Author Kendall Ryan girl we need to have a little chat about “that ending”. I’m pretty sure the whole world heard me gasp and scream! Now I totally get the Dirty Little Secret title.

Now that I’ve talked about the ending of the book, lets talk about the beginning. Emma is a young woman who has been through a lot when she sees this man at a coffee shop that she frequents each morning. She is instantly drawn to him and somewhat intrigued with him as well. One day he returns the interest. This sets the both of them off of on a path to a steamy, tumultuous and sometimes infuriating relationship.

Gavin is definitely a dominate man and he is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it and you guess it, he wants Emma! However Gavin has a past that he hasn’t come to terms with yet and one that could possibly be dangerous for Emma. Will he be able to overcome it before Emma falls for his Brother Cooper? Yep you read that right Gavin has a brother , two actually but Cooper is the only one involved in this little love triangle of sorts.

Cooper might just be the healthy competition that Gavin needs to bring him to his senses or better yet his knees.

Dirty Little Secret is hot, engaging & shocking! It’s definitely one to grab!

So I’m clearly in the minority here, but I just couldn’t take this book. Before I get into to, thanks to NetGalley for providing this book as an ARC.

I’m going to get into some spoilers, so unless you want them, move on now!

The girl main character has just gotten out of a horrible domestic violence relationship and instead of running a million miles away, she falls for Gavin, the bad boy millionaire who treats her like scum. He talks down to her, tells her that she is his submissive (and she just goes with it?!), and calls her...PET. What the hell.

I can’t read a story about a girl who sits and reflects on the awful she went through in a previous relationship, who then notes that the new guy could be similar because of his behaviors, and then still go for him.

So all in all, it’s a DNF and I’m good with that.

**The story continues in Dirty Little Promise, releasing October 9** <----- Thank God for that because the cliffhanger of this book made me want to read the continuation ASAP. Also I want to kill the heroine because I know she will try to do something with the wrong brother and the blurb of the second book does nothing to ease those worries. From the blurb " turn to his brother Cooper, who I was fairly certain was in love with me". WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THAT? This thing can go two ways as I see it. She can either screw both brothers or she can lead on my poor Cooper and be a huge peach. Cooper has been nothing but kind to her and even though he has developed feelings for her, he is keeping thing mostly to a platonic level. And he is the hero of the third book, so we know he and Emma won't end up together. Though she and Cooper have developed a better relationship than her and Gavin. Gavin is an alpha-hole most of the time and he doesn't do anything romantic for her with one exception. This book is mostly Emma and other people. Cooper has done more nice things for her than her soul mate. Considering her (over)reaction when she found out something about Gavin's past, her hasty thoughts about him and her call to Cooper, I am not sure I will buy the whole Emma Gavin romance thing. Call Gavid dudette and demand from him to explain. Honestly, this book is confusing and I don't know how to feel. The only thing I know is that I love Cooper and I don't want to see him hurt.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

“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.”

First off, how do I get my hands on the second book of this series immediately? Because that cliffhanger was just cruel, yet makes me want to beg Kendall Ryan for an ARC of book two this very instant. This was my first Kendall Ryan book, and I think she just made a fan for life. I loved this.

Trigger warnings for stalking and depictions of past physical abuse.

The premise is one that any sappy, book loving, kinky, yet hopeless romantic (like me) would love. Our main protagonist, Emma, is a twenty-nine-year-old head librarian who doesn’t have a lot of money, but spends what she does have on fixing up her the old house her grandmother has left for her in the city. On her way to the library every morning she stops at a local coffee shop, where she orders a tea and can’t help but stare at a man that catches her attention every day while he orders his coffee.

“And every morning, promptly at ten to eight, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Sinful strolled inside and ordered a double shot of espresso to go.”

These two constantly come into this coffee shop at the same time, every day, for the past ten months, but they’ve only interacted once. That is, until one September day the sexy mystery man leaves his business card that only states:

“Gavin Kingsley
President
Forbidden Desires”

Gavin and his two brothers, Cooper and Quinn, have a business that is a little on the unusual side, but you will find out the career path they chose to take is very near and dear to their hearts. Forbidden Desires is a company that hires, but also protects, escorts that go on dates with very rich, powerful, and successful people. The escorts are paid very well, and their only job is to go on a date with the men; they are never required to have sex or do anything they feel uncomfortable with.

Gavin is also struggling with something pretty dark and sad, which makes him feel like he is unable to get into another relationship. Once Emma follows the business card and meets with up, they strike up a business proposition where she will be him and his younger brother’s escort to high profiling events.

“In that moment, I knew this wouldn’t be casual, knew I wouldn’t walk away from this in one piece.”

Obviously, a bunch of tension develops between Emma, Gavin, and Cooper, but it never feels like a love triangle. Emma has been Cooper’s ever since that first day in the coffee shop, even if they both are too stubborn to realize it. And I guess that’s why I’m giving this four stars, because I love Cooper. Like, what a sweet little cinnamon roll angel! I wish that he wasn’t part of the equation, even though I know he was just acting with his heart and trying to heal Gavin’s wounds, while also opening his eyes.

My favorite thing about this book was… Okay, well it was the romance and the sex scenes, let’s be real, but my second favorite thing about this book is that it is super sex positive! Like, this is one of the few books I’ve read that really puts sex workers in a positive light, and never shames them. There are also mini discussions about the importance to donate to campaigns that are trying to end human trafficking and I really appreciated it.

And I’d bet my bottom dollar that this series is going to not only tell all the brother’s stories, but also is going to make us fall a little in love with all of them.

Also, because I know most of you follow me for my fantasy reviews, I always feel it necessary to stat that I rate erotic books differently than other books! I know many of the relationships are toxic and problematic and I completely understand that they wouldn’t be the healthiest and/or most ideal of starts for people in real life, but I love steamy reads and I rate them purely off my enjoyment. And Dirty Little Secret was nothing short of pure enjoyment!

I really, really enjoyed this book. And like I said above, I can’t wait to read more from Kendall Ryan now! If you guys are looking for a new steamy read, I completely recommend the start of this amazing series!

I was intrigued by this book's description. Never having read anything by this author, I didn't know what to expect. It was not what I had hoped. I expected a gritty, angst-ridden sexual romp between a good girl and a bad boy. What I got was mediocre characters in a storyline I had a hard time believing.

Gavin was not hero material for me. I've read hundreds of romances with alpha men who have issues..... most of the time I fall in love with them. I didn't even *like* Gavin. He was a jerk most of the book, taking what he wanted from Emma and then pushing her away. The love "triangle" was more annoying than believable.
Other than some sexy love scenes, this book left me wanting more.

This was first book by Kendall Ryan. It was ok. It was a little too angsty, and it had a nasty cliff hanger. The main male character had a hard time expressing his emotions, and it did not make me like his character.

Fast paced but a bit rushed. I caught myself rolling my eyes several times when Gavin did something obnoxious that Emma easily lets slide. A few odd out of character moments too. Ends in a cliffhanger.

I finished Dirty Little Secret by Kendall Ryan this morning. It was really good!

4 Stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for this arc. Dirty Little Secret is the first of an ADULT duology!

I was reading this for the blue cover challenge of the Mermaid VS Dragons competition, which the mermaids are currently winning (YAAAAY)!!!

Dirty Little Secret has a pretty basic plot where a girl, Emma, meets a guy, Gavin, and she falls for him. How does he feel for her, though? Does he think she's just a fling or something more?

There are a few speed bumps along the way for both Emma and Gavin, like Emma's ex boyfriend and Gavin's past coming into the story. Also Gavin's brother, Cooper fancies Emma too. Do Emma and Gavin end up together or does one of the speed bumps corrupt their romance. You'll have to read to find out...

I don't want to put any quotes because the plot is really simple and it would spoil the story if I did, I think.

What did I like about Dirty Little Secret?

I liked how the story focused around Emma and the two guys vying for her attention. There weren't lots of secondary characters. I was fine with this.

I liked how the love triangle didn't overtake the story. It's there but I really didn't find it annoying.

I liked how this story wasn't all about the sex. It's there but it's not the central plot line.

What didn't I like about Dirty Little Secret?

I didn't like how slow the story was at the beginning. It seemed to take a long time for it to get going.

I didn't so much like that the events that happened were quite everyday. There weren't any surprises.

I enjoyed Dirty Little Secret. I wish it had been slightly longer with more events but maybe book 2 will make up for that. I look forward to reading the conclusion soon!

Look for my next review soon...

I love Kendall Ryan and her writing. There is so much emotion to come from her characters. Although they have secrets and issues from their lives, Gavin and Emma both are good people who really want the same out of life. They are just afraid to admit it to each other. I am waiting (not so patiently) for the second book to find out everything!! I would recommend to everyone who likes a good love story with "other stuff" in it also!!!!

Fantastic story!! Stayed up way too late reading this book. Dirty little Secret is a story about brothers, overcoming ones past, & smoking hot romance.

My only complaint is that this book ended on a cliff hanger- looking forward to the next book for sure.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

A new series by Kendall Ryan...Sign Me Up! I was so intrigued by the premise of this book and I loved seeing that there are several more books down the pike as well. As long as it gives me more of Mrs Ryan's storytelling and more of the Kingsley Brothers, I'm in!

This was a bit of a diversion from what I've come to expect from Kendall as of late but it did not disappoint. It was a little more twisty and complicated and I liked it a lot. It left me wanting so much more. There's not much more that can be said without giving away the story that draws you right in. I will just say that Dirty Little Secret was the perfect start to this series. And, although there is a cliffy ending there are just a few weeks between books so the wait for answers is not far off!

Emma Bell has been obsessed with the talk, dark handsome stranger who comes into the coffee house for months. Who wouldn’t be? This guy oozes sex appeal and dark mystery. Day after day she’s watched him during his morning coffee purchase and imagined multiple scenarios about his life. He’s definitely a business man, probably a lawyer, banker, investment guy. While she notices everything about him she’s pretty she’s not even a blip on his radar and that chance of learning anything about him is more than likely next to impossible…until it isn’t. Seeing mystery man drop his business card in the tip jar, Emma seizes her opportunity. Gavin Kingsley is his name, and law, banking, nor investments is his game. No ma’am, this business card reads “Gavin Kingsley, President, Forbidden Desires”. Gavin, the name fits. More curious than ever Emma takes a chance and visits Gavin’s company. When she arrives she’s mistaken as an applicant and learns that Forbidden Desires is an upscale escort service owned by Gavin, his older brother Quinn and younger brother Cooper. Much to Emma’s surprise she is offered a position in Gavin’s company but she’s not just a regular escort. She will be the escort specifically for Gavin and his younger brother Cooper. For quiet reserved Librarian Emma, these boys are way out of her league but maybe it’s time for this librarian to take a walk on the wild side. While Cooper is definitely the easier to get along with of the three, it’s Gavin that heats her body and intrigues her the most.
The last relationship Gavin had didn’t end so well mix that with his unconventional upbringing and well, relationships don’t seem to be something he’s looking to have. Although she doesn’t think so, Gavin has definitely noticed the quiet woman who watches him every morning in the coffee shop. While he might be shocked to see her in his office he can’t say he’s disappointed. With his brothers encouraging him to take another chance at life and get to know her he’s hesitant. That is until Cooper threatens to make his move on her. He knows Cooper is simply doing this to challenge him but Emma seems a little to smitten by his little brother. Can he let her in, share his demons an actually have a relationship with Emma? Especially when she learns his deepest darkest secret and the man she runs to is Cooper.
I’m not one for cliffhangers, if I’m going to read them I prefer to read them back to back….I hate waiting. I like closure, immediate closer. Instant gratification, that’s me. So when I realized that what I was reading was in fact going to be a cliff-hanger, I wasn’t the happy French fry in the Happy Meal. However, Gavin has me totally intrigued. I’m willing to wait around for the next book. I’m totally intrigued by all three Kingsley men and can’t wait to see how things unfold. There were times when I felt like the story moved a little fast but for the most part, I enjoyed it.

Dirty Little Secret started off pretty well. Emma has had a hard time in her past relationships but she's no longer letting the past keep her finding the love she deserves. I admire that she was willing to take the risk with Gavin even if things were a bit unconventional. Gavin is frustrating for the majority of the book. He's so hot and cold, and I hated the way he treated Emma. Though, he's not the only one at fault. She went back to him so easily which was frustrating even after he continuously pushed her away. I was hoping she'd put up more of a fight considering she continuously mentioned not putting up with his games. The pace slowed down quite a bit after the 50% mark and the story just wasn't as engaging after that point. I found myself wanting to skin or checking to see how much longer I had in the book. We were left in a cliff hanger but I'm not really feeling the anticipation for the next release. Overall, I felt like this was just an okay read.

I hate books that are cliffhangers. I have read many books by this author and loved them this one not so much.

What could I possibly say that would do this review justice with how extraordinarily amazing this book is?

Dirty Little Secret radiates lust, passion, and mix of dark curiosities and desires that leave a powerful impression on the reader!

Kendall Ryan delivers another scintillating and seductive must-read that's quite different from what we've come to love from her. Dirty Little Secrets is the type of book that you'll dive head first into, and one you won't be able to put down. Provocative, enticing, and mysterious, this story is a romance truly unlike others. The characters, the storyline, and the emotions all coincide in an intense foray that leave readers grasping for more.

Powerful, dominating, and alluring, Dirty Little Secrets is a scorching hot love story that will provoke your inner vixen.

5 Infectious Stars!

First, let me start off with how much I LOVE this cover. This cover is what sold me on the book. I requested this book from Net Galley without even reading the description. I saw a lot of talk and posts about Dirty Little Secret on Facebook, so I was definitely curious about the book. I have to say when I finished it, I had a few questions to ponder. One, what was the dirty little secret? Did I miss something?

This story revolves around a woman named Emma that sort of falls in love with a man that she never speaks to for over a year. She purposely goes to the local coffee shop the same time every day just to get a glimpse of the gorgeous man. Then when she finally takes matters into her own hands, she meets him. In her head, she imagined him ONE way, but in reality, he was nothing that she imagined. But..... let me say this. I have never read a book where I love a different character more than the main hero in the story. In Dirty Little Secretly, I adored the brother, Cooper. I was rooting for Cooper, more than I was pulling for Grant. Cooper was sweet, loving, considerate, where Grant was harsh, crass and at times rude and ignorant. Don't get me wrong, Grant showed a sweet side once in a while. Usually, after it was pointed out to him what a dick he was being, or if he wanted something that benefits him. For me, Grant didn't do it. I was disappointed in his actions more than I was impressed with him.

I thought this story read easily, fast to be more specific. But by the end, I wanted more. I want to see where the story leads. I will definitely be reading Book 2 in the series to see where this goes. FIngers crossed, Grant earns my love, because right now, Cooper has my heart.

This review was provided by a guest reviewer.

THIS BOOK left me with my heart racing. I can not believe what was happening at the end when I had thought Gavin and Emma had finally worked things out. Cooper ( and yes I do believe by accident) ends up spilling the beans about the past. I knew it was hidden, but I did not see it coming. Okay so what am I blabbering about here?

Well I just literally finished reading Dirty Little Secret by Kendall Ryan. So forgive me having my thoughts all over the place. This will happen to you. You will be left speechless. You will be craving to know what is going to happen next. Starting from page one, I knew instantly that the title of this book held up to its name. I was not sure if this story was going to give us an ugly love triangle situation. Instead it was more heartbreaking. I loved the POV's we get from Cooper, Emma, and Gavin. I truly want to believe Cooper is a good guy. Just a little lost and yearning for Emma's love. He is Emma's comfort place. She seems to call on him when she is not sure she can trust Gavin. Oh and our Gavin is so damaged and craves control that I want to give him anything he wants and keep him safe! He is experiencing new feelings and having a hard time keeping it together.

I am rooting for Gavin and Emma. I love Cooper, but I believe his person is still out there waiting. The ending scared me a bit and I am not sure how Emma will be able to truly trust Gavin. Dirty Little Secret will have you blood racing, heart pounding, and you will get a little over heated with the sexy scenes we get. And there a few HOT SEXY scenes in this book. I am still swooning over these men and keeping my fingers cross that it is not over for Gavin and Emma. Happy reading friends!!!

A timid librarian, Emma Bell can only imagine the likes of Gavin Kingsley, until she finally met him formally and experienced what an alpha male can do. Emma had bitten more than she could chew, but like a moth to the fire, she cannot stop herself. Her attraction to Gavin cannot be denied.

The good thing is that the feeling is mutual. And everything could have gone so well until Emma discovered Gavin's dirty little secret. But, Emma has a secret, too. So, the question now becomes – will their love survive?

Not for the faint of heart, "Dirty Little Secret" can get you hot and bothered the first moment you meet Gavin Kingsley. Readers identify with Emma more, than with Gavin though he was also given ample POV. Author Kendall Ryan see saws between them, giving readers a wider view of their relationship. Thus, you can't turn the page fast enough because you want to know how Emma and/or Gavin view the situation.

A very fast-paced story making it teeter into a romantic thriller, "Dirty Little Secret" will keep you wanting for more when you reach the final page.

"Dirty Little Secret" is Rated M for Mature due to sexual content.

God it was hot, Intriguing and refreshing! Those brothers are intense and have so much to offer, you almost don't want her to have to choose. They give her all the attention she has been missing and sweep her off her feet. Her curiosity got her more than what she expected and maybe even more than what she can handle. But that doesn't mean she is not going to try... I really want to know what happens next, there are still so many layers to discover about these men, you can't help but want to be in her shoes.

Book Boyfriend:
Gavin: 💋💋 Cooper:💋💋💋💋
Gavin Kingsley is bossy, short tempered, rude, rich, and gorgeous. A deadly combination (see what I did there? You will…). He offers up very little about who he really is and then quickly shuts everyone out. He’s moody, rough, and quite frankly I’m not sure I even like him.

Cooper Kingsley is Gavin’s complete opposite. Friendly, charismatic, thoughtful, and just as good looking as his older brother. He’s the obvious relationship choice, which means the poor guy is out of luck.

Strong Female Lead: 💋
Emma Bell is the head librarian at a nearby library. She finds herself in a situation that she just can’t say no to. Then she can’t say yes. I mean this girl CANNOT make up her mind. Until she does and it’s good…for awhile. Then she discovers Gavin’s past and is just as confused as ever.

Plot:💋💋
I really struggled to find a story line. The focus of the book seems to be relationship building, but there are times when the story refers to things that have happened over a chunk of time that wasn’t written about. There is no solid obstacle the characters must overcome unless you count the “should I, shouldn’t I” debate Gavin and Emma continuously struggle with. The relationships and character development left me wanting more. I couldn’t really connect to any of them.

Steamy Factor:💋💋💋
Gavin and Emma have some serious chemistry. It gets hot and steamy at a few points in the book. How ‘bout that ride in the limo???

Overall:💋💋💋
This book left me wanting so much more. The majority of the time I was terrified that she was going to create a romantic relationship with both brothers. I didn’t connect with the characters which is one of my favorite things about books. This one left me disappointed.