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Avery Maxwell
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One Little Secret: A Small Town Grumpy Sunshine Romance (The Westbrooks: Family Ties Book 4) Kindle Edition

by Avery Maxwell (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,021 ratings

Ashton Westbrook


Playing house with a secret-keeping heiress was not how I envisioned helping when my brothers called me. My expertise is the dirty work, not glorified babysitting. Now Nova Blaine is here in this tiny town. Invading my home, my thoughts, and turning my carefully controlled existence upside down.

I’m tasked with finding her assailant, an assignment that requires me to stay close. Something I’ve gotten good at avoiding at all costs. I keep even my family at arm’s length. It’s safer that way. But there’s something about her that makes me feel protective, that makes me want to get closer.

I’m her protector, but sharing my home means sharing my life with her. And this princess is starting to see what’s beyond my beastly façade. I know there’s nothing left worth finding beneath my scars and secrets, but she’s determined to open all those old wounds.

There are reasons I’ve retreated from everything I once loved. But I’ll face those demons again if it means protecting her. In the end, will I remain captive or will she be the one to finally set me free?

Nova Blaine


I’m not a princess to be locked away in a tower. Until I am. And when Ashton Westbrook turns that gravelly, deep voice my way, calling me Princess? I know I’ll scale his walls and enjoy the climb.

He’s my protector, but I see the anguish beneath his beastly façade.

He may keep me safe, but I will set him free.

Secrets whispered in the dead of night lead to truths they can’t deny. Can either of them escape their past to live in the present and have a hope for the future? Or are some secrets meant to burn out with their keeper?

Find out now in this small-town billionaire protector romance, One Little Secret.

He’s a billionaire protector hiding secrets of the past. She’s an heiress protecting secrets that will destroy her future. Forced together in small-town chaos, their truth sparks flames. Trusting in love could set them free or burn them to the ground.
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  1. Book 4 of 4
    The Westbrooks: Family Ties
  2. Print length
    442 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    January 11, 2023
  6. File size
    5.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 4 books in this series.

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  1. “Because you broke through my darkness, princess. I’ll hold you through yours. Even if it kills me.”
    Highlighted by 109 Kindle readers
  2. “Promise me that you’ll check in with yourself regularly. Love hurts sometimes, but it should never be one-sided. If you find yourself being the only one taking the pain and making sacrifices, promise me you’ll step back. You can help and nudge and even shove, but you can’t do the work for him. If he wants you, he has to put in the effort to make it work. Love is a partnership. Remember that.”
    Highlighted by 101 Kindle readers
  3. “Even protectors can wish on a shooting star for a chance to feel alive.”
    Highlighted by 99 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

Sometimes in life, you CONNECT wtih another human
and AGAINST all odds you fit. For the first time in my life
I feel like I fit with this BROKEN MAN. One Little Secret by Avery Maxwell

Editorial Reviews

Review

USA Today Bestselling Author, Brynne Asher "Avery Maxwell does what she does best with One Little Secret. She tore me apart and put me back together again. Grab your tissues, because this book has all the feels and ends with a big, warm Westbrook Series hug."

Brayzen Bookwyrn "Maxwell's words have a way of spilling from the page directly into my heart. The imagery, foreshadowing, descriptive language, authentic dialogue, and beautiful character insights are simply the start. The banter is exceptional and the dialogue flows effortlessly, incorporating humor and infusing depth to every character in the novel."

BookAddict "The first time I read a romance from this gifted wordsmith, I was hooked. I immediately grabbed every Westbrook and Westbrook-adjacent romance and binged my way through them all, falling more and more in love with this family borne of both blood and bond. So I've been on pins and needles, waiting and waiting for Ashton's story to finally be brought into the world. And let me tell you, reader friend, it is so worth the wait!"

Booked.Up.With.Emily "This was full of emotions on all fronts. I laughed; I cried: I smiled so big; and I sobbed. I went through the rollercoaster of emotions and feels, but I expected nothing less."

Jenn the Readaholic "Get some tissues. Expect some shadows and angst. And love Nova and Ashton's story just as much as I did. You won't be sorry."

Barbara's Booknalysis "You'll do well to have tissues on hand for this one. Especially if you continue on to read [the] bonus epilogue! That was tears, start to finish."

Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog "What a sweet, second chance at life love story!"

Rebecca Reads Romance "One Little Secret is the story we've been waiting on for two years and it was most definitely worth the wait. Avery Maxwell writes emotional, steamy, love stories that always have a HEA"

Tweet Preet Books "Avery Maxwell has weaved such an amazing end to the series and I'm sobbing."

Addicted To Reading Romance "This is a book with all the feels. All the emotions, all the growth with each characters, all the troubles we sometimes live, are in this book. This book is a real masterpiece"

The Overflowing Bookcase "Avery Maxwell - I have always enjoyed your books, but this one, my dear, puts you on another platform of epic storytelling and a masterpiece for anyone that picks it up."

I Read Romance to Escape "Have tissues and chocolate nearby. You will definitely get his in the feels with is one."

SuzieQ Reviews "Avery Maxwell pens an emotionally gripping story of one man's battle between self-sacrifice and self-preservation. Lovers of stories with an extended family of friends that always have each other's back no matter what don't miss this series."

Julie's Romance Escape "The way Avery Maxwell creates empathy for her characters is incredible. I felt the hurt, the pain, the angst and the inevitable harmony their journey brought to the entire Westbrook family."

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BR651SW6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ That's What She Said Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 11, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 442 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 4 of 4 ‏ : ‎ The Westbrooks: Family Ties
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 2,021 ratings

About the author

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Avery Maxwell

Avery Maxwell

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Avery Maxwell is an American contemporary romance novelist specializing in emotionally driven characters who bring love, chaos, heat, and a side of angst to every story she writes. She grew up in a tiny Vermont town with one flashing light and four stop signs. If you look closely enough, you can often find similarities between her small hometown and the stories she creates.

Avery now lives in North Carolina with her husband, four mini-humans, and two puppies. She fills her days with carpools and sporting events while using her nights to create stories that are impossible to put down.

When Avery isn’t on mom-duty or busy writing, you can find her at a concert or snuggling on the couch with a glass of wine and her very own Prince Charming.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,021 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book's storytelling, with one noting how it brings emotions to life and another highlighting the amazing job of giving everyone a happy ending. Moreover, they appreciate the character development, with one review mentioning how the characters' emotions and struggles feel very real. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its humor, with one reader highlighting the snarky banter, and for its portrayal of family, with one review describing it as an amazing end to a series about found family. Customers find the book well-written and emotional, with one mentioning it keeps them up all night reading. They also appreciate its healing power, with one review noting how it helps heal broken hearts, and its down-to-earth approach.

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Story qualityCharacter developmentHumorFamily luvPacingReadabilityHealing powerAnswers
62 customers mention "Story quality"62 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's storytelling and emotional depth, with one customer noting how it provides a satisfying conclusion, while another highlights how Ashton's story is particularly amazing.

"Great finale to the series. I cried several times and felt the sadness,joy,realization and happiness along with the characters..." Read more

"...Not without a lot of struggle. Each story in this series grabbed and I couldn’t put them down...." Read more

"This book was a good conclusion to all the Westbrook boys’ stories, but went a little too heavy and repetitive on all the vague difficulties in..." Read more

"...Their love grows slowly but beautifully. This is a story of a broken hero, a sassy heroine and breaking the binds of a secret...." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting how the characters' emotions and struggles feel very real, and another highlighting the growth throughout the story.

"What a good series! Lovable, likable, enjoyable characters in each book... the first three books with Dexter, Travis and Loki set the stage each..." Read more

"...This is a story of a broken hero, a sassy heroine and breaking the binds of a secret...." Read more

"...This is a book with all the feels. All the emotions, all the growth with each characters, all the troubles we sometimes live, are in this book...." Read more

"...The way Avery Maxwell creates empathy for her characters is incredible...." Read more

11 customers mention "Humor"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning the snarky banter and another noting the sweet moments.

"What a good series! Lovable, likable, enjoyable characters in each book... the first three books with Dexter, Travis and Loki set the stage each..." Read more

"...bonus epilogue a few years in the future is a tear-jerker because it's so sweet and brings everything together with a beautiful bow on top...." Read more

"...It is an amazing end to a series about found family, love, redemption, laughter, and tears. Avery..." Read more

"...Finally get first road sit in Ashton’s mind and life was amazing, everything I ever wanted and more...." Read more

10 customers mention "Family luv"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the family dynamics in the book, with one review highlighting how the author portrays a perfectly imperfect family, while another notes how the story feels like a real family experience.

"...It is an amazing end to a series about found family, love, redemption, laughter, and tears. Avery..." Read more

"...I must say I can relate to the chaos. I can see my family in her writing. She writes real life and so easily relate...." Read more

"...more accepting of others while reading about such a loving and inviting family. Avery is truly a magical author...." Read more

"...Avery makes her characters so real so down to earth and shows us a real family! I am happy that this is the end but sad also...." Read more

9 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, with several mentioning they cried while reading it, and one describing it as heart breaking at times.

"Great finale to the series. I cried several times and felt the sadness,joy,realization and happiness along with the characters..." Read more

"...end to a series about found family, love, redemption, laughter, and tears. Avery..." Read more

"...The stories drew me in and didn't let go. They made me smile, cry and get angry...so many emotions. I truly enjoyed all of them. Thank you Avery!" Read more

"...However she wrote this book with care and love, it was such an emotional read...." Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and well-written, with one mentioning it keeps them up all night.

"...Still a good read if you have read all the other books, but don’t read this one yet if you have not read the others." Read more

"...If you don't want to, this book is perfect to read alone. IM JUST IN LOVE 😭💘..." Read more

"...She found the ending to one of the best series ever! This book is written so well with a true ending like no other...." Read more

"...But overall, this was a great read. It was also nice to catch up with the rest of the family...." Read more

6 customers mention "Healing power"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the healing power of the book, with one mentioning how it helps heal broken hearts, while another notes how the care and love portrayed in the story are beautiful.

"...It literally heals the wounds of a broken hearts, heartbreaks, mistakes, lies, and secrets. (#IFYKYK)...." Read more

"...The way he needed to take care of her and she wanted to comfort him was so sweet...." Read more

"...To see it unfold, to see him finally accept the live and support he deserves was beautiful. I couldn’t picture it another way...." Read more

"...However she wrote this book with care and love, it was such an emotional read...." Read more

4 customers mention "Answers"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate how the book provides answers, with one customer noting its down-to-earth approach and another mentioning its relatable content.

"...I can see my family in her writing. She writes real life and so easily relate...." Read more

"...Nova was perfect for him. She was strong and understanding and full of light and love. I’m sad that this is the end???..." Read more

"...And it was. Avery makes her characters so real so down to earth and shows us a real family! I am happy that this is the end but sad also...." Read more

"This book is the final of the series and it provides us with all the answers in typical Avery Maxwell fashion!..." Read more

Review
4 out of 5 stars
Review
I received an arc of this book and let me just say… “Welcome to the chaos” Can I be adopted into the Westbrook family? I am obsessed! I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I loved the family dynamics, and the chemistry between Nova & Ash. I loved the relationship between Sadie & Ash. Side note, that bonus epilogue… I am going to need more Sadie & Tate. When the brothers were teaching Ash about dating…😂 so funny. But Ash is a beautifully broken man, who is trying to save everyone at the expense of his own life. The patience Nova has with him and how she refused to give up on him 😭 This book just completely pulls at your heart strings 😊. I am going to go back and read the previous books in this series, because I need to know more about the rest of this family. ✨What to expect✨ •Grumpy/Sunshine trope •Huge family dynamics •Small-town •Forced proximity •Billionaire protector
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Get s box of tissues
    Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Great finale to the series. I cried several times and felt the sadness,joy,realization and happiness along with the characters

    I hope you read all the books in order. Its the best way to keep everything clear
    Helpful
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  • VV
    5.0 out of 5 stars I just had to know!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’ve written “Read this series in order” on every review of the HUGE Westbrook family books….. but I HAD to skip to this one. I needed to read Ashton’s story and to know they would all be ok.

    While I expected this to be the last we saw of this big, love-hard family, it is not! I’m off to read Dillion’s story!
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  • Ellen Holland
    4.0 out of 5 stars What Can You Say?
    Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a good series! Lovable, likable, enjoyable characters in each book... the first three books with Dexter, Travis and Loki set the stage each one building on the other. The last four continued the build teaching us more and more about this family and about how a family should operate... love each other no matter what, give support where and when you can and learn to forgive because nobody is perfect!
    Helpful
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  • Debbie L. Thune
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the Series or at least tied for top 2!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Third read of this one. Obviously, I re-read ALL the books, but after a second time through, I understand all of the stories better than I did the first time.

    One Little Secret brings the entire series to a culmination. All of the books are good - each one better than the one before. I'll admit that I had a hard time keeping up the first time, but now I get it all.

    Ashton is the youngest, arguably the most intelligent, the one with the deepest secrets. Scarred inside and out, he lives in a Hell of his own design. He doesn't think he'll ever be able to have a normal life.

    Nova is brought into Ashton's life because she needs protecting. She sees past Ashton's scars and helps him fight his way back to life and love.

    And of course, Sadie Sunshine is a star in Ashton's story as well. She was the catalyst for him to learn how to accept and give unconditional love. The bonus epilogue a few years in the future is a tear-jerker because it's so sweet and brings everything together with a beautiful bow on top.

    The entire series really needs to be read from start to finish - even if each book does stand on it's own, there is an underlying storyline that readers won't really understand unless they read them all.

    And now, I'm off to re-read Your Last First Kiss. I can't wait to see what you write next, Avery.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent series
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Ashton finally gets his HEA! Not without a lot of struggle. Each story in this series grabbed and I couldn’t put them down. Job well done and I can’t wait to see what you do next.
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  • Karen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow. You have to read this book!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is the final book in the Westbrook series that began with Cross My Heart.

    Where to begin… I don’t have words for how I feel about this amazing story. Ashton was a naive sweet young man (or so we thought) when he was first introduced in Cross my Heart. As his story unfolded throughout the series, he broke my heart. I cried for him in Romancing His Heart and cried more throughout all of the Westbrook series.

    I have been an avid reader for over 40 years and I can’t think of another book I was anticipating more than this one. I was almost afraid to read it because I wouldn’t be able to stand it if it was anti-climactic. I am not disappointed and couldn’t have loved it more.

    I read this book in one sitting and it was a roller coaster ride. I am wrecked and thrilled at the same time. Ashton’s fight to let go of his past and his demons for Nova was epic… unforgettable and full of sorrow and pain to get to the joy. Nova shined light in his darkness and brought him back to life. I loved her for seeing the goodness in him and standing by him while he worked through all of the layers of pain to find happiness.

    This family is one I will revisit many times in the future. I’m sad that the series is done but if I know Avery, she will give us little glimpses into their lives in the future, hopefully!

    I would give this book 100 stars if I could. Even though this book is a stand alone, I strongly recommend reading all of the books in order to truly appreciate the story behind each one.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Book Nerd97
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good but hard to read sometimes
    Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book was a good conclusion to all the Westbrook boys’ stories, but went a little too heavy and repetitive on all the vague difficulties in Ashton’s past. It dragged the story down too many times and could have been just as poignant and important with a thousand or so less words dedicated to his self-loathing and certainty that he would never have a life. He is only 33 and too young to feel his life was over when he chose the path he was on. Avery definitely knows how to write the emotions so you feel them with and for the characters, but moderation would have been better in this one. Still a good read if you have read all the other books, but don’t read this one yet if you have not read the others.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Sonia Price
    5.0 out of 5 stars Epic!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 12, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Avery did what Avery always does and wrote from the heart
    We all knew this one was going to be just that tad bit more special
    And she delivered in bucket loads
    You will go through every emotion known to man with this book and have jaw ache by the end, grinding your teeth, but it was a fitting end to what has been a phenomenal series
    Report
  • Til
    5.0 out of 5 stars Peto & his Super Nova
    Reviewed in Australia on January 23, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    WOW! There was a lot to unpack with Ashton’s story and Nova was his shiny light leading the way.
    It’s the story we have all been waiting for and you did not disappoint Avery!
    I love love love the bonus epilogue of Sadie Sunshine and Tate-o-nater and I hope there is next generation Westbrooks stories to come.
    Luvs 💖
    Report
  • tee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly the ending we needed
    Reviewed in Australia on January 11, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Such a great emotional roller coaster, I’m not the only one who was curious to see how Ashton found his way and Nova was perfect! I loved this book, and the whole series too. I can’t wait for what’s next I’m hoping it’s Pennys story! But honestly I’d read Avery’s shopping list at this point!
    Report
  • Sam M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome to the chaos!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Wow! If you haven’t already read/bought the rest of the series do it now! This story wrecked me in the best possible way. Major tissue warning. Killer one liners, heartbreaking confessions and the most amazing culmination of a story told in the last 8 books.can’t wait to see what Avery does next ❤️
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful
    Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I have read all of Avery’s books. The Westbrook’s is a romantic funny, swoon worthy series. The relationship between the characters will have you laughing, smiling and wishing the book would never end. This was by far my favourite. I loved Ashton.
    Report

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