Dirty Little Secrets

Dirty Little Secrets #1

by Alicia J. Armstrong

With no revisions or adjustments to match adult understanding, the author invites readers to experience the untamed thoughts and emotions that shaped their artistic beginnings. Enjoy this personal journey through time and witness the unrefined beauty of youth and creativity.

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2025

About the author

I have been writing since the age of thirteen. Initially, I started out writing poetry, which eventually led to short stories and a lot of unfinished projects. A Fayettenam native, I received my Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Fayetteville State University. I'm an avid reader, a foodie, and enjoys knitting a pair of socks, or crocheting a scarf. If I'm not binge watching a drama series, you'll probably find me at the nearby tennis court, roller skating.

Stay in touch with Alicia
www.aliciajarmstrong.com
Instagram: @Alicia.J.Armstrong
Facebook Group: AJA’s Seductive Scribes

Reviews

[Taees_Cozy_Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and interesting reading of short poems and short stories from teenage and early adult years of my friend Alicia. I truly enjoyed it lol a lot of the poems are quite cute and funny and the stores are the same. It was interesting to see previous writings from her as I’ve read her later works and seeing the growth was beautiful. Even at a younger age she was a really good writer. I loved this girly!!💝💝

[Alexdabibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s rare that you get to see the beginning stages of a writers career. Some works will never see the light of day. Thank you to Alicia for allowing us to see the raw, unfiltered, and authentic writings. This collection of poetry and stories highlights her passion for writing and shows the growth which is evident in her latest work.

My favorite poem was “When I saw you” it was so relatable and beautifully written.

Poetry is often subjective and while many of these poems were relatable and touching, some of them not so much BUT I still enjoyed reading them.

My only criticism is that the book may have needed a trigger warning.

So as a warning, some of these poems do deal with SA, childhood pregnancy, eating disorder, and death.

Overall, I enjoyed getting a sneak peek into the early works of this author and I am thankful for the opportunity to be gifted the ARC from the author.

[Tishana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alicia will always be an author that I will read everything and anything that she writes. She has a gift for telling stories that not only makes you think, but makes you feel.

I was introduced to Alicia’s later work with “Cave of Jinn” and immediately jumped when she mentioned “Dirty Little Secrets”. I love short stories and poems so this was right up my alley. I love how diverse she is in her writing abilities, and this book really shows not just her growth as a person, but as an author. There’s poems that are so relative to current times and will be things reader can relate to on a personal level. Being able to connect to readers in a personal way is so important to me and Alicia nailed it! Highly recommend reading all of her books!

[Brielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this authentic and unfiltered look into the earlier writings of Alicia. My favorite part was the short stories and the depth of the content and topics that were highlighted. Depite being short stories, they packed a lot of punch that made me think. Being that I've read her more recent work it was nice to see how her gift and skill has always been apparent, and has only grown greater over the years! I'm looking forward to reading more by her!

[Fatimah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book of poems, short stories. Thank you for inviting us into your life of your early writings. Leaving this raw & uncut was amazing, it shows just how human & talented you are! I can’t wait to continue to read more from you!!

[paula guidry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Some of the writings remind me of my own young life, some good some not so good but I was still able to relate with them although I am white. Deep down and often hidden away black and white lives aren't much different unfortunately. My condolences on the loss of your brother!

[Angiewagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Alicia's writing. Her poetry as a teenager let you into her world, and I love seeing the growth in her writing.
Even though she wrote these poems as a teenager, you can feel the joy, heartbreak, pain, and sadness through her words.
She is an amazing author and keeps getting better with each book.

[Brianna M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute compilation of stories and poems. Some of the poems gave 90s R&B vibes and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them.

[Tameka Archer Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was kindly gifted with an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed the poems and short stories that make up Dirty Little Secrets. The depth of the real life experiences that any reader can empathize with was very moving. It really goes to show how good of a writer Alicia is! For her to have written about such deep topics as a teenager is remarkable. I’d recommend everyone read this and allow their teenagers to read it as well as a way to open up the lines of communication.

[Alicia J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

It’s amazing to see my old poems and short stories in one book. It was even more nerve wracking providing this to the public. I’ve been sitting on this for decades !!! The feedback is so overwhelming. Like Erykah Badu, I’m sensitive about my ish, but the readers have shown me that this was necessary to see how I’ve grown as a writer. Thank you.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author wrote these poems and short stories as a teenager and I felt all the emotions she portrayed. They were raw and beautiful and full of truth. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

[Rosetta Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty Little Secrets is a captivating collection of poems and short stories that pack an emotional punch! Alicia J. Armstrong’s raw, evocative writing weaves tales of love, loss, and hidden truths with stunning authenticity. Each piece draws you in, offering a glimpse into the human heart.