I enjoyed “Top Secret.” There was a moment about 75% of the way through where I actually broke into a huge grin and squealed over how adorable Keaton was, and I was generally satisfied with the resolution and emotional growth of both main characters. A big, happy dog chasing Frisbees on the beach with his pals. Obviously there is a happy ending (this is romance, after all) but Luke doesn’t make it easy. In fact, there were moments where I wondered if Keaton might not be better off just moving on…which is an unexpected thing to feel while reading a romance novel. Once we learn about Luke’s background, the way he is makes total sense, but that doesn’t mean that he is an easy character to love.

Keaton is very similar to Jamie from “Him”: he’s optimistic, trusting, and open-hearted. This is basically a “You’ve Got Mail” plot- two people who dislike each other immensely in real life are actually falling for each other online. So you can see where this is going, right? Not having any time or inclination for a relationship (one of his jobs is as a Magic Mike style stripper), Luke uses a hookup app for convenience, and prefers to be the third with a couple since there is zero chance they will want more than just sex. Luke (poor, prickly, securely bisexual) is hustling to keep a roof over his head while in college, and dealing with his annoying neighbor Keaton…who he hates. Keaton goes onto a hookup app to find a third and begins chatting up an anonymous guy, and sparks fly.

For her birthday, she requests a threesome with another guy. The story: Keaton (rich, popular, starts off straight…) has had the same girlfriend since he was 16 they’re now 21 and in college. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered they had written another one together and were doing a surprise-release this week. Four years ago, authors Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy teamed up to write my absolutely favorite m/m romance, “Him” (and the follow up, “Us,” which is also very good but more a relationship novel than a romance novel).

Top secret sarina bowen elle kennedy