This book was pretty wild to me. The thought that one man would fall in love with both sisters at different times was a bit outside the realm of possibilities to me. The chemistry between Nyla and Leo was on fire at first but kind of fizzled out at some point for me. Their first time together just felt off for what their relationship had been up til then. Overall I did enjoy the story - I thought it was cure how Nyla couldn't keep a secret and kept getting song lyrics wrong since I identify pretty strongly with both those characteristics. The plot line was also pretty exciting and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. I'd recommend it, I thought it was a good read!

These characters were vibrant and captivating. I loved that they were friends to lovers.
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting to like this book anywhere near as much as I did but it was such a pleasant surprise and I was hooked the whole time. Falling for your sister’s ex husband? Talk about taboo! But boy with this a fantastic read!

Our hero still remains friends with his ex-wife as well as the rest of her family. What pops up out of nowhere are some sudden feelings and attraction to his ex-sister in law. When she comes to check in on him when he is high on anaesthesia he reveals a bombshell secret that ends up bringing them close together. The only thing is our heroine is HORRIFIC at keeping secrets…. Including her attraction to our hero.

This book was sweet and funny and hot- it was a perfect balance for a contemporary romance that I couldn’t put down. I loved the staid hero and the caring heroine who made me laugh out loud with her inability to keep a secret. Their relationship is fully and deeply explored which left me cheering them on the whole time and made me believe in their love. First time reading this author but definitely not my last.

I received a copy of this book to read and review and give my honest opinion. This is the first book of Tawna that I have had the pleasure to read. The main characters , Nyla and Leo have been neighbors for many year-end now both have lost their spouses. So can you guess what is going to happen? I definitely want to read more books from Tawna!

I thought the idea around secrets and how bad Nyla was at keeping them was an intriguing idea; Nyla had an experience as a child that has made her incredibly leery of keeping any secrets ever, it's even guided her to her profession of nursing, because the rules of secrets and helping are very clear cut. Did I cringe sometimes at the awkward situations created by Nyla trying to keep secrets in this one? Yes, I did, but it did make for some giggle-inducing hijinks as well. I also really liked the portrayal of Leo and how he would do anything for those in his life, even at the risk of his own dreams; that certainly makes for swoony hero moments.

I really liked Tawna's writing style; I thought she portrayed intimacy both physically and emotionally really well and I was drawn into the world that she created, even if it was full of a few more twists and turns than I was expecting.

I really felt strongly that the blurb on this one was a bit of a bait and switch. It's billed as friends to lovers, but it's absolutely much more complicated than that- it's ex-BIL/SIL to lovers. That was not something I was prepared for, and really just had me off balance for the rest of the book. I do recognize my feelings on this one were entirely a me thing-it was a bit more family drama than I prefer in my romances, but that's not going to be the same for everyone. It's really good reminder that book reviews are entirely subjective; overall, the writing quality was good, and given the opportunity, I would read something from Tawna again!

This book was one big meh. Nyla is a nurse who always takes care of others before herself. She is kind of klutzy and can’t keep a secret. Leo is her sister Mandi’s ex-husband. They have a son. There is a lot of family drama here. Mandi and Leo coparenting. Leo and Nyla getting together. Nyla finding out that Mandi cheated on Leo and that their son is from another man who is dead. Nyla becoming pregnant. Lots of drama. I don’t think I will be interested in the other books in this series.

This romance novel did not work for me. I did not enjoy the love interest, and how they came to be. Also, I kept wondering "why" if he had been divorced so long why ALL these feelings right now. The whole storyline was just cheesy.

3 stars

The Best Kept Secret was my first book by this author and I definitely wasn't expecting this level of drama! I'm talking Jerry Springer's couch level drama. The writing was good, the kid was especially cute and I like the friendships but this was definitely not my style. I liked Leo and Nyla separate from the rest of the story but there were just a few things I couldn't get past. I guess I like my romances with a little more romance and a lot fewer but "awkweird" moments.

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

Nurse Nyla Franklin has some impulse control issues when it comes to keeping a secret. She's called "Nalagram" for a reason. Unfortunately for Leo Sayre, who's Nyla's friend, and ex brother-in-law, has a reaction to his pain killers, from oral surgery. Secrets are revealed. What happens after that is trying to keep Nyla from telling the secret that will cause hurt, and harm to the families.

There are hilarious moments when Nyla goes so far as to stuffing a pillow, and carrots in her mouth to stop her from telling the secret at family dinner. When the secret is finally revealed after Nyla drinks 5 Mimosas, the hurt, and pain has to be dealt with.

Nyla, and Leo become closer and realize they have so much in common, like Leo keeping her favorite drinks, and food in the fridge for her. Leo being there for her when her boyfriend of 9 years left her. Nyla being there for Leo, and her nephew Seth over the years. They slowly fall in love, but the past must be dealt with, and will the two (2) families survive it.

Leo and Nyla are attracted to each other. There's a couple problems with this. Leo's ex-wife is Nyla's older sister. The other problem is a secret Nyla finds out that could be explosive for everyone involved in their lives. Nyla is the type of person who doesn't lie but also can't keep a secret. It's only a matter of time before she spills it. This was a hard read for me. I didn't care for the fact that Leo was married to one sister then was hooking up with her sister. Talk about uncomfortable. Then Nyla's secret was a tough heart wrenching secret. I guess for me anyway it's not the kind of drama I like to see in a book I'm reading for enjoyment. It was just drama, drama drama. It was just OK for me. I would not read it again and I would not recommend it to a friend unless this was the type of book they were looking for. There were some funny parts with Nyla and thank goodness for that. It kept me reading and hoping it would be OK by the end but so much just felt cringworthy to me.

To find more about Tawna Fenske and this series here www.tawnafenske.com

The Best Kept Secret was a well written book, and it's definitely the book for someone out there, but that someone was not me. I liked it just fine, but the tropes were some of my least favorite and, had I known going into it who Nyla was to Leo, I probably would have skipped it. Honestly, it ended up feeling a bit like an episode of Summer House by the end, but there were some redeeming moments and, while I really hated the overall storyline and it felt way more like a family drama than a romance, I didn't hate the book as a whole.

I really can't say too much without spoiling the storyline, so I won't, but all in all, I prefer the first two books in the series so far. I'm not giving up on this author, though, and I'm still hopeful for another Smokejumper book so I can't wait to see if I can get back on track with these stories.

[Thank you to Netgalley for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]

Tawna Fenske is a new author for me despite the fact that she's a very prolific romance author. I decided to give one of her books a chance and I enjoyed it so much that I had to buy the first two books in this new series. Not only do her pages give us some great romance but there's also a lot of humor in her stories. It may be time to check out another one of her series.

Nyla is a nurse who loves to take care of other people - not just patients in the hospital but also her family and friends and even her sister's ex-husband. After checking on Leo after his dental surgery, the drugs that they gave him made him very talkative and he blurted out a secret that floored Nyla. She is known in her family as the person who can't keep a secret and it's a real struggle for her to keep quiet. As she and Leo spend time talking about the big secret, there is a spark between them. Can she fall in love with her sister's ex and will her sister and her family understand or be angry?

The romance between Nyla and Leo is great and their humor in rough situations is cute. There was a lot of family drama in this book and that took away from the romance. Plus, I had a problem believing that a sister would be happy about her sister falling in love with her ex husband. But the good far outweighed the bad in this book and it was a fun book to read.

The Best Kept Secret is a complex, intriguing, sexy, and emotional ride between now friends who once were extended family (Leo was married to Nyla’s sister but now divorced) that takes a sharp turn into territory that neither ever expected to come to light. Although Nyla and Leo’s story is the third in the series, they can all easily be read as standalone titles with a slight character-based connection.

Nyla and Leo have gone from friends to family to back to friends to something far more complicated thanks to Leo’s reaction to a needed dose of pain medication. He lets a tightly held secret loose, of course, he can tell his friend Nyla anything… but everyone knows that she cannot keep a secret to save her life. This secret is going to compound an already complicated situation as they are also letting the attraction between them finally be acknowledged and acted upon. How do a former sister and brother-in-law now face a sizzling attraction between them… plus that secret that will change so much within Nyla’s and Leo’s family if the truth becomes known.

I’ve enjoyed this author’s work over the years, but this one holds a special spot for me as it addresses a touchy, complex issue with humor, tears, and acceptance. I’m sure there are reviews out there that have already given that secret away – I do not intend to be one of them, however. I think it holds more impact if you come upon it naturally, but that’s my opinion.

I loved every moment spent with The Best Kept Secret. There is a fun, loving couple falling for each other, building a future, there are tears of anger and frustration, there is acceptance of situations that cannot be changed but taken at face value, and there are very real people in all the roles who bring this story alive with humor, sexiness, sadness, and that special touch that I can never explain but know when I read a good story that touches me emotionally. I liked this couple and their story is emotional and complex. I had fun here and really, that’s all that matters.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent. I was not financially compensated for this review and no expectation of a positive review was promised.*

Funny, complicated romance…

This author knows how to write funny and sweet romances, and in this case, complicated family drama. I mean super complicated… Uber complicated… Way over the top complicated… Yet, not too over the top. You know what I mean? When the problems should be too much but aren’t? Instead they fit right into the plot and unravel as they should…

Nyla and Leo struck all the sparks as their relationship started down a new path. A shocking revelation, new-found secrets and unexpected romantic feelings made for a lot of emotional scenes and truth-seeking. They were in-laws and changing that was going to affect more than just them. If they could figure it out. Oh, wow, were the tangles knotted!

This author can make me howl with laughter and she did again, even when tinged with a seriousness I wasn’t expecting.

This is the first novel I've ever read by Tawna Fenske, and I have to say I like her writing style. Her novel is easy to read, with layered characters that you find yourself getting invested in.

I loved Leo, a nice guy with a heart of gold who isn't bad on the eyes. Despite being divorced, he makes sure to stick around his ex's family because he knows how important it is for his son. And Nyla, who may be terrible at keeping secret, but who's smart and driven.

I love a book that includes characters who start as friends and realize they have feelings for each other. That extra element always seems to add something to the romance, and this boom is no exception.

Although this book is the third in the Smokejumper series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Despite not having read the first two novels, I was able to jump right into the story without any confusion. Although I've veered away from romance in favor of thrillers, I found this book enjoyable.

I enjoyed the heck out of this book. First, I wish I could meet all the characters for real (always feels that way in books I’m really liking). Nyla and Leo have great chemistry, and also wonderful dialogue. Nyla is a nurse and brings some helpful science to things, which I appreciate. The plot has a couple of unexpected twists that just add to the fun. I definitely need to read the books that preceded this one in the series. How did I miss out on them before this?

Full disclosure: I read a review copy via Netgalley

This book was funny and interesting where at times I had my doubts I still enjoyed their story. Leo and Nyla are really good friends, they know each other, and like the same things but there is an attraction that is blooming all of a sudden, the problem is he is her sister’s ex husband. This is what had me questioning whether or not I’d enjoy this aspect, but I kept reading and I’m glad I did. When Nyla, the notorious truth teller, ends up having to hold so many secrets in it all just explodes. Nyla and Leo can’t fight their attraction and yes it may seem odd but Leo and his ex have been divorced for 6 years, were kind of estranged the last year of the marriage, and the divorce was his ex’s idea although he agreed with it. All that being said when his ex tells her secret she hurts so many people but when everyone tries to keep Nyla silent knowing she can’t lie was unfair. Leo is an outstanding man who is willing to help anyone and everyone while sacrificing himself so when it’s time for him to be selfish will he go after what he truly wants freedom or Nyla? Will all their secrets tear this family apart or make their bonds stronger? This was funny, a tad strange at times, but overall I enjoyed it.

This is the third book in the Where There’s Smoke series but it can be read as a standalone.

I really like both Nyla and Leo as the were relatable and well-developed characters. It was nice to see POV from both as well since the secret they share is a big one. They didn’t have as much banter as I usually like but their conversations were meaningful, and they could read each other’s behavior well. There were a couple scenes that had me laughing. I loved their romance even if some thing did happen a little quick ( I think because it’s the tropes I don’t read as often). Overall, well written and a quick read. Will defiantly go and read the others in the series. If you like light romances (not quite “cheesy” rom coms) with a little bit of spice then this series is something I think you will enjoy.

Thank you @entangled_publishing @tawnafenskebooks and @tlcbooktours for the gifted copy

This story starts off quick. Alarmingly so, basically you get dropped into Nyla's life. Which wasn't terrible, but also kind of just....off? I don't know exactly how to put it.

Nyla is hilarious, I love her fear of keeping secrets. The way she justifies the reason for spilling secrets, especially when she rambles. Gah, that was probably the highlight of the book. I feel like we all know a Nyla in real life. Her mishaps are absolutely adorkable, and her quick wit make her lovable.
Leo is funny, and happy-go-lucky in his own way, even though he harbors a big secret. He's handsome, a total gentleman, and over all just a nice dude.

The story itself was good, I liked the turns it took. I wasn't expecting the story to flesh out like it did. Not that I was disappointed in any way. It just wasn't my favorite love story. I wish the relationship would have evolved more, basically they were friends, then suddenly they are sleeping together, then uttering that three word phrase to each other SO FAST. It just didn't feel organic like a love that could last a lifetime.

Thank you NetGalley, Amara Publishing, and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of The Best Kept Secret. This review is being left voluntarily, all opinions are my own.

This is an enjoyable book with fun characters. I loved the beginning. I wasn't really sure that all the drama had to happen as it did, but everything worked out well in the end.