Their one-night stand was off-the-charts… Now, she must reveal the consequences.

Fearing his powerful grandmother, Peyton Caron has concealed her baby son from hotel magnate Jack Grantham. Their single spectacular night was unforgettable, but Peyton kept her distance because Jack’s grandmother blamed Peyton for the death of his late brother. Now, rumors have forced Peyton to reveal Jack’s identity as her baby’s father.

Because of blackmail and newly unearthed family secrets, Jack’s life is complicated, so he’s wary of Peyton’s revelation. But the raging desire they felt two years ago has only grown. Jack wants Peyton and his son in his life, but he doesn’t believe in love. And with all that stands between them, Peyton won’t settle for anything less.

Titles in the Calcott Manor series include — Just a Little Jilted —♥— Their Temporary Arrangement —♥— The Trouble with Little Secrets —♥— Keep Your Enemies Close —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

Title:  The Trouble with Little Secrets
Series:  Dynasties: Calcott Manor #3
Author:  Joss Wood
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  August 22, 2023
Publisher:  Harlequin Desire
My Rating:  4.5

The Trouble with Little Secrets is the third title in the Dynasties: Calcott Manor series, and we’ll dive a little bit deeper into the mystery woven throughout this series while enjoying a sizzling romance that comes with secrets and intrigue.

Jack and Peyton’s past is, shall we say, complicated.  She is the former fiancée of Jack’s deceased brother (they’d broken up right before his death), and sometime later, they had an explosive one-night stand that both intended to walk away from.  Yet, there were consequences from that night of passion, a baby boy that Peyton has kept secret from Jack and his powerful family.  She has her reasons, and for her, they are good ones, but when she returns home for a short time before taking on a new job, the rumor mill is hard at work… and someone knows that her baby is Jack’s.  She has no choice but to tell him, completely unsure of how he’ll take this news and fearful of his grandmother’s reaction.  But it must be done by her… now.

She certainly didn’t expect Jack’s reaction.  Or to have him step up without question or paternity testing, determined to know his son and be part of his life.  She also didn’t expect him to stand up for her and pave the way for telling his grandmother so that the past could be kept in the past.  What didn’t come as a surprise was the passion that still flared between them. She wasn’t going to lose her heart to him again, but staying apart would prove to be impossible.

The Trouble with Little Secrets is an absolutely delightful tale that is full of passion, emotions, mystery, secrets, and even an ongoing developing secondary romance for another couple in the background.  I loved Jack’s change and growth throughout this story.  No details, but it shows what kind of man he is at the core.  Peyton is such a strong woman in ways she didn’t even realize until she needed that strength.  I’m so glad she got some closure from the past events.  I’ve loved this series and am definitely looking forward to the next release.  If you love a romance that is passionate and emotional with enough secrets and mysteries to entice any reader… then this is the story, the series for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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