Only a Secret

by Delancey Stewart

[The Romantic Comedy Book Club]

Through a grumpy vs sunshine themed whirlwind romance, we are whisked away yet again to the enchanting mountain town that is Kasper Ridge. In a continuation of a captivating series, we FINALLY get a peek inside of Braniac’s head, i.e. the man behind the scowl.

Penny and Harrison are both products of their environment. Having a Diplomat as a father with high expectations, Harrison spent most of his time in books and overseas. Focused on his career and achievements, Harrison expertise was in a classroom or in the cockpit. Unfortunately, those didn’t translate into people skills, putting a damper on plans for his future. Penny, on the other hand, was raised to be America’s sweetheart. A childhood actress, Penny parents saw her as a means of living the high life with very little effort. Trying and failing to have control over her life, Penny is delivered unwanted expectations and scandal like consequences. Wanting to simply be herself and not a headline, Penny retreats to a small town in Colorado to ride out her latest blow-up. Their two worlds quickly collide when a mutual friend of Lucy’s brings Penny to the resort to meet the rest of the gang. Infatuation at first site, Harrison is immediately drawn to a Penny and their growing attraction quickly launches this sweet, yet steamy tale straight out the gate. The question, how long is the past willing to be silenced before it gets its claws into the present.

What I liked about this book: I absolutely love learning more and more about these guys! I do not believe in any way that these books are standalone as the over arching treasure hunt story is weeded throughout each one. In the quick read, the hunt is concluded only for Harrison to give a gleamer of hope that it has only yet begun, paving the way for the next story (we have three more eligible bachelors on the ridge so we can only guess who will be next). My favorite was Sasquatch’s dog Roscoe! Those two were definitely the comedy relief. Penny and Harrison’s story was heartwarming and so sincerely sweet. Each person just trying to find a happy ending, they were the ying yang of the group. In previous stories, Delancey wrote her female characters to be strong, independent, and thriving in a male dominated world. In this book, Penny looked at Lucy and Monroe as role models, the ideal woman she wanted to be, giving her the strength and courage to take ownership of her life. Having tried and failed in the past, Harrison becomes the missing piece of safety and security that she needed to make that happen. On the other side, Penny is able to penetrate Harrison’s stoic personality, shining a light of possibility on his severe lack of people skills. They don’t play games and their blunt and revealing honesty with each other puts the story into hyperdrive. As always, Delancey knows how to make the pages sweat and the intimate scenes between Harrison and Penny do not disappoint.

A wonderful short read with insanely hot scenes, tender moments, and a swoon worthy couple, Only a Secret continues a story of a simple band of brothers (and sisters) finding happiness, love, and adventure.