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Small Town Secrets #2
The Designer's Secret
Keeping it buttoned up.
Usually sensible Layla Price stuns herself when she spends the night with a handsome stranger. Blaming it on a freak rainstorm and Bastian Raynes’s heroic rescue, Layla believes she’ll never see him again. She’s only in this small town to end some silly family feud. Except…Bastian’s family is on the other end of that feud and Layla’s hiding her real identity. Adding this new drama to the old, Layla should steer clear of the former military man. But can she?
Usually sensible Layla Price stuns herself when she spends the night with a handsome stranger. Blaming it on a freak rainstorm and Bastian Raynes’s heroic rescue, Layla believes she’ll never see him again. She’s only in this small town to end some silly family feud. Except…Bastian’s family is on the other end of that feud and Layla’s hiding her real identity. Adding this new drama to the old, Layla should steer clear of the former military man. But can she?
- GenresRomance
280 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 4, 2022
7 people are currently reading
1718 people want to read
About the author
Nina Crespo
61 books1,061 followersNina Crespo lives in Florida where she indulges in her favorite passions -- the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing. Her lifelong addiction to romance began in her teens while on a "borrowing spree" in her older sister's bedroom where she discovered her first romance novel. Let Nina's sensual contemporary stories and steamy paranormal tales satisfy your own craving for love, romance, and happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 21, 2024
The Designer’s Secret by Nina Crespo
Small Town Secrets series #2. Harlequin Special Edition. Contemporary romance. Own-voice, diverse. Forced proximity troupe.
Layla Price has a night of passion after a heroic rescue. It’s so unlike her but she rationalized it as a one-time event. Arriving at the small time to end a family feud, she soon realizes that Bastian won’t be as easy to forget since his family is on the other end of the feud.
🎧 I alternated between formats reading this book. The narrator, Tamika Simone, adds several distinctive voices to keep the story immersive and ear-catching. A little stereotypical. All amusing.
I loved the zombie movie obsession! That was so fun and made the whole encounter so real. And then it figures it’s Bastian again! Kismet? Meant to be? Ok, maybe coincidence on the way to the same location. Additional secrets and family make this small town romance an intriguing read.
Small Town Secrets series #2. Harlequin Special Edition. Contemporary romance. Own-voice, diverse. Forced proximity troupe.
Layla Price has a night of passion after a heroic rescue. It’s so unlike her but she rationalized it as a one-time event. Arriving at the small time to end a family feud, she soon realizes that Bastian won’t be as easy to forget since his family is on the other end of the feud.
🎧 I alternated between formats reading this book. The narrator, Tamika Simone, adds several distinctive voices to keep the story immersive and ear-catching. A little stereotypical. All amusing.
I loved the zombie movie obsession! That was so fun and made the whole encounter so real. And then it figures it’s Bastian again! Kismet? Meant to be? Ok, maybe coincidence on the way to the same location. Additional secrets and family make this small town romance an intriguing read.
August 19, 2022
I love everything to do with the Tillbridges and anything connected to them. This story was fresh and new, and I absolutely loved Bastian and Layla. They may have gotten together under less than ideal circumstances, but their love is real and special. I was so happy to take this journey with them!
July 31, 2022
This was a sweet small-town romance that features two of my favorite tropes! Forced proximity and starting over.
Layla has relegated herself to a life as an accountant, because her sister Tyler is the one with the creative spark. It’s Tyler who dreams up the designs for the family’s boutique business, not Layla. But every year Layla spreads her seamstress wings and helps her friend Kinsey crank out new designs.
When Layla’s vacation plans are interrupted by bad weather, a one night stand with her rescuer (who is well versed in her zombie movie obsession), and an unexpected opportunity to right old wrongs, fate intervenes. Maybe Layla wasn’t meant for a life as an accountant…
If you are looking for the perfect afternoon escape, this romance will do the the trick.
Plot Tropes: Small town, family secrets, one night stand because of forced proximity, military hero, starting over, competency kink, cinnamon roll hero
Layla has relegated herself to a life as an accountant, because her sister Tyler is the one with the creative spark. It’s Tyler who dreams up the designs for the family’s boutique business, not Layla. But every year Layla spreads her seamstress wings and helps her friend Kinsey crank out new designs.
When Layla’s vacation plans are interrupted by bad weather, a one night stand with her rescuer (who is well versed in her zombie movie obsession), and an unexpected opportunity to right old wrongs, fate intervenes. Maybe Layla wasn’t meant for a life as an accountant…
If you are looking for the perfect afternoon escape, this romance will do the the trick.
Plot Tropes: Small town, family secrets, one night stand because of forced proximity, military hero, starting over, competency kink, cinnamon roll hero
August 25, 2022
I ended up enjoying this sweet small town romance, after struggling through the first several chapters.
The author is very descriptive in her storytelling, and for me, it was too much extraneous detail. One example of this that sticks out it ‘…I set the dish on the beige granite countertop near the sink.’ I love details that propel the story along, give me clues and insight into the characters and their backstory or inner thoughts, but I don’t need to know the color of the countertop or that it’s granite in a sentence the describes an action the character did in a scene.
I loved the one-on-one time Layla had with Charlotte, their talks and the comfortable quiet when they were both working on the dress. It was a great way to see the depth of caring Layla had for her grandmother to be working so hard to help solve a significant situation for Charlotte.
Bastian stopping to pull Layla’s vehicle out of the ditch on the side of the country road, and then his worry about her intention to continue driving 90 minutes in the storm was sweet. Their night talking about movies and their shared interest made their connection more than just a hook-up/one night stand and made the revelation the next morning that he was Charlotte’s grandson more impactful.
Overall, this is a sweet romance in a small town. The relationship has some obstacles due to a lack of communication and quick judgements, but the angst level is reasonable. This was my first book by the author, but several of the characters either have been the focus of prior books or likely will be. This didn’t lessen my enjoyment, so this is easily a standalone.
The character rich story makes me want to read more by the author because I enjoyed several of the side characters.
I received a free ARC from the author and Elle Woods
PR; I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
The author is very descriptive in her storytelling, and for me, it was too much extraneous detail. One example of this that sticks out it ‘…I set the dish on the beige granite countertop near the sink.’ I love details that propel the story along, give me clues and insight into the characters and their backstory or inner thoughts, but I don’t need to know the color of the countertop or that it’s granite in a sentence the describes an action the character did in a scene.
I loved the one-on-one time Layla had with Charlotte, their talks and the comfortable quiet when they were both working on the dress. It was a great way to see the depth of caring Layla had for her grandmother to be working so hard to help solve a significant situation for Charlotte.
Bastian stopping to pull Layla’s vehicle out of the ditch on the side of the country road, and then his worry about her intention to continue driving 90 minutes in the storm was sweet. Their night talking about movies and their shared interest made their connection more than just a hook-up/one night stand and made the revelation the next morning that he was Charlotte’s grandson more impactful.
Overall, this is a sweet romance in a small town. The relationship has some obstacles due to a lack of communication and quick judgements, but the angst level is reasonable. This was my first book by the author, but several of the characters either have been the focus of prior books or likely will be. This didn’t lessen my enjoyment, so this is easily a standalone.
The character rich story makes me want to read more by the author because I enjoyed several of the side characters.
I received a free ARC from the author and Elle Woods
PR; I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
August 28, 2022
This is the 2nd book in the “Small Town Secrets Series”. Nina has done an awesome job with the characters, back drop, characters from her previous books making guest appearances with a great plot. “The Designer’s Secret” is a book you will not want to miss out on. This is a fast paced easy quick read, that is entertaining, a little drama, a little of jealously, secrets, alleged betrayal, great hero, great heroine and supporting characters. Layla comes from a line of fashion designers, Grandma Ruby, her mom and her sister Tyler. Layla chose to be an accountant inside of following in the footsteps of her designer family. She didn’t think she was good enough, oh boy was she so wrong . Sebastian “Bastian” is ex-military and back in Bolan helping his Grandma Charlotte. Layla is off to mend a bridge between Grandma Ruby and Grandma Charlotte; but gets more than she bargained for. Charlotte and Ruby were once business partners and the best of friends until a mishap and they dissolved their friendship and business relationship. These two ladies both give different encounters of what transpired. Layla and Bastian met when Layla finds herself stranded on the side of the road on the way to Bolan in a rain storm. The two are instantly attracted to each other. Layla says she is visiting a friend and Bastian eventually mentions that Charlotte is his grandmother.
I can’t say to much about without giving away the plot. So if you’re into small town romance this is the perfect series to read. If you’ve read the Tillbridge Stables series then you will enjoy the Small Town Secret series just as much. Pick up your copy today, you will not be disappointed.
I received an ARC via Nina Crespo and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
I can’t say to much about without giving away the plot. So if you’re into small town romance this is the perfect series to read. If you’ve read the Tillbridge Stables series then you will enjoy the Small Town Secret series just as much. Pick up your copy today, you will not be disappointed.
I received an ARC via Nina Crespo and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
January 2, 2023
Layla Price owns an Accounting firm. Her clients include her family’s retail
clothing company, where her sister serves as Creative Director. She has been
restless for a while and hoping to recharge during her two week vacation.
As Layla digs deeper into,a family conflict, she discovers a thirty year feud involving her Grandma Ruby and Ruby’s former business partner Charlotte.
She tries to resolve the feud by visiting Charlotte in Bolan, Maryland. While in route, she encounters a sexy stranger after she ends up in a ditch due to bad weather. Sebastian (Bastian) Raynes is the “Good Samaritan” who comes to Layla’s rescue. Both of their travel plans are derailed and they find themselves in close quarters and discover similar interests in scary movies. They bond over snacks that remind them of “zombie dust”. Sebastian’s sexy smirk and a passionate kiss leads to more. Needless to say, Layla’s vacation kicks off with a bang!
Layla realizes she has more in common with Bastian through their Grandmothers relationship but decides to keep that to herself. She is in the right place at the right time to help Bastian’s Grandma Charlotte after she was injured. She is trying to help Charlotte without sharing details about herself, help her grandmother and help her sister figure out the issue with her designs. Maybe she can have it all… She’s trying to please everyone but something is bound to go wrong.
This is a cute, well thought out story about a guy and girl who bond over
zombie movies and pretzel dust. It’s also a book about love, friendship and
forgiveness. The Designers Secret is an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it. See complete review at romanceincolor.com
clothing company, where her sister serves as Creative Director. She has been
restless for a while and hoping to recharge during her two week vacation.
As Layla digs deeper into,a family conflict, she discovers a thirty year feud involving her Grandma Ruby and Ruby’s former business partner Charlotte.
She tries to resolve the feud by visiting Charlotte in Bolan, Maryland. While in route, she encounters a sexy stranger after she ends up in a ditch due to bad weather. Sebastian (Bastian) Raynes is the “Good Samaritan” who comes to Layla’s rescue. Both of their travel plans are derailed and they find themselves in close quarters and discover similar interests in scary movies. They bond over snacks that remind them of “zombie dust”. Sebastian’s sexy smirk and a passionate kiss leads to more. Needless to say, Layla’s vacation kicks off with a bang!
Layla realizes she has more in common with Bastian through their Grandmothers relationship but decides to keep that to herself. She is in the right place at the right time to help Bastian’s Grandma Charlotte after she was injured. She is trying to help Charlotte without sharing details about herself, help her grandmother and help her sister figure out the issue with her designs. Maybe she can have it all… She’s trying to please everyone but something is bound to go wrong.
This is a cute, well thought out story about a guy and girl who bond over
zombie movies and pretzel dust. It’s also a book about love, friendship and
forgiveness. The Designers Secret is an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it. See complete review at romanceincolor.com
June 4, 2024
If you like contemporary romance in a small-town setting, this is the book for you! Welcome to Bolan, a lovely little town in Maryland, where our heroine, Layla, and hero, Bastian, find themselves. Layla is on a mission to bring a resolution to an old family feud, when she meets Bastian and becomes romantically involved. She has no idea at that time that she and he would be on opposite sides of the feud. Will this secret tear them apart? You will need to read to find out!
I love Nina Crespo's writing! Within the first chapter, I was already invested and could not wait to see what would happen next. I find her characters likeable and relatable. She has beautiful descriptions that make it easy to visualize the characters and the town in which the story takes place. Any book that can make me laugh and cry in one story, will get 5 stars from me! I highly recommend this book!
Also, this book is part 2 of a Small Town Secrets series. "A Chef's Kiss" is book 1 if you would like to check it out. These stories are also connected to Nina Crespo's Tillbridge Stables collection. I cannot wait to read them all!
I love Nina Crespo's writing! Within the first chapter, I was already invested and could not wait to see what would happen next. I find her characters likeable and relatable. She has beautiful descriptions that make it easy to visualize the characters and the town in which the story takes place. Any book that can make me laugh and cry in one story, will get 5 stars from me! I highly recommend this book!
Also, this book is part 2 of a Small Town Secrets series. "A Chef's Kiss" is book 1 if you would like to check it out. These stories are also connected to Nina Crespo's Tillbridge Stables collection. I cannot wait to read them all!
November 30, 2024
Layla is an accountant who is a bit burned out. She is looking forward to a vacation spent on the beach with some time to figure out exactly what she wants out of life. When a problem involving her Grandma Ruby and a former friend/business partner comes up, she delays her vacation to help solve the problem. Bastian is out of the army and on his way home to visit with his grandma Charlotte before hopefully beginning a job in Virginia. Both are on their way to the same small town in Maryland when Layla’s car runs off the road and Bastian stops to help. Although chemistry between the two is hot their relationship has its ups and downs. The HEA when it comes is very sweet. I enjoyed reading about the town and its residents and I loved the relationship between Charlotte and Layla. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys small town romance.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator did a great job with a subtle southern accent for Layla and with other female voices. I did not care for the voices she used for male characters.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator did a great job with a subtle southern accent for Layla and with other female voices. I did not care for the voices she used for male characters.
August 24, 2022
Bastian and Layla meet when he stops to help her get her car out of a ditch. Not believing they will see each other again, they decide to have one night together (once they get stranded). I really liked that this part wasn’t just about the hook-up, they actually talked and got to know each other a little bit. She has a secret that she doesn’t reveal once she learns who he is.
When they see each other again, she helps him out and they start seeing each other. She still doesn’t reveal her secret, and it could destroy what they are building. Their grandma’s used to be business partners and had a falling out, which needs to be resolved before they can move forward.
I liked the connection and chemistry Bastian and Layla had; as well as, the relationship she built with his grandma. Helping his grandma helped Layla grow as well. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
I received an ARC and this my honest, voluntary review.
When they see each other again, she helps him out and they start seeing each other. She still doesn’t reveal her secret, and it could destroy what they are building. Their grandma’s used to be business partners and had a falling out, which needs to be resolved before they can move forward.
I liked the connection and chemistry Bastian and Layla had; as well as, the relationship she built with his grandma. Helping his grandma helped Layla grow as well. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
I received an ARC and this my honest, voluntary review.
September 4, 2022
Layla Price can't wait to go on vacation, but when her sister ask for her help to talk to their grandmother, she can't refuse. Turn up that grandma used to have a business partner, but things ended badly and Layla will have to fix a 40 years-old grudge between the two older women. To complicated things even more, the man she just met when she was stranded on the road during a rainstorm and spent the night with, happen to be the grandson of her grandma's nemesis. In between helping Bastian with his grandmother's wedding dress shop (because she injured herself), she have to find a way to tell the truth but how will he take the news?
I don't know how she does it, but it's always so easy to fall in love with Nina Crespo's heroes ! So great to see that Layla's dedication to help her sister paid off because would she have met Bastian if not for that? The MC were so cute when they geeked out about zombies movies and tv shows.
I don't know how she does it, but it's always so easy to fall in love with Nina Crespo's heroes ! So great to see that Layla's dedication to help her sister paid off because would she have met Bastian if not for that? The MC were so cute when they geeked out about zombies movies and tv shows.
December 26, 2022
Layla Price is on a mission to Bolan, Maryland, to meet her grandmother's former design partner, and get her to lift the curse she placed on her years ago in an emotional and acrimonious breakup. But on the way, Layla meets Bastian Raynes, the grandson of her grandmother's former partner. And his grandmother, Charlotte has an accident in her store, and is laid up. Without revealing who she is, Layla steps in and works with a new bride to be, and her difficult mother, and ends up with a new design for a dress. Except, then she has to make it. And still figure out how to talk to Charlotte about lifting the curse.
Nice story in the series.
Nice story in the series.
March 21, 2023
I love this story it's the second book in the small-town series. Layla is off to settle a long-standing feud Ruby and Charlotte. Along the way she finds herself stranded on the side of the road in a rainstorm in a ditch. This where Layla meets Bastien. When Bastien and Layla first meet they are strangers who find themselves instantly attracted to each other. That attraction grows from friends to lovers quickly. She struggles with telling Bastien the truth but when her sister shows up the truth comes out. Bastien has to decide to let love or risked losing love because of fear. The ending was beautiful I loved it and Ruby and Charlotte finally repaired their relationship.
December 21, 2024
This is a delightful small-town story that crosses a couple of generations. Ruby and Charlotte were the best of friends until they came to an impasse about their business. They split up the partnership with Charlotte cursing Ruby’s possible new venture. This split leaves their grandchildren in a pinch. Layla meets Bastian along side the road when she has car trouble. Layla soon realizes Bastian is the grandson of her grandmother’s old partner. Things take a turn when they fall for each other. Nice story with lovely characters.
September 24, 2022
Strangers in the Rain
When Bastian comes to the aid of Layla, their attraction leads to a one night stand that turns out to be more than either expected. While they enjoyed each other's company, they never expected to see each other until they end up in the same small town, on opposite sides of a family feud. Small town romance with likeable characters, family ties and some history that could be a problem. Nice easy read.
When Bastian comes to the aid of Layla, their attraction leads to a one night stand that turns out to be more than either expected. While they enjoyed each other's company, they never expected to see each other until they end up in the same small town, on opposite sides of a family feud. Small town romance with likeable characters, family ties and some history that could be a problem. Nice easy read.
August 11, 2022
I loved this sweet, small town romance! I loved Layla and Tyler! They were great together! There is a secret that could keep them apart. Their grandmothers have a past that needs to be resolved before they can move forward with their relationship. I really enjoyed The Designers Secret! It's a 5 star must read for me!
June 3, 2023
This was a cute read with a decent beginning, a fabulous ending, and a meh middle. It just always bothers me when big horrible secrets and years-long misunderstandings somehow magically all go away practically at a blink of an eye (and mostly off page to boot). If they were so easy to fix, why were they such a huge deal for so long?
Still, it wasn't a bad read, just rather uneven.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
Still, it wasn't a bad read, just rather uneven.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
July 13, 2023
I really liked this story that was as much about friendships as it was romance. I enjoyed seeing cameos from other books in the series, and how cozy everyone seemed to be. Layla and Bastian's relationship felt so easy and natural, that when the secret was revealed, the fallout hit that much harder.But I loved how they were brought back together to live their HEA.
June 21, 2024
Layla is going to fix the long-time anger between her grandma and grandma's long ago best friend and business partner. Traveling in bad weather, Layla meets Bastian who rescues her and they connect. Both are at crossroads but a few miscommunications, family interventions and wedding bring them back together for their own hea.
August 20, 2022
A sweet, fun, and wonderfully written small town romance. I loved Layla and Bastian, they were real and engaging characters, and fit so perfectly together. Touching. Sweet. Real. An unbeatable combination. I loved this book. It was a true joy to read. Highly recommend.
August 23, 2022
Hopeless finds it's heart. Bastian and Layla take emotions on a tumultuous trip through heartache, temptation and chaos. From feuding families and breathtaking romance, Crespo gives love a dash of heart that will sweep any true romantic off their feet.
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August 1, 2022Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Family Life Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Small Town Secrets (Book #2)
Miniseries
Small Town Secrets (Book #2)
September 3, 2022
Nina Crespo writes captivating small town stories. Love the characters. Unputadownable
August 23, 2022
A wonderfully sweet small town romance. Layla and Bastian meet as strangers on the road and become fast friends and lovers. The plot of the story is family centered as each of the characters look out for their grandmothers. The story is ver is to read and keeps the reader keenly interested. Bastian and Layla make a great team and a lovely couple.
July 29, 2023
I enjoyed the small town romance feel along with the mystery surrounding Layla's visit. Bastian was a gem of a character. I loved everything about him. I was confused on the timeline a bit, but still really liked this book and look forward to reading more in this world!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews