She was the fruit of a forbidden tree, but nothing in this world was going to stop me from tasting her. My name is Dylan Murphy, and I work for the rich and powerful of an exclusive Manhattan building. Graham Morgan was my first boss, but soon after I was working with some of the most famous entrepreneurs, business moguls, and movie stars in the city. They trusted me because I always followed the … followed the cardinal rules:
Never betray secrets. And never, under any circumstance, get personally involved.
I’d never dreamed of violating my professional mantra.
Not until she walked past me.
The look we exchanged that night set my body on fire, and I knew right then and there that no matter the consequences, she was going to be mine. But she was one of them—off limits and out of my league, but she was the kind of woman who I was willing to risk everything for.
I keep other people’s secrets for a living, but the biggest secret of all might be my own.
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Dylan and Penelope’s story is one laced with Alpha males, broken hearts, well kept secrets and enough longing to keep the pages turning. Nothing is given away in the beginning and you realize the chaos building as each new chapter unfolds. Doing the right thing is never easy and being the bigger person is even harder. Secret Keeper crashes Dylan and Penelope into each other’s lives and denying the connection isn’t possible. Making sure that fate holds up to her promises is what these two are determined to do.
This is my first read by this author and I’m fairly impressed with this 4 star story. It’s part of the Cocky Heroes books. This one is a crossover for stuck Up Suit. We get to read about Graham and Soraya.
Dylan is Graham’s PA and needs to find another job because they are moving. In the middle of all that he meets Penelope, but she’s taken by the jerk he’s suppose to work for now.
This story was entertaining and never lacked drama. I was never bored once that’s for sure. A captivating story that sucked me in. A must read.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I highly recommend this story.
“Holy unselfish lover, Batman!” I love this line. . This is my first read by Christopher and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good storyline, great characters I cared about and plenty of heat. Christopher also melded his story well into the Cocky World. It was fun to revisit Graham and Soraya.
Secret Keeper
by Christopher Harlan
Penelope Genaro and Dylan Murphy both come from similar backgrounds each grew up barely getting by but happy. Now they are both in a world of money, power greed, secrets and betrayals. Dylan works for Graham Morgan one of the richest men in the city. He is his personal assistant, manages the building and fixer of problems for the tenants. Then he is informed that his boss is moving and will no longer need him as his personal assistant but will recommend him to his powerful friends.
Penelope is engaged to Chandler Daniels one of the other richest men in the city she thinks life is going as planned but all hell breaks out when there is a visitor at her door. Dylan is on his way to meet his potential new employer when he comes upon a situation happening in front of their door. He immediately steps up to fix the situation and help Penelope out. Little did they know that their lives would forever change from that day forward. So many twist, turns, betrayals and sacrifices. Dylan was loyal, dependable, loving, fierce and driven he would do anything for the people he cared about. Penelope was forced against the wall yet she proved she was no pushover. There was ups,downs heartbreak, drama,misunderstandings,passion and chemistry galore. You won’t be able to put down till the end and then you will want MORE.
5
Being Graham’s personal Assistant has taught him a lot. Number 1 being how to keep and use secrets. Dylan has learned to live in the world of the rich and powerful the second rule… don’t mix passion with business. Unfortunately for Dylan Penelope was supposed to be in the professional column, yet he threw rule #2 out the window as soon as he started working for Chandler.
This is a sexy and powerful read that bring us beloved characters from the Cocky Hero Club world both old and new. We get a glimpse of how secrets can ruin lives but if exposed wisely it can bring happiness. A wonderful addition to the Cocky Hero Club!
Dylan and Penelope…
Secrets are not always handy to keep silent…
These two are an rollercoaster ride, and it’s an hot and steamy journey with some minor violence, ex-fiancé, extortion, etc…
Definitely an adult romance that kept me intrigued while reading it
And I loved Nonna
#arcreview #cockyheroclub #honestreview
This is my first read from the author and I have to say I’m DEFINITELY not disappointed at all. I really enjoyed the writing style and the characters in this world. Dillon and Penelope had such good chemistry and really pulled you into their world. The story line was flawless as well.
With just the right mix of cuteness, sexiness and angst this book was the perfect read.
Secret Keeper is Penelope and Dylan’s story, sweet, sassy Penelope and hot, sexy Dylan are just perfect for one another it’s like they’re meant to be, however with a fiancé in the way Dylan may just have to sacrifice everything in order to get the girl.
Secret Keeper is a definite must read, a fabulous addition to the Cocky Hero Club series.
First time reader of Christopher Harlan but won’t be my last. I enjoyed the writing style, characters and the story created.
Dylan is pretty much perfect. He is polite, respectful, considerate, hot (duh!!) and just an all around nice guy who likes to talk dirty. He is pulled to Penelope immediately and boy when they finally are pushed together fireworks fly.
I love the relationship between Dylan and Graham! I really enjoyed reading Secret Keeper and will be grabbing more from Christopher Harlan.
So this was my first Christopher Harlan read, but it won’t be my last. Maybe it’s just me, but I wish there were more men who wrote romance novels, because they bring such a unique perspective to the storytelling. When women write from a male POV, it still tends to sound flowery and poetic; whereas with a male author, it’s gonna sound like you’re actually hearing the male talk because it sounds more authentic.
I gotta say, Christopher Harlan knows how to write a story that kept me hooked from start to finish! The basic premise (getting paid to keep secrets?!), being able to know your worth and what you’re willing to exchange to get what you want? Already questions that’ll make you stop and really think; add to that the chemistry between Dylan and Penelope and you’ve got one helluva story! Just when they thought they had clear paths on their individual lives, their meeting throws a serious wrench in their plans and makes them rethink their future and I couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out.
Penelope and Dylan go on a drama filled, intriguing, suspenseful, and romantic journey. I have several of Christopher Harlan’s books on my kindle, and I’m sad to say that this is the first book I have read. I feel foolish now because I should have read his books sooner. He had a unique writing style that captivated me from the beginning and left me breathless at the end. I enjoyed everything about this book.
Enjoyable! This is my first book by this author. The story is smooth and the characters are lively. I enjoy how he can bring these characters to life! The story is a sleeping with your boss’ fiancé. One I haven’t read before. Plus the whole idea of the “secret keeper” was a wonderful one and a great way to work this story in.
I liked the angle and the characters. Dillon is such an alpha male. I wish Penelope would have been a bit of a stronger female but she was still great. It was great how much Graham was such a huge part of the story instead of just a glimpse.
I did listen to this on audio. Muffy and Lance did a great job!
So a couple of the other ladies on this blog have been telling me for a while I NEED to read Christopher Harlan. And I’ve been wanting to. But so many books, so little time, right? Then this popped up on Audible and I was like an author I’ve been wanting to read, a romance in cocky hero world… heck to the yes! And omg I get the obsession! I loved every minute of this book. And it wasn’t just because he had characters from one of my favorite books Stuck Up Suit in it. This is my first romance book I’ve read written by a man and I have to say I think Christopher Harlan is the king. I was hooked on the book from page one until the end. I was even a little bummed it was over. The steamy scenes in this book.. probably the best I’ve read. No lie. This book is about Dylan who is works for the rich as their whatever you need man. He thinks of himself as a secret keeper. He meets Penelope and there is an instant attraction. But she’s engaged. He doesn’t forget about her. And he is there for her when her world crumbles. Dylan falls for her hard but he might be soon to be working for her ex who wants her back and will do all in his power to make sure she is his again. Get ready to swoon for Dylan. Ultimate good guy hero. These narrators brought these characters to life. I felt like I knew them! This is a must read/listen. And now I need to read everything else by this author.
This is a story like no other I have read so far. I like the story between Chandler and Penelope but I LOVE the story between Dylan and Penelope. As the story progresses you really grow to hate Chandler. Another thing about the book, is that you, as a reader, are brought into the world of the wealthy. You get to see how they live.
Thank you for writing such an amazing book!
This was a very intriguing, angsty, super arousing and fun read. Loved the characters and great storyline! Wish I could get a job as a secret keeper for someone rich.
Christopher Harlan is a new to me author and boy am I glad I decided to read this book. It was well written with great strong characters that grabbed and kept my attention from the start. I like how Dylan wasn’t willing to compromise who he was and his beliefs for anyone or anything and managed to hold onto that through the entire book. Penelope knew something was wrong but didn’t know how to get out from under it all, together can they figure it out? I look forward to reading other books by this author in the future.
Dylan is the PA for one of the richest and powerful men in NYC that is until his boss says he is moving out of the city and Dylan is out of a job. His boss has offered to introduce him to an associate who is in need of a PA. The problem – Dylan is obsessed with the associates fiance, Penelope. Penelope sensing a change in her fiance is leery about their move but is loyal to a fault. Until her fiance does the unthinkable to break her loyalty and trust. Now Dylan is given a job opportunity that will provide him with an excuse to spend time with Penelope and comfort her while her world collapses.
This was my first Christopher Harlan book and it did not disappoint. I loved Dylan – he was hilarious, loved his inner dialogues and his banter with Graham and Penelope. I loved how even though he had a rough childhood he was so confident, upbeat and positive, had one of the best attitudes. Loved him. Penelope was fun too. I enjoyed her a lot but was disappointed with how wishy washy she was. I didn’t like how she kept changing her mind. I know this may seem like a contradiction but she had a backbone and I loved how she wasn’t afraid to let her ex know what a piece of work he was. I don’t want to say to much because spoilers but overall I liked her a lot. One of my favorite things about this book was all of the twists and turns it took without feeling ridiculous or that there were all these secrets being kept from us as the reader. I highly recommend Secret Keeper and plan to dive into Mr. Harlan’s backlog soon.
I really enjoyed this story while it reminded me of the days I would watch soap operas with my mom. A great story with lots of drama
Confidence is Sexy
Dylan Murphy always shows confidence. Some may even say Cocky.
He has the ability to read people and adjust accordingly to any situation until he meets Penelope
This is a strong alpha read about watching from the sidelines as the rich and famous go about their businesses. Dylan know secrets and keeping secrets are like currency.
When Dylan gets involved with a situation that goes in a direction he is not comfortable with. That’s when everything gets interesting. As the keeper of secrets come very well connected people.
Plenty of heartache plenty of drama that kept my captivated by the storyline.
I highly recommend this book.
The story was interesting however It took me a while to get into the story but once I did than I did enjoy the story. It was not what I was expecting. Both Dylan and Penelope were at different points in their life’s when the meet . I enjoyed their chemistry . The story has lots of twists and turns was quite unpredictable. Once I got into the story I did quite enjoy it . I enjoyed how the author had incorporated Graham & Soraya characters in the story.