Sugar Coated Secrets

by Carmen Rosales

SOME SECRETS ARE ROTTEN INSIDE.
ESPECIALLY IF THEY MUST BE KEPT.
Throughout high school, I was invisible, silently hoping Ford Keller, the quintessential bad boy everyone adored, would notice me. When he asked me out, last minute to prom, I thought my prayers had been answered.

It turned out to be a cruel joke, one that nearly broke me completely.

I smile.

I pretend everything is fine, running my grandmother's bakery.

I act like I don’t remember him from school, but I remember most of the things they did that fateful night.

In a town with every reason to lie, there is no one I can trust.

Not him.

Not them.

I need to get the hell out of this town, but I can’t, not yet.

To survive, I have no choice but to play their game.



IF HE’LL LET ME GO.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Small Town Romance, Abuse, Enemies To Lovers

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2024

About the author

Carmen Rosales is a best-selling Dark Romance and Latinx author. She loves to write in different genres of Romance and erotic horror under her alter ego, Delilah Croww. Beyond her writing, Carmen is a devoted mother who loves spending time with her loved ones. Join her VIP list to hear about her latest releases and giveaways at www.carmenrosales.com



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Reviews

[lia · Rating 1 out of 5]

How the hell is this book getting 4-5 star ratings??? Did we read the same book?? Cause fr.

Just wanna preface that this review contains a lot of spoilers. Proceed at your own risk, because it will most likely ruin some of the “twists”. 🤷🏻‍♀️


Nothing starts out a great romance like the H waking up from a wild night of sex with a nameless one-night stand. No seriously, that’s literally how the first chapter starts out. Also, this manho H said he was extremely drunk (which he also says is his usual M.O. during his nights out — getting drunk) that he didn’t remember anything from his wild night of sex with said bottled blonde sleeping next to him.


”I don’t remember anything from last night except hands, eyes, a woman’s tongue, and a lot of touching. What is her name? I don’t remember.”


So I guess it’s safe to say he also forgets to wear a damn condom 💀

I’m getting sick and tired of these so-called “romance” book openers and as we go along, we hear more about this H’s manwhoring ways. OH, and apparently… he’s been ❤️in love❤️ and ✨obsessed✨ with the h for yeeears, ever since high school — even way before he left to be a hotshot racer who gets drunk and fucks loads of other women. I am really feeling the love y’all 🤡


”He’s been around,” Katie says, scrolling through her phone. “Models, socialites, fans. Different women. Different countries.”


Oh please, tell me more about how ✨obsessed✨ and ❤️in love❤️ the H is with our dear h 🥹🙏🏻 Disgusting.

Not to mention, he also had a gf in high school while he was being all in love and obsessed with the h — a gf that he even got pregnant 🤡🤡

(Ford talking about his ex gf Summer in high school)
after I broke up with you, you lied to me that you were on the pill. Told me you were pregnant in hopes it would stop me from leaving. When that didn’t work, you told my parents I knocked you up so I would be forced to marry you, then had an abortion six weeks later, got drunk, and fucked Trent before prom night to make me jealous so I would hate my friend.

All this while claiming he is hella ✨obsessed✨ with the h 🤡🤡🤡

And guess he’s really not a fan of condoms 🙃

Speaking of condoms, he doesn’t use one with the h, yet doesn’t take time to confirm that he is, in fact, NOT std-infested. And ofc the h only ever had sex with the H and the guy who raped her (yes she was raped in high school) so she’s pretty much your typical inexperienced almost-virgin 🤓

I honest to god hate that “it’s always been you” yet the H goes and sleeps with as much women as he possibly can. I don’t know why authors think this will make their “love” believable. HARD PASS.

Lastly, what the actual fuck was that epilogue HAHAHAHA. I couldn’t tell if it was the worst kind or the perfect one for this book — the h finally realizing what a completely toxic asshole the H is after a year together 🫠🤡 Cause you guys:

I shake my head, panic clawing at my chest. “No, no, this isn’t right. This isn’t… love”
Ford steps closer, his eyes locking onto mine. “Love?” He laughs softly, darkly. “This is the only kind of love, Dulce. The only kind that matters. You’re mine. And you always will be.”
I look into his eyes, and all I see is obsession. Control. Possession. Mixed with love that is dark”

💀💀🤡💀💀🤡💀💀


Toxic manwhore H. Doormat h. Mediocre writing.
Spare yourselves y’all.


TW: h was raped in high school but she had ptsd and didn’t remember who. She got pregnant from that rape but had a miscarriage.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ℍ𝕠𝕨 𝕀 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜: arc E-Book
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: Medium
ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪: High
𝔼𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕪𝕡𝕖: Happily Ever After
•
𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕥𝕪𝕝𝕖: This was such a great blend of mystery and romance! I love how Carmen writes she always has me hooked and it is so easy to read! That would be like the perfect beginner Dark Romance.
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤: “You’re my sweet obsession, and I don’t plan on letting go. Ever.”
& “A war is never won if the enemy sees you coming.”
& “Keeping secrets is just a prison for the lies that can destroy you.”
& “You’re Dulce’s Ford.”
& “There is no hate or fear, just… want. A dark want that was always left unfinished. A love story with missing pages that needed to be written.”
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣: Chapters 11 & 21 & 30
𝔽𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣: Ford: 🫠 I wish I had a Ford watching over me 😏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: This is such a gripping story of love, betrayal, and resilience. Rosales skillfully captures the emotional turmoil of the main character, making her journey relatable and heart-wrenching. The twists and turns kept me addicted, and the resolution was both satisfying and thought-provoking, which makes it a perfect dark romance story. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, coming-of-age story with a touch of romance and drama.

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 "Sweet Obsession!" stars***



“I don’t believe in fairy tales, Ford. This isn’t a fantasy. In my story, the knight doesn’t exist. In my story, the damsel is fucked.”

This isn't my first rodeo with Carmen Rosales and I can tell you that this woman's stories are getting to me!
This was another one intense and dark ride full of suspense and intrigue!
I liked Dulce and Ford very much, even though there were some flaws around them!
Carmen hooked me in their story since the beginning and I couldn't stop reading...

"There are only so many lies you can tell before they surface. Because they always do. Keeping secrets is just a prison for the lies that can destroy you."

Dulce had a crush on Ford since high school, but at the end of their senior year something bad had happened to her, something that was still haunting her after four years!
Now, Ford is back in town and he is everywhere! He is demanding her attention and time and Dulce can't let go of the ugly past, even though her heart is speeding up every time Ford is near!

"Even if he could never be mine, I was his ashes. Ruined for anyone else. Too far gone in the web of lies and secrets this town created."

Ford has made many mistakes in the past and his biggest regret is Dulce, the girl he was obsessed with since forever!
When Dulce needed him the most, he left and now that he is back, she is refusing to acknowledge him!
But he is determined to win her over and in order to do that, he needs to uncover the secrets that everyone around him seems to hide!

"There is no hate or fear, just… want. A dark want that was always left unfinished. A love story with missing pages that needed to be written."

I liked Dulce and Ford together very much, even though there were many things that were standing between them...
My heart was breaking for this girl and everything she had to live through!
Ford had good intentions, but his ways weren't always good! He made terrible mistakes, but noone can ignore that he was caring deeply for Dulce!

“I’m not trying to save you... I’m going to do something no one has ever done.”
“And what is that?”
“Fight for you.”

I liked the suspense that was surrounding this story... to be honest, I kind of guessed who was behing certain actions from the beginning, but I still liked the way we discovered it in the book!
I just wish for some things to be more clear in here, especially things that had to do with our hero...
And that epilogue? It was frustrating like hell!
Overall, I enjoyed very much this story and despite some unclear things, it kept me in the edge of my seat throughout the whole story!

"You’re my sweet obsession, and I don’t plan on letting go. Ever."

[Erika Braga · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good yet not. it was a one sitting type of book that actually keeps you reading because you want to know the mystery. It’s very fast paced. I liked the story but I didn’t like how contradictory the MMC was, he was in love and obsessed with her since high school yet he allowed and watched her getting terribly bullied throughout high school by non less than his best friends and “girlfriend “ and did nothing, zero, zilch. That doesn’t sound very in love and obsessed to me.Than he was away from her for 4 years because he was “too obsessed “ with her meanwhile he fucks everything that moves while he never ever even kissed her nor talk to her (but he was obsessed. HOW?) than he goes back to the town and is after her and finds out what his friend did and beats him up but still lives with him. Than he tells her his ex girlfriend was nothing to him (true) but than doesn’t tell the MFC and goes have lunch with said ex to get info but it doesn’t matter that was for her benefit because she doesn’t know, he didn’t tell her so she is hurt AGAIN. Than tells her she’s different and he will never do to her what he use to do to the others which is spend the night with them and leave in the morning without a word. But then guess what ? Due to the “events” that happens he gets furious and does EXACTLY the same thing he did to others, he left without a word and I FUCKING HATE the “up and leave” attitude. He did because he was figuring things out to help her, but it doesn’t matter cause she didn’t know and feels LEFT AND HURT AGAIN. Why he didn’t he just wait till she was awake and tell her and then go do what he needed too? Also why the fuck we were here thinking the hotel was their first night together when the author COMPLETELY skipped their first night like it wasn’t important and we learn later that they in fact had their first night in her house ! WHY DO THAT ? And the Epilogue after a year together and living happily, why make him look like he was going to transform her in his prisoner forever? Why didn’t the author just made a normal happy ending for them without the doubt since this is not a duet ? So yes I really like Carmen Rosales books, the Prey Series and the Hillside Kings series are top notch to me. But this book was good yet not. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Aarann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't call this bad (I vacillated between 2-3 stars) but could have done with... something, in a big way. Editing, beta-readers... something. Conversations kept seeming disjointed somehow, like there might have been whole sentences missing. There was a whole thing about how Ford had been stalker-level obsessed with Dulce in high school, but at the beginning of the book he came off like he hadn't really even thought of her while he was away. Then again, from the sound of it, like, every guy in town seemed to be obsessed with her. Both Ford's best friends wanted her back in high school, the local police officer wants her, random people seem to almost fall instantly, destructively, in love with her.

Now here is where I make my confession. This was almost a DNF -- in fact, I probably should put it on my DNF shelf since technically I stopped at 40% because the disjointedness of the conversations was getting to me and I wasn't connecting with the characters (except the grandma -- she was cool). Then I skipped to the last chapter because I'd heard something about the ending getting weirdly dark, and also wanted to see if I was right about the book's mystery. (I was!) And yeah, it probably definitely would have helped if I hadn't skipped 60% of the book, but that Epilogue seemed like it was tacked on based on what I'd read previously.

I do want to give this author another shot. A couple of her plotlines look really fun. This one just wasn't for me.

[Keza Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar Coated Secrets was everything i never expected.

Dulce has crushed on Ford for a while now, and being a high school player hot guy its easy to see why. She always prefers to remain invisible, though. Choosing to take care of her grandmother and her bakery. Ford takes her home one day after school, and in turn, she gives him some of her cookies and her number if he wants more. Dulce never expected the nightmare that would follow it.

Four years on and Ford is back, and she doesn't want to see him, but he is everywhere haunting her, and in her space, Ford wants two things. The truth and Dulce.

This was unexpectedly awesome. I was on the edge of my seat for it all. The suspense was sooooo good. I so love that in a story. Dulce has been through a lot. More than! She really needed someone to fight in her corner. Ford really was that person. He's hot, too. The steam (fans oneself), but those final lines, i think, will stick with me for a while. It was like a plot twist right at the very last second. Another fantastic read from Carmen.

Definitely recommend 👌

[Ri BR · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this story except the ending. I felt like it wasn’t finished, didn’t make sense.

[Amoyisreadingxoxo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dulce and Ford has me giggling and kicking my feet the entire time lol! Ford KNEW she was the one for him, and he didn’t let time affect his feelings. The dark undertones in this story was done so well and I couldn’t stop reading! When he found out all the hurt that Dulce went through, this man made it his mission to avenge her. AND DAMN was he hot as hell doing it too, the pearls were indeed clutched🤭

HELLO, the ending?!😳

[Sabrina Sabbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fav writer

What I thought was a bully book took a dark and twisted turn. And I couldn't put this book down for nothing. (Other then sleep)

[Kaiti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the build-up of learning what happened to Dulce and who is responsible. I wasn’t a fan of how Dulce seemed to insist on believing that nobody ever liked her or cared about her and she deserved nothing good at all. It got old pretty quick for me. I understand being in that headspace after what she’s gone through but it felt more Eeyore than coping to me. I felt that the big reveal and the ending were very rushed and more than a little confusing. The epilogue made zero sense to me AT ALL. All of that aside, I was hooked on finding out who did this to her and I would read another book by this author if the summary caught my interest.

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! this was such a great steamy, thrilling, second chance at love story.
4 years ago Dulce and Ford went to the same high school. Ford was one of the "cool rich kids" and Dulce was the butt of all jokes, pranks and was bullied so terribly, that an incident resulted in a horrific trauma that no one should ever have to endure.
Dulce remained in the small town, running her grandmother's bakery and taking care of her. She keeps to herself - lives a quiet, lonely life.
Ford left just before prom to pursue a career in race car driving, touring the world, winning championships and engaging in countless of one night stands.
What Dulce doesn't know is that every week for the last 4 years, Ford has ordered her cookies - the same cookies she offered him one day after school, senior year, as a thanks for driving her home on a rainy day.
What Dulce also doesn't know is that Ford has been in love with her since high school. Although he was part of the group of peers who bullied her, he never participated, but he also never put a stop to it.
Well, now, Ford is back and he's ready to go after what he's always wanted - Her! he quickly learns that just after he left something bad happened and now his focus not only includes having Dulce as his girl, but to uncover the truth about what happened that terrible, awful night.

So many twists and turns had me on edge the whole time, right to the very last line of the book.
It does not end on a cliffhanger, but it definitely left me wanting, needing, more.

Dulce is strong and is not afraid to speak her truth. She believes that she is broken but would never give those who hurt her the satisfaction of knowing this. She does not want Ford's pity and is confused why he wants to be with her, especially after all this time, but what she doesn't realize is that he has loved her for so long. Ford wants nothing more than to show her just how deep his love for her goes. He is willing to risk it all- his friends, his family, his career- just for her.
Dulce is also not afraid to take what she wants, and she wants to feel Ford's hands, mouth, his skin, all over her - and he is more than willing to oblige.

This is the first book i've read by this author and it will not be my last.

i was given a free ARC of this book, and this review is my opinion.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶🌶🌶.5
🍆🍆🍆🍆.5
🔪🔪🔪.5

If you like to read:
- Dark Romance
- Small Town
- Past Trauma
- Secrets and Lies
- Baker x Racecar Driver
- Touch her and Die


Carmen Rosales has done it again and boy so many twists and turns had me on edge the whole time, right to the very last line of the book. It does not end on a cliffhanger, but it left me wanting, no needing, more. Ford and Dulce had a very interesting relationship. Ford was the quintessential popular “bad boy” in school and Dulce was the outcast/quite girl who was constantly bullied. Ford never bullied Dulce, but his friends and girlfriend did, he laughed along and never stood up for her, but he was in love/lust with her... Then he drove her home one rainy day. Ford texted her that night and asked her to prom, and of course she said YES. She just never knew prom night would change her forevermore. Four years later Ford, who is still having one-night stands, wants to go home to see her and make her his. The way Ford acted in this book was a bit of a mystery for me throughout, I just couldn’t quite figure out what was going on with him other than he most definitely has been obsessed with Dulce. He kept doing things that had me seriously questioning his sanity. Until the end and it was explained. While Dulce, I figured it out right away and it broke my heart. Well, most of it anyways. When the full story came out, I was like OMG, the amount of shit this girl went through. I enjoyed the obvious chemistry they had with each other. The spice was on point for their story. I really loved that he was in her corner finally! Overall, I really loved this one and can’t wait for whatever is next from Carmen.


Thank you to the author for giving me this ARC

[Just A Girl And Her Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️.5

This was my first book by Carmen Rosales and boy was it filled with a ton of twists and turns I was not expecting. Ford and Dulce had a very interesting relationship. Ford was the quintessential popular “bad boy” in school and Dulce was the outcast who was constantly bullied. And while Ford never bullied Dulce his friends did, he laughed along and never stood up for her. Then he drove her home one day and she thought things may have changed especially when Ford asked her to prom, and of course she said yes. However prom night changed everything for everyone. Now 4 years later Ford wants to make things right.

Ford was a bit of a mystery for me throughout this book. I couldn’t quite figure out what was going on with him other than he is and always has been obsessed with Dulce. He kept doing things that had me seriously questioning his sanity and my ability to understand him. While Dulce I had figured out right away even though we don’t get her whole story till way later in the book. I definitely enjoyed the push and pull between the two of them and the obvious chemistry they had with each other.

This book was so close to a 5 star read for me but there was a few parts that left me with more questions than answers. Ford did a few things that while the author tried to explain it just didn’t make any sense to me or that I was missing part of the whole story. Again this is all my own opinions and thoughts. However that ending?? That ending left me wanting more!!

[Erin Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW

Sugar Coated Secrets - Carmen Rosales

5/5⭐️
4/5🌶️

✨✨✨✨✨✨
First I’ll start with wow I’m literally at a loss for words with this one. I discovered this author earlier this year and I have not been disappointed. I was truly on the edge of my sheet the entire book. This is a book with a perfect plot, big secrets and amazing characters! Ford and Dulce had me in tears at so many different points through book! The suspense throughout was so good! Ford is the rich cool kid with all the friends and Dulce is the poor girl who everyone hates and honestly just has it rough. Ford is cruel with his friends during a prank their senior year to Dulce and wow my heart broke for that girl! After pursuing his Race career he’s back and runs into her bakery. He’s back for her!

The spice was on point for their story. I really loved that he was in her corner finally! Overall I really loved this one and can’t wait for whatever is next from Carmen.

📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Dark Romance
- Small Town
- Past Trauma
- Secrets and Lies
- Baker x Racecar Driver
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words.

✨check in: how are you doing lately?

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[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ford and Dulce had been high school classmates. Ford had been one of the cool kids and Dulce, the outcast and butt of everyone’s jokes and the girl who had crushed on Ford from afar. Till her feelings were used against her on prom night when one joke went too far and had bad repercussions for Dulce. Four years later, Ford now a champion racing driver returns to their hometown where Dulce has remained working in her grandmother’s bakery.

This book had so much promise, but it felt a bit disjointed when reading it and has left me a bit confused and thinking Ford saw Dulce as a possession and not a person in her own right. I really didn’t like the ‘hero’ Ford who was a bit of a ‘man ho’ who didn’t believe in getting his latest bed bunny’s name let alone using protection. He’d also stood by, laughing as his classmates made Dulce’s life hell, something he could’ve stopped at any time all this while declaring his obsession with Dulce. When he finds out something had happened to her on prom night, he becomes obsessed with finding out who had dared touch what was his. I felt sorry for Dulce. She was so lonely and scared, unable to remember anything about that night. The only person who loved her was dying and she was trapped in the town. I just wish she’d had the courage to escape and start a new life. An obsessively in love hero I can handle but Ford was just plain obsessed, love didn’t come into it. It was more he wanted to own Dulce rather than cherish her and after that epilogue he wanted her to know that and fear him as if he held her responsible for his feelings.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to receive and ARC for this book and from the very first page, this book captivated me and kept me hooked until the end. It’s one of those rare reads that lingers in your thoughts long after you've put it down. The plot is masterfully constructed, maintaining an air of suspense throughout. I particularly appreciated how the story kept me guessing, avoiding the predictability that often plagues other books. The revelation of the mysterious character's identity was completely unexpected and genuinely shocking.

However, it's important to remember that reading experiences are subjective. What resonates with one reader might not impact another in the same way, and my rating reflects my personal experience.

Rating this book was a challenge. While it had the potential to be a 5-star read, I ultimately gave it 4 stars due to the way autism was referenced. As a parent of children with autism, I was disappointed by the insinuation that hyper-focused autistic individuals are all violent when something it taken away from them - this is certainly not the case. It felt like a harmful generalization, as anyone regardless of neurotype, can become violent. The complexity and diversity of individuals on the spectrum deserve more nuanced representation.

Overall, the book succeeds in its tension and storytelling, its depiction of autism left me wanting a more thoughtful and accurate portrayal.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in two minds with this book as the cover and the blurb made this book out to seem like a dark romance read when in fact it was more on the sweeter side with an edgy twist and felt like a lot of the earlier New Adult Romances I used to read by Jessica Sorensen and Abbi Glines. The book starts with our main character Dulce in high school and it's her birthday, she has been just dropped home by Ford Keller - the hottest guy in school. The pair go their separate ways and then on prom night, Dulce gets a text from Ford inviting her. For Dulce though it seems that this is a prank and she gets left in the field. That night, she is raped and assaulted and it becomes the worst night of her life as she also got pregnant and miscarried. The night even still four years later gives her PTSD and panic attacks. When Ford comes back to town, he wants to pick up with the sweet girl he knew from high school - of course as he left before Prom - he has no clue what happened to her and with Dulce blaming Ford, she isn't going to make this reunion easier on him. It looks like though that Ford has some competition vying for Dulce's attention as Officer Mays has been continually asking Dulce out and she finally has said yes. I did like this book as I loved how Ford did care and got revenge for Dulce on those who ruined her and hurt her in high school. Part of this book gave me Scream Queen vibes mixed with sweet bakery treats.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small town Suspense is a gripping story of Obsession, Mystery and definitely had thriller vibes.

The first 50% was so solid that it didn't let me go at all. I was turning the pages so fast, finally wanting to know what happened that night with Dulce all those years ago.

The flashbacks were like perfectly added zingers that made me both scared and also anticipating the big reveal of who was the culprit after all.

Dulce is such a darling and sweet girl and I was really sad for what happened to her as that poor girl was always a good one and always stayed in her lane.

Even when she was bullied in high school by the so called "IT" crowd, who would bully her with no provocation, still she never paid them any attention.

Dulce now runs her bakery and works hard to make it a success.
She also takes care of her grandmother, who's ill and in hospice care.

The story is definitely written in a way to keep you engrossed throughout and the setting puts suspicion on almost everyone, although in a subtle way.

Ford was such a mystery to me. I really didn't know what to think of him but one thing was blatantly obvious, the fact that he was absolutely crazy over Dulce.

Ford made me so happy for the way he cares for Dulce because that girl sure had no one looking out for her.
But is there more to Ford's attention and care, that he hides?!

I really enjoyed this one and it's a fact now that whether it's book by Carmen Rosales or Delilah Croww, I know I'm gonna love it.

[A. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a small town romance that starts with Dulce and Ford in high school. Dulce is the object of bullies. Dulce had a crush on Ford. Ford was popular and Dulce was not. When Ford asks Dulce to the prom, of course she says yes. Something happened at that prom that Dulce kept quiet about.

The book moves to the present. Dulce runs her grandmother's bakery. Ford is a famous race car driver. Ford has come back in town to finally get some answers. This small town does not want the truth to come out. Especially exposing the secrets of the wealthy in the town. Whole Dulce is extremely sweet, she's always been poor and an outcast.

Is Ford a savior or still an enemy? Ford has secrets of his own. "Now that I had a taste of what I was missing, I want more, and nothing will stand in my way of keeping her for myself." Ford comes across as a good guy. The full extent of Ford's motives aren't realized until the last page.

So expect drama, mystery, bullying, obsession, small town secrets, and a second chance at love. It does take awhile for all the secrets to come out. I'm still wondering the full truth about Ford and Summer. If the rumors about Summer and Ford were true? I did enjoy the obsession, secrets, and mystery. I loved the cover.

I received a advanced copy of this book and voluntarily left this review.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is a fast paced bully romance. This is the story of Dulce and Ford. When they were in school she was basically invisible. He though was apparently obsessed with her. She has a huge crush on him but is treated horribly by everyone. She doesn't mind being invisible though really. That way everyone leaves her alone. However she also had a grandmother who runs a bakery and one day when he is taking her home from school she gives Ford her number and cookies. What she never expected in return was for a nightmare to be headed her way.
Now four years have passed and Ford is back. As you can imagine she does not want to see him. However, he isn't about to let that happen. He is everywhere, almost to the point of feeling like she is haunted. However he is one mission for two things. The truth and her.
I really loved reading this book. I loved these character and the different kind of story that they have to tell. This is a steamy little read about fighting for who and what you want. To show people who think they are totally invisible to the world that they matter and you are there for them.

[ELC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sugar Coated Secrets by Carmen Rosales

Ok so this one made me want to punch a lot of people. I will be the first to say I do not particularly choose bullying romances like at all. I tend to stay clear of them actually they are just not my thing. But I really like this author so I was willing to give it a try. I’m glad I did it was a great book. Yes I wanted to get into those pages of the book and punch well more than punch Trent and Chris even Ford so many times. Especially all of those girls who made Dulce’s live even harder than it was. Ford for being the coward he was as a teenager for doing absolutely nothing to stop his crew of so called friends from constantly bullying Dulce. Trent and Chris for the awful crap they did to Dulce after Ford leaves. I was definitely not expecting for the bad guy to be who it was. I was absolutely sure it was going to be some one else completely. My heart broke for Dulce she endured so much yet she was this amazing strong woman. I must say go into this book with caution especially if you are triggered easily because this book has some very strong serious triggering situations. However I say give it a try it is a very good book and I would definitely recommend it.

[K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only reason I finished this is because I wanted answers. It’s seriously so poorly edited. I had to reread so many passages because I was lost. The last 20% is so confusing. At one point they’re in the select skybox before his big race but simultaneously leaving her grandmas house.

So many questions. How does she serve breakfast if she’s just a bakery? How can she keep up with online orders if it’s just her and one employee? And, there’s only one van to deliver which is broken down for weeks? How did she manage to bake and then deliver all the baked goods from his sponsoring her at the race? How did they get away with killing a cop? How did they get away with killing Chris?

The ending is awful. If I’m understanding it correctly, he planned for her prom night scare but didn’t plan for the rape. So when he lost his mind on his Trent and beat him up that was an act? I mean he beats the crap out of him when he finds out they left her with a broken phone. That was an act?

This was a new to me author and I’m not sure I’ll try another title after this mess.

Also, how does this have so many 4-5 star reviews? I’m not a beta reader but I know they exist. I also know they tell you when something is confusing or needs editing.

[Only.ever.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:
✨Sugar Coated Secrets✨

By Carmen Rosales

⭐4/5 ❤️5/5

✨ Second Chance Romance
✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Dark Romance

Ford and Dulce

Ford and Dulce’s story is not an average, usual, love story. It is dark, full of twists and turns and has some very heavy topics.
What Dulce had to endure throughout her high school time and one night especially. It broke my heart for her.
I can’t fully understand Ford. He claims he always loved her and was obsessed with her, but how can someone just stand there and look at how his interest is being treated. And his certain ways when it comes to being with women? Ah, I don’t like.
But then again those two are different from what I read normally. The story is about four years after high school. He was gone to make a career in racing and she stayed and overtook her grandma’s bakery. And now, he is back and this time is determined to really get the girl.
If you like dark romance and morally gray heroes this book is what you will like.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Carmen Rosales has once again exceeded all my expectations and just completely blew me away in all the best ways possible. The only way to describe Sugar Coated Secrets is Perfection pure Perfection. It’s not often I come across a author or a book that captivates me quite the way Carmen’s books always do , not to mention all the emotions I feel each and every time I read them - everything from being utterly shocked and speechless, to screaming from being so frustrated I literally have to stop myself from throwing my iPad clear across the room to then smiling, laughing, sobbing like a baby and rooting so freaking hard . Sugar Coated Secrets was no different in fact it’s the perfect example of just why Carmen is on my list of top favorite authors. Who doesn’t love a high school bad boy / good girl / opposites attract romance. Well for Ford and Dulce it all starts with a cruel joke that turns into so much more then either ever expected. Buckle up hold on tight and prepare yourself for one heck of a ride because once you start I can guarantee you will not be getting much sleep

[Natalie Yanez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford and Dulce's story had me in tears. For Dulce at least. Ford and his friends were the rich and popular kids in their small town of Airy. While Dulce is the poor girl who everyone seems to hate. She lost her parents when she was 10 and lives and takes care of her dying grandma. While in their senior year of high school show thought she was going to prom with her crush, Ford. She wasn't. It was a cruel prank gone wrong. Fast forward 4 yrs and he's back in town. He left to go peruse his race car driving career. While she's been working at her bakery and taking care of her sick grandma. Then he comes into her bakery but she doesn't want to have anything to do with him. She doesn't trust him or anyone. He's back for her but he has competition with another who has been there for her. Or has he? She's also hiding a dark secret from her past. But Ford won't give up on her. The ending really got me. I was like NO!!! OMG! I couldn't put this book down. I loved it so much!

[Carrie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't really tell you why I thought this book was so good. It's not particularly spicey, by my standards, but I was enthralled, nonetheless. It was a good story about how a high school "prank" went horribly wrong in a small town and the after-effects four years later. All the while, rich parents cover up for their mean-ass kids and the poor bullied girl has to work for everything she has, while taking care of her dying grandmother. It's a classic tale of how the popular guy (Ford) falls for the bullied girl (Dulce) but doesn't stop what's happening. Ford skips town right before senior prom to live his dream of being a race car driver. Now he's back in town and he's on a crusade to find out what really happened that night four years ago while also fighting to finally get the girl he's always wanted. But the end.....kinda creepy. And I'm here for it!! :)

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨️

☆Couldn't get enough♡

Carmen never ceases to amaze me with her writing. This story was so good and such a unique one. Ford and Dulce's story is full of suspense and was such a wild ride. Dulce has gone through so much throughout high school, and sadly, prom night wasn't any better. Now, years later, Ford is trying to fix everything. I loved how everything ended up unfolding. Ford eventually redeemed himself, but he's still my least favorite character. Dulce will forever have a place in my heart. I cried and cried about the way she was treated. I couldn't imagine going through that. If you're looking for a book that's incredibly hard to put down, is filled with twists and suspense mixed with a little bit of spice, I highly recommend this one!

Thanks so much to the author, literally yours pr, and booksprout for the ARC!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dulce is a successful baker and looks after her ailing grandmother. She is still reeling from a traumatic past and my heart goes out to her. Ford is a successful race car driver and comes back to Airy after 4 years. He realized something occurred and will use whatever resources he has to put two and two together. The two of them appear to have a sweet, slow burn romance with Ford looking out for Dulce and Dulce slowly learning to trust. We do get hints at something underlying Ford’s motivations though and it did start to get confusing for me at some points, particularly as we got toward the end of the story, and I felt a bit more explanation/clarification was needed when certain reveals were made. Overall though, this story kept my attention and I finished in one day. I wonder what else might be in store.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars
2/5 spice

Tropes:
Car racer MMC
Baker FMC
Obsessed & Possessive
Past High school drama
Small town vibes
It was always you
Dual timeline
Dual POV

Fast paced and full of secrets. I really enjoyed uncovering all the hidden secrets that these characters were guarding. Everyone had secrets! I honestly didn't trust anyone. It wasn't until the last couple of chapters that things started to really make sense... but that ending still had me wondering.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. It was quick and had me on the edge of my seat. Check trigger and content warnings before starting this book.

Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: dark romance, bully romance, small town, coming of age.

Dulce is invisible at school, something she likes. The only person she hopes to notice her is bad boy Ford Keller, who she has a crush on. When he notices her, she is the subject of a cruel prank carried out by none other than her crush, which nearly completely breaks her. Years later when Ford returns, she tries to avoid him but he is always around. And he is back for a reason. To find out the truth and for Dulce herself.

It is a fast-paced story that is filled with secrets, suspense and pain with a captivating plotline. Dulce is a strong heroine for enduring what she did in high school. I love how Ford does what he has to to avenge what Dulce went through when he returns.