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Secret Wishes

(The Connor's #3)

Nikki Ashton (Goodreads Author)

4.57 · Rating details · 89 ratings · 24 reviews

Caleb Tremaine is a quiet country boy, who leads a simple life. All he ever wanted, was a family that loved him and to work with his beloved horses - the Connor family gave him all that and more.

Lorelai, Jesse Connor's cousin, is wild, sassy and sexy with crazy ways and a great collection of slogan t-shirts. She says it how it is and is never too shy to dish out a bitchy c ...more

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Kindle Edition, 210 pages

Published March 31st 2018 by Bubble Books Ltd

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Jun 11, 2018 Siobhan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Since picking up my first Nikki Ashton read, I’ve wanted more of her work. I’ve read a handful, but nowhere near as many as I plan to – after all, all her books scream out for me to read. As much as I enjoy the author’s romantic comedy, I do have a particular weakness for her Connor Ranch series. It’s a beautiful contemporary romance series, one filled with so much emotion, and I cannot help but find myself loving each of the books.

The first book in the series, Box of Hearts, broke me in so many Since picking up my first Nikki Ashton read, I’ve wanted more of her work. I’ve read a handful, but nowhere near as many as I plan to – after all, all her books scream out for me to read. As much as I enjoy the author’s romantic comedy, I do have a particular weakness for her Connor Ranch series. It’s a beautiful contemporary romance series, one filled with so much emotion, and I cannot help but find myself loving each of the books.

The first book in the series, Box of Hearts, broke me in so many ways. It was insanely emotional, one of my favourite books in terms of the emotions it pulled from me. The second book in the series, Angels’ Kisses, was another emotional read. It had a lot to live up to after the first book, and it certainly delivered. It was a very different kind of story, but it was just as beautiful. Thus, Secret Wishes had a lot to live up to.

Fear not, for Secret Wishes is another wonderful addition to the Connor’s series. It was just as beautiful as the two prior books, filled with all the emotion I have come to love with this series.

Although each book works perfectly fine as a standalone novel, I would recommend giving this series a read in order. It is not necessary, but it allows you to get a better understanding of the characters. In this one, we get the story of Caleb, the boy who stole my heart in Angels’ Kisses.

Caleb has come a long way since we first met him in Angels’ Kisses, and as an honorary Connor it is only fitting that the series ended with his story. It’s not just the honorary Connor we follow in this book, though, as our leading lady is a Connor cousin, keeping things in the family throughout the series.

Like the two prior books, this one was filled with all kinds of emotions. Giving us another emotional story, Nikki Ashton introduces us to another type of story in this one – the learning to love yourself storyline. Sometimes these come across as quite preachy, but with this one it was beautifully done. I adored the way our leading characters interacted with each other, adored the way their story came together – in other words, I adored this one just like I adored the two prior books.

Box of Hearts remains my favourite book in the series, as that couple has a special place in my heart, but Secret Wishes is a close second. There was so much beauty throughout this story, sucking me in and leaving me wanting more. As ever, Nikki Ashton delivered a story that had everything needed to keep us hooked – wonderful characters, a deep and meaningful storyline, plenty of emotion, events on every page, and that necessary bit of humour to give us the much needed chuckle (in fact, the humour in this one is reminisce of the author’s romantic comedy, ensuring plenty of chuckles).

I really am sad to say goodbye to this series. It’s been such a wonderful journey, and I cannot help but cross my fingers in the hope we will get more Connor books in the future. There are some characters I wish to see more of, but if that doesn’t work I will gladly settle for a story set years in the future so we can get to see the kids grown up. Honestly, I love this series and will gladly read anything related to it.

Without a doubt, Secret Wishes was a wonderful way to close off a series I adore. ...more

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Mar 16, 2018 Trish Kitty Taylor ***narniaandbeyond*** rated it it was amazing

Wow. What a gorgeous story of self discovery, self worth & forgiveness. Nikki Ashton has delivered another gorgeous book in what has fast become one of my favourite families ~ The Connor’s. I could squeeze this family to death I swear, that’s how much I love them. They are all beautifully addictive in their own way & this book just adds even more love & goodness some how, just when I didn’t think it was possible.

Secret Wishes is the story of Lorelai Connor & Caleb Tremaine, Lorelai is the wild c Wow. What a gorgeous story of self discovery, self worth & forgiveness. Nikki Ashton has delivered another gorgeous book in what has fast become one of my favourite families ~ The Connor’s. I could squeeze this family to death I swear, that’s how much I love them. They are all beautifully addictive in their own way & this book just adds even more love & goodness some how, just when I didn’t think it was possible.

Secret Wishes is the story of Lorelai Connor & Caleb Tremaine, Lorelai is the wild cousin of Jesse & Garrett who has always lived life hard, wayyyyy to hard. Sent to her Aunt & Uncle by her parents as their last hope of taming her wild ways, Lor, with very few regrets in life, is sure she is in no hurry to change. Until Caleb.. The infuriating, hot as hell, ranch hand who sees right through her game, straight into her soul, where she can’t hide, no matter how hard she tries.

Caleb was a boy when he was taken in by the Connor’s during his darkest days.time. His love for them is endless & he feels blessed to call them family, for all they have done & for the man they have helped him become. Shy, quiet & inexperienced in life though, the snarky mouthed niece that lands on the ranch terrifies him on one hand but drives him wild with temptation on the other. He refuses to play her games, but refuses to give up on the lost, lonely girl he sees, locked deep inside.

Omg together they are like oil & water lol. Their banter is top draw, I laughed so hard at some of their little games & damn, when you throw those Connor boys into the mix, I was gifted a couple of my ultimate laugh out loud moments, that still make me snicker long after I’ve finished reading.

But it gets better, for underneath the laughs, the game of cat & mouse (seriously you wonder who is the mouse more often than not lol ) there is the most beautiful mix of strength, understanding & a quiet respect. I loved the way they each showed their vulnerability at different times & how they supported each other through them. Caleb, with his big heart & endless capacity to love & Lor, tough & steely on the outside, but unsure & scared on the inside became such a match made in heaven.

A stunning read that I simply didn’t want to end. I wanted to stay on this ranch & feel part of this wonderful family & close to these beautiful characters. A must read in my opinion, even if like me, you don’t usually love on a cowboy.

5 I see you. I love you stars. ...more

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May 29, 2018 Janine Booth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Absolutely loved this book, I love the interaction between all the family, you can feel the love and happiness.

Definitely my favourite out the series which is a surprise because I loved box of hearts

Couldn’t we all do with a Caleb who doesn’t judge you help you forgive yourself when you can’t and makes you feel worthy of love

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Mar 21, 2018 Barbara rated it it was amazing

AN OUTSTANDING BOOK/SERIES! This storyline is absolutely amazing. For that matter the entire series to date has been amazing. The author’s writing style and the characters in the Connor’s series are at the top of my list of all time favorites. The Connors are what I personally picture as the perfect family. Yes they have their individual flaws and problems but the family as a whole seem to have it all together. Each generation from Mom & Dad (Grandma and Grandpa to some) all the way down to the AN OUTSTANDING BOOK/SERIES! This storyline is absolutely amazing. For that matter the entire series to date has been amazing. The author’s writing style and the characters in the Connor’s series are at the top of my list of all time favorites. The Connors are what I personally picture as the perfect family. Yes they have their individual flaws and problems but the family as a whole seem to have it all together. Each generation from Mom & Dad (Grandma and Grandpa to some) all the way down to the kids/grandkids, have been taught family and life values. No matter what life throws their way, together they can rise above it.

These values are showcased to the max in Secret Wishes. Caleb, in case you haven’t read the series, was an abused teen that the Connors brought into their home and helped him to overcome his prior life and learn what it means to be a a part of a loving family. He learn to love himself and set a course for success despite how he was raise. In Secret Wishes, Caleb has graduated college and is working on the ranch with Jesse (YEP two HOT HOT HOT Cowboys in this one). His world gets turned on its axis when Jesse’s cousin Lorelai arrives and his attraction to her is almost instant. But can a country boy compete with a city girls wants and desires?

Lorelai is what I would call a Hot Mess. She is wild to the max, thinks she doesn’t deserve anything good in life and enjoys shocking people with her behavior. But Caleb seems to see right through her masquerade. Don’t get me wrong she does embarrass poor Caleb a time or six, but she doesn’t fool him one bit (well she doesn’t honestly fool any of the Connor clan for that matter). Caleb sees a lot of his own past heartaches in her and sets out to show her she has value and she can make something of herself. That she isn’t defined by her past. A lesson he knows a lot about. Lorelai is drawn to Caleb but she isn’t the good girl he thinks she is and in her mind she doesn’t deserve a good guy like Caleb. Will her past mistakes run him off?

Reading Caleb and Lorelai’s story is like a breathing in sunshine. It’s tender and heartwarming with lots of humorous moments as well as a few sad ones. But one thing is for sure it will having you smiling and content as you read along. Oh and for all you series readers, yes our box of hearts makes its appearance at the perfect time. I give Secret Wishes a resounding 5 stars (only because that’s all I’m allowed to give it) and to Ms. Ashton I say once again you have written a book that gives its readers hope, happiness, smiles and lots of love. 2 Thumbs up for a phenomenal book and series. I highly recommend Secret Wishes and if you haven’t read the others, Pick up Box of Hearts (book 1) and Angel’s Kisses (book 2) today and get busy reading. You won’t be sorry you did.
...more

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Mar 13, 2018 Kathy Rouchelle rated it it was amazing

If ever there was a perfect story, this is it. Wonderfully written, it will attach itself to you and never let you go, even after you have finished the book. Beautiful story of love, one that builds between a sweet, shy, handsome ranch hand and girl who has made so many mistakes in her short life, ones that didn't hurt anyone other than herself (and maybe her parent's hearts), but mistakes that she went into head first just doing what she wanted to do. Her parents send her to her aunt and uncle' ...more

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Mar 16, 2018 Jan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cowboys, heartwarming, swoon-worthy, series

I'm on the 4-5 fence but I love this series so Five stars it is.

OK, So I'm a bit of a sucker for a hot cowboy and I absolutely adore this author and series. I have read books from Kelly Elliott and others similar and I can tell you that I absolutely love these books from Nikki Ashton.

Nikki Ashton has blown me away once again, I want to be a part of this family, I love the picture she paints with her writing and I got completely lost in the story of Lorelai and Caleb.

I think with Lorelai you w I'm on the 4-5 fence but I love this series so Five stars it is.

OK, So I'm a bit of a sucker for a hot cowboy and I absolutely adore this author and series. I have read books from Kelly Elliott and others similar and I can tell you that I absolutely love these books from Nikki Ashton.

Nikki Ashton has blown me away once again, I want to be a part of this family, I love the picture she paints with her writing and I got completely lost in the story of Lorelai and Caleb.

I think with Lorelai you will either love her or hate her for her past decisions and attitude. A girl who has made mistakes, sent to her Aunts farm to be away from the reckless life she was leading, basically, her parents had thrown their hands up and said enough is enough and had hope that a life away from her hometown and in the middle of nowhere would make a difference.

Caleb; what can I say about Caleb other than swoon... I first read about Caleb when he was put into the care of Lorelai's Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Ted in the previous book and what a fine specimen, gent and a swoon-worthy cowboy he turned out to be.

I can't say I liked Lorelai, she was a young girl who was so consumed with her past mistakes who believed no-one could love her and this stuck throughout the plot and although Caleb shared his feelings more than once with her and about her she was still such a stubborn young woman, never seeing what other people saw in her and that was potential to be anything she wanted to be.

Secret Wishes is a beautiful story of new beginnings, self-discovery and believing in a future without past mistakes holding you down.

I loved the family feels within this story, life on the farm, previous characters Jesse and Garratt being very active in this plot that it made up for my occasional dislike for Lorelei and the frustration I went through for her stubborn ways.

Secret Wishes is one of those books you could read on a lazy Sunday and completely fall into the book and not want to come out, I adore this series.

Told in first person dual pov's. A few hot moments but would have liked more, so for hotness a five out of ten.

In Summary;
If you love a swoon-worthy hot cowboy grab this heartwarming story and if you haven't read any of Nikki Ashton's books before I recommend the first in the series book Box of hearts with none other than the hottie cowboy Jesse who I must say is my favorite up to date.

Buy link:
myBook.to/SecretWishes

Arc gratefully received for review purposes
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb... ...more

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May 08, 2019 Karen Wood rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I have loved every book in this series, all different and all have a different point, this one is about self-discovery, self-worth & forgiveness, you go through every emotion with it, and don't want it to end.

I adore the Connor family, they all bring something different to the books, they make you want to be part of the family and live on the ranch, they are so close and have each other's backs always. I would love more!

Secret Wishes is the story of Lorelai Connor & Caleb Tremaine, Caleb is back ...more

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Jul 14, 2018 Lisa Hill rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Another beautiful read

Another beautiful read in The Connor Series. This time, the story focuses on Caleb, the ‘adopted’ Connor brother, and Lorelei, the wayward cousin of Jesse and Garrett Connor.

Caleb is a shy country boy, having been taken in by Jesse and Garrett’s parents when his abusive parents abandoned him. Lorelei is sent to live with the Connors when her antics became too much for her parents to deal with.

There’s a massive attraction between the two of them, but Lorelei’s behaviour is m ...more

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Nov 23, 2020 Claire Shaw rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I have loved this series

I hated how Lorelia saw herself of not worthy
Every women should know she’s worth love

Caleb was so perfect for her.

I really hope Jesse and Millies kids get their own books as they are such brilliant characters it would be amazing

Love the whole Connor clan

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Nov 14, 2020 Lisa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved it 🥰

So this is the finale in the Connor Ranch series and what an absolute sweetheart Caleb is, yet again another loving hot 🥵 cowboy that makes his woman the centre of his whole earth, I adored this series and it definitely needs to be read!!!!

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Dec 30, 2020 Yvonne Nelson rated it liked it

After reading and loving the first two books in the series i was really looking forward to the third book in the series. However I really struggled with this one i found it really hard to connect with the main two characters Lorelai and Caleb, i just really don't know what was missing from this book for me to enjoy it. ...more

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Apr 17, 2018 Stephanie rated it it was amazing

Secret Wishes by Nikki Ashton
In the third and final book of The Connor Series (for now at least). Nikki introduces us to the young and feisty cousin of Jesse and Garret Connor. Lorelia gets shipped to The Connor Ranch after yet another act of drunken and drug fuelled defiance, which involved her bra, knickers and a flag pole, and I’ll let you read it to see what she got up to. Lorelia arrives on the ranch and her eyes almost melt when her first view happens to be a sweaty, shirtless Caleb, who Secret Wishes by Nikki Ashton
In the third and final book of The Connor Series (for now at least). Nikki introduces us to the young and feisty cousin of Jesse and Garret Connor. Lorelia gets shipped to The Connor Ranch after yet another act of drunken and drug fuelled defiance, which involved her bra, knickers and a flag pole, and I’ll let you read it to see what she got up to. Lorelia arrives on the ranch and her eyes almost melt when her first view happens to be a sweaty, shirtless Caleb, who has grown up a lot since we met him in Angels Kisses (Book 2 –Garrets Story). Caleb is still a shy young man, but has an immediate attraction to the smart mouthed and sexy Lorelia. Lorelia looks and behaves exactly to the stereotype of a certain type of girl, but is she really. Caleb looks deeper, and wants to know why she “acts” this part out.
The attraction between these two is pretty instant, but both are holding back for different reasons. We know about Calebs story from Angels Kisses, so know that he isn’t going to go in all guns blazing. Lorelia on the other hand is a complex character. I tried to second guess the storyline the whole way through, and I got it wrong every time. Nikki surprised me a few times, and not just with the changing of attitudes around sex for todays’ younger generation. We see Lorelia build her defences and watch Caleb try to take them down. We learn what caused her to feel so unworthy of a decent life and see her fight her own instincts when every fibre of her being screams, “You deserve this”, but her insecurities win, and she almost throws it all away. Caleb shows us the type of man we all would want, but he has a few hiccups along the way.
We get hot and steamy with the Connor Boys, giggle with the Connor Girls and love meeting the Connor Kids as they are growing. And that Box of Hearts has firmly cemented its place in this trilogy. Secret Wishes makes me smile, and giggle and stop and say “Oh, now I wasn’t expecting that!!” Wonderful writing as always from a wonderful author. Looking forward to the next project already.
...more

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Apr 01, 2018 Joanne Bulmer rated it it was amazing

Where to start! I've been waiting for this book since I put down the second book in the fabulous Connor Series and it didn't disappoint one bit. Loved it from start to finish, I didn't want it to end!
This is Caleb and Lorelai's story but the others are very much a part of this too, you actually feel like part of the family when reading it. Caleb is such a sweetheart, he's described as quite and shy, but I thought he was anything but. He's so strong and grounded, considering his rough start to li ...more

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Apr 05, 2018 Yvonne Eason rated it it was amazing

Nikki Ashton has pulled it out of the bag with this book. I thought the Connor Men were HOT and had it all. However, bring in Caleb who we met in book 2 and you now need to hose me down with a ton of water.

He must be one of the most kindest, honest and genuine men I have ever read in a book.

Lorelai is just the total opposite of Caleb, when she comes to the ranch she is out of control. she has been sent to stay with her uncle and cousins whilst she gets her life in order.

The chemistry they have ...more

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Nov 23, 2018 Nikki rated it it was amazing

What a fab ending to a fab series!
Those Connor ranch boys are just the best and they prove that to be one of the family you don't have to related by blood!
I love every single one of the characters in these books but was so interested to see where shy quiet Calebs story took us... after a rough few years at home with his dad after his mum left we already knew he'd been taken under the wing of the whole Connor family and was just ready to starting life exactly how he wanted it.
Lorelai is a wild ...more

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Apr 18, 2018 Donna rated it it was amazing

I absolutely adored this book, its hard to describe the way this family are but they remind me of my family, the Waltons. Just any huge loving family really. They allow people to join with no expectations, all they ask is that you are honest and loyal.

I knew Caleb and Lorelai's story would be good but I didn't expect to love it this much. Lorelai was a firecracker, full of sass and had a smart mouth that could match anyone. But the best thing was that Caleb didn't suffer her sass or nonsense. It ...more

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Sep 12, 2018 Nadine Keedy rated it it was amazing

Wow what can I say about Secret Wishes, I absolutely loved it. When your getting towards the end and you slow your reading down as you just don't want the book or the series to end. I love this series and just love the Connor family and how close they all are. This book has the humour and the roller coaster of emotions just like the others from the series. Definately going to 're read this series, one of my favourite series. ...more

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Apr 13, 2018 Tracey Owen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Fantastic end to a good trilogy

What can I say as ever Nikki Ashton doesn't fail to deliver.
The books have followed the lives of the Connor family.
Prepare yourself for a few misty eye moments.
The characters, settings and storylines are real and believable.
Any of the books find you wanting to read more and more a real 'can't put it down trilogy'
Read it you won't regret it. ...more

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Sep 19, 2018 Helen Middleton rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Love these books so much

The connors series is brilliant! Couldn’t put them down. Makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you think but for all the right reasons. Nikki is one if not my favourite author right now. Need more books 😁 have read all her books

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May 16, 2018 Deb Bishop rated it liked it · review of another edition

A good solid book but it didn't draw me in quite like the previous two in the series.
But not every story can grab you every time. I still enjoyed it, it was fab to read about the previous characters too.
I'll look forward to what Nikki writes next. ...more

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Jun 06, 2018 Suzie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Perfect

This third book of the series was just perfect. I was excited for Caleb’s story and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m going to miss the Connor boys.

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Apr 06, 2018 vicky haymer rated it liked it · review of another edition

A nice ending to the Connor series,

Loved books 1 & 2, struggled with this one at first but got into it eventually and nice ending, worth a read.

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Apr 06, 2018 ❤️Melanie G. rated it it was amazing

Such a wonderful story of believing in oneself, finding love and finding yourself worthy of everything. Loved this story.

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Mar 23, 2018 Laura Jackson rated it it was amazing

I really want to be friends with Lorelai, I know that not everyone will love her but she is amazing! This book has thrown me now I don't know how to pick a favourite book by Nikki anymore. A brilliant read with lots of strong characters, I'm crossing everything that there will be more from the Connors in the future. ...more

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About Nikki Ashton

Nikki Ashton

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I live in Cheshire with my husband, two dogs and mum in law and write romantic humour and contemporary romance. My first two books, Guess Who I Pulled Last Night? and No Bra Required both stayed at number 1 on the Amazon Humour list for 3 & 4 weeks respectively. My ambitions of becoming a writer started at the age of 10 when I started writing poetry at school, and was given the honour of reading o ...more