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His Secret Betrayal
Luke-
He's my best friend's dad, but I want him anyway.
After my last relationship imploded in a very public manner, dating is the last thing on my mind. That is, until I cross paths with Alek Cromwell. One heated look tossed my way, and I'm second-guessing everything I thought I knew.
When the secret I'm carrying becomes too heavy, and the betrayal I've been hiding from my brother becomes suffocating, Alek is the last person I expect to console me.
I shouldn't want him, but the chemistry between us burns too brightly to ignore. Before I know it, he's inviting me into his arms and his bed. My best friend's dad—now, my boss—should definitely be off limits. Too bad I've never been good at resisting temptation.
Alek-
He's my son's best friend, but I want to make him mine anyway.
Luke Parker is trouble with a capital T. He has a reputation for being a party boy, and there are some not-so-flattering rumors surrounding his recent breakup.
Too bad he's exactly my type. He's sassy and bratty, yet he lights up every time I praise him.
But my son's best friend—and my employee—should definitely be off limits. Too bad I've never been good at playing by the rules, because I don't plan on letting him go.
Welcome to Cedarwood Valley where lines are crossed, rules are ignored, and hearts are broken.
He's my best friend's dad, but I want him anyway.
After my last relationship imploded in a very public manner, dating is the last thing on my mind. That is, until I cross paths with Alek Cromwell. One heated look tossed my way, and I'm second-guessing everything I thought I knew.
When the secret I'm carrying becomes too heavy, and the betrayal I've been hiding from my brother becomes suffocating, Alek is the last person I expect to console me.
I shouldn't want him, but the chemistry between us burns too brightly to ignore. Before I know it, he's inviting me into his arms and his bed. My best friend's dad—now, my boss—should definitely be off limits. Too bad I've never been good at resisting temptation.
Alek-
He's my son's best friend, but I want to make him mine anyway.
Luke Parker is trouble with a capital T. He has a reputation for being a party boy, and there are some not-so-flattering rumors surrounding his recent breakup.
Too bad he's exactly my type. He's sassy and bratty, yet he lights up every time I praise him.
But my son's best friend—and my employee—should definitely be off limits. Too bad I've never been good at playing by the rules, because I don't plan on letting him go.
Welcome to Cedarwood Valley where lines are crossed, rules are ignored, and hearts are broken.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2025
10 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Nicole VanAuken
2 books65 followersNicole VanAuken is a writer of spicy, contemporary romances that are character driven, high heat, often fast burn, and sometimes forbidden.
Nicole's debut series, Cedarwood Valley Duology, is now available on Amazon in eBook and paperback and is included in Kindle Unlimited.
A little bit about Nicole: she's an avid reader, coffee enthusiast, and dog mom to a sassy yorkie. Recommending books to her friends is practically a love language and she can not be held responsible for the size of your TBR list. She enjoys reading a little bit of everything & if she vibes with a book enough to recommend it = 5 stars.
Nicole's debut series, Cedarwood Valley Duology, is now available on Amazon in eBook and paperback and is included in Kindle Unlimited.
A little bit about Nicole: she's an avid reader, coffee enthusiast, and dog mom to a sassy yorkie. Recommending books to her friends is practically a love language and she can not be held responsible for the size of your TBR list. She enjoys reading a little bit of everything & if she vibes with a book enough to recommend it = 5 stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
October 13, 2025
Luke + Alek 🖤
Best friend's dad | Sweet hurt/comfort | Bi-awakening | Boss & employee | Broken boys | Swoon
Yes, absolutely yes.
This book had all the goodness of an age gap and best friends dad relationship. All the forbidden, "we shouldn't do this" to "we can't do this again" to the sweetest hurt comfort and working to help each other heal from their emotional scars.
....
"I would literally trip my own grandmother right now and not feel bad about it if he would just put his hands on my fucking cock already."
"It's so pretty, sweetheart."
"Look at you. Being such a good boy and taking my fingers."
"Hey, Luke? ... I just wanted you to know... your secrets are safe with me. YOU are safe with me."
"Tell me what you need, sweetheart. Tell me how to make it go away, and I will."
"So, you're, like, officially my orgasm dealer now."
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Best friends dad
Sons best friend
Age gap (19 years - Luke is 24, Alek 43)
Bi-awakening
Boss + employee
Daddy energy
Forbidden x2 (boss/employee & best friends dad)
Graphic design company
Slutty forearms
Intense chemistry
Lots of eye fucking
Possessiveness
"Make me"
"Sweetheart"
Brattiness
First times
Supply room fun at a club
Good boy
"One time thing"
"This can't happen again"
"Pretty" cock
Unlocked praise kink
"Who did that to you?"
Comfort during a breakdown while at work
Holds him in his lap
Takes him home to ensure his safety and cooks for him
Nightmares
Bear hugs him and rocks him back and forth after a nightmare (full body from behind with leg over him)
Broken men
Alek stashes Lukes favorite drink in the break room before they're ever together
"Will you please stay with me?"
The bossiness extends beyond the workplace to the bedroom
Frotting while recording
Emotionally scarred
Physically scarred
Broken man hiding behind persona
Gently kissing all his scars and worshipping his body showing him he's beautiful and not ugly like his scars make him feel
Alek proposes while Luke is balls deep in his ass
Love making
Aftercare cleaning
Consent kings
"Big guy"
Likes to sit on his lap
Rimming
Swoon
Light somno
Hand necklaces
Vers roles but Alek mostly tops
No third act breakup
Warnings:
Overdose in side character (Luke's "mom")
Drug addicted parent (Luke's)
Luke's brother is marrying Lukes ex (they have worked through the hurt)
Shitty excuse for a mother (Luke's)
Manipulative and abusive mother (Luke's)
Abusive father (Alek's)
Mentions of parents choosing alcohol over their child (Alek's)
Feelings of low self worth (both MCs)
Violence between Luke and his mothers drug addict boyfriend
Lukes mom stands up for the boyfriend even though he put his hands on her and Luke was defending her
Severe scarring on Alek's back and shoulders. He is ashamed and feels like they make him unworthy of love and ugly.
Child abuse recounted in detail on page of how Alek got his scars. He was pushed into a fire by his own father.
Luke gets beat up by two guys that his "mom" sends after him because he wont give her any more drug money. He's severely beaten and ends up in the hospital
Evelyn tried to smother and kill Luke as a baby
Best friend's dad | Sweet hurt/comfort | Bi-awakening | Boss & employee | Broken boys | Swoon
Yes, absolutely yes.
This book had all the goodness of an age gap and best friends dad relationship. All the forbidden, "we shouldn't do this" to "we can't do this again" to the sweetest hurt comfort and working to help each other heal from their emotional scars.
....
"I would literally trip my own grandmother right now and not feel bad about it if he would just put his hands on my fucking cock already."
"It's so pretty, sweetheart."
"Look at you. Being such a good boy and taking my fingers."
"Hey, Luke? ... I just wanted you to know... your secrets are safe with me. YOU are safe with me."
"Tell me what you need, sweetheart. Tell me how to make it go away, and I will."
"So, you're, like, officially my orgasm dealer now."
....
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Best friends dad
Sons best friend
Age gap (19 years - Luke is 24, Alek 43)
Bi-awakening
Boss + employee
Daddy energy
Forbidden x2 (boss/employee & best friends dad)
Graphic design company
Slutty forearms
Intense chemistry
Lots of eye fucking
Possessiveness
"Make me"
"Sweetheart"
Brattiness
First times
Supply room fun at a club
Good boy
"One time thing"
"This can't happen again"
"Pretty" cock
Unlocked praise kink
"Who did that to you?"
Comfort during a breakdown while at work
Holds him in his lap
Takes him home to ensure his safety and cooks for him
Nightmares
Bear hugs him and rocks him back and forth after a nightmare (full body from behind with leg over him)
Broken men
Alek stashes Lukes favorite drink in the break room before they're ever together
"Will you please stay with me?"
The bossiness extends beyond the workplace to the bedroom
Frotting while recording
Emotionally scarred
Physically scarred
Broken man hiding behind persona
Gently kissing all his scars and worshipping his body showing him he's beautiful and not ugly like his scars make him feel
Alek proposes while Luke is balls deep in his ass
Love making
Aftercare cleaning
Consent kings
"Big guy"
Likes to sit on his lap
Rimming
Swoon
Light somno
Hand necklaces
Vers roles but Alek mostly tops
No third act breakup
Warnings:
Overdose in side character (Luke's "mom")
Drug addicted parent (Luke's)
Luke's brother is marrying Lukes ex (they have worked through the hurt)
Shitty excuse for a mother (Luke's)
Manipulative and abusive mother (Luke's)
Abusive father (Alek's)
Mentions of parents choosing alcohol over their child (Alek's)
Feelings of low self worth (both MCs)
Violence between Luke and his mothers drug addict boyfriend
Lukes mom stands up for the boyfriend even though he put his hands on her and Luke was defending her
Severe scarring on Alek's back and shoulders. He is ashamed and feels like they make him unworthy of love and ugly.
Child abuse recounted in detail on page of how Alek got his scars. He was pushed into a fire by his own father.
Luke gets beat up by two guys that his "mom" sends after him because he wont give her any more drug money. He's severely beaten and ends up in the hospital
Evelyn tried to smother and kill Luke as a baby
September 3, 2025
Honestly in the first book Luke was the villain- treated Maddie horribly and before leaving for a big job was at a house party where snuck off and caught kissing g another girl. This book goes into his story and yes villain- but it’s true they all have a back story! MM and hearing how Luke had it, his underline feelings got some redemption but my heart went to Alek. The writing was in a way that one horrid moment was cushioned where still horrifying but you could take it- the first book was good with awesome smut, this one still interesting smut with a power punch for emotions. Hard issues, pain, and growth- loved!
September 19, 2025
When I say I loved these characters, I mean it with my whole heart. It's honestly a little hard for me to review this book, since I felt the MCs and their story so intensely and we share some very heavy experiences at some level 🥺
Alek is the father of Luke's best friend. But that's not enough for the complicated relationship they have, since Luke starts to work in Alek's firm, making him his boss. What an explosive combination you think? You have no idea 😏
Like I said, the background stories of both of the MCs are tough ones, so please check the tw-list like always.
This author writes excellently, and I really mean that. The dialogues are deep when they need to be, but also can be so funny and sɛxy at times. I went through so many emotions at once, it's crazy 💥
This one is a favorite from this month for sure 🥰
Alek is the father of Luke's best friend. But that's not enough for the complicated relationship they have, since Luke starts to work in Alek's firm, making him his boss. What an explosive combination you think? You have no idea 😏
Like I said, the background stories of both of the MCs are tough ones, so please check the tw-list like always.
This author writes excellently, and I really mean that. The dialogues are deep when they need to be, but also can be so funny and sɛxy at times. I went through so many emotions at once, it's crazy 💥
This one is a favorite from this month for sure 🥰
August 17, 2025
ARC Review: 5/5. This book is the second in the duology and while it ~could~ be read as a standalone I HIGHLY recommend reading the first book to really get the full understanding of all the character dynamics. So if you haven’t read the first one go back and read it because that one was also 5/5 for me! Nicole, thank you for making me hate Luke so much in the first book because it made his redemption arc soooo much sweeter in this book. Thank you for tying up every loose end from both books and giving Luke the love and recognition he wholeheartedly deserved. This was my first strictly MM book for me and it was the perfect amount of spice and relationship development. I feel like I waited so long to get my hands on book 2 and it was worth the wait!
August 18, 2025
I have one very important word: FOREARMS.
Trust me, when you read it, you’ll understand 🫣👀😂
Trust me, when you read it, you’ll understand 🫣👀😂
August 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Boy oh boy. Sweet Luke. My heart broke for him. Alek was the perfect protector for him. Even though I liked the writing in the book the story didn’t really click for me. I didn’t really feel the romance between the MMCs. Definitely more of a insta lust book. The love confessions were cute but the timing i would have liked to be different and more realistic expecially with what happens after.
“I want to see you. Every vulnerable part, and every inch you hide from everyone else. Maybe I’m selfish when it comes to you, because I want it all.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Boy oh boy. Sweet Luke. My heart broke for him. Alek was the perfect protector for him. Even though I liked the writing in the book the story didn’t really click for me. I didn’t really feel the romance between the MMCs. Definitely more of a insta lust book. The love confessions were cute but the timing i would have liked to be different and more realistic expecially with what happens after.
“I want to see you. Every vulnerable part, and every inch you hide from everyone else. Maybe I’m selfish when it comes to you, because I want it all.”
September 19, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
(For the record, this book can be read completely as a standalone! You will not miss anything if you don't read the first book, you'll just have a more fleshed out image of some of the things that happens)
╰⪼ "Why did you give me a sketch of a man giving a blowjob?"
Shit, who put that there?? We’re supposed to start with the plot!
REWIND
╰┈➤ Plot:
╰⪼ "My secrets are safe with him, and so am I. But what about my heart?"
Luke is just trying to survive, at this point. With a secret he absolutely can’t reveal to anyone, let alone the brother who practically raised him, Luke has never felt more alone. And that’s the way it needs to be… at least for now, at least for a while longer. He’s successfully managed to keep everyone at arms length. Until Alek, that is. Alek, his best friend’s father and now his employer. Alek with the forearms that Michaelangelo would have loved to study… Alek with his knowing gaze, and his dominant touch, and his… We’re losing the plot, sorry. When Luke Parker finally breaks, Alek is there to pick up the pieces… and show Luke that maybe he isn’t as broken as he seems to think.
╰⪼ "He’ll be insufferable if he ever figures out how much I love it when he pushes my buttons."
Alek is trying to live his best life. He’s the CEO of a successful company and the father of a bright young man (even if he has a coffee addiction and a penchant for expensive espresso machines). What more could he possibly want? Oh, yeah… Luke Parker. His son’s best friend, his employee, and an opportunity for something more in this life than his job. It’s fine. It’s no big deal. If there’s one thing Alek has, it’s control. And gods, does Luke look so pretty writhing under that control. Only, Luke isn’t the only one with secrets or a past. And while he finally coaxes Luke’s truth from the young man… Alek isn’t so sure he’s ready to divulge his own secrets.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "My gaze snaps to his cheek, immediately finding the bruise that’s beginning to make me want to hit someone. I just don’t know who yet."
────⋆.˚ ✩ ⋆˙⟡────
Hello? Is this thing on?? The time HAS finally arrived for the reveal of LUKE’S SECRET and if yall don’t think I didn’t have a LIST of ideas… I was determined to figure it out first. And I will say…. I was wrong! The secret was NOT on my bingo card, I didn’t pass go, and I did not collect two hundred dollars. And boy, was it a DOOZY! So worth the wait!
I genuinely don’t even know where to begin. I absolutely LOVED this book. Luke was such a beautifully well-rounded character and the growth we saw was just such a fantastic journey. I genuinely teared up several times while reading this one. It’s so hard not to be empathetic. I almost wish I weren’t an ARC reader so I could full-stop gush over the secret and its relationship with his character growth. But, if you read it… you’ll know exactly what I’m saying.
I find Nicole’s writing style genuinely has such a freshness to it. The pacing is always so well crafted that it flows so breezily for me and I don’t feel rushed and it just never seems to drag for me. The dialogue is always natural and I don’t know, I know romance books naturally have a formulaic element, but this one just doesn’t seem to follow as strictly as we often see in the genre.
The book is billed as Luke’s secret, but there’s so much more to it. We have Alek hiding something from Luke (nothing awful, don’t worry), which I didn’t anticipate. But it added a richness to the plot. I’m waiting for Alek to learn what Luke has been hiding from loved ones, and I’m waiting for Luke to learn what Alek is hiding, and it’ just… they both have their own stories and their own growth. Neither really overshadows the other.
And while this is an age-gap, power-dynamic type of story, I absolutely LOVED that we saw the older of the two have his own struggle. I loved seeing that it’s never too late see progress in our own story, and I loved seeing Luke grow while also being a driving force for someone else’s growth. Like, it really highlights the bullshit behind, “if I can’t love myself, how can anyone else love me”. GAG. HEAVE. VILE.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "Tell me what you need, sweetheart. Tell me how to make it go away, and I will."
Dont’t get me STARTED on these two, ugh. This book bleeds hurt/comfort and I am SO hear for it. As an avid fic reader, there’s nothing I gravitate towards more than a solid hurt/comfort and babyyyyy this book? *chef’s kiss*. I could ramble for DAYS but I feel like I’m under an NDA. After the 19th someone come yell at me in the comments so I can unravel not on my own!
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "On a scale of one to ten, how pissed would Caleb be if I fucked his dad?"
I’m so serious, this book was also just fucking hilarious to me in several spots. I have several notes of me just dying laughing. At one point Luke is considering climbing out a WINDOW to escape a situation and Alek cuts him a look that says, “don’t even fucking think about it” because of COURSE he knew what Luke was thinking lmao. Luke is basically a flashing neon sign of embarrassment at some points and I was eating it up! Also, another round of applause for Nicole’s stellar side-character game. Caleb is absolutely hysterical (it’s funny because he’s kind of “hysterical” in both senses lmao), and Finn is a treat!
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "A sassy, mouthy brat who can occasionally be coaxed into being a good boy."
No surprises here… the smut was !!! Whew, yall… if there’s one thing I love, it’s a gentle dom and his brat. These two were just so spicy and so cozy!
OKAY I’ve rambled enough but I didn’t even get to talk about the family vibes!! His relationship with Jax is just so… AHH I loved their personal journey. I love Luke’s relationship with Maddie considering their history. I love Alek’s relationship with his son, Caleb! And I love Caleb and Luke’s friendship. I HAVE SO MUCH I WANT TO SAY!
Just. Read the book. THen someone PLEASE come talk with me about it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
(For the record, this book can be read completely as a standalone! You will not miss anything if you don't read the first book, you'll just have a more fleshed out image of some of the things that happens)
╰⪼ "Why did you give me a sketch of a man giving a blowjob?"
Shit, who put that there?? We’re supposed to start with the plot!
REWIND
╰┈➤ Plot:
╰⪼ "My secrets are safe with him, and so am I. But what about my heart?"
Luke is just trying to survive, at this point. With a secret he absolutely can’t reveal to anyone, let alone the brother who practically raised him, Luke has never felt more alone. And that’s the way it needs to be… at least for now, at least for a while longer. He’s successfully managed to keep everyone at arms length. Until Alek, that is. Alek, his best friend’s father and now his employer. Alek with the forearms that Michaelangelo would have loved to study… Alek with his knowing gaze, and his dominant touch, and his… We’re losing the plot, sorry. When Luke Parker finally breaks, Alek is there to pick up the pieces… and show Luke that maybe he isn’t as broken as he seems to think.
╰⪼ "He’ll be insufferable if he ever figures out how much I love it when he pushes my buttons."
Alek is trying to live his best life. He’s the CEO of a successful company and the father of a bright young man (even if he has a coffee addiction and a penchant for expensive espresso machines). What more could he possibly want? Oh, yeah… Luke Parker. His son’s best friend, his employee, and an opportunity for something more in this life than his job. It’s fine. It’s no big deal. If there’s one thing Alek has, it’s control. And gods, does Luke look so pretty writhing under that control. Only, Luke isn’t the only one with secrets or a past. And while he finally coaxes Luke’s truth from the young man… Alek isn’t so sure he’s ready to divulge his own secrets.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "My gaze snaps to his cheek, immediately finding the bruise that’s beginning to make me want to hit someone. I just don’t know who yet."
────⋆.˚ ✩ ⋆˙⟡────
Hello? Is this thing on?? The time HAS finally arrived for the reveal of LUKE’S SECRET and if yall don’t think I didn’t have a LIST of ideas… I was determined to figure it out first. And I will say…. I was wrong! The secret was NOT on my bingo card, I didn’t pass go, and I did not collect two hundred dollars. And boy, was it a DOOZY! So worth the wait!
I genuinely don’t even know where to begin. I absolutely LOVED this book. Luke was such a beautifully well-rounded character and the growth we saw was just such a fantastic journey. I genuinely teared up several times while reading this one. It’s so hard not to be empathetic. I almost wish I weren’t an ARC reader so I could full-stop gush over the secret and its relationship with his character growth. But, if you read it… you’ll know exactly what I’m saying.
I find Nicole’s writing style genuinely has such a freshness to it. The pacing is always so well crafted that it flows so breezily for me and I don’t feel rushed and it just never seems to drag for me. The dialogue is always natural and I don’t know, I know romance books naturally have a formulaic element, but this one just doesn’t seem to follow as strictly as we often see in the genre.
The book is billed as Luke’s secret, but there’s so much more to it. We have Alek hiding something from Luke (nothing awful, don’t worry), which I didn’t anticipate. But it added a richness to the plot. I’m waiting for Alek to learn what Luke has been hiding from loved ones, and I’m waiting for Luke to learn what Alek is hiding, and it’ just… they both have their own stories and their own growth. Neither really overshadows the other.
And while this is an age-gap, power-dynamic type of story, I absolutely LOVED that we saw the older of the two have his own struggle. I loved seeing that it’s never too late see progress in our own story, and I loved seeing Luke grow while also being a driving force for someone else’s growth. Like, it really highlights the bullshit behind, “if I can’t love myself, how can anyone else love me”. GAG. HEAVE. VILE.
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "Tell me what you need, sweetheart. Tell me how to make it go away, and I will."
Dont’t get me STARTED on these two, ugh. This book bleeds hurt/comfort and I am SO hear for it. As an avid fic reader, there’s nothing I gravitate towards more than a solid hurt/comfort and babyyyyy this book? *chef’s kiss*. I could ramble for DAYS but I feel like I’m under an NDA. After the 19th someone come yell at me in the comments so I can unravel not on my own!
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "On a scale of one to ten, how pissed would Caleb be if I fucked his dad?"
I’m so serious, this book was also just fucking hilarious to me in several spots. I have several notes of me just dying laughing. At one point Luke is considering climbing out a WINDOW to escape a situation and Alek cuts him a look that says, “don’t even fucking think about it” because of COURSE he knew what Luke was thinking lmao. Luke is basically a flashing neon sign of embarrassment at some points and I was eating it up! Also, another round of applause for Nicole’s stellar side-character game. Caleb is absolutely hysterical (it’s funny because he’s kind of “hysterical” in both senses lmao), and Finn is a treat!
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ "A sassy, mouthy brat who can occasionally be coaxed into being a good boy."
No surprises here… the smut was !!! Whew, yall… if there’s one thing I love, it’s a gentle dom and his brat. These two were just so spicy and so cozy!
OKAY I’ve rambled enough but I didn’t even get to talk about the family vibes!! His relationship with Jax is just so… AHH I loved their personal journey. I love Luke’s relationship with Maddie considering their history. I love Alek’s relationship with his son, Caleb! And I love Caleb and Luke’s friendship. I HAVE SO MUCH I WANT TO SAY!
Just. Read the book. THen someone PLEASE come talk with me about it!
September 19, 2025
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
“I will not make myself resist you just because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t care about rules or what society thinks is right and wrong. I live by my own standards, and I promise turning you down isn’t one of them.”
Luke and Alek are my favorites now, sorry Jax 🤷🏽♀️
Luke had me laughing so much, he was funny and the way he would tease Alek was so good! I loved their chemistry so much. Luke's obsession with Alek's forearms was hilarious 😂
Alek was one intense boss, his jealousy of Finn was petty and funny. I loved Finn he was an instigator and so carefree and wild.
Alek and Luke had emotional scars they hadn't fully processed yet, and the way they helped each other and accepted each other was heartwarming. I loved that they were there for each other.
And Jax, he's just the best big brother, the protector. 🥹❤️ I still love him very much...
I loved this book so much, I got mad and raged at some characters (no spoilers) but there were big emotions and I wanted them to just fk off and die..🤷🏽♀️😂
Caleb was fun!! I wish somewhere along the line he gets a book because his drama queen self will make a hilarious MMC with his coffee addiction and propensity for the dramatics 😂
I've loved this duology so very much these brothers were perfect and deserved the best partners and all the love!! Maddie and Alek were their perfect compliment 😍 💕
“I just wanted you to know…your secrets are safe with me. You are safe with me.”
“I will not make myself resist you just because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t care about rules or what society thinks is right and wrong. I live by my own standards, and I promise turning you down isn’t one of them.”
Luke and Alek are my favorites now, sorry Jax 🤷🏽♀️
Luke had me laughing so much, he was funny and the way he would tease Alek was so good! I loved their chemistry so much. Luke's obsession with Alek's forearms was hilarious 😂
Alek was one intense boss, his jealousy of Finn was petty and funny. I loved Finn he was an instigator and so carefree and wild.
Alek and Luke had emotional scars they hadn't fully processed yet, and the way they helped each other and accepted each other was heartwarming. I loved that they were there for each other.
And Jax, he's just the best big brother, the protector. 🥹❤️ I still love him very much...
I loved this book so much, I got mad and raged at some characters (no spoilers) but there were big emotions and I wanted them to just fk off and die..🤷🏽♀️😂
Caleb was fun!! I wish somewhere along the line he gets a book because his drama queen self will make a hilarious MMC with his coffee addiction and propensity for the dramatics 😂
I've loved this duology so very much these brothers were perfect and deserved the best partners and all the love!! Maddie and Alek were their perfect compliment 😍 💕
“I just wanted you to know…your secrets are safe with me. You are safe with me.”
September 22, 2025
This book was *HOT*. Not only was this book full of delicious spice, but it had an outstanding plot.
Luke is this sweet boy who semi-recently broke up with his girlfriend Maddie in a very public way causing him to be some what of a societal outcast in this small town. He's been struggling to find work, struggling to take care of his addicted mother, struggling to put himself out there again. He musters the courage to ask his best friend Caleb to put in a good word with his dad to hire him for graphic design.
Alek, Caleb's dad, finds Luke sweet and endearing. Alek is openly bi, where as Luke is not. Alek quickly finds strong desires to comfort and care for Luke as they both open up about their past traumas. The attraction is palpable and leads to some very spicy interactions between the two.
Luke has MANY emotional awakenings in this book. It's a really fun, albeit dark journey, as Luke works through the "mess" that is his life.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves dark romance, MM romance, spice, biawakening.
Luke is this sweet boy who semi-recently broke up with his girlfriend Maddie in a very public way causing him to be some what of a societal outcast in this small town. He's been struggling to find work, struggling to take care of his addicted mother, struggling to put himself out there again. He musters the courage to ask his best friend Caleb to put in a good word with his dad to hire him for graphic design.
Alek, Caleb's dad, finds Luke sweet and endearing. Alek is openly bi, where as Luke is not. Alek quickly finds strong desires to comfort and care for Luke as they both open up about their past traumas. The attraction is palpable and leads to some very spicy interactions between the two.
Luke has MANY emotional awakenings in this book. It's a really fun, albeit dark journey, as Luke works through the "mess" that is his life.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves dark romance, MM romance, spice, biawakening.
August 20, 2025
**ARC REVIEW**
Star rating = ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level = 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
"Do you want my c*ck, or do you want to act like a brat?"...."I have to pick? That's not fair."
The spice was spicy and the story kept me on my toes. The instant obsession these 2 had for each other was so good, you could feel it in yourself. I was so happy to learn that Luke got his own HEA after what happened in the first book. The way that Alek and Luke compliment each other is absolutely swoon worthy. While they both have current and past trauma, they heal each other in the best ways possible. This story is absolutely beautiful and even healed parts of myself that I didn't know needed healing. Alek and Luke definitely prove that age is just a number and it's never too late (or early depending on how you look at it) to find your person.
"You are the light in my darkness, and I'm lost without you. I see you too, Alek Cromwell, every jagged and scarred piece you try to hide. I see it all, and there isn't a part of you I don't love."
Star rating = ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level = 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
"Do you want my c*ck, or do you want to act like a brat?"...."I have to pick? That's not fair."
The spice was spicy and the story kept me on my toes. The instant obsession these 2 had for each other was so good, you could feel it in yourself. I was so happy to learn that Luke got his own HEA after what happened in the first book. The way that Alek and Luke compliment each other is absolutely swoon worthy. While they both have current and past trauma, they heal each other in the best ways possible. This story is absolutely beautiful and even healed parts of myself that I didn't know needed healing. Alek and Luke definitely prove that age is just a number and it's never too late (or early depending on how you look at it) to find your person.
"You are the light in my darkness, and I'm lost without you. I see you too, Alek Cromwell, every jagged and scarred piece you try to hide. I see it all, and there isn't a part of you I don't love."
September 20, 2025
It felt like I flew through this book, the pacing and flow were really good and it felt easy to read. It's book 2 in the series, but it can be read as a standalone wtihout a problem. We also get some insight into what happened in book 1, so it's not a completely foreign story.
I really enjoyed Luke and Alek's chemistry and I loved seeing the tension build between them. I loved all of the forearm ogling that Luke did. Alek is such a caretaker, and I loved that he just stepped up for Luke. Luke really needed that after isolating himself a bit in the past months. Both have had abuse in their lives and it was great to see them talk about and help each other heal and come out stronger. I especially loved all the praising that Alek did. I loved the brattiness that came out of Luke at times and his playfulness, that Alek also loved and lightened their time together.
If you're looking for looking for an age gap story featuring a best friend's dad then this is the book for you. Alek and Luke will get you hooked and your heart will go out to both of them and then you'll be happy that they found each other.
I really enjoyed Luke and Alek's chemistry and I loved seeing the tension build between them. I loved all of the forearm ogling that Luke did. Alek is such a caretaker, and I loved that he just stepped up for Luke. Luke really needed that after isolating himself a bit in the past months. Both have had abuse in their lives and it was great to see them talk about and help each other heal and come out stronger. I especially loved all the praising that Alek did. I loved the brattiness that came out of Luke at times and his playfulness, that Alek also loved and lightened their time together.
If you're looking for looking for an age gap story featuring a best friend's dad then this is the book for you. Alek and Luke will get you hooked and your heart will go out to both of them and then you'll be happy that they found each other.
October 4, 2025
“I will not make myself resist you just because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t care about rules or what society thinks is right and wrong. I live by my own standards, and I promise turning you down isn’t one of them.”
^ Page 60.
This book was a mixture of sweet and smutty.
“If we lay down for a while…will you hold me?” he asks. “Always.”
^ Page 231.
I'm glad there was no major break up scene and despite being slightly disgusted, Caleb didn't make it a big deal that his dad and best friend was dating. Very refreshing.
^ Page 60.
This book was a mixture of sweet and smutty.
“If we lay down for a while…will you hold me?” he asks. “Always.”
^ Page 231.
I'm glad there was no major break up scene and despite being slightly disgusted, Caleb didn't make it a big deal that his dad and best friend was dating. Very refreshing.
August 19, 2025
When we first met Luke in book one of this duet I can honestly say I wasn’t a fan, you almost wanted to hate him but after reading this story you can’t help but fall in love with him. Luke is strong and resilient and just wants to be loved and thankfully he finds Alek. Normally I don’t love huge age gaps, but this one is done great. There is no extra added unnecessary angst about the age difference between the characters, they just accept it and that it doesn’t matter when you find your one. Alek is amazing and caring and sweet and gives Luke exactly what he needs to flourish. I would highly recommend reading His Secret Obsession before ready this one, even if you aren’t into MF it still gives you a good part of Luke’s history.
August 25, 2025
His secret betrayal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5 ARC Review
" I just wanted you to know... your secrets are safe with me. You are safe with me." - Gahhh this gets me every time!!
The obsession these two have for eachother is so good it has you giddy, the love that Alek and Luke have is soooo swoon worthy and the spice in this is so spicing in the bets of ways. I love how this is written as you can feel the emotions that are coming through the pages helps connect you to every word.
Both Alek and Luke have some trauma they are working through but they heal eachother as they build their story and its so beautiful.
Also one word: FOREARMS!
" I just wanted you to know... your secrets are safe with me. You are safe with me." - Gahhh this gets me every time!!
The obsession these two have for eachother is so good it has you giddy, the love that Alek and Luke have is soooo swoon worthy and the spice in this is so spicing in the bets of ways. I love how this is written as you can feel the emotions that are coming through the pages helps connect you to every word.
Both Alek and Luke have some trauma they are working through but they heal eachother as they build their story and its so beautiful.
Also one word: FOREARMS!
August 16, 2025
1st person POV Dual
Plot 5/5
Spice 4/5
Best friend dad / Age gap
Second in series but can be read as standalone
My Saturday was completely consumed by this book! it sucks you in from the beginning and doesn't let go!
Luke and Alek both have some trauma to work through and Luke ends up needing Alek's strength and protectiveness while Alek needs Luke's softness and acceptance!!
Favorite quote:
"Every day he spends with me, I’m going to show him how worthy he is. How absolutely fucking perfect he is. I’m going to drill it into his head, and it’s going to drown out every shitty thing you’ve ever said to him. I’m going to build back up the very thing you tried to break, until he sees for himself how strong and resilient he is. Consider this your warning, because he’s going to see that you are nothing more than a cancerous tumor. And when he does, I’ll hand him the scalpel so he can cut you out.”
Plot 5/5
Spice 4/5
Best friend dad / Age gap
Second in series but can be read as standalone
My Saturday was completely consumed by this book! it sucks you in from the beginning and doesn't let go!
Luke and Alek both have some trauma to work through and Luke ends up needing Alek's strength and protectiveness while Alek needs Luke's softness and acceptance!!
Favorite quote:
"Every day he spends with me, I’m going to show him how worthy he is. How absolutely fucking perfect he is. I’m going to drill it into his head, and it’s going to drown out every shitty thing you’ve ever said to him. I’m going to build back up the very thing you tried to break, until he sees for himself how strong and resilient he is. Consider this your warning, because he’s going to see that you are nothing more than a cancerous tumor. And when he does, I’ll hand him the scalpel so he can cut you out.”
August 20, 2025
as someone who doesn't read MM books because there's genuinely not my thing this book i read in 2 days which is quick for me i wanted to read this despite it being a mm because I love the first this was really good I loved how both male characters fell for each other but to start with alek was a bit funny with it being his sons best friend. I felt sorry that Luke tried to fix the bond with his mum, but instead, she used him to her advantage, but things soon ended better. I do feel there was something missing in this book, but im not sure what, but it was still a decent read
August 19, 2025
I love that Luke got his redemption story! I really wasn’t sure how I felt about him after book 1 but everything that came to light in this book totally changed my opinion. I love an age gap, best friends dad story! Alek and Luke were perfect for each other. They each had their own hurt they needed to work through. I liked that there wasn’t much conflict when Caleb found out, there was a lot more going on that it would have deterred from the story line had there been a lot. Overall I loved it and was perfect ending story for the Parker brothers!
Thanks for the ARC!
Thanks for the ARC!
August 21, 2025
Spice rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 ARC Review! 5⭐️’s! Thank you Nicole for sending me an ARC! I love Luke and Alek. This book was written really well and kept me reading even when I should’ve been sleeping lol I really enjoyed it.. read it in a few days. I would recommend reading the first book as well. Hope to read some other stories involving some of the other characters as well
August 21, 2025
this was a very wonderful book i really dont get into LGBTQ+ books but this one was very heart warming and loving yes there was smut in this book tbh I kinda skimmed over that part just because its not my cup of tea but everything else with the book was wonderful this would have been a 5 star if it was not LGBTQ+
September 22, 2025
Oh, these broken boys, I just love them. Luke is dealing with so much but he's not letting anyone in. He's keeping secrets from his brother, Jax and best friend, Caleb.
Alek shows him love and support and truly sees him. Luke does the same for Alek. Their love is felt on every page.
Alek shows him love and support and truly sees him. Luke does the same for Alek. Their love is felt on every page.
August 18, 2025
Book 2 of this duet definitely gives us the answers to Luke’s behavior towards Jax and Maddie in book 1. I’m so happy his secrets weren’t what I thought they were. Luke meets Alek (his best friends dad) and they fall fast and hard into a relationship where two broken scarred men are able to help each other heal and find that they can be loved despite their past.
In this book we see exes, family members and friends, work through their issues and trauma to find love and appreciation along with their happy ever afters.
In this book we see exes, family members and friends, work through their issues and trauma to find love and appreciation along with their happy ever afters.
September 23, 2025
This wasn’t for me
August 18, 2025
Absolutely loved Luke's story. It was so cute and perfect in my opinion. I've been loving the age gap too. Especially who both books make it "normal/okay" in a sense cause it totally is. Age is nothing but a number. Some parts of the book had my laughing(in a good way) of course. I'm so very appreciative to have been an ARC Reader for this book. Absolutely loved both her books. Great read for sure
August 20, 2025
I loved the first book in this series and this one didn’t disappoint either. I felt so bad for Luke and I loved how Alek is a protective partner. I giggled, cried and even got mad (Evelyn). And I loved seeing the books come full circle. 💜
August 18, 2025
I know this probably sounds stupid, but this is the only book I've ever read where one of the turn ons is forearms, and as someone who also has a thing for veiny forearms, I love this so much! As for the rest of the book, I absolutely loved every second and I'm so thankful to my best friend who pointed out this author/books to me.
August 20, 2025
My first ever ARC read, and I loved it. The story was great. The spice was great! I really enjoyed it and for sure recommend it!
August 16, 2025
I absolutely adored this book, and devoured it in one sitting. 🥹
If you’re looking for a heartfelt MM romance with incredible chemistry, just the right amount of spice, and no toxic third-act breakup (hallelujah 🙌), this one’s for you.
Both Luke and Alek have been through so much, and watching them slowly open up and find safety in each other was honestly everything.
Huge thanks to Nicole for the ARC, I’m so grateful I got to fall in love with Luke and Alek early! 🖤
If you’re looking for a heartfelt MM romance with incredible chemistry, just the right amount of spice, and no toxic third-act breakup (hallelujah 🙌), this one’s for you.
Both Luke and Alek have been through so much, and watching them slowly open up and find safety in each other was honestly everything.
Huge thanks to Nicole for the ARC, I’m so grateful I got to fall in love with Luke and Alek early! 🖤
August 16, 2025
An amazingly done MM, age gap, best friend's dad story ! Also an amazing way to finish off the brothers duology. The spice, the trauma, the feels, the healing it's all there wrapped up in a beautiful book. Alek is controlling and bossy because he cares so deeply, and Luke needs someone to see him for who he really is and have someone to trust and remind him of his true worth. 😍
August 16, 2025
His Secret Betrayal is the second book in the Cedarwood Valley series and let me tell you, Luke’s story was just as amazing as Jax and Maddie’s, you could feel what the characters were feeling as if you were right there with them! I DEVOURED this book and never wanted it to end. Luke finally got the love and recognition he so desperately deserved! Nicole VanAuken is a literary genius!
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