Toxic Secrets

Secrets #1

by Jill Patten

Secrets are meant to be kept but sometimes those unspoken words can become toxic - destroying you and the ones you love. Seventeen year old Courtney Peterson always thought her future would consist of marrying her high-school sweetheart, becoming a stay-at-home mom, and living a happily ever after. All that changes when she finds out the boy who stole her heart three years ago resorts to cheating. Ending that relationship will be harder than she could imagine, but she is determined to move on, agreeing to go on a blind date with the older and cryptic Jaxon. Jaxon Vaughn blazes into town for a short visit, taking steps down a new path in life. After facing unexpected tragedies at a young age and turning to self-destruction, he aches to redeem himself by opening a bar in his grandmother's hometown. It is there he meets the pure and soulful Courtney, whom awakens the guilt that dejectedly haunts him. Distance and circumstances, may separate them, but they are unable to ignore the chemistry that draws them together. Can their relationship survive, or will it be shattered by clingy exes, mysterious phantoms from the past and unforeseen misfortunes?

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Emotional, Young Adult

382 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2013

About the author

Jill Patten was born a Yankee, but raised a southerner. She lives in the small town of Mayberry, North Carolina which was made famous by a popular TV show back in the sixties. (Maybe there will one day be a statue of her at the end of Main Street. Ha! A girl can dream, right?)

Jill has always loved to read, even during reading labs in middle school for reading comprehension. Judy Blume was her first author she hero-worshipped, maturing to revere the works of Stephen King. With all the fantastic authors today, she simply cannot choose a favorite. Her taste is very eclectic and she loves almost all genres. When she's not captivated by her fictional characters, she spends time with her sweet husband and two beautiful children.

Music is her muse. Jill also loves elephants, sarcasm, and anything made with sugar, especially sweet tea. She enjoys all things rude and crude and laughs at stuff she probably shouldn't. She has been accused of being bossy a time or two, but doesn't really see it herself.

All in all, Jill is just a small town girl in this great big world trying to enable your book addiction.

Oh, and if you read her book, please leave her a review - good or bad, she'll love you forever.

Reviews

[Adriane Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta read this and boy did it take me for a ride! A journey I was not expecting! I needed a minute to recover after I finished, and I nearly wanted to slit my wrists for how it ended! Jill made me love Jaxon! She made me fall in love with him! And then...she...and he....and omg my heart is still shattered... Can't wait for the next book.

Had to edit this to say: Nipple Rings. That is all :)

[Envywho · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the story dragged on and Courtney's character was too weak for me.

[Reanell Tisdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come as part of the blog tour



Just wanted to say......gahhhhh fucking cliffhanger!!!

I loved the story 100% but why oh why does it end with a cliffhanger!?!

*runs off to find out when I can get my greedy little hands on it*


You want to know my favorite thing about blogging? Signing up for blog tours and reading a book and absolutely falling in love with the character! I WANT JAXON VAUGN!! Can somebody make that happen? No, well damn!

What's not to love? Icy blue eyes, dimples, and did I mention NIPPLE PIERCINGS?!! I freaking love when a male has nipple piercings. I think Courtney's reaction is one that I would have too.

"My eyes were glued to his, and, if I spoke out loud, I'm sure it would come out sounding something like "Nom, nom, nom." Yes he was that delicious."
This book has everything I like about a book, hot book boyfriend with a tortured soul, troubled herione, angst(this one has a lot of that), steamy scenes, and cool side characters. I didn't know what to expect from one minute to the next. Jill has an uncanny ability on writing out angst filled scenes and then totally surprising you with what ends up happening.

Phillip is the ex-boyfriend, and I hated him with a fierce passion. What this prick puts her through made me want to throw my iPad across the room. This book has something I haven't read before, Courtney is 17 and Jaxon is 22. I know what your thinking, and no it's not like that. They don't do the dirty, so he isn't a creeper. He actually respects Courtney and doesn't want to ruin any chance of being with her so he doesn't allow their relationship to go to that level.

Jaxon's only flaw is, he won't talk about his past. And when Courtney asks him anything about it, he becomes an ass. We only get bits and pieces of his past so I'm still unsure what exactly happened to him, but I can tell it's bad.

I can't give to much info from this point because it will give away the story, but let me just say, "Holy mother of all cliffhangers." I'm still in shock at how this book ends. I want to start stalking Jill and make her finish the next book so I can get my greedy little hands on it!! Don't let the fact that this book ends in a cliffhanger stop you from reading it, because you will miss out on an awesome book.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations to the lovely Jill Patten on the release of her debut novel Toxic Secrets.

My God, I seriously don't even know where to begin with this one.

This book is a complete tangle of secrets and surprises. My emotions were thrown all over the place with the hard hitting angst filled between these pages.

First of all we meet Courtney. She is the cute little thing with the douche bag boyfriend called Phillip. What do you do when your whole life plan suddenly crumbles into millions of pieces? You try to rebuild which is exactly what Courtney attempts with the help of her best friend, Kendra, and her boyfriend, Reed.

Just when Courtney feels as though she is finally getting somewhere. BAM!
The douche bag is back!



Die Phillip!! Dieeeeeeee!!

So then... Moving swiftly on.


We meet Jaxon. Holy hotness overload here people!



The nipple piercings!! My God! The man has nipple piercings!

*Drooooooool*

Hot piercings... Abs... Gulp!

But anyway, Jaxon is here to try and save the day. How well of a job he did, I will leave up to you because I think we will all have different opinions. Either way, I am totally rooting for The Jax Man.

Now, I can safely say that there is a book two on the horizon. Thank the Lord! One book on these characters is not enough. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Zakirrah BookBlogger · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 DESTRUCTIVE, TOXIC STARS!


After finding out a little bit about Jaxon who is visiting his cousin Reed who is like a big brother to Courtney.Reed is Kendra(Courtney's best friend) boyfriend. Kendra persuades Courtney to go on a blind date with Jaxon to help her move on from her abusive ex-boyfriend Philip(the twat)

I definitely preferred the hard, sexy chest.I felt his body tense up.Oh hell, did I just say that out loud? Judging by the sudden shift in the atmosphere I knew I had.

Jaxon is older than Courtney and doesn't think anything will happen during this blind date. it turns out to be more than that, Jaxon and Courtney have chemistry and he challenges her and they make each other better. But yeah only if it focused on these two eh? For Courtney its not that easy and she can't seem to move past her feeling for her ex-bf who treated her like crap.

Kendra the sensible female knows what she is talking about and Courtney really needed to listen to her and stop hiding stuff.I swear I was like why? why do you have to make it all so complicated? Kendra lives life to the fullest and is quite wild I liked her character more that Courtney's.

Jaxon was a bloody mystery I really wanted to know more about him and understand what is going on but I felt like the book focuses more on Phillip and Courtney.Maybe the next book will hold the answers and all the secrets will be revealed.The twists were like omg nooo! Maybe if I blink hard enough that will all be a lie and this wont have happened in the book!!
Yeah didn't work :(

I really don't know what to rate this I left it for a day and came back to do the review yet the decision isn't any easier.There were so many things that annoyed me and then there was also the things I quite enjoyed.this book had a lot of drama and Courtney wound me up so much.I wanted to shake her and scream wake the hell up woman!! I know people react differently to abuse but after being abusive relationship with a vindictive cruel manipulative guy who turned the school against you, you would think ahh blank the fucker may he burn in hell. Would you fall for his tricks again? Errr I think not if you follow these simple steps.

Number 1- stay the fuck away from him, ignore that piece of shit.
Number 2- Punch him in the balls if he tries to hurt you.
Number 3- repeat number 2 anyways because its fun to see him suffer.

Phillip pissed me off so many times I swear I nearly crawled into the book and broke his neck several times.*screams and pulls hair out*
I felt like Courtney kept making the wrong decisions..choose Jaxon you idiot. -.-

Ahh the ending..God what a bloody ending..Why a cliffhanger?!!
I can't believe that happens like oh man icing on the cake eh?
Just when things look they are getting better *BOOM!* disaster strikes again!
Poor Jaxon :(

Fuck my life.
If I couldn't beat fate, I might as well join the destructive life she had laid out before me.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~
**ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review**

Check out my blog for more reviews!
http://zakirrahsbookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zakirr...

[Amy J RAREtte4Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angsty new novel...I so love ANGSSSST
At first, I thought is the name misleading, where are the secrets? But boy am I proven wrong. There are many secrets and they are toxic. So many the reader wonders will they ever be able to be together? Furthermore, I think there are even more to come. With secrets, love, and chemistry comes angst and wow does this story have the angst. From the moment Courtney sees Jax for the first time before words have even transpired between the two the angst is dripping off the page. This story also comes with frustration; it’s not a spoiler to tell you that you will literally want to throw your e- reader at times especially when the story surrounds Phillip. This is a story that could be finished in one sitting, you will not want to put it down.
Courtney is hurt, lost, and beat down trying to move on from a toxic relationship she had with her first love Phillip, who is one of the biggest book douche bags ever! She is surrounded by the supportive best friend Kendra who is a spunky, strong, and mouthy…I love her and her boyfriend Reed who is the all American perfect boyfriend. Even with their support Courtney still questions if she made the right decision, and let’s face it girls we have all been there before. There is only one way out and it’s if we get to that decision on our own. If forced we always end back with the douche! I feel for her and the indecisiveness she thinks she feels but I also wanted to slap her silly a couple of times.
Enters hotty Jax, gahhhh is he hot and those piercings, with his own secret or maybe two in tow. His secrets are all sorts of effed up and you don’t even know how many there may be. He is written exceptionally well and I felt what he felt. But damn, what he’s doing is so screwed up but you’ll root for him anyway. Talk about toxic! I love Jax even if I think I know what he is doing but am not sure. I want to know more, I want him to not hurt, I want him to throw her down and take her. Oh and when he kind of does damn if its not hot. It is entirely too soon to tell if he will be able to make a future with Courtney or at all.
The ultimate compliment to an author/book is if the reader can see the story play out in their head like a movie and I saw every page in my head. She has a way of capturing a moment perfectly. Her ability to transcend strong, powerful emotions into words on a page is an untapped talent not often found. Great, awesome, fantastic debut novel by Jill Patten. If her first book is this good, her future books will only get better.

[Milly · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided for a review.

I really enjoyed this book (actually that’s an understatement). I stayed up till 4AM reading because I just couldn’t put it down. Definitely 5+ stars for me.

Courtney is a senior in high school who has ended a 3 year relationship with her boyfriend Phillp. He abuses her verbally and physically, is controlling and cheats on her. *total douche* Enough said! Courtney thinks this last year of school should be easy, but Phillip has plans of his own. He is completely obsessed with Courtney and tries to manipulate her into giving their relationship another chance. Courtney tries at all cost to stay clear from Phillip, but she finds it difficult and despite all he’s done she still loves him. His relentless pursuit to get close to her again don’t help in the matter.

Her best friend Kendra insists that she go on a double date with her boyfriend’s older cousin Jaxon. Lets take a moment to talk about this delicious male specimen. Jaxon is a whole lot of hotness *fans self* Spiked raven black hair, diamond stud earrings, light stubble on his face, tattoos and nipple rings. Yeah *nipple rings*!!! Can you say HOTTT?

He’s in town with the prospect of opening up a new bar. Courtney and Jaxon have an instant connection. However, Courtney makes it very clear that she is only looking for a “friend” and not a new “boyfriend”. *queue the sexual tension* With the age difference being a concern and a mysterious and dark past that Jaxon refuses to share with anyone, especially Courtney, he tries his best to be her "best pal" (his words). They promise to stay in touch even when he returns home.

When they meet again sparks fly out of control and neither can control the need to be more than friends. But will all of Jaxon's secrets and dark past ruin their chance for a happy future?

This book pulls the readers into the story while increasing the anxiety of the events in the timeline. The author has captured every moment perfectly. This has been a fantastic debut novel by Jill Patten. We will no doubt be reading more extraordinary books from this author.

[Kadene Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooooo....Where do I begin?The dimples? The eyes? Or the nipple piercing?

This book was not what I expected at all. It made me remember first LUST that I classified as love when I was 16 and it also reminded me of REAL first LOVE. I enjoyed the relationship between Court and Kendra because it reminded me of the type of relationship I have with my best friend. The relationship was honest and left nothing to the imagination where the two girls were concerned. Reed, Kendra and Court also has a wonderful bound that I find myself very much dying to know how that was formed.

Jax, Jax, Jax...The man is honest, successful and has the heart of gold when It comes to Courtney even though he has his hidden secrets and has not completely opened up to her. I was happy to see him protecting her even from herself when she drank and wanted to go beyond what is reasonable for a straight guy and he definitely was straight. The dimples got me every single time and I found myself imagining he was smiling at me for the most part. I found myself honestly mirroring one of Courtney's statement about Jax when she said she was more attached to him once she found out how comfortable life was for him and he never ever used that to his advantage with her or his cousin.

As for Phillips, I am still trying to figure out why someone has not put him in a choke hold already until he passed out...My back it was done by Jax.

Overall, this was a very good read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series..Jill Patten

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author for an honest review!

Incredible read!

Courtney is a teenager in her senior year who has finally ditch the verbally abusive and demeaning controlling boyfriend Phillip ,whom she stuck with for over 3 years .
Kudos to her, she even takes the small step of going out on a double date with her best freind Kendra and her boyfriend Reed when they set her up with Reed's cousin Jaxon, this is actually huge step for her. Jaxon is in town to open another bar and restaurant which he has asked Reed to manage, Courtney and Jaxon have an instant connection, but as much as Jaxon wants a relationship the age difference he is 22 and Courtney 17 presents one issue nd then Jaxon has a not so great past that he keeps a secret.
To spite each others best intentions to try and keep this relationship as just friends both of them become more and more attached and keep in touch even after he returns to California.
These two go through so much it almost outweighs all the good and just when you think here comes your Happy ever after ,the author flips the circumstances has you hanging on by the edge of your chair then leaves you will a cliff hanger.... Aaah! I do not want to wait for the next book in 2014 I need to know !!

[Savy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided for an honest review, and honesty is what you will get!

You feel the tension, you know a bombshell is coming, you get small pieces of the puzzle, but you are left hanging (I knew going into this it was a cliff hanger) and I WANT MORE!!! …I’m fully addicting!

Meet Courtney, a 17 year old girl, who believes in true love, however her taste in boys is anything but. She’s fun, she’s easy going, and mature for her age (on some levels). But she has spent too many years with Phillip, who is the star basketball player, with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde characteristics. Why do girls struggle to leave the one who is the most damaging?!

Meet Kendra, also 17, raised with a silver spoon in her mouth, and lives life to the fullest. She is the wild friend who can finagle others to join the fun, yet, she’s immensely supportive and goofy. Due to the intensity of this story, you need Kendra around to balance the seriousness. Kendra has a serious boyfriend, Reed, who is the protector of both girls.

Meet Jaxon, well…watch out for Jaxon! He is the older than 18 boy (I won’t reveal his age), related to Reed, with a troubled past, but a positive future. He works hard, he’s made something of himself, he’s deliciously flawed, a tad bit arrogant, but sweet and charming…and hiding something.

Courtney and Jaxon have chemistry from the very beginning; chemistry so strong that you feel the tension when they are together and you will unintentionally become their silent cheerleaders. It begins as a simple teenage crush, yet the trials they go through are anything but childish. Behind this chemistry is a huge secret that I would love to tease you about…but I don’t fully know the details. The author does a great job of pulling the readers into this story while increasing the anxiety, and balancing the drama. There are several characters, several twists, but the story is very clear and coherent.

One thing that really bothered me about this story and I finally told myself to get-over-it …these kids are 17 years old, they are sexually active, not obscenely so, but there are a few scenes/HAWT sex scenes (which make me feel a little creepy) and there are a few scenes with drinking. This may be what teens are doing these days, but as a parent I prefer to think kids are more innocent. However, don’t let this take away from the story…the story and their struggles are written extremely well. You will be hooked to these characters and you will be begging for book 2 to be released!

-Savy from Let's Misbehave Book Reviews (Facebook blog)

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick review:

Cover: HOT
Rating: PG-16
Thumbs Up: 5
Overall:
Characters: Well Done
Plot:
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Jaxon

SUMMARY (50 words or less)
I really liked this one. There are twist that take unexpected turns into events that lead to heart ache and angst. But there are good times too that are heartwarming and smile worthy. Let’s just say this is an entertaining read. One worth picking up today.

To see my full review and likeness of my book boyfriend, check out my blog post.

http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars but would have been 3-4 stars if it hadn't have had such a horrible ending...
I really enjoyed this until the ending. She's a high schooler, but not too juvenile, he's a 22 year old with lots of secrets, only a few of which we learn about in this book, I guess all will become clear in the follow-up. There were lots of belly tingling happy times in this that made the ending even more brutal and, sad to say, spoiled the story for me. Nasty.
The writing was good, better than usual quality but I don't enjoy being left feeling like their future's bleak.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of beta reading for Ms. Jill Patten. This is her debut novel of love, lies and deceit. Once I began reading, I was hooked and loved every minute of it. It’s a sweet but deliciously passionate love story with a steamy new boyfriend, Jaxon. Oh Jaxon is HOT and makes my heart skip a beat. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Kelly Hitchcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Jaxon is every girls dream :) I wish Courtney would of stood up to Phillip a long time ago and she would not be in the situation that she is in. A must read.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Verdict: 4 Deliciously Disturbing Stars!

Let me start by saying that this book made me question my sanity and come to the disturbing realization that I can be quite shallow sometimes. In other words I absolutely loved it!

Courtney Peterson is a 17 year old high school senior nursing a broken heart courtesy of the gorgeous devil in disguise that is her ex-boyfriend Phillip Wilkins. Armed with a deliciously toned physique, silver tongue and a sexy smirk, he’s every girls dream guy…except he isn’t (he’s a cold-hearted animal, expect no hearts and flowers…ever). He’s a dangerous walking contradiction of a time bomb, waiting to go off and Courtney wants nowhere near that. Son of a pastor, he’s anything but angelic and a total master of deception. For three years he manipulated Courtney into yielding to his wishes while distancing herself from her friends and family. She was blinded by the fairytale love she thought she had while realizing too late that her relationship was anything but. Aware of his true colors and what he’s capable of, she actively tries to avoid him at all costs.

Psychopath in training, Phillip Wilkins is a varsity basketball star with very big hoop dreams. Extremely promising, his ego couldn’t contain his talent on the court. Instead he chose to wield his prowess on any female who wasn’t his girlfriend. His archaic chauvinistic attitude only saw women as play things, taking for granted the love Courtney constantly offered. Now broken up, Phillip refuses to let go of her so easily and decides to play mister nice guy in a twisted ploy to royally screw her in the end.

Ok, enough about douchey Phillip

Surrounded by her loving mother, and amazing friends Kendra and Reed, Courtney is determined to start living life. For the first time in a long time, she can do the things she truly wants to do without putting anyone else desires first. Needing a push into the dating scene, Kendra and Reed decide to set her up on a blind date with Reed’s cousin Jaxon.

Let me introduce you to the-watering, swoon-worthy, very hearts and flowery and soon to be book boyfriend Jaxon Vaughn. He’s older, mature, beautiful and completely intoxicating in the best possible way. Did I mention he owns an awesomely successful ocean front bar surrounded by palm trees? Taking a break from his California lifestyle, he visits his cousin Reed, only to find himself in a less than desirable position. Going on a date with a minor is not his idea of a good time but when he finds himself staring at picture of the doppelgänger of a love lost; he’s more than a bit intrigued. Deciding he must get to know her, he struggles to keep their undeniable chemistry from manifesting itself in a physical way. Afraid of the feelings Courtney awakens in him, he knows nothing lasting can come of their attraction unless his secrets are revealed. Secrets so toxic they hold the key to either his happiness or destruction. Jaxon’s not the only one keeping secrets. Courtney finally finds true love in Jaxon, but one careless mistake threatens the bliss they’ve worked so hard for. Will their secrets drive them apart? Or will they bring them closer than before?

Jill Patten wrote an emotionally gripping novel that keeps you wanting more. I loved the rollercoaster of emotions I was forced to endure. This was a complete page turner and I had no desire to put it down. This was a story of two people with painful pasts choosing to give themselves a shot at life while finding love along the way. I can’t get enough of Jaxon and Courtney’s story and January 2014 can’t come soon enough.

[Jane Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** EROTICA BOOK CLUB REVIEW ****


Toxic Secrets (Secrets #1)

by Jill Patten

Courtney always thought she would marry her high school sweetheart Philip and be happy for evermore but when she finds out that he has been cheating on her she ends the relationship. Philip then makes her life a misery and just causes problems with her. Courtney struggles with her everyday life and feels the whole school is against her apart from her best friend Kendra and her boyfriend Reed.
Reed's cousin Jaxon comes into town to visit and Kendra tries to set them up on a blind date. When Jaxon sets his eyes on Courtney she reminds him of someone from his past and he is instantly drawn towards her. Jaxon has a tormented past and at some points seems to have struggled with life.

This has to be the most angsty book that I have ever read and it certainly kept me on my toes the entire length of it. I was well warned by lots of people including the author that it has a cliffhanger ending but TBH I didn't find it too bad this is maybe because I was expecting it to happen and I thought it would be a lot worse than what it was.

I just have to say that I hate Philip with a passion and his mother isn't much better either, I want to hunt that boy down! I really felt for Courtney and felt the author captured her personality really well because of the circumstances around her. I just want Courtney to be happy and to get the courage to stand up for herself.
I keep thinking back to Philip and the things he does makes my blood boil I think he must be the most hated character I have ever read about and I really hope karma get that SOB.

I really liked Jaxon , he is very troubled and I want to know what is in his past that he is hiding and I am sure we will find out in due course.
It did take me a few chapters to get into but more so because of the angst but once I settled into the book I really enjoyed it. I also thought for the authors first book this is a brilliantly written book and I have high expectations from the next books she writes.
There is so many questions that still need answered and can predict the next book will explosive.



5 stars for Amazon & 5 stars for Goodreads

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

~Jane~

[Erotica Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** EROTICA BOOK CLUB REVIEW ****


Toxic Secrets (Secrets #1)

by Jill Patten

Courtney always thought she would marry her high school sweetheart Philip and be happy for evermore but when she finds out that he has been cheating on her she ends the relationship. Philip then makes her life a misery and just causes problems with her. Courtney struggles with her everyday life and feels the whole school is against her apart from her best friend Kendra and her boyfriend Reed.
Reed's cousin Jaxon comes into town to visit and Kendra tries to set them up on a blind date. When Jaxon sets his eyes on Courtney she reminds him of someone from his past and he is instantly drawn towards her. Jaxon has a tormented past and at some points seems to have struggled with life.

This has to be the most angsty book that I have ever read and it certainly kept me on my toes the entire length of it. I was well warned by lots of people including the author that it has a cliffhanger ending but TBH I didn't find it too bad this is maybe because I was expecting it to happen and I thought it would be a lot worse than what it was.

I just have to say that I hate Philip with a passion and his mother isn't much better either, I want to hunt that boy down! I really felt for Courtney and felt the author captured her personality really well because of the circumstances around her. I just want Courtney to be happy and to get the courage to stand up for herself.
I keep thinking back to Philip and the things he does makes my blood boil I think he must be the most hated character I have ever read about and I really hope karma get that SOB.

I really liked Jaxon , he is very troubled and I want to know what is in his past that he is hiding and I am sure we will find out in due course.
It did take me a few chapters to get into but more so because of the angst but once I settled into the book I really enjoyed it. I also thought for the authors first book this is a brilliantly written book and I have high expectations from the next books she writes.
There is so many questions that still need answered and can predict the next book will explosive.



5 stars for Amazon & 5 stars for Goodreads

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

~Jane~

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing way with words to produce such a strong story line ..... kids, Adults, Love, Hate

Courtney was a small town girl and never thought she would love another other than the high school basketball star, Phillip. Her whole high school experience revolved around Phillip and his violent temper, cheating ways, mind torturing relationship until she finally had enough. A few month before graduation she had finally had enough and broke it off with Phillip but would be ever let her go ?

In walks Jaxon, an older guy which happens to be the cousin of her best friend Kendra's boyfriend Reed. Coming for a visit and business opportunity from California, Courtney and Jaxon find themselves spending time together and realize they may have a connection. But will there secrets from there past haunt them from being together.

Courtney reminds Jaxon of the love of his life that was lost but does he tell Courtney that ? Does Courtney tell Jaxon all the horrible things Phillip does to her, mental abuse, bruises so no one will see.....

Until a tragic accident happens and Courtney finds herself back in Phillips grip and he is doing everything in his power to make her suffer for her actions. Will Phillip be able to destroy her new found love for Jaxon or will he let her go ?

Can I just say cliffhanger.....Just waiting to see if Courtney and Jaxon make it back to be together in spite of all of the bad things that have happened in there lives to see that Love really is out there for the two of them. Or will fate have another twist for them ????

I received a ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion and I say LOVE IT Jill and can't wait to see what happens !!!!

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I felt like I was in high school all over again, being young, dumb, and in love. Ms. Patten creates a realistic story with some deep and rich characters. I thought I was totally going to like Phillip because he was a gorgeous bad boy, but I started to see sociopathic tendencies like he was gonna kill some baby birds later on in life. Just kidding. Of course Courtney is a sweet young girl who has yet to come into the part of her life where she is making wise decisions, but that is what we are able to witness; her maturing. Jaxon has stolen my heart and my panties too. He is hot, sincere, and passionate. As much as we try to hide things about ourselves, it's clear that admitting your past to yourself is as important to admitting it to your loved ones. Our past creates our character and our futures. These secrets that they (Jaxon and Courtney) are trying to keep are going to create a lot of drama. This book makes you look at some of your own choices and secrets. Bring it on Ms. Patten. You are on my new authors to look out for list.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok first I should say that I had read this book as an ARC. I thought I had posted my review but I think in my excitement to get it up, I forgot to hit the save button and it didn’t post. Anyway, Jill has been very patient with me and was a real sweetheart. Since I read this book a bit ago, I thought it was only fair to reread the book and repost a new review.

***This book was given to me as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review***

Courtney is a high school senior who has just come out of an abusive relationship with ex-boyfriend, Phillip. Her best friend, Kendra, asks her on a double date with her boyfriend and the boyfriend’s cousin, Jaxon. Jaxon is older and more mature. Courtney and Jaxon have an instant connection but Courtney is only interested in being friends.

This story is an emotional rollercoaster. It is full of angst and heartache with twists and turns. Jill has written well thought out characters, but beyond that, the story is just fantastic. Big thanks to Jill for the great opportunity to read this book.

[Jennifer Seay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"ARC provided by the author for an honest review*

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book! For a debut novel I felt it was extremely well written, captivating, and held my attention extremely well. I enjoyed the story line and watching the characters develop. I do not want to wait until 2014 to read the next book! The cliffhanger at the end of this book left me dying for more! Please write quickly!!

Even though Courtney is a 17-year-old high school senior and Jaxon is a 22-year-old bar owner I love how the author was able to involve plenty of romance, but gave Jaxon some incredible values on his desire and ability to wait for Courtney to be at age. The twist towards the end of the book was unexpected and I really can't wait to see how the rest of their story develops… I am truly hoping for happily ever after though! ;0)

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story. Makes me think about my high school years and how young and dumb we are at that time. It was great seeing Courtney go from a naïve, sweet, shy girl to a young woman who finally started standing up for herself and knows what she wants. And what she wants is Jaxon. OH my that man is so HOT!! I know he's fictional but Jill Patten made me think he was real. She brings Jaxon and all his faults and sexiness to life. I actually liked Phillip at one point in the story because Jill made me feel sympathy for him. I sure changed my mind quickly. This story made me hold my breath, scream at my e-reader and curse Jill at the end. I can't wait for the next book. :)

[Vanessa Valencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of being a beta reader and I have to say this book turned out like nothing I expected! Very well done Jill Patten :)

The angst and love in the book is great not to mention the chemistry you can feel between Jaxon and Courtney can set a house on fire! I can absolutely say that I Love Jaxon and he will forever be one of my many book boyfriends! Every time Phillip or his crazy mother was around it made me sweat & gave me a mini anxiety attack wondering, whats next!

I will say that although I was a little broken hearted by the end it was an amazing book! I can not wait to read her next book and everyone there after...

[Tina Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I'm so glad I brought this book from amazon for .99. I missed the giveaway but rad all the good reviews. The story is a roller coaster between Courtney and Philip. What a jerk Philip is. Courtney 17 years old and have been dating Philip since freshman year. It was an abusive relationship. They finally broken up and Courtney was trying to start over. Her cousin Kendra tried to set her up with a blind date. Jaxon was the opposite he was a bad boy and 22 years old. The story kept you going. A lot of drama and secrets. You still don't understand Jacob past but I'm dying to pick up book 2. I don't think I can wait till 2014. Amazing and exciting story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not truly happy with a book unless my guts have been ripped out by the end….Toxic Secrets did just that. My emotions were definitely put through the ‘ringer’ while reading this book—I wanted to shake Courtney until her teeth rattled (even though I forgave her in the end because haven’t we all been stupid 17 year-old girls once?), punch Phillip right in the face and hug all of the hurt out of Jaxon. Jill Patten drew me right into this story and made me care what happens next—I can’t wait to see how it’s all going to play out. Hurry Jill!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

***received as an ARC for an honest review***


Jill Patten is freakin' awesome!!! I loved Courtney and Jaxon!!! Reed and Kendra are such an adorable couple!!! I loved this story. It had angst, love, friendship, mystery, and steamy scenes.

Really dislike the cliffy and the wait for the continuation...but I will go out and get the next installment as soon as available.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read! You can't put this book down! It's truly amazing! I was so excited when it came out..... However it surpassed all my expectations...It's truly an amazing book! I am so excited about book #2!

[Tiwauna Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to privilege of reading a beta copy of Toxic Secret and all I can say it wow. It is definitely a must read. I loved Jaxon and Courtney but hate and I mean hate Phillip. I can't wait to read the next installment of Jaxon and Courtney.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review.

5+ stars. This was creatively and wonderfully written.
This story will take you on a roller coaster journey of emotions. I love Jill. And the ending ...... Is better left unsaid.
A must read.
I cannot wait for what's to come.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I told what I know.