I finished the first two books of this series (this is book 2) in a couple of hours each. Both had plots with potential but lacked the substance necessary to make them worth even a short time investment.

Although it can be read as a standalone, it would help to read book 1 as it includes background info about some key characters, including Brock (book 1's hero). This one is about Slade (as in Slade Security, though there's no suspense in this story) and Bethany, sister to Brock's ex-wife. Bethany has been caring for her nephew since her sister's illness and death and wants to adopt him, but she needs things cleared up with Brock first. Brock's busy in the Middle East, so Slade shows up. A few "surprises" ensue, but I won't say more so as to avoid spoilers (if the book's title hasn't already done it).

The biggest problem with this story is probably the lack of chemistry between Bethany and Slade, the kind that makes their instalove both unconvincing and annoying. There's never much of a conflict, though we're supposed to believe that her stubborn independence and his bossiness provide it. The story ended before it began and left me unsatisfied.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

Second book about this group of ex-military security guys. This time it is Slade's turn to realize he may be cut out for long term relationships. Add in a secret child that needs his help. Do gooders all over this one. Not so sure about any deep chemistry between him and Bethany but they are physically attracted to one another. Nice to see the rest of the team pop up in this one as well.

Short but sweet.

This book is well written, but I could not get past the fact that Slade had sex with his best friend's ex-wife when his best friend was still grieving for his lost marriage. The reason given didn't soften it either. There are other actions that helped, but didn't redeem Slade. Also, we already got to know and like Brock in the previous book, so this felt like a huge betrayal. Perhaps if this book had been first it wouldn't have felt so huge.

Also, Bethany was okay, but this book was so short you really don't get to know her or the boy. I give this book 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3, because Leslie North is a good writer and this book is well written (although too short), I just don't like the story. Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I found the concept of the book to be interesting but it sadly didn’t reach my expectations. The book was quite fast paced but overall it was an really easy read. The one of the problems was that i felt like the characters were a bit… bland? I just needed something more, I guess. The reveal wasn’t as shocking as I honestly thought it would be. When the romance began, I couldn’t really get into? I just found myself not caring for it and wishing it was better? I found the book to be a bit bland, if i’m being honest.

Bethany is struggling with the loss of her sister and the job of raising her nephew who has medical issues. She wants to adopt him but needs the father to give up his rights and help pay for surgery for Jason. Slade arrives to check Bethany and Jason out to see if she is just trying to get money from his best friend/business partner Brock who has been divorced from Bethany sisters for a long time and was never told about Jason. What he finds is shocking and not what he expects.

Enjoyable but quick read. Likable characters and more stories to come from it.

His Secret Child (Slade Security Team #2) by Leslie North
Publisher: Relay Publishing
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance
Published: June 23, 2022

His Secret Child is the second book in the Slade Security Team series by Leslie North. This book can easily be read as a standalone romance or as part of the whole series.

I found the characters to be interesting and the story was fascinating. This quick read held my attention and brought me some joy at the end! This is a fun romance to read!

I look forward to see what will happen in the next book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Okay another short read. Idk I’m just not invested with the characters. Sure they’re more interesting than the leads in the first one but the story is so weird? Okay so the leads are Bethany and Slade. Bethany has a nephew named Jason who’s mum is Bethany’s sister, Tarya. And guess who the dad is? Slade from a one night stand. And do you want to know what makes things worse? Tarya was the ex wife of Slade’s bestie, Brock. Sure they had a fling after Tarya and Brock got divorced but it’s still so weird. Other than that it’s just too fast for me like now they’re planning to get married??

Slade has traveled to see what Bethany seemed so important that she contacted him. Back in high school his best friend ended up marrying Bethany’s sister but she quickly decided that being a military wife wasn’t for her and divorced him. Slade can’t see now, that the woman has died from cancer, why she reached out until he arrives. The little boy looks just like Slade. Slade knows he has to be his child but Bethany’s sister told her that the baby was his best friends kid before they divorced. Bethany has pretty much raised him and just wants Slade to give her some money for him to have surgery on his leg and let her legally be adopted by her. Bethany didn’t ask for anything else but she has developed feelings for Slade and he isn’t about to let her go. I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Not a bad read but left unsatisfied. I was enjoying it until I got 70% in and felt that the storyline abruptly ended and the last 20% was a blurb for another book. The premise was interesting and I liked the characters which made me want more because there was so much potential! The romantic aspect felt rushed but was built up enough that I would have been interested to see more of an epilogue and further interactions both as a couple and as a new family. Overall, generally good writing with an unexpectedly disappointing ending.
(DRC courtesy of NetGalley and Relay publishing)

His secret child by Leslie North.
Book 2 of Slade Security Team.
Slade only cares about two things…his job and his team. He’s never been interested in settling down or starting a family. Those are attachments he doesn’t need. But when he goes to check on the boy left behind by the death of his business partner’s ex-wife, Slade meets Bethany Simmons. This computer programmer is smart as a whip and beautiful as well. And Slade can’t help but take notice.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I do love this author. Great read and characters. 5*.

After loosing her sister to cancer, Bethany reaches out to Jason’s father with the hope of adopting her nephew and bringing him up herself. He is not who she expects but between them they do what is best for Jason, and discover love along the way. Nice story if a bit short, looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Trent and Chloe’s story.

By the title we can guess what is going to be revealed. It was still a shock to me though. I would have liked more action like in the other books related to this story. Pretty much just Slade and Bethany getting to know each other and Slade getting to know Jason. Next book seems promising according to the Epilogue.