Little Ugly Truths

by Cassidy Cole

Little Ugly Truths is a twist on a dark Irish mafia romance, featuring a forced proximity trope, a morally grey mmc, and marks it as the first book in the Lachlan Park Trilogy.

Working at an amusement park on the coast of Maine is exactly what I need, an illusion of escape. But beneath the laughter and lights, secrets bleed through concrete, and the darkness doesn't just lurk below; it reaches up to drag me under.

I insist that finding the tunnels is merely innocent curiosity, though Preston Lachlan sees through it like it's a lie. His scowl is a warning, his eyes a cage, and he's hell-bent on proving my employment with his family's empire isn't a coincidence.

One month behind his walls. Those are the terms if I want to escape with my life.

I should resist. I should run. It's what I'm good at.

However, his past isn't the only one stained with blood.

The longer I'm forced to coexist with Preston, our truths begin to surface, and temptation tastes like salvation. And I can't tell if I'm still in danger, or if I've finally found refuge in the arms of a man I shouldn't be falling for.

If you want to keep up with news about the Lachlan Park Trilogy, visit Cassidy's website and join the CassCult (Cassidy's newsletter!) for the latest updates on books, release dates, events, and more thrilling content.

Genres: Dark Romance, Forced Proximity, Mafia Romance, Dark

Paperback

Published February 10, 2026

About the author

Cassidy Cole is known for her dark and fiery romance novels. From a young age, she was fascinated by the vivid dreams and unconventional thoughts that played out in her mind. Now, she brings them to life, weaving these ideas into her books.
Cassidy embraces the seclusion of her writing space, where coffee keeps her grounded by day, and wine or beer fuels the night. She lives with her husband and two dogs, finding peace in the shadows where her stories take shape.

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Reviews

[Mandy Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️🔥
Little Ugly Truths by Cassidy Cole

I was completely consumed—started at 7PM Saturday and suddenly it was 4AM on Sunday… and now I’m just lying here staring at the ceiling trying to recover from that cliffhanger. I need the next book immediately.

This story pulls you in from the very beginning with its duet POV, stunning chapter art, and a writing style that makes it impossible to put down. The plot is layered and intentional—balancing romance, danger, mystery, and emotional depth without ever slowing the pacing. Every chapter adds another piece to the puzzle, and just when you think you understand what’s happening, the story twists again.

At the center is a sassy, clever FMC who refuses to be a victim. She’s dealing with a stalker, uncovering secrets she was never meant to touch, and repeatedly putting herself in the path of someone far more dangerous than she realizes. Her strength, humor, and refusal to back down made her incredibly easy to root for.

The MMC is a morally grey Irish mafia prince with his own agenda, haunted by his past and focused on revenge. His world—yes, including a mafia-run amusement park—is both surreal and brilliant, serving as a deceptively bright backdrop for a dark, violent undercurrent. As their paths collide, the story weaves together power struggles, hidden little ugly truths, and escalating threats that keep the tension razor-sharp.

The slow-burn romance is packed with angst, sharp banter, and undeniable chemistry. The spice is intense but always clearly consensual, which only deepens the emotional connection between them. Both characters are damaged in meaningful ways, and watching them challenge, protect, and slowly unravel each other is incredibly satisfying.

The mystery element is strong and ever-present, with twists that genuinely caught me off guard and an ending that left me gasping. This book feels like a roller coaster—dangerous, swoony, and unpredictable from start to finish.

And honestly? I wouldn’t mind having a little souvenir from Lachlan Park to hold onto while I wait for what comes next.

One of my favorite mafia romances I’ve read. I’m so thankful for this ARC and already desperate for the next installment.

[LeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 (million) stars for Preston and Kate
♾️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️

I absolutely loved this book. I'm obsessed with Preston Lachlan and Kate Hannaford!

I love an amusement park setting. It can be both creepy and cool at the same time and I think Cassidy succeeded in doing both. Kate is on the run and has settled in a small town in Portland, Maine, working at the local amusement park, Lachlan Park. After her coworkers tell her of the rumours that surround the park, Kate doesn't believe them, thinking they're just trying to spook her. That is, until she let her curiosity get the best of her. And who does she bump into, while he's... taking care of... someone? The lovely Preston Lachlan. The owner of said park. And an Irish Mobster.

Preston and Kate have claimed a piece of my heart. I really loved the back and forth between them. It was so enjoyable to read and I loved Kate's inner monologue. She was so funny and every time she said something, I'd be like, "yes girl, same, relatable 🙂‍↕️." They both had a past. They both had their own demons they were running from and fighting. Preston may have a hard exterior, but he was totally soft for Kate and I just loved it.

The spice in this book was so good. I loved it. These two exploring each other and getting comfortable with one another was 👌! I think one of my favorite moments was when Preston asked Kate out on a date. He's just dreamy 🫠😍. The plot is so good and I love where we're going and am so curious about all the characters! I also really liked Arden, Preston's dad. And he deserves love too 🖤.

Cassidy, how do you expect me to survive after that cliffhanger?! I had a strong feeling about a certain side character and now I need to know what's going to happen next!! I am so impressed that this is her debut novel because I am sat for whatever she's got planned for the future👏!

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh, I loved this so much. Thank you to the author for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first dark romance ever and I adored it. I was a bit nervous it might be too dark for my taste but honestly, it was perfect. While it explores dark themes, Cassidy Cole does it tactfully.

I loved the premise of the story and the mafia/theme park backdrop. The dual POV was a great choice and kept me engaged in both characters’ storylines. It was immersive in the best way.

I flew through this book because I was obsessed with Preston and Kate’s story. And the cliffhanger??! I can’t wait for book 2!

There honestly wasn’t anything I would change. The spice was on point, and the plot was believable and kept me on my toes. Bravo!!! You killed this, girl.

I cannot wait to read more for you and to keep rooting you on 💕

[Gail Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @cassidycole for the opportunity to read your debut book as an e-ARC. Girl, you knocked this out of the park and I cannot wait to see what else you have in that beautiful mind of yours 🖤

Kate is on the run from a crazy ex when she finds herself employed at an amusement park in a small beach town in Main. One night after a long shift she ends up in a secret tunnel under the park. Kate has been through terrible things in her life but is she ready to face what she finds in the tunnels?

Preston is the next in line to the head of the Irish Mafia. When he finds himself a rat in the tunnels nothing could prepare him for what’s next.

I loved how Cassidy brought these two together despite all the darkness in their lives. This book is dark and hot as hell. I will warn you it ends on a cliffhanger. Book two is not finished so we are all going to have to wait. Hopefully not as long as the Lachlan men have been waiting for their revenge though.

[Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 3.5/5 • Spice: 2.5/5 ➡️➡️➡️ First and foremost, this is not a standalone like someone (🙋🏻‍♀️) thought. This absolutely ends on a cliffy setting you up for another book.


Kate is on the run from her ex boyfriend. She is across the country working for cash under the table when she stumbles upon something she’s not supposed to see.


Preston assumes the worst when he finds Kate. He thinks she’s working for the enemy. She’s there to find his family’s secrets. He couldn’t be more wrong. Forcing Kate to choose between death or living with him for a month to figure out if she’s a snake — she obviously chooses the one where she stays alive.


Being in Preston’s presence and home starts to make Kate feel safe. She’s protected from her ex even if she’s under lock and key. Eventually, Preston realizes she is not who he thinks she is and they both start to have feelings for each other.


Preston’s family is out to seek revenge on those who killed his sister and mother. Their shipments have gone missing. Their soldiers are being murders. They can’t find the mole.


This ends on a HEA, with a cliffy twist. Yes, we solve and clear one problem. The other one? Well shit just hit the fan way close to home.


Enemies to lovers - forced proximity - who hurt you? - touch her and die - abusive ex - broken home - murder - mob families - revenge - PTSD - HEA+???

[Nicole Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Ugly Truths is Cassidy Cole’s debut novel and I was so impressed. This is the first book in the Lachlan Park Series.

Tropes
🎡 Amusement park
🖤 Irish mafia
🎡 Forced Proximity
🖤 She wears his collar
🎡 Touch her and ☠️
🖤 Morally grey MMC

Katie is on the run from a crazy ex. She stumbles upon Lachlan, Maine and thinks that the small beach town is the perfect place for her to hide. Little does she know that she isn’t safe from danger.

Preston is the second in line for the Megalley Syndicate. He catches Kate trespassing on his docks and then again in the secret tunnels. He does the only reasonable thing and kidnaps her to prove she isn’t a rat.

Through close proximity and trauma bonding, these two find themselves in an interesting situationship.

I was absolutely obsessed with their relationship and watching them realize their feelings for one another. The spice in this book was top tier, especially the restaurant scene…ifykyk.

This book was everything I needed from a dark mafia romance. The plot was there and the spice only enhanced it. I loved the dynamic between Kate and Preston. The ending left me 😲. I cannot wait for book two.

Thank you Cassidy Cole and the Author agency for the advanced copy.

[Kaylene Bliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of the writing style and it was a bit slow in places, but over all not bad! I'm interested to see what happens next!

[Emily Doll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want more!! Knowing that this is only book one of what will be a trilogy has me excited. I can't wait to see where we go next after ending on that cliffhanger!! I have a feeling this will be one of those series that each book just gets better and better after such a great first book. I really enjoyed the setup and dynamic of this plotline within the story and the characters. I just kept falling in deeper as I went, and I will happily keep falling.

A woman on the run. The mafia. A dark capture and keep her style trope. I loved it all. Kate is a fun personality underneath the anxiety and edge she carries with her due to the monster she's running from. Her past relationship is truly a thing of nightmares, and the more I envisioned what that dynamic was from her past, the more I was scared for her. The bits and pieces you get of what she is running from make your stomach turn and chest hurt for her. As a young girl in her first relationship, you just knew the toxic path she fell into and the depth of how evil that toxicity ran and why she herself also had to, to escape that. But what she ran into on run will definitely be another dangerous tightrope for her to balance. Curiosity got this pretty little kitty's interest as she travels deep into the tunnels under the amusement park she's trekking into to rescue a patrons dropped phone under the ride she manages. When park horror lore creeps up and causes her to investigate things she shouldn't out of pure wonder, she runs straight into some real evil that is far more dangerous than the parks' ghost stories.

Preston is the ideal son of a mob boss. His Irish gruffness and unapologetic aggression come with a cause that you truly can stand behind when you hear his story. Trying to run the family operation next to his father, while planning the greatest revenge attack in his families history, he's out to settle a heartbreaking score that fuels his icy rage. Crossing paths with Kate in more ways than once has him questioning who this strange lass is that keeps wandering into his business, so what better way to find out than take her captive. But Kate's energy is more appealing to him alive than he'd like to admit and giving her a month to prove her run ins with him were all just by chance and she has nothing to do with the product losses or the sneaky behaviors he's picking up on within his own mob.

Preston and Kate's relationship turns close proximity as he takes her to his estate compound and he tries to hide the real truth as to her involvement from his father who would be using much darker tactics to find out if she's truly involved in the new issues their men have been facing. But for Preston, the darkness in his heart after struggling his greatest loss has some how began to shift around Kate, and he can't help but pick at that new feeling to see why it's there.

Once under his roof, the back and forth of Kate and Preston, and she tries to understand the men she is now living with becomes a true trope of enemies to lovers. Preston can feel that Kate has more to her than a lone young woman caught in his cross hairs by accident, and her seeming to feel more at peace within his walls has him trying to guess why she seems to not want to rum. As they dance around one another, feelings start growing, and secrets start coming to the surface of their situation that can't go unknown forever. Kate is running from an evil she didn't think would ever find its match, but with Preston, it seems she has her own monster that would tear through her past ones without hesitation.

This plot moves forward pretty quickly as Preston is trying to uncover the mole within his mafia, hide his true reasons of why he has Kate from his father, and come to terms with the true feelings he's starting to find with Kate within himself. The spice ramps up in this story in delicious ways. With Kate being a victim of serious abuse, Preston helps her connect back into her desires and take control of her pleasure through the blossoming passion between them. There are several scenes that make your toes curling, and this man's tongue is next level. The balance between plot, relationship development, and spice is all really well done and keeps you moving.

By 70-80% of this story, we had some big climaxes that slapped hard in the action and anxiety department. When old ghosts catch up to Kate and new devotions are put to the test. What does she want for her future? Does Preston want to let go of the cold shackles around his heart and let in something he never thought he would feel? Is trading one monster for another sometimes the best choice?

This book was heavily entertaining, and I was very pleased overall. There were a lot of boxes checked within its tropes and plotline that had me kicking my legs, gasping, blushing, and more. I can't wait for the story to continue!!

[darkreadswithnalieee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book opens with a woman who is hiding.
Kate went from being a nurse with a stable career to working minimum wage at a haunted mine ride in a small coastal amusement park in Maine. She’s not there by accident. She’s running. From a man who trained her fear into her bones. From trauma that still breathes down her neck even when the town feels “safe.”
And the atmosphere?
Unsettling from page one.
Lachlan Park isn’t just a quirky seaside attraction. It feels wrong. Stained with history. Three massacres. Urban legends about “The Evisceration Cellar.” Rumors of organs being harvested beneath the park. Faint screams in the vents after closing.
The tension builds slowly, like something crawling under your skin.
Then we meet Preston.
Irish mob. Calculated. Controlled rage. A man who doesn’t believe in coincidences — only intention. When Kate accidentally stumbles into the tunnels beneath the park and finds something she was never supposed to see, the story shifts from eerie to dangerous.
Their dynamic?
Explosive.
Forced proximity.
Power imbalance.
Obsession brewing almost instantly.
Preston is lethal, patient, strategic — and absolutely unhinged in the quietest way. The knife scene in the tunnel? The way he drags the blade over her scar while questioning her? Terrifying… and charged.
But what I really loved is that Kate isn’t just a scared girl running. She’s layered. She’s traumatized. She’s exhausted. And when she begins opening up about the abuse she endured, it adds emotional weight to everything. This isn’t just dark romance for shock value — the trauma matters. Her fear matters.
Preston is morally gray to black. Dirty-mouthed. Possessive. Obsessive. But there’s something about the way he handles her trauma — the way he wants to “fix” what was broken — that makes the dynamic addictive.
The book balances:
• Psychological tension
• Crime / Irish mob elements
• Horror-like undertones
• Trauma recovery
• Obsession romance
And that twist? I did not expect it.
The entire time I felt like something bigger was lurking beneath the surface — and when pieces start clicking into place, it hits.
If you like:
🖤 Dark mafia romance
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🖤 Haunted, eerie settings
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Trauma-heavy backstories
🖤 Men who are patient in revenge but ruthless in protection
You’ll eat this up.
And honestly?
This does not feel finished. I absolutely see a book two coming because there are threads that still feel intentionally left dangling.
Dark. Sinister. Twisted.
And impossible to look away from.

[Rebeccah Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Cassidy for the ARC!

4 ½ stars⭐ No crumbs left. I’m still thinking about it.

🖤 dark romance
🖤 mafia
🖤 accents (PLEASE)
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 morally grey MMC
🖤 he puts a collar on her

First of all, I need this as an audiobook. Immediately. For the Irish accents.

Second—listen. I am that reader. The one who usually figures out the mole, the snitch, the secret villain, halfway through. Not this time. The ending was a complete HOLY. SHIT. moment.

Was there a touch of minor repetitiveness? Yes. Did it ruin my experience? No, I’m just picky as hell and I own that.

What really got me was how invested I was in the plot. That almost never happens for me in dark romance anymore, but this one had me locked in.

Kate and Preston both carry their own very real, very ugly trauma, and watching them collide was a dark magic of it’s own. When Kate tells Preston she wants him to break with her and let her help him put the pieces back together the way he did for her? Yeah. That line wrecked me. Absolutely sent. No notes.

“Shatter with me. Let your pieces tangle with mine for a little while…”

I was gone. Fully deceased.

And Xander?—high fucking five, ma’am.

The spice? Please, and thank you. The kind where you see red flags but your brain has clocked out, your morals are on vacation, and your body is getting wrecked. “You’re playing a dangerous game, darling”. Yes, yes I am and I am HERE for it.

If I had one nitpick (and this is so personal it almost doesn’t count): I wasn’t obsessed with the character names. I don’t know—I wanted something a little more exotic? This is absolutely a me problem and I accept it.

Bottom line: Cassidy Cole hit this one out of the park. The twists worked, the chemistry was there, and the ending punched me square in the chest. I will 100% be reading the next book because I am not done with this world.

[Freya Temperton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 3🌶️ (unless its the restaurant scene then... 5⭐️😉)

🔪Irish mafia romance? CHECK
🔪Amusement park with “murder” tunnels underneath? CHECK
🔪Alpha male? CHECK
🔪He puts a collar on her… AND SHE LIKES IT
🔪Wanna touch her? FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS!
🔪Forced proximity

What more could you want from Cassidy Cole’s debut book!
The book brings you into the world of the Irish Mafia that is located in Maine. While running from her own troubled past, the FMC works under the radar at an amusement park (unknowingly owned by the mafia), the FMC stumbles upon a secret entrance to the tunnel system running below the park. Once down there, she sees something that changes her life in more ways than she can imagine. Meeting the MMC, she thinks he’s just like a guy from her past, but he’ll do anything to change her mind and show her she isn’t her past self and is so much stronger.

At the beginning of the book, you get an intro into the Irish mafia whose shipments are coming up short, and how the MMC became so ruthless. I kept thinking “ok she’s going to expand on this” or “ok we’re going to get more details” and while that’s true with tidbits here and there, the biggest cliffhanger to do with the mafia life is at the end!
Cassidy teased us that there would be a cliffhanger, but I was not expecting what it was.

While there are four spicy chapters (21, 26, 36, and 42 (SIDE NOTE…HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE RESTAURANT SCENE! 🔥)), there is definitely more story than spice. But trust me, the spice does not fail to deliver! The first book focuses on the FMC regaining her strength and learning that she’s so much stronger than she thought while also discovering that this ruthless mafia son also has a softer side. As we already know, Cassidy has already teased us by trying to finish the second book, so I can only assume that this will focus more on the mafia story line. But you’ll have to read the book to find out why 😉

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark. Sinister. Twisted. Addictive.

Little Ugly Truths by Cassidy Cole is the first dark mafia romance in the Lachnlan Park Trilogy with forced proximity, and a morally gray MMC.

Ugly Little Things balances psychological tension, obsessive romance, and trauma recovery cohesively.

It starts with an unsettling feeling with tension building slowly. Kate went from a nurse with a stable career to working minimum wage at a haunted mine ride in a small coastal amusement park in Maine. She’s not there by accident. She’s running. She's hiding. From trauma that still lurks in the shadows of her mind and creep into her everyday life. She's traumatized, layered, and brave (when she opens up about her trauma and what she endured. )

Lachlan Park isn’t just a quirky seaside attraction. It feels wrong. Stained with history. Three massacres. Urban legends about “The Evisceration Cellar.” Rumors of organs being harvested beneath the park. Faint screams in the vents after closing.

Then we meet Preston in the Irish mob. He's lethal, patient, strategic/ calculated with controlled rage - a man who doesn’t believe in coincidences but only intention. Unhinged in a way. Almost electric- charged. When Kate accidentally stumbles into the tunnels under the park and sees what was never supposed to be seen, the story shifts from eerie to dangerous.

Bonus Mention : The KNIFE SCENE.

Preston is morally gray to black. Dirty-mouthed. Possessive. Obsessive. But there’s something about the way he handles her trauma — the way he wants to “fix” what was broken — that makes the dynamic addictive.

I did not expect that twist!!!!!!!!!!

If you like dark mafia romance, morally gray and obsessive MMC, forced proximity, obsessive romance, with past trauma then read this now!

Thanks to the author Cassidy Cole for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Charlene Atmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is heartbreaking and beautiful. It’s about Kate and Preston. Kate is working at the amusement park called Lachlan Park, trying to escape her past. Hearing the rumors about something sinister happening in the tunnels underneath the park, curiosity gets the best of her and she happens to be there at the wrong place, at the wrong time. She ends up being forced to stay with Preston, an Irish mobster, in his family home because he’s convinced she’s not who she says she is. After weeks of living together secrets spill out and Kate might find herself in a more dangerous situation than the one she’s running from.

I absolutely love Kate and Preston. Even though they come from different worlds. They both have scars (literal and figuratively) they need to heal from. Kate is alone, having to leave her family and old job to escape someone from her past. She has been on the run for a year. Preston has been fighting his demons because of a tragedy that happened a few years ago. What makes them perfect is that even though they struggle themselves, by being together they heal each other. I also love how protective and sweet Preston is with Kate. Even though on the outside he may seem like a dangerous criminal, he brings her a sense of peace and makes her feel safe.

I give this book 5 stars. The story is amazing. There’s so much going on, it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The book does have a few spicy scenes, but I liked how the story and plot was more important than the spice. It ends on a cliffhanger and has a twist ending, which makes me want to read the next book right away. I can’t wait for it to come out.
Even though it’s dark romance and it has some dark scenes, I felt it wasn’t super dark. So even if you never read a dark romance before you could definitely enjoy this book.

Thank you Cassidy Cole for the e.ARC!

[Lovelettelore · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎡 An amusement park meant to be her escape becomes her cage — and surviving one month behind his walls might be the deadliest temptation of all. 🔥

📖 Little Ugly Truths by Cassidy Cole
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: Mafia Romance

Tropes:
⚔️ Possible Enemies to Lovers
🏠 Forced Proximity
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
🍀 Irish Mafia
🚶‍♀️ Fugitive FMC
🌑 Dark Past
⚡ Sort-of Insta Lust
🐾 He Puts a Collar on Her
☠️ Touch Her and 💀

Kate is a nurse on the run from her abusive ex who ends up working at a rundown amusement park rumored to be haunted—people hearing screams at night, whispers about missing organs, and dark secrets buried beneath the rides.

When she accidentally discovers a hidden entrance, she’s caught by Parker and forced to stay captive for a month while he decides whether she’s an enemy hiding in plain sight… or just an unlucky girl who stumbled into the wrong place.

The atmosphere of Lachlan Amusement Park was one of my favorite parts of this book. It was eerie, unsettling, and gave strong murder-mystery vibes. The creepy setting really pulled me in and made everything feel tense and dangerous.

The story moves at a steady pace and kept me interested. Parker is usually calm and business-focused, but meeting Kate completely throws him off. Their relationship definitely had insta-lust vibes at first, with both of them fighting their attraction, but Kate slowly breaks down his walls and gets him to open up.

Despite the dark setting, their relationship felt surprisingly green-flag. You can clearly see how protective and obsessed he becomes over her, and somehow it still feels sweet. They balance each other really well.

The twists genuinely caught me off guard—I did not see that reveal coming at all. It made the story even more exciting and left me curious for what’s coming next.

Overall, this was a dark, atmospheric mafia romance with a unique setting, good tension, and addictive vibes. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.

Thank you Cassidy Cole for this ARC! 🖤📚

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — five stars, no hesitation.

Kate is on the run from a truly unhinged, psychopathic ex who thinks carving her up counts as foreplay. Yes. That level of dark. The tension starts immediately and never really lets you breathe.

We love a “chase me to the ends of the earth” trope… but this one is layered with just enough softness to keep it from being emotionally suffocating.

Enter Preston.

Irish mob boss. Broody. Morally gray. God-tier good looks. And just stabby enough to make you feel safe about it.

He’s dangerous in that controlled, calculated way — but the second Kate ends up tangled in his world (after stumbling into secret underground tunnels at her new amusement park job… because apparently hearing rumors about organ harvesting is a reason to investigate?? GIRL), you see the shift.

Being suspected of being a mole by the Irish mobster was not on her bingo card but when faced with two monsters she just may be safer with this one.

The contrast between:
🖤Kate’s trauma and survival instincts
🖤Preston’s brutal world and his quiet tenderness for her
🖤The dark, violent stakes vs. the moments of emotional vulnerability

It shouldn’t feel fluffy… but somehow it does in the middle of all the chaos.

If you love:
🖤Morally gray mob bosses
🖤Protective, touch-her-and-die energy
🖤Heroine on the run
🖤Secret tunnels and high-stakes danger
🖤Dark romance with actual plot

This one hits.

It’s intense. It’s gritty. It’s a little “girl why would you go down there” coded. And I ate up every second.

Preston? Immediate book boyfriend status.

AND THE CLIFF HANGER?!?! I am invested.

[Dominique (The Diary of a Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know those books where you can feel the story building before it actually hits?

That was Little Ugly Truths for me.

Kate is running. Hiding. Trying to build a quiet life at Lachlan Park while her past breathes down her neck. And for a while, I felt like I was watching her instead of standing beside her. I needed that emotional tether sooner. I wanted to feel the fear in my chest, not just understand it.

But here's the thing.

Once the story clicks...it clicks

When Kate stumbles into the tunnels beneath the park, and Preston Lachlan enters fully into the picture, the tension sharpens fast. Forced proximity, secrets unraveling, two wounded people circling each other while trying not to fall...it becomes addictive.

I guessed the twist.
I did not guess the reason behind it.

And that "why" is what gave me chills.

This isn't the kind of dark romance that overwhelms you with shock value. The plot leads. The emotions carry it. And watching Kate and Preston slowly steady each other is what stayed with me.

The beginning asked for patience.
The ending made it worth it.

If you love:
morally grey mafia men
forced proximity with real tension
romance threaded with mystery
a slow burn that eventually locks in

...this is one to add to your TBR.

(And yes, that cliffhanger absolutely worked on me.)

Thank you to author Cassidy Cole for providing me with an eARC to read and review.

Check out my full review of Little Ugly Truths on my blogThe Diary of a Reader

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 ARC REVIEW!!!!
Little Ugly Truths by Cassidy Cole pulled me in from the very first page and never let go.

This story has such an eerie, simmering atmosphere. The amusement park setting feels almost deceptive, bright and loud on the surface while something rotten and dangerous hums underneath. That tension follows every interaction, making the forced proximity feel genuinely claustrophobic instead of convenient.

Preston Lachlan is the kind of morally grey MMC that makes you uneasy in the best way. He is sharp, controlled, and clearly dangerous, but there is depth behind his suspicion and cruelty that slowly peels back as the story unfolds. Watching his walls crack as truths surface was incredibly satisfying. The FMC is no fragile victim either. She is guarded, resourceful, and carrying her own shadows, which makes their dynamic feel balanced and earned.

The chemistry between them builds slowly, fueled by mistrust, shared secrets, and a growing sense of safety neither of them expected to find. Every moment feels charged, like one wrong move could tip everything into chaos. The emotional tension hit just as hard as the darker elements of the plot.

As the first book in the Lachlan Park Trilogy, this one sets the tone perfectly. Dark, atmospheric, and emotionally layered, it leaves you wanting answers while already craving the next descent into this world. If you love dark romance with bite, secrets, and a MMC who lives in the grey, this is absolutely worth the read.

[Shannon Shafer-Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little all over the place for me. I LOVE the characters and the idea of the entire story. I was guessing who the betrayer was very early on but the ending had my head SPINNING. I did NOT see that coming.

I absolutely ADORE Kate and Preston. Their love is tender and beautiful and real. The healing journey they travel together from both of their pasts is sweet and raw and passionate. While most books I read the men are giant walking red flags(which is totally my type), Preston is flying all the green flags(just don’t count him being head of the mob and you’re good). I was a little worried in the tropes description about him letting her take charge because that’s not my kind of guy at all but everything else sounded really good, so I decided to read it and I’m so glad I did! He lets her take charge for all the right reasons and he’s so tender, kind, patient and loving with her that it’s really quite beautiful. I really just love this couple and am really super excited to read this whole trilogy as it comes out!!

The only complaint or issue I had with the book was that parts felt slightly repetitive and there were times when it was overly detailed for what felt like no reason. It could have been a bit shorter maybe without that or organized better perhaps? The writing style was great and I really did enjoy the book overall, so I’m excited to read the rest of the series! I would definitely recommend reading it to anyone who loves mob men, possessiveness, plot twists, emotional healing and a bad ass FMC!

[Kortney Liston · Rating 5 out of 5]

🗡️🩸🎡

Uhm okay Cassidy Cole! I see you! And I’m so freaking glad I got this ARC! My adrenaline is still going from the end of the book!

I felt everything from love, lust, curiosity, excitement, fear, grief… god all of it while reading this!

The way Cassidy just literally places you into the pages of this book by captivating you with her words is just unbelievable! Unless you actually read the book and see for yourself! Because you really should!

From Kate meeting Preston, to her memories of Xander, to his memories of his mom and sister, to them just literally breaking for each other, to falling head over heels for each other, to the war with the cartel, to ‘Lex’ taking Kate, to her literally going Dexter on him, to Preston finding her after, just all of it! You guys that’s a lot to happen and she just tied everything together so well. Ugh it was so fu**ing good!

The 🌶️ was slow to happen but once it did there was no going back! This Irish Mafia Boss knows what he’s doing that’s for sure! 😜

Some of it was predictable and then just as equally there were unexpected surprises! The ending has me so excited for the next book and I will definitely be owning this one and most likely more from Cassidy! Great job!

I give this one 5 ⭐️’s!

[Amber Lemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤 ARC Review 🖤
Little Ugly Truths by @cassidycoleauthor

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

WOW! The way I devoured this book! Give me a possessive Irish Mafia boss who will unalive anyone who touches her, and I swoon! I am going to need this in an audiobook STAT because I NEED to hear that accent!

This story follows our FMC Kate who is on the run from a psycho ex boyfriend. After leaving her entire life and career as a nurse in Oregon, Kate finds herself on the other side of the country in Maine working at an amusement park. After settling into her new small beach town life, fate puts Kate directly in the path of Preston, the heir to the Irish Mafia.

Our MMC Preston is working through his own traumatic past while at war with the Italian Mafia when Kate is thrown into his life. Kate’s sudden appearance in the middle of this war has Preston questioning her intentions. What better way to find where her loyalty lies than to place a collar on her and force her to live under his roof!

The tension between these two starts early and is delicious the WHOLE time! The way I was fanning myself with the constant push and pull! Then when the spice hits, yeah have that water close by! You’re going to need it ;) I’m still recovering from the restaurant scene! What I loved about this spice heavy story is that there was an amazing plot that flowed so perfectly. There are twists, heart racing moments, and an awesome cliffhanger that has me anxiously waiting for book 2!

Thank you so much for this advanced copy Cassidy! I enjoyed it SO MUCH! 🖤🩷

[𝕯𝖊𝖒𝖔𝖓 𝕷𝖔𝖗𝖉 𝖔𝖋 𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐𝖘 · Rating 5 out of 5]

☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️(iykyk😉)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Huge thank you to Cassidy Cole for the opportunity to read this ARC before release — I truly appreciated it (and for letting me spam you with updates every chapter… and yes, I did call a major plot twist 😅).

This book starts a little slow, but I honestly didn’t mind. The character development felt natural and never forced, which I loved. I was so focused on the main plot twist that I didn’t even fully clock some of the smaller hints until later — and that made the payoff even better.

What really stood out to me is that this isn’t your typical mafia romance. While it has familiar elements, it’s handled in a much more refreshing way. The story is very plot-driven, which I loved, and it sucked me in quickly.

Pres absolutely stole my heart. The way he prioritizes Kate’s autonomy, her healing, and helping her reclaim her confidence and power was everything. He’s protective, soft, and completely devoted to her — truly worships her — and always puts her needs first.

If you love mafia romance with strong plot and meaningful character development (more story, less spice), I highly recommend this one. I can’t wait for book two.

[Rose DeVault · Rating 4 out of 5]

A round of applause for Cassidy and her debut book!!!

This book starts off by introducing our FMC Kate who is trying to stay under the radar at an amusement park. With hearing stories about what may go on underneath the park, Kate goes on a little adventure. Little does she know she is going to walk in on our MMC Preston doing some questionable things. While they both recognize each other from their run in, Preston is very suspicious, but also is drawn to Kate and he cannot explain why.

This enters their arrangement of her staying with him for one month. She thinks this is a perfect way to stay undetected, and Preston is able to make sure she isn't a mole.

While they might have started off on the wrong foot, Preston & Kate are able to get to know each other and start fall for each other. AND YAAALLL, the mouth on this man is HOT!!!!

The twists and turns throughout the story left me on my toes, even thought towards the end I felt like too much was happening at once where the beginning of the book had a slower pace. All in all I really enjoyed the story and the cliffhanger has me NEEDING book 2!!

[Camryn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

⋆ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴜɢʟʏ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜꜱ | @cassidycoleauthor

✨arc review✨

ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tropes- Irish Mafia Romance, Amusement Park, Forced Proximity, Heroine on the run, Small Beach Setting, Captive Romance

—

“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙤’𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮. 𝙈𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙧. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙢 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙄’𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨.”

This was such a great start to this series and that cliffhanger!? Had me foaming for the next book and I hope it’s who I think it is. The chemistry and tension between Kate and Preston was off the charts I just couldn’t put this book down

Kate has been running from her ex and she finally found a place she likes and she has a job at Preston’s family amusement park. I love Kate she’s just so amazing and strong and I’m glad she finally had some happiness in her life!

Kate stumbled upon something she wasn’t supposed to and Preston catches her and think l she’s supposed to be working with the enemy so he kidnaps her. I love Preston and Kate so much their relationship was just chef kiss they had me going through all the feels and on edge

Preston oh Preston I freaking love him and definitely going on that book boyfriend list. He’s going to be the Don of the Irish mafia, him and his family have been through a lot over the last few years and his family has been a war ever since. I love me a morally grey man

I can’t wait for what’s coming next because oh boy I’m going to need it to be who I think it is!

Thank You For giving me this arc!

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia Secrets & Dirty Thoughts

Alright Besties... If you love your romance dark, tense, and dripping with secrets, "Little Ugly Truths" is about to own you 😏. Kate thinks she’s escaping to a quiet amusement park job in coastal Maine… buuuuuut, this is Irish mafia territory, and Preston Lachlan is NOT amused.

From the jump, they despise each other... and yet their inner thoughts? Filthy. The way they’re mid-argument while mentally undressing each other had me giggling every time 🤭. And Preston’s 180? Sir. I was not prepared 😳. Obsessed, possessive, morally grey, and fully “touch her & d!e”? Yes, please.

The forced proximity and captor vibes crank the tension sky high, and the author’s descriptive writing makes everything feel immersive and cinematic. It does start with a slower build, but around 20% it locks you in and does not let go!

Yes, it’s a trilogy... Yes, there’s a cliffy... BUUUUUUT... it’s HFN with an OMG ending that has me salivating for book two!

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4.5/5  ▪︎  🥵 3/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preston and Kate are like two shards of jagged glass that somehow fit together despite all the odds. The trigger warning page for this book is genuinely something I encourage all readers to browse over before chapter one, the book is so well written but it does touch incredibly sensitive subjects that make the story so tangible and disturbing. The horrors that Kate faces are ones that very well can happen to people we know so I empathize with her character so much in the face of simply surviving, and being unsatisfied with simply surviving rather than thriving. Her growth and unorthodox responses through the whole book make more and more sense as each chapter reveals more about her. Preston is the type of villain that is heinous, the man from your nightmares, but when you read how he became that way, you want to give him a pass. This is a book that will have you falling for the villain hard! As you read about his Irish accent and bourbon brown eyes, you'll get to love him more as an MMC and even his dad. I LOVED READING ABOUT ARDEN. The complexity of the two had me enraptured.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took no time at all for me to get sucked into it. The first encounter between Preston and Kate had me cackling. Kate is a spitfire and Preston was completely thrown off by it. But, curiosity can be a double edged sword afterall...

This was a silly ghost story turned horrifically realistic in the setting of a small town amusement park.

The collaring scene literally killed me 🥵 And when they finally come together I swear I imploded. The fire, the passion, the care just created this hyperreal, intimate detonation that I still have yet to recover from.

I love that Preston saw the fear and closed off pieces of Kate and helped her use what once harmed her to help heal her. That really was the cherry on top.

The whole last 25% of this book was absolute chaos. I knew we would see Xavier show up, but I did NOT expect that ending at all. I cannot wait to see where this goes next because holy hell was that absolutely insane. 🤯

This book just became one of my all time favorite mafia romances.

Plot ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

[Rachel Steinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. Dear god the cliffy that Mrs. Cassidy Cole leaves us on. Hot damn! Honestly one of the best cliffy's I've encountered she wraps up what happens between our FMC Kate and MMC Preston in what you think is a nice little bow, leaving easter eggs along the way of what's to come all you seem to know for certain is who our next FMC will be. The dynamic between Kate an Preston in this book is gold. The banter, the tension, the backstory of how and why they are the way they are is beautiful. Truthfully I signed up for this arc because some of her promo drops said that he puts her in a collar and I was hook line and sinker, so glad I did. This book was hands down one of my favorites I've read this year. If you want to be gutted by emotionally vulnerable scenes between characters with some serious baggage, look no further.

"Healing takes time and the right people to help you through it, because it's to heavy to do alone. Healing isn't a straight path. Let me help yo heal..."

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugly Little Truths by Cassidy Cole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you Cassidy for the eARC of this book, it’s good

Kate and Preston are both broken in their own way. Kate from her ex-boyfriend and Preston from his mafia life and losing two family members.

Kate was running and landed at an amusement park in Maine. She poked her nose where it doesn’t belong and ran into Preston. He had to decide what to do with her since she’s seen things she shouldn’t have.

Preston was next in line for the Irish mafia’s territory on the East coast. They settled into a small town in Maine, opened the amusement park as a cover and place to import their guns/drugs. He’s dealing with a mole and she’s a distraction

From the first time he saw her, she was his and she wiggled her way into the spaces between his broken pieces.

Together they took on her past and find the mole, who had a good excuse

Looking forward to book two!

[Kristy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC READ*

A heartbroken Mob boss that learns to love again? Yes Please! When Preston Lachlan finds a girl lurking around his family's amusement park what does he do? Why kidnap her and collar her of course! Preston won't let Kate go until she can prove that she's not a mole sent to destroy his organization. Kate is all too familiar with the dark side of humanity. She's running from something. Preston wants to find out from what. They can't seem to stay away from each other and their chemistry is scorching every time they're near one another. Revenge is a dish best served cold and Preston is all to eager to get revenge on those who have wronged him and his captive. Little Ugly Truths manages to be sexy, thrilling, and sweet while keeping you guessing. Is Kate is the perfect match for Preston and his darkness?

Tropes:
💋 Mafia Romance
💋 Forced Proximity
💋 “Who did this to you?”
💋 Collaring
💋 Small beach town

[Lisa Babin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows a fmc that is running and hiding from her past. She ends up working at an amusement park that’s secretly run from the mafia. She finds a secret tunnel and what she finds there changes her life and we get introduced to the mmc.

There is spice in the book though it doesn’t overpower the book or the story, which is a steady paced story that doesn’t rush. Though there isn’t a ton of spice, what there is DELIVERS!

This first book focuses on the FMC finding her strength and a MMC from the mafia that discovers a softer side of himself. Even though this is dark their relationship is not. He is protective and obsessed withher. They compliment each other really well!

The twist and cliffhanger I wasn’t ready for. I need book 2 asap please lol.

Overall, a great debut book for this author! It’s definitely worth the read and if you are looking for a dark mafia romance with tension and twists, I recommend. 4/5