Books & Spoons Review: THE SECRET SON by Joan Kilby

A birthday card out of the blue from his estranged father sends successful Seattle marketing man Alex Chernoff on a detour to Cherry Lake in search of answers about his past. A day, maybe two, to tie up loose strings and he’ll be out of there, heading for Mexico, margaritas and blondes in bikinis. 

Emma Stanhope is all too familiar with hot, rich, entitled guys like Alex. They never hang around for long, especially not for a Plain Jane like herself. No problem. She’s smart and logical, like any good scientist, and knows better than to lose her heart. 

What Emma doesn’t count on is chemistry—of the romantic kind. What Alex doesn’t count on is meeting the girl who’ll make him want to change his ways. But when he learns that he’s a secret from his father’s real family, he can’t stay in Cherry Lake… even if he wants to. 

Will love be enough to convince Alex to stay… for good? 

Secrets of Cherry Lake series 
Prequel: Small Town Secrets by Roxanne Snopek 
Book 1: The Secret Son by Joan Kilby 
Book 2: Her Secret Love by Paula Altenberg 
Book 3: Her Secret Protector by Roxanne Snopek 
Book 4: The Secret Bride by Jeannie Watt

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They're so much honesty and warmth in this story, as well as heartache difficult family situations.
My heart went out to Alex, all he really wanted was to belong, have a family and find love. He was so earnest with his desire, he was willing to compromise. The father he had admired as a young boy, turned out to be a disappointment, and selfish. I really didn't like Robert, the father. I think he was a weak coward. He rather hides and ignore his son, that owns up to his behavior, and take responsibility for his action. 
But the rest of the family more than made up for his behavior. I loved, absolutely adored, his sibling's reaction. And the first meeting between Alex and Nate had me in tears.
Alex and Emma had a fun relationship, I thought they were a hoot together! The interaction between these two was so entertaining. The time span is short in the story, and the built up to the relationship is more detailed, than the growth of it, but they have chemistry, passion, attraction between them. They also have understanding, refreshing honesty, and support. There's also an epilogue that ties up the story between Alex and Emma, and gives more credibility to their fast growing feelings. 
Lovely small town, filled with interesting, deep characters, families, intriguing destinies, secrets, and love. I am already loving this series, and can't wait to read more about the family
~ Four Spoon with a teaspoon on the side