Laced With Secrets

Cobblers' Corner #4

by C.B. Wren

The skeleton wasn't just any murder victim—those distinctive silver buckles were crafted by my own grandfather. Now I’m involved in a fifty-year-old mystery that hits closer to home than I'd ever imagined.

My secret weighs heavier with each passing day, especially when I discover the victim was hiding the same secret when they died. Someone killed to bury the truth, and I’m determined to give them the justice they deserve.

But investigating a decades-old murder while hiding my condition from everyone—including my alpha—proves nearly impossible. Especially when our much anticipated Centennial Celebration becomes the perfect stage for a killer hellbent on keeping their secret buried.

Perfect for readers who

Historical mysteries with personal stakesProtective, morally gray alphas with possessive streaks a mile wideCommunity celebrations that turn deadly1970s-themed dance partiesSteamy reconciliations in ruined nestsBaby bumpsLaced With Secrets is Book 4 of my Cobblers’ Corner Cozy Mystery series. Some secrets are worth killing for—but love is worth dying to protect.

Single POV (omega) ~43K words

This is the final installment of the series. This book promises the conclusion of the overarching mystery that has been building in every book, a satisfying HEA, and mpreg.

Genres: M M Romance

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 24, 2025

Reviews

[Christina Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow, this was a really good conclusion to the series. Finally, there aren't any cliffhangers, other than how life is for Leo and Dominic after the baby is bored. But hopefully, we will get glimpses of them in the spin-off series.

I honestly didn't see the whodunit till it was written out. Who would have thought that's who was behind everything in this book?

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the entire series, but must admit I had to go back to book 3 to reread the last few chapters because I had forgotten the context as to where we left off, then was able to jump into this book. I liked the mystery part of it, and made predictions on who the murderer might be, changing my suspect choice several times, narrowing it down to two. Finally picked the wrong one due to a clue I didn’t go back to check, but I was half right🤔. I found it interesting the ways various suspects were eliminated, some of whom for reasons I didn’t expect. I appreciated Leo’s tenacity in trying to discover the murderer, but got a bit tired of his angst and vacillation with Dominic over the motive issue for how they got together. Dominic was always straight forward in his priorities, once he got to know Leo, making his protection and safety a priority, so I had trouble with the lingering trust issue personally, but it helped move the story along. I was also surprised Leo didn’t realize what information Dominic could pick up on through the bond. If Dominic could pick up on Leo’s emotions and how he was feeling physically and through scent, it is obvious he would be able to pick up on what Leo was trying to hide. One of the things I enjoyed the most were all the pregnancy cravings Leo had, always prefacing that the baby wanted it. I don’t ever remember blaming pregnancy cravings on the baby, but I did work well for Leo and often moved his investigations forward while bringing a smile to my face each time.

I was intrigued by the preparations for the Historical District’s centennial celebration fashion exhibit and would have loved the chance to root around Victor and Sebastian’s attic to look at the clothing and accessories from all the different decades. I thought the decade themed dances sounded like great fun to attend, as I lived through a couple of those decades myself, and the clothing mentioned brought back good memories. I also enjoyed Penny’s involvement with the fashion aspects of it, and look forward to his story next. I also hope we get a book for Blake, and maybe one for Jake, to follow up on those important characters.

I enjoy this author’s writing, it keeps me engaged all the way through the stories with fascinating characters and great world building to help create vivid pictures in my mind of the historical district. I look forward to following this author’s future books, and would recommend this series, especially if you could read the books back-to-back since each one picks up where the previous one left off.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.

[Carla]

3.5 stars. Ends with a bang, better than I expect, seriously, but Leo keeps driving me crazy. I don’t understand why he was willing to bond with Dominic if he didn’t trust him. It’s maybe a just me situation, but I don’t get into relationships willy-nilly, and then blame my partner for not being trustworthy. And rh lack of communication… how can you learn you can trust someone if you don’t communicate with them? Argh, he drove me nuts. He wasn’t a strong, independent, resilient character, he came across more like petty, bratty, manipulative character. All readers know he was pregnant, and Dominic doesn’t know, but they both need the bond, so Leo keeps him close to get what he wants from him, but distrusts him and doesn’t give an inch. The mystery and story was great, I just wish Leo didn’t come across as so manipulative. Living with Dominic to assuage the driving needs from the bond, but not wanting him close because he thinks he is ruthless and manipulative. This is the pot calling the kettle black, but the kettle is actually stainless steel, and the pot s the only guilty party here. Dominic is a ruthless businessman, and he will plow through anything and anyone to get his business thriving, we all know that. He’s never hidden it, either! But Leo comes as nice and friendly and everything, but hides the truth from Dominic, wants and receives but never gives. Distrusts and complains, but doesn’t listens nor communicates to solve the issues. I didn’t like him in the prior books, and this one did little to make me like him, but the story is great, and if you can get over a whinny, manipulative brat being one of the MCs, it’s a great story. I’ll read more by this author, because I like their ideas and their writing, I just dislike Leo.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tony Farnden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laced With Secrets is the final part in the ‘A Cobbler’ Corner Cozy Mystery Romance’ series and is far from a cozy mystery romance as it can be. It follows on from ‘A Cobbled Conspiracy’ by investigating the death of the murder victim discovered at the end of that book. It also follows Leo and Dominic as they slowly rebuild trust and come to terms with Leo’s pregnancy. That involves quite a lot of intimate moments.

The book is full of red herrings that lead Leo up blind alleys as he and Penny question all the likely suspects regardless of the risk to himself and those around him. This is all going on as preparations are made for the end of year festivities. The series ends on a high with ‘Laced With Secrets’. It is very tense and full of unexpected turns and dangers. Against the odds Leo’s and Dominic’s love ends up stronger. Just lovely stuff all the way through.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final instalment brings the series to a satisfying and surprisingly tense conclusion. The cold case at the heart of the story feels deeply personal, and I liked how the investigation slowly peeled back layers of the past while raising the stakes in the present. The mystery kept me guessing, with plenty of misdirection and moments where things genuinely felt dangerous rather than cosy.

Alongside the murder plot, the emotional arc between Leo and Dominic was handled with care. Their relationship has been through a lot over the series, and seeing them work through trust, fear and the reality of Leo’s pregnancy added real depth to the story. With the Centennial celebration providing a lively yet ominous backdrop, everything comes together neatly. A strong ending that ties up loose threads and delivers both suspense and heart.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dom and Leo are slowly working out their issues. Leo still hiding the pregnancy and Dom is trying to give Leo space even though his alpha instincts want to take control and Leo trying to solve a fifty year old murder isn’t making things easy for them.

The author created nice characters, very good supporting cast. Although Leo seemed a bit diva-ish, he made up for it with the spicy times him and Dom created.

I had suspicions about who killed Thomas and I was right. Yea me.

The book was a bit slow in the beginning but I was satisfied with the way it ended. The way Dom protected Leo was so sweet. Looking forward to Penny’s story.

I received an arc of this book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the final instalment in this series.
Leo s pregnant with his and Dom's child and keeps putting off telling him. The investigation is still ongoing into Thomas' death.
The first part of the book was a bit of nothing really. Nothing happening and no investigating. I am not sure what I was expecting really.
I do love Jake and Penny and am glad to see that they will be getting their own books at the end of 2026.
Shame we weren't told about the birth of the baby. I guess we need to wait for that in 2026 as well.

[Sara Irons · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing closing book to a series. It kept me guessing all the way to the end. I was shocked I guessed wrong through the whole thing. But, also pleased at the outcome. I can't wait for the spinoff series because all of the characters deserve to keep on going.

The characters are done very well and the world building is wonderful. This story grabs you and the beginning and doesn't let go until the end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm absolutely devastated to see the series end. I love Leo and Dominic. I did not see the book going where it did. I suspected somebody totally different. My heart broke for Thomas Wong and I actually cried when Richard was remembering him. I love penny and I can't wait for your story. I think I have the hots for Sebastian. And I would really like Blake to get his own story. Overall they're serious was amazing and emotional. I would definitely recommend it.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent way to end this series. After being concerned about how Domenic actually feels for him, Leo & Domenic make up. Leo is now pregnant & Domenic is the over-protected Alpha, especially since Leo is getting involved with mobsters again, trying to solve the 50 year old murder of a pregnant Omega. Low to medium angst, well written. Can't wait for Penny to get his story in the new series & hope that Leo & Domenic make guest appearances. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emzy Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story. I absolutely love this series. The characters are amazing. The whole community is full of wonderful people. I love diving into this world. The plot is intense. All the twists and surprise that happen in this book. Watching Dominic and Leo navigate everything that gets thrown at them as well as their bond is truly wonderful. I couldn’t put this book down. I will definitely be looking forward to more from this author!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hea ending for the plotline.

Doesn't end years later or even with the birth of their child, hinting at more Leo and Dominic in the future spin offs.

Wrapped nicely with spice, intrigue and a satisfying conclusion to the story.

Great series and I can't wait to see what happens next in the historical district with Penny's book!

[Cyd Adger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I do recommend this whole series! You will not be disappointed. Once you open it and start reading you will not be able to put it down.

The characters continue to be loveable, and you can't stop cheering for the good guys. Because despite the drama, and uncertainties, the good with trump the bad.

[Karen Sorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I am even more happy that CB Wren is groing to write books instead of novellas. This is the 4th book in this series and it is wonderful. Murder, celebrations, spicey and new love, along with mobsters and pregnancy. What more could you ask for?

[Lazuli · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️❤️
🌶
🥱

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Leo & Dominic

La serie está bien, hay partes un poco aburridas y hay errores pero por lo general la historia está bien. Podia haber terminado mejor, y ese ultimo libro fue más largo de lo que necesita pero es lo hay.