ARC Review: (The Officer and the Secret (Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful)

I've finished "The Officer and the Secret" the 3rd book in her Semper Fidelis series by Jeanette Murray.

Product Description

If There's One Thing He Hates, It's a Secret

Coming home after a rough deployment, Captain Dwayne Robertson wants some stability in his life, and finds it in the friendship he's forged with Veronica Gibson while he was away. But her past is a well-guarded mystery, and Dwayne doesn't know if he can deal with a woman who has something to hide.

And She's Filled with Them

Veronica Gibson doesn't want anyone to know about her bizarre upbringing. She's finally escaped her missionary parents and would be enjoying her independence if she didn't feel so insecure about fitting in. She can easily envision a glorious future with Dwayne — but can she build a new life on a web of lies?

About the Author

Jeanette also writes contemporary romance under the name Kat Murray.

Jeanette spends her days surrounded by hunky alpha male heroes at least in her mind. In real life, she's a one-hero kind of woman. When she's not chasing her daughter or their lovable - but - stupid Goldendoodle around the house, she's deep in her own fictional world, building another love story. She and her family recently settled on the outskirts of St. Louis, and they are having fun exploring their new area.

For more information, head over to her website at www.jeanettemurray.com, follow her on Twitter at @KJMurrayBooks, or find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/jeanettemurraybooks

My Review:

Veronica Gibson has been raised by her missionary parents and sheltered her whole life.  She has finally escaped them by moving to the city where her cousin Skye lives.  She is trying to find her niche in society since she is lacking the social skills to fit in.

Captain Dewayne Robertson is happy to back home after suffering stress from war and hoping to be able to relax with friends.  He is suffering from PTSD and everything is setting him off - he is having terrible nightmares and flashbacks.  He was able to cope with the skype conversations he had with Veronica and he hopes to deepen their friendship.

They are both attracted to each other but after their first kiss Dewayne warns Veronica he is wrong for her.  She isn't afraid of him or his PTSD she just wants to be with him and to help him overcome his fears.  She tries to move on by dating other guys but she can't help comparing them to Dewayne and he can't help getting jealous.  He knows she has secrets but he is determined not to push her but to get to know her better.

4/5

Thanks Sourcebooks for sending me this ARC to review, greatly appreciated!