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The Burke Brothers #1
Dirty Secret
Conner Burke never expected Sofie Callahan to come back.
Where she’s been for the last two and half years is a mystery, and so is the reason she left in the first place. Now, though, she’s back in their hometown of Shelton Bay, South Carolina, at the same time Conner’s band Dirty B. is home on a tour break.
Sofie Callahan has spent the months since her father’s death avoiding anything to do with her hometown. But with her brother in Afghanistan, she has no choice but to return and sort out her father’s house, even if it means facing the boy she fell in love with and revealing the reason she left.
Conner has questions, and when his broken heart and her guilty one collide, Sofie has to start answering them. Their present is rocky, their future unknown. Only one thing is certain: Sofie’s daughter will change everything.
Where she’s been for the last two and half years is a mystery, and so is the reason she left in the first place. Now, though, she’s back in their hometown of Shelton Bay, South Carolina, at the same time Conner’s band Dirty B. is home on a tour break.
Sofie Callahan has spent the months since her father’s death avoiding anything to do with her hometown. But with her brother in Afghanistan, she has no choice but to return and sort out her father’s house, even if it means facing the boy she fell in love with and revealing the reason she left.
Conner has questions, and when his broken heart and her guilty one collide, Sofie has to start answering them. Their present is rocky, their future unknown. Only one thing is certain: Sofie’s daughter will change everything.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
265 people are currently reading
4790 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hart
129 books7,564 followersEmma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels and has been translated into several different languages. She first put fingers to keys at the age of eighteen after her husband told her she read too much and should write her own.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
May 10, 2015
3,5 Secretive Stars.
Sophie and Connor fell in love when they were younger. And then Sophie run away leaving Connor with a broken heart.
Now, a few years later Sophie is back at their hometown and Connor is now a famous rock star that coincidentally is in town, spending some time between tours with his family.
Only two to find out that Sophie had a secret reason to leave and that reason forces them to face each other again. Their feelings are not forgotten, but how can Connor overcome everything that Sophie hid from him?
Despite this had been a nice reading, I had some issues with the plot. I had no problem with the secret… second chance romances are my favorite and I love hidden pregnancies when they story is well developed and has fundament. So this is where my problem lies: I loved the fact of the couple reuniting again… I hated the heroine’s attitude over everything. It was a secret that SHE kept, a situation that SHE created and yet, only after halfway through the book she starts to realized that maybe she has a lot of fault and everyone has the right to judge her. Not to mention the reason she gave for what she did was pretty stupid. For that reason only I can’t rate this book higher.
However, if you like me like second-chance romance, with hot and sweet rock-star heroes, with steamy and heartwarming moments give this book a try. You may love it!
Rating: 3,5 Stars.
Characters Development: Despite not disliking the characters I must confess that they were an issue for me. Sophie annoyed the hell out of me, her disregarding attitude when people confronted about her actions (that were completely her fault) didn’t sit well with me. She did get better but by that point I was already too mad at her. Connor was good and I believe the author described pretty well his fight between his feelings for the heroine and for what she had done. I could feel his torn emotions and it was one of the best parts of the book. The supporting characters were niece enough, I’ll probably end up reading the rest of the brother’s stories.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Sophie and Connor fell in love when they were younger. And then Sophie run away leaving Connor with a broken heart.
Now, a few years later Sophie is back at their hometown and Connor is now a famous rock star that coincidentally is in town, spending some time between tours with his family.
Only two to find out that Sophie had a secret reason to leave and that reason forces them to face each other again. Their feelings are not forgotten, but how can Connor overcome everything that Sophie hid from him?
Despite this had been a nice reading, I had some issues with the plot. I had no problem with the secret… second chance romances are my favorite and I love hidden pregnancies when they story is well developed and has fundament. So this is where my problem lies: I loved the fact of the couple reuniting again… I hated the heroine’s attitude over everything. It was a secret that SHE kept, a situation that SHE created and yet, only after halfway through the book she starts to realized that maybe she has a lot of fault and everyone has the right to judge her. Not to mention the reason she gave for what she did was pretty stupid. For that reason only I can’t rate this book higher.
However, if you like me like second-chance romance, with hot and sweet rock-star heroes, with steamy and heartwarming moments give this book a try. You may love it!
Rating: 3,5 Stars.
Characters Development: Despite not disliking the characters I must confess that they were an issue for me. Sophie annoyed the hell out of me, her disregarding attitude when people confronted about her actions (that were completely her fault) didn’t sit well with me. She did get better but by that point I was already too mad at her. Connor was good and I believe the author described pretty well his fight between his feelings for the heroine and for what she had done. I could feel his torn emotions and it was one of the best parts of the book. The supporting characters were niece enough, I’ll probably end up reading the rest of the brother’s stories.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
December 4, 2014
I always find it difficult to read second chance romances where the heroine has a child and doesn't let the father know unless of course, the father is violent and abusive or didn't want the child in the first place. Stories with this as the main plot point are usually hit or miss with me. Sometimes, the writing is so strong that regardless of how negative I might initially feel toward the heroine, I end up rooting for her to persevere and get her happy ending. That wasn't the case with Dirty Secret.
My dislike of this book really stems around the heroine, Sofie. Sofie was childhood sweethearts with Connor, the leader singer of an up and coming band. Two days after they made love and Sofie declared her love for Connor, she disappeared with no explanation leaving Connor devastated.
Two and half years later, after the death of her father, she returns to her hometown with her daughter, Mila. Of course, Connor, now a famous rock star, is also back in town to take a break from the tour.
Confronted with Mila, Connor wants answers. After a period of push and pull between them, Sofie eventuall tells him that she didn't want to stand in his way. She was worried that if he knew she was pregnant, he would leave the band to take care of her and the baby. This particular plot point is nothing new. I've read other similar rock star/hidden babies stories where the mother gives this as the same reason for keeping her child a secret.
While I think this particular reason is still selfish, especially given that Connor seemed like a good guy, at least, there's some aspect of trying to do the right thing and sacrifice that is somewhat palatable.
Of course, Connor makes the point that this didn't have to be an all or nothing situation. He was never given the chance to come up with a solution that didn't have to include not being a part of his daughter's life.
As both Connor and Sofie try to work through this development, Sofie becomes the Queen of Mixed Signals. "No, I don't want you Connor", "Mila should be our first priority", but "Dang, I want to lick your abs" seems to be the running theme. I think poor Connor was just trying to keep up.
But then the real truth comes out. Sofie really left Connor because she was worried that she wouldn't be good enough since she's just a small hometown girl. He was moving into a new world of fame and money and would soon find someone more worthy.
Huh?
(scratches my head)
Maybe, if there was flashbacks explaining why Sofie apparently suffered from such low self esteem, this would be understandable.
Maybe, if there were flashbacks showing Connor as someone who could be potentially unfaithful, this would be more understandable.
But there was nothing.
Even Connor himself was asking her what did he ever do to make her think that she wasn't important to him. I don't think she even had an answer.
At least, she admitted that her reason was selfish. I'll give her that. However, it just made me dislike her even more.
Connor digested this information and still wanted to work things out with her. Yet, Sofie fought her feelings and sometimes, even him.
Eventually, she gave in, but honestly, I wish she didn't. Connor certainly deserved better and I certainly would have liked a heroine I could cheer for.
My dislike of this book really stems around the heroine, Sofie. Sofie was childhood sweethearts with Connor, the leader singer of an up and coming band. Two days after they made love and Sofie declared her love for Connor, she disappeared with no explanation leaving Connor devastated.
Two and half years later, after the death of her father, she returns to her hometown with her daughter, Mila. Of course, Connor, now a famous rock star, is also back in town to take a break from the tour.
Confronted with Mila, Connor wants answers. After a period of push and pull between them, Sofie eventuall tells him that she didn't want to stand in his way. She was worried that if he knew she was pregnant, he would leave the band to take care of her and the baby. This particular plot point is nothing new. I've read other similar rock star/hidden babies stories where the mother gives this as the same reason for keeping her child a secret.
While I think this particular reason is still selfish, especially given that Connor seemed like a good guy, at least, there's some aspect of trying to do the right thing and sacrifice that is somewhat palatable.
Of course, Connor makes the point that this didn't have to be an all or nothing situation. He was never given the chance to come up with a solution that didn't have to include not being a part of his daughter's life.
As both Connor and Sofie try to work through this development, Sofie becomes the Queen of Mixed Signals. "No, I don't want you Connor", "Mila should be our first priority", but "Dang, I want to lick your abs" seems to be the running theme. I think poor Connor was just trying to keep up.
But then the real truth comes out. Sofie really left Connor because she was worried that she wouldn't be good enough since she's just a small hometown girl. He was moving into a new world of fame and money and would soon find someone more worthy.
Huh?
(scratches my head)
Maybe, if there was flashbacks explaining why Sofie apparently suffered from such low self esteem, this would be understandable.
Maybe, if there were flashbacks showing Connor as someone who could be potentially unfaithful, this would be more understandable.
But there was nothing.
Even Connor himself was asking her what did he ever do to make her think that she wasn't important to him. I don't think she even had an answer.
At least, she admitted that her reason was selfish. I'll give her that. However, it just made me dislike her even more.
Connor digested this information and still wanted to work things out with her. Yet, Sofie fought her feelings and sometimes, even him.
Eventually, she gave in, but honestly, I wish she didn't. Connor certainly deserved better and I certainly would have liked a heroine I could cheer for.
January 14, 2016
ARC provided by publishers in exchange of honest review
Secrets.. Let’s face it, we all have secrets. There are secrets that you want to keep hidden and buried , secrets kept to protect someone, and then there are secrets that could destroy and affect others. What if there is a secret that was made out of love and fear and it took almost two years for the truth to be unraveled and exposed? And when the truth is out there, it could either set you free or break you. In Dirty Secret by Emma Hart, be prepared for an emotional journey of romance, first love, second chances, trust, family and forgiveness. They say the truth will set you free and so begins a tale of one Dirty Secret.
After 2 and half years, Sofie Callahan finally returned back home to Shelton Bay, South Carolina. Within the two years, Sofie never imagined she would be back because being back home means that the secret she kept was finally going to be known and the one person she kept the secret from is going to be hurt, heartbroken, and upset with her. Going back home also means facing the one man whom she left brokenhearted. So what is the big secret? A daughter that she kept hidden from the only man whom she loved so much. A secret that she was willing to sacrifice so he could fulfill his dreams.
Conner Burke is the lead singer of the Dirty B. The band consists of the Burke brother siblings. And when the Burke family is back home in Shelton Bay for a little R&R before the second half of their tour, Conner is in for a surprise when the girl who broke his heart is back in town. For years, Sofie was the girl who owned his heart and at the same time destroyed it. Without a word, Sofie left him without giving any reasoning and now that shes back in town, Conner will finally know the real reason why she left. When he finally learns the truth of his daughter, can Conner forgive Sophie for denying him the chance to witness his daughter’s upbringing? Two years of his daughter’s life, he missed out. So can Conner let go of the resentment of Sophie? And can Sophie and Conner get a second chance at love to make it right?
Dirty Secret by Emma Hart was one of those books that will touch your heart. It explores the topics of family, sacrifices, love, trust, forgiveness and second chances. I absolutely adored this book because the emotions and characters were so vulnerable, raw and real. In life, we often make the right or wrong choices and there are reasoning behind every decision. And when we make those difficult choices, sacrifices are often made. And in Dirty Secret, Emma Hart makes her readers see that no one is perfect. We all mistakes and have regrets. There is always the coulda, woulda, and shoulda. And in this beautiful well written story, Ms. Hart goes in depth and focuses on the present. NOW that the truth is finally revealed, can two people rebuild a friendship and love that was lost? Or was it ever lost?
**Review also posted on Four Chicks Flipping Pages**Emma Hart
Secrets.. Let’s face it, we all have secrets. There are secrets that you want to keep hidden and buried , secrets kept to protect someone, and then there are secrets that could destroy and affect others. What if there is a secret that was made out of love and fear and it took almost two years for the truth to be unraveled and exposed? And when the truth is out there, it could either set you free or break you. In Dirty Secret by Emma Hart, be prepared for an emotional journey of romance, first love, second chances, trust, family and forgiveness. They say the truth will set you free and so begins a tale of one Dirty Secret.
After 2 and half years, Sofie Callahan finally returned back home to Shelton Bay, South Carolina. Within the two years, Sofie never imagined she would be back because being back home means that the secret she kept was finally going to be known and the one person she kept the secret from is going to be hurt, heartbroken, and upset with her. Going back home also means facing the one man whom she left brokenhearted. So what is the big secret? A daughter that she kept hidden from the only man whom she loved so much. A secret that she was willing to sacrifice so he could fulfill his dreams.
Conner Burke is the lead singer of the Dirty B. The band consists of the Burke brother siblings. And when the Burke family is back home in Shelton Bay for a little R&R before the second half of their tour, Conner is in for a surprise when the girl who broke his heart is back in town. For years, Sofie was the girl who owned his heart and at the same time destroyed it. Without a word, Sofie left him without giving any reasoning and now that shes back in town, Conner will finally know the real reason why she left. When he finally learns the truth of his daughter, can Conner forgive Sophie for denying him the chance to witness his daughter’s upbringing? Two years of his daughter’s life, he missed out. So can Conner let go of the resentment of Sophie? And can Sophie and Conner get a second chance at love to make it right?
Dirty Secret by Emma Hart was one of those books that will touch your heart. It explores the topics of family, sacrifices, love, trust, forgiveness and second chances. I absolutely adored this book because the emotions and characters were so vulnerable, raw and real. In life, we often make the right or wrong choices and there are reasoning behind every decision. And when we make those difficult choices, sacrifices are often made. And in Dirty Secret, Emma Hart makes her readers see that no one is perfect. We all mistakes and have regrets. There is always the coulda, woulda, and shoulda. And in this beautiful well written story, Ms. Hart goes in depth and focuses on the present. NOW that the truth is finally revealed, can two people rebuild a friendship and love that was lost? Or was it ever lost?
**Review also posted on Four Chicks Flipping Pages**Emma Hart
December 4, 2014
4.5 AMAZING STARS
There's nothing like an Emma Hart book. She writes stories that take me to my happy place. It's as if I'm being enveloped in a fluffy cloud or being treated to a decadent piece of dark chocolate cake. The tales she weaves are always solid, the writing’s fluid and seamless, the characters completely lovable and addictive. Dirty Secret was no different. It was thoroughly enjoyable, keeping me engaged and enticed from the first to the last page. A one sitting, devour it read.
Sophie Callahan has a secret. A deep, dark but achingly sweet secret. Two and a half years ago, she left town, leaving behind the love of her life and all she’s ever known. But as things go, seasons pass, and life moves on. With her father's recent passing, Sophie makes a hard choice, deciding to come back home with her precious secret in tow.
Connor Burke, a rock star heartthrob, is loved by the masses. With Dirty B's current tour over, he's ready to get back home and take a much needed break. But home is where heartbreak and yearning reside. It's where memories, both beautiful and hauntingly painful, plague his thoughts. Two and a half years ago the girl of his dreams up and vanished, without a word or explanation. And each day since has been agonizing, questions filtering through his mind like bombs in a war zone. What went wrong? Where did she go? Why did she run?
Sophie knows that Dirty B—Connors band—will back in town soon. She knows that they always head home for a 3 month stretch. She also realizes she's not going to be able to avoid and hide for much longer. And as hard as that reality is, she feels it’s finally time to take responsibility for her actions and pay the piper so to speak.
When Connor and Sophie finally see each other, emotions run wild and hurt blazes like an uncontrolled forest fire. The pain of the past rears its ugly head and wounds, not healed over, ooze fresh with a hearty dose of betrayal, guilt and shame. Only now, it's no longer about them. Now, there’s something much more important to take care of. They have to learn to face a future where they must work together.
They say forgiveness is the only was a shattered heart can be healed. But what if that heart is filled with anguish and deceit, a life that could have been stolen without your permission? What if the very person you loved, the one you gave everything to, has done something so inconceivable it maybe unforgivable?
Connor must learn what it means to let go and truly forgive and Sophie has to embrace the fears that had her running scared and make amends for the hurt she left behind. After all life’s too short to let the one who got away slip through your fingers a second time.
One again, Emma always impresses me. Her stories are told from the heart, the emotion behind her words a true reflection of what her characters are experiencing.
I loved every minute of this book. I love the angst which wasn't over done but perfectly realistic. I loved the dialogue, the pacing and the rawness of pain that was sprinkled throughout the pages. I loved the push and pull, the back and forth, between Connor and Sophie. I loved the way Connor embraced his new life. The one he had no that idea existed. I loved the way his relationship with Sophie progressed. I loved the sizzle that that we were given, the emotional connection that the characters needed.
I really just LOVED the whole book.
So if you're looking for something quick, well written, filled with emotion, angst and steam then this is a winner. It was an AWESOME read and I can't wait to get a little more of the Burke brothers. After all you not only meet Connor and Sophie but the other members of Dirty B who are hilarious, sexy and very intriguing.
❤❤❤ FAVORITE QUOTES ❤❤❤
➔ ""His lips, against mine. They're hot, soft, smooth. Gliding over my mouth, probing, pressing, pleading. Desperate, angry, sad, needing. They're everything, every sensation, every feeling, just everything."
➔ "I run my gaze over every inch of her like a man starved, desperate for the only thing that will ease the pain. Shit, she's fucking gorgeous. Even more that I remember. She's not the girl I fell in love with, all awkward and soft. She's a woman now, smoothly curved in all the right places, rougher, sexier.
➔ "Many say that love will set you free, but I disagree... love is a cage, a very painful one; it's gilded bars made with yearning, heartache, and unfilled dreams."
➔ "His gaze is anything but avoidable. It's compelling, pleading, conflicted, like he wants to eat me up but push me away at the same time."
➔ "I do hate you," he growls. "I hate you because you're still fucking mine and I don't want you to be."
➔ "Supposed to. Supposed to. Supposed to. Supposed to never happens. Supposed to is an ideal, something you cling to late at night when you can't sleep. Supposed to is a hopeful heart dreaming of something perfect."
➔ "Sophie Callahan belongs tucked in my arms, where I can keep her safe, lover her until laughter of our forever shows in the lines around her eyes."
PURCHASE HERE:
AMAZON ➔ http://amzn.to/120AqQv
BARNES ➔ http://bit.ly/12pZErs
iBOOKS ➔ http://bit.ly/1yrhbfJ
There's nothing like an Emma Hart book. She writes stories that take me to my happy place. It's as if I'm being enveloped in a fluffy cloud or being treated to a decadent piece of dark chocolate cake. The tales she weaves are always solid, the writing’s fluid and seamless, the characters completely lovable and addictive. Dirty Secret was no different. It was thoroughly enjoyable, keeping me engaged and enticed from the first to the last page. A one sitting, devour it read.
Sophie Callahan has a secret. A deep, dark but achingly sweet secret. Two and a half years ago, she left town, leaving behind the love of her life and all she’s ever known. But as things go, seasons pass, and life moves on. With her father's recent passing, Sophie makes a hard choice, deciding to come back home with her precious secret in tow.
Connor Burke, a rock star heartthrob, is loved by the masses. With Dirty B's current tour over, he's ready to get back home and take a much needed break. But home is where heartbreak and yearning reside. It's where memories, both beautiful and hauntingly painful, plague his thoughts. Two and a half years ago the girl of his dreams up and vanished, without a word or explanation. And each day since has been agonizing, questions filtering through his mind like bombs in a war zone. What went wrong? Where did she go? Why did she run?
Sophie knows that Dirty B—Connors band—will back in town soon. She knows that they always head home for a 3 month stretch. She also realizes she's not going to be able to avoid and hide for much longer. And as hard as that reality is, she feels it’s finally time to take responsibility for her actions and pay the piper so to speak.
When Connor and Sophie finally see each other, emotions run wild and hurt blazes like an uncontrolled forest fire. The pain of the past rears its ugly head and wounds, not healed over, ooze fresh with a hearty dose of betrayal, guilt and shame. Only now, it's no longer about them. Now, there’s something much more important to take care of. They have to learn to face a future where they must work together.
They say forgiveness is the only was a shattered heart can be healed. But what if that heart is filled with anguish and deceit, a life that could have been stolen without your permission? What if the very person you loved, the one you gave everything to, has done something so inconceivable it maybe unforgivable?
Connor must learn what it means to let go and truly forgive and Sophie has to embrace the fears that had her running scared and make amends for the hurt she left behind. After all life’s too short to let the one who got away slip through your fingers a second time.
One again, Emma always impresses me. Her stories are told from the heart, the emotion behind her words a true reflection of what her characters are experiencing.
I loved every minute of this book. I love the angst which wasn't over done but perfectly realistic. I loved the dialogue, the pacing and the rawness of pain that was sprinkled throughout the pages. I loved the push and pull, the back and forth, between Connor and Sophie. I loved the way Connor embraced his new life. The one he had no that idea existed. I loved the way his relationship with Sophie progressed. I loved the sizzle that that we were given, the emotional connection that the characters needed.
I really just LOVED the whole book.
So if you're looking for something quick, well written, filled with emotion, angst and steam then this is a winner. It was an AWESOME read and I can't wait to get a little more of the Burke brothers. After all you not only meet Connor and Sophie but the other members of Dirty B who are hilarious, sexy and very intriguing.
❤❤❤ FAVORITE QUOTES ❤❤❤
➔ ""His lips, against mine. They're hot, soft, smooth. Gliding over my mouth, probing, pressing, pleading. Desperate, angry, sad, needing. They're everything, every sensation, every feeling, just everything."
➔ "I run my gaze over every inch of her like a man starved, desperate for the only thing that will ease the pain. Shit, she's fucking gorgeous. Even more that I remember. She's not the girl I fell in love with, all awkward and soft. She's a woman now, smoothly curved in all the right places, rougher, sexier.
➔ "Many say that love will set you free, but I disagree... love is a cage, a very painful one; it's gilded bars made with yearning, heartache, and unfilled dreams."
➔ "His gaze is anything but avoidable. It's compelling, pleading, conflicted, like he wants to eat me up but push me away at the same time."
➔ "I do hate you," he growls. "I hate you because you're still fucking mine and I don't want you to be."
➔ "Supposed to. Supposed to. Supposed to. Supposed to never happens. Supposed to is an ideal, something you cling to late at night when you can't sleep. Supposed to is a hopeful heart dreaming of something perfect."
➔ "Sophie Callahan belongs tucked in my arms, where I can keep her safe, lover her until laughter of our forever shows in the lines around her eyes."
PURCHASE HERE:
AMAZON ➔ http://amzn.to/120AqQv
BARNES ➔ http://bit.ly/12pZErs
iBOOKS ➔ http://bit.ly/1yrhbfJ
Want to read
December 1, 2014 This sounds good!! Second chance rock star romance!!
He never expected her to come back. No one knows where she's been for the last 2.5 years or why she left. But now she's back... at the same time that his band is home on a tour break. He has questions and when his broken heart and her guilty one collide, she has to start answering them...
"Their present is rocky, their future unknown. Only one thing is certain: her daughter will change everything."
Each book is about a different couple.
He never expected her to come back. No one knows where she's been for the last 2.5 years or why she left. But now she's back... at the same time that his band is home on a tour break. He has questions and when his broken heart and her guilty one collide, she has to start answering them...
"Their present is rocky, their future unknown. Only one thing is certain: her daughter will change everything."
Each book is about a different couple.
Read
October 24, 2017DNF at Chapter 18 when I read "I’ve had girls since, but none of them were her. "
Yawn.
While she of course got none, he on other hand clearly couldn't keep his dick in his pants for 2 abit years.
Eye roll to the tired old cliche. Very unoriginal.
Yawn.
While she of course got none, he on other hand clearly couldn't keep his dick in his pants for 2 abit years.
Eye roll to the tired old cliche. Very unoriginal.
August 1, 2016
Luv Connor he is just sexy luv a rock star
This was just brilliant I really enjoyed it I m actually gutted I didn't read it earlier I couldn't put it down I m dyin for more of these sexy brothers
I luvd the characters Sofie and Connor r just great together well when there not killing each other an not things get in the way they do have to get over a lot of stuff but it's a lil bit harder for Connor I think I m not sayin it's not hard to Sofie at al cause she had to made a really decision an I think I would of done Abernathy the same as her an she was only 19 they were so young an it did break both of there hearts but once there saw each other after so long the attraction is still an still as strong
There was so much I luvd about this book the writing was great it's the first book I 've read from this author but it want b the last like I said I want more if these brother there just hot but there was a cute lil toddler that pretty much won me over that lil girls is just adorable I luv her lil sassy ways an the author did a great job adding her in the story I just luvd her
I would recommend this book I enjoyed it so much an luvd it from the start to finish I didn't get bored but I how I with Connor goin around with his hot body on show haha an was a lil gutted when it was over Ye I just wanted more of his hot body ;) xxx
This was just brilliant I really enjoyed it I m actually gutted I didn't read it earlier I couldn't put it down I m dyin for more of these sexy brothers
I luvd the characters Sofie and Connor r just great together well when there not killing each other an not things get in the way they do have to get over a lot of stuff but it's a lil bit harder for Connor I think I m not sayin it's not hard to Sofie at al cause she had to made a really decision an I think I would of done Abernathy the same as her an she was only 19 they were so young an it did break both of there hearts but once there saw each other after so long the attraction is still an still as strong
There was so much I luvd about this book the writing was great it's the first book I 've read from this author but it want b the last like I said I want more if these brother there just hot but there was a cute lil toddler that pretty much won me over that lil girls is just adorable I luv her lil sassy ways an the author did a great job adding her in the story I just luvd her
I would recommend this book I enjoyed it so much an luvd it from the start to finish I didn't get bored but I how I with Connor goin around with his hot body on show haha an was a lil gutted when it was over Ye I just wanted more of his hot body ;) xxx
January 18, 2022
Evidentemente no me gustó verdad.
Qué libro tan más malo y frustrante.
Voy a dar spoilers soooo….
Tenemos una historia que va así. Sophie es una chica que tenía un novio al que amaba mucho, pero lo abandonó de la noche a la mañana, sin explicaciones ni nada, él la buscó durante meses sin rastro de ella queda con el corazón roto.
Sophie vuelve al pueblo del que huyó, pero ahora con una niña, su mejor amiga le pide explicaciones y ella se niega hasta se porta grosera, a este punto la protagonista me estaba cayendo gorda.
Conner regresa también al pueblo después de un descanso en la gira, porque es cantante famoso junto sus hermanos que conformaron una banda.
Se entera que Sophie volvió y de inmediato va a buscarla quiere explicaciones, ella se niega y lo corre de su casa, aquí ya estaba enojada I mean.. how are dare you? El tipo sufrió por ti durante meses lo dejaste así de la nada, mínimo le debías respuestas.
Después Conner se entera que tiene una hija la vuelve a enfrentar, pero ahora sí no se irá hasta que ella aclare todo, ella confiesa que tiene una hija y que, sí es de él, obviamente él se siente herido porque no solo le rompió el corazón, sino que lo alejó de una hija de la que él no tenía conocimiento.
Para este punto yo estaba miren Rolling eyes, en cada escena, pero lo único que me mantenía leyendo aparte de mi masoquismo, era saber porque lo había dejado pensaba que era una explicación de peso ,pero NOOOOOO, o sea ello lo dejó no porque él iba a dejar sus sueños por ella y su hija sino porque él se iba a volver famoso y tarde o temprano la iba a dejar por alguna de sus grupies y dijo mejor lo dejo yo primero.
Ah, pero ella tenía la intención de volver y de presentarle a su hija porque no es una mala persona, la niña sabe de él, ella le pone sus videos y canciones, pero esto iba a suceder hasta que lo olvidara y dejara de amarlo.
Sophie es de las protagonistas más egoístas, hipócritas e inmadura que he leído, me cayó super mal.
Conner no me cayó ni bien ni mal.
Lo que no me gustaba era que lo hicieran sentir culpable por estar enojado con ella.
No sé porque no lo abandoné.
Qué libro tan más malo y frustrante.
Voy a dar spoilers soooo….
Tenemos una historia que va así. Sophie es una chica que tenía un novio al que amaba mucho, pero lo abandonó de la noche a la mañana, sin explicaciones ni nada, él la buscó durante meses sin rastro de ella queda con el corazón roto.
Sophie vuelve al pueblo del que huyó, pero ahora con una niña, su mejor amiga le pide explicaciones y ella se niega hasta se porta grosera, a este punto la protagonista me estaba cayendo gorda.
Conner regresa también al pueblo después de un descanso en la gira, porque es cantante famoso junto sus hermanos que conformaron una banda.
Se entera que Sophie volvió y de inmediato va a buscarla quiere explicaciones, ella se niega y lo corre de su casa, aquí ya estaba enojada I mean.. how are dare you? El tipo sufrió por ti durante meses lo dejaste así de la nada, mínimo le debías respuestas.
Después Conner se entera que tiene una hija la vuelve a enfrentar, pero ahora sí no se irá hasta que ella aclare todo, ella confiesa que tiene una hija y que, sí es de él, obviamente él se siente herido porque no solo le rompió el corazón, sino que lo alejó de una hija de la que él no tenía conocimiento.
Para este punto yo estaba miren Rolling eyes, en cada escena, pero lo único que me mantenía leyendo aparte de mi masoquismo, era saber porque lo había dejado pensaba que era una explicación de peso ,pero NOOOOOO, o sea ello lo dejó no porque él iba a dejar sus sueños por ella y su hija sino porque él se iba a volver famoso y tarde o temprano la iba a dejar por alguna de sus grupies y dijo mejor lo dejo yo primero.
Ah, pero ella tenía la intención de volver y de presentarle a su hija porque no es una mala persona, la niña sabe de él, ella le pone sus videos y canciones, pero esto iba a suceder hasta que lo olvidara y dejara de amarlo.
Sophie es de las protagonistas más egoístas, hipócritas e inmadura que he leído, me cayó super mal.
Conner no me cayó ni bien ni mal.
Lo que no me gustaba era que lo hicieran sentir culpable por estar enojado con ella.
No sé porque no lo abandoné.
July 23, 2020
Sofie comes back to town after being MIA for two years. She returns the same day Connor, her ex boyfriend and member of a popular band returns home from touring. Sofie is scared because her baby girl is going to shock Connor's system.
This was okay. It had some decent moments, but all in all, this was a mediocre read for me. Sometimes it came off as YA.
This was okay. It had some decent moments, but all in all, this was a mediocre read for me. Sometimes it came off as YA.
December 5, 2014
It was okay... I thought it was longer than it should have been and there was a lot of repetitive internal dialogue. By 70% I lost a bit of interest. Overall, it was a sweet story and I had high expectations but it just fell flat for me in the end.
January 23, 2016
I typically love second chance love stories. This story was well written and I loved the premise. I think what brought the rating down for me was a combination of few things.
First, I never quite bought Sofie’s reasoning for making the choice she did. It just didn’t quite sit right with me.
Second, even though I got Connor’s reasons for being furious with Sofie, I thought his subsequent treatment of her to be a little over the top.
And finally, the bickering/fighting between Sofie and Connor, which I guess was commonplace for them, rubbed me the wrong way. I didn’t find it very respectful and it didn’t really help in the way of making me understand why these two were so perfect for one another.
Overall, though, I enjoyed the story and plan to read about the rest of the Burke brothers stories.
First, I never quite bought Sofie’s reasoning for making the choice she did. It just didn’t quite sit right with me.
Second, even though I got Connor’s reasons for being furious with Sofie, I thought his subsequent treatment of her to be a little over the top.
And finally, the bickering/fighting between Sofie and Connor, which I guess was commonplace for them, rubbed me the wrong way. I didn’t find it very respectful and it didn’t really help in the way of making me understand why these two were so perfect for one another.
Overall, though, I enjoyed the story and plan to read about the rest of the Burke brothers stories.
July 31, 2021
It was midly entertaining, but I didn't like the secrets keeping and everything to do with the whole "leaving town drama". Was a bit difficult understanding the heroine's reason behind everything but it was in parts enjoyable anyway. Will probably continue on with the series if it follows another couple. I liked Emma Harts writting.
July 30, 2021
2.5 stelle!
Il libro è partito anche bene, ma poi è diventato statico, con ripetizioni delle stesse scene che portavano ad una non conclusione. Finito il libro non siamo andati avanti neanche di un passo, perché Conner e Sofie non si sono chiariti del tutto. Ho letto un libro di ben 368 pagine per vedere una coppia con zero chimica che non ho ancora capito come mai sta insieme.
Oltre il danno anche la beffa, perché non ha nessun senso il motivo per cui Sofie tiene segreta la figlia. Non l'ho capito io e non l'hanno capito neanche i personaggi.
Davvero un peccato, perché poteva essere un romanzo molto interessante.
Il libro è partito anche bene, ma poi è diventato statico, con ripetizioni delle stesse scene che portavano ad una non conclusione. Finito il libro non siamo andati avanti neanche di un passo, perché Conner e Sofie non si sono chiariti del tutto. Ho letto un libro di ben 368 pagine per vedere una coppia con zero chimica che non ho ancora capito come mai sta insieme.
Oltre il danno anche la beffa, perché non ha nessun senso il motivo per cui Sofie tiene segreta la figlia. Non l'ho capito io e non l'hanno capito neanche i personaggi.
Davvero un peccato, perché poteva essere un romanzo molto interessante.
December 20, 2015
3.5 stars!
My first Emma Hart book… and it was a success!! :)
I have been following Emma on social media for quite some time. After seeing several of her books’ descriptions floating around, I knew I wanted to give one her of books a try. Since I shy away from any sort of erotica, I was led to this series, which I was told was about a sexy rock star. And how true that was!
Conner never expected to see Sophie again after she up and left two years ago with no explanation. Sophie never expected to come back to their South Carolina home town, but with her brother away in the military it was up to her to go back home and take care of their father’s real estate issues. She was hopeful she could avoid everyone, especially her ex, Conner. However, he happened to be home on a break after touring with his band, and of course they can’t help but run into each other. After Conner confronts Sophie about why she left, she is forced to finally explain herself and reveal the secrets she’s been holding onto for two years.
I wholly enjoyed this entire story, especially the connection these two shared. Second chance romances are one of my favorite romance tropes, so seeing it here was a pleasant surprise. These two were separated years ago due to misunderstandings and mistakes, and to see them now reunited and working through their issues was a lot of fun to read.
With regard to the rating, I want to note something. While trying to rate this book, I was a bit torn. I would have given it closer to 4 stars, but since I went the audiobook route and had a few issues with the narrator, I took away half a star for that. So for this audiobook review, I’m rating it 3.5 stars… but for the story alone, I honestly think it’s closer to 4 stars.
A funny, emotional, angsty read that was a lot of fun to read. I really enjoyed my first venture into Emma Hart’s writing and my first glimpse at the Burke Brothers. I’m looking forward to continuing on with this series and getting to know these boys a bit better.
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
My first Emma Hart book… and it was a success!! :)
I have been following Emma on social media for quite some time. After seeing several of her books’ descriptions floating around, I knew I wanted to give one her of books a try. Since I shy away from any sort of erotica, I was led to this series, which I was told was about a sexy rock star. And how true that was!
“I want him to feel the hate. I want him to wish he’d never met me or that I’d never come back. Because that’s real and that’s honest and that’s nothing less than I deserve.”
Conner never expected to see Sophie again after she up and left two years ago with no explanation. Sophie never expected to come back to their South Carolina home town, but with her brother away in the military it was up to her to go back home and take care of their father’s real estate issues. She was hopeful she could avoid everyone, especially her ex, Conner. However, he happened to be home on a break after touring with his band, and of course they can’t help but run into each other. After Conner confronts Sophie about why she left, she is forced to finally explain herself and reveal the secrets she’s been holding onto for two years.
I wholly enjoyed this entire story, especially the connection these two shared. Second chance romances are one of my favorite romance tropes, so seeing it here was a pleasant surprise. These two were separated years ago due to misunderstandings and mistakes, and to see them now reunited and working through their issues was a lot of fun to read.
“Two and a half years have passed, secrets have broken hearts, and emotions have been twisted into complete messes, but nothing has changed.”
With regard to the rating, I want to note something. While trying to rate this book, I was a bit torn. I would have given it closer to 4 stars, but since I went the audiobook route and had a few issues with the narrator, I took away half a star for that. So for this audiobook review, I’m rating it 3.5 stars… but for the story alone, I honestly think it’s closer to 4 stars.
A funny, emotional, angsty read that was a lot of fun to read. I really enjoyed my first venture into Emma Hart’s writing and my first glimpse at the Burke Brothers. I’m looking forward to continuing on with this series and getting to know these boys a bit better.
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
May 6, 2015
It was a sweet story, but I lost a bit of interest soon. I felt like I didn't know any of the characters because the story wasn't that deep. Just superficial. I couldn't connect with the the main characters and their love for each other. Could have been better
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July 25, 2015
I picked up this book not realising i'd read it already. Didn't pay attention to it. Sorry, but nothing more than 3 stars.
It was soooooo predictable. Typical
Sorry, but nothing more.
It was soooooo predictable. Typical
Sorry, but nothing more.
September 9, 2018
Love interest wants to shove heroine against a wall and hurt her when she doesn't talk to him. Love interest tells heroine to cover up when she's wearing short shorts and when he rubs against her he says that he "can't help himself". Love interest yells at the heroine for folding her underwear and says that it shouldn't be on display. Get a job, you creepy fuck.
May 28, 2019
3.5 Stars
June 5, 2019
Such an awesome book, I couldn't put it down! The banter between the characters had me laughing out loud so many times. You really get sucked into the story. It seemed so real. All the emotions were a real roller coaster ride, but it really showed the love they had for each other.
A second chance romance due to Sophie leaving when she finds out she's pregnant and The Dirty B band on the verge of hitting it big. Sophie doesn't want to be the reason that that never happens so she leaves with no word to either her best friend, who is Connor's sister, or to Connor himself. She comes back with baby Mila after her father passes away and she has to deal with his house. So, so good!
A second chance romance due to Sophie leaving when she finds out she's pregnant and The Dirty B band on the verge of hitting it big. Sophie doesn't want to be the reason that that never happens so she leaves with no word to either her best friend, who is Connor's sister, or to Connor himself. She comes back with baby Mila after her father passes away and she has to deal with his house. So, so good!
August 22, 2017
3 stelline e mezzo.
Lettura carina, bei personaggi, ma non mi ha pienamente convinta. L'epilogo poi .. mi aspettavo qualcosa di meglio!
Lettura carina, bei personaggi, ma non mi ha pienamente convinta. L'epilogo poi .. mi aspettavo qualcosa di meglio!
May 24, 2020
Did not finish hung in till 39% and I just couldn’t continue.
Read
December 10, 2014A sexy, romantic, angsty story that was so fun to read. The boys of Dirty B. will surely continue to keep my attention!
My first foray into reading author Emma Hart was a wholly enjoyable experience. I had so much fun reading this book! It was sexy, funny, romantic and really angsty. The charged push and pull between the two characters was entirely addictive. I devoured the novel quickly, so enthralled by the intense, sizzling but complicated dynamic between these two people who fell in love when they were young, but were separated by time, mistakes and misunderstandings. Second chance romances are my favorite books to read, and this first novel in The Burke Brothers series proved to be a deliciously fun treat.
When Sofie Callahan comes back to Shelton Bay, she knows she has to face a past she isn’t quite ready to face yet. She knows she has to bear the weight of her mistakes. Most importantly, she has to see him. The boy she fell in love with, the boy she ran away from, and the boy she may still have feelings for. But it’s not just that. She has a secret that is bound to change it all.
And sure enough, when she comes face-to-face with that boy, she’s transported back two and half years, and longer even. Flooded by all the memories of their love story. But Connor Burke is no boy now, he’s a gorgeous, talented rock star, adored by millions. And she was about to make him hate her even more.
Connor and Sofie has a long list of issues between them. A long list of reasons to not be together, to be angry at each other. Nonetheless, every moment they are together, they feel an unrelenting desire for each other. They are either fighting or kissing. There is no in between. They are intense, all the time.
Connor is angry at Sofie for keeping things from him, for leaving him without a word or explanation. He doesn’t trust her. Sofie, on the other hand, is full of fears and insecurities. She loves a man she doesn’t want to love… a man who has so many women willing to fall at his feet. How could she keep his attention, his love? She’s drowning in guilt and self-doubt. As they both fight their own demons, they work to figure out what a future will look like. It’s a fascinating dynamic to see as they bicker endlessly then kiss mercilessly.
This is a wonderful second chance romance with a lot of back-and-forth between our two protagonists. I loved Connor. His goodness and love radiated off the page. Sofie was so riddled with uncertainty, that she constantly vacillated on how she felt. I would have loved to see our main characters come together earlier in the book to revel wildly in the payoff, but the happy ever after was wonderful in the end.
One of my favorite things about the book is that it’s an effortless, enjoyable read imbued with a great deal of humor. It was also heartwarming and sweet. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, fun-to-read romance, pick up Dirty Secret and get ready to fall in love with the Burke Brothers–the rock star men of Dirty B.
For more reviews, visit my website at Vilma's Book Blog and connect with me on Facebook.
My first foray into reading author Emma Hart was a wholly enjoyable experience. I had so much fun reading this book! It was sexy, funny, romantic and really angsty. The charged push and pull between the two characters was entirely addictive. I devoured the novel quickly, so enthralled by the intense, sizzling but complicated dynamic between these two people who fell in love when they were young, but were separated by time, mistakes and misunderstandings. Second chance romances are my favorite books to read, and this first novel in The Burke Brothers series proved to be a deliciously fun treat.
“You guys rose to fame the way you and I fell in love. We were all too caught up in the whirlwind.”
When Sofie Callahan comes back to Shelton Bay, she knows she has to face a past she isn’t quite ready to face yet. She knows she has to bear the weight of her mistakes. Most importantly, she has to see him. The boy she fell in love with, the boy she ran away from, and the boy she may still have feelings for. But it’s not just that. She has a secret that is bound to change it all.
“I watch my secret, my darling little skeleton in the closet, and know it’s about to be over.”
And sure enough, when she comes face-to-face with that boy, she’s transported back two and half years, and longer even. Flooded by all the memories of their love story. But Connor Burke is no boy now, he’s a gorgeous, talented rock star, adored by millions. And she was about to make him hate her even more.
“I want him to feel the hate. I want him to wish he’d never met me or that I’d never come back. Because that’s real and that’s honest and that’s nothing less than I deserve.”
Connor and Sofie has a long list of issues between them. A long list of reasons to not be together, to be angry at each other. Nonetheless, every moment they are together, they feel an unrelenting desire for each other. They are either fighting or kissing. There is no in between. They are intense, all the time.
“… beneath the lies and secrets and harsh words carelessly thrown, there’s still us there.”
Connor is angry at Sofie for keeping things from him, for leaving him without a word or explanation. He doesn’t trust her. Sofie, on the other hand, is full of fears and insecurities. She loves a man she doesn’t want to love… a man who has so many women willing to fall at his feet. How could she keep his attention, his love? She’s drowning in guilt and self-doubt. As they both fight their own demons, they work to figure out what a future will look like. It’s a fascinating dynamic to see as they bicker endlessly then kiss mercilessly.
“Two and a half years have passed, secrets have broken hearts, and emotions have been twisted into complete messes, but nothing has changed.”
This is a wonderful second chance romance with a lot of back-and-forth between our two protagonists. I loved Connor. His goodness and love radiated off the page. Sofie was so riddled with uncertainty, that she constantly vacillated on how she felt. I would have loved to see our main characters come together earlier in the book to revel wildly in the payoff, but the happy ever after was wonderful in the end.
One of my favorite things about the book is that it’s an effortless, enjoyable read imbued with a great deal of humor. It was also heartwarming and sweet. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, fun-to-read romance, pick up Dirty Secret and get ready to fall in love with the Burke Brothers–the rock star men of Dirty B.
“It’s you, Sof. You know that. It’s always been you and it always will be.”
For more reviews, visit my website at Vilma's Book Blog and connect with me on Facebook.
December 1, 2014
Sofie Callahan has just returned to her hometown with a secret. Connor Burke has also just returned to that same hometown for a one month break from touring with his band... he and his band of brothers comprise the world famous Dirty B. The former teenage sweethearts, separated by one secret and a whole lot of things left unsaid, make for one tumultuous and rocky reunion now two years later. Emma Hart's Dirty Secret is what happens when a rock star romance meets a second chance romance with one dirty little secret thrown into the mix. Entertaining and as sweet as it is dramatic, Dirty Secret is the perfect sort of contemporary romance readers will devour.
This was my first Emma Hart book and I really enjoyed her writing. The only exception to that was my disconnect with the characters' southern drawl. It might just be a matter of personal taste, but as a New Yorker, I was consistently taken out of the story with the excessive use of the "ya'lls" and the "ain'ts" used in the dialogue and inner monologue. I can't decide if I felt like it was overused or if it's just my Yankee ear repelling the use of the words, but either way, it gave me pause. With that said, it didn't discount how much I enjoyed Hart's writing. The voice she gave to each of her characters felt very consistent with their personalities. With the exception of the twang, the dialogue felt very natural and real.
I'm a serious lover of angst. I crave a story where angst and tension drive the plot. While there is no shortage of tension and drama in this volatile relationship, the dual points of view don't leave much room for angsty misunderstanding. I missed that. You always know precisely what each character is thinking and what they want. Of course, there's much to be said about the secrecy and evasive dynamic between Sofie and Connor. They're rarely on the same page, pushing and pulling like magnets, never saying what they should. With years of secrecy and distrust between them, the road to happily ever after is an uncertain one.
With Connor's profession as a superstar, the media interference plays a significant role in this story. Not only are Connor and Sofie struggling to figure out their new dynamic after discovering the secret Sofie has been hiding, they're suddenly navigating the terrain of reuniting under the spotlight of the paparazzi. Familial relationships, friendships and trouble-stirring external characters all play a role in driving this plot. Connor and Sofie are magnetic characters, as are the rest of the brothers in the band. Connor's mannerisms, his sexy little gestures and whispers... he's adorable and completely captivating. Sofie is feisty and bold, but still very genuine and vulnerable. Together, they are on fire. Everything in this story works so well together, yet I felt like I was missing... something. With that said, I enjoyed this story and in certain that Dirty Secret is precisely the type of story contemporary romance readers will eat right up. While I left this story feeling slightly underwhelmed, I'm so looking forward to reading more by Emma Hart.
This was my first Emma Hart book and I really enjoyed her writing. The only exception to that was my disconnect with the characters' southern drawl. It might just be a matter of personal taste, but as a New Yorker, I was consistently taken out of the story with the excessive use of the "ya'lls" and the "ain'ts" used in the dialogue and inner monologue. I can't decide if I felt like it was overused or if it's just my Yankee ear repelling the use of the words, but either way, it gave me pause. With that said, it didn't discount how much I enjoyed Hart's writing. The voice she gave to each of her characters felt very consistent with their personalities. With the exception of the twang, the dialogue felt very natural and real.
I'm a serious lover of angst. I crave a story where angst and tension drive the plot. While there is no shortage of tension and drama in this volatile relationship, the dual points of view don't leave much room for angsty misunderstanding. I missed that. You always know precisely what each character is thinking and what they want. Of course, there's much to be said about the secrecy and evasive dynamic between Sofie and Connor. They're rarely on the same page, pushing and pulling like magnets, never saying what they should. With years of secrecy and distrust between them, the road to happily ever after is an uncertain one.
With Connor's profession as a superstar, the media interference plays a significant role in this story. Not only are Connor and Sofie struggling to figure out their new dynamic after discovering the secret Sofie has been hiding, they're suddenly navigating the terrain of reuniting under the spotlight of the paparazzi. Familial relationships, friendships and trouble-stirring external characters all play a role in driving this plot. Connor and Sofie are magnetic characters, as are the rest of the brothers in the band. Connor's mannerisms, his sexy little gestures and whispers... he's adorable and completely captivating. Sofie is feisty and bold, but still very genuine and vulnerable. Together, they are on fire. Everything in this story works so well together, yet I felt like I was missing... something. With that said, I enjoyed this story and in certain that Dirty Secret is precisely the type of story contemporary romance readers will eat right up. While I left this story feeling slightly underwhelmed, I'm so looking forward to reading more by Emma Hart.
December 7, 2014
4 Stars!
Review by Natasha Gentile
Conner Burke never expected Sofie Callahan to come back.
When Sofie has to go back to her hometown of Shelton Bay to take care of her late father's house, little does she know that she will be running into no other than her ex Conner Burke! Seems Mr. Burke is there on his tour break. Oh by the way..He’s a rock star!!!
And I stare at the muscles wrapped in a blue polo shirt, a Samoan tattoo curving around one of those muscled biceps. Broad shoulders and messy brown hair styled to look just-f*cked. A jaw dusted with light stubble, lips set into a thin line, and dark blue eyes so angry they’re practically on fire.
Connor Burke.
Ummmm I’m not sure I’m understanding why you would have left in the first place? So now he’s there, she’s back. Oh and their sexual chemistry..It’s still there…
He’s barely turned to face me when his hands are cupping the sides of my face and his lips are on mine. The kiss is hard and angry, the rough way his mouth moves against mine almost a punishment. His fingers tangle in my hair, keeping me against him. I fist the sides of his shirt, taking this sudden assault, as tears burn my eyes.
Just one little problem. She has a secret. It’s kind of a big one, but a small thing..something she can’t hide, no matter what. She’s about 2 ½ with his eyes and Sofie's smile. That’s right Sophie had a baby girl, just one problem she didn’t tell anyone. Not one person, so Connor, well he is pissed, he is so mad that she would do this to him, he doesn’t understand why she would do this. When push comes to shove, will Sophie finally admit why she went and hid the baby?
Not only is this secret front and center; the press has gotten hold of this secret. When this hits the fan, will they be able to put the past behind them and protect each other and their little girl?
Although I liked this book, I found a few things hard to connect to-I didn't understand how a two year old could call Connor "dada" because she’s seen his pictures on television. It seemed the strong bond with him was a little far fetched. The other thing that bothered me, was that the baby had no problem sleeping away from her mother; when all she has known in her short life, is her mother. Other than those things, Dirty Secret was an enjoyable read.
Review by Natasha Gentile
Conner Burke never expected Sofie Callahan to come back.
When Sofie has to go back to her hometown of Shelton Bay to take care of her late father's house, little does she know that she will be running into no other than her ex Conner Burke! Seems Mr. Burke is there on his tour break. Oh by the way..He’s a rock star!!!
And I stare at the muscles wrapped in a blue polo shirt, a Samoan tattoo curving around one of those muscled biceps. Broad shoulders and messy brown hair styled to look just-f*cked. A jaw dusted with light stubble, lips set into a thin line, and dark blue eyes so angry they’re practically on fire.
Connor Burke.
Ummmm I’m not sure I’m understanding why you would have left in the first place? So now he’s there, she’s back. Oh and their sexual chemistry..It’s still there…
He’s barely turned to face me when his hands are cupping the sides of my face and his lips are on mine. The kiss is hard and angry, the rough way his mouth moves against mine almost a punishment. His fingers tangle in my hair, keeping me against him. I fist the sides of his shirt, taking this sudden assault, as tears burn my eyes.
Just one little problem. She has a secret. It’s kind of a big one, but a small thing..something she can’t hide, no matter what. She’s about 2 ½ with his eyes and Sofie's smile. That’s right Sophie had a baby girl, just one problem she didn’t tell anyone. Not one person, so Connor, well he is pissed, he is so mad that she would do this to him, he doesn’t understand why she would do this. When push comes to shove, will Sophie finally admit why she went and hid the baby?
Not only is this secret front and center; the press has gotten hold of this secret. When this hits the fan, will they be able to put the past behind them and protect each other and their little girl?
Although I liked this book, I found a few things hard to connect to-I didn't understand how a two year old could call Connor "dada" because she’s seen his pictures on television. It seemed the strong bond with him was a little far fetched. The other thing that bothered me, was that the baby had no problem sleeping away from her mother; when all she has known in her short life, is her mother. Other than those things, Dirty Secret was an enjoyable read.
December 9, 2014
** TARA'S REVIEW **
4.5 First Love Stars
Sofie Callahan had to run, she needed to give Conner Burke the opportunity that was knocking at his door and didn't want to be the reason he left it all behind.
Conner Burke has spent the last 2.5 years wondering where Sofie had run off, and the reasons for leaving.
When Sofie returns to Shelton Bay, everything in her life will change, and the secrets she has been hiding could ruin everything.
~~~~~~~~~~
So I have to start by saying, I do not know how I never knew of Emma Hart before, but I absolutely LOVE her writing.
This book had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire thing. There were so many angsty moments and I could not wrap my head around where it would all go. There were so many highs and lows for Sofie and Conner, and I could not help but root for them to figure it out and make it all work.
The tumultuous relationship had me wanting to scream at my Kindle, the sexual tension was killing me, but when it finally did happen, boy was it HOT HOT HOT!!!
I absolutely loved Conner, he is my new book boyfriend. His deep love for Sofie was so endearing, his passion for both Sofie and Mila made my heart melt.
"My heart knows I'm hers. I'll only ever damn well be hers. But she refuses to let me be."
Overall, the storyline is very original and refreshing. I enjoyed all of the characters. Conner's brother Tate needs his own story, and I can't wait for it to come out and see how things turn out for him.
If you love a great Contemporary Romance including a hot singer of a band whose words will melt your heart, then this book is for you!!!
I am already checking out other books by Emma Hart, she has quickly become an author I need more of!
**A gifted copy was received by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
4.5 First Love Stars
Sofie Callahan had to run, she needed to give Conner Burke the opportunity that was knocking at his door and didn't want to be the reason he left it all behind.
Conner Burke has spent the last 2.5 years wondering where Sofie had run off, and the reasons for leaving.
When Sofie returns to Shelton Bay, everything in her life will change, and the secrets she has been hiding could ruin everything.
~~~~~~~~~~
So I have to start by saying, I do not know how I never knew of Emma Hart before, but I absolutely LOVE her writing.
This book had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire thing. There were so many angsty moments and I could not wrap my head around where it would all go. There were so many highs and lows for Sofie and Conner, and I could not help but root for them to figure it out and make it all work.
The tumultuous relationship had me wanting to scream at my Kindle, the sexual tension was killing me, but when it finally did happen, boy was it HOT HOT HOT!!!
I absolutely loved Conner, he is my new book boyfriend. His deep love for Sofie was so endearing, his passion for both Sofie and Mila made my heart melt.
"My heart knows I'm hers. I'll only ever damn well be hers. But she refuses to let me be."
Overall, the storyline is very original and refreshing. I enjoyed all of the characters. Conner's brother Tate needs his own story, and I can't wait for it to come out and see how things turn out for him.
If you love a great Contemporary Romance including a hot singer of a band whose words will melt your heart, then this book is for you!!!
I am already checking out other books by Emma Hart, she has quickly become an author I need more of!
**A gifted copy was received by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
November 26, 2015
Another amazing book by Emma Hart. I devoured this book in just a matter of hours. I fell in love with the story immediately. I was hooked, there was no chance in me putting this book down.
Dirty Secret follows the story of Sofie and Conner. Sofie disappeared from Conner's life 2 1/2 years ago. Why she left and where she's been has been a mystery until now. After her father's death, Sofie finds herself in a place she never thought she'd be again, her hometown of Shelton Bay. She knows it will only be a matter of time before she has to face her past and her reasons for leaving.......To say that Conner was devastated when Sofie left would be an understatement. Upon returning home on a tour break, he discovers that Sofie has finally returned. He's got a ton of questions and it's time for Sofie to give him some answers. Will Conner get the answers that he's looking for? Will they be able to mend their broken hearts? Or will a big secret keep them apart???
Dirty Secret is fast paced and a quick read. The characters were very real and easy to connect with. You couldn't help but want to know more about them. Emma Hart has a way of making me fall in love with her characters, no matter how small the role. And she is not shy of writing swoon worthy men and boy did I ever swoon with this book!
Dirty Secret is an excellent second chance romance. It is a story about forgiveness, finding the courage to do what's right and real love: the love that lasts a lifetime. This book frustrated me, made laugh, and swoon. I loved the romance, angst, steam, the secrets and lies.
I am really excited about this new series from Emma Hart. I can't wait to read more and see where this series will go next!
*An ARC copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review*
You can see my full review here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...
Dirty Secret follows the story of Sofie and Conner. Sofie disappeared from Conner's life 2 1/2 years ago. Why she left and where she's been has been a mystery until now. After her father's death, Sofie finds herself in a place she never thought she'd be again, her hometown of Shelton Bay. She knows it will only be a matter of time before she has to face her past and her reasons for leaving.......To say that Conner was devastated when Sofie left would be an understatement. Upon returning home on a tour break, he discovers that Sofie has finally returned. He's got a ton of questions and it's time for Sofie to give him some answers. Will Conner get the answers that he's looking for? Will they be able to mend their broken hearts? Or will a big secret keep them apart???
Dirty Secret is fast paced and a quick read. The characters were very real and easy to connect with. You couldn't help but want to know more about them. Emma Hart has a way of making me fall in love with her characters, no matter how small the role. And she is not shy of writing swoon worthy men and boy did I ever swoon with this book!
Dirty Secret is an excellent second chance romance. It is a story about forgiveness, finding the courage to do what's right and real love: the love that lasts a lifetime. This book frustrated me, made laugh, and swoon. I loved the romance, angst, steam, the secrets and lies.
I am really excited about this new series from Emma Hart. I can't wait to read more and see where this series will go next!
*An ARC copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review*
You can see my full review here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...
April 1, 2015
I received a copy of this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark's street team, in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Emma Hart. As I started reading it, I almost didn’t continue because it had a baby as a focus, and I don’t usually care for books that have pregnancies or babies in it. But I decided to give it a chance and keep reading because I had heard good things about her books.
As annoyed as I became with Sofia and her indecision with Conner and whether or not she wanted to be with him, I did get completely sucked into their story. There was a lot of angst and anger and resentment. They needed to be honest with each other especially Sofie and why she left town without telling Conner that she was pregnant.
Conner tried to be a good father, to learn how to be one. He also followed through on protecting what was his. I wanted to find out what he would decide to do when it was time for the Dirty B’s to go back on tour. Would Sofia and their daughter go with or would he leave them at home?
The times when Conner and Sofia got along and acted like friends were moments that I did enjoy reading. Conner could be sweet and say sexy things. Sofia knew what he used to be like when he wasn’t a celebrity. She knew of his musical talents and wanted him to chase his dreams.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book about these Burke boys, and other books written by Emma Hart.
This was my first book by Emma Hart. As I started reading it, I almost didn’t continue because it had a baby as a focus, and I don’t usually care for books that have pregnancies or babies in it. But I decided to give it a chance and keep reading because I had heard good things about her books.
As annoyed as I became with Sofia and her indecision with Conner and whether or not she wanted to be with him, I did get completely sucked into their story. There was a lot of angst and anger and resentment. They needed to be honest with each other especially Sofie and why she left town without telling Conner that she was pregnant.
Conner tried to be a good father, to learn how to be one. He also followed through on protecting what was his. I wanted to find out what he would decide to do when it was time for the Dirty B’s to go back on tour. Would Sofia and their daughter go with or would he leave them at home?
The times when Conner and Sofia got along and acted like friends were moments that I did enjoy reading. Conner could be sweet and say sexy things. Sofia knew what he used to be like when he wasn’t a celebrity. She knew of his musical talents and wanted him to chase his dreams.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book about these Burke boys, and other books written by Emma Hart.
June 22, 2015
The story starts of with Sophie returning back to her small hometown after being MIA for a few years with a baby in tow.. The first thing she does is go to a grocery store knowing how much gossip she is starting.. See Sophie had a baby by Connor, her soul mate, her child hood love who she left over two years ago and just disappeared without a word.. noone knows she has a child but her dead father and her brother..
She runs into her BFF Lei (also Connor's sister) at the grocery store and when she is asked where she has been her answer is "None of your business". Not only did this prove how rude Sophie is but it made me dislike her that much more..
Not even a day later Connor is at her door step.. her excuse for hiding a baby from him a shrug? The way she made the whole "I can't tell you why I left you" shit up made me think it was something life changing, something drastic happened.. well NOT!
This bitch was so dang on immature and naive, and let her insecurities rule her feelings that her poor daughter missed out on her dad for 2 years! Throughout the whole book Sophie was nothing but whiny and immature. I would have rather read about Connor's assistant and the body guard then Sophie and her secret baby!
August 24, 2017
I can't believe I actually finish Dirty Secrets, it has good reviews so I think it's just me the more I read the more I wasn't feeling anything for these two it just wasn't for me on to my next adventure 🌺🌺🌺
Happy Reading
Lisa
Happy Reading
Lisa
December 11, 2014
DNF 20%. Everything was going way too fast. So fast that you don't what the charaters are feeling, it's just endless dialogues...
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