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Heart's Cove Hotties #6
Dirty Little Midlife Secret
Secrets don’t stay hidden for long in Heart’s Cove…
Lily has a secret, and it’s about to come out. The forty-year-old free spirit will tell her family, deal with the fallout, and move on with her life.
Within a year, she’ll be back to normal, with the addition of a little bundle of joy.
Then she meets Rudy.
Handsome, charming, roguish Rudy.
The man who drifts through life with a smile on his lips and sin in his gaze.
The man who makes her body heat and her mind spiral into all the places that should be locked away.
Because when the truth comes out, their romance is doomed.
No man will stick around when he finds out she’s pregnant…and definitely not when he finds out what she’s really hiding.
Lily has a secret, and it’s about to come out. The forty-year-old free spirit will tell her family, deal with the fallout, and move on with her life.
Within a year, she’ll be back to normal, with the addition of a little bundle of joy.
Then she meets Rudy.
Handsome, charming, roguish Rudy.
The man who drifts through life with a smile on his lips and sin in his gaze.
The man who makes her body heat and her mind spiral into all the places that should be locked away.
Because when the truth comes out, their romance is doomed.
No man will stick around when he finds out she’s pregnant…and definitely not when he finds out what she’s really hiding.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2022
1446 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Monroe
85 books1,438 followersLilian Monroe lives in a luxurious jungle treehouse surrounded by lush greenery, with an army of scantily-clad men with rippling abdominal muscles ready to attend to her every need.
No, wait. That's not true.
Lilian Monroe spends her days dangling her feet into her pool, while a scantily-clad pool boy with rippling abdominal muscles feeds her chocolate-covered strawberries and massages her back.
Okay, okay. You got me. That's not true, either. Let's try again.
Lilian Monroe lives at home with her two children, three dogs, and twelve chickens. Her husband likes to work shirtless in the back yard. His sweaty, gleaming abdominal muscles ripple with every movement and he—
I'm sorry. I have to stop. Fine, I'll admit it. That one isn't true either.
How about this: Lilian Monroe loves thinking about men with rippling abdominal muscles serving her hand and foot, and she wants you to think about them too! She is an avid reader, writer, and lover of all things romance.
She loves everything from bad boys to billionaires. Her books are packed with sizzling-hot heat, action, suspense, and everything from second chances to single dads. She hates cheating and loves a good happily ever after (and rippling abs).
No, wait. That's not true.
Lilian Monroe spends her days dangling her feet into her pool, while a scantily-clad pool boy with rippling abdominal muscles feeds her chocolate-covered strawberries and massages her back.
Okay, okay. You got me. That's not true, either. Let's try again.
Lilian Monroe lives at home with her two children, three dogs, and twelve chickens. Her husband likes to work shirtless in the back yard. His sweaty, gleaming abdominal muscles ripple with every movement and he—
I'm sorry. I have to stop. Fine, I'll admit it. That one isn't true either.
How about this: Lilian Monroe loves thinking about men with rippling abdominal muscles serving her hand and foot, and she wants you to think about them too! She is an avid reader, writer, and lover of all things romance.
She loves everything from bad boys to billionaires. Her books are packed with sizzling-hot heat, action, suspense, and everything from second chances to single dads. She hates cheating and loves a good happily ever after (and rippling abs).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
May 22, 2022
best in the series
I have loved every book in this series but this one is the BEST by far!! It’s so freaking good and realistic that I cannot even begin to describe it!! I cried!! I laughed!! I swooned!!! I got ticked and then swooned again!! Highly recommend!!!
I have loved every book in this series but this one is the BEST by far!! It’s so freaking good and realistic that I cannot even begin to describe it!! I cried!! I laughed!! I swooned!!! I got ticked and then swooned again!! Highly recommend!!!
February 22, 2022
Dirty Little Midlife Secret by Lilian Monroe really didn’t work for me. I had a hard time connecting with the main characters, there seemed to be too much else going on in this book, thus the romance was lacking and lost, and then there was the angst which was at an all time high.
When Lily came to Heart’s Cove where her sisters and mother both now reside in the last book after traveling worldwide for many, many years, she doesn’t explain why she’s back or why she has decided to stay even renting an apartment. Lily has a couple of secrets she’s keeping from her family and her new friends; she’s just not ready to share. She does decide that before her life gets crazier than it already is, she’d like to spend some time with Rudy, the grandson of the book store owner and the man who has made her hormones sit up and take notice.
I get that Lily’s hormones were out of whack but her character was so uneven throughout this book that it gave me whiplash, so of course Rudy didn’t understand what was going on and that didn’t paint him in the best light even though he didn’t do anything wrong he just couldn’t figure out Lily’s actions. There were so many parts of this book that seemed out of place like Rudy’s feud with his cousin, I still can’t figure out why that was even in the book and then throwing Lily’s ex into the mix turned out be more of an annoyance than anything. Just so much unnecessary drama when Lily’s life was drama enough.
I loved being back in Heart’s Cove and seeing so many of the characters from the past and what looks like will be characters in the future. I’m not sorry I read Dirty Little Midlife Secret, but for me this one was a bit of a miss.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
When Lily came to Heart’s Cove where her sisters and mother both now reside in the last book after traveling worldwide for many, many years, she doesn’t explain why she’s back or why she has decided to stay even renting an apartment. Lily has a couple of secrets she’s keeping from her family and her new friends; she’s just not ready to share. She does decide that before her life gets crazier than it already is, she’d like to spend some time with Rudy, the grandson of the book store owner and the man who has made her hormones sit up and take notice.
I get that Lily’s hormones were out of whack but her character was so uneven throughout this book that it gave me whiplash, so of course Rudy didn’t understand what was going on and that didn’t paint him in the best light even though he didn’t do anything wrong he just couldn’t figure out Lily’s actions. There were so many parts of this book that seemed out of place like Rudy’s feud with his cousin, I still can’t figure out why that was even in the book and then throwing Lily’s ex into the mix turned out be more of an annoyance than anything. Just so much unnecessary drama when Lily’s life was drama enough.
I loved being back in Heart’s Cove and seeing so many of the characters from the past and what looks like will be characters in the future. I’m not sorry I read Dirty Little Midlife Secret, but for me this one was a bit of a miss.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
January 19, 2023
DIRTY LITTLE MIDLIFE SECRET
Lilian Monroe
Not my favorite genre, but I keep reading it! LOL so maybe I need to stop writing that.
It was short, it was sweet, it was fun, funny, and sad in places.
I liked the mature characters instead of the 20-something looking for love, this was a 40-year-old woman with real issues going on in her life. She had life experiences and reactions.
Well done.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
from the book jacket:
Lily Viceroy arrived in Heart’s Cove with a suitcase by her side and two eensy weensy secrets tucked into the corners of her heart.
Well, that’s if “eensy” and “weensy” are code for “terrifying” and “dire.”
Clearly, the only thing for Lily to do is to engage in a good ol’ bout of denial.
So, instead of facing the truth, Lily goes searching for a distraction–and stumbles upon handsome, charming, roguish Rudy.
The man is made of steel and sin, like he was carved from Lily’s fantasies for the sole purpose of helping her hide from the looming uncertainty of her future.
And help her, he does.
With a kiss made of pure, fiery possession.
With hands of male perfection.
With lips promising better secrets than the ones hiding in Lily’s heart.
The problem?
Well, secrets don’t stay hidden for long.
Especially not in Heart’s Cove.
Lilian Monroe
Not my favorite genre, but I keep reading it! LOL so maybe I need to stop writing that.
It was short, it was sweet, it was fun, funny, and sad in places.
I liked the mature characters instead of the 20-something looking for love, this was a 40-year-old woman with real issues going on in her life. She had life experiences and reactions.
Well done.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
from the book jacket:
Lily Viceroy arrived in Heart’s Cove with a suitcase by her side and two eensy weensy secrets tucked into the corners of her heart.
Well, that’s if “eensy” and “weensy” are code for “terrifying” and “dire.”
Clearly, the only thing for Lily to do is to engage in a good ol’ bout of denial.
So, instead of facing the truth, Lily goes searching for a distraction–and stumbles upon handsome, charming, roguish Rudy.
The man is made of steel and sin, like he was carved from Lily’s fantasies for the sole purpose of helping her hide from the looming uncertainty of her future.
And help her, he does.
With a kiss made of pure, fiery possession.
With hands of male perfection.
With lips promising better secrets than the ones hiding in Lily’s heart.
The problem?
Well, secrets don’t stay hidden for long.
Especially not in Heart’s Cove.
January 11, 2025
This one hits you right in the feels
I don’t know if I’ve ever flipped from raucous laughter to tears and then back again so quickly! My hubby & daughter thought I’d lost my mind.
I love the sisterhood these women have created in Heart’s Cove. It’s been central to every story in the series so far, but in this installment… I can only think of one word: visceral.
I don’t know if I’ve ever flipped from raucous laughter to tears and then back again so quickly! My hubby & daughter thought I’d lost my mind.
I love the sisterhood these women have created in Heart’s Cove. It’s been central to every story in the series so far, but in this installment… I can only think of one word: visceral.
January 29, 2022
Lilian Monroe brings another fabulous story to life! There are some honest emotions in this book, along with lighthearted/ downright funny moments and some very real fears. And if I'm completely honest, maybe a tear or two. Some will relate more than others but the story can hit everyone right in the feels. I love Heart's Cove hotties and feel like I'll never get enough. I can't wait to meet more characters!!
November 24, 2022
This book hits you right in the feels. She’s fiercely independent and he’s hers from the moment he sees her. I love the way this town gathers together when needed.
February 20, 2022
Frustrating yet Fun!
Dirty Little Midlife Secret focuses on Lily, otherwise known as Iliana,the younger sister of Candice (who found happiness with movie star Blake Harding in Book 3) and Trina (who snagged biker/teacher/potter Mac Blair in Book 4). Candice co-owner the Four Cups Cafe, a local hangout where townsfolk exchange news and speculation about the goings-on among their neighbors. The girls' mother is one of those gossips.
Candice has come home after years of globe-trotting because she is carrying two huge secrets: she's pregnant and she has breast cancer. She fully intends to tell her family but chickens out because she doesn't want their smothering sympathy. Meanwhile, she has met Rudy, grandson of the grumpy and intimidating bookstore owner, and she doesn't want to tell him because she's afraid of losing him.
The twists and turns surrounding who knows which secret and how everything come to light contain some great comedy--a bar conversation between Rudy and the father of Lily's baby, neither of them realizing who the other is, provides knowing giggles, and a crash into a champagne tower gives the reader a laugh-out-loud moment as Monroe depicts Rudy's crabby grandma tearing into the obnoxious cousin who bumped into Rudy and caused him and Lily to fall into the tower in the first place. The makeout scene in the restroom where they to to bandage their glass-filled cuts forces Lily to tell Rudy why she freezes up when he tries to touch her there. She also swears Trina to secrecy after her sister finds a pregnancy-related document belonging to Lily and guesses the truth.
The biggest problem with the book is Lily's reluctance to share her secrets with the people closest to her. Rudy knows one, Trina knows the other, and it's just a matter of time before everything is revealed. Monroe opens the book at Lily's obstetrician appointment but doesn't let her reveal the "other problem" or "everything else" until she tells Rudy. She should trust her readers more; I guessed it was cancer closer to 20 pages before she tells him, and I'm sure many others did the same thing.
Overall, these problems are minor, and having read the first five books in the series I was prepared for a happy ending, even if I didn't know how it would come about. Monroe drops hints along the way that the three of them (Lily, Rudy, and baby) will end up living in Rudy's house, but it takes a later-term delivery scare and a brush-off of both Rudy and the baby's father from Lily to bring events to a satisfactory conclusion. I polished it off in three days, so it's a pretty fast read, and Monroe's smooth prose pushed me along from one page to the next. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy a fun rom-com with medium heat.
Dirty Little Midlife Secret focuses on Lily, otherwise known as Iliana,the younger sister of Candice (who found happiness with movie star Blake Harding in Book 3) and Trina (who snagged biker/teacher/potter Mac Blair in Book 4). Candice co-owner the Four Cups Cafe, a local hangout where townsfolk exchange news and speculation about the goings-on among their neighbors. The girls' mother is one of those gossips.
Candice has come home after years of globe-trotting because she is carrying two huge secrets: she's pregnant and she has breast cancer. She fully intends to tell her family but chickens out because she doesn't want their smothering sympathy. Meanwhile, she has met Rudy, grandson of the grumpy and intimidating bookstore owner, and she doesn't want to tell him because she's afraid of losing him.
The twists and turns surrounding who knows which secret and how everything come to light contain some great comedy--a bar conversation between Rudy and the father of Lily's baby, neither of them realizing who the other is, provides knowing giggles, and a crash into a champagne tower gives the reader a laugh-out-loud moment as Monroe depicts Rudy's crabby grandma tearing into the obnoxious cousin who bumped into Rudy and caused him and Lily to fall into the tower in the first place. The makeout scene in the restroom where they to to bandage their glass-filled cuts forces Lily to tell Rudy why she freezes up when he tries to touch her there. She also swears Trina to secrecy after her sister finds a pregnancy-related document belonging to Lily and guesses the truth.
The biggest problem with the book is Lily's reluctance to share her secrets with the people closest to her. Rudy knows one, Trina knows the other, and it's just a matter of time before everything is revealed. Monroe opens the book at Lily's obstetrician appointment but doesn't let her reveal the "other problem" or "everything else" until she tells Rudy. She should trust her readers more; I guessed it was cancer closer to 20 pages before she tells him, and I'm sure many others did the same thing.
Overall, these problems are minor, and having read the first five books in the series I was prepared for a happy ending, even if I didn't know how it would come about. Monroe drops hints along the way that the three of them (Lily, Rudy, and baby) will end up living in Rudy's house, but it takes a later-term delivery scare and a brush-off of both Rudy and the baby's father from Lily to bring events to a satisfactory conclusion. I polished it off in three days, so it's a pretty fast read, and Monroe's smooth prose pushed me along from one page to the next. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy a fun rom-com with medium heat.
January 12, 2022
All the books in this Dirty Little midlife series are certainly page turners, and this is no exception.
Lily is a bit of a mess and has a lot to deal with in her life, I understand.
That said, I didn't really appreciate how this character chose to deal with the issues. In my honest opinion, she didn't deserve Rudy. His attention to her was sweet, but I don't think it was a balanced relationship.
I found myself frustrated with Lily throughout this read, and I didn't want to feel that way. This book was written well and was easy to read.
I received an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Lily is a bit of a mess and has a lot to deal with in her life, I understand.
That said, I didn't really appreciate how this character chose to deal with the issues. In my honest opinion, she didn't deserve Rudy. His attention to her was sweet, but I don't think it was a balanced relationship.
I found myself frustrated with Lily throughout this read, and I didn't want to feel that way. This book was written well and was easy to read.
I received an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
January 23, 2022
What an amazing and refreshing book with real life issues: heartbreak, health and family problems.
Lilian Monroe did a fantastic job writing about very difficult subjects in a touching love story. Strong main characters with "You are not what you think; you are not what you say; you are what you do attitude". Loved every word, cried and laughed and enjoyed this book until the last word. Recommended reading!
I read as an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Lilian Monroe did a fantastic job writing about very difficult subjects in a touching love story. Strong main characters with "You are not what you think; you are not what you say; you are what you do attitude". Loved every word, cried and laughed and enjoyed this book until the last word. Recommended reading!
I read as an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
November 15, 2023
Dirty Little Midlife Secret
Book #6
Rudy and Lily
Small town, heroine in her forties, younger hero (6 years)
I’m not sure how to feel about this book. There were parts I loved, but there were others I just didn’t understand.
Iliana, Lily has finally come home after twenty years of traveling the world. She’s hiding two huge secrets. Both will turn her life upside down.
Rudy. The handsome grandson of Agnes, the owner of the town’s bookstore. Blonde, blue eyed, and a killer smile. He’s very popular with the single women in town.
There is attraction between these two the moment they see each other. They become friends, and eventually they cross that line. Rudy wants more. Lily would love more, but knows no man will stick with her through everything she’s dealing with.
Even though he was a bit wishy-washy at times, I loved Rudy. He knows one of her secrets and is willing to stand by her, through everything. But even good men have their limits, and can only be pushed away so many times.
I loved catching up with the past couples. You don’t really get happy ever afters in this series, they’re usually spread out over the later books.
The “older” women, are hilarious. Most of them have found partners now, but that doesn’t stop them from their shenanigans. The latest is the bikes they ride. Harleys. With and without their partners.
I really struggled with Lily. She comes home to her mother and two sisters for support, but stubbornly refuses to tell them her secrets. I get being an independent, strong woman, but she took it to the extreme. Pushing people who love her away. And the way she treated Rudy was horrible, then gets angry when she thinks he’s moved on (he doesn’t).
The secrets. The first is obvious. That’s mentioned early in the story, and her sister discovers it by accident. The second is not hard to figure out, you are given enough “hints” that it’s fairly obvious. But the words are not said until she blurts it out to Rudy.
The push and pull. OMG. Too much. Not sure how this is considered a romance when they spend the majority of the book apart. Then a rushed ending that forces them together and they finally make up.
I just didn’t understand. Didn’t really care by that point.
You get multiple points of view, no cheating.
Nora and Lee are up next. (Fallon’s sister from book 5, and Mac’s brother from book 4)
Book #6
Rudy and Lily
Small town, heroine in her forties, younger hero (6 years)
I’m not sure how to feel about this book. There were parts I loved, but there were others I just didn’t understand.
Iliana, Lily has finally come home after twenty years of traveling the world. She’s hiding two huge secrets. Both will turn her life upside down.
Rudy. The handsome grandson of Agnes, the owner of the town’s bookstore. Blonde, blue eyed, and a killer smile. He’s very popular with the single women in town.
There is attraction between these two the moment they see each other. They become friends, and eventually they cross that line. Rudy wants more. Lily would love more, but knows no man will stick with her through everything she’s dealing with.
Even though he was a bit wishy-washy at times, I loved Rudy. He knows one of her secrets and is willing to stand by her, through everything. But even good men have their limits, and can only be pushed away so many times.
I loved catching up with the past couples. You don’t really get happy ever afters in this series, they’re usually spread out over the later books.
The “older” women, are hilarious. Most of them have found partners now, but that doesn’t stop them from their shenanigans. The latest is the bikes they ride. Harleys. With and without their partners.
I really struggled with Lily. She comes home to her mother and two sisters for support, but stubbornly refuses to tell them her secrets. I get being an independent, strong woman, but she took it to the extreme. Pushing people who love her away. And the way she treated Rudy was horrible, then gets angry when she thinks he’s moved on (he doesn’t).
The secrets. The first is obvious. That’s mentioned early in the story, and her sister discovers it by accident. The second is not hard to figure out, you are given enough “hints” that it’s fairly obvious. But the words are not said until she blurts it out to Rudy.
The push and pull. OMG. Too much. Not sure how this is considered a romance when they spend the majority of the book apart. Then a rushed ending that forces them together and they finally make up.
I just didn’t understand. Didn’t really care by that point.
You get multiple points of view, no cheating.
Nora and Lee are up next. (Fallon’s sister from book 5, and Mac’s brother from book 4)
January 17, 2024
We met Rudy in the other books, and I really liked the small bits of him that we got in those books so I knew he would be a likable character. I was excited to read about Lily’s story because I knew it would be interesting, I just never thought it would be so filled with angst (although I’m not sure if angst is quite the right word).
Lily Viceroy moved to Heart’s Cove to be near her sister & mother who also recently moved to the area. Lily has a secret and knows she is going to need her family's support. She is forty years old and after her father died when she was younger, she took off to travel the world and has been doing that ever sense. The fact that she is willing to settle in town is already raising suspicions.
Rudy owns his own business but also helps out at his grandmother’s bookstore and that is where he and Lily meet. He hasn’t had a relationship with a woman in years after his last serious one went incredibly wrong. He doesn’t want that heartache again and prefers to just date a few times & move on.
I get the different conflicts going on are what made the story interesting but some of it wasn’t executed very well. Rudy’s cousin was thrown in the mix to stir up trouble but if Lily’s ex was going to make an appearance, I feel like Lily should have grown some bigger balls early on in his reappearance and she should have let him have it. I’m a bit of a ball buster when necessary so I guess I am just expecting others to do the same. I am really enjoying the women’s friendships in this series since women empowering women is my favorite!!
Lily Viceroy moved to Heart’s Cove to be near her sister & mother who also recently moved to the area. Lily has a secret and knows she is going to need her family's support. She is forty years old and after her father died when she was younger, she took off to travel the world and has been doing that ever sense. The fact that she is willing to settle in town is already raising suspicions.
Rudy owns his own business but also helps out at his grandmother’s bookstore and that is where he and Lily meet. He hasn’t had a relationship with a woman in years after his last serious one went incredibly wrong. He doesn’t want that heartache again and prefers to just date a few times & move on.
I get the different conflicts going on are what made the story interesting but some of it wasn’t executed very well. Rudy’s cousin was thrown in the mix to stir up trouble but if Lily’s ex was going to make an appearance, I feel like Lily should have grown some bigger balls early on in his reappearance and she should have let him have it. I’m a bit of a ball buster when necessary so I guess I am just expecting others to do the same. I am really enjoying the women’s friendships in this series since women empowering women is my favorite!!
January 17, 2022
The story is about family, friendship,strenght, trust, healing, resilience, fate and love above all. It is such an amazing story with a lot of twists. The book was written all Lilian Monroe style, so it looks predictable, but it doesn´t. I don´t wanna give any spoiler, but Lily and Rudy story is an incredible love story. She came to Heart Cove with secrets (more than one) and Rudy fell in love at the first sight . He is younger than her, but certainly much more mature. She was always an independent woman and suddenly life threw a curveball. Although, "Not every damsel in distress gets saved by a knight in shining armor". Their romance is a roller coaster. Heart Cove is a heartwarming place and I feel like I live there with all the characters, drinking a cup of coffee and eating a salted caramel brownie at Four Cups (my mouth is watering right now). The writter describes the place and the characters in a way that makes me feel like I belong there and I am not only a viewer looking a scene behind the stage. Anyway, The book makes me cry more than once. Lily and Rudy is an amazing true love story.
February 2, 2022
small town romance
Lily comes home with a secret (or two). She has spent her adult life traveling the world, but things are about to change and she’s come to Hearts Cove to be with her mum and sisters. Rudy has always lived in Hearts Cove and has a bit of a reputation as a ladies man. They are instantly attracted to each other, but Lily is in no place for a relationship and Rudy isn’t a relationship kind of guy, so that should be perfect, right? Lily’s life is so complicated even although she develops feelings for Rudy she thinks she can’t drag him in to her struggles. I saw one of her struggles coming after reading the epilogue on the previous book in this series, but not the other. Talk about tough! I got a little frustrated with Lily at points, thinking just tell them!! but understood a little of how she felt through experience with family and know that her fears were valid. Rudy didn’t think he wanted to open his heart again after a previous relationship, but his heart just wouldn’t give up on Lily. For me this was as much a love story of Lily and the women around her as it was with Rudy. Lily (and Rudy) definitely deserved their HEA.
Lily comes home with a secret (or two). She has spent her adult life traveling the world, but things are about to change and she’s come to Hearts Cove to be with her mum and sisters. Rudy has always lived in Hearts Cove and has a bit of a reputation as a ladies man. They are instantly attracted to each other, but Lily is in no place for a relationship and Rudy isn’t a relationship kind of guy, so that should be perfect, right? Lily’s life is so complicated even although she develops feelings for Rudy she thinks she can’t drag him in to her struggles. I saw one of her struggles coming after reading the epilogue on the previous book in this series, but not the other. Talk about tough! I got a little frustrated with Lily at points, thinking just tell them!! but understood a little of how she felt through experience with family and know that her fears were valid. Rudy didn’t think he wanted to open his heart again after a previous relationship, but his heart just wouldn’t give up on Lily. For me this was as much a love story of Lily and the women around her as it was with Rudy. Lily (and Rudy) definitely deserved their HEA.
September 25, 2025
Tu aimes le trope small Town et Tu connais pas cette saga ?
c’est pas possible, il faut remédier à ça !
Nous allons suivre cette fois Ilyana ou Lily, la soeur de Candice qui revient auprès de ses proches après avoir couru de pays en pays, Elle rentre enceinte avec un secret… Elle est forte et ne veut montrer aucunes failles. Elle prône l’indépendance et veut garder une fierté à toutes épreuves. Elle a peur de faire les mauvais choix, par conséquent n’écoute pas son coeur. Elle rencontre Rudy, agent Immo en évolution et qui bosse dans la librairie de sa grand-mère. J’ai vraiment apprécié la façon dont il essai de prendre soin d’elle même à distance pour respecter ses choix. Et j’ai adoré sa prise de décision et de contrôle quand il a enfin toutes les cartes en mains.
Cette saga est un vrai réconfort après 6 tomes, on en veut encore plus.
Je me répète mais un small town de folie, des romances à la quarantaine qui font du bien, des personnages avec un passif et de la maturité, une plume simple, fluide et addictive, des couvertures superbes, Bref je suis fan…
Si tu connais pas … Fonce !!
c’est pas possible, il faut remédier à ça !
Nous allons suivre cette fois Ilyana ou Lily, la soeur de Candice qui revient auprès de ses proches après avoir couru de pays en pays, Elle rentre enceinte avec un secret… Elle est forte et ne veut montrer aucunes failles. Elle prône l’indépendance et veut garder une fierté à toutes épreuves. Elle a peur de faire les mauvais choix, par conséquent n’écoute pas son coeur. Elle rencontre Rudy, agent Immo en évolution et qui bosse dans la librairie de sa grand-mère. J’ai vraiment apprécié la façon dont il essai de prendre soin d’elle même à distance pour respecter ses choix. Et j’ai adoré sa prise de décision et de contrôle quand il a enfin toutes les cartes en mains.
Cette saga est un vrai réconfort après 6 tomes, on en veut encore plus.
Je me répète mais un small town de folie, des romances à la quarantaine qui font du bien, des personnages avec un passif et de la maturité, une plume simple, fluide et addictive, des couvertures superbes, Bref je suis fan…
Si tu connais pas … Fonce !!
February 6, 2022
another terrific installment in this series!
I really enjoy all these books! Each heroine is so unique & every hero is just so hot!
Rudy is the much younger, hot grandson of the grumpy old bookstore owner, Agnes. Everyone just drools over him, but he is genuinely a really nice guy.
Lily is the youngest of the Viceroy sisters who has been traveling & seeing the world since she was just out of school but has come back to Hearts Cove carrying some significant baggage and with a strong desire to reconnect with her family.
Watching these two main characters dance around their obvious attraction to each other is cute, but seeing what Lily had to deal with is heartbreaking & worth more than a few tears.
But again, all the friends here are so fun to catch up with! And now with many of them sharing their lives with their own perfect guy, it feels a lot like running into your own bff’s. And each has such distinctive personalities, it just makes me smile to see them again & say hello!
I really enjoy all these books! Each heroine is so unique & every hero is just so hot!
Rudy is the much younger, hot grandson of the grumpy old bookstore owner, Agnes. Everyone just drools over him, but he is genuinely a really nice guy.
Lily is the youngest of the Viceroy sisters who has been traveling & seeing the world since she was just out of school but has come back to Hearts Cove carrying some significant baggage and with a strong desire to reconnect with her family.
Watching these two main characters dance around their obvious attraction to each other is cute, but seeing what Lily had to deal with is heartbreaking & worth more than a few tears.
But again, all the friends here are so fun to catch up with! And now with many of them sharing their lives with their own perfect guy, it feels a lot like running into your own bff’s. And each has such distinctive personalities, it just makes me smile to see them again & say hello!
September 4, 2022
Ok read. Only book I’ve read in this series.
The secrets were obvious. What wasn’t obvious to the heroine however was how silly she was being. This book felt like a lot of emotional hesitance which I hate. It’s was denial denial denial.
I low key understand the guys emotional hesitance later but still that felt like a forced cop out.
I don’t know it all read like fake generated drama and the town gossips in this pissed me off. Like omg give this woman a break, she doesn’t owe you ever detail of her life. Especially when she’s clearly aware that if she tells one of these cray gossips the whole fucking town will know running any semblance of privacy. This series needs a heroine that rips these gossips down for their shameless pestering. The grandmother in this was the closest thing to that, and I loved her.
But yeah, big stupid moment for our forty year old going on sixteen, her not revealing that she is pregnant. As if her man won’t figure it out when she begins to show. Does she think he can’t do math?
I did enjoy the reversal in the age gap though. That was a nice little twist. Usually it’s the 36 yr old going for the 28-32 yr old woman, not the forty year old woman going for the younger man.
All in all it was typical small town romance read, HEA and stupid drama, etc etc. it was a quick read to pass the time between heavier material.
3.0/ 71%/ B-
The secrets were obvious. What wasn’t obvious to the heroine however was how silly she was being. This book felt like a lot of emotional hesitance which I hate. It’s was denial denial denial.
I low key understand the guys emotional hesitance later but still that felt like a forced cop out.
I don’t know it all read like fake generated drama and the town gossips in this pissed me off. Like omg give this woman a break, she doesn’t owe you ever detail of her life. Especially when she’s clearly aware that if she tells one of these cray gossips the whole fucking town will know running any semblance of privacy. This series needs a heroine that rips these gossips down for their shameless pestering. The grandmother in this was the closest thing to that, and I loved her.
But yeah, big stupid moment for our forty year old going on sixteen, her not revealing that she is pregnant. As if her man won’t figure it out when she begins to show. Does she think he can’t do math?
I did enjoy the reversal in the age gap though. That was a nice little twist. Usually it’s the 36 yr old going for the 28-32 yr old woman, not the forty year old woman going for the younger man.
All in all it was typical small town romance read, HEA and stupid drama, etc etc. it was a quick read to pass the time between heavier material.
3.0/ 71%/ B-
November 14, 2025
Total book hangover.
Book six hit me hard
Like hard hard! I think I spent half the book crying. Even in spots that some people wouldn’t because I remember that feeling only I wasn’t 40. I was 18 and alone, aside from my alcoholic family, of course so yeah alone AnyWho, this is not about me, I think this is by far my favourite book in the series.. so far I know there’s still more to come.
There was quite a few unexpected twist and turns and a couple I totally called. It really laid out true life, not every romance is the grand jesters we read about, it’s the little things, it’s the cave-mantic ways that irritate you and feel your love fire out of control.
I think the age gap part was also one of my favourite things because it’s so contradictory in real life so it’s nice to see a positive spin instead of a negative. This one’s gonna cause a book hangover I think. I wanna say I can’t wait to dive into the next one, but I think my head and heart need a night off from this town because that ending had me saying oh no, and grabbing my chest, out loud.
Book six hit me hard
Like hard hard! I think I spent half the book crying. Even in spots that some people wouldn’t because I remember that feeling only I wasn’t 40. I was 18 and alone, aside from my alcoholic family, of course so yeah alone AnyWho, this is not about me, I think this is by far my favourite book in the series.. so far I know there’s still more to come.
There was quite a few unexpected twist and turns and a couple I totally called. It really laid out true life, not every romance is the grand jesters we read about, it’s the little things, it’s the cave-mantic ways that irritate you and feel your love fire out of control.
I think the age gap part was also one of my favourite things because it’s so contradictory in real life so it’s nice to see a positive spin instead of a negative. This one’s gonna cause a book hangover I think. I wanna say I can’t wait to dive into the next one, but I think my head and heart need a night off from this town because that ending had me saying oh no, and grabbing my chest, out loud.
January 14, 2022
I love this series and enjoy watching each couple find true love. Out of all the books in the series, this one was the hardest for me to read.
Dirty Little Midlife Secret is Lily and Rudy’s story and had me feeling all kinds of emotions. She’s an incredibly strong woman, going through a lot. He’s younger and oh so sexy, the good time guy. Their shared chemistry is off the charts but because both are keeping parts of themselves hidden, it gets complicated, fast.
The push and pull between the two had a ping pong effect on me. I was equal parts happy and sad and at a certain point wanted to reach into my kindle and wack them both, upside the head. It wasn’t easy but when they finally got their heads out of their a**es, it was beautiful.
Lilian Monroe’s Heart’s Cove Hotties are a must read series and will make your book loving heart happy. I’m giving Dirty Little Midlife Secret the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Dirty Little Midlife Secret is Lily and Rudy’s story and had me feeling all kinds of emotions. She’s an incredibly strong woman, going through a lot. He’s younger and oh so sexy, the good time guy. Their shared chemistry is off the charts but because both are keeping parts of themselves hidden, it gets complicated, fast.
The push and pull between the two had a ping pong effect on me. I was equal parts happy and sad and at a certain point wanted to reach into my kindle and wack them both, upside the head. It wasn’t easy but when they finally got their heads out of their a**es, it was beautiful.
Lilian Monroe’s Heart’s Cove Hotties are a must read series and will make your book loving heart happy. I’m giving Dirty Little Midlife Secret the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
January 19, 2022
Lily, younger sister of Candice & Trina, returns to Heart's Cove after many years of travelling the world without any explanation to her family. She keeps her secrets to herself and embarks on a relationship with Rudy, a younger than her local man who still carries the scars of a broken relationship. As well as being a book with strong characters, Lilian Monroe tackles the subject of having cancer treatment throughout a pregnancy, something we as a family have also gone through, with all the worries of whether to proceed with the pregnancy, what treatment to have and the unknown damage that may be done to the baby. She sees the position Lily is in from all sides and does a very good job of completing the book without it being depressing but has you rooting for Lily and the strength that she brings to the relationship with her sisters, friends and Rudy. An enjoyable read and recommended
January 22, 2022
I have to say how much I love this series. It’s so refreshing to read about real characters with real issues, that are relatable. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Billionaire series or any other trope, but I look forward to these releases like none other!
I loved finally reading Lily and Rudy’s story, since he seemed a little lonely after all of his failed dates, but apparently I read that character all wrong! Rudy can GET IT! Wooo! He got a lot more intense than I expected and I was here for it! Hahaha. Lily was going through more tough times than we were lead to believe by her aloofness in the prior book but We got all of our questions answered in the end!
This series gets better and better and just when I think I have a favorite picked out, another book is released. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for the residents of Hearts Cove!
*I read and ARC in exchange for an honest review
I loved finally reading Lily and Rudy’s story, since he seemed a little lonely after all of his failed dates, but apparently I read that character all wrong! Rudy can GET IT! Wooo! He got a lot more intense than I expected and I was here for it! Hahaha. Lily was going through more tough times than we were lead to believe by her aloofness in the prior book but We got all of our questions answered in the end!
This series gets better and better and just when I think I have a favorite picked out, another book is released. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for the residents of Hearts Cove!
*I read and ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 1, 2022
This is the sixth book in the Hearts Cove Hotties series. You can enjoy this as a standalone but you'll be missing out on some great books. You will see previous characters since they are all close friends/family and they live in a small town. I have absolutely loved this series; it's told with alternating POV's from Lily and Rudy. I also like how the author brings in old and new characters to tell their point of view of what’s going on. Rudy and Lily's story will make you laugh, frustrate you and there were definitely some tears too. Lily comes home with some secrets and doesn’t want a permanent relationship, Rudy's still running from commitment after having his heart torn out after a bad breakup but Lily has him wanting more. They both have a lot of baggage to unpack if they want to have a working relationship. So can't wait for the next book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 1, 2023
I binged books 2-5, then book 7, because this one had a long wait at all my libraries. When I was able to listen to this one, slightly later on, it instantly felt like coming home. I love Heart’s Cover and I remembered book #5 sort of setting up this one’s drama … very well-played.
This installment is super juicy, not exactly like the others, with some truly life-altering secrets floating around and getting in between people. A nasty, entitled, self-absorbed ex only adds to the fun—truly, Monroe gets better and better all the time.
There’s a bunch of angst, but not too much, and ultimately, this book is super sweet. Lots of female empowerment seems to go on in this series/ among these characters too, so that’s fun.
I think this is probably my fave of this series—at least so far.
5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio—
I love these narrators, they did a fantastic job. I especially enjoyed the male narrator’s depiction of some of the older ladies.
This installment is super juicy, not exactly like the others, with some truly life-altering secrets floating around and getting in between people. A nasty, entitled, self-absorbed ex only adds to the fun—truly, Monroe gets better and better all the time.
There’s a bunch of angst, but not too much, and ultimately, this book is super sweet. Lots of female empowerment seems to go on in this series/ among these characters too, so that’s fun.
I think this is probably my fave of this series—at least so far.
5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Audio—
I love these narrators, they did a fantastic job. I especially enjoyed the male narrator’s depiction of some of the older ladies.
January 26, 2022
This has been a hard review to write. It’s not because I didn’t like the book. I loved Lily and Rudy, but as I read their story, I too am a 40 year old woman with a newly discovered lump in my breast. Because of a close exposure to someone with Covid I haven’t been able to get into the doctor to check it out. It’s a scary time for sure and Lily’s story brought it to the forefront. It also brought some escape too. I was able to enjoy the playful banter that she and Rudy shared. I was able to laugh at the antics of the other Hearts Cove characters like Dorothy. In the previous Dirty Little books, Rudy always seemed awkward to me, but this book proved he’s the exact opposite. Especially when paired with Lily. This book will make you laugh, cry, hope, wince, and desire. It encourages all the feels of a good HEA. These women of Heart Cove are remarkable! And the men they find are superb.
January 31, 2022
Keep your hankies close by readers. Lily and Rudd’s story had me sobbing, but never fear it does have a HEA!
I don’t want to give too much away as I like to go into a book unprepared. This is Lily and Ruby’s story. As with the whole midlife series, this story is also based in Hearts Cove with all the familiar characters we’ve all come to know and love.
Lily is Candice and Trina’s baby sister. We’ve heard all about her jet setting travels, in previous books, how she’s exploring the world. Well she’s back and she’s back with secrets. Rudy who we’ve all met before is her match. This is a story of family, friendship, strength and resilience. As with all Lilian Monroe’s stories you can’t help but fall in love with her characters and Heart Cove is filled with my favourites. This is a great series and midlife Secrets is another fantastic addition.
I don’t want to give too much away as I like to go into a book unprepared. This is Lily and Ruby’s story. As with the whole midlife series, this story is also based in Hearts Cove with all the familiar characters we’ve all come to know and love.
Lily is Candice and Trina’s baby sister. We’ve heard all about her jet setting travels, in previous books, how she’s exploring the world. Well she’s back and she’s back with secrets. Rudy who we’ve all met before is her match. This is a story of family, friendship, strength and resilience. As with all Lilian Monroe’s stories you can’t help but fall in love with her characters and Heart Cove is filled with my favourites. This is a great series and midlife Secrets is another fantastic addition.
February 8, 2022
liana's novel was just beautiful!
These Midlife novels have made my days! With each new one, that I cannot wait for, you bllow me away!
But, Lily and Rudy's novel was simply poignant, so very moving.
While not the crazy of the others, but still with plenty of you amazing humor, the scene from the cafe with "ewwww,Phil" was perfect! Fiona and Candace were so serious, I didn't count their words, or love for Lily! I also have a friend that would disappear "what body"! True friends and family do this for you!
Lily and Rudy struggle and yet, with massive miscommunication and lots of angst, Rudy is there at the most scary moment in Lily's life!
You outdid yourself with this one, Ms. Monroe! It was completely Captivating!
I loved this incredible, moving novel!
Soooooo.,.....
Oopsie Daisy....
Nora ..???????????????
Karen
These Midlife novels have made my days! With each new one, that I cannot wait for, you bllow me away!
But, Lily and Rudy's novel was simply poignant, so very moving.
While not the crazy of the others, but still with plenty of you amazing humor, the scene from the cafe with "ewwww,Phil" was perfect! Fiona and Candace were so serious, I didn't count their words, or love for Lily! I also have a friend that would disappear "what body"! True friends and family do this for you!
Lily and Rudy struggle and yet, with massive miscommunication and lots of angst, Rudy is there at the most scary moment in Lily's life!
You outdid yourself with this one, Ms. Monroe! It was completely Captivating!
I loved this incredible, moving novel!
Soooooo.,.....
Oopsie Daisy....
Nora ..???????????????
Karen
January 21, 2022
Phenomenal!
I love this book! Heart’s Cove is the place to be and we get to go back for Lily and Rudy’s story. It’s one heck of a roller coaster ride but well worth reading. Lily is hiding a few things from her family and isn’t looking for a relationship. But Rudy will come along and sweep her off her feet but it’s a bumpy ride. I loved how their relationship develops and how Lily deals with the struggles she faces. There are ups and downs for her and Rudy. I love how Rudy doesn’t give up and is determined to get his woman. As always, I enjoyed the sass and banter that Lilian gives her readers with this wonderful series and I highly recommend it!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I love this book! Heart’s Cove is the place to be and we get to go back for Lily and Rudy’s story. It’s one heck of a roller coaster ride but well worth reading. Lily is hiding a few things from her family and isn’t looking for a relationship. But Rudy will come along and sweep her off her feet but it’s a bumpy ride. I loved how their relationship develops and how Lily deals with the struggles she faces. There are ups and downs for her and Rudy. I love how Rudy doesn’t give up and is determined to get his woman. As always, I enjoyed the sass and banter that Lilian gives her readers with this wonderful series and I highly recommend it!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
February 2, 2022
another great read
I have been waiting for Rudy to get his own story! I was glad to see Lily was his love interest. I liked how sweet and growly he was. I actually would have liked more with his grandmother. Also the cousin never did get told that Rudy was not as bad as he assumed. Maybe he’s a future character? He was one of those characters I wasn’t sure I was supposed to hate. He did realize his own flaws later on. My only extra thought that it actually be nice to have a ex/dad who wants his kids and coparent with the characters. I love these stories because they have such a realistic vibes. I think it be great to have two exes who can’t be married, but love their kids passionately.
I have been waiting for Rudy to get his own story! I was glad to see Lily was his love interest. I liked how sweet and growly he was. I actually would have liked more with his grandmother. Also the cousin never did get told that Rudy was not as bad as he assumed. Maybe he’s a future character? He was one of those characters I wasn’t sure I was supposed to hate. He did realize his own flaws later on. My only extra thought that it actually be nice to have a ex/dad who wants his kids and coparent with the characters. I love these stories because they have such a realistic vibes. I think it be great to have two exes who can’t be married, but love their kids passionately.
October 17, 2022
Gotta say, this was probably my least favorite so far in the series, and i know it’s gotten great reviews. We all are well aware by now of the same trope in this series - 40 year old divorcé with some kind of baggage comes to town, meets the most god like man, and through trials and tribulations end up together. However - you’re pregnant, with another man’s baby, sleep with a different man and don’t tell him about the baby, then get PISSED when he has a bad reaction to the news?? Girl, get over yourself. You have no leg to stand on with that one. And then suddenly the man just decides the baby will be his and makes you move in with him?? Heck no. All the other books in the series have all been a little, say, grandiose in nature, it this is downright implausible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
Small town
Older FMC
Slight age gap
Older pregnancy
Illness/comfort
I took a break from this series before picking this book up. I knew it would be heavy -- and I wasn't wrong. This is a rough ride, with poor Lily going through a lot. Like...a lot. Rudy's a great guy, but both of them give up a little bit too easily on the relationship. Thank goodness for the supporting cast, who continue to give levity and a bit of support throughout the story.
Having had a child later in life, I won't say this was the most accurate representation of either the sex or the pregnancy. I keep telling myself that every pregnancy is different, so there's that.
Future Stacey: not my favorite in the series.
Older FMC
Slight age gap
Older pregnancy
Illness/comfort
I took a break from this series before picking this book up. I knew it would be heavy -- and I wasn't wrong. This is a rough ride, with poor Lily going through a lot. Like...a lot. Rudy's a great guy, but both of them give up a little bit too easily on the relationship. Thank goodness for the supporting cast, who continue to give levity and a bit of support throughout the story.
Having had a child later in life, I won't say this was the most accurate representation of either the sex or the pregnancy. I keep telling myself that every pregnancy is different, so there's that.
Future Stacey: not my favorite in the series.
June 15, 2022
I really like Rudy, but there is just too much going on in this story. Lily has not one, not two, but three (!) "major events" happen to her, two of which she keeps secret for most of the book, and it all results in another major event. So technically four events . Too much.
There are also multiple POVs. There are Rudy's and Lily's, of course, but we also hear from characters that were in past books of this series and also from Nora, who has the next book. Again, too much.
But I really liked Rudy.
There are also multiple POVs. There are Rudy's and Lily's, of course, but we also hear from characters that were in past books of this series and also from Nora, who has the next book. Again, too much.
But I really liked Rudy.
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