Wicked Little Secret

by Sienne Vega

I was the secret beating inside his chest.

It was supposed to be a harmless crush.
At least… it started out that way.

Professor Adler was known to be cold and uncompromising.
Most students around campus dreaded his class for this reason.

As for me, I hoped to impress him.
Make him notice me.
Be his favorite.

Then, one night, things go too far.
And we find ourselves dabbling in what’s forbidden.

But there’s a side to him I never imagined possible.
Dark truths that never should’ve seen the light of day.

Secrets so wicked, they were better taken to the grave…

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Suspense, College, Interracial Romance, Erotica, Dark

472 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2024

About the author

Sienne has a thing for dark and brooding alphas and the diverse women who love them.
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She enjoys writing stories where lines are blurred and the romance is dark and delicious.
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In her spare time, she unwinds with a nice glass of wine and Netflix binge.

****ALL of my books have trigger warnings. Please take a sec to either visit siennevega.com for a list OR read the front of the book labeled "Content Warnings".****

Reviews

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Author Sienne Vega honestly had my heart fluctuate on this one. “Wicked Little Secret” has all the tropes I love so much, but what Sienne does is she integrates a gripping plot without any dull moments. And the steam was amazing, too.

The story is fast-paced but incredibly detailed. I was invested in both Nyssa and Theron. Sienne didn’t veer off. All the twists and surprises are seamlessly tied together. Of course, some of the scenes were questionable—it’s fiction. Don’t worry about it. I loved it.

I enjoyed the forbidden and touches of taboo in addition to the dark topics in “Wicked Little Secret.” This was a great read.

[Ana ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a professor like Theron.🥰
This VERY spicy, mistry, dark(stalker) romance deserves all five stars💕. Wicked Little Secret is the perfect title because that twist of who the Valentine Killer is is amazing. (history repeats itself😉)
I can't wait to read her next book🫶

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.

I'm not sure how to feel about this one. On the one hand, I want to scream NO! But on the other hand, I want to scream YES!

Kaden is sadistic, neurotic and probably a sociopath as well as a stalker among other things. Lyra is portrayed as a naive woman who has no idea what's going on around her, when in reality, she's just as much of a sadistic, neurotic sociopath/stalker as Kaden.

I'm not sure I would say this is a romance (at least not in the regular run of the mill romance way), but I wouldn't classify it as a thriller either. I'll be completely honest and say I'm not sure what this book should be listed under. I will say I found myself enjoying it for the most part. The gory details were just shy of being graphic, and the story was executed perfectly. It was a great read for the month of October. 🙃

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Wicked Little Secret,” by Sienne Vega

I really liked this book. I loved the characters and relationship. It wasn’t super slow burn nor very enemies to lovers (not insta relationship though) but a good build up with internal conflict and responsibilities within the characters. I loved the stalker aspect most of all, in more than just one way. I loved how obsessed and manic the MMC was about her but maintained his grumpy attitude. I thought the romance was really good and the story was very mysterious in between all the romance stuff. The interracial aspect wasn’t a lot, but it was nice that FMC wasn’t white. I really liked it through and through, 4 out of 5 stars.

-Stalker
-Age Gap
-Student X Teacher
-Serial Killer
-Grumpy MMC
-Obsessed MMC
-BDSM
-Contemporary
-Dual POV

Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless!!

This book blew my mind. It was a slow build to huge freaking explosion that had my jaw on the floor. Professor Theron is a little bit like Joe from You, he’s an obsessed stalker who doesn’t know how to love a woman without obsessing and letting it make him violent and take over his life and her life! Nyssa, Nyssa, I don’t even know what to say about this girl. Except she is his perfect match. She’s a little misguided but they are perfect for each other. Nyssa’s on a mission to avenge her mother and she doesn’t care who gets in her way, even if it’s Theron. These characters were bat sh*t crazy but I found myself rooting for them and anxiously turning each page. Enjoy this wild ride with a beautiful taste of the forbidden. 10, 10, 10s across the board! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[Lala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im a new fan of this author from the Cruel Delights series but this book didn’t do it for me. It was predictable and I found Professor very bland and mild. Okay he was obsessed and that was it. I didn’t really find Nyssa or him very interesting. The one thing that irked me was the constant retelling of events from the different POVs like I didn’t need a rehash every chapter of what that chart did leading up to the cross over scene. It felt like fillers and I skimmed over it. Overall it was a good read but no where near my favorite from her.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Little Secret has it all. Sienne weaves a great story. You are carried along this journey at a good pace. Never a dull moment with this read. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew! What a twisted web! Intense and exciting!

[Jazriel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got bored of the plot and spice halfway through

[Tash. Tash. · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRILLIANT

The way Sienne roped us in from the start and the twist and turns this boom had was A++ chefs kiss

[BookKraves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dnf

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was supposed to be a harmless crush.

At least… it started out that way.



Professor Adler was known to be cold and uncompromising. Most students dreaded his class for this reason.

As for me, I hoped to impress him. Make him notice me. Be his favorite.

Then, one night, things went too far. And we found ourselves dabbling in what’s forbidden.



But there was a side to him I never imagined possible. Dark truths that never should’ve seen the light of day.

Secrets so wicked, they were better taken to the grave ….

“Wicked Little Secret” is a standalone dark romance involving a twisty taboo stalker. Professor Theron Adler teaches at Castlebury University and is is known for his strict and uncompromising standards. He’s one of the professors in the law and the one most students dread. Nyssa Oliver is his student - a forbidden relationship. “Nyssa Oliver was—is—the rare pearl you find amid a beach of empty seashells.” The attraction between them is mutual, if they get caught, the consequences are drastic! Theron is best described as obsessive and Nyssa is slightly misguided, but together, they work.

“And then when I kissed him, he gave in entirely. His stony mask fell away for the wild, passionate man underneath.
He had wanted me so badly I could feel it. His arousal rolled off him, a visceral feeling in the air.”

“She knows she’s mine. She knows that no matter how wrong this is, there’s no escaping what’s between us…”

The story will captivate you - it is full of drama, sexual tension, passion, danger and a few other twist and turns that you do not expect …. I will not ruin the story for you except to say, it will keep you totally engrossed and you will not be able to put the book down! I’m very happily hooked 😊 I did not want it to end!

I absolutely loved this story! I was hooked by the first chapter and could not put it down. This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story ♥️ From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful wicked story! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊

[Monica Bamzai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has left me utterly Amazed. I must confess that until now, Cruel Delights held the top spot as my favorite, but Wicked Little Secret has taken it to an entirely new level. ✨

The story focuses on the forbidden romance between a professor and her student, with Theron’s captivating and twisted obsession with Nyssa being a key element that draws you in, leaving you constantly wanting to know what Theron will do next with Nyssa. Theron and Nysaa share an intense, complex, and forbidden bond that only they can truly understand. Theron’s love for Nyssa runs so deep and dark that it evokes real pain. While it may be flawed and debatable, but this very complexity is what enhances its beauty.

I loved how the author has portrayed the characters’ dynamic relationship, capturing their raw and edgy personalities with such finesse while keeping the story engaging and exciting.

The storyline and its development are genuinely remarkable. I was thoroughly engrossed in the main climax, which had me on the edge throughout.

This dark stalker romance includes all the elements one could desire in a story that keeps you guessing until the very end, accompanied by delicious and toe-curling spice. 😮‍💨🌶️🔥

@siennevegaauthor with Wicked Little Secret, your writing is incredibly intelligent and brilliant. Thankyou you for sharing the story of Professor Theron and Nysaa. Their love may not be easily understood or accepted by everyone, but it is their intensity and depth that make every struggle against the world worthwhile.

I cannot recommend this book enough. I urge you to pick up this book and devour every page just like I did.

Wicked Little SecretSienne Vega

[CLorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sienne Vega has given her legions of readers a marvelously dark romance illuminated by lyrical language and deeply banked passions. Chef’s kiss! Having read almost all of this author’s works, I am never surprised by the quality of her narratives, HOWEVER, the sheer complexity and mind-bending experience of reading Wicked Little Secret is not to be missed or taken for granted! The story contains visceral and emotional episodes, which tug at the heart and toy with the head. At first glance our two main characters appear to have little in common, Theron Adler is a buttoned-down, dour former attorney, turned professor of law. He comes from a wealthy family and is a mature, well-seasoned man. On the other hand, Nyssa Oliver is a bright and driven law student, who keeps her background story and family connections close to her chest. Early in the story, readers are aware that Nyssa has a hidden agenda, and we can extrapolate that she is seeking revenge (whether the revenge is lethal or merely annoying is the question). Underneath his brisk and cold demeanor, Theron is a dreamy romantic and longs for true love. When Nyssa becomes the object of his fervent and obsessive passion how far will he go to keep her safe and successful in her clandestine endeavors? The answer to that question is both the stuff of nightmares and bliss! As usual, Ms. Vega ably uses familiar tropes to augment and compartmentalize her story; the elements of age-gap, student/teacher, stalker and revenge romance create a delightfully demented morass of secrets, obsession and fate.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/wicked...

[Drinking Espressos · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, heed the trigger warnings that come with a Sienne Vega book. I happily and greedily proceeded with book and Spotify in hand. Why Spotify? Sienne Vega's books often include a playlist. Each chapter comes with a song title which sets the atmosphere perfectly while reading.

The story opens with Nyssa Oliver who is attending the prestigious Castlebury University revealing early on that she's on a mission of revenge, so she's already talking my language off the bat. Surrounded by and befriending the privileged, rich and entitled, Nyssa uses her smarts to enact her revenge. However, her dark and brooding Law Professor, Theron Adler who is twice her age and comes with his own dark secrets may have other ideas as he sets his sights on her.

Sienne has a way of writing the most perfectly messed up MMC. Watching Professor Theron Adler decent into stalkerism (Totally a word) was thrilling to read. Theron is not the usual alpha. He's not an alpha at all until he's pushed to be. I lost count the amount of times I excitably laughed out aloud at how unhinged this man's thought process was. The fact that he is equally matched in intelligence and wits with the determined and stubborn Nyssa was chef's kiss.

I won't go into spoilers, but that first kiss, that first kiss was one of the best first kisses I have read. As I read, I was hanging on to every snippet of revelation, my mind racing after each twist.

I went into this book as someone who thought I wouldn't like age gap dark romances yet Sienne has proved me wrong. I'm left with a 5-star experience and, as always, great new songs to add to my Spotify playlist.

[Neek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping with unstoppable twists

Theron Adler seems like your normal hardened criminal law professor. The kind that hates people from staff to students. Nyssa Oliver seems like your normal over achieving law student, enjoying being mixed in with the popular kids and diving into other creative endeavors. Like always, nothing is as it seems.

When I tell you that Sienne Vega is one of my favorite authors, I mean that full heartedly. Because she doesn’t just lay the story out for you, she makes you work for it. She will give you a couple things that will have you go…I knew it! But she will never let you connect all the dots until she’s ready. For example Theron has a pet, you find this early on. At first I thought Atticus was a cat, because Nyssa has a cat, it’s not until a few more chapters that you find out it’s a dog. So I’m picturing doberman for some reason..a few more chapters and you find out that Atticus is a Golden Retriever. Now she could have told us this in one sentence off the top. But it’s almost like she’s getting you ready for what’s to come, making sure you are really reading, really locked in. It’s like all those Highlights Magazine Hidden objects has prepared me for this exact moment.

I feel like I can’t talk too much about the story in this review because I believe books like this should NOT be spoiled. But it’s a 5 star for me. The Spice was just the right amount (Although I won’t lie, at least once I was like will y’all stop!ya’ll need to worry about this, this and this!) Go get this.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Also the book I read seems to not be what others are discussing as being the characters, plot etc. what happened?? I did see another review that has the same characters as the one I read but no others. What?? Based on googling it seems the actual book I read may have been Cruel Delights also by Sienne.

I was definitely surprised at the ending considering the main character Lyra is portrayed as being this innocent “little lamb” / stoner in her own little world not knowing what’s going on around her. The actuality is she’s just as vicious and brutal as the opposing main character Kaden that is shown to be a callous, uncaring stalker/killer.

I do have trouble accepting the fact that someone who is clearly portrayed as a sociopath and a known killer by all their peers, somehow manages to become obsessed and falls for someone (anyone really) who is all things they despise. Lyra’s messy, she’s a stoner, broke as heck and can’t hold down a job. Meanwhile Kaden is obsessively clean, doesn’t drink or do drugs and is a surgeon just for fun because he’s ridiculously rich.

Overall it was an exciting read. I did read the entire thing in one day. I kept wanting to slap the heck out Lyra a few times for the stupid choices she makes and found another of the characters to be insanely desperate. She shows up over and over despite being told she’s unwanted, used over and over for rough horrible sex and pushed out nude with her clothes thrown at her and she still comes back for more even claiming they’re in love. How many delusional characters are there in one book? Apparently all of them.

[Keya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliciously unhinged! I went into this book thinking ok, it’s a dark romance, there’s an age gap, it’s got the teacher student vibes, I’m ready for it. When I say I was not ready for this book, I mean, I was not ready for this book. To say that this book is fantastic and amazing is an absolute understatement because this book has some of everything there’s obviously spice there is so much plot and mystery and backstory and more spice because let me tell you the spice is spicy. All of the characters are amazing. Sienne has a way of writing the strongest, fiercest and relatable female, main characters. Nyssa it’s amazing, she’s focused, but she also has a touch of innocence to her that is begging to be corrupted. Theron oh my goodness. Theron is so hot so mysterious and so complicated. He’s brooding, but in a way that makes you crave more of him and his dark brooding vibes just make him that more attractive. The twists and turns in this book just keep coming and you’re constantly on the edge of your seat because you want to know what is going to happen next. It was so hard to put this book down for just a quick break. Definitely another amazing book by the amazing Sienne Vega.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Little Spoliers** This book should have been titled "Wicked Major Secretsssss." And yes I meant to include multiple S's. Once again, Sienne Vega took me on a thrilling joyride of twists and turns that had my continunously picking my jaw up off the floor. I can't even begin to described Nyssa and Theron. Both are horrificly flawed by their pasts, which they don't know are intertwined until close to the end. The age gap plays a part in this, but I'm glad it wasn't a factor in their relationship. The chemistry between them is an inferno and grows the more time they spend together. I love that both Nyssa amd Theron are flawed and are extremely twisted as it brings to much drama to the plot. Like any Sienne Vega book, it's the twists and turns that keep my guessing from beginning to end. I always have my thoughts and opinions of who is doing it and why. Just when I think I have it figured out, I get thrown and curveball, and absolutely love it!! It keeps me on my toes until the very end. I definitively recommend this book, but please read the trigger warnings as it's not for the faint at heart. Most of Sienne Vega books aren't, and I LOVE IT!!!

[Nelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, "Wicked little Secrets" was an enjoyable read for me. I particularly enjoyed the taboo and forbidden nature of the relationship between a professor and his student.

The chemistry between the main characters, Theron and Nysa, was well-written and engaging. The steamy scenes were hot and kept me interested in the story. At times, the pacing of the two characters interactions felt rushed and the dialogue between them was sometimes awkward and forced. Additionally, the relationship development between Theron and Nysa left some loose ends at crucial times. The mystery surrounding their past could have been fleshed out more to add depth to the overall plot. It felt as though this aspect of the story was under-developed and left some questions unanswered.

I also found the mystery surrounding their past to be lacking in depth and development. It could have been fleshed out more to add more depth to the overall plot.

Despite some flaws, "Wicked little Secrets" was still a captivating and entertaining book. The forbidden romance between a professor and student added a level of excitement and danger to the story.

[dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a dark, twisted erotica thriller. Be forewarned, the author’s warnings b4 starting are valid- there is an age gap, taboo/forbidden relationship, stalking, some forced sexual situations/questionable consent, BDSM with role & punishment play, attempted rape, serial killer, etc. The MCs are both questionable mentally with psycho/sociopath vibes in a twisted elitist environment that is filled with elitist sociopaths…so everybody is crazy and needs to be in jail, mental institution or killed. Author did a better job of character development, evenly matching the MCs personalities/lives so they make more sense as a couple instead of some creepy old man lusting after a young innocent. I still had a hard time with some of the scenes and would not recommend for someone just getting into erotica or is looking for a sweet romance- this is not that. However, if it’s your thing and you want some unexpected twists and turns in a thriller dark erotica- this may be what you want. The mystery of who the serial killer is what kept me engaged.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Faith Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still reeling from this.

If you've ever been on a fairground ride that you weren't sure if you were enjoying or being totally out of your depth with, that's how this book made me feel. Not least due to some toe-curling & *extremely* graphic forays into "backdoor lovin'"! I found myself clenching against the very idea of intrusion :-o

This was a virtuoso example of impeccable plotting, whip-smart characterisations & an eagle eye for detail that was simply stunning. I found myself, almost against my better judgement, drawn in by Nyssa & Theron's claustrophobic & all encompassing relationship tangle. The twists & turns don't let up; just when you think that the story is turning left, it jinks to the right with breathtaking speed & then back again! Some of it feels so close to the bone that the white is showing through but it's a rewarding read, nonetheless. This is a proper grown-up book, challenging & disturbing in equal measure but if you want your horizons widened & your preconceptions blown out of the water, then read this, strap in & hold on - the fair has come to town!

[Mae Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Little Secrets always come to the light. The back story of past and present and how they were intricately weaved together was excellently told. It was a collision that could not be avoided between Theron and Nyssa. They were given a chance at finding love out of evilness that was thrust into their lives. Yes, there was a significant age gap, but for me it never played a role in how I saw them.

The evilness of this town/community was mind blowing. This tale was so twisted, the characters you loved and the ones you hated were written so damn good. You couldn’t help but feel connected to them.

Professor Adler and Nyssa were brilliant in how they maneuvered each other throughout this dark thriller. These two were pre destined to be together and to right all the wrongs that happened to them.

Five stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[DFS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting what "Wicked Little Secret" delivered. There were so many twists. The spice was awesome. This is a low bar to reach, but in a lot of "unhinged" books like "Wicked Little Secret" this is rarely reached, but everything was coherent, every twist was surprising, but they made sense, the buildup to these twists were masterfully done. This book is worth ten re-reads. This book has a lot of tropes, age-gape trope, the student/teacher trope, stalker trope, mixed with a dark academia vibe. Sienne Vega has become my favorite author this year. I love how she writes black female leads. She did an excellent job building Nyssa to be an intelligent, driven, and strong young woman. Theron was brooding, moody, successful man. They compliment each other. They match each others intellect and passion. Sienne Vega never misses.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Vega does it again with this steamy, twisted read. From the very first chapter to the bittersweet end this book held my attention and had me reading till way in the early hours of the morning. Yes, it is that good! This story of an obsessive, illicit affair between Professor Theron Adler an older man and his much younger law student Nyssa Oliver, though twisted and taboo was a pleasure to read. Nothing is as black and white as it seems and almost everyone has a dark, dirty and sometimes deadly secret.
If you’re not too squeamish or easily triggered, then this book might be for you. If you like your books extra, extra spicy then this is for you too. And if you like suspense and a plot that keeps you guessing till the very end then I recommend this book with no reservations.

I was given an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Sandy Abate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the twists and turns!!

I got fussed at by my son bc I was almost done with the book but didn't want to leave the house to go to the store lol!

This was a story about obsession and revenge. There is a serial killer who had been dormant for 20yrs but has resurfaced. Professor Adler, who clearly has issues reeling in his obsessive tendencies, falls hard and fast for his student, Jessica.

Jessica has an agenda, vengeance for past wrongs pretty much her reason for living. But her complicated feelings towards her professor cause her to question so many things. Neither of the two are who they seem.

This story was both spicy and full of mystery. Just when I thought I had it all figured out I was proved wrong again.

Beautifully written. I love Vega's work. There is always a balance of heat and surprises to keep you hooked.

[Cristina R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wild, whodunnit, ride. Wicked Little Secret is a taboo, dark romance about Nyssa, a law student, and her Professor, Theron. Nyssa is on a personal revenge mission but doesn't anticipate Theron becoming obsessed with her. Meanwhile there's a serial killer loose and throughout the entire book, suspicion shifts from one character to another and keeps the reader guessing. As long as you're not looking for something warm and fluffy and moreso dark and dirty, this is the book for you. Some of my personal notes:

"It's giving Joe Goldberg."

"Why did I never consider (redacted) was the killer?!"

"Everybody's crazy for sure."

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful age difference story. We are taken along in the life of Theron who is a professor and Nyssa who is a student and studies law. They have a forbidden relationship because it is forbidden by rules that professors are not allowed to flirt with students and certainly not to have a relationship with each other. Theron is obsessed with Nyssa in a dark way. They have a connection with each other that others will not understand but for them it works. Their story is dark and deliciously dirty and with a bit of pain. If you like dark novels with enough steam and tension then this is definitely recommended.



I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review..

[Adalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOTALLY AWESOME…

Wicked Little Secret is T TOTALLY AWESOME. All I’m going to say is that this book has E V E R Y T H I N G, you should expect from a book. If you’re looking for a book that will make you think that you’re about to break free from the clutches of Nyssa and Theron. Well guess again.
This book has to be made into a movie or streamed there’s about at least 1full season of 20 or more episodes.

I’m so… so… dang this book has me both excited and sad… I’m truly looking forward to seeing more.

Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.

[Janet R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️for Professor Theron Adler😍

Yes, Professor Theron Adler is by far one of the most enigmatic, multi- layered characters I have read about 😳😍The ✍🏼s writing style is like peeling an onion, with each eye burning 🥹layer revealing unexpected twists & jarring turns, like the lightening loop 🎢🫣 For pearl clutchers, I advise you to check the TWs & bypass, as this 📕is def not for everyone! Both Theron (love his name 🥰) & Nyssa are smart,devious,lethal & cunning! Despite the large age gap, they’re somewhat evenly matched in executing vengeance 😱.Theron is an absolute beast in the BR, a total Dom, and the 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️was off the Scoville charts spicing 🥵🥵🥵So if you like pitch black darkness, with the mother of all twists !!!! buckle up & enjoy this thrill ride🍷