A review by booksandmeforevermore13
Secret Love by Willow Aster

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I was so happy to be back in Silver Hills. That place has somehow turned out more magical than I remembered. It makes you want to be a part of this town and the community, who are so welcoming.

Henley and Tru's first meeting was electric, leaving them reliving that moment over and over in their minds all day. However, their second meeting was less than ideal, after which Tru wants nothing to do with Henley. Knowing he messed up, Henley does his best to earn her forgiveness, and I was here for it. It took a while; given Tru's own past and other experiences, she was wary of giving him another chance, but his actions proved how sorry he was and how amazing he truly was as a person.

Tru is new to Silver Hills and looking for a place where she can put down her roots after never having stayed in one place for too long growing up. Silver Hills is her new beginning and a chance to live her life on her terms. I really admired her character and how she stood up for herself and held her ground. I also loved how she looked into the needs of every single student of hers and gave her best to everyone. Although spending time with Henley led to her growing attraction, she was reluctant to start anything with him given their roles as her being his kid's teacher and given her own experiences growing up.

I also loved how she was a safe space for her mom and how supportive she was of her journey, helping her out in every way she could. It took a lot of courage to do what her mom did, and Tru's support played a huge part in it.

I really enjoyed the way Tru slowly started getting to know Henley's kids and forming a bond with them. The way in which they conspired together against Henley, and I especially loved Tru's bond with Cassidy and how she went above and beyond for her.

Henley was everything I was hoping for and MORE. He was truly the sweetest, most considerate, and most honest person. I loved the way he was always present for his kids; each day a new lesson to be learned when it came to parenting, but he took it in stride and put his kids ahead of everything. What I loved was how honest he was and how openly he communicated his feelings with everyone. The way he was vocal about his growing feelings for Tru, while also addressing her reluctance to go further due to their roles. The way he had a clear conversation with his kids about his intentions, gauging their reaction, making them understand how things were for him, and needing to know if his kids were comfortable first. I also liked the way he communicated his feelings with his ex, always respecting her and knowing that she'd want to know who her kids will be around.

The romance between Henley and Tru did have some pull and push, where they both acknowledged their feelings, but there was reluctance from both sides initially due to their own reasons, but as they start spending time with each other, they realize that their feelings are more serious and they want to explore where this could go. As mentioned, there was a lot of open, honest communication about their issues and expectations. They took things at a slow pace given how they wanted Henley's kids to be comfortable with the idea of them being together, while also slowly easing into this new situation for Tru's benefit.

What I also truly loved about their relationship was how Tru stood by Henley's side during his lowest and darkest times. Henley was used to being the one taking care of everyone and putting his kids before him. So when the time came, he didn't feel like he was deserving of that same love and support, but Tru held strong and gave her best to help him up. It was a long journey and not the easiest one, but Tru kept everyone united and worked with them to support Henley with whatever he needed.

I absolutely adored Henley's three girls. They were all so unique and amazing in their own way. The way they tried to set up that dinner date was so hilarious. The kids took a while to come to terms with Henley and Tru getting together since she was their teacher and due to other reasons that were valid from their perspective, but they truly adored Tru, and when they saw how happy Henley was, they were all happy for him and accepted Tru as their own immediately.

I also have to mention how amazing Henley and Bree were at co-parenting. Their mutual respect and friendship really showed with how supportive they were of each other and how they formed a united front when it came to dealing with anything related to their kids. I'm really glad that Bree was a supportive character and not the bitchy, vindictive ex-wife.

The single dad players group is literally the best, and I loved watching these guys meet up and share everything they were going through, not just with respect to parenting but life in general. I loved the continued entries in The Single Dad Playbook, some of which were hilarious and some made you emotional. When Henley opened up about having feelings for Tru, everyone encouraged him and went as far as meddling to get them together. These guys really stuck by each other through the good and the bad, and that was so heartwarming to read.

I'm so excited for Rhodes's book next because he's my personal favorite. All that tension already brewing between him and Elle, especially given their circumstances, has me bouncing with anticipation.

Thank you to Willow Aster and Valentine PR for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.