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Hidden Secrets #1
Ma Belle Marguerite: English Edition
When tragedy strikes, Isabella is forced to Should she move home with her children and face her past, or stay alone?
With her life crashing down around her and her twins, she needs to rebuild. Now a single mother, she’s determined to start fresh for the sake of her children—but the ghosts of her past are impossible to outrun. And when she crosses paths with her old flame, Alexander, the man she once loved and lost, the painful past she’s buried for years begins to unravel. He is the man who still holds the key to her heart.
He has spent years trying to move on from the woman who once held his heart—until she returns to his small hometown with a two children he never knew existed. His life as part of a dangerous criminal organization drags him deeper into a dark web of crime. At the same time, an unsettling car accident caused by an anonymous stalker threatens to unravel everything he's worked to rebuild. As secrets, danger, and unspoken feelings collide, Alexander will stop at nothing to prove that love can survive even the most tangled of pasts.
**This is an 18+ Dark Romance**
With her life crashing down around her and her twins, she needs to rebuild. Now a single mother, she’s determined to start fresh for the sake of her children—but the ghosts of her past are impossible to outrun. And when she crosses paths with her old flame, Alexander, the man she once loved and lost, the painful past she’s buried for years begins to unravel. He is the man who still holds the key to her heart.
He has spent years trying to move on from the woman who once held his heart—until she returns to his small hometown with a two children he never knew existed. His life as part of a dangerous criminal organization drags him deeper into a dark web of crime. At the same time, an unsettling car accident caused by an anonymous stalker threatens to unravel everything he's worked to rebuild. As secrets, danger, and unspoken feelings collide, Alexander will stop at nothing to prove that love can survive even the most tangled of pasts.
**This is an 18+ Dark Romance**
- GenresSecond Chance
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2025
4 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Carriere
2 books14 followersJessica Carriere is a wife and mother of four boys and a PA to several wonderful authors. Living in Northern Ontario, Canada, you can find her fishing, crafting, making homemade syrup, and crafting romance with book boyfriends that will make you swoon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 12, 2025
This book had a fun storyline but I had a hard time focusing on it. It was so fast paced and unfortunately I found the dialogue pretty cheesy. I do love an obsessed man and the romance was solid.
October 9, 2025
Ma Belle Marguerite is book one in the Hidden Secrets Series
OMG! Where do I even start?! First of all read the trigger warnings! If you are ok then run and add this book to your TBR! It is written well, I love the FMC & MMC. I love how the author added in some back story that really elevated the story making this great for second chance romance lovers. Oh did I mention this is a dark, mafia romance with a twist. Just a great read and it's so hard not to just blab and give away spoilers lol..
OMG! Where do I even start?! First of all read the trigger warnings! If you are ok then run and add this book to your TBR! It is written well, I love the FMC & MMC. I love how the author added in some back story that really elevated the story making this great for second chance romance lovers. Oh did I mention this is a dark, mafia romance with a twist. Just a great read and it's so hard not to just blab and give away spoilers lol..
September 24, 2025
I swear I keep finding so many good indie author books and this is why I stick with them !!! Yes I love the big timers but indie author just hit my heart better and this one…. Wow! 300 pages of goodness! This is a wild ride from the first chapter I was in a chock hold.
The author start the book with you going down that BIG ASS drop on a roll coaster and then ends it starting the ride all over again and going up! 😆 that is the best way to tell you about this book. My heart was torn within the first 2 chapters. I just couldn’t and then she put it back together to break me again and scream “ what the FK” almost throw my phone in the last 2 chapters!
Like who does that 🤧🥴 and the whole time you know she was sitting behind her desk giggling. You indie authors are “ so mean”.
But real talk…. This book is amazing!
You have Isabella which something happens to her that every women that has someone in their life that doesn’t want to think about. And she describes to move back home with her twins. Little does she know that Alexander has been looking for her along with waiting for her to come home for years. Something tragic happens and they meet up again and the story flies off the wall since then!!!
I don’t want to give you more info cause I really need you to add this book to your TBR or read it fast! I wish the 2nd book was coming faster than next year cause I need to know what happened to both of them and where they stand from the end of this book!!!!
I am telling you! This book start with you starting the ride and ends with you sitting back at the top you know right before you go over!
One more thing: I love that she adds French in this book 🖤 love language between the two main MC
5/5 🌟
~Screams & Reviews 💀🖤💋🫶🏻
The author start the book with you going down that BIG ASS drop on a roll coaster and then ends it starting the ride all over again and going up! 😆 that is the best way to tell you about this book. My heart was torn within the first 2 chapters. I just couldn’t and then she put it back together to break me again and scream “ what the FK” almost throw my phone in the last 2 chapters!
Like who does that 🤧🥴 and the whole time you know she was sitting behind her desk giggling. You indie authors are “ so mean”.
But real talk…. This book is amazing!
You have Isabella which something happens to her that every women that has someone in their life that doesn’t want to think about. And she describes to move back home with her twins. Little does she know that Alexander has been looking for her along with waiting for her to come home for years. Something tragic happens and they meet up again and the story flies off the wall since then!!!
I don’t want to give you more info cause I really need you to add this book to your TBR or read it fast! I wish the 2nd book was coming faster than next year cause I need to know what happened to both of them and where they stand from the end of this book!!!!
I am telling you! This book start with you starting the ride and ends with you sitting back at the top you know right before you go over!
One more thing: I love that she adds French in this book 🖤 love language between the two main MC
5/5 🌟
~Screams & Reviews 💀🖤💋🫶🏻
November 2, 2025
It's when tragedy strikes that Isabella is forced to choose, should she move home with her kids and face her past, or should she stay alone?
Isabella's life is crashing down around her and her twins and now she knows she has to rebuild her life, not only for herself but for her kids. She has suddenly found herself as a single mother, and for the sake of her kids she is going to start fresh – but the ghosts that haunt her from her past are impossible to outrun.
And when she crosses paths with an old flame, Alexander, a man she once loved and lost, a part of her past that she's buried for years suddenly starts to unravel. And in that moment Isabella realizes that Alexander is the man who still holds the key to her heart.
Alexander has spent years trying to move on from Isabella, the one woman who once held his heart in her hands – and then she returns to their small hometown with two small children that Alexander never knew existed.
Alexander's life as part of a dangerous criminal organization continues to drag him ever deeper into a dark web of crime. Then there's the unsettling car accident that's caused by an anonymous stalker who threatens to unravel everything that Alexander has worked so hard to build for himself.
Now secrets, danger, and unspoken feelings are colliding, Alexander is going to stop at nothing to prove that love can truly survive even the most tangled of pasts.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. This book contains +18 content and is a Dark Romance.
Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Heartbreak, Suspense, Secrets, Slow Burn, Chemistry, Strong FMC, Golden Retriever Alpha MMC, Mystery, and Danger.
Ma Belle Marguerite is the 1st book in the Hidden Secrets Series by Jessica Carriere. This is Jessica's debut novel and I found that I truly enjoyed this book greatly. And I loved that this is yet another Canadian author that I get to support as I believe in supporting Canadian authors as I myself am Canadian. (Although it doesn't stop me from supporting all authors in general.)
After the sudden and tragic death of her husband Adrien, Isabella finds herself returning to her hometown to try and forget her past – yet haunted by a heartbreak she can't seem to forget no matter how hard she tries. With her are her twins Remi and Brielle.
In returning to her hometown Isabella finds that she is still haunted by the ghosts of her heartbreak and the ache that comes with it. Trying to raise Remi and Brielle on her own, still grieving the loss of her husband, and suddenly facing a love she had never truly let go of – Isabella realizes she still has a lot of life that she can live.
It's when Isabella runs into her first and only true love Alexander (Rex) that she realizes he's the one her heart has truly been yearning for all these years and he's the only one who can truly make her heart feel whole again. But, she fears that after all these years, will he still love and want her the way that she loves and wants him?
Alexander (Rex) has never forgotten or gotten over Isabella. To him, she's the one that got away. And when he sees her again and they are once again reunited? It gets complicated but their reunion itself is explosive and their love? Is one for the lifetime that you'll never be able to forget, no matter how hard you tried.
Alexander is this fierce, protective, loyal man who is not only still head over heels in love with Isabella he's still obsessed with her. He is the perfect golden retriever Alpha. And it's only Isabella who has the power to make him come undone.
When they are reunited the sparks fly instantly with this slow-burn electricity and an intensity that blows your mind.
I found Bella's return to her hometown to be emotional, raw, and oh so beautifully written. Jessica has perfectly written suspense through Isabella and Alexander's past and present and this made this book one that you just can't put down.
For a debut book, Ma Belle Marguerite took my breath away. Even though it's built around this tragedy, Jessica delivers characters who feel authentic, real, and relatable. I found the plot and subplots to be filled with twists and turns that kept me enthralled and eager to know what was going to happen next. This is such a compelling read that I found it impossible to put down.
Ma Belle Marguerite is far more than just your typical romance. This is a story of resilience, redemption, and it's a reminder of the power of love when you feel like your life is falling apart.
I have to recommend this book if you are into second-chance romance, emotional depth, and romantic suspense. You need to add this book to your TBR ASAP.
And I have to add that Jessica Carriere is now on my watch list. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Isabella's life is crashing down around her and her twins and now she knows she has to rebuild her life, not only for herself but for her kids. She has suddenly found herself as a single mother, and for the sake of her kids she is going to start fresh – but the ghosts that haunt her from her past are impossible to outrun.
And when she crosses paths with an old flame, Alexander, a man she once loved and lost, a part of her past that she's buried for years suddenly starts to unravel. And in that moment Isabella realizes that Alexander is the man who still holds the key to her heart.
Alexander has spent years trying to move on from Isabella, the one woman who once held his heart in her hands – and then she returns to their small hometown with two small children that Alexander never knew existed.
Alexander's life as part of a dangerous criminal organization continues to drag him ever deeper into a dark web of crime. Then there's the unsettling car accident that's caused by an anonymous stalker who threatens to unravel everything that Alexander has worked so hard to build for himself.
Now secrets, danger, and unspoken feelings are colliding, Alexander is going to stop at nothing to prove that love can truly survive even the most tangled of pasts.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. This book contains +18 content and is a Dark Romance.
Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Heartbreak, Suspense, Secrets, Slow Burn, Chemistry, Strong FMC, Golden Retriever Alpha MMC, Mystery, and Danger.
Ma Belle Marguerite is the 1st book in the Hidden Secrets Series by Jessica Carriere. This is Jessica's debut novel and I found that I truly enjoyed this book greatly. And I loved that this is yet another Canadian author that I get to support as I believe in supporting Canadian authors as I myself am Canadian. (Although it doesn't stop me from supporting all authors in general.)
After the sudden and tragic death of her husband Adrien, Isabella finds herself returning to her hometown to try and forget her past – yet haunted by a heartbreak she can't seem to forget no matter how hard she tries. With her are her twins Remi and Brielle.
In returning to her hometown Isabella finds that she is still haunted by the ghosts of her heartbreak and the ache that comes with it. Trying to raise Remi and Brielle on her own, still grieving the loss of her husband, and suddenly facing a love she had never truly let go of – Isabella realizes she still has a lot of life that she can live.
It's when Isabella runs into her first and only true love Alexander (Rex) that she realizes he's the one her heart has truly been yearning for all these years and he's the only one who can truly make her heart feel whole again. But, she fears that after all these years, will he still love and want her the way that she loves and wants him?
Alexander (Rex) has never forgotten or gotten over Isabella. To him, she's the one that got away. And when he sees her again and they are once again reunited? It gets complicated but their reunion itself is explosive and their love? Is one for the lifetime that you'll never be able to forget, no matter how hard you tried.
Alexander is this fierce, protective, loyal man who is not only still head over heels in love with Isabella he's still obsessed with her. He is the perfect golden retriever Alpha. And it's only Isabella who has the power to make him come undone.
When they are reunited the sparks fly instantly with this slow-burn electricity and an intensity that blows your mind.
I found Bella's return to her hometown to be emotional, raw, and oh so beautifully written. Jessica has perfectly written suspense through Isabella and Alexander's past and present and this made this book one that you just can't put down.
For a debut book, Ma Belle Marguerite took my breath away. Even though it's built around this tragedy, Jessica delivers characters who feel authentic, real, and relatable. I found the plot and subplots to be filled with twists and turns that kept me enthralled and eager to know what was going to happen next. This is such a compelling read that I found it impossible to put down.
Ma Belle Marguerite is far more than just your typical romance. This is a story of resilience, redemption, and it's a reminder of the power of love when you feel like your life is falling apart.
I have to recommend this book if you are into second-chance romance, emotional depth, and romantic suspense. You need to add this book to your TBR ASAP.
And I have to add that Jessica Carriere is now on my watch list. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
February 13, 2026
Ma Belle Marguerite is one of those stories that quietly settles into your chest and then refuses to leave.
From the very first pages, you can feel the weight Isabella carries, not just as a woman returning to a place filled with memories, but as a mother doing everything she can to protect her children while barely holding herself together. Her grief, her exhaustion, and her determination to rebuild felt real in a way that made me slow down and truly feel the story instead of racing through it.
Alexander is the kind of MMC I’m always weak for: broken, dangerous, fiercely loyal, and still completely undone by the woman he never stopped loving. The reveal of the twins adds an emotional gut punch that deepens everything: his regret, his protectiveness, and the ache of lost time. Their chemistry isn’t flashy or rushed. It’s layered with history, restraint, and all the words they never said years ago.
What really worked for me was the balance. This book isn’t just about romance; it’s about consequences, about choices made young that echo years later, and about how hard it is to trust happiness when life has already taken so much from you. The danger element adds tension without overpowering the emotional core, and the small-town atmosphere makes everything feel intimate and close-knit.
Ma Belle Marguerite by Jessica Carriere is a slow-burn, emotionally driven second-chance romance that leans heavily on heart, history, and healing. If you love stories about past loves resurfacing, protective MMCs, strong mothers, and secrets that refuse to stay buried, this one is absolutely worth your time.
I’m already invested and ready for what comes next in this series. 🖤
Always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
From the very first pages, you can feel the weight Isabella carries, not just as a woman returning to a place filled with memories, but as a mother doing everything she can to protect her children while barely holding herself together. Her grief, her exhaustion, and her determination to rebuild felt real in a way that made me slow down and truly feel the story instead of racing through it.
Alexander is the kind of MMC I’m always weak for: broken, dangerous, fiercely loyal, and still completely undone by the woman he never stopped loving. The reveal of the twins adds an emotional gut punch that deepens everything: his regret, his protectiveness, and the ache of lost time. Their chemistry isn’t flashy or rushed. It’s layered with history, restraint, and all the words they never said years ago.
What really worked for me was the balance. This book isn’t just about romance; it’s about consequences, about choices made young that echo years later, and about how hard it is to trust happiness when life has already taken so much from you. The danger element adds tension without overpowering the emotional core, and the small-town atmosphere makes everything feel intimate and close-knit.
Ma Belle Marguerite by Jessica Carriere is a slow-burn, emotionally driven second-chance romance that leans heavily on heart, history, and healing. If you love stories about past loves resurfacing, protective MMCs, strong mothers, and secrets that refuse to stay buried, this one is absolutely worth your time.
I’m already invested and ready for what comes next in this series. 🖤
Always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
October 7, 2025
**ARC READER**
Unfortunately life kept me from hopping on this book as soon as I received it, and that was a true shame! This was a great book and I am so glad I had the chance to read it.
Ma Belle Marguerite was a great read! I peeled through this book so fast I was a bit shocked when I was finished.
Right from the get go we start with an absolute punch to the gut for Isabella and she finds herself reeling and changing the course of her life in an instant.
Alexander is an interesting character. I like the dark background. Tall, dark, and dangerous. YUM! If this man told me to get on my knees I know I would be dropping damn fast!
This book was a great read and I can't wait to read the next book in this duology. I need to know what happens next. It does end on a cliffhanger! Be warned!
The only thing about this book that I would have liked done a bit differently is I wanted to know more about these characters. I wanted to go a bit deeper, to peel them back a bit more to help understand truly who they were. Otherwise, nothing could be done to make this any better!
This is 100% an adult book. There is some delicious spice and an enticing trigger menu (but in all seriousness, please read the trigger warning list before you read this book and proceed appropriately for you).
Unfortunately life kept me from hopping on this book as soon as I received it, and that was a true shame! This was a great book and I am so glad I had the chance to read it.
Ma Belle Marguerite was a great read! I peeled through this book so fast I was a bit shocked when I was finished.
Right from the get go we start with an absolute punch to the gut for Isabella and she finds herself reeling and changing the course of her life in an instant.
Alexander is an interesting character. I like the dark background. Tall, dark, and dangerous. YUM! If this man told me to get on my knees I know I would be dropping damn fast!
This book was a great read and I can't wait to read the next book in this duology. I need to know what happens next. It does end on a cliffhanger! Be warned!
The only thing about this book that I would have liked done a bit differently is I wanted to know more about these characters. I wanted to go a bit deeper, to peel them back a bit more to help understand truly who they were. Otherwise, nothing could be done to make this any better!
This is 100% an adult book. There is some delicious spice and an enticing trigger menu (but in all seriousness, please read the trigger warning list before you read this book and proceed appropriately for you).
October 13, 2025
🫶🏽Debut novel alert🫶🏽
Holy cheeseballs right of the fucking rip the author sucker punches me and rips my god damn heart out, puts it back, and then totally destroys it. I swear Jessica is trying to actually kill me. 😆
Isabella goes through so much it's absolutely soul destroying, she is forced to go back home with her children. But she's in danger and so is rex. But the person responsible for the targets on their backs will absolutely blow your ever loving mind.
Rex and Isabella sure do have a complicated past , but there is no denying they where totally made for each other, and their chemistry is everything and gives us an explosive reunion.
I ran through this book like my life depended on it., never stopping for a minute, until it was done. It's such a wild rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's filled with heart wrenching moments, action, drama, spice, second chances, sweetness, obsession, possessiveness, darkness, twists, secrets, suspense and so much more. What a fantastic storyline , plot and characters. Top notch writing.
You really need to add this book to your TBR list. The next book needs to be in my kindle like yesterday!!!!
Jessica your favourite stalker is going to kill you will that bloody cliffhanger, you nearly owed me a new tablet!!!
I highly recommended.
Holy cheeseballs right of the fucking rip the author sucker punches me and rips my god damn heart out, puts it back, and then totally destroys it. I swear Jessica is trying to actually kill me. 😆
Isabella goes through so much it's absolutely soul destroying, she is forced to go back home with her children. But she's in danger and so is rex. But the person responsible for the targets on their backs will absolutely blow your ever loving mind.
Rex and Isabella sure do have a complicated past , but there is no denying they where totally made for each other, and their chemistry is everything and gives us an explosive reunion.
I ran through this book like my life depended on it., never stopping for a minute, until it was done. It's such a wild rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's filled with heart wrenching moments, action, drama, spice, second chances, sweetness, obsession, possessiveness, darkness, twists, secrets, suspense and so much more. What a fantastic storyline , plot and characters. Top notch writing.
You really need to add this book to your TBR list. The next book needs to be in my kindle like yesterday!!!!
Jessica your favourite stalker is going to kill you will that bloody cliffhanger, you nearly owed me a new tablet!!!
I highly recommended.
September 26, 2025
This book starts with a knife to the heart and it twists and turns and leaves you punctured to your soul in the first chapter. Isabella is a nurse working the ER department in a hospital when to her shocking surprise she is met with her husband being wheeled in on a gurney. Shortly after she gets the news that no woman wants to hear, her husband is dead. Now 6 months later she must pick up the pieces to her broken life and make the decision to move back home, close to her parents and close to everything she was trying to get away from.
Everything she was trying to get away from was the mafia life that her one true love was forced to take over and left her heartbroken all those years ago. Now that she’s back, she needs answers.
Rex is the heir to the mafia kingpin and he has waited 12 years to reunite with his “belle Marguerite” but at what cost? His life is in danger every day and he believes keeping her and her children close by will protect them. That is until he realizes that they are both the targets and the person behind the attempts on their lives will shock you to the core.
This book was soooo good that when it ended I wanted to throw my kindle across the room and had a silent crash out because there were no more pages.
Everything she was trying to get away from was the mafia life that her one true love was forced to take over and left her heartbroken all those years ago. Now that she’s back, she needs answers.
Rex is the heir to the mafia kingpin and he has waited 12 years to reunite with his “belle Marguerite” but at what cost? His life is in danger every day and he believes keeping her and her children close by will protect them. That is until he realizes that they are both the targets and the person behind the attempts on their lives will shock you to the core.
This book was soooo good that when it ended I wanted to throw my kindle across the room and had a silent crash out because there were no more pages.
September 8, 2025
📚✨ ARC Review: Ma Belle Marguerite by Jessica Carrière
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Read: 08.28.25 – 09.06.25
💥 Second-chance romance? Check.
💔 Heartbreak, suspense, secrets? Double check.
🔥 Slow-burn chemistry that sets the page on fire? Oh yes.
Jessica Carrière’s Ma Belle Marguerite is an emotionally charged, twist-filled debut that absolutely blew me away! From page one, I was hooked by Isabella’s return to the hometown she tried to forget—twins in tow, pain in her past, and a love she thought she'd lost forever. 💔👩👧👦
Enter Rex—fierce, protective, and still completely obsessed with the one that got away. 😍🐾 Their reunion? Explosive. Their past? Complicated. Their love? Unforgettable.
✨ Strong female lead
✨ Golden-retriever alpha energy
✨ Mystery, danger, and all the feels
✨ And YES, a cliffhanger that’ll leave you screaming 😱
This is more than just a romance—it’s a story of resilience, redemption, and the power of love when life falls apart. 💫
👉 If you're into second chances, emotional depth, and romantic suspense, add this to your TBR NOW.
Jessica Carrière is one to watch! 👏📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Read: 08.28.25 – 09.06.25
💥 Second-chance romance? Check.
💔 Heartbreak, suspense, secrets? Double check.
🔥 Slow-burn chemistry that sets the page on fire? Oh yes.
Jessica Carrière’s Ma Belle Marguerite is an emotionally charged, twist-filled debut that absolutely blew me away! From page one, I was hooked by Isabella’s return to the hometown she tried to forget—twins in tow, pain in her past, and a love she thought she'd lost forever. 💔👩👧👦
Enter Rex—fierce, protective, and still completely obsessed with the one that got away. 😍🐾 Their reunion? Explosive. Their past? Complicated. Their love? Unforgettable.
✨ Strong female lead
✨ Golden-retriever alpha energy
✨ Mystery, danger, and all the feels
✨ And YES, a cliffhanger that’ll leave you screaming 😱
This is more than just a romance—it’s a story of resilience, redemption, and the power of love when life falls apart. 💫
👉 If you're into second chances, emotional depth, and romantic suspense, add this to your TBR NOW.
Jessica Carrière is one to watch! 👏📖
December 22, 2025
This book hits you like a knife to the heart from the very first chapter, twisting and turning until your soul feels punctured. Isabella, an ER nurse, is shocked to see her husband wheeled into the hospital—only to receive the devastating news every woman dreads: he’s dead. Six months later, she’s left to pick up the pieces of her broken life and make the difficult decision to move back home, close to her parents and everything she once tried to escape.
Her past isn’t just memories—it's the dangerous mafia world her one true love was forced to take over, a life that left her heartbroken years ago. Now, back in the thick of it, Isabella is determined to find answers.
Rex, the heir to the mafia throne, has spent 12 years waiting to reunite with his “belle Marguerite,” but every day is a risk. He believes keeping her and her children close will protect them—until he discovers they are both targets, and the person behind the attacks will shock you to your core.
Her past isn’t just memories—it's the dangerous mafia world her one true love was forced to take over, a life that left her heartbroken years ago. Now, back in the thick of it, Isabella is determined to find answers.
Rex, the heir to the mafia throne, has spent 12 years waiting to reunite with his “belle Marguerite,” but every day is a risk. He believes keeping her and her children close will protect them—until he discovers they are both targets, and the person behind the attacks will shock you to your core.
September 12, 2025
This story is a heartfelt, twist-filled second-chance romance that kept me glued to the pages. Bella’s return home—haunted by heartbreak💔, raising twins, and facing a love she never truly let go—was emotional, raw, and beautifully written. Rex is the perfect golden retriever alpha🐕: protective, loyal, and absolutely undone by the woman who walked away. Their reunion sparks✨ with slow-burning intensity, and the suspense woven through their past and present makes this read unputdownable!
For a debut, this book is outstanding! The characters feel so real, the emotions so authentic, that you can’t help but root for them. It’s romance with layers; resilience, redemption, and love that refuses to fade, even as the cliffhanger leaves you screaming for more!!! Cannot wait for the next one!😍
For a debut, this book is outstanding! The characters feel so real, the emotions so authentic, that you can’t help but root for them. It’s romance with layers; resilience, redemption, and love that refuses to fade, even as the cliffhanger leaves you screaming for more!!! Cannot wait for the next one!😍
September 20, 2025
Great book. This was about Bella. She left her hometown for college and her boyfriend Alexander was supposed to come a few months later. Things happened and he didn’t come. Fast forward 12 years later Bella was working at the hospital when the ambulance pulled in. The patient they brought in was her husband Adrien and he didn’t make it. He was in a car accident. She and the twins moved back to get hometown so she would have support. She got a job at the hospital there. On her first shift Alexander was brought in due to being in an accident. She had a panic attack. She and Alexander cleared the air and moved on. A lot of things happened and I can’t wait to read the next book since this ended on a cliffhanger.
September 1, 2025
PLOT 4.5🌟
🌶 🌶 .5
Isabella leaves the town she grew up in for a better life. When tragedy struck she moved back home to have help with her kids, only to rekindle an old love.
Rex doesnt want to take over his father's business but has no other choice. Life is constantly throwing him curve balls. When he is in an accident he finds out his one true love is back in town and is determined to get her back at all cost.
While this book is a slow burn, it definitely worth every second of it, cliff hanger and all. For a debut novel this book is amazing. I wouldn't have known it was a debut it was so good.
🌶 🌶 .5
Isabella leaves the town she grew up in for a better life. When tragedy struck she moved back home to have help with her kids, only to rekindle an old love.
Rex doesnt want to take over his father's business but has no other choice. Life is constantly throwing him curve balls. When he is in an accident he finds out his one true love is back in town and is determined to get her back at all cost.
While this book is a slow burn, it definitely worth every second of it, cliff hanger and all. For a debut novel this book is amazing. I wouldn't have known it was a debut it was so good.
September 12, 2025
What a way to start off a book! This was a great book! I can’t believe this was your debut book! It was such a great read!
Bella goes through so much in this book. She does everything she can for her twins. She runs into her first true love, Rex in a Deja vi kind of way.
This book has twists and turns you don’t see coming. It brings you surprises. Then she leaves you on the end of a cliff. I loved it though and can’t wait for the next one!
Jessica’s creativity and how she has some of these scenes left me wanting for more! I loved it! I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoyed this book!
Bella goes through so much in this book. She does everything she can for her twins. She runs into her first true love, Rex in a Deja vi kind of way.
This book has twists and turns you don’t see coming. It brings you surprises. Then she leaves you on the end of a cliff. I loved it though and can’t wait for the next one!
Jessica’s creativity and how she has some of these scenes left me wanting for more! I loved it! I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoyed this book!
September 1, 2025
I felt like this was a fantastic debut book for the author. I throughly enjoyed this book, and the complicated feelings that the characters had. The way Rex and Isabella are when they are together is just perfect. I love plots where tragedy strikes, and makes you rethink everything and change things, it makes it feel realer to me. This book was written very well, and I loved the characters and their stories, that lead them to were they were. Great read!!!!! Definately Check it out!!!! I would definately recommend this book.
September 26, 2025
⭐️x4.5 (round up review)
🌶x4
What a great debut book by the author. I love the book, great story, great smut. The book is fast paced and leaves you wanting more to the story. Can't wait to see what will come in the next book. Second chance romance, finding love after becoming a widow and trying to start over with her children. Dark romance. Mafia romance. Second chance romance.
I received an advance review copy free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ma Belle Marguerite by Jessica Carriere
Hidden Secrets Series Book 1
Released: 9/13/25
~309pgs
🌶x4
What a great debut book by the author. I love the book, great story, great smut. The book is fast paced and leaves you wanting more to the story. Can't wait to see what will come in the next book. Second chance romance, finding love after becoming a widow and trying to start over with her children. Dark romance. Mafia romance. Second chance romance.
I received an advance review copy free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ma Belle Marguerite by Jessica Carriere
Hidden Secrets Series Book 1
Released: 9/13/25
~309pgs
September 6, 2025
This debut novel is nothing short of captivating, with a storyline that draws readers in and holds their attention until the very last page. If you're a fan of protective and endearing characters, you'll fall in love with Rex. Bella takes charge of her life, refusing to be underestimated or overshadowed by anyone. Their second-chance romance is both heartwarming and thrilling, as Rex's obsession and infatuation with Isabella create a compelling push-and-pull dynamic. Themes of love, loss, and personal growth are interwoven throughout, creating a rich tapestry that depicts the trials and triumphs of life. It's a fantastic read that I thoroughly recommend to anyone looking for a heartfelt and memorable story.
September 8, 2025
An amazing job on her very first novel. I highly recommend this book, but be prepared for a cliffhanger ending. Jessica created an incredible lineup of characters and storyline. Follow Isabella and Rex on their adventure with their families and friends. It’s a little bit of a roller coaster ride and you will be kept in suspense, but it is well worth it for sure. Don’t miss out on this incredible read.
September 14, 2025
Ma Belle Marguerite is a promising debut from Jessica Carriere. It harnesses familiar romance tropes but infuses them with emotional weight and stakes, making the journey of Isabella and Rex feel invested and satisfying. It doesn’t overturn the genre, but it delivers what it promises: romance, pain, healing, and the possibility of a second chance.
If you want a spicy romance with a plot, that you won't want to put down, this one is for you!
If you want a spicy romance with a plot, that you won't want to put down, this one is for you!
October 17, 2025
Wow! I can’t believe that this is debut book!!!
This book has everything you can ask for - an emotional rollercoaster, dark, intense action and storyline, swoon worthy characters and a high heat rating! If I didn’t know this book was this author’s debut. I would have thought that it was from a well established author - it reads that good! If you enjoy dark, mafia, second chance reads, grab this one! I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this series - BRAVO Jessica!
This book has everything you can ask for - an emotional rollercoaster, dark, intense action and storyline, swoon worthy characters and a high heat rating! If I didn’t know this book was this author’s debut. I would have thought that it was from a well established author - it reads that good! If you enjoy dark, mafia, second chance reads, grab this one! I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this series - BRAVO Jessica!
February 1, 2026
Solid 4.5 🌟 🤩 (I rounded up to 5 cause I cannot wait for book 2)
A second-chance romance that is was raw and well written.
While I found myseld yellong at our FMC and MMC a lot, I have to say the MCs are real and written so you feel like you truly know them.
Rex and Isabella are a couple that will live rent free in my head for a long time.
The book ends on a cliff hanger and I canot wait to read the next one
A second-chance romance that is was raw and well written.
While I found myseld yellong at our FMC and MMC a lot, I have to say the MCs are real and written so you feel like you truly know them.
Rex and Isabella are a couple that will live rent free in my head for a long time.
The book ends on a cliff hanger and I canot wait to read the next one
September 1, 2025
Fantastic debut and a great read all around! Isabella and Rex are sweet and spicy in all the right ways, thrown back together by circumstances in a 2nd chance romance that Rex's obsessed and infatuated self won't be letting go of. He's possessive and sweet, just with her. It was a great read! I would definitely recommend!!
October 8, 2025
Ma Belle Marguerite was such a fun read! A fast paced second chance romance with all the fun twists and turns!
From a too stubborn for her own good FMC to the completely obsessed touch her and be unalived MMC and the spice..it was a good time all around.
I can't wait to see what Jessica Carriere has in store for Bella and Rex next. 🥰
From a too stubborn for her own good FMC to the completely obsessed touch her and be unalived MMC and the spice..it was a good time all around.
I can't wait to see what Jessica Carriere has in store for Bella and Rex next. 🥰
October 8, 2025
The beginning of the story is sooo heartwrenching, but holy hell if Rexy doesn't make everything better. Their story is so sweet, and Bella's attitude never lets up for a moment. She pushes back, but Rex takes every hit with grace. This novel is packed with action, and even more so with a second-chance love that has me swooning. Fantastic debut by a fantastic author!! <3
November 30, 2025
Loved how fast paced the book is, it makes you not want to put it down! I read the book in one day. I wanted to know what was going to happen. Loved the twists and that it ended on a cliffhanger so excited for what’s next! I thought the French dialogue was so sweet and loved that tourtiere and moose steak were in the book, so cool.
September 6, 2025
A twisty, turny ride of a debut. Some spice, some surprises, and a cliffhanger that had me wondering which of my suspicions are going to end up true.
This book has French Canadian rep, which I don't think I've ever seen in a mafia romance before.
This book has French Canadian rep, which I don't think I've ever seen in a mafia romance before.
September 6, 2025
Jessica you had my attention from the moment I picked up the book. I love the story line and the tension between the main characters. you have my attention and need more of this! @jessicacarriere
September 16, 2025
This is book one in the Hidden Secrets series. This is a fast paced, fun read. I loved the characters chemistry and the plot was entertaining. An excellent read.
September 18, 2025
Rex & Bella are sweet and spicy and get a second chance at a love that never quit. There are so many secrets and twists! I can’t wait to get answers to so many questions in the next book!!
September 22, 2025
i had a really hard time getting through this. the romance was amazing but it was too fast paced. I had to keep going back because I was missing some information. and I couldn't focus on it.
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