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Cocky Hero Club

Secret Keeper

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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 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.

300 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2020

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Christopher Harlan

28 books1,276 followers

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5 stars
259 (40%)
4 stars
212 (33%)
3 stars
100 (15%)
2 stars
41 (6%)
1 star
20 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Fleury.
962 reviews76 followers
June 9, 2020
This book was very sexy and steamy. It's my first time reading a book by this author. I think he did a fantastic job with it. I'm friends with Chris on Facebook and he's a great guy. The story kept me on my toes and held my attention. I really connected with it. The sex was amazing and the way the main character was explained was steamy hot. Just like the cover model Scott I'm also Facebook friends with.
10 reviews
February 1, 2020
Who knew that keeping secrets could be a job that pays money? But how far will you go to keep a secret to get a paycheck? When will you know when to say enough?

How do you put a value on yourself? What are you willing to give up to have what you think you want?

When two people from similar backgrounds, follow 2 different paths that bring them to similar crossroads and directly into each other's lives... what could go wrong?

This book brings to life the struggles so many people face when they hit a crossroads in their lives.

Dylan is a hardworking man with a set path in mind and an unwavering sense of duty. He knows what he wants and he knows what he has to do to get what he wants... until Penelope walks into the building and turns his life upside down. But he wasn't the only one to feel that way. Everything Penelope thought she wanted out of life was thrown into a blender the moment she looked into his eyes.

Secret Keeper is one hell of a ride that follows what 2 people do to get their happy ending.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,079 reviews571 followers
May 17, 2020
My first book by Christopher Harlan and it is an off the charts hit!

I can’t exactly say what I was expecting from this story, but I know that what I got is more! The chemistry and the passion just dripped off the pages. The twists in this story had me completely hooked from the very start. Did I mention the chemistry, because wow!! There’s a lot about this book that I honestly wasn’t expecting. The character growth and development for Dylan and Penelope was outstanding and the plot unfolded very well.

This story is the whole package people #TRUST I’m looking forward to finding more Harlan books to read real soon!

Profile Image for Lauren Lascola-Lesczynski.
1,039 reviews32 followers
February 2, 2020
This might be my favorite Christopher Harlan book!
Let's start with the cover....it's amazing and once you read it you will know that he's the perfect Dylan.
Dylan is a man in every sense of the word...he is polite, considerate, and hot....he's got tats and he is just an all around awesome guy. Ohhh and man the mouth on him...his dirty talk is on point!
He falls for Penelope very fast...she's gorgeous and a tad out of his reach at first. The way they find themselves thrust together makes for one amazing story.
#Coffee #Queens
Profile Image for Andi Isack.
402 reviews16 followers
May 19, 2020
This book is something phenomenal. From the plot to the characters. It is a real challenge for the reader. it's never persistent. indeed it is a complex game of strategies. challenges to your mind and heart. and like a game of chess is unpredictable, intense, overwhelming both by the passion and by the way of exposing the lights and shadows or if you want the truths and secrets behind this story.
the romantic aspect is never left somewhere in the background but its the sparkle to the whole dynamic of the story.
this book is different, and if you pay attention you realize the masculine but exceptional touch of the writing style.
Even the hot scenes. (you should know that they say so much about the true talent of an author), you will perceive it. It is different but very very well written.
So....are you in?
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
** PS: I found a tiny typo related to something you wrote in Italian**
Profile Image for diann bryan.
489 reviews
May 18, 2020
The secret keeper is a fun story about Dylan and his predicament over his job ending and his dream job and of course the job he intends to get before his dream job comes along.

Dylan and Penelope have a connection and it’s the spark that starts the fire! So hot!

Wonderful cast of characters too!

Love the connection with the characters from Stuck up Suit!
Profile Image for nikki.
792 reviews101 followers
May 23, 2020
Okay, I have a confession to make...I don’t read romance books by male authors. At all. Buuuuuut, as this one is part of the CHC world and I’m on a one-woman mission to read every single one of those damn books...well, it had to be done! I’m so glad I did!!!! I absolutely adored Dylan and Penelope - their chemistry was INSANE!! The storyline was brilliant and the writing flowed so effortlessly, it truly was an enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Profile Image for Phyl.
1,438 reviews17 followers
May 2, 2020
New to me author. I love the Cocky Hero series created by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward so was excited to see other author’s take. I found Dylan to be very bold. A man raised by his grandparents. Taught to be a man by his gramps and how to love and respect a woman by his nonna. A driver then PA to a rich powerful man who becomes his mentor. I loved Dylan and Graham’s relationship. Their humour is locker room stuff which had me pissing myself. Unfortunately Dylan is about to be relieved from his duty as PA, this is where the story becomes interesting. He mets Penelope who’s the fiancée of a potential boss (huge jack hole). It’s an awkward situation he finds himself in as they have an amazing connection and sexual chemistry. They are just amazing together. I liked this story, drama, intrigue and a villain. Dylan is just swoony as a leading man and Penelope is great for him.
Profile Image for Jill M.
1,310 reviews93 followers
May 16, 2020
This was so much more than the pretty face on the cover. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting but know that this was nothing like I would have imagined. There was drama with a mix of passion and romance. It was unique with great characters and a great story. I haven’t read many books by Christopher Harlan but each book I have read has been better than the last. I’m looking forward to picking up another book by Christopher.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
4,676 reviews586 followers
May 15, 2020
Secret Keeper was a fun addition to the Cocky Hero Club series, a book that hooked me from the start and had me powering through it. Right away, this one pulled me in, and I had to devour it in a single sitting.

I will be honest and say the romance was a bit quick for my liking, and there were some elements I’m not usually crazy about, but this one soon won me over and I was more than happy to devour it. It took things I’m not usually crazy about and made me fall in love. I was hooked on the characters and the story, devouring it in no time.

Without a doubt, I’ll be reading more of the author after this one, as this one had me hooked.
Profile Image for Victoria Weston.
819 reviews46 followers
May 4, 2020
This is the first book that I've read by this author and I didn't know what to expect. I absolutely loved reading this book and seeing where the romance was going and how the story progressed, This book is a complete must read.

The cover of this book pulls you in first and then the way that this author writes is so great that you will not be able to put this book down. It'll grip hold of you and won't let go until you have finished it. The Question is can you keep a secret?

Dylan is an all round good guy, he's extra hard working is sexy as hell and his tats, oh my ladies you may need hosing down. He oozes confidence and knows what he wants. He knows that information and secrets are like gold dust and keeping secrets just became part of he knows what he needs to do.

Penelope is also a very sexy beautiful lady who thought that she had everything planned out, that is until she meets Dylan. She knows that he's different and that draws her in more so like a magnetic pull and she can't believe how she is feeling.

These two characters feel something from each other that I think was missing in each of there lives and when they see each other there connection is strong and there chemistry is so hot and the flirty -ness between them both is awesome to see too.
( NO SPOILERS)

I absolutely loved these characters and how this author has written them. I couldn't wait to read on and see what was going to happen and this story line completely captivated me right from the very beginning. This book has twists and turns and will keep you guessing all the way through. This story line was awesome and I couldn't put it down right from the start and everyone needs to read this book, its a real must read and I highly recommend that everyone reads it when it gets released. This book is a great addition to the Cocky Hero Club.

I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

This book is expected to be released 17th May 2020.
Profile Image for Bethany.
847 reviews12 followers
May 3, 2020
I loved Stuck-Up Suit, so I jumped at the opportunity to visit beloved characters and read a new to me author. I am so glad I did, I loved this story!

This story follows Dylan and Penelope.
Dylan fresh out of a job.
Penelope fresh out of patience.
There is no secret that there was immediate sexual tension. One encounter set a series of events into motion that neither of them planned on.

Money; the root of all evil. Whether you have too much and want more or don't have enough and want some, it is the driving force that can change people. Their lives, their actions and their futures. If you could get paid to keep secrets, could you?
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,483 reviews36 followers
April 29, 2020
Unpredictable with lots of twists and turns, don't expect to get to comfortable with this book because the author definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. No plain sailing here it's more of a bumpy ride of ups and downs, but so worth it. I loved how Graham and Soraya were portrayed, supportive of Dylan the whole way through. I am so glad Penelope met him. There is love and a little romance in amongst the drama and angst, even some hot sex to go with it, what I took from this most? Money can buy a lot but it doesn't ever buy happiness or love, for that it has to be earned and worked for, shown that it is deserved. Fabulous story full of excitement.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
6,229 reviews41 followers
April 28, 2020
Secret K by Christopher Harlan is a standalone story. Secret K is part of the CHClub world, a series of original works, written by various authors.
But back to Secret K.
Meet Dylan and Penelope. Both meet and fall pretty quickly for each other.
Secret K is a well written book that kept me well entertained. I loved the storyline and the characters. I read the book, cover to cover in one sitting, I couldn't put it down.
And oh girl what a cover that is. If and that's a big if, you won't like the wonderful story, the cover alone is worth buying the book.
Profile Image for Reckless Readers.
1,707 reviews88 followers
May 2, 2020
This book took me a bit of time to get into, love triangles aren't my go to stories. Once I got into it I really felt for Dylan and Penelope. Both were thrown into a terrible situation, I loved that these two characters with similar backgrounds were able to meet, connect and fall in love. It's a book that is sweet, angsty and swoon worthy at times, with a hero who will show just how far he will go for a girl from the neighborhood.
Profile Image for Lisa Stinson.
1,167 reviews16 followers
May 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book based off Stuck Up Suit by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland. It is always fun to see how previous characters lives are going. This book is about Dylan who is the PA to Graham from SUS. He has worked for Graham for a while but is now unfortunately losing his job since Graham and Soraya are moving away from the city to raise their growing family. One thing I didn't really understand is if Dylan was also the building manager, why couldn't he just keep that as his job. It sounded like it would keep him plenty busy. But nevertheless, he has to look for a new job. Graham has an idea for a new job for him and sets up the meeting with a man named Chandler Daniels.

Penelope happens to be engaged to Chandler and she briefly met Dylan a few months ago when she first moved into the building. Penelope finds out Chandler has cheated on her when the other woman shows up at her apartment. Chandler is an extremely wealthy man who wants more money and will go about any means necessary to get more. Penelope is a sweet person who can't figure out why she was with this man to begin with.

Dylan's new job interview is with Chandler, who asks him to complete a series of tests in order to get the job. Dylan quickly learns the kind of man Chandler is and must decide what kind of man he wants to be.

One thing I absolutely loved about this book was Dylan and his relationship with his Nonna. His grandparents raised him from a young age and they raised him well. I wish we had more scenes with him and his grandmother. She was an amazing secondary character. I really liked Dylan and Penelope's characters. They came from the same walks of life and while they both want better for themselves, they want to get it honestly.
Profile Image for Wendy *cr8zysockbookblock*.
565 reviews191 followers
May 18, 2020

Secret Keeper was my first read by Christoper Harlan and overall I found it to be an enjoyable read. This is the story of Dylan Murphy a man who grew up with rags, now workin for the rich. When he finds himself facing a dilemma of conscience. Take a job for a new slime ball or the unemployment line what will he choose. To make matters worse he just so happens to meet the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen… and part of that new job has to do with her.
Penelope was a great character. She was having a rough go of it, but had finally found a bright spot in her life. That ray of sun was, Dylan. He was like a fairytale dream come true really, but that’s the thing about fairytales, they can never really come true and always have a villain. This book was a quick read and had heat, lust, and get, forgiveness, a funny grandma and a bit of angst. It was a good solid four star ⭐️ read!

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Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
4,933 reviews107 followers
May 12, 2020
Where to start and what to say to do this great read justice......
Christopher Harlan is a new author to me but after reading Secret Keeper (Cocky Hero Club) that will be changing. I love the concept that Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward have put together with The Cocky Hero Club but I have to be honest and say as excited as I was I was also very wary of other authors expanding stories featuring my hero’s well if every book is as good as this one there is nothing to worry about.
Dylan Murphy works for Graham Morgan, he has learnt everything he knows from one of the best and that’s never betray secrets and never get personally involved. Looking after the exclusive Manhattan Building has its challenges and Dylan is about to find himself breaking all his rules with his latest challenge .....
Penelope Genaro is about to move into the building with her fiancé but when she finds him cheating on her the plans all go out the window but when Dylan is asked by the fiancé to get some information for him and also convince Penelope to come back to him in exchange for a job things get real interesting........
This book has so much going for it, I loved Dylan and Penelope, I loved catching up with Graham Morgan but most importantly I loved this authors style of writing, I loved how he wove the drama and intrigue into the perfect romance and what can I say about the chemistry this couple share apart from it’s intense so with all that being said I need to tell you please one click this gem of a read you won’t be disappointed. Looking forward to reading more from this author and more from the Cocky Hero Club.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,718 reviews37 followers
June 21, 2020
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.
Profile Image for bookspaced.
717 reviews15 followers
May 17, 2020
This was my first book of Christopher Harlan and it won‘t be my last.

Firstly the cover was honestly the thing that drew me to this book, because people who know me know that I rarely read blurbs. I’m a total cover buyer sometimes. So as usual I didn‘t know what to expect when reading this book. I only knew that it played in my favorite world of the Cocky series by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. And it was amazing to see those characters again after their HEA.

Dylan is HOT🔥 and he has such a dirty mouth. I loved it! So you can imagine how steamy that book was.

Penelope was sadly a little hard to love for me. I don‘t know why and I can‘t really describe it. She was so dependant on Chandler and then on Dylan. She didn‘t make much of a character developement throughout the book. It was mentioned once what she would‘ve liked to do for work but other than that nothing really. Dylan on the other hand was quicker to like since he kind of did more throughout the book and you could see progress for his future and his present.

The writing was pretty good and I honestly was surprised at how well and steamy it was written since Christopher is my first male author in the romance genre.

4⭐️



ARC received in exchange for an hobest review.
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,359 reviews23 followers
May 16, 2020
This book was like a soap opera, there was so much drama! Don't get me wrong though, I totally loved it, but MAN, it was crazy! Our leading man, Dylan, definitely was put in some interesting situations, but I adored him. And our leading lady, Penelope, her back was to the door for a lot of things, but she was no pushover and showed it.

If you are looking for a book with tons of twists and turns and dramatic themes, this is one that you will absolutely love! I was totally drawn into it and really enjoyed reading Secret Keeper. Great job to Christopher Harlan- I give this book 4.5 outta 5 stars!

PS: Thank you to Christopher Harlan, Cock Hero Club, and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.2k reviews87 followers
May 18, 2020
Dylan is a man who has proved himself invaluable to his employer for his loyalty and ability to keep anything he learns from his job as a personal assistant very private. He finds himself in need of a new employer and Chandler is willing to hire him, but the probation period is unlike anything he has experienced.

Penelope is engaged to Dylan’s boss Chandler however she has a difficult decision that she needs to make. Part of Dylan’s probation includes Penelope and as he develops feelings for her he must decided what he is willing to sacrifice for both his job and Penelope.

Hot chemistry, witty banter, twists you don’t see coming and not only are Dylan and Penelope a perfect match, but the secondary characters really enhance the story as well.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
395 reviews7 followers
May 20, 2020
Overall ★ ★ ★
Performance ★ ★ ★ ★
Story ★ ★

Not my cup of coffee.


I personally could not get into this story. The best way for me to describe it is that it felt instalove while being a full length book.

Dylan is Graham’s (Stuck-Up Suit) right hand man. He’s looking for a new gig since his boss is moving. A jack of all trades, Dylan is in job limbo and takes a possible new gig which leads to meeting up with Penelope, a woman he first meets when she moves into a building he manages.

I liked Dylan a lot. A smart, but unsure of himself character. He’s got a grounded quality I admired. Penelope was fine, but felt distanced. I couldn’t really get why they would be together. The conflict felt empty as well.

The narration was very good. If anything, my only issue was Erin Mallon’s male voice was a bit huskier than Lance Greenfield’s. Still, quite enjoyable listen despite how I felt about the story.

And I gotta love Graham and Soraya doing a little part in this.
Profile Image for Jenifer Briggs.
1,426 reviews170 followers
May 17, 2020
This is another new to me author that I enjoyed so much!!! I haven't read many of the previous books that this Cocky Suits spin-off is known for, but this was such a fun and unique romance!

Dylan is a secret keeper for a living. He has aceess to deeply personal information that nobody wants shared, and is damn good at is job. When he comes across Penelope, who is the fiance of one of the wealthy men he keeps secrets of, things get intense fast. I don't want to spoil anything, but this book was just such a delight! I Will definitely be reading more from this author!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Profile Image for Jean Dewsbury.
776 reviews13 followers
May 21, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,812 reviews241 followers
May 18, 2020
It's part of the Cocky Hero Club which is inspired by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward's Stuck Up Suit. You don't have to have read Stuck Up Suit to enjoy this one. Dylan is a good guy. He's a hard worker. He kind of has a little mystery to him and I was trying to figure out what he actually did for a job. Penelope is sweet nice girl. I really liked her. There's an instant connection between Dylan and Penelope but here are a lot of other things going on too. This one has a lot of secrets that get revealed. It has twists, drama, and romance all wrapped up into a great story.
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