The Secret

writer May Archer Series love in O'Leary #3 published 22-03-2019 ------- Main characters Constantine Luciano Ross & Micah Bloom Side characters Angela Ross, Mason Bloom, Mitch ------- goodreads ★★★★☆ (4.29/5) 325 ratings personal rating ★★★☆☆

Well, this one has my head spinning in circles. After enjoying the first two books in the series [the fall/the gift] I was looking forward to this one. We already met Constantine briefly in the gift and know he’s known as the troublemaker of the Ross brothers. So with Constantine, I will begin my review. Not that I have many words for him, I liked him/hated him, and then liked him again. It was a rollercoaster. He reminds me of another character, in the book ‘the boyfriend mandate’, Memphis, who was just awful. The moments where he’s [constantine] honest I could truly, truly appreciate and actually relate with, being someone who always keeps her opinions to herself and therefore is often overlooked and perceived as “the black sheep”, I get Constantine’s struggle with wanting to be more, to only then be reminded by your surroundings, in this case mostly the mother, of your past. Talking about Angela Ross, I really don’t like her, every word out of her mouth seems so accusing and judgemental in that way only mothers can. With those obnoxious, cliché sayings, “I gave birth to you”,”Because I’m your mother” ugh, like those things make you superior and give you the right to dismiss your son's need. Because that is what she does multiple times with Constantine, even though he talks to her calmly and in a pretty mature manner. Yeah, not a fan of her. Thankfully she makes the right decisions in the end and quits the business, making room for Ross Landscaping! Which, come on, we all knew was going to be a thing. I do like the way Constantine becomes more grounded and matures quite a bit during the story. Cutting back on those stupid jokes and childish way of behaving. Don’t’ think I could have made it through the story without the progression. Talking about someone who got me through, Mister Micah Bloom. I just loved him so much! So steady, calm, and collected. Such a breath of fresh air. The way he just understands the way Constantine works. Amazing. They really turn out to be a fantastic and fun couple. So much so that the “big fight” seems overly dramatic for them to not speak for 6 days. All and all, it was another fun and good addition to the O’leary book series and I can’t wait to see what is next.