Review: Dirty Little Secret by Kendall Ryan

Dirty Little Secret by Kendall Ryan
Published by Self Published on 9/14/17
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 300
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She’s much too innocent for me, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting the sweet, young librarian. I’m dominating and possessive, and my control streak runs a mile wide.
The way she looks at me—like I’m one of the heroes in the books she loves, like I’m broken, and she wants to be the one to piece me back together—it only complicates things further. I’m nobody’s hero.
But there’s no denying my tragic past reads like one of her favorite literary classics. It’s raw. Visceral. Captivating. And together, we’re a perfect mess.
How can I resist when the sexual sparks zapping between us set me on fire? The need to control, and claim her force my walls to come tumbling down, but when she learns about my dirty little secret, will my world come crashing down with it?

The story continues in Dirty Little Promise, releasing October 9th

“It started out as a dirty little secret, something to amuse myself with. I lived a boring existence—work, home, bed . . . and Gavin was a distraction. Maybe I should have left it there, but I hadn’t.
And here I was.
His punishing mouth on mine.
His hands in my hair.
My heart in my throat.
The firmness of his erection pressing between my thighs.
And my mind reeling with what might come next.”

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Angie’s Review

3 “Hmm, I Liked It” Stars.

Kendall Ryan delves a little deeper, a little darker in her new Forbidden Desires series. In Dirty Little Secret, the first book in this hot duet, we meet the three Kingsley brothers, Gavin, Cooper, and Quinn. These powerful men run an escort service that caters to the rich and famous. But, this book isn’t really centered on the escort business they run. No, that’s merely the catalyst that brings our sweet Heroine into their lives.

Emma Bell is a librarian, a woman coming out of a bad relationship, desperate to climb out of her shell and discover some adventure. For the past year, she’s been fixated on a man who comes into the coffee shop she frequents on her way to work. During this span of time she’s silently watched him, cataloging his mannerisms, dreaming up and fantasizing about who he might be. Her curiosity grows as each day passes, until one morning opportunity knocks and she finds herself barreling straight into Gavin Kingsley’s path.

Gavin Kingsley is the President of Forbidden Desires. He works closely running the company with Quinn, his older brother, and Cooper, his younger brother. All three men have had a rough upbringing, but Gavin seems the worst off with his cold and broody and temperamental personality.

Emma and Gavin have an intense connection right off the start. One that feels dangerous and thrilling. But with so many ghosts following Gavin, he’s reluctant to make any moves on Emma, which inadvertently pushes Cooper to take action and force his brothers hand. And, I’ve gotta say, while this a love triangle of sorts, it’s also not really (confusing, I know)! There’s a lot going on with the dynamic between these three and you really have to read it to understand.

Overall, while I did enjoy reading Dirty Little Secret, I have to say that I didn’t fall in love with it. It wasn’t a bad book at all, I just had a hard time connecting with Gavin and Emma as a couple. The back and forth seemed over the top at times, and their immediate connection didn’t feel super authentic to me. Normally, I love Kendall’s books! I really do. But I wish the beginning of Gavin and Emma’s relationship was built up a little more, fleshed out a bit deeper, had more of a slow build so when they got together it packed a gut punch. That said, I did like it (I really did) and I’m still super curious about what happens to them in the next installment as this one leaves you perched right on the edge.

About the Author

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She’s a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she’s appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.
Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras.

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