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Central Valley U #2
Dirty Little Secret
SAMSON
She’s always been off-limits. Forbidden. Way too young for the likes of me.
And yet, she still managed to carve out a space for herself in my heart.
But when push came to shove, I made the only choice I could, and I did it even knowing it would break her heart.
I’m back now, and ready to make her mine. Only, she’s not the sweet girl I left behind. She’s wild, reckless, and sexy-as-hell...a challenge I’m all too eager to meet.
STELLA
He was only ever meant to be a crush. After all, what girl isn’t into her older brother’s best friend?
But somehow, our innocent flirting quickly gave way to so much more. He swore he felt the same way about me… he promised we’d tell my brother together the day I turned eighteen.
Except for the night before my birthday, he did the unthinkable, and now I’m not sure I know how to forgive him.
All I know is, I refuse to be anyone’s dirty little secret.
She’s always been off-limits. Forbidden. Way too young for the likes of me.
And yet, she still managed to carve out a space for herself in my heart.
But when push came to shove, I made the only choice I could, and I did it even knowing it would break her heart.
I’m back now, and ready to make her mine. Only, she’s not the sweet girl I left behind. She’s wild, reckless, and sexy-as-hell...a challenge I’m all too eager to meet.
STELLA
He was only ever meant to be a crush. After all, what girl isn’t into her older brother’s best friend?
But somehow, our innocent flirting quickly gave way to so much more. He swore he felt the same way about me… he promised we’d tell my brother together the day I turned eighteen.
Except for the night before my birthday, he did the unthinkable, and now I’m not sure I know how to forgive him.
All I know is, I refuse to be anyone’s dirty little secret.
324 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2024
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September 23, 2021
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Stella and Samson had some amazing chemistry and they had me captivated. I was dying to get to see them together but I also loved that we were left holding our breath waiting to see how that would happen at times. They had a lot to work through after Samson left Stella feeling betrayed but the journey through that was a great one to read.
I also really enjoyed the angst that was added in with the forbidden factor of their relationship. It's the whole reason I love the brothers-best-friend trope and it was done brilliantly in this book and actually had me more intrigued about Stella's brother than I originally was. So I'm really hoping we get to see more of him soon.
Speaking of other characters, Stella is actually first (for me anyway) introduced in Sweet Little Nothing and the heroine from that book, Emmy, is also seen in this one. Their stories ran parallel together and personally it didn't feel like this one could be read as a standalone. I have read Emmy's story but even still there were times I couldn't fully remember what had happened in her book which added some confusion in this one.
Overall, this was a fun story to read and I do hope to see more of these characters in Orion's book.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Stella and Samson had some amazing chemistry and they had me captivated. I was dying to get to see them together but I also loved that we were left holding our breath waiting to see how that would happen at times. They had a lot to work through after Samson left Stella feeling betrayed but the journey through that was a great one to read.
I also really enjoyed the angst that was added in with the forbidden factor of their relationship. It's the whole reason I love the brothers-best-friend trope and it was done brilliantly in this book and actually had me more intrigued about Stella's brother than I originally was. So I'm really hoping we get to see more of him soon.
Speaking of other characters, Stella is actually first (for me anyway) introduced in Sweet Little Nothing and the heroine from that book, Emmy, is also seen in this one. Their stories ran parallel together and personally it didn't feel like this one could be read as a standalone. I have read Emmy's story but even still there were times I couldn't fully remember what had happened in her book which added some confusion in this one.
Overall, this was a fun story to read and I do hope to see more of these characters in Orion's book.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2021
3.5/4 stars
I enjoyed this brother's best friend read. Throw in the forbidden aspect and I was hooked.
There were sweet and even some pretty emotional moments.
Stella had grown up always having Samson in her life. He was her brother's friend, but he ALWAYS made time for her. Always wanted to include her. Little by little feelings started growing. More so for Stella, but Samson tried hard to keep them at bay since she was off limits, in more ways than one. Until one special day, one planned moment... that actually never happens. Instead, Samson gets nervous, leaves town and ghosts her.
Months later and he is back. Wants things back to how they were prior to leaving, but Stella is not gonna have that. You go girl! He is determined to win her back. Earn her love. He will do ANYTHING to have her want once him again.
He did SO many things, he was pretty darn amazing.. he was sincere in it all, but sometimes he was a dumb guy and didn't think things quite through. I got a bit annoyed with Stella a time or two. Her reactions to somethings were very immature. Which makes sense though since she WAS still a teenager. So I totally get it. During those instances I was rooting for Samson hard. He deserved it... All.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I enjoyed this brother's best friend read. Throw in the forbidden aspect and I was hooked.
There were sweet and even some pretty emotional moments.
Stella had grown up always having Samson in her life. He was her brother's friend, but he ALWAYS made time for her. Always wanted to include her. Little by little feelings started growing. More so for Stella, but Samson tried hard to keep them at bay since she was off limits, in more ways than one. Until one special day, one planned moment... that actually never happens. Instead, Samson gets nervous, leaves town and ghosts her.
Months later and he is back. Wants things back to how they were prior to leaving, but Stella is not gonna have that. You go girl! He is determined to win her back. Earn her love. He will do ANYTHING to have her want once him again.
He did SO many things, he was pretty darn amazing.. he was sincere in it all, but sometimes he was a dumb guy and didn't think things quite through. I got a bit annoyed with Stella a time or two. Her reactions to somethings were very immature. Which makes sense though since she WAS still a teenager. So I totally get it. During those instances I was rooting for Samson hard. He deserved it... All.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 26, 2024
Dirty Little Secret, the second installment in LK Farlow's Central Valley U series, continued to showcase Farlow’s engaging and very readable writing style which made the first book in the series such an addictive read. It was another college romance with a controversial theme.
This book ran concurrently with the events of the first book in the series so we saw plenty of the same characters. That was a plus for this one for sure.
I do like a lot of what Farlow offers in these books but the story in this one had some serious issues. The plot centred around a romance that was definitely unsettling. Samson’s relationship with Stella began while she is still underage. Which was just disturbing! This aspect of the storyline was handled in a way that definitely came across as uncomfortable as it involved elements that could be interpreted as grooming. None of the grooming was ever condemned which left me with the impression that the author herself had likely been a victim of grooming at some point.
Despite these issues, Farlow's strengths as a writer were evident. She crafts vivid characters and compelling stories that suck me in. This one still held my attention even while the story and characters we got in this second instalment were not as interesting as what we got in the first book and the issues a bit more disturbing. The story also explored themes of secrecy and the impact of hidden truths which could have been fun if it was not in the form we got it in!
The problematic aspects of the romance definitely hurt my enjoyment of this one. The modern day college set stuff was fine but the flashbacks of Samson creeping on a young Stella really killed my ability to enjoy this one.
All in all I think the bad elements of the story ended up overshadowing the good elements. I do still gel well with Farlow’s writing and general storytelling abilities so I’ll still read the next instalment as I’m sure none of the issues I had with this one will be repeated in that one.
Rating: 2 stars.
Audio Note: Charlotte Claremont and Blake Lockheart narrated this one. Claremont was excellent and really brought the story to life. Lockheart was solid. The flaw was the fact that both had slightly different interpretations of the characters which hurt the consistency of the story as we bounced from one POV to the other.
This book ran concurrently with the events of the first book in the series so we saw plenty of the same characters. That was a plus for this one for sure.
I do like a lot of what Farlow offers in these books but the story in this one had some serious issues. The plot centred around a romance that was definitely unsettling. Samson’s relationship with Stella began while she is still underage. Which was just disturbing! This aspect of the storyline was handled in a way that definitely came across as uncomfortable as it involved elements that could be interpreted as grooming. None of the grooming was ever condemned which left me with the impression that the author herself had likely been a victim of grooming at some point.
Despite these issues, Farlow's strengths as a writer were evident. She crafts vivid characters and compelling stories that suck me in. This one still held my attention even while the story and characters we got in this second instalment were not as interesting as what we got in the first book and the issues a bit more disturbing. The story also explored themes of secrecy and the impact of hidden truths which could have been fun if it was not in the form we got it in!
The problematic aspects of the romance definitely hurt my enjoyment of this one. The modern day college set stuff was fine but the flashbacks of Samson creeping on a young Stella really killed my ability to enjoy this one.
All in all I think the bad elements of the story ended up overshadowing the good elements. I do still gel well with Farlow’s writing and general storytelling abilities so I’ll still read the next instalment as I’m sure none of the issues I had with this one will be repeated in that one.
Rating: 2 stars.
Audio Note: Charlotte Claremont and Blake Lockheart narrated this one. Claremont was excellent and really brought the story to life. Lockheart was solid. The flaw was the fact that both had slightly different interpretations of the characters which hurt the consistency of the story as we bounced from one POV to the other.
September 23, 2021
Fantastic chemistry, angsty, brother’s BFF, and somewhat forbidden love worked perfectly into a great story. Stella has been “in love” with Samson since she was a child. Samson has made a few mistakes with Stella along the way, but I love the steps he takes to make his case! Will she open her heart to him again?
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
September 22, 2021
This was just an ok read for me. After the mess the last book was in this interconnected series, I was hesitant to even start this, but if there's one trope I live for, it's brothers best friend so I was very cautiously excited for this book.. and while there was some good parts -- especially that adorable prologue-- this was just so underwhelming for me.
So Stella has a crush on her brothers best friend Samson ever since she fell out of the tree, and and have fallen into this epic love with each other throughout the years, but the thing that keeps getting in their way is their age difference. They make a plan that on Stella's 18th birthday they will finally be together out in the open, unafraid of what her brother and others might think. Only once Stella's birthday arrives, Samson is nowhere to be found, breaking her heart in the process.
Nine months passes, and Samson has felt the loss of Stella every single day. He let his own insecurities get in the way of their relationship, and he's been full of self loathing ever since. He's decided that once this job is up (though I don't think it was ever mentioned what he was doing?) He would head back and get the girl. He just never expected for her to be as angry/heartbroken/grown up when he did. *facepalm.*
I did actually like Samson quite a bit -- he made a mistake and he did everything in his power to rectify what he broke. I also love that he wasn't a man whore during their time apart.🤷♀️ he proved time and time again that he's still the same person Stella can count on and trust her heart with. I just felt like as soon as they finally had sex, it all started to feel flat. I wanted more tension, more angst, just more *feeling* between them, especially since they fought so hard to get where they are. I am glad Stella didn't let him back into heart as soon as he showed up too. Girl made him work for it and i just loved that so much.
Overall this wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't what I was hoping for.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
So Stella has a crush on her brothers best friend Samson ever since she fell out of the tree, and and have fallen into this epic love with each other throughout the years, but the thing that keeps getting in their way is their age difference. They make a plan that on Stella's 18th birthday they will finally be together out in the open, unafraid of what her brother and others might think. Only once Stella's birthday arrives, Samson is nowhere to be found, breaking her heart in the process.
Nine months passes, and Samson has felt the loss of Stella every single day. He let his own insecurities get in the way of their relationship, and he's been full of self loathing ever since. He's decided that once this job is up (though I don't think it was ever mentioned what he was doing?) He would head back and get the girl. He just never expected for her to be as angry/heartbroken/grown up when he did. *facepalm.*
I did actually like Samson quite a bit -- he made a mistake and he did everything in his power to rectify what he broke. I also love that he wasn't a man whore during their time apart.🤷♀️ he proved time and time again that he's still the same person Stella can count on and trust her heart with. I just felt like as soon as they finally had sex, it all started to feel flat. I wanted more tension, more angst, just more *feeling* between them, especially since they fought so hard to get where they are. I am glad Stella didn't let him back into heart as soon as he showed up too. Girl made him work for it and i just loved that so much.
Overall this wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't what I was hoping for.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
September 21, 2021
Dirty Little Secret by L.K. Farlow
“Second chance, 4 stars”
There is no denying that Samson loves Stella, and she loves him. At first we see them love each other in secret. She was too young, and they were just waiting it out. Then Samson got scared and ran. But he’s back now, and he wants her. Only Stella isn’t making it easy on him.
The chemistry between these two and the years of love make it so you can’t help but cheer these two on. Then you have those around them. Some were accepting and knew it was going to happen, and some were blindsided. It just made for a good second chance romance.
If second chance, older brothers best friend is something you are into, then look no further. This one is for you.
Plot-4/5
Characters-4/5
Heat-4/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-4/5
“Second chance, 4 stars”
There is no denying that Samson loves Stella, and she loves him. At first we see them love each other in secret. She was too young, and they were just waiting it out. Then Samson got scared and ran. But he’s back now, and he wants her. Only Stella isn’t making it easy on him.
The chemistry between these two and the years of love make it so you can’t help but cheer these two on. Then you have those around them. Some were accepting and knew it was going to happen, and some were blindsided. It just made for a good second chance romance.
If second chance, older brothers best friend is something you are into, then look no further. This one is for you.
Plot-4/5
Characters-4/5
Heat-4/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-4/5
September 19, 2021
What a perfect story! Stella and Samson 's story is one of a kind, I couldn't get enough !! This is my first story from L.k. Farlow and I can honestly say I will be reading more! Although this is out of the normal for what I read, I was sucked in from page one.
September 22, 2021
3.5 stars
I loved Stella and Samson. I like how Samson tried everything to make things right with Stella even though he had his dumb moments. But anyways, nice read, nice characters, and drama-free. Just what the doctor ordered 😌.
*arc review
I loved Stella and Samson. I like how Samson tried everything to make things right with Stella even though he had his dumb moments. But anyways, nice read, nice characters, and drama-free. Just what the doctor ordered 😌.
*arc review
February 26, 2022
Yo, no. HAHA
I’m sorry, but, what?
The miscommunication wasn’t even hot it was super annoying. Stella and her plants annoyed me. The smut had me CRINGING which is a lot coming from me bc I’m a slut for some hot cringy smut.
The story line itself was super predictable, plain and repetitive.
Sorry this was harsh af, I just didn’t enjoy this one. Hot trope tho. Love a good brothers best friend plot, YUM.
I’m sorry, but, what?
The miscommunication wasn’t even hot it was super annoying. Stella and her plants annoyed me. The smut had me CRINGING which is a lot coming from me bc I’m a slut for some hot cringy smut.
The story line itself was super predictable, plain and repetitive.
Sorry this was harsh af, I just didn’t enjoy this one. Hot trope tho. Love a good brothers best friend plot, YUM.
April 8, 2025
Can you be in love with an author? Because I am. Lk Farlow makes me fall in love with her writing more and more each book. This book is another awesome book with her writing in it. Another must devour in the bag.
October 2, 2021
A 22 year old guy and a 15 year old girl...are you fucking kidding me?
March 24, 2022
liked!
I liked this book a lot. It’s sweet. A bit of angst. Really good Steam. Romance. Overall a very enjoyable quick read
I liked this book a lot. It’s sweet. A bit of angst. Really good Steam. Romance. Overall a very enjoyable quick read
dnf
November 20, 2025DNF @6%. She’s literally a child. I couldn’t make it past the prologue!
September 23, 2021
Feels 0
Steam 0
Storyline 3.5
Overall Rating 3.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
I was excited for this book considering the storyline included a little sister with a crush on her older brother's best friend. However, it didn't connect for me. I LOVE when a little sibling falls for older sibiling's bestie but for me, the age difference was a little too far apart. I see other reviewers talking about the forbidden "chemistry" these two had, but I felt it was a bit creepy. Stella has a major crush on Samson since she was eight years old. Samson had some sort of attraction to her because he always included her in what he and her older brother were doing.
There are a few close calls as they are growing up and it seemed icky to me. Not hot at all and in no way a sexual attraction to a child. Once she is about to hit eighteen, they make a pact that they will make their relationship public. Only Samson chickens out and disappears. Later he reappears from whatever "job" he was on and is now ready to make her his after nine months. Or is he?
This huge gap in ages and the way he described how hot he was for her so young left me feeling a bit squeamish more than once. I really found myself cringing. If you love taboo reads, maybe this would be that taboo story you fall in love with. It just hit too many of my triggers.
Steam 0
Storyline 3.5
Overall Rating 3.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
I was excited for this book considering the storyline included a little sister with a crush on her older brother's best friend. However, it didn't connect for me. I LOVE when a little sibling falls for older sibiling's bestie but for me, the age difference was a little too far apart. I see other reviewers talking about the forbidden "chemistry" these two had, but I felt it was a bit creepy. Stella has a major crush on Samson since she was eight years old. Samson had some sort of attraction to her because he always included her in what he and her older brother were doing.
There are a few close calls as they are growing up and it seemed icky to me. Not hot at all and in no way a sexual attraction to a child. Once she is about to hit eighteen, they make a pact that they will make their relationship public. Only Samson chickens out and disappears. Later he reappears from whatever "job" he was on and is now ready to make her his after nine months. Or is he?
This huge gap in ages and the way he described how hot he was for her so young left me feeling a bit squeamish more than once. I really found myself cringing. If you love taboo reads, maybe this would be that taboo story you fall in love with. It just hit too many of my triggers.
October 3, 2021
3.5 stars
Hmmm maybe it’s a me thing but I so looked forward to reading this but honestly can’t help but feeling underwhelmed with it:( It was good but nothing great and I just had a hard time feeling invested in them throughout like I couldn’t connect but ya just ok for me.
Hmmm maybe it’s a me thing but I so looked forward to reading this but honestly can’t help but feeling underwhelmed with it:( It was good but nothing great and I just had a hard time feeling invested in them throughout like I couldn’t connect but ya just ok for me.
May 23, 2024
a truly insufferable female main character
the smut didn’t even make up for how dull these two characters were. i’ve had better sex with men whose name i don’t know
the smut didn’t even make up for how dull these two characters were. i’ve had better sex with men whose name i don’t know
July 8, 2022
The first book in the series I read was about Orion and Frankie, ‘Pretty Little Thing’. I really enjoyed the cast of characters, Stella being one of them. She to me comes across like a mischievous, flighty, but sincere friend. However, Samson in that story was a kind friend, who was there for you. To me he came off as a meat head jock type.
All three characters are nothing, as they were, in the third book. Orion, I honestly loved him, in the third book. (Remember I read these out of order. Don't recommend it because they refer to things from the first book.) I did enjoy Stella's character, especially her meddling. The add-in character in book three seems to be, Samson. Not a huge presence.
However, in ‘Dirty Little Secret’ Stella and Samson blaze a trail. Theirs is a mismatched romance few may understand, but it made sense to them. No sexual line until she turned eighteen. Although, this little vixen did push for kisses and more. But everyone saw their crush and connection before they did. They just saw each other as friends for a long time.
In this book, Stella is a spoiled brat. She is furious with, Samson. Because, he just leaves, nine months ago, and says nothing. This was the night before, Stella’s, eighteenth birthday. The day they are going to tell her family, they are a couple. When he does return, he does it with no heads up. Trying to jump back into the role of, “Are you drinking?” and “What are you wearing?” of course, she goes off like a firecracker.
Now, Orion her brother in this book comes off as a full-on douchebag. This book is the first time he meets Bluebird. He spends all his time at the strip joint but wants to cast a shadow on, Samson. He does this by telling him he’s not spending time with him. Knowing that a strip club, is not, Samson’s scene. He does throw tantrums, too. Odd.
All in all, still a good book. At first, wasn't going to read, book one. Due to the reviews. I’m still pondering it. But, it refers so much to, Emmy and Sterling. I feel like I need the whole story.
All three characters are nothing, as they were, in the third book. Orion, I honestly loved him, in the third book. (Remember I read these out of order. Don't recommend it because they refer to things from the first book.) I did enjoy Stella's character, especially her meddling. The add-in character in book three seems to be, Samson. Not a huge presence.
However, in ‘Dirty Little Secret’ Stella and Samson blaze a trail. Theirs is a mismatched romance few may understand, but it made sense to them. No sexual line until she turned eighteen. Although, this little vixen did push for kisses and more. But everyone saw their crush and connection before they did. They just saw each other as friends for a long time.
In this book, Stella is a spoiled brat. She is furious with, Samson. Because, he just leaves, nine months ago, and says nothing. This was the night before, Stella’s, eighteenth birthday. The day they are going to tell her family, they are a couple. When he does return, he does it with no heads up. Trying to jump back into the role of, “Are you drinking?” and “What are you wearing?” of course, she goes off like a firecracker.
Now, Orion her brother in this book comes off as a full-on douchebag. This book is the first time he meets Bluebird. He spends all his time at the strip joint but wants to cast a shadow on, Samson. He does this by telling him he’s not spending time with him. Knowing that a strip club, is not, Samson’s scene. He does throw tantrums, too. Odd.
All in all, still a good book. At first, wasn't going to read, book one. Due to the reviews. I’m still pondering it. But, it refers so much to, Emmy and Sterling. I feel like I need the whole story.
April 18, 2023
Forbidden, brothers best friend romance? Check!
Stella is 8 when she meets her 12 year old brother’s best friend Samson. Over the next 10 years, the two become friends and want to be together but are forbidden.
I liked this book toward the beginning and then it just starting giving me the ick. Our FMC was too immature which made me uncomfortable.
Tropes: best friends brother, forbidden, second chance, virgin fmc, age gap
⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stella is 8 when she meets her 12 year old brother’s best friend Samson. Over the next 10 years, the two become friends and want to be together but are forbidden.
I liked this book toward the beginning and then it just starting giving me the ick. Our FMC was too immature which made me uncomfortable.
Tropes: best friends brother, forbidden, second chance, virgin fmc, age gap
⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 1, 2023
This was just to sweet for me! The angst wasn’t angsty enough and it just felt like a CW teen drama in book format.
Yes, Samson realised is mistake about leaving her, but him coming back like 2-3 months later, tell me all that I needed to know.
He’s very persistent on showing her that he’s in love with her, but I just wasn’t into it!
Yes, Samson realised is mistake about leaving her, but him coming back like 2-3 months later, tell me all that I needed to know.
He’s very persistent on showing her that he’s in love with her, but I just wasn’t into it!
August 9, 2025
Age gap is fine but she’s a literal child… also from a story point of view, there’s no real drama in the book. There’s random side characters and references to events that don’t happen in this book - my guess is it happens in another book in this series - as if they run side by side but have no weight or logic in this book.
September 23, 2021
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
It's the age old question: break the bro code and get the girl? Or keep the friendship and lose the girl, who just happens to be the sister of the best friend? It's one Samson struggled with, and ultimately chose wrongly, and lost the girl. Now in his present, though, he's taken his head out of his ass and decided to get the girl back. Now the question is, will Stella let him back in, give him the second chance he's desperate for?
Stella had a crush on her brother's best friend, Samson from the very first time she met him. He was always nice to her, letting her tag along, being caring and sweet. But he was too old for her and refused to see her as anything other than a little girl. Until he saw her as more. And she thought she was finally getting her most fervent wish. Except he broke her heart and she hasn't been the same since. Now he's back and all the sudden wants a second chance?! Not going to happen. Nope, she's not about to allow him to break her heart again. No matter that she's even more attracted to her than before. No matter that her heart is thawing in the face of her persistent determination to prove to her that he's not going anywhere. Will she get her wish this time? Or will it all end just like it did the last time she let Samson in?
The forbidden aspect of brother's friend romances always gets to me. It usually involves lots of angst and delicious tension, all because they're afraid of the brother finding out, but it just adds to the story, drawing me in even further. Dirty Little Secret was definitely angsty, in fact, perhaps a bit too much, as Samson could not seem to get his shit straight until a little too late in the story for my taste, driving me nuts with his inability to just be straight with poor Stella. Still, the two of them actually made a great couple once they figured things out, and I ended up rooting for them to make it through. I really liked their story, though not as much as Stella's friend/dormmate, Emma's story, and am excited for more, hopefully Stella's brother's story is next.
ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
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October 28, 2021
Samson is in a close close race for my all time fave hero of Lk Farlow’s SIMON… Samson is so patient and sweet and supportive, even tho he fudged up he makes ups for it and then some . Stella is so sweet and wise beyond her years , but there is this innocence to her that made me love her fiercely.
Merged review:
Samson is in a close close race for my all time fave hero of Lk Farlow’s SIMON… Samson is so patient and sweet and supportive, even tho he fudged up he makes ups for it and then some . Stella is so sweet and wise beyond her years , but there is this innocence to her that made me love her fiercely.
Merged review:
Samson is in a close close race for my all time fave hero of Lk Farlow’s SIMON… Samson is so patient and sweet and supportive, even tho he fudged up he makes ups for it and then some . Stella is so sweet and wise beyond her years , but there is this innocence to her that made me love her fiercely.
September 21, 2021
This is the first of LK Farlow’s books I have read. It’s a nice romantic book with some steamy scenes. A good light hearted read.
The story is told in dual perspectives, in the beginning we are told Stella and Samson’s story of when they first meet when they were little. The story then comes to the present day and evolves from there.
Stella was 8 when she first met Samson, she was climbing a tree her brother said she couldn’t climb and when her brother and his friend came to find her, they told her to get down, unfortunately she was stuck and ended up falling out of the tree. Samson was there when she woke up looking after her. From there on in Stella developed a connection with Samson, she was besotted with him. Although she kept getting the impression from Samson that he just thought she was his best friends little sister.
Stella is sweet, caring and innocent all until something happens and she becomes a women who is carefree and wild. She wants to live her life and become a teacher just like her mom did. Only, could her past become her present?
Samson moved to the area after his parents died in a car crash. He went into foster care and then met the Cartwright family. They would invite him around all the time, and when he best friend would be busy with some girl, Samson would hang out with Stella. Although, he started to get the impression that she liked him a lot more than just friends. But she was too young for him. When she was 15 she asked him to be her first kiss, would he do that to his best friend? Break bro code with Stella? When there relationship changes and something happens which makes everything go wrong. What is the future for Samson now? Has he ruined everything?
Thank you for sending me this ARC.
The story is told in dual perspectives, in the beginning we are told Stella and Samson’s story of when they first meet when they were little. The story then comes to the present day and evolves from there.
Stella was 8 when she first met Samson, she was climbing a tree her brother said she couldn’t climb and when her brother and his friend came to find her, they told her to get down, unfortunately she was stuck and ended up falling out of the tree. Samson was there when she woke up looking after her. From there on in Stella developed a connection with Samson, she was besotted with him. Although she kept getting the impression from Samson that he just thought she was his best friends little sister.
Stella is sweet, caring and innocent all until something happens and she becomes a women who is carefree and wild. She wants to live her life and become a teacher just like her mom did. Only, could her past become her present?
Samson moved to the area after his parents died in a car crash. He went into foster care and then met the Cartwright family. They would invite him around all the time, and when he best friend would be busy with some girl, Samson would hang out with Stella. Although, he started to get the impression that she liked him a lot more than just friends. But she was too young for him. When she was 15 she asked him to be her first kiss, would he do that to his best friend? Break bro code with Stella? When there relationship changes and something happens which makes everything go wrong. What is the future for Samson now? Has he ruined everything?
Thank you for sending me this ARC.
October 25, 2021
I love a best friend's sister story and this one does not disappoint. From the second Stella fell out of a tree landing at Samson's feet she is in love! A decade later and a few heartbreaks for Stella they finally have a chance at being together. And I love seeing them as a couple. Farlow writes this love story so well the reader is completely invested and can't put this down until Samson and Stella find a way back together for their happily ever after. Not to mention Stella's friends and family which bring in a cast of great side characters that i hope we get to see again. Maybe Orion is next? I def want to read more.
Merged review:
I love a best friends sister and this one doesn’t disappoint. Stella and Samson are met to be from the second she falls at his feet. I loved watching them find their way together!
Merged review:
I love a best friends sister and this one doesn’t disappoint. Stella and Samson are met to be from the second she falls at his feet. I loved watching them find their way together!
September 20, 2021
Stella has always had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Samson. Since the first day they met she couldn’t hold back her crush and she always saw age as a number nothing more, but Samson has always treated her sweetly yet at a distance. Samson being six years older than Stella he knows as they get older, he has to walk a fine line, but he doesn’t want her completely out of his life just at arm’s reach. They keep their pact a secret from everyone, and once Stella turns 18, they decide to pursue their feelings, then Stella is ghosted by a guilt-ridden Samson. He walked away telling himself she is better off and deserves to live her life without him, then he returns and sees he has his work cut out for him because Stella isn’t the same sweet girl he knew. He knows he is going to have to work hard to get back in her good graces, yet he keeps making mistake after mistake with her. Can he get his stuff sorted out so that he gets his chance with his girl or is the new Stella going to let him walk away with no intentions of being his dirty little secret? I absolutely loved everything about this book. I loved Samson and Stella, their ups, downs, and in between. They were made for each other, and the steam rolls off the pages. This older brother’s best friend is one of my favorites by this author just don’t tell Alden and Natalie because I loved them too. Samson is pure book boyfriend perfection with his sweet yet alpha side and Stella her tenacity and the fire she had when it came to standing up for herself and what she wanted was exactly what Samson needed to keep him focused on getting her back.
September 30, 2021
This blurb had me sold- brother’s best friend, age gap- YUM YUM YUM. This is my catnip, and I was excited to dig into the work of LK Farlow. And, there’s a lot I enjoyed about this story. We’ve got a little bit of the forbidden, a big ole heartbreak to overcome, and lots of longing and sexual tension- and a sweet romance at the core.
Stella has been in love with Samson, her brother’s bestie, for a while- but that pesky age gap between them, and his relationship with her brother, just keep getting in the way. SO they decide that on her 18th birthday they will finally dive into a relationship, regardless of the stakes, but when her birthday comes around, Samson doesn’t keep his end of the deal, breaking her heart. Of course, time passes, and Samson realizes the depth of his mistake, a choice he made out of his own baggage and insecurities. And he decides to correct his mistake -if Stella still has it in her heart to forgive him for the heartbreak he caused.
While I think Samson’s decisions felt a bit cliche and frustrating, he won me over quickly. His groveling and repentance was satisfying- and I forgave him quickly for being human, and making a mistake out of fear and insecurity. And I love how Stella made him work for it- showing her own growth in the time that they were apart, recognizing what she deserves. Their chemistry was sweet, thought I would have loved to see them get a bit deeper in their connection, evolve a bit more once they start to explore their togetherness, but all in all, it was a sweet and swoony read. WIll be excited to check out more from LK Farlow- she seems to bring a real focus and sincerity to her stories.
***3.5 stars***
Stella has been in love with Samson, her brother’s bestie, for a while- but that pesky age gap between them, and his relationship with her brother, just keep getting in the way. SO they decide that on her 18th birthday they will finally dive into a relationship, regardless of the stakes, but when her birthday comes around, Samson doesn’t keep his end of the deal, breaking her heart. Of course, time passes, and Samson realizes the depth of his mistake, a choice he made out of his own baggage and insecurities. And he decides to correct his mistake -if Stella still has it in her heart to forgive him for the heartbreak he caused.
While I think Samson’s decisions felt a bit cliche and frustrating, he won me over quickly. His groveling and repentance was satisfying- and I forgave him quickly for being human, and making a mistake out of fear and insecurity. And I love how Stella made him work for it- showing her own growth in the time that they were apart, recognizing what she deserves. Their chemistry was sweet, thought I would have loved to see them get a bit deeper in their connection, evolve a bit more once they start to explore their togetherness, but all in all, it was a sweet and swoony read. WIll be excited to check out more from LK Farlow- she seems to bring a real focus and sincerity to her stories.
***3.5 stars***
October 29, 2021
My first foray into the world of LK Farlow, and I loved this romance. Gripping tale of forbidden love between Stella and Samson, her big brother's bestie. Excellent writing, and the characters sucked me in and had me rooting for them until the HEA. Oooh yeah, I highly recommend this Dirty Little Secret!
September 20, 2021
Stella and Samson are fantastic. Ever since Stella fell out of the tree and landed at Samson's feet at age 8, they knew they were meant to be together. But being six years older than Stella, Samson knows that he cannot act on his feelings until Stella is eighteen, so he maintains his distance until he can declare his love and let everyone know that she is his. When Stella wakes up on her 18th birthday, excited for what is to come and to finally be able to give herself fully to Samson, he has disappeared with no call, no text and total silence.
Now, nine months later, Samson is back and determined to win Stella back. But Stella is no longer the weak girl he left behind, now she is a feisty young woman, who is confident in herself and what she wants and will not be treated as a doormat any longer. Samson has to find a way to win Stella's trust back and prove to her that he is in this for the long haul, to show her how much he loves her and that she is his first priority. Stella is not going to just fall back into his arms, she has been so badly burned by Samson, that she doesn't know if she can put her heart in that sort of jeopardy again.
This story is fun, with poignant moments of vulnerability, hot steamy bedroom antics and the way it is interwoven with "Sweet Little Nothings" (Sterling and Emmy's story) makes you really feel connected with the characters. Can't wait until the third book.
Now, nine months later, Samson is back and determined to win Stella back. But Stella is no longer the weak girl he left behind, now she is a feisty young woman, who is confident in herself and what she wants and will not be treated as a doormat any longer. Samson has to find a way to win Stella's trust back and prove to her that he is in this for the long haul, to show her how much he loves her and that she is his first priority. Stella is not going to just fall back into his arms, she has been so badly burned by Samson, that she doesn't know if she can put her heart in that sort of jeopardy again.
This story is fun, with poignant moments of vulnerability, hot steamy bedroom antics and the way it is interwoven with "Sweet Little Nothings" (Sterling and Emmy's story) makes you really feel connected with the characters. Can't wait until the third book.
September 20, 2021
There is something so swoony, slightly forbidden and beautifully angsty about brother's best friend trope and Dirty Little Secret by L.K.Farlow brings out everything perfectly.
Stella "Luna" has been in love with her older brother's best friend Samson since forever. And slowly their cute friendship took a turn. But just before she thought she can finally come out with her love, Samson leaves on her eighteenth birthday without saying anything. She was heartbroken. Now Samson is back after realising he made a big mistake even if it was for Stella's own good. He is determined to win her back. Will Stella let him?
Samson is 200% swoon factor. He is just so so dreamy! He is so possessive and bossy when it's about Stella's wellbeing ( and it infuriates Stella a bit though she loves it secretly) He made so many sweet grand gestures to make her realize he really loves her so so much. Stella may be younger than him but she shows a nice level of maturity. Her love is intense and she is totally lost in him. But she didn't make it easy and Samson had to do so hard grovelling and I loved it! Stella is a sweet and smart and sassy girl and she won my heart. Their love story is the right balance of heartwarming and heartaching. They had a bit of drama and obstacle but Stella's family embraced them.
Dirty Little Secret by L.K. Farlow is a must read for everyone who love brother's best friend stories.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Stella "Luna" has been in love with her older brother's best friend Samson since forever. And slowly their cute friendship took a turn. But just before she thought she can finally come out with her love, Samson leaves on her eighteenth birthday without saying anything. She was heartbroken. Now Samson is back after realising he made a big mistake even if it was for Stella's own good. He is determined to win her back. Will Stella let him?
Samson is 200% swoon factor. He is just so so dreamy! He is so possessive and bossy when it's about Stella's wellbeing ( and it infuriates Stella a bit though she loves it secretly) He made so many sweet grand gestures to make her realize he really loves her so so much. Stella may be younger than him but she shows a nice level of maturity. Her love is intense and she is totally lost in him. But she didn't make it easy and Samson had to do so hard grovelling and I loved it! Stella is a sweet and smart and sassy girl and she won my heart. Their love story is the right balance of heartwarming and heartaching. They had a bit of drama and obstacle but Stella's family embraced them.
Dirty Little Secret by L.K. Farlow is a must read for everyone who love brother's best friend stories.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
September 22, 2021
I love forbidden romance, add best friends little sister and I’m sold.
Stella loves Samson from a really young age, he was always nice to here as a kid and didn’t mind her tagging along with him and her older brother.
Samson lost both his parents and lived in foster care that was a less than loving home.
Stella was the sunshine in his darkness. Even as a kid she had a big personality and lots of love and happiness to share.
~”Because you’re the brightest light in my life.You’re smile is enough to make the worst day bearable. You steady me, you challenge me, you center me.”~
I love that they bonded so young, it’s incredibly sweet. Their connection makes this story.
They start a secret romance when she’s a teenager, but Samson is determined to wait for the physical parts until she’s 18.
Samson screws up and break’s Stella’s trust and heart on the day they were going to tell everyone they were a couple.
It then turns into a second chance romance.
The characters are really likable, the chemistry is great.
Their story has a few obstacles, it definitely brings the angst. For Stella , there is a lot of longing and fighting the pull of her mixed feelings.
I love that it’s second chance and forbidden romance. Great combination!
They are a couple that’s easy to cheer for, I wanted Samson to earn Stella’s trust back.
The love didn’t go away, things just got complicated.
Really emotional and sweet romance.
Stella loves Samson from a really young age, he was always nice to here as a kid and didn’t mind her tagging along with him and her older brother.
Samson lost both his parents and lived in foster care that was a less than loving home.
Stella was the sunshine in his darkness. Even as a kid she had a big personality and lots of love and happiness to share.
~”Because you’re the brightest light in my life.You’re smile is enough to make the worst day bearable. You steady me, you challenge me, you center me.”~
I love that they bonded so young, it’s incredibly sweet. Their connection makes this story.
They start a secret romance when she’s a teenager, but Samson is determined to wait for the physical parts until she’s 18.
Samson screws up and break’s Stella’s trust and heart on the day they were going to tell everyone they were a couple.
It then turns into a second chance romance.
The characters are really likable, the chemistry is great.
Their story has a few obstacles, it definitely brings the angst. For Stella , there is a lot of longing and fighting the pull of her mixed feelings.
I love that it’s second chance and forbidden romance. Great combination!
They are a couple that’s easy to cheer for, I wanted Samson to earn Stella’s trust back.
The love didn’t go away, things just got complicated.
Really emotional and sweet romance.
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