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Forbidden Secrets
Saying my life has been difficult is an understatement.
In fact, it’s been nothing but an uphill climb ever since my dad walked out and my mother turned to drugs. I vowed to myself, long ago, that I’d never turn out like her.
That’s why, when I realize my life is starting to take a turn for the worst—yet again—I decide to pack up my belongings and start fresh.
No more drug-addicted mother.
No more lying and also drug-addicted boyfriend.
No more putting up with things I should’ve left in the past.
When I get to small town Utah, I’m excited for a new start.
I’m certainly not looking for love after the chaos and mess of my past…but somehow, it finds me.
Cruz Bennet: the man I never saw coming.
The only problem?
My ex has found me and is threatening to blow up my carefully crafted new life.
Secrets, lies, and forbidden ties…
I’m honestly not sure what’s real and what’s fake anymore.
The only truth I’m holding onto is that I refuse to go back to rock bottom—and I’ll do anything to protect my new life.
In fact, it’s been nothing but an uphill climb ever since my dad walked out and my mother turned to drugs. I vowed to myself, long ago, that I’d never turn out like her.
That’s why, when I realize my life is starting to take a turn for the worst—yet again—I decide to pack up my belongings and start fresh.
No more drug-addicted mother.
No more lying and also drug-addicted boyfriend.
No more putting up with things I should’ve left in the past.
When I get to small town Utah, I’m excited for a new start.
I’m certainly not looking for love after the chaos and mess of my past…but somehow, it finds me.
Cruz Bennet: the man I never saw coming.
The only problem?
My ex has found me and is threatening to blow up my carefully crafted new life.
Secrets, lies, and forbidden ties…
I’m honestly not sure what’s real and what’s fake anymore.
The only truth I’m holding onto is that I refuse to go back to rock bottom—and I’ll do anything to protect my new life.
- GenresRomance
246 pages, ebook
First published October 20, 2023
10 people are currently reading
2456 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 21, 2023
What an ending! Whew! I actually didn't remember the synopsis for this book before I started it and so went into it blind, and I'm glad I did. It was really good. The characters were complex, interesting and definitely secretive. You knew there was something going on in the background for a good part of the book but for the life of me I couldn't put it together. That's a great thing for any thriller! I did get a bit frustrated at times with Tessa's lack of communication. I felt like she could've thrown Cruz a bit more of a bone on occasion so the poor guy wasn't left wondering about EVERYTHING!
There were also a few instances in the writing that just didn't flow and kind of tripped me up in the reading but not enough to discourage me from the book.
It was definitely worth the read. Thank you to Mia Skye for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There were also a few instances in the writing that just didn't flow and kind of tripped me up in the reading but not enough to discourage me from the book.
It was definitely worth the read. Thank you to Mia Skye for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2023
This book lacks trigger warnings for the following: DV, Stalking, Drug use, DV victim blaming.
Forbidden Secrets felt rushed. I think it could've definitely been 2 separate stories. The development of the relationship between Cruz and Tessa developed too fast to be believable.
The story was overall a letdown. Instead of finding a real happily ever after, it seems she jumped from one man-child to another, absorbed by his need to be validated by a woman and blame her for the abuse of another man. This book could've been much better served with a HEA where she found strength in herself, or at least with a man with an ounce of respect for a woman.
I really couldn't get behind this book and its messages. I struggled to not DNF it. The celebration of a relationship built on emotional abuse made me sick. The plot-twist ending was the only thing that earned the 3 stars, but it did not cover the other abundant issues in the story.
ARC received for free; review left voluntarily.
Forbidden Secrets felt rushed. I think it could've definitely been 2 separate stories. The development of the relationship between Cruz and Tessa developed too fast to be believable.
The story was overall a letdown. Instead of finding a real happily ever after, it seems she jumped from one man-child to another, absorbed by his need to be validated by a woman and blame her for the abuse of another man. This book could've been much better served with a HEA where she found strength in herself, or at least with a man with an ounce of respect for a woman.
I really couldn't get behind this book and its messages. I struggled to not DNF it. The celebration of a relationship built on emotional abuse made me sick. The plot-twist ending was the only thing that earned the 3 stars, but it did not cover the other abundant issues in the story.
ARC received for free; review left voluntarily.
October 21, 2023
Tessa is leaving her past behind, searching for something that she fears doesn’t exist. Something normal. Something that doesn’t involve drug addicted family and abusive loved ones. When she finds herself in a small town in Utah, could her luck finally be turning around? Is normal within her reach?
I absolutely loved this book and the intrigue that kept the story going. If there is one thing that you can say about this author, it’s that she knows how to keep the intrigue and suspense front and center. Have you guessing what in the world is going on, what’s about to happen and how the story will play out. I couldn’t get enough. A good book always keeps you on the edge of your seat, and this one did just that.
Me being a huge romance lover, I found that the story had the perfect amount. Not overly indulgent in the way some romance reads can be, but just right for the relationship that Tessa and Cruz shared. A relationship that was new and a bit shaky. But a relationship that was promising and full of hope. Such a sweet couple. I loved every minute of it. 5 Stars.
I absolutely loved this book and the intrigue that kept the story going. If there is one thing that you can say about this author, it’s that she knows how to keep the intrigue and suspense front and center. Have you guessing what in the world is going on, what’s about to happen and how the story will play out. I couldn’t get enough. A good book always keeps you on the edge of your seat, and this one did just that.
Me being a huge romance lover, I found that the story had the perfect amount. Not overly indulgent in the way some romance reads can be, but just right for the relationship that Tessa and Cruz shared. A relationship that was new and a bit shaky. But a relationship that was promising and full of hope. Such a sweet couple. I loved every minute of it. 5 Stars.
October 16, 2023
🍺 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 🍺
Forbidden Secrets by Mia Skye
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️.5
✅ Small Town
✅ Found Family
✅ Secrets/ Lies/ Deception
✅ Troubled Pasts
✅ Suspenseful
TW: DV, Drug Use, PTSD
Tessa promised herself she’d never end up in this situation. So why is she waking up on the floor covered in blood after a physical altercation with her boyfriend, Chris. She watched her mom go through this with man after man and she won’t allow that for herself. Leaving her life behind and moving to a new town where nobody knows her is her solution. Will she actually be able to leave the past where it belongs?
Cruz has lived here his whole life. He keeps to himself and doesn’t have much of a personal life. That all changes when someone new rolls into town and right up to his bar. She’s different and she calms him. Will he still feel the same when her past catches up with her?
This book ended up being SO good! I’m not going to lie, about 60% through the book I still didn’t get the title and I assumed this was just another cute small town romance. 𝗕𝗼𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗜 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴. The twists and turns came on heavy after that point. I didn’t see them coming AT ALL and they had my jaw in the floor! Tessa and Cruz’s characters were great! Definitely annoying at times but it all made total sense in the end! The very end of the book was absolutely insane and I loved it!
Thank you, Mia Skye, for an ARC of this book! My review is mine and freely given!
Forbidden Secrets by Mia Skye
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️.5
✅ Small Town
✅ Found Family
✅ Secrets/ Lies/ Deception
✅ Troubled Pasts
✅ Suspenseful
TW: DV, Drug Use, PTSD
Tessa promised herself she’d never end up in this situation. So why is she waking up on the floor covered in blood after a physical altercation with her boyfriend, Chris. She watched her mom go through this with man after man and she won’t allow that for herself. Leaving her life behind and moving to a new town where nobody knows her is her solution. Will she actually be able to leave the past where it belongs?
Cruz has lived here his whole life. He keeps to himself and doesn’t have much of a personal life. That all changes when someone new rolls into town and right up to his bar. She’s different and she calms him. Will he still feel the same when her past catches up with her?
This book ended up being SO good! I’m not going to lie, about 60% through the book I still didn’t get the title and I assumed this was just another cute small town romance. 𝗕𝗼𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗜 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴. The twists and turns came on heavy after that point. I didn’t see them coming AT ALL and they had my jaw in the floor! Tessa and Cruz’s characters were great! Definitely annoying at times but it all made total sense in the end! The very end of the book was absolutely insane and I loved it!
Thank you, Mia Skye, for an ARC of this book! My review is mine and freely given!
October 8, 2023
Loooved this book! It was so good! And the reveal at the end had me speechless! It was such an unexpected turn to the story and I was so hear for it! We have three main characters all with different traumatic pasts. The FMC moves to this two to get away from her relationship and start fresh. It’s a small town second chance romance, it’s got twists and lies and hidden secrets. You won’t see the ending coming it was so random and well done that I was left with my jaw on the floor! If you like a mysterious story and like small twin romance this book will be good for you! I 100% recommend the writing was also done really well making it super smooth to read! Please check you triggers as it deals with trauma, addiction and more.
October 23, 2023
💓 ARC REVIEW 💓
'Forbidden Secrets' by @author.miaskye
Arc provided by: Mia Skye
Trauma
Mysterious romance
Triggers
New adventures
Hidden secrets
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
I am actually so surprised by this book. I went in a little blind on this one. I enjoyed the writing style, the pace, and the end. THE END LEFT ME WITH AN AUDILBLE GASP! I really enjoyed the romance, but with thriller aspects, it was different, but my two favorite genres together. I really enjoyed the main characters as well. Some parts were a little rushed, but overall, I enjoyed this book and the journey that Tess emabarked.
'Forbidden Secrets' by @author.miaskye
Arc provided by: Mia Skye
Trauma
Mysterious romance
Triggers
New adventures
Hidden secrets
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
I am actually so surprised by this book. I went in a little blind on this one. I enjoyed the writing style, the pace, and the end. THE END LEFT ME WITH AN AUDILBLE GASP! I really enjoyed the romance, but with thriller aspects, it was different, but my two favorite genres together. I really enjoyed the main characters as well. Some parts were a little rushed, but overall, I enjoyed this book and the journey that Tess emabarked.
October 6, 2023
I want to start this off by saying thank you to Mia Skye for sending me this book for free!
This book was so fun. I liked the characters, and I loved Tessa’s character development. This was a page-turner and such a quick read.
Cruz was such a fun love interest, and I loved reading the ups and downs of his and Tessa’s relationship. I also liked how each character was explained in depth, so I really got connected with them.
That ending had me shocked, too! What a unique and shocking way to end the book.
I’m looking forward to adding more of Mia Skye’s books to my TBR!
This book was so fun. I liked the characters, and I loved Tessa’s character development. This was a page-turner and such a quick read.
Cruz was such a fun love interest, and I loved reading the ups and downs of his and Tessa’s relationship. I also liked how each character was explained in depth, so I really got connected with them.
That ending had me shocked, too! What a unique and shocking way to end the book.
I’m looking forward to adding more of Mia Skye’s books to my TBR!
October 20, 2023
Forbidden Secrets follows Tessa as she leaves behind an abusive relationship to build a new life. Unfortunately that life catches up to her!
This book was an easy fast paced read. I loved the side characters, June was just amazing! What a sassy lady!
Although I felt for Tessa I think she didn’t help herself with a lot of what happened.
And our MMC Cruz.. swoon! He’s perfect! He ended up frustrating me halfway through but then it all came together at the end.
That ending though.. what the actual f…. 😳
Thank you to Mia for sending me an ARC.
This book was an easy fast paced read. I loved the side characters, June was just amazing! What a sassy lady!
Although I felt for Tessa I think she didn’t help herself with a lot of what happened.
And our MMC Cruz.. swoon! He’s perfect! He ended up frustrating me halfway through but then it all came together at the end.
That ending though.. what the actual f…. 😳
Thank you to Mia for sending me an ARC.
October 20, 2023
ARV REVIEW***** I absolutely loved this book! It had me from the very first chapter! I never saw the plot twist at the end coming, like what?! This read was so worth it! I couldn’t put it down! Follow Tessa as she starts over, but even with her fresh start things aren’t always as they seem. But dang, they come to light… but not in the way I thought. Sooo good! Please read this, and give Mia some love for her writing!
October 20, 2023
I could not put this one down!!! It had its fun moments but also a great plot with dark pasts, hidden secrets, and Spice that wrapped the whole book into a nice package!!! Check triggers. The dark is dark but this is not a dark romance. Just someone with a dark past that tries to follow.
October 24, 2023
I don't know why, but this book felt boring to me and felt like it dragged on.
I know a lot of people will love this book though as it's a very well written book and has more popular tropes in it!! I definitely recommend it, it just wasn't for me.
I know a lot of people will love this book though as it's a very well written book and has more popular tropes in it!! I definitely recommend it, it just wasn't for me.
September 21, 2023
In this book, Tessa leaves behind her abusive ex to start her life over in a random small town. Tessa starts making a few friends and starts dating Cruz. As their relationship blossoms, other aspects of Tessa’s life starts to unravel and seeks to ruin her life she has started to rebuild.
Forbidden secrets has romance, suspense and betrayal. The ending was unexpected! You’ll feel quite a few emotions as you continue to read.
At first it’s a slower read but it’s hard to put down from the intriguing plot.
The writing can be a little sporadic at times, but overall worth it!
Forbidden secrets has romance, suspense and betrayal. The ending was unexpected! You’ll feel quite a few emotions as you continue to read.
At first it’s a slower read but it’s hard to put down from the intriguing plot.
The writing can be a little sporadic at times, but overall worth it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2023
Good book. I loved the characters and the story. This is my second book by this author. I see very good things in the future from her
January 13, 2025
Ending was too abrupt. Descriptions lacking detail compared to other writers of this genre.
October 20, 2023
Forbidden Secrets by Mia Skye is the story of Tessa, who is trying to escape her abusive past. She relocates to a small town in the middle of nowhere, but soon learns that this small town is actually a busy vacation hub and not exactly what she expected. She soon meets Cruz and feels an instant connection to him, but he has an edge of mystery to him, and she isn't sure she is ready to dive back into a relationship with anyone so soon. Her past catches up with her and derails her fresh start.
This was a good book, but it felt a little rushed and the writing was somewhat sporadic at times. There are several things that just needed to be flushed out a little more to help keep the reader engaged in the story and to help everything feel more rounded. We do get some twists and unexpected surprises towards the end, but those subplots were way too fast paced and rushed, leaving my wanting more.
This was a good book, but it felt a little rushed and the writing was somewhat sporadic at times. There are several things that just needed to be flushed out a little more to help keep the reader engaged in the story and to help everything feel more rounded. We do get some twists and unexpected surprises towards the end, but those subplots were way too fast paced and rushed, leaving my wanting more.
November 11, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
Wow this book exceeded my expectations this has
-small town romance
-suspenseful ending
-addiction
-lies
-secrets
-starting over
The ending had my jaw on the floor! This was fast-paced and so easy to read.
I did get annoyed at Tessa's lack of communication at times but i get why. I loved their friendships and their relationship. I felt like I knew the characters.
There was a few times where it felt a bit rushed but overall i was an amazing book and i would definitely recommend .
Thank you Mia Skye allowing me to read this arc!
Wow this book exceeded my expectations this has
-small town romance
-suspenseful ending
-addiction
-lies
-secrets
-starting over
The ending had my jaw on the floor! This was fast-paced and so easy to read.
I did get annoyed at Tessa's lack of communication at times but i get why. I loved their friendships and their relationship. I felt like I knew the characters.
There was a few times where it felt a bit rushed but overall i was an amazing book and i would definitely recommend .
Thank you Mia Skye allowing me to read this arc!
October 9, 2023
This book follows Tessa as she escapes from an abusive relationship and ends up in a small town to start over. She meets Cruz, the owner of a local bar and slowly their relationship grows.
This book was full of suspense and Tessa’s ex reappears to cause trouble. The book felt a little under developed and sporadic to me. I felt like a lot of things didn’t tie together as well as I wish they would have. Tessa and Cruz’s relationship was well developed, but some of the other plot lines just didn’t track. I almost wish it ended a different way.
Tessa felt a little overly dependent on her past defining her. She mentions it so many times it started to lose its effect. I think if it had been more shown instead of told it would have translated a little better.
This book was full of suspense and Tessa’s ex reappears to cause trouble. The book felt a little under developed and sporadic to me. I felt like a lot of things didn’t tie together as well as I wish they would have. Tessa and Cruz’s relationship was well developed, but some of the other plot lines just didn’t track. I almost wish it ended a different way.
Tessa felt a little overly dependent on her past defining her. She mentions it so many times it started to lose its effect. I think if it had been more shown instead of told it would have translated a little better.
September 15, 2023
This is a charming romance. We have a protective and sweet MMC and a FMC who has been through a lot and is determined to survive.
I liked the main characters: Cruz is strong, friendly and looks out for the people in his life. Tessa is a survivor, she’s strong but wary and doesn’t know who to trust.
I really liked the side character of Ashley - she’s funny and such a loyal friend to Tessa and Cruz.
There is a strong focus on rebuilding life after traumatic events and I think the author did a good job of showing the emotional impact without making it too heavy.
This is quite a fast paced read, the writing is good and I enjoyed the flow.
The plot twist was completely unexpected.
This is an enjoyable, hopeful, sweet romance.
I liked the main characters: Cruz is strong, friendly and looks out for the people in his life. Tessa is a survivor, she’s strong but wary and doesn’t know who to trust.
I really liked the side character of Ashley - she’s funny and such a loyal friend to Tessa and Cruz.
There is a strong focus on rebuilding life after traumatic events and I think the author did a good job of showing the emotional impact without making it too heavy.
This is quite a fast paced read, the writing is good and I enjoyed the flow.
The plot twist was completely unexpected.
This is an enjoyable, hopeful, sweet romance.
August 21, 2024
I was given an ARC for my free and honest review.
This was my first book from this author. I will read her again.
Tessa runs away from an abusive relationship and finds a new town to live in where she finds a job at an Antique store and they also give her lodging. The beginning was a little cliche.
But then weird things start happening and the author leads you down one path and you think you know what will happen and BOOM! Unexpected.
This was my first book from this author. I will read her again.
Tessa runs away from an abusive relationship and finds a new town to live in where she finds a job at an Antique store and they also give her lodging. The beginning was a little cliche.
But then weird things start happening and the author leads you down one path and you think you know what will happen and BOOM! Unexpected.
September 12, 2023
What an intriguing book, def takes you by surprise especially at the end! This book involves domestic abuse and drug usage and addiction so check triggers. Tessa escapes an abusive ex to find her place in a small town and meets quiet broody Cruz. Their growth together is great and then slowly events occur that shake their relationship! It’s mysterious and unique and I thoroughly enjoyed it:)
October 8, 2023
This was a quick, easy read, and fast paced. It was part romcom, part heavy as it does involve drug use, addiction, and parental abuse/neglect (so please check triggers). It has small town and one bed tropes, and the descriptions of the town make it easy to visualize. I did not expect the ending to be what it was, but it tied everything together.
October 22, 2023
wow! what a story!
Amazing story that I did not expect at all how it would end and it was so shocking, but I loved it. I finished it in one day I could not put it down. Such a good read!
Amazing story that I did not expect at all how it would end and it was so shocking, but I loved it. I finished it in one day I could not put it down. Such a good read!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews