Saddled in Secrets by Harloe Rae

We’re back in Cloverleaf Meadows in Harloe Rae’s new release, Saddled in Secrets! This story centers around Bianca, Paisley’s best friend and Brody’s younger sister (from Buckled in Barbwire), and Colton, Brody’s best friend and head of security.

**I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you Harloe Rae, for including me in this release and having me as part of your influencer team!**

The Story

Bianca Benson is struggling after her mother’s passing, and decides to take a solo trip to Europe. But protective big brother Brody has assigned her a personal bodyguard, which puts a damper on her fun. The trip goes about as well as you’d expect it to. If you’ve read Buckled in Barbwire, you already know the basics since the two books overlap timelines.

Colton Keller has been in love with his best friend and boss’ little sister for years, but his loyalty to Brody has prevented him from ever acting on it. Colton definitely has darker tendencies (stalking and kidnapping), but it never feels like it’s too much. There’s always a ‘logical’ thought process behind his actions.

When his father becomes terminally ill, he begins pressuring Colton to return home and take over the family business. But Colton has a heart of gold and has no intention of re-joining the criminal life. Bianca’s safety is in jeopardy, so he whisks her away to keep her safe.

The Verdict

I really enjoyed this story, and overall, I give this book 3 stars out of 5. If I had to choose, I preferred Buckled in Barbwire to Saddled in Secrets. But, I absolutely did enjoy this book.

Colton definitely has darker tendencies (stalking and kidnapping), but it never feels like it’s too much. There’s always a ‘logical’ thought process behind his actions. As I read, his actions always made me go ‘aww’ instead of ‘uhh…’ (but maybe that just says something about me!)

And while he definitely has darker aspects to him, he also has the sweetest, softest side ever. He’s a master of the grand gesture, but he also excels at consistently doing little things that show his love for Bianca. He is a top-tier book boyfriend.

Mild Spoilers Ahead!

Bianca deals with scoliosis, and when her father said ‘should’ve worn that back brace,’ I was floored. Because I too deal with this, and hated/refused to wear my brace, which means I do have occasional back pain now. (though I will say, my Mom was not on my side!) And don’t even get me started on the tattoo of her spine which is based off of on an x-ray!

The characters’ personalities and the way they behaved kept reminding me of Sutton and Grady, from Breaker. As soon as Colton brings Bianca to the Farmhouse, I was finished. I mean… he bought a house and filled it with everything she loves. Just like Grady built a house based on Sutton’s childhood dream home. Why this specific ‘thing’ gets gets me in the feels is unknown. Especially since my control-freak self probably wouldn’t be on board if this happened in real life. But at the same time, maybe I would love to not have to decide anything and just be. Now that I’m thinking about it, that sounds fabulous. So if you know of a real life Colton Keller – send him my way!

Check out all of my full list of Harloe Rae book reviews or check of some of my favorites!