He stole my first kiss when he was ten, then my heart at fifteen.
My crush was destined to lead to nowhere when our parents announced they’ve been dating and plan on marrying.
Now they expect me to act like a family with the man I’ve been crushing on—my new stepbrother—and I can’t imagine a worst hell. But for them, I’ll do it. Even if every one of his smiles makes me fall in love a little more while also killing me inside.
It doesn’t help that Clay is too nice for his own good. I mean, who kisses their stepbrother even if it is to comfort them? Much less offer up his body when I’m pretending to be depressed from a breakup I really couldn’t have cared less about.
I know I’m taking advantage of his kindness, but how can I stop when it means I can possess him, even if it is for a short while? Maybe once I get him out of my system, I can finally put this stupid crush to rest. We can return to playing the happy family, and I won’t have to disappoint my father or break our family apart.
If only it’s that easy to stop loving someone…
Promised Secret is book 3 of the Promises, Promises series set in a small town with meddling neighbors and a tight community of friends and family. It can be read standalone but is better read in a series. This book features stepbrothers, pining, situationship-to-lovers, and adorable and super smart pet rats.
Yvonne M –
Wonderful love story that took some time to be accepted by the guys themselves. Dan and Clay first met and had a great connection, Dan fell in love with Clay at the start and then his dad and Clay’s mom came to fall for each other to. Dan was never really happy about it because he thought he couldn’t have Clay because of their parents being married now. I really did enjoy the way these two were able to be together and work together to make their relationship work and eventually were able to get married. The rats were really a good thing that pulled them together and had them taking care of along the way. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm romances with heartfelt love and wonderful people.
Ashley Niewiera –
Best friends to lovers but also step brothers! Yes please. Those are some of my absolute favorite tropes. This was such a good read. The relationship between these two develops in such an authentic way going from friends to more. I loved the parents as well. Not always do stepbrother romances have understanding parents but this one does. This was honestly just a really happy read and I loved it.
Megan –
I tandem read/listened to this book and enjoyed the heck out of it. I have been so eager to read this since reading the prequel and two prior novels. I could just tell Dan and Clay were going to be so good together once they finally got out of their own ways, and I was right. The book itself is written well; it kept me invested and eager to read on the entire time. Zachary Zaba does a phenomenal job of narrating. The characters had distinct voices, and the inflection and pacing were well done.
Karen Neeper –
OH, my I adored these two and their entire family. Dan has been in love with Clay forever. Clay is just realizing the extent of his feelings. I loved when the extent of those feelings kept popping out as jealousy. I know I just get happy with that strong emotion. They have their issues, but the romance was genuine, and the family support was heartwarming. Can I just say Zachary narrating the sweet emotions in this one was a great good feel too.
Emilie Martin –
I’ve been waiting for Dan and Clay’s story and I wasn’t disappointed. The tension between Dan and Clay has been evident since Book 1, and in this book it is both sweet and painful. Dan’s angst was truly justified, and I don’t know who could blame him for his confusion, his heartbreak or his confused hope.
That said, I couldn’t stand how oblivious Clay was to his own feelings. He gets jealous, possessive, and desperate to touch or kiss Dan, but doesn’t realize he is attracted to him? I’ve never wanted to smack a fictional character upside the head before now. But still, I was invested in him finally figuring it out.
Overall, this book captures that messy mix of desire and restraint perfectly. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the family drama is angsty enough to add the right touch of drama. In the end, there’s the expected HEA, and anyone who loves the slightly taboo genre of stepbrothers to lovers will enjoy this one.
Deborah Kelly –
I loved the fact that just when Dan was ready to tell Clay how he felt, their parents announced they were getting married!!! Of course this now means Dan’s long-standing crush is now forbidden and he is expected to play happy family with the one person he’s secretly in love with, breaking his heart every time Clay smiles at him.
Clay is too kind for his own good—offering comfort, affection, even his body to help Dan through a fake breakup. Dan tells himself it’s just temporary. A way to get Clay out of his system. But the more time they spend together, the more impossible it becomes to ignore the truth: some feelings don’t fade… even when they really, really should.
Promised Secret is the emotional, pining-filled third book in Rye Cox’s Promises, Promises series. With stepbrothers-to-lovers tension, found family warmth, and possibly the smartest pet rats in small-town romance, this story hits all the right notes. I’ve loved every book in this world, and Dan and Clay’s journey was everything I hoped for and more.
Rye’s ability to weave multiple storylines across a shared timeline is so satisfying. Watching this story unfold behind the scenes of Promised Summer made me want to reread the whole series to catch every breadcrumb. It’s soft, tender, and full of heart—with just enough heat and heartache to keep you turning the pages.
Low angst, high emotion, and characters who make you feel. Another winner in a series that keeps getting better.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
.Fernanda –
OMG I love these two and their entire family. Dan has been in love with Clay almost since they met. Clay is just realizing that the love the feels is not because they are stepbrothers or friends, it’s so much more deeper than that.
They way they end up kissing is so funny and hot.
Love the support from family and friends.
Can’t wait for the next book
molly S Otto –
Zachary Zaba has paired with Rye once again and shows why they make such a great pairing. He makes an already enjoyable read a fantastic listen. He draws you in from the beginning and keeps you enthralled with each page.
Rye has proven you can write a low angst step brothers romance and oh boy am I here for it. Dan has loved Clay for years and when he was ready to confess his dad fell in love with his best friends mother. Now years later still in love he tries to move on and Clay now keeps drawing him in more. Two men who were meant to love each other no matter what anyone says allow themselves for once to be together. With their core friend group meddling and not realizing what they are truly doing you cannot help but smile the whole ride through.
what makes this story so dang good for me they remain best friends throughout. Even with some longing Dan stays steady in his friendship. Clay may not realize his true feelings but always protects Dan and watches over his best friends. A truly unique take on this trope that I hope more authors take note of.
Janet –
Low angst stepbrother romance
Waiting for Dan and Clay eagerly since the first book, they didn’t disappoint. Theirs is an easy to read love story, having been friends since the moment they met at ages nine and ten.
Dan is an absolute sweetheart, a bit of a people pleaser, especially where it comes to his family. Trouble is he’s been in love with his best friend, Clay, since before they became stepbrothers. Unwilling to upset their parents, he keeps his secret while pining for Clay over the years.
Clay, on the other hand, is completely oblivious that his best friend, stepbrother, roommate and favourite person in the whole wide world loves him. It also never occured to him that his jealousy and possessive behaviour indicated distinctly un-brotherly feelings for Dan.
With his growing unease at Dan’s seeming withdrawal from him and a subtle push from one of their friends, Clay begins to realise his happiness has been right in front of him since the moment they met.
This really is a low angst, sweet romance where all the characters are lovely. The parents were good people as were their friend group, who we’ve already met in the previous books.
Atlas is up next and his story is foreshadowed here. Can’t wait to see his HEA.
Jo Atkins –
This story had me hooked from the very beginning. Dan and Clay’s connection is so strong, and you can feel it in every interaction. Dan’s quiet heartbreak over loving his best friend was just gut-wrenching, and I couldn’t help but root for him the whole way through. He’s tried so hard to let go, but Clay makes that nearly impossible.
Clay’s slow realization of his true feelings was both frustrating (in the best way) and so satisfying to finally see. Watching him piece it together and recognize that Dan has always been his person was incredibly sweet and emotional. Their bond is so natural, and when the love finally comes to the surface, it feels absolutely worth the wait.
This book is a great friends-to-lovers story, and the ending perfectly set things up for what’s coming next which I can’t wait for.
Benedicte –
Very cute and nice, low angst book. I’ve been loving this series and I was looking forward to Dan and Clay’s story and was not disappointed! I loved their chemistry and the possessiveness of Clay, even if maybe I would have liked that Clay realised his feelings sooner and that Dan admitted his sonner. It’s easy and entertaining, and I recommend it.
Regarding the audio
Zachary Zaba does an amazing job, I really enjoyed listenning to the story after reading the book, and I wonder if I didn’t even enjoy it more 😉
Dawn B –
Dan & Clay
I have been waiting for Dan and Clay’s story and i was not disappointed. I am so glad we finally learn what was really going on with them. I absolutely loved their happily ever after. Listening as Zachary Zaba narrated this also brought the story to life.
Debbie Bar –
A stepbrothers ‘pining to lovers’ story between the characters Dan and Clay. They’ve known each other since childhood. There is some angst, but only a smidgeon, I loved that the strong sense of community carries on from previous books in the series.
Dan loves Clay, but the situation becomes complicated when the guy’s parents decide to get married. The story follows Dan’s struggle to move on from loving Clay, and letting go of his feelings. For those who have followed the series, there’s a lot of unresolved romantic tension between Dan and Clay, who suddenly become stepbrothers.
I really enjoyed the small town atmosphere of the story, and meeting up with the cast of supporting characters, some from previous books. Also, the inclusion of super smart and cute pet rats added a unique and sweet element to the story. It’s such an emotional story, well written, with good character development, and an adorable ending.
Having listened to the audible version of this, I have to say that Zachary Zaba does a tremendous job in bringing the story to life. The characters of Dan and Clay shine. Zachary captures Dan’s yearning, and Clay’s kindness perfectly. Thoroughly enjoyed both the ebook and the audible, recommend both.
Saskia Veldhuis –
Audiobook – always an excellent narrator who never disappoints.
Story – a very believable story, with Dan having pined after stepbrother Clay for years. Clay himself had really big feelings for Dan, although he was clueless in recognising which feelings. This cluelessness was really painful to experience, especially as it hurt Dan so much. The family dynamics and their complications were shown well from everyone’s perspective. The rats were adorable, and it was such a relief to finally read some that are treated as rats should be in real life.
Traci S –
3.5⭐️This was a relaxing listen and I enjoyed the performance by the narrator, it a good weekend low angst option. I think I enjoyed the audiobook a bit more than the book as the slow pace was less noticeable while listening versus reading. Dan nd Clay started of a little frustrating, lots of clueless behavior from Clay and desperate avoidance from poor Dan. I did also appreciate this more gentle take on a stepbrother romance, no uber angry drama here. These two also have amazing chemistry and the author delivers some fun spice.
Ana Silva –
The more I read this series, the more I love it. Each couple has been so beautiful.
Since reading the previous books, I’ve been waiting for Clay and Dan. Stepbrothers trope is one of my favorites and these two were so sweet from the moment they met.
Dan was so protective of Clay from day one. The way he took it upon himself to always be there for him melted me.
Their relationship was so beautiful. They were always there for each other even when Dan thought he couldn’t hide his feelings anymore.
Poor Clay was so oblivious to his feelings for Dan and Dan’s feelings for him. He couldn’t understand why he was always so possessive of Dan or why he felt jealous when he saw him with somebody else. Talk about loving someone so hard you can’t tell the difference between loving your best friend and being in love with the love of your life.
My heart hurt for Dan. Loving Clay for so long and not knowing if they would ever get together was so heartbreaking. I’m glad once they did there wasn’t any family drama.
I hope we get Atlas’s story next because I really need to know what’s the deal with him and Hector. The curiosity is killing me!😁
Alice – Love Shack Romance –
🎧
I absolutely loved this book. The whole series has been great but I think this is my favourite.
‘Promised Secret’ is a best friends to lovers MM romance. It’s a slow burn bi-awakening. Dan’s crushed on his stepbrother since they were young, Clay is oblivious. Clay’s never been jealous of Dan’s attention being elsewhere until now. Everything is upsetting him and he doesn’t understand why.
There’s lots of appearances from the characters we’ve met in earlier books, and the story crosses over with others.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3187959396?source=link_share
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7982832643
Mandy Paton –
This is the third book in the Promises Promises series and this time it’s Dan and Clay’s turn to find their HEA. They have been best friends since they were young, and became step-brothers in their mid-teens, but Dan has been keeping a secret that Clay is the love of his life. Watching their journey, as Clay discovers that his possessiveness of Dan means more than he first suspected, was engrossing and everything I hoped for from this tale. It was sweet, with a dash of angst and full of supportive friends. I loved it and can’t recommend it highly enough.
Belinda Zamora –
This is an audiobook review.
Dan and Clay were so sweet together.
Dan has always known Clay was it for him.
Initially it was just as best friends but then those feelings changed into something more.
Dan is on the verge of letting Clay know this new development when they’re blindsided by their parents confession to secretly dating and plans to marry.
Heartbroken, Dan swallows his own confession in order to not cause problems.
Clay is a great big ball of obliviousness and I really wanted to smack him upside the head at times.
As they slowly become intimate he begins to slowly open his eyes to the fact that Dan is his person and that everything he’s been feeling is more than step brotherly love.
I really appreciated the fact that their families and friends were so supportive and understanding of their relationship.
Zachary Zaba did an amazing job narrating and bringing these characters to life.
GreenwingReads –
3.5 Stars
Generally I really like the stepbrother trope, and ultimately I liked this one, but it wasn’t quite what I’d hoped it would be. The writing was good and pretty on par with what I have seen from this author in the past. This series was my first time reading Rye Cox, and this book fits in well with the rest of the series and there are plenty of cameos from past characters.
I enjoyed seeing Dan and Clay together as children. They were so protective each other, it was really sweet. As adults, they didn’t really seem to have much in common, but I think that was because we didn’t really get to see much of them just hanging out together. I wish there had more scenes of them spending time together just the two of them to really see that chemistry. I also found myself frustrated with the behavior of every single character at some point and largely for the same reason: no one communicates with each other. It did not make any sense to me why Dan’s dad and Clay’s mom handled their relationship and sharing it with the kids in the way that they did. They just sprung it on them out of nowhere. They’re both pretty good parents otherwise, so it didn’t make sense to me why they’d be so oblivious and fumble that so badly. I really liked Clay, but he seemed so dumb sometimes. He definitely let his emotions rule him, especially with Dan, and he didn’t seem to really have any self respect at all. Dan was also frustrating in that he did things he knew were hurting Clay rather than just being honest. I had a hard time believing he really loved Clay as much as he did and still do so many hurtful things in the name of self preservation. Clay’s mom was also hard to like with what she did toward the end. That didn’t really make sense to me either other than causing more drama. All around, if these characters just had honest conversations with each other, a lot would have been solved.
I liked how possessive the guys are of each other and their dynamics with their friends. I just felt like too much of the story relied on miscommunication or lack of communication. I appreciated that Clay was all in and didn’t miss a beat over his self-discovery and that the parents were supportive of them very quickly once everyone actually talked to each other.
Cindy Sorensen –
Clay and Dan are stepbrothers through their parents marriage. But both want and love each other, held back by what seems forbidden thoughts attached to wanting each other and sometimes just cluelessness. They are BFs that become lovers and it takes a while plus some angst. It was noticeable in the previous book that this was not a typical relationship. It’s a sweet romance with great friends and family. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
Dee Altermott –
I was easily drawn into Dan and Clay’s story, best friends since they were young, still spending as much time together as possible as adults, stepbrothers through their parent’s marriage, and both holding special feelings for the other. They have been kissing and hugging for years, Clay kissing Dan to comfort him as he went through various breakups over the years, and Dan cherishing every kiss and hug, holding the memories close to his heart. There is a lot of angst in the story, especially from Dan who keenly feels that loving his stepbrother isn’t right and may break up the family, even though Dan loved Clay long before their parents got together. Clay knows he has special feelings for Dan, but hasn’t had any interest in other men, so doesn’t realize how strong his feelings are for Dan, even though there have been physical reactions at times that he wasn’t sure what it meant, and he gets very jealous when another man touches Dan. As the feelings and tension build, Dan is finally led to confess his feelings, to find out that Clay reciprocates them. Now they must face their parents and the possible aftermath of their love. Will their happy family be ruined or will their love for each other be accepted and embraced?
The main characters are realistically portrayed with all the angst that could be expected in the situation, especially since the importance of family has been drilled into Dan from a young age. Both are supported by their close circle of friends, many as the MCs in previous books in the series, as they navigate this love which has been hidden for so long but has now been acknowledged by Clay and Dan.
There are spicy scenes as Dan and Clay push the perceived boundaries of their newly accepted relationship, and Dan seems to be pretty creative in that arena with Clay a very willing and submissive partner. The story flowed easily as the two confronted their own feelings and that of their partner, then worked to find what the future might look like for them. The whole story and the character’s interactions and responses felt very believable to me. I had a feeling of satisfaction at the end, these two have gotten to where they were meant to be. I look forward to Atlas’s story next.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my voluntary review.
Marion Cee –
This is the third book in the Promises, Promises series and each book is a standalone read. There is a carry over of the same characters from the Sunday Brunch Group throughout all the books. This is the story of Dan and Clay. Both met when they were young teenagers and became best friends. They wanted to spend all their time together. But when Dan read the age of fourteen, he realized that he loved Clay. While he was building up his nerved to tell Clay, a surprise came out of left field that changed everything. Their parents had been seeing each other in secret and decided to get married. They would become step brothers. Wanting his father happy above all else, Dan stuffed all his emotions and feeling in a box and shut it away. He and Clay still remained as tight as ever. Both returned to their home town; Dan as a doctor and Clay as a police officer. Each encounter becomes increasingly painful for Dan. He decides that he has to move on completely. Put his love for Clay behind him. When he begins to pull away, Clay experiences severe jealousy. It is that jealousy that forces him to take a step back and really analyze his feelings. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed this book. It is a low angst story with a happy ever after ending. I look forward to the next book by this author.
Marion Cee –
This is the third book in the Promises, Promises series and each book is a standalone read. There is a carry over of the same characters from the Sunday Brunch Group throughout all the books. This is the story of Dan and Clay. Both met when they were young teenagers and became best friends. They wanted to spend all their time together. But when Dan read the age of fourteen, he realized that he loved Clay. While he was building up his nerved to tell Clay, a surprise came out of left field that changed everything. Their parents had been seeing each other in secret and decided to get married. They would become step brothers. Wanting his father happy above all else, Dan stuffed all his emotions and feeling in a box and shut it away. He and Clay still remained as tight as ever. Both returned to their home town; Dan as a doctor and Clay as a police officer. Each encounter becomes increasingly painful for Dan. He decides that he has to move on completely. Put his love for Clay behind him. When he begins to pull away, Clay experiences severe jealousy. It is that jealousy that forces him to take a step back and really analyze his feelings. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I received a complementary copy of this book from Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed this book. It is a low angst story with a happy ever after ending. I look forward to the next book by this author.
Jeanette Waters –
E book and audio reviews
Promised Secret is the third book in Rye Cox’s Promises, Promises. Another couple from the Sunday brunch group get together. Clay met Dan when he was ten and Dan was nine. With the sharing of a toy police car, they became friends. And were soon best friends. Dan was about ready to tell Clay that he had feelings for him, his single father married Clay’s single mother. Dan pushed his feelings down, trying to be a “good” brother.
Honestly, there were parts of this story that made me uncomfortable. Not the whole step dynamic. That has never been a trope I wasn’t comfortable with. I was uncomfortable with the cuddling and kissing whenever Dan broke up with whoever he was dating. And then Clay told him that Dan could do “whatever he wanted” to him. Yeah, I skimmed that chapter.
Dan’s interactions with his employees, Rosa and Frederick were homey and sweet. Rather than a stiff hierarchy, they were a team, a found family. And Captain and Hook were just the cutest things, Dan and Clay spoiled them rotten. The town is still the gossip capital of the world. The brunch group, characters and MCs from the earlier three books (I’m counting the prequel), were supportive and had their backs when the group discovered their secret.
The book was a quick read. Other than the scene that felt very dub-con (to me) and definitely not informed, I enjoyed Dan and Clay’s story. One last book in the series and Rye Cox set it up for us in the later chapters.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
10/9/2025
Just finished the audio book. Zachary Zaba did a wonderful job narrating, taking a very nice story to the next level. Dan’s guilt, Clay’s cluelessness, both done very well. As was the couple’s protectiveness and jealousy. Getting the e and audio version was a pleasure to sit through
I received an advanced audio of this book and this is my review.
Heather – Not Guilty of Books –
Come on boys! For two people so incredibly close, they suck at communication. LOL
They are a cute pair, but boy, their minds are dramatic places. I get it, becoming stepbrothers and worrying about how everyone would feel if they learned the truth throws a wrench into the mix.
Thankfully, they get a nudge toward finally figuring out their feelings and sharing them.
Truthfully, they are even cuter once they sort themselves out.
If you get a chance, you should check out the audiobook. Zachary Zaba is wonderful and really matches Rye Cox’s writing style well.
Vicki –
This is book three in the author’s Promises, Promises series and features stepbrothers and best friends, Dan and Clay.
Inseparable since children, when their parents (Dan’s dad and Clay’s mom) decided to marry when the boys were in their teens, it stole away Dan’s chance of telling Clay how he felt—had always felt—about him but how could he say anything now? His dad had always taught him that family was everything. Looked like he would just have to suck it up…only thing was, as much as he loved Clay, he wasn’t sure how he could remain close to him… For Clay’s part, even though he had always considered himself straight, he couldn’t understand what the feelings were that he felt for his best friend.
The way the author wrote, I could literally feel Dan’s hopelessness in ever getting over his feelings for Clay as well as Clay’s fear of Dan pulling away from him and my heart hurt for both of ‘em. It was incredibly sweet but also a little sad at times.
I’ve read all of the books in this series and loved each and every one but none more than this one, though I guess I can really say the same thing about each one, there’s just something about the little town of Kither Springs and their friend group that I can’t resist. You really need to read this book, you might find yourself feeling the same way. 5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
Deb Cechak –
Promised Secret – Book & Audiobook
“Don’t push me away,” I whispered into his ear. I loved the way my breath had his eyelids fluttering closed for a second. “Tell me what’s going on in that pretty mind of yours.”
Clay and Dan’s story is a sweet reminder by author Rye Cox that love is worth waiting for!
Best childhood friends, in a small town setting, Dan and Clay continue through life, even as each feels a deep connection to the other, but their budding romance is cut short when their parents find a love of their own.
Now rated through marriage, they have to live with the rules of society keeping them apart…or do they?!
Both book and audiobook were an exciting and heartwarming treat!
Pam Daake –
This is an excellent addition to the series. This has so many tropes it could be, but my favorite is friends to lovers. Although it is a little more complicated than only friends to lovers, this was fabulous storyline. It was interesting to know the backstory on these two and watch the magic happen. The audiobook was excellent also. I recommend this book in whatever form you prefer as they both rock!
Xanthe GrAce –
Dan and Clay’s relationship is ever so slightly complicated as Dan has been in love with Clay since his early teens. Just before the time when their parents announced they were getting married, just before he was going to tell his best friend how he felt. However, for his dad’s happiness, he said nothing.
They still live together in their small home town, Dan having gone off to study and become a doctor, while Clay came back as a police officer. Unfortunately, Dan is finding it harder to be around Clay, and Clay seems to be getting more and more jealous of anyone else getting Dan’s attention.
It is a sweet read, overall, just wanting the two men to say how they feel about each other so they can get the HEA that is right there waiting for them. Instead, Dan fears what it will do to their family, his dad and Clay’s mum being so happy together, and deserving it with how things were before, especially for Clay and his mum. Clay’s jealous moments are rather entertaining as he occasionally goes into full caveman mode but the way that he comforts Dan when he’s upset is a sure sign of something deeper between the two.
A fairly low angst romance that has two best friends having to face their feelings and attraction to each other.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Jennifer Laber –
Dan & Clay
Wow! My favorite in the series thus far! I have to admit I’ve been waiting for them since their first introduction in book 1.
Love both MCs in their own right. Clay started out being adorably oblivious about why he was jealous and didn’t want to share Dan. And then when the big realization comes? “Ok, well now that makes sense.” Total acceptance. I was here for that!
Dan pining for his whole young and adult life? Stop it. The inner battle between his own happiness and family was endearing and thankfully not too angsty. So happy for him to get his HEA! The tears in talking it out with his family was everything. And thank you, Rye Cox, for no 3rd act break-up!
I also truly enjoyed the inclusion of all the former characters and teaser for the next book. Can’t wait!
Shannan –
PROMISED SECRET is the third book in the Promises, Promises series. It can be read as a standalone without issue but does read better if you read in the order the author intended.
Dan and Clay have been best friends for years. Dan has been in love with Clay from the time he figured out what being in love was. Clay has always been straight but very protective of Dan. Dan knew falling for Clay was crazy but he couldn’t help himself even if Clay could never love him. When Dan finally gathered the courage to tell Clay how he felt, he finds out their parents are in love and getting married making them step-brothers.
Clay can’t seem to understand why he’s so protective of Dan but he seems to find issue with everyone Dan tries to date. Dan is finally trying to find his happiness without Clay but somehow Clay keeps inserting himself. With some help of meddling friends Dan and Clay finally find their way to each other the way it was always meant to be.
I loved the chemistry between Clay and Dan. Being together romantically was the next step that was just so natural between them. I loved how this played out and no one was really surprised by the development of their relationship.
Zachery Zaba truly brought life to these characters and I couldn’t get enough. I was invested in the way he told this story. I was searching for extra moments in my day to listen!
I was given a free copy of both this book and audio to read and review by Neon Rainbow.
Heather Coy –
I enjoyed Dan and Clay’s forbidden romance. I liked that they had basically been in a relationship for years. It made their move to more believable. I liked the storyline. The book had some fun moments as well as some heat. Overall it was a good book I read in a couple hours.
megan.m.mcgrath.web –
Dan & Clay
“Privacy in Kither Springs? What’s that?”
I was excited to jump into Dan & Clay’s story as soon as it was hinted at early in this series. I love the Kither Springs crew, and I’ve really enjoyed diving into their romances. They all have something uniquely their own and a different take for each love story. I love the vibe that Rye creates in her small town stories. I also love how accepting these small towns are, and how their townspeople so supportive overall.
Dan & Clay have to overcome their own personal issues to move forward, but there really isn’t a ton of conflict in their way, just confusion and misunderstanding. I do appreciate that there really is no villain in this story.
Promised Secret was a wonderful and sweet story of two men who never should have been stepbrothers finding their way out of that confusion and following their feelings toward happiness. I’m greatly looking forward to Atlas’ story, although it sounds like his will definitely be a bit stressful from the hinted buildup we get in this story.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Audiobook Update:
Narrated by Zachary Zaba
Another fantastic rendition of a Rye Cox story by Zachary. I don’t know what it is about his voice, but it draws me in and is so captivating to listen to. I’ve listened to a wide variety of stories with his voice, and each one is just as good as the last. I loved the personality he brought to Dan & Clay and the rest of the guys in Kither Springs. It’s so much fun to experience his take on characters, whoever they may be.
I received an authorized copy of this audiobook and am volunteering my honest review.
Liese –
Clay and Dan were best friends and already so close to one another, both emotionally and unafraid to have physical contact with one another. They are protective of one another and one wonders if they would have made the journey from friends to lovers if their respective parents had not decided to get married and bring blended family vibes into their relationship. Dan has known all along that he wants more from Clay. He has been crushing on him for a long time. Clay knew how important Dan was to him and embraced the connection through their parents’ marriage because he felt it would make his favorite person that much more connected to him. But it was good when the lines started to blur in ways that made Clay realize that there was more to them than just stepbrother and bestie. It gave them time to start working towards the relationship that both of their feelings were guiding them towards. They still have some things to work through as there are other family members to consider but in the end the heart wants what it has been yearning for. This was such a nice story with two characters that really did belong together.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my review.
Katriana –
When I read the blurb for this, I was looking forward to reading Clay and Dan’s story but unfortunately I didn’t end up loving this as much as I was hoping to. I think this started out great but I feel as though it went a bit off track when Clay and Dan kissed for ‘comfort’. I just felt like that was a bit out of place considering how Dan’s POV always made it seem one sided… There was just quite a lot of back and forth and then things seemed rushed at the end. The pacing felt off to me.
I don’t think this is a bad story or anything, it just wasn’t my favorite unfortunately.