Secrets of the Heart

by Jenny Frame

As head of the infamous Sharkey family crime syndicate, Nikki Sharkey trusts no one with her secrets. Sometimes she’s had to bend the law, and sometimes she’s had to break it. But there’s one secret not even
her closest family knows, and Nikki would do anything to keep it safe.

Logan has always had to fight, from surviving living in care, to winning gold at the Olympics. Just when she’s about to win it all, she gives up her shot at greatness to look after her grandfather. Then she discovers her closest friend is in danger and has a child, Isla, Logan didn’t know about. Logan promises to protect Isla no matter what. The only problem? Isla’s adoptive mum is the leader of Scotland’s biggest crime family—the Sharkeys.

When Logan’s friend is found dead, Logan is determined to keep her promise. Logan knows Isla is the secret of Nikki Sharkey’s heart, but as she gets closer to the truth of what happened to Isla’s birth mother, the passion burns between Nikki and Logan, and secrets threaten not only their future together, but their lives.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Butch Femme, Crime

264 pages, Paperback

Published December 16, 2025

About the author

Jenny Frame is from the small town of Motherwell in Scotland, where she lives with her partner, Lou, and their well loved and very spoiled dog. She has a diverse range of qualifications, including a BA in public management and a diploma in acting and performance. Nowadays, she likes to put her creative energies into writing rather than treading the boards. When not writing or reading, Jenny loves cheering on her local football team, which is not always an easy task!
Jenny Frame is the Royal Academy of Bards 2013 Hall of Fame Author.

Reviews

[Rosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story with some violence, since there are fight and boxing scenes, plus a few involving mafia-style criminal activity. The main characters are Nikki, the head of a not-overly-violent but definitely tough crime family that controls bars, casinos, and real-estate businesses with an iron fist; and Logan, a former boxer who’s looking for the daughter of a friend who died of an overdose and whom she wants to take care of. But that girl also happens to be Nikki’s adoptive daughter, so Logan has to approach things carefully.

The truth is, the story is pretty interesting on its own, but I think the ending felt a bit rushed. Nikki’s extreme trust in Logan doesn’t feel very believable either, but that’s not a huge deal. It was an entertaining read overall, honestly, although, like I said, everything at the end happened way too fast.


Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via Netgalley for an honest review

[Sam’s Sapphic Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Logan’s grandfather dies, she goes searching for her foster sister, Hazel’s child after getting a worrisome message from her then soon learning about her death.

Nikki Sharkey’s family controls Glasgow, with her being the head of it all. Nikki also just so happens to be Isla, Hazel’s daughter, adoptive mom.

Logan goes into it thinking the Sharkey’s are a horrible, crime filled family (which may be true sometimes), but finds out they only deal with legal businesses and hates drugs as much as Logan does.

There were some bumps in the story where I felt like it didn’t flow as well as it could’ve, but I still found myself liking the two MCs a lot. I noticed pretty quickly on that there was some repetitiveness with certain details in the story, which could be nice as a reminder but it felt like the information was being repeated over and over again.

The relationship between the two MCs was pretty good, but there were some definite flaws that could be fixed in order for their relationship to flow better.

I was a bit disappointed with the last about 10% because it felt super rushed and took away from the build up the story had created. I’d even go as far to say it was anti-climatic, which is why the book is receiving the rate it is. The ending could’ve definitely been dragged out more to keep the intenseness that was built into the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes for the ARC.

[JulesGP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always a little hesitant in reading books about crime divas. In this case, Nikki Sharkey is a combination of ruthless businesswoman ruling the Glasgow streets and a dedicated family woman at home. The mix makes her sexy and dangerous but also human. Logan “Lightening” Power is a former heavyweight Olympic boxing champion on a mission to avenge the death of her foster sister, Hazel. She’s sure that the McDades, Glasgow’s small fish crime family, is responsible. By working for the powerful Sharkeys and being privy to the underworld’s secrets, Logan hopes to find out the truth about what happened to Hazel and her daughter.

Logan and Nikki are a fiery pair. Both women are accustomed to being in control and it’s fun to read their hot exchanges in and out of bed. The tension is strong around them as well because they both hold secrets. I also enjoyed the characters moving around the Starkey enterprises. I’m a fan of place and I get a kick out of authors giving me a taste of the physical world, in this case, the bars, the boxing gym, a community outreach fair and so many others which really built up the story world. The characters’ and families’ backstories add good context as well. I recommend the book if you’re a fan of crime family stories with romance. There is violence but I would say lower on the scale of these types of books. The ending is abrupt but satisfying. I hope there are more books in the Starkey universe because I’m invested now. 4.25 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc. I am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked how the book started, with Logan "infiltrating" the Sharkey clan faster than water in a breach. I liked the initial tension and the push and pull between Nikki and Logan. But the book didn’t flow naturally for me. The characters went from one feeling to another a bit quickly, or it was not well explained or shown enough. The mixed POV did not help. As a consequence, the characters moved forward because I was told they did, and not because I could feel it or understand it. Frame tried really hard to paint the Sharkeys in a good way, and what I was told did not align with what I saw: I was told they could do bad business, but all I saw was goodness. When I read blurbs like that, I expect more darkness and complexity, morally gray characters. In this case, it lacked a bit of depth, and everything felt too easy, from Logan’s infiltration to Malky’s fall. Overall, the premise drew me in, but the execution did not reach my expectations. Nevertheless, the story was engaging and easy to read.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about Logan a retired heavyweight boxer, who goes to Glasgow to search for her sister’s child, Isla. Logan knows that crime syndicate boss Nikki Sharkey had adopted Isla. Logan is worried sick about Isla and plans to get her away from the Sharkey family.

I liked Logan’s character, she grew up in foster care and has had a rough life but through discipline and hard work she has been successful winning an Olympic gold medal. Nikki was a tough woman, guarding her family and her business. She’s used to being in charge until she meets Logan.

I liked the storyline in this book until the end., it ended abruptly and too easily. Throughout the book Logan is constantly worried about Nikki discovering her past and kicking her out. But when this is resolved there is no big drama or action taken. That wasn’t believable for me. And the romance didn’t work well for me, it was too fast to be believed.

Thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read and review this ARC.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some synopsis give spoilers, this doesn't, in fact I needed to read the book to understand the synopsis. Not only need to read it to understand, but want to read it to find out more! Good job!!
Hooked by the prologue.
Well, what a start!
I cannot believe the tension. There is a bit of me thinking, just tell her, it’s not that bad….. but the writer is doing a reasonable of job of why not. The menace is building in the background and I cannot believe how involved I am.
I would describe this as verging on romantic blend as I was equally invested in the non romance plot but appreciated how well the author weaved everything together. The author also struck the balance of a not angelic hero but I was still supporting them. 4.5, rounded up because I felt tension and although I was sure of a happy ending I wasn't quite sure how we would get there.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

have to say i am a sucker for this sort of storyline... and it didnt disasppoint well maybe the ending... way to quick ..... but this one held my attention right throughout... i just couldnt wait to read it whenever i put the book down....

nikkie sharkey is head of the infamous family.... she is kingpin.... and she has gotten there through hard work and being tough....she protects those she loves and none more so than her daughter....

logan is a boxer and has a couple of gold belts from the olympics behind her .... her dream was just about to come true when she had to give it up for personal reasons...

shes had a fairly tough life and spent some time in foster care where she met her best friend ...so when she was asked to do something for her logan jumped at the chance....

but it wasnt long before this friend turned up dead and logan had to look into two infamous families... because one of them killed her foster sister and she wanted revenge....

omg what a storyline a butch boxer and an ice queen for a ruler of her family... what could ever happen.... brilliant cast of characters some you loved and some you hated but it was logan and nikkie that held your attention and kept you wondering....

really enjoy this authors books.... you wont be bored with reading one of them

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


Logan decides to infiltrate the Sharkey's clan to keep the promise she made that Isla is safe and care for. Nikki is the adopt mother and has to do things to keep her family safe and the secrets she can let anyone know. Logan knows the only way to keep Isla safe is to get closer to Nikki and to find out what happen. I like this read two powerful woman who will do anything to protect the ones they love and the little Isla was just adorable and brought vulnerability to the character and while I like the danger part of the story I wish it’s shown more then just tell.

[Kasley.K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of the Heart is a good thriller that takes us to Scotland’s underworld.

Logan’s infiltration in the Sharkey’s clan went a bit too perfectly, but it was written in a way that wasn’t too unrealistic.
I enjoyed the contrast between the Sharkey and their rivals, even if I would have enjoyed it more if the McDades’ attempts against their family were more on page than simply being told they happened.

The tension and chemistry between Logan and Nikki are palpable, and their dynamics add spice to the story. The care and love everyone has for Isla is heartwarming. The bond that the Sharkey share was one of the best aspects of this book.

Overall, Secrets of the Heart is rather quick to read and has minimal violence.

[Vanna Book-Mage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never been disappointed with a Jenny Frame book that I’ve picked up and IT DOESN’T START WITH THIS ONE!

Nikki Sharkey can’t trust anyone with her secrets as the head of the Sharkey crime family and for good reason. Logan is a fighter at heart and used to win at boxing till she gave it up to take care of her family. What will she do when her closest friend needs help and is found dead? She’ll drop everything to fulfill a dying wish to check on Isla, her friend’s daughter. This puts Logan into Nikki’s orbit and a tale of strength, love, loss, control, letting go and secrets is born.

Frame perfectly captures tension, slow-burn, wanting and just enough spice to weave a story that keeps you hooked. You’re made to enjoy the characters and the plot equally and the dynamic between the MCs never feels forced or generic. You see their relationship and intimacy build as the story progresses and you almost feel the emotions rippling off the page when they interact. Other characters in the Sharkey family and businesses also warm your heart when they are on-page and it makes the story feel full.

My only issue is that I wish the resolutions to the secrets and the rival family were given more time. I’m a sucker for a detailed “this is why I…, now what?” and then we work through that. It doesn’t take away from the story, but it didn’t feel as satisfying as it could’ve been for me.

Despite that feeling, I loved the inclusion of the Easter egg characters, iykyk!
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Spice level: 4/5
Vibes: 5/5

Thanks NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for this free arc/copy of Secrets of the Heart; all opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki Sharkey is the head of a family crime syndicate in Glasgow. Although much of their money is now made through legal operations. A rival family wants to bring drugs into her territory, something her family actively fights. Logan Power is a former Olympic gold medalist for boxing. She has come to Glasgow for reasons mentioned in the blurb. She is surprised at how quickly she is able to get work at one of the Sharkey gyms and is helping train an up and coming boxer. It gives her a chance to get closer to Nikki.

Jenny Frame is a talented writer and is great at drawing you into the Sharkey’s world. Nikki is an ice queen that must always be dominant and strong to protect her family. Logan is the first woman she doesn’t control and she loves the challenge and their interactions. Most of the story is setting up a quick outcome but it was fun all the same. I almost thought I was reading a second book in a series because so much is made of Nikki’s cousin who helps run the family world. I thought the cousin's romance may have been another book but I couldn’t find it.

Mafia type books are not my favorites but I trusted Frame to deliver a compelling story. And she did. I’ve read many of her books and will look forward to what she writes next. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What made the book truly captivating was the dynamic between two Top women, who collide and are immediately more than aware of their chemistry and sexual tension. Neither initially wants to submit, but one of them will!
It also features an incredibly beautiful family dynamic, which I already thoroughly enjoyed in Sweet Surprise.
Little Ilsa is incredibly sweet and sweeps Logan, who has traveled all the way from Manchester, off her feet.
Logan, who lost her friend and foster sister to drugs and a very specific family, asked her for just one favor: to make sure her little girl, Ilsa, was in good hands and wouldn't grow up in the drug scene that killed her mother.
Logan learns that Ilsa lives with the Godmother of Glasgow.
She is her adoptive mother, and Logan knows that trying to infiltrate the Sharkey family could cost her her life.
The successful former boxer Logan Lightning Power, however, quickly and easily captures Nikki Sharkey's attention!
That doesn't mean things will be easy.
Both are stubborn, both extremely strong characters.
I also really appreciate the well-written butch-femme dynamic! Many thanks to Bold Stroke Books and Jenny Frame for the ARC!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I ready be Jenny Frame and it will not be my last! From the moment I started reading this book, I was hooked. The book centers around the Sharkey family, Nikki and her daughter specifically, and a former Olympic boxer named Logan. From the moment the two women meet the tension is thick! Both of them being stubborn and not willing to give into the other! Nikki and Logan had great chemistry throughout the book. This story did a great job of tackling dark and sensitive topics while also not glorifying things such as drug use.
The only reason I rated this 4 stars instead of 5 is because I felt the ending was a tad rushed. The entire time I was reading I was waiting for Logan's secret to be revealed and felt there would be more of a fallout, while I am happy there was no third act breakup, I was expecting maybe just a little more tension in that moment. The other conflict that was present in the book, I felt was handled rather quickly with little drama. Overall I loved this story and I would recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me an early copy of this book.

[Stephanie Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

After her grandfather dies, Logan goes searching for the closest thing she has left to a relative. Logan’s former foster sister’s daughter was adopted by Nikki, the head of the Sharkey crime family. Logan goes into it thinking she will need to rescue the girl from a violent, crime filled family, but instead finds a happy, very loved child and a family that is anti-drug and may blur the legal lines to protect and build up legitimate businesses.

For the most part, the story flowed well and was full of detail and action. Some facts were unnecessarily repetitive which was mildly annoying but didn’t take away from the story, the characters or their relationship.

The end was disappointing. There was so much build up and tension around what would happen if Logan’s truth came out, but when it did, it was just glossed over and rushed. From that point on, the remainder of the book felt rushed and lacked the amount of detail that made the first 80% of the story so exciting.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[AJ Sneed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of the Heart delivers an engaging blend of romance and criminal-clan intrigue set in Scotland’s underworld. Logan’s infiltration of the Sharkey clan comes together a little too smoothly, but it’s handled well enough that it never feels completely implausible. I did feel that the McDade's were more of an afterthought rather than an actual part of the story. They were used more of a way to move along the romance and interactions.

What really carries the book is the dynamic between Logan and Nikki—the chemistry is constant, the tension palpable, and their power balance as leaders of rival clans is a lot of fun to follow. The Sharkey family bond is one of the strongest parts of the story, and the love and protectiveness surrounding Isla is especially heartwarming.

While the romance is central, the wider storyline is just as compelling, creating a nice romantic-suspense blend. It’s a quick read with minimal violence, and overall a solid, enjoyable entry from Frame.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frame is back with an enticing story that delves into Scotland's underworld.

The story unfolds with Logan infiltrating into Sharkey's clan which seemed a little too easy, but not completely unbelievable. The top two woman in their respective clans, but it was a great power dynamic between them with more than their share of chemistry and sexual tension. I loved Ilsa, she was great. I wish it was more show than tell in regards to the attempts against the family. but not a huge gripe.

The family dynamic was the best part of the book and I enjoyed Logan and Nikki's interactions. Good book which I read quickly and enjoyed.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. New Jenny Frame and it was fabulous. She is without a doubt my most read author of 2025 and this new release has joined my favorites list. We learn about the Sharkey family in Sweet Surprise and I was so excited to see that this book follows Nikki, she’s the cousin of Mack and is the head of the Sharkey family business. Nikki is no nonsense and the chemistry between her and Logan was fantastic. I loved both characters a lot but Logan had me swooning. She’s strong and knows how to get Nikki to let go and the push and pull and tension between them was addicting. And the sex scenes were great. I loved this book so much and it’s for sure going in my Jenny Frame reread rotation. I’m already excited for whatever she comes out with next.

[SusieQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of the Heart is an enjoyable thriller set in Scotland’s criminal underworld. Logan’s infiltration of the Sharkey clan goes very smoothly, but remains mostly believable. I liked the contrast between the Sharkeys and their rivals, though I would have preferred to see more of the McDades’ actions on the page rather than just being told about them.

The chemistry between Logan and Nikki is strong and adds tension to the story, while the care everyone shows for Isla and the close bond within the Sharkey family are highlights. The book is a fast and easy read with limited violence, but it falls short of five stars due to a very brief and rushed ending that wraps things up too quickly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing an ARC.
#NetGalley #BoldStrokesBooks

[Jamie R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki Sharkey is the head of a Scottish family crime syndicate and single mom to her daughter, Isla. Logan has had a rough life and when she receives a call from her closest friend while growing up in foster care. She finds out her friend has a child, Isla, that was adopted by Nikki and asks Logan to make sure she is safe. When Logan hears of her friend’s death she vows to find and protect Isla.

As Logan makes her way into the family’s inner workings, she discovers Nikki is more than who she thought she was. Being near Isla is more than she could ask for and she is in a position to watch over her as she gets to know Nikki.

I was quickly drawn into this story and found it difficult to put down! The MC’s were likable and the side characters moved the story along nicely. The relationship
Between Nikki and Isla was endearing and the author smoothly and naturally integrated Isla’s autism into the story.

My only complaint would be that the big reveal occurred abruptly and could have been unpacked more thoroughly. It felt rushed and I went back to read the previous chapter to see if I had missed something. That said, I really enjoyed the book overall and will definitely read more from this new-to-me author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for the arc.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 story, but Nicola Victoria Vincent's narration *chef's kiss* bumps it up to be rounded to a 5. I wish we had more interactions with Mac and Flora from Sweet Surprise, still a fun read/listen with the Sharkey clan and their loves

[Amounah Works · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very satisfying. Sure, it was repetitive, but Jenny Frame connects her worlds in a type of ASMR soothing manner. Things are stitched with repeated points and themes that make her soothing style. This book made me long to reread her other books.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I had read another book, “Sweet Surprise”, with the Sharkey clan, and they totally intrigued me. So when I saw this one also had them, I knew I had to read it, and I wasn't disappointed, I actually liked this one even more. I loved the characters and how they were all about family first and super protective. It just pulled me into the story and kept me reading late into the night. You should totally read this book.


I received an arc

[Lisa Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This was worth the wait. Jenny Frame is a favorite of mine and as always wrote a wonderful heartfelt story. I hope we see more of the Sharkeys.

[Seb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was lots of fun the narrator is a bit weird but I don't mind it.Overall it is a good sapphic book!

[Cheryl Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful series

I love the Sharkey series. Niki's storey is a wonderful book. I have read it twice. I would love for Jenny to keep the series going.