Hidden

by Leigh Skarin

Noah -

I’ve carefully stayed hidden for years…until Hope crashes into my life.

From the minute we meet, I can’t stand her. Her vibrancy awakens what’s been dead in me too long. When I’m around her, I feel again. Annoyed. Angry. Alive .

In a moment of weakness, I offer to be her fake fiancé when she needs help. Problem is, I’m genuinely falling for her. She's infinitely more than I bargained for.

But I’m nobody’s hero . The sooner she realizes that, the better.

Letting g o is my only option.

Hidden is a steamy, stand-alone romance about a grumpy hero and the upbeat nurse who challenges everything he thinks he knows. Guaranteed to make you laugh, swoon and maybe even cry.

Due to explicit sexual content and mature language, Hidden is intended for readers over 18. Trigger Warning: deals with grief and PTSD

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Slow Burn, Fake Dating, Contemporary

623 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2023

Reviews

[Jess - Reader of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If you and me as a ‘we’ lasts only a moment, that’s enough for me.”

You might have noticed I’ve been reading ARCs back to back this month. And one of the reasons why was so I would be able to read this big boy! Let me tell you, I did good *pats herself on the back* because I can’t imagine not knowing Noah & Hope.

A broken hero. A FMC who refuses to be broken. An unexpected encounter that forever changes him. A restart. A new beginning. Hope.

This was a powerful journey through grief and love. Through 9/11 and the aftermath. Through losing someone who meant the world to us and trying to find a place in… the world left behind.

Hope was the ray of sunshine that forced itself through the clouds of Noah’s life. And she brought a family with her. 🖤

What’s inside:
🖤grump x sunshine
🖤neighbor romance
🖤slow burn
🖤fake engagement
🖤broken hero
🖤close proximity
🖤veteran & nurse

Adult. 4 stars ⭐️

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, Hidden surprised me in the best way! I don’t accept many ARCs from authors I haven’t read before, but Leigh was so sweet and her book sounded so intriguing that I gave it a shot. I’m so glad I did, definitely worth a read!

Sweet nurse Hope is looking to escape her past and start a new life in Denver. When she (literally) runs into incredibly rude and socially awkward Noah, she’s curious rather than put off by his gruff exterior. Though he continually pushes her away, Noah eventually finds that he feels comfortable around Hope, something he hasn’t felt around anyone in years. In a moment of weakness, Noah agrees to attend Hope’s mother’s wedding as her fake fiancé. Though the trip is a struggle for him, he finds himself starting to fall for Hope and she for him. However, Noah has some unresolved guilt and untreated PTSD that makes him believe he’s incapable of a relationship. Hope wants to help him, and he can see how her sunny demeanor and optimistic perspective could help him, but will he let her?

Omg, I LOVE a broken hero, and Noah is SO broken. His unwillingness to address his problems was frustrating, but I love that he was eventually willing to get the help he needs (beyond using Hope as a distraction). I liked that Hope was more than just a foil for Noah - she had her own trauma she was working through. And y’all, the spice? Despite being closed off and emotionally unavailable, Noah is a dirty talker and IT. IS. HOT.

I’ve kind of avoided reading romances with any kind of military aspect (my husband is a veteran so it hits too close to home), but I LOVED how Noah’s time in Afghanistan and his subsequent PTSD were handled. I cried through that entire chapter; it was hard to read but very well done.

My one complaint about this book is that it was REALLY long. This book is like Lucy Score length. Some of the dialogue and sub plots seemed unnecessary, though the important parts flowed well.

If you are looking for a sweet and spicy grumpy/sunshine romance, give Hidden a shot! The book is out on May 24th.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Most of you know my reviews are mainly based on the emotions the storyline/characters pull from me, I’m not usually an emotional person but this book had me sobbing not just once, but twice! 83% broke me and then I was a goner for the rest of the book.

Hidden is a slow burn, grumpy/sunshine romance, as the story builds it deals with a few hard hitting topics, Noah Steele went to war after 9/11 and returned a different man, he suffers with PTSD and has basically shut himself off from the world…until he bumps into Hope Brighton one day.

Hope is the brightness to Noah’s darkness, she’s funny, sassy and not put off by his gruff exterior.
The more time Noah spends with Brighton (yes, he calls her by her surname, there’s a reason…and it’s heartbreaking) he soon realises how much he needs & wants Hope in his life, but he knows this can’t happen whether Hope wants it or not until he seeks help for his PTSD and faces his past.
Hope also has a heartbreaking past, the characters shared grief pulls you into their stories and you will find yourself willing them to find a way through the darkness together.

Their journey to HEA is a lengthy process, we get to see Noah’s playful side, Hope’s witty comebacks were a joy to read, the back & forth as they try to find their way into a relationship, oh and Noah’s alpha side in the bedroom was yummy, when he began to give up his control was even yummier.

Hidden is a story about heartbreak & healing, and it’s definitely worth a read ❤️

[Tammy - · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden is a grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, fake fiance romance that will tug at your heartstrings.

Noah has stayed hidden for years, no longer allowing himself to enjoy a life that he doesn't feel he deserves. When Hope (literally) crashes into his life, she brings to life a part of him that he long ago shut down. When Noah is with Hope, he feels again and that annoys him. It makes him angry, makes him want to push her away. Instead, he finds himself agreeing to help her by pretending to be engaged to her. As he starts to fall for her, he only has one option left to save her. He has to let her go.

This is a long story that deals with some heavy topics, and at times, it does start to feel somewhat weighed down. It's a slow burn, but once it catches fire, it burns hot. This is a steamy read with plenty of sexy times, some witty banter and lots of feel-good romance. Although it's not overly angsty, there are a few heartbreaking moments throughout especially some of the flashbacks. Honestly though, I would have liked to have peeked into the past a little more, before the hard times came.

As this book deals with grief and PTSD, there are triggers here for some readers so read with caution. This grumpy hero and sunshine nurse may have a rough road, but their HEA will leave you smiling in the end.

[Jamie Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this beauty, from the sweetest author Leigh Skarin. Thank you for letting me read the ARC.

This story was so beautiful. It was pure, and silly with some very real emotions. As someone you has suffered from PTSD (not from military) I truly feel you did the feelings and mental health of it all justice.

This was a grumpy × sunshine, fake engagement, slow burn. Leigh was apprehensive about me reading it because slow burn is my least favorite trope. Even though it is a true slow burn, I wasn't dying inside waiting for the action. There was enough story going on that the angst wasn't too thick.

[Love Books Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Excited to check out Deacon’s story in book 2!

Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine

Triggers: PTSD, Mentions time in service, Death of friends, Death of sister, Car accident

Liked: I love a grumpy MMC when there is genuine reason to be (as opposed to some where they’re just plain rude for no reason)! And Hope was his perfect counterpart! To say she had also been through trauma, she really helped brighten (or should I say Brighton) his lonely world! Plus Noah is one good dirty talker! 🔥

Disliked: It started off as 5 stars, but it slightly dragged in parts towards the end.

OW/OM: No manwhore! Both have been celibate for at least 2 years.

[nikkyireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew. Over 600 pages, but it's worth every page. Noah and Hope are the definitions of Grumpy/Sunshine. Both characters have been through trauma, but it's impacted them differently. Noah is broken, and Hope refuses to be. This was an emotional journey, but it was worth every tear.

↳ Grumpy x Sunshine
↳ Nurse x War Veteran
↳ Smalltown Romance
↳ Protective MMC
↳ Secret Millionaire
↳ Fake Fiancé
↳ All the Angst
↳ Emotional
↳ Slowburn

📍 “You make me feel alive.”

📍 “When I’m with you, all of my pain seems like it could be swallowed up in the light of your brightness, like I could be absolved from my sins.”

📍 “When I’m with you, I don’t feel lost.”

[Jade Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Carey S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much of this story takes place around Denver, Colorado, but there are scenes set in Florida and in Afghanistan as well. The main storyline centers on Noah Steele and Hope Brighton. Both of these protagonists are deeply wounded. Noah has taken his pain and used it as a shield to keep others out of his life. His PTSD gets triggered easily, and mundane things to most people can set him off because of a past trauma. Hope has taken her pain and used it as fuel to enjoy as many beautiful moments in each day as she can. She finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, and she spreads that joy without even trying. Noah firmly believes he is a bad bet for anyone to get close to, while Hope sees pain as well as goodness within him. Noah tries to push Hope away, but she keeps returning to bring more light and joy into his life, and soon he doesn’t want to push her away any longer.

There is a lot of heart in this story, as well as quite a bit of heat. Noah has been torturing himself for five years over something that occurred while he was serving in the military in Afghanistan. Hope has been hurting as well, having lost her own sister in a car accident. She moved across the country from Florida to Colorado to give herself a fresh start. She was tired of the pity she was getting from the people who knew her in Florida, after her sister died. Both Noah and Hope have to face some tough stuff, but Noah’s is a different type of pain from Hope’s. Both are very challenging, and both have a lot of growing to do throughout this story. There are several ups and downs to navigate, but there is a HEA ending in store for those who finish this heartwarming story.

Get your tissues ready toward the end; when Noah finally tells his story, it is heart wrenching. Hope has had a strong support system for most of her life, while Noah decided to go it alone, even though he could have had much more support if he had wanted it. He just couldn’t see that in the midst of his own pain. There is a beautiful ending for this story, and Noah’s courage in facing his own trauma is very laudable. Leigh Skarin does an amazing job of bringing it all to life in a believable manner. She cuts through to the heart of why both Noah and Hope are the way they are, and it is beautiful! As an added bonus, she has some beautiful dedications at the end of the story.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I stay up all night reading this of cousre I did. This book is everything. The plot was amazing, the characters were amazing, and the development was really good too. I couldn't put this book down and you won't either if you pick this up. I really liked both the MC’s in this book Noah and Hope. This book will put you through the wringer with your emotions. I cried several times reading this but dang it was worth it. This book is amazing. First thing that jumped out at me about Noah is that he listened to Three Days Grace Animal I Have Become and that is one of my favorite songs ever. So Yea he and I are besties now. LOL. Noah is a returning soldier who went to war after 9/11 and suffers with PTSD which gets triggered easily and he basically shut himself off from the rest of the world. My heart broke for him. I couldn't imagine anything that he had to go through or what he saw so I could understand that as someone who has family that was in the military and navy. While he was grumpy and closed off you could tell that he had it in him to open up and to be a great guy. I really loved him. Then you have Hope who also has a heartbreaking past. She is the brightness in this story even with her past. She has so much light in her that I want to be her bestie. She took her pain and used it to enjoy as many beautiful moments in each day that she can. She finds joy in the simple things in life and she spreads that joy without even trying to. She's funny, sassy, and doesn't get turned off by Noah’s grumpiness. Their journey to their happy ending is a long process. The characters share grief and when they share this you really get pulled into the book with them. You can imagine yourself there with them and it's heartbreaking. Throughout their journey we get to see several things that make this all worth it: Noah’s playful side, Hop’s witty comebacks will make you laugh and the back and forth between them as they find their way into the relationship. But we can't forget the spice in this book. While I did not find this book to be super spicy there was some in there and it was really hot. Noah’s alpha side and his wicked hot mouth was amazing. *Fans self* I'm telling you don't let the thickness of this book put you off. It will draw you in instantly and you will not only fall in love with the story, but with the characters as well. 

[Holly Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh Skarin is one of my most favorite authors, which is a little odd considering I'm a Dark Romance girlie through and through. But there is something about her books that makes them stand out so much more than your typical contemporary romance style reads. Oh, and the naughty stuff phew she does that next level! But this book hits for so many reasons other than just the spice.

Noah's story was one I was putting off reading because of the military side. I lost someone I cared deeply for to his battle with PTSD from his time in the Marines. I was worried that the book wouldn't do the struggle these men and women go through justice, but man, was I wrong.

Leigh does an outstanding job of describing Noah's struggles, how deep they go, how hard they are to recognize, and especially how hard it is to seek help. She gives Noah's story so much, meaning it's amazing. His trauma is deep between survivors' guilt, PTSD, and anxiety his life isn't easy, and she doesn't gloss over that his coping methods aren't healthy, but they're what he knows.

Hope is a whirlwind of an FMC, and her story isn't perfect either, but she is at a point in her life where even tho she may not fully understand Noah's struggles, she can emphasize with them and support him.

This book is not a quick spicy read it's deep, and it's traumatic at times but that is necessary to do Noah and Hope justice and to shed light on what Military Veterans and their families go through daily.

Veteran PTSD is a very real issue, and 22 military veterans lose their silent battles to PTSD a day. Understanding that battle isn't easy, but the more we as civilians try to help and support these men and women, the more we can help stop that 22 from happening. I wasn't able to help Jason, and that was an emotional/mental battle that I had to overcome, and it took years, but it was nothing compared to the battle he and others go through daily. But there are resources, and if you aren't sure what you can do for someone needing help, reach out and ask questions. Our veterans deserve better from us. 🇺🇲💙

Rest Easy Joker-1 🩶 1988-2018

#veteransawareness #leighskarinwrites #leighskarin

[Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in the Let Me Love You Series by Author Leigh Skarin. Each story will follow a different couple in a shared world. While I suggest reading in order, I started with book 2 and had no problem following what was happening. I feel that you would enjoy the overall story if you begin with this book here. Please check the content warnings of this book before diving in. There are some very heart wrenching subjects that could be difficult for some readers.

“When I’m with you, all of my pain seems like it could be swallowed up in the light of your brightness, like I could be absolved from my sins.”

We follow Noah and Hope as they meet. Noah is the tough as nails Investor with a past that he cannot forget. Hope is the Nurse who is in a new city trying to move on from a loss that she cannot get over. What they don't realize is that they can both help each other heal but will Noah allow that when he feels he doesn't deserve future. A story so full of grief and angst that you will think about this story for a long time after you read that last page.

This is a very powerful and emotional story that drew me in from the very beginning. The story of Noah and Hope is one that is very close to my heart and I will be thinking about for a very long time. The writing brings to light a subject close to my heart. As I am a military wife, this story really hits close to home. The way Leigh describes the pain and torment of Noah's grief was so realistic and very well done. Hope also has a trauma of losing someone close and together they work through those losses. A very heartfelt story that had me crying the last half of the book. I am truly surprised that this story has not received more accolades. You can tell the author did her research and this story will change how you look at the hero's of our military and medical fields. If you love a book that will alter your life and truly make you understand the feeling of not wanting to move on but you find a way, this one is for you. A story of loss, love, survivors guilt and healing, this book will CHANGE your life. Please go support this author and this amazing story.

[Romance Reads Reviewed by K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Hidden by Leigh Skarin. It's a steamy romance with tropes like fake engagement, grumpy/sunshine, forced/close proximity, and opposites attract. That is written in first person, dual POV.

At first glance, Noah, the hero, is a massive asshole, but as the story continued and I slowly got to know him, I fell utterly in love with him. His story is sad; it made me bawl my eyes out, but I loved Noah's growth. He was broken when he met Hope, but once Noah decided he wanted to live again, he went for it and worked hard. I liked seeing his sweet, playful side and his protective side come out.
As someone who suffers from PTSD (not military), I want to give the author an extra shout-out for the realistic way she portrayed it.
Hope also had a sad past, filled with grief and sadness, but her way of dealing with it was completely the opposite of Noah's. She didn't want to be broken and chose to live life to the fullest.
I adored these two together, they were so sweet and kind to each other, and their banter was funny.

I also adored Oli, one of the side characters, he was such a sweet man, and I love how Hope and Noah took care of him.

Leigh Skarin has a fluent writing style, and created a realistic world with multi-layered characters that show massive growth throughout the story.

Hidden is so much more than a steamy romance; it's an emotional story about heartbreak, loss, grief, healing, and allowing yourself to live again.
While there were moments my heart broke and I bawled my eyes out, there were also plenty of funny, sweet moments; this ensured the story wasn't too heavy.




WHY READ HIDDEN?
Slow burn
Grumpy/sunshine
Neighbor romance
Fake engagement
Close proximity
Opposites attract
Broken hero
Hero = veteran, heroine = nurse
Steamy
Super emotional (have tissues nearby)
Some giggles and sweet, swoony moments
Mental health rep.
TW: PTSD, grief

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden is an emotional slow burn romance by Leigh Skarin featuring a broken, grumpy war veteran and a sassy nurse that radiates pure sunshine. The course of Noah’s life changed on 9/11, and a catastrophic deployment propelled him into a dark life of solitude. When Hope Brighton bombarded her way into his life, he couldn’t seem to resist her charm. So when she needed a fake fiancé for an event, of course, he stepped in. The question is, as she scales the walls around his heart, will he allow himself to accept the love and happiness he deserves?

I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while, and I finally made time! What a beautiful emotional experience! As a daughter of a Vietnam Veteran who suffered terribly with PTSD, the military hero stories with mental health rep mean a lot to me. I read them, despite the difficulty, as a way to pay my respect and keep the awareness going. This book was hella long, but the characters were phenomenal and the authenticity of the emotion and the reactions were top notch. I felt every emotion with them. I laughed, swooned, blushed, and cried. Hope aka Brighton was a truly inspirational character for the way she was able to reach Noah with lightness and banter, accept his limitations while he was working through things, and just be his soft place to land. Really, he was that for her too, which is why they were so perfect together. They had both suffered tremendous loss and could relate on another level. Their romance was entertaining to watch as well, as it was a slow burn that eventually erupted into a blazing fire!!🥵 Everyone has gone through the heartbreak and grief of loss. This is a story about finding that light in the darkness and pulling yourself through to the other side. Please give this book a chance!! I can’t wait to read Deacon’s story!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶

[Christina (christinareadsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice- 🌶🌶🌶

Leigh reached out to me on Instagram to see if I would be interested in reading Devoted, her upcoming book that releases next month. We talked back and forth and I decided to be an ARC reader for that book. She explained it was 2nd in a series of standalones, but that I didn't have to read Hidden to read Devoted. I wanted the full picture, so I wanted to read Hidden first. I honestly didn't know much about it going into it.... but wow it was amazing!!!

⬇️ Tropes ⬇️
Veteran with PTSD
Nurse who is new to town
Hurt/comfort
Light Primal Play
Hand Necklaces
Slow burn, but it's worth the wait
Close Proximity

Hope and Noah's story will stick with me. Hidden is very character driven, so we were deep into Noah's grief and ptsd. My heart broke for him. I have a soft spot for veterans with ptsd. My husband was in The Army and served 1 tour in Iraq in 2003-2004. His first year adjusting to civilian life was very hard and there was a situation that was very similar to Noah and Jenna's with him and I. It was terrifying, but we worked through it and got past it. Because of the things we've been through, I connected to Noah on a deeper level.

Hope was his missing piece in life and I'm thankful she never gave up on him. Noah did the hard work, but without Hope, he wouldn't have been able to do it. This is Noah's story about living again. Even though he's a character in a book, I'm so proud of him.

Hidden is chonkie! It's a little over 600 pages. With it being so long and character driven, I felt like I went through the trenches with this one. Could it have been shorter? Maybe? But if it was shorter, we wouldn't have gotten all of these moments with Noah and Hope. I really feel like every word was meant to be in this book.

If you are looking for a heartfelt, deep character driven book, this is definitely one you should add to your tbr!

[Brittany (happy.ending.always) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything. I couldn’t put it down. The minute I read it I wanted to read it all over again. And the spice, I had to fan myself, it is sooo hot. Noah Steele is everything! Protective as all heck. Grumpy to the core! But oh is he fire inside.

Hidden is a beautiful story of enemies to friendship to love, with a fake relationship thrown in for some fun. I mean it when I say, it has a little bit of everything for everyone and a lot of greatness for all!!! The book cover is stunning. I’m a big fan of Leigh’s and when I saw she was writing a grumpy/sunshine book I couldn’t wait to read it.

I love love love these two characters. They are polar opposites. He is grumpy most of the time but she can hold her own and gives it right back to him. Which ai found so entertaining and will have you not wanting to put the book down. I love her as much as I love him. Their back and forth is incredible.

Quotes I love:

“Do you eat dinner with people?” She asks.  “No.”“Why not?” “People,” I answer. 🤣🤣🤣

“Kiss me like I’m the air you need to breathe.” 🥰🥰🥰

This book has it all. It has great emotion, it pulled at my heartstrings hard. I laughed, I sobbed. I felt for Noah. He has so much guilt. The story is so beautifully written that you will want to reach in the book and hug Noah. You will also want to encourage Hope to not give up on Noah. Definitely check this out. Leigh Skarin’s writing is fantastic, steamy and so fun. She will quickly become a favorite author of yours as she is definitely one of mine! A must read!!

[_TheReadingmama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden by Leigh Skarin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂,”
“𝗕𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗼𝗻. 𝗪𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿.”

Noah Steele a war veteran struggling with PTSD does not like being social, staying alone helps avoid his triggers. Living closed off, trapped in his past leaves him broken until he meets his neighbor, Hope.

Hope Brighton a nurse, moved to get out of her hometown. With all the tragedy she needed change. Being her bubbly self isn’t for everyone. Especially her grumpy neighbor. Neighbors are meants to help eachother out. Who needs a cup of sugar when you can pretend to be each other’s fiancé. 👀🫦

“𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲. 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗼, 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗹.”

Noah & Hope were meant for each other! She helped him overcome so much, and their relationship was so wholesome. Noah’s 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 for Hope was the greatest. She was his comfort and peace. She put light in his dark world and he has come alive since.

“𝗔𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝗜’𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗜 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘅𝘆𝗴𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲. 𝗦𝗵𝗲’𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝘁.”

✔️grumpy x sunshine
✔️neighbor romance
✔️slow burn
✔️broken hero
✔️close proximity
✔️veteran & nurse
✔️possessive MC
& one of my faves 𝐅𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 🫠

Seriously it was so well done! Especially Noah’s struggle with PTSD was very well written. Also shout out to Noah for knowing who Ariel is🤣

I 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐃 this book! You will too!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just Wow!

Leigh Skarin did an incredible job with Hidden. Noah is former military and is dealing with major PTSD. The amount of research that went into being true to the experience Noah went through was incredible. I was a little daunted when I saw how long the book was and even 200 pages in I was waiting for Hope to break his hard shell, but any shorter and I think something would have been missing.
This book had me in tears a few times as Noah came to terms with what happened while he was deployed. When a book makes me cry it generally means I've felt connected to the characters. Noah and Hope are no different. I connected with his grumpy side and with her happy, sunshine side. Hope was such a great match for Noah as she was dealing with her own pain, but she chose to be happy and move forward while Noah was struggling to let go of the past. I generally am not a fan of military romance, but seeing as Hidden is more about healing than military, I found myself absorbed even during the flashback scenes where he talks about what happened while he was there.
So all that to say, don't let the ,600+ pages scare you. It is absolutely worth the read. Leigh Skarin's Hidden may not be on your TBR but I recommend you add it. You won't regret it. I'm just glad I discovered her work. Hidden is the first book in the series. I made the mistake of reading book two first, but it still worked. Now I just have to wait for book three that I have heard from the author herself, is in the works. Until then you should pick up both books and get ready for book three.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those reviews that is hard for to write because I had so many different emotions while reading this book. The first thing that comes to mind is that I really enjoyed getting to know Noah and Hope. Their story was very emotional and touching and it definitely broke my heart at times.

The romance between Noah and Hope was so fun to read. I loved how cheery and happy Hope was, and how grumpy and angry Noah seemed to be all the time. They where so different from one another, but they also fitted perfectly. And I loved how Hope brought Noah back to life. I found it hilarious how silent Noah was one moment, and how much he kept talking during their intimate moments. He was one troubled, but beautiful guy for sure.

The reason why this review was so hard for me to write was that next to really enjoying this story, I also found some moments a bit to long. For example there is this moment where Hope wants to bake a cake and asks Noah for his help. I felt like this particular moment took way too long, and I found myself losing interest a bit. Luckily, the story would get more exciting after that but there where a few of those moments like I felt like the pace was just a bit too slow.

Overall I can conclude that ‘Hidden’ is a beautiful read that I definitely enjoyed. And since Leigh Skarin is still pretty new in the writing world, I can’t wait to read more books by her.

3.5 stars

[Heather Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah is a quiet and hidden hero. After 9/11 he has stayed in the shadows. Living his life throught grief and PTSD. But little does he know, when Hope walks into his life, she plans to change him. Hope is a ray of sunshine and a pot of gold nurse, who practically forces herself into his life whether he likes it or not. Soon though, he realizes she's exactly what he has needed and he falls for her.
Noah agrees to being a fake fiance for Hope at her mother's wedding, but soon it becomes a nice slow burn romance. While Noah feels he can't go through with a relationship no matter how he feels with Hope, she gives him support and tries to help him with his past. When Noah put in his time during the warm of Afghanistan, that broke him more than anything, and Hope will stop at nothing to help him get through his past so he can become himself again.
But the spice in this book despite how Noah's emotions are, HOT. Noah is a dirty talker and Hope goes right along with it.
This book is a thick one and a hard emotional book to read it you know anything about military life. Being raised in a military home, Leigh hit the head on the nail perfectly with how people handle PTSD in so many different ways. 10/10 add to your TBR!

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, I hate when a MMC has ONLY sexual inner thoughts. I get that men/women have different internal voices but it gets so old and boring when I have to read pages and pages of sexual harassment. If this is what men really only think then I don't want a male POV in those books. It makes him so one-dimensional.

The MMC needs therapy. Like years of therapy. He has so many issues and if I'm going to read a contemporary romance with real world problems then I'd like real world solutions. Men don't just meet a beautiful woman and through her patience and magic pussy, get mentally healthy. Nope. You'd have an easier time convincing me one of them turns into a wolf shifter.

And an intelligent and grounded female who chases after an emotionally unavailable man who continually tells you that he can never love you or treat you well? Mermaid. She's 100 times more likely to sprout a tail than fix him with her love.

That being said... I did give 2 stars for him not starting off as a manwhore. Would have been 3 but his constant talk of how good he was at pleasuring one-night stands from his past... that was icky.

[Katslovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This grumpy/sunshine romance was a beautiful story about finding hope and love when you less expected!!

The main characters are Noah and Hope, two complete opposites that destiny put together. They are complete opposite of each other, while Hope beautiful personality is always happy and looking at the good things life can offer Noah is grumpy and tries to isolate himself because of his guilt. Both of them had suffer tragic accidents that had impacted their lives but each deals with it in different ways.

Throughout the story you get glimpses of their past and their very emotional journeys but you also see how their relationship progresses and how they are what each other exactly needs.

This is a slow burn romance but what I really enjoy is how Hope was able to break through Noah's big walls and becomes his friend first. When their attraction finally wins you see a completely different side of Noah and how protective he becomes of Hope showing her how truly beautiful she is inside and out.

This was a lovely story that I definitely enjoyed.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was decent. I really loved the growth of the hero. He suffered from major ptsd and the self loathing was hard to read at times. When Noah met Brighton her light finally hit him, and he fell hard for her. I love the fake dating trope. When they were fake engaged but we knew their feelings weren’t fake. I love how Noah did things he never thought he would do because he loved Brighton. Getting on an air plane etc. I love when they met each others families. That was an interesting how the differences in families were quite noticeable. Noah’s dad was very difficult, and it made it that much harder for Noah to love him self. I loved the banter between the two leads. It was so adorable. Hope had her issues, but she was strong and Noah showed her just how great of person she was which she questioned at times because of her own demons. Noah showed her to be more true to her self in other ways, which made their chemistry quite good. I just wish the story was shorter, but over all I enjoyed it.

[Shani (Bttrflymama88) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden by Leigh Skarin

Noah & Hope 🤍


Leigh is a new to me author so I wasn't sure what to expect but I absolutely loved this! Grumpy/Sunshine down to the ptsd and yellow scrubs. Fake engagement. Enemies to lovers! I loved the push and pull between Noah and Hope. Where he wanted her but didn't think he was good enough. Noah is broken, lost and extremely closed off but he's drawn to Hope. There's tension and angst that made this slow burn so amazing. And cant forget those spicy moments because... yes!


Noah was fighting some heavy demons and i loved how Hope was the perfect person to help him see that there was light in the darkness after fighting through her own. Both learning to deal with grief after loosing people close to them. They literally were perfect for eachother. They became eachothers safe place. She helps him heal and its honestly so beautiful to watch. This was a book full of all the feels heartbreaking at times but so beautiful! Absolutely loved it, I wish I could read it again for the first time. I can't wait to see what's next from Leigh!

[Kasie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5✨️ 3🌶

TW :
• PTSD
• Grief and Guilt
• Military

Tropes:
• Fake fiance
• Enemy neighbors to lovers
• Grumpy Hero and Sunshine
• Slow burn
• 1st person/Dual POV

Review:
This read, based in Colorado, is about a romance between Noah Steele and Hope Brighton.
Hope is a upbeat nurse who plays guitar and is a Denver transplant from FL.
Noah is an gruff investor/business man and veteran who likes to climb, box and has a motorcycle. After returning from Afghanistan he managed to stay hidden away, until Hope (literally) crashes into him and slowly brightens his entire world.

I LOVED Noahs growth and adored Hope & Noah from beginning to end! And my god once the burn starts its a raging fire 🔥 the beach and chocolate scenes were my favs 🥵
While mine is not Military PTSD, I feel I can relate to Noah with his anxiety and needing sense of control, predictability and consistency. Both MCs navigate grief, pain and trauma.

This read was beautiful, silly, tense, raw and at times heavy, but all aspects were handled very well! The HEA did not disappoint either!

[Erinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

🪖Hidden Review 🪖

5/5 ⭐️
Author: Leigh Skarin

Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine,Dirty talking MMC, Spicy Slow Burn, Enemies To lovers, Fake Engagement

Holy Moly this was so Good. this was an emotional rollercoaster !! I think I felt every single emotion while reading this.

I laughed , I cried, I said holy moly that was HOTTT!! This book just hit the spot.

Hidden is very fun with all the banter between Hope and Noah they honestly were hilarious!! And their Angst was top level and once the spice hit ooftta 😮‍💨 Noah and his dirty mouth! 😉

But it’s also extremely heavy with both of them having experiencing Trauma and loss in their lives. And dealing with those traumas in very different ways!!

Everything was beautifully written, I felt the heartbreak and the healing while reading it.

I loved how much Hope was able to help Noah through his inner battles .

Seriously this book will live rent free in my head forever!

💙💙💙

[ReadTillDawnBooks ~ IG · Rating 5 out of 5]

emotional and spicy

I’m not sure what I was expecting in this story but it sure wasn’t the emotions I felt from the beginning.
Taking a sensitive issue like PTSD, anxiety and depression, especially in a war hero, was brave. And this author really did it justice and with grace.
From the strong bonds I felt with every character to the strong emotions that swelled inside, I could not put this book down. And while reading of Noahs struggles and learning why he struggled, I fought a lot of emotions. When Hope starts breaking those struggles up and their chemistry exploded my heart cracked open for these two. Their HEA was perfect after they both healed and became stronger together.
Side note. I loved that this story took place during a time of my youth (same age as the characters). Remembering the songs mentioned, the events, and the release of the first iPhone. It had my emotions kicked into overdrive.

[Britney Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the emotional roller coaster my heart took with this one!

This is a first time read by this author and I am truly happy to find a new indie author to read!

Noah and Brighton (Hope) are a new favorite book couple for me. These two had me laughing, swooning and had my heart breaking. I didn’t know this was a military story as well and that hits home and hits me in the feels even more.
So needless to say Noah had my love from the beginning. He absolutely broke my heart with what he was going through. But to see him with Hope, just 🥰😍🤌🏻.

And I just adored Hope. This girl with all her sunshine and happiness she put out there even though she had her own troubled past. Her silliness and quirky personality was just the cutest.

The banter with these two had me laughing right along with them.
.
.
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5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
10/10 recommendation‼️

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Leigh, and don't let the size scare you off.

Wrapped up in these pages is a story of a man who is struggling to live, and the woman who helps him see the light and accept that he deserves happiness.

Noah has been in the dark since he returned from his deployment overseas. He spends most of his days in his apartment, separated from people. Until one day he runs into his new neighbor, Hope. Her bright light first blinds Noah, and causes him to shy away from any interactions from her. But this sunny Floridian transplant sees a possible friend. And she is determined to be there for him.

As their friendship developed, Hope finds her in a bind and in need of a fake fiancé for her mother's wedding. Noah, beginning to live again, decides to face his fears and help her out. As they spend more and more time together in Florida, things begin to feel a lot more real than they realized.

I enjoyed this book. Noah was a bit rude and a complete grump at first but as his story is told, the reasons become clearer. There are some real discussions about anxiety, PTSD, and guilt and seeing Noah and Hope help each other move on made their relationship that much stronger.

[momma_who_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, when I picked up this book I was not prepared for how hard I would fall for both Noah AND Hope! They both have a special place in my heart, the grumpiest grump and the sunniest sunshine I’ve ever read. I find myself still weeks later thinking about them. They’re characters that will stick with me forever. This is by far the best opposites attract book I’ve read!! They were written so well for each other. 🥹 As Noah falls for Hope, he makes changes to better himself and recover from his major PTSD issues. I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted so many lines in a book before! The man had a way with words!! Ollie was the most brilliant side character and I want him as my grandpa please and thanks✌🏼 I’m so proud of you Leigh! You knocked it out of the park with this book!! ⭐️: 5/5 🌶️: 2.5/5