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Little Hope Series #6
Ugly Secrets
“I hate you. But I still f*ckin’ want you.”
Olivia:
I never wanted to come back to Little Hope. But I’m here. Trying to build a life for my son and myself. He and my bakery are all I want to focus on.
Until the Bad Boy of Little Hope shows up on my doorstep. Multiple times.
He’s hated by almost everyone, feared by the rest. But not by me.
He’s different with me and my son. I just wish the town would see him this way too.
Jake:
I could easily take the cake for being the most hated man in town. And deservingly so.
My own family thinks of me as a lost cause, disregarding me on holidays and family gatherings.
They all think I’m a villain. And I might be. But none of them know what made me this way. That is, until she comes to town and crawls under my skin.
She’s the sister of the man who hates my guts, and yet she might be the only person who doesn’t hate me. She claws me out of the darkness I’ve created for myself.
Until everything changes…
A bad guy whose secrets have their own secrets. A single mom who has a few of her own. What do they share? The dark past they both hide.
They say villains are irredeemable. But what if there’s someone who can read between the lines?
.
.
This book is part of a series of interconnected standalones. This slow-burn, single mom-bad guy, enemies-to-lovers, contemporary romance is filled with angst, secrets, and finding peace. Each book contains a story about a different couple. No cheating. No cliffhangers. HEA.
Author's the drama and tears are back.
TW: there are quite a few. Please refer to the author’s note for the full list.
Olivia:
I never wanted to come back to Little Hope. But I’m here. Trying to build a life for my son and myself. He and my bakery are all I want to focus on.
Until the Bad Boy of Little Hope shows up on my doorstep. Multiple times.
He’s hated by almost everyone, feared by the rest. But not by me.
He’s different with me and my son. I just wish the town would see him this way too.
Jake:
I could easily take the cake for being the most hated man in town. And deservingly so.
My own family thinks of me as a lost cause, disregarding me on holidays and family gatherings.
They all think I’m a villain. And I might be. But none of them know what made me this way. That is, until she comes to town and crawls under my skin.
She’s the sister of the man who hates my guts, and yet she might be the only person who doesn’t hate me. She claws me out of the darkness I’ve created for myself.
Until everything changes…
A bad guy whose secrets have their own secrets. A single mom who has a few of her own. What do they share? The dark past they both hide.
They say villains are irredeemable. But what if there’s someone who can read between the lines?
.
.
This book is part of a series of interconnected standalones. This slow-burn, single mom-bad guy, enemies-to-lovers, contemporary romance is filled with angst, secrets, and finding peace. Each book contains a story about a different couple. No cheating. No cliffhangers. HEA.
Author's the drama and tears are back.
TW: there are quite a few. Please refer to the author’s note for the full list.
476 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2024
101 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read
About the author
Ariana Cane
14 books563 followersAriana Cane is the queen of sizzling slow-burn romances that blend heart-pounding chemistry. A die-hard Disney fan, she sprinkles a touch of magic into her stories, keeping readers hooked as her characters navigate their way to happily-ever-after. 💖
Forget insta-love—Ariana’s all about crafting damaged alpha heroes with layers of depth and complications that unravel like a perfectly plotted fairy tale. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her dreaming up new ways to torture her characters (and readers!) with a cup of decaf coffee or striding the Disney parks because it’s her happy place.
Writing about herself in the third person? Let’s just say it’s as tricky as convincing her characters to kiss and make up before the final chapter. 📚
Forget insta-love—Ariana’s all about crafting damaged alpha heroes with layers of depth and complications that unravel like a perfectly plotted fairy tale. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her dreaming up new ways to torture her characters (and readers!) with a cup of decaf coffee or striding the Disney parks because it’s her happy place.
Writing about herself in the third person? Let’s just say it’s as tricky as convincing her characters to kiss and make up before the final chapter. 📚
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
April 29, 2024
I still hate Justin
May 10, 2024
YES! Ariana Cane you did it again!
What a perfect ending to this series and what a perfect ending for Jake!
What a perfect ending to this series and what a perfect ending for Jake!
April 26, 2024
It's the end of Little Hope!
I've honestly never gotten so involved with a series before. I'm so involved that I've given a character in this series a nickname, and the author didn't come at me, lol. She supported my love/hate relationship with him. And for that, thank you, Ariana. 😊
This story really settles down the series and the MMCs life. It would be much better to read this book after you've read the rest of the series. Jake, our main guy, is throughout the other books. Making bad decisions... and losing his "golden boy" status.
He's pretty much persona non grata in his hometown. So he's driving, and he comes across Olivia and her baby, and they really need help. When he pitches in, Olivia can't believe it's Jake, someone she knows. Someone she doesn't see as a villain. Olivia is a sweetheart. She tries her best to be a good mom. But will being a good mom work if she's with Jake?
This is really Jake's redemption story. He's hurt some people close to him. And their relationships now are complicated.
It's great to catch up with the previous characters. Two of them are Jake's siblings. One who feels like he can't move on without Jake.
If we ever get back to Little Hope, I've got first dibs. I'm going tomiss the people. And especially the animals.
I've honestly never gotten so involved with a series before. I'm so involved that I've given a character in this series a nickname, and the author didn't come at me, lol. She supported my love/hate relationship with him. And for that, thank you, Ariana. 😊
This story really settles down the series and the MMCs life. It would be much better to read this book after you've read the rest of the series. Jake, our main guy, is throughout the other books. Making bad decisions... and losing his "golden boy" status.
He's pretty much persona non grata in his hometown. So he's driving, and he comes across Olivia and her baby, and they really need help. When he pitches in, Olivia can't believe it's Jake, someone she knows. Someone she doesn't see as a villain. Olivia is a sweetheart. She tries her best to be a good mom. But will being a good mom work if she's with Jake?
This is really Jake's redemption story. He's hurt some people close to him. And their relationships now are complicated.
It's great to catch up with the previous characters. Two of them are Jake's siblings. One who feels like he can't move on without Jake.
If we ever get back to Little Hope, I've got first dibs. I'm going tomiss the people. And especially the animals.
April 9, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
🩶Ugly Secrets🩶
Release Date 📆 April 23, 2024
🏔️ dual pov
🍂 single mom x bad guy
🏔️ series villain gets the girl
🍂 she falls first, he falls harder
🏔️ slow burn
🍂 small town romance
🏔️ she takes care of him
🍂 he protects her
Genre: Romance
Sub-Genre: small town romance, contemporary romance, single parent romance
This read is bittersweet for me, because i’m so sad about this series coming to an end! I’m so grateful to have been able to read any early copy of this!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️
Jake’s immediate protection for Olivia and Brodie right off the bat is an immediate green flag for me! And Jake haters (if you exist) it’s time to be quiet, because I’m in love with Jake and thank god for all our questions being answered ~ you’re just going to have to read it because I’ll keeping this as spoiler-free as possible!!!
I’m so glad we were finally truly introduced to Olivia, and she did not disappoint. She’s such a good mom to Brodie, and I love seeing the family reunited with her back in Little Hope, and seeing her foster new relationships with all of the little hope family!
The wrap up of so many questions, mysteries, and relationships was so good, and definitely has me feeling a bit better ~ as all good things must come to an end (but seriously do they have too??)
I cannot recommend this enough, I definitely think you’ll love it if you’re a small town, single parent, found family romance trope fan! I loved getting to see all the series and side characters again and the conclusion of this series!
PS ~ I can’t believe I didn’t see that plot twist coming. IFKYK!!
🩶Ugly Secrets🩶
Release Date 📆 April 23, 2024
🏔️ dual pov
🍂 single mom x bad guy
🏔️ series villain gets the girl
🍂 she falls first, he falls harder
🏔️ slow burn
🍂 small town romance
🏔️ she takes care of him
🍂 he protects her
Genre: Romance
Sub-Genre: small town romance, contemporary romance, single parent romance
This read is bittersweet for me, because i’m so sad about this series coming to an end! I’m so grateful to have been able to read any early copy of this!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️
Jake’s immediate protection for Olivia and Brodie right off the bat is an immediate green flag for me! And Jake haters (if you exist) it’s time to be quiet, because I’m in love with Jake and thank god for all our questions being answered ~ you’re just going to have to read it because I’ll keeping this as spoiler-free as possible!!!
I’m so glad we were finally truly introduced to Olivia, and she did not disappoint. She’s such a good mom to Brodie, and I love seeing the family reunited with her back in Little Hope, and seeing her foster new relationships with all of the little hope family!
The wrap up of so many questions, mysteries, and relationships was so good, and definitely has me feeling a bit better ~ as all good things must come to an end (but seriously do they have too??)
I cannot recommend this enough, I definitely think you’ll love it if you’re a small town, single parent, found family romance trope fan! I loved getting to see all the series and side characters again and the conclusion of this series!
PS ~ I can’t believe I didn’t see that plot twist coming. IFKYK!!
April 15, 2024
It’s been two years that I have been waiting for this story since ARIANA published her first book HAUNTED HEARTS in the LITTLE HOPE series. “Jake” was one character who was charming at the start and then it turned into a villain overnight.
He is the villain of this small town and is hated a lot. He needed his story to get his happy ending and to give all the answers to the strange things happening in all five books before this one. And I truly believe Ariana when she says that he needed to be the person he was to be the person he will be in this book.
The book is standalone and you can read & enjoy it as it is but it is highly RECOMMENDED if you read the series one by one to feel the depth of Jake’s life. You will be able to relate to the other characters and understand the meaning of so many instances in the world.
Ariana writes fabulously and this book is her finest. She did justice to Jake and in the process she made me fall in love with his character. Olivia is the bonus I didn’t see coming. The mystery around them, and the suspense around everything is detailed and I think everything got covered in the book—every open link concluded in this one.
Meeting all the other characters from the previous books is just wow. The story is plot-driven with very strong emotions of the characters. Past and present are perfectly balanced with the points where it all should come to light. Nothing is a step ahead or is falling a step back. It’s all on point.
Read just read this book. I will not say more but I love these two a lot and I am thoroughly satisfied with this book and its ending, I am excited for the bonus extended epilogue. I love it more and more when I get to read these extended ones. It leaves a pleasant happiness.
He is the villain of this small town and is hated a lot. He needed his story to get his happy ending and to give all the answers to the strange things happening in all five books before this one. And I truly believe Ariana when she says that he needed to be the person he was to be the person he will be in this book.
The book is standalone and you can read & enjoy it as it is but it is highly RECOMMENDED if you read the series one by one to feel the depth of Jake’s life. You will be able to relate to the other characters and understand the meaning of so many instances in the world.
Ariana writes fabulously and this book is her finest. She did justice to Jake and in the process she made me fall in love with his character. Olivia is the bonus I didn’t see coming. The mystery around them, and the suspense around everything is detailed and I think everything got covered in the book—every open link concluded in this one.
Meeting all the other characters from the previous books is just wow. The story is plot-driven with very strong emotions of the characters. Past and present are perfectly balanced with the points where it all should come to light. Nothing is a step ahead or is falling a step back. It’s all on point.
Read just read this book. I will not say more but I love these two a lot and I am thoroughly satisfied with this book and its ending, I am excited for the bonus extended epilogue. I love it more and more when I get to read these extended ones. It leaves a pleasant happiness.
June 3, 2024
What a finale book!!! Worth the wait! But also I can’t believe is the last one :,). First time I was introduced to Little Hopes I was so happy to find some deap heart felt stories. So this is the book that brings it all together. It was hard to see how Jake story could ever be HEA but the plot makes make sense! And that right there is excellent writing! Everything cames together in the end! And you get some great plot twists, some doubts, some questionable live choices but all will make sense!
10/10 recommend but read the other ones first like the author suggested. Technically not necessarily but essentially for the best experience possible. I am very bias towards the 3th book of the collection, so don’t be like me and start with the first one!
10/10 recommend but read the other ones first like the author suggested. Technically not necessarily but essentially for the best experience possible. I am very bias towards the 3th book of the collection, so don’t be like me and start with the first one!
April 24, 2024
3.5 Secret Stars
RTC
RTC
May 30, 2024
i'm sucker for morally gray heroes😌
April 27, 2024
Writing has significantly improved since the last book in this series. Last one was borderline unreadable but this one maintains good flow. It was good to see Jake get his redemption arc. Suspend reason temporarily because the plot of this is silly goose nonsense. I think this book would like it to believe it’s angsty but the pace, style and short flashbacks never let you dwell long enough to feel it. Fans of the series will like this end to it.
April 26, 2024
Jake has been the villain throughout this entire series. He has definitely made some poor choices along the way but the question was always why. What made him into this angry abrasive man? This book answers all these questions and more.
I always love an anti hero but Jake is extra special to me. His story was extremely well written.
Oli and her baby are returning to Little Hope to start their new life. She has always had a childhood crush on Jake but she never expected their lives to become so enmeshed as adults. I love how she stands her ground and her self confidence.
I’m sad to see this series end, but I’m also looking forward to what’s to come.
I always love an anti hero but Jake is extra special to me. His story was extremely well written.
Oli and her baby are returning to Little Hope to start their new life. She has always had a childhood crush on Jake but she never expected their lives to become so enmeshed as adults. I love how she stands her ground and her self confidence.
I’m sad to see this series end, but I’m also looking forward to what’s to come.
April 14, 2024
I received an ARC...
I can 100% say before this book that I HATED Jake and his pompous "I'm an officer of the law" bullshit. But now... that poor tortured soul. He needed love too.
Now for all you smut lovers, this book is not very spicy but if you've read any of this authors other books in this series you know how well she writes about different types of trama and how they can manifest. That is what Jake needed, less orgasms and more chapter development. We also got answers, finally, to how Jake knew to be at Alex's cabin or how Alicia's attackers were found, and how Ashley finally gets punished.
I'm sorry Ariana, you can't end Little Hope. We're all too attached now.
And DO. NOT. SKIP. the happily ever after stories afterwards for each couple and even the town's true hero.
I can 100% say before this book that I HATED Jake and his pompous "I'm an officer of the law" bullshit. But now... that poor tortured soul. He needed love too.
Now for all you smut lovers, this book is not very spicy but if you've read any of this authors other books in this series you know how well she writes about different types of trama and how they can manifest. That is what Jake needed, less orgasms and more chapter development. We also got answers, finally, to how Jake knew to be at Alex's cabin or how Alicia's attackers were found, and how Ashley finally gets punished.
I'm sorry Ariana, you can't end Little Hope. We're all too attached now.
And DO. NOT. SKIP. the happily ever after stories afterwards for each couple and even the town's true hero.
April 23, 2024
Did I read this almost in one sitting? Yes. Yes I did. If I could have managed to stay up all night long I would have!
I have been longing for Jake’s story since book one of the series and it did not disappoint! There were so many moments I wanted to reach through the pages and squeeze Jake until he accepted how loved he could truly be.
This book tore my entire heart apart and rebuilt it piece by piece, and I loved every syllable of it.
Ariana wrote this book in the most incredible way and even though some moments hurt like hell, I love the story she gave Jake.
I have been longing for Jake’s story since book one of the series and it did not disappoint! There were so many moments I wanted to reach through the pages and squeeze Jake until he accepted how loved he could truly be.
This book tore my entire heart apart and rebuilt it piece by piece, and I loved every syllable of it.
Ariana wrote this book in the most incredible way and even though some moments hurt like hell, I love the story she gave Jake.
July 25, 2024
this was the best series i’ve ever read! loved it sm, very sad it’s over
December 23, 2024
Loved Jake, could not stand Olivia🙃
April 14, 2024
ARC review 🩷
okay i'm just gonna say: when this releases to the public. READ. IT. i disliked jake SOOOO much during the other 5 books but i'm now a proud jake lover. that's all i'm gonna say.
thank you ariana cane for the arc!
okay i'm just gonna say: when this releases to the public. READ. IT. i disliked jake SOOOO much during the other 5 books but i'm now a proud jake lover. that's all i'm gonna say.
thank you ariana cane for the arc!
April 29, 2024
"I want to keep looking at her because she's become my anchor to reality and to all the good that might still be waiting for me."
Five books...anyone who has been here for all of this series has gone through five previous books most likely disliking Jake and for good reason. I honestly never thought I could dislike a character as much as I disliked him. By the end of Guilty Minds (book two) he has become public enemy #1 as far as readers go. He had a small redeeming moment in Fragile Lives (book four) but just as quickly as that moment happens he disappears. So many questions went through my head as to where Ariana Cane was going to take his story. I can honestly say I was not prepared for what we got! What we got is a man that is 1,000% worth the wait for his story.
It is so hard to put my feelings into words without ruining the entire story. I can say from the very beginning of the book Jake shows his good guy side that has just been buried so deep down inside. Once it starts to make an appearance there is no stopping it and little by little the good Jake FINALLY graces readers with his presence. His lady love was an excellent choice by Ariana. I could not imagine any other woman for him....she is absolutely perfect. A single mom and native to Little Hope, a woman who happens to be in the wrong place at the right moment (IYKYK), one of the only woman who doesn't see him as the villain he has been painted as.
Naturally this wouldn't be an Ariana Cane book unless it burns so freaking slow, I mean slooooow! So many teasing moments that honestly made me love these two even more. Neither are impulsive people (ok maybe one time they are) and they sure do take their sweet time with things. Honestly, in my opinion Jake is quite the gentleman. He is possessive of her yet protective at the same time, especially when it comes to protecting her from him. Good thing she is there with a mind of her own to make Jake see reason!
To finally get my hands on Jake's story...it was bittersweet to say the least. I loved his story so dang much but at the same time it is the end of the Little Hope series. That is a hard hit to my heart. So many emotions flowed through me as I read this. We get to revisit the previous couples, some more than others due to the storyline. Ms. Cane truly did a wonderful job of wrapping up this entire series with Jake as the finale!
Five books...anyone who has been here for all of this series has gone through five previous books most likely disliking Jake and for good reason. I honestly never thought I could dislike a character as much as I disliked him. By the end of Guilty Minds (book two) he has become public enemy #1 as far as readers go. He had a small redeeming moment in Fragile Lives (book four) but just as quickly as that moment happens he disappears. So many questions went through my head as to where Ariana Cane was going to take his story. I can honestly say I was not prepared for what we got! What we got is a man that is 1,000% worth the wait for his story.
It is so hard to put my feelings into words without ruining the entire story. I can say from the very beginning of the book Jake shows his good guy side that has just been buried so deep down inside. Once it starts to make an appearance there is no stopping it and little by little the good Jake FINALLY graces readers with his presence. His lady love was an excellent choice by Ariana. I could not imagine any other woman for him....she is absolutely perfect. A single mom and native to Little Hope, a woman who happens to be in the wrong place at the right moment (IYKYK), one of the only woman who doesn't see him as the villain he has been painted as.
Naturally this wouldn't be an Ariana Cane book unless it burns so freaking slow, I mean slooooow! So many teasing moments that honestly made me love these two even more. Neither are impulsive people (ok maybe one time they are) and they sure do take their sweet time with things. Honestly, in my opinion Jake is quite the gentleman. He is possessive of her yet protective at the same time, especially when it comes to protecting her from him. Good thing she is there with a mind of her own to make Jake see reason!
To finally get my hands on Jake's story...it was bittersweet to say the least. I loved his story so dang much but at the same time it is the end of the Little Hope series. That is a hard hit to my heart. So many emotions flowed through me as I read this. We get to revisit the previous couples, some more than others due to the storyline. Ms. Cane truly did a wonderful job of wrapping up this entire series with Jake as the finale!
July 19, 2024
I’m a huge fan of villains getting a redemption story, but…this one didn’t land like I hoped it would.
Random thoughts:
1. Jake was all over the place. Literally and figuratively.
2. The likelihood of NEITHER of them remembering conceiving Brodie is insanely low…and this plot line was a bit OTT to me.
3. Olivia owns a bakery?! With what money? IN THIS ECONOMY? How did she save enough to BUY A BUILDING?! How old is she?! We’re not even talking Jake’s loaner money here—another highly improbable plot line.
4. And on that note: why is everyone a business owner in books? What’s wrong with a basic office job? Cogs are seriously underrepresented in fiction and I’ll die on that hill.
5. The guy at the motel was SO FOR REAL going to fight a woman and baby because he needed sleep? Stop it.
6. I love Frank. I DO. But…he’s ramming cars on command? We may have gone too far. It was one thing for him to see Kayla being in danger with his own eyeballs and to take action. This is a whole new level.
7. I’m to believe that Jake, with one day’s experience in a hair net, was able to totally prep an entire bakery for the day, WHILE taking care of a baby, when he has zero previous experience with children? Uhh…
I kept coming back to the improbability of everything going on in this story. Maybe it was just too much for me to take on? I can only step so far out of reality and this one just had me jogging away left and right.
STILL. Overall, I loved this series. I love the characters. I’m so glad everyone got their HEA and I really enjoyed heading back to Little Hope.
Random thoughts:
1. Jake was all over the place. Literally and figuratively.
2. The likelihood of NEITHER of them remembering conceiving Brodie is insanely low…and this plot line was a bit OTT to me.
3. Olivia owns a bakery?! With what money? IN THIS ECONOMY? How did she save enough to BUY A BUILDING?! How old is she?! We’re not even talking Jake’s loaner money here—another highly improbable plot line.
4. And on that note: why is everyone a business owner in books? What’s wrong with a basic office job? Cogs are seriously underrepresented in fiction and I’ll die on that hill.
5. The guy at the motel was SO FOR REAL going to fight a woman and baby because he needed sleep? Stop it.
6. I love Frank. I DO. But…he’s ramming cars on command? We may have gone too far. It was one thing for him to see Kayla being in danger with his own eyeballs and to take action. This is a whole new level.
7. I’m to believe that Jake, with one day’s experience in a hair net, was able to totally prep an entire bakery for the day, WHILE taking care of a baby, when he has zero previous experience with children? Uhh…
I kept coming back to the improbability of everything going on in this story. Maybe it was just too much for me to take on? I can only step so far out of reality and this one just had me jogging away left and right.
STILL. Overall, I loved this series. I love the characters. I’m so glad everyone got their HEA and I really enjoyed heading back to Little Hope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
I wanted a redemption and boy did I get it! Jake, I can’t hate you anymore. But now it’s over for Little Hope and I just know I’ll be missing the whole town. Off to reread all the other books again!
April 2, 2024
Can't go wrong with a bad guy gone right.
My boy Jake endures one hell of a redemption arc and completes the Little Hope Series. Love love love ❤️ 😍
My boy Jake endures one hell of a redemption arc and completes the Little Hope Series. Love love love ❤️ 😍
April 23, 2024
amazing!
I absolutely LOVED this book. Could not put it down, I was captivated page one. I was nervous about Jake’s book and whether or not he was redeemable. Let me tell you, Ariana Cane made me fall in love with Jake. His story had my heart breaking and mended it at the same time. Olivia was the absolute best person for him. Their story had my emotions all over the place and I loved every minute of it. It was raw and real and beautiful. I’m sad this was the last of the Little Hope Series, and what a bang to go out with. Hands down recommend this book and all of the Little Hope Series!
I absolutely LOVED this book. Could not put it down, I was captivated page one. I was nervous about Jake’s book and whether or not he was redeemable. Let me tell you, Ariana Cane made me fall in love with Jake. His story had my heart breaking and mended it at the same time. Olivia was the absolute best person for him. Their story had my emotions all over the place and I loved every minute of it. It was raw and real and beautiful. I’m sad this was the last of the Little Hope Series, and what a bang to go out with. Hands down recommend this book and all of the Little Hope Series!
May 15, 2024
Jake’s story always intrigued me. I was always curious with his character and how his story would be. Finaly the wait has ended.
Jake is the one character that changes the most throughout the story told in the different books of this series. He starts as a prick teenage personality deputy, to a boy who doesn’t know how to face what he did and needed help, to a person who isn’t the same as before but doesn’t know what to do with themselves and for that regresses to his default mode, and finally he is portrayed as someone angry at and disappointed with the world.
At least that was the assessment I had of him.
For many of my theories I hadn’t expected a
Jake is the one character that changes the most throughout the story told in the different books of this series. He starts as a prick teenage personality deputy, to a boy who doesn’t know how to face what he did and needed help, to a person who isn’t the same as before but doesn’t know what to do with themselves and for that regresses to his default mode, and finally he is portrayed as someone angry at and disappointed with the world.
At least that was the assessment I had of him.
For many of my theories I hadn’t expected a
April 16, 2024
ARC review
ugly secrets by ariana cane
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
"Every stretch mark. Every bruise. Every scar. It's all your story. It shows how strong you are and how much you've done to be where you are. A real man wants a real woman by his side. So whoever the f*ck ends up with you better be a real man. Because you are the most real woman I've ever seen."
"Where you only see darkness, I see a spark of light."
tropes:
🖤single mom/bad boy
🖤small town
🖤series villain gets the girl
🖤she falls first, he falls harder
🖤protective mmc
🖤dual pov
Literally from page one I was already in love. I am a sucker for a redemption arc and Jake's redemption is one of my all time favorites. I loved this series and have read it multiple times and to finally see Jake's character grow and heal just made my heart so happy. We are introduced to Olivia, Mark's sister from book 2, and her 9 month old son, Brodie.
Both Jake and Olivia have had sh*t thrown at them throughout their lives, from Olivia being bullied for growing up in a trailer park to Jake struggling with drug addiction along with other trauma. We finally get to see Jake from the beginning of the series and we learn why he acted the way that he did and how much he struggled. We see him heal from his trauma and learn to accept that he deserves love, despite what he did in the past.
Olivia has always had a crush on Jake from the beginning, when they were in school together and she never through she would get the chance to be with him. When he comes into her life and takes the overprotective role of both her and her son, she can't help but fall for him. She sees the damaged man he is and loves him anyway.
Honestly, reading the series from the beginning I hated Jake, but the way that Ariana took what he did and we were finally able to see why he kept disappearing, why he was acting the way that he was, and we saw that he would do whatever it took to protect the people he loved, even if it meant putting himself at risk and being the villain in everyone else's lives then he would do that. He repeatedly protected his family, Olivia and her son even though he knew how it would look to everyone. That's why I love him, he is a protector and is willing to risk himself and his reputation for those around him and I am happy to finally see him get his love story.
**Please check trigger warnings before reading this series.
ugly secrets by ariana cane
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
"Every stretch mark. Every bruise. Every scar. It's all your story. It shows how strong you are and how much you've done to be where you are. A real man wants a real woman by his side. So whoever the f*ck ends up with you better be a real man. Because you are the most real woman I've ever seen."
"Where you only see darkness, I see a spark of light."
tropes:
🖤single mom/bad boy
🖤small town
🖤series villain gets the girl
🖤she falls first, he falls harder
🖤protective mmc
🖤dual pov
Literally from page one I was already in love. I am a sucker for a redemption arc and Jake's redemption is one of my all time favorites. I loved this series and have read it multiple times and to finally see Jake's character grow and heal just made my heart so happy. We are introduced to Olivia, Mark's sister from book 2, and her 9 month old son, Brodie.
Both Jake and Olivia have had sh*t thrown at them throughout their lives, from Olivia being bullied for growing up in a trailer park to Jake struggling with drug addiction along with other trauma. We finally get to see Jake from the beginning of the series and we learn why he acted the way that he did and how much he struggled. We see him heal from his trauma and learn to accept that he deserves love, despite what he did in the past.
Olivia has always had a crush on Jake from the beginning, when they were in school together and she never through she would get the chance to be with him. When he comes into her life and takes the overprotective role of both her and her son, she can't help but fall for him. She sees the damaged man he is and loves him anyway.
Honestly, reading the series from the beginning I hated Jake, but the way that Ariana took what he did and we were finally able to see why he kept disappearing, why he was acting the way that he was, and we saw that he would do whatever it took to protect the people he loved, even if it meant putting himself at risk and being the villain in everyone else's lives then he would do that. He repeatedly protected his family, Olivia and her son even though he knew how it would look to everyone. That's why I love him, he is a protector and is willing to risk himself and his reputation for those around him and I am happy to finally see him get his love story.
**Please check trigger warnings before reading this series.
April 16, 2024
⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩
I was kindly provided with this book (censorship is BS and I hate it but here we are!)
It’s the end of an era, and I couldn’t be more upset about that fact…
The plot - If you’ve read the series up to now, you know the vibes; small town, enemies to lovers kinda, grumpy X sunshine, and this one is a single mom romance! Smut was 2/5 on the spice scale, but that’s because this plot was SO important for the series. It’s also a HEA in interconnected standalones (book 6 of 6!)
This is where Little Hope comes to its end. 6 books, 6 different couples, and 6 different ways to fall in love with fictional characters in a fictional world. We got a lot of context for the last 5 books in this one, and the redemption arc… had me sobbing over here.
I want another book just based on this couple!
The MC - Olivia is my birth name, and I’m so so glad that I got to read her story. Her past, her present and her future was my everything, and I adored her and her little boy Brodie like nothing else.
The male counterpart - Jake. My baby, my love, my sweet love that deserves everything in love. Only in his life would he be dealt such a shit hand and find a way out of the darkness. Absolutely adored him.
•~•~•~•~The quotes ~•~•~•~•
“For those who believe that a villain deserves a good ol’ orgasm too.”
-
“Wait, it’s not a crib. It’s like a crib but on the floor and wider, and the kid is trapped inside without any possibility of escaping and causing a ruckus. Very handy.”
-
“Let me see,” he orders, stretching his arm toward me. Well, when you asked so nicely.
-
“Every stretch mark. Every bruise… Every scar. It’s all your story. It shows how strong you are and how much you’ve done to be where you are. A real man wants a real woman by his side.”
-
“So whoever the fuck ends up with you… He’d better be a real man… Because you’re the most real woman I’ve ever seen.”
-
“Look at me, Oli. I’m sitting on my knees in front of you with my dick hard as a rock. Don’t do that to me.”
I was kindly provided with this book (censorship is BS and I hate it but here we are!)
It’s the end of an era, and I couldn’t be more upset about that fact…
The plot - If you’ve read the series up to now, you know the vibes; small town, enemies to lovers kinda, grumpy X sunshine, and this one is a single mom romance! Smut was 2/5 on the spice scale, but that’s because this plot was SO important for the series. It’s also a HEA in interconnected standalones (book 6 of 6!)
This is where Little Hope comes to its end. 6 books, 6 different couples, and 6 different ways to fall in love with fictional characters in a fictional world. We got a lot of context for the last 5 books in this one, and the redemption arc… had me sobbing over here.
I want another book just based on this couple!
The MC - Olivia is my birth name, and I’m so so glad that I got to read her story. Her past, her present and her future was my everything, and I adored her and her little boy Brodie like nothing else.
The male counterpart - Jake. My baby, my love, my sweet love that deserves everything in love. Only in his life would he be dealt such a shit hand and find a way out of the darkness. Absolutely adored him.
•~•~•~•~The quotes ~•~•~•~•
“For those who believe that a villain deserves a good ol’ orgasm too.”
-
“Wait, it’s not a crib. It’s like a crib but on the floor and wider, and the kid is trapped inside without any possibility of escaping and causing a ruckus. Very handy.”
-
“Let me see,” he orders, stretching his arm toward me. Well, when you asked so nicely.
-
“Every stretch mark. Every bruise… Every scar. It’s all your story. It shows how strong you are and how much you’ve done to be where you are. A real man wants a real woman by his side.”
-
“So whoever the fuck ends up with you… He’d better be a real man… Because you’re the most real woman I’ve ever seen.”
-
“Look at me, Oli. I’m sitting on my knees in front of you with my dick hard as a rock. Don’t do that to me.”
April 22, 2024
I ain't sure if I'm happy or sad about this read 😢 this book marks the end of an era I have been hooked on from 2023.
I became such a groupie that the author might consider blocking me for spamming her with tags 😂 sorry not sorry, if I love you, I'm not graceful about it !!!
I've already said a lot about this series in more than a handful of posts/reels, but let us revisit it once more lol !
Little Hope is a collection of standalone stories set in a small town, each brimming with emotions, trauma, suspense and dark themes. It features some of the most captivating characters and their journey with love and healing.
My fave saying to describe this series "stories where healing isn't just for the characters but also for you and I " ❤️ and I mean every word.
Finally getting to Jake, the bad seed of the town's book is as relieving and sad, his storyline pretty much tucked all of the suspense and unanswered questions of the previous books. Every single chapter with Jake's POV I read with a lump in my throat and lots of tears were spilled 🫠 his journey to redemption took toll on everyone, his friends and mostly his family.
Ugly Secrets introduced me to the sweetest misunderstood villain out there, he blushes, he gets all shy, gets better in communication, grovels like a champ, intensely possessive, a hell of a morally greyish MMC's and most importantly the bear protector of his love interest and baby ❤️
Despite getting the closure I was hoping for and having my all questions answered, saying goodbye to this series is bittersweet 😭
As tempted as I am to give this book a lower rating than wholesome for not being 800 pages long, I wholeheartedly recommend it (the whole series) to anyone into small towns, slow burns, spice, emotional themes and a gangsta moose
I became such a groupie that the author might consider blocking me for spamming her with tags 😂 sorry not sorry, if I love you, I'm not graceful about it !!!
I've already said a lot about this series in more than a handful of posts/reels, but let us revisit it once more lol !
Little Hope is a collection of standalone stories set in a small town, each brimming with emotions, trauma, suspense and dark themes. It features some of the most captivating characters and their journey with love and healing.
My fave saying to describe this series "stories where healing isn't just for the characters but also for you and I " ❤️ and I mean every word.
Finally getting to Jake, the bad seed of the town's book is as relieving and sad, his storyline pretty much tucked all of the suspense and unanswered questions of the previous books. Every single chapter with Jake's POV I read with a lump in my throat and lots of tears were spilled 🫠 his journey to redemption took toll on everyone, his friends and mostly his family.
Ugly Secrets introduced me to the sweetest misunderstood villain out there, he blushes, he gets all shy, gets better in communication, grovels like a champ, intensely possessive, a hell of a morally greyish MMC's and most importantly the bear protector of his love interest and baby ❤️
Despite getting the closure I was hoping for and having my all questions answered, saying goodbye to this series is bittersweet 😭
As tempted as I am to give this book a lower rating than wholesome for not being 800 pages long, I wholeheartedly recommend it (the whole series) to anyone into small towns, slow burns, spice, emotional themes and a gangsta moose
April 23, 2024
Heartwrenching, Enlightening and Beautiful - The Perfect Redemption Story
Note: This book's trigger and content warnings need to be read before reading.
Also Note: I highly recommend reading books 1-5 first, as this book contains relevant references to the character's storyline and the story is the most enjoyable with context.
Wow, an absolutely mind-blowing and heart-wrenching end to this series. This is the redemption story that Jake deserves, and not one moment disappointed!
It's impossible to choose a favorite couple in this series, but Jake and Olivia brought the feels with their story.
This beautiful story delves deep into the mystery that is Jake Attenborough, and the revelations about him will make you absolutely re-evaluate his actions throughout the entire series. And then there's Olivia, faced with everything tough and no soft landing of her own, but doing what needs to be done to thrive. To say that this story is a perfect exemplification of character growth is putting it lightly!
I adored this story, and this couple. I loved the glimpses we saw of previous characters, and the fact that real growth is hard work and relationships are not magically perfect (a theme throughout this series).
This couple earned their HEA, and the journey was filled with heart, banter, self-doubt, strength, resilience, spice and so much more!
Definitely a must-read masterpiece from this author, and an absolutely wonderful way to wrap up a series filled with characters that you can't help but love, even if you really dislike some of them at first (here's looking at you, Jake)!
Note: This book's trigger and content warnings need to be read before reading.
Also Note: I highly recommend reading books 1-5 first, as this book contains relevant references to the character's storyline and the story is the most enjoyable with context.
Wow, an absolutely mind-blowing and heart-wrenching end to this series. This is the redemption story that Jake deserves, and not one moment disappointed!
It's impossible to choose a favorite couple in this series, but Jake and Olivia brought the feels with their story.
This beautiful story delves deep into the mystery that is Jake Attenborough, and the revelations about him will make you absolutely re-evaluate his actions throughout the entire series. And then there's Olivia, faced with everything tough and no soft landing of her own, but doing what needs to be done to thrive. To say that this story is a perfect exemplification of character growth is putting it lightly!
I adored this story, and this couple. I loved the glimpses we saw of previous characters, and the fact that real growth is hard work and relationships are not magically perfect (a theme throughout this series).
This couple earned their HEA, and the journey was filled with heart, banter, self-doubt, strength, resilience, spice and so much more!
Definitely a must-read masterpiece from this author, and an absolutely wonderful way to wrap up a series filled with characters that you can't help but love, even if you really dislike some of them at first (here's looking at you, Jake)!
April 26, 2024
The resident villain, finds his love. Jake has made a lot of mistakes and burned a lot of bridges. Does he deserve a happily ever after? Can he redeem himself or is his past forever going to have a hold on his future.
Olivia has always had a little crush on Jake, did not matter that he might have never noticed her. She is back is her hometown with her daughter, can two kindled spirits with their ugly secrets over come the past and live happily ever after.
I was not prepared for Jake’s story. We all knew what he had done, but not the reasons and those being revealed truly was an experience. My heart broke for the poor guy, there was so much that he endured on his own and no one absolutely no one should have to live through that. We live in a harsh reality where that is so common though.
I am sad that this is the last book in The Little Hope Series. It truly was the most beautiful way to wrap it up. Jake and Olivia, went through the world of pain to come together and they deserve to have their happily ever after. One of the lines that stood out to me the most was, “Where you see only darkness, I see a spark of light”. Olivia always saw something in Jake, no matter how broken he might have been. That kinda of faithfulness might be silly to some but honorable to others. She believed in him and that he didn’t deserve the ugly.
Ariana Cane has an amazing ability to capture emotions of her characters. This book was an amazing end to the series and I cannot wait to explore more of her work. I absolutely loved it and cried buckets while reading, so be aware that you would be going through a roller coaster of emotions.
Olivia has always had a little crush on Jake, did not matter that he might have never noticed her. She is back is her hometown with her daughter, can two kindled spirits with their ugly secrets over come the past and live happily ever after.
I was not prepared for Jake’s story. We all knew what he had done, but not the reasons and those being revealed truly was an experience. My heart broke for the poor guy, there was so much that he endured on his own and no one absolutely no one should have to live through that. We live in a harsh reality where that is so common though.
I am sad that this is the last book in The Little Hope Series. It truly was the most beautiful way to wrap it up. Jake and Olivia, went through the world of pain to come together and they deserve to have their happily ever after. One of the lines that stood out to me the most was, “Where you see only darkness, I see a spark of light”. Olivia always saw something in Jake, no matter how broken he might have been. That kinda of faithfulness might be silly to some but honorable to others. She believed in him and that he didn’t deserve the ugly.
Ariana Cane has an amazing ability to capture emotions of her characters. This book was an amazing end to the series and I cannot wait to explore more of her work. I absolutely loved it and cried buckets while reading, so be aware that you would be going through a roller coaster of emotions.
August 28, 2024
Jake's story is one I've been looking forward to from book 1 because of saving Freya. Like how bad can a dude be if he's saving women from death, right?! Then he got worse and worse in every book and I just thought how can he be such a villain. And it was like why are you not letting this Kayla stuff go?! What is his why? There were so many mistakes he made. So many possible why breadcrumbs sprinkled throughout the series, it just made me need his villain origin story more.
Ugly Secrets did not disappoint, giving me ALL the answers I was looking for. So many oh shit! moments in this book getting those answers too. But as it's own story I was heartbroken constantly for Jake. This dude has been through it. I loved his honesty and vulnerability, especially when it came to Olivia and her son Brodie. And who doesn't want to see the villain say sorry?!
Okay, Olivia, this woman is just everything. She's literally the only person that could see Jake for who he truly is, and isn't that what we all want from our partner? When I tell you she made me cry, I'm not exaggerating. Such a special character and worthy of being the FMC in a series finale. Ugh, sad it's over!
So I have to say I'm a little surprised Jake didn't end up with Jonah, just from their uncomfortable interactions in the other books. Jonah ending up being Olivia's bestie made perfect sense lol
I'm just going to say it, you have to read the other books first to get the full emotional spectrum of this story. The chemistry is there, but the spice is secondary, which i thought was necessary but if you're looking for it alone, you may be disappointed. Twist is perfect.Would reread!
Ugly Secrets did not disappoint, giving me ALL the answers I was looking for. So many oh shit! moments in this book getting those answers too. But as it's own story I was heartbroken constantly for Jake. This dude has been through it. I loved his honesty and vulnerability, especially when it came to Olivia and her son Brodie. And who doesn't want to see the villain say sorry?!
Okay, Olivia, this woman is just everything. She's literally the only person that could see Jake for who he truly is, and isn't that what we all want from our partner? When I tell you she made me cry, I'm not exaggerating. Such a special character and worthy of being the FMC in a series finale. Ugh, sad it's over!
So I have to say I'm a little surprised Jake didn't end up with Jonah, just from their uncomfortable interactions in the other books. Jonah ending up being Olivia's bestie made perfect sense lol
I'm just going to say it, you have to read the other books first to get the full emotional spectrum of this story. The chemistry is there, but the spice is secondary, which i thought was necessary but if you're looking for it alone, you may be disappointed. Twist is perfect.Would reread!
April 28, 2024
[arc review] 4.5/5 ⭐️ // 2.5/5 🍋
This book has answers to scenes in previous books that were left unsolved so I highly suggest that if you want to start this book, go read the first five books! Yes, first FIVE. Ugly Secrets was a beautiful conclusion to this series and it warmed my heart so much seeing Jake get his happy ending along with glimpses of the previous couples in the book.
Oh and the PLOT TWISTS IN THIS BOOK! I had a hunch but wow did it blow my mind. We can’t forget Frank too! He was such a main character in the whole series and I will miss him so much!
I finished Guilty Minds /hating/ or more like loathing Jake. He was so mean. I understand he had his own reasons for hating Kayla but treating her and everyone else the way he did was wrong. Redemption he may not have gotten from all but reading Ugly Secrets, wow. Jake looked after those he loved from afar and I don’t hate Jake as much as I did. Without going into spoilers too much, I am very proud of Jake for doing something for a greater good.
And Olivia. My sweet sweet girl. I am a sucker for women who girl boss and end up with their high school crush. Olivia saw through the facade Jake put up and I love her so much for not running away when Jake had his issues. And I have to mention the plot twist again because damn. I completely understand Jake and would be upset too.
This series has real problems that people face every day. I appreciate Ariana for including them in her books because although most romance books are a work of fiction, it gives us the hope that everything will be okay.
This book has answers to scenes in previous books that were left unsolved so I highly suggest that if you want to start this book, go read the first five books! Yes, first FIVE. Ugly Secrets was a beautiful conclusion to this series and it warmed my heart so much seeing Jake get his happy ending along with glimpses of the previous couples in the book.
Oh and the PLOT TWISTS IN THIS BOOK! I had a hunch but wow did it blow my mind. We can’t forget Frank too! He was such a main character in the whole series and I will miss him so much!
I finished Guilty Minds /hating/ or more like loathing Jake. He was so mean. I understand he had his own reasons for hating Kayla but treating her and everyone else the way he did was wrong. Redemption he may not have gotten from all but reading Ugly Secrets, wow. Jake looked after those he loved from afar and I don’t hate Jake as much as I did. Without going into spoilers too much, I am very proud of Jake for doing something for a greater good.
And Olivia. My sweet sweet girl. I am a sucker for women who girl boss and end up with their high school crush. Olivia saw through the facade Jake put up and I love her so much for not running away when Jake had his issues. And I have to mention the plot twist again because damn. I completely understand Jake and would be upset too.
This series has real problems that people face every day. I appreciate Ariana for including them in her books because although most romance books are a work of fiction, it gives us the hope that everything will be okay.
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