Cover Image: Arden

Arden

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
Keera thought that she would be safe in this new town.
This was her second chance at a new life.
Arden was intrigued by the new school principal.
When Keera is in danger, Arden is there to protect her.
Will Keera trust Arden to protect her heart as well ?
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!

Was this review helpful?

I love Melody Anne, she’s become one of my favourite authors. Hers stories are filled with drama, passion & humour. I also love how her series are all interconnected somehow. Arden & Keera are a great couple, they’re both strong but have an underlying passion. The drama unfolding around Keera brings the protective side out in Arden & also the stubborn side of Keera. The past has been hard on Keera but what she doesn’t know is that the past is about fear its ugly head & open up old wounds & cause new ones. For Arden it’s going to be a revelation that will surprise him with how he wants this all to end. We also get to meet the Forbes brothers & sister again which is always fun & intense. I’m wondering who the next story is going to be about.......Owen or Declan? Definitely recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

I love Melody Anne books and this one is another one of her great hits. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. All of the brothers and fantastic and the way that they show up in the stories so that you can get to know them is wonderful.

Was this review helpful?

Though I haven’t read Kian’s story, the first installment in the series, it was easy enough to get caught up with the family and each member...so Arden’s story can be read as a stand alone.

There were parts of the story that were suspenseful and believable, but then there were parts that read more like a cozy mystery...instances where I felt she was TSTL with her mindset that she didn’t need anyone’s help. She would rush into a dangerous situations herself...arguing with and confronting a knife yielding man by walking up to him to question him...pushing Arden and/or Declan away when there was supposed danger so she could talk care it herself.

Keera thought everything evolved around her, she was fixated on how she felt and what was happening to her without regard to how those around were bing impacted, I felt it bordered on narcissistic tendencies.

I’d like to see where this series goes, I’m curious about the remaining siblings, but I just hate to be disappointed with further stories.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I had high expectations of Arden, what with that sexy cover! Still, this story of a beautiful high school principal with a secret who meets her match in a sexy football coach who just happens to be a billionaire didn't quite hit the mark as I had hoped.

There's a mystery at the high school where Keera has moved to escape a tragic, mysterious past. Strange break-ins and warnings has the football coach, Arden, suddenly taking notice of his beautiful principal. But wait, he's hot too. For some reason, as they discover their mutual attraction, I could only think "what the heck?" I mean, they're not kids, so why the internal agonizing about each others every move? They seemed more like teenagers than confident adults when it comes to their relationship.

The brightest spot is Max. He's a retired police dog and he has this internal sixth sense when Keera is in danger and he's super protective of her after just one meeting. Arden's irritation with Max is a source of amusement, especially as he grudgingly realizes the canine is intelligent and the way into Keera's affections. Because of Max, I gave this book 2.5 stars and rounded up to 3.

Conveniently, Arden has a brother who just happens to be FBI and he's called in to help with the investigation at the school. The culprit is pretty easy to figure out, the only wrench is when the perpetrator is revealed to have a relationship to Keera and her father. Did not see that coming. It also felt so, for lack of a better word, convenient. I didn't not like it, but I didn't really love it either.

Mahalo to #NetGalley and #MontlakeRomance for the ARC of #Arden, #romanticsuspense.

Was this review helpful?

I have to say I loved Arden and Keera's story. It is a fast paced, action packed, somewhat steamy read that had me from the very beginning with getting Max (the dog) who I fell in love with. The story-line on this one was different from any I've read and I just couldn't put it down.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second book in this series and it was an enjoyable read. The characters were strong, well written with chemistry and the plot of their story moved along well. I enjoyed this book from the start and would recommend it to others.

Was this review helpful?

Arden’s story was so much better than Kian’s. Filled with suspense and mystery from start to finish, I was hooked. Add in a well trained, lovable dog that seems to have a human-like personality? Gold!!

I was instantly drawn in to Arden’s character. Having met him in the previous book, there was something about his character that spoke to me. As with all of the Forbes siblings, the bank accounts are extensive but their career choices are an extension of who they are and in each case those shoes professions that serve their community. In Arden’s case he became a teacher/couch. He takes pride in educating children in the high school he attended. He’s well respect and loves his job

But coincidentally, things start to happen at the school that seem connected to the new and beautiful school principal. Arden is faced with protecting his school and its students, as well as determining if Keera is the threat or in need of his protection as well.

This story was filled with suspense and passion and had me invested from start to finish.

Was this review helpful?

Ah, man. Give me more of this series. I am so so in love with these guys. I cannot get enough of them.

Was this review helpful?

I really wanted to love this one...

The storyline is actually great! The plot with Arden who is a high school history teacher and football coach is actually great. I'm actually not sure how he is a billionaire...probably because his family is loaded and he inherited money? Or his family owns a company and they get money from it? I can't remember because maybe I skimmed this part of the story or the info wasn't provided by the author (though I did a search again and STILL found no information on why the Forbes family is rich!). I am a little confused by the series title because Arden is supposed to be an Undercover Billionaire, but in the small town of Edmonds, Washington everyone knows that the entire Forbes family is wealthy (again, not sure why).

Keera is the new school principal to the Edmonds high school and wants to make a difference in the lives of the students at the school. She was glad to move from a busy school to a smaller school where she could better affect change. She has somewhat a secret past and all unfolds in the story. The issue I had was I felt that there was too much hinting for most of the story that at the end when all was revealed it fell a little flat for me and that things were wrapped up so quickly at the end. And some things weren't even wrapped up. Maybe we will find out about the information from the piece of paper from her deceased brother in Owen's book?

The plot itself would've been great if the execution was also there, but the words that the author used by the author didn't really reel me into the story. Halfway through the book I had gotten frustrated and started skimming through the book to get finished faster. I'm not really sure if I will even read Owen's story, but if it is provided in Kindle Unlimited I may give it a try. I am really interested in Declan's story...the brother in the FBI.

Was this review helpful?

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
Triggers: suicide

Keera is the new principal at the local high school, just wanting to do her job and fit in. She hesitated to take the job here because several years ago, her little brother was murdered here. As the daughter of a drug kingpin she's not proud of the life her father lived or the way he walked away from his family when the authorities got close.

Arden is a history teacher and the football coach at the high school. It’s all that he ever wanted to do. Everyone in town knows he doesn't have to work because his family has money, but that doesn't matter to him. He likes knowing that he's having a positive impact on his community in a meaningful way.

When Keera is hurt at school, Arden finds that it bothers him on a deeper level. There's something about Keera that calls to his soul, that soothes his rough edges. Keera likes Arden but knows that she's out of his league. She doesn't want to tell him about her messed up family but the more she gets to know him, the more she realizes that she can trust him with her secrets. Especially when the threats against her get even more serious.

Keera's emotional upset at the death of her father and her subsequent assault is heart-wrenching. Arden's careful tenderness with Keera is great and the way he sees to her comfort is endearing.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in the series, although it links in with previous series too. It could be read as a standalone, but you will probably want to read Kian’s story as soon as you finish Arden.

Living life as a secondary school teacher and football coach, Arden is happy with his life and the philanthropic ways taught him by his parents. But when new Principal Keera finds herself and the school in danger, he steps in. And finds that she may just be the woman with whom he wants a future.

Keera has had a pretty unusual and difficult family life and now she is a self-made and solitary woman. In a competitive world, with a lot to prove, she is very independent. So, when Arden steps up she isn’t sure how to react. She, however, recognises that there is a chemistry between them that may need to be explored. Pity her life is going crazy and he and his FBI brother are constantly putting out fires.

The drama is small town, but with imported drug dealer chaos, and the resolution brings drama of its own. I loved the complications of family, issues of wealth and best of all, darling ex-police dog Max.

Lovely story with a perfect ending and much more excitement to come from the rest of the as yet unpaired brothers.

PS – Just one thing I didn’t get: what happened to Angela at the end?


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Mystery, Romance
Triggers: Suicide, Drugs

This book can be read as a standalone, but you might want to read book one just to tie everything together.

Arden is happy coaching football and teaching in his hometown. He also has a slight crush on the new school principal. When his brother comes to him and discloses that there is a drug issue within the school, Arden is both sad and angry. Arden is also slightly frustrated that his brother drops Max, a retired police dog off too. Arden and Max's job – to sniff out if there are drugs at the school.

Keera has a complicated past. She is trying to move pass that, but when her past collides with her present, Keera will have to confide and figure out if someone is trying to hurt her directly or is just using her past to hurt the community.

Arden is sweet when it comes to dealing with Keera. He is also very protective of her. Keera is a strong woman who has overcome her past in order to be who she is now. When she is confronted with that past, she will experience frustration and loss all over again. Keera will lean on Arden for that.

This was a sweet story with a unique twist. While it wasn't my favorite when it comes to mystery-romances, it is a quick read that is entertaining.

Was this review helpful?

Arden Forbes is a dedicated High School history teacher and football coach. Few people know that he is a billionaire thanks to his families wealth.

Keera Thompson is running from her troubled past. Finding a job as a High School principal in this small, sleepy town is just the thing she needs for a new start. When her past finds her, Arden steps in and protects her every time there is a problem.

Keera does not want to share her past with Arden because it will bring back the memories. As the situation escalates, Keera must tell Arden about her past. Will it bring them closer together or drive him away.

The first chapter or two moved slowly as the plot was established, but once I got past the second chapter, the story picked up. I liked the twists and turns in this novel. Arden was a great hero and poor Keera was such a strong character that had been through a lot. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!

Was this review helpful?

This book continues the Undercover Billionaire series. Arden is a billionaire history teacher who comes to the rescue of his new principal, Keera. As they work together to figure out who is behind recent events, their attraction deepens. I liked Arden and his family. Keera’s decision-making was frustrating at times. Overall it was a nice read and would spend more time with the Forbes Clan. Thanks to Montlake Romance for the ARC of this title via NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

A sexy Forbes brother! Arden’s is the second story of the brothers and Kian needs his help. Drugs, danger, suspense and a steamy romance makes this an exciting entertaining read. Arden and Keera make a great couple and team up to save their school and the kids. But Max stole the show! For me, it was a stretch that Arden, the sexy billionaire, is a high school teacher but it was admirable and made for a good storyline. I’m looking forward to the next sexy Forbes brother story.

Was this review helpful?

I love Melody's books they are always about super rich hunky men and the romances are so easy to read. Arden is the second book in the undercover billionaire series. Arden has been a teacher at Edmonds High School for ten years and though he doesn't need the money he loves working with the kids. His brother arrives on his doorstep with a retired police dog. There is information that drugs are doing the rounds in the school and Max the dog is there to sniff them out.

Keera is the new school Principal with a secret past. There is a strong attraction between the two main characters but Keera tries to avoid getting involved. As strange things start to happen arounds Keera, Arden steps up to protect her and they both become unable to resist their feelings for each other. The passion between them is very hot and sexy and you have to fall in love with Arden!

This is more than a love story it is a mystery and a thriller with some very strange twists and turns and an ending that you do not see coming. The characters are very well written and my favourite was definitely Max the Dog! A great read not to be missed.

Was this review helpful?

I was kind of disappointed by this. I felt like there was no lead up to the romance, the male lead is pushy and take charge. I didn't feel any connection between the two main characters - just a lead man trying to "save" a female.

Was this review helpful?

This started straight away. A break in to the school and drugs found inside almost immediately.

I didn’t really “get” the Keera and Arden relationship though. She had already been there a while when all this started. They noticed each other straight away. I am unsure why it took a dog, a break in etc for them to finally get together.

I found the mystery surrounding Keera’s family a bit boring and honestly wasn’t that bothered by what the “bad guys” had on her. I also couldn’t help but think she wasn’t giving Arden enough credit to his character when it came down to it.

In the end I found this is be slow, not particularly anti-climatic or much of a mystery. I wasn’t sucked in by the love story either so for me this was just an average read.

Was this review helpful?

New series…new billionaires…. and the matchmaking continues….

Melody Anne’s “Undercover Billionaires” continues with the second sibling “Arden” Forbes tackling the affairs of his heart on and off the field. Billionaire he may be but he is humble and working with high school kids and keeping them of out of trouble gives him satisfaction that his immense wealth doesn’t. Now if only the new school Principal falls in line with his heart as easy!

Keera Thompson is trying to escape a past and start fresh and the fresh start seems to be very tempting in the form of Arden Forbes. Keera has dangerous baggage that seems to burden her budding relationship with Arden, and unless she comes clean any chance of a future is in jeopardy.

“Arden” is so much more interesting to read than “Kian”. This is the second time I totally liked the character of Arden. So far the Forbes siblings are gaining ground over their heroines. Melody Anne gives us a far better story to this Forbes sibling.

Received an ARC from Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Arden Forbes is not only a teacher but also the football coach at the local high school. The fact that he’s a billionaire is not important to him. He loves what he does. Arden is also very attracted to the new principal, Keera Thompson. Even thou he can sense that she is very guarded, he knows that she also has an attraction towards him. When a series of school break-ins seem to surround her, Arden decides to protect her, hopefully, she will trust him with whatever secrets she’s keeping about her past. Arden is a patient man, and he will take his time getting to know Keera, if it means he can win her heart.
As events keep escalating and putting her in danger, Keera thinks her past is catching up to her. Can she trust Arden with her secrets, and hope he doesn’t turn away from her.
I have always loved Melody Anne’s writing, and this is one is just fabulous!

Was this review helpful?

Kerra moves to a small town to escape her past. She is a new principle and when she meets teacher Arden she feels nervous around him. When it seems drugs are being bought into this small community she feels like people might blame her. She has made her school her top priority and asks for help from the kids. As breakings at her office and then her home start to point to someone after her. So she moves in with Arden, their sexual chemistry is driving them crazy. Arden has not been with someone for a long time he was not prepared for his feelings toward Kerra. The rest of this intriguing and sexually charged story has you on the edge of your set to the very end.

Was this review helpful?