Review: The Officer and the Secret by Jeanette Murray

Title: The Officer and the Secret by Jeanette Murray
Semper Fi Series Book Three
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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?

The Review:

Jeanette Murray’s tantalizing glimpses of Dwayne Robertson and Veronica Gibson piqued my interest in this couple in previous installments of the Semper Fiseries and I have been impatiently waiting their story. And I have to say, it was totally worth the wait. The Officer and the Secret is hands down my favorite novel in the series and I hated to say goodbye to Dwayne and Veronica.

Coming home from his latest deployment, Dwayne is stunned when he begins experiencing symptoms of PTSD. He is proactive in seeking treatment for his nightmares and flashbacks, but Dwayne finds the peace he so desperately needs with Veronica, the young woman he has been Skyping with for months. Veronica’s friendship was his lifeline during his deployment and with her, he is finally able to open up and talk about his time in Afghanistan. Underlying their friendship is a simmering attraction that catches both Veronica and Dwayne off guard.

Veronica is an absolutely delightful breath of fresh air. Due to her extremely sheltered childhood, she is a little bit naïve and innocent but she is finally beginning to adjust to her new life. Veronica is gaining ground in her attempt to fit in with today’s society but she is still a work in progress. In the beginning she is unsure of herself and ashamed of her self-perceived shortcomings, but as she gains confidence, Veronica begins to not only stand up for herself, but she also goes after what she wants. And when she sets her sights on Dwayne, the gruff and tough Marine better watch out!

Dwayne might have a rough exterior, but this charming Southern boy is kind-hearted and caring. He is definitely attracted to Veronica but he is a leery of getting involved with anyone while he is trying to cope with his PTSD. Dwayne has also been burned in a previous relationship so he has trust issues he is dealing with.

The romance between Veronica and Dwayne is slow growing and sooo sweet. Despite their obvious desire for one another, they take the time to date and get to know one another before they begin heating up the sheets. Veronica continues to keep her secrets and when they are faced with an unexpected complication, Dwayne finds it impossible to trust her.

The Officer and the Secret by Jeanette Murray is a heartwarming and engaging romance. Veronica and Dwayne are beautifully developed characters and the issues they are struggling with are easy to relate to. The conflict between them is believable and it is resolved fairly quickly with very little angst. An entertaining addition to a captivating series that I highly recommend to fans of contemporary romances.

Read my reviews of the other novels in the Semper Fi series HERE.