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Mine #4.5
Sinful Secrets
One year ago, Catherine Donnelly spent a wild night in a stranger's arms. Sexy and mysterious, Jason August broke through all of Cat's defenses. But when dawn came, she ran from his bed, and she never looked back, until now...
Catherine vanished from Jason's life before, and he isn't about to let her escape again. Cat will discover that the only man who can truly keep her safe in a world gone mad...well, that would be the man she married a year ago, on one hot Vegas night.
Note: This tale contains hot scenes, dangerous times, and a hero who is more than a bit of a billionaire bad boy.
Catherine vanished from Jason's life before, and he isn't about to let her escape again. Cat will discover that the only man who can truly keep her safe in a world gone mad...well, that would be the man she married a year ago, on one hot Vegas night.
Note: This tale contains hot scenes, dangerous times, and a hero who is more than a bit of a billionaire bad boy.
141 pages, ebook
First published July 31, 2014
110 people are currently reading
952 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
313 books6,813 followersAward-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 7, 2018
Good thing they were both celibate after their night together or else it would have be cheating since they're married, although the heroine kissed OM while trying to forget the hero, that's all she did. If the hero did that I would have been pissed. So for once the hero didn't even try to forget the heroine with OWs.
January 10, 2025
Sinful Seconds anthology
I absolutely LOVED this story, but desperately needed more. A full book rather than a novella would have done their story the justice it deserved and would have definitely garnered 5 stars. I needed more on their first meeting, more on their week together pre-separation, more on what happened during their separation and definitely more on their reunion.
I absolutely LOVED this story, but desperately needed more. A full book rather than a novella would have done their story the justice it deserved and would have definitely garnered 5 stars. I needed more on their first meeting, more on their week together pre-separation, more on what happened during their separation and definitely more on their reunion.
May 20, 2015
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
This novella opens up with Kat tip toeing out of a dark room, leaving her sexy new husband in the bed. But she'd just found out her sexy new husband was planning on a huge betrayal.
Or was he...
Jason actually had been planning on ruining her...or her father's empire more precisely. But then he met Kat. And fell hard. Then she bailed. He never got to explain.
But a year after she left him, a sex tape surfaces, and Kat is pissed that he's blackmailing her over it. But he isn't the one doing the blackmailing.
So who is? Jason doesn't know, but her father has made a lot of enemies. He wants to protect her, and he isn't letting Kat go. Not now that he's got his hands on her again.
With blackmail leading to murder, Kat and Jason are running out of time. But can she ever trust him again?
This is a novella in Cynthia Eden's Mine series, and it fits in well, but without confusion. It's in the Sinful Seconds anthology, and I am definitely glad I grabbed it! I think you can buy it separately if you want, but the anthology is worth the buy.
This novella opens up with Kat tip toeing out of a dark room, leaving her sexy new husband in the bed. But she'd just found out her sexy new husband was planning on a huge betrayal.
Or was he...
Jason actually had been planning on ruining her...or her father's empire more precisely. But then he met Kat. And fell hard. Then she bailed. He never got to explain.
But a year after she left him, a sex tape surfaces, and Kat is pissed that he's blackmailing her over it. But he isn't the one doing the blackmailing.
So who is? Jason doesn't know, but her father has made a lot of enemies. He wants to protect her, and he isn't letting Kat go. Not now that he's got his hands on her again.
With blackmail leading to murder, Kat and Jason are running out of time. But can she ever trust him again?
This is a novella in Cynthia Eden's Mine series, and it fits in well, but without confusion. It's in the Sinful Seconds anthology, and I am definitely glad I grabbed it! I think you can buy it separately if you want, but the anthology is worth the buy.
February 17, 2017
This is the short story from Sinful Seconds
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
This novella opens up with Kat tip toeing out of a dark room, leaving her sexy new husband in the bed. But she’d just found out her sexy new husband was planning on a huge betrayal.
Or was he…
Jason actually had been planning on ruining her…or her father’s empire more precisely. But then he met Kat. And fell hard. Then she bailed. He never got to explain.
But a year after she left him, a sex tape surfaces, and Kat is pissed that he’s blackmailing her over it. But he isn’t the one doing the blackmailing.
So who is? Jason doesn’t know, but her father has made a lot of enemies. He wants to protect her, and he isn’t letting Kat go. Not now that he’s got his hands on her again.
With blackmail leading to murder, Kat and Jason are running out of time. But can she ever trust him again?
This is a novella in Cynthia Eden’s Mine series, and it fits in well, but without confusion. It’s in the Sinful Seconds anthology, and I am definitely glad I grabbed it! I think you can buy it separately if you want, but the anthology is worth the buy.
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
This novella opens up with Kat tip toeing out of a dark room, leaving her sexy new husband in the bed. But she’d just found out her sexy new husband was planning on a huge betrayal.
Or was he…
Jason actually had been planning on ruining her…or her father’s empire more precisely. But then he met Kat. And fell hard. Then she bailed. He never got to explain.
But a year after she left him, a sex tape surfaces, and Kat is pissed that he’s blackmailing her over it. But he isn’t the one doing the blackmailing.
So who is? Jason doesn’t know, but her father has made a lot of enemies. He wants to protect her, and he isn’t letting Kat go. Not now that he’s got his hands on her again.
With blackmail leading to murder, Kat and Jason are running out of time. But can she ever trust him again?
This is a novella in Cynthia Eden’s Mine series, and it fits in well, but without confusion. It’s in the Sinful Seconds anthology, and I am definitely glad I grabbed it! I think you can buy it separately if you want, but the anthology is worth the buy.
November 29, 2016
I skipped Drake's story (#4) because he was suuuch a dick in Noah's story (#3). Just went right on through to this one.
Sinful Secrets has a soap opera plot, which was entertaining but also tedious. Cat doesn't trust Jason until the story is pretty much over. She spends the entire time trying to run away from him or allowing herself to be seduced into staying. It made for a terribly weak character even though she obviously felt like she was taking a stand. I'd have given this four stars if Cynthia Eden would have just written Cat and Jason into showing a united front for more than two pages.
As for Jason, he isn't a great hero, to be honest. He's completely thoughtless when it comes to Cat's feelings and is totally driven by hate. Every so often he'd say or do something that would make me go "Yeah, now THAT'S a hero!" But it would quickly be followed by "Oooh nooo, you fuckbag dumbass, you did NOT just say that!" I am torn.
Overall, I guess I liked it. Mainly the suspense because WTF I did not see any of that coming. The characters were disappointing, though. I really enjoy Cynthia Eden's work, especially because I can reread her books so easily, but this is one I definitely won't be reading again.
Sinful Secrets has a soap opera plot, which was entertaining but also tedious. Cat doesn't trust Jason until the story is pretty much over. She spends the entire time trying to run away from him or allowing herself to be seduced into staying. It made for a terribly weak character even though she obviously felt like she was taking a stand. I'd have given this four stars if Cynthia Eden would have just written Cat and Jason into showing a united front for more than two pages.
As for Jason, he isn't a great hero, to be honest. He's completely thoughtless when it comes to Cat's feelings and is totally driven by hate. Every so often he'd say or do something that would make me go "Yeah, now THAT'S a hero!" But it would quickly be followed by "Oooh nooo, you fuckbag dumbass, you did NOT just say that!" I am torn.
Overall, I guess I liked it. Mainly the suspense because WTF I did not see any of that coming. The characters were disappointing, though. I really enjoy Cynthia Eden's work, especially because I can reread her books so easily, but this is one I definitely won't be reading again.
Want to read
March 11, 2017
August 20, 2014
Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Las Vegas, Nevada
Catherine Donnelly spent a wild night in a stranger’s arms a year ago. Jason August was sexy and mysterious and managed to break through Cat’s defenses. Cat ran from his bed when dawn arrived and never looked back. At least until now…
Now that Catherine is back in Jason’s life he isn’t about to let her escape him again. Cat is about to discover that in a world that has gone made Jason is the only man that can keep her safe. He is also the man that she married a year ago on a hot Vegas night.
This is a great suspense that keeps the reader guessing. While it takes place in the present day with the flash back to the year before the reader is never lost as to what happened then and what is happening now. It is the perfect blend of back story while the suspense of the now is unfolding. It will also have readers clamoring for more from the world that the story takes place in. It is a relatively fast read but packs so much story in such a short amount of pages that it comes across as a longer novel that it actually is. This is the perfect story for those times when a reader needs a short story for a break. This one does not disappoint at all.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Catherine Donnelly spent a wild night in a stranger’s arms a year ago. Jason August was sexy and mysterious and managed to break through Cat’s defenses. Cat ran from his bed when dawn arrived and never looked back. At least until now…
Now that Catherine is back in Jason’s life he isn’t about to let her escape him again. Cat is about to discover that in a world that has gone made Jason is the only man that can keep her safe. He is also the man that she married a year ago on a hot Vegas night.
This is a great suspense that keeps the reader guessing. While it takes place in the present day with the flash back to the year before the reader is never lost as to what happened then and what is happening now. It is the perfect blend of back story while the suspense of the now is unfolding. It will also have readers clamoring for more from the world that the story takes place in. It is a relatively fast read but packs so much story in such a short amount of pages that it comes across as a longer novel that it actually is. This is the perfect story for those times when a reader needs a short story for a break. This one does not disappoint at all.
August 10, 2014
I really, really liked SINFUL SECRETS. If it had been longer, I’m positive this would have been a 5star book.
Jason and Catherine were explosive together. The book picks up a year after their amazing week together after Cat sneaks out. I really wish more time would have been spent on their time together a year ago and explain more on how the marriage that occurred.
Cat returns a year later to deal with Jason, whom she thinks is blackmailing her with a video of them together. Bad blood is between the two families and Cat is caught in-between.
Jason’s plans to bring down Cat’s family business is stopped the moment he meets Cat in person, but getting her to believe him is a difficult task when things only get more difficult and complicated.
The ending was great because Jason and Cat finally found their trust in each other in time to bring them together.
I know this was once grouped together with other smaller books. I think this is a must read for Eden fans.
Jason and Catherine were explosive together. The book picks up a year after their amazing week together after Cat sneaks out. I really wish more time would have been spent on their time together a year ago and explain more on how the marriage that occurred.
Cat returns a year later to deal with Jason, whom she thinks is blackmailing her with a video of them together. Bad blood is between the two families and Cat is caught in-between.
Jason’s plans to bring down Cat’s family business is stopped the moment he meets Cat in person, but getting her to believe him is a difficult task when things only get more difficult and complicated.
The ending was great because Jason and Cat finally found their trust in each other in time to bring them together.
I know this was once grouped together with other smaller books. I think this is a must read for Eden fans.
August 14, 2025
Listed as 4.5 in the Mine series by Cynthia Eden. One year prior Catherine Donnelly woke up married to British billionaire hottie, Jason August. She runs away back to her quiet life as a teacher. Now she is back because someone is blackmailing her with video of her time with Jason. She hopes to appeal to Jason to give her the video believing he is the blackmailer but he denies it.
Since it is only 120 pages long, there isn't a lot of development done on the background of both main characters. The story ran quickly and didn't stall. Overall, it was enjoyable but I felt it lacked that something that Ms. Eden's full length novels normally have.
Since it is only 120 pages long, there isn't a lot of development done on the background of both main characters. The story ran quickly and didn't stall. Overall, it was enjoyable but I felt it lacked that something that Ms. Eden's full length novels normally have.
August 6, 2014
Telling me they had a week-long scorching affair in the past isn't enough to make me believe such a strong love bond. Too short to be much more than meh. Too shallow, too.
Read
February 20, 2019DNF. I love Cynthia Eden's stories, but manwhores gross me out.
August 5, 2018
I didn't really know what to expect with this one, I didn't know it even existed until last week and being that I'm a big fan of Cynthia Eden I should have. It was a mass of twists and turns during this story from one page to the next I didn't know where it was going.
Cat, I like her, she's stubborn and somewhat strong in character and at times she's worried about things and shows her fear too. I loved that she wasn't part of the deceit in the story but I hate that she was used in a game between powerful men although the personally I would have hurt Jason a lot more re-meeting him I'm not sure I'd forgive him so easily and let the lust/love carry me away.
Jason, was a strong dominant powerful figure and although in most of Cynthia Eden's books I usually like it, in his book I felt it was overplayed and that his power was more bullying with Cat which was a shame because it had a strong plot line to go further.
Overall I liked this book, it wasn't up to Cynthia Eden's usual writing style and I don't know why, maybe it was too short for me to get into or something else but this felt a little flat, the storyline had the potential to go so much further but it fell a little flat because of some of the characters within it, there wasn't really much information about them or their personalities, it still won't put me off her as an author though.
Cat, I like her, she's stubborn and somewhat strong in character and at times she's worried about things and shows her fear too. I loved that she wasn't part of the deceit in the story but I hate that she was used in a game between powerful men although the personally I would have hurt Jason a lot more re-meeting him I'm not sure I'd forgive him so easily and let the lust/love carry me away.
Jason, was a strong dominant powerful figure and although in most of Cynthia Eden's books I usually like it, in his book I felt it was overplayed and that his power was more bullying with Cat which was a shame because it had a strong plot line to go further.
Overall I liked this book, it wasn't up to Cynthia Eden's usual writing style and I don't know why, maybe it was too short for me to get into or something else but this felt a little flat, the storyline had the potential to go so much further but it fell a little flat because of some of the characters within it, there wasn't really much information about them or their personalities, it still won't put me off her as an author though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2022
4.5 🌟
The problem with reading one book of this author is you can’t stop reading another one back to back.
For me highlight of this book was hero Jason’s feelings for Catherine. Jason was epitome of INTENSE, SMOULDERING, POSSESSIVE ALPHA. And that Bad boy of Britain moniker is apt for him. Falling hard for her at first meeting itself, bidding his time, willing to go any length for her and that ‘anything for you Catherine’ attitude…. So freaking hot🔥!
Their chemistry was off the chart. This was a short book so likewise characters were not plenty so I was relatively sure about the killer.
Still it’s very enjoyable, second chance romance with good plot and solid delivery.
Safe and recommended.
The problem with reading one book of this author is you can’t stop reading another one back to back.
For me highlight of this book was hero Jason’s feelings for Catherine. Jason was epitome of INTENSE, SMOULDERING, POSSESSIVE ALPHA. And that Bad boy of Britain moniker is apt for him. Falling hard for her at first meeting itself, bidding his time, willing to go any length for her and that ‘anything for you Catherine’ attitude…. So freaking hot🔥!
Their chemistry was off the chart. This was a short book so likewise characters were not plenty so I was relatively sure about the killer.
Still it’s very enjoyable, second chance romance with good plot and solid delivery.
Safe and recommended.
August 28, 2018
Would have definitely loved to see this as a full book so we could have got more of their past. What we did get was extremely hot which I know that I will always get from this author.
March 17, 2017
This was a super solid romantic suspense!
September 2, 2016
A great suspenseful novella…
Catherine Donnelly vanished from the life of the man she married in Vegas a year ago when with the dawn came evidence that all was a lie. But there is no other man like him and she has dreamed of him. Now she must face him again for someone is blackmailing her and she believes it is her husband.
Jason August is a man with many secrets. He has kept tabs on his wife for there is no other woman for him. When she returns to Vegas he is there to save her for he is not the blackmailer and he won’t allow anyone to hurt his wife. And now that she is back he will claim what is his.
This novella captured me from the prologue and didn’t let go. There are many twists and turns and you don’t know who is lying and who can be trusted. Someone is playing a seriously deadly game with Catherine and her family and Jason is trapped in the middle of it as he tries to keep her safe and earn her trust, to prove his innocence amidst all the lies and betrayals that surround them. The connection between Catherine and Jason is explosive; they are compelling characters that undeniably belong together. This novella has it all, action, suspense, intrigue, a sexy romance and a villain that I could not guess. For a short work I found the plot and characters well developed, the back story nicely woven in.
I love Cynthia Eden’s darker heroes and the women who are drawn to them. Their relationships are always intense and fraught with passionate emotion. This novella is loosely associated with the Mine series as the hero has connections to Drake Archer whose story was told in Mine to Crave.
Catherine Donnelly vanished from the life of the man she married in Vegas a year ago when with the dawn came evidence that all was a lie. But there is no other man like him and she has dreamed of him. Now she must face him again for someone is blackmailing her and she believes it is her husband.
Jason August is a man with many secrets. He has kept tabs on his wife for there is no other woman for him. When she returns to Vegas he is there to save her for he is not the blackmailer and he won’t allow anyone to hurt his wife. And now that she is back he will claim what is his.
This novella captured me from the prologue and didn’t let go. There are many twists and turns and you don’t know who is lying and who can be trusted. Someone is playing a seriously deadly game with Catherine and her family and Jason is trapped in the middle of it as he tries to keep her safe and earn her trust, to prove his innocence amidst all the lies and betrayals that surround them. The connection between Catherine and Jason is explosive; they are compelling characters that undeniably belong together. This novella has it all, action, suspense, intrigue, a sexy romance and a villain that I could not guess. For a short work I found the plot and characters well developed, the back story nicely woven in.
I love Cynthia Eden’s darker heroes and the women who are drawn to them. Their relationships are always intense and fraught with passionate emotion. This novella is loosely associated with the Mine series as the hero has connections to Drake Archer whose story was told in Mine to Crave.
August 10, 2014
2.5 stars
I am a huge fan of Eden's For Me series. and one thing I noticed about her characterization of the men in her novel, at least judging by the three books i've read now, is how strong-headed they are. Now Jason August is even more so that he's bordering on obsessed. The story was good but nothing you haven't read before or seen on an episode of CSI and criminal minds. What you'll be invested in is the relationship between Jason and Catherine after their accidental marriage a year ago in Vegas.
Now, coming to the romance, having spent the entire two thirds of the book denying Jason and running away from him put me off of him in general. There are romances where this rejection fueled the chemistry but it's not the case with these two. I felt Catherine genuinely rejected him 'coz she was confused and didn't know what she wanted amongst these continuing betrayals from those she trusted the most. Add to the fact, whenever they're together it's all about what Jason wanted and will Jason get. He doesn't do anything for her beside the physical side. Again maybe this is the whole purpose of this series but that's mainly stating my opinion.
If you're looking for old fashioned revenge romances this is for you topped with extra territorial men.
I am a huge fan of Eden's For Me series. and one thing I noticed about her characterization of the men in her novel, at least judging by the three books i've read now, is how strong-headed they are. Now Jason August is even more so that he's bordering on obsessed. The story was good but nothing you haven't read before or seen on an episode of CSI and criminal minds. What you'll be invested in is the relationship between Jason and Catherine after their accidental marriage a year ago in Vegas.
Now, coming to the romance, having spent the entire two thirds of the book denying Jason and running away from him put me off of him in general. There are romances where this rejection fueled the chemistry but it's not the case with these two. I felt Catherine genuinely rejected him 'coz she was confused and didn't know what she wanted amongst these continuing betrayals from those she trusted the most. Add to the fact, whenever they're together it's all about what Jason wanted and will Jason get. He doesn't do anything for her beside the physical side. Again maybe this is the whole purpose of this series but that's mainly stating my opinion.
If you're looking for old fashioned revenge romances this is for you topped with extra territorial men.
August 6, 2014
Jason and Catherine are from two rivaling families, their whirlwind romance and spur of the moment marriage was doomed from the beginning. So Cat shouldn´t be surprised when she´s blackmailed. What does surprise her is Jason´s reaction to her return to Vegas.
Quick read, smutty fluff, suspense and action in a great combo.
4,5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Quick read, smutty fluff, suspense and action in a great combo.
4,5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 28, 2015
Read in the Sinful Seconds Anthology
Cat returns to Vegas to confront a blackmailer and comes face to face with the past she's tried to put behind her, Jason. She thinks he betrayed her but can't deny the attraction is still unstoppable.
There are secrets and misunderstandings. The chemistry is explosive. I liked the two main characters but I didn't love them, wished for a bit more tenderness and less misunderstanding. Still, love Cynthia Eden no matter what.
Cat returns to Vegas to confront a blackmailer and comes face to face with the past she's tried to put behind her, Jason. She thinks he betrayed her but can't deny the attraction is still unstoppable.
There are secrets and misunderstandings. The chemistry is explosive. I liked the two main characters but I didn't love them, wished for a bit more tenderness and less misunderstanding. Still, love Cynthia Eden no matter what.
March 4, 2015
Short, hot read - like an HP plot. Typical uber-hot, Uber-possessive, Uber-rich hero obsessed with heroine. But their relationship faces the seemingly insurmountable hurdle of his need for revenge against her father. Mild suspense - though pretty obvious villain. Still enjoyable, just don't expect too much complexity or depth.
September 22, 2014
Liked Sinful Secrets. It's a great little novella. Also a nice add on to Ms Eden's Mine series to be read at any time because it only mentions Drake.
Really liked the chemistry between Catherine and Jason and their connection to each other.
Really liked the chemistry between Catherine and Jason and their connection to each other.
June 9, 2015
Loved it loved it loved it and for the one millionth time I freakin love Cynthia Eden's heroes !! The characters were on fire and the villain was worthy of the title. Enjoyed every second of it.
January 20, 2015
wow, super sexy, with some fun plot twists, though not real heavy on the emotion on the hero's side, definitely some heartstrings tugged by the heroine
March 12, 2017
This is a novella that is part of the Mine Series. Eden's characters will draw you in with out fail, the plot is always so suspenseful, the chemistry between the characters are smoking hot and it's so well written that you feel like you are a witness to what's unfolding.
I wish the book could have been longer maybe then it would've given more info into the H/H's relationship. I understand this is a second chance at love book but sometimes the possessiveness was a tad to much and maybe that is why the heroine kept running....
I wish the book could have been longer maybe then it would've given more info into the H/H's relationship. I understand this is a second chance at love book but sometimes the possessiveness was a tad to much and maybe that is why the heroine kept running....
May 22, 2017
well well well.. cynthia eden make me surprised! this one full with angst and a good plot as well! and if the ending put something like : "i orchestrated you to kill Nathaniel", it will be more superb! so 3,5 star for great plot with a little miscalculated in the end.
August 26, 2017
This was a super quick read. Finished it in less than 24 hours. Good little mystery with some steamy scenes. The characters were engaging, but there really could have been so much more brought to this story. Overall, I really enjoyed reading it though.
July 13, 2017
I loved Sinful Secrets! Jason was a perfect character that wasn't too much, and Cat fit him perfectly. I hope somewhere along the was Cat's brother Cameron gets a story.
March 15, 2018
loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews