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Danger at the Cove #2
Exposing Secrets
She isn’t looking for love, but can love break through her walled-off heart?
Beautiful and independent, Shelly Scott is always looking over her shoulder, wondering if she’ll have to run again. Her new position as manager at Dessert First Bakery shines more light on her than she likes, but Jake, her golden retriever, the handsome male in her life—loyal and attentive—is always there when anxiety immobilizes her.
Max Bailey, bestselling author, thinks he has everything. Until he realizes the one thing that’s lacking is someone to share his life with. When talented Shelly catches his attention, he wants to know more about this woman with a dazzling smile, a heart-melting laugh, and walls around her heart.
Then Shelly’s past crashes into her present, paralyzing fear takes over, and shocking information is revealed. The scandalous truth that is uncovered about her unhappy childhood is the very last reality she could have imagined.
Can Max and Shelly’s friendship survive… or will the answers discovered destroy their budding romance?
Exposing Secrets was previously titled Shielding Shelly. It was part of the multi-author Gold Coast Retrievers series.
Beautiful and independent, Shelly Scott is always looking over her shoulder, wondering if she’ll have to run again. Her new position as manager at Dessert First Bakery shines more light on her than she likes, but Jake, her golden retriever, the handsome male in her life—loyal and attentive—is always there when anxiety immobilizes her.
Max Bailey, bestselling author, thinks he has everything. Until he realizes the one thing that’s lacking is someone to share his life with. When talented Shelly catches his attention, he wants to know more about this woman with a dazzling smile, a heart-melting laugh, and walls around her heart.
Then Shelly’s past crashes into her present, paralyzing fear takes over, and shocking information is revealed. The scandalous truth that is uncovered about her unhappy childhood is the very last reality she could have imagined.
Can Max and Shelly’s friendship survive… or will the answers discovered destroy their budding romance?
Exposing Secrets was previously titled Shielding Shelly. It was part of the multi-author Gold Coast Retrievers series.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 5, 2025
Shelly Scott is the manager of Dessert First Bakery in Clam Cove, Maine. She feels incredibly fortunate to work for Hanna Moss Bowman, who is not only understanding and supportive but also the person who introduced her to Heather Moore. Heather trains Golden Retrievers to be service dogs, and Shelly and her dog, Jake, are making a great team. Today is an exciting day at the bakery because Shelly is about to be filmed for "Good Morning Clam Cove," demonstrating how to prepare her Crazy Crunchy Bars. However, she has no need to worry; Jake will be right by her side.
Max Bailey, a bestselling mystery author, enjoys a favorite routine of writing at Dessert First Bakery while savoring his usual order. Little does he know that his routine is about to take an unexpected turn. It all begins with a simple question from a little girl named Ana, and from that moment on, nothing will be the same.
The darkness of the past creates suspense, while a family secret adds a surprising twist. Spirits are lifted through comfort food, a charming little girl, a house that serves as a safe haven, and a fur-bulous service dog. Amidst all these elements, romance begins to blossom. The characters are not just ordinary; they are captivating and intriguing, making you eager to learn more about them.
I was thrilled when "Tangled Trust" introduced Hanna Moss and launched a new series. Once again, the author has crafted a captivating story about a woman and a man grappling with whether they can trust their feelings. I am eagerly anticipating the release of Book 3, "Poisoned Past," which will focus on Ana's mother.
p.s. As readers immerse themselves in this story, they might find themselves yearning for coffee and a variety of pastries described in the book.
Reviewer's Note: "Exposing Secrets" was previously titled "Shielding Shelly" and was part of the multi-author Gold Coast Retrievers series.
Max Bailey, a bestselling mystery author, enjoys a favorite routine of writing at Dessert First Bakery while savoring his usual order. Little does he know that his routine is about to take an unexpected turn. It all begins with a simple question from a little girl named Ana, and from that moment on, nothing will be the same.
The darkness of the past creates suspense, while a family secret adds a surprising twist. Spirits are lifted through comfort food, a charming little girl, a house that serves as a safe haven, and a fur-bulous service dog. Amidst all these elements, romance begins to blossom. The characters are not just ordinary; they are captivating and intriguing, making you eager to learn more about them.
I was thrilled when "Tangled Trust" introduced Hanna Moss and launched a new series. Once again, the author has crafted a captivating story about a woman and a man grappling with whether they can trust their feelings. I am eagerly anticipating the release of Book 3, "Poisoned Past," which will focus on Ana's mother.
p.s. As readers immerse themselves in this story, they might find themselves yearning for coffee and a variety of pastries described in the book.
Reviewer's Note: "Exposing Secrets" was previously titled "Shielding Shelly" and was part of the multi-author Gold Coast Retrievers series.
February 22, 2019
Shielding Shelly (Gold Coast Retrievers #9) by Emmie Lyn
To conquer the shadows, there can be no fear of the light. Shelly has allowed the demons of her past to control her for far too long. Running away from the pain and constantly looking in the rear view mirror is no way to live. She has a great deal to learn about what it means to love and fate has sent her the right fellas for the job. Shielding Shelly rises above the darkness of despair. Lyn balances out the moments of heartache with the uplifting scenarios of inspiration. Max, Jake and Shelly show the heart how to heal.
To conquer the shadows, there can be no fear of the light. Shelly has allowed the demons of her past to control her for far too long. Running away from the pain and constantly looking in the rear view mirror is no way to live. She has a great deal to learn about what it means to love and fate has sent her the right fellas for the job. Shielding Shelly rises above the darkness of despair. Lyn balances out the moments of heartache with the uplifting scenarios of inspiration. Max, Jake and Shelly show the heart how to heal.
March 5, 2019
Beautiful story about a young woman finding herself again after years of abuse. Thanks to her new friends Jake, Max, Hanna, Nina and Ana she heals. And not just heals. Thanks to their loving shield against her past, she grows.
Wonderful characters, beautiful oceanscapes, humor and a lot of friendship. I hope Emmie Lyn will write a story with a HEA for Nina and Ana as well!
Wonderful characters, beautiful oceanscapes, humor and a lot of friendship. I hope Emmie Lyn will write a story with a HEA for Nina and Ana as well!
December 11, 2024
I met Shelly Scott in book one of this series and I found her to be caring and fun and a good friend to Hanna, Shelly is now manager of Dessert First Bakery and helping to create delicious desserts, her support dog Jake is never too far away from her and keeps her anxiety at bay and she has a good life now there is not much that she wants for or could here be?
Max Bailey is a very popular bestselling mystery writer and much of a loner but he loves spending his days at The First Dessert Bakery, one reason is he is drawn to the beautiful Shelly, could she be the answer to his loneliness?
When the local morning show arrives to film a segment on the new dessert that Shelly has created her and Jake are a big hit but when the video goes viral this brings someone from her past back into her life and fear comes back but not only that but secrets that have been kept for thirty years but who will they destroy?
Truths and secrets abound in this romantic suspense as Shelly and Max get closer as they uncover the truth, Shelly is showing such strength as these secrets will rock her past and Max what can I say such a hero so supportive and loving and Jake what a support dog he is very special.
I do highly recommend this one, I thoroughly enjoyed it, fabulous characters and a beautiful setting it is sure to keep you turning the pages.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
Max Bailey is a very popular bestselling mystery writer and much of a loner but he loves spending his days at The First Dessert Bakery, one reason is he is drawn to the beautiful Shelly, could she be the answer to his loneliness?
When the local morning show arrives to film a segment on the new dessert that Shelly has created her and Jake are a big hit but when the video goes viral this brings someone from her past back into her life and fear comes back but not only that but secrets that have been kept for thirty years but who will they destroy?
Truths and secrets abound in this romantic suspense as Shelly and Max get closer as they uncover the truth, Shelly is showing such strength as these secrets will rock her past and Max what can I say such a hero so supportive and loving and Jake what a support dog he is very special.
I do highly recommend this one, I thoroughly enjoyed it, fabulous characters and a beautiful setting it is sure to keep you turning the pages.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
December 2, 2024
I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest opinion.
A great addition to the Danger at the Cove series. Exposing Secrets by Emmie Lyn. The storyline kept me intrigued the whole time reading it with the characters, dogs, the mystery part of it and the possible romance. It could be read as a standalone but if you want to know about other characters in the book it's better to read the previous book Tangled Trust first. I look forward to reading more in this series and more by the author.
A great addition to the Danger at the Cove series. Exposing Secrets by Emmie Lyn. The storyline kept me intrigued the whole time reading it with the characters, dogs, the mystery part of it and the possible romance. It could be read as a standalone but if you want to know about other characters in the book it's better to read the previous book Tangled Trust first. I look forward to reading more in this series and more by the author.
February 27, 2019
Romance but actually more women’s fiction with some suspense running through
Shelly hasn’t had it easy in life. Can she find the inner strength to stand up to the guy who made life hell for her? With the help of golden retriever Jake (her service dog) and author Max? And can she let her guard down enough to let Max in?
This may sound depressing and heavy, but it’s not. It’s actually upbeat, hopeful, light. And full of doggy love! I am the world’s biggest softie when it comes to animals, so of course I LOVED the sensitive Jake. Dual POV. A light thread of suspense running throughout the book.
It was moving, and the pages turned themselves. I like the fact that first there was friendship, slowly gaining trust. And I liked the real-ness: Shelly’s fear felt real and jumped off the page. If there’d been more attention to the blossoming romance and if there had been closure with ‘that guy’, I’d have given 5 stars. I’ll explain, but both points are *** spoiler-ish *** so do not read on if you don’t like that!
*** spoiler alert *** do not go beyond this point if you don’t like spoilers !!! ***
The romance between Max and Shelly. There wasn’t any to speak of. The whole book they are friends. Slowly getting closer. But, the end was too fast and not even a kiss! Yes, in the epilogue, but the epilogue was about something else than the romance. So it could have been more romantic. I’d have loved it to be more romantic! The end should have been slower, sweeter. Don’t get me wrong: the epilogue was beautiful! Just not with romance in the lead.
And the other point I mentioned. So, the one person Shelly should have been able to trust abused her: her father. The whole book there’s this constant threat. And in the end: nothing. She doesn’t stand up to him in person. She should have confronted him herself. That inner strength: she didn’t use it enough for me. And I felt that was disappointing. For me, that would have meant closure. For me, it felt like this important thread fell flat.
And there was one thing that happened that was unrealistic IMO. After all that had happened, leaving Jake in the car alone seemed stupid. No, nothing happened, but I didn’t believe they would have left him there on his own considering the circumstances.
But I still REALLY liked this book. It was well-written. I’ll be wanting to read more by this author!
Shelly hasn’t had it easy in life. Can she find the inner strength to stand up to the guy who made life hell for her? With the help of golden retriever Jake (her service dog) and author Max? And can she let her guard down enough to let Max in?
This may sound depressing and heavy, but it’s not. It’s actually upbeat, hopeful, light. And full of doggy love! I am the world’s biggest softie when it comes to animals, so of course I LOVED the sensitive Jake. Dual POV. A light thread of suspense running throughout the book.
It was moving, and the pages turned themselves. I like the fact that first there was friendship, slowly gaining trust. And I liked the real-ness: Shelly’s fear felt real and jumped off the page. If there’d been more attention to the blossoming romance and if there had been closure with ‘that guy’, I’d have given 5 stars. I’ll explain, but both points are *** spoiler-ish *** so do not read on if you don’t like that!
*** spoiler alert *** do not go beyond this point if you don’t like spoilers !!! ***
The romance between Max and Shelly. There wasn’t any to speak of. The whole book they are friends. Slowly getting closer. But, the end was too fast and not even a kiss! Yes, in the epilogue, but the epilogue was about something else than the romance. So it could have been more romantic. I’d have loved it to be more romantic! The end should have been slower, sweeter. Don’t get me wrong: the epilogue was beautiful! Just not with romance in the lead.
And the other point I mentioned. So, the one person Shelly should have been able to trust abused her: her father. The whole book there’s this constant threat. And in the end: nothing. She doesn’t stand up to him in person. She should have confronted him herself. That inner strength: she didn’t use it enough for me. And I felt that was disappointing. For me, that would have meant closure. For me, it felt like this important thread fell flat.
And there was one thing that happened that was unrealistic IMO. After all that had happened, leaving Jake in the car alone seemed stupid. No, nothing happened, but I didn’t believe they would have left him there on his own considering the circumstances.
But I still REALLY liked this book. It was well-written. I’ll be wanting to read more by this author!
March 22, 2019
Wonderful book that deals with a women (Shelly) who has been abused in her past and now has a service dog that helps her deal with the anxiety it has cause.
A recluse author (Max) who was bullied as a youth. Shelly works at Dessert First where Max comes in daily for his coffee and treat while he works on his book. Jake is Shelly's service dog. Can they work through their past and be friends or maybe more?
What is the secret that Shelly won't share and why did she pass out at the dog park. Why can she not go home?
Is her father for real when he shows up and what does he have to say to her that is so important?
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
A recluse author (Max) who was bullied as a youth. Shelly works at Dessert First where Max comes in daily for his coffee and treat while he works on his book. Jake is Shelly's service dog. Can they work through their past and be friends or maybe more?
What is the secret that Shelly won't share and why did she pass out at the dog park. Why can she not go home?
Is her father for real when he shows up and what does he have to say to her that is so important?
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 31, 2021
This is such a tangled story of deception and betrayal, there’s not much I can say that won’t land me firmly in spoiler territory. Shelly has steamer trunks worth of family drama to unpack, but she’s got amazing friends to support her while she does it. And after spending this long learning to be strong, she’s not about to let go of that newfound trait. Max is the stuff of book boyfriend legend. He’s sweet, patient, caring, and has a wicked sense of humor. I want a Max of my own. I had some issues with the way this book started out, because it seems to contradict some facts and personalities that had been introduced previously in the series. But, this book takes on a life of it’s own, so it was fairly easy for me to move past the continuity issues. I loved the ending and I kind of wish that the story wasn’t over already.
February 25, 2019
Shielding Shelly by Emmie Lyn is a wonderful book that is filled with suspense, healing, romance, and a wonderful service dog. Jake, a Golden Retriever is a service dog that is instrumental in helping Shelly gain confidence and strength to overcome her abusive father and stressful childhood. Jake is also a good judge of people so when Max comes into Shelly's life, she is able to accept him as a friend based on Jake's reaction to Max.
This book has mystery, drama, romance, friendships and support that will warm your heart and keep you turning pages to see if all will end well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend this clean, emotional story. I received this book as a gift and I always review every book that I read.
This book has mystery, drama, romance, friendships and support that will warm your heart and keep you turning pages to see if all will end well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend this clean, emotional story. I received this book as a gift and I always review every book that I read.
February 26, 2019
Shelly loves her job at Dessert First. She loves her friends too. But she doesn't realize when the video goes viral of her making her crunch bars would bring such animosity into her life. Not only is Jake, her service dog at her side, but so are her friend's. When local bestselling author Max Baily is present at a severe panic attack, Shelly tries to get away from him. Max becomes protective of Shelly as he wonders what secrets she is hiding. Will Shelly be able to overcome her past in time to embrace her future? Will Max be part of her future? Does she really want him to be? I enjoyed the book and the characters. Even though I received a copy of this book from the publisher, it in no way influenced my opinion.
October 6, 2019
I read this story but my review wasn't posted correctly, so am doing this a few weeks late. This is such a beautiful series and the books I have read have really touched me deeply. This one is primarily about Shelly and her service dog that is able to help her in Her moments of extreme anxiety. These dogs are also very sensitive to others that suffer with this same issue. A touching story with more great characters introduced in this book. A very clean, sweet story with mystery and suspense scattered throughout. A stand alone story. I have not read all of the books myself, but have enjoyed the ones I have read.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
November 3, 2021
What would it be like to be in a real life mystery? I suppose it depends on the outcome. I can tell that eventually there was a happy ending but it’s not what you think. Shelly had experienced some real hardships. Her mother died when she was barely at teenager. From then on her father had used her and abused her. She suffered mentally because of it. As soon as she was of age she left him and sought out on her own but not without a severe anxiety disorder. For that she sought one of Carol’s golden retrievers. She had just the right one for Shelly. Jake instinctively knew how to soothe Shelly so she wouldn’t collapse. And all this was only the beginning of this story. There were so many twists in this story it might make your head spin. However, as I said, this story has a happy ending.
March 2, 2019
Shielding Shelly by Emmie Lyn is a wonderful sweet suspenseful story of Shelly Scott and Jake, her emotional support dog and constant companion. Max Bailey is an well known author that writes at the Dessert First shop where Shelly works. Shelly and Jake appears on the morning show for the bakery and the reason for her anxiety become real because she is found. Max becomes Shelly’s friend and supports Shellly and become her friend. I love the suspense twists and turns in Shielding Shelly! Jake is so sweet and plays a huge part in Shelly’s life. Beautiful story and one not to miss reading. I received and ARC copy of this book for an honest review of it.
August 3, 2019
Sweet Treats and Jake
A sweet dog, a sweet job, sweet romance, and sweet treats has just one thing missing from this book, recipes!
I loved this story. It shows how much different a therapy dog makes in the life of his person, and how much friendships matter. I loved how the romance was allowed to grow between two shy people.. But that was only made possible by the skill of the author who could capture a scene so well you were transported there. She not only gave characters depth and image, but captured their vulnerability or personality.
I have read several of the Gold Coast retriever stories, and this is among the best.
A sweet dog, a sweet job, sweet romance, and sweet treats has just one thing missing from this book, recipes!
I loved this story. It shows how much different a therapy dog makes in the life of his person, and how much friendships matter. I loved how the romance was allowed to grow between two shy people.. But that was only made possible by the skill of the author who could capture a scene so well you were transported there. She not only gave characters depth and image, but captured their vulnerability or personality.
I have read several of the Gold Coast retriever stories, and this is among the best.
February 28, 2019
Shielding Shelly introduces another fabulous service dog, Jake, who Shelly Scott relies on for help with anxiety attacks. Max Bailey is a successful and somewhat reclusive author who experienced bullying in his youth and befriends Shelly. They each work to conquer their own fears and together confront an evil from the past.
This is a great addition to the Gold Coast Retrievers series. There is suspense and an unexpected twist. I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. I
definitely recommend this book.
This is a great addition to the Gold Coast Retrievers series. There is suspense and an unexpected twist. I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. I
definitely recommend this book.
April 10, 2021
Shielding Shelly
These books are all great reads and very explicit in the rules and job description of the golden retrievers used to help people in different ways. Shelly a young woman who was mentally abused by her father as a young girl so bad that when she turned eighteen she ran away. Twelve years later her father finds her and starts making demands again but with her service dog and friends she fights back. This story is a great one on mystery and intrigue and finding out the truth. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
These books are all great reads and very explicit in the rules and job description of the golden retrievers used to help people in different ways. Shelly a young woman who was mentally abused by her father as a young girl so bad that when she turned eighteen she ran away. Twelve years later her father finds her and starts making demands again but with her service dog and friends she fights back. This story is a great one on mystery and intrigue and finding out the truth. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
September 1, 2021
Shelly works in a bakery and because of her past, she keeps her private life very secret with only a couple really close friends. Max is an author who also prefers a solitary life... Until their lives intersect. Shelly is afraid of her father who made her life hell after her mother died. He shows up again in her life from across the country when a video of her making a dessert she designed goes viral. He has a secret he wants to tell her. This is a great addition to the Golden Retriever series, and of course, Shelly's GR, Jake, plays a special part in the story.
February 25, 2019
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.
WOW, every time I read one of these Gold Coast Retriever books, I am blown away they are so good. I hope that this is not the last of them. Shelly has many surprises in store for her as she approaches her 30th birthday with her Golden Retriever Jake by her side. I could not put this down. I recommend this book.
WOW, every time I read one of these Gold Coast Retriever books, I am blown away they are so good. I hope that this is not the last of them. Shelly has many surprises in store for her as she approaches her 30th birthday with her Golden Retriever Jake by her side. I could not put this down. I recommend this book.
April 9, 2019
Shielding Shelly is a delightful addition to the wonderful Gold Coast Retrievers series. Jake is a service dog and Shelly's constant companion .. he is an absolute sweetheart. Taking part in a televised cooking demonstration was only the start of Shelly's story; and it is a cracking story. Max is an absolute treasure and Ana a charming dynamo. They all have an important role in this beautiful story. I absolutely loved this book and thoroughly recommend it.
December 10, 2020
I especially enjoyed this story because it features a woman with a mysterious past & her therapy Golden Retriever dog. Then add in a handsome man who is very helpful while getting to know Shelly. You won't believe the person who is a threat to Shelly but she learns to stand up to him, gaining her freedom forever from him. A very exceptional, very well written story. I received a free copy. This is my voluntary review.
February 25, 2019
Shelly and Max are both introverts who don't let people get close to them. Jake and Ana bring them together. Shelly showed her sassy and funny side once she felt safe with Max. Ana adds so much to the story which I loved - children don't usually do this IMO. Shelly showed courage when her past showed up. A sweet romance with a bit of mystery and suspense.
February 23, 2019
Great story, caring characters, loveable animals and children
Highly recommend this series of you love dogs, mystery and love stories with happy ever afters
I received a free copy of this book Sweet Promise Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Highly recommend this series of you love dogs, mystery and love stories with happy ever afters
I received a free copy of this book Sweet Promise Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2019
Loved Jake! The characters were great and made you feel part of the story. The story was beautiful bringing two people together who both had past issues. Throw in a secret that comes out as a way to hurt Shelly, with a horrible dad. The story is sure to draw you in.
February 26, 2019
Will SHelley be able to face her past with the help of her closest friends, Jake, her Golden Retire et and Max, a handsome but shy famous writer? Shelley will find the strength to face her demons and finally find love and peace.
March 4, 2019
A change in life
This is a great story. I highly recommend this book. This is about a young woman whom has aniexty issues but her beloved service dog helps her find a change in her life.
This is a great story. I highly recommend this book. This is about a young woman whom has aniexty issues but her beloved service dog helps her find a change in her life.
August 6, 2019
Clean and humorous romance.
I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more of the series. I especially like the fact that there is nothing crude in the language and no graphic descriptions of bedroom scenes. Just good clean fun.
I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more of the series. I especially like the fact that there is nothing crude in the language and no graphic descriptions of bedroom scenes. Just good clean fun.
June 29, 2021
A remarkable book
This book was so good and covered the issues of fear and anxiety. The characters and the friendships that bonded were very much enjoyed. I really liked the romance also. The dog was a treasured treat in the book.
CMcCrork
This book was so good and covered the issues of fear and anxiety. The characters and the friendships that bonded were very much enjoyed. I really liked the romance also. The dog was a treasured treat in the book.
CMcCrork
August 26, 2021
I have to say that I enjoyed this story enormously and it's probably my favorite so far in this series! The romance was believable, the suspense was key to my enjoyment and believable also and the pacing was exactly as it should be! The characters were great too! I enjoyed everything about it!
February 27, 2019
A sweet romance with heart and a touch of suspense
Abused all her life she is learning to stand up for herself with the help of a special dog!
A good story line
Abused all her life she is learning to stand up for herself with the help of a special dog!
A good story line
March 3, 2019
Jake found his calling to be Shelley’s companion a Service dog. Children’s wonder and excitement bring out the mystery writers confidence. Will Max and Shelley be friends or more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews