues. Expect some shadows and angst. And love Nova and Ashton’s story just as much as I did. You won’t be sorry.
So they both have secrets. Both hurt. Some more than others. But while Ashton thinks he only needs to save Nova, he has no clue that he needs saving in return. Once that all comes out, he’s faced with the ugly realities of living a whole life. Prioritizing is an insurmountable task. Love is everything, but it’s too often hidden behind duty, even if it shouldn’t be. So how much can Ashton push himself to try to give his all to everything before he loses the one who really is his Everything?
You’ll love Nova. She’s willing to give her all, but she’s also aware enough to see when things aren’t working. And she also doesn’t want to be a cliche with an ultimatum. So she and Ashton need to figure out which way to move forward. And her struggles REALLY hit home with me. She’s loved, but she never really belonged. She’s wanted, but is she on the list of things to put first, second, or even third? And she’s brave enough to speak up when things need to change. She brings hope back to Ashton’s world. She makes him breathe again. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll bring him back to the land of the living.
I’ve adored this series and always knew that Ashton would break me. And he sorta did. But he also patched everything up in spectacular fashion because the Westbrooks are nothing if not true to each other. Sure, they fight. They may come to blows. And petty stunts for glittery vengeance. But they know what’s important and are excellent at banding together to heal those who need it while reminding everyone of the important things in life. Get some tissues. Expect some shadows and angst. And love Nova and Ashton’s story just as much as I did. You won’t be sorry.
January 3, 2023
I've been waiting for Ashton's story and it was even more intense than I expected! Ash is broken, but when we finally get to see what made him this way and all the secrets he's been keeping, we see his heart and his determination to protect everyone. Nova has her own insecurities she's battling beneath her cheery persona and her own secrets she's hiding, so when she and Ashton are thrown together, they discover in each other the love they didn't think they deserved. Nova and Ashton's story is not easy, and they both have to learn to love themselves before they can truly accept the love around them. The Westbrook family chaos is of course present in all it's messy interfering love, and Nova's found family fits right in with them. 10 stars for Avery Maxwell and this emotional journey to wrap up the Westbrook brothers.
January 4, 2023
The final Westbrook brother finally got his story, and oh what a story! Chock full of chaos, danger, self-loathing, fear of rejection, understanding, acceptance, forgiveness, and finally love, this book put my heart through the wringer and then delivered the most beautiful happily ever after.
The Westbrook crew and their chosen family show up and show out for their people. They have a limitless capacity for love, an undying desire to be there for one another, and a zany knack for finding all the chaos. And then there is Ashton.
Ashton Westbrook thinks it is his responsibility to singlehandedly take on an evil group known as The Ravens. For the most part, this man lives a solitary life, fighting the good fight behind computer screens. However, his family, especially Sadie sunshine, refuses to be shut out completely.
When asked by his brothers and family friend Lochlan Blaine to keep fashion designer, Nova Blaine safe until her stalker can be found he reluctantly agrees to let her stay in his home.
From the beginning, these two see into the soul of one another. There is no use trying to put on a facade with one another, so they don't. They trade truth for truth and before long Nova discovers Ashton is a big-hearted man confusing himself for a beast. Ashton realizes that he no longer wants to be closed off to love and that the burden of his secrets is too heavy to shoulder alone.
The Westbrook crew and their chosen family show up and show out for their people. They have a limitless capacity for love, an undying desire to be there for one another, and a zany knack for finding all the chaos. And then there is Ashton.
Ashton Westbrook thinks it is his responsibility to singlehandedly take on an evil group known as The Ravens. For the most part, this man lives a solitary life, fighting the good fight behind computer screens. However, his family, especially Sadie sunshine, refuses to be shut out completely.
When asked by his brothers and family friend Lochlan Blaine to keep fashion designer, Nova Blaine safe until her stalker can be found he reluctantly agrees to let her stay in his home.
From the beginning, these two see into the soul of one another. There is no use trying to put on a facade with one another, so they don't. They trade truth for truth and before long Nova discovers Ashton is a big-hearted man confusing himself for a beast. Ashton realizes that he no longer wants to be closed off to love and that the burden of his secrets is too heavy to shoulder alone.
January 1, 2023
Where do I start with this amazing book? I’m just not sure that I can do it justice. Wow, just wow Avery! We’ve been waiting on Ashton’s story for 2 years, through so many books and when we finally get it, it makes us realize that it’s so worth the wait. We’ve been rooting for Ashton for so long and you delivered on his story. I adore Ashton but oh man I really loved Nova! I’m not sure anyone else could have healed Ashton. Sadie Sunshine, his niece, has been trying for years but it took Super Nova to finally put Ashton back together all of the way. This book had some really funny moments, especially when it comes to GG. The Pickled Peter and the devils doorbell had me rolling. Avery took all of the questions that we’ve had from all of the Westbrook’s and answered them in this book. It was a hard journey for Ashton but one worth going through with his family to get Nova. I know that this is the last book in the Westbrook series but I have a feeling that we will see these guys again in other series. At least I sure hope so. I know that this isn’t the best review for this book because I honestly can’t wrap my head around it. To see where Ashton was in all of the other books to his story blows my mind. Avery did an amazing job wrapping up the Westbrook series and letting us get the answers that we’ve been dying to get. But the best part was hands down how Ashton changed when he fell in love. Super Nova thank you for loving your peto!
January 3, 2023
As seen on my blog (Jessie's Reading Corner):
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One Little Secret by Avery Maxwell is not only the final book in the Westbrooks: Family Ties series, but also the conclusion to the Westbrook overarching plotline. While it is the last book with a Westbrook as the MC, Avery has promised that it won’t be the last we see them in her upcoming stories.
This book was perfect. There’s no other word to describe it.
I loved Ashton and Nova. The sparks exploded when they first laid eyes on each other, and I loved how drawn they were to each other. They each were carrying secrets, but through each other they were able to let them go.
My emotions ran the gamut with this story. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I smiled, and I wanted to reach through the Kindle screen and give them a good smackaroo for some of the decisions they made (or didn’t make.)
I loved the presence of the other Westbrooks and how they each played a part in Ashton’s healing. I especially loved how big of a part Sadie played in his story, considering that she was the first one to bring sunshine back into his life.
This next part is a bit of a nerd moment, but I was really impressed with the amount of times the word “secret(s)” appeared while reading this story. I used the Kindle search bar after I finished reading, and the word appears 89 times (85 in the story itself!) Also, there’s a line in the epilogue that I just loved: “Secrets and lies and heartbreak and mistakes. It all led to the one kiss that changed my life.” Do you know why I love it? Because it references all the books in this series:
- One Little Heartbreak (a series bridge novella between Westbrooks: Broken Hearts and Westbrooks: Family Ties)
- One Little Mistake
- One Little Lie
- One Little Kiss
- One Little Secret
That completes my nerd moment of the review. Hopefully you didn’t roll your eyes too hard at it lol.
Thank you Avery, Rhon and TWSS Publishing for allowing me to read an advance copy of this story!
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One Little Secret by Avery Maxwell is not only the final book in the Westbrooks: Family Ties series, but also the conclusion to the Westbrook overarching plotline. While it is the last book with a Westbrook as the MC, Avery has promised that it won’t be the last we see them in her upcoming stories.
This book was perfect. There’s no other word to describe it.
I loved Ashton and Nova. The sparks exploded when they first laid eyes on each other, and I loved how drawn they were to each other. They each were carrying secrets, but through each other they were able to let them go.
My emotions ran the gamut with this story. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I smiled, and I wanted to reach through the Kindle screen and give them a good smackaroo for some of the decisions they made (or didn’t make.)
I loved the presence of the other Westbrooks and how they each played a part in Ashton’s healing. I especially loved how big of a part Sadie played in his story, considering that she was the first one to bring sunshine back into his life.
This next part is a bit of a nerd moment, but I was really impressed with the amount of times the word “secret(s)” appeared while reading this story. I used the Kindle search bar after I finished reading, and the word appears 89 times (85 in the story itself!) Also, there’s a line in the epilogue that I just loved: “Secrets and lies and heartbreak and mistakes. It all led to the one kiss that changed my life.” Do you know why I love it? Because it references all the books in this series:
- One Little Heartbreak (a series bridge novella between Westbrooks: Broken Hearts and Westbrooks: Family Ties)
- One Little Mistake
- One Little Lie
- One Little Kiss
- One Little Secret
That completes my nerd moment of the review. Hopefully you didn’t roll your eyes too hard at it lol.
Thank you Avery, Rhon and TWSS Publishing for allowing me to read an advance copy of this story!
January 2, 2023
This is supposed to be the last book for the Westbrooks, but there is so much more that I want to experience. Ashton's book is the last in the series, and it does ties it all together, but it also gives you hope for another spinoff to come. Super Nova comes into his life, not wanted, that's for sure, but at the same time she offers a part of herself that settles him at the same time. I was crying for the last chapter and epilogues. You feel like you are apart of the chaos, "Like the mob, once you're in, there's no getting out." It's all about chosen family, not necessarily blood, letting in the light and not living in the dark. About being a team, not an island, t twisters (hilarious), a secret for a secret, "how to get the girl", ask a lot of questions, and partnerships. Very sweet with bunkbeds and Gage conversations and roofs with Kai. Sadie is really, really wise for her age. It was a wonderful read, I won't ever forget this book, I will most likely re-read it and the Wesbrook/Heart series over and over.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
December 30, 2022
So happy to finally read Ashton’s story. I love all of the Westbrooks (I mean, who doesn’t?) but I so wanted to see Ashton come alive & love again. Thank you Avery for all of your amazing characters.
January 3, 2023
I received an Arc of this book for review. This is the last installment in the Westbrooks series and it doesn’t disappoint. None of Avery’s books do. Ashton had his life set on a course no 15 year old should hav had to deal with. Sure he is a genius but the things he gave up to help his family (blood and adopted) make him a hero in my book. I’ve been anxiously awaiting his book and I loved every page.
January 11, 2023
Omg!! I always knew that Aston’s story was going to break me. He has so much darkness/secrets. I was right. But it was freeing as well. Knowing that he freed those demons and was able to start loving himself. Started to believe he deserved love. But man, Nova’s love is a special king of love to have that kind of patience. To always be there to help guide him to the light.
Sadie!! She is pure sunshine. Love that she never stopped believing in her Uncle Ashton. Alway being his sunshine til he found another source. She is magic. And I love that her an Tate get their happy ever after.
Sadie!! She is pure sunshine. Love that she never stopped believing in her Uncle Ashton. Alway being his sunshine til he found another source. She is magic. And I love that her an Tate get their happy ever after.
January 1, 2023
What a fitting end to the fabulous Westbrooks' stories!
We had to wait until the very end for Ashton to get his happily ever after moment, but it was well worth the wait. Nova suits him so well.
Let me just say, you'll do well to have tissues on hand for this one. Especially if you continue on to read Sadie's bonus epilogue! That was tears, start to finish.
For me, this book was a beautiful end to a beautiful series.
Thank you to Avery Maxwell for my copy of this story. All opinions are my own. I can't wait to see what Avery has to offer us next!
We had to wait until the very end for Ashton to get his happily ever after moment, but it was well worth the wait. Nova suits him so well.
Let me just say, you'll do well to have tissues on hand for this one. Especially if you continue on to read Sadie's bonus epilogue! That was tears, start to finish.
For me, this book was a beautiful end to a beautiful series.
Thank you to Avery Maxwell for my copy of this story. All opinions are my own. I can't wait to see what Avery has to offer us next!
December 30, 2022
Ashton's book is so worth the wait, and it's everything you think it will be. It's going to put your through the wringer of emotions in all the best ways. We finally get to see behind the curtain that is the mystery Westbrook brother. Nova is just what he needs to come back to the family and live his life again. Sadie Sunshine is the best medicine throughout the book to keep you laughing! Yes this book is emotional, yes you will cry, but you will laugh and you will want to crawl through the book to give this scarred hero the biggest hug imaginable!
January 1, 2023
I have been not so patiently waiting for what feels like a very long time for Ashton’s story… and I am not disappointed! I am only sad that the Westbrooks are complete. And the bonus epilogue was so good!
“It's in the chaos
that we find hope. Because of the chaos,
We're strong enough to fight all the demons
chasing us. We're stronger together.”
“It's in the chaos
that we find hope. Because of the chaos,
We're strong enough to fight all the demons
chasing us. We're stronger together.”
January 1, 2023
Get Ready to Feel the Feels!! Ashton’s book is finally here and it’s worth the wait. When Nova is attacked, Ashton is asked to protect her, which conveniently can only be done by moving Nova into his house. They build a relationship as he quickly catches the culprits and brings them to justice (love, love, love that the bad guys get it in the end!). You think the story will end there, but no – we get to learn why Ashton does what he does. Turns out there’s a reason he’s facing demons, and, in this book, he learns that love truly is worth fighting them for. There are so many issues that must be addressed before the main characters can get their HEA. Ashton has to fight his way back to happiness and learn to love himself. He has to learn that forgiveness doesn’t help the forgiven, but instead helps the forgiver. Both Ashton and Nora must learn that keeping secrets causes a lot of unnecessary pain. Everyone learns that the entire family hurts when one of their own hurts. After reading this series, I have to say I love how Ms. Maxwell doesn’t shy away from hard situations. She tackles anxiety, depression, fears, self-sabotage, and a host of other issues with insight and grace - and without shame or drama. When I saw the reviews that said tears would be a given, I was worried about reading this book – after all, I can simply read the news if I want to cry. But I should have trusted Ms. Maxwell. She writes with such depth and emotion that I felt like I could understand what Ashton was going through and how hard he fought the battle to overcome the darkness and finally chose joy. Of course, there weren’t only tears as the entire Westbrook family and Nova’s family were there to make me laugh. Though I am sad to see this series end (and would love a second-generation series if anyone’s listening!), I can truly say I was completely satisfied with the way the epilogue and bonus short story brought closure. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Maxwell writes next!
January 5, 2023
This book was intense and such an amazing slow burn story of epic levels. I have been waiting for this book for a long time and I took my time reading it because I didn’t want the Westbrook Family’s story to end. I may have cried about 20 times because after reading the other 8 books about The Westbrooks I knew a lot of the backstory to Ashton Westbrook. Because of everything that went down in “Romancing the Heart” which is book 4 in The Westbrooks Broken Hearts series, I knew Ashton’s story was going to be emotional. Especially, with how detached he became with his family throughout The Westbrooks; Family Ties series. Ashton’s story didn’t disappoint. Avery knows how to write an emotionally wrecked character that eventually finds his way. One Little Secret had all the feels from anxiety to love. It was quite an emotional roller coaster.
I don’t want to give anything away because this is the final book for The Westbrooks and there were a lot of loose ends tied up and questions answered. If you haven't read both series by Avery GO READ THEM!! One Little Secret is a must read!!!
I don’t want to give anything away because this is the final book for The Westbrooks and there were a lot of loose ends tied up and questions answered. If you haven't read both series by Avery GO READ THEM!! One Little Secret is a must read!!!
January 14, 2023
A devastatingly beautiful journey that rocked me to my core as all the suffering Ashton had endured finally came to light. From the moment I met the Westbrooks and the entire chaotic family, Ashton and his story peeked my interest. He was always in the shadows, silently taking it all in, trying to be the savior. Regardless of his boo-boos, as Sadie Sunshine called them, I knew he would get an HEA, it just eluded me as to how. Avery knew exactly what he needed and Nova was the answer. Trust me when I say, this is a powerfully emotional book that answers all the questions and perfectly wraps up the series ! I highly recommend reading the series in order to fully enjoy the story of all the brothers and their extended families.
January 5, 2023
This book is special. It ties up the Westbrook Family series with the highly anticipated story for Ashton. It’s deep, dark and challenging at times but in the end there’s hope and light and so much love.
Like so many readers I’ve been eager for Ashton’s story. With each previous book I’ve become intrigued with Ashton as he retreated further and wondered who was going to be able to make this wounded man fall in love.
Ashton’s secrets have taken over his life and he truly believes that his purpose is to protect others. When Nova is put in his care her vulnerability and sparkling personality challenge him in all the ways that have him questioning everything.
Nova’s life has been turned upside down and being sent to live with a grumpy recluse isn’t in the plan however the longer she stays the more she comes to realise she might belong.
Ashton & Nova’s journey is beautiful and at times hard which makes the way they work through their individual struggles and eventually come together so satisfying. This is up there with one of my favourite stories in this series.
I’m so thankful to the author for such a wonderful conclusion to a series and can’t wait to see what comes next!
I luv the chaos of this series and know they will become comfort reads for years to come.
Like so many readers I’ve been eager for Ashton’s story. With each previous book I’ve become intrigued with Ashton as he retreated further and wondered who was going to be able to make this wounded man fall in love.
Ashton’s secrets have taken over his life and he truly believes that his purpose is to protect others. When Nova is put in his care her vulnerability and sparkling personality challenge him in all the ways that have him questioning everything.
Nova’s life has been turned upside down and being sent to live with a grumpy recluse isn’t in the plan however the longer she stays the more she comes to realise she might belong.
Ashton & Nova’s journey is beautiful and at times hard which makes the way they work through their individual struggles and eventually come together so satisfying. This is up there with one of my favourite stories in this series.
I’m so thankful to the author for such a wonderful conclusion to a series and can’t wait to see what comes next!
I luv the chaos of this series and know they will become comfort reads for years to come.
January 5, 2023
I’ve come to expect no less than a 5 Star read from Avery Maxwell! She did not disappoint with Ashton and Nova’s story.
Ashton is full of secrets, scarred on the inside and out, and he doesn’t allow anyone to get close to him. He is a no touch zone. That is until he has to house Nova and find her attacker. Nova has been keeping secrets too and she only does one night stands. That is until Ashton gets put into her life. These two bring out the best in each other. Their story will make you experience so many emotions.
If you love small town romance with sass, suspense sexy times and laughs then this is your book. What a rollercoaster ride that sucked me in and then dreading to see it come to an end.
Ashton is full of secrets, scarred on the inside and out, and he doesn’t allow anyone to get close to him. He is a no touch zone. That is until he has to house Nova and find her attacker. Nova has been keeping secrets too and she only does one night stands. That is until Ashton gets put into her life. These two bring out the best in each other. Their story will make you experience so many emotions.
If you love small town romance with sass, suspense sexy times and laughs then this is your book. What a rollercoaster ride that sucked me in and then dreading to see it come to an end.
January 9, 2023
I was so excited for this book!! It felt like it was in the making the entire series. Ash is troubled - we know this, but not the complete picture. This book really brings everything to light. I loved watching him figure his world out. I loved getting to see him interact with his family. This book really hits you with all the feels and it was a great way to wrap up the series.
January 8, 2023
So many emotions with this book. Ashton has been the brother everyone has wanted to know more about. He’s been the dark brooding unreachable Westbrook. That is until Nova appeared in his sanctuary. She brings out the absolute best in him and helps him to feel again.
I’ve loved every book of Avery’s! Im so sad that this chapter has ended. Im very excited to see where Avery takes us next.
I’ve loved every book of Avery’s! Im so sad that this chapter has ended. Im very excited to see where Avery takes us next.
December 30, 2022
Wow!!! Having read and re-read the rest of the Westbrook stories multiple times I’ve been waiting not so patiently for Ashtons story and boy did it deliver.
Tissue warning - this story will play with your emotions, break your heart and leave a huge imprint. Beautifully written, lots of laughter and very catchy one liners. I’ll be reading it again and again.
Tissue warning - this story will play with your emotions, break your heart and leave a huge imprint. Beautifully written, lots of laughter and very catchy one liners. I’ll be reading it again and again.
January 4, 2023
You think you know Ashton, but baby you don’t know him at all. I was not ready for this book like I though I was. It was such a rollercoaster of emotions. This book will break you but heal you in the end.
Sometimes two broken souls can make for one epic love story. Sometimes the hurt and pain we carry we don’t realize that it’s hurting anyone else but we are.
Ashton carried so many secrets for so long it was hard to read and see how much he was struggling. But all it took was a second light to come in to his life for him to start ti feel free.
There’s no greater freedom than freeing yourself.
Nova who never thought she find happily ever after found she beast. But took a lot of strength and courage for her to see it through.
I loved this chaotic family and want more of them.
They way Avery wrote all these stories had me hooked in and I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved it
Sometimes two broken souls can make for one epic love story. Sometimes the hurt and pain we carry we don’t realize that it’s hurting anyone else but we are.
Ashton carried so many secrets for so long it was hard to read and see how much he was struggling. But all it took was a second light to come in to his life for him to start ti feel free.
There’s no greater freedom than freeing yourself.
Nova who never thought she find happily ever after found she beast. But took a lot of strength and courage for her to see it through.
I loved this chaotic family and want more of them.
They way Avery wrote all these stories had me hooked in and I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved it
January 4, 2023
Wow what a story. Ashton and Nova’s story is one both happiness in heartache. From the very beginning these two see each other in a way no one else can. They have both lived most of their lives with such pain that they have each built walls to keep others out. Through each of the Westbrook stories there is a bigger story woven in and Ashton’s story really brings it all together. This story is the perfect way to pull the Westbrook series together and a wonderful way to end it. This is a definite must read.
January 4, 2023
Ashton and Nova are amazing. This is a heart wrenching and heart warming book through and through. We have been waiting for Ashton's story for many books and Ms. Maxwell does not disappoint!! This book is SO well written and the characters are so well rounded. Cannot recommend this book enough. It has chemistry and all the feels. It was hard to put this book down to go to sleep. Excellent!
January 6, 2023
I knew Ashton’s story was going to break me. After watching him grow over the course of ten books, seeing him broken and dark, I knew I needed to have a glass of wine and a box of tissues ready. (Spoiler alert - I was correct about the tissues, but I definitely needed a bottle of wine instead of a glass.) Avery Maxwell did not pull any punches with Ashton’s road to redemption. His story is intense and full of secrets, scars, and demons. It’s also heartbreakingly beautiful and gives all the feels. Seeing Maxwell break Ashton and put all his pieces back together was the perfect ending for the final Westbrook brother.
One Little Secret is the story we’ve been waiting on for two years and it was most definitely worth the wait. Avery Maxwell writes emotional, steamy, love stories that always have a HEA and that tradition continues with the final book in the Westbrooks: Family Ties series.
Maxwell has masterfully woven together Ashton Westbrook’s story. First by giving us glimpses of Ashton through the eyes of his family in the Westbrooks: Broken Hearts series. Then we see Ashton retreat further into the shadows through the first four books of the Westbrooks: FamilyTies series. In One Little Secret it’s finally time for Ashton’s story to come into the light, but not without clawing his way out from the darkness first.
The last eighteen years Ashton Westbrook has dedicated his life to righting wrongs, keeping people safe, and saving innocents. He became the man that evil fears, but lost himself in the process. Ashton has lived with secrets and lies for so long it’s left him a broken man.
Nova Blaine comes unexpectedly crashing into Ashton’s life carrying her own secrets, and needing a place to hide from the world. Ashton feels inexplicably drawn to Nova, and finds himself promising to keep her safe while reluctantly agreeing to let her stay with him. While living together Nova starts to slowly breakdown Ashton’s walls, allowing her light to creep into his darkness.
Ashton and Nova’s story is a slow burn. It begins as a friendship that builds while they share truth for truth, and slowly open up to one another. For the first time in eight years Ashton wants more for his life, and he wants that more with Nova. He is convinced he doesn’t deserve her, believing he will pull her into the darkness that consumes him and she will end up just as broken as he is. When Nova fights for Ashton, he realizes he needs to share the burden of his secrets if he wants to have a future with her.
Their journey is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Both Ashton and Nova need to navigate personal struggles and learn to love themselves before eventually finding their way back to one another.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you Avery, Rhon, and TWSS Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this story!
One Little Secret is the story we’ve been waiting on for two years and it was most definitely worth the wait. Avery Maxwell writes emotional, steamy, love stories that always have a HEA and that tradition continues with the final book in the Westbrooks: Family Ties series.
Maxwell has masterfully woven together Ashton Westbrook’s story. First by giving us glimpses of Ashton through the eyes of his family in the Westbrooks: Broken Hearts series. Then we see Ashton retreat further into the shadows through the first four books of the Westbrooks: FamilyTies series. In One Little Secret it’s finally time for Ashton’s story to come into the light, but not without clawing his way out from the darkness first.
The last eighteen years Ashton Westbrook has dedicated his life to righting wrongs, keeping people safe, and saving innocents. He became the man that evil fears, but lost himself in the process. Ashton has lived with secrets and lies for so long it’s left him a broken man.
Nova Blaine comes unexpectedly crashing into Ashton’s life carrying her own secrets, and needing a place to hide from the world. Ashton feels inexplicably drawn to Nova, and finds himself promising to keep her safe while reluctantly agreeing to let her stay with him. While living together Nova starts to slowly breakdown Ashton’s walls, allowing her light to creep into his darkness.
Ashton and Nova’s story is a slow burn. It begins as a friendship that builds while they share truth for truth, and slowly open up to one another. For the first time in eight years Ashton wants more for his life, and he wants that more with Nova. He is convinced he doesn’t deserve her, believing he will pull her into the darkness that consumes him and she will end up just as broken as he is. When Nova fights for Ashton, he realizes he needs to share the burden of his secrets if he wants to have a future with her.
Their journey is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Both Ashton and Nova need to navigate personal struggles and learn to love themselves before eventually finding their way back to one another.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you Avery, Rhon, and TWSS Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this story!
January 9, 2023
I’ve waited for Ashton’s story for almost 2 years. I fell in love with him in the Broken Heart series and
anxiously awaited Avery Maxwell’s final book in the Westbrook Family Ties series. Well, it was worth
the wait! It’s like the she took all of our love for Ashton and multiplied it so it captures all the feels, but exclusively for the one reading it.
A boy who took on a man’s secret mission, keeping the darkness from his family, Ashton Westbrook
lived behind his computer screens. A quiet hero who took up the mantle of his father’s mission never
telling his family. On a fateful night, Ashton is brutally beaten and left with physical scars and a
damaged voice. Now, eight years later, he is a recluse, who’s only light in his world is his niece, Sadie
(One Little Heartbreak). His brothers and now sister-in-laws try to bring him out of seclusion by having him protect Nova Blaine as his houseguest. Their love grows slowly but beautifully.
This is a story of a broken hero, a sassy heroine and breaking the binds of a secret. It literally heals the wounds of a broken hearts, heartbreaks, mistakes, lies, and secrets. (#IFYKYK). The forced proximity in OLS is a perfect way to let someone into Ashton’s closed heart. He is a natural protector. Nova sees past the beast that Ashton claims he is and loves the man inside. Their love story needs to be read and re-read.
It is an amazing end to a series about found family, love, redemption, laughter, and tears. Avery
Maxwell brought us into this world of the Westbrooks and honestly, I will revisit them often as they are my fictional found family.
anxiously awaited Avery Maxwell’s final book in the Westbrook Family Ties series. Well, it was worth
the wait! It’s like the she took all of our love for Ashton and multiplied it so it captures all the feels, but exclusively for the one reading it.
A boy who took on a man’s secret mission, keeping the darkness from his family, Ashton Westbrook
lived behind his computer screens. A quiet hero who took up the mantle of his father’s mission never
telling his family. On a fateful night, Ashton is brutally beaten and left with physical scars and a
damaged voice. Now, eight years later, he is a recluse, who’s only light in his world is his niece, Sadie
(One Little Heartbreak). His brothers and now sister-in-laws try to bring him out of seclusion by having him protect Nova Blaine as his houseguest. Their love grows slowly but beautifully.
This is a story of a broken hero, a sassy heroine and breaking the binds of a secret. It literally heals the wounds of a broken hearts, heartbreaks, mistakes, lies, and secrets. (#IFYKYK). The forced proximity in OLS is a perfect way to let someone into Ashton’s closed heart. He is a natural protector. Nova sees past the beast that Ashton claims he is and loves the man inside. Their love story needs to be read and re-read.
It is an amazing end to a series about found family, love, redemption, laughter, and tears. Avery
Maxwell brought us into this world of the Westbrooks and honestly, I will revisit them often as they are my fictional found family.
January 4, 2023
What a sweet, second chance at life love story! Ashton Westbrook usually doesn’t take security jobs having to babysit family friends. That is until he is asked to protect Nova Blaine. He has many demons but somehow Nova makes him feel like he can defeat them. Can this surly protecter find a way to save Nova and keep his own heart protected? This is part of the Westbrook series but can be read as a stand-alone. Each book follows a different family member. Although this is a slower paced slow burn romance, I did enjoy the story and my heart feels for all Ashton has been through. Nova is the light that just might save Ashton from his darkness. All the warm vibes are also there with cameos from other Westbrook family members as they come together when needed. Told in dual POV
January 8, 2023
Amazing from start to finish. This family...blood and made...is one of my all time favourites and every book is thoroughly satisfying. I laughed,cried,ugly cried and sighed my way through and adored every single moment.so very, very good!!!!
January 6, 2023
I know we have all been waiting for Ash to get his book - and it is nothing short of amazing!
The chemistry, the luv and the Westbrooks are 5 stars in this book.
The chemistry, the luv and the Westbrooks are 5 stars in this book.
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