Private Show

by Ashlynn Rager

He’s her brother’s best friend. Her new roommate. The one man she should definitely not fall for.

After escaping a dark past, Judith is just trying to survive—night by night, shift by shift, secret by secret. But when her ex kicks her out, She has nowhere else to go. Judith’s older brother Wes offers her a room in his house; she's forced into close quarters with Russ—ex-Marine, cybersecurity expert, and her brother’s best friend.

He’s quiet. Controlled. Impossible to read. But Judith can feel him watching her when he thinks she’s not looking—just like she watches him. There’s something about Russ. Something that makes her feel safe… and seen.

Their connection burns slow but hot, complicated by secrets, shared walls, and the unspoken rules between them. As their lives entangle and danger from Judith’s past resurfaces, she begins to crave more than just safety. She wants Russ—but getting close means risking everything. Judith must choose—stay hidden in the life she’s always known, or risk everything for the love she never believed she deserved.

She’s messy. He’s disciplined. They were never supposed to fall in love.

But some things are worth breaking the rules for.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2025

Reviews

[Elia. K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read, the characters have good depth and character! I really enjoyed the plot and how the book was so well written! The author is super nice! 4 stars!

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to read this book early as a beta reader and I really enjoyed it.

I’d say there are two main plots working together and they both were well done. The first, Judith’s past. I won’t give details, but I thought the handling of everything she’s been through was (1) so authentic and realistic and (2) honest without being overly graphic. Her choices made sense for her experiences. And she was able to work through and make those choices for herself.

Which brings me to the second main plot, Judith’s relationship with Russ. Their relationship was not too insta-love. They had good conversations and got to know each other before diving in headfirst. Russ is a good guy and a fixer, but he is respectful enough to step back and let Judith do what she needs to do. He doesn’t make demands of her or push her. I loved that. Wes was a great supporting character who just wanted what was best for everyone, but wasn’t going about it the right way. It was nice to see his relationships with both Judith and Russ evolve.

This book does cover some heavy topics, but I think they’re covered respectfully and realistically without being graphic. Plus you get an HEA without everything being perfect, which makes it even more realistic. Would definitely recommend checking this one out.

[HannahMReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this story was real and raw and handled tough topics with grace. It didn’t act like trauma could just immediately be healed and didn’t pass judgement on the different ways people cope. It told a slow burn love story that involved support from the MMC without him claiming he could just wipe the past away. He embraced her as she was. I did at times struggle with timing in some scenes though. Like it didn’t always make sense the time of day certain things happened or how they played out. That could be a sign of my not focusing well, but it did take away from overall enjoyment for me.

[Jessika S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great read, Ashlynn had written amazing character depth and the individual growth. The plot had me hooked from the beginning!! I would say there was two main plots working together in the main focus of the book and they were very well done and written. It was a bit of a slow burn but I couldn't put the book down!

[Olivia Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I loved the characters, I love the growth that took place for the FMC, and I loved the way Russ loved her through her trauma. The plot was good & the depth was enjoyable for me.

[Ashley Dicou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beta read, i can't wait for it to come out so others can read it.

[Bear_reads_romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute book and kind of a slow burn but I liked it alot!

[Hannah Marie Hoskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as an ARC and I really enjoyed it! I made my husband read it too and he loved it and gave it 5stars and is not a reader!!

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad!

I really enjoyed this. It was surprisingly light and a slow burn! I read it in one sitting! A short read and to new beginnings!

[Gonkarnue Koyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet story

I really enjoyed the story. It was written well. I feel like it was missing some details but overall it was a quick, easy and heartwarming read.

[Desire Cameron · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting something completely different for this based on the synopsis. Also, TRIGGER WARNING! That should have definitely mentioned in the beginning of the book for some of the plot points and events that happened.

Super quick read, there were quite a few grammatical errors and that’s one of my pet peeves for reading 😅😩 I enjoyed the tension that built between the MCs, but my goodness the communication issue between them frustrated me so much.

I really enjoyed how the author talked about the FMCs trauma and working through that. It was done well and was done realistically not just wham bam healed from something majorly traumatic. 2.5⭐️

[Joanna ✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed. I cried . I felt giddy. I went through every emotion with this one and I would gladly go through them again. It gives touch her and die vibes l. The way Russ protects Judith like I want that kind of love . In the end that she willingly decided to change her life because a man helped her feel deserving of more is just amazing.