My Secret Ex

by Daniel Hurst

Some secrets never stay buried...

When I met Dermot, I was finally ready to move on from my troubled past. He seemed like a great guy - funny, charming, handsome - and he was the man I felt I deserved. He was nothing like my ex...

My relationship with my previous boyfriend, Carlton, has been over for years, but that doesn't mean it's been easy to forget about him. Not with how it ended. But I've tried my best. I've also tried my best to make sure my new man does not know about him. It's safer that way...

But as my relationship with Dermot deepens, my past with Carlton begins to intertwine and suddenly, my secret ex is not so secret anymore. Now we're all in danger - me, my son, my new boyfriend - everybody

A fast-paced and twist-filled psychological thriller from the author of The Couple's Revenge, The Baby Swap and the #1 bestseller The Doctor's Wife

Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2025

About the author

Daniel Hurst is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of fast paced psychological thrillers. His most popular titles include Til Death Do Us Part, The Passenger and The Doctor's Wife, the latter title reaching #1 on the Amazon UK Kindle store in February 2023. A regular KDP Select All Star since he became a full-time author in 2021, Daniel prides himself on writing fast, releasing stories often and engaging with his readers.

You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'

Reviews

[Melody McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick and easy read by Daniel Hurst. This one was more action-packed than some of his other books, and one twist in particular really shocked me. With a suspenseful and compelling plot, I was addicted!

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be surprised! My Secret Ex is a rollercoaster of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Daniel Hurst expertly crafts a narrative that constantly subverts expectations, leading to a truly satisfying and shocking conclusion. I thought I had it figured out multiple times, but I was wrong every time! I could not put this book down and it was action packed all the way through! A brilliant and unpredictable five-star thriller.

[Zoe H · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sooooo bad!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

oh my god this was so boring???????????

[Eilidhs World · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may be one of my favourite Daniel Hurst Books!

Imagine going on a date with someone, to finding out your life is in danger ‼️

Dermot, I absolutely adored you.. I felt I had to protect him, he was soo vulnerable and mad so many bad choices… I don’t want any spoilers in this review but I am HEARTBROKEN 💔
I loved everything about this book from the characters, to the plot, the twists, the heartache and to the shocking moments! ⭐️

Not only is the storyline alone great! The style of writing by the author is unique, compelling and the twists just flow, which is every readers wish🙌🏽

I highly recommend My Secret Ex! 🌟 I really hope this is the start of an incredible series and there will be a book 2 🙏🏽 🤩

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Lyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read that had me gripped throughout & wanting Marisa to stay safe.

[koffeekatey · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Secret Ex by Daniel simply felt flat. The characters would have benefited from an ability to communicate their emotions (additional characters might have opened them up a bit more). They felt cold, blunted, even during capture by an adversary. This was like a telling, rather than a showing. I do adore the author’s writing style in his weekly newsletter and I like so many of his other books, The Passenger in particular. Next time I pick up another copy of his work, I likely will enjoy it much more! Thanks to Daniel for each of of your books.

[Krista (Mrs K Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, another Daniel Hurst book I read in one sitting. Lots of twists and turns along the way. Definitely recommend

[Eva Witmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marissa is a 37 year old single mom to 7 year old George. She is going out on a first date with Dermot, a guy she met on a dating app. Both Marissa and Dermot have baggage. Marissa’s ex is serving time in prison for some pretty heavy crimes. She is afraid if she tells Dermot who is he, that will be the end of their budding relationship. Somehow Dermot’s gambling debt becomes interwoven with Marissa’s ex.

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY SECRET EX BY DANIEL HURST.
Another great book by this author.
Really enjoyed it.
Likeable characters, awful characters and some downright stupid and naive characters.
Loved the plot .
Looking forward to the next one

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might actually be my favourite Daniel Hurst book it was brilliant #KindleUnlimited ❤️

[Jolovesbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry but what was this book? It was not a psychological thriller. Nothing happens…man escapes prison, tries to kidnap ex & son, man goes back to prison, the end! No plot twists.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. A different story line! First time reading Daniel Hurst, it won't be my last.

[Bianca Hartley · Rating 1 out of 5]

An easy read, however lots of inconsistencies which made me struggle to continue reading.

[Joanne Cheek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people hook up who deceive each other as well as themselves. They change decisions like the wind. This story is chock full of poor choices, and their consequences.
All in all, I’m a big fan of Daniel Hurst, and enjoy his books

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some secrets never stay buried...

...and some people are just born stupid. I think just about everyone in this book must have been. It's hard to feel much sympathy for any of them with the situation in which they find themselves completely of their own making.

Marissa is a 37 year old single mum to seven year old George. Life is going swimmingly for them...until it doesn't. If only they'd left things as they had been. If only she never decided to go on that blind date. If only she never slept with Dermot. If only she never told him about Carlton. If only she wasn't so easily led. If only she stayed at home until George was 30. If only, if only, if only.

If only she hadn't met Dermot.

Dermot is a single guy who matched with Marissa on a dating app. He's had his fair share of setbacks in life and now he's put them all behind him and has started afresh. Marissa is his first date since his divorce. And on their date he opens up freely about that and why. And Marissa, being the kindhearted gentle soul that she is, feels his pain and applauds him his bravery at owning up to his mistakes, picking up and moving on. And for trusting her with this part of his life. It's his transparency and their easy camaraderie that cements the knowledge that she is sure to see Dermot again. She likes him and, judging by their easy banter, he likes her too. And he has opened up to her about a very painful time in his life. Which makes her secret sit all the more heavy in her baggage. She's sure than as soon as she reveals that part of her life to him, she can kiss goodbye to any chance with him. He is sure to run a mile.

The fact is both Marissa and Dermot have baggage. A lot of baggage. And it's that baggage - for both of them - that catches up with them, changing the course of their lives forever.

And then there is Carlton. He is serving time in prison for some rather heavy crimes. Until he receives something that sets the wheels in motion for a pretty wild ride. And he isn't stopping until he gets what he wants and comes out on top. No one gets the better of Carlton O'Connor. And no one takes what's his - ever.

OK, I'll be honest. This was not Daniel Hurst's best work. It's not even one of his better books. But it is a quick and easy read. The first half is fairly mundane, switching between Marissa and Dermot respectively on their date. And then when they went home. And then the ensuing days. And their next date...and so forth. Until it got just a little more interesting. Things ramped up a notch more but only slightly. I wasn't overly excited by things and both Dermot and Marissa made some stupid decisions. When she was in that police station asking for protection, nothing (and I mean NOTHING) should have made her leave again! Not until she got the desired result or the police did. And she certainly didn't know Dermot enough to trust him completely...especially given his reaction. And Dermot? Did he really think nothing was going to happen to him if he did as he was asked?

This book was more of a telling of what happened rather than a showing of events and I really felt it was lacking what I know this author is capable of. The twists weren't really twists and I wasn't shocked by anything other than the characters' gullibility. Having said that, I was still compelled enough to read to the end. I did like the final showdown (hats off to Mr Edwards), which was a nice touch.

And unlike others, I certainly hope the story ends there and that there is no book 2. There is honestly nothing more to tell here. End of.

I love Daniel Hurst's thrillers but even our favourite authors can deliver something that doesn't excite us while another of theirs can blow our mind. Specifically "The Passenger" or "The Couple in the Cabin" or "The New Friends" - or his freebie book (when you sign up to his newsletter) "Just One Second" - to name a few.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Mary Donegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY SECRET EX (‘25 - 268 PGS - 4 STARS) BY DANIEL HURST

DESCRIPTION : When I met Dermot, I was finally ready to move on from my troubled past. He seemed like a great guy - funny, charming, handsome - and he was the man I felt I deserved. He was nothing like my ex..My relationship with my previous boyfriend, Carlton, has been over for years, but that doesn't mean it's been easy to forget about him. Not with how it ended. But I've tried my best. I've also tried my best to make sure my new man does not know about him. It's safer that way...But as my relationship with Dermot deepens, my past with Carlton begins to intertwine and suddenly, my secret ex is not so secret anymore. Now we're all in danger - me, my son, my new boyfriend - everybody.

REVIEW :

Previous books by this author were (2) 5-Star Reads, (6) 4-Stars, (3) 3-Stars, (1) 2-Stars. Here’s a list : The Baby Swap (‘25 - 4 Stars), The Husband (‘25 - 4 Stars), The Nurse’s Mistake (‘24 - 3 Stars), The Neighbor’s Affair (‘24 - 2 Stars), The Nurse’s Lie - Bk 2 (‘24 - 5 Stars), The Perfect Nurse - Bk 1 (‘24 - 5 Stars), The Family Trip (‘24 - 260 Pgs - 4 Stars), The Wife’s Baby (‘24 - 268 Pgs - 3 Stars), The Colleagues (‘24 - 4 Stars), The Couple’s Revenge (‘24 - 258 Pgs - 4 Stars), Her Husband’s Mistake (‘23 - Only 217 Pgs - 4 Stars) and The Intruder (‘22 - 270 Pgs - 3 Stars).

Earned Double Kindle Reward Points with this purchase

A simple start really gets going quickly and leaves me breathless at times. A quick read, only 268 pages, but soooo entertaining. Gave it 4 stars; would have gotten 5 stars if the author didn’t skip ahead a couple of time periods toward the end which made the ending feel rushed. Still enjoyed.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒏. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒔, 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒐𝒙? 𝑶𝒓 𝒎𝒆?

Marissa hasn't exactly been lucky in love. Her ex Carlton was handsome and charismatic, but he was also a career criminal. When Marissa found herself pregnant after their one-night stand, she was shocked at his excitement over becoming a father. She told herself a relationship could work and they could be a family. But soon Carlton became so overbearing and controlling that Marissa knew a future was impossible. Things ended badly, and Carlton ended up in prison.

Years have passed, and Marissa tries her best to give her son a good life and work hard at her job. Then she meets Dermot, and it's like she's been given another chance at love. Things between the two begin to get serious, but Marissa has no way of knowing that she's on a collision course that will put herself, her son, and her new boyfriend in grave danger.

It's impossible to be disappointed in a Daniel Hurst thriller! They're always fun, immersive reads that let you forget reality for a few hours. I'm so grateful to be a member of his ARC team, and I thank the author for this early read. This title is expected to publish April 12, 2025.

[Charlotte Baddeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Marissa finally summons up the courage to date again she has a big secret. Not her seven year old son George, who is a little sweetie. No, it is that her ex, the father of her son, is one of Britain’s most notorious criminals. Not something to blurt out on a first date. Her date Dermot also has a big secret. He owes money to some pretty nasty people. When Dermot and Marissa want to take their relationship further, nothing good can possibly come of it. These two ordinary (ish) people have no idea that they are going on a journey that will put everyone they love in danger.

I liked the way Daniel Hurst tells this story from the two main characters’ point of view and occasionally Carlton’s. Hearing the thoughts and subsequent actions of first Marissa and then Dermot gives a good insight as to why they act the way they do, both with the best intentions. They are both likeable people which makes you care what happens to them. Always a plus in my opinion. Carlton of course is not a nice person but he does love his son or at least the thought of a son and this is what makes him so dangerous and makes this book the page turner it is.

The climax is thrilling and you don’t find out until practically the last page who will survive this showdown, if anyone.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Secret Ex
by Daniel Hurst

I have read at least eight of Daniel Hurst’s books and thoroughly enjoyed each one. My Secret Ex does not disappoint. It is, as it is advertised, “an addictive and gripping psychological thriller.”

What do you do when your past catches up to your present? Marissa thought she had left Carlton, the ex, behind when she starts a relationship with Dermot, the new guy. She and Dermot are well into a strong relationship when her past with Carlton is intertwined with the present. Danger has hit Marissa and all who she is connected with.

Mr. Hurst has written another page turner with one surprise after another. Just when you think you know what is going to happen next --- BOOM --- it is not what you expected.

lf you have not read any of his books, pick up one today. You will be glad you did!
04.20.25

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a novel that immediately engages my attention and plays havoc with my head all the way through. The pace is phenomenal, and there is plenty happening. The dialogue is authentic, amusing, and often chilling, and the narrative is effortless and fluid.

This time, the theme is internet dating. Gosh, how exciting and terrifying. Marissa has a son called George. His father is a notorious criminal in prison. The effects of this have a dire impact on the poor soul, especially bullying at school. It was an insight. Marissa, too, is the victim of speculation as she tries to rebuild her life. She believes Dermot may be her saviour. Life is never that simple. Her lack of caution begins a series of terrifying incidents.

What a gripping finale. I didn’t guess how it would pan out. That’s the recipe for a great novel, right?

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I met Dermot, I was finally ready to move on from my troubled past. He seemed like a great guy - funny, charming, handsome - and he was the man I felt I deserved. He was nothing like my ex....

My relationship with my ex-boyfriend, Carlton, has been over for years, but that doesn't mean it will be easy to forget about him. Not with how it ended. But I've tried my best to make sure my new man does not know about him. It's safer that way. But as my relationship with him deepens, my past with Carlton begins to intertwine and suddenly my secret ex is not a secret anymore. Now we are all in danger - me, my son, my new boyfriend - everybody.

This is a fast-paced, action-packed quick and easy read. There were so many twists. Marissa had a secret, but so does her new boyfriend. And when the two secrets collide - it's explosive - putting everyone in danger.

#KindlePurchase

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A FAST FUN MESSY READ

My Secret Ex is a high-stakes emotional thriller soaked in deception, trauma, and just enough chaos to keep you furiously turning pages.

The story follows Marissa, a woman trying to rebuild her life while dodging the shadow of her violent ex. Things heat up when Marissa starts dating Dermot, a man so deeply in his own issues. The betrayal, blackmail, and typical Hurst tropes and over the top antics had me invested.

Marissa is a good MC—flawed, and overwhelmed. Dermot is annoying sometimes because he is so out of control of his own life course.

The ending delivers an emotional payoff and just enough closure, though honestly I wanted the ending to hit harder. Overall one of the better Hurst books IMO.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marissa is off on a date
Dermot is going on the same date
Marissa knows the baggage and past she is bringing to any potential love interest
Dermot hasn’t a clue
Until he does and then he is wishing he never clicked on Marissa’s profile, as much as he likes her he has opened the biggest can of worms
As DH does best, ordinary people trying to have ordinary days become involved in something extraordinary that they don’t see happening and by the time they do its too late and they are past being able to walk away
A dark tense story, as always more than readable from this unstoppable author
Great read

[Amanda Maio · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘My Secret Ex’ by Danial Hurst was an easy read and even though I enjoyed it I found it a bit of a struggle in some places hence the 4 stars instead of 5.
I think for me the way Marisa is treated at the Police station just doesn’t ring true and the way she can just go to Dermot’s house without the Police checking him and the house out is totally unbelievable. I liked the twist at the end, (I didn’t see that coming) was in my opinion a good way to end the book.
I would definitely read another Danial Hurst book because I have read some good reviews about some of the other titles he has written.

[Pheadra · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting premise for a story this tells the tale of Marissa, ex-girlfriend of Carlton, a feared and hardened criminal serving time. They share a son, seven year old George.
On a first date via a dating app, Marissa meets a gambling addict, Dermott, who, though supposedly cured of his addiction, still owes a loan shark, Serge, a sizeable amount of money. Dermott is surprised when Serge is willing to wipe Dermott's debt clean if he is sent a photo of Dermott and Marissa in bed.
The story ramps up when a prison break sees Carlton on the run, but unfortunately too many implausible scenarios affected the rating. 3 and a half stars

[Christine Abruzzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author!

As always, I loved this book. Daniel Hurst has yet to write a bad book. This story revolves around Marissa, Dermot and Carlton. Marissa is a single Mom & the father is in prison and the whole town talks about her behind her back. She meets Dermot and they begin dating. Now, with Carlton in prison, this should not be a problem, right??! Even though he is sure that Marissa is pining away waiting for him to get out , he gets upsetting news and this story goes crazy! I highly recommend this book.

[Paula Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Secret Ex is a twisty psychological thriller that keeps you moving from chapter to chapter with that classic Daniel Hurst momentum. The tension builds steadily, the secrets layer beautifully, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out… he hits you with a surprising twist at the end.

It’s fast, addictive, and exactly the type of domestic suspense read I always expect from him — tight pacing, messy characters, and an ending that leaves you nodding like, “Okay, that was good.”

If you love a quick, twist-filled thriller that keeps you guessing, this one is a solid win.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to each release of a Hurst psychological thriller with great anticipation, and read this one in a day. Marissa has a 7 year old son and has decided to start dating with her ex-partner now in prison. Little does she realize when she meets Dermit it is going to draw her ex back Into her life. This plot comes together with breakneck speed and keeps you guessing until the very end. When is the next book coming out? Not soon enough!

[karin whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marissa is ready to move on from her past, The boyfriend from hell but the father of her son, George. She meets Dermot and finds an instant connect with him. But once again the fates step in and the relationship turns messy. Seem the ex, is pulling strings from inside prison willing to do anything and everything he can to destroy any relationships. Carlton is the ex with a determination to ruin Marrisa's life. Fast paced, well written as all of Daniels Hursts' books. A breath-taking read.