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Decisions in Durham #2

Secrets We Whisper in the Moonlight

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Eliza English has grown up in the shadow of her two brothers, Will and Charlie. Protective, pigheaded and overwhelmed with the day-to-day of their co-owned bar, they get in the way of every romantic relationship she’s ever attempted. She would do anything for them. And for the bar. But lately, she wants more than a life grinding through every day with only her brothers to share her burdens. Lately the crush she’s had on her big brother’s best friend is demanding more and more attention.

Jonah Mason has known the English siblings almost his whole life. Will is his best friend, practically family. Charlie is the kid brother he never had. And Eliza… well, she’s nothing like a sister at all. Actually, lately, he’s been thinking about her way more than he should. Lately, he can’t seem to think about anything else but her.

Eliza and Jonah have always drawn firm lines between friendship and anything else. Sure, there’s always been attraction, but both of them have always known anything beyond that is strictly off limits. For the sake of their work. For the sake of her brothers.

Until one moonlit night when they share secrets they never meant to whisper out loud.

Secrets We Whisper in the Moonlight is the second standalone in the Decisions in Durham Series.

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2022

95 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Higginson

122 books3,494 followers
Rachel Higginson is the best-selling author of The Five Stages of Falling in Love, Every Wrong Reason, Bet on Us and The Star-Crossed Series.

She was born and raised in Nebraska, and spent her college years traveling the world. She fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, but came back home to marry her high school sweetheart. Now she spends her days writing stories and raising five amazing kids.

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5 stars
72 (27%)
4 stars
113 (43%)
3 stars
62 (23%)
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10 (3%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,564 followers
May 9, 2022
Oh my goodness you guys, I am obsessed with Eliza and Jonah’s story. Utterly obsessed. I devoured this book almost entirely in one sitting and am feeling out of sorts that it’s over and I still love them so much and am not ready to let them go!

They were everything! The heat. The chemistry. The delicious ooey gooey tenderness between them. They lit up my heart so effortlessly and I adored them so fiercely. I loved how - though the story is littered with drama - there wasn’t much drama between Eliza and Jonah themselves. The storyline could have gone one way, and it didn’t – and I think I loved it all the more for that. My heart fluttered right along with Eliza’s as Jonah showed up, kept showing up, and never ever let her down. OMG. This was a slice of romance perfection.

Rachel Higginson has packed this story full of book magic. I love this ornery little family and the fighty way they love each other. I loved getting an update on Lola and Will. But mostly? I loved the sweet sizzle of Jonah and Eliza’s relationship, one that felt almost tangible to me, and made my heart so very happy. I am crazy about this book, and already desperate for the next one. Go read this! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
Profile Image for Monique.
1,277 reviews57 followers
June 8, 2022
Favorite So Far.

4.5 ⭐️

I love it when I can go straight from the first book and dive right into the second….going to be a long time for the third though. And I am dying to know what Charlie will do with Ada….but I’m getting ahead of myself there. So far, Jonah and Eliza are my favorite couple. I adored that he was so attached to her family because his own sucked. That Will and Charlie were like brothers to him and Eliza was anything but a sister in his eyes. Their connection was strong and deep having known each other since kids. Jonah cherished Eliza as his best friend and more so when they took it to the next level. He had an unbreakable backbone when it came to Will and their agreement as kids, as they were now adults and consensual. Eliza’s teen crush on Jonah never really waned which helped a lot when Johan finally made his move. I am loving the whole dynamics of this group and can see potential books flowing out for each sibling and their staff or best friend Claire. If you have read the Opposites Attract series by this author, these books have the same vibe and there are cameos from those characters as well. Both of these series give me a sense of belonging, being part of like minded people and feeling happy with their HEAs.
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,014 reviews51 followers
June 18, 2022
I may go back and read this book again, bc I have typically enjoyed reading this author. I just didn’t feel it this go round.
Profile Image for Dusty.
367 reviews5 followers
July 8, 2022
RATING: 3.5 STARS

As a reader, I was first introduced to the English siblings and their jointly owned cocktail bar Craft in the first book in Rachel Higginson’s Decisions in Durham series, Decisions We Make After Midnight. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to watch the prickly pear of a sibling Will (who is secretly a teddy bear with a heart of gold) find his love match in Lola. Now, it’s the second sibling’s turn in Secrets We Whisper in the Moonlight and it’s finally time for Eliza to face the feelings she has been harboring for her brother’s best friend Jonah. After all the tension and angst that Ms. Higginson set up between them, I absolutely had to dive straight into the story and figure out what would happen. It was well worth the wait!

If you’re a fan of contemporary romance, then I think you’ll really enjoy this book (and the series overall). It’s reminiscent of an adult version of The Kissing Booth or To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before; a cute and heartfelt contemporary romance that also has some elements of a romantic comedy. Outside of the central romance, the familial bonds are woven quite firmly throughout the different threads of the story. The sibling squabbles between Eliza, Will, and Charlie felt incredibly relatable and authentic, and that only heightened my enjoyment of the book. Personally, I aspire to find someone who looks at me the way Jonah looks at Eliza; it's obvious he’s head over heels for her no matter if she’s dressed to the nines or in a comfy pair of sweats and a hoodie. Cue the heart eyes!

My one complaint about the book was how predictable it was. Nothing was surprising; the ‘brother’s best friend trope, ‘childhood crush/second chance romance’ and small-town vibes basically dictated how everything played out. Maybe it’s just the downfall of going in with a lot of expectations of what I think the book should be, but I wanted more. It’s undeniably a cute story, but I was hoping for the release of tension between Eliza and Jonah to be more like a rubber band snapping or a dam breaking after years of too much pressure - it didn’t quite meet expectations in that regard. Let me be clear: I’m not trying to imply the book was bad (because it was great) or that there’s anything wrong with it (because I don’t think there is), I just think it was a case of expectations not meeting reality, and that negatively impacting my overall rating of the book.

Everything considered, Secrets We Whisper in the Moonlight was another enjoyable and entertaining read from Rachel Higginson. Between this series, her Star-Crossed one, and Starbright (which I’m still upset she hasn’t finished), Ms. Higginson has a fan for life in me. I’m super excited to see what’s next in the Decisions in Durham series. After everything he’s gone through, Charlie deserves a ‘happily ever after’ ending too (and I have a feeling I know who it will be with). As a side note, potential readers should be aware that this series can be read out of order (they are designed to be standalone). However, I do recommend reading them in order for maximum enjoyment as characters from the first book do make an appearance in the second.

Thank you to the author Rachel Higginson for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review Secrets We Whisper in the Moonlightimmensely. Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way.
Profile Image for Mel.
803 reviews66 followers
June 17, 2022
4.5 stars!

Secrets We Whisper in the Moonlight is the second book in the Decisions in Durham series and features Eliza English, sister of Will (from Decisions We Make After Midnight) and Charlie, and Will’s best friend, Jonah.

Jonah has been close to the English family since they were young. Though there was a moment when they were teens, Eliza and Jonah never crossed the line when it came to their friendship. Eliza has always been off limits and they never wanted to ruin what they have. However, lately Jonah and Eliza have been spending more and more time together, and the attraction and feelings that they have spent years suppressing start to bubble over, changing everything between them.

This book blended both friends-to-lovers and brother’s best friend tropes into one romantic, entertaining, swoony read, and I adored it. Eliza and Jonah are good friends even though Jonah started out as Will’s friend first. They have been through thick and thin and have never allowed themselves to risk their friendship. I loved that we see how close they are already and the change that starts to happen between them. It’s a slow burn romance and I enjoyed every moment leading up to when they finally made a move, as well as every moment after. They have fantastic chemistry and though I love them as friends, I adore them more as lovers.

Eliza is wonderful and I love getting the story in her POV but I have to mention how amazing Jonah is. He is thoughtful, sweet, and cares so much for Eliza. I loved how the second he was given the chance he went full force into loving Eliza. I loved how protective he was and how he stood up for her and supported her all the time.

There isn’t much drama between Jonah and Eliza, and I appreciated a sweet, swoony romance without the added angst. On the other hand, there seems to be drama all the time with the English siblings so I wasn’t surprised there were family drama laced throughout the story that created tension, especially between Will and Eliza. I am so glad I read Decisions We Make After Midnight first because I loved Will in his book but he came across colder in this story. I thought he needed to give Eliza a break once in a while in this story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and want more of this group. I cannot wait for Charlie’s book! I love second chance romances and I am excited to see his love story play out!

*ARC generously provided by the author*




Profile Image for Lillian.
1,085 reviews68 followers
May 24, 2022
I received an eARC of this book via the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Mrs. Higginson has done it again! She has written a beautiful romance that sucked me in and robbed me of sleep. Secrets We Whisper in the Moonlight by Rachel Higginson is the second book in her series Decisions in Durham, which follows the English siblings. This story follows Eliza English, the youngest and only girl, and her best friend Jonah Mason. I’m a sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope, but y’all! This one exceeded all expectations. It is perfection!

Eliza English has had a crush on her brothers’ friend, and her best friend, for what feels like her entire life. She has spent the last decade firmly reminding herself that he is “like a brother” to her and keeping herself firmly in the friend zone. However, now that Will, her eldest brother, has found his one (see book one for details on that relationship), their group dynamic is changing. Eliza finds herself regretting and questioning her decisions regarding Jonah, her permanent friend zone status, and how she’d feel when he finds his one.

Jonah Mason is seen entirely through Eliza’s eyes in this book, and quite honestly I can see why she’s fallen for him. Jonah is an incredibly thoughtful, intuitive, and clearly smitten with Eliza, even if she doesn’t see it. Of their friend group, Jonah seems to be the one struggling with Will’s newfound happiness than anyone else. It isn’t that he’s not happy for his best friend, but instead facing his feelings head on.

This plot is largely character driven which I love! I enjoyed seeing this relationship evolve as Eliza and Jonah confront feelings that neither knew existed. If books could radiate heat, this one would be smoking from the chemistry. Perfectly balanced sweetness and steamy scenes. I could not have asked for a better romance!

Overall, I really enjoyed Eliza and Jonah’s story. Eliza is a beautifully flawed character, admitting her own insecurities and tentatively reaching for what she wants. I love the relationship with her brothers too, even if it can be volatile at times. If you enjoy realistic romance, I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Michelle.
3,174 reviews36 followers
May 25, 2022
I always love the charged emotion that Rachel Higginson infuses into her characters, especially the main heroines, to keep them real and relatable. Eliza English co-manages the bar that she owns with her brothers Will and Charlie. As much as these siblings squabble, they love each other fiercely. However, there's a line drawn in the sand when it comes to Jonah Mason. Eliza had a major crush on him growing up, but he is Will's best friend, so he made it clear to her that they could never be a couple. Fast forward a decade later, Eliza and Jonah are best friends and now that Will spends most of his time with Lola, Eliza and Jonah are hanging out even more. Eliza is very firm and steadfast in her stance of no longer being in love with Jonah and chalks it up to immaturity, yet Jonah keeps pushing the envelope by flirting and dropping hints. While I could see Eliza wavering and trying very hard to keep the lid closed on something that was never meant to be (or so she thought), Jonah isn't giving up. I liked the push and pull, especially since the book is only in Eliza's POV, but Eliza's stubbornness and refusal to see things any other way does seem a bit overboard as time goes on yet I understood her resistance. She couldn’t afford more heartbreak or disappointment and jeopardize a friendship. However, Eliza and Jonah clearly belong together for so many reasons and I loved Jonah's confessions. There was a mix of angst, heat, humor and swoon. And in keeping with the theme, these two are always eating somewhere amazing or drinking a beverage that sounds fantastic to make the reader’s mouth water. It will be interesting to see where things lead in the future regarding Will and Eliza's brother Charlie, who seemed like a wild card before, but maybe not so much anymore.
Profile Image for Katie.
560 reviews
May 19, 2022
"We had been in each other's lives since almost the beginning, but never like this. Never in this way until now. And it was the moment I would remember for the rest of my life. He loved me. He had always loved me. And these feelings I had been burying for too long could finally be free."

If you liked Will and Lola's story in Decisions We Make After Midnight you'll enjoy Eliza and Jonah's story in Secrets We Whisper in the Moonlight.

A slow-burn with great chemistry and a touch of steam. With characters from book one, you might be a little lost choosing to jump into this story first; especially the sibling dynamics between Eliza, Will and Charlie. It was fun to get updates on the previous couple and build the tension for the next upcoming couple.

Decisions We Make After Midnight (Decisions in Durham Book 1) by Rachel Higginson
My Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Promises We Break after Dark: Ada and Charlie's story, coming March 2023
Profile Image for Abby.
2,018 reviews68 followers
May 25, 2022
I was excited to get Eliza's story. And holy slow burn, batman! This book was so delicious and I was here for it! I loved the friendship between Eliza and Jonah. The ease between them was nice and felt realistic. I enjoyed their banter and how they genuinely enjoyed spending time together. The only problem was Eliza's brothers. Jonah, Will and Charlie have been friends forever. And Eliza was the sister he should have ignored. But the chemistry between them was palpable through the pages. I was completely lost in their story and didn't want to put this book down. Jonah was a good guy and he just wanted to find love, like his friends were starting to have. And Eliza was too sexy for her own good. These two didn't have a chance to ignore what was between them! If you love a strong female, a male who is confident with himself and appreciates a strong woman then be sure to grab this book!

Profile Image for AC Book Blog .
1,003 reviews136 followers
June 6, 2022
You guys, I am over the moon with Eliza and Jonah story. Super cute forbidden – falling love with brother’s best friend. Eliza is co-owner of a bar with her two overly protective older brothers. Eliza is hard working but lately her crush for her brother’s best friend is rearing its ugly head again. Jonah has known the three siblings since childhood. They are practically family but lately Jonah’s feelings for Eliza is anything but brotherly. Gah! If you enjoy angst this is the one for you. Eliza is very resistant to giving in to Jonah for many reasons but that did not deterred them from a lot of flirting and sexual banters. Eliza and Jonah relationship is definitely slow-burn, steamy chemistry, and sexual tension. Over all fun and lighthearted read.
Profile Image for Michelle.
452 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2022
Three Solid Stars.

This is a fun realistic romance novel. It's not extremely romantic, it's friends to lovers...in a very realistic way. Jonah is sweet, super sweet and such a great bf. Eliza is...alright. A bit immature, slightly selfish, but likeable. She talks about morning breath a LOT, which I don't necessarily appreciate (mentioning it once suffices). There are a few cute moments, but ultimately not a very memorable book. I REALLY enjoyed the series this branches off of (Opposites Attract), but I don't think this series quite captures the magic of the first series. It's good and worth reading, don't get me wrong...but the Opposites Attract series is much better in my opinion.
Profile Image for Sandra Loves Reading.
741 reviews10 followers
May 16, 2022
What a lovely book this was!
Slow build up with plenty of tension...and potential. I couldn't quite work out when "IT" would happen! So that was very well written!
Will and Charlie, Eliza's brothers are her co-partners in their bar and fairly run her life for her. She keeps everything ticking over and keeps everyone sane. But she wants a life that doesn't just revolve around her family, the bar and work.
Things change with their family friend, Jonah, when an attraction begins to bloom into a wonderful romance...Will and Charlie won't know what's in store for them!
Great second book. Well written. Great characters. LOVED it!
Profile Image for SandyL.
3,721 reviews
March 12, 2023
I've started this book out of order, but I think that will be okay. This series features the English siblings, who own a bar together. Eliza English helps run things behind the scenes, and regularly deals with alcohol distributor Jonah Mason. Jonah has been friends with Eliza and her brothers since they were kids. Eliza had a huge crush on Will when she was younger, but he turned her down and smashed her heart. Since then she's friend-zoned him, but now that isn't good enough for Will and he starts pursuing Eliza. I loved these characters in all their dysfunction! And I'm definitely going back to read book 1 in the series.
Profile Image for Alison.
1,119 reviews38 followers
May 11, 2022
4.5 stars

Omg I loved this book! It was such a sweet brother’s best friend/ childhood friends to lovers romance!

It was a bit of a slow burn, heavy on the tension. I loved the way everything was built up between Jonah and Eliza. They had amazing chemistry and the transition to more was seamless.

I love love loved Jonah. He was absolutely amazing and sweet and just everything. And Eliza is sassy and funny, I loved her too. They fit so well together!

It was just such a feel good story that leaves you happy at the end, but also excited for the next book!!
Profile Image for Livelyreads.
282 reviews35 followers
May 9, 2022
Friends to lovers and brother's best friend are tropes that I can never get enough of. Same with this one, I enjoyed reading this fast paced, light hearted, sexy book with a side of little family drama. This book kept me hooked and entertained from first page till last. It's a second book in a series and can be read as a standalone but I recommend you to read book 1 first so that you get to enjoy this series more
Profile Image for Louise.
434 reviews16 followers
May 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and I really wanted to give it 5stars but something held me back.

The characters were great. I loved Eliza & Jonah in equal measure. I loved seeing the characters from the previous book and the different relationships between siblings and their partners.

I will definitely read the next book when it becomes available!
Profile Image for Heather Brown.
390 reviews8 followers
May 24, 2022
staying up late to hear those secrets

Again, I have been thoroughly engrossed in one of Rachel’s books. I love this series so much more after reading this book.

The characters were fun to watch interact with one another. Witty banter and chemistry between them made it hard to put down.
Profile Image for Maddy.
100 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2022
I have been looking forward to this book since finishing the first in the series, and I’m so happy it did not disappoint! I’m not usually a fan of the brother’s best friend trope, but the way this one was handled made me love the couple anyway. I’m excited to see how Charlie handles his turn at romance in the next one!
Profile Image for Nikki Stephens.
103 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2022
Another Amazing Book!

I loved Eliza and Jonah in the first book. I couldn’t wait to read their story, and this did NOT disappoint! This is a give your heart all the warm and fuzzy feelings type of book, with some steam! I finished it in less than a day! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
94 reviews
December 21, 2024
2.75/5 - this book was definitely better than the first in terms of character development and chemistry. However, I think I’m no longer into the decade long pining for each other but don’t know it trope. It’s too unrealistic. Also the angry sibling relationships were just a bit too over the top for my liking.
1,073 reviews8 followers
May 25, 2022
So Good!

I love the way this author writes friend groups you just want to be a part of. I also loved the slow build of the friends to lovers story. I can’t wait to revisit this world!
Profile Image for Lisa.
130 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2022
Loved it!

I absolutely adored Jonah and Eliza! This book and this series are full of relatable characters that you easily fall in love with. They all have great chemistry and banter and I can't wait to read the next in the series. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Tami.
692 reviews11 followers
May 12, 2022
Friends to lovers. Brothers best friend. Semi slow burn. Yes yes yes. LOVE Jonah and Eliza.
89 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2022
read it

I love this series, and I loved this book!!! I am so glad to be getting a new read from the Mrs. Rachel Higginson!!!! Looking forward to 2023!!!!
Profile Image for Catherine.
1,308 reviews9 followers
May 26, 2022
Mostly skimmed. The inner dialogues are way too much…I lose track of the conversation. Not sure I’m going to continue with this series.
116 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2022
So glad Rachel is writing again, I love avoiding reality and getting lost in her books!
149 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2022
Enjoyed reading

Eliza and Jonah’s story was a great addition to the series. Enjoyed reading their story and can’t wait for the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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