Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

As with the middle section of any book, the action can drag and, again, IT IS A CLIFFHANGER!! I really hate cliffhangers. There is no good reason that these very short novellas together couldn't have been a book. Especially at the obscene price the want for each section of what is a good, but not, great story. The Serial is my least favorite format and I try to avoid them.

Here, we see Janie come out of the shock of being the pursued instead of the pursuer. She has decided that since she has been fired from her job as a detective for the Charleston police department, she is just going to do some investigating on her own. The mysterious "Gentleman" has ordered Janie's death and his "Procurer" will suffer the loss of someone he holds dear if he doesn't kill Janie. Unfortunately, Janie is a little late putting all her clues together and finds herself in a very precarious situation.

Hidden Fate was another fantastic romantic suspense novella in the Sons of Broad series that picks up right where the first novella, Shattered Fear, leaves off.

In the sultry streets of Charleston, a killer is lurking and he will stop at nothing to get to Janie Roberts. Janie and her boyfriend Brent Taylor are doing everything they can to help find this killer and stop him. As the threats made against Janie become more frequent, Brent realizes he will do anything to keep her safe.

For this novella, we're inside Brent's head whereas the first book was from Janie's perspective. While Brent understands that Janie is a capable woman, he has a deep need to protect her because of how much he cares for her. We see a bit less of Janie's tough cop persona in this novella and she's a bit more reliant on Brent than in the first novella. Brent and Janie's relationship does move forward quite a bit in this novella and I can see why some are saying the relationship is moving very fast. Personally, I'm ok with quick moving relationships in romantic suspense as all the the tension and action ramps up the emotions for all involved.

The Gentleman's man is certainly gearing up for a big showdown in Hidden Fate with an increasing number of threats being made against Janie. There's simply no escaping this guy and Janie is getting fed up with his continuing reign of chaos on her life. Janie and Brent slowly start to put together who this guy is and I have to say my guess from book one on who this guy is was revealed to be correct.

Hidden Fate ends on a big cliffhanger and I'm anxious to get to the last novella to find out what happens. I would definitely recommend reading all of these novellas at once as the story flows nicely from one novella to the next.

Now that I understand that this is part of a 3 part serial to get the Sons of Broad series started I actually understand it much more. This one is part 2. You most definitely have to read the first part in order to understand what is happening in this book. Otherwise you will be completely lost! That being said, in this second part Janie is still dating Brent and trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life now that she is no longer a police officer. Brent of course wants her to move with him and to begin a life together as he truly loves her. But her enemy from part 1 is not ready to give up and let them be.

I truly liked this one! Now that I know there is going to be closure for this couple and I won't be left hanging, I could actually read and enjoy it! I really like Janie and Brent together and I like how he isn't afraid to tell her how he feels or that he is afraid for her. I am biting my nails waiting for the next though with the way this one ended!! It was my OMG moment and I definitely wasn't expecting it!!

This was a novella yes, but it was more like a set-up or foundation of the people and the background. Although I realize now that there was a story before this one. It is actually part 2 of several novellas. Like I said, the story does NOT complete in this book but continues on to another. So yes, it definitely was a cliff-hanger. Something that I wasn't expecting. That was kind of disappointing to me although the actually story I was enjoying up to that point.
HIDDEN FATE is serial that focuses on a potential serial killer, and a number of missing and murdered young women in the Charleston area. Former police officer Janie Roberts has been targeted by a potential serial killer-a killer who always seems to be a step ahead of them. Who is the "them" I'm taking about? That would be Janie and her new beau Brent Taylor. It's interesting that Janie was beginning to have some suspicions on who not to trust. It was also different is what the "clue" was that was nagging at her. I did like that. Things were just starting to happen when this book ended.
I'm not a fan of books broken down like this into parts but the author did a good job of drawing the reader in. Because of the small amount of pages involved in this one and the next one, I personally would have liked to seen them folded together to make one book. But then again that is my personal preference. It's also another reason why I gave it a slightly lower rating on Amazon. That said I do have the next book, "Twisted End" on my TBR list; once again courtesy of Netgalley. I'll let you know how I like that one.

This was a very faced-paced novella full of suspense and danger. I could not put this story down. I’m fascinated by the idea of “the Gentleman” and I need to know who he is and why he wants Janie dead. It’s a good thing she has Brent on her side. I’m looking forward to the next installment of this series.

This is the second instalment and starts where the first left off in Shattered Fear, I don't normally like cliff hangers, but just like the first book, this has another and I want to find out who the culprit is

Hidden Fate written by Tara Thomas
5 Stars

Hidden Fate is part of the Sons of Broad series. I love how it picked up from Shattered Fears cliffhanger. The beginning of Hidden Fate does recap a bit so you aren’t lost, but if you remember the storyline and are anxiously awaiting the rest of the story (like myself) you won’t feel it’s too repetitive.

“For the next little while, they allowed their bodies to communicate for them.”


This book also kept me at the edge of my seat, guessing along with the characters of who could be the stalker. My heart was pounding yet I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This book has it all...chemistry, mystery, fear, suspense, love and another cliffhanger!

“Make no mistake about it. There will be funeral flowers needed fourteen days from now. The question is, who will they be needed for?”

3.5 stars--HIDDEN FATE is the second of three parts in the introductory story line of Tara Thomas’ (aka Tara Sue Me) SONS OF BROAD romantic, suspense series. This is police officer /investigator Janie Roberts, and wealthy playboy philanthropist Brent Taylor’s continuing story line. HIDDEN FATE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately following the events of part one Shattered Fear.

NOTE: If you have not read part one Shattered Fear, there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from several third person points of view including Janie and Brent HIDDEN FAT is part two of a three-part serial that focuses on a potential serial killer, and a number of missing and murdered young women in the Charleston area. Former police officer Janie Roberts has been targeted by a potential serial killer-a killer that seems all to familiar to our story line heroine. From Charleston to Washington DC, Janie and her new beau Brent Taylor will find themselves the victim of a stalker who knows a little too much about their whereabouts, and their daily destinations. What ensues are the on-going threats against Janie Roberts, and the fall out when Janie becomes the captive of a once-friendly face.

HIDDEN FATE is another quick read; a suspenseful build up that follows a madman as he is forced to make good on a promise to ‘The Gentleman’ in charge. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance continues to develop towards a happily ever after. HIDDEN FATE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

I will add, that in all honesty, I am not a fan of serialized novels, and my rating would have been higher if I did not have to review a little at a time. It is difficult to comment for any serialized story line, when there is little to no difference between each progressive instalment on the author’s writing style, world building etc. A serialized novel is ONE book that has been divided into several instalments with each successive instalment furthering the story-thusly-writing a myriad of reviews for a partial story tends to focus on the events and not on any particular changes to writing skill, structure and sound.



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Hidden Fate picks up where Shattered Fear left off as Janie Roberts life is threatened.

More groundwork is laid and evidence it exposed as Janie and Brent plan to leave Charleston for Washington DC.

Although this is the second prequel in this series, it is possible to start the series here, although as both are novellas, I recommend reading Shattered Fear first.

The pace maintains its fast speed and we begin to learn more about the Gentleman and the man working for him as they increase their intimidation towards Janie. As the intrigue increases, I can't wait to find out how this will all play out. I have my suspicions, but time will tell if I'm correct.

***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

Hidden Fate follows on the heels of Tara Thomas’ Shattered Fear. This series is listed as three novellas, but it read more of a serial release in three parts. Beginning exactly where the first stops, it would be beneficial to read these novellas in order. However, the backstory is given within the pages of Hidden Fate. For those who haven’t read the first this is most helpful; for those who it may seem redundant at times.

I am just going to go ahead and say it, I did not enjoy this novella as much as the first one. Perhaps it is because of the backstory being told when I had already read it. Or perhaps it is that the danger increases but not the overall mood of suspense. While one villain is revealed, the one that is most frightening has little to do with this novella. In the first book The Gentleman is running the show with what looked to be a reluctant henchman. Not so much in this installment.

Janie and Brent have a solid relationship Hidden Fate which came about in such a short time. Very fast to say the least. The biggest thing that readers would need to know is not the instant-love between Janie and Brent but that there is a major cliffhanger at the end. Talk about instantly, I instantly want to know what happens next in Twisted Lies, the final novella.

Brent has decided to move to Washington, D.C. and, wants to take Janie with him but, he has to make sure she is safe before anything can happen. Problem is that, it would seem that her pursuer is always one step ahead of them. Brent is beginning to think that Janie's pursuer is someone they both know and, possibly work with. That not only makes things harder, it could make it lethal!
Can't wait for the next installment!

Hidden Fate is the second of three prequel novellas that are opening up Tara Thomas’ new romantic suspense Sons of Broad series. The three novellas definitely need to be read in order together as they are all one continuing story line.

In the first novella readers were introduced to detective Janie Roberts who had been working undercover as a bartender while working a case searching for a killer. Janie had met the handsome and charming Brent Taylor and became involved with him even though he may have been a suspect in the case.

Now after being fired for getting involved with Brent Janie finds herself the new target of the serial killer even though she has left the police force. Janie and Brent find themselves growing closer as they try to evade the killer.

Being the middle of a three book set this one read just that way picking up where the first novella had left off but leaving the readers up in the air for the set up of the the third and final novella. What I found myself wishing with this one though was for Janie to show that she actually was a cop and a tough female instead of looking to Brent to protect her. Highly interested in the final novella though so hopefully this romantic suspense set will wrap up quite nicely.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This novella picks off right where the Shattered Fear Ended and continues the story of Janie and Brent.
Janie is no longer employed as a police officer. She got fired for interfering with the investigation after being put on an administrative leave because of unprofessional conduct.
That has not stopped the killer from targeting her and tormenting her with threating messages.
Brent is doing everything he can to help to keep Janie safe.
The relationship between Janie and Brent is developing to the next level, the feelings between them are getting deeper, and the commitment they have for each other is something to be taken seriously.
I enjoy Brent and Janie's story, their characters are likable without many complications. The suspense is intense, and I am invested to see who the culprits are, even though I do have my suspicions.
With the first novella, I was under the impression that it was just a little prologue to whet the appetite towards the upcoming series. Now that this has turned into a serial novel of three parts before the first full-length novel in the series, I am apprehensive. Serial novels are a big turn-off for me, and I easily lose interest with them. I liked this story, all right, but I am ready for it to move on and get to the real action, depth, and intensity of a full-length novel.
A likable and intriguing continuation to the story of Janie and Brent that again ended with a cliffhanger.
~ Three Spoons

La traque continue et l'étau se resserre dans cette nouvelle qui suit Shattered Fear ( vous pouvez lire mon avis sur le tome 0.5 en cliquant ICI) . Nous retrouvons avec grand plaisir Janie et Brent dans leur course poursuite contre le tueur en série qui semble en avoir précisément après l'ex policière.

Janie Roberts est donc confrontée à de nombreuses reprises aux cadeaux macabres du mystérieux bras droit de The Gentleman. Une fois de plus , nous avons accès à l'envers du décor et les doutes ne semblent plus trop permis quant à l'identité de cet exécuteur. Janie devra donc adapter sa nouvelle vie avec Brent à ce nouveau fait. Elle est bien entourée et pourra compter sur son petit ami pour la soutenir dans les divers situations auxquelles elle fera face. Qu'elle soit à Charleston ou à Washington, les choses ne changent pas mais elle refuse de se laisser dicter sa vie par la peur. Elle va poser ses idées et déterminer qui peut toujours avoir un coup d'avance.



Brent est toujours aussi adorable et j'ai aimé le côté protecteur qui se dégage de lui. Il aime profondément Janie et ce coup de foudre semble bien réciproque. Dès lors, il refusera que Janie s'éloigne ou reste seule. La première rencontre avec Bea , la soeur de Brent, se fera donc de manière assez tendue puisque la 1ère rose mortuaire aura été livrée. Tara Thomas parvient à glisser des moments de romance au sein de ce thriller et ces parenthèses allègent un peu la tension tout en maintenant ce sens du danger.



Quand à Alyssa , je me pose toujours autant de questions vis à vis d'elle. Je ne sens pas cette extrême loyauté vis à vis de Janie. Elles étaient collègues et même si elle permet à Janie de poursuivre son enquête , je ne parviens pas à lui faire confiance. Son couple avec Mac ne semble pas être au beau fixe et on verra si elle s'implique plus dans la prochaine nouvelle. Les questions restent en suspens et le dénouement nous promet de beaux rebondissements.

Bref, cette seconde nouvelle bien que courte nous permet d'avancer dans notre enquête. Tara Thomas a réussi le subtil dosage de thriller, de suspense et de romance. Nous nous attachons de plus en plus aux héros principaux et nous attendons la suite avec impatience

Wow! I love a good suspense read! Hidden Fate hit the spot for me when it comes to mystery and drama. Janie is a great heroine! She is strong and brave. What I loved about her character is that she knows when she can lean on Brent. These two definitely love each other and are ready to start their lives together. But the danger lurking in the shadows has a hold on Janie. But now she is ready to end the terror once and for all.

The ending was surprising and had me on the edge. One minute there was pure bliss, and then a second later my heart was racing. I was hoping Brent would save the day, but other plans intervened. What will happen next? Hidden Fate ends with a cliff hanger, but it is the perfect ending. You will be itching to know what happens next! I love how Tara incorporated the romance with the suspense. I love Brent and Janie being together. I just hope they will have their HEA.

The second novella in Tara Thomas' "Sons of Broad" series, "Hidden Fate" takes off from where "Shattered Fear" ended. Yes, the stalker who has been terrorising Janie is still after her. His methods are getting more and more gruesome. And with being fired from her job, Janie has no choice but to try to find answers on her own.

Brent is still by her side and is determined to protect her and help her to track this psychopath down. Brent is also at a crossroads in his life. With his impending career change and move, will his relationship with Janie survive?

As the attacks come one after the other, so does the clues as to who may be behind them. Another short and exciting novella by Tara Thomas. Can't wait to find out how this series will end!

This book left me wanting novella number 3 and the full novel. Kept me wondering what the killer will do next....I love the chemistry between Janie and Brent......this book is fast paced and very suspenseful.

The first part ended on a cliffhanger and this one picks up right where it left off.

Janie and Brent are happy with each other, but the lurking danger is unsettling and the motive remains a mystery. Somehow, this situation brings them even closer together and Brent becomes more protective and would do anything to protect her.

Janie puts on a brave face and with each threat she becomes more unsettled. Then she starts to take it upon herself to try and put the pieces together. The Police Department isn't getting anywhere, and the problem is that the murderer is always a step ahead. Is it someone they know?

They attend an event against Brent's better judgement and just when Janie thinks that she might know the culprit, everything blows up. Literally!

Here comes another cliffhanger!

This second installment is just as fast paced. Danger lurks in every corner. It's also romantic and sexual. The suspense makes for a real page turner and I can't wait to see what the next installment brings. Nail biting stuff!

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

This is the second of this trilogy prequel and things have really moved along. The killer has Janie in his sites and now we know who the killer is and yes, I had it right. Not sure what made me think it was him in the first book but that feeling is proven. There are some broken threads of the story but overall it works and I'm enjoying this story. Make sure you read Shattered Fear before this one or you will be lost.

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

3.25⭐
Hidden Fate picked right up where Shattered Fear left off and overall was a good read.

Although it didn't have much in the way of suspense or intrigue; and I was able to guess pretty quickly who was responsible for terrorising Janie.

Bit even so, it was still an engaging, quick and easy read. That I did for the most part enjoy. And it finished with a cliffhanger that certainly left me wanting to find out what happens next.